MR. BALFOUR'S LETTER.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11555, 16 February 1906, Page 2

MR. BALFOUR'S LETTER.

Received February 15, 9.f>o p.m. London, February 15. Mr Balfour yesterday wrote to Mr Chamberlain, saying that the fiscal controversy has produced, not unnaturally, an impression which I have constantly combatted— that the practical differences between fiscal reformers is much deeper than is actually the case. The recent exchange of views between us leads me to hope that the misconception may be removed, and, therewith, much friction that is injurious to the party. My own opinion, which I believe is shared by the great majority of the Unionists, and may be summarised as follows, is that fiscal reform is, and must, remain the first constructive -work of tho Unionist party; its aims being to secure for British trade more equal terms in competition ; secondly, closer commercial union with the colonies. "While at present it is unnecessary to prescribe exact methods for attaining this objoet, and it is inexpedient to permit a difference regarding these methods to divide the party, though other means may be possible, the establishment of a moderate general tariff on manufactures, not imposed for the purpose of raising prices artificially, or protecting against legitimate competition, and a small duty on foreign corn, are not in principle objectionable, and should be adopted if shown to be necessary for the attainment of the ends in view or the purposes of revenue.