LIBERAL CONVENTION AND ECONOMY.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12476, 1 March 1909, Page 2

LIBERAL CONVENTION AND ECONOMY.

AN IMPORTANT RESOLUTION. (Received Feb 28, 4.15 p.m.) London,. Feb 27. Sir Edward Evans, presiding over the general committee of the National Liberal Federation, said they heard much about increases of armaments, but the Government would have " to ■ show good cause before the Liberals assented -to the increase. The Government's policy of peace throughout the world was the strongest possible one. He added: "If the' Conservatives came into power now there would be a frightful catastrophe, hardy exceeded by the Messina earthquake." After the rejection of an amendment from Scarborough against a policy of unnecessary shipbuilding, a resolution by the executive committees was unanimously adopted, reaffirming the principles of economy in naval and military expenditure. To this was added the following: "The committee cannot recognise, on the evidence at present beore the country, that, a case has been established for the suggested increase in naval expenditure." Commenting iipon the addition to the resolution, the "Daily News" writes: "This refers to -tile demand for six Dreadnoughts in 1909, and probably six more in 1910. The Federation's resolution, as we have reason to believey lias riot only saved the Government from speedy disruption, but has maintained the great ideal of Liberalism." • v "The Times," referring to the firmness shown by Mr Asquith, in dealing with tho deputation irom the Trades Union Congress, expresses the hope that the samel attitude will be unflinchingly maintained in the probable event of an open struggle in the party over the naval estimates.