IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12908, 23 February 1906, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

A3D33KESS BY 'MR:BALFOUR. •THE? CHINESE United Press Association—Per Electric Uelegrapb—Copyright. LONDON, February 21. : Mr -Balfour, in speafcipg in the City, said the of; the Government supporters during the elections over the Chinese question was the most scandalous and disgraceful (.episode in the country's political history. Foreigners would* certainly regard it as a specimen of Britannic" cant and iypoerisy. It was shameful, for motives <ii expediency, to cast undeserved reflections on • South African colonists. The opinions on the fiscal question in his letter of February 14th were the same ;ik those «Epres62d.in his'speech in the city on February 12th, and "Jiis utterances at Leeds and elsewhere before'the election. Mr -Austin. Taylor, the Unionist member for East Toxteth, has joined the Liberals owing to Air'Balfour's letter of February 14th. The letter referred to was gent to Mr Chamberlain von February 14th, and the cabled summary of it was ns follows: "The fiscal controversy produced, not unnaturally, an'impression which I constantly combated, that "the practical difference between fiscal reformers.is much deeper than is actually the case. The recent exchange of views "between us leads me to hope that the inasooneeptioii may be -removed, and therewith' much friction injurious to the party. "My own opinion, wiiicJi I believe is shared "by the -great majority of Unionists, may !fae as fdQows:—Fiscal reform is, and must remain, the first constructive work of the Unionist Party. Its aims are <to seeure British trade more equal terms in competition; seooniHy, closer commercial union with the colonies. While at present it 5s unnecessary to prescribe the exact methods of attaining the object and inexpedient to permit a difference regarding these methods to divide the party, though other means -may be poesifile, the establishment t>f a moderate general tariff on manufactures-not-"iiEposed for She purpose of raising prices or artificially protecting against legitimate -competition, juid a small duty on foreign corn are not in -.principle objecriona"toTe," and -should be adopted if shown to be necessary towards tiic attainment of the ends in -view or the (purpose of revenue." DUTY ON COAL. Received "10.30 p.m., February 22nd. LONDON. "February 22. - Mr Asquith assured a deputation that; he regarded an export duty on coal asj vicious in principle and a grievous burden; on a great industry. AMENDMENT TO ADDRESS-IN-REPLT. DISCUSSION ON DRISH AFFAIRS. GREAT GOVERNMENT MAJORITY. Received 11.50 p.m.. February 22nd. LONDON, February 22. In the House of Commons. Colonel Suunclerson moved an amendment to the Addiess-in-Reply, representing that manv persons in Ireland viewed with alarm the statement that the Ministry were considering proposals to effect changes in the system of government, believing that, tliev would endanger the liberty and proper! y of the loyalist minority, and impair the integrity of the United" Kingdom. Mr Bryce refused- to reply to unreasonable demands for information while their policy was still being matured. He said that everyone in Ireland believed that changes were needed in the system of government. Considering the ir'anquilitv pre-

v«i.r.:g Parliament would be justified in further associating the people with government A general spirit of conciliation prevailed, even in Ulster. Tbo time was propitious for passing measures leading up to self-government, Mr Long contended that the Government ought to make it clear if this was tie beginning of the policy of Home Rule by instalments.

Mr Dillon congratulated Mr Bryce on hw great and honest speech, implying the Cabinet's willingness to give the Irish full and free control of their own affairs. The Nationalists would give the Government, time to develop their plans.

Mr Chamberlain said that Mr Dillon's congratulations and Mr Bryee's remarks reminded him of a boa constrictor halving its prey before devouring it. It was evident, that, the Ministry was a Home Rule Government, however much they tried at present to conceal their true character. The amendment was rejected by 406 votes to 88 votes.