IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 2912, 2 March 1893, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

COLONIAL MATTERS,

BIMETALLISM

OBSTRUCTION

I SB i'KKSa ASSOCIATION,

London, February 28. In reply to Sir K. Temple, the j member for Kingston, w.ho enquired what steps were being taken to import Indian 3 into Australia, the Undersecretary for the Colonies said that the colonies must decide the matter for themselves. A caucus of the Conservative party has determined to obstruct Government Bills. London, March 1. In the House uf Lords Lord Onsiow asked for a return showing the colonial bills which had been vetoed, and naming the principles in them which were rejected but afterwards legalised., A promise was given that the return would be furnished. In the House of Commons Sir H. iVleysey Thompson, member for Houndsworth, moved a resolution infavor of bimetallism. Mr E. B. Beckett, member for Whitby, moved^a negative amendment which was carried by 229 to 148. Mr Gladstone, who took part in the debate, said that the Government had no scheme for remedying the divergence in the value of gold ana silver. Mr Balfour, Mr Goschen, and Sir Henry James voted with the minority, ; while Mr Chamberlain, and Lord Churchill, and the members of the anti-Parnellite section, supported the amendment. (Received March 2, 10 40 a.m.) LoNDoy, March 1. At a meeting of fifteen thousand citizens of Belfast it was resolved to resist Home Rule if the Bill is passed. Great enthusiasm wa3 shown, the audience singing the National Anthem. (Received March 2, 1.30 p.m.) The Irish Constabulary have been informed that they will be liberally pensioned in the event of Home Rule being carried. A difference has arisen among themembers of the front Opposition bench in the House of Commons owing to jealously of Lord Randolph Churchill. The Archbishop of Canterbury recommends the reading of a special-, colleot for the sth, 16th, or 22nd Sunday after Trinity, in view of Home Rule, but refuses a special prayer.