JOHN BULL & CO.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2725, 21 March 1916, Page 5

JOHN BULL & CO.

THE IMPERIAL PROBLEM

VARIOUS QUESTIONS By Telegraph-PreM Aisoolation—OopytighV London, March 19. The Double Income-Tax Committee Is conferring as to whether it shall first approach. Mr. Hughes, Australian Prime Minister, or submit a proposal direct to Mr. M'Kenna (Chancellor of the Exchequer). Meanwhile, it is. preparing a memorandum to members of Parliament- before the introduction of the Budget, pointing out that Australia and New Zealand have their own. war taxes, that it is considered unfair that the same individual should pay two war income taxes, and suggesting that the tax ought only to he pafd where it ' is earned. Some members of the conlmittee suggest a scheme whereby double taxpayers should be divided into.two classes: (a) Britishers-who have never left England, but who have invested money abroad; and (b) Australians who have migrated to England. It is estimated that the latter would pay two millions in England, and the former probably ten times that amount. They suggest a scheme whereby the Imperial Government would agree to foregc the tax on "B" class, while "A" class would pay tax in one country, that amount to be divided between the Commonwealth and Great Britain.' It in feared that if some arrangement of tliis kind Is not made those of the "A" class niay withdraw their capital, as they are now paying more than 10s. tax on their overseas income. It is understood that Mr. M'Kenna' and Mr. Hughes are both. strongly dis-. inclined to forego any tax during the war. . A VOICE IN AFFAIRS. London; March 19. The Hon. R. D. Denman, M.P., ■ points out the importance of the declaration by Mr. Herbert Samuel (Home Secretary) that the Government is ready to admit the Dominions* to a share of its decisions and policy as soon as they desire and adds: "When the Government is faced with peace negotiations, adequate consultation with the Dominions will be quite impracticable; therefore, Cabinet-should liave_ a previously-made microco'sm lof Empire by the addition, of representatives of the Dominions. Canada has. as, much direct right to share in the docisions as, say, the Labour Party."

AFTER PEACE—WHAT? (Roc. March 20, 10:15' p.m.); London, March 20._ The "Manoliester Guardian, 1 !' -"discussing the problem of the of the Empire, and what way political union can make it more definite with, onij undoing the growth of sentiment— which is worth'more than'the most per. feet political institution—says: "There must be some definite, expression of unity. It would seem to be clear, that the Dominions, in return, for the help they, have so willingly given, and are giving, will expect to be in .some man. ner consulted upon the principles that shape the Empire's' foreign policy. When peace comes there will be a demand .for; closer intercourse .between the leaders of our foreign; policy ■ and the Commoners, syid ; whatever share of control, this country will demand, the same; may reasonably be expected by the Dominions. "One of the most difficult problem!,

of the future will be the thinking out. of ah organ of government which, while leaving internal matters to the control. of. each part of the Empire,' will bring foreign policy and defence under >the guidance of some common, council chosen by those responsible in all-partS' of the Empire; that internal autonomy, must extend to the Mother Country at well as to the Dominions."

MAKINC A BEGINNING. (Rec. March .21, 0.50 a.m.) . Lcndon, March 20.; Mr. Sidney Low approves of -the euk-> gestioft that the Dominions should oe given • representation in the Cabinet. He declares tliat<it would be impossible to devise a complete Imperial Constitution organised on a; representative Parliamentary basis to meet emergencies, present, immediate) and future. It must be preceded by an Imperial Convention for deliberations ana negotiations. ■ Meanwhile t Cabinet has largely superseded the United Kingdom Parliament and become a consultative Council of State representing all par. ties - .He believes this to be a transitional stage towards a true Empire constitution. "We ought to^ strengthen its Imperial character, and give tha overseas, communities an effective share in our military" policy and international relations, iiivituig each Dominion to send a Minister, with or without port-' folio."

CALCULATED FIENDISHNESS

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Condon, March 10. --. The Paris "Journal" says that Qef' mans in America recently put tiny steel spikes in oats that were being shipped to France in order to perforate horses' insides, and are now putting small steel hooks with double Prongs i:i preserves intended for the Frenon troops.

ANTI-CONSCRIPTION

MASS MEETING OF SOCIALISTS. By Telegraph—Frets Association-Copyright Melbourne,' March 20. The Socialist Sbciety passed a motion at a meeting'attended by SOOO peoplo aeainst conscription in Australia. . ./ ' A body of returned soldiers rusltea the platform,' routed tho Socialists,' and carried a motion of confidence in the war authorities.

NO ENEMY ALIENS ON THE

BRIDGE. Melbourne, March 20.' The Marine Board.has .decided that,. , duriug tho currency of the war enemy subjects will not be allowed to apply for certificates in the mercantile marine.' .