PREFERENTIAL TARIFF.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 920, 19 June 1903, Page 2

PREFERENTIAL TARIFF.

MR SEDDON’S THREAT. SIR JOHN SEE’S ACTION. By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright. Received 11.19 p.m., June IS. LONDON, June IS. Replying to tbe Westminster Gazette, ’Sir John See cabled that his Government’s reference to the declaration of the British Government was suggested by Mr Chamberlain’s and Mr Balfour’s speeches. Thereupon (he Westminster Gazette blamed Mr Chamberlain and Mr Balfour for raising false hopes, possibly leading to broken pledges and colonial reproaches for had faith. Sir IT. Campbell-Bannerman moved an adjournment., with the view of correcting Sir John See’s misunderstanding, making it clear that Mr Chamberlain’s and Mr Balfour’s speeches were isolated expressions in no wise committing the Cabinet, inasmuch as the House was assured, pending Government enquiry on the fiscal statement, no conclusion would be formed and no action taken except after dehate. Sir 11. Campbell-Bannerman, paraphrasing the Westminster Gazette comments, endeavored to discuss the opinion of the colonies regarding the policy as between Britain and the world. Mr Chamberlain interposing, the Speaker restricted Sir CampbellBannerman to the New South Wales Government’s misunderstanding. Received 11.26 p.m., June 18. LONDON, June 18.

Mr Balfour announces that the various Departments concerned have begun inquiry into the fiscal system. Government does not propose to lay down limitations to the inquiry. Mr Chamberlain, replying to Mr Labouchcre, regarding Mr Seddon’s threat, said in a few special cases the Motherland negotiated on behalf of the colonies for reciprocal arrangements with foreign Powers. That in no wise impaired the colonies’ right to make such arrangements as they deemed fit with the Motherland or each other.