EMPIRE’S TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 977, 25 August 1903, Page 1

EMPIRE’S TRADE.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Ottawa, Aug 23.

Speaking at tho Imperial Commercial Congress banquet at Montreal, Lord Brassey said the problem for Great Britain was that possibly by addiDg some taxes and removing others that they could maintain the revenue of the Motherland and do something advantageous to the Dominion without increasing the cost of livmg. Sir Wilfrid Laurier said the Motherland and colonies equally loathed the idea if abandoning system under which they had prospered immensely. He did not agree with the Duke of Devonshire’s suggestion made on July 20th that preference could only be secured by something in the nature of a bargain. If, continued Sir Wilfrid Laurier, concessions depended on giving ao equivalent and involved the surrender of some political rights, it would be an evil thing if the colonies consented to relinquish any legislative independence. London, Aug. 23.

Sir E. J. Monson, British Ambassador in Paris, has prepared an official return showing that the higher duties of food in France since 1892 had not affected prices. Beef had dropped a farthing a pound, mutton and bread were stationary. The extra duties fall on the producers. Wages show a steady increase. Tho Executive Committee of the North and North-East Lancashire Cotton Spinners Manufacturers’ Association have resolved before judging the fiscal proposals to refer the matter to the local associations.