EMPIRE’S TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 999, 18 September 1903, Page 3

EMPIRE’S TRADE.

THE PRIME MINISTER’S SPEECH By Telograph— Press Association—Copyright London, Sept. 16. In the course of his notes to his colleagues Mr Balfour declares :I am in harmony with the true spirit of Freetrade. I am asking for freedom to negotiate in order that froeuom of exchange may be increased."

The St. Jamoa’ Gazette, contradicting the Standard’s information, declares that the momentous issue of trade preference cannot bo indefinitely postponed, adding : 11 Were the Cabinet to arrive at the decision indicated, a reconciliation between tho Cabinet arid Mr Chamborlain would be impossible, and Mr Chamberlain would immediately resign.” A Blue Book has been issued covering 500 pages showing that between 1890 and 1902 British exports of manufactured and partly manufactured articles to Germany, Belgium, Finland, Franco, Russia, the United States, aud Italy, fell from £88,629,000 to £09,837,000, while tho exports to all foreign countries fell from £149,651,000 to £131,688,000. The export of British, possessions during the same period rose from £79,154,000 to £95,959,000. The Times, commcuting on tho publication of the notos, says that Mr Balfour’s active sympathies are with Mr Chamberlain’s policy. It is hardly possiblo to suppose that ho will not meet Parliament to dofend these principles. If vacancies occur doubtless they will ho Oiled. The Standard doclaros that Mr Balfour’s cardinal idea is potential retaliation. He has passed the stage of open mind to that of fixed belief that tho principle of tariff for exclusively revenue purposes must no longor dominate our policy, but he does not indicate specific steps. The Daily Mail says Mr Balfour’s manifesto is a great political surprise. He points to the origin of the decline of trade, but does not montion food taxes. Liberal organs describe tho manifesto as pro- I

[ Tho Wostminster Gazette declares that Mr Balfour’s absolute silence upon tho question of colonial preference is no proof of its abandonment. The country is entitled to boliovo that tho Cabinet is striking its mandate for protection within tho limits of their own discretion. Clearly Mr Balfour is not strong enough to demand Mr Chamberlain’s resignation or the withdrawal of his policy. Tho St. Jamos’ Gazotte says though Mr Balfour uud Mr Chamberlain are advancing towards the same goal on converging lines it is regrettable that Mr Balfour’s pamphlet in the Times does not emphasise the importance of preference for the colonies. The policy will fail unless preference is conceded to Canadian corn and Australian meat.

Sydney, Sept. 17. Tho Herald, commenting on Mr Balfour’s notes says his speech next month may be intended to preparo the way to a more definito statement of the proposed policy of retaliation. Tho notes may represent a balloon sont up to try tho wind on such ground. The Standard’s announcement of the decision of the Cabinet may resolve itself into an effort to run in protection by a side door and the fight for freetrade may only have just begun. We are hopeful, however, that Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain will roalise tho hopelessness of tho outlook, and are now prepared to place more sorious questions which demand attention in the foreground. It would be worse than madness to fiddle on protection while the Balkans are in flames, and Europe in danger of a mighty conflagration.

COMPABISON WITH PROTECTED COUNTRIES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrigh t Received 10.6 p.m,, Sept. 17London, Sept. 17.

A Blue Book contains a memorandum declaring that it is an established fact that Continental and American tariffs chocked British exports, especially manufactured articles. Tho excess of imports over exports tends to inoreaso. Since the year 1850' the proportion of exports to protected markets has fallen 56 to 42, while those to unprotected markets have risen 44 to 58. The chapter on food shows that a German workman during tho past five years has been able to make 100 marks go as far a 3 112 did 20 years previously, while corresponding figures in England are 100 and 146. It adds: But statistics cannot determine the comparative wolfare of workers in different countries, owing to differences in their wants and tasks. Since 1881 Germany is the country showing greatest rise in the rate of wages.

VARIOUS OPINIONS. By Telegraph,—Press Association—Copyright Received 11.36 p.m., Sept. 17. London, Sept. 16. The report of the Tariff Committee of the Birmingham jChamber of Commerce favors the preference of the colonies on the basis of reciprocity, suggesting moderate duties on Britain’s foreign products exclusive of raw material.

Paris, Sept. 16, The newspaper Le Temps, commenting on Mr Balfour’s manifesto, says it fears seeing Mr Chamberlain resign. It keeps tho Cabinet on the brink of irreparable quarrels. Mr Balfour treats him with circumspection, and finally adopts his opinion. Mr Chamberlain has become Britain’s first politician, and practically the Empire’s pastor under a new incarnation. If Chamberlain shatters the Unionist party in order to become Premier, Balfour will have wished it.

London, Sept. 16. German newspapor comment is gingerly and cautious. American newspapers declare the manifesto is a statesmanlike decument, and a fair method of conserving the national interests.