BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1006, 26 September 1903, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

By Telograph—Press Association—Copyright London, Sept. 24.

Lord Milnor’s reply to tlio offer of Secretaryship of Stato for tho Colonies has not yet boon roceived. The Times hints that Mr Balfour may apply pressure to overcome Lord Milner’s possible .reluctance to tako office whon needing a rest. Tho election for tho vacancy for Rochester caused by the succession of Viscount Oranbourne to tho Marquisato of Salisbury resultod in the return of Mr Turf (Unionist) with 2504 votes. Sir Harry Johnston (Liberal) polled 1953. Fiscal reform was tho sole issue.

Replying to Mr Black, M.P. for Banil'shiro, Mr Chamberlain said that it was not unnatural that Canada privately sought to influence Germany, but failed. He was not aware that undor any circumstances Canada would give Germany tho samo treatment as the Motherland. Mr Black retorted that if Canada’s retaliation failed against Germany, it was unlikely Groat Britain’s weaker efforts would succeed. The Birmingham Tariff Committee has become the Imperial Tariff Committee, with Mr Chamberlain as president.

Tuff, a Unionist, just elected for Rochester seat, strongly advocates fiscal enquiry, while opposing further taxation on food. Johnston, a Liberal, who opposed him, opposed any fiscal change, though last year ho favored a slight protective duty, differentiating in favor of Imperial products.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MR TUFF

ADVANTAGE OF UNION.

By Telegraph—Preßs Assooiation—Copyright Received 10.43 p.m., Sopt. 25. London, Sept. 25. Mr Ohamborlain telegraphed to Mr Tuff: “ Your groat victory will strengthen the Government, and give froo importers a much needed lesson.”

Mr Chamberlain, writing to tho British Australasian, hoped that his resignation would conduce to the earlior success of tho policy which ho believed was quite as necessary in tho iutorest of tho Motherland as of tho colonies. “ Together,” hb said, “ we can hold our own against allcomers. Separated, we are all insignificant factors ia tho world.”

LORD MILNER’S ATTITUDE.

BANNERMAN’S SPITEFUL SPEECH

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 11.17 p.m., Sept. 25 London, Sept. 25. The Times implies that Lord Milnor is reluctant to relinquish South African work, and suggests that if his refusal is not definite ho may yet bo induced to yield to tho consideration that ho cah best serve the Empire and South Africa at tho Colonial office.

Sir H. A, Campbell-Bannerman, speaking at Blairgowrie, said that tho 'circumstances surrounding tho Ministerial resignation were discreditable and dishonest. It was the duty of tho Opposition to redouble their efforts to hold on to the froetrade flag now that the Government was nakedly protectionist. Ho accused Mr Balfour of insidiously preparing the way for Mr Chamberlain’s wider schemes.