EMPIRE'S TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1013, 5 October 1903, Page 2

EMPIRE'S TRADE.

THR SHEFFIELD CONFERENCE

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S MASTER STROKE,

By; Electric Telegraph—Per Press 'Association—Copyright. LONDON, October 2.Afc the Sheffield Conference, the chairman.s urgent appeals alone prevented an immediate decision, apparently favoring Mr Chaplin’s motion. Lord Hugh Cecil declared : “ If the Conservatives go Protectionist I will abandon them, and suggest an apostate party.” There is a rumor in the city that Lord Cromer succeeds Mr Chamberlain as Secretary for the Colonies. Sir John Cockburn addressed the students of the Faculty of Medicine, at King’s College, on Imperial Federation and its physiological parallels. The Daily Telegraph says that Mr Balfour’s speech will stand as an epoch-marking episode in Imperialism. Cobdenism has been thrown to the winds. Mr Joseph Walton, Liberal member for Barnsley, has returned from the Montreal Imperial Chambers of Commerce Conference. He declares that it is highly improbable that Canadians will further reduce the duties lin favor of Great Britain.- He regards Mr Chamberlain’s proposal as entirely impracticable. Mr Chamberlain withdrew his rider and Mr Dorrington’s motion tvas carried unanimously. The St. James’s Gazette, commenting on Mr Balfour’s speech, says his policy is not inspiring. He had 'better have grasped the nettle boldly. Fiscal retaliation would be absurd without Imperial preferential trade.; The Gazette adds that Mr Balfour’s implied threat that he would resign, if the party, went beyond his lead, muzzled the Sheffield Conference. The Daily Mail declares that Mr Chamberlain intends to use revenue derived from taxation of foreign manufactures for the purpose of reduction of food taxation in the interest of the colonies, while diminishing the cost to British consumers. Lord Milner has returned to tho Continent.

MR BALFOUR’S DECLARATION,

MR CHAPLIN NOT PREPARED TO, ACCEPT CHALLENGE.

By Electric Telegraph—Per Press Association—Copyright. Received 8,58 ajn.* Oct. 4. LONDON, Oct. 3.

Mr Chaplin, in withdrawing his rider, said that Mr Balfour, at the overflow meeting,, had stated that he had been asked to give the party a lead and he gave it, adding that there was an opening to those dissenting to signify their dissent plainly and unmistakably, and he could make 'a bow, and do his best to unofficially serve ,the party. Nothing would be further from his ;(Mr Chaplin’s) views, than to appear to take up the challenge from the Premier, He would deeply regret to ■see Mr Balfour making his bow, and no one would be more willing to share in that regret than Mr Ctharn'bcrlain.

(The rider referred to in the foregoing message expressed thanks to Mr Chamberlain and satisfaction at his patriotic endeavor to arouse attention to the need of such reconsideration, and to the importance of Mr Balfour’s policy, adding that the conference, while reserving its final judgment t until Mr Chamberlain's proposals have been more fully developed, approves of any practical scheme for promoting the closer union of the Motherland and .the colonies.).

MR BALF.OUR AND THE PARTY,

.TRIBUTE TO. MR CHAMBERLAIN

■ By Electric Telegraphy—Per Press Association—Copyright.

Received 9,18 a.m., Oct ; 4, LONDON, OcE 3

Mr, Balfour, speaking at a luncheon at Sheffield; gratefully acknowledged the unanimity of the majority supported the .Government, majority tupported the Government, he would never think of deserting a cause whereof he was responsible..

It was, he said, impossible to part with the services of old friends and colleagues without a pang. The only consolation was that there was no personal bitterness. All alike were sincerely devoted to the great party wherefore they had done such admirable service.

He emphasised the loss the Government, the country, and the Empire had sustained by the resignation of the greatest Colonial Minister the country had seen, and who had given to the title a new and wider meaning, and richer signification to every citizen of the Empire. If, as he believed, South Africa was loyal, contented, and united, t was due to Mr Chamberlain and Lord Milner, more than .to all others put together.

In concluding, the Premier said the place Mr Chamberlain occupied another might occupy s but none could fill.

OPINION IN GERMANY, , o GOVERNMENT, MAY EMERGE TRIUMPHANT; By Telegraph—Press Association-" Copyright.) Received 9.13 a.m., Oct. 4. : BERLIN, October 3. German newspapers are-unable to differentiate between Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain. Le Temps says that if Mr Balfour is really leader of the party, bis speech marks an epoch. The reception accorded to it encourages the belief that the Government will possibly emerge triumphantly, from the grave crisis.

’ADVICE FROM THE TIMES, By Electric Telegraph—Per Press Association—Copyright. Received 1.10 a.m., Oct. 5. LONDON, Oct. 4.

The Times, commenting on the disappointment and discontent of Mr Balfour’s speech, says it would be Wiser, instead of grumbling that all is not achieved at a single stroke, to consider what has been gained. Mr Balfour had not gone the who-.e length of Mr Chamberlain, but had gene a long way, and he had taken his supporters with him, doing the very best thing for Mr Chamberlain, who would not .wish him to act other wise.

ANNOUNCEMENT TO-DAY NOT LIKELY.

By TelegraDh—Press Association—Copyright

Beceived 12 5 a.m., Oct. 5. London, Oct. 4. It is doubtful whether the new Cabinet will be announced on Monday,

A PRO-BOER OPINION. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Received 1.19 a.m., October 5. London, Oct. 4, The Daily News is sorry that Lord Milner refused a position in the Cabinet. South Africa has suffered enough, but ho can do little more harm to the devastoted land.