BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1026, 20 October 1903, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

TIHd DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE’S attitude.

STEEL TRUST MONOPOLY.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, Oct, 18.

, Viscount Gosehcn, speaking at Passmore Edward’s Hail, declared that Great Britain was dependent for four-fifths of her food on oversea supplies., Wheat was much cheaper in England than in Prance and Germany, because we .were freetrade and they,' protectionist. We ought to keep our food channels free. He was formerly wrong in supporting a tax. Would the colonies be satisfied with a two shillings duty. Perhaps if it w'as imposed they would ask for more and then friction would arise. Mr Asquith, speaking at Ladybank, Fife, said that no scheme was devisable giving equal preference to pro-

ducts from all parts of the Empire. Any such attempt would lead to prolonged jealousies and bickerings. The Duke of Devonshire, in a letter

to Sir Michael I-licks-Beach, states that he is willing to accept the presidency, of the .Unionist Free Food League if the constitution is broadened, the operations extended, and if it is understood that he is not opposed to the Government’s intention to propose tariff legislation for the purpose of tho negotiation of commercial treaties and the mitigation of hostile tariffs. He advocates the striving to restrain the Government’s actions within those limits.

and strenuously urges the duty ol presenting to the country economical and political arguments against Mr Chamberlain’s proposals, which ought not to be left entirely to Radical op-5 position, or members of the Cobden Club. The League unanimously accepted tho Duke’s conditions. There is some uncertainty with reference to the position of Mr Ritchie ami Lord Georgo I-lammilton, who .previously joined the League. Tho Daily Telegraph says that Messrs I-iarland and Wolff will save 30s a ton under the contract placed .with the Steel Corporation. Received 10.42 p.m., Oct. 19. London, Oct. 19-

The Daily Telegraph contradicts its statement in reference to HarlandjWolff’s Steel contract.

MR TAYLOR AND THE DIVISIONAL COUNCIL.

By Telegraph. Press Association. Copyright

Received 10.23 p.m., Oct. 19.

London, Oet. 19.

Mr Taylor, a Commoner for East Toxteth, has informed the Divisional Council that he is unable to support Messrs Balfour and Chamberlain’s policy. The Council affirmed itß confidence in Messrs Bclfour and Chamberlain.

DENUNCIATION OF MR CHAMBERLAIN.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Beceived 10.50 p.m., Oet. 19

London, Oct. 19.

The National Liboral Federation has issued a manifesto denouncing Ml- Chamberlain’s recklessness, crudity of views, and unscrupulous use of figuros. The manifesto expresses consternation at the Buddon hurling of tho fiscal system into the fierce cauldron of party strife.

FURTHER CABINET APPOINT-

MENTS,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Recoived 10,50 p.m., Oct. 19 London, Oct. 19,

Mr C. S. Dickson has been appointed LorchAdvocate, and Lord Dundas Solici-tor-General of Scotland, completing the reconstruction of tho Cabinet.

A LETTER FROM WINSTON

CHURCHILL,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Eeceivod 10.51 p.m., Oct. 19. London, Oct. 19.

Mr Winston Churchill in a letter in the Globe admits fair trade powerfully attracted his father, though not to the extent of tolerating taxes on food or foreign manufactures.