SPEECH BY LORD GEORGE HAMILTON.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1030, 24 October 1903, Page 2

SPEECH BY LORD GEORGE HAMILTON.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Received 1,35 a.m., Oct. 24 London,/Oct. 23.

Lord George Hamilton, in a speech at Ealing, said he was willing to face sacrigoes to bring the colonies into closer unity with the Motherland if the political gains compensated for tho burdens. He would not consent to a crude scheme because it was labelled Imperialism. Mr Chamberlain’s great Imperial idea had degenerated into a protectionist campaign. On the last day of the session the Cabinet considered Mr Balfour’s pamphlet and the proposals, ho wished to put forward in the name of the Government, including preferential tariffs and taxation of food. The Cabinet agreed to the publication of the pamphlet, but differed on the proposals, adjourning the discussion • until September 16th. Again they disagreed. “ Afterwards,” said the speaker, " the Duko of Devonshire and myself, Mr Ritchie, aud Lord Balfour of Burleigh agreed to resign, all being ignorant of Mr Ohamberiam's resignation, but knowing that preference would not be altogether dropped while he remained in the Cabinet. Aftor the noxt Cabinet meeting, as we were informed of no change in toe situation I resigned, stiii understanding that Mr Chamberlain was a rnomber.” He regretted that Mr Balfour had not taken care to regulate the resignations, so as to avoid causing a misunderstanding. If the propaganda continued the country would be committed to protection, or if the Unionist party were smashed either would be a casaßtrophe.