MAIL NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 103, 2 November 1903, Page 4

MAIL NEWS.

London, Oct. 7. Tho morning papers dovote ample space both to their reports and their comment on Mr Chamberlain’s great effort at Glasgow, but it cannot be said that the public will gain much enlightenment, except from the late Colonial Secretary’s own words. Conversion to his views appears as distant as ever from the columns which have hitherto been opposed to him. All recognise the ability of his presentation of his scheme, and his moat rabid opponent, the radical Daily News, admits that Mr Chamberlain sincerely believes, that the colonies will secede unless a preferential scheme is adopted, and adds : This extraordinary belief implies a melancholy confession of failure of his boasted drawing of the colonies closer to the Mother Country during his Colonial Secretaryship. For the rest the Daily News regards his oampaign as a peril to the Empire. Those .newspapers favorable to Mr Chamberlain regard his plan with considerable approval as being more moderate, and involving a smaller measure of danger than might have been oxpected, and are inclined to think it acceptable to the colonies. It has • a great chance of winning public favor. It is pointed out that the duty of two shillings a quarter on wheat (Chamberlain uses the English term corn) will be sufficient to stimulate its production in Canada, while being unlikely to groatly restrict its importation from the United Statos and other wheat producing countries, and also his proposed duties on manufactures are in no way dangerous. On this point, however, the Daily Chronicle, which represents the great body of moderate radicals and the working class, calls attention to the vital difference between the views of Mr Chamberlain and the Premier, Mr Balfour. The Premier only asked for power to retaliate intermittently, while Mr Chamberlain insists upon a general tariff. Thus, the Daily Chronicle contends, tho murder is out, and protection pure and simple is aimed at.

Tho Conservative Standard is still somewhat unconvinced, and declares that Mr Chamberlain adduces no “atisfactory proof of his assertion of dangers menacing the country’s trade, nor even that the colonies are willing to meet the Mother Country half way. In short, the drift of the nowspaper comments goes to show that Mr Chamberlain has still a stiff fight before him.