BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1052, 20 November 1903, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

By Telegraph--Press Association —Copyright London, Nov. 18. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman, speaking at Frorne, said the Government had been patched up in order to break down magistrate’s discretion regarding renewals of publichouse licenses. Mr Chamberlain's assertion that the Empire would dissolve if his policy was not adopted was unfounded. There was no reason for a jeremiad on British trade and no justification for a fiscal revolution. The country would never allow trade to he conducted by Orders-in-Council at the discretion of a Government of apprentices. He hailed with satisfaction Lord Rosebery’s appeal for Liberal unity. It would not be long before their priociples would prevail. Mr Chamberlain had no right to use the fate of the Empiro as a pawn in his game, or to wantonly gamble with the loyalty of the colonies. It was a pure invention for Mr Balfour to imply at Bristol that the leader of the Opposition had warned tho colonies against the Government suggestion that it would prevent the penalisation of Canada for giving preference. “ I merely spoke to put Sir John Seo and other colonial Ministers on their guard lest they believed that tho isolated expression of individual Ministers represents Cabinet decisions. 1 accused Mr Ouumberlaud and Mr Balfour of hoodwinking the country by pretending they were not committed to a certain policy, when at tho same time they were cadging about the world for approval of that policy. I scotched that practice of manufacturing assent in order to commit the Motherland and colonies to a policy which Mr Balfour had not the manliness to avow.”

SUPPORTING REFORM. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 10.52 p.m., Nov. 19 Ottawa, Nov. 19. The Blontreal Board of Trade has endorsed Mr Chamberlain’s policy. London, Nov. 19. Professor Hewins, director of the London School of Economics, has resigned, in order to undertake for Mr Chamberlain important work connected with fiscal details.

The Wolverhampton Chamber of Commerce endorsed Mr Balfour's policy, and approved of Mr Chamberlain’s policy on condition that the cost of living is not increased, Several Frenchmen, honorary members of the Cobden Club, including Myoes Guyot, political editor of Lo Siecle, deniod Mr Chamberlain’s statement that the Cobden Club was mainly supported by foreigners. They declared they never contribute to tho funds or interfere with the policy of the Club.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN’S FAREWELL , t By Telegraph—Press Association- Copyrigh Received 1.1 a.m., Nov. 20. London, Nov. 19. The Agents-General farewelled Mr Chamberlain at the Colonial Office. Lord Strathcona complimented Mr Chamberlain on throughout his period of office trying to realise the grand ideal of drawing closer the different parts of the Empiro, broadening and rendering more practical the ties of sentiment. Though the colonies might differ in regard to details, yet they generally dosired closer and more effective UDion with the Motherland. Mr Chamberlain had done more than anyone to promote Imperial unity and development of the Empire. He hoped he would soon resume tho old office and continue tho great work. Mr Chamberlain said he was touched and gratified at the generous appreciation. He acknowledged his indebtedness to much valuable advice and support from tho Agents-General. His many discussions with them and other colonial representatives never resulted in the unhappy wrßnglings which some supposed the inevitable result of negotiations. He admitted ho felt pain and regret at resigning, but his object was to bring the Empire closer in more definite and more organised communication. This is not merely the highest object of British statesmanship, but was a matter of urgent necessity and importance to the Motherland, colonies, and the world at large. It was not good for any to remain separate entities. Without close bonds of UDion he feared in tho clash of Empiresn one would enjoy uncontrolled, unrestricted independence.