BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1056, 25 November 1903, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE FISCAL CONTROVERSY.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright

London, Nov. 23,

Mr Rucliie, in a letter to the Croyden Registration Association, says: —“ If wo agree with Mr Balfour we should retaliate for the outrageous unfairness on the part of foreign countries for penalising the colonies giving preference to the Motherland.”

Reuter’s correspordjot says the Canadian Government expre.-s satisfaction at the passing of Mr Seddou'a Preferential Tariff Bill. It will probably result in the extension of Canadian preference to New Zealand and South Africa. The Council of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, declaring that Australasians take an absorbing interest in the momentous proposiiion of preferential tariffs, invite other Chambers to discuss the subject with them at an early date. The Daily News, commenting ou the utterances of Mr Seddon and Mr Drummond, President of the Canadian Manufacturers’ Association, says it is, obvious Mr Chamberlain is pushing the colonies deeper into the mire of protection.

Received 10.18 p.m., Nov. 2-1 London, Nov. 2-1. Tiro Dublin Chamber of Commerce discussed Mr Chninberlftiu's proposals and resolved in tho absence of definite information regarding the probable effect of the proposed changes of policy, to recommend Government to hold an enquiry.

SIR EDWARD GREY’S TALK. By Telegraph—Pross Association—Copyright Received 12.4 a.m., Nov. 25 London, Nov. 24. Sir Edward Grey, addressing a Liberal meeting at- Salisbury, said: There are unfortunate supporters of the Government willing to endure three years of doubt and uncertainty. To postpone the general election was neither business nor good politics. Mr Balfour was playing a dummy hand at whist. Mr Chamberlain alone knew what was in that hand, and was playing Mr Balfour’s cards face down. No Prime Minister was able to play dummy politics indefinitely. He had retaliation ou the lips, protection in thoughts,jmd taxes on food up his sleeve. Mr Chamberlain believed ho would be able to increase home trade and export by artificially increasing the cost of articles wo used and mado. Exactly the reverse would occur. Pcoplo would be able to uso the less if the prico of everything was artificially raised. The consuming power would be restricted, and the homo trade was bound to shrink.