BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1354, 14 January 1905, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

SPEECH BY MR CHAMBERLAIN. ' By Telegraph—Pross Assoolailon —Copyright London, Jan. 12. Mr Chamberlain, addressing an audience of 5000 people at Preston, reminded Mr t Asquith that tho test of tho nation’s prosperity rested on comparative, not positive, statistics. Sir 11. C. Bannorman’s statement that thsro were thirteen millions on i tho vergo cf hunger in a rich and prosporous country wa3 never quoted. Three million three hundred thousand workers since 1900 had suffered a redaction of wages. Tho reduction amounted to twelve and a half millions per annum. The year 1904 was a record one, but if exports increased, want of employment; pauperism, and crime had increased. The increase of exports was duo to dearer raw material, especially cotton; consequently the exports of cotton manufactures bad risen in value, but not in volume, therefore tho operatives had not benefited, but while Lancashire was on short lime countries used moro cotton. StatisV|<e<f3sf showed that since 1876 Britain’s consul j,< r tion of tho world’s cotton supply had JfXT’from 41 to 25J-per cent, also less employment. Our. proporiior world’s trade was rapidly^gjßOf 1 "’ The protected foreign cog? tened our hold on neutral '-yes,. Replying to a question, he said he in no circumstances favored s. tax on raw cotton. ? He desired to reduce the sugar duty and put tho hurden on articles of luxury. He advocated reasonable preference aud reciprocity with the colonies. Replying to the Free fooders’ attack on the colonies, he said: In the opinion of the colonies and mine, thoy have more to give . than wo to offer them. If you consider the matter in ail interests alone,the refusal | to discuss the colonies B 3 a matter of predominant interest to yourselves is imbecility. I had no doubt the oountry is too sensible and patriotic to lose tho greatest opportunity of the generation towards commercial union and ultimate organisation of the Empire. A resolution in favor of reconsideration of tho fiscal policy and a conference was carried with enthusiasm, there being but fow dissentients.

Mr Chamberlain, referring to the mover, Mr Tomlinson’s remark that tho resolution

did not commit tb9 meeting wholly to hie policy, said: I think that remark was • s slip. The resolution commits you to Mr Balfour’s policy. I do not believe he or you would call a conference unless yon intend to pay great and favorable attention to its decision. I am convinced the. colonies will then propose some scheme for the mutual protection aud development of inter-imperial trade.” .