BRITISH POLITICS

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1425, 8 April 1905, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT,

By, Electric Telegraph—Per Press 'Association—-Copyright. LONDON, April 6.

In the 'House of Commons Mr Akers Douglas stated 'that the increase in the total number of prisoners fa the United Kingdom, 'from 1599 to 1903 was 22 per cent. The increase of alien! prisoners was’ .68 per cent. Mr Balfour, defending Mr Arnold Forster against the criticism pf a fresh amendment relating it o the auxiliary forces, warned critics that it was an error to think the municipiiisation of volunteers meant better training in combination of other foices and would, enable a corresponding reduction of regular organised units. Me Forster announced that there would be no reduction in the volunteers' in 1905,, The Government secured a majority; of 31 votes. The Standard attributes. Mr Loder’s defeat to the general impression that the Cabinet lacks vigor* cohesion, and purpose,-, Mn Balfour should appeal to, his followers for such support as would convince the country that they trust theiij leaders and believe in their cause* The Daily. News says that Mr Lodger’s appointment was followed hy the announcement of an election Within the week* Surely* argued the Premier., the enemy cannot summon theiD 'forces in a week. Me Bairoug miscalculated the sentiment of the people, and forgot there was a point of degradation in politics her yohd whichc the most faithful of tho community would not followiTJio Daily Chronicle declares that the victory means that the electors will not countenance hampering freetrade, .whether inj the Chamberlain, taxation of food or, the insidious taxation ofi articles,, .disguised as; retaliation. The Morning Post says Mr Lodger suffered most of all from tho government’s army policy. The Times says that a more serious cause of Mr Lodger's "defeat than the action of the Kensitites was the .Unionists’ lukewarmness. The Times previously announced that in the event of Mr Lodger's return by a substantial majority Mr Kentworth,. the other member would resign, and Sir Htlwaru Grey Would become a prospective candidature latter caused great dissatisfaction ’amongst Brighton Unionists, who never forgave Sir E, Grey’s attitude over the ■Boer war. The’Times added that something was wrong "with the Unionists’ organisation in permitting such a selection provoking so strong a hostile feeling. lieDlying to a "deputation of tho 'Confectioners Manufacturers’ Association,, who desired the. abolition of the sugar duties, and no renewal of the convention, Sir H. C. Bannerman expressed very keen sympathy.. Professor Bryce saijd ho thought the sugar duty was ' the first tax that ought-to be removed.;

■MR BALFOUR’S OPINION^

By; Electric Telegraph—Per Press Association—Copyright. (Received 9 .'45 p.m,., April 7,, LONDON, April 7.In the House of Commons Mr BaifC’itr, replying to Mn Llqyil George, said they must wait a general elecitiou S<j ascertain! the cojiabry’S yiews.