SCENE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1462, 24 May 1905, Page 2

SCENE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS.

OPPOSITION BEHAVE LIKE LABBIKINS. BEFUSE TO HEAB MB LYTTELTON SPEAK. DEPUTY SPEAKEB SUSPENDS THE SITTING. By Telegraph—Press Aseooiation—Copyright Beceivod 9.08 p.m., May 23. [London, May 23. In tho Houao of Commons, replying to Mr Soures, Mr Balfour stated that tho last Colonial Conference resolved to iq* assemble automatically in 1906. Ho admitted that he did not remember this when speaking at Edinburgh on October 3rd.

Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman insisted that Mr Balfour was pledged to consult the country twice before taking fiscal action. Mr Balfour replied that tho statement °f policy was not a pledge to the Opposition. Nevertheless, the Government did not intend to use their majority to commit the present Parliament to fiscal reform. Ho adhered to tho essence of his Edinburgh speech—that any plan the Government adopted would be submitted to the country. The Government wore unable to restrict the discussions of the Conference.

Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman later on moved the adjournment of the House. Ho cited passages from Mr Balfour’s speeches at Edinburgh - and Manchester, also the speeches of the Duke of Marlborough, to show that the country would not be asked to decide the colonial aspect of the fiscal question until two elections. The country understood that a special Conference was to bo called to discuss the fiscal question if the Government was returned to power. The country believed one election would bo held; to approve or disapprove of the summoning of the Conference, and another to approve or disapprove of the decision of the Conference. The Government’s sudden change of policy required explanation. Received 10.29 p.m., May 23, When Mr Lyttelton rose to reply the Opposition shouted, “ Balfour, we want to hear you,” the tumult continuing many minutes. Mr Lyttelton, standing at the table, vainly tried to speak, Mr Balfour sat smiling calmly. Mr Lowther, who had been Deputy Speaker for three weeks owing to the Speaker’s illness, repeatedly appealed to the House to give Mr Lyttelton a hearing. The Opposition persistently maintained the uproar, while Ministerialists indulged in loud protests. Tne Nationalists deliberately tried to increase the confusion with ironical interjections of “ Send for the Irish police ! ” 4 ‘ Horse guards, clear the House ! ” Mr Dillon shouted, ** Such a disgraceful paralysis of business has not happened for fifty years.” Lord Churchill, Mr Burns, Mr Lloyd George, and Lord Hugh Cecil vainly intervened. Mr Lyttelton’s attempt was always drowned with cries and groans. Mr Lowther repeatedly tried to oalm the Opposition, warning them that it was unusual to dictate in what order the Government should speak. The Opposition were forging a very dangerous weapoD, which might be used against themselves hereafter. Sir H. Campbell Bannerman declared that it was impossible for the debate to proceed unless Mr Balfour spoke. Immediately Mr Balfour took a stand he stated that he intended to wait uutil the full indictment bad developed. Even a criminal in“tha dock was not expected to exhibit a defence until the whole case was revealed. If the precedent set that evening was followed the House would be absolutely ruined. Mr Lyttelton again vainly rose, the din being renewed. After a- full hour of great disorder Mr Lowther, under the new rule, suspended the sitting, the Opposition wildly cheering. The Daily Express declares that the Unionist froe fooders believe that one election compact instead of two is in tho compromise Messrs Balfour and Chamber lain have arranged