BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1472, 5 June 1905, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

„ „ „ ~ London, June 3, Mr Balfour, addressing the National Union Conservative Constitutional Association at Albert Hall, regarding the Colonial Conference, said that unless Unionists were returned to power next elections tbo whole plan of reference of the fiscal question to a double’ election would collapse. A new situation would be created, under new conditions. Would the Opposition, if returned, treat with contempt the oft expressed wish of the colonies, and without examination or consultation reject their overtures ? He at any rate would pledge that if the Radicals iu the event of their return to power treated the question imperially, he would not follow their example and treat it as a Farty instrument. Besides unity of king dom Unionists were entrusted with the great cause of Imperial defence, the great ideals of closer union with the Colonies, and reform of the fiscal system, which was no longer adequate or fitted to our needs. .Protectionists and Freetraders were ‘all sure y of one mind that their interests would be furthered by some power to negotiate effectively. Then why, in I Heaven’s name, not agree upon it? , b® ll , Bannerman, speaking at Oxford, declared it was a solemn farce for Colonial premiers to confer while Mr Balfour was unable to say he spoke with I f Ji a: M 0n 8 “ ntfaorit y- The Liberals would faithfully and zealously follow Lord Lansdowne s foreign policy. ' W u ar(i „ Gre y, speaking at the Eighty Club, referring to the Colonial conference, said the Colonies ought to be told the truth that taxing the Motherland’s food was an unsafe basis of Empire. Everything short of complete freetrade without theEmpire.in tho way of fiscal adjustment, would prove not a bond of union, but the contrary.

ME BALFOUR ON THE FISCAL QUESTION. OTHER SPEECHES. By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright. Received 4.56 p.m„ June 4.