BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1476, 9 June 1905, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE FISCAL QUESTION.

By, Electric Telegraph—Fet Press Association —Copyright. Received 12.31 a.m June 9.

London, June 8. Sir H. C. Bannerman, Mr Asquith, and others repeated the attempts to elicit more definite fiscal explanations. Mr Balfour refused to be drawn, declaring that all the views be expressed were "consistent with his Edinburgh speech. The only way to further fiscal j reform and to attain closer union of the Colonies was to allow a free conference to meet and hammer out a scheme. Mr Lyttelton said it was a groat pity, [ especially without the consent of tho coloI nies, to interfere with tho arrangement I made in 1902 for a definite assembling efv J the conference. It was deplorable to 1 pone it for partizan purposes. If the eon-' I ference met in 1906 it would be impossible ] to rule out any subject the colonial PreI miets chose to submit, as all met as'memI bets of an equals status. " Nevertheless,’’ I he added, “it was extremely improbable I the colonies would submit the fiscal quea- ' I tion when the conditions are unfavorable I for discussion. Mr Chamberlain had no I substantial difference of principle with I myself and Mr Balfour. I aßk supporters I to keep an open miod relative to Home I taxation on corn until the colonies have I indicated what we are expected to give, I and whether they will give a sufficient I equivalent.”