BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1591, 23 October 1905, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

HOME RULE AND OTHER QUESTIONS.

Bjs telegraph, Press Ass’n, Copyright

London, October 20.

The Westminster Gazette, referring to the Commonwealth following Canada’s lead in the matter of Home Rule, asked how would Mr Chamberlain like the cry that every vote for union was a vote against the Perhaps Australia would now take steps to include Irish Homo Rule in tho agenda of the Colonial Conference.

Received 9.17 a.m , Oct. 22. London, October 21

Sir Edward Gray, in a speech in the City, said that the growing friendship of Britain and America, the alliance with Japan, and the Fronch agreement, were three cardinal features of the foreign policy which Liberala did not wish to see change. They must remember they could not make a new friendship by backing out of ao old one. They anticipated improved relations with Russia. They advocated a bolter understanding with Germany without impairing our relations with France. They urged a continuous polioy. The war might not have been ended now un loss the reliance were renewed. Failure to renew would have been an example of fickleness and folly, exposing ua to universal distrust. The alliance was esentiaally defensive and pacific. The next House of Commons would not be one supporting a Government which weakens regard for the alliance. He addod: "The Colonial Conference ought to be free aud unfettered, also on all sides representative and candid.” The present Government was not, he said, in a position to be representative. He doubted their having the courage to be candid. Received 4.21 p.m., Oct. 22.

Freeman’s Journal, commenting on tho Australian Home Rule resolution, says that it is a salutary reminder to Imperialists of the Asquith and Rosebery type, who profess to respect colonial opinion that Ireland still blocks the way. The Manchester Guardian, referring to Mr Deakin’s statement on tho Restriction Act, says : “ Since Japan under the new treaty may fight for the defence of Australia, she has additional grounds for discontent at Australia’s attitude from a British point of view. The disabilities of our Indian subjects touch our self-respect more closely than the disabilities of an allied but alien nation." Received 4.43 p tSa., Oct. 22.

Mr John Morley, speaking at Forfar, stated that the next Government would pursue a vigorous, pacifio, rational policy. Ho personally favored the creation of ao Irish Parliament under a paramount authority. The Imperial legislature did not expect reform of Irish government to .be the first measure of the new Parliament. South African annexation was irrevocable. Full responsible government must bo given at tho earliest opportunity.