BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1671, 10 February 1906, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S SPEECH,

By telegraph, Press A*s’n, Copyright London, Feb. 8. Mr Chamberlain, continuing, said it was dishonest to pretend that free fooders were in the same boat as tariff reformers and retaliationiats. Personally he believed the great majority of unionists were perfectly ready to accept Mr Balfour’s general leadership. Probably a majority would welcome a declaration from Mr Bal-

four, clearly showing that tariff reform would not be dropped, indicating a definite unmistakable programme for the future, which all would be able to heartily support. If tho majority of the party favored the views of the free fooders, or desired the whole question to be left in abeyance, tariff reformers must recognise that the position was that without separating from the party, or general leadership, they might very properly constitute a group, taking advantage of all opportunities of enforcing their views in the House of Commons and the country. Tariff reformers cannot put aside principles to suit exigencies. A- party of wire-pullers, while ready to work unionist colleagues for common objects, cannot accept the policy of inaction and mystification regarding the main object of their political life. He was honestly cons vinced that in the acceptance of a full measure of tariff reform lies the best hope of future success of the party and the cause.

The Daily Telegraph, Times, and Standard welcome Mr Chamberlain’s opportune letter, and advise conciliation and compromise.

The Standard states that Mr Balfour agrees to summon a meeting of the party. The Daily Express asserts that the Government are giving free grants to Irish evicted tenants to enable them to make a fresh start. Mr Tude has been re-elected for Edinburgh aud St. Andrew’s Universities, as representative in the House of Commons, defeating Mr S. Loe Strachey, editor of the Spectator.