BRITISH POLITICS

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1675, 16 February 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS

SURPLUS EXPECTED.

By tdograph, Presa Ana'n, Copyright London, Feb. 14. It is understood that Mr Ascjuitn. expects a surplus.

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S REPLY.

By telegraph, Pres* Aas’n, Copyright Received 10.15 p.m., Feb. 15. London, Fob. 15. Mr Chamberlain lcp'ied cordially. Ho weloomed tbo letter, and added ; 1 entirely agree with tbo description and objects both have in view. I will be glad to accept the polioy indicated as wise and desirable for the party to adopt. in endeavoring to give off. ct to this policy, and defending all Unionists’ principles, any services lorn render will bo entirely at your dispose 1 . MR BALFOUR’S VIEWS ON FISCAL QUESTION.

Received 9.50 a.in., Feb. 15. LondoD, Feb. 15. Mr Balfour yesterday wrote to Mr Chamberlain. Tne fiscal controversy has produced, not unnaturally, an impremon which I constantly oombated, that the praotioal difference on fiscal reforms is much deeper than is actually the case. The recent txobange of views belwoen us leads me to hope that misconception may be removed, and therewith much friction iojurious to the paity. My own opioioD, which I believo is shared by the great majority of Unionists, may be summarised as follows: Fiscal reform is and must remain first a constructive work of the Unionist party. Its aims are to secure British trade on more equal lorms of competition. Secondly : Closer commercial union with the colonies. 'While it is at present unnecessary to prescribe the exact methods of attaining the object and inexpedienfc to permit difference regarding these methods to divide the party, though other means may bo possible, the establishment of a moderate general tariff on manufactures, is not imposed for the pur-' pose of raising prioes artificially, and pro* teotiog against legitimate competition and the small duties on foreign oorn are not in principle objectionable, anl ehould be adopted if they are shown to be necessary for the attainment of the ends in view or purposes of revenue.

ELECTION ADDRESS.

By .Wfgnafeh, Press &'s*’n £ Copyright) Received 10.15 p.m., Feb. 15. London, Feb. 15. Earlier in the day Mr Balfour issued on election addrcsi. He said be had misgivings as to the party’s future. They must not forget that pursuing the duties of opposition would prepare the way for those fiscal and social reforms which the country will ultimately requires at our hand. _ The City Conservative Association adopted the candidature with enthusiasm. Mr Balfour, in responding, said the only thing needful was obeerful unanimity to enable the minority to earn the right to be again a majority by showing some perspective, some power of balancing great matters whereon they m'gbt differ. .He anticipates with a certain kind of enjoyment the struggle wherein they would gradually oonv6tt the thinking part of the community to their view.

PRESS COMMENTS.

By; Electric Telegraph—Pec Press Received 12.14 a.m., Feb. 16,

Loudon, Feb. 15,

Newspapers, commenting on the oorres* pondenoe, recognise the important step of merging the two polioies, and Mr Balfour’s skilful opportunism, in the better sense, of the word, as a means of immediate unity of the bulk of the party by a gradual constructive policy. Liberal organs emphasise his reserva-* tions.

The Morning Post states that Mr Balfour has crossed tho bridge. He will retain the leadership, while Mr Chamberlain inspires the party’s, polioy. Free foolers are loft on the other side of the gulf. The Times says the correspondence leaves no excuse for misunderstandings within the party or persistence in the attempt to divide its allegiance. The impression produced in the rank and file oi the party will be marked and salatary. The Daily News states that Mr Balfour has paid the full prioe of leadership, and accepts Mr Chamberlain’s mandate. The Daily Graphic states that Mr Balfour’s change is as dramatic as it is disagreeable, and produces a distinct impression of a journey to Canossa as a condition of confirmation of leadership. If the policy is adhered to it will bo years before the Conservatives return to power. The new Liberal newspaper, tbe Tribune, says apart from freetrade stalwart Unionists have been definitely committed to protection.