BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1680, 22 February 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT,

ONLY HOME RULE WILL SUIT

NATIONALISTS.!

By Electric Telegraph—Per Press Association —Copyright. London, Feb. 20.

In the House of Commons Mr Dickinson moved and Mr Acland seconded, the-Address-in Reply. Mr Chamberlain said he rejoiced that the Government were well supported, and hoped they would prove independent. There was no reason to fear that Unionists would offer merely factious opposition. He hoped that a continuity of policy would he displayed both in foreign and colonial affairs. Time alone, he said, would show if it was wise to confer immediate responsible Government on the Transvaal and Orange Colony. He hoped that no important change in the electoral system would bo sketched for 1905. The electoral cartoons of Chinese exhibited were the grossest hypocrisy and dishonesty. If the Government believed there was slavery and torture how was it possible to justify inaction? If trade was prospering in the degree alleged why was a third of the population underfed and on the verge of starvation. He complained of the enigmatic references to Ireland. Referring to the very generous treatment of the Irish evicted tenants, he inquired what would be done with the British farmer who paid his rent. He declared that the last had not been heard of tariff reform. Later.

In the House of Commons Sir H. Campbell Bannerman said the Algeciras Conference was proceeding satisfactorily. The Anglo-British understanding is as strongly entrenched as ever. Personally he favored continuity of policy in colonial aff airs since there should be no wanton change for the sake of change. Government looked forward to eventual federation of South Africa. The conditions of Chinese labor were certainly servile and some cruel. If a coolie desired, to return he would he repatriated with public funds if without money himself. The question of a Royal Commission to inquire into the Chinese question would be considered. The Opposition ought to welcome the development of the Government policy in Ireland. The crimes Act would be repealed. Education was the chief .measure, though not necessarily the first. Mr Redmond indicated that the N a tionalists would accept no settlement short of Home Rule as satisfactory. The debate was adjourned. The city election has been fixed for the 27th.

The Women’s Social and Political Union held a groat meeting at the Caxton Hall, London, and expressed much regret at the omission of a reference in the King’s Speech at the opening of Parliament to the enfranchisement of women. Mrs Martel, of New South Wales, demanded the immediate introduction of a measure giving women a vote the same as men.

Mr Gibson Bowles is opposing Mr Balfour, D. M. Mason retiring. The House of Lords carried the Ad-dressNin-Reply after a brief debate. The Earl of Lansdowne protested against the gross misrepresentation during the elections relating to the Chinese. If the Government believed slavery existed they ought to institute an immediate inquiry. Ho complaiued of inadequate information respecting the Transvaal constitution and plans for Ireland. If the Governmens’s action was characterised with prudence and moderation they need not fear the House of Lords would ■deliberately obstruct. Lord Ripon admitted it was wrong to assert that Chinese were manacled,but a system of semi-slavery oxisted. The Times, commenting on the King’s speech, says there are many things to watch, and few to criticise at presentFew amendments to the Address are expectod. Labor members are satisfied.