BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1681, 23 February 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

MR BALFOUR’S OPINION,

By telegraph, Pres«A»a’n, Copyright

London, Feb. 21. Mr Ba'four, speaking in tho City, .said the behaviour of tho Government sup porters at the elections over the Chinese question was tbo most scandalous and disgraceful episodo iu tho political history of England. ■ Foreigners would certainly regard it as a epooimm of Britonoio oaDt'ng hypocrisy. It was shameful for molivos of mere expediency to oest undeserved reflections on oolonists. Tbo opinions in his litter of tho 14th regarding fisoal matters were the same as those expressed in his speech in the City on the 12th, and his utterances at Loeds and olsewhero bofore tbo election.

Mr Austin Taylor has joined tho Liborals owing to Mr Balfour’s letter of he 146 b.

COAL TAX. By Electric Telograplu-Pcr Press . Association—Copyright. • iieoeived 10.45 p.m„ Feb. 22. London, Feb. 22

Mr Asquith assured a deputation that he regarded tbo export dnty on coal as a vioious principle and a grievous burden on a great industry.

DECLARATION ON HOME RULE'

By telegraph, Press Ass’n, Copyright

Rsoeived 11.30 p.m , Feb. 22,

London, Feb. 22.

. In tho House of Commons Colonel Saundorson moved an amendment to the address in-reply, repaoroatihg that' many in Ireland viewed with .alarm the statement that the Minißtcy wore considering proposals to effect ohaoges in the system of Government, believing that it would endanger the liberty and property of the Loyalist minority and impair the integrity of the United Kingdom.

Mrßryoe rofusod to reply to unreasonable demands for information while tbo policy was still being matured. Everyone in Ireland believed that ohangrs were needed io ‘ the system of government. Considering the .tranquility prevailing Parliament was jushfied in further assooiat'ng tho people with Government. A general spirit of conciliation prevailed even io Ulster.' The time was propitious for pats’ng measures leading up to eilfgavernment. It had long been contended that Government ought to make clear if it was beginning a polioy of Homs Rale by instalments.

Mr Dillon congratulated Mr Bryce on his great and honest speech, implying willingness to give the full and free control of its own affairs. Nationalists would give the Government time to develop their, plans. .Mr Chamberlain said Mr Dillon's congratulations to Mr Bryee reminded-him of a boa constrictor halving its prey before devouring it. It was evident that the Ministry was a Home Roia Government, however much they tried at preeent to oonceal the true eharacte'.

The amendment was rejected by 406 to 88.