BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1707, 24 March 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE CHINAMEN.

A LIVELY DEBATE,

By, 'telegraph, Press Afls'n, Copyright London, March 22. In the Qouso of Commons, Mr Bylos’s motion, disapproving of Lord Milner’s authorising the flogging of Chinese, was negatived without division. Mr Churohill’s amendment, condemning flogging in goneral terms and inviting the House in the interests of peace and conoiliation in South Africa to refrain from censuring individuals, was carried by 355 to 135.

Mr Byles contended that if Lord Milner oondonod every pranoing pro-Consul. ho would be enoouraged to play the little autoorat.

Mr Chamberlain, amidst much interruption, brilliantly and passionately dofended Lord Milner. Ho soathingly denounced the persecution of a great publio servant, with a splendid record, for a single error of judgment. His opponents wore vindic lively trying to humiliate him, while afraid to impeaoh him. He explained that the suggestion for corporal punishment came from Mr Evans, protector of Chinese, and Lord Milner verbally acquiesced. Mr Chamberlain characterised Mr Churchill's amendment as cowardly and contemptible, being framed to catch votes by attacking without naming Lord Milner, Mr Churchill had said it was clear Lord Milner had been guilty of a grave dereliction of publie duty in sanctioning illegal flogging. While he admired tbe moderation of Mr Bylos’s motion, he questioned its praotioal utility in formally censuring a man who had served the Empire strenuously, faithfully, and disinterestedly, and who now was merely a retired Civil servant, without pensiou or gratuity. Besides, it was contrary to usage to censure a man unheard. Was it worth while for a strong patty to pursue him further ? If the motion was passed, it would aggravate sooial and racial animosity in South Africa.

Mr Balfour characterised Mr Churchill's speech as an ex'raordieary self-satisfied utterance. Personally, he infinitely preferred Mr Bylea's attack to Mr Churobill’d insulting protection The House ought to reject the motion and amendment with equal oontempt. Six Liberals and five Laborites voted against Mr Churchill’s amendment. Many Nationalists abstained from voting. A committee will be set up of Government departments concerned, and the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress, to settle any disputed matter, and arrange a fair wages resolution.

SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE.

By telegraph* Fres« Ast’n* Copyright Received 9.48 p.m, Maroh 23. London, March 23. In the House of Commons Sir H. Campbell Bannerman stated that a committee of enquiry would visit South Africa and advise as to the new constitution, especially in reference to the ftanohise and the politioal needs of Orangia and Transva’l. Tbe committee will consist of Sir Joseph West Ridgway (chairman), Lord Sandhurst, Sir Franois Hopgood, and Oolooel Johnston. Capetown, March 23. Tbe Capo Times deolares that Mr Churohill’s speech was nauseous, hypooritioal, and unprinoipied. A few years back Lord Milner’s ideals wore his.

EDUCATION IN IRELAND.

By telegraph* Preso Ase’n* Copyrigh Received 10.7 p.m., Maroh 23. London, Maroh 23. In the House of Commons Mr Murphy moved that the provision for Irieh education is insufficient and unsatisfactory in all branches

Mr Wyndham considered that the opportunity for university training ought to bo extended.

Mr Bryce admitted that the provision for education was unsatisfactory, but said he was not prepared at present to declare the Government's intentions regarding universities. He did not despair of a solution.

Mr Long declared that there were far wider differences of opinion in both Parliament and country regarding universities than the debate revealed. The resolution was withdrawn,