IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2209, 5 June 1908, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

RUSSIA AND ARBITRATION. THE IRISH VOTE. United Press Association —Copvright. LONDON, Juno 3. In the House of Commons Sir Edward Grey informed Mr. Hart-Davies that Russia declined to arbitrate in connection with, the case of the steamer Ivnight Commander. He was considering what steps he- should take. A joint committee of the House of Lords and House of Commons ( has adopted the principle of the State purchase of London docks. Lord Cromer, in a presidential address at the Unionist Freetrade Club, after remarking that parties at the next general election would probably ho more equally divided, Warned his hearers of tho danger of the more ardent tariff reformers seeking to capture the Irish vote by concessions, which, if not fatal, would be very damaging to tho cause of union. THE GOVERNMENT’S OBLIGATION. MARTIAL LAW IN NATAL. .United Press Association —Copyright (Received Juno 4, 10.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 4. In the House of Commons, Mr. Robson, replying to questions ana criticisms regarding Dinizulu, declared that tho imperial Government was under an honorablo obligation to iDinizulu in regard to his salary, and must see it fultillled. Ho hoped that Natal woiul soon see the inconvenience and clangor of martial law con-, tinuing. Otherwise the Imperial Government, which was always slow to move in such matters owing to constitutional difficulties involved, might be compelled to act. ,

RUSSIAN AFFAIRS. A PASSAGE OF ARMS. ’United Press Association—Copyright. ■ (Received June 4; 9.55 p:in.) ' ' - . LONDON, .June 4. In tho House of Commons Mr. J. A.xPease informed Mr. Will Thorno in connection with the Laborite memorial to Sir Edward, Grey regarding the abandonment of the King’s ..visit to Russia, that Sir'Edward Groy was unable to adviso.tlie King to abandon the visit. Mr Thorne asked: “Does that mean that the Government acquiesces in the brutal murders and outrages that .have occurred'in^ Russia?” • Tho question was received with protests, amidst which the Speaker rebuked Mr. Thomo. _ < • Later-Mr. 'Keir Harciio complained of the' clerks at the table refusing to accept the' question enumerating the execution of political prisoners in Russia, and suggesting that Britain should threaten,to withdraw her Ambassador if Russia persisted' in her present internal policy. Tho Speaker ruled that tho first part of the question, instead of asking. conveyed information", and secondly, that it was no part of the British Government's business to manage the internal affairs of', a friendly State. Mr. Hardio considered" the ruling was a curtailment of the rights of the House. The Speaker denied this, and repeated his second point. PENNY POSTAGE. ANGLO-AMERICAN . AGREEMENT. United Press Association —Copyright (Received June 4, 9.5 p.m.) , LONDON, June 4. . In the House of Commons Mr. S. Buxton, Postmaster-General, was cheered on announcing that America had agreed to InV proposal for ail Anglo-American penny poostage to operate from October Ist.