IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2218, 16 June 1908, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

SPEECH BY MR. ASQUITH. DEFENCE OF HIS PARTY. United Press Association —Copyright LONDON, June 14. Mr. Asquith, at the National Club, affirmed that the internal condition of the party was - wholesome and Bound, and there were no differences requiring periodical plastering . by some artificially contrived ambitious formula. Still Liberals must aim each years at larger concentrated effort and a smaller number of Bills. Inc old a"e pension - scheme was not Hostile to existing thrift agencies, or for subsequent' grafting upon it of a State-aided contributory plan. He opposed inquisitorial examination ot character and exclusion on that account. Poor law relief was temporary, awaiting early adjustment of the poor law system. PREVENTION OF CRIMES BILL. THE BOKSTAL SYSTEM. LONDON, June 14. The Prevention of Crimes Bill, extending the Borstal system, was read a second time m the House of Commons by 132 to 11. Mr. Gladstone stated that the Government would provide the machinery necessary tor bringing every kind, of good influence to bear on prisoners. They would teach them trades, show what fools they had been., and equip them tor a new start in life. SELF-RELIANCE UPHELD. LORD ROSEBERY’S REMARKS. LONDON, June 14. Lord Rosebery, in a .speech as Chancellor of the University ot Glasgow, said that everything was being , done politically to swamp self-reliance and make it superfluous and ridiculous. Scotsmen had thriven hv selfreliance. Their motto was' Level up.” The cry of modern civilisation was “Level down, let the Government 'have a finger in every pie, probing, proping, and disturbing. The result was that the nation was being taken into custody by the State. He pleaded for the maintenance or the sterling national qualities which had meant so much to Scotland in the .past. VISCOUNT MORLEY’S PItprOSALS. LONDON, June 14. The Daily Mail states that Viscount Moi'lev proposes to add to legislative provincial councils and municipalities additional representatives chosen .of Mohammedans, Hindoos, and zemindars (largo landowners): OLD AGE PENSIONS. AN UNUSUAL PROCEDURE. *■» - —— United' Press Association— Copyright (Received June 15, 9.47 ip.m.) LONDON, June 10. The Government’s decision, to apply ithe closure in the consideration of the Old Age Pension Bill, is attracting attention in political circles since 1 parliamentary tradition holds that t o closureimist not be applied to the Finance Bill of ' which the pensions form part. .