The Fiscal Problem.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7925, 5 October 1904, Page 5

The Fiscal Problem.

Mi* Balfour's Speech

Opinions of the Press

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Per Press Association). Received October 5, at 9.27 a.m,

LONDON, Oct. 4,

The Hon. A. J. Balfour, in his speech at the Scottish Conservatives' dinner at Edinburg, in replying to Lord Rosebcry's suggestion to limit the delegates' powers and to restrict the scope of the inquiry, declared tho free interchange of ideas to be the essence of success. He did not believe it po. sible to induce tho motherland and colonies to confer unless they were entitled to appeal to their respective electorates regarding any scheme hammered out and understood beforehand, and the plan of imperial union, fiscal or on other lines, would be valid only after the electorates adhere to it. The fact that it would take some time was no "grave objection, inasmuch as they want the arrangements and consolidation to be permanent.

The Liberal newspapers interpret the speech to be a new bid for an effective leadership.

The Daily News, interprets it as a surrender to Chamberlain, as the colonies would not attend a conference excluding a discussion on the taxes on corn and meat.

The Times says Mr Balfour has made a decided advance beyond his previous avowed sympathy with Mr Chamberlain's policy on Imperial questions not covered by the Sheffield policy and follows Mr Watson, thinking it time to answer the questions any but the blindest could not fail to understand.

The St. James Gazette says Mr Balfour's speech sounds splendid, but it is difficult to see in what definite direction he heads, since inspiring neither the Protectionist nor the Free-traders. A conference means getting a close grip of an ideal for Imperial consolidation.

The Westminster Gazette says that if Mr Chamberlain acnepts Mr Balfour's programme he consents to a formal withdrawal of his own from the next elections.

The Standard says Mr Balfour's personal rejection of the tariff reformers' policy is most definite. Rash zealots are warned that their victory would mean Mr Balfour's defeat and retirement.

Tho Telegraph says the speech is calculated to close the rift in the Unionist party.

The Chronicle says the Liberals' duty is to defend free trade and they must not allow talk at the conference to obscure the main issue.