The Fiscal Problem.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7927, 7 October 1904, Page 5

The Fiscal Problem.

Imperial; Unity Discussed

'' (F«r Trees Association); • •■:" : .(By; - Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received Oct. 7, at 9.6 a.m.)

■, ?-et:v:iiONDON, October 6..': . The: Standard -sayst-that Mr Chamberlain-, in implying Mr Balfour' and himself were.:! quite at one,- .was rather adroit, arid strikingly daring, but it was doubtful. whether; it .carried .conviction. The Tariff League.'s-energies had scarcely touched preferences, being, mainly devoted to taxation;, on imports for the .benefits of manufacturers;.. That, accord-, ing to. Mr Balfour, was protection. A conference is a positive part of Mr .Balfouf's programme. The. negative part is an' uncompromising repudiation. of protection. Mr Chamberlain must be considered to be diametrically opposed to that. part until he abandons the League. . Regarding' the electorates, it says Mr Balfour safeguards the country, iii the event: of a Biiionist triumph at the elections, against'an^.attempt to interpret victory, as f avouringprotection. The Daily Telegraph- says it would be far better to secure: imperial unity by an overwhelming majority at a second j time'of asking than a bare majority at the first trial. . ■•/'"' ' I

. The Labour Representation Committee, in. writing to Mr Watson, hope Australian labour will not support a policy which organised labour in the Motherland considers surrounded with most malign influences which are certain to bring strife where there is now harmony, and opposition where there is a fraternal feeling." Australian preference was illusory since it retains a monopoly of its own. If its markets are opened freely to" British imports then "there'will be some show of reason and justice in the campaign; to' force Britishers :to benefit the Australians by submitting to a high cost of living. . The experience of European labour was that protection only forges more chains around the wage earners. ■

The St. Janies Gazette says that by asserting that 'Australian labour is supporting- preference for electioneering purposes ■ .the Labour ' Representation Committee is likely.' to incur another snub. ■■"';■-■••