BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9095, 14 March 1908, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

LORD ROSEBERY’S VIEWS

Press Association.—Copyright. Received March 13, 11.58 p.m. Loudon, March 13

Lord Rosebery, presiding at the Liberal Club, said he was for rlriendly relations with not one, but .-all the great Powers of Europe. That should ha found the principle ;0 f do away with the necessity of constant vigilance for the maintenance of vast superiority on sea and constant readiness and vigilance regarding armaments on land. -if Britain allowed her armaments to sink below a certain level, she was (liable to periodical and sometimes absurd panics unworthy of, a great nation, and dangerous to the very heart of the Empire. (Cheers.) The second reason for maintaining Imperialism was that .it was necessary to hold high the flag, keeping it pure and nnalloyed from that Imperialism which, having protection as a basis, sees in protection the surest guarantee of the Empire. Continuing, Lord Rosebery said “I speak with great respect of the self-governing colonies, and do not criticise their tariffs, though from the standpoint of the Empire, those tariffs are not an assistance [but impediments to the union of the Empire. I for one will never consent, except under pressure of overpowering necessity, to a new or more universal tariff springing from the centre of the Empire.” Lord Rosebery continued by stat- : ing that social reform was of great importance, but was useless unless the country kept safe from external aggression. The verdict of the nation made freetrade safe for a long period'' to-come, but lie warned the° Legislature cf three contingencies which might drive Britain from freetrade— firstly, the enormous —perhaps the increasing-pressure of direct taxation compelling them to shift the burden to another source of supply; secondly, the possible necessity of greatly and suddenly increasing armaments, thus compelling them temporarily to forsake freetrade ; and thirdly, ho said: “If it came to a choice—l ■ trust it never will —between Socialism aud Protection —I unhesitatingly prefer Profcetcion.” THE PREMIER’S HEALTH. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman had a quiet night, and is taking nourishment well. ARMY QUESTIONS.

Received March 14, 8.8 a.m. In the House of Lords, Lord Middleton initiated a debate on the army, particularly trained batteries. Lord Roberts urged that 40 efficient batteries would be much more effective than a much greater number of territorial batteries, which, untrained and unorganised. might be a source of danger. He contended ®that to trust “amateur artillerists would[be to court disaster. The country should -be sufficiently garrisoned to protect it from an invader. The debate was adjourned. THE EIGHT HOUR BILL.

Mr Gladstone, receiving a deputation representing the Shipping Federation and Railway Companies, denied that the Miners Eight Hour Bill, would cause an increase of 1? 6J or 2s per ton. He admitted that it would curtail the output. The Bill must be amended on some points. \