BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9152, 22 May 1908, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

A FISCAL SKIRMISH. "Press Association—Copyright. London, May 31. In the House of Lords the Duke of ."Marlborough initiated a fiscal debate. Earl .‘Cromer emphasised what >he described as the absurd and the intolerably minute classifications of the Australian tariff. He complained that there'was only a slight prospect of changes in colonial protective tariffs, and urged that the Motherland should leave well alone. Yiscount Milner declared that the question was whether we intended to he the principal sellers to the colonies. One or two treaties like

the Franco-Oanadian, and our position in the Canadian market would he destroyed. EMPIRE DAY. , In view of the largely increased celebrations being arranged for Empire Day, Mr Asquith has been critised in many quarters for the Government refusing its official recognition. In the House of Commons. Captain Craig (member for East Devon) proposed to introduce a Bill providing for the display of the Union Jack on certain occasions in the United Kingdom, more particularly on Empire Day, and hoisting it on the national schools of Ireland, where, it was stated, a majority of parents, children and managers acquiesced. The Nationalists forced a division for leave to introduce the Bill, which was refused by 156 to 88. Received May 32, 8.10 a.m.

It is expected that 6,500,000 children will parade on Empire Day, nearly 3.000,000 in Britain. The Times says that Lord Cromer in mocking the Australian cla -sification, mocks the practice of every commercial nation except Britain, which is to carry insular prejudice rather far. THE EDUCATION BILL. In the House of Commons the Education Bill was read a second time by 370 to 205. The minority included 64 Nationalists, S. Samuels, C. O’Donnell, D. Thomas, Jowett, Macpherson, O’Grady and Grayson. Although Mr Asquith was more conciliatory than the other Ministers Mr Balfour was unable to elicit more than a statement that the Government was willing to consider suggestions for amendment of the Bill compatible with its fundamental principles.

WOMANS’ SUFFRAGE,

Mr Asquith, in reply to a deputation of Liberal members of the House of Commons in favour of women’s suffrage, said he recognised the impetus the movement had gained in recent years. He was not convinced, but had an open mind, and, if in connection with a comprehensive Electoral Reform Bill which the Government intended to pass before the end of Parliament an amendment was proposed in favour of women’s suffrage, the Government would leave it to the decision of the House and not oppose it if the change was proposed on democratic lines. He added that he was aware two-thirds of the Ministers favoured women’s suffrage. In connection with Mr Asquith’s

reply in the House of Commons on the question of women’s suffrage, Liberal newspapers say it implies practically adult suffrage, and that if the Lords reject it, it will become a practical issue at the general election. Some Conservative speakers recently expressed the opinion that Mr Asquith was gradually and •steadily preparing for a dissolution. Received May 22, 8.37 a.m. Suffragettes visited Mr Asquith’s residence, in Downing street, and demanded a moi'e definite statement of Government’s intentions as to ■enfranchisement. Mr Asquith sent word that he had nothing to say, but the suffragettes demanded a personal interview, declaring that they intended to follow Mr Asquith’s advice and keep on rowing. Six were arrested.

Miss Pankhurst declares that in view of the absence of a definite pledge that Government will take action this session, the suffragist campaign will be vigorously pursued. STANDARD SMELLS A RAT. The Standard says that Mr Asquith is affording facilities for the introduction into the Reform Bill of Woman’s Suffrage, if Parliament approve, and is insistent that in such case Women’s Suffrage must have a wide basis, in other words, be nearly on an equality with the male franchise. This movement is interpreted in some circles as inspired by,a desire to reform, believing that women will be opposed to increased taxation on any articles of household necessity. PROPOSED DUTY ON HOPS. Mr Asquith, speaking at the Reform Club, ridiculed the suggestion to impose forty 'Shillings duty on hops, which was equal to a9O per •cent, duty on raw material.

He declared that he was confident that free trade was adequate to meet the cost of Old Age Pensions. On a divison on Mr Craig’s Bill Mr Asquith left the House, and the rest of the Government and many Ministerialists abstained from voting.