IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 71, 16 November 1912, Page 8

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

AN OPPOSITION RALLY

NO REGRETS. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press 'Association.) London, November 15. Mr Rnnar Law, at the Albert Hall, after fully concurring' with Lord Lans - downe’s tariff reform as a first constructive plank, declared that the party’s immediate duty was to get rid of the present Ministers, quoting Mr Lacky’s description of the Government as gamblers and adventurers. It was the worst possible Government. If allowed to carry out its programme it would lead the country headlong tc ruin. Its one constructive effort in Parliament was an Act which was a machine for destruction, but would prove a boomerang, wounding its wield ers. The Government was responsible for Wednesday’s scene. He did not regret Wednesday’s disturbance. Had the resolution been carried, the House of Commons would have been destroyed. The Opposition would share the responsibility. The audience sprang to its feet and cheered, hooting the Prime Minister’s name, some freely using the forbidden word /‘traitor.” Mr Bonar Law added that he would lie glad if, through the Speaker, r way out could he found enabling tin resumption of the discussion, even under truncated Parliamentary forms, but that would not terminate the crisis (Cheers.) The Unionists would try tf wreck Home Rule in the House of Commons, hut if it became law they would not try then; they were sure tn wreck it. (Cheers.) The Unionist: ins'sted that the Bill should he submitted to the electorates. They would thus try to avert a calamity greater than the degradation of the House o' Commons, namely, civil, war within the United Kingdom.

TARIFF REFORMS. ENTHUSIASTIC UNIONISTS. London, November 15. Ten thousand Unionists, at a gather ing in the Albert Hall, gave an ovatini to Sir Bonar Law, lasting five minutes. Ulstermen brought the larg est Union Jack in the world, am stretched it full length on the plat form. Lord Lansdownc made an important announcement of policy. He remarked that- the Unionists, if they wit the general election, will he free to undertake tariff reform and enter into reciprocal arrangements with thm Dominions without further reference tr the constituencies. Reform was their foremost plank, and there must be a free bargain with the Dominions. Each side would doubtless think most of a I of its own people, but both must think of the Empire. If the Dominions ask us to return the substantial advantage they should bo prepared tc want us to grant them a moderate duty on foreign wheat, sufficient to bring to the Mother Land’s market unlim'ted supplies. All Canadian and Australian Unionists should examine the proposal, undeterred by the cry or taxation of food. The Unionists were nrepired to give a two fold undertaking: .Firstly, to fix the precise limits of fi nch taxes so ns not to exceed the limits without the people’s further authorisation ; secondly, any revenue such as taxes to ho devoted to the alleviation of the workers’ burdens and thus make good Mr Balfour’s assurance that colonial reciprocity would not involve the workers’ cost of living. THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION. (Received 8.10 a.m.) London, November 15. The Government on Monday propose negativing Sir F. G. Banbury’s morion, and-will introduce a financial resolution differing from the original. THE KING CONSTANTLY INFORMED. Viscount Knollys, in a prolonged interview with Premier Asquith and the Speaker on Wednesday night, said the King was constantly informed of developments. WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. The Liberals are disappointed at the loss of time. Some contend that the acceptance of the Speaker’s suggestion may he interpreted* to mean a double defeat. 1 It is expected that the Welsh Disestablishment Bill will he dropped, as it is doubtful whether the Home Rule Bill will pass the House of Commons by Christmas. The Banbury motion will in nowise be bluntly rescinded. ' It is understood the Commons will firstly adopt an amended timetable and thus put the situation in a regular way, and they will then proceed to the discussion ol the financial resolutions as though nothing untoward had occurred. Last Monday’s resolution as amended will ho put and negatived in favour of the new one and the Premier’s rescinding motion will thus he dispensed with, the best pou pon.