TARIFF REFORM.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 14, 15 January 1913, Page 5

TARIFF REFORM.

THE UNIONIST BREACH

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(United Press Association.)

London, January 13

Mr Austen Chamberlain, speaking at Acocks Green, said that the Unionists Avere passing through a crisis. He Avas unable to share the responsibility if a decision was reached. He Avas afraid that the changes would be calamitous to the party and a misfortune for the Empire.

A FIGHTING SPEECH

London, January 14

Mr Chamberlain added that he did not Avish to increase the leaders’ difficulties. The Ashton speech had failed to allay the restlessness created by the Albert Hall speech. Although lie Avas not consulted about the Ashton speech, with Avhich he did not Avholly agree, he Avas prepared to subordinate bis vieAvs to those of bis leader. He Avas still ready to do so if the position Avere unchanged, but the position had changed. The timid ones had become frightened at the strong upholders of the policy, and had become puzzled. Uncertainty had spread Avitli the Avidespread movements to postpone preference. He believed that food duties Avere necessary to afford justice to their OAvn agriculture. It Avas impossible to secure community of interests bctAVsen different parts of the Empire without them. He urged his colleagues to throAV their whole strength into the campaign, and not to cease their efforts until they had destroyed the rnis-representation Avith Avhich their policy had been clouded. He still believed that this Avas the most courageous and the Avisest course, but the party’s decision Avas against him. He, for the first time, Avas unable to share the responsibility of the decision. Tie could not turn back himelf, unsay Avhat he had said, or pretend to like the changed attitude. A REFERENDUM OR AN ELECTION. London, January 14. Mr F. Smith, Unionist member for Liverpool, speaking at CrickleAvood, said that the only difference amongst the Unionists Avas whether if food taxes Avere decided on the proposal should be submitted to the country by referendum or at a general election.