IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 137, 11 June 1903, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE CORN TAX. —— i A MOMKNTOUS DEBATE. ] P«:r Press Association. i Received 11,12.2 ajn. j London, June 10. In the Commons Mr Chaplin moved an amendment to the Budget, that the remission of tho Corn Tax is needless, and will injuriously disturb trade, and tbat it is preferable to reduce the duty on tea. Sir M. Hicks-Beach regretted the repeal of the tax, which was fiscal, notproteetional. If the Cabinet and the House I had received his proposals for reducing the enormous increase in expenditure , with less indifference, he wpuld s'ill have been Chancellor of the Exchequer. < Tbe repeal of the corn tax appealed i directly to th« bar of Mr Chamberlain's i proposal?. Year after year, withoui a • whisper of disagreement fr> m his col- < league?, he had opposed colonial preference with reg*rd to wines, tea, i sugar, corn, and flour. If Mr Chamberlain persisted, he would destroy the Unionist party. Mr Ritchie, Chance'lor of the Exchequer, doubted if an inquiry would show any practical mems of cirrying out preferential treatment. He did not support the policy, which was detrimental to tbe Motherland and the Colonies. Hitherto, members of the Government, whan referring to preferential tariffs, hid tp.&en only for themselves. Mr Ritchie intimated his intention to remove the duty on molasses under 50 degrees. SPIJr IN THE UABINET. DISSOLUTION IMMINENT. Received 11,0.26 a-ta. London, June 10. The debate in the Commons on Mr Chaplin's amendment was dramatic. Despite the Speaker's ruling there were many animated references to the preferential tariffs. There was much excitement and bewilderment in the lobbies, some predicting Mr Ritchie's resignation, others that Mr Chamberlain would resign. In official circles it is believed Mr Balfour will endeavour to po?'pone a dissolution until legislative effect has been given to pending domestic reforms. Some fear is entertained that Cabinet distentions will cm-e Unionist lukewarmness over tbe liish Land Bill, but the Govercment is confident the Nationalists' a'sUtance will render the passing of that Bill safe The situation is singulatly interesting, being comparable to that in 1886 when Mr Gladstone was defeated over his Irish land poli< y. The Standard says Mr Ritchie's direct challenge to Mr Chamber hin created a profound impression and disclosed a wide cleavage in the Cabinet. It is anticipated a o isis will not arise until tbe issue is submitted to the country in a more definite form. Received 11, 046 a m. London, June 10. The debate on Mr Chaphn'd amendment was adjourned. Sir W, H. Fowler, during the dig; cossion, said the country wou'd certainly repudiate a scheme to revolutionise i's fiscal policy. Mr A. R. D. Elliott, the new Financial Secre ary to the Treasury, endorsed Mr Ritchie's opinions.