CABLE NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 203, 23 September 1903, Page 3

CABLE NEWS

*T IMOTBIO TIiBORAPH—OOPZMOFJ, FISCAL REFORM. FSB PKEBS ASSOCIATION. London, September 21. The Spectator directs attention to the lata 'om Hughes' proposal that every portion of tho Empire should be free to propose whatever tariff was needful for revenue wish an agreed 1 discount B»y of 10 per cent on all goods I marufactured within the Empire. Many of the Ministers are going backwaida and forwards to the King at Br'.aural. Lord Bt four cf Burlf igh, and Mr W. Elliott are Cobdenite eeceders, PROBABLE LINES OF MR CHAMBERLAIN'S SCHEME. Received 22,10.48 p.m. • London, September 22. The St. Janm Gazette au hcritatively declares tjiat Mr Chamberlain discountenances the formation of a party hostile to Mr Balfour, though he is prepared to seek a mandate for preferential tariffs, believing that there is a serious decline in the colonial trade. He considers it impossible to sabroit a cut and dried scheme without negotiating with ] the colonies and foreign countries, and • that probably it will suffice to place a 2a doty on corn, 5 per cent, on meat, dairy produce, and partly manufactured goods, and an average of 10 per cent, on wholly manufactured goods. The tazM on tea and sugar might be taken off.

The colonies have already announced that they are willing to meet Great Britain if they are afforded a small preference, Germany, France, and other protectionist countries have already assured Britain that they are ready to negotiate if duties are imposed. It is more more than probable that Ifr Ohamberlain will visit Canada, Australia, and South Africa. If the country sanctions the scheme it is hinted that preference will be conceded to Australian meats and wines. Pekth, September 23. The Premier has cabled deplorirg the loss which the Empire tustained by the resignation of one of the greatest colonial Ministers the Mother Country has produced, and wishing Mr Chamberlain God speed in his missioD. MB BXDDON'd MFSSAGE HB CHAMBERLAIN'S REPLY. Wellington, September 22. Ur Seddon sent the following cable to Mr Chmberlain on Saturday: - *• Though he colonies are losing the best Secretary of State and fiiend they ever had, I sincerely believe you have, under the extraordinary conditions oh taining at Home, acted wifely, and wilt be able to do more for clos'r uni"n as a citixoc, uotrammoled, than as Secre tary of 3tate. Do not be discouraged, as to obtain reforms ever entails great sacrifices. Your chivalrous action and sacrifice for the Empire will never be forgotten." Mr Chamberlain's reply dated yesterday was:—" Thanks for kind message. Yery gratJul for your constant and generous ro-operation."