FISCAL REFORM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 225, 20 October 1903, Page 3

FISCAL REFORM.

LORD QOSOHEM RECANTS. MB PHK9B ASSOCIATION. London, October 18. Viscount Goschen (formerly Ohanof the Exchequer), Bpeaking at Passmore Edwards' Hall, declared that! Great Britain was dependent for four- j fifths of her food on oversea supply. Wheat was much cheaper in England than in France and Germany, because we were free trade and they were protectionist. We ought to keep the food channels free. He was formerly wrong in supporting a tax. Would the colonies be satisfied with two shillings duty ? Perhaps if such tax were imposed they would ask for more, and then friction would arise. I

XHS DUKE 07 DEVONSHIRE. London, October 18, The Duke of Devonshire, in a letter to Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, states that be is willing to acoept the presidency of the Unionist Free Food League if its constitution is broadened and its operations extended, and if it is understood it is not opposed to the Government, and that its intention is to propose a tariff legislation for the purpose of the negotiation of commercial treaties and the mitigation of hostile tarifia. He advocates striving fro restrain the Government's action within those limits, and strenuously urges the duty of presenting to the country economical and political arguments ■gunst Mr Chamber] uu's proposes, which ought not be left entirely to the Badical opposition or members of the Oobden Olub, The League unanimously accepted the Duke's conditions. A. VOTK OF CONFIDENCE. Received 19.10.22 pm. London, October 19. Mr Austin Taylor (Unionist), M.P. for East Toxteth, has informed the Divisional Council that he is unable to support Messrs Balfour and Chamberlain's policy. The Council affirmed its confidence in Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain. A LIBERAL MANIFESTO. Received 19,10 60 p,m. London, October 19. The National Liberal Ftderation has issued a manifesto denouncing Mr Chamberlain's recklessness, crudity of views, and unscrupulous use of figures. It expresses consternation at tbe sudden hurling of a fiscal system into a fierce cauldron of pirty strife.