THE FISCAL QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 244, 13 November 1903, Page 3

THE FISCAL QUESTION.

Received 12, 9.55 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 12. V!m* r>nily News, {•oniinrntnu v ,vn

ih<' hcoining' iVsi.moinvr.iUh •■lection, says l)mt Mr Ttoakin is using Ohamberhvinism as a big drum to bang at every meeting, simply because he favours protection. Mr Reid's policy of giving a large British preference without conditions was perfectly straightforward, while nothing was more unreal than the offer of Mr Deakin and the Australian protectionists, which would create friction without giving the smallest advantage to Britain. Received 12, 10.59 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 12. ' . The North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, 'by an overwhelming majority, endorsed Mr Chamberlain's proposals. Tiie Unionist press at Birmingham strongly urge that any outside interference would, give Winston Churchill's meeting in the Town Hall a fictitious importance, besides being a'n attack on free speech. It deprecated giving a party complexion to iiscal questions. Barriers have been erected in adjoining streets, and other precautions taken. A good humoured crowd of 5000 assembled outride the Hall. THE BIRMINGHAM MEETING. Received 13, 0.44 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 12. The meeting of '4OOO inside the Birmingham Hall contained a large number of the Opposition element, but the proceedings were orderly. By a gixjat majority the meeting carried a resolution submitted by Mr Winston Churchill recognising the right of the Government to propose retaliation in special cases, but condemning a general protective tariff, including a tax on food as disintegrating the Empire and burdensome to the poor. Mr Churchill declared he was proud of his connection with the Free Food League, and added that Mr Clinm'berlairl was doing what he thought best far the Empire, but what about the landowners and manufacturers pouring cheques into the Tariff League's coffers. It was not all for the Empire's unity and workers' good. He proceeded to argue that protection abroad would bb a failure! especially as regards the workers. To say that protection meant great developed wealth was an economic fallacy. To say it meant the fairer distriti|ution of wealth was unspeakable humbug. (Cheers.)