THE FISCAL QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 251, 20 November 1903, Page 3

THE FISCAL QUESTION.

SPEECH BY THE LIBERAL LEADER. LONDON, Nov. 18. Sir 11. Campbell-Bannerman, Leader oi the Liberal Party, speaking at Frome, said the Government hud been patched up in order to break down the Magistrate's discretion regarding public-house licenses. Mr Chamberlain's assertion that the Empire would dissolve it" his policy was not adopted was unfounded. There was no reason lor his jeremiad on British trade, and no> justification for the fiscal revolution. The country would never allow trade to be conducted by Orders in Council at the discretion of Government apprentices. He bailed with satisfaction Lord Rosebery's appeal for Liberal unity ; it would not be long before their principles would prevail. Mr Chamberlain had no right to use the fate of the Empire as a pawn in his game, or wantonly gamble with the loyalty of the colonies. It was a pure invention for Mv Balfour to imply at Bristol that the Leader of the Opposition had ■ warned the colonies against the Government suggestion that they must prevent penalisation of Canada for giving preference. ' 1 merely spoke,' said Sir Henry, 'to put Sir John See and other colonial Ministers on their guard lest they believe that an isolated expression of individual Ministers represents the Cabinet decisions. I accused Mr Chamberlain and Mr Balfour of hoodwinking the country by pretending that they were not committed to a certain policy, when at the same time they were cadging about the world for approval of that policy. I scotched that practice of manufacturing assent in order to commit the Motherland and colonies to a policy which Mr Balfour had not the manliness to avow."

APPROVAL FROM CANADA. Received 19, 10.52 p.m. OTTAWA, Nov, 19. ' The Montreal Board of Trade has endorsed Mr Chamberlain's policy, A PROFESSOR AT WORK, LONDON, Nov. 19. Professor Hewins, Director of London School of Economics, has resigned in order to undertake for Mr Chamberlain important work connected with fiscal details. ENDORSEMENT OF BALFOUR'S POLICY. The Wolverhampton Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Mr Balfour's policy, and approved of Mr Chamberlain's policy conditionally on the cost of living not being increased. THE COBDEN CLUB. Several Frenchmen, honorary members of the Cobden Club, including M. Yoes Guyot, political editor of Le Siecle, denied Mr Chamberlain's statement that the Cobden Club was mainly supported by foreigners, -and declared they never contribute to the funds or interfere with the policy of the Club. MR CHAMBERLAIN FAREWELLED. Received 19, 11 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 19. The Agents-General farewelled Mr Chamberlain at the Colonial Office. Loid Strathcona complimented Mr Chamberlain throughout the period of his office in trying to realise the grand idea of drawing closer the different parts of tho Empire, and broadening and rendering more practical the ties of sentiment. Though the colonies might differ in regard to details, yet they generally desired closer and more effective union with the Motherland, Mr Chamberlain | had done more than anyone to promote Imperial unity and the development of the Empire. He hoped he would soon resume the old office and continue the great work. Mr Chamberlain was touched and gratified at the generous appreciation, and acknowledged his indebtedness for much valuable advice and support from the Agents-General. His many discussions with them and other colonial representatives never resulted In unhappy wrangling, which some supposed were the inevitable result of negotiations. He admitted he felt pain and regret at resigning, but the object was to bring the Empire closer in more definite and more organised communication. This was not merely the highest object of British statesmanship, but a matter of urgent necessity and importance to the Motherland and colonies and the world at large. It was not good for any of them to remain separate entities without close bonds of union. He feared in the clash of Empires none would enjoy uncontrolled, unrestricted independence.

THE AUCKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. AUCKLAND, Nov. 19. The following resolution was passed by the Council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce :—This Chamber strongly deprecates the action of the Government in regard to the preferential tariff in forcing such an important and far-reaching measure through the House at the last moment of the session without first giving time to thoroughly digest details, and also to consult the constituents. Further, in the opinion of the Chamber it would have been much better had 'the Government brought the measure down at an earlier stage of the session.