THE FISCAL QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue XXXXV, 5 December 1903, Page 3

THE FISCAL QUESTION.

"CHAMBERLAIN'S MODERN FALLACIES." LONDON, Dec. 3. The Trades Union Pacliamontary Committee 'has issued a manifesto headed " Chamberlain's Modern Fallacies," in which it accuses him of initiating more political adventures and executing more legislative somersaults than any living statesman. It asserts that history, observation, and experience show that a tariff on imported goods did not increase wages, open new markets, or provide old age pensions. Owing to the dumping of Baldwin's iron, tho manuteicturers of Swansea notify that they ore closing down unless the employees propose a substantial reduction in wages. Mr Hugh Bell, managing director of Bell Bros., speaking at a meeting) of Clarence iron workers at Middlesborough, traversed the statements make by Mr W. Brailsford of the Elb)vvale (Wales) steel works as to tho disastrous effect, of dumping, and asked if ruin were impending would thp iron masters have been suth idiols in i§o2 as to Spend hundreds Of thousands of pounds ih hew appliances. Ho 'had no faith ih Mr Chamberlain's nonstrums.

Mr Jessie Collins, speaking at Machynlteth, declared hostile tariffs reduced British exports of roofing slates by £118"-000 in ten years, while £286,000 worth of foreign slates wera imported into Great Britain in 1902. SPEECH BY MR RITCHIE. Received 4, 9.47 p.m. LONDON, Dec. 4, Mr Ritchie, speaking at Croydon, said there was nothing in Mr Balfour's policy opposed to free tralde. It was ridiculous for Mr Chamiberlain to assert that his policy meant higjher wages and more work. It was absolutely childish to ask the colonies not to start competitive industries. No doubt foreign tariffs were a great impediment to trade, but he would not give any Government or Minister tho right to remit or impose taxation unless prepared to tax food. He was not sure that retaliation would be effective, and it was certain that protection would result in dearer food and higher taxation'.