THE FISCAL ISSUE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 171, 23 July 1904, Page 2

THE FISCAL ISSUE.

*— ■ REPORT OF THE TARIFF COMMISSION. A FREE TRADE PROPAGANDA. LONDON, July 91/ The Tariff Commission recommends the revision of the fiscal system la "order to check "dumping," maintain exports Abroad, develop colonial In* dustrios, and Increase employment. It believes this is attainable by means of a general tariff ol low •dtt> . ties for foreigners, admitting British wares on fair terms, and a tower preferential tariff for the colonies | giving adequate preference to Britlsjh | manufactures and framed wita a view to securing freer trade within • the Empire, a maximum tariff of comparatively high duties, but subject.to reduction by negotiation to a .level-. general tariff, and a proviatooal scale of duties for a general tariff affecting the iron and ateel iadueA* ries, The commission suggest* tfcat iron ores should be free, tbatantaig, iron there should be a duty.of 4-pef< cent., and on other classes of 4| to' 10 per cent. None of the higher ; e»' gineering machinery, •nipbtdMiag" material, hardware, hoUoware, .o> cutlery are dealt with, out will ton* tho subjects of subsequent repotta> ■■ The Standard says the Commit*'' sion's report is not impartial, ■ tad that the -verdict was, determined" oa before the case had been aubafetMl to inquiry, To be of value it muff' be regular, formal, and authoritative.

The Times says no such comprehensive or scientific investigation Of matual vital facta In connection with i great industry was ever submitted to the public.

The Chronicle characterises It, n ft pretentious report made to order. The Duke of Devonshire advises ttm Free Trade Unionists to have nothing to do with tho liberal Union-' Ists' Council, and announces that the Freo Trade Union Association if preparing an aggressive policy. ". .-'■ SPEECH BY MR CHAMBERLAIH> (Received July 22, 11.27 p.«.) '>'. LONDON. July 32v < Speaking at the first annual meet* ing Mr Chamiberlain congratulated the Tariff Reform League on the progress of the movement. He rfpitekei confidence of success at no diataat,. date. ■ - >• ■■-'