THE FISCAL ISSUE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7724, 28 January 1905, Page 3

THE FISCAL ISSUE.

SPEECH BY MR. BALFOUR. Replies to Criticisms. (Received Jan. 27, 11.43 p.m.) LONDON, Jun. 27. Mr Balfour, addressing his constituents and replying to Mr Morley's challenge to sunmiai-i.se his fecal views on a sheet of notepaper, read a half-sheet, as fofcows "I desire an alteration to secure freedom of action, which is impossible while holding that no taxation should be imposed except for revenue. Freedom would strengthen our hands in negotiations. 1 hope the lowering of foreign hostile tariffs may enable us to protect the fiscal independence of those colonies desiring to give us preference, ami check the importation of goods bounty-fed or tariH'-protected and sold below cost price here. I desire closer communion' with the colonies; in all its best modes, 'l'his particular mode is intrinsically oi great importance. We received 'much colonial support, and we were likely to produce great growing commercial tagt\s to the colonies and Motherland, promoting freer mutual trade. Vlence the proposed conference would not be hampered by limiting its instructions. I do not desire to raise'' home prices for the purpose of aiding home production." Continuing his address l Mr Balfour emphasised the difficulties a Liberal Minister would encounter jjf the Liberals were returned to power, especially in regard to South Africa. Nothing was more unsettling than the advent of men denouncing war as unjust or embarrassing than that Britain should be controlled by men whose phrases about troops during the war would never bo forgotten and never forgiven. The success of Chinese labour lia'd converted British workmen in the Transvaal .who were previously most adverse to ir„ and he predicted that Liberals would not abolish the Chinese. Mr Balfour emphasised, in replying to Sir Henry CampbeU-Ilaniierman, the fact t'hat while he retained a working majority he wouM continue to conduct the business of the country..