BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8051, 16 February 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

UNIONIST UNANIMITY. CLEAR STATEMENTS BY MR. BALFOUR. CHAMBERLAIN A LOYAL LIEUTENANT. FISCAL REFORM. CONSERVATIVE ENTHUSIASM. Received 15. U. 58 p.m. London, February 15. Mr Balfour yesterday wrote to Mr Chamberlain: "The fiscal controversy produced, not uunaturally, an impres. sion which I constantly combated, that the practical difference between fiscal reformers was much deeper than is actually the case.

" The recent oxehango of views be. twecn us, leads ino to hope that tho misconception may be removed, and therewith much friction, injurious to the party. " My own opinion, which I behove ia shared by the great majority of Unionists, may be summarised as follows ;—. " Fiscal reform is, and must remain the first constructive work of tho Unionist party, in its aims to secure for British trade more equal terms of competition. " Secondly • Closer commercial union with the colonies. " Wmlc al present it is unnecessary to prescribe the exact methods of at." taming theso objects, and inexpedient to permit any diff orence regarding these methods to divide the party, and though other means may bo possible, the establishment of a moderate general tariff, not imposed for tho purpose of raising prices nrtilieially or protecting against legitimate competition, and a small duty on foreign com, arc not in principle objectionable, and should be adopted if shown necessary for the ittainmcnt of tho ends in viow, or for the purposes of revcuue."

Received 15,10.15 p.m. London, February 15. Mr Chamberlain replied in a cordially welcome letter: "I entirely agree with the description of the objects both have iu view, and gladly accept tho policy iudieated, as a wise and de. sirable one for tho party to adopt. In endeavoring to give effect to this policy and defending all the Unionist principles, any services I can render are at your disposal."

Earlier iu the day Mr Balfour issued an election address. Jle had no misgivings as to the party's future. They must not forget that in pursuing the duties of the Opposition, they had to prepare the way for thoso fiscal imd social reforms that the country would ultimately require at the Parly's Lands. The City Conservative Association idopted Mr Balfour's candidature with .inlhusiasiu. Mr Balfour, responding, said the ouly thing needful was a cheerful unanimity to enable the minority to earn the right to be again the majority, by showiug some perspective, some power in balan. •ing great matters wherein they agreed, igaiust smail matters wherein they night differ. He anticipated a oertaiu imount of enjoyment from (he struggle wherein they would gradually convert the thinking part of the community to their views.

NEWSPAPER COMMENTS. MERGING THE TWO PARTIES. CHAMBEKLAIN'S TRIUMPH. Received 12.11 n.ui. London, February 15. The newspapers, conimeuting on the correspondence, recognise the impor. taut step of merging the two policies. Mr Balfour's skilful opportunism, in a better sonsc, would bo the means of au immediate unity of the bulk of the party and a gradual constructive pohey. The Liberal organs emphasise Mr Balfour's reservations. The "Morning Post" says that Mr Balfour "has crossed the bridge to tc tain the leadership, while the Freefooders are left on the othor side of the gulf."

"The Times" remark* that tho corrcspondenee leaves no excuse for mis. understandings within the party, or for a persistence of the attempt to divide its allegiance. The impressiou produced on the rauk and filo of tho party would be marked and salutary. The "Daily flew*" s (ntes that Mr Balfour paid a full price for the leadership, when he accepts, as he docs, Mr Chamberlain's maudate.

The "Daily Graphic" says that Mr Balfour's change is as dramatic as it is disagreeable. Il produces a distinct impression of "a journey to Canossa," as a condition of (he cod firmation of the leadership. If the policy is adhercJ to, the paper opines, it will be years before the Conservatives return to power. The new Liberal newspaper, the "Tribune," says that apart from free trade the stalwart Unionists aro definitely committed to protection.

SIUiPLI'S ANTICIPATED. London, February 14. It is understood that Mr Asquitli, i Chancellor of the Exchequer, expects a 4 surplus. Mr Wi11i,,,,, O-lWea is enthusiastic <% about the growing alliance between the "<■ Unionists and the Nationalists. He i declares that n peaceful revolution is , proceeding to Ireland, where the Na- f i tionalists are almost universally ac. 4 ccptiug the policy of conciliation. f