IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 61, 30 July 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE LIBERAL POLICY. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright London, July 28.

Colonel Seely, speaking at Northampton, anticipated a long lease of life for the Government, and many successive Liberal Governments with a majority. Ireland asked for Home Rule, and the Liberals as democrats must acquiesce. It would be a mistake when they had got so near to dash the cup of reconciliation from the lips of Ireland, which represented the one dangerpus position in our Imperial relations. Mr. Runciman, speaking at Easton Grey, denounced the idea of rating land higher because it was put to better use, and buildings because they were improved. The man having a bad cottage ought to be penalised, and the mail with a good cottage helped. This was one benefit of the Liberal land policy.

THE TEA DUTY. London, July 28. During the debate on the tea duty, Mr. Lloyd George incidentally stated that the present Government had reduced food taxes over live millions. THE CREWE ELECTION. London, July 28. Mr. Craig, in a speech at Crewe, attributes his victory to the advocacy of tariff reform and preference to overseas dominions. Mr, Murphy, Liberal candate, said that the Unionist victory was due to a split among the progressive parties. Mr. Holmes declared that many workers voted for the Liberal candidate, fearing that Mi. Craig would win.

LABOR MEMBERS' SPEECHES,

London, July '2B.

Mr. Philip Snowden (Labor M.P.) speaking at Blackburn, said thnt Labor would continue to fight for an independent, representation.

Mr. Arthur Henderson. M.P.. said that the Labor policy iii cfwneetion with the elections would he dictated solely by the interests of their own movement. He welcomed the present unrest, and the new consciousness .that was taking possession of the great masses of. the people, who were dissatisfied with the social extremes. The "down tools" policy was going to destroy the old policy of recognition.

THE FAT IX THE FIRE. London, July 28. There was a great Unionist demonstration at Blenheim, at which many members of Parliament and thousands of delegates from all parts were present. The Duke of Marlborough presided.

Mr. Bonar Law said the result of the Crewe election was not merely an indication of dawn, but a sign that the sun had risen. (Prolonged cheers.) The Prime Minister touched the lowest depth of humiliation in accepting a welcome from the Corporation of Dublin, who had refused to welcome the King. As the Government was a revolutionary eomm'tt«e, which had fraudulently seized 'despotic power by means of singlechamber rule, the Unionists must use whatever means seemed most effective in compelling it to face the people whom it had deceived. He warned the Government that if it attempted to use troops against Ulster it would be the starting of a civil war, shaking the Empire to its foundations.

TROUBLE IX BELFAST. London. July 28. Harland, Wolff and Co. have intimated that, owing to the continuance of assaults and intimidation, departments have been closed where specially skilled workmen are responsible for working the power plant. They were molested and ceased work, and cannot lie replaced. The whole establishment therefore is gradually closing.

PROTECTION FOR BRITAIN. London. July 2S. Among the notable expressions used br Mr. Bonar l/'W at Blenheim, much attention was aroused by (lie strong encouragement be gave to Ulster resistance and the promise to support them to any lengths Ulster might go, also by I lie sta I emen:t that fiscal reform would b" the !ir>.t phuik of his platform. Mr. Asimith's legislation bad, he said, raised the cost of product ion, and it would he common --ense lo compensate the people with pri fevi niT in their own market. Ife did lioi sei'k a preference henetiiing (he colonials at the expense of the British, which Canada anil Australia would repudiate. lie desired to urge reciprocal preference and co-operation with the Empire in peace and war. The Commonwealth and Dominions were going to do an immense trade, and it rested with England whether she ov her competitors should have the leading share.