BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7965, 16 February 1906, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

A GROWING ALLIANCE. UNIONISTS AND NATIONALISTS. Received February IJS, 8.35 a.m. LONDON, February 14. Mr William O'Brien, Nationalist member for Cork, is enthusiastic about tho growing alliance between the Unionists and Nationalists. Ho decl ires that a peaceful revolution is proceeding in Ireland, where the Nationalists are almost universally accepting the policy of conciliation. A SURPLUS EXPECTED. Received February 15, U. 45 a.m. LONDON, February 14. It is understood that Mr Asquith, Chancellor of the Exchequer, expects a surplus at tho close of the financial year. FISCAL REFORMERS AND UNIONISTS. A LETTER FROM MR BALFOUR Received February 15, 9.50 p in. LONDON, February 15. Mr Balfour, yesterday, in a letter to Mr Chamberlain, writes: The fiscal controversy has produced, not unnaturally, an impression, which I have constantly outubated, that tho practical difference of.fisoal reformers is much deeper than is actually the case. Tbo recent exchange of views between us leads me to hope that tho misconception may be removed, and therewith much of the friction injurious to the party. My own opinion, whioh I believe is shared by the great majority of Unionists, may be summarised as follows —Fiscal reform is. and must remain, the first constructive work of the Britisn Unionist party. It aims to secure British trade on more equal terms of competition, secondly a closer commercial union with the colonies, while at present it is unnecessary to prescribe the exact methods of attaining the object and inexpedient to permit a difference regarding these methods to divide the party. Though other means may be possible, tho establishment of a moderate general tariff on manufactures, not imposed for the purpose of raising prices artificially and protecting the manufacturers againHt legitimate competition, and a small duty on foreign oorn, are not in principle objectionable, and should be adoptud if shown to be necessary to the attainment of the endß in view or for purposes of revenue. MR CHAMBERLAIN'S REPLY. Received February 15, 10.15 p.m. LONDON, February 15. Mr Chamberlain, in his reply, states: "£ cordially welcome your letter, and entirely agree with the description of the objects that we both have in view. I am glad to accept the policy indicated as wise and desirable for the party to adopt. In endeavouring to give effect to this policy, and in defending all Unionist principles, any services I can render are entirely at the party's disposal. Eailier in the day Mr Balfour issued an election address. He said he had no misgivings as to the party's future. "We must not forget," said Mr Balfour "when pursuing tho duties of the Opposition, to prepare the way for those fiscal and social reforms that the country will ultimately require at our hands." The City Conservative Association adopted his candidature with euthuGiasm. Mr Balfour, in responding, said the only thing needful was a cheerful unanimity to enable the minority to earn the right to be again the majority, by showing some perspective, some power of balancing great matters, wherein they agreed, against some small matters wherein they might difier. He anticipated a certain of enjoyment in the struggle wherein they would gradually convert the-thinking part of the community to their view. PRESS COMMENTS. Received February 16, 12.14 a.m. LONDON, February 15. The newspapers, commenting on the correspondence, recognise the important Btep of merging the two policies and Mr Balfour's skilful "opportunism," in the hotter seuso of the word, as a means of seouring immediate unity among the bulk of the party, and a gradual constructive policy. The Liberal organs emphasise Mr Balfour's reservation. The Morning Post says that Mr Balfour crossed the bridge to retain the leadership Mr Chamberlain insnires the party's policy, and the Freefooders are left on the other side of the gulf. The Times saya that, the correspondence loaves no excuse] for a misunderstanding within tho party, or for persistence in the attempt to divide its allegiance. The impression produced among the rank and file of the party will be marked and salutary. The Daily News says: Mr Balfour paid the full price for the leadeship in accepting Mr Chamberlain' smaudate. The Daily Graphic says: Mr Balfour's change is as dramatic as it is disagreeable, it produces tho distinct impression of "a journey to Canossa," as a condition of tho confirmation of the leadership. If the policy is adhered to, it will be years before the Conservatives return to power. The new Liberal newspaper, the Tribune, says: Apart from Froetrade stalwart Unionists are definitely oommitted to Protection. (Canossa in the duchy of Modena is where (in the winter of 1006-7) Kaiser Heinrich T V. went to humble himself before Pope Gregory VI. (Hildebrand). When in November, 1887, the Czar went to Berlin to visit the Emperor of Germany, ,fche Standard asked, in a leader—"Has the Czar, geuo to Caaossa"?)

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