BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7971, 23 February 1906, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

A "NEW" LIBERAL. Reoeived February 22, 8.30 a.m. LONDON. February 21. Mr Austin Taylor, M.P.', for the East Tnxteth division of Liverpool, has joined the Liberals owing to Mr Balfour's letter of the 14th. SPEECH BY MR BALFOUR. "BRITANNIC OANTINur HYPOCRISY." Received February 22, 8.30 a.m. LONDON, Feoruary 21. Mr A. J. Balfour, speairing at a mooting in the City, said the behaviour of Governmment supporters at the elections over the Chinese ques tion was a most scandalous and disgraceful episode in our political history. Foreigners would certainly regard it as a specimen of Britannic canting hypocrisy. It was shameful for motives of more expediency to cast undeserved reflections on colonists. The opinions exoressed in his letter of the 14th, said Mr Balfour, were the same as those expressed in his speech in the City on the 12th and in his utterances at Leeds before the election. HOME RULE. IMPORTANT SPEECH BY MR BRYCE. THE IRISH POLICY NOT YET MATURED. Reoeived February 22, 10.45 p.m. LONDON, February 22. In the House of Commons, Colonel Saunderson moved an amendment to the Address-in-Reply repi esentiu g that many people in Ireland viewed with alarm the statement that the Ministry were cojsidering proposals to effect [ohanges in the system of government, believing that to do so would endanger the liberty and property of the loyalist minority, and would impair the integrity of the United Kingdom. The Right Hon. James Bryce, Secretary for Ireland, refused to reply to unreasonable demands for information while the polioy was still being matured. Everyone in Ireland believed that ohanges Were needed in the system of government. Considering the tranquility prevailing Parliament was justified in further associating the people with the Government. A general spirit of conciliation, prevailed even in Ulster, and the time was propitious for passing measures leading up to self-government. He had long contended that the Government ought to make it clear, it they were beginning a polioy of Home Rule by instalments. Mr J. Dillon congratulated Mr Bryce on a "great honest speech," implying willingness to give Ireland full and free control of their own affairs. The Nationalists would give the Government time to develop their plans. Mr J. Chamberlain said Mr Dillon's congratulations to Mr Bryce reminded him of a boa constriotor halving its prey before devouring it. It was evident that the Ministry was a Home Rule Government, however much they tried atpiesentto conceal their true character. The amendment was rejeoted by 406 votes to 68.