BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8361, 18 February 1907, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

PENALTY FOR BRIBERY. LONDON, February 15. , The House of Commons, > by 192 votes to 190, rejected a motion by Sir Alexander Acland-Hood, that a new writ be issued for an election at Worcester. The Government did not resist the motion. Sir Alexander Acland-Hood, later on, addressing the National Society of Conservative agents, described the decision of the House of Commons as an inconceivably dirty trick. By the rejection of the motion Worcester is practically disfranchised for at least another year. DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE. Received February 17, 4.47 p.m. LONDON, February 16. Mr Harold Cox, member for Preston, moved that it is desirable that the Colonial Conference should discuss the importance of the colonies more fully participating in the cost of defending the Empire. Mr Balfour said we ought not to treat the matter in a bargaining spirit. He did not Sbelieve sthat the naval estimates had diminished one farthing. If they lost the selfgoverning colonies, while the colonies through Imperial connection acquired a great strength of security, yet the connection also envolved some dangers owing to the Empire touching in world politics, many points not directly concerning the colonies. It was impossible to seriously ask the colonies to vote money which somebody else would spend. The more possible proposal would be to arrange a treaty under which the colonies would transfer their troops and ships to Imperial control in the event of Imperial complications. Though he earnestly deprecated even i pressing that. While not abandoning the hope of closer political relations between the Motherland and the colonies the ideal was not now in sight. The loose organisation of the Empire had its advantages and disadvantages, but he was sure it would be better to rely on voluntary assistance than attempt to give it a rigid involuntary character. We get more out of the colonial, said Mr Balfour, by loyal, voluntary and patriotic enthusiasm than by any hard and fast organisation. (Cheers). Mr Churchill said the Motherland declined to haggle over a bargain with her children, respecting the precise amount of military contribution or commercial treaties. Without the colonies Britain would still be compelled to maintain a fleet, while he would depreciate any hard commercial bargain. He held that it was the colonies' duty to contribute as occasion arose to our common defensive needs. "We make no demand whatever," said Mr Churchill, "they give voluntarily and we accept gladly." The amendment was withdrawn. WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE BILL. LONDON, February 15. The advocates of women's suffrage are greatly delighted that Mr Dickenson's Women's Suffrage Bill has drawn firsts place on the order paper for measures introduced by private members. Received February 17, 4.45 p.m. LONDON, February 16. Mr Dickenson's Women's Suffrage Bill has been read a first time.