THE EMPIRE’S TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 931, 2 July 1903, Page 4

THE EMPIRE’S TRADE.

INTERESTING STATEMENTS.

THE CAMPAIGN OPENS IN

OCTOBER

By, Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright. LONDON, June 30.

Mr Chamberlain informed Mr Labouchere that no suggestion had been made to any of the self-governing colonies that they should surrender the liberty 'which they now have for framing customs tariffs, or that any alteration should be made in the practice of negotiating commercial treaties. The colonies would decide whether the Imperial Government should give adherence to commercial treaties on their hehalf. Since the Colonial Conference no communication had passed between the Imperial Government and that of any colony with regard to penalisation by foreign countries, nor had any colonial suggestion been forthcoming as to the manner oE protecting the Empire’s liscal freedom. Lord Portsmouth, in the House of Lords, is enquiring what proposals had been suggested with a view to inducing Germany to treat Canada reasonably. Lord Lansdowne described the objects of the fiscal enquiry. What was wanted was a closer union with the colonies, and means of protecting them and the Motherland from unfair and inequitable competition. The proposals would come after discussion. Lord Rosebery, asked whether the enquiry, was intended to inform . the nation, or as a mere mechanism to keep the Cabinet together. He denounced the enquiry as impalpable, holding that a Royal Commission might publicly enquire into the issues raised, and the nation be taken into the confidence of the Government. Lord Selbourne declared that tne enquiry, must be a grand inquest; of the nation by all classes and parties

and the whole press. The examination, he said, taking place in a period of material prosperity would prpvide a safeguard against any hasty conclusions. Viscount Goschen enquired as to the elements of the enquiry, and asked whether facts would precede the coming political speeches, or the campaign precede the facts., The Duke of Devonshire interpreted 1 the recent speeches delivered by Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain as indicating .the objects of discussion, .which would include the question of old age pensions, inasmuch as there would be a considerable amount of money available. Lord Jersey : The campaign opens in October, Will the Government in the meanwhile announce its policy ? The Duke of Devonshire : It will

he impossible to make any announcement before the end of the session. The subject was then dropped, hut the debate clearly showed, on the authority of Lord Lansdowne and the Duke of Devonshire, that the Government were not committed to any

tariff resolutions. The President of the Liverpool Working Men’s Conservative Association . wrote to Lord Stanley, President of the Liverpool Constitutional Association, stating it was his view that it was actually impossible to judge the merits of the fiscal question. No resolution should ho accepted or motion submitted regarding Mr Chamberlain’s proposals until the enquiry was complete, and the evidence had been studied. Lord Stanley replied, expressing approval of this attitude.