IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2240, 11 July 1908, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

CABLE NEWS

PROTECTION OF COMMERCE

TREASURY COMMITTEE’S RETORT.

United Press Association, Copy-right

LONDON, July 9,

Tho Treasury Committee appointed in .1 DOG, under tho chairmanship of Mr. Austen Ohamborlain, to inquiro into tho war risks of shipping, reports that it ifi unabld to recommend tho adoption of any form of national guaranteo against war risks of shipping in tho maritimo trade, except that provided by the maintenance of a powerful navy. . ,•. Sir Sydenham Clarke’s separate memorandum contends that the tion of commerce depends entirely on the battle fleet. Ho expresses a strong belief that in modern naval maritimo conditions it is easier to protect commerce than formerly. Sir Sydenham Clarke said ho concurred with the chairman’s draft report oii war shipping risks, but was unable to concur on all points. He considers State action necessary. Ho believes tho exaggeration of war risks might, by imposing a serious check upon the operations of tho mercantile marine, entail grave national danger. If tho State, during the early period of hostilities, could succeed in steadying insurance rates until they rested upon a reasonable basis, it would at•Talti "all .that was necessary. The over-estimate of risks was more to bo feared than actual capture, which, with an adequate navy, . would not reach dimensions constituting a public danger. Sir Sydenham Clarke holds that it is impossible for tho State to sot up in insurance at the outset. He would advocate iv system of indemnity at fixed rates. Ho would suggest that corresponding to tho zones;of voyages, the State lay down a schedule of rates whereby a vessel and cargo proceeding from London] to'Australia would bo charged 2J per cent, via Suez and per cent, via the Cape. Captain Charles Otley signed the report with the reservation that it would be very regrettable if tho inability recommended of State action to-day. should be regarded as definite proof of tho uselessness and iuipracticabaiity of any. future scheme of national grant. • THE NAVAL SCANDAL. MR. ASQUITH REPLIES TO > QUESTION. LONDON, July 9. In tho House of Commons, .replying to Mr, Bellairs, Mr. Asquith said that apart from unverified rumors, the Government had no knowledge of alleged dissension among the senior naval officers. If they discovered the' existence of a state of things in any Way detrimental to the discipline and tho smooth working of the licet, they would not hesitate to take prompt and effective action. . The direction of the naval policy rested with the. Government. It was the duty of the naval officers on active service not to discuss and criticise, out to execute the policy loyally. "

United Press Association. Copyright (Received July 10, 11.20 p.m.)

Lord Beresford declines to communicate anything regarding the sig : nailing incident except to the Admiralty.

BRITISH BEEF SUPPLY.

PROPOSED ENQUIRY.

United Press Association. Coptright

LONDON, July 9. Replying to. Lord Robert Cecil's suggestion that the Government should appoint a select committee to enquire mti> the allegation that the British beeff supply is controlled by foreign capitalists, Mr. Asquith expressed doipt whether such an enquiry would bo productive of useful results. Those poaessing •informatioii hadhetter in thg first instance communicate witli tho Boards of Agriculture an cl Trade.

THE STANDING ARMY.’

A CONTEMPLATED REDUCTION

United Press Association. Copyright (Received July 10, 11.40,p.m.)

LONDON, July TO. The “Daily Mail” says that a section of the Cabinet, including Mr. Lloyd-George and Mr. Churchill, contemplate further reducing the -army by 30,000, reducing the Household Cavalry to one regiment, and reducing the Royal Garrison Artillery land Royal Engineers. • ; 7‘ The '-“Telegraph” appeals to Mr. Asquith to support Mr. Haldane, who resists the proposals, as calculated to bring into grave peril the safetv and honor of the country. ”

IRISH UNIVERSITIES BILL.

A QUESTION OF SECTARIANISM,

United Press Association. Copyright (Received July 10, 10.10 p.m.)

LONDON, July 10. The Nonconformist members of the House of Commons protest that the Irish Universities Bill has become more sectarian during its passage through the Grand Committee. They intend to send a deputation to interview Mr. Birrell on the subject. FREEDOM OF SPEECH,. LABOR PARTY IN ARMS. United Press Association. Copyright (Received July 10, 11.20 p.m.) LONDON, July 10. Labor Party are considering Mr. Keir Hardie’s omission from the Windsor garden party as an attempt by the Court to interfere with the House of Commons’ freedom of debate, in consequence of his action regarding the Reval visit. The party requests tho Lord. Chamberlain to omit tho Labor Party from, similar functions until Mr. Hardio’s name lias been restored. ‘ THE EDUCATION BILL. United Press Association. Copyright (Received July 10, 11.20 p.m.) LONDON, July 10. . The Government will proceed with tho Education Bill at the autumn session. REPORT ON AUSTRALIAN LEGISLATION. LONDON, Jnlyl 9. Mr. Ernest Avess’ report on shop legislation in Australia is published in a WJiito Book. It recognises that it is generaly accepted in Australia that regulative acts .arc desirable and idvautagoous t 0 tho community. MILITARY TRAINING. LONDON, July 9. The House of Commons listened for ten minutes to Mr. Kincaid Smith’s Bill for 48 days’ compulsory military training. It was greeted with laughter and cheers, and was rejected by 250 t 0 34. DAYLIGHT SAVING BILL. LONDON, July 9. Mr. Asquith declined to facilitate tlie passing of tlie Daylight Saving Bill.