IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2400, 15 January 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

SPEECH BY WINSTON CHURCHILL. A CHALLENGE TO THE LORDS. United Press Association. Copyright (Received Jan. 14, 9,3-5 pan.) LONDON, Jan. 14. Mr. Winston Churchill, speaking at Birmingham, said lie regretted that the great home of militant radicalism had fallen into the grip of a narrowminded set of Liberal Unionist politicians, without a single generousprinciple of government. He did not deny that the recent bye-elections involved a sensible reaction of feeling of an unfavorable character, but such elections were insufficient to deflect thfj. Government’s policy one hair’s breadth. The Government would only dissolve at the time most advantageous to the general interest of the progressive cause. He ridiculed the air of 'solemn humbug with which .Lord Lansdowne habitually invested the proceedings pf the House of Lords. Effective, far-reaching reform of the House of Lords must be an issue at the general election whatever tho result. No Liberal Government at any future time would assume office without securing a guarantee that reforms would be carried out. After claiming that the Government had dono much legislatively, and was able to do much more, Mr. Churchill challenged the Lords to force a dissolution by rejecting the next Budget if they really desired a speedy appeal to the country. Personally he would be quite content to see the battle fought as speedily as possible upon jtiieplain, .simple issue of aristocratic rule against representative government, between reversion to protection and maintenance of freetrade, between a tax on bread and a tax on “well never mind what.” This statement was greeted with laughter.