IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2551, 12 July 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

A BY-ELECTSON. A MINISTErTrE-ELECTED. United Puess Association— CorYiiiGin (Received July 11, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 10. Mr. ,H. L. Samuel has been re-elected for the Cleveland Division of Yorkshire by 6296 votes, against Mr. W. Lewis’ 5325. ' [At the last general election Mr. Samuel was returned unopposed.] THE IMPERIAL BUDGET. CONFERENCE OF LIBERAL EDITORS. Thirty editors of Liberal newspapers met Mr. Lloyd-George and the Budget League. The proceedings were, private.' THE IRISH LAND BILL. GOVERNMENT NARROWLY * ESCAPE'DEFEAT. In the House of Commons, in committee on the Irish Land Bill, Mr. Redmond’s amendment to omit the increase to purchase an annuity, which, under the first clause, is intended to provide sufficient interest to ensure the issue of three per cent, stock, was supported by Mr, G. Wyndham (Chief Secretary Tor Ireland in the Mr. Balfour’s Government) and other Unionists, but was negatived by 184 to 149, amid great excitement. Then a small amendment standing in Mr. Birrell’s {the present Chief Secretary's) name was carried by 177 to 143. Finally a motion that the clause stand part of the Bill was carried by 172 to 140, amid Unionist cries of “Drop the Bill.” J The sparse attendance of Liberals .was due to the strain of the all-night sitting and the distractions of the Budget campaign in the provinces. The Welsh members are deliberately abstaining from all debates on the Bill because the Welsh Disestablishment Bill was shunted in its favor. As a result the Labor Party alone saved the Government yesterday from defeat. Messrs Belloc, O’Grady, Thorne, and Clyno {Labor members) voted with the minorities. There was unfavorable complain throughout yesterday’s debate that the first clause should bring land purchase to an absolute deadlock. Mr. Birrell argued that the provisions were just and fair.