IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2616, 25 September 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

MR BALFOUR’S SPEECH. United I'iikoh Association —Copyright LONDON, Sept. 23. Mr Balfour, concluding, said that he did not believe that the verdict would be long delayed, but the conflict would not be decided at Westminster. He added: “The only tribunal which can say whether we will go down hill .under socialism or up> hill under tariff reform is the people.’

Mr Henry Chaplin, Conservative member for Wimbledon, moved, and Sir George Doughty, Conservative member for Great Grimsby, seconded, a resolution condemning the Budget and favoring fiscal reform. The resolution was carried with enthusiasm.

The “Standard” states that Mr Balfour has freely and frankly adopted Mr Chamberlain’s full policy.

The “Morning Post” declares that the speech will have the effect of com* • mining the Unionist party to tariff reform in a more decisive way than ever before.

The “Daily News” states: “Mr Chamberlain’s voice is heard once more in a determined call to the Lords to. reject the Budget. We welcome nis clear challenge.”

The “Daily Mail” states: “The speech w r as unquestionably the finest, most determined", keenest, and most incisive Mr Balfour has yet delivered.” The “Times” states: “Mr Balfour’s remark that neither the Lords nor the Commons can take the right or title to decide the issue is so important that it deserves attention. This throws a new light upon what the Lords ought to do. By passing the Budget with its mass of non-Budgetry matter. The Lords would be only joining the Commons in deciding the nation’s future over the nation’s head. The “Westminster Gazette” and the London “Star” emphasise the point as to Mr Balfour’s scheme on the subject of food taxes. They also declare that the speech was lacking in details as to an alternative policy. EXEMPTION FOR SPORTING CLUBS. LONDON, Sept. 23. . Mr Lloyd-George exempts from the new land taxes bona fide sporting and recreation clubs.