The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-06-09
Mr.. Gladstone Accepts the Issue as One Of
Political Life or Death, and Is Beat
en- by Twelve Votes
The Announcement of the Result Causes
a Scene of Great Excitement.
Expectation that Mr.. Gladstone Will Call
on the Queen To-Day and Tender the
designations of the Ministry
THE TAX ON SPIRITS.
An Animated Debate i'm the British Commons
Defeat of the Ministry.

An Animated Debate in the British Commons
Defeat of the Ministry.
LONDON, June 8.-Mr Henry Labouehere
Radical, this afternoon, in the House of Com
mons, gave notice of his intention to oppose the
proposed parliamentary grant of $4,000 per
annum as dowry to Princess Beatrice on the
occasion of her marriage.
The Right Hon. William E. Forster, Liberal,
gave notice of his intention to introduce mo-
tion opposing the imposition, as proposed in the
budget of heavy duty on colonial and foreign
securities payable to bearer.
MIR. Childers, Chancellor of the Exchequer,
announced that the government had decided not
to refund to the tax payers the amount of the in
creased duty on spirits paid over and above the
extra shilling per gallon, finally decided on, be-
cause consumers had been charged higher rates
after the announcements of the original increase.
The government would, however, Mr. Chiders
added, cause an inquiry to be made to ascertain
if there existed sufficient reason to modify this
decision.
Mr.. Childers had no sooner done explaining
the governments reason for not at present re-
funding the tax, than the Right Honorable Sir
Michael Edward Hicks Beach, Conservative, rose
quickly and asked why it was that Liberal
government, which ought to be eco
nomical, had to resort to extreme forms
of taxation in order to meet an extraordinary
expenditure of Ell, 000 This question was
greeted with cheers from the Tory benches. Sir
Michael went on and denounced the increased
duty on spirits He said the receipts from spir-
its were already decreasing. He thought that
small increase in the duty on tea would have
been wiser and much more profitable The
government, he continued, should have
raised the duty on wines, beca~se wine
was no more q necessity of lite
than beer and spirits. Sir Michael concluded by
moving that the proposed increase in the duty
on snirits and beer was inequitabe in the alb
sence of a corresponding addition to the duty on
teat<-
Mr.. John Cross, Under Secretary for India,
spoke for the government in answer to number
of questions concerning attacks reported to have
been made the government by Gen. Sir
Peter Lumsden. Mr.. Cross assured the House
that Sir Peter since his arrival in London. had
disavowed any intention to attack the government
and did not consider himself answerable for the
incorrectly reported utterances attributed to
him by journalists inclined to msrepresent him.
Mr.. Childers moved the second reading of the
budget. and, in his supporting speech, explained
that of the total increase in the beer and spirits
duties England pays -ninths, SEQ tland
one-ninth and Ireland one-ninth.
Sir Charles Dixie supported the budget He
said that tea was already taxed enough.
further tax on wines would not be very product
i've, and would injure colonial trade.
Sir Stafford Northcote and others having
spoken. Mr.. Gladstone arose to say that he
thought the opposition was creating precedent
which they would regret when they came into
power again. The previomEreduction of wine
duties had a beneficial ffect in prevent
ing adulterations and increasing trade many
hundred times. 1t would be most impolitc to
increase the wine duty unless under the most
extreme pressure. The government was com
PEELED to raise money in view of the impending
danger to the empire-a danger which,
now, he was unable to say had passed away. The
opposition cavilled at this mode of raising the
money, without suggesting an alternative. Tea
would require an additional tax of 3 ptnce per
pound to produce the same amount as the tax
proposed spirits. The government had to
choose between alcoholic liquors and tea and
sugar. They would accept the issue of the vote
as one of life and death, and did not envy those
who. if they gained victory would have to
bear the consequences.
Mr.. Gladstone's remarks received with
prolonged cheers. The government was defeated
on the second reading. the budget being rejected
eeGS4 to 225 When the result was announced Lord
Randolph Churchill and Mr.. Parnell jumped upon
their seats and enthusiastically waved their hats,
and the cheering renewed Thirty-nine
Parnellites and all the Conservatives voted with
the majority. The minority included Sir
Michael Bass, the brewer, and several Irish
members.
The following is another account of the scenes
in the House of Commons after the division:
When the result of the division was announced,
Mr. Gladstone, who had been leaning forward in
his seat, and cynicay smiling started,
turned pale, and clutched his hands to-
gether nervously. Members yelled, standing and
waving hats, neck-tes and handkerchefs.
There was tumultuous cheering from the gal
leries, as the Parneltes yelled at Gladstone:
THAT is the price Of coercion!" Down with
Buckshot Forstern Remember Miles Joyce!'
Mr. Gladstone rose to move an adjournment,
but stood in his place fully minute before he
could be heard.
Tremendous excitement was caused by the
announcement of the result of the division. Mr.
Gladstone Immediately adjourned the House 1t
is confidently rumored that Gladstone will visit
the Queen tomorrow, and tender his resgna-
ton.