Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-08-05
MOVE EXPLAINED.
Chamberlain Talks Of John Bulls
New Tariff Policy.
DONE TO PLEASE THE COLONIES,

Governing, and with the Purpose of
Closer Imperial Relations - Lawson
Brings Up the South African Matter and
Gives Rhodes a Roast-what France Ex-
psct. Of the United States.
London, Aug. THE secretary of state
for the colonies, Chamberlain, answer-
ing question in the house of commons
yesterday or the subject of the deruS-
cfatisn by the government of Great Brit
ain 0 fthe treaties Of commerce with
Germany and Belgium, said the dsnun-
eiation was the unanimous wish Of the
sslf-govesnins colonies, who desire to
deal with the United Kingdom On pref
erentisl terms. Chamberlain added that
at the conference between she colonial
prsmiers ard himself q resolution was
passed unanimously, the Slrbs. 21ace be-
ing that the premiers Of the self govern
ing colonies heartily recommended the
earliest denunciation CT the treaties as
hampering the trade OF Great Britain
and her colonies. ard that it was ac-
sompanied by an important and signifi-
cant resolution, namely. that in the hope
of improving the trade relations be-
tween the mother country and the colo
MES the preJniers present undertook to
confer with their colleagues az to what
result could be secured by "a preference
given by the colonies to the products of
the United Kingdom.
Not a Step Toward Separation
On the receipt Of these instructions.
Chamberlain further explained. her ma
Jesty's government resolved to immedi-
ateiy withdraw the treaties with Ger
many and Belgium. The secretary said
also that the law officers of the crown
We're ROW considering the question
whether the resolution of the Canadian
parliament infringed these treaties. The
Canadian government, Chamberlain
added. has asked TO be allowed to be
represented before the law officers Of the
crown. This was unusual, the colonial
secretary explained, but the request of
the government of Canada had been
grained. In conclusion Chamberlain as
snred the house that the action Of Cam
ada on this matter was not a step to-
ards separation, but distinctly move
1nent against separation. the intention
being to show gratitude and to prove the
loyalty of the colonies.
Another Attack on Rhodes.
~ SSNtu aAIft1H lDslct OF 6ls tSf1t-
ish government was subjected to an at
tack in the commons by Sid Wilfrid
Lawson, Liberal, who also gave Cecil
Rhodes sharp prodding, Calling at
tentioR to the attitude of the secretary
OF state for the ceiopise. !Cn5 pertain.
towards South Afrike. Sir WirTrid cessea
the laters policy as being ''dangereu.
and obstructive to eur reputation
abroad Referring TO Cecil Rhodes Sir
Wilfrid remarked that the ex-premier
of Cape Colony was guilty Of "geach-
cry. betrayal of his sovereign. and dis
loyalty to his colleagues"
Considered IL Closed Incident
Continuing, Sir Wilfrid explained that
Rhodes guilt consisted in falsely dat
ing letter which was very like forgery,
involving bloodshed, murder and con-
Fusion in many parts of the world Yet
all had been indcrsed by Mr. Cham
berlain. who had placed the hou-e Of
commons in the degrading position of
declaring Air. Rhodes to be ar honor
able man. thus making Great Britain
the lauShins-stock of all nations"
Chamberlain, replying to Sir Wilfrid.
declined to reopen questions which
were regarded as settled" He added:
AS TO submitting disputes with the
T'ransvaal to arbitration it would he an
extraordinary course to sabmit to a for
eign tribunal dispute betwsena suzerain
and a subOrdinata state