The age-herald., 1901-02-19
FIRST DIVISION
 OF PARLIAMENT The Government Normal Ma jOTiI Seriously Gut Down HOT SPEECHES INDUCED IN Trouble Arose Over Some Pro-Boer Statements, and as Result Bal
 four's Ruling Will Cut Off
 Free Speech
HOT SPEECHES INDUCED IN

London, February 19-The first division in the first Parliament of King Edward VII. which took place yesterday, resulted in cutting down to 45 the governments normal majority of 13o. The interest caused by this unexpected event was heightened by Winston Spencer Church. ills first speech at Westminster, and by MT. Chamberlains heated defense of his own policy.
 The extraordinary slimness of the ma jority of this strongest British govern ment of modern times was the result of Lord Cranbornes refusal to answer questions relating to the governments foreign policy without previous notice from the questieners. John Dillon seized the opportunity, and in spite of an unus- ually large attendance, almost placed the Conservative party in Queer" street.
 In an interview after the division MT. Dillon said.
 T have waited long time, but owing to the curious procedure In the House of Commons, I have never had chance really to test the question. 1 know quite we'll that I had the spirit of the house behind me, for members, regardless of party ties, are very jealous of individual privileges. What it all means Is that the government will be obliged to revoke the arbitrary ruling made by MT. Balfeur that under secretaries of state are not obliged to answer questions addressed to them.
 The question is more important than 1t appears to be on the surface, for if MT. Balfeur's ruling should be followed it would prevent the Irish members from questioning the Irish secretary and eventually deprive us of all the rights of free speech. MT. Balfours whips made vigorous efforts, but with such small re- suits that you may be sure this tongue tying ordinance will not any longer be imposed on the House of Commons" Answer to Criticism.
 MT. ChurehilPs maiden speech came in reply to MT. David Lloyd-Georges criti- cism of the conduct of the South African war; in the course of which he had de- nounced the burning of farms and the | keeping of Boer women and children in British laagers on reduced provisions. These charges created a general uproar and provoked angry demand from MT. | Broderick, secretary of state for war, that Lloyd-George should offer evidence to substantiate his assertions. MT. Churchill caught the eye of the speaker and caustically rebuked MT. Llyod- George. He indulged in epigram, such as "No other nation in the world ever TO- ceived so much verbal sympathy and so l little practical support as the Boers.'
 Then he proceeded half humorously and half seriously, to belittle the efforts of the pro-Boer members of the House in behalf of their friends, He main | tained that the war in South Africa had been carried on with unusually humani- | ty, and he closed with the declaration of his belief that at no distant date there | would be an "Anglicized, loyal, peaceful and prosperous Transvaal."
 | Sir Robert Reed, Radical member for l Dumfriesburgh, argued that all this could be accomplished without unnecessary se- verity and without withholding terms. MT. Chamberlain, springing to his feet, stigmatized the speech of Sir Robert Reed | as devoted to abuse of British officers | and the policy of ministers, and to praise l of the enemies of Great Britain. He de- nied that peace with honor was at any time possible before or after the fall Of | Pretoria
 Policy Has Not Varied.
 "Ihe policy of Her Majectys govern ment," he declared, "has not varied. Be 1 fore the invasion of Natal we would have accepted the most moderate concessions but from the moment the invasion occur. red and the Boers had fired the first shot l the government determined that not ons l shred of the independence which the Boers had abused should ever again bt | conceded to them"
 The conservatives, cheering furiously | | benches at this assertion and made the chamber ring again and again. 'The | government" continued MT. Chamber. lain, challenged the opposition at ths | general election on the issue of annexa- tion. We challenge you again" QRenewed cheering)
 Tonight six pro-Boers have spoken and not a single liberal imperialist.
 Sir Robert Reed objected to the term "Pro-B Boer but MT. Chamberlain stuck | to his guns.
 T maintain" said he, that there Is nc other name for the men who believe ev- cry scandalous libel on British officers and soldiers"
 Don't insult us," shouted Sir Robert.
 Continuing, MT. Chamberlain said:
 '"The struggle has come. It originated in the determination of the Boers to se- cure the ascendency in South Africa. I believe that in spite of the sacrifices made, this country is of the same mind as when It entered upon the struggle and will spare no effort to bring it to close and will support no party which seeks to stultify the object In view"
 Amid ringing cheers Mir. Chamberlain, "the head and shoulders of the war;" as MT Dillon describes him, resumed his seat and the House adjourned.
 Previous to MT. Dillons question of privilege and the taking up of the war T ,fa ta f1ax z. l., the speech to the throne. the debate in the Commons had chiefly been confined to China.
 SHOOTING TOURNAMENT.