New-York tribune., 1901-04-19
CREDIT GIVEN THE CHANCELLOR
CONGRATULATED ON JUST DISTRIBUTION
OF THE BURDENS OF TAXATION.

OF THE BURDENS OF TAXATION.
London, April 19.-On the whole the statement
of Sir Michael Hicks Beach, which was listened
to by ]. Pierpont Morgan. among others, from
the Distinguished Strangers Gallery, appears to
nave been fairly well received; and the Chancel-
ior or the EXchequer is generally congratulated
upon just distribution of burdens. A heavier
addition to the income tax had been expected
and the fact that only twopence were added
brought a feeling Of relief
The Liberals in the lobby declared that the
Budget proposals afforded them the best cleo
tioneering weapon they had had for twenty
years. One Liberal figured out that the war
had cost fl 900 for every Boer killed.
There is little doubt that, in raising new taxes
instead Of increasing old ones, Sir Michael
Hcks-Beach has courageously courted much
hostility and given the Liberals an opportunity
to close their ranks and to attack the govern
ment on its financial policy. Many Ministerial
lists are dissatisfied because the government has
failed to grant differential treatment to the
Colonies in the sugar tax. In the course Of an
editorial on this point The Daily Mall, re-
preaching the government with a failure to
show gratitude to Queensland and Natal, says
few words from the Chancellor of the En-
chequer would have upset the whole bounty
system. But they have not been spoken On
the contrary, the Chancellor of the Excheauer
appears hopeful of an increase in bounties
cheapening sugar for Great Britain, but at the
same time completing the ruin of the Colonies
1t does not seem to strike him that infini-
tesimal decrease N the price of sugar would be
miserable compensation for driving the West
indies into the American Union.
The coal duty however seems destined to
excite the keenest opposition 1t has created
CONSERVATION in Wales and the North of Eng
land The North Country exporters to the Con-
tnent assert that the duty will almost prevent
effective competition abroad with Westphalian
coal. In South Wales it is urged that the duty
will injure the miners and materially assist the
United States and Germany
William Abraham, Radical Member for Gla-
morganshire, who is president of the Welsh
Miners Federation, said yesterday in the course
Of an interview that he was extremely surprised
at the proposal of such tax, adding:
The ultimate result will probably be the
closing down of scores of Welsh coeries and
the throwing of thousands out of employment
Such a tax is wrong IN principle and VIII inev-
bly, cause the overthrow OF the government
The shipping interests, which are very power
full in the House of Commons. also strongly
opposed the coal duty. Altogether. although
the government organs have little but praise for
the Budget, they fain would admit that if the
near future to bring bye-elections the
suits might be unfavorable for government can
didates.
The entire press, Liberal and Conservative
alike, is loud in praise Of the courage, honesty
and candor OF Sir Michael Hicks-Beach's state
ment, which was delivered with great ability and
lucidity. but without any attempt at rhetoric.
Never before have the immense sacrifices en-
tailed by the war in South Africa been so
brought home TO the nation. The Chancellor OF
the Exchequer sketched the situation in hard.
pitiless outlines. Il aim transient popu-
larity,' he said II ask for cheers. and 1
expect none I come O tell the nation he truth
and the whole truth. 1t is necessary for the
salvation Of the nation that should do so. You
have had your feast. You have all. Liberals and
Tories. been mad for rioting and expenditure.
Now comes the reckoning, and you may laugh or
not you please"
In brief peroration he added: IF you de-
feat our Budget you will relieve us of an almost
insupportable burden
Why not make Chamberlain Chancellor"
shouted Mr. Healy, while w. Redmond eX
claimed, There will be less Mafeking' after
this
Mr.. Redmonds indication of Mr. Chamberlain
as the real object of Sir Michael Hicks Beachs
unsparing exposure of the cost of the pol
icy was loudly cheered by the Liberals, and the
colonial Secretary appeared anything but happy
1t is understood that Colonel Milward Con-
servative, will move on the second reading of
the government failed to differentiate in favor
of the colonies regarding sugar.
Nothing so bold and statesmanlike". says
Inc hofniHS rust, mas Deen attempted since
Mr. Gladstones days We should have pre-
ferred, however. that the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer had gone further and restored the shill-
ing duty wheat"
THE Standard" apparently on the same
grounds. severely reproaches Sir Michael Hicks
Beach for timidity in missing "a grand oppor-
tunity of adapting the financial system to the
transformed conditions of modern times" and
complains bitterly Of the increase in the income
tax.
IF the Budget fails to arouse great enthusi-
asm' says The Daily Telegraph" lit is not
likely to encounter effective opposition"
THE Daily Chronicle characterizes the
Budget as honest but disastrous"
''The Daily News" which seizes the occasion
to attack the governments war policy saws
There is discernible and scarcely any
imaginable end to the runous and fatal drain
upon national resources caused by the most
calamtous enterprise in which England has
ever been engaged"
LOCAL COAL DEALERS PLEASED