New-York tribune., 1901-02-19
TIRE GOFERN.uENT SHAKEN
Az EXCITING NIGHT IN THE HOUSE OF
COMMONs-THE FIRST DIVISION

horne the Under Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs. 10 answer questions concerning which
notice had not previously been given. gave John
Dillon, Irish Nationalist. the chance 10 move an
adjournment of the House in order TO debate the
subject. Mr. Dillon declared that the Under
Secretary for the Foreign Office had been muz-
zled. and that his refusal was a breach of priyi-
lege.
Sir William Vernon -HarcOurt. Liberal; Sir
Henry Campbell T3annerman. the Liberal leader.
and John Redmond and others supported Mr..
Dillon.
Mr. Balfour I'm defending the practice said il
had heen initiated by the Government after
careful consideration. The practice Of cross-ex-
amning the Under Foreign Secretary was dan
eerous. and would preclude the carrying on of
delicate negotiations and might epdanger the
interests OF nations and possibly the peace of
Europe No other nation would have allowed
the latitude i'm foreign affairs permitted In TINS
country A foreign Ambassador had congratu-
lated the late Under Secretary. Mr.. Brodrek' on
his refusal 10 reply 10 questions not placed upon
paper The House then divided as follows; For
the adjournment. 20i: against, 249
Thus the first division in the first Parliament
OF King Edward VII resulted in cutting down
10 A. the Governments normal majority Of lSo
The interest caused by this unexpected incident
was heightened by Winston Spencer churchilrs
first speech AZ Westminster and by Mr.. Cham
berlain's heated defence of his own policy
Mr.. Churchill's speech came in reply to David
Lloyd Georges criticism Of the conduct Of the
South African War. i'm the course of which he
had denounced the burning Of farms and the
keeping Of Boer women and children in British
lsagers on reduced provisions. These charges
created general uproar and provoked an angry
demand from Mr.. Brodrick. Secretary Of State
for War, that Mr.. Lloyd-George should offer
e,,hSf T
Churchill caught the eye OF the speaker, and
caustically rebuked Mr.. Lloyd-George. He in
dulged in epigram such as this:
No other nation in the world ever received So
much verbal sympathy and so little practical
support the Beers.
Sir Robert Reid. Radical Member for Dunn
fries Burghs, argued that all this could be ac-
complished without unnecessary severity and
without withholding terms
Mr.. Chamberlain springing 10 his feet. stig-
rlettzed the speech Of Sir Robert Reid as de
voted to abuse of British officers and the policy
OF Ministers. and TO praise Of the enemies of
Great Britain He denied that peace with
honor was al any time possible before or after
the fan Of Pretoria
The policy Of Her Majesty's Government"
he declared. has not varied. Before the in
vasion of Natal we would have accepted the
most moderate concessions but from the mo-
nent the invasion occurred and the Beers had
fired the first shot the Government determined
that not one shred OF the independence which
the Beers had abused should ever again be CON
ceded TO them"
The Conservatives cheering furiously, rose 70
their feet from the Government benches at this
assertion. and made the chamber ring again ana
again.
.'The Government" continued Mr.. Chamber
lain. challenged the Opposition al the general
election on the issue OF annexation We chat
lenge you again CRenewed cheering9 Tonight
six pro-Boers have spoken. and not single
Liberal Imperialist."
Sir Robert Reid objected 10 the term PRO
Boer." hut Mr.. Chamberlain stuck TO his guns
Il maintain he said. that there is no other
name for the men who believe every scandaloC"
libel on British officers and soldiers
Don't insult u.s." shouted sir Robert Reid.
Continuing Mr. Chamberlain said ne believed
that. with the development u South Africa. per
sons Of British origin would be largely in excess
Of the rest of the population
Before We grant free government TO the
T2oers" exclaimed the Colonial Secretary THE
country must he restored 20 something ike its
normal condition. / believe the Beers know well
the terms offered them. The time is perhaps
not opportune for taking further steps 20 make
these terms known. but / have been in com
munication with Sir Alfred Mner with a view
~ taking advantage Of any opportunity that
might present itself
The struggle had 10 come. II originated in
the determination of the Beers % secure the
ascendancy in South Africa. I believe that. in
srite Of the sacrifices made. this country is Of
the same mind as when IL entered upon the
struggle, and VIII spare no effort 10 bring II
to a close. and will support no party which
seeks 10 stuitify the object in view.
Amid ringing cheers Mr.. Chamberlain, the
head and shoulders OF the war" as Mr.. Dillon
describes him. resumed his seat and the House
adjourned
The revolt of the Tories" as The Daily
Graphic calls IL. is believed to have been more
serious even than was revealed by the figures
OF the division.
The Liberal Journals are jubant over the dis
comfiture OF the Government, and do not conceal
the fact that resentment against the predom-
nance Of the Cecil family in the Cabinet had
much To do with IL.
trouble was due 10 a great extent 10 Lord Gran
bornes ineKperience and his sheltering himself
behind Mr. Balfours rule instead OF evading
direct answer"
THE Daily News dealing with matters from
the standpoint Of Chinese affairs and comment
ing upon the reticence Of the Ministers. says:
Great Britain has now TO rely for information
on the kindness Of the American Government
departments. The only satisfactory feature Of
the whole story is the refusal OF the United
States 10 Join the Waldersee expedition. This
noIicv is quite consistent with the firm and
temperate note Of the United States contained
in the Blue Book and makes US regret once more
OUT followed the wise lead Of the United States
The Times" hints pretty plainly that Lord
Gran borne is not equal TO his responsibilities.
TWO STEAMSHIPS OVERDUE.
The steamships Bolivia of the Anchor Line and
the Massilia OF the Faber Line which ply be-
tween New-York and Mediterranean ports, are now