Evening star., 1901-11-16
TO RAISE SUGAR TAX
Rumor Regarding the Purpose Of the
British Chancellor.
IT CREATES 4 STIR IN ENGLAND
More Reports OF Serious Dissen-
sions in the Cabinet.
MAY RESIGN

LONDON, November ia stir has been
created by the rumor that Sir Michael
Hicks-Beach, chancellor of the exchequer,
would impose another tax of half penny
per pound on sugar. although inquiries by
a representative of the Associated Press
have resulted in the discrediting of the
probability Of any such action. 1t Is an
unwritten rule of the treasury that no in
dustry shall be tampered with two years
running, and Sir Michael Hicks-Beach is
not likely to break through hard and fast
traditions, however hard pushed he may be
for funds to carry on the war.
Nevertheless, the rumor has brought to
light a curious condition OF affairs which
would certainly favor the government,
should 1t decide to take such a step, de-
spite the tax imposed in the last budget.
The British consumer is now buying sugar
more cheaply than before the tax was i'm
posed. This is due chiefly to the surplus
supply, but also TO wholesale price cutting
by Germany, whose sugar trust is causing
the British trade the keenest apprehension.
The action of these German firms will form
one of the principal topics of the sugar
conference, which is to meet in Brussels,
December IA.
United States Not Invited.
the Cnlteu States government
has not been invited to send delegate to
the conference, the Associated Press learns
that it could easily be represented if it so
desired, and one of the leading authorities
on sugar in England is now endeavoring to
secure the attendance of an American del
egate at the meeting in Brussels
Until after the conference, it can be def
nitely stated, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach will
rot take any action, and even then it is
fvS,r, HI 1,o ~sa1r
ther disintegrating business which, on all
sides. it is declared, would be in a sorrow
full plight.
Replying to a correspondent Sir Michael
Hicks-Beach said the coal tax would be
continued next year. but intimated that it
would not be increased. This will take a
load off the minds of British coal mine
owners who have been especially exercised
over the inroads American coal has made
on the continent.
The cabinet appears to have awakened
from its lethargy with such unexpected
energy as to elicit from the Pail Mall Ga
zette the following comment:
This strict application to business is
highly to be commended and win be gem
orally appreciated"
This unintentional admission Of the cabi-
nets previous laziness has caused the an
nouncement that the various committees of
the cabinet, sitting this week. will formu-
late proposals for the reform of procedure
in the house of commons. These proposals
will be considered by the full cabinet next
week. 1t is pretty generally admitted that
there is crying need of such a step, as do
mestic legislation is almost hepelessly
blocked. .-'s -
Parliament 1t is expected, will reassem-
BILE January %.
Rumored Cabinet Changes.
The London correspondent of the New
York Tribune says today: l have received
from an authoritative source full confirma-
tion of the rumors of cabinet dissensions al
ready limited at in previous dispatches. The
protracted session Of the cabinet, adjourn
ed to a second day, has been deep politi-
cal mystery, for which neither the program
of the session nor the Mityene affair sup
piled an adequate clue. What really hap
pened was onslaught on Sir Michael
Hicks-Beach by nearly all of his associates
Mr.. Balfour Joined Mr.. Chamberlain and
Lord Salisbury and the Duke of Devonshire
supported both in condemning the speech
of the chancellor of the eXcheQuer which
had sent down consols with rush. Sir
Michael Htcks-Beach's financial admins
tration and his general proposals for carry
ing on the additional burdens of the war
were harshy criticised, and he was left al
most alone, with all the strongest men
against him. Lord Londonderry, Sir Mich
ael's closest friend. interviewed as peace
maker overnight, and truce was arranged
by him. The cabinet has been in session
since this breach occurred, and there has
been renewal OF the unpleasant contro-
NeTSy- oOIIe Ol lne DeSt-lnIOrmeQ DOllt1-
clans are forecasting the early resignation
of Sir Michael Hicks-Beach My informa-
tion. which comes TO me from high au-
thority, does not go so far, but it con-
associates Of Sir Michael have been exas-
perated by his injudicious speech, which
helped to unsettle the markets.
At Odds With Chamberlain.
Mr.. Chamberlain and Sir Michael Hicks
Beach have neither understood nor SYM
pathized with each other. One has con-
demned the method OF financing the war
and the other has been coldly critical of all
matters of South African policy. There
was contest between them a year ago,
but Sir Michael, with Mr.. Balfour's amia-
BILE support, held his ground after accept
ing the proposals for sugar and coal duties
and other half measures. The divergence
of views clearly has been sharper this year,
and Mr.. BalfOur has gone over to the side
of Mr.. Chamberlain, with Lord Salisbury's
approval. The resignation of Sir Michael
Hicks-Beach would be an affair of mo
mentous Importance. He IS the ideal old
tory and country squire, and has the
power Of rallying about him the unprogres-
sive conservatives. There would be only
one candidate for the succession to the
treasury, and the advent of Mr.. Cramber-
lain as chancellor of the excheQuer would
system of indirect taxation for the relief
of the income taxpayers and the promotion
Of the. tneerests of Canaua Australia and
othertcoIAaies:
Other Cabinet RumOrs.
The correspondent of the New York Her.
aid cables as follows:
1 hear on the highest authority that more
dissatisfaction than ever reigns in the war
office.
1t is now thought almost certain that
Lord Roberts will resign the post of COM
mander-in- chief next April, II not sooner,
and therefore will not take any prominent
part In the coronation ceremonies.
There is a considerable amount OF grum-
bling af his cont3puad ahsanca from Pail