The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-06-10
HIS WATERLOO.
Colonial Secretary Chamberlain
Routed in the Commons.
All Parties Unite in Opposing
His Tariff Programme.
NOT A VOICE RAISED
In Support of His Policy in the
British House.
His Resignation from the Cabi-
net Is Expected.
NOT A VOICE RAISED

London. June 10.-The rumored resig-
nation of Colonial Secretary Chamber
lain IS the most startling development
Of the proposal of the chancellor of the
exchequer Mr. Richie to abolish the
corn tax. the debate on which kept the
house of commons packed and spell
bound until midnight Even if Premier
Balfour persuades Mr. Chamberlain to
remain ia the cabinet the colonial sec
retarys preferential tariff programme
Is hopelessly showed under and his in
Auence as a political power in Great
britain is lapsed. All members of gov
eminent who contributed to the debate
delivered themselves rs free traders and
frankly opposed Mr. Chamberlain's pro-
-posals Except for Mr.. Chaplin not
voice on either side of the house was
raised ira effective support of Mr.. Cham
berlain's campaign Former members Of
cabinets and private members irrespec-
tive of party protested against any
dickering with Great Britains financial
policy The L-nionists Wed with the
Liberals ina declaring themselves out and
out free traders. All that was lacking
IN The complete Tout OF the protection
cabinet minister was MIR. Balf0urs off
Cial rr0uOunC ement as premier on be-
half OF the government, that the cabinet
as a whole refused to adopt Mr. Cham
beriain's views. Both the pronounce
ment and the premier were absent from
abe debate because according to report
Alr. Hdlfour was spending the evening
endeayorins TO persuade the colonial
secretary TO remain In the cabinet not
Withstanding his differences with his
Culieasues.
The debate was adjourned at mid
s.4 . ff.r srf lfe4s
of the EXchequer Ritchie said he hoped
NIr. Ealfour would be able to give The
house on Wednesday a definite state
menr ON behalf Of the entire cabinet
though ne could not promise.
Upon resumption of debate Mr.. Chap
inns amendment TO the budget bill.
which is the cause of this sensational
political crisis. viii be taken up. Sir
Henry Campbell Bannerman Will de-
mard the right of Liberals to know the
premier's attitude toward free trade be-
fore they support him in the repeal o.
the corn tax.
Mr. Balfour VIII reply and Mr. Cham
berlain is also expected to speak. There
are many members who believe that
Premier Balf0ur will also resign ana
that q dissolution of the house is in
yoiVed but these rumOrs lack cOnfrma~
ton, the best opinion being that q So
luton of the crisis VIII be arrived ar
by Mr. Chamberlain's resignation or by
an open declaration that he is willing TIP
drop FOR the present his preferential
tariff PROPOSALS.
AIR. Chaplins amendment was scarce
ly made before it became a secondary
consideration, its defeat being assured.
Until midnight the fight. if such an un-
DENIED struggle could be so described
ragged around Mr. Chaplin.
"0h and Vitri0l" is the only adequate
description of Sir Michael Hicks
Beach's speech. which started the re-
volt Amid intense silence this famous
Tory eX-minister extOlled the colonial
secretary virtues and damned his pro-
Black Michael" as he is Familiarity
called was never seen to better adj
vantage The ministers sat with
troubled faces, Mr. Balfour looking Cd
peciaily detected. MIR. Chamberlain de-
sorting his usual place, paler than
usual. stretched himself nonchalantly at
Lle enc of the treasury bench
Throughout the afternoon he never -
tHah5el word with his colfeagIes
u tier Alr. Ritchie had denounced the
s't9Hlal 5ecfetarys idea. Mr. Chamber.
ltlh slalkcd out Of the chamber with,
out even q nod to Mr. Balfoilr
1i~i.iuel stftcr member rose from the
iatihS some VINO supported
Aif- chaplin refused to .eat their
words with which they had previof1s1,-
sup ported the government when tha
corn fa% was originally brought i'm and
laudal Mr Richie for his refusal ia
panoer 90 the spirit of protection, an
demanded that Mr.. Balfour enlirhteo
them regarding tile government ,-iet,-
as whole
After dinner recess the excitement
was heightened by the absence Of both
me colonial secretary ana the premier.
4 bitter attack on any tompering with
1ree trade was made by Sir John Gorst
ICONS rvative) who declared a. great
portion Of the rising generation in the
union kingdom was already so degen-
crate and poverty stricken that amy
thing tending to increase the price ii
FOOD would threaten natiouatdisastcr
JONES Brice (LiberaD followed de-
clarins that the reference TO the United
States made by Mr.. Chamberlain and
other speakers i'm support of the protec-
uQnlsts argument was quite erroneous.
as American prosperity was due great-
ly TO the cheapness of food under q
system by which free trade prevailed
between all the great states composing
the American nation. The colonial Sec
Rotary idea. said the speaker. would
disinteErate the empire and produce
q network Of protective tariffs such as
that in which America was not en-
messed.
Then came another sensation when
the honorable Arthur Elliot. the duan-
cial secretary Of the treasury replying
mRH~ Ea~