The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-08
MIR. CHAMBERLAIN'S PLAN
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY's REPLY
TO A wORKINGMAN.
Preferential Treatment and Protec-
ton Scheme Observation-Disclosures
bling OF Parliament.

LONDON, June 7.-Seldom has the reas-
sembling OF Parliament been looked for
ward TO with greater anxiety and curiosity
than to-day, when the anomalous situation
will be revealed OF the Liberal opposition
defending the conservative free-trade
budget against the government. whose two
leading ministers have practically aban-
doned the free-trade policy. The irony OF
the situation is brought home to the gov
ernment's most loyal supporters, who are
beginning to reproach the ministers with
bad management and TO call loudly for a
revelation of Colonial Secretary Chamber
lains plans. The Conservative Standard
complains that the colonial secretary's let
ter in reply to working man. which was
evidently planned to coincide with the reas-
sembling of the House of Commons, lacks
his usual lucidity of style, and fails TO en-
tighten or assist the country in deciding a
difficult point
1t is quite certain that the position looks
less hopeful for Mr.. Chamberlain's plans
since Parliament adjourned. While several
influential Conservatives have spoken in
opposition TO his scheme. not a single min
lister has ventured TO praise or even express
a modified approval of IL. In some quarters
Mr.. Chamberlain is credited with preparing
dramatic surprise in the shape Of tele-
grams from the premiers OF all the colonies
approving the principle of his policy.
In his letter in reply to working man
who drew his attention to the denunciation
of his proposals by the trades union lead
er. Mr.. Chamberlain says he attaches no
Importance TO the criticisms because the
trade union leaders are almost all strong
radical partisans. He is confident that in
this matter the working men will think
for themselves and not be dictated 10 by
the trades union leaders. Mr.. Chamber
lain proceeds to say it will be impossible
TO secure preferential treatment from the
colonies without Great Britain placing
some duty on wheat as well on other
articles of food because these are the
chief articles of colonial produce.
Whether this will raise the cost of liv-
ing is a matter of opinion" says Mr..
Chamberlain. There is no doubt in many
cases duty Of this kind will be paid by
the exporter, and IL really depends upon
porting countries. For instance, / think IL
is established that the duty of one shilling
recently imposed on imported wheat was
met by reduction in the prices and freight
rates by states. and, therefore. the tax
did not fall on the consumers here. But,
even If the price of food is raised, the rate
of wages vii! certainly rise in greater pro-
portion. This has been the base both In
the United States and Germany. In Ameri-
ca the available balance left TO the worker
after he has paid for necessaries is much
we must bring TO the notice Of the work.
ing men generally.
There is another side of the question
which requires discussion. At present we
! enter into negotiations with foreign coun-
tries empty-handed. IL we were able to
bargain on equal terms / believe the duties
now imposed on our products would be gen.
orally reduced There would be competition
among foreign nations for our markets,
which would bring US nearer to real free
trade than we. have ever BEEN"
Repeating his conviction that a revision
of duties would enable a large od-age pen
sion scheme to be carried out, Mr.. Cham
berlain declares that the returns show that
rapid increase In the imports of colonial
produce occurred in the past. even without
preference, while British exports of fin
ished articles abroad were gradually giving
place to exports Of raw materials. which
were returned with the advantage TO the
foreigner Of increased employment OF labor
and of trade profits on the business thus Sc
cured.
In conclusion referring to the predictions
that his proposals would ruin the country,
Mr. Chamberlain asks: How are we TO
account for the fact that the increase OF
exports, wages and general prosperity dur
| ing the last twenty years in the United
| States and Germany have been greater
| than in Great Britain, which Is the only
| civilized country in the world TO enjoy the
blessings of unrestricted free imports?'