Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-29
QUESTION OF THE HOUR
DEFINITE DECISION WILL BE AR
RIVED AT SHORTLY.
Party Lines May Be Destroyed as Was
the Case in the Home
Rule Discussion. ~

LONDON, May 29-Colonial Secretary
Chamberlan's protectionist policy is the
all-prevailng topic of discussion here.
His masterful assertion that he would
make reciprocal trade between the mother
country and her colonies the question of
the hour has been sensationally fulfilled.
Columns of comment fill the afternoon
newspapers and every one is asking:
Does 1t mean dissolution
Some persons maintain that the govern
ment contemplates appealing to the coun-
try on preferential trade and old age pen-
sons Immediately after the close of tha
present session of parliament, at the be-
ginning of August, while others maintain
that the government has not the slightest
intention of giving up it's unexpred term
of office.
Every Opportunity to Discuss It :
The Telegraph generally semi-inspired,
says:
1.-The issue could not be voted for
at least eighteen months, but in the mean
time the government will give the coun-
try and parliament every opportunity to
discuss it,
definite decision will probably be ar
rived at shortly and will depend almost
entirely on the result of the propaganda
now undertaken by the press and the menu
bers of the house of commons.
The indications show that Mr.. Chamber
lain is likely to have the country at his
back, and a general election at the end
of this year is extremely probable.
Doubtful if He Could Win at Present.
The colonial secretary himself. the As
sociated Press learns, is doubtful If he
could win out just at present. but he Is
enthusiastically positive that with politi-
cal agitation the constituencies can De
brought to the wisdom of his policy.
Those who have discussed the preferen-
tial scheme with it's author say he never
exhibited such keen interest in any topic.
In this crusade the colonial secretary Is
absolutely in harmony with Premier Bal
four and harbors no designs on the pre-
miership.
If general election were to occur to-
morrow and Mr. Chamberlains program
were carried Mr.. Balfour would again
take the reins of government.
Speeches From the Leaders.
The only practical development likely TO
occur in the near future is a series of polit-
ical speeches from the leaders on both
sides.
The opposition is almost solidly opposed
to a modification of free trade and will
endeavor to arouse that public ferment
which was associated with the corn tax
days.
Mr.. Chamberlain, Mr.. Balfour and such
unionists as agree with them will try to
extract from the public that degree of sup
port which they may interpret as popular
mandate.
Signs Point to Lengthy Campaign.
All signs point to a lengthy campaign on
the lines of protection versus free trade.
which is likely to destroy party lines al
most as much as did the home rule ques-
ton.
In all the arguments the example and
probable attitude of the United States will
figure largely.
The opponents of the scheme point out
that the comparative immunity of the
American from taxation precludes his pros
perity under protection being applicable
to the BrtiSher, who, as even the gov
ernment organs admit, is already SO
heavily taxed that the initial years of pro-
lection, with higher priced food. would be
a severe strain on him and possibly create
bitter dissatisfaction among the poorer
classes.
Sugar Convention Bill.
The sugar convention BILL enabling the
British government to carry out the pro-
visions of the Brussels sugar convention,
which passed it's second reading in the
the liberal papers to be an important feat
ure of Mr.. Chamberlains ATTACK on free
trade
The text of the bill, issued today, pro-
vides for the prohibition of the import OF
bounty fed sugar, that the origin of i'm
ported sugar be proved and that there be
supervision by the customs or inland rev.
which must be worked only by persons
authorized Dy the commissioners.