The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-17
GOES into FREE TRADE FIGHT
DUKE OF DEvONSHIRE ACCEPTS
POST OF ADVISER.
Writes to Sir Michael HicksBeach Of His
Opposition TO Joseph Chamberlain's
Plan-The UniOnist League Getting
the Anti-IrOtectiOnists Together.

Special Cabis Despatch to THE SUN.
LONDON, Oct. 18.-Since the Duke Of
Devonshire's secession from the Cabinet
there has been much speculation as TO
whether he would withdraw completely
from the fiscal controversy or ally himself
with the free trade Unionists in hostility
TO the new tariff policy.
He has now made it known that he has
resolved upon the latter course, although
upon conditions These conditions are set
forth in letter addressed to Sir Michael
Hicks-Beach in reply to the latter's in
vitation to join the Unionist Free Trade
League with the view to becoming the
president Of that organization.
The league is an association OF Unlonist
free traders and Members of Parliament.
The Duke Of Devonshire says he under
stands It's objects are to oppose the
taxation of food imports, preferential treat.
ment for the Colonies, q tariff on importe
manufactures, and also to do its utmost
to restrain the Government from COM
hitting itself In the direction OF a pro-
tectionist policy or going beyond the de-
clared intention OF reserving to itself the
right of proposing to Parliament tariff
legislation for the purpose OF negotiating
commercial treaties and the mitigation OF
hostile tariffs.
In this view of the leagues functions
the Duke of Devonshire appears willing TO
Join, for he continues: Il cannot reject the
request to give Sir Michael Hicks-Beach
and his coworkers some sign Of sy mpa, by,
although ! may be unable to comply I'm
onditionauy.'
He assumes that the league will seek to
broaden it's constitution and extend it's
operations, and says that il this ia done and
he ia invited to accept tho presidency he
must ask to be consulted as TO the nature
CT such extension. 80 ss to nave the op-
port unity Of de- ermining how far he will
feel himself in unison with the new con-
s. ituiion. He also asks that, In any event 1t
may he made clear that his views OF the
leagues attitude toward the Government
evpressed above are fully shared by the
league.
The Duke requests that 1t be understood
that he will be able to render only limited
service, and says that it Is not in his power
to take part in an active campaign as he
did against home rule seventeen years ago.
He says he must be regarded rather as
an adviser than as q combatant, and
that it is with some reluctance that he
consents to share in the present contro-
versy. He feels, however, that many
Unionist Members of Parliament, whose
views he believes are in agreement with his.
are making great sacrifices In order TO
maintain their opinions and he is not will
ing that they should regard him as being
Indifferent to their political interests.
Mr.. Richie, ex-Chancellor OF the Ex-
chequer, and Lord George Hamilton, for
merly Secretary OF State for India, have
joined the league.
The parliamentary committee OF the
league has unanimously adopted resolu-
ton expressing the greatest satisfaction
with the Dukes letter. 1t willingly accepts
all the conditions and assures the Duke Of
the leagues ca rnest and most loyal support