New-York tribune., 1903-06-27
HONORTNG CH4MBERL4IN
AddresS Presented to Him
Speeches Warmly Cheered.
CBy The Associated Press.)

London June zU-The Constitutional Club to-
day entertained the Colonial Secretary Mr..
Chamberlain at luncheon, and presented to him
an address, incosed in a casket, in recognition
of his services to the nation.
A J. Balfour the Premier made the presenta-
ton speech Referring Mr.. Chamberlains
fiscal proposals. he said it would be absolute
folly for the Conservative Unionist party to
make opinions on economic questions a test of
party loyalty. The present economic position of
the country demanded the most careful consid-
Grafton. The country was now in the position of
an aeronaut who kept his balloon in the air by
throwing out sand bags. That was a very
proper course so long as he possessed suf
cheney of sand bags, but when these were ex-
hausted it was time to reconsider the position.
1t must not be supposed, because self-gov-
ernment had been given to the colonies. that
these could be regarded as separate political en-
titles. On the contrary, they were integral por-
tions of the British Empire The question at
issue was not new. but Mr.. Chamberlain. more
than any man. dead or living had given life to
the expression of the idea of imperial unity.
Mr. Chamberlain received a remarkab BILE ova-
tion when he to reply. His hosts sang
For He's a jolly Good Fellow" and then
cheered Mrs Chamberlain. who among the
spectators.
The Colonial Secretary opened his remarks
by repudiating the suggestions OF personal
competition between himself and Mr.. Balfour,
remarking that he could not conceive of any oc
currence that could shake the political associa-
ton and friendship existing between them He
desired on the eve of a great controversy, pub
Tclv 10 state that he believed the leadership of
Mr. Balfour was essential to the success OF the
Trnionist party If the Unonist alliance
dissolved or weakened the Home Rule snake,
which was only scotched and not killed. would
again come to the front
Turning to the problem occupying the centre
of the political field Mr. Chamberlain declared
that the commercial union of the colonies would
be far more profitable than their political union.
Ii was not true that he had raised the cry of
preferential tariffs for the benefit of himself
alternative to man holding his position, and he
believed that only thereby could the empire be
held together.
In the inquiry about to occur. continued the
Colonial Secretary all questions should be
gued on their merits. A policy of retaliation
could be better described d policy of negota-
ton. The ministers would endeavor to break
down the existing wall of hostile tariffs. and II
they failed in these negotiations they would
endeavor to retain for their own country the
vast possibilities for production and opportunity
for employment, the lack of which was
driving British subjects TO foreign lands.
Great Britain wanted something to bargain
with. During a long business and political
reer he (Mr. Chamberain) had never been able
to make satisfactory deal unless he had some
thing give as well as TO receive. The time
surely drawing near when a decision must
be reached on this question. ibut he was now