New-York tribune., 1903-06-11
SPEAKERS OF THE DAY.
Sir Charles Dixie and Mr. 4squith
Lead .4ttack on Colonial Secretary.

1ondo7 June 7o-That the interest in the political
situation had been enhanced by the dramatic de-
veloprnents yesterday was shown to-day by the
markahle animation and alertness Of everybody in
and about the Houses Of Parliament when the
time approached for the resumption of the debate
The House Of Commons on the amendment 10
the Budget bill introduced by Henry Chaplin Con
serva1ive) former president Of the Board Of Agn-
culture The amendment opposes the removal OF
the tax on grain
Answers 10 questions not referring 10 the great
problem OF the day passed almost unnoticed, so
keen the anxiety TO get 10 the all absorbing
topic
The debate was resumed by Major seeIy CCon-
seTva1ive) who. as free trade advocate rejoiced
in the repeal of the grain tax.
Sir Charles Dixie advanced RADICAL contended
5hsr Ihe House had the right demand oppor-
tunity for pronouncing judgment this important
fiscal question. There enormous exaggeration
IN the statement that il foolish for this coun-
try maintain q policy differing from that OF the
rest Of the world. While the United States and
Germany were reaping much prosperity under pro
lection, Great Brftain's foreign exports at the
present moment were equal TO the combined ex-
ports Of the United States. Germany and France
which considering the enormous expansion OF the
population Of the United States, was truly sur
prisnE thing
AMERICA HAMPERED BY PROTECTION.
The speaker denied that protectionist countries
were cutting out Great Britain from the markets
of the world Germany had not even hurt Great
considered the great natural advantages of the
United States her size and her highly cultivated
reputation. IL marvellous that she had not
years ago attained the first place in trade The
commerce Of the United States had advanced inde-
pendently Of protection; but it had been retarded
rather than advanced by the adoption OF protec-
lion
n H Asquith advanced LiberaD formerly Home
Secretary who followed, declared that the reason
for the abandonment Of the grain tax remained an
'unsolved and inscrutable mystery" MI Chamber
lain had told the public that the tax did not fan on
the consumer. II that its repeal was a
magnificent display Of international attachment
d practically meant that Great Britain was
making Z present TO the United States OF the
81 500 90 which the brought in All the Opposi-
lions arguments against the tax were employed by
Never had small minority been rapidly and
completely justified.
THE DISCORD IN THE CABINET
Describing the situation as politically indecent"
IL. AsqGiIh urged an explicit declaration Of the
coliec1Te judgment OF the Cabinet in regard TO the
larger question OF fiscal policy, and turning toward
NJ. Chamberlain. who at that moment entered
the House and sat down beside Mr.. Balfour, Mr..
AsQuith asked the Colonial Secretary what was
MS position IN view OF yesterdays speech Of the
Chancellor the ExchequeT, Mr. Richie Was
Ar, Chamberlain a brand plucked from the burn
lnEZ backslioer Drousht nome again py ue
gentle persuasive influence Of the Chancellor OF
word resurgam 10 be carved on the tombstone OF
the grain tax? he was glad 10 see that Mr.. Cham
be-lain still sitting on the Cabinet bench. al
though 81 was quite unprecedented two Min
iEIers sitting the bench and holding fun
GaGnentally and irreconcllably divergent views on
q matter which affected more vitally than any
other the unity Of The empire and its fiscal and
commercial prosperity. II WAS uneKampled and
al entire departure from the traditions and rules
Of public life that upon matters Of this kind two
responsible ministers should emit not only dis
c0r6ant opinions public platforms. but pose as
the respective propagandists Of two wholly irrec-
nncizable policies
Edward Grey UdberaD. characterized the
situation intolerable. He disagreed with the
contention that the grain tax did not fall on the
consumer. and said he opposed its imposition last
year because he felt II bound TO lead 10 a
colonial demand for preferential rates. Mr.. Cham
be-lain's suggested Inquiry into the subject was
merely another for crusade Having raised
The Issue the government not entitled TO hang
II up treference with the colonies was an ire
tr1evabiy dangerous step