The daily morning journal and courier., 1903-05-30
BRITAIN DEEPLY STIRRED
CHAMBERLAIS,sTARIFFP POLICY
 THE ONLY TOPIC.
Gensral Inquiry as to Whether the Gov ernment wiEI Appeal to the Country at the Close of the Present Session of ParIiament-Ghs cOioniai Secretary Very Much in Earnest.

London, May 29.-Colonial Secretary Chamberlain's protectionist policy is the all prevailing topic of discussion here. His .mastersul assertion that he would make reciprocal trade between the mother country and her colonies the question Of the hour has been sensa- tionally fulfilled. Columns of comment fill the afternoon newspapers, and every one is asking: Docs it mean dissolu- tion?"
 Some persons assert that the govern ment contemplates appealing to the country on preferential trade and old age pensions immediately after the close of the present session of parlia- ment, at the beginning of August, while others say that the government has not the slightest intention Of giving up its unexpired term of office,
 The Telegraph, generally inspired, says: 'eThe issue could not be voted on for at least eighteen months; but in the meantime the government will give the country and parliament every opportu- nifty to discuss it."
 A definite decision will probably be arrived at soon and will depend almost entirely on the result of the propagan- da now undertaken by the press and the members of the house of commons. If the indications show that MT. Chamber lain is likely to have the country at his back general election at the end of this year is extremely probable.
 The colonial secretary himself, the Associated Press learns, is doubtful whether he could win at present, but he is enthusiastically positive that with po- litical agitation the constituencies can be brought to see the wisdom of his poi icy. Those who have discussed the pref erential scheme with it's author say he never exhibited such keen interest in any topic. For the first time in my life," said a, friend of the colonial sec retary, T can say MT. Chamberlain is really excited
 In this agitation the colonial secretary is absolutely in harmony with Premier Balfour and harbors no designs on the premiership" If a general election oc- cured tomorrow and MT. Chamber lain's programme was carried MT. Bal four would again take the reins of gov- ernment. The only practical develop ment likely in the near future is series of{politicai speeches from the leaders on both sides. The opposition is almost SOL idly opposed to modification of free trade, and will endeavor to arouse the public ferment which was associated with the corn tax days. MT. Chamber lain, MT. Balfour and such unionists as agree with them will try to extract from the public that degree of support which they may interpret as a popular man. date. All signs point to long campaign on the lines of protection versus free trade, which Is likely to destroy party lines almost as much as did the home rule question.
 Tn all the arguments the example and probable attitude of the United States will figure largely. The opponents of the scheme point out that the compar- ative immunity of the American from taxation precludes the application of prosperity under protection to the Brit isher. who, as even the government or gans admit. with higher priced food, would be a severe strain on him. and possibly create bitter dissatisfaction among the poorer classes.