The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-02

but common justice and common fair
treatment we do ask and II we do not get
1t we will take our own measures" loud
cheers.)
Mr.. Balfour disavowed all idea of enter
ing upon general tariff war with the whole
world. He did not contemplate the adop-
ton OF high combative tariff that could
be reduced in favor of those countries
giving something in return. Such action
would involve far too great disturbance
OF British habits and trade.
MIR. Balfour proceeded to draw a humor-
Gus picture of the British attempting to
negotiate under the present system. They
had to go to foreign negotiators saying
We have not thing to give you, and cannot
hurt you. Our principles are such that
you may kick us around the room, but
please treat us as well as YOU can"
Subsequently addressing an overflow
meeting, the Prime Minister admitted that
when the topic WAS recently started he would
have been content to leave it an open ques-
ton among the members of the Govern
ment party. but neither his colleagues in
the Government nor the House Of Com
mons nor the country would tolerate that
view. They we're determined to have q
distinct. clear and unmistakable lead to
the party
He had given it tonight and it was open
to those who dissent from the conclusion
at which he had arrived to signify their
dissent in plain, unmistakable manner.
II they do he would make his bow and do
his best in an unofficial capacity to serve
the same cause. to which he should always
remain faithful, but while he was the leader
of the party he should be unworthy of his
post IL he did not try to lead, ard he meant
to do it. He had given the topic his best
thoughts and was firmly convinced that his
policy was in harmony with the best tradi-
tions OF his party.
The Prime Minister'S speech does not
meet with an enthusiastic reception by
the party's newspapers.
The Standard Conservative, which con-
tinues to vehemently oppose tariff reform,
says it regrets that Mr.. Bafour still leaves
the party in uncertainty and doubt con-
corning his policy. 1t adds:
What we seek from the Premier is some
justification for the startling changes which
have been suggested, some reason for the
turmoil into which not merely our politics,
but our industry, commerce and finances
have been thrown by the movement inaugu-
rated last May. For this we vainly look. >
The Morning Post, Conservative paper,
which supports Mr., Chamberlain, accuses
Mr.. Balfour Of failing to develop his argu-
ment to the natural, inevitable conclusion.
1t says hs speech showed that he failed to
grip the conditions underlying an effective
policy for the United Kingdom A policy
Of negotiation from which the colonies
are excluded liz simply reaction.
The Chronicle liberal Unionist), which
is against tariff reform, says: AThe speech
leaves the political world wholly bewildered
and somewhat disguised. Mr.. Balfour
absurdly exaggerates our helplessness
The Telegraph (Ministeralis), favoring
tariff reform, while indorsing the speech
as epoch making, points out that theo-
reticaIly the Government already pos
hostile replies, although there is a great
difference between that theoretical power
and definite authorization by Parliament
to insist upon specific terms.
The Daily Mail, which opposes Mr.. Cham
berlain, complains that tarin reform.
which is of less Importance than the safety
of the country, is being used to cover the
incompetence and folly of the Ministry
revealed by the war report.
The Radical Daily Neus says that Mr..
Balfour declared for protection pure and
simple 1t adds that the speech was the
throw Of desperate man, and was plainly
intended to take the wind out Of Mr.. Cham
berlain's sails.
The Times, referring to the tone OF the
meeting, says its enthusiasm increased
in exact proportion to the approximation
of Mr. Balfour's attitude to Mr. Chamber
lain's, and adds that it is quite clear that
there is strong and enthusiastic feel
ing in favor OF Mr.. Chamberlain's COM
plete programme.