The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-06-02
THE CHAMBERLAIN POLICY.
Monumental Obstacles. but Serious Re-
suits II Accomplished.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SrN-.Sir, During
the latter half Of the Boer war l ventured to
predict, in letter to The Sun. the eventual
adoption by the present Government in Eng
land OF policy OF protection a one OF the
results Of that war, disguised as imperial
federation with preference tariffs within
the federation. The recent speeches Of Mr.
Balfour and Mr. Joseph Chamberlain have
justified that forecast. We are now about
to witness a struggle in England the like of
which has not been seen since the abolition
Of the Corn Laws. What is uncertain about
1t is Its success in present day circumstances.
Had the Beers come ia" before the dispute
over the franchise eliminated in war; or
had the campaign proved us easy as was
first anticipated, the organization of South
Africa nto commonwealth like Australia
or a dominion like that of Canada would have
been a comparatively easy matter, and the
way would have been opened for the greater
federation that WAS aimed at The course OF
events however. nI4lifed all the original plans.
The stubbornness of both sides prolonged the
war to u point that has left both parties to it
exhausted or weakened, and the basis OF
South African common wealth has yet to be
found, The information which comes from
both the conquered colonies and the two self
governing provinces of South Africa is of d
nature to cast doubt on whether the present
generation will soc complete settlement OF
the difficulties that at present stand in the
way OF reconstruction.
The devastation Of the later republics and
the bad blood created between the races in
Cape Colony and Natal cannot be repaired
or efTaced In the lifetime of this generation,
and the troubles shat are looming up over
the labor question with the white and black
labor on the spot combining against the In.
dian and the Cinnamon whom it Ia proposed
to put In their place. are so likely to result in
the continuance of state OF tutelage with
neither Canada nor Australia could enter
into a political federation, with one of its
smseTs 50 o d15 bsioW their Level Their
and and complicated tonditions o'' '''e unequal
Governmsnt can hope for .na' sns nslsh
depends upon the Maintenance Of actual
increase OF population and wealth in the
colonies on the power OF the United King
british manufae tures, 1t cannot be said that
the prospect Of these points is very clear
available land OF the, United Kingdom is
under cultivation it's inhabitants would he
forced TO procure their food from outside
market for their surplus food products.
change in economic and political conditions
moment precpita.s Change in may the AZ la and
tenure there. and at once the market for food.
stuNs would be closed. On the other hand
Canada We know has been developing its
manufactures of late years, and a consider
able party, is calling for their protection
against all outsiders England included
though there is certain preference given to
her goods. The protective spirit still pre-
walls In Australia, and the race and color
conflict s acute.
The outlook In no direction ia promising,
even for the commercial federation of the
empire without taking India into considera-
ton and the numerous and extensive Crown
colonies In Africa and else where 4 politicaj
federation. except among equals would be
an impossibility. The time il not ripe for
monentons n change ms the union in ono
system Of 40 many and widely scattered com
nlnnities ns are comprised within the limits
Of the British Empire would involve Blu,
fatality appears 10 he driving the British
Government forward or else it is deliberately
riding for fall, In any case the Opposition
IN Parliament and In the country has heen
furnished with IN issue Of momentous con-
sequence which ii cannot evade so that from
now on British politics will have az much
interest for outsiders "A for the British people
themAelves
The issue. whatever it may BE-, will be dis
AZ TO others. But for the present We can only
look on and speculate. In the words Of the Old
xnSn1h provere, - to whether Mr.. Joseph
ChsmbsrlAin and his colleagues are about g
nS1Es spoce q spcg horn. q.