The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-09-22
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tons of Jos. Chamberlain as secretary
for the colonies, C. T. Richie as chan
cellor of the exchequer; n Lord Geo.
Hamilton, as secretary for India We're
officially announced this evening. 1t
was nnounce also that the resigna-
tons ave been accepted by the King.
The official announcement was made
at Downing street in a communication
containing the correspondence between
Premier Balfour and Mr.. Chamber
lain. Mr.. Chamberlain's letter is dated
Birmingham, September 9th. and sets
forth the reasons for his resignation.
An extremely interesting feature of the
letter is the following statement, con-
corning a preferential tariff:
For the present, at any rate, a prefer
entail agreement with our colonies in
Volving any new duty, however small,
on articles of food hitherto untaxed,
even if accompanied by a reduction of
taxation on other articles of food equal
ly universal in their consumtion, would
be unacceptable to the majority Of the
constituencies. However much we
may regret the decision, however mis-
taken we may think it, no good govern
ment in a democratic country can ig-
more it. I feel. therefore. that as an
Immediate practical policy, the ques-
ton of preference to the colonies cannot
be pressed with any hope Of success at
the present time, although there is a
very strong feeling in favor of the other
branch of fiscal reform which would
give fuller discretion to the government
IN negotiating with foreign countries
Tor a freer exchange of commodities,
and which would enable our representa-
tlVes to retaliate if no concession was
made to our just demands"
Mr.. Chamberlain expresses his firm
belief in aclOser union of the colonies
n he mother country, and SAYS he
can best promote the cause he has at
in a perfectly independent posi-
ton. Accordingly, he tenders his resig-
nation with the suggestion that Mr..
Balfour limit the present policy of the
government to an assertion Of our free
dom in the case of all commercial re-
lations with foreign countries"
Mr.. Chamberlain declares tina an I'M
~scrupulous use has been made of the
old cry of THE Dear Loaf" and that
serious prejudice has been created. In
the rest of the letter he goes briefly
over the same ground regarding protec-
ton as did Mr.. Balfour in his recent
statement.
Mr.. Balfour. in a letter to Mr.. Cham
berlain, dated September 16, says:
Agreeing as I do, with you that the
time has come when a change should be
made in the fiscal canons. by which We
bound ourselves in our commercial deal
ings with other governments, it seems
paradexical indeed, that you should
leave the cabinet at the same time that
others of my colleagues are leaving it
who disagree on the very point with us
both. Yet, l n but admit that
there is some force in your arguments
in support of that course. You have
done more than n mar living or dead
to bring home to the citizens of the
Empire, the consciousness of imperial
obligation and interdependence between
the various fragments into which the
empire is geographically divided. I be.
HeVe you to be right in holding that
this interdependence should find express
sion in our commercial as we'll as In our
political and military relations. 1 be-
lleVe with o that a closer fiscal union
between the mother country and the CO.
lonies would benefit the trade Of both.
Mr.. Balfour says if there has been
any difference between Mr.. Chamber
lain n himself it has been on the
question of the establishment of a pref
erence IN favor of colonial products. AS
to this, Mr.. Balfour says if It involves
as 1t most certainly does, a taxation
however light, upon foodstuffs, I am
convinced with you tina public opinion
Is not ripe for such an arrangement.
The reasOns may easily be found in past
political battles and present political
misrepresentation. If then. this branch
of fiscal reform is not at present within
the limits Of practical politics. YOU arc
surely right in your advice not to treat
1t as in~dissolubly connected with that
other branch of fiscal reform 10 which
We both attach Importance and which
We believe the country IS prepared tc
consider without prejudice"
Mr.. Balfour says the loss to the gov
eminent by the resignation is great
n expresses his qualification thai
Austen Chamberlain will remain 3
member Of the government. This. Mr.
BaIfour says, is conclusive evidenct
t4"' ~ MI OIo4i-o-iId4L judgment IL
in his W the exclusion of the taxa.
ton OF food from the party programme
Is in the existing circumstances. {
course best fitted practically to further
the cause of fiscal reform.
The retirement of Colonial Secretary
Chamberlain's which precipitates the
most dramatic crisis and the bitterest
party struggle since his secession from
Nj. Gladstone's home rule cabinet wa: