The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-06-09
FINANCIAL DEBATE AT
WESTMINSTER TODAY
Workinsmen Are Arrayed Against
ChamberIain's Proposals.

LONDON. June 8.-The interest in
the proceedings of parliament tonight
was entirely secondary to that shown
In the lobby discussions regarding the
prospects of the finance debate, which
takes place tomorrow. The appropria-
tion for the postal service was passed
with only a small attendance in the
house, attention centering on Mr..
Champlin's amendment to the finance
bill, opposing the remission of the tax
on wheat, which will be discussed to-
morrow. The debate is expected to
last two days. Much uncertainty still
prevails as to whether the government
will permit any extended discussion on
the governments general financial
programme, but it is thought likely
that the debate will be closely limited
to the wheat tax. Sir Michael Hicks
Beach intends to speak tomorrow,
probably following Sir Henry Camp
bell-Bannerman
Rumor was busy in the lobbies, as
usual on the eve of an important crisis,
though there was little tangible evi-
dence as to the attitude of the numer-
Gus silent members Of the cabinet to-
ward the colonial secretary's daring
proposals. Mr.. Chamberlain has GER
tainly succeeded in arousing a strong
opposition among the ranks of the
workingmen. w. J. Davies, a promi-
nent trades union leader, speaking at
Birmingham tonight. offered to contest
the district on the labor platform.
1t is significant at the moment OF
possible crisis, that Capt. Welles, of
the metropolitan fire brigade, has been
appointed head agent of the Conserva-
tive party in succession to r. w. E.
Middleton. The latter resigned the
post at the beginning of the year on
account of i'll health, but no steps have
hitherto been taken to appoint his sue
cessor, because there was no prospect
of a general election. Capt. Welles has
shown great talent for organization,
both in the navy and the fire brigade.
A cabinet council was summoned this
afternoon to consider the situation. 1t
is understood that ministers took ex-
ception to Mr.. Chamberlain's letter to a
workingman published yesterday, which Is
regarded as definitely committing the coll
onial secretary to the policy he enunciated,
and thus going far beyond Premier Bal
four's position as revealed in his speech
prior to the adjournment of the house,
which committed him only to an academic
discussion on the subject of the preferen-
tial duties. There is no doubt that the sit
uation is extremely tense.
All kinds of rumors are afloat: one,
which many are inclined to credit that
Mr.. Chamberlain contemplates immediate
resignation. 1t is said that he has no
love for the Irish land bfll and would
willingly precipitate crisis before the
Liberals have time to organize their cleo
tion platform and free trade propaganda.
Further, his health is not the best; he
needs rest and is said not to be ayerse
to allowing the Liberals to form a gov
anSof hot heS
short lived and would enable the Con-
servatives to return to power stronger
than ever.
Although the balance of opinion inclines
to the belief that there will not be dis
solution of parliament until the autumn,
both the Liberals and the Nationals are
apprehensive, neither wanting a general
election, the former because they are not
ready and the latter because they want
to secure the adoption of the Irish land
bill.