The Indianapolis journal., 1903-09-18

tween us In connection with this matter it
has only been in regard to the practicability
OF the proposal. which would seem 10 re-
quire on the part OF the colonies a limita-
tion in the all-round development or pro-
tective policy, and on the part OF this coun-
try the establishment OF a preference IN
favor of important colonial products. On
the first of these requirements i say noth-
ing, but IL the second involves, as II most
certainly does. taxation, however hght,
upon foodstuffs, I am convinced with you
that public opinion is not yet ripe for SUCH
an arrangement. The reasons may easily
be found in past political battles and pres
ent political misrepresentation.
IF, then, this branch of fiscal reform >
not at present within the limits OF practical
politics you are surely right in your advice
not 10 treat IL as indossolubly connected
with that other branch of fiscal reform, to
which we both attach importance and which
we believe the country Is prepared tc con-
slider without prejudice. / feel. however,
deeply concerned that you should regard
this conclusion. however we'll founded, as
one making IL difficult in your very especial
circumstances for you TO remain MEMBER
of the government. Yet l do not venture in
a matter so strictly personal to raise any
objection IL you think you can best serve
the interests OF imperial unity, for which
you have done so much, by pressing your
views on colonial preference with the free
dom which is possible in independent
position, but hardly compatible with office.
How can l criticise your determination?
The loss to the government is great indeed,
but the gain to the cause you have at heart
may be greater still. If so. what can do
but asquiesce?"
In postscript Mr. Balfour says: May
say with what qualification, both on per-
sonal and public ground. learn that AUS
ten Chamberlain Is ready to remain MEM
ber of the government? There could be no
more conclusive evidence that, in your Judg-
ment. as in mine. the exclusion of the taxa
tion of food from the party programme is.
in the existing circumstances, course best
fitted practically to further the cause or
fiscal reform.
LORD RoTHsCHILDS VIEWS.
Lord Rothschild asked to-day as to
the probable effect on the empire, and es-
pecially in the national finances, of Mr..
Chamberlain's resignation. He said: II am
not saying he has resigned, but the an
nouncement would not surprise me. The
Duke Of Devonshire remains in the Cabinet,
and Mr.. Balfour's enunciated policy. which
take to mean no taxes on food or raw ma
terial, in the near future, at any rate, seems
popular. Over one million copies OF his
pamphlet have been sold or applied for. No,
Mr.. Chamberlain's resignation would not
affect consols. II the Duke Of Devonshire
had got out and Mr.. Balfour had not put his
policy before the country IL might have
been otherwise. Why should not Mr.. Cham
berlain resign? He believes his Zollverein
is essential TO the empire. He cannot go
Cabinet. Therefore, If he continues to want
the zollverein he must work for 1t outside.
Nr. Chamberlain's resignation Is almost
certain to cause an appeal TO the country.
Mr.. Balfour being thus left without the
support of either the protectionists or the
free-traders. Chancellor OF the Exchequer
Ritchie and his followers are as openly
opposed to any measure Of retaliatory tar
IFS as Mr.. Chamberlain is convinced that
the unity of the empire depends on pref
erential duties in favor of the colonies.
With the exception OF a few Liberal or
gans, which viewed Mr.. Balfours pamphlet
as a reputation of Mr.. Chamberlain's poll
cy, there has scarcely been a seriously con-
sidered suggestion that Mr.. Chamberlain
would retire from office. But the generally
accepted opinion that he would retain his
portfolio was shattered and the news came
like a tremendous thunderclap not only to
the supporters of the government, but TO
all other political sections. BY Mr.. Cham
berlain's detection practically all the eX-
listing party lines will be swept away. and
their reconstruction must largely depend
on Mr.. Chamberlain's future attitude. That
he will be content to retire from public
life can scarcely be considered. 1t is be-
lieved he will not ally himself with either
side but will rally TO the banner of his
preferential programme all the support he
can gather from every quarter. Mr.. Cham
berlain can rely on the almost solid Irish
vote when he confines himself TO fiscal
ideas. t8
Mr.. Chamberlain urged his colleagues to
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