The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-05-29
CHAMBERLAIN is BOLD
IN HOUSE OF COMMONS.
How He Discussed His Fiscal Policy.
Complete Reversal Seems to BE In
Prospect.

Complete Reversal seems to BE In
Prospect.
London. May 2S.-Mr Chamberlain
has again proved himself the strong
man of the cabinet. In a debate which
may prove the most momentous of the
present Parliament he has, in a frank
and bold speech. further developed the
policy which will be universally re-
garded as an entire reversal of his
fiscal position, and at the same time
he proved that he has managed to
carry the government with him
against their convictions.
The impression left on the minds of
the crowded chamber was that the
country is on the eve of a dissolution,
and that as in 1900 Mr.. Chamberlain
carried the country with him on the
South African war policy, he has now
converted his colleagues to the belief
that he will be able to carry it again
on the policy of preferential trade
within the empire. In addition to ask
ing for mandate to tax food, he asks
Tor power to engage in a tariff war
with Germany on Canada's account
and to fight the American trusts.
1t is safe to say that no such sud
den revolution has been experienced in
the political situation for very many
years, nor anything so sensational.
On the motion being made
FOR the Whitsuntide adjournment
of the House of Commons, Sir
raised discussion on the fiscal
views recently enunciated by Colonial
Secretary Chamberlain.
Sir Charles maintained that Mr..
Chamberlain had suggested a revolu-
tionary change in the governments
policy, which was opposed to all the
traditions and the opinions of an over
whelming majority in Parliament.
Premier Balfour prefaced his reply
with the ramark that Sir Charles Dixie
had attempted to make mischief be-
tween the colonial secretary and him
self, but any such attempt would fail.
He contended that after the resolution
of the colonial conference Mr.. Cham
berlain was bound to raise the sub
ject of preferential trade for public
discussion.
The premier then proceeded to ar
que that the tendency was to raise a
tariff wall against British goods. He,
therefore, urged that the time had
come when it should be publicly dis
eussed whether the doctrine that reve-
nue. was never to be raised except
for purposes of expenditures must be
abandoned. The premier declared
there was no contradiction between
the views of Mr.. Chamberlain and his
own; but he defended the right of
| any minister to freedom of speech.
Mr.. Chamberlain expressed surprise
at the fact that his speech at Birming-
| ham on May Is had aroused such agi-
| tation. 1t was, the Colonial Secretary
said, the same in substance as speeches
delivered by Lord Salisbury and Mr..
Balfour. There was absolutely no diff
! ference of opinion between himself and
| Mr.. Balfour.
All the critics of his suggestions had
| fallen into error in supposing that en-
absolute reversal of Great Britain's ifs
| cal policy was involved. Nothing of
the kind had been proposed
Although nothing was now suggested
in the nature of a reversal of Great
Britain's fiscal policy continued the
| colonial secretary, it was certain that a
mandate must be given the govern
ment if the suggestions that he had
thrown out were to be carried into eff
| feet. Ii there was 20 be no change in
| the fiscal system, the country would
have to give up all hope of closer fis-
cal relations with the colonies and
,, must abandon all idea of securing at
any time closer political relations with
| them. If the government received a
mandate it would produce a plan.
1t was inevitable. if preferential du-
ties were levied, that a tax be placed
on foodstuffs, and as the working
classes would pay three-quarters of
such a tax, 1t was only fair that this
money and the one-quarter paid by the
| rich classes should be applied to So
cial reforms, like old age pensions
| Such a tax was not protective
! in intention, but, incidentally,
it would be protective. He would say
to the workingman. Not only do you
get back in benefits the whole sum
you pay but also all that is paid by
the richer classes. In addition to that
you receive higher wages, and it will
be possible to press forward other So
cial reforms which are impracticable
for lack of money"
I'VE should not enter on war tariffs
but 1 would say to Germany, L am
afraid if you cannot meet us in this
matter, / may be compelled to put a
duty on that"
Mr. Chamberlain concluded with an
emphatic assertion that he intended to
press the matter on public attention.