Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-06-11
WILL MAKE FIGHT
FOR PROTECTION
Colonial Secretary Chamber
lain to Garry Preferential
Trade Plan to People.
OPINION IS MUCH DIVIDED
Election May Not Be Held for Eigh-
teen Months and Chamberlain Is
Likely to Be Endorsed-United
States for Example.

London, June Colonial Secre-
tary Chamberlain's protectionist pol
icy is the all prevailing topic of discus
sion here. His masterful assertion
hat he would make reciprocal trade
between the mother country and her
colonies the question of the hour has
been sensationally fulfilled. Columns
IF comment fill the afternoon newspa-
pers, and everyone is asking Does
u mean dissolution"
Some people maintain that the gov
eminent contemplates appealing to
he country on preferential trade and
Did age pensions Immediately after
he close of the present session Of
parliament at the beginning of Au-
gust, while others maintain that the
government has not the slightest in
ention of giving up its unexpired
esm Of office. The Telegraph, gener-
ally semi-inspired, says:
The issue could not be voted on
or at least eighteen months, but in
he meantime the government will
give the people and parliament time
o discuss II. A definite decision will
probably be arrived at shortly. and
will depend almost entirely on the re-
suit Of the propaganda now under
AIKEN by the press and the members
If the house Of commons. II the indi-
,ations show that Mr.. Chamberlain Is
likely to have the country at his back
general election at the end of this
rear is extremely probable" The col
)nial secretary himself, the Associated
Press learns, is doubtful IL he could
win out just at present, but he is en-.
Enthusiastically positive that with polit-
cal agitation the conservatives can
De brought TO see the wisdom of his
policy. Those who have discussed
he preferential scheme with its au-
hor say he never exhibited such
Seen interest in any topic. In this
crusade the colonial secretary is in
harmony with Premier Balfour and
las no design on the premiership. IL
4 general election were held tomor-
low, and the secretary's plans were
carried out MIR. Balfour would again
AXE the reins of government. The
opposition is almost solidly opposed to
modification Of free trade and will
sndeavor to arouse that public fer
nent which was associated with the
,orn tax days.
Mr.. Chamberlain. Mr.. Balfour and
such unioniSts as agree with them will
;ry to extract from the public that de-
gree of support which they may in
.erpret as a popular mandate. All
signs point to lengthy campaign on
he lines of protection versus free
rade. which is likely to destroy party
ines almost as much as did the home
'ule question. In all the arguments
he example and probable attitude of
he United States will figure largely.
The opponents of the scheme point
,ut that the comparative immunity of
he American from taxation precludes
ais prosperity under protection being
applicable to the Britisher. who, as
,ven the government organs admit, is
tlready SO heavily taxed that the in
tial years of protection with higher
priced food would be severe strain
IN him and possibly create bitter dis
satisfaction among the poorer classes
The sugar convention bill, enabling
he British government to carry out
he provisions of the Brussels sugar
convention, which passed its second
eading in the house of commons
Thursday. is taken by the liberal pa
,ers to be another feature of Mr..
Chamberlain's attack on free trade"
rhe text of the bill provides for the
prohibition of the import of bounty
ed sugar, that the origin of imported
sugar be proved and that there be sup
,rvision by the customs or internal
'evenue officers OF all British re-
ineries, which must be worked only
~ persons authorized by the commits
,ioners.