New-York tribune., 1903-06-09

Mr.. Chamberlain's amendment an
the House of Commons.

London. June S.-The interest in the proceed
ings of Parliament tonight was entirely second
airy to that shown in the lobby discussions re-
garding the prospects Of the finance debate
which takes place tomorrow. The approprld-
ton for the postal service was passed with only
small attendance in the House, attention CEN
tring Mr. Chaplins amendment TO lhe
Finance bill, opposing the remission OF the tax
on wheat. which viii be discussed tomorrow.
The debate is expected to last two days. owing
to the number of members on both sides who
are anxious speak. Much uncertainty sun
prevails as to whether the government viii per-
NIT anv extended discussion on the govern
ment's general financial programme, but 1t Is
thought likely that the debate viii be closely
limited to the wheat tax 1t is understood that
Sir Michael Hicks-Beach intends to speak to-
morrow. probably following Sir Henry Camp
be-Bannerman.
Rurnor was busy in the lobbies as usual on
the eve of an important crisis though there was
little tangible as to the attitude of the numerous
silent members of the Cabinet toward the Colo
niaI Secretary's daring proposals. Mr.. Cham
berlain has certainly succeeded in arousing a
strong opposition in the ranks of the work
ingmen w ]. Davies. prominent trade union
leader speaking at Birmingham tonight, offered
to contest the district the labor platform.
IT is significant at the moment of possible
crisis that Captain Wells of the Metropolitan
Fire Brigade has been appointed head agent
of the Conservative party, in succession to K
w E. Middleton, who resigned the post at the
beginning of the year on account of i'll health
No steps have hitherto been taken to appoint
his successor, because there was no prospect OF
a general election. Captain Wells has shown
graat talent for organization, both in the navy
and the fire brigade.
A Cabinet Council was summoned this after
noon TO consider the situation. It is understood
that some ministers take exception to Mr Charn-
berIain's letter to q, workingman, publssneo
Yesterday which is regarded as definitely COM
nitting the Colonial Secretary to the policy he
enunciated, and thus going far beyond Premier
Balfour's position as revealed in his speech prior
to the adjournment of the house, which only
committed him to an academic discussion on the
subject of preferential duties.
There is no doubt that the situation is ex-
tremely tense All kinds of rumors aioat.
One. which many are inclined to credit, is that
Mr. Chamberlain contemplates immediate resg-
nation It is said that he has no love for the
Irish Land bill and would willingly @Tecipitate
a crisis before the Liberals have time To organize
their election platform and free trade propa-
ganda Further, his health is not the best; he
| needs rest and is said not to be averse TO al
lowing the Liberals to form a government, being
confident that it would be short lived and
would enable the Conservatives TO return to
| power stronger than ever.
Although the balance of opinion nclines to
| the belief that there will not be a dissolution
of Parliament until the autumn. both the Lib
erals and Nationalists are apprehensive, neither
| wanting a general election, the Liberals because
| they are not ready and the Nationalists because
! they want to secure the adoption Of the Irish
Land bill.