Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1903-05-30
TOPIC OF THE HOUR
IN LONDON CIRCLES
Chamberlain's Protectionist
Policy.
MAKES GOOD HIS ASSERTION.
Reciprocal Trade Between the Mother
Country and Her Colonies Question
of the Hour-Columns of Comment
Fill Papers.

Country and Her Colonies Question
of the Hour-columns of Comment
FIJI Papers.
London, May 29.-Colonial Secretary
Chamberlain protectionist policy is
the aH-prevailing topic of discussion
here. His masterfu1 assertion that
he would make reciprocal trade be-
tween the mother country and her
colonies the question of the hour has
been sensationally fulfilled. Columns
of comment fill the afternoon newspa-
pers and every one is asking
Does it mean dissolution"
The people maintain that the gov
ernment contemplates appealing to the
country on preferential trade and old
age pensions Immediately after the
close of the present session of parlia-
ment at the beginning of August, while
others maintain that the government
has not the slightest intention of Civ
ing UP its unexpired term Of office.
The Telegraph generally semi-inspir'
ed says:
at least eighteen months, but in the
meantime the department will give,
the country and parliament every op-
portunity to discuss It."
A definite decision will probably be
arrived at shortly, and will depend al
most entirely on the result of the prop
aganda now undertaken by the press
and the members of the house Of COM
mons. If the indications show that
Mr. Chamberlain is likely to have the
country at his back a general election
at the end OF this year is extremely
probable
The colonial secretary himself, the
Associated Press learns, is doubtful If
he can win out just at present, but
he is enthusiastically positive that with
political agitation the constituencies
can be brought to see the wisdom OF
his policy. Those who have discuss
ed the scheme with it's author, say he
never exhibited such keen interest In
any topic.
In this crusade the colonial secretary
is absolutely in harmony with Premier
premiership. If a general election oc.
ours tomorrow and Mr.. Chamberlain
program were carried out, Mr.. Bal
four would again take the reins Of gov
ernment. The only practical develop
ment likely to occur In the near future
is a series Of political speeches from
the leaders on both sides. The oppo-
sition is almost solidly opposed to
modification of free trade and will en-
deavor to arouse that public ferment
which was associated with the corn
tax days. Mr.. Chamberlain, Mr.. Bal
four and such unionists as agree with
them will extend from the public that
degree of support which they may In
terpret as a popular mandate. All
signs point to a lengthy campaign on
the lines of protection versus free
trade, which Is likely to destroy party
lines almost as much as did the home
rule question. In all the arguments
the example and probable attitude Of
the United States will figure largely
The opponents Of the scheme point out
that the comparative immunity Of the
American from taxation precludes his
prosperity under protection being ap.
plicable to the Britisher, who, as even
| the government organ admits, Is al
ready so heavily taxed that the initial
years Of protection, with higher priced
food, would be a severe strain on him
and possibly create bitter dissatisfac.
| ton among the poorer classes.