The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-06-10
CONTEST Is BEGUN
Protectionists Open the Argu-
ment in Parliament
GOVERNMENT AT STAKE
Expects Aid From Irish Lead
erS and Nationalist

London. May e.-The approach of the
first serious parliamentary brush in the
free trade-protection fight filled every
seat in the house of commons this morn
ing Before facing the situation, which
must largely place them at the mercy d
the Liberal and Irish votes, the mem
bers of the government attended an i'm
portant cabinet meeting, at which all the
ministers were present except Gerald
BaIfour, president of the board Of trade,
who was i'll.
Henry Chaplin, NJ F., former president
of the board Of agriculture, and the mai
content Jnionists were actively engaged
early in the day in the house and around
Westminster in rallying the supporters of
Mr.. Chaplin's amendment TO the bud
get bill, which declares that the removal
of tax on grain involves a needless and
injurious disturbance of trade and ser
ious loss of revenue, without substantial
relief for the country" and that if any
taxes are removed it should be those lev
led on tea and other articles Of general
consumption.
Before the debate opened Premier Bal
four ascertained from John Redmond,
the Irish leader, that the Nationalist
members of parliament would support
the government as against Mr.. Chaplin
The Liberal leader, Sir Henry Campbell
Bannerman had already announced that
his party would also uphold the pro-
posal of Chancellor Richie TO remit the
grain tax. This practically insured the
government from possible defeat at the
hands of its own supporters.
Mr. Richie formally moved the consid
Grafton of the budget. Mr.. Chaplin, who
was received with cheers, arose to move
his amendment >nd proceeded warmly 10
attack the chancellor of the exchequer.
TO whose inaptitude, he said, they owed
their present remarkable position. IT
repeating the grain duty, Mr.. Chaplin
said, Mr. Richie had made an irretriav-
able mistake and had precipitated move-
ment for which neither his party no!
country were prepared For a moment
he appeared to have prevailed over Br
Chamberlain, but his triumph would be
short lived. Mr.. Chaylin blamed the
government for yielding to Mr.. Richie.
Mr. Richie justified the remission of
the grain duty and contended that the
millers and farmers had not benefited
by the change. In his opinion the con-
sumner had paid the tax which had
pressed most heavily on the poorest
classes. Although he was precluded by
the speakers ruling from discussing pref
erential tariffs, he might say in behalf If
himself and his collea CUES what he and
they thought. The members of the gov
eminent who had spoken on the subject
had spoken for themselves and not Tor
the government. All thus far that had
been suggested was that the matter
should be discussed and inquired into.
Mr. Ritchie concluded with saying that
the grain duty was properly imposed as
the result of a great national emergency
and had been properly removed when
the prospects were brighter. He denied
that there had been any inconsistency,
and while he regretted that the govern
ment had wounded the feelings of some
of its supporters. he believed its action
would be Endorsed by the country. Mr..
Ritchie's outspoken Reputation of Mr..
Chamberlains proposals caused an i'm
mense sensation in the Hobbies Of the
house. No sucn situation has arisen in
the parliament situation since the mem
orable split on the home rule bill. and
great interest was manifested in regard
TO the possible developments
London, June 9.-Speaking at the Essex
agricultural show today, Lord Rosebcry
remarked that there was a lively stu
alton in he house of commons.
Heaven alone knows what is coming
next" added the former premier. Start
ling developments may be expected at