New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-05-30
ENGLAND IN II FERMENT.
Speculation Deer Meaning of Dir.
Chamberlain Declaration.

London. MAY 29.-Mr. Chamberlain's protec-
Zionist policy Is the all prevailing topic OF as
sussiou here. His masterful assertion tha1 ne
would make reciprocal trade between the nao'ler
country and her colonies the question OF the
hour has been sensationally fulfilled Columns
of comment fill the afternoon newspapers anu
,-e,, ono &c asking. Does it mean dissolution
Some people maintain that the government coil-
.eranlates appealing to the country on preferen-
-faI trade and old age pensions Immediately
,fter the close of the present session OF Parma
,nent- at the beginning Of August, while others
maintain that the government has not the
slightest intention of giving up It's une2plreo
fern CT Office. THE Telegraph says;
The issue could not be voted on for at least
.lrhteen months but in the mean time. the gov
eminent will give the country and Parilameht
every opportunity TO discuss It,
A definite decision Will probably be reached
ehortlv and VIII depend almost entirely on the
result of the propaganda now undertaken by
the press and the members Of the House OF
Commons If the indications show that MT
chamberlain is likely to have the country at
his back a general election AT the emu oi 'iiiS
wear is extremely probable
The Colonial Secretary himself is doubtful If
SIC couId win at present but he is enthusiast
rally positive that with political agitation the
constituencies can be brought to see the wisdom
of his policy. Those who have discussed the
preferential scheme with its author say ne never
before exhibited such keen interest in any topic
s.-or the first time in my life" said friend or
.he Colonial Secretary, Il can say MI Cham
,oeriain is really excited
In this crusade the Colonial Secretary is alb
eolutely in harmony with Mr.. Balfour and har-
sors no designs on the Premiership. II a gen
,raI election occurred tomorrow and Mr.. Cham
s,erlaiu's programme was carried. Mr.. Balfour
-,-ould again take the rens of government. The
pnlv practical development likely to occur in
she near future is series Of political speeches
from, the leaders on both sides. The opposition
IS almost solidly opposed to modification OF
free trade and will endeavor 10 arouse that
public ferment which was associated with the
corn tax days Mr.. Chamberlain, Nj Balfour
and such Unionists as agree with them. Will
try to extract from the public that degree OF
support which they may interpret as popular
mandate All signs point TO long campaign
on the lines OF protection against 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 prom
able attitude of the United States viii hgure
largely. The opponents Of the scheme point out
that the comparative immunity OF the American
from taxation precudes his prosperity under
protection being applicable to the British SUD
Sect who. as even the government organs ao-
init is already so heavily taxed that the inltiai
years of protection, with higher priced food
would be a severe strain on him, and possibly
create bitter dissatisfaction among the poorer
classes