The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-09-22


al Downing street In the following
communication
"The following ministers have ten
dorei their designations which have
been accepted by the king.
Fright Hon. Joseph Chamberlain.
secretary for the colonies. Right Hon.
c. T. Rtchie. chancellor OF the ex-
cheouor and Lord George Hamilton.
secretary tor India.
"The accompanying correspondence
naesed between the premier Right
Hon. a. J. Baliour, and Mr.. Chamber
lain
Then follows Mr. Chamborlains let
ter. dated Birmingham, September =
commencing My Dear Baliour IN
which he sets forth his reasons for his
ignation. An extremely interesting
feature OF the letter is the following
statement concerning a preferential
tariff
For the present at any rate a pre-
ferential agreement with our colonies
involving any new duty, however
small. on articles OF food hitherto un-
taxed. even II accompanied by a re-
duction OF taxation on other articles OF
food equally universal in their con
sumption. would be unacceptable 10
the majority OF the constituencies. ]
feel therefore. that as an immediate
practical policy the question OF pref
erence to the colonies cannot be
pressed with any hope OF success a.
the present time. although there is
verv strong feeling in favor OF the
other branch OF fiscal reform which
would give fuller discretion to the gov
ernment in negotiating with foreign
countries for a freer exchange OF com
modities and which would enable our
representatives 10 retaliate II no con-
cesslon was made to our Just demands.
"I think that with absolute loyalty
TO YOUR government and with no fear
OF embarrassing It in any way. can
hest promote the cause have az heart
from the outside. and | cannot but
hone that In a perfectly independent
position my arguments may be re-
ceived with less prejudice than would
attach TO those OF a party leader. Ac-
cordingly I would suggest that you
limit the present policy OF the govern.
ment to an assertion OF our freedom IN
the case OF all commercial relations
with foreign countries and that you
should agree to my rendering my re-
signation OF my present office TO MS
majesty and devoting myself 10 the
work Of explaining and popularizing
these principles OF imperial union
which experience has convinced me
arc essential to our future welfare and
prosperity.
Joseph CHAMBERLAIN"
Mr. Balfour. In letter 10 Mr.. Cham
berlain. dated September l6. explains
that he did not reply earlier because
no knew he would soon have an oppor-
tunity OF talking over the important
issues with which the letter deals.
Therefore this reply rather embodies
the results OF our conversations than
adds anything new TO them" Mr.. Bal
four continues:
Agreeing as I do with you that the
time has come when change should
ba made in the fiscal canons by when
We hound ourselves in our commercial
dealings with other governments, II
seems paradoxical indeed that you
should leave the cabinet az the same
time that others Of my colleagues are
leaving # who disagree on the very
noint with us both Yet, l cannot Du'
admit that there is some force in your
arguments In support Of that course
based as they are upon your special
and personal relation with that por'
tion OF the controversy which deal'
with colonial preferences. I behev'
with YOU that a closer fiscal union be
tween the mother country and the col
Z onies would benefit the trade or ooth
r and that If such closer union could d.
established on fitting terms its adyan
: t.oa 70 both parties would increas
with years and as the colonies grow Il
wealth and population.
How can criticize your determine
,ionq The loss to the government
oreat indeed. but the gain to the caus
YOU have at heart is greater STILL
40 what can / do but acquiesce?
"A. ]: BALFOUR."