New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-21
NR. cHAuBERLATy-S CONSISTENCY.

Whatever may be thought Of his present atti-
tUde and Of his future line Of action II viii not
be discreet TO GenOunce Mr. Chamberlain out
Of hand Tor chanSefulness or inconsistency.
The iliustriOus example of Peel has already
been cited a one by which he might il it Were
necessary. Justify change OF policy or a di-
vergence from the policy OF bis ministerial col
leagues and party associates. Another such ex-
ample might be found in the history OF Mr..
Chamberiains own former chief Mr.. Glad
stone was AL things 10 all men" by turns. box
ing the political compass from stern. unbebding
Coryisn 10 outright Radicalism. now being
Rampant jDgo and now seeking peace at any
price" AT one time ne denounced Mr.. Parnell
as marching through rapine TO the dismem-
bernent Of the empire" and WAS himself de-
scrlbed 10y Mr.. Parnell as having ''coerced
ireland. deluged Egypt with blood and men,
laced religious liberty in the schools and free
dom of speech in Parliament" and in a
twinklins thereafter be formed close political
alliance with that same Mr.. Parnell. After
that no disciple OF Mr. Gladstone. at any rate
should charge Mr. Chamberlain with variable
ness.
But We are not sure that Mr.. Chamberlain IS
open to that charge. either positively or COM
paratively. Upon the question OF the colonies
ard their commercial union with the mother
country at least lie has ever been steadiasL
Forty-fve years ago be made his principles
manifest John Bright. then rising into the IuL
maturity Of his superb powers, made great
speech in the Birmingham Town Hail. I'D when
he declared that the colonies were drain upon
the mother country; none OF them had ever
maid their way except Australia. or would ever
be OF any commercial good to the United King
com. Mr.. Chamberlain was then a young man
ofar Of f-0gDaSfO0
batting Society. In that society he proposed and
SUMMARIZED vigorously a resolution strongly
conforming BriEhts reflections upon the COLO
nies II may have seemed impertnence for MIN
at that time 10 take issue with the greatest
orator and one Of the greatest statesmen OF
England But he did So and made it clear that
he was then what would now be called an lnl-
nerialist snd an Imperial Federauonlst- nor
win g. oscane observation that the record OF
tho wears has shown Bright TO have been in
tle wrong and Mr.. Chamberlain in the right.
That was lis first declaration Of principles on
that subject Il was many years before he had
occasion TO declare himself upon II AGAIN MS
nY,rlic work lying In other fields. But IN july
1Sq5. lust after his accession 10 the Coloniai
Oeioe he made this announcement of policy;
II have taken Office with two objects; 10 see
..,r,,+lcr something cannot be done TO bring
self governing fOlbliltS .iAau W.
.,cIoser relations and 10 attempt the develop
mont Of the resources of the Crown colonies,
..espec;8llv TO increase our trade with those
colonies Nearly year later. addressing the
,,lne-ress Of Chambers Of Commerce Of the En-
miro he said: The establishment OF CONNER
..cial union throughout the empire would be
.tonlv the first step but it would be the MAIN
..s,en and the decisive step toward the real
.-ization Of the most Inspiring idea mat mas
"o,er entered into the minds Of British STATES
men.
II may he reasonable for mon to disagree
with Nr Chamberlain's proposals OF hscal re-
form free trade within the empire and I'M
,,erial federation II certainly Is not reasohaple
for them 10 express surprise at his espousai oA
euch principles. or to accuse him OF lnconsls'-
ercv or chanceableness in so doing. lie Is SID
rlv following out the course which he selected
fo--v.fve vears ago. and which be announced
With much detail eight years ago on assuming
.be office which be has since Tiled WIN 80
,,,,lch distinction and success. 1t Is not ior
changing his principles but fer not changing
,bcn that De is now criticised. Those OF his
colleagues who disagree with him can surely
not 1larne him for the disagreement They
knew wears ago when they entered the minis
.rv with birn what his principles were. 1t is
scarcely raa sonable 10 express surprise and re-
sentiment at them, now lhat he proposes TO put
them into practice.