New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-03

the absence Of the Premier. said he desired to
question the government regarding its attitude
on the fiscal question and asked il il was a new
government with new policy The only way OF
dealing with the existing confusion ne added
to appeal to the common sense OF the elect
ors OF the country. In conclusion Sir Henry
severely arraigned the government attitude on
the fiscal question. and announced that John
Morley would i'm few days introduce more
comprehensive amendment. involving the whole
situation.
The text Of the amendment to the address in
the reply TO the Speech from the Throne re-
ferred to by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman
and which will be moved BY Mr.. Morley in bs-
half Of the Opposition. is as follows:
II "a our duty however humbIy. TO present
to your majesty that our effective elaboration
on financial services is impaired by conflicting
declarations from your majesty's ministers. We
respectfully submit the judgment Of this House
that the removal OF protective duties has. Tor
than half a century actively COnduCed
to the vast extension Of the trade and commerce
OF the realm and the welfare or the population.
and this House believes that while the needs
for Improvement are still manifold and urgent,
any return to protective duties and more par
ticularIy when imposed on the food Of the peo-
pie. would be deeply injurious to the national
strength. contentment and wellbeng-
IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.
When the House of Lords began the business
of the session the galleries were well filed,
among those present being the Prince of Wales.
Duke of Devonshire.
After the Introduction OF new peers. Lord
Fitz- William. Liberal Unionist. moved the adj
dress in reply to the Speech from the Throne.
which was seconded by Lord HyltOn. Conserva-
tive
Earl Spencer. the Liberal leader OF the House.
followed. He paid tribute to the late Lord
Salisbury the Duke Of Devonshire and Lord
Iansdowne and continuing alluded 70 the sit
uation in the Far East The earl said he hoped
the governments friendly offices had been Of
fered to both powers, especially to Japan. and
asked for information from the government re-
gardlng Somaliland and Tibet and the situa-
ton I'm South Africa TO which. he pointed cut.
no reference had been made in the Speech from
Earl Spencer added that he hoped early de-
Csion in regard 20 the governments policy on
the fiscal question would be reached. and an
nounCed that the Opposition would take every
opportunity Of bringing the question before the
country.
Lord Lansdowne responded. He congratulated
the House on the conclusion or the Anglo
French and AnglO-Italian arbitration treatleS
deplored the situation in the Near ana Far f.ast
and expressed the hope That a paclHc solutlON
of the differences in both cases would De
reached. In regard 10 the United states. Lore
Iansdowne said the government had endeaVOret
10 ira nslate into practice what 10 affirmed
rather as "A matter OF principle in the French
and italian treaties.
IANSDOwNE ON FISCAL REFORM.
Commenting on the Alaska decision. Lord
Lansdowne said that although the tribunal
which disposed Of the Alaska difficulty was not.
strictly speaking. arbitral. It's eiOrtS illustrator
the possibility OF settling by other than diplo-
matte means long standing. dangerous interna-
tionaI differences. The condition OF Alaska
might have brought Great Britain into a serious
and acute controversy with the United States
The finding Of the tribunal. doubtless, was not
entirely satisfactory 10 Great Britain. but no
one expected IL 10 be entirely favorable
verdict. Lord LansdOwne was inclined 10 md
some consolation I'm the fact that his military
and naval advisers were confident that the two
islands in Portland Channel which had gone TO
the United States were not Of any strategical
value whatever.
Concerning the RussO-Japauese dispute. Lord
Iansdowne said ~ axiom I'm diplomacy
not TO offer good offices until they We're asked
, for. Neither of the disputants had asked for e.
In fact. IL was open secret that one at least
OF the dsputants had said that mediation was
not desirable az tine present time. But should
the opportunity offer. his majestys government
would gladly avail itself thereof.
The Tibet mission. said Lord LansdOwue. was
political and not military IL was for the pur
pose OF promoting more satisfactory arrange
ment for friendly intercourse in trade.
Coming 70 the fiscal question. Lord Lans-
dOwne said the policy recommended by Mr.
Chamberlain was not the policy OF the govern
unent and Mr.. BalfOur had clearly defined the
governments policy. lie (the speaker did not
conceal his sympathy with Mr.. ChamberIaiu's
aspiration 20 draw the empire more closely to-
gether and 20 put the affairs Of the nation ON
the success OF such policy was great. the pun
ishment Of failure was irreparable. and the
government was only prudent In declining To
he rushed into such proposals In conclusion.
Lord fansdowne said the position OF the gov
eminent was perfectly defensible and logical
The address was agreed To and the House OF
lords adjourned.