New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-22
BRITISH PREMIER SPEAKS.
NEW CABTNETS POLICY.
Chinese in South Africa-Foreign
ReIahons-Hage ornaments.

London, Dec. 21.-Sir Henry Campbell-Ba
nerman's first speech since he accepted the
Premiership delivered at Albert Hall to-
night before a mass meeting under the auspices
of the Liberal Federation. The Premier was
supported on the platform by fifteen members
Of his Cabinet, including Sir Robert Threshle
Reid, Lord High Chancellor: Herbert Henry
Asquith, Chancellor of the Exchequer: Herbert
John Gladstone, Secretary for Home Affairs;
John Morley. Secretary for India: John Burns.
President of the Local Government Board; Lord
Tweedmouth, First Lord Of the Admiralty, and
Richard Burden Haldane, Secretary of War.
The vast auditorium was packed with an audi
ence chiefly composed of Londoners. Next to
the Premier, John Burns was the hero of the
evening Mr.. Asquith, Sir Robert Reid and other
members of the Cabinet were cheered. but Mr..
Burns was acclaimed by continuous applause
and musical honors until the representative of
labor in the British Cabinet was palpably en-
barrassed.
The Premier carefully avoided the question of
Home Rule for Ireland. He said that the fiscal
question was the prime issue Of the campaign
against government whose Ministry made a
midnight fitting on murky December even
ing"
A feature OF Sir Henry's speech was his an
nouncement that the government had decided to
stop the importation of coolies into South Africa
such importation could be decided by a South
African Parliament elected by popular vote.
This was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm.
the cheering continuing for fully ten minutes.
I'm this connection" said the Premier. II may
state that Lord Elgin to-day telegraphed LORD
Selborne, saying that the importation of Chinese
labor must be regarded as an experiment
adopted by the late government to meet the
serious shortage of labor. His najesty's gov
eminent now considers that the introduction of
Chinese laborers should not be extended until
it can learn the opinion of the colony through
an elected and really representative legislature.
The government accordingly has decided that
the recruiting embarkattop importation of
Chinese coolies shall be arrested pending a de-
cision concerning the grant of responsible
government TO the colony"
Speaking of foreign relations. Sir Henry first
expressed his kindly feeling toward Russia in
the trial through which that coXatry is passing.
In the case Of Germany he said he saw no rea-
son whatsoever for estrangement. and welcomed
the unofficial demonstrations of friendship
which had recently passed between the two
countries Regarding the United States. France
and Japan the Premier accepted the existing
conditions and approved everything that tended
toward peace.
Sir Henry upheld this announcement with
another which elected great applause. He said
that the growth of ornaments a great
danger; that force was not the only remedy. and
that economy must be adopted The govern
ment would oppose aggression. and would be
animated by a desire to remain the best
terms with all nationalities and to cooperate
in the common work of civilization. In this. he
pointed out. the government had notable ally
in the present fiscal system. which was a great
guarantee of peace. He rejoiced that the pTn-
ciple Of arbitration had made great strides.
In general terms the Premier outlined his
policy for retrenchment and for complete sys
TEN of government by the people TOR the good
of the greatest number" In equally general
terms he gave notice that most of the domestic
acts of the late government would be traversed
by the incoming Liberal government. and he
made a powerful bid for the popular vote.
Women suffragists who had invaded the meet
ing waved flags and demanded that women
should be granted the right to vote. Sir Henry
ignored the Interruptions and several OF the
more enthusiastic of the women had to be
elected during the meeting.
Mr.. Asouith spoke also. but he added little TO
the ACCOMPLISHMENTS of the Premier.