The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-22

Was opened for the consolidation and
security Of the vast trade Of the British
Empire. Many thought II would serve
TO hold the trade OF the empire as the
United States holds its enormous inter-
state trade, and that Great Britain and
her colonies would be enabled TO shut
out the competition Of this country and
Of Germany, their most active COM
petitors in their home field. A little
burst Of enthusiasm, springing out Of
patriotic sentiment, was followed by
grave doubt whether trade unity would
really be the result Of an imperial zoll-
verein, and that doubt continues to
grow.
In he potential volume the trade Of
India is the most important Of Great
Britain's colonial accounts. Fortunately
for England's industries, India has not
voice in her own affairs such as is held
by Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
Cape Colony in theirs. Englands fiscal
policy in that country undeniably has
been selfish, and It promises to continue
TO be restrictive of midas industrial
development For instance, India pro-
duces 5000, 900 bales year of inferior
cotton. She could produce 100000 or
more bales year OF good quality, Some
OF her requirements Of cotton cloth are
supplied from local mills All might be,
but that would cut of England's present
sales Of about 500, 900, OOO a year on In
dia's cotton account. There ia no prob
ability that midas opinions will cut
much OF a figure in the matter.
But England's self-governing colonies,
in Canada, Australasia and South Africa,
with an aggregate foreign commerce ex-
ceeding 81 500, 900 900, stand in different
case. We're the people Of England a
unit in favor Of the Chamberlain pro-
posal, its determination would still rest
with the little group of governing
colonies whose sentiments are quite GER
tain to prove more loyal than their
pockets.
Mr.. CHAMBERLAIN effort ia now TO
secure a colonial conference, and Colonial
Secretary LYTTLEToN has stated that
such a conference would be called in
1905. Replying to the Churchill motion,
Mr.. CHAMBERLAIN said that the result Of
the proposal would be TO muzzle the
Premier BALFoUR declared
his unalterable attachment TO the prin-
ciples Of free trade, but agreed with Mr.
CHAMBERLAIN in his objection to the
restraint which the Churchill motion
would impose on the colonial representa-
tves. Mr.. AsoUITH accused Mr.. BAL
FOUR Of a policy Of evasion and procras-
and charged Mr.. CHAMBERLAIN
with lack Of courage to meet his own
issue.
The present indications are that the
already waning Chamberlain plan will
suffer a still further loss Of vitality during
the coming months, and it is doubtful
u he will be able to secure for it any
strong support from the colonies on any
basis which England would accept. Mr..
now has less to say about
he material advantages TO be secured |
mder his proposal, and more to say
about the political dangers which would |
'ollow a rejection of his plan. In a
recent magazine article he said:
e Tue people Of this country will In the not too
Instant time have 10 make their minds what foot
ng they wish the colonies 70 occupy. or whether
hey wish their colonies TO leave altogether.
1T Is absolutely impossible for you 10 maintain |
n the long run your present loose. indehnAbls relS-
Ions 10 YOU colonies and preserve these colonies |
u parts OF the empire
In other words, Mr.. CHAMBERLAIN
Chamberlains Colonial Ce-
nent as a sure preventive Of the disin-
egration Of the British Empire,