The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-10
ATTACKS BAL OWN PLAN FUR TARIFF
Royal Greeted And ReneWS His Praise Of America.
 Newspapers Back Him

SOUTHAMPTON, England. Nov. g. Lloyd George jumped into the middle of the British political battle before the White Star liner Majestic, on which he returned from America, was made fast to the dock today.
 In a general interview he scath- ingly attacked Prime Minister Bald wins protection policy.
 My platform is free trade, un- hesitatingly." he declared,
 After his short absence in Amer ica, he returned today to deliver a nroadside that rIvalled the blasts of his palmiest days.
 Baldwin's protection policy devel- oped while Lloyd George was away. Baldwin proposes to put tariffs on certain classes of goods imported from outside the British empire and let those goods from the dominions in at preferential rates.
 Incredible Policy.
 "Premier Baldwin's pronouncement is incredible" said Lloyd George. II is unutterable folly and an insult td the intelligence of the nation tC feed starving industries with the mill dewed straw of last century.
 The policy is without grain of statesmanship."
 Asked whether he would follow ex- Prime Minister. Herbert Asquith, his rival in the liberal party since the two parted company in 1916, the Welsh wizard replied:
 q will follow anyone who will save the country; have never raised personal issues.
 ''1 am quite willing to accept Bald wins challenge on the issue of free Orf,tactiDO-'
 Lloyd George seemed to have found he sort of battle he has always loved. Fresh from his invigorating trip to America, rested by the com plete change from his long war du- ties and peace efforts and feeling fit after his sea trip, he was in fine fet- tie for an election fight.
 Warmly Greeted.
 He was warmly greeted by former members of his cabinet, Thomas J. MacNamara and Sir Alfred Mond, as well as the\ former chief whip of Lloyd Georges coalition party, Charles A. McCurdy.
 A large crowd of English news paper correspondents met the Ma jestic and Lloyd George was ready for them. The English public was afire with interest to hear his decla- ration.
 It came in his flat reply:
 My program is free trade, un- hcsitatingly.'
 When asked whether this meant he would modify his views to admit some form of imperial preference he alisw cred:
 The whole issue is whether we are going to tax food. Certainly the people will not consent to that" Sees Amazing Change.
 Le found the friendliest feeling toward Britain in America, he said. Expressing the opinion that there had been an amazing change az a result Of the Irish settlement
 This lad delighted the vast ma icrity Of Americans, he said and hence .sas great factor in improv- ing .Ai.Gfo American relations.
 The stage was set for his return amid q burst of glory in England to-
 The change of the Baldwin gov el.nilcrt in favor of free trade has united q lurge section of the country against if and in many places, the forr.er premier returning with the fresh prestige of his reception in America and such an opportune mo- inert, was hailed as the man to lead the fight against it.
 Editorials in the Daily Express and the Daily Mail today lauded the re- turning stateman like a conquering hero.
 These were taken to indicate that the two most prominent publishers in Great Britsn, Lord Rothermere' brother of the late Lord Northcliffe snd owner of papers that serve a ma jori y of the British reading public and Lord Beaverbrooll, owner of fewer papers. but more of political power to back Lloyd George in the campaign
 O Q C
 Praises America.
 Srecial police arrangements were made to handle the crowds at Water loo station to receive the eX-premier when his train arrives at S;30 to- night.
 Replying to question about his very to America, he said;
 America has recently taken a very definite step forward. American rublc opinion is turning more and more toward cooperation with Flu rope. felt that especially in the uiddiewost."
 He said if America had q plebescite or prohibition now it would he re- nffirmed He remarked she was evil dertIy determined to try the eXperl- ,nent and she ought to have free hand fer it. He said he was glad the recent agreement on the Emile limit for search for rum runners had