The flood of Free Trade and Protectionist: literature still continues in anticipation of the opening of Mr. Chamber-Iain's campaign and the announcement by Mr. Balfour of the decision of the Government at the beginning wf October. Next week a by-election is to be fought in Argylishire, and as only two candidates have'beon nominated we shall have the first square fight ina constituency on the question, This week the most. important contribution to the discussion is that made by the Congress of Chambers of Commerce at Montreal. This Congress has declared itself unanimously in favour of a commercial policy for the Empire, benefit, whereby each component part of "based upon the principle of mutual
the Empire would receive substantial advantage in trade as the result of national relationship, due considera ion being given to the fiscal and industrial needs of the component parts of the Empire and it urges the appointment of a Commission consisting of representatives of the Colonies and India as well as of the United Kingdom to consider the possibilities of such a scheme.
A Possible Compromise There is here an excellent opportunity for a compromise if a compromise is thought desirable. Even the most thorough-going Free Trader could not object to such an inquiry by such a body. Even though he might regard the passing of such scheme as that indicated as impossible he would be compelled to admit that the end sought is admirable, and that there can be no possible harm in inquiring into its feasibility. I know that Mr, Chamberlain has privately, if not publicly, expressed himself bitterly posed to the notion of referring his proposals to a Royal Commis sion; but if he finds that he cannot carry. the country and the Government with him he can hardly reject a compromise which would at least prevent the utter disruption with which the Unionist party is at present threatened.
Lord Salisbury. bury appeared to be rallying from his For a day or two the Marquis of Salis-serious illness; but yesterday's bulletins have almost completely destroyed our hopes of his recovery. The ex-Premier is understood to suffering from Bright's disease, complicated by extrem: cardiac weakness and defective circula. tion; and the end may come at any moment. Since his resignation of the premiership last year he has lived in such complete retirement that he has been ina measure forgotten; but his illness has brought out the strong regard and admira. 8.—Cuzroo Sr. Learn. One Mile tion in which he is held by men of all political parties. Indeed it has again and again been said of Into that the difficulties in which the Goveroment finds itself could never have ari-en had he remained at the head of affairs, By a sad coincidence the Marquis's half-sister, Mary, Countess of Galloway, a lary of brilliant accomplish. ments and of great popularity in society, is to be Laid to rest at Hatfield on Saturday. It is, however, supposed that the noble Marquis h-s been in too critical condition since her death to allow of the sad news being communicated to him,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.