From the point of view of the disinterested and frivolous observer the fiscal questions has entered upon an exceedingly interesting and amusing phase: but there are many strong Unionists and fiscal reformers who view with consider.
misgiving the new tactics upon which Mr. Balfour has entered. On Tuesday evening Mr. Joseph Walton moved his resolution declaring that "in view of the declarations of the Prime Minister, this House thinks it necessary to record its condemnation of his policy of fiscal retaliation," and the motion was carried unanimously. It must not, of course, be assumed, because all his followers have adopted the Prime Minister's advice to absent themselves from these divisions, that they approve of it. Obviously it would only emphasise the Liberal victory if a division were challenged and the resolution were carried, as of course it would be, by a it Those fiscal reformers hold their therefore no option but to smother their desires and remain away. As for Mr. Balfour, ho carries out his pretence of profound in it nce to these resolutions to such a length that on Wednesday he declared in the House of Commons that he had no knowledge, either from official or from unofficial sources, of what had taken place on the previous night. This declaration was made in answer to a question from Mr. Winston Churchill who asked whether, in view of the unanimous vote of condemnation of his policy, Mr. Balfour considéred his retention of office consistent with "his public duty and his personal honour." The reference to his "personal honour," he had, at the direction of the Speaker, to withdraw, and to the other part of the question Mr. Balfour, after having his ignorance enlightened, retorted by in-yiting from the leaders of the Opposition 8 direct vote of want of confidence.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.