see that in his last speech Mr. Chamberlain spoke strongly
about the opposition which some of us offered to the Aliens Bill in the Grand Committee on Law. I do not write to discuss the matter, but merely to point out that Mr. Chamberlain may learn from that opposition a valuable lesson about his own Fiscal proposals. For the discussion on the Aliens Bill made clear the fact that even if the objects of that Bill were ideally desirable, no machinery could be devised for attaining these objects which was not sure to cause more evil than it cured. It sounds well to talk about keeping out paupers and diseased aliens; but it is paying too dear for such a whistle if it can only be attained by dislocating, even diminishing, our shipping trade; even by hampering our movements with intolerable restrictions. So it may be ideally desirable especially to cultivate trade with our Colonies ; but it is not practically wise to attempt this, where there is no machinery possible which will not do more harm than good. In both cases it is not in principles that the shoe pinches, but in their practice; and Mr. Chamberlain would do well to turn his chief attention in this direction. We do not need to be taught to " think Imperially," but we do ask to be shown bow we can thus act Imperially without doing disproportionate harm to ourselves and the Empire.—I am, Sir, &c., House of Commons Library. GEORGE HARWOOD.
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