Mr. Balfour addressed a great demonstration organised by the National
Union of Conservative Associations at the Albert Hall on Friday week. Mr. Balfour vehemently protested that there was nothing in the policy of Retalia- tion or Imperial Preference that was in conflict with the doctrines of Free-traders or Protectionists. He denied that he had ever suggested or thought that the plan of a double Election should have any force or operation unless the Unionist Government were returned to power at the next Election. In the other alternative the scheme adumbrated at Edinburgh of course fell to the ground. He feared that the Opposition, if returned to power, might reject the overtures of our mighty children overseas; but if they repented, and dealt with this great problem in a patriotic and Imperial spirit, be would not tax them with inconsistency. The speech, though not specially remarkable in itself, has become so owing to the interpretation placed upon it by Mr. Chamberlain.
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