14 AUGUST 1909, Page 2

We feel sure, therefore, that when the report stage is

reached the most overwhelming case may be made out, in the interests of the Liberal Party, for withdrawal, and the reconsideration of the clauses during the autumn and winter with a view to introducing them next year in a better form. But if the Liberal objectors are to accomplish this they must act together, and, further, they must appeal for Liberal support throughout the country. It is quite as much the duty of leading Liberals in the constituencies who dislike the land clauses to act, however disagreeable such action may be to them, as it is for Members like Mr. Cox, Sir Robert Perks, Sir Edward Tennant, Sir Thomas Whittaker, or Mr. Beek to speak and act in Parliament. No doubt there are great difficulties in getting people together in August or September, but still exceptional cases must be met by exceptional means, and we do not see why a Conference of leading Liberals who are opposed to the land clauses of the Budget should not be called at the beginning of September.