14 FEBRUARY 1920, Page 1

The chief observation which we wish to make on this

subject is that here is an open gate for the Unionists. It can hardly be supposed that if the nation wants to be led against bureaucracy and Socialism, of both of which it is heartily sick, it will look to the Independent Liberals, who have for a long time flirted with Socialism, and even now are not quite sure that they are glad of the clear call uttered by Mr. Asquith. In any case the nation will not desire Mr. Asquith's leadership. Many people had their minds poisoned against him during the war, and others, among whom we count ourselves, would not accept his leadership if only because of his Irish record.