The Duke of Devonshire went on to point out that
while the Unionist Free-traders might be driven in self-defence to measures of retaliation and reprisals, be did not think it their duty, even if it were in their power, to attempt to guarantee the Fiscal orthodoxy of every Unionist candi- date as a condition of their support. They were bound to look at the question from the point of view of prudence and tactics, as well as from that of strict principle. The cause of Free-trade was not in immediate danger in the next Parliament ; the real danger was in the possi- bility of the Unionist party being converted as a whole to the fallacies of Protection, and Unionist Free-traders could best prevent this undesirable consummation by remaining loyal members of the Unionist party, and providing at least a centre and nucleus round which the scattered remnants of that party might rally after the disastrous defeat which was apparently impending over them. Excellent speeches were also delivered by Lord Robert Cecil, Mr. Arthur Elliot, and Lord Goschen, who all dwelt on the grave injury which was being done to the reputation and efficiency of the House of Commons by the policy of evasion now pursued by the Government.
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