15 JANUARY 1910, Page 1

We have dealt at length elsewhere with the considerations •

which in our opinion should influence Unionist Free-traders and those men of moderate views who take what we may . venture to call the Spectator view in casting their votes. We desire, however, to emphasise once more the fact that what is really the most vital political consideration of the moment is that the Liberal Party is pledged not only to attempt Home- rule, but also to destroy what, owing to the bargainings of groups in the political market, has hitherto been the great

• obstacle to the destruction of the Union,—namely, the power of the Lords to insist on a Home-rule Bill being referred to the people. If the Liberal Party win at the elections, they will first destroy the power of the Lords to refer a Home-rule Bill, and will then pass Home-rule by what may very likely prove to be a majority the existence of which is due to the over-represeritation of ,Ireland. That is the situation we are called upon to face to-day.