LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
[Letters of the length o one of our leading paragraphs are often more read, and therefore more effective, than those which fill treble the space.] THE FUTURE OF THE UNIONIST PARTY. (To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—As a hard worker for 'the Unionist wing of the Coalition Party and long before its fusion with Mr. Lloyd George and his section, I thank you for your article on the future of the party. It is not before time. I consider that if some steps are not taken soon to preserve the party it will suffer enormously in the future. At present the choice is between Coalition and Labour, but supporters are waiting for a new leader who will lead. Mr. Boner Law is very good in the House of Commons. but he is not a statesman, and all his powers of persuasion are useless in face of the existing and increasing dissatisfaction. The Government in making enormous concessions on uniforiu principles to clamour has increased the cost of everything. The Education Act has been smothered with expenditure, and the uniform wage lo policemen, railwaymen, miners, &e., has in many instances been absurd. There has been in addition gross administrative extravagance which is not nearly ended. and the number of highly paid officials is legion. No wonder rates have gone up enormously, and in next financial year, as compared with 1914, rates will in many cases be quadrupled. The housing problem hat not been tackled. Houses are being built, but high rents are impossible, and the deficiency will be appalling. There is a deplorable want of confidence, and Mr. Lloyd George, with his many good points, cannot be trusted for a week. I come in contact with many leaders of Unionist opinion throughout Central and East Scotland, and their story is the same. Whenever a leader is forthcoming to voice their feelings a new party is assured. As it is, many will vote Liberal at next election rather than for a Unionist Party led by Mr. Lloyd George. No Government has ever thrown away such opportunities, and none has so abandoned its principles SY the present in its pandering for votes. The Coalition won't get Labour support. It should, therefore, acquire some backbone
before it is too late.—I am, Sir. &o., UNIONIST.
Previous page
