THE DUTY OF FREE-TRADE UNIONISTS.
[To T83 EDITOR OP TUE " SPECTATOR:1
feel that your article in the Spectator of October 10th shows clearly to those who, like your correspondent Mr. Wilson Noble, the most popular Conservative Member who ever sat for Hastings, have made up their minds on Mr. Chamberlain's scheme how they must vote at the next General Election. For Unionist to vote against Unionist will be painful. It was painful in 1886 for Liberals to vote against Liberals, but the Liberal Unionists at that Election and since have done their duty and have saved the Empire. The suggested return to Protection, which we consider a menace to the Empire, can only be defeated by Conservative and Liberal Unionist votes. In educating opinion on the subject and exposing the fallacies of the Pro-Protectionists you have done so much in the past that we may in that respect look with confidence on the future. From my personal observation, Mr. Chamberlain's position is stronger now than it was. Protection, though always very popular with a large section of the Conservative party, coupled with an old-age pension scheme did not give rise to much enthusiasm. Protection coupled with a scheme under which the foreigner is to pay for everything may carry all before it. " Chamberlain has done so well in the past ; all these figures are so very contradictory ; it is all so hard to understand ; and therefore he should have a chance of trying his scheme "—is heard on all sides. The experimental plunge into the sea of Protection is as likely to be beneficial as an experimental taste of molten lead. In each case repentance would come too late. It is, however, to be trusted that before your next issue appears the Unionist Free-trade leaders will have taken definite steps for inaugurating an active campaign, and will recognise that in the fight already begun spectators and non- combatants are sure to fare badly. Let them, at any rate, imitate the Protectionists in energy. Before closing let me add that I trust you will bring home to your readers the great truth that Protection is a form of Socialism. Let this be clearly grasped, and the new-born enthusiasm for State interference is likely to be considerably damped.—I am, Sir, &c., E. M. R.
[We entirely agree with our correspondent as to the need for greater activity among the Free-trade Unionists. They may be sure that Mr. Chamberlain will show them no mercy. If they are wise they will resist him while they can, and not dream of some compromise yet being possible.—En. Spectator.]
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