17 OCTOBER 1903, Page 3

As we go to press comes the welcome news that

the Duke of Devonshire has joined the Free-trade Unionist organisation. That the Duke means to lead, and not merely to be an orna- mental member, may be taken for granted, while that his decision and example will exercise a profound influence on the country we cannot doubt. He is one of those com- manders whose presence in the field is in itself worth an army corps.