20 JANUARY 1906, Page 1

Everywhere throughout the length and breadth of the land Unionists

are asking, "Was it worth while P" At present this question is only asked privately and in an undertone, but as soon as the excitement of the elections has passed away, and the rank-and-file of the Unionists have recovered a little from the stunning blow which they have received, it will be asked in a tone which will be unmistakable. It is all very well at the moment for Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Balfour to strut upon the stage and declare, each in the way that befits his tem- perament, that they were never more convinced of the truth of their opinions and that they mean to carry them out to the bitter end. The ordinary man realises clearly enough that there is little substance behind their words. When the Unionist Party as a whole are able to look around them once more they will, we believe, demand a stern account from their leaders. They will ask Varna what he has done with their legions. When he cannot answer, or can only say that he followed one of his lieutenants over a precipice, will they, we wonder, be satisfied with the reply ?