20 MARCH 1909, Page 17

THE LIBERAL PARTY AND FREE-TRADE.

[To TUB EDITOR OF TUN "SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Mr. Asquith in his speech to the Free-Trade Union at the Queen's Hall on March 9th paid full tribute to the Presence of the prominent Unionists who supported him, but be will have to do more than that if the Free-trade Unionists Of Lancashire are to help the cause of Free-trade at the next General Election as they did at the last General Election. Last General Election all the sacrifice was on the part of the Unionists, and the verdict for Free-trade was used as a mandate for other pm-poses. If Free-trade is of the import- ance which Mr. Asquith indicates, then let him go to Norwood and get the Liberal candidate to stand on one side and let Mr. Bowles (the Free-trader) and Mr. II. Samuel (the Tariff Reformer) fight out the issue together. If Mr. Asquith shows that the cause of Free-trade is worth some sacrifice, Free- trade Unionists will do the same, but not otherwise.—I am, Sir, Sce., E. L. OLIVER. The Waterhouse, Bollington, Macclesfield.