Unfortunately the condition of the Unionist Party is almost as
bad. One would have supposed that at such a moment there would have been a general desire amongst those respon- sible for the leadership of the party to combine all elements in the country which are ready and willing to oppose the Socialism of the land clauses. Yet, strange as it may seem, the official Unionists, in effect if not in words, are making it clear that they will not encourage, and will hardly tolerate, help, unless it comes from Tariff Reformers, or those who are willing to kiss the Tariff Reform rod and ask no questions. Inside Parliament there has been no stronger, more vigilant, or more effective critic of the Govern- ment and the Budget than Lord Robert Cecil. No man has done better work for his party. This fact, however, will no more save him from the party guillotine than did the work done for Liberty and the Republic save the moderates from the men of the Terror. Because they did not hold political views of the same complexion as Robespierre they were doomed as certainly as the strongest Royalist. At this moment the Unionist Party machine is actually endorsing the efforts of those who are bent upon depriving Lord Robert Cecil of his seat in Parliament merely because, to his infinite credit, he will not, contrary to his personal beliefs, declare Protection to be to the interests of his country.
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