23 FEBRUARY 1907, Page 16

[TO TEN EDITOR Or THE . EPHOTATOR.1 SIR, —Your article on the

advantage of the Referendum in the Spectator of February 16th, coupled with the admitted need of a constructive policy on the part of the Unionist Party, induces one to ask : Why should not an ultimate refer. ence to a popular vote in all vital matters of policy be put forward as a " plank " in the Unionist " platform" ? The public adoption of this principle by Unionists of all shades of opinion would be an effective counterblast to any attempt to weaken the resisting power of a Second Chamber. —I am, [We ask for nothing better than to see the Referendum made a plank in the Unionist platform ; but, unfortunately— we note the fact with great regret—the Unionist leaders have shown no great desire to support this democratic, and Yet essentially conservative, proposal.—En. Spectator.]