On Thursday the Preference debate was continued by Lord Avebury,
who, following Sir Robert Peel, declared that if all the rest of the world would become Protectionist this country would still be wise to remain Free-trade. He was followed by Lord St. Aldwyn in a speech of great moderation, but also great power, which we unhesitatingly commend to the atten- tion of all true Conservatives. He reminded the House of Lords of what happened at the Mid-Devon election. The price of corn, and consequently of bread, had increased owing to deficient harvests and purely natural causes. The electors were disappointed, however, because they had been told that the triumph of the present Government would secure them cheap food. They promptly voted against the Government candidate. But suppose the Tariff Reformers had won iu 190fi, and Parliament had imposed a duty of 2s. a quarter on corn. Precisely the same thing would have happened in the winter of 1907 as did happen, and in that case every speaker of the Liberal Party throughout the country would have denounced the Government for having, by the imposition of 2s. on corn, raised the price by 7s., 8a., 9s., or 10s. What would have been the effect of the country being told that the duty imposed for the benefit of the Colonies had raised the price of corn 8s. or more a quarter ? " Would that have tended to increase the feeling of kindliness and goodwill in this country towards our Colonial brothers ? " We cannot, unfortunately, find space to deal with the speeches of Lord Lansdowne and Lord Crewe; but we must note with regret that Lord Curzon's intervention in the debate must be taken to show that be has finally decided to throw in his lot with Mr. Balfour and the Tariff Reformers.
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