We have written elsewhere about Mr. Lloyd George's speech, and
we will add here only a word of warning. We trust that the promised victory for the Coalition, of which we declare ourselves supporters; will not be used in the spirit that crushes independence in the private Member. Some words of the Prime Minister are ominous. Literally understcod, he seems to ask for delegates pledged to vote unwaveringly for a programme dictated to them, and to suggest that the constituencies should exact this -duty of their Members. It may be all right ; but if a Member of Parliament is to become an automaton—a man no longer free to exercise his discretion and to follow his conscience, and to be guided by his knowledge of life and affairs within the borders of a general loyalty to his Party—then Parliament will suffer. It will be degraded, and men of ability and character will vanish from the scene. In this respect our country must be scrupulously kept safe for democracy.
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