If the facts are as given, this is certainly a
most remark- able incident, for Mr. Balfour appears in the strange capacity of the protector of an anti-Tariff Reform Member against his Chamberlainite assailants. Hitherto Mr. Balfour has never dared, or at any rate has never shown himself willing, to do anything of the kind. Can it mean that Mr. Balfour is beginning to realise, first, how subversive of the true interests of the party, and also how unreasonable, the aims of the Tariff Reformers are, and next, how utterly impossible it is that the party should regain power if the Unionist Free- traders are to be permanently trampled upon? The trampling policy has had a good trial, and we see the results. Only by going back to the platform on which the party rested during Lord Salisbury's Premiership can its strength be restored. A return to that platform would without question restore the Unionists to their old position. It is the dread of Protection alone which prevents the rise of an anti- Socialist reaction which would sweep the present Government from power.
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