We wish the daily papers had found space to report
at greater length the excellent speech made by Mr. Haldane at Leatherhead on Wednesday. We do not agree with Mr. Haldane on the main political issue which divides parties—i.e., the Irish question—but when he deals with public questions he is always worth listening to. " A great deal," said Mr. Haldane, " was beard of imperial Federation, and he was very keen on bringing the Colonies into the closest possible relations with the Mother-country. That was consistent with com- plete liberty and self-government ; but when it was suggested that we should establish something like preferential duties and depart from the policy of Free-trade, he began to ask himself if the people who talked of that had thought the matter out." Referring to Imperial defence, he urged that there should be a small but efficient mobile Army relying upon Volunteer forces, and that above all there should be a very strong and efficient Fleet. He would have that accom- panied by domestic development, and by education in the highest sense. Then they would have what, to his mind, was the true policy for the future of this country,—" an instructed people and an invincible Navy." That is excellent sense. The Liberal party and the nation have in Mr. Haldane "an Imperial asset" of no small value.
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