24 SEPTEMBER 1904, Page 3

We give Mr. Brodrick all possible credit for the sincerity

of his modified approval of some sort of semi-Free-trade ; but if he thinks such an attitude can satisfy those who mean business, and not talk, when they take their stand against Chamberlainism, he is very greatly mistaken. He does not seem to realise that there are thousands of Unionists through- out the country—and Unionists quite as devoted to the cause of the Union as some of his colleagues—who feel that politicians who, like Mr. Brodrick, will not lift a hand to oppose Protection are as much enemies of Free-trade as those who openly follow Mr. Chamberlain. The fact that they occasionally "hint a fault and hesitate dislike" of Protec- tion cannot be considered to make amends for their willing- ness to acquiesce in the policy of allowing Mr. Chamberlain to carry on his propaganda within the Unionist party without let or hindrance. In a national crisis like the present those who will not actively oppose Mr. Chamberlain and his policy must be regarded and treated as the enemies of Free-trade.