A SUGGESTED POLICY FOR UNIONIST FREE-TRADERS.
[TO THIS EDITOR OF THI "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—The division in the ranks of Unionists on the question between "Tariff Reform" and Free-trade has become so serious that it must be my excuse for asking to be allowed a few lines in your columns. We see almost every week state- ments (apparently authorised) of Unionist candidates—even old Members—being ostracised, and refused support as Unionist candidates, because they will not worship the image which the tribune of Birmingham has set up. The latest instance is in North Herta only a week ago,—Quousque tandem ? Are the official defenders of the Union strong enough to dispense with the alliance of men who, like the late Lord Gosclien, were ready "to make their wills and do their duty" P I have no right to speak for others, but I will say that I for one would be ready to continue in alliance even with "Tariff Reformers" if they would produce any Finance
Minister, or authority on the Board of Trade (except, of course, the present Chancellor of the Exchequer), who has asserted, or who will assert, that such a radical upsetting of our Customs Regulations as is proposed by the introduction of what is, in plain English, Protection can be effected without causing a great shrinkage of trade, and con- sequently a. great loss to the Exchequer, to say nothing of the increased prices of all imported goods, and increased coat to the consumer. But I did not take up my pen to discuss the question, but to declare that, so long as Free-trade Unionists are thus scornfully rejected, I, and I hope many others, will refuse to lift a finger in support of a 'Tariff Reformer" at the polls until by a fairly constituted Royal Commission they can prove that the change can be effected without loss or injury to our trade and manufactures, to say nothing of our great shipping interest. Till then I confess that I think even the Union—such as the late Govern- ment left of it—may be bought too dear.—I am, Sir, (to., FRANCIS J. SAVILE FOLJAMBE.
Previous page
