We have dealt at length elsewhere with the extraordinary situation
created by so sound a Free-trader as the Duke of Devonshire remaining in a Government whose chief has declared himself in favour of .Protection,—a Protection which only lags behind that of Mr. Chamberlain through lack of courage and not through lack of conviction. We can only repeat here that, as strong admirers of the Duke of Devon- shire, and as firm believers in his patriotism and single- mindedness, we sincerely hope that he will reconsider his decision, and refuse to continue in the Cabinet. He owes such a course of action to the thousands of men in the nation who have silently adopted him as their leader and guide. We trust that another Free-trade Unionist, Sir Robert °Finlay, the Attorney-General, will also refuse to give the support of his high character and great intellect to this tottering and incapable Administration. We should rejoice to see him leave the Government side by side with the Duke of Devonshire ; but if that may not be, then let him come out alone. We know that he has far more to lose personally by leaving the Government than have most of its members, but we know also that such considerations will weigh light as air with Sir Robert Finlay if once be can be convinced that the public interest is involved.
