Another aspect of the contrast between the two men lies
in the effect they produce upon their opponents. Lord Baldwin had a unique capacity for turning away wrath. In spite of themselves the Opposition parties regarded him with something very like affection. Especially was this true of the Liberals, for he was constantly expressing Liberal senti- ments and clothing them in a language which Liberals well understood. The present Prime Minister is conspicuously lacking in this ability to soothe the savage Opposition breast. Moreover, his record does not endear him to those who sit on the left hand of Mr. Speaker. After his six years as Chancellor, he has come to be regarded by Labour members as the embodiment of the Treasury mind, always resisting their just and moderate demands for increased benefits and higher expenditure. To the Liberals he is, of course, anathema, for does he not stand for " the policy of Joseph Chamberlain " ? With all his calm efficiency it is highly improbable that Mr. Chamberlain will ever become nearly so valuable an electoral asset to his party as was Lord Baldwin. In 1935 the British elector, like the French peasant in 1848, wished to crown his legend. In Mr. Chamberlain's case the legend has still to be created.
* * * *
Previous page
