CAN WE AFFORD TO BE DIVIDED P [To TIM EDITOR
or TUE "SPECTATOR:]
Sin,—The recent by-elections afford an excellent opporttinity of arriving at some conclusion as to the possible acceptance of "Tariff Reform" by the constituencies. Granted that the Government majorities have been reduced, it is probable that they would have been further reduced had it not been for the Protectionist doctrines advocated by the defeated candidates. Some years ago I bad some experience in canvassing large mining and manufacturing constituencies, and can assure your readers that there was still a wholesome dread of "dear bread " and an intelligent confidence in Free-trade ; and I have found amongst my agricultural labourers the same recollection of the ." hungry forties."
Now what will be the effect of the insistence of the Tariff Reformers ? It amounts to this : it will reduce still further the ranks of the Unionists without the certainty of replacing them with fresh recruits. In the case of Marylebone, probably a safe seat for Lord Robert Cecil if the party is not divided, a virulent opposition to the sitting Member is advocated. In the case of Hertfordshire, and probably many others, the same conditions exist. Can the Unionists afford to risk the loss of these seats, and others P Does no one amongst the Tariff Reformers remember the old adage "Divide and conquer " P The real issue is between Socialism and Individualism—if not now, at least in the immediate future—and to play with Tariff Reform is like Nero fiddling when Rome was in flames. If the Unionist forces could combine on the Budget question, and stand shoulder to shoulder, it would be feasible to obtain later on a real " Royal Commission," and, upon the bonci-ftde evidence given before it, to come to some conclusion, or at least effect some compromise, and by so doing save the country from being given over to, and ruined by, Socialism.—
[Can any moderate Tariff Reformer in his heart of hearts doubt that Mr. Foljambe speaks the truth P Surely his recommendation of a Royal Commission is eminently sound and reasonable.—ED. Spectator.]
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