4 DECEMBER 1909, Page 31

WHO KILLED FREE-TRADE ?

[To TER EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I hear that the crowd outside the House of Lords on Tuesday night amused themselves by singing " Who Killed Cock Robin P " I venture to suggest a version of that popular song which is, I fear, only too a propos at the present moment.

Who killed Free-Trade ?

" We," said the Reds, "With our Socialist fads, We killed Free-Trade."

Who saw him die ?

" I," said the Tory, "It's a very sad story " (With a wink in his eye), " I saw him die." Who made his shroud?

" I," said the Whig,

"And I don't care a fig (But don't say this aloud), I made his shroud."

Who'll toll the bell ?

" I," said John Bull, With a heart sorrowful, " I'll toll the bell."