In a word, the whole course of the debate confirms
our view that the State. and the State alone, should carry on the manufacture and distribution of intoxi- cants. The Unionist Party would be enormously benefited by this freedom. Nothing injures them more. than their connexion, and alleged willing connexion, with the Trade. But we must be fair to the Trade. Given the circumstances—the taxes levied upon them, and the belief that the Temperance Party is out to kill them—they are almost compelled in self-defence to injure our political life by obtaining a cynical and secret influence over our political parties. It is the Unionist Party they are influencing to-day. It may very likely be Labour to-morrow. There is a serious menace to party independence when a great, rich and powerful organiza- tion, without any fixed political predilections, considers itself vitally concerned at every General Election.
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