Lord Dalreeny, Lord Rosebery's eldest son, M.P. for Midlothian, has
determined not to seek re-election, owing to the feet that he feels out of sympathy with the general policy of the Government and the Liberal Party. We do not wonder at Lord Dahneny's decision, but we fear that those who regard it as the first step towards the formation of a Central Party which can embrace moderate men of all sides are somewhat premature. As our readers know, we desire the formation of such a party; but we are bound to say that at present there are few, if any, indications that any large number of men will be willing to come forward to found it. Unionist Moderates still hope that somehow or other their party may be saved from the Tariff Reformers, while Liberal Moderates, though exceedingly pessimistic as to what is going on in their party, also cling to the hope that in the end the party may have its eyes opened and abandon its Socialistic follies. Such optimism, in our opinion, is not justified in either case. While, however, it prevails no Central Party is likely to come into existence.
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