If it should be necessary to organise the Unionist Free-
traders in defence of the Empire, there will be no difficulty in finding leaders Whose UniOnism and whose devotion to the Empire are undoubted. In Sir Michael Hicks Beach we have a statesman of unrivalled experience, and one in whom not merely the Unionist party, but the nation as a whole, reposes the utmost confidence. We learn from Friday's Daily Express that he is strongly opposed to Mr. Chamberlain's proposals,--a fact which, however, might have been divined without any difficulty, owing to the firm line he has always maintained when any question connected with Free-trade has been before the country. Sir Michael Hicks Beach will, in truth, prove an ideal leader should it be necessary—which we trust it will not be.—te consider the question of who is to lead us in defetiding ,the food of the, people from taxation and the Empire from disruption, through the jealousies, die- eonte.nts, 'and impoverishment which must, in spite of its Specious appearance, follow the Imperialism of the "tied house."
