We shall not at present proceed with the invidious task
of naming those who are determined to keep the ship of the Unionist party steady on. her 'old course. It will be time enough when the occasion has actually arisen to enter on the disagreeable business of counting who is on our side. Especially distasteful, and also most impolitic, would it be to attempt such a census of Imperialist Free-traders in the case of the Government. We will, therefore, not name any of those who are on our side. As we have said elsewhere, it is the duty of the Imperialist Free-traders who are in the Govern- ment to remain at their posts till the very last moment. By doing that they can best contribute to the work we all have at heart,—the work of saving the Unionist party from disruption. But though we will not canvass names just now, we may assure any of our readers who are in danger of being daunted by the power and influence of those who have declared themselves on the other side that the Cabinet and the Administration con- tain men of the highest political position who have not pro- tested against Mr. Chamberlain's policy, not because they fail to recognise its mischievous character, but solely because they realise that their duty is to prevent as long as possible a split in the Unionist party.
