SIE,—You would, I venture to think, do a service to
the cause of Unionist Free-trade by taking an early opportunity of describing precisely the nature of the new Unionist Free- Trade Club. Is it a " club " in the ordinary sense, or just an association of Unionist Free-traders? What are to be its functions, and will these include the circulation of literature, e.g., or the formation of local associations ? I would gladly join a branch if one were established here, or, failing that, the Club as at present formed, if by so doing I could render some service to the cause, and if the conditions (as to subscription, &c.) permitted. At present one has no information on these points.-1 am, Sir, &c., JOHN R. ARMSTRONG. 60 Thirlestane Road, Edinburgh.
[The secretary of the Unionist Free-Trade Club is Sir Cameron Gull, Bart., 10 Hyde Park Gardens, London, W., who
will give our correspondent all the particulars he requires. 'We may say, however, (1) that the Club is not a club in the residential sense, but a political association; (2) that it will shortly set about the work of forming local associations, and no doubt also of circulating literature. Till such work, which takes time, can be completed, Unionist Free- traders like our correspondent should send in their names to the secretary as above, and join the central body. The main function of the Club is to organise Unionists throughout the country for carrying out the double duty of maintaining both the Union and Free-trade. In order to carry out the latter duty, the Unionist Free-Trade Club will offer an unflinching opposition to the policy of Mr. Chamberlain and the Tariff Reform League, and will not shrink from defeating that policy at the polls, under whatever alias it may be presented to the nation.—En. Spectator.]
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