[To Tax EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOIt."1 SIR,—In the welter of
a General Election the voice of common-sense is almost unheard. We are supposed to live under a system of two-party government ; but let any one look around to-day and see how very partially true such a sup- position is. Home-rule and Tariff Reform stand out as the symbols of the two parties ; but under neither banner are all enlisted. Some Conservitives are against Home-rule and for Tariff Reform ; e.g., the average Conservative. Some (equally Conservative) are against Home-rule and against Tariff Reform ; e.g., Unionist Free-traders. Some Liberals are for Home-rule and against Tariff Reform; e.g.,the average Liberal. Some (equally Liberal) are against Home-rule and against Tariff Reform ; e.g., Unionist Liberals. Some are indifferent to Home-rule and Tariff Reform, and only interested in the welfare of the working classes; e.g., the Labour Party. Some are indifferent or hostile to all British interests other than Irish ; e.g., Irish Nationalists. Some are only concerned about a special question, such as temperance or education. In such circumstances what does a General Election decide P Nothing ; hence the need of a Referendum.—I am, Sir,
Previous page
