[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR']
Slit,—In common, I have no doubt, with many other readers of the Spectator, I read with interest the article on " The Duty of Free-Trade Unionists" in your issue of September 26th, seeking for guidance, but, I regret to say, finding none. The letters in your last. issue from " R. B. L." and Sir Barrington Simeon show that Free-trade Unionists are, indeed, on the horns of a dilemma. Were I still in the House of Commons I should find it very hard to vote against the present Govern- ment, except on the question of Free-trade, and this, we are assured, will not be discussed during the present Parliament; but being only an ordinary voter, I would rather consider the question from the point of view of an outsider. During the life of the present Parliament, it seems to me, there is nothing to be done, except, of course, to use the little, if any, influence one may have in favour of Free-trade ; but at the next General Election what is one to do ? With the exception of Free-trade, I have nothing whatever in common with the Radical party; and even if a Ministry could be formed, as you, Sir, suggest, with Mr. Asquith, Sir Edward Grey, and Mr. Haldane as the leading spirits, the Radical rank-and-file is so strong that it is bound to have a preponderating voice in the party. Anyhow, the risk of there being in power a Radical party, I will not say controlled, but influenced by, men like Mr. Lloyd-George, is too great for me, at all events, to care to take it. On the other hand, am I to vote for a Ministry pledged to a policy I abhor? I am absolutely con- vinced in my own mind that Protection, whether you call it retaliation or Colonial preference or what not, is a ruinous policy for this country to pursue. I may be utterly wrong, but, right or wrong, holding the views I do, I cannot bring myself to vote for Protection. I fear there is nothing to do, then, but not vote at all. I hate the idea of this apparently cowardly retreat, but in the circumstances I cannot see what other course a Unionist Free-trader can honestly follow.—I
am, Sir, &c., WILSON NOBLE. Tangley Park, Guildford.
[We sympathise strongly with our correspondent's doubts and difficulties, but we feel that when the General Election comes his duty will be to vote for Free-trade, and that in the end he will realise this to be the case. At every General Election there is one question which dominates all others, and controls the Government which comes into power as the result of the Election. In the present case it will be Free- trade or Protection. If Free-trade wins, as we feel certain that it will, the mandate of the electors will be to safeguard Free-trade, and no subversive or ultra-Radical legislation need be feared.—ED. Spectator.]
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