On Friday week Mr. Chamberlain addressed the annual meeting of
the Tariff Reform League in the Albert Hall. The speech followed the lines which are now only too familiar. His proposals would lower the cost of living among the poor, relieve the burden of rates, and carry forward great social reforms which were impossible to-day from our lack of resources. Mr. Chamberlain, however, was most interesting when he dealt with the fighting tactics of his League. He had desired, he said, to keep the question out- side of party politics ; but one great party had utterly repudiated him, and he was therefore compelled to turn to the other. "Our policy is to-day the policy of the vast majority of the Unionist party When we look the question in the face we know that our success depends upon the united Unionist party, which will give us their whole- hearted support." He announced further that the time for inquiry had ended, and the time for action had begun. "We have a definite and constructive policy. Let no man join us who does not agree with the whole of it." He then delivered a spirited attack upon obscure and half-hearted politicians. "In the long run plain speaking would be the wiser course even for the hardened politician." Such by-elections as had been lost were lost from attempting to make the best of both political worlds. All this might seem to be levelled direct at the Prime Minister, had Mr. Chamberlain not gone on to claim Mr. Balfour as an ally who met with his unreserved approval. Only one comment is possible. If the Prime Minister is not in full agreement with the policy of the Tariff Reform League, then Mr. Chamberlain's speech contained the most direct insults ever levelled by a member of a party against his leader.
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