Mr. Chamberlain's address was issued in Thursday's papers. He begins
by noting the crucial nature of the Election and the vital questions it will decide. It will settle the fate of an unjust Budget, and it will afford the chance of introducing Tariff Reform, for which he believes the time is now ripe, and of securing more largely the trade of our sister-States. Success means a great step towards the closer union of the Empire ; " but if we throw away this opportunity I do not think that any other will come to us, and we shall have lost altogether the chance that is now ours." Mr. Chamberlain then discusses what the Government will do if returned to power and what they have left undone. Home- rule is being offered for the sake of the Irish Nationalist vote, and not at the instigation of any English party"; and " in my opinion it is beyond. doubt that our preparation for defence, and especially for naval defence, is no longer adequate to our need." Mr. Chamberlain accordingly sums up :—
" On these great issues you have now to pronounce. You will decide whether you wish to be governed by one Chamber or by two ; whether you wish to destroy the Union of this kingdom or to maintain it ; whether you wish our national defences strength- ened or neglected ; whether you wish our agriculture and industry developed and employment extended, or capital and enterprise discouraged, unemployment aggravated, and distress increased. Last., but not least, you will decide whether you will accept or reject the invitation of our kinsmen across the seas to join witb them in promoting our mutual trade and common power by the adoption of a policy of Imperial Preference."
Though we differ acutely from Mr. Chamberlain on Fiscal policy, we gladly welcome the evidence which his address affords of his continued vigour.
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