It is worthy of note that on the same day
and in the same place Mr. Austen Chamberlain interpreted the Valentine's Day letters as a decisive declaration of Unionist policy to the effect that "Tariff Reform was, and must be, the first constructive work of the Unionist Party. It was the official policy of the party, declared by the voice of its leader, Mr. Balfour, and was the natural development at once of their Unionist principles and of their social programme. The party would make its realisation the first object of its ambition, and the first occupation of its return to power." For ourselves, we find it quite impossible to reconcile these two interpreta- tions, the first recommending vigilance, criticism, delay. and impartial examination of the possibility of using Tariff Reform as a means to the end desired, while the second urges bold and prompt action, and the unhesitating adoption of Tariff Reform, not as a policy to be examined, but as an accepted engine of offence. Perhaps Mr. Balfour when he speaks on Monday will enlighten us as to which is the authentic policy of the Unionist Party.
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