The Chancellor of the Exchequer's answer to Mr. Morley, which
Wound up the debate, will be a source of keen satisfac- tion to all Free-traders. It and his interjections during the debate show how utterly absurd is the allegation that the Government is going to take a mad plunge in the direction of Protection. "I do not know what more I can say to lay this extraordinary delusion than I have already said. I have told the House plainly that, on behalf of my colleagues, I entirely disavow any idea of that kind through this tax. I have said that it is not our policy to endeavour to encourage trade with our Colonies by initiating a tariff war with all those foreign countries who are our largest and greatest customers. That idea is the most perfect delusion that can be conceived." Surely, after this we shall hear no more that the tax was put on for the purpose of giving preference to Colonial grain. In the end, the Government carried the clause imposing the Grain-tax by a majority of 73 (251 to 178).
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