A tax on corn, continues Sir William Harcourt, is not
only essential to the realisation of "the Chamberlain policy," but it must be a considerable tax, and "all the ability of Mr. Chamberlain will fail to convince the most simple amongst us that a serious rise in the price of corn will not enhance the cast of bread." "Man, he tells us, does not live on bread alone," but "he cannot be reared on more cups of tea or even aii cheaper tobacco." Finally, Sir William insists that the taxation of food, on which the policy of Colonial preference is fOunded, must irresistibly lead to a general Protective tariff, and that it is needless to discuss the latter until we have determined the former question. We must, therefore, pin down Mr. Chamberlain and his supporters to declare whether the food taxation is alive or dead, whether accepted or rejected hy the responsible Government of the country. The ground Will then be dear for the "big fight," as to the result of which Sir William Harcourt has no misgivings. The whole letter is in the writer's best controversial style. He hits hard, but never loses his temper or casts any suspicion on the patriotism or sincerity of his opponent.
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