The Duke of Devonshire, after saying some excellent things in
regard to the Colonial Conference, and expressing, what we feel certain he was right in expressing, his confidence that the Premiers of the Colonies' would know very well how to take care of themselves, and would not fall into the error of taking sides in our party controversies, used words with which we desire to associate ourselves in the most complete and abso- lute manner. "There never was a time," he declared, "when the existence of a strong Unionist and Constitutional Party was more necessary, and he deeply deplored the increasing recklessness and anarchy which at present prevailed in the ranks of the Unionist Party. If ever there was a state of things which required an authoritative and stern interference from the leader of the party, that state of things had arisen." The course of the Unionist Free-traders was, however, clear. They were told that by resisting Home-rule they would be risking a return to Protection. "They must take the risk, in the belief that they could best serve their country by following the dictates of their political conscience, without regarding too closely, or attempting to forecast boo minutely, the possible consequences at some future time of the action that they might take."
Previous page
