24 OCTOBER 1931, Page 19

Poetry

Introspection

THE supporters of Protection

At the General Election

Voice a positive conviction of its absolute perfection,

And with passionate inflection They insist on the correction Of a system that condemns us to commercial subjection.

But an unconverted section Of the opposite complexion, Who unto the shade of Cobden make devoted genuflection, With apparent circumspection Put the serious objection That a tariff wall's an actually dangerous erection.

So that after due inspection And dispassionate dissection Of the quite conflicting statements that are made in this connexion For acceptance or rejection, I arrive at the reflection

That Pm fervently opposed to and in favour of Protectiou.

INGLIS ALLEN.