In the House of Lords on Thursday the Duke of
Devonshire made a most important speech in a debate raised by Lord Lytton. He (the Duke) declared most emphatically that the policy described as " Mr. Chamberlain's " policy in the Birmingham leaflets was not the policy of his Majesty's Government. No member of the Government other than Mr, Chamberlain had said a single word to identify himself with the policy of Mr. Chaniberlain. The Duke of Devon- shire went on to express his astonishment at the trepidation of Free-traders as to the results of the inquiry. Did they imagine that Free-trade would collapse at the blast of the trumpet of a single man ? Until the Government had been convinced by inquiry its policy remained that already in existence.. To say that that was sitting on the fence was as absurd as to say that a Judge was on the fence while be beard the evidence before giving judgment. As for resignation,— who was to resign P Mr. Chamberlain ? But if he turned out right it would be awkward to ask him to come back. Ought Mr. Balfour—while he was still inquiring ? Finally, ought the Free-traders in the Cabinet to resign, " and deprive the Cabinet of our humble assistance in defence of the:principles of Free-trade "
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