Mr. Chamberlain's speech "on the greatest question of the time"
at the Liberal Unionist meeting at Bristol on Tuesday showed no falling off in energy and incisiveness, and, as we have already observed, has proved an epoch-making pro- nouncement. We have noted the explosive effect of Mr. Chamberlain's speech, but may mention here some of its ora- torical episodes. After dwelling on the absolute unanimity of the Liberal Unionist Conference in support of his policy, Mr. Chamberlain vigorously assailed the Liberals for their attitude towards Home-rule, and scored a good debating point by charging Mr. Asquith with adopting precisely the same policy of evasion in regard to Home-rule which he condemned Mr. Balfour for adopting in regard to the Fiscal question. In view of this attitude, he found himself "utterly unable to accept any guarantee that Mr. Asquith is able to give." He did not believe that Home-rule would have much chance in the next Parliament, but the advent of a Liberal Administration was a sure signal for the renewal of the reign of disorder and anarchy in Ireland. It was essential that the Conservative party should remain a progressive party, and if they wanted to win at any time—personally, he still thought that a deferred victory would be all the more complete—they must have a forward policy.
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