The Hesitant Liberals The demand of the National Liberal Federation
that the Liberal Party in the House of Commons should cross the floor and sit, as it is for the most part already voting, in opposition, raises the old question of the relation of the local associations to the party in the House. The Scar- borough resolution was originally framed in less definitely mandatory language, but the meeting consented to accept an amendment which stiffened it up. The position is not quite as simple as it seems, for some at least of the Liberal Members owe their scats to Conservative votes, which lie a little heavy on their consciences. The Parlia- mentary Party is evidently quite ready to cross the floor, given an issue of sufficient importance to justify the transit, and on grounds of public interest there is every- thing to be said for the constitution of a definite Parlia- mentary Opposition, capable of using its right of con- structive criticism with reasonable restraint. Though the Liberals would not form the official opposition, they would be very much more effective than the official Oppo- sition at present is. The Government would not be materially the weaker for the abandonment of the show of support the Liberals are giving it, and the prospect that Sir Herbert Samuel will soon be found facing the Prime Minister may be accepted with equanimity.
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