We are glad to see evidences of renewed and extended
activity on the part of the Unionist Free-traders. In a circular issued by the Hon. Arthur Elliot, M.P., to every member of the Unionist Free-Trade Club it is stated that the Club proposes to afford frequent opportunities to its members of meeting to discuss the political situation, to entertain from time to time eminent Free-trade statesmen to dinner, and to hear from them addresses on current events. Friday's papers contained the announcement of the formation of a Cambridge University Free-Trade Association, with Mr. Arthur Elliot as President, and a Committee including, amongst others, Professors Westlake, Maitland, and Reid, and Mr. Horace Darwin, F.R.S. The Association includes members of all political parties. and has determined to refuse its support at the next Election to any candidate for the University or borough who.is not a Free-trader. In a memo- randum issued by the Committee, and sent to members of the Senate inviting them to join the Association, the grounds for opposing Mr. Chamberlain's Protective and Preferential pro- posals are clearly laid down. They would, it is contended, increase the inconstancy of trade, tend to the corruption of public life, and promote friction between the Mother-country and the Colonies. As for Mr. Balfour's scheme of Retalia- tion, it is pronounced to be too nebulous to warrant a final judgment. Sir Richard Jebb, M.P., states that he is a Free- trader and opposed to Protection, but as he has confidence in Mr. Balfour's policy he prefers not to join the Association. Sir John Gorst has, however, expressed his entire sympathy with its objects and become a member.
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