The Duke of Devonshire's speech in the House of Lords
on Friday, February 19th, was probably the ablest and most convincing that he has ever delivered. It was as character- istic of his sound and comprehensive intellect as of his high character and liberality of mind. The Duke began by ex- plaining bow it was that he allowed himself to be separated for a time from his Free-trade colleagues when they resigned in September last. At the first of the September Cabinets the Duke tells us that he, like his Free-trade colleagues, gathered no impression that Mr. Chamberlain was resigning. His possible resignation was talked of, but there was no indication that it had been tendered, much less accepted. No doubt it was also referred to at interviews which be had with the Prime Minister that evening and the next day, but it was not till the third day—i.e., the Wednesday—that he knew that the resignation had been tendered and accepted. The com- munication appeared to make a great difference to the Duke. He believed also that Mr. Balfour was going to make in his Sheffield speech a declaration in favour of Free-trade as the basis of our fiscal policy, and a condemnation of Protection. He thought also that his presence in the Cabinet would exercise a restraining influence, and would prevent any very wide departure from Free-trade. But though thus easier as regards the political situation, the Duke was very anxious on the personal issues, and he told Mr. Balfour that he felt that Mr. Chamberlain's resignation might have an effect on the minds of his colleagues similar to that which it had had on his own. Mr. Balfour replied, however, that even if they withdrew their resignations they would not be accepted.
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