[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR. "] Sia,—As a keen Tariff
Reformer I have been much interested in the correspondence on the subject of "Food Taxes and a Referendum."
I believe the future fate of the Unionist Party, and the welfare of the nation, depends upon the adoption of a Referendum so often advocated by you, and very wisely acquiesced in by Mr. Balfour.
It is extraordinary that Tariff Reformers who are Unionists should not see the vital importance of not departing from the only policy which will ensure a united party when the country is asked to condemn the present log-rolling tactics of this " Wait and see " Government.
From a Tariff Reform point of view, I cannot see how business men can hope to get the glaring defects of our present fiscal system remedied unless they can count upon a strong Conservative majority, backed up by the country upon an appeal by Referendum.
From a Tariff Reform point of view it must surely be an advantage to appeal calmly by Referendum to the common sense, not only of Conservatives, but Radical and Labour voters for the endorsement of any fiscal changes which a Unionist Government may propose.
The question of Tariff Reform should never have been made a party question, and the advantage of a Referendum to Tariff Reformers will, I believe, be proved when thousands of working men are given the opportunity of saying " Yes " to a proposal which, in my humble opinion, will give more regular and profitable employment to the workman, and also grant Colonial preference.
Thousands of votes will be registered for Tariff Reform on Referendum which would have been lost had. the working man only had the alternative of voting either for a Unionist or supporting the Labour or Radical candidate.
I quite believe with Mr. E. L. Oliver : very few Tariff Reformers would object to a Referendum, and I should like to see a lead made by some influential subscribers to the Tariff Reform League that they will withdraw their subscriptions unless this statesmanlike attitude is maintained, and that a Referendum such as you have proposed is adopted by the present able leader of the Conservative Party.
The time has come, as you say, for the Unionist leaders to tell the country frankly whether the Referendum pledge is or is not in existence. If the pledge is renewed at an early opportunity the result will be almost magical. Free Trade Conservatives and ardent Tariff Reformers will be working together with an enthusiasm which is certainly lacking at present. The present Government, which is apparently tottering, will be swept aside and replaced by a strong Government, which will, it is hoped, remove the chaos and want of confidence caused by ill-considered measures which the country has never sanctioned.—I am, Sir, &e.,
GROVES C. HINE.
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