The Unionist Party and the Press Peers On Tuesday Mr.
Baldwin addressed a large meeting of Unionist members of the House of Commons and Unionist candidates on the notorious attacks upon his leadership. He spoke very plainly about Lord Beaverbrook and Lord Rothermere. Lord Beaverbrook had himself proposed the use of the Referendum but had himself. thrown it over. "He has changed his mind and denounces me because I have not changed mine. But great parties cannot swing to and fro from week to week without losing all credit and confidence in the country." Mr. Baldwin then stated that as the Referendum was merely a device to secure the unity of the• Party yet was now represented as a bar to unity he was open to reconsider the question. He was sure, however, that a policy of food taxes at the next General Election would cause a Unionist defeat. The situation was that the Party Was threatened by a flood of rival candidates to be put forward in as many constituencies as possible by the Empire Crusaders. "A challenge has been issued to us. We are told that the gloves are off. If so we shall see who has got the dirty hands. I accept the challenge and I call the bluff. If .you like to have the .support of these noblemen you will have it without me."
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