We do not want another holy Alliance, however, excellent the
intentions of its creators might be. Readers of history know from the records of that abominable instrument that excellent intentions and the most elaborately humane and pious phraseology may mask a brutal tyranny. Such a thing, we say, must never be repeated especially as we cannot feel sure that a Canning would be ready to hand to check and end the wrong. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the Protocol could have been revised in such a way as to save what was good in it and remove all its evils. If Mr. Austen Chamberlain had shown tact, as well as thoroughly right feeling and great ability, in his speech on Tuesday, • lie probably would haVe carried the Labour Party with him much further than he did. For the Labour Party has identified itself with the Protocol. However that may be, the Protocol is dead so far as the British Empire is concerned, and we must now look at the very hopeful beginnings of the scheme which takes its place.
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