STR, —" Barrister " (Spectator, December 26th, 1903) is in doubt
how to vote. If he votes for a supporter of Mr. Balfour or Mr. Chamberlain, he will vote against Free-trade. We are engaged in a fight for the principles of freedom and self-help by which our great nation and our great Empire have slowly and surely attained to their present position in the world. If those who believe in these principles refuse to support each other—or shall I say refuse to adopt the line of " give and take " ?—on questions of detail, there is considerable risk of the Protectionists carrying the day. Those experienced in politics (minor or local as well as Imperial) know that the Conservatives are remarkable for voting the " straight party ticket," whereas Whigs and Liberals (Unionists or otherwise) like " Barrister " and myself are apt to think too much of the particular point that happens to interest them at the moment. I agree entirely with "Barrister" in his objectilin to giving Home-role to Ireland, and no doubt on many other points, but would respectfully urge him on this occasion to sink everything for Free-trade. If men like him support the Free-trade cause,
then surely it is not unreasonable to hope that they will not be without influence on the policy of the Ministers whom they will, if Free-trade wins, put into power. These Ministers will wish to remain in power, and will therefore be anxious to please those who put them them I could not write like this if Mr. Joseph Chamberlain had not distinctly stated that the question he has raised is a "question above party."—I am,
Sir, 8cc., J. S. NETTLEFOLD,
Hon. Treasurer, Midlands Liberal Unionist Association. Beechcnhurst, Selly Hill, Birmingham.
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