THE UNIONIST CASE.
[TO TUE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—A suggestion was made not long since (I think in your- columns) that some of the best argumentative speeches of the- leaders of the Unionist Party—Mr. Balfour, Mr. Chamber- lain, Sir Henry James, Lord Salisbury, &c.—should be pub- lished in a cheap form for distribution, as a means of putting before the voters in country districts the real significance and, almost certain results of Mr. Gladstone's policy of Irish. Home-rule. The course of events within the last few weeks must have made every Unionist long to do something for the cause of reason and justice, and in opposition to the scarcely sane measures of the Government.
The proposal to reprint some of the speeches referred to. seems a very sensible one, and many Unionists would pro- bably subscribe towards it with pleasure. I would suggest that, if this is done, the speeches should be brought out in two forms—(1), in short tracts or leaflets, each on a special, subject,—e.g., "Ulster," "Irish Members in the Parliament- at Westminster," "Effects of Irish Home-rule on English Labourers," Ste., each tract giving the opinion of various- statesmen on the subject discussed ; (2), in similar tracts,. each of which should contain a selection from the speeches of a, single statesman on carious points connected with Irish Home-rule. This would enable the distributor to suit the- medicine to the case of the patient,—e.g., a lazy Conservative would be treated with the speeches of Lord Salisbury or Mr.. Balfour ; a rabid Gladstonian with those of Mr. Goschen and, especially, of John Bright. The indifferent voter would. receive a tract of the other form, giving a consensus of opinion on a special subject. But something more than this. appears to be needed. Working people in rural districts do- not read much ; if, at least, they have reached middle-age, as is the case with most voters. But many who do not care to read will listen to what is read to them, and an attempt might surely be made in every country village to get the cottage voters together, and to read to them some of the liveliest and most striking passages from such speeches as Mr. Chamber-. la.in's and Lord Randolph Churchill's. The reader should be a popular man and an effective reader; and he should be able to make such comments as may be. required, and to answer such questions as some village Gladstonian might ask. Surely, in most villages some one might be found with these qualifica- tions who would be ready to make the small sacrifice of time and convenience necessary to do a valuable public service.
It is too often forgotten that, in the present state of things,. the public policy is not determined by a preponderance of sound argument, but by a majority of voters, large numbers. of whom are entirely ignorant of the points at issue, and of the probable results of the Home-rule Bill becoming law.. Some of these are capable of understanding how the Bill. would be likely to affect them, directly and indirectly; and I cannot think that we Unionists shall have done our duty until, efforts—organised if possible—are made in all rural districts- to give the labourer-voter some trustworthy information on the questions which will be laid before him at the next elec- tion. This should be attempted as soon as the cessation of pressing farm-work takes place. Gladstonians seem hitherto. to have realised far more than Unionists the great importance- of the labourer's vote.—I am, Sir, &e., C. G. C.
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