FREE-TRADE UNIONISTS AND TARIFF REFORM.
[To THE EDITOR OP TEl g' SPECTATOR.") have been a reader of the Spectator for over thirty- five years,-and I have read all your articles and all the letters you have published with reference to the present political crisis. I am in favour of what is known as Tariff Reform, which you, Sir, despite your powerful advocacy of Free-trade, will probably admit now commands the allegiance of the bulk of the Unionist Party. May I venture with real respect to state my views as to the duty of Free-trade Unionists at a time of most serious import to the future of the Empire ? Political signs and portents are here for all to consider. If these electors think Tariff Reform is going to command a great Parliamentary majority, I think they are justified in standing aside and not giving their votes to Tariff Reform candidates. The breach between the two sections of• our party is now happily bridged over, and in some con- stituencies there will be Free-trade candidates. Then in the House Free-trade Unionists can fight against a. Tariff Reform Budget with all their force. What can they desire more? But if, on the other hand, that comes to pass which I most fear, and even with all the help of the Free-trade wing of the party we have only a small majority in the next Parlia- ment, our friends need not be depressed. No Unionist Prime Minister at the head of a small majority will ever propose a Momentous fiscal change. There must be another appeal—I hope under happier auspices—to the electors. I would there- fore pray our Free-trade friends to help us in the momentous struggle now imminent.—I am, Sir, &c., A CONSTANT READER.
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