THE DEMAND FOR TRUE CONSERVATISM.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR...1 Stn,—The country—that is, the mass of floating opinion which turns the scale of elections—welcomed the advent to power of the Liberal Party in 1906, because it felt that certain progres- sive legislation was required. The country—I use the word in the same sense—has had now its fill of such legislation, and longs for a period of rest. Unfortunately it does not know where to turn to get it. It is tired of the present Govern- ment, but looks in vain for a satisfactory alternative. The Conservative Party, instead of promising true Conservatism as an alternative, puts forward a constructive programme of its own, chief among the items being a reform of the tariff. The country fears that, if it returns the Conservatives to power, it may fall—as regards progressive legislation—from the frying pan into the fire. This fear makes it rather bear the ills it has than fly to others that it knows not of. A reform of the tariff—whatever may be claimed for it by its supporters— is admittedly a plunge into the unknown. It therefore is regarded with apprehension by the mass of the people. What is required—as an alternative to the policy of the present Government—is a policy of true Conservatism. It may not sound heroic or inspiring, but it is what is needed most at the present time. The party which promised this would be returned to power with a large majority. The mere adoption of such a policy by the Conservative Party would produce an immediate feeling of confidence throughout the country which would be reflected—as is usual—in the money market. Members of Parliament are so absorbed in the game of party politics, and so little in touch with the real trend of public opinion, that they fail to realize this. They realize that one of the causes of the Conservative debdcle of 1906 was the delay in executing certain much-needed reforms. They have been seeking ever since for a "constructive" policy. They fail to appreciate that the country has had since 1906 more than it wants of constructive policies, and that it would turn with relief to a policy of true Conservatism. Can anything be done to bring this home to the leaders of the Conservative Party P The realization of this patent fact would not only be of great benefit to the country, but it would incidentally be the means of consolidating that party and of ensuring its
early return to power.—I am, Sir, &c., ONLOOKER.
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