LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE BEST NAME FOR THE UNIONIST PARTY. [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—From the first, your publication has been so continuously associated with the particular views and mentality of those original Liberal-Unionists who separated themselves from Mr. Gladstone in the Parliament of 1885, that I am impelled to bespeak your active sympathy for a keen and sincere desire to retain the designation " Unionist " for the Party and Government which, under the leadership of Mr. Bonar Law, will, we confidently anticipate, strongly uphold the principles supported by us for thirty-six years. No real difficulty presents itself in this connexion ; for, although the protagonists in the fight against the continuation of Coalition made exclusive use of the term " Conservative," which term was employed in the resolution carried at the Carlton Club, the subsequent resolution at the Hotel Cecil, in considerate deference to representations from some of us, reverted to the wider and more comprehensive designation " Unionist."
It may, perhaps, be said with reason that the difference involved is not great. Quite true, in a certain sense ; for our views, developing in a progressive direction, have grown to be identical. But there are considerations which forbid many of us so to regard it. In my own constituency of S. Devon, for instance, there is a Unionist tradition expressive of that old-time fusion of Liberals and Conservatives which has been productive of such happy legislative results. I do not, myself, attach much importance to political hall- marks. But suddenly to label my supporters anew would be to invite misunderstanding. Rural electors are apt to be tenacious of old habits. Some may be disposed to say that the term " Unionist " is out of date. But may we not say that it is. more than ever applicable to the principles which we profess ? The main object of the so-called Labour Party, the principal Party opposed to us, is to bring about the complete dominance of their own class, and, in so doing, to crush all other classes. The ideal, on the other hand, of the Unionist Party has been, and will be, the union, the co-operation, of all classes in the truest interests of each individual, as in those of our country.—I am, Sir, &c., F. B. MILDMAY. [We refer to this interesting letter in our "News of the Week."—En. Spectator.]
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