ABSTRACT
It is apparent, from the foregoing observations, that, at the end of 1911 and at the opening of 1912, the Caucus could scarcely contemplate the course of events with unalloyed approbation. Mr. Bonar Law and his followers had, indeed, proved themselves willing enough in service and had earned a character for diligence in the cause; yet, somehow, latterly, a certain reluctance to answer the bell had been creeping over them. The first actual step was one of the most successful yet adopted by Mr. Austen Chamberlain. Though the Caucus had assimilated the old Conservative party, the name lingered on. It was decided at this juncture to erase it from the page of future history. The whole movement of fusion was consummated on June 27, when a banquet was held at the Hotel Cecil at which Mr. Walter Long "rejoiced that now they were one party".
