ABSTRACT
We have been challenged to a controversy, in which it is no exaggeration to say, not only the material prosperity of these islands, but the harmonious working of the British Empire, is at stake. That controversy is being carried on under conditions which are absolutely unprecedented in political history. A distinguished statesman has been let loose for the purpose from the restraints and responsibilities of office. A purged Cabinet, which does not contain in its new form any recognizable Free Trader, looks on in favouring silence, or, as has been the case, I think, of not less than three of its members during the present week, with the language of open encouragement. The policy of the halfway house, which is the ostensible official programme of the Government, is universally acknowledged to be merely a formula for the temporary appeasement of divergent and irreconcilable groups. Never was there a situation which called more urgently upon Free Traders for united and vigilant action, and which made it more necessary to set forth again and again arguments which, as we think, ought to determine, and as I myself believe, are bound to convince the judgment of the people. Now I shall not this afternoon, if I can avoid it, travel unnecessarily over ground which has been already covered. I confess, however, that I have looked in vain through the long columns of oratory which have been poured forth during the present week at Liverpool for any answer of any kind to arguments which have been put forward again and again, which go to the very root of the case of the author of the scheme, and which at this moment remain without reply.
