11 JANUARY 1913, Page 1
As Free Traders we feel under an obligation to make
it clear that no impediments of any kind to his leadership will come from us. It might seem that fiscal dissensions within the party are the opportunity for Free Traders, who have roamed in the wilderness for some years, to come into their own again. We have not the least intention of exploit- ing the opportunity. The perils to the State are far too grave for us to attempt to weaken the hands of anyone who is com- manding the forces of the defence. We venture therefore to make a particular appeal to Mr. Bonar Law and Lord Lansdowne to continue to lead the party. The very reasons which caused us to refrain from taking any very active part in the dispute of the last few weeks entitle us to make such an appeal now.
