On Thursday at Lansdowne House, at a meeting of the
party, the concordat contained in the Valentine's Day letters was solemnly endorsed and ratified by the Unionist Peers, Commons, and candidates, and Balfourites and Chamberlainites gave each other the kiss of peace. The proceedings began by a speech from Mr. Balfour announcing that a Committee would be appointed to consider the question of Unionist organisation, the first acknowledgment that the machine is henceforth to be Chamberlainised throughout. The next speech of importance was that by the Duke of Devonshire. This speech has in certain quarters been regarded as a kind of admission on the part of the Duke that Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Balfour must now have their way. As we read it, it is rather a notice of firm opposition, though a notice couched in the language of moderation which always characterises the speaker. "The proposed departure from the principles of Free- trade, and the agitation in favour of Tariff Reform, would continue" [we quote from the report in the Daily Telegraph] "to receive strenuous opposition from himself and his friends. His section of the party," added the Duke, "would not accept without protest or opposition the compromise made between Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chamberlain." The Duke's insistence that he is still a Unionist and agreed with the Unionist policy% in other respects was most natural and proper, but instead of showing weakness, proves, we believe, that he is prepared to fight the battle of reconstruction on a Free-trade basis.
