Discussing the position of the Unionist leaders, the Duke contended
that if words had any meaning, the policy of the Tariff Reform League had been openly and decisively re- pudiated by the responsible leaders of the Unionist party. He could not conceive for what purpose Mr. Balfour's Edinburgh speech had been made if not to separate himself from that policy. But though Mr. Chamberlain had not openly resented this gentle hint, the action of his following at Southampton showed that he did not mean to "take it lying down." They had carried a resolution which, if not disingenuous, was rebellious ; which garbled Mr. Balfour's own words, and clearly indicated that he could have their support, but only on their own terms. The procedure of the proposed Colonial Conference as outlined by Mr. Balfour was so vague and undefined that it could neither be useful nor harmful. The Duke went on to say that until they heard it in his own words, he would not believe that the Prime Minister was willing to accept the vote of confidence tendered to him at Southampton, or the interpretation of his speech which it contained. We have dealt with the Duke's speech at length elsewhere, and will only say here that it was entirely worthy of his wisdom and statesmanship. His simplicity and direct- ness are in marked contrast to the Prime Minister's cloudiness and ambiguity.
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