LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE NEED OF THE HOUR.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.']
Sin,—I was greatly interested in your remarks with regard to Tariff Reform in the review of Mr. Balfour's speech in your issue of the 8th inst., and with your permission beg to suggest a slight modification of the advice therein tendered. Rightly or wrongly, I am by conviction, under prevailing international conditions, a full Tariff Reformer; but from personal experi- ence, acquired while canvassing during the last General Election, I am forced to the following conclusion. So long as no serious attempt is made by Tariff Reformers to rebut the statement of Free-traders that taxation of food means an increase in the price of living, there can be no question as to the way the ballot-paper will be marked when, as was the case at the last General Election, the electors are exhorted by means of immense placards on the hoardings to " Tax Land, not Food."
It seems clear, Sir, that the crux of the question lies in the fact that the voter to whom this appeal is made is primarily the man who has not, and never will have, an inch of land he may call his own; and, more important still, that he belongs Jto'a class that by reason of numbers has the whip hand at the polling-booth. While this state of things remains, and while Mr. Lloyd George is able to dangle before the "masses" the bait of general sickness and invalidity insurance, it does not appear unduly dogmatic to assert that the Unionists will not get back to power at the next Election, even should Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chamberlain issue a signed statement a couple of days before such event that, in their opinion, there will be no increase in the cost of living. In conversation with men of varying shades of politics, many of whom were Liberal by training or tradition, I have been impressed by this one fact,—viz., that while almost entire agreement obtains with regard to the desirability of our being in a position to levy duties, if necessary, on imported manufactured articles that this country can produce, there is a great consensus of opinion against the so-called taxation of food.
Looking at the matter in all its bearings, I venture the opinion that Mr. Balfour will be well advised if he now goes to the country and states clearly and boldly that the Unionist Party will, if elected, guarantee not to bring in any scheme involving the taxation of food without first consulting the people who elect them. It is for the Unionist leaders to consider whether their party is more useful in office or in opposition; and unless some bold and courageous policy is adopted such as is here outlined, I fear it will be a very long while before they again taste the " sweets " which office is supposed to bring.—I am, Sir, &c., W. A. GEALE. 48 Garthorne Road, Forest Hilt, S.E.
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