The Cabinet and Party
Sir Herbert Samuel's considered reply to Mr.,. Lloyd George's unmeasured strictures on the Liberal Ministers in the Cabinet raises issues that will have to be irkerfasingly weighed in the immediate future. The case. for Liberal participation in the original National Government ig un- answerable. The ease for fighting the election„on it .common platform is arguable, but strong, The. ease for an indefinite continuation of the present arrangement is more arguable still, unless Sir Herbert shares theyiews (as he apparently does not) of those who hope for the emergence of a new centre party grouped round, 'such figures as himself, Mr. MacDonald and Mr.. Baldwin. So far from that lie specifically declares that the Liberal organizations must be kept in being and by-elgetions
fought where opportune. But how can they be fought against a Government in whose counsels Liberal Ministers play a prominent part ? The maintenance of national unity on all essential questions need in no way be im- paired by the presence of an able and responsible oppo- sitioniii the House Of Comthons. The need for such an opposition is increasingly manifest, and while it is no doubt Wise to maintain the National Government system till after this year's series of international conferences is tiirer; it would be a profound mistake to encourage the idea that a reversion to normal political practice later would be a blow at the country's fundamental unity or justify any diminution of its prestige abroad.
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