Mr. Balfour's contribution to the debate was a declara- tion
which in the case of any other speaker would have to be regarded as most important. "I have over and over again stated that whatever be the financial needs of the country which we see in front of us, at all events I shall not be a party, if I have anything to do with providing new resources, to increasing the burden upon the working classes of this country." If we could rely upon some independent judge to enforce a strict interpretation of this pledge, we should have little more to fear from Tariff Reform, or, at any rate, little fear of Mr. Balfour acting with the Tariff Reformers. Unfor- tunately, however, Mr. Balfour will interpret his own speeches, and we do not doubt his power, in spite of all the facts, to show if necessary that taxes upon corn, meat, and dairy produce will not increase the burden on the working classes provided something is taken off their tobacco and their tea.
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