We have now some means of judging how the Unionist Party is likely to be Givided on the scheme. Two mostings of Unionist M-P.s have been held in the House—one in support of and the other in opposition to Mr. Chamberlain's scheme. The supporters mustered 98, the opponents 54. OF course the bulk of the party have deliberately stayed away from both meetings, not wishing to commit themselves at present; but I think it may fairly be assumed that when they are compelled to make their choice they will be divided in something like the proportion of those whose opinions we know. At all events they are not likely to number among them a larger proportion of "Fiscal Reformers." We may therefore assume that out of nearly 400 Unionists in the House of Commons at least 130 will be ranged against Mr. Chamberlain's scheme. Unless therefore, he can manage to formulate a scheme which will convert
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.