A STRAIGHT ISSUE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 841, 13 June 1910, Page 11

A STRAIGHT ISSUE.

LORD ROSEBERY'S APPEAL TO PARTY LEADERS. FIRST THINGS FIRST. . Tho following letter appeared in the "Times" of April lb':— Sir,—The statement of the Prime Minister last night makes it plain that, within a', very short time; the' country will bo called upon to decide at a general election tho\ greatest issue of our time—that is, whether the Constitution shall bo. wrenched out of all shape and proportion, to givo almost absolute power to a Single Chamber and its casual majority. Such an issue should be the sole one; there is no, room for another. If it be complicated with others we-shall not obtain what we require, the clear and solemn pronouncement of tho nation on this fateful question. In tho United States it would be called a Constitutional Amendment, which could only be carried by the most elaborate means under the most vigilant and* careful precautions. Here, unhappily, it is otherwise. It will be decidcil at a general election, in which it will bo mixed up with a score of other questions, and J a mixed and dubious verdict will be given by an electorate imperfectly instructed, and with a distracted attention. When I say "imperfectly instructed,'' 1 take as an example those who believe that it is the House of Lords itself that pronounces the judicial decisions given -by a few judges Hi. its nami;, such as. those on tho Churches of Scotland and on trade union levies. But the great controversy which will run uthwurt that of the Single Chamber is that between Free-trade and Tariff Keform. . ' . Here surely is. an opportunity for patriotism as distinguished from party, "l'lio Unionist-leaders have the .opportunity of vindicating their claim to bo considered as the Constitutional party. They, at any rate, in that capacity must surely desire a straight fight on the sole issue of a Single Chamber as opposed to .two. On that depends much more than 'the temporary success of any party; the confidence of other countries, that of our own Dominions—nay,. that of our own people. How can wo hope, with a Single Chamber, to obtain mure reliance than Greece or Costa Kica; how shall we deserve .it? Tariffs aro no doubt- very important. But how- can they vio in importance with this question? , If the nation pronounces with a definite unfaltering, opinion on this we know where we are. Wo shall know whether the nation decides vo maintain or to abdicate its positionBut unless the issue is put alone, as it would be in a referendum, the nation will remain in its present uncertainty, so fatal, to trade, enterprise, and employment. -. ! IV ill tho Unionist leaders, then, not drop for the- coming election the Tariff issue; and -concentrate on the Constitution? They could do so either by dropping the question altogether, or agreeing to refer it to a; Royal Commission, if victorious at the polls,, they could at once set about.a.real reform 6f the Second Chamber,. and when that mandate was exhausted, appeal to the country on their Tariff policy with the certainty" of having placed the Constitution on a sure basis for the future, It will be a sacrifice, but all lovers'of their country will thank them for making it. I do not exclude the Government, for that body must also desire a clear issue and a straight fight. ■ ■;■ -- When I say "Single Chamber," I am aware that in a remote and problematical future it is.proposed to have two— one "omnipotent, the'other-a subordinate closet with petty opportunities of nagging, ■which would be much more irritating than tho -present : arrangement. But, however the shadow bo evolved, tile substancfa will remain tho same. '- I write this without communication with any human being; so I compromise no one. But I cannot be silent even if alone. The supremo iuiportanco, of tho crisis, whfch people scarcely seeni yet to ■ realise, makes mo. appeal, almost with passion, to those leaders who have.' the opportunity of rendering so supreme .a service to their country.—Yours truly, EOSEBEEY. ."