REPLY TO THE MEMORIAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 14, 15 January 1913, Page 6

REPLY TO THE MEMORIAL.

THE LEADERSHIP TO BE

RETAINED

/Received 11.30 a.m.)

London, January 14

The reply handed to the chief Whip by Mr. Bonar Law states:—“The memorial asks us to retain the leadership while altering in one very important particular, not, indeed, the policy of Imperial preference, hut the method by which it can most effectu ally be carried out. The modification requested, of not .imposing any such taxes until they are ■ ratified at the general election, does not involve any principle, but prevents us from loyally supporting the desires of majorities. Nevertheless, it would have been more agreeable to ourselves, ana more for the interest of parties, that the changed method should be accompanied by a change of leaders. The memorial, however, is signed both by those desiring modification and those preferring that the method he not and declares that a change of leadership would be fatal to the best interests of the party and the country, and we feel, in view of such expression, that our duty is to comply with the request, and this we are prepared to do.”