186 LIFE OF SIR JOHN LUBBOCK ch. 



seemed to be gaining ground. I believe I replied that 

 I thought the time was not ripe. 



The developments of the last few days are very 

 alarming : and it looks as if the Unionist party would 

 be committed to Protection, unless some real effort is 

 made to organize and work against it. If you are of 

 the same mind as you were, would it be possible for you 

 to take an active part in starting such an effort in 

 London ? I should gladly aid — and I think Goschen 

 would also. This is an awkward moment to meet. 

 But I could be in London on Friday next, and could 

 meet you — and any others you might think it well to 

 invite— at your house or your Bank at 3 p.m. You 

 have been, doubtless, more in the way of hearing City 

 opinion on the matter than I have, for I have been in 

 the country lately. 



The Government seem to be hopelessly divided 

 between a Free Trade Budget and an after policy of 

 Protection — and I think it quite possible that the 

 debate on the Budget may have very unpleasant results 

 for our party. — Yours sincerely, 



M. E. Hicks Beach. 



Lord Avebury replies : 



High Elms, Farnborough, R.S.O., 

 Kent, 1st June 1903. 



My dear Hicks Beach — In the first place, welcome 

 home. I hope you have enjoyed your well-earned 

 holiday. Please remember us both to Lady Lucy. 



As regards our fiscal policy, I should much like a 

 talk with you. At 3 on Friday I am unfortunately 

 engaged. Could you come to St. James's Square any 

 time between 5 and dinner ? 



I had a talk a few days ago with Goschen, but we both 

 thought Chamberlain's suggestions so vague, at present, 

 that one must see what he would propose. 



I am still as convinced a Freetrader as ever ; but 

 of course Politics and Policy have also to be considered. 



Your 1/- duty on wheat seemed to me to be protection 

 as far as it went, but justified under the circumstances. 



Canada having given us a large remission, might we 

 not meet her to some extent— say by remitting in her 

 case the 1/- duty ? If other Colonies gave us the same 

 advantage as Canada might we not give them some 



