From this time forth the Liberal Unionists were identified with the Conservatives; but in consenting to share the spoils of victory they did not withdraw the Liberal or Radical opinions which they had professed. Mr. Cham berlain, for example, did not withdraw his objection to church establishments; but he could not, of course, give effect to his opinion so long as he retained his connection with the Unionist party, which is pledged, as a party, to the de fense of two established Churches. On that question no difficulty arose, but, at the height of its success, the party was broken up by the tariff controversy initiated by Mr. Chamberlain's at tack on free trade') in 1903. As con ceived by its author, the plan of modified protection had two aspects, socialist and im perialist. It aimed at securing constant employ ment for the British workingman, and at consolidating home interests with those of the colonies by means of preferential tariffs. The plan was advocated in a series of speeches which could hardly be excelled for clearness and force; but the electors were not convinced. In January 1906 the fiscal question held the fiel; and free trade carried all before it. The Unionist party was left in a helpless minority; its leaders found comfort in recalling the prece dents of 1841, 1874 and 1886— the years in which the Conservative party recovered its ground after an apparently crushing defeat.
The new government was supported by the Whig Liberals and by the Radicals, who com bine Manchester (free trade) doctrines with modified socialism as best they can. In former Parliaments, Labor members were few, and voted with the Liberals. They still prefer Lib erals to Unionists, but their support is given in return for concessions which put a strain on the Liberal members of the Cabinet. On Irish questions, the Nationalists voted with govern ment, on the understanding that Mr. Glad stone's policy would be revived at an early date; but where Catholic schools are concerned that vote is hostile to the educational policy which commends itself to most Liberals. The Union 1st opposition was seriously embarrassed by differences of opinion in regard to free trade. Amid these currents and cross-currents the leader had to steer the best course he could.
We still defer to the notion that there are two great parties in the state; but the House of Commons has in fact become a collection of groups, like the Reichstag or the Chamber of Deputies.