Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/58

 There are many reasons and causes for the tremendous Liberal majority.

1. The iniquitous and dishonourable Jameson Raid.

2. The mismanaged South African War.

3. The large consensus of opinion that the War was in the interests of the Jews, and also the chaotic state of the Army.

4. The dread of the working classes of anything in the way of Protection.

5. Mr Chamberlain's Policy of having joined together, on one platform, Skilled and Unskilled Labour for the first time since their enfranchisement.

6. The inability of a large number of gentlemen to work on the old lines of Patriotism, instead of for Personal motives.

7. The last Government having held on to Office too long. It was quite apparent that the country wished for a change, and there were other minor matters which helped to make the great smash.

For my own part, I do not think that the Gentlemen will ever again be in the predominant position of power in the Government of our great Empire. Old ideas, issues, and Party lines will disappear. The leisured classes will no longer supply men to work unselfishly from solely patriotic motives. Politics will become a Profession, and Politicians will be paid. The demarcation will be between the lines of Capital and Labour as time goes on. Working men will be returned in larger numbers at each election. This is my forecast. Personally, I have no great fear for the future.

I have absolute belief in the common sense, patriotism, and right feeling of the people; and if we read history, we shall see that the people were always right in the end.

Bannerman is the most powerful Minister we have had, and I am confident that, with the great majority