Page:Eminent English liberals in and out of Parliament.djvu/116

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
102
EMINENT LIBERALS IN PARLIAMENT.

bered forty-six associations; it has now risen to over a hundred, and every week adds to its strength and efficiency. At the late general election the caucus vindicated its power with such emphasis wherever it had taken root, that, from the election agent's point of view, the Liberal victory was its victory. It combines in a marvellous manner complete local autonomy with a capacity for concerted action something like that which existed amongst the Hanse Towns of the middle ages. Mr. Chamberlain has done surprising things as a party organizer; but this is distinctly his masterpiece.