One wonders whether Churchill was in his right mind during the election campaign of 1905. The Russian and tariffs issues were hotly contested, and with the Church weighing in with arguments in respect of social reform. Churchill’s insistence that liberalisation of trade was a cornerstone of British trade sunk as fast as a Russian ship at Port Arthur amongst the working class voters of his Oldham constancy, and it appeared as if he was stubbornly refusing to listen to the crowds despite all the advice even his own party was given him.
Lord Beaverbrook went to town on him on this issue, and while Campbell-Bannerman tried in vein to get the Liberals in the patriotic spirit, Churchill was utterly dogmatic in his desire to see open trade remain a key plank of the liberal agenda. The split within the Liberal party this caused meant that what could have been a significant majority in happier times ended up becoming the largest party in a hung parliament, with Churchill loosing his own seat to a relative unknown.
Simon Sharma, A History of Britain Vol 6 – 1861 to 1921
“In all fairness, if Winston had been a little less strident with this whole free trade fiasco, I do believe we would have stood no chance on election night, but, as with all things in politics, playing up to the crowd does have its advantages. Now we just need to sort out the nitty gritty with the nationalists.”
Conversation heard at a London Club between Campbell-Bannerman and Lloyd
George, 3rd September 1905
Liberal and Tory talks breakdown.
In late night talks, leading politicians from both parties attempted to thrash out an agreement for a government of national unity. Sources close to the negotiations advised that difficulties arose on the subject of voting reform, welfare, and the ever-present tariffs issues, and after a stormy conversation with the shadow chancellor Lloyd-George, Mr Balfour returned to Downing Street with his close advisors without any agreement being reached.
Early this morning a delegation of Irish members of parliament was seen entering Downing Street, where this correspondent witnessed a hurried conversation between the Colonial secretary and the MP for West Belfast as they entered through the forbidding black door. In light of recent nationalist sentiments in respect of home rule, and the fact that several ardent opponents like Mr Churchill are no longer members of the house, the talks raise the spectre of some tough negotiations ahead for the Conservatives.
London Evening Standard, 4th September 1905
“I am pleased to advise that we have reached agreement with Mr Balfour to form a coalition government, one which we believe will deliver on the promises made by both ourselves and his own party during the this election. While the going will not be easy, I am sure that in the next Parliament we will be able to be more than able partners along side our Conservative allies.”
Leader of the Irish Nationalist Party, 5th September 1905
SEND ENVOY TO DUBLIN *STOP* IRISH INTERESTS NEED FURTHING WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDS *STOP* MUST ENSURE LONDON GETS THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR *STOP*
Telegram from American Embassy to House committee on foreign affairs, 6th
September 1905
“…and in the next session of Parliament, my government wishes to bring in
legislation in respect of tariffs on the import and export of goods, and also to review existing legislation in respect of tariffs on imports from Russia. Next, my government wishes to bring before the House legislation in respect of Ireland, and in particular ask the House as to whether Ireland should have a degree of home rule.”
King’s Speech, opening of Parliament 19th January 1906
Lord Beaverbrook went to town on him on this issue, and while Campbell-Bannerman tried in vein to get the Liberals in the patriotic spirit, Churchill was utterly dogmatic in his desire to see open trade remain a key plank of the liberal agenda. The split within the Liberal party this caused meant that what could have been a significant majority in happier times ended up becoming the largest party in a hung parliament, with Churchill loosing his own seat to a relative unknown.
Simon Sharma, A History of Britain Vol 6 – 1861 to 1921
“In all fairness, if Winston had been a little less strident with this whole free trade fiasco, I do believe we would have stood no chance on election night, but, as with all things in politics, playing up to the crowd does have its advantages. Now we just need to sort out the nitty gritty with the nationalists.”
Conversation heard at a London Club between Campbell-Bannerman and Lloyd
George, 3rd September 1905
Liberal and Tory talks breakdown.
In late night talks, leading politicians from both parties attempted to thrash out an agreement for a government of national unity. Sources close to the negotiations advised that difficulties arose on the subject of voting reform, welfare, and the ever-present tariffs issues, and after a stormy conversation with the shadow chancellor Lloyd-George, Mr Balfour returned to Downing Street with his close advisors without any agreement being reached.
Early this morning a delegation of Irish members of parliament was seen entering Downing Street, where this correspondent witnessed a hurried conversation between the Colonial secretary and the MP for West Belfast as they entered through the forbidding black door. In light of recent nationalist sentiments in respect of home rule, and the fact that several ardent opponents like Mr Churchill are no longer members of the house, the talks raise the spectre of some tough negotiations ahead for the Conservatives.
London Evening Standard, 4th September 1905
“I am pleased to advise that we have reached agreement with Mr Balfour to form a coalition government, one which we believe will deliver on the promises made by both ourselves and his own party during the this election. While the going will not be easy, I am sure that in the next Parliament we will be able to be more than able partners along side our Conservative allies.”
Leader of the Irish Nationalist Party, 5th September 1905
SEND ENVOY TO DUBLIN *STOP* IRISH INTERESTS NEED FURTHING WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDS *STOP* MUST ENSURE LONDON GETS THE MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR *STOP*
Telegram from American Embassy to House committee on foreign affairs, 6th
September 1905
“…and in the next session of Parliament, my government wishes to bring in
legislation in respect of tariffs on the import and export of goods, and also to review existing legislation in respect of tariffs on imports from Russia. Next, my government wishes to bring before the House legislation in respect of Ireland, and in particular ask the House as to whether Ireland should have a degree of home rule.”
King’s Speech, opening of Parliament 19th January 1906