Long and precise names which make definite assertions as to party policy are therefore soon shortened into meaningless syllables with new associations derived from the actual history of the party.

The Constitutional Democrats in Russia become Cadets, and the Independent Labour Party becomes the I.L.P.On the other hand, the less conscious emotional associations which are automatically excited by less precise political names may last much longer.

The German National Liberals were valuable allies for Bismarck during a whole generation because their name vaguely suggested a combination of patriotism and freedom.

When the mine-owners in the Transvaal decided some years ago to form a political party they chose, probably after considerable discussion, the name of 'Progressive.' It was an excellent choice.

In South Africa the original associations of the word were apparently soon superseded, but elsewhere it long suggested that Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his party had the same sort of democratic sympathies as Mr.M'Kinnon Wood and his followers on the London County Council.