[To THE &Emit OF THE " arscrATori."9 SIR, — May I offer
a word of thanks for your article, as timely as excellent, on" Temperance Reform in the New Parliament" 14' The question has for some time past urgently called for a shuffle of the cards. And it would be a boon indeed, if the great change in Parliamentary power should bring this about. I believe that there are great reserve forces of opinion anc. feeling on this subject which might come together in support of "the moderate, definite, and reasonably comprehensive policy," of which Judge Hughes has spoken. Many Liberals have been driven towards a policy in which they did not really believe, and may be expected to welcome some practicable way out of the tangle. Many Churchmen, though they have not done what their enemies say, and Canon Wilberforce repeats, are conscious that they have been—much more than they like—working parallel with the organised forces hostile to reform, and are weary of a neutral and merely critical attitude towards reforming proposals. And many Conserva- tives must desire to see their party deal successfully with the subject, and must be conscious that by so doing it would gain a great accession of moral strength. But if any good result is to be obtained, there must be no despair of the possibilities of success, and each individual who cares about the matter must make his weight felt for what it is worth. I sincerely hope that such a Conference as you speak of may be held, and may press vigorously for action. There are points, such as greatly extended Sunday closing, on which a large amount of agreement is already available. There are others which are ready for experiment ; and of these I venture to think with you that none would be so promising as local attempts (with necessary legislative sanction and authority) to carry out the principle of public or corporate management of the public-house.—I am, Sir, &c.,
The Vicarage, Leeds, August 7th. E. S. TALBOT.
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