BIRMINGHAM.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPICCTATOR."1 Sin,—In your article headed " Birmingham," in the issue of January 3rd, you notice an event which took place,—viz., the opening of a portion of the Winter Garden, Music-Hall, and Hotel, a building to serve which purposes is now in course of erection. I would point out, however, that the undertaking is being carried out by a Company, and not, as inferred, by the Municipality. The Directors, thinking doubtless the presence of some notable would give eclat to the proceedings, invited the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain to take part in same. I think of late Birmingham has been unduly thrust forward, and held up to general admiration. Without wishing for one moment to disparage the efforts of our local governors, I think, in fairness to other bodies in the various large centres, this is hardly generous. We have our libraries, parks, tram- ways, baths, and the gas and water.services under Municipal control, but in these respects we do not differ from Man- chester, Leeds, Bradford, &c. ; and, I am sorry to add, we have, in common with other cities, our slums, and were it not for the fact of Birmingham being situated high, and on the red sandstone, our death-rate would often reach higher than it does. I am afraid, if the writer of that now (locally) cele- brated article, " The Best-Governed City in the World," had had but a closer acquaintance with our city, he would have altered the title by describing it as " One of the Best-Governed
Cities in the World."--I am, Sir, &c., G. N. R.
[We were well aware that the new Winter Gardens are a private speculation, and said nothing to the contrary. Neither did we describe Birmingham as the best, or even one of the best, governed cities in the world. Our point was a different one,—namely, that Birmingham exhibits a municipal spirit more active than that which is displayed by other English towns.—ED. Spectator.]
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