10 MARCH 1906, Page 17

LORD CROMER AND THE COTTON-DUTIES. cr0 THE EDITOR OF THE

"SPEcrATon."1 SIB,—It was hardly a great matter, but an important principle was at stake, and Lord Cromer's action in Egypt in respect of the Cotton Duties and Excise confirms, in my judgment, your general view of his wise statesmanship (Spectator, March 3rd, p. 324). His decision on this special subject was not arrived at in a hurry, but was taken, as is his frame of mind, after carefully studying British public opinion, and not flouting that public opinion. How different things would have been in South Africa to-day if that country had been administered in recent years by Lord Cromer.—I am, Sir, Am,

Mel brook, Bowdon, Cheshire. WILLIAM TATTERSALL.