DRINK AND ECONOMY.
rro TIM EDITOR OF TEE " Srmimes."' SIR,—In an editorial note to the able and convincing letter of Mr. C. Bailey which appeared in your last issue you write that "it would be wise to cut off our £170,000,000 of annual expendi- ture on intoxicants," and that you "want the nation's beer money in order to win the war." May I venture to inquire how much of the £170,000,000 you anticipate will be left for the purpose you desire, after deducting (1) the amount to be spent in the beverages that will take the place of the intoxicants ; (2) the £60,000,000 or more paid to the Exchequer for Beer, Wine, and Spirit Duties ; (3) the cost of compensating various trades, agricultural, mechanical, manual, &c., dependent upon the manufacture of intoxicants, to say nothing of the compensation due to the dispossessed licensed holders, brewery shareholders, wine merchants, &c. ? May I further ask if you think a drastio interference with the rights of individuals to select for themselves the food and chink they prefer will contribute to the maintenance of the feeling of unity throughout our country, so essential to our victory And if you consider such a programme to be quite consistent with the principles of practical statesmanship or of OOMMOH fairness ?—I am, Sir, &c., House of Commons. J. T. AGO-GARDNER. [WO have dealt elsewhere with Mr. Agg-Gardncr's questions. —En. Spectator.]
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