[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
S nt,—Perhaps you would allow me to describe the reactions of the ordinary voter in this part of England to the events of the past fortnight so far as I was able to observe.
On Monday morning, February 2rst, there was general consternation at the loss of Mr. Anthony Eden, whose personality, principles and hard work had made him one of the best loved Ministers of the century. By Wednesday, February 23rd, practically everyone was in sympathy with the Prime Minister. Some reflection and the ill-founded and petulant accusations of the Opposition in the House of Commons Debate had effected the change. The mischievous speech of Mr. Lloyd George also had its effect. What people were saying may be summed up very shortly. They said : " What is the good of standing on your dignity with the other party to an estrange- ment and insisting on his apologising and promising to behave better before making it up, or trying to make it up ? To treat the other party as incorrigible simply leads nowhere."
Quite unabashed by their performance in the House of Commons Debate, the Opposition have now endeavoured to insist that according to modern practice, the Foreign Secretary must not be in the Lords. There again, on the facts, they were clearly wrong ; and our valiant Prime Minister has stuck to his guns and secured the only possible man for the job. But this constitutional point may not be at an end. In the event of any- thing happening to Mr. Chamberlain's health—a thing to be dreaded—who would be his successor ? Is there any Member of the Cabinet within measurable distance of Lord Halifax's position in the country ?—I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
Staward, Sakombe Hill, Sidmouth. J. CRABS WATT.
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