12 JULY 1924, Page 3

Sir Charles Wakefield has given another example of his generosity

and public spirit by presenting Sulgrave Manor with an original letter by General Washington. It is dated " Mount Vernon, June 28th, 1788," and is con- cerned with the tomb of Mrs. Washington's father. He asks his correspondent to engage a workman to put it in order. And then follows an example of Washington's business capacity :- " I would thank you for ascertaining the price beforehand, having from disinclination to dispute accounts, felt, in too many instances, the expansion of tradesmen's consciences, when no previous agreement has been made."

The expansion of conscience, where no previous agreement has been made, is not confined to tradesmen. The politicians run them hard in this respect.