REPUBLICANISM.
(To THE EDITOR OF TEE " SPECTATOR.") SIR —I have lived amongst the colliers for fifteen years, and know fairly well what is passing in their minds. There is no doubt that amongst many of them (including the more thoughtful men) a strong disposition towards Republicanism is growing up. A neighbouring village has started a club, whose members ordinarily wear no hats, but carry caps in their pockets, which they ostentatiously put on whenever the National Anthem is sung. I was talking to one of our men last week—a collier who for some years past has read the Spectator from cover to cover— about this tendency. He tells me he is quite convinced that Royalty the world over is a separate caste, which puts dynastic before national interests, and that he has become a " red-hot Republican," who will do all in his power to put an end to monarchy. He is quite convinced that our Royal Family at th3 end of the war will do its utmost to shield the Hohenzollerns. I asked him how that could be, when the Hohenzollerns would not be recognized and no terms made with them. He replied at once that that had not been officially stated, and because that statement was not forthcoming he and many others were quite convinced that our King was doing his utmost to save them. This may appear utterly foolish to you, Sir, but I am sure that the idea is widely held and is doing much harm. This particular man told me that, so far as he was concerned, he should be quite satisfied with our present crowned Republic if the Govern- ment plainly stated there would be no dealing with any members of the Hohenzollern clan. Is it not possible to do anything to bring about the publication of such a statement?—I am, Sir, &c., U. E. ATKINS.
[We have dealt with this letter in our "News of the Week " pa ragraphs.— ED. Spectator.]
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