14 AUGUST 1920, Page 3

This outburst is mischievous because it shows a complete inability

to comprehend the point at issue. Very likely, just because the principals in the transaction were brothers, they behaved with special scrupulousness, feeling that their relation. ship must not be made a cause of reproach. But no one, so far as we know, has dreamt of imputing any corruption to Colonel Spurner or his brothers. What we have said repeatedly, and what we feel it necessary to repeat very earnestly once more now that we have read Mr. Spurrier's letter, is that when the Government require an official to deal with his own relations on business of the State, they violate all the principles of the Civil Service, and give rein to every kind of rumour and suspicion.