15 MAY 1886, Page 14

THE CHURCHWARDEN OF SELBY.

[To TEE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In your issue of May 8th, under " News of the Week," you refer to Canon Harper appointing a churchwarden, " a Liberationist and a strong supporter of Disestablishrnent." As I am the churchwarden referred to, allow me to correct an error that you have—quite unintentionally, I am sure—fallen into. I am not a Liberationist or a supporter of Disestablishment, but exactly the reverse. The " head and front of my offence " against the Tory Party here, was that I, a Vicar's churchwarden of many years'-standing, warmly supported at the last General Election a Liberal candidate for this Barkston Ash Division who was in favour of Disestablishment, holding that it was not then a question of practical politics. I am very sorry to appear by this letter to take away from the broad liberality of Canon Harper's Conservatism, as I am sure his love of fair play has no limit. You have at the present painful and perplexing crisis of Irish affairs much anxious and sad thought, and I am sorry to trouble you with what may appear a trivial matter.—I am, Sir, &c.,