16 MAY 1914, Page 13

THE NONCONFORMIST ATTITUDE.

LTO rle EDITOE or Till " Serentoe."J Sra,—As a Nonconformist, I shall be glad if you will allow me to protest against the sentiments of the Rev. J. Pugh Perkins, as expressed in his letter in your issue of May 9th. I need hardly assure you that you are perfectly right (as your note to the letter assumes) in believing that the amazing views displayed in the letter are not the views of serious or thinking Nonconformists. Such views are only held by those of that body who have allowed what they are pleased to call their party loyalty to obliterate every other faculty. Mr. Perkins argues that because English Tories (and he mentions some good names) are against Home Rule, therefore he is in favour of it ; but be is not entitled to speak as he does, as I for one, and many others I know personally, are in entire sympathy with the views from time to time put forward by the Spectator on this question. I am proud of being a Nonconformist, speaking generally—proud of the traditions of Nonconformity, of the many battles it has fought and won in the cause of liberty. But surely to acquiesce in forcing loyal Ulster out of British citizenship is only the negation of all that hitherto English Nonconformity has always fought for. I hope that if Mr. Perkins writes anything further on this subject, be will cease to use the words " we " and "our," thereby implying an authority to write for Nonconformists (which he does not possess), and to express views which many of them deeply resent, and especially so as he says of himself that he is " of thirty-five years' standing," and therefore ought to have known better.—I am, Sir, do., D. SzweLaza. The Grange, Huyton, near Liverpool.