18 APRIL 1931, Page 16

THE ELGIN 'MARBLES

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—English people would gain one point by sending back the Elgin Marbles. When we Americans want to see, and possess in America, beautiful old things which are our common heritage, then many of you call us names for buying them and taking them to America. Because of .the Elgin Marbles we do not need to argue. If you sent the Elgin Marbles back we should still be right in taking a share of the common heritage, but one absurd inconsistency would be removed.—I am, Sir, &e., RICHARD WALDEN HALE. Boston „llassachusetts, U.S.A.