18 JANUARY 1930, Page 20

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR, I think-that you

are right in your statement that your correspondent -would find- it difficult to substantiate his charge that public men have largely abstained froth taking part in the activities and meetings of the Union. But".I think also that he is right when he suggests that the Union would prosper more as an educative force alone, rather than by urging Governments to adopt a certain course on any par- ticular issue. Take, for instance, that of the Washington Eight Hours Convention. Surely members of a branch would prefer and profit more by a public debate on the question of ratification, rather than a speech delivered with the object of persuading them to become advocates of ratification.— I am, Sir, &c., Carlton Club, Pall Mall, S.W.1. C. J. Gomsmm,