[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I am most
heartily in accord with your remarks re Major- General Maurice and his letter to the Press. The only person who emerges from that incident with credit is the Major-General. The unsuccessful way in which Mr. Asquith handled the subject shows a decline in his powers, although he has always been unequal in debate. The Premier cannot be congratulated upon a success in a " tied " House. The unfortunate members were in the position of having to condemn or acquit their chief, and therefore to a certain extent themselves. I submit, therefore, that the incident is not closed, and that it is due not merely to the parties directly concerned but to the nation that there be a Court-Martial where evidence can be adduced. I am surprised that no legal member of the House took the point. It is not similar to a case of impeachment where a man is tried by his peers. It was an allegation of misrepresentation
which ought to be settled by an independent Tribunal. It is grotesque to stifle the charge by a packed Tribunal such as the House of Commons necessarily was for that purpose. What is to happen to the present Government I do not suggest—it will prob- ably continue in office until it is driven out—but we can only deal with points as they arise, and it is useless to make forecasts.—I
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