19 OCTOBER 1912, Page 15

" YES, IF THEY GET THE MONEY."

[TO THE EDITOR OF THIS " SPECTATOR."]

SIR,—I have read your excellent article of last Saturday on the Irish policy of the Unionists with great satisfaction. The story you relate as to the extent to which monetary benefits from the Imperial Exchequer enter into Nationalist views of the desirability of Home Rule reminds me of an experience of my own. Within the last two years I asked a Roman Catholic car-driver in Dublin whether he was in favour of Home Rule, and he at once replied, "Yes; if we get the money." I then asked if the clergy of his Church would like it, and he again promptly answered, " Yes ; if they get the money." There is thus undoubtedly a widespread opinion to this effect outside the ranks of Irish farmers, whose well-known views are accurately illustrated by your own story.—I am, Sir, [It is, in our opinion, only fair that the Unionist leaders should make it clear that "they will not get the money." No doubt it is not a very agreeable duty to perform, but the Unionist leaders have now left no shadow of doubt about the matter. Mr. Austen Chamberlain put the matter plainly as regards Land Purchase on Wednesday, and Mr. Boner Law on Thursday night was equally emphatic in regard to the general question.—En. Spectator.]