1 JANUARY 1916, Page 21

"DOWN GLASSES 1"

[TO THE EDITOR 07 THE " SPECTATOR "l Srn,—I have read with interest your articles in the last few numbers of the Spectator in which you advocate " Down Glasses during the War." It strikes me, however, as somewhat remark- able that you fail to see that the argument for " Down Glasses during the War " is essentially an argument for " Down Glasses during Peace." It seems to me very strange that, in making an effort to rouse the country to restrict the manufacture and sale of alcohol during the war, you should ask help from every one except from those who had already acted out before the war what you now advocate during the war. I am one of those whom, as a teetotaler, you designate an " extremist." It would be of interest to me, and doubtless to many others of your readers, if you would kindly explain what difference there is between an act of self-denial made in order to fight effectually an enemy on the Continent, and a similar act of self-denial made in order to fight effectually an enemy within our own gates. It is only by a successful attack upon the enemy within our own gates that your enterprise can affect the enemy on the Continent.—I

Edinburgh.

am, Sir, &c., CHARLES W. CATHCART, F.R.C.S.

[We of course desire the help of all temperance advocates, moderate or extreme. But such help is already ours. What we are asking for is the support of those who, though they are moderate users of intoxicants in pew() time, agree that we must put down our glasses if we are to win the war. Such persons will not join except " for the duration of the war."— ED. Spectator.]