1 JANUARY 1916, Page 22

[To TER EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—In a footnote

to a letter on this subject in your last issue you disclaim the suggestion that the Spectator is pursuing a temperance crusade, and base your advocacy of prohibition during the war solely on the ground of economy. But surely this is unduly restricting the area of appeaL Apart from any theoretical or doctrinaire propaganda, there are other practical considerations of at least equal weight with that of economy. What about efficiency ? One may hope that your incisive logic may also be employed in.opening men's eyes to the fact that the efficiency of this country in all that makes for victory is being more sapped and diluted by drink than by any other cause whatever.—I am, Sir, &c. J. W. JOYNT. 2 Carlingford Road, Hampstead.

[We have again and again associated efficiency with economy as imperative arguments for the policy of " Down Glasses."— En. Spectator.]