21 OCTOBER 1916, Page 11

THE GERMAN WAR LOAN.

[To T® EDITOR OF TVA " SPEOTATOIL,

Snt,—Your reference in the Spectator of September 30th to the semi- official communication which is going the round of the small provincial papers in Germany, suggesting to their readers that persons who believe that the German Empire proposes to confiscate private fortunes should be deprived of their money by force, as it is clear they are incapable of managing property, recalls a similar announcement which was made in June, 1639, by the Committee of the Scottish Covenanters who were charged with the equipment of the Army then about to march to the assistance of the forces of Parliament. It appears in Johnston of Wariston'i Diary thus " Item, that any who hoe money to lend be dealt withal for it upon any kynd of scouritie they please and if they refuse, to be reputed as men care's; of religion and liberties of the country and their moneyes to be confiscate " (Johnston of Wariston's Diary, Scottish History Society, XXVI., 66).—I am, Sir, &o.,

GEORGE Loraissia.

Caledonian Brewery, North Merchiston, Edinburgh.