22 JULY 1955, Page 14

SIR,—As a reader of tho Spectator for mall years, I

congratulate you on the recent nevi format, but view with regret the increasinelY arrogant manner in which you state your opinions, which surely has reached its zenifo, in your article, 'The Execution of Ruth Ellis.

This very sad case, which has caused such grave misgivings throughout the countrY', should surely have called for dispassionate and reasoned argument by a paper of the high standing of the Spectator; instead you have used the opportunity for a watIton and scurrl Ions attack on the Home Secretary. Further more, you have used the case as an opportunity for inflaming party political feelings.

In common with many others, I was gravelY disturbed that the Home Secretary was on: able to find cause to intervene, but did 00` regard his inability to do so as grounds for an outburst of hysteria.

Surely no one man should be asked to shoulder the terrible burden of having to make such decisions. It is the law which should be changed, not the man who has been placed, by the nation, in the position of final arbiter.— Yours faithfully, J. W. POLITO The Chestnuts, Tur Langton, Leicestershire