LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
MINISTERIAL SILENCE.
• [TO THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") Sta.—In view of the peril arising from the liquor trade in the present crisis of the national history, it was with surprise, and almost with dismay, that I listened in Manchester last night to the speech of the Right Hon. A. Henderson, M.P., upon National Service. The speech lasted an hour and a half. The speaker insisted upon the supreme need of self-sacrifice for the honour and safety of the nation. He called upon the men and women in his audience to offer themselves unreservedly for National Service. He told them that they must be prepared, if need were, to forgo, in a large measure, such luxuries and conveniences as articles of confectionery, mineral waters, and even stationery. But there was not, I think, in all his speech, a word (unless it were the passing reference to the number of persons engaged in hotels) about the liquor trade. For all that Mr. Henderson said, the trade, which the Prime Minister has described as a more dangerous foe than German militarism itself, might be non-existent in Great Britain to-day. What is to be thought of a reticence so extra- ordinary? The reason cannot be sympathy with the trade, or ignorance of the many evils attending it. Is it political expediency? 13 it dread of the so-called brewing interest? But, whatever it may be, it takes the heart out of appeals for self-sacrifice, whoa politicians dare not advocate the one sacrifice which is indis- pensable as a guarantee of victory in the war.—I am, Sir, &c.
J. E. C. WELLDON.
The Deanery, Manchester, February 17th.
J. E. C. WELLDON.
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