24 MAY 1902, Page 16

SIR MICHAEL HICKS BEACH ON THE LICENSE QUESTION.

PTO THE EDITOR OF THE "S1'ECTATOR:1

SIR,—In the "News of the Week" in the Spectator of May 17th you say that Sir Michael Hicks Beach "made no reference to the suggestion for a high license system." On the Monday, it is true, he did not, but on the Wednesday, replying to Mr. E. Robertson, Sir Michael said : "The amount of the duties might be increased as far as the larger public-houses are con- cerned " ; and again : "I quite admit that something might be done in the matter." The admission seems to me important

enough to record.—I am, Sir, &c., J. S. A.