24 NOVEMBER 1917, Page 12

IT° THE EDITOR or ruts " SPECTATOR."1 Sun,—I have read

the Spectator for the last thirty-five years, and have always admired its temperance and restraint. One has not associated these qualities with Mr. Lloyd George, but in spite of their absence who can deny his enormous services to his country since tine war began ? Surely kin action on the questions of finance, munitions, and compulsory service proves that he has vision and driving-power. Con these qualities be overestimated at such a time as this, and what hues we not suffered by their absence? Have you shown your usual characteristics when writing " The Apple of Discord "? I think not. You say you will not let yourself go, but have you observed your promise? Surely you are straining the meaning of words when you say that the expression " I wish it had not been necessary to win so many victories" is equivalent to accusing those who conduct our military operations of butchering our men. Again, in regretting the sacrifice of our young manhood and expressing a wish for its conservation, the Prime Minister of Englund should not at an Englishman's; hands have his words construed as you construe them. I believe that few, if any, British soldiers will read them otherwise than as an expression of admiration and sympathy. I also believe that a very great number of your renders will deeply regret that such on article—so for oat of keeping with your reputation—should have appeared in the Spectator. I never felt inclined to differ from your pre-war criticism of Mr. Lloyd George. but after the last three years (in spite of occasional emotionalism) I think that he, more than most, has the right to say : "I have done the State some service and they know it."—I ern, Sir, Sc., Kirkland, West Kirby, Cheshire. WALTER Tnomms.