26 NOVEMBER 1881, Page 15

MR. BRIGHT AND CHURCH-RATES.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]

Sia,—No one can be less desirous than I am of depreciating the value of Mr. Bright's services in bringing about a settlement of the Church-rate question, but, for the sake of historic accuracy, I wish to correct your statement that it was Mr. Bright who suggested the abolition of the compulsory powers for levying Church-rates.

That suggestion originated with Lord Ebury, and was contained in a pamphlet, entitled, " The Only Possible Compromise." The pamphlet was published anonymously, but its authorship was subsequently avowed. Mr. Bright did endorse, and emphasize, the proposal in one of his speeches on the question in the Honse of Commons ; and in the end, it was adopted in the Bill prepared by Mr. Gladstone, with the assistance of Lord Selborne (then Sir Roundell Palmer), and which became law in the Session in which it was brought in. Lord Ebury's suggestion was as bread cast upon the waters,—seen after many days.—I am,