SIR,—It is indeed surprising to find the Spectator encouraging the
interference of the Church with politics. The appeal which you print is signed by Church dignitaries and others with comfortable incomes many of them, and some well known for their unfortunate bias in the Boer War. It is addressed to the clergy throughout England, the majority of whom struggle on with pitiful incomes, the meagreness of which is
in large measure due to the go-as-you-please free-import policy of the last half-century. For it is that which has ruined agri- culture, driven the people from the country, and depleted the incomes of the clergy. Surely the country parsons will have the sense to value this manifesto at its true worth. I ask you in common fairness to publish this letter from a layman, a constant reader of your paper, and one who has the morality of his country just as much at heart as the editor of the Spectator, or the somewhat notorious signatories to • the
" appeal."—I am, Sir, &c., REGINALD HAINES. Uppingham.
[Does our correspondent really think that the poor clergy will be better off under a Protective system, and when a tariff of from 10 to 20 per cent. ad valorem has raised all prices P We do not, however, ask the clergy to consider the matter from their own selfish point of view. Such an appeal they would rightly scout. We ask them to consider the effect of Protection on our public life, and on the interests of the poorest of the poor whose special guardians they are.—ED. Spectator.]
THE WOMEN'S FREE-TRADE UNION. [To Tun EDITOR OF THE " SP EOTATOR.1
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