LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
MR. BALFOUR'S BENIGNITY.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SpEcitTos."] Sin,—As one who has had the privilege of knowing Mr. A. J. Balfour from his early years, I should like to bear witness to the remarkable accuracy of the article on " Mr. Balfour's Benignity " in the Spectator of July 13th. Had the writer known Mr. Balfour personally, he could hardly have given a more correct analysis of this side of his character. The points you notice were observable in him at an early age. All mean- ness, attributing of base motives to opponents, &c., were utterly foreign to his nature. He could well defend himself with his tongue ; but it was always done so genially, that nobody could be angry, and he was a general favourite. The fact was, he had so many objects of interest outside him, that there was no room for petty, vexatious personalities. The same thing is seen in his public life. As Irish Secretary, he was so engrossed with measures for the good government and relief of Ireland, that the copious abuse levelled at him appeared to him only in the light of a humorous episode. In fact, it is because Mr. Balfour is so much in earnest about the questions which he takes up, that mere invective passes by him like the wind. Oh that this spirit could be largely
imported into our political life !—I am, Sir, &c., C. G. C.
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