GUESSES AT TRUTH.
ITO TEE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."t
SIR, —TO accept "Ignatius's" contention (ue. "Dread Seet,- city," p. 320, Spectator. March 15th) is to acquiesce in an evil. which is the cause of gross injustice, and foments distrust and ill-feeling in regard to those who have the power secretly to damn a subordinate; and who will guarantee all men in whom such power is vested being as Caesar's wife was expected to be—i.e., above suspicion? Suds uncontrolleil power shoe's] not be allowed them. If it were possible to believe that all is for the best in this best of good worlate, even then it would lia taking too great risk to trust to secret impartiality. Secrecy implies that the subject in question won't stand public inve-t getion rind fair eritieistn, end the public naturally suspect that there is something discreditable to conceal. The more publicity the better, and less chance of intriguing politicians and others humbugging all concerned. Naval and military officers should never be refused trial by Court-Martial if they apply for it. Civilian case like that of Miss Douglas-Pennant ensue under the same heed, and Inquiry should be allowed. That justice will be obtained without public investigation four will believe. What is the good of President Wilson. Mr. Lloyd
George, and other lesser lights talking about making the world better, Ac., Ac., if secret stabbing in the back is tolerated? From that it is but a short step to encouraging anonymous letter-writing, and acting on the information en obtained. National rights are best publicly stated, with national deter- mination to stand up for them.—I am, Sir, Ac..
HOSINTY 18 THE BEST POLICY.
LWO quite see the argument, but ao a matter of fact you cannot stop a bad man, and you would not wish to atop a good man, from [raying: "I cannot restrain So-and-so in the open— there are reasons against it—but I can restrain him secretly, and if my conscience is good I have a right to do it and ought to do it." Possibly this point of view is wrong—we do not say it is not—hut how are you going to prevent people from acting upon it, either by keeping the secret in their own minds and not telling it, or by secret co-operation with others? —En. Spectator.]
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