[To The Editor of Tim SPECTATOR.] Sut,—The Sinai Codex lacks
neither friends nor detractors : but if its friends are friendly, its detractors detract with a vengeance. I exclude your correspondent, Mr. W. S. Bakhurst, who submits a reasoned case for not purchasing which, while 'I believe it, with due respect, to be mistaken, is entitled to consideration. I appreciate Mr. Bakhurst's courtesy, while not understanding his suggestion of flippancy. No such mitigating circumstances can be urged in favour of Miss Garnett. Her sense of indignation has overwhelmed her judgement. She associates me, with a magnificent dis- regard of fact, with the very institution—the stunt Press— whose reaction to this matter I ventured to condemn. Her other points are scarcely more relevant.
With Mr. Hamilton Fyfe's strong plea for a National Theatre, I am in cordial agreement even at the risk of being regarded as providing another example of "intellectual snobbery." This does not, however, preclude me from considering the purchase of the Codex as a sound investment.
I will add only this : it is no part of my argument to suggest that the causes which your correspondents champion are unworthy ; far from it. The crux of the matter surely is that the opportunity to purchase the Codex is present now, and it may not recur. Since your correspondents, in the main, dispute not so much its inherent value as its comparative value, our course of action seems clear : we should mase tne necessary effort to secure this treasure, not only for our generation but for those who come after.—! am,
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