2 MAY 1931, Page 16

SWEEPSTAKES FOR HOSPITALS

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

SIR,—After reading many extraordinary reasons in the daily papers in support of "Sweepstakes for Hospitals," it was a real relief to read your article in the Speda,tor of April 18th on this question, on which, as you most truly observe, there is so much confusion of thought.

Cannot we be honest with ourselves at least, and if we are as anxious, as we profess to be, to help the hospitals, give the money outright, and not use them as a cloak, when we are really out for our own amusement and gain ? Surely there are any-number of ways in which we can play with our money without poisoning the very fountains of charity at their