30 MAY 1874, Page 12

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

CHURCH PATRONAGE IN SCOTLAND.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.") SIR, —I never correct any inaccurate report of any speech of mine, as I entirely agree with the shorthand-writers in thinking that no words spoken by me can be worth reporting accurately.

But as I see by your number of the 23rd that you have taken the trouble to read what I said on the introduction of the Ecclesi- astical Patronage (Scotland) Bill, let me assure you that what I asked was, " Was it intended to exclude female communicants, who were not by any means in Scotland the worst judges? &c.," instead of " not by any means the best," as I am reported to have said.

The point is so important, that I do not wish to be misunder- stood upon it by any one, still less by the Spectator.—I am, Sir, &c , Dabneny Park, Edinburgh, May 25. ROSEB ERY.