TO THE MEN OF THE TRAINING CAMPS.
[To TER EDITOR OF TIIR "EPECTATOR."] SIR,—May this writer, a minister of religion who has tried to play his part among the Scottish troops in Bedford, thank you from the bottom of his heart for your article under the above title in last week's Spectator ? It handles a vital problem without offence or exaggeration, and with masterly
directness. Only those to whom it has fallen to attempt something of the sort, even in far less conspicuous circles, quite know how effective is the triumph of your contributor. I wish the article, or at least a summary of it, could be
circulated in all the training camps. If "H. " gentle and searching verses, published on p. 561 of the same issue, could be added, the good that might result no man can measure. Of your courtesy do let me press my suggestion. Frankly, in the days when there was a place for party politics in English public life, I often dared to dissent from your con- clusions; but the high-mindedness of the Spectator has always been my boast. And I know how courageously and consistently you have championed the cause of national defence. A fine moral appeal like that in question, stamped with the imprima- tur of the Spectator, would be welcomed, I feel sure, as would scarcely any other secular or religious document on a supremely patriotic subject. 'Silver and gold have I none," or I would gladly spend it, with the necessary permission, on a project so fraught, as I think, with possibilities of good.
One additional point may be mentioned with advantage. In Bedford, where a few days ago the King inspected more than twenty thousand Scottish troops, the moral situation has been, if not without grave anxiety, yet, on the whole, exceedingly gratifying. There is one major explanation. The Worshipful the Mayor set up at once on the arrival of the troopa a vigorous Recreations Committee, which has made attractive provision, on Sundays and weekdays, for the leisure time of our brave and splendid soldier-guests. Also the clergy and ministers of all denominations have addressed a friendly letter to the military authorities pledging themselves to heartx, co- operation with them in the maintenance of the fine traditions alike of the town and of the troops.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
