[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Sta,—A former Editor of The Spectator once depicted me as " a very astute controversialist " and, ntutatis mutandis, I am tempted to transfer that description to Mr. Mallon, in spite of a courtesy on his part which almost disarms opposition. I never wrote that I did not know Carlisle but that I had never been there. After all, reports do - occasionally convey information. It is impossible to criticise Mr. Mallon's figure of £5oo,000,000 pecuniary advantage to the Treasury without some information as to its basis. But if I had to choose, on a commercial matter involving a heavy State - outlay, between the stupidity of Mr. Asquith and the optimism of Mr. Lloyd George, I have no doubt as. to my preference for the former.
May I conclude by stating with confidence that it is impossible for me to recognise the dilemma to which Mr. Mallon adheres as anything but a chimera conjured .up by a fervid imagination ?
—Yours, &c., FRANK .WHITBREAD. 36 Hans Place, London, S.W. r.
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