6 DECEMBER 1913, Page 29

FROM LADYBANK TO LEEDS.

[TO TR' EDITOR OF TEl "SPECTATOR-1

Sta,—The vast majority of our countrymen look with horror on the aggravation of racial and religious feuds and the prospect of civil war ; they call aloud for a settlement of the Irish question by conciliation and consent. The issue depends on one man, Mr. Asquith. It is deplorable that at such a crisis he should speak with such ambiguity that three Ministers have to explain that he did not mean what he seemed to say. The time has come when he must choose one of two courses. If he is to act as a real leader of the state he must cease to be the party hack of Messrs. Redmond and Co. Surely the voice of the country will not appeal to