THE REAL CLEAVAGE
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Whatever may be our slightly differing view of Mr, Stanley Baldwin and that very unwise party appeal imitating official noteheading, Arms, and without the printer's imprint, it is pleasant to be at one in supporting the Government, and to read your article "The Real Cleavage." There is much to be said for Sir W. A. Jowitt's attitude, save that he took an office in his own line of" business." Surely, we have too many " lawyers " in the House, and all stand a better chance of " trade " than any other professional or business man ! The real issue is—if a lawyer enters Parliament he should be debarred legal offices. Let Law be Law and Politics another matter, I venture to suggest.
I suppose I am really an Independent Liberal-Radical—yes, a Labour man, after the mind of Captain Wedgwood Benn. Surely all the " Parties " require twenty-nine articles, or a creed ; for each, I take it, seeks that common weal as religions seek righteousness. My chief difference with Labour is the name, which is not so inspiring as Liberal, and I voted Con- servative in order to save the country from "D. L. G.-ism" once I realized what the Election of 1918 meant. As a soldier I was not in receipt of my vote. As an Englishman I felt that to vote at such a hectic hustings was beneath contempt,
and I think when viewing any issue the first thing is—" How
will it work for us ? " • I recall two men, when "stamp licking" became the order. One said it would cost him £865 per annum roughly, and he was going to get that back from someone rather than that his family should make any sacrifice. He was a Conservative and died rich. The other was a Liberal, and he said, really business was most interesting. He should pay all his staff's insurances, and not waste time talking ninepences and fourpences ! He died comfortably, and left his business to his staff, the oldest employee forming the nucleus of the new directorate. He believed in US.
I suggest, Sir, that Liberalism, the force of independent modern thought, will never die so long as men seek to advance collectively towards social idealism. It is the " Party " that kills, and dies too.
Personally, I found Lord Younger a most kindly and vigorous " Liberal " when Liberals where rankly reactionary. It is the Issue and the Man that really count in affairs that are OURS, neither yours nor mine, Sir.—I am, Sir, &c.,
119 Auckland Hill, S.E. 27. W. PLATT.
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