[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—Mr. W. D. Elliot questions the truth of the statement "that the Conservatives have been forced along the road of democracy and progress." It is interesting to observe that the relatively progressive Tory element, " The Y.M.C.A.," do not contest the same type of constituencies as do "The Forty Thieves."
The question no longer is, "Must Britain Travel the Moscow Road ? " but must Britain continue to follow the path of Roman decline and decay ? Despite the reiterated opti- mistic prophecies of the various banking chairmen, the export of commodities still declines while those of U.S.A. forge ahead.
All Socialists can consistently support the nationalization of industry, but it is difficult for a Conservative, unless pos- sessed of a "dual personality," to champion nationalization, with its elimination of competitive waste ; and in politics pin his faith to the defence of the competitive system !
Lord Melchett, as a staunch pillar of Conservatism,defends the competitive system, but the other Lord Melehett, of Imperial Chemicals, eliminates competition and thereby extracts, what, in the opinion of many famous economists, "is the life's blood of capitalism."
The bold measures required to save Rome were proposed, but defeated ; the real cleavage in Britain is progress or privilege. Progress, as represented by the Labour Party ; or privilege, which is strongly entrenched in the ConservatiVe Party and a bar to progress.—I am, Sir, &c.,
14 Alexandria Terrace, Ayr. A. R. Meetyrcsmorr.
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