[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—A rapid survey of
the astonishing letters which you have received during the past fortnight would lead one to suppose that, in the eyes of the majority of its readers, and to their horror, the Spectator had definitely turned Socialist. It is unfortunate that in controversies of this kind the views expressed are very largely those of the extremists on both sides, that the more moderate have seldom sufficient energy to come forward. For I am convinced that the correspondence printed is not a fair representation of the views held by the readers of the Spectator.
I am, Sir, a Socialist ; but I am not writing to congratulate this paper on that "event of national importance," its conversion to Socialism. On the contrary, I do not for a Moment believe that any such event has taken place. I read with interest the Spectator's appreciation of the new Govern- ment, but detected no Socialist tendencies therein. I found nothing but a very natural desire to give Mr. Ramsay MacDonald and his colleagues the fair play which they deserve, and which, it must be remembered, this paper freely allowed to Mr. Baldwin throughout his administration. Then, as is its custom, the Spectator reserved its final judgment on the Government's record until that record was complete. If the verdict has been unfavourable, the Tories have none but themselves to blame.
In your issue of June 15th one of your correspondents wrote, "Are we to assume that the Spectator has definitely turned Socialist ? " And another, "Surely the Spectator is in danger of becoming Mr. Baldwin's Own Paper." The startling contrast between these two remarks is for me sufficient proof that the Spectator remains unattached to any party, submitting its independent opinion to the criticisms and insults of all extremists, whether Socialists or Progressive Unionists, whatever this curious contradiction in terms may be intended to mean.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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