6 JUNE 1903, Page 13

[To THE EDITOR OP TRY " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The following paragraph,

written fifteen years ago, seems so exactly apropos of Mr. Chamberlain's fiscal scheme that it is surprising it has escaped quotation:— "And then, later what a coming together and revision of tariffs, ending in one great iron band girdling the earth. Within that Jimit Free-trade. Without, rancorous Protection. It, would • be too vast a hornets' nest for any combination of Powers to disturb. The dream will not come about for a long time, but we shall accomplish something like it one of these days."—" From Sea to Sea," by Rudyard Kipling, Vol. I., p. 253. Whether you like the notion or not, a strange prophecy from a young man then unknown to fame.—I am, Sir, &c.,