6 MARCH 1909, Page 13

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LORDS.

fro THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Your article upon the Government and the House of Lords in the issue of February 27th is rather astonishing. I could not ask for space to argue the question at length, but may I take your own prediction as to the result of an appeal to the country after the rejection of the Licensing Bill, and point out the consequences P You say the Government would have returned with a small majority ; the result of which would have been that the Government would have been 'dependent on the Irish, who would not have allowed them to do anything unless they brought in a Honic-rule Bill. If you were an ardent Home-ruler, one could understand your position, for the probability is that after the next Election the Irish will turn the scale in the House of Commons. Have you any doubt that the Tariff Reformers will make a bargain with the Irish to grant them anything they like in the direction of Home-rule in return for their support for- Protection P The Tariff Reform newspapers have more than hinted at this prospect, and Mr. Redmond has declared himself open to the " deal."

The Government have great schemes of social reform on hand; it is their duty to finance them and see them through. If they were to dissolve prematurely, you would be the first to join in the cry raised by Mr. F. E. Smith that they were absconding bankrupts. The position of the Government, so far from being what you represent it, is like that of the driver of an express train who, as he passes his own house, sees a mis- chievous boy stealing his own apples. All he can do at the moment is to shake his fist at him; but when he has finished his journey and performed his duty to the passengers entrusted to his care, he will be at liberty to return and give the boy the thrashing he deserves.

When Lord Roberts delayed three months at Bloemfontein no doubt many foolish persons thought he was doing nothing. Mr. Asquith has taken up his position at Bloemfontein, and I doubt not that when he decides to move forward the result of his strategy will be equally successful.—I am, Sir, &o.,