ENCOURAGING SCARCITY [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR, —There is
an error in your note, with reference to Mr. Rosslyn Mitchell in your issue of February 20th. It is incor- rect to say that he " formerly as a Liberal defeated Mr. Asquith." Mr. Mitchell did win the Paisley seat from Mr. Asquith, but did so as the Labour candidate.
May I refer to a further paragraph in your notes ? Mr. Ricks is quoted. The quotation ends with " remember the power you now occupy is conditioned by the scarcity of your labour." Your following comment is, " That, surely, is a terrible saying." Now, Sir, when Mr. Hicks writes to members of his Union as he is quoted, do you not think that last sen- tence of his has something in common with the line of conduct encouraged by members of the employing classes ? To see such a resemblance is not to justify the Trade I'-,ion leader's sentiment, but many perhaps would not regard his attitude as so blameworthy as that of merchants encouraging scarcity in the interests of increased profits.—I am, Sir, &e., J. S. [We quite agree. Everyone who encourages scarcity is 9 public enemy.—ED. Spectator.]
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