6 NOVEMBER 1909, Page 31

THE UNIONIST PARTY AND OLD-AGE ,PENSIONS.

[To Tim EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

Sia,—In my humble opinion, the Unionist Party in Parlia- ment have committed three mistakes in this matter, and have misrepresented the sound Conservative opinion of the country

(1) in neglecting, in their long tenure of office prior to 1906, to formulate and carry through a sound contributory scheme;

(2) in failing to oppose, stoutly and frankly, the unsound non- 6ontributory Radical scheme which has now become such _a burden on the country; (3) in now claiming credit for a scheme which, always discredited by sound political economists, will gradually become unpopular as its deteriorating effects on the national character become evident. The sacrifice of. sound principle for the sake of catching votes is a policy which does not answer in the long run.—I am, Sir, &c., CONSERVATOR.