7 DECEMBER 1918, Page 21

Tory Democracy. By Henry Bentinck. (Methuen and Co. 3s. 6d.

net.)—Lord Henry Bentinck professes himself a disciple of Disraeli. In this enthusiastic little book he expounds the case for the New Toryism with its gospel of the Commonwealth as against the narrower creeds of Liberalism and Labour. He shows that in regard to agriculture, education, housing, public health, and Poor Law reform he and some of his political friends have helped to get things done. He reminds us that a Housing Bill promoted by them in 1912 was rejected With contumely by Mr. Burns and 'Mr. Lloyd George because it proposed a Treasury grant, which is the basis of the new Government housing scheme. Lord Henry Bentinck should revise his assertion that the " economic boycott . . . is prolonging the war " ; that strange delusion has been dissi- pated by the enemy's collapse. He should also devote a little more attention to the Irish question. It is wrong to blame ourselves or Ulster for the folly of the Nationalists or the madness of Sinn Fein ; and it is wholly inaccurate to suggest that Ulster has not shown a spirit of compromise.