THE CROMWELL STATUE.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."' Sur,—With reference to your review of my book, " The Two Protectors," in the Spectator of May 27th, I am somewhat sur- prised at your taking exception to my remark as to the present- day antagonism to Oliver Cromwell in certain quarters. It must have escaped your memory that towards the close of Lord Rosebery's Administration a combination of Tories and Irish Nationalists defeated the proposal to place a statue of Cromwell in the precincts of the House of Commons. Also, that in the recent tercentenary commemoration at Huntingdon —Oliver's birthplace—the Mayor and High Church party declined to take part in the day's proceedings. It is clear, therefore, that the antagonism is not confined to Irish Nationalists, as you appear to think. You say that "there is nothing that people are more proud of, whatever their politics or station in life, than a descent from Oliver Cromwell," to which I may add that many Members of the House of Lords are equally proud of their descent from Charles II. of the Blessed Restoration, and from women who were not his wives. It appears to me, therefore, that your remark proves nothing.— I am, Sir, &c., RICHARD TANGYE. Glendorgal, Newquay, Cornwall, June 3rd.
[We are well aware that the late Home-rule Ministry was weak enough to withdraw their proposal to erect a statue to Cromwell ; and we are also aware that during the present Administration a bust of Cromwell has been placed in the House of Commons. Men not Members of the House of Lords have been proud of being descended from Charles IL Charles James Fox was extravagantly complimented on the fact by Burke in the House of Commons. But how does this alter the fact that a descent from Cromwell is regarded with intense pride and tisfaction by the Protector's descendants I —ED. Spectator.]
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