We have dealt at length elsewhere with the allegation of
outside interference at the War Office raised by Sir Michael Hicks Beach, and denied so emphatically by Mr. Brodrick, but must note here the letter sent by Sir Michael to a corre- spondent who drew his attention to the article in last week's Spectator, and especially to the suggestion that he might have
meant Court influence by his speech. La his reply Sir Michael Hicks Beach says:—" I can only say that I think I am en- titled to choose my own time and opportunity for any further reference to the outside influence which, in my opinion, interferes with the management of the Army, and in the selection for appointments and promotions. I cannot enter into correspondence on the subject. But you will find some material for an answer to your question in the newspaper article to which you allude, and in Mr. Brodrick'a complaint of the pressure brought to bear on him by Members of Parliament, presumably for the appointment or promotion of officers connected with their constituencies." Those who read between the lines may think that it is significant that Sir Michael Hicks Beach does not deny that he meant Court interference, but we must refuse to try to " prick " his mean- ing out of him in this way. A statesman of his standing and splendid public service cannot be treated like an unwilling witness under cross-examination. As much, then, after his letter as before it, we appeal to him on patriotic grounds to give us his whole meaning, and to deal no longer in hints and innuendoes, which can only imperil the cause he desires to serve.
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