THE "NON-FEUDAL SCREW."
fro THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I have read with interest your article in last week's issue on the feudal screw in the county divisions, and can vouch for the following case of what for want of a better name I may call the non-feudal screw. A baker• in this village has been in the habit of supplying bread twice a week to the caretaker of the Liberal club. When he called on the 15th ult. he was asked how much was owing, was paid,
and told not to call again. On the same date a letter (copy enclosed) signed by the secretary was sent to him returning his last subscription and cancelling his membership of the club on the ground of his upholding Conservative principles. 'e caretaker is entitled to get his bread where he pleases, Lut I submit that in this case the only reasonable inference is that custom was taken from the baker on account of his politics. The original letter of January 15th can be sent for
inspection, if desired.—I am, Sir, &c., J. WILSON. j Vale Court, Colerne, Wilts.
Copy of letter referred to above. It was received by Gilbert Bence, baker, Colerne, two days before polling took place in the Chippenham division of Wiltshire :- " Colerne Liberal Club, Jan. 15th, 1910.
DEAa Slit,—I am instructed by the Committee of the above Club to pay you back your last quarter's subscription, also to give you this notice that you are no longer a member of the above Club rs the grounds of your upholding Conservative principles.—
Yours faithfully, (Signed) W. Siisxius, Sec?'
[We publish this letter, not because we regard it as an important example of Liberal intimidation, or, indeed, of intimidation at all in the true sense, but because it shows that the undesirable, and indeed reprehensible, pressure which is exerted at moments of political excitement is by no means confined to one political party. The caretaker had no doult a perfect right to change his baker, though we cannot help thinking he exercised it in a way likely to cause offence, and to create a feeling that he was penalising a neighbour for holding a particular set of political views. It is curious that This is the nearest approach we have got to an example of genuine intimidation or undue influence. It is probably an accident that the clearest case should be a case of Liberal pressure, but still the fact remains.—ED. Spectator.]
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