COAL ECONOMY AND NATIONAL WEALTH.
[To rim Emroa or THE " Sescreroa.")
SIR,—In your article of last week, " Coal Economy and National Wealth," you make the following statements: " It matters nothing to the officials who run a municipal electricity concern whether it makes a commercial profit or whether its losses are charged to the rates. Their interest is to keep their own comfortable posi- tions." These statements I feel are incompatible with the usual dignity and justice of the Spectator. The official is very keenly concerned in the success of his department, for on such success his reputation depends. If his department proves a gross failure, he has but small hopes of promotion either under his present municipality or under any other. As a matter of fact, the municipal official is a hard-working and zealous public servant. His duties and responsibilities have been greatly increased under the present war conditions, and therefore it would seem doubly regrettable that you should have made such statements at the present moment.—I am, Sir, Sze., S. FRENCH. 157 Central Drive, Blackpool.
[We meant only to assert that the influence which produces the " Government stroke " is bound also to be at work in the minds of municipal officials. But we admit that we expressed ourselves very harshly, and we apologize.—ED. Spectator.]
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