14 OCTOBER 1922, Page 12

With regard to one of them—Lord Derby—there are, at all

events, two things to be said. First, he stands, more clearly than any other living statesman, for a defensive alliance with France. Had such an alliance been made two years ago most cf the subsequent -"alarurns and excursions " would not have happened at all. Second, in addition to the great esteem in which lie is held throughout the country, he possesses also the very special confidence of Lancashire—not bad assets for any man. In any case, I hope you will continue to expose the ridiculous assumption that there is "no alternative."—I am,

Sir, &c., JAS. RALPH. 28 Blenheim Gardens, Criekletrood, N. W. 2.