GOVERNMENT BY WIRELESS [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—There
is a tendency to de-centralization everywhere apparent—a tendency which is good in some ways, but does nevertheless set up a state of society in which it is easier to find elements of discord than any marked degree of unanimity —either in thought or action. And the more this de-centrali- zation develops, the less becomes the authority and dignity of Parliament. Much as one may dislike the autocratic power of a Mussolini, it is equally distasteful to observe the Prime Minister's opinions discounted by all kinds of non- entities, and so distorted by the Press to suit its own purposes as to be almost unrecognisable. For the Prime Minister is the Head of His Majesty's Government, and in a broad sense, is the elected Head and Mouthpiece of the Nation, and should be treated as such.
It is this idea—that of the Mouthpiece of the Nation, the expression of the national mind and consciousness—I would see developed in a marked and wonderful degree, as it might be by the use of this new ally—wireless.
I would have the Prime Minister, from time to time and especially in periods of national stress such as the present, address the nation, through the agency of the great broad- casting system of the B.B.C.
In each village and town and city, would be set up loud speakers in central squares, or convenient halls, to which citizens should be called by a pre-arranged signal, and from this mighty tribune, like the orators and philosophers of Rome and Athens, the accredited head of the people should put before his millions of listeners a clear and reasonable statement of the national difficulty of the moment and ask for the great patience that is required in dealing with such difficult subjects by friendly negotiation.
Surely a great opportunity is lost when such a straight and friendly soul as Mr. Baldwin is only permitted to act as a mediator between the men's leaders, who have already made up their minds to refuse suggestions, and the colliery owners' representatives—equally tied to hard and fast rules of pro- cedure,—while the men and women most vitally interested, the miners and their wives, and the hundreds of thousands in other works who will be thrown out of employment, are not permitted to come into the picture at all. Here is an idea—an idea which I venture to class as a great idea—the revival of the personal and paternal touch in high politics, and a most important development in the organization of central control for the nation.
Wireless has placed this wonderful opportunity in the hands of those whom we elect—by popular vote—to be our leaders.
Lansdown, Cheltenham.
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