SIR, — In your note in the Spectator of December 9th on
the high precedence which has now been accorded by the King to the Prime Minister, you draw a picturesque, but entirely imaginary, description of the Prime Minister of the past "following his titled fellow-,quests into dinner in a plain black coat." This could never happen unless the "titled guests" were arrayed in "plain black" also. The uniform worn by a Prime Minister is that of a Privy Councillor, perhaps the handsomest, and certainly the most costly, uniform worn by any British subject, except that worn by an Ambassador, which is even more gorgeous and expensive. I hope that I am not so dense as not to perceive the drift of your note, with which I humbly, in a manner, agree, as there is always something attractive in the idea of the person who represents the real power being outwardly in the background, and this is still particularly marked at the opening of Parlia- ment, when the Prime Minister, if in the House of Commons, Stands at the Bar of the Upper House in morning dress, while the Peers, many of whom are his followers, sit at ease in ermine and scarlet. But the "plain black coat" at dinner really will not do. Given that the other guests are in uniform, the Prime Minister would be in uniform also, and the idea of Spartan simplicity suggested by your note would be marred by his uniform being at least as handsome as those worn by the rest of the company.—I am, Sir, etc., 7 Chester Square, S. W. R. F. SYNGE.
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