[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR, — The letter written
to you by Lord Hugh Cecil is so much to the point that I wish it could be republished and largely circulated. One of the principal reasons for doing this is his appeal to moderate Liberals and to the extreme party of Tariff Reformers. I am chairman of one of the principal Conservative associations in London. The borough is principally Radical, with a strong Conservative minority in which Tariff Reform predominates. But the terraces, -where the upper class live, professional men and rich tradesmen, who are generally Liberal, and more or less Free-traders, are occupied by voter. taking little part openly in political life, and shutting their doors to the Parliamentary agent. The result of the next election in this borough will depend largely on them. If the Socialistic tendency of the present Government and its attack on the rights of property is made the principal point on the Conservative side, they will probably vote against the Govern- ment, although the sitting Member has considerable influence. To put Tariff Reform in the foreground and not Socialism, as I know many would wish to do, is, I think, sheer insanity. And if the Opposition leaders allow this to be done, they deserve to be beaten. It is very like occupying yourself with the interior arrangement of your house while its walls are being battered down.—I am, Sir, &c., C. B. M.
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