LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE CRISIS AND CONTINENTAL FEELING. [To Tax Emma or mu “Srnoraroo."1
818,—I claim to be a Conservative and Unionist. I have been detained abroad for some time by ill-health, so have been unable to learn the views of many of my friends at first hand. But I have followed recent events carefully, and, I hope, intelligently, and have formed certain views which I find accepted by some others. I have generally found the opinions of the Spectator to be right, wise, and fair, and am anxious to lay any conclusions before you so that you may correct me and others where we are in the wrong, as may well be the case cut off as we are from the latest sources of information. If the two parties cannot arrive at a compromise, we are admittedly within measurable distance of civil war. The prospect is appalling enough. But does not even a greater danger loom beyond it, which ought to convince both sides of the necessity of a satisfactory understanding P Ia the warning of Lord Cromer, whose wisdom and strength most will acknowledge, thoroughly understood, and are we ready to go to extremes, ignoring the danger that may come to us from abroad ? I know something of Continental feeling, and have watched the satisfaction with which the present position of our country is regarded, and realize the hopes which the future may inspire. We have heard a good deal of the weakness of our military position at its beat. What would it be supposing that troops bad to be drafted to Ireland for operations there ? What a glorious opportunity for those who are jealous of us and dislike us, if the whole country were wild with civil war, and our soldiers, instead of being ready for the invader, were dead or wounded or engaged in a campaign against their kin! If two brothers live near to neighbours who are anxious for their discomfiture, would they not be wise to arrange differences and show a bold and united front ? If not, what would be their fate if, when inter- locked in combat or lying weak or wounded from the struggle, the enemy were to get in at them P Can it be too strongly insisted that a failure to arrange present differences may bring, not only the horrors of civil war, which are appalling enough, but real danger to the very existence of the Empire? The Easter holidays mean a great deal, even to politicians. To some Easter has a very deep significance. Is it not to be hoped that the temporary cessation from party strife at this season may admit of the counsel of moderation prevailing, and of a compromise honourable to both sides being arrived at in the interests of the Empire ? It will be wicked to ignore that the Government, much as we may hate it, has made some conces- sion, and that even Mr. Redmond, whose part is not quite easy, has also assisted. The responsibility of those who will not help to prevent civil war, and all that may follow in its wake,
will indeed be terrible.—I am, Sir, &c., J. H. R.-C.
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