THE " FEUDAL SCREW."
[To THE EDITOR or TER " SPECTATOR:] Sin,—In reference to the correspondence which appeared in your issue of the 5th inst. under the heading of "The Feudal Screw," in which I made certain allegations against Messrs. A. Boake, Roberts, and Co., and their reply thereto, I have made further inquiries, the result of which confirms all that I wrote. A careful reading of the firm's letter shows that they-admit calling the men together to hear an address from the Tory candidate. The two points in question are,— the cause of the dismissal of —, and the canvassing of the men. As to the first, I have before me a copy of the testimonial given to the discharged man in which they state that — was an able workman, of good character, sober and industrious, on the strength of which he has got another situation. This repudiates their own statements that " the man is one of those unfortunate fellows who cannot control themselves," and they stand condemned by their own testi- monial. As to the second point, I have a statement by — in which he gives a straightforward account to the effect that he and others were canvassed by a responsible person whose name he supplies. When he was dismissed Mr. — said: " I don't want any political arguments, but, seeing we depend on the brewers for our business, we don't see why they should pay you your wages, and seeing you don't support them, take week's notice from now." You said you had no reason to doubt the bona fides of Messrs. A. Boake, Roberts, and Co. If instead of writing caustic comments upon myself you had got, not simply the firm's statement, but also that of the man in question, you would not have charged me with being " misled by heated political gossip." It is a clear case of discharge for political reasons. Instead of apologising to Messrs. A. Boake, Roberts, and Co., it is for them to make reparation to a man whom they unjustly dismissed. If it is desired that the written information I have should be disclosed, I am willing to supply the same if the parties interested have no objection. In my judgment, this is but one out of hundreds which occurred during and soon after the recent General Election, and it is high time the " screw " was broken and cast upon the rubbish- heap, where all such will ultimately find their place.—I am,
Sir, &c., T. NIGHTINGALE. 8 Avon Road, Walthamstcnv.
[We repeat that if Mr. Nightingale really believes that a member of the firm, or a person authorised to act for them, made the statement given above, it is his duty to institute legal proceedings for intimidation.—ED. Spectator.]
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