[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sia,—I am loath to
intrude on your space but would like to ask Mr. W. F. Pelton, what is his authority for the statement that the Socialists are denouncing their unfortunate fellow- countrymen as sneaks and traitors " ? By conversation and through their publications, I have found their view not unlike your own, and certainly in agreement with mine, namely : That the fatal error has been the " hasty and ill- considered action of our own Cabinet." First, we proclaimed these Englishmen innocent before the charges were formulated, and secondly, we threatened action before the verdict was given.
It is easy to condemn Russia, but harder to understand her, just as France was misunderstood at the time of her Revolution. The basic causes seem very similar, but whether the remedy which Russia is trying will be more successful— or less—time only can tell. Meanwhile we shall do well to take care that our prejudices do not warp our conceptions, and thus lead to rash actions.—I am, Sir, &c., H. 0. S.
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