A VILLAGE POLITICIAN.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.")
Sts,—In your otherwise excellent notice of a book with the above title, which appeared in the Spectator of March 13th, there is a doubt expressed respecting the authenticity of the incidents recorded. The psychological question raised, as you decide that a large element of romance is found in John Buckley's account of his early experiences, is unquestionably a very interesting one. This notwithstanding, it has a little surprised me that so old a hand as the Spectator has puzzled so much respecting the production of this unpretentious work. But thinking that it may be of some importance to some future historian that your doubts should be removed and that the ghost of romance should be laid (as far as it may affect the book), I have been permitted by Mr. Buckmaster's courtesy to interview John Buckley. On reading to him your remarks and suggestions he assures me that his recol- lection of the matters referred to in his pages is vivid, and that he could describe the scenes of fifty years ago in great detail and, as he believes, with much accuracy. There remains, of course, the possibility of self-deception, the halo with which the present invests the past ; but I am authorised to say that, so far as he is concerned, his little book is intended to afford a matter-of-fact account of his bygone experience, an experience which he trusts, and trusts increasingly, will be of use to-day in the conduct of affairs and in the judgment of conditions of the present day, especially to those whose lot it is to know only the much-improved condition of things in the social and political life of this realm of England. John Buckley's friends are unanimous in the belief that the recol- lections offered to the public are of the quality which he desired to place in their hands; and, save for the allusion to a romantic presentation of his experience, they are much pleased with the excellent notice which the Spectator has been good enough to take of his offering.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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