23 DECEMBER 1899, Page 14

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL AND THE DECIMALS.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:']

SIR,—With regard to the story quoted by you in the Spectator of December 9th from Sir Algernon West's " Recollections " —that Lord Randolph Churchill when Chancellor of the Ex- chequer repudiated all knowledge of decimals—this must, of course, be understood as one of his little pleasantries. When a boy at Cheam School in 1863 he was well versed in that subject, as his instructor, whom he playfully fitted with the title of "Doctor Decimals," has reason to remember. He was also keener than other boys at that early age about politics, and would eagerly inquire about Mr. Gladstone and