BREAD VERSUS BEER.
[To THE EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR.-1t is highly gratifying to learn that at last both the Spectator and the promoters of " The Strength of Britain Movement " have come to the same sound, sensible conclusion.—tEnt the first and best method of meeting the present food prices is to prohibit forthwith the further destruction of wholesome food for the manu- facture of unwholesome drink. The Home Secretary may properly warn the House of Commons that the present is no time for Tem- perance controversy, but you may even more legitimately insist that such Prohibition is a war measure of instant urgency. Let the Government, under the powers of the National Defence Act, immediately take over all breweries and distilleries as " controlled establishments " for the sole manufacture of munitions, and let those who are accustomed to indulge themselves in some small measure of intoxication, like the inhabitants of a beleaguered fortress, be forthwith put on rations so far as the existing stocks of spirits, wine, and beer are concerned, during the continuance of the war. This war can only be won by a spirit of common- sense self-sacrifice. P.V. the King has already set his people a notable example of self-denial, and every loyal patriot should follow in his stens; but there must be no faltering or fumbling with half-measures, for the crisis is close at hand, and the safety of the country is at stake. If, as seems to be the case, the choice has now to be made between bread and beer, I for one hold up both hands for bread, the staff of life—" Labcrrare est orare." sang the monks of old, and it behoves every good citizen so to labour with voice, pen, and purse that we may be able daily without fear and without hypocrisy to urge upon our Heavenly Father our effectual fervent prayer, "Give us this day our daily brend."— I am, Sir, &T., ARNOLD F. HILLS. Hainmerfield, Peushurst, Kent.
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