fTo THE ED/TOR OF THE " SucT4Ton.1 Sta,—I have read
and followed with deep interest your crusade in the Spectator. on the " Drink question," as it is called, though it might more appropriately be known as the " Food question," which generally speaking it is not, for the reason 1 will give. Peing a very busy participator in many public activities both local and in London, it is my lot to be in a variety of circles—i.e., of working men, "intellectuals," clubs, munitions, societies and associations—and I have listened to many discussions, violent and otherwise, on the subject. Putting aside intemperate opinion, for even the prohibitionists are sometimes intemperate, sane criticism divides itself into (I) those ready to sacrifice everything in favour of increasing and maintaining the food supply; (2) those who would favour enforced prohibition, not only of manufacture end sale, but of drink in any form; (3) those who upon medical advice and upon their on-n convictions believe that a little stimu- lant with their food, or after exhaustion and fatigue physical or mental, is vital to their digesticn or health, and who would rather Five up lunch or other meal than forgo it. This is a large class, and I do not think from your expressed views that you have failed to recognize it. But the belief is prevalent that you are intolerant of it under the assumption that alcohol, instead of relieving overstrain or fatigue, as a large class is convinced it does, tends rat her to intensify it. And this belief is strengthened because it is held that you ranged yourself on the side of the "total abstainers " when you beaded some cf your articles " Down Glasses " and wrote to that text, to the delight of the abstainers,
ho were glad to regard you as a recruit to their creed. That belief has, as I followed discussions, operated against the cause you have so warmly advocated. And yet, behind it all, there was a transparent resolve to do and endure anything on behalf of the food supply. I ant not expressing my own opinion or suggesting anything. I am only telling you the impressions of an outsider
who listens and tries to learn.-1 am, Sir, &c., G. L. We deal with the above letter in our first leading article.— En. Spec:a:or.]
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