24 MARCH 1917, Page 12

THE BONDS OF EMPIRE.

(To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."] Sin,—At the risk of showing what is almost too sacred to be known outside the family, I send you this incident. Whilst training at Sandling Camp as a member of the 20th Batt. Canadian Infantry, my son, attending service in Canterbury Cathedral one Sunday in June, 1915, wrote me that evening that he " prayed God would give him strength and courage to do one man's share in noble England's struggle." His subsequent career at the Ypres Salient, at Courcelctte, and on January 17th near Lens, the greatest gift, that of his life, would seem to show that his prayer was answered. Fully? He was only twenty-two.— I am, Sir, &e., AISaED M. COOKS. Winona, Ontario, Canada, February 19th.