26 AUGUST 1899, Page 16

[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR.1

SIB,—In the course of this most interesting discussion, I have been surprised that neither the writer of the article nor any of your correspondents have adduced the well-known fact that the prevalence of the plague, or any quickly fatal epidemic, is always the signal for increased lawlessness and relaxed morality. This would seem a conclusive proof that fear—slavish fear or panic terror—is the worst possible foundation for morals.—I am, Sir, &c., C. L. 0.