COMMERCIALISM V. SOCIALISM.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:1 SIR,—It has occurred to me that a protest, such as the enclosed, would commend itself to moderate men of both parties, and might form a common basis for all the various bodies now working separately against the powers of Socialism. I do not suggest that these separate bodies should merge, only that combination on some such common basis would give them very much greater weight. The protest is drawn upon very general but comprehensive lines, which, I think, true Gladstonia.ns and Free-traders might heartily support. The essentials (a), (b), and (e) could he used in the form of questions to candidates at elections ; but the main idea is to arrive at a common basis for a campaign on behalf of Commercialism versus Socialism. Personally I lay great stress upon the contention that commerce really is founded in mutual benefit. This is the source of its enormous vitality. Individualism is an entire misnomer of the com- mercial basis, and exposes it to the Socialist and Christian Socialist attack. If you, Sir, can spare space to lay my suggestion before your readers I shall be extremely grateful.
—I am, Sir, &c., H. M. GOODMAN. 1 Temple Row West, Birmingham.
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