THE CONFESSIONS OF A LIFE MEMBER.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I had been a reader of the Spectator for many years and a regular subscriber for quite half of the time. In the ordinary course I suppose I would have gone on subscribing and reading till death did us part. It did not occur to me to do otherwise. Consequently when Life Membership was mooted, coupled with hint of an annual foregathering, I said : " I'm for it, and I'll be in the band wagon or perish in the straggle to get there." Whereupon it occurred to me for the first time to ask : " Why do I take the Spectator, any way ? " reflecting that for every agreement of view I could count on my finger ends there were at least as many of violent antagonism which, though affording occasion for renouncing the Editor and all his staff twice twenty-six times a year. could scarce be deemed a legitimate bait for my subscription, So I gave myself seriously to think and to analyse with results as follow.
First, I considered that the Spectator stands for principles which it is of the utmost consequence should be emphasized in our day and generation. It holds us as a magnet to the pole of principle, and keeps us from drifting into side issues of opportunism. For illustration, I could never forget the dauntless courage and tenacity of the lifelong fight that secured a fair deal for Ulster and saved her from the wolves ; yet I am not an Irishman, only a Canadian, of Scottish parentage, long domiciled in England, with wide sympathies for all Irishmen North, South and West. But by the principles for which the Spectator fought Ireland and the Empire stand.
Next I reflected that however strongly the Spectator holds and states its opinions, it none the less manifests a chivalrous regard for those who differ. Taking no editorial advantage of an opponent, it keeps the ring unaided by the police, and guarantees a fair fight.
Further, if in rapid sword play a chance foul be delivered, comes the prompt ungrudging amende that disarms hostility and charms away all soreness.
And lastly, when convinced by pure logic that its original view was a mistake, be it never so strongly held, there follows an immediate frank admission and abandonment in place of the all too familiar persistence of pure hypocrisy.
Thus I reflected that these characteristics, refreshing as they are rare, would have made me a life subscriber even if the battle of Ulster had never been fought. And so it arrived that in due course I was formally bound up in the bundle of Life Memhership, and later—at 8 o'clock on Friday, October 12th, to be precise—found myself in goodly company at Prince's Hall, Hotel Cecil (Embankment entrance).
What there transpired has already been distributed for world consumption by the brigade of Press stenographers, and had best not be served up again—twice cooked food is indigestible—but one matter of grave concern has occasioned me much searching of heart, and I would fain it were taken to heart by my fellow " whole-lifers " as well—the significant fact that, having paid over my guineas for good and all, I
find myself appreciably less vigilant and diligent in ransacking my Spectator for points of disagreement than when it cost me sixpence a week. What evil psychology is this ? Sirs, what must we do to break the spell ?
Enfin, this unique gathering has come and gone. Many were the suggestions offered, good, bad and indifferent one r. commendation only of outstanding merit deserves special mention, the shrewd advice to " adopt none of our suggestions and to limit our privileges to the irreducible." Ere long
we will be addressing ourselves to our first reunion (a year passes quickly in these hectic days), and with all deference I would anticipate it with an amendment, to wit, that the Editor adopt no suggestions bu assimilate the lot and dismiss us with his benediction to oar we's-end snooze in happy contentment with the best possible management and the soporific of our subscription for life.—I am, Sir, &c.,
" PEMBROKE."
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