[TO THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR:1 SIR,—I come of

a family that has followed the Liberal tradition for two generations at least. I myself have espoused

the Liberal cause by my pen (in your columns, among others), influence, time, and sometimes money. No member of the rank-and-file worked harder than I did to bring about the Free-trade triumph at the last Election. My only reason for desiring to separate myself from the party with which all my life I have been identified is the Socialistic legislation it has foreshadowed. I can expect nothing more statesmanlike from the Conservatives. I have long advocated the formation of a Centre Party ; but the trouble is that, unless each unit is prepared to sacrifice, or, at all events, subordinate, his own political predilections in favour of a policy upon which all members of the party are agreed, the experiment must end in failure. The Spectator will, I am sure, at once retort: " Moderation being the sine.guci-non of membership, more or less guarantees a. working compromise on conflicting views." But will this sweet reasonableness prevail? Most sincerely I trust so. For that a Centre Party has become a matter of urgent national necessity few moderate men will deny. But would it not be as well that, as a preliminary, some effort should be made to formulate in the shape of a party manifesto the various items of the policy upon which all shades of opinion in the Centre Party are agreed ? These having been ascertained, other and more debatable measures could be submitted, and gradually added to the " Centre" pro, gramme. Each might be made the subject of a Referendum to the members (where divergence of opinion among the council or committee obtained), the minority loyally to stick by the majority's decision.

May I take my own case as one in point ? Here are the chief articles of my political creed :-

A two-Power-standard Navy.

The financial affairs of the nation to be placed on a sound basis, which can only be accomplished by well-considered economies and a steady reduction of the National Debt.

Free-trade (and no preference in any shape or form). A strong Territorial or Volunteer Force, well armed and properly provided.

No interference with Colonial affairs when it can be possibly avoided.

No old-age pensions on a non-contributory basis.

No nationalisation of private means of production, or of enterprises hitherto conducted by private individuals or public' companies.

An absolutely just and equitable (on the population principle) Redistribution of Seats Bill, and a reduction of Irish over- representation in the House of Commons.

A. new Franchise Bill to provide for (a) a shorter time and residence qualification for a vote ; (b) a scheme of proportional representation; (c) abolishment of the plural vote ; (d) (if possible) all elections on one day; (e) the right of Peers (if Cabinet Ministers) to sit in both Houses.

A drastic reform of the House of Lords, by the establishment of a strong Second Chamber (partially elective). Personally I should be prepared to support the scheme proposed by the Spectator in its columns.

A thorough reform of the existing Poor Law and a searching inquiry into the present system of outdoor relief, with a view to a prevention of its present systematic abuse. A readjustment of the incidence of taxation, with provision for reducing the heavy burden of taxation with which the middle class is now oppressed.

Now, Sir, the above represents my present political ambitions; nor is there an item in it I could willingly sacrifice without much searching of heart. Am I, therefore, eligible or ineligible as a candidate for membership of a Centre Party ?

—I am, Sir, &c., ANTI-SOCIALIST. [Our correspondent's programme strikes us as one well calculated to meet with the approval of Centre Party men.

He does not mention the maintenance of the Union and resistance to female suffrage, but we do not doubt that he would desire, as we certainly do, to include both these items.— ED. Spectator.]