[To THE EDITOR or TER "SPECTATOR:1 Sut,—The interesting correspondence in
the Spectator on the subject of the need for a Centre Party conveys a delicate and sincere compliment from your readers and a flattering testimony to the value of your journal, for the inevitable assumption is that they read nothing else, and are therefore in genuine ignorance of the fact that such a party already exists. It may be comparatively small for the moment, for great parties are not, as a rule, built up in a day, and move- ments which assume tremendous proportions in a short space of time very frequently disappear as rapidly as they have arisen and leave "not a wrack behind." The substantial character and progress of the new party may be gauged by the fact that, although founded less than two years ago, it has now fifteen branches in and around the Metropolis and three new ones in immediate process of formation. These branches have, roughly, a total membership of about four thousand,— no mean following when it is remembered that the members are all ardent disciples of the new gospel, and that the movement itself marked a novel and striking departure in politics.
The new party has arisen, as any intelligent student of events might naturally have anticipated, in and amongst that vast section of the community vaguely, yet accurately, designated the middle classes, due emphasis being laid upon the plural form. Its objects are broad based on eternal principles of a primitive nature not altogether dissimilar from those underlying that ancient and excellent Code, the Ten Commandments, two of which, in the troublous and new- fangled times in which we live, stand in particular need of recognition,—namely, "Six days shalt thou labour," and "Thou shalt not steal." At a time when Socialistic agitation seeks to prevent even one full day's work from being accomplished, and when all forms of property are becoming the objects of attack, the tenets of the new organisation should commend themselves to all who are willing to set principles before party, and who, disillusioned and disenchanted with the exist- ing party system, its false and confused issues, its windy warfare, and its semi-truculent, semi-huckstering spirit, see in its perpetual conflict Socialism's opportunity, and seek salvation while there is yet time in some more virile and more conscientious school of action. Combining all that is best in the traditions of the two great Constitutional parties of the past with an intelligent appreciation of the needs of the present, this movement should appeal to your readers, to whom I shall be delighted to send full particulars respecting its aims, objects, and methods, should they feel disposed to learn further both its raison d'être and what it seeks to achieve.—I am, Sir, &c., Hastings House, Norfolk Street, Strand, W.C.
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