[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The letter of Mr.
Metcalf, page 270 of the Spectator, is surely well timed, but unfortunately will probably not attract the attention it deserves. Russia is an unknown quantity, and a mot d'ordre would appear to have been issued in all Western countries to the Press that any favourable fact should be suppressed or minimized, all unfavourable facts or rumours being consistently exaggerated.
Any student of history is well aware that the apparent liberty which prevails after the overthrow of a tyranny is succeeded by a new tyranny. The cynicism of Charles I was followed by the tyranny of Cromwell and the oppressive regime of the Bourbons preceded the carnage of the Napoleonic era. As Russia is in the melting pot, out of which a race possessed -of new ideals will emerge in due course, the sym- pathy of the civilized world should be extended to her during this period of transition, even as a matter of expediency if not of duty.—I am, Sir, &e., C. W. HErr. Brussels.
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