[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sui,—Dr. Conan Doyle's attack
(Spectator, April 20th) on the members of the South African cricket team is both un- generous and unfounded, as I think an acquaintance with the circumstances will convince you. It was first intended that the visit should take place last summer. This was, of course, impossible, but an early cessation of the unfortunate condi- tions then prevailing being anticipated, all arrangements were made during last winter for the present season. These antici- pations being, unhappily, not realised, it was suggested that the tour should be again abandoned, and the authorities at home were advised accordingly. The answer was that the team " must come under any circumstances," as otherwise the entire county programme would be dislocated for the year. This, I think, disposes of the suggestion that "no English eleven should meet them." Now as to the team individually. Of Mr. J. D. Logan, the promoter, it should be unnecessary to speak. His record of constant self-sacrifice and devotion to (what he considers) the welfare of the Empire is well known to you. Messrs. M. Bisset (captain), Sinclair, Difford, Graham, Rowe, and Tancred have all done their share of hard work with different flying columns; whilst the rest, forced by the prigencies of business to remain away from the actual theatre of the war, were members of various town guards. Surely, Sir, whilst admitting that the present time is not the most favourable for seeing South Africa at play, it is unfair to blame these men, or damp the welcome they deserve (and will, I trust, receive) by imputations as to their courage or loyalty to the Empire.—I am, Sir, &c.,
HERBERT W. WATERMEYER.
Norfolk Mansions, Wigmore Street, lir.
[We cannot publish any more letters on this subject, but as far as we are concerned—and we do not doubt that Dr. Doyle would agree with us—we are most anxious that South Africans generally should not think the protest made in our columns is in the least to be taken as a reflection upon any want of vigour in the patriotism of loyal South Africa generally. That has been proved again and again on many a stricken field. No one would wish to draw an indictment against the whole of the South African loyalists on this single incident. We admit, also, that the war service done by most of the members of the team makes a great difference. Still, we think it would have been better if the visit had been post- poned for yet another season.—En. Spectator.]
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