6 AUGUST 1927, Page 16

"THE IRREPRESSIBLE CONFLICT"

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Doubtless a number of readers of your issue of June 18th have already taken occasion to inform the reviewer of The Rise of American Civilization that the phrase " the irrepressible conflict " is common coinage in the United States, and that it originated with Seward in 1858 ; " irrepressible conflict between opposing and enduring forces " was his idea, perhaps mistaken, of the conflict between slavery and anti-slavery. Please convey to the reviewer the appreciation of an American reader for his penetrating yet gracious article, and particularly for his word about Godkin.—I am, Sir, &C.,

PAUL M. PAINE.

Syracuse Public Library, Syracuse, N.Y.