[To T. EDITOR OrTRX " SPROTATOR.1 SIE, — Lost in a fog
of words, most of your correspondents seem to have missed the point, which is surely this,—either the Star can exist without its racing tips or it cannot. If it can, it is most discreditable to its proprietors (with their avdIved principles) to continue them for a day. If it cannot, it is entirely inconsistent of members of the Society of Friends to own such a paper. In days not far distant our Society enjoined the most conscientious rectitude and restraint in business affairs. It would have discouraged blatant adver- tisement, and would not only have reprobated " fighting the world with worldly weapons," but have gone further. It would have felt impelled to take the necessary steps to end (what was from its point of view) a scandal, and failing this, to dissociate itself from "the incriminated families." They would undoubtedly have been " dealt with" at their monthly meetings, and, should they have failed to yield to faithful admonition, have been quite possibly " dis- owned." But we live in more liberal days, and though the Society cannot even now approve of any of its members making money by what their apologist calls " an illicit margin," I do not think the families concerned are in any danger now. Friends used to be encouraged to suffer for their principles. Some of them, I fear, are allowed to-day to make money in spite of them. The truth is, our Society is becoming more and more a body holding the most advanced political opinions, and there is a growing danger that we may condone such lapses from righteousness for the sake of the cause.—I am, Sir, &c., AN OLD-FASHIONED FRIEND.
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