THE REAL CLEAVAGE [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—The following quotation from the Liberal booklet Britain's Industrial Future might be of interest to your readers.
After examining in some detail the various types of socialized, semi-socialized, and other State-regulated enter- prises already in existence in England, it says - " These formidable totals—amounting to over £4,000,000,000 under all heads—demonstrate what we have said above as to the unreal character of the supposed antithesis between Socialism and Individualism. What does the Socialist think he could gain by assimilating all this valuable diversity, developed by experience to meet real problems and actual situations, to a single theoretical model ? Are not the abuses of private capitalism and unrestricted individualism capable of being reformed, in so far as they are still to be found in these mixed types, by a further evolution along the lines already set ? On the other hand, is the individualist really prepared to scrap all this elaborate special legislation enacted by Governments of every political complexion under pressure of actual circumstances, and hand over the vast capital of our public utilities and railway system to the operation of uncontrolled individualism ? If not, then. there is no question of principle at stake, but only one of degree, of expediency; of method."
This, I believe, summarizes the attitude of the Liberal Party.
—I am, Sir,' &c., F. S. FLINT. The Haven, West Ayton, Yorks.
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