SNOBBERY AND TITLES
have just read and enjoyed the letter froni Mr. Lionel James on bbery and titles. He has spared your readers what I think is the cal conclusion of his trend of thought. Why should not we all the schoolboy's privilege of being plain " Tom Brown"? This leads me on to anot`ier disturbing thought. Why, Sir, am I found to address you as " Sir "? It is better than " Dear Sir," which tenerally opens letters from one who feels no affection whatever towards It addressee, and it indicates the respect which all men must feel swards you. But why not "Editor," if any introduction be needed? Then, again, there is the end-game problem. Most of your cor- Pondents seem to be yours faithfully One, as behoves his address, very faithful to you. Some are ../ue to you, even when asking lions. One is your obedient servant, but, perhaps fearing to commit 4Enself too far, uses a nom de guerre. Another is braver, and does commit himself. But what are we to think of the ?oltroons who ibe themselves, " Yours, &c."?
We are all snobs. You thought you weren't, but when I suggested t you should cease to be addressed as " Sir " a shudder shook your e. But I am a generous man, and you shall have your revenge. future it is decreed that all letters to The Spectator shall conclude: Roping, &c." This will be understood to mean " Hoping you will fish this letter." Before this decree is rigidly enforced—I am, Sir,
Previous page
