17 FEBRUARY 1900, Page 16

MR. RHODES AND THE NATIONALIST MEMBERS.

[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—.."4 propos of your reference in the Spectator of February 10th to the fact that the Irish members cheered Mr. Courtney when he denounced Mr. Rhodes's policy in South Africa, perhaps you will permit a constant reader of your paper, and en ardent admirer of Goldsmith, to quote a few lines from the " Vicar of Wakefield " (chap. 3) :—" But what surprised me most was, that though he (Mr. Burchell) was a money borrower, he defended his opinions with as much obstinacy as:if he had been my patron."—I am, Sir, &c., FRANCIS KENNEDY CAHILL. 70 Harcourt Street, Dublin.