THE CARLISLE SCHEME
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—The great majority of English men and women devoutly hope that the red dawn of revolution is very far from rising over this island. But if anything is likely to bring it.appreci- ably nearer, surely it lies in the bland assumption, by the Dean of Durham and some of his clerical brethren, of the infallibility of the State—that State which gives and takes away, and is apparently in their eyes for ever blessed. Kings we know and Governments we know ; but what is this mysteri- ous entity—the State ?
The Dean of Durham argues that if the State is justified in taxing the liquor trade it may surely be justified in control- ling it. Let me assure Bishop Welldon that in my opinion
the fact that I pay ample and sufficient taxes to the State in my capacity as a citizen does not confer upon it the smallest right to control what I shall cat, what I shall drink, or where- withal I shall be clothed.
As regards Control I assume the Dean is not oblivious of the Home Office, the Licensing Justices, Compensation Authorities, and the Police. Finally, may I respectfully enquire if he is in favour of State Purchase as carried out at Carlisle, or State Acquisition with an illusory compensation as laid down under Reorganization in the Bishop of Oxford's Bill ? The two schemes are as far as the Poles .asunder.—I am, Sir, &c., F. P. WHITBREAD.
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