ARE THE ANTI-SOCIALISTS: IN EARNEST"?
[To the-Editor of the-Svuorxran.] Sire—From a recent discussion of the question, " Are the Anti- Socialists in Earnest ? -" it is clear that only by the avoidance of splitting votes can the full preponderance of'anti-Sociahs- t opinion throughout the country be made -evident. I suggest that it is- not enough to avoid official recognition of .splitting votes among the older parties. Wherever either of them :with- draws a candidate ratherthan prejudice the chance of defeating a . Socialist candidate, the. supporters. of the . political party. to which the withdrawn candidate .belongs.-will to, a large•extent feel doubt and uncertainty as to action in the,Blection unless the particular situation, asit affects them is made clear to them by their own. ,political leaders. Without some such action as .this.the non-appearance of a candidate on either side will* often be misunderstood and, possibly ascribed to wrong causes. I suggest, that-. in order to- secure the. strongest_ pos- sible anti-Socialist vote it is most important in each case of this kin d .that the local political organization which,. in the interests of the common weal-at this critical time, .does not put forward a candidate should take- immediate' steps-tn bring. forcibly before every one of its, party in the constituency a reasoned statement of the conditions, under-which a_ contest-on ordinary- lines, is undesirable. Without., some explicit statement of the reasons why the electors, of either-political faith should on the. present occasion support the nominee-of a patty other than-their:own, there is certain to be hesitancy on.the..part. ofunguided_voters to take .a . step ,so contrary:to:their customary action. as that now expected-of.them.-1..am, Sir, &C., .
M. T. TUDRBERY. Elmhurst, Woodbridge, Suffolk.
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