SHORT LETTERS

DEMOCRACY AND MAD ELEPHANTS.

The letter " Democracy and Mad Elephants " seemed to me by far the most interesting matter in your issue of February 5th. Consider the author's views briefly restated : that Western Governments are most amenable to change through threats ; that as a nation we lack imagination in dealing with the East ; that nationalism will sooner or later overspread India ; that we ought to anticipate the desires of a people before they become irresistible ; that Indians arc not impressed with our political and judicial systems—nor with our attempts at democracy ; and that our administrators are chained by office routine. To myself and probably many others who have no personal knowledge of India but have some experience of other parts of our tropical Empire the above views carry a conviction of truth and prescience. How interesting it would be if the author would briefly sketch alternative political and judicial proposals, which I presume would bear some relation to what suited that country before our advent.—I am, Sir, &c., A. H. K. A FRUIT STEAMSHIP LINE.

lu accordance with the reconunendations of the Imperial Economic Committee, Jamaica is making earnest endeavours to establish an all-British direct shipping line for their fruit trade. The GovernOr has stated in an interview that no question of a subsidy is involved, but only a guarantee of freight and of interest on the capital required to establish the service. Every effort that is being made to further the policy Of Empire production should be supported. In the case of this ancient colony, set in a' sea which is rapidly becoming an American lake, it is to be hoped that, if the island Government

n give the guarantee of freight, the question of interest on pital will receive the most sympathetic help from the mperial Government, for, in assisting to provide cheap fruit or the home population they will, at the same time, be trengthening the Imperial Bond between Great Britain and

he West Indies.—I am, Sir, &e., " VIATOR."

" UT UNUM SINT."

The establishment of the new Benedictine congregation, escribed by Miss Underhill, is an event which must cause rofound satisfaction to all those Roman Catholics who, like 'self, have been deeply distressed by the typical attitude of heir fellow-religionists in this country. The conversations t %lines, in which the revered Cardinal Mercier took so large Part, clearly showed that those in the highest places regarded he question of Reunion in a very different spirit. The hopes roused by those meetings have now been confirmed by this gaillcant action of the Holy Father. Most important of all the new spirit of good will which must ever be an indis- usable condition in overcoming the obstacles to the achieve- ent of that end " Ut arum sint."—FRANCIS HVGHEST0'.44 Murray Road, Wimbledon.

LINKS WITH TUE PAST.

* father, who died in 1889 at the age of 67, remembered boy seeing his great-grandfather, then an aged man, who a bey of 15 had held Prince Charlie's horse at Stirling 17 1740 G. MARTIN; Edinburgh.

THE REVISED PRAYER 1300K.

. .

The most alarming thing I have seen yet with regard. to revision of the Prayer Book is the sentence in your. paper of February 12th to the effect that there is to be permission for extempore prayer. Arc the Bishops really unaware that there is such a thing as prolixity, even in the high places of the Church ? Trying as this is in the pulpit, it would be a thousand times worse if inflicted upon us when we are on our knees. And prolixity is not the only danger. The extempore talker is apt to make all sorts of mistakes and slips of the tongue. The predominant thought of the listeners must always be, " What will he say next ?" Would this be devotional ? But surely the report is altogether incredible.—MARY LOVELACE, Cckham Park, Ripley, Surrey.

THE DRINK TRADE.

The Carlisle experiment may show how the liquor trade can be acquired on terms favourable to the Exchequer, but when all is said and done, the question th;■.: matters is what is the social result of this experiment. The foundation of the case of the State Purchasites is not that the State might make huge profits out of its public house business, but that it will reduce intemperance and so lessen the evils which follow in thus wake of the excessive use of alcoholic beverages. The c v ei available shows that from the point of view of sobriety t'arlisle compares rather unfavourably with other northern towns of a similar size and character.—W. P. HAMMOND, 73 Harlescott Road, Waverley Park, S.E. 15.

A CHELSEA PLAYGROUND.

It is recognized that there is an urgent need for more playing grounds in London, in the poorer districts, where it is most difficult to obtain suitable large open spaces. But could not more be done by utilizing small areas for the purpose ? Would it not be possible to reclaim the shore where the river forms a bay between Battersea Bridge and the Cremorne jetty, so as to convert it into a regular and safe playground for children ? Even now the embankment railings do not deter a few of the more adventurous spirits from playing here in the mud, paddling and swimming, and indulging in the favourite sport of catching minnows in tin cans. If this aquatic character Could be kept up, so much the better ; but boys play there anyhow, and it seems a pity not to take advantage of every possible playground.—C. B. Tu.scututxv, Lt.-Col., 6 Fcrnshaw Road, Chelsea, S.W. 10.

THE BEGGAR'S PETITION.

I think your correspondent, Mr. Townshcnd, is in error in attributing " The Beggar's Petition " to the Rev. Isaac Watts. The author of this poem is, according to ('assell's Dictionary of English Literature, the Rev. Thomas Moss, of Trentham, 1740-1808. It appeared in 1760. If the text is not otherwise accessible to your correspondent, I shall gladly make and send him (or her) a .t3pewritten or MS.

transcript.--M. G. Low:FIELD, 5 Lower Hatch Street, I bin.

NEW Snots.

• In your issue of December 11th, 1926, I noticed in Mr. Hamish Madaren's contribution, " The Making of a Journa- list," the expression, " a new pair of shoes." May I enquire, Sir, whether that expression is really good English ? I have been taught that the correct expression is " a pair of new shoes.' —Joan C. G. PINTO, Port of Spain, Trinidad, B.W.I.

AN APPEAL ANSWERED.

The response to my appeal for English periodicals, to which you so generously gave publicity in your issue of December 18th last, has been almost overwhelming. As an indication of the Spectator's circulation it may be regarded as significant that magazines have been received from almost every part of Europe and the Americas. As many subscribers have preferred to remain anonymous, may I once again take advantage of your columns to intimate how very warmly every gift was welcomed 4— SYDNEY A. liesun.E. of Claresholm, Alberta, Canada.