[S . o the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—In response to II. 0. S.'s challenge I beg to state that it was recently reported in the Press that in resentment of a ruling of the chairman, unfavourable to Russia, some Socialists denounced their fellow countrymen imprisoned there in terms already quoted. When a protest was made, the reply given was that they had expressed " an honest opinion." It is therefore very refreshing to be assured from H. 0. S.'s own pen that he does not endorse it. Evidently his signature in initials only is due to modesty.
Sordid tactics include amongst others those adopted at election -meetings, at which any candidate who does not sport Socialistic colours is howled down, and similar treatment is accorded in the House to any member who may express his " honest opinion," supported by unanswerable facts, that the dole is grossly abused, and its effect on the character of the British workman to rob him of industry and inde- pendence. Like the barraekers at the Antipodes these Socialistic politicians are no doubt excellent fellows in their way ; but " they can't stand a beating " (Jack Hobbs)— especially one on a colossal scale. H. 0. S. further endorses the condemnation already expressed of " the hasty and ill-considered action of the Cabinet," whereby he ignores the effect produced outside Great Britain by this Russian tragedy. Before the curtain fell, one policy, advocated in effect by Russia's ideal lawyer, Sir Stafford Cripps, was to do nothing but talk until the prisoners were shot. The Cabinet, with the approval of a vast majority of the nation, preferred to take timely action so as to avert the tragedy. In the opinion of this majority the unexpectedly light sentences were due to the possibility of disastrous results accruing to Russian trade in other countries besides Great Britain.
Mr. Sloan's letter exhibits a high order of forensic talent ; but why is it exercised solely in the interests of Russia ? Evidently those of his fellow countrymen must be sacrificed when the limelight is suddenly turned on Socialistic prin- [We cannot continue this correspondence.—En. The Spectator.]
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