LABOUR PARTY IN TRAVAIL
SIR,—Mr. Richard Feilden may well describe the present dissension within the Labpur Party as 'pathetic,' but he should not call the empiri- cism of the Right-Wing Socialists 'unhealthy.' It could in fact be quite disastrous for our constitutional system if the 'cannibalism' of the Tories were extended to this group, since it would remove that moderating influence which has saved the Labour Party from the control of the demagogues and extremists, and has prevented the class line-up from becoming absolute.
Bevanism in this country, like Marxism abroad, by appealing to proletarian hatred has guaranteed for itself a degree of power more dynamic and determined than the empiricism of Messrs. Attlee and Gaitskell. Yet this very stimulation of hatred has lost it potential allies amongst those who desire a more Christian and scientific way of organising the world's production and distribution. And again, more important, Bevanism in power would soon involve us in issues of such a nature that our present constitution and, indeed, democracy in this country, would be imperilled.
No, Sir, the cost of healthy politics for Mr. Feilden is too great!—Yours faithfully, Cuddesdon College, Oxford ROY HAZELL,
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