28 DECEMBER 1929, Page 14

TRAMPS' NAMES

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

SIR,—In my work among the casual tramps, as they plough their lonely furrows on the King's highway, I frequently find that many of them have names which recall events in our history. I confess, however, that I was astounded to hear a septuagenarian wayfarer tell me that his name was Samuel Wilberforce. Thoughts of that brilliant wit " Soapy Sam," the polished scholar, the stately courtier,' filled my mind. The Samuel Wilberforce whom I interviewed to-day appeared to me to be a most respectable intelligent old man.

--I am, Sir, &c., Burgess Hill, Sussex. J. P. BACON PriltILIPS.