THE PLUMAGE TRADE.
• [TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
Stn,—Will you allow me to make a brief statement upon this question? In the first place, I desire to express my full grati- tude to the Spectator for the publicity it has given my appeal. The response to it has been extremely gratifying, greater than I had dared to hope, even through the approval of a journal of the Spectator's weight and influence. I have indeed received so many offers of support that if I ever had any doubts as to the powerful feeling in the country against this abominable traffic and a determination to rid herself of a shame that must belong to her so long as she permits an evil alien force to enjoy its blood-money without interference, those doubts are now all dispelled.
Secondly, I will quote Sir Auckland Geddes's reply on behalf of the Board of Trade to a question put in the House by Colonel Yate on November 3rd : ` A Bill is in draft to deal with this matter [the Plumage Trade], but in view of the pressure of Parliamentary business, I am afraid I cannot say when it will be introduced." It may appear at first glance that here is a reason for relaxing our'efforts. On the contrary, it is one for intensifying them. We have to make sure (a) that whatever Bill comes before the House, it is going to be a good and a water-tight one; and (b) that the pressure Sir Auckland Geddes refers to does not overwhelm our Bill altogether—as it very well may do unless the pressure of public opinion is a constant, vigilant, and steadily increasing one.—I am, Sir, &c.,
H. J. MASSINGIPLM.
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