[TO Tan EDITOR OF TAI " SFROTATOR."1
SIR,—There runs through your pages on political matters a note of apology and, as it seems to me, of undue deference to American procedure and opinion. For example, any steps taken by our Government to hamper enemy commerce, should they interfere ever so slightly with American interests, are apologized for and excused by some reference to similar methods adopted by Abraham Lincoln. My position and my opinion are of no value in themselves, but I fancy my views Inc shared by the average Englishman, who feels in his heart that it is we, not the Americans nor any other nation, who have the right to set the standard of what is honourable and permissible in war. Moreover, the actions, or lack of action, on the part of America—official America—in this war do not excite any sentiment of reverential respect that would tend to inspire us with a desire to follow their example. Of course policy and a natural courtesy prompt part of what you write, but there is a limit, and I think that you step over the line in your attitude towards the matters in which our country and America are at variance. This expresses, I think, all I wish to say, and something perhaps of what is in the mind of the " men in the street," who I suppose, like myself, are regular readers and constant admirers of your paper.—I am, Sir, &c., EDWARD GANE, M.D.
[We will not argue the point, but may remind our corre- spondent that many Americans, like Mr. Fisher, take en exactly opposite view and upbraid the Spectator for its anti-American attitude. Is it not possible that we who are thus censured by both sides have managed to hit the just middle P—En. spectator.]
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