5 NOVEMBER 1887, Page 14

LIBERALISM AND COERCION.

[TO THE EDITOR OF TIM "eremarea."]

BIER In these days of emasculated Liberalism and sentimental Radicalism, when cant seems bodily transferred from the sphere of religion to the sphere of politics, it is as well to be reminded of the deliberate opinion of one who was both a robust Radical and at the same time a true Liberal on the subject of coercion. This is what John Stuart Mill wrote, in his essay on" Liberty :"— " All that makes existence valuable to any one depends upon the enforcement of restraints upon the actions of other people." I commend these words to the notice of Sir William Harcourt, and people of that genus—I am, Sir, &o.,