THE "SPECTATOR" CENTENARY

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 261, 3 November 1928, Page 8

THE "SPECTATOR" CENTENARY

The centenary of the "Spectator" is notable because the century of its existence has practically been covered "by three editorships—Rintoul, the joint editorship of Hutton and Townsend, lasting nearly forty years, and then that of Strachey, lasting for twenty-seven years. Not only was the period under Hutton the longest, but in some ways it was the most important. At that time the hallmark of those moving in exclusive circles was to have a copy of the "Morning Post" lying on the table. Other papers were read for their more lively presentation of news, and the "Post" was frequently unopened. But its very presence gave that air of unimpeachable social correctness which was essential to all who would dissociate themselves from any taint of Liberalism. The Conservatives, however, were always willing to concede that their inner circle might be opened to some Liberals provided they came of good families. They would say of such a one, "You see he has brains, and you never can quite tell what ft man with brains will do." Liberalism in such a case was excused on the ground of the eccentricity of genius. To such the "Spectator" of Hutton's day appealed. It was quite a respectable paper to be seen reading, even though it was suspect of Liberal opinions. Hutton contributed many charming literary papers, and there was a balanced judgment, both in his literary and political articles, that made them of more than passing interest. Under Strachey the "Spectator" became the champion of the Free Trade cause against Mr. Joseph Chamberlain in the early years of the present century* The paper was the greatest opponent of Tariff Reform that existed, and it enabled the Unionist Free Traders to exert their power, and for the time, at any rate, to kill Protection and Colonial Preference. Under Hutton the "Spectator" had been a review for those who liked to dine with the Conservatives and think with the Liberals. Under Strachey it is said that it was a review for "that comfortable person who wishes to remain comfortable and undisturbed and still to preserve a conscience." Such people, it is added, live in terror of revolutionary measures, but they do want to feel that "something is being done for the poor," not necessarily anything that will be of any use, but still something. Strachey was the spokesman of that "right-thinking man" whose spirit breathed in every line of the paper. "Every right-thinking man" became the note of the journal, and the editor turned on political heresies with the phrase, "no sensible person we are sure will agree . . ~" while political orthodoxy received the pontifical blessing "we are confident that we express the view of every right-thinking person . . ." Steps have been taken recently to secure the future of the "Spectator" so that it shall not fall into unworthy hands and become a mere commercial venture. No sensible person would care to see a paper of this standing become snippy and sensational, and "every right-thinking person" will be glad that its future has been safeguarded against any of those taints of political heresy which might cause it to be considered unworthy to lie beside the "Morning Post" on the library table of those who, while of the Tory fold by heredity, have by the unfortunate possession of brains strayed into the semi-respectable heresies of a mild Liberalism. —W.M.