WCP3029

[1]

2, Norham Gardens,

Oxford

June 16: 1879

Dear Sir,

I was glad to get your letter, and thank you for it. I have had no time before to day to read your article in the 19^th Century, and Mr Lowe's reply to it — both just read.

You mistake my tone very completely: and if I [2] have said a single word justifying the reproach that I feel "scorn" of any kind or degree, I am deeply penitent and ashamed for such a sentiment is foreign to my nature, I believe I may say with truth. But I cannot help thinking that protection is a Poor Rate imposed on the people for the benefit of a few, and that it is incapable of rational defence. [3] This is an intellectual conviction, not one of temper or feeling.

Reciprocity, I conceived, mean protection under a soft word. I am unable to give it any other practically intelligible meaning.

You asked me if I say, that for Mr Lowe's reply, I have nothing more to add. Generally, I entirely concur in his argument. I do not [4] say this, because Mr Lowe is an infallible authority for me, as I have shown in my last few chapters in Practical Political Economy. But in this particular discussion I think he has stated the case correctly.

At the same time, if you wish me to discuss with you any particular point, I am entirely at your service.

Very faith[full]^y | B Price

Alfred R. Wallace Esq