The Spectator

The Spectator at war: America’s moral strength

From ‘News of the Week’, The Spectator, 24 July 1915: The United States Government have received from Germany an admission that the American vessel ‘Nebraskan’ was sunk by a German submarine. The German Government, in apologizing and promising reparation, explain that no attack on the American flag was intended, and that the affair was an

The Spectator at war: Magnanimity in stone

From ‘The Magnanimity of Italy’, The Spectator, 18 July 1915: The Italian always aspires not only to do great things, but to do them in the great way, whether it be to build a church, a hospital, or a railway station, paint a picture, or write an ode. Picturesqueness and the refinement of miniature work—these

The Spectator at war: Money matters

From ‘Phantom Gold’, The Spectator, 17 July 1915: There is something about the sight of golden coins which excites the imagination. Was it for economic nations alone that the world settled upon gold as the universal token? What delight children take in counters made to represent sovereigns—small children who have certainly never possessed a real

The Spectator at war: A voice from the ranks

From ‘A Voice from the Ranks’, The Spectator, 17 July 1915: [To THE EDITOR OF THE “SPECTATOR.”] Sir,—Having served in the ranks since August, allow me to say a word about “National Military Service” and the “Drink” problem. On the grounds of equity and right, the flower of our British manhood—that manhood which is now

Shell

‘You are being held in a queue. Please wait and you will be able to hear the sea shortly.’

Letters | 16 July 2015

Unions led astray Sir: Leo McKinstry’s article on the current problems in the trade unions (‘Counter-strike’, 11 July) brings back unhappy memories of the last time a similar situation arose. This was probably best known for Arthur Scargill’s attempt to use his position as head of the NUM for his own self-aggrandisment. I lived through

Barometer | 16 July 2015

Ties that bind Lewis Hamilton was ejected from the royal box at Wimbledon for not wearing a tie. Some places he would have been welcome: — In 99 out of 100 of the most expensive restaurants surveyed in 2010. — For four evenings a week on a Cunard cruise (he would need a tie after

Portrait of the week | 16 July 2015

Home The government postponed a Commons vote on relaxing the Hunting Act in England and Wales after the Scottish National Party said it would oppose the changes. Scottish police admitted that a crashed car off the M9, reported to them on a Sunday, was not examined until the Wednesday, when one of the two passengers