Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/179

 admit a taste of jail would probably do my private secretary good, I nevertheless fail to see what benefit could accrue to the country, which would thus be compelled to support him."

"The writer, who hails from Plymouth, points out with some show of reason that no scheme of philanthropy is of any avail while England lies open to conquest by the foreigner. The question which, according to him, dwarfs all other problems, is national defence. He refers to the ease with which England can be invaded, and cites William the Norman, the Duke of Monmouth, and William, Prince of Orange."

"Yes; but the Duke of Monmouth got his head taken off for landing at Lyme Regis."

"Certainly; yet the other two captured the country, and so far as invasion is concerned, the Duke was successful. He failed through having no competent general, when once he got inland. The unmilitary Duke lost his head first at the Battle of Sedgemoor, and secondly, on Tower Hill. Your correspondent suggests that you charter a foreign ship and land either at Salcombe or Lyme Regis, then march your men inland until you are surrounded and captured. The foreigners would likely be dismissed, while you would be sent to penal servitude. This