12 APRIL 1873, Page 1

Some of his friends ought to warn Mr. Plimsoll that

he is in danger of going just a little too fast and a little too far. In the redress of real grievances the zeal that outruns discretion is one of the most dangerous qualities a reformer can possess.' The slight discussion which took place in the House of Commons on Mon- day evening does not leave an agreeable impression of Mr. Plimsoll's judgment or good sense, and the sentiment of the House was with Mr. Fortescue in repelling with natural indigna- tion imputations made by the honourable gentleman on the permanent officials of the Board of Trade. We are glad, however, to observe that Mr. Plimsoll was able to deny the accuracy of the report which alleged that he had imputed to some of those officials an interest in promoting wrecks. Such a misreport rarely occurs without being the penumbra of something less flagrant that ought never to have been said. Our belief is that the permanent officials of the Board are an exceptionally zealous and

efficient body of public servants, and that Mr. Gray in particular, the head of the Marine Department, well deserves WI that was said of him by Mr. Fortescue.