A considerabe time has elapsed since Sir JOHN NEWPORT made
the approach of old age and infirmity an excuse for retiring from public life. It was therefore with some surprise that we saw his ap- pointment to the Controllership of the Exchequer announced. Had the old system been continued, Sir JOHN would certainly have been a very sufficient man for the office. But it is understood that sinecures in the Exchequer are abolished, and that the duties of Controller will require constant and close attention. If Sir JOHN NEWPORT still possesses the personal vigour necessary to their performance, we should be at a loss to name a more fit person for the office ; for lie has established a character for rigid integrity and sound sense. He was a steady friend to popular rights in the worst times, and we should be glad to see him reap some personal advantages from a long life spent in the public service. But the question recurs, is he capable of performing efficiently the duties of the office he is appointed to? has he recovered the rigour of manhood ? If not, it would be far wiser to give him a pension at once, and select some more active and able person for the Con- trollership of the Exchequer.
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