14 OCTOBER 1905, Page 3

It is with great regret that we note the sudden

illness of Lord Spencer reported in Friday's Times. He was taken ill whilst out shooting on Wednesday at his shooting-box at North Creake, Fakenhani, Norfolk. During Thursday an improvement took place in his condition, and a message received late in the evening of that day stated "that he was suffering from a small clot of blood on the brain and remained speechless, but was progressing favourably." We sincerely hope that Lord Spencer will make a rapid and com- plete recovery, but it would be foolish to pretend that a seizure of the kind described does not give grave cause for anxiety. Lord Spencer has played a most honourable part in our political life, and won the respect of men of all parties.

Bank Rate, 4 per cent.

Consols (q per cent.) were on Friday 88i.