The present writer well remembers in the " nineties "
of last century congratulating Lord Cromer on the miracle, as it seemed, of being able to obtain both Efficiency and Economy. "There is no miracle," replied Lord Cromer. "The administration here is efficient because, not in spite, of our economy. Out of the energy and attentiveness generated in keeping down the expendi- ture has sprung the efficiency you note." And so it was, and so it might be here, if only our rulers would follow Lord Cromer's great example. That one at least of the chief members of the Cabinet knows this, and understands to the full the spirit which inspired the man who saved Egypt, was proved by the quite admirable address which Lord Curzon gave on Wednesday in Westminster Abbey. It was the best short appreciation of Lord Cromer's work and character ever made. Why does Lord Curzon, as he can if he will, not help to make Cromer's example the sign in which we may conquer all our difficulties ? Unless we fearlessly reduce the national expenditure we are undone. Mere schemes, however sound and ingenious per se, can be of no avail unless we spend less, and a great deal less, and at once. This simple truth is what Lord Cromer would say to the nation if only that noble and potent voice could carry from beyond the grave. Of that we are as sure as that the sun will rise to-morrow.
