A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator', to April 1870—The Satur- day Review of last week contained an article on the late General Grey, Private Secretary to the Queen, evidently from the pen of some one familiar with the interior of Court life. The writer declares that the Queen supervises the proceedings- of every department, more especi- ally the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Poor-Law Board, and takes a part in every im- portant proceeding. The experience of the Sovereign, of course, exceeds that of any Minis- ter, her views are usually embodied in writing, and the delicate task of giving them form is entrusted to the Private Secretary, who thus fills a most important office. There was a . whisper shortly after the death of General Grey that he would be superseded in his more im- portant functions by what would be virtually a new Ministry, a Cabinet Minister being selected to reside permanently near the Sovereign. The idea, which 'was hardly constitutional, as such a Minister would be either a mere amanuensis or virtual Premier, was, however, dropped, and Colonel Ponsonby has been selected to fill General Grey's place. The Queen's letters on business will one day furnish a valuable con- tribution to the secret history of England,
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