22 SEPTEMBER 1906, Page 3

We note with great satisfaction the reassuring report of Mr.

Chamberlain's health given by his son Mr. Austen Chamberlain, and published in Thursday's papers. Mr. Chamberlain's protracted stay in London had given rise to disquieting rumours, which are now happily dispelled by the precise and authoritative statement of his son that at no time during, his illness—a severe attack of gout—bad there been any complications or undue anxiety as to his condition. Mr. Chamberlain's convalescence was progressing most favour- ably, and there was not the slightest reason to suppose that be would be unable to fulfil his engagement to speak at Nottingham. Politics are distinctly duller when Mr. Chamber- lain is absent from the arena, and his antagonists and sup- porters are at one in wishing him a speedy and complete restoration to his normal health and vigour.