26 JUNE 1909, Page 18

The Birthday Honours announced on Friday morning cannot be described

as particularly interesting. No Peers are created, 'but there are five new Privy Councillors,—Mr. Merriman, the Premier of Cape Colony, Mr. C. H. Hobhouse, Sir Hudson E. Kearley, Mr. Russell Rea, and Mr. James Stuart. Of Baronets there are thirteen, including Sir Dyce Duckworth, Mr. Longman, and the Lord Mayor of London. Of new Knights there are thirty-five, including Dr. Campbell, the head . and founder of the Royal Normal College for the Blind; Dr. Francis Gallon, the well-known man of science ; and Mr. Henry Lucy, who may be fitly described as the chief of Parliamentary pressmen,—an honour 'which will give great pleasure to his many friends both in the Press and outside. Mr. Pinero, the well-known dramatist, and Mr. H. Beerbohm Tree, the actor, also receive knighthoods. In the list there is even a place found for scholarship and literature. For example, Dr. Samuel Dill, Professor of Greek at Queen's College, Belfast, becomes Sir Samuel. We are delighted to note that Major Doughty-Wylie, who played so humane

and gallant a part in the Adana massacres, receives a C.M.G. In recognition of his services.