A curious correspondence has taken place between Lord Rosebery and
the Secretary of the National Anti-Gambling League, on the subject of Lord Rosebery's interest in horse- racing, Lord Rosebery explaining in a rather displeased tone that ali he said at Eton was that he was only following in the footsteps of Oliver Cromwell in taking a certain interest in race-horses ; and Mr. John Hawke, the honorary Secretary of the Anti-Gambling League aforesaid, replying in a tone half wheedling and half didactic, that he is very glad to find that Lord Rosebery meant no more than he had said ; but that now that the great importance of the question in its bearing on public morals has been set before him, he is bound to be a good boy, and set a good example to weaker brethren. This curious mixture of reproof with patronage must be very un- pleasant to Lord Rosebery. Why does he invite it by his tone of rather complaining remonstrance ? It would be more dignified to consider with himself the ethical character of his own conduct, and to take his course without apologetic ex- planations addressed urbi et orbi.
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