6 MAY 1911, Page 2

Mr. Asquith's firmness in dealing with the matter does him

the utmost credit. It is not merely a question of loyalty to a colleague, but of maintaining the principle, to which Lord Loreburn has inflexibly adhered, that such appointments should be made solely with a view to securing the best men without the slightest regard to their party politics. Of the Lord Chancellor's action we will only say that it was worthy not only of his great office and profession but of his own high character. It is true that nothing less than a determina- tion not to be bullied into a dereliction of duty by party Tapers and Tadpoles was to be expected from Lord Loreburn. Still, it is refreshing to find a man who will not only stand no nonsense on a matter of public duty but will say what he means straight oilt.