7 MARCH 1868, Page 3

The Bishop of Winchester (Dr. Sumner), formerly Bishop of Llandaff,

was seized with paralysis on Wednesday, and as he is -seventy-eight years of age, the hope of his recovery seems to be slender. Should unfortunately the attack prove fatal, Mr. Disraeli will have his first piece of ecclesiastical patronage. What sort of Bishop will Mr. Disraeli approve ? Or does he approve any ? What sort of bishop, at all events, will he appoint? Will he consult Dr. Wilberforce ? Will be have a transcendental view of his own? Or will he conciliate the Evangelicals, like Lord Palmerston? These are deep questions, on which it is impossible not to have odd thoughts.