We regret to be unable to record any substantial improvement
in the condition of the Prime Minister. Sir Thomas Barlow has again seen the patient, but it is, we are sorry to say, only too obvious from the very guarded bulletins that he takes a grave view of the case. The King, with that kindly tact which is second nature to him, paid a visit to Sir Henry on Wednesday, and remained for some little time in the sick-room. That the doctors sanctioned such a visit is no doubt, as far as it goes, a good sign, but we fear there is little chance of the Prime Minister being able to resume his duties. Though we under- stand nothing has yet been decided, or can be decided, owing to the danger which would be caused by the transaction of the necessary business, it is generally held that there is now little or no possibility of Sir Henry continuing in office. It is further understood that whenever the Prime Minister is well enough to go through the formalities of resignation he will be succeeded by Mr. Asquith, who is now leading in the Commons, and leading with great ability. The question whether Mr. Asquith will retain the Chancellorship as Premier is being much discussed. Though there is a good deal to be said for the Prime Minister also being Chancellor of the Exchequer, we expect that Mr. Asquith will not hold the double office.
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