The political world of London was greatly moved on Monday
by a rumour that the Secretary for the Colonies had been dangerously injured in a cab accident. The truth was not so bad as that; but Mr. Chamberlain had been rather seriously hurt. He was seated in a hansom, when as be passed the Canadian arch the horse fell. He was thrown violently for- ward, and at the same time the glass window fell, and his forehead was cut to the bone. He was taken to Charing Cross Hospital, and the wound dressed ; but on the doctors' advice he remained in the hospital, and did not return home till Wednesday. All engagements have been cancelled for the next few days; but it is understood, we are happy to say, that this is only a measure of precaution, and that Mr. Chamberlain will not suffer permanently in any way from his wound. The incident, which might have had such great consequences, has revived the old discussion as to the hansom window, which is a most dangerous contrivance. If it is im- possible to supersede it by a penthouse expansible from within when it rains, the window might be fitted with talc instead of glass. The danger of the present arrangement is to the eyes, and though accidents seldom happen, it is really a grave one.
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