Sir Morton Pao, on Tuesday, asked - for a .Ciammission. of
In-
quiry into the affairs of the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway. Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone both expressed their deep regret at his misfortunes, but declined to accede to his request, as creating an inconvenient precedent. Sir Morton Pete will now, we sup- pose, having been refused an inquiry and praised by Mr. Glad- stone, consider himself thoroughly rehabilitated. We wish he were, for he is very able, very energetic, and very generous ; but the true point has to be met still. Somebody did issue, sell, or pledge a quantity of illegal debentures of that railway,—that is, did sell, or pledge, plated spoons under pretence of their being silver. Who did it Mr. Whatnian wanted to hint that Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Baring were the really guilty parties, but he did not produce an atom of proof, and had no business to make such a charge in the House, where his speech is privileged, without it. The best course for Sir Morton, if he thinks it so hard that he should be scapegoat, will be to publish a clear narrative of the whole transaction, leaving those whom he must attack to bring all the actions they like.
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