NEWS OF THE WEEK.
rpHE chief event of the week has been the resignation of
Lord Cromer, which was announced in the House of Commons on Thursday afternoon by Sir Edward Grey. He stated that Lord Cromer "has, under medical advice, decided that it is necessary for him to resign for reasons of health." Sir Edward Grey went on to read to the House Lord Cromer's own words. Lord Cromer wrote that his action was only taken after very full consideration and consultation with his medical advisers. He was most anxious that it should be' particularly understood" that his reasons for resigning were wholly due to the state of his health, and that "no political considerations of any kind whatever are in any way connected with it." He also desired to say that nothing could have been more effective or generous than the manner in which the present Govern- ment had supported him. Lord Cromer ends in words thoroughly characteristic of the man in their simplicity and straightforwardness. "After spending forty-nine years in the public service, I am thoroughly worn 001, and I am really unable to support any longer the excessive strain which my work here entails. I feel also that I do not possess the health and strength which are necessary to do justice to all the very important interests involved." The country will understand and respect the emotion which a great and devoted worker must feel when the moment comes to exchange the activity of public service for retirement, but we sincerely hope that Lord Cromer speaks with unnecessary pessimism when he describes himself as thoroughly worn out. It will be the prayer of the whole country that rest at home will very soon haviPa beneficial effect upon his health, and that he may have many years of repose and happiness before him.
