14 DECEMBER 1867, Page 2

The Pall Mall Gazette traces the discreditable break-down of the

Poor Law Board to the influence of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Fleming, who, it is hinted, pooh-poohs complaints. That some influence hostile to all vigorous reform is at work in the Poor Law Board is clear, but it is rather hard to blame a man who, if all went well, would receive no praise. We presume, Mr. Fleming, like other Permanent Secretaries, obeys the orders of successive Parliamentary Chiefs ; at least if he does not, their weakness is demonstrated, for they have not removed him. Our absurd system of attacking chiefs of departments in Parliament whenever they supersede or dismiss a clerk, is responsible for much of our admin- istrative weakness.