14 FEBRUARY 1874, Page 2

The election for Perthshire is a Liberal loss, but one

less or more makes little difference, and Sir Stirling Maxwell, of Keir, is a distinct gain to Parliament. If he will only work, he is the natural Tory Commissioner of Public Works, and even if he will not, he will criticise the man who fills the office better than the- sort of Committee of Taste which now discusses Architecture, London Parks, Fine Art, turd Soldiers' Uniforms in the House of Commons. That Committee would quarrel if all its members were Tories and all brothers, and Sir Stirling Maxwell at logger- heads with Mr. Beresford Hope will improve the spirits and increase the vivacity of the House.