A curious correspondence has been going on in the Times
abotit the office of High Sheriff. It is contended that the office is almost totally useless, and that the unlucky landowner who is compelled to fill it is compelled also to spend from 2500 to £800 in the reception of the Judges, to whom he furnishes carriages, attendants, and lodging. The correspond- ents therefore earnestly pray that the office may be abolished. The Times backs their prayer, but suppose, instead of abolish- ing the office, which protects a ceremonial it may be inexpedient to give up, we try whether it is quite so unpopular as is supposed, by making its acceptance voluntary. Our impression is that new landlords would. often be very glad to till it, and would fill it well, for the sake of the social status which it is supposed to confer, and which the country gentlemen, if they liked, could make much more real. The discussion, however, is a significant symptom of the dislike to do unpaid work which, now that ceremonial is not reverenced for itself, is beginning to manifest itself everywhere. When it is a little stronger, the rule of the country gentlemen in England will be over, and that of officials will have begun.
Previous page
