Mr. Hooley on Monday, during his re-examination before the Registrar
in Bankruptcy, made a further " revelation " of much public interest. He said he wished to buy a baronetcy, and was ready to give 235,000 for the honour. He consulted Sir William Marriott about it, who, according to his own account, dissuaded him from the attempt ; but, according to Mr. Hooley's, advised him to raise the sum to 250,000. A cheque for that amount was accordingly drawn, and handed, through Sir William Marriott, to Mr. Middleton, who retained it for some months, and then, as no baronetcy was forthcoming in the Jubilee list, returned it. The story seems to be true, and is a most unpleasant one. It does not show, as alleged, that baronetcies are sold, rather the contrary ; but it 'does show that they have been so care- lessly given as to raise among the vulgar an impression that they can be obtained for money paid into the "war chest" of the dominant party of the hour. The truth seems to be that successive Premiers know nothing of the transaction, but that the clubs, in their eagerness for funds- to fight elections with, press on him the names of men who, they say, are -fighting difficult seats under circumstances which prove their wealth. Services at election times have always been treated as services to the State, but then they should be rendered in other ways than drawing a big cheque. That opens the door to naked bribery a little too wide. There has been a bad case or two on each side in the last few years, and we can only hope that Mr. Hooley's non-reticence will teach the party managers a little more respect for decency, and Premiers a little more suspicion of their motives in making recom- mendations.
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