This is, we devoutly trust, the last we shall hear
of a most dangerous proposal. It is, of course, an immense relief to feel that the coach has not been driven over the precipice, but we cannot forget that it was quite unnecessary to drive it within an inch of the edge. We may remark, too, that the catastrophe was prevented not so much through the carefulness and skill of the driver as owing to the remonstrances and warnings from the guard whose special business it is to blow the post-horn,—i.e., the Press. We have dealt with the genesis of the scheme elsewhere, but must express here our strong feeling that it should have been im- possible for our Government to have been approached as they were approached by those anxious to obtain official sanction and approval of the scheme. " He comes too near who comes to be denied" is a principle exactly applicable to the case. It is worth mentioning that it has never been stated through whom the original proposals came. Mr. Balfour was asked for information on this point, but as the transaction was closed be, perhaps not unnaturally, refused to answer the question.
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