NEWS OF THE WEEK
WE deeply regret to record the death of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, who passed away on Wednesday morning, having survived his resignation of the Premiership little more than a fortnight. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman was not an old man as old age is reckoned nowadays ; but his health had been seriously impaired by the double strain of nursing his wife in her last illness and discharging the heavy duties of his office, and be never really recovered from the sudden heart seizure by'which be was attacked at Bristol last October. The record of public service which has now been closed is both honourable and distinguished; but the man and the friend was greater than the statesman. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman had a power of inspiring affection in his colleagues denied to more illustrious Ministers. Again, though essentially a kindly, he was also a very courageous man. He was not afraid to espouse or advocate unpopular opinions, but he was never embittered by unpopularity. His fortitude, cheerfulness, and magnanimity not only endeared him to his friends, but disconcerted his opponents. Indeed, he reminded one of Johnson's famous description of Reynolds as 'the most invulnerable man I know; the man with whom if you should quarrel, you would fit-id 'the most difficulty how to abuse." It is good to think that though his last years were clouded by a great domestic bereavement, they enhanced his fame and influence, and redoubled the devotion of his followers.
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