One hundred years ago
WE REGRET to learn that Lord Rose- bery's recovery from influenza has been very seriously retarded by the return of the sleeplessness from which he former- ly suffered rather severely. He is going to Walmer Castle in the hope that the sea air may recruit him; but even those who minimise the gravity of the indispo- sition admit that he cannot as yet get more than two hours' sleep in the night, and that is no allowance for a Prime Minister with all the cares of the nation on his head. Any long continuance of the insomnia would be quite inconsis- tent with his retention of so anxious and responsible an office as that of Prime Minister; and though we may hope that he will soon recover, it is certain that his great position will not increase either the chance or the speed of his recovery. If he had to take any prolonged holi- day,— which we sincerely hope may not be necessary,— he would of course resign his seat in the Cabinet; and then the Queen would either, we suppose, send for Sir William Harcourt, or, con- sidering how narrow a majority the Government can boast of, would consult the country's wishes as to the character of the next Government. Probably she would take the former step. The Queen is prudent, and would not like to dismiss any Government till it had plainly lost the confidence of the House of Com- mons.
The Spectator 23 March 1895
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