W . e regret to perceive that Sir Stafford Northcote, though
he denies being seriously ill, has been more worn by recent work than was generally suspected. He suffers, says the Lancet, from debility of the heart's action. In a letter thanking some workmen of Exeter for their sympathy, he describes himself as "thoroughly over-tired," and says, "Every slight attack tells upon me so much, that unless I can get some real and entire rest, I shall be quite unfit for work next Session." Sir Stafford, though a younger man, has not Mr. Glad- stone's constitution, and as he has had no official work for two years, this letter shows signs of weakness. We can only hope that be will be revived by his voyage, which will at least take him out of the way of worries that must try a Parliamentary leader in opposition even more than in power. To be compelled to judge for oneself in difficult crises, and then be scolded by one's own friends for leading them badly, would try any nerves, more especially at a time when the very stars in their courses fight against Conservatives. They expected anything, except that the Liberal leaders should rid themselves of the reproach of beihg unwilling to fight, on good cause shown. Loy Wolseley, we • fear, is in part respon- sible for Sir Stafford Northcote's health.
