The Postmaster-General, Mr. Raikes, died on Monday at his country
house, Llwynegrin, Flintahire, of inflammation of the brain, due to overwork. He was a very clear-headed and firm, if not a very popular, member of the Government, and our impression has been that he was generally right in the main issue, as well as on the side of the public interest in the many disputes he has had with the Press and with his staff at the General Post Office. That staff are evidently con- vinced of his rectitude of purpose, and, are now eager to do honour to his memory. But he was the favourite bête noire of a good many newspapers, very probably because be was less benignant in his official manner than many a Minister who has not worked nearly so hard, and has not resisted half so many attacks on the public convenience and public purse. Mr. Raikes was a strong Tory; and in 1882 he was chosen by the University of Cambridge to succeed Mr. Walpole in the representation of the University, heading the poll by a very large majority. At St. Martin's-le-Grand he will be greatly missed, in spite of his rather Draconic attitude towards the service ; for he was an energetic and conscientious chief, and a man of strong sterling sense as well, though a little bit of a martinet.
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