A SPECTATOR'S NOTEBOOK
MR. MACDONALD had no choice but to accept Lord Horder's advice and give his eyes the three months' rest which he prescribed. As long as the Prime Minister is on duty at home there is no meaiis by which he can refrain from the constant reading of documents, and the only way to obtain a complete rest is to put aside all respon- sibilities by going abroad. Gossip easily fastens on such an occasion as this, and has made the most of the fact that some reconstruction of the Cabinet in the near future is admitted to be necessary. But that is beside the point. It would be absurd to suppose that ministers who have just been waging a strenuous campaign for the con- tinuance of a National Government would lend them- selves to a plot to get rid of the one man whose leadership, whether real or titular, is necessary to the National Government. But the real change in the situation that does arise—and it is a very important one—is this. During the next three months Mr. Baldwin will have to discharge all the duties of a Prime Minister. He will not merely be a power behind the throne—he will also be the man responsible for the direction of policy. In these days of quick changes three months is a long time. Any- thing may happen. And throughout that period Mr. Baldwin will be in effect Prime Minister.
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