31 DECEMBER 1887, Page 3

The reports upon the condition of the Crown Prince are

end- less, and his own letters are always hopeful ; but the only state- ment worth studying is the following (December 26th), from Sir Morell Mackenzie :—" Although the immediate prospect is much more favourable than it was two months ago, time only can show us the exact nature of the Prince's ailment." That is not, under such circumstances, and about such a person, an entirely reassuring statement.