Evening Post. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1885.

Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 37, 14 February 1885, Page 2

Evening Post. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1885.

THE ENGLISH CABINET. •■ ■ ♦ Judging by the changes which havo just been announood, Mr. Gladstone feols tho necessity for strengthening his Government. Strong man las Lord Bosebeby undoubtedly ie, it is, however, open to question whether his accession to tho office of Lord Privy Soal or the inclusion of tho new PostmastorGenerol in tho Cabinet, will enable the present administration to weather the storm of popnlar indignation in connection with the Egyptian disaster, resulting from tho dilatory policy of tho Goyornment. To the colonies, however, Lord Kosebery's appointment will afford unqualified satisfaction. He not only knows something of them from personal acquaintance, but he has also evinced a warm and intelligent interest in their actions, prospeots, and aspirations. The only regret whioh will be felt ia that Lord UosePERThas notboenappointed to a more active, if less dignified, position in the Government, and one in which he would be enabled to exorcise a more direct influence on its Colonial policy. It would have been well had ho replaced Lord Derby in tho Colonial Office. It is quite possible that this was the arrangement at first contemplated, and which led to tho rumour that Lord Derby was about to retire. To have insisted on that retirement, Mr. Gladstone would no doubt feel, would have borne the appearance of sacrificing his colleague too openly to the wishes of the Colonies, and Lord Derby's well-known obstinaoy would probably^prevent his giving way voluntarily even to Lord Bosebery. Colonial affairs now, however, are something more than mere matters of Downing-street departmental routine. They must necessarily otten demand and receive the attention of the Cabinet, and there Lord Eosebeby's influence will certainly be exercised and felt greatly to their advantage. Looking at his accession to offioe, another probability also suggests itself. It has quite recently been seini-officially announced by his own son that Mr. Gladstone's early retirement from office was probable. Lord Bosebert has tho Liberal party, and the present step may bo intended to facilitate his advancement to the head of tho party at no distant date. The Liberals, however, will find it diffioult to hold their own against the crushing indictment which, when Parliament meots, is euro to be preferred against them in connection with tho management of Egyptian affairs. Tho feeling of the country will be against them. Perhaps the addition to their counsels of Lord Eosebery and Mr. Shaw Lefevre may inspire them with new energy, and although the past mistakes cannot be rectified, or poor Gordon restored to life, BtUl they may, by vigorous action, even yot regain pnblie esteem and confidence.