Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7562, 15 February 1886, Page 4

It will be seen from the cables this morning that, in the case before the Court seriously affecting the character of Sir Charles Dilke, the jury have acquitted that gentleman of the charge brought against him. By most people this decision will be received with satisfaction, although there are features in the proceedings not clearly explained. It is of great importance that the lives of our public men should be free from open scandal; and all the more that the position oUhosehaving ti do with the Administration of the "Empire invites attacks which involve no? only their own reputation, but also to a large extent that of the community. When, therefore, accusations of grave immorality are made against any of these high functionaries it is necessary that their good name should be purged of its stain ; and Sir Charles Dilke is to be commended for his determination to submit so far to the ordeal requisite for this end. Had he consented to any arrangement which would have left his conduct open to suspicion, a cloud must bare hung over his career and his usefulness as » statesman would have been prac tically closed. The result of the jury's verdict enables him to partiall) resume his place in public confidence, and sets him free to accept of office should this be deemed expedient. A few days ago it was announced that, in the event of hifi acquittal, he would be assigned the portfolio of Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. This office, however, is at present held by the Earl of Rosebery; and, considering the satisfaction with which his appointment has been viewed on the Continent, and especially in Germany, it is very doubtful whether any change in the Foreign Department will be made for some time to come. But there can be little doubt but that room will be made for Sir Charles in the Cabinet in some way or other. His ability is far above the average ; and, though Radical in his political opinions, he yet knows when ana where to impose a restraint on them in the public interest. He is too prominent a man in his party to be kept aloof from office in the present unsettled condition of political affairs in the United Kingdom.