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Otago Daily Times, Issue 19042, 12 December 1923, Page 6

At the climax of his professional career, •which was terminated by retirement'some years ago, Sir Frederick Treves, whoso death at the age of 70 years is announced by cable, was perhaps the most eminent English surgeon in practice. His broadcast celebrity outside London was, however, unquestionably due to what might be termed a fortuitous circumstance, —the fact of his being chosen . to perform ‘he crucial operation for perityphlitis on King Edward the Seventh on June 24, 1902, two days before the date fixed for the royal coronation. The operation was faultlessly successful, and the British people throughout the world rewarded the surgeon with an ample meed of grateful kudos. Sir Frederick Treves himself—so at least it was reported—was disposed to deprecate the warmth of the commendation bestowed upon him. He is said to have remarked that while he was thankful for having been allowed to be instrumental in preserving so valuable a life, the operation had not been more taxing than many others which he had performed ; and when he was asked whether the exceptional responsibility had not caused him to feel nervous his negative reply was accompanied by a suggestion that the responsibility, rightly considered, had not been exceptional, though nonsuccess in this special instance might, unfairly, have injured Iris reputation. Operating on king or pauper, his single duty was to exercise his utmost skill and care, and leave the issue in the bands of a higher Power. Sir Frederick Treves’s accomplishments were not limited to the sphere of surgery in peace and war. An enthusiastic traveller, he was also an author of considerable versatility. His “Highways and Byways in Dorset” is a charming book, and the account of his surgical and general experiences with the Ladysmith relief column still repays perusal. It may be added that he was one of the founders of the British Red Cross Society. The news of another revolution in Mexico will scarcely surprise the world, so much lias the history of that country been a record of uprisings. Twelve months ago the Mexican War Department cheerfully announced that the country was more nearly at peace than it had been 'or many years, the few opponents of the Government being bandits rather than rebels. In the light of present events this was evidently an over-confident utterance. The present rebellion is said to cover five States. It appears likely, therefore, to cause the Government considerable trouble. Its occurrence is not the more auspicious because the recognition of Mexico only two months ago by the United States, after a suspension of relations lasting ten years, was considered to be a great triumph for President Obregon’s policy of patiently waiting ant:) the pressure of public opinion forced a settlement. The State Department «.t Washington notified Great Britain, France, Belgium and Switzerland of the new position, and the recognition of Mexico by those countries was expected to follow shortly. Most of the other nations of South America and Europe had been content to accord Mexico recognition at in earlier date. An agent of the League of Nations has already been on the spot making a complete study of Mexican conditions. As recently as September last, President Obregon, in opening the Mexican Congress, declared that all parts of the country were at peace and that not only had the army been decreased, out further reductions would follow. Doubtless these reductions lent encouragement to the elements of unrest. It is significant that the rebellion has broken out upon the eve of a presidential election.

If General Plutarco Elias Cal lea, who resigned his post as secretary of the Ulterior in order to become a presidential candidate, can follow up his offer to lead the Federal forces against the rebels he will advance his political dairos in the most effective manner possible. It is an interesting circumstance that with the present revolt rumour freely associates the name of General Huerta, which ia written in somewhat stormy characters across fairly recent chapters of the lively history of Mexico.