LORD LINLITHGOW.

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 71

LORD LINLITHGOW.

Lord Linlithgow has i-e-entered public life, to the joy of all who are to hay«. business relations with one of the most conscientious "chiefs" who ever held the reins of office. But a glimpse at his flight figure and at the pale, set face, that looks so gravely and straightly back at one. cannot fail to rouse feelings of anxiety as to whether his health will stand the strain or whether he may not be "bowled over again — as he was when he set out for his vice-kingdom on the further side of the world.

There aie many similarities in his career with that of he late Marquis of Dufferin. Both only sons- -brought up to a great inheritance dv a mother who lived but for their advantage ; both personal favourites of Queen Vivtoria, whose lords-in-waiting they became when too old t) officiate as her pages; both entrusted with great offices abroad, and both possessed of considerable literary and social gifts, the two men have certainly had much in common. Only a few weeks ago Lord Linlithgow said to his neighbours in the Lothians that he intended passing the remainder of his life far from, the hurry and stress of public life, "among my own people, with my -wife and boys." Everyone is glad that he has beer- persuaded to alter lis mind.

His youthful appearance has not left him, for all hi" ill-health. Lady Linlithgow is fond of telling the story of an old Scotch squatter in Australia, who was quite unable to conceal his surprise when he heard the young man in the tweed suit, to whom, he had been genially talking, addressed '.as "your Excellency."' "Ye the Governor-General ! Mon, I beg yer pardon for dootin' ye ; but ye 're just awfu' young for the poseetion." As a matter' of fact. Lord Linlithgov. is not vet five-and-fortv.

He did look a" boy when, years airo, lie and Lady Hopetonn used to reign ir Holyrood House as th representatives of her Majesty during Assembly time. Things were exceedingly well done in his days, and the old rooms were filled with fun and frolic — after the stateliness and starchincss of the fathers and brethren had been duly observed. Few Lords Commissioner': have been roors popular than v/as- T nrrl Hopetmm. TJo,i=rl ,-«s •>" had beei"> within siijht i the towers and spires of Edinburgh, he was perfectly aware of what is due to the ancient capital and to hei National Church.

Princess Mary of Cambridge was an intimate friend of the late Lady Hopetoun. Yfv- interesting peeps into the life at C\r unnsion housj by the Firth of Forth - in the memoirs of the Duchess of Teck, published some years ago.