* * * * *

ONLY FANCY!

We are in a position to state that overtures were recently made to a
well-known and popular member of the aristocracy in connection with a
certain high office lately vacated. It is felt that a gentleman with
the varied experience and capacity indicated by the circumstance (to
which we may allude as not involving breach of confidence), that
his name was successively mentioned in connection with the offices,
recently vacant, of Postmaster-General, Undersecretary of State for
Foreign Affairs, and Leader of the House of Commons, is peculiarly
well qualified for the post.

* * * * *

The PRIME MINISTER has, we learn, been much gratified by the receipt
of a letter volunteered by one of his colleagues, expressing generous
satisfaction at his selection of Mr. ARTHUR BALFOUR to the Leadership
of the House of Commons. It was the more pleasing as the name of
Lord SALISBURY's correspondent had, in Conservative circles, been
prominently mentioned in connection with the office. "It is true,"
the Abounding Baron wrote, "that the public with unerring instinct has
looked in another direction. I should therefore like to be the first
to say that your Lordship has done well in recognising the services
to the Unionist cause performed by Mr. BALFOUR. Of course there may be
other openings, and in case your Lordship has occasion to communicate
with me, it may be convenient to mention that, having come to town
this morning and transacted business at my office in Bouverie Street,
I am about to return to my country residence at Stow-in-the-Wold."