The deputation that waited upon the Lunacy Commission on Thursday,
to press the point that Dr. Blandford's certi- ficate of lunacy in Miss Lanchester's case was not justifiable, did not gain mach by their interview. It was, indeed, frankly admitted that Dr. Blandford's certificate of lunacy was a mis- take; but the Commission entirely declined to prosecute him for giving it in bad faith. And we doubt whether the deputation will see their way to advising Miss Lanchester to bring an action for libel against Dr. Biandford. The truth is, that when a young lady takes a very novel and decided course that is absolutely opposed to the wishes of her immediate family, and also opposed to the general opinion of the com- munity in which she lives, a kindly doctor who wishes to save her from a fatal step, is only too likely to agree that she is temporarily out of her mind, without being able to justify that view. Dr. Blandford had certainly no good ground to stand upon; but it would be a very unwise course to attempt to saddle him with a heavy penalty ; and would set a great many more people against the indignation-mongers than could be got to condemn Dr. Blandford by any other means. At the meeting of two opposite currents of opinion, mistakes will be made which ought to be condemned and corrected with as little acrimony as possible.
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