Before the Marconi Committee on Monday evidence was given by
Mr. J. E. Taylor, a staff engineer of the Post Office. He stated that he bad bought some shares in the Marconi Company when it seemed uncertain whether the Post Office would conclude a contract with the company. Later, thinking it undesirable that a Civil servant in his position should possess shares in a company having relations with the Govern- ment, he sold the shares. The Postmaster-General took a serious view of the transaction, visiting Mr. Taylor with " grave displeasure," and saying that the investment was ." wholly contrary to the traditions and practice of the Civil Service, and cauld not fail, if it became usual, profoundly to impair public confidence in its integrity." This is, of course, absolutely true and very well said. An official who is called upon to give advice as to the merits of patents in which he is financially interested cannot be an impartial witness. It would be preposterous to attempt to defend the action of civil servants who disregarded this simple axiom of public conduct. But, we ask, with what air of authority can Mr. Samuel lecture his subordinates when members of the Administration have themselves been careless in regard to the appearance of evil—have not shown that special discretion and delicacy which ought to be exhibited by all who are in the position of trustees for the public P
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