We have noticed the rumours afloat as to the coming
changes in the Cabinet elsewhere, but may observe here that they are all denied on authority, and are certainly all premature. That the Cabinet Must be reconstructed is certain, if only because Mr. Gladstone cannot do three men's work— that of Premier, that of Chancellor of the Exchequer, and that of Leader of the House—for ever ; but the reconstruction will not press till next Session is nigh at hand. By the etiquette of the Constitution, all such changes rest with the Premier, as agent for the Queen, who, in theory, invites fresh personages to aid her with their advice. We may add that another rumour, that of the retirement of Lord Selborne, is specially denied, and is only thus far true, that the Lord Chan- cellor has never of late enjoyed robust health, and is by temperament indifferent to what are called the " sweets " of office- Those sweets have bitters. It is, we suppose, always pleasanter to be colly than sheep, but the pleasure, if the country is hilly, brings with it one strange burden. The veter tuft Ty surgeons in Westmorelaud and Cumberland will tell you that, active and healthy as the collies look, and swiftly as they move, gritty per cent, of them die of the same thing,— heart disease. The sheep, who tremble before them, neverthe- less wear them out.
