2 SEPTEMBER 1922, Page 2

A man acting as Mr. Shaw acted might rationally argue

that at least a baronetcy should be his own reward for bringing in a plentiful harvest of money. In the past, though money played its part in the bestowal of rewards, there was at least some effort to insist upon a double qualification ; it was a case of " money plus a reputable character."- Now the inquiry into character appears to be dispensed with. " No questions asked so long as you help to build up Mr. Lloyd George's Party Fund" is almost the rule, and it spells demoralization. We must heartily congratulate the Duke of Northumberland on his pluck. He never funks an issue. He courts libel actions with supreme calmness ; and as very few men are willing to do that the nation should be duly grateful to him.