_Perplexed._--You are entirely in error in supposing that the member
for Otley, Yorks, has, in accepting a baronetcy, descended from a
higher estate. You have been deceived by similarity of sound. The hon.
member was not of the same rank as a statesman (who we observe has
just repaired to his country seat at Pinley Park, where he will
entertain His Serene Highness the DUC DE SEIDLITZ-POUDRE) to whom
Sir ROBERT PEEL used to allude in the House of Commons as "the noble
Baron." In becoming Sir JOHN BARRAN, Bart., the member for Otley gains
a distinct step in the social ladder.
_Blind, Deaf, and Dumb._--We are pleased to be able to reassure
you. The fact that you have not lately heard or read speeches by Sir
WILLIAM HARCOURT is no evidence that the treble disability under which
you unhappily labour is increasing. There is a well known case, cited
in Littleton upon Coke, where a man was not able to see the Spanish
fleet "because it is not yet in sight." For analogous reason you have
not lately heard anything of the CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER. He has
not been speaking. The fact is, the SQUIRE OF MALWOOD--to use a title
by which he is locally known, and in which he most rejoices--was cut
out for a rustic recluse. Circumstances have, unwillingly, dragged him
into the front of politics, and he has done the duty that lies to his
hand. When opportunity can be made he takes his leisure at his
lodge in the New Forest, and meditates on the untimely fate of his
pre-Plantagenet forbear WILLIAM RUFUS. Nevertheless, we are not
without suspicion that Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT shares the peculiarity
of CARLYLE, of whom you will remember his wife shrewdly remarked that
"his love for silence is platonic." If you keep your ears open and
your mouth shut, you may probably, before long, hear the familiar
voice resounding from a public platform.
_A Shakspearean Student._--We had not before heard of the incident. It
is, however, quite possible, as you have been informed, that when
the Marquis of SALISBURY, K.G., heard of the defection of the Earl of
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, who has joined the Liberal forces, the only remark he
made was "Off with his head."
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