NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 713, 12 January 1910, Page 4

NOTES OF THE DAY

The Hon. T. Mackenzie, wo gather from the interview with the Prime Minister published elsewhere, is to be the now member of tho Cabinet in. placo of Mr. Hogg. Mr. Mackenzie had been acting as a member of the Cabinet without portfolio, and hi 6 elevation to full rank was generally .expocted._ At tho same time there was a little uncertainty on tho point. Mr. ; Mackenzie's inclusion in tho Ministry was very unpopular with the Eadical sectionof the Government following.' He was too recent a convert from the opponents of tho Government they considered to bo singled out for such distinction, when good and faithful followers_for a long period of years were available. Moreover, Me. Mackenzie, judging by all his past professions, must lie completely out of harmony with the Radical sentiment; in. the : Government .party. Therefore there was aij element of doubt in the minds of some as to whether Sib Joseph Waed would take the risk of raising his convert a step higher. ( Apparently he has taken .that risk, 'and- the -outcome may, prove/interesting. Up to .the presont Sir Joseph has been somewhat unfortunato in . choosing his colleagues, and we aro inclined to think: that he has taken a. further risk,.so far as straining the loyalty of his own party is concerned, on tho present occasion. Of course the elevation of Mb. Mackenzie leaves room for another Minister without portfolio. ■ In view, of the abolition' and consolidation of Departments which has been carried out during the past' nine > months, and the call for economy, this, appointment should be quite unnecessary. Should the Prime Minister, however, decide to make it he; -may attempt to..pacify -the - ex-, treme Radical section by offering the position to Mr: Latoenson. ~; >. •