MR. DISRAELI ON THE QUEEN’S INCAPACITY.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 68, 27 December 1871, Page 3

MR. DISRAELI ON THE QUEEN’S INCAPACITY.

In his speech at the luncheon of the Hughenden Horticultural Society, Mr Disraeli made use of a phrase somewhat strange in its character, and not unlikely to lead to some controversy. Speaking of the health of the Queen, he said :—“ The fact is aa'c cannot conceal from ourselves that her Majesty is physically and morally' incapacitated from performing the duties of her position.” Afterwards the right bon. gentleman communicated with the reporters, requesting them to omit the AA’ord ‘ morally',’ which he said he had no intention of using. This request placed the reporters in a position of some delicacy ; and as it is more than probable that the unlucky' Avord will he published, it is right that your readers should know that it Avas no sooner uttered than it was witlidrawn. Indeed it has all the appearance of a lapsus lingua. The Queen might be both physically' and intellectually incapacitated, but to speak of nieral incapacity in the case of such a sovereign Avould be obviously out of the question. Still it is a pity, that the unfortunate phrase should have been used, and still more surprising that it should have slipped from the mouth of so adroit a speaker as the leader of tho opposition.”—London Correspondent of Dundee Advertiser. The London corres- ■ Aondent of the Scotsman says the reporter present for the Press Association inquired of him Avhether he really intended to use the Avords “ and morally.” Most certainly I did,” replied the ex-Premier, “ I used the Avord advisedly but if you consider the expression too strong, you may substitute the Avord ‘ virtually ’ for ‘ morally.’ We do not see much improvement in this. “ Virtually,” in its ordinary sense, means effectually or in effect, Avliich would make the sentence have little force of any kind