368 
OBITUARY. 
the discharge of personal obligations. The merit or fitness of 
those nominated was notoriously the very last thing taken into 
account. But now all this is changed, or in a state of tran¬ 
sition ; and the corrupting influence of private patronage in 
the disposal of first appointments is rapidly passing away. 
The civil service is recruited from a wide circle of selected 
candidates, and I trust will soon be thrown open to the 
widest competition. Commissions in the Artillery and 
Engineers are made the rewards of industry and talent. 
But above and beyond all, the vast continent and teeming 
population of India are now brought into closer control 
with the talent, the energy, the perseverance, the morality, 
and the Christianity of England. And they who for the 
time to come are to represent this country in its relations 
with India are to be selected men, men who are to be openly 
chosen on the ground of tested competence and proved ability, 
not nominated through personal favour, as the acknowledg¬ 
ment of private friendship or political obligation. Any one 
who pleases may claim to be examined for an Indian appoint¬ 
ment, under certain obvious restrictions, and if successful he 
will be as a matter of course appointed. And it is specially 
worthy of remark how at the late examination for the Indian 
service fully one third were neither from colleges or schools. 
The introduction, extension, and establishment of the prin¬ 
ciple of throwing open admissions in the public service 
to general and almost unrestricted competition is beyond all 
others the great charter of educational reform. It will not only 
raise the standard of mental ability and average acquirements 
amongst those who may desire to obtain public appointments, 
but it will stimulate the general education of the country, 
deepen its earnestness, and improve its tone. High praise 
they indeed have earned (and the gratitude of the country 
is due to those young men), who, without either wealth or 
rank, or official connexion, have forced their way into the 
reluctant service of the State, and have given ample practical 
proof that genius and integrity may exist together, and that 
talent is not incompatible with common sense.— Dr. Booth. 
OBITUARY. 
We regret to have to announce the death of Mr. Joseph 
Lucas, M.R.C.Y.S., of Lutterworth, which took place on 
May 7th, in the 71st year of his age. 
Mr. Lucas obtained his diploma March 25th, 1808, and 
entered into practice at Lutterworth, where he enjoyed the 
respect of a large circle of friends, and their entire confidence 
as an eminent practitioner. 
