In recognition of important public services rendered by him to Scotland and of the deep interest he takes in Scottish affairs.
"I sometimes meet with candid friends who congratulate me on holding the office of Scottish Secretary, because I cannot have anything whatever to do. All I can say is that people who hold that opinion do not know Scotsmen, because whenever there is an officer in the position I am, the Scottish people are perfectly certain to find something for him to do. Some of the work I have had is of great national importance, but there are other things which are not of such national importance-I think that is one of the very advantages of the Scottish Office. Before the Scottish Office was in existence all these small things, all those matters affecting smaller communities, were ignored and left alone, and now I hope that the experience of the Scottish people is that they can get their wants attended to at Dover House. Speaking as a Scotsman in Scotland, I look to the office which I now hold, and to some future legislation, to strengthen the hands of the local institutions of Scotland. should like to see everything affecting the institutions of Scotland strengthened, fresh life put into them where possible and where necessary and greater power given to them. I should like to see the spirit of Scottish nationality kept up in every possible way, I should like to see nothing weakened, I should be sorry to see anything weakened, which could in any way take away from the spirit of patriotism in Scotsmen, or take away from the name and fame which you have inherited as a separate country from your ancestors. But the one thing for which Scotsmen have always been conspicuous is loyalty to the throne and empire."