ng of Home Rule
Bill. Intended to divide. On urgent demand of Opposition division
deferred till Monday.

* * * * *

"Then came the resignation of Mr. Asquith, which left the Ministry
(temporarily) without its head. Hence another vacant seal in the
Government Front Bench."--_Globe._

To prevent self-consciousness among the Cabinet, the name of the
Minister who looks like a vacant seal should be given.

* * * * *

"Mr. Bodkin, opening the case, described Hemmerde for the defence."

_North Eastern Daily Gazette._

It is generally towards the end of a case that one wants to describe the
opposing counsel in detail.

* * * * *

PROOF

ADDRESSED TO A LADY WHO HAS ASKED FOR IT.

Of old, when in the dance's-whirl
Or crouched behind a friendly screen
I fell in love with any girl
(You know the kind of love I mean),
I gave the credit to champagne--
And breathed again.

When first we met, a more intense
Emotion stirred me, I admit,
But having dined at great expense
I didn't like to mention it,
For tribute seemed to Bacchus due
As much as you.

But love that made a parish hop
A sacred feast for both of us
Burst into flame without a drop
Of alcoholic stimulus;
And love that thrives on lemonade
Can never fade.

* * * * *

REVERSIBLE RHETORIC.

(_Being the unsigned MS., evidently of a leading article, picked up in
Fleet Street last week. What the finder wants to know is--which side is
it arguing for?_)

THE PLOT THAT FAILED.

Out of the welter of mendacity, evasions and intrigue, for a parallel to
which the records of this or indeed of any civilised country might be
searched in vain, one fact has at last emerged clear and indisputable.
The nation will learn this morning, with what feelings it is only too
easy to conjecture, that a great party, a party which, despite its many
political blunders, has at least a record for honourable if mistaken
statesmanship in the past, has now stooped to the final and abysmal
folly. Disguise the fact with what specious rhetoric they may, the truth
remains that our opponents have deliberately endeavoured to tamper with
a great national possession, and to make the British Army a tool in the
game of