the compliment? It would be a better appointment than many that could
be named.

The fact cannot be concealed that at home the absence of Mr. SHORTER
in America is seriously felt. Fleet Street wears a bereaved air and
Dublin is conscious of a poignant loss. As for our authors, they are
in a state of dismay; some, it is true, like mice when the cat is
away, are taking liberties, but most are paralysed by the knowledge
that the watchful eye is not there, the hand, so instant to blame or
praise, is resting. Even publishers, normally an insensitive race are
shaken, and books that were to have been issued have been held back.
For what is the use of bringing out new books if C.K.S. is not here to
pass definitive comments upon them before their ink is dry?

England's loss is, however, America's gain. A new cocktail has been
named after him.

* * * * *

[Illustration: WITHIN THE LAW?]

* * * * *

THE PEACE TREATY.

What really impressed the Germans most of all with the power of the
Big Four was the third clause of Section 3, as given in the Press:--

"LEFT BANK OF THE RHINE.

... Germany must not maintain or construct any fortifications
less than fifty kilometres to the East of the Rhine."

Even WILHELM himself never succeeded in reversing the course of this
famous river.

* * * * *

"The fifth issue of The Indian Year Book is issued a little
later than the earlier editions. For this the Editor would ask
immunity."--_Preface to "The Indian Year Book_."

Granted. Mr. Punch invariably adopts the same order of procedure in
regard to his own publications.

* * * * *

MORE ALLEVIATIONS.

The late JAMES PAYN, who, as is well known, waged a merciless war
against sham admiration in literature, happened one day to hear
me quote that tremendous fellow, SIBRANDUS SCHAFNABURGENSIS. The
particular lines I mean are those in which he says:--

"Then I went indoors, brought out a loaf,
Half a cheese and a bottle of Chablis;
Lay on the grass and forgot the oaf
Over a jolly chapter of Rabelais."

Mr. PAYN remarked sharply:--

"It would cost him some trouble to find one. I've never found a jolly
chapter of RABELAIS in my life, and what's more I mean to say so some
day and watch the faces."

Well, Mr. PAYN believed in stating his own views truthfully. No doubt
th