ed to
withdraw his motion it could not be revived. All he would consent to was
not to insist upon proceeding with business at to-day's sitting. Stipulated
that his opportunity should not be hampered by "unavoidable delay."

On this understanding House adjourned, hoarse plumes in side galleries
forlornly nodding themselves out.

_Business done._--LLOYD GEORGE at bay in the Commons. His famous Budget
attacked afresh on motion of Amendment to Address. ANANIAS and SAPPHIRA
personally mentioned in course of debate. Amendment negatived by 301 votes
against 213.

_Thursday._--Upon inquiry and reflection LANSDOWNE discovered that in
matter of proposed Marconi Committee AMPTHILL is in fuller accord with
opinion of majority on his side of House than himself. Accordingly, adopts
AMPTHILL'S motion and moves it. CREWE offering no opposition, Committee
appointed without division.

In Commons, just after 11 o'clock, news came of defeat of MASTERMAN in
Bethnal Green. Turns out there was more in WORTHINGTON EVANS'S assumption
of "the inky cloak, good mother" than on Monday met the eye. Boisterous
scene of exultation in Unionist camp, jubilant cries of "Resign, Resign."
"Resign!" growled SARK. "Why should WILSON resign a seat just won? It is
true it was in a three-cornered fight, and by a majority of twenty-four he
represents minority of electors. But the seat is his, and of course he'll
keep it."

Curious how obtuse SARK can be upon occasion.

_Business done._--Debate on Address agreed to in Commons. Forthwith set to
on Estimates. Work cut out till 31st March. After that Home Rule and the
Deluge.

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE MAN FROM BOGOTA.

Lord MURRAY OF ELIBANK (talking); Lord MOBLEY OF BLACKBURN (thinking).]

* * * * *

"ON SHROVE TUESDAY, FEB. 24,

COOK'S FAST DAY EXCURSIONS TO BIRMINGHAM"

_Midland Railway Leaflet._

The rest of us take our first "fast day," as usual, on Ash Wednesday.

* * * * *

THE CANAL.

[_An attempt to express in futuristic "verse" the emotions aroused by
a futuristic painting bearing the above title._]

Mud, sedimentary, coffee-colour,
And here a wedge, a sharp, keen, thrustful triangularity,
And squares that writhe in painful green,
Calling, clamouring--O venerable shade of EUCLID.
Back in the ages, dusty, maculated,
Across the slate-hued fogs of time