ty has condescended to cut a
tooth."

"That's all very well to begin with," said the King; "but, when I grow
a little older, I mean to cut a dash."

* * * * *

Previous to the appointment of Mr. ARTHUR BALFOUR, much speculation
was indulged in as to the succession to the Leadership of the House of
Commons. In Conservative circles there was an almost universal desire
to see the place filled by a noble Baron well-known for the assiduity
with which he arrives in town to transact business in Bouverie Street,
returning to his country seat the same evening.

* * * * *

During the interval after it had been made known that the Leadership
of the House of Commons had been offered to Mr. BALFOUR, and whilst
his decision was anxiously awaited, Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT was asked
whether he thought the Chief Secretary would take the place.

"Who can say, TOBY _mio_?" answered the Squire, stroking his chin,
with a far-away glance. "The situation reminds me of an incident that
came under my notice when I represented Oxford borough. One of my
constituents, a worthy pastor, had had a call to another and much
wealthier church. He asked for time to consider the proposal. One
afternoon, a fortnight later, I met his son in High Street, and
inquired whether his father had decided to take the new place. 'Well,'
said the youngster, 'Pa is still praying for light, but most of the
things are packed.'"

* * * * *

We understand that an innovation will be introduced at Guildhall on
the occasion of the Lord MAYOR's dinner. The Lord MAYOR elect being
a Welshman, intends to substitute the leek for the loving cup. At
the stage of the festival where the loving cup usually goes round, a
dish of leeks will be passed along, and every guest will be expected
publicly to eat one. This will necessitate an alteration in the
time-honoured formula of the Toastmaster. On the 9th of November it
will run: "My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Right Hon. the Lord
MAYOR pledges you with a loving leek, and bids you HALL a 'arty
welcome."

* * * * *

OUR OWN FINANCIAL COLUMN.

(_BY CROESUS._)

[_Mr. Punch_ has decided that it is absolutely necessary
for him to publish every week a financial article. The best
treatises on Political Economy lay it down as an axiom
that, where the desire for acquisition is universal, and t