the slot, in accordance with
directions, pulls out the drawer, and finds there is something more
than the sum necessary to balance the year's account. That is all
very well; but there are some amateur CHANCELLORS of the EXCHEQUER who
would do great things with the odd L20,000 or L30,000 which remains as
surplus. CLARK wants Graduated Income-tax; BARTLEY proposes Abatement
on Incomes below L200; whilst GRANT LAWSON would let farmers off with
half the proposed increase. Best of all is, ALPHEUS CLEOPHAS, who
would straightway abolish the tax on tea. The keen insight of ALPHEUS
notes the little difficulty about the deficit.

"The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER," he observed, in his most judicial
manner, "may ask me to suggest another source of revenue." The SQUIRE
pricked up his ears; the Committee sat attentive. If ALPHEUS CLEOPHAS
had given his great mind to consideration of the subject, it might be
regarded as settled. All waited for his next utterances. "That," he
continued, in steely tones, "is the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER'S
business. Mine is to carry out the Newcastle Programme." ALPHEUS
CLEOPHAS thereupon resumed his seat, leaving the SQUIRE gloomily
facing the dead wall of his deficit.

_Business done._--Budget Bill passed report stage.

_Friday Night._--Some young bloods below Gangway, on Ministerial side,
in distinctly low spirits. On Tuesday night, stage of Budget Bill
being taken, with ten minutes to spare, ASQUITH nimbly moved reference
of Employers' Liability Bill to Grand Committee. Opposition, who want
it referred to Select Committee, were under impression Mr. G. had
promised discussion should not be taken till Thursday or Friday. Last
night CHAMBERLAIN protested that they had been betrayed, and deceived.
Young bloods below Gangway disposed to chuckle over this spectacle.
Mr. G., on contrary, takes it seriously to heart. Having got Bill
referred to Grand Committee, positively agrees to rescind Order, and
begin all over again.

"It's very seldom," says the SAGE OF QUEEN ANNE'S GATE, in most
melancholy mood, "that our side show themselves capable of doing a
smart thing. When, by chance, it is accomplished, Mr. G. comes along,
and coolly undoes it."

To-day, nearly two hours spent in discussing question; Bill,
eventually, remitted to Grand Committee, as it had been left at
midnight on Tuesday.

"Shan't play!" cries CHAMBERLAIN. "All very well for you, with your
majority, to bowl us over, but you won't g