is beginning to realise that, while the invitation to
go _at_ the enemy is sincere, any opportunities of "going _through_" him
will be exclusively grasped by his Teutonic ally.

***

Prince BUELOW has again arrived in Switzerland. It is these bold and
dramatic strokes that lift the German diplomat above the ranks of the
commonplace.

***

It is explained by a railway official that a passenger who pays threepence
for a ticket to-day is really only giving the company twopence, the rest
being water, owing to the decline in the purchasing power of money. A
movement is now on foot among some of the regular passengers to endeavour
to persuade the companies to consent to take their fares neat for the
future.

***

At his Coronation the Emperor KARL OF AUSTRIA waved the sword of ST.
STEPHEN towards the four corners of the earth, to indicate his intention to
protect his empire against all its foes. The incident has been receiving
the earnest consideration of the KAISER, who has now finally decided that
in the circumstances it is not necessary to regard it as an unfriendly act.

***

It was felt that the ceremonies connected with the Coronation ought to be
curtailed out of regard for the sufferings due to the War. So they
dispensed with the customary distribution of bread to the poor.

***

Lecturing to a juvenile audience Professor ARTHUR KEITH said that there was
no difference between detectives and scientists, and some of the older boys
are still wondering whether he was trying to popularise science or to
discredit detective stories.

***

Germans cannot now obtain footwear, it is reported, without a permit card.
Nevertheless we know a number of them who are assured of getting the boot
without any troublesome formalities.

***

Burglars have stolen eighteen ducks from the estate of BETHMANN-HOLLWEG. It
will be interesting to note how their defence--that "Necessity knows no
law"--is received by the distinguished advocate of the invasion of Belgium.

***

"Taxicab drivers must expect a very low standard of intoxication to apply
to them," said the Lambeth magistrate last week. On the other hand the
police should be careful not to misinterpret the air of light-hearted
devilry that endeared the "growler" to the hearts of an older generation.

***

It is stated that L2,250,000 has been sent by Germany into Switzerland to
raise the exchanges. A mu