he evening the band
played a selection, containing such well-known pieces as "_Souvenir
de Mitchelstown_," the opening chorus of "_Mose in Egitto_," "_Ou
sont nos Ducs_," "_Partant pour le Sud_," and "_Irland, Irland ueber
alles_."

* * * * *

MR. BAYLY'S COAST-SPECTRE.

"It is scarcely credible that, at this moment, the elaborate
telegraphic system of this country has little or no connection with
our Lighthouses and Coastguard Stations." So said, quite recently,
the _Illustrated London News_ in an excellent article, appropriately
entitled, "A Flagrant Scandal." It _is_ scarcely credible, and
creditable not at all. "Shiver my timbers!" cries _Mr. Punch_ (in a
nautical rage), "if there _is_ a purpose for which JOHN BULL should
eagerly utilise his 'telegraphic system,' it is for the saving of his
sailors' lives." Mr. ROBERT BAYLY, of Plymouth, wrote a letter to the
_Times_, "giving some instances in which lamentable loss of life was
solely due to the inability of the Lighthouse-keeper or Coastguard
to communicate in time with the nearest life-boat station." Think of
_that_, ye British Gentlemen, who sit at home at ease.

Aren't you ashamed of yourselves at the very thought of it! Well
may "T. LAWRENCE-HAMILTON, M.R.C.S., late Honorary President of
the Fishermen's Federation," say, in an indignant letter to _Mr.
Punch_:--"Perhaps ridicule may wake up some of our salary-sucking
statesmen, and permanent, higher, over-paid Government officials, who
are legally and morally responsible for the present state of chaotic
confusion in which these national matters have been chronically
messed and muddled." Perhaps so, my valiant M.R.C.S. And, if so, that
"ridicule" shall not be wanting--on _Mr. Punch's_ part, at least. Here
goes, for once:--

IMPORTUNATE MR. BAYLY.

A SONG OF A SHAMEFUL SEA-COAST SCANDAL.

AIR--"_Unfortunate Miss Bailey_."

A Captain bold, of British birth, might bless his stars and garters,
That if he _must_ be wrecked at all, it should be near home quarters;
But Britons' conscience smites them when we hear of lives lost daily
For want of--some electric wires! So says stout ROBERT BAYLY.
Ah, BOB BAYLY! Importunate BOB BAYLY!

At night, when he retires to rest, is BULL, the brave and clever,
Troubled with thoughts of Jack Tars lost for want of care? No, never.
But sure, JOHN's nightcap would wag wild, his ruddy cheek wax palely,
If he only realised the