expert of _The Observer_, in referring to the War Loan,
said:--"From all over the country the small investor rallied in his
thousands." But he had just said that "the applicants were enormous."
Possibly the truth is somewhere between the two--say about 11-1/2 stone.

* * *

A football pavilion in Bromley Road, Catford, was entirely destroyed by
fire last week. We are trying to bear the blow bravely.

* * *

There would seem to be no limit to the influence of the Censor. Here is
the latest example of his activities:--

"MEXICO
GENERAL BLANCO EVACUATES
THE CAPITAL."

We must confess that we fail to see what British interest is served by
withholding the General's name.

* * *

The German IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR has now repeated, in the presence of a
full-dress meeting of the Reichstag, the old falsehood about Great
Britain being responsible for the War. This, we believe, is what is
known as Lying in State.

* * *

And the statement that Germany need have no fears of a food famine may
be described, we take it, as a Cereal Story.

* * *

SVEN HEDIN has received the honorary degree of Doctor from Breslau
University--as a reward, presumably, for doctoring the truth.

* * *

"GERMAN PREPARATIONS IN BELGIUM.
6-MILE GUNS IN POSITION."--_Star._

It sounds like a 30,000 foot cinema film.

* * * * *

IN A GOOD CAUSE.

The least that we others can do is to see that those who have joined the
colours don't have too dull a time in camp during the long evenings.
Messrs. JOHN BROADWOOD AND SONS are organizing concerts which will serve
the further good purpose of helping many professional musicians whose
incomes have been reduced by the war. It is hoped to give 200 of these
entertainments during the winter. Each is estimated to cost about L10.
The Directors of Messrs. BROADWOOD have privately subscribed L500
towards the carrying out of this scheme, and they would be glad to
receive generous help from the public. Subscriptions should be addressed
to them at Conduit Street, Bond Street, W.

* * * * *

OUR WAR ENQUIRY BUREAU.

_Answers to Correspondents._

_Mother of the Gracchi._--If your son is under age, below the standard
height, is obliged to wear coloured glasses, suffers much from
face-ache, and frequently has carbuncles, we fear his chances of
obtaining a commission in the Household C