CURZON, in a happy phrase, described the
late Duke of NORFOLK as "diffident about powers which were in excess of the
ordinary." Is not that true of the British race as a whole? Only now, under
the stress of a long-drawn-out conflict, is it discovering the variety and
strength of its latent forces.

There are, of course, exceptions to this rule--strong men who are fully
conscious of their strength. Lord MIDLETON, for example, who sought a
comprehensive return of all the buildings commandeered and staffs employed
by the multifarious new Ministries, and was told that to provide it would
put too great a strain on officials fully engaged on work essential to
winning the War, promptly replied that if the Government would give him
access to their books he would draw up a return in a couple of days. Either
the evil has been greatly exaggerated or Lord MIDLETON is a
super-statistician for whose services another hotel or two ought to be
immediately secured.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Officer_. "I DON'T THINK MUCH OF THAT CORPORAL, SERGEANT."

_Sergeant_. "THAT'S ALL RIGHT, SIR; HE'S IN FOR A COMMISSION."]

* * * * *

"Black billy, 11 months, dam good milker; 10s."--_The Bazaar_.

It's no use swearing; we simply don't believe it.

* * * * *

"This week three crows had landed at Cardiff who had been sunk by
submarines twice, and in some cases three times."--_Manchester
Guardian._

If only they had stayed in the crow's-nest this might not have happened.

* * * * *

"Matrimony.--Gentleman coming into means desires to correspond with
Lady having means; this is genuine."--_Scotch Paper_.

But suppose she won't have him; would he be "coming into means" then?

* * * * *

THE QUESTION OF THE DAY.

What are a rational nation's national rations?

* * * * *

"Outwardly, this has been a week devoted both at home and abroad to
preparation for the campaign in the spring. Actually, a great deal of
water has passed under the Thames."--_Liverpool Paper._

Something seems to have gone wrong with the Thames tunnel.

* * * * *

From a report of Mr. BONAR LAW'S speech at Liverpool:--

"When the War was over there would be parties again. (A voice, 'I hope
not.') Yes, t