s, but
now and then exhibiting symptoms of restlessness. The distinguished
patient is happily free from pain, and so completely in possession
of the mental faculties as to express a wish for Grouse: but the
difficulty of performing the vital functions increases; and the mind
of the nation must be prepared for the inevitable result.

{ ABERDEEN,
"Signed { PALMERSTON,
{ J. RUSSELL,
{ W. E. GLADSTONE."

We cannot be expected to express much sorrow at the approaching
departure of the Imperial sufferer from the present Session of
existence, already protracted beyond the usual span; and, in fact, will
not pretend to say that we shall not consider it a very happy release.

* * * * *

THE REVIEW AT SPITHEAD.--It is wonderful that this affair was not a sad
mistake; for there is no doubt that the Reviewers were all at sea.

[Illustration: SHAM FIGHT AT SPITHEAD.

_Boarder._ "AH! IT'S ALL WERRY WELL; BUT O, JACK--IF YOU HAD BEEN A
ROOSHIAN!"]

* * * * *

WHO SENDS ALL THE CONSCIENCE-MONEY?

[Illustration: T]

There is a question we would ask the reader: Did ever he meet with a
person who had sent any "conscience-money" to the CHANCELLOR OF THE
EXCHEQUER? We have met with many curious people in our lifetime, but we
must say we never came in contact with an eccentric individual, who
indulged in any peculiarity half so strange as the above. We do not
believe such an individual exists. If ever there was a myth, we should
say that individual is fairly entitled to call himself one. He must be
the myth of all myths; unless perchance it is the CHANCELLOR OF THE
EXCHEQUER himself, who sends all these conscience-moneys. We have long
had a suspicion of this nature; firstly, because we never see any return
of these numerous sums of money entered in the Quarter's Revenue; and,
secondly, because we believe he does it to decoy others to do the same.
If you notice, these conscientious offerings are generally made in
favour of the income-tax. Now, the CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER knows
very well that this tax is not a popular one. He also knows that, on
account of its unpopularity, there is a very large class of HER
MAJESTY'S subjects who particularly dislike paying it. Give them
but a chance of evading the payment, and they do not in the least
scruple availing themselves of it. We do not say whether the practice,