so pursued, is honest or not, but such is the fact! The CHANCELLOR
OF THE EXCHEQUER, therefore, hits every now and then upon the
"conscience-money" expedient in order to reproach every man who has been
a defaulter with the fact of his non-payment. It is only another way of
saying to him, "Why don't you follow his example? Look at A. B.; what a
noble-minded fellow he is! By some accident he has neglected to pay L50
for his share of the Income-Tax, and here, by Jove, he has sent it! Now,
if _you_ have any conscience, you will immediately do the same."

We cannot say whether any one does send anything. A few pounds may drop
in occasionally, but we suspect that the majority of the sums, sent in
the name of A. B., or X. Y. Z., and the other popular initials of the
alphabet, are forwarded by the CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER himself. It
is a financial dodge for inducing reluctant tax-payers to do that as a
matter of "conscience," which they will not do as a pleasure.

* * * * *

THE END OF QUACKERY.

Among the many novel systems of medicine for which the present day is
remarkable, there is one distinguished by a name that, at least, seems
very appropriate. It is called Coffinism. This is candid. The term,
however, is so comprehensive, that it might, with great correctness, be
applied to all manner of therapeutical schemes which deviate from true
medical science. There is one right method of treating diseases, and
there are many wrong ones; to all whereof the denomination of Coffinism
is justly applicable; since it indicates, with exactness, the tendency
of each of them; every improper way of attempting to cure people being a
path which leads to the "bourne from which no traveller returns:" in
short, which terminates in the elm box.

* * * * *

A WHISPER IN THE EAR OF NICHOLAS.

We hope we have heard the last of the EMPEROR OF RUSSIA'S Ultimatums, or
Ultimata, just as you like to call it. We trust the EMPEROR will bear in
mind the old Latin injunction of "_Ne sutor ultra crepidam_", which, for
his own particular Imperial use, we beg to alter into "_Ne sutor ultra
Ultimatum_."

* * * * *

CURE FOR A CUT.--Buy a new suit of clothes.

* * * * *

SONGS OF THE MENDICANTS.

No. 2.--THE SONG OF THE DISTRESSED WEAVER.

Wearily spins the web of life;
Dismally London's streets I tread:
I've