and manufacturers met at the Treasury to consider best
way of grappling with unprecedented financial situation created by
events of past fortnight. Happy thought to include in invitation his
predecessor at the Treasury. In accordance with patriotic spirit
obliterating party animosity, SON AUSTEN promptly accepted invitation.
Gives valuable assistance to LLOYD GEORGE in recommending proposals to
appreciative House.

In short, whatever may be happening in Belgium or the North Sea,
Millennium reigns at Westminster.

_Business done._--Many Bills advanced by various stages.

_Thursday._--In moving Vote of Credit for one hundred million sterling
PREMIER wholesomely lets himself go in comment on the "infamous
proposal" of Germany that for a mess of pottage (extremely thin) England
should betray her ally, France. Crowded House loudly sympathised with
righteous indignation.

Fresh burst of cheering when he pays finely phrased tribute to EDWARD
GREY, as the "Peacemaker of Europe."

Captain Lord DALRYMPLE of the Scots Guards lends opportune gleam of
martial splendour to bench where he sits arrayed in khaki uniform that
has seen service in the Boer War. The PREMIER'S eye catching a glimpse
of it, he with great presence of mind asked for authority to strengthen
the army by an additional half-million of men.

In its present mood the House denies him nothing.

_Business done._--Vote of Credit for L100,000,000 granted with both
hands.

_Monday, Aug. 10._--House adjourned till Tuesday the 25th.

* * * * *

Illustration: "ONE TOUCH OF POTSDAM...."

Sir EDWARD CARSON. "A marvellous diplomatist, this German KAISER."

Mr. JOHN REDMOND. "Yes, he's made comrades of us when everybody else had
failed."

* * * * *

The Mad Dog of Europe.

"The dog, to serve some private ends,
Went mad and bit the man.

* * *

The man recovered from the bite;
The dog it was that died."

_GOLDSMITH._

* * * * *

"SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS.

THE PROPOSAL TO DECREASE THEIR SIZE TO THE EDITOR Of 'THE TIMES.'"

_The Times._

And to increase it, we hope, to Mr. CHESTERTON.

* * * * *

MR. PUNCH'S HOLIDAY STORIES.

(_Constructed after the best models._)

I.--AN ALPINE ADVENTURE.

(Concluded.)

[_SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING INSTALMENT_:--_Ralph Wonderson, the famous
athlete, while on a moun