_Thursday._--The President has returned to the capital, as the lodgings he had taken at the seaside were discovered by the rebel fleet, and bombarded. The business of the session progresses slowly but surely. The Minister for War, with the assistance of the Militia, has secured the passing of the vote dealing with his department. He led the charge in person that carried the "Ayes" Division Lobby. If it were not for the constant bombardment of all the principal buildings, and the occasional slaughter of Members of Parliament, things would be almost normal. There is no doubt that the outlook is peaceful. _Friday._.--Things still quieting down. Traffic in the main thoroughfares is suspended, because the roads are required for charges of cavalry, and the squares are now used for shell practice. The fleet have approached closer. This, of course, causes some additional damage; but as the populace can now hear the bands of the various ships during the pauses in the bombardment, the arrangement is rather popular than otherwise. The Government have apologised to the British Consul for having blown up his house and stables. The incident consequently is at an end. Several Members of the Cabinet have accepted the Consul's invitation to lunch. _Saturday._.--The Revolution is practically at an end. The fleet are still bombarding the forts, and the military charge every ten minutes the populace. The Judges, too, find cause for annoyance in the constant invasion of the judicial bench by armed artisans. Most of the fashionable part of the city is in flames, but this is a detail. However, taking all things into consideration, peace and tranquillity may be said to be now restored. Of course they are not exactly the peace and tranquillity of Europe, but they are what people are accustomed to over here. Should anything of further importance transpire it shall be wired immediately; but to all appearance the insurrection is at an end. * * * * * [Illustration: HOW TO SPEND A PLEASANT EVENING! ["For the purposes of this production the orchestra has been enlarged, so that some of the instrumentalists have to sit among the audience in the stalls." _Daily Paper._]] * * * * * TO THE CONTESTANTS IN THE COAL WAR. Oh, stint your rage, abate your rash insanity! Fight not like fiends, as brother men agree; And be "the sweet, sad music of humanity," Played in the _miner_ key! * * * * * THE IDEAL CONVERSATION. [Miss EMILY FAITHFULL, in the _Ladies' Pictorial_, suggests that girls should always learn up some contribution to make to the family conversation at table.] Miss FAITHFULL, let me send a line Of most sincere congratulation On your magnificent design To raise the tone of conversation; The plan you kindly recommend Rejoices many a careful mother, And, for the future, we intend, As runs the phrase, "To use no other."