One of the most pleasing incidents at the opening of the Tower Bridge was the introduction by the LORD CHAMBERLAIN of the Recorder of London to H.R.H. the Prince of WALES. "Our Own Special" was not sufficiently near to hear the dialogue that passed between them, but he has reasons for believing that Lord CARRINGTON observed to H.R.H., "Sir, I have the honour to present to your notice Sir CHARLES HALL." Not to be outdone in courtesy, the Recorder immediately added, "And I, Sir, am delighted to make known to your Royal Highness Lord CARRINGTON." Then returned the Prince, with his customary gracious kindliness, "I am rejoiced to meet two officials of so much distinction; but, do you know,--I fancy we have met before! Indeed I am certain that the excellent make-up of Sir CHARLES' wig and the easy carriage of the LORD CHAMBERLAIN could only have been acquired by long practice on the boards of the Cambridge A.D.C. I congratulate you my Lord, and you Mr. Recorder upon the excellent use to which you have put the educational advantages that you and I have derived from our common _Alma Mater_." At this point the Tower guns began to be fired, and consequently the remainder of the conversation was lost in the reverberations of heavy artillery. * * * * * [Illustration: "OLD KASPAR." (_Vide Poem, "The Battle of the Budget."_)] * * * * * [Illustration: THE SOCIETY CRUSH AT HYDE PARK CORNER. _Constable_ (_in foreground, regulating Carriages and Pedestrians going North and West, to comrade ditto going East and South_). "'OLD ON THAT LOT O' YOURN, BOB, WHILE I GITS RID O' THIS STUFF!" [_Indicates with his left thumb the crush of Loungers who are patiently waiting his leave and help to get across to "The Ladies' Mile."_]] * * * * * THE BATTLE OF THE BUDGET. (_Some Way after Southey's "Battle of Blenheim._") "_Old Kaspar_" ... Sir W. V. H-RC-RT. I. It was a summer evening, Old KASPAR'S work was done; And he before his cottage door Was resting in the sun, And by him sported on the green BUNG'S little daughter, WITLERINE. II. She saw BULL'S youngest, JOHNNYKIN, Roll something large and round Which he beside the village pump In playing there had found; He came to ask what he had found That was so large, and smooth, and round. III. Old KASPAR took it from the boy, And winked a wary eye; And then the old man shook his head, And with a natural sigh, "This is some Landlord's skull," said he, "Who fell in our Great Victory! IV. "This jug of ale, my WITLERINE, Seems rather thin and flat! Eh! 'Budget-Beer,' of the new tap? Watered, and weak at that! Humph! With it, then, I mustn't quarrel, It is that sixpence on the barrel! V.