_House of Lords, Thursday._--SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR takes kindly to new position. His statement to-day, explanatory of general military situation, a model of lucidity and brevity. Had much of the charm of FRENCH'S historic despatch, the modesty and simplicity of which delighted everybody. One omission in the document KITCHENER generously supplied. FRENCH said nothing of his own share in accomplishment of feat of arms rarely paralleled. Amid cheers unusually warm for this Chamber, KITCHENER paid tribute to "the consummate skill and calm courage of the Commander-in-Chief." Tribute also paid in another quarter, the more valuable as it came from a man of few words and no disposition towards flattery. "The Territorial Force is making great strides in efficiency," the WAR LORD said, "and will before many months be ready to take a share in the campaign. This force is proving its military value to the Empire by the willing subordination of personal feelings to the public good in the acceptance of whatever duty may be assigned to it in any portion of the Empire." _Business done._--Suspensory Bill agreed to without insistence on ST. ALDWYN'S Amendment to Welsh Church Disestablishment Bill. _House of Commons, Friday._--Circulation of Official Report of Commission of Inquiry into Atrocities in Belgium creates profound sensation. When the Manager of the Itinerant Theatrical Company of which _Nicholas Nickleby_ and _Smike_ were for a time Members caused the insertion in a local paper of a paragraph stating "Mr. Crummles is not a Prussian," there was some obscurity about his object. It is now clear that his instinct was sure, his prevision acute. After experience of last seven weeks all decent-minded men would like it to be known that they are not Prussians. _Business done._--Parliament prorogued. * * * * * Illustration: _Admiral of the Atlantic_ (_to himself_). "IT IS MY IMPERIAL PLEASURE TO PRESENT YOU WITH THE ORDER OF THE MASTHEAD BROOM (FIRST CLASS) IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR CONSPICUOUS SUCCESS IN SWEEPING THE SEAS." * * * * * Illustration: _The Wolff._ "GOOD MORNING, MY DEAR LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD. WOULDN'T YOU LIKE ME TO TELL YOU ONE OF MY PRETTY TALES?" _Little Miss Holland._ "THANKS; BUT I'M _NOT_ LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, AND I DON'T WANT ANY OF YOUR FAIRY STORIES." * * * * * TO A NAVAL CADET IN THE GRAND FLEET. [_There are over 500 naval cadets, aged 15 to 17, at present in the Fleet, serving as midshipmen._]