In his devotion to the fighting line rallied against Home Rule he was encouraged and sustained by a power behind the domestic throne perhaps, as has happened in historical cases, more dominant than its occupant. _Cherchez la femme._ Londonderry House became the spring and centre of an influence that had considerable effect upon political events during more than a quarter of a century. LONDONDERRY's cheery presence will be missed in the Lords. His memory will be cherished as that of one who fought stoutly for causes sacred to a large majority of his peers. _Business done._--PREMIER made promised statement on subject of food prices. Debate following was adjourned. * * * * * [Illustration: WHAT OUR ENEMY HAS TO PUT UP WITH. 1. "ACH! HIMMEL!--A SHELL!" 2. !!! 3. "GREAT KRUPPS!--WHAT IS IT?"] * * * * * A Flower of Speech. "Mr. Asquith stated in the House of Commons this afternoon that the Government were considering taking more stringent measures against German trade as a consequence of the latter's fragrant breach of the rules of war."--_Star._ Fragrant is the parliamentary way of putting it. * * * "German Togoland, whose aspirations towards nationality have been again aroused by the recent promises of the Czar, is destined to be for us part of a new European state under the protection of Russia." _Leader_ (_B. E. Africa_). The fate of German Pololand in Africa will be decided in our next. * * * "Mr. Murphy asked what would be the cost of doing these works. Surveyor--I cannot say vbgkqis shr me." _Wicklow Newsletter._ Neither can we, but we should never have thought of mentioning it to Mr. MURPHY at this juncture. * * * * * [Illustration: _Chorus from the trench._ "WHAT 'AVE YOU GOT THERE, TOM?" _Tom_ (_bringing in huge Uhlan_). "SOUVENIR."] * * * * * A TERRITORIAL IN INDIA. V. MY DEAR MR. PUNCH,--Our Battalion has gone. It has called back to the ranks all but a few of its soldier clerks. Even as I write it is racing through the darkness across the Indian plains to its new station. I can almost hear the grinding thunder of the wheels; the thud of men sleeping on the seats as they roll off and crash upon men sleeping on the floors; the pungent oaths mingling with the shriek of the engine whistle ... and I am left behind in the Divisional Staff Office and attached to another Territorial unit just arrived from England. Woe is me!