It is not perhaps generally known that President Defacto is a direct descendant of that well-known ruler, Senor A. Priori. * * * * * "Outside Dublin the county is tranquil. Mr. Asquith, and three minor cases of disturbance are reported."--_Evening News._ We deprecate this attempt to import political prejudice into the situation. * * * * * "Two ladies obliged to remain in furnished house, Bournemouth, till let, offer free weekly accommodation to middle-aged healthy lady and dog in difficulties through war." _The Common Cause._ Even the pets are feeling the pinch of the Common Cause. * * * * * THE DIVINER. [Illustration: Reporter studying a Member's expression as he leaves the house after a Secret Session.] * * * * * DRESS ECONOMY AND THE CLAIMS OF ART. [To Lord SPENCER on seeing his portrait by Mr. ORPEN at the Royal Academy.] Here, at the Press View, ere the opening day Admits the public on receipt of pay And all the gallery like a murmurous shell hums, I stand before your picture, awed and mute, In reverent worship and an old, old suit Of baggy ante-bellums. For, when Britannia first in wrath arose, I took a vow:--So long as these poor clo's Together, though reduced to just a mesh, hold, Never will I, till Victory's trump rings clear (Save when I purchase military gear), Cross any tailor's threshold. Yet, gazing on the garb you figure in, Shining and perfect as a new-born pin-- The frock-coat built to dazzle gods and men, Sir, The virgin tie, the collar passing tall, The flawless crease of trousers which recall The prime of BOBBY SPENCER-- I hesitate to blame your lack of thrift; I would not have your sacred feelings biffed By harsh reflections from a patriot's war-pen; Those rich externals which arrest the view Were but adopted as essential to The scheme of Mr. ORPEN. Such was the sacrifice you made to Art! And there are other portraits, very smart-- Sitters who must have borne the same hard trial; Who waived their loyal taste for cheap attire And went, superbly tailored, through the fire Of noble self-denial. O. S. * * * * * UNWRITTEN LETTERS TO THE KAISER. No. XXXVIII. (_From General VON FALKENHAYN._)