Yesterday afternoon the Directors' Mutual Anti-Labour Protection Company met at their Central Offices for the despatch of their usual business. The ordinary Report was read, which announced that though the affairs of three great Railway Companies had "gone" literally "to the dogs," still, the Directors of each had to be congratulated on showing a firm front, in refusing to acknowledge even the existence of their _employés_. The usual congratulatory Motions were put, _pro formâ_, and passed, and, amid a general manifestation of gloomy satisfaction, the meeting was further adjourned. * * * * * "A SALVAGE MAN." Rudyard Kipling has hit on a picturesque plan; He describes in strong language "the savage in Man." Whilst amongst the conventions he raids and he ravages. We'd like just a leetle more "Man" in his savages. * * * * * [Illustration: IN SELF-DEFENCE. _Jones_ (_who has just told his best Story, and been rewarded with a gentle smile_). "UPON MY WORD, WOMEN HAVEN'T GOT THE REAL SENSE OF HUMOUR! WHY, WHEN I HEARD THAT STORY FOR THE FIRST TIME, ONLY LAST WEEK, I SIMPLY ROARED!" _Miss Smith_. "SO DID I--ONLY IT WAS LAST YEAR!"] * * * * * FROM OUR MUSICAL BOX. We sent our Musical Box (Cox being unable to accompany him on the piano or any other instrument, by reason of the severe weather) to hear STAVENHAGEN at St. James's Hall, Thursday last, the 22nd. Our Musical B. was nearly turned out of the hall, he was in such ecstasies of delight over a Beethovenly _concerto_, which "bangs Banagher," he said, subsequently translating the expression by explaining, "that is, beats BEETHOVEN." Our M.B. wept over a _cadenza_ composed by the performer, and was only restored by the appearance--her first--of Madame STAVENHAGEN, who gave somebody's grand _scena_ far better, probably, than that somebody could have given it himself, set as it was to fine descriptive music by the clever STAVENHAGEN, which delighted all hearers, especially those who were Liszt-eners. "Altogether," writes our Musical Box, "a very big success. Music is thirsty work. I am now about to do a symphony in B. and S." * * * * * VICE VERSÂ. A poet in the _Forum_ asks the question, "Is Verse in Danger?" 'Tis a wild suggestion! Is Verse in Danger? Nay, _that_'s not the curse; Danger (of utter boredom) is in Verse! * * * * *