_Insp.-Gen._ Yes; but how about the Volunteers? What about them? Why don't you let the officers command their own men? _Com.-in-Chief_. Why, Sir, you see in time of war-- _Insp.-Gen._ (_interrupting_). You would find Volunteer officers as capable as any others. Your Royal Highness has no doubt studied the lessons taught by the war between the Northerners and the Southerners in America? _Com.-in-Chief_. I have glanced at the subject, Sir, at the Royal United Service Institute. And may I venture to hope that you are satisfied, Sir? _Insp.-Gen._ (_after a pause_). Well, yes, I think you are doing better. But, in future, give a share of the command to Volunteers _pur et simple_. And now just jot down what I have further to say to you. [_Scene closes in upon the COM.-IN-CHIEF taking notes._ * * * * * CONNECTED WITH THE PRESS. At a recent meeting of the Institute of Journalists, it was proposed that future candidates for membership should undergo an examination to test their qualifications before election. Should the proposal be adopted, no doubt some such paper as the following will be set to those desirous of obtaining the right of adding "M.I.J." to their names. 1. Would you as a Reporter venture to use such expressions as "devouring element" or "destructive fluid" in sending in "flimsy" to a London Daily Paper? State when you would consider yourself entitled to describe yourself "a Special." 2. What are the rights of a Journalist at a free luncheon? If an Editor finds himself present, should he return thanks for the Press himself, or leave that duty in the hands of a bumptious Reporter. 3. Write an essay upon the Law of Libel, and say when a paper, (1) should apologise, (2) fight it out, and, (3) settle it out of Court. 4. Define the difference between a "comment of public importance" and a "puffing advertisement." 5. What is "log-rolling?" Give examples to illustrate the meaning of the word. 6. Show, concisely, why the World could not revolve without the Press, and why the Press would cease to be without your own personal assistance. * * * * * UPON JULIA'S COAT. (AFTER HERRICK.) [Illustration: LENTEN FASHION. Sack-Coat, nearest approach to Sackcloth, for Lent.] Whenas my JULIA wears a sack, That hides the outline of her back, I cry, in sore distress, "Alack!" She showed a dainty waist when dressed In jacket; true, the size confessed That whalebone had its shape compressed. Still was her form sweet as her face, But now what change has taken place! This "sack coat" hides all maiden grace. Although men's clothes are always vile, The coat, the trousers and the "tile"! Some sense still lingers in each style. But women's garments should be fair, All graceful, gay and debonair. And if they lack good sense, why care? O JULIA, cease to wear a sack, A garb all artists should attack, In which both sense and beauty lack!