However, all that is now over; Lord RHONDDA reigns in Lord DEVONPORT'S place and can profit by his experience. I don't want to delude you into the belief that all is plain sailing for you. You couldn't be made to believe that if I tried for a month of Sundays, and I don't mean to spend my time to no purpose. But I think the great body of the nation is determined that you shall have fair play and will support you through thick and thin in any policy, no matter how drastic, that you may recommend to their reason and their patriotism. This business of food-controlling is new to us as well as to you, but we are willing to be led, we are even willing to be driven, and we are grateful to you for having engaged your reputation and your skill and your firmness in the task of leading or driving us. And if in the course of your duty you encounter any genuine rascal endeavouring to grind the faces of the poor or to find his own profit in the misery of his fellow-men we look to you to give him short shrift. I am, my Lord, with all goodwill, your Lordship's obliged and faithful Servant, THE GATE OF HUMILITY. * * * * * [Illustration] _Officer (having pulled up recruit for not saluting)._ "NOW THEN, MY MAN, DON'T THEY TAKE ANY NOTICE OF OFFICERS IN YOUR BATTALION?" _Recruit_. "WELL, SIR, IT AIN'T THAT EXACTLY; BUT I'VE ALWAYS BEEN ONE, AS YOU MIGHT SAY, TO KEEP MESELF TO MESELF." * * * * * "WANTED, Second-hand Invalid's Chair (tired wheels)."--_Kentish Mercury_. Just the thing for a second-hand invalid; even the wheels show a sympathetic fatigue. * * * * * "Delirant Reges." The Kaiser, prodigal of verbal boons, Congratulates his brave Bayreuth Dragoons Upon their prowess, which, he tells them, yields Joy "to old Fritz up in Elysian fields." Perhaps; but what if he is down below? In any case what we should like to know Is how his modern namesake, Private Fritz, Enjoys the fun of being blown to bits Because his Emperor has lost his wits. * * * * * One of the "Illuminate." "Unfurnished room wanted by elderly lady with gas connections."--_Montreal Daily Star_. * * * * * AT THE PLAY. THE ROYALTY TRIPLE BILL.