Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 11619-h.htm or 11619-h.zip: (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/6/1/11619/11619-h/11619-h.htm) or (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/6/1/11619/11619-h.zip) PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI VOL. 153 NOVEMBER 21, 1917 CHARIVARIA. More than a million pounds of concealed sugar have been discovered in New York. It is suspected that this was intended as the nucleus of a hoard. *** A contemporary recently stated that LENIN claims to stand for the leadership of Russia. But surely they do not stand for leadership in Russia. They rush for it with revolvers. *** "This is a time for action, not for talk," said Colonel HOUSE on his arrival in England. A stinging rejoinder is expected from the FOOD-CONTROLLER'S Department. *** It is rumoured that the restaurant keepers have agreed among themselves that to avoid confusion the price of all beefsteaks shall be stamped clearly on the sole. *** The Meat Order will probably be amended to make meat-stalls rank as shops. At present of course they suffer under the stigma of being merely places where you can purchase meat. *** We understand that, in order to avoid confusion and undue alarm, German prisoners in this country will in future be expected to give twelve hours' notice of their intention to escape. *** Sugar is to be omitted from a number of medical preparations from December 1st, and children are complaining that the decision has quite spoilt their Christmas prospects. *** Counsel, in a prosecution for selling a tobacco substitute, has stated that there is nothing in the Act to prevent a man from smoking what he likes. In the trade this is generally regarded as a nasty underhand jab at the British cigar industry. *** Lord RHONDDA, in announcing his new rationing scheme, differentiates between brain workers and manual workers. It will be interesting to see to which category certain Government officials will be assigned. *** "The bamboo," according to a weekly paper, "holds the record among plants for rapid growth, having been known to grow two feet in twelve hours." The silence of allotment holders on this subject is significant. *** Mr. SYDNEY G. GAMBLE, second in command of the London Fire Brigade, is about to retire. There is some talk of arranging a farewell fire. *** We understand, by the way, that retirement from the London Fire Brigade always carries with it the privilege of wearing the uniform at one's own fires. *** A theatrical paper advertises for a "Male impersonator" for pantomime. No conscientious objector need apply. ***