"Sir," runs one of these epistles, "alluding to your statement in the House of Commons last night that you publicly washed your hands of participation in the Anglo-German Treaty, would you have any objection to our stating that the substance used was our celebrated Salubrious Savon? Anticipating your favourable reply, we assume that you would have no objection to our publishing a portrait of you using our soap, with its familiar label, 'Does not wash collars.' We have only to add that in the event of your favourably accepting this suggestion, we shall esteem it a favour to be allowed to gratuitously supply you and your family with specimens of our art for the term of your natural lives." [Illustration: The British Constitution.] This is merely an incident in the struggle, illustrating one of the embarrassments it has evolved. Only man thoroughly happy is HARCOURT. He invented the line of attack on ground of breach of constitutional usages; put up Mr. G. to make his speech; supplied him with authorities, and in supplementary speech amazed House with his erudition. Made stupendous speech last night; literally gorged the House; to-night picks up fragments and provides another feast: six baskets wouldn't hold it. "Wish, TOBY, dear boy," he said, sinking back in his seat after delivering his second speech, cunningly grafted on an Amendment, "we could carry this over next week. I could easily make a speech a day. Remember when I was once in Ireland, asked a tenant how he liked the new agent, who was reputed to be very able business man. 'Well,' said my acquaintance, 'I don't know about his business daylings, but for blasphaymious language, he's _au revoir_.' On constitutional questions, TOBY, I may, with all modesty, say I'm _au revoir_." _Business done._--Anglo-German Treaty agreed to. * * * * * MR. PUNCH'S DICTIONARY OF PHRASES. FRIENDLY COMMENTS ON CHARACTER AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. "_She is never at a loss for a clever answer;_" i.e., "A cat whose claws are always out." "_A little stand-offish to strangers, but wonderfully winning when one really knows him;_" i.e., "Which one need never do, thank goodness!" LEGAL. "_As your Lordship pleases;_" i.e., "As a Judge, you are a stupid, self-sufficient dolt; but so long as my client, the solicitor, gets his costs, it doesn't matter a jot to me or him _what_ you decide!" "_With your Lordship's permission, my Junior will settle the minutes;_" i.e., "And so save us both the trouble of apportioning, in the customary perfunctory fashion, the oyster to the solicitors, and the shells to the clients." IN THE SMOKING-ROOM. "_You don't mind my telling you exactly where I think you're wrong?_" i.e., "You obviously want setting down, and I may as well do it." "_Do you mind just stating that over again?_" i.e., "While I think of something to say in reply."