THE ELEPHANT AND CASTLE.--Upon entering the bar-parlour of this house the landlord commenced the following conversation with the Missionary, concerning the evidence he had given before a Committee of the House of Commons: "I have, sir, been reading your evidence in the Blue Book, and while I agree with much that you said, I think that you were mistaken in two particulars. First, when you said that there are more persons in the public-houses of Marylebone upon the evening of the Lord's-day, than there are in all the churches and chapels of that parish. Secondly, your advice for further restrictions upon our Sunday-sale, coupled with your opinion, that a great number of our houses could be entirely closed upon the Lord's-day with benefit to the public and without loss to the publican." "I am not surprised at your view of my evidence, but the sharp criticism of the trade has convinced me that I spoke the truth temperately. As regards the appalling statement as to the number of persons who frequent your houses upon the Lord's-day evening, you must have observed that I was sharply examined upon the point, and confirmed it with much detail; when I had finished, the chief Inspector of Police and other important persons were examined upon the matter, and confirmed my statement; after which the Committee reported it to Parliament as unquestionably true. It is then a terrible fact, certainly true, of all the poor neighbourhoods of London. As regards the closing on Sundays, and its effect upon the trade, I merely gave an opinion; but that opinion was arrived at after conversation with several hundred members of your trade. As you know, forty-seven publicans in this parish signed a petition, praying Parliament to close you upon the whole of Sunday. Few men have a larger acquaintance with the trade than myself, and I am convinced that a strong feeling against Sabbath labour, and other evils of this business, is growing up among you. For instance, several of your neighbours now close their houses upon the whole of the Lord's-day, others close their tap-rooms, and many refrain from lighting the glaring lamps outside. This shows a desire to use the great moral power you possess for the good of the people. And then as regards the loss resulting from Sunday closing, I am convinced that the saying of the Book is true: 'That in keeping His commandments there is great reward.' I am, however, content to reason the point with you from a trade point of view. It is a fact that all who close bear the loss lightly, if loss there be. One house at Shoreditch has been established more than a hundred years, though, for all that time, the following 'rules' have been printed over the bar:-- "'1. No person served a second time. "'2. No person served if in the least intoxicated. "'3. No swearing or improper language allowed. "'4. Smoking not permitted. "'5. When you enter a place of business, transact your business, and go about your business.