I understand there’s a movement in the Back Bay gravel pit of Boston, Mass., to abolish the word “Mr.” on calling cards. Some of the three-named have been a little crowded for space, perhaps, or it may be that they dimly realize that it isn’t good taste to call oneself by a complimentary title. Some clergymen refuse to sign “Rev.” before their names, or put it in parenthesis as if to have it beyond their personal reach, as New England ladies write “(Miss)” and others “(Mrs.)”. Good Philistines need not be told that Mr. means Master and is a compliment in the second person. It is of a piece with lifting the hat, theoretically a helmet, to the person whom you respect. That was the old time vote of confidence. You thus expressed the belief that he wouldn’t brain you with a broadsword at the first opportunity. Giving the hand was another token of disarmament as a mark of confidence. Bowing the head also invited the knightly salute with any convenient weapon. With this went a more or less sincere confession of his imputed power. You called him “master,” which became “mister” by corruption. Our imitative good society has forgotten the meaning of the thing it imitates, as usual. Our ready-made coats of arms seldom fit. He that is greatest calls himself servant, according to good authority, and not master. Even Beacon Hill and the adjacent desert seems to have come to a realization of the fact. We may look for the cards of John De Smythe Smythe or Perkins Hopkinson Revere with Mr. in brackets or omitted one of these days. * * * * * “Mamma,” said seven-year-old, in the suburbs, “when will somebody’s house or somebody’s barn burn up?” “I don’t know,” said mamma, “I hope never. But I suppose they will sometime.” “Well,” said the son, with a sigh, “it’s an awful long time since we had a good fire.” Thus we see that even calamity may furnish entertainment for the simple and sincere. * * * * * Rock & Bumball, of Chicago, announce a new volume by Gallbert Faker. Its title is _Scenes in the Boshy Hills_. * * * * * Several mighty and high church bishops in this country are out against “the new woman.” It is noted that they don’t say anything against “the old woman” in general or in particular. * * * * * _How to Carry a Cat in a Basket_ is the attractive title of an article to appear in the forthcoming _Ladies’ Fireside Fudge_, from the pen of its gifted editor, Mr. E. W. Sok. * * * * *