Old Amicus Pop Is the solace and prop Of all who are weary of life. He straightens the tangles And jangles and wrangles That breed in this city of strife. Whatever your "beef," You may pour him an earful; Unbottle your grief Be it ever so tearful. Oh, weep all you wish--he is there with the mop. Bring all of your troubles to Amicus Pop. * * * When we think of the countless thousands who peruse this Cro'-nest of Criticism, a feeling of responsibility weighs heavily upon us, and almost spoils our day. Frezzample, one writes from St. Paul: "We have twenty confirmed readers of the Line in this 'house.'" The quotation marks disturb us. Can it be a sanitarium? * * * Most of the trouble in this world is caused by people who do not know when they are well off. The Germans did not know when they were well off. Your cook, who left last week, as little apprehended her good fortune. Nor will the Filipinos be happy till they get it. * * * Those who stand in awe of persons with logical minds will be reassured by Henry Adams' pertinent reflection that the mind resorts to reason for want of training. His definition of philosophy is also reassuring: "Unintelligible answers to insoluble problems." * * * Among those who have guessed at the meaning of "the freedom of the seas" was Cowper: "Without one friend, above all foes, Britannia gives the world repose." * * * Maxwell Bodenheim has published a book of poems, and the critics allow that Max Boden's brays are bonnie. * * * IF YOU MUST KISS, KISS THE DOCTOR. [From "How to Avoid Influenza."] Avoid kissing, as this habit readily transmits influenza. If physician is available, it is best to consult him. * * * QUICK, WATSON, THE PLUMBER! [From the Cedar Rapids Gazette.] Mrs. T. M. Dripps gave a dinner Friday in honor of Mrs. D. L. Leek of South Dakota. * * * "Kind Captain, I've important information." Mr. Honkavaarra runs an automobile livery in Palmer, Mich. * * * "The first child, Lord Blandford, was born in 1907; the second was born in 1898."--Chicago American. This so annoyed the Duke, that a reconciliation was never possible. * * * When your friend points with pride to a picture that, in your judgment, leaves something to be desired, or when he exhibits the latest addition to his family, you may be perplexed to voice an opinion that will satisfy both him and your conscience. An artist friend of ours is never at a loss. If it is a picture, he exclaims, "Extraordinary!" If it is an infant, he remarks, "_There +is+ a baby!_" He might add, with the English wit, "one more easily conceived than described." * * *