March 7.—An imperial manifesto has been published setting forth the decisions of the imperial council with regard to the execution of the Czar’s manifesto of last October. The manifesto reveals the purpose of the government to keep a firm check on the Duma. The imperial veto is absolute. The Czar controls the upper house; and the ministers have power to legislate when the parliament is not sitting. The Rouvier Ministry of France is defeated in the Chamber of Deputies by a combination against the Anti-Clericals and immediately resigns. March 8.—Reported from Berlin, intense indignation and mortification are shown at Russia’s action in throwing off her reserve and standing by France in the proposition that the control of the police of Morocco shall be entrusted to France and Spain. It is said that no more concessions can be obtained and that Germany must now show her hand and back down; that Von Radowitz, representing Germany at Morocco, will be sacrificed. There is also talk of Von Buelow’s resignation. [Illustration: _Along The Firing Line_ _BY The Circulation Manager_] January was our best month for subscriptions at the time I wrote for the March number, but I guessed that February would be better still—and I guessed correctly. Although January had 27 business days, as against 22 in February (Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays cut in on the little, short month), yet we received nearly fifty-one per cent more renewals and new subscriptions in the latter month. And if we may judge the March business by the first three days (I write this March 4), the stormy month will bring more subscriptions than January and February combined. It may possibly be a case of “coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb”—but I do not think so. Our subscribers, agents, and clubbing newspapers are showing a much greater interest than formerly—and as the list grows our field of opportunity broadens. * * * * * One would naturally suppose that every subscription received would narrow our field—but it doesn’t. On the contrary. I can imagine a state of affairs—a list so large—that every subscriber secured would make it harder to get another, for we can’t expect every man, woman and child to take any one publication. But no magazine ever reached that dizzy height. Practically every subscriber we get is a missionary who brings in at least one convert within the year, and many of them send in dozens of new subscriptions. I need hardly use space in saying that we thoroughly appreciate these kindnesses and endeavor to show our appreciation by making WATSON’S MAGAZINE better and better each month. That’s a foregone conclusion. * * * * *