one of _Sarah_, Duchess of Marlborough, dated
August 16th, 1740, viz. A canvassing letter in favour of two Members for
Reading; with the following electioneering advice:--"_Nothing but a
good Parliament can save England next Session; they are both very honest
men, and will never give a vote to a Placeman or a Pensioner._"

P.T.W.

* * * * *

THE NATIONAL DEBT.

George the Third came to the throne in 1760, and found the national debt
120 millions; he reigned 59 years, and left the national debt 820
millions, 700 millions more than at his accession, increasing on the
whole period about 36 thousand per day, or nearly 23 pounds per minute.
At the beginning of his reign the taxes amounted annually to 6 millions;
at the ending 60 millions.

* * * * *

PLURALITIES.

In the year 1238, it was agreed in an assembly of divines at Paris,
that none could without forfeiture of eternal happiness, possess two
benefices at the same time; one being worth fifteen livres Parisis,
each about 2s. 6d. sterling.

N.B. There does not appear to be any such decision by any assembly of
divines in England, at least not since the reformation.

G.K.

* * * * *

COMPUNCTIOUS VISITINGS.

It is said of a certain physician that he never passed the churchyard of
the place where he resided, without pulling forth his handkerchief from
his pocket, and hiding his face with it. Upon this circumstance being
noticed by an acquaintance, he apologized for it by saying, "You will
recollect, sir, what a number of people there are who have found their
way hither under my directions. Now, I am always apprehensive lest some
of them recognising my features should lay hold of me, and oblige me to
take up my lodging along with them."

* * * * *

IMPROMPTU ON THE BURIAL OF SHUTER, THE ACTOR.

Alas! poor Ned!
He's now in bed,
Who seldom was before;
The revel rout,
The midnight shout,
Shall never know him more.

Entomb'd in clay,
Here let him lay,
And silence ev'ry jest;
For life's poor play
Has past away,
And here he sleeps in rest.

* * * * *

_Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset
House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic;
G.G. BENNIS, 55, Rue Neuve, St. Augustin, Paris; and by all Newsm