pirit of enquiry alluded to above manifests itself in fresh
direction. The other day CHARLES PRICE wanted to know all about political
pensions granted to ex-Ministers. Intrigued by disclosure of particulars of
estate of our old friend GRAND CROSS. It appears he left property valued at
L91,617. That a pleasant incident closing a worthy life. But, as Member for
Central Edinburgh points out, he had for twenty-two years been in receipt
of pension of L2,000 a year, a dole from public funds obtainable, as PRIME
MINISTER admits, only upon statutory declaration of a state of poverty
incompatible with the maintenance of position proper to an ex-Minister.

PRICE wants to know in the interests of the overburdened taxpayer whether
aggregate sum drawn by the noble pensioner may not be recovered from his
estate? PREMIER thinks not.

PRICE, undaunted, returns to the attack to-day. Cites cases of two other
ex-Ministers drawing political pensions in supplement of private estate and
fees derived from manifold directorships in public companies. Wants to know
if payment can be stopped?

PREMIER says it is a matter of personal honour. Must be left to
consideration of noble lords concerned.

_Business done._--Committee of Supply.

* * * * *

[Illustration: ELEGY IN A COUNTRY CHURCHYARD.

"Harrowing tales were told about churchyards being seized, ploughed up
and let as allotments."--_Sir ALFRED MOND on Nonconformist protest
against the Disendowment of the Welsh Church._]

* * * * *

THE SEASON'S DELIGHTS.

Sir Archibald and Lady Bayne
Have struggled up to town again,

Leaving the gentle Shropshire air
For London dust and London glare,

And just that London folk may see
Their lumpish daughter, Dorothy.

Sir Archie, in the club all day,
Thinks of the bills he'll have to pay.

His wife is bored, and hates the smell
Of cooking in a cheap hotel.

She also very much deplores
The lack of likely bachelors.

While Dolly, in the season's swing,
Longs for the Shropshire woods in spring
And a dog chained up at home, poor thing!

* * * * *

"Members of the Oxford University 'relay' tea are in fine
shape."--_Daily Citizen._

The one whose business it is to take up the running at the muffin stage is
particularly rotund.

* * * * *

"He would rath