the laying of the first stone, for
We both were very young.

But weary years have past, now,
Since we our work begun;
We fear we shall not last now,
To see our labour done.

We remember, we remember,
But we heard it on the sly,
'Twon't be finished next November,
Nor the subsequent July."

Very early in November, a War Office circular (dated 31 Oct.) was issued,
to regulate and establish regimental savings banks, which have done so
much to encourage thrift among our soldiers. The maximum of each
soldier's deposit was limited to 30 pounds in any one year, and to 200
pounds in the whole. The rate of interest on deposits was fixed at 3
pounds 15 s. per cent per annum, but no interest was to be allowed upon
less than 6s. 8d. and 13s. 4d., nor upon any sums that had not remained
on deposit for at least one month, to be reckoned from the last monthly
muster day.

In the _Times_ of 10 Nov. is the following: "A rather amusing scene took
place in Cheapside, yesterday, shortly before the Lord Mayor's procession
to Westminster. Whilst the streets were blocked up against the passage
of vehicles and horses, one of those sharp little urchins, known by the
generic title of the 'twopenny cavalry,' who rattle through the streets
with Her Majesty's suburban mails, was stopped, opposite Bow Church, by a
party of police, who told him they acted under the orders of the Lord
Mayor. The post-boy, with all the dignity of Her Majesty's
representative, assuming an air of great condescension, assured the
police that he had the highest possible respect for the Lord Mayor, but,
being express upon Her Majesty's business, he was determined to proceed.
The police persisted in stopping him, a crowd collected, and it was clear
their sympathies sided with the post-boy, who carried himself, throughout
the controversy, with great courage, calmness, and self-possession. The
police had, by this time, seized the bridle, whilst the boy endeavoured
to force his way forward, backed by the strenuous exertions of his steed,
who also appeared as if inspired by the authority of a Royal Commission.
The post-boy, finding physical force insufficient, tried what authority
would do, and threatened them with the vengeance of the Home Secretary,
for attempting to stop Her Majesty's mails. This had the desired effect
of bringing the police to a parley; and, as the post-boy was backed by