pear in white neckcloths. Every instrumental
performer must become a member of the stiff-necked fraternity if he
wishes to be engaged at the Grand Opera; and it matters little what may
be his reputation, or how illustrious may be the stock to which he
belongs, if he refuses to bind himself to the tie prescribed by the
French Government. Such is the pliancy with which all classes now bow
their necks to the ruling power, that we have not heard of one instance
in which the forced application of the starched cravat has roused any
artist's choler. It is, however, feared that in a very heavy and
fatiguing opera the time of some of the pieces will have to be changed,
in order that the orchestra may get a few bars' rest to adjust their
neck-ties, which some of the tremendous _crescendo_ movements of
MEYERBEER will be likely to derange. We tremble to think of the
consequences of the "Blessing of the Poignards" on the cravats of the
poor fiddlers.

* * * * *

SECOND THOUGHTS.

It was intended to inaugurate a statue of LOUIS NAPOLEON at Lille,
bearing the inscription--"To the Protector of Native Sugar." It was,
however, abandoned for re-consideration. It will probably be amended as
follows, and the statue inaugurated on the 2nd of December--"To the
Protector of Native Sugar--_of lead_."

* * * * *

A JOKE THAT MUST BE FELT IF IT CAN'T BE SEEN.

We perceive that all Military Hats are to be superseded in the British
Army by a "Felt Helmet." We trust this arrangement will prevent
everything but the helmet from being "felt"--on the head of the soldier.

* * * * *

BRITISH REASONS FOR BOULOGNE ADDRESS.

The copy of an address of British residents at Boulogne lay for
signature--as British residents were duly informed by the
_Impartial_--at the library of MRS. MONEYDUE. We have been favoured with
the various reasons--and subjoin a few--the exquisite reasons that,
delighting and uplifting the British brain--induced the British
residents and visitors to write themselves down the very humble and much
obliged servants of the EMPEROR OF FRANCE.

MR. ALDERMAN GREENFAT signed "because he likes a strong Government. He
also likes success; there is no getting on in this world without it. Has
always believed that the French were only to be ruled with a rod of
iron, and believed that LOUIS NAPOLEON was the very man to keep that rod
in pickle."