to British possessions and also to America and ports in France
and Italy."--_The Times._

A mixed blessing. There's too much logwood in some ports as it is.

* * * * *

From _A Little Guide to Essex_:--

"Steeple Bumpstead (see Bumpstead, Steeple).
Bumpstead, Steeple (see Steeple Bumpstead)....
Bumpstead, Helions (see Helions Bumpstead).
Helions Bumpstead (see Bumpstead, Helions)."

* * * * *

"THE MAN THAT BROKE THE BACK OF MONTENEGRO."

[Illustration: FRANZ-JOSEF, THE MAMMOTH COMEDIAN, IN HIS STUPENDOUS (AND
UNIQUE) SUCCESS.]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

(Extracted from the Diary of Toby, M.P.)

_House of Commons, Monday, January 17th._--To-day's sitting included
episode justly described by REDMOND as miraculous in relations between
Ireland and her sisters in the family of the Empire. In Committee on
Military Service Bill question promptly raised on exclusion of Ireland.
Amendment moved by Unionist Member for Belfast to make Bill operative in
the three Kingdoms.

Significant note struck at outset by PRIME MINISTER. Overwhelmed with
work, unable to take personal charge of Bill in Committee, he deputed
task, not to Home Rule IRISH SECRETARY, to whom it officially belonged,
but to the Unionist COLONIAL SECRETARY.

In delicate position, BONAR LAW acquitted himself with excellent taste,
unerring tact. He did not disguise fact that as a Unionist his
sympathies were with the Amendment. But he insisted that more would be
lost than gained by trying to enforce Military Service on country
divided upon the question.

"To anyone who knows the history of Ireland," he said, "who knows the
history in our own lifetime, and the part which has been played by
Nationalist Members in this House and Nationalist Members in Ireland--to
anyone who recalls the state of this country during the whole of the
Napoleonic Wars, when Ireland was a constant source of danger to Great
Britain, it is not a small thing, it is a very great thing, that for the
first time in our history the official representatives of the
Nationalist Party are openly and avowedly on the side of Great Britain."

CARSON patriotically responded to this harmonious call, rare in
discussing Ireland across floor of the House. Regretfully but
uncompromisingly advised withdrawal of Amendment moved by Ulster Member.

JOHN REDMOND, in speech pathetic in