* * * * *

"HERCULES (COUNTY) CONCILIANS;"

_OR, "APPROACHING" THE HYDRA._

[The London County Council adopted the Report of a Committee:
"That the Committee be authorised to enter into tentative
negotiations with the Water Companies, for the purpose of
ascertaining upon what terms the Companies will be prepared
to dispose of their undertakings to the Council." The
Vice-Chairman (Sir T. FARRER) thought that the Committee
"would be as wax in the hands of the clever agents of the
Companies." The Chairman (Sir JOHN LUBBOCK) was in favour
of deferring the question.]

That Hydra again! Monster huge, hydro-cephalous,
Haunting our city of blunders and jobs,
Born, it would seem, to bewilder and baffle us,
_Who_'ll give you "one" for your numerous nobs.
Many have menaced you, some had a shy at you;
SALISBURY stout, and bespectacled CROSS,
Each in his season has joined in the cry at you,
Little, 'twould seem, to your damage or loss.
Still you eight-headed and lanky-limbed monster, you
Sprawl and monopolise, spread and devour.
Many assail you, but hitherto, none stir you.
Say, _has_ the hero arrived, and the hour?
No Infant Hercules, surely, can tackle you,
Ancient abortion, with hope of success.