"They adjourned to the Village Hell, where each child was
presented with a parcel of suitable clothing."--_Tonbridge
Free Press_.

Asbestos, no doubt.

* * * * *

A PRANCING PRUSSIAN.

(_Showing how Colonel VON REUTER, late of Zabern, appealed to
his regiment to defend the honour of the Army. The following
speech is based upon evidence given at the Strassburg trial._)

My Prussian braves, on whom devolves the mission
To vindicate our gallant Army's worth,
Upholding in its present proud position
The noblest fighting instrument on earth--
If, in your progress, any vile civilian
Declines the homage of the lifted hat,
Your business is to paint his chest vermilion--
Kindly attend to that.

Never leave barracks, when you go a-shopping,
Without an escort loaded up with lead;
Always maintain a desultory popping
At anyone who wags a wanton head;
If, as he passes, some low boy should whistle
With nose in air and shameless chin out-thrust,
Making your scandalised moustaches bristle--