THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, being thoroughly convinced of the
injustice of the Income-tax, is maturing a measure for its total
abolition. To prove that he is perfectly sincere in the task he
undertakes, he has resolved to throw up office if the tax again be
voted.
MR. AYRTON is engaged in studying the Fine Arts, with a view to being
able to lecture LORD ELCHO and others on the subject, and also to defend
the action of the Government in resisting all attempts to improve the
National Gallery.
In the fear lest His Holiness be forced to quit the Vatican, MR.
WHALLEY, M.P., has written, very generously, to offer his own residence
as an asylum for the POPE, while exiled from his kingdom.
It is proposed, at the conclusion of the Tichborne trial, to treat the
Judge and Jury to a trip upon the Continent, in order to prevent them
from becoming monomaniacs, through having their minds occupied so long
with one subject.
It is considered almost certain that M. THIERS will seize a very early
opportunity to vacate his seat, as President, in favour either of the
COMTE DE PARIS or of M. GAMBETTA.
The game slaughtered at the _battues_ of eleven noble sportsmen (all
members of the Legislature), has been carefully distributed among the
East-End poor.
It has been ascertained, by an accurate survey in London and the
provinces, that no fewer than one pantomime has been produced this
season, without containing any humorous allusion to "the Claimant."
MR. GLADSTONE has received one hundred and twelve letters, from
Peterborough, Hanwell, Colney Hatch, and other places, asking for a
confirmation of the rumour that his great-great-grandmother embraced the
Jewish faith.
More than a hundred noble members of the Gun Club have withdrawn their
names this season, and have transferred their subscriptions to the
Humane Society.
Among the measures likely to be introduced by Government are: (1) a Bill
for the Reduction of the Prices charged by Butchers; (2) a Bill to
Compel Londoners to Clean their Streets in Dirty Weather; and (3) a Bill
to Disafforest Primrose Hill and the Brighton Cliffs and Racecourse.
The First Lord of the Admiralty has been taking a few lessons in
political navigation, with the view, upon emergency, of taking chief
command of the vessel of the State.
It is considered highly probable that, following the good example of
some Dramatic Managers, certain Barristers and Doctors in the very
highest practice intend to decorate their waiting-rooms with little
placards of "NO FEES!"
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