Strong drinks have now been prohibited all over Russia, and it looks as
if Germany is not the only country whose future lies on the water.
* * *
Rumour has it that Germany is not too pleased with Austria's
achievements in the War, and there has been in consequence not a little
Potsdam-and-Perlmuttering between the two.
* * *
"When the KAISER goes to places beyond the railway," we are told, "he
travels in a motor-car which, besides being accompanied by aides-de-camp
and bodyguards, is also watched by special secret field police." We are
glad to learn that every precaution is taken to prevent his escape.
* * *
The KAISER once desired to be known as "The Peace King." His eldest son,
to judge by his alleged burglarious exploits, now wishes to be known as
the CHARLES PEACE Prince.
* * *
It is said that Major VON MANTEUFFEL, who superintended the destruction
of Louvain, has been recalled. We presume he will have to explain why he
left the Town Hall standing.
* * *
We still have to go to Germany for news about our own country. The
latest reliable report is to the effect that there is now serious
friction between KING GEORGE and Lord KITCHENER, the former having
become alarmed at the raising of "Kitchener's Army." The WAR MINISTER,
the KING fears, is aiming at the throne, and it is now being recalled
that Lord KITCHENER, when a young man, was once told by a soothsayer,
"K stands for King."
* * *
We learn from _The Daily Call_ that, in proportion to the number of its
inhabitants, Bâle is the richest city in Europe. The Swiss, we fancy,
will scarcely thank our contemporary for drawing attention to this fact
in view of the well-known cupidity of a certain neighbour of theirs.
* * *
There is a proposal on foot to form a corps of Solicitors. By a pretty
legal touch it is suggested that they might train between six and eight.
* * *
_The Daily News_ the other day, in describing the fortunate escape of a
midshipman from the _Cressy_, told its readers that, when pulled out of
the water, the cadet "was not wearing a single garment. He was provided
with clothes and eventually put on a British destroyer." While his
choice of covering does credit to the young gentleman's spirit, we think
he would have done better to put on the clothes.
* * *
A naturalisation certificate has been granted to that clever English
authoress, the Countess ARNIM. We congratulate Elizabeth on escaping
from "her German Garden."
* * *
"Few people," says _The Witney Gazette_, "are familiar with the history
and resources of Belgium." How true this is may be seen from our
contemporary's next statement:--"A large section of its population
consists of a race known as the Walloons, the ancient descendants of the
Belgians."
* * *
"Father," asked the actor's little son, "why does the KAISER wear a
helmet with an eagle on the top of it?" "To show that he's 'got the
bird,'" replied the brilliant Thespian.
* * *
By the way, the statement that "The TSAR has left for the theatre of
war" has caused the keenest satisfaction in histrionic circles, where it
is hoped that this illustrious example will cause the fashionable world
to revert to its habit of patronising the stage.
* * *
General VON STEIN, who was responsible for the German official
_communiqués_, has, we learn from the German Press, been superseded.
Evidently he did not chronicle sufficient victories. The German public,
when it asks for _Brod_, does not care to get a _Stein_.
* * *
An overheard conversation: "I see that both you and your wife have sent
blankets to the soldiers." "Yes. She sent mine, so I sent hers."
* * *
A dear old lady who read about the theft of an Italian submarine last
week writes to say that she hopes that the police are keeping an eye on
our _Dreadnoughts_.
* * * * *