[LORD FISHER COMES ABOARD.]
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Everyone knows that present condition of Navy, making it dominant on all
seas, is mainly due to him. Recognized as fitting thing that he should
be placed in charge of weapon that with patient endeavour, supreme
skill, unerring foresight he had forged. Never yet in time of war have
these Islands been in such safe keeping. With K. K. at the War Office
and JACK FISHER at the Admiralty British householder may sleep in his
bed o' nights unafraid.
By another happy concatenation of circumstance Admiralty is represented
in both Houses. With WINSOME WINSTON in the Commons and JACK FISHER in
the Lords, the Navy will have a good show. Only doubt is whether FIRST
SEA LORD will think it worth while to devote to Parliamentary duties the
measure of time exacted from FIRST LORD OF ADMIRALTY. Essentially a man
of action, he has little patience with custom of talking round a matter.
Nevertheless well to know that, if occasion serve, he can make a speech
far beyond average in respect of power and originality. Discovery made
when, six or seven years ago, he fluttered the decorous dovecotes of the
Royal Academy by delivering at its annual banquet a memorable speech on
condition and prospects of Navy.
Unlikely, too, that JACK FISHER will take part in perfunctory
performances, as when the House, meeting at 4.15, sits twiddling its
noble thumbs till 4.30, the hour on stroke of which public business
commences. There being none, or not any that occupies more than five
minutes, they straight-way adjourn. But, if serious debate on Naval
affairs arises, FIRST SEA LORD may be counted upon to be at his post.
_Business done_:--Address agreed to. House adjourned till Monday.
* * * * *
Illustration: A PROMISING SLEUTH-PUP.
_Nurse._ "I WONDER IF THAT MAN'S A GERMAN SPY?"
_Young Briton._ "OH, NO, NURSE! HE CAN'T BE. HE HASN'T GOT A GUN!"
* * * * *
A DEBT OF HONOUR.
[The author would be very proud if his lines might bring in any
subscriptions to the Belgian Relief Fund. Cheques, payable to
"Belgian Relief Fund," should be sent to the Belgian Minister, 15
West Halkin Street, S. W.]
Old England's dark o' nights and short
Of 'buses; still she's much the sort
Of place we always used to know.
There's women lonely--hid away,
But mills at work and kids at play,
And docks alive with come and go.
But Belgium's homes is blasted down;
Her shops is ash-heaps, town by town;
There's harvests soaked and full of dead;
There's Prussians prowling after loot
And choosing who they'd better shoot;
There's kids gone lost; there's fights for bread.
It's thanks to that there strip of sea,
And what floats on it, you and me
And things we love aren't going shares
In German culture. They'd 'a' tried
To spare us some, but we're this side.
It's so arranged--no fault of theirs.
Them Belgians had the chance to shirk,
And watch, instead of do, the work;
But no! They chose a bigger thing
And blocked the bully; gave us breath
To get our coats off. Sure as death
They're Men--a King of Men for King.
Don't think they're beat with what they've got,
And begging pennies, 'cos they're not.
It's this--their job is good and done;
They're fighting-pals; they're hungry, cold;
We owe for blood that's more than gold--
A debt of honour, or we've none.
They've stood for us; for them we'll stand
Right through; and so we'll lend a hand
Until the foe's account is quit.
That happy day is working through;
But, meanwhiles, it's for me and you--
Well, dash it, pass along your bit.
* * * * *
Illustration: "WHY, JACOB, WE THOUGHT A STURDY CHAP LIKE YOU WOULD
HAVE ENLISTED. THERE'S NOT A SOUL GONE FROM THE VILLAGE."
"BAIN'T THERE, THEN? THEY'VE GOT VOWER O' MAISTER'S 'ORSES!"
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