(_An essay in the prevailing mode_).
The actual cost of hostilities has been estimated by reliable
authorities at the enormous sum of £143,468 0_s._ 0-1/2_d._ _per diem_
for this country alone. The odd halfpenny presumably represents the cost
of an evening edition bought by the official contradictor in the
exercise of his duties.
* * *
Amongst the (more or less) skilled industries that have been gravely
affected by the outbreak of hostilities must now be placed the making of
prophetic fiction. It is calculated that the number of novels dealing
with _The Next Great War_ that have had to be scrapped must run well
into four figures.
* * *
On the other hand, the number of novelists who will in the future begin
their Historical Romances, "It was in the late summer of 1914," is
beyond human calculation.
* * *
In view of the reported insurance of Westminster Abbey against damage by
air-craft, a correspondent asks what steps are being taken towards the
illumination of the Albert Memorial.
* * *
It is at least odd that Olympia should have been selected as the Ideal
Home for our Undesirable Aliens. The last German production in the same
building was _The Miracle_. Many of the interned are said to be
expecting another.
* * * * *
"Mrs. Mallaby Deeley is doing good work in securing withers for
horses."
_Harrow Observer._
And now every horse which goes to the Front can be certain of having its
own withers.
* * * * *
Illustration: _First Lady_ (_horrified at bright scarlet muffler for
Navy, the creation of second lady_). "MY DEAR--THE COLOUR! IT'LL MAKE A
TARGET FOR THE GERMANS!"
_Second Lady._ "OH! THEN IT'LL HAVE TO DO FOR THE STOKER."
* * * * *