No wonder Mr. LLOYD GEORGE hurried off to France.

* * * * *

    “On the earth, the broken acres; In the heaven, a perfect
    ground.”—­The Canadian Churchman.

Of course Canada is before everything an agricultural country, and we feel sure that BROWNING would be the last man to object to any adaptation of his lines which would make them more suited to the needs of the people and the times.

* * * * *

THEATRICAL CORRESPONDENCE

SUPPLYING ONE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION, “WHY DOES A DRAMATIST GROW OLD SOONER THAN ANYONE ELSE?”

From G. Sheridan Smith, author, to Sir James Benfield, actor-manager.

Dear Sir,—­Herewith I am forwarding a copy of an original three-act comedy, entitled, Men and Munitions.  As the interest is largely topical I should he much obliged if you could let me have your verdict upon it with as little delay as possible.

Faithfully yours,

G. SHERIDAN SMITH.

From the Same to his friend, Buskin Browne, actor.

Dear B.B.,—­By this post I am sending my new comedy, Men and Munitions, to your manager, whom I believe it should suit.  If an occasion served for you to put in a word about it without too much trouble, I should be eternally grateful.

Yours ever, G.S.S.

From Buskin Browne, in answer.

My Dear Man,—­With all the pleasure in life.  I fancy we’re changing our bill shortly, and, as farce is all the rage just now, I’ll boom your Munition Mad directly I get a chance.  Best of luck.

Yours, BEE-BEE.

From G. Sheridan Smith, in reply.  A telegram.

Thousand thanks play called men and munitions comedy not farce.

From the Same to the Same, six weeks later.

Dear B.B.,—­I hate to trouble you, but as I’ve heard nothing yet from the management about my comedy I am writing to ask if you can give me any idea of Sir J.B.’s intentions regarding it.  Did he say anything that you dare repeat?

Yours, G.S.S.

From Buskin Browne, in answer, a fortnight later.

Dear old Boy,—­No chance as yet, as the chief has been away ill.  But he comes back on Saturday, when I will mention the farce to him without fail.

Yours “while this machine is to him,” BEE-BEE.

From G. Sheridan Smith, to Sir James Benfield, a month later.

Dear Sir,—­I was profoundly grieved to learn from a mutual friend that you had been so long on the sick list.  Now, however, that you are at work again, and (I trust) fully restored to health, may I hope for a verdict upon my comedy, Men and Munitions, at your earliest convenience?

With warmest congratulations,

I am, Faithfully yours,

G. SHERIDAN SMITH.