While publicists and economic experts were shaking their grey hairs over the prospect of national bankruptcy, the P.M.G. and the C. of E. were weeping jazz tears of joy as the national debt lifted before their eyes “like mist unrolled on the morning wind.”  And then certain unsophisticated Members of a new, a very new, House of Commons began their deadly work.  As a result the main scheme of national solvency is in danger.

There are those who still think that the franchise was extended to women merely as an objective piece of political justice.  I hate cynicism, and I should be the last to throw cold water on an ideal, but, as I said, the real fruits of that political master-stroke are in danger.

While millions of enfranchised women were quietly engaged in writing twice a week to their particular Member, at three half-pence a time (or more), they were unconsciously assisting the considered policy of His Majesty’s Government, which was that such letters should be written and remain unanswered; that more letters and still more should be written, stamped and posted to demand an answer, and that still more should be written to friends and relations exposing the grave lack of courtesy at Westminster.

But, alas! certain Members, with monumental naivete, have thought fit to take their correspondence seriously.  They have put questions to Ministers.  They have in so many crude words openly on the floor of the House referred to “the increase in the number of letters which Members now receive from their constituents on parliamentary matters, owing to the recent additions to the franchise and its extension to women.”  They have pleaded for the privilege of “franking” their answers.  Could perversity go further?  What woman will continue to write to a Member who satisfies her curiosity?  And what of the unwritten, unstamped, unposted letters of just indignation to friends and relations?

The P.M.G.’s laconic answer to this monstrous request, “I do not think it would be expedient,” was highly commendable as a feat of Ministerial restraint.  But the gloom that has settled on him is only too solidly grounded.  These afflicted Members are out to raise a sentimental public opinion in support of their silly demand.  Then, of course, the Government will capitulate, and the country will go Bolshevik from excessive taxation.

Will not all patriotic women constituents write at once to their Members and point out the folly of this agitation?

* * * * *

[Illustration:  “I SHALL NEVER FIND ANYONE ELSE LIKE YOU.  YOU SEE, YOU’RE SO DIFFERENT FROM OTHER GIRLS.”

“OH, BUT YOU’LL FIND LOTS OF OTHER GIRLS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER GIRLS.”]

* * * * *

OLD SOLDIERS.

  They dug us down and earthed us in, their hasty shovels plying,
    Us the poor dead of Oudenarde, Ramillies, Waterloo;
  We heard their drum-taps fading and their trumpet fanfares dying
  As they marched away and left us, in the dark and silence lying,
    Home-bound for happy England and the green fields that we knew.