The price of tobacco, as we have seen, is becoming a serious matter, but Ireland proposes to grapple with the problem in her own way.  The Ballinasloe Asylum Committee, according to an announcement in the Times of May 14, have decided, with the sanction of the authorities, to grow tobacco leaf for the use of their inmates.  “A doctor said that if the patients were debarred from an adequate supply of tobacco there would be no controlling them.”

As a set-off to the anti-"Cuthbert” campaign in the Press the War Cabinet has in its Report declared that “the whole Empire owes the Civil Service a lasting debt of gratitude.”  It looks as if there was something in red tape after all.  We must not, however, fail to recognise the growth of the new competitive spirit in the sphere of production, and Mr. Punch looks forward to the establishment of Cup Competitions for Clydesdale Riveters and London Allotment workers.  Woman’s work in munition factories has already been applauded; her services on the land are now more in need than ever.

[Illustration:  WOMAN POWER

CERES:  “Speed the plough!”

PLOUGHMAN:  “I don’t know who you are, ma’am, but it’s no good speeding the plough unless we can get the women to do the harvesting.”

(Fifty thousand more women are wanted on the land to take the place of men called to the colours, if the harvest is to be got in.)]

June, 1918.

The danger is not past, but grounds for hope multiply.  The new German assault between Montdidier and Noyon has brought little substantial gain at heavy cost.  The attacks towards Paris have been held, and Paris, with admirable fortitude, makes little of the attentions of “Fat Bertha.”  “The struggle must be fought out,” declared the Kaiser in the recent anniversary of his accession to the throne.  In the meanwhile no opportunities of talking it out will be overlooked by the enemy.  He is once more playing the old game of striving to promote discord between the Allies.  At the very moment when the official communiques announced the capture of 45,000 prisoners, the Chancellor began a new peace-offensive, aimed primarily at France, and supported by mendacious reports that the French Government were starting for Bordeaux, Clemenceau overthrown, and Foch disgraced.  But the campaign of falsehood has proved powerless to shake France or impose on the German people.  Commandeered enthusiasm is giving place to grave discontent.  The awakening of Germany has begun, and the promise of a speedy peace falls on deaf ears.  In the process of enlightenment the Americans have played a conspicuous part, in spite of the persistent belittlement of the military experts in the official German Press.  The stars in their courses have sometimes seemed to fight for Germany, but they are withdrawing their aid.

[Illustration:  “COMPLETE ACCORD”; OR, ALL DONE BY KINDNESS

IMPERIAL TRAINER (to his dog Karl):  “Now then, no nonsense:  through you go!”]