It is fortunate that the PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE possesses a most imperturbable character.  He is daily bombarded with the most diverse questions regarding the effects of the Government’s fiscal policy.  The paper manufacturers are being ruined because paper is being allowed in; export traders are suffering because glass bottles are kept out; the textile trades cannot compete with their foreign rivals because of the high price of olive-oil.  But for all inquirers Mr. BRIDGEMAN has a soft answer, delivered in level tones, discouraging further catechism.

A delightful inconsistency is one of Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK’S many claims upon the affection of the House.  Not long ago he wrote a book in praise of Toryism as a democratic creed; so it was perfectly natural that when Mr. CECIL HARMSWORTH (a Coalition Liberal) had explained that law and order must be restored before an inquiry could usefully be held into the causes of the Egyptian riots Lord HENRY should burst out with, “When will my hon. friend begin to apply Liberal principles?”

Mr. BOTTOMLEY is the latest convert to “P.R.,” as the result of a mock-election in which he came out top of the poll, with the PRIME MINISTER second, Mr. HOGGE third, and Messrs. BALFOUR and ASQUITH among the “also ran;” but Mr. BONAR LAW, who can be very dense when he likes, did not see in that an argument for the general adoption of the system.

The “Wee Frees” made a last and unavailing attempt to defeat the new Military Service Bill.  Mr. GEORGE THORNE, Major HAYWARD and others made great play with the PRIME MINISTER’S “No Conscription” pledge, and Mr. NEWBOULD in a maiden speech declared that what West Leyton had said yesterday England would say to-morrow.  But it was noticeable that not one of the opponents of the Bill was unwilling to give the Government the powers they required if they were really necessary.

Mr. CHURCHILL revealed himself in a new role as a financier, and proved to his own satisfaction that the Army Estimates of L506,500,000 would, if properly manipulated, work out at little more than a fourth of that amount.  Between now and the Budget Mr. CHAMBERLAIN might do worse than get his versatile colleague to explain away the National Debt.

[Illustration:  THE PROMISE OF MAY.

Peace.  “IF YOU’RE WAKING, CALL ME EARLY, CALL ME EARLY, BONAR DEAR, FOR I’M TO BE QUEEN OF THE MAY, BONAR; I’M TO BE QUEEN OF THE MAY.”]

Tuesday, April 1st.—­Twenty years ago there used to be a not infrequent headline in The Times, “The Duke of Devonshire on Technical Education,” which always struck on my frivolous spirit with a touch of infinite prose.  It is the same nowadays, I regret to say, with a Lords’ debate on the national resources.  The Upper House is filled with eminent financiers—­men who think in millions and who under our glorious Constitution may not propose an expenditure of sixpence without