The discussion was then continued, much in the same vein, and eventually culminated in a free fight, in which the Chairman got his head broken, on declaring that a Motion further limiting the working day to two hours and a half, was lost by a narrow majority.

Yesterday afternoon the Directors’ Mutual Anti-Labour Protection Company met at their Central Offices for the despatch of their usual business.  The ordinary Report was read, which announced that though the affairs of three great Railway Companies had “gone” literally “to the dogs,” still, the Directors of each had to be congratulated on showing a firm front, in refusing to acknowledge even the existence of their employes.  The usual congratulatory Motions were put, pro forma, and passed, and, amid a general manifestation of gloomy satisfaction, the meeting was further adjourned.

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“A SALVAGE MAN.”

  Rudyard Kipling has hit on a picturesque plan;
  He describes in strong language “the savage in Man.” 
  Whilst amongst the conventions he raids and he ravages. 
  We’d like just a leetle more “Man” in his savages.

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[Illustration:  IN SELF-DEFENCE.

Jones (who has just told his best Story, and been rewarded with a gentle smile).  “UPON MY WORD, WOMEN HAVEN’T GOT THE REAL SENSE OF HUMOUR!  WHY, WHEN I HEARD THAT STORY FOR THE FIRST TIME, ONLY LAST WEEK, I SIMPLY ROARED!”

Miss Smith.  “SO DID I—­ONLY IT WAS LAST YEAR!”]

* * * * *

FROM OUR MUSICAL BOX.

We sent our Musical Box (Cox being unable to accompany him on the piano or any other instrument, by reason of the severe weather) to hear STAVENHAGEN at St. James’s Hall, Thursday last, the 22nd.  Our Musical B. was nearly turned out of the hall, he was in such ecstasies of delight over a Beethovenly concerto, which “bangs Banagher,” he said, subsequently translating the expression by explaining, “that is, beats BEETHOVEN.”  Our M.B. wept over a cadenza composed by the performer, and was only restored by the appearance—­her first—­of Madame STAVENHAGEN, who gave somebody’s grand scena far better, probably, than that somebody could have given it himself, set as it was to fine descriptive music by the clever STAVENHAGEN, which delighted all hearers, especially those who were Liszt-eners.  “Altogether,” writes our Musical Box, “a very big success.  Music is thirsty work.  I am now about to do a symphony in B. and S.”

* * * * *

VICE VERSA.

  A poet in the Forum asks the question,
  “Is Verse in Danger?” ’Tis a wild suggestion! 
  Is Verse in Danger?  Nay, that’s not the curse;
  Danger (of utter boredom) is in Verse!

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