Friday.—­Strike continues.  Well I do not complain.  Hired a hansom and find that considering the cab takes you up to door, it is really cheaper in the long run.  If you use an omnibus, you get jolted, and run a chance of smashing your hat.  If it rains you get splashed and having to finish your journey on foot, you might just as well have walked the whole way.

Saturday.—­Strike arranged to cease on Monday!  This is too much!  Just as we were getting comfortable, all the disgusting lumbering old omnibuses are to come back again!  It ought not to be allowed.  Asked to-day to contribute something in support of the strikers.  Certainly, the longer the strike lasts the better for the Public.

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[Illustration:  WHO’D HAVE THOUGHT IT?!!

First Slender Invalid.  “I SAY, OLD MAN, WHAT A BEASTLY THING THIS INFLUENZA IS, EH?  I’M JUST GETTING OVER IT.”

His Wasting Friend.  “AH!  YOU’RE RIGHT, MY BOY!  I’VE HAD IT TOO, AND THE WORST OF IT IS, IT PULLS A FELLOW DOWN SO FEARFULLY!!”]

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EXPLANATIONS A LA MODE.

(A PROPHETIC FORECAST, BY A PROFESSIONAL PESSIMIST.)

1891.  The Leader of the House explains, in answer to a question, that no understanding exists between England and any Foreign country.  No treaty is in contemplation, and never has been suggested on either side.

1892.  The Government repeats that England is absolutely free from any international engagements.  It must not be thought for a moment that a single battalion will be moved, or a solitary vessel dispatched abroad with warlike intentions.

1893.  The Representative of the Cabinet once more denies the suggestion that, under any consideration whatever, will England bind herself to accept European responsibility.  This has been said constantly for the last three years, and the Representative of the Cabinet is not only surprised but pained at these frequent and embarrassing interrogations.

1894.  Once more, and for the last time, the PREMIER insists that whatever may happen abroad, England will be free from interference.  It has been the policy of this great country for the last four years to steer clear of all embarrassing international complications.  The other Great Powers are perfectly aware that, under no circumstances whatever, will our Army and Fleet be employed in taking part in the quarrels of our neighbours.  The entire Cabinet are grieved at questions so frequently put to them—­questions that are not only disquieting abroad, but a slur upon the intentions of men whose sole duty is the safety and peace of the British Empire.

1895.  General European War—­England in the midst of it!

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VOCES POPULI.

BEFORE THE MECHANICAL MODELS.

A SKETCH AT THE ROYAL NAVAL EXHIBITION.