* * * * *

OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.

[Illustration]

The Baron recognises, with pleasure, the actuality of the dramatic scenes In Cambridge Courts, by Mr. LEHMANN.  The dialogues during rehearsal at the A.D.C., and of the Classic Play, are about the best of the many best things in the book.  Mightily disappointed is the Baron with Mr. J.H.  SHORTHOUSE’s Lady Falaise, which, beginning so strongly, ends so feebly.  Powerful it promised to be; exciting it promised to be; but weak it becomes, and, now and again, wearisome.  Sorry for this is

THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS.

* * * * *

QUERIES FOR CANDIDATES (L.C.C.)

(WHAT THEY MAY COME TO.)

As the County Council now has power over the Tramways of London, will you pledge yourself to see that smoking carriages, comfortable cushions, waiting-rooms at street-corners, and constant civility, are provided for passengers?

Will you abolish the irritating and nefarious Ticket System?

How long do you think it will be before the electric light is universally established in the cars?

What is your view as to the provision of suitable places for wet umbrellas?

Will you at once vote for “Free or Assisted Locomotion”?

If a wheel of your private carriage comes off owing to skidding in the Tramway line, will you pledge yourself not to bring any claim for compensation against the Rates?

Will you vote for the summary dismissal of any Conductor who proceeds to count the passengers after being informed that he is “full inside”?

Is it a fact that you have promised to introduce “Pullman Palace Restaurant Cars, with free lunches,” on the Tram-lines?  If so, do you contemplate providing the cost out of your own resources, or how?

You state in your Address to the Electors that you “are desirous of reducing the hours of Tram employes to four a day, with two months’ holiday in the year, and of giving a general rise of wages up to about L2 extra per week.”  Will you kindly say how you reconcile this desire with your expressed intention to “run the concern on the most economical plan, so as to save the pockets of the Ratepayers”?

It is reported that you have pledged yourself, if elected, to see that the Tram Conductors “get their Saturday to Monday at Brighton as a regular thing.”  How do you propose to carry out this part of your programme?

Do you consider yourself justified, in face of the above statements, in characterising the rival Candidate for the Council as “attempting to catch the Labour Vote by an impudent combination of insincere flattery, and fraudulent promises”?

* * * * *

[Illustration:  MR. PUNCH ON TOUR.  A REMINISCENCE OF THE RYDE SEASON.]

* * * * *