“It’s a new way to London, good TOBY,” he said, when I congratulated him on the double event.  “Some gentlemen who faint in St. John’s Wood objected on what I believe are called aesthetical grounds.  But there are several big towns between here and Sheffield wanted the short cut, and I determined they should have it.  Things looked bad last Session, and perhaps some fellows would have given up.  I have a little way of never giving up, and it’s astonishing how far it’ll carry you.  We’re not through the Lords yet,—­though, as you say, we are through their cricket-ground.  But you’ll see, before twelve months are over, I’ll bring a train straight from Sheffield into our own station in London, and if you only live a little longer, you shall come with me on the first trip from Charing Cross to Paris under the Channel Tunnel.  Everything, TOBY, cher ami, comes to the man who won’t wait.”

Business done.—­Small Holdings Bill practically through Committee.

* * * * *

TRAMWAYS.

FROM THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE FUTURE.)

April 2, 1894.—­The County Council at yesterday’s meeting discussed the proposed new Tramway from Westminster Bridge to the Round Pond, through the Abbey, St. James’s Park and Rotten Row.  Deputations from all the artistic and archaeological Societies presented petitions against it, but the Council refused to read them.  Deputations from the Institute of Architects and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings also attended to give their views on the partial demolition of the Abbey, but they quarrelled so much amongst themselves that it was necessary to eject them, in order to prevent a free fight in the Council Chamber.  Three Labour Candidates were then received, the Council standing respectfully, and stated that at least twenty-seven persons residing in Southwark would benefit by the direct route to Kensington Gardens.  It was at once resolved that the Tramway should be made.

May 2, 1901.—­Yesterday an immense Demonstration of Working-Men was held in Hyde Park to protest against the extension of the Tramways.  Mr. JOHN SCALDS presided, and observed in his speech, “What is the good of taking the Working-Man from his own door to a park, if there is no park at the other end, only asphalte and tramlines and some stumps of trees cut down?  What is the good of taking him to Westminster Abbey, if Poets’ Corner has been made into a tramcar-shed?  Besides, now the Working-Man is so much richer, and pays no rates or taxes, he does not want trams.  They are only fit for the miserable Middle Class, and who cares about them?” This was greeted with loud shouts of, “Down with the Council!” and the vast assemblage marched with threatening cries and gestures towards the recently completed County Council Offices.  Our readers are aware that this sumptuous building, which cost over two millions, occupies the site where