They declare that Ireland’s population has been reduced one-half, while Great Britain’s has been doubled, and that their country has been loaded down with taxes heavier than it could bear.

[**Transcriber’s Note:  heaver changed to heavier]

Under these circumstances they find it impossible to take part in the rejoicings.

* * * * *

There has been another disappointment in connection with the Jubilee.

One of the great princes of Hindustan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, possessed a very wonderful diamond, called the “great white diamond,” which it was his intention to present to the Queen during the celebrations.

This diamond was the largest known brilliant in the world.

It is said that it was stolen from the Kimberley Mines in South Africa, and taken to Europe.  It was such a big and costly stone that no one could be found who wanted it; and so it was taken to India, because the Hindu princes are very fond of fine stones and are willing to pay a great price for them.

This great white diamond is said to have cost the Nizam of Hyderabad about a million and a half dollars, which he was quite willing to pay to become the possessor of the finest diamond in the world.

A short time ago it is said that he wanted to have the jewel reset before he presented it to the Queen; and on the stone being fetched from his cabinet he made the dreadful discovery that the real gem had been stolen, and a paste imitation put in its place.

The Nizam, therefore, loses his million and a half, and the Queen of England her costly present.

* * * * *

There is an amusing story about King Leopold of Belgium in connection with the Jubilee.

It would appear that King Leopold is a very eccentric monarch, and that it is his habit to disappear from his kingdom every now and then, and wander about the world like an ordinary gentleman.

His little ways are well known by this time, so no anxiety is felt about him, and the Court newspapers put in the usual accounts that His Majesty breakfasted here, and lunched or dined there, just the same, whether His Majesty is in the kingdom or not.  Last week affairs of state got to be a little tiresome to him, so, without a word of warning to any one, he packed his grip, went aboard his yacht, and steamed over to England.

He was seen in London eating in cafes, strolling in the Park, and enjoying himself in a quiet, harmless way, watching the preparations for the Jubilee.

None of his royal relatives knew that he was in the country, until Victoria, paying a state visit to the little town of Sheffield, was surprised to see His Majesty the King of the Belgians standing in the front row of the crowd that lined the sidewalks to see her pass.

Finding himself recognized, Leopold followed Her Majesty to Scotland, and paid her a short visit.  Immediately his duty was done, he started off again on his yacht, and he has not since been heard from.