The Chancellor of the Exchequer, being thoroughly convinced of the injustice of the Income-tax, is maturing a measure for its total abolition. To prove that he is perfectly sincere in the task he undertakes, he has resolved to throw up office if the tax again be voted.
Mr. Ayrton is engaged in studying the Fine Arts, with a view to being able to lecture Lord Elcho and others on the subject, and also to defend the action of the Government in resisting all attempts to improve the National Gallery.
In the fear lest His Holiness be forced to quit the Vatican, Mr. Whalley, M.P., has written, very generously, to offer his own residence as an asylum for the Pope, while exiled from his kingdom.
It is proposed, at the conclusion of the Tichborne trial, to treat the Judge and Jury to a trip upon the Continent, in order to prevent them from becoming monomaniacs, through having their minds occupied so long with one subject.
It is considered almost certain that M. Thiers will seize a very early opportunity to vacate his seat, as President, in favour either of the Comte de Paris or of M. Gambetta.
The game slaughtered at the battues of eleven noble sportsmen (all members of the Legislature), has been carefully distributed among the East-End poor.
It has been ascertained, by an accurate survey in London and the provinces, that no fewer than one pantomime has been produced this season, without containing any humorous allusion to "the Claimant."
Mr. Gladstone has received one hundred and twelve letters, from Peterborough, Hanwell, Colney Hatch, and other places, asking for a confirmation of the rumour that his great-great-grandmother embraced the Jewish faith.
More than a hundred noble members of the Gun Club have withdrawn their names this season, and have transferred their subscriptions to the Humane Society.
Among the measures likely to be introduced by Government are: (1) a Bill for the Reduction of the Prices charged by Butchers; (2) a Bill to Compel Londoners to Clean their Streets in Dirty Weather; and (3) a Bill to Disafforest Primrose Hill and the Brighton Cliffs and Racecourse.