Considering for what Constituency the Premier is Member of Parliament, the majority of people cannot but be, momentarily at least, startled and taken aback by the information in the first place that Gladstone has a Cartridge Factory in Greenwich Marshes, and, secondly, that it has been the scene of a terrific explosion. Nor certainly are they likely to be re-assured by the further intelligence that:—
"A few weeks ago the Government seized 365 cases of ball cartridge, each containing 20 lb. weight, which had been manufactured by Mr. Gladstone for the French Government during the late war."
The obvious suggestion conveyed by this statement is, that there has occurred not only a terrific explosion in the borough of Greenwich, but also a not less alarming blow-up in the Cabinet. Absit omen!
ELEGANT ADVERTISING.
If you like, read this advertisement from the Christian World:—
CO-PARTNER WANTED, by a highly respectable Man, aged 30, member of Spurgeon's. A gentlemanly person required, a believer with about £50, and who can travel.—Address, &c.
Hm! In the first place a gentlemanly person would not wish to hear his partner talk in that exceedingly curt way of their minister and his flock. "Member of Spurgeon's." "One who regularly attends the ministrations of the Reverend C. H. Spurgeon, B.M." would be more gentlemanly language. Nextly, "a believer with about £50" reads rather Mammonish. It suggests that a sceptic with about £75, or a positivist with about £100, would not be unacceptable. Thirdly, "who can travel." Who can't travel with about £50? Mr. Cook will give you a return-ticket for the Pyramid for about that. Fourthly, the "and" is abominable English. We wish our esteemed friend the Christian World would edit its advertisements. We really can't be always doing it.