Now England and France can thus gossip together,
And CARNOT and SALISBURY thus hob-a-nob,
We'll hope for set-fair international weather.
Our RAIKES and their ROCHE appear well "on the job."
The Telephone's triumph at least is not sinister.
Things should go easier somehow—with care,
When patriot Minister greets patriot Minister,
"Hallo!—are you there?"
ANOTHER TELEPHONIC SUGGESTION.—Connect the Theatres and Opera Houses by Telephone with all the Clubs. On payment of a fixed charge, any member should be able to hear just as much of the piece or Opera as he might require. Something above the price of a Stall to be the maximum charge for one person to hear entire Opera. For half the Opera, say six shillings; for a quarter of it, three-and-six. For hearing one song in it, eighteen-pence; and, if certain songs be in great demand, the prices could be raised.