Carlow election, TANNER observed "Gutknecht" on shaft of lead pencil
gratuitously provided. Much puzzled at this; thought at first it was
RAIKES's way of spelling good night; found on inquiry it was German.

TANNER's patriotic bosom filled with storm of indignation. "What!"
he cried, apostrophising the absent RAIKES, "at a time when trade is
declining, Ireland is unhappy, strikes are rampant, and human misery
seems to have reached its bitterest point, at such a time it might be
hoped you would have given up your days and nights to ameliorating
the common lot, instead of which you go about importing lead pencils
made in Germany, and so taking the very bread out of the mouth of the
British Workman."

Might have asked question on subject a week ago when he made
discovery; adroitly put it down for to-night; and so whilst Emperor
WILLIAM was taking leave of Grandmamma in the stately halls of
Windsor, TANNER was flinging a lead pencil at his retreating figure,
stabbing him, so to speak, in the Imperial back with a commercial
product retailed at the inconsiderable price of twopence-halfpenny a
dozen.

With some sense of relief House got into Committee of Supply. Various
questions brought up on Colonial Vote. P. and O. SUTHERLAND championed
claims of Singapore for deliverance from arbitrary conduct of
Government in levying military contributions. Doesn't often take
part in Debate; showed to-night that abstention is not due to lack of
debating faculty. Set forth case of his clients in clear business-like
speech, which commanded attention of audience, for whom topic itself
not particularly attractive.