Ney.—­Please explain two things about the war.  First:  How did the Mobile Guard come to leave Mobile?  Second:  Is Francs-Tireurs the French for FRANK BUTLER’S black-and-tan terriers?

Answer.—­We cannot perceive much difference between NEY and BRAY.

Artichoke.—­You are mistaken in supposing total deafness to be an indispensable qualification in a candidate for the position of prompter to a theatre.

Flippertygibbet.—­How is the belligerent attitude of the Russian Bear likely to affect the New York money market?

Answer.—­Turn a rushin’ bear into any market, and see what the result will be.

Paterfamilias.—­I am the unhappy father of three brace of twins, and wish to dispose of one out of each brace.  Can you advise me in the matter?

Answer.—­If you don’t mind being put in the Lockup, perhaps you had better apply to “Dr.”  LOOKUP.

Sad-you-See.—­We cannot sympathize with you in your wail about the markets being “flat.”  Wait a while, patiently, and they will come “round.”

Peter Dole.—­Your questions about cooking turkeys for Thanksgiving Day are so multitudinous, that we can only reply to them generally.  In Europe it is the usage for Crowned Heads and their families, only, to eat sausages with their turkey; and, if ever the true story of the Man with the Iron Mask comes to be unveiled, it is more than likely that the mystery will be found to hinge upon that fact.

* * * * *

A PRESIDENTIAL FLOUT.

According to the Washington special despatches to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the President has tendered a Cabinet appointment to several distinguished members of the Union League of that city.  Either from excessive modesty, however, or, as is probable, from prudent doubts as to their ability to fill the position, all of these gentlemen have declined to accept the offer.

It is surmised that the object of the President’s recent visit to Philadelphia (ostensibly to see his old friend, Mr. BORIE), was to examine the roll of the League, comprising two thousand members, for the purpose of selecting one who might serve on a pinch to fill the office in question.

This was a bitter stroke of satire on the part of Mr. GRANT, since it is generally understood in Philadelphia, that, outside the ranks of the Mutual Admiration Society to which we have referred, there are no brains to be found among the Republicans of Philadelphia.

* * * * *

A Bubble of Air.

What is the most favorable sort of weather for ballooning?

Highly favorable weather.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  THE THREE CENTS.

An Incident both Dramatic and True.

SLINEY, OF SWAMPVILLE, COMES TO THE CITY.  AS HE SHAMBLES ALONG THREE
BRIGHT CENTS FALL AT HIS FEET.  AMAZEMENT OF SLINEY, WHO GAZES UP AT AN
OPEN WINDOW, BUT, NOT SEEING ANY PERSON THERE, SUPPOSES THAT SHOWERS OF
COPPERS ARE PECULIAR TO THE CLIMATE.