Com.-in-Chief.  Then, Sir, there’s General GOODENOUGH at Maidstone, and General DAWSON-SCOTT at Chatham.

Insp.-Gen. Is he a Volunteer?

Com.-in-Chief (laughing).  Why no, Sir; of course not, Sir.  Why he’s in the Royal Engineers.  Although in my Crimean days we never considered Sappers soldiers.  We used to say that—­

Insp.-Gen. (severely).  No levity, Sir.  And pray who else is to be in command?

Com.-in-Chief.  Well, Sir, I shall be present myself on Saturday, and then take the March-past on Monday.

Insp.-Gen. Yes; but how about the Volunteers?  What about them?  Why don’t you let the officers command their own men?

Com.-in-Chief.  Why, Sir, you see in time of war—­

Insp.-Gen. (interrupting).  You would find Volunteer officers as capable as any others.  Your Royal Highness has no doubt studied the lessons taught by the war between the Northerners and the Southerners in America?

Com.-in-Chief.  I have glanced at the subject, Sir, at the Royal United Service Institute.  And may I venture to hope that you are satisfied, Sir?

Insp.-Gen. (after a pause).  Well, yes, I think you are doing better.  But, in future, give a share of the command to Volunteers pur et simple.  And now just jot down what I have further to say to you.

    [Scene closes in upon the COM.-IN-CHIEF taking notes.

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CONNECTED WITH THE PRESS.

At a recent meeting of the Institute of Journalists, it was proposed that future candidates for membership should undergo an examination to test their qualifications before election.  Should the proposal be adopted, no doubt some such paper as the following will be set to those desirous of obtaining the right of adding “M.I.J.” to their names.

1.  Would you as a Reporter venture to use such expressions as “devouring element” or “destructive fluid” in sending in “flimsy” to a London Daily Paper?  State when you would consider yourself entitled to describe yourself “a Special.”

2.  What are the rights of a Journalist at a free luncheon?  If an Editor finds himself present, should he return thanks for the Press himself, or leave that duty in the hands of a bumptious Reporter.

3.  Write an essay upon the Law of Libel, and say when a paper, (1) should apologise, (2) fight it out, and, (3) settle it out of Court.

4.  Define the difference between a “comment of public importance” and a “puffing advertisement.”

5.  What is “log-rolling?” Give examples to illustrate the meaning of the word.

6.  Show, concisely, why the World could not revolve without the Press, and why the Press would cease to be without your own personal assistance.

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