IT may be well to consider whether the House of Commons is The Palace of has many points of resemblance to the successors of the old coffee houses. You will find in it and some less eligible. There is not a member who has not successfully braved the terrors of the ballot box. It is true that the election is, at most, for seven years, and not for life. The more lengthy period is reserved for the occupants of ; but then they are not chosen at all. Anyone can belong to the Peers-it is only a question of birth. But a member of the House of Commons has to be proposed, seconded, and elected. He enters backed by a majority of votes. Under these circumstances, it would not be wrong to say that, of the two chambers, the lower is the more select.

said a friend of mine the other day.

This was said to me in the strangers' coffee room. The apartment did not differ in appearance from the saloons we are accustomed to in or . The tables were laid out for four. Those nearest the windows, as usual, were most in request. Through the glass panes a charming view of the river could be obtained.

replied the hon. legislator who had been entertaining me, to my laudatory observation;

In spite of the pessimistic tone in which my friend spoke, I could see that he was quite satisfied with his surroundings.