One of the main grievances of Indian Nationalists, whether moderate or extremist, is the treatment of their countrymen under the Asiatic Bill of South Africa, Th Jatest move made by Indians res ding in South Africa is the suggestion that the South African Govern. ment should consent to a round table conference of representatives of the Union, the Imperial and, Indian Governments and the South African Indian Congress in order to right a wrong which the Congress has described as "the compulsory: segregation of Indians, deprivation of their proprietary rights and the ultimate elimination of the Indian community." This suggestion was made by a deputation of In-inns to the Minister of Interior in South Africa who made a non-committal—repl stating that correspondence between himself and the Indian Government. progress. This Indian problem is one which has -bei evaded long by the South African Government but it is one which they will have to face sincerely if they are really interested in the integrity of the British, Empire. The feeling that among Indians that, although like the Cana~ dians and South Africans they are British subjects and presumably entitled to the privileges which that fact confers, they are treated as an inferior race hax done more almost than anything else to cause bitter feeling in tls country. In this matter Indians have a genuine grievance and the British reputation for justice demands that it should be righted.
The Calcutta Durbar The opening of the Calcutta Durbar is a reminder to society here that Lord Lytton, Governor of Bengal, is back at headquarters and that the winter season has begun. Otherwise, it would be difficult to realize, for the weather is hot and sunny and many people still wall abc out during the day in white ducks, The C leutta Durbar was a grand affair, a picturesque ceremony full of colour. rity-nine gentlemen were invested ith titles and decorations, including a Roman Catholic priest whose sober garb presented a st ing contrast to the gay attire of the rest of the assembly, particularly the military section, From now on Oaleutta will enter upon a round of social funetions which will not cease till the hot weather returns when the well. todo will flee to the hill station: and Calcutta will slumber more.
'A tance Siamese cat is an important actor in Matheson Long's production of the new play, "The Chinese Bungalow," now at the King's Theatre, Hammersmith. It Pi To secure a suitable cat enters at n tense climax of the
agents. searched London, and even asked the assistance of the Siamese Legation, Tue Orient isa country of metaphorical language, of delicate illusion. There nourished the belief that exaggeration is not misrepresentation. A grocer of Cairo recently sent out a circular to his potential clients: which read as follows:
"Every day on which you neglect to visit our splendid establishment will Teave you irreparable regrets.
"Our employees are as swift as a mother trying to-marry a lionel: backed, dowerless daughter, They will afford you the joy which is felt by a husband when his lawyer tells him that his divorce has been awarded.
"As for our merchandise, it is without equal in the entire' world, Our mustard is as sharp asthe words of an impatient creditor, Our prunes are as sweet as the discourse of a banker. Our pre. serves are fresher than fresh fruit.
"We despatch orders which given us with the speed of a can nan ball, and goods are packed even as the departed in thely! coffins.'
It is to be hoped that this grocer ith the poetic imagination will sez his efforts rewarded. Surely he deserving of - it—Le Pele-Mi (Paris). tes ath
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.