POSTSCRIPTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 7, 10 January 1944, Page 4

POSTSCRIPTS

Chronicle and Comment

BY PERCY FLAGE -As there has been no substantiation of the rumour of the-Duce's suicide, it must be assumed he missed. > * * # As Mark v Twain put it, the classics are something everybody praises and nobody reads. * * ♦ ;. The Germans would have a marvellous life if they had half as. much to eat as they have to swallow. * # * , INQUIRY. Percy Flage,—Would be very pleased if you could publish in your columns the words to the song "Boni Was a Warrior" (Bonaparte). Thanking you, ANONYMOUS. We haven't heard of the song. Is there a Postscripter who knows it? * * * MORE CAUTIOUS. When General Smuts returned home after visiting' with the Allies in Europe he "had something to say concerning peace prospects: "I have no doubt of final victory, but . I am anxious for it to come as soon as possible because of the wretched state of Europe, which may become an even greater problem than war. Some experts think the war will end - next year (1944). I am inclined to take a more cautious view." * ' # * ALL IN GOOD TIME. Before the war a Scotsman travelling in Palestine learned of an addition to his family circle. The happy father immediately provided himself with some water from the Jordan to carry home for the christening, and returned to Scotland. On the Sunday appointed for the ceremony he presented himself at the church and sought out the beadle in order to hand over the precious water. He pulled the flask from his pocket, but the beadle held up a warning hand and came nearer to whisper:— "No the noo, sir; no the noo! Maybe after the kirk's oot!" * * * IN FRIENDLY STREET. I know a garden in Friendly Street—* I peep into it as I pass— Where the flowers all nod in a friendly; way, .And shadows minuet on the grass. Now the flowers in choral unison blend— • The moment is most opportune— For the wind plays carillon on hollyhock bells, And the bees hum an organ-lika tune. Where high on a bough as the evening sun sets, A thrush sings with exquisite grace; And my heart goes a-soaring on wings of song, Up, up to the blueness of space. So when peace comes again to this battle-scarred world, It will be in these havens divine, Where the wounded, the weary, and broken of heart May drink of contentment as wine. POLLY FLINDERS. * * * ON THE JUMP. The swift Russian offensive has kept Hitler and his headquarters staff on the jump, reports a reliant informant from Germany. They have been on the run seven times within the last nine months. At no time, says the writer, has the Fuhrer been closer than ten miles behind the last line of defence. "The perfect camouflage of his headquarters is most astonishing," the informant said. "Aviators flying over the spot even at low altitudes are unable to detect it. As many as 40 anti-aircraft guns were counted around the last location. Air-raid shelters are always at hand, and when Russian planes approach there is great nervousness. Hitler goes into the shelter immediately, continuing there whatever j discussions "are interrupted."