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Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1981, 11 May 1875, Page 2

A Terribly Prosaic Notion.—l* is surprising that among the many schemes for increasing the revenue in the least irksome method to_th© community the Imposition of stamp duties, on offers of marriage has nerer been seriously considered. There can be little doubt that such an impost would not only be cheerfully paid, but would bring in a considerable sum annually to the Exchequer. It would, moreover, do more than anything else to put an end to those "breach i of promise cases " which giro rise to so i much unseemly mirth and desecrate some of the noblest feelings of our nature. If it were rendered illegal to make a proposal or accept one except by a stamped document it would be impossible for the most heartless trifler to get out of his or her engagements on the ground of "no serious intentions," -This plan would, moreover, throw a spirit or earnestness into social intercourse which is sadly required. Unstamped professions of ad-' miration or affection would-be looked upon not only as hollow flirtation, but as attempts to defraud the revenue, subjecting the gay deceiver to a penalty, part of which would go to the informer.—Pall Mall Gazette Never Satisfied.—A gentleman travelling through one of the most picturesque, ' portions of the White Mountainjregion" saw a farmer at work, and, being of a sociable disposition, .approached the man, expatiated on. the beauty trad majesty pi the surrounding scenery, concluded witjv, the remark, /'.I suppose,, nay fciend^yojl enjoy this glorious view that people come so far to look at p " " Why, yos," was • the response;." but if I'd had the lortiu 1 of these hills I'd made 'em a little peakeder."