11 JULY 1903, Page 3

Mr. Chauncey Depew illustrated the growth of America as a

world-Power and her peculiar relations with Britain In a humorous apologue. " Miss Columbia was a hundred and twenty-seven years old, but she was the youngest and most fascinating creature that there was `on this foot- stool.' Nobody cared for her among the Powers five years ago, but now they were all courting her, and it had set her up a little." After describing how Britain's intervention during the war in Cuba had made Columbia's heart jump, he then dramatised the overtures of Russia, of France, of Germany, and wound up: "But when they were all gone, she bid me bring to John Bull this message : I cannot marry you, John, but I will be a sister to you." That is a really excellent piece of political humour.