Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-09-14

hopes to have a considerable number OF
trains ready to run by January 1.
Meanwhile, although the progress OF the
underground is not very apparent, Lon
doners are much more interested in the
new thoroughfare between Holborn and
the Strand. and are beginning to get seri-
ously dissatisfied that this great enter
prise Is not going forward with greater
rapidity. We have a new Gaiety Thcatsr,
a new roadway that at present goes no
where in particular. and nothing moro but
duce spectators to buy leases. The county
council has heightened the duration OF
these leases and lessened the severity OF
some of the other conditions. but still
part OF the western Strand Ia still a hGwl-
ing wilderness.
War Office reform is not Ill Of a D1'li-
tary character. A reorganization ana re-
classification OF the clerical stan of the
war office hear is about to take place.
In anticipation Of this reorganization a
proposal for laying before the war secre.
tary Joint representation on behalf OF
in the department is on foot. The second
division clerks are now Ills backbone OF
the civil service, and 1t was the inten-
tlon of those who formulated the orders
in council creating the division that pro-
motion to the highest positions should be
open to them after meritorious eelv!te.
Sire ng complaint Is made among the sec
ond division men that POSITIONS or hRh
given to young and inexperienced men from
the universities. 1t Is said, indee that in
the course of twenty-six years only three
second division clerks have heen promoted
to the higher division In the war Office.
An organization of the seconl division
clerks with view to definite rerreRen-
tation of their claims Is talked OF.
The British Museum Extension.
The extension of the British Museum,
soon to be undertaken, will be the most
important addition since the completion of
the main structure, fully half ascentury ago.
The museum has undergone little or no ex-
ternal change since the white wing was
added to the southeast end in 1870. What
is now projected is the building Of large
wing along the northern side, with 'front.'
age and entrance in Montague place. This
thoroughfare. we'll known to Americans,
connecting Bedford and Russell squares.
has long been q street of boarding houses
and private hotels. like dozens Of other
streets In the same neghborhood. Today
1t is in a state of semi-demolition, the
houses on the south side having been torn
down to make way for the growth OF the
museum. 1t Isl understand. intended that
the new frontage in Montague street will
be of the same noble style of Ionic archi-
lecture as the main front in Great Russell
street. There will not be the same profu
grace and dignity to the south exterior, but
the portico will be similar, except that 1t
will have single instead OF a double row
Of pillars supporting the pediment.
The river Is having a longer season Of
popularity than 1t has known for years.
Sundays sunshine brought Londoners down
in battalions to enjoy perfect autumn day
on the upper reaches, which are still gay
with Households, while the lawns Of the
riverside houses are brilliant with the
richly hued flowers of autumn. On the
Maidenhead reach. before Boulters lock-
are many launches, the new motor boat
being much in evidence. The lawns of
Bridge House. with its scarlet begonias and
geraniums on blue porcelain stands, are
still a charming landmark in that part of
the river and the owner Of the house. Mr..
George Herring, whose name is we'll known
in the annals of hospital philanthropy, is
often to be seen aboard his launch, the
Mirry. Just opposite Bridge House Is the
River Club, formerly the Guards Club,
which has moved to larger quarters
below Maidenhead bridge. Henley town
regatta made a pretext for a friendly
invasion of that favorite up-river resort.
The trees of the famous Cliveden woods on
the Waldorf Astor place. have begun to
put on their autumn dress, and the many
tints of green make that part of the river
delight to the eye. L. H. MOORE.