Runcorn and Widnes Examiner. — 1873-11-22 (Runcorn, Cheshire, England)

IMAM  NOTES AND COMMENTS. [BY A SNAPPER UP OF UNCONSIDERED TRIFLES.]  Editors are at their wits' end—however far or near that may be—for subjects to write about. It is what is called the dull season, and there is nothing new under the sun. Frightful railway accidents are too common to be exciting, and shocking murders are scarce, or are so little mysterious that even the police know all about them. The Tichbourne trial was adjourned with a cruel disregard to newspaper necessities. The wrangles of High and Low Church are a weariness. We have got accustomed to the Bishop of Dianchuter, and even he is saying so little just now that ten men of ordinary loquacity can equal Lim. We are tired of hearing of the crimes of Mr. Gladstone, and wish they were pardoned or punished, or got rid ef any way. The twenty-fifth clause is used up, and it Will be a real relief when it is repealed. The Tory reaction won't come when it is called. The Bath letter is stale, the price of coal isn't a circumstance, it is no use guessing at the Tory policy—we treat it like a conundrum and give it up. The Times is so hard up for subjects to bore its readers withal that it found fault with Mr. Gladstone the other day for not declaring the Ministerial programme of next sessicn, although, as it sagaciotisly remarked, there had been one Cabinet council, which was held two days pre 'nously, and he must have known something. They manage these things better in France. In that happy land there is something new turning up every day. The best of French news, however, are but French at the best, and you cannot write four leadez s a day upon the same subject. Not long since I saw three leading articles on John Bright in a single copy of the Standard, and the theme was to be continued in future numbers. But all that's Bright must fade, and the time must come when even the Birmingham speech Will seem dull to the readers of the Standard, accustomed as they are to dullness. And lo! in the winter  Of Cur discontent there appears our old friend, the Sea Serpent. Mr. Joass has seen it, and Mr. Francis Vouches for Mr. Joass as a man not at all likely to be misled by appearances, or to swallow a sea serpeLt incautiously. Mr. Francis is a well-known orator. I am not so well acquainted with Mr. Joass, but the last  Syllable of his name sounds familiar. Here, however, are the letters, and your readers can form their own °Pillion :  Sir,—The accompanying extract from a letter from the Rev. J. A Joass, of Golspie, has been placed in my hands by Dr. Maynard, at present residing here. He tells me that Mr. Joass is not at all likely to be misled by appearances, being a very scientific man and an eminent archwologist. It would be strange, indeed, if the beast after all were to turn out some monstrous 'SUnan; though if his food were confined to animals of those types mentioned by Mr. Joass, a saurian of the Size alluded to would be some time collecting materials ellough for a meal. As this, however, seems rather a matter of conjecture, it is evident that we must know something more of it before we can construct any reliable theory upon it. A sketch accompanies the letter, which will be re-produced in the next issue of the Field for the satisfaction Of the curious. It represents the back of the beast, and is composed of a series of concentric rings, apparently with a long neck aid a Pair of large ears on the back of the head similar 'To a herse's, the head itself being for the most part immersed ia the water.