AGREED WITH JOFFRE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 15, 19 January 1916, Page 6

AGREED WITH JOFFRE.

A funny little comedy was recently enacted within the four walls of a Paris hotel noted for its military clientele. Of course, the principal topic of conversation was the war, with the inevitable crossfire query launched 'at most newscomers as to the possible end of the war. - At that moment the swinging door revolved on it s axis and there appeared a French general, whose brilliant strategy at the battle of the Marne contributed no little to r wards its success. Here, then, was the man of ail others who could solve the great problem, and with that end in view, a few wealthy Americans decided to entertain the soldier at dinner. The pre-arranged moment having arrived for the probing process—namely, after dinner—the general seemed in a particularly favourable mood. Every subject of interest was freely discussed, but there was no moving the illustrious guest when anything approaching the war Avas surreptitiously brought up for argument. The plot was failing miserably, ■when one of the hosts at last decided to open hostilities point-blank. “I guess -you ha\*e some idea, General, Avhen the Avar will be over?” “A s to that, gentlemen,” replied the warrior Avith amity, “I am entirely in agreement Avith General Joffre.” Here Avas light indeed, and it appeared that, after all, the evening’s entertainment Avould not be in A T ain. “And Avhat is this opinion?” cried the Americans simultaneously. " “Well, to tell you the truth, gentlemen,” concluded General M., “Joffre hasn’t any!” and he finished his cigar in peace.