26 APRIL 1902, Page 31

A POLITICAL PHRASE,

PrO TUX EDITOR OF TIER "Brixorwroei STR,—SOMe time ago Mr. Asquith talked of "ploughing the sands" in regard to certain political work. The phrase is remembered, and was thought to be original. To my surprise I have come across the following in reading John Wesley's Journal :—November 15th, 1775—"I preached at Dorking. But still I fear we are ploughing upon the sand : we see no fruit of our labours."—I am, Sir, Sze ,