Postulate Disproved

Large in the British credo looms a belief that all persons who are "fit" can touch their toes.

Speaking at London, last week, the rotund but potent 62-year-old Earl of Derby disparaged this idea before a physical-culturist audience, finally exclaiming: "I, ladies and gentlemen, have not touched my toes for 50 years."

Lord Derby, as Secretary of State for War (1916-18 & 1922-24), and British Ambassador at Paris (1918-20), has proved his "fitness" by sustained, dynamic statesmanship. If, during crucial War years, not even the Secretary of State for War could touch his toes, what may be the state of England's great men in present times of peace? This question, mildly savoring of treason vitiated the British press all week, while reporters tried vainly to get other great men to affirm or deny that they can touch their toes. Cagy politicians refused to answer, but Mr. George Bernard Shaw bid for a mile of notoriety by replying to a telephone question thus: Can I touch my toes? Is that what you've rung up to ask me? Well, God forgive you!"