A GRIM JOKE.
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 A grim joke has caused much delight within the last day of two in certain artistic and political circles in London. There is a new exhibition in the Grosvenor Gallery a portrait of Mr. GLADSTONE, by a well known artist, which, though not without a considerable degree of power, is nevertheless hardly flattering as a representation of the Prime Minister.
 
 The critics who have seen that dusky figure of the great statesman have irreverently christened it “the coal heaver,” and it must certainly be said that it is suggestive rather of one whose business is not remotely connected with barges than of an eminent member of her Majesty’s Government.
 
 The joke over which artists and politicians have been laughing during the present week is that this portrait has been purchased by the Charlton Club , for the purpose of adorning it’s walls with the likeness of the Prime Minister which is the reverse of complimentary.
 
 We may, however, say, on the other hand that, if the rumour of the purchase were well founded, it would only prove that the gentlemen of the Charlton Club have been compelled to buy a portrait of Mr. GLADSTONE because they were unable to discover any statesman of their own party whose features are worthy of being preserved upon the walls of their club.