23
after pretending to ratify the compromise, drew the sword of ridicule against the Bloomer-breeks and fairly laughed them down. The ladies again took the field, and with their strong ally, fashion, once more took up arms, and under the standard "crinoline," renewed the war cry, "the rights of woman." If the ladies succeed in the present contest, (and crinoline certainly appears in the ascendant), and if they do get into Parliament, Paisley will surely then get a member who can speak. I believe the rights of women cry is a mere dodge to prevent or obstruct any legislation on the rights of man. Lord Palmerston must direct his attention to a reform in the home policy. We are in great want of a law defining the rights of man I don't think I'll marry till we have such a law. For example, take even our municipal magnates. After smoking their calumets at their club, on returning to their respective places of abode, are they not questioned and cross-questioned in the words of the sang,
"Whar has ye been? and what were ye doin? and wha were ye wi?"
Aye, and if they would but speak out, far war than that. Talk of Tom Paine's "Rights of Man." Fiddlesticks. There's no such thing—its all theory. But I hear some one say, what has all this got to do with the story of your life, Mr. Love? Nothing, I reply, only it affords
