Page:Lesbia Newman - Dalton - 1889.djvu/163

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LESBIA NEWMAN.
147

tiously than men in the same position. He did not like the term Screaming Farce as applied to this ancient and honourable house, and he rather wondered that a measure had been drafted containing so undignified an expression. But assuredly the very way to make the Lower Chamber merit such an appellation, would be to persevere in the old ruts after all the warnings we had had. (Hear.)

Mr Battleboy Bottileboy then moved the Previous Question, in accordance with his notice. He said that the principle of the Bill was objectionable throughout, but the amendment which had been sprung upon them made it doubly objectionable. As an old member, he felt sure that Englishmen at large were attached to the parliamentary system which had withstood so many shocks, and would regard as a sort of impiety any attempt to tamper with it. As for the idea of introducing petticoat rule into Parliament—(Oh!)—he should feel bound to oppose it tooth and nail, as the saying was. The admission of women into the House would never do; they would always be fussy and wanting things. (Laughter.)

A Radical member,—Things! What sort of things?

Mr Battleboy Bottleboy,—Why, what they would call practical measures—redress of crying wrongs, stoppage of waste, effective sanitary provisions, free discussion of social evils, suppression of cruelty to children, animals, and all the defenceless, thorough investigation and reform of the poor-laws, and so forth, in short, all sorts of d—d nonsense. (Order.)

The Speaker,—I regret that it is my duty to call the hon. member for Lundy to order.

Mr Battleboy Bottleboy,—I withdraw the expression, Sir, but I am sure hon. gentlemen on both sides of the House must see that it would never do. If through the admission of petticoats—(Order)—through the admission of