Edinburgh.
_Oxford Commemoration Squib_, 1849.--The following _jeu d'esprit_ was
circulated in Oxford at the Commemoration in 1849; it created a great
sensation at the time, from its clever allusion to the political changes on
the other side of the channel, and, I think, deserves to be rescued from
oblivion by a place in the columns of "N. & Q.:"
"LIBERTY! FRATERNITY! EQUALITY!
"Citizen Academicians,
"The cry of Reform has been too long unheard. Our infatuated rulers
refused to listen to it. The term of their tyranny is at length
accomplished. The Vice-Chancellor has fled on horseback. The Proctors
have resigned their usurped authority. The Scouts have fraternised with
the friends of liberty. The University is no more. A Republican Lyceum
will henceforth diffuse light and civilisation. The hebdomadal board is
abolished. The Legislative Powers will be entrusted to a General
Convention of the whole Lyceum. A Provisional Government has been
established. The undersigned citizens have nobly devoted themselves to
the task of administration.
(Signed) "Citizen CLOUGH (_President of the Executive Council_).
SEWELL.
BOSSOM (_Operative_).
JOHN CONINGTON.
WRIGHTSON."
Your academical readers will appreciate the signatures.