["A deputation of Seamstresses stated at Westminster Police
Court, that they make soldiers' clothing, receiving for each
pair of trousers 8-1/4_d._, and for each flannel-belt,
rather less than one penny."--_Daily Paper._]
O England, you boast of your warrior sons,
Your history tells of them, fearless in strife,
How they faced the French horse, how they charged Russian guns,
So thoughtful of duty, so careless of life!
You honour them rightly, but do not forget
That economy pleases the voters as well;
Each penny reduces the National Debt;
Old Ships, as you know, are the best things to sell.
You could not escape paying pounds to the men
Who fought, wearing soles of brown paper, supplied
In your wise, frugal way. Follow precedent then!
Remember pence saved, not your children who died!
Though the men must be paid, such expense need not vex
A skilful economist. This can be met.
You can always grind pence from the poor, weaker sex;
If the clothes are ill-made, think what bargains you get!
Then lavish your honours, your wealth, on the brave,
If you did not, perhaps, scarce a man would enlist;
But forget not the gain of each penny you save,
And starve these poor Women--they cannot resist.
* * * * *
_Pears' Christmas Number_--what it ought to be:--A new
edition of "_His Soap's Fables_."
* * * * *
The Real Enemy to "The Big Loaf" (According to John
Burns).--The Big Loafer.
* * * * *