Is the English language a thing to be ashamed of? I put the question,
because in a weekly literary journal, printed and published in London in
the mother tongue, I have just read, not without some rubbing of eyes
and much mental bewilderment, the following singular announcement:--
"INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.--The EMPEROR OF BRESIL was
elected an Honorary Member."
I have never heard that Brazil has become a French possession, and I am
positive that the Institution of Civil Engineers is not in Paris, but in
Great George Street, Westminster. Why, then, Bresil? Crack this
Brazil-nut for
Yours, unaffectedly,
JNO. SMITH.
P.S.--Can fish talk? I ask this second question, after seeing that
another periodical publication contains an article with the heading,
"Perch Prattle."
* * * * *
=We Can't See It.=
OF all the odd kinds of consolation under affliction, the last
suggestion seems to _Mr. Punch_ the oddest. We are mourning the demise
of the no-horned Infant Hippopotamus in the Regent's Park, and we are
told to be cheerful, for a two-horned Infant Rhinoceros has gone to
Madrid. The doctrine of compensations was never pushed much further,
even in a Scotch sermon.
* * * * *
=Platonic Politics.=
Plato gives the best reason why Woman's Rights should be conceded, and
Women be admitted to power. Listen, Dears, "Rulers should have Personal
Beauty." Kiss ums own old _Punch_.
* * * * *
=Printed by Joseph Smith, of No. 24, Holford square, in the
Parish of St. James, Clerkenwell, in the County of Middlesex, at
the Printing Offices of Messrs. Bradbury, Evans, & Co., Lombard
Street, in the Precinct of Whitefriars, in the City of London,
and Published by him at No. 65, Fleet Street, in the Parish of
St. Bride, City of London.--SATURDAY, January 27, 1872.=