MY DEAR MR. PUNCH,--I see that some of your contemporaries have got
up a "Press Band" which plays on the Thames Embankment between one and
two o'clock every day (save Saturday) for the benefit of compositors
out for their dinner-hour. I must confess that I think the idea
excellent, but could it not be extended? A newspaper consists of more
than "setters up at case." Could not some entertainment be
contrived for the amusement of editors, theatrical critics, and city
correspondents?
For instance, there are generally a number of ladies and gentlemen
hanging about Fleet Street in the vain hope of obtaining interviews
with the powers that are in the world journalistic. A really talented
would-be contributor (especially if a lady) might "get at" an editor
when he was most at his ease and least on his guard.
I will suppose that the _Redacteur en chef of the Imperial Universe_
is seated beside the Fountain in the Temple, quietly smoking his
cigar. The authoress of "_Tiger Songs_" (adapted from the original
Norwegian) may see the Editor from afar off, and come dancing towards
him with the airy gaiety of a _Morgiana_. She executes a _pas de
fascination_, and, when he is completely captivated by the exquisite
grace of her movements, causes him to seize a bundle of MS. When she
has retired, and the Editor gradually resumes his normal composure,
he discovers that the authoress of "_Tiger Songs_" has left him an
article upon "Voyages to the North Pole." Subjugated by the poetry of
motion, and further moved (almost to tears) by the soft, sweet strains
of the Press Band, he reads the contribution, and accepts it.
Then recreation, combined with instruction, might be found for special
correspondents by erecting steam roundabouts on the Thames Embankment.
The "special" might mount his wooden steed, and career round and round
until he has done a good twenty miles. Then he would be prepared to
give his experiences, which should (if written in the proper spirit)
be of exceptional value as "copy."
A thousand details will occur to those who take an interest in the
matter, and may be filled in at leisure. I merely throw out the idea,
leaving its development to others more worthy of the task than one who
signs himself, in all humility, A PEN PLUS A LYRE.
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