murmurings.) A series of resolutions
will now be presented for the consideration of the convention."
She turned to Mrs. Lawson, who sat majestically in a large arm-chair,
her strong arms folded on her broad chest, and whispered a few words in
her ear. While she was thus engaged, Mr. Salsify Mumbles rose, and said
in a loud tone: "Gentlemen and ladies, I rise for the purpose"---- On
hearing the sound of his voice, the lady president rushed to the edge of
the platform, and glaring on the upright figure, which shook like an
aspen beneath her fiery eyes, exclaimed, in thundering accents, "What
are you standing there for, you booby-faced, blubber-chopped baboon in
boots?"
"I wish to speak," stammered the terrified man. He could utter no more.
"_You_ speak!" said the lofty president, in a tone of the most supreme
contempt,--"sit down."
The poor creature dropped as quick as though he had received a cannon
ball in his heart.
Mrs. Pimble retired, and Mrs. Secretary Lawson arose, adjusted her green
spectacles, and, taking a roll of papers from the table, advanced to the
front of the stand. Elevating her brows, she said:
"I will now read several resolutions which have been handed in since the
opening of the meeting.
"First, Resolved, That the enfranchised women of Wimbledon use their
combined efforts for the liberation of their suffering sisterhood, who
yet groan beneath the despotic cruelties of the oppressor man."
The secretary sat down. The president arose. "Are there any remarks to
be made on this resolution?" she said.
None were forthcoming.
"Then I move its adoption."
"I second the motion," squealed a little voice from some remote corner.
The secretary came forward. "All in favor of this resolution will please
say, ay."
A score of voices were heard.
"It is unanimously accepted," said she. "I will now proceed to the
reading of the second.
"Resolved, That, as a means of humbling and destroying the tyranny which
the monster man exercises over the larger portion of the women of
Wimbledon, six of the usurpers be converted into lamp-posts, and placed
at the corners of the principal streets, with tin lanterns fixed upon
their heads, to light the cause of philanthropy in its midnight
struggles." (Sensation, and several brawny hands scratching uneasily at
the apex of their craniums.)
The secretary sat down; the lady president arose. "This is a very
spirited as well as elegant resolve," said she,
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