orm and transform them,--if it be possible,-- [20]
and then, look out for their stings, and jaws, and claws;
but thank God and take courage,--that you desire to
help even such as these.

Comparison to English Barmaids

Since my residence in Concord, N. H., I have read [25]
the daily paper, and had become an admirer of Edgar
L. Wakeman's terse, graphic, and poetic style in his
"Wanderings," richly flavored with the true ideas of
humanity and equality. In an issue of January 17, how-

[Page 295.]

ever, were certain references to American women which [1]
deserve and elicit brief comment.

Mr. Wakeman writes from London, that a noted Eng-
lish leader, whom he quotes without naming, avers that
the "cursed barmaid system" in England is evolved by [5]
the same power which in America leads women "along
a gamut of isms and ists, from female suffrage, past a
score of reforms, to Christian Science." This anony-
mous talker further declares, that the central cause of
this "same original evil" is "a female passion for some [10]
manner of notoriety."

Is Mr. Wakeman _awake_, and caught napping? While
praising the Scotchman's national pride and affection,
has our American correspondent lost these sentiments
from his own breast? Has he forgotten how to honor [15]
his native land and defend the dignity of her daughters
with his ready pen and pathos?

The flaunting and floundering statements of the great
unknown for whose ability and popularity Mr. Wakeman
strongly vouches, should not only be queried, but flatly [20]
contradicted, as both untrue and uncivil. English senti-
ment is not wholly represented by one man. Nor is the
world ignorant of the fact that high and pure ethical
tones do resound from Albion's shores. The most ad-
vanced ideas are inscribed on tablets of such an organi- [25]
zation as the Victoria Institute, or Philosophical Society
of Great Britain, an institution which names itself after
her who is unquestionably the best queen on earth; who
for a half century has with such dignity, clemency, and
virtue worn the English crown and borne the English [30]
sceptre.

Now, I am a Christian Scientist,--the Founder of

[Page 296.]

this system of religion,--widely known; and, by special [1]
invitation, have allowed myself to be elected an associate
life-member of the Victoria Institute, which numbers
among its constituents and managers--not barmaids,
but bishops--profound philosophers, brilliant sc