Punch: Punch (91.1886)

106 PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. [August 28, 1886.

RESCUE FOR RICHMOND.

At least some Vestrymen are not blockheads, or perverse oppo-
nents of progress, or reckless wasters of public money. There is salt
in the land yet, and the savour of its good sense is shown in the
Vestry-Hall at Richmond, Surrey.

What Londoner has not seen, and what foreigner has not heard
of, the beauties of the view from Richmond Hill, and its world-
famed glorious Terrace ? But the speculative builder threatens it
with his abominations unless the Local Government Board in its
wisdom and paternal power rules otherwise, and permits the plucky
Richmond Vestry to purchase the Buccleuch Estate, of nearly twelve
acres, as thev propose to do, for £30,000. Where are the Open Spaces
Committee of the City Corporation ? Here is a chance for them to
be at once truly Conservative and genuinely Liberal. Certes,
£30,000 is a respectable sum for a little go-ahead town like Richmond
to put down for the purchase of even one of the loveliest spots in
England, to be kept green and public for ever for the benefit of the
town, but also for the benefit of Londoners. Let Londoners there-
fore lend a helping hand, through the City Corporation which has
preserved Burnham Beeches from the barbarous bricks and mortar.

There may be several Riehmonds in the field, but only one Rich-
mond-on-the-Hill; and should the speculative builder triumph, this
lovely site in Surrey would indeed be a surry sight.

At Richmond Vestry Hall, next Friday, the Local Government
Board Inspector will hear the pros and cons of the case, including the
evidence of the foolish ultra economist, who, to save a sixpence for
his own miserable pocket (by way of rate), would barter away the
fair fame of Richmond Hill. Speak up while there is time ! In the
name of all the Maids of Honour, for the sake of the Lass of Rich-
mond Hill, Mr. Punch raises the cry of Rescue for Richmond!

Strange !

Sot William Habcottbt, after telling Canning's celebrated story
of the painter who could paint nothing but red lions, pointed the
moral at Her Majesty's Government and its many Commissions.
What is now called the " Government of Red Lions," liked Sir
William's waggish tale so little, that they would not even " roar "
at it. Bottom himself would have done better than this.

CHICAGO CONVENTIONALITIES.

The Fenian Leaguers met in their Irish-American thousands.
Worth noting that one Rev. Geoege Peppeb, a Methodist Minister,
not an Irish Roman Catholic Priest, came out very strongly, and
took Heaven to witness that, if there were a call from Ireland to
their brethren in America to come oyer and help them, there would
be one pulpit—his own, so he might have said one " pepper-box"—
vacant in New York. He was quite ready to go over and give the
Saxons pepper. A gentleman from New Jersey, who seemed more
fitted for an old-fashioned strait-waistcoat than a new Jersey,—one
Mr. MAdoo—was rebuked by the President for making MAdoo
about nothing. Mr. Davitt professed sentiments of the utmost
friendship and esteem for Mr. Finebty, and then they both had a
jolly good row together, in which Davitt. was doughty, and Finebty
was floored.

That the meeting should have been held in the Music Hall was of
good augury for the harmony of the proceedings.

Doing the Impossible.

[Mr. Sexton has been returned for both the South Division of Sligo and
the "Western Division of Belfast.]

Of course we've all heard
Of Sir Boyle Roche's bird,

'Tis known to the veriest dunce;
That bird's knocked to bits
By bold Sexton, who " sits "

In a couple of places at once.

Pbospects op Spoet in the Fields of Abt.—A few sporting
outside artists have joined the Hunt, in the hopes of being in at the
death, and getting the brush marked A.R. A. The cubs may show some
sport, but the old R. A. foxes are too wary to let themselves be caught
whether in or out of the season. They are provided with excellent
covert within the groves of the Academy in the grounds of Burling-
ton House.