Omnibus Chat
The noble art of boxing made a hit in its day; but it is now numbered amongst the dead or dying, and the art of striking reigns in its stead. Little has been heard of throughout the month but the “strikes” that have taken place at the various public works, among the masons. “Masonic brethren” they have proved themselves, by the secrecy of their communications, and the sympathetic character of their movements. They struck first at the Houses of Parliament, then at Nelson’s Monument, then at Woolwich. Not being in want of bread, they refused us a stone. Punctual to a moment, as the Horse Guards’ clock struck, they did. Our Omnibus stopped, like the workmen, at Charing-cross. “So the masons at Nelson’s Monument are going to strike,” said we. “Glad to hear it,” rejoined a punning acquaintance, “there ought to be something striking about a monument to him!”
The name of Nelson set all our companions talking; but an “old sailor” (not the) was the first to give his discourse a reportable shape, by relating a little historical fact that has escaped history—unimportant, perhaps, but not uninteresting.