Here's luck!
To Mr. Punch.
"Such books, cards, and crackers," cries Poet, perplexed,
"As remain on the list, I will give 'in our next.'"
OUR DEBATING CLUB.
An apology—Eloquent Peroration by our Vice-President—Naylor offers some critical remarks, and Kirkstone relates a humorous anecdote.
I am in a position this week to redeem my promise, and raise the hitherto impenetrable veil that has long shrouded the proceedings of the Gargoyle Club from the Public Eye. In the exercise of the discretion with which I have been entrusted, I have somewhat departed from the form of report originally contemplated, and selected only the more striking and characteristic deliverances of my fellow Gargoyles, interspersed with such short notes and descriptions as may best serve to bring out their several mannerisms and idiosyncrasies. Should I offend by this I shall deeply regret it, but I find that there are traditions and customs in the management of a facetious periodical which, however exacting and absurd in themselves, must be respected by those who would furnish it with literary matter.
Having thus apologised in advance to any honourable Gargoyle who may consider himself misrepresented or insufficiently reported, let me present, as the first instalment of these papers, some extracts from notes taken at a most instructive debate last session upon the motion (brought forward by Plumley Duff; opposed by Gaspard Hartupp), that:
"In the opinion of this House, Science has been productive of more real benefit to the Human Race than Art."