A VERY POLITE SPEECH.

Evening Star, Issue 3385, 26 December 1873, Page 2

A VERY POLITE SPEECH.

In the very ancient town of Musselburgh they perform a ceremony ©ailed “ riding the marches,” which corresponds to the English beating of bounds. This year there was a festive celebration, and after dinner Provost Laurie proposed the health of the Rev. Dr Alexander. Someone was so rude as to laugh at the Provost's speech, when the following occurred;— The Provost; “We will allow no man to be laugh-d at here (continued laughter). Who are the puppies that laugh at distinguished men, I would like to know ’—(Uproar.) Who is the ignorant puppy of Musselburgh who would laugh at them ? Dr Alexander is one of the most distinguished men in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland—(hear) — and he was called to London to revise the Bible.—(Hear, and laugbtt-r.) . . So long as I am i rovost I shall treat these puppies as they deserve to be treated. This is the proudest day of my life.—(Laughter, and a whistle) Who is that whistling? I will allow no dog to whistle in this room. 1 will put him out; I ivill order him out of the room. What an impudent scoundrel that must be. Kick him out of the room. Councillor here desired the Provost to sib down). No, no; we will allow no dog to whistle here—kick him out. Weil, gentlemen, 1 have no hesitation in saying it gave me very great comfort to be grand marshal. (Renewed uproar, during which someone was codared aud pitched out of the room.) 'i hanks, Mr Muirhead ; he is, very likely, a ;me poor reptile who doesn’t know any better, I was your leader to-day. Aud who do you think I was leader of ? It was not of the wise, the great, the mighty, nor the rich, but the people of Musselburgh. I was proud to lead the procession as the Chief of Musselburgh, in my cocked hat.” And having thus delivered himsslf, the worthy Provost sat down.