ORANGEISM AND RIBBONISM.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1969, 27 April 1875, Page 2

ORANGEISM AND RIBBONISM.

The following amusing story ia by "Tattler," in Town and Country:—" I hear of a genuine Ribbon row having occurred it a factory of girls in Swanston street north, on St. Pafcrick's-day. It appears that some of the girls employed in the establishment referred to became wroth at not being allowed a ' holiday' in memory of their patron saint, and for the purpose of ' ffrigging' those girls not of their own persuasion, donned a quantity of mock shamrock and green ribbon, and even decorated the machines at which they worked in like manner. The spirit of the other girls rose with the occasion, and they, in turn, immediately procured a quantity of the orange-colored calico with which the sleeves of coats are lined, and with it followed the example of the fair but foolish wearers of the green. All went merrily, until one mischievous young damsel, with more love for sported than consideration for peace and quiet? 1*! ness, made some-very harsh allusions Tib. the orango wearers, when" epithets followed, which gradually grew warmer, until a climax was reached, and a regular pitched battle between the two opposing parties ensued. EOII3 of cloth, boards and other weapons of the tailoring trade, flew around the room like bees around-a hive. Chignons, bustles, false hair, and divers other trifles pertaining to a lady's wardrobe, were strewn in quantities about the floor, and the battle, which was fierce and prolonged, was at its height when the employer, who, by the way, is a Jew, entered the room and endeavored to make peace, but to no effect. He was about to take hold of one of the ringleaders, when the opposing parties united and gave him a most unmerciful thrashing. He beat a hasly retreat, as may well be imagined, and 1 with the assistance of the men employed in another part of the factory, turned the whole of the combatants out into the street. Oh, there was a sight! and it was well for the patriotic fair ones that the police were nowhere to be found, for they would surely have figured, in the police court. As it was, apologies were made, and the thing hushed up."