The Steam-Packet: A Tale of the River and the Ocean — page 29: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

12 THE STEAM PACKET. the present distressed state of the country should form the subject of the evening’s debate. Mr. Cowslip and Mr. Deputy Higgins (of Port- soken Ward) spoke against the motion. Mr. Styles and Mr. Shiffley supported the proposition. Mr. Nibkins moved as an amendment, that the chairman do favour the company with a song. Mr. Splikes seconded, and Captain Pentonville supported the amendment. A show of hands was demanded; and the chairman declared that the result was in favour of the amendment. ‘The venerable chairman accordingly sang, with much feeling and taste, the following words, which were ordered to be entered upon the minutes :— ‘« Fill me a glass, that I may toast The health of all around me ; And let it be my constant boast, That faithful friends surround me : For he who fills the chairman’s seat, Of feeling must have some touch, When such companions he may meet As Nibkins, Styles, and Rumtutch. ‘¢ Fill me a glass—a goblet full, That I may toast good fellows :— The mind is like a fire ;—when dull, Liquor must be the bellows. The wit will then flash forth again, As bright as any ruby; And thus can I my part sustain With Tillinick and Kruby. ‘‘ It was moved by Mr. Glassnose, and seconded by Mr. Tiptile, that the depressed condition of trade be discussed this evening. Mr. Nibkins moved as an amendment, and Mr. Stokes seconded the pro- posal, that the subject discussed be supper. Carried with only seven dissentient. ‘‘ The chairman recommended to the club that the mode of passing a few weeks’ holiday, according to the annual custom of the club, be taken into consideration after supper. Thereupon a committee, con- sisting of the chairman, secretary, treasurer, and auditors, and Mes- sieurs Kruby, Nibkins, and Turnchurch, with Captain Pentonville, be appointed to deliberate upon the best means of carrying out the above purpose.” Thus concluded the minutes of the preceding meeting. One honourable member moved, ‘‘ that they be confirmed ;” and another seconded the motion; which was immediately carried. Mr. Pifpaf then called upon the chairman of the Holiday Committee ‘to state, whether the said committee had anything to report to the meeting. (E{0) Gomicbooks