I think you will agree with me, it would be quite beside the mark For us to sift the question of the riots in Hyde Park, Or even bring that _railing_ accusation up again, Which most suppose was settled then by might and _Mayne_. We will not name the _Bright_ ideas in fashion long ago, Nor condescend to thoughts that may be anything like _Lowe_. Reform debates are very sober things, but still They don’t go on successfully without a _Mill_. Stick therefore to your points, and let us hope you’ll bring, For all who are inclined _to roam_, a _Whalley-ping_. We meet to-night to take the young idea by storm, And quote the latest standard for reform. We vote for Boyhood suffrage—that’s our motto, We want no Dull uns’ cave, or hole, or grotto, But urge that all our boys should boldly take their stand, And in a solemn League go hand in hand, And try to put down all the wrong that rules In play-grounds, workshops, cricket-fields, or schools. “Reform, complete and genuine Reform,” that is our maxim, No bribery or corruption, or £7 rate to tax him; But let each boy, who has a good opinion he can quote, Be free to use, as best he can, his vote. Now, Gentlemen, the weighty question lies with you, Sift well its points, and show us something new. Don’t fear, in studying the welfare of a lad, To say of shuffling measures, “_Dis really_ is too bad.” Don’t fear the Opposition, and to each who axes, Say “Every one for all, and bother taxes.”— (_Cheers._) Mr. ALEC BOYCE _rose and said_— I take it that this point is ceded, Namely, that Universal Boyhood Suffrage is needed. I fear—(_Opposition, hear! hear!_) I fear the subject is too vast for me to hold in hand, So just upon one point I take my stand. The point, in fine, is this; it’s plain and clear as day, Reform is greatly needed with our boys at play; I take it that in this debate the use is, To “let fly” at our popular abuses. Now what is it we see in almost every school? Why right is the exception, wrong the rule. Mr. WALTER STANLEY (_interrupting_). I think, if, Mr. Speaker, I might make so bold, The honourable member should be told— SPEAKER. Hold! My duty is to take down several pegs Whoever spars at any member when he’s on his legs. Mr. ALEC BOYCE _resumes_.