[Illustration: SHOCKING!

_Fair New-Englander_ (_spending the Winter in the Old Country_). "OH,
WHAT A LOVE! AND IS IT THE FIRST YOU HAVE SHOT THIS YEAR, CAPTAIN
RASPER?"]

* * * * *

TOO CIVIL BY HALF; OR, PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.

(_A DRAMA FOUNDED--MORE OR LESS--UPON FACTS._)

ACT I.--"PAST."--_Interior of the Savings Bank Department of
the G.P.O. Employés engaged upon their work. The hour for
customary cessation of labour strikes._

_Official of a Higher Grade_. Officers and Gentlemen, the exigencies
of the Public Service require your presence for some time longer. I
beg you to continue your work.

_A Hundred Employés_. Never! (_Aside._) Ha! ha! the employment of
Female Clerks is avenged!

_Off._ (_almost in tears_). Reconsider your decision, I beg--I
implore!

_Another Hundred Employés_. Never! (_Aside._) Seven hours a day and no
longer--shall be secured at one fell swoop!