The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-11-13
From the Boston Journal.
THE HENS IN CONVENTION-OR TROU-
BILE IN THE POULTRY YARD!

i
BLEIN THE POULTRY YARD!
Mr. Editor IL was reused few mornings ago
from sound nap, by a loud cackling in my barn
yard, directly under my window. l started from
my bed, and thinking fox had got among my
chickens, seized my gun and gently raised the
sash, when, Imagine my surprise as discovered
nearly all my hens, some twenty odd in number,
demurely assembled round the horse-trough, on
which was perched in graceful dignity, a staid,
malronly looking fowl, who seemed to be the pre-
siding member Of the meeting. M v establishment
was still greater when by dint of attentive listen
ing, thought discerned amid the clamor few
distinct words, apparently Of good English. My
curiosity was by this time strongly excited, and
resolved to remain, and find out if possible, the
cause of the convention. The meeting was first
addressed by an elderly looking Dorkng, of pre-
possessing appearance and engaging manners
With a low inclination TO her admring audience,
she took the floor and opened at once the subject
Of the meeting:
Mrs. President: We have assembled here to-
day to discuss a most serious subject a subject of
more than vital importance, not only to the whole
hen creation, but to our descendants We have
long succumbed patiently to the tyranny Of our
sef-stycd lords and masters, and are now met
here in solemn concave, to decide upon the best,
the most etfectua, method of redressing our grev-
ances, and asserting our natural rights. We are
assembled to show the world that the true spirit of
liberty, Of independence, though SO long dormant
In the poultry yard, waits but spark to flash up
and kindle into everlasting life. And l am sure
that every respectable hen will unite with us in
assisting to dethrone to overpower, in short to OBJ
hterate from the whole face of the fowl creation,
yonder struting monster Of arrogance and oppres-
sion. Here Mistress Dorkng cast whitening
glance at a stately rooster, who, entirely uncon-
scious of her denunciation, was Growing on a
neighboring dunghill.l We have already sub
mitted too long to his control. Why should not
zoe sport cur comb and spurs as well us himself
why should not nee clap our wings and crow -
lGreat cacklng and stamping Of feet among the
audience.l Such monopoly is nsufferabe. Yes
repeat 1t, Ma am, il is insuterable. Then let us
arise from AFFECT position, cast off our chains
and renounce the slavery which has so long en-.
thlalled u.s.
Here Mistress Dorking resumed her seat amid
symptoms OF Intense excitement and unbounded
applause.
majestic looking Malay next arose and said
that she had listened with much qualification to the
remarks of her esteemed neighbor. She expressed
her unqualified approval of her sentiments, and
only wished such declaration, such bold push
for equal rights and privileges, had been made
years ago. AS a foreigner, she had perhaps seen
AS much Of the general condition Of hen society as
any person present. it was truly pitiabe, and she,
AS hen of spirit, advised immediate action.
&" Strike while the iron is hot, !" said she impress
slvey. "Now is the day and now's the hour. -
''B tier late than never" Her words were brief,
but to the point, and evidently made a strong and
favorable Impression on the minds other auditors.
She was succeeded by noble looking hen Of no
cratic bearing and beautiful glossy plumage,
seemed to be an object Of much dislike to the ma
jority of the assembly.
Though not accustomed to public speaking"
she began, 81 feel compelled to rise and express
my opinions on this interesting subject. | have
listened with great satisfaction to the able # marks
ofmy disseminated friends who have Just engaged
your attention, and | entirely agree with them
10 the desirability Of the object, and its good ef
fects upon society, but differ from them in regard
10 the mode Of obtaining it. think we should try
fair means frst-tHere three groans and a cluck
were distinctly audiblel land then, in case moral
suasion should prove Intellectual, there will be time
enough to resort to other and stronger measures. "
Here she was interrupted by dscordant noise
from the assembly, being an abortive attempt to
hiss, and drew herself proudly up to her full
height and with scornful cackle at the congre-
CATION of feathered bipeds around her, retired to
her seat.
pert little Bantam next took the floor "Mrs.
President said she, "my voice is still for war,
for bloody, eNtermnating war l may seem rather |
young and inexperienced, Mrs. President, to adj
wise so bold proceeding, but assure you am
no chicken. | feel that the present crisis calls
upon Inc to step forward and express my views
on the momentous subject which now involves
our serious attention. Other ladies, from motives
of false proprety, of prudential considerations,
or, perhaps, from motives of a still more dubious
character, may counsel milder measures. l hold
such counsel in contempt, and cannot believe that
any respectable fowl belonging to the nobler sex,
would sanction such proceedings" "
Here the previous speaker started UP, with fire
hashlng from her eye! "Does the the hussy re-
fer to me-" "Order," cried the chairman 1Or-
der Order!" Hear! Hear !" "Turn her out :"
burst IN great confusion from all sides of the
horse-trough.
Finally, the tumult being somewhat allaved.
Miss Bantam proceeded, . With regard to- the
lady in question:" said she, 81 must certainly
admit that did allude to her, and will take an
early opportunity of explaining myself more ex-
plictly. At present beg the privilege of offer
ing one or two resolutions, which humby trust
will meet the appreciation of my friends:
l. Resotred, That we, the enlightened, although
oppressed inhabitants Of this spacious barn-yard,
from this time, henceforth and forever. cease ~
Jay eggs, and Immediately declare our unlimited
Independence, and our intention to maintain the
same, ana assert our natural rights and privileges
even to the extinction of the last drop of blood
that flows IN the veins of hen. Here Miss
Bantam, in the exuberance of her enthusiasm
gave severe peck ut her nearest neighbor, there
by creating some little confusion in the vicinity
=. Resolved, That we have a sacred and inalien-
aoie right to wear spurs, clap our wings and
crow-and that we will, in defiance Of all OPPOSE
tion, assert ana maintain our claim to such digni-
leges Of the other sex 49,
aere MISS bantam retired from the floor, amid
the general plaudns of the assembly, and it was
only after several minutes had elapsed, that tall
'onangnai conId make her voice heard above the |
general hubbub. 81 can hardly believe, - said
she, that in this, the nineteenth century, such
steps should be necessary to secure to society the
privileges Of which we speak. Yet such - the
melancholy fact. think with the speaker who
has just retired, that we should instantly declare
war against our tyrants and oppressors. / myself
will be your chief, and lead you to a glorious vic.
tory, or still more glorious death though have
no doubt that our enemies, when they discover
inc result OF our convocation, WILL to use the Ian
guase of the poet, N-e > &c $50
Hun fourteen miles in fifteen days, rs Ea
Ana never look behind them. >" N'a''.
c.., -, 81 1850
Great applause followed this speech. which
served 70 show that hens have a keen nercent;on
Of the heroic and the beautiful "NS''Jp'
venerable barn-yurd fowl next arose ,vho
'eemed to be highly respected for har ss;. VINO
,e. virtue, and her prudence. psrssc, s;i.nes
''Rnso throughout the meeting, as with a. a;r 20