Nebraska advertiser., 1880-02-05
A Leap Year Party.

The ladies sent out their "comps., !"
as the boys term it, and on the eve-
ming of the 23d ult., in the vicinity of
London, could be heard the tramp
ling of horses and humming of
wheels" The result of this hustle
was gathering of about twenty la
dies accompanied by their respective
gents, at the residence of Mr.. Geo.
McGrew.
The ladies assisted the gentlemen
from the different vehicles and land
ed them safely In the parlor. then re-
turned and put away their teams. Up
this as in driving, they showed them
selves equal to the emergency.
The room was too much crowded
for comfort. yet all seemed to enjoy
themselves hugely" and the ladies
conducted themselves "manfully."
The former part Of the evening was
devoted to general gossip, innocent
plays and the acting of charades,
which made it very interesting.
Supper time came at last. The
gents arranged the banquet in the
most acceptable and convenient man.
ner, and a more sumptuous repast
was never given in Nemaha county.
After supper tosstiDg was the prin-
cipal feature. and was very interest
ing. The ladies recited the following
poem on Leap Year:
This is night of pleasure and glee,
IT'S night when we girls feel jolly and free;
Our sorrows are DER, we've dried every tear,
And the cause of our mirth, is the blessed
Leap Year.
Three years we have waited for tho freedom
of ours,
When women should be free from the rule of
mems powers,
When maidens could think and act as they
please,
And not have to sit and wait for mems ease.
But when they desire after pleasure to go,
To write out their notes and choose them a
beau,
By Dido one time with her eight hundred
maids
The foundation of beautiful city was laid.
Why is it that we, to the men must give DER,
And not have our rights but one year in four:
Is 1t because that they are wiser than We?
Or their physical strength that makes them
more free?
Or is 1t because of their intrinsical worth?
Or do the men claim that they are superior
in birth?
Or is there a principle which we can't evade
When a gentleman is ever of more worth
than maid 2,
Or is It that custom has made this vile law,
And no maid has yet dared to pick out the
flaw?
But however IT is, its an odious act,
And no distant day the rule will retract.
Then we gentle maids will let the men know,
We can send them note when we want them
to go;
We will drive our own horse and hitch our
own team,
Then our past years of trouble will fade like
dream.
Now gents for the past, we return you our
thanks
For the care you have shown us-and your
innocent FRANKS;
But well show you trick while Leap Year
does last,
Which will cause you in sorrow to repent Of
the past,
And If ever this freedom you chance to re-
gain
You Will know thata maiden posses brain.
The gentlemen responded with the
following:
Yes, Leap Year has now truly come
And the maids are as gay lark,
But we think they will change their tune
some
After driving some night in the dark.
They will think 1t more pleasant and fair
To sit by the fire at their home,
And let the gents face the night air,
And also through the darkness toroam.
They will find that the care of a team
Is naught like the making of bread,
While kick would fright them to screams.
And spoil every curl on their head.
And their trains sweeping round near the
barn,
Would be in a deplorable plight,
While lady with an armful of corn
Would present quite a comical sight.
What a pleasure 1t is to the gent,
Now the lady's assuming the swain;
We suppose you all know what is meant.
So We need not repeat It again.
Now ladies we wish You sncces
In the career you just have begun,
May the gents be with comps from you
blessed,
Aud refuse some, you know, just for fun.
How nice it will be for the gents
When dramas and shows come around,
To have the ladies stand all the expense;
Wen eat candies and nuts by the pound.
Now why for the costs should we care,
Provided it's willing and free;
1 am sure l shall shed not tear
For the stamps they should s9uander on me