A duel for the ages: Armed with only a bicycle and an umbrella, two arrogant politicians face off. Who will win?
It seems that cycling has become very popular with some of our younger legislators, and certain of them have got into the habit of coming down to the House [of Commons] on their machines in favourable weather.
One day this week a young member of the present Administration, who shall be nameless, but who is known to have no mean opinion of himself, was passing through Palace yard on a bicycle, when he came across a new member of the House, an elderly gentleman, thoroughly convinced of his own importance, and the dignity of his recently acquired position as one of her Majesty’s faithful Commons.
The young Minister rang his bell as a signal for the elderly Member to get out of his way, but the latter either did not hear the bell or chose to ignore it, and he was almost run down.
He irately raised his umbrella, addressed some vigorous language to the retreating offender, and wound up with the convincing exclamation, “Don’t you know, sir, that this yard is reserved for members of Parliament!”
That’s one for the bicycle. However, the older gentleman will surely have the last laugh. It’s only a matter of time until that young whippersnapper comes down with the fearful disease known as kyphosis bicyclistarum and will “transform himself into a hideous mesozoic dinosaur or some other uncanny creeping thing.”
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Disclaimer: The modern era is far from the first to grapple with rampant “fake news.” As I am neither a historian nor journalist, I make no claims about the accuracy or lack thereof of the above sources. I assert only that they make for a good story.
Welcome to Second Glance History! This blog seeks to uncover the people and the stories forgotten by history and give them another read through a modern lens. Join me every week as we examine the differences that divide and the common threads that connect the then to the now.
Oh man, what a letdown! From your description, I thought this was going to be about bicycle jousting, with umbrellas!
You have, however, given me an idea for the entertainment at my next party…
Sorry to disappoint, but I need those page views! But glad it wasn’t a wasted click. Hope your home insurance policy is paid up!