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An unkind suggestion [letter to the editor, 17 February 1885]

22 March 2014 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: A tongue-in-cheek letter regarding Australia’s military contribution to Great Britain’s war in the Sudan. Published in The South Australian Advertiser, 17 February 1885.]

An unkind suggestion.

To the Editor.

Sir — The burning patriotism of Australia is worthy of all praise, but let us be discreet.

While we are paying for immigration why should we lose our able-bodied volunteers in the Soudan? Let us send the unemployed. This would be a practical settlement of a grave difficulty.

The Salvation Army and Christian Crusaders, too, would be of much assistance. Their brass bands would clear the Soudan in a month, and leave the unfortunate Mahdi a howling maniac in no time.

The faith-healer might also be found of use in connection with the medical department — send him.

— I am, &c.,

Public Spirit.



Source:
The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA), 17 February 1885, p. 6

[Editor: The original text has been separated into paragraphs.]

Filed Under: letters to the editor Tagged With: humour and humourous stories, SourceTrove, year1885

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