Opposition Letter: A Lady of Baton Rouge Denounces the New Society Section (1873alt)
In this 1873alt satire, a woman of “breeding” protests the rise of civic equality—before being flattened by poetic justice in the form of a horse.
1873alt Edition
To the Editor:
I write today in response to the recent foolishness regarding “equal rights,” “civic dignity,” and other such absurdities promoted by the so-called New Society Section. As a woman of breeding and sensibility, I find it appalling that we are expected to share sidewalks—and opinions—with those who lack even the decency to be born with the proper pedigree.
What is next? Voting booths for laundresses? Public office for shoemakers? I weep for Louisiana.
— Cordelia P. Devereux, Ladies Garden Society of Baton Rouge
Editor’s Note:
At the time of publication, Ms. Devereux had been tragically trampled on 3rd Street by a spooked horse. Mr. Ezekiel Landry, the horse’s driver, reported that he “had no earthly idea what had gotten into the mare,” but noted it may have been related to the scowl Ms. Devereux directed toward him as she crossed against common sense and decency.
Witnesses say the horse paused respectfully afterward, as if to pay tribute to the hat it had flattened.
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