Book Review: Wit and Whimsy In Mormon History

This book was edited by Davis Bitton and published be Deseret Book in 1974.  It has little bits, looking for a humorous bent.  Some of the stories are cute, but by the end of the book, it seemed to be just stuff from Deseret News, and much of it was tired.  However I found these two items enjoyable, among about ten of the hundred. 
Advise on corsets  The motions of the body, as well as beautiful, erect position, depend upon the action of numerous which should always be free from any artificial restraint; tight lacing, and corsets, and every form of dress, which compresses to the least degree any of the muscles, in the same proportion reduces their size and fullness, and destroys their tone, and the result is a shriveled, bony, emaciated appearance; I hope that mother in Israel will remember the responsibility that rests on them, to instruct the rising generation to refrain from such pernicious customs.  Desert News July 6, 1850

This poem has to do with the polygamy and a bill before congress.  Many women's groups popped up all over Utah and numerous rallies were held in support of the Church and there position on polygamy.

Little Eva’s Question 
Mamma, do you think that Congress,
Cannot stop that naughty Bill?
Then, wherever will he go to,--
Down!  Down! Don’t you think he will?
If he puts papa in prison,
O, how hard I’ll pray and cry!
And I’ll hope—I could not help i--
Every one of us may die!

Will he make poor aunty leave u--
Will her baby have to g--
And our darling brother David,--
Do you think it will be so?
Then I’ll have no sister Rettie,--
And papa will have no girl,
Only baby Hat and Allie;
And myself and sister Pearl.

William Cullom—what a mean name!
Sounds just like he was a knave;
And I know he is a rascal,
To want pa to be a sloave;
Simply  ‘cause he loves you mother,
And my dear, good auntie too;
He must think that men in Utah,
Don’t have enough to do!

And no little boy but Archie;
And I ‘spose he’ll have to oath,
That, when grown, should two girls love him,
He will never have them both:--
Aint that Bill a stupid fellow!
I just think he’s sick, don’t you?
And I wouldn’t wonder either,
If great Congress thinks so, too.

Let me ask you one more question,
Ere you tell me to be still;
He’s no brother to us, is he,
This base, low-lived, horrid Bill!
No he aint—but I’m not angry,--
Don’t you see I’m very cool?
No just once, ma, may I whisper,
Old Bill Cullom—what a fool!
Deseret New February 16, 1870