The County Echo

[ALT. RIGHTS RESERVED.] c A Christmas Stocking A STORY FOIi CHILDREN BY ALICE MANNERS. Christmas Eve had returned once more, and on this of nil days, when peace and good- will should reign, a, struggle was going on between a mother and her little son. The childish fault had been merely a trifle, but, Estolle Darwin, in a moment of irrita- tion, demanded an expression of repentance which the boy obstinately refused to give. The battle hod thus commenced, and neither would surrender. A truce appeared impos- sible without loss of dignity to one or the other. A six-year-old can be wondrous stub- born, and the adult in authority dared not give way for the sake of discipline. "Very well, Hughie," she said severely, "if you won't say you are sorry you will have to be punished. The severity in her tone may have caused Hughie to "hold out"—intonation means nmch—or perhaps natural sinfulness was re- sponsible for his retort. "I'm not gorrv, not one little bit." His defiance vexed his mother to such an extent that she answered unguardedly, with- out weighing her words "You naughty boy! Santa Claus won't bring you anything now in your stocking." Then, realising the heavy sentence pro- t nounced, she added hastily Say you are sorry, Hughie, and it will be all right." She vaited, dreading his answer. Surely, surely, the silly child would give in to this terrible threat? Her happiest moments of ,e the whole year were those spent cramming papered trifles into the gaping stocking hung to receive Christmas gifts. Hughie's excite- ment on Christmas morn and her delight at his pleasure were at stake, trembling in the balance, hanging on the temper of a way- ward child. Hughie tossed back his head to keep away the tears. "I won't tell a lie, not even for old Santa Claus," he answered stoutly. "When I'm sorry I'll say so, but I feel all wicked in here," and he smote his breast somewhat dramatically. But the emotions of childhood arc dramatic. Fearing that he might break down, and, with the arrival of tears, capitulate, Master Hugh Darwin hurled himself from the room. His mother returned sadly and inertly to the evergreens and chrysanthemums lying in readiness to adorn the Christmas dinner- table next day. The bright 6prigs of berried hcllv seemed suddenly to lese their season- able fascination, and the pleasure of arrang- ing the flowers had vanished. She was inter- rupted iu, her task by Ruth, the housemaid, entering the rcom. Please, ma.am." she asked, "may I go out this afternoon to buy a few penny toys for Mrs. Smith? She works at the steam laundry, and was well-nigh crying yesterday when 1 saw her. That husband of hers—a bad lot—found and bagged her Christmas savings, so the poor children won't get their Santa Claus stockings they were expecting." Estelle started at the word "stockings." "You can .go with pleasure to see Mrs. Smith," she replied "but, Ruth, you need not trouble to buy toys." As she spoke she opened a cupboard and drew forth a basket containing parcels. Hastily thrusting it into the somewhat sur- prised maid's hand, she hurriedly dismissed her, i- Ili a warning to say Illthiug to Master Hugh. All that day sorrow reigned, for the barrier still lay behveen the mother and child. When night came he lay in his little "steckingless bed fighting the demon that had refused to allcw him to "make it up" and own he was in the wrong. The door being partly open, lw spied Ruth passing, and called to her. She entered, and bent over him. "You go to sleep now, Master Hugh," she said, "or Santa Claus can't come down the chimney." "It won't make any difference, Ruth; he's going to miss me this year." o "Nonsense, sir! He always comes on Christmas Eve." "Not to bad children." «'Well. you aren't bad, an' that's certain, ri.er Hugh." "Ruth, you don't understand these things.. I've been awful rude to mummy, so Santa isn't coming." "Is that so?" queried Ruth, a gleam of understanding dawning, for she had won- dered at the prompt gift of toys for the Smiths; "then. I think I'll tell you a secret, Master Hugh." Hugh gave a wriggle of delight, and pulled her on to the bed. With an absolute disregard for the truth, she settled herself comfortably and began her tale. "When the carriage came to take the mas- ter and mistress out to dinner this evening, just after it started I saw Santa Claus loiter- ing in the bushes." "What was he like?" screamed Hugh in great excitement. "Much the same as usual—red gown and white beard. What are you up to, old man?' says I. 'I'm bothered if I know what to do, Ruth,' says he. I've got some parcels here for a young gentleman what's been naughty "That's me!" cried Hugh delightedly. And now I can't for the life of me think what to do, for he mustn't have them.' "'Haven't you forget no one?' savs I. says he, 'of course I ain't.r What about them Smiths?' says I. Bless me, Ruth,' savs he, you're a marvel, you are. Bothered if I didn't forget them kids after all. They'd be crying their eves out to-morrow, for they're real good children. ° '"Take those toys you have on hand, then,' says I." "What are they?" and Hughie sat bolt up- right in bed. "A drum, top, whip, boat-oh, I can't re- member all of 'em. But the old feller was real grateful to me for my advice, and hobbled off double sharp down the drive on his way to the Smiths. They're desperate poor, and never get any toys except at Christmas." The little boy sank peacefully back on his pillow. "How lucky I was naughty!" he mur- mured. "Tm glad I didn't say I was sorry before. Whisper"—and he drew her ear auite close to his mouth—"I really have been ying to tell mummy I was sorry, and I meant to stay awake "and tell her; but I won't now, because it would worry Santa if he had not enough presents to go round, and I want those children to have my tovs. Put my stocking across the foot of the bed, please, Ruth, just because it's Christmas Eve. I like the feel of it, and I shan't ex- pect to find anything in the morning. You can go now; I'm very, very sleepy." She tucked him up and departed. Not being required to sit up for her mistress's re- turn. she resolved to give an account of Hugh's repentance in the morning. He buried his face under the bed-clothes. The storm broke in a flood of tears as the little demon that made him feel "wicked in here fled from his breast.. Sobbing bitterly, he wanted mummy to love him again and to hear him confess he was sorry. Then a vision of the Smith children pling- ing to toys and begging Santa not to take them away rose before his eyes, till in time he became calmer and almost relieved that his mother was away, though he felt terribly lonely. Just as he was dozing off te sleep a gentle pull at the bedclothes roused him, and some- thing furry sprang upon the quilt. "Hullo! Tabbyafcias, I'm glad you'M come," he cried, stroking the little cat, who endeavoured to creep into the bed. no, you must stay outside, for mummy says cats sit on boys' chests and smother them. You wouldn't smother me, would you, TabbYJ .skins f But I'm never going to disobey her »gain. Go and sit on my stocking," pushing her gently away, "and in the morning I'll pretend you are a present." To the sound of Tabbyskins' loud and in- cessant purr Hughie fell asleep. His mother, shading her candle, bent over him at midnight, listening in misery as he fitfully muttered in his dreams, "I'm not sorry, not one bit sorry." With a breaking heart she fled from the room, and never noticed Tabbvskins. When Ruth opened the shutters on Christ- mas morning in her mistress's room the told the etory of the night before. "And he was real sorry, the dear young gentleman; and if you had come at thai moment, ma'am, he wouldn't have owaed it, for the sake of the laundress's children." Estelle in frantic haste donned her quilted dressing gown and rushed towards her darling's room. "Hughie!" she cried joyfully, scratching both her arms wide open, "Hughie, my little one, you were sorry, and I was not there to jaear you say so." "Hummy," he shrieked, springing iaoc. that warm embrace, "I nearly died being sorry ? but old Santa Claus forgived me, after all. lie took the toys to the children, but look j what he brought me-ond there'9 one in the stocking! Tabbyskins purred louder than eiper, but it iwas an anxious purr, for the cares of 91 family are great!

GEORGE EVANS, — Fish and Fruit Merchant — (Opposite Congregational Chapel), Victoria Stores, GOODWICK, Begs to announce that, during the next few days prior to Christmas, a large quantity of BEST QUALITY FRUITS will arrive. Lowest prices. Trial solicited i';8' .-) l' e TT 'ETT& t A v iELLIMSfsI I [jt EMBROCATION II 1111 IT! ROYAL for ANIMALS 1 J< See the Elliman E.F.A. Booklet 8 f UNIVERSAL for HUMAN USE < f L See the Elliman R.E.P. Booklet J a found enclosed with bottles of Elliman's | 1 rfW Name is Elliman | inrrrrrr^— ^rrrrTlllIJ ELLIMAN, SONS & CO., SLOUGH. ENGLANP. | —wnin*

< ——— [ALL RIGHTS RBSIKVID.] A Christmas on the Battlefield (An Invident of the American Civil Warj, BY BENNET BURLEIGH, Anthar of "Two Campaigns," "Empire of the East," &c. I. Midsummer's night in Dixie. A sound of moaning from the gea and sighing from the long-leaved pines, ran as a theme through the vanishing melody of the mocking bird in the thicket. The waters of the Piankatank and Mob-Jack Bay swayed and shone as swinging mirrors, reflecting the immensity of heaven and the friendly stars. Moonbeams flooded the room where young Bud Smith slept. He was a handsome, gentle-mannered lad of nine. His dark eyelashes drooped upon his checks and his abundant curly yel- low lock* strayed over the pillow. In dream- land the boyish lips pouted and smiled. The father, a Confederate, who had to return to the army in the morning, oft yearning for his son, was keeping a vigil of love by his child's bedside. "How like his mother he looks," he mur- mured. "Mv beloved Nelly, rest thee in peace with your babe in the thicket among the graves of our people. The trials of this war would have driven you distracted. Heaven send that I may be laid there be- side you in that sacred burial ground." The Sunny South, the land of Peach Bloom and Magnolia, was in the throes of the great Civil War, 1861-'65. Strife was turning Vir- ginia into a desolation and a shambles. Nelly's father and brother had fallen in the struggle, and she had died with her bibe, leaving "Bud" to the care of her eldest sis- ter, Amanda. Captain Bob Smith, Bud's father, with his old school friend and con- stant companion, George Cobb, had earned a brief furlough from "Old Jack." Although young in years, both men were veterans in war, for pious General "Stonewall" Jackson prayed and fought with equal regularity and vigour "Three fights a day and a meal once a week." A worthy old gentleman, their uncle, Jacob Smith, lived with his nieces in the big white mansion made conspicuous with tall Corinthian columns and a spacious portico. And now both men were mounted and away to the war again. Good-byes were waved, and the smiles of those left behind—aye, it ia always so—were choked by tears. Alas! for the bitterness of family quarrels. The war grew worse, and the anticipated peace, affrighted, fled the land. The rebels outnumbered, poorly armed, badly equipped, often shoeless, in rags, and half starved, suf- fered untold hardships. But passion, or patriotism, gave such a heroic edge to their valour that their devotion to their cause ele- vates our common nature, and their deeds will go down to fame among the golden re- cords of the invincible brave, a heritage for humanity. Virginia was the "Merrie Eng- land" of the New World, with fox-hunting and sport for week days, and church bells, sermons, and parties on Sundays. Much of the land was in a state of nature—vast swamps, trackless wilds, and primeval forests. But her sons, and daughters were be- yond compare—generous, hospitable gentle- folk. As Captain Bob and George skirted the Rappahannock, they were able to assist three .distinguished strangers who had run ,,e the blockade of the Potomac. One of these is now Field Marshal Lord Wolselev. The others were the late Duke of Devonshire and the Hon. Francis Law ley. Swift and clear ran the Rappahannock by Fredericksburg, a pretty little garden town with fields and orchards, reposing by the margin of the river. Thickly-wooded heights, mostly pine clad, and rounded hills, looked upon hills and into the valley of the Rappa- hannock; The district was cut up by tortuous ravines and tiny vales, through which mean- dered springs, creeks, and runs. President Lincoln had discovered another general, Burnside, who, with the "finest troope in creation," was preparing for a fresh "on to Richmond" rush, and another battle with General Lee and the rebels. Within cleverly-planned works upon either side of the Rappahannock, the opposing armies made their preparations for battle. Yet was Christmas drawing near. General Burnside had 120,000 Federals with over 400 cannon General Lee had 70,000 Confederates, with fewer and much inferior guns to those of his adversary. "Stonewall" Jackson's jeorps occupied a mile and a half of front upon Lee's right, almost opposite Stafford heights across the river, where the Yankees had planted many batteries. The remainder of the rebels, under Longstreet and Lee, kept the high ground for miles to the north down to where the river turned due west. Major Bob Smith and Lieutenant George Cobb bivouacked in a corner of a zig-zag log 0 fence on Prospect Hill, near "Old Jack." When the nights are cold and long, and talk- ing and lights are forbidden, you are left to commune with your own thoughts or the stars. It is strange how many men are poor companions with themselves." But Bob and George were busy in prayer and fancy with those they loved. The thunders of the battle of Fredericks- burg broke out on Deeember 11, shot and shell pounding the rebels' position. For days guns roared through the hours, hurtling lead and iron, whilst the weak Southron artillery made occasional feeble answer. But as Hood's Texans sang: "The battle is not always to him who has the longest legs to run Nor to those folk who shoot the biggest gun." In the woods the noise was deafening from exploding shells and crashing and smashing of trees. Yet was it marvellous how few were killed by the cannonade or fall- ing branches and flying timber. The soldiers had prepared for themselves good cover from thfe storm. And subsequently, in the more-to-be-dreaded fury of the infantry's rifle fire, big pine trees were cut down by streams of leaden bullets. Fogs and mists shrouded the valley and clung nearly all the day upon the hill-sides. Six bridges were built, and the passage of the river was forced by the Yanks. Twelve days before Christmas Burnside delivered his grand attack. A terrific bombardment from all the enemy's gutm was made upon the rebels. Then lines behind lines, with colours flying and bands playing, the Yankees sent on their assaulting columns. A sputter of fire from skirmishers, no more; an ominous, feeble resistance; so shouting and cheering the Federals rushed Marye's Hill. The prize seemed theirs, the battle w^n, when suddenly rebel cannon behind hidden works salvoeS canister and grape shot, and lines of grey- poated Confederates rose and poured volleys into the startled, horror-stricken Federals, Those who had nqt fallen broke an<j ran. But again and again brigades and divisions rein- forced and rallied the stormers. Some of them, their coats thrown aside, in their shirt-»l«eTes, gained the lqw wall, and there the gray and bluff (soldiers fought as wild beasts for mastery. But victory ?>eeted with Lee's braves, the hill was covered with Iwathee of wounded and slain, and its fur- rowed sides ran blood. Meanwhile, General Franklin, confiding in numbers, led 55,000 Yankees, with 116 guns, against Jackson's front. Their first onslaught was hurled back, their soldiers being mown down as stubble. An unprotected point was fojund, and, reinforced, two divisions of Fede- rals, Meade's and Gibbons', crept in between the rebel brigades. Watchful, imperturbable "Old Jack,V ordered the Texas and Vir- ginians, Tailiferroe's men, with whom were Bob and George, to drive out the pack. Rais- ing the fearsome shrill Confederate yell, for- ward ran the furious rebel lines, their glistening bayonets at the charge. With faces transformed by passion> arid gleaming eves, they struck full-tilt into the Federals. And this tornado of rebel steel swept ever onward breaking down all before it, shattering suc- cessive lines of the astounded enemy. Hunted Acrims the railway ran the terror-stricken Northern soldiers seeking safety, huddling iq their trenches beside thQ Rappahannock. But the fury of the Southron storm was then spent. That night a further rebel attack with the bayoset was oountemanded, and through a trifling cause. There were not white haul- ages enough left to place round the soldier*' Arms so that they could distinguish friend from foe in the dark. And it turned out one of the blackest nights of the year. Through » mistaken order Bob and George, with a handful of their own and Stuart's men, attempted the task of carrying the trenches with the bayonet. They burst into Smith- field and carried part of the works before their feebleness was discovered. Too few, too greatly daring, they were finally checked I and repulsed. Bob was knocked down and hit through the left shoulder. George fared still worse. Charging along a ravine, a bullet struck him upon the right breast, and he fell helpless amongst the dead and dying. Skirmishing continued for two days longer, and the while the victims of war lay forlorn upon the great battlefield. General Burnside asked for a truce, for the Yankees had 14,000 casualties. Mutilated ghastly wrecks of humanity lay about in heaps, by ranks and singly, some hidden in ditches, horribly distorted, disfigured. But the many lay as if in peaceful sleep, their calm, smiling upturned faces, indifferent to sunshine, dark- ness, or eternal siience. During a howling storm that same night the Federals escaped, re-crossing to the left bank. George's body was found, and, strange te kll, he was alive and had a miraculord escape. Dr. McGuire said the bullet, firei at close range, had swept around the body under the ribs, and passed out under the left shoulder. Fainting from the blow, and what r with the cold, the blood from the wound had congealed and saved his life. Five days later two wounded officers, Major Bob and Lieut. George Cobb, obtained siok leave. That night George was laid in a skiff. Bob, with a bandaged shoulder, took a seat in the stern, and their faithful servants, Jake and Pete, rowed the boat down the Rappahannock. They reached Unbanna, and, laid gently in a waggon, George and Bob were driven slowly across country to- wards home. Their corner of Matthew's County thrusts a curious peninsula, a hand- ful of crooked fingers, into the spacious waters of the Chesapeake Bay. It was Christmas Eve. A raiding force of Yankees, with guns and cavalry, had landed in Matthew's from the gunboats. The waggon was sent hurriedly back, and Bob sought to transport George in a skiff so as to hide in a dense wood of young pines near the mansion. God save all honest gentlefolk this Christmas day." For church bells there was the booming of cannon from gunboats shell- ing the woods and making targets of the white homesteads. Fifteen houses were burned to the ground because some scouts, or bushwhackers, had shot and killed in another district a number of the Yankee raiders. A mother who sought to save her house saw petroleum poured upon the furni- ture, even on the cradle, \y the cruel foe. Snatching up her baby as the torch was applied, she ran out of doors. The house was burned to the ground. The Smith mansion was stripped of every- thing of value: carpet, piano, pictures. Where are your rebel men hiding, missy?" demanded a Yankee captain of Amanda. "Tell me; no lying. I guess they're around," he said, and little Bud, standing beside his aunt, looked amazed at the man. Over there," replied fearless Amanda, pointing to the family burial place in the thicket; "you'll find my father and my only brother; they've been there some time." "Infernal rebels, too, I'll swear," said the Captain. "We want some of the living ones, or we'll burn the house." "Beast!" cried Bud, in a passion; "if I were a man you'd be taught manners." "Little rebel, get," shouted the Captain. "Clear the house and burn it, boys. Curse the lot. "Tut, tut, Captain Cripp," said a major who entered, "that's not the way a soldier should behave." "Ladies, I apologise. Captain, leave this house untouched. Rejoin the command at once with your men. Ladies, you have had sorrow enough through the wtr. Good morn. ing," and, bowing, he withdrew. A breathless negro came in, crying that Uncle Jacob Lad been caught by the Yanks. Bud ran out, distracted, hurrying through the woods to intercept his uncie's captors. A group of the Federals had halted in the road- way under a tree. Grey-haired, kindly old Uncle Jacob had been dragged to the spot, tied behind a cart. 00 We caught him with this gun," yelled Captain Cripp. "He is one of them infernal bushwhackers. Let's string him up here." Friendly planters unavailingly protested. A notice reading: "Warning. To all damned Bushwhackers, death. By Order," was pinned to the doomed man's breast. Then Cripp, in a frenzy, struck his tightly-bound prisoner, who made no murmur. Bud, coming through the thicket, with a gun in his hands, saw ihe. cowardly blow dealt his relative. A noose had been placed around the old man's frail neck, and he was instantly run up by a rope, and hung from a limb of a tree. Then Cripp and others began emptying their revolvers into the body. Instinctively, Bud knelt, raised his gun, as if shooting a wild-cat, and fired a charge of buckshot into the captain's body. The bully fell screaming and roaring with fright and pain, and writhing in death agony. Then there came a volley from a score of rifles from the opposite side of the rottd into the Yankees, and those left able to do so, instantly bolted. Although terrified by the scene Bud, helped by the rebel scouts who had so unexpectedly come to his rescue hid his uncle's body in the wood. Then' uiged by the scouts', he laid aside his eun! and started to return home. "We are lost," said Major Bob. "The firing is drifting this way. Oh, if the sun would set or I could get George across the creek. Bud caught sight of Jake and Pete, and his heart jumped. In an off-set a canoe was hidden under the water, weighted down with -n a stone. He had it up, emptied, and had paddled across the deep creek in a minute. Father and son were reunited. George was laid in the canoe, and Bud and Jake ferried him over. Jake lifted the wounded lieutenant and carried him up the bank, and laid him behind the trees. Bud had gone back, and returned with his father and Pete. As they went up the bank, Bud stopped to replace the canoe. A straying party of five Yankees caught sight of them, and, running to the edie of the creek, fired across. Major Bob shot down two with his revolver, and Jake Rnd Pete brought an other two to the ground with their rifles. Two scouts, attracted bv the shooting, caught and killed the fifth. Then the sound of the battle drifted away. Led by Major Bob, the boys carried George to the mansion, for Bud had told them all was safe. The brave, gentle lad was sent ahead to warn his aunts. Down by the creek he had felt something like a burning iron or a splash of verv cold water thrown upon his shoulder. But he said nothing to his father, for he saw the bandaged shoulder. II. "Thank God we're safe in the dear home again, sisters," cried Bob. "Don't look frightened." Drip! "George is bound to recover," so said Dr. McGuire, "and that's a surety." Drip drip c. Sister Amanda, kiss him. It will do him more good than medicine. We don't mind." Drip! drip! drip! "There'll be a wedding, and we'll all jig inerrily yet, Mose, Dinah, and the boys. Hurrah!" J Drip drip drip What's that? Blood falling from the Ceiling," cried Bob. "Where's Bud? My God!" cried the agonised father aa he rushed to his room. YT HP? 8 € *he bed lay his darling pud, faintly smiling, bleeding to death, for it haa^been a bullet that winged him by the Major Bob gathered his boy in his arms, choking back his own sobs. His still raw wound, which had gone close to an artery, buret in a flood, and, together in life as in death, they passed into the beyond. Long or short the round of Life's day, it is ynpfo under God for eternity. 1

■WES do not claim to be able to perform miracles as the days for these are past, but we certain. ly can lay claim to a great number of marvell- ous cures, as testified to by a multitude of people who have used our remedy, viz. -'The Mannina-Herbal Ointment.' The cures range over a field of many and various diseases, as instance, Cancer of the Byeast, tip, etc., Tumours, Lupus, Erysipelas, Casbuncles, Abscesses, Ulcerated and poisoned wounds, Sarcoma, Piles, Psoriasis, Scalds, Burns, Eczema, Ringworm, Rodent Ulcers of the hands, Chapped do., Chilblains, Scurvy, Sprains, Swollen feet, Rheumatism, etc. And we confidently invite the most thorough investigation of these our various statements with regard to the merits of our Remedy. Presuming that you are ready to take us at our word, and wish to test MANNINA for yourselves, see that you obtain the right thing. MANNINA is made up in three different strengths. Trade Mark. As No. 1, Full. Cancer, etc. At 2s 9d 4s 6d, and 8s 6d per pot. As No. 2, Medium. For all poisoned wounds At Is ljd, 2s 9d, and 4s 6d per pot. 2 As No. 3, Mild. For all skin diseases. Is } ad, 2s 9d, and 4s 6d per pot. It is sold by the following Dispensing Chemists Mr. Thomas Meyler, M.P.S., Fishguard. „ T. Lewis, M.P.S., Fishguard. „ D. L. Llewellyn, M.P.S., Goodwick. „ G. H. Lloyd, M.P.S., Solva. t, I}. A. Williams, M.P.S., Letterston. Or can be obtained direct from the Sole Proprietors, The 4 MANNINA' HERBAL OINTMENT Co, Main Street, Fishguard. WALLPAPERS from i^d per roll. Any quantity—large or small. Wholesale prices. Stock exceeds 250,000 Rolls, all classes. Write for patterns, stating class re- quired.—(Dept. 105) Barnett Wallpaper Co., Ltd., Knott Mill, Manchester.

WANTED A DRY DOCK LOWER FISHGUARD'S FACILITIES. The damage occasioned by the recent gale serves once again to impress forcibly upon the minds of thinking men the imperative necessity which exists for the creation of a graving dock in connection with Fishguard Harbour. Year by year increasing use is made of the port as a haven of refuge in stormy weather, and this fact, coupled with the ever-increas- ing magnitude of the G.W.R. fleet at Wey- mouth, Plymouth, and Fishguard, indicates l conclusively that the establishment of such a facility would prove remunerative. An admirable site for the dock presents itself immediately outside the breakwater at Lower Fishguard, between that point and the little cove at which the Castle Estate Company proposes to erect a jetty. The scheme has, in varying forms, been mooted on divers occasions but so far, has never matured. It behoves the people of Lower Fishguard to see to it that a clear statement of the facilities available is placed by competent men before the proper authori- ties.

Wake-up, Fishguard j [By N. O. LE THARGY], J When a Welshman speaks of Fishguard in the vernacular he dabs her "akbergivaun when he speaks of the real Abergwaun in English he refers to her as LOWER Fishguard," with a contemptuous accent upon the adjective. He is apt to forget that she is the original Fish- guard, the town at the mouth of the Gwaun that, though she may, commercially speaking, have fallen upon evil days, she is yet the progenitor of the pros- perity which first enabled the Upper Town to spring into existence and that, even to-day, she constitu- tes one of the greatest assets possessed by the local community. I have previously taken the Fishguardian to task for the slipshod, devil-may-care manner in which he approaches-" evades would probably be a more accurate term-the problems of the future, but hitherto I have had not had occasion to accuse him of selfishness or injustice, save in so far as he ig- nores the legitimate claims of posterity.. ,-¿- In the case, however, of Lower Town this attribute is glaringly conspicuous. The quaint, old-world port nestling beneath the shadow cast by frowning, rock-capped summits of Pentowr and Parkmorfa, with her unrivalled vista of bosky Cwmgwaun, he, varied-hued distempered cottages, and the magnifi- cent panorama of landscape and seascape spreading out beyond the portals of her haven, is treated by the denizens of the town perched aloft as an insigni- ficent Cinderella. Like the mythical heroine of their childhood, she is regarded as a necessary evil. She serves an use- ful purpose inasmuch as on her quays is debarked no inconsiderable quantity of the imports intended for the delectation of her sister, who thus economises upon railway freights but she is not regarded pre- cisely as a presentable person." Rather it is deemed desirable that she should be kept discreetly in the background, fed on the scraps which fall from the table of her sister, and garbed in the cast-off raiment of that overbearing individual. Doubtless, it is largely her own fault, for she lacks the courage and initiative to assert herself, being presumably content to await the exceedingly problematic advent of a fairy godmother who shall, by the elimination of her squalid surroundings, reveal her striking natural beauty to the eyes of hitherto-incredulous neighbours. Regrettable as is this attitude of lais-pz faire," is it not altogether to be wondered at. Cinderella has so frequently been impressed with a sense of her own utter insignificance that she has come finally to believe it. Lacking the pluck to demand her share of the common birthright, she has gradually sunk into a state of discontented inactivity, too cowed to protest audibly, too lethargic to care about the future. It is full time that she learned to realise that the day of fairy godmothers is passed, never to return, and that, if she aspire ever to take her place in the society of her fellows, she must insist upon her rights, demand equal treatment with her sister, and claim the enhancement of her natural charms by the arts of civilisation. Casual grumbling on the part of individual resi- dents will avail but little, If it have any effect at all, it will probably be in the least desirable direction, the blatant discontent of the one being contrasted with the apparent content of the many, greatly, of course, to the latter's nominal advantage, but actual disadvantage. Cinderella must wake-up! There is no pait of Fishguard which so greatly needs to be aroused from that fatal lethargy which is rapidly sapping her vitality, in which coma bids fair to sink slowly yet surely into perpetual rest. The oriental pholosophic saint sighed for Nirvanah-the annihilation of consciousness. The creeds of Sakya Muni are unsuited to the Celtic temperament, yet they are-iii spirit, if not in the letter rapidly becoming acclimatised in Aber- gwaun. How much longer will the residenti of Lower Town rest content with a scheme of existence in which they are allotted no part ? How long will they continue to accept an autocratic domination which taxes them, not merely without representation, but virtually without recompense ? It appears to be generally forgotten-conveniently so, perhaps-that these Fishguardians pay precisely the same rates as do their more fortunate bretheren domiciled in the Upper Town, yet they receive in return infinitely less benefits than do the latter, and exercise no direct voice as to the manner in which the contents of the joint purse shall be expended. The latter grievance is of their own making, and, consequently, so also is the former to a very con- siderable extent. If they secured representation upon the Urban Council they would be able to en- sure that their claims should, at least, be considered by that body, and it would be passing strange if they were unable to secure some amelioration of the evils of which at present they legitimately com- plain. With the nature of these evils it is not my present intention to deal they may form the basis of a fut- ure article, but so long as the victims betray no active determination to advance the banner of reform it is but little use my pleading their cause. I hold no special brief for Lower Town. If her residents choose to arouse themselves they may rest assured of my ungrudging aid in any reasonable demands they may promulgate, but for the moment I am concerned with a far wider question of arous- ing the whole community, irrespective of local fac- tions, from the dangerous trance into which it has lapsed. Whon I see/somnabulist patrolling the edge of a precipice I am more concerned about saving him from immediate loss of life or limb, than as to whether or not he may subsequently contract pneu- monia by reason of his scanty attire. Gas, water, sewers, scavenging, all these may be badly needed in Lower Town, but the primary es- sential is that the ratepayers in that area should arise and demand equitable treatment; details are trivial compared with the dominant principle invol- ved. Will itheydo it ? I doubt it From time to time we shall, as of yore, hear pkintive pleas for com- mon justice, but when Marah comes round not a single interested party will evince sufficient public ■ spirit to seek election upon the Council, whilst such of them as Lave been entrusted (by kind permission of political agents) with the franchise will calmly record their votes for their personal friends or most useful business acquaintances, irrespective of the irrespective of the fact that not one of those individ- uals ha seither by a circular or by public meeting, placed his views and policy before the constitu-te; I may be wrong I sincerely hope so, but I fear not

jEJOQ Free Insurance UNDERTAKEN BY The Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, Ltd (Empowered by Special Act of Parliament). Principal Office 36 to 44, Moorgate Street, London, E.C. THIS COUPON-INSURANCE-TICKET MUST NOT BE DETACHED. X? Will be paid by The Gcean Occident and Guarantee Corporation, Limited, Principal Office,Nos. 36 to 44, Moorgate Street, London, E.G., to the legal personal representative of the bona fide holder of this Coupan-Insurance-Ticket if the holder shall be killed or fatally injured by an accident within the United Kingdom to any Rail- way Company's passenger-tram in which the holder is travelling as a ticket-bearing or fal- paying passenger. Provided that the above undertaking is subject to the following special conditions, which are of the essence of the contract, viz. This Insurance entitles the holder to the benefit of, and is subject to, the conditions of the Ocesn Accident and Guarantee Company, Limited Act, 1890," Risks Nos. 2 and 3, when they are not incompatible with the special conditions above stated. (a) That death result within thirty days after the accident (b) that the holder shall, prior to the accident, have written his (or her) usual signature in ink in the space provided underneath • (c) that notice of the accident be given to the Cor- poration at its Principal Office in London within fourteen days after its occurrence; (d) that medioal certificates and other information be fur- nished by the person claiming upon request for the same by the Corporation and (e) that this Insurance applies only to persons over twelve and under seventy years of age, is limited to one Coupon-Insurance-Ticket for any one holder, and holds good for the current week of issue only. The possession of this Coupon-Insurance-Ticket is admitted to be the payment of a premium under Sec. 33 of the Act. A Print of the Act can be seen at the Principal Office of the Corporation. Signature of F 0 I tT r*Tfi\ I w&f waw i mm 1*'7, -RF!71 -4 It Is opan to yoli to profll j im mei- ge -i, v.Ar 0, ,t JPKwtS"free1"book of cgfi .ybargains 1^ oent absolutely free anywhere. H.Samuel vvil 'j » flHH SB jBgr^aS offers to all the latest and best produc- tions in high-class Watches, beautiful I Jewellery and Silver-place; and the finest selection of Gramophones and :&ncy articles anyone ■ desire. Hesitate no longer, bat send a postcard t°-day. Sterling TN.T 4100,0,)0 A W0PLD'3 "in wear. B*. ST H.SAMUEL', -ACME' SILVER LEVER U< PAYMENT SYS i'EMS. %-•; V* J Complete ^.th V|i \Y\^ .TCRUET DINNER. CRUET •50 .««.« # raH6iray>l h»nasome § ▼ \\l free i,.d! 41 Yr. PRIZ Sil,cr NI, °Catch the next post and make srire iW7,l""lv?-uly I r of getting this valuable retail profit- one of your saving Guide into your own hands for Watr.hos has^nS)Ss, I ^KX^Sfej'VJ^C^a-S^future use. Don't.wait a moment Ion- civan ma jgj |w^^S/SSJel m £ sg& ^^4^8 GO WEST Latest Fashions FOR 1910. for NOVELTIES. Autumns Winter AT Paris House, West-St, Fishguard. FRANCIS A. DAVIES INVITES AN INSPECTION OF HIS NEW STOCK comprising the LATEST FASHIONS for Autumn and Winter Season. Choice Furs (direct from Reliable Furriers), Seal, Caracul, and Squirrel Coats. Fur Necklets and Muffs in all kinds of Furs. Tailor-Made Custumes in all the Newest Shapes. New Jackets in Cloth and Seal Ploush. Costume Skirts, Childrens Coats, &c. New Blouses in Silk, Lace, DeLaines (New Paisley Designs). Special Tailor-Made "Vjyella and Alpha shaped Flannel Skirts, 5s 6d to 7s nd. Ladies Jerseys and Knitted Wool Coats-Caps to match. Mackintoshes and Rain Coats in great variety. « New Dress Materials in Plain Cloths and Fancy Tweeds. Silks, Blouse Flannels, DeLaines. Exceptional Value in Blankets, Quilts, Down Quilts, and Curtains. HORROCKSE'S well-known Calicoes, Long Cloths, Sheetings, and Flannelettes stocked. New Stock of Umbrellas, Corsets, Belts, Wool Motor-Scarves, Shawls, Wool Wraps, Hosiery. GLOVES a SPECIALITY-All kinds stocked and every pair guaranteed. DENTS celebrated makes stocked. GENTS' DEPARTMENT will be found fully stocked .with Best Class Goods in Over- coats, Rainproof and Mackintosh Coats, Burberry's" Slip- on and Dexter's Weatherproof. Real Harris's Tweed Caps, and Dexter's Caps, &c Pants and Vests (by great makers), Ties, Collars, Shirts. Agent for Dr. Jaegers Sanitary Woollen Underwear. Christy's celebrated Hats and Caps stocked in all the Newest Shapes. Boy's Suits in great variety. Children's Jerseys, Caps, Sailor Hats, &c. Linoleums, Floor Cloths, Hearthrugs, Straw Mats, Table Covers, &c. NOVELTIES ARRIVING DAILY. Every endeavour has been made to maintain the reputation of supplying the Highest Class Goods at the Lowest Possible Prices. 4 GOOD NEWS GOOD NEWS For the People of Fishguard, Goodwick, & Neighbourhood. .& GEORGE OLIVER, The Largest Boot Shoe Retailer in the World, fpHTHas now Opened his New Premises The Fishguard Boot Stores, West Street, Fishguard. All Goods Marked in Plain Figures. From which there is no Abatement. 8r REPAIRS A SPECIALITY, REMEMBER THE ADDRESS- THE FISHGUARD BOOT STORES, WEST STREET, FISHGUARD. GEORGE OlalVER. Letterston Cycle Works. -<- 0 IWEdison Phonographs in stock for Presents, Hundreds of Genuine Edison Records to select from. T. WILLIAMS OTA..9 FOR PIANOS AND ORGANS-W BY Collard, Brimsmead, Hopkinson, Cramer, Mason and Hamlin, Bell, Karn, Needham, &c. PRICES LIST ON APPLICATION. TUNINGS AND REPAIRS. Addresses-HAVERFORDWEST, PEMBROKE DOCK & TENSY Mr Cowtan visits Fishguard and District periodically. Orders left at the Cartref Refreshment House, High Street, will receive prompt attention.