^K LADYSMITH CHRONICLE Vol. I. Ladysmith, B. C, Wednesday, December ,9 1905. No. 34. The Government Will Give Assistance Local Option the Duty of the hour When the city council met last Monday night, Aid. Matheson, who had been voted to the chair, explained that urgent business in connection With the city was the cause of the absence of Mayor Nichalson. His Worship before leaving had asked Aid. Matheson to make this explanation. , There were present Aid. Matheson, McKinnell, Haworth, Campbell1 and Roberts. The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted. A communication was read from Donald McLeod, a native of Nova Scotia but now a resident of New York State, making application for the position of city engineer during the construction of the sewer. Mr. McLeod' stated that he had had many years' experience in this kind of work, and that while he had been a resident of New York. State tor years he was still a British subject. His communication was> received gni Tiled for future reference. A. Brooksbank applied for the position ot city auditor and received the appointment. Bills amounting to $388.55 were presented and referred to the finance committee. City Clerk Stewart reported that he. had heard from Mayor Nicholson at Victoria by telephone during the day. His Worship had interviewed the government,and received a promise that thc doctors' and drug bilk would be paid, and recommended the presentation of a petition by the council to the government for further assistance. It was therefore moved by Aid. McKinnell, seconded by Aid. Roberts, •hat in view of the depleted' condition of the municipal treasury, a petition be presented to tCie government asking for assistance. The resolution was carried. Aid. Haworth drew attention to the fact that there was a stovepipe in thc roof of a building near Bicycle's store which was a source i danger. Thc matter will be attended to at once. Aid. Campbell wanted to know If the new laundry had asked permls- fion of the council te start on First avenue. He had heard many com' Rlaints fsom citizens on account ol its location. Acting Mayo.r Matheson: "There is a by-law regulating these matters. Is there anyone who wants to make a motion? The bylaw is so strict with regard to washbouses that no one can scarcely oomply with it." Aid. McKinnell thought the sank ' tary committee should investigate, and a motion was made to that t effect. It was decided to bold tho nomination and election of school trustees on the same days and place as the nomination and election for members of the council. Before adjournment, a communication was read from the secretary ol the Municipal Union, suggesting the •ending ol delegates to the convention to be held at Vernon the first week in January. The clerk will send « suitable reply. The above was the subject taken by Rev. J. McMillan in the Presbyterian Church last Sunday evening. The lesson read was Isaiah, the fifth chapter. He first alluded to the ancient, character of the liquor question undthe similarity of its features in all ages as shown by the prophet's description to which indulgence in intoxicating liquor is associated with social habits, music, etc., and results in fraud, violence and crime. The speaker went on to describe the .terrible evils of the traffic. Its silliness in connection with the treating habit; its wastefulness—60 millions per annum spent in liquors every year in Canada; its degrading effects upon all who indulge, being bad for the men behind the bar as well as those before it. The great wave of temperance sentiment sentiment that is sweeping over this continent was next touched upon. It was shown that nearly one- half of the people of the United States are now living under prohibition; that in Canada one province, Prince Edward Island, has total prohibition, while nearly all of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have abolished the bar rooms by local op ticn; 400 out of '700. municipalities in Quebec, and about 800 in Ontario hare done the same—drastic legislate tion on this question was carried in Manitoba which is now clamoring lor total prohibition; the prairie provinces are moving in the same direction, one of them having made provision for a steady reduction of licenses to result In prohibition in a tew years; and last of all British Columbia was moving toward the abolition ot the bar through local option. This proposed law was then explained. It is lot prohibition. It does not affect the manufacture or wholesale sale of liquor, but seeks to kill the treating system by refusing to grant licenses to hotels. - The speaker ar(wed the law was effective as proven by experience. In Ontario 225 municipalities had tried it for from three to five years, and itiough the law makes provision lot a repeal after three years, only two out of the two hundred and twenty- eight had repealed It. This showed the law satisfied the people as to its; effectiveness. He expressed the conviction that such a statute would he enacted here, and confidence that it would be adopted ty many of the districts ol British Columbia. C P. R. LOTS TO BE SOLD As Soon as the Property Has Been Cleared. A party of C. P. R. officials con- listing of R. M. Marpole.H. E. Becs- ley, P. Busteed and Mr. Carulie came in on the special cat "Brunswick" at poon to-day. They are on a tour of Inspection which will extend as far as Comox.' During their short stay of an hour or so they visited the land now being cleared on their property adjacent to the city, and expressed themselves highly delighted with what bad been accomplished. To The Chronicle representative Mr. Marpole said that just as soon is the clearing was finished the land would be placed on the market in ?ne and five-acre blocks. The price would be just about what it cost the tompany with the cost of clearing lidded. The terms will be reasonable, time being allowed to complete the payments. If the sale proves satis- A Crime in Kootenay Recalled. tactory, work will commence at once clearing the other 200 acres of land owned by the company hack ot tne olty. * There are other matters under consideration of the company, which (cill add greatly to the population of the city. , Mr: Marpole was delimited with f;-progress the city is making and ressed the opinion that Ladysmith had a bright future. The different industries in operation and in contemplation should make this city a great industrial centre. He said work would proceed without delay on the line from Nanaimo to Alberni, but he ,was not in a position to say when the line would be completed. Mayor Nicholson had a consultation with the superintendent and expresses himself highly satisfied with the result. Old Council Should Bo Re-olected The local option movement will won be In lull swing here. Blank forms ot petitions have been received and will immediately 'be circulated tor signatures, and meetings will likely be held for discussion In thc nearfuturc. Nanaimo city council is pursuing an aggressive policy with regard to the Improvement of buildings. A fir. limit by-law is now unber consideration. All new 'buildings to be erected within certain limits must be ol a substantial character. In five weeks more 'the election for (payor and aldermen for the ensuing year will take place. As yet little Interest is being taken in the forthcoming election. The feeling seems to be general that inasmuch as the present mayor and council have talfcn the first steps In the public works to be carried ' oh next year they should be induced to continue in office. Thero is a good dealot wis- lom io this contention. Mayor Nicholson and the gentlemen sitting at the council board have familiarized themselves with thc details connected with the installation of thc light Ing plant and the construction of the sewers. It would bo far On in the year before a council composed ol eew men would be sufficiently up in the work to proceed intelligently with the construction of these two public i utilities, There have been more mistakes made by young cities in the matter ot laying down sew?rs than from all other sources combined, and it so happens that Mayor Mich olson possesses the practical knowledge that would be so bene- ticial to tSie city at the present time, tt is not exaggeration to say that the present mayor would save money for 8the city if the work were done under his supervision, and then .t would possess the additional merit of being done right. This is thc principal argument advanced why Mayor Nicholson and the present,aldermen should retain office for another year, and It seems to be a good one. It could be added that thq present men have a good grasp of public affairs, and may te depended upon not to waste a dollar ot the itity's money. LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS. The regular meeting of the W. C. U. was held on Monday evening in thc Mission room ot the Presbyterian Church. It was the social evening and a large number ot members were present. Four new members wciv enrolled. Two papers were read on local option, one by Miss .Nicklcn and the other by Mr. Morton. Miss O. Hutchinson recited, and Miss Thompson and the Messrs. Heycs sang. Refreshments were served in tho shape ol cake and coffee. An enjoyable evening was spent. While returning home Irom charch last Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ward ot South Oyster, had a narrow escape Irom a serious accident. A huekl. on ono ol the shaft straps loosened and the horse started to run down the hill Juet opposite Mr. John Stewart's house, Before going lar the huggy upset precipitating the occupants to the ground. However, both Mr. and Mrs . Ward escaped without serious accident, any more than the latter received a severe shock. Tbe bone was finally got under control and the buggy, righted. Mayor Nicholson went down to Victoria this week on the city's business and returned yesterday. . Robert Watson, an old resident ot Wellington and Ladysmith, has been ill at his home on Second avenue lor two or three weeks, but Is now improving. James McKinley, an ol-timer,, ts seriously ill at his home. He bad ilmost recovered from an illness a week aro, but went out and got cold, md has suffered a It will take two or three days More to complete thc work at the ichool houso at East Oyster. May- »r Nicholson will go out to the work to-morrow and return for good ibout Saturday. There was a meeting of the school board at the office of Mr. John Stewart last evening. There was .an Informal discussion of school matters, and the resignation of Miss Rutherford wasfi accepted, to take place at the end of the year. The announcement of the death of Nels Demars at Nakusp last week will he received with sorraw by many old-time residents of the Kootenay. Thc old man had reached thc advanced age of 85 years, and only a few months ago was making preparations to take lumber up Cariboo creek, where he belicvcdt here was; placer ground that would pan out well. Nels Demars was a typical prospector, and came to British Columbia in 1857, mining in the Big Bend country as early as 1866. ' A little ever a year ago, when the fruit land boom was at its height, he sold his 'arm on the Arrow Lakes for a large sum, and made a trip back to his jid heme in Quebec province. When be reached the little village where he was born he found' very few who remembered him after fifty years' absence. He discovered, however, that two of his sisters were alive and living in>Cobalt, and he,started for there at once. They were only little girls when he left home, and believed then brother dead many years. It took the old man some time to prove to them that he was the bro thcr long mourned as dead. He spent two or three months with his relatives and last spring returned to the Koolenays, to make another fortune, he remarked facetiously. Nels Demars played a leading part enacted in real lif.'e. On a fine after i enactedin real life. On a fine afternoon in the summer of 1902, three men, Henry Rose, a man named Cole, and Nels Demars, started out in a boat from Nakfusp for the latter's ranch on the Arrow Lakes. The three men had been drinking, and while camping up the lal.es, Rose had a quarrel with Cole.. The man Rose was a strange-looking creature, and resembled in form and features a wild animal more than a human being. He was a powerful man and bad hands and forearms like a gorilla. He was a dangerous character, when under the influence of liquor. In the. quarrel with Cole, Rose struck him with a bludgeon, killing him Instantly. He then attacked Demars, nhoking him into insensibility, and, gougin;: out one eye. While thc vie tims were lying on the ground tlii: half-man half-beast used a club on their bodies, until he felt satisfied Iihat the last spark of life had fled. Rose then sobered up, and, believing that both men were dead, returned' in his boat to Nakusp, where he told an improbable story of how the two men had quarreled and killed each of the struggle ;bctween Rose and his and later Demars arose like one from' .he dead and gave thc true details a'fthc struggle between Rose and his victims. Ot course Demars was believed, but Rose tried to fasten the crime on thc old man. Rose was arrested at once. Whc he was in gaol awaiting his trial, he sent for a man with whom he had been on many prospecting tours and on more than one occasion had attempted to strangle. He asked help to secure a lawyer and provide for other expenses ot his trial, He promised this man that if he could secure his acquittal he would lead him to a creek in the mountains where he could pan out enough gold in a few days to make htm rich for the rest of his life. And it was a tact that on many occasions Rose had absented himself from his usual haunts for a week or so and returned with a pocketful of gold dust. There was a theory that he had stumbled across some spot in thc mountain creeks, where there was rich deposits of the yellow metal.' If he knew ot such a place his secret died with him. In October, 1902, at Nelson, Henry, Rose was placed on his trail for. the murder of Cole, before Chief Justice Hunter. Rose listened to the different witnesses, and when the time came to go into the witness box, he iclated a story which was remarkable for its arrangement and plot. He attempted to fasten thc crime on Demars, but the chief justice took the witness in hand, and shook the evidence at every important point. It was noticed that every time Rose pronounced Cole's name be stumbled, and used guttural sounds to express the name. The chief justice asked him repeatedly: "Do you know who killed Cole?" or "Have you any theory as to the cause of Cole's death?" The answer was always thc same: "I do not know who li'l'dkole." That was just about the way he gave the name. This made a bad impression on the jury, besides the direct evidence of Demars and circumstantial details were strong against him. The lawyers for the prosecution and defense concluded thciia ddressesi and deense concluded their addresses and at 10 o'clock, Chief Justice Hunter delivered what has been regarded as the greatest charge ever delivered to a jury in British Columbia. There happened to be many old practitioners in Nelson at the time, and they all pronounced the chief's charge aa we of the greatest Jhey had ever listened to. The jury retired at 10:80, and after returning to the court room several times for direction as to the law brought in a verdict of guilty at 12:30. The chief justice then pronounced the >sentcnce ot death' amidst the moat impressive silence, On the morning of November 21st, 1902, Henry Hose paid the penalty, ot his crime Thc night previous he played cards with the jailer and guards, and told funny stories, but he faltered as he climbed the steps to the scaffold and asked the priest li proclaim his innocence. He left a signed statement to the same effect, and the theory was that he wa.; so constructed mentally as not to have been aware of his crime. Meeting of the Board of Health There was a decidedly interesting meeting ot the Boai'd ot Health last evening at the city hall, His Worship Mayor Nicholson in the chair. Dr. Frost was in attendance and gave considerable information as to liow mailers we're proceeding at the isolation hospital. All the cases there were convalescing rapidly, and If no new cases were brought Into the city, it would onl y be amatter of a few weeks when thc Isolation hospital could be closed. Tbe question of ways and means to provide for the indebtedness caused by tbe outbreak was discussed at length, and Mayor Nicholson e xplained that the the government was prepared to pay, for the doctor and the drug bills, and assist the city in any way possible This was considered very generous, tnd thc matter will be further gone Into at the next meeting of the city, council. The members of the board felt pleased that the situation wa* not so tad as it might have been under certain cctrltticfs). iAniKth.ec matter that came up at the meeting was tho Chinese wash-house which has recently been opened in a building near the Western hotel. All •greed that it might become a serious menace to the health ot the city,* but how to get rid of it was the perplexing question. The laundry bylaw did not exactly cover the case, and it was decided to see, what could be done in the way ot providing the desired remedy. Many; other matters were discussed in an informal way, but with the same desire • to guard carefully tbe public health,, and the city's interests that has charV icterized meetings ot the board In the past. . : , THE LADYSMITH CH&ONlCLG Do You Want a Home? ouses Cor Sale, tvlso Parm Lend Fire, Life, Accident, Marine and Plate Glass Insurance. Wills, Mortgages, Leases and Agreements of every kind prepared. JOHN STEWART Notary Public Conveyancer LADYSMITH, B. C. i ANNOUNCEMENT. * ! — I have the honor to introduce myself to tb« citizens of Ladysmith, Chemainus and JJuiicans as the Sole Agent for Moore's ' Gasoline Light Plant, which has the distinction ot being the cheapest and most brilliant light on the face of the mighty Universe. This is rather a' sweeping statement to make, but it is capable of proof right here in Ladysmith. Should uur lights be installed in any store, shop of ony kind, or private dwelling house, and proven not to reach the guaranteed standard, the money shall be returned to thc customer. Ladies and Gentlemen,—I am here to stay with you and see that my light gives satisfaction. Now is the time to install. Call around to J. K. Smith's shop on Roberts street and look in the window, where the world's most famous lights are installed. Yours respectfully, M. G. O'BRIEN. THE LADYSMITH CHRONICLE ftiblUh** by Carts* * Carter at Udiaattk, B. a, even Wednesday sad Safairtar. AdTertlslsa Rates en eppUeatlon. EDITORIAL, COMMENT. The Liberals of Nanaimo have decided to contest that seat against J. H. Hawthornthwaite, but it is not recorded that the Socialist candidate is losing much sleep over the probability of a political fight. Everything points to an unusuallyl arge Christmas trade in Ladysm'ith. The merchants have made preparations for the holiday season, and their stocks will compare favorably with any city in British Columbia both as to variety and price of goods. It is announced that English sovereigns minted at Ottawa will be in circulation before Christmas. This announcement becomes even more interesting from the fact that the new sovereigns will be coined from gold taken from the Larder Lake district in New Ontario. There should be no unnecessary delay in disposing of the electric light and sewer debentures. Many of the merchants have tired of waiting for electric light and are now putting in the gasoline lights, and the health of the city demands a good sewerage system at the earliest le moment. A Buffalo physician announces that he has proved that cancer is a parasitic disease and that the common garden worm is the source of it. All the suffering and death caused by cancer, he says can be prevented by refraining from eating such vegetables as cabbage, celery, onions and lettuce, over which the worm can crawl. G.O. ROSS Merchant Tailor Always in stock a full line of Woollens and Worsteds, i \ Fit and Workmanship guaranteed. first Avenue Ladysmith Drop in Lumber! TO BUILDERS: Before placing your orders write or phone the Shawnigan Lake Lumber Co,, Ltd., Shaiwnigan Lake, B. C. Rough, $9.00—otner grades in proportion. Subject to change without) notice. ■•*,«(4. The Shawnigan Lake Lumber Co., LIMITED. VICTORIA, B. C. Order Your Christmas Turkey NOW IS THE TIME TO LEAVE ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS TURKEY, OEESE, DUCKS OR CHICKENS. WE WILL HAVE LARGE AND SMALL TURKEYS, SO WE CAN GIVE YOU ANY SIZE TURKEY YOU WANT. ALSO A FULL LINE OF FRESH AND SALT MEATS, AND SAUSAGE, TRIPE, PIGS' EEET,' HOME CURED HAMS, PICKLED LAMB TONGUES, CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE, HOME.RENDliR.ED LARD. J. A Ityan, Butcher THE "RESTMORE" Stop to think—what sort ot a Mattr e9s are you sleeping on. Plenty of them are made to look well and wear out quick, Ta make double sure of a good night's sleeu See that your Mattress is made ot rlean. wholesome material. Be. that your Mattress bears the registered trade mark, "Rcstmore" Yhu oahnot afford to be without one. \ \H ETery Popular Furniture Dealer sells them. ! \ jJj ''jf\\\'M At the remarkable low price cf $12.00, .-.) I'.|. |"j| j,};] Alwaye in stock at ' 'i G. Peterson, Furniture Store Bex 173 Phone 43 Opinions of the Press. Nelson must be largely an agricultural centre. A real gold brick was trout^t to that city from Salmo a few dayt ago, and more than half ot the population did not get excited or even see it. It it had been a, big apple the brass band would have been called out and extra illuminations strung over the city.—Greenwood Ledge. There is every reason to believe that the forthcoming session of the Legislature will be an important one in many respects. Matters dealing with the development of the resources of the country will have to be dealt with, and the government policy with regard to the new city of Prince Rupert will also be discussed. Perhaps the most important discussion will be on the petition for Local Option. The following from the Summerland Review is universal in its applications: "The affairs of the corporation do not run themselves and few people realize what time must be taken from business affairs by somebody to see that they go at all. It is all too fashionable to abuse members of a civic council severally or collectively, and to accuse them of manoeuvering things to suit their own individual interests. Sometimes, alas, they do; but who can tell in how far they have been helped into that course by the indifference of the electors on the one hand or their carping, unsympathetic criticisms on the other. The boy or the man whose best efforts are either unappreciated or misconstrued is very apt to become either discouraged or cynical. If he gets discouraged he quits, and if he gets cynical he concludes that if he has the bad name he might as well have the game, since, in the words of a certain English immortal, 'the public is a hass, any The sale by the city of Nelson yesterday of $3380 ol 5 per cent, debentures at par to provide for the cement pavement of Baker strctt is satisfactory. This year thc city has disposed ot in all $148,000 worth of debentures, including the latest sale, the balance being made up of $85,- O00 for the installing of the second unit at thc power plant arid $00,- 0OO for the new school building. Next year an additions! 810,000 will be required to furnish and complete the new school.—Nelson Daily News. A systematic* agitation in favor ol local option is now in process of organization, Miss Murcutt, the for- ilblc and eloquent lady lecturer who won many friends in this city on the eccasionof her recent visit to the Okanagan, having recently been elected secretary of an association, which is to spare no efforts to influence public opinion in this direction, and to press the question upon thc atten- lionof the authorities. 11 is understood that a well planned lecturing campaign will 'be one of the principal features of thc movement, which cannot but leave its impress upon public scnti'ment in tho province.— Vernon News. States thrown down by annexation, thc rush to Canada ot the foreign population of the republic, would be so great that present conditions, though we consider them bad, would prove a serious blow to our country. Canada knows this and so long as the British Empire remains she will form a part of it.—Grand Forks Gazette. way. t» There is an idea growing in tbe United State's, that In a few short years Canada will be no longer as she Is now, but a part and parcel of the great American republic. Americans who let the germ of that idea Into his brain has a very vague knowledge of the spirit that pervades this Canada of ours. From ocean to' ocean the spirit ot empire is a well- developed feature, which, though wc respect our cousins across the border, prevents us from having anyi wish to attach ourselves to them nationally. We are objecting strongly to the class ot emigrants now pouring into our country, but were tho barrier which now separates us Irom the United Another Strike Is at an End At. a meeting ot the executive boards ot the two organizations, thc miners and operators, held Friday stternoob in Helena, so Important agreement was reached In the matter pertaining to the scale of wages to be paid in the coal mines ol Roundup. This proposition has been pending' for nearly a month and the miners of Roundup have 'been idle since October 13, awaiting adjustment ol the scale of wages. Tbe miners maintained that they would not work unless they were paid at the rnje of 75 cents per ton *t coal. During most of the day the matter was threshed out Irom beginning to end and both sides presented arguments, the operators holding out that there was no reason justifiable lor paying the flat rate ol 75 cents. Consequently, after many disagreements and much discussion the miners acquiesced and agreed that It they could not get 75 cents per ton they would agree to accept 70 cents, or five cents lower than tormerly paid. tinder the agreement arrived at the miners in the coal mines at Roundup were to return to work Monday morning. 1 On Saturday afternoon there was another meeting of the operators and miners, at which an agreement was effected, upan a tonnage scale lor the Spring Creek coal district in Fergus county. It was on a lasts ol ?).98< a ton. The men wanted $1.90 and thc operator offered $1.25. A ton- oage scale has also been agreed upon lor the Roundup mines, The mtne,rs asked for 75 cents and the operators offered,70 cents. The agreement was on the latter figure. Work on the Spring Creek mines has already, been resumed, so that all danger of a coal famine this winter has been lasertcd— Lejwiston Dally News. , ', „ ,,;,.: i For Meats OF ALL KINDS, SAUSAGE A SPECIALTY, LEAVE ORDERS AT Geo. Roberts' Meat Market Cor. First Ave. and RohefETStreet. LADYSMITH. VICTORIA BUSINESS COLLEGE lauiHHENT nun, vicimn Complete Commercial Course—Isaae Pitman Shorthand, Bookkeeping Toueh Typewriting, Commercial Correspondence, Penmanship. Sir Months Course, $60-$10 per month. High School and Matriculation subjects also by correspondence. For further particulars write Mr. W. W. Suttil, Certificated Shorthand Teacher, Government Certificate, etc. Arrangements made for boarders with supervision ot Home Lessons. Ladysmith Transfer Stables Light and heavy teaming. Furniture and piano moving a specialty. Nicholson & Weaving PROPRIETORS Telephone 1. Fall Woollens We have received our Fall Woollens and can make you up a Suit on shortest notice. Hilhert Undertaking Company Pnneral Directors and Undertakers Ladysmith mmmm—m Phone 142 LADYSMITH MARKET E. Ponnell DEALER m ALL KINDS OF Meats and Vegetables P.O. Butt. UlTtllTI Phone 44. S. J. GIFFORD Livery, reed and Sale Stables EXPRESS W8IK A SPECIALTY WOOD FOR SALE First Avenue. Phone 56. SINGER SEWING MACHINES Easy terms to suit all. Machines repaired and Cleaned. Needles, Oils and parts can be had by lending a post card to A. C. PALMER, Agent. Hughes' late stand on First Ave. D. I. Matheson Wagons ISellUTrapptCe's Calibrated Wipes Daring tin season ws htvs sold « lstfs numbst of wsgons, Implsimnts tint lot tint trucks. Everything curbs » gustsntes. R. WRIGHT Bullir Street James Duncan TAILOR Suits cleaned and pressed. Alterations made. Charges moderate. - mkiii nun UItMITI Going at Half Price ytt not a single roll that is ugly or inartistic. No matter how modest your pocket- book is these prices will suit. Just arrived a full line of 1909 paper also a full assortment of picture moulding, at the Star Paint shop s. ROEDDING High Street. A. Maxwell Muir. C. E. Architect 1208 Government Street VICTORIA- • • B.C. THE LADYSMITH CHRONICLE Was the Diamond Stolen ? "I don't think it would ever be possible for me to become a grave robber," said an elderly gentleman to a reporter of the New York Sun,the other day, "but there is one grave that I have had a strong desire to iroak and peer into. ''I have had this desire since 1 was a very small boy, at home in my native place, a little town in England. My grandmother told me a story once which I have never forgotten and which inspired the desire. "There was in the town a rich oluS lady who, upon her deathbed, in. 1820 or thereabouts, directed th|s$ she she should bo buried with her diamond ring. She also stipulated that her remains should be inclosed in a metal casket. "My grandmother knew all about it, because she worked for the old lady rpd because she remembered that after the old lady's death the whole Tiousehold was sadly put to ltto carry out the deceased's instructions. After the body was plated in the casket with the big diam- ood ring on the lifeless finger one ot the serving women was instructed to iltand beside thc casket while the men scaled it up. ''The servant was told never for an instant to take her eyes oft the men as they did the sealing, and.so she stood there while thc men were busy with their hot irons add solder* The men worked a long, time in silence, but they had plenty of glimpses at the diamond, and after a time one of them turned suddenly to thc woman on guard and said: " 'Go get us a candle.' /"The woman went before it entered her head that it might be a ruse, «nd when she got back with the candle the sealing up was finished. Nov/, what bothers me is, did the men 'lake the ring, or is it still in that tasket? "Of course the 'men insisted and persisted that they did not touch Hie body during thc woman's absence, tnd as there was no way of proving their csset'tions without unsealing the casket no one Knew whether they| robbed thc dead or not, except the rr.cn themselves, and they died long ago. "Three or four times when I have teen in England and visited the old town I have sat and chatted with the present minister ot thc church in which the old lady's remains were placed. I know the minister well and have often joked with him about the diamond ring in the crypt bcnc.uh the chancel of the church. "I have told him that I .would get the tools and that he and I would go in the church some dark nighti and unseal the old casket and satisfy ourselves whether the men ('id steal the ring or not. Of course he won't listen to such a thing. You see il anybody saw us two old duffers prowling about the crypt all by ourselves they iua» su *,vqi )nq 0Aai|aq mash p|no« after the diamond and were not seek' Ing simply to gratify our curiosity. "1 suppose I have halt a dozen diamonds quite as valuable as that the eld dame wished to be buried with. The old minister is right, however, Jor he knows that the scandal that should arise if we were caught would never down. So 1 must go to my grave with the question unanswered, Isuppose, a question that I have been asking myself for, yes, fully titty years. "There have been1 times when it has almost preyed on my mind, 'times ivhenl was convalescent after a seme illness, and, having nothing to ' do but think, 1 got thinking about the old dame and her diamond. It is tomething on the order of the l.'.dy or the tiger, you know, only this thing has a direct personal and family interest to me. "Our family has arr^ued the question as to whether the ring was stolen or not for thc last fifty years. 1 have had brothers of mine whom I had not heard from in a dozen years send me letters from some far off point IJijfe India or South Africa writing about nothing but some new theory they had evolved concerning the ring episode of our grandmother's time. "I suppose I would give the worth of the diamond three or four times over to unseal that old leaden box, justto settle the business. Now 1 find my own children, pretty well grown up, too, have begun to debate the question, but I am pretty well resigned to its never beiog solved in my day. "1 have a lingering suspicion, however, that one of those sons of mine will, with his American resourcefulness, find a way some day to get (own in that crypt with a first-class mechanic or two and with a camera tnd a flashlight apparatus. I am luietly watching the old family spir- t develop in my toys, and I can sec them working themselves up to the tame pitch that I was in over the business twenty odd years ago. "Then they wont havet the same sentiment about not offending traditions and that sort of thing that was' bred in me, having been born over there. Besides, many ot the old people who would be mortally offended if the crypt were opened now will be dead and gone in a tew years, and it won't so much matter to the next generation." For the Holidays CHRISTMAS CARDS, CHRISTMAS POST CARDS, FOUNTAIN PENS, PIPES of all descriptions, CIGAR and CIGARETTE HOLDERS, CIGAR and CIGARETTE CASES. LADIES' and GENTS' TOILET SETS in Ebony and Sterling Silver. Also the largest assortment of Silt verware in plate and sterling, Glass, etc., in town. Cut We have no pr'izes to give but wc can certainly give you your money's worth on every article that is purchased at our store. LADYSMITH PHARMACY Hints forjhe Heme. Christmas Cake Which Will Keep a tear. To make a rich fruit cake, seed three-quarters ot a pound til fine layer raisins; mix with them a quarter ef a pound of fully shredded citron, three-quarters of a pound of shredded orange, peel, an equal quantity of shredded lemon peel, half a ' pound of candied or preserved gages cut into halves, the same quantity of candied or preserved apricots, and half a pound ef candied pineapple shredded, alter mixing these well, flour them with a quarter of a pound'of pastry flour. Beat to a cream hali' a pound ot butter. It the butter is salted, wash it thoroughly in ice water and let it again chill. Add carefully half a pound of pulverized (not confectioners') sugar. Beat eight eggs, without separating them, until they are very tight, Sift half a .pound of pastry flour Add a little of the egg to the 'butter and sugar/ then a little flour, and so continue until the whole' is well mixed and smooth. Add one grated nutmeg, a quarter ol a tea-, spoonful of cinnamon, and an eighth tf a teaspoonful of grounded clove's. Add one gill of strained orange ju'cc and one gill ot grape Juice, then the floured Iruit, mixing well together. Lino, fruit-cake pans with greased pai per, both sides and bottom; pour in the batter, and bake in a slow oven for four hours and a half. When done, let the cakes stand an hour and a hall. When done, let the cakes stand and cool, and remove them from the pan. The next day put them into a granite Mettle. Boil together a pound, ef sugar and half a cupful of water lor five minutes; add a tumbler ot strawberry or quince jelly and the Juke of four lemons. Run a fine darning needle here and there thro- tgh the cakes, and bast, them with this cold syrup. These cakes will keep in good condition tor a year. / Dominoes to please the Children. Dominoes are not difficult to make. Beat half a pound of butter to a cream, adding gradually two cup- fuls of sugar; add thc yolks of four eggs. Beat thoroughly; then fold in the well-jbcaten whites, and three cup- fuls • ol pastry flour sifted with two teaspoonfuls of baking powder. Pour into greased shallow pans to the depth of half an inch. Bake in a moderate oven for fifteen minutes. When dene turn out on a cloth to cool, wheat cold cut with a sharp knife into oblong pieces the shape and size of a domino. Cover the top and sides with white icing; when this has hardened, dip a wooden skewer, into melt, ed chocolate and draw tho. lines and aiake the dots of the dominoes. Chit-, iren are always delighted with theso little cakes. Sand Tarts and Ginger Snaps. Sand tarts are excellent. Beat halt I pound ot butter to a cream and add half a pound of granulated sugati; then add the yolks of three eggs and the whites of two, beaten together; add a teaspoonful of vanilla and just a little grated , nutmeg. Mix in sufficient Sour to make a dough. Dust your .baking-hoard thickly with granulated sugar. Take out apiece of dough; roll into a moderately thin sheet; cut with round cutters, and bake, in a moderate oven until a light brown. Dust the top of the sheet with sugar instead of flour to prevent the roller Irom sticking. By adding half a pound of cleaned currants to the above receipt you will have Shrewsbury currant cakes. The tiny little ginger snaps and SUGGESTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS There are but few things more acceptable or more appreciated as a gift than something in tbe Jewellery line. It need not be expensive to be good and artistic. You can get Christinas presents in our store from ?l up,, and whether you spend $1 or $100 you will be treated as fairly and as cheerfully. Here are a few suggestions; -•■ ., ( , , Watches Ladies' and Gentlemen's in a nice plush case. We have them in filled or 14k solid. Brooches We have a large assortment. Beau-i tiful designs in gpld filled at from $1.00 to 4fi.no, or in 14k solid, from $3.50, $5.00, $7.00, $9.00 up to $35.00. Rings We have got in a special line tor Christmas, ranging from $2.50 right up to expensive ones at $250.00. Bracelets A gift always appreciated by the Ladies. We can supply them in Expansion, Nethersole, Woven or Bead, in gold filled or gold. Some beauties in 14k solid, set with pearls, from $18.00 to $30.00. Manicure Sets We have a nice line of Manicure Sets in ebony or pearl. Ladies' and Gentlemen's 3-piece sets, brush, comb and mirror, In handsome cases, individual mirrors, brushes, etc., in best French cbonv. Limoges China, Cut ware, Clocks, etc. Glass, Silver- CHRISTMAS GOODS Wc have just received a fine consignment of Post Card Albums and a new stock of Christmas Stationery. Come and sec us. We arc receiving new books every day, and you can now buy standard aovels, and the works of the modern novelists for 15 CENTS PER COPY. HARRY HUGHES Fall Clearing In order to clear off this summer's stock of Wall Paper I will dispose of this season's patterns at a greatly reduced rate. V E. SMITH. Retorts Street Christmas Is Coming. Are You Prepared for It? WE ARE We have just received our advance stoc!: of Christmas Toys, Novelties, Christmas Cards, Etc. Deal where you get the best value and that's —AT ■ ■■ ' = McKELVIE BROS., First Avenue, Ladysmith REMEMBER! Every dollar spent with us gives you a chance to draw the Diamond Ring. Also a guess at the Beans, to win the Gold Watch. P.G. NOOT, *5g£: and "PINTO"J!GHNESS Almost the toughest thing in the whole of creation is a "pinto" Broncho when he is in fighting humor Now bis hide is just as tough as he if, and the part above his hips is the very toughest and most pliable -it is the "shell." • , , . ■> . t ; < . , t That is the part used to make the famous "Pinto" Shell Cordovicn Mitts and Gloves. \ \ , p ' Wind, rain, tear, rip, scorch and boil-proof—almost wear proof. , , i a ■• 1.!iO. Ladies' and Gentlemen's Irish Linen Kerchiefs, 6 in nbox. At 50o,, 7oo,, 81.00, and 31.50 a box. ~Gent'B Suspinders, Neckwear, Armlets, Oartsre, Etc., in fancy boxes. At 50o, 78, null Jl.uO , , , ■■ Gent's Combination Sets of Armlets, Gaiters and Suspenders, in fancy boxes, at |1,W a sit. We can pack you nice Silk Fans, ready to mail, only 25o a pair. ^ Ladies' Gloves and Kerchiefs. Boxes, 50c a set. $£ jbmi Gout's Collar and Tie Boxes, from 75o a set. Don't delay—Come early BLAIR & ADAM Local and .General.' In Ladysmith, Dec. 8, to the wife of David Gourla8y, a boy. R. J. Trembalh will leave shortly Ior a visit with friends on the mainland. Robert Sanderson, ol Ladysmith, will spend the Christmas holidays Kith friends and relatives i'i Iowa. The Telephone, Company will start next week replacing tlie old wire on their poles in Lad.ysmith with new wiro! Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Bland came, in from Victoria yesterday, and will iccupy their new house the latter end' of the week. Useful Christmas Presents We want to clean out our stock of Chinaware and glassware this month. Many lines we will sell for cost, and some lines below cost. Ladysmith Hardware Company FOR SALE Small ranch, 10 acres of good fruit land midway between Ladysmith and Chemainus. Apply at C. Gardner's Grocery Caplanade Wood for Sale. Splendid mill wood for sale at Ladysmith Lumber yard, at a low price. Apply to i P.1INKSTER. BEAVEN'S PLATE LIFTERS You can lift a plate'.from'a red hot stove without burning your hands. The greatest household device ever invented, C. GARDNER, Agent tor Ladysmith, Esplanade. FOR SALE-3 Lights Vapor Gasoline Lighting System. Perfect condition. Hoopert Ladysmith. The Good Tcmjplars crowded! thc Methodist Church last.Sunday night, when Rev. Mr. Wilkinson preached a tuitable sermon. If you want your shoes repaired as they ought to be dune, patronize the IVhitc Shoemaker at Cavin's Foot- Tear Store. Firemen's Annual Ball WILL TAKE PLACE IN Ladysmith Opera House New Year's Eve (Dec. 31st, 1908.) TICKETS-$2 per couple, including supper.. Extra lady, 75 cents. Supper by Mrs. Decker. Sec our stock of Christmas Cards. Over 2,00(1, to choose from. Sample- cards. No two alike. Ladysmith Hardware Company. John Struthcrs, thc celebrated full back on thc Ladysmith team, has finished his work on the Oystoi sclioolhousc aod will remain in tin city. Percy K. Winch will have on sab Monday bouses of his celebratec "Orand Duke" cigar, 11), 20 and 2; in a box. The "(Irand Duke" it justly celebrated and will make s suitable Christmas present. We have the best line in the city ot p'ipes, cigar-holders, cigarette- holders, cigar cases, smoling sets and evei'ytXinci the smoker needs .lust thc thing for Christinas pres cnts. Ladysmith Hardware Company New Stock of Wall Paper JUST ARRIVED ELEGANT DESIGNS AND COLORINGS FINE LOT OF PICTURE MOULDINGS. ALL THE LATEST PATTERNS. BRING YOUR PICTURES HERE TO BE FRAMED. "SOME PUMPKINS" Have you seen those two pumpkins in our window? Do you think you can guess how many seeds there are in each! We are going to give at prize of ?.M> worth of groceries to the one guessing the nearest number ot seeds in the large one, and 85 to the one guessing the nearest number In the small one. Every dollar spent with us Irom Saturday, November 21, on until New Year's Eve entitles you to a guess. You might win both prizes if you are a good guesser. GEAR'S IDEAL GROCERY Scott's Building, First Avenue. HARRY KAY, & Dr. R.B. Dier Surgeon Dentist ALL WORK GUARANTEED MUNICIPAL NOTICE. Notice is hereby given that the 'ourt ot Revision on the Voters' List will ne held in the Council 'haniber, Ladysmith, on Monday, Hst December, 1908, at 2 p. m. JOHN STEWART, C. M. C. Ladysmith, B. C, 24th Nov., 1908. Second-hand range, J22.50. Good is new. Apply Mclnt yre Foundry Co. All Our Christmas Stock Is now in, and we are showing a fine line of Christmas Cards and Calendars, Photo and Post Card Albums Souvenir Belt Pins, Sewing Sets, Toys, Books and Dolls. Call in and See Them. No trouble to Show You. Knight's Book Store Ready for Business With one of thc finest Confectionery Stocks ever brought into the city,. Everything will be sold at thc lowest possible price. , Full assortment of Cigars and Tobaccos. REMEMBER THE PLACE Gem Candy Store Gajacre Street THE EMPIRE CAFE 548 JOHNSON ST., VICTORIA Meals 20 Cents and Up. Best 25 Cent Meal in Victoria for 20 Cents. Patronize White Labor by eating here. Special atteniion given to tourists and visitors, who are cordially welcome. We keep the Celebrated Grand Duke Cigar. GEORGE BRUGGY, MANAGER. The Big Store TRY THE BIG STORE POR HAM AND BACON Cooked Ham a Specialty FRESH EASTERN EGGS, 3 DOZEN FOR $1.00 FINE MEALY POTATOES $1A SACK. TRY RIDGWAY'S OLD COUNTRYTEA Simon Leiser & Co., Ltd. The Big Store