The Republican journal., 1898-09-01

not abused In fact, times and tariff
have changed since smuggling was profit
able and largely engaged in along gu
/ eastern border 1t was news to some o
our party that the Provinces have tariff
under which imports from the mothe
ountry pay duty, and we doubt if there il
a single article in the ordinary shopping
category that cannot be bought as cheapl,
in our own country as in the provinces
Indeed, we think there is more to tempt
the Canadian shopper on this side of the
line than the American on the other
However that may be, the purchases OF
The press party were mainly confined tc
souvenir spoons and stick pins adorned by
the British ensign-these bought by the
large sum of two cents was spent for a
Halifax daily The writer invested in a
copy Of one Of "Sam Sticks books, 1.-The
Cloclmaker.' and some china seen in ST.
John proved tempting to others of the
party.
Soon aftel we crossed the border the
button mania attacked the young ladies of
the party. and it Increased in intensity as
We got fartherinto the land of gold lace and
brass buttons. First to be despoiled was
good natured policeman at Annapolis,
who gave up his reserve stock Of buttons
and when we were on the return trip cut
the buttons from his coat to supply fur
ther demands. The artillery men in the
Citadel at Halifax, the sailors on board
tie war ship Eenown, and many others,
We're placed under contribution, and a
goodfy store of buttons was accumulated,
to be made into hat pins The button
mania was complicated with what might
be called scarlet fever at sight of the first
red-coat. 1t is wonderful, the effect of
coats of this color upon womankind gen
orally, old and young. But the manner
of wearing the little round military caps
perched on one ear was not in the least
captivating; and one of the gentlemen of
party was quite anxious to lind out why
the caps We're so worn. AS to the button
mania it was suggested on the homeward
journey that the next time the young
ladies started on a trip of this kind they
should be prepared to administer chloro-
form when they encountered wearer of
brass buttons, who might be despoied
while under the influence of the drug.
''Well, how did you find them" mean
ing the people Of Nova Scotia, is ques-
ton often asked of the press excursion
lists. So far as could be judged from a
flying visit the Nova Scotians, although
living under different conditions, are at
this time very much in sympathy with us,
and regarded the war with Spain much as
We did. III point of fact, the leading men
OF the Provinces are mainly descendants
OF the Loyalists who went from Massa-
chusetts or other of the New England
States at the time of the Revolution. For
many years past there has been a large
immigration from Nova Scotia to the
New England States, but mainly to Mass
achusetts, and this has brought even
those who remain at home into closer
acquaintance with us. The Mayor OF
kentville has brother occupying re-
sponsible position in Portland, and he has
become a citizen of this country; and OIL
recent visit to Boston Mayor Rock well
said he was called upon by Representatives
OF five uncles. This is not by any mean:
an exceptional Illustration of the ties now
existing between the two countries, anC
which We're originally populated by tn,
same race. Nothing could have beer
kinder than the welcome everywhere ex
tended TO the Maine Press excursionists
| and we came away feeling that we hat
been unusually favored.
1t is perhaps expected that Maine PEG
| pie WHO 60 away from home should hav,
something to say on the liquor question
but as ours was decidedly a cold waite
party, and our visit a very brief one, incli
nation and opportunity for investigation
were alike lacking. But this can be said
| the writer did not see an intoxicated per
son OF one under the influence of liquor
| They have in the Provinces what is know
! as the Scott act, and which we understan,
to be local option, by which a county ma
permit OF prohibit the sale of liquors. A
one place visited hotel clerk was ask
ed if the Scott law was in force, and h
said it was, but that they were not yer,
strict. Most of the hotels have bars, Blu
they are not conspicuous. The fact tina
the guests at the hotels were manl,
Americans would perhaps account for tn
absence of wines or liquors at dinner.
In conclusion we may say that this ha
been the best written up trip of the kline
of which we have recollection. The mem
bers of the Association were mindful O
their obligations, and those not member
who represented various papers furnished
pleasantly written accounts of what prov
ed to be a very enjoyable excursion. W.
are sorry for some of those who remained
at home, and wish they could have beer