The Republican journal., 1901-11-07
IN KING EDWARDS DOMAIN.
Notes of Six Weeks Trip to England and
Scotland.


Notes of Six Weeks Trip to England and
Scotland.
We soon awakened from our re-
spective day-dreams on landing in a
strange land to the realization that
the rain was coming down in tor
rents, and that the sooner we got under
cover the better-for our appearance,
at least. We were not long in finding
the covered, gently inclined ascent to
the street, and, incidentally, the place
where our baggage was to be examined
This was huge, barn-like place, about
which the letters of the alphabet were
distributed. These huge initials re-
minded one of early school days, and
one waited instinctively for the 'Prim-
er class to be called No tinkle of
the familiar call-bell was heard, how
ever, and we devoted all our energies to
locating our baggage-which by the
way, had undergone some subtle trans
formation and become luggage" This
done, with the aid of porter, plus a
shilling, we collected it and awaited the
arrival of that much dreaded and all-im-
portant person-the customs officer.
Shortly a pompous-looking, uniformed
individual hustled up to the waiting
group, and singing me out, inquired in
a deep and awe-inspiring tone if l had
"any-tobacco cigars-cigarettes-w hiskey-
spirits-copy -righted- works? His artic-
ulation was so rapid that l was not at
all sure what he said, but l replied mo-
so very positively that he only found it
necessary to open one trunk, and then
pasted the magic pink label bearing a
crown and the words, "Customs, Liver
pool" on our two trunks and handbags,
without SO much as opening them.
Other members of the party were as
fortunate, and soon after, having bid
den last goodbye to our fellow pas
sengers, we were in the street, being
piled into 'four-wheelers." The rain was
still descending and the steam on the
cab windows prevented a very extended
view of that great port and CONNER
cial centre, Liverpool.
When the welcome lights and portals
of the Compton Hotel appeared we
descended and turned to superintend
the removal of our luggage, and what
was our CONSERVATION when we saw
that no less than five trunks and as
many bags had been deposited over
our heads all the way from the docks.
'Where ignorance is bliss, It's folly to
be wise!"
When our possessions were in charge
of the porter we sailed up the
stairs and into the Office, when we
found we had made the grave mistake
of arriving day before we were ex-
pected. We soon had rooms assigned,
however, and climbed six flights of stairs
to our very comfortable apartments,
where we were to enjoy the luxury of a
truly" bed for the first time in ten
days. After arranging few things for
use later, and in the morning, and rev.
cling in the unwonted space, we des-
cended to the ladies' drawing room,
where the had party assembled. Much
merriment resulted when one of our
number informed us that an employe
of the hotel who had witnessed our ar
rival expressed the opinion that we
| were theatre troupe.
| After considering the matter we
, easily found the light and heavy Williams,
the comedian, and the juveniles and
heroines in abundance; but alas for the
English theatre going public, the old wo-
man, the tragediennes and the fair but
tickle accomplices had been left behind.
We decided, therefore, to confne our
attention to sight seeing, and started
out for walk about the shopping dis
trict. The rain having ceased we lost
no time in getting under way and
were soon in the thick of typical
English crowd. Two things that i'm
mediately drew our attention were:
first, the multiplicity of large-crowned
sailor hats, which sat low on the head,
and gave the wearer very peculiar
appearance; and, secondly, the number
of street vendors of every size, age and
description. Feeble old men and women
in their toothless second childhood, and
tiny boys and girls scantily dressed and
hardly old enough to walk, all tottered
along piping, Matches, sir? Box of
matches?" or selling papers, fruit, toys,
etc., etc. Another. feature of the streets
that attracted our attention was the
temptingly arranged bakers and fruit
ier's windows. But after the fatigues
and excitement of the day we were not
sorry when the Compton was reached
again, and with cordial ''goodnights"
we retired to get good nights sleep in
preparation for sightseeing on the