The Press., 1905-12-20
WHAT SHALL IT BE |?

George Ade states that Christmas J was invented to show that nobody is without friends. There is no doubt that the paramount question at the J Christmas season is "What shall we 1 buy for this friend or that one to ex- press the regard we feel?'' In antic- , ipation of this question dealers all over town have made unusual dis plays this year of merchandise suit able for holiday gifts. It would seem to an unprejudiced observer that the local merchant is entitled to hear ing on this subject. Look the local stocks over thoroughly, and if you can find what you want car-fare is saved. Money spent in town has this advantage is not far away, and there may be chance of getting it again through the regular channels. Not only have the local merchants made careful preparation for the hol- iday trade, but a word is due them on the appearance of their show win dows. Where will you find more tasty show windows than in Stafford The appearance of the windows give a favorable impression that is only intensified by an examination of the stock on the counters and shelves.
 D. ROBERTSON & co.
 The palmist at the Robertson store is very intelligent woman. By looking your hand over carefully she can tell you whether to play it pat or draw three cards. The past is an open book to her, and she can read the future as esaily as the headlines on the Boston Globe. The lines of MT. Robertson's hands, as we'll as the lines displayed in his store, indicate that he will have very prosperous Christmas business. Never was he in better shape to meet such fate. Every department is brim full of up- to- date merchandise. The stock of dress goods was never more complete. There is window full of handker- .ehiefs, and more besides, priced from 3 cents to $1. Silk and linen hand kerchiefs, with initial-a comprehen- sive stock. Umbrellas for ladies and gentlemen. Gloves, furs, skirts, coats are among the useful articles which are pleasing for gifts. Pretty fur sets for children, $1. 50 up. An es- pecially pleasing feature of the dis play here is the table of beautiful imported Japanese ware. It is as fashionable as it is pretty. The pieces shown include vases, cracker jars, chocolate pots, fancy cake plates, bon bon dishes, etc. A selection from this ware costs from 59 cents up, and any lady will be highly gratified to receive a gift from this line. The toy department on the second floor has a variety of articles that will please Little Johnny or his sister. The dressed dolls are prettily displayed, and are good value for the prices marked. All kinds of games. Toys that go, and toys that don't, Humpty Dumpty. automobiles, fire apparatus, miniature models of all the imple- ments used by adults. Just think of all the joy that these articles are go- ing to give when the children awake on Christmas morning There is a particularly complete and attractive line of ladies' shirt waists at the Robertson store, and the prices range from 69 cents up. New stationery, in boxes, 10 cents up. Space will not permit of a detailed account of the merchandise carried here suitable for holiday gifts. If the few hints conveyed here lead to an examination of the stock, the purpose for which they are written will be achieved Anybody that makes a careful exam ination of this stock is sure to find number of things suitable for their Christmas list.
 F. E. FITZPATRICK.
 Fitz claims that his friend David was the cause of having the sidewalk blocked, so that Christmas shoppers can get no further up the street. Not withstanding this hardship he is pre- pared to hold the fort. If there is any one department that shines above the others, it is the one devoted to pipes and cigars. The assortment of pipes includes some beautiful designs in meerschaums and tasty briars. If your husband or brother could apIre- ciate pipe as a Christmas token, leave it to Fitz. The cigars run in price from $1 to $1O per box. Christ mas shoppers will make no mistake if the selection is made from the fol- lowing brands-Old Green, Hermann, R. & s., Electrics, Portuondo, Rose- dale, Rockingham, Winthrop and Hoffman House. Remember that multiples of 5 and 10 win out, and take look at the capital prize, con- sisting of a smokers set and two ele- gant tobacco jars. For books Fitz has an annex of Forbes & Wallace, and the prices are the same as in the big store. The stock of dolls is se- lected assortment, and does not con- tain ringer. The dolls are priced so low that some of them emit cries of pain. The usual assortment of Christmas candies, with the Kibbe and Lowney chocolates for the fastid- ious Iron and mechanical toys in great variety. You can find your sta. tionery in boxes here, priced right. A word about subscriptions is in or der. Nothing gives more pleasure to