Bridport, Beaminster, and Lyme Regis Telegram and Dorset, Somerset, and Devon Advertiser. — 1881-11-11 (Bridport, Dorset, England)

BONFIRE NIGHT.  The Fifth falling on a Saturday, the usual observance of Guy Fawkes' day was in many places shifted to the Monday. In other places, as at Templecombe (where there is a very energetic association) it was anticipated, and the display was on the 4th. It might be thought that a celebration on the 4th or the 7th would have removed the last excuse of those who object to the November mummery on the rkle ground that it commemorates a matter that ought to be allowed to die away, is offensive to the feelings of a good many loyal Catholics, and has been expunged trom public observances by order of Parliament; but this was still the only objection that the Sherborne Bonfire Boys were called upon to. meet. Their success, however, is so strongly marked in the field that the collection boxes showed over 1,000 coins, representing quite two-thirds of that number of individual and voluntary subscribers —that they can go "on without apology." It would be easy enough to show that even if the November carnival had not long since ceased to be a anti-popish demonstration it is quite capable of defence on its original ground. Why should it hurt the feelings of any Catholic if Englishmen continue to mark the day when this country escaped the dangers of an infamous conspiracy? No loyal Catholic can have any more sympathy with Guy Fawkes and his murderous designs than with OA Land Leaguers and assassins of the Sister Isle. To object to it only as a pageant which does little good is a stronger argument; but then what becomes of all mere spectacles, the Lord Mayor's show included? The procession, fireworks, and bonfire of tke Sher. borne Boys were great successes, although the ri,;.oon sad the weather had strong adverse influences. The number of characters in the procession was much greater than before. NA the light were bad, and the torches failed t 3 throw the presses into strong relief, and probably many who think they saw the whole of the procession will be surprised' to hear that several of the disguises were rich enough for &Toney l3a1). Sir Walter Raleigh with two small pages, and A pafje In blue and silver with long flaxen singlets, were the beet dresses. Officers of all manner of regiment',  Hugs irs, Lancers, Artillery, and the Queen's and Devil's own, were intermixed with cap-and-gown, the umbrellas and pokes of Bairy Gamps, the spangles of the Harlequins, noses of every size and hue, and garments of every colour. The Knave of hearts in a dress composed of playing cards and "I go Nap" round his hat, was certainly the most novel idea. Arabs, Indians Crusaders, steel-helmed and red-crossed, Zulus arid a band of torch-bearers were grouped in the procession, which also showed in the way of novelties a full length figure of the assassin of the President, on whose back a youthful flogger laid it on so heartily that he had soon nothing left but the stump of his cato'-nine tails ; a capital six-foot Irishman, r4presenting the " Guyof the day, Parnell ;" a "providential" fire escape, "long looked for—come at last," very well get up, with firemen in attendauce ; Euglana, Russia, and Fiance, represented by a Lion, a Rear, and a Gallio Cock, all elaborate compositions, and each containing a by. Attended by thre3 bands' the long procession, under its old commandant, wi(h two equerries also mounted, and marshalled by a dozen of the leading "boys," went its old route through the town, occasionally lighted up by coloured fires, and, on returning to Mr. Peacock's field, the terrace was lighted up. Wells let off a grand display of fireworks, and a fire balloon, and a monster bonfire was set alight. By 11 some 200 people from Templecombe and neighb iurhood, and some 500 from Yeovil had left by special trains, and the town had resumed its usual quietness. There were probably 8,000 people collected.