Loading...
The Brussels Post, 1905-3-16, Page 7THE MATCHMAKERS .f. There watt little of the diplomat: in the composition of Captain Paul Osborn°, rotten!. infester mariner, When any business came his way wherein the exerelso of tact was &f- ellable he was apt to blunder linnet: - tingly; for ho held stoutly to the be- lief that a man who could bully a mutinous crow into discipline and obedience had nothing to learn in such a trifling matter as the man- agement of a son. And lie had de- finitely reeolved that Dick should marry Milly Marston, the pretty daughter of his nextscloor neighbors. Milly's parents had met his over- tures for the match enthusiastically, and when, ovor a glass of the cap- tain's brewing In the Osborne par- lor, the old sea -dog had promised to bring Dick's assent -and the happy youth himself -to the little party to be held on the morrow in honor of Milly's birehday, Mr. Marston de- lightedly vowed that Ids wife's and his own dearest hopes were on tho eve of fulfilment. Mrs. Osborne shook her head dubi- ously when the captain breezily un- folded his scheme. Dick was a line, high-spirited young fellow, and she had grave doubts regarding the wis- dom of an attempt at coercion. Tier slivewd, motherly instinct told her that tho young people were already, although perhaps unknowingly as yet, trending easily towards the nm- trimanial goal, and that sooner or later their parents' desires would be gratified. Desid•es, they were both ridiculously young, and the, for her part, couldn't bear the thought of parting with hien just yet, even to Milly leherstoe. The captain airily pooh-poohed her objections, and til thnately gained her halting concurrence, along with a warning to bo cautious how he dealt with Diolc. The captain good- humoredly protested that such an injunction was quite superfluous; ho was always cunning, but on this occasion she might rely upon him being an ambassador and a snake rolled into one. So in the morning he brought his son to bay. "This is the girl's birthday, Dicky, my lad," he began cheerfully, with a jerk of his head towards the wall, on the farther side of which the Marston gable abutted. "W!hat &el, dad?" "Her next door -Stilly Marston. Anel to kind of honor the event George and the mother want the three of ns to trot sound and take • tea with 'em to -night. You'll go, • of comae?" "Delighted, dad," said Dick, heart- ily, The captain nodded a sagacious "I told you so, didn't T?" to his wife. Hie round, red face became wreathed in smiles, and he rubbed his hands delightedly. "That's it, Dicky, my latl. Fla, ' hal I do like to hear you say it that way. She's a clean, clipper - built little hooker, is Milly-weK bal- lasted, too," sinking his voice to a hoarse whisper, and winking inean- ingly into his son's face; "don't for- get that, Dick -mighty well ballas- ted. The sort of craft that'll stand up to a gale; eh, you rogue?" Dick understood and laughed un- easily. '''Whenever I see her, be it week- day or Sunday," proceeded the cap- tain, "T can't help feeling envious of old George. I won'tdeny that Pro- vidence has given mother and me the best bey in the. world; but, Dicky, iny lad, a son ain't everything- nacreher and I have always had a sort of hankering after a girl as well to make up our cargo of happiness. Ain't that tree, Polly? Of course it is. Aad, if we'd had. the choosing of her she'd have been just- sucli an- other as Stilly." Here the captain gave an emotional sniff and mopped his taco with his handkerchief. But lie quickly recovered and said, abreptly. "What's your opinion of tbe lase, Dick?" Dick hesitated, colored, then his glance steadied on his father's. Why," he said, simply, "I like Maly." The captain banged his fist on the table and gurgled and shook with laughter. "There," lie cried, trium- phantly, to his wife, "didn't I tell you 'twas all plain sailing? 'The job's 'clone, Polly," But the mother's face did not re- flect her husband's triumph. Dick looked frenn ono to the other of has parents, clearly puzzlod. "What job do you refer to, dad" he coked. "Ha, ha, hal" laughed the cap- tain, Prodclieg his son's ribs, glee- fully. e "Yoit sly dog,Dick! You thought we were bliad, you? 'But we ain't. You like the jade, as we knew all along, and she likes you; no, to clinch the matter, we're go- ing to have the pair spliced right away.' "Yotere going to have us man. vied?" cried Dick, amazed, Mrs, °thorn° coughed warningly, and made to speak, but the captain waved her dome "Aye, married, my lad. You thought we didn't see the course you've boon drifting, We did; but &Meng is mighty Slow Work, and .dangerous too; go among 115 we've Memel to give Milly mut you a tow into port, that's 1111. Ain't you glad?" "Ilen-btet 1 dela want to be totteci, dad. I'm not meth incline that Way just Yet; and, beet:lee, you forgot that Millyet views On the main ter aro moot unlikely to agree With 'ours." The captain ohm:Idea, "Doe't let that annoy yam Dielc," he said, theerfully,• "Old Goaege is seeing to that, While tea talkieg to Yen tend eeou m11011)114 hand. Sa, While bet. he's busy persuading the dear little 1 ng ---e I Dick sprang to his feet, electrified, elk) you mean, she that Mr, Mafr sloe is trying to force his daughter to marry me?" he saki, eternly. "Oh, ii0; no force °bone it, my boy. J net a trare-s--" "Excuse en., Sir; 1 call it compul- sion." Dick's face was drawn and white, and he breathed quick, "lea - then -mother, I hope you can enters me that neither of you has a hand in this seanclaloue thing." "Don't bo angry with 'your father --teeth us, Dick," fund Mrs. Osborne, impl o y. "I thought it was hate -1 mean that anything we have done, or countenanced, has been sole- ly in the interest of your future lictennelesS''' " What's all the pother about, any- way?" growled the cal/thin, Olen- rinotl at the evident teatime of his scheme. "You love Milly; she, reckon, loves you, so what more do you want?" Dick was struggling to command himself, and at length partially suc- ceeded. "I think, sir," he said, bit- terly, addressing his father, "that it may Nave Miss Marston some pain 11 you will at, once inform her father that I absolutely refuse to be a party to this shameful plot. I love her -I say it proudly -but now I shall never be able to hold up any head before her!" He turned and made for the door, "Then you aro an ass, sir," roared the irate captain, The 'door slam- med behind Dick, "I say," thunder- ed tho captain, "there's a confound- ed blockhead of an ass in this room!" "Then it must be either you or me," said Mrs. Osborne, acidly. "Dick has gone, and I'm not sur- prised." 11. The suave, dignified Mr. Marston took a *different line With, his 'daugh- ter; yet, notwithstanding the fact that his wife nobly seconded his every argument, it seemed an though his efforts were destined to be no more fruitful than his neighbor's. Ble stood on the hearthrug with his back to the fire, facing Milly, whose soft cheeks were like twin roses at the moment, and her wide-open eyes fixed on his in a gaze at once questioning and fearful. "Anci, my dear child," Mr, Mar- stonwas saying, persuasively, "apart altogether from sentiment, I need hardly point out the very sub- stantial advantages ehich will ac- crue to you through such a union. People believe me wealthy -I have a lingering suspicion that Captain. Os- borne is ono of them -but between ourselves -strictly between ourselves, mind you --I am really nothing of NEW ALLAN LINER VICTORIAN. The Allan steamship officials in Montreal have received word intimat- ieg that the new turbine 3.8. "Vie - torten," recently consethatecl for the Canadian Atlantic steamship service, will sail from Liverpool on her maid- en. trip for St. John and Halifax on March 23 next. Mr. George Hannah, passenger manager of the Allan steamship line says that the eompany was especial- ly interested in the sailing for Can- ada of the "Victorian." "It means more to this country," said Mr, Hannah, "than most Cana- dians can imagine. In the first place the 'Victorian' will practically inau- guratb what will be known as the fast Atlantic mall service between the British Isles and Canadian ports. The steamers 'VIM:mean' and 'Vir- ninian,' I have no hesitation in say- ing, will give just as fast service as there is under the British flag, run- ning to any country you may men- tion. These vessels will equal, if not surpass, the fastest runs macle to New York by the big liners, and when T tell you that' we expect to carry the mails from Moville to Hal- ifax in five days, twelve hours, or from Moville to Rimouski in six days, you can form an idea how we will compare with the fast mail steamers to New York, which take from six days to seven days to make the passage from Queenstown. The Athens signed the fast mail contract to the St. Lawrence for 1905 with the government, believing that It was possible to beat the 'United States routes. "And please remember this fact," said, Mr. Hannah, "this is not tho ultimate time limit in which the Al- lan steamers will carry the mails to and from Canada 6 to the British Isles, but it is considered that the steamers 'Victorian' and 'Virginian' are up to the present requirements of the Canadian trade, and when It is necessary to 'develop, both as to vessels and speed, the company will be prepared to meet any obligations in this respect. This is the first time, at least to my mind, in the history of transatlantic navigation, that two steamers of the size and power of the 'Victorian' and 'Virgin- ian' have been placeil in commission simultaneously, and it opens a new page in St. Lawrence navigation." The SS. "Victorian," under Cone- xnand of Captain McNicoi made her trial trip on March 4. The new SS. "Virginian" in charge of Captain Vipond, will sail for the St. Lawrence, if local navi- gation conditions are favorable, on or about April 8 next. Fin pointing the path, of duty and inclination to you, the captain is tackling his son." With a cry of dismay Milly turned and fled. But in an instant she re- appeared in the doorway, her eyes blazing with indignant ecorn. "How could you -how could you?" she paeted, "3' hate myself -everybody --Dick Osborne most of all." She raised a cinched fist and shook it wittily at her astonished parents. "/ shall never-nnever-never marry him nor anyone! rd kill myself rather!" the sort;. and your mother and I are ere) afraid, Jane," said Mr. .Mar- ' agreed that if you will accept Dick e. will there_ to aleont five minutes later -"I'm now our greatest anxiety afraid we have been hasty." by be relieved in that you, at least, "Nonnense. George," said his wife, will be securecl henceforth ag•ainst tartly. "You' simply were not firm all fear of ultbnate want," e Mr. Marston paused impre,seivelyle""°''' "But what's to be done? The cap - and his wifseized her opportunity, tain will have had no difficulty with "You bee, tny clear Millicent, that , Dick; and it will be most humiliat- although it is not yet a question of bread and buther-which Heaven for- bid it should ever becomee-still, the captain's money, which will eventu- ally fall to Dick, is-,--" "Oh, mother, how can you?" cried ing to us need insulting to them to confess ourselves beaten." "Give her an hour Or two to think it over and then use _your rightful authority. She'll gladly give way." "I cannot help ngMr. ele Stilly, reproachfully, and Mrs. Mar- tarston, with a thinkislow shaksaidof his ston's glance wavered and strayed newt, "that the captain was wrong. suddenly from her daughter's face, I'm afraid we have only made mwt- "Oun-your ireother's and mine -re- ters worse by our thlerferonce. Cu - maiming years must necessarily be pid is a tickliah little customer to few," resumed Mr. Marston, pathe- hierldi tically, "and if we saw you wedded e to such an exemplary young man as Richard Osborne, instead of looking 11 to the future with distrust, not to Tho birthday party turned out a say terror, for our beloved orf tragic failure. Stilly had looked her - spring's well-being, wo should re- sell in her room on a plea of head - geed the approaching'evening of our ache, and so her parents felt sore. lives as -in fact, as a long dream of Strangely- enough, their feelings of irritation were aggravated rather He pulled out his handkerchief with than lessened when the °ebonies ap- a flourish an I blew has nose With peered without Dick, vigor, doubtless to conceal some therefore, of .a genial atmospIhnesit•eeaodf. natural emotioe, congeattihrflon and goodwill, there "A long dream of bliss, iVIiliy, as was a general suspicion on both your father • so feelittgly puts it," aides that they hail each been trifled satcl Mrs. Marston. "Surely on this with. ,your birthday you will not be so "The preciotis fool wouldn't licaetless.—" come," was the captain's crusty ex - "Oh, mother, you know I'm not planation. "Just about told us to that," Milly burst forth, almost mind our own business, But where's tearfully, "BIM, really, I don't With Miilyl" to merest anyone," "Confined to her room, ill," said "Humph!" exclaimed her father; Mr. traestou, somewhat stiffly. "She "mere girlish shyness which an simply wouldn't listen to our '15011» hour's cabn reflection will cure," meant ell'orts for her happiness. But "Not want to marry!" cried leer 1 ate mora than astonished ' that, mother, in „amazement. "My dear you shoulclhave failed with Rich - child, how absurd You well Marriage and." is the goal of ovary girl's tembitiou., 'Ob, you wee are ,e0 i?" stineted It is her destiny, especially When tee captain. "Do you hear that, she is so goon -looking as you are." Polly? 'Well, he sort of surprifgel Inc !Hilly shrank and trembled under too, . but T reckon could have the weight of her mother's logic, her brought the girl to reason in a hands clasping and unclasping new brace of thakee-I could!" ously, and hor eves noshing agitated- "With all clue deference to your ly from one to the other of her par- oplaion, Captain Osborne, 1 beg to •cuts. . assert, that yon could not," said Ittr. "But above all,,, continued Mrs. Marston, politely, but firmly. "My Marston, with decision, "you love daughter has got a fair edema of her Dielc-t know you ,clo!" father's 0pitet.'' "Don'e, mother; oh, 'don't!" cried The captain's face rectdeneel, thee Stilly, mewing her 'face with her he gave vent, to an Ill-natured sing- le:Inds. gen "Paid!" said his Wife, pressing 'Put, tut 1'' said her father, irri- his arm warningly. 'It's all right, tablet. ''There's nothing to cry Polly," he sheered; "but I can't hole about. Just make up your mi»cl to laughing at the nOtion of frienenitter- take him, and all will he stem beagging of hl apirit. The The girl suddenly looltecl up with selling of pens and pomades don i, a gesture of defiance, 1 should fatten, tend to make a fire - "Why 'do you torture ine like this? eater of a men" He bite never asked' nue" she said.. "Sir," saki Mr, Marston, with a "Att to that," said lice father dignified thernore "in' business 10 an quickly, "I may tell you that lie in- honorable ene-quito as 1110011 se, tends proposing to -night." permit me to say, as that of a &vi- llein/ stexted. "Who told you fled coal -caviler slide nen'--"' than?" the demanded, "Not he hien- '"Clo on," snarled the agitate, self, surely'?" •"Say it out, mull, -mid then we'll sec "Not at all; oh, no, 1 Intim it what's what, ',cave me alone, Vol - from -hal T knew, and thet's ly, will yell'?" °Meet, ierSt It?" "I Simeet, Paul," said Mrs,. Os - "But 1 insist oo knowleg how you berme, excitedly. "Cfnlia away home, ktoW," said Miily, euepielously. It's a bleseing we'vo discovered 'tenet "Why, trly darling," Said Mr, Mtn, they aro in time. What a fate our ethe, eeeeh ten itheasy laugh, "the Dick's might ho lieu I caMt captain told 1556 that Dicks dying think. Come away." to learret you, 'AO a Wea' of fact, "I guess you're right, Polly," said we have decided betetreen UN that, AS 'thepaptain. "Well go home and the pair of yeti aro 80 thy Of coning Make it Op With the late sect if he to the point, we Can't dci better than ever leas at a Merston agate. hiln On With a shilling!" Mr. Marston bowed sarcastically. "Pray don't disturb yourselves about us or our dear daughter. Her esti- mate of your son quite coincides with our own newly -discovered esti- mate of you." "We -we despise you," said Mr. Marston, hotly; "and we—" "By no means, my dear," said Mrs. Marston, pompously. "We de- spise nobody, but when necessary we ignore -we simply ignore. We wish you both a very good -eight!" Mr. MaVston's assumption of cold superiority made the captain almost speechless with rage. He stormed and fumed, but his wife kept her head, and finally managed to coax him away before anything more re- grettable occurred. So the course of true love took a queer twist for Dick and Miller. At two' neighboring hearths of nights for a whole week two pairs of parents volubly congratulated them- seives on a truly marvellous escape from a dire calamity on the parts of themselves and their respective ofT- spring. In their inmost hearts, how- ever, regrets and yearnings were never absent. The captain's manner of stifling them was by drinking a doable there of his excellent brew before turning in; 11Tr. Marston smoked more than was,good for him and dreamt of the captain's whisky. Milly was humiliated and ashamed, while Dick was bitterly, but silently, angry. The change was telling vis- ibly on the hearths of all concerned when the outraged little god again. took a hand in the game. One evening tick found himself sprinting up the platform at Water- loo as his train for home was pull- ing out. He managed to grip a handle and pull the door open, end the next eminent, aided by a vigor- ous push from the hand of a friend- ly porter, ho was sprawling • across the lap of a girl, tvho, with achnir- able presence of mind, contrived to break his fall with her arms while hor startled scream yet filled the eompartment. Dick struggled to his feet in riot haste, with a flood of shamed apologies and thanks; then he glanced at his preserver. "My goodness! Stilly!" ho gasped. Tho girl bowed,. _clearly confused, and turned her head away. Dick sat down, his heath thumping now it retie earnest. For some moments le gazed entranced at, the soft out - Inc of her cheek; then he edged along towards her as if drawn by n n invisible chain. NO sign from he girl. "Miss Marston -tinily!" he said. She looked swiftly at him, then awny again, cued along her cheek Vent a rush of coke.. ivn't it time somothing was lone to bring our parents together gain?" he said, gravely. Stilly's shoulders gave a little im- mtiene shake. • "T really don't MOW, " she said, stiffly, "Dact has clone nothing but mope ver since. lee has quite gone off his ood, and Tee beginning to fear -e-" ick palmed significautle, and Milly ashed rotund a glance of eager coll- een, "011, so has father," she a id. "Then would it not lie cruel to let hem pine away and perhaps dio- es, clio-wlith it lies in our power o save them? Of course," he went n, lugubriously, "hating nut as you 0--- ' "T don'b-don't bete you," "Well, I lien, d es pise. " "Nor despise, 'It's you who do hese thiegs." leer eyes inot his eflaMly she Said it. :Ms hands mind hors eomeliote, and her glance avered. "Oh, Miley, letilly " ho said, re- '"teliat 1 feel Mr you the very 0050000 Of loVe—" 'nut noligh, Int it tunic that tW6 foitcl earth Were 50011 boating at One, and &tithed a jig On the Deo/ of 11 1 fl 0 tl 11.5 15 p is 0 uplci is the carriage the rcet of the way nome. * * * 5 * Captain Osboree was watching far Dick through the parlor window, Suddenly he started, rubbed his Wee and peerad intently. "Polly," bo gasped, "come here and tell nee who's that with Mk." Mee Osborne looked. "Jt'-It's-.bieSS men it isn't lenity!" site cried, and her face began to twitch and glow. The captain clenched his nets and scowlesi oneinously at the ad- vancing pair. When he (hammed their arms linked coolly together ho lafgan to fume; but ho had a distinct shock When, instead of separating at, Mart/lc/Ws • door, they hulled, hesi- tated a moment, then marched in together, "Bust my toplighte!" is snarled, and sunk limply into a chair, "%father and dad," cried Dick, gleefully, "I'm the luckiest fellow alive and Milly's an angel! Your blessing is all we want now." "You confounded young scoundrel, I'll see yon--.-" Thus far had the captain gone when the explosion trailed oft into a stutter. Mr. Mar- ston had appeared on Dick's heels at the parlor door, and advanced to- wards the captain with outstretched hand, "My dear' air," he said, contritely, "I was an awful fool—" "You were indeed," growled the captain, with gusto, Then suddenly his eyes twinkled. "No, hang it, it was all my fault." He caught Mr. MgratOn'S hand and wrung- it heart- ily. "No, don't say it wasn't. I beg your pardon, your wife's, and dear little Milly's most of all, By Jupiter, what a time we've had! I Wouldn't live through another week like it for a million, George in)' lad. Bring out the bottle, Pollen" -London Tit -Bits. Father -"Now listen to me, chil- dren; I want you from now to he as bad as you can be." Tommy - "Won't you whip its, pa?" Father - "Not if you are very bad, but I'll whip you if you behave yourself. Your grandmamrea is coming to vis- it us, and I don't want her to stay long." SIZE Ole TELE CUnIT. NOW Discoveriee Will Reduce the llLbliaaj Neaeurements. The measurements of leiblieal buildings and persons lutvo ever been a source of awesome wonderment 1,0 the youthful, and a matter ot cone sidera,ble trouble to theft students of history and arcbaeology .who have found muck in the book a of the Old Testament that Is confusing and seemingly con tradictory. All measurements mentioned are so many, "cubits," and what that cubit represents in marital or English measurements has so far been more or less conjectural. A cubit of one loot six inches has so. far been accepted, and upon this many measurements that in tho present age aro regarded as inexpli- cable have been 'beat up, It has been left for the Rev. W. Shaw Caldecott, a well-known lec- turer upon the subject, to discover from the evidence of the Bible itself and from scholarly deductions from the famous Senkereh tablet the exis- tence of three cubits. A thousand years before the birth of Abraham, these three "ells" or cubits were in use, says lOr. Calde- cott. They represented respectively nine -tenths, one and a fifth and one and a half of English foot. The first was used exclusively for the measure- ment of gold and gold tapestry work, the second for building work, and the measurement of objeets and persons, the third for measuring areas only. Mr. Caldecott's calculations enable us to obtain a mare accurate fclea of the clitnensions of some Biblical fig- ures. Goliath was by no means the mighty giant he was believed to be. By the side of Chawng, the Chinese giant, he cuts an ordinary agure. The great bed of Og 'dwindles to some- thing just more than ordinary size, and the tower of Solomon's magnin-, exceeded the rate over before attain - cent temple scarcely overreaches the ed in the world on any work of this clock of Si,. Paul s. Whether mathematicians and As- syrian gaolers accept the interpre- tations of Mr. Caldecott remains to be Seen. You have no right to complain that the sermon Is thin if you are keeping the preacher on a water - gruel salary. THE GREATEST TUNNEL OBSTACLES IN IIHRCING 0741 SIIVIPLON NEOUNTAJN, Great Ilmsh of Water When Gal- leries Net -Treacherous 11ock. The world never witnessed a great- er triumph of mind over matter than was signalized by the successful meeting of the galleries which now dPilsttencetheofS112111.P261°Unfle°sUnatadjuslifoorrtean the journey, from Calais to Milani. to 505 nillee, compared with the 680 miles by the Mont Cents 'Retinal. and 665 miles by tho St. Gaier& Illxe eraordinary talent, unquenchable Per- severeance, and superb courage have contributed to overcomo obstacles dwehnitcoh11 d ise,:yamintliecvdions"1"enTelile,iligee- - work, It was not the extreme length of tho tunnel which constituted the difficulty of the enterpriee, but the eon, treacherous rock, comb/nen with hot and cold springs of great volume. The inception of the scheme 'and the initiation of the work are mat- ters of history, as also are the re- peated subsequent predictions that the end could not be achieved. The tunnel, which is really two parallel tunnels, each with a single track, was begun. in the autumn of 1898 at . ') 13riguee Switzerland, anti a month or two later at Iselle, Italy. All the machinery installations had to be specially prepared, hence the pro- gress at the outset was slow, but from January, 1899, until December, 1903, it progressed at an average of 3,497 metres a year, Some Of the greatest troubles were met in 1901, when only 1,563 metres wore pierced, but for months together the splendid drills regularly turned out 18 feet of gallery every 24 hours, which far The Doman Loa n Permanent C mpany Fourteenth Annual Report. • The Fourteenth Regular Annual Meeting of the Dominion Permanent Loan Company was held at the Offices of the Company on Wednesday, March ist, 1905. A large number of Shareholders were present. The President, the Hon. J. R. Stratton, occupied the chair. Mee T. P. CofTee, Vice -President, was requested to ace as Secretary. The President presented the following report of the Directors for the year ending December 81st, 1904: Your .Directors are pleased to be able to state that active and profi- table employment has been found for the fundof the Company during the past year, the demand for satisfactory loans being sufficient to call into requisition the available funds of the Company. The earnings for the past year have enabled the Company to declare and pay divldends amounting to $69,184-.14, and to permit of the trans- fer of $45,000 to the Reserve Flinn of the Company. After payment of such dividends and the addition to the Reserve Fund of $45,000 and the writing oft of $1,444.54 off office furniture and premises, there remains to be placed to the credit of Profit and Loss the sum of $20,684.68. Your Directors are pleased to be M a position to congratulate the Shareholders upon die .gratifying results of the operations of the Cora - Pony during the past year, and have also pleasure in testifying to the general efficiency character of the services rendered by the officials, agents and stair of the Connie -11Y, All of which is respectfully submitted. J. R. STRATTON, President. The Dominion Permanent Loan Co., Toronto. Statement of Account for Year Ending Dec. 31st, 1904. ASSETS. Mortgages and other Investments .. . . $8,158,933 72 Reed Estate Office Premises and Furniture .. 12,293 00 Sundry Accounts 2,250 66 Imperial Bank and Cash on hand ....,. 59,508 63 24,528 82 LIABILITIES. To the Public: Deposits and Accrued Interest ...,$ 212,816 70 Debentures and Accrued Interest ..... 1,608,020 83 $8,257,513 sa $1,815,837 53 Surplue-Assets over Liabilities ...........1,441,676 30 To Shareholders: On Capital Stock .$1,.223,241, 71 Contingent Fund 5„964 63 Reserve. Fund • Unclaimed Dividends .. 160,000 00 50 07 Dividends payable Jan. 3, 1905 31,735 10 Balance of Profit and Loss :10,684 69 31,441,676 30 $3,257,513 88 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT. Dr. Interest on Debentures and Deposits..., . Written of Office Furniture and Premises Dividends ....... ......... Transferred to Reserve Fund Balance Profit and Loss DELAYED BY WATER. The gradient ascends at each en- trance toward the middle for the pur- pose of drainage, and this alone made possible the Completion of the work. At a distance of 4,400 me- tres from Iselle a spring, of rather, a river, of cold water was struck which gushed 12,500 gallons a min- ute and delayed operations on the Italian side for months. Moreover, the ground was treacherous, and this necessitated elaborate propping. The largest timbers were crushed and Steal girders were twisted. The lat- ter were eventually made servideable with the aid of concrete cement. Meanwhile from Brigue the workers reached the summit of the gradient in the middle oS the tunnel, although tho temperature had risen. to 132 de- grees Fahrenheit, which was 25 de - gratis higher than expected. The Swiss workers then begaettno drive down to meet the Italians, and the hot springs troubles, which bad been folly foreseen, began again. Water of g temperature of 117 degrees Fahrenheit was soon tapped, but this was overcome for a while by sending jets of cold water into the assures. TRAIN 33Y MAY. When, however? the Swiss had gone 809 metres from the summit, the works became filled with scalding water, and finally stopped the work- ing from the I3rigue end. This was in May, 1-904. It was the last nam- ed accumulatlion which gushed through the final breach. From the Swiss side the works into Italy now remain complete. Arching of mason- ry covers in tbo water &camel be- neath the floor of the tuniml. It is expected that a train will go through the tunnel not later than May of this year. Throughout the operation no dust was produced, it being immediately, turned into staid by the exhaust wa- ter from the drills. The remarkable standard of health of the 9,000 men employed is partly attributable to this and to the admirable arrange- ments which had been made for pro- tecting them. They wore protected against sudden thanges of tempera- ture and arrangements were made for changing and drying their clothes constantly and providing doeche baths and substantial food. Great attention was paid to ventilation, and such a thing as .foul air was actually unknown. Three shifts of eight hours each constituted a day's work. No man left his work or dropped his tools until his successor had actually step- ped into hie place. NEEDED A ell_JAGIC. "Mary, I wish you'd send' for that quack doctor as quick as yOu• Can." . "Wlly, tenet's the matter?" "I ate too much deck for dinner." A woll-Iteown lecturer, who had been invited to serve as a substitule felt some rietvousnese, knowing he $. 87,177 51 was to 1111 the place of amore font - 1,444 54 olls man, This fooling, was not di - 69,134 14 mtnishecl when he heard himself thus 45,000 00 announced by a long-limbetl, keen - 20,684 68 wed farmer; "This 'ere is our sub- stitutn. I don't know wbat he can. do. Time was snort, an wo had to tette what we could gitl" "What I like," she said, "is person Who is fraelt-one who says Net what he meemn, withotit beat- ing about the Mash," "Well," ho reternocl, "I'll be straightforeected. Thane is something I want to hell you for an'hoer or more, but---". she urged, W111 auppreesed excitement, seeing that he he:anted; "what is it?" writer° is si big blank streak 'cloWn Mie side of yotit nose, 7 think's it's soot." $223,440 87 Cr. !Balance December 81, '1908 ,..... $. 9,089 91 Interest, Rent, etc., alter payment of expenses, including sal- aeles, Directors' fees, goVernment taxes and fees 214,850 06 • 11111 $223,440 87 AUDITOR'S CERTIFICATE. We have examined the Oneh Transactions, • Receipts and Payments, afTecting the arcounts t the agents and investenenta for the year ended December S'ist, 1904, and we find the same in good order and properly vouched. We have also examined the Mortgages and Socuritioe represent- ing the assets and investments eelout the above account, and eno certify that they were in possession and safe custody 110 055 December 81st, 1904. (Signed) 0. M. 111JDSON, (Signed) TTAIIIINe VIC1EON, Clettetered Accountants, Toronto, February 11, 1905, O Menem of Mr. Stela:Ron, seconded by Mr, :Kaye, the above report Was untentinfously adopted, The fonoeving lerectore Wert then re-eleetedr, Dion, J.11. Stratton, Vre- sident Trusts and Citurranteci Ootupttner; D. W. Iltarn, President of the D. 1Carn Company, Woodstock; O. glormfor, Manufacturer and Director Treederellmik, Toronto; '1'. P. Coffee, and 'F. M. Holland 'Pororeto judgern"Ttio sentetith at trio Court is that the prisoner 'be confined in prison the remainder of his natural life." Prisoner-e'llut, lorscil.—" Judge-"Nanother word, sir, or, 'ens yett four years more," says 0111' •Cf1f1. Vice-001011005001011005should toll us when we are re-elected President andte,`, Coll li'/et) l'resident4 At a ratScquent ineeting of jlirectora TIlett, 3, Stratrtoli was thalit.ehty,,., but ,Udbivt lithstc gosi§ip/t ' .