PRESENTATION TO COL. OTTER

"The presentation to be made to Col. Otter by the women of Toronto is to take place this afternoon in the mess room of the Armouries. Above six hundred subscriptions have been received and there is reason to believe that this number would have been largely increased had it been possible to hold the list open for a few days longer, but owing to Col. Otter's intended departure for Ottawa on Thursday, and the indefinite length of his stay there, the affair has necessarily been somewhat hurried. The articles to be presented are not those before mentioned. The committee have thought it desirable to change those to four silver salvers and a loving cup in a handsome case. The presentation is to be made by Miss Mowat. Col. Otter's speech in reply will of course be the feature of the function. After the presentation afternoon tea will be served. Mrs. Alfred Cameron and Mrs. Albert Gooderham have the refreshment arrangements, so they will no doubt be well carried out."

THE CZARINA AND WOMEN'S CLUBS

One frequently hears that the sweet-faced Czarina of Russia is anything but a favourite in her husband's court. Of late, indeed, it has been said that things would go ill with the Czarina should her husband's illness prove to be fatal. This feeling against the Czarina is probably confined to the ultra-court circle, and is due no doubt to jealousy of her personal attractions, and also to that extreme prejudice against innovations, and particularly English innovations, which the Czarina is introducing at court and through Russia generally. In a word, Russia has always been a foe to progress, particularly among the people, and as a despotic dynasty can only be maintained by a hand of iron, not even covered with a velvet glove, poor Russia has felt the oppressors rod pretty keenly. In any land where such an atrocity as the knout may be used on the bared back of a woman, even in Siberia, there is a need for a few English innovations. Of course the traditions and customs of centuries cannot be swept away in a day, but the present Nicholas and his Czarina are doing their best to put Russia on a par with other civilized nations. The Czarina is much interested in the work of women's clubs and believes them to be potent factors in the progress of any country. There are already, thanks to H. R. H's enthusiasm, flourishing women's clubs in St. Petersburg and Moscow: and even in the most secluded provinces they are springing up. The Czar is in entire sympathy with the movement, and has issued orders that a special court stenographer attend all these meetings, so that the Czarina may be kept in constant touch with the women's work of Russia. That this stand taken by Her Royal Highness will materially affect the welfare of Russia no one can doubt. For it will enlighten and enlarge the horizon of the women of the country to a great extent: and the women of any country through their birthright have more influence even than a despotic monarch. May the Czarina have long life and health to carry on her reform among Russian women? If such is the case, the opening of the next century will see Russia in a very different condition politically and socially, than that which meets the public eye on the opening of the twentieth century.

FRENCH WOMEN AS LAWYERS

Now that Toronto's own woman lawyer, Miss. Clara Brett Martin, is coming to the front as a candidate for school trustee (and by the way, no mother has any doubt but what Public school affair generally would be managed in a much more satisfactory way if there were a few woman on the board), one's attention is drawn to the fact that France has only two women lawyers, in common with Canada, Mdlle Chauvin and Madame Petit. Mme. Petit's husband is also a lawyer. When these two ladies were sworn a few days ago, it is said that the male members of the bar gathered round in a very critical frame of mind, as many of them keenly resented the new encroachment of women on the preserves which have hitherto been the supreme right of the "lords of creation." But when Madame Petit and Mdlle. Chauvin were led in, in the toque and gown, affected by the barristers of France, every man of them went down on his knees metaphorically, before the charming appearance of their sister professionals. Another case which goes to prove that a woman even if she is clever, will obtain best results by caring for her personal appearance. Mdlle. Chauvin makes her debut in the divorce suit of a woman friend and has publicly stated that all her efforts shall be given to the cause of down-trodden childhood and womanhood, in the courts of her native country. Mdlle. is considered a very clever woman and is a fully qualified doctor of laws chiefly in recognition of her brilliant book, "The Professions Accessible to Women," written six or [article terminates here].

It seems that there are reasons for even the strangest of things. It has frequently been a matter of wonder to me how or why the Chinese consume the questionable delicacy of-rat souffle, shall we call it? A Chinaman of note and letters has recently supplied the Lahore Tribune with this explanation. Let me give it in his own words, "What a carrot is to a horse's coat a rat is to the human hair. Neither fact can be explained but every horseman knows that a regimen of carrots will make his stud smooth and lustrous as velvet, and the Chinese especially the women, know that rats used as food stop the falling out of the hair, and make the locks soft, silky and beautiful. I have seen it tried many times." So now that we know an apparently infallible remedy there is no excuse for us if we allow our hair to fall out.

MEE-ANDRICH

On Jan. 1st a pretty home wedding was celebrated at the residence of Mr. William Mee, Hespeler, when Miss Kitty Mee and Mr. Wm. Andrich of Galt, were united in marriage by Rev. Mr. Duthie. Mr. And Mrs. Andrich will reside at Galt.

BRICK-MCKINNON

A very pretty wedding took place New Year's night at eight o'clock at 308 Carlton street, when Miss. Maude Brick of this city, was united an marriage to Mr. John G. McKinnon, of Troy, O. The ceremony was performed by Rev. L. W. Hill of Parliament Street Methodist church. The bride looked very charming in a grown of white taffeta silk, with accordion pleated skirt, and bodice trimmed with lace appliqué and chiffon. Miss Mame Brick, who assisted her sister, wore a gown of rose pink crepe de chine and carried a bouquet of white roses. The bride's travelling gown was of cadet blue ladies' cloth, with rose pink toque, trimmed with pink and gold braid. Mr. McKinnon was supported by his brother Mr. W. C. McKinnon. At the close of the ceremony the guests enjoyed a dainty dejeuner, and the house decorations of holly and white roses were much admired. Mr. and Mrs. McKinnon left on a southbound train at 11.15 P.M, and will reside in Troy, Ohio.

DINNER FOR THE YOUNGSTERS

Under the superintendence of Ensign Arnold, the "Band of Love," of the Salvation Army, made glad the hearts of 150 poor deserving children last night. He with a corps of willing assistants, had a hot dinner of turkey, goose, roast beef, plum pudding, etc., served at 6 o'clock at the Temple and after that there was a splendid Christmas demonstration. Among the many numbers of the program there was a magic lantern exhibition. Duets, recitations and songs by the different members of the Band of Love. At 9 o'clock there was a distribution of gifts. Nearly 500 presents consisting of caps for boys, hats for girls, mitts and other articles of wearing apparel; toys for the smaller ones. Each child also received a bag containing oranges, nuts, candies, raisins, etc. Ensign Arnold wishes to thank the many benefactors who aided him in his efforts. The Band of Love is formed to hold meetings every Wednesday evening at which lectures of interest to boys and girls are given. Also, in connection with this institution, classes have been organized at which fret work, sewing and shorthand is being taught. On New Year's Eve, Captain McClelland, of the Salvation Army Shelter, fed 50 poor men.

Miss Smart is staying in Kingston with Mrs. C. K. Clarke, of Rookwood House. Mr. and Mrs. Morrice (nee Miss Florence Rousseaux, of Hamilton) have returned from their honeymoon, and after spending a day or two in town left on Monday for Lakewood, N. J., where they will remain a week or two. On their return to Toronto they will occupy Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell's residence, No.96, St. George Street. The monthly meeting of the Toronto McAll Auxillary will not be held on the first Thursday in January, the usual day, but on Thursday, 17th of January, a special anniversary service will be held to commemorate Dr. McAll's first public service. Mr. and Mrs. B. B. Osler are still at Clinton Springs where Mr. Osler is regaining health and strength in a satisfactory manner.

Miss Walbridge, of New York, is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. O'Hara, 50 Admiral road.

Mrs. Charles Moss is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Britton of Kingston.

WORDS

Keep a guard on your words, my darling,

For words are wonderful things;

They are sweet like the bee's fresh honey,

Like the bees, they have terrible stings.

They can bless like the cheering sunshine,

And brighten a lonely life;

They can cut in the strife of anger,

Like an open two-edged knife.

If a bitter, revengeful, spirit prompts the words,

Let them be unsaid;

They may flash through the brain like lighting,

Or fall on the heart like lead.

Keep them back if they're cold or cruel

Under bar and lock and seal

The wounds they make, my darling,

Are always hard to heal.