A week later, Pat wrote to his father telling him he had married a blue-eyed Kathleen, like his mother, and was very happy. He said his wife was very thrifty, but she found a penny well spent was as good as, and often produced, a penny saved. He said he had a good library of

books, carefully covered by his tidy wife.

Pat sent some books to his sister, and Stevens amused himself by making her some shelves for them. Her mother spent many a penny she saved in adding to her store; the tavern, and not the savings bank, was the loser.

A TINY GIRL'S TINY OFFERING.

In one of our large cities the congregation of a Catholic cathedral were called upon to make the sacrifice of their much-beloved senior curate. A country mission had become vacant, and the pastor of the cathedral, being first on the list for promotion, was named to fill the vacancy. When the news of his intended departure became known, the grief of the congregation was general; hundreds flocked to the . Bishop's palace to bid him good-by and wish him God-speed, and many were the handsome and costly offerings brought for his acceptance. With the sweetness and humility that always characterize him, the young priest received these gifts, as well as flattering addresses and a purse of gold. He was grateful for all, but one offering especially touched his gentle heart, one he prizes for its sweet simplicity.

The children of an academy, in which he took a deep interest, were full of grief at losing their dear pastor, who was also the confessor of many of them. They held council, and determined to subscribe among themselves and present him with a handsome piece of furniture. The article was purchased, and the day before the priest left the city he was invited to the convent, and the presentation was made.

Among the children was a little tot of six, who did not quite understand the proceedings of the past few days. All that she knew was that her little sisters had asked mamma for some money for Father -'s present, and she determined not to be behind in the matter. So, after the address and the Father's speech, she trotted up to him, her little fist tightly clenched, and, signing him to hold out his hand, she solemnly deposited therein her offering of sixpence.

The priest, who had received so many costly gifts, was overcome at the loving simplicity of his little lamb, and could not hide his emotion. Standing in the midst of the display of glittering silver and glass, and delicate china and bric-a-brac, he related the anecdote to the writer. "And," said he, looking round at his gifts, "much as I value all these beautiful things, and appreciate the kindness and generosity of the donors, I value equally the tiny offering of that dear child, and while I live I will never part with that sixpence."

Looked at intrinsically, the little one's gift was humble; but, children, only think of what it meant to her! Sweets or a doll, some beads, a slice of cake, a fresh orange, or many other delights she

cheerfully relinquished, and gave her treasure with as much good will and as loving a heart as could be found anywhere. Think of her the next time you are ashamed to offer a small contribution, and profit by her example.

THE GAME COCK AND THE PICTURE.

MR. SCOTT LEIGHTON, the artist, tells the story concerning a pet game cock which he kept in his studio Having at one time to paint the portrait of a large-sized game bird for a patron, the pet bird suffered a good deal from the domineering spirit of his larger companion, and got so that he could never see him without flying into a rage. After the picture was completed, and the bird which was its subject had been removed, the canvas remained in the studio, standing on the floor. One day the little game.cock happened to be picking his way about the studio, when he suddenly caught sight of the counterfeit presentiment of his former enemy. With a scream of rage he gave one leap, and, flying at the picture, planted his spurs into it again and again before he could be restrained. The next time that he was given an opportunity he repeated the attack, and for some time it was the almost daily amusement of the artist and his friends to witness these impromptu cock fights between a live bird and a dummy. At last, one day the little fellow, resting a moment from an unusually spirited attack, happened, in cocking his head on one side, to get a look behind the picture. He was for an instant dumfounded. Then he looked in front and saw his old enemy, as large as life; another glance behind, and he was more than ever puzzled. He then deliberately walked behind and around the picture several times, carefully surveying it, and finally with a spiteful flirt, and with an air of disgust that would have done credit to a human being, marched away and hid himself. Never after that day could he be persuaded to attack the picture, or, indeed, to pay the slightest attention to it, notwithstanding the most strenuous efforts that were made to incite him. He had penetrated the sham and would have no more of it.

A BETTER WAY THAN QUARRELLING.

Do you ever hear children speak in this way to each other: "You did!" "I didn't!" "Yes, you did!" No, I didn't!" "I'll tell mamma!"?

Now it is very disagreeable to have children speak so. You should be kind and affectionate, speaking pleasantly, not contradicting each other or disputing.

"A kind answer turneth away wrath," the Bible says. Now try this way the very next time that you feel like contradicting one of your little sisters or brothers. When you go so far as this, "I did!" "You didn't!" then stop short. Do not say one word more about the trouble, but just put your arms around brother's or sister's neck and say very pleasantly, "Don't let us quarrel about it."

Is not that the better way? I think it is.

BOSTON, AUGUST, 1887.

NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.

and forty-three churches and one hundred and sixty-four priests in his diocese. In 1853 there were only nineteen churches and twenty-three priests. The diocese is one of the largest in the world, and by long odds the most progressive.

THE VERY REV. JAMES O'BRIEN, four years. There are now one hundred D. D., Vice-President of the Catholic Missionary College, All Hallows, Drumcondra, has accepted, through his Grace the Archbishop of Dublin, the Rectorship of St. John's College, Sydney, the appointment to which was offered him by his Eminence the Most Rev. Dr. Moran, Cardinal Archbishop of the Australian See.

THE simple clergy of the diocese of Rome are about to offer a special gift to the Pope on the occasion of his Sacerdotal Jubilee. It will consist of two keys, one of gold, the other, silver, symbolic of their entire submission to the Papal

power.

THERE are five hundred Convents of Mercy in the world occupied by nearly 10,000 religious.

CARDINAL NEWMAN, at the recent celebration of the feast of St. Philip Neri, at the Birmingham Oratory, appeared to be more feeble than ever. He had to be supported down the steps by two priests, and when he pronounced the benediction his voice was not audible half-way down the church.

Freeman's Journal: The man who started a Catholic daily paper in New York died in an insane asylum. The paper died first.

MR. MAURICE F. EGAN, for many years assistant editor of the Freeman's Journal, and since the death of Mr. McMaster the managing editor of that paper, is about to retire from journalism and take a chair in the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Mr. Egan has made a first-class journalist, and, of course, ought to make a good pro. fessor, says the Western Watchman.

THE DUBLIN MAYORALTY FOR 1888.At a meeting of the National members of the corporation held in the City Hall, to select a candidate for nomination as Lord Mayor for 1888, the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, M. P., presided. The names of three members were submitted, namely - Councillor H. J. Gill, M. P; Councillor Sexton, M. P. (High Sheriff of the City), and Alderman Winstanley. The voting was by ballot. The first ballot gave Mr. Sexton eighteen votes, Mr. Gill thirteen, and Alderman Winstanley twelve. Upon the second and final ballot Mr. Gill received twenty-six votes and Mr. Sexton eighteen. Councillor Gill returned thanks, and the proceedings terminated. Mr. Gill has retired from the contest in favor of Mr. Sexton.

AID FOR LUGGACURRAN. At the regular meeting of the Municipal Council, Irish National League in Boston, W. W. Doherty reported for the committee on the reception of Editor O'Brien. The receipts at the Boston Theatre aggregated $2,026.15. It was voted to send $2,000 to the evicted farmers of Luggacurran. After spirited discussion, resolutions were unanimously adopted criticising Alderman Donovan for his manner of conducting the hearing on the matter of granting Faneuil Hall for the celebration of the Queen's jubilee, and protesting against the use of the hall for such purpose. T. M. Brady presided, and Thomas O'Flynn was secretary.

BISHOP LOUGHLIN, of Brooklyn, N. Y., is the senior Catholic prelate of the coun- REV. CHARLES O'REILLY, of Detroit, try. He has worn the purple for thirty- treasurer of the Irish National League,

acknowledges the receipts of $3,715.10 chase by justice the aid and comfort of a which have been handed in by different friend." branches of the League in all parts of the country during the period of five months between January 1 and June 1. The amount was received in sums vary ing from $300 to $6.

GIVE me a man of some religion in preference to a man of no religion.ARCHBISshop Hughes.

of man to wade through any quantity of enumeration, and found 7,692 men in line. mire to satisfy his own ambition; and his If Mr. George and Dr. McGlynn are disambition just now, doubtless, is to get a appointed we cannot help it." title. He has it in his power to dishonor the name of gallant Wexford; but the people of Wexford will, in due time, have it in their hands to requite such treachery by relegating him to the obscurity whence he should never have been suffered to emerge. He may get a title, but he might reflect, ere it is too late, on the example of another publican who got a title, but whom the people in turn dubbed with another, which not only stuck to him in life, but has descended to posterity as a warning to other unfit hankerers after empty honors.

Missionaries for the Dark Continent. Two youths from the parish of Ballindine and neighborhood of Claremorris, Ireland, have joined the band of Connaught Levites who intend to devote themselves to missionary labors in the Dark Continent. They are Master Patrick M'Hugh and Master Patrick Lynch, who arrived at St. Joseph's College, Cork, within the last few days, and were most warmly welcomed by the Very Rev. Superior, Father Joseph Zimmermann. They bring up the number of his Connaught Levites to not less than a score. And not in aspirants to the priesthood alone are the Mayo Catholics contributing to the evangelization of Africa. From

within the shadow of Mayo Abbey magnificent in its ruins is a daughter of St. Brigid about to join the African Sisterhood, which Father Zimmermann has established at Cork, and which is being cared for by some Continental

Nuns.

MAURICE FRANCIS EGAN is doing some sledge hammer work in the New York Freeman's Journal.

George and McGlynn.

THE New York World, which has been more friendly to Henry George and Dr. McGlynn than any of the other papers of that city, thus admits the failure of the much advertised demonstration to endorse Dr. McGlynn: "With all due respect to Henry George, we wish to remind him that the World could have no purpose in misreporting the McGlynn demonstration. We wanted the truth and sent out men who were prepared to count one hundred thousand paraders. They made a careful

Gladstone Invites Blaine.

FROM the New York Tribune: One of Mr. Blaine's earliest invitations in London came from Mr. Gladstone, and was promptly accepted. These leaders of public opinion in England and America must have enjoyed mutually the privilege of meeting each other and conversing freely upon the events of the day. Mr. Gladstone is out of favor at present in the fickle world of London fashion, and it is not considered to be good form for any one who frequents what are known as the great houses to pay him marked attention. Mr. Blaine, being thoroughly American in feeling, and also fully sympathizing with the home rule policy which has excited the displeasure of London society, was not unwilling to be one of Mr. Gladstone's guests.

EVERY IRISH FAMILY, at home and abroad, who have children of both sexes, should have a Patrick and Bridget among them.

New Steamer for the Inman Line.

THE Inman and International Steamship Company (Limited), owning the Inman Line of Steamers, has contracted with Laird Brothers, of Birkenhead, for a transatlantic steamship. She will be built of steel, with triple expansion engines and twin screws. The builders have guaranteed that she shall be superior in speed to anything now afloat. Her dimensions will be: Length over all, 500 feet; beam, 62 feet; depth of hold, 43 feet; 17,000 horse-power, 8,500 tons register. With the exception of the Great Eastern the largest vessel now afloat is the City of Rome, 8,144 tons register, and the fastest ship now afloat is the Etruria, of 7,392 tons register. A special feature of the construction of this ship will be her longitudinal bulkheads, which in connection with the usual transverse bulkheads will greatly increase the number of watertight compartments and render her practically unsinkable. Her boilers and engines will be protected by