PRACTICAL PATRIOTISM.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 168, 20 March 1915, Page 2

PRACTICAL PATRIOTISM.

.Soldiers on the battlefield, brave as they are. have no monopoly of heroism or patriotism. It is common property in France; it is typical of all classes: it is bursting out everywhere. One of the most touching examples was seen but the other day in one of the mairies in Paris (says the London Telegraph’s correspondent'), where, on a dust-laden floor and before a deal counter, where hundreds of unfortunates were being attended or waiting to present some petition, there was one poor charwoman whose apron was perfectly neat and freshly ironed, and whose face was smiling. Bhe had put on her best apron to come to see Monsieur le Maire, and she would see him in person, for she had something to offer him which she- felt sure would make some of the “poor little” soliders in the trenches happy. After long waiting she was at last allowed to see Monsieur f.c Maire, and then she began her little speech. “Well, Monsieur le Maire, this is what I come for.” She was slightly embarrassed by the other officials around, but summed up enough courage to continue. “I am but a poor charwoman. I earn sometimes 30 sometimes 40 sous an hour, when I am lucky enough to have work.” Then, as If she thought her speech was too long, she shortened it. and said; “I saved up some money; and I would lika to give it to the soldiers.” “My dear woman, what can I do” put in +he Mayor. “Here it is,” she said, laying down a gold 20fr piece, two pieces of silver, and some smaller change—oflfr In all. “It is all that I have been able to save,” she added, “for we are not always lucky enough to have work but what it is I gladly offer to the soldiers. Will Monsieur le Maire be so kind as to accept it?” Bhe said it so imploringly that the Mayor conk! not refuse. But as he looked round to the other functionaries his eyes spoke volumes. Was not this an instance of -the marvellous heroism of the poorest among them? “I must give you a receipt for this,” he said, but the charwoman declined to keep it. “My bus band did not know that I had saved up that amount, and I don’t want him to know.” .She did uot want anybody to know, and she did not even want L have her name inscribed on the book lest somebody might know. And she went away happy at the thought that she bad given all that she possessed f<" the gallant young soldiers who are of feting up their lives for the country.