SPIRIT OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS.

Plymouth is this week celebrating the three hundredth anniversary of the departure thence of those heroic stalwarts who went forth to seek that freedom of religion, of thought, and of civic action which they could not find in their native land at that period, who established across the Atlantic the first of a score or more of new Plymouths beyond the sea, and who founded in New England what has developed into a great English-speaking continent. It is appropriate that the English-speaking Union are taking a prominent part in these widespread celebrations, and have co-operatively succeeded in imparting a strong international flavour therein. The interest displayed at their inception fostered the impression that Plymouth would be the gathering ground for many thousands of visitors from the other side, but while these anticipations have not wholly materialised, there are large numbers of eminent and representative visitors from America and from Holland who are taking prominent parts in the proceedings.

There are also visitors from other parts of Europe. In any Mayflower celebrations Holland, of course, must have a great part, seeing that the Pilgrims had sojourned there for a considerable period after leaving various parts of England and before finally setting out in the Mayflower and Speedwell for the New World. Many Dutch professors are sharing with English and American devotees the knowledge of the life and customs of the Pilgrims during their stay in Leyden. The beflagged principal streets and the promenade on the Hoe give the town a gala appearance, which is heightened by the buzzing crowds of visitors with a business-like air.