ble unwatchfulness, a large and very respectable neighbourhood had sprung up in the western part of the borough, comprising Grand parade, London and Norman roads, Eversfield place, Warrior square, &c., and which by postal division, commercially, as well as by common consent and courtesy had for many years always been styled St. Leonards. This, of course, coould not be allowed in these days of antiquarian research, "Brotherhoods and Guestlings!". Old Hastings always was a remarkable place, and why should she not now claim her estranged daughter, St. Leonards (who by-the-bye, in her days of infancy always treated her mother in every other way than a true and legitimate child.)? But the rich have many friends, and in days of prosperity, there will, of course, be envious neighbours. And now, by dint of long struggling against great disadvantages and difficulties placed in our way by those who ought to have fostered the young town in its effort to raise itself to its present position, a mighty change comes over the spirit of the dream. The good folk at the Town Hall, all at once begin to see how naughty they have been and will now assume the attitude and the duty of the guardians to us.
There may be a little jealousy and vandalism about it, but we must not say so, as it would be too bad to impugn their motives; yet, as we have so long been recognised as the St. Leonards people, and are so well satisfied with our name, we are not disposed to be received into their arms as so many young prodigals; and rebellious as we may be, we are determined - and if need be - to fight in a constitutional way for our freedom. The course which Russia adopts when she wishes to destroy a people's nationality, is generally first to alter the name of their country, then to prohibit them speaking their own language; and one is almost ready to think there is a little Russianism in the present effort to change the present state of affars; and that too, without first consulting the inhabitants most interested. But this naturally raises the strong and patriotic feelings of the St. Leonards people. Mr. Ross's motion was as unnecessary as it was injudicious. The postal arrangements are working well and giving satisfaction to our visitors as well as to tradesmen. The two towns - one in the East Ward, and one in the West Ward - were never working more in harmony together, and it is much to be regretted that any disturber of the public peace should be found among 'the powers that be', for, it is quite certain that this attempted act of absorbtion(sic) will only tend to alienate the two parts of the borough more than ever. Councils and Local Boards of Health may pass as many -
