A message of Peace is borne.
A future glad in Promise,
Like a sunshine-laden morn--

Smiles welcome now and beckons
To a new and brighter day.
The years to come are gladder
Than those that have passed away.




PREFACE.


It is the custom of some authors to preface their earlier works with
excuses for sending their "little volume out into the world," and to
bespeak in its behalf the leniency of both critic and reader. I have
no such apologies, however, to make for this work. I have confidence
in its success and it will win or lose, according to its merits, no
matter what I say.

"Said The Observer" represents stray ideas, gathered here and there
and everywhere, which I have decked out in gay habiliments of
Fancy and embellished with such wit as I possess. Do not take them
seriously, I pray you, for their aim is to amuse. Do not feel offended
if some pet corn is trod upon, for it is all in fun and no malice is
intended.

Most of the sketches have already appeared in the Los Angeles