Evening Express

The Bank of England. INTERVIEW WITH MR. A. J. WILSON. He Telis of the Necessity for Re-model- ling and Demands a Search- ing Investigation. —— The "Daily Chronicle" on Wednesday pub- lished an interview which one of its representa- tives had with Mr. A. J. Wilson, the editor of the "Investors' Review" in regard to the ex- traordinary article on the Bank of England, to wllich reference was made on \V E"dnesda.y. "The Bank of England," said Mr. Wilson, "is like an old Normal keep in a modern town, a keep which is held by the Guards for greater security," and his eyes twinkled. "All that goes on inside is kept dark. A sacred mystery is supposed to attach to the Bank which places it above and beyond the rest of human institutions. The court practically appoints itself. The house list is made out. when there are vacancies to be filled up, and submitted to the stockholders who may happen to turn up at the meeting.. There never was a case, to my knowledge, in which this list has not been accepted unquestioningly. You might think that the directors of a great insti- tution would be chosen for their fitness. But there is not a single representative of the banking interest on the board, either joint stock or private. A balance-sheet is never presented from year's end to year's end. There is no outside audit and no representative of t-he chief customers of the Bank—namely, the bankers of the country—on the governing body. I contend that the institution should be cleaned up and its form re-modelled, and that there should be full and regular "statements made public as tt> its position. The manage- ment of the Bank, all thoughtful bankers admit, requires re-modelling, and a new system must be pursued in the selection of its court of directors before much else can be done. The best of governors is never able to make any permanent impression upon the management of the Bank's business. They all come and go, these governors, like mere cogs in a wheel. As the bankers' bank, there ought to be other bankers on its directorate, taking the place of the financiers, of whom too many have been there. Under a re-modelled board the banking Bank of England ought to have a permanent general manager, or governor, responsible for the conduct of its business, accessible always to customers, and in touch with all the banks of the City. The Bank should then be set free to deal with its own private business precisely aH it chose. It might allow interest on deposits-as it often does now in a round- about way by borrowing at interest on security and compete in all ways with its neighbours so far as its private means went. But in that cate its court or directors should no longer have the exclusive duty of fixing the Bank rate of discount. That ought to be done by the chosen representatives of the London banks in conjunction with a bank-rate committee selected from the court of the Bank itself. The Government ought to step in at once and get the affairs of the Bank thoroughly overhauled, so that everything may be brought to the jight. Whatever they may determine, I have not done with the Bank yet. DISCOUNTING THE SENSATION The Financial New., of Wednesday sa-s — The evemng papers which have been trying to make a sensation of Mr. Wilson's article on the Bank of England in his Beview have appa- rently very little sense of proportion and not over-much discretion. The article in question is but a re-hash of facts long known and already fully discussed in these columns, and in those of other journals which are enterprising enough to get their news less than two months old. That there is need for a sweeping reform in the methods of the Bank and for an infusion of new blood and intelligence into the management is generally admitted but this fact in no way justifies sensational predictions of coming panics. Such ill-considered utterances are calculated to create mischievous impressions among the ignorant and the unthinking. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE. TIM "Daily Chronicle," in an article re- ferring to the foregoing interview, says: — "There is nothing for it. we fear, but one more small Royal Commission." CASE NOT MADE OUT. Tho "Westminster Review" says: "As to the Government overhauling' the Bank, we think that a much stronger case will have to be made out before such an idea meets with the slightest- degree of countenance. And, finally, we would point out that in any steps that may be taken the wishes of the investors who hold the capital of the Bank will have to bo fully considered, for it is essentially a private institution, although it keeps the Government accounts, and fulfils some impor- tant public functions. However, we shall await with some interest the further statements on the subject which are promised by Mr. Wilson."

RIOTING IN SICILY. Four Persons Killed and Eieven Wounded by Troops" The Central News correspondent at Rome telegraphs on Wednesday evening :—Rioting has occurred to-day in various districts in Sicily, but, as far as is known to-night, the loss of life resulted at only one place, viz., Gibellina, in the province of Trapani. There the mob dragged a notorious usurer from his house and cruelly murdered him. The troops were called out, and on the rioters refusing to disperse fired upon the mob, killing four per- sons and wounding about a dozen. The Govern- ment has ordered the despatch of 10,000 addi- tional militia to Sicily.

MURDERED IN THE DARK. A Mysterious Death of a Woman in Ireland. On Wednesday evening Mr. Coroner Rice held an inquest at Midleton, county Cork, con- cerning- the death of Julia Ryan, a married woman, who was found dead by the police in an outhouse at Clonmult, a village near Midletont on Wednesday last. Evidence was given by witness named Ellen Sullivan, who deposed that on the previous night (Tuesday) she heard the deceased cry out, For God's sake boys, don't kill me. I am a woman." The witness could not identify the parties, as it was dark. Another witness, John Kennedy, saw some of the deceased's clothes 011 the roadway the next day. The inquiry was adjourned for a week to allow I of a post-mortem examination.

The Whitchurch (Salop) Liberal Club, which was opened three years ago at a cost of reiriy £2.000. closed on Tuesday through laek of sup port, the failure being principally due to the attitude of its teetotal members, who objected to beer being sold. After several stormy meet- ings drink was abolished as an experiment, and there immediately followed a large decrease of the membership. Beer was again introduced, but the majority of the non-teetotalers did not come back. and as the teetotalers almost entirely absented themselves the closing of the club be- came necessary. The' institution is now in liquidation. The members of the Post-office staffs at Barry Dock had a New Year's dinner at Harry's Restaurant, Barry Dock, on Tuesday evening, when various suitable toasts were submitted and received with enthusiasm, including Con- tinued Success to the Postal System," and "The good health of the District Postmaster, Mr. G. i'arrio, Cardiff." An enjoyable evening was spent. A Central jNrew» telegram from New York says :—A dispatch from Kansas City announces 1 that a collision has occurred near that place on the Union Pacific Railroad between two ] freight trains. No loss of life is reported, but the <fam»ge to the iyUwsj^Pk}9^6,

Pontymister Dispute. THE TINPLATERS RETURN TO WORK TO-DAY. Strikers Meet and Express Deter- mination to Continue the Fight. At last a ray of sunshine pe rmeates the gloomy atmosphere which for a 1 period of six months has hung over Pontymiste. r and Risca. True, it is only faint, but it is ] looked upon as a certain forerunner of better thngs, and will be welcomed with unfeigned j<?y. To-day the tin-platers—or, at any rate, a la rge number of them—will return to work. On Wednesday about seventy tons of steel bars were taken by rail to the works, and in five o, 5 the mills millwrights and workmen were busi. ly engaged in preparing them for the tinmen. Only five mills will be worked at present, a.fd this, of course, will not provide employment for the whole of the men, but they will divide the work amongst them, and all will t enefit by Mr. Phillips's aotion. The bars will last for two or three days, and at the end. of that time it .a expected that the tin-platers will be able to start upon those turned 01 it by the "blacklegs." The man Valentine Board, who has been arrested, is said to be a tin-pi ater, and not a steel-smelter. WHAT IS "A LIVING WAGE*"? On Wednesday a "Western Mail" reporter had a chat with the Rev. Father Williams, a gentleman who has taken an active and praise- worthy interest in the dispute. Th e Rev. Father Williams has endeavoured to bring about an intervention between Mr. I ^hillips and the men, and it is yet an open q uestion as to what the result of his efforts w ill be. Questioned as to what he considered was "a living wage," the Rev. Father Williams re- plied —The broad question of wag( is is «te:ermined as follows:—Wagee rest upon tiic capital embarked and the popu- lation of various districts. Wages are the working man's share in the fruits of the industrial undertaking, according to- the value of his co-operation in production. 'They :re personal or necessary. Personal visages he can sell cheaply, as he pleases; but mieces- aarv wages, under his condition in the s weat- of thy brow.' &c., and the obligation of sup- porting his family, he cannot sell for less 1 ihan their worth. Lastly, the profits of the in- dustrial undertaking- are, exclusively the owner's." The Rev. Father Williams infon ned our reporter that his influence was at present very great, and might settle the whole dispi ite. He declined to speak as to the nature of the intervention, but said it would be a power ful one, a.nd he hoped it would act as a levers ge. Captain Phillips had stated that he wo aid have accepted arbitration had he been offe red it from a proper quarter, but now that ras knocked on the head, for men were be rng brought into the distriot. Still, there v fas hope that something could be done. tr. Phillips had acted, he considered, very kindly towards the men. The latter had been misl ed bv their advisers, and they now found them- selves in a "cuI do sac." He had entreat. ;d them to re-consider the matter, but they we re stubborn. As was pointed out in a capit al leader in the "Western Mail" that mornini?, Mr. Phillips had a perfect right to impo rt "free labour," and the men had 110 right tie annoy the "free labourers." He thougi. it that Mr. Phillips would obtain accommodatio ti for them in the village. Then, the men wer e not by any means rapscallions, and. morally., they were apparently quite as good as the! Pontvmister men. Under the circumstances, lie thought Captain Phillips was justified in asking the reduction. STRIKERS DETERMINED TO CON- TINUE THE FIGHT. On Wednesday afternoon a meeting of the strikers was held at the Pontymister Inn. The room was about half full. Amongst the audience was ;1, "stranger," to whom attention was directed before the proceedings commenced. A striker explained that the man walked into the village in search of employment. He refused, under the circumstances, to go to the works, and the speaker had every* confidence in him. The explanation was thought satis- factory, and the stranger was allowed to remain. The Chairman, who was elected by the meeting, in opening the proceedings, sa.id that was not the first time that he had been in a dispute, with Mr. Phillips. He had heard as many threats used before as had been made use of on the present occasion, and they had had no effect upon him. Experience had taught him that the introduction of "blacklegs" was a big mistake, and he thought. that, if the men conducted themselves peaceably, they would win the battle. He asked those whe were in favour of continuing the fight by fair and honourable means to stand up, and all of those present immediately signified their determina- tion in the manner indicated.

CARDIFF RATES. £13,000 of the £49,000 Still Out- standing. The finance committee of the Cardiff Corpora- tion have for a long time been dissatisfied with the way in which the borough rates are collected, and a.t the meeting of the committee held on Wednesday the members were still of opinion that there is something-faulty in connection with the system. It now appears that, taking the Cardiff urban district rate for the six months from June last to December, a sum of £13,000 still remains uncollected out of a total of £49,000, and it is probable that, at the next meeting of the finance committee, definite steps will be taken to improve the method of collection. It is con- sidered that out of the £13,000 about £1,000 is irrecoverable, and, assuming that that is so, the question arises, Why has not the £12,000 been collected ? Under the present system the collectors take weekly turns in the office instead of devoting- their whole time to the business "f collection, and they have the amounts collected in their possession until they reaeh to £30 or £40, when they are paid into the bank. This is thought to be a lax way of carrying on busines and the opinion prevails that all the moneys should at once be paid into the bank by some one responsible person.

SURVEYOR OF PENARTH. "Truth" Says He Wants to be Dis- missed Again. Truth says :—Several weeks ago I alluded to the remarkable action of the Penarth Local Board in first compelling the surveyor to resign on account of his negligence and carelessness) and then reinstating him in his old position at an increased salary. This exceptionally generous treatment was well calculated to make the favoured official regard himself as an indis- pensable man, and I am not surprised to learn that he is performing- or not performing his duties pretty much as he pleases. At the last meeting of the finance committee complaint after complaint was made against the surveyor, and the chairman told him that his excusess were> unreasonable. Perhaps he wishes to be dismissed again, in order that the board may re- appoint him with another advance of £40 a year. A Penarth ratepayer tells me they are quite capable of doing this.

H.M.S. Resolution. A court of inquiry was held on board her Majesty's ship Resolution, p.t Devonport, on Wednesday to investigate the circumstances attending the explosion of one of the evaporators in the ^starboard engine-room of that battleship on Friday last, when an engine-room artificer was seriously injured. It is understood that no blame was attributed to any person, but the report will be sent to tho Admiralty in the usual way.

Typhoid Fever in the Rhondda. Three fresh cases of typhoid fever were taken to the Cottage Hospital at Ystrad Rhondda. at a late hour on Tuesday evening. The recent epidemic does net appear to have been entirely wiped away, despite the strenuous measures taken by the officials at the Ystrady- iodwg Local Board. The cases referred to occurred at Tylorstown, the victims being Mrs. Williams, her son, and daughter.

A Central News telegram from New York says :—It has now been definitely ascertained that the loss of life at the fire a.t Buffalo does not exceed six. Eleven persons, however, were serIously injured by leaping from the window's of the burning- lodging-house. The pansh priests of the Diocese of Cloyne met on Wednesday, the Archbishop of Cashel presiding, and selected Canon Teller, parish priest ot Youghal, as the »ost suitable candi- date for the vacancy caused by the,death of the V ,• „•

The Buluwayo Fight. GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTLES. Maxim and Nordenfeldt Guns Do Terrible Execution Among Matabele. Dalziel's Agency has received the following interesting account of the campaign in Mata. beleland from Mr. J. Bolder, a native of Ports- mouth, and late of her Majesty's ship Magicienne :—"I joined the British com- pany's forces from Johannesburg, in the Transvaal, and crossed the disputed ter- ritory in wagons to Tuli. one of the Chartered Company's stations, whence I was drafted to Victoria to join Captain Wilson's Victoria column as a trooper, having obtained an outfit, &c. I still proceeded to the'north by wagon, and caught up the Artillery, com- manded by Captain Lindy, on the 9 th of October. We marched on the 10th and joined Captain Wilson's column on the same day. Our destination was Buluwayo, Lobengula's kraal, but instead of going straight to it, the dis- tance being 180 miles from Victoria, we had to make a long detour on account of our scouts con- stantly reporting large impis, which seemed to menace us from all quarters. Perhaps your naval and military men may wonder why we did not attack them, because after we joined the Salisbury Column, commanded by Major Forbes, which we did on the 19th of October, we numbered 500 horseman and 100 dismounted men. But with us was a long line of wagons, about 40, each with a span of sixteen oven, thus making the length of a mile and a half to be guarded by a handful of men against thousands of natives. On the morning of the 25th of October, at 3.30, we were awakened, hearing shots fired. Immediately we stood to arms. Looking through the darkness we saw thousands of niggers rushing towards us. When the Maxim guns started firing there was a sudden cheer. They could not believe it and made another rush, and were checked again, and so on until the morning. When daylight broke some of the most ghastly objects it has ever been my lot to see—and I was in Egypt-were visible, bodies being literally torn in pieces and lying as near as ten or twelve yards from camp. As it got lighter the enemy moved further. Our 7-pounder i (converted 1-pounder. by Armstrong) came into play, another object of wonder to them. We saw a common shell thrown to 1,500 yards, and it would have lain harmless, only as soon as they saw it they fired at it with their rifles and burst it, to their own detriment. One incident of heroism is worth recording. As daylight was breaking we heard about 100 yards off yells of pain, and, on looking in the direction, saw a wounded nigger standing up crying Miam (mother)!" an exclamation always used by Zulus in time of distress. These Matas are proud that they' arc true Zulus. Immediately every rifle ceased firing. Cries of "Run in" were raised. He seemed undetermined for a long while, till the Bishop of Mashonalaad (Dr. Knight) went out to him and helped him into camp, amid constant shouts from the enemy. When the enemy were getting thinned out a little horsemen were sent out to complete the rout. We had ten men killed in this battle. We stayed there till the afternoon, and smal parties went into the bush, where we came upon numerous dead bodies, and, almost incredible to believe, any amount of Martini-Henry rifles- even Express and Winchester rifles. How they got them we could not teU. One sight we saw was an induna (chief) shot through the abdomen and hanging by the neck. It is conjectured that he was in command of the expedition, and hanged himself in preference to being killed by bis king—Lobengula—which was a certainty after being defeated. In the afternoon we utarted again, and passed through a lovely country, well wooded, and abounding in water .even at this, the driest, time of the year. The mythical Buluwayo seemed to be getting 1\earer one day, next day further off. We began to get careless till November 18, when, standing ri >und the ifre at one p.m. with our pannikins, waiting for the contents of the pot, the alarm was given. All fell in and took their places in ti te laager. This time the Maxims did much more execution. We could see hundreds of niggers mowed down like wheat before the sc ythe. It may be interesting to naval men to krew that the Maxim and Nordenfelts are complete and unparalleled successes." a i Reuter's telegram from Cape Town on Wed- nes day says Mr. Selous, who arrived at Pie termaritzberg to-day, stated that he had bee n told by the natives that Captain Wilson's par iy had all been killed except seven, who escaped in the direction of the Hartley Hills. THE SETTLEMENT OF MATABELE- LAND. A Reuter's telegram from Cape Town on Wed nesday says:—The Hon. Cecil Rhodes arriv Ed here to-day on his return from the north, and met with a most enthusiastic reception. In re ply to an address presented by the corpora- tion md citizens of the town, Mr. Rhodes laid stream on the necessity of carrying out the settle- ment of Matabeleland in accordance with the views of the colonists. If it may, unfortunately, happe n that the settlement to be effected with the Imperial Government, now that the war is over, J nay not meet the just expectations of those who hi ive shed their life's blood for it, I shall earnes tly and resolutely fight the battle on behalf of the people of this country, and of the people in England whose children shared the dangers i of the campaign, but I shall fight it on Conatit vitional grounds.

SCIENCE AND ART SCHOOL. An ExjMbition of Pictures at the Cardiff Building. An exl dbition of pictures is now taking place at the Sc ience and Art School, Dumfries-place, Cardiff. The show was opened on Wednesday, and reprt Isents the works of students who are tutored lit the Cardiff school, and there are also somR of the best specimens from all the schools 0 f art in the kingdom. The Depart- ment of S. jience and Art, South Kensington, has contribute d seven cases of pictures, some of them of v* Iry great merit, and amongst the local exhibits ai e some from the pencil or brush of pupils under the direction of Mr. James Bush, the headmaste r of the art school of the technical instruction committee of the comity borough. In additic TI to the certificated pictures there is a consider! ible collection, also from South Ken- sington, of' sketches very kindly sent down by the depa rtment on account of the ex- ceptional interest that attaches to them. The exhibii tion has been arranged by the com- bined laboc rs of the principal of the college and the master < of 4he school. The display, taken as a whole, is i exceedingly effective, and well worthy of a visit from lovers of pictures, especially those who take an interest in the development of the artistic feeling a: td skill of the young men and you ng women who attend art classes in Cardiff. Tl ? premises are open from ten o'clock in th e morning until nine o'clock at night, and ti c pictures will be on view day to day up to the 10th inst. inclusive. The exhibition, it: need hardly be said, is open to everybody, aa td the attendance on Wednesday was very goc d, and, no doubt, will increase daily.

An limportant Capture. The capture of two men by the Cambridge police at the t "reat Eastern Railway Station a few days ago ti urns out to be a very important one. The men ha.d £500 worth of plate in their possession, bel ieved to be the proceeds of a burglary at a h ouse in Huntingdon-road, where they removed OJ le side of a safe. The prisoners are suspected oi' being' the authors of burglaries a.t Reading, < )xford, Nottingham, Hitchin, Ipswich, and K. sttering.

A Cool Burglar. At five o'clock on Wednesday morning a. policeman in Bii tningham discovered a burglar standing behind the bar of a public-house which ho had broken in to, smoking a cigar. He had lit the gas, ani 1 was proceeding leisurely to collect goods for removal. On being' challenged he told the police mail that he was waiting till the house opened for a drink. He then escaped to,the coot.and.w captured

HORNCASTLE ELECTION A Hopeful Sign for the Conservative Candidate. The Press Association special correspondent in the Horncastle Division telegraphs on Wed- nesday :—Up to the present there is little abate" ment in the severity of the weather. Snow lies thick upon the highways aud hedgerows, and travelling will only be rendered comparatively safe by substituting sleigh for wheeled vehicles. Lord Willoughby set out on a tour of the Mumby district on Wednesday morning. His opponent, Mr. Torr, was early in the forenoon at his cen- tral committee-room in Spilsby, where he had arranged to receive a deputation from the United Kingdom Alliance. His answers were deemed completely satisfactory, but the deputation said it was their practice to see both candidates, and they were about to arrange an interview with Lord Willoughby. There appears to be a general impression that affairs are proceeding less smoothly on the Liberal than on the Conservative side. For this the Liberal candidate is held in certain quarters to be not altogether free of re- sponsibility. It is generally admitted that after the publication of his address Mr. Torr could not, even if he desired, recede from the position he took up on the question of the disestablish- ment of the English Church. His em- phatic declaration at the Spilsby meeting that he regarded disendowment as sacri- lege may be accepted as conclusive that he never entertained a thought of retreat. The occasion for any appearance of friction which may exist must now be sought in another direction, but Mr. Torr may have convincing reasons of his own for paying particular court to one class of the consti- tuency, when his own friends would rather he devoted his whole attention to another section of the electorate. As far as present indications enable an opinion to be formed, Lord Willoughby will secure the vote of at least the bulk of the farmers, and after this naturally comes the question, Who will get the suffrages of the labourers?" Perhaps, one of the most noteworthy facts of the day is that confidence in the result of the contest is unreservedly expressed at Conservative head- quarters. No specific reasons are given the inquirer beyond the bland assurance that betting is now "Seven to one in fivers." On Wednesday night meetings were held on both sides. MR. D. A. THOMAS AND THE WELSH PROTEST. The Press [Association Cardiff correspondent, in a conversation with Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., president of the South Wales Liberal Federa- tion, was assured by that gentleman that the Welsh members and the people of Wales would fully endorse the protest made_ in the course of the Horneastle election by Major Jones, M.P., and Mr. Lloyd George, M.P., against the extra- ordinary views expressed by Mr. Torr in his election address upon the question of disestab- lishment. Welsh disestablishment, Mr. Thomas observed, occupies the second place in the Liberal programme, and it is, therefore, essen- tial that any candidates appealing for Liberal support should hold thoroughly sound views on the matter. It is clear from the views put for- ward by the candidate for Horncastle that he has not studied the question, and it would be [fatal to the cause of religious equality for Liberals to support him in his present attitude. I LIBERATIONISTS TO ABSTAIN FROM VOTING. The Press Association says it is understood that the deputation from the Liberation Society executive having returned from Horncastle, will report its failure to-day (Thursday), to induce Mr. Torr to reconsider his position on dis- establishment in Wales. Anticipating the decision of the society to advise its supporters to adopt a policy of abstention, the Lincolnshire Dissenters are strongly urged in the Indepen- dent and Nonconformist of to-day (Thursday), to take the unwelcome course, and so give the Liberal party an object lesson of extreme value, rather than submit to what it describes as a deliberate slight upon their principles and con- victions. Speakers From Ireland. The London correspondent of the Freemcm's Journal says:-Air. Bodkin, M.P., and Captain Donelan, M.P-, are leaving- London this morn- ing for the Horncastle Division to assist the Home Rule candidate. He adds that every- where the Ulster detachment has been it has been deemed advisable to send an Irish member to nail tbeir statements to the counter without delay. PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. 1885. Hon. E. Stanhope (C). 4,824 Shielfell (L) 3,959 Conservative majority 865 In 1886 the Right Hon. E. Stanhope was elected unopposed, and upon his being appointed Colonial Secretary he was also returned unopposed. 1892. Right Hon. E. Stanhope (C). 4,438 Mr. F. Otter (G) 4,037 Conservative majority 401 The polling strength of the constituency is 9,646.

BRAZILIAN REVOLT. Threatened Bombardment of Rio de Janeiro. A Rentier's telegram from Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday says.The commanders of the foreign war vessels stationed in the bay have addressed a communication to Admiral da Gama requesting him not to bombard the city unless direcly attacked by the Government forces on shore. SEARCHING FOR DE MELLO'S SHIPS. A Reuter's Buenos Ayres telegram on Tuesday evening says :—Intelligence has been received here from Rio Grande do Sul that Bage, the most important inland town in the south of that province, has been captured by the Brazilian insurgents after a siege of over four weeks. A telegram from Rio de Janeiro states that the bombardment of the city by the insurgent war ships still continues. A Reuter's telegram from Pernambuco, dated Tuesday evening, says :—Marshal Peixoto's new cruiser Nictheroy, accompanied by the America, which has arrived here from the West Indies, sailed for the south in search of Admiral de Mello's vessels, and the latter returned The United States cruiser San Francisco, which is under orders to join the American squadron at Rio de Janeiro, has coaled and will sail for the south to-morrow. The usual inter- national salutes were fired yesterday, and to- day the commander of the vessel exchanged visits with the Governor.

LORD CREWE IS DEAD. Influenza Brought the End in His Eighty-third Year. « The Press Association regrets to state that Lord Crewe died at 8.45 on Wednesday night at his country seat, Crewe Hall, Cheshire. His lordship, who was born in 1812, was a Liberal in politics, and was patron of seven livings. He is succeeded to the title by his nephew, Lord Houghton, Lord- lieutenant of Ireland, who was hastily sum- moned from Dublin to Crewe on Wednesday night last.

WILSON LINER SAFE. Egyptian Monarch Now at New York After a Long Passage. A Dalziel's telegram from New York says :— The British steamer Egyptian Monarch (Captain Jewin) from London arrived here on Wednesday afternoon, eleven days overdue.

THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. We learn that a powerful local company is being formed for the pnrpose of acquiring and starting the Morlais Tin-plate Works, Llan- goimeoh, as a going concern. The works have now been idle for many months, and this has created a lot of distress in Llangennech. There are three mills at the Morlais. and work will be found for over 200 hinds. We are further informed that a start will be made in a fort- night or three weeks, and the company will be registered in a couple of days. All the capital has been subscribed. Mr. T. R. Ludford is acting as solicitor to the new company, and is now engaged in carrying out the necessary legal formalities.

A LONDON MYSTERY. The coroner for North-east London has received information of the death of Sarah Ann Riding, a child aged seven, of Berle-road, Old Ford, who returned home on December 29 with a fractured skull and broken arm. The child prior to death said a boy did it, and the police are searching for the lad seen in her company.

Early on Wednesday fire broke out in a two storey dwelling-house in the eastern district of Belfast. On the arrival of the fire brigade it was ascertained that the tenant, a man named Orr and his wire were asleep upstairs. On eli- trance to the house, which was filled with smoke, being effected it was discovered that Mrs. Orr was dead, while her husband was un- conscious, He, however, revived shortly after being coaveyad to the Boya,! Hospital The ,fr41 itself .-was.of •. irhfii" !)

SOUTH AMERICAN WAR. The Struggle Between Honduras and Nicaragua. A Reuter's New York telegram on Wednes- day says:—The following dispatch has been received from Managua :—The war between Nicaragua and Honduras has begun. General Policarpo Bonilla, the leader of the Honduras insurgents, has invaded Honduras from Nicaragua, and has ■ captured the town of Corpus Yuscoran, where he has set up a Pro- visional Government. The President of Nicaragua has recognised his authority. Corpus Yuscoran was captured after a siege of five hours on the 30th ult. The Honduras Govern- ment troops lost 23 killed and five wounded, while on the side of the insurgents two were killed and several woundod. General Bonilla is now investing Choluteca, thus cutting off communication with the interior. He attempted to take Cuartel, but was repulsed by General Villela. Genera Rosas was killed in the engagement. The Nicaraguan Army has decided to invade Hon durss territory with the help of General Bonilla. Three thousand Nicaraguans, under General Ortez, occupied San Luis and Cincopino on the 24th. They are there awaiting the threat of General Vasquez, the Honduras President, to invade Nicaragua.

1 THE ANARCHISTS. Military Judge and the Spanish Prisoners. -w A Renter's telegram from Barcelona on Wed- nesday says :—The Anarchists Fogas, Cadina, Ripoli, Cereguelo, Bernard, Salvat, Archo, Fontantolo, Ce Bonell, and Fraitos were at noon to-day handed over to the Military Judge by the civil magistrate investigating the outrage at the Liceo Theatre. Their surrender was due to a demand made by the military authorities con- ducting the inquiry into the attempt upon the life of Marshal Campos, on the ground that they were accomplices of Pallas, the Anarchist. They were secretly removed under a strong escort from the prison, and appeared much sur- prised and alarmed at this measure, which gives great satisfaction to the inhabitants owing to the expedition and severity with which the Military Tribunals deal with Anarchist crime. SEVERE SENTENCE ON MADRID ANARCHISTS. A Reuter's telegram from Madrid on Wednes- days :—The trial of the three Anarchists Del- boche, Ferrier, and Manoz was not concluded until a little before twelve o'clock last night. Each prisoner in his defence sought to prove that the outrage planned against the Cortes was the result of a police plot. On hearing sentence of seven years' penal servitude pronounced Ferrier fainted, and had to be carried out of court. Restoratives being, however, applied he recovered sufficiently to be able to sign the official notification of his sentence, although he did so with trembling hand. Delboche, on the other hand, maintained the most unconcerned demeanour, and signed the notification with the greatest coolness. DISCOVERY OF GUNPOWDER. A Reuter's telegram fromDecazeville on Wed- nesday says :—A man named Poun, aged about 30, was arrested yesterday evening at the place where he worked owing to a search made by the police at his lodgings, where a quantity of gun- powder and some Anarchist publications were found. The prisoner is a. married man with one child.

PRELATE AND MILLIONAIRE. Pneumonia Takes Both from Their Countrymen in America. A Renter's telegram from New York says :— The Right Rev. Frances M'Nierney, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Albany, died on Tues- day from pneumonia. Mr. William Earle, New York, died of pneumonia on Wednesday, age 80 years. He was reputed to possess a fortune of four million dollars.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Some Interesting Pars About I n- teresting People. In the January number of the "Monthly Packet'' the proprietors notify their regret at the retirement of Miss Charlotte M. Yoiige from the editorship. The marriage arranged between Cyril, third sou of Sir Charles Russell, Q.C., M.P., and Helen Mary, second daughter of Mr. A. G. Pirie, of 26, Queen's Gate, will take place on the 25th inst. Mr. Gladstone has become a great advocate of "Dr. Brighton" since his recent "week- ends'" at the Lion Mansion, and will probably pay some Saturday to Monday visits for some time to come. It is privately stated in the offical world that Sir Redvers Buller. V.C., is likely to retire frcm his position as Adjutant-General of the army, in consequence of the illness of his wife. An interesting new year's innovation has been introduced at Portsmouth. The tram- cars have been fitted with letter-boxes so that letters can be posted at any crossing or street corner over a distance of five miles. Each time the car passes the General Post-office it is emptied by a post office official. The Queen has sent a present of ten brace of pheasants for the patients of the London Hospital. Sir Edwin Arnold considers it is not too extravagant to call the office of an Indian Viceroy" sublime."

Influenza and its Victims. The Dean of Bangor is slowly recovering frem a severe attack of influenza, to which malady the Dean of Peterborough has likewise been a. victim, and the Rev. Charles Gore has been seized with it for the fourth time. Father Hall the Bishop Designate of Vermont, U.S.A., has likewise been suffering from the same epidemic as a patient at University Hospital. SERIOUS ILLNESS OF LORD CREWE. The Press Association Crewe -correspondent telegraphs Lord Crewe is lying prostrate from influenza at his county seat, Crewe Hall. His condition is so critical that Lord Houghton, his nephew, was hastily summoned from Dublin on Tuesday night, when he crossed by boat to Holyhead.

ILLNESS OF DR. PAINE. Dr. Paine's condition is unchanged. Dr. Wallace, his medical attendant, informed our representative late on Wednesday night that the venerable doctor was no worse, and that he had passed a fairly comfortable day.

Making New Magistrates. It is stated that the recent appointments on the commission of the peace in Flintshire have been irade in direct opposition to the recommen- dation of the lord-lieutenant for the county. Mr. Kenyon will, on Tuesday next, a.sk the Home Secretary whether there is any precedent for such action by the Lord Chancellor, and if he will lay any correspondence which has taken place on the subject upon the table of the House.

The Rogaland, from Groningen for Newcastle, is ashore at Dclfzigv. The steamer Berlin, for Hamburg, is aground on Goole Reach, with her propeller disabled: expected to float, next tide. The steamer Rhosina, for Cardiff, returned to Gravesend with hawsepipe damaged and fore- castle deck started, &c. The steamer Skane, from Rouen for Grange- mouth, grounded on Schrape Bank, Cowes Roads, on Wednesday. The steamer Fair Iliad, fouled the Jean Anderson, anchored in Lough Foyh, carrying- away her bowsprits and damaging the stem, &0. The Jabez, from Buenos Ayres for Antwerp, returned to Falmouth with the loss of main- mast. The steamer ITrpeth, for Shields, returned to Gravesend with main steam pipe damaged. The Sirius, from Grangyemouth for Lioan, was wrecked at Svaaeke, ih* master only

FOOTBALL THE INTERNATIONAL MATCH.— WALES V. ENGLAND. Our special correbpondent at Birkenhead tele- graphs :—Frost prevailed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with a slight fall of snow. The football ground is covered with a. thick coating of straw. It has hardened slightly, but is not to hard for the match, and there need be no fear of the fixture beiug cancelled. There was a slight sunshine on Wednesday, and this held the front in check. A new stand has been erected round the field, a.nd this will afford ample accommodation. LOCKWOOD CANNOT PLAY. "Dicky Lockwood. of Heckmondwike, cap- tain of the English team, will not be able to play in Saturday's match against Wales He has sent word to the Union officials tbht circum- stances have arisen which will prevent him leav- ing home in time to reach Birkenhead for the match. Our London correspondent, telegraphing on Wednesday evening, says :—On calling at the offices of the English Rugby Union this evening I was informed that R. E. Lockwood, of Heck- mondwike, captain of the English team, had sent word to the Rugby Union officials that he will net be able to take part in Saturday's match against Wales, circumstances having- arisen which will prevent him leaving' home in time to reach Birkenhead for the match. Mr. Rowland Hill, however, is hopeful that Lockwood at the last moment will find himself able to represent his country, and for this reason declined to name the player who has been selected as first reserve. I was informed that Saville, of Cheshire, will be unable to play on account of injuries sustained in a recent match, and that his place at three-quarter will be filled by the Durham and West Hartlepool flyer, S. Murfitt, who distinguished himself so greatly in the North v. South match. The Union Committee will hold a meeting on Friday evening in Birken- head. Association. NORTH V. SOUTH. SELECTION OF THE SOUTHERN TEAM. After the Gloucestershire v. South Wales match the committee of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Football Association met at the Grand Hotel, Cardiff, to select the team to meet North Wales at Cardiff on January 13. Captain Lindsay was in the chair. A letter was read from the secretary of the Welsh Football Asso- ciation, Mr. J. Taylor, Wrexham, asking that the names of the selected team should be sub- mitted to the council before publication, fer the purpose of enabling them to make possible alterations by the inclusion of one or two players from the Mid-Wales clubs, if it was thought that by so doing it would strengthen the Southern eleven. It is understood that the Welsh Football Association will not allow any risk to fall on the shoulders of the Southerners in this match, and will, therefore, bear all the expense. The arrangements, however, are left in the hands of the South Wales body. The referee for the match in question will be Dr. Kay. South linesman, Mr. J. Sandiford, Car- diff. The colours of the Southern team will be those of the Cardiff Association Football Club. SOUTH WALES V. GLOUCESTERSHIRE- The first representative match of the newly- formed South Wales and Monmouthshire Foot- ball Association took place on the St. Andrew's Park on Wednesday on a very hard frost-bound ground. Gloucestershire brought over their strongest eleven, but South Wales put on a wretchedly weak team. At the last moment there were several changes on each side, the men lining out as follows — South tfates Goal. S. S. Clarke (Neath); backs, M. Picken (Rogerstone) and J. Heywood (Rog-erstone) half-backs, C. Drew (Barry), Riddjll (Swansea), and T. Jones (Neath) for- wards, Cartwright (Brecon), R. A. Jones (Swan- sea), right wing E. G. Howell (Bailth) centre G. Hampton (Rogerstone), and J. Jones (Roger- stone (left wing). Gloucester County: Goal, Speck (Warmley); backs, H. C. Constable (Clifton) and G. Britton (Warmley); half-backs, G. Wreford Brown (Clifton), P. Britton (Warmley), and F. Lovett (Eastville Rovers) forwards, G. Peacock (Warmley), H. H. Francis (captain. Clifton), F. Fielding (Gloucester), J. King (Warmley), and R. Britton (St. George); lines- men, F. Yates and J. Sandiferd. Referee, Captain Morgan Lindsay. The visitors started operations, and after a bout of centre play, in which G. Britton was conspicuous for spme smart defence, the home right wing g6t in motion, and sailing along the line centred from the corner, but neither of the inside men were avail- able, and G. Britton, getting back, saved. Then the Gloucester front line got in motion, and twice attacked, but on each occasion the ball went over. An attack by Howell next ¡ forced a corner, which was badly taken, then the Gloucester front line showed some very smart combination, and after a combined run by the centre and right wing, Fielding got possession in front of the goal, but shot over the bar. A weak attack by the 'Cestrians, and then Jones again got off up the right wing, but was robbed just in the corner. The home halves, however, were feeding their men well, a.nd after a coupie of shots had been tried hands against the visitors saw the South Wales attack assume for the first time anything like a dangerous attitude. Speck got rid of a high one from Howell, and a minute later some smart heading by the inside left gave the visit- ing custodian another chance to handle. From half-way the home front rank again started operations, and from the extreme left came in a shot which Speck had again to use his hands to. Play was necessarily of a cautious nature by reason of the hard state of the ground, a.nd though occasionally there were one or two vigorous bits of play when either side got particularly dangerous proceed- ings lacked the keenness necessary to make the game interesting. In the attacking South Wales were the busiest, hut were very slow and wÜd in front of goal. Often the visiting front line would come down to the home backs, but Clarke had only had one that to deal with until after about twenty minutes' play, when the Gloucester left wing with some short, smart passing, got well into the South Wales quarters. R. Britton got possession, and centred finely. Francis waa handy on the inside right, and, meeting the ball, got it past Clarke, although the latter just touched it in its transit. Half-time was shortly afterwards called with the score standings — Gloucestershire 1 goal South Wales nil On Howell re-starting for South Wales the visitors immediately took up the attack. In the open the visiting five worked fairly well together, but at the critical moment they were decidedly wild. First Francis, on the rig:ht,and then King, on the left, each had opportunities, but Clarke never had to handle on either occasion the ball going a long way wide. The homesters' •first opportunity was after a clever bit of head work by the left wing man, which took him past the full back. He was slow in centreing', how- ever, and Britton stopped him at the expense of a corner. This was badly taken, and went outside. A minute later the South Wales forwards were again away in a line, past the visiting pair of backs, There was a grand oppor- tunity here, but instead of centreing Hampton put in a weak shot that Speck easily cleared. Distinctly improving in the front line, Glou- cestershire were doing the most ofthe attacking, and gave the home backs a lot of trouble, Once from It return by the home right balf Con- stable missed, and Jones went on with the ball with absolutely no one in front of him but the goalkeeper. Howell and the left inside men were lying handy, but just as Jones got within a dozen yards of the goal he over-ran the ball and mis-kicked, and a fine opportunity was lost. The homesters. were, however, still attacking, and a pretty bit of work by the extreme left caused Brit on to concede a corner, which Hampton placed nicely, but the South Walians allowed Speck to get it away rather softly. For the next five minutes the home men attacked hotly, but the shooting and centreing from the wing were very wild, and eventually Constable, robbing Howell, gave possession to Fielding, who goingj up the centre put the homesters on the defence. Twice good returns by the visiting halves gave their front line opportunities, but on each occasion the shots went wide. The next attack came after Fielding had" robbed the home right back. Running a few yards he passed to Peacock, who getting the best of a tussle with one of the Welsh backs, got well in the centre and sent the second past Clarke. Following this the home forwards did a little better. Jones got well off down the right winor and centred, Hampton putting in a shot which Speck had to use both hands to. There was a sharp rally just in front of goal, and then Howell, getting pos- session, put in a regular stinger, which was luckily stopped by Britten's face. It was a good attempt meeting with bad luck, for had Britton been out of the way Speck would have had no chance of saving. The last couple of minutes saw Gloucestershire attacking, and once Field- ing put in a shot which, however, only went over. Final score :— Gloucestershire 2 goals. South Wales nil. DEVON V. SOMERSET. The meeting between these counties at Barn- staple on the 9th of December having ended in a draw and so prevented the completion of the competition amongst the south-western counties, the teams had been ordered to try conclusions again at Exeter on Wednesday. Unfortunately, owing to the sudden and severe change in the weather, the ground proved too hard for foot- ball, and the game had accordingly to be post- poned. WEST HARTLEPOOL v. HAWICK.—Played at West Hartlepool. The first lialf was extremely fast. Armstrong, from a nass by Hodgson, being floored on the toueh'line, a minor only resulting. The remainder of the frame was equally fast, and Hawick had liard fortune not to score a try. Kesult: A draw, neither side scoring beyond minors. CARDIFF HORNETS Open January 13, away take guarantee.—Write Secretary, Castle-road. [143517

The Prince of Wales left London on Wednes- ihe conntri ftHL8,

To-day's Share Market. i CONSOLS on& 12.10 1.10 CLO A.B Con. Goscben s p c Money 98-igj l3o. do. Account, Feb. 38^1' Local Stock 104^1 New 2h do. do Bank of England Stock. iSSOfe; India U08i^ Do. 3 do 98 Met. B'rd of Works, 5i pclll4^ Do. do. 3 p c'lOS-g Indian Rupee Paper 4 p c; 66 Ins.Cauadian 4 p Ct.Jan,J :107 Ins.C.Good Hope,4 pr. Ct. ;109 lns.SevvZealaiid Consolidii06-^j Ins. New S. Wales 4 per 0^04' Ins. Victoria4 i>r. C,'82-3-4ll03 Ins. South Australian ..Jl03 Ins. Queensland 4per C ts, 11f121" ill' HOME RAILWAYS. I Brighton Railway Ord (165 j IK). Deferred !148-J4| j Caledo.iia.n CorisolidRtedJllS-jjj Do. rreferrodCon. Ord.j 81 Do. Deferred do Z2% Chatham and Dover Ord.t 12^ D6. Preference 94 Glasgow and South West.il07 Great Eastern Ordinary! 1 Gt.N't.Un.I'refii.Con. Ord. !10( £ Do. do. Del'd. do. 50^ Do. do. A 'a 51 Great W'esi em 1152 Hull and liarnsley | 27'i; and Yorkshire|104_ I. London and Norfcli- Westn!'t62& London and South-YVestuj'84 Do. do. Deferred 62 Man. Shef. and Line. Ord 51 Do. Preferred 79 Do. Deferred 22% Metropolitan Con 83 Do. Land Stock 71^ Do. District Ordinary -3^ Do. Preferred 83^ Midland Ordinary ;l46% North British Old. Pref.j 70%! Do. Ordinary North Eastern Ordinaryjl54% South-Staffordshire I123 South-Eastern Ordinary j 114 Do. Deferred 67y-> East London Tafi Vale Ac. 9 76'/g Fumess 67 AMERICAN KAILWAiTS, &c. Central Pacific 15 Chicago, Milwaukee 6&S&! Denver Ordinary 9% Do. Preferred 30vi| Erie Shares 14^ Do. Preference 31 Do. Second Mortgage.. 77 Lllinois Central 93 Lake Shore 123 Louis and Nashville 43% Missouri, Kansas & Texas! 13fe New York Central 99 New York Ontario I5^t Norfolk Preference 20 North Pacific Preference'! 18Jfc| Ohio and Mississippi 15%! Do. Preference 66 Pennsylvania Ordinary.| 49{j Philadelphia k Beading. 9foj Do. first Income Bonds: 32 Union Pacific 18 Wabash Do. General Mortgage.. 23%\ Atlantic G.W. IstMort. l'fej Atchison 11 Cansidinu Pacific 'irand Trunk Ordinary. 6&j Do. Guaranteed 59^; Do. f'ii-st Preference 42%' Do. Second Preference. 27- Do. Third Preference. !5%| Mexican Ordinary 13-fei Do. i' Preference. 61^! De. Second Preference. 36 j FOREIGN "BONDS Lombards Ordinary 9% Mexican Cen.4p.c. Bondij 51 Do. do. 1'irst Incoroel 12 Buenos Ayres Gt. S'thern|lC5 Buenos Ayres and Rosario 54% Central Argentine 61 Chilian 1886 31 Do. 1892 90 Buenos Ayres 1882 26r Do. 1883 26]| ^gentine 1886 65it Do. Funding 70y/ Do. 4 £ p.c. Sterling 41 Do. Treasury 4Zi.2 Argentine Cedillas A Do. Cedulas I! 28 Buenos Ayres Cedulas I.. 8 Do. J 3 Brazilian 1889 57% Egyptian TIniiied 101 Do. Gov. Pref« New 97^ Do. State Domain 103z^ Do. Daira, New 103 French 3 per Cent. Rentes 97^ Do. 4J per Cent 105 Hungarian 4 p.c. Gold.j ^4^, Italian 5 per Cent 76^ lHexica.n6perCent.1,65 Peruvian Corporat'nOrd.j Do. Preference 14(4 Portuguese per Cent. 1869i 19% Greeks 1881 29#, Do. 1884 '.j 28% .H Russian 4 p.c. Conversion] 99% Siianish 4 per Cents 63ft Turkish 1871 jlOOty Do. Ottoman Defence 9B&- Do. First Group 57.% Do. Second Group 35% Do. Third Group 24^ Do. jTourtli Group -J2% Ottoman Bank Shares .j l4i| MISCELLANEOUS. Uruguay 3J perCent 34^1 Honduras 5-^ Paraguay 14%; Transvaal Loan 105% London S.Katherine's Dk| 41 East & West India Docks' lb Peninsular & Orient'lPref>136% Do. Deferred 1187-% Cunard Steamship, £ 20pdj 11 Gen. Steam Nav., £ 15 pd'j 4% Do.5 perCent. Pref 5% Do. 5 per Cent. 1887 5 A.nglo American Tel. Pref 81-% Do. do. Ordinary. Direct United St's Cables Eastern ditto Eastern Extension Brazilian Submarine 12 National Telephone Arthur 'Guinness Ordin'y 341% Allsopjis Ordinary 54% Bryant & May Ordinary J5% Cousett Iron ^2 Ebbw Vale St. & Ir'u Co. 8% Hudson's Bay Shares '^>k Hotchkiss 1 Oeceau Land 5«j Suez Canal Spratt's Patent Hammonds Eastmans Leed's Forge Lister and Co .'f'j Salt Union Ordinary ElmoreCop'erDeposit'ns; M\ ■•• Nitrate Railway Primitive Nitrate San Jorge Nitrate San Pablo Nitrate Dublin Distillers ■•■ Bell's Asbestos Oceana Land Chartered Africa i t! United Concessions 4/fj — New Exploration (Ros.J. Cape Copper Mines J»| ••• FJio Tintos 9 llason and Barry ••• ••• Tharsi s Copper ]<f Mysore Gold oo-fi Mysore Gold Fields ••• ••* ••• — Montanas 5 De Beers I)ifiuionds South African Expl'rati'n lt-,y ••• New Jagersfontein ••• GoldFields S. Africa Salisbury Gold New j?" ••• Cityjand Suburban Jumpers g/S ■■• Ferreiras ••• Jubilee W Siramer and J ack .2? Wemsners Wemsners Crownreef ••• Langlaagtes /,& ■■■ "•* Lansrlaagte Block B Tf, Sheba ••• Primrose Pioneer 0, Australian Broken Hill ™ Went worth Priority •■ Yankee Girl ■■■ Tarapaca Water *7* Do. Bank j?, British Water Gas M North'sNav. Collieries £ Coats Pear'sSoap Ordinary Bartholway Brewery Ord. ■• Do. Preference MA St. Louis Brewery, Ord. Do. Preference 6 ■■•

Political Situation. RADICALS AND THE GOVERNMENT COMPROMISE. The Central News savs Mr. Channing, M.P., and Mr. Cobb, M.P., have called in question the version which we gave of the meeting of the county Liberal members with respect to the com- promise upon the Parish Councils Bill. We were furnished with the report of the pro- ceedings by a member who was present, and we accepted it in good faith. We have since been assured by others who were present of its sub- stantial accuracy. MR. CHAMBERLAIN AND OLD AGE PENSIONS. Writing to a correspondent at Enniskillen, Mr. Chamberlain says the question of old age pensions has been practically laid on the shelf by the present Government, the appointment of a Royal Commission having been made in order to save the Government from dealing with it. So long- as the commission is sitting and has not made its report, it would be impossible to get Parliament to attend to the matter.

The following order has been issued by the commandant of the Home District:—"The Major-General commanding wishes to draw attention to the necessity for impressing on officers commanding volunteer regiments the extreme desirability for those under their com- mand wearing serviceable laced boots. Not only do indifferent boots of various patterns detract considerably from the appearance of a corps on parade, but the marching' and efficiency of a regiment are to a very large extent influenced W-, the qnaliafr ot b(»te ;1;- j

Yesterday's Racing. SPORTSMAN AND SPORTING LIWM AUTHENTIC PRICES. I 11 HURST PARK MEETING. HOESE. RIDEE. | Sportsman. WOLSEY HURDLE RACE. Crwn Jewel j Williamson. 7 to 4 ag I 7 to 4 af BROOKLET STEEPLECHASE. Mazzard J Penton. j 5 to 4 on j 5 to 4- SURREY HUNT STEEPLECHASE. Badminton I Crespigny. I W.o w.o CHKISTMAS HURDLE HANDICAP. Cestus Mr Grenfell 5 to 2 ag- j 5 to 2.. FINAL HURDLE RACE. Sir Richard | ENight'gall I w.o I w.o The above prices are identical with those published iu the Racing Calendar. HURST PARK OLD YEAR MEETING. The weather here is of an exceedingly wintry character, frost being in strong evidence, and heavy snow showers frequent. 1.0—The WENTWORTH STEEPLECHASE PLATE of 100 sovs, for four year olds and upwards; weight for age penalties and allowances. Two miles. Declared void. 1.30—The WOLREY SELLING- HUBBLE HANDICAP of 80 sovs, for three year olds flnd upwards the win- no;1 to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. Mr H Hyam's Crown Jewel, 4yrs, lOst 7lb Williamson 1 Mr C Hibbert's Marjolaiae, 5yrs, list BNigl) ting-all 2 Mr J T Crossley's D'Orsay, aged, list 121b Wingfield 3 Mr E Woodland's Glengarry, aged, list Oates 0 Winner trained by A Nightingall. Betting—11 to 10 agst Marjolaine, 7 to 4 agst Crowa Jewel, and 7 to 1 agst any other. Crown Jewel was followed by Marjolaine, with D'Orsay last, until a quarter of a mile from home, where Marjolaine challenged resolutely, but failed to get up, and Crown Jewel won by three parts of a length a bad third. The winner was not sold; Cannie Lad was sold to Mr A Yates for 14gs. 2.0-The BROCKLEY SELLING STEEPJ.ECHASE of 100 sovs, for four year olds and upwards weight for age the winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. Mr G Fenwick's Mazzard, aged, 12st3lb,J Penton 1 Mr F G Haines's Imperial, 5yrs, 12st Benkam 2 Mr Scruby's Vendome, 6yrs, 12st31b Moore 3 Mr r G-Haines's Palermo, aged, 12st 31b Mr H Morris 0 Winner trained by Collins. Betting—5 to 4 on Mazzard, 5 to 2 agst Imperial, 41 to 1 agst Vendome, and 20 to 1 agst Palermo. Mazzard waited Oil Imperial until two fences from home, where the former pulled his way to the front and won in a canter by five lengths; a bad third.1! Palermo failed to complete the course. J The winner was bought in for 110gs. 2.30—The SURREY HUNT STEEPLECHASE PLATE of 4T sovs list each; penalties and allowances. Twt. miles. Mr Drake's Badminton, aged, list Sir C de Crespigny w.o Winner trained by Mr Lambton. Badminton and Star of the East were weighed out, but the latter bolted on his way to the post and ran nearly five miles and returned to the paddock, and Badminton walked over. Consequently Star in the East mpst not be considered a starter. 3.0—The CHRISTMAS HANDICAP HURDLE RACE PLATE of 200 sovs winners extra. Two miles. M Mr B Eobson's Cestus, 5yrs, lOst 121b Mr C Grenfell I Lord Molyneux's Orange Peel, aged, ICst 41b Sensier 5 Mr H Turner's Quack, aged, lOst 51b.Mr Widger 3 Mr G Haughton's Bungalow, aged, lOst 121b Mumford 0 Mr G A Clement's Slip, 5yrs, lOst 41b Dollery 0 Winner trained by owner. Betting—11 to 10 on Orange Peel, 5 to 2 agst Cestus, 7 to 1 each agst Quack and Slip, and 100 to 6 agst Bungalow. Cestus made play from Slip and Orange Peel, with Quack last, for a mile, when Orange Peel became second and Bungalow third, but Cestus, making tho whole of the running, won easily by half a length; a bad third. Bungalow was fourth, and Slip was beatea off. 3.30—The FINAL HURDLE RACE PLATE of 40 sovs, for three year olds and upwards; weight for age, penalties and allowances. Two miles. Capt Coe's Sir Richard, 5yrs, 12st lib R Nightingall w.o Trained by Holt.

PORTSMOUTH MEETING. The Sportsinao received a telegram last evening from the clerk of the course to the effect that at nightfall there was a severe frost, and, unless the weather should change before noon to-day, the sanc- tion of the stewards will be sought to postpone the races to Wednesday and Thursday next. While runn ing in the Selling Steeplechase a Manchester on Tuesday afternoon The Dream dropped down dead a,b out six furlong's from home, but Mr. Sheil, his rider, escaped without injurv.

Elliman FOR ACHES AND PAINS, Elliman —————————————-— Elliman E L L I BI A N'S UNIVERSAL IB EMBROCATION, Elliman! For RHEUMATISM. SPRAINS, Ellimanl LUMBAGO, CUTS, Ellimanj BRUISES, CHEST COLDS, Elliman; SORE THROAT from COLD Elliman; STIFFNESS. Ellimani ——— ■. Flliman Prepared only by Elliman ELLIMAN, SONS, & Co., S SLOUGH. Elliman le. lid. and 2s. 9d. Of all Chemists E4310

DEATH OF THE BELGIAN MINISTER. The Press Association says :-Ba.ron Henri Solvyns, Belgian Minister to this country, died somewhat suddenly on Wednesday/from bron- chitis at the Belgian Legation, Grosvenor* gardens. His family have received from Lord Rosobery and the Diplomatic Corps a letter of regret and condolence. Although ill during Christmas, his condition was never believed to, be extreme. The baron, says the Central News, was found dead in his bed at his London residence on Tuesday morning. He recently had an attack of influenza, but seemed to have made a good recovery. He retired to rest at half-past ten on Monday night, and was found dead, as stated by his valet, at half-past nine on Tuesday morn- ing. The Secretary of the Legation was at once summoned, and three doctors were called in, but, unhappily, his Excellency was then past all human help. Baron Solvyns had repre- sented Belgium in this country for over twenty years, and the news of his death caused great regret at the Foreign Office and among the members of the Diplomatic Corps. The baron was the son of a Belgian gentleman, who was in the service of the old East India Company, and his wife was an American lady, whom he married when Secretary of Legation at Washing- ton. The remains of the deceased diplomat will be interred in Kensal Green Cemetery, London, on Monday next, and there will pre- viously be a funeral service at The Oratory, Brompton. Extraordinary evidence was recently produced in the New York Law Courts. Mattie A. Kings- ton, an actress, asked for a divorce from Samuel F. Kingston, a former manager of an opera company, on the ground that he had acted improperly with a Miss Ethel Gray. Neither the defendant nor the co-respondent was in court. Mrs. Kingston declared that. having heard that her husband was stopping at a hotel in Philadelphia, she went there, got the number of his room, and found him with Miss Gray. The latter was in her nightgown. "After a fight which occurred," said Mrs. Kingston, "my husband's face was badly scratched and he had a pair of black eyes. I seized Miss Gray by the nightdress and brought a piece away with me." The piece of cloth was introduced as evidence. John Cotter, a clerk in the hotel, said that Mr. Kingston and Miss Gray stopped at that hotel. He corroborated Mrs. Kingston's story about the trouble in the hotel. Miss Gray was in tears, he said, and fought with Mrs. Kings- ton about the possession of her nightrobe, which Mrs. Kingston finally secured and carried away. The evidence of guiit was considered suffi- cient and a decree was signed.

A Dalziel's telegram from New York says A great sensation has been caused in the lead- ing circles of society by the elopement of Miss Harriet Davies. a wealthy heiress, and the daughter of Captain Davies, of the United States Navy, with Mr. M'Laran, a Chicago merchant.

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