Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

THE JERSEY STEAMER MISHAP. Captain Lecky, of the Great Western Company, arrived at Jersey on Saturday afternoon, to tempor- arily repair the damage to the vessel after the acci- dent of Good Friday morning, which has been fully reported in all the principal papers. The full extent of the injuries has now been ascertained. On the port side is a bulge near the bow, and a dent 17ft. long, ending in a hole 9ft. by 13ft. On the starboard side is a small hole. Only one blade remains of the two propellers. The chief engineer and staff were working at the pumps all Saturday, and the water was rapidly reduced. At nine o'clock on Monday morn- ing another effort was made to remove the Ibex from her situation on the beach at St. Aubins, the damage to the hull having been patched up. The Plymouth tug, Sir Francis Drake, steamed up shortly before the hour mentioned, followed afterwards by the Great Western steamer Gazelle and the Gurfisey tug Assistance. The latter took the lead, and Gazelle was connected to the rear of the Ibex for the purpose of guiding the vessel, and the other tug supported on the starboard side. In this order and watched by large crowds of spectators the vessels slowly moved off. Captain Lefeuvre commanded the Ibex, and by his side was Captain Lecky of the Great Western Marine Superintendent. The weather was beautifully fine, and the sea calm as a pond. An hour after the start all three vessels entered St. Helier's Harbour amid great excitement. The Ibex, with her temporary repairs, floated eaisily, and when the steamer was finally lodged safely in her berth the assembled srowd gave three cheers. The special plate workers sent from England by the Great Western Company will continue work upon the Ibex without delay, and when rendered fit to orosi the Channel the vessel will be sent to Barrow foi more permanent repairs.

XHB most curious palace in the world is tbe Alhambra, in Spain. It was originally a fortress, so great in extent as to be capable of holding 40,000 men. It was begun in 1248 and finished in 1314. THE wall of Severus, separating England from Scotland, was 36 miles long, and guarded by 21 forts. It was 20ft. high and 24ft. thick, and to the north was protected by a moat 40ft. wide and 20ft. deep. PROFESSOR BBLLt the electrician, has expressed the opinion that the air ship of the future will be con- structed without any balloon attachment. He thinks the discovery of the balloon has retarded the solution of the flying problem for over 100 years. KILDISCIINVOKI, a Russian scientist, has invented a new form of telephone of remarkable superiority. It is not necessary to place the ear near the receiver the voice issues from a metallic funnel and may be heard at some distance by several persons. PIUKCR ALBERT OF BKWHUM will represent the Belgium Royal family on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Commemoration. He will be accompanied on that occasion by Lieutenant-Colonel Jungbluth. TUB approaching visit of the Czar to France is practically settled, but it is very doubtful whether he will reside, in any case, at the old Imperial Palace afrCompi £ gne. „ FRANCB is sending to New York the despatch vessel Fulton, and Great Britain the crusier Talbot, to the ceremonies sonnected with the dedication of the monument to General Grant. Germany has no ship available. Al THB Emperor William and the Empress, with the younger of their cMldren, will go on May 8 to his Majesty's Chateau of Kroike, in Lorraine, for a week's stay, and afterwards proceed to Wiesbaden for a fortnight. LADY MAJORIBAKKS has in her kennel some fine specimens of the rare and beautiful breed of dog known as the Tweedside Retriever. They are of a fine golden-fawn colour, and her ladrshio is naturallv verMWfQud othe

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION. Various statements (remarks a correspondent of the Times) have been appearing in the Press with regard to a scheme for Antarctic exploration to be undertaken by this country. They are mostly wide of the truth. There is no doubt, however, that the idea of a British Antarctic expedition is in the air. The enthusiasm for polar exploration is always more or less latent in the British public it has been easily funned into a glowing heat by the thrilling story of the Norwegian Arctic expedition as told by Dr. Nansen. It was by an adventure that our progenitors obtained possession of these islands, and the history of the growth of the British Empire is but the record of one adventure after another all over the face of the earth. Much of the accumulated glory which is the heritage of every Briton has been derived from the adventures of those of our countrymen who have Juished their way with success into the unknown ands and seas of the globe. In popular estimation, it may safely be said the many expeditions, national and private, that have pushed their way into the ice-bound ends of the earth hold the first place. During the first 50 years of the century expedition after expedition was sent out by the Government to the region around the North Pole. The one serious attempt to explore the Antarctic under Ross, 50years ago, was made under Government auspices. Although after the Franklin search expeditions exploring enter- prises were not so frequent on the part of our Govern- ment, still it was considered necessary to maintain the old reputation of this country for enterprise of this kind by equipping at intervals exploring expedi- tions under Government auspices. Two of the most recent of these were the Challenger expedition, which devoted three years to the investigation of the oceans, with results that have won the admiration of all civilised nations and the Arctic expedition under Sir George Nares, during which Commander (now Admiral) Markham beat all previous attempts to approach the Pole. It is 20 years since these two expeditions completed their work. Whatever may be the case with oceanic exploration, in which much yet remains to be done, it seems to be the general opinion that, so far as the Arctic is concerned, its further explpratjog may be left to private enter- prise or to other nations. But it is different with I the Antarctic. Since Ross's expedition, over half a century ago, practically nothing has been done for the exploration of the great blank which caps the southern end of the earth, happily now the greatest blank on its surface. One or two whaling trips that have been made into the region have only served to show how little can be done at present by means so insignificant. The Challenger was not fitted for ice- work, and so only ventured to cross the Antarctic circle and turn back. So far then, this great national enterprise was incomplete. For over three years past the question has been asked among those interested in the completion of our knowledge of the globe and in the promotion of certain departments of science—Is our Government prepared to finish the work so well begun over 20 years ago ? Abroad and at home it seems to be taken. for granted that Antarctic exploration is particularly the work of England both as the country of Ross and as the mother-country of Australia. Over two years ago the late Government was approached by an in- fluential deputation, which was treated with dis- couraging levity by a prominent Minister who was present with the First Lord of the Admiralty. About 18 months ago Mr. Goschen was approached, and it is not surprising (the Ti"°ies correspondent continues) that, in view of the threatening prospects at the time, he could not give a favourable answer. At the same time he was sympathetic. More recently, it is un- derstood, he was again approached by the Royal Geographical Society, and although he was even more sympathetic, still, it is believed that he hesitates to commit the Government to an expedition that might involve the employment of a few officers. It is not, it is believed, a question of money. Nor is it one of ships for the vessels used have to be either whalers or wooden ships built for the purpose. So far as can be learned the question of sending out a national Antarctic expedition has not been seriously considered by those responsible for the credit and honour of the country. One cannot say what would be the attitude of the Opposition if her Majesty's Minister decided to spend about £100,000 on equipping another expedition for-the promotion of knowledge it is not likely that such a matter would be made a party question. But of one thing, the Government may be assured-that such a decision would be approved by acclamation thoughout the country, and would not fail to increase the popularity of any Ministry that adopted it. It is, therefore, to be hoped that, before giving his final reply to the communication which, it is understood, he has received from the Royal Geographical Society, Mr. Goschen will consult with his colleagues, and consider the matter not only from the restricted standpoint of thesupply of naval officers, but from every point of view-in the light of national sentiment, national credit, and the ad- vancement of knowledge, which in some directions at least may have important practical results to a great maritime and commercial Power. Tbe difficulty about naval officers is perhaps rather apparent than real. It may not be inopportune to recall the fact that, during the wars in which England was almost continuously engaged in the latter part of the last century, there was no nervous hesitation on the part of the Governments of the time in carrying out those great exploring enterprises which crowned England with glory. The great enterprises of Cook, Vancouver, Flinders,"and others were carried out in the midst of wars in which the supremacy, if not the existence, of our country was involved.

THE TITLE OF A DEGREE. The findings of. the "Degrees for Women Syndi- cate should says the Educational Times, commend themselves to all concerned, except the extreme scction of opponents who are represented by Pro- fessor Case. The Syndicate recommend the Senate of the University of Cambridge to grant by diploma the title of B.A. to all women students who have fulfilled the conditions laid down by the existing ordinances, who have satisfied the examiners in a final tripos, and have kept nine terms' residence. They recommend that this provision should also be made retrospective, and, further, tkat titles of degrees of Master and Doctor should be conferred by diploma under requisite conditions. The syndicate are not prepared to recommend that women should be admitted to membership of the University. And, indeed, no strong desire has beem shown by women to obtain this privilege. The old arguments, then, that a degree necessarily implies membership of the University, no longer bars the way; and it seems that an excellent escape—and, indeed, the only satis- factory escape—has been found out of what bade fair to become an impasse." It is quite clear that in the professional world a lady who has studied at Oxford or at Cambridge is, for the moment, at a distinct disa-dvantage in comparison with a graduate of Victoria or of London. It is equally clear that, as times goes on, a degree will become more and more necessary to a woman candidate for scholastic posts. The letters B.A. and M.A. are familiar and easily understood. No other letters would, in the eyes of the public, and consequently of governing bodies, have the same value. The corollary is obvious women must have the title of a degree at the older Universities, or they will tend more and more to attach themselves to the newer. But Oxford and Cambridge do not wish to drive out women. There is a strong body of testi- mony from professors and lecturers in support of the desirability of making lectures open to both sexes. No serious inconvenience has been adduced, and no strong objection has been made. The love of undergiaduates for the status quo is well known and easily understood. But their opposition is not to be taken seriously, whether it arises from a feel- ing of fear lest a man may be unable to keep ahead of a woman in their joint studies, or from unwilling- ness to share existing endowments with the unen- dowed sex. The opposition of those who ssiy that no woman should be admitted at all, and that by ad- mitting them the Universities are preventing women from obtaining a magnificent University all of their own, is more insidious, and is, indeed, logical. But this opinion does not seem to be widely held; and there is no middle course. Women must be able to write B.A. and M.A. after their names, or Newnhani and Girton will know them no more. And this is not a consummation that Cambridge, on the whole, desires. Oxford and Cambridge have welcomed women, and treated them with every possible cour- tesy. But matters cannot stop here. Women must have a right to what at present they enjoy by cour- tesy. If this right—the title of the degree, not full membership of the University—be not granted, women will inevitably drift to other both to their own IOM and to the IOBS ef Cambridge. And. further than this, versities will have lost a splendid chance urire ing the stamp of their unique "P g Mid increasing section of earnest students.

EPITOME OF NEWS. TIIB Queen signs about 50,000 documents a yoar. A STRONG movement is on foot to ensure the earliet opening to the public of Kaw Gardens. Tub NOW Zealand revenue shows a surplus of £ ;54(>,000 on the year's expenditure. MOROCCO'S Sultan has engaged an Aberdeen man to play the bagpipes at his Court. (jrKRMANv, Italy, and Holland have filed probata IIgllint the Dingley Tariff Bill. Tiik Home Secretary has ordered an inquiry into the recent. police scandals at Manchester. Tiji, first training school for female candidates for employment in the Prisons Department has been opened at Wormwood Scrubbs. DK. LUEGER, the notorious anti-Semitic leader, has again been elected Burgomaster of Vienna. THE Constitutional conflict in the Duchy of Saxe- Coburg-Gotha has been finally settled by a Ministerial statement in favour of Coburg. OF the 38 Sultans who have ruled the Ottoman Empire since the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks, 34 have died violent deaths. AN absolute contradiction is given in Madrid to the report that a revolt against the Spanish rule has broken out in Porto Rico. MR. H. C. MONRO has been appointed by the Presi- dent of the Local Government Board as an assistant- secretary of the Board. TUB Lord Chancellor has accepted an invitation to be present at the Speech-day of the Leys School, Cambridge, on June 8. Tiin wedding of Prince Joseph of Battenberg and Pr incess Anna of Momenegro will take place at Cettinje about the beginning of May. LONDON devours every year 400,000 oxen, 1,600,000 sheep, 500,000 calves, 700,000 hogs, fowls innumer- able, and 9,800,000 gallons of milk. IN the wine districts of France, Spain, and Italy grapes are still trodden with the bare feet, under the idea that the wine is better. IT is feared that but little of the cargo of the Beaver Line steamer Assaye, which went ashore on the Blonde jf?.ock at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy. ceii be saved. TFIE Civil Tribunal in Paris has ordered the Prefecf of Police to pay 5f. damages to the Baron de Yaus for the illegal seizure of 200,000 portraits of the Due d'Orleans. TELEGRAPHIC communication is now established between London and Sandakan. North Borneo is therefore, in telegraphic communication with the world at ldrge. MR. ALFRED SMJTTLKYTORTH has given a site, valued at ELOO, for a new mission church at Lincoln, anO £ 500 towards a mission hall, to be used until a per- manent church can be built. THE Directorship of Public Institution foi Bengal has been conferred upon Dr. Caulfeild Aylmer Martin, a son of the late Archdeacon ol Kilmore. THE Duke of Portland has given £120, out of moneys received for admission to Welbeck Abbey Grounds, to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. AN appropriation of 200,000dols. has been voted by the American Congress for the relief of the sufferers from the floods in the States of Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee. A NEGRO girl of six, who had developed a craze for biting the flesh and sucking the blood of living in- fants, has been placed under arrest at New York. ACCORDING to the American papers, a subaqueous volcano has opened in Great Salt Lake, not far from the Promontory Station of the Central Pacific Rail- way. IN 1896 the average price of 45 important com- modities was 25 per cent. less than it was in 1878. Therefore a cheque for 9100 at the present time represents P.125 18 years ago. PRINCESS CHRISTIAN is to open the Imperial Vic- torian Exhibition at the Crystal Palace on May 6, and will at the same time present the challenge shield to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Ambu- lance Section. A REPORT current that the Delagoa Bay Arbitra- tion Tribunal has rendered its award against Portugal to the amount of E6,000,000 sterling proves to be unfounded. No decision will be arrived at before the end of the year. MR. C. D. SEYMOUR, Master of the West Norfolk Foxhounds, has purchased the South Devon pack from Mr. St. Maur. The hounds thus acquired will be added to the West Norfolk pack. THE Lord President of the Council has appointed Mr. John White, Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford, and a senior examiner in the Education Department, to be an additional assistant secretary in that depart- ment. CAPTAIN WAKEIIAM will command eteamer which will start from Halifax (N.S.) cn May 15, to test the navigability of Hudson's Straits. The Imperial Government declined to leni Rear-Admiral Markham for the purpose. YIELDING to Consular pressure, the Municipal Council of Shanghai has decided to make no charge in the wheelbarrow tax for the next three months. This is the tax which caused the recent coolie rioting. THE region between the first and second cataracts of the Nile is the hottest on the globe. It never rains there, and the natives are incredulous when foreigners tell them that water can descend from the sky. THE London and North-Western Railway Com- pany, on the subject of railway fares eod the accelera- tion of trains between Liverpool and London, has in- timated that the afternoon express each way between London and Liverpool will be accelerated. BESIDES the village of Hodmezot Vasarhely, the town of Miskolez, in Central Hungary, has been dis- covered to be infected with the husband poisoning mania. Twenty-three distinct cases have already been brought to light, and seven women have been arreeted. THE Rev. J. H. Ellison, Vicar of Windsor and Reader to the Queen, and his churchwardens have resolved, in commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, to raise a fund of E300 to erect a chancel- screen in Windsor Parish Church. THE Duke of Devonshire has accepted an invitation to deliver an address to the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce on the British Empire League, of which he is president. The Colonial Premiers then in England will be invited to attend. THE Emperor William has conferred the First Class of the Order of the House of Hohenzollern, with the chain, on Colonel General Loe, who has just celebrated the 50th anniversary of his entrance into the Prussian Army. THE Institution of Naval Architects have made arrangements to hold an International Congress of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers at the Im- perial Institute in the course of the coming summer. The Prince of Wales has consented to act as honorary president of the congress. FOR many, many years Old Mar Castle, which u situated in the close neighbourhood of Invercauld, has been an uninhabited ruin; but Mr. Farquharson has now put it into thorough repair and refurnished it. His first tenant will be Miss Fleetwood Wilson, who is abroad at present for her health, but who comes to England in May and goes to Scotland in June, having been advised to avoid the fatigues of the season. THE committee recently appointed by the Home Secretary to inquire into the education of prisoners has recommended inter alia that all prisoners under 40 years old who cannot pass Standard IV. shall re- ceive school instruction in their cells at least twice a week, and arrangements are being made for this to be carried out without avoidable delay. MMB. MELBA, the well-known singer, is an enthusi- astic cyclist. She learnt to ride whilst touring in the United States, and when she determined to swell the ranks of wheelwomen she caught the cycling fever. badly that she took with her to St. Louis the 10 structor whom she engaged at Chicago. BULUWATO has loDg thought it a serious reproac to tbe town that it possesses no muaic-na sians were wont to run over to Johann^bur| for their entertainments, but they own. With a view Of their own. and mean to have a show Mr. Julius Weil is send- of catering for their want bg with a complete ing out a couple of pbonog^^ of N«L?g £ £ b»lf <.(«>• '"J1 >«'ul,>ti<m ot earth live in China, India, and Japan. IT is said that Cbatsworth costs over £ 20,000 a year I3tfi'I'ARr,> M.P. for Norwich, has abandoned his proposed visit to the United States. TnJII Revolutionary Party are now practically in possession of the eastern portion of Uruguay. MR. J. L. NYB has retired from the Sunday-school Union after 23 years' service m the editorial depart- ment. Mn. SIIEFPIBLD-NBAVB has consented to act all master of the Essex Staghounds for the ensoinjt season

THE EASTERN CRISIS. I GREECE AND TURKEY. DECLARATION OF WAR. FIGHTING ALONG THE FRONTIER. 24,000 TURKS ENGAGED. .vJ (.. DEATH OF A GENERAL. kII1,NISTERS RECALLED. At length war has commenced in earnest between the Turkish and Greek armies massed on the frontier of the two countries. The conflict between regulars, announced on Saturday, had prepared us for a declaration of war, and it has come, with its accompanying measures, the recall of the diplomatic- Ministers of the respective countries, the expulsion of Greek subjects from Turkey, the expulsion of Ottoman subjects from Greece, and the rest of it. Neither the Greeks nor the Turks have allowed the grass to grow under their feet. The declaration of war already found them at each other's throats, and the formal rupture has simply tightened the grip. As the undermen- tioned despatches will show, there has been incessant and sanguinary.warfare on and near the frontier during the last three days, and from all appearances worse has yet to come. The Turkish Minister at Athens handed to the Greek Government a notification of the ruptiire of relations. The Minister and the Consuls have been ordered to return to Constantinople without delay, the reason assigned-heingthe hostile attitude ;pf Greece. Similarly-the Greek Minister and Consols are withdrawing -from Turkey., All Greek subjects are to leave Turkish territory within 15 days, and a similar term of grace is extended to Ottoman sub- jects resident in Greece. Many and conflicting are the accounts of the fight- ing, for much, of course, depends upon the point of view and the facilities of information enjoyed by the various correspondents. As seen from the Turkish lines, the conflicts are well described by the special < correspondent of the lelcgraph at Elassona, who telegraphed on Saturday night: War has broken out along the Grtcco-Turkish frontier lines, which I have visited to-day from Koskeny, near Elassona, to Caterina, at the foot of Mount Olympus. There has j been a fierce fight on a foot-hill between the Turkish Sixth Division, commanded by Hamdi Pasha, and a strong force of Greeks, which commenced the attack on Sunday evening. The encounter has already lasted 24 hours." TURKS KILLED AND WOUNDED. Nine battalions of Ottoman Regulars have been engaged, and rifle-firing has been continuous, accen- tuated at times by the deeper tones of position and field artillery. We have already 50 wounded soldiers in the ambulances, and four officers have been killed. The number of rank and file slain has not yet, been ascertained. In the hill conflicts the Turks have had the advantage, being judiciously ambushed behind rocks-end in low covert, where they kept tip an inces- r eant fire from sheltered .positions. Neither combatant 1 force .has gained any ground to speak of. The Turkish outpost wqrk at Milona has been burned down, and the Greeks hold some of the lesser heights near Elassona." In a message despatched on Sunday evening the same correspondent says: "At nine o'clock this morning fighting had already endured for 15 con- secutive hours along the hills on either side of the Pass of Milouna, on the frontier line facing Elassona. The engagement commenced at six p.m. on Saturday, heavy rifle fire, intermixed with the clamour of bursting shells, resounding through the rocky, vales -alln-ight long. Under the light of brilliant moon- x •nine, the Greeks in great numbers advanced down | the hillsides, and were encountered with a steady j fire by the Turks, who finally drove them back,upon | "*be frontier from four of their positions at point of bayonet. [ BLOCKHOUSES TAKEN AND RE- { TAKEN. | A fierce,encounter took place round three out- f lying blockhouses, which were carried and re-taken i several times. The firing was incessant, ancf an enormous quantity of cartridges was expended. The two Turkish divisions principally engaged were about 24,000 in number; the fourth being commanded by Haidar Pasha, and the second by Neshad Pasha. The fighting still continues, and the Greeks: have been effectively repulsed. Three of their works have suffered severely from the superb practice,of Turkish batteries. at a range of 3800 metres, .the fhrapnel breaking over the works in question with admirable precision. TURKISH SUCCESSES. "Columns of smoke are to be seen in every idirec- f tion rising from amid the Greek positions, and caused 'by thfe Turkish shell-fire. The Greeks defend their lodgments with conspicuous courage, but the Turks, advancing slowly and steadily, have driven them i backwards, and hold the advanced line, except at f one isolated spot. Just now has come in a request < from the three Greek outworks to cease shell-fire, as r. they have surrendered. The principal fighting round Milouna has been done' by Tftfkish infantry ac j Skumba and Dunaenie, Bomewhat to the right of the Pass. It has been rifle-firing, not hand-to-hand encounters. The losses are severe, but cannot at j present be exactly estimated. J IN THE MILOUNA PASS. Bqnally interesting, though written from a different point of view, is the story told by Reuter's special correspondent, who on Sunday morning found his_ way to the foot of the Milouna Pass. Telegraphing at ten o'clock in the morning, he raays "A fierce battle proceeded all night in I ,the Milouna Pass. The Greeks entered the pass and descended towards the valley. They, were met by four battalions of Turks, who drove them back, and at the point of the bayonet rescued the force garrisoning the Turkish blockhouse, which was surrounded by the Greek force. On Sunday night Neschat Pasha, commanding the Fifth Division, occupied Mount Parna in great force, while Hairi Pasha, who commands the Sixth Division, prepared to enter the Pass TebaissaT, and the, Col Milouna wqls occupied by Haidar Pasha, commanding the Fourth Division. EDHEM PASHA TO THE FMNT. "Before dawn Edbem Pasha rode out to direct the ,operatibnv,and a general engagement endued. The battle still. continues along the entire pastl. over 20,000 having been engaged. The combat turns upon the possession of the Greek blockhouse, which was obstinately defended. Several vigorous attacks were made without success, but at last, about nine o'clock, the Turks, by a magnificent dash, took the blockhouse by assault at the point of the bayonet, GREEKS DEFENDING THEIR POSITION. The Greeks are still defending their position on -the summit of the hill. At the present moment four battalions belonging to the division commanded by Mendukh Pasha are advancing to the frontier positions which haTe already been taken. The Turkish soldiers are fighting like lions, and the Turkish artillery is doing splendid execution under the-command of Riaz Pasha. DEATH OF HAFIZ PASHA. "I regret to have to announce the death of Hafiz Pasha at Milouna. The battle is still undecided, but the Turks, without calling their reserve, have taken almost the whole pass. I am unable to say whether, -should they definitely win the battle, they will ad- vance upon Larissa. It is impossible to give any details of the loss on either side. I saw several groups of wounded, but, the greater number remain on. eights. Ambulances have been sent out to i»nng them ra. DECLARATION BY THE GREEK > PREMIER. There was an extraordinary sittting of the Greek Chairber the public galleries being crowded. M. 'Premier, announced that Turkey had that day notified Greece of the rup- ture of diplomatic relations, on the pretext of the aggressive attitude of recent «vents to show that on the contrary Turkey was the aggressor, that her troops bad attacked those of Greece, that they had attempted to occupy neutral Positions, and had flank the steamer Macedonia at the entrance to the Gulf of Arts. "WE accept WAR." rc L «s" ^urk«y." said M. Delyanni, dedares war «^n s' accent it." (Prolonged cheers.) ihe rremier Jy- then read the despatcnes reporting the progress of events on the frontier, and confirming the news already received. With regard to the reported cap- ture of Menexe, M.Delyanni stated that the batteries of that important position had been brought into action, but he knew nothing of the alleged capture. He added that the Turks, after repeated attempts to force the passage at Reveni, which commands the road to Larissa, had been driven back. The leader of the Opposition, amid renewed and prolonged cheers, addresssed the House, re-eohoing the patriotic declarations of M. Delyanni. TURKISH NOTE TO GREECE. Assirn Bey has handed to M. Skouzes the following Note: In consequence of the aggressive attitude of Greece, diplomatic relations between the two Powers have been broken off. The Minister of his Majesty at Constantinople and the Consuls have been ordered to quit the territory of the Empire. Similarly, the Turkish Consuls in Greece have been recalled to Con- stantinople. After this announcement, Greek sub- jects must leave Turkish territory within a fortnight. Ottoman subjects on Greek territory have been in- vited to leave Greece within the same period. BOMBARDMENT OF PREVESA. A telegram despatched from Arta states that as the Greek merchant steamer Macedonia was leaving the Gulf of Ambracia early yesterday morning the Turkish batteries at Prevesa opened fire upon her, sinking the vessel. The crew were saved, but the captain was severely wounded. Immediately on receiving news of the occurrence the Hellenic Govern- ment ordered the Greek flotilla in the Gulf of Ambracia to bombard Prevesa. The bombardment commenced at half-past six yesterday morning, and was proceeding when the telegram was sent off. GREEKS LAND IN TURKEY. It is announced from Salonica that Greek founds have landed at Elevetheropoli, west of Kavala, in the /Egean Sea. They are marching on Goyran, a kilometre distant from the Dedeagatch-Salonica Railway, with the evident object of cutting the line. Turkish troops have been sent in pursuit of the bands, and fighting has occurred. FURTHER FIERCE FIGHTING, Fighting went on in the Maluna Pass and at other points on the same part of the frontier all through Sunday, and appears to have intermittently continued on Monday. The reports of the correspondents with the opposing armies are somewhat conflicting, but there seems to' be no doubt that in the Alitiuna Pass the Turks bad thus far had the advantage. Though they have gained no decisive success they have carried several- positions on the heights, which were obstinately defended by the Greeks. On the other hand, the Greeks claim to have gained a success in the direction of Reveni, and M. Del- yanni, in a statement made in the Chamber in Athens on Sunday night, took credit for other advan- tages. Turkish accounts represent their artillery tire as very effective, while they state that the loss they have sustained from the Greek guns is comparatively small. The Greek reports make diametrically op- posite statements on this point. The Times corre- spondent at Elassona says that fighting began,at Janina on Sunday morning. The Greek fleet has been bombarding Prevesa and the forts at the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf. The Hellenic Government has issued a Note, in reply to the Porte's Circular, throwing on Turkey the respon- sibility for the opening of hostilities. It has also asked the Powers to withdraw their forces from Crete in order not to hamper the action of Hellenic troops on Turkish soil; but it is understood that this request is not likely to be complied with. The atti- tude of the Russian, German, and Austro-Hungarian Governments, it is believed, will continue to be one of non-intervention in the war and of endeavour to localise it.

GERMAN TRADE METHODS. Mr. Vice-Consul Burrough, in a report to the Foreign Office with reference to the commerpe of Kansas City, calls serious attention to German com- petition with British trade in America. He says: During the past year many goods of .German make are finding their way to the West, and taking the place of British goods. Among the goods noticed are chemicals, quinine, ammonia, caustic soda, crockery, earthenware, plate-glass, Fuller's earth, Portland cement, cutlery, needles, musical instru- ments, surgical instruments; paints, oils, litho- graphs, bric-a-brac, paintings, and Christmas toys everything, as near as can be, is marked Germany or made in Germany." It is a well-known fact that German exporters have been striving for the past year to push their goods into this country, and certainly have met with some success. It cannot be said that the German goods, as a class, are as good as British make, but they are striving to get a foothold: with their wares, which, if followed with perseverance, must result in their obtaining some trade. Gerijvao cotton prints are noticeable among the large bouses, but so far they are not pleased with them, as the patterns do not suit the trade as do British patterns. The question now confronts us: How does Germany push ber trade in this country ? It is on account of several reasons, namely: (1) They send rcpjj>mercial travellers through the country to see what others are doing, examine oloselv the prices and grades. (2) They select the largest dealers, and make prices that will secure the orders .placing upon the market an inferior grade or an adulterated article at a lower price, at the same'timo claiming for them the best quality. (3) They keep their customers well posted as to prices, furnishing thel most complete catalogue, all printed in English language. (4) The German Government has 19 Consuls in the United States, as compared with eight Consuls for Great Britain, and the German exporters use their Consuls for the furtherance of their trade in every way conceivable; owing to the large number of-Consuls, they can cover the ground 1 more thoroughly, and keep their Government closer in touch with the general trade. (5) They have been shipping their goods to the west, viA, the Gulf of ,Mexico pors, and thus obtaining cheaper rates of .transportation than could be secured via the Atlantic coast points.; The following are a few suggestions to the British exporters,, which might be of some benefit: (1) Don't be afraid to ask your Consular officer for informa- tion. (2) Send them your catalogues, so that they can be used, should occasion require it. (3) The Chambers of Commerce should send their business directory to the Consular officers; it is often needed. (4) Bear in mind that during the past 15 years the trade and population of Jthe United States has moved West, and the wholesale trade can be as easily transacted as in the East; one-third of the population of this country now lives in the Missis- sippi Valley, and west of it. Banking facilities in this Western country are adequate. (5) Rates on transportation of goods from Great Britain to cities on the Mississippi river and west can be secured much cheaper via the Gulf of Mexico ports than via Atlantic Coast ports, and should be well considered. (6) A good opportunity will be given to the ex- porters who desire to push their goods at the Trans- Mississippi and International Exposition, at Omaha, Nebraska, in., 1898. Experts estimate that the sale of British woollen goods has increased over 200 per cent; in the past three years in the West. Some German goods are also creeping in at present.

'I; EASTER VOLTJKTEER MAJSXEUVRES. ¡ SHAM FIGHTS AT FOLKESTONE, DOVER, AND WINCHESTER I j CYCLISTS AND CAVALRY IN COLLISION. I SHORNCLIFF, Easter Monday.—There was the greatest possibfe contrast between the action which took place to-day on the hills overlooking Folkestone and that which occupied the South London Brigade on Saturday. The invaders on that ojcas on bad now become the defenders, and, instead of being an in- visible force, as on Saturday, they were very much in evidence. The weather was to-day as pleasant as that of Saturday was disagreeable. The locale was the same, and parades were formed up as early as seven a.m. By nine o'clock a six miles' march up the steepest of roads had been accomplished. This time the volunteers had their backs towards Canterbury, and were looking southwards instead of northwards for their enemy. The regular tioops in garrison at Shorncliffe represented the invaders, aided by some battalions of volunteers-the 5th, 9th, and 12th Middlesex Rifles and the Hon. Artillery Com- pany. The volunteers, with these defections, had assumed their proper role of defenders of their country, and Colonel Barrington Camp- bell had been compensated for his loss in infantry by a gain in artillery. He had been strengthened by the addition of the four guns of the 2nd Field Battery, R.A. The invaders, who were under the command of Colonel O'Malley, R.A., had only two guns, but they had the co-operation of a squadron of the Queen's Bays, a squadron of hus- mars,, and a provisional battalion of infantry formed of drafts of young soldiers from the Highland Light Infantry, the West Riding Regiment, the Welsh Fusiliers, and the Dorsetshire Regiment. The advan- tage of position, as well as numbers, was decidedly on the side of the defenders. I The special idea given to Brigadier Barrington Campbell included the order to advance from his bivouacs at Harton Park at nine o'clock to ascertain the strength and position of the invading force, which was occupying Tolsford-hill and covering Shorncliffe. The brunt of the fighting fell upon the right brigade, under the command of Colonel Somers-Lewis, and the centre brigade, commanded by Colonel Sir Howard Vincent, but particularly upon the London Scottish battalion, led by Colonel Balfour, and a,bat- talion of cyclists, controlled by Major Lloyd, Grena- dier Guards. The duty entrusted to the cyclists, was to protect the defenders' right flank, and to drive off, if ,c possible, the enemy's reconnoitring party of cavalry. At Postling Vents the cyclists and the cavalry came into collision. Two troops of cyclists, having ven- tured too far in front of the remainder, were charged by the cavalry and caught before they could five a shot. A watchful umpire, Captain Stockwell, High- land Light Infantry, promptly ordered the cyclists to retire. Major Lloyd shortly afterwards coming up with a strong reinforcement, the cavalry in their turn were forced to fall back upon a supporting bat- talion of infantry, the Civil Service Rifles. The cyclists, having dismounted, were now led to the I attack as a battalion of infantry, everv man having his conspicuous forage cap turned inside out to render it less visible to the enemy. The cyclists were again obliged to retire, the numbers opposed to them being in the proportion of three to one. The cavalry once more advanced to charge in flank the London Scottish battalion, which was crossing Tols- ford-hill, but, the charge being perceived in time, two j half-companies of the London Scottish, commanded j respectively by Captain Greig and Lieatfmnt Jaek#on, advanced in echelon to meet him, and delivered several well-directed volleys into the advancing troop. The umpire ordered the cavalry back, and a few minutes later, the bulk of the defenders having attained the summit of Beachborough-hill, General Wood, C.B., the umpire-in-chief, decided that the defenders had gained their object, and ordered the general "cease fire." The whole of the troops engaged then formed column of route and marched off to Cheriton Church, to a field which had been selected for the march-past. An immense concourse of people had come out from Folkestone and neighbouring towns to witness the spectacle, the Mayor of Folkestone (Mr. Alderman Banks), with several .numbers of the Town Council, occupying prominent positions near the saluting point.. General Wood, who took the salute, seemed mightily pleased with the march-past, and more than once exclaimod, "Very good indeed," "Very well done." The troops then returned to their various quarters at Shorncliffe and Folkestone topee- pare for their departure to London, which 'was accomplished in due course. THE SURREY BRIGADE. DOVER, Monday Niglit.-Il Lord Belhaven, I con- gratulate you otic your brigade. It reflects the greatesb-credit upos all concerned." These were the words titteredthis afternoon by General Wiljiam Butler on Solton Downs, which brought the Volunteer Manoeuvres of 1897 at Dover to a close. Favoured by beautiful weather, and with ample scope of ground upon which to carry out their movements, the eight battalions of the Surrey Brigade, under the command of Lord Belhaven and Stenton, had just completed an admirable day's work, and these well-earned words of praise brought a most interesting day's operations to a satisfactory conclusion. The arrangements which had been made for the day's proceedings involved the employment of the entire Dover Brigade, which consists of five battalions. These practised troops represented the invaders, who had effected a landing at St. Margaret's Bay and were raiding the country side. To stop their work a force had been hastily organised from Deal and Walmer, whose duty it was to find out the enemy and drive them back to the sea soast. The Surrey regiments divided into two sub- brigades, one under the command of the brigadier- general himself, and the other under Colonel Bowen, V.D., were the defenders, and made their rendezvous about a mile to the south of Walmer, at Kingsdown Mid Knight's Bottom. Lord Belhaven's.men were strengthened by the 2nd Dragoon Guards, four guns of the field artillery, and the Royal Marine Light Infantry. Soon after seven a.m. hostilities commenced. The invaders, who had with them the 2nd East Surrey Regiment, the 2nd Seaforth High- tanders, and the 2nd West Yorks, with two guns of the field artillery, had taken up a remarkably strong position along the coast to the north-east of the South Foreland. They had placed one battalion in charge of the lighthouse and the surrounding dis- trict near Oldstairs Bay, so as to effectually prevent communication with other points along the coast; another battalion held the high ground between St. Margaret's Bay and the village of St. Margaret's and in other positions where cover could be obtained, and the advance of the enemy noted, scouts were posted and battalions held in readiness for instant attack. Lord Belhaven in the first instance gave instruc- tions to his cavalry to scout over the whole ground between the sea and the Deal and Dover Road. The artillery were ordered to remain under cover, but were instructed to conform to tlje march of the defenders. The East Surrey men were in- structed to keep under cover in the woods sur- rounding Winklandock Farm, carefully observing the operations of the West Brigade. The latter force had not long been on the move when the scouts discovered the enemy in strong force, and excellent ambush, and Lord Belhaven instantly ordered his men to attack. The enemy opened fire with his artillery, while he sought for a little time to bluff his opponents with a determined front and a galling fire from the ridges of the hills to the east of Martin's Mill. Then followed a pretty piece of strategical work. Colonel Bowen, called into action at a much earlier moment than he had antici- pated, threw the whole energies of his force into the battle, and evidently nonplussed the foe, who sul- lenly began to retire. At Solton, halfway between Burgoyne Fort and Walmer, the invaders made a desperate stand to save the fortunes of the dav. But the Surrey men streamed across hill and dale upon him in splendid formation, firing steadily as they advanced, and being well backed up by their artillery and supports, and it was obvious about one o'clock that the rescuers of their country had got the foe in full retreat, and that the only thing left to do was to drive him back to the coast from which he had marched, and in the end this was successfully accomplished. Afterwards came the words of commendation from General Butler, and then the march past, which function was witnessed by an enormous number of townsfolk and visitors. The London troops subsequently left for their homes. THE NORTH LONDON BRIGADE. WXNCHBSTKB, Monday Night. Fine weather has favoured the oDerations caused outto-daky by the six "btittalionø composing Lord Falmouth's command, and the work from first to last was successful. The general idea was that a western force, having been defeated at Liss, early on April 18, was retiring on Winchester, followed by an eastern force. The former consisted of the 22nd Middlesex Rifles, under Colonel Alt, and the latter force was a strong one, made up of the 1st, 16th, 18th, 19th, and 21st Middlesex, under t^e direct command of Lord Falmouth. The western force had to arrive at a point on the Alresford-road, near Magdalen-hill, and the eastern foice at a point on the Petersfield-road, about a mile from Winchester. The special idea for the western force assumed that the rear guard had reached Cheesefoot Head at eleven a.m., and received the following order: "Delay the further advance of the enemy if possible near Temple Valley, and, if pressed back, retire slowly on Magdalen- hill." The special idea for the eastern force read: The head of the advance guard will reach Gahder- down farm at eleven a.m., and a message is received, 'Push on as quickly as possible, and prevent the enemy taking up a position to cover Winchester. This was the situation, and shortly before noon Colonel Alt's force was in contact with the enemy. The position he held was a most commanding one, but it was clear that however stubbornly this very strong position might be held the overwhelming force ad- vancing in splendid formation must eventually compel the western force to fall back on Magdalen-hill. The work was carried out in a most intelligent manner, and every foot of ground was stoutly disputed. The Nordenfelt gun of the "2nd Middlesex on the left flank did good service. The last stand was made about 1.30 on the crest of a hill near the Links. The cease fire having been sounded, commanding officers were assembled, and the palaver took place. This over, the march-past followed, and in this movement all the battalions acquitted themselves in a very steady and soldier-like manner. All the battalions were sent off in good time W London. A painful announcement was made to me just before leaving the ground—viz., that the veteran Colonel Warc £ V.D., C.B., who recently retired from the command of the London Irish Rifles, died on Friday last. ENGINEERS AT WORK. CHATHAM, Monday.—To-day the Tower Hamlets Engineers, the 3rd London Rifles, and the 3rd Middlesex Artillery carried out three separate pro- grammes, and put in a busy time until paraded for the return to London. The first-named, in four divi- sions, made a tour of inspection of the military engi- neering works, accompanied by a qualified sergeant- instructor of the Royal Engineers. Each contingent went through the mining, penetrating, water-supply- ing, girder and trestle bridging, suspension and frame- bridging, and shelter trenching departments, in each of which short lectures of explanation were delivered. This proved most interesting and instructive. The 3rd London spent their time in "the lines to prac- tise the attack. The Field Battery of the 3rd Mid- dlesex Artillery embarked in a launch and went down the river to Upnor, whence they proceeded by the Souakim Railway to the Sappers' Barracks. At Chattenden they hooked in their six field 13-pounder guns, and, after a long march of seven or eight miles from driving erill, took up a strong defensive posi- tion to protect the volunteers at work on Chatham lines. IN THE MEDWAY FORTS. SHEBRinsss, Monday Evening.- Fortunately for the Volunteers the tide has served admirably this Easter for gun firing practice, the best targets and light being available. Soon after eight a.m. Colonel Coles sent several detachments of the left wing of the City of London Artillery Brigade across the water to Grain Fort, where, well-provisioned, they remained for many hours' practice with the 9-inch R.M.L. guns. Major Carter, R.A., acted as safety officer for the range, and some good results were achieved. Meantime the right wing at ten o'clock opened fire with the llin. R.M.L. guns at a moored target from Garrison Point Fort, and other detachments of the brigade tried their hands at both moving and stationary objects. Major-General Sir Charles Warren visited the quarters of the men in Gar- rison Point Fort, and the Royal Artillery Barracks, and also inspected the detachments at gun practice. The great interest which the officers of the regular forces have displayed in the welfare and instruction of the volunteers has been most creditable t6 themselves; and has been greatly appreciated by all ranks of the volunteers. After re- turning stores and preparing kits the brigade returned to town. On the western mouth of the Medway estuary at Grain Island the 2nd Middlesex Artillery received every opportunity for gun-firing practice. The llin. guns in Grain Fort at their disposal were fully engaged from ten o'clock until the tide went out. To-day moored targets were used, and, under excep- tionally favourable conditions, the practice was very satisfactory. Colonel Ditmas, C,R.A., of the Thames District, visited the quarters and inspected the men and their drill and fire discipline. Colonel Pearson and his command have been almost isolated for four days in Grain Island owing to the inclemency of the weather and breakdown of the railway.