The Cardigan Observer and General Advertiser for the Counties of Cardigan Carmarthen and Pembroke

LONDON CORRESPONDENCE. THE auspices under which the PariB Exhibition opens this week are very different from those that were associated with the inauguration of the London Exhibition in 1851. At that time "No war, or battle's sound Was beard the world around," and there were some who fondly thought that the great world's fair was the beginning of the reign of universal peace.. The wars and convulsions that have shaken Europe since then prove how hollow were the foundatiocs on which such high hopes were raised. No similar mistake is possible at the present time. Instead of harbingers of peace, there are on all sides the ominous sigm of coming war. Instead of birds of calm brooding on the oharmed wave," there are birds of prey hovering in the air, and casting their shadows on the ground. The remarkable thing is that England, which first set the eximple of holding grea, Exhibitions of industry and art, threatens on this occasion to be the first dieturfcer of the peace of Europe. And yet, notwithstanding this lamentable possibility, it is the British section which, of all the foreign sections, is the most advanced in the Trocadero Palaoe. If the preparations for war had been as active a twelvemonth ago as they are now, the Commissioners, with the Prince of Wales at their head, might have shown less energy and punctuality than they have done in getting ready the important section of which they have charge. Whether the Paris Exhibition of 1878, inaugurated under such untoward circum- stanoes, will prove a success or otherwise, must greatly depend upon the course of European events. War, which is the dead- liest foe of industry, must also show itself inimi- cal to industrial Exhibitions. Nevertheless, as France has made up her mind to remain neutral, the new and magnifioent Palais de IIndustne, erected on the topmost slope of the Trooadeeo, will prove an Irresistible attraction to representa- tives of all nations, and Paris will once more lift up her head proudly among the capitals of Europe. The fact of an Industrial Exhibition, on so extensive a scale, being held only a few years after the termination of a disastrous and crushing war, speaks volumes for the recuperative energy of the French people. There ia no other nation on the Continent that could have recovered so fast from the demoralisation and paralysis of overwhelming defeat. Germany the oonqueror Is not half 10 prosperous at the present moment as France the conquered. Berlin could not have dreamed of entering upon a gigantio undertaking suoh as Paris is just bringing to a completion. The Republic is there- fore teaching a lesson which should be held in remembranoe by all the future rulers of France. The moral of the Exhibition is that industrial prosperity, and not military glory, is the direc- tion in which the genius of the French people la best fitted to make splendid advanoes and bril- liant conquests. Londoners, who Intend visiting the Exhibition, have the satisfaction of knowing that they can do so without wasting much time on the journey. By the short sea routes the passage can be performed In one hour and a half—a boon for which those who are subject to the af- fliction of the mal de mer ought to feel duly grateful. By the express daily tidal services, vid Folkestone and Boulogne, there is a saving of twenty-eight miles, and the entire journey between London and Paris can be accomplished in nine hours and a quarter. The busiest man will not be able to grumble when he can thus take literally a run to Paris and back again if all he wants to say is that he has seen the Exhibition. This despatch, in the matter of transit, has been brought about by special arrangements made between the South-Eastern Railway Company and the Northern of France Railway Company. The postal arrangements, in connection with the Exhibition, are also auoh as must gratify visitors. Profiting perhaps by what has been witnessed at Wimbledon, when the annual Tir is in progress, the French postal authorities have announced that they will main- tain within the building an office for the transac- tion of every kind of postal and telegraph busi- ness. To visitors who, on starting from home, are uncertain in what part of Paris they may reside, this arrangement will prove to be very convenient. The national monument to the Duke of Wel- lington, now completed and open to publlo view, has been attracting, for several dajs past, large numbers of visitors to St. Paul's. Perhaps a good many had forgotten all about the monu- ment, and this is not to be wondeied at, as the work was undertaken twenty years ago. From a variety of causes, which it is needless to men- tion in detail, there was the oonstant occurrence of vexatious delays, and the sculptor himself, Mr. Alfred Stevens, died before he had the satisfac- tion of seeing bis design realised in the com- pleted monument. This imposing structure occupies a bay, which is in future to be called a chapel, immediately on the right of the entrance to the side aisle by the west door. This lay was formerly the Consistory Court, and as the carved wood screen, which separated it from the nave still stands, the monument as yet labours under the disadvantage of being in- differently seen from any point of view. The monument is a pillared structure thirty feet In height. The effigy of the Duke, not in iron but in bronze, rests on a saroophagus of white marble, with bronze ornamentations of military trophies and floriated wreaths. On each side there is the simple inscription, "Arthur First Duke of Wellington." Above the effigy there Is an arched oanopy, with ornamental bronze ceiling, supported on twelve carved marble columns, with a frieze of bronze, bearing cherub heads, running round the four sides. A striking feature of the monument is two bronze groups, projecting beyond the entablature at the two ends of the canopy, the one group representing Truth plucking out the Tongue of Falsehood, and the other Valour thrusting down the crouching figure of Cowardice. This last group has rather a repulsive effect, though powerful enough in design and execution, and contrasts strikingly with the dignified and silent repose that covers, as with a mantle, the recambent figure of the Great Duke. On the walls of the chapel there are bas-reliefs In marble by Mr. Calder Marshall and Mr. Wooding. ton, the subjects being all selected from the Old and New Testaments. As objections were taken to an equestrian figure of the Duke on the top of the monument on the ground that it would be out of keeping with the character of the sacred edifioe, it was probably for the same reason that Scripture subjects, instead of battle pieces, were selected for the bas-reliefs. With the exoeption of three, in which the military element appears, none of the bas-reliefs can be considered to have any special association with the career of the Iron Duke, least of all the one which has for its metto the words," Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other." This text is on the wall, but on the bronze, at the base of the monument, are carved the names of the famous Peninsular and other battles in which the Duke of Wellington played the part that has made his name honoured and revered. D. G.

THE Land Agents' Record understands that negotiations are proceeding between Mr. F. Wood, land agent to the London and North-Weatern Rail- way, and the agent to the Right Hon. W. E. Glad- atone, M.P., for the purchase by the company of thirty acres of the Hawarden Castle estate, which have been found necessary for the extended require* ments of the line. The price to be paid by the rail- way company is X300 per acre. According to Bateman's Great Landowners," Mr. Gladstone owns 6908 acres of land in Flintshire, estimated to be valued at £ 17,565. Assuming, however, the value per acre at the price about to be paid by the North. Western Company, the total, instead of £ 17,366, would be £ 2,072,000. This is, of course, an extreme supposititious case, but the difference between the esti- mate in Bateman and the price paid by the com- pany is, from any point of view, extraordinary. Mr. pany is, from any point of view, extraordinary. Mr. Gladstone's total landed possessions are returned at 6977 acrcs, valued at £ 18,803. THE NORTH BRITISH RAILWAY COMPANY have intimated that after the 3rd of May the workmen employed in the engine works at Cowlaia. Glasgow1 will be required to work fiity four hours per wetk instead of fifty-one. A mass meeting of the mfn in Glasgow on Saturday resolved on no account to agree to this requirement. j HOBHTKAN'S TEA, exceedingly Strong. I HOBHIHAH'S TEA,Tory delicious. I HOBJFIKAS'a TXA, guaranteed Pure.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL. Captain Burton, commanding the Khedivial Expe- dition for the survey mines in the land of MidiaD, hu returned to Cairo. He travelled 500 miles by land, and brings back twenty-five tons of specimen ore, comprising gold, silver, copper, tin, and lead. Captain Burton found three sulphur centres, three turquoise mines, extensive deposits of gypsum, saltpetre, and rocksalt. He goes to England "in order to arrange as to working the mines for the Khedive. Owing to a large amount of work still remaining un- finished in the Salle des Ffites at the Palace of the Trocadero the Government will not be able to hold the inaugural ceremony in that part of the building, as the steps have not all been laid, and the painters and upholsterers can only attend to the decorations after the opening of the Exhibition. The hippopotamus, a decorative work in gilt bronze, as well as a bull, a horse, and a samel, ornament the large basin of the cascade. A trial of the fountains this week proved satisfactory, and the gardens are covertd with flowers and turf. The Bridge of leaa has net yst been opened for traffic, and persons going from the Trocadero to the Ohamp-de-Mars cross the river by the newly-con- struotfd bridge of Pasay. In the British section an equestrian statue of the Prince of Wales has beea un- covered. The statues and paintings in the Fine Arts Gallery have not yet been placed in order. The river steamers touching at the Ohamp-de-Mars have just raised their fares from fifteen centimes to twenty. The Encyclical letter issued by Pope Leo XIII. commences by referring too the moral and material ills with which both society and the Church were afflicted at the time of his accession to the Pontifical Throne. It proceeds to enumerate the benefits con- ferred by the Church and the Roman Pontificate upon society and civilisation throughout the world, and especially upon Italy. His Holiness goes on to de- clare that the Church does not war against civilisation and progress, which it distinguishes between Christian civilisation and mere external civil culture. It then points out how wrong it is of modern society to combat the Church and the Roman Pontificate, especially as regards the latter'a civil Principality, which is the guarantee of its liberty and independence. The Pope then reviews and confirms the protest of Pope Pius IX. against the occupation of this civil Principality of the Church. He implores all princes and heads of nations not to deprive themselves of the aid of the Church, which is so necessary to them at the pre- sent time, when the principle of legitimate authority is undermined. His Holiness congratulates the bishops on their concord, and recommends still closer bonds of union between them, in order that the faithful may receive the doctrines of the Church with do- cility and obedience, and reject the errors of a false philosophy. He recommends that wholesome doctrines should be taught in schools, and especially dwells upon the sanctity of the marriage tie. His Holiness is confident that with the aid of God, and through the zeal of the pastors, society, which is afflicted with such great evils, will finally return to the homage it owes to the Church. In conclusion, Pope Leo thanks the bishops and the faithful of the whole world for the many testimonies of affection he received as soon as he was elevated to the Papal Throne. The encyclical is generally couched in a tone of moderation, and is full of expressions of affection towards society. As an indication of the prevailing depression of trade in other countries in common with our own, a letter was submitted to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce from a gentleman in Barcelona, which stated that in Spain the stagnation in almost every branch of business was complete, and that it was im- possible to foresee when the revival was likely to take place. A great number of factories or mills were stopped, and many hands had been consequently thrown out of work. For months there had been no rain worth mentioning; thus the first erops were ex- pected to prove a complete failure, and would bring misery upon the poor farmers, not to mention the scarcity of water in the cities and towns." The Rome correspondent of the Times says: An action for libel, likely to arouse considerable interest in the Catholic world, will shortly come on for trial at Turin. It will be remembered that in December last the celebrated ex-Jesuit, Padre Curci, published a work entitled The Modern Dissent between the Church and Italy," in justification of those views in favour of a conciliation between the Church and the State which had led to his expul- sion from the society. This work, as a matter of course, was severely handled by the Catholic papers, and, among others, the Unita Catolica printed a series of violent articles against the book, in which it also made personal attacks upon both the author and the publisher. For these attacks they have determined to call the over- zealous Ultramontane organ to account, and have placed their case in the hands of the distinguished advocate, Signor Panattoni, who was counsel for the defendants in the celebrated Mantegozzo case, tried at Bologna in 1875.

FmE AT A LONDON DISTILLEBy,-An alarm- ing fire broke out shortly after two o'clock in the morning, on the premises of Messrs. Nicholson, dis- tillers, St. John-street road, Clerkenwell. The fire engines were soon on the spot, and the fire was ulti- mately got under, though not before the cooperage, the building in which the fire originated, had been com- pletely destroyed, and several adjoining houses damaged. Fears were at one time entertained lest the fire should come into contact with the vats, and great excitement prevailed among the inhabitants of the neighbouring houses, who commenced to remove their furniture. EMIGRATION TO NRW ZEALAND.-Sir Julius Vogel, the Agent-General in London, has been in- structed by the New Zealaad Government to send out 5000 emigrants during the current year, consisting of domestic servants and agricultural labourers. The first ships will be despatched at the end of June. Boos, FLEAS, MOTHS, BEETLES, and all other in- sects are destroyed by KEATING'S INSECT DESTROYING POWDEE, which is quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. P. is perfectly clean in application. Sold in tins Is. and 2s. 6d. each by all Chemists. EXTRAORDINARY BCENE.-An extraordinary scene has just been enacted at the head-quarters of the 5th Middlesex Militia, at Uxbridge. The re- cruits were ordered to assemble for sixty days' drill. The London contingent having arrived in the town almost in a body, they repaired to the stores for the purpose of passing the doctor and being supplied with uniforms. So anxious were they to get the preliminaries over that they became unmanageable. and actually fought for precedence. The staff ser- geants were not sufficiently numerous to keep them in order, and therefore obtained the assistance of the police, several of the most troublesome men being handcuffed and placed in the guardroom until their turn came for examination. A number of the men were rejected, principally on account of being medi- cally unfit for service, and these, on learning their fate, were most riotous. They were forcibly removed from the premises, but declared they would serve as militiamen whether they were fit or not, and at length resorted to pelting the successful men with stones. The affair now assumed a very serious aspect, but gentle measures ultimately had the desired effect, and the disappointed men proceeded to the town, where they consoled themselves by indulging somewhat freely in intoxicants, and made themselves hoarse by shouting We don't want to fight." WEIGHT'S COAL TAR SOAP (Sapo Carbonis Detergens), Antiseptic, Detergent, Disinfectant. The most healthful, agreeable, and refreshing Toilet Soap in the world. By its daily use, freedom from infectious diseases is secured; the complexion improved; pimples, blotches and roughness removed; and the skin made clear, smooth, and lustrous. In our hands it has proved most effective in skin diseases." TheLa-neet. It is the only true antiseptic soap."—British Modical.Toumal. In Tablets, 6d. and Is. each of all Chemists W.V. WniSHT and Co., South wark-street, London. Fk rBT OBopoDiLES.—JLiving orooodiles are not attractive things for pets, but it is no unusual thing for the officers in the Straits Settlements to keep them for curiosities till, from being ten or a dozen inches in length, they grow to be too large to be pleasant. The muddy rivers of the peninsula swarm with these rep- tiles, which are not uncommon twenty-five and thirty feet in length. They are ferocious creatures, and very pugnacious; a couple of little fellows, when placed upon the fleor of a bungalow, readily attacking and snapping their long jaws at a black counterfeit p of their species, one ef the many carved by the Chinese, who are very able at this kind of work. The large ones are destroyed by the Malays by picketing a live white fowl on the banks of the tidal rivers, with a large hook ingeniously tied beneath its wings. Chains are snapped and ordinary ropes bit in two by these monsters; so the Malays secure to the hook a certain number of loose strands of palm fibre, through which the crocodile's teeth readily pass without des- troying their tenacity, while, beyond the reptile's reach, a strong rope is attached. In the morning it is generally found that the crocodile has taken and gorged the bait, and he is then dragged ashora by a body of men, and despatched—a needful practice in a country where these creatures will seize bathers, or even attack and drag in persons on the banks. In fact, it is a common piece of advice to Europeans in the native sampans or boats not to hang their hands over the sides to let them play in the water, for the reptiles will frequentlv rush at and them.- M. &.F. in Live Stock journal. THE IIAN who enters into the enterpriae of Manufacturing Aerated Drinks, in any district where they are required renders a real service to the public, and no business offers toui a better return tor a comparatively small outlay, "lc those who propose investing in this lucrative business, the first object to ascertain is w bere such a district exists, the next for success is to have the proper Machines and Appli. ancestorproducing the different Waters in the best condi. tiou.—Catalogue and all information sent upon receipt of six stamps to Barnett, Son and Foster, ai*. Forston street, Hoxton, London, N.

WILLS AND BEQUESTS. (From the lllustrttied London items") The will (dated July 4, 1877) of Mr. George Moffatt, late of No. 103, Eaton-square, and of Good- rich-couit, Hereford, who died on February 20 last, at Torquay, was proved on the 16th inst. by Charles Morrison, Walter Morrison, Sir Thomas Erskine May, and Robert Moffatt, the nephew, the executors, the personal estate, including leasehold property, being sworn under £ 360,000. The testator bequeaths to his executors JE500 each, and some other legacies the portions of his three daughters, with the amounts they are entitled to under settlement, is made up to .£100,000 each, and the residue of his personalty he gives to his son Harold Charles. Goodrich-court, with all his real estate in Herefordshire, and all his real estate in the City of London or elsewhere, the testator devises to the use of his said son Harold Charles for life, with remainder to bis first and other sons according to seniorities in tail. The will (dated November 28, 1876) of Sir George Gilbert Scott, late of Oourtfield House, South Ken- sington, and of No. 31, Spring-gardens, who diort on the 27th ult. was proved on the 11th in3t. by the Bev. Melville Home Scott, the brother, and the Bev. Thomas S^ott and John Henry Scott, the nephews, the executors, the personal estate being sworn under £120,000. The testator bequeaths to his executors £ 200 each to his son Dukinfield Henry, £3000; to his servant, John Pavings, £ 200; and there are various provisions as to tha carrying on of his busi- ness by his sons George Gilbert and John Oldrid. The residue of his property he leaves between his four sons. The will and four codicils (dated March 28, April 27, and June 28, 1876, and March 14,1878), of Dame Mary Anne Elizabeth Price, the widow of Sir Robert Price, of Foxley, Herefordshire, late of No. 1, Lown- des-square, who died on the 18th ult., were proved on the 6th inst. by Thomas Price and John Leonard Tomlin, the executors, the personal estate being sworn under £ 80,000. There are numerous and consider- able legacies to relatives, friends, and servants and S-500 to the Hereford Infirmary; the residue of her personalty, including the money she has a power of appointment over under the will of her brother, Uvedale Thomas Shudd Price, the testatrix leaves upon trust for her nephew, Major Robert Baker, his wife and children her real estate I at Northfleet, Kent, and at Mongewell, Oxford, with the advowson of the rectory of Mongewell, and the advowson of the rectory of Cromarsh, Oxford, subject to the interests herein created by the will of her said brother, she devises to the use of her cousin, the said Thomas Price, for life, with remainder to his first and other sons, according to their respective seniorities, in tail male. The will and codicil (dated July 3 and Aug. 3, 1877) of Mr. Richard Bright, M.P., late of Stocks, Herefordshire, who died on February 28 last, were proved on the 4th inst. by Mrs. Emma Katbenne Bright, the widow, and Tyndall Bright, the brother, the executors, the personal estate being sworn under £ 14,000. Subject to some bequests, the testator gives his real and personal estate to his wife. The will, dated September 27,1S76, of Colonel the Hon. Agustus Henry Archibald Anson, formerly of Queen's-gate-terrace, South Kensington, but late of Cannes, in France, who died on November 1 last, was proved on the 13th inst. by the Hon. Mrs. Amelia Maria Anson, the widow, the sole executrix, the personal estate being sworn under £4000. The testator, subject to the payment of his debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, gives, devises, and be- queaths all his real and personal estate to his wife. The will dated June 27, 1877, of Lieutenant- General Henry George Hart, late of Biarritz, in France, who died on the 24th ult., was proved on the 12th inst. by Arthur Fitzroy Hart, the son, the acting executor, the personal estate being sworn under JE3000. With the exception of his military books and manu- scripts, which he gives to his son Arthur, he gives all his property (including the copyright of his Army Lists), to his six children. (From the City Press") The will of Mr. Alfred Savage, formerly of 43, Eastcheap, but late of 15, Stoke Newington-read, Stoke Newington, who died on the 8th ult., was proved on the 11th inst. by Miss Mary Gertrude Savage, the daughter, the acting executrix. The testator leaves all his property to his wife, Mrs. Grace Savage. The will of Mr. Charles Woolley, formerly of Mark-lane, wine merchant, but late of Wimbledon- park-road, Southfields, who died on the 17th of February last, was proved on the 16th inst. by Mis. Mary Woolley, the widow, the sole executrix. The testator devises and bequeaths all his estate and effects real and personal to his wife absolutely. The will of Mr. John William Dyer, late of 2, Finsbury-plaee South, jobipaster, who died on the 3rd alt., was proved on the 9th inst. by Mr. R. B. Batterbee and Mr. A. Partridge, the acting executors, the personal estate being sworn under £ 25,000. The testator gives to his wife, Mrs: Eliza Dyer, all his furniture and effects, and an immediate legacy of £ 50; to his executors nineteen guineas each to his sister, Mrs. Robert Batterbee, £ 50; and the income of the residue of his property to his wife for life (to be re- duced in the event of her marrying again), subject thereto such residue is to go to his children. thereto such residue is to go to his children. The will of Mr. William Augustus Hubbuck, late of 24, Lime-street, oil and colour merchant, and of Rosenthal, Lewisham, who died on the 9th ult., was proved on the 15th inst. by Mr. Edward M. Hubbuck, the brother, and Mr. F. Furze, the acting executors, the personal estate being sworn under £ 60,000. The testator leaves X200 to each of his executors, and legacies te his chilc re-1; £1000 per annum is settled upon his wife, Mrs. Eliza. Matilda Hubbuck, for her use and the maintenance and education of his children and the rest of his property he gives to his wife abso- lutely.

THE TURCOMANS. The limes contains an interesting article on the Turcomans, and their alliance with Persia, from which we make the following extract: The Turcoman ie naturally of an indolent position, and considers any domestic labour as derogatory to his character as a warrior. All the household work is consequently per- formed by the women, while their lords and masters recline in their kibitkas listening to the songs of their great bard Makhdnmkuli, as recited and sung by the wandering Bakhshi. But the moment there appears a prospect of looting a Persian caravan, or of under. taking some more extended raid into Khorasan, all his apathy disappears, and he becomes energy per- sonified. Carrying a few days' provison at his saddle bow, armed with a long siugle- barrelled gun of antique manufacture, and mounted on a horse which for endurance and stamina is unsurpassed, the Turcoman is the beau ideal of an irregular cavalry soldier. He does not rely on brute force alone, but with the craft of a Red Indian con- ceals all his movements, and attains his object as much by cunning as by courage. Pitted in the field against these nomads the Persians have never stood any chance of victory, and may be considered to have beon fortunate in not having suffered greater loss. The one real break in the relations between these neigh- bours was caused by the triuifiphs of Nadir Shah, him- self a Turcoman, when his numerous wars affordedall his kinsmen an opportunity,for indulging in their natural bent for excitement and adventure. During his reign the Turcoman territory formed an invaluable recruit- ing ground for his armies but with the death of the mighty conqueror, the necessity for such services ceased, and the old hostility revived with greater force than before. For more than a hundred years the Turcomans, and the Tekos (the chief tribe) prin- cipally, have preyed upon the weaker Persians with impunity, and now we are informed that suddenly, and without any perceptible cause for such a. change, the two peoples have struck up the warmest of friendships. The conditions which have been agreed upon between the Tekes and the Persian Government, and which are to secure this most desirable object, are as follow: In the first place the Texes acknowledge their allegiance to Persia, and give a promise to make no more raids on Persian ter- ritory and, as manifestation of this supremacy, the Shah may station a resident at Merv. One hundred Turcomans are to be sent to Meabed, as guarantee for the good faith of their clans and a 1000 horsemen are also to be contributed to the military service of Persia. The only concession the Shah makes is to grant p3rmission for 1000 Teke families to settle at Sarakhs, which is at the present moment outside the actual Persian frontier. The single advantage secured by the Texes, is, therefore, a doubtful one, and it is purchased by the sacrifice of many valuable privi- leges. It can scarcely be from a desire to live peace- ably with the Persians—for their hate is the hate of Sunni to Shiah-that the Tekes have tied their hands in the future, nor will the possession of Sarakhs ex- plain the moderation they have so suddenly exhibited. To arrive at a reasonable explanation of this circum- stance we must go down a little deeper into the ques- tion. We may feel sure that the Turcomans have not made promise of and given guarantees for better behaviour without seeing either the necessity or the advantage fer doing so. We de not possess the neces- sary data for performing any decided opinion on the ad- vantage they might hope to derive from a reconciliation with the Persian Government, although we may say that, on the face of it, they have got rather the worst of the bargain. But it is more easy to explain the necessity which convinced them that their wisest policy would be to become reconciled to Persia. The advance of Rassia on their camping grounds from Krasnovodsk, and the proposed fortification of Kizil Arvat, for a time postponed by the defeat of General Lomakine, may well have convinced them that they had better arrange all their other disputes without delay., More recent preparations on the Oxus, at- Oharjui and Karkhi, have made that necessity all the stronger, as Merv could alone be menaced by such movements. Viewed as a matter of necessity, therefore, it is not so difficult to explain the recent arrangement; for, with a hostile and aggressive Russia on the north, it became incumbent on the Turcomans to appease by every means in their power the wrath of the indignant and much-wronged Persians. To place the value of submission to Persia at the lowest, the Turcomans had, at all events, secured another retreat in case of a great disaster. It would be mockery to assert that they had been made any safer from attack by the Persian sagis having been thrown on them. The motive which has im- pelled the Turcomans to gravitate towards Persia is the law of self-preservation, which compelled them to recognise the fact that their choice sooner or later would have to be made between Tashkent and Teheran.

THE "TIMES" ON THE SITUATION. Parliament has scattered itself far and wide over the country, all is still in the halls of Westminster, and the Cabinet are the whole and sole Government of this Empire. Almost every voice is hushed, and there is notbing to disturb the solemnity of the delibe rations on which depend the pence, and perhaps the happiness and well being, of the world. Nor is there anything to call away the attention of thoughtful Englishmen from the distant scene where the great interests of this country are staked, it may be, on their final issue. But we are only one of many countries, races, and communities that share the Rwfu hazard of the die which may any day or hour be cast on the fated shore of the Bosphorus. It ia all the old world that is there assembled in spirit, if not in visible representation, to see who makes the first move. Two powers that, if not the greatest, have none greater-each, indeed, in its own estimate, with- out compare-face one another over a prostrate and agonised form, the wreck of a third Empire. Each claims the absolute command of iks own element, for it is, in fact, the Sea and the Land that frown on one another. At a meeting of waters and continents it is hard to say which has the advantage-that is, which would be able to boast such augury of future triumph as might be found in the result of an immediate collision. That, however, is a matter of small importance, for it is certain a col- lision would lead to a war fraught with every kind of injury and incalculable mischief to both belligerents. In another column will be found an estimate of British resources no less true, we believe, than gratifying to eur national pride. But the moral of these weighty figures is that in the nego- tiations now pending England can afford to show the calmness and moderation which spring from con scious strength. Were war to ensue, each country would persist at all risks as long as its power remained and its resources were not wholly exhausted; and British strength and means would no doubt tell in the long run. But the elements of the calculation are just those on which the world has never come to a conclu- sion, for it has never yet found out whether man is better than money, the land better than the sea, de- spotic better than free institutions, in the scale of war The prospect is hideous even if we could suppose a well-fenced arena, in which two combatants should fight for the prey, secure alike from interruption and with none else to share the prize. It seems certain, however, that some other great Powers are waiting in sullen yet hopeful silence to see what profit they may find in the calamities and weak- nesses of the combatants. Even now, as our St. Petersburg correspondent this morning hints, tIMr Cabinet of Vienna is seeking for a solution on tHd basis of equivalents, which means, of course, that Turkey should be further despoiled to satisfy the territorial needs of its neighbours. Thus the battle that may to-morrow be fought over one crippled Power may the day after be fought over three. Eng- land may fight in what it feels is a just cause; yet, after spending more than we can spare of our treasure and blood, we may find ourselves filling the ditch over which others walk quietly to the common goal of aspirations.

A RESERVE MAN REPORTED ABSENT. — Every one of the 390 men of the Army Reserve belonging to the Ipswich district is now accounted for. One named James Smith had been reDorted absent, and he had been previously returned as a deserter, having failed to attend to receive his pension in October and January last. He, however, reported himself on Saturday and was charged with being a deserter. He was brought before the borough magis- trates, when his excuse for not attending on the quarterly pay-days in October and January was that having no work in Suffolk, he went to Yorkshire. He cannot read or write and did not know the Reserves were called up till the day before Good Friday, when he at once, having no money, started to walk to Ipswich. He walked the 266 miles in seven days and reported himself as soon as he arrived. The magis- trates ordered him to be handed over to the military authorities. THE REPRESENTATION OF SOUTHWARK.— Colonel Marcus Bsresfcrd, who has represented South- wark since February, 1870, has issued an address to his constituents, stating that in consequence of the incessant strain of the past eight sessions he cannot continue to bold his seat for Southwark without pro- longed leave of absence, and a comparative immunity from correspondence. As such a course is entirely opposed to his views of duty, and also on account of serious illness in his family, he has placed his resig- nation in the hands of the Conservative Council, to deal with as they may think fit. The Conservative candidate will be Mr. E. Clarke, Q C. WOOD AND IVERY, LIMITED (J. W. Ivery, manager), Albion Blue Brick and Tile Works, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, manufacturers of vitrified blue bricks, garden border tiles, flooring quarries in blue, red, or buff colour. Illustrations and prices on Application

THE EASTERN QUESTION. AUSTRIAN OCCUPATION OF BOSNIA. A Vienna correspondent says: The rumours about the occupation of Boania have revived again, and in a more definite shape, as already decided upon and impending; the Civil Commissioners who are to be sent with the army of occupation are mentioned. Nor is this surprising. In spite of the efforts that are being made to bring about an understanding which should make the meeting of the Congress possible, the position of affairs seems to be getting more and more critical and complicated, and the question comes naturally to the foreground, What is Austria to do ? Will she allow things to take their course, or will she step out of her reserve and take measures to protect her interests in a more impressive way than by simple diplomatic action ? All round her the preparations for a possible conflict are going on with greater energy than ever. On the Roumanian side a considerable Russian force has been collected and is occupying militarily the country to the very doors of the capital; while the Roumanian army has been concentrated west of the Aluta, closs to the Transylvanian frontier. On the other side both Servia and Montenegro are preparing to renew the war with fresh vigour. THE CHANGE IN THE COMMAND OF THE RUSSIAN ARMY. The Vienna correspondent of the Times says: The change in the Command-m Ohief of the Russian army, which was known for some time as decided upon, is now officially announced and has actually occurred. The return of the Grand Duke is caused by ill-health, but it in no secret that the chief object of the change is to lessen the friction and thus to diminish the danger of a possible colli- sion. Princes of Royal or Imperial blood in com- mand of armies are always in a more exceptional position than simple generals, and above all after a successful campaign. It may be easily believed that the Grand Duke may have used this privilege to the full, especially as he could always plead the mili- tary considerations which forced him to act, but the necessity of which could not well be controlled from St. Petersburg. But if in the first instance the object in the change of command was the wish to have a safe man like General Tod- leben in so critical and exposed a position, there may have been likewise the consideration that it was desirable to avoid placing the Grand Duke in a false position in case an arrange- ment about the parallel retreat should succeed. Whether entirely owing to the initiation of the Grand Duke, or whether countenanced from St. Petersburg, the march of the Russian army beyond the line of demarcation to the very walls of Constantinople was connected with his name, as were also the con- tinual efforts to get into Constantinople and down to the Bosphorus. In the case of a simple general it would have mattered very little if this movement towards Constantinople and the Bosphorus had been stopped and the army ordered back to a new line of demarcation but it was rather more awkward in the case of the Grand Duke, who had repeatedly exposed himself in the matter. It may be well be- lieved, therefore, that the wish to spare the Grand Duke the mortification to lead back eventuallv the army from Constantinople may have had something to do with his recall. RUSSIAN EASTER SERVICE AT SAN STEFANO. The Easter service was performed in the church of San Stefano. The village was decked out with ever- greens. In every house there were coloured lanterns or lights, and soldiers crowded every thoroughfare. On the entry of the Grand Duke, the priests, the officers of the Staff, carrying sacred pictures, soldiers with church banners, and the Grand Duke formed processsion and marched round outside the church. Officers in full dress and soldiers belonging to various regiments filled the body of the church. On either Ride of the holy place were the choir, and ladies of the Russian Red Cross were in the gallery. The pro- cession re-entered "Christos Bockrest" was pro- claimed by the priests, and responded to by thousands of voices inside and outside. The church burst into a blaze of light, the congregation joined in the Easter Hymn, and Mass was chanted. The gates of the holv place were then opened. The service lasted an hour and a half. The Grand Duke entertained all the offi- cers at supper afterwards. The customary firing of cannon was dispensed with. The review will not be held in consequence of the heavy rain having con- verted the plain into a mud swamp. THE FIRST BRIGADE OF INDIAN TROOPS. The first brigade of Indian treops ordered to Malta was expected to embark on the 29th of April. The regiments under orders may be roughly estimated at 6000 men of all ranks, and, if they are landed at their ostensible destination, will raise the garrison at Malta to something like 15,000 men. The Indian conting nt, as our readers are aware, is made up of all three arms, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, together with four companies of engineers, or rather sappers and miners, as it is still the fashion to e-allthe native Indian troops attached to this branch of the service. All the men, with the ex- ception o. the two field batteries of artillery coming from Bombay, are natives of India; the twelve guns that accompany the expedition are manned by gunners of the Royal Artillery, for we have no native artillery excepting a few batteries on the frontier, where it is impossible, for sanitary reasons, to employ Europeans. The cavalry regiments ordered to Malta—the 9th Bengal and 1st Bombay Light Cavalry—are both of them irregulars; in fact, with the exception of four regiments of light cavalry in Madras and the bodyguards of the Viceroy and the Governors of Madras and Bombay, which are the only regiments of our vast Indian army mounted by Government, all the troopers ride their own horses. No less a sum than 250 rupees has to be deposited by each man for his horse before being permitted to join a cavalry regiment, and it seeiks that candidates are so rife that there are always several applicants for any vacancy that occurs. The 9Lh Bengal was famous during the Mutay as Jlodson s ilorse, and the Bombay regiment has likewise rendered valuable services to the Empire. Together they represent nearly a thousand sabres, I¡, while the infantry may be set down at 4500 rank and file. A battalion of native in- fantry, of which there are six ordered to Malta, numbers with. officers and supernumeraries about 740 of all ranks. Of the officers in each regiment only seven are Europeans. This is the case both with the ccmrfi,1"1' tlle cayalry, so that the whole force, of 6000 has m all probability not more than fifty Brit.is fficers. The troops in the cavalry and com- panies in the infantry are commanded by native offi- cers, and it is only the commandant, adjutant, wing or squadron commanders, and officers, who are Europeans. With the exception of the two batteries of n°ne of British troops, of whom we have 62,000 now in India, are under orders to embark. AMARANOE OF THE RUSSIAN TROOPS. 5 iu S correspondent at Rustchuk says: As of the troops here as well as in Widm, the army has physically and morally suf- fered a great deal by the fatigue and privations of the last campaign. The men have become thin and look sickly, with little spirit or animation. The clothing, however, and, above all, the shoeing is better than could be expected. The provisioning, on the other hand, is even now declared to be bad; tne officers themselves exposing the system of corruption and maladministration which extends from above down to all branches of the service. There are some of the regiments, above all the cavalry, who still keep up the system of providing for themselves, but things are not better there. The colonel receives so I jauch per day for every man, and not only does the man not get his due, but the lists are falsified; so that cases have occurred where the effective strength of a cavalry regiment was reduced to 400 while in the lists there were 700 men. The horses have suffered evpn more than the men, and, from the fatigue of march- ing, the cavalry and artillery horses have been re- duced to the half of their original number. Only aft er the conclusion of the armistice has it been possible to supply, he want thereby caused, and this nad to be down in large measure by native horses, which are capable of great endurance and require but little food, though for the purposes of artillery they have neither the requisite size nor strength. .p THE NEGOTIATIONS. The xtussian agency (according to a Paris despatch) states that the negotiations commenced by Germany "a' are being amicably and confidentially continued be- tween the CJabineta. To insure the success of the Con- gress there will be a previous exchange of ideas between them on the principal questions. During this time the preliminary Conference will settle the formalities of the meeting of the Congress. The version recently given of the present state of the negotiations is not entirely accurate. The Ambassadors at Berlin have not received the invitation of which the text was given, for the object at the preliminary Conference is to I draw up that invitation. England no longer demands merely the recognition by Russia of the European character of the questions created by recent events in the East, for Prince Gortschakoff's Memorandum is the absolute public and official attestation of that recognition. THE CRETAN INSURRECTION. The Daily hews thinks "the Oretans ought to be rather popular heroes in England. They are fighting the battle that Garibaldi, and Mazzini, and Kossuth waged, with means even more futile and with little moral support from Europe. The Oretans number but three hundred thousand souls. In the time of Venatian rule the populatio non the island was about a million. Brcn the rule of Venice was far indeed from being of the sort to ensure liberty and prosperity but the Turks have, as usual, played the part of war and pestilence. Their sway has resulted in the depopula- tion of the land. Thus the Cretans are few, and the Ottoman Power, though shorn of its old strength, is too powerful an opponent. For the moment its atten- tion cannot be concentrated on Crete; reinforce- ments cannot be sent in great numbers the fleet, wherever it may be, cannot complete the blockade. As a Cretan war in the last resort is a guerilla war, waged in mountains which make natural forts, and as the Turks already command the seaports, the fleet at best could do little. The veterans of Cam an Pasha, and of the Asiatic campaign, would soon, if they were landed in the island, drive the in- surgents to their furthest retreats, and break up the Assembly at Fre. The war in Crete must languish till assistance from outside and fresh changes in Europe enable the Turks to play the Turk once more, or give the Cretans a chance of sound government. At present they call their provisional Government merely dioikesis-ad min igtration. They put forward demands which, though in no way extravagant, aro demands which the Turk, unforced, will never grant." THE RUSSIANS AND THE ENGLISH FLEET. There has been an occasional exchange of social courtesies between Russian and Euglish naval officers in and near Constantinople, and a short time back Captain Ha!l entertained a party of Russian officers to dinner on board H.M.S. Flamingo. Very recently, however (says the Levant Herald), some ill-feeling was created by a refusal to permit a party of Russian officers to visit H.M.S. Temeeraire, one of the fine new ironclads in the Gulf of Ismid. On reaching the ship, the officers in question were informed that they could not be allowed to come on board without a special order from Admiral Hornby. In this matter, we understand that the regulations for forbidding access to the ships with- out a special permission from the admiral command- ing-in-chief is mainly due to the circumstance that one of a party of Russian officers who had previously visited the T6m6raire was observed to have in his possession a drawing of the vessel, which he from time to time in the course of the visit carefully comparel with the original. The country in the immediate neighbourhood of the town and Bay of Ismid is very picturesque, the fields are well cultivated, and a certain air of prosperity prevails which is not to be seen in many other parts of Turkey. The town itself is built on the slope of a hill on the remains of ancient constructions which have been destroyed by fire and earthquake. The houses are built of wood, generally surrounded by gardens, and the population of the place may be estimated at 3500 inhabitants-a remarkable diminution on the number which the ancient Nicomedia (its predecessor) could couht. The name Ismid, or Is-Nikmid, recalls to mind the ancient and opulent capital of Bithynia, a place so rich in historical memories. It was here that Hannibal died from poison; where Oonstantine formed the project of changing the seat of the Roman Empire which was the residence of the Emperor Diocletian, and the birthplace of Arian, the Greek historian. Ismid is situated about forty-five miles to the south-east of Constantinople, its trade consisting principally in wine, cotton, and silk, the produce of central Asia Minor. At no great distance from the town there is abundance of game, and the sportsman who ventures to go some way into the interior will find wild boar in the woods, and deer, &c., on the hills. The Turkish Government possesses a small arsenal near the town, nearly all the coasting craft belonging to the towns and villages on the Sea of Marmora being built there. Wood is very plentiful, and, as a natural consequence, very cheap. THE RUSSIANS AT CONSTANTINOPLE. The Times correspondent at Pera says: The number may be exaggerated, but advices from various sides concur in stating that considerable movements of troops have been made in the direction of Constanti- nople, as well as of Gallipoli. There were two divisions in the Russian lines between Sharkoi and Wiaha, and a third has lately been sent thither. According to a letter from Tchataldja in the Politische Correspondenz, 2000 sappers and 8000 infantry are at work there turning and completing the lines thrown up by the Turks. Along the whole line from Hademkoi to Derkos, on the Black Sea four smaller redoubts have been enlarged and five new ones constructed4 There still remain a good many of the siege guns belonging to the Turks, the time allowed for their removal-three days—not having been sufficient for the purpose. These are far from sufficient to arm the extended works, but 100 heavy guns and thirty mortars are expected to arrive from Odessa by Bur- gas, a port which seems to be largely used both for the transport ef troops and material. At San Stefanfff, as wen as on other exposed points of the coast, strand batteries have been erected so as to frustrate any attempts to land. According to Rus- sian accounts, doubtless greatly exaggerated, no fewer than 700 guns are already in position along the coast. EXCITEMENT IN MALTA. A correspondent, writing from Malta, states that the announcement of an Indian contingent coming to that island has creafed great excitement there. There is not the smallest possibility of finding barrack ac- commodation in Malta for a twentieth part of the ex- pected forces, the garrison being already two regiments above its normal military strength. Consequently the whole of the new arrivals will be obliged to camp out under canvas on the parade grounds and other vacant spaces. The chief present difficulty, however, is the food question. RUSSIAN PRIVATEERS. The Eastern Budget hears from St. Petersburg that the project of organising a volunteer fleet of cruisers has been seriously taken up by Russia. Immediately after the Czar had approved of the Czarewitch accept- ing the protectorate of the undertaking, instructions were sent by the Minister of Finance to all the receivers' officers in the Empire to collect subscriptions for the above object and forward them to the head office at Moscow. Various other plans are also being discussed for injuring as much as possible the maritime power of England. According to one of these the whole of the English ships of war and trading ships could be blown into the air at an ex- pense of only 10,000,000 roubles. The author of the plan engages for the above sum to construct a sufficient number of small explosive vessels, lying very low in the water, and propelled by a new motive power hitherto unknown, which could make the English flag disappear from the seas in six months. TROOPS FROM CANADA. A well-informed London correspondent writes: It has been said for some time past that in case of war India would not be the only dependency to contribute a contingent to the military service of the Empire. The authorities have received exceedingly favourable reports of the patriotic spirit which pervades the colonies, but the most satisfactory news of all comes from Canada. According to a state- ment which is current to-night, and which is in harmony with my own information, it is highly probable that Canada will contribute 10,000 troops and the necessary renewals. If war should unhappily break out, the six or seven thousand troops who are coming to Malta will only form the avant garde of a much larger force. One high military authority, whose name is just now on everybody's lips, has set down the number of first-class fighting men who can be raised in India at considerably over 100,000, ac- cording to the amount which this country is disp osed to expend on such a project. RUSSIA AND ROUMANIA. The Political Correspondence publishes the follow- ing intelligence from Bucharest: Fears ef an early occupation of Bucharest by the Russians are in- creasing. The Russian troops are encamped at a distance of twenty kilometres from the capital. A rumour is current that the Russian authorities are endeavouring to induce Prince Charles to appoint a Floresco-Cretzulesco Ministry, in order to obtain the conclusion of a new military convention of the same purport as Clause 8 of the Treaty of San Stefano, and it is even asserted that a Russian ulti- matum to this effect has been received. The concen- tration of the Roumanian army in Little Wallachia has been completely effected. MAHOMEDAN RISING IN ROUMELIA. The Times Pera correspondent, under date April 23rd, says: It has been remarked in previous letters that the peace of San Stefano could not have pacific results to Bulgaria, and the extraordinary develop- ment within the last few days of a Mahomedan insur- rection in the Rhodope mountains fully bears out this view. This insurrection, having its focus in the mountainous region of Sultanyeri, west of Demotica. extends northward to the valley of Krishna between Philippopolis and Tatar Bazardjik, southwards to Ghiumursina, where the Pomaks on the Sitchanjik mountains have taken up arms, and eastward to Tchirmen. The first engagement occurred on the 14th of April near Selbukrum, above Tchirmen, between Cossacks and Mussulmans, and there has been frequent fighting ever since. The guerillas having recovered four Krupp guns left during Suleiman's retreat use them with effect. At Tchirmen the Russians have concentrated 12,000 troops—viz., 8000 from Philippopolis and 4000 from Adrianople, with mountain guns. The fire of artillery and small arms is heard daily in that district. The assemblage of numerous threatening bands near Demirler Djumaaty, two hours north of Ortakeui, compelled the sudden despatch thither on the 17th of April of 500 Russian infantry from Adrianople, 4000 from Mustapha Pasha, and two battalions from Demotica. In the Sultanyeri district a serious struggle is going on, 12,000 Russians operating there from Demotica. There was an important engagement on the 18th of April, and much blood spilt on both sides. The Rusians loss is stated to have been 500 killed and wounded, including eight officers killed. No decisive advantage has yet been gained by either side, but the commander cf Demotica demanded reinforcements, and 2600 infantry and three sotnias of Cossacks were hastily sent from Adrianople on the 19th of April. Thus the insurrection engages 30,000 Rus" sian troops and extends over an arefi of nearly 10,000 square milfs. The draughting away of troops Hgaiaat the insurgents leaves the garrisons of Philippopolis and Adrianople much reduced. The Russians are endeavouring to recruit volunteers at Adrianople, but with little success, the military, -1 chest being empty and the army known to be considerably in arrears. Presumablv to provide accommodation for their wounded the Russians have requisitioned several large houses at Adrianople, fur- nishing them out as hospitals. The cause ef the rising is the intolerable oppression of the Russo- Bulgarian rtgime. The insurrection was brought to a head through the Bulgarians sacking two Turkish villages-Tcberlen Karagatch and Bildirkeui, near Tchirmen, carrying off two married women and on, girl. The Bulgarian ravisher offered to sell back thfJ girl to her father for 4000 piastres, but the father, having a pistol con- cealed about him, shot the ravisher dead and gave the eig nal for a general rising. When the leaders of Sultan- yeri were summoned by the Russians to lay dowa their arms, Turkey and Russia having signed a peace, they replied, "We are fighting for no sovereign, but for our own lives and honour." THE NEW TURKISH MINISTRY. The new Turkish Ministry is thus composed: Sadyk Pasha, Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works Safvet Pasha, Foreign Affairs; Ali Pasha, Minister-President of the Council of Stale; Ibrahim Pasha, Marine; Izzet Pasha, War Mukhtar Pasha, Grand Master of the Artillery; Kiani Pasha, Finance; Munif Effendi, Public Instruction Mahmoud Pasha, Justice Ohannes Tchamitch, Commerce Said Effendi, Civil List Halim Effendi, Pious Founda- tions. The Ministry of the Interior is not yet filled up.

ARMY AND NAVY PREPARATIONS. A London correspondent confirms from the best possible source all that is said about the excellent spirit in which the reserve men are returning to the colours. The percentage of absentees is not likely to average more than five or six from all causes. It seems to be the practice not to send the men back to their old regiments, but to those whose numbers re- quire to be immediately filled up. A remarkable case in respect of one of the Highland regiments is men- tioned. From various causes its numbers had been reduced to between 400 and 500; it has now been in- creased by the reserves to over 1000. The war feeling has shown itself in another way. There is a large increase in the number of recruits, and this is the mere remarkable because most of the recruiting sergeants are just now assisting at the dep6ts, and very few of them are in the streets. The Ordnance Store Department has not yet ex- perienced the rest which was expected when the vote, of credit expired, and the officers and storekeepers are almost as busy as ever receiving the supplies, which are coming in by contract at Woolwich dockyard at an average of thirty waggon-loads per day. The article which appears to be principally demanded is harness, both for artillery and cavalry. Much of this has already been delivered, and fresh contracts are now being issued. Two barrack sergeants have been sp". pointed to take charge of the stores at the dockyard, and the new Commissariat buildings, which have been re-erected where they fell, are now complete, and will soon be available for the reception of the goods which are continually arriving. During the next two months an unusually large number of men-of-war will be out of the hands of the dockyard authorities. The ironclads Hercules, Triumph, Monarch, Invincible, Penelope, and Ironi Duke, all of which have been under repair for some time past, are almost ready for the pennant, and avail- able for ocean service, while one new broadside ship. the Northampton, at Chatham, will probably be com- missioned in a few days. A turret-vessel, the Dread- nought, is also on the eve of being finished, thus putting at our disposal two of this formidable class, for the Thunderer is just now lying at Spithead awaiting sail- ing orders. Besides this formidable naval force, most of the ships recently purchased by Government are in I an advanced state. One of them, the Orion, is still on the stocks at Poplar, but the others will all be fit for sea by June. The Belleisle, indeed, is so nearly finished that she will go out of dock next month, and the Neptune, which was in a very complete condition when purchased from the Brazilian Government, will not be long after the Belleisle. The other battle-ship. the Superb, which is being fitted as a flagship at Chatham, can, if necessary, be got ready by Midsuro- mer. Ten ocean-going ironclads, therefore, and two formidable turret-vessels will represent the active addition to the British navy during the next feW months, or, in other words, five or six millions of floating property. They will not all be available, however, for home or particular service. The Mo- narch is ordered to the Mediterranean to relieve the Sultan, whose boilers have been in an unsatisfactory condition for some time past. The Invincible alsO goes to strengthen Admiral Hornby's command, vicf the Hotspur ironclad ram, just returned to thiØ country. A third ironclad, the Triumph, goes as flagship to the Pacific, while a fourth will probab11 j join Lord John Hay's command in place of the Shannon, ordered to India. Nevertheless, there will be still vessels enough left to form two formidable squadrons, one possibly to proceed to the Baltic and another to remain at home for the protection of ouf shores, for besides the ironclads above enumerated* we have several unarmoured ships fitting for sea. These are the Iris, steel despatch vessel, the and Bacchante frigates, and the corvettes Garnet and Emerald. Measures are now being adopted for developing our resources for torpedo defence, as well as increas- ing the means for the offensive application of the weapon, and we hear from Hull that the Govern- ment has just purchased at that port some vessels which are suitable for submarine mining operations* They will be converted into torpedo mooring lighters- Every exertion is still being made to complete the orders on hand at the Royal Dockyard, Woolwich- The whole of the 1400 general service pack saddled ordered are finished and ready for embarkation, and the hands are now employed in the manufacture of waist belts for infantry soldiers, required in con- sequence of the expected augmentation of all infantry regiments on home stations to war strength. His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief ba' intimated that Army Reserve men may exchange into other regiments than those to which they were fOt attached, in order to rejoin their old regimentS, provided both the giving and receiving regiment* are in Ireland and that the strength of corps is øO affected. A general order just issued direcLs that men joining the regular army from the 1st Class Army Reserve are to be put through the annual musketry course for the trained soldier, and that those joining from the Militia Reserve shall be put through the full course laid down for recruits. The Duke of Cambridge notices with much concern the large number recruits in the army who have not been through the prescribed course, and wishes commanding officers to be informed that he looks to them to make ever/ possible arrangement for an early remedy of thíØ omission. The order points out that it is by no necessary that a man on enlistment should be fin all/ passed in squad or marching drill before a firearm jI placed in his hands. Orders have been issued for the immediate formic of a Second Army Corps far active service, and Si-C Alfred Horsford has been selected to the command* A considerable proportion of the First Army Corps J* likely to be despatched to Malta in the course of coming week, including a portien of the Guards. is positively stated at the War Office that only ave per cent, of militia army reserve men have not if" ported for duty, instead of six per cent., as original'/ stated. The many thousand stand of arms—Martin1' j, Henry—eo familiarto visitors to the Tower of I are being removed from the racks, presumably for tn I equipment of the reserves. |

MOTHERS BEWARE! The attention of the public is drawn to the follo^r ing by Messrs. Evans and Jones, the chemists, who write to us (Standard) on the subje" For some time past there has been a sad epideulio among young children in the neighbourhood London, ending in many cases in the death of child, the disease presenting every appearance V erysipelas. A client of Messrs. Evans and I whose child was similarly attacked, 1 the violet powder in use in the nursery, f sent a packet to that firm for chemical analy8^ They returned a certificate Btating that it twenty-five per cent, of white arsenic. This pois° is, they believe, at the present time exceedingly j at all events cheaper than starch, of which f oowder is usually made. These children have, tbere; f fore, suffered and died from arsenical poisoning, th. unprincipled manufacturer for the sake of eX j gain lending himself to this cruelty. Messrs. and Jones hava themselves purchased several p*0*6^ of this powder, which is sold in printed with the maker's name and the "For use in the nursery" printed thereon, having submitted them to chemical analyses discove*^ the same poison in the same amount. The anaiy^ of Messrs. Evans and Jones have been confirmed the medical men of the neighbourhood. Mothers therefore, warned against purchasing such things t cept from tradesmen of respectability.