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

THE LATE PRINCE CONSORT. Tuesday, the 14th, being the 19ih anniversary of the death of the Prince Consort and the second anniversary of the death of the Princess Alice of Hesse-Darmstadt, the annnal solemn service in commemoration of their deaths was held at the Royal Mausoleum, Frogmore. Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Beatrice, drove from Windsor Castle at eleven o'clock in the morning and was met at the tomb of the late Prince by Prince and Prmcess Christian and family, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Oonnaught, Princess Louise (Marchioness of Lome), the daughters of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Mary of Cambridge and the Duke of Teck, and other members of the Royal Family. Many of the Royal household were also present. There was a speciaT service which occupied about half an hour, the D.an of Windsor and Dean Stanley officiating, and the choir of St. George's Chapel being in atterd- ance. Her Majesty and Royal family placed wreathe of everlasting flowers upon and around the sarco- phagus. Afterwards the Queen and Royal family returned to the castle, her Majesty always keeping this day in the strictest seclusion. At a later hour the members of the Royal household and others had an opportunity of visiting the mausoleum.

THE INNER CIRCLE RAILWAY. At a meeting of the City of London Commission of Sewers, a report was brought up from the Finance and Improvement Committee, on a letter addressed to the commission on the 16th November by the Metropolitan and District Railways' joint committee on the subject. of the completion of the Inner Circle Railway, and rliq, street improvements in connection therewith. The joint committee agreed to recommend a payment of £ 500,000 in consideration of the commis- sion providing the companies with certain areas of ground for railways and works. On investigating the plana the committee found that the railway companies contemplated the commission taking and placing at their disposal a very considerable area of land lying between King William-street, Pudding lane, and Botolph-lane, which was not necessary to be taken for the widening of the streets, and would involve the commission in the expenditure of at least Xl.50,000 beyond the estimated cost of the street im- provements, as prepared by the engineer in November, 1879. The net result, therefore, would be that although the commission might receive an additional XIOD,000 from the companies, they would practically have to expend £ 150,000 to obtain it, and conse- quently the offer of the companies was less favourable than that made last year. In these circumstances they could not advise the Court to entertain the offer. The report was adopted.

";4 INTENDED RISING OF NEGROES IN CUBA. A Madrid correspondent, under date of the 14th init., says The Governor-General of Cuba waa in- formed simultaneously by his agents in the Americab Republic and from Jamaica that the creole exiles and American sympathisers bad arranged a plan for the rebellion of the negroes, led by mulattoes and Creoles of some celebrity in previous disturbances. Thi rising was to take place about the middle of December, and the movements of the exiles determined the Governor of Cuba to anticipate events. He sent the fastest men-of-war to cruise along the east coast of the island, and sealed instructions to the military authorities of Santiago de Cuba, wbo set to work so quickly that a number of blaoks and mulat- toes were seized in every place they intended to make a centre of rebellion. They were all marched to San- tiago, and lodged in the hold of the frigates, heavily ironed. The greatest consternation spread among the blacks at sight of their leaders summarily seized. Courts-martial set to work Immediately. It was not always easy to protect the arrested against the anger of thewbiteaandereotes, who in Cuba are very bitter- against the autonomists. Having crushed the attempt in the bup. the Spanish Government intends to punish only a few of the leaders and some of the foreigners, as the loyalty of the majority of the creoles is much stimulated by theaa negro conspiracies. The state of siege will be prolonged in Cuba in consequence of the attitude of the exiles in the American Republic, and thus arguments against reforms in the colonies of Spain are given to the planters in Havana, and to the Conservatives and Protectionists in Spain.

A VBSSBL OVEKDUK.—Lloyd's agent at Hong Song, writing under date of 9th November, states that the Lota (British barque), a vessel of 472 tons, Captain Dudfield, saifed from that port on the 13th ult. for Keelung, in ballast, and so far nothing had been heard of her since. IT is maintained that the most inspiring natural sight which a glazier can contemplate is the gleam of early day breaking through the windows. You had better change that rug," said a lady to Ler servant. pon't you think it corrobo- rates better with the carpet in this way?" was the response. LIFE is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, hut of little things, in which smiles and kind- ness, and small obligations given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart, and secure comfort. THIS WAS an actual occurrence Pa, can't I have another brother ? Why. my son ? Because I have Ellie to play with, and if I bad another brother she would play with Emma." Ernest, you may ask your mamma." How can I gain a good reputation ? asked a young man of an old merchant. By being what you wish people to think you are," was the reply.

MARRIAGE AND HANGING. A wedding recently took place in Virginia under somewhat peculiar circumstances. The bridegroom, who rejoiced in the high-sounding name of Marcus de Lafayette Hawley, was under sentence of death for shooting the man who had evicted him from his holding in Poor Mountain, in June last. The bride, a jj Miss Nannie Hawkins, was the mother of two of his ¡ children, and it was to legitimise these children and ulfil his promises to their mother that the wedding took place two days before the execution. In the words of the New York Htrald, the bridal chamber was the prison cell, bis attire the black habiliments prepared for his execution, and his bride a veritable bride of death." During the ceremony, which was performed by a minister of the Pro- tectant Episcopal Church, the bridegroom was j permitted to have his hands free, but the irons were not removed from his feet. After the wedding he made a profession of faith, and was bap- ti,.ed and received into the Church. The newly- married couple were separated immediately after the wedding. Next day they had an affecting interview of half an hour, and the day after the bridegroom was hanged. He was probably the first American citizen who has been married, baptised, and hanged in the brief space of two days.

MR. FAWCETT AT HACKNEY. Mr. Fawcett and Mr. J. Holms, the members of Parliament for Haekney, addressed their constituents in the Shoreditch Town Hall. Mr. Fawcett gave a gratifying account of the success which has attended some recent alterations in Post office administra- tion with a view to the promotion of thrift, and spoke hopefully of the prospects of a reduction in the telegraph rate and the establishment of a parcel post. On the subject of Ireland Mr. Fawcett said that widespread satisfaction had been caused by the announcement that the Government were deter- mined to maintain law and order. At the same time they would not be deterred from doing strict justice to Ireland. The right hon. gentleman adverted to the land question in England and Scotland, to the need for reform and redistribution of seats, to the operation of the Artisans' Dwellings Act in London, and other subjects. Mr. J. Holms next addressed the meeting. Both the members were very cordially received, and a vote of confidence was passed. .0_

SERIOUS CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT. Joseph Tapson, 35, who pleaded guilty last session at the Central Criminal Court to a charge of em- bezzling a very large sum of money belonging to the Metropolitan Railway Company, his employers, was brought up for judgment. Mr. Montagu Williams appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Besley represented the prisoner. It appeared that the prisoner had been for a great many years in the service of the company, and the greatest confidence was reposed in him. In 1874 a savings bank was established by the company for the benefit of the servants, and the prisoner was appointed the secretary, his salary at this time being £Zl5 per annum, and be had the entire management of the savings bank. In 1879 he absconded to America, but before be left he wrote a letter to the general manager, in which he admitted that he had embezzled very large sums of money, and it turned out that he was deficient to the amount of over £9000, the whole of which will have to be made good by the company. Mr. Besley urged on behalf of the prisoner that he had borne a high character until he was appointed secre- tary to the savings bank, and the accounts became muddled in the first instance. He had to support his own family and also an aged father and mother, and the family of a sister-in-law had also been thrown upon his hands, and this had partly led him into his present position. The Recorder said it was a very serious offence, and he felt it his duty to sentence the prisoner to five years' penal servitude.

A FATAL WEDDING FEAST. The marriage of Mr. Joel Hembree and Miss Jane Dale, of Roane County, Tennessee, drew together a large company of th' ir friends and relatives, who belong to the prominent families in the vicinity. The wedding had long been talked of and was the social event of the year. After the ceremony the company was* invited to the hospitable board of Colonel Dale, the bride and bridegroom in the meantime withdrawing. The table was bountifully supplied, and all ate heartily. The evening was spent in festivities. A supper was served. After the second meal, several guests began complaining of illness, but it was laughed off and the gaiety continued. About eleven o'clock a sudden lethargy seemed to overtake the whole cempany.and inafewminutes twenty-seven were unconscious. The few who retained consciousness, set themselves at work te resuscitate their companions, but without avail. Twelve were removed to other houses in the neighbourhood, and, as the news spread, the whole country around was aroused with excita- ment, as nearly every prominent family had members present at the fatal feast. Such medical aid as could be summoned could give little relief, and two day. aftjer the occurrence six of the wedding guests were dead. Robert Dale, the bride's brother, died next day. Mike May, a relative of the groom, died in a few hours. Albert Gallagher and Miss Mattie Lovelace, well-known young people, died next day. Two young girls, Emma Peters and Kate Lowey, died within twenty-four hours. Colonel Dale and his wife were very low, and their death was momentarily expected. The cause of the tragedy was the use of arsenic instead of salt in seasoning the chiokens. Colonel Dale purchased a quantity of arsenic a day or two before to kill crows, and carelessly left it in the kitchen. A blundering servant mistook it for salt, and hence the fatal results. Only those who partook of the chickens were poisoned.

THE LONDON FISH SUPPLY. Mr. Spencer Walpole recently held an official in- quiry at the Fishmongers' Hall, London-bridge, into the causes of the badness of a large proportion of the fish supplied to the London market. Statistics were read showing that. during the very hot months, about 10 per cent. of the fish supplied to London was con- demned on arrival as unfit for human food by the officers appointed for the purpose. The average for the year, however, only gave about 1 per cent. In August last, an exceptionally hot month, about 200.000 fish were condemned, besides thousands of shell-fish, and the question at issue was whether the fish turned bad en route on account of thp length of the passage, or whether, on the other hand, it was owing to the insufficient accommo- dation of the market. After the reading of the statistics, Mr. Williamson, on behalf of the London Fish Salesmen's Association, presented a resolution, passed unanimously at a meeting of the association, in which the opinion was expressed that the cause of the destruction of the Sahwas the delay in transit, and not the inadequacy of the market. Mr. Henry Randolph was then called, and stated that he and a colleague were examiners of fish, appointed by the Fishmongers' Company. Their duties were to copdemn all fish unfit for human food in the market itself and within a radius of twelve miles. In hot weather when the fish easily went bad more than two officials might be required, but at present the number was enough. If they suspected a basket of fish to be bad they examined it, but they were very much assisted in their work bythesalesmen, who generally reported when their parcels were bad. Not unfre- quently bad fish were intentionally packed along with good fish in order to escape detection. The great mass of putrid fish that came to London came under their direct notice, but, of course, some escaped them. Some- times, but not often, there was a difference of opinion between them and the salesmen as to the badness of the fish. About three times more fish are sent by rail than by water, but those conveyed in steamers gener- ally arrived in a better state than those sent by rail, as the latter were more knocked about whilst en route, owing to the changes of carriages. The fish were also ^generally packed in large parcels on steamers, and so suffered less injury. Some fish were actually bad when sent, and many—particularly in the hot weather —got bad in transit. When condemned they were disinfected and supplied to farmers. In his opinion the knocking about the fish received in transit was the cause generally of their going bad, and not owing to insufficient accommodation in the market. The inquiry was ultimately adjourned.

DEATH OF MR. MAnx CATTLEY.—We" have to announce the death of the late Conservative candi- date for Southwark, Mr. Mark Cattley. Mr. Cattley went up to his business in Great Suffolk-street, South- wark, London, as usual, by omnibus, from his private residence in the Balham main road, and seemed in more than usually good spirits. During the afternoon he was suddenly seized with a fit, and expiied about 5.30. He was announced to speak at a public meeting to be held at Balham the same evening. TEN days, or forty shillings," said the magis- trate and the prisoner, a sullen-looking fellow, chose the latter alternative, paid the fine, and was discharged. He walked moodily out of the court, but when he reached the door, turned and showered a wholesale tirade of profane abuse upon the magistrate. Then he ran into the corridor; but before he could reach the street the officers gave chase. He was soon captured, and stood again at the bar. Forty shillings more," said the Court. The money was paid. If you had used more chaste and refined language," the magistrate continued, waving the fellow away, you would not have been chased and re-fined." Micx: "Hallo, Pat, where have yiz been this three or four weeks?' Pat: "Bedad, in gaol!" "What were yiz in fer P" Pat: "For tellin' the truth. His honour ax'd me if I were guilty, and, whtn I said I wur, that's the reward the spalpeen gave me ?" ;f.

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION. A case in which a tenant of sporting rights sum- moned the owner of adjoining property for an offence against the Ground Game Act came before the Mailing (Kent) Petty Sessions. The magistrates on the bench were the Hon E. V. Bligh (chairman), the Hon. R. P. Neville, Mr. M. H. Dalison, and Mr. E. J. W. Strat- ford. The defend ants-Mr, Henry Simmons, of Wrotham, Kent, gentleman, and George Hayes and William Bence, labourer in his employ, were charged with employing spring traps for the purpose of killing ground game otherwise than in rabbit-holes; !vnd Mr. Simmons was further charged with aiding and abetting the two last-named defendants in the offence. From the evidence of Police-sergeant Springett, of the Kent Constabulary, it appeared that in consequence of some communications made to him he went on November 24, while it was still dark, to a piece of hop- land near the Mailing high road, on which Mr. Sim- mons grew hops last year. Adjoining this land is some woodland, the property of Lady "Caroline Nevill, the shooting over of which is let to Mr. Terry, by whose directions the summonses were issued. About two feet from the dividing hedge he .found seven spring traps, in one of which was a rabbit. As he was leaving, Hayes and Bence came up. He asked them what they were doing, and Hayes replied that they were looking after their traps, and Bence added that their master. Mr. Simmons, had ordered them to set the traps. He asked for their authority in writing, and they said they .had none. Next day Mr. Simmons met Police-sergeant Springett and asked what it was all about. Springett replied that the men were using spring traps to kill rabbits, as they said by their master's order. Mr. Simmons replied that he did give them such order, and when the police-sergeant remarked that the men had no authority in writing, he replied that it was not neces- sary, as his son was a witness. Inside the hedge was a wire fencing, which in places had been worked up. and apposite these places, in some of which there was also a run or "scoop" made by the rabbits, the traps were set. Two witnesses named Broad and Reynolds, gamekeepers, also stated that there were no rabbit holes in the fence. Mr. Mead, barrister, on this evidence, objected that the words of section 6 of the Act only applied to persons who had authority to kill ground game, and cited in proof the preamble of the Act. Consequently as neither Hayes nor Bence were persons having a right of killing ground game, the case must fail as against them. As to the case against Mr. Simmons, it was not proved that Mr. Simmons was the owner of the land in question, and that as he was summoned as an aider and abetter, it must be shown that he was at or near the spot at the time of the offence, which had not been done. He further contended that these runs or scoops" were rabbit holes within the mean- ing of the Act, as they were holes made by rabbits. Mr. Oorrie Grant, barrister, in reply, submitted that although the Act was intended for the protection of farmers and their crops, yet that section 6 was general, applying to everybody, and should be read as though a comma were inserted after the word per- son. The words were: "No person having a right of killing ground game under this Act or other- wise shall, for the purpose of killing ground game, employ spring traps except in rabbit holes." If Mr. Mead's construction were accepted, the effect would be to make the words no person mean no occupier. The magistrates, after retiring for consultation, decided that an offence had been committed. Mr. Oorrie Grant said the only object of taking out the summonses was to settle an important disputed point as to the meaning of the statute, and he asked for a mere nominal penalty. Mr. Simmons was then fined 10s. and costs, and the other defendants Is. each. Mr. Mead, on the ground of the great importance of the question involved, applied for a case for the superior courts, which was granted.

FATAL POACHING AFFRAY. An inquest was held at Garboldisham, Norfolk, before the coroner of the Duchy, on the body of William Rayner, 28, of North Lopham, who was killed as the result of a poaching affray at Garboldi- sham. William Rice, Samuel Rice, and Thomas Buzzard, Lord Holmesdale's watchers, who were without fire arms, Encountered Rayner and Walter Mallows, of Garboldisham, in a private road, and asked them their business. Rayner, cocking his gun and levelling it at the keepers, said he would shoot them. William Rice knocked up the gun, while Samuel Rice closed with Mallows, where- upon Rayner dealt Samuel Ryce a blow on his head with the butt end of the gun, when the trigger catching Rice's hat the gun was discharged, and Rayner ran away, but was overtaken after he had gone 100 yards, when he was found to be mortally wounded, for the contents of his own gun had entered his abdomen. He died the following morning, after great suffering, and confessing that he alone was to blame. A verdict of Accidental death was returned. Mallows is in custody.

CARELESSNESS SOMEWHERE. It is not a httle remarkable that the ropes used for hoisting and lowering the cage in coal-pits should so frequently break. Time was when this kind of acci- dent received a sad variation by the cage or bucket being wound up so carelessly by the person in charge or this operation that it was dashed against the frame- work at the top of the shaft, and the doomed occu- pants were cast headlong into the gulf from which they had just emerged. But by an ingenious con- trivance the cage, when it now ascends beyond a certain height, becomes disengaged from the rope that has been drawing it upwards, and is left hanging in safety on a hook at the top of the shaft. It is to be deplored that a means has not also been con- trived to avert the dreadful consequences that follow the breaking of such ropes as those to which allusion has already been made. At the Muiredge Colliery, in Fifeshire, two miners, while in the act of commencing their descent, have just been pitched down, a shaft of immense depth, and, of course, dashed into a shapeless mass. Such a disaster seems to indicate a want of proper care in daily examining the rope, in this case a wire one, upon the durability of which the lives of the workmen nourly depend. But it appears to us, as we have before had occasion to observe respecting an accident of this kind, that a considerable body of water kept at the bottom of the shaft would, where the depth of the pit was not very great, offer some chance of escape with life in the event of a fall into this element while ascending or descending :the shaft. —Daily Chronicle.

THE LATE STOBM.—Evidences of the severity of the late storm are being daily afforded at Hull, several vessels arriving damaged. The fishing smack Progress was towed up completely disabled on the 12th inst. While on the Dogger Bank she was hove down by a heavy sea, and the crew declare she turned completely over. They were in darkness for several minutes, at one time walking on the under- side of the deck. At length daylight once more appeared through the skylight. On going on deck they found the mizen mast carried away, all the sails gone, the capstan boat and fishing gear all washed away. A survey of the vessel seems to confirm the men's statement that she turned completely over. All hands were in the cabin when the sea struck the vessel. After the accident the smack drifted about helplessly until the Hull smack Dart fell in with her, and towed her to Hull. The smack Blessing has been towed to Hull with all sails gone, and the smack Loyal, of Hull, has been towed into Grimsby with mizenmast and all sails carried away. INCENDIARISM. At the Warwick Borough Police-court Egbert Taylor, 14, and John Humphries, 16, were charged with setting fire to the premises of Messrs. Glover and Sons, agricultural implement makers. Taylor had been employed by the prose- cutors. but, having recently been discharged, he had told companions that he would set fire to some of the firm's timber. Shortly after seven o'clock in the evening it was found that some deals had been set on fire in the warehouse, where over .£2000 worth of dry wood was stored. The prisoners having been seen near the premises just before were arrested. At first they denied the charge, but Taylor afterwards said, Us all right," and Humphries stated that he did not. help Taylor to set fire to the timber, but watched in the street whilst he did it. Taylor brought some petroleum from his home. threw it on the timber, and then set fire to it. Tne Bench committed the pri- soners for trial at the assizes, and refused bail. ROMANTIC SUICIDE. — A young man named William Giles Was found drowned in Collie's brick- field, Selhurst, on the very day which was appointed as'his wedding-day. It appears that Giles was engaged to be married. Four days previous to the day appointed, however, deceased, who has lately been lodging in the Pawson's rpad, Oroydon, disappeared. His 1 ther, who keeps a coffee-house at Norwood, instituted a search for him, but not with any idea that he had made away with himself. However, the body of the hapless young man was found in a pond in the briekfield of Messrs. Oollis, and from various reasons it is believed that the case was one of suicide. The dMaft d,it is stated, had had some disagreement, with his^fafcended wife. ALDERMAN BRADY, PRESIDENT of the Barnsley Liberal Association, read a paper in the Association Rooms on the Irish Land Question, and at the close a resolu ion was passed regretting the outrages which bad taken place in Ireland, andadding we have gveiy oonfid nee that the present Ministry under Mr. Glad- itone •■vill bring in some measure that will deal juatly md satisfactorily with the Irish people,"

J REVIEW OF THE CORN TRADE. (From Belts Weekly Messenger.") .1 Notwithstanding that the shipments of wheat from I Americacontinue upon a very moderate scale, and that the deliveries of British farmers are far from extensive, the trade for wheat during the paat week has been very inactive, and holders have experienced difficulty in obtaining former prices. A reduction of about Is. per qr. is in many cases quoted, but there has been ne pressure to sell, the quietness being largely due to the fact that during the Christmas holiday season millers are not anxious to make any considerable purchases. Sales have, in consequence, been about adequate to current requirements, but millers' stocks are believed to be far from extensive, and consequently a better trade is looked forward to early in the N< w Tear. Although there is a general impression that the wheat crops of the world this season have been over-estimated, yet there is no reason to believe that there is any probability of scarcity. America, with her rapidly-increasing population, may require more than had been estimated for herself, and it is now a well-known fact that Russia had ceased, for the present, to be an exporting country of any mag- nitude, not only because her ports are impeded by ice, the present, to be an exporting co'mtry of any mag- nitude, not only because her ports are impeded by ice, but because her crops have been remarkably, if not unprecedently, deficient. There is, how- ever, some reason to believe that the requirements f the country have, for a time at least, been fairly met by importations from the United States. Millers I believe, therefore, that there will be diminished com- petition for the American surplus, and that present prices are sufficiently high to attract the quantity of produce we require. On this point, however, there is naturally some uncertainty. If millers' stocks are low, and if American shipments remain on the present very moderate scale, it is probable that when there is the anticipated revival of business after the holidays, holders will be able to secure better terms. There seems, however, to be very little prospect of any great change, unless later on in the season we should have unpropitious weather, leading to the conclusion that the next harvest is calculated to be disappointing. At the present time the prospect is fairly satisfactory, though it must be admitted that many farms are being very indifferently cultivated. The weather having been mild and dry during the last few weeks, considerable progress has been made with ploughing and sowing, and the wheat plant on those lands where it has made its appearance looks healthy and strong. Although we have had very little frost this winter, the plant is not regarded as forwarded, and this may be looked upon as a hopeful sign. We may conclude, therefore, that the wheat trade is not expected to show features of any considerable interest during the next few weeks; but should there be promising reports of the world's crops at a more advanced period of the season, America will probably exhibit a greater desire to dispose of its surplus produce. At the present time, however, growers and merchants are not willing to part freely with their holdings; but, in. spite of this fact, the value of wheat in New York has a downward tendency. Last week's shipments of wheat to Europe were only 196,000 qrs., being the smallest of the eeason. The daily reports published indicate that exporters are un- willing to operate extensively, and there is no doubt that excessive caution pervades generally the trade. By the aid of telegraphy and steam communications our markets are only just adequately supplied, and business is only conducted on a hand-to-mouth prin- ciple, which renders the trade devoid of interesting features, and which delays the prospect of any im- mediate change. On the Continent the trade for wheat has been greatly wanting in animation, and there has not been much movement in prices. The supplies of produce offering have been very moderate, and sales have pro- gressed slowly, at about late rates. jGood sound and stout barley attracts a fair amount of attention and realises full prices, but the trade for [ medium and inferior sorts is dulf at barely late rates. The best English malting produce is worth about 45s.; New Zealand, 40s. to 41s. 6d.; French, 32s. to 36s.; Danish, 36s. to 42s.; and Saale, which is scarce here, and is dear in Germany, 44s. to 49s. per qr. For feeding barley the trade has been quiet, at about pre- vious rates. The malt trade has been quiet on former terms. The demand for Indian corn has been very inactive, and prices have ruled somewhat in favour of buyers. The shipments from America have been very moderate, and there is also a falling off in the visible supply, but our importations have been upon a rather larger scale. The demand for beans and peas has been upon a very moderate scale at about former prices. For flour there has been only a moderate demand at late rates.

A BIRD SELLER IN TROUBLE. At the Marlborough-street Police-court, Frederiek Briggs, a bird-seller, was charged before Mr. Newton with breaking the leg of George Chambers and Ellen Briggs, wife of the first-named prisoner, was charged with biting the hand and arm of a young woman named Madeline Foyle. Mr. Sinclair, jun., son of Mr. Ambrose Sinclair, refreshment-house keeper, Poland-street, stated that the male prisoner came in and offered seme birds for sale. He told the prisoner that they were not wanted, and as he would not leave a young man named George Chambers assisted in putting him out, when he was knocked down by the prisoner two or (three times, and Chambers' leg was broken. He (witness) believed the young lady charged bit a female's hand and arm. Madeline Foyle, servant to Mr. Sinclair, stated that she saw a struggle going on, and on interfering the female prisoner bit her twice. Replying to Mr. Newton, the witness said she had her wounds dressed at the Charing-cross Hospital. She did not wish to press the case as prisoner had two little children. Mr. Sinplair, sen., said the lady" in the dock struck him, and he saw that the witness Foyle had had her hand and arm bitten. Thomas Moss, 195 0, said he met the male prisoner, who told him to go up Poland-street, as there was a serious row, and while the prisoner was making off some one requested he might be stopped, as a man's leg had been broken. The injured man was taken to the hos- pital, and was likely to remain there a month or six weeks. Both prisoners were drunk. The male pri- soner was remanded, and the female committed for twenty-one days with hard labour.

ASSAULTING A TICKET-COLLECTOR. Walter Bradford, 24, labourer, and Daniel Daley, a lather, were charged, at the Guildhall Police-court, London, the first with being drunk and assaulting the ticket collector at the Highbury Station on the North London Railway, and Daley with attempting to rescue Bradford from the custody of the police. The two defendants, on leaving a train at the Highbury Station, were asked for their tickets by the ticket collector, when Bradford, who was drunk, began to use abusive and threatening language, and Daley said, Don't be in a —— hurry we've got tickets." The collector re- monstrated with them, when Bradford gave up his ticket, but at the same time struck the official a blow in the face. knocking him down. Daley threw bis ticket down, and1 made use of bad language. Socpe pas- sengers held the defendants, and a constable was fetched, who was roughly handled on the way to the police-station by Daley. Bradford said that the com- plainant had first assaulted him; Daley made no de- fence. Mr. Hosack ordered them both to be sentenced to fourteen days' hard labour. The defendant Daley: What, no fine ? Mr. Hosack: Certainly not.

LORD WINMARLEIGH ON EDUCATION. At the Guildhall, Preston, Lord Winmarleigh dis- tributed the prizes awarded to successful pupils at the Oxford Local Examination (Preston centre). L rd Winmarleigh, in addressing the company, said: Now, I am not going to read a lecture on woman suffrage, which has occupied the attention of the nation for a long time; but if females should suoceed in obtaining the privileges they seek, it is essential that they be admitted to such examinations as these, as the duties of after life must be better performed by persons who have passed them. Having briefly referred to the fact that the whole of the Preston candidates had distinguished themselves in the acquisition of religious knowledge, his lordship continued: But I have great dread of the high encomiums which are generally passed at public examinations, which make you believe that you are much better than you are. During a great portion of my life I was subject to annual examinations in military duties when in command of a regiment; and I know that what I dreaded most was an inspecting officer coming down and telling one that my officers and men were the finest in the world, and fit for any duty, because I knew it was all humbug. It is the same in cases like this—if the inspector and committee said everybody had distinguished tb emselves, and that there were no defects, they would do more harm than good. There 1 is an important defect in English education. A young person should be instructed first and foremost j in the knowledge of his own language, and the literature of his own country. At a very early age I travelled over Europe for three 1 years, and wherever I went I was asked about Scotland, < and Ireland, and England; and the surprise I caused 1 when I told my foreign friends that I had never been < in Scotland or Ireland made me feel exceedingly small, and especially when they remarked that I should have i seen them before going to strange countries. So it is rather a "take off" for a lad who has distinguished ] himself in foreign languages to be told that he is < deficient in his own. This is a subject that deserves ] the attention of all parents, whose duty it is to see that i their children get a really good English education. < ♦ • j

¡. SOUTH JLFRICA. ESTABLISHMENT OF A REPUBLIC BY THE BOERS. The follpwing has been issued by the Colonial Office for publication: TELEGRAPHIC, Sla GEORGE POMEKOY OoLLEY TO THE EARL OF KIMBERLEV. (Received at Colonial Office 19th Deoember, 1880.) Pietormaritzburg, 19th December. Boers numbering about 5000 have taken possession of Heidelberg and established Republican Government. Kruger, Presi- dent; Joubert, Commandant. No collision orviolence user'. Communication with Pretoria out off. I am sending up all available troops, and leave myself shortly. A BASUTO SUCCESS. The following telegraphic despatch is dated Oape Town, Dec. 17th: The latest advices from Mafeteng report some fighting between the Basutos and the Colonial force under Colonel Oarrington. The latter started on a patrolling expedition in the direction of Golah and Baleka, the troops being divided into two columns, of which one was commanded by Captain Brabant and the other by Colonel Oarring- ton himself. Captain Brabant's force succeeded in carrying Azariel's village, but Colonel Car- rington's division encountered a Basuto force numbering 3000 men, and was compelled to retire before them. Captain Brabant's column, falling back at the same time, effected a junction with Colonel Oarrington, and all regained the camp. The total loss sustained on the Colonial side during epera- tions was two killed and eight wounded. The enemy's loss was not ascertained. An unsuccessful attack has been made on the Tem¡'us occupying the Engcbo gorges. The Union Company's steamer Roman arrived here on the 14th inst., and the same company's steamer Danube sailed on the same day for Bngland.

THE RUSSIAN EXPEDITION IN ASIA. A St. Petersburg telegram, dated the 20th, says: Confirming substantially my recent information re- specting the condition of preparedness of General Scobeleffs expedition, I understand that a telegram was received here yesterday from Bami, the furthest telegraphic station, with a communication from General Scobeleff, dated the 11th December, pre- sumably therefore from a point about seven days' dis- tance by road from Bami. It reports that a body of cavalry under Colonel Nsvrotsky, which had advanced along the Ohadyr Valley, successfully stormed during the night of the 9th December the fortified village of Karys, routing the Tekkes after an obstinate resistance. Some thousands of sheep, cattle, and arms were cap- tured. The women and children were taken prisoners and consigned to the custody of the Nuk hurts, supposed to be friendly to the Tur- comans. The Russian loss is reported to be two wounded. This is apparently thought incredible, and is explained by the unexpectedness of the attack, aided by a dflnse mist. It is further added that, according to trustworthy intelligence, several thousand Merv Turcomans are advancing with artillery to aid the Akhal Tekk6s, this being, I believe, the first intima- tion of Tekk6 forces moving with artillery.

EUROPEAN GROWN TEA. It seems that the Chinese tea market in Burope is to be threatened before long with the competition of tea of European growth. Southern Italy is to be the tea country of Europe, and if ita cultivation should succeed in that Peninsula, it may possibly be attempted in other Mediterranean lands. Two or three years ago Count D'Amigo, the apostle of European tea, planted hi) farm in the neighbourhood of Messina with choice specimens of various Chinese teu. The plants have thriven as famously as if they were in China, and there is not a single point in which they are inferior. The count has placed an expert Chinaman at the head of his Italian farm, who has presided over the difficult process of drying. The plantation is to be consider- ably increased, Signor D' Amigo being sanguine that he has struck out a new b anch of agricultural in- dustry, fraught with important future results for Italy—at all events, for the South of Italy.

A FEMALE GROOM EtUMD BY A HORSE.—A young person who passed under the name of James Watson, and latterly employedasagroom, was engaged in Glasgow washing the hind legs of a horse, when it kicked the groom on the head. As blood was oozing from the left ear, and the injury appeared to be serious, Watson was removed to the Western Infirmary, where death ensued. Upon an examination of the body it turned out to be that of a woman about 94 years of age. She had passed as a youth for the last five years. Her previous history is unknown. A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING- Of the Town Council was held at the Guildhall, Linsoln, for the purrose of sealing a petition to Parliament m support of an Act to be promoted by theOoipoiration in the en- suing session. The main objects of the bill are to enable the Corporation to acquire the undertaking of the Lincoln Gas Light and Oeke Company, and to ex- tend the limits of supply for gae, electric and other Lighting, beating, and motive power. SENTENCING A XING to sixteen years' im- prisonment for creating a disturbance is a novel kind of punishment to inflict on one of the Lord's anointed. True, his Majesty's jurisdiction was only recognised by the Fan tees, but then the principle is the same, whether applied in Africa or in Europe. If the prac- tice could only be introduced nearer home it might save the nations a good deal of bickering and blood- shed. A SCOTCH DIVOROB.-The Court of Appeal has decide4 a point of great importance—namely, that the decisions of the Scotch Divorce Court would be upheld by English Oourta. Mr.H. B. Farnie, a domi- ciled Scotchman, married an Englishwoman in England, in 1861. The couple went to reside in Scotland, and in 1863 the wife obtained a dissolution of the marriage on account of the husband's adultery, Mr. Farnie, in 1875, married Miss Harvey, in London. The second wife petitioned the Divorce Court in London for a degree annulling the marriage, on the ground that the Scotch divorce was bad. Her petition was dismissed, hence the appeal. The Court held that the petition was properly refused, and dismissed the appeal. SOME "(1F THE GAS COMPANIES seem de- termined to commit suicide. The Bristol Company, for instance, which pays 10 per cent., has increased its tender for lighting the public lamps, and the conse- quence is that the city authorities have authorised the expenditure of X600 for experiments with the electrio light. When the electric lamps are -established the Bristolians probably will not be in a hurry to return to gas. THE MORE PUBLICITY is given to threatening letters the greater is the crop of these productions. Not one in a hundred of the skulking ftooundrdls who writ^ them has the least intention of risking his own neck by attempting to execute his bloodthirsty in- tentions; but it ticldes the vanity of such creatures to find, their anonymous threats put into print> ot course others copy the evil exsimple. IN THE EXCHEQUER DIVISION of the High Court of Justice, Mr. Justice Stephen, with whom wap, Mr. Baron Pollock, gave judgment on the infor- mation filed on behalf of the Government for the purpose of compelling the defendants, the Ediaon Telephone Company, to take out a licence to use the telephone. The Court held that under the existing statutes telephonic came within the description of telegraphic communication; and aooordingly gave judgment against the defendants. An appeal was intimated against this decision. THE AVERAGE PRICE of wheat last week waa 44s. per quarter; last year, during the corresponding week, it was 46s. 6d. per quarter. The average price af barley last week ifas 31s. 6d. per quarter; during the corresponding week last year it was 38s. 7d. per juarter. The average price of oats last week was 20s. 7d.; during the corresponding week last year it nras 20s. lld. IT APPEARS from a statement which Mr. Mechi 3as made that his failure is due not to his farming iperations — though 1879 was unsatisfactory — but ¡' rather to the unsuccessful character of his London lusiness, winch bad been greatly injured by the do* >perati»e Stores. '¿'J'

w 11 11 EXTRACTS FROM TIIE COMIO pAPIJIS. (From" Punch's Almanack") Bo'SEN JAMES AND THE GREAT SiBA-SABMMt Three bold Sailormen all went a-sailin' Out into the Northern Sea, And they steered Nor'-West by three-quarters Wtffc Till they came to Norwegee. They was three bold men as ever you'd see, And these was their Christian names: There was Long-legged Bill and Curly Dick, And the third was Bo'sen James;— And they went to catch the great Sea-Sarpint, Which they wished for to stop his games. Long-legged Bill was in the main-top a-watchin' For Sea-Sarpints, starn and grim, When through the lee-scupper bold Curly Dick peeped, And he says, says he, That's him!" Then quick down the rattlins the long-legged 'un slid,— Which pale as a shrimp was he,- While Dick he rolled forrard into the Cuddy, Where Bo'sen James happened to be, For James he was what you'd call the ship's cook, And he was a-makin' the tea. Then says Curly Dick, says he, Bless my peepers f (Which his words was not quite those,) "Here's the Great Sea-Sarpint a-coming aboard, With a wart upon his nose! Which his head's as big as the Jolly-boat, And his mouth's as wide as the Thames, And his mane's as long as the best bower cable, And his eyes like blazin' flames- And he's comin' aboard right through the lee-scupperf Belay there!" says Bo'sen James. Howsever, bold Bo'sen he went down to leeward, While Curly Dick shook with funk; And Long-legged Bill he hid in the Caboose, A-yellin! "We'll all be sunk!" You might a'most heard a marlin-spike drop As Bo'sen James he looked out. Then down through the scupper his head it went, And there came a tremenjous shout, "Sea-Sarpint be blowed, ye darned landlubbers! Who's left this here mop hangin' out ?" PAINLESS DENTISTRY.—Filing the teeth of a saw. A TRUTH FOR THINKERS.—Homoeopathy won't oure herrings. A PESSIMIST PROVERB.— Jis a good wind that blows nobody ill." A FINANCIAL Guy FAWKES.—A man of straw. FORECAST FOR FEBRUARY.—The month opens cold and raw. So do oysters. RIDDLE FOR OCEAN ROVERS.—Q. Which is the properest place to cast your sheet-anchor in ?-A. The Bed of the Sea. MEMS. ON MOUNTAINEERING.—There is no rapid act of climbing to compare with running up a bill. But mind, and beware of a precipice when you get to the top. Climbers, accept this caution from the Land of Ben Lomond. LAND AGENT I say, Dennis, what's this I read about a set of ruffians nearly killing Lord Scareum's agent at the cross-roads near here ?" WAITER:" Ah, shure, they bate him wid sticks." LAND AGENT Did they beat him badly?" WAITER: "No, bedad, they bate him right well!" TABLEAU YIVANT.—BRIDEGROOM (to his little sister- in-law tot the breakfast): Well, Julie, you've got a new brother now-" JULIE (" enfant terribk"): Yes and ma' said the other day to pa', she didn't think he was much account, en'y it looked like Lottie's last chance!"—\Qreat clatter of knives, forks, and spoom.] GLASSES ROUND!" ANCIENT 'LONG-SHORE MARINER (who has picked up at a Marine Store" an old tele- scope with an inscription, "PreSfmted to ThoB. Smith, for preserving life at sea,"$c.) Ah, it's all wery well for hindependent gents like you to come down 'ere in Eummer-time a-pleasurin', but you think what it is in the winter when you gents is tucked up in bed all snug an' comfer'able, while we sailors has to go out in the 'owling winds an' ragin' storms to resky poor fellows from droundin'. Why, this wery spy glass-" (Shows inscription.) But there-" (Modestly saying no more about it.) 'ARRY AND FRED (reading): "Lor, did yer, though!" (Result, two half-crowns.) (From "Fun Almanack") WHY does not the cook whip the bad eggs?" A JAM can be made out of a rush. A FRENCH CABBAGE.—Annexation of Savoy. MEAL-TUB CONSPIRATORS.—Mice. INCONGRUOUS FABS.—A cool tankard and a hasty pudding. x A Nsw WAY OF DRESSING POTATOES.—In frocks and trousers. SHRIMP SAUCE.—When a small boy calls you old stupid." PMONAaM.—A green goose. THE man who had a steak in the country thinks they are better cooked in the City. INFERNAL MACHINES.—Perambulators. CHRISTMAS DIVINITy.-The dripping pan. AFLOAT AND ASHORE.- Whilst we stone raisins on land, holy-stoning is done at sea. FOWLS should not be carved with a chisel. ÄRTI-CHOKES I" exclaimed the fond mother, as her dear little Arthur gasped for breath over the unwonted dish. GERMAN PUFFS.—Tobacco smoke. You may make a mull of your ale, and yet furnish first-rate liquor. THE quickest way to souse maokerel is to pitch it overboard. AN IRISHMAN'S TOAST TO HIS WIFE AND CHILDRSN.— Mate and Murphys. A YOUNG LADY refuses offers because she does not wish to have a lot of chaps on her handl. A MOVEABLE FEAST.—A leg of fowl carried off by a eat. VALENTINE'S DAY.—The cooing is all wry well: the billing afterwards is the bother. THE FIRST GOOD FRY-DAY.—Shrove Tuesday. TUE CHIEF EMBER DAY.—Ash Wednesday. CHRISTMAS DAY.—Great fires in London. A POLAR QUERY.—Russians, are said, as a race, to possess more latent electricity about them than any other European people. But how, then, about the Telegraph "Poles?" A "NURSE "-CESSARY EVIL.—Missis Gamp. HE was indeed a careful man, for, after a storm, he used to turn down all his flower-beds to air them in the sun. A GERMAN chemist says there is sugar in the tamy we always call salt. Certainly when one cries the eyee are "moist," but the "lump" is in the throat, we thought, and not the eyes. If the chemist is right. children should be encouraged to cry into their pap, and kissing away the tears will be as goad as eating lollipops. 8 (From "Judy Abmmek.") SEASON-ABLE.—Most home-made meat pies. A CHRISTMAS PRESENT.—The present Christmas. A. B'ACT.-There is generally less waist in a family of girls than a family of boys. TAKE your thyme," as the cookery book says. v giri we know calls the mistletoe season ft busey time. THE lady who had her teeth stopped got them when she paid up. fjJ^D k a short drop has no A RETIRED prize fighter of our acquaintance speaks of his false teeth as a good set too. A MURDERER we are on friendly terms with says his wife was cut up when he left her. A SURLY old bachelor thing says girls never pay when they bet gloves and lose it's all kid. SUPPOSING that your great-great grandmother were to address you now, in what tone of voice would she speak?—Why, don't you see? in a tomb's-tone, of course. NICE CHILD!—" Oh, Miss Dashwood, ma says she's so sorry to keep you waiting. I know it isn't true, though, because she said, Bother! when she saw you driven up the avenue.' ANOTHER NEGLECTED EDUCATION.—HOSTESS "Now, do tell me, captain, what you think of Cotsford Dick ? CAPTAIN: Well, weally, rm' not pwepared to say wight off I quite know. Was he a highwayman ? A LITTLE girl of five has just written to A. Sloper, to say that "kisses have risen; they used to be five a penny, and now they are only four. A. Sloper has referred this communication to head-quarter, marked serious." (From "Fumy Folks") AN APPROPRIATE JUDGE FOR THE IBKB "SPBOfO'' ASSIZES.—Mr. Chief Justice May." WHAT will be the last thing out ?—No-thing. THE REVERSE OF A DRY PIPE."—A pipe of wine. THE Manchester Examiner heads a leader with Mr. Parnell's Ga me." It does hot mean landlords, does it I A TROPICAL TOPIC. That you only find the rarer flowers of speech in Trope ical" language. HINT FOR THE PANTOMIME SEABON.-Good name for I aquatio fairies—" Water-liLy- putians." WIlmy.-Gale who is walking his 2500 miles by night as by day, is now known as an Hq uinoctica] Gale. I SIOK SIMILAR."—Aunt Towzer says that she has no doubt like cures like," as a neighbour of hers is re- commended syrup of squibs for torpedo liver. I DINNER A LA MODE.We have heard of a lady ] so enthusiastically "fashionable" that she has her I dinner dressed according to the latest modes in IA ] Follett, and served up on Fashion Plates. c NOT SO DICKEY.—Natural historians tell us that the c sparrow is by nature a pugnacious bird. This we are C by no means surprised to learn, for its very name begins with a spar and ends with a row. i NOT A PAYING BUS-INESS.—Mr. George Clark is te I bef imprisoned for fourteen days for kissing a young < girl. This should put people on their guard. It it I not pleasant to think that one may get a fortnight foi merely taking a "bui J"

r ir ALLEGED ATTEMPTED WIFE MURDER. At the Clerkenwell Police-court, Henry Pedio, aged 45, described on the charge-sheet as a costermonger, of 15, Rose-court, Golden-lane, Saint Luke's, was charged before Mr. Hosack with violently assaulting his wife Ann Pedio, at Rose-court, Golden-lane, Saint Luke's. Mr. Moore, of the Associated Institute for the Protec- tion of Women, appeared to watch the case. The magistrate was informed that at the present tima the prisoner'^ wife was lying in St. Bartholomew's Hospital in a very dangerous condition, and that little hopes were entertained of her recovery, the injuries that she had received being of such a serious character. Polioe- constable James Waite, 5 G Reserve, stated that as he was on duty at Old-street Police-station he received information that a woman had been nearly murdered at 15, Rose-court, Golden-lane, St. Luke's, upon which he went to that address, and found the place all in darkness, and upon getting a light he proceeded to an upstairs room, where he found the wife of the prisoner lying on the bed in a pool of blood, while her eyes, which were badly bruised, were completely closed through the violence that she had received, whilst her chest was black with bruises from kicks that she had received. He asked the woman who it was that had assaulted her in such a manner, when she said that it was her husband. He (witness) at once sent for the police-surgeon, and he attended, and ordered her removal to the hospital. The prisoner was remanded.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. The President of the Royal Agricultural Society has received a letter from Earl Spender. Lord President of the Council, in reply to one drawing the attention of his lordship to the necessity of taking additional pre- cautions to prevent the spread of contagious diseases from the foreign cattle market at Deptford. Earl Spencer states that he is fully alive to the risk of so con- tagious a disorder as foot-and-mouth disease spreading from any centre where itexists, andthatevery precaution has been taken with regard to the recent outbreak of that disease in Deptford Market which in the cir- cumstance was found to be practicable. He adds that instructions have been given for the immediate slaughter of all animals in the market found to be infected with disease, and the disinfection of all places where these animals have been kept. He has been in constant communication with the local authority on the subject of Deptford Market, and the inspectors of the Privy Council constantly visit and report upon the btatio of the market and of the animals therein. A new Order in Council, which came into operation on the 15th inst., declares the whole of the county of Essex to be an infected place under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, and forbids the holding of all markets, fairs, exhibitions, and sales of animals, except by special licence. Previously only 10 of the 17 petty sessional divisions in the county were thus declared infected. This measure has now been taken in regard to the whole area of the three adjoining counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. Last week there were 39 fresh outbreaks of "foot-and-mouth disease in Essex, affecting 317 cattle, 169 sheep, and 34 swine. Seven valuable beasts on the farm of Mr. Oharles Parker, Mavis Enderby, Lincolnshire, were the other day pronounced by the inspector to be suffering from foot-and-mouth disease. The animals were ordered to be destroyed, and the place was declared to be infected. The disease is said to have been communicated through a beast purchased in Spilsby market. The newt has created great excitement, as the infected place is in the centre of a rich grazing district.

A HOSPITAL FOR ANIMALS. A course of four lectures delivered in the theatre of the University of London annually, and one of which has just been given, direots attention to an institution which is doing just enough of good work to make "all who know anything of it rather unsatisfied with it. A generation ago, Mr. Thomas Brown left a sum of £ 20,000 for establishing and upholding an institution for investigating, studying, and, without charge beyond immediate expenses, endeavouring to cure maladies, distempers, and injuries any quadrupeds or birds useful to man may be found subject to." The four lectures alluded to are part of the scheme thus established; and there is also, in the Waudsworth-road, London, a free hospital for animals, available for all owners In poor circumstances. So far the results of the bequest are satisfactory; but they do not by any means come up to the idea of the beneficent founder, whose desire evidently was not so much to afford charitable assistance to poor people, aa to relieve animal suffering by the promotion of veterinary skill and knowledge. The Brown Institution is a great boon to owners of animals anywhAM in the neighbourhood, though in this department of its work it is said to have been subject to very much the same abuse that has so frequently been pointed out in connection with other bOlpitala-tbe resort of those who can very well afford to pay for the medical or surgical treatment of their hones, donkeys, dogs, and so forth. But as regard* the promotion of veterinary science, Mr. Brown has, we (Globe) fear, done a good deal less than he contem- plated. The fact is, the money he left was not quite adequate to his idea. The lectures are, no doubt, satisfactorv enough, and the hospital work useful as a school, but funds are wanting to carry out the scheme to its full development. The twent. thousand pounds, increased to thirty thousa^i before the work was actually commenced, haa produced too small an endowment to permit of much being done having a special reference to the encouragement and promotion of veterinary scienoe. The work set on foot is undoubtedly good and useful, and must surely commend itself to all lovers of animals-If, that is, it is carried out in the spirit of the benevolent founder. It seems well worthy of the con- sideration of some other Thomas Brown on the loofe; out for a means of giving practical shape to his com- J miseration for brute suffering.

A GAOL CHAPLAIN ON DBINX. Before a crowded audience at Christ Church Schools, Blackfriars, London, the Rev. J. W. Hossley, chaplain of her Majesty's Prison, ClerkenweQ,delivered an address on Bays from a Prison Lamp." He said that one of the first rays from a prison lamp showed them that three-fourths of all the crime in the came from drinking habits, which was proved—as far as London was concerned — by the police returns. Recently, in the course of a week 148 women were brought to Westminster Prison, and of these 128 had to attribute their position to drunkenness. She • prisons of London cost £ 80,000 a year, but if there were no drunkenness, Holloway, Newgate, «nd Westminster Gaols might be pulled down, and Olerkenwell Prison would suffice for all the pri- soners in London. He argued that it waa shown toat drink was not a necessity of life by the fact that hard and moderate drinkers had their drink absolutely stopped in prison, and at once. And the origoners he had had to deal with were not picked people, tor he bad under his charge clergymen, lawyers, doctors, and last year two baronets, all of whom agreed that alcohol was not a necessity of life, and were astonished how little they missed it. Another ray from the prison lamp was the fact that whereas the death- rate of London averaged 21 per 1000, that of the whole of the London prisons was only 18 per j 1000. There was no such place for lone life and good health as the prisons of "Bngland. Thsre were actually women who would have been dead from drink years ago, but that they got into prison so often. Few persons were in the prisons now, comparatively. He had asked an explanation of that some years ago, and was told that people were saving up for a good drink at Christmas." How full would theprilou be a month hence After concluding, his adraress with an exhortation to his hearers to adopt temperanee principles, Mr. Horsley was accorded a Warm vote of thanks.

SIR S. NOBTHCOXB AT EXBOTH.—Sit Stafford Northcote attended a meeting of the citisens of Exeter, who gave a complimentary banquet to the late mayor. Sir Stafford, responding for the House of Commons, reminded the meeting that although the House of Commons had great control ofer the public expenditure, a large amount of their expenditure was incurred by municipalities, end & #ould always advise them to be careful and economical in the truest sense of the word; The proper working of municipal institutions meant oorrect disohai'ge of enor- mous duties. The Third Party in the Hoose of Com- mons caused serious uneasiness,but the alleged Pourth Party was as loyal and trae to their real party as any in the House. < A JUSTICE OF THK PRACH SBH* TO PBMON.— At Maldon the Borough Bench committed Jacob Balph, J.P., assistant overseer of one of the borough panahee, for three months' imprisonment in default 01 payment of a fine of £ 590, being £ 20 penalU and treble the value of parish moneys which he had misapplied. His total defalcations were about d6300. THE remembranoea of paat happiness are the wrinkles of the soul. How TO ATTAIN HAPPINESS.—-There is one way of attaining what we may term, if not utter, at least mortal happiness. It in this—a sincere and unrelaxing activity for the happiness of othenk In that, ong^ maxim is concentrated whatever is noble in moral? sublime in religion, or unanswerable in truth. In th*^f». pursuit we have all scope fOT whatever is excellent in our hearts, and none for the petty passions to whioh our nature is heir. Thus engaged, whatever be our errors, there will be nobility, not. weakness, in our remorse; whatever'our failures, virtue, not selfishness, in our regrets; and in success vanity itself will become I holy^wndtriM^het^^ri^ Printed and published by the proprietor. Jomi Comsw | QQBHKTS, at his General Printing _Ojfeetyo'lj Jfcsa s- lane, Cardigan, in the gsi^ Bat«t*8M?s in the I Ooantf (rfOaidirsn.—flwaiay,Dec. tt,UM |

THE LONDON FLOWER GIRLS. Lady Burdett Coutts opened an exhibition of flowers made by the children belonging to the Flower Girls' Mission, of which she is the president, at the Holborn Town Hall, London. The flowers were ar- ranged in a highly artistic manner, and altogether the hall looked very pretty, and was crowded with visitors. Lady Burdett Coutts, who was received with loud cheers, said that it required very few words from her to prove to those present how good a work that was. It Bad been established to promote the interests of the children of hard-working honest men and women, who earned their living by selling flowers, and the pro- moters of the mission were endeavouring to place the children in a position by which they could earn their living in a respectable manner. These children were generally engaged in selling flowers in the street. Although that might be a respectable mode of getting a living, yet they all knew that life in the street was not desirable for children of tender age. The mission had its object in the endeavour to prepare these poor children to make their way in the world. She commended it to those who were present, and she earnestly hoped that the goods so tastefully set forth in the room would find ready purchasers. The flowers would cheer the homes of the purchasers in the forthcoming Christmas, and the money expended in the purchasing of them would go to cheer the hearts of the humble workers. Of course it was easy to obtain flowers in the summer time, but in the winter, if it were not for the mission, these poor children might starve. She then formally declared the show open. The report was then raid to the meeting. The Eeason had been a jnrftry hard one for the mission, on account of the bad t weather and the scarcity of flowers. The Penny Bank which bad been established had been a great success. During the past year there were 1284 depositors with a balance due to them of £680. An evening school had been opened, and had been well attended by the youth of both sexes. The clothing club had continued its operations, and the Band of Hope was still flourishing. No fewer than 15,869 children's dinners bad been given away, and a large number of open-air meetings had been held. The report concluded by earnestly asking for funds.

COWARDLY ASSAULT. At the Greenwich Police-court, John Hitchins, of Ammersham-vale, New-cross, wasoharged on a warrant with violently assaulting Clement Herring, clerk with Messrs. Barclay and Perkins, residing at Eastdown- park, Lewishran. On the night of the 2nd instant, the complainant and his wife were in a tramcar, at New-cross, when the former told a woman who had travelled beyond her distance what she had better do. The woman turned round and accused him of grossly insulting her, and in a few minutes the prisoner came up and hit him twice in the face. Prisoner refused to give his name and address, merely saying he was Charley Chiles, of Seven-dials," but complainant and another gentleman followed him. He then took out a pencil and wanted to make a desk of complainant's back, and otherwise insulted him. Ultimately, however, he gave his father's address, a summons was issued, but he failed to appear, and the magistrate granted a warrant, on which he was apprehended. Mr. Balguy said it was a cowardly and unprovoked assault, and ordered the prisoner to pay a fine of .£3, and £ 1 Is eosts, in default a month's imprisonment.