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@nr fonwn Cwrcspcitbfnt. rwe deem It righS to ataio this ws do not at all tisie; t identify otireelvas with car Correspondent's oplnioDL) Like a thunderbolt from a summer sky the news of the defeat and resignation of Mr. Gladstone's Ministry fell upon the country. The Government, with such a mighty majority only five years ago, has been broken to pieces like a potter's vessel. The Liberal absentees, whose votes would have saved the Administra- tion, have been taken to task for not having been at Westminster on the night of a critical division but the truth seems to be that the case is an illustration of the fable of The Shepherd Boy and the TV olf." One vote of censure after another had in the course of three months been beaten off—one by the narrow majority of only 14; still, there it was. So between fifty and sixty Liberals remained away, feeling that the Government was perfectly safe. An adverse majority of 12 was a rude re-awakening, and we have the singular spectacle of a change of Ministry within a few weeks of the death of a Parliament which will be prorogued only to be dissolved. Under these circumstances the coming general election will be regarded with greater interest than ever. Will the country decide to give the Conservatives a fair trial, or will it again gf ve place and power to the Liberal party ? 11 It will be borne in mind that each of the last three general elections has reversed tliii verdict of its predecessor. On this reasoning there would bo a Conservative triumph. But the great constituencies have been so cut up into divisions that. it is impossible to say how local influences will affect the result in the Parliamen- tary elections. Again, two millions of new voters have been added to the registers, and no mortal man can predict with safety how they will exercise the franchise. All is uncertainty, which can only be ended by the verdict of the people. The Ministerial crisis has spoilt the Queen's holiday, but her Majesty has too much sense of her public duties to hesitate aq to the course to be pursued. Her Majesty would have preferred not to come to Windsor till after the Ascot week, which is late this year just as the Derby was late. But the Queen's Government must be carried on, and the Sovereign, therefore decided to return to Windsor as early a3 was practicable, to receive the resignations of the outgoing Ministry, and to hand' the seals of office over to the new one. Only once before during her long reign has the Queen been at Balmoral in a Ministerial crisis, and that was in 1866, when Earl Russell's Government was de- feated on a point of detail in connection with the Reform Bill. Then, as now, Mr. Gladstone announced to the House of Commons the resigna- tion of Ministers. If history were made out of the lines on the placards of the London evening papers, the com- pilation would be a remarkable one. A few weeks ago "Declaration of War" appeared in immense type, while '• expected" was printed very small. The same with Great Fire," in such letters as to suggest the Houses of Parlia- ment. A confiding speculator, on purchasing the journal, discovers that there has been a con- flagration in New York, the intelligence of which lias been conveyed in a three-line telegram. But The Inventions Exhibition in Flames is the latest specimen of ingenuity and exaggeration. There was a fire at the Indian Museum, which for the time created considerable alarm, but the Inventions Exhibitions was practically unin- jured. The Royal road to learning was well illustrated on the night when, in the presence of a dis- tinguished assembly, Prince Albert Victor was called to the bar and bench of the Middle Temple. The young Prince, like his father, is popular, and no one should grudge him such dis- tinctions if he cares to have them. The splendid hall of the Middle Temple is historically famous from the fact that it was there Queen Elizabeth was accustomed to hear Shakespeare read his plays. The Middle and Inner Temple Halls are well worth seeing and so are the gardens just now. The Benchers have throvm these open from six to nine o'clock in the evening, and they are the resort of hundreds of poor children from the immediate neighbourhood, to whom it is the only open space of grass land to be seen. The benchers of Lincoln's-inn have been often memorialised to throw open for a limited num- ber of hours daily the vast square known as Lincoln-inn's-fields, but thus far these efforts are without success. The fine weather, coming so soon after the heavy rains, has been very welcome to cricketers, and the condition of the ground is now splendid. The struggle for the county championship this year will be a keen one. Surrey commenced the season very well, and up to the present they have lost only one match. This was against Gloucestershire, whose victory is all the more creditable when it is considered that they were unable to play their strongest team. Notting- ham, last year's champion shire, have so far been beaten in one engagement, but last year their record was all victories. They have lately defeated an all English eleven by an innings and forty-six runs, but the latter was by no means a represen- tative team. Two of the most prominent absentees were Mr. W. G. Grace and Mr. W. W. Read, who were unable to be present as they had to play for their respective sides at the Oval. At the end of this, or the beginning of next month, Oxford and Cambridge and E ton and Harrow will meet at Lord's, and decide two of the greatest and most fashionable events of the season. Hospital Sunday in London is always the second or third Sunday in June, when the town is full and the season may be called at its best. This year appeals were made to 1600 congregations, and the sum expected to result is about £ 48,000. This is of course a considerable sum, but no more than might reasonably be anticipated from the vast population of the metropolis. The work of the committee of appropriation is often a thankless one. Some of these great institutions of the capital get nothing from this fund at all simply because they do not want it—Guy's and St. Bartholomew's for instance. Others which are not endowed, and depend on voluntary con- tributions, would like much more than can be allotted to them. On the whole however the work is performed to the satisfaction of all. G. R.
VESTRYMEN'S REFRESHMENTS.
VESTRYMEN'S REFRESHMENTS. At a recent meeting of the Clerkenwell Vestry, Mr. Churchwarden Pierpoint presiding, Mr. Kelly moved that an additional £ 50 be drawn to pay outstanding accounts for vestrymen's refreshments. Ho said that since August 3, 1883, there had been a drink bill owing the London Spa. Although vestrymen guzzled," they didn't like paying (oh), and he moved that a cheque be drawn to pay outstanding accounts for vestrymen's refreshments. Since the quinquennial assessments had been on, the committee had dined lavishly three times a week, and one member's wife had said that the Yestry had been almost keeping her husband. He did not wonder at the scramble to be on the assessment co.'mmttee. The motion was not seconded.
MüSIC, SCIENCE, AND INVENTION.
MüSIC, SCIENCE, AND INVENTION. To Colonel Mapleson and Mr. C. B. Harness belongs the credit of a new idea in musical entertain- ments. Who has not felt the tedium of a long wait between the parts at a concert? Let music, however, ally her forces with those of science and commerce, the whole svstem of concert-giving is at once revolu- tionised. Judging from the brilliant success of a performance given at St. James's-hall, London, by the above-named gentlemen, one may form a toler- ably accurate notion of the style of entertainment which may become the fashion under the new regime. Music will, as heretofore, supply the attraction for the first and second parts of the evening but science, commerce, and perchance politics, will be brought into play to occupy profitably that space of time which tradition has devoted to refreshment and frivolous conversation. The novelty at the recent concert consisted in an address given between the parts bv Dr. Carter Moffat upon his invention of the Ammonia phone." In the course of his remarks, Dr. Moffat incidentally mentioned the fact that it had been tried by Royalty and also by Mr. Gladstone. The mention of the Premier 3 name was the signal for an outburst of applause, accompanied by counter mani- festations, which bad the effect of interrupting the lecture for an appreciable space of time. Hereupon Dr. Moffat, travelling for a moment outside the range of the subject he had undertaken to discourse upon, oxpressed it as his opinion that Mr. Gladstone was not only the Prime Minister, but the primest Minister England had ever had-a view which was vociferously cheered and hissed. The concert pro- ceeded with the appearance of Madame Marie Roze, Madame Lablache, Signor Carpi, and Signor Marini in the quartet from Rigoletto, Un di si ben." Of the artists who assisted at the concert it is impossible to speak in any but the highest terms. It is easy to understand the enthusiasm aroused by such singers as those mentioned, and by Madlle. Desvignes, Miss Kate Flinn, Mr. Herbert Reeves, Signor Novara, and Mr. Arthur Oswald, as well as by such instru- mentalists as Signor Papini, Signor Tito Mattei, Mr. John Thomas, and M. Albert. The band of the Scots Guards also attended, and performed a number of selections. There was a fashionable gathering, completely filling the hall in every part, and after- wards a distinguished company had supper upon the invitation of Mr. Harness.
THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS.
THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS. The disastrous division on the Customs duties which last week brought about the resignation of Mr. Gladstone, was attributed in some quarters to the laxity of the Government Whips, with the result that Lord Grosvenor published the following defence of himself: "There appears to be an impression that only ordinary efforts were made by me to give sufficient notice to our supporters in the House of Commons that their attendance in the House would be urgently required on Monday evening. The public will be able to judge from the following statement of facts what grounds there are for this impression. By Friday's evening post a special four-line whip, of which the following (1) is a copy, was sent to the country address of every M.P. who was not in town on that day, with the exception of two or three members, who according to expectation would not support the Government in their Budget proposals. A similar whip was sent to the town address of every M.P. who was in London. This was recaived by them in due course by the first post on Saturday morning. On Saturday morning I telegraphed (A) to every absent member whose whip could not reach him in sufficient time by post to enable him to return in time for Monday evening. On Monday morning a four-line whip (2), of which a copy is enclosed, was issued in the usual manner, and on the same morning before noon I telegraphed to every member who was still absent from town, and who could by any possibility return in time, in the following terms Pray be up this evening without fail; ten o'clock will do.' The whips were printed on the ordinary-sized note-paper, the larger size being only used when there are either two subjects to be mentioned or the smaller size will not contain the necessary information." No. 1. MOST IMPORTANT. Your attendance is most particularly requested in the House of Commons on Monday next, June 8, when Sir M. Hicks-Beach will move his amendment to the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill. June 5,1885. R. GROSVENOB. (A) TELEGRAM DISPATCHED SATURDAY MORNING. Please be here without fail on Monday evening. Most important division on Hicks-Beach's amend- ment on Budget Bill. No. 2. MOST IMPORTANT DIVISION. Your attendance is most earnestly and particularly requested in the House of Commons on Monday, June S, on Sir M. Hicks-Beach's amendment on the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill. R. GROSVZNOR. LORD SALISBURY UNDERTAKES TO FORM A CABINET. The resignation of Mr. Gladstone having been accepted by the Queen, Lord Salisbury was sum- moned to Balmoral. His lordship left London on Friday night. The Queen's messenger arrived in London from Balmcral on Saturday morning, and drove at once to Downing-street with her Majesty's despatches, which were, without delay, placed before the Prime Minister. At Balmoral on Saturday Lord Salisbury accepted, at the hands of the Queen, the task of forming a Con- servative Cabinet, in which he will hold the office of Prime Minister. The acceptance took place without conditions, and Lord Salisbury, who alighted at Hat- field on Sunday morning, came to London on Monday for the purpose of conferring with Sir Stafford North- cote in the first instance, and afterwards with other leading colleagues. Sunday's Court circular contains the subjoined: "The Marquis of Salisbury had an audience of the Queen previous to leaving Balmoral, and has accepted office." The correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, describ- ing his lordship's return journey, states Lord Salisbury left Balmoral Castle about two o'clock on Saturday afternoon in one of her Majesty's carriages for Ballater, where he joined the Queen's Messenger special train; and arrived at Aberdeen at half-past four. There a considerable crowd had assembled. His lordship, when he alighted on the platform, was met by Sheriff Irvine, of Drum, convener of the county, and Colonel Innes, of Learney. There was a hearty cheer raised as he passed along the platform t3 join the south-going mail train, which left at 4.40 p.m., and reached Perth at 7.15. Here another crowd had gathered, and his lordship, in passing to the refreshment-room, was enthusiastically cheered. Having dined, he departed by the East Coast train, being again loudly cheered. At Grahamstone Sta- tion, near Falkirk, there wall a similar demon- stration. A stoppage of five minutes was made, during which calls were made for A speech," but the noble marquis simply bowed his acknow- ledgments, and the train moved on amid renewed cheers and slight hooting, mingled with some cries of "Gladstone for ever." His lordship reached the Waverlev Station, Edinburgh, at about a quarter-past ten o'clock. There also a crowd had assembled in expectation of his arrival, and upon the train drawing UD he was enthusiastically cheered. He was met by Mr. J. H. A. Macdonald, Dean of Faculty, and former Conservative Solicitor-General. His lordship, ¡ on leaving the railway carriage, walked arm-in-arm with Mr. Macdonald to the east refreshment-room, followed by the crowd, who cheered and waved their hats. The throng hastened into the refreshment- room, which was soon filled, and there were cries for A speech," but the marquis retreated into a side- room, where he bad tea. When he left the refresh- ment-room his lordship was again cheered, and fol- lowed to his carriage, where the crowd remained till the train left for the South at 10.40. The recep- tion was most enthusiastic throughout. Again at Berwick there was cheering, and calls for Salis- bury," hut bis lordship made no appearance. The remainder of the journey was without incident until remainder of the journey was without incident until the train arrived at Hatfield, where it was specially stopped in order to allow his lordship to alight. He at once proceeded to Hatfield House in a carriage which was awaiting him. The arrival being quite un- expected, except by the railway officials, scarcely any I persons were on the platform when the train drew up. A hearty cheer was, however, raised by those pas- sengers who recognised the noble Marquis as he left the station. In anticipation, doubtless, of his return Lady Salisbury and family went down to Hatfield from London about midday on Saturday, while Mr.Beresford- Hope,M.P.,whoisrelatedto the noble marquis by mar- riage, also proceeded there in the course of the even- ing. Mr. A. J. Balfour, M.P., Lord Salisbury's nephew, and formerly his private secretary, who bad also been communicated with by telegram from the north, travelled to Hatfield by the train leaving King's-cross at five minutes after midnight on Satur- day. During Sunday communications with leading members of the Conservative party passed between London and Hatfield through the medium of special messengers. In the course of the morning Mr. Henry Manners (son of Lord John Manners), who is Lord Salisbury's private secretary, arrived at Hatfield, and, after a prolonged interview with the noble marquis, returned to town by the 2.35 p.m. train. He imme- diately proceeded to Sir Stafford Northcote's house in St. Jaines's-place, and subsequently Mr. Rowland Winn, the Conservative whip, had an interview with Sir Stafford, as had also the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Lord Rowton, Mr. E. Stanhope, and other well-known Conservative leaders. THE PROBABLE MINISTRY. A good deal of the preliminary work required before the installation of a new Government is already' completed. Without claiming to be authoritatively inspired, a contemporary presents the following list of the Conservative Ministry, with the fullest as- surance that it will prove accurate in all essentials: First Lord of the Trea-1 sury and Foreign Sec- L Lord Salisbury. retarv J Cluster <)t U» IMw-j gir sla6ord Sortheoe6k Colonial Secretary Sir M. Hicks-Beach. War Secretary. Colonel Stanley. Indian Secretary. Lord Randolph Churchill, First Lord of the Admi-") ttt tt a -iu ralty j Mr" W.H.Smith. Heme Secretary Mr. Gibson. Lord Chancellor Sir Hardinge Giffard. President of the Board 1 ,r of Trade ] Mr. Stanhope. Secretary for Ireland. Mr. R. Bourke. President Local Govern-1 -n T> n > Mr. Raikes. ment Board j Postmaster-General Lord John Manners. Attorney-General Mr. Gorst. Solicitor-General Mr. Edward Clarke. LCoundrrident °f th6} Lord Cranbrook. Lord Privy Seal Lord Carnarvon. Among the minor offices, Mr. Chaplin will probably fill that of Chief Commissioner of Works, and Lord George Hamilton the Vice-Presidency of the Council. On Saturday afternoon Mr. Gladstone, accom- panied by Mrs. Gladstone, drove to the residence of a friend at Coombe, near Kingston, whence he re- turned on Monday. Other members of the late Government were at their various offices on Saturday, but were chiefly engaged in making ready for the advent of their successors. With regard to the amount of support which the new Administration may expect to receive from their predecessors in office, it is stated that two prominent members of Mr. Gladstone's Government have declared that Conservative Members will obtain no guarantees from them, but must be prepared to face the diffi- culties which they have brought upon themselves. According to the Press Association considerable difference of opinion prevails amongst the Radical party upon this point. Some independent Radicals do not conceal their intention to criticise very closely in Parliament the doings of any Conservative Govern- ment which may be formed. The more general dis- position, however, among the rank and file of the Radical members is to use their influence in favour of giving fair play to any statesmen who may be called upon to conduct public affairs during the short interval which will precede the general election. I CONFERENCE OF CONSERVATIVE LEADERS. The Marquis of Salisbury arrived at his town residence in Arlington-street shortly before noon on Monday from Hatfield. Mr. A. J. Balfour, M.P., who bad left by an earlier train,' met Lord Salisbury at King's-cross and accompanied him from the station to his residence. Shortly after their arrival Sir Stafford Northcote and Mr. Rowland Winn, the senior Conservative whip, called at Lord Salisbury's house, and were followed in quick suc- cession by the Earl of Carnarvon, the Earl of Harrowby, Sir R. Cross, Viscount Cranbrook, Lord John Manners, Mr. W. H. Smith, Sir Michael Hicks Beach, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, and Lord George Hamilton. The meeting, at which it is understood the Conserva- tive leader explained to his colleagues the nature of the communications he had bad with her Majesty, and discussed with them the conditions upon which he could carry out the Queen's commands to form an Administration, lasted nearly two hours. Lord Salis- bury subsequently communicated with her Majesty by telegraph. Mr. Gladstone arrived at Downing-street on Monday morning from Coombe Warren, and had an interview with Sir Henry Ponsonby, who was stated to have been the bearer of a further communication from her Majesty. Contrary to expectation, Lord Salisbury was un- able to be in his place in the House of Lords at the brief sitting which took place prior to their lordships adjourning until Friday next. There was no unusually large attendance when the House met. The front Oppo- sition bench was occupied by:the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, the Duke of Northumberland, Viscount Cran- b'-ook, the Earl of Harrowby, Earl Beauchamp, and Viscount Bury. On the Ministerial bench were Earl Granville, the Earl of Derby, Earl Sidney, the Earl of Rosebery, and Lord Monson, while among the other peers present were the Dukes of Devonshire and Somer- set, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishops of Winchester and Carlisle. Apparently there was some hesitation as to what the course of procedure should be, and Lord Monson crossed the floor of the House and conferred with Lord Cranbrook. When be bad returned to the Government bench Lord Cran- brook rose and moved the adjournment of the House until Friday, on which day he observed Lord Salis- bury hoped to make a statement. Lord Granville briefly assented, and a few minutes later the House rose.
DEATH OF PRINCE FREDERICK…
DEATH OF PRINCE FREDERICK CHARLES. Prince Frederick Charles expired at a quarter past ten on Monday morning at his castle of Glienicke, near Potsdam, having the previous day had a paralytic seizure. Prince Frederick Charles, known in Ger- many as the Red Prince," was born on the 20th of March, 1828, and was consequently in his 58th year. His father was Prince Charles of Prussia, third son of King Frederick William III., and younger brother of the Emperor of Germany, and died in January, 1883, in his 82nd year. Prince Frederick Charles devoted himself to the art of war, and paid special attention to cavalry. He took part in the war with Denmark in 1864, and two years later in the war in Bohemia, where he gave evidence of considerable military capacity. When the Emperor Napoleon III. declared war against Prussia Prince Frederick Charles received the command of the 2d Army Corps of the German Confederation, with which he crossed the Saar on the 8th of August, heading himself a reconnaissance ora French territory two days after the assault on Spicheren, which had been suc- cessfully carried out by General Goeben commanding a portion of the Army Corps of General Steinmetz, who came up and took the command in the evening. The Prince's corps and that of General Steinmetz formed a junction and were engaged together in the operations around Metz for the next few days, which culminated in the great battle of Gravelotte in which the French were rolled back and shut up around their strong fortress. The Prince was then left in command round Metz, while the remainder of the German army marched towards Chalons and destroyed all hope of relief for Metz by taking the Emperor and the whole French army prisoners at Sedan. After a siege of seventy days Marshal Bazaine was forced to capitulate, giving up an army and a fortress hitherto esteemed impregnable. In recognition of this success Prince Frederick Charles was advanced to the rank of Field Marshal, at the same time as the Crown Prince, the first Princes of Prussia who had held this rank. The army of the Prince being thus relieved, they were sent to protect the forces then besieging Paris, and to drive off General Chanzy, who threatened these forces in the rear. Prince Frederick Charles, with a force small in numbers but very rapidly moved and skilfully handled, drove Chanzy's forces out of Orleans and Le Mans, and finally from the whole line of the Sarthe. It is true that the French troops were merely raw levies, but the rapidity of the movements of the German corps was remarkable in the severe weather that prevailed, and it must be admitted that the Red Prince contributed in no mean degree to compel the surrender of Paris. The Prince married in 1854 the Princess Mary Anne, daughter of the Duke of Anhalt-Dessau, and leaves a son, Prince Frederic Leopold, and three daughters, of whom the eldest, Princess Mary, married, firstly, Prince Henry of the Netherlands, who died in 1879 and, secondly, the Prince Albert of Saxe-Altenburg; the second. Princess Elizabeth, is married to Augustus, Hereditary Grand Duke of Oldenburg; and the youngest, Princess Margaret, is Duchess of Connaught.
THE MONTE CARLO SCANDAL.
THE MONTE CARLO SCANDAL. The Times says: After the fashion of all noxious things, Monte Carlo resists the action of those who, all over the civilised world, wish to see it abolished. I am, however, able to publish documents which give some reason to hope that its end is approaching. The first is the copy of a letter addressed by Mr. H. Thompson, President of the International Associa- tion, against the gaming tables in Monaco, to M. Schoelcher of the French Senate, reporter of tho committee on the petition against the tables. It is as follows: "May 18, 1885. M. Schoelcher, Sir,-As the question of public gambling at Monte Carlo will soon be brought by you before the French Senate for discussion by that illus- trious House, allow me to furnish here a brief resumt of the efforts of this Association, in the sincere hope that your hands may be strengthened on becoming acquainted with the exact situation of affairs, and that you may be encouraged to lend your powerful influence in bringing about the abolition of public gaming in Monaco. At the commencement of the campaign the Presi- dent of the Association had an interview with tho King of Italy and a short time ago one of our mem- bers had audiences of his Majesty and of his Holi- ness the Pope. On both occasions tho King ex- pressed himself as strongly opposed to public gaming in Monaco: and the Pope stated that it was his desire that the Casino at Monte Carlo should be suppressed, as a source of grave injury to the souls of men. The German Government, through Count Munster, has assured the President of this Association of .its sym- pathy with the movement, and of its wish to see the gambling institution in Monaco abolished. In reply to an interrogation recently made in the Italian Par- liament by Signor Berco, his Excellency Signor Man- cini, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that Italy would be prepared to co-operate with any of the Powers taking the initiative. In a communication addressed to the President on the Monte Carlo ques- tion, Signor Mario Minghetti writes, If France will take in hand this great question, I have no doubt that Italy will not fail to support her.' His Excellency the President of the United States writes The efforts of the International Association for the suppression of the gaming-tables in Monte Carlo have the President's earnest sympathy and encouragement; and he anticipates that a perusal of the book Monte Carlo and Public Opinion' will deepen the interest that he feels in the success of these endeavours.' "The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone writos to the President of this Association:— I am glad to learn that your efforts for the suppression of gaming-tables at Monte Carlo seem to have met with a favourable reception.' Thus the Governments of Italy, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States, the Sovereigns of Europe, many eminent statesmen, and the unanimous consensus of public opinion are all in favour of this movement, and all eyes are turned to the great French nation to see whether it will not at once put down a source of such untold misery and disaster, defiantly practised on its frontier by a band of un- scrupulous men, sheltering their crimes under the regis of a petty prince, who prefers a revenue from a public tripot to those legitimate methods which enhance the common weal of individuals and nations. "We look to you, sir, as the exponent of a righteous cause, and if you denounce an evil which exists to the detriment of your beloved county, and of the visitors who flock to the Mediterranean health re- sorts. you will earn the admiration and gratitude of multitudes of our fellow creatures.—I have the honour to be, &c., H. THOMPSON." The following is the reply of M. Schoelcher to Mr Thompson: I hasten to reply to the very interesting letter of the 18th of May which you have dons me the honour to write to me. I participate in your horror of the frightful and homicidal gaming-tables carried on by a crowned Prince in Monaco. The committee intrusted with the petition asking for their suppression will shortly make its report. It is unanimous in thinking that the honour of the country, and respect for general morality, compel our Government no longer to tolerate the criminal enterprise which disgraces a fragment of French territory. There is no doubt that the Senate will manifest the same feeling, by sending the petition to our Minister of Foreign Affairs. We have every reason to hope, I am glad to say, that he is about to take the matter in hand.—I am, &c., V. SCHOELCHER."
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The Duke of Edinburgh, Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, presided at its annual dinner, held on Saturday evening. The Prince of Wales, Prince George of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, the Maharajah of Johore, and several Ministers were among the company. Sir Staf- ford Northcote proposed the toast of the Prince and Princess of \Vales and the rest of the Royal family, to which the Prince of Wales responded. The toast of the evening was proposed by Mr. W. H. Smith, M.P., ani responded to by the Duke of Edinburgh, who gave some account of the work of the Trinity House for the past year. Other speakers were the Duke of Cam- bridge, the Earl of Northbrook, the Earl of Derby, and Sir W. Harcourt.
FIRE AT THE INVENTIONS I EXHIBITION.
FIRE AT THE INVENTIONS I EXHIBITION. A fire of an alarming character, which at one time j threatened the destruction of the International Inven- tions Exhibition, and which has resulted in the burning out of the entrance hall and one wing of the Indian Museum, broke out on Friday morning. The Indian Museum adjoins the Exhibition, and at the corner, close to the entrance hall of the latter, it was first discovered by Mr. Richards, one of the superin- tendents, who saw flames ascending from the roof. This was at a quarter to twelve. An alarm was im- mediately given, and without any delay the firemen of the Exhibition, under Colonel Festing, R.E., got to work, being rapidly followed by fire-engines from all parts of London, which were summoned by tele- graph Captain Shaw, together with his second officer, Mr. Simonds, were soon on the spot, and directed the operations, which were so successfully conducted that by two o'clock,all danger of the flames spreading to the Inventions Exhibition was at an end. As soon as the news spread immense crowds of people flocked from every direction, and there was for a time a scene of wild excitement, as all sorts of reports were in circulation as to the extent of the fire. A large force of police soon arrived, and the crowd was kept back, leaving a large clear space in the Exhibition-road for the engines to work. The things packed in the Indian Museum being of a very dry character the flames soon spread, going rapidly along the wing until they reached the Museum Entrance Hall. The attention of the firemtn was directed to keeping them within this space, and after a tremendous struggle this was effected. At half-past one there was a moment of intense excitement, as flames were seen to break through the partition on the right of the entrance hall of the Inventions Exhibition, the jury-room of which had been already attacked. In the Exhibition are a number of Harden star hand-grenades, and hundreds of these were thrown both on the flaming woodwork of the partition and into the flames. A hose was at once, too, set to play on it, and in a very few minutes the immediate danger had passed. Firemen were posted on every point of vantage, including the upper windows of the City Guilds Technical Institute and the roof of the Exhibition, as well as upon escapes and the American extension ladder," which had been brought up for the purpose. The Prince of Wales, attended by Colonel Clarke, was early on the scene, and watched the operations in company with the Marquis of Hamilton and Mr. Birkbeck. The Princess, later on, also paid a short visit, and, like the Prince, bad an immense reception from the crowd. The Duke of Cambridge afterwards arrived. Nothing is yet known for certain as to the origin of the fire. The fire having been successfully got under by two o'clock, a portion of the entrance hall of the exhibition was roped off for the convenience of the firemen, and the public were admitted between three and four o'clock. With the exception of a few minutes just after the outbreak the subway was kept open during the whole time the fire was burning, and visitors were allowed entrance as usual. The total loss is comparatively small, as all the most valuable articles were removed from the Indian Museum upon the first outbreak. What loss there is will fall upon the Northern Insur- ance Company. Throughout the afternoon the visitors were very numerous, but there was very little for any- one to see of the damage, as the fire was confined within such small limits.
MYSTERIOUS DEATH IN A COMMON…
MYSTERIOUS DEATH IN A COMMON LODGING-HOUSE. Mr. Carter held an inquest, at the Crown Tavern, Church-street, Lambeth, on the body of a man (name unknown) who was discovered dead in the kitchen of a lodging-house, under strange circumstances. The wife of William Diamond, a registered lodging-house keeper at 49, Wandsworth-road, deposed that the deceased, who was a German by birth, had, on and off, slept at their premises for the last two years, and he had always passed in the name of Adoff Tietzen but he was known also by the cognomen of "Long Fred and Ted the German." Of late the deceased had worked as a labourer at the London Gas Works, Nine Elms-lane, and last Tuesday night, having par- taken of some meat and potatoes for his supper, he went upstairs to the bedroom. Witness next saw him earlv on Wednesday morning, when he was lying on the floor of the kitchen, and quite dead. In further reply to the coroner, the witness said that the deceased occupied a bed to himself, but three other lodgers slept in the same room. Witness did not hear any disturbance or commotion during the night. The deceased had never complained of any affection. James Darbin, a carman, said he had known the deceased for nine years, and for some time past had occupied a bed in the same room. Last Wednesday morning witness went downstairs to light the fire shortly after four o'clock, as was his usual practice, and on entering the kitchen—which is situated at the back of the house—he was alarmed at finding the deceased lying on the floor with his feet outside the back door, which was open. On the arrival of Dr. Milton life was pronounced extinct. In answer to a juryman, witness said the deceased always appeared in good health, and had not complained. There was nothing found to lead to the supposition that he had destroyed himself. No medical evidence was called, and jury, in reply to the coroner as to whether the case should be adjourned for a post-mortem examina- tion of the body to be made, replied in the negative, and returned a verdict of Death from the visitation of God."
A ROYAL HOUSEMAID IN TROUBLE.
A ROYAL HOUSEMAID IN TROUBLE. Margaret Slater, 49, housemaid at Buckingham Palace, was charged at Westminster with stealing a hand-bag and red plush reticule, value 14s. 8d., from Gorringe's, Buckingham Palace-road. Charles F. Feltham, assistant in the employ of the prosecutor, said he was engaged in a department called the Bazaar." About five he saw prisoner carrying a leather bag open with a ticket on it. He watched her and saw her take a plush reticule and drop it in the bag. She then proceeded to the drapery department, and was near the door leading to ch.i street, when she turned round, and, seeing him close to her, said, I want some ribbons." She was shown to the ribbon counter, and before making any purchases was taken to Mr. Gorringe's room. She then said that she had bought the goods and she had the bill. She pro- duced a £5 note, but did not show any bill. Charles John Shuter, a buyer in the Bazaar, said his atten- tion was called to the prisoner by the last witness. At that time she was carrying the hand-bag open, and quite empty. He kept observation on her, and saw her take something red from one of the stalls. He was a little too far off to distinguish what it was, but he heard the bag snap after the article was dropped in it. Constable Wybrow deposed that on searching the prisoner a piece of sponge with Mr. Gorringe's ticket on it was round in the bag, in addi- tion to the reticule. She observed that it was a pity she had lost the bill. In her purse was a £5 note, besides other money. Mr. Rymer said the prisoner desired him to deny the charge. With her high cha- racter and important situation it seemed incompre- hensible that she could have deliberately stolen a few paltry goods. Miss Elizabeth Jane Thornton, head housekeeper at Buckingham Palace, said the prisoner was employed there as maid. She had been in the Queen's service fourteen years, and had always borne a high character. Mr. Sheil remanded the prisoner, and consented to accept Miss Thornton's bail in £40 for her future appearance. !—
ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS…
ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CONNAUGHT. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught arrived at Marseilles at nine o'clock on Saturday morning on board the Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam- ship Sutlej, and were received on landing by Mr. Perceval, the British Consul, accompanied by the Vice-Consul and M. Leroux, Secretary-General of the Prefecture, in the absence of the Prefect. Their Royal Highnesses left by the 10.40 a.m. express Clb route for London, and arrived at Dover on Sunday afternoon by the special mail packet Samphire. The news having obtained general currency in the town that their Royal Highnesses would arrive on Sunday afternoon, the whole length of the Admiralty Pier was crowded to excess with people, and ex- traordinary enthusiasm was evinced. On the vessel putting alongside, the Duke and Duchess, who were both looking extremely well, were seen standing on the bridge. A Royal salute was fired from the western heights, and Major-General Field- ing, C.B., commanding the South-Eastern District, immediately went on board to receive their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by his staff and the Mayor of Dover. A guard of honour was present on the pier, consisting of a company of the Middlesex Regi- ment and a company of the Roval Irish Militia. The Mayor of Dover, on being introduced to the Duke, offered his Royal Highness, on behalf of the Corporation as representing the townspeople, their most hearty congratulations on his return to Eng- land. The Mayor went on to say that the people of Dover regarded his Royal Highness with no ordinary feelings of loyalty, and referred to the Duke's two years' residence amongst them and to the time when he landed at Dover with the Duchess, when her Royal Highness set foot on English soil for the first time. His Royal Highness, in reply» sa^ th^ he was de- lighted to return to England, and especially to see Dover once again. He remembered Dover and its townspeople with the liveliest feelings of satisfaction, as it was there that he spent two of the most pleasant years of his life. His Royal Highness, after in- quiring as to the progress of several public works of local interest, then requested the Mayor to convey to the townspeople of Dover the thanks of the Duchess and himself for the welcome and great cordiality accorded to them on their arrival. Their Royal Highnesses, attended by their suite, left Dover at once by special train for Charing-cross, which was reached at a quarter to five o'clock in the afternoon. Awaiting their Royal Highness's arrival were the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Princesses Louise, Victoria, and Maud. Prince Christian, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of Cam- bridge, the Princess Mary Adelaide (Duchess of Teck), and Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar. A num- ber of other distinguished personages were in waiting to receive their Royal Highnesses, who received a most cordial welcome. The Duke and Duchess thee drove to Buckingham Palace.
|A HORRIBLE FRENCH TRAGEDY.
A HORRIBLE FRENCH TRAGEDY. The correspondent of the Daily Xevs writing on Sunday gave the following account of a trial which has caused much excitement in Paris: The Pel trial almost brings us back to the time when Morok, Rodin, la Chouette, and other villains of Eugene Sue's novels were believed in. If the jack of all trades and sciences, the watchmaker, the dabbler in chemistry and electricity, the ex-manager of the Delassements Comiques, &c., who has been several. days before the Assize Court of the Seine, is guilty of the murders laid to him, there is no doubt that he not only lacked sens moral, but the perception of what show of it the world required of him. It is also shown that he never told the truth. He did not swindle, but be often attempted to get on through false pretences, wore decorations to which he had no right, gave out that he had been rewarded by humane and scientific societies with medals and diplomas which they never granted. Was his absence of moral sentiment a part of lunacy ? He was once under treatment for that species of insanity which French doctors term La folie des grandeurs, and which often is the fore- runner of paralysis. Certainly he looked out for a wife, to use the words of a witness, as he might have looked out for a domesticated animal that he wanted to buy. Money was his sole aim in both his mar- riages, which were negotiated through matrimonial agencies. Yet he was satisfied with dowries that were hardly more than pittances. His want of sociability was oddly combined with levity of speech. His tongue was as lightly glib when he notified his mother's death to an acquaintance as when he spoke of the dis- appearance of a bonne. He worked for nothing but wealth, was intelligent, had business habits, and scientific tastes and acquirements. He was also stingy. Still he failed in all he put his hand to, and £1000 which his father left him was swallowed up in a theatrical venture. A theory of the police which has been only hinted at in the prosecution was that he weakened his victims by arsenic and then finished them by a strongly charged electrical battery. His mother had been ill before she died, as if from arsenical irritation but he said she killed herself in meddling with his electrical apparatus. The amount of arsenic found in the body of his first wife was not really very great, and he accounts for it by the fre- quent use she made of Fowler's liquid. On the day of her death Pel announced the event jocularly to an old Savoyard friend, also a watchmaker, and on being asked who watched the corpse said, Nobody—there not being any danger of its escaping through door or window. Pel has the head which Tony Johannot gave to Morok in his illustrations of Eugene Sue's novels. He has high cheek bones, phenomenally sunken and sharp eyes, which look out above gold- rimmed spectacles at distant objects, a long aquiline and dipping nose, thin moustachios, neatly trimmed and dipping at the ends, and a goatee beard. The lines about the mouth have a sardonic expression, and the chin shows weakness. Catherine de Medici's chin almost ran back into her neck," it was remarked to me when I noticed this last peculiarity of Pol. Monster or no monster, his answers were cool and to the point. He did not shuffle or seem nervous when a fresh witness came np. The pieces de conviction were not of a nature to strike the imagination, they being all in phials. Phial 1 contained soot from Pel's stove, phial 2 soot from another stove in which a carcase was burned, and phial 3 arsenic extracted from the body of the first wife. The absence of cocottes and cocodettes from this sensational trial was due to the refusals with which their applica- tions for admission were met by the presiding judge. Even when the Savoyard watchmaker who had been his fellow-apprentice and life-long friend advanced to depose against him, there was no wincing. This witness only gave evidence as to disposition, mendacity, absence of moral sentiment, as shown in levity in the presence of death and, on the day of the first wife's decease, in a chat about a collection which Pel had made of the hair of past mistresses. Pel's mother; Eugenie Meyer, an old maid who, with a little money which she had made as a theatrical dressmaker, who went to stay with him as houskeeper, servant, and possible wife and the first Madame Pel died of colic—for there is nothing proven about the electrical battery. A burly woman of 50, Marie Mahoin, who was also servant-of-all-work and companion, had when taken with a similar illness the happy thought to insist on being sent, to the hospital. She was there asked if she had not been trying to commit, suicide bv poison, which she stoutly denied. While she was under treatment her box, which she left at Pel's, was opened, and the lock of a coffret in it forced. A certain Eugenie Humbert, who had amassed a snug sum, and had, when young, obtained a rosiere's crown, was invited by Pel to replace his second wife. Madame Pel No. 2, who is still alive, but has not come forward at the trial, is a woman of good family, and is supposed to be in England with her mother, Madame do Murat. She quitted the conjugal domicile because her husband made her wretched with hia cross-grained temper and eccentri- city. He had married her to get hold of a few hun- dred pounds, which he represented would enable him to do a good business as a watchmaker. Eugenie Hum- bert declining his invitation, he asked Elise Boehmer, a Belgian servant, to come and place herself at the head of his forsaken home as his friend," housekeeper, and shop-assistant. She had saved a little money also, and it was proved that Pel negotiated for her a rente debenture for 500f. She lent him various small sums to enable him to move from Nanterre to Montreuil, near Vincennes. At least she said she did. Ap- parently she was a girl of some education. A letter read by the prosecution, which she wrote a few days before the illness that preceded her mysterious dis- appearance, is remarkable for the elegance of its French diction, and has no faults of spelling. It was addressed to a Madame Mariette, who knew about her savings, and thus ran "Dear Madam,- I hope to call on you on Monday, July 7. I have, alas! much to tell you about myself, but I cannot tell you all my troubles because they are too many. My position is precarious, and not a good one. I shall let you know what it is when I call, because you are the only person whom I know to whom I can confide my sorrows, and who will try to speak to me consolingly. I sought for friendship here, but have only received bitter words. Still I try to be resigned to my lot, though it is a sad one. Don't tell anyone my address, and I beg you not to write before I have seen you. I am very much cast down.—ELXRH BOEIIMER." On the 7th July she did not pay the visit because too ill to go out. No doctor was called, but a woman livine in the house came to look after her, and on the following Saturday told the neighbours that Elise was on her last legs, and had hardly a spark of life in her body. When this voluntary nurse went again to at- tend to the sick domestic she was told that she had gone away bag and baggage. As Elise was a good- natured soul, it was thought odd that she did not leave a message of thanks at least with the concierge for the kind neighbour. It was deemed still more strange when the porter and his wife said they had not seen her go. Her personal effects were dis- covered at Pel's after his arrest, and his behaviour subsequent to her disappearance, coupled with other circumstances, gave rise to the suspicion that she was murdered and her body consumed by fire. On the Wednesday after the day on which she was last seen, a stench emanated from the watchmaker's lodgings. Pel no longer opened the door when anyone rang at his bell, but looked out from behind a small sliding panel. The stench was succeeded by the sharper one of chloride of lime, in combination with an odour of burning flesh, which went on for a few days and nights. Thick smoke issued from the chimney of the stove. A watch of Elise Boehmer was lastly given by Pel to his apprentice. The donor said to whom it belonged, and added, "It's ever so much prettier than its former owner." Eugenie Meyer disappeared from Nanterre under circumstances analagous to those which marked the disappearance of Elise Boehmer from Montreuil. Nobody has seen her since, and she has given no sign. Effects of hers remained with Pel. Elise has been sought for all over France, Germany, Belgium, and Luxemburg. No cabman remembers having taken her from Montreuil. No stockbroker has since negotiated for her any of the debentures which she was known to have possessed. Her name is not registered in any hospital or the deadhouse of any mayoralty. Nobody has come forward to establish that she was alive after the Sunday of her disappear- ance. The soot of the stove was produced by animal fat. There were blood stains on the floor, but no conclusion can be drawn from that fact, Pel having been subject to bleeding at the nose. The Second Madame Pel (net Boislisle de Murat) only returned to the conjugal domicile after her husband's arrest to sell the furniture that he left there. He had a passion for art-furniture, and paid 2000 francs for an organ, the woodwork of which was admirably carved. The strange being used to play on this instrument for hours at a time. His musical genius was derived probably from the same hereditary source as that of Berlioz, who was his cousin. A scientific library and electrical apparatus were also sold by the wife, who has gone to join her family in England. They have been victims of terrible fatalities. Madame Boislisle de Murat, the mother, is fifty, but looks seventy-five. She is intelligent, highly accomplished, and was rich, beautiful, and the belle of Perigeux when young. M. Boislisle de Murat was a country gentleman near Brives, and lived there in fine style. He was so unfor- tunate as to let himself be drawn into a business which he did not understand and got ruined. He quitted France. The wife, who had four children, made over the greater part of her own fortune to the creditors, and with her daughter came to Paris to try and supplement a small annuity with an income derived from work. Madame Pel learned watch- making. Her eldest sister was married before the family disaster, and her husband, M. de Toulzac, went out of his mind on learning of it. The eldest son enlisted. An old friend one day met him, and treated him to champagne. On returning to barracks his captain accused him of drunkenness, and he slapped him in the faco. For this he was shot under a military sentence. Another son got drenched m seeking on a wet day for employment, and died of consumption. The crowning misfortune was the marriage of Angele, the youngest daughter, with Pel. She thought she could with him profitably exercise her handicraft- and is now the mother of a little girl six months old. After midnight on Saturday Pel was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was not indicted for maay of his suspected murders, but for that of his first wife. On this account he was acquitted. The medical «<xpert8, although arsenic was found in the bodv. declined to swear Dositivelv after the great lapse of time that she was poisoned. He was found guilty on strong circumstantial evidence, of murdering hia servant and intimate companion, Elise Boehemer. He possessed himself of her savings—1500 francs, She was last seen in his house, ill, emaciated, and suffering great pain. He told many contradictory stories about her disappearance, saying to some people that she was dead, and to others that she had gone away. Pressed by the Judge of Instruction, he mentioned some very distant cab station from which he said at her request he fetched a cab for her, but could not explain why ho did not get one nearer. The driver cannot be found, and none of the many neighbours saw any carriage approach the house on the day alleged. For three nights after the girl's disappear- ance fierce fires were seen blazing in Pel's stove up to eleven on hot July evenings. Several persons com- plained of the intolerable smells, like burnt putrid meat, emanating from his apartment. The floor.was found thickly strewn with chloride of lime, probably used to counteract the stench. Experts found it quite possible entirely to incinerate a dead body in a few hours in a stove the counterpart of that of Pel. Public opinion endorses the verdict. Nevertheless, several journals argue that, although it can scarcely be denied that Pel cremated the girl's body, and con- cealed the ashes, there is no proof that he murdered her. The jury probably were influenced by the great suspicion attaching to him in the other cases, and by the annotations in his chemical books, showing that he had greatly studied the actions of poisons.
A DONCASTER RECTOR ON LIBERALISM.
A DONCASTER RECTOR ON LIBERALISM. The following correspondence has been published by the Sheffield Independent St. George Gate, Doncaster, June 2, 1885. Dear Sir,—I am requested to ask whether the Church (or National) schools of your parish will be available for Liberal meetings, and upon what terms ? It is presumed, of course, that the sam9 treatment will be accorded to both the great political parties of the State.—Yours truly, "S. SniRLET BLACKBURNH." The Rectory, Adwick-le-street, Doncaster, June 3, 1885. Dear Sir,—I have long ceased to oe surprised at any piece of Radical impertinence nevertheless, I should have thought that common sense, if not self respect, would have prevented you from seeking to obtain the use of Church schools in a campaign in which Mr. Shirley and his satraps have not hesitated to attack and misrepresent the Established Church. You ask whether the Church school in this parish will be available for Liberal meetings ? I do not hesitate to reply certainly not.' It is presumed, of course,' you add, that the same treatment will be accoided to both the great political parties of the State.' Well, as far as I am concerned, you may once and for ever disabuse your mind of any such absurd presumption. On the grounds that I should enter- tain an honest man where I should refuse admission to a thief, I shall lend my rooms, if required, to the Conservatives, and refuse the use of them to Radicals, as I can only associate the latter with bribery and plunder. Indeed, I should a,most as soon think of allowing Bradlaugh to occupy my pulpit as Mr. Shirley to hold a meeting in my schools.—Yours truly, St. George Gate, Doncaster, June 6, 1885. "Sir,—I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd inst., and regret that the monopoly which you wish to establish for the Conservative Party, in the use of the national schools of your Earish, leaves me no alternative but to appeal to a igher authority. The schools are, I am informed, in receipt of Government grant, or, in other words, are largely supported by the taxation of the people and it is simply intolerable, under these circumstances, that tho Liberal Party which comprises the vast majority of the nation, should be denied advantages that are readily granted to their political opponents. With reference to the vulgar epithets which you apply to the majority of your fellow-countrymen, and to their selected candidate in this division, and the language which you seem to think consistent with the profession of a Christian minister, I am content to leave them to the judgment of public opinion, but they would hardly lead one to suppose that your con- gregation would lose much by the substitution (at which you hint) of Mr. Bradlaugh for yourself in the pulpit of Adwick Church.—Yours obediently, S. SlIIltLEY BliACKEURNE."
CRUELTY IN NAPLES.
CRUELTY IN NAPLES. Ouida," writes to a contemporary to draw atten- tion to the horrible cruelty to animals practised in Naples. Referring to the frightful fact that all animals whose skins are worth a centime are skinned alive in that city, "Ouida" says: Old horses, young kids and lambs, all dogs, cats, and rats are all skinned alive, because the skin when removed from the living creature is considered more supple and sells for a somewhat higher price. Dogs are seized by legalised municipal dog-stealers twice a day, are thrust pell- mell into a court, kept two days without food, and then half stunned with a stick, and while living flayed from head to tail. Horses in the knackers' yards there are allowed to drop from hunger as being less trouble than killing them, and when utterly exhausted are nailed on planks and flayed. The Camorra is so strong which protects all these wretches that no one dares move against them, while in the matter of the dogs, the municipal authorities are the first offenders, and wholly without excuse. At a moment when Italy is invited into Africa as a civilising Power,' I think these facts may as well be known. If anyone desires verification of them and will write to me privately I will place them in communication with parsons who can prove what I have stated above."
FUNERAL AND MOURNING REFORM.
FUNERAL AND MOURNING REFORM. The seventh annual meeting of the Church of Eng- land Funeral ancf Mourning Reform Association has been held, at tho London Mansion House. In the un- avoidable absence of the Lord Mayor the Earl of Dartmouth presided, and he was supported by the Bishop of Bedford, Canon Erskine Clark, the Rev. F. Lawrence (hon. secretary), the Rev. Mr. Hill, and other gentlemen. In opening the proceedings the secretary read the report. It commenced by stating the objects of the association, which are described as being to Christianise, simplify, and cheapen funeral and mourning ceremonial." It was impossible, the report declared, to legislate on the subject. What was wanted was the education of public opinion. The financial statement showed that the subscriptions and donations for the past year amounted to a little less than £200; while, as the expenditure amounted to a sum still smaller, there was a slight surplus to carry forward. Funds were urgently needed, and there eould be no doubt that if the association's income was five times the amount named the good work which the association did would increase pro- portionately. In moving the adoption of the report, the chairman strongly emphasised the soundness of the principles of the association, and characterised as absurd the elaborate trappings, plumes, crape bands, and weepers which had been, and still were in a lesser degree, present at funerals. He dwelt especially upon the ill effect which these costly apendages had in con- nection with the funerals of the rich, as they stimu- lated emulation among the poor, who entangled them- selves frequently in financial difficulties in their well- meaning endeavours to pay honour to departed rela- tives. Thus the chairman (as well as succeeding speakers) specially appealed to the rich to observe moderation and simplicity in their funerals. The report was agreed to, and the Bishop of Bedford suc- ceeded Lord Dartmouth as chairman of the meeting. The Bishop moved that It is desirable to promote a better appreciation of the idea of Christian burial.' He said that the one thing needed at a funeral was a devout and earnest rendering of the Church service. Music, and, in a moderate degree, flowers, might be included; but everything connected with the funeral itself should be quite plain and simple. Canon Erskine Clark seconded the resolution, and in the course of his remarks hinted that the Nonconformists had not shown themselves particularly alive to the importance of funeral reform. This led the secretary to read two letters, which he thought would show Canon Clark that his remark was not well founded. One was from Mr. J. Bright, M.P., and the other from Mr. S. Morley, M.P. Mr. Bright wrote: "One Ash, Rochdale, Feb. 3, 1885.—Dear Sir,—I heartily approve of your work, but must ask you to excuse me if I do not become a regular subscriber to your funds. I send you a small cheque. As to funerals, our religious society has always offered a good example to other sects and churches and to the public. But sects and churches and the public are slow at learning on this and some other matters.—Yours very sincerely, JonN BRIGHT." Mr. Samuel Morley wrote: 34, Grosvenor-street, W., June 10, 1885.—Dear Sir,—I am extremely sorry I cannot attend your meeting. I am in most hearty sympathy with you. There can be no doubt that an immense deal of social discom- fort and suffering is promoted by the present system at funerals; and I would thankfully co-operate in any effort to produce a better state of feeling on the subject. I believe that the public opinion of the country is thoroughly with you, and that those who feel most keenly on the subject would most thank- fully welcome a change that should be generally adopted. Many who are poor, but exceedingly sensi- tive, suffer greatly by the present system. I have great pleasure in enclosing a cheque for £ 10.—Yours truly, S. MonLEY.—Rev. F. Lawrence." The meeting closed with a vete of thanks to the Bishop of Bedford for presiding.
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FOREIGN LIVE STOCK AND FRESH MEAT.—The fol- lowing steamers arrived at Liverpool during the past week with live stock and fresh meat on board, from American and Canadian ports: Iowa, 514 cattle and 940 qrs. of beef; Mentmore, 513 cattle: Lake Superior, 658 cattle; Toronto, 396 cattle; Oxenholme, 455 cattle; Oranmore, 518 cattle; City of Rome, 1560 qrs. of beef and 300 carcases of mutton; City of Berlin, 1520 qrs. of beef and 250 carcases of mutton; Bnttannic, 780 qrs. of beef and' 150 carcases [of mutton; Oephalonia 1056 qrs. of beef; Baltic, 780 qrs. of beef and 100 car- casses of mutton; Wisconsin, 2680 qrs. of beef and 510 carcases of mutton; and Iberian, 420 cattle, 1539 qrs. of beef, and 60 carcases of mutton, making the total imports 3474 cattle, 10,855 qrs. of beef and 1370 carcases of mutton, which figures, in comparison with those of the preceding week, *how a further increase in the arrivals of both live stock and fresh meat.
THE ALLEGED GAMBLING CLITB.
THE ALLEGED GAMBLING CLITB. At the Marlborough-street Police-court, Lon^^ on Saturday, Frederick Marks, steward of the Ita^ Colony Club, 84, Charlotte-street, FitzrOY-Squa: Harry Gedda, the' manager and Alfred ?? the hall porter, were again charged on remand having used the said club as a common gamh"r* house. Three of the defendants—Michellini, » secretary of the club, Regus, and Fleischman, did jj°f surrender to their recognisances. Some f". evidence having been given, Mr. Wontner submitte that there was no proof before the Court that to club was a common gambling-house; that in order convict for a keeping a common gaming be shown that the establishment was kept for living, or lucre: that unlawful gaming implied bidden gaming, and that no proof had been given tba this club was U3ed for such purposes. Mr. Ne^0 said that, as he had mentioned a few days o £ 0' he was of opinion that the section of the of Parliament of Victoria was not to be altogether in connection with the Act of Henry VII1' Mr. Montagu Williams contended that the niag| trate was bound by the decision of Mr. Hawkins in the case of Jenks. Superintended Thompson, E division, in reply to Mr. Newton, sall7 the defendant Marks came under his notice eighteen months ago, at the St. Andrew's Cloj?f Holborn-circus, where gambling was carried on. J*8 abandoned that, and went to the Stanley Club In Holborn, and was cautioned by the police about per mitting baccarat. That club was closed in a f0* months, and he then went to a house in Gower-strefik where gaming and drinking took place, people remaining there the whole night. On one occasion 180 men were seen there in one night. From Go\fet" street Marks went to the Italian Colony Club. Mf. Newton said he had been informed that the case the first of the kind that had come under the 8th and 9th of Victoria before a police-court of the metrO" polis. He was asked whether the house in CharlotW* street was a common gaming-house, and whether unlawful game was allowed to be played there. Wit'J regard to the first point, he thought it was used as 9 common gaming house. There were balls, stable, and implements of gambling in the club; and, further* more, there was the obstruction on the part of Miof, hetta, the hall porter, to the police. Then came We second question, as to whether he was of opinion that baccarat was an unlawful game to play in anv common gaming-house, and he thought the defendants were guilty of the offence alleged against them. He w*9 of opinion that Marks and Gedda used this house 8' a common gaming-house, and he ordered Marks to pay a fine of £75; and Gedda to pay .£50. Witb respect to Minghetta, he appeared to have merely been a servant, but in consequence of his obstructing Eolice he was liable to a penalty of £ 100. He would ave to pay a fine of £ 20. Mr. Wontner asked magistrate to grant a case. Mr. Newton expressed his willingness to do so. After some conversation the defendants were liberated on their own recognisances, on the understanding that they are to appear neXt Wednesday, and find sureties (in double the amount of the penalties inflicted) to prosecute the appeal. .A. warrant was ordered to be issued for the apprehension of Michellini, one of the defendants who did not sut" render.
EPITOME OF NEWS.
EPITOME OF NEWS. BRITISH AND FOREIGN. Fresh cases of choleraic disease have continued to appear in various parts of Spain. The State of Panama has been declared under mat* tial law. Ready to depart on the morrow," was the subject of the late Mr. Paxton's Hood's last discourse. It is believed that the fine estate of Mr. LyDe Stephens, known as Lynford Hall, Norfolk, will be pUt" chased bv a member of the Royal Family.. The amended Barbadoes Bill legalising marriage wttb a deceased wife's sister has passed the Council, and arrived in England for the Royal sanction. A child, aged four years, has died at Leicester frotØ drinking oil of almonds, which his mother had pur- chased lor domestic purposes. The death, in Paris, is announced of M. LéoØ Reoier, the celebrated archaeologist, at the age of seventy-six. The number of men cow on board the ships of the Evolutionary Squadron has been increased to nearly 9000. Collections in aid of the Metropolitan Hospital Sunday Fund were made in more than 1600 places worship in London on Sunday. The annual inspection of the Corps ot Commission* aires took place on Sunday morning on the parade grour d of the Wellington Barracks, in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh. Intelligence has been reoeived from Candia that the Christian members of the Cretan Assembly hav8 approved the appointment of Savas Pasha as Governor and the danger of disturbance has been averted. Professor Fleeming Jenkin, J'rofessor of Engineering in the University of Edinburgh, has died very une** pectedly from blood poisoning, after undergoing ø surgical operation of a trivial kind. » Tho Vienna papers have decided, in consequence °* the new Sunday law, not to appear on Monday mofC* ing, but to issue a somewhat earlier evening editiOn. than usual on that day. A large waterspout burst on the night of the inst. in Mexico, not far from Lagon, and has great loss of life. One hundred and seventy bo_i, stated to have been picked up. Haymaking was commenced under exceedingly favourable conditions on Saturday in West Middled* The grass in places is very heavy, and with a continj1" ance of warm weather the crop will be harvested >° splendid condition. The Speke Hall, an Indian steamer, has been de- stroyed by a cyclone not far from Aden. Her geconil officer, who says he was the only person saved, picked up floating on a spar, and has been landed a Colombo. The Assistant-Commissionar of Police at Baku, waf stabbed with a dagger in the street, on Saturday, and mortally wounded. He expired an hour afterwards. The assassin escaped.. h Intelligence has reached Berlin, according to wbtcb Prince Frederick Charles (the Red Prince) had It stroke ut paralysis on Sunday morning at Glienlck8 Castle, affecting the whole of his right side. The Irish Report of the Royal Commission fot the Housing the Poor is being drawn up, but owing to the political changes which are now taking place, time is likely to elapse before the Commissioners wd* be able to consider it with a view to its adoption. a Immediately after the vote, when a change oJ Ministry become probable, five town houses were placed by their owners at Mr. Gladstone's disposal. understand that Mr. Gladstone ha» accepted the of the residence of Mr. Bertram Cusrrie, in Richmond" terrace. The Lauderdale peerage claim was again before tb8 Committee for Privileges of the House of Lords 00 Saturday. The evidence of some American witnessed having been taken, the further hearing was until the 8th of July. The results of examination, parts 1 and 2, in the Cambridge Mathematical Tripos, were announced o.n Saturday in the presence of a large and assemblage. The first wrangler is Mr. Arthur Berry, 0 King's the second, Mr. Augustus Love, of St. John s» and the third, Mr. Herbert Richmond, of King's. are two lady-wranglers—Miss M. E. Rickett and Mi8* B. Hewett. both of Newnham. A sad bathing fatality occurred late on Sunday aftero noon at Ushaw College, near Durham. Two youtb^j named Seed and Mclntyre, were bathing in the T& dam. Seed could swim, but not Mclntyre. got into a damp and swampy place, and was drowDI1I1f when Seed attempted his rescue. Mclntyre clung tignt to him that before further assistance arrived both were drowned. Both young men were wel* known, their parents being employed at the college and the calamity cast a deep gloom over the village 0 Hill Top, where they resided. A full court of fourteen judges met on Saturday hear a re-argument oi liegina v. Ashwell," which been heard by five judges who had disagreei It been heard by five judges who had disagreei It ø9 more than twenty-five years since the full court sat to consider a Crown case. Ashwell had asked for the loaP of a shilling from Keogh, who by mistake lent him It sovereign, which Ashwell changed and spent, and afte^J wards denied having had. It was urged that he not obtained the money by fraud or trick, and after lengthened argument, the court reserved judgmeat. A commencement was made on Saturday with work connected with the repair and preservation 0 Holy Trinity Church,. Stratford-on-Avon, which most interesting historical associations, and, as burial place of Shakespeare, is the object of interest. The estimated cost of the work is £ l2,00o* Nothing approaching wholesale restoration is intended' the work, which will be most carefully carried on*' being confined to one of needful repairs. To gain tb £ confidence of the public, the committee have the aid of the Society for the Preservation of Buildings. The fine Early Norman tower is to recei^0 first attention. The ancient doorway near Shaker peare's tomb will be opened to give access to the ne*[ vestry which it is proposed to erect on the site of tb0 old one. Messrs. Christie on Saturday brought to a close tb sale of the first portion of the Beckett-Denison collection, which included the pictures. A incident of the day was the disposal of the paintins by Rubens," Daniel in the Den of Lions," which Mr. Denison gave 5000 guineas at the Palace sale. It was now bought back on behalf of t ø Duke of Hamilton for 2000 guineas, his Grace clearing 3000 guineas by this transaction. The fitØ portion of the sale realised £47,795. 1; Sir Charles Dilke presided on Saturday evening the annual dinner of the Cobden Club; and he Mr. Chamberlain were the principal speakers on occasion. Both right hon. gentlemen referred, anJl-i great applause, to tha necessity of giving better lo*^ government to Ireland, Sir Charles Dilke whether it was not time to try a new departure, and see if the householders of Ireland are not as to rule themselves as the householders in Great Brita'jj The unfounded rumour that Lord Salisbury had to take office having reached the dinner table, Chamberlain declared that he received the news incredulous indignation. Admitting that the positi°i of the Conservatives was one of difficulty, he poiD^ out that "as they had made their beds so they lie." If they were willing to follow on the lines Liberal principles there was no reason why should not remain in Downing-street as until the new tenants were ready for a prolonged permanent occupation in November. A somewhat serious riot occurred at Genoa GD day. A number of clergy made a pilgrimage to a near the town, and returned at noon headed by a of music. It is asserted that some of their uttered cries of "Long live the Pope-King." •Liberals protested against this, and stones were on both sides. One individual received a blow stone on the head, and subsequently died of juries. Several other persons were also hurt i° yj* melee. The police and the military were obliged to terfere. and ultimately succeeded in restoring order.