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_.. @r¡y foafeii (dkrrapoitJcnt.
@r¡y foafeii (dkrrapoitJcnt. Fty* slfi £ TD it right to state tlet we do not at all t'me, '-selves with our Correspondent's >piiiions.3 The announcement on Saturday that Russia had accepted the terms of the English Govern- ment with regard to the Afghan frontier was a most welcome one after the prolonged suspense which had been experienced upon this very serious matter. Indeed, some impatience was beginning to be manifested at the long delay in receiving the reply of the Cabinet of St. Peters- burg to the despatch which had been forwarded to Sir Edward Thornton. An excellent test of the value of a piece of news is the effect which it produces on the Money Market, and on Saturday Consols, although already above par, closed ± better than they opened. Lord Beaconsfield was fond of using the word "happy" as applied to the termination of a difficulty, and it is hoped this is equally applicable to the close of negotia- tions which must have been a cause of over- whelming anxiety to the Premier and the Foreign Secretary. Earl Granville has spent the recess between Walmer Castle and Carlton House-terrace, coming up from Kent to read the despatches which had been received at the Foreign Office, and then returning to the residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Mr. Gladstone has passed his vacation quietly at Hawarden, and for once has steadily resisted the appeals ot bodies of excursionists to make speeches. "W hen it is remembered that the veteran statesman entered the public service more than fifty years ago, that at seventy-five he has the burden of a mighty empire upon his shoulders, and that the work of leading the House of Commons is now most trying and exhaustive, it will be admitted that he requires all the rest he can get. But he would not have had much peace if he had grati- fied every wish of the delighted tourists who in Whitsunweek admired the beauty of Hawarden- park and the position of the Castle. Another indication of the long-delayed approach of summer was given on Saturday by the first meet of the Coaching Club at the Magazine in Hyde-park. The meets of the Coaching Club and the Four- in-Hand Club are about the most popular sights of the London season. There is always a vast crowd at the Magazine, and Saturday is not a busy day with a large proportion of the popula- tion of London. The spectacle of five-and- twenty or thirty coaches, each with four horses of the best breed, and driven by representatives of the best families in the land, is one un- doubtedly worth seeing, and no surprise can be experienced at the multitude which assembles to witness it. At the Lyceum, "Olivia," by Mr. Wills, founded on an incident in the "Vicar of Wake- field," is drawing crowded houses. Mr. Irving, who takes the part of Dr. Primrose, has scored another great success. Miss Ellen Terry, as Olivia, acts with considerable grace, and it would be impossible to find a more suitable Squire Thornhill than Mr. Terriss. The minor parts are also well filled. The Promenade Concerts at Her Majesty's are now discontinued, and a grand spectacular Italian ballet, entitled Excel- sior has been produced. Mr. and Mrs. Ban- croft are giving their farewell performances at the Haymarket, prior to their retirement from the management of that house. The Silver King at the Princess's has been' discarded for Mr. G. R. Sims's pathetic play" The Lights o' London," one of his best productions. Mr; Sims has also another piece running at a London theatre, "The Last Chance" at the Adelphi. Peril still occupies the boards at the Prince's, with Mrs Langtry in the chief part, and the "Private Secretary" continues its career at the Globe. Those who wish to enjoy a good laugh should see the comedy Mr. Toole has produced at his theatre, "The Shuttlecock." This was commenced by the late Mr. H. J. Byron, but "the author died before its completion, and it was finished by Mr. J. Ashby Sterry. "The Can- didate at the Criterion, in which Mr. Charles Wyndham appears as Lord Oldacre, has lost none of its popularity. Drury-lane is at present closed, but on June 23rd Sir Julius Benedict gives his grand dramatic and musical benefit. The damage to the pictures at the Royal Academy is still a subject of controversy, which is divided between the contention whether the injury has been done by accident or design. On this point there is thus far no agreement, nor does one seem likely to be arrived at. The authors of the accident theory suggest nume- rous causes, some of these being of an amusing character. For instance two animals so totally dissimilar as cats and bats have been named as the authors of the mischief, but how a colony of either could enter Burlington House in sufficient force to scratch the splendid pictures of the artists is not clear. The supposition of malice does not agree with the fact that the paint is only abraded, and the canvas is not broken. This is held to be a strong point in favour of the accident theory. When, some time ago, the committee of the Gordon National Memorial proposed to devote a large sum of money to the erection of a hospital at Port Said, on the banks of the Suez Canal, the suggestion was very coldly received by the public. Inquiries have since been made by a sub-committee, and at a meeting held at Marl- borough House on Saturday, it was unanimously resolved to abandon the scheme. This course was supported by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, General Sir John Cowell, Sir Henry Acland, Cardinal Manning, and Lord Napier of Magdala. The committee will now have to decide what to do with the money which they have in hand, amounting to about £ 16,000. The task is not an easy one, and there is certain to be much criticism on whatever way the money is spent. But it is satisfactory to know that it is not to be taken to Port Said. The Horse Show at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, is always held in the week following the Derby, and it is one of the most popular institutions of the whole year. The leaping and jumping exercises attract vast numbers to the great building in the north of London. There is an element of excitement in them; hence the attendance. This exhibition is invariably a favourite with the members of the Royal Family. The Prince and Princess of Wales are generally there on the opening day, and such of the representatives of the reigning House as are in town go at other times and seasons. The familiar truth laid down in the old spelling book that the horse is a noble animal is perhaps better exemplified at a collection like this than under any other circumstances which can be suggested. G. R.
...--------FUNERAL OF VICTOR…
FUNERAL OF VICTOR HUGO. GREAT DEMONSTRATION IN PARIS. Writing from Paris the special correspondent of the Morning Post thus describes the obsequies to Victor Hugo on Monday: The weather to-day has continued to be warm and fine, while the heat has been less oppressive than might have been feared, being somewhat moderated by light clouds which have veiled the sun. Numbers of people slept in the open air last night, and in the early morning numerous groups of persons forming deputations might be observed going towards the Are de Triomphe, bearing colossal wreaths to be deposited beside the catafalque of the great poet. Meanwhile the troops were being massed together in response to the loud beating of drums, and at nine a.m. the scene around the arch was most animated. The arch was surrounded by a deep cordon of troops, while outside these an enormous crowd had already formed and continued still to increase. Before the procession formed 20 cars, each drawn by four horses, and loaded with memorial wreaths, started for the Pantheon. At the same time an ordi- nary hearse drawn by only two horses, driven by a coachman wearing a cocked hat, took its place at the top of the A\enue des Ely sees. President Grevy was not present, but was represented by General Pittie, who was attended by the military and civil members of the President's household. The members of the institute assembled rapidly, each in his full dress em- broidered costume of green and gold. The whole of the members of the diplomatic body were present, as were the various officials, the deputies, judges in their scarlet robes lined with ermine; the judges of the Supreme Court, in their picturesque black robes also furred with ermine; lawyers, in their black gowns; judges of the Tribunal of Commerce, as well as every literary and artistic celebrity in Paris. Theatrical deputations from Porte St. Martin, Theatre Francais, &c., arrived bearing splendid wreaths which were much admired, as was also a small and most tasteful wieath brought by Madame Sarah Bernhardt. The family of Victor Hugo, in- cluding the ladies, children, and several of his inti- mate friends, also arrived, and were conducted to places close to the coffin. To add to the animation of the scene, deputation after deputation still con- tinued to arrive each bearing a wreath. Many of the judges also continued to come up in their carriages escorted by troops on horseback. At half-past ten the band of the Garde Republique played Chopin's Marche Funebre in magnificent style, while its solemnity was enhanced by the whole crowd reverently uncovering. Every window and roof commanding a view of the scene was crowded. At a quarter to eleven M. Le Rover delivered a brief address lasting for about five minutes, which was loudly applauded, but which was not audible save to those who stood very near him. M. Floquet fol- lowed him, and was succeeded by M. Emile Augier- whose speech was very much admired for its fine and temperate eulogium of the great poet-M. Goblet, and lastly, M. Michelin. After this the procession began to move, headed by the literary societies. The hearse containing the body succeeded them, and was followed closely by the family and intimate friends of the poet. A flock of pigeons was then freed, the birds rising rapidly in air, and scattering in all directions, rejoicing in their new-found liberty. A salvo of artillery was fired, and the band striking up the Marseillaise," the whole proces sion moved on slowly, escorted by the troops. The police arrangements were excellent, and order was observed, though the crowds in the Champs Elysees were enormous. Even the trees were filled with gazers, and the tops of the kicsks as well as every available spot imaginable were occupied. The sun burst out brilliantly, and swords and helmets glistened along the line, while the bright wreaths and flowers borne along suggested the idea of a moving garden, and the piain, simple hearse stood out in marked and touching contrast with its sp'endid surroundings. The attitude of the crowd was quiet and dignified, and hats were reverently doffed as the hearse passed along. At the same time, they applauded with their hands the more noteworthy of the wreaths. On reaching the Place de la Concorde the scene presented was indescribable. Not fewer than 150,000 persons were there assembled. The roofs, the trees, the basins of the fountains, and the statues were all for the time converted into pyramids of human beings. The bridge was guarded by troops, and the quay might be seen below, present- ing a complete sea of upturned human faces, on which the sunshine and shadow played with marvellous effect. The crowd consisted for the most part of men in blouses and women in white caps, but they main- tained perfect order and made up by this for the scandal of the previous night. The steps of the Corps Legislatif were thronged, and in turning up into the Boulevard St. Germain the rougher element appeared, but, nevertheless, there was perfect order and calm, save for a hum of voices like the murmur of the ocean. No pen can describe the crowd. Every spot from which a glimpse of the procession could be had was thronged, and it moved on between living walls of faces. The tops of the churches, steeples, balconies, edges of buildings and roofs, all were swarming with gazers. In one place a man sat in a hammock sus- pended from the two sides of the street. No sight equal to that of this day has ever before been seen in Paris. It is estimated that 1,000,000 of people lined the six miles of road. It is an almost incredible popular demonstration as a tribute to genius. At the Luxembourg they stopped before the statue of Victor Hugo to salute it, and here again were to be seen pyramids of people grouped round the lamp-posts, while between them marched the procession like a military and floral triumph. On reaching the Pantheon the steps were found to be covered with wreaths, among which I noticed some from Guatemala, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Rome, and Yokohama. In fact, no part of the world was unrepre- sented. The troops surrounded the square, and the muffled drums beat as the body was formally received and placed upon a bier under the portico, which was all hung with black velvet. I saw not a sign of dis- order. The scene was brilliant, rather of the cha- racter of an apotbesis than of a funeral. It was, however, more majestic than words can express, and the effect was indescribably grand of the large number of bands playing the Marseillaise," the Chopin March," and Mourir pour la patrie," the flocks of white. pigeons liberated along the route, &c. The deputies, senators, gens de lettres, and authorities grouped themselves along the front of the Temple, and the family then entered. No allusion was made to God, and the rites were perfectly Pagan. Ad- dresses were delivered by the Maire of Besan-,on, MM. Claretie, Henri de Bornier, Louis Ullach, Marswiani, Italian Senator, Colonel M. Washington, and Emmanuel Edmund, negro deputy from Hayti. I walked all the way about four yards in front of the hearse, and followed the wreath of the Deaf and Dumb Institute. No private marks of mourning were observable, and only two balconies were draped with black cloth. On these lamps veiled with crape were burning. On the hearse were laid only two simple white wreaths. Every town in France sent a huge wreath. The Hugo family were represented by M. Lockroy, with Leopold Hugo and Georges Hugo. The foreign as well as the Parisian press was fully represented. At the time of the funeral starting from the Arc de Triomphe some black and red flags were displayed near the Bois de Boulogne and were seized by the police. A red banner was also seized from the Society of Atheists and from the Society of Freethinkers. I have heard officially that 17 red flags were seized during the passage of the procession. Opposite a hfttel in the Champs Elysees a scaffolding fell, and nine persons were killed and some others wounded.
-----------ENTERPRISE of the…
ENTERPRISE of the LONDON, CHATHAM AND DOVER RAILWAY, The London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Com- pany commenced on Monday an accelerated mail express day service between London and the Conti- ] ent, via Dover and Calais. The steam ships used for the service are the Calais-Douvres and the Invicta, the latter making the passage in one hour and nine minutes. The boat train, to which is attached a luxurious bogie" carriage, containing four first and two second-class compartments, leaves Victoria daily at 10.15, and passengers by it arrive in Paris at seven o'clock the same evening. The company, it may be added, have commenced the construction of a new pier at Queenborougb, for the further develop- ment of the Continental traffic via Flushing. The new pier is to be 650ft. longer than the present struc- ture, and will admit of two large steamers anchoring alongside. As soon as the pier is completed it is in- tended to supplement the present night service of boats—by which the Dutch and German mails are carried—with a day service, and in anticipation of the increased traffic three powerful steam packets are being built for the Royal Zeeland Steamship Company, whose boats run between Queenborough and Flushing,
-----------------------GREAT…
GREAT EARTHQUAKE IN CASHMERE. i SERIOUS LOSS OF LIFE. A Reuter's message received at Bombay on Tues- day announces that a fearful earthquake has devas- tated a portion of the province of Cashmere in Northern India. The first shocks were experienced on Sunday last, and created intense consternation. The oscillation was repeated at intervals of about ten minutes, and the shocks still continued up to the time this despatch was sent off. Those who were able to control their fears at the first terrestrial disturbance, were unable to preserve their presence of mind when the continually recur- ring shocks threatened death and destruction to all around. A wild panic seized upon the people, who ran to the rivers and lakes, and sought to escape bv embark- ing upon floating craft of any description. Many others have hastily erected tents and other lig t structures in the open spaces, in which they have sought shelter. Several visitors had already arrived in the district for a st?.y during the hot season. It is believed many of these have "succumbed, but to what extent is at present unknown. The town of Srinagar seems to have suffered most severely, according to the information already re- ceived. A great portion of the city has been totally demolished by the most severe shocks. The cavalry barracks at this station have been totally destroyed, with many of its inmates. No fewer than fifty persons were killed outright in Srinagar, and a very much larger number have been injured by the falling walls. It is feared, when the facts become felly known, the death-roll will prove to be very much higher. The distress among the poorer natives will be very great, and help will be urgently needed. The loss of cattle seems to have been out of all proportion to what is usually recorded at such visita- tions. Several hundred beasts have been destroyed.
SUICIDE OF A LUTON MERCHANT.
SUICIDE OF A LUTON MERCHANT. On Sunday afternoon it was discovered that Mr. S. Lane, of the firm of Lane and Lambie, straw hat and bonnet merchants, of George-street, Luton, had sh"t himself through the head in a spinney half a mile from the town on the Luton Hoo estate. He was a man about 40 years of age, widely known and universally liked for his genial disposition and general kindliness. He attended Harpenden Races on Friday, when he seemed unusually depressed. On Saturday morning he went to London. Nothing more was heard of Mr. Lane till on Sunday after- noon, when some boys going through a spinney found his dead body. They informed the borough police, and Inspector Rogers and Sergeant King with Dr. Thomson hastened to the place. About a yard from him lay a six-chambered revolver, which was quite new. Three chambers bad been discharged, and the others were loaded. It would appear from the iniuries to the body that the unfortunate man first tried to shoot himself through the heart, as there is a wound in the body on the left side, and the track upward of a bullet and that being ineffectual, be seems to have exploded another chamber into his mouth, which passed through the head, and was fatal. His unusual visit to London was to purchase a revolver. On him was found his gold watch and chain, over J610 in money, and his first-class season ticket between Luton and London.
- A CHURCH DESTROYED BY FIRE.
A CHURCH DESTROYED BY FIRE. St. Paul's Church, an ivv-clad structure, situated on a hill, in the picturesque neighbourhood of Woodford Bridge, Essex, was totally destroyed by fire on Mon- day, nothing now remaining intact but the spire of the sacred edifice. The church was entered at about a quarter-past nine o'clock on Monday morning, and as soon as the door leading to the gallery was opened dense volumes of smoke poured out of the building, and soon a burst of flame was observed. InformatiQn was at once despatched by a mounted messenger to the Woodford Fire Brigade, whose station is about two miles from Woodford Bridge. The Brigade expeditiously set out to the scene of the fire but by the time they arrived, notwith- standing all that had been done by volunteers in the meantime, St. Paul's Church was fully alight, and it was at once seen that it was doomed to destruction. The Superintendent of the Woodford Brigade had sent for assistance to Buckhurst-hill, and a Brigade from that place and two engines of the Leyton and Leytonstone Volunteer Fire Brigade under Captain Miller, rendered good service; but in a very short time the roof of the church fell in, about a couple of hours' hard work being gone through before the fire was subdued. Throughout there was an excellent supply of water. An in- spection of the ruins showed how thoroughly the fire got hold of the building. Presumably originating in the gallery, the fire seems to have passed along the aisle, burning each side as it went, and up to the chancel, which is totally des- troyed. The flooring and seats in the church are now nothing more than a mass of charred wood; only the joists of the floor of the gallery remains, while not a trace of the organ can be found amongst the debris. On the north side of the church there are two stout columns, and these have suffered from the heat so much that flakes of stone have fallen off, leaving the columns but' skeletons of what they were. The whole of the windows of the church have also been destroyed, four of them being stained glass, of great value one being placed in the church by the late Mr. King, in memory of his wife, at a cost of 160 guineas. The walls and the spire of the sacred edifice now stand, but both have been damaged, the former so seriously that they will have to be replaced. St. Paul's was opened on July 18, 1854, the Rev. C. B. Waller being the first incumbent. The living, which is in the gift of the rector, is of the annual value of £250. The building is insured for about £ 3000, but it is not expected that it can be re-erected for this amount.
[No title]
Little boy," said a gentleman, why do you hold that umbrella over your head ? It's not raining." "No." "And the sun is not shining." "No." Then why do you carry it ?" 'Cause when it rains father wants it, and when the sun shines mother wants it" and it's only when it's this sort of weather that I can get to use it at all."
----JtrfelUgewif
JtrfelUgewif HOME. FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL, The Empress Eugenie visited the tombs of the Emperor Napoleon and Prince Louis Napoleon at Chislehurst on Saturday, and returned to London in the afternoon. Monday was the anniversary of the death of Prince Louis Napoleon. THE INVENTIONS EXHIBITION. — The number of visitors to the International Inventions Exhibition for the week ending 30th May was 211,633 total since the opening, 491,642. ANOTHER DRAMA BY THE LAUREATE.—Lord Tennyson is writing another historical drama, which will be a sequel to Becket, and is collecting his detached poems, which will be issued with new lyrics. A MONSTER SKELETON.—An almost perfect skeleton of the mosasaurus has just been found in a quarry near Mons. It has the extraordinary length of 55 feet nine' inches, and will be preserved at the Natural History Museum at Brussels. Swiss SLAVERY.—The slave mart may be seen nowadays in free, Republican Switzerland. At Bienne, in Canton Berne, the public crier lately hired out four'. children of a widowed mother to the lowest bidder, to prevent the family becoming a burden on the public funds. The little onea ages varied between eight and two years, and they were hired for from [;2 15s. to 1::1 2s. for the remainder ot the year. LIBRARY PRESENTATIONS.—Lord Crawford has pM" sented a complete set of his Bibliotheea Lindesiana to' the Wigan Reference Library. The copy is on fine paper, and it has autotype photographs in addition to the photo-lithographs. There is only one other coPY thus treated, and it is in her Majesty's library at Windsor. GERMAN RAILWAYS.—First-class carriages are not much required on some German lines. The statistics have always shown that they are little used. On one of the State railway systems in the year to March 31st, 1883, only three passengers in a thousand travelled first-class, so that most of the trains must have had so first-class passengers at all. USEFUL HINT.-To test the enamel or tinning Of cooking vessels, &c., for lead, M. Fordcz recommends 3 drop of strong nitric acid placed on the enamel or tin* ning, and evaporated to dryness by gentle heat. The spot where the action of the acid has taken place is then wetted by a drop of solution of potassium iodide" five parts iodide to 100 of water—when the presence of lead is at once shown by the formation of yello* lead iodine. A NEW READING.-In an article in the "Catholic World," a Mr. Pallen, of New York, contends that the "Idylls of the King" are not to be taken li ttrally Or historically, but allegorically-that" Arthur meSDf. the Soul; the Round Table," the Body Merlin/ Wisdom Lady of the Lake," Religion and Three Queens," Faith, Hope, and Charity. Mr. states that he has received a letter from Lord TecnysoOf written by his own hand, accepting his interpretation of the meaning and purpose* of the Idylls of the King." .L.u THE BRITISH MUSEUM.—The trustees of the Britisb Museum have just acquired two interesting studies b? Anton Van Dyck for his magnificent picture of KlIJg Charles I., lately purchased by the National Gallery from the Duke of Marlborough. The sketches are for the horse only; they are executed in pen and bistre 00 tinted paper, and were formerly in Sir Joshua Rey" nold's collections of drawings by old masters. A study by Van Dyck in water-colours for the trees 111 the background of the picture is al o in the Depart' meet of Print and Drawings, British Museum. Aroo0% the drawings lately acquired by the trustees of the British Museum are the following An autograph illus- I,- trated letter by John Flaxman, R. A., dated from RoWe, July 4,1791, addressed to Mr.William Havlev, FarthaBV' near Chichester, submitting a sketch for a"monumep afterwards erected to the memory of the poet Collin8. the Chichester Cathedral; a study for "The SleepIng -y for I r. Bacchus" in the Houghton collection by Luca Gioti dano; The Giant's Staircase and the Great Door Of the Ducal Palace at Venice," by Fancelli; a drawing red chalk of a boar hunt, by Giorgione; a study of head by Tiepolo; and an interesting sketch of Queen Charlotte, by Cotes. VICTOR HUGO'S WILL.—Victor Hugo is stated have left a considerable fortune. It is said that he £ 120,COO deposited with Rothschilds, besides a grea\T sum in the Bank of Belgium, and his freehold PrV perties in Paris and Guernsey. A special clause 15 reserved in his will-made in 1875 — disposing of tbe copyrights of his works. The theatrical copyrights a left to M. Paul Meurice; the rest to M. Vacqueri • Besides the money bequeathed to his family, 1'40,00U set aside for an object which is not very clearly deflne The will, it is said, is a mystery, a nd seems to be a doC". ment setting forth his political, philosophical, and 8001*" views. CORN A VERAGEs.-The following are the avcØg6 prices of British corn for last week, as received "'0 the inspectors and officers of Excise: Wheat, 34s. barley, 28s. 8d.; oats, 22s. 9d. per imperial qr. Corr sponding week last year: Wheat, 37s. 7d.; bar^J' 28s. 9d.; oats, 21s. 2d. LAST WEEK'S WRECKS.- Ten British and 13 forele;. vessels were reported during the week as a of which four were British steamers; but only three vessels (all British) were lost off the British coasts. collision only one case occurred — a French bar1 sinking off America, with 22 lives. Total lives 10S\J mostly in foreign vessels. Three vessels (two and one French) wrecked in the ice two destroyed fire. Total wrecks for year, 474. Corresponding ^eer of last year: Wrecks, 20; British 14 total for yea 715 by collision (all British), four. WHAT GOETHE RECEIVED FOR nrs WORKS.—A troversy on this- subject has been long going °°. Germany, and will perhaps be settled by a tion lately published in the Leipsic Gazette for 1 Book Trade," by H. Boehlau, a bookseller of who has had the opportunity of referring to docufflC held by Goethe's family, and also the books of J- Gotta, of Stuttgart, the poet's publisher. From the it would appear that between 1795 and his deatb» 1832, Goethe received from Ootta 233.969 florins (a £ 20,054), and his heirs down to 1865 the further suffi about £ 23,223 making for the 70 years from 179^ 1865 a total of £43,277. "'be FOREIGN LIVE STOCK AND FRESH MEAT — "*j. following steamers arrived at Liverpool during the PaS week live stock and fresh meat on board from Americ^_ and Canadian ports Barrowmore, 705 cattle; 662 cattle; Lake Nepigon,80cattle, and 674 a of beef; Helvetia, 379 cattle, 1780 quarters of beef, 350 carcases of mutton Nevada, 2140 quarters of and 600 carcases of mutton City of Chicago, y quarters of beef, and 200 carcases of mutton; ™ manic, 780 quarters of beef, and 200 carcases of mutt Samaria, 1028 quarters of beef Illinois, 1200 quart of beef; and Lord Olive 982 quarters of beef, ma Jf the total imports 2026 cattle, 9844 quarters of 'oeef, 1350 carcases of mutton, against the preceding arrivals of 3415 cattle, 345 sheep, 8104 quarters of and 1108 carcases of mutton, showing a J. the supply of live stock, but an increase in that of freS meat.. g DEATH OF "OLD MARGARET."—The habitues of the Houses of Parliament will learn with regret of „ death of Mrs. Davies, better known as Oid L at Westminster Hospital. She had for over fifty adn inisLered to the wants of hungry and fhir 4 visitors to the old and new Houses of Parliament, she had the exclusive privilege of setting up a stall in Westminster Hall. Oaptain Gosset obtai subscriptions from members of Parliament to more than £ 100, and Inspector Denning has ki»d attended to the wants of the genial old applewoF^ since she left Westminster Hall. THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.—The additions to the Zoological Gardens during the past week i white-bellied beaver rat, a white-bellied sea eagle, stump-tailed lizards, a great cyclodus, a diamond 8°*- from Australia, presented by Mr. E. P. Kan'SijL' C.M.Z.S.: an Australian cassowary from Austr» presented by Mr. T. H. Bowyer Bower; four guinea fowls from East Africa, presented hy re« mander C. E. Gissing, R.N.: a kestrel, British, P g sented by Mr. C. A. Marriott; seven striped sna from North America, presented by Mrs. A- Jamrach a common viper, from Epping Forest, P sented by Mr. F. W. Elliott two lions from AJ1 a two pumas from South America, deposited a colla* fruit bat, four upland geese, bred in the gardens.^ ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.— The entries stock for exhibition at the present year's annual jj ing of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, opens at Preston on July 15, fall rather short Of the number exhibited last year at Shrewsbury, the t of being 1613, against 1687 last year. The shoWeet" horses, however, is in excess of the Shrewsbury m ing, being 438 against 407. 1; A FAMILY HISTOBTE.—Messrs. Goodall and of Leeds, are publishing for the author, Mr- Stansfeld, a "History of the Stansfeld Several etchings on steel are being prepared work, including a portrait of Colonel Robert Stan -g of Field House, near Halifax, to whom the bo dedicated. If the promised views, especwllY ined etchings of the interior and exterior of the r 1 church of St. Thomas-a-Becket of HeptanstaJi, eB the Druidical remains on the wild moorland^be ^ce, Lancashire and Yorkshire (the Stanes-feld,' w ^jgg the family derived its name), are executed any like this portrait, there is a treat in store for to scribers. Besides genealogical matter, the » Oo devotes nearly half his space to original pag the topography and ecclesiology of the district, v ^eg in character from the identification of two in Domesday-book to a curate's prayer against,a„er, before 1706. Printed on Whatman's Perfect with folding pedigrees, and coats of arms em in heraldic colours, the book promises to be a addition to the class of work it represents.
THE EXTRAORDINARY KIDNAPPING…
THE EXTRAORDINARY KIDNAPPING STORY. On Saturday a Croydon correspondent was autho- rised to state that Bertha Dennis, who told such an extraordinary story to the effect that she was kid- napped in a train while travelling from Croydon to Ladywell and subsequently imprisoned in a garret for ten weeks, had admitted that her statement was a concoction from beginning to end. Her brother visited her at Reigate on Friday night, and found her very ill in bed. The doctor in attendance upon her has certified that she is to be kept as quiet as pos- sible, and therefore no attempt will for the present be made to elicit a truthful account of her experiences. She has made another statement, but her mental condition is such that it is deemed unadvisable to place much reliance in/what she says. The fact that two or three detectives have been visiting Reigate during the past few days making inquiries shows that the police have not relinquished their efforts to clear up the mystery. She is said to have admitted being confined during her absence, but she still asserts that she does not know what locality she went to.
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Tbeynro gobs: down to dinner. He: "May I fit on you" ri'!ht hand?" She Oh, better take a chair! He takes one.
--.-iENGLAND, RUSSIA, AND…
ENGLAND, RUSSIA, AND AFGHANISTAN. A SETTLEMENT EFFECTED. The news at the close of last week conveyed the welcome intimation that practically the differences upon the Afghanistan question were settled between Russia and England, and that subsequently the terms of the settlement would be made public. The following are Sunday's telegrams from the correspon- dents of the Standard :—St. Petersburg.—I am in- formed that the last frontier proposals of the English Government have, in substance, been accepted, and that. except as to details- some of which, however, are important, whilst others can only be decided on the spot—the boundary between Russia and Aigban- istan may be considered settled. In spite of contra- dictions of my previous statements, I repeat that in the last phase of the negotiations the chief difficulty arose from the Russian claim to Meruchak as part and parcel of the Penjdeh basis. Another point in dispute was whether the Pass of Zulficar should be partially or wholly in Afghan hands. The above- mentioned English proposals maintained the rights of the Ameer in both cases, and the new frontier, therefore, if definitely accepted, will proceed from a point on the Heri Rud, just north of the Pass, to the Murghab, north of Meruchak. It will be, in fact, very nearly the line claimed in the Russian Note of the"2Sth of January, except in respect to a small, but not unimportant, difference as to the starting point on the Heri Rud. Berlin.—The probability of a friendly settlement of the Afghan delimitation question between England and Russia is cordially welcomed by most of the German papers, although some of them cannot refrain from the usual depreciation of England. The semi- official Norddeutsche says that the information will be highly welcomed in every quarter where the con- tinued tension of Anglo-Russian relations was re- garded with anxiety. The work of statesmen and diplomatists," it says in conclusion," has on this occa- sion resulted in a real blessing, firstly, to the two Powers most interested, and then to the whole of Europe, which has been longing for peace. The normal character of the International situation is now re-established." The BUrsen Conner says Europe will welcome the settlement of the Anglo-Russian conflict with all the greater satisfaction in pro- portion as she has suffered frsm the pressure of war anxieties. Europe can now apply herself to the solution of urgent economical and other questions." Journals like the Frankfurter Zeiiung, which always sided with England against Russia, re- luctantly admit that their satisfaction is damped by the gloomy conclusion that the proposed solution is only possible because the Gladstone Cabinet has yielded to Russia all she claimed, and that Russia will be encouraged to further increase her demands. The Frankfurter Zeiiung, therefore, doubts whether Russia will recognise by formal Treaty the inviola- bility of the new frontier, and holds that she will make a further advance on Herat at the first oppor- tunity. In order to give a full picture of the German press views I must add that several papers like the National Zeitung consider that Russia's concession anent Zulficar is merelv intended to secure for Mr. Gladstone a Parliamentary success and help him to tide over the general elections, the preservation of the present Cabinet being essential to the success of Russian plans. The Vossicha Zeitung publishes a London 'telegram stating that some Liberals think that the Czar himself ordered M. de Giers to give way on the point in order not to discredit the present English Government, and so facilitate to return to power of the Conservative party. The following appeared as a leading article in the Times: There is now a pretty general belief that the questions in dispute between England and Russia are practically settled, although the length ot the negotia- tions and the frequent disappointments inflicted upon sanguine people ought to teach caution in drawing favourable conclusions. We have had arrangements which settled nothing, agreements in which no one agreed, and replies involving all kinds of comfortable inferences which subsequent events showed to be unfounded. It is now assumed, however, that at last there is really nothing to be done but settle some trifling details, and the buoyancy of the money market shows that the Stock Exchange, at all events, regards all danger as past. The sanguine disposition of the British speculator has been promptly utilized by foreigners, who are "unloading" a quantity of international stocks upon the London market. They must be greatly delighted to find us in so happy a frame of mind thrt their sales do not prevent prices from steadily rising. Ingenious efforts are naturally made to represent this confidently expected settlement as a remarkable triumph for British diplomacy, but, un- happily, the natives of India, whose opinion is of infinitely more consequence to this country than the conventional jubilation of partisans at home, do not regard the matter in that rosy light. That British counter proposals have been accepted by Russia does not seem to hide from them the fact that these counter-proposals practically assign to Russia the frontier laid down by M. Lessar. Zulficar and Maruchak are said to be left to the Ameer, but we shall probably have to wait some time to learn pre- cisely what these names indicate. It was Penideh, if we recollect aright, which Lord Granville claimed with such persistent valour, and it was the seizure of Ponjdeh which Mr. Gladstone' described as un- provoked aggression." Reparation for that agres- sion has been a prominent demand of British diplomacy, and the last batch of Central Asia papers closed with a complaint from Lord Gran- ville that Russia interpreted inquiry to mean unconditional acceptances of her conclusions. None, however, of the current rumours about a happy settlement appear to make any men- tion of reparation, or of arbitration upon the "solemn covenant." There are, no doubt, sound reasons for being glad that we are not going to war about Penjdeh, but there is none that we know of for adding to the malicious amusement with which Europe regards our present plight by pretending that to keep Zulficar and Maruchak after claiming Pul-i- Khatun and Sara-yazi is a diplomatic triumph. If any compensation can be found for the loss of repu- tation which we have had to endure, it can be obtained only by refusing to hoodwink ourselves, by recognizing the nature of the blunder we have made, and by taking care not to repeat it. The Government took up a position which they were not prepared to maintain, and put forth claims which they. were not prepared to make good. All that can be said for them is that they found out their mistake before irre- vocably plunging the country into war in disadvan- tageous conditions, that is to say without adequate preparation, without assured alliances, and without a clear and well-defined policy. If the country wishes to make the best of the situation, it must very clearlv understand that it has been worsted, and must "take measures to make such mismanagement of its affairs impossible in the future. It has been too much our habit to neglect all precautions, both diplomatic and military. We have had no plan either for dealing with nations beyond our Indian frontiers or for making these frontiers safe against attack. We have gone on with a policy consisting only of a few vague, undefined notions about a neutral zone, without settling either where that zone is to end or how it is to be maintained in case Russia thinks fits to overrun it. We have made ourselves ridiculous by asking for engagements which she cannot keep, and offensive by taking high moral ground when she set them at defiance. We have now got to learn that this course of policy has failed, that we have no business to intrust any of our interests to a self. denying ordinance entered into by cur rival, and that we only prepare mortifications for ourselves if we put forth claims which we are not ready and determined to maintain by force of arms. While a new spirit must thus be breathed into our diplomacy, it is not less necessary that the military defence of the Indian frontier should be carried out with a thoroughness hitherto unknown. Russia is now in contact with Afghanistan, and is consequently in a very real sense in contact with India. The Ameer is a useful ally so long as he stands loyally by us, but however loyal and however determined he may be, he cannot dispense us from the necessity of preparing in earnest for the defence of India on Indian soil. It may even be said that the only way to retain Afghanistan as our ally is to put ourselves in a position to do altogether without her aid. When the Indian frontier is strong enough to bid defiance to any foe, the Afghans and their rulers alike will have a guarantee for the continuity of our policy and the seriousness of our purpose which nothing else can give. Believing us strong and determined, they will be on our side; sus- pecting us to be weak or vacillating, they will certainly be detached some day. From Lord Kimberley's speech in the House of Lords on the 12th of last month, and from Mr. Cross's speech nine days later in introducing the East India Loan Bill, we may conclude that the necessity for creating a strong strategical frontier is at present fully admitted by our rulers. But it will cost money and effort, which ex- perienco shows to be easily obtained for any passing occasion when a profound impression has to be re- sponded to, but which are less readily forthcoming for great purposes demanding continuous exertion and sustained thought. As soon as the present difficulty is fairly settled the first thought of every Englishman will be that a troublesome business is done with, and a few weeks hence it will be difficult to get anybody to pay the least attention to the Indian frontier. But the abiding thought of every Russian concerned in any way in administration will be that an advan- tage has been gained, that a step has been taken in advance, and that no opportunity must be missed of securing greater advantages still. It is not thought in India that war can be postponed for very long by the arrangements now being made. But be the time long or short before the next overt act on the part of Russia, her steady sap will not be intermitted for a single day. A new chapter has been opened in the history of India, which is now in effective contact with an aggressive Power. We have at most a short breathing time in which to make preparations far too long neglected. They must be carried on steadily, continuously, and systematically, and must be seconded by foresight and practical sagacity in our foreign policy. Otherwise we shall find ourselves at no distant day confronted by dangers which the most lavish concession will fail to avert. INTERVIEW WITH SIR P. LUMSDEN. A correspondent writing from Constantinople on Monday night says :—Sir Peter Lumsden arrived off the Kavak entrance of the Bosphorus in a French steamer from Batoum at ten o'clock this morning. He was met there by Major Trotter, Military Attache to the English Ambassador, who took him on board his steam launch and conducted him to Ther&pia, where he is now staying at the Embassy as the guest of Sir William White. I have just re- turned from Therapia, where I had the pleasure of an interview with this distinguished officer. I found him looking remarkably well and strong after his trying work on the Afghan frontier, and his long and fatiguing journey to Europe. Sir Peter Lums- den started on the 9th of last month, and pro- ceeded for ten days on horseback, sometimes riding in one day as much as seventy miles, until he reached Ashurada, on the Caspian, whence he pro- ceeded by steamer to Baku and by railway to Batoum. Although naturally very guarded in his remarks, it is easy to see that the General is in no way satisfied with the present arrangements for the settlement of the Frontier Question, which he fears will be of any- thing but a lasting character. It may be weeks or it may be months, says Sir Peter, but matters are sure to become embroiled again before very long. The only frontier presenting the necessary elements of security, he holds, was the old one, which embraced eighty miles of desert. Once this ground is over- stepped, complications must arise. Sir Peter Lumsden leaves to-morrow morning by the Varna mail packet, travelling straight through to London, which he hopes to reach on Saturday morning.
AGRICULTURISTS AND THE GENERAL…
AGRICULTURISTS AND THE GENERAL ELECTION. A council meeting of the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture was held on Tuesday fore- noon at the house of the Society of Arts, Mr. P. Phipps, M.P., presiding, for the purpose mainly of deciding what action should be taken by chambers of agriculture at the approaching general election to ascertain the views of candidates on agricultural ques- tions. The secretary submitted a report from the Business Committee, in which it was recommended that some general effort should be made to secure the return of representatives favourable to the views en- tertained by the chambers on the questions of cattle disease, local taxation, and railway charges. These views, as formulated by the committee, were stated as follows: 1. The rigid exclusion of contagion from abroad by restricting importation from infected countries. 2. The most prompt and effective regulations to limit the spread of disease at home. 3. Immediate action, without further delay on any account, to relieve real property from its unfair share of local rates. 4. An endorsement of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Agriculture that the cost of maintaining the indoor poor and lunatics should be defrayed by Imperial taxation that certain Imperial taxes should be transferred to local authorities in aid of other local expenditure and that, without disturb- ing existing contracts of tenancy, all rates should be borne equally by owners and occupiers. 5. Resistance to all new and increased rates for any object whatsoever until relief had been given from the present incidence of taxation. 6. Resistance to any proposal to increase rates on agricultural produce. 7. Cessation of preferential rates to foreign produce on English lines. After considerable discussion, in the course of which the chairman intimated that the different chambers throughout the country bad come to a definite agree- ment on the subjects mentioned, the report was agreed to, as were also several supplementary sugges- gestions extending the scope of the political cate- chism for Parliamentary candidates, and including demands for the establishment of representative county boards and an inquiry into the existing depres- sion in agriculture and trade.
CIVIL SERVANTS AND MONEY-LENDERS.
CIVIL SERVANTS AND MONEY- LENDERS. In the Lord Mayor's Court on Tuesday, before the Assistant-Judge, the case of Cobb v. Brickwood was heard. The action was brought to recover the sum of S14 18s. 6d., consisting of money advanced on a promissory note and incidental expenses. The defendant said he was a clerk in the Civil Service, at a sa'ary of £ 260 per annum. Out of that sum he had to pay £ 8 12s. per month, in accordance with an order made by Sir Jas. Hannen. This was done with the sanction of the Postmaster-General. In answer to Mr. Savidge, solicitor for the plaintiff, the Debtor said he did not receive S300 a year and commission. He only wished he did. (Laughter.) He h"d re- ceived his month's salary yesterday (Tuesday) and bad paid it all awav, after deducting the £8 12s. to satisfy private creditors. His Lordship So you make a distinction. You pay private creditors, but public creditors you don't. (Laughter.) Does the plaintiff keep a loan office ? Defendant: Yes. His Lordship How much did he advance ? Defendant: He advanced £10. His Lordship: And what did you sign for? Defendant: I signed a promissory note for X12 10s., payable by three monthly instalments. When the first instal- ment became due, the prosecutor's representative agreed to let the matter stand over for a short time, but in a few days he demanded the full amount under the threat of handing the case over to a solicitor. Mr Savidge: The defendant has put my client to a great deal of trouble, and possibly some- thing may have been put on to cover that. (Laughter.) I ask for an order for the first instalment, which is now long overdue. His Lordship No; under the circumstances, I shall not make any order. Other two cases were heard at the instance of the same plaintiff against Civil Service clerks, and his lordship said if the plaintiff chose to lend money to impe- cunious people at a high rate of interest, he should require strict proof of the debt in every instance. Mr. Savidge These people come and represent their incomes as so much, and sign their names as bor- rowers on that representation, and what are the lenders to do ? His Lordship I am not here to ad- vise them. All I tell you is, that in any case brought by this plaintiff, I shall in future require strict proof. Mr. Savidge: I am afraid your lordship is confound- ing my client with another plaintiff of the same name. (Laughter.) His Lordship; The name is very familiar in this court. Mr. Savidge But my client has only been in business for a short time, and he has been bitterly bitten by these Civil Service clerks. His Lordship: Your client has his remedy in his own hands. In one case an order was made for j62, and in another for 10s. a month.
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I want to get rid of my partner," remarked the mean man to a lawyer. "Who is he?" "My brother. I want to prove that he has a bad reputa- tion." "That will be easy enough. You can say that he is your brother." | Guard (to old lady* who has been causing him a i great deal of unnecessary trouble): "Well mum, I just wish 'you was an elephant, and then you'd always have your trunk right under your eyes." How do you sell the strawberries, missis ? asked an impecunious-looking urchin of a female fruiterer, at a season when" fruit was up." Though disposed to cuff him out, she told him; whereupon he said, Oh, well; give us a 'apenny turnip, missis I'm a beggar for fruit."
ITHE QUESTION OF POSTING :PROOFS.
THE QUESTION OF POSTING PROOFS. At the last weekly meeting of the Balloon Society of Great Britain, Mr. A. Clifford read a paper on the subject of "Posting Proofs, as a simple and profitable adjunct to the Post Office." Dr. Cameron, M.P., presided. Mr. Clifford began his address by stating that in the Postmaster- General's report for 1879 an allusion was made to his system, which had been in operation for twelve months, for the verification of the posting of letters. The report declared that the system had met with no response from the public, but he contended that people would have been glad to resort to it if they had been aware of its existence. The weak point, ho said, of the Post Office was that it was powerless to deal with letters intended for despatch and delivery which could only be considered as pre- sumptively confided to its care. In the matter of missing letters the Post Office was really not so much to blame as the often blundering and careless public. He submitted that some proof of the posting of letters and parcels and the sending of telegrams was required. His proposal was that the Post Oflice should sell to the public small cheque books con- taining a dozen cheques at the rate of 3^-d. per book, a farthing stamp being impressed on each. A small portion of each leaf should be gummed at the back to enable it to be affixed again when returned from the Post Office stamped with the stamp of the day, or attached to a copy of the letter or to a book for refer- ence. This cheque would be a proof of the posting, and would bear the date of the office at which the letter was posted. The scheme would, in his opinion, bring in a clear profit of £200,000 a year, and would cost nothing -to adopt. The Rev. H. Little proposed and Mr. Creswell seconded the following resolution That this meeting, having heard Mr. Clifford's explanation of his system, believes that if fairly tried it would meet a widely-felt want, and cordially recommends it to the favourable re-consideration of the postal authorities." The chairman supported the scheme, and saw no reason why it should not be adopted, as the'expenses would be nil and the profits certainly something. The system bad not yet been fairly tried. In the discussion which followed the scheme met with a good deal of support, but several members urged the objection that in the posting of a large number of letters too much time would be occupied in stamping the cheques and comparing the addresses. The resolution was agreed to. Votes of thanks to the lecturer and chairman closed the pro. ceedings.