The Aberystwith Observer

Once in the House of Lords there was a debate upon the Irish poor law, when some peer supported the law by saying that, If the land owners lived upon their estates, and if the boards of guardians were attentive to their duties, and if the overseers examined strictly into the circumstances of the appli- cantj for relief, the law would have a most beneficial operation." Archbishop Whately strode across the floor to Taylor's brother-in-law (Lord Monteagle) and said to him aside: If my aunt had been a man, she would have been my uncle that's his argument."

WHOLESALE POISONING IN LAMBETH, An extraordinary case of wholesale poisoning in Lambeth came to light on Monday. On Sunday afternoon Mrs. Sarah Clarke, the wife of a cabdriver, caused some ice cream to be purchased from an Italian vendor, whose stall was standing in Lambeth- walk. Mrs. Clarke, her daughter Ellen, aged 19, and her son John, aged 14, all partook of the ice, and shortly after they were seized with vomiting and became drowsy. They all complained of great thirst, and as their condition became worse, they were re- moved to St. Thomas's Hospital, where they were seen by one of the house surgeons, who stated that they had been poisoned. The stomach pump and emetics were used, and after a time the young woman and her brother were allowed to be taken home; but Mrs. Clarke's condition was so serious that her detention in the hospital was thought necessary. Upon making inquiries it was ascertained that a great number of other persons bad also been poisoned, all of whom had partaken of ice cream bought at the same stall, and they had been medically treated by local surgeons, Messrs. Brookes, of West- minster-bridge-road, and Mr. Marshall, of Lambeth- walk, being engaged the whole of the evening treating the patients, whose symptoms were the same as those of the Clarkes. Many of the male persons affected were unable to leave their homes to go to their work on Monday morning, and some of the children were confined to their beds. Shortly before two o'clock on Monday afternoon Police-inspector Chamberlain and Chief Inspector Chisholm came before Mr. Biron at the Lambeth Police-court, and stated that some 18 or 20 persons, young and old, had been poisoned through partaking of ice creams which had been sold to them during Sunday by an Italian in Lambeth-walk. Inspector Chamberlain The man who sold the ice cream is at present detained at the Kennington- lane Station, and the difficulty is what to charge him with, if he is to be charged. Mr. Biron What are the circumstances ? Inspector Chamberlain The man in question for a long time has sold ice-creams in Lambeth-walk, and in the usual course of his business supplied a number of children and adults on Sunday. Everyone partak- ing of the ice creams was shortly afterwards seized with violent sickness, and had to be attended to at St. Thomas's Hospital. Mr. Biron I fail to see how the man can be charged without some further evidence. Inspector Chamberlain He has not at present been charged. Mr. Biron Can you find the man again, do you think ? Inspector Chamberlain: Yes. Mr. Biron: Then you can do that in the event of any fatal result with regard to the parties who par- took of the cream. In that case, a coroner's jury would have the matter placed before them. The Italian ice cream seller was shortly afterwards allowed to leave the police-station. It was afterwards stated that all those who had partaken of the ice cream were going on favourably, and that no serious results were anticipated. It was believed that some metallic substance had got into the cream.

BURSTING OF A SEWER ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY. On Monday afternoon the severe pressure upon the drains caused by the heavy rains resulted in the burst- ing of an old sewer on the east side of Sloane-street, Chelsea, and near a hole which had been cut into the District Railway in order to permit of the construc- tion of a large iron viaduct designed to carry the sewer water across the railway-part of a new sewer scheme in process of accomplishment. The sewage water freed from the old sewer rushed into the rail- way and speedily flooded it to such an alarming extent that traffic was compulsorily suspended. The water rose to within a foot of the platform and extended about 150 yards to the west of the station and 100 yards to the east. Several houses were also seriously flooded. The basements of the houses in Lower Chelsea suffered the most severely, especially those of Lower George-street, Wood's-buildings, and Pimlico- road. At the Chelsea Barracks the destruction was perhaps even greater. The inrush of water and sewage matter was so extensive that fatigue parties were employed for some hours in trying to reduce the volume of water by means of baling, and every con- ceivable utensil was brought into requisition for this purpose. When the water ultimately receded it left a most unpleasant deposit. At Lord Kimberley's house, 35, Lowndes-square, the sewage rose to nearly a foot. Viscount Sherbrooke's house, the residence of Mr. Cox, the banker, and 42, Lowndes-square came in for a full share of the mishap. The residence of the new American Minister, Mr. Phelps, was likewise invaded by the flood.

DEATH OF SIR JULIUS BENEDICT. Sir Julius Benedict has died at his residence in London. Death was somewhat sudden. Sir Julius was born at Stuttgart upon November 27th, 1804. At an early age he showed considerable musical talent, and soon commenced to study the art. From 1821 he enjoyed the privilege of Weber's instruction exclusively, the master's objection to pupils having been relaxed in Benedict's favour. After being with the composer until the end of 1824, he was, on Weber's recommendation, engaged to conduct German opera at Vienna. In 1827 be produced hie first com- position in Naples, and although it was not very favourably received there, it found much favour at Stuttgart, on his return, in 1830. Benedict came to London five years later, and turned his attention to the English musical stage, his first English opera, The Gipsy's Warning," produced in 1838, being re- markably successful. From that time onwards Bene- dict's productions have been received with the greatest favour by English audiences, and as a composer and an artist his efforts have everywhere been productive of the utmost enthusiasm among those who have been privileged to be present. The honour of knighthood was conferred upon him by her Majesty in March, 1871 and Sir Julius bad also received decorations at the hands of nearly all the continental sovereigns, and very recently was presented with a testimonial subscribed to by his numerous friends and admirers.

EPITOME OF NEWS. JRITISH AND FOREIGN- Kassala is reported to have fallen at the end of last month. A Treaty of Peace between France and China was signed on Tuesday. Sir M. W. Ridley, M.P., on Tuesday presided at a meeting of Old Harrovians and Harrow masters, who resolved to raise a fund to commemorate the head- mastership of Dr. Butler fit Harrow. The bell presented by Mr. Gladstone to St. Seiriol's Church, Penmaenmawr, was hung on Tuesday in the tower, the erection of which at the cost of the parishioners the Premier made a condition of his gift. While running at a great speed through Aber, North Wales, on Tuesday, the engine of the Irish mail suddenly broke down. No inconvenience, however, was sustained by the passengers, beyond a delay of half an hour. A luggage train took the mail on from Llan- dudno Junction to Chester, where the train arrived shortly after two o'clock. The Technical Committee of the Sanitary Conference sitting at Rome has approved of precautionary measures to be adopted to prevent the propagation of cholera by travellers coming overland from the East. On Saturday afternoon a meeting was held in Lincoln for the purpose of considering the proposed enlarge- ment of the parish church of St. Peter's, at Gowts, and amongst others present was Dr. King, the Bishop of Lincoln. This was the first public appearance of his lordship in the city since his enthronement, and he was heartily greeted by those present. Kullmann, who attempted to assassinate Prince Bis- marck in 1873, has been guilty of a new offence in the Bayreuth Prison, and has just been sentenced to five years' penal servitude for a grossly libellous attack on the Bavarian Minister and others. A disastrous fire has taken place in the Stamboul quarter of Constantinople. Three hundred houses, in- cluding three mosques, were destroyed. One person was killed, while several others were injured. Admiral Hobart Pasha, whose name was removed from the list of the Royal Navy during the Russo- Turkish war, has been restored to his rank in her Ma- jesty's service. On Tuesday the fifty-eighth anniversary festival of Licensed Victuallers' Asylum, Old Kent-road, was held at the Crystal Palace. Mr. Henry Adolphus Simonds, chai, man of the Country Brewers' Society, presided. The announcement that the Ministry had resigned was received with loud cheering and the waving of hand- kerchiefs. Subscriptions and donations amounting to S4500 were announced. The Prince of Wales on Tuesday attended the cere- mony of unveiling the D rwin Memorial in the Natural History Museum. After an address by Professor Huxley, his Royal Highness said it had given him much pleasure to learn that the memorial had received so much support in foreign countries, whilst the fact that persons of every condition of life had contributed to it afforded remarkable evidence of the popular interest in the discussion of scientific problems. At the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the mean reading of the barometer last week was 22'879 in. The mean temperature was 62 6 deg. and 48 deg. above the average in the corresponding weeks of twenty years. The mean was below the average on Monday, but showed an excess on each of the other days of the week. The duration of registered bright sunshine in the week was 69-Q hours, againsb 67'1 hours at Glynde Place, Lewes. In London last week 2409 births and 1521 deaths were registered. Allowing for increase of population, the births were 236, and the deaths 1, below the average numbers in the corresponding weeks of the last ten years. The annual death-rate per 1000 from all causes, which had been 19'9 and 19 6 in the two preceding weeks, further declined to 19 1. From April 1 to the 6th inst. the Exchequer receipts amounted to 615,417,023, as compared with t15,003,862 in the corresponding period of last year. The expen- diture has been £ 15,401,620. On Saturday last the balance in the Bank of England was £ 3,547,147, and in the Bank of Ireland £ 1,593,24-2. News only reached Dublin, on Tuesday, of a dreadful affair which took place neat Moate, county Westmeath, the Thursday night previously. A company of sixteen persons were drinking in a publichouse, when a dispute about a farm arose. The parties divided themselves on two sides, and a free fight ensued, in which knives were freely used, with the result that eight of the comba- tants were stabbed, two very seriously, their lives being despaired of. On Monday evening a private police in- vestigation was held at the scene of occurrence, when three persons who had been previously arrested were brought up, and after some evidence had been heard they were remanded for eight days. On Tuesday, Thomas Heeley, who refused his ad- dress, was committed for trial at Wednesbury, for com- mitting a daring burglary at Darlaston. The prisoner was detected in the act of committing a burglary in a tradesman's establishment. He was shoeless, and suc- ceeded in making his escape for a time, but was chased by a policeman, and eventually captured. Upon being removed to gaol, the prisoner was identified as a man who was convicted of various offences several years ago. The steamer Earl of Lonsdale, belonging to North Shields, bound from Alexandria to Pcrtishead, went ashore at Scilly. All the crew were saved, but the vessel became a total wreck. Prince Albert Victor was admitted at the Middle Temple on Wednesday night on the celebration of "Grand Day," and was immediately afterwards pro- moted to the dignity of Master of the Bench. The Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, the Earl of Derby, the Duke of Richmond, Sir S. Northcote, and Lord Randolph Churchill were present. By the sinking of a large dredger in the Suez Canal all traffic has been stopped, and cannot be resumed for a week or a fortnight. A bill similar to those in existence in Cape Colony and Australia, conferring copyright upon telegrams published in newspapers is about to be introduced by the Indian Government. A Liberal domonstration was held at Higb Wycombe on Wednesday, a farewell dinner being given by the electors of the borough to their member, Oolonel Gerard Smith, on his retirement from the representation in consequence of the redistribution of seats. The speakers included Lord Carrington, Colonel Smith, M.P., the Ron. Rupert Carrington, M.P. (candidate for South Bucks), Mr. Jessie Oollings, M.P., and others. On Wednesday the Marquis of Lome opened a new mechanical institute at York, and in doing so referred to the importance of technical education in this country in view of what was being done both in the United States and in Germany. He also addressed a meeting in the evening. A grand military assault at-arms was held at the Floral Hall, Oovent Garden, on Wednesday, in aid of the Royal Military Benevolent Fund, founded for the relief of widows and daughters of necessitous officers, and amongst a fashionable company present were the prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George of Wales, the three Princesses, the Duke of Cambridge, and the Duke and Duchess of Teck. The annual dinner in aid of the funds of Poplar Hospital Hospital for Accidents, Blackwall, took place on Wednesday evening at the Holborn Restaurant, Mr. J. P- Ourrie presiding. Subscriptions, amounting to £ 1450 were announced. A married woman, named Clara Smith, was found guilty at the Middlesex Sessions on Wednesday of stealing a diamond ring from the shop of a tradesman in the Strand, under somewhat extraordinary circum- stances, and was sentenced to eight months' imprison- ment with hard labour. Among the fires which took place in the metropolis on Wednesday, one occurred in the mornirg at 105, Oxtord-street, Whitechapel, a house occupied by several families. On the first floor were a woman named Roach and her infant. The mother was fearfully burnt in her efforts to escape, and her child was found to have been suffocated by the smoke. Alfred Fisher, described as being employed at the Discharge Depot at Fort Brockhurst, Gosport, was charged at the Bow-street Police-court, on Wednesday, with obtaining by fraud 14 money orders, to the amount of JE121 15s. 6d., the property of the Postmaster- General. The prisoner was committed for trial. The Committee of the French Chamber on the credits for Madagascar have agreed almost unanimously to the credit of 12,000,000fr. asked for by the French Government for the Madagascar expedition. The twenty-sixth anniversary of the English Church Union was celebrated on Wednesday by special ser- vices in a large number of churches, and in the after- noon the annual meeting was held in the Freemasons' Tavern-the Hon. C. L. Wood presiding. The report states that more than 800 new members had joined the Union, and twelve new branches had been formed. The Bishop of London presided on Wednesday at the 74th annual meeting of the National Society, held in the society's rooms, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster. The report showed that during the year there had been an increase in the accommodation afforded by Church schools, and an increase in attendance. Lord George Hamilton, M.P., the Bishop of Oxford, Sir R. Cross, the Bishop of St. Albans, Earl Nelson, and Lord Norton addressed the meeting, and a resolution affirming the necessity of an increasing support to the society was adopted. The Lauderdale peerage case came on Wednesday before the Commissioners for Privileges of the House of Lords. Major F. H. Maitland, Bengal Staff Ccrps, claims as heir of Colonel the Hon. Richard Maitland, fourth surviving son of tho sixth earl, and the counter claimant is Sir James Ramsay Gibson Maitland, who claims as descended from the fifth son, alleging that the marriage of the Hon. Richard Maitland, which would have been valid in Scotland, was invalid, having taken plaee in New York, there being no evidence that he had preserved his Scotch domicile. The case was ad- journed. 10;1. The Derby Master Bakers; Association announce a reduction in the price of bread and flour of 2d. per stone. A collision has occurred in the roads at Cronstadt between the torpedo boat lvastatka and the war steamer Fontaka. The latter was seriously damaged, and nearly foundered. She was, however, run on shore. The Kassatka seems to have escaped injury. The health of many officers of the Guards who have been lately employed at Souakim is causing consider- able anxiety. Several of them, who are very ill, were specially prayed for on Sunday at the service at the Guards' Chapel, Wellington Barracks. It is reported from Rangoon that M. Haas, the new French Vice-Consul at Mandalay, has premised to introduce rifles into Burmah through Tonauin and also that he removed his boots at his interview with the Prime Minister, but declared that he would not do so again. General Crook states that the Apache raid is at an end, and that the hostile Indians are moving to the south. He has been informed of 17 murders committed by them, and it is believed that others have been perpetrated. His troops closely pursue the retreating savages, who are making for the Mexican border. A discovery of dynamite was made on Saturday at Dux, in Bohemia, near the wood of Osseg, where the Socialists lately convicted at Prague used to meet. Behind a bush in the churchyard six large dynamite shells and some dynamite cartridges were found, with j an electric apparatus for exploding them. The medical profession has lost one of its oldest members in the person of Mr. James Moncrieff Arnott, F.R.S., of Chapel, Fifeshire, who died a few days ago at his residence in Sussex-gardens, Hyde-park, at the age of 91 years. The deceased gentleman was a son of the late Mr. Robert Arnott, of Chapel, and was born in 1794. The Rangoon newspapers are beginning to discuss the advisability of procuring the separation of British Burmah from India, and of making it a Crown colony. This proposal, which has the support of the Rangoon Chamber of Commerce, is founded upon the belief that the province is starved, and that its interests are neg- lected by the Indian Government, while its surplus revenue is drained away to meet the wants of other provinces. It is also urged that neither in language, religion, nor people has British Burmah anything in common with India, Another English fishing-smack has been seized for illegally fishing in the vicinity of the island of Nordeney, in the North Sea, and towed into Wilhelms- haven. A Basle telegram states that a boat containing 15 persons, while returning from a river excursion to Rheinfelden, was upset by striking against the pier of a bridge, eight of the occupants being drowned. Disturbances have broken out in Crete. When Sawas Pacha, the new Governor, arrived off the island, a Com- mittee, nominated by the Assembly, informed him that his appointment was not consonant with the wishes of that body. The Royal Geographical Society held its annual meeting in London on Monday, at which the medals awarded to distinguished explorers were distributed. Lord Aberdare reviewed the progress of geographical knowledge during the past year. In the evening the members of the society dined together at Willis's Rooms, and speeches were made, among others, by Sir P. Lumsden ar d Mr. II. M. Stanley. The Show of the Bath and West of England Society was on Monday opened in Preston-park, Brighton. The entries were more numerous than at either of the three preceding shows, the cattle classes being espe- cially well represented. At Sheffield, while Charles Alcock, one of the shop assistants to Messrs. Bingham and Co., was engaged fixing up a blind in a shop window, he overbalanced himself and fell off the stool, coming in contact with Mr. Robert Bingham. He sustained such spinal in- juries as to cause his death. Captain Cox, a visitor from the Midland counties of England, fell over one of the cliffs on the Kincardine coast, near Muchall's, on Monday, and was killed on the spot. He resided at Elswick House, and was on his way to church when the accident occurred. This is the second fatal accident which has occurred at the same place this season. The baths of Schienberg, which had just opened for the season, have been totally destroyed by fire. The conflagration spread rapidly, and the adjoining chapel and casino were likewise burnt to the ground within two hours of the outbreak. After nine hours' deliberation the Supreme Court has confirmed the sentence of death upon Wattmann, who, by systematic cruelty, murdered his little girl, seven years old. The prisoner, who has lost all the hardihood which he showed at first, pleaded pifceously for his life. It is many years since the penalty of death has been inflicted in Switzerland. Advices from Bellinzone state that two days ago a young man and a lady, having tickets from Milan to Paris, arrived at Airolo by train. There were several persons in the compartment with them. Just as they reached the station the young man drew a revolver from his pocket and shot himself through the head. The lady was overwhelmed, and the other travellers aghast. The young man, who was an American, had, it appeared, been visiting Monaco, where he had met with ill-fortune. The house of a widow woman named II amilt, resid- ing at Market-hill, near No wry, was maliciously set on fire early on Monday morning. Some men entered the premises and rescued Mrs. Hamilt at the risk of their lives, but the house and its contents were entirely de- stroyed. The woman holds some land, and an attempt has been made to torce her to give it up, but she refuses to leave. By the bursting of a waterspout near Lagos, in Mexico, one hundred persons are reported to have perished. At the Portsmouth Police-court, on Monday, Harry Lane, an artist, and a member of the local Town Council, was brought up on a charge of forgery. It was stated that he went to the office of Mr. Liney, a money-lender, and asked to borrow about £ 30. Pri- soner was advanced £ 27 15s., on an acceptance for £ 30, purporting to be signed by his father, Robert Lane, a butcher in a large way of business in Landport. The signature of prisoner's father was proved to be a forgery, and the prisoner was committed for trial on this and another charge. A terrible fatality happened on Monday afternoon to a young labourer named Josiah Blakey, of Bradford, who was employed at some brickworks at Pudsey, near there. A large chimney, 140ft. high, has just been completed, and Blakey ascended the inside to the top to obtain a view of the surrounding country. He had not been there a moment when. he was seen to disappear, and fall down the chimney to the ground. His body was terribly injured, and although medical aid was at once rendered he died in an hour. He was 25 years old. Emily Chappelt aged 17. the daughter of a Harro gate draper, died on Monday, it is alleged, through eating Vanilla sandwiches, purchased in Leeds. Mrs. Chappel and her youngest children, Annie and Charles, also became ill after partaking of the sandwiches. The latter soon recovered, but the others remained in a dangerous state. At the half-yearly rent audit of the Romney Marsh Estates of Sir Edward C. Dering, Bart., held recently, the tenants were again allowed a remission of 20 per cent. of their rentals. The scheme suggested by the leaders of the Silver Party in New York to replace the present compulsory Coinage Law is now attracting much attention. The Cunard steamer Aurania, which left New York on the 30th ult., arrived at Queenstown at midnight on Saturday, her passage being somewhat protracted on account of having taken a southern route to avoid ice- bergs. Notwithstanding this precaution, five very large icebergs were passed on the 2nd inst. in latitude 40'48 north, longitude 48'20 west, distant but three miles. The Bishop of London paid a visit to Winchester on Tuesday, for the purpose of preaching the anniversary sermon of-the Central Hants Church Missionary Asso- ciation. His lordship subsequently spoke at a meeting held in the city, over which the Dean of Winchester presided. The total funds subscribed by the local association during the past year were £960. At the Dublin Police-court on Tuesday Ellen Martin, aged 30, was remanded on a charge of having, alono- with her father, aged 74, who was too ill to be brought up, wilfully murdered Susan Monahan, a fellow occu- pant of a tenement house. The prisoner and deceased quarrelled on the 25th ult., and Monahan was struck with a poker on the forehead, from the effects of which she died. A novel case of boycotting has just occurred in Limerick. Some time since the directors of the Water- ford and Limerick Railway advertised for tenders from persons desirous to rent the new refreshment rooms at Limerick terminus. A number of traders waited on the directors to urge them to accept the tender of a Nationalist friend, under penalty of the deputation boycotting the railway company. The directors ac- cepted another tender. The result has been that the j traders put their threat into execution. They trans j ferred their business in butter and bacon from the | Waterford to the Great Southern and Western Com Si pany. | It is stated that much irritation has been caused j among agriculturists by the new features introduced t in the forms just sent out by ths Agricultural De- j partment to occupiers of land for filling up the agri- { cultural returns. To the numerous columns in which [ horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs are to be entered there have been added this year columns in which turkeys,* geese, ducks, and fowls are to be returned, besides a ? special return of all young stock born during the year | on the farm, and of all animals which have been ] slaughtered. Many farmers, it is stated, will be un- | able to go into these minute details, and the result will be that a large number of returns will not be sent in at all. The Port of Archangel is now open to navigation Two English vessels have already arrived there. Continued desertions are said to be taking place among the followers of Osrnari Digna and the Mahdi, owing to the scarcity of food and the spread of small- pox. The rebels besieging Kassala are said to be retir- ing for the same reason. Fresh cases of cholera have occurred in Spain, the epidemic having apparently spread to the neighbouring provinces of Oastellon iu the north, and Murcia in the south. In Valencia there has been a very large increase in the death rate. Several thousands of working men assembled at various points in London on Sunday afternoon, whence they walked in procession to Hyde-park. There meet- ings were held round seven platforms, and a resolution was passed against the enhanced beer and spirit duties proposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. A bomb, supposed to have contained dynamite, has been exploded outside the house of a Catalan Senator residing in a village in Barcelona. The perpetrator, whose motive is unknown, has been arrested. Joseph Best, solicitor, and Josiah Bates, were on Saturday, at Liverpool, convicted of fraudulently obtain- ing a large sum of money by spurious advertisements. Best was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment, and Bates, previously convicted, to five years' penal servitude. A gentleman named Nigel Younge, of Jermyn-street, London, was a short time ago ordered to find a surety in fifty pounds for behaving in a disorderly manner at Hatchett's Hotel, Piccadilly. On Friday night he was at the same hotel, where he broke six images belonging to an Italian. On being remonstrated with he became violent, and in a struggle with a policeman a glass barrel full of the best hrandy was broken, and a marble table was knocked over and smashed. Younge was brought up at Marlborough-street Police court on Saturday, when his recognizances were estreated, and he was ordered to find further sureties, himself in one hundred pounds, and two others in fifty pounds each, to keep the peace for three months. At the Cork County Presentment Sessions on Satur- day, the sum of i-:4,385 was passed to pay a moiety of the expenses ot extra police in the county during the past half-year. Complaints were made that, notwith- standing the fact of peace and order having been com- pletely restored, no steps should have been taken to relieve the county of so unnecessary a tax. At the Epsom Police-court on Saturday there were twenty-three charges. The majority were for being suspected persons one was for stealing a pair of opera glasses from the person four were for pocket picking; and one for obtaining money by means of a X5 note on the Bank of Engraving. This list is somewhat heavier than usual after an Oaks day. A correspondent at Cairo states that Lord Wolseley and Sir E. Baring have had a very pleasant meeting at Suez with the Duke and Duchess of Connaught. A report has been telegraphed from Dongola that Kitshef Oen, who had gone to swear allegiance to the Mahdi, had been executed. He had been of great assistance at Korti in procuring supplies for the troops. The re- port, however, is doubted. The Mudie of Dongola says he could have held the province for Egypt. The Transvaal Volksraad has passed a resolution dis- qualifying all the persons who signed the petitions for annexation to Great Britain and against retrocession from holding office or being members of the Volksraad. The debate was characterised by unrelenting bitter- ness against the loyalists. It was even suggested to extend the disqualification to the tenth generation. Mr. Joubert has accepted the chief command of the Transvaal forces. A commission has been awarded to Sergeant-Major Peter Smith, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, who has been promoted to the rank of Quartermaster. Mr. S nith has been in the ranks of the battalion for 23 years, and was recently decorated with the distinguished service medal by her Majesty for his services in the Egyptian cam- paign of 1882. On Wednesday the Peers of Scotland met in Holy- rood Palace, Edinburgh, for the purpose of electing a peer in room of the late Earl of Selkirk. There was a large attendance. The Earl of Glasgow, Lord Clerk Register, presided. The lists being made up, it was found that the Earl of Lindsay had been unanimously elected. It was intimated that the Duke of Hamilton has assumed the title of the Earl of Selkirk. Some time ago an action was raised in the Aberdeen Sheriff Court, in which Miss Elizabeth Johnston, aged 28 years, shop assistant, Dundee, sued Mr. David Dundas, schooolmaster, Inverallochy, for R400 as damages for breach of promise of marriage. It appeared that loving letters passed between the two for the long period of 10 years, at the close of which the defendant married another woman. On Wednesday the case was arranged, the plaintiff a cepting 2132 in full di3charge of her claim. In the Appeal Court, on Wednesday, the appeal Of Mrs. Wodehouse was argued against the refusal of Sir James Hannen to grant a divorce from her husband. The court considered it dangerous to further extend the doctrine of cruelty, and dismissed the appeal. On Tuesday a very large number of musical people and others attended the funeral of Sir Julius Benedict, which took place inKensal-green Cemetery. The Grand Duke Vladimir has started upon his tour of inspection through the military districts of St. Petersburg and Mosco w. His Imperial Highness will extend his journey to the extreme northern provinces, and, among other places, will visit Nova Zembla. An inquest was held on Saturday, at Exeter, on a lad named Blackburn, son of a paper manufacturer, who met with a sad death. He was sailing a canoe just below the weir, opposite his father's mill, when a gust of wind capsized the boat. The boy fell in a part of the river where there was an eddy, and was drowned before his father, who witnessed the accident, could reach him- Verdict, "Accidental death." At the Pontypool Police-court on Saturday Joseph Swan, ironworker, was brought up on the remanded charge of stabbing his wife, Emma Swan. The evidence showed that the two quarrelled, but made it up, and went to bed. There the differences were renewed, and the prisoner stabbed his wife so badly that for some days her life was despaired of. Prisoner declared that he was using the knife to loosen the tobacco in his pipe, and he said to her, Emma, when are we to be better friends ?" She replied that be could go and get friends elsewhere, and that he then struck her with the knife. The magistrates committed prisoner for trial.

-st THE MARKETS. .S't s.. MARK LANE. A quiet business has been passing at Mark-lane. Crop accounts have improved of late, and have weakened the trade, in spite of diminished American requirements and a strong market at New York. Short supplies of home- grown grain were offering, and moderate of foreign. English wheat was in quiet request, and was about the same in value. For foreign wheat the demand was in- active, at barely previous prices. Flour sold slowly; country sorts may be written 6d to Is easier. The barley trade wAs dull. Grinding produce was only saleable at re- duced, say 3d to 601 per qr. The oat trade was dull, and prices were 6d lower on the we. k. Maize met a slow sale at 6d decline. Beans and lentils were dull and without change White p as fell Is per err. METROPOLITAN CATTLE DIAAKPT. The totalimports of foreign stock into London last weoft amounted to 22,173 nead. lu the corresponding period last year we received 22,140 j in 1883, 22,633 in 18'32, 28,012; in 18-51,15,514 in 1880, 24,355; in 1879, 18,686; in 187&, 13,684; in 1877, 15,1 i3. At Liverpool there were received 1084 beasts from Boston 1163 beasts and 166 sheep from Montreal, and 999 beasts from New York; and at South- ampton 25 beasts from Jersey and Guernsey. The cattle trade is dull and weak Supplies are about the average, and are eqLia).,o the demand. The receipts oi beasts from our own grazing districts were about the same as usual. A flan market prevailed throughout and values were not maintained without difficulty. The choicest Scot, and crosses were disposed of at 4a lOd to 5s per 81b, but many good useful animals went at a lower figure The total number of foreign beasts offered was not lar'^e, but there was a rather slow inquiry at drooping prices" Å fair show of sheep was witnessed in the pens; there was a drooping inquiry. The best Downs and half-breds rea'ised 58 Wd to 6s and heavy sheep 5s to 5s 4d per Slbs. Lambs were dull at 6s 2d to 7s per 81bs calves and pigs quiet. Coarse and inferior bea4t", 4s to 4s 6rl; second quality aitto, 4s 6d to 4s 8d; prime large oxen, 4s Sd to 4s 10d boots, 4s 1 Od t o 5s coarse and inferior sheep, 4s lOd to 5s 2d; seconds, 5s 2d to Ss 6d prime coarse-wooled ditto, 5s 6d to 53 8d prime Southdown ditto, 5s Sd to 6s Od lanib9, 6s 2d to 7s; large coarse calves, 4s 6d to 5s Od prime small ditto, 5s to 5s gd large hogs, 3s 0d to 4s and neat small porkers, 4s to 4s 6d per 81b to sink the offal- Total supply.—English: Beasts, .2380; sheep and lambs, 11,180; calves, 280; pigs, 10; milch cows, 30. Foreign Beasts, 1240; calves, 60. From the Midland and Howie Counties we received 790 beasts from Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, 700 beasts; from Scotland, 150 beasts and from Canada, 10?0 beasts. HIETKO PQLITAN MEAT MARKET. There was a moderate supply on sale. The trade was bad for beef, vea1, and pork, but there was a fa r demand at firm rates for mutton and lamb, especially light weights. Quotations: Inferior beef, 2s 4d to 3s 0d; middling ditto, 3s 4d to 3s 8d; prime large ditto. 4s Od to 4s 4d; prime sin 11 ditto, 4s Od to 4s 4d veal. 3s 4d to 4s Od; inferior mutton, 3s 4d to 4s middling ditto, 4s to 4s 8d; prime ditto, 5s Od to 6s Od} large pork, 3s 0d to 3s 4d; small ditto, 3s 6d to 4s Od lamb, to 6s Sd per 81b by the carcase. FISH. A moderate supply on offer, with a fair demand for same. Prices Soles, 9d to Is slips, Cd to 8d turbot. 7d to led; halibut, <5d to 8d; cod, 3d to 5d dried ling, 4d salmon, Is Sd to Is lOd brill, fid to 8d lemon soles. 6d crimped skate, 4d to (id roker, 3d; hake, 3d to 4d; plaice, 3d to 4d; and frosh haddock, 2d to 3d per lb. mackerel, l|d to 3d; crabs, 3d to 2s; lobsters, 6d to 2s 6d and smoked haddocks, Id to Is each; bloaters, 6d to 2s; oysters, 8d to 2a 6d; prawns, 9d per dozeti; kippers, 9d to 3s per dozen pairs; Digby chicks, tid Per bundle. POTATO. A moderate supply of potatoes were offered. trade was dull, as folio ws Old—Scotch regents, 80s to liOs Kent ditto. 80s to 100s } Victorias, 80s to 1WS. magnum bonums, 80s to 100s per ton. New—Malta round. 8s to 10s Jersey kidneys, 16s to 20s per cwt.

Jankn Cwregraktit [We d-em It right to stats that we do not at all times Identify ouissites with oiir Cotreapon&eafc'a opinions.] The House of Commons, on reassembling after a recess, resembles a school returned from a holi- day. The mind cannot all at once be braced together from the previous relaxation, and it is very difficult to settle down to business. This has been the case more especially with respect to the recent vacation. In the first place the Par- liament is growing old, and in a few months will be dissolved. Many of those who were returned to it will in that event know it no more. The interest which they take in its proceedings is now small, and when the House is in Committee of Supply, as it always is on the first night after a recess, they absent t hemselves altogether. Again there is no doubt that many members resented what they regarded as a too brief holiday at what they regarded as a too brief holiday at Whitsuntide, remembering the very short one at Easter. Had Thursday and Friday been thrown into the recess it would have included three clear Sundays, whereas by meeting on Thursday the week—one of splendid summer weather—was broken up. The natural conse- quences followed. No business of public importance was transacted on Thursday, and on Friday it was found impossible to keep 40 members together. There was a count-out at eight o'clock, and nothing whatever was done. It would have been much better to give the House the clear fortnight than to have had valuable time wasted in this way. When the proposal to grant an annuity of JE6000 was placed before Parliament it was noticed that not a word was said about the dowry of £ 30,000, which under similar circum- stances had been granted to Princesses Alice, Helena, and Louise. Mr. Gladstone, in moving the annuity, confined himself to that subject, and left the dowry alone. Those who recollected the precedents could not understand this, as there was no apparent reason why Princess Beatrice should fare worse than her sisters.. The sum of £ 30,000 is a very substantial one, and if it can be hadfor the asking, there are not many who would be inclined to forego the application. At length the notice appeared quietly on the paper of Committee of Supply-" The Chancellor of the Exchequer to move that the sum of £ 30,000 be granted to her Majesty as a marriage portion for her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice." It came upon many members with surprise but fourteen years had elapsed since such an applica- tion was made, and the usual course had been forgotten. So far as London was concerned, the official celebration of the Queen's birthday was greatly marred by the weather. Last year the ceremonv of what is called trooping the colours was not permitted, in consequence of the recent death of the Duke of Albany while on Saturday the heavy rain considerably interfered with the success of the spectacle. In the evening, which was as dull and dismal as any in November, the usual dinners were given by the Ministers and great officers of State, the Prince of Wales and his eldest son dining with Mr. Gladstone. Large numbers of persons proceeded to the West-end thoroughfares to witness the illuminations, which, as a rule, are well worth seeing, more especially in the streets of Regent and St. James's. Princess Louise has returned from Balmoral in time to take part in the numerous engage- ments which will fill up the time between now and the prorogation of Parliament, and where the presence of Royalty is so much appreciated. The next few weeks are always busy, and if the presence of a Princess can be procured for the opening of a bazaar, the distribution of prizes, the opening of the new wing of a hospital, or, indeed, any work of benevolence or charity, so much the better. The Princess of Wales, the Queen's daughters, and the Duchess of Teck, who has just returned from Florence, are very obliging in this way, and in the season they have their hands full of engagements. Princess Beatrice has as yet taken no active part in such work, and having always lived with her Majesty, either at Windsor, Osborne, or Balmoral, has had no experience of London life. We shall be anxious to see whether her marriage relaxes this exclu- siveness. The enthusiastic greeting given to Sir Peter Lumsden on his arrival at Charing-cross on Satur- day evening showed the appreciation felt by the public for the services of a gallant officer, per- formed in the face of considerable difficulties. The privations of a life on the Afghan frontier have been revealed to us lately in glimpses, and in some of the expeditions which Sir Peter Lumsden had to undertake, the number of his followers diminished with the progress of the marches through hardships of the severest character. The fact that three field-marshals of the British army were amongst the distinguished crowd on the platform at Charing-cross is a sufficient testimony to the highest professional opinion as to how Sir Peter Lumsden has dis- charged his military functions. The Epsom Summer meeting of 1885 is one that will be remembered for the splendid weather that favoured it. This had a great deal to do with the attendance on the famous Surrey downs, which on Derby Day were a marvellous sight. The road of course is not so extensively patronised as it used to be, owing to the increased railway accommodation; but still, the number of different conveyances certainly showed an increase on previous years. Lord Hastings can now say with pride that he won his first Derby this makes up for his disappoint- ment a year or two ago with Beau Brummel. The race will always be remembered for the close finish, one of the finest displays of horsemanship witnessed for many a long day. Archer is cer- tainly a wonderful jockey, and is now riding better than ever he did. It is quite likely that Melton would have had to put up with place honours if he had had any other pilot than Archer on his back. on his back. The sudden death of Sir Julius Benedict, at the advanced age of 81, did not surprise those who remembered how seriously ill he was not long ago. The preparations for his benefit concert were going on up to the time of his decease. It is not long ago that we lost Sir Michael Costa, another eminent musical com- poser and conductor, so that the removal of Sir Julius Benedict will be sensibly felt. G. R.

AFFAIRS OF EGYPT, v A Parliamentary paper bas been issued containing the reports on the state of Egypt and the progress of j administrative reforms. One of the more important documents is written by Lord Northbrook, dated London, November 20, 1884, and deals with matters connected with the administration which he could not conveniently include in his report on the financial situation. His lordship testifies the intelligence and knowledge of local affairs shown by the Mudirs of the provinces, with all of whom he had conversations. At the same time some corruption appeared to prevail among the mamours (magistrates of districts), which was not to be rrondered at considering how notoriously insufficient their pay was, and the excessive number of subordinates employed. Regarding the British forces at that date remaining in Egypt, Lord North- brook could not then recommend their removal at any definite time, but he anticipated that their strength might, before long, be reduced to about 4,000 men, though this must necessarily depend upon the further experience of the Egyptian army and the internal state of the country, and upon the political situation. In conclusion, his lordship observes that his remarks generally are based upon the assumption of a prompt settlement of the finances of Egypt through the instrumentality of the British Government. Most of the other reports are from Sir E. Baring.

Appropriate conveyances—For fast youths, a velocifj pede; for tutors, a coach for sportsmen, a dog-cart: for pioneers, a van for astronomers, "the chariot of the sun;" for the industrious sons of toil, a diligence; for sea captains, a gig for poachers, a trap.

ARRIVAL OF SIR P. LUMSDEN. A demonstration of no ordinary significance oc- curred on Saturday evening at Charing-cross Station on the occasion of the arrival of Sir Peter Lumsden from Afghanistan. Although neither the precise date nor the time of the General's return had been pub- licly known, it was expected that he would travel by the tidal train from Paris on Saturday, and an im- mense crowd had consequently gathered inside and outside the station to meet him, and to accord him a reception which proved to be as gratifying to the General as it was unexpected. Amongst those on the platform were Sir Dighton Probyn, Field Marshals Lord Straithnairn, Lord Napier of Magdala, and Sir Patrick Grant, Lord Chelmsford, Sir Richard Cross, Lieut.-General Chetwynd-Stapylton, Colonel Gunter, M.P., Colonel Levett, M.P., Lord A. Paget, Colonel Nassau Lees, Sir Heron Maxwell, Sir Edwin Johnson, Mr. W. Lawrence, M.P., General Foster, Mr. Justice and Lady Stephen, Sir Charles Brownlow, Colonel Allen Johnson, Sir Richard Pol- lock, General Wyld, General Beynon, General Hunter Thompson, Sir John Strachey, General R. Strachey, Lord Rowton, Mr. H. Chaplin, M.P., Mr. Rowland Winn, M.P., Lord Crichton, M.P., General Wilkinson, General Sir F. P. Haines, Lieut.- General Sir H. Daly, General Walker, Mr. Sidney Herbert, M.P., Mr. Montagu Scott, M.P., Sir Sey- mour Blane, Sir G. Campbell, M.P., Lord Galway, Mr Monckton, M.P., Mr. Coleridge Kennard, M.P., General Sir A. Herbert, Sir Charles Mills, General Dick, Sir Owen Burne, Sir W. J. De Bathe, Sir F. Abel, Lord Rendlesham, Lord Massareene, Lord Coventry, the Misses Frere, Lord De Saumarez, the Earl of, Crawford and Balcarres, Lord Harlech, Mr. C. Lewis, M.P., Mr. D. Onslow, M.P., Lord Colville of Culross, Colonel Bushby, General Sir H. Green, Surgeon Major Stuart, Mr. M'Kinnon, Mr. Callan, M.P., Sir W. Hart Dyke, M.P., -Mr. Ion Trant Hamilton, M.P., Sir H. Drummond Wolff, M.P., and Mr. Yorke, M.P. The train steamed into the station at a few minutes after six o'clock, and Sir Peter's appearance at the window of the saloon carriage was the signal for round after round of enthusiastic cheering. The General was accompanied by Lady Lumsden, his brother Sir Harry and Lady Harry Lumsden, and Mr. Condie Stephen, who had gone to Paris to meet him. On alighting from the carriage Sir Peter Lumsden was warmly greeted by Sir Dighton Probyn, Lord Napier, Sir P. Grant, Lord Strathnairn, and many other friends, and the cheering was incessant as he entered his carriage and drove off. At the entrance to the station the crowd had by this time considerably increased, and their hearty greeting gave ample testimony of the popular appreciation of Sir Peter's services. General Lumsden was evidently much gratified with his reception, and repeatedly bowed his acknowledgments. Sir Peter Lumsden on Sunday afternoon received several congratulatory visits from officials and others at his residence. For the next few days Sir Peter will be engaged at the India Office ind elsewhere upon matters connected with his late mission in Afghanistan. Notwithstanding the trying work and travel he has experienced during the last six months, he is quite well and strong.

THE HOUSE SHOW AT ISLINGTON. The annual show of light and sporting horses held under the auspices of the Royal Agricultural Hall Company — the 22nd on record—commenced on Saturday at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. The number of entries was very large, 609 in all, and the general excellence of the show is about equal to that recorded on former occasions. This show has not very much in common with agricultural pur- suits pure and simple, the hordes exhibited being for the most part the property of noblemen, gentlemen, and dealers, who may or may not breed them; but Mr. Walter Gilbey this year suc- ceeded in introducing a classification for three-year- old horses likely to make hunters, with the view to affording greater facilities for the sale of the raw material." The idea was undoubtedly a good one, and may lead to useful results, although the entries in this particular class were not, as a whole, very meritorious. At the same time some were very meri- torious, and as simply raw material," Mr. Dunn's bay mare Atalanta, bred by Mr. Hart, Dunnington Lodge, York, winner of first prize, was apparently equal in promise to any young horse in the hall. The judges of hunters—the Earl of Coventry, Lord Combermere, and Mr. P. A. Muntz, M.P., took praise- worthy trouble to find the best horses, riding them in addition to the mere on-looking. In the competition for the champion prize the award fell to Major T. H. Thwaites's magnificent grey gelding, Pioneer. This horse, although entered as being up to only 13 stone -against a classification of 15 stone in the preceding class-was all over a hunter, and looked like carrying more than 15 stone across any reasonable country. Mr. A. J. Brown's Daybreak, bred by Mr. Thompson, of Wetherby, winner of first prize in the class for hunters up to, and not less than 15 stone," was a great favourite. There was a large show of hacks and light horses of all descriptions. The show remained open all the week, being visited by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children on Wednesday.

AUSTRALASIAN DEBTs.-The Australasian debts are in total £ 110,000,000; but, with the exception of a small sum spent by New Zealand in quelling the re- bellion of the native tribes, this has been expended almost entirely in railways, telegraphs, and other works of a reproductive character. In the ten years from 1872 to 1882 the united debt of the Australasian Oolonieshad increased from £ 42,000,000 to £ 99,000,000; the length of railways opened had increased from 1362 miles to 6207 miles. Thus, greatly as the debts have grown, the increase being no less that 112 per cent., the mileage ot railways opened for traffic has increased by no less than 356 per cent.