The Aberystwith Observer

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL AND THE WAR OFFICE. Speaking in support of a resolution expressing con- fidence in her Majesty's Government, at a meeting of the North-east Kent Conservative Association, which was held at Sittingboume on Saturday afternoon, Lord Harris, Under Secretary of State for War, re- ferred at some length to the speech made by Lord Randolph Churchill at Wolverhampton on the pre- vicus night. He said that when Lord Randolph Churchill compared the rapidity with which Germany and France can mobilise their armies with the time it would take us to mobilise for the defence of India, he ignored altogether the distance separating the two countries, and he also ignored the indefinite cost that the system of conscription must entail on those countries, as compared with our voluntary system. According to Lord Randolph the German and French armies are always supplied with the very best weapons of all arms of the day, and the English army never, or at any rate not now. He said that the German repeating rifle was perfection; from what informa- tion he (Lord Harris) had had he should not have come to that conclusion. Lord Randolph attacked our Martini-Henri rifle, and said that it had been proved to be inefficient. He (Lord Harris) had never heard but one opinion of that rifle-that it was a magnificent weapon. Lord Randolph said that it had broken down, but that was a distinct mistake, for it bad never failed, as any soldier would tell them. What bad happened was this. During the late Soudan war, in a country where the fine sand perme- ated everything, the cartridges jammed, but that was the first complaint ever made against the rifle, and that only in one campaign. Lord Randolph Churchill appeared to wish his audience to believe that if we were to go to war now our troops would have nothing but a defective rille and defective cartridge, whereas the truth was that the weapon was a first-rate one that the cartridge that will be sent on active service was a solid drawn brass case cartridge, made to meet and do away with the defect complained of in the Boxer cartridge. Lord Randolph not only blamed the officials, but also the system, and he was so convinced that it was a bad one that he wanted the Right Hon. W. H. Smith, after he had been six months in office, to change it all. It always appeared to him (Lord Harris) that Mr. Smith would not have been justified in undertaking a complete change of system of a great department like the War Office after that short experience of it, even if he could have given his whole mind to that one question. They might depend upon it, they could not change a system in a hurry without the most mischievous after results. The speaker also understood Lord Randolph to imply that the cost of administeriug the army in- creases as the army itself increases for he alluded to an increase of L50,000 in the War Office estimates for its own conduct; but he (Lord Harris) was under the impression that the cost of administering the army had, within the last 25 years, dropped from over £1 10s. in each £100 expended to about £1 Is., in spite of the enormous increase in the volun- teer forces. (Cheers.) Then Lord Randolph referred to the subject of colonial armaments and the defence of Australasia. With regard to King George's Sound they were told that this was one of the most important waterways in the world. He (Lord Harris) bad been to King George's Sound, and knew it perfectly well, and as a fact it was not a waterway at all. They were told that the value of merchandise going through the Sound in a year amounted to £ 120,000,000. So far from King George's Sound being a waterway, it was a harbour on the West Coast of Australia, and none of the com- merce from the Straits Settlements, China, America, New Zealand, or that coming round the Horn or Cape of Good Hope need touch King George's Sound and so far as he (Lord Harris) could make out, in the short time he had had at his disposal since he read Lord Randolph's speech, the whole export and import trade of Australasia, including Tasmania, New Zea- land, and Fiji, did not, in 1885, exceed £ 120,000,000. He thought, therefore, that Lord Randolph must be in error in making that statement; at any rate he (Lord Harris) knew this, that the Colonial Defence Commission classed King George's Sound as a second-class coaling station, and that what they were now striving to do was to complete the for- tification and armament of the first-class coaling sta- tions. Lord Randolph also said he had a scheme by which he would remedy all this, but whatever that scheme might be he kept to himself. (Laughter.) With this scheme of his he said he would supply England with all she wanted in the way of stores and munitions at a saving of JE4,000,000 or £ 5,000,000. He (Lord Harris) was sure that every man employed in the spending departments would be grateful if Lord Randolph would produce that plan, worked out in detail, mind, for he (the Undersecretary for War) repudiated the insinuation that public officials are not actuated by public spirit. He was convinced that their one object was to serve the Sts-te to the best of their ability. (Loud cheers.)

RUSSIAN THREATS TO THE SULTAN. Disquieting rumours, the Constantinople corre. spondent of the Times Bays, have been set afloat to the effect that the ratification of the Egyptian Conven- tion is doubtful, in consequence of efforts made at the palace to suggest that there has been some unfair dealing in the negotiations, and that therefore the Porte has been instructed to claim the inser- tion of an additional clause in the convention in reference to reoccupation. It is impossible to ascertain precisely what measure of truth there is in such reports; but they have received confirma- tion from the fact that Sir H. Drummond Wolff was summoned to the Porte in haste the other day to confer with the Grand Vizier, after the French Ambassador had held a long interview with the Minister, and after the Russian Ambassador had expressed dissatisfaction with the tenor of the agreement. It is no secret that certain remonstrances in strong terms have been made by Russia, and that an explanation has been demanded by the French Ambassador, but not in a formal manner or in writing. The Standard's correspondent says: The Russian opposition to the Egyptian Convention is as strong as ever. M. de Nelidoff has declared to the Porte in person, and at the palace through a confidential channel, that if the Sultan ratifies the convention, it may cost him his throne. Through the same channel M. de Nelidoff informed the Sultan on Thursday that the convention had no other object than to dispossess him of Egypt, that England bad paid to the Grand Vizier £ 600,000 to obtain it, and that several palace functionaries, including the Third Chamberlain, had also received large amounts. The Sultan summoned this officer immediately to his presence, and had the Russian accusations repeated before him. A violent scene ensued, the Chamber- lain indignantly denying having taken any money. All last week there has been a constant interchange of messages between the Sultan and M. de Nelidoff, and to quicken its movement M. de Nelidoff has daily spent some hours in one of the public gardens adjacent to the palace. The Russian Ambassador hoped the Sultan would send for him but in this he was dis- appointed. The purpose of the messages has been to procure the dismissal of the Kiamil Ministry, and so prevent the ratification of the convention. The Sultan has invited the ex-Grand Vizier, Said Pasha, twice to the palace; but it is not believed that the Sultan seriously intends dismissing his Ministers, or that he will hesitate to ratify the convention. It was only the other day that the French Ambassador received his instructions. They are to support Russia in re- sisting the ratification of the convention.

GARMENTS without Buttons are advertised. A weary bachelor says there is nothing very novel about that, he has had them for years. IT is related of the mother -a good old country an sophisticated soul—of one of our famous low comedians, that she would never go a second time to see her son act. Having seen him once, she returned home hart and indignant. What? she said; you don't see how those people make fun of you ? The minute you appear, they all began to laugh at you. Now, just look at Noakes. People don't laugh when he plays; and that's jaat what I should like to see with you. A GENTLEMAN going to Texas asked a friend for a letter of introduction. Opening a drawer, the friend home hart and indignant. What? she said; you don't see how those people make fun of you ? The minute yon appear, they all began to laugh at you. Now, just look at Noakes. People don't laugh when he plays; and that's "UBt what I Bhould like to see with you. A GENTLEMAN going to Texas asked a friend for a letter of introduction. Opening a drawer, the friend pointed to a revolver and a bowie-knife, and said • Take your choice!

THE STATE OF IRELAND. At the monthly meeting of the Cork Defence Union on Saturday, the secretary reported that they were now working at a profit six hundred acres of land throughout the country which had been boycotted; though at one period they experienced great difficulty in getting labourers to work on boycotted lands, they had now 50 working at ordinary rates of wages, and many others were seeking employment from them. He also reported that 14 fresh applications for assist- ance had been received from boycotted persons. At the Cork County Presentment Sessions on Saturday, the Inspector-General of Constabulary applied for E3868, proportion of the expenses charge- able to the county rates for maintaining extra police in the county during the half year. A resolution was moved recording an emphatic protest against the tax, as the ordinary torce was more than sufficient to carry out the law. Unmistakable tesfmony could be adduced as to the crimeless state of the county and the peaceable character of the people. The resolution was passed by a majority of five to four. Addressing a Nationalist meeting at Swords, county Dublin, on Sunday, Mr. Davitt urged that the people selected for eviction should barricade their homes and resist to the utmost that reason would allow the burglar proceedings of England's crowbar brigade. Next Sunday, if it pleased God, he intended to hold a meeting of 30,000 or 40,000 men to rebuild every house knocked down last week at Bodyke, or that might be demolished in the coming week. Care should be taken by the Irish race that pecuniary and generous assistance should be given during the incarceration of the members of any family. He suggested that a fund should be opened for carrying on the Plan of Cam- paign on a more extended basis, and said he would subscribe £ 100 himself. In the course of six weeks he expected £100,000 would be collected in Ireland, and in six months a million could be collected throughout the civilised world. VIOLENT EVICTION SCENES. The evictions on Colonel O'Callaghan's estate have been continued at Bodyke. Previous extraordinary scenes in connection with the eviction of Lyddy and M'Namara were completely eclipsed by the extra- ordinary display which took place during the eviction of the tenant whose house the Fusiliers and constabu- lary next surrounded. It is but a short distance over the fields where the two previous evictions had been effected, and the approach of the forces defiling over the hillside was signalled all the way by men perched on the chimneys of the out-offices hard by the tenant's house. Below, in the yard and enclosure, hundreds of men were busy carrying stones and everything which could obstruct the eviction of the tenant. The house was barricaded with trees driven through the windows and door. The tenant nominally is Michael Hussey, but his son manages the farm for his father, who is a very old man. The tenant wait walking about the yard leading to his house while the men on the roofs were yelling at the police and telling them to come on if they dared amid deafening cheers from the people, who had by this time assembled to the number of 5000. Shortly after noon the Fusiliers marched into the field at the rear of Hussey's house, and formed a hollow square. The constabulary took up positions here, and where the crowds were most pressing, and the constables provided with staves stood ready for action at the furthest end of the field. The bailiffs had plied their crowbars and bored aD. aperture through the masonry on the right hand side of the house, when it was observed that there was some people standing inside. Cans for holding boiling water were observed, and timber was thrust through the opening and twisted defiantly at the sheriff. The bailiffs agai^ plied their crowbars to widen the open- ing, when dirty water was thrown out on them with such effect that they had to retreat. The military and police advanced, pressing back the crowds sway. ing to and fro, and groaning at the aherin. The bailiffs again battered away at the walls with the view of widening the aperture; but a second volume of filthy water was flung through the opening, and the bailiffs fled. Mr. Croker, however, kept at his post, but a further discharge water— this tiuie boiling fluid, it was stated-and a bottle aimed at his head, had the effect of compelung him to retire. A number of bottes were now burled out of the house by the occupants, and they fell among the ranks of a double file of constabulary. One con- stable was struck on the hand and cut. Bottle after bottle was thrown through the opening in the wall by those inside the house, a man on the roof guiding those within by speaking down the chimney. The constables, armed with staves, then charged one portion of the people. As the Sheriff passed the house a bottle was hurled at him from inside, and nearly struck a gentleman for whom it was not in- tended. Colonel Tumer came up and ordered four constables with rifles to advance and present at the window through which the bottles were being flung. Another constable, with rifle at the present, forced the aperture ia the wall, and two soldiers with guns presented covered the front of the house Father Lynch said to Colonel Turner that the police would not be justified in firing on the people. Colonel Turner told the clergyman to go outside the line. The presenting of arms quieted matters inside, and the bailiffs resumed their work, which for the first stage, ended by the wall of the house falling out- wards. The interior of the house was disclosed, but not the occupants, who had retired to a back part of the premises. The sheriff, his bailiffs, and b support of police then made a rush to secure possession, but they were again deluged with dirty and boiling water. A swarm of bees was let loose, but, as far as could be perceived, they confined their attacks to the man on the roof, who descended and was placed under arrest. Subsequently he was discharged by Mr. Crotty. The occupants of the house were subsequently arrested. They were the wife of the tenant, her daughter Mar- garet, and James and Patrick Hussey her sons. Colonel Turner, after a few minutes, consented to the discharge of the women, but detained the men in custody. This concluded the evictions for the day. The Bodyke evictions were resumed on Monday. Captain Croker, the deputy sheriff, i8 suffering a good deal from the scalding he received on the vision of the eviction of the Hussey family. On the evictions on Colonel O'Callaghan's estate at Bodyke being resumed on Monday morning, Colonel Turner was again in chief command, the stipendiaries Welsh, charge of the 100 men of the Welsh pj^rs, and the police, about 60 of whom were provided with batons the rest carrying rifles, were under the com- mand of County Inspector Heard. At 10 o'clock the expedition started for the townland f Ballv- macdonnell, about two miles from "ft J V „ The agent, Mr. E P Hosford, tfa. Mr Croker, and the emergency bailiffs furnished MR COX, M P MR KE-N/ M.P., several Catholic priests, and „ of others. The Deputy Sheriff, Mr. Croker, presented a sorry spectacle as the result 0f the Treatment he experienced on Friday Ust, 0 ,tre boil. ing water and boiling meal were thrownon his face sticking plaster upon his head bore evidenced the wounds he received m the desperate resisSe made by the tenants. His reappearance with theTpedition was the signal for groans from the peonl* thn how- J"0' m°"er to the '»«»'bej 4 £ rti pre- Neither the sparsity of numbers the wet weather which prevailed while the^ictions were being carried out, however. t l As ceedings (rem being attended b, oowid °™blepjjmlar was injured. Owing to the assaults cor™ j Deputy Sheriff and his bailiffs it was flT the Divisional Magistrate had received epecial factions effected on the estate. Four tenants Jn Monday. The first house visited ww Tj 7™ Fahy, in the townland of Ballyma^10 u°f u T in the parish of OTallaghan's Min?11' WJlch 18 to Bodyke. Fahy held some ten C0ntl«u0u? land at a judicial rent of ten guinnoo ^°rea v, °u figure it was reduced in the Land Court'from^lfi A owes two years' rent The visit £ Fahy* £ m was unexpected, as it was thought the loran. There was accordingly no attempt at barri- cading, and the only resistance attempted was Fahy's seizing a pitchfork, which was taken from him by Mr Davitt, and the eviction was peaceably carried out: The crowd endeavoured to press on the Sheriff but Colonel Turner ordered the constabulary to disperse the people, who then went behind the ditches, and shouted and groaned. As these hostile demon- strations continued the police again charged the people with their batons, whereupon Mr. Davitt interfered, and, addressing the crowd, said, if any man was bludgeoned by a constable he was to come to him, and he would got the name of tb,e policeman, with a view to his prosecution." Meanwhile, Fahy's eviction was completed, his effects were put into the yard by the bailiffs, and the doorway was built up with stones. The military and police had scarcely left when Fahy re-took possession of the premises. When the forces were about to leave for the next eviction, the Sheriff was told that the land bad not been cleared, and a party of constabulary were despatched to drive off a calf belonging to Fahy —a proceeding ludicrous enough, and effected amid the hooting and yelling of the multitude. The troops then marched through the wet grass on to the narrow roadway leading to the next farm, from which the tenant Michael Moloney was to be evicted. The constabularly followed, protecting the bailiffs, who walked between a double row of constable and in front of two cars containing their crowbars and hatchets. Moloney's holding is a small one of 10 acres, the rent being £10. No preparation had been made to resist the Sheriff, who entered without any difficulty. While the bailiffs were removing the furniture it was stated by the tenant that Moloney bad not been served with any ejectment, and that, though he owed two years' rent, the Sheriff had gone to the wrong house, the tenant to be evicted being another man of the same name having a plot of land higher up the valley. Mr. Cox, M.P., having consulted with the tenant's friends, drew up the following notice, which was served by Molony on Mr. Croker: 4* I, Michael Molony, of Ballymacdonnell, having warned you against taking illegal possession of my bouse, now renew that pro- test, and hereby give you notice that I will take legal action against you for assault and illegal eviction." The Sheriff took no notice of this. Molony retook possession after the departure of the force s. There was some show of resistance at the next farm to which the Sheriff proceeded to evict Patrick M'Na- mara, who held 19 acres, the judicial rent being £10 15s. Boiling water and boiling meal had been got ready in the house for the reception of the Sheriff, and the doorway and windows had been blocked up with hedges and trunks of trees. The tenant and his family of nine children were in the house. When possession -of the premises was demanded hot water was thrown out on the bailiffs, who were accordingly ordered to ply their crowbars at the end of the house and effect an entrance through the opening when made. This was done, and the end of the house thrown down, the Sheriff and bailiffs rushing in and getting pos- session. The furniture having been thrown out, the police and military marched off to the house of John Cooney, which was found to be barricaded, the people inside being prepared to resist the entrance of the Sheriff. The Sheriff's demand for admission was met by a discharge of boiling meal at the bailiffs, who, taking up the crowbars, commenced to break down the masonry at the rear of the premises. During the day the crowds had been increasing, and the excite- ment was now at its height, owing to a report that a dying man was inside the house. The military were ordered to fix bayonets and form a cordon round the house, the constables being directed to clear the fields. The people betook themselves to the hedgerows, where they kept up a continuous yelling and shout- ing at the agent and the Sheriff. While the bailiffs were making an opening through the wall of the house more boiling water and meal was thrown at them, and five constables were ordered to advance into the yard and present their rifles at the window. This the men did amid groans, and the policemen re- mained in the position until a large opening had been made in the wall of the house. Two women, holding cans of boiling meal, were seen standing inside the opening. After a pause Colonel Turner lent his umbrella to one of the bailiffs to ward off the meal, as the rush was being made through the aperture to take possession. This proved effectual, and two policemen first charged through the opening, followed by the Sheriff and the bailiffe. The police being the first to enter the breach was the signal for renewed groaning, followed by derisive laughter when it was perceived that the umbrella protecting the men was deluged with boiling meal. Shortly after entering the Sheriff informed Mr. Hosford that a member of the family was sick, and asked if Cooney would be allowed to remain as caretaker of the premises. This Mr. Hos- ford refused to permit, stating that he had offered before the eviction was attempted to allow Cooney to remain as caretaker, but that he declined the offer. The eviction was then proceeded with, and while the effects were being removed it was stated that John Cooney, junior, was very ill. He was visited by Father Courtenay and Dr. Scanlan, who said the young man was suffering from acute heart disease. Three women were arrested for throwing the boiling meal on the bailiffs, but they were subsequently dis- charged. The evictions for the day being concluded, the troops and police marched to Fortane. A public meeting was afterwards held, under the presidency of Mr. Cox, M.P., who said the proceed- ings had three prevailing characteristics—brutality, rascality, and ruffianly illegality. With Mr. Davitt he was ashamed of having advised moderation. Mr. Davitt said he was told by a friend in Limerick that he was to be prosecuted for his speech last week. If brought to trial, and an honest report of his speech were produced, he would not go behind any legal quibble, and would tell the judge and the jury that he would stand by those sentiments. The plank bed had no terrors for him, and he would war against injustice as long as he lived. He did not counsel violence, but he asked them to assemble and see that unprovoked assaults were not committed upon those who were in the exer- cise of their right to be present. Mr. Sheehy, M.P., asked if any Irishman would again wear the uniform of an English soldier or policeman after their conduct that day. Let the people man their houses and de- fend them. Let them give the emergency men boil- ing water and stirabout, and sufficient to smash Colonel Turner's umbrella. The evictions were continued on Tuesday on Colonel O'Callaghan's estate at Bodyke, the same force of military and constabulary protecting the sheriff and bailiffs as on previous days. The farm first visited was held jointly by Patrick Nugent and John Hussey. The tenants did not reside on the hold- ing, and the sub-sheriff (Mr. Croker) had merely to take formal possession, without hindrance. By direc- tion of Colonel Turner, Mr. Davitt and his friends, except the parish priest (Father Murphy) and his curate (Father Hannan), were not allowed to come within the cordon formed by the military and the police drawn round the two houses from which the tenants were evicted on Tuesday. The second farm visited was that of Patrick M'Namara, who held twenty-one acres at a judicial rent of £22), two years rent being due. When the sheriff and his party arrived in the yard leading to the house it was seen, owing to the windows and doorway being barri- caded with trunks of trees and bushes, that an entrance would have to be effected by demolishing one of the walls. The bailiffs, after a survey of the house, decided on knocking away a portion of the back wall, and they plied their crowbars at the masonry with this object. It was assumed that the house was occupied by some persons, and in order to protect the bailiffs from personal injury by boiling water or meal being thrown on them the head bailiff was furnished with an umbrella. No boonerwas a hole made in the wall than the necessity for the pre- caution taken was apparent. Three girls were seen standing inside holding cans of boiling fluid in their hands, and just as an aperture had been made a shower of boiling water and hot meal was hurled at the bailiffs. Some of the latter were sprinkled with the meal, and one or two dropped their crowbars, amid the cheers of the people, but the greater portion of the fluid fell on the opened umbrella. One of the bailiffs, however, was rather severely burned on the neck and hands. When a large hole had been made in the wall, the police, armed with staves and rifles, rushed into the house, and the sheriff and the bailiffs followed. A desperate scuffle went on inside for a few minutes, and then Colonel Turner was heard to direct that every one found in the house should be arrested. This order was put into effect, and Francis M'Namara, a son of the tenant, Bridget M'Namara, and Johanna Ken- nedy were led forth in custody. M'Namara was handcuffed, but the females were merely led by the police. Their appearance was the signal for wild cheering, to which M'Namara, who was in a very excited state, responded by calling for three cheers for the Plan of Campaign, and shouting God save Ireland." The women were released, directions being given to the constabulary to have then summoned for assaulting and obstructing the sheriff. The male prisoner was remanded in custody to the next Tulla Petty Sessions. One of the bailiffs accused those in the house of having thrown vitriol on him, or some other hot fluid, which, on examina- tion, was found to have burned portions of the man's clothing, and the umbrella held up to protect the bailiffs. Subsequently Mr. Davitt came up, and con- gratulated the girls on the manner in which they had defended their home. He also shook hands with young MWamaaa, and said that, though he would sleep in gaol that night his action that day would not be forgotten by his countrymen outside. Turning to the girls, he added, Ireland will never be a nation of cowards while we have young women like you at Bodyke." The police, on examining the interior of the premises, found a bottle containing a quantity of vitriol. The last eviction for the day en Tuesday was that of Henry Murphy, farming 14 acres his rent, fixed in the Land Court, is £21. The house was barri- caded with timber and bushes thrust through the windows. The bailiffs, however, effected an entrance through the end wall, and under cover of two um- brellas they escaped from having the contents of several cans of boiling meal poured on their heads. Whon the opening was made through the wall the police rushed in, and one of the bailiffs was scalded in the left eye by boiling meal flung at the party. The resistance was hot so determined as at M'Namara's house, and it was found there were no men in the house. No arrests were made. Mrs. Murphy and the children sat by the house on the hill slope, and when some water was offered by the police to the children to drink, Mr. Davitt said it was better not to use it; the water might be poisoned. A chair for Mrs. Murphy to be seated on WaS handed up by a police-serjeant; but Mr. Davitt kicked back the chair, amid the cheers of the crowds and groans for the constabulary. After the departure of the forces Murphy re-took forcible possession of his holding, McNamara, the other evicted tenant, having already done so. The troops and police engaged then marched back to their quarters. At a meeting subsequently held Mr. Michael Davitt congratulated the tenants upon what he called their gallant defence, and especially that of the women. He denounced the conduct of policemen in doing the work of landlordism. The evictions were resumed on Wednesday on the Knockbrack portion of the O'Callaghan estate, a wild and almost barren territory. The first place selected for operations was a miserable cabin on the hill side, tenanted by Matthew Tuohy. A corner of the cabin was picked out with crowbars, and as the windows and doors were filled with shrubs the sheriff s men had designed a species of shield of wood framework covered with canvas. With this they warded off the hot water thrown at them. There was, however, no further resistance. One of the most exciting inci- dents occurred at the house of Patrick Tuohy, whose holding adjoined that of Matthew Tuohy. The tenant had only been married a few weeks, and his wife, a young woman of 25, conducted a determined defence of the homestead. She was supported by two other women, neighbours, and the three women kept the Sheriff's men at bay for nearly an hour. The walls of the little house were exceedingly thick, and when the corner of the building had been pulled down, the crowbar men were confronted with a barricade of timber and bushes. From the inside hot water was flung over the invaders, and an onslaught was then made on the timbers and thatch by the emergency men. The inmates replied with more hot water and meal, and when at last the police rushed in they received a reserve of freshly slacked lime and water. Screams and cries were then heard inside, and the police emerged bearing the three women who struggled desperately against them. Two constables were com- pletely covered with lime, and others received a quantity in their eyes. Two of the women were de- tained in custody.

CANADA AND THE QUEEN: A SCENE OF ENTHUSIASM. In the Dominion House of Commons on Monday Sir John Macdonald, the Premier, moved that the House should associate itself in the congratulatory address to the Queen voted by the Senate. The ad- dress is as follows: "May it please your Majesty,- We, your Majesty's loyal and dutiful subjects, the Senate and Commons of Canada in Parliament assembled, beg to offer our sincere congratulations on the happy completion of the 50th year of your auspicious reign. The Supreme Disposer of events has made your Majesty the ruler of the fifth part of the habitable globe. Hundreds of millions of almost every race and tongue are proud to own your sway, but among them all there is no community that cherishes a more heartfelt attachment to your Majesty's person and Throne than the people of the Canadian Dominion, once a colony of France, won in a struggle not less honour- able to the vanquished than the victors. It was not long till its fidelity to the Crown was severely tried. How it stood the test was known to your Majesty's illustrious father, when he honoured with his friend- ship the hero of Chautaugua, the brave Desalaberry, and when the daughter of the Duke of Kent ascended the Throne the event was hailed as the dawn of an era which should bring to British and French Canada not only prosperity and progress, but the spirit of unity and goodwill. Under the influence of the great gift of constitutional self-government conferred upon Canada in the early years of your Majesty's reign, the country has made rapid progress, It has shared in the general advancement of the last half century in the wonderful discoveries and application of science-the railway, the steamship, the telegraph, and their conquests of time and space, the multiplica- tion of manufactures, the expansion of commerce, the blessings of legal reform, the diffusion of educa- tion, and in the wearing away of prejudices through increased intercourse between man and man. If the Empire's progress comparos favourably during the last 50 years with that of the world at large, so does the progress of Canada compare favourably with that of the Empire. From a few scattered provinces it has become a great Federation, stretching from ocean to ocean, and linking by its iron path the European to the Asiatic portions of your Majesty's domain. It has been the good fortune of the people of Canada to enjoy, from time to time, the honour of the prosenca and countenance of several members of the Royal Family, and this relationship not only deepened their loyal devotion to the Head of the British Empire, but enhanced their regard for the wife and mother, and their veneration for the memory of the husband and father. Our earnest prayer is, that He who is the Ruler of all nations and the King of all Kings may uphold, direct, and preserve your Majesty for many long years to reign over a prosperous and contented people." Sir John referred to the fact that the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific had enthusiastically and unani- mously resolved to express in an appropriate way its gratitude for the blessing of so good a Queen, and spoke of the virtues of the Queen as a mother, wife, and woman. Mr. Laurier said he was pleased that it devolved on him as one of her Majesty's subjects of French origin to second the motion. After describing the glories of her reign, he said no class ought to be so grateful as her subjects of French origin for the benefits received during her reign. The motion being put, was carried unanimously. Thereupon the members rose together, with all in the galleries, and sang "God save the Queen" with great enthusiasm.

A FORTUNATE FIND. The other day a Brighton working jeweller named Simpson met with a strange piece of luck at an auction in that town. A picture of a negro, in an old and dilapidated frame, was put up as a lot, and was knocked down to him for a mere song," amid the jeers of the brokers and other attendants of the rooms. On the back of the canvas, however, Mr. Simpson bad noted, when the pictures were on view the previous day, the words "Dr. Johnson's servant;" and his curiosity being stimulated thereby, he re- ferred to Boswell," and to the Life of Reynolds," when he found that Sir Joshua had painted at least one portrait of John Williams, the black servant who was so long in the employ of Johnson. The style of painting struck several amateurs as rather in the style of Sir Joshua Reynolds, and that view has since been confirmed by one or two experts, who have given their opinion that the portrait is either an original painting of Reynolds, or else a remarkably good copy (possibly a replica) of the portrait which the great master painted for Sir G. Beaumont.

A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE. Twe Lynn fishermen, named Kirby and Ellis, were plying their avocation in the Wash on Tuesday, when their boat was capsized. Kirby managed to reach the Wolverton shore, after swimming some three miles. Ellis, who could not swim, however, had a desperate struggle for life. He clang to the planking of the boat with his hands, and when fatigued he hung on by histeeth, and continued to exchange between these two positions for about foqr and a half hours, and after his front teeth were torn out one by one he gave up all chance of being saved. Bnt a passing fisherman's attention' was attracted to an unusual object, it being moonlight, and he was rescued and removed to his home, where he now lies in a most dangerous state.

CALL me back again I" sang the young man. But they didn't. They had bad enongh.

lltisallmwflus frtldltjgfltt'#; HOME- FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL. BOYCOTTING TilE NON-AnSTAINERS.- The youflf women of Newton, N.J., have formed a leaga! and pledged themselves to refuse the attentions Of young men who use alcohol or tobacco. A LEAP FROM LONDON BRIDGE.—Lawrence DonovsBr who some time ago jumped from Brooklyn Bridge, New York, plunged into the Thames from Lottdo" Bridge on Sunday afternoon in the presence of soøt: 500 spectators. After striking tbe water swam about 200 yards, and was picked up by a boat, which landed him at Old Swan Pier. Donovao> is stated, contemplates jumping from Clifton FAILURES. — According to Kemp's Mercan'jJi Gazette," the number of failures in England and gazetted during last week was 66, against 83 in *"2 corresponding week last ye&r, while the number 0 bills of sale was 228, as compared with 274. THE NAVY.—At the Admiralty on Saturday the lowing appointments were announced: Captsiop., Leicester Ohantrey Keppel lately in command of Cleopatra, recently returned home from the station, to the Constance, on the same station, Seymour H. P. Dacres, deceased; Andrew KenIl IØ Bickford, to the Assistance, vice John Ingles (to d* from 15th inst.) Commander—Eustace Rooke, to command of the Falcon, on the Mediterranean St»tl0W vice Julian Alleyne Baker. THE PANAMA CANAI,.—M. de Lesseps, who stoutly maintained, against many engineers, that Panama Canal should be without locks, submitted question to the French Academy of Sciences, has just pronounced in his favour. A MUSEUM FOR BRUSSELS.—Brussels has been riohed with a pew museum, to be called the munal Masenm, in the reconstructed Maison du the Grand Place. It consists of valuable and a number of objects of art which have accS lated in the possession of the town and illustrate history. The museum is open to the public.. ujJ Music BY TELEPHONE —Music by telephone is occuping attention. On a recent Sunday the eeivice held at St. Paul's' Bradford, was much enPijjj by a party of ladies and gentlemen in Sheffield. organ voluntaries were exceedingly good," »n4 Sheffield audience expressed their high apprect of the skill of the organist." The voice of the Pfe could also be heard.. cpfl A MAGNIFICBNT PROJECT.—The Protestant j# Church of the United States is preparing to cathedral in New York city, to be called St. Jobn v^ Divine,which will be four times the size of St. Cathedral, now the largest church in New York. to be raised at a spot lying to the west of the 0e° Park, and will cost 10,000,000 dols. yf, THE AUSTRALASIAN COLONIES.—Mr. H. H. jjj the Victorian Government statist, has I following return of the apparent" population of of the Australasian colonies at the end of 1886. 0{H totals are as follow: Victoria, 1,033 052; New Wales, 1,030,762; Queensland, 343,768: South -y tralia, 312,439; Western Australia, 40,084; toio4, mania, 137,211; New Zealand, 589,366. Grand 3,486,682. aniloom, A HOSPITAL FOR ANIMALS—A hospital for jjf in London is being planned, together with *c o0lift penaaries in the poorer quarters of the metroP^ where, besides treatment of the suffering CT0i themselves, lectures can be given and pamphlets P lished for public instruction. In many poor neig" .Zfl hoodj horses, donkeys, &c., often endure long 10 owing to their owners being unable to pay fr'J# fessional aid, and by this plan skilled treatment be brought within the reach of the poorest. d 01 NIAGARA FALLS. — Professor Woodward, Washington, declares that in about 2200 years over which the falls flow, at Niagara, will be <t0ttPL4 ( away. The area of the rock worn away at the J* 0 shoe Falls, between the years 1842 and 1875 WAS square feet, equal to 0425 acres; between 18' 1886, 60,000 square feet, or 1 37 acres Jtffi length of the contour of the falls is 2300ft. The required to recede one mile, if the rate is 2'WC* year, is 2200 years. PANIC IN a CHURCH.—Telegrams respecting panic in the Cathedral of Chihuahua, Mexico, s»y the Cathedral was crowded, mostly with children, the occasion being the presentation of offering to the Virgin. When it was seen tn» drapery of the altar had caught fire a tas a t/r made for the doors, and in tbe press two wovae-0aw three children were killed. Thirty more were ser made for the doors, and in the press two wovae-0aw three children were killed. Thirtymoreweres flo injured, and many sustained hurts of a less B A" character.. fÔfP: LAST WEEK'S WRECKS.—Finer weather 166 to 11, caused the number of Bhipwrecks to decrease Vfy five being British owned. Off the British I8'eLijgP', vessels (two British, one German, and one went down. An Italian sailer waa reported I all hands, and a North German steamer with fc for A Dutch barque was burnt at sea. Lives week, 23. Collision cases numbered: 9. tol for present year, 671. Total lives lost in all ot for present year, 1550. leg^wi' FASTEST ON RECORD. — A submarine *e {$0 reached Queenstown on Saturday, announcing 'fl Umbria, which left Queenstown at one p.m. on-; ceding Sunday, had arrived at New York, 0 voyage in six days three hours the quickest 41 Qtof* I recorded. The Orient Line Royal Mail f(j#r arrived at Plymouth Sound at six a.m. on$a g0tfc' Her dates are, Sydney, April 23; Melbourne, YO Adelaide, May 2 Aden, 20th; Suez, 24th; 5(j0 Said, 25th. Length of passage from Ad'aI* gt Plymouth 32 days 10§ hours, which is tae b< record. She would have arrived 12 hours earJ gjjje was detained by a dense fog in the Channe • brought 1450 carcases of mutton. OSOO THE GERMAN OROWN PRINCE.—The Press ill nO tion states that the Crown Prince of GERMANY .J-jti^* only come to England to attend the Jubilee but will stay for about two months. During t' he will place himself under the care of uo& Mackenzie for treatment of the throat affection S 06 which he is suffering; Dr. Mackenzie beliefs bttt growth in the throat to be of small dimensi^'giff owing to its extremely low position it will to perform several operations befoie a comp'e is effected. oØsø RussiAN UNivBRsrriBS.—In the year 1886, 77 tibeo attended lectures at Russian universities 50O 243 devoted themselves to philological 8 A-p'spec' physics and mathematics, and 36 attended mathematical course. Of the total number,0°' of the Orthodox religion and 139 were Jewess* „ of greater number of them—437—were the dftag{,tefS °\ nobles, officers, and officials 84 were the daugn c* ecclesiastics, 125 of merchants, 117 of citifen8' peasants, 4 of soldiers, and 2 only were foreign0 THB ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.—The additions u i0* Zoological Society's Gardens during the past elude a Rhesus monkey from India, presented■ C. J. Fisher; a bonnet monkey from India, Pr by Mrs. Yeates; a lesser white-nosed monkey West Africa, presented by Mr. T. H. Kenyon, brown bear from Northern Europe, presented W. John Rhind; a common squirrel, British, -ef Miss Muriel Reed; a Blyth's tragopan from Assam, presented by Mr. W. Brydon; a kingv,Vjjg0 from tropical America, presented by Mr. a\)1 Sumner; two little guans from Guiana, o, Mr. W. Thomson; six European tree frogs, E°r°Vn»l» presented by Mr. E. Wroughton; a larger from Northern India, four Tuatera lizards iffoal f Zealand, deposited; a Patagonian conure foat Plata, two dark-green snakes from froto axolotis from Mexico, purchased; acomiooo rb a dee" South America, received in exchange; a Molucc a Japanese deer, born in the Gardens. s t118 HYDRPOHOBIA.—A case of hydrophobia was, BAY", oP Lancet," admitted into St. Thomas's Hospl a doØ May 16th. The boy, aged six, was bitten by øot over the left eye two years ago; the wound treated in any way; he was quite well until the e. ing of the 15th ult., when he was observed to bef"1' on the floor, aad soon refused food and drink. admitted on the evening of the 16th, the syooP^i' then being a peculiar jerky inspiration, with a c°Zi tion of great terror and excitement. He soon deyel0^ well-marked symptoms, having general convulsi' attempting to drink,and constantly ejecting saliva» his mouth. He was quiet and sensible between. paroxysms, complaining of toothache on the lett He died on the evening of the 17th, from cardalc respiratory paralysis. A* A RAILWAY FOR PERSIA.—It is stated that a ^ft0$ ? £ T> C0PP°se^ chiefly of Belgians, has obtained g the Persian Government the concession for construe the first Persian railway. The first line will run the capital, Teheran, to the celebrated place grlmage, Shah-Abdul-Azim, a place of 90,000 iDba It tants,and it will be about 10 kilometres in length- is said that the concession granted to this BelgJ company has an importance far exceeding any that can be attached to any single line of rail, ftSn(j entitles them to the exclusive right of constructing working a long line from the Caspian Sea to the Pers»*^ Gulf. 0 INTERESTING LETTERS.—Seven letters, written by Duke of Kent, father of her Majesty Queen Victor". were sold at the Hotel Drouot, Paris, the other day, a sum of £ 40. In one of these, dated August 17, I81* occurs the following statement about the duke's inf»D, daughter, who was afterwards to be Queen of Engl* and Empress of India: Her first name is Alexandrin'" Victoria, by which name she is always called at h of™ is her last, being that of her dear mother. The fi1/ she bears after her godfather, the Emperor of As to her resemblanoe to both of her parents, I tell you that her month and her hair, which last p?0' mises to be dark brown, are like her mother's. Ever? body says that her eyes and nose are mine. Yester* day she accomplished her twelfth week, and, what'8 remarkable, she ia as strong as a child of five month* and already shows symptoms ot teething." and already shows symptoms ot teething."