County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

USK. GARDEN ROBBERIES have been rather prevalent of late in Usk. Mr. James Williams has had a lot of cabbages stolen from his garden, and on the night of Saturday last Mr. James Paine, junior, had some fine cucumbers stolen from a bed in his garden. We also hear that potato plots at Llange- view have been visited. LOOK TO REGISTER OF VOTERS -To preserve the right to vote at the next election, every house- holder should look to the register on the church doors and chapel doors or at the assistant-overseer's, and if he should find he is omitted or wrongly described, his claim should be made. This. and the new claims which lodgers are required to make every year, should be attended to not later than the 24th of August, or the right to vote during 1879 will be lost. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.—A highly interesting meeting of this society was held in the National School Room on Tuesday last. when the vicar occupied the chair. After a hymn and prayer, the Chairman announced that £ 11 4s. had been sent up for the past year to the parent society, of which X5 16s. lOd. were free contributions, includ- ing subscriptions from Mr. Carbonelt and Mr. W. Williams of £1 each, Mrs. Wrightson, 10s. 6d., and the Rev. S. C. Baker, 10s. In bis address, the Chairman said that the society had reached its 74th anniversary, and though it had passed through threescore years and ten, they did not yet find its approach to fourscore years was but labor and sorrow," much less did it appear to be passing away and gone." "Labor" indeed it was to circulate 82 million copies of Scripture over England, Europe, and the world, but not sorrow," it was rather a work of joy and praise. The joyful results at home and abroad were referred to also the new fields of labour which the year had presented, among which were the Paris Exhibition and the seat of war. In the latter 160,000 copies of God's word had been distributed in camp, mission, and hospital, in various tongues, at a cost of £15,000. The society's work had been one of conflict, as well as labour, in resisting the supersti- tion and scepticism of the day with that powerful weapon of warfare, the pure word of God. Illustra- tions of these were given.—The deputation, Rev. T. Hughes, district secretary, then gave most interesting details of the operation of the society in Great Britain, Spain, France, Austria, and Rome. In the course of his address, it was stated that nearly three million copies of Scripture bad been issued by the society during the past year, and that the gospel might now be read in 225 languages. The speaker concluded his address with many telling and instructive anecdotes. The attendance was considerably affected by the wet evening. CAPITAL HARVEST ALE at 8d., and 10d per gallon, may be secured at Clark, Cossens, and Go's. Stores, liridge- street, Usk. THE UHK GLEANER, price 3d., contains ahis dry of the murders at Llangibby. To be had of the agents. THE TRAMP NmsANCE.—The inhabitants of the surrounding district, especially those residing in I detached houses, have been living in a state of constant dread of tramps during the past few weeks, consequent on the recent tragedy at Llan- gibby. Wild reports of persons having been stopped and robbed and houses broken into have been flying about almost daily, but happily there has been no foundation in most of them-in fact, only in two instances has it really turned out to be true, one of which we reported last week as having occurred in the neighbourhood of Raglan. On Sunday last, about noon, a little girl named Hannah Higgins, whose parents reside in Church-street, Usk, was returning from service in the Roman Catholic Church to Cefntilla farm, where she is employed as a servant, and when near the Mardy farm she was stopped by a tramp, who demanded her money. She said she had no money, but feeling afraid she gave him a threepenny piece. He lifted his foot and made an attempt to kick her, but did not do so, and then told her to go, and feel pleased that you can go." He then made off across the fields.—There is no doubt but that there are people who are astute enough just at the present time to invent tales with a considerable smacking of the Garcia style in them, in order to act as a cloak for them- selves. On Saturday last information was given to the police at Usk by Mr. Reece, farmer, of Green Meadow, Glascoed, near Usk, that while his wife was at market and he was engaged elsewhere, a man entered the house, threw the servant on the floor, threatened to cut her throat, ill-used the baby, and eventually made off with a double-barrelled gun. The police went to Green Meadow to make inquiries. The gun was found in the garden. The servant stated that while her master and mistress were out she went upstairs to fetch the baby, and as she was coming down with the child on her arms she saw a man in the house. The man caught the child by the throat, and then threw her down on her face, placed his foot on her back, pulled a long bright knife from underneath his shirt, and threatened to cut her throat if she gave any alarm. He then looked up, and seeing the gun on the mantelpiece said "That will do for me," and he got a chair and reached it down, knocking some things about in doing so. He next pointed to some jugs, and said something resembling "ee-ee-ee," and left the house. He wore trousers very loose in the bottoms, and had a hat with a name on the front of it. She could not tell what name it was, but she thought the first letter was an A. We have obtained our information with regard to this Green Meadow affair from a reliable source. The statement is a remarkable one. It will be perceived that the girl's vision must have been extraordinary to have enabled her, when she thrown down on her face and the man's foot placed on her back, to see him draw the knife from underneath his shirt. He spoke plain English when he asked for the gun but the idea was conveyed that his speech was foreign when he pointed to the jugs. We understand that there was no mark on the thnat of the child where the man is reported to have taken hold of it, but there was a mark on its forehead, which was not accounted for. There were some men working in the neigh- bourhood of the house, but they saw nothing of the man, neither have the police since been able to obtain any trace of him.-It is very evident that in the case of the little girl a tramp was concerned, but we will not essay a direct opinion with regard to the other. If only the one case has really occurred it is quite enough, and it must be patent to all that the time has arrived when some action should be taken by the authorities that will lessen the number of those rascally-looking in- dividuals who nightly congregate in Walker-street, seeking relief at the hands of the relieviug-officer. Not only in the country, but right in the town do some of those scoundrels give their threats and make use of alarming language in the hearing of women and children. When seoking relief they generally Lave the most pitiful tales, but their demeanour soon changes when they arrive at the lodging-house. Having got inside, preparations are at once made for a meal; the bundles they carry are overhauled and the daintiest morsels selected from what they have obtained by begging during the day. They then sit, smoke, etc., in the house, or perhaps go to a public-house, until 10 or 11 a'clock, and not unfrequently a row occurs before retiring to bed, when the noise and the oaths terrifies all the respectable inhabitants in the neighbourhood. At last meeting of the Ponty- pool Board of Guardians, on the 1st of August, it was reported that during the fortnight commencing on the 18th of July and ending that day 116 tramps had been relieved at Pontypool and 74 at Usk! The Guardians evidently saw it was high time to do something to check the evil, and Mr. Browne, of Llangibby, suggested the erection of a ward as a place of shelter for tramps, who, he said, ought to be made to do a certain amount of work on the following day. Mr. Browne's suggestion is a very good one, and we trust it will be applied to the Usk district, for they come here and get their night's lodging free, and in the morning they can depart whither they will without doing any work to lessen the expense to the ratepayers. That is, doubtless, the reason why this district is overrun with tramps of the worst class. If a farmer offera to employ them they refuse to work, and very often they give impudence for being asked, at the same time having the audacity to go and lie down under the very hedge of a field in which a farmer may be straining every nerve with insufficient labour to get his harvest in. The expediency of adopting some method of dealing with them was to have been di-cussed at the meeting of the Guardians on Thursday, but according to our report of that meeting the guardians do not appear to have entertained the subject on that day. t PONTYPOOL. CLUB ANNIVERSARY.—On Monday the Persever- ance Lodge of the ancient order of Shepherds held their annual feast at the Full Moon Inn. In the morning they paraded the principal streets ot the town, thence to Pontnewynydd and Cwnfradore, headed by the chariot carrying the bost and the lamb. Then followed the band of the Pontypool rifle volunteers, after which came the members of the club, attired in the regalia of membership. They afterwards dined at the lodge-room, when justice was done to the good things provided by Host Jarrett. SUDDEN DEATH.-On Tuesday morning Mr. Littlehales, tailor, for many years a resident of this town was found dead in bed, at his house in Crane- street. RIFLE COMPETITION. — On Thursday last the monthly challenge cup of the Hanbury volunteers was won by Captain Williams with a score of 46. This is the third win for the captain out of six competitions. HANBURY CUP.This cup, which is annually shot for by the Pontypool company, was won last week by Private James S. Green. AT ABERSYCHAN, the Sunday School children, together with the choir, numbering altogether 350, had their annual treat at the grounds of Mr. Edward Jones, Rock Villa, who kindly pro- vided tea and cake for the occasion. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. — A meeting of the guardians of the Pontypool Union was held on Thursday. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.—Present: David Llewellin, Esq., chairman Messrs. G. R. G. Relph, E. J. Phillips, Rev. C. Cook, J. Browne, T. E. Cooke, C. Conway. Henry Parfitt, John Morgan, R. Greenway.-The Master's report shewed the state of the house to be as follows: 187, consisting of 67 men, 54 women, 49 in school, and 17 infants, being a decrease of 3 from last board-day. The relieving officers' lists were examined and the necessary orders given.—The cheques for rAlief were signed by the Finance Committee as fol ow,: George Jerroms dE50 and jE47, the expenditure X47 3s 6d and X46 Is 6d; John Powell, cheque signed, J665 and JL65, expenditure X59 8s 6d and £59 8s 6d Wm. Jerroms, cheque, X,20 and £20, expenditure, £26 18s 7d and £ 24 19s lOd.—This was all the business.

POLICE COURT.—SATURDAY. Before Col. BYRDE, C. J. PARKES aud E. J. PHILLIPS, Esqs. TRESPASS.—David Ken via, Thomas Price, Thomas Porter, and William Grouon were fined iis. each for hoisting a wheelbarrow up by the crane, in Blaeuavon works, on the 26th July. DESERTION. — Cornelius Bryan was charged with allowing his wife to become chargeable to the Ponty- pool Union.—The defendant said his wife went away, and he was willing to maintain her.—The Bench ordered the wife to go to her husband. BLAENAVON BELLEs.-Ann Warren and her husband were charged with assaulting Mary Ann Ireland, and they were fined 15s. each.—The evidence was very filthy and most conflicting, there being eight witnesses examined. THREATS.—John Williams was bound over to keep the peace for six mouths, for threatening to kill Elizabeth Plinnley at the Tranch. DRUNK.—William Nelmes, Blaenavon, was fined 10s. for being drunk and riotous at Blaenavon, on the 27th July. -Thomas Jones was fined 10s. for a similar offence, on the 31st July. DRUNK.—James Shean, who did not appear, was fined 15s. for drunkenness, on the 3rd of August, at Trevethin. TRANSFER.—The license of the Queen Adelaide was transferred to Henry Holder MONDAY. Before Rev. J. C. LLEWELLIN. DAVID EVANS, an idiot, was sent to the workhouse, he having been found sleeping out in a pig-stye. SERIOUS ASSAULT.—Gwillim Edwards and John Edmunds were charged with assaulting Charles Gibbon, on the 5th August, on Llauhilleth mountain. —Mr. Graham prosecuted, and Mr. Greenway de- fended.—Charles Gibbon deposed: I am a mason in the employ of the Blaenycwm Coal Company, erecting workmen's huts. I reside at Machen, but lodge at Blaenycwm. On coming from Machen, on the 5th of August, I came to Hafodrhynus Inn, and went in, at eight o'clock. The two defendants wore there. Edwards asked me to have beer, which I did, and left at 8.16. On the mountain the defendants overtook me they threw stones and pitched into me, calling me a turncoat, and said they would murder me. I was knocked dowuïaud kicked. I hope to be able to work in a week. It was a mile and a-half up the mountain. My left eye was swollen.—Cross-examined I did not drink without being asked. I knew the defendants by sight. I did not drink out of Edwards' piut. We bad no words at Hafodrhynus. I am a mason, and they are colliers. Edwards asked me to have beer. I was nothing the worse for beer. I wished them good- bye. I have not invited any three men to fight. I have never been in trouble before. I was not under the policeman's hand respecting the Risca mystery." I did not say I wore the murdered man's coat. The policeman asked me questions. —(Supt. Mcintosh here stated that the Bench should not be misled, that he had the charge of that case, and the witness was not at all implicated or charged in it.)—Cross-examined I have had a conversation at Crumliu regarding the mystery.—Thomas Jones deposed: I am a labourer. On the 5th of August, at 8 15, I saw the complainant go by my house. He was not drunk nor sober.—P.C. Walter Taylor deposed I am stationed at Crumlin. On the 6th of August I saw the complainant. He was very much bruised about the face.-The Beuch thought it a most disgraceful assault, and fined the defendants X3 each. TREDEGAR. APPOINTMENT OF MAGISTRATES' CLERK.—The Com- missioners of Taxes met at the magistrates' clerk's office, for the purpose of appointing a clerk in the room of the late Mr. E. J. Cox-Davies. The appointment was conferred on Mr. J. P. Fowler, who has so efficiently acted as deputy-clerk for some years past, and has given great satisfaction to the townspeople generally. The magistrates met at the court-hall, Georgetown, at twelve o'clock on Tuesday, when .Mr. Kennard, chairman of the Bedwellty division, presided. The business was the appointment of a clerk. There were 12 candi- dates for the vacant office, three of whom were barristers. The business was not public. Mr. B. Jayne spoke in the highest terms of the efficiency and the regular services rendered by the late clerk, whose eldest son was amongst the list of candidates. Mr. Davies, he said, had always given personal attendance, except in very few instances, and when absent the work was done by a thoroughly competent deputy "Mr. J. P. Fowler). Several of the magis- trates spoke in eulogistic terms of the late Mr. Davies. Out of the twelve candidates the choice fell upon Mr. John Henry Davies, solicitor. New- po' t, and he was declared duly elected. Mr. Fowler will continue to hold the office of deputy-clerk. CAERLEON. ELECTION OF GOVERNORS OF THE ENDOWED SCHOOLS.—There was considerable excitement in I Caerleon on Wednesday, on the occasion of the poll for the election of two gentlemen to represent Caerleon on the board of governors, which numbers 15, who are to conduct the working of the Caerleon Endowed Schools, under the new scheme of the Charity Commissioners, which will come into operation shortly. The result was as follows :— Mr. M. M. Cope 136 Mr. T. Parry. 105 Mr. Arthur Edward Lee 71 Mr. T. M. Llewellin 67 The two first-named gentlemen were declared elected. On the result of the poll being known, they delivered short speeches, thanking the rate- payers for their support, and promising to do their duty to the people of Caerleon. BLAEN A YON. LECTURK.—On Thursday evening a lecture was delivered in the Wesley Chapel, on Heroism," by the Rev. R. Norton, of Leeds. The lecturer, whose powers as an orator are well known, re- tained the attention of the audience for nearly an hour and a half, during which time he spoke very eloquently on the heroes of the battlefield, philanthropic heroes, Christian heroes, and every- day life heroes. Mr. J. T. Edwards, Cwmavon House, presided, and the proceeds are to be devoted to the chapel fnnd. INQUEST.—On Thursday Mr. E. D. Batt held an inquest at the Red Lion Inn, King-street, respecting the death of George Williams, who was killad by an engine on the 6th inst. Mr. E Jones, Baptist minister was foreman of the jury.—The first witness was Mark Scott, who worked with deceased at making a culvert, said he was working on the company's tramway he saw the engine pass it was continually going to and fro to the furnaces; on going back it did not whistle he put up his both hands to stop it when a few yards off; deceased tried to get out of the way but failed.- Thomas Charles, the driver of the engine, who was examined at some length, said he had acted as driver for 30 years he pleaded guilty of not blowing the whistle after the engine had taken water, but this was the first serious accident that have occurred since he had been driver he thought the road was clear; he did not see anyone on the line a boy had jumped on the &tep of the engine which attracted his notice, as he wanted the boy to get down and leL the foreman, who was off the engine, get up; he felt something under the engine lie looked and saw deceased lying on the rails.—Mr. David Parry, foreman of the locomotives, said he always found the last witness, whom he had known for 25 years, to be a very skilful and steady man, and one who knew his duties well. lie had ahvaj s "charged the drivers to blow the whistles.—Dr Ball was present; he saw deceased about 8.30 a.m. on the 6th, lying on the rails; he was quite dead he died from the engine passing over the upper part of his body.—The room was cleared of witnesses whilst the coroner and jury deliberated over the case. The coroner said if the jury thought it a case of manslaughter he should commit the witness Charles, but he wished them to take a lenient view of the matter. Charles was then called into the room. He seemed to feel his position very much. The jury acquitted him for the graver charge, but censured him for not blowing his whistle. A verdict of Death from Misadventure" was returned. —Mr. W. Jones was present to represent the company. Deceased was a native of Usk, 53 years of age, and was a single man. CONCERT.-On Monday evening a concert was given at the White Horse assembly rooms by the Abersychan glee party. The whole was well rendered, but the audience was poor. Mr. Prothero presided at the organ, assisted by Messrs. E. G. and J. Morgan. TRA PARTY -On Friday afternoon the children of the National Schools held their annual tea. party. They marched in procession through part of the town, and afterwards returned to the vicar's garden. They were well regaled with tea and cake. NEWPORT. FUNERAL OF MR. JAMES GRAHAM.—The remains of this esteemed gentleman were conveyed to their last resting place at the Newport Cemetery, on Saturday. The arrangements for the interment were entrusted to Mr. Palmer, undertaker, Llanarth-street. In addition to the hearse there were six mourning coaches, occupied by the immediate relatives and friends of the aeceased. The Hev. J. Tillson W reliford, vicar of St. Paul's, where the deceaoed had for years been a regular attendant, conducted the service at the grave, which was of an unusually solemu and impressive character. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Saturday, Mr. Robert Huntley, of the fancy goods warehouse, Commercial-street, died with painful suddenness. It is believed that the deceased was attacked by an apopletic fit and expired. For thirty years he had beld a position at the Dos Works, but had for some time been in business on his own behalf. He was very highly respected. SUCCESS OF A LOCAL STUDENT. — We are pleased at being able to state that Mr. A. W. Graham, eldest son of the late Mr. James Graham, of this town, has passed, in the first divisioion, the 1st .\i.B. examination, London University. Mr. Graham received his educa- tion at the Monmouth Grammar School. INQUEST.—On Saturday, Mr. Brewer held an inquest at Hobb's Railway Hotel, Dock-street, on the body of Edward Skinner, a young man, 2J years of age, who resided in Dock-street, and who received injuries on board a ship, which resulted in his death. The jury returned a verdict of Accidentally killed." SUDDEN DEATH IN A BOAT.-A man named Frederick Morrison, who lived at Pillgwenlly, died with painful suddenness in a boat, whilst sailing down the river Usk, on Monday evening. The deceased, with others, had gone up the river for a row, and it is stated, assisted inputting against another boat in a race. Suddenly he left the oar fall, and dropped down as though in a fit. He was speedily brought on shore, near the bridge, and taken to a yard belonging to the Bridge Inn stables, were Dr. Davies came with promptitude. He examined the unfortunate man, and pronounced him dead. Some comrades of the deceased procured the bier from the Town-hall, and carried him to his home in Castle-street to await an inquest. It is assumed that the deceased died from disease of the heart. Apparently he was about 30 years of age. CATTLE MARKET, Wednesday.—To-day's market was not so fully supplied as that of last week, but the American importation added to the otherwise short supply. The attendance of buyers was somewhat limited, and the number of beasts and other stock was amply sufficient for the demand. The sheep market was fully an average one, and in this department the most business was done. Store cattle on offer were considered of good quality. The pig market was very limited. Quotal ions as follow Beef, 7ijtl to 3M per 4 lb. mutton, 8|d to 9id per lb lamb, lUd porkers, 10s 6d to lls 3d per score bacon pigs, 10s to 10s 6d per score. COUNTY PlILICK-SATUHDAY. INDECENT ASSAULT.—James Smith, a foreman, was charged with indecectly assaulting Jane Thomas, near Malpas Church, on the 8th inst. Prosecutrixisa servant at the Woodlands, Malpas. On her way home from Newport on the day in question she was over- taken by the prisoner, who caught hold of her suddenly, and threw her down. He behaved indecently. She screamed, and then prisoner rau off. Two gentlemen were coming along, and in consequence of what she told them they ran after the prisoner, collared him, aud brought him back to the prosecutrix, who identified him as the nun who had assaulted her. Prisoner however, denied the charge, but admitted that he had hitched his foot and fallen sgainst the prosecutrix. Mr. Rees and Mr. Williams, the two gentlemen referred to. and Police-constable Nursey gave corroborative evidence.—He was committed for three months' imprisonment with hard labour. STEALING A SHIRT.—John Smith, a tramp, was charged with stealing a shirt, the property of Edward Jenkins, of Coedkernew. It had-been stolen from a garden, and prisoner, when apprehended by Police- constable Adams, was found to be wearing the shirt. Prisoner pleaded that he had no shirt to wear, and he did not like to go to Newport without one, and hence he stole the first he coald lay his hands on.—Prisoner now pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months hard labour. BOROUGH POLICE.- WEDNESDAY. Before Mr. JOHN MOSES (mayor), and Mr. A. J. STEVENS. FIGHTING.-Bridg-et and John Driscoll were charged with breaking a window belonging to Charles Chapman. Defendants were fighting in Thorn's-court, and fell against the window, doing damage estimated by complainant at 3s. 6d., but Police-constable Thomas thought about Is. was enough.—Defendants offered to pay for the damage.—The Bench made an order for the payment of the damage and the Costs, 5s. 6d. ASSAULT.—John Lewis was chaiged under a warrant with assaulting Margaret Price. Comp a riant did not now wish to press the charge, provided the bench would bind him over to keep the peace.—Defendant was bound over, and thereupon the complainant paid the costs, amoun ing to 8s. 8d. STEALING A DRi,.ss.- Mary Ann Molloy was charged with stealing a dress from the shop of Jabob Coffman, a clothes dealer, in Commercial-road.—Prosecutor stated that the prisoner came to his shop to buy a jacket body. He showed her one and offered it for Is. 6d Prisoner offered Is. H e declined to sell it at the price. On leaving the shop prisoner took a dress, which she concealed under her skirt.-Prisoner pleaded that she took the dress down to ask the price with a view to buying it. The dress was worth 5s. 6d. —Police-constable John Weaver apprehended the prisoner on the charge. She said she did not mean to steal it. She had never done such a thing before in her life. There was a long list of offences against the prisoner for drunkenness and assaults, but not for theft.—The husband stated that he would try to pay double the value of the dress if the bench would discharge her.—The prosecutor recommended her to mercy on account of her large family.—She was sentenced to one day's imprisonment. —^ DINGESTOW. FLOWER SHOW.—The annual cottagers flower, fruit, and vegetable show was held on the grounds attached to Dingestow Court, the seat of S. R. Bosanquet, Esq., on Wednesday. The exhibits were displayed in a tent erected near the house, and were of a highly creditable character; some of the specimens of vegetable produce, especially potatoes, were very fine. The weather was most propitious, and there was a large attendance of visitors, including Her Grace the Duchess of Beaufort and party, Mr. and Mis pritchard, Wonasow Court; Rev. Robert Jackson, Wonastowj Rev. H. Somerset, Raglan Rev. D. G. 1 avies, Dixton Col, and Mrs. Coils Col. and Mrs. M'Doiiuell; &c., &c.

MR. GLADSTONE AND HIS SURPLUS. It is a trite saying that a man may so often repeat an imagined story of which he is the hero as at length to believe that it really happened. So was it with George the Fourth's presence at Waterloo, and so it seems likely to be with Mr. Gladstone's surplus. Mr. Gladstone will have it that he left a surplus of five millions, and he blames the present Govern- ment for taking and using it as if they bad been its creators or inventors. This many- ti'mes-told threadbare tale be repeated to the electors of Southwark last week, and they were too polite to do less than cheer him. We cannot imitate them. We could not even simulate a. mark of approval on a subject so contrary a fact. Mr. Gladstone's first Budget was brought in on April 8th, 1869, and was addressed to a House in which he had the almost unprecedented majority of 121, Scotland, for instance, having returned but seven Conservatives as against 53 Liberals. In this Budget Mr. Gladstone showed a surplus of only £32,000 as he had to meet a portion of the Abyssinian War expenses, as had his predecessors. This surplus he raised to £3,382,000, by collecting five quarters' taxes within the year. With this windfall," as it was called, or with this legerdemain, as we should call it, be reduced the Income-tax a penny in the pound, abolished the final and unfelt duty of a shilling per quarter on corn, the fire insurance duty, and the taxes on hair powder. In 1870 Mr. Gladstone's second Budget estimated the income at £71,450,000 and the expenditure at £67,113,000. With this surplus the sugar duties were reduced £2,350,000, the Income-tax a penny in the pound, and hawkers' licenses abolished. There being no Abyssinian war, a war for which we had to thank the Liberals, a good Budget was not difficult, for in 1867 the Conservative Budget showed an income of £69,340,000, and an expenditure of £ 68,134,000. In 1871 Mr. Gladstone's third Budget was £72,308,000 for expenditure, and only £69,595,000 for revenue. A Budget like this in a. time of peace rather astounded the country. It was all owing to an increase in the Army estimates, with a view to have a force which was demonstrably sufficient, considering the conditions of landing a force in an enemy's country, to crush any enemy before he could possibly accumulate sufficient strength to invade us." So said Mr. Lowe, Mr. Gladstone's Chancellor of the Exchequer. To raise sufficient revenue, Mr. Lowe proposed- 1. To increase the legacy and probate duties. (Abandoned.) 2. To compute the Income-tax by a per-, centage. (Abandoned.) 3. To tax lucifer matches by a duty equal to 500 per cent. (Abandoned.) 4. To raise the Income-tax from 4d. to 6d. in the pound. (Carried.) In 1872 Mr. Lowe was able to say that the income bad reached £ 74,535,000 instead of £72,315,000, as estimated, being an excess of £ 2,220,000. or just equal to the twopence in the pound added to the Income-tax the year before. As all excess of income over expendi- ture goes towards the reduction of the Debt, the Income-tax payers had the melancholy satisfaction of thinking that they have been taxed twopence in the pound merely to reduce the National Debt by one four-hundredth part. By keeping up that Income-tax of au extra twopence in a class, Mr. Lowe flaunted a prospective surplus of £3,600,000 or a revenue of £74,915,000 and an expenditure of £ 71,313,000. He was good enough to say he would take off the twopence from the Income- tax, which should never have been put on, and also to reduce the duty on coffee and chicory. In 1873 Mr. Gladstone's Budget showed an income of £76,617,000, and an expenditure, of £75,000,000 including the Geneva award of £ 3,200,000. He reduced the sugar duty one- half, and took off on.e,penny from the Income- tax. As events proved, Mr. Gladstone might have gone further. There was again a good round sum towards reducing the Debt, which 1 might have remained in the national pocket, j Of Mr. Gladstone's Budget we may note as follows :— I.-In 1869-A surplus made by collecting five quarters taxes within a year. 2.—In 1870 reductions of £3,500,000, but out of an income j#,100,000 more than the Conservatives had levied three years before. 3.—In 1871 a supposed deficiency of j63,000,000, to meet which the Income-tax was raised from 4d. to 6d. in the pound, and after the money was paid it was found that there was no deficiency, and, therefore, no necessity for levying it. 4.—In 1872 Mr. Gladstone took this two- pence off the Income-tax which should never have been put on. 5.—In 1873 Mr. Gladstone levied £75,000,000, on the taxpayers, on purpose to pay the Alabama claims in one sum. In all these Budgets there was neither the skill of the financier, nor the pre-science of the statesman. A Chancellor without brains can remit taxes from an overflowing exchequer, and especially when he has first made it overflow by forced contributions, such as the five quarters in-one-year tax, and the calling for an increased twopence on Income-tax, when not a farthing was needed. But on his Budget which never saw the light, Mr. Gladstone plumes himself most. All stillborn babies are beauties. Mr. Gladstone, by another blunder in calculating the future, would have had a three million surplus on March 31st, 1874. He was out of office, and so his successors had the surplus, or, rather, they had to register its entombment among the useless surpluses which are always devoted as peace offerings at the shrine of the National Debt. A better financier would have foreseen the surplus in 1873 and remitted more taxes, leaving the money in the people's pockets, where it was worth double what it was in buying up a few grains of a loan for which the nation pays but three per cent. Having this three millions, it was easy to calculate that with trade in a state of unexampled prosperity it might be made into five or even six at the end of another year. This was the sole foundation for Mr. Gladstone's unborn Budget. It never had one iota of form or substance more. It was a Budget fourteen months in the future-the dream of a man who was awokf from his dreaming by the nation sending him to Coventry. Of course Mr. Gladstone would have bad the disposal by anticipation of the five millions had he remained in power. As he was no longer Premier, his successor not only used the three million which would once more have accrued, and without legislation" once more have gone to the Debt, but also the natural growth of income, and reduced the Income- tax by twopence in the pound, the sugar duty by two millions-abolishing it altogether—and local taxes by £ 800,000. Such was the legislation of practical, commonsense states- men. They did not overlook the supposed necessity of reducing the Debt year by year, but they aid it by setting apart a fixed snm, sanctioned by Act of Parliament, and not by the chance payment of an irregular surplus, which always bespeaks slovenly Budget preparations.