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NEATH AXD ITS DISTRICTI
NEATH AXD ITS DISTRICT I THB RAILWAYS.—On dit that the Neath Harbour Com- missioners and the Neath Corporation are likely to come to terms with the Great Western Railway Company, on the subject of crossing the Neath River. The difficulty with the Railway Company was the proposed stationary bridge of No. 10 scheme. It is now stated that the railway Company are prepared to construct a swivel budge, and thus avoid interfering with the navigation ot the river. The opposition to the Rhondda and owansea Bay scheme will be both bitter and strong on the part of the Neath "powers that be." The com- mittea* have been struck and the officials have commenced the coming struggle. The Board of Trade report is J considered fatal to the tunnel, but this remains to be seen. Engineers, experienced and emiaent, will be heard on both sides. The Bills are expected to go before the committee next week. ELECTION OF GUARDIANS,—The election of guardians tor the Neath Union will take place next week, the col- ection of the voting papers being fixed for the 10th of April. There will be contests in three parishes, namely, iu Hangonoyd Higher, Llantwit, and Michaelstone ijower. In the former there are three nominations for two vacancies, the parties nominated being David Daviee, Bangor-terrace, Maesteg, chandler David Davies, Liver- Pool House, Nantyfyllon, Maesteg; and Charles T. xlulett, Ty Derwen. Nantyfyllon, Maesteg. In the parish of Llantwit the three nominations are William Paddison. Lhvyn-griffith, Dylais Lower, estate agent; Richard Phillips, Penthiwtyn, tinplate manufacturer; and Wm Sims, Cresswell Villa, London-road, solicitor. In the parish of Michaelstone Lower, the three nominated are John Evans, Pwllygltw, grocer and draper; Rev. John Griffiths, Bryn Cottage, Cwmavon, clerk in holy orders and Benjamin A. Griffiths, TyrEglwys Cottages, Cwmavon, printer and draper. The retirement of Mr. William Jone3, Tynyrheol, one of the vice chairmen, has caused much surprise and regret, he having filled the office of guardian for upwards of 20 years. The retire- mtnt of Mr. Bevan, for Blaenhonddan, which he has represented for several years, has also evoked much re- gret, esped ,lly as it was caused by the want of attention to time'y nomination. On the whole, there will 1 e several changes on the board, but it ia to be hoped th r ■ will be the usual good feeling existing amongst the guardians as in the past. CADOXTON-JUXTA-NEATH —A special shortened service (in English) with sermon and organ recital was held at the Parish Church, Cadoxton-juxta. Nesth, on the evening of Thursday last, the occasion being the re-opening of the organ after considerable alteration and improvement. The service commenced at 6.30, and was intoned by the Rev. Lewis Jones, vicar. The lesson was read by the Rev. T. Griffiths, curate, and the sermon preached by the Rev. J. W. Wynne Jones, M.A., vicar of Aberdare, from the text" Then shall thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering, and whole burnt offering," (Psalm 61, 19). The reverend gentleman dwelt upon the necessity of sincerity in worship and of earnestness in the services of the Sanctuary, and his re- marks were attentively listened to by the large congre- gation present. The chorus And the glory of the Lord (Messiah) was well rendered by the choir, as well as the hymn, "We saw Thee not when Thou didst come." At the conclusion of the service, the following pieces were performed on the organ by Professor Lawrance, (Conservatoire of Music, Leipsic), organist of St. David's Church, Merthyr Tydvil, who bad very kindly volunteered his services for the occasion :—1. Andante con moto in F (No. 2), (H. Smart); 2. (a) allegretto graziosoin D, (B. Tours) (b) march, allegro moderato in G, (H. Smart) 3. Allegretto pastorale in A (No. 3), (W. Jordan); 4. Introduction and allegro, (F. E. Bache 5. Offertoire in E major, (Batiste) G. Elegy—Alia Marcia (C. E. Stephens); 7. Invocation inG, (B. Smith) 8. Grand offert Dire in C, (Chinner). The recital was listened to with great attention, and the wide difference in the character of the pieces enabled Mr. Lawrance to display to advantage the variety of solo stops as well as the powerful volume of the full organ. The collection amounted to C5 2s. On Friday evening the Welsh ser- vice was held, and was largely attended. Miss Bevan presided at the organ, and the anthem" Bendigedig fyddo Arglwydd, Dduw Israel," (by John Thomas, Llanwrtyd), was rendered with precision. The service was intoned by the Vicar, the lessons read by the Rev. W. Edwards, of Crynant, and an excellent sermon delivered by the Rev. A. Britten, vicar of Dafen. Llanelly, from the text, (2 Corinthians, 5, 13), For whether we be beside our- selves, it is to God or whether we be sober, it is for your cause." The collection amounted to between R3 and k4, and this with the collection of the preceding evening left about £5 remaining of the deficit of £1:3. The debt has since been entirely cleared off by a dona- tion from a member of the congregation—the Hon. H. C. Bruce, of Ynys-y-Gerwn. As the announcement of these dedicatory services stated, the sum of £437 16s. 6J. has been expended in building the new organ chamber, and in renovating and enlarging the organ." The greater part of this large amount was raised by the bazaar held in July, 1881, which, as we stated at the time, was organised and successfully carried out by the following members of the congregation The Misses Bevan, Cadoxton-place Mrs. Jones, the Vicarage the Misses Sims, Ynysllyu- lladd Miss Fear and Mr. H. S. Sutton, Glynleiros Mrs. and Mi jar Young, Plasyfelin Mrs. William Whittington, formerly of Penyscynor; Mrs. and Miss Davies, Caewern and Miss Claudia Griffiths, Dylais Fach. The remaining portion of the sum was realised as the proceeds of entertainments, at which the Misses Bevan and others kindly gave their services. The organ chamber has been enlarged and rend. red damp proof, and a neat arch opened into the north aisle, the con- tractor being Mr. Mills, of Neath. Three neN stops have been added to the great organ, and six to the swell the basses of several others extended; and an open diapason added to the pedals. Improvements have been made in the swell-box and the bellows, wind chests, and mechanism are entirely new. The work has been com- pleted by Mr. W. G. Vowles, organ builder, Bristol; and the vicar and congregation are to be congratulated upon possessing one of the finest instruments in the district, both as regards appearance and fulness and mellowness of tone. Special praise is due to Miss Bevan, who has always evinced so lively an interest in the musical portions of the services at this church, and who has been untiring in her efforts to bring the undertaking to a successful issue. The following is a synopsis of the organ as at present constitutedGreat Qroan CO to G.-I. Open diapason, 56 pipes 2, stopped diapason, 56 pipes 3, dulciana, 44 pipes 4, wald flute, 56 pipes 5, principal .56 pipes; 6, flute, 56 pipes; 7, fifteenth, 56 pipes; 8, sesquialtra (3 ranks) 168 pipes 9, trumpet, 56 pipes (3 combination pedals, double acting) total, 604 pipes. Swell Organ 00 to G.-10, double diapason, 56 pipes; 11, horn diapason, 56 pipes 12, stopped diapason, 56 pipes 13, gamba, 44 pipes 14, salcional, 44 pipes 15 gemshorn, 56 pipes; 16, fifteenth, 56 pipes 17, mixture, (3 ranks), 168 pipes; cornopean, 56 pipes; 19, oboe, 56 pipes (3 combination pedals, double acting); total, 648 pipes. Pedal Organ.-20, open diapason, CCC to E, 29 pipes 21, bourdon, CCC to E, 29 pipes; total 58 pipes. Total number of pipes—604 + 648 + 58-1310. Couplers.22, swell to great; 23, swell to pedals. 24, great to pedals. NEATH TOWN COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Monday. There were present-The Mayor (Alderman Rowland Thomas) in the chair; Alderman Howtl Gwyn, J. H. Rowland, and D. Bevan Councillors David Davies, R. Bartlett, P. Charles, H. P.Charles, Edward Davies, John Rees, Thomas Phillips, M. Arnold, Henry Lake, F. Shilling, W. T. Lewis, and A. A. Routledge. SWANSEA TRUANT SCHOOL. The Town Clerk read a letter which had been received from the Swansea School Board, announcing that the Truant School was now open, and if there were any in- corrigible truants at Neath, they could be received at Bonymaen School. In answer to a member, the Town Clerk pointed out the advantages which the Truant School at Swansea offered over that of the Havanna, Ship School, and a resolution was passed authorising the Attendance Officer to make the necessary enquiries as to the number of in- corrigible truants at Neath, and to report to the next meeting. .rla IflB rv1.lU"Q" The Head Constable reported that the Police Force was complete and working efficiently. There was nothing special referred to this month. CATTLE DISEASE. The Town Clerk read some correspondence that he had had with the Privy Council in reference to the recent orders issued by them as to the re-opening of the Neath Market, for the sale of cattle. The Town Clerk said it was with some surprise that he received a letter from the Privy Council sent by the Clerk of the Peace of this County, stating that Neath had disregarded the late pro- hibitive orders as to the entrance of cattle into Neath. He had sent the Privy Council copies of the placards which had been issued on the subject, and as they had not replied, he supposed they were satisfied that such was not the case. Mr. H. P. Charles suggested that the Town Clerk should write to the Clerk of the Peace to enquire by what authority he had made such a statement in regard to Neath Market. The Clerk of the Peace was a very dicta- toaial gentleman and they should deal with him ac- •ordingly Mr Routledge seconded the motion, and the Town Clerk was authorised to write to Mr. Franklen as sug- gested by Mr. Charles. 5 J THE MARKET COMMITTEE. This Committee reported that they had received the following tenders for the erection of new butchers' shops in the Neath Market:—William John, Briton Ferry, £ 13 15s.; Roger Jones, Neath, £ 108; William Lewis, Neath, £ 95; David Lloyd, Neath £ 75 5 John Manuel Neath, £ 69; Evan Thomas, Neath, £ 82 10s., Thomas and Cox, Neath, £ 82; William Williams, Neatb, £ 67. It was recommended that the tender of Wm. » llliams, being the lowest, for the erectien of five butchers shops, &c. in the general market be accepted, subject to his entering into a proper contract, with the surety named by him, viz., Mr. Hopkin Jones. THE GAS COMMITTEE. The minutes of this committee were read. It was stated that the make of gas for February was 2,139,800 cubic feet, being an increased make of 30,800 cubic feet, and an increased consumption of 43,000 cubic feet. The manager was authorised to purchase the lathe and tools of the late fitter (Elwood) at the amount of valuation made by Mr John Owen, viz., £ 11, and an order on the treasurer war accordingly drawn and signed for that amount. THE BOROUGH GAOL. The Surveyor presented the following report on the state of this gaol j « Neath, 2nd April, 1883. To the Mayov and Corporation of Neath. Gentlemen ,-In compliance with the request of the Mayor, 1 made an inspection of the borough gaol for the purpose ok reporting upon a proposal to make a cell on the ground in whi^h to place inebriates, a complaint having been made by the Government Inspector as to the danger an J inconvenience of conveying inebriates to the existing cells on Srst floor. In the accompanying plan the red lines indicate the proposed alterations and additions. They are so arranged that the prisoners will be taken in through the front door, through existing door to the left of main entrance, and thence through a passage 2ft. 61n. in width, into the room marked A on plan. A water-closet will be erected therein, and wili be connected with the existing drain, as shown on plan. The size of the room in question is 10ft. 6in. by 8ft. 6in. I am of opinion that, although the alterations now projected may be of some temporary benefit, it will soon be incumbent upon you to erect a new gaol, or forfeit your police grant. The cost of the projected alterations 1 estimate at £ 15.—I am, yours, &C., WM. WHITTINGTON. A long conversation ensued, during which the propriety of utilising the old cells under the Town-ball was advo- cated by several members. Mr. P. Charles moved that the alterations should be carried out under the direction of the works committee, but subsequently the matter was allowed to stand over, for the surveyor to prepare a plan and estimate of the cost of utilising the old cells. THE CORPORATION FIELD. The Surveyor having reported on the progress of the trenching in the Corporation field, the sum of 25 was allowed with the sum in hand towards further prose- cut ng the work. LOANS. The Town Clerk having reported on the various amounts received by way of loan from several local societies, at the rate of four per cent. per annum, and other offers having been received, the secretaries of the several societies were ordered to be informed that the Council were not prepared to accept any more sums of money until about August next. °f sent down from the Vigilance Fnnri hoir.Q j subject of the Police Superannuation for pr 8 P 111 ^le hands of the Secretary of Sfate for the Home Department, which is considered an unwar- «vao ». f ln with local independence, the matter rpmc!L*erre(ii.t-0 Watch Committee, Mr. A. Routledge 1DS J1"18 attempt at centralisation was another 1> cimen of the liberality of a Liberal Government. A I r PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENTS. A letter from Messrs. Jones, Bros., Neath, was read, applying for permission to be allowed to place a notice board on the corn market for advertising notices of pllbl c entertainmen ts. 'J h > application was granted. URBAN SANITARY AUTHORITY. The members then formed themselves into an Urban Authority. THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor stated that he had written to the bill- posters of the borough on the subject of the advertising boards, and had sent them a copy of the resolution passed on the subject at the last meeting. No notice having been taken of the matter, the Clerk waa in- structed to request Messrs. Dudley, Young, & Co., Messrs. Jones Bros., and Mr. Thomas Wall to remove the hoardings placed along the East side of Windsor- road, and, in default, the surveyor was instructed to summon the oifc-nders for encroaching on the public pathway. SUNDAY WORKING. A bill was sent in by Rees Williams, amounting to •i3i9«'f01' eXtla W0lk on Sundays in connection with the Bowen-street sewer. The account bad been re- ceived before, and the Surveyor thought it was usual to pay inspectors on Sundays. Several members objecting to the account on the ground that the work was within the range of his duties at a stated salary, the bill was ordered to lie on the table. — „ THE QUALITY OF THE GAS. he Surveyor reported that duriug the past month the illuminating power of the gas was satisfactory. The minimum was equal to fourteen candles, and the maxi- mum to 14 5 candles. PORT SANITARY AUTHORITY. The Town Clerk announced that he had received the usual formal notice that the Swansea Corporation had been appointed the Port Sanitary Authority for one year from the 25th March last. The meeting then separated. NEATH BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this board was held on Tuesday. There were present, Mr. F. J. G-ibbius, who, in the absence of the chairman, presided; Mr. J. H. Rowland, Mr. W. Leyson, Mr. W. Hunter, Mr. J. N. Moore, the Mayor of Neath, the Rev. Walter Griffiths, B.D., Rev. D. Griffiths, M.A., Messrs. David Bevan, David Davies, David Davies, South-terrace, Edward Davies, D. R David, D. E. Jones, Thomas Rees, D. Jones, H. Jones, W. Gething, Roger Davies, John Davies, Ben. Griffiths, and Rev. D. Evans. THE LATE MR. REES PRICE. Mr. J. H. Rowland said that, before going into busi- ness, he would like to move a vote of condolence to the widow and friends of the late Mr. Rees Price. Mr. Price had been a very constant member of that board, and had given very valuable assistance in all cases. In acting as clerk of the works for the cottage homes, he had rendered great service to this board, and had saved tho guardians much expense. He (Mr. Rowland) therefore thought that he should be only consulting the feelings of all the guardians by proposing a vote of condolence to the family, expressive of their sense of the loss they had sus- tained by his sudden death. Mr. Rowland then moved a resolution of condolence in accordance with his sug- gestion. The Chairman having fully approved of the motion, Mr. Hopkin Jones, as an old personal friend, had much pleasure in seconding the resolution. He fully endorsed the remarks made by Mr. Rowland, and he felt that he and they had lost a good friend and a faithful guardian (Hear.) The Chairman said that he was sure that was the feeling of every guardian present. The motion was then put and carried unanimously. t APPOINTMENT OF HAIR DRESSER. The next business taken was the appointment of hair- dresser to the workhouse. There were two candidatec A A*3 Mr. Jno. Thomas, and old resident, and Mr Fred. Newton, both of whom had sent in very excellent testimonials. 3 Mr. Hopkin Jones proposed Mr. John Thomas, and spoke highly of his qualifications. He was a townsman and was acquainted with the Welsh language, which Mr. Newton was not, and he was proverbial for his light- handed shaving. (Laughter.) Mr. Gething seconded the motion. Mr. J. N. Moore proposed, in the absence of a guardian who was unable to be present, the name of Mr. Newton. Mr. Moore said that he would not follow Mr. Hopkin Jones in his glowing description of his candi- date, but believed Mr. Newton to be well fitted for the office he therefore begged to propose him. The Rev. David Griffiths seconded the nomination. A division was then taken, when thare voted for Thomas 13 for Newton 9. The Chairman then declared Thomas duly elected, and hoped he would attend personally to the duties of the office. Mr. Thomas, on being called in, thanked the guardians, and promised to atttnd to the duties himself, and hoped they would not have cause to regret his appointment. THE CASUAL POOR. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board in reference to the treatment and the expe- dieucy of providing accommodation for itinerant vagrants. Subjoined is the letter :— "ijocal Government Board, 22nd March, 1883 SIR,—I am directed by the Local Government Board to state that they have recently received a report from their In- spector, Mr. Bircham, in which, with reference to the Casual Poor Act, 1882, and the General Order of the 18th December last, relating to the treatment and accommodation of casual paupers, we draw attention to the absence of provision at the workhouse for the accommodation of such paupers. The Board direct me to point out that, under section 9 of the 34th and 35th Vict., cap. 108. the guardians of every union are required to provide within their respective unions proper casual wards, and to state that. as the Board attach much importance to the uniform treatment of vagrants throughout the country in the manner prescribed by the regulations in the General Order above mentioned, they trust that the guardians will take into consideration the question of providing, at the least expense, such accommodation for vagrants as would admit of the regu- lations in the General Order being carried into effect. The Board will be glad to be informed of the course which the guardians may propose to take in the matter.-I am. Sir, Ac., "C. N. DALTON, Assist. Sec." Mr. Bircham, the Poor Law Inspector, who was present, said that since he was present last, there had been some new casual orders issued to the several Unions. Al- though the Act relating to the Casual Poor had been pasged since 1882, the Board bad not thought it expe- jssar srs ?i'Er one sort and some of another sort, but that i°i be treated uniformly. If they construct a<!L8hofuld additional cells in the Workhouse, that would be abouT the only cost to which they would be subject, and the! would be repaid for the threepence for each vacant which they now spent. The number of vagrants which they had relieved in past years had been very large, sometimes as many as 6,000. Last year the number had been reduced to 1,200. If they built the new cells the vagrants of the whole Union would have to adapt them- selves as in other Unions, and come toNeath. He thought nhnut six or se ven cells would besufficient; and if the orders were carried out practically, and the task of relief in- sisted on, and the vagrants not allowed to be sent away until the task bad been performed, he believed much saving would be effected. He therefore called on the Guardians to make the provision required. They were now called by the Local Government Board to carry out not mere orders but it was an Act of Parliament they had to comply with. As he said before, he did not think the cells would cost much, and they would soon repay the outlay. He hoped therefore they would refer the matter to a committee so that the work should be carried into effeot without delay. I" ii° tlle c^ahman, Mr. Bircham said he thought the cells could be built for about £ 250. He also that it would be desirable Neath Workhouse should have a P°rter 1like ^^housee, and that there should the pauper, ft„» ,htr. The Chairman thought the expense of a nernon ». porter or overlooker would mean about £ 1 a week M}'- Bircham sa!d that notwithstanding that,' they would have to do it. J Mr. Hunter said it was now cc Hobson's choice" with After some fui'^er explanations, it was agreed that the matter should be referred to a committee. Mr. Bircham then referred to a matter which had been brought under his notice by the Auditor, namely, the system of allowing Relieving Officers to giTe relief without orders. He agreed with the Auditor that it was most undesirable that any relief should be given without the express sanction of the Board. Mr. Bircham then informed the Guardians that he had visited the Deaf and Dumb and Blind Institutions at Swansea, and he found the inmates who had been sent there by this Board were all doing exceedingly well. MORE GUARDIANS FOR MARGAM. The Clerk next read the following letter on the sub- ject of increasing the number of Guardians for the parish of Margam:— Margam, Taibacli, April 3, 1883. "BEAR SIR,-I beg to inform you that at our Annual Vestry, held on the 22nd ult., it was proposed, seconded, and carried unanimously, that an application be made, through the Neath Board of Guardians, to the Local Government Board, for an additional Guardian for Margam, and they requested me to ask you to be kind enough to bring the matter before your Board, and I hope it will have their favourable considera- .on.-I am. Sir, yours, Ac., LEWIS THOMAS, Vestry Clerk." Mr. D. R. David supported the object of the vestry. He said that he was present at the vestry and had been asked to support their resolution, and he now did so, feeling that the importance of the parish justly entitled them to a larger representation, as well as Neath. Look- ing at the area of the different parishes, they would find that the acreage of Margam was by far the largest in the Union, amounting to 18,347 acres, and what they wanted was that the ratepayers of the east part of the parish should have a representative guardian. The rateable value was £27,678, whilst the basis for the county rate was £ 30,445. This compared favourably with Neath, where they had four guardians; and, therefore, he maintained that Margam was fairly entitled to have an additional guardian. The Rev. D. Griffiths reminded Mr. David that this matter could not be dealt with without notice. Mr. David then gave notice that he would bring the matter forward at a future meeting. THE CLERK AND THE ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE. A communication having been received from the Clerk of the Assessment Committee on the subject of his salary, on the motion of the Rev. D. Griffiths, it was agreed that the salary be £60 for the ensuing year. CATHOLIC CHILDREN AT THE HOMES. The Clerk said that the following letter had been re- ceived from Father Clement, in reference to the Catholic children at the Cottage Homes :— "Catholic Church, Aberavon, March 31 1^83 BIR,-There are a few Catholic children at the Cottage Homes, and I regret to find that they are not being brought up in their own religion. They attend a Protestant church and are treated as if they were Protestant children Will you kindly call the attention of the guardians to this at their next meeting, when I hope they will be able to make some arrange- ment which will afford these children an opportunity of nraiv tising their own religion.—Yours respectfully, J 1 "W. J. McCLEMFNT." The letter gave rise to considerable surprise, as no in. terference with the children took place. The matter was ultimately referred to the Cottage Homes com- mittee. The relief lists were then proceeded with. NEATH COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS.-FRIDAY. [Before Griffith Llewellyn, J. H. Rowland. Rowland Thomas, William Leyson and William Hunter F™™ and the Rev. Walter Griffiths, B.D.I LICENSES.—The licenses of the Wliitworth Arms Hof-pl Abertwrch, was transferred to John Allison The license of the Walnut Tree Inn, Neath, was transferred to Thomas Williams. DRUNKENNESS.—James Harries, of Avon Tale was fined 5s. and costs for being helplessly drunk on the 1 of March, near Cymmer Level Crossing.—Thos Tonkin and David Thomas, for a like offence and also forfiohHn were each fined 10s. and costs. -Henry Currv fo? KA" A drunk at Cwmavon, near the Britannia Inn' TOao 5s. and costs.-David Williams was ordered tr> and costs for a like offence.-William Harries and n Lewis for being drunk at llesolven, were each fine 11 (V* and costs. iUs- HORSE STRAYING.—William Harries was fined 2- a ? and costs for allowing his horse to strav ™ j between the Brewery and the Church. ro NEW RATES.—A rate of Is. in the £ vVa« „n j f Resolven and for lOd. in the £ for Blaen<'wr ich W° GRENFELL AND SONS V. THOMAS HOOPER —TI • an adjourned case for breach of contract At c.WmS Evans for plaintiffs and Mr. W. John for'def f After a long enquiry judgment was given for damages 10s. and costs, to be deducted from an due to him at the time he *as stopped. Thp wa°es for assault were withdrawn. 6 summonses POACHING.—John Rees, James Allen, Thomao r and David Hopkin were charged for trespassing ir, r°°I of conies at Wenallt Wood, on the 26th ult ivf ?U<aSi for complainant and Mr. T. Evans for defendants R l i Jones, a gamekeeper, proved seeing the • the wood. They had a sheep a Irtvb^ T 8 ferret, as well as a net. He saw them nla(^t the holes. They did not see him until he net or. He asked them what sport they had. Th ,n°ise* had only three rabbits by Pentwrch and S t^ley enough of snow for tracking. After a lono-161^ W,aS which the evidence was very contradictorv°+un^Uiry' in dismissed. y' the cage was ANN THOMAS V. SARAH WILLIAMS.—Thi« ™ of assault, the parties living at Furnace Riw naS a case Case dismissed.—Another case of assault Sam^T^T011-' gans v. James Lewis was struck out and th j Samuel Morgans against Thomas Manuel wi« sr Ca-Se j CATTLE STAYING.-William Griffiths^ wl» I"MISSED^ for allowing his cattle to stray on the highway ne^r fha Rhydiling Colliery, and was fined Is. and costs FOWL STEALING.—At the Magistrates' Clerk'* NFFI™ on Tuesday, before Mr. William Leyson, Lloyd Evans' a collier, of Britonferry, was brought up charged with stealing a hen and 25 chickens, belonging to Mr Thomas Loch, of Penysarcoed. P. C. s Seldon and Lewis tracked footprints to and from the farm-yard, and upon appre- hending the prisoner, found his boots corresponded with the marks. One of the fowls was found under a bed in the prisoner's house, and the hen and 21 chickens cou- fined in a coop outside. There was a further charge against the prisoner of stealing a cravat. On both charges he was remanded to enable the police to make further enquiries.
[No title]
The cuckoo has arrived in county Dublin. A movement has originated in Germany, called The General Evangelical and Protestant Missionary Union," to excite an interest in missions, to dissipate prejudices, and to bring about a worthy appreciation of the Missionary cause. To establish the new society, a conference will be held at Frankfort on the 1] th April. The movement appears to have been started by a number of German professors, among whom we note the namo nf Herr Max Miiller. YOUNG AMERICA—If one may judge from a state- ment which lately appeared in contemporaries young America is rapidly progressing in the smoking line and will soon be as ardent lovers of the weed as little Dutch boys are credited with being. An investigation was lately made respecting the use of tobacco amongst the children attending schools of various grades in Boston and the conclusion has been arrived at that not only are the majority of boys above eleven years of age smokers but also that cigarette smoking is greatly on the inerease amongst school girls. The use of tobacco is not the only thing, however, in which juvenile Americans are exhi- biting their go-ahead principles, for they also appear to be much exercised repecting the question of names though this, anyone who has heard the fearful conglo- meration of epithets bestowed by some American parents on their offspring will think excusable. One New York paper suggests as a way out of the difficulty that all boy babies should be named M and all girl babies N, till they attain the age of fifteen, when they should be at liberty to choose names for themselves. A SERVANT'S CHARACTER.—Much has been said lately in the columns of a Loudon paper respecting the pecu. liarities of the modern servant. The following littip story, since it bears on the vexed question of testimonials is amusing and instructive, and shows how bv int ducing a few Latin terms, the writer is enable'd °," his mind more freely than he otherwise could -—"A Irish girl recently applied to the principal of thl CSJ. Normal School, at Salem, Massachusetts, for a situation as cook, and exhibited with pride the fOllowing testi. monial from her former employer:—'Margaret F J lived with me fourteen weeks. I have found her "i riably good tempered,[immunda (dirty), cheerful ohlit^nt" exitiosa (destructive), respectful, and mcorri«ihlfi is a better cook than any Irish girl I have ever^mnlov^H and one of the best bie id«makers I ever saw. With n^at- uess and carefulness and economy she would make in cellent servant. I heartily recommend her to all Cbristian philanthropists, and her employers to Divinn mercy.' The last sentence is particularly tellin» A startling tidal wave was experienced in the°Enalish Channel at an early hour on Saturday morning Tha steamer for the Channel Islands left Weymouth at midnight as usual, and when about an hour out the weather being perfectly calm and the sea smooth she was struck twice, without the slightest warning, by a. tre- mendous sea, which threw her on her beam ends swept her deck, and flooded the cabins and engine-room. The passengers were greatly alarmed, and in the panic which prevailed neither sailors nor passengers could tell what was the matter. As the decks soon cleared of water the damage became apparent. The bulwarks were broken in several places, one of the paddle-boxes was damaged the iron rails on the bridge were twisted, the pump was broken and rendered useless, the skylight of the ladies' cabin was completely gone, and the saloon skylight was shivered to atoms. A seaman who was forward when the sea struck states that the steamer was not able so shake herself clear of the first wave when the second came upon her; and the captain declares that had another followed she must NJbod* »"» ferioualy injured, md in Bankruptcy Bill, of which Sir John Lubbock has obtaIned the seoond reading against cedure, in case the Government do not succeedJ £ ™~ measure this session. Sir John purposes to ,» Alr powers of creditors in several ways in all nroo^i? bankruptcy or in liquidation by arrangement power that Bill confereon acredi4rTsthat of<wl?ine a general meeting of the creditors at any time after th! appointment of the trustee, provided he obtains the concurreuce of one-fourth in value of the creditors in- cluding himself. In this case a seven days' notice would have to be sent by post to each creditor and to th« trustee, stating the object of the meeting. Another new power is for a creditor, who has the same concur rence," to call upon the trustee at any time to furnish a statement of his accounts up to date. The trustee can also, under the Bill, be called upon by the creditors, at a general meeting summoned for the purpose, for any ex- planations and information respecting the property and its administration and management. Moreover, the trustee can be required, at anytime after thus furnishing accounts and information, to distribute forthwith among the creditors such assets as_ he may then have in his hands available for such distribution. This power is given to a majority in value of the creditors. Then again, a creditor can demand from the trustee, on pay! ment of a small charge, a list of the creditors and of the debts. For failing to perform any of the duties thus imposed on him the trustee is to be liable to be dis- missed by the creditors from his office, and thereupon he is to forfeit all claims to remuneration in respect of past services, and is to be liable to pay his sueoassor the ex. penses to which the creditors may be put through his dismissal.
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY. In reply to a question from Mr. Rylands, Mr. Gladstone intimated that the adjourned debate on the Transvaal would be postponed from Friday next to the Friday after, at two o'clock, so that the whole evening of Friday next might be given to the motion on National Expenditure. The O'Donoghue called attention to an account of the Kilmainham transaction supposed to have been given by Mr. Parnell to an interviewer" in Ptirig, in which he stated, contradicting the representations of several Ministers, and e-pecially a statement by Lord Varlingford in the House of Lords, that the initiative came from the Government, and not from the suspects in prison. Mr. 0 Kelly attempted to interpose an explanation, but was ruled out of order and Mr. Gladstone said that without attempting to make Mr. Parnell responsible for the statement, it was as far as it related to the Government absolutely without I; foundation and inaccurate. Mr. Parnell subsequently IIY explained that the statement was made not by him but by Mr O'Kelly, and repeated that Lord Carlingford's assertion that the suspects had written a letter to the Government was inaccurate. Lord J. Manners, amid some cheering and laughter, asked whether the Govern- ment was still disposed to adhere to its refusal to grant a Committee, and Mr. Gladstone replied that he saw nothing in what bad occurred to change his opinion on that point. The Attorney-General, in moving the second reading of the Court of Criminal Appeal Bill, dwelt first of all on the anomaly of permitting appeals in civil cases involving small sums of money, and denying it to a man in peril of his life or liberty. He pointed out also, that 77 per cent. of the criminal cases tried resulted in convictions; and asked whether, considering the circumstances under which those trials took place, error was not possible and probable. His own belief, he said, was that there were more wrongful convictions than were generally supposed and he mentioned that the present Home Secretary during his tenure of office had been compelled to release 12 convicts whose inno- cence had been sufficiently established to make it im- possible to keep them in prison. The Bill was tenta- tive only because to extend the right of appeal to all criminal trials would throw too great a bb lOr on the Judges; but he hoped that experience would justify its extension. An absolute right of appeal was only given in capital cases, and to dispose of the business under the Bill two or three Judges would be required to sit for three days four times a year. Sir H. Giffard remarked that the Attorney-General had entirely failed to prove the necessity for this startling innovation, and he did not believe that any man of experience would say that many or even a few Innocent people had been convicted. Great authorities such as Lord Brougham, Lord Denman, and Sir G. C. Lewis were against a criminal appeal, and the jurisdiction of the Home Secretary, he believed, provided for every practical grievance. The Bill, he asserted woutd be unworkable, and, among other objections of detail, he pointed out that it was unilateral, and gave no right of appeal to the Crown that there was no guarantee of the second trial being better than the first, or that a second might not be followed by a third or a fourth. He regarded the Bill as an indirect expedient to abolish capital punishment; it would weaken the sense of responsibility of the Judge and jury and it must be followed by a large increase in the number of Judges. Sir Hardinge concluded by moving the rejection of ^Mr1 Waddy cordially supported the principle of the Bill, believing that in time the right of appeal would b; extended to every indictable offence. Mr. Grantham, on the other side, opposed the prin- ciple, arguing that there is no analogy between civil cases and criminal cases, inasmuch as in civil cases the object of each party was to keep the other side in the dark at tbe tnal. Mr Clarke took the same view, and maintained that the Bill would give the power of appeal in those cases where it was least required. If there was to be an appeal, he urged that there should be an appeal against sentences. Mr. Hopwood, Mr. C. Russell, Sir E. Wilmot, Mr. O'Donnell, and Mr. Serjeant Simon spoke in favour of tbe Bill. Sir W. Harcourt assured the House that if there was to be a power of rehearing criminal cases, the powers of the Secretary of State could not be relied on as a sub- stitute for a court of appeal. One fatal defect in the action of the Home Office was the want of pnblicity as to the grounds on which it acted in advising the exer- cise of the prerogative. On all gronnds it was more for the public interest that the duty of reviewing these casas should be performed in public, and by a regularly constituted court, and, among other advantages, it would tend to harmonize and equalize the sentences. Mr. Gibson opposed the Bill, believing that the appeal which it proposed would diminish the sense of responsibility in Judges and juries and would create many practical difficulties. Sir R. Cross also opposed the Bill in its present form, preferring an appeal which would be open to every- body with the leave of the Judge in matters of ftict and of the Judge or Attorney-General in matters 1f law. Mr. Parnell supported the Bill, and asked for some assurance that, pending the final judgment of Parlia- ment on it, no criminals who might be convicted here- after would be executed. The second reading of the Bill was carried by 132 to 78, and it was ordered to be referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice. 0 Some other business was disposed of, and the House was counted out at a quarter past 2 o'clock. HOUSE OF LORDS.-TUESDAY. The House of Lords met this evening for the first time after the Easter holidays. There was no business en the paper, and a Consolidated Fund Bill having been read a first time their lordships adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS —TUESDAY. In answer to Mr. M'Coan, Mr. Gladstone said the Government had received no confirmation of a rumour that the Russians contemplated an advance into Armenia, consequently it was uniiecesl-ary for him to answer the hypothetical question-wbat view the Government would take, in such a contingency, of the Anglo-Turkish Convention. Mr. Jacob Bright submitted a motion in reference to the negotiations with Portugal, declaring that no treaty should be made which would sanction the annexation by any Power of territories adjacent to the Congo, or which would interfere with the freedom hitherto enjoyed by all civilizing and commercial agencies at work in those regions. In export of it, after depicting the present state of things, which, he said, was satisfac- tory to the merchants, the «"^ionanee and the native trihps nnfVi whom they came into contact, he maintained hat SUoba Treaty would lead to the establishment of « tSrt* tarfSSw to, >°d e'm PS".1" < <!»r commerce, because the Portuguese oiffcials were an in- ferior and ignorant class of men.irregularlypaid, who were obliged to resort to corruption and extortion for their own support. Moreover, to hand over the native tribes to Portugal would irritate them, and induce them to treat all white men as their enemies. It would increase too the horrors of slavery and the slave trade the Foreign Office believed that the Portuguese officials would be «nJ paper engagements from- favour g ve rade, it would be guilty of singular credulity. We had no right, he maintained, to bargain y g o the natives, and he protested strong! landing these districts over to this rotten whose presence on the African continent bad c™e. Mr. Whitley sconded the m^onf'a"d 5^°"^ ur8ed I the Government not to depart ^nceg given by Lord Palmeraton and Lord-Clarendon, on the s faith of which the merchants had enfc"ed into relations { with the natives which worked satisfactorily to both S1<Lord E Fitzmaurlce admitted tbe growing impor- j • utf nf the question, and also that it i wnukl 1 Lible for the Government to enter into t would be impossible or i p pronounced a treaty in opposihon did opinion of the House. h(j q{ Government had de^rtea 0Z»er?menaal Government to understand that t given the Portuguese^ Gove { of a hibit they wouid not tolerate the imp^ Qf tariff, they would in P to themselves the power c being saved; and they j the Portuguese officials of calling for theoo-operahon oi to put down theslav the securities which they SSSTiSSJ;—H »ot b, | QMr. Bourke rem»'of the oours? taken bv iternm^Qt and not ft single word has been said m ^f^^OnUed thftt many things had hap- n(, T°UjjVlarendon's time, and, looking to the good treaty would b8 a gK»' ""I",0'6?"1' or;,lh« «*• isting prospect; and, objecting to tie the hands of the Government too tightly, he moved an amendment limiting the condemnation by anticipation to a treaty which Sould compromise any engagements into which Her Majesty has heretofore entered, or which would not afford adequate securities for all the civilising and commercial agencies at work m those regions. Mr. Gladstone thought the amendment a great im- provement on the motion, to which he said the Govern- ment could not consent, as it might tie their hands too < tightly in thsir endeavours to devise a remedy for the lawless and disturbed state of those countries But he understood that if it were found expedient to make a treaty, it should be made known to Parliament before ratification in sufficient time for the House to pass judgment upon it. Mr. Anderson upon this advised Mr. Bright to with- draw his motion, but tbeSpeaker pointing out that this could not be done without the withdrawal of the amend- ment, Sir S. Northcote remarked that it would be in- convenient if no record of the debate remained on the votes, and suggested that the amendment should be agreed to. Mr. Forster joined in this suggestion, pre- dicting that Portugal would not care for a treaty made with such limitations; and after some further conversi- tion the motion and amendment were both withdrawn, and Mr. Wodahouse's amendment was put and agreed to as a substantive motion. Sir J. W. Pease then brought forward his motion (in the form of an address to the Crown) on the Opium Traffic, which was seconded by Mr. S. Smith. Both entered at length into the familiar arguments against the traffic, and argued that in all negotiations between this country and China in regard to the opium duties levied under the Treaty of fitlu-tsin the Goverment of China should be treated as an independent State, having the full right to arrange its own import duties. Lord E. Fitzmaurice discussed in detail the history of the opium duties under the Treaty of Tien-tsin, and the circumstances attending the Chefoo Conven- tion, and said with regard to the latter that it would be illusory simply to ratify it, as so much difference of opinion existed as to its meaning. Sir J. Kennaway maintained that we had no right to interfere with whatever fisc,il arrangements the Chinese Government wished to m ike while Mr. Macfarlaue strenuously denied that opium was a { harmful stimulant if taken in moderation. Mr. Alderman Fowler supported the motion. Dr. Farquharson asserted that the harmfulness of the drug had been exaggerated, and, after some remarks from Sir G. Campbell, the Previous Question was carried by 126 to 66. Mr. Chamberlain then moved that a Committee of five members be appointed to serve with a Committee of the House of Lords to consider whether it is ex- pedient that Parliamentary sanction should be given to a submarine communication between England and France. Sir S. Northccte agued in opposition to the motion, and moved aft an amendment that before entering on this question the House should be put in possession of the views of the Government on the subject. Adverting to the assents given by former Governments, he pointed out that since that time the question of military defence had assumed much more important dimensions, and it bad naw become a question on which the Executive Government ought to take the initiative without atttempting to lay the responsibility on Parliament. Mr. Gladstone, on the other hand, maintained that the Executive, by the acts of its predecessors, was committed to an international proceeding, and had no power now to take the initiative in withdrawing from it. But Parliament was not in any way committed, and it was with Parliament, therefore, that the initia- tive in any further action should properly rest. Sir R. Cross, who expressed a strong opinion against the Tunnel, argued that it was a question of all others on which the Government ought to cornmunicale with the French Government. Sir W. Lawson, who took a different view of the value of the Channel Tunnel, agreed that it was a question of high policy, which ought to be decided by the House without reference to a committee. Mr. E. Stanhope also thought that there were ample materials for the decision of the question, and pointed out that whatever report was presented by the Juiut Committee, the Government could not shirk the re- sponsibility of a decision, but wuuld have to make up its mind one way or the other. Mi-. Childers replied that the Government was well aware of this, and had no intention of shrinking from responsibility, and after some remarks from Captain Aylmer, Sir Stafford Northcote's amendment was negatived by 106 to 74. A second division was taken on the motion, which was carried by 106 to 72. The Lord Advocate brought in the Scotch Universi- ties Bill. Some other business was disposed of, and the House adjourned at 10 minutes past 1 o'clock.
..— FENIAN PLOTS.
— FENIAN PLOTS. SEIZURE OF INFERNAL MACHINES. Evidence has been furnished to the police of the existence of branches of the" lnvincibles" and Patrioti c Brethren in Liverpool and the district. Communications between Ireland and Liverpool were known to be going on, and there was considerable anxiety on the part of the detectives entrusted with the duty of preventing mischief and bringing the conspi- rators to justice. The man who was first apprehended with the infernal machines and explosives in his pos- session, maintained a resolute eilence after his arrest. He is an Irishman, from 20 to 30 years of age, seem- ingly a working man or labourer, but substantially and comfortably chd. On being closely searched, there was found on him a paper bearing the name and address of Patrick Flanrigan, Convent-row, Sutton. Officers were promptly despatched to Sutton, which is on the outskirts of St. Helen's, a great centre of Irish popula- tion, and, under the direction of Superintendent John- son, of St. Helen's, Flannigan was arrested. He is a young man about 25 years old, and has been employed as brakesman or porter at the Sutton Station of the London and North Western Company for about three years. He was taken to his lodgings, where his boxes were examined in his presence, after which he was put into a cab, and, strongly guarded by the constables was driven to St. Helen's, which town he afterwards left by the 3.40 mail train for Liverpool, in the com- pany of two detectives. In his possession was found a loaded revolver, and at his residence there was found a considerable amount of ammunition, a pair of false whiskers, and, it is said, documents of an incriminating nature. After the first man was taken into custody, be and his b 'x were conveyed in a cab to the central police- office in Dale-street, where the trunk was opened with a key found in the prisoner's pocket. It was then seen that the contents of the box were very different from j wearing apparel. In the box were found .two canisters j filled with some material and several bottles and papers J full of what appeared to be some sort of chemicals. Each machine was enclosed in a tin canister of oblong shape, which was in its turn, covered with a canvass wrapping so neatly stitched and fitted that it was evi- ] dent a skilled hand had been employed in its prepara- ] tion. The two canisters were filled with nitro-glycerine I and sawdust, a compound more destructive even than | dynamite, and it is suggested as probable that it was j with material of this sort that the explosion was lately caused at the Local Government Board Offices in London. The canisters, when found, were in readiness for the destructive purpeses for which they were doubt- less intended. The police entertain no doubt that the man arrested is one of a band of Irish conspirators who have determined upon destroying public buildings in Liverpool and its neighbourhood, and it is believed that the police will now be able to expose the conspi- racy. The man is a complete stranger to Liverpool, and his appearance on board the Cork steamer excited 1 no suspicion among the crew or his fellow steerage i Later reports say that the man first arrested with the infernal machines in his possession is named Dennis Deasey. He declared, when questioned by the police, that the box contained food for cattle." The police have now in their possession information showing that a terrible catastrophe has been averted by these arrests. The machines were to have been used for the demolition of a large public building in a town in the neighbour- hood of Liverpool.. | Two more important arrests have been effected in Cork. The prisoners are a man named Timothy Car- nady, who, however, gives the name of Feat tier stone, and another named Daniel Herrihy, or Herrichy. The former is said to have been in Cork only for a week, pretending to be the correspondent of a New York newspaper. The other has travelled about the country as a temperance lecturer and advanced Nationalist. Featherstone was taken at a house in Warren's-place, and Herrihy was subsequently arrested at his house in Blarney-street. Documents and personal luggage were seized, but the police are reticent as to the contents. Three or four men have been stationed at the Postal Telegraph Office during the night with their rifies, and the inference from that circumstance is that the Post- office has been threatened. Information of an impor- tant and decisive character has evidently reached the constabulary authorities. SEIZURE OF LETTERS FROM ROSSA. The Central News Cork Correspondent has been informed OR reliable authority that the arrest of I Featherstone there, in connection with the conspiracy i to murder Government officials, is a most important one. Documents were found in his possession showing he was in direct communication with O Donovan Rossa, if not his agent in Cork. Letters were found in his possession from Rossa, giving elaborate instructions as to the mode of applying and nsing explosives such as those found with Deasy in Liverpool. It appears Deasy was nothing more than a tool, who had to fetch and carry, and his visit of Thursday last was not the first made across the Channel on similar business. Another important piece of information has been gleaned from a trustworthy source. Whilst detectives were searching the house of Morgan, whQ was arrested on Monday afternoon, they came upon a quantity of explosive material composed of nitro-glycerine, petro- leum, sawdust, and other matters very similar to those composing the infernal machines found with Deasy. The authorities naturally attach great importance to this discovery as going far to connect O'Donovan Rossa, Featherstone, Morgan, and Deasy in one conspiracy. Other arrests are contemplated.
[No title]
A national exhibition of forest products and other objects of interest connected with forestry is to be held at Edinburgh in 1884. CHILDREN TEETHING.—Mrs. Johnson's Soothing Syrup cannot injure the most delicate infant. Contains no narcotic, and gives immediate relief. See Barclay and Sons' name on Stamp. Of all chemists, 2s. 9d. per bottle.
General EittcUigenxc.
General EittcUigenxc. The Deht of the United States now stands at $1,891,966,271, the March decrease having been $9,344,826. Mr. Richard B .rlow Kennett has offered to give £500, if General Booth will collect four other £500, in any sums, in two months, for the Salvation Army cause. The Queen has been pleased, in compliance with a petition from his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and others, to grant a charter of incorporation to the Royal College of Music. A fine specimen of the wild cat was captured in a trap the other day at Glen Quoicb. The keeper who captured it says it measured 4ft. 2in. from the point of the nose to the tip of the tail. In the Dublin Bankruptcy Court Mr. Justice Miller ordered the immediate discharge of a bankrupt, a farmer, who has been in prism for three years for contempt of court in disobeying an order. George Buder, a. tinman of Frome, has been choked by a piece of mutton. The meat, which WilS three inches long, two inches wide, and a third of an inch thicb, stuck at the entrance to the larynx. THE BANK OF ENGLAND.—The election of governor and deputy governor of the Bank of England took place on Tuesday, Mr. John Saunders Gilliat was elected governor, Mr. James Pattison Currie deputy governor. THR DKAN FOREST STRIKE.—The strike in the Forest of Dean which commenced six weeks ago, iu consequence of a reduction of 10 per cent., and iu which 3,000 men took part, terminated on Monday. The masters' terms have been unanimously accepted. CHESHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS.—on Monday, at the Quarter Sessions at Chester, on the motion of Mr. Horatio Lloyd, seconded by Mr. J. Wood, it was unani- mously resolved to appoint Lord Esjerton of Tatton chairman in succession to his predecessor in the title. A New York Correspondent telegraphs the arrival in that port of a vessel which has been one hundred and two days on her voyage from Liverpool. She reports an extraordinary number of icebergs in the Atlantic. ELECTRIC LIGHTING AT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.—The dining room and library at the House of Commons were on Monday night lighted for the first time by the electric light, and general satisfaction was expressed with the ohange. The loss by worn silver withdrawn from circulation last year amounted to not less then £ 35,000. This sum represents the deficiency in weight by wear in circulation, the coins being received at the Mint at their nominal value. The King and Queen of the Netherlands, travelling as Count and Countess Bulen, arrived in London on Tuesday by special train from Sheerness. The visit being a private one, no salutes were fired by the man-of- war at the latter place. It is stated there are no less than 40.000 square miles of almost unbroken forests in North Carolina- -pine, chestnut, oak, maple, bfeeh, and hickory timber, in their finest growth. Within the next ten years it is estimated the timber alone in North Carolina will exceed in value the present total valuation of all the property in the State, including land. A MAYOR AND CORPORATION FIKED.—AT the Shrewsbury Quarter Sessions on Monday, the Recorder upheld the decision of the magistrates convicting the Mayor and Corporation in a fine of Y,5 and costs for using a steam roller with only two instead of three men in charge of it. The Corporation appealed on this point. The Corporation were ordered to pay the costs. NOfBER OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTORS.—From a Parliamentary paper just issued it appears that there is a grand total of 2,632,223 electors in the English and Welsh constituencies, 966,631 in the counties, 1651761 in the cities and boroughs, and 13,831 iu the Universities. In Ireland the electors are 226,511, of whom 164,679 are in the counties, 57,784 in the cities and boroughs, and 4,048 in Dublin University. In Scotland the total is 322,967, the counties claiming 99,346, the burghs 210,858. and the Universities 12,763. Thus the total number of electors in the three Kingdoms is 3,181,701. The Government having decided that the state of Ireland is uow sufficiently peaceful to warrant the re- sumption of the militia training, which has been suspended in the acute period of trouble, the first step in the return to the normal state of things was taken on Monday, when the recruits of five regiments reported themselves at the headquarters of their respective corps. Cremation is making steady progress in Germany. The corpses of two Hamburg ladies were cremated the other day at Go tha., which contains the chief cremation cemetery in Europe. The number of bodies consumed there has now risen to 112. After all the day does not seem so far distant when we shall no more leave the bodies of our beloved ones to lie in cold obstruction and to rot." Sir Wilfrid Lawson, M.P., at a crowded local option meeting in Blackburn on Monday night, spoke of compensation as the most extraordinary demand he ever heard. The magistrates of Darwen would be prominent in history for the action they had taken in closing thirty- four licenced beerhouses. He believed that only one of the Darwen magistrates who carried out the memorable action was a teetotaller. The Mark-lane Express breaks out this week into an unexpected fit of cheerfulness. Our agricultural con. temporary has woke up to the fact that the soil is in fine condition for spring sowing, and confesses that "rarely have the seed-beds been of such uniform excellence," and that altogether the month of March has wrought a marvellous change in the agricultural position. After the dismal forebodings from the same quarter uf late, this news is indeed good DOTER.—A painful scene occurred at the Unitarian Chapel, Dover on Sunday night, the pastor (the Rev. T. B. W. Briggs) dying suddenly after preaching his sermon. Mr. Briggs, who was formerly the editor and rroprietor of a local journal, had just finished his discourse when he fell down exhausted. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT.—A Berlin Correspondent states that during the recent stay of the Duke of Connaught at Berlin, his Royal Highness consulted the celebrated surgeon, Professor von Langenbeck, who came from his residence at Wiesbaden for this purpose, with regard to an injury of the arm. After a careful examination Professor von Langenbeck gave his opinion to the effect that the injury is not dangerous, but that it would be advisable to place the arm in a plaster of Paris dressing at a convenient time. THE CLAIMANT.—Mr. J. R. Hollond. M.P., says I have received a reply from the Home Secretary, in which he informs me that the Claimant gets the same exercise as other men of his class, and, like them, he is not allowed to talk while exercising. It has been found necessary to institute this restraint, as the convicts used the privilege to coutaminate and corrupt each other. MURDER IN HAMBURG.—A dreadful crime has been committed at Hamburg. A journeyman butcher named Q-laser, working in the business of his elder brother, re- turned home on Monday afternoon half-inebriated after having spent several hours in public-houses. Being re- proached for wasting his time by his brother's wife he i truck her. Her husband hastened to defend her, and'was (tabbed to the heart by his brother, the wound causing instantaneous death. The fratricide escaped in the con- tusion following the deed. An Army Bill, which lays the axe on a very old Swedish institution, has been introduced into the Swedish Parliament by the Government. The Swedish strmy, to the nominal force of 40.000 men, has hitherto been-recruited by enlistment. Besides the regular forces, however, the militia bad to be raised, kept, and paid by landowners, who in compensation were freed From taxes to the annual amount of ten million krona. rhe Government has now resolved to impose the same taxes on all Sweedish subjects, and to undertake the formation and support of the militia during their drills md manoeuvres. Mr. Edwin Booth, the distinguished American tragedian, appeared at the Burgrfieater, Vienna, on Saturday, as Hamlet, the house being crammed from floor to roof with an exceptionably fashionable audience The applause was of an enthusiastic nature, seldom heard within the walls of the theatre, and Mr. Booth was called before the curtain after each act MnHomo Etelka Gurster was the Ophelia. The press however expresses its disappointment, and says the performance Mr BIS™8 had beeD expected of Mr. Booth. An inquest was held at Wolverhampton, on Tuesdav an the body of Mr. H. L. Manby, surgeon, of Brewood' who died on Sunday, under distressing circumstances. Jn March 15 deceased took part in a post mortem examina- bion, and scratched his thumb against the ragged edge of the ribs of the body. He immediately washed his thumb, tiad applied carbolic acid to the injury; but notwith. standing this, blood poisoning set in, and he died. The lury returned a verdict of Death from blood poisoning," and expressed their sympathy with the brother of the deceased gentleman. SKATS IN CHURCH.—Mr. Albert Grey has introduced a Bill for declaring and enacting the law as to the rights of parishioners in respect of their parish churches. Tha preamble of the Bill recites that according to the common law of this realm every parish church in England and Wales is for the free use in common of all parishoners and that their rights have for many years past been in fringed in many parishes by the appropriation of seats *nd pews to certain of the parishoners to the exclusion °, jers' of the poorer classes. The Bill would not interfere with the scales of pew-rents hitherto sanctioned. This Act provides that one-third of the seats it least must be free. SPIRITUALISM. — It is understood that a few spiritualistic media linger in the metropolis, but to find them is not easy for the uninitiated, and their terms are high. It costs as much as five pounds in London to attend a siance, for the police are suspicious; many risks attend the profession; the demand for ghostly know- ledge is not great, and the supply is consequently expen- sive. In Chicago, according to the Times of that city, a board in a frequented street bears the legend, Spiritualists" and Mediums" meetings. Marvellous manifestations. Spiritual telegraphy. Walk in." The medium on the occasion of the Chicago Times reporter's visit addressed those present in remarks "untrammelled by any servile allegiance to grammatical rulebut the audience did not want grammer it wanted ghosts and ghosts were forthcoming accordingly, American media do not stand nonsense; neither do ten cent visitors These visitors, it is true, did not see the spirits but the medium explained that a spirit, who said her name was Mary, was hovering over a certain gentleman's he3"d, and begged to be informed whether that gentleman had known any one of that name ? In the case of a lady who might attract the rnedium s attention, the hovering spirit would be called John or James. Generally a Mary or a John was acknowledged, and the visitor was impressed Then a plate .with some flour in it was handed round* and a footprint in it was said to have been made by the spirit of a little Indian girl named Snowdrop The Americans are a practical people but those who charge ten cents on these occasions seem to be rather more practical than those who pay.