Weekly Mail

FEMININE FANCIES, OIBLES, AND FASHIONS. .0 BY « MURIEL." (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED,) SHOULDER CAPIg. Rinoe writing my last week's letter, when mentioned that I bad noticed a black satin oulder cape in one of the best shops, and ought it indicative that this sort of out-of- or covering would become a leading fashion, iave seen muoh to cOrJfirrn Hlat oliinion, A rtnight back there was only one specimen view in any of the shops I visihed to day ay are exhib.ted in dozens, and, doubtless, satin shoulder capes are altogether novel, i: ;ir popularity will be exceptional. As :{ards length, there seems to be no actual mdard, but all are more or less short, .)re or less trimmed, and ni-,re riously than might be expected, consider- X the space for decorative genius to iploit upon is somewhat limited, a model had a wide and full ruff of satin und the neck, and below it was a box- atf.d caps of bright purple velvet; showing -;ieath was a short cape of satin with ted edge, the same trimming going i ".md the lower edge of the cape. rsother blank satin cape was made with a ide and clumsy-looking double box-pleated • 11 at the neck, with a green velvet cape set Lfull; it was box-pleated and brought to a int-back and front. Again, the covering ,ts composed of three capes of equal width, •ry full, and set one over another; a ruff und the neck and a cross-way puff, about a larter of a yard wide, below it." "Puff" ircely describes this trimming; :t is gathered und the neck yist below the ruff, and the .ver edge is also gathered but turned inwards, in material drooping over the gathers. All :e36 capes, which are intended for spring ar, are quite short. Many would hardly ich the waist, and few look as if they aid extend a trifle below it. Black satin not a very becoming material unless Sieved by velvet, jet, or lace. The shining ;rfaoe is bard looking. and when of good iality satin is apt to be stiff and unyielding ..e poorer makes, on the contrary, are limp, ,d have a "would be if I could" air that es not commend itself. All these capes tag very full round the shoulders, and will rtainly not conceal much of the smart ring gowns they are meant to accompany, t I chink the neck trimmings are tooheavy- )king for elegance, and with the shoulder turning will, J believe, be oppressive later i when the relaxing warmth of spring has to borne, and proves so trying to those who I a not physically strong, dangerous days iat turn suddenly cold and render I oroughlv inadequate the garment that, haps, only a short hour before oppressed II d wearied. A WARNING TO THE YOUNG FOLK. [t is to the young folk one has year after ar to preach prudence. Exuberant with alth and full of vigorous life, they laugh the precautions of their elders and neglect advice that, if followed, would have saved my a youth and maiden from that deadly i'i'>nal foe, consumption. How many young !es yearly does it cut short. Where other leases slay their thousands, consumption iys its teiis of thousands. Just a cold, ly a little cough, nothing to speak of more ominous symptoms, insidious anges from bad to worse, then the yawning | ave, and all is over, save and t-xcept the hiag void left, maybe, in some fond heart, d modern Uachels refusing to be comforted j cause their children are not. If any words mine could persuade the heedless not to old to the treacherous temptation to cast off irm clothing too soon, I should earn the atltude of thousands and stave many valuable es but few warnings meet with so little tention as that I, with many others, give ar after year—give with the depressing nsciousness that few, by comparison, profit reby. Mir.LIXERY. We a"e at a standstill in regard to millinery, .ere is notbirg to record in addition what, I wrote last week. "Running" a nnet shop is, and has been for some time, a tjhionab!e vagary. I could name more than e rich lady of title who, under a false name, s gone into business on her own account, is certainly not fair to take the figurative sad out of their necessitous sisters' mouihs, it the wealthy, thoughtless aristocrat takes > heed of this, or, if she does, she follows her • it notwithstanding, making more difficult -a life of her less fortunate sister, who pends upon the returns of her enterprise r food, raiment, shelter-in stort, all that is eluded in that comprehensive worti, "living." illinery seems to be the business venture :st favoured by a certain olass of women, d it appears to be an exceedingly profitable • e. Several years ago the daughters of Air. ilson Barrett, having no taste for the stage, which their father is and late mother was distinguished an ornament, set up in Bond- eet as milliners and dressmakers. lJecently nieoe of Mr. du Maurier, late editor of inch has joined the raglis of fashionable anet-makers, and Madame Louise, of long- ■ ablished fame, seems to have increased her unection so as to necessitate the idition of another shop to the -o she already owned in Kegent-street, onnets are among the necessities of civilised istence, and.Vgranted good taste and certain .isiness qualities, the maker of pretty hats d bonnets is almost sure to succeed. It is overhially said, and not untruly, that a "tty bonnet is our greatest weakness. So "lDY of the sex in these days have to earn a •elihood for themselves, and very often for aers who are dependent on them, and not a .v take up some kind of work for which •• ere is no continuous demand, spending time ;l money in mastering an art that promises iy ephemeral demand. 1 advise all women ao must work in order that they may live choose some trade or profession that pro- ices something for which there is, and vays must be, recurring need. Bonnets d. dresses we most have, as well as nourish- ment for the body. Some ladies I know have ,;ened tearooms, providing light refreshments the inner man and woman—refreshments the best kind, combined with the most traotive surroundings, flowers and sweets Ith fruit being also for sale, and themselves messed in most charming manner. A DEVOTED MOTHER. A dear friend of my own, a lady by birth id education, in order to provide an outfit, \c., for her son, a promising young soldier, at aside all the prejudice of her class, uid lately entered the workroom of teacher of millinery, steadilv setting erself to master the intricacies .'nnet-making, and this amid surroundings and mpany of the most uncongenial kind. Hav- ig accomplished as much as could be taught my friend applied for a post as" iiii- •over"at a well-known draper's establish- ment, where she is gaining that experience bioh will fit her for independent action. eedleas to say, the personal sacrifices she ,i.alies are great, she cannot expect to meet issociates she has been accustomed to, and to lady not in strong health, and to one! ocustomed to a life of elegant leisure, the ;mg hours and the restraints of business mouses must prove exceedingly trying, but -.veutplly, this brave woman will profit by all she has gone through—she will be mistress of her art. The reason why so many women fail in business undertakings is because they do not qualify for tbem severally. They shrink from the preliminaries that go to pro- duce the skilled worker and expect to find a royal road to success. In competition with trained workers, what then is to be expeoted but disappointment and loss ? trained workers, what then is to be expeoted but disappointment and loss ? I A BRAVE \Yo.\FAV. I must tell my readers the story of another lady who was left a widow with fi% e you?)g children and no means of support. She could not wait to qualify herself as a milliner and dressmaker, so, with rare courage, she spent nearly all she possessed in engaging the services of two young women stilled in their several professions. Beginning quite in a small way, the venture either meant compe- tence or ruin. This brave woman has suc- ceeded as she deserved to, for, not to leave a stone unturned that would increase her chances of fortune, she set up a dancing-class once a week, herself being, in sunnier days, an ardent disciple of Terpsiohore. It has been said to me, Why have you succeeded when I have failed ? "I have never sacrificed duty to pleasure; and my duty to the public I write for has always been paramount." Say they, Relaxation we must have at any price. A dance, an invitation to the theatre or other place of entertainment, has been accepted at the expense of duty, and this way failure lies. Business is a most jealous and exacting taskmistress she will have no divided attention. Serve her faithfully and well and she rewards you generously, but as to neglect- ful servitors, she will have none of them. 1 may have dwelt over long on this subject, but since there are so many hundreds of women fighting the battle of life, and so many falling, or to use an interchangeable word, failing in the strife, I wished to impress as much as possible the truth of the fact that if they expect to succeed they must take for their motto one that I give on the authority of Holy Writ, Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might." EVOLUTION IX COSTUME." Mr. Lazenby Liberty has published a handbook entitled "Evolution in Costume." It is illustrated by past fashion plates and pre- sent adaptations of the Empire and early Victorian periods, ft is interesting to study the facsimiles of old fashion plates and the latest suggested modifications of them, the originals and other modifications being placed side by side, that the eye may readily follow the points of divergence and development. I visited Oriental House this week, desirous of seeing the modifications alluded to, the figures in outline giving no adequate conception of the quaint and beautiful gowns so like and yet so unlike their ancient prototypes. The tea-gowns were delightful combination of colour, notably one of olive green Indian cashmere, cut princess shape, with a Watteau back, and opening in front from neck to feet to show an tinder dress of Liberty silk, with cream ground and design matching the cashmere in colour. The Wa teau back was ingeniously contrived to start from a point just under the roll collar, the gathers or pleats well concealed below, The second tea-gown was similarly made, but this princess dress was of terra-cotta velvet, and the front part of "Liberty silk" in a lighter shade of terra-cotta. These silk fronts were exquisitely draped only a most skilful hand, guided by artistic taste, could succeed •' in producing those graceful, but indescribable, folds. The Empire gowns shown to me were in three colours-rose pink, pale green, and cream. They were evidently intended for debutantes. Waists, so to speak, there were none, and the unbroken length gave an appearance of height which many considered a desi,leratum. The satin, while rich and glossy to a degree, was as soft as a silk pocket- handkerchief. All-three had trains, but there was no extra fullness otherwhere. Each dress had a band of hand-worked embroidery at the hem of the skirt, the same kind of embroidery drawing the material over the bust into folds, and confining it there. Two of the gowns were cut square; the band forming the square was very richly embroidered with silk and pearls. A narrower band kept the puffed material over the bust in place. Starting from the sides, it curved upwards to a point. A broader ceincture pointed in a downward direction went round the waist, the material between the cover bands formed a narrower puff than the one above, and unlike it dropped slightly over the ceincture. The white satin Empire gown was a little different; the baby bodice was trimmed silk chiffon, the whole of the dress being covered with white silk gauze, striped with silk, but transparent enough to show the I I satin beneath. There was a dinner-gown of rich cream and green brocade, made umbrella fashion, the many gored seamti constituting that style being piped with green satin. The low corsage was draped with double frills of creamy brown crepe de chine; the sleeves were velvet to correspond, two large, full puffs reaching to the elbow, with velvet bows on either puff raising them a trifle. These bows were a deeper shade of yellow-brown velvet. It is the fashion to,make bows of piece velvet cut on the cross," and lined siik. Made so they look much richer than bows of ribbon or r £ »bon velvet. TABLE DECORATIONS. Very new, and exceedingly pretty for table decoration, are the new flower-holders.. The basis is a specimen glass of good size, shaped like a small tube. This is decorated with baby ribbon. I cannot tell how itis managed, but, starting from the flat circular stand, the two strands of ribbon cross and re-cross each other, forming a series of diamonds in glass, the ribbon finishes at the top and bottom of the glass in a smart little bow. How the ribbon is induced to stick to the glass 1 know not; I fanoy it must first be treated on the under side with some adhesive preparation. Sometimes contrasting colours are used, otherwise single colours. If it is a dinner- table they are to adorn, twelve glasses are required. BED EAGE. Hampden House, the residence of the Duchess of Abercorn, in Green-street, Park- lane, has been opened to the public for the purpose of exhibiting some rare specimens of lace to be sent to Chicago, The value of the lace is said to amount to over £ 2,700. One of the most attractive exhibits is a court dress of a lavender-pink silk, trimmed with wonder- ful Point de Venice. There are some:ancient fragments of Buckinghamshire lace, formerly 1 the property of Lord Anne Hamilton, the masculine adoption of the feminine Christian name is accounted for by the fact that Queen A nne was godmother to his lordship. Among historic specimens are a lace apron given by Queen Elizabeth to Lord Fairfax, a curious I gift indeed. The christening robe of the ill- fated Princess Charlotte of Wales, is on view, and a lace dress made for Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV. The Duchess of Teck opened the exhibition, with whom was Princess May. To Correspondents. JEKKIS — I think you refer to the kukesnoaas iold by most dealers in Oiiontal goods. Those of silk ccsfc about 15?. e*ci>. Paper kakemonas, in various colours vrith quaint designs, cost from 5J. each. Not long ago I i;urch.i9ed one a foot and a Half wide and about two yards wide. Fitted on wood rollers they are easily hung, and look very well ori lobby walls or on entrance halls- A rich red with gold design is effective,

CADBURY'S COCOA,—" A Cocoa possessing valu- able fleah-formitig qualities, and imparting strength and I staying nowev,"— Lc5

Not on the Passenger I List, The Strange Story of Mr, Keeling's Death at Sea. The Gibrontus, of the Hot-Cross Bun iiiiel was at one time the best ship of that justly celebrated fleet All steamships baie of course, their turn at the head of the fleet until a better bo .t is built, but the Gibrontus is even now a reasonably fast and popular boat. An accident happened on board the Gibrontus some years ago which was of small importance to the general public, but of some moment to Diehard Keeling—for it killed him. The poor man got only a line or two in the papers when the steamer arrived at New York, and then they spelled hi. name wrong. It happened something like this. Keeling was wandering around very late at nigh;, when he should have been in his bunk, and he stepped on a dark place that he thought was solid. As it was, there was nothing between him anc1 the bottom of the hold but space. They buried Keeling at sea, and the officers knew abso- lutely nothing about the matter when incuis- tive passengers, heat-ie rumours, questioned them. This state of thing: very often exists, both on sea and land, as far as oflicials are concerned. Mrs, Keeling, wb" had been left in England while her husba id went to America to make his fortune and tumbled down a hole instead, fef iggr eved at the com- pany Th, company said that- Keeling had no busi ,ess to be nosing around earli places on the deck at that time of night, and doubtless their contention was jnst. Keeling, on the other hand, held that a steamer had no right to have such mantraps open at any time, night or day, without having them properlv guarded, and in that she was also probably correct. The company was very sorry, of course, that the thing had occurred, but they refused to pay for Keeling unless compelled to do so by the law of the land, and there matters stood. No one can tell what the Jaw of the land will do when if is put in motion, although many people thought that if Mrs. Keeling had brought a suit d,,&, i, t the Ho*-Cross Bun Company she would have it. But Mrs. Keehng W.; a poor woman, and you have to pt a penny in the slot. when you want the figures of Justice to work, so the unfortunate creature signed something which the lawyer of the company had written out, and accepted the few pounds which Keeling bad paid for Room IS on the Gibrontus. It would seem that this ought to have settled the matter, for the lawyer told Mrs, Keeling he thought tne compau' acted very generously in refvnvJ'.ug the passage-money; but it didn't set\?!r, the matter. V» ithm a year from that tim th company voluntarily paid Mrs Keel- ing £ 2,190 for her husband No that thq occurrence is called to your mind, you will, perhaps, remember the edito- rial one of the leading London daises bad on the extraordinary circumstances, in whiuh it was very ably shown that the old saying about corporations having no souls to b" condemned, or bodies to be kicked, did not apply in these days of commercial honour and integrity. ]t was a very touchi ng editorial, and it caused te..rs to be shed on the Stock Exchange, the members having had no idea before reading it that they were so noble and generous. How, then, was it that the Hot-Cross Bun 0 .ipany did this oommenable act, when their lawyer took such pains to clear them of all liability ? The purser of the Gibrontus, I who is now old and superannuited, couU probably tell you if he liked. When the negotiations with Mrs. Keeling had been been brought to a satisfactory con- clusion by the lawyer of the company, and when th-Ni gentleman was rubbin-j his bands over hi. easy victory, the good ship Gibrontus was steaming out of the Mersey on her way to New York. The stewards in the grand saloon were busy getting things in order for dinner, when a wan and gauu* passenger spoke to one of them. Where have yon placed me at table he asked. What name, sir ?' asked the steward. "Keeling." The steward looked up along the main tables, up one side and down the other, reading the cards, but nowhere did he find the name he was in search of. Then he looked at the small tables, but without success. "How do you spell it, air P he asked the patient p&ssenger. K-doul>le-e-l-i-n-g," Thank you, sir." Then he looked up and down the four rows of names on the passenger list he held in his hand, but finally shook his head. "I can't find your name on the passenger li8t," he said. I'll speak to the purser, sir." I wish you would," replied the passenger, in a listless way, as if he had not much interest in the matter. The passenger whose name was not on the list waited until the steward returned. "You would not mind stepping into the purser's room for a moment, sir ? l'll show you the way, sir f" When the passenger was shown into the purser's room that official said to him m the urbane manner of pursers Might-1 look at your ticket, air ? The passenger pulled a long pocket-book from the inside of his c.-at, opened it, and handed the purser the document it contained. The purser scrutinised it sharply and then re- ferred to a list he had on the desk before him. This is very strange," he said at last. "1 never knew such a thing to occur before, although, of course, it is always possible. The people on shore have in some unaccountable manner left your name out of my list. I am sorry you have been put to any inconvenience, sir." There has been no inconvenience so far," said the passenger, "and I trust there will be none. You find the ticket regalar I pre- sume F" Quite so-quile so," replied the purser. Then, to the waiting steward: "Give Mr. Keeling any place he prefers at the table which is not already taken. You have room 18 That was what I bought at Liverpool." Well, I see you have the room to your- self, and I hope you will find it comfortable. HaAe you ever crossed with us before, sir ? I seem to recolleot your face." 1 have never been to America." A h I see so many faces, of course, that I sometimes fancy I know a man when I don't. Well,, I hope you will have a pleasant voyage, sir." Thank you." No 18 was not a popular passenger. People seemed instinctively to shrink from him, although it must be admitted that he made no advances. All went well until the Gibrontus was half-way over. One forenoon the chief officer entered the captain's room with a pale faca, and, shutting the door after him, said- I am very sorry to have to report, sir, that one of the passengers has fallen into the hold." Good heavens!" cried the captain. Is he hurt P" lie is dead, sir." The captain stared aghast at his subordi- nate. How did it happen ? I gave the strictest orders that those places were on Do aocouut to be left unguarded i Although the company had held to Mrs. Keeling that the captain was not to blame, their talk with that gentleman was of an entirely different tone. That is the strange part of it, sir. The hatch has not been opened this voyage, sir, and was securely bolted down." "Nonsense. Nobody will believe such a story. Some one has been careless. Ask the purser to come here, please." When the purser saw the body he recoiled, and came as near fainting as a purser can. They dropped Keeling overboard in the night, and the whole affair was managed so quietly that nobody suspected anything, and, what is the most incredible thing in the story, the New York papers did not have a word about it. What the Liverpool offioe said about the matter nobody knows, but it must have stirred up something like a breeze in that strictly business locality. It is likely they pooh-poohed the whole affair, for, strange to say, when the purser tried to corroborate the story with the dead man's ticket the document was nowhere to be found. The Gibrontus started out on her voyage from Liverpool with her colours flying, but some of her officers had a vague feeling of unrest within them which reminded them of the t. me they first sailed on the heaving seas. The purser was seated in his room busy, as pursers always are at the beginning of a voyage, when there was a rap on the door. Come in shouted the important official, and there entered unto him a stranger, who said: Are you the purser ?" Yes, sir, what can I do for you P" I have room No. 18." NN"bat cried the purser with a gasp, almost jumping from his chair. Then he looked at the robust man before him, and sank back with a sigh of relief. It was not Keel-, "1 have room No 18," continued the pas- senger, "and the arrangement I made with your people in Liverpool was that I was to have the room to myself. I do a great deal of shipping over your" U les, my dear air." said the purser, after having looked rapids over his list. You have No. 18 to yourself." "So I told the man who is unpacking his luggage there, but he showed me his ticket, and it was issued before me. I can't under- stand why your people should What liind of a looking man is he P" "A thin, unhealthy, cadaverous man, who doesn't look as if he would last til; the voyage ends I don't want him for a room mate, if I have to have one. I think you ought1' 1 will, air. I will make it all right. I suppose, if it should happen that a mistake has been made, and he has the prior claim to the; room, you would not mind taking No 24-it is a larger and better room." That will lIuiA, me exactly." So the purser locked the door and went down to No. 18. Well," he said to the occupant. Well," answered Mr. Keeling looking up at him with his cold and fishy eyes. You're here again, are you ?" I'm here again, and 1 will be here again and again and again and again and again." Now, what the-" Then the purser hesitated a moment, and thought perhaps he had better not swear, with that ioy, clammy gaze fixed upon him. What object have you in all this ?" Object? The very simple one of making your company live up to its contract. From Liverpool to New York my ticket reads. 1 paid fcr being landed in the United States, not for being dumped overboard in mid-ocean. Do you think you can take me over ? You have had two tries at it, and have not suc- ceeded. Yours is a big and powerful oom- pany, too." If you know we can't do it, then why do you-" The purser hesitated. Pester you with my presence ?" sug- gested Mr. Keeling. Because I want you to do justiae. Two thousand pounds is the price, and I will raise it one hundred pounds every trip." This time the New York papers got hold of the incident, but not of its peculiar features. They spo!e of the extraordinary carelessness of the officers in allowing practically the same incident to occuv twioe on the same boat. When the Gibroutus reached Liver- pool all the officers, from the captain down, sent in th ,.r resignations. Most of the eailoril did not take the trouble to resign, but cut for it. The managing director was annoyed at the newspaper comments, but laughed at the rest of the story. He was invited to come over and interview Keeling for his own satisfaction, most of the officers promising to remain on the ship if be did so. He took room 18 himself. What happened 1 do not know. for the purser refused to saiT again on the Gibrontus, and was given another ship, But this much is certain. When the managing director got back, the Company generously paid Mis. Keeling £ 100.— Exchange.

THE SUICIDE OF A LONDOf BANKER. Inquest and Verdict, At Wandsworth on Suurday Mr. liraxton opened an inquest at Wandsworth Conservt'' Club on the body of Mr. Hilton Cassinet who on Wednesday morning committed suicide « Putney Railway-station. The deceased was undi t- remand on charges of fraud preferred against II i II' jointly with his brother at the Mansion House, at,, it was on Alderman Tyler taking his seat at li-I resumed hearing that the news reached the courr. that Mr. Barker had taken his own life. The Conservative Club was utilised for the purposes of the inquest because ovwin" to a course of lecture?, the Town-liall wa" not available. The narrow side entrance to the club was so crowded by eleven o'clock that the members of the jury had the utmost diffi. culty in gaining access to the buildii)g. This inconvenience might have been avoided by the throwing open of the main Joorway. The members of the press were excluded from the club until after the arrival af the coroner, and t; « alleged over zeal of Mr. Braxton Hicks's orEcf was later on the subject of a formal remonstrance from one of the journalists, with whom and the coroner there was a sharp passage of nrms. Mr. J. F. P. Rawlinson, barrister, appeared for the rela- tives of the deceased NSc. Arthur J. B njamin,soli- citor, represented the trustees under bankrup'cy: anri also appeared for Mr.Wreford,Official Receiver After the jnrv had viewed the body, the coroner threatened to compluin to the county council unless he had proper accommodation provided for his inquiiies. He thanked the officials of the Con- servative Club, but the place was altogether un- suitable. Mr. J. T. Chappell, solicitor, Carter-lane, City, first calied, said he identified tho body as that of his brother-in-law, who was 45 years of age, and a banker. His firm had recently failed, and pro- ceedings were pending. Witn-.ss went home witll him to Wimbledon on Tuesday ovoning, and deceased was then troubled whether the alderman would again grant bail. Deceased hnd threatened suicide, but witness did not think it was a serious threat. He knew the handwriting ol deceased. The letters produced but not read weri-, in his handwriting. At the coroner's request, witness having examined the letters, replaced them in tho envelopes and handed them back. Ever since the failure deceased had been depressed over tlw ruin of tho firm and the creditors generally, ai d had said that at his time of life he had no cham-n of a re-start. He had had surgical operations, and was a sleep-walker and a very nervous man. The deceased's life was insured. Mr. Riiwlinson: There are two policies, which are void in the event of suicide. By Mr. Benjamin D'ceased threatened suicide as far back as July of last year. He fuIt the dis- grace of the charge prefeired against him, and took the position that whatever his misfortunes he had never intentionally defrauded, but had dr.fted into difficulties nlrnost without knowing it. Tho revolver lie had bought originally for the protection of his hous". Dis furniture wa- sometimes stored, and he afterwards purchased another revolver. For some time his address wa* 162, Lancaster-road, N >tting-hill. Mr. Percy Roger-, a surveyor, deposed to finding I he body of the deceased in a first-class carriage at Eist l'utney Stat;on, and William Elliott, a guard of the 9 IS tr in, by which deceased travelled, pro- duced certain letters, papers, and telegram forms found in the compartment. Folice-inspsctor Grilles deposed that he handed to the coroner's offcer all the letters, except the 011. addressed to Mrs. B-Irker. and that he handed tc the relatives. The revolver lifid been purchased a' the Civil Service stores. Dr. Herbeit John Hillstead, of Upper Hichlllond-road, Putney, said that on Wednesday, 'he 22nd, he was called to East Putney Station, fie found the b,dy lying in the waiting-rooui. There was a revolver wound on the right side of the head. The point of entrance of the shot wat at the back of the mouth, and there was no doubt he had placed the revolver in the mouth nnd fired. The police inspector pro luced the revolver- a heavy Colt weapon—and said iL had five out of sit chambers loaded. The Coroner stated it was his painful duty to read the letters. The first was to Mrs. B irker, care of Mr. Minns, Aldridye'ti, 71, Bedford-row, W.C. and was as follows:- My darling L)uie,-Yoti I know do not credit-tho accusations against «ne, and are aware how I have slaved al, business, notwithstanding my surgical opera- tions nnd ill-health. To think that I should have brought: your lives to this. Let my boy, if possible, stiil respect his father's memory and never allow my darlings, if possible, t. hear of my disgrace. Let. them thin!; of me as the darl- ing old dad they love so well. Try to think of my memory in thft happy past, Love to dear old mother and dear old Jim, Live to Lizzie and Arthur and to faiUiful Fanny. You know I have never intentionally inj-.rnd anyone. I feel my brain going in this terribW rni: ,»nd loss of my brightest hopes. Forgive your foiid hustand. HILTON. To my darling. Tlier., said the coriner, in one of the envelopes was a telegram to Mr. George Wreford, Mansion H,)%Ise Come and fetch your victim, HH.TON BARKER. Mr. Bivij nnir. (interposing): Mr. Wreford is most anxious to give evidence, sir. The'Joroner: Yes but what is the use of ex- plaining this ? Mr. Berijaiiiin Nothing was done in this case beyond the ordinary course of bankruptcy. The Coroner These letters may show the con. dition of mind, and thoy are import i tit. The next letter, the coronpr proceeded, was addressed to Mr. Wreford from 162, Lancasiet-road, and was in these words:- You may now take alt that remains of me. You have now apparently gained the day, but I can; of doubt, as there is an Almighty, that your past backsl ditigs,will b, one day shown up. and the true at or)- of the Barker prosecution and persecution will be better knowlI if not in this world, certainly in the next. May my ours* follow you. Another letter from the deceased was to hit solicitors, Messrs. Aldndge, Sherrington, and Co, addressed from 162, Lancaster-toad, and in it deceased said Ruined in pocket and in health, the object of a per- secution of nearly nine months by which Wreford hopes to re-establish his tarnished reputation. As there is an Almighty above I believe his misdeeds will be fouud out. The writer then went on to complain of the failure to obtain a writ of certiorariA removing the case to the High Court, and further said I really cannot think that anyone who really knew me in the old days will believe me capable of the charges preferred against me. I was quite prepared to stand or fall by my answers in my public examination. Our deltided creditoi-s wilt find the error they have made in refu-iiig the 7s. 6d. in the £ which we offered, aivl in pkciug themselves in the hands of their present adverse advisers. I thank you and Mr. Charles Matthews, and all my frieuds. sin- cerely, for all their efforts on my behalf. If you can help my darling wife and children any further you will have earned the gratitude of yours, HILTON BARKKR. The Coroner said there was an asterisk pointing to a sentence made. The deceased referred to the impossibility of meeting the charges with the limited assi,tance offered from friends, aud he ex- plained the reference in the words:— Pray do not think I am complaining of our friends. They have acted most generously, and I could not have done more than they have. Mr. Benjamin said thera was an allusion to the present advisers of the croditors. He could giva evidence about that. The Coroner: I take it that the Official Receiver and the legal advisers of the creditors have simplf acted in iccordance with their official duties. Mr. Br-nj miin: This is the only court in which the parties have an opportunity of answering the slanders of the dead man. The Coroner: Under those circumstances I will call the Official Receiver at once. Mr. Wreford, sworn, said lie was the senior Official Receiver. Nothing had been done in tbi* case out of the ordinary course. Investigations made led to the conclusion that there was a reason- able probability of the Barkers being convicted of the offence which was alleged. He had lield no personal communication with the deceased since last July, and certainly had no personal feeling in the matter. Mr. Rawlinson said the deceased felt keenlv speech of the Official Receiver at the creditors* meeting, and also that he had not thy allowed copy of shorthand notes. The jury at once found that Hiltou Cassinet Pat ker committed suicide whilst iu a state of urk-L sound mind.

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