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PtlLL DETAILS OF THE DISASTER, ^TWEEN 3,000 AND 4,000 REPORTED KILLED. 't 1\ Russian account of the battle on ,0rthern bank of the Ya-lu on Sun- °^s not minimise the gravity of the >k4^ flent- General Kuropatkin's esti- OTun losses exceeds anything the se have issued, although the general asserts that the guns being abandoned were rendered and that the morale of the 1 A 18 retained. 2 aH$>0rt published at Seoul states that, field °n small, rapid-fire guns, <tt<} guns were captured, and 30 officers 500 Russian soldiers taken «y th«f t8' Many ^he latter were found It "apanese hiding in the underbush. ite: reporfrom Tokio that the latest to block Port Arthur by the sink- «re-ehips was successful.

^-UEN-CHENG BATTLE. LED REPORT FROM GENE- ral KUROPATKIN. ST. PETERSBURG, Wednesday. Kuropatkin has sent the following to the Czar, dated Tuesday:— ^According to the report of General T^sulitch, dated May 3, on the fight of 1 at Kiu-lien-cheng the battle was in the following circumstances: — .J* 12th and 22nd Regiments and the 2nd 3rd Batteries of the Sixth Brigade v Artillery were the troops engaged. j battle began with heavy cannonad- i 2? of our right flank by siege guns at A»L an<* fteld batteries on the islands. a 1°^1 the firing was resumed extraordinary violence against the flank of our main position at Kiu- f and our position at Potenty- Sn> The fusilade was also begun by i 5?* Parties of Japanese across the 4i^er Ai-ho. -The situation of the defenders of the ttiona became more and more diffi- especially at Potenty-tsi, which » bombarded on the front and both wT?~?" Thirty Japanese gune were i »Mil our battery at Potenty-tei «ter having eilenoed the enemy's battery, directed its fire on i'I^?aneee infantry, and sustained ta+.v8*8 k>ng ss it was not obliged ■N r1*6 another position. Owing to the « » of our Infantry from there L Japanese, whb hkd been routed by our ma<^e oontinuou* attacks with rein- which they obtained, but did Jot make a bayonet charge. A heap of wieir bodies w«us piled up at the Place. Simultaneously with the attack on an attack was made on the left flanlt of the Tu-ren-cheng position, d our lower trenches, being subjected fc raking fire from the Japanese bat- had to be abandoned. Our reserves several times went to the assistance, of the advanced I*0*. And enabled the position to be held Or a long time, but it was impossible to reinforce the troops from the chief tftftve owing to its distance off. Our men retired from the principal on in the rear of Tu-ren-cheng, fol- lowed by the concentrated fire of the "•jPanese. who ocrald not make up their to come down from the crest of occupied and to face the fire 'our batteries and poulemetts. They dug fresh trenches and opened heavy artillery fire on our new posi- «ofi, and began to turn our left flank l ^*rd8 Echingon. Two battalions of the 11th Regiment *hd the 3rd Battery of the 3rd Brigade 'Artillery, belonging to the main were ordered to Lao-fan-hon. -They occupied a potion with a double V '^hg line, thus permitting our ad- :"nced line, which had suffered heavily, our wounded to retire. jThe battalions of the 11th Regiment, Poth flanks of whioh were turned by enemy, several times advanced with J?*d bayonets and proceeded to clear Passage. The Japanese, however, joined a hand-to-hand conflict, and ^°iled. In front of the regiment was chaplain bearing a cross. He was by bullets. r Was only by advancing on the Japa- i v* with the bayonet that the 11th 40ii4mt was able to retire. Ou the arrival of a battalion of the vj* Begiment all the troops were able to a retreat. losses of the 11th and 12th Regi- were very great, and are not yet *Y*tly known. the Jlth Regiment the killed in- "€ed Colonel Laming and Lieutenant- ^pbels Dometti and Raisvsky. The 12th Regiment lost nine company ^•Unanders killed and wounded, 2nd and 3rd Batteries of the 6th "*itade. having lost the greater number their men and horses, could not bring their guns, and abandoned them, rendering them useless. ii,N the same reason the six guns of 3rd Battery and eight poulemetts v^ld not be brought away, and they TSJ* "-Iso disabled. mountainous nature of the country C^^ered it impossible to save the guns of drag ropes. Up to the present v*1 bounded, including fourteen officers, ^?Ye been brought into hospital at Peng- ^B-cheng. Their eventual transport **where is fully assured. The Japa- cavalry appeared to the south-east .Wnt-wang-obong, but, seeing two com- f^ieg with two guns opposed to it, did ^Venture to approach. ^j.rbe transport of the wounded by hired wjwtose bearers was very difficult. Two- oarts and horses lent by the £ **lry were also utilised for bringing in JrV bounded. Most of these, however, on foot, assisted by their com- w»**s, and reached Peng-wang-cheng 24 bours. \jj^*ral Sassulitch declares that the retained their morale, notwith- Mu^^ing their heavy losses, and are tor fresh engagements, th Japanese losses were very heavy at of Ai-ho, at their position v Tu-ren-cheng. and on the hill occupied battalions of the 11th R<egiment. to the statement of men who *0l« part in the at least 3,000 to "WJ w»r6 killed. THE NAVY CO-OPERATED. SEOUL, Monday Evening, g. (delayed by Censor). battle on the Manchurian side which was fought yesterday, was by the utmost determination U Wft The troops which took part .e.: On the Russian side, the Third and 24th Regiments of the c_rl8^ou, with General Mischenko's brigade, and a splendid force 0*^of 40 field and ten machine qTJ* hftji to this great force the Japa- nSfr" Army, commanded by tha '^1* The generals commanding *2 *ivwfrw^an anny corps and also all were among the ^[°8t them serioaely. While the Ij? aKr"*wt Anny Corps was orossin# ttoe »uv Chin-hen-oheng Rear-admiral tayW. » flotilla of launches and tor- boabatded the Rosiriann wi«robgr ptrevanting the troops forming the garrison of the town from ren- dering any assistance whatever to their sorely pressed comrades at Chiu-lien-cheng. The Russian artillery returned the Japanese fire, but they stood no chance against Hosoya's naval guns, and the Russian bat- teries were completely silenced within half an hour. As the flotilla withdrew at the close of the engagement, having completed the work assigned to it, fire was seen rising from the streets of An-tung. Wednesday Afternoon. Although the Japanese had fought a fatiguing fight throughout the forenoon of Sunday, they pursued the retreating Russian army with undiminished vigour across ths Ya-lu Valley, towards Feng-huan-cheng. The Russians fought a rear-guard battle the whole way with the greatest spirit, gallantly oon- testing every step and inflicting additional heavy losses on their persistent foe. The Russians also lost heavily during the after- noon. The great incident of the day was the almost complete annihilation of two com- panies of Russian artillery who were most active in covering the retreat. In the course of the hot pursuit these were entirely sur- rounded by the Japanese, but they fought GENERAL KUROKI, Who commanded the Japanese Army. on until not a horse was left standing and most of the officers and men had been shot down. Then, and not till then, the isurvivore surrendered. All the principal officers of the Russian army were either killed or badly wounded. Thirty officers and over 300 non- commissioned officers and men were captured, and are now held as prisoners of war at Chiullien-cheng.

JAPANESE REPORTS. TOKIO, Monday. General Kuroki, commenting on the Ya-lu engagements, credits the capture of Kiu-lien- cheng to the superiority of the Japanese artillery. Following on the capture of. Kiu-lien-cheng by the Japanese, the Russia-na atood till the north-western part of their army was forced to retire towards Feng-hnang-cheng. Intrepid fighting took place till dusk, the Japanese surrounding the Russians on three sides and taking 28 guns and a quantity of equipment. They brtyonetted the Russians charging them in front and on their flanks, and making many prisoners. ,.1 ¥J'" TOKIO, Tuesday, 3.6 p.m. A supplementary report from Genera Karoki mavs:- Yesterday (Sunday) the enemy offered a. stubborn resistance against our pur suit, adding about 300 to our casualties The enemy stood resolutely until theii artillery, consisting of two batteries lost the majority of their men anc horses. They then broke the breeoh closing apparatus of their guns, ant hoisted a white flag. According to a captured officer General Kastalinski, the colonels of thE 11th and 12th Rifle Regiments and the commander of the Artillery Battalion were killed at Hamatan in the fight, It seems that the enemy were entirel3 routed by our attaok, because sincl yesterday many have come in and sur rendered. Our prisoners include 5 officers, 20 of them wounded, and 30 men, 100 of them being wounded. The preliminary report of the chiei surgeon of the First. Japanese Arm show that 798 were killed- and wounded divided as follows: — ■ Guards 132 Second Division 350 Third Division 316 TOKIO, Tuesday Afternoon. Acoordh g to further dispatches from your correspondent at the front, the Guards' Divi- sion, although it took the foremost part ir the fighting on Sunday, sustained compar.9 tively fewer casualties than any other corps LIEUTENANT GENERAL SASSUI,ITCH. The defeated Russian general, who was wounded in the fight. The aggregate casualties must now be put at over a thousand, as the Russians, during the retreat, repeatedly made most gallant stands against the pursuing Japanese. Two companies of the Russian Artillery reduced to practical impotence in consequence of their officers and horses having been shot down by the Japanese sharpshooters, had no option but to surrender en bloc. The most brilliant single achievement of the memorable day was, perhaps, that of the capture in one swoop of twenty Russian guns, forming the batteries at the base of Kiu-lien- cheng Hill. This was largely due to the smart action of the Japanese Twelfth Division, which, marching with great rapidity by way of Suku-ohiw. the port at which the Japanese crossed the Ya-lu during the war with China, succeeded in completely surrounding the Russian gunners. The Russians had assumed that the actual crossing port would be Suku-chin as in 1894, but the Twelfth Division really waded across the Ai, a stream tributary to the Ya-lu, between that river and Kiu-lien-cheng. The movement was well devised, and skilfully carried out. The Russian killed include a general of division, and the colonel commanding a regi- ment of Rifles. Some of the Russian rank and file fled without attempting much resistance, but the majority fought gallantly. The Russian prisoners of war comprise about thirty officers, of whom twenty are wounded, and 300 non-commissioned officers and men, of whom quite a third are wounded. P. AND O. LINER STOPPED BY RUSSIANS. PORT SAID, Wednesday. The P. and O. liner Osiris, which arrived at Port Said to day, reports that when nine hours out from Brindisi the Russian warship Krabri stopped her by firing a blank oartridge and detained her for two hours, during which time the mails w4re sorted. She was then allowed to proceed. The Japanese madls were demanded, but were untouched, w they were at the bottom.

PATHETIC DIVORCE STOR Y. AN INJURED WIFE'S FRUIT- LESS FORBEARANCE. In the Divorce Court on Tuesday (before Mr. Justice Barnes) a case was heard in which Lady Augusta Fanny Fane sued for a dissolution of her marriage with Mr. Oecil Francis William Fane, who had been a stockbroker, by reason of his desertion and misconduct. The suit was undefended. Mr. Barnard, who appeared for the peti- tioner, said Lady Augusta Fanny Fane was married to the respondent, Mr. Cecil Francis William Fane, on the 8th of May, 1880, at St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, aqd they after- wards lived together at Gloucester-terrace and other places; and there were two chil- dren, their ages being 23 and 20 years respec- tively. The husband and wife lived happily together until the year 1901. In 1899 the respon- dent joined a Mr. Treherne, who was a stock- broker, and from 1899 to 1901 he was in Mr. Treherne's offioe. Mr. Treherne filed a peti- tion in that court for the dissolution of his marriage on the ground of his wife's miscon- duct with Mr. Fane, the present respondent. Lady Fane knew her husband was frequently with Mr. Treherne, and that he visited Con- stantinople. The base came before the court on the 12th of November, 1901, and about a fortnight before that Mr. Pane left his wife and went to South Africa, and from that time he had never returned to her. Lady Fane wrote several letters to him asking him to return, and the last letter she wrote was on the 20th of January, 1903. The letter ran:- My dear Cecil,-I am so unhappy that you do not answer any of my letters. You must be aware that you have left me for over a year without having made the slightest pro- vision for me or the boy. We lived very happily together for twenty years as man and wife, and I am sure we should continue to do so if you would only return to England and make a home for me as, in the old days. or else will you let me join you in South Africa? I would willingly and gladly come out to you. Please, dear Cecil, send me a reply to this letter. I am sure you cannot realise what a horrid position it is for a. woman to be left alone without a home and with the responsibility of bringing up and supporting two sons in this world.—Yours affectionately, AUGUSTA The respondent made this answer:— My dear Guesie.-I have just received your letter of the 20th of January. Pray forgive me for not answering it sooner, but I live 189 miles from the post. Now, in answer to it I am sorry to be obliged to tell you that I will neither return to you as your husband in England, nor can I ask you to come out to South Africa, or give you a home there. J. think it much better that we should live apart, for I find I cannot forget Mrs. Tre- herne or cease to care for her. Therefore, to return to you under those jircumstanoes would only lead to our mutual unhappiness. Forgive me, my dear girl, for all the unhappiness I have already caused you, and believe me when I say I am t,. uly grateful to you for all the forbearance you have shown to me.—Your affectionate husband, CECIL. In a postscript he wrote that he had no noney, and could not provide for her, so that it was a good thing she had an income of her own. Lady Fane then commenced a suit for restitution of conjuol -,rights because the necessary two years had not elapsed to consti- tute desertion. As the two years, however, had nearly elapsed she waited, and then filed this petition for divorce. Evidence having been given, his Lordship granted the petitioner a decree nisi for the dissolution of the marriage, with costs.

"LOVED HER VERY MUCH." REJECTED SUITOR'S EXTRAORDI- NARY CONDUCT. If she be not tair for me, What care I how fair she be. This is the healthy frame of mind recom- mended to Mr. Allen Gordon, a middle-aged gentleman of Pimlico, who fell madly in love with a pretty,young actress (he first met her five months ago) and announced that if she would not marry him he should shoot him- self. According to the lady. Miss Josephine Bever- ley, he also threatened to shoot her. Hence his appearance in the dock at Marlborough- jireet on Wednesday. I am sorry for him; but I really could not marry him," said Miss Beverley, fashionably dresed in black, as she glanced at her de- jected suitor. She went on to supply the court with details of his courtship. Mr. Gordon, who is a, man of means, 49 years old, had, she said, re- peatedly asked her to wed him. but she declined. Three weeks ago, at his request, she went to his rooms in Ebury-street with a lady friend. He said he wanted to see her alone, and her friend went out. Then, continued Miss Beverley, he again asked her to marry him, and when she declined he became very excited, locked the door, and said, "I'll shoot you!" Exceedingly frightened, she hammered at the door till the housekeeper arrived and let her out, when she ran out of the house. Their next meeting was on Saturday, out- side Charing-cross-mansions, where Miss Beverley resides.. He asked the usual question, and she returned the invariable negative. On the following evening, went on the actress, Mr. Gordon called at her rooms, and she was so afraid that she hid in the pantry. He stayed talking to others for two hours, and all the time she remained in the pantry. I never had such an experience," she said, fearing every minute he would break in and shoot me. I heard him say he loved me very much, and would marry me. All the time he had a revolver in his posaession. "Afterwards I thought I should have to leave London." Mr. Gordon, who showed signs of consider- able emotion, denied that he threatened Miss Beverley. I shall be satisfied," said the magistrate (Mr. Deninan), in conclusion, if you are prepared to say, as a gentleman: I now say I understand she does not wish to have anv more to do with me, and I am prepared not to press my suit upon her. I am prepared to say that, and that I regret my conduct," replied Mr. Gordon. I loved her very much, and am very sorry."

PAINFUL DIVORCE CASE. In the Divorce Court on Tuesday Mrs. Mattie Minnie Topping (nee Thompson) petitioned for a divorce from her husband, Mr. Robert Henry Edward Topping, with whom she had lived at. Epsom and at Flushing. Petitioner alleged cruelty and misconduct, and the suit was undefended. It was stated that the marriage took place at St. Pancras Registry Office in 1894, and there had been five children. Petitioner complained of various acts of cruelty. Once (she said) her husband threw a cruet at her, and on another occasion he ran after her with a knife. With regard to misconduct, it was said that respondent had stayed at Brighton for ten days with a woman, the two passing as Mr. and Mrs. Topping. Counsel stated that respondent's father had been very kind to petitioner, and had done his best to induce his son to treat her better. Mr. Justice Barnes granted the petitioner a decree nisi.

THE "WILD MAN" SCARE. The Keighley police on Wednesday took into custody a lunatic named Baynes, who escaped from Cbaddtaton Asylum. Stafford- shire, last month. Raynesj who is sead to ocsrne from Keighley. had in his pockets a quantity of wheat, which be preferred to eat, instead of the good dinner offered him at the workhouse. It is thought Uxat he may be the "wild man" of the Peak District, who wtae hunted at Bakewell a. few days ago. When captured he waa wearing arewrnd hk» bead a «*rf is U»fclonn,of a. tarban.

THE DIVORCE i T. J STORY a CAB DRIVE A u SPOOL. In the Div i (before Mr. Juetioe Barnes and a JlAry) the case was con- tinned on Wednesday in which Mrs. Esther Alice Kay seeks a divorce by reason of the alleged cruelty, desertion, and misconduct of her husband, Mr. Moses Ka.y, who, it was stated, was a brewer at Blackpool, and a builder, in partnership with his father, at Heywood, near Manchester. He filed an answer denying the charges. Mr. Barnard and Mr. Bayford (instructed by Messrs. Busk and Co.) appeared for the peti- tioner; and Mr. Priestley, K.C., and Mr. Le Bas (instructed by Messrs. Ayrton and Co.) for the respondent. Further evidence was given in support of the petitioner's allegations. Elizabeth Cook stated that one night in September, 1902, she met Mr. Kay at Black- MRS. KAY (Petitioner). I pool, and drove with him in a cab. On that occasion misconduct took place between them. In cross-examination, she said that at Black- pool she was known as "Black Lizzie," "Lizzie Yardley," and also as "Yorkshire Lizzie." She had come from Yorkshire,- (Laughter.) She was shown a photograph of Mr. Kay, and identified him. She did not know that that photograph was taken twelve years ago. CALLED HIS WIFE A FREAK. Louie Marsh, of Blackpool, also gave evidence as to the respondent misoonducting himself with her. She said that he told her he was a married man, but that he had separated from his wife. who, he stated, was a freak." (Laughter.) For the defence, Mr. Mnane Kay, the respon- dent, was called, and said he lived at Black- pool. He married the petitioner in 1898. He had practically known her all his ltfe, went to the Lakes to Bpend the hen^i^oon. It was not true that at Preston fr#g>ofedyjbeT that he would be her lord aiSnni&IMP.'iV He was then on perfectly wodd,3|9|S*' her. Two days aftter rfie honeymoS^ _fiiey went fpr a cftach drive, but he he struck her on that occasion. It was sot true he refused to fetch her jacket. Was it a hot day?—Yes; and the coach was well supplied with wraps. After your return to Blackpool, did she complain of having contracted a chill?—Yes; she said it was caused by her washing down the flagstones. Did she ever tell you you were the cause of itP-No. She became seriously ill with rheumatic fever. RESPONDENT'S DENIAL. Examination continued: After the birth of the child of the marriage he denied that he had sworn at his wife. In February, 1900, she went into a home, as she was suffering from hip disease. He had never told her he would not live with "a lame wife." He borrowed two sums of R-500 from his father- in-law, which he had repaid, with intrest. On the occasion he accompanied his wife to visit her mother's grave, it was untrue he treated her unkindly or struck her. In lifting her out of the cab did you hurt her leg, which was in splints?—No; nor did she make a complaint that I did. Answering further questions, he said that she called on him at the brewery at Black- pool, and said she was afraid that her father would get married again. He asked her to resume cohabitation, but she said that if she left her father he would cut her off with a shilling. On one occasion Mr. Morris (peti- tioner's father) came to Mrs. Hammond's house and called her names. On that occasion he did not kick his wife. Why did you take the child of the marriage I Mr. KAY (Respondeat). j away ?-I saw the child in one of the slums at Heywood. The child was very dirty and blotchy Proceedings were taken against you in the High OourtP-Yeø, and I was ordered to give the child up. which I did. Examination continued: In 1901 proceedings were taken against him in the county-court by a dressmaker, and after some evidence the judge decided in his favour. On coming away from the court he spoke to his wife. What did you say p-I said, "Will you come and live with me now? Never mind your father." She said she was deaf on that side. (Laughter.) Afterwards proceedings were taken by Mrs. Hammond against Mr. Morris. Were you one of the witnesses?—Yes. ALLEGED CONSPIRACY. On your way out of court did Mr. Morris speak to you?—Yes; he 8ad he would break my back, and would ruin me if it coat him every penny he had; and he has nearly done it. too. The witness gave an emphatic denial as to the allegations of misconduct with Mrs. HAm- mond "or any other woman." He did 'not know Louie Marsh or Elizabeth Cook, and had never spoken to either of them in his life. Cross-examined • l1'1\e marriage wo6a one of affection on his i n to the present time he had a gr for his wife. He I believed there we i "oons;> icy" in this case, and that she wa 'j" ;heif hands." He, could not produ etter from her in which she had ve with him. He certainly did t for her at Hey- certainly did t for her at Hey- wood, which he .ue wanted her to leave her fathef him. He sent her no money, nor le ohild. She was not a hysteric; The further 1 again adjourned.

PAYING QtJ )-RmPONDENT. NTS. Dora *•" I nTn was granted a decree nisi H 'orce Court on the ground of .);< y.i-■■ lduot and cruelty of her hnsbs -•i1 WM-t John Gosmne. a jobmaster, c è1,'a'I1ffi' -uth. In 1901 MJ* L1,( • ■ ieitli, a lady of inde-1 pendent ■ < Btay with the parties ae a p&yin; 'C-i W e respondent aborted great usi vi. nd on one occasion, wfeen hag T '> <>v to him taking Idas Mjootwifch *} Afc t •, he SSBCbaltod hsr. After Ma ikwxtr* ad left tbe hciustt tMC JEAmtb",to Afc t i,t. he SSBCbaltod hot. After Ma ad left the hciustt beP fatuband at 1 .¥.ii>t,. frtaysd taeetber.

A FUTILE EFFORT. BLIND SAMSON (Mr. R. M'Kenna): This will crush himt AUSTEN: Poor fellow! He only injures himself!

GIRL'S FIGHT FOR LIFE. LOVER ATTACKS HIS SWEET- HEART. Miss Phyllis Thwaites, of East Hill, Wands- worth. had a marvellous escape from a ter- rible death early on Wednesday morning. She was attaoked, it is said, by a) young man named Herbert McMarra, with whom she I haa been on friendly terms for the past four- teen months; and the incident that almost ended in tragedy is said to be the sequel to a. discontinuance of their friendly relations. 4, Malfarra lived in Spanish-road, near East ¡' Hill, and is a clerk in the Poet Office Savings Bank at South Kensington. The couple had lately decided to separate, and the final meet- ing took place on Monday night. The sequel was related to a reporter by the young lady herself last night, as she sat by her mother's side, with her neck swathed in bandages. It must have been two o'clock in the morn- ing," she said, when, from a cause which I cannot explain, I awoke. The door was open, and, hearing a slight noise. I called out, Who's there?' There was no answer, and I called again. Then the door slowly moved, and I saw a felt hat in the darkness. Instinc- tively I shouted, Bert'; for he had before threatened that he would come to my room gowao night. What followed I can hardly tell. There was a wild rush across the room, and I was seized. I called out to my brother and sprang from the bed, though it was too dark to see. Strangely enough, I felt no out, but blood began to trickle down my neck." At this stage of the struggle the girl's brother Harry, hearing his sister's cry for assistance, jumped out of bed and went with a light to the room. There he saw McMarra brandishing a razor over his sister, who had fallen on the bed. I quite made up my mind that she was done for," he said; "and I caught hold of him. He at once attacked me, and for some moments we straggled until I feUd him with a force that broke the bed across, and he lay there unconscious, with a gash in his throat." The constables who were called were so excited that one of them, in removing McMarra, fell down the stairs. McMarra is now in the Wamdsworth Infirmary; but, though he is in a serious condition, there are hopes of his recovery. Miss Thwaites says that on one occasion McMarra threatened to haunt her day and night. Last Monday morning, after a slight dis- agreement that had taken place on the night before, he wrote the following letter:— Miss Thwaites,—After your conduct yester- day it would be advisable for us to part. No doubt you will be surprised that I should suggest parting; but I have at last come to the conclusion that if we were joined to- gether life would be an everlasting source of misery to me. TMs does not mean that my love for you has diminished. You will return absolutely everything I have ever given you in any shape or form- fur, gloves (one old and two new pairs), handkerchiefs four, two photos (one of my- self and one of savings bank), boxes (glove and handkerchief, with keys), albums, pearls, soent-bottle, cards, letters (this one included), and everything I have ever given you, except the notepaper and envelopes Expecting to see you at 9.30 p.m., I remain, my lost love, your broken-hearted Bertie. One whom you once called your little love." Please accept these, my last, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, to go on for ever. —Bertie.

SLEPT FOR 17 YEARS. FEMALE "RIP" WHO SWALLOWED HER TEETH. An account of the extraordinary case of a female patient who has awakened from a sleep lasting seventeen years is to hand. The woman, who is now forty-four, was through- out under the care of a, staff of medical men. and Dr. Her bat, of Bremen, tells the story. Before 1886, when her sleep began, there had been periods during which she was in a oomatose condition for days, and even weeks, at a time. During the whole course of her seventeen years' sleep the woman never once opened her eyes. When she required food the sleeper would groan, and on food being given to her she swallowed it in a natural way. Most of her teeth fell ottt in the course of her sleep; some she swal- lowed, others, were found on the pillow. She awoke suddenly only a few months ago while the village fire alarm bells were being rung. She had not the slightest idea that she had been asleep for so long a period, and was astounded to observe the changes which had taken place in the appearance of her rela- tives and friends and the surroundings.

I TRAGEDY AT POPLAR. MAN KILLS HIS WIFE AND ATTEMPTS SUICIDE. A man. named William Henry Cooper, of Canning Town, in the East End, made a, vio- lent attack upon his paramour this morning, inflicting such injuries that she soocumbeld shortly afterwards. The man then made an attempt upon his own life. He was removed to the Poplar Hospital, where he now lies in a. serious con- dition. Cooper is a ship's fireman. He cat his woman's throat and then used the weapon upon his own. The woman's name was Margaret Holmes. She was 36 years 'of age, audU badt.bee& living with, Oooper for some time.

SCENE IN THE HOUSE. MR. M'KENNA PUTS ANOTHER QUESTION. In the House of Commons on Thursday Mr. M'Kenna (R., North Monmouthshire) had given notice of the follow lite question :-To ask the Chancellor of the Egljniequer whether, in view of the large and exceptional import of unstemmed tobacco iik.ib# month of March in anticipation of tb&$!t& proposals, he will grant a Select QoiBmfljyife^Snaifae wtotf were the importers, ana import had been induced by. m £ (|&|HpM^ihat it was intended to make such projwfafs. There was a full attendance on the Govern- ment Benches, and the Chancellor was sym- pathetically cheered when he entered the' House. When Mr. M Keuna rose to put his question he was cheered by the Opposition, but the Ministerialists greeted him with cries of Oh, oh." The Chancellor said that the Prime Minister would reply to the question. Mr. Balfour, who was received with loud Ministerial cheers, said that the Government do not propose to grant the Committee of In- quiry the hon. member asks for. The facts, as I understand them, are that the hon. member came down with a prepared attack upon the honour of one of the members of the Govern- ment. (Loud Ministerial cheers and Opposi- tion criee of No.") Mr. M Kenna (who was greeted with cries of "Order"): If the Prime Minister maikes such a statement, shall I have an opportunity to reply? The Speaker: I do not think it would be in aocordanoe with the rules governing ques- tions to enter iuto a statement having refe- rence to a previous debate. Any explanation of that kind must be given at some other time. Mr. Balfokr, on rising again, was received with loud shouts of "Withdraw" by the Oppo- sition The Speaker: If I thought anything was required to be withdrawn, J should say so. Mr. Balfour: I am not quite sure, sir, I understand the full extent of your ruling. Would you wish me not to refer to any of the incidents on Tuesday last? The Speaker said it would not be in order to refer to what took place in debate during the session. The question had been answered. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman: As the Prime Minister has made a distinct accusation against a member of this House, founded upon what took place the other day, would it not be desirable that that should be with- drawn, as it cannot be further discussed? The Speaker: The Prime Minister was put- ting his construction upon what he under- stood the hon. member to have said,, and I stopped him at the earliest possible moment. There was no necessity for him to with- draw. Mr. Balfour: All I said was that the hon. member came down with a. prepared attack. (Loud Opposition cries of "You are repeating it!" and "Withdraw!" and Ministerial cheers.) Sir Henry Campbell-Ban nerman: I must appeal to you, sir, whether, under your ruling, that is in order? The Speaker: The Prime Minister was simply repeating his words under the impres- sion that that would satisfy the right hon. gentleman. (Opposition cries of "No.") Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman: The fact of his having repeated the words gives emphasis to them. (Cheers and counter cheers.) As my hon. friend cannot reply, should not the Prime Minister be called upon to withdraw? (Opposition cheers.) The Speaker: It is extremely difficult to deal with these questions. I am sure if the Prime Minister had made any personal attack he would be the first to withdraw it. I understand he was beginning to state his im- pression of the effect of the hon. member's speech. That would be quite in order in debate. I stopped him because he was enter- ing upon a matter which should not be raised in answer to a question. The incident then closed.

PLUCKY GIRL'S STORY, FOUGHT AND CAPTURED A BURGLAR. A young woman of eighteen, who fought and captured a burglar in her father's house, seemed inclined to apologise for her victory in the police-court at Plymouth. I "I got very excited," she told the bench, "and I'm afraid I hit him on the head. I'm sorry if I hurt him." Oh! don't be sorry," said the magistrate; "It was very brave of you." It was at half-past one that morning when I heard a noise in the dining-room," said the heroine, Miss Carrie Adeline Mills, uncon- acious of the merits of her exploit. "I went downstairs to see what was wrong, and found this man packing up a number of articles. I seized father's heavy umbrella, and attaoked him with it. I struck him on the head, and while twas struggling with him my mother and sister came into the room. I was still excited, and wanted to hit him again, but I only hit him on the shoulder this time." The burglar was John Loffan, aged SI, a pri- vate in a Royal Garrison regiment. His head was bandaged as he stood in the dook. Other witnesses told how they forcibly detained the burglar until the police arrived, and said that they found plate and other articles in the dining-room paeked up ready for Removal. After complimenting Miss Mills on her bravery and self-confidence, the Bench sent Loffan to gaol for six months with hard 'Jabour,

DISTRESSING AFFAIR IN A BRYNMAWR HOTEL. Early on Wednesday a pistol report was heard at the Imperial Hotel, Brynmawr, end Mr. D. Jones, aged 22, who had been stopping at the hotel for some time past, was found bleeding from the left temple, and close by was found a revolver containing one empty cartridge and two loaded ones. Mr. Jones had only a few minutes before this retired. and was partly undressed. Mr. Jones was removed from the Imperial Hotel about three o'clock in the afternoon, and taken to the Griffin Hotel, were he was operated upon by Dr. Lyan Thomas, of Cardiff, assisted by Drs. Burnside, Sbeehy, and Evans, but they were unable to extract the bullet, which had lodged somewhere behind the right eye, He now lies in a critical condition, Mr. Jones, or Young Darrell, as he is popu- larly known, is a great favourite among his associates. He possesses a bright and cheer- ful disposition. Mr Jones is the fifth and youngest wn of Mr. William Jones, of Western Moor, Neath, who is one of the biggest con- tractors in South WaJes. At the present time he and his sons are engaged in several big undertakings throughout the country. Mr. Ernest Jones. the eldest son, is in charge of the railway being constructed between Blaina and Nantyglo, and Mr. Darrell Jones has for three or four months been assisting him. A MOUNTAIN ASH GIRL'S SUICIDE. Mr. R. J. Rhys, the Merthyr coroner, held an inquest at Mountain Ash on Tuesday upon the body of Elizabeth Thomas, 25 years of age. who died under peculiar circumstances on Monday morning, at the house of her uncle. Mr. James Deacon, at 24, Price-street, Moun- tain Ash. The Uncle (Mr. James Deacon) said the deceased stayed at his house during the past week, prior to which time she was in service with Mr. E. J. Williams, butcher. Oxford-street, Mountain Ash. She had com- plained lately about her health. She went to bed at 9.30 on Sunday night. On retiring she asked witness to enter her bedroom if she were to knock the wall. At 10.15 there was a knock, and both witness and his wife entered the room, where they saw their niece in bed. About her mouth was a lot of foam. In reply, to a question by witness she said, The Lord. has taken my soul away." A cup containing carbolio acid was found on a table near the bed. Dr. Arthur Jones said that he was called is at about eleven o'clock on Sunday night. The woman was breathing very heavily, and her pulsation was very quick. Her lips were blue. He administered antidotes, but without any effect. She died about 12.40 on Monday morning. Witness attributed death to the taking of carbolic acid, which deceased took whilst temporarily insane. A verdict to that effect was returned. TENBY GIRL'S ESCAPADIC. The girl Elizabeth Griffiths, who wmi rescued from the sea at Tenby, was charged (before Mr. Laws and other magistrates) at the local polioe-oourt on Monday with attempting to commit suicide.-William Her- bert Varney. until lately chef at the Royal Gate House Hotel, where the prisoner was also engaged, stated that he was in her com- pany the whole of Thursday night, and after having refreshments they went on to the Esplanade, where the girl left him and went on to the sands. He next saw her in the water, and then went to her assietanoe. She did not threaten to take her life to him. 1 hey had no quarrel.—Dr. E. M. Knowling stated that when he examined the girl on the sands she was suffering more from shock and collapse than from immersion in the water She had been drinking, but she was suffering from exposure and shock more than from drink.—The Chairman, addressing the prisoner's mother, who was in court, said that her daughter 'had got into very bad company. They did not think she intended to kill herself, but probably wished to make an impression upon this man Varney, who seemed to have behaved very badly to her. She would now be handed to her mother to be taken home.—The decision was received with loud applause. KILLED BY A TOMATO AT NEWPORT Mr Lyndon Moore, coroner, held an inquest at the Town-hall. Newport, on Monday, touching the death of a little girl named Lilian Jane Bishop, aged eight years, a daughter of an engine-driver living at 19, Edwin-street, who appeared to have died from eating the skin of tomatoes. On Thursday the deceased had watercress for tea, and at night ate for her supper two small tomatoes mt in vinegar. About two o'clock next morn- ing she awoke and began to be very sick. The sickness re-occurred, and Dr. Barsett was called in on Friday about mid-day. He found that inflammation of the bowels had begun, due in his opinion to the child eating the skin of the tomatoes. It was, he considered, a very dangerous thing to eat, especially at this time of the year, v ben the tomatoes were not quite ripe, and the skin was very thick. The child died on Friday night from inflam- mation of the bowels, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly. DEATH IN A CHAPEL. Mr. Price, the Pembroke county coroner. held an inquest on Friday on Edith Elizabeth Williams, of Spring-gardens, Haverfordwest, who Was drowned by falling face downwards into a pail of water in Bethesda Baptist Chapel. —An elder sister said deceased had been subject to epileptic fits. The mother was care- taker of the chapel, and deceased was seen by witness on her knees washing the floor. Ten minutes afterwards she saw her sister with her face in the bucket, which only held sufficient water to cover her mouth and uostrile.-Dr. Wilson said death had resulted from suffocation.—Verdict of Death from drowning whilst in a. fit." BARRY MYSTERY SOLVED. Mr. E. B. Llewelyn Reece, deputy-coroner, held an inquest on Monday at the Police. court, Barry Dock, on the body of Daniel Donaehue, aged 40 years, of 46, Evans-street, Barry Dook, who met his death by drown- ing under mysterious circumstances.—The deceased was a fumaceman, and left home on the 17th of April to go to work at the graving dock. He was last seen aJive at the graving dock about two o'clock on the morning of the 18th, and also an hour later taking the steward in a boat aboa-rd the Port Marnock, and it is surmised that in coming ashore alter leaving the steamer he must have fallen overboard, and was drowned.—The jury returned an open verdict of Found drowned." A CHANNEL MYSTERY. An exciting incident occurred on Sotarday night on board Messrs. P. and A. Campbell's steamer Wavertey, which was returning from Bristol to Cardiff. She left Bristol at eight o'clock with about 200 passengers on board, and when about a mile below Black Nose, and about a quarter to nine, a lady and gentleman on the upper deck raised a cry of "Man overboard." The engines weio at once reversed, and to the napiam (Mr. Ashford) the two passengers stated tbat a man who had been leaning with his arms folded on the rail at a comer of the deck aft had suddenly vaulted the rails into the sea. They said he appeared to be of middle age, but owing to the darkness they were unable to give any further description. The lifeboat was launched, in command of the mate (Mr. B. Webber), and eruiaed a.bout for 25 minutes without finding any trace of the missing man. who, as a strong tide was ruib. ningt must have been rapidly washed astern. BRISTOL MAN MISSING. William George, aged 55, of 3, Victoriattreet. St. Paul's, Bristol, is missing; and it is thought that he may be the man who fell overboard. He was a married man. with two children. MAN FOUND AT OLD CA&TLX. A man was discovered on Tuesday in a place known as Old Castle by some JDoys who had gone there bird-nesting, and was in such an exhausted state that his recovery is doubtful. He was formerly in business in Birmingham as a hardware dealer, but had been staying cftt Clevedon for the feeaaaft of his he alt*.