The Cardiff Times

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. The Liberal Policy of the Future. Mr Gladstone visited Manchester on Monday for the purpose of fulfilling his engagement in con- nection with the annual meeting of the National Liberal Federation. The right hon. geutlemau left Hawarden Castle shortly after eleven, ac- compauied by Mrs Gladstone, Mr Henry Glad- stone, nud Miss Stuart Rendel, and drove to ths new Hawarden station ou the Hawarden loop line ot the Wrexbam, Mold, and Connah's Quay Railway, where a special train was ID waiting to convey the party to Manchester. The special train, which con- sisted of a dining car, a saloon carriage, two com- posite carriages, and breaks, was in charge of Mr W. Pollit, general manager of the M.S. and L. Railway Company, and Mr Haig Brown, traffic superintendent. Mr Harry Poilitt, son of the general manager, was in charge of the engine. A considerable crowd of villagers had assembled at tbe railway station to wish the right hon. gentle- man God-speed. Hearty cheers greeted the arrival of the ex-Premier, a demonstration which was renewed as tbe train moved off. Before entering the dining car Mr and Mrs Gladstone spent a few minutes in conversation with their friends on the platform, and during the period thus occupied Mr Poilitt presented to Mrs Glad- stone a magnificent bouquet, composed of rose- buds, lilies, aud picotees. The railway station at Hawarden is not yet in a complete state, and some time must yet elapse before the line can be opened for regular passenger traffic, but the permanent way is finished, aud the train was able therefore to proceed from Hawarden village over the Dee Bridge to the point of junction with that part of the company's system already in use. There was no stoppage between Hawarden and Manchester, but at several places the train was slowed down to enable spectators to catch a glimpse of Mr Gladstone, and there was more than one demonstration worthy of note. Be- tween Hawarden and Chester, where many workmen continue to be employed on the line, cheers were repeatediy raised by the men. The terminus at Chester was not entered, the main line being reached by a loop at Liverpool-road Junction, but at Knutsford aud Northwich there were friendly demonstrations which Mr Gladstone acknowledged by raising bis hat at the carriage window. At Altrincham and Bowdown about a hundred members of the local Liberal Associa- tions had gathered on the platform, and the train was brought almost to a standstill. Mr Glad- stone leaned out of the carriage window and bowed in response to the cheers which were raised. Several of the more enthusiastic of his admirers ran by the side of the train the length of tbe platform, and two or three tried to grasp the right hon. gentleman's band as he passed, but without success. The train was timed to arrive at the Central Station, Manchester, at ten minutes past one, but an hour before that time the station yard and the approaches thereto were thronged with au enormous crowd anxious to welcome the Liberal leader. Admission to the station itself was limited, none but ticket holders being allowed upon the arrival platform. But outside there was no impediment to congregation, A clear way was kept for Mr Gladstone's passage from the terminus to the Eree Trade Hall, whither it had been arranged that he should at once proceed, but on either side of the police cordon the public could assemble without let or hindrance, aDd from tbe station to the meeting place the party had to pass between two human wails at least a dozen deep. The arrival of the train was tbe signal of a cheer on the part of those ou the platform. The crowd outside took up the tale, aucTlong before the carriages emerged into the station yard the Liberals assembled in the adja- cent building had been made aware of the adveu- of their leader. After a brief interval of convert sation, during which a number of ladies and gen- tlemen were introduced to Mr and Mrs Gladstone, the whole party entered the carriages which were provided for their use, and a move was made in the direction of the Free Trade Hall, which is situated only two or three minutes' walk from the station. As sson as the carriage containing Mr Gladstone appeared in the station yard there was a scene of wild excitement. The crowd broke through the line of policemen, and fell in behind the carriage, cheering loudly until the party reached the Free Trade Hail and disappeared under the portico. Although the proceedings at the hall were not timed to begin until a quarter-past one, every available place in the area and galleries was occupied soon after noon. A large proportion of those present were ladies. The interval of waiting was utilised for the singing of political songs set to popular tunes. The hall was profusely decorated. Over the middle gallery hung a red cloth with the inscription in white letters, A Hearty Welcome to Glad- stone, our Great Leader." Between the pillars over the gallery were trophies and flags. Some bore such mottoes as "Combination, not Coercion," and "Justice to Ireland." Others bore the names of constituencies which, since the last general election, bad returned Home Rule members to Parliament. The front of the gallery was draped with red cloth, banging in a series of festoons, interspersed with tropuies and flags. To many of the festoons were attached cards bearing the names of Liberal aud Nationalist leaders. The name of Mr Parnell was given under the clock in tbe middle of the gallery. In front of the organ was an array of flags, of which the principal was the Union Jack. In the centre was a green fl ig displaying the Irish harp. A red cloth hung over the organ pipes bore in white letters tbe device, The flowing tide is with us." At 20 minutes past oue the sounds of cheering outside announced the arrival of Mr Gladstone. A minute or two later the organ struck up "Auld Lang Syne," and almost simultaneously the right hon. gentleman stepped upon the plat- form amid a remarkable demonstration of enthusiasm. Mr H. J. Roby took the chair. The CHAIRMAN, in opening tbe proceedings, presented au address from the Irishmen ot Manchester, and read a joint address from the Liberal Associations of forty-four parliamentary constituencies in and near Manchester. Mr GIADSTONH, who was enthusiastically cheered on risiug, spoke at great length, dealing with several of the public questions of the day. Referring to the question of local government, he declared himself strongly in favour of entrusting to the county councils the power of taxing ground rents, the control of the police, and the control of the liquor ^traffic. Referring to Mr Goschen's con- nection with the reforms in local government, Mr Gladstone said Mr Goschen had on the part of a previous Government, of which I was the head, introduced a bill for the purpose ot establishing this principle of parochial goverment. On the 18GU of September, 1885, when he was a candidate for one of the divisions of Edinburgh, he said —" I recently road with great pleasure the following passage in a speech by Mr Then comes a name in three syllables, which begins with a C and ends with an N." (Laughter, followed by cheers.) It is a most excellent passage, and I shall be very much mistaken if you don't cheer it at the close. Now, Mr Goschen quotes, aud this is the quotation :— I want to build up a system of local government from below, fiora small begiuuings. I would like to see no parish, no village without some kind of local authority. 1 don't want to crush out the forms of local life however small ana insignificant they may, appear I want to foster tliem, and to promote the political education of the people. Then 1 want to see local authorities with wider aroa* and larger functions to deal with local matters in districts and in counties, and in this way I should expect to find the whole country covered with a network ot popular representa- tive bodies. (Cheers,) That is a thoroughly sound doctrine.and to that doctrine Mr Goschen, as you will see.givos bis fullest assent. Mr Goschen is now Chancellor of tbe Exchequer, a leading man in the present Government; and we call upon Mr Goschen, and we call upon the Government with which be is associated, to vindicate its honour and con- sistency by introducing an enactment for the purpose of establishing these small local district and parochial governments.and thereby to convey to the whole rural population of the country we bave justly and liberally enfranchised the first elements of their public education. (Cheers.) POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT. I have no time left to dwell upon tbe multitude of subjects which are of deep interest to you. I have spoken, in referring to future legislation, only of that which was recommended by us in 1885, but since 1885 an enormous stimulant bus been given to the public mind, in aiy opinion, as much so by the simple fact of the proposal ot Home Rule as by the opDosition to that proposal, and the fervid and prolonged controversy which has arisen in consequence of it. At any rate, there is no doubt about it I could hardly read out to you the names of the large and important subjects that have now come prominently before the pubiic. There is the subject of the dwellings of the poor—(cheers) and the enfranchisement of leaseholds. I am now going to name a local matter, but one of greatest importance in the portion of the county which it affects, and with which I saw myself in a degree connected, namely, Scotland— I mean the Crofterleglislation. (Cheers.) There is the subject of free education, the subject of shorter Parliaments—(hear, hear)—tbe subject of disestablishment in Scotland—(cheers)—the subject of disestablishment in Wales—(cheers)— the subject of Home Rule, or of provision in the dtrectiou of Home Rule, in Scotland and in Wales. (Cueers.) There is a mass of work cut out fer the Parliament of the future. Gentlemen,lt is t « Heritable course I think for any statesman— A for a man at my time of life it would h« unpardonable folly and almost a crime— t k of these masses of subjects as if be to spea D0SSiblethat he can take a practical ICW) Ithtaky. 53! imi with tb»!' .8 I do witliin b t f w days or at leagl three or tour weeks, but a few y > (joud and prolonged cheers) of fourscora year, i aa ao(. rf tfa0 grossesC it would b ao(. towar(js you scarcely presumption, political honesty, were I to compatible matters of interesting public survey those g e gp0ak 0f them before you as imp*rtance, an ■ p0g8jble for me to bave a matters in which it x will 8ay ia tbat> direct personal c cjcujai. opinion upon this or without giving a p quite evident that many that some of them are already ripe. DISESTABLISHMENT. I think it is almost my duty to say that for example the question whether the cml etitabhsh- ment of religion in Scotland and in Wales should be continued is a matter that. has been long 10 te public view, in the public eye, and the public mind, and that there can be no reason why Parlia- ment should not give its judgment upon tt. (Loud cheers.) But it will be idle for me to attempt to deal with or enter tipon these questions individu- ally. I will not do that. I will only say to you, gentlemen, that they make upon my mind this- one impression, that whatever be the diligence of Parliament, tbJli wttSMer be the state of circum- stances, it is likely for a length of time to come that the demands of public duty in the. shape both of administration and of making law are likely to increase and not to diminish. The right honi gentleman resumed his seat amid loud and prolonged cheering. On the call of tbe chairman, three hearty oheers were given for Mr and Mrs Gladstone, and after singing For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," the meeting dispersed. At the close of the meeting, Mr and Mrs Gladstone euteDld the carriage of their host, and with him drove to his residence at Didsbury, a distance of nearly seven miles. Along nearly the whole of the routs crowds assembled, and there was much cheering. At one point only during the journey was there any hostile demoustratiou. Flags, banners, etc., were freely displayed in the principal streets through which the right hon. gentleman had to pass, and in the gardens of a considerable number of the villa residences in the outskirts of the city there was some attempt at impromptu illumination, it being dark before Didsbury was reached.

TUESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. In continuation of his series of engagements at Manchester, Mr Gladstone on Tuesday addressed a mass meeting in the Free Trade Hall. During the morniug and afternoon the right hon. gentle- man, who is at present the guest of Mr Thomas Ashton at Didsbury, enjoyed an interval of rest, devoting his time mainly to correspondence and preparation for the work of the evening. In the course of the forenoon Mr Ashton banded to Mr Gladstone an address which had been prepared for presentation by the Didsbury Liberal Club aud the Didsbury Liberal Association. Speech by Mrs Gladstone. In the afternoon, although the ex-Premier remained indoors, Mu Gladstone proceeded to Manchester to attend a reception given by the local committee of the W omefl's Liberal Association. The function took place at the Town-hall, and tbe room in which the gathering was held was crowded to its utmost capacity, many ladies being unable to obtain admission. In the course ot tbe proceedings an address was presented to Mrs Gladstone on behalf of the Women's Liberal Associations of Lancashire and Cheshire. Mrs GLADSTONE, in reply, said:—This most kind welcome goes to my heart, though I cannot help feeling that many of those whom I see near me are far more entitled than I can possibly be to recognition of the really great services to our cause. You are good enough to say that much may be expected from my husband's words and mine. I would rather say-and you will not wonder when you see all ha has spoken — that you must look for my speech in his. Indeed, it is not my part to make speeches, but if I cannot join you in this practical work of organisation and this platform, at least I can assure you of my warmest sym- pathy and I may be allowed,perhaps, to impress upon you in this great crowded centre of industry bow much may be done, what a work may be done in Manchester and the surrounding manu- facturing districts. I am thinking of the thousands of women congregated together by the nature of their employment who are thus accessible to you. And, though women have not got votes,remember that each one of them is a centre of influence at home, and can help to further the progress of our political faith; and allow me to add this, the important fact that Lancashire at tbe last election went over to coercion and Toryism,and that it is clear that, excepting London, you have more ur- gent need of hard and earnest work here than anywhere else. Let us not be tempted to relax, but rather to be inspired by our increasingly brilliant victories in the course of this campaign. In conclusion, believe me that I most gratefully accept your address, and so far as my oppor- tunities go I shall always endeavour to join heart and soul with you in working for our final triumph. (Cheers.) Great Mass Meeting. In the evening Mr and Mrs Gladstone, accom- panied by their host and hostess, drove to Didsbury Station, and proceeded thence by rail to Manchester. At the Central Station and all along the whole district from the terminus to the Free Trade Hall large crowds had assembled. A strong force of police was, however, in attend- ance, and a clear way was kept for the progress of the distinguished visitors. Mr. Gladstone was loudly cheered on alighting from tbe train, and again on emerging into the station yard, the second outburst of enthusiasm continuing until the right bon. gentleman had entered the Free Trade Hall. The advertised time for the com- mencement of the meeting was 7.30, but within a few minutes of the opening of the doors at 6 o'clock the building was packed. Seats were provided on the platform and in the galleries, but there was no sitting accommodation in the area, which was, nevertheless, completely filled. The interval of waiting pending the arrival of Mr Gladstone was occupied by the singing of political songs set to popular airs. Mr Glad- stone's appearance on the platform, followed by Mr and Mrs Ashton, Mrs Gladstone, Mr H. Gladstone, Sir W. Harcourt, and Mr John Morley, was the signal for loud and prolonged cheering, the whole audience rising to their feet to emphasize their welcome. Sir J. Kitson pre- sided. The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said that the firso plank in the Liberal programme was Home Rule for Ireland, and the most impor- tant matter which came after that was disestab- lishment in Scotland and Wales, He moved a resolution of welcome to Mr Gladstone. Mr JACOB BRIGHT seconded the resolution. Tbe resolution was carried unanimously. Mr GLADSTONE, on rising, was received with deafening cheers, which were followed by the singing of For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." When the ovation, which lasted two minutes, bad sub- sided, Mr Gladstone, who spoke for an hour and twenty minutes, delivered a magnificent address upon the Irish question. He showed that even Lord Salisbury and Lord Hartington look forward to the timp. when Home Ruie will be granted to Ireland. Of Liberal Unionists he said they were not Unionists, because they main- tained a state of things which alienated them from the hearts of the nation and they were not Liberals, because they voted against every Liberal proposition. He characterised Ireland as the shame and reproach of this great country. Having drawn a comparison between the massacre at Peterloo and the outrage at Mitchelstcwu, be said :—There was, therefore, two genera- tions ago a period when you were subjected to treatment of this kind. Realise to yourselves, represent vividly to your own minds that your fellow-subjects in Ireland are still enduring it, and that in such a case as that, without apology, or explanation, or redress, even down to the present the agents of authority were them- selves the breakers of the law at the same time that they boasted of being its champion. (Shame.) You, gentlemen, bave shaken off the yoke. You have broken those bonds. A free Government and a lawful administration prevail in England. The spirit of the law has been mitigated the agents of the law carry it into execution in a manner which you yourselves commend. The attachment of the people in consequence has gathered around the law. Institute the same process in Ireland. Break those bonds in Ireland which you have broken for yourselves. (Hear, hear.) Give to the people of Ireland tbe same experience of the benefits of the law which you now happily enjoy, and, rely upon it, the effects will be the same, and they will join you in answer- ing with heart and soul tu all the principles of law and order; for I believe there never was a country where there was greater susceptibility to every good and loyal feeling than among the people of Ireland, of whom it was recorded nearly 300 years ago by the Attorney-General of James the First that there were no people upon earth that had so strong and so keen a sense of justice." (Cheers.) It is for you to perform that work. We who aie in Parliament shall do our part. (Cheers.) 1 rejoice to see upon this platform many whum I hope, after a dissolution has given the oppor- tunity to the people, will be there to combine with ll. (Cheers.) I rejoice to see here so many with whom during the last three and a half years I have had the honour of being associated in fighting what we believe to be the cause of justice, the cause of good government, the cause of law, and the cause of order. Gentlemeu, we bave passed through a time of difficulty, and we ought to bear this in mind — that, so far as true honour is concerned, there is no honour so high for a body of public men as to be associated together and to stand together firmly for the purposes of that association when its objects are the attainment of justice, and when fortune does not smile upon it. These periods of political adversity are periods when character is tested—(cheers)—periods when it is ascertained what metal men are made of; and I rejoice, gentlemen, to have this opportunity, in the presence of you all, of tendering my Rrateful and devoted thauks to those able coadjutors by whom my counsels have been aided, by whom my weaknesses and detects have been aided in fighting the battle in which we have been engaged. Gentlemen, I do not speak now of their power, their ability, their eloquence, their wit, or their intellectual force. What I speak of is their loyal and unalterable constancy. Our party has stood together in the evil day. I believe there is hardly a case uoon record when any party has more firmly and more unanimously acted for the purpose for which it was returned to Parliament. VVe have bated no jot of heart or hope in the day of adversity. In tbe day of defeat, which amounted to discomfiture, we still retained all our confidence, for we felt, gentlemen, that We had to deal with a noble and generous people in the people of England, and that even if for a moment they might be misled in the case where tra- ditional prejudice has been so strong as to be bard to dissipate, that generosity and that loyalty of character would prevail that the voice of justice would be heard the cause of justice would find its way to the heart and mind of the nation and the day we knew was not and could not be distant when its triumph would be at hand. (Loud and prolonged cheers.) Sir JAMES KITSON having acknowledged the vote, the meeting separated amid cheers for Mr Gladstone. Lord Brassey, Sir William Harcourt, Mr John Morley, and Sir Charles Russell also addressed the meeting. An overflowjmeeting was held in the St James's Hall, under the presidency of Lord Aberdeen, and was largely attended. The following letter was read from Mr Gladstone" My hearty con- gratulations and good wishes to your meeting. We are engaged in different buildings, but with one heart we are giving a long pull and a strong pull, and a pull all together-and a pull, let me add, which will bring the vessel into port."

WEDNESDAYS^ PROCEEDINGS. A Non-Political Gathering. Mr Gladstone concluded his series of engage- ments at Manchester to day by attending a non- political luncheon given at the town-hall by the Mayor. Mr Alderman Magck, Amonest tho. present were JLiora Aberdeen, Lord Brassey, Lord RipoD, Sir Edward Watkin, Mr Arnold Morley, Mr Maclure, and other members of Parliament. The MATOB, in proposing the health of Mr Gladstone, expressed the hope that the right bon. gentleman might realise for a short period a respite from the arena of controversy to receive the recognition of services which the whole kingdom admitted be bad rendered. Mr GLADSTONE, who on rising to re- spond was received with loud cheer- ing, said he had entertained all his life a high opinion of the importance of municipal life, because it formed a firm basis for tbe general constitution of the country, and educated English- men for the performance of every public duty. The development of municipal life was one of the main characteristics of the period in which we lived, and he was delighted whenever opportunity oSeg^i) to do honour to those who had received the 2'k of the confidence of their fellow towns- men. In offices like that of the Mayoralty of Man- chester we had had a great infusion of new nd genuine life into the local institutions of the country. Had that been a barren change ? There were those amongst them who supposed that the popular municipal instituhons would be a sourcejof danger to tbe country. On the contrary they had proved to be amongst the best guarantee of our security by the improvements they bad effected in the life and condition of our people. Having glanced with approval at the new condi- tion of things inaugurated by the Corporation of Glasgow in reference to completing plans for the better housing of the working classes and with street improvement schemes, tbe right hon. gentleman referred to the Manchester Ship Canal as an undertaking which would be of enormous public advantage, and declared that the Mersey, already the most famous waterway in the world for the amount of commerce it carried, would carry more commerce than before. The recent deposition of the Emperor of the Brazils showed how peacefully the existing condition of affairs could be changed when it was considered detri- mental to the public interests. Mr Gladstone then left for Hawarden.

THE UNITED STATES. The Presidential Message. President Harrison's message, communicated to the Congress on Tuesday, expressed the hope that the Pan-American Congress will result in improved commercial facilities and better securities for the maintenance of peace on the American Continent. Questions which had arisen during the past few years between Great Britain and the United States were now in abeyance, or being amicablv adjusted. The President recommends an increasing number of extraditable offences between the two countries, and promises a new treaty on the subject" The Government was ready to promote the adjust- ment of questions offering obstacles to the com- pletion of the Nicaraguan Canal. The President recommends special conventions to settle naturalization questions. Their friendly inter- course with Brazil was interrupted, ùut the Government cordially recognised the new Repub- lic. The receipts for the last fiscal year shewed a surplus of 57,000,000 dollars, and the estimated surplus for the current year was 4-2,000,000 dollars. The Congress would endeavour to reduce the receipts proportionately. The revenue should not be collected for the pur- pose of anticipating bonds, but any unappro- priated surplus should be used. He condemns the loan of public funds without interest. He :ecom- mends uniform valuation for tariff purposes at all ports, and the preparation ot new schedules, but the protective principle should bo maintained. He recommends the removal of excise on tobacco, and on spirits used for arts and manufactures. The practical equality of the gold and silver dollar should be maintained. Mr Harrison favours an improvement in the coast defences, restrictive legislation in respect to trusts and international copyright, and less facilities for the naturalisation of Socialist im- migrants. He deplores the inferiority of the Mercantile Marine, and favours liberal ocean mail pppropriations for American steamers to Central and South America, China, Japan, and important islands, and the national reserve of merchant vessels. He concludes by advocating that a liberal and progressive policy should be adopted in the promotion of foreign commerce.

SNOWSTORM IN VIENNA. VIENNA, Monday Night.—Vienna has been, during the last thircy-six hours, visited by a snowstorm of unusual severity. Three thousand men and twenty-four steam snow ploughs have been busy since the small hours clearing the principal thoroughfares, yet one can still siuk this evening knee deep in snow, even in such a fre- quented place as the Schottenring. The trainees in the city take twice their usual time over their journeys, although drawn by three horses, and m the suburbs traffic has had to be entirely or partially suspended, as it is useless to try to clear the roads in the face of the drifting snow. All the trains aro late, some failing to start and others to arrive, and it is feared that the Roichsrath, which meets to-morrow, will be Without a quorum, as the Gahcian members cannot get in. The milk supply ran short to-day, and the general markets are half empty. The omnibuses have the greatest difficulty in getting along, and cabs are scarcely to be had for love or money. Sleighs have already taken their places, bells and all. The strain upon the tramway horses is enormous, and, as it is stillsnowin heavily, traffic on all the lines will have to be suspended to-nioi row. But it is an ill wind that blows nobody good. The demand for street labour gave employment to numbers of the mother-of-pearl workers now on strike and others, and the poorer people are rejoicing accordingly.

"THE DliEADFUL REVIVAL OF LEPilOSY." Leprosy is becoming fashionable, not to take, but to talk about. Ever since Father Damien's death called attention to this dreadful disease the people in high places have been going about seeking whcm they can devour, or, in other words, try- ing to discover victims of this fearful complaint. The Prince of Wales picked up a specimen in the meat market, and now the doctor of emperors and princes has contributed a startling article to the Nineteenth Century upon The Dread- ful Revival of Leprosy." He (Sir Morell Mackenzie) remarks that lie has always taken a particuiarinterescinleprosy, and, in truth, the facts he puts before his readers ampiy justify his head- ing. Laprosy appears to bj more particular about localities than climate. For instance, practically speaking, there are no iepers in Eng- land, but Norway, a very similar country, is the most considerable leprosy centre in Europe, but, curiously, the disease is limited to certain dis- tricts. Strangely enough, whilst the disease is increasing in Sicily, in the Baltic provinces of Russia, it is dyiug out in Sweden, where it was extremely prevalent up to the beginuing of the century. Moreover, leprosy has found a strong- hold in the Sandwich Islauds, and in Australia and America several distinct centres of In- fection have appeared within living memory. They without doubt have been imported by Scan- dinavian and other emigrants. Sir Morel Mackenzie is of the opinion that it is decidedly coutagious. As to the United Kingdom, he say.s, we have no leprosy of home growth, but are probably never without a tew cases from abroad. Quite lately a boy at a public school was sus- pected of being wffl cted, and this was supposed to be communicated by vaccination in the West Indies.

IS CHOLERA COMING ? A St. Petersburg correspondent telegraphs :— "At the meeting on Saturday of the Russian Association for the Preservation of tae Public Health, Professor Z iekauer, the first authority in Russia, said he had witnessed five epidemics of cholera, each of which was preceded by an epidemic of influenza such as that now raging. He considered it highly probable that the present disease would be suc- ceeded ry cholera next spring. He called on the authorities, therefore, to undertake at ouce such sanitary measures as had led to such excellent results in England." The Vienna correspondent of the same paper writes to a similar effect. He says:—A medical friend who lived a long time m Russia tells me that the disease, whether it be influenza or not, has -been on previous occasions the forerunner of more serious epidemics, generally scarlet fever or measles, and at times of cholera. That disease is now prevalent in Persia and the Caucasus, and, of course, persons weakened by the influenza are more liable to succumb to it. There is no scientific reason to connect the present class of outbreak with the more fatal kind but practical experience has established it almost beyond a doubt,

ROASTING A KITTEN. At Rugby petty-sessions on Tuesday, Louisa Mary Cave (14). a respectable-looking girl, of Rugby, was charged by the police with cruelly torturing a kitten, at Rugby, on the previous day. She pleaded not guilty.—Emma Walton, domestic servant to Mrs Lacy, of Albert-street, said the defendant was nurse-girl at the establish- ment. On the previous eveninK witness went into the kitchen, and hearing a noise proceeding from the oven she looked in, aod saw the kitten. There was a large fire at the time, and the kitten was steaming." She got it out with the poker and shovel.—Charles Lacy, draper's assistant, Albert-street, said that wbeu he asked the defendant whether she had put the kitten in the oven or not she replied No," buc when he said he said he should send for a policeman, she said, "Please, sir, I did put it in." He then sent for the constable. When he first saw the kitten, at something past nine o'clock in the even- ing, it was lying outside the fender, in its own fat, in a dying condition. Upon the policeman's advice he killed the animal, to put it out of its misery.—A police-seretlnt said the girl told him she put the kitten in the oven because it had scratched her. The erirl admitted having said this, but defendant denied having put the kitten into the oven, and said that on the previous morning she saw it jump in, and immediately took it out. In tbe evening she closed the oven-door with her apron, but did not know that the kitten was in. The defendant's mother being called into the box, said that the girl was perfectly sane.—The Bench committed her to gaol for ono month, with hard labour.

DUNVILLltfSØLD IRISH WHISKY IS recommended, 'by-the medical proession in preference to French Brandy. Thev hold the iarjrest SSOCK. of Whisky in the ■ world. Suppuèd in casks ana-cases ior. home use ana exportation. Quotations on aouiicar-ion to Duuviile JBdlfw*

'b. THE MANCHESiKli MEETINGS. The annual meeting of the National Liberal Federation commenced at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, on Tuesday, about 3,000 delegates being present. Sir James Kitson, the president of the federation, was in the chair.

THE ANNUAL REPORT. The PRESIDENT, in moving the adoption of the report, expressed satisfaction that they met in a city honoured as Manchester was honoured in the eyes of the Liberal party. He recognised the difficulties of Manchester at this moment, but he had read in the life of Cobden that in some transient moments of depression in his political fortunes be wrote—"But we have a Spartan band of men in Manchester." Tbe Spartan band of men had left their sons to finish their work— (cheers)—and be had faith that those sons would take their place in the ranks to achieve the great triumph n) which their illustrious leader was looking forward. The cause of Home Rule for Ireland—(cheers)—might not be so directly their interest as was the cause of free trade in corn, but it was none the less noble and pure that they should use their efforts to remove oppression from the sister nation. (Cheers.) Taking recent municipal elections as an indication, Sir James Kitson expressed, amid loud cheers, his belief that the Liberals would gain in the next election three of the seats in Birmingham. All he could say to Manchester was, "Go auddo likewise." (Hear.) As to the work of the coming year, he reminded the delegates that the federation had been deserted by many of their wealthier friends, and that there was a need of great resources. In drawing up the resolutions full promineuce had been given to the subject of the Irish question, but it was also clear from the communications he had received that the Liberal party had made up its mind that other questions were ripe for settle- ment. By commou accord urgency would be conceded to the questions of Welsh disestablish- ment and free education but there was no doubt that a strong Parliament, elected with a mandate to give Home Rule to the Irish nation, would have the energy and force to give free trade in food, free trade in land, and to devote tbe national resources to national purposes. (Cheers.) The resolution was seconded by S r WALTER FOSTER, M.P., supported by the Marquis of RIPON, and a'iop'ed.

COERCION CONDEMNED. Mr JACOB BRIGHT, M.P., moved— That this council expresses its strongest condemna- tion of the harsh and unstatesmanlike policy pursued by the Government towards the Irish nation and its parliamentary representatives. It expresses its deep satisfaction at the rapid and continuous progress which is bdug made by the Homy Hule policy, and reaffirms its perfect trust in Mr Gladstone, the leader of the Liberal party, and its beiief that no wise or durable settlement of the Irish question can be effected except by tye establishment of an Irish legislative body fur the management of txclusively Irish affairs. He declared that with such a leader as Mr Glad- stone and with such a cause their triumph was certain. It ouly needed some patience and a good deal ot work. (Cheers.) Mr H. J. seconded the Solution. Mr SHAW-I^KKTRE, M.P.,held that after recent bye-electious tkey were entitled to demand either a compiete reversal of the policy of the Govern- ment or an appeal to the people. (Cheers.) The resolution was carried riem. con.

IRISH LAND PURCHASE. Oa the motion of* Mr H. J. Wilson, M.P., seconded by Rev Charles Berry (Wolverhampton), and supported by Mr CampbeH-Bannermau, M.P., and Mr Carvell Williams! it was agreed— That this council strongly condemn any scheme of land purchase in Ireland which would entail a risk of burdening the British taxpayers for the benefit of the Irish landlords. The council, at the same time, protests against the application of British funds to the endowment of any denominational college or univer- sity in Ireland ascolltrary to the spirit of past legisla- tion and opposed to the conscientious convictions of the great majority of the British people.

INTE UNATIONAL ARBITR ATION. Mr G. LEVJKSON GOWER moved— That this council declares its belief that the true policy of Great Britain is to avoid all entanglement in continental quarrels, and to promote the just and wise principle of international arbitration. Mr W. MACAKTHCK, M.P., seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr THEODORE FRY, M.P,, and Sir WILLIAM HAROOUUT. Tne resolution was then adopted, and the con- ference adjourned until Wednesday.

MEETING OF WELSH MEMBERS. Disestablishment of the Church. A meeting of the executive committee of the Weish National Council (which consists of the North aud South Wales Liberal Federation) was held at the Grosvenor Hotel. Manchester, on Tuesday morning. Mr A. C. Humphreys Owen, J.P., chairman of tbe North Wales i edoration Executive, presided. There were also present the Right Hon. G. Osborne Morgan, M.P., Mr W. Rathbone, M.P., Rev Griffith Eili*, M.A., Dr Brown (Radnor), Messrs W, do G. Warren, J. Morgan, R. A. Jones (Liverpool), D. L. G30re, (the candidate for the Carnarvon borough), D. Herbert Lewis, John Williams (Brecon), J. W. Cobb, Richard Morgan (Blaina), J. W. Milligan (Monmouthshire), and Messrs Tdston (Wrexham) and Hall (Cardiff), secretaries.—Mr Tilston reported that, as the result of a correspondence with the National Liberal Federation on the subject of Welsh disestablishment, the committee of the federation had agreed to insert in the resolutions relating to Scotch and Welsh dis- 810tablishment the word", and declares that Welsh disestablishment anddisendowment should be dealt with as soon as Irish Home Rule is attained." At a meeting of a special committee, at Shrewsbury, held a few days since, it was felt that. although this practically covered the ground of the Welsh National Council's resolution, there were weak points in it, and it was determined to ask the committee of the National Lsague Federa- tion to substitute the following words :— That the disestablishment of the Church of England in Wales should be iucluded in the programme to be submitted to the country at the next general election. and be one of the first measures included by the next Liberal Government, subject to tbe obligation of the party in relation to Home Bule. In the event of the committee declining to accept this it was intended that it should have been moved as an amendment. Unfortunately, bow- ever, it was decided upon too late to allow of the committee's consideration, and to-day's meetmg was hold to determine whether under these cir- cumstances it was expedient to press the amend- ment this year. After considerable discussion it was unanimously resoived, ou the motion of Mr R. A. Jones, secouded by Mr H. Lewis, That in view of the fact that the committee of the National Liberal Federation have not had an oppor- tunity of considering the points raised by the com- mittee which met at Shrewsbury and recognising the concession to meet the views of the Welsh National Council mltde bv the Federation in addil1 to tbir resolution the rider, That Welsh Disestablishment and Disendowment should be dealt with as soon as Irish Home Rule is attained," the pressing forward at 1- the annual meeting of the National Federation of the DO ms raised at Shrewsbury be postponed until next year, and that the Federation committee be desired, in the meantime, to gire the qu.-stion their most serious consideration, a. d also be asked to receive a deoutation of the Welsh National Council on the subject in the course of the ensuing year.

SECOND DAY'S CONFERENCE. The second session ot the annual meetings of the National Liberal Federation was opened on Wednesday under the presidency of Sir James Kitson. REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL REFORM. The CHAIRMAN having brief! opened the pro- ceedings, Mr STANSFKLD moved the following resolution :— That this council consi ers the present state of the registration laws to be a public scandal and injustice, and declares it to be of the first imporrance that these laws should be amended, by the appointment of rss- ponsible registration ofSsers, by the reduction to three months of the qualifying period, by making successive occupation from any one constituency to any other universal, and by such other means as a.re necessary to ensure to every duly qualified citizen his full electoral rights. The council at the same time declares that the franchise should be based solely on the principle of "one man, one vote that the duration of Parliaments should be shortened that returning officers' expenses at parliamentary elections should be placed upon the rates that all elections should be hejd on one and the same day and that the principle of payment of mem- bers of Parliament by the State should be recognised. He said that in regard to the payment of the re- turning officers' expenses out of the rates, the present system Was only a bonus on wealth and a difficulty in the way ot the candidature of tbe poor man. Similarly in principle the question of the payment of members was a part of the Liberal programme, which was simply a corollary to the extension of the suffragewe-badalready obtained. (Cheers.) Mr TOWNSEND (president of the Bristol Liberal Federation); in seconding the resolution, said its aim was to perfect the representation of this great nation. (Hear, bear.) The CHAIRMAN said be bad been asked to ex- plain whether the clause m reference to the pay- ment of members was meant to be permissive or obligatory. All that was intended was to bring the principle before the Federation. The method aud the application must be left to the wisdom of Parliament. The resolution was then adopted with one dissentient. LAND REFORM. I Mr C. A. FYFFE (Liberal candidate for Oxford) next moved— That this Council declares that in any reform of land laws a just and equitable taxation of land values and ground rents is an essential coudition, and affirms the repeated declaration, that all restrictions upon the free sale and transfer of land should be abolished; that more complete security for the com- pensation should be given to the tenants for their improvements and that the process for obtaining such compensation should be simplified; that means should be found for the enfranchisement of lease- holders, and that compulsory powers, with simplified procedure, should be given to representative local a?i 11 es in town a,Kl countr-v Sor the acquisition of land for purposes of allotments and small holdings classes* Pro*isio« of dwellings for the working Mr WINTBRBOTHAM, M.P., and the Rev W. TUOKWELL supported the proposition, which was adopted unanimously. A FREE BREAKFAST TABLE. Mr J. A. PICTON, M.P., moved— That this council declares its belief that the aboli- tion of the present duties upon necessary foods, such as tea, coffee, and cocoa, is demanded in the interests of the people, and expresses its efnviction that the remission of these taxes could bèeffected with full regard to economy by the adoption of the juster method of taxation demanded by the federation Mr JAMES STUART, president of the Hull Liberal Association, seconded the resolution, which was supported by Mr E. K. MUSPRATT (Liverpool), and carried unanimously. ) LOCAL GOVERNMENT. 1 J Pressor SPOART, M.P., hon. sec. of the LON*? 1:0011 Liberal ^iladical Union* moved** That this council congratulates the Liberal party in London upon its satisfactory progress, as shown during the pa.st year by the various parliamentary contests and by the electors of the London County Council and further declares that the interests of good govern- ment urgently demand that ail representative govern. ing bodies in London and elsewjiere shall be put in posse-sion of all the larger powers now enjoyed by other great municipalities of the country, nnd that local¡;tovernment should be developed and completed by the establishment of district and parish councils. Capt. E. H. VERNKT, M.P. for North Bucks, who was introduced to the meetin as the em- bodiment of the latest Liberal triumph, seconded the resolution, which was supported by Mr F. S. STEVEN, M.P., and the Marquis of RIPON, and carried with acclamation. DISESTABLISHMENT AND EDUCATION. Sir WILFRID LAWSON next moved :— That this council reaffirms its repeated decTarations in favour of the disestablishment disendowmenc of the Established Churches in Wales and Scotland, and the application of the tithes to purely national pur- poses; the provision of free education in schools under popular representative control; the establishment of continuation schools, and increased facilities for tech- nical and intermediate education the direct popular veto of the liquor traffic; the equalisation of the death duties upon real and personal property the just divi- sion of rilles between owner and occupier tbe taxuioa of mining royalties the better housing of the working classes the extension of th" Factory Aces; and the mending or ending' of the House of Lords. Mr ELLIS GRIFFITH (Anglesea) said he was g-lad to hud that; part of toô rasolUGioD had to ào with the principality. Speaking as a Welshman be recognised that the first place in that com- prehenive resolution had been given to a subject which agitated the minds of the party, and he thanked the federation for the work it had done, and for the future work it would do to aid them, WhatevermigÜt be the views of Welshmen on this question it could not be denied that Wales at aoy rate bad deserved well of the Liberal party. In the year of the great secession, three years ago, when Radicalism in England was routed, and England and Scotland wavered and grew I. weak, Wales with a majority and a pre- ponderauce equal to that of Ireland herself remained true to their traditions and to th-.ir allegiance to the Liberal party. (Cheers.) Nor was this a recent departure on their part ? For 20 years the Welsh Liberals had on elections, general and otherwise, repeatedly affirmed their political creed, and he might say that they did not think that in Wales they ha.d received their due reward. He, therefore, desired to emphasise the position that Welsh disestablishment was to hold in the Liberal programme, and with the consent of the proposer and seconder of the resolution, and with the unanimous approval of the meeting, he begged to add, as a rider—"And that Welsh disestab- lishment and disendowment should be dealt with as soon as Irish Home Rule is attained." (Cheers.) Their ouly rival could be Scotland, but the Welsh were first in the field, and they had put the question before the electorate on election after election. It was not the agitation of a farmers, but ths agitation of a nation. (Cheers.) The policy of the Church had been to crush out and to extinguish Welsh national life. Its policy had been one of indifference in the department of social and religious activity, but activity in the work of trying to crush out the national spirit of freedom in Wales. But the new gospel of social reform and equality had penetrated from London through Englsnd into Wales, and the urgency and spirit of this reform bad touched their hearts and quickened their hopes and they wouid not rest content until the Establishment as a symbol of persecution and oppression was swept away. (Cheers.) They did not wish to minimise the forces against them. The Church had wealth, rank, officialism, and also the apostolic succession. (Laughter.) Non- conformity had none of these, but it abided deep down in the consciences, sympathy, and tbe support of the people. (Cheers.) IcTbad been stated that a recent change had come over the disestablishment movement in Wales, and that the Church was making pro- gress, and that there was a great revival. Well, it wanted it much. (Laughter.) What were the changes of which the Church party boasted? They were these. The Church party now had its conferences, its confirmation, and its converts, and occasionally congregations. (Loud laughter.) If they felt so proud of the new departure, it would not take long to guess what had been the state of the Church in Wales. (Renewed laughter.) Dealing with the proselytising zeal of the Church, Mr Griffith said there were occasions when proselytising could not be objected to, when it was a matter of conscience, and was effected by fair means. But it was cer- tainly I1Ø;. a virtue when it was brought about by broth, blankets, and bribery much more than by conscience, catechism, or creed. (Laughter and cheers.) The programme of Welsh Liberals so far was a moderate one. There was a conspiracy being carried on between the landlords and Churchmen of Wales to turn out the Liberal and Nonconformist tenants from their farms. He was not recklessly making a statement which he could not prove, and he need only mention It case that recently occurred near his own home, a case which had been mentioned in tho news- papers, and in which a farm vacated by a Liberal was given to a Tory. Iu the light of these facts, did the men of England wonder that Welshmen were serious and earnest over this question of disestablishment ? At the recent county council elections in Wales, which were fought upon political lines, the Liberals had swept the board in the 12 out of 13 counties. (Cheers.) That was the answer of Welshmen to the Church cry of revival, and their cry at the next election will be one of triumph. When Welshmen remembered the support of English Liberals, and that they had promised them solemnly in the meeting that when Home Rule was attained the turn of Wales would come, they took heart, and they took consolation in the words of the Irish poet who felt the losses of the past, the dangers of the present, and tbe hope of the future, and who, in mourniug the men of 48, anticipated the final triumph of the Irish cause. They rose in dark and evil days to right their native land; They kindled here a living blaze that nothing shill withstand. Alas that might should conquer right. They fell, and passed away. But true men, like you men, are plentiful to-day. (Prolonged cheers.) Earl CoMPrON, M.P., in supporting the resolu- tion, thought it was an indication that they had inscribed on the Liberal banner the Christian cause of humanity, Mr BROADHURST, M.P., also supported the resolution, and advocated a considerable increase in the power and numbers of Government inspec- tors of workshops and factories. The proceedings of the conference terminated with a vote of thanks to Sir James Kitson for presiding.

DEATH OF POLICE SUPERIN- TENDANT HOWLETT, We regret to announce the death of Mr Supt. Howlett, of the Glamorganshire County Con- staeuiary, stationed at Neath. It took place at the Midland Hotel, Morriston, on Wednesday morning, from the result of an apoplectic tit incurred under circumstances already described. In the dfath of Mr Howlett the police force lose a very efficient officer, and the public a most zealous and courteous guardian of the peace. His loss will be greatly felt, not ouly in the Neath district, but throughout the county. Our Neath correspondent telegraphs:—The news of the death of Mr Superintendent Howlett was received at Neath with a feeling of painful surprise. The sad event was utterly unexpected, for it was generally believed that he enjoyed robust health. The deceased had risen from the ranks, and had attained bis position by strict attention to his duties, and by the discretion and tact which he exercised in the performance of the tasks allotted to him, and which were not always of an over-pleasant character. He joined the force as a policeman at Merthyr in August, 1852, and by dint of his perseverance ana the interest he displayed in his work became superintendent in the year 1870, in succession to Superintendent Matthews. Super- intendent Howlett displayed praiseworthy cour- age in tbe arrest of three Fenians at Swansea In the year 1867. Notwithstanding the combined attack of the three, who were powerfully built men, he succeeded in handcuffing two ot them, and arrested the other subsequently in another part of the town. The deceased was a strict disciplinarian, and was always to be met with in some part of his extensive district directing and supervising tbe opetations of bis men. At the Swansea police court, on Wednesday, Dr Hall said Mr Howlett had been 57 years in the forci, and for 19 had been superintendent of the Swansea divisiou of the county. He regularly attended the court on county days, and from what he had seen of his conduct, he was sure he expressed the feelings of bis brother magistrates when he said they deeply regretted the death of so valuable an officer, who bad performed his duties in an able and efficient manner, and to the entire satisfaction of the magistrates. It was due to the character of so highly respectable a man that this acknowledgment of bis public worth should be stated in that court, which deeply regretted the loss of so valuable an officer. Dr Paddon expressed bis thorough concurrence with every word that bad fallen from bis colleague.

DEATH OF THE REV D. JAMES, j LLANEURWG. We deeply regret to announce the death, at the age of 53 years, of the Rev David James, Llaneurwg, a highly-esteemed minister of the Calvinistic Methodist connexion. The sad event took place at the residence of the deceased in Talbot street, Canton, I Cardiff, on Saturday night. Mr James had been confined to bed for many months past, but be bore his trying illness with Christian courage and fortitude. A minister of the Gospel for 32 years, the deceased gentle- I man was well known throughout the whole of Wales, and was in great request for cymanfaoedd and anniversary services. His reputation was not confined to his native land, and in the course of his career he bad preached at many of tbe great centres of population in England. Mr James was a man of singular purity and rectitude. His gentleness, his affability, and tbe ether paging ¡ qualities of bis disposition won for him universal respect and esteem. Intelligence of bis death will be received with widespread regret for few men were more highly honoured in the connexion. The rev. gentleman leaves a widow and three I children.

HOUSING OF THE WORKING CLASSES, The Central News understands that it is the intention of her Majesty's Government to consoli- date all the Acts ot Parliament dealing with the bousing of the working classes into one singte act t in order to facilitate their application, by local authorities. The work of consolidation is at f present being carried out, and it is hoped that it" will be finished before the opening of Parliament.

NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS. By London Correspondents. A WELL-PAID JOURNALIST. Mr Gladstone, I believe, receives a very fair price for his occasional articles ia the" Nine- teenth Century," but it does not approach the fee he commands for similar work from American publishers. A little more than a year ago I happened to act as inter- mediator between the editor of an American weekiy paper and Mr Gladstone in the matter of securing the right hon. gentleman as a contributor. I was autoorised to i~fffir,for an article not exceed- ing 1,500 words, £ 100. This is pretty well for prose. Mr Gladstuu» lias become an occasional contributor to this journal, for which he is writing the article on Mr Motley mentioned yesterday. It is not probable that the rate of remuneration has been cut down. I MERCANTILE MARINE EXAMINATIONS. Toe Board of Trade have issued a modest little returu, which, nevertheless, covers a matter of profound public interest. It is the report of the departmental committee that has been engaged examining officers of the mercantile marine in the matter of colour blindness. The system of examination, began twelve years ago, and since then of the number submitting them- selves for examination only something like four hundred have been rejected on the ground of colour-blindness. It would, nevertheless, be diffi- cult to exaggerate the amount of saved life and property which these four hundred cases represent. It is the opinion of some—like Dr Bickertou, of Liverpool—who have devoted atten- tion to this matter that many of the disasters at sea of which we read, and gome of the disappear- ances of ships the grim record of which is posted up at Liverpool, is due to unsuspected colour- blindness on the part of an < tfieer or a look-out man. It is curious to note th", visual vagaries of the rejected men. Thirty-two shown a red card declared it was green—a blunder that goes to the very root of the system of night signalling in the mercantile navy. A look out man who, seeiug a red light flash on an advancing ship, and, thlDk- in it was green, steered his vessel accordingly, would come to inevitable grief. One hundred and twenty-four of tbe men examined thought- pink was green. But the greatest unanimity of error was shown in respect of the cards coloured drab. Not less than 203 protested the colour was green. White is the colour, or. to be more exact, the absence of colour, which is recognised with widest accuracy. Of all examined, only two shown a white card, miscalled it. One thought it was pink, another swore it was green. As I stated some time ago, Dr Farquharson, the member for West Aberdeenshire, has under- taken next session to bring the matter under the notice of the House of Commons, with the object of extending the system of examination, and making it compulsory both in the navy and the mercantile marine. In this endeavour he will have the valuable assistance of Dr B ckerton. THE PERILS OF ELECTRIC LIGHTING. London is some way behind the great American cities in the matter of the adoptiou of the electric light. But the delay is not without its compensa- tions. Observation of tbe working of the system in other parts of the world has taught electric engineers a better way. In America the electric wires are, almost without exception, overhead, involving manifold dangers. At first tbe par- ticular objection held was that the wires were apt to fall, endangering the life of foot passengers and horses. Of late a new and even greater terror is added to the electric wire. A few weeks ago one breaking in New York fell across i. telephone wire exposed on the ground beneath. A horse touching the entang-led wires instantly became a seething mass of electric fire. Some passers-by were seriously hurt. A still greater disaster has bef.dlen Boston, where nearly two acres of the city has been destroyed, at a loss of a million sterling. The fire, it is now clear, arose from the contact between tbe electric light and the telegraph wires in London. We have too many over-bead wires, Out as far as the electric lighting is concerned the wires are compulsorily laid underground for some weeks past. All the West End of London has been nearly impassable by the work of laying tbe electric light. A QUKTTA TRAGEDY. Lord Connemara ilas just completed his tenth tour through India, which led him through Cal- cutta, Darjeeling, Allahabad, Simla, Quetta, Kurrachee, Bombay, and so home to Madras. He seuds me a copy of the diary written by bis secretary, and printed for private circulation. Like the preceding chapters, it is full of graphic touches, bringing into bright light the oddities and pictureKJueuess of native life in remote parts of India. The diary contains full particular" of a tragedy that took place close by Quetta, on the frontier of Afghanistan, and snarply illustrates the condition or affairs that still reigns there. A few days before the arrival of the Governor of Madras, a Pathan bad called at New Chaman, in the Kieojak Pass, to see one of the contractors of th*? rauway works, from whom he claimed paymentof 30 rupees for some work he said hadbedone. A yearuetore the contractor referred him to the local authority. Knowing nothing of and caring nothing for lhe tocal aulhoriy. the man went away disappointed, and shortly after- wards met a mule driver, belonging to the works, riding one mule aud leading Huother. It entered into his head that he would take this mule in satistactiou of his debt so be tired his revolver at the muleteer) who fell off, the robber riding off on one of the muies. The muleteer g&va tbe alarm in camp, and the frontier police were about to start in pursuit, when Captain Harris, commanding Royal Engineers, called out to Lieutenant Rooke, of the Bombay Lancers, Let us go and ses the fun." So these two young officers rode off, and, outstripping the mounted ponce, soon came up with the Patban. Captain Harris pointing a pistol at him, tbe Pathan fired two barrels of his five chambered revolver, missing with both. Captain Harris aud Lieutenant Rooke fired at him, and both missed. Then he tired again, and shot Captain Harris through the heart. The captain fell off his horse, exclaiming I am bit," and died. The robber turned and fired at Lieut. Rooke. The ball caught Rooke on the shoulder-blade, and glanced off to his throat and be, too, fell. The Pathau thereon picked uu the revolver ot Captain Harris, who lay dead on the sand, and made off with the mute. Soon afterwards the police cam up. and shot him in two places, and he was brougiit into camp to be tried. He said he had killeu two Englishmen in the war that these two sahibs pointed pistols at him that be made as good a fight as be could for his life, and would leave the rest in the bands of God. Soon after he died of his wounds. RELIEVING MRS PARNELL. A letter has been received in Dublin from Mrs Parnell stating that money has been found to meet the taxes and pay off the mortgage on her bouse at Bordentowu. The first cheque she received came from the proprietor of one of tbe New York theatres. Immediately on reading in the newspapers that Mrs Parnell was in distress, be telegraphed to her, offering to give her a benefit if she would accept it. Mrs Parneil at once closed with the offer, aud tbe theatre proprietor, estimat- ing the probable proceeds of the benefit, at once sent her a cheque tor £120, and forthwith pro- ceeded to advertise the benefit performance. CLAIMANTS FOR A MILLION OF MONET. Two gentlemeu of Dutch lineage have just arrived in London upon an errand with an exceedingly pleasing prospect in view. They claim to be the lineal descendants cf Hermann von Hake, a Dutchman, who, having settled in this country eariy in this century, died intestate 50 years ago, leaving a very large property. The property, now estimated at over a million sterling, went in the natural course of events to the Crown, but tbe newly-arrived Dutchman are armed with documentary evidence that they are the rightful heirs. When Hermann died he had a nephew living in Holland, who died in ignorance of the good fortune that had attended his uncle ( n England. Two sons of this nephew emigrated to America, where they also lived and died in ignorance of their heirship of tbe estate in England. They left four sons, who now want tbe:r great-great-uncle's money, with compound interest, and they have secured the services of a firm of London solicitors, who are prepared to urge their demand. It would be a sad thing for Mr Goschen if he found his cheering prospects for the coming Budget dashed by a Dutch disaster. A GREAT SPKECH. Mr Gladstone's speech at Manchester on Monday is of the very primest importance. In tbe first place, it displays bim apparently in a condition of bounding health aud strength. I hear from one who was preseut that rarely has he been seen in such high spirits, playing more humorously at the weak points of tbe adversary, or displaying fuller confidence in the issues of the future. Beyond tbis personal question, to which circum- stances lent an unusual measure of interest, Mr Gladstone has formally adopted all the principal ¡ planks of the advanced programme of the Liberal party. For tbe first time in his hfe, he has abandoned tbe cautious and reticent attitude towards the disestablishment question. At Manchester to- day be categorically declared that tbe time has now come wben Parliament may be asked to decide on the question of disestablishment in Scotland and in Wales. I am told that, with the exception of the remarkable scenes of enthusiasm which welled up trom the assembly when Mr Gladstone mentioned his approaching 80th birthday, this declaration elicited tbe loudest and most enthusiastic applause from the crowded representative assembly. OMNIBUS COMPANIES' REVENUES. It is generally understood that the loss to cmni- bus companies through peculation is enormous. Mr Church, manager of tbe London General | Omnibus Company, has not hesitated publicly to refer to the matter. At a recent meeting of tbe shareholdera be alluded to the loss as enormous, cynically adding that it must be regarded as a matter of course. All kinds of systems have been tried by the .London companies to check the con- ductors, hitherto without perfect success. A de- vice has now been bit upon from which great things are expected. It is an improvement upon the bell punch, already in use on some of the tramways, and on one of tbe principal omnibus lines. The tickets are printed in various colours, accord- I ing as the fare is a penny, twopence, or three- pence, thus making one ticket serve, and doing away with the series now in use. The ticket is punched according to the fare paid, rtnd an ingenious contrivance in the machine collects and assorts tbe varied fragments, which, being counted, infallibly represent tbe aggregate sum received during the day by tbe conductor The North Metropolitan Tramway Company" bave practically decided to bave Ibe new system, and tho London Road Car Company directors have it under their favourable consideration. If it fulfils j the promise, it is likely to lave an influence UDOD. j bns and tram revenues. A BRAVE WOMAN. i Tbe Painful circumstances attending tbe death HlM £ Rlchard A' Prooto1 will not be forgotten. Mc Proctor WAS at New York, on his way to London, where tie was engaged to deliver a series t of lectures. In the very morning p.tpers which ad- vertised bis coming and his iecturei appeared a telegram announcing hIs death. He bad brought with him the seeds of yellow fever, then rag;ng in Florida, and be died on the morning of the day he should have sailed for England, He left Mr^ Proctor in somewhat straitened circumstances, I which she is meeting with characteristic energy and courage. A private letter from her describes how she has taken up her husband's work, and I has arranged to deliver a series of bis lectures with all their paraphernalia of illustration. If, as is most. possible, the enterprise proves success- ful, Mrs Proctor may be expected to read the lectures in this country, where her husband had many friends. OUTRAGING ROYALT?. I have heard from a well-informed quarter and gentlemen well read the fact, with deep regret, that Marlborough House is daily assailed with anonymous letters of the most outrageous cha- racter, bearing upon the West End scandals. Not only the Prince ot Wales, but the Princess is directly addressed in communications of a monstrous character. The affair is in other high quarters continuing to give infinite trouble and vexation, with the common effect of strengthen- ing the determination to withdraw from thw attitude at first unhappily assumed in certain ministerial quarters, and insist upon a full and open investigation into the whole unwholesome matter. HISTORICAL DELIVERANCES. The profouud political importance of Mr Gladstone's speech at Manchester, is recog- nised in both political camps, where it is the one topic of conversation, Mr Gladstone, as an irate Conservative said to-day, has "gone the whole hog on the Radical programme." It is true that he prefaced his adhesion by a passage in which be pathetically referred to his four score years as an absolute bar to bis personal and active participation in the work-sufficient for theremain- mg portion of bis daywill be the carrying of the Home Rule Bill. But the importance of his ad- herence to tbe programme cannot be over esti- mated. It lifts it out of tbe position it hitherto held, making it now the authorised programme of the great party, whose complete and absolute unanimity is Mr Gladstone's proudest boast. First of all, Home Rule will be won for Ireland, and then, under whatever leadership the Liberal party may march, tbe comprehensive scheme of social legislation winch be yesterday marked out will be carried our. in its entirety.

THE ARRAN MURDER. A reporter, interviewing Mr Jatnes Laurie, the respecoed father of the convict, at his residence in Church-street, Coatbridge, along with Mr Alex- ander Pettigrew, the couvener of the committee, states that the old gentleman received them with a profusion of thanks offered to all concerned in the commutation of the cap.tal sentence passed upon his son. He said that he had received the news with the most overwhelming gratitute. From tho moment that the first announce- ment showed that his son might possibly be identified with the unfortunate companion of poor Mr Rose, he bad suffered intensely but when it became confirmed that he had left his situation and was evading apprehension, the thought was too terrible to bear, and he became utterly prostrate, and could only go about any little business in a mechanical sort cf way. The blow was altogether too crushing. He knew that his son had some little paculiarities, but be had never shown any sign of vice, and the thought that be could possibly be a murderer altogether unmanned him but now that the glad tidings had come that his life would be spared, he rcjoiced with joy un- speakable that the pray-rs of the family and the efforts of a united community bad been successful. He certainly should never forget he good feelings- displayed by the people of the two parishes of Old auu New Monkland. Mr Laurie iocks very haggard and worn, and the intense excitement of the past three month* has aged him very con- siderably. His cheeks are furrowed and bis forehead is wrinkled, bu" despite this, while talk- ing, there was a quiet rtfl-.ciion of his former self as he earnestly bJe everyone God-speed who bad petitioned ill mercy for the life of his son. Berry, the hangman, arrived in Gresnock on the night previous to that fixed for the execu- tion to make preparations. He was engaged a short tune at the police-office seeing to bis ropes, &e., aud afterwards drove out of the prison m a cab with a lieutenant. Toere were a good mauy people at tbe police- office seeing him off. He was dre.ssad in a light tweed suit, an Inverness cloak, and a round hat. While at the prison Berry tested the scaf- fold and a couple of ropes which he produced On one of the ropss there is a small piece of leather, on which is inscribed the fact that the rope WaS used on the man Berry first executed. He said he kept a strict note of all his jobs, and appeared quite willing to teil all his experiences. Immediately on receipt of the first official mes- sage at Greenock intimating that Laurie's sen- tence had been commuted to peual servitude for life this fact was communicated to the convict in his cell. TIe was also told that he could no longer be allowed to wear his own clothes, and that he would have to exchange them for those of the convict dress. He was it once removed from the ceil in which be had beei confined since his con- viction to an ordinary cell, and is now wearing the convict suit, and in every respect treated as an ordinary convict. TLe most striking characteristic which Laurie blla dlsphyed since his incarceration at Greenock has beeu his inordinate vanity. It has been the surprise not .only of the prison oSLciais, but of all who have visited him that a man in his position should show such care and attention to his toilet and general appearance. When be was first brought to Greenock Prison be showed his evident pleasure at being allowed to wear his own clothes. It is stated that as yet be has shown no great aversion to the convict attire, but those who know him best believe that once his mind has been brought round to realising his position, both the wearing of the convict garb and the convict work to which be will be put will go against the grain and weigh heavily upon him. The magistrates of Greenock, as eoon as Laurie's reprieve was known, appear to ba. e decided to obliterate as speedily as possible al trace of the preparation"; for the execution. They at once gave instructions that the hoarding which was erected round about the scaffold should be taken down, which was done on Saturday. The same forenoon the scaffold was removed to Glasgow. The cost of the arrangements for the execution, including Bnrry's half-fee and expenses, is stated to be about JB60. The Daily News, commenting on the commuta- tion of the death sentence passed on the Arran murderer, says Laurie is either a madman, or one of the guiltiest wretches that ever stood in the dock. He is not reprieved as a madman, and it is difficult to trace the logic of the mental process to which he owes his escape. A Glasgow evening contemporary published the following on Saturday: We bave to-day received the following communication on a post-card, bear- ing the Glasgow Post Office mark, and dated November 27 Dear Sir-I am glad to bear that Laurie has been reprieved, as he is entirely iuno- ceut of this crime with which he is charged. I was within a rhert distance of both Rose and Laurie at the time the accident happened. I saw poor Rose slip and fall accidentally over the cliff, and then Laurie robbed him and hid him under the boulder. I daresay you will doubt the truth of my story, but my reason far keeping quiet till now is because I feared it might get me into trouble if I revealed my secret.—I am, &c., A WITNESS DTP Ro!'1.W'1. R>R »TTJ p K T .II -A' _Ag no further communication."

THE SCANDAL IN HIGH LIFE. A Parke Defence Fund, The following appeal has been issued :— In the interests ot justice it is desirab!e that Mr Ernest Parke's defence to the criminal action for libel brought against him by the Earl of Euston should not be unfairly weakened by want oi money the Parke DefeDce Fund has, there- fore, been started. Subscriptions sent to the bon. treasurer, 100, Central-street, St. Luke's, London, will be acknowledged in the North London Press. H. W. MASSINGHAM, Hon. Secretary, J. W. NEAL, Hon. Treasurer." J. W. NEAL, Hon. Treasurer." Speech of Mr Labouchere. Mr Labouchere, addressing a large and en- thusiastic meeting at Lincoln, said there was no meanness, no subterfuge, no bribery to which the Government would not descend. The Tories bad joined in a vile conspiracy to crush Mr Parnell hy means of forgery, and they bad ransacked the prisons to find men ready to bear false witness against him. They seemed to glory in what others would deem shame. At present they were engaged in conduct even more base. Two wretches had been consigned to prison; a person highly placed was concerned in the offence. They told a friend of this man what they had against him, and be fled tbe country. Then tbey issued a warrant against him. Although otberi highly placed were deemed by the police to be concerned in the offence, they bad interfered to prevent the police taking action because these people belonged to the classes. The subject was too loathsome to allude to further at a public meeting, but he warned the Government that when Parliament met they would have to explain their conduct. They must insist on an investigation. This would probably be refused, but he hoped for the honour of the gentlemen of England that they would be supported by some Tory members.

ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER IN GAOL. At Manchester on Tuesday, Anthony Mitchell, lately a warder in Strangeways Prison, was charged with causing the death of William Henry Gatliffe, wben tbe latter was a prisoner in the gaol. It is alleged that whilst Gatliffe was suffering from delirium tremens and strapped down in bed, the prisoner persistently assaulted him, in consequence of which, Gatliffe's breast bone and ribs were fractured, and be died from the effects of those injuries. The fellow-prisoner in the same ward with Gatliffe included a man since convicted of manslaughter, Dukes, who is accused of the Bury murder, and Cbadwick, who is suspected of the Atherton murder. At the inquest, when a verdict of manslaughter was re- turue, d against Mitchell, Dakes gave evidence, but his testimony was dispensed with on Tues- day. Prisoner was committed to the Liverpool assizes for, trial.

SURE AND HARMLESS CURE FOR WORMS IN CRILDREN.-Ke--nick s Vegetable Worm Lozenges, 7d and lSjd boxes, with fuli directions 15588 A BOON TO MEN WHO suffer from Nervous Debility, Lost Vigour, Exhausted Vitality, &c. A treatise explaining the renowned Marston treatment J* by local absorption, the only positive cure without | Stomach Medicines, will be sent in plain envelope, seated, post free, upon application.—Address The Marston Remedy Comoir., 249. High BolbonuLondon.

THE POLICE COURTS At the Newport poliuu-court 011 Wednesday^ a young hawker named Eiwin Clifford, Gordon-street, Maindee, evideuWy found hitrself ill at ease as a sententious borough officer put damaging facts against him about as mtldly aa possibly could be. Mr Clifford desired to make unto himself a solitude, so be went home, pitched his mother, his sister, and bit brother in the street, and stood at the window armed with a carving fork in one hand and an ordinary fork in the other. He was ex- cessively elevated. The officer said be was the subject of an onslaught, but gave him a taste of the Staff.—Clifford sober was a very good lad, his mother said; she did not say how different he was druuk. OU, yes, be would sign the pledge, and keep it V asked the Court. Yes," was the ready response. He seems very sorry this morning, broke in the magistrates' clerk, can we trust his repentance ?" The Court passed over the fact that for the last 18 months the county police h4ve been repeatedly called to the Clifford's castle, and suggested the diversion of three half-crowns, with 8 promise never to come again. Ten o* twelve miles an hour was the pace, V € estimated pace, of Mr Dennis O'Neal, boarding- house keeper, as he sat behind his fast-trotting pony, and went down Commercial-road between the lights on Saturday night. Did you call after him?" "No," said Officer Colbourne, "he'd gone too far." He went past like a flash, did be ?" said the clerk. "Yes, something like that." P.C. Perry's contribution was that at the Pillgwenliy level- crossing he nearly collided with a tramsar and nearly upset three men; and Head-constable Sinclair's postscript to the story was that on the 4th September last O'Neal was fined 20s. The father of the force (P.S. Frankunji had a revelation of domesticity to make The daughter told him that her father was drink- ing about, and ought to be imprisoned. The defendant outraged the Court by neglecting ta appear, bad told Perry that he could do at; htt liked about a summons, and now had his exchequer lowered by a 40s fine, or a fourteen days' "haro." Forty shillings carries a month,' said the Clerk. "Well, a month be it." said the Bench. At the Culeford police-court on Tuesday— before Mr Isaiah Trotter-William Jones, collier. Broadwell-larse-end, Coleford, was Urougnt up io custody charged with assaulting Albert Hale* collier, Moseley Green, Blakeney. Mr T. Wriat- ley appeared for the prisoner. According to tbe. complaiuant, be got to the Rising Sun Inn about middle day oa the 18th November, and wassborrJy afterwards followed by prisoner, wh m he did not know. There was no quarrel between them,, but about five o'clock, as he was returning into the house, a man struck him a blow across the head and he fell insensible to the ground. He remained in that condition for three hours. '1 wo doctors were called in, and he was still in a weak state.— Mrs Nash, the landlady of the inn, gave evidence that she heard prisoner say be should bit Hale.- P.S. Evans, who apprehended prisoner, said that prisoner's statement to him was that prosecut-or had threatened him, and that the injuries sustained were caused by bis (prosecutor's falling against a w ndow corller.-Prisoner was committed to the anarter sessions, and admitted tc bail himself in £100, and two sureties ot B50 each. At the Aberdare police-court on Tuesday, Liewellyn Price and WatklO Price were sum- v moned for cruelly ill-treating a horse in Duke- street on the 22ad November.—Inspector Thorney saw the horse attached to a trolley heavily laden with sacks of oats. It was in a very distressed condition, and the load was an utircasonable one for the horse, which was scarcely 14 hands high, and did not have the load under control.—Defen- dants said they bad a wager for L5 that the horse would bring the trolipy and two tons weight from the Great Western Station to Duke-street, and the bet was won. Defendants now said the tiorst, did the work all right, and was nut forced or ill- treated, but the money bad not Rt been paid on the bet. They were each fined JE1 and costs, or. in default, oue month's impr.sonruent. At the Swanseapolice-court on Wednesday —before Messrs J. G. Hall, J, Paddon, and Col4 Morgan—a young girl of no tixed abode, named Jane Harris, charged with stealing two jackets and other articles, the property of Elizabeth Smith, of 10, TJnper Strand, was sent to gaol for a month.—M. Kelley, Greenbill, charged under a warrant with contravening the Sunday-closing Act by drinking in public-houses at the Mumblest on the 17th ult., was fined £ 1.—Samuel Corker, of the Sandfieids, Swansea, lur a like offence at the Mumbles, was fined a similar amount; as were also B. Williams and J. Bath, the date of this offence being the 24th uit,—John Wilii^ms was also summoned, but, as be did not appear, a warrant was issued. At the Cardiff police-sourt on Wednesday—fhe, maigstrates present hemg the Stipendiary and Alderman Jacobs-K-Atti Mabley, a married woman, living at 10, Portmanmoor-road, was charged with selling beer without a license. MP YViiliamg (deputy town clerk) prosecuted on behalf of the police, and Mr F. Shuttle appeared for the defendant.—Inspector Cox deposed to watching the defendant's house on Sunday, the 24ch ult., ill company with P.C. Scott. They watched the place from a quarter to seven in the mormng till one p.m. Outside the house they stopped a little girl who had just left, and in a shawl wrapped round a baby she was carrying they found a bottle of beer. Witness then went tc the house, and defendant said she gave the girl the beer. In the house he found a nine-gallon eq,-k nearly empty, and a number of measures. De- fendant insisted upon it that she gave the beer to the girl, and askea why the police did not cop others—" them at the corner shop as well as her." The defence was that the beer was got in for the use of the defendant's family and lodgerR.-The Bench, however, imposed a penalty ot £5 and costs, or a month's imprisonment. At Pontypridd police-court on Wednesday, Mary Morgan, wife of Levi Morgan, haulier, Tramroad-side, Dinas, charged her husband with assaulting her. The complainant, whose face presented a frightful appearance, fhe left cheek and eye being swollen to a great size, said that on Monday night last she was bringing her drunken husband home. He beat her most unmercifully for fully five minutes. That was the eightn time be bad beaten Wer since Saturday last, and it was only three weeks since she was confined They had been married 12 months. The Benct said that cases of that sort must be put down, and sent prisoner to gaol for three months with hard labour, and the magistrates also granted a separa- tion order, prisoner to pay 7s 6j a week toward8 her maintenance. At Pontypridd on Wednesday before the Stipendiary (Mr Ignatius Williams), Mr L. Gordon Lenox, Mr W. Merchant, Dr Naunton Davies, Mr T. P. Jenkins, and Mr D. W. Davies -Anne Doherty (14), ballad singer, and Wm. Clarke (11), charged with stealing a frail basket containing ham, cheese, and other provisions, the property of Wm. Cooke, timberman, Treforest, from the White Hart Inn, Pontypridd, on Mon- day last, was fined 5-Benjamirt Rayman, land- lord of the Rickara's Arms, Treoaaog, appeared in answer to a charge of having on Sunday, the 24rh ult., opened his bouse for the sale of drink. Inspector Jones prosecuted and Mr Walter H. Morgan defended. P.C. William Ivins said that be saw 2b persons snter the house, the actual number ot entries being 35. Thirteen of these persons hved at Trebanog. Defendant was fined 25, while 11 of the men found entering the bouse were fine-I j31 each. Thomas Baker, a collier, living at Porth, was charged with assaulting Acting-sergeant Llewellyn, on St. Mabon's Day last. The officer said that prisoner and another man were fighting in the bar at the Porth Hotel. He parted them, and outside prisoner knocked him down, kicked him on the leg and in the stomach, and kicked his helmet off with such a force that the cbm-strap snapped in two. P.C. Gammon, who came to his rescue, was also kicked violently. Prisoner was sentenced to a month's incarceration with hard labour.—W. Jones, collier, Cilfynydd, was charged with wounding Benjamin E.ans, collier, Cwm Eiddu, Cilfynydd, ou the 26th October iast. The evidence showed that on the day in question the parties were drinking togstber at the Cilfynydd public-house, where they had a quarrel. Subse- quently they went out together to tight the matter out, and bad two or three rounds. While walking back towards the public-house defendant suddenly struck complainant on the left eye with a lamp, infl cting such injuries that be had completely lost his sight with that eye. He had been staying since then at the Car(iiff Intirmary.-Dr Lyttio gave evidence as to the injuries, and sid that the eye had bad to be removed.—Prisoner was com- mitted for trial.—Mr Spowart defended. At the 13rynmawr police-cnurt on Monday, Obadiah Brewster, Lamb Inn, Giamorgan-skree4 was charged with selling beer during prohibited hours on Sunday, 10Gb ult., to his son. Mr T. G. Powell, for the defence, contended that the run was a lodger. The case was adjourned for the attendance of defendant's wife. Two young girls anxious to get a glimpse at the future called on a fortune- teller, named Ann Murphy, and crossing her hands with silver, listened to their fate. One Was promised a fair-going man and the other "a dark one." Both were to have trouble, but best of all, they were to become rich and happy. The polic-i got wind of the affair, and a prosecution followed. As the result of an appearance at the Swansea police-court on Monday ADo will now spend three weeks in gaol.

A PAUPER WITH THREE HUSBANDS. It has jast come to light that an inmate of the Bath Workhouse, aged about 50, has living no fewer than three husbands. It appears that at the age of 20 she entered into the matrimonial estate at Twerton, near Batb. She next took unto herself a husband at Bradford, Yorkshire* being married at the parish church there. This man having become aware that the woman's first husband was still in existence, the cruple parked. Toe marriage ceremony was gone through by the woman for the thirci time at Bradford, and although Nr. 5 was aware shortly afterwards pf the real state of the case, they continued to live together for 10 years, when they separated, and tbe woman has since entered the Bath Work- house. She, however, is to be transferred to Bradford, which is said to be her legal settlement.

SUDDEN DEATH OF A PROFESSOH. Professor William Ramsay McNab, professor of botany at the Royal College of Science, Dublin, author of numerous work- on botany, and son of the curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, died suddenly of apoplexy in Dublin on Tuesday. He was only fifty years of age, and was present at the St. Andrew's Society dinner or Saturday, at which be delivered banwro* aoeech.