Monmouthshire Merlin

THE SULTAN DECLINES THE PROPOSALS OF THE POWERS. CONSTANTINOPLE, Dec. 27—(Delayed in transmis- sion).—The Marquis of Salisbury, in his audience of the Sultan yesterday, informed hie Majesty that a complete understanding had been arrived at between the Powers during the preliminary Conferences. This agreement had resulted in a programme being drawn up which had already been semi-officially communicated to the Porte. His Lordship recom- mended the Sultan to accept the proposals of the Powers. His Majesty replied that he greatly re- gretted to be compelled to decline giving his adhesion, as his powers were limited by the constitution. The Marquis then observed that, in that case, Turkey could neither count upon money or men from England, who would leave Turkey to her fate. The Sultan rejoined that it was useless to press him, since, if he accepted the proposals, he risked his crown and his life. Lord Salisbury asked his Majesty on what he would rely for his defence in case of war. His Majesty replied that his army and his people would defend him, but he could not count on them if he opposed the unanimous wishes of his people. At the close of the interview Lord Salisbury informed the Sultan that he would be compelled to withdraw the British fleet, in order to obviat,e any erroneous idea that the fleet supported lurkey in resisting the will of Europe. On leaviag the Sultan's presence, Lord Salisbury telegraphed Vice-Admiral Drummond to withdraw his fleet, arrived lately from Turkish waters. The Admiral asked authority to winter at Salonica, but his Lordship not consenting, part of the fleet sailed for the Piraeus while the remainder proceeded for Malta.

THE CONFERENCE. PROLONGATION OF THE ARMISTICE. CONSTANTINOPLE, December 28.—(Delayed in trans- mission.)—At to-day's sitting of the plenary Con- ference, which lasted four Itours, it was decided that vhe armistice should be prolonged until the 1st. March next, a period of two months. The Turkish delegates submitted objections to several of the proposals made )y the Conference, chiefly on the subject of the Tu&rantees. A discussion followed on the question raised by the Turkish delegates, in which Count ie Chandordy, the French Plenipotentiary, too^ a principal part. The next sitting of the Conftpnce will be held on Saturday, and it will also meet on Monday. It is expected to make rapid progress with ts deliberation. The apprehensions recently enter- tained of an unfavourable issue to its labours are now xrasiderably diminished, and a pacific solution of pending questions is anticipated. PARIS, December 30.—It is announced here on official authority that the armistice has been prolonged till the 1st March. CONSTANTINOPLE, Dec. 28 (Delayed in transmission). -The proposals for the prolongation of the armistico antil March 1st, made at the opening of to day's sitting of the Conference were accepted without oppo- sition by the Turkish delegates. The Conference after- wards discussed the counter proposals submitted by the Porte. It is understood that the general reforms applicable to all the provinces without distinction, proposed by the Porte, were not rejected by the pleni- potentiaries, and this is believed to imply a willingnegg au the part of the Powers to modify their pro- posals. A mutually conciliatory spirit prevailed through- out the sitting, and the Ottoman delegates appeared disDOsed to make such concessions as were compatible with the integrity and independence of Turkey. Hopes are therefore, entertained that an understanding will be arrived at reconciling all interests. A full Council of Ministers, which lasted from seven until ten o'clock, was held this evening, under the presidency of the Sultan, at the Dolmalaglche Palace. It was followed by a Council of Generals, under the Presidency of the Commander-in-Chief. The Grand Vizier was also present at this Council, whtcn remained in sesssion from half-past ten until midnight. CONSTANTINOPLE, Dec. 30 (Evening).-The third sitting of the Conference was held to-day. There was a short exchange of views, but the Turkish representa- tives were not prepared to present tkeir counter pro- posals. General Ignatieff said that Russia bad made every concession for the purpose of arriving at an understanding, and that it was to the interests of Turkey to accept the proposals of the Powers. The Marquis of Salisbury expressed approval of General Ignatieff's statements. The next Conference will be held on Monday, when the Turkish representatives will probably submit their counter proposals.

THE DEPARTURE OF THE BRITISH FLEET FROM BESIKA BAY EXPLAINED. (London Telegraph despatch.) PERA, December 28.—The British ironclad fleet has weighed anchor and steamed away to Smyrna. As I have previously informed you, this is in consequence of the incommodious character of the roadstead in Besika Bay. Bad weather has set in there lately, and lie Admiral having requested. an)j obtained leave to shift his moorings, has taken the ships away. They will coal at Smyrna and then proceed across the Egean Sea to the Piraeus. I must repeat to you in the most positive manner that this movement of the fleet has no political significance whatever. It was arranged beforehand entirely for nautical reasons, I state this because there have been idle rumours circulating here-which may possibly be trans- mitted to London-that the departure of the -Brit,ish fleet followed upon, and was connected with, Lord Salisbury's interview with the Sultan. The report is entirely untrue. It was the safety and convenience of the ironclads alone which was considered. The satia. factory result of the second sitting of the Conference held to-day would in itself suffice to prove the absurd- ity of these rumours of an ultimatum. Nothing of the kind has ever been contemplated.

THE ROUMANIAN ARMY. BUCHAREST, Jan. I.-It is stated that, in Conse- quence of the prolongation of the armistice, the, Roumanian army will be placed on a peace footing,

THE ATTITUDE OF GREECE. CONSTANTINOPLE, Jan. I.-The Greek envoy HAS declared to Sir Henry Elliot that Greece will subor- dinate her policy to England's attitude. If England remained neutral towards Turkey, so also would Greece, but if not, Greece would act in conformity with England s policy, according to her own interests.

THE CONFERENCE. CONSTANTINOPLE, Jan. 2, Afternoon.—At yester- day's sitting ot "Conference, Count de Chandordy having made & statement respecting the results of the labours of the plenipotentiaries, the Secretary read the protocol of the sittings. The Turkish delegate* declared in the course of the subsequent discussion that they acoepted everything exoepting the essential points at issue, the Pcrte s representatives maintaining that Turkish should be the only offioial language, and that the guarantees should be afforded by means of a municipal police. Lord Salisbury, addressing the Conference, warmly condemned the tenacity <jf the Turkish Government. The Plenipotentlafiea fixed their next sitting for Thursday; little hope is entertained of an understanding being arrived at, and the European delegates will in that case quit Constantinaple. General Ignatieft has asked and obtained permission for a Russian man-of-war enter this port, and will take his departure in it On Saturday, if the efforts of the plenipotentiaries fail. After yesterday's sitting Lord Salisbury had an inter, view with Midhat Pasha. The conversation was very Animated in consequence of reproaches by the quis. Midhat Pasha said he was willing to resign, but could not agree to humiliating conditions. The situation is regarded as critical.

TURKEY AND THE GREAT POWERS. CONSTANTINOPLE, Jan. 1.—Yesterday the plenipoten- tiarles of the Powers agreed to maintain the Conference programme. The Turkish delegates declined to nego- tiate respecting local gendarmerie, international com- mission, and extension of Servian territory. The con- ference postponed its sitting to Thursday, when the Porte will give a definitive reply. Reouf Pasha has been appointed Minister of Marine. CONSTANTINOPLE, Jan. 2.—General Ignatieff is stated o have deduct that he would not discuss the Turkish proposals. Thursday's sitting of the Conference will probably be decisive. 4

A. MIXED CARGO.—The barque Annie Storey has left London for Valparaiso, with a cargo* consisting, amongst other things, of spirits, coal, gunpowder, and the body of a Chilian Inobleman.

TERRIBLE LOSSES IN THE RUSSIAN ARMY THROUGH DISEASE. An Odessa telegram received in Paris states that four new corps, comprising 150,000 men, are being formed to replace the heavy losses sustained by the Russian army from disease. The Duke Nicholas is no better. It is stated that Kaufmann will take charge of the southern army when hostilities commence.

EXCITEMENT IN HUNGARY. EXPECTED RETURN OF KOSSUTH FROM EXILE. The Cologne Gazette says that Kossuth's recent com- munication has made a great impression in Austro- Hungarian circles, and fears are entertained in high quarters that he will return to Hungary from his voluntary exile. The Hungarian papers call upon the Austro-Hungarian Government to occupy Servia as a precautionary measur# against Russia. The Cologne Gazette states that Count Zichy has no instructions to take part in an ultimatum, or to threaten departure if the Porte rejeots the proposals of the Conference.

MERCANTILE FAILURES. Mr. Richard Seyd, F.S.S., has compiled a list of the mercantile failures in the United Kingdom during the past year, together with the total number of failures in each year from 1865 downward, giving a comparative analysis of the failures In the different branches of trade for the last five years. The number of failures in the financial, wholesale, and manufacturing branches of trade during 1876 have been 2065. Of these there were-In London, 557 in Liverpool, 87; Manchester, 128; Lancashire, 90; Yorkshire (including Middles- brough and Hull), 287; Birmingham and Midland Iron District, 182; Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Hull and District, 86; Bristol, Cardiff, Newport, and Swan- sea, 90; rest of England, 379; Scotland, 133; Ireland, 37. The total failures In 1865 were 1450; 1866, 1610; 1867, 1564; 1868, 2145; 1869, 2315; 1870, 1351; 1871, 1122; 1872,1326; 187.% 1745;. 1874, 1751; 1875, 1720 1876, 2065.

ANOTHER AMERICAN DANK ROBBERY. A telegram from Cincinnati to New York announces that a bank robbery was perpetrated at Somerset, Perry County, on the 13th ult. The banking house of William M. Ream was entered by four masked men and over 10,000 dollars stolen. The bank is in a two- storey brick building, situated in a prominent part of the town, the second storey being occupied as a dwell- ing by the Ream family. About one o'clock in the morning Mr. Ream was suddenly aroused by two masked men, one on either side, who seized his wrists, while two others stood at the foot of the bed with revolvers. Mr. Ream was ordered to accom- pany three of them to the vault, the fourth remain- ing to prevent Mrs. Ream from giving an alarm. On reaching the vault Mr. Ream wap ordered to unlock the door, which he did, and the thieves took therefrom 10,200 dollars, leaving gold and silver coins, bonds, &c., untouched. Mr. Ream was then gagged and bound to a chair the robber who watched Mrs. Ream called out, and the party fled. Mr. Ream was not re- leased until nearly daylight, his wife expectiag to be killed if she gave the alarm. It is supposed that one of the robbers gained an entrance to the house in the early evening, and afterwards admitted his associates, as no doors were forced. Great excitement prevailed at Somerset, and bands of men were soouring the country for a trace of the robbers.

THE EDUCATION ACT, 1876. The following circular, dated Dec. 30, relative to boroughs without school boards, has been issued by the Education Department" Sir,—The Lords of the Committee of Council on Education desire me to remind you that the time has now arrived when they have to see that the necessary steps are taken forgiving effect to the requirements of the Elementary Education Act of 1876 (39 and 40 Vic., c. 79), which (sec. 3) comes into operation on the 1st of January, 1877, Your borough is not within the jurisdiction of a school board. It is, therefore, the duty of the council (sec. 7) to appoint, without delay, a school attendance committee, by whom, as local authority for the dis- trict, the provisions of the Act will be enforced. My lords will be glad to learn as soon as possible that this committee has been appointed, and to know the names of the members who will serve upon it. The number of members of the school attendance committee, all of whom must be chosen from your council, is, within certain limits (6-12), left to the discretion of the council. But my lords trust that, in fixing this number, due regard will be paid not only to the population of the borough, but also to the novelty, variety, and importance of the duties devolving upon the committee. I am to suggest that, in the first instance, at all events, the full number allowed by the Act should be appointed if the popula- tion of the borough exceeds 5000 souls. The 32nd section gives power to the council to reduce the number of the committee if it should hereafter be deemed ad- visable to do so. I have for the present only further to request to be informed of the name and address of the clerk of the committee, that the necessary communica- tions may be made to him respecting the duties which the local authority will have to discharge under the Act of 1876.-1 am, sir, your obedient servant, U F. R. SANDFOBD. To the Mayor of the Borough of

Ellen Pritchard, a lady's maid, has been committed for trial on the charge of having stolen two valuable gold rings from a jeweller's shop in Liverpool. Mary Woodward, a married woman, was last week fined £5, and in default of payment sentenced to two months' imprisonment, for having pledged, with- out disinfecting them, two blankets which had been exposed to infection from small-pox. She pleaded that her husband refused to give her money to buy food, and that she was compelled to pledge the blankets. MASONIC GRAND LODGE TEMPLE IN PHILADELPHIA.— Among the many handsome buildings erected by the Freemasons of America, none can rival the Temple of the Grand Lodge of Philadelphia. This costly build- ing is in the sty Ie of architecture called by the Ameri- cans Norman," probably because they are under the impression that their forefathers, the English, who introduced it in America, obtained something like it in the time of William the Conqueror, from Normandy. The principal corridor, 20 feet wide, and 260 feet long built in the Doric style, is reached from the external portal. The library of the temple 30 feet high, 45 feet broad, and 65 feet long. is adorned by a double row of columns; the ban- eting-hall, of the same height and breadth, and of nearly double the length, which has its walls decorated with paintings of flowers, fruits, and birds, is lighted by fifteen candelabra. At the upper end of the prin- cipal staircase is a fountain, round which groups of exotic plants will be placed. The hall of the Grand T odge is executed in the Corinthian style, and its de- corations are of a gorgeous description. The subjects are the symbolic figures of Freemasonry. The chapter lm is in the style of Italian Renalssahce; then fol- lows an Egyptian hall, fitted up like an Egyptian t«mDle • then a Norman and an Ionic hall, a hall of commanders of Great T^plar. ta to OortatMjn fitvle and vet many other rooms and halls, all fully decorated. The tower forming the right-hand corner of the temple has a height of 250 it.—Builder, GORED TO DEATH BY A BuLi.-On Saturday Mr. p Price held an inquest at Salford on the body of Ralph Henry Hayes, six years of age formerly re- siding in Arlington street, Salford, who died from injuries caused by a bull goring him. On Tuesday ,week a bull which was being driven from the Salford Cattle Market became infuriated and ran wildly about the streets. Efforts were made to throw a rope round its neck, but in vain. The beast knocked down its owner, and severely injured him, and in Cannon street it rushed at the deceased, knocked him against the wall of the Thistle Inn, and gored him twice in the stomach. The boy VrAs taken home, where he died about four o'clock on the following day. Eventually Police- constable Ormsby shot the bull with a fowling piece The Coroner awl the verdict must be one of Acci- dental death," but it would be as well if some regula- tions were enforced with regard to the driving of beasts through the streets of Salford. There was a Inarket, held once a week in Cross lane, and some thou- sands of cattle were driven through the streets week by week. Some regulation might be made as to bulls when they were driven alone, as it was well known they would go quietly enough when they were in a herd. rpke -ury returned a verdict of Accidental death," and recommended the Watch Committee or some other authority of the Corporation, to make and enforce regulations as to the driving of beasts through the streets, with the view of preventing accidents of I this nature.

PRESENTATION TO THE PRINCE OF WALES. On Monday, a deputation of the olergy and ten- antry on the Royal estate waited on the Prince of Wales and presented his Royal Highness with a silver casket to commemorate his safe return from British India. The design was purely Indian, and was exquisitely executed. His Royal Highness in suitable terms acknowledged the presentation, and expressed his strong desire for a continuance of that good feeling which on both sides existed between himself and the clergy and tenantry on the Royal estate. New Year's day was celebrated with the accustomed meet of the West Norfolk hounds on the lawn on the south-west front of the Royal residence.

THE OXFORD DRUIDS. The annual dinner of the Druids was held on Monday in the the Town Hall, Oxford, when about 400 members sat down; the chairman, Noble Arch Ives, being supported by Earl Jersey, Mr. Hall, M.P., and many leading oitizpnl. In response to "The House of Lords," Earl Jersey said they might all rejoice at the news they had heard that day; and if the efforts to secure peace, as seemed most probable, turned out to be true, there was no one of whatever party but would feel happy to think that peace had been restored, for although it would gild the triumph of a minister, it would also confer happiness upon a people. Mr. Hall, who was received with the greatest enthusiasm, in the course of an eloquent address referred at length to the Eastern Question, condemning the action of the Radical party, and remarking that it had often fallen to his lot to complain that their Liberal friends were often in ex- tremes. When in office it was the exti em) of penury, and England's honour suffered thereby; and when in Opposition, it was the extreme of chivalry, and the interests of old England were to be neglected. During the past three months Englishmen had been divided into two great parties- one animated by profound confidence in Russia, and the other by profound distrust of her. For himself he regarded Russian sympathy for Bulgaria with considerable suspicion. Alluding to the National Conference, he said that to coerce the Government, to follow some sentimental policy this conference had been convened in St. James' Hall. There was but one thing that could truthfully be said of it, and that was that everybody was there whom nobody trusted, and nobody was there whom anybody trusted. Mr. Hall concluded his remarks with the expression of confi- dence in the mission of Lord Salisbury.

NONCONFORMIST MUSICAL SERVICES. Few things can be more significant (a correspondent writes to the Pall MaH Gazette) than the musical services in Mr. Newman Hall's Church in the West- minster road, London. Upwards of A'1-00 has been spent on the organ, which is not yet completed. It contains among several fine stops a most beautiful diapason, while the soft stops of the pedal organ arc admirably adapted for harmony. Mr. F. G. Edwards fully develops its powers. Christmas has been recog- nised in this chapel in a manner which would have horrified older Nonconformists. The chapel has been decorated with evergreens and illuminated texts, and the hymn, 0 Jesu, we adore Thee" to Sebastian Wesley's tune Amelia, has been used during Christmastide. The Psalms in the Anglican calendar were sung, and the" Cantate Domino and Deus Misereatur were sung to set- tings by Bayley. A Gregorian tune was used for one of the hymns; and the ordinary service was followed on two nights last week by a service of song, when Gounod's Bethlehem wassung by the choir, Vincent Novello's arrangement of the Adeste Fideles" "Good Christian men rejoice," "Hark, The herald angels sing," &e. The tunes used are mostly those from "Hyms Ancient and Modern." On Sunday night there was a midnight choral service.

A DISTINCTION. The San Francisco E:camincr says Tbe appeal of John Martin to the County Court has been sustained. Martin was tried and convicted in the City Criminal Court of conductiug a gambling game known as 'red and blaek' (rmqe et noir). The complaint against him in the Police Court charged him with conducting a game known as black and red.' When the ease was tried before Judge Ferral, on the defendant's demand for a jury trial, his counsel, asked the judge to charge the jury that there was no such offence known to the law as conducting a game of black and red,' the for- bidden pastime being designated 'red and black.' Judge Ferral refused, holding that there was no real difference between red and black' and Mack and red, and, on the jury finding him guilty as charged, sen- tenced the defendant to pay 1000 dollars fine or suffer a year's imprisonment. Martin took an appeal to the County Court, and Judge Wright reversed the judg- ment of the City Criminal Court, and ordered the discharge of the defendant,

TIIE "MESSIAH" AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL.—On Christmas Eve, a late special service was held in Chester Cathedral, when a portion of the Messiah, which has not been performed in that cathedral for nearly half a century, was rendered in an impressive manner. The edifice was crowded, 5000 persons being present. The service was intoned by the Rev. E. L. Y. Deace, the singers (about 150 in number) were under the direction of Mr. Cuzner (choirmaster), and Mr. F. Gunton presided at the fine organ recently erected. A sermon was preached by the Dean of Chester from the words Let us now go even unto Bethlehem." Jenkin Morgan has been committed for trial at the assizes by the Pontypridd magistrates on a charge of murdering David Palmer, of Llantwit Vardre, and Thomas Hopkins for aiding and abetting in the mur- der. The deposition of the deceased was read, in which he affirmed that he received the fatal kick while in the act of separating Morgan from a man with whom he was quarrelling. HE'D DO ANYTHING FOR DRINK.At the Bir- mingham Police-court, on Monday, John Williams, 39, labourer, no fixed residence, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at the Birmingham Workhouse, wilfully breaking a square of glass, valued at 3s., and destroying his clothing. About half-past one o'clock on Sunday morning prisoner sought admission to the traiup ward, but as he was under the influence of drink the official refused to accommodate him. He then became very violent, assaulted the gate-keeper, smashed a large pane of glass, and finally, 1, to spite the guardians," tore his clothing into shreds. He thus not only obtained a night's lodging (although it wai in apolice cell), but also another suit of clothes gratis.— Warrant-officer Daniells informed the Bench that the prisoner was a worthless drunken fellow, and that he would do anything for drink. Upon one occasion he actually allowed a number of persons to drag him through the canal at Spring Hill like a cat for a lark, and his reward for affording them this amuse- ment was to be a quantity of beer. He was almost drowned, being removed to the workhouse in an insen- sible condition, and "it took th. doctor all his time to get him round.He was sent to gaol for' one month with hard labour. A TERRIBLE RIDE.—A few nights ago a young farmer named Edward Wilson, of Tarlton Farm, Newbold,. near Shipston-on-Stour, in Warwickshire, was returning home from the village of Idlecott on horseback, and when descending the hill at Halford his horse bolted. After crossing a bridge, to check the animal's speed, Mr. Wilson pulled it to the side of the road, but the horse jumped the fence into a meadow skirting the river Stour, which, from the late heavy rains was much swollen. The horse galloped on its mad course, and plunged into the Stour, when both horse and rider were carried by the strong current more than half a mile down the stream, Mr. Wilson still maintaining his seat in the saddle. At length the animal managed to swim to a somewhat shallower spot near Newbold Mill, but here the poor brute's legs got imbedded in the mud, and it was too exhausted to move. Mr. Wilson was afraid to dis- mount, as the water covered the horse's back, and he could not swim. He, however, called out lustily for help, and his cries were heard a long way off by two young men. Being very dark they could not see any one, but on giving a call it was answered by Mr. Wilson. They borrowed a lantern from the mili, and bravely waded up to their shoulders through the stream. Mr. Wilson eagerly clutched hold of one of them, causing him to stumble, and they were both in danyer of being drowned but for the timely assistance rendered by the other young man. Mr. Wilson was at last conducted safely to the bank, and the horse being lightened of its burden was with difficulty, able to reach land :n an extremely exhausted condition. Mr. Wilson, who is an accomplished horseman, and has often ridden in steeple-chases, did not experience any very serious effects from his terrible ride.

NEWS FROM PERU. SUPPRESSION OF CONVENTS IN LIMA. PLYMOUTH, Dec. 29.-The Royal mail steamship Nile brings advices from Callao to the 27th November. The Panama Star and Herald says: The Peruvian Congress has determined upon an extra session of fifty days to commence to-morrow. It is proposed to carry through the plan offered for the establishment of a central bank." A bill has been introduced proposing to suppress three celebrated convents in Lima. Their property would be sold for the benefit of the State. The monks would be provided with comfortable quarters else- where, and maintained from the public treasury until appointed to other religious offices. The Ecuador Minister for Foreign Affairs sent a special commissioner to Lima to President Prado, requesting the latter to send ships of war to Guayaquil with troops to capture that city from the revolutionary party, and open up commu- nication with the beleaguered forces of President Borrero in the interior. The commissioner met with a prompt refusal to the request he was instructed to make. A great battle has been fought in Colombia, result- ing in the success of the Government troops. General Trujello has penetrated into the heart of Antroqura. Guasca has been totally defeated. The Civil International Society's commission of exploration for ascertaining the best route for cutting through the Isthmus of Darien, has arrived. The party ip under the leadership of Commander Lucien Bonaparte Wyse, of the French navy. The Panama Star and Herald adds, We look to the labours of the commission for a satisfactory settlement of the merits of the various routes proposed for the canal."

JEWISH CONFERENCE IN BIRMINGHAM. The Birmingham branch of the Anglo-Jewish As- sociation held a meeting in Birmingham on Sunday to bring the objects of the association before the Jewish community of the town. Deputations were present from London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Among those attending were Baron de Worms, Mr. Serjeant Simon, M.P., and Mr. J. Chamberlain, M.P. Baron DE: WORMS denied that this movement was Philo-Turk. Their object was to obtain those privi- leges which Jews ought to enjoy in countries where they had not been accorded them. He referred to the persecution of Jews in Roumania, and said it was probable that the Conference at Constantinople would have to revise the treaty of Paris, by which Roumania gained independence. Whatever Government was in power in England, he believed the Jews would always receive the protection to which thev were entitled. A resolution supported by Serjeant Simon, M.P., was carried, upholding the policy of the association at the Conference of the Jewish Alliance in Paris in endeavouring to secure civil and religious liberty in the East in any political change that might take place in the Ottoman empire. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, M.P., expressed sympathy with the objects of the association. He believed this Eastern question was only another form of the re- ligious 'difficulty, which had not altogether disap- peared in England. He could not believe the Jews would have perfect religious equality so long as we had a State Church Establishment, which after all contained the germs which in other countries had blossomed into persecution and outrage. The remedy was to sween away every vestige of political and social dis- ability which depended on the religion a man pro- fessed. As their association had for its object the relief of the oppressed, be should be glad, when op- portunity occurred, to give them all the assistance he could in Parliament. I

THE BELLIGERENT ASPECT OF TURKEY. The Saturday Sevtew, in concluding an article on the Conference, says:—The late discussions must have convinced the Russian Government that the conquest of Turkey is a difficult and dangerous enterprise. Much loss will probably be incurred before the Danubian fortresses are taken, for traitors will not, as in 1827, be found to deliver Widdin or Silistria into the hands of the enemy. The Turkish army in the field, though it may probably be outnumbered, is not to be despised and, above all, when direct resistance is broken, conquered provinces will only be held by an insecure tenure. Austria has plainly intimated her adherence to a jealous and vigilant policy by concen- trating considerable bodies of troops in positions which will flank the Russian advance to the Balkan. The assent of the Powers to a provisional occupation of Bulgaria, either by Russia or by neutral troops, was equivalent to a protest against permanent possession. Prince Bismarck himself, who loses no opportunity of reaflirming the cordiality of the alliance with Russia, significantly explained his approval of the Russian proposals by the remark that the occupation of Bulgaria would be only temporary. At the same time he announced the determination of his Government to come to the aid of Austria in a contingency which could only be produced by a war with Russia. When the history of the Conference is known, it will probably appear that only two Powers professed, with varying degrees of sincerity, a predominant solicitude for the welfare of the Christians in Turkey. Austria and Germany are less philanthropic than England; and they have political interests widely divergent from those of Russia. An invasion of Turkev will be a perilous adventure, and even victory may perhaps prove to be barren.

MR. GUILDFORD ONSLOW AND THE CLAIMANT. Mr. Guildford Onslow, describing in a letter the visit which, in company with Mr. James Stubbs, he recently paid to Arthur Orton, the Tichborne claim- ant, in Dartmoor Prison, says :—The poor prisoner ex- pressed his pleasure at seeing us, and declared, with tears in his eyes, he had seen no one, or exchanged a lingle word with any one, since we last met in May. I never saw him so utterly and completely broken- hearted, with a face, oh! so aged, he looked 70; the iron had entered into his soul. He complained most bitterly at the cruel and malignant manner he had been treated by the authorities of the prison, and in feeble words, choked with tears, he implored us to convey to Dr. Kenealy his earnest desire that he should move in the House of Commons for an inquiry into the causes of the shameful treatment which he had I experienced he absolutely cried for justice, and was about to relate the cruelties he had suffered when the warder intervened and informed him it was contrary to the rules of the prison to touch on those topics. I managed to read to the poor man a translation of the Spanish newspaper, the original of which I showed him and he remarked that substantially Ramon Ortezegni'e letter In it was correct. He informed us that he was accustomed to wear an amulet round his neck for many years, which he called his sacred heart; that he had it on board the Bella; that it was On him when he was saved by the Osprey but that now he bad no recollection whatever as to what had become of it. I showed him the amulet Ramon Orte- zegui had forwarded to me, but he failed to recognise is as having ever belonged to him. He admitted foreigners were saved -with him, and that he spoke Spanish to at least one of them, but could not at this distance af time remember his name. He wished me to make Inquiries into the truth of the letter, as published in the Diario of Toloso, on the 24th of February, 1855. He also told us he did not remember the name of Captain Nelson; but, for all that, he might have commanded the Osprey that saved him. He said he did sign a declaration similar to the John Gray document, which J read to him, before a magistrate at a place he then thought was the Custom House in Melbourne and in reply to my question, he assured us that Alfred Smith, whom he last saw at Wagga-Wagga in June, 1866, was indeed the real Arthur Orton. He declared he felt ill in mind and body, and he appeared to have a large goitre and uleers on his neck, whilst the poverty of his blood was painfully visible in his wretched cadaverous counte- nance. He begged us, in conclusion, to use all the influence we had to get him removed to another prison. Thus closed one of the most painful and b aartrending interviews it has ever been my duty to witness. •

The British National Association of Spiritualists held a special meeting last week, when a resolution was passed declaring that the intended prosecution of Dr. Slade by the Government would be unjust, impo- litic, and subversive of free inquiry. A memorial, protesting against it, was drawn up, which it was determined to present to the Home Secretary. Mr. Bedford held an inquest on the 28th ultimo, on the body of Mr. Wm. Baker Goode, aged 68, who had for some time been staying with his wife at the Arundel Hotel, London. On Saturday week the de- ceased, either intentionally or accidentally, fell off the platform in front of a train which was leaving the Mansion House Station of the District Railway, and received fatal injuries. A verdict of accidental death was returned. The Duke of Northumberland has given E200 to be expended in coals for distribution amongst the deserv- ing poor of Alnwick. At the Chelmsford Petty Sessions, George Perkins, a drover, has been sentenced to six months' hard labour, without the option of a fine, for a cruel assault on a girÍ named Stephens. THE ARMY RESERVE.—The Secretary for War has just issued new instructions relative to the first-class Army Reserve. All men serving on the 1st of April, 1876, and all enrolled subsequently, are to have their pay increased by 2d. a day. Deferred pay will only be issuable on the production of a certificate that twelve days' training or twenty drills have been undergone, but this certificate will not be required for the year ending the 31st March, 1877. The annual issue of Xi is abolished. The men of the reserve are to attend every year for medical examination. Men of the reserve serving In any police force or as prison warders will not attend drill unless summoned specially. Pay is in future to be issued in arrear instead of in advance. AN ALLEGED DRUNKEN RAILWAY SERVANT.—The Railway Servants' Union will no doubt have something to say in regard to the case of William Littler, a Great Western engine driver, who was charged at Birken- head, last week, with being drunk, and trespassing on the railway at Tranmere. A policeman deposed that he found the defendant stretched on the ground near the rails, and quite drunk. Littler declared, in his defence, that he was sober, but that, having been working 34 hours at a stretch, he fell asleep while waiting for the train to Birkenhead. Two other rail- way servants corroborated Littler's statements both as to his sobriety and the length of time which he had been working without intermission. The Court dis- missed the case. SPELLING REFORM.—In connection with the invita- tion of the London School Board to the other school boards of the country to join them in asking the Go- vernment to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the subject of English spelling, with a view to simplifying it, it is said that the following school boards have already agreed to co-operate with the London School Board in the matter, viz., Liverpool, Birmingham, Bradford, Rochdale, and Wolver- hampton, with many of the boards in the smaller towns. The council of the Society of Arts have also resolved to join in the requisition, the National Union of Elementary Teachers having some months pre- viously adopted a similar resolution at their annual conference in Liverpool. In consequence of the en- couragement the proposal has received so far, it is contemplated to hold a conference on the subject at the Society of Arts, Professor Max Muller, Sir Walter C. Trevelyan, and many others having already given their names as conveners of the conference. A VERSATILE MAGISTRATE.—At the Guildford County Bench, on Saturday, Lord Middleton in the chair, a man named James Williams was brought up on a charge of soliciting alms by the presentation of a petition couched in the most plaintive terms of chari- table appeal.-The Superintendent of Police said he had reason to believe that prisoner was simulating to be deaf and dumb.—The noble Chairman said he was acquainted with the deaf and dumb alphabet, a know- ledge he had acquired for judicial purposes, and he would test the prisoner by means of the digital alpha- bet, "What have you to say to the bench?" The prisoner immediately responded on his fingers, "Noth- ing, but that I wish to be released, as I have com- mitted no offence in law." The Chairman replied, Your petition is well written, and as it has not been shown that it is otherwise than a statement of facts you are discharged." The prisoner, with digital em- phasis, responded, "You are the first magistrate I ever met who could converse with a dumb man, and it is to this fafct I owe my discharge. I shall ever remember you with gratitude." The translation of the prisoner's answers by the chairman caused great laughter in court. THE BISHOP OF LINCOLN AND HIS CHANCELLOR.— The Bishop of Lincoln has addressed a circular to the Archdeacons of his diocese respecting the part taken by his Chancellor, Dr. Walter Phillimore, at the meeting of the English Church Union lately held at the Westminster Palace Hotel. His lordship states that he has received a letter on this subject from Dr. Phillimore, which that gentleman is quite willing should be published, in order that his lordship's "position and action In the matter should not be mistaken." In this communication Dr. Phillimore says that on seeing the report of the resolution pro- posed by him in relation to judicial decisions under the Public Worship Regulation Act at the meeting in question the Bishop wrote to him to express his" re- gret and disapproval of it;" that on account of this censure he tendered his resignation of his office, ex- plaining that he had, by reason of his official position, never taken part in such meetings within the diocese, and regretting that what he had done should, in the bishop's judgment, compromise him in his relations with his lordship; but that on receiving an assurance from him of more caution in the public expression of his opinions in future, the bishop had signified his desire that he should still retain the Chancellor- ship. The Bishop in his circular, after speaking of the zeal, assiduity, and intelligence with which Dr. Phillimore has discharged his duties, then goes on to refer to the suggestions he has himself made at different times, both in Parliament and in Convocation, to save the Church from the evils of litigation as to the sense of the Rubrics concerning the position of the celebrant and the Eucharistic vestments. While men- tioning these circumstances, he says, to show to his clergy "the sympathy felt with them by those in authority in what many of them regard as a trying position," he yet "earnestly advises and affectionately entreats them to submit to human law in things that are not clearly contrary to Divine Law; and not to imperil the peace or hazard the existence of the Church of England as a national institution." The Bishop concludes by exhorting the clergy and laity in the present crisis to supplicate the Almighty for an out- pouring of the spirit of truth and peace, of faith and charity, suggesting especially "the use at their discretion of the Prayer for Unity' in our Churches." AUDACITY OF A BIRMINGHAM THIEF.—AN EXTRA- ORDINARY STORy.-The reckless effrontery with which the practised thief carries on his depredations frequently serves to astound a guileless public, but a more barefaced deception has rarely been practised than one detected a few days ago by a member of the Birmingham police force. It seems that about half-past six o'clock on the 28th December, Police- constable' Garfield was parading his beat in the neighbourhood of Saltley, when a man accosted him and asked the officer how much he would give him if he were "to put him on a good case. Garfield at first treated the man's inauiry as a joke, but on the stranger insisting that he had some thing serious to communicate, the officer promised him something handsome if It should turn out to be a matter worthy of his investigation. The mysterious indi- vidual and the expectant police-constable then pro- ceeded together to the Saltley Engine Works, where the attention of the officer was drawn to the removal of a quantity of lead from the roof. "Ah!" said the stranger, with a knowing wink, what'll yer stand if I tell yer where the stuff's been taken to ? There was something in the man's demeanour which led the officer to believe that his interrogator had been taken into the confidence of the thieves, and seeing a splendid opportunity presented for distinguishing himself by the discovery of the per- petrators of the robbery, he forthwith offered the man a sovereign for the proffered information. It was sub- sequently agreed that, should it lead to anything, the informer was to meet Garfield at Duke street Police- station 4he same evening, and receive bis reward. Acting upon the man's statement, Garfield proceeded at once to the shop of a marine stnro dealer, named Henry Fulford, in Blakeland street, Green lanes. There the officer found a large quantity of the missing lead, and promptly removed Mr. Fulford to Moor street Police-station, where he was called upon to account for his possession of the stolen property. He stated that he had bought it from a man who was an entire stranger to him. but his recollection of the vendor was sufficient to enable him to give a full descrip- tion of him to the officer. This he did with satisfactory clearness, and by degrees it struck Police-constable Gar- field that the real culprit was the man to whom the energetic policeman was indebted to the extent of a sovereign, on the score of information he had tendered. Fulford was immediately released on givine his ex- planation. Garfield kept his appointment at Duke street police station, and his unsuspecting friend was in no degree dilatory in making his appearance. He had hardly arrived In the gateway before Garfield pounced upon him and informed him that he was his prisoner. The captor's intentions were soon made manifest when he was securely lodged in the dock, and charged with stealing ImJlb. of lead from the establishment whither he and the police-constable had made tht>;r matutinal excursion. He gave the name of Alfred Dale, of New John street West, and as the charge was beins entered unconcernedly remarked that he supposed he should get seven years for it.— Birmingham Gazette. The Lord Chancellor has appointed the Rev. G. P. Keogh, vicar of St. Paul's, Stratford, to the rectory of Huggate, Yorkshire, vacant by the preferment of the Rev. Alan Brodrick to the rectory of Broughton Gifford, Wilts, likewise in his lordship's gift. Mr. Keogh was formerly chaplain at Brussels, and he has latterly taken a prominent part in the total abstinence movement. A BOON FOR HORSES.-Two thousand newly-invented horse-hammocks are being placed in store in the trans- port department of the Royal Dockyard at Woolwich. In the shipping and transport of horses in war time a mortality of 17 to 20 per cent. has hitherto occurred by the animals injuring their heads and getting off their feet during the rolling of the ship. When once a horse gets down under the circumstances it often struggles itself to death (if not previously killed) in vainly attempting to get up again. The new ham- mock is fixed under the body of the horse in such a manner that if in a rough sea the animal is unable to keep on its legs it becomes suspended until it recovers its proper status, the hammock remaining slack when it recovers its feet. It is anticipated that these new hammocks will effect a saving of nearly £1000 for every 100 war horses sent abroad. A PAUPER KILLED BY HIS CHRISTMAS DINNER.—Mr. G. A. Charslay, deputy coroner for South Bucks, held an inquest at the Wycombe Union Workhouse on the 28th ult, on the body of Thomas Vyse, an inmate, agod 80 years. The evidence showed that the paupers were as usual allowed a Christmas dinner of meat, pudding, ale, &c., and that Vyse, who was a patient in the infirmary, received a plate of roast beef and pork, with vegetables, while lying in bed. The meat was cut up for him by another inmate, who acted as wardsman under the nurse; but whilst eating it Vyse choked himself, and a piece of meat, just two inches long was discovered in the throat at the post mortem examination. It was stated that the old man was in the habit of eating in a ravenous manner. The me- dical evidence showed that his throat was small, and that the muscles were further contracted and weakened by disease The jury returned a verdict that the de- ceased died from suffocation. ELEPHANT LABOUR.—It is very seldom that in Eng- land elephant labour is utilised, but an instance oc- curred a few days ago which is worthy of record. The road at the junction of Waterloo and York roads, London, has been lately broken up, and about half- past six on Thursday, Dec. 29th, an omnibus proceeding from Stamford street towards the Wandsworth road was so heavily laden that the horses were unable to drag the load. Several of the passengers alighted, and while the horses were endeavouring in vain to get over the piece of ground one of Sanger's elephants, under the charge of a keeper, passed along the road. Seeing the helplessness of the horses; the keeper gave instructions to the elephant, who lowered his head, and, placing his forehead at the rear of the 'bus, pushed horses, vehicle, and passengers beyond the obstacle which impeded their progress. This was wit- nessed by a large number of persons, who loudiy cheered the actors in this incident. TEMPTATIONS TO ROBBERY. — At Hammersmith Police-court, on Saturday, Margaret Lyons was charged with stealing two packets from outside the shop of Messrs. Gunn and Co., drapers, of Norfolk terrace, Notting hill.-The prisoner, while in the dock, com- Elained that her babies, twins, had been taken from er and sent to the workhouse, causing her to suffer severely.—Mr. Bridge at once sent a constable to the workhouse for the infants, and promised the prisoner that she should have them without delay. In the course of the morning a nurse arrived with the babies, and handed them over to the prisoner, who took them into the cell with her.—The magistrate committed her for trial, and refused to allow the costs of the prose- cution. He said the case showed more than in another the inhumanity and wickedness of tradesmen exposing their goods outside. Here was a case of a poor woman who had twins being tempted. The robbery was caused by the miserable greed of tradesmen trying to attract customers by placing goods outside instead of imside their shops. EXTRAORDINARY CASE OF LOVE AND SUICIDE.—On the 29th ultimo the body of a young woman, 19 years of age, named Elizabeth Blezard, a reeler, was found in the Fishwick Mill Lodge, Preston. The deceased was lastseen alive late on the prevlcus night, and when found in the lodge the next morning the following curious epistle was discovered concealed in her breast: —"A taiken that I dide for love there shall be seen a milk white dove, which o'eer my watery grave shall fly-tis their you find my body lie. His words are pledged into me, he never may prosper nor happy be. farewell vain world, false Jim adieu, I drown myself for the love of you. This tie that I have round my neck, I hope to carry to my grave. Farewell, dear Rachael, who I alwaya'oved I pray for thee in heaven above." The false Jim alluded to above is a young man who was keeping company with deceased, but who has lately plighted his troth to another. "Rachael" was a companion of deceased, and her father is a well-known oyster dealer, known by the name of Professor Blezard." A SUMPTUARY PASTORAL.—The Free Church Presby- tery of Edinburgh have issued a pastoral address on the subject of intemperance. After referring to the prevalence of the evil, they say that whatever merit was due to temperance societies and organisations which had the promotion of abstinence as their direct aim-and they were very thankful for the measure of good which these had been the means of accomplishing -there could be no adequate safety for the sober, no secure and permanent deliverance for the drunkard, apart from the grace of God. After expressing dis- approval of the practice of presenting intoxicating drinks as articles of beverages in the ordinary intercourse of every-day life; the custom of ex- changing property and bargain making over strong drink, they say that they cannot "contemplate without alarm the rapid multiplication of places of theatrical amusement in this city, and the fact that letters patent have been granted by her Majesty's Government, involving the right to sell intoxicating drinks in connection with one of our theatres erected in the city. We are persuaded, too, the lavish and expensive display of wines, of a dan- gerously seductive character, at the feasts and enter- tainments of the rich, must prove a snare to many. A liking for strong drink, acquired first of all at such enterfainments, and stimulated by every recurrence, has grown till not unfrequently it has attained all the power of an overmastering passion. Hence, while we do not frown upon the social courtesies of life, we would beg that a reform be instituted in these particu- lars, and that all such social gatherings be so regulated as to prevent the possibility of a stumbling block being put in a brother's way." In conclusion, the Presby- tery entreat young men and women, especially at this season, to discourage all practices inconsistent with sobriety. AN IMPUDENT PRISONER.-At the Worship street Police Court, on Monday, Francis Jennings, described on the charge sheet as 17 years of age, and as a nail- maker, living in Bethnal green, was charged before Mr. Bushby with burglary and robbery. Detective Musgrove said that at about half-past nine o'clock on Saturday night he met the prisoner in Commercial street, Spitalfields, carrying a pair of trousers, a shawl, and a jacket, and wearing two coats. He stopped and questioned him, and the prisoner said that the things were his own, and -that he had just taken them out of pawn in Shoreditch. Disbelieving his statement he took the prisoner to the station and charged him with the unlawful possession. Later on information was re- ceived that the articles had been stolen from a house which had been burglariously entered, and the prisoner was then further charged with burglary and robbery. —William Scarlet said that he lived in Vincent street, Bethnal green. On Saturday night he went out with his wife, leaving the house without anyone in charge of it. On his return, about midnight, he found that the place had been entered ky the windows being forced, and the property, which was now produced, taken away.—Mr. Bushby asked the witness if he knew the prisoner, and the witness replied, "Very well. All the neighbourhood knows him he's got a good character."—Mr. Bushby: Do you mean good ? Witness Well, there's 40 people will tell you he's one of the worst thieves about.—Mr. Bushby Then you mean he has a bad character. If I were you I would not indulge in sar- oasm when sworn to speak the truth.—Detective Cooper said that the prisoner was, in 1874, convicted of felony, and sentenced from this court to three months' hard labour.—The books of the court record- ing summary convictions were searoned, but no entry of the fact was found, although the constable gave the exact date, &c.—It was then suggested that a remand should be taken for formal proof, but the prisoner, objecting to be remanded, PL-id, It's quite right what they say; I served a drp.g" (slang for three months). Baker, chief gaoler, produced his book, showing that the prisoner was conrickd as a juvenile offender.- Mr. Haunay said that the offence was burglary, and he fully committed the prisoner for trial at the Central Criminal Court.