The North Wales Express

4 ["FUDY.] (i" —« This is flne Bill i c 8ucil luxury): Taf V^' &in,t 'em?» Navvy: "Like taking of valentines) I-T'~i'0Se has been Bjembers of the Societv of w ?uPP0Se that lady <( things p" JWy, CYVT011^3 never think « What "83 (Here th^J N°i ne^r." Rose C L°VB LAUGHS AT T^fSSe out °f hearing). Cook, it's very stranee WST"HS.—Mistress «"* hear subdued convSw* ? always fancy I «san s night out." Cook AU ttle kitchen on a your Parding m'p » dear no, mem, S £ S the 'RlgnVs p"; which it>s me ™<I, mem." « «u s P ogress' tp myself P*E0I8ELY "p., A arf^ ''tel1 me what is^tb his son and ffav and a m;sfA ^e difference between up. -WelP' f0r-,UU^M "Pa, dear" fail Pressing taiW8xi 8 son and heir, K »«*> a deep Doi ?.Mr SniPPaon, were to but if anyone were tr, be an accident J a ^isfortune." Pu^ ^im out it would be it's me, si?* of KN;0ld Schoolfellow: Yes, y°u- Undertaking11! °n Pretty middling, thank 1116 a turn somo a s'r* H°Pe you'll give up over th s*r- If you'd stick my fiends mipV.i- e,man^e" piece, sir, so as your iaPPened, sir, tha^k you.»Wy anything

[PUN. ] NOTICES OF MOTION. g. ^°t expected to be put. aWislf^t^0i^ -^orthcote: That it is desirable to Mr pi j levying of the income tax for ever, be pmv^l ,stone: That only faggot votes shall Lnd T as valid in Scotch elections. be rlr v n Marmers That Sir Brydges Henniker may mitted to hold any fat appointments that Presp«f vacant during the remainder of the Mr nv, ariiamenfc'e existence. *o-Enp& ^inJ That the Gaucus, being an Colonel 'nst,ltution, should be declared illegal. be exhibited^ ihtlthe army "cat" sha11 eights. lobby on all Government and militar^Srv'' ^v'at ^er Majesty's naval to a war footing!C8S 1 be immediately raised incumbent* up^the Ho11 q6' f°r the future' personal interv^w ecretary to have a ^:7^:Lvetaon iff' Sha11 -X^h^eaSf S/t ^oi^toaddressTJfHoule^ bf6 ^member for Stoke. 6 place °f liquors Thau'be^dm?tted That intoxicatin? cussion. mitted as a subject for dis- tracfe^roSTblu^^ the Public reading of ex- bidden. °oks shall be absolutely for- Xr Paikes: That the chairman of committees obstruction. power to promote

juBt tohand^anfatf for March is all that must find favour wiYh f>. abounding *n. array of prettv costum^ t1le ladies. Swch ]p any other publication can scarcely be found ^ancy-woik designs. tJI' v .8Uclx manifold °neet8 are included in +> » beautifully Coloured P»i,f«-koM of Paris "WatT1011nted on cardboard ? Pretty Baskets to J^coloup dra»4r^ ttese are eq)1,l to aom2 any drawing » be pretty orna- well written ComnW0rn ta,ble- There are There is ^ho8e continued 6 J lustrated Stories, as cooker Uc^ misc°Uanp^ week to week. We S^™b?»«oth!l £ £ 8'and whicharj?elettT Jdvanced sheets of colour so faSQabi f°Uow°ngai_f°rT¥^ch'.from fctocs "K S "•"eit id^o^wf-f toilettes are also Wiite visiting ever charming as they *are ^ite toilettes, how? >11 ladies, and we find 8ic^ CaaQot be worn by nch costumes of black materials ilde, with th^ trimmings. For instance « loaded with iet of black satin has the skirt'e^r^118 toUette depth of twenty-four inches witv, 0ldered to a cut bodice with long points is si361' the square- jet embroidery. Wide scarfs of of0 c?vered with gracefully draped across the skirt ^Parish lace are by bouquets of purple red roses, o? caught up walking are stiU made of plu^v.or ,C08tumes similar fabrics; one of these costurnoVe^Vet> and bossed seal brown and sky blue velvet8- em* cf the skirt to the depth of ten inches is t -6 edge with narrow alternate pleatings of ekVhi"mmed pmiT11 ja^m' plain, closely fitting f,i^_fnd embossed velvet is slightly draped fbove ti? akirt ^gS bodice of the same material as n,6 and th^ a+-W,h!te Plated band of sky blue satin6 Pale bliif> peeves terminate in brown and AbonnetCal PleatinS8 and lace ru^ and gold lace ^yofung married lady is of black shaped anH ^ortn 18 small, the crown-ball the crown is a Shlf fine jetted tulle round ▼eiled by tulle i«!fi Tery smaU, dark red roses, chapel with gold lace. A lace, and two long feathers starting from the fror:t and crossed at thf bact • • # Wg from the front to correspond A 18 a bow of satin with poppies veilprf v? bonnet is ornamented ?'^ing ot 8°ld laoe. lftce. Amongst hats for r i rdered with Sold «naU crown, surround £ ?U^g ladies '8 one with a ^uare loops of narrow ^a close wreath of P narrow ribbon in shaded tints forming a fringe, and with a boquet of white daisies on each side. A series of white chip hats for some young bridesmaids are pointed in front and at the back a long bow, beginning in front, falls over the brim, above the bow is a full wreath of small white daisies, ending at the bactfin larger and more fully opened blossoms. An old gold- coloured straw chapeau is ornamented with very small berries in dark bronze and old gold, forming a diadem. A scarf of old gold and bronze materials ends over the ears, and the catchepeigne is com- posed of berries and five tea-roses.

A Professorship of Mining is about to be established in the University of Durham College of Physical Science at Newcastle-on-Tyne. An interesting discovery has just been made at Wells of upwards of a thousand original documents, seme of which date back to the thirteenth century. Many of the seals are in a beautiful state of preservation. They were found in an old oaken press in the almshouses. We regret to learn that the third Belgian expedition which, under Mr H. M. Stanley, is endeavouring to work its way into the centre of Africa by the River Congo has met with its first serious misfortune, one of the steam launches, taken out in pieces in the Bargo, having been swept over the Yellala Falls and lost. The Travers lecture which Sir Travers Twiss has consented to deliver at the London Institution on Thursday, February 19th, under the title of "The laws of the Crusaders in Cyprus," will be on the subject of the early history of the island, and on its laws and constitution before it came under the dominion of the Turks. Messrs George Bell and Sons, of Covent Garden, are about to publish a new contribution to the evolution theory, in which the author undertakes to reconcile the realities of science with the truths of religion. The views enunciated may be partly gathered from the title, which reads as follows: "The Constitution of the Earth; being an Interpretation of the Laws of God in Creation, by which the Earth and its Organic Life have been derived from the San by a Progressive Development." The author argues that the evolution of species is only part of a plan of creation by which the entire globe has undergone great constitutional changes. Mr John Hogg has in the press an en- tirely new work on Poe, by Mr Ingram-" Edgar Allan Poe: His Life, Letters, and Opinions." This is the exhaustive life of the American poet upon which Mr Ingram is known to have been long engaged, and in preparing which he has, it is understood, obtained much assistance from the late Mrs Whitman, the late Mrs Houghton (the poet's Annie), Mrs Shelton, John Neal, Mrs Gore Nichols (Stella), the Poes of Baltimore, Col. Prestpn, and others. The book is said to contain a large amount of biographical material not hitherto made public, including more than forty new letters, much fresh information about Poe's parentage, his early life in England and America, his schooldays, his university and West Point careers, adventures in Europe, literary transac- tions, an explanation of the cause which drove him to use stimulants, &c. The work will be issued in two volumes, with new portrait, fac-simile, &c. The London Missionary Society have recently received detailed particulars respecting Mr Hore's examination of the Lukuga Creek, which is now found to be the long-sought outlet of Lake Tanganyika. After obtaining a guide he descended the river by boat to Stanley's farthest, and as the rapids beyond (half a mile long) were dangerous for his frail craft, he landed, and pro- ceeding westwards, passed the Rivers Rabamba, Msengeli, Kawindi, and Luaminwa. He then struggled through the jungle, and reached the base of the Kiyanja Range. The Royal Geographical Society have received a telegram from Mozambique informing them that the East African Expedition under Mr J. Thomson reached Bambe, at the south end of Lake Tanganyika, on October 28th, arriving two days before the missionary expedition under Mr James Stewart, C.E., of Livingstonia. Mr Thom- son reports that the distance from the head of Lake Lyassa to Lake Tanganyika is 250 miles, or some 70 miles more than it has usually been supposed to be. Mr Thomson is to be congra- tulated for the pluck and perseverance with which, notwithstanding his youth and inexperience, he has struggled on since the death of Mr Keith Johnston. He has accomplished in five months, including all detentions caused by the illness and death of his leader, &c., a journey of great im- portance, the latter part of which Mr Johnson was only directed to undertake if he had been able to husband his resources sufficiently for the purpose. —

HOUSE OF LORDS.—FUIUAT. There was a large gathering in anticipation of the debate on policy in Afghanistan. Among the visitors in the Gallery were the Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrice, and the Duchess of Teck. Tie Duke of Argyll opened the debate by moving for the papers criminating Russia al- leged to have been found in Cabul. On this he based an elaborate and forcible review of the policy and events in Afghanistan. The noble duke, who spoke for two hours and a quarter, was followed by Lord Craiabrook, who commenced by empha- tically refusing the papers asked for. The debate was continued by Lord Northbrook, and at a later hour was joined in by the Lord Chancellor, Earl Granville, and Lord Beaconsfield. The Duke of Argyll then withdrew his resolution, and at five minutes past twelve their lordships adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FHIDAY. Mr Plimsoll rose and read a manuscript state- ment which he held in his hand. It was to the effect that when he saw on the notice paper the blocking notices to his Bill, providing that cargoes of grain should be loaded in sacks, he was under the impression that the intention was wilfully to obstruct a measure upon the passing of which the lives of many of her Majesty s subjects de- pended. Being possessed of that idea, he had written and published the placard complained of. Having had the advantage of hearing the state- ments of Syr Charles Russell and Mr Onslow, he now believed that he was in error, and felt bound to express his regret and to withdraw the words complained of. Mr Bentinck and bir Charles Russell rose together, but, in response to loud cries for the hon. baronet, Mr Bentmck resumed his seat. Sir Charles Russell said that after the statement by Mr Plimsoll the matter was no longer a personal one, and he begged to plaCe himself unreservedly in the hands of the House. Mr Onslow followed in the same strain, The Chan- cellor of the Exchequer said he had neard with satisfaction and pleasure the statement of Mr Plimsoll, and the replies of his two hon. friends. As far as the personal part of the question was concerned the matter was at an end. "But," he added, amid loud Ministerialist cheers, "we have now to consider whatis the position of the House." This consideration, indulged in at some length, led the right hon. baronet to the conclusion that it was desirable to place on record some statement of opinion respecting Mr Plimsoll's action. He ac- cordingly moved a resolution declaring that in the opinion of the House the conduct of Mr Plimsoll In publishing these placards was calculated to in- terfere with the due discharge of the duties of members of the House, and was :a breach of its privileges. But, in view of the withdrawal of the expressions complained of, the House thought no further action was necessary. Sir William Har- court expressed his regret that the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the course he had taken, should have departed altogether from the precedent es- tablished by Mr Disraeli under similar circum stances. On the 15th February, 1875, Mr Sul- livan having called attention to certain language used by Mr Lopes, then member for Frome, to the detriment of the Irish members, a debate on the question of privilege arose. Mr Disraeli then said, When an hon. member acknowledges that he has made a mistake, and has admitted that ex- pressions he has used are not justified, it is the custom of gentlemen to forget." Having quoted several earlier precedents to the same effect, Sir William in a lively scene cross-examined the Ministerialists as to what was the precise aspect of Mr Plimsoll's offence to which they objected. Was it the publication by placard? Assent being given to this proposition by several members opposite, Sir William asked what difference there was between a placard and a speech, and gave an account of how Sir Charles Russell had gone down to Oxford to make speeches against him be- fore his constituents. "But," said Sir William, I did not come down whining to the House for protection against the hon. gentleman." He ad- vised the House to be careful about wielding this old and rusty sword of privilege, and concluded by moving the previous question. The Attorney- General approaching the matter in solemn legal form, began by quoting precedents beginning with 1699-a date received with loud laughter from the Opposition benches. Mr Bright advised the House to let the matter rest where it was. He was sur- prised to hear Sir S.Northcote was about to askthem to place on record the resolution he had read. Enough had been made to vindicate the privi- leges of Parliament. The hon. gentlemen as- sailed had expreised themselves satisfied with Mr Plimsoll's apology, and the House might well do the same. Mr Chaplin enlarged upon the deli- beration of the production of the placards, and said that if the Chancellor would add to his resolu- tion words having censure upon Mr Plimsoll he would gladly vote for it. The debate was con- tinued by Mr Whitebread, Mr Mowbray, Mr Os- borne Morgan, the Solicitor-General, Sir Henry James, Mr Hardcastle, and Lord Hartington, who ridiculed the prohibition of publishing placards affecting members of the House, and expatiated on the difficulties in which the House would be landed if this badly-drawn resolution were agreed to. It was now half past seven, and it seemed that a division was imminent. But a sudden resolution, possibly not without reference to Mr Newdegate's resolutions, which stood next in the order, was taken to prolong the debate. To this end Mr O'Donnell contributed a speech of great length; and Mr Biggar, with the aid of some volumes of Hansard, went further still, citing long passages from speeches made during former de- bates on privilege. At half-past twelve, after an interesting speech from Major O'Gorrnan, the House divided, the motion for the previous ques- tion being lost by 189 votes against 127. The Chancellor of the Exchequer's resolution was then put, after an attempt on the part of Mr Rylands to move the adjournment of the debate. The reso- lution was carried by 182 votes against 116. The divisions were on strictly party lines; the Oppo- sition, led by Lord Hartington, Mr Bright, Mr Lowe, and other ex-Ministers, voting in one lobby, and the Conservatives following the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer and a full muster of Ministers into the other. HOUSE OF LORDS.—MONDAY. Bills introduced by the Lord Chancellor to en- large the powers of the owners of settled lands, to simplify the process of conveyancing, and to shorten in certain cases the periods of limitations of actions, were read a first time. Lord Selborne said he thought the bills were well calculated to remedy a number of practical inconveniences, but there were several points in them which he hoped that the Lord Chancellor would reconsider. The bill to amend the Scotch Artisans' and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement Act passed through com- mittee. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY. The preliminary businesss in the House of Com- mons was especially lively, the interest centring in the notice given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of his intention to move, on Thursday, a series of resolutions intended to deal with the persistent obstruction of the business of the house and subsequently in the question of privilege raised by Mr Sullivan. The anti-obstruction resolutions provide that any member shall be precluded from taking part in the business of a sitting after a motion convicting him of disregarding rules has been carried three suspensions to involve suspen- sion for a week; the chairman of committees to have the same power as the Speaker. At question time, Mr Sclater-Booth intimated Government were not prepared to inquire into the question of the water supply of large towns, there being ample information available if it was desirable to legislate on the question. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said the Government of France, Ger- many, and Great Britain had decided to recognise the independence of Roumania in answer to another query, he could not at present say what action would be taken on the report of the muni- cipal corporations commissioners; and Mr Cross gave some explanations bearing on the execution of Cassidy in Manchester. Then Mr Sullivan drew attention to some remarks of the Earl of Cadogan and Major Jocelyn, at the annual meeting of the Chelsea Conservative Association, as justifying the motion which he brought forward that those gentlemen had been guilty of a breach of privilege, and should be summoned to appear at the bar of the House to answer for their con- duct. In announcing his intention not to sup- port the motion, Sir C. Dilke said the Chancellor of the Exchequer had paved the way, by the course he took last Friday night, for motions of this character. The Chancellor of the Exchequer having defended his action, was followed by Sir W. V. Harcourt, who, after demolishing the Chancellor's arguments, argued that the proceedings of the Government in Mr Plimsoll's case were vindic- tive and shabby," the proceedings being brought forward strictly as a party motion. The discus- sion was continued by several honourable mem- bers, when Mr Sullivan declared his intention of taking a division, 11 to offer the Government an opportunity for self-abasement." On this being done, the house decided by 229 votes to 15 not to allow the question to be put. A further debate on another phase of the privilege question imme- diately sprang up on a motion by Mr O'Donaell, asserting that the articles in certain newspapers violated the privileges of the House, as conveying grpss and scandalous libels on Irish members, with the object of fastening on the leaders of the Liberal party a charge of complicity with obstruc- tion but in the end it was negatived without a division, the Marquis of Hartington observing that at the right time he would be found per- fectly ready to meet the charge which had been made. The House then settled to the real busi- ness of the night, first considering the Relief of Distress in Ireland Bill as amended in committee. Finally the bill was read a third time. The Attorney- General moved the second reading of the Criminal Code Bill, which was read a second time, and referred to a select committee. HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUESDAY. The Lords, in a sitting which lasted only half an hour, consented to the second reading of Lord Aberdare's Companies Acts Amendment Bill, and agreed to a motion by Lord Houghton for a copy of the presentment of the coroner's jury in the case of the recent execution at Manchester. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY. The first business was on the order for the se- cond reading of the Liverpool Water Bill. The rejection of the measure was moved by Mr Hill, member for Worcester, who opposed the scheme in the interests of districts in the Severn Valley. The hon. member laid down the proposition that Liverpool had no geographical I I right to the waters of the Vyrnwy, and generally spoke of watersheds as though they were an inalienable property collected by Providence for the exclusive benefit of the districts in which they happened to be found. Mr Monk, in seconding the motion, spoke in much the same tone, and urged that Liverpool ought to be content with the leavings of the Thirlmere scheme. This latter suggestion was successfully answered by Mr Hibbert, and Mr R. Yorke supported the bill on behalf of the riparian tenantry in the district of Tewkesbury and Gloucester, declaring that these gentlemen believed that their property would be much bene- fited by the construction of the works, inasmuch as they would tend to regulate the supply of water and diminish floods. Ultimately, on the proposi- tion of Mr Sclater-Booth, the bill was read a second time. After an unimportant list of notices and questions had been exhausted, Mr Blake brought forward his resolution declaring that the privilege of immunity from arrest now enjoyed by peers and members of Parliament was not for the public good, and ougfct to be abolished. The lion, member urged the injustice of a system which favoured peers and members of Parliament, while it sent the poorer classes to prison for not paying their debts. Mr C. Lewis brought forward an amendment which deprecated any extention of the system of imprisonment for debt, but declared that provision should be made for the immediate vacation of his seat by any member who became bankrupt or compounded with his creditors under the bankruptcy law. Sir G. Bowyer raised a point as to whether it was in order to bring for- ward a motion which directly attacked a privilege of the other House of Parliament. The Speaker said he was not prepared to say that the hon. member was out of order; but Mr Gladstone sug- gested that it would be better to omit any reference to the immunities of peers. On the division the amendment was carried, but it was negatived on being put as a substantive motion. Mr J. Holmes proposed a motion to the effect that the duration of no future Parliament should exceed five years. Colonel Alexander moved, as an amendment, that the Septennial Act had been satisfactory in its operation, and ought not to be repealed. Upon a division there was a majority of 50 against the motion, and the amendment was agreed to. Lord Sandon then moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the cause of the loss of certain grain- laden vessels. Mr Plimsoll raised no objeetion to the motion, but urged that his bill should be passed also. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDNESDAY. The question of extending the jurisdiction of county courts, so as to relieve superior courts of the block from which suitors at present suffer, was debated upon the motion for the second reading of a bill brought in by Mr Norwood, and founded upon the report of a Select Committee to which three measures dealing with the same subject had been referred. The bill, in addition to extending the concurrent common law jurisdiction of these tribunals, contained an important permissive pro vision, enabling any plaintiff in cases not connec- ted with the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Divisions, to bring his action, whatever the amount at issue, to county courts, the defendant at the time having a full right to transfer it to a super- ior tribunal if he chose. The measure also pro- vided for an all-round increase of the salaries of County Court judges from LI,500 to L2,000 a year. The bill met with a general support, although its rejection was moved by Mr Wheelhouse on the ground that it would deprive the assize courts of their legitimate business. Mr O. Morgan on the other hand, hoped to see the day when county courts would practically take the place of assizes. The hon. member urged that there should be free trade in justice, and that a plaintiff ought to be allowed, subject to reasonable restrictions, to launch his case in any court that seemed to him best fitted for the purpose. The Solicitor-General, in assenting to the second reading of the bill, con- fined himself to accepting the principle that the jurisdiction of county courts might be advan- tageously extended; but said that the Govern- ment would not pledge itself that the increased salaries should be given-a statement at which Sir H. James expressed regret. The bill was read a second time; as was also Mr Vans Agnew's measure for abolishing the law of hypothec in Scotland.

Recent reports from Calcutta confirm the impression that our proposed cession of Herat to Persia is regarded unfavourably in official circles there. It is felt that Persia is not to be trusted, and that such a step would weaken, instead of strengthening, our position. In any cases if we have to protect our Indian frontier, the policy of pushing forward as far as Herat is regarded-and rightly-with grave suspicion. There has been a remarkable subsidence of disputes on both sides with regard to the Eastern Question, and for the first time during the last two years, the Opposition and Minis- terialists seem practically agreed as to the best settlement of the new Afghan frontier. Com- munications are opened with Mahomed Jan at Glurznnee, and the basis of a final arrange- ment is to be found in the election of Hussan Khan as Ameer, with a liberal subsidy. As this brings matters round to nearly the point where we set out from, it is a pity we could not hare saved the millions squandered on use- less hostilities. The most contradictory rumours are flying as to what we may expect to hear from St. Petersburg on Tuesday next, the 2nd of March, which is the 25th Anniversary of the Czar's Accession. His abdication, or, if not that, his assassination, or at least a conflagration which will put the petrolmses of Paris to the blush, if fire Queens can blush or Salamanders know what cheeks are. The Duke of Edinburgh has gone to spend the day with his wife, since she, like a good daughter, refuses to leave her father at this critical time. It had been thought more desirable for many reasons that he should not do so and, considering the tendency to panic in the public mind, I think he could not have been blamed. It is expected that we shall have a Royal Review in Hyde Park this season on a grand scale. As it is some years since any such dis- play has taken place, it will be all the more ac- ceptable. The volunteers are also in good trim at the prospect of an Easter-Mondav Review at Brighton. The reply of the Trustees of Lincoln's Inn Fields, declining to open the square as a public recreation-ground has raised a good deal of discussion, and the Kyrle Society has memor- ialized them on the subject a second time. It is true that for upwards of a century the en- closure has been kept up at the expenses of the householders; but the examples of Leicester Square is a case in point; and with another Baron Grant to bear the expense, the thing might be done over the lawyers' heads. By a kind of natural selection the "great" criminal cases fall to the lot of Mr Justice Hawkins. He commenced his career in this line with the Penge case, and from that time to the Paine trial, just concluded, and the nature of which is not disimilar in its main features, he has been much upon the Old Bailey Bench. As a Judge he improves. He has lost his early tendency to a forensic rather than a judicial manner. His knowledge of the rules of criminal evidence is almost unrivalled, and he is more at home in presiding over Crown cases than the less-exciting run of Nisi-Prius trials. The manner in which he presided over the eight days' trial of Paine has raised him considerably in public esteem. His rejoinder to Paine's plausible but specious ex- planations after the jury had brought in their verdict of manslaughter was not too severe, and the sentence of penal servitude for life which he visited upon such a scoundrel is regarded here as a satisfactory termination of the case. The name of Dean Stanley acts like magic in the organisation of any philanthropic under- taking. When the Dean is taken away from us, who will there be to take his place ? The meeting at the Jerusalem Chamber has deci;],I that a graad attempt shall be i:e at Muse Hall reform. At the earliest (.;) ,ortll t t \l, a large hall is to be opened in which unint xic tf- ing drinks, and those only, shal! be soM. -i in which good music shall be pèrfdrITled, songs which are not immoral shall bo snruj. The Dean admitted incidentally that, like other distinguished men, Dr Johnson, Charles Lamb, and the Duke of Wellington amongst the number, he had no ear for music-an odd thing in one who is so closely connected with the performance of one of the most magnificent services of sacred music in London. But the Music-Hall reform is not a question of good or bad music,but of temperance and intemperance, morality or immorality. There are two dangers, however, in benevolent movements of this character. If the idea of benevolence is kept too prominently in the front, the pleasure- seeking poor will keep aloof from what they will suspect of being" goody-goody" and designedly improving, whilst, on the other hand, by making a thorough commercial speculation of the affair a direct encourage- ment is offered to speculators to put on the guise of philanthropy in order to obtain the valuable support of gentlemen such as those who organise social reforms in the Jerusalem Chamber. Ex-Archdeacon Dunbar now goes on in his own free course, untrammelled by the Church whose yoke he has cast off; but he still has difficulties with the world, and one would think that the action which has just been decided cannot conduce to the peace of theflockat St. Andrew's, Tavistock-place, who have accom- panied Mr Dunbar in his secession, or to the future happiness of the reverend but eccentric gentleman himself. Thunder was heard in various quarters a few days ago. I am reminded of an ancient saw which is gravely set forth- in the "Boke of Knowledge," and which runs as follows:— Thunder in February signifieth that same year many rich men shall die in great sicknesse." The cause and the effect do not seem to be very clearly connected; but, for my own part, I am certainly quite unapprehensive of the decease of any of my own relations. Chicago has the most perfect apparatus of any town in- the world for the extinguishment of fires. Moved perhaps by the proverb, Where there is smoke there is fire," that go- ahead city is now applying itself to discover some method for the extinguishment of smoke. And a commission of enquiry on the subject is engaged in investigating the different appliances in use in this country for smoke consumption. In point of fact, there is hardly any attempt on the part of manufacturers to comply with the laws which forbid smoke nuisances A cotton town in the North, or an iroa town in the Midlands, is like one huge chimney. The in- habitants breathe smoke, eat smoke, and drink smoke. The manufacturers excuse themselves by saying that the professedly smoke-con- suming contrivances are practically useless. In London the air is considerably less smoky than in most large towns. It is only in the fogs that we suffer to any serious effect from the unconsumed products of coal-burning; but then we do suffer; and if the question of abolishing smoke is interesting in Chicago, it is much more interesting to us. English chemists are engaged in investigating the question, as they have been, indeed, for years. The general use of gas instead of coal is possibly the only complete remedy for the existing state of things. And if gas is superseded by the electric light for purposes of illumination, possibly gas, in its turn, may supersede coal for the purposes of heating. Telegraphic apparatus now connects the central offices of the London Workhouse Union in the City with the various Metropolitan Houses; and a vast deal of walking to and fro is saved, as well as valuable time. In like manner all the police stations ought to com- municate with Scotland Yard, and through Scotland Yard with Qne another. Mr R. Macbeth's picture of a flood in the fens is unquestionably the finest thing he has done. His friends are enthusiastic, and with reason. Mr Macbeth will send two pictures to the Royal Academy, each of which is im- portant in size and subject. One of these is the only thorough treatment of the University Boat-Race that has ever left the easel of a high- class painter. The subject has frequently been dealt with by wool-draughtsman, but never by an artist of Mr Macbeth's calibre. The view of the race adopted by Mr Macbeth is that ob- tainable from Bame's Bridge. A study of famous cricketers engaged in a match upon the classic sward of Lord's is Macbeth's other con- tribution. All the figures are in action, and are portraits. Gloucestershire, Lancashire, Notts, and Yorkshire are represented in the persons of Mr W. G. Grace, Mr Hornby, Daft, Ascroft, Wild, and Emmett. Mr Wm. Hughes' still- life pictuue, undoubtedly the noblest example of that kind of work ever produced by a member of the English school, is in advanced stage of progression. He will be ready for the Aca- demy, which is more than can be said about most of the works which are prepared for Bur- lington House. Mr Hughes will in all likeli- hood be represented at the Grosvenor by two magnificent decorative works of novel charac- ter, which it is expected will make what is called a sensation. The City Exhibition of Pictures and Sculpture, to be held at the Skinner's Hall, promises to be an ambitious affair. His Royal Highness the Duke of Edin- burgh will inaugurate the Exhibition, at which the Lord Mayor will be present in state.

GREAT RIOT IN IRELAND- TWENTY PERSONS INJURED. The Central News Portadown correspondent telegraphs: —An alarming riot occurred in this neighbourhood onwednesday: A very large'tenant right meeting was being held near Portadown, when a party of Orangemen, estimated at from 2,000 to 3,000, appeared on the scene, headed by bands and banners. The Orange party had been called together by a proclamation to oppose what was described as a display of sedition. Nearly all were armed with bludgeons, and on marching into the field a volley of stones were hurled at the speakers, and then an attack was made on the platform, which, after a brief resistance, was cleared. The main body of the meeting was afterwards attacked, the whole field being covered with combatants. The Orange party, however, had the advantage both of weapons and numbers, and after a short but fierce straggle the tenant- righters fled in all directions About twenty persons were seriously injured, Dr. Heron, W. P. Chapman, Thomas Best, and a lad named Cochrane being the most severely hurt. The police were conspicuous by their absence,only three appearing when the riot was at its height, and they hastily retreated. Some arrests have, however, been effected. A later telegram says the streets were paraded by bands of drunken rowdies. The organisers of the tenant-right meeting are endeavouring to discover the leaders of the attacking party. Large quan- t'ties of driuk werj supplied to the rioters before j I the affny, and nearly all who took part in the attack- were drunk. The boy Cochrane is in a very dangerous state. Best, who was desperately beaten, was one of the attacking party. The police are generally blamed for their indifference. Mr William M'Connell and Mr W. J. Redmond have Mnce the disturbance at the meeting been beB t I I Several shopkeepers' windows were broken during the evening, and they have been compelled to close. A crowd of 200 roughs were parading the streets about eight o'clock on Wed- nesday night, throwing stones at all who were considered obnoxious. A man, named John Woods, has been seriously injured by a brickbat.

PENTIR. PLOUGHING MATCH.—This match came of; on Wednesday, the 18th inst., upon a field belonging to Mr R. E. James, Ty'nllwyn, for which sixteen competed. The judges of the ploughing were Messrs Henry Hughes, Black Horse; W. Hughes, Wern, Bangor; and E. Williams, Tros-y-waen, Pentir. And the judges of the teams and gear were Messrs Williams, Tyddyn Canol, Pentir; Jno. Hughes, Cae Mawr, Anglesey; and Roberts, butcher, Aber,-Mr Thomas Roberts, Coed Howell, being secretary. The amount of the prizes offered was £ 23. Ploughing commenced at 9 a.m., and finished by 4 p.m., when the prize- takers were announced as follows —Class I.— Open to all comers, 1. Mr Evan Thomas, Tan- y-dderwen. 2. Mr Evans, Brynhowell (Robert Williams, ploughman). 3. Mr Roberts, Castell (Edward Hughes). 4. Mr Roberts, Ty Mawr (Thomas Lewis).—Class II.—Open only to those who have not taken any prizes before, 1. Mr Williams, Tan-y-foel (Thomas Hughes, plough- man). 2. Mr James. Ty'nllwyn (D. Williams). 3. Mr Pritchard, Llwfiicelyn (H. Jones). 4. Mrs Roberts, Coed Howell (J. Jones). 5. Mr Thomas, Niwbwrch (T. Lewis). 6. Mrs Williams, Brithdir (W. Williams). A consolation prize of 5s was deservedly given to the unsuccessful competitors, all of whom did a hard day's work. For the best team on the field the 1st prize was awarded to Mr Morris Roberts, Ty Mawr; the 2nd prize being divided between Mr James, Ty'nllwyn, and Mr Jones, Tyddynbadin.—For the best gear,-l. Mr Roberts, Ty Mawr. 2. Mr Thomas, Tan-y-dderwen.—A prize was also given to the blacksmith who had fitted up the win- ning plough in each class, both of which were carried off by Mr William Pritchard, Pentir, who is eminently successful in putting ploughs in order for different matches. This is the twentieth time for Mr Thomas, Tan-y-dderwen, to take a prize, which speaks highly of his skill with the plough. A large number of people witnessed the ploughing, from beginning to end, and every- body seemed satisfied with the decision of the judges. The whole arrangements reflected the greatest credit upon the committee and the secretary. In the evening all the ploughmen were treated to a substantial dinner by Mr R. E. James at the Pentir Arms, Mr O. Jones being the caterer.

RUTHIN. We learn with pleasure that it is Mr R. G. Joyce's intention to present the football team with a handsome silver goblet if they succeed in win- ning the Association Challenge Cup. As will be seen in our advertisement columns, Mr W. C. Joyce is about to remove to spacious premises in St. Peter's-square. Mr Joyce's shop will be lit outside by a couple of gas-lanterns, and the interior has been fitted up with the latest improvements in shop furniture. DEATH.—We regret to learn the death of Mr John Ince, Pool Park Lodge, which occurred on Monday last. The deceased was 97 years of age, and for 54; years acted as sub-agent on Lord Bagot's estate. He was much respected by a wide circle of friends. COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURT, MONDAY. —Before the Warden, Mr R. Blezard, and Mr J. F. Jesse. Slwp-lijtingii-Ann Morgan, a woman about 68 years of age, hailing, from Newtown, Mont., was charged Vith stealing a jacket, the property of Mr Wm. Simon, draper, Ruthin. Mr Edward Roberts (Lloyd and Roberts) appeared for the prosecution. On the 10th ult. the jacket was hanging outside of Mr Simon's sh p, when it was suddenly missed. The police afterwards found the prisoner offering it for sale in Mwrog- street, and she was apprehended. Prisoner now pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two months' im- prisonment with hard labour. The bench cautioned the prosecutor not to hang goods out- side his shop in future, as it was a temptation to felons. Duck Stealing.—John Jones and Thomas Williams (alia8 Twm-y- clociau ") were charged with stealing four ducks, the property of Thomas Jones, farmer, Brithdir, Llanelidan. Evidence was given by the prosecutor and his wife to the effect that the ducks were kept in an out-building connected with the farm. They were taken away on the night of the 16th ult. The duck produced in court was similar to one of those they had lost. —Sergeant Edward Jones said he apprehended the prisoner John Jones on the Market-square, and charged him with stealing four ducks, the pro- perty of the prosecutor. Prisoner made no reply, so he searched him, and found some feathers in one of his pockets. On the way to gaol prisoner said I did steal them, but another one was with me."—The Bench Did the prisoner tell you who the other man was?—Witness: Yes, he said he was Twm-y-clociau. He also told me he had sold two of the ducks to a man named Thomas Wil- liams, and that if he (witness) went to Twm-y- clociau's house he would find the other two, or the feathers. He went to the latter's house, and asked him if he had any ducks in his possession P He said no, whereupon witness proceeded to make a search, and found a part of a duck in a sauce- pan on the fire. He found the duck produced upstairs. He then took him in charge. The Bench committed both prisoners for trial at the quarter sessions. The police deserve to be com- plimented on the tact they displayed in tracing the robbery.

JOTTINGS FROM RUTHIN. BY OCTAVITTS ORACLE. THE SUPPRESSION OF SLANDER.— £ 20 REWARD.— FOOTBALL. jE20 Reward! Whereas a false and calum- nious report has been circulated in and about the town of Ruthin as to the conduct of a lady living in the town. The above reward will be payed by U8 for such information as will lead to the discovery of the originator of such report, and will enable the lady to prosecute to con- viction, and proceed for the recovery of damages." This is what scandal has come to in Ruthin. It will be in the recollection of your readers that, a few weeks ago, I endeavoured to scuttle a coffin Ehip sailing under the colours of scandal, calumny, and abuse. My endeavours have not proved al- together in vain, as will be seen from the above notice, which has been circulated widely through- out the town. The contemptible backbiter, who skulks from tavern to tavern, feeding on the ignorant utterances of a lot of bar-loafers, must, and will be suppressed. Calumny has exceeded its limits in Ruthin, and, therefore, ye naracions carrion, who fly about under masked deceit, beware! A chiel's amang ye takin' notes, And faith he'll print em! The "Druids" have succeeded in triumphing over the Stars," and now they will have to face Ruthin for the final tie. The match on Saturday at Oswestry was discreditable to both sides, inasmuch as they "played the man" and not the ball. I cannot judge of the muscular strength of the Stars," not having seen their play, and therefore have no idea who got the worst of the charging." But of this I am pretty confident that, when the Druids meet Ruthin, they will do well to pay particular at- tention to the ball, and let the man take care of himself.