The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESTER MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. 4 There was considerable excitement in three wards of the city where contests were taking place for vacancies in the Town Council on Monday. In contrast to the experience of many previous years, the first of November turned out a fine day, and the poll ieeach ward was a heavy one. Boughton throughout the day wore a very animated appearance, and here both sides spared no effort to bring every available elector to the three polling stations at the Industrial Schools. In this ward the Radicals had brought out Mr. S. Coppack against the retiring members, Messrs. J. M. Frost and J. W. Carter, both Unionists, and as Mr. Coppack had previously represented Boughton in the Town Council, and is very well known in the ward, his chances were strongly fancied from the first. Mr. Coppack had, however, suffered defeat at the hands of Mr. Frost in November, 1895, being in a minority of 97, and from this it was augured that if one of the Unionists was displaced, it would be Mr. Carter. That gentleman was therefore singled out for attack, and the Radicals issued posters shewing his record of attendances during his term of office to be as follows:—" Carter was summoned to attend 42 meetings of the Council, and attended 25; 209 committee meetings, and attended 53 out of 251 meetings, only attended 78. Political capital was also sought to be made out of the Sluices Bill, though, as everyone knows, this was a purely non-party measure. "Who voted for the Sluices Bill, and helped to waste B8,000 of the ratepayers' money ?" the electors were asked, and the answer was supplied them by the obliging gentleman who composed the poster, J. W. Carter; then vote for Coppack." As a counter-blast to this, the Unionists distributed a leaflet giving the following Reasons why Mr. Coppack should not be elected a member for Boughton Ward 1. Because he ran away from the ward in the month of November, 1894. and refused to serve the ratepayers any longer. 2. Because he has always allowed himself to be a tool in the hands. of the extreme wing of the Radical party, as proved-(a) by his voting in the Council, on the 11th April, 1894, for Mr. John Smith against his colleague, Mr. W. H. Churton, on the occasion of an aldermanic vacancy, notwithstanding that Mr. Churton was much the senior candidate, and that Mr. John Smith was a licensed victualler, a trade which Mr. Coppack professed to abhor. (b) By coming out as a political candidate against Mr. John Frost on the 22nd November, 1895. (c) By his coming forward now as a candidate against his openly expressed wishes at the instigation among others of Mr. Thomas Mills, the amateur auditor, who, while posing as an economist, has charged the ratepayers the enormous sum of X28 7s. for auditing the Corporation accounts, a work for which no one hitherto has ventured to charge more than L2 2s.; another Radical and economist Mr. Hunter, having also charged the ratnnavfirs the sum of 123 2s. for a like service. -rJ n- The electors were invited to Think this over, and vote for their old members, Messrs. James Carter and John Frost, who have both an enormous stake in the Ward and are the largest ratepayers." As the afternoon wore on, the Liberals became very confident of their candi- date's success, but the Conservatives fully ex- pected to carry the day, and did everything in their power to discourage plumping. In St. Mary's Ward the polling went on slowly throughout the day, and here the return of Mr. E. S. Giles was a foregone conclusion, the only question which really remained being whether Mr. George Dutton would supplant Mr. Samuel Moss. There was one polling station at St. Mary's-on-the-Hill school, and another at Saltney, and no lack of vehicles was experienced on either side. The electors were requested to vote for Mr. Giles as their 'best friend,' and their old and tried representative,' while Messrs. Moss and Dutton claimed support as the 'resident candidates.' Another poster re- ferred to the Sluices Bill and the rates:— Remember the Sluices, S8,000, wasted. Where is it to come from? The Chester municipal rates, 1896, 2s. 9d. in the R, the 1897-8, 3s. 8d. in the ie-additional rates lid. in the E. Electors of St. Mary's Ward, vote for Moss and Dutton, who were opposed to the useless expenditure." An amusing incident has transpired as to a model of the sluices, which it was at first proposed to exhibit in the ward as an evidence of Mr. Giles's guilt. The model was taken to a shop in Lower Bridge-street for exhibition in the window; but at the last moment the authors of the idea changed their minds, and sent for the model back. The tenant of the shop refused to restore it until he was paid the sum agreed upon for allowing it to appear in his window, and, for aught we know, part of the model still remains in his possession pending the payment of a balance of a few shillings. In Trinity Ward the Conservative organisa- tion was, as usual, excellent, and it was regarded as almost certain that Mr. D. L. Hewitt would be returned along with either Mr. J. G. Frost or Mr. Thomas Browne. As the result proved, however, Mr. Hewitt experienced the hardest of luck, losing by only ten votes. If he had only been a little better known in the ward there is no doubt he must have succeeded. There was an absence of ambitious mural literature in this ward, the electors being simply urged on the one side to plump for the Unionist candidate as 'A citizen and freeman' and their Best friend/ and on the other to split between Messrs. Browne and Frost, their old members. The Ward has increased so largely that this year three polling stations were provided at the Market Hall, in place of two formerly. One booth was set apart for the ladies, who form a large portion of the electorate, numbering 337 out of a total register of 1505. The following were the officials at the polling booths:—Boughton Ward Presiding officers, Mesrrs. T. C. Cartwright, A. C. Lockwood, and F. Turner; poll clerks, Messrs. T. S. Rice, H. Middleton, and S. P. Davies. St. Mary's Ward: Presiding officers, Messrs. J. H. Dickson, and H. G. Hope; poll clerks, Messrs. A. Gresty and C. Turnock. Trinity Ward Presiding officers, Messrs. F. H. Lloyd, H. A. Smith, and M. Holmes; poll clerks, Messrs. Newall, Lang, and F. Moody. DECLARATION OF THE POLL. The polling closed at eight o'clock, and the ballot-boxes were conveyed to the Town Hall, where the process of counting was got through with the utmost despatch by Mr. Peers and his efficient staff. Soon after eight a large crowd began to assemble on the well-lighted Square, and though the excitement did not, of course, rise to the pitch of a Parliamentary election, the results were awaited with the keenest interest. There was certainly plenty of scope for speculation, for even the most experienced electioneerer could not with any safety venture to place' the candidates in at least two out of the three contested wards. By the time the first result was made known, the crowd had grown to immense proportions; in fact the opinion was generally expressed that it was the largest seen on a similar occasion for many years. A tremendous sea of eager faces awaited the appearance of Alderman W. H. Churton, the returning officer, for TRINITY WARD, which was the first result to be declared. Here calculations were considerably upset when it was found Mr. James Frost had headed the poll, and Mr. Hewitt had been defeated by a bare mararin of 10 votes, the figures being- J. G. FROST (R) 680 T. BROWNE (R) 638 D. L. HEWITT (U) 628 There was loud cheering when Mr. FROST stepped forward to express his thanks, and propose a vote of thanks to Alderman Churton for the way in which he had conducted the election. Mr. Frost said now that he had been returned at the head of the poll, he should watch the interests of all the electors in the ward. He thanked them very much for the proud position they had placed him in. (Cheers.) Mr. THOMAS BROWNE, too, came in for a cordial reception, and, in seconding the compli- ment to the returning officer, he said that for the first time on record Trinity Ward had returned two Liberals. Who had got the key now ? (Laughter.) He was more pleased than anything that they had returned Mr. Frost at the head of the poll. He had worked all day for Mr. Frost to be returned at the head of the poll, and he was rewarded. If at any time a Radical wanted support in Trinity Ward, he (Mr. Browne) would be ^Mr HEWITT, the defeated candidate, also thanked the electors who had given him their thanked the electors who had given him their support, and said he was ready and willing to fight again. It had been a fair fight. He had received 401 plumpers, and that was something to be proud of and to bring him before them again. (Cheers.) The spirits of the Radicals were considerably elated by their success in this ward, though they had evidently not been prepared for the narrow shave experienced by Mr. Browne. Mr. Hewitt, on the other hand, was warmly con- gratulated on the splendid fight he had made, and sympathised with in his hard luck. There was another outburst of enthusiasm when, after a brief interval, Alderman Gilbert came forward to announce the result of the contest in ST. MARY'S WARD. The mention of the name of Mr. Giles as having headed the poll was received with tremendous enthusiasm, and completely drowned the voice of the returning officer except in the imme- diate locality of the balustrade. The following were the figures:- E. S. GILES (U) 504 S. Moss (R) 485 G. DUTTON (R) 462 Mr. GILES, in proposing the usual vote of thanks, thanked all the electors of the ward for his triumphant return. He was very grateful to them all. Mr. Moss also sincerely thanked all who voted for himself and for Mr. Dutton. In this ward, too, the voting had been extremely close, but the result was entirely satisfactory to Mr. Giles's supporters, who greeted him with immense enthusiasm and jubilation. There was another brief interval for the excitement to cool down before the declaration of the poll for BOUGHTON WARD. Alderman CARTWRIGHT announced the figures as follows, though he had great difficulty in making himself heard owing to the prolonged cheering that greeted Mr. John Frost's name J. M. FROST (U) 921 S. COPPACK (R) 817 J. W. CARTER (U) 803 Mr. FROST thanked the electors for having returned him for a further term of office, and expressed his regret that his old colleague, Mr. Carter had not been elected with him. Mr. COPPACK having also briefly returned thanks, Mr. CARTER expressed his gratitude to all who had worked and voted for him, and said he should be pleased to stand again should his services be acceptable. Amid much enthusiasm the Conservative representatives were then escorted to ST. JOHN'S HOUSE, which became quickly filled from floor to ceiling. Though much regret was expressed at the non-return of Mr. Carter and Mr. Hewitt, there was great rejoicing over the splendid success of Mr. John Frost and Mr. Giles, the former having beaten the Radical candidate by the substantial majority of 104 votes. Mr. GILES was cheered to the echo on coming forward to address the audience. He said he was very grateful to all who had supported him that day, both as voters and workers, and helped to return him at the head of the poll for St. Mary's Ward. He was sorry he could not congratulate the electors of the ward on the second member who had been returned for the simple reason that he felt Mr. Moss' duties were such that it was impossible for him to devote his energies to the interests of the town. He (Mr. Giles) thought he ought to congratu- late himself on the fact that he had been successful against the double influence of the social and political forces which had been brought to bear against him. (Cheers.) Mr. J. M. FROST, who was also received with prolonged cheering, thanked all those who had assisted to return him at the head of the poll with the handsome majority of 104, and he only regretted that Mr. Carter was not being again sent into the Council with him. He, however, felt sure that on a future occasion Mr. Carter would not have the slighest difficulty in getting returned as one of the representatives of the ward. He thanked all the workers, and the ladies in particular, for their very kind support. (Cheers.) Mr. J. J. CUNNAH, who was also called upon for a few words, had, as usual, an enthusiastic reception. He said although they had been defeated in Trinity Ward, Mr. Hewitt was only ten votes behind the indomitable Mr. Browne. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr. Hewitt was a young man who had never mixed in political lifu before, but who would, in his (Mr. Cunnah's) opinion, make an excellent councillor, and he had not the least doubt if Mr. Hewitt offered him- self for the next vacancy, he would reverse the order of the poll that day. (Cheers.) Mr. HEWITT warmly thanked all his workers, and said he was prepared to fight again. Mr. CARTER also returned thanks, and said, though defeated, he was by no means dis- couraged, and would fight again, he hoped, with better success. He congratulated Mr. Frost upon being returned at the head of the poll for Boughton. ANALYSIS OF THE POLLING. We are indebted to Mr. Peers for the following analysis of the voting BOUGHTON. Frost: Plumpers, 45; Frost and Carter, 679; Frost and Coppack, 197; total, 921. Coppack: Plumpers, 546; Coppack" and Carter, 74; Coppack and Frost, 197; total, 817. Carter Plumpers, 50; Carter and Coppack, 74 Carter and Frost, 679 total, 803. ST. MARY'S.—Giles Plumpers, 395; Giles and Dutton, 47; Giles and Moss, 62; total, 504. Moss: Plumpers, 27; Moss and Dutton, 396; Moss and Giles, 62 total, 485. Dutton Plumpers, 19; Dutton and Giles, 47; Dutton and Moss, 396; total, 462. TRINITY.—Frost: Plumpers, 43; Frost and Browne, 508; Frost and Hewitt, 129; total, 680. Browne: Plumpers, 32; Browne and Frost, 508; Browne and Hewitt, 98; total, 638. Hewitt: Plumpers, 401; Hewitt and Browne, 98; Hewitt and Frost, 129; total, 628. The following statement shews the poll to have been a heavy one, especially in St. Mary's Ward:— BOUGHTON, 1,975 electors; number of ballot papers, 1,592; rejected, 1. TRINITY, 1,505 electors; number of ballot papers, 1,214 rejected, 3. ST. MARY'S, 1,066 electors (756 in Chester and 310 in Saltney) number of ballot papers, 948; rejected, 2. The members returned unopposed were:— Messrs. B. C. Roberts (U) and W. Denson (R), St. Oswald's Ward and Messrs. Thomas Smith (U) and W. Brown (K), St. John's Ward. The result of the election is a loss of one seat to the Unionists, and the present political state of the Town Council is as follows :—22 Unionists, and 18 Radicals. CREWE. There were contests in each of the four wards, and the candidates ran on strictly party lines. In each of the South, West, and Central Wards there were three candidates for two seats, and this led to a great deal of splitting of votes. In the North only one seat was vacant, for which there was a Liberal and a Conservative candi- date. The polling passed off very quietly, though the results were awaited with the keenest interest. Results :—West Ward: John Jones (L), 656; Heath (L), 638 Bond (C), 479. One Liberal gain. Central Ward: Dr. Wilson (L), 728; Dwelley (C), 457; Fear (C), 359. Unchanged. North Ward George Bailey (L), 537; Harry Huchinson (C), 321. Unchanged. South Ward: Pedley (L), 730; Dr. Bailey (C), 691; Worthington (L), 536. One Conservative gain. The Council now consists of 20 Liberals and eight Conservatives. WREXHAM. There was a contest in each of the four wards into which the borough is divided. The result was as follows, the balance of parties in the Council remaining unaltered :—North Ward Mr. Jas. B. Francis (L), 238; Mr. Llewellyn Roe Brown (C),| 184. Majority 54. West Ward: Mr. Ralph Williamson (C), 313; Mr. William Jonah Williams (L), 230. Majority, 83. South Ward: Mr. Julius Augustus Chadwick (C),342; Mr. Frank Meredith Jones (L), 279. Majority, 63. East Ward: Mr. Thomas Beech Barton (C), 281; Mr. Edward Hughes (L), 237. Majority, 44. At Carnarvon there was a Conservative gain of one seat.

All visitors to the Victorian Era Exhibition should see YE HORNIMAN TICA SHOPPE in Picturesque England. Sold in this locality by Chester Spencer, 36, Bridge street; Co operative Society Turver, chemist Woolley, confectioner; Roberts, chemist. Birkenhead: Dutton, chemist; Haywood, chemist; Hessler, grocer, Ac. Co-operative Society.— Crewe: Eardley, bookseller; Ashfield, chemist.— Rhuddlan: Roberts, grocer.—New Ferry Faw- cett, chemist.—Hoylake: Boustead, confectioner.— Oxton: Taylor & Co., tea dealers, &c.-Upper Brighton Somerville, chemist. — Winnington Co-operative Society.—West Kirby Atherton and Co.-Bromborough Pool: Co-operative Society. 1

THE CONCERT OF EUROPE. « [BY A TORY ANGLICAN.] In some previous editions of the Courant in the forepart of the year, allusion was made to the huge military armaments of several great Continental Powers, particularly Germany and Russia, and the novel and sudden ambition of all the great Powers to maintain the peace of Europe.' It was also shewn that, through a series of diplomatic and political tactics and manoeuvres, they whose business it was to collect the news of the Continent for the benefit of a mercantile, manufacturing, and commer- cial country like Britain were often led astray, through no particular fault of their own, except, perhaps, giving too great a credence to I authorities' who were in any way interested in making misleading statements—and thus making of their hearers the unconscious tools of a policy in every way antagonistic to the interests of a nation of shopkeepers'— generally the friends of a progressive policy intended for the amelioration of the hard lot of mankind at large, in every quarter of the globe. It was also, in effect, suggested that the real object which the Concert of Europe' long had in view very materially affected the comfort, and even existence, of the autocratic and despotic Governments, whose heads and tails are obnoxious to revolutionists of the very worst type; and that a huge body of regular military gendarmerie, formed out of millions of warriors was aided by a great secret inter- national understanding between the respective Powers, for the purpose of crushing out of existence every such order of revolutionists; but, that by governing their respective countries in the old, old fashion of the darkest ages of the past, the very enlightenment and freedom of the world would eventually be destructive to the best interests of mankind. To this end, it was also observable that as there were two countries in Europe, viz., Britain and France, which were more deeply implicated than the rest, in permitting, through their political institutions, all such revolutionaries run to earth in foreign countries to find a refuge here, and in France (till her recent'capture'), it was advisable for the Powers most concerned either to squeeze France to atoms between them (as was a few years ago privately mooted and faintly attempted, but found as impracticable as is at present the destruction of the Turkish Empire), or else to get hold of her' in a more English politico- social fashion, and make of her a cat's paw for the weakening, and possibly the destruction of her more advanced neighbour, Great Britain. Germany, finding her unpopularity in Paris was much too great, her friend, the Russian has at length effected the capture of France, with the evidently hearty concurrence of a 'practical' French Government calling itself Republican. To play off one Republican State against another-against a Republic calling itself a Monarchy (or vice versa, it matters not which)- for the neutralisation and eventual destruction of both, as obnoxious to all despotic powers, there can be no doubt must be the safest and most advisable of all courses which could possibly be pursued-being one more likely to effect the grand object of such a conspiracy (reckoning without 'our host,' if our host should not be a traitor, like another in France). Now, at a date somewhat earlier than was to be expected, we have latterly had some colour to shew that France may succumb to the design of her capturer- while she is rather dreaming, perhaps, of a revengeful war on Germany, while the Kaizer laughs at her perplexities. There are, in Britain, too, numbers of foolish people of, and in, the better ranks of society, who would willingly see the streets of every English com- mercial and manufacturing town, growing grass a yard high. This is no surmise. It, therefore, behoves every one interested in the abolition of the shams of the age, and in the security of a slow, temperate progress (untainted with the contemptible ambitions of the great majority) all over the world, to recollect that we were all-' made in Germany *;— three words of many meanings; and to give every reasonable moral support to every rational attempt of every foreign country desirous of changing its allegiance, or of attaining to the liberty of that self-government which fetters all dynastic interests with the strong silken bonds of a constitutional freedom. For freedom in its best estate, as in its worst, has its bonds.' On the other hand, it is the interest of the imperious, despotic chief magistrate—called king, sovereign or emperor, or any other disguise in his usurped civil, in his military, and in his usurped religious capacities, to shew by every means in his power that Republican commercial communities will always be as ready for war, over their trading interests, as ever was the case with those whose interests in every age of the world lay in conquest and slavery. We may let imagination run riot for a day a month, in thoughts and musings, writing and speech, on the glories of all the historical ages,' just as a poetic pastime and refreshing change. But. for all the rest of the days of the month we had each better stamp our imagination of this sort out of existence, and only look and work constantly ahead in the old tracks and paths we have all occupied since the modern days of the Great Reformation of three centuries since, and (to be religious) remember the religious fable of Lot's wife, and the Dead Sea, with its truly dusty apples. In the first few months of the present year, it was also said in the (Jourant, that never perhaps had there been so auspicious a time for Russian ambition in the East as in the year 1897, and would be probably in 1898, for doing Great Britain an irreparable mischief. But, I allowing individual amiability (which in reality cannot be expected in governmental machinations and machiavelianism to have much weight) to play what part it may, men and measures were not then-and are not yet- in so mature a state as to warrant the ex- periment. But before many more seasons are over, it will surprise no one to find those diffi- culties wholly removed. And we shall discover some day a sudden accession of deep but useless regrets in view of the trifling numbers of our land forces, in comparison with our immense and scattered Empire, and the dense clouds of armed men that shake all Europe by their thunders and lightnings. In the meantime, the loosening of the bonds of a sympathetic, if at times cynical, allegiance to the growing and maturing constitutions of countries following us in the wake of a higher civilisation (if not free from its thousand perils) must precede, as a measure of safety, the major tactics of the two allowedly greatest monarchies so far as population and warlike efficiency are concerned-on the Continent. At the same time the actual embroilment by them of this country with France may be effected with com- parative ease. The great object-as, indeed, so lately dis- closed-should be the gradual destruction of British commerce and manufactures—which at present is only going on internally. But when a secret and an active propaganda in that direction externally, is once set in motion all over the world, it will need no prophet to foretell the end. -Nor need we be reminded that ruin begins, first, within a nations, as within an individual's, own household. Its enemies without, but hasten it; and triumphs over its fragments. The rest is easy; for, all the gold in the world (if any be left ?) will not restore an atom of its old prosperity—and we shall be but following prematurely, indeed, the fate of other commercial monarchies and republics of antiquity. The policy of a country, within, should ever be keenly watched from tower and wall and ground; and its votes, for the good of all, be secured as sharply as should be watched the enemy abroad. Without discipline, there is no defence-either in civil or military affairs and, with defence within, defence, by attacks without, will be more sustained and vigorous. It is more than half the battle to be enabled to meet the enemy on his own dunghill. Wars of commerce, wars with wild border or hill tribes, wars of defence in countries, such as Africa (all so necessary), diplomatic mis- understandings, and schemes everywhere of annoyance, may brace up and innure mind and body to hard faring, and keep in pactice all the physical and mental faculties for more serious tasks; but, when in the midst of all these- roused up no one knows how-more powerful enemies seize the advantage of the times, we shall need much larger ready land and sea forces than any that have hitherto been raised at any time in Great Britain. One never likes proud displays of national forces, pompous evolutions of national fleets, however excusable in the triumph of a.reilPJ. They raise up an unhealthy emulation abroad— just as too ungnarded a display of another kind-the great 'Exhibition 'in 1851, led, so far as our manufactures are concerned, to no good results. At the same time the authors, whoever they are, of the petty but important military con- flicts, far from our own shores, which we have just spoken of, should be aware of one thing, namely, that peace has not yet been of leng enough endurance to rob her votaries of all the vitality it has taken to build up a rich nation into a position of temptation to others. But a greater power than half, or all the European Powers combined, would be famine and pesti- lence at home. Great Britain has to meet no imaginary evils. She has taken the position, and its fruits. (Governments, however willing for a reduction of population, need not mind all this.) Yet Britain would be hard set, indeed, with all her advantages, if she could not command the influence of diplomacy to play the same game as that of her antagonists, raise up half the world against them-and lay their despotism, autocracy, and infallibility in ashes. It is the insidious attempts to disintegrate the empire that are, at present, the most to be feared; and which all Englishmen, home and colonial (Anglian, Scot, Hibernian, or Welsh, Hindoo or Mahommedan), should ever be on the watch to check and to counteract, with promptness and decision; for, they who are well- prepared will fare the best. October 27th, 1897.

THE GRINDLEY BROOK BURGLARY. ♦ ESCAPE AND RECAPTURE OF THE PRISONER. Late on Saturday night a daring escape from Shrewsbury Prison was effected by a prisoner named Walter Roach, who was awaiting his trial on a charge of burglary at Grindley Brook Post Office, near Whitchurch. Roach is a native of Breconshire, and escaped in prison clothes. His age is 37, height 5ft. 71in., dark brown hair, clean shaven, and of medium build. He has a large mark from burns on the front of the left leg. It appears that after breaking out of prison Roach called in a public-house at Shrewsbury, and then proceeded to Shawbury, about seven miles from Shrewsbury. During the night he broke into the residence of Miss Cohe, first cutting a hole in one of the shutters, and then getting through the window. He stole a green cloth dress and a dark and gold check skirt, a bunch of grapes, a quantity of pears, bread, a piece of ham, and some butter, as well as a large piece of cheese, and part of a cooked chicken. He also took two lady's straw hats. The dress he converted into a pair of trousers and coat—which he was wearing when the police recaptured him in a wood near Hodnet on Monday morning.

THE ALLEGED USURY IN THE BLACK COUNTRY. — Sir B. Hingley, as chairman of the South Staffordshire Ironmasters' Association and of the Midland Iron and Steel Wages Board, has forwarded a further communication to Mr. Farrow, in which he thanks him for his reply, and says (writing from the Netherton Iron- works, near Dudley) I hope shortly to hear from you agreeing to an appointment in Birmingham or elsewhere to investigate the facts in a quiet and friendly manner. It appears to me that such investigation is necessary before the publication of eg parte statements, and that no further statement should be put before the public until it has been fairly investigated and verified in the manner desired; otherwise denials and recriminations will continue, and the object which doubtless you have in view-namely, exposing and putting a stop to the practices in question, wherever they exist-will be in a measure defeated." Te this Mr. Farrow has replied as follows I assure you that I deeply appreciate the kind spirit which manifests itseif in your communica- tions-an exceedingly refreshing feature when compared with those which have come to hand from other persons. My detailed statement of the facts of the case has, however, now been published throughout the country, and I do not propose to give any more information than is contained in that document—at any rate, prior to the reappointment of the Select Com- mittee on Money Lending. No inquiry would be of value which did not take into considera- tion the names and addresses of the firms which have been guilty of the practices described by me, and in their interests as well as in those of my witnesses and myself it is eminently desir- able that every statement should be made upon oath, and that the protection which Parlia- mentary Committees afford should be enjoyed by all parties. The publicity which I have now, through the courtesy of the Press, teen altl4ito give to the evils of the system will, I hope and believe, put a stop to many of them." SUPPORT FOR MR. FARROW. Mr. Farrow's story of usury in the Black Country workshops, says the Daily Chronicle, will strike many people as incredible, but we believe every word of it, and we fancy that Mr. Farrow will find on further inquiry that similar practices are carried on in many other parts of the country, if not by employers, at least by their responsible subordinates. It is a miserable story, and we are thankful to Mr. Farrow for bringing it to the light. We trust that the Committee on usury will give him the oppor- tunity of making good his charges, and that a little light may be let in upon the Black Country.

THE ASSAULT ON A LADY CYCLIST. + EXEMPLARY SENTENCE. At the assizes at Ruthin on Monday, before Mr. Justice Grantham, Frank Wallace Spriggs, described aa a carman, 19 years of age, was in- dicted for having with violence robbed Miss Annie Hughes, daughter of Mr. Roger Hughes, chemist, of Rhuddlan. Mr. E. Lloyd, with Mr. Ralph Bankes, prosecuted, and the prisoner was defended by Mr. W. B. Yates.—Mr. Lloyd, in opening the case, said Miss Hughes on July 13th last set out on her bicycle between ten and eleven in the morning to ride to Caerwys to see some friends. After passing the Travel- lers' Inn on the road between Caerwys and Rbuallt, a man whom she had previously seen before her on horseback stopped her and spoke to her. He assaulted and robbed her, striking her and throwing her down. Then he rode away. That man she would swear was the prisoner, and it would also be sworn by a number of people from Rhyl that the prisoner hired a horse at Rhyl that morning, and rode in the direction of Dyserth. It was only right to tell the jury that, in spite of the evidence for the prosecution, much of which was disinterested, alleging that the prisoner was the man who committed the assault, a substantial body of evidence would be produced, with the view of shewing that the prisoner was at home at Forest Gate, London, at that very time. Miss Hughes then gave evidence, and described the manner in which she was treated. She said she found the prisoner standing by the read, about a quarter of a mile past the Travellers' Arms. She was walking up hill He took her bicycle, and threw her on the grass, putting a bandkerchief in her mouth to stop her screaming. He took both her hands in one of his, and struck her about seven times on the face. She bled very much, and her clothes were torn. She was hot wearing gloves. He took her ring and bracelet, the lock of the latter being broken off in the struggle. She picked Spriggs out of a number of others at the police station. She fainted when she saw him then. The struggle she had with the prisoner lasted about five minutes. The landlord of the Travellers' Tun, James Tonge, spoke of Miss Hughes's condition when she reached his house, and also said he saw a man on horseback galloping away. Mrs. Dinah Evans, who lives near the inn, said she heard screams, and looked down the road in the distance. She saw a lady lying on the road side and a man near her. The man galloped off, and the lady came to the travellers' Inn. When she saw her she was covered with blood.—Evidence was then given as to the hire of the horse and the identity of the man. The defence was that the prisoner at the time of the assault was in London. The jury found the prisoner guilty of felony, and the judge sentenced him to five years' penal servitude. It was stated that the prisoner had previously been eonvicted of several effwBcwh.

THE DEATH OF THE DUCHESS OF TECK. ♦ ■ SYMPATHY IN CHESTER. On Soaday in the various places of worship in the city touching allusion was made to the death of her Royal Highness. The I Dead March' in Saul was played on the Cathedral organ in the afternoon, and in the morning the band from the Castle did not play the soldiers to and from St. Mary's Parish Church as usual, but fell in the ranks. The Garrison chaplain (the Rev. H. Grantham) concluded his sermon with the following tribute Brethren, this last week we in England have had to mourn the loss of one (a truly national loss) who has been called away to join this great cloud of witnesses. You know I refer to the Duchess of Teck, or as she more familiarly known, and as we love to think of her, as the good Princess Mary. She was a pattern mother her intense sympathy with suffering, her kindly interest and support in everything that tended to the welfare and improvement morally and socially of all classes of the com- munity, endeared her to all who were privileged to come in contact with her, and I think it may be truly said that no person in England exercised greater influence for good or was more generally loved and respected than the good, true,and unselfish Princess Mary Adelaide, a truly noble woman. I say we have sustained a national loss, and this fact is emphasised by the order which has been issued for national mourning. We do mourn the loss of one who was a pattern te English women, and whose quiet, unobtrusive, unselfish life will ever live in the memory of England's sons and daughters, as an example to imitate, an ideal to follow, and linked as she was to the family of our noble patron, we grieve for the sorrow that has fallen on Eaton for their sorrows must always be our sorrows. Twice the Princess worshipped in the church, and ex- pressed great admiration for this beautiful fabric, and heartily joined in the bright choral service. She was one who appreciated the noble efforts that are made by noble men to maintain and raise the standard of true Christian worship, restoring and building at great cost the homes of God in our land. We here in Chester feel much for our beloved Queen, who grieves over the loss of a near and very dear relation, and for those our kind and ever sympathetic neighbours at Eaton, who in joy and in sorrow will always find the heart of Chester beat in true and ever responsive union. EATON CHAPEL. At the evening service on Sunday, at which the Duke and Duchess of Westminster and family were present, the Rev. J. R. Fuller, in the course of a sermon bearing especially on All Saints' Day, said among the many whom we now had in mind there must be numbered the Royal Princess who, so suddenly, had been called to join that great cloud of witnesses re- ferred to in his text. The keynote of her life was struck when she said-" We have only such a short time to live here, I hope I shall be able to do a little good in my life." Those words were destined to bear much fruit. The newspaper reports of her life all agreed in attributing to her one particular virtue-kindness of heart; that was an appreciation of kinship or fellowship one with another; she felt that she was her brother's keeper. Consequently, numerous philanthropic societies, numbering upwards of sixty, found in her a zealous president or patron, and the poor a loving and sympathising friend.—The concluding hymn was Peace, perfect peace,' which was a favourite with the late duchess, and was sung on the occasion of her last visit to Eaton. After the benediction, the organist (Mr. W. B. Brierley) played the Dead March in Saul, the congregation standing.

DEATH OF MR. R. GRANDIDGE. 0 It is with deep regret we announce the death of Mr. R. Grandidge, of the Grange, Hoole The deceased had suffered for about twelve months from aneurism of the heart. Some three months ago his illness reached an acute stage, and, though he must have undergone excruciating pain, he bore his martyrdom with great fortitude, passing away peacefully yesterday (Tuesday) morning. Mr. Grandidge was a timber merchant, a sawmill pro- prietor, and a general merchant in a very large scale, his business extending from Norway to America. He was extensively engaged in the creasoting of railway sleepers, and was a ship owner, being the biggest im- porter of Norwegian timber into Liverpool. As shewing the extent of his business, it may be mentioned that he purchased some years ago an estate in Norway, on which he erected a saw mifi, where the timber was prepared for im- poltation to this country. For a lengthy period he had supplied timber to the leading collieries in North Wales. A member of an esteemed Rochdale family, Mr. Grandidge settled down. in Chester about 30 years ago. His family had for generations carried on at Rochdale the business of timber merchants, saw mill pro- prietors, and bobbin manufacturers, and this undertaking the deceased has considerably enlarged. Mr. Grandidge's removal leaves a blank in Hoole that it will be impossible to adequately fill. Somewhat brusque in his manner, he was at heart thoroughly straightforward, honourable, and kind. He wae one of those men who loved to do good quietly, and, in addition to having been a benefactor in Hoole for many years in ways that have never been made public, he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those whom the world had not treated well. Very few people realise what Mr. Grandidge did in his public capacity for Hoole. He was chair- man of the old Hoole Local Board, and also of its successor, the Hoole Urban District Council, an office which he held up to his death. In commemoration of his being the first chairman of the District Council, and also as a mark of esteem, he was some time ago presented by his fellow councillors with his portrait. De- ceased became a justice of the peace for the Chester Castle Division, by virtue of his office as chairman of the District Council, but subse- quently the Lord Lieutenant of the county (the Duke of Westminster), created him, to the general satisfaction, a permanent magis- trate. Pressure of business and ill-health prevented him from sitting regularly on the county bench, but in Hoole, which is one of the headquarters of the police, he was eminently useful in discharging such work as the issuing of summonses, and the signing of documents, &c., while he also frequently attended at the office of the magistrates' clerk (Mr. Churton). The last meeting of the District Council Mr. Grandidge was present at was held on August 9th, and one of the matters then under consideration was the proposed amalgamation of Hoole and Chester, which scheme he had from the outset strongly opposed. The inhabitants of Hoole owe deceased a deep debt of gratitude for the sanitary and other improvements effected in the district in recent years. The great alter- ation in the streets of Hoole is almost entirely attributable to his practical and persevering efforts, and in other directions he laboured sue- cessfully for the welfare of the ratepayers. Another public office deceased held was that of trustee under the Flookersbrook Improvement Act. In politics Mr. Grandidge was a Conserva- tive, and though in religion a Churchman, he was a liberal supporter of all denominations, irrespective of creed. He was aged 54, and les,, as a widow but no family. He is survived by a brother and three sisters.

FRODSIIAM. NATURAL HISTORY LECTURE.—The second of the course of lectures inaugurated by the vicar (the Rev. H. B. B-Jogg, M.A.) was given in the Town Hall on Monday evening, before a good audience, Mr. Charles Reynolds, J.P., occupying the chair. The subject, 'Flowers and their functions and how they perform them,' was ably treated by Mr. J. D. Siddall, of Chester. The lecture was profusely illustrated by means of lime-light slides, manipulated by Mr. H. Turton, of Overton. RECOGNITION TEA.—A recognition tea was given on Friday in the Union Church, Frodsham Bridge, for the purpose of welcoming to the pastorate the Rev. Herbert Hooper. After the tea, of which abo ut 60 partook, a public meet- ing was held in the chapel. Mr. J. Wood, of Wilmslow,presided, and complimentary speeches were made by the following gentlemen:— Messrs. G. G. Whitfield, R. Percival, W. Moore, J. Osborne, B.A., J. Stafford, J. R. Hargreaves, and J. K. Kelly. The Rev. H. Hooper appropri- atefy retpe&ded.

IN MEMORY OF EDMUND JOHN BAILLIE. 4 The time was short.' Hail! potent life, that passed all pure from earth To those fair regions where pure souls live free. I greet thee gladly on thy blessed birth To those rare pleasures of eternity. I, who have wandered o'er the world's broad span, Whilst thou wert working in thy native sphere, Buoyant and brave. Oh steadfast earnest man, I drop upon thy grave a heart-wrung tear. Take this regret, and be its fragrance fresh As violets in spring, above thy grave. I honoured thee as fighter of the flesh, I crave thy friendship past death s inky wave. Go where the guerdon of the good is paid; Enjoy thy wishes. Live, as all must do Who love the things that nature's God hath made, With those trained spirits who are kind and true. And in thy dwelling 'midst those lilied plains. Gaze down with pity on this pulsing lite And feel, like Mary, that thou hast the gains, While we have but the temptings, glare, and strife. May what thou didst, like perfume of sweet flowers Saved in an urn, spread out, and never pass. Kind friend! Real lover O'er thy tomb the hours Sigh softly, while those left stilt weep. Alas! October 30th, 1897. HUME NISBET.

MARTIAL MUSIC. It is recorded in the papers of to-day that a piper of the Gordon Highlanders, though shot through both ankles, continued to blow his bagpipes while sitting on the ground duringthe charge made by the regiment at Dargai. By his htroic conduct, and his inspiring strains, he doubtless contributed to the gallantry of his regiment. That soldiers are incited to additional valour in the hour of trial by sound of trumpet, beat of dIum. or the warlike skirl of Highland bagpipes, is well known. In a poem by the late Professor of Poetry of Oxford, Sir Francis Hastings Doyle, Bart., is told the story of the storming of the fortified Camp of Famars by the 14th Regiment in 1793, in which the value of military music is effectively shewn in the following extraet:- Thus armed, as roan. before the blast At forest trees a prairie flame, On our firm silence, fiercely past Their howling frenzy eame- Until (why shun the truth to speak r) The courage rooted in the past Struck, as by sudden storms, grew weak, And wavered like a wavering mast: Still kept their tlme the well taught feet, Nor dreamed the soldier yet of flight, Though deepening shadows 01 ciefeat Fell on him, like a blight. Straight out in front their leader dashed, (A God-given King of men was he) And from his bright locks OR them flashed One eparkle of heroic glee They hold us cheap (he cried) too soon, We'll break them, frantic as they are, Unto their own aecursea tune; Strike up then Ca Tra." The drums exulting thundered forth, Whilst yet with trumpet tones he spoke. And in those strong sons of the North, The old Berserker la.ugh awoke. Their bayonets glowed -,v ith life, their eyes Shone out te greet that eagle glance, And, in her rush, a strange surprise Palsied the steps of France. Men, like a stream that bursts its banks, To Ca Tra. from fifes and drums, Upon their crushed and shattered ranks The cataract charge of England comes. Whilst their own conquering music leapt Forth in wild mirth to feel them run Right o'er the ridge that host was swept And the grim battle won. On a more recent and peaceful occasion, the same regiment was, when returning from a thirty miles march on a burning hot day, so worn with fatigue thatthoy could scarcely keep in the ranks. They halted a short distance from camp to pull themselves together. The band was ordered to play Ca Tra,' which so roused the soldierb' pride of endurance that they were able to march into camp apparwntlv quite fresh though previously n nch exhausted. ÂEQuO.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. t All cycles and other vehicles must be lighted "p as stated in the following table P.M. Wednesday, Nov. 3 5.28 Thursday, Nov. 4 5.26 Friday, Nov. 5 5.24 Saturday, Nov. 6 5.22 Sunday, Nov. 7 5.20 Monday, Nov. 8 5.17 Tuesday, Nov. 9 5.15

WEEKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER INFIRMARY ENDEJ) SATURDAY LAST. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. IRT'RB.IIR.2* 10 LMBCHABTTKD. IH-PATIENTS. Cured 11 Admitted 15 Relieved 0 Remain in the House .113 Made Out-Patiente 0 j Unrelieved 0 J Dead 01 House Visitors-Mr. R. L. Barker and Mr. E. Gardner. OUT.PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen oia Monday. Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical cases are seen ou Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock Ophthalmic cases are seen on Friday mornings at Eleven o'clook. Dental oases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. HOIIB PiTTHHTS. DiocnARORD. t ADMITTED. DI8CBABOBD. ADMITTED. Cured 6 Admitted 52 Believed 7 Bemain 129 Made In-Patieata 2 Dead 2 Made In-Patieata 2 t Dead 2 Ont-Pationts admitted sinoe Saturday last 85

AWARD OF MERIT. HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN H.R.H. PRINCESS HENtiY OF BATrEXBEBtj. H.M. THE QUEEN & ROYAL UOUBT OF KOUMANIA, HAVE SPECIALLY APPOINTED W. CREAMER & CO. AS ROYAL FURRIERS, In recognition of the Sterling Qualities and High-Class character of their productions in Furs. FINE FTJBS of Guaranteed Excellence and Durability. A VAST ST OCX of RELIABLE SEALSKIN GARMENTS of highest fashion Direct from the Manufacture* to the Wearer. A SAVING OF 20 PER CENT. GUARANTEED. Everything marked iu plain ures at Manufacturers' prices strictly. Fur Alterations skilfully executed on the premises. 56, BOLD STREET, LIVERPOOL.

Utrtijg, jUarrtaflea, anb mcatbs. '.r- F .r- BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, and DKATBS are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepai.1). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. JIIABBIAIJB. WEAVER—MOKRO—October at Christ Church, Hamp- stead, by the Rev. R D. Monro, M.A uncle of the bride, and the Bev. G r. Head, M.A., vicar, Edward Henry Wiight Weaver, of the Inner Temple, Barrister- at-Law eldest eon of F. P. Weaver, M.D.. of Cedar Lawn. Hampstead Heath, to S3* Millicent, second daughter of F. J. Monro, cf Nethcrball Gardens, Hampetead. DEATH. PTE—October 31, at 16, Gran\iile-road, Ellen Doris, eldest daughter of Fred A. Pye, aged 3 years and 3 months.

AT EMORIALS, AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE* ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELlT & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. MTUrlATES AND DKSIGN8.

THE ESCAPB OF A MURDKRBH.—A man in York- shire was recently arrested for the murder of his employer, but after being in the hands of the police for nearly a week, awaifcing his trial, he actually succeeded in making his escape. He haa not yet been recaptured. How he succeeded in getting away no one can imagine. The police consider the escape to be almost miraculous. But still more wonderful is the escape from death of a man whose health was ruined, and who found him- self almost within the very grip of death. This man in his hour of desperation turned to Hollo- way's Pills, and he was saved. To-day he is sound ana healthy, in the full enjoyment of vigorous life.