The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CLOSED CHURCHYARDS. .-+-- PRIORY RUINS AND HERMITAGE. The following letter was read from Messrs. Gamon, Farmer and Co., at a meeting on the 1st inst of the Chester Corporation Improvement Committee:—"The duties and obligations of churchwardens in respect of the churchyard of this church, which was wholly closed for burials by order in Council of the 26th October, 1875, are now transferred to the Chester Corporation, and it being intended by the Duke of Westminster to convey the St. John's Priory ruins and the land on which these stand to the Vicar, so as to form part of the area or churchyard surrounding the church, we beg leave to notify to the Corporation this intention, and to inform them that the. land conveyed will not be consecrated or available for interments. Under these circumstances the duties and obligations referred to as transferred to the Corporation are limited to the present churchyard, now closed by the order above quoted, and will not extend to the land to be conveyed, nor will the Corporation acquire any right of interference with it. We shall be glad to hear from you that you concur in this view. The Vicar desires us to mention that he would be glad to obtain the con- trol of the Old Hermitage in the Groves, if ar- rangements for this can be made to the satisfac- tion of the Corporation." The Town Clerk explained that by an order of the Local Government Board, dated the 21st April, 1897, there has been transferred to the Council of the city of Chester "such of the powers, duties and liabilities of churchwardens with re- spect to maintaining and repairing closed church- yards as would in the case of a rural parish with a parish council be transferred to such Council under sub-section (1) of section 6 of the Local Govern- ment Act, 1894," so that if the churchwardens of churchyards closed by "Order in Council" in the city resorted to the powers conferred on them by the Burial Act, 1855, and issue a certificate to the overseers for the payment of the expenses of maintaining and repairing the churchyard out of the poor rate their obligation to repair and main- tain such churchyard is thereupon transferred to the Council, who, according to the order of the Local Government Board, are to defray the ex- penses of such maintenance and repair out of the borough fund or borough rate, and he further ex- plained that the closed churchyards in respect of which certificates have been issued to the over- seers in the past are the churchyards of St. John the Baptist. St. Mary's-on-the-Hill, St. Martin and St. Bridget, and he advised that it was not incumbent on the Corporation to express any opinion as to the effect of the contemplated con- veyance by the Duke of Westminster of St. John's Priory ruins, so as to form part- of the area of the churchyard. After a long discussion it was, resolved—"That the churchwardens of St. John the Baptist, St. Mary's-on-the-Hill, St. Martin and St. Bridget be informed that the Corporation have no wish to exercise their powers, duties and liabilities with respect to the closed churchyards, should the churchwardens be prepared to repair and main- tain the same without having recourse to the poor rate, but should they not be willing to do so. then that the existing arrangements for the repair and maintenance of the churchyards shall be con- tinued until the 29th September next, after which date the Corporation will have the work carried out by their own staff." It was also re- solved that Messrs. Gamon, Farmer and Co. be informed that the committee cannot entertain any application for parting with the control of the old "Hermitage" in the Groves.

CHESTER GUARDIANS. THE WATER. CONTROVERSY. DEMAND FOR A DOMESTIC SUPPLY. At a. meeting of the Chester Board of Guardians, held yesterday (Tuesday), Mr. W. Vernon in the chair, the Clerk (Mr. W. Turnock) read a letter from Messrs. Brown and Dobie, solicitors to the Waterworks Company, stating that the company declined to entertain the offer of terms set out in the Board's letter. At the same time the com- pany allowed their offer to remain open to the guardians for further consideration. Mr. H. Preston moved that the clerk be in- structed to inform the Waterworks Company that the Board reaffirm their previous decision and leave their offer open for a fortnight, at the end of which time it would be withdrawn. Mr. Rowe Morris seconded. Mr. H. Crowder desired to add a rider that the Board offer to pay for any water not used for domestic purposes, if any. Mr. A. W. Butt said the Waterworks Co. were a very unpopular company. They were monopo- lists, and he was afraid they used their position in a very arbitrary manner. The guardians could claim a domestic supply, but first of all they must we their fittings were such that allowed no waste. When they saw how the consumption had gone up during the last twelve years, there must be waste somewhere. If they went to law and it was proved that there was some waste, the Board would have to pay the costs, and it might be a serious matter for the ratepayers. He moved as an amendment that the Board agree to the terms offered by the company, and that as soon as pos- sible a committee be appointed to see whether arrangements could not be made to put them on a domestic supply. Mr. Brown seconded, and said he thought the offer of three million gallons per year ought to be sufficient for the Workhouse, considering th3 large amount of rain water obtained. The com- pany had power to charge what they said, and he did not think it was unreasonable. It was best not to go to law as the guardians wore certain to be the losers. Mr. M. Kennedy: This question ought not to be re-opened again. I must protest against it. The Chairman: Any member has a right to speak on a resolution. Mr. Kennedy: We have settled: it. The Chairman: We have not settled it. Mr. Kennedy: With all due respect to the chair, I say we have settled it. The Chairman: Mr. Brown is perfectly right in speaking to an amendment. Mr. Brown: I will not waste time in speaking as I see there is some objection to me. I think there is too much talking here. There ought to be less of it. (Hear, hear.) Mr. W. Williams said the guardians had been at considerable trouble to satisfy their own con- science that it was not a monetary object for which they were fighting, but that they were fight- ing for the principle of whether they should be supplied with water by meter or by ratable value. They could not say that principle was involved in the proposition. They had thrown the princi- ple overboard and had offered the company a lump sum, which he did not think any company would be right in accepting. They had no right a.9 guardians in making such a proposition as to offer £ 100 for an unlimited supply. Either the water oompany must suffer by giving too much, or the guardians must suffer by paying for more than they got. They should have adhered to their original proposal and fought the matter out on principle rather than on a sum of money. Mr. Preston claimed that his resolution re- affirmed their principle, because it abolished the meter. So far as that, it was carrying out the principle. Mr. Butt's amendment was voted on and! lost by 20 to 11. Mr. Crowder moved a further amendment that the guardians demand a sufficient supply of water for domestic purposes to be paid for according to ratable value, and that the Waterworks Com- pany be informed that they were prepared to pay extra for any water used for other than domes- tic purposes (if any), such charges to be based on the company's regulated scale. Rev. R. Dobson seconded, and Mr. Nixon sup- ported it because it was fair to the company as well 09 the Board. Mr. Preetoo withdrew his proposition, and the amendment was carried as the "substantive motion. THRIFT AND PAUPERISM. OPPOSITION TO FRIENDLY SOCIETIES BILL. A communication was received by the clerk mkitw the Board to support the petition prepared by Sir John T. Hibbert, Captain Gnffith- Boscawen, and other well-known gentlemen, in opposition to the Bill in Parliament making it compulsory that boards of guardians should not take into consideration the money paid by any friendly society to a person applving for relief, unless the sum amounted to more than 5s. Mr. James Sellar moved that the petition be not signed. The scale of pay for friendly societies was 3s. 6d., and that would not satisfy a man. "Th0,Rov. R. Dobson seconded heartily. Since ho had been a member of the Board, he said, the receipt of pay from a friendly society had never boon a hindrance to a man's receiving adequate relief from the Board. Mr. Nixon moved that the petition be sup- ported. Ho quite believed that if a man after a serious illness came down to 5s. a week from his club he would bo tempted at once to seek relief from the Guardians. There was another principle, £ -nd that was that anyone receiving 5s. a week for a house or any other source outside a friendly society had as much right to be considered. The BUI was legislating for one class, and that was wnat he objected to. If a man had an income of os. a week, no matter where from, he was entitled to just as much sympathy a.s a member of a friendly isociety. He would like to see the petition signed. Mr. E. Dean seconded. Mr. Sellar asked that the names should be taken. Mr. Kennedy said that during his 20 years' experience the Board had alwavs observed that rule laid down m the Bill. They had appre- ciated a man s efforts to make provision for old age. and they ought to adhere to their rule. Nixon: I am quite in favour of that, but eveiyone should be treated alike. Mr. Presicn said the Bill was a departure from the usual custom of treating every case on its merits. It was a wrong principle to make that departure. Mr. Brown called attention to the fact that a short time ago he objected to a widow having relief when she had £ 17 unaccounted for. The case was adjourned for a fortnight, and then there was stili L12 in her possession unaccounted for, yet relief was granted her. The Rev. R. Dobson denied that the Bill ex- cluded anyone from its benefits. It included other thrifty people as well as those belonging to friendly societies. That knocked Mr. Nixon's argument off its feet. By 24 votes to ten it was decided to sign the petition against the Bill.

RURAL CHESTER'S SEWAGE. 9 CORPORATION'S CONTRIBUTION. The Sewering Sub-Committee of the Corpora- tion at a recent meeting again considered the questions outstanding with the Chester Rural District Council, and after discussion it was re- solved—" That Mr. Turnock be informed that, without prejudice, the sub-committee are pre- pared to recommend the committee to agree to the proposed alteration of the original scheme for sewering of Great Boughton by the con- struction of a sewer from the parish of Great Boughton to a point opposite to the Ermine-road, on condition that the sewers num- bered 1 and 2 in the resolution of the Sewering Committee of the 25th February last be made of such larger capacity as will be sufficient for the sewage to be received from the portion of the parish of Great Boughton, as well as the town- ships of Newtcn, Upton and Bache, and the urban district of Hoole, or, in the alternative, if the engineers agree that the sewers, as originally proposed, will be of sufficient capacity to take the whole of the sewage, then, that a reduction be made in the proposed contribution from the Cor- poration of £ 2,500, and subject to such amend- ment that the terms of the resolution of the com- mittee of the 25th February last be adhered to." At a subsequent meeting of the Sewering Com- mittee the Town Clerk reported several inter- views with the clerk to the Chester Rural District Council, and that the Sanitary Committee of that Council had agreed to increase the size of the sower to be laid at the Ermine to 24 inches, on condition that the contribution to be made by the Corporation be increased by £ 500, i.e., to £ 3.000. After a long discussion, it was resolved— That it be recommended to the Council that they contribute (subject to the sanction of the Local Government Board being obtained to the borrowing of the amount) the sum of £ 3,000 towards the construction by the Chester Rural District Council of the following sewers, viz. (1) A sewer to bo laid from a junction with the Hoole sewer opposite to Lightfoot-street to a point on the Liverpool-road opposite or nearly opposite to Lumley-road, and (2) a sewer to be laid under the Abbot's Park estate from the Liverpool-road for a distance of about 370 yards, where it will join the Corporation intercepting sewer. Such sewers to receive such of the sewage as the Corporation are under agreement to receive at their sewage purification works from the urban district of Hoole. as well as from the town- ships of Newton-by-Chester, Upton-by-Chester, and Bacho, and the portion of the parish of Great Boughton, which it is intended to divert from the original scheme proposed by Mr. Priest, on condition that (a) the connecting link sewer No. 1 with the Hoole sewer shall be of 24 inches diameter, and that the remaining portion of this sewer and sewer No. 2 shall have. an increased capacity in proportion to the said gradient of 24 inches, and the depths and gradients of sewers Nos. 1 and 2 shall have an increased capacity in proportion to the said diameter of 24 inches, and the depths and gradients of Sewers Nos. 1 and 2 shall be such as the City Surveyor shall approve of. Sewer No. 2 shall be a new sewer, the exist- ing sewer under the Abbot's Park Estato not being interfered with except for the necessary connection, (c) The Rural District Council, on receipt of the said sum of £ 3,000, shall bear the whole cost of the sewers, and all com- pensation to the landowners, if any, the Town Clerk rendering every assistance with regard to the negotiations with the landowners in the city, (d) The work shall be carried out to the satis- faction of the City Surveyor, (e) Each authority shall respectively maintain such portions of the sewers Nos. 1 and 2 as will, when constructed, be in their respective districts, and (f) such an agree- ment, to be prepared by the Town Clerk, shall be entered into by the Corporation and the Chester Rural District Council as will give effect to this arrangement That an application be made to the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow the sum of £ 3,000 for the purpose of carrying out this arrangement."

AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATION. + The third annual report of the Agricultural Organisation Society of Great Britain (of which Mr. Robert Yerburgh, M.P., is president), just issued, contains within its 80 pages a summary of tho progress of the movement during 1903. A glance at its table of contents shews that the Society takes a practical interest in all matters affecting the social and economic welfare of the inhabitants of the rural districts. Though farm- ing by co-operative societies does not make any advance in this country, the various forms of co-operation advocated and promoted by the association aro evidently more successful, as shewn by the following statistics:—Total number of affiliated societies on December 31st, 1902, as per last annual report, 40; number of affiliated societies registered during 1903Societies com- bining supply of requirements and sale of pro- duce, 16; cheese-making, 1; dairy, 2; Co- operative Credit Banks. 9; rural industries, 2; allotments and small holdings, 2; manufacture of implements, etc., 1; total on December 31st) 1903, 73. The report contains many practical details of the working of the affiliated societies, together with illustrations of the co-operative dairies at Long Bennington, Lincolnshire, the Lampeter Dairy, South Wales, the Nidderdale Dairy, and the Vicar's Farm Bottled Milk Society, Worces- tershire. Some interesting details are also in- cluded regarding the co-operative factory at Sealford, in Leicestershire, which has been established exclusively for the production of Stilton cheese, and represents the only real attempt made by Leicestershire farmers to com- bine in competition with the proprietary factories of that county. A profit has been made on the season's trading, during which about C2,000 worth of cheeses have been sold. The most striking progress in the adoption of co-operative methods during 1903 took place in Wales, where the num- ber of co-operative societies rose in number from 10 to 20. Ono recently-formed society in the Principality is mentioned, which has already a turnover of J3100 per week. and has considerably reduced the prices of agricultural requirements which obtained in the district previous to its establishment. It is anticipated that when the Welsh Societies have carried out their scheme of federation the good results already achieved will even be improved upon. Acknowledgments are made of the courtesies extended to the society by the Board of Agriculture and other Government Departments, County Councils, the Irish Agri- cultural Organisation Society, the Co-operative Union, the Co-operative Banks Association (which has since been amalgamated with it) and tho national vouitrv Organisation Society. The report also includes an account of the successful con- ference held in March at Reading, and the estab- lishment of a journal under the title of the "Farmers' Co-operative Banner." The arrange- ment of the interchange of visits between societies is recorded, tho delivery of addresses in vario.i.s agricultural districts, and the establishment of magic-lantern lectures. The appendices contain a list of co-operative agricultural societies, regis- iinder the Industrial and Provident Act and affiliated with the Agricultural Organisation Society, also reports of the 1903 annual general meeting, special general meeting, and conference of secretaries of affiliated societies, and the annual meeting (held by kind permission of the Duke of Westminster), at Grosvcnor House, in the month of May. There are also particulars of the con- cessions secured from the Treasury for the co- operative crociit cssociations, copy of the order of the Secretary of State granting special exemptions to creameries employing women, etc. The income last year consisted of subscriptions to the amount of £ 700. and £ 990 in donations. The committee give their reasons for appealing for more substantial support in view of the great im- portance of the movement, not only to the agri- cultural interest, but also to the nation at large. They give figures explaining that to adequately carry on their work an income of at least £3,000 per annum is immediately required.

BISHOP OF STASAPH'S BILL. —It is ex- pected that the Bishop of St. Asaph's Bill will be taken in the House of Lords either on the 21st or 23rd of June.

CRAWFORD'S 1/- Tins ASSORTED BISCUITS, CONTAINING 12 KINDS. OVAL RICH TEA POLO KIEL FINGERS ALEXANDRA HANOVER RAGLAN THIN ARROWROOT CREAM CRACKERS MEXICAN MILK OATEN WAFERS CHEESE WAFERS

WORKHOUSE WATER DISPUTE. The long negotiations which have taken place between tho Chester Board of Guardians and the Waterworks Company have so far been unsucces- ful in bringing about a settlement of the unfortu- nate dispute between those bodies as to the terms on which the company should supply water to the Workhouse. As already announced, the guardians a few days ago offered the company a sum of £100, with certain concessions, in full discharge of their obligations. On Saturday it was an- nounced that the company had refused the offer. As the dispute has been going on for about two years, the guardians would be surcharged by the auditor of the Local Government Board if they now tendered to the company the sum they claim. Moreover, they have all along shewn a determina- tion not to yield to the company's demands, and further developments are awaited with interest. It will be remembered that the dispute originated about two years ago at the instigation of one of the guardians (Mr. H. Crowder), the question being whether the Board are not entitled to have water supplied to the Workhouse as a domestic supply upon the ratable value of the institution. instead of by meter. On the latter basis they have been paying £ 180 a year for water, whereas accord- ing to Mr. Crowder's contention the company is not entitled to charge them more than £ 50 or £60 per annum. After much deliberation, the guardians eventually took legal opinion on the question. This was given to the effect that they were entitled to a domestic supply, and thus forti- fied, they refused to meet the company's demands. Two cheques have been tendered to the company on different occasions, and both returned, and the guardians have thus paid nothing for their water supply since the commencement of the dispute.

DR. DOWIE.—Dr. Dowie arrived in London on Saturday morning from Germany. He was refused admission at one or two hotels, to which he bad applied for rooms, and he took up his quarters eventually at the house of a member of his Church. He held a service on Sunday morning, and another in the evening at the headquarters of the Zionist movement m Euston-road. There was no demon- stration on the part of the public. Dr. Dowie on Monday brought his visit to London abruptly to a close, and took the afternoon train from Charing- cross to Folkestone, en route to Boulogne.

CITY POLICE COURT. WEDNESDAY.—Before Mr. John Thompson, Messrs. J. J. Cunnah, John M. Frost and Dr. Stolterfoth. RAILW AY MEN'S SPORTS.-On the applica- tion of Mr. N. A. E. Way, Mr. W. H. Coppack, wine merchant, Bridge-street, was granted an occasional licence to sell intoxicating liquor in a tent on the Roodee on the 18th inst., on the occa- sion oi the London and North-Western. Railway Company's employes' sports. ALLEGED THEFT OF AN UMBRELLA.— Leslie Hines, commercial traveller. Lancaster, was charged with stealing an umbrelia. the property of Edwaid Sot-hern, Forest Gate, London, from Fisher's Temperance Hotel, City-road.—The Chief Constable explained that on the previous day prisoner went to Fisher's Hotel and had luncheon. He said his luggage would follow on. He left the hotel about four o'clock, and returned about eight o clock. In the meantime he had been to the Beigrave Hotel, where he had dinner. He gave the boots his frock coat and told him to take it to the Belgrave. In the meantime an umbrella had been missed from Fisher's Hotel. Shortly after 11 o'clock prisoner was seen in City-road, and on being asked if he had taken an umbrella from Fisher's Hotel, he said, "Yes, I took my own." When he arrived, however, he had not an umbrella. The umbrella in question was offered at a pawnshop in the city. vVhen prisoner was given into custody a halfpenny was found upon him; also a pawnticket dated Blackpool, June 6th, and a railway ticket dated Rugby, June 7th. It was evident he must have been lunning about a good deal. He (the Chief Constable) proposed to ask for a remand.—Evidence having been given by Edward Sothern, the owner of the umbrella, and Stanley Brown, the boots at Fisher's Hotel, prisoner was remanded, being admitted to baii, himself in jE20 and two sureties of £ 10 each. FRIDAY.—Before Dr. Stolterfoth (presiding) and Mr. J. J. Cunnah. NO DOG LICENCE.—Mrs. Carr, a lady re- siding at Hough Green, and Arthur Stonely, Louise-street, were fined 2s. 6d. and costs for neglecting to take out dog licences when required. NEARLY A BL-riCKLlSTER. Sarah Anne Dobson, a Handbndge woman, who has maue numerous appearances at this court, was fined 10s. and coiis tor being drunk and disorderly. Tne Chief Constable said prisoner had juet escaped the "black list," this i-ualuiig- her third con- viction within twelve months. AN LNi-lCENSED CAB.—Walter Williams, cab proprietor, was summoned for using a hack- ney carnage for hire without a licence, and Thos. Pa.yne, his employe, for driving; the venicle. P.C. Cuthbcrt deposed to seeing Payne with the horse and cab standing- in the Groves on Sunday night, in reply to y.itl1(', defendant said the cab had been ordered. The cab had no licence stamp upon it.—The defendant Williams now pleaded that it was a private cab working a private order. —Tho Chief Constable said the man had taken a fare, and had gone back to the Groves in order to get another one. Tins was the very thing the police were trying to stop.—Asked by the Magis- trates' Clerk iiir. Davison) why he had not licensed the cab, the defendant lliiams made no reply.—The Chief Constable: i expect it is a cab that we would not have licensed, tie had one cab that the inspector refused to iiccnce this year.— Williams was fined 20s. and costs and the driver 5s. and costs ARTFUL FRAUD BY YOUTHS.-Two youths named Thomas Grailing and Thomas MacDonald, described as labourers, of 11, King- street, Bolton, were charged on remand with having in their possession a quantity of books and cards suspected of having been unlawfully ob- tained.—The Chief Constable informed the Bench that prisoners had undoubtedly been going about the city for some days. They were found in pos- session of a number of books and printed cards. The cards bore the following statement:—"Man- chester Boys' Self-Help Brigade. Dear sir, or madam,—Will you kindiy purchase a book, and by so doing help the boy to support himself. The brigade is formed for tha purpose of providing employment for homeless and destitute children who are thrown on their own resources; so help them while you can. Cast-on clothing may be exchanged for books." Since the prisoners had been in custody inquiries made had elicited the fact that no such organisation as the Boys' Self-Help Brigade existed in Man- chester. The cards were printed in liolton, and the printer said they had been ordered by youths answering to the desorip- tion of the prisoners. When apprehended the lads had a number of coppprs in their possession, one having 2s. 3d. and the other 2&P.C. James Griffiths deposed to following the bovs to a lodging-house in Love-street, and apprehending them. They gave no account as to how the books and cards came into their possession, except that they got them from a man.—One of the prisoners now pleaded to the magistrates that they got the things from a boy, who gave them food and lodg- ings for going out and selling them for him.—The Chief Constable. It is a fraud throughout. There is nothing known against Grailing, but there are three convictions against MacDonald at Bolton.- The Chairman said there was no doubt prisoners had not been act lng honestly. They would be sent to gaol for seven days' hard labour. ASSAULT ON A PAWNBROKER—Thomas Brown, 2, Castle-street, was charged with failing to give a satisfactory account of a gold ring in his possession, and with assaulting- John Alfred Dut- ton, pawnbroker, Lower Bridge-street, on the pre- vious day.—Evidence was given to the effect that prisoner went to Dutton's shop and offered to pawn a gentleman's gold ring, on which the name "M. A. Wilkins" was engraved. On being ques- tioned. the man said the ring belonged to his wife. Mr. Ducton then asked him to bring his wife, but he refused to do this and asked for the ring to be returned." Mr. Dutton refused to return him the ring, whereupon prisoner struck him. Prisoner was apprehended by P.C. Griffiths, to whom he made several contradictory statements concerning the ring, first saying that it belonged to him, then that it was his wife's, and afterwards that he found it between Birkenhead and Chester on Mon- day last.—Prisoner now pleaded that the ring be- longed to his brother's wife, who had given it him as security for an advance of money.—The Chief Constable suggested a remand, as prisoner had 1 been convicted on indictment for stealing a watch and chain at Shrewsbury last year.—The Bench, however, considered the case proved, and sent prisoner to gaol for 14 days on each charge. MONDAY.—Before Mr. John Thompson (in the chair). Dr. Roberts and Mr. F. Skipwith. DUTIES OF HUSBANDS.—A groom named Christopher Allen, a native of Chester, and em- ployed in London, was charged with neglecting to maintain his wife and two children. Mr. H. Har- rop, relieving officer for the Chester Union, said prisoner left his two children in the Wandsworth and Clapham Union, London. They were removed to Chester as prisoner had no settlement in London, and they had been in the workhouse at Chester since February. Detective Hughes said he received prisoner on Saturday from the Metropolitan Police. He was employed as a groom to look after two polo ponies. He had been in his present situation for six years. Prisoner went into the witness-box and said his master bad been abroad, and had left him through the winter on 10s. a week. His full wages were 25s. a week. He had been doing his best to get something else. The case was adjourned until Wednesday in order that prisoner's employer might be communicated with.- Samuel Sheen, at one time a market erardener at Chester, but now employed on a farm at Willaston (Wirral), was charged with leaving his wife and children chargeable to the common fund of the Union on June 19th, 1903. Mr. Harrop said Erisoner ran away from his work. His wife, who ad given way to drink, and his children had gone into the Workhouse. Detective Hughes, who arrested prisoner, said he bad been receiving 7s. a week and his food. There was no doubt his wife caused him to leave home, as she was a drunken woman. Prisoner had been a hard-working man for some years. The case was postponed for a month, prisoner promising to pay 3s. 6d. a week.

MISSING BANK NOTES.—The mysterious disappearance of eleven £100 Bank of England I notes was on Saturday morning reported to tho police at Shipley, in Yorkshire. The victim of the loss is Mr. Thomas Holmes. master tailor, residing at 3, Birklands-road, the notes. as alleged, having been stolen from their hiding-place in a bookcase. The- numbers of the notes were at onoe wired all over the country. Mr. Holmes found on Satur- day morning that his premises had been burglari- ously entered. A hole had been cut in a sheet of zinc in a door, giving access to the basement, and 1 by that means a strong iron bar had been readily removed. The doors were found open, and the drawers and the bookcas? had been ransacked. On the kitchen floor was a £100 note. face upwards. This, with the other eleven notes, had the previous L' night been secreted within the leaves of a book. SIGNALS IN PEACE AND WAR.—Lord Charles Beresford, commanding the Channel Squadron, has called attention to the fact that signals made from his flagship, his Majesty's ship Majestic, have been ignored by various British merchant vessels. The Merchant Service Guild, of Liverpool, while regretting there are no data to enable the ships to be identified, remarks that, were the ships of British ownership, it might easily have been that the captain or officer in charge was an alien. who would not feel inclined to answer the signals of a British man-of-war. So long as aliens are permitted to command and officer British ships, so long are such unsatisfac- tory incidents likely to continue." Lord Charles Beresford's analogy of peace and war time, the guild adds, is not a. particularly serious one, for in time of war his Majesty's ships have a speedy resource if their signals are not replied to. In reply, the admiral urges that, by the practice of the interchanging of messages between merchant vessels and warships in time of peace, valuable assistance might be given to the Navy in war time, especially at the commencement of a war. He adds: I am oertain that if the shippers who own the cargoes, and the insurance companies, He adds: I am certain that if the shippers who own the cargoes, and the insurance companies, who take the risk, knew of the present most un- satisfactory and dangerous state of affairs with regard to the want of knowledge of signalling in the mercantile marine, they would much disturbed in the event of war poesibilitiw& t

FLINT TOWN COUNCIL. I The monthly meeting was held on Monday, the Mayor (Major Dyson) presiding. Tho sub-com- mittee reported the result of their visit to Flint Mountain and their interview with Mr. Blake- well relative to the water supply. It appeared that Mr. Blakewell had agreed to accept Is. a year as an acknowledgment for- the water con- ditionally that, the Corporation placed a well in his garden and conveycd a pipe therefrom to the present tank at the Corporation's cost. admitting Mr. Blackwcll's ownership to the side wall of the tank adjoining his garden; also the Corporation to affix a notice board warning trespassers.—Mr. E. A. Hughes said he would like it to be publicly noted that the water had not been stopped ty one individual.—The Mayor said the committee were perfectly satisfied that the gentleman who was blamed for it had nothing to do with it.—A debit balance of £ 268. 13s. 7d. was reported on the general district rate account and JESI. 14s. 3d. on the borough fund account.—The common seal of the borough was ordered to be affixed to the agreement of tenancy with the County Council for the custodianship of a portion of Flint Castle and grounds. PROPOSED RECREATION GROUND. Mr. Robert Jones moved in accordance with notice given—"That the Council take steps towards securing a recreation ground for the town." In support of the motion. Mr. Jones contended that as the Council had the Mayor in the chair they had a go pj sportsman, and they could not have a better time than the present to secure a recrea- tion ground. A few years ago it was not an urgent matter, because fields and other places were then at the disposal of the children. Now the children only had the roads, and with motor cars flying along at tremendous speed it became a serious question for the safety of the children. It was not pleasant to householders to have children playing in the streets, and it also involved the question of the health of the children. With regard to the Flint Castle grounds, he thought it a capital place for adults, but most dangerous for children. The Council might- take steps and approach property owners to see if a piece of land could not be given for the purpose of a recreation ground. The last resource he would suggest would be the rates It was possible to do something- to raise contributions or revive the old Castle Fete, which would be a source of revenue for tho purpose, and after a while the suggestion could be put on a more permanent basis. Mr. Jones proposed that the matter be referred to the General Purposes Committee, and that they take the matter up with the Mayor in the chair. Mr. H. Powell seconded, believing- a recreation ground was greatly needed. They found recrea- tion grounds in large and small towns, and the congested traffic of Flint called for one. The Council had men in and out of the town who might be termed millionaires, and they could do a lot. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. T. W. Hughes said, with regard to the Castle, he proposed that a small committee be formed, not exceeding five. to frame rules and ie r consider generally what- was best to be done. Mr. E. A. Hughes seconded a committee of seven, and the Mayor. Deputy Mayer. Messrs. R. Harrison. T. W. Hughes, Joseph Hall. Robert Jones and H Powell were appointed accordingly. the committee to report to the Council. LICENSING AND VALUATION BILLS. A letter was read from the secretary of the Non- County Boroughs Association as to the Licensing Bill and Valuation Bill, suggesting with regard to the Licensing Bill that non-county boroughs having a separate commission of the peace ought to be placed on the same footing as county boroughs. Mr. Powell thought, it being a non-political matter, the Council should agree with the purport of the Bill, believing in local option. Mr. T. W. Hughes said in Flint they had a separate commission of the peace, but they had not a separate quarter sessions, and he would like to know if the borough bench dealt with licences who was the appeal to be made to. If the Council adopted the measure the appeal would be to the same bench. The Town Clerk said he could not advise the Council without the Licensing Bill before him. The matter was referred to the Highway Com- mittee, and the letter as to the Valuation Bill to the Finance Committee. MEDICAL OFFICER Dr. J. Humphry Williams. Flint, was re- appointed medical officer of health for a further period of twelve months. TELEPHONE AREA EXTENSION. A letter was read from Mr. J. Herliert Lewis, M.P.. as to the extension of the telephone area and subscribers being in free communication with the Holywell area. Mr. T. W. Hughes proposed that the Council thank Mr. Lewis for his efforts, and it was re- solved accordingly.

WHAT "THE WORLD" SAYS. ——-♦ The King left town on Saturday afternoon on a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Compton-place, Eastbourne. His Majesty was received at the Eastbourne terminus by the Duke of Devonshire, and was loyally welcomed by the crowds assembled outside the station and along the route to Compton-place. On Sunday morning the King, with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, walked to St. Peter's Church and attended service there, and afterwards drove along the sea front and visited the Duchess Dowager of Abercorn in Lansdowne-terrace. After luncheon bis Majesty, with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and the members of the house party, drove in motor-cars to Polegate, and returned by way of Beachy Head. where tea was served. The King returned to town on Monday morning. Yesterday's visit of the King and Queen to Eton will long be memorable in the annals of the famous school. Preceded by the Prince and Princess of Wales, their Majesties arrived from Windsor Castle at half-past four, and were presented in the school- yard with addresses by Dr. Hornby. by the captain of the school, and by the captain of the Oppidans, Having been conducted through the school build- ings, the King and Queen drank tea with Dr. Hornby at the Provost's Lodge, and the Royal party subsequently proceeded to the waterside to witness the procession of boats. Their Majesties then embarked on the King's barge, manned by the Royal watermen in their scarlet uniform, and re- turned to Windsor, escorted by the school boats, amid a scene of extraordinary enthusiasm, the pro- cession forming the most brilliant and picturesque aquatic spectacle which has been witnessed for many years. The gardens at Windsor Castle are now in great beauty. An immense number of rose-trees were planted last year and in 1902, by special command of the Queen, in the moat garden which encircles the Round Tower, at suitable spots on the slopes below the north terrace, and in the sunk garden. which was formed when the east terrace was en- larged by George the Fourth. The Home Park formerly extended over the ground which is occu- pied by the sunk garden, and it is overlooked by the windows of the private apartments of the King and Queen in the Clarence and Victoria Towers. The King and Queen will leave Windsor Castle after luncheon on Saturday on their visit to Wel- lington College, where they are to arrive about four o'clock. Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Pelace on Monday morning, when also the Prince and Princess of Wales are to leave Frogmore for Maribourough House. Lord Wicklow has been negotiating with his tenants on his extensive property in his titular county for the sale of the estate under Mr. Wynd- ham's Act; but there has been some diflicultv in the matter, owing to the tenants insisting on purchasing the whole- property or nothing. Shelton Abbey, the family seat near Arklow. is in one of the most romantically beautiful situa- tions in Ireland, but the house is something of an arcmtectural curiosity, "being meant." one is told. to convey to the spectator the idea of an ancient abbey converted into a baronial mansion." Lord Wicklow. since his marriage two years ago to the younger daughter of the Duke of Abercorn, has lived a great deal at Shelton. of which he and Lady Wicklow are both very fond. After the success of Mr. W. J. Travis, the American golfer, in the Amateur Championship. much interest was taken in his play last week in the Open Championship at Sandwich, for which there was a record entry, and one large enough to raise the question of the desirability of a quali- fying competition in the future. From the be- ginning 1r. Travis was off his strong point. putting. and at the end of the second day his aggregate score did not qualify him for further competition, which was confined to those within twenty of the leader's score. After much fine play throughout, the Open Championship, like the Amateur, changed hands, Jack Wmto of Sunningdalo winning with an aggregate of two hundred and ninety-six, James Braid and J. H. Taylor being bracketed second with two hundred ana ninety-seven; Mr. J. Graham, jun.. had the best amateur score (three hundred and ten), he being bracketed seventh, while Mr. R. Maxwell was bracketed tenth. Championship records for single rounds and aggregate score were beaten in a meeting full of good performances. Both in respect of the quality of the exhibits and the attendance of the public, the thirteenth annual show of the Richmond Horse Show Society, held on Friday and Saturday of last week in fine though occasionally dull weather, was entirely satisfactory. The entries in all classes wer? well up to the average of former years, the display of hunters being especially strong. Much regret was expressed at the unavoidable absence of the Duke of Teck. president of the societv who fiaJegrapbed his good witim Jrom Vienna. Pruice Alexander of Teck was present on Saturdav and during the afternoon of that dav IT, ot Battenbeig, with Princess Ba.enberg and Princess Beatrice of Cobur&r were also present m the Roval box. The X' petitions were followed with the keenest rnt^t ^sitore, who attended m unusuallv large numbers; and altogether the societv is to be con- w^'rh itCh^PKniHOIle °f themost successful shows w li.ch it has held since its msntuticn. The completely successful remit of Signer Mar- attT?t ~l°rk,X'P r'e on board the Cunard liner Campania supplied with a daiiv hews buhetni auring the voyage to New York represrms by no means the least, of the recent triumphs of wireless telegraphy. On no s;ngle day does there seem to have been anv failure in tne supply of news, communication' with the American stations having actuslly been estab- lished before that with the English stations ceased. It. may. therefore. be taken for granted that the mid-Atlantic danv newspaper has "come to stay." and the practical value of such an institution" to travellers between the Old and the New- World cannot be over-estimated In time, no doubt, a similar boon will be at the service of seafarers bound even upon the. longest voyages; ana it will then be neeessaiy for those who desire to obtain oomplete rest and change by escaping beyond the reach of newspapers, to seek what they require elsewhere than in "the pathless tracks of ooean."

CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents. All letters must be authenticzted by the sender's name and address, not necessarily for publica tion. Correspondents are particularly requested fa urite only on one side of the paper.

OLD NAMES IN CHESTER. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,-Iliave not overlooked "FairpiayV letter in a previous edition. His nom-de-plume was hardly correct, nor was it necessary to go all the way to Capernaum for the purposes of comparison, i Besides Capernaum is dead, but "Piryj.et Show Entry" is still here. He refers to an important crypt, but is not the most important crypt at that end of Watergate Row underneath Bishop Lloyd's Palace ? At any rate this was the one that came into notoriety a few years ag-o. Fairplay" and all \tbe advocates for the retention of the name Crypt Court," will never make me believe that it is a sweeter name than "Puppet Show Entry." Puppet Show Eneryought to have been preserved in name it ought to have been kept for ever. It contained a lesson wrapped up within it which perhaps Fairplayhas failed to see. And then the name "Puppet Show"—what does it remind us of ? Why the days of dolls and toys and infant delights, but "Crypt Court''—Bah! It smells of the dungeon and its appurtenances.— Yours, &c., J.

YEOMANRY EQUIPMENT. In the House cf Lords, on Monday, Lord Lovat called attention to certain defects of equip- ment, training and organisation of the Imperial Yeomanry, and urged that the Government should per more attention toO this branch of the service.—Earl Roberts did not think too much stress could be laid upon the importance of mus- ketry training, and it was essential that the offic-, Y, should themselves take the lead and under- stand how to teach their men. With regard to the armoury cf the- Yeomanry, th? rifle was. of course, the first. and most importait weapon, but he con- sidered they should be supplied with a bayonet, and no doubt the War Office would favourably consider the point. The Yeomanry was a force which was well worth and they ought to do all they ccuid to make it efficient. In the future we should require more mounted men than was formerly the case, and it was to Lle Yeo- manry he looked to remain in England to take the place of mounted trocps in war.—The Earl of Doncughmci-e, -speaking on behalf of the War Office, said they were most anxious to make the Yeomanry a useful and efficient forte; but they ccuid net be expected to adopt cfT-hand the many suggestions which had been made. With regard to the use of the bayonet, he was quite unable to ascertain why that weapon had been withdrawn from the Yeomanry. There, was a great difference of opinion as to the best weapon for the force; some colonels favoured swords and others ap- proved of bayonets, while some had suggested a battle-axe. The weight of option lay between the s wo id and the bayonet, and the matter was one which would receive examination. He also fully agreed that additional facilities should be given to officers to enable them to become efficient in musketry. Other matters dealt with would re- cave every consideration On a question of or- gr.m-ation he was not prepared at present to make any statement, a" the Defence Committee were at present engaged in considering the whole question cf the employment of the auxiliary forces in time of war.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. All cycles and ether vehicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the following table P.M. Wednesday, June 15 9.3H Thursday, June H; 9.40 Friday, June 17 9.40 Saturday, June 18 9.40 Sunday, June 19 9.41 Monday, June 20 9.41 Tuesday, June 21 9.41

CHESTER DISTRICT NUilSlisii ASSOCIATION. t\ W-lTVi; XOVvill-STIlLJiT. WEEKLY REPORT. Old cait-is 513 j Kemoved 4 New casds -0 I iJ&aths 5 Onrau 1- j Or. eooks 57 [ isits .u63 E. BATESON", Ly Sujteriarandeac. J lIne 11, 1\)\j4.

CHESTER IlN FiliMAliY. -+- WEEKLY STATE, ESVED SATURDAY LAST. n-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at 11 o clock. In-patients Discharged. In-patients. I Cured 11 Admitted 15 Relieved 4 J Hetaain in the House 86 Made Out-Patients Unrelieved 1 Irregularity Dead OUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are been on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical cates are seen en Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Ophthalmic cases are seen on Friday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental cases are seAi on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. Out-patients :.(l:1l¿:ed since Saturday !i> 110

BIRTHSTM ARRIAGES &DEATHS -+-- BIRTHS, MARRIAGES. AND DEATHS are charged at the rate cf 20 words for is. (prepaid). If net prepaid, tne charge will be 2s. 6d. T. announcement must be authenticated by tn. Biff- nature and Address of the Sender. MARRIAGE. CHRISTIAN — LOWKEY—On the. 7th June, at Hawardeo Parish Church, by the Su-phen Gladstone (rector), assintea LY inc t, v. raru.vs vcuriu-e-n. ou Ethehvold's Church, Shot-ton), Mr. FrtdericH Christian (Messrs. Summers and Sons, Liniited), to Miss Gertrude Lowrey, third daughter of Mr. Lowrey, Shutton. DEATHS. COOPER-At Las Rosas, Argentina, Augustus Frederick Cooper, Major, late 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers, aged i3. (By cable.) FRENCH—On the 8th June, at his residence, 25, Chichester-street. Francis French, a;red <2 years. PRICE—On the 6th June, James B. Price, Penymaes Cot- tag-e, Gianrai'jn, Lianasa, accidentally killtd at Point of Ayr Colliery, aged 40 rears. THELWELL—On the 7th June, Joseph Theiwcll, late of Whitchurch, aged :6 years. CONDOLENCE. Mrs. Francis French and Family return Thanks for the kind sympathy shewn them in tilth- recent bereavement. 25, Chichester-street, Chester.

MEMORIALS, AT ALL TRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, «TOXE & ALABASTER. On View, and to order. W. HASWELL & SON, MASONS. KALEYARDS, CHESTER. Et iHlutc and Designs Free cn application. Telephone No. HilA. ALDFORD. DANCE.—On Saturday evening, in aid of the Football Club, a very successful danoe took place on the green at the Grosvenor Arms. Aldford. Dancing oommenced about six o'clock and was carried on until dark to the strains of the Christie- ton Band. The funds of the club will doubtless be greatly augmented, and muoh of the success of the evening is due to the energy of Mr. John AIh^aa. ^ecreurx tc the club.

MR. THURSFIELD'S CLAIM-Wirh refer- ence to the late Electrical Engineer s (Mr Thurs- field's) claim against the Chester Corporation, the Town Clerk reported to a recent meeting of the Lighting Committee that he was not yet able to report on the matter, and instructions were given him thereon. A WIRRAL WILL.—Mr. Joseph Williamson, of Mill House, Raby Mere, who died on the 7th May, left estate of the gross value of £2,134. Os. 6d, including personalty of the nett value of 91,313. 5s., and probate of his will has been granted to Mr. Arthur Williamson, of Banj Cottage. Raby Mere, farmer, and Mr. Frederick Joseph Williamson, of Mill House. farmer, sons of the deceased. CHESTER BOWLING CLUB. -On Wednes- day a large number of members met to compete for prizes presented by the president (Mr. Dean), the vice-president (Mr. Dunbabin), the captain (Mr. Haswell) and Mr. Bradley. The weather and turf left nothing to be desired, and after some close games, in which great interest was taken, the result was as follows :—1, G. Johns 2, P. Dobbins; 3. C. Owen 4, S. Coppack. In the evening the President, with some appropriate words, presented the prizes to the winners. CHESHIRE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY.—A brass tablet is shortly to be placed in the Chester Cathedral to the memory of the men belonging to the 21st and 22nd Companies of the Cheshire Im- perial Yeomanry who died in South Africa. The committee are in possession of the names of those who died while with the companies, but there were several who joined the police force and obtained other situations before and after the return of the companies from South Africa, some of whom have since died. It is the committee's wish to have in- scribed on the tablet all the names of the dead members of the original two companies, and any information respecting them should be sent to Mr. J. H. Cooke, solicitor, Winsford. CORPORATION AND THE VALUATION BILL.—At a meeting of the Town Hall and Local Government Act Committee of the Chester Cor- gjration, the Town Clerk reported on the Valuation ill, explaining its provisions. In conclusion he said:—"I consider that the main principle of this Bill should receive the approval of the Corporation as, should it become law, it will be of considerable advantage to the city. I have asked the ex-Town Clerk for his views on the Bill, and without saying anything as to details he is of opinion that the Council ought to do all it can in support thereof. The Council of the Municipal Corporations Associa- tion have passed a resolution approving generally the recommendations of the Royal Commission as to valuation upon which this Bill is based, and they now have the details of the Bill under their con- sideration." After discussion it was resolved "That the principle of the Bill be generally approved, and that Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., be asked to give it his hearty support." CHESTER MOTORIST FINED.-At the Birkenhead County Magistrates' Court on Thurs- day, Charles Nicholson, Abbott's-cottage, Chester, was summoned for riding a motor bicycle to the danger of the public, and also for not producing his licence when requested to do so by a constable. Police-constable 139 deposed that on May 23rd (Bank-holiday) the defendant drove his motor bicycle rapidly through Eastham Village, scattering a crowd of between 200 and 300 people who were going to Hooton Races. When stopped by the constable he said he was very sorry for his rash act, and that he had left his licence at home. In defence Mr. Moore called the defendant and several cyclists, members of the Oakfield Cycling Club, who all swore that the motor bicycle was travelling at about six miles an hour, and there was no crowd whatever on the road at the time. Defendant was fined 10s. for the first alleged offence, and ordered to pay the costs for the second. RICHMOND HOUSE -To the Chester Cor- poration Improvement Committee recently the Town Clerk reported that the supplemental agree- ment had now been completed, and a letter was read as follows:—"I am directed by the Local Government Board to state that they have had under consideration the repoit made by their in- spector, Mr. Hooper, after the inquiry held by him with reference to the application of the Town Council of Chester for approval of the borrowing by the Town Council of Chester of the sum of £ 3,000 for the purchase of property adjoining Richmond House, Boughton. The Board will be prepared to comply with the application on being informed that the Board of Education have given their formal approval to the sale by the school trustees. They will defer consideration of any subsequent sale by the Town Council until tho latter are in a position to sell, and to submit definite proposals with regard to the precise amount of land to be sold. and the value of such land at that time."—The Town Clerk stated he had forwarded a copy of the letter to the clerk to the governors of the Macclesfield Free Grammar School. with a request to be informed when he had received the sanction of the Board of Educa- tion. THE KING'S LEVEE. His Majesty the King held a levee on Tuesday at St. James's Palace. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales arrived from Marlborough House, attended by Lord Chesham (Lord-in-Waiting), etc. The list of .presentations to the King included the fol- lowing names:—Lieut.-Colonel W. N. Congreve, M.V.O., V.C., Rifle Brigade, on appointment to the Staff of the Inspector-General, by H.R.H. the Inspector-General of the Forces; Lieut. Richard G. A. W. Stapleton-Cotton, R.N., on appointment to his Majesty's yacht Victoria and Albert, by Rear-Admiral Sir Archibald Berkeley Milne, Bart., C.V.O and the Very Rev. Monsignor the Hon. Basil Feildmg, by his brother, the Earl of Denbigh; Mr. R. S. Greenshields, by the Secre- tary of State. Among the noblemen and gentle- men attending the Levee were Colonel the Earl of Denbigh, Colonel the Earl of Harrington, Lord Kenyon, Lieut. Lord Gerald Grosvenor, the Right Hon. "Herbert Gladstone, the Rev. C. H. Prod- gers, Colonel E. Evans-Lloyd, Colonel James Tom- kinson. Sir John Brunncr, Lieut. J. J. de Knoop, and Lieut. R. N. H. Verdin. FIRE ENGINE STATION AND BREWERY EXTENSION.—At a meeting of the Chester Watch Sub-committeo in May the solicitor, archi- tect and secretary of the Northgate Brewery Co., Ltd., attended with reference to correspondence between the Company and the Corporation as to interference with lights. A discussion took place without prejudice, and Mr. H. J. Birch (solicitor) stated that the company are prepared, if neces- sary, to put in four new skylights with prism glass in the Fire Engine Station, and to face the new building (hop and sugar stores) proposed to be erected on the north of the station with white opaline tiles, and that they also are prepared to raise the chimney of the station, so as to prevent its smoking; and when the Corporation are de- sirous of building- on the yard of the Fire Engine Station the company will forego any claim they may have for easement for spouts or eaves pro- jecting over the property of the Corporation, and so arrange the brewery buildings as to place the said eaves or spouts on their own property, but that they are not prepared to give any restrictive covenants with regard to the erection of buildings on their own property, or the right of the Cor- poration to open out windows overlooking their property.—At a subsequent meeting the Town ■Clerk reported -on the legal position in the matter, and the sub-committee resolved that they "are not prepared tc. recommend the acceptance of the -terms offered on behalf of the Chester Northgate Brewery Co., Ltd., and that, without prejudice, the Town Clerk be instructed to confer with the company's solicitor (Mr. H. J. Birch), and ascer- tain if the company are prepared to entertain the suggestion that they purchase the present Fire Engine Station {the covered portion only), and grant the Corporation a lease of it for five or seven years."—As the result of two further inter- views between the Town Clerk and representatives of the Brewery Company, the new buildings are to be allowed to proceed pending the decision of the directors as to the suggestion of the Sub- committee, the company undertaking that the for- bearanoo of the Corporation shall not prejudice their position in their contention. THE SPANISH TREASURE SWINDLE.— A well-known Chester tradesman hae received a letter signed Antonio Garcia, which bears a close resembla&ce to the old familiar Spanish treasure fraud. Although badly punctuated, the letter con- tains very few misspelt words. and has evidently been written by someone familiar with the Eng- lish language, yet whose style is far from being the clearest. It is signed "Antonio Garcia" and bears the address of the "Castle fort of Barce- Jona," where the writer states he is undergoing a term of sixteen years' penal servitude. Antonio claims relationship with the Cestrian. and requests protection for his fourteen-year-old daughter. The gist of his extraordinary epistle is that he was secretary and treasurer to a certain Mr. Mor- timer Campos during the last Cuban war. He placed his fortune in public funds, and it in- creased satisfactorily until at the end of the cam- paign Mr. Campos was replaced bv General Weyler. The writer then joined the rebellion on behalf of the Cuban republic, but as his party were victims of treason, he emigrated to London where he resided for some time, takins- with him £ 37,000. His daughter, who was in Spain, was left without support by the death of his nephew and it became necessary for him to return to that country. He plaoed his fortune in the hands of bankers named Barrett, and hid his security docu- ment in his portmanteau, "so well made that the keenest eyes could not find it out." At Cartagena he was arrested by the military and sentenced to 16 years' penal servitude at Barcelona. Garcia then explains in the following delightfully clear sentence that "When I was sentenced my equipage and portmanteau had been confiscated. This em- bargo was made as a guarantee for the payment of the costs of my process." He states that he is aware of the grave state of his health, and begs that his daughter will receive the support of his Chester "relative/' Then comes his tempting ?r iu e foH°w'nK terms: "If you are so good to be the protector of my daughter and to advance the necessary funds for the replevin of my equip- age, I expect you will inform me of it bv cable I then will send to your house the respectable chaplain with my daughter, Amelie, also the equipage, and in my testament the fourth part of my fortune for you as the just reward for your assistance I meanwhile trust to your discretion the future of my darling daughter. Garcia says he cannot receive a letter directly, and asks that the answer should be sent to "Gregario Soler, Lister Telegrafoa, Barcelona, gl)ain, p