Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

SENTENCED TO DEATH. At the Surrey Assizes, held at Croydon, before Mr. Justice Grove, a middle-aged man named Caleb Smith has been tried for the wilful murder of a woman named Eliza Osborne, at Croydon, in April last. Mr. Douglas Straight and Mr. H. Avory conducted the prosecution Mr. Fulton defended the prisoner. The prisoner lived with the woman, who was married, nnd it appeared he had conceived a jealousy of her. On the 14th of April there was an altercation between them in consequence, and the woman struck him in the face and said she would go away; upon which he seized her and cut her throat with a razor, and then wounded himself in the throat (though not so severely but that the wound was healed), and he after- wards said that he had killed her, and that it was all owing to some man, whom he named, and of whom it appeared he was jealous. In these circumstances of course all that could be done by the prisoner's counsel was to endeavour to reduce the offence to manslaughter on provocation. The learned Judge, in summing up the case, gave the utmost possible effect to the defence, and carefully explained the law as to the difference between murder and manslaughter, pointing out that, in considering the provocation, the nature of the weapon used must be borne in mind, as the provocation must be pro- portionate to the nature of-the act done and without going so far as to say that the use of such a weapon as a razor or a knife must in all cases preclude such an excuse, the jury must carefully consider whether the excuse was admissable in this case. They must con- sider also whether in reality the motive to the act was the trifling assault or the deep-seated jealousy which appeared to have existed for provocation, to afford an excuse, must be present and immediate not a standing settled feeling. On the whole he left it to the jury to determine. The jury retired to consider their verdict, but after a short absence returned into court with a verdict of Guilty of murder—a verdict which the Foreman pro- nounced in a firm voice. The prisoner when called upon said nothing. The learned Judge proceeded to pass sentence of death upon him. The jury, said the learned Judge, could, in his opinion, pronounce no other verdict and now that they had pronounced it, he would say that lie had no doubt the real motive of the act on the part of the prisoner was not the assault, but the feeling of jealousy which existed in his mind. A murder committed from such a motive might not be so base as murder from baser motives might be, but still it was murder, and if the law did not"regard such acts as murder there would be no safety for human life, and human society could not exist. Men were not to allowed thus, under the influence of feelings of jealousy, to sacrifice the lives of others, even if they were so desperate as to be ready at the same time to sacrifice their own. The learned Judge then passed sentence of death in the usual form upon the prisoner, who was removed from the bar without saying a word.

PEDESTRIANISM. Weston, the American pedestrian, commenced a walk of 400 miles in five days at the Bristol Rifle Drill hall at nine p.m. on Monday in last week. He com- pleted his hundredth mile at 8 26 on the following even- ing. The last mile of the century was walked in 10 min. 59 sec. After accomplishing a fourth of his journey Weston took rest till 9 31, when he resumed his task. He completed his 200th mile at 9 45 Thursday morn- ing, and at 4 39 on Friday afternoon had completed 300 miles. At noon on Saturday the bulletin showed that 360 miles had been scored by the timekeepers, and the interest in the feat began to grow in intensity, between 2,000 and 3,000 spectators being present in the evening, and cheering lustily as each succeeding lap was accomplished. Men were stationed at various parts of the course to fan Weston as he passed, and at eight o'clock he had five miles to walk in an hour. At nine o'clock, however, the end of the fifth day, he had not completed his 399th mile by five seconds, but walked well during the last hour, doing his last mile, which made 84 miles in the day, in 13 min. 5 sec. An error was made by the marker on Wednesday at the 181st mile. Instead of marking the succeeding mile as 182 it was scored 183, and the mistake was not discovered until some time subsequently; and it was not communicated to Weston till he came on the track on Saturday morning. On the total on the tele- graph-board being put back a mile the pedestrian remonstrated and was so affected by it that it was thought he must give up, as he was thrown out of the calculations he had made for the accomplishment of his feat. The excitement was intense over the dis puted mile, which many claimed for the pedestrian. U" Weston afterwards appeared in evening dress, and having thanked the assemblage for their "patience, he said that he greatly regretted the error th.it had been made. He had walked 35,000 miles m pu • >itc without ever before being credited with a mile he had not gone over. He was loudly cheered.

A MERCHANTMAN AND AN IRONCLAD. The Berlin Correspondent of The Times gives the follow- ing particulars of an engagement betwixt a Russian mer- chantman and a Turkish ironclad:- Four months ago Captain Baranoff, of the Imperial Russian Navy, published a remarkable article in the Golos, upon the late Mr. Elder's circular vessels and the advantage to be derived by his country from iron- clads. After attributing to the late Mr. Elder the merit of the original invention-an admission the partisans of Admiral Popoff had been hitherto numerous enough to repress in Russia-Captain Baranoff went on to say that Russia, in his opinion, required no ironclads at all, neither circular nor ob- long. According to him, it had been absolutely proved in the Crimean War that however strong in themselves, ships will always succumb to the heavier artillery that may be brought to bear upon them from the shore. ,a As regards combat on the high seas, he was likewise inclined to think that the most powerful cuirass had no chance against the still more powerful artillery sure to fall foul of it. Carrying this argument still further, he advised his Government to abandon the construc- tion of ironclads, avoid naval battles, and confine operations at sea to the letting loose of a number of cruisers against the enemy's merchantmen. These cruisers he proposed to station chiefly on the Pacific shore of the Russian Empire, whence, as he expressed himself, they could easily be sent to manoeuvre in the rear of any enemy likely to be opposed to his country. Those naval engagements that could not be avoided Captain Baranoff preferred fighting with small craft, making up by agility and speed what they lacked in cuirass, and if the worst came to the worst, easily re- placed by other specimens of the same type. This article having been much noticed at the time, the author soon after the beginning of the present war, was given to understand by the Admiralty that they did not object to his trying to prove by deed what he had so eloquently advocated in prist. Ac- cordingly a few weeks ago, the merchant steamer Vesta being placed at the disposal of the enterpris- ing officer, was equipped for the task in hand. The Vesta is an ordinary iron steamer of light build, till then employed in no more warlike function than the conveyanee of corn and tallow from Russia to foreign shores. Yet, all the prepara- tion Captain Baranoff thought necessary was to take some 6in. mortars on board, to receive which the deck of the steamer had to be strengthened. Thus slightly armed he left Sebastopol on the 21st inst. at dawn, and on the morning of the 23rd, 35 miles from Kustenje, fell in with the Turkish ironclad Assari Tefvik, a formidable vessel with a 12in. cuirass and the proper complement of 9in. guns of 12 ton weight. What made the Turk an especially terrible adversary was a speed of 20 knots an hour. Nothing daunted by the disproportion in size and strength, Captain Baranoff engaged the Assari Tefvik without hesitation, and with a skill and bravery worthy of his printed prophecies, maintained the fight for five hours. As far as can be gathered from the insufficient intelligence already received, the Vesta's superior manoeuvring capacity effectually kept the Turk in check, though the distance between the two vessels was repeatedly lessened to the space required for a telling rifle fire. The Assari Tefvik, too, notwithstanding the tremen- dous thickness of her armour, thought it dis- creet to keep constantly moving about with extra- ordinary alertness and speed. At least this is the conclusion drawn from the fact that the Turkish vessel in a five hours' encounter, though abundantly struck by small shot, received only three of the enemy's balls..One of these seems to have done little harm. The second shot went right through the deck, kindling a fire which was quickly extin- guished. The third struck the turret and created an impression which, had not a couple of Turkish vessels come to the rescue of their comrade, might .have given the Vesta an opportunity to do more, though crippled herself, by that time. The Vesta, in the course of the conflict, had been hit by a grenade close to the powder magazine, and had it not been for the rapid measures taken by her commander, would assuredly have been blown up. Worse than this, her rudder being struck, the vessel could not properly obey the helm —a serious drawback in a fight in which safety mainly depended upon celerity. Despite this, Captain Baranoff managed to hold his own until, on the two other vessels coming to the ass;stance of the enemy, he very wisely deemed discretion the better part of valour and beat a retreat. At this juncture the Turks pouring their shot into their departing adversary, inflicted no little damage, without, how- ever, closely following up their success. At dawn of the 24th, the gallant steamer cast anchor again at Sebastopol, seriously injured, yet covered with glory. Of the crew three officers and eleven men were killed, two officers and four men seriously wounded, and three officers and eleven men slightly wounded. Among the last are Captain Baranoff and M. Vladimir Perclcouiiiue, ltia runt, Tn fact, scarcely any escaped unscathed. The sensation created by this encounter between a giant and a dwarf will probably not be diminished by the detailed reports which have yet to come in. How- ever clumsily the ironclad may have been managed, there is the fact of a merchantman fighting her for five hours and inflictine as much damage as she received.

A NEW TORPEDO. A new torpedo, known as the Toy torpedo," has lately been tried at Cleveland in the United States, and seems to leave nothing to be desired in the way of deadliness (says the Observer). The torpedo is cylindrical, with conical ends. The torpedo when launched is entirely under the control of the operator, who may be stationed on shore or aboard ship. lie has a compact battery and keyboard, on which are small switches, with which he guides, controls, and explodes the instrument by means of electricity. The secrecy under which a series of experiments with this in- vention have lately been made aroused general curiosity, and great crowds assembled at Cleveland on the 10th inst. to witness a public trial of the torpedo, among whom were the Assistant Chinese Minister, Yung Yuen Roo, a number of naval officers, and other notabilities. The experiment is represented as having been a splendid success. A stake-boat was stationed a half mile from the shore, and when the battery was ap- plied the torpedo started off at a rapid rate, goiner to the stake-boat in three minutes and twenty seconds, and, gracefully rounding the boat, started on her return, which was made in the same time. It is asserted that this torpedo will travel twelve miles per hour. The rapidity and precision with which the machine obeyed the operator convinced the spectators that it is one of the most formidable weapons of naval warfare ever invented.

TWO EXECUTIONS. Henry Rogers, sentenced to death at the Stafford Assizes for the murder of his wife at Wolverhampton, was executed at Stafford on Tuesday morning. Rogers had induced his wife to walk out with him, and then deliberately cut her head almost off with a razor, their little child lying asleep close by. During his trial, he behaved in a most violent manner, but since his con- viction his conduct underwent a change for the better. Prisoner walked firmly to the scaffold, attended by the Rev. Dr. Acton and the Rev. M. B. Lloyd, and whilst standing on the drop kissed the crucifix. Death appeared to be instantaneous. The executioner was a local man. This is the fourth private execution which has taken place at Stafford, and the scaffold used is the same upon which William Palmer, the Rugeley poisoner, suffered over twenty yeari ago. The execution of Starkey for the murder of his wife

took place within the precincts of the Leicester gaol at eight o'clock on Tuesday morning. Shortly before the time appointed for the execution the condemned man was pinioned, and walked to the scaffold accom- panied by two warders. The culprit prayed most earnestly during the brief time the rope was being adjusted by Marwood, when the drop fell. The con- demned man went to bed about eleven o'clock on Monday night, and awoke about four o'clock on Tuesday morning, after having slept well.

of Somerset said he wished to ask the noble duke the President of the Council a question on a subject of great importance to the interests of the fishermen on the coasts of Devonshire and Cornwall. A report from the Home Office which had „been distributed to members of that House stated that a practice was growing up of destroying fish by means of dyuamite. Moreover the report said the result of this practice would be that the pilchard, the mackerel, and the herring would leave the coasts of this country. To the West of England this was a most important question. Indeed, the Inspectors of I isheries had deemed it so important, that they re- commended that a short Bill should be immediately passed to prevent the employment of this dele- terious substance for the destruction of fish. At this time of the Session he supposed it would hardly be possible to pass such an Act, particu- larly when he noticed the state of business in the other House of Parliament; but he hoped that during the recess this question would be carefully considered, and that next year some measure would be introduced by the Government for protecting the fisheries of the coasts of ths country. He believed the shoals of fish were beyond the three-mile boundary, and therefore there would be some difficulty in bring- ing legislation to bear on the subject; but still the matter was so important that he hoped it would be carefully considered. He would therefore ask the noble duke what course, if any, the Government intended to take. ifie Ju>u«e ot iiWniotinu and Crordon replica mat the question was no doubt one of great importance. The report which had been laid upon the table of the House disclosed a state of things which seemed to require that some notice should be taken of it. But the proposals, or rather the suggestions, contained in the Report showed that it would be impracticable at the present moment to take any active steps for legislating on the subject. The Fishery Commissioners were of opinion that it would be perfectly useless to attempt to deal with the ques- tion unless the use of dynamite was made illegal. It had, they added, been suggested to them that legisla- tion on the subject, in order to be effective, must be very severe. Their report went on to say that the de- struction which dynamite caused was so great and the operation of the shock s, quick that nothing, it was argued, except imprisonment, would be likely to prevent the offence, and thereforeit was suggested that the offence should be made a misdemeanour, punish- able with fine and imprisonment, with or without hard labour. It was obvious that legislation of such a penal character ought not to be undertaken hastily or without due consideration. He could, however, give the noble duke the assurance which he asked for, that the subject would receive the attention of the Govern- ment. He would communicate with the right hon. gentleman the Home Secretary with regard to it.

THE STATE OF TRADE. In the reports of the inspectors of factories for the six months ending the 30th of April last are some re- marks on the depressed state of trade. When visiting lately the factories in the Leeds district engaged in worsted spinning and weaving, and sImIlar. to those of Bradford, Mr. Walker, one of the assistant-inspectors was informed on good autho- rity that from one-third to one-half of the machinery is at a standstill. Oitf of the causes as- signed for this unfortunate state )f affairs is foreign competition, particularly on the fart of the French, who excel in the manufacture of tie inner description of worsted goods of which Brjdford is the head- quarters in this country. The best evidence of the condition of the cotton trade igafforded by the fact that in an important district il has been decided to run the machinery only four dafs a week. The iron trade also continues dull, and breign competition is much complained of. At an engineering work in tie neighbourhood f Edinburgh, Mr. Walker was latey informed by one of the partners that iron girders, vhich are extensively used in supporting floors and fofs, can be obtained from France and Belgium £5 L ton cheaper than in this country, at least equal inpoint of material and workmanship, and in some respets superior. Mr. Redgrave says that th< whole trade of the country during the period coered by his report appears to have been restricted to the absolute and bare wants of the day. Not only are speculative orders not given, but the uncerainty of the political atmosphere, the want of confideice in the future—even the absence of confidence in th ordinary transactions of business—causes trade to be luctuating, spasmodic, and unremunerative,

A natural bridge, id to be far more wonderful than that. in Virginia, is repted to li&yc been recently discovered in Elliot county, Kentky. It is of solid stone, in forai a magnificent arch, 162ftong, and 15ft. wide at the top, the river, the Little Ch in, rolling 100ft below. Fifty yards above the bridge is a terfall, 60ft. feet high, anil the view from the bridge is salto bte exCreHMy beautiful

THE COLORADO BEETLE NUISANCE. The Colorado beetle is becoming a nuisance (remarks the Evening Standard). It has been a kind of bugbear for the last year or two, and our dread of it is all the greater from the fact that notwithstanding the fuss made about it, we cannot get a sight of the cole- opterous insect. Like the crisis which put Artemus Ward into such a terrible fright, and for which he searched in vain under the seats of the railway-carriage, it is always onto us," but it never comes. We are not particularly anxious that it should come, but, after all, we do not know that it would not be better to face the monster at once rather than be kept in a constant state of per- turbation by unfounded rumours of its approach. We were told that it had landed at Dublin, and the whole country was immediately put into a posture of defence but it turned out that the horrid scarabseid was only a stone-beetle. On Saturday there seemed to be hardly a doubt that several specimens had made their appearance at Hereford, and a Government Inspector was instantly despatched to make inquiries. The disappointment in ihis instance was greater than before. If the Colorado beetle has been in- vented to take the place of the sea-serpent, or fami- liar gigantic gooseberry, or the annual recurring shower of green frogs, well and good but if there is to be a constant repetition of these false alarms, the public will begin to regard the Colorado beetle as a sort of Mrs. Harris, and believe that there never was no sich" thing. Seriously speaking, people should exercise a little care in spreading reports about the presence of the dreaded beetle, for it must be manifest that the Government cannot affor i to keep a staff of inspectors ready to rush at a minute's notice to any part of the country where some exciteable indi- vidual may have been frightened by a ladybird.

AGRICULTURAL STOCK OF TURKEY. Returns made by British Consuls in April last re- lating to cattle and sheep in foreign countries include some account of the live stock of Turkey. Consul Holmes reports that in 1874, the latest return, there were in Bosnia 211.125 oxen, 309,775 cows and calves, 2.223,336 sheep and lambs, and 106,034 horses. But already, in April, these numbers had been reduced by at least one-half, as, owing to the insurrection, the peasants in Herzegovina, and along all the frontiers of Bosnia, had fled in great numbers from the country, and taken their flocks and herds with them, whenever it was possible. Lieutenant-Colonel Mans- field reports from Bucharest that the last statistics show 1,886,990 head of cattle in Roumania, and 4,786,294 sheep their quality is too inferior to bear the expense of an export trade to England. Consul- General Fawcett reports that in the provinces of Con- stantinople, Adrianople, and Broussa (Asia) there were from 350,000 to 450,000 oxen, about a like number of cattle, and from 7,000,000 to 8,500,000 sheep. The average weight of dead oxen, sinking the offal, is thirty stone of fourteen pounds and of sheep from a little over two stone to nearly three stone. In Asia, the sheep are the broad- tailed, which yield large quanties of tallow. Consul Sanderson reports that in his district of Galatz and Ibraila, as far as could be ascertained (no numbers being obtainable in respect of the interior districts), there Were nearly 29,000 cattle, nearly 44,000 oxen, .1 .o,oo.J' .1.1- The NVLGHB v GIAWFCIL UACLL, sinking offal, may be said to average 4i to 5 cwt. stall-fed oxen run from 4 to cwt., and fetch B14 to J618 a pair. They are small in size, and the quality of the meat is not of the best. Acting-Consul Barker reports from Salonica, that there were in the district about 300,000 oxen, cows, and buffaloes, and 1.200,000 sheep, but he says there are no statistics to be relied on. The returns and estimates above given were posted by the Consuls in April last. A good deal has happened since then.

NEW CURE FOR SUNSTROKE. The Daily Telegraph thus notice- a new remedy for sunstroke advocated and practised by Mr. J. G. Smea- ton, an engineer .—In narrating his experience among workers in brickfields-and here is where the com- munication seems most valuable—he informs us that it was no uncommon thing in intensely hot season for some of those fielders to be suddenly stricken down and seized with vomiting, violent headache, and delirium. "But I do not recoliect," says ltlr. Smea- ton, one individual treated under the method I am accustomed to follow who suffered any after effect, or had a second sunstroke." The patient when taken was immediately carried to the shady side of the burning kiln or into an adjacent shed a pail of water was fetched and a red-hot brick thrown into it. The feet of the sufferer were then placed in the heated water, and more hot bricks were added until the water was raised to a very high point of temperature. Simul- taneously, hot bricks were so arranged as to form a pillow for his head and the back of his neck. His face and hands were bathed with hot water, which was afterwards removed, and fresh hot bricks were then applied under the neck and head. The process resulted in the restoration of the patient to consciousness in fifteen minutes or half an hour, when copious pers piration and a tendem-y to sleep supervened, fcjpirits were ad- ministered at intervals to stimulate circulation, and on the patient waking the cure was found to be com- plete. It is obvious that this is really a method, and a sensible one, cf relieving the congestion attendant on coup de. soliel by derivation, instead of the ordinary and often useless practice of counter-shock. The attested successes of Mr. Smeaton in the malady in question are not unworthy the candid consideration of medical practitioners. He defends his position with large experience and at the same time with modesty, and, if the ground he takes be found solid, medical science may be congratulated on having moved a step forward in the path of progress, none the less impor- tant because associated with a simple discovery made by a layman. _———————

THE MARKETS. £J ,l: MARK LANE.—MONDAY. Business at Mark-lane was quieter, and owing to the fine weather and improved harvest prospects the tendency was rather towards weakness. English wheat was in short sup- ply. Neverthelessthe demand ruled quiet, and if sales were forced less money would have to be taken. Foreign wheat was in fair supply and slow request, at drooping quotations. The supply of barley was moderate. There was rather less demand, at about late rates. Malt changed hands slowly on former terms. Oats were in good supply, chiefly foreign produce. Business was rather quieter, and difficulty was experienced in supporting Friday's advance. Alaize ruled quiet, but tolerably steady. Beans and peas were unaltered. In the flour market not much was doing, at previous rates. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET.—MONDAY. The cattle trade has been fairly animated and tolerably steady. The supplies were shorter. As regards beasts, the deliveries from our own grazing districts were much less than usual, but the quality was tolerably good. There was a healthy demand, and a clearance was made at fill] There were If) Scotch beasts on otfer, and snnie of the.c made t;s. 4<l., hut 6s. 2d. per jjlb. was the general top quotation. From Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire we received about 1,200, from other parts of Kagland about 250. and from Scotland 15. On the foreign side of the maiket thei ■ was a much less plentiful, and it was composed priii'-ipalh. of Spanish and Danish. The trade was steady, and prices ruled firm. The sheep pens were moderately well tIled. There was no special feature. Business was quiet, and quotations were about the same as last week. Best Downs and half-breds were ôs. 10d. to 7s. per 81b. Lambs were steady at 7s to 8s. per 81b. Calves and pigs sold at about late prices. At Deptford there were 1,200 Dutch and Tunning beasts, and about 5,000 Eheep. Coarse and inferior beasts, 4s 6d. to ;>s. second quality ditto, 5s. to 5s. Sd. prime large oxen, 5s. 10d. to iT 6s.; prime Scots, Ac., 6s. to (is. 2d.; coarse and inferior sheep, 5s. 6d to 6s. second quality ditto, os. to (is. 6d. prime coarse woolled sheep, tis. Sd. to Gs. 10d.; prime Southdowns, 6s. l'td. to 7s. Jambs, 7s. to 8". large coarse calves, 5s. to 5s. 6d. prime small ditto, 5s. ad. to 6s. large hogs, 3s. öd. to 4s. neat small porkers, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 8d. per 81b. sinking the offal. METROPOLITAN MEAT MARKET.— MONDAY The market was rather heavy this morning, the weather affecting both trade and prices. The supply of meat on sale was moderate. Inferior beef, 3s to 3s. 4d. middling ditto, 4s. to 5s. prime large ditto, 5s. to 5s. 4d. prime Scotch ditto, 5s. 4d. to 5s. 6ii. vea', 4s. 8d. to 5s. 4d. inferior mutton, 3s. to 4s. middling ditto, 4s. 4d. to 5s. prime ditto, 5s. 4d. to 6s. 4d. large pork, 3s. bd. to 4s. 4d. small ditto, 4s. 6d. to 5s. and lar b, Cs. to 7s. per bib by the carcass. TALLOW. s. a. Town Tallow, per cwt. 42 9 Rough Fat, per 81bs. 1 10 Melted Stun, per cwt. 30 6 s. a. Rough frtnff, per cwt. 15 6 Greaves 12 0 Good Dregs 11 _L 6 0 icuow riussian, new !K. VU. pci c»i. Australian Mutton Tallow. 43s. 6d. Ditto Beef Ditto. 42s. Od. POTATOES. The supplies of potatoes are moderate, and trade remains steady Kent Regents, 140s. to I 60s. Essex ditto, 130s. to 160s. Kent shaws, 120s. to 140s. Essex ditto, 120s. to 150s. kidneys, 160s. to 200s. and early rose, 120s. to 160s. per ton PROVISION. LONDON, Monday, July 30.—The arrivals last week from Ireland were 337 firkins Butter, and 4,700 bales Bacon, and from foreign ports 26,327 packages Butter, and 2,884 bales Bacon. The Butter market has ruled slow, and prices in favour of buyers for foreign descriptions. In Irish scarcely anything doing. Bacon has sold steadily, particularly the lean descriptions, and at the close of the week Hamburg advanced 2s. per cwt. Lard. 110 change. SEED. LosiW, Monday, July 30 -Foreign CloversceJs were still held too high for the views of the buyers, aud few sales were effected. Good Trsfoil was saleable at an advance of 2s. per cwt. Xew English Rapeseed was in fair supply, making 75s. to 80s. per qr. The quality was generally good, but not all dry. New Trifolium Incaxnatum was offered at very moderate rates, the demand for it not yet being on. Tares were taken off in fair quantities at previous rates. Dutch Hempseed was unaltered in values. Canaryseed was purchased slowly at rather less m*ney. White Mustard- seed was offered at previous rates, but few sales effected. Brown samples in limited supply, and unaltered in value. The new English Rye offering was not in condition, and offered at less rates in consequence. Fine dry parcels are wanted.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. In the HOUSE of LORDS, July 27, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon Ill. reply ro a question put by the Duke of Somerset, promised that due cnnsideration should be given to th representations made to the Government with regard to the disastrous etlects arising from the use of dynamite and otner explosives in the coast fisheries. The Public Loans Remisssion Bill passed through COli]. mittee The Married Women's Property (Scotland) Em aEd the Telgraphs (1Ioney) Bill were read a thinl time and passed. Their Lordships then adjourned. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer moved the postponement of the orders of the day untIl after the notice of motion relating to the business of the House. Several members urged the delay of tlÜs debate to Monday, and a division was taken, which resulted in the Government being sustained by 319 to 40. The Chancelhw then moved the first of the two resolutions of which notice had been given, providing for the suspension of a member who flisregarded the authority of the Chair. It was stated that this resolution was only to be operative to the end of the present Session. An amendment by 311'. Sandforil, that the motion to sus- pend a member must have the sUlJport of tlirce-fourths of the members presnt, led to a long debate. The amendment Having been negatived, Mr. Gladstone supported the resolu- tion. Ir. Gray moved, as an amendment, that no member Ehouhl vote on the motion to suspend a member who was not pre:.ent when the matter complained of occurred; this was rejected by 312 to 40. lr. O'Shaughnessey and Mr. Callan moved further amend ments, which were rejected by similar majorities. The House divided on the main question, and affirmed the resolution by 282 against 32. The secend resolution was carried by 250 votes to 7 Some other business was disposed of, and the House then adjourned. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS, July 28, the first Bill on the

paper was the Sheriffs' Court (Scotland) Bill, and on the motion for going into Committee, the Jlmendment moved by Mackintosh, declaring that no measure can be satis- factory unless provision be made for the abolition of the double Sheriffship, gave rise to a long discussion, in the course of which the provisions of the Bill were criticised by Dr Cameron, 1-.ir. M'Laren, and others. In replJing to these Mr. Cross offered to defer the con- sideration of the rlill if desired until another opportunity, a:id accordingly, when the House had gone into Committee, *h- Lord Advocate immediately moved to report progress, which led to some sharp auimadvtrsions from Mr, .VI 'Laren, Sir G. Campbell, ],11'. Leith, and other Scotch members on the manner in which Scotch interests have been sacrificed during the present Session. The motion was carried by 61 to 39 but the protest \gainst the conduct of Scotch business was renewed when the House proceeded to the East India Loan Bm-on which a motion was made to adjourn the debate by 1-.11'. 31'Laren-and ultimately the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who pltaded the peculiar difficulties against which the Govel'l1meut had had W struggle, promised that the Sheriff's Court Bill should be the first Order of the day on Wednesday. Tile East India Loan Bill was passed through Committee, and some other business having been disposed of, the House adjourned. In the HOUSE OF LORDS, July 30, Earl Cadogan called

attention to the memorandum explanatory of the provisions of the proposed warrant fur the appointment, promotion, Imd retirement of officers of the army. The noble lord stated that the abolition of Purchase effected an enormous change in the condition and prospects of the otllcers of the Army and had led to the legislation now proposed. Fllder the Purchase system promotion was provided for the officers at their uwn expense, but after Purchase was abolished thne was found to exist a block ill the way of pro- motion and the present Government felt the state of 8 to be destructive of the efficiency of the Army. J.,g a promise had been given by Lord Cardwell that reasonable rapidity in promotion should be secured, a Commission, presided over by Lord Penzance, was ap- pointed, whose Report contained a masterly exposition of thE: whole question. Having referred to the recommenda- tions of thi3 Commission, Lord Cadogan proceeded to say that the scheme of the Commissioners would not interfere with any future system of regimental reorganization. The plan aJFo provided for a reserve of officers, and the cost of the whole scheme would probably fall below the estimate of ili 50,000 a year. The Govemment could not expect to satisfy aU parties, but they thought it their duty not to shrink trom the task of proposing a scheme which they believed to be necessary for the welfare of the Army and the interests of the country. Lord Landsdowne said the proposal of the Government would effect an enormous change in an important branch of Her .\Ialesty s service, and also entail a considerable burden QD the finances of the country and of Iudia. He expressed a hope that before anything should be finally decided on, some consideration would be given to the important subject of regimental re-organization. The Duke of Cambridge said it could not be denied that Ciú abolition of Purchase had effected an entire alteration in the po;;ition of the officers of the Army, and therefore it became important to consider how facilities for retirement, which existed unùer the Purchase system, might now be provided, so that the efficiency of the Army should not be impaired, and, as far as he could judge, tle proposal of the Royal Commission on this point was fair and also liberal. In his opinion there existed the gravest objections to regi- mental re-organization. At any rate, that was a question the consideration of which would retjuire much time, amI the matter now under conideration was of pressing importance. I..ord Penzance observed that the Royal Commissioners considered compulsory retirement in itself llOt. desirable, but they came to the conclusion, after consideration, that It "as a necessity. Lord Cardwell thought it expedient that the question ¡¡hould lJe ettled in the present ession, and he was sure that if the House of Commons were satisfied that the proper measure was proposed there would be no objection on Jts part to granting the reqUlste money to carry the plan into operation. He shouLI wish the question of regimental urbanization to be carefully examined. Some remarks were also made by Lord Powis, Lord Hertford, Lord Fortescue, aud Lord Strathuairn, and the subject dropped. The other business was tllen disposed of, and their Lord- ships adjourned. In the HOUSE OF COM)IONS, in the carl:w>art of the sitting, there was another lively scene between the Irish members. The O'Douoghue, referring to what passed on Saturday, wheu Mr. Biggar objected to his name heiug added to a Committee, informed that gentleman that he was now ready tû Illeet any charge he had to make. Mr. Biggar, w110 showed great d sinclination to accept the challenge, until stimulated 1:)r the loud cheers by which it was received from all sides, Replied at last that the next time The 0' DOlloglme's name was proposed for a Committee he would explain his reason for objecting to it. At this there were loud cries of "Oh! oh aud the Chancellor of the Exchequer suggested that The O'Donoghue should state what occurred and 116 Qoubt Mr. Biggar wonhl oifov some explanation. Thc ODonoghue thereupon informed the Ilouse that iu objecting his name Biggar stated that he had weighty reasons to tIrge agailJst him. but he would not repeat them ill his absence and he now called upon him to state them. Mr. Siggar said it was impossible to state all the varied reasoIs he had in his mind, but he relied chiefly on certam Speeches made in the House during a Home-Rule debate tree years ago and elsewhere, which left an impres- sion on his mind that The ODonoghue was an unfit member for the Committee. Sir W. Harcourt protested warmly gainst the reckless insinuation of charges winch no attelllIJt Was made to substantiate, and the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer was loudly cheered on remarking that if The V'Dunoghne wished to carry the matter further 110 doubt he Would Le supported by the House. The Speaker here inter- posed, and pointed out that the matter could not be canied further except as a substantive motion; and after some remarks from Sir G. Bowyer who thoght Mr. Biggar's xplanation very unsatisfactory, the sulJject dropped. The Chancellor of the Exchequer pointed out the impos- sibility of the GovernmelJt proceeding with the Roads and Bridges (Scotland), the Bankruptcy Law Amendment, the Post Office Money Orders, and the Factories and Workshops Bills this session, and said thnt, as far as he cuuld Judge, the session would close on 01' about the 15th of August. In referring to the Navy Estimates the Chanceller of the Exchequer took occasion topay a tribute tothememory of ]'I'. Ward Hunt, bearing emphatic testimony to the value of his public service and speaking of him as ;\11 hnwured and loved member of the House, who had never made an enemy. Lord Bartington expressed the entire concurrence of his side of the Honse in this eulogium on one whom he desIgnted as n generous and worthy polttical opponent, blaring tstlmolY to the zeal which he bronght to bear 011 his public duties and 10 the courage with which he had remained at Ins post. The Chancellor of the Exchequer stated, in rcply te a question from ir W. Lawson, that it was not true the British Fleet hatl left the central position of Besika Bay. The squadron had merely been away on a cruise. In answer to Mr. Chamberlain, 1fr. Bourke said that no reply had been received from the .Russian Government to the communication made to Count Schouvaloff on the sub- ct of outrages alleged to have been inflicted by the Russian troops on the Mahommedan population in Europe and Asia. Tile House then went into Committee on the South Africa Bill. the consideration of which it resumed at the third clause, upon which Sir G. Campbell had moved a proviso that no union of Colonies should take place under the Bill unless the Cape Colony was included. It was opposed by Mr. Lowther, and in the course of the discussion which ensued anoth. r scene was provoked by the Irish members. Mr. Courtney, in supporting the amend- ment 8.8 a security for the protection of the natives, referred to the system of slavery existing in Natal, and was reading long extracts from a pamphlet in which its circumstances Were described, when he was called to order by the Chair- man, who laid it down that though reference to the sytem of 8lavery might be in order, to enter into a long and elabo- rate decription of its evils would be out of order. )11'. Callan asked whether it was to be understood that though a reference to a suhject might be in order, it became out of order by being elaborated. Such a view, he thought, was "an insult to the common sense of the House" At thjs there Wtre loud cries of Order, and the Chau- cellor of tn e Exchequer said it was impossible that such L observations could be passed over without challenge, and repeating Mr. Callan's words, was about to make some sug- gestion to the House, when Mr. Callan disclaimed having Used them in the sense understood. The Chancellor of the Exchequer then moved that the Words loe taken down, but the Chairman ruled that the motion ought to have been made when the words were Uttered and could not be mane after a discussiou had inter- vened. :àIr Newdegate, amid considerable cheering, declared that he and those about mm had umlerstood .Mr. Callan to apply these words to the Chairman's ruling, though he him- Belf thought the course taken ùy .Mr. Courtney was one rather to be checked by the customary manifestations of impatience than by the interposition of the chair. The Chairman also said he understood his ruling to have been described as an insult to the common sense of the Rouse. and intimated that it would be impossible for him to conduct the deliberations of the Committee unless the Words were withdrawn. A conversation of some warmth followed, in the course of which Mr. Dillwyn said he uudenttJoù :'11'. Callan to have (Used the words in the seme imputed to him. Captain Nolan, excHsÎilg :\11'. Callan, suggested that the words might have been addressed uot to the Chair, but to some gentle- men opposite. i After some observations from Sir P. O'Brien, M.r. Parnell, and Sir C. Russell, Callan rose and said he had not .in- | tended the words to apply to the Chairman's rulIng-whICh f he underlttood t,) be that Mr. CourtJky was in order- hut "to otl1er matters" which he was ready to specify if called Upon. The Attorney-General, however, disseuted entirely from 'II'. Callan's xepresentation of Ills observations, and the same view was taken of :Mr. Callan's explanation hy Mr. Laing. who thought it would be a great misfortHne if the leaders of both parties did not take some strong measures to support authority, and by Mr. L. Bell, whu read out a 11.010 taken at the time, by which it appeared that he uuder- L atood j r. Callan to stigmatize the whole of the Chairman's j( rulmg and not one portion of it solely as he now represented I, This also appeared to be the general opinion of the Com- ttittee hut the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was sup- Ported ;-¡y The O'Conor Don and :Mr. Childers, urged it, after ).Ir. Gall an's disclaimer, to allow the incident to drop. This Was dÜlle, and, Mr. Courtney having completed his speech, I.. the Committee, after some further discussion, negatiYed Sir « O. Campbell's amendment by 173 to 35. The clause was subselluently agreed to, and progress there- lion reported. r The East India Loan Bill was reported It everal ether Bills were forwarded a stage, and the House counted out at twenty minutes to two o'clock.

The New York Journctl of Commerce estimates the aggregate loss suffered by railways through destrnction of their proprety and stoppage of business since the strike began in the United States at 26,250,000 dols., excluding losses to individuals by goods destroyed and business in terrupted. A singular accident has been recorded by the Journal Oficiel. M. Gastard, of Paris, had placed a number of car- tridges on a table. Some solar rays having been con centra- ted by an eye in the glass of a window, a terrific explosion <I'1Uk place.

A VISIT TO MR. BRIGHT. There was an occurrence of a rather novel de- scription at Rochdale on Saturday afternoon. The Co-operators of Leeds and Bradford organized a special trip to Rochdale for the purpose of inspecting the large Central Co-operative Stores in Toad-lane but the greatest attraction was that permission had been ob- tained from Mr. John Bright to visit his gardens and grounds at One Ash," which is situated on the out- skirts of the town. The grounds are larger than might be imagined from the comparatively unpretending ex- terior of the establishment. The landscape gardener has certainly exercised his ingenuity, for hill and dale atid winding walks are very prettily represented in miniature. Having attained the highest plateau, the excursionists found themselves in close proximity to the house, the exterior of which they minutely in- spected. The structure is an extensive building of brick, with fine large bay windows, and the whole has a neat and comfortabie appearance. Although it stands high, it is well shaded by trees. Mr. Bright made his appearance amidst hearty and prolonged cheering. Notwithstanding the great exertions of Mr. Bright at Bradford on the previous Wednesday, he looked remarkably well, and cheerfully welcomed his guests, but regretted what little they saw would scarcely repay them for their journey. Mr. Bright, hearing an observation made wioh respect to the war in the East, remarked that no class of persons had greater reason to be in favour of peace than those people who worked for weekly wages. There was no doubt that the war seriously affected trade, but, still, it would be worse if this country took part in it, and last longer. It was always discovered five or ten years after a war that the reason had not been sufficient for the sacrifice of life and the waste of money. That was his view of the wars that had broken out during his lifetime. Mr. Wilberforce, of Leeds, expressed the thanks of the party to Mr. Bright for kindly allowing them to visit his grounds, and, above all, for addressing them. Mr. John Speed, in seconding the vote of thanks, referred to being in London at a meeting in 1842, which was addressed by Mr. Bright, Mr. Cobden, and Colonel Thompson. i The resolution was carried unanimously, amid pro- longed cheering, followed by three cheers for Mrs. Bright, who viewed the scene from a window, and gracefully acknowledged the compliment. Mr. Bright, in thanking the assemblage, remarked that he had lately been reading a book published by a friend, Mr. Ashworth, which gave evidence of the misery that existed in the country during the time referred to by Mr. Speed. He was not sure that the number of persons in distress at the time in Leeds did not amount to 30,000. Many people Jiving now had no idea of the widespread misery which existed before the abolition of the Corn Laws. There were three bad harvests and very little corn, and the price was double what it was now. The lower they went down in the grade of the masses, the bigger the families and the more starvation. All that was done away with now, and they knew the improvement that had been effected in the industry of the West Riding of Yorkshire. Let them be thankful that all the misery had passed away, and that they were wiser than those who had lived at that time. Here the Yorkshiremen commenced a hearty shaking of hands with Mr. Bright, and eventu- ally the party retired.

PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR. The British Medical Journal says:—"The young Prince has now reached about the 20tli day of the attack of typhoid (c >ntinued) fever from which he is suffering, and thus far, happily, the attack, although a moderately severe one, has been free from untoward complications, and has presented onlv the trouble which must be expected in a case of typhoid fever in which the temperature at one period reached 104 degrees Fah and the respirations have been at 30 and 31 per minute. Such an attack has necessarily caused much anxiety, but the fever process is pursuing its normal course, and a favourable termination may be justly anticipated. The fever from which the heir presumptive is now suffering—the third of his line who has been afflicted within a period of 16 years —was, it is believed, contracted at Sandringham and this is a circumstance which will. of course, require careful local sanitary investigation. Typhoid fever being essentially a preventable fever, due to causes which, by perfect sanitary arrangements, may be hell at bay, it is, we believe, proposed that Dr. Seaton, the head of the medical department of the Local Government Board, shall make a searching examination of the water supply and other sanitary arrangements at Sandringham. Since the serious illness from typhoid fever of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the water supply at Sand- ringham has been remodelled at considerable cost and trouble. It is stated, however, that, at the time of the recent visit of the Prince and his family for some days to Norfolk, the works connected with the newly-arranged water supply were out of order, and recourse was had for a while to the source whence the water was drawn prior to the Prince's purchase of the estate. The importance of a scientific investigation into the facts can hardly be overrated. It is not a little remarkable, and certainly a most painful coinci- dence, that the heir presumptive should thus early fall under the scourge of the same preventive zymotic disease which has so seriously visited the Royal house of late years and it is is highly necessary that the precise meaning should be ascertained of so shocking a succession of sanitary mishaps. So far as we have yet heard, the lesson to be drawn from the present ill- ness of the young Prince Victor is of deep sanitary significance. We are very glad to be able to say that the indisposition of the young Princess Victoria, re- cently rumoured, has been of a quite passing and un- important character."

A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT ON THE DANUBE. The Correspondent of the Daily News, writing from Tchernavoda, gives the following particulars of a naval engagement on the Danube, which took place fifteen kilo- metres below Silistria on Saturday forenoon. He says :— The account of the affair I have from three officers who took part in it. and they related it to me sitting under an awning of the gunboat Fulgerul, between the grey cones of torpedoes and the black muzzles of cannon. Three boats made a reconnaissance up the stream to discover the strength of the enemy. The Fulgerul, an iron-plated gunboat, not over sixty feet long, carry- ing one brass one-pounder at the bow and four under her steel stern, and commanded by Lieutenant Dubashof the torpedo boat Cezarewitch, Lieutenant Schestakof, carrying one four-pounder at the bow; and the torpedo boat Ptitchka, Midshipman Bal, armed only with torpedoes. The' last two boats are only small steam launches. All three carried six torpedoes each, which a single shot from the enemy might have easily exploded. This fact gives some idea of the recklessness of the men and officers of these active little boats. I can do no better than give the story of the officers in their own words We set out on Saturday morning at four o'clcck, and it was eleven o'clock in the forenoon when we came in sight of the Turkish village of Boundjack, situated near an island in the Danube. On a hill just above the village we discovered a camp of cavalry outposts, numbering over two hundred men, and to our surprise also on the hills beyond, a large camp of not less than 3,000 troops. We got ready our guns, and fired at the camp the moment we came near enough. At our second shot the cavalry fled, leav- ing the camp, and the fourth shell set the tents and shelters on fire. We then proceeded up the stream, and round the point of the island to get the range of the great camp on the hills beyond, and suddenly came upon a Turkish gunboat, her two chimneys hidden behind the island. She was case- mated, and carried four cannon of sixteen centimetres bore. She immediately opened fire upon us, which we heartily returned. Now there was great confusion in the camp on the hill tops, where the lighter troops moved about, and seemed preparing an artillery attack from the land. Still we continued to pepper away at the monitor, and had the satisfaction of seeing a shell set her deck on fire, but this was soon extinguished. Another fortunate shot carried away her boat, 0' and did other damage. Still another smashed her helm. Many times she started towards us; then a well-directed shot would hit her, and she would turn about again and resume her promenade up and down before the shore, below the camp. Finding she shot badly we approached within a short two kilometres, and a shell set her deck on fire for the second time. It blazed up strongly, and men were seen to jump overboard and swim ashore. Just at this point in the combat, a second enemy came up, a monitor with two large caiinons in a single turret, and four also on deck. A company of soldiers and a battery of seven cannon came galloping down from the camp on the hill and brought their guns to bear upon us, and we, thinking it a little too hot, retired at half-past one o'clock, sending shells from our stern guns into the camp and against the hard sides of the monitor. The enemy did not pursue us, evidently satisfied. We counted twelve of our shots which struck the enemy, and for our own part have only a few splintered planks to prove we have been in action." This history of as bold an adventure as has ever been recorded was related with all the modesty character stic of sailors accustomed to do their duty well, and think light of danger and hardships. These three officers, already famous from their exploit of blowing up the monitor in the Matchin Canal, are inseper- able three men as bold as ever trod the deck. Lieutenant Dubashof is tall, of a blonde < English | type, of complexion, with delicate figure, slight and lithe, evidently a. gentleman by birth. He has much travelled, and is familiar with European capitals. Lieutenant Schestakof is a short, sailor-like figure, of a Saxon type, with a hearty voice and a great fund of good fellowship, and a pair of as mild grey eyes as were ever set in a Saxon face. The mid- shipman is a Roumanian in both face and figure. Not one of the three is more than thirty years of age. The two lieutenants are already decorated with the St. George's Cross for their services in destroying the monitor. Even while the officers were relating their adven- tures there came a despatch from the Grand Duke Alexis congratulating the officers and crew on their brave conduct. The crew were paraded on the shore in a line, and the despatch was read to them by Lieutenant Dubashof. As they listened with attentive faces to the con- gratulations of the Admiral, the only reward, and certainly the most welcome prize for their distinguished bravery, the scene was one which I shall not soon for- get.

THE USE OF DYNAMITE FOR KILLING FISH. Mr. Frank Buck land and Mr. S. Walpole, in their report on the use of dynamite for killing fish, have come to the conclusion—(1) That dynamite has been used for killing sea fish and river fish during the last few years; (2) That its use during the last few months has. rapidly increased and is still in- creasing (3) That it is injurious, because it des- troys more fish than can be actually taken from the water; because it destroys fish without reference either to their size or their condition because the fish so destroyed are inferior as articles of food and because in the case of sea fish, it frightens the fish from the coast. They therefore recommend that the use of dynamite as a means of killing sea or river fish should be made illegal. They suggest that the use of dyna- mite should be made a misdemeanor, punishable either by fine or imprisonment, with or without hard labour, as the court may think proper. The use of dynamite, they observe, is extending so rapidly that it is most desirable to pass a bill on the subject during the pre- sent session. They add that the destruction of fish by naval torpedoes, when torpedoes are used for experi- mental purposes, is infinitely more disastrous, and suggest for the consideration of her_Majesty's govern- ment that instructions might be issued by the Ad- miralty to confine experiments of this character as much as possible either to the open sea, or to water where there was no reason to believe that there were any large quantities of fish, provided such a restric- tion would not interfere with any object of national importance. In any legislative measure to prevent the use of dynamite for killing fish, words should, they say, be inserted to include every other explosive. In the House of Lords, on Friday evening, the Duke

VALUE OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT. The electric light has prowl so useful on board the Alexandra flag ship in the lediterranean that the Admiralty has given orders tcprovide the Tememire, now fitting for sea at Chatham, with an apparatus of a similar nature (says the ndy News). The electric light seems likely to be especally serviceable for two purposes in connection wit battle-ships, namely, for casting a hallo of illumintion around, in order to detect the approach of hosW craft in the night, and for making signals at a dista-e. When it is borne in mind that a light similar t that carried on board Admiral Hornby's flagship apoars as bright as a star of the first magnitude at a disuit of thirty miles, on a clear night, it is evident the the el-ctric lamp must be exceedingly valuable for jaking signals to the fleet or to stations afar off. It i: probable that when the Temeraire arrives out in thetlediterranean, the second flag officer, Sir J. Commere, will transfer his flag to her from the Agincourt, md in that event both admirals will be provided with electric signalling apparatus. In regard to uiiig the electric rays as a safeguard against torpedj-ttack, it appears that, by employing the light to sweP the horizon, vessels even when painted a dull greyray be descried at a distance of a mile, while the smoleof a steam-launch—and all torpedo-boats are of M nature-betrays its pre- sence at 2,000 yards ornore. The smoke and steam issuing from an engif reflect the light indeed quite as readily as t solid screen would, and hence a steamer could Ðt approach an electric light without immediate discvery. During the Alexandra's sojourn in Turkish wjilrs some very interesting ex- periments, we are tolo were made by the Admiral with his electric lamp, ad the result has been that the Admiralty has come tothe determination of furnish- ing the IMm^raire, thfflaost heavily armed of all our broadside ironclads, wh a like apparatus.—Another step of importance haalso been recently taken by our naval authorities in cinection with torpedo defence, which deserves mentii. It is the provision of every one of our battle shir with a steam-launch, which is intended for sentry dy around the ship during war time and to relieve te tars of a good deal of their labour in the boats.

A GOOD FIELD FOR EMIGRATION. A letter from a Melbourne correspondent to the Globe says:— The colonists of New South Wales have held a large meeting to protest against the system of State-assisted immigration which holds in that free-trade colony. I am a free-trader and can thoroughly under- stand how a free-trade colony can protest against what I cannot but look upon as a Protec- tionist measure. Of course a free-trader says. Let those who want immigrants pay for them; why should the State pay for the introduction of servants on behalf of employers?" With us in Victoria all immigration is stopped, and I much regret it. Only as a professional man I can truly say that I should object to the State introducing more members of my profession into Victoria. It seems to me that if it is for the advantage of the Imperial Government to transport its paupers to a good climate, where wages are enormous and land to be had for the asking, that the Imperial Government should intro- duce them at its own expense. If it be under- stood that it is for the interest of particular classes of employers here that immigrants should be introduced, upon these classes should fall the burden of introducing them. Wages were never higher or steadier than they are here at present since the gold fevsr. Nor has there ever been such a good field for emigration as the Victoria of to-day. Cooks are worth their weight in gold; but, UL fortunately, gold will not buy them. We are forced to subsist on food that is little less than horrible; for we have to pay Bridget, just arrived from Connemara, who can barely cook a potato, about jE40 a year for her capacity to turn raw meat into something which is facetiously called cooked meat. Victoria is a very expensive place to live in for any one but working men; for them it is a true paradise. Unfortunately, however, I cannot say that I honestly think that the working classes here are much happier than at home. They dress better, no doubt, but they seem to me almost as coarse as at home, and to have as little capacity far real enjoy- ment. This may change in time, and one hopes that it will but some years of education must pass before we shall see developed here that love of self-improve- ment which was the true inspiring motive of the Democrat in classical times.

ENGLAND AND RUSSIA. The Russki Mir has another article on the relations be- tween Russia and England. It says The time is past when Russia used to feel anxious as to "what England would do or say. We have now accurately measured the political and military forces which the English government has at its disposal in the East, and our indignation has been converted into equanimity. Even the direct support of an Eng- lish corps for the Turkish army would hardiy strengthen Turkey sufifciently to make any con- siderable change in the chances of the war. Eng- land must make a great effort if she wished even to place 10,000 of her soldiers on the battle-field; and even an English army of 50,000 men—the maxi- mum for which she could send to the Dardanelles- does not, under present circumstances, mean much. The English would, beyond a doubt, be driven away by our troops if they should really attempt to defend Constantinople. Even now we fight, not only with the Turks, but with their secret British allies. During the diplomatic campaign the English menaces might have disquieted us now they are only laughable. England will not stop the advance of the Russian troops beyond the Danube or shake the determi- nation of the Russian people. Our strength lies above all in this; that England neither can nor will risk a war with Russia. Such a war would in Russia be extremely popular, and equally unpopular in England. Nor can it be quite convenient for England to send her whole fleet to the Dardanelles while the whole of the Russian iron-clad fleet is quietly lying at anchor, ready at any moment to go anywhere, even to the British coast. Our seamen have obtained such a reputation in Europe that the English may expect them to be equal to any achievement, however. daring. We should hardly lose much by having another Hooart Pacha as our opponent; while, on the other hand, our promise not to take Constanti- nople would no longer be binding upon us, any more than our other concessions to England. Russia would then have perfect freedom of action in regard to the natural gates of her empire—the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles."

A letter from Lord Beaconsfield, in reply to a resolution sent to his lordship expressing confidence in the policy of the Government, was read last Monday evening at a meeting of the Central Committee of the Manchester Con- servative Association The Premier assured the association of his great satisfaction at this expression of confidence and support, coming as it did from so important a body, and from a city in which he had always taken a deep interest. He trusted that her Majesty's Government would ever have before them the objects expressed in the resolution, and that their policy would continue to be to improve the con dition of the people, to maintain and strengthen our colonial empire, and to assert the due authority of this country in the councils of Europe. A similar resolution having been also seut to Sir Stafford Northcote and the Duke of Richmond, the former, in reply, said that such assurance of the confidence reposed in me in respect to our general policy must, I need hardly say, be most gratifying to every member of the Government, at a time so full <3 anxiety as the present

POISONING BY DYNAMITE. The Koelnische Zeitung reports an extraordinary poisoning case by the means of dynamite, tried a few days ago at the Court of Assizes of Oppelu, in Silesia. The victims were a small farmer by name of Kind- ziora and his wife, who lived in a village in the dis- trict of Rosenberg. The prisoners, a married couple named Woolny, living in the same house, were known to be largely indebted to the former. The wife of Kindziora died very suddenly, the death of her hus- band following two days afterwards, both having previously enjoyed excellent health. Rumours of foul play induced the authorities to make careful inquiries, which were followed by the arrest of the accused and a post-mortem examination of the two victims. The chemical analysis clearly established the presence it the stomachs of the victims of nitric acid. The post-mortem examination brought to light also the discovery in the stomachs and intestines of the deceased of numerous spots, bearing traces of corrosion, such as is only produced by the contact of the strongest poison, burning like red-hot iron and perforating the organism of the stomach. The jury, in consequence, gave their verdict to the effect that both the deceased had come to their death by the absorption of a strong dose of nitro-glycerine, the woman Woolny having administered some dish of eatables, with which she had mixed some dynamite, to both the victims. Clear proof of the guilt of the accused having been established, they were both con- victed of wilful murder, the woman Woolny, as the principal, was sentenced to death, and her husband to hard labour for ten years.

CARRIER PIGEONS. A German paper gives some details of the extra- ordinary development of the breeding and training of carrier pigeons in Germany since the late war. During the siege of Paris, as is well known, pigeons afforded the only means of communication between the outside world and the inhabitants or the be- leagured city. In order that similar messengers might be available in the hour of need pigeon-houses were established, after the conclusion of the war, in most of the larger garrison towns of North and South Germany, and now pigeon-flying is rapidly become a favourite pastime and sport throughout the country. The increased attention thus given to the subject has resulted in the observation of many pecu- larities in the birds. Carrier-pigeons of good breed, it is noticed, although they may be started in company and beund for the same place, fly quite independently of one another. Each one selects its own course, some taking a higher, others a lower flight, and speeds on its way without taking any heed of its neighbours. The birds, in fact, seem to know that they are racing, and each one exerts itself to the utmost to arrive first at the goal. In the neighbourhood of every piveon- house there are always certain places, trees, &c., which are usually favourite resorts of the birds, but when coming in in a race the well bred pigeon never stops for a moment at any of these haunts, but flies straight to his own particular house, frequently arriving there in so exhausted a state as to be unable even to eat the food it is most fond of. Birds which are sitting, or which have lately hatched young, are generally taken in preference to others for racing but instances have been known in which carrier-pigeons of good breed which have been taken to a fresh home, and which have hatched young there, have deserted their brood and flown away to their original home at the first opportunity they had of escaping.-Pall Mall Gazette

UliscelUncmts Intelligence. HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL A GALLANT RESCUE.—The Lord Mayor of London asks us (The Times) to state that with a large party of friends, he witnessed on Saturday the upsetting of a small boat at Hammersmith, and the saving of two men from drowning by the brave efforts of a boatman, who skilfully worked his boat by a single oar to the place of the disaster and saved both the drowning men, one in each hand, till further help could be ob- tained. The Lord Mayor is convinced that but for the determined efforts of the boatman one, if not both of the men would have been lost, as the current was running very strong at the time. He has had, there- fore, much pleasure in presenting, through Captain Pelly, R.N., the boatman with £ 5 as a testimony of his admiration of his humane and successful efforts to save the lives pf the drowning men. ART EXHIBITION AT DERBY.—A building has re- cently been erected at Derby, to be permanently de- voted to the purposes of art education, and its comple- tion is now being fittingly celebn ted by an exhibition within its walls of paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art, of unusual variety and attractiveness. The inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood may congratulate themselves upon the advantages thus placed within their reach. Contributions have been successfully applied for from the art collections in most of our leading towns, such as London, Birming- ham, Manchester, &c., while many valuable cases of jewelry, electrotype, Persian pottery, with examples of decorative art by Messrs. Poynter, Leighton, &c., have been lent by the South Kensington Museum. The Indian works of art and textile fabrics are the loan of the Secretary of State for India, and are very numerous and interesting. The collection of paintings numbers over 700. The collection of bronzes is par- ticularly good, as are those of Dresden China, Lam- beth faience, terra cotta wares, &c. ARTIFICIAL BUTTER.—The manufacture of artificial butter is becoming an important industry in the state of New York (says the Pall Mall Gazette). From 30.0001o to 100,0001b. of fat is brought daily from the large abattoirs of the city and its vicinity to factories to be made into oil, a considerable part of which is manufactured into "oleo-margarine" or artificial butter. There are two kinds of oleo-margarine. In one the oil is adulterated with just enough cream to allow of its being churned, the proportion of cream to oil being about 1 to 20. This kind is made in large factories under a patent. Butter dealers claim to be able to distinguish it from dairy butter without difficulty, as it lacks the texture of the genuine article. Its manufacture is limited, and much of it is exported, so that little of it is to be found in the American market. The other kind of oleo-margarine is that in which the oil has been largely adulterated with cream, to the extent of perhaps 50 or 60 per cent. It is made in considerable quantities by country dairymen, and none but the most experienced butter dealers can detect its composition. Opinions differ as to the value of oleo- margarine as an article of diet. An act lately passed by the Legislature of New York "for the protection of dairymen and to prevent deception in the sale of butter," provides that all packages* containing artificial butter shall be plainly labelled with the name "oleo margarine," and that all retail dealers when selling it shall furnish the purchaser with a card also marked 'oleo-margarine." AN HISTORICAL MEMENTO.—A valuable memento of American Independence is to be presented to the Queen by the Government of the United States. It is a State paper, The Administrators of the United States Government at the beginning of its second cen- tury," and consists of a large sheet with an allegorical representation of the States, and the signatures of 401 Government officials ranging from the President to the Representatives. The paper bears at the top an eagle grasping a shield, olive branches, the cap of Liberty, and a scroll inscribed with the words "Constitution." On each si- i e of the bird is a stand of colours, the whole resting on a representation of Flymouth .Kock, which bears the date 1777-1876, and the national motto E PluribusUnum." The borders consists of faggots, typify- ing the original thirteen States, bo-ind together with a band of stars, while above these are olives and oaks branches—peace and strength—and a shield with similar emblems appears at each corner. This docu- ment is hermetically sealed between plates of glass, and was shown at the Philadelphia Exhibition. Copies are to be sent to the American State Libraries, and to the foreign Governments represented at the Cen- tenniaL POST CARDS.—On and after the 1st of Aug-ist next a single post-card, or any number of post-cards, whether stout "or "thin," may be purchased by the public. The prices of the stout and thin post-cards respectively will be according to the following scale Stout cards—One, fd. two, lid. three, 2d. four, 2Jd. five, 3 £ d. six, 4d. Thin cards—One, fd. • two, l|d. three, lfd. four, 2|d.; five, 3d. six, 3^(1. A TEST.—A patron of a certain newspaper once said to the publisher: "Mr. Printer, how is it you never call on me for pay for your paper?" "Oh said the man of types, we never ask a gentleman for money." Indeed replied the patron. How do you manage to get along when they don't pay ?" "Why," aid the editor, "after a certain time we conclude he is not a gentleman, and we ask him. Prairie Farmer. A NARROW ESCAPE.—The Neue Freie Presse gives the following particulars of the fall of rocks into the River Elbe, which stopped the navigation for some time. A large wall of rocks, upon the right bank of the river, had for some time past been undermined, preparatory to blasting, to prevent its tumbling into and blocking up the river. It was expected that the mass of rock, after having settled down from the undermining, would fall landwards. On the contrary, however, last Monday evening the whole mass, con- sisting of about from 15,000 to 20,000 cubic metres fell bodily into the Elbe, the water at the moment rising from 10 to 12 metres, but subsiding again as soon as the rocks settled at the bottom of the river. For- tunately no lives were lost, but a steamer full of pas- sengers had hardly passed the fatal spot when the catastrophe took place, and if it had been two minutes later, steamer and passengers would have been crushed by the falling rocks and buried in the Elbe. The navigation is interrupted, and energetic measures have been taken to remove the obstacles to the traffic as far as possible, but it will take several weeks ere the pas- sage of the river can be opened again to the shipping. AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN.-The follow- ing are the average prices of British corn for the week ending July 28, as received from the inspectors and officers of Excise :—Wheat, 64s. 6d. barley, 39s. oats, 27s. 10<1. per imperial qr. Corresponding week last year :-Wheat, 47s. 5d. barley, 31s. 4d. oats, 31s. 2d. SIR A. KEMBALL.—The Army and Navy Gazette is assured there is not the least foundation for the story that the Russian military authorities have offered a reward for—put a price on-the head of Sir Arnold Kemball, it, we presume being still on his shoulders. That officer is in a perfectly legitimate and recognised position at the head-quarters of a friendly army in Asia Minor, as the military representative of a neutral power, just as Colonel Wellesley is at the Russian head-quarters in Europe. If Sir A. Kemball were to fall into the hands of the Russians, all that could be done, if they wished to be very ill-disposed, would be to treat him as the Prussians treated Colonel Reilly when be fell into their hands on the capture of Orleans. Colonel Reilly was military attache at the French head quarters at the time, and he was transferred by the Red Prince to the head-quarters of the German Army at Versailles, whence he was permitted to proceed to England on the very natural understanding that he would not return to the French side after what he had seen of the Ger- man positions between Orleans and Versailles, but his head was quite safe. MORAL, FOR THE BENEFIT OF PLUNcERs. -Where are you when you're over head and ears ? What's the good of asking'another party (a pretty female one, I mean) for her hand if there's a chance of losing both your own feet afterwards ? And how dear everything is getting !—Judy. THE BALANCE OF POWER.—The World say!? :—" I see that in his great speech last week Mr. John Bright ridiculed the old-fashioned doctrine of the balance of power in Enrrrpe. This reminds me that some years ago, in 1867 I think, I was sitting under the gallery in the House of Commons when the Mutiny Act was under discussion in Committee. Next to me was a gentleman from Birmingham, to whom came and talked Mr. John Bright. It was impossible for me to avoid hearing the great orator's remarks, which were apparently intended for those sitting near as well as for his friend. What absurdly do you think I have just noticed ? he said. The preamble to this Act states that so many thousands of men are to be kept up for such and such reasons, and for the preservation of the balance of power in Europe. Next year, without comment or protest, the words so obnoxious to Mr. Bright disappeared from the preamble. And perhaps it was as well so, for in 1866 the balance of power itself had disappeared, and no longer existed to be preserved. THE REAL DIFFICULTY.—A book has recently been published, entitled, How to Live Within Your In- come." The advice is good, but if some benefactor of his kind would kindly tell people how to live without it, he would confer a boon on thousai) ds. -J?tV!I. FIELD BIRDS AND THE COLORADO BEETLE.—A "Peer writes to the Morning Post I am desirous to thank you for your judicious reference to birds as a defence against the Colorado beetle. It is lamentable to think jf people going to the Privy Council and the chemist and forgetting all the while that they have at hand in England in rooks, pheasants, starlings, and many kinds of winged creatures the very best army against invasion of the insect world. Having two years ago seen the Colorado beetle, and remembering it as re- sembling a small cock chafer, I expect soon to hear of parishes turning pale if a mischievous boy is found spinning one of them on a pin. It will be spread far and wide that the Colorado has appeared. I dare say it will reach this country somehow, but then will be the time for the fanner to remember the debt of grati- tude he more frequently owes than pays to his land- lord's rookery. Whatever is done I hope we shall avoid the use of poisonous powders, by which more mischief thin is suspected is done now." HYDROPHOBIA. That terrible contagious malady rabies (remarks the Chamber of Agriculture Journal) has been very common amongst dogs of late years, and requires the serious attention of the authorities. It is propagated solely by contagion, as the history of the malady plainly proves. It can never originate spontaneously more than cattle plague. From the report of the Registrar-General for the year 1875, just published, we learn that during that period no less than 47 persons—33 males and 14 females-died from hydrophobia, as the result of the bite of dogs. Three of the cases occurred in Middlesex, 4 in Surrey, 1 in Essex, 5 in Staffordshire, 1 in Worcestershire, 1 in Warwickshire, 2 in Nottinghamshire. 1 in Derbyshire, 1 in Cheshire, 16 in Lancashire, 8 in the West Riding of Yorkshire, 2 in the East Riding, 1 in Northumber- land, and 1 in Leicestershire. The large proportion of deaths from this terrible malady in Lancashire will attract attention, and certainly points to some deficiency in the control of the dog population. It would appear that the home counties, which include London, are responsible for only 8, Kent for none at alL A SMART ONE.—" If the waistless or Princesse close- fitting dresses go on growing in favour, we may expect to see young ladies with their girdles round their throats and their frocks gathered round their necks. A smart damsel, who appeared in an exquisite new costume the other day, let off the following, which had the effect of dissipating the cloud she saw gathering oji her papa's face My dress you'll aver is Economy's own, Designed with most exquisite taste From zone unto hem, and from tucker to zone, You can't find a vestige of waist." But I am afraid when the bill comes in poor papa will laugh on the other side of his mouth.The World. QUITE ANOTHER THIG.-The Russian Commander- in-Chief in Asia has issued a proclamation declaring that he is resolved to put down the revolt in the Caucasus with a strong hand. Yet it is difficult to see what he has to complain of for the Russian mode of treating all the nations they have conquered —Circassians, Poles, and others—has always been • simply revolting !-Judy. KEEPING HOBART PASHA AT HOME !—The Con- stantinople Correspondent of the Daily News says :— I see a statement continually repeated in the English newspapers that Hobart Pasha is in command of the Turkish fleet. It may be as well, once and for all, to state that Admiral Hobart never has held such command, and that it is very unlikely that he ever will. During the past two ni-itb,, Nvith one short exception, he has been in Coii- stantinop e. It is no secret that a squadron under his command in the Black Sea would be very much more to his taste than dancing attendance at the Admiralty, and to- day it is announced that he has succeeded in obtaining such a command. But fortunately, probably for the Russian coasts, the Turks are much too jealous of him as a foreigner to give him a command sufficiently important to allow him to distinguish himself. Meantime, it is a pleasure to see him in the streets of Constantinople, and to know that the Turkish fleet is out of harm's way. The Turks have excused themselves for not giving him a command on the plea that they want his assistance in Council here. It is to be hoped that they may continue of the sime mind. His advice will certainly be honestly given. Coming from a foreigner, it is almost equally certain not to be acted on. But the Govern- ment will be satisfied to have had it, and to have rejected it. THE FRUIT CROPS.-Tlie G irden says :—From the reports on this subject obigiigly furnished by our correspondents, it will be S. m that most kinds uf fruits are this year a failure. A are in some few places a fair crop, but they are thin generally. Pears and plums appear almost everywhere to be a failure Wall fruits are also unsatisfactory, but in some districts there is an average crop of peaches and nectarines. The cause of failure in our fruit crops this year is by many attributed not wholly to the unfavourable spring which we have experienced, but in a great measure to the sunless autumn of last year, which was unfavourable to the perfect ripening of the wood. Small fruits of all kinds appear to be everywhere abundant, though in some cases inferior in quality. Apples are, however, the fruit which most concerns us, and although immense quantities may be expected from America, the prices will probably be very high. The reports we print will be of great value to fruit- tree planters, showing as they do the kinds that succeed in good and bad seasons alike, and under different conditions and situations. MILITARY MERIT. The Queen has, upon the recom- mendation of his Royal Highness the Commander-in- Chief, approved of an allowance of C.50 per annum from the grant for di-tinguished and meritorious ser- vice, being made to Major H. Harvey, paymaster of the Rifle Brigade. This officer served in the Crimean campaign, and was recommended for gallant conduct in rendering assistance to the wounded under fire at the battles of Alma and Inkerman." He was at that time & sergeant in the Rifle Brigade. A medal for'' distinguished conduct in the field was awarded him, and he received his commission as an officer. He was actively em- ployed during the Indian Mutiny. He also served on the Gold Coast during the Ashantee War. The dates of his commissions are as follows :—Quarter- master, April 24, 1855; Paymaster, November 29, 1864; Honorary Captain, November 29, 1869; and Honorary Major, November 29, 1874. He is still ser- ving in the Rifle Brigade.