South Wales Daily News

SUICIDE ON THE RAILWAY. SHOT IN A CARRIAGE. On the arrival of the 3.30 train from Vic. toria at Sutton on Wednesday, the body of a gentleman, with a revolver-shot through the head, was found in a first-class compartim-ut. On the floor of the carriage was a revolver, one chamber of which had been discharged, and no doubt is entertained that the man conqtuiucd suicide.

LONDON LETTER. [PROM OUR TNV^R*" D°N CORRESPONDENT.3 LONDON, Wednesday Night. AITER SNEO?HMBI;R^S CHOLER. the ul^tion respecting the result of conversati 1 P°Hing, the chief topic of been Mr p? *n political circles to-day has t Càarnberlain's ebullition of anger those 1 Mr Chamberlain is one of life K». w^° are doomed to go through tl e bearing the imputation of a very short itself but his irritation usually shows ln manner rather than in words, so uctl so, indeed, that the House of Commons teognises a vein of smooth sayings and f^neyed allusions as the surest sign that he to one of his most mischievous moods, public confession of his chagrin at the refusal to accept him as "Sir Oracle," in -he presenco of whose wonderful pro- | lralnmes no dog must be allowed to bark, 's, therefore taken as indicating very profound annoyance. But it would be a mistake to take too seriously Mr Chamber- lain's mighty threat to throw up the sponge of the Unionist party, and their Conservative allies are not prepared to hand to him blank cheques with power to fill them up at his pleasure, and to hold them liable for any drafts he may make on their resources and allegiance. Mr Chamber lain, we may be sure, has not the slightest intention of resigning what he calls his IRS'T 'FR TH,"G while to make such a °,<S Inadequate provocate? 7 0n 8°f In ^.VT.1 on- It is never quite dividual r^? suPPression of in- whioh V, rj ?nness or criticism resources mutinyS e kept reserve for open T fiI'N,RLUENCE OF PARISH COUNCILS- and, in the best-informed ^circles and ftwiong those who are most earnestly working to secure a vigorous adoption of the Parish Councils Act, a recognition of the fact that a ?ood deal of patience will have to be sxercised before the country as a whole fcvvakes to a full sense of the powers and responsibilities placed in its hands. The expectations at headquarters as to the Working of the revolution implied by the new system do not err in the direction of exaggeration. Some, indeed, may think them too modest, but, while making every allowance for the many jases in which the squire and the parson will still manage to control parish affairs, and deducting liberally for mistakes on the part of the new bodies, it is confidently reckoned that there will be in every county a sufficiently large number of instances in which the benefits to be obtained under the new order of aflairs will have an educative Influence of the best kind on the country, lnd will afford object lessons for Imitation when the next elections come round. There will, doubtless, be much shouting over failures by those who do not recognise that a revolution may be none the less a revolution and none the worse because it is gradual and not violent. SOME HOPE FOR AFGHANISTAN. I learn at first hand that. Mr Fowler is by no means disposed to share the gloomy views expressed in some quarters as to the effect the death of the Ameer may have on our relations with Afghanistan. Recog- nising the fact that the Afghans have in late years made considerable strides towards civilisation and enlightenment, the Indian Secretary is of opinion that Europeans are not likely to be molested unless under extraordinary circumstances. The adventurous ladies on their way there will, he thinks, be safe, especially the lady doctor, whose profession will guard her through the country. The talk of looting and pillage on the death of an Ameer is based on a recollection of what has taken place before under very different circum- stances and conditions. Besides, we are now on the frontier, and are doing every- thing to be prepared for all contingencies. WHY THE CABINET MET. Mr Fowler is, in conversation, inclined to make merry over the many shots that have been made at the real objects for which the recent Cabinet Council was called. Re- specting the confident, but largely contra- dictory, assertions made on the subject, he points out that as Cabinet Ministers are not in the habit of breaking their oath of secrecy, the reason why the meeting was held is not likely to be known. SIR HENRY LOCH S RETURN TO THE CAPE. Sir Henry Loch has agreed to stay another year at the Cape as Governor. This is considered very good news at the Colonial Office, for it regards Sir Henry as the only man who understands, not only Cape matters, but Mr Cecil Rhodes, and, better still, the latter understands Sir Henry. There is always danger in the go-ahead Rhodes." He is a very determined man, and there is no knowing what he might do if not handled skilfully, and even humoured. Sir Henry Loch possesses the art and tact required, so a weight has been taken off Lord Ripon's mind by the return of the latter, on Saturday next, for another year. Another reason for congratulation on Sir Henry's return is the queer outlook of things at Delagoa Bay. At any moment we may have to support the Portuguese at Lorenzo Marquez. If so, there will have to be consideration given, and Sir Henry knows what shape this should take. MARYLEBONE SUPERIOR TO INSTRUCTION. It is remarkable, and by no means credit- able, that some districts of London continue to show persistent determination not to avail themselves of those free library privileges which have proved so beneficial in the pro- vinces. The south side of the Thames has shown more enlightenment, and an addition to its numerous free libraries is approaching completion in Southwark Bridge-road, but more pretentious Marylebone has just again rejected the adoption of the Free Libraries Acts by an overwhelming majority. A SUCCESSFUL ACTOR. In obeying the behests of his medical adviser, Mr Brandon Thomas makes a great pecuniary sacrifice, but he is in the fortunate position of relinquishing his part in "A Gay Widow to Mr C. H. Hawtrey without the feeling that his pocket cannot afford it Mr Brandon Thomas has not only been successful as an actor, but his work as a dramatist has yielded large results, and he can start for his rest and sea voyage with the happy consciousness that he has a big balance at his bank. His yearly income exceeds, I believe, £10,000. THE SCHOOL BOARD STRUGGLE. The Archdeacon of Westminster will not follow the example of the Archdeacon of London. Dr. Farrar does not stand towards the Bishop of London in the same relation as Dr. Sinclair; and, more- over, he has the courage of his convictions. Having once declared his position in reference to the School Board contest he cannot go back from it, and he remains a member of the Bible Education Committee. The Primrose League circular in support of the Diggleites has given great offence to several influential members of the League, and, from what I hear, is not unlikely to cause a split in the Conservative camp. It is only fair to the Primrose Leaguers to say that they are not all Diggleites, and some of them are not aver that the circular ought not to have been issued by the grand council without consulting the rank and file. SOCIETY AND CYCLING. There is much rejoicing among those who Relieve in the use, though not in theabuse, of cycling at the news that the example of the of the Belgians and of an Italian 5rtocess has found imitation in our own Sfyal Family, and that the Princess of ^alea and her daughters have become en- ^U6>st8 in the use, not of the tocycle, but lts three-wheeled rival. Like all its r novelties, cycling has had to make bur?y iu Popular favour under the usual ni<wl ,ot prejudice. Long ago it sur- >hiCk the early antagonism of a populace though.Warded it with disfavour, and "tissileg U,a splendid practical joke to throw "out of the man or to put bricks m of fa»hion e,machine. The tip-tilted nose vulgarity 0f in scorn at the alleged hi. essentially the peoples but now thaf s taken longer to bring down, begun to ride Princess of Wales has rect thing for » become quite the cor- and very much to f°How lier example, to work its own r for Society it will be indolently in carri* dles instead of lolling

IT IS 75 YEA -——- thannev6er, aud Jong's Cough and cure of winter „ are if,- the sale is larger W.t. ,hemigt. don_ "taraP'B. Thos. Keating, lorah

AMEER OF AFGHAN- ISTAN. 0- _on -0_ REPORTED DEATH. CALCUTTA, Wednesday.—A Lahore paper states that it has received information from native sources that the AmeerofAfghanistan is dead. The account, which is very de- tailed, even gives a description of the death- bed scene, and states that the Ameer, shortly before expiring, earnestly exhorted his son Habib Ullah to remain a friend of the British. The report is ait present not confirmed from any other source. --Reutl-

THE RUSSIAN ADVANCE. ST. PETERSBURG, Wednesday.—According to private information, General Yonoff made his recent advances into the valleys of the Ghund and Shak Daria, in Pamirs, in virtue of the full powers vested in him. His orders were subse- quently countermanded, as the Russian Govern- ment did not desire to impede negotiations with England respecting the Pamirs. Renter.

THE FRENCH MISSION TO MADAGASCAR. ULTIMATUM PRESENTED TO THE HOVAS. PARIS, Wednesday.—The Esiafette to-day says that the ultimatum to be presented totheMalagasy Government by M Le Myre de Vilers requires the recognition of a Protectorate by France alone, with all its political and diplomatic conse- quences, and the establishment of a permanent French garrison at Antananarivo. The Malagasy Government will have to give its reply within eight days at the most.-Reuter.

HORRIBLE BARBARITY. FIENDISH CRUELTY BY A WOMAN. PARIS, Wednesday.—A telegram from Bonne- ville, Haute Savote, reports an unparalleled act of cruelty perpetrated by a woman. She rubbed her niece, aged 23, over with petroleum, then set fire to her, and watched the agonies of her victim as the girl slowly burned to death.-Reute-r.

THE CHATHAM RAILWAY DISASTER. At Canterbury on Wednesday, Dr. T. Soars Johnson, coroner, resumed the inquest on Mrs Ledda Curr, aged 37, and Harry Wetherall, aged three, two victims of the Chatham Railway accideut, who died in Canterbury Hospital. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death," and at their request Mr Willis, on be- half of the South-Eastern Railway Company, undertook to provide spring locks for gates at the crossings.

THE BELFAST TRAGEDY. At a coroner's inquiry at Belfast on Wednesday night, on the body of Wm. Conroy, who shot himself after the attempted murder of Cecilia Devlin [and Wm. Kenny, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that Conroy committed suicide, and the coroner said there was no evidence to show that deceased was of unsound mind at the time of the occurrence. Devlin is still alive, but is not expected to survive.

POPULAR GOVERNMENT. WHAT THE LIBERALS HAVE DONE. Mr Shaw-Lefevre, addressing his constituents at Bradford on Wednesday night, claimed that by its administrative actions the Government had introduced a more popular element into the government of the country. Its main legis- lative proposals had been defeated by the House of Lords, but that was a condition of things which could no longer be submitted to. The remedy would be a matter of consideration for the Government. While he had no objection to the verdict of the country being taken on the Home Rule alone, he felt there was no way in which that could be done.

RELIGIOUS TEACHING IN BOARD SCHOOLS. MR GEORGE RUSSELL SPEAKS FOR FREEDOM. Mr George Russell, Under-Secretary for the Home Department, was the principal speaker at a meeting held at Hackney in support of the progressive policy of the London School Board. In supporting a resolution protest- ing against the waste of time involved in the theological wrangles of the board, he said be did not like the system under which religion was taught, and he could not consent to take the money of those who did not believe in Christianity in order to force its dogmas down the throats of their children. The only logical way of treating the subject was for the State to provide ordinary secular education, and leave religious training to those whose business it was to supply it.

DISAPPEARANCE OF A FAMILY. SUSPECTED MURDER AND SUICIDE HAMBURG, Wednesday.—A great sensation has been caused here by the mysterious disappearance from this city of a leather merchant named Roth- gardt, of the Hansa Platz, together with his wife, and their four children, ag-ed respectively 12, 10, 7 years, and 15 months, and the man's brother in-law, Herr Kruse. The body of the youngest child has been washed ashore at Finkenwaerder, and this has given rise to the suspicion that it may be a case of murder and suicide.

FISHING DISASTER. SMACK-SUNK AND CREW DROWNED Early on Tuesday morning eight hands were drowned by the sinking of the fishing boat John and Frederick, of Yarmouth, in the North Sea. -A. ""1'

ITHE ALLEGED LOUGHOR CRUELTY CASE. At the Swansea Police-court, on Wednesday, Sarah Powell was charged with ill-treating her child at Llanelly, Superintendent Thomas, however, asked tor her discharge, because a coroner's j in y had acquitted her of blame.—The application was granted.

BIRKENHEAD EXPLOSION, THE FOURTH DEATH. John Holland, who was injured in the explo- sion on the steamship Explorer at Birkenhead on Saturday, died on Wednesday. This makes the fourth death from the explosion, and three other men remain in a critical condition.

TO-DAY'S WEATHER, 4.30 A.M. TO-DAY'S FORECAST FOR ENGLAND, S.W., AND SOUTH WALKS. North-easterly and northerly winds; fresheiiig; changeable pome showers. GENERAL.—Wet, unsettled weather is likely, but at present there is no indication of gales. GENERAL FORECASTS. The tollewmg forecasts wereprepared last night a the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock DISTRICTS— <}. Scotland, N-1 L Scotland, »' 5ng|and'E h' Wind north westerly as a 3. England, & increasing in 4. Mid. Counties- strengtb, with unsettled weather, and rain at 6, Scotland, W. t.mes. 7. Engl. KNV.. A North Wales 9. Ireland, N. North.easteriy and northerly 10. Ireland, S.} winds, moderate fair.

FOR upwards delivered auvwhe 8656 Ironmongers. Carditt.

WAR IN THE EAST COLLAPSE OF PEACE PROPOSALS. -FOREIGNERS ORDERED FROM PEKIN. PORT ARTHUR THREATENED. FOREIGN FORCES TO BE STRENGTHENED. DIPLOMATIC FRICTION. NEW YORK, Wednesday Morning.—The New York Herald publishes a. message from Shanghai, dated October 16th, stating that a Japanese army, 15,000 strong, under the command of Marshal Yamagata, is encamped on a small belt of land two miles from Port Arthur awaiting a. favourable opportumty to seize the place. This force is protected by Japanese cruisers from any naval movement. Rumours are current in Pekin that some difference has arisen between Mr O'Concr (British Minister) and the Italian Minister. All foreigners at Pekin have received orders to quit the capital. The negotiations for peace have completely collapsed.—Central News. RELATIONS OF FOREIGN MINISTERS. The Press Association is informed that if any difference of opinion existed between Mr O'Connor (British Minister) and the Italian Minister at Pekin, the former would have com- municated with the British Government. As no such information has been received officially from Mr O'Connor, the report is discredited. POSITION OF THE BELLIGERENTS. [" TIMES" TELEGRAM, PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] TIENTSIN, Tuesday.—Japanese papers received here afford negative evidence to the report circulated three weeks ago through London news agencies of the despatch of an army corps from Hiroshima for the invasion of China, any such expedition being rendered impossible by the shattered condition of the Japanese fleet. Japan, perhaps, begms to reflect on the problem of the eventual withdrawal of her troops from Corea, where they remain on sufferance of the maritime powers, especially Russia, which power is sending 11 additional ships, including three ironclads, and will thus have the most formidable fleet ever assembled east of Suez. The news from the front is scant. The Chinese headquarters are at Chuleang Chang (?), General Sung being the commander. General Yehweh hay been degraded. The Japanese headquarters are at Ping Yang. Their outposts in the direction of Yalu seem oc- cupied in making roads. CELESTIAL WEAKNESS. TIENTSIN, Wednesday.—It is reported that the spy arrested here last week, who, under torture, made a full confession of supplying important information to the Japanese, implicated a number af Chinese of good social position in this city. These men, by the Emperor's express orders, are to be taken to Pekin, instead of being tried by the local authorities. Several thousands of troops from Hunan and Hupeh have arrived here this week by way of the Grand Canal. They are all raw recruits, the result of hasty levies made by order of the Imperial Government, and, hke most of the soldiers who have preceded them, they are badly armed. The party in favour ot peace with Japan does not make much headway. Prince KUUK, however, con- tinues to be in favour of coming to terms with the enemy at any price. He does not conceal his peace proolivities. Contracts have just been concluded with agents of Austrian firms for further supplies of Manlicher rifles and cartridges. Important consignments of arms and ammunition are now on the way under neutral flags. They are urgently needed for the new levies. Fresh difficulties daily occur to delay the repairs of the damaged war vessels. It is doubt- ful if a single Cnineso squadron can be got together for active service before the winter sets in.—Central News. SHENG SCANDALISED. TIENTSIN, Wednesday.—Sheng, the taotai of Tientsin, who was alleged in a telegram published in several London papers on the 9th inst. to have absconded on account of dishonest transactions, continues in the full exercise of his functions, the story of his misdemeanours being false. He is not related to the Viceroy.—Renter. CHINESE DENY REPORTS. Reuter's Agency is requested by the Chinese Legation to state that certain Shanghai telegrams published on Monday and Tuesday are without foundation. Viceroy Chang-Tahi-Toung, on whose authority the contradiction is made, having been telegraphed to by the Legation, has replied that he is still at his post at Woochung and that he has no intention of proceeding to Pekin, whether incognito or otherwise, and that the rebellion stated with such circumstantiality to have broken out at about 100 miles from Hankow has not taken place, the statement being a fabrication from beginning to end. The Government of Hukwang is now in a greater state of tran- quillity than it has been for years. BOUND FOR CHINESE WATERS. KIEL, Wednesday.—The Imperial Russian cruiser Vladimir Monomach, has arrived here from Cronstadt. She is bound for Chinese waters. ANOTHER AMERICAN WARSHIP ON THE WAY. NKW YORK, Wednesday.—The Herald to-day states that the LT.. warship Detroit, a partially deck.proteoted cruiser of 2,000 tons, will sail for Cadiz in a few days, and will then go to the Asiatic station. The cruiser Charleston has I sailed from Yokohama for Nagasaki.—Central News. BRITISH BLUE-JACKETS AND MARINES FOR CHINA. The Centra! News says :—Confirming our pre- liminary statement early last week, it is now officially announced that 200 Bluejackets and Marines will leave Liverpool to-day (Thursday) by the Allan Liner Numidian for Montreal. Thence they will proceed by the Canadian Pacific Railway and the same company's steamship hue for Shanghai, via Vancouver and Yokohama. They will be drafted to the various ships on the China station. WHY THE DEFEATED CHINESE FLEET WAS NOT FOLLOWED. TOKIO, Wednesday.—With reference to certain critioisms passed here, and apparently in Europe also, upon Admiral Ito's omission to pursue the remnant of the defeated Chinese Fleet on the evening of the day of the battle of Yalu, the Central News corre- spondent says:—"I am in a position to state that the apparent mystery will be fitlly cleared up when the moment shall be deemed opportune. Meanwhile I am simply permitted to state that the admiral had only one reason for the course which he took, and that when explained it will be admitted by all naval experts to be conclu- sive. TRIPLE ALLIANCE AND THE EAST. ROME, Wednesday. It is stated that as the result of an exchange of views between Rome, Berlin, and Vienna, the powers of the Triple Alliance will act in perfect accord in the East as long as the war lasts, and during the negotia- tions for the conclusion of peace. Among the points decided upon, one, that Japan, if she should prove finally victorious, would be entitled to an indemnity for the cost of the war and to some territorial compensation.—Central News.

A DISASTROUS VOYAGE. SEVERAL SAILORS DROWNED. A Lloyd's telegram reports that the British ship Ainsdale, from Portland, Oregon, with wheat, which arrived at Queenstown on Wednes- day, reports that on July 10th, in lat. 42 N., long. 114 W., a very heavy sea struck the ship on her port side with terrific force, causing her to tremble heavily, and washed overboard and drowned two able suamen named Classen, of Stockholm, and Thompson, of Denmark, and two apprentices, Flinton and Rendall, both of Scar- borough. They were at the time of the unfor- tunate accident employed in hauling in the fore braces. Three others of the crew were knocked down and injured, but not seriously, with the exception of one able seaman, William Breen, of Portaferry, who has injuries to his legs, and will be removed to hospital at Q ieenstown for medical treatment.

CARDIFF PURE ICE AND COLD STORAGE COM- PANY (LIMITED).—COLD STORAGE for all sorts of Provisions, Game, Fruit, &c., at LOWElt RATES THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN GREAT BRITAIN. ICE Supplied in any quantity, from 56lbs and up- wards, at Low Prices.—SPECIALLY IMPORTANT to BUTCHERS and MEAT SALESMEN Order all your Frozen Meat out of Shipments which have come direct, to Cardiff by Refrigerating Steamers. You will thus be sure of meat in FAR BETTER CONDITION and MUCH QUICKER DELIVERY than from Lon- don or Liverpool.—Write for Price Lists of Meat to Mr H. WOODLEY, Agent for Plate and other Com- panies, COLD STORES, CARDIFF; also to Mr TANNER, Agent for Sansinena, and Co., Cold Stores, CAILDIFF.-WR te for Prices of Ice and Rates for Cold Storage to Neale and West, Managers. Tele. grams—Ice Company. Cardiff 2671

DEFALCATIONS OF AN ODDFELLOW. DISHONEST SECRETARY. At Shropshire Quarter Sessions on Wecln^l:,y, J' sse Taylcr, a shoemaker, pleaded guilty to embezzling money belonging to the Loyal Trevor Lodge of Oddfellows, of which he was secretary, and also to falsifying "'H) books. The defalca- tions amounted to nearly £800, and only 16s 9d was left in the bank. Prisoner was sentenced to eight months'imprisonment, the grand jury and chairman of the court expressing the opinion that there was great laxity in auditing the accounts.

RAILWAY COLLISION IN LONDON. NUMBER OF PASSENGERS INJURED. At Waterloo fetation on Wednesday night an empty train, while being shunted, came into violent collision with tne 8.50 train to Kingston. A carriage was derailed, and a number of pas- sengers complained of slight injuries.

AN OVER-ZEALOUS CONSTABLE. A case important atilw to the police and the public was heard t the West Hum Police-court on Tuesday, when Heniy Shadford, greengrocer, of 119, Railway-terrace, Phtl1!tQw-road, West Ham, was charged with being disorderly and using obscene language in the Barking-road. Con- stable Turner's evidence was to the effect that at midnight oil Monday the accused, with two other men and two women, were standing a coffee- stall. The accused, according to the officer, was using bad language and refused to go away. He was therefore taken into custody. In cross- examination witness said he did not speak of the ladies at the stall as common women, or say that he knew them as th9 defence, Mr George said that the case really one of out- rageous interference by the police. Defendant and a friend, to whom he had sold his business, with their wives, had been to the theatre, and at midnight stopped at a coffee-stall, when the con- stable interfered.—Alfred WheaSley, of Castle Hill Brickworks, Tunbndge Wells, and Mrs Wheatley, his wife, were called, and they said the constable was very gruff when he came up and said he knew the two ladies, and had done so for years, as bad women. No bad language was used.- Defendant received a good character as a respectable man, and the magistrate dismissed the case.

THE Du-LEVEE. The Duke of Cambridge held the first levee for the winter season at the Horse Guards on Wed- nesday. The attendance ot officers was restricted to 150.

RUPTURE.—J. A Shertt(an Hernia Specialist, is again in London. If you wjsh to be Vir his book, post free 7d.-Address J. A. Sherman, 64, Chancerv-le*e- London 'acQ Chancerv-le*e- London qud6

BIRKENHEAD ELEC- TION. RESULT OF THE POLL. I CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY REDUCED. GROWING ITOWARDS LIBERALISM. A "MORAL VICTORY." Polling for the election of a member of Parlia- ment for Birkenhead took place on Wednesday, the candidates being Mr Elliott Lees (Conserva- tive) and Mr W. H. Lever (Liberal). Many electors voted during the first hour before procee- ding to business in Liverpool. It was very evi. dent that the election would be keenly con- GROWING ITOWARDS LIBERALISM. A MORAL VICTORY." Polling for the election of a member of Parlia- ment for Birkenhead took place on Wednesday, the candidates being Mr Elliott Lees (Conserva- tive) and Mr W. II. Lever (Liberal). Many electors voted during the first hour before procee- ding to business in Liverpool. It was very evi- dent that the election would be keenly con- tested, and never previously had party colours been worn so freely. The borough is divided into nine wards, and are 28 polling stations. MB W. H. LEVKB. I At 11 a.m. polling proceeded somewhat slowly, and was chiefly confined to tradesmen but crowds ot excited politicians gathered near the booths discussing the issue. Both parties were well provided with carriages, some of which were aent from long distances. Later in the day hundreds of political workers arrived from out- side the borough, and busily engaged in the en- deavour to secure votes. Several large works closed for the afternoon, and during the dinner hour the pressure of workmen was such that the space in the polling-booths was taxed to the ut- most. Two arrests for alleged personation were made at the instigation of Liberals. In both cases, however, it is stated a mistake has been made, and the parties have been liberated on Con- servative bail. The poll appeared fairly evenly divided, but, whereas the Conservative leaders expressed themselves quite satisfied,the Liberals were less hopeful. Towards the close of the afternoon the Conservatives claimed to be win. ning bands down in the outlying districts, but Liberalism was considered stronger in the centre of the constituency, and a close fight was antici. pated in some quarters. RESULT OF THE POLL. GREAT REDUCTION OF CONSERVA- TIVE MAJORITY. The result was declared late in the evening as follows Mr Elliot Lees (C) 6,149 Mr W. H. Lever (L) 6,043 Conservative majority 106 The Conservative majority at the last election was 604. PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. 1885. 1886. Hamley (C) 5,733 Hamley (C) 5,255 Kennedy (L) 4,560 Kennedy (G) 4,036 Con. majority 1,173 Con. majority 1,219 1892. Vicount Bury (C) 5,760 W. H. Lever (L) 5,156 Conservative majority 604 The Central News correspondent telegraphs that the result of the polling was awaited with anxiety by a large crowd in front of the town- hall, Birkenhead. The polling was very brisk at noon, and in the evening the working men, of whom there are large numbers in Birkenhead, mostly voted after the day's work. Party colours were pretty generally worn, and as to vehicles, the Conservatives were better supplied than the Liberals. The Catholic vote was split, many not considering Mr Lever's reply to the questions affecting the grants to Catholic schdOls satisfac- tory, although during the day Mr Smith, M.P. for North Lonsdale, wired to Mr Lever:—"As an English Catholic, I agree entirely with your answer to the questions re Catholic schools, and think that to ask more would be unreasonable and impolitic. I trust the Catholics of Birkenhead will give you their undivided support." The Irish electors were loyal to Mr Lever, as were also those belonging to the Principality. There was a re-count, and the smallness of the Tory majority indicates the keenness of the contest, the result being announced shortly before mid- night. A woman named Grace Barnett, who was walking in the crowded roadway during the excitement of the election, was knocked down by a carriage and killed.

SCOTTISH COAL STRIKE. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ENGLAND AND WALES. At a miners'meetjng at Glasgow on Wednesday it was reported that the English levy, including £400 rrom Durham and £100 from South Wales, was 26,100. Some of the masters consider the rules of the proposed United National Association too drastic, and contend for a free hand in managing their collieries. At a mass meeting of Loathian miners, held at Dalkeith on Wednesday—Mr Wm. Shaw, of the Elphinstone ColJjery,priding-Mr It. Brown, the Lothian ngeut, reviewed the position, and advised theminers to go back to their work, asotherdistricts in Scotland had been beaten. After discussion, « resolution was carried that the miners of the Lothains re-commence work on Monday.

NEWPORT LIEUTENANT AND THE MONEY LENDERS. EXTRAORDINARY INTEREST CHARGES. At Great Yarmouth Bankruptcy Court on Tues- (hy, George Digby Wingfield, a lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, lately stationed at Yarmouth, but formerly at Newport, detailed, in his exam- ination by the official receiver, an extraordinary story of financial embarrassment, brought about through his transactions with money-lenders. Debtor leturned his liabilities at £58018, and assets 1111. He stated he had five children, and bad been, and was, in receipts of pay averaging from JB140 to L180 per uuuum. He had no pro- perty in his own right, although his wife had a purely voluntary aliuwance. His bankruptcy was brought about through his becoming surety in 1891 for Lieutenant Maxwell, a brother officer in his regiment, who huJ an allowance of JBoOO a year from his mother, and who, debtor imagined, restricted his expenditure by his in. come. He signed ttirt,, bills for him, amounting in all to £300. When they became due Lieut. Maxwell was not in n position to meet them, and in order to do so bankrupt had recourse to other money lenders. In 1892 Lieut. Maxwell left the country, and since then he died in America without even repaying a penny. Among the amounts borrowed by him was B75 from Mr Seline, 8, Bellevue-street, Swansea, at the rate of 150 per cent, interest, of which he had repaid JB125. leaving E57 12s 7d still due L50 from Mr B, Phillips, 6, Newman-stieet, Oxford-stre^, London, at the rate of 110 per cent, interest, of which he had paid off £ 67, leaving £ 59 due; £ 50 from Mr George Payne, at the rate of 275 per cent, interest, of which he had paid off £ 69, leaving £ 121 2s 6d due; £ 129 from Mr TownendtMercan tile Bank, Bald win-street, Bristol, at the rate of 125 per cent, interest,of which he had TownendtMercan tile Bank, Bald win-street, Bristol, at the rate of 125 per cent, interest,of which he had paid off £ 222 14s, leaving £ 75 due £ 100 from Messrs Fieidmg and Co., The Hayw?, Cardiff, at the rate of 90 per cent. interest, of which he had paid off J6114, leaving 277 Is due J350 from Mr S. Lorie, of Brighton, at the rate of 50 per cent, interest, of which he had paid off JB49, leaving £ 25 due and also money from other lenders at similar rates. In 1893 his furniture was all sold at the suit ot Mr Seliuu, end other executions had been levied upon him. Only one of the lenders required from him a statutory declaration of his affairs, and he denied that he ever told Townend that his personal income was from J6500 to 260b per annum. The examination was closed.

THE SUICIDE AT GOWER. It appears that Mr Bigot, who committed I suicide at Pennard, Guvver, on Tuesday, had been depressed for some time previous, and it is now I stated that some years ago he had been confined in a lunatic asylum. He is a grandson of a former Bishop of Oxford, while his aunt is the wife of Canon Bridgman, of Wigau, who himsslf is brother to the Earl of Bradford. Later information shows that ó the time the only other occupant of Pennard Cottage, where the suicide was committed, was a maidservant. Soon after eleven the young woman heard a sound of firearms coming from the deceased's room, and on rushing inJ.to seejthe cause, found her master lying back in his chair with blood streaming from his mouth and nostrils to a pool on the floor, while in his right hand he held a recently discharged revolver. Some men were workmg near, and the servant summoned them. Mr Bagot was not deal, but unconscious, so medical aid and the police were sent for. Mr Bagot was the son of a clergyman at Henley-on- Thames, and he had held the position of farm bailiff at Rilvrnurb for the last four rears.

HAULIERS'STRIKE IN THEj. RHONDDA. 800 MEN OUT OF WORK. The hauliers employed in the 2ft. 9in. and the 6ft. seams in the Gnl Colliery, the property of Messrs Cory Bros., Cardiff, were all out on strike on Wednesday in consequence of the management having refused to pay the hauliprs of the 2ft. 9in. seam a full day's wage when operations were suspended eady on the day recently. Eight hundred men are idle." On Tuesday evening the men met the hauliers of the Aberaman Colliery, and a deputation was hurriedly arranged to see Mr Hann. Mr Hann positively refuaed to undertake to provide shack- lers, and told the hauliers that unless they did their work as heretofore they would be held. responsible for the consequences. The hauliers, however, at a late hour met to decide not to go to work. Ou Wednesday Mr Morgan Thomas, the hauliers' agent, met the men at the Masons' Arms, Aberaman, aod an attempt was made to have an interview with Mr Hann, which, how- ever, could not be arranged until a late hour in the evening. Mr Morgan Thomas met Mr Hann later in the evening to discuss the situation, and subsequently attended a meeting of the men at the Masons' Arms, Aberaman. The meeting was private, but our correspondent was informed that it was generally agreed that the Miners' Regula- tion Act and the special rules defined the work of a haulier to be driving and spragging. It was not right for them to be called upon to do auy other work. It was also alleged that they bad sufficient evidence to prove that shacklers were engaged throughout South Wales and Mon. mouthsbu'e, and the men decided by a practically unanimous vote that before the work of shackling should be put on them they would most determinedly cause trouble. They deeply regretted this was necessary to secure justice, but felt bound to do so owing to the foreign method and system of working introduced into these collieries. It was also decided to appoint a deputation to accompany Mr Thomas to see Mr Hann at 10.30 a.m. to-day (Thursday). Mr Thomas, in the course of his speech, expressed his regret that he had only that day been able to reach Aberaman to deal with this question, as he had been for the previous two days engaged in making a tour of the Monmouthshire and Rbymney Valleys, form- ing lodges in connection with the Union.

THE STRIKE SPREADING. Our correspondent learns that the hauliers at Fforohaman Colliery, another of the Powell Duffryn pits, last night (Wednesday) decided not to go to work to-day, and it is possible that the men at George Pit and LQwer Duffryn wiU follow.

STRIKE AT TREAMAN. Over 1,500 men were out on Wednesday at the Treaman and Abomm-An pitsof tile Powell Duffryn Coal Company, Limited, owing to a hauliers' strike. The hauliers demand that shacklers should be appointed, which, they aver, would be economical to their employers.

THE LADY ARTISTS OF WALES. FROM COCKPIT TO PICTURE GALLERY. It has been resolved to establish a Sooiety of Lady Artists for Wales. The first exhibition will be held next summer in the Round Room, Con- way, noted successively as a cockpit, Baptist chapel, band-room, and the studio of the late Mr J. D. Dawson, R.W.S.

On Tuesday evening the Morriston Liberal Association met, under the presidency of Mr Clement, to select candidates for submission to the delegate meeting to be held on Saturday at Neath. After a long and uninteresting discussion it was decided to nominate the following:— Messrs David Harris, Llewellyn Davies, W, Llewellyn Williams, W. Hedley, Brynmoi Jones, Q.C., M.P., and the Rev. Emlyn Jones.

ABERAVON. A well-attended meeting of Liberals was held at the Public-ball on Tuesday evening, under the the presidency of the Mayor (Councillor A. J. Stokes.—Mr Llewelyn Williams, B. A., Cardiff, was the principal speaker, and he delivered an able and instructive address on the Cymru Fydd movement..—Mr W. C. Hedley, colliery proprie- tor and a member of the Glamorgan County Council, also spoke cn current politics.—At the conclusion of trie meeting nominations of candi- dates for the vacancy which will arise at the next election in the Swansea district were proceeded with, and the following gentlemen were nomi- nated from the Aberavon district, viz., Mr Llewelyn Williams, Mr Brynmor Jones, and Mr David Harris (Morriston).The voting resulted as follows:- Votes. Mr Llewelyn Williams 44 Mr Brynmor Jones 8 Mr David Harris. 2 11 1 axr zieuioy-s name was not proposea, nis re- marks on Local Optton and the liquor traffic evidently not being in accordance with the opinions held by those present. Mr Williams's claims will, in accordance with the decision of the meeting, be strongly urged by the Aberavou District delegates at the Neath meeting on Satur. day.

THE ADAMSDOWN WARD. COUNCILLOR MUNN TO BE OPPOSED. It was thought at one time that Councillor James Munn, the retiring representative of the Adamsdown Ward, would this year be re- elected without opposition, but such is not tQ be the case. Mr Munn, who was at the annual meeting of the Adamsdown Ward Liberal Asso- ciation, held recently, was again selected as the Liberal candidate, but is to be opposed by Mr W. England, of the National Amalgamated Labourers' Union, who will come out as an Independent Labour candidate. This decision was arrived ao on Wednesday evening, when a deputation waited upon Mr England asking him to fig-ht the ward, and he consented to do so.

A TORY ALLEGATION. At a smoking concert in the Card; ff Conserva- tive Club, on Wednesday evening, Mr J. P. Ingledew presiding, Dr. Treharne, chief of the local Conservative party, referred to the unsuc- cessful attempt made between the two parties last year to negotiate with the view of coming to some arrangement by which the calibre of the Cardiff Town Council might be improved by the selection of certain prominent and able gentlemen, irrespective of politics. Now this year again the Liberals had started to fight Councillor H. White and other Conservative candidates merely on the ground of party, and the onus lay on them to remove the present condition of things. It was high time the council was reformed, but the Liberals, who were in the majority there, would not have reform. It was, indeed, time that such scandalous waste of money and time in connec. tion with visits to London should be put a stop to, and the Angean stable of the Cardiff Corpora- tion cleaned out. (Applause.) He urged upon Conservatives, particularly members of that club, to work hard to put good men on the local council.

ADAMSDOWN WARD. Mr William England will, we are informed, coutest the seat in the Adamsdown Ward in th« Labour interest.

PARK WARD. At the request of the Park Ward Conservative and Unionist Association and others, Mr Henry Gibbon, of 185, Richmond-road, has decided to wt.tud as a candidate for the vacant seat in that ward.

MR HERBERT CORY'S ACCI- DENT. HE LIES IN A SERIOUS CONDITION. We regret to state that the condition of Mr Herbert Cory, who is suffering from compound fracture of the skull, sustained while out riding near Castleton on Tuesday, continues to give cause for great anxiety. Dr. Hardyman, or his partner, Dr, Cooke, is in constant attendance oil the injured gentleman. When the accident became known in Cardiff it was thought that Mr Cory had been trying a new horse but we understand that the animal he rode was one that he has ridden for :I considerable time past, aud was a favourite of hia. The accident does not seem to have been wit- "e ave nessed by anybody, so that until Mr Cory is sufficiently recovered to explain how ic occurred the exact cause can only be conjectured. He recovered consciousness during Wednesday, and is progressing as well as can be expected.

A MISSING PORT TALBOT LAD. A lad named Win. Thomas Phillips, employed as a telegraph messenger at the Port Talbot Post-office, has been missing from his home since Sunday afternoon last, and up to Wednesday night no trace of his whereabouts had been discovered. The parents reside at Gough- terrace. Port Talbot, and they are naturally much concerned at their son's continued absence. Inquiries have been made at Neath, Swansea, and Porthcaw), but without any clue being obtained. Phillips is about 15 years of age.

"A WORD ABOUT PIANOS.This little work should be read by all intending purchasers, as it contains ma.ny useful hints and valuable informa- tion on the selection of a Piano. Post free, of Duck. Son and Pinker. Batb- li

RUGBY FOOTBALL AND PROFESSIONALISM, INTERVIEW WITH TH h: YORKSHIRE PRESIDENT. VIEWS OF OTHER YORKSHIRE I I LEADERS. j i On being interviewed on Wednesday afternoon, I Mr J. A. Miller, president of the York- shire Rugby Union, said he did not think that the action which had been taken in Lancashire, or any other steps which might be taken in future in the same direction, would have- a serious effect upon the Rugby game in York- shire. He had no information whether or not the clubs suspended and those which, as a matter of course, if the charges are substantiated, will be suspended, will form another Union or abide by the decision of the Lancashire county committee. He did not believe if a new Union were formed by the affected parties the Lancashire clubs would be able tojprevail upon even a portion of the cream of the Yorkshire player, to join them. The xorkshiremen, he thought, would have more St-nse, and he did not think there was anything to be afratd of in the present state of things so far as the Rugby game was concerned. Mr Herbert Potter, the well-known referee and late county player, said he did not think that recent events would prejudice the Rugby game. He did not believe professionalism would bel adopted in Yorkshire at present, though it might be at some distant time. Still, be could not say there was no professionalism in Yorkshire. In case professionalism was adopted in Yorkshire the small clubs would have to be broken up. Mr Fred. Firth, captain of the Halifax team, the International three-quarter, is of opinion that the outlook is very serious, and that the cup competition will fall through. He thinks York- shire will adopt professionalism, but not this year, adding that the clubs will be obliged to adopt it if it comes into force in Lancashire. In the event of professionalism being adopted, he feels confident it will knock the Rugby game out, and that the Association game will take its place. The opinion of Mr W. Hirst, of Huddersfield (secretary of the Yorkshire Rugby Union), is that professionalism willllot at. present be adopted in Yorkshire. It might be eventually, but he would not like to say at what date. Mr Charles Houldsworth, of Dewsbury, secretary of the senior competition, is of opinion that professionalism is inevitable in Lancashire, but not in Yorkshire at present. If legalised in Yorkshire he did not think there would be five clubs who could stand the expense, as at present there are few Association clubs that can pay their way even with the sixpeuuy gates •.■nforced' by the Association rules. If Lancashire adopted professionalism, they would poach on Yorkshire, and on all England, Wales, and Scotland. CHARGES AGAINST LANCASHIRE CLUBS. On Wednesday morning, Mr Hlgson, secretary of the Salford Club, laid with Mr Crook, the county secretary, the formal charges of profes- sionalism against Swinton, Tyldesley, Broughton Rangers, Rochdale Hornets, and Wigan. Imme- diately he has complied with certain formalities necessary to be undergone in such matters the inquiry will be opened. In the majority of the charges Salford will confine their evidence to certain players, without making general allega- tions.

SWANSEA COUNTY COUNCIL. The last meeting of the county council of Swansea as at present constituted was held on Wednesday. Before the meeting, the members, at the invitation of the retiring Mayor (Aid. Ptke), met at luncheon at the Mackworth Hotel. During the postprandial proceedings, Mr Viner Leeder asked for some guide as to who would be the next mayor but none present gave any in- dication. As things at present stand there is no senior member a candidate for the mayoralty. The company then adjourned to the council chamber, where the monthly meeting was held. SUPKRINTBNDENTSHIP OF POLICE. During the consideration of the minutes of the watch committee, Mr David Harris said he understood that the watch committee at its next meeting would receive the resignation of its superintendent, and as the watch committee had plenary powers, he asked that before it made a. new appointment the council should be consulted. —Alderman Chapman said he did not think the committee would have any objection, but it would have, to be re-elected before the appoint- ment was made, and so he could not pledge members not yet elected. THE HARBOUR TRUST AND THE BRIDGE TOLL. During the consideration of the minutes of the general purposes committee Alderman Tutton called attention to the anuual demand from the harbour trust for £3,750 as a contribution in lieu of thebridge tolls, He maintained that rather than things should go on as now. with such a yearly payment of £3,750 and the %:2.250 the corporation had foregone, it would be better for the corpora- tion to appear with respect to the Bill the harbour trust proposed to promote, with the object of buying up the whole of the interests in the bridges and work them themselves.— Mr Nancarrow could not see why Alderman Tuttun had opened this question. It was un. doubted that the bridge could not be repaired to meet the present requirements, and though he considered £60,000 too much to spend on a new bridge, he did not see why the corporation would object, as they were about to get Parliamentary powers, to construct a new bridge themselves.— The Mayor said he could not understand why for the mere purposes of a new bridge to meet the necessary requirements so large an expenditure as £60,000 was required. Armstrongs had undertaken to construct a bridge for £ 15,000.— Mr Leeder thanked Alderman Tutton for intro- ducing the question, and accused the harbour trust of committing a distinct breach of faith, and hoped that in future the corporation, when I watching a Bill, would never take any promise from the harbour trust for granted.—Alderman Chapman denied that there had been any breach of faith. He was in London when the so-called agreement was come to, and Sir John Jenkins distinctly said, while in favour of the settlement himself, that he could not pledge the trust, while Lord Swansea, Mr Griffith Thomas, and others strouglyopposed it. Sincethatconterence Sir John Jenkins had changed his mind, as he said, in the interest of the ratepayers.—Mr Gwilyin Morgan moved that the debate be adjourned to a special meeting.—Mr E. R. Daniel said Sir John Jenkins had changed his miud on the question of commutation because he did not think the rate- payers should be called on to pity for the erection of the bridge, and as to the ratepayers' contribu- tion of £3,750 he was of opinion, as stated in a telegram he had just received, that with judicious and economical management the harbour trust has sufficient income without demanding any contribution from the corpora- tion. Have changed my mind, as explained to executive, entirely in theinterestof ratepayers. If you think desirableread this at council meeting."— The amendment was lost by 17 votes Alderman Tutton, replying to the whole ques- tion, said it was ridiculous for Sir John Jones Jenkins or anyone else to say that there was any immediate possibility of the contribution from the ratepayers not being required by the trust.— The report, recommending the payment of the contribution due of £3,750, was then adopted. THE LOCALE OF THE METAL EXCHANGE. On the motion of Mr Freeman, seconded by the Mayor, it was decided to give the members of the metal exchange permission to meet for 12 months at the Royal Institution, at the expira- tion of which period, it is hoped, a new exchange will have been erected.

WELSH VILLAGE CHURCH SERVICES. HOW THEY STRIKE THE SAXON. In an article dealing with the beauties aud attractions of Pwllheli and neighbourhood, the Globe says One great charm to the English tourist is the Welsh service in the village churches. The language, which to the English eye is so full of consonants as to be absolutely unpronounceable, when heard in sacred song is marvellously musical and sweet, the effect being heightened by the evident enjoyment with which every worshipper, man, woman, and child, joins in the chanting and sing. ing. There is, too, something peculiarly impressive in the fact that in this tongue, age! before the mission of St. Augustine, Christianity was first practised in Britain, and that here during every successive age, Christian worship has been carried on in the same language by the same music-loving race. These at least were the I thoughts suggested by a visit on Sunday after- noon to the little church of Llanbedrog, near the cliffs which end the southern peninsula of the county, the pretty church of a quaint pic- turesque village, lovingly enfolded by over- hanging wooded hills, and in the" God's acre" of which may be found ancient and curious epitaphs of Carnarvonshire people. i FUNERAL OF THE REV. D. JONES, I B.A., AT SWANSEA. On Wednesday were iuterred at the cemetery, I' amid general manifestations of regret and respect, the n>main5 of the late Rev. D. Jones, B.A. First of all a short service was held at Clifton Villa, the residence of the deceased, and then the cortege was formed and proceeded as far as Ebenezer Chapel, where addrçt:1S were delivered by the Revs W. M. Jon es, J. Davies (Taihirionl T. Divtes. D.D. (Llanelly), W, James, and T*. Samuels (Z >ar), The procession then re-formed' and on arriving at the cemetery the Rev. Dr* Davies performed the burial service. The funeral was attended by a number of leading ministers and laymen. v °

The World hears that the Garter which hat become vacant by the death of Lord Grey is to be given to Lord Carrington or Lord Dutferin. Fat in food is not di^^t^rl Tt- ised, or broker -r «o that it 'be^ tU" ei?UJSM??* blood. It villains f.a until deported as new tissue" Many persons are poorly nourished because their organs cannot emulsionise fat. This nneh in f.?t 1'ulslon Cod Liver is a food nch in fat tha: is emulaionised, and Miig 1 way speedily inte the blood. I All chemists* 6d &nd 4A 6db

NEWS IN BKLFCUF. The Queen is 4ft. 8in. high. Japan has 40,000 physicians. The Khedive of Egypt has commenced bioyofc riding. Max Klein, the noted violinist, has died at Cowes. In Brazil a couple may be married by drinkjn8 brandy together. The schism between the Dutch Old Catholi and Father Hyacinthe is now complete. The danger of the present war to China is it revolution, followed by prolonged anarchy. Advices received from Honolulu state that thf px-Qneen Liliuokalani has lost her reason. Astronomers claim that there are ovet 17,500,000 comets in the solar system alone. There are some 15,000 people in London whos( professional occupation is writing for pnblica tion. The average weekly wages paid to female, labourers of aU classes in Germany is a little over 8s. Two great novelists, Zoln, and George Cable, limit themselves strictly to the composition of 1,200 words a day. There is a cave near Deadwood, S.D., that is believed to extend more than 90 miles into the bowels of the earch. A monument to Chopin has been unveiled at Zelazowa Wola, near W arsaw, the native place ot the great composer. The Queen of Japan often prepares food her- self for the Royal table, working with thf ordinary domestics. The list of Freshmen at Oxford this year showf an increase of 19 over last year, the numbers, being 692 and 673 respectively. Abner Dorsett, a negro living in Hickory Mountain township, North Carolina, has a head which measures 32 inches in circumference. Doctors say that there is a small ganglion in the throat that has control of the muscle" of that region, and acts very much like a true brain. Pierremont Park, Broadstairs, where the Queen resided during the early days of her childhood with her mother, the Duchess of Kent, has beet sold by private contract. Like human beings, horses may suffer from corns. A penalty was a day or two ago inflicted on a Leeds carter for working a poor animal thai was lame from a large corn. The veteran musician Johann Strauss, com' poser of "The Blue Danube" and 400 othM valses, celebrates the jubilee of his debut as conductor, an event which took place on October 15th, 1844. Mr Zimmerman, the cyclist, is said to have made some £4,000 by his riding in Europe since the beginning of June, an average of about JB40 a day. His bicycle may be truly spoken of as hi! wheel of fortune. Thomas G. Lawler, the newly-elected Com- mander-in-Chief of the Grand Army in America, is the first native Englishman to be placed in charge of an army in that country since the days of the revolution. Colchester's annual oyster feast is as famous a fixture in its way as that of the Master Cutler of Sheffield or any other public municipal banquet. In the present year the Mayor of Colchester ha? fixed the festival for the 25th inst. A second crop of raspberries, of excellent quality, has been gathered at Pulham St. Mary, At Ventnor ripe unforced strawberries have been gathered in a garden, in another part of which the holly trees are bright with red berries. It is not generally known that a licence is required to sell ginger-beer after 10 o'clock at night. Some small shopkeepers at Battersea were fined for selling the harmless beverage after that hour, although they pleaded ignorance of the law. The town of Dexter (Montana) has an ordi- nance requiring boys under 18 years of age tc keep eff the street after nine o'clock. Every night at nine o'clock a bell is rung, and all boys found on the street after that time are landed In calibose. If the wealth of the United States could be realised and were equally divided, there would be for each of the inhabitants a sum equal to about two hundred pounds while the assumption is that the wealth of the United Kingdom is equal to about three hundred pounds per inhabitant. It is said that one of the West India Islands is inhabited exclusively by turtles, some of which grow to an enormous size. Attempts to establish human habitations on the island have always failed. The turtles undermine the foundations of the houses and not unfrequently attack the inmates. The Princess of Wales and the Princesses Victoria and Maud have taken to tricycle riding, which is a favourite amusement with the Royal Family of Denmark, and during their recent stay at Bernstorff Castle they were out every day on their machines, which were arranged tandem fashion.—Truth. A case illustrating the independence of the Isle of Man has just been decided in the "StRff of Government" Court of that island. Deemster Drinkwater has decided that the Militia Act of 1882 does not apply in the Isle of Mall, and that consequently a Militiaman who had deserted from Carlisle is perfectly safe from prosecution while he remains in the island A big poster in Paris announces the forth- coming appearance of Macbeth,' a Drama to Five Acts, by M. Jean Richepin," and staff,' a Comedy in Five Acts, by M. P. Delair." This has furnished even French critics with food for reflection. Surely Shakespeare, they opine, might have been mentioned — after Richepin and Delair, of course. A labourer named John Cole was killed whilst attempting to steal flowers at Washbrook Green Farm. He entered a loose box where some fowls weie roosting, and the "noise made by the bird. frightened a colt in the stable. It kicked at tha man with terrific force, smashing both jaws and fracturing the skull. The unfortunate man only lived a few minutes after the doctor's arrival. Unlike most other princely crowns of Europe. whether of kings, emperors, or grand dukes, all the jewels in the British Crown ar< really precious stones. In other Statfl crowns valuable stones have been placed by coloured glass, with the result that their real worth falls far short of their estimated value. The Queen's crown weighs 35)z. 5dwt- and comprises altogether 3,093 precious stones. It is quite customary for Royalties wh visiting foreign couutries to make their official, calls in the early part of the day, thus leaving the afternoon for recreation and amusement. Very often when abroad the Prince of does all his visiting in the morning. The German Emperor calls immediately after breakfast. When the Prince of Wales and the Comte de Paris wer« at Cannes together they always exchanged visits in the morning. The Orient Royal Mail steamer from Sydney brings the tirst experimental consignment of frozen rabbits from Victoria for the English market. She has also a large consignment ol Australian butter, which, from the precautions taken to keep it in a uniform temperature during the voyage, and from the satisfaction which tbt butter bas given to the passengers at table on the way liome, is expected to reach the English con* sumors in a satisfactory condition. An attempt is being made to E isternise the dress of our women by what is called the Syriaa skirt. Anyone has only to turn to the prmt ol an Eastern lady in her t,rousers" to realise th. latest fad" of the experimental costumiers. Several ladies have adopted the dress, and speak highly of the comfort afforded by the divided robe. An attempt is to he made to bring th< design into vogue next summer through tih6 adoption of light materials. It 15 particularly recommended for tennis. Apropos to the illness of the Czar, the Dailf Telegraph publishes some interesting facts about lhat monarch's life and customs. The Czai. receives his knowledge of what is going on in th< outside world from two different sources. Th< one is General Tsherevin, the Czar's "jester,* whose piquano stories about the adventures and mishaps of the actors on the stage of high lift interest and amuse the appreciative monarch j the other is the so-called Imperial Review. It it a manuscript selection of extracts from the princw pal newspapers. The Chinese military authorities had occasion recently to order that a battalion of infantry, which bore the name and badge of a dragon and was stationed near Pekin, should exchanf nations with a battalion which bore the sun at nanio and badge and was stationed neal Shanghai. The general saw that this mighl effectually be carried out by exchanging the badges and not moving the men at all. Th. badges were therefore transferred by the mediun I of whatever answers to the parcels post in thoss regions, and the general sent in the bills for th< movement of the battalions, which he dulj pocketed. When first the Duchess of Saxe-Coburg (Edin- burgh) married and settled in England she brought burgh) married and settled in England she brought with her many of the strict and rather absurd rules of Russian Court etiquette. On one occa- sion, when staying at Windsor Castle, and sitting in the same room as the Queen, sh* dropped her pocket-handerchief, whereupon h. turned and desired a lady-in-waiting to ring the bell. A footman appeared, and the ducheaa ordered him to fetch the particular attendant whose duty it was to picK up her pocket- handkerchief. The Qneen took an early oppoi* tuuity of informing her daughter in-law thaC English Princesses picked up their own handker* chiefs.