South Wales Daily News

WHERE SLEEP THE BRAVE." QUEEN'S MEMORIAL TO DEPARTED SOLDIERS. A Harwich correspondent telegraphs --An interesting ceremony was performed at Dover- court Parish Church yesterday afternoon, when, in the presence of a large gathering. General Sir William Gatacre declared a lychgate open which had been presented by the Queen in memory of the soldiers who died during the ill- fated Walcheren Expedition and were buried in the churchyard:. The gate is built of English oak and bears a suitable inscription..

FATAL FIRE. MAN BURNT TO DEATH. The Continental Restaurant, Newcastle, was destroyed by fire yesterday. The body of a man, supposed to be one of the servants, was found charred amid the ruins. Chief Fireman Swanton and three other firemen were burnt aboat the head and face somewhat seriously.

TIm .Furs' FounDs NATIONAL EISTBD»W>» "MAN STOBY, "a Maid of Mona," which is a romance of Welsh life in the Twelfth Century, is n$w published in the "Cardiff Tlmss and South Wales Weekly News." Other serials, complete stories, and magartne features, iu addition to the aews of the week, illustrated. The best p»nuv *«eklypubbahe4 J

CABINET MEET. ANSWER TO KRUGER. MINISTERIAL DECISION. FINAL TERMS BEING DRAFTED. PEACEFUL SOLUTION STILL HOPED FOB. THE ATTITUTE OF THE FREE STATE. FEELING AT THE CAPE. WAR PREPARATIONS. PANIC AT JOHANNESBURG. THE BOER FORCES. NATIVES EAGER TO ATTACK THEM. The Press Association states :The public anxiety may be at least to some appreciable extent gauged by the crowds who began to gather during the forenoon in the neighbourhood of the Government Offiees in London. Curiosity to see Ministers is often on these occasions the motive force, but it would be quite an error to attribute the presence of the throng yesterday to such a cause. On the' contrary, it must be attributed to abnormal circumstances. There was evident- even apparently amongst the most unre.ftective- a sense of the intense gravity of the crisis, and lhere was prevalent a feeling that some decision momentous to the State might not improbably be arrived at within a few hours. Opposite Downing-street was the point at which the assembly was thickest, because from this position such members of the Cabinet as came by way of Whitehall could be readily recognised. The refuges dividing the street traffic were occupied by a mass of people, while !ong lines of spectators occupied the roadway in a northerly and southerly direction, that on the north aide stretching as far as the entrance to Wnitehall-gardens. Cab and omnibus traffic wets diverted, and a small body of policemen kept the entrance to Downiag-street lree, accredited journalists alone being permitted to walk to the Foreign Office. The windows of the various departmental offices were occupied by the permanent staffs, and it was noticeable also that in the quadrangle of the Foreign Office Government officials took up positions on the steps at the south side, where they were favour- ably placed for witnessing the arrival &ad depar-. ture of Ministers. In Whitehall the personnel of the assemblage which affairs of State had drawn together was no more confined to one class or creed than it was confined to one sex. It was fairly representa tive of every class, and the prevalent tone was, so far as could be judged, decidedly anti-Boer, as though nothing now remained but to count the cost of war. Guesses were openly made as to the pro- bable length of time which would be required for a satisfactory termination of the campaign, while an elderly cleric was overheard making far from flattering comments on some alleged per- sonal characteristics of President Kruger, and clinching his argument by citing a certain per- sonage's facility for quoting Soripture when it suited his purpose. ARRIVAL OF MINISTERS. The Duke of Devonshire, Lord Balfour of Bar. leigh, and some of their Ministerial colleagues arrived in town early yesterday for the meet- ing, and a few had reached London over night, mong the latter was Mr Balfour, First Lord of the Treasury, and it is perhaps significant of the trend of events that the right hon. gentleman wae visited early at his official residence in Downing- street by Lord Rothschild. The head of the great financial house of Rothschild has constant bueiness at the Treasury when Parliament is sitting, bat a recess visit is most unusual, and this one was timed sufficiently early to permit of an interview of considerable duration. At half-past 11 Mr Balfour left Downing-street in a cab. The crowd in the thoroughfare had by this time become considerable, but there was no demonstration as the right hon. gentleman was driven away. Immediately after he left Chief Inspector Scantlebury put in an appearance with police reinforcements, and the quadrangle was promptly cleared. The crowd as before were moved the fall length of the street, and were not left undisturbed until they reached the centre of Whitehall; but the slender chance of seeing or hearing anything did not apparently daunt thom, and they stood earnestly gazing in the direction of the Government buildings. Lord Salisbury drove to the Foreign Office from King's Cross, and arrived exactly at noon, but on this occasion he chose the private entrance, and thus escaped the crowd in Whitehall, which had by this time swollen to six or seven hundred persona. AN OVATION FOR MR CHAMBERLAIN. Mr Chamberlain drove up to the Downing- street entrance of the Colonial Office at 12.15. The crowd was then estimated at close on 1,000, and as Mr Chamberlain drove between the people —the crowd was now in two sections-they cheered heartily. Hats and handkerchiefs were waved, and the demonstration was renewed as the Colonial Secretary alighted and passed into his office, and he raised his hat in response to the cheers. Lord Cross was the first Minister to join his chief at the Foreign Office. Lord Ashbourne fol- lowed, and then came Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Mr Walter Long, and Lord Cadogan. The Mar- quis of Lansdowne, Secretary of State for War, and Mr Chaplin walked up together, and the Home Secretary followed. Then came Lord Halsbnry, Mr Goschen, and Mr Ritchie. The Duke of Devonshire, who drove through the top of Downing-street, was recognised and voci- ferously cheered. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach drove from Paddington to Whitehall, and he too was cheered. Mr .Balfour disappointed the crowd by returning to Downing-strdet by way of the Horse Guards' Parade. He let himself into the Foreign Office by the private door, and was not seen by the Pressmen, whose attention was directed elsewhere. Lord George Hamilton passed from his own department to the Foreign Office without leaving the shelter of the block of buildings, and Mr Chamberlain, from the Colonial Office, did the same. Lord James of Hereford is in attendance on the Queen at Bal- moral, otherwise the Cabinet with the arrival of Mr Akers Douglas was complete. The chief incident of the assembly of Ministers Was unquestionably the greeting accorded to Mr Chamberlain. The demonstration was as spontaneous and unanimous as it was hearty, and there could be no doubt so far as the crowd reflected public opinion that the Colonial Secretary's attitude in respect to the Transvaal is a popular one. MINISTERS LOOK GRAVE. The Press Association, telegraphing later says -Lord Salisbury's carriage and that of the Duke of Devonshire were in waiting at 2 o'clock, and apparently that was the time at which Ministers were expected to separate. It was not until 2.40, however, that Mr Ritchie and one of his colleagues appeared in Downing-street, and this was the first indication that the Cabinet deliberations were over. Some 10 minutes elapsed before Lord Cross, Lord Halsbury, Mr Chaplin, the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Lansdowne, Mr Goschen, Sir Michael Hioks-Beach, and Mr Walter Long followed, but several Ministers escaped the crowd by the use of the Horse Guards Parade exit, and Lord Salisbury left by the pri- vate door. The crowd waited patiently until 3 o'clock to see Mr Chamberlain, but as there were then no signs of his reappearance people slowly dispersed. Not the slightest hint of the character of the deliberations of the Ministers or of the decisions arrived at were permitted to transpire, but it was the subject of general remark that whereas they left the former Council laughing and chatting gaily, there was no evidence of lightheadedness on this oooaakra. On the contrary all looked decidedly grave. The sitting of the Cabinet oommenced.at 12.30, and the proceedings thusla.sted just over two honiB. MINISTERIAL DECISION. WILL NOW FORMULATE THEIR OWN PROPOSALS. The Press Association is informed tfeat a despatch will be sent to the GovernmeK Iftbq | South African Republic in answer to the recent despatch from Sir A. Milner, and a strong pro- test will be made against the accusation of bad faith brought against Mr Conyngham Greene. The present attitudeol the Transvaal Govern- ment so far as information is available is not one which her Majesty's Government can accept, but it is expected that farther correspondence will follow. The despatch now sent expresses pro- found regret at the refusal by the Government of the South African Republic of the offer of her Majesty's Government, and states that her Majesty's Government will now prooeed to for- mulate their own proposals for a settlement. These proposals will be considered at a later Cabinet. The Press Association in a later message sa ys it was considered likely in some quarters that Ministers would certainly decide to send out more troops, but authoritative information was obtained that Lord Lansdowne did not return to the War Office with any such instructions, and that Sir Redvers Buller would not go out to South Africa at present, although the arrangement still holds good that he will take supreme command in the event of hostilities. It was asserted, howexer, that the delay in increasing the British forces in South Africa does not indicate the slightest fall- ing off in the Goyernment's determinatton to insist upon a definite settlement, but rather a desire to exhaust the resources of diplomacy before adopting harsher measures. TO MEET AGAIN NEXT WEEK. The Press Association learns from authorita- tive sources that the Cabinet will meet again next Friday, and that as the result of yesterday's gathering no farther despatch of troops has yet been decided upon. Lord Salisbury, after leaving the Cabinet, again returned to the Foreign Office, where he was visited by the German Ambassador, as on the occasion of the conclusion of the previous Cabinet. ANOTHER VERSION. The Central News understands that the Cabinet agreed upon. a new Note to the Trans- vaal Governments in which the British Govern- ment adheres to its demand for the removal of the Uitlanders' grievances as indicated in Sir Alfred Milner's despatches. The question of the despatch of further troops was further considered. It was not decided to send an ultimatum to President Kruger. The Government be ieves thai the resources of negotiation are not yet exhausted. KRUGER PREDICTS A PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT. (Press Association Special Telegram.) Cape Town, Friday.—The Bloemfgntein Express wishes to know what the Boers of Cape Colony intend to do. Will they," it asks, stand idle while the capitalists' mercenaries mow their brethren down with Lyddite shells and Dum Dum bullets ( There is a higher duty than loyalty to a Queen-the duty of man to man." A caucus meeting of the Progressive members is to be held this evening, at which a reply will probably be formulated to the resolutions passed at the meeting ot the Afrikander members on Wednesday. I have just seen a letter from President Kruger to one of his intimate friends, in which he says that things are serious and will be more serious still, but that a peaceful settlement will take place pfiviall. BOER GOVERNMENT AND THE MINES. (Press Association Special Telegram.) Pretoria, Friday.—President Krugúr was in telegraphic conference with President Steyn thie afternoon regarding the situation. The decision of the Free State Raad was awaited with interest. Large numbers of local Danes, Germans, French, Hollanders, and Americans bave offered their services to the Commandant-General in the event of hostilities. General Jonbert is considering these offers, but hopes that it will not be neces- sary to make use of them. The Raad to-day was engaged in the discussion of the pension law. The feeling amongst the older burghers is that they fail to see grounds yet for a casus belli, but that if Mr Chamberlain makes humiliating demands, such as disarmament, there will be war. The State mining engineer haa issued a cir- cular through the managers of mines stating; that the Government regrets to learn that some mines have been abandoned or have ceased work- ing without reasons being adduced. As the Government desires the protection of the mining industry and wishes to ensure the regular working of the mines, in case the present strained situa- tion leads to hostilities, the miners are asked to make suggestions as to what staff is required, what protection is wanted by the employees, the numea and nationalities of the said employees, what amount of stores and food stuffs they have n hand for working the mines, and for how long. A reply is asked for as soon as possible. General Joubert, replying to journalists to-day, said that he could not as yet give them anv per- mission to accompany the Boer commandos, their application being premature. BOERS AND THE FREE STATE. JOINT PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. The following telegram, dated yesterday, has been received from the Cape Town correspondent of the Outlook :—I have made "inquiries in frikander circles to ascertain how the action of President Steyn and the attitude of the Orange Free State in sympathy with the Transvaal and in hardly veiled hostility to Great Britain is viewed among the friends and supporters of the Afrikander Bond. The point is vital, for upon this view will depend the degree of sympathy extended by the Bond here to the Transvaal in the eventof trouble. Afrikander opinion, so far as it can be ascertained, is that President Steyn's action is impolitic, while Britishers considered that he had played into the hands of the Imperial power. The Free Satte Raad will almost cer- tainly endorse President Steyn's views. For an explanation of this attitude of the Orange Free State it is necessity to indicate what is now understood to be the plan of tactics resolved upon jointly between the Pretoria and Bloemfontein authorities. Those tactics now taketbisshape —the adoption of a defensive attitude against any British advance trom the Natal frontier, and an offensive attitude against British territory and property from all along the unprotected Orange River border. By these tactics the Transvaal count upon being able, with the active help of the Free State, to strike an effective blow across the Free State border before British reinforcements arrive, and they then look for a repetition of the experience of 1881, and the securing of easy conditions of peace from the British power. It need surprise no one if with this plan of campaign in view the Transvaal authorities should proclaim martial law suddenly and eoon, then engineer some local disturbance (after the method of the recent abortive attempts to engineer a high treason plot in Johannesburg) so as to form a pretext for the commencement of aggressive operations." PRESIDENT STEYN TO BE AGAIN QUESTIONED. The Press Association ldarns from a well- informed source that the attitude and action of President Steyn are considered to necessitate further inquiries of the Orange Free State Executive, and have at the same time opened a door for the specific formulation of the various points beyond the franchise upon which the Imperial Government has been asked by Sir Alfred Milner for special instructions. Although our military preparations will continue, the situa- tion is not regarded as hopeless. BOERS ON THE MARCH, (Press Association Special Telegram.) Johannesburg, Thursday.—Two train loads of burghers left Pretoria on Saturday to take up a position at Komati Poort, and also on the border at Volksrust, and two more left on Sunday. The burghers in the north are concentrating under Commandant Groblar, making 1,000 in the neighbourhood of Zoutspansberg in readiness to defend the Limpopo drift. The acting Mine Commissioner had an inter- view with President Kroger at Pretoria, and was given to undeerstand that miners would be treated (in the event of war similar to em- ployees of public bodies. Nothing has been officially decided regarding the administration of Johannesburg in case of war. NO RAID CONTEMPLATED. (Press Association Special Telegram.) protoria, Thursday.-The statement that the burgher force at Volksrnst has threatened to make a raid into Natal is officially denied. Presi- dent KruRer knows nothing of the report. He declares it is untrue, and that reports of this nature enmanate only from people desirous of war. TROOPS MOVING TOWARDS LATNGS NEK. (Press Association Special Telegram.) Ladysmitb, Friday .—The coloora of the Leices- ter and Liverpool Regimentshave been forwarded to Port Napier, and preparations are being made for all the troops of the garrison to evacuate the place. It is presumed that they will move north- ward and be replaced by incoming regiments. J ¡ FIGHTING EXPECTED AT MAFEKING The Pall Mall Gazette's Cape Town correspon- dent telegraphs It is stated that the Govern- ment at Pretoria have given their guarantee to sympathisers in the Orange Free State and CaDe Colony that the Transvaal will not be the first to make war. In the event however of a British attack all sections of Dutch in South Africa are expected to rise in the Transvaal defence. The anxiety felt on the western border of the Colony is still intense, Fighting is expected at Mafeking immediately, and I am therefore proceeding thither on Monday. EXCITEMENT AT JOHANNESBURG. (Press Association Special Telegram.) Johannesburg, Friday.—Six plate-glass win- dows were smashed here last night, and this has given rise to further anxiety. The work of barri- cading shop fronts is proceeding, and a number of merchants have suspended operations. The Free- masons Hall has been transformed into a hospi- tal, over which the red cross flag is hoisted. A large number of Volunteers are training with a view of forming an ambulance corps. Brakha Chamber of Mines at a meeting last night re- ferred to the confiscation clauses of the gold law as being against international usage. Consuls are expected to protect the inter- est of European shareholders. Representative Ecksteins has attributed the scare among miners to the publication of the law and the constant mention of martial law. He has decided to lodge a protest. The railway took £5,000 in receipts yesterday, and there will be a considerabls in- crease in this amount to-day. There is not suffi- cient accommodation in the Cape trains, and a number of passengers have had to be left behind. Hundreds were waiting all the afternoon to take train to-night. THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE BRITISH AGENT. A TRANSVAAL GREEN BOOK. (Renter's Telegram.) Pretoria, Friday.—A Green Book has been issued containing the report of the State Attor- ney to the Transvaal Government regarding the pourparlers which took place between himself and Mr Conyngham Greene leading to the con- ditional five years' franchiae proposal. Notes were kept by Dr. Smuts on points of the agreement be. tween himself and Mr C. Greene,and on the basis of such notes Mr Greene drafted a telegram to Sir Alfred Milner, which was approved of by Dr. Smuts, and the exact wording of the telegram was ultimately followed by the Transvaal Govern- ment in their proposals. As the British Govern- ment bad to agree informally to this proposal before it was formally made by the Transvaal Government, a telegram was sent by the British authorities to Mr Greene as follows If the Transvaal were to reply to the invitation of her Majesty's Government to a joint inquiry by for- mally patting forward the propolis described in your telegram, her Majesty's Government would not regard each a course as a refusal of their offer, but would be prepared to consider the reply of the Government of the Republic on its merits." Dr. Smuts, according to the Green Book, states that on his asking Mr Greene for an explanation of this telegram, the British Agent stated that it practically meant the acceptance of the offer, if it were to be made, Had the Transvaal Govern- ment known that a difficulty wonld have been raised on this question of suzerainty, Dr. Smuts says his Government would never have made their proposals, and would probably at once have accepted the invitation to a joint commission. In regard to the language question, Dr. Smuts do. nies that he promised Mr Greens that the new Volksraad members would be allowed to speak in their own language. Ail that he said was that in bis own opinion the question would easily settle itself. COMMANDEERING BRITISH BOYS. (Press Association Special Telegram.) Cape Town, Friday.—A telegram from Durban states that a great number of refugees have arrived there via Delagoa Bay from Barber- ton. They complain bitterly of the arrogance of the acting field cornet there, and declare even British boys of 15 were placed on 1 the lists for commandeering. PREPARING FOR THE WORST. WAR OFFICE CONFERENCE. A number of generals assembled at the War Office yesterday, and were in conference there whilst the Cabinet Council was in progress at the Foreign Office. Amongst those present were Lord Wolseley, General Sir Redvers Buller, General Grove, Sir Charles Clarke, and the heads of departments. SIR REDVERS BULLER. The Exchange Company was officially in- formed yesterday, after the conclusion of the Cabinet, that Sir Redvers Bailor would not be sent to South Africa immediately, but would go there eventually. FIELD HOSPITAL REQUIREMENTS. A Woolwich correspondent states :—Contrac- tors axe busily engaged delivering field hospital stores at Woolwich. Every comfort is provided for 200 patients in e%ch field hospital. One of the latter win be stationed at headquarters, one at an advanced depot on the iines of communication, a.nd one at tha base of operations. Where churches, railway stations, and other public buildings are not availabls for field hospitals in towns and villages where warlike operations are being carried on, marquees will be substituted. Hospital accommodation is being provided for 10 per cent, of the troops, the beds numbering 1,500, In addition to provision' being made for sick and wounded men light neld veterinary medicine chests, suitable for pack saddle conveyance, are being sent out for veterinary surgeons engaged with the troops for treatment of lame, sick, and wounded horses. TWO GUARDS BATTALIONS UNDER ORDERS. Mobilisation stores are being got ready at Woolwich for the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards now at Windsor, and the let Battalion Scots Guards, now at Chelsea, who are under orders to hold themselves in readiness for active service. MOUNTED INFANTRY TO BE LARGELY EMPLOYED. A Woolwich correspondent reports: In all departments of the Royal Arsenal and Dockyard, preparations are being pushed forward for providing an Army Corps with its complete equipment for field sfcrvice. Major Holden, R.A., superintendent of the Royal Gan Factory is busily engaged in preparing farther consign- ments of field ordnance for South Africa. Horses in exceHent condition for bard work are being passed for foreign service as rapidly a3 they arrive by road and rail. The class required for mounted infantry is in great demand, as that arm of the service will be considerably strengthened upon the arrival of 600 horses now under orders for Durban. OFFICERS SAILING TO-DAY. The following additional officer" lea vo South. ampton by the Union liner Norman to-day for South Sirica :-Captain Lord Douglas Compton, 9th Lancers; Captain the Hon. Claude Willoughby, 9th Lan cers Lieutenant-Colonel Appelbe, Army Ordnance Corps; Major P. Milton, Yorkshire Light Infantry Captain J. Russell, R.A. Captain Shackerly, Capt-i in H. C. Richardson, and St. Johnstone, 60th Rifles. FIGHTING FIFTH'S VOYAGE OUT. A Lloyd's telegram states that the s.s. Gaul, with the Nprthumberland Fusiliers fot the Cape, arrived at Teneiiffe on Thursday evening, and left later for Table Bay. THE INDIAN CONTINGENT. (Renter's Telegram.) Bombay, "riday .-The steamship Pandoa Bailed this morning with the remainder of the 19th Hussars and the staff of the Cavalry Brigade, being sent from India to South Africa. FAINT IDEA OF THE COST OF WAR. (Reuter's Telegram.) Simla, Friday.—Captain Harrison and Lieut. Fitzgerald, of the 11th Hussars, and Lieut. Bright, of the Royal Horse Artillery, proceed to South Africa with a reserve of horses. Major- General Sir Archibald Hunter, who sailed yester- day for South Africa, has been succeeded in com- mand of the Quetta district by Brigadier-General R. Hart. The cost of landing the Indian contin- gent in Africa is estimated at about 9400,000. AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEERS ACCEPTED. An Exchange telegram says :-We are in- formed the Imperial Government has accepted 250 mounted infantry offered by the Govern- ment of Queensland for service in South Africa in the event of hostilities. TROOPS READY AT GLASGOW. Elaborate preparations are being made at Marybill Barracks, Glasgow, to have troops ready for any emergency. The Scottish Riflas have been under orders for some time past, and another regiment is fully equipped to set out for the Transvaal at the shortest notice. LOYAL NATAL IRISHMEN. (Prera Association Special Telegram.) Dor ban, Thuraday.-Two armoured traxoe are rapidly approaching completion in the railway workshops here. Each train consists of an engine and four eight-wheeled waggons entirely armour- plated with thick steel. Each waggou accommo- dates 60 men, and is provided with loopholes in such a way that all can fire at once. The Irish- men of Durban propose to form a corps in defence of the colony. ENGLAND AND DELAGOA BAY. REPORTED ACQUISITION. Allahabad, Friday.—The Pioneer publishes a telegram to-day stating that negotiations have been concluded by Great Britain for taking possession of Delagoa Bay on October 1st next. -Renter. PRESIDENT STEYN'S SPEECH. A DIPLOMATIC BLUNDER. (Central News Telegram.) Pietermaritzbnrg, Friday.—President Steyn's speech is regarded here as entirely committing the Government of the Orange Free State to the support of the Trnasvaal from the pre sent stage of the negotiations. His acceptance of the contention of the Boer Execatfe that they were decoyed by Mr Conyngham Greene into making a five years' I franchise offer on condition that England would surrender the suzerainty claim is regarded as proving that the Free State President wholly sympathises with President Kruger. The speech is a palpable diplomatic blunder, because it pre- maturely involves the Free State in the quarrel of the Transvaal and repudiates Sir Alfred Milner's advice to remain neutral. If the Raad at Bloemfontein should endorse President Steyn's views the position of the Orange Free State will be one of clearly declared defiance to England. There is said to be good authority for the belief that if her Majesty's Government should merely renew the proposals on points already raised, avoiding the making of fre3h demands; the Boer Government would probably accept them. FREE STATE RAAD. STILL IN SECRET SESSION. (Reuter's Telegram.) Bloemfontein, Friday.—The Free State Raad was in secret Session t hroughont yesterday, and resumed its deliberations to-day. It is under- stood the secret Session is likely to continue nntil the beginning of next week. Meanwhile the inhabitants are in a state of suppressed excite- ment, and the announcements to be made in the next open Session are anxiously awaited. RACIAL FEELING IN NATAL. (Press Association Special Telegram ) Cape Town, Friday, 2.30 p.m.—The Cape Argus, referring to President Steyn's speech in the Volksraad, condemned the insinuation that Great Britain is assailing the independence of the Tranevaal. President Steyn, says the journal, is using it as a battle cry, but the trath of the matter is that President Krnger has been attempt- ing to frighten Great Britain into a course which would mean a fresh lease of life for the anti- British and Republican element in South Africa. A telegram to the Argus from Newcastle, Natal, states that the feeling between English and Dutch there is bitter. The burghers are all armed with Mausers, and only a few English re- main at Volksrnst. A large laager has been formed at Wakkerstrom. THE CAPE VOLUNTEERS. MR SCHREINER ON THE DEFENCE OF THE COLONY. Cape Town, Friday, 6.15 p.m-.In the House of Assembly to-day Mr Harris drew attention to the delay in issuing rifles to the Volunteers, and re- marked that there had bepn every occasion to expedite the issue during the last six months. Mr Schreiner (the Premier) replied that the delay WM dne to arrears in the office of the Command- ant, Mr Walt, an Afrikander member, speaking on the Volunteer vote, asked what was the use of the Volunteers, who, in his opinion, comprised the worst characters in the country. Mr Schrei- ner, addressing the House, declared that there was no intention of starving the Volunteers. He hoped to see the force more efficient and less ex- pensive, and displaying more ardour than the colony's natural enemies, the natives. Mr Wal- ton objected to the natives being described as natural enemies, whereupon Mr Schreiner re- torted .that he hoped some day to see a force es- tablished in which the English and Dutch would unite for the defenca of the colony and render it independent of Imperial troops. THE POLICY OF THE TRANSVAAL GOVERNMENT CONDEMNED. Cape Town, 8.35 p.m.—At a meeting of members of both Houses of the Cape Parliament to-day the following resolu- tion was carried and signed by 49 members This meeting of the members of Parliament of Cape Colony desires to strongly deprecate the attempts which have been ma.de to encourage the Government of the Transvaal to continue its resistance to the just demands of the Imperial Government, and it farther desires to give the Imperial Government the assurance of its strongest support in the policy pursued through the High Commissioner, which it regards as calculated to promote permanently the best interests, not only of the colony, but of the whole I of South Africa. "-Renter. SIR GQRDON SPBIGG ON THE SITUATION. HIS OPINION OF SIR W. HARCOURT'S SPEECH. (Press Association Special Telegram.) Cape Town, Thursday.—Sir J. Gordon Sprigg, in an interview on the situation to-day, states that the portion of the population of the colony which mas actively anti-British was in a minority. In case of war he said he did not anticipate a rising, but some of the young and impulsive Afri- kanders would probably show active sympathy with the Transvaal by joining the Boer forces. Referring to the Afrikander meeting yesterday, Sir Gordon Sprigg said he considered the pro- ceedings most injudicious, and remarked that no mention had been made of those who might suffer from fighting on the British side. It was impos- sible far those who were doing their best to uphold British authority to conceive anything in the nature of retirement from the position adopted by the British Government. Any such weakness, he said, would be fatal to the future of maintenance of British authority in South Africa. Referring to Sir William Harcourt's speech, Sir J- Gordon Sprigg said he considered it ill-advised and injudicious, especially at the present junc- ture, and thought it would do more than any thing elae to tend to encourage disaffection. SIR CHARLES DILKE'S VIEWS. Sir Charles Dilke, In the course of a letter to the Dean forest Liberal Association with regard to his views on the Transvaal situation, says be has no liking for the Boers, owing to their treat- ment of the native races, but he opposed the annexation of their country in the 1874 to 1880 Parliament. Afler the Jameson raid it was his opinion that years of effort were required to put us back into the position of friendly relations between the two white races in South Africa. On the publication of Sir A. Milner's memorable despatch he expressed his unfavourable view of the document. A large namber of Conservatives took the same view, but no effective protest was made by them. Since then it has been too late for the Opposition to influence events, and there is a danger of ineffectual protest since. It might cause President Krager to refrain from yielding, and thus help on rather than retard war. There are still strong reasons for hope, adds Sir Charles, that peace mnv be maintained. SIR A. MILNER'S DESIRE FOR PEACE. THWARTED BY DR. LEYDS. The Press Association states that advices received in London yesterday morning from Cape Town report that Sir Alfred Milner has been forced to the conclusion by despatches re- ceived from Pretoria that the presence and officious activity of Dr, Leyds in Europe is inimical to the interest of peace in South Africa. It is earnestly hoped by loyalists at the Cape who are well acquainted with the course of events and of the negotiations between Pretoria and Bloemfontein that the Imperial Government will propose to President Kroger the urgent need pf immediately suppressing the Transvaal Agency at Brussels, which has already wrought incalculable mischief in sowing seeds of sus- picion among Boers, and which is responsible for much misunderstanding as to the intentions of her Majesty's Government. The ardent desire and sincere efforts of the High Commissioner, who has been straining every nerve to avoid con- flict on the frontier and to bring about a speedy and peaceful solution of the situation is stated to be thwarted by pernicious influence exercised by Dr. Leyds on President Krager and the State Secretary Beitz. ENGLISH MINERS RETURN HOME. The Castle Conpany's steamer Braemar Castle, which arrived at Plymouth yesterday afternoon from South Africa, brought home a large number of miners, who have left their work owing to the disturbed state of the country. The general opinion of those on board was that as they were not interested in the franchise question they were disinclined to remain to bear the brunt of the trouble. It was freely stated that only the torts around Johannesburg had kept the capitalists from action long ago. NO DEMAND FOR THE FRANCHISE. A CAPITALIST AGITATION. At a meeting held in Newcastle last night, under the presidency of Mr T. Burt, M-P., five Uitlander miners, who did not desire to give their names, said they were well treated in the Trans- vaal. They never heard of a petition to the Qneen until after it had been sent. The agitation was the result of capitalist intrigues, the Transvaal being an ideal place for working men who bore them- selves respectfully. There was no real deaire at all on the part of the Uitlanders to have the franchise. Their sole aim was t j make money within a few years and then quit the country. A Plymouth telegram says :-Pa.sbeners arriving yesterday from the Cape reported busi- ness in Cape Colony was almost at a standstill, while everyone) who could was leaving the Trans- vaal. Many however were prevented from doing so by lack of means. Miners among the arrivals considered there was no real demand for the franchise, be t that the whole agitation was engi- neered by capitalists. Mr A. C. HUMPHREYS-OWEN, M.P. AND THE CRISIS. Speaking at a public dinner in connection with the Llandinam Estate Society on Thursdav, Mr A. C. Humphreys-Owen, M.P., expressed the sincere hope that we might continue at peace. lie viewed with very great regret the efforts which were made to induce us to force upon the people of the Transvaal our own views as to the way in which they might be governed. He thought it perfectly right that we should remonstrate with the Boers and do our utmost t o secure for our fellow-citizens in the Transvaal fair and equal treatment. (Loud applause.) But he felt equally confident that we had been making a foolish mistake in leading the people of the Transvaal to believe that we did not care so much -,Lor the well-being of the English people who went there as for the miserable object of avenging the defeat of Majuba Hill, and for the still more miserable object of obtaining control over the gold. (Applause.) He did not say that these were the motives actuating the minds of the great mass of our fellow-citizens, but some there were who were actuated by those unworthy motives, and there were others who, loyally believing that the honour and interest of our country were involved, were playing into the hands of those very interested parties—the capitalists. He hoped and trusted that the moderation hitherto show by the Cabinet would be continued, and that if there were any fiery spirits who wished for war: they might be brought to a more sensible frame of mind. The greatest interest of this country was peace, and a great nation like ours could well afford to be pat-lent with a small and misguided nation like the Transvaal Republic. (Hear, hear, aud applause. THE NATIVES AND THE BOERS. INTERVIEW WITH A CAPE M.P. A representatve of Reuter's Agency has had an interview with Mr Frank R. Thompson, a member of the Cape.Parliament and a well-known authority on all South African native questions, who has arrived in England from Cape Town and the Transvaal. Discussing the present crisis, he said :—" 1 was in the Transvaal eight weeks ago in close touch with leading Boers. I was assured they do not want to fight, and in this connection it must not be forgotten ttiat a very large section of the Transvaal Boers are in favour of Imperial rule. A large number of Boers determined to remain neutral had even then crossed over into Griqualand West, Numbers of younger men from the Free State have, too, for similar reasons crossed the Orange River into Cape Colony. It is a great mistake to suppose that all Dutohmen in the Republics sympathise with their Governments. They do not, and I am certain that if it comes to war one-third of the Transvaal Boers will either remain neutral or leave their country. I must say, however, that I do not even now believe that war will break out. I do not think a shot will be fired. I bad hoped thai by this time the Transvaal would have complied with the terms demanded by the Imperial Government, and I still have hopes that they will accept the conditione. Knowing Boer tactics I am, however, startled at their action in sending artillery down to the western border, seeing that from Fourteen Streams to Johannesburg is dead level country, the vaal only dropping 20 feet in 100 miles. I have no fear of the Cape Colonial Dutch joining with the Transvaal. Mr Schreiner's attitude over the ammunition question is already bearing fruit in the shape of President Steyn's impertinent answer to Sir Alfred Milner. I am dumbfounded at the attitude of the Free State. Their action is beyond my comprehension. I have lived all my life in close touch with the Dutch and their ideas, but I cannot understand why the Free State should ran tba risk of sacri- ficing the little State which was the first in South Africa to lead the van of education under Presi- dent Brand. Messrs Steyn and Reitz (the latter, by the way, is Mr Schreiner's brother. in-law), are both anti-English, but they must realise what wai will mean. It can have but one end, namely, temporary annexation of both Republics, with probably a responsible government even- tually granted to them. For this, among other r easons, I still believe peace wilt be maintained. Boers are past masters in the art of bluff, but they will give in. The Dutch themselves are not united. In the matter of the raid they were as one, but the present position is very different. The "intelligent burgher argues that the Imperial Government is only demanding wnat Ducbmen have got without asking in the Cape Colonial Parliament. In Cape Colony we are perfectly satisfied that the Imperial Government has shown the greatest for- bearance in this matter. The danger wiH be, if they hang on much longer, of alienating sympathetic Boers, as the latter will only inter. pret this as meaning that the British will climb down as soon as the Transvaal shows its teeth. The dream of fusion beween the Dutch and the English in South Afriea is one that, after the experience of a lifetime,I am certain will never be realised. Mr Rhodes' attitude in the present crisis is one worthy of the highest commendation. Although following the affairs closely, he is taking no active part. He told me the other day that he anticipated a confederation of South African States in four or five years." Turning to the military position of the two Republics, Mr Thompson said, The stories current of the immense force which the Trans- vaal and the Free State could put into the field are simply nonsense. All told,the Free State could put 6,000 men in the field, and the Transvaal 15,000 at the very utmost. The Free State stand- ing force consists of 250 men, 80 or 90 horse artillery, 15 or 20 cannons, and two or three Maxims, These are engaged in police work, and are known aa the Free State Artillery. They have been trained by Europlian officers, and are well armed with up-to-date weapons. The chief garrison is at Bloemfontein. whence they are despatched in small parties of 10 to 15 to do police work on the border. During the past two or three months the Free State has been importing enormous quantities of ammuni- tion. in view of the early closing of the Delagoa Bay ronte. I know the Transvaal and Free State thoroughly, and I have giveu 15,000 as the maxi- mum Transvaal force. You may regard 3,000 as a fair number who may be expected to join from the northern border of Natal and Cape Colony. The Transvaal, I see, claim to put 52,000 in the field, but I do not quite sea how they will do that out ot a total male population of 40,000. I believe 15,000 to be a very liberal estimate. Pre- toria is very strongly protected by about 12 forts with heavy Krupp guns, and the Boer Govern- ment have not only enormous quantities of cannon, Maxims, and shells, but sufficient cart- ridges for a million men. In fact, they have so many Mauser cartridges that they are openly selling them at the low price of 16s per 100. Quite apart from the Imperial troops, it must not be forgotten ttiat Natal and Cape Colony can in a very short time raise a foice of 20,000 men, who will fight for sentiment apart from pay. They will prove the best material in the world, and in every respect equal to the burghers of the Re- publics." Discussing the native question, Mr Thompson said The Transvaal has 600 miles of border exposed at every point, with a hundred thou- sand natives waiting the first opportunity to wipe off old scores. So far as the British are concerned we need fear nothing from Basutoe, Zulus, Swazis, Bechnanes, Fingos, or Gaikas. One word from the Imperial Government would be sufficient to restrain these tribes or to let them loose upon the Dutch, whom they cordially bate. But such a thing could not be tolerated. For black to be pitted against white would be mon- strous and for this reason it might be neces- sary if war broke out for hostilities to be sus- pended in order that we might put the natives in their proper place. I am sorry that I eanuot impute the same honesty of purpose to the Boers, who I know have during the past six weeks been endeavouring to stir up the natives in the Protec- torate in Zulnland and in Basutoland. Bordering on the Free State up its Eastern border is Cale- don River, and that is known as conquered ter- ritory. This the Basutos have still hopes of re- covering from the Free State Boers, and it will be a difficult matter to restrain them if cpice they get out of hand, asfhey have lost all their cattle through rinderpest, and if hostilities break out their fust act will be tc retake their cattle from the Free State. Basutos are perfectly loyal to as, but will be only too anxious to inflict any in- jury upon the enemies of their" queen mother." The Swazis on the extreme east of the Trans- vaal can never forget the firmness meted out to them by Sir Alfred Milner in connection with the trial of the Chief Buna, when Mr Reitz did all in his power to annex the country. They hate the Boers, and I doubt if it would be possible to prevent them from raiding the Transvaal. On the North Mr Kruger will have Mapoch and Mala- pach, both of whom are fugitives in Southern Rhodesia waiting for a chance to pay off old scores. Nof a single native tribe is friendly to the Boer. When I was in Bechuanaland three months ago the natives told me they would jump the western frontier of the Transvaal the moment war broke out. It is well known that the Zulus have been for some time begging to be allowed to attack the Dutch As I have said, the Transvaal is practi- cally surrounded by hordes of unfriendly natives who are perfectly loyal to us." All these considerations," said Mr Thompson in conclusion, and the fact that Mr Kruger perfectly understands the position, lead me to believe that peace will be maintained, but it must not be in any sense a patehing up. No half measures will do. We must get to the root of the matter, or in a abort time the whole question will be raised in, if possible, a graver form than now."

ACCIDENT ON A RIFLE RANGE. MARKER BADLY HIT. Whilst the Teignmoutb Rifle Volunteers were shooting at their range behind the Ness yesterday a ballet ricochetted andlgtruck a marker named Frank Dyer on the chest-bone two inches from the heart. He was removed to the Hospital in a critical condition.

SLEEP FOR SKIN-TORTURED BABIES and rest for Tired Mothers in a warm bath with CTRNCTTOA SoAP, and a single anointing with CDTICURA, the reat skin. cure and purest of emollients. This treatment will afford instant/ relief, permit rest and sleep to both parent and! child, and point to a speedy, permanent, and) economical cure in the most distressing forms of itching, bnrning, acaly, and crusted skis, scalp, and blood humours, with loss ot hair, when ul else fails.

AN INTERVIEW WITH 1 DREYFUS. THE TRIAL AT RENNES. A MONSTROUS SENTENCE. Paris, Friday Morning.-M. Jules Huret, a journalist who travelled with Captain Drevfus from Rennes to Nantes, bad an interview with the captain which is published this morning. Dreyfus attributed the animosity felt towards him by the headquarters staff partly to his Jewish faith and partly to his strongly independent character. I was never one to black anyone's boots," he said, and I had always spoken openly with my chiefs. I had never gone behind their backs." Speaking of Esterhazy, he said that he thought I the major was a sharper who had cheated his country because he was in need of money. Dreyfus declared that it had been attempted, but in vain, to find a motive foi his supposed crime. He denied that he had ever touched a card and that he was a debauchee Speaking of the verdict at Rennes he said that he could not understand what the ex- tenuating circumstances were that had be.-in allowed him. It was a monstrous thing to grant extenua-ting-eircumstances- if they really believed him guilty. The reading of the judgment to him caused him at first a feeling of profound grief, which was followed by a feeling of stupor. Even- tually he discovered some comfort-which was most welcome—in the fact tha.t two of the Judges out of the seven found him innocent.—Centra! News THE JOURNEY FROM RENNES. The Figaro publishes an account of Dreyfus's journey from Rennes to Avignon by M. Jules Huret, who travelled in the same carriage with him. Uunng the journey between Nantes and Bordeaux Dreyfus exclaimed, How glad and happy I am to feel free again." M. Huret asked the captain what impression General Mercier's evidence had made upon him. "Mercier is a wicked and dishonest man," was the reply but I don't believe he was conscious of the evil he did. He is too intelligent for one to ay that he acted unconsciously; but if he is mentally conscious, morally he is uncon- scious." A shadow passed over Dreyfus's face as he was speaking of Mercier, but it disappeared as he gazed upon the landscape. Those are the first trees I have seen," he said, "since my return to France. I should be as happy as a child in running about and playing in those meadows. I am a convalescent who is returning to the plea- surea of life." He considered Esterhazy a swindler and an adventurer. He (Dreyfus) had been stupefied by the verdict at Rennes. The granting of extenuating circumstances was con- I trary to all common sense. He wanted to live for the sake of his wife and children. He reaffirmed his innocence, declaring he was the victim of lies, but said that he felt neither rancour nor hatred. He accepted the pardon as an alleviation of his suffering and his wife's, but he would work vigor- I ously for rehabilitation. Dreyfus will remain at Carpentras until he is completely restored to health. He has no inten- tion of going abroad, lest the reception which would be accorded him would appear in the light of reprisals against France.-Re uter. MADAME DREYFUS JOINS HER HUSBAND. Corpenibas, Friday.—Madame Dreyfus, accom- panied by Madame Katin, her sister-in-law, arrived haje at 11 o'clock last night, and was met at the railway station by M. Paul Vula. bregue, her nephew. All three drove straight to the Ville des Villedarie, where Captain Dreyfus is staying. There have been many callers since yesterday, but Captain Drevfus refuses to see anyone before has seen his two children, who are expected to-morrsw. Exception was, however, made this morning in favour of M. Trinaud, member of the Institute.—Reuter. member of the Institute. -Reuter. LETTER FROM ZOLA. I Paris, Friday.— The Aurore publishes a letter written to Madame Dreyfus by M. Zola, who ex- presses his joy at her husband's pardon. Doubt- less, he states, the pardon is a bitter one, and it is revolting to realise that pity has been obtained where justice has been asked, and that everything seems to have been prearranged so as to end in this last iniquity. We shall," concludes Zola, continue the struggle. We shall fight for justice to-morrow as stubbornly as yesterday. What we want is the rehabilitation of an innocent man, less for himself, 4vho has so much glory, thgn,- in order to rehabilitate France. "-Reuter DEATH OF GENERAL BRAULT. Paris, Friday, Nooia.-General Brault, chief of the General Staff, died this morning.—Central News. DREYFUS AT BROCK'S BENEFIT. There was an impromptu Dreyfus demonstra- tion at the Crystal Palace on Thursday night. It was Messrs Brock's benefit, and two hours before the firework display began thousands of people assembled in front of the terrace. By 9 o'clock fully 50,000 people, including at least 1.000 cyclists, occupied the whole of the slope and terrace. The novelties included et pieces expounding the language of flowers, out of which evolved portraits of popular men and women. The crowd cheered justil-y at several. Then a mighty cheer arose and echoed again and again it was the picture of Dreyfus. Fiftv thousand people cheered as one man, with the voice of 50,000. When Dreyfus had faded the I face of Zola appeared, and the cheers burst forth again and again. It was a splendid testimony of public apprecia- tion for Messrs Dreyfus, Zola—and Brock. DREYFUS INVITED TO PWLLHELI. The Mayor of Pwllbeli telegraphed to us as follows on Thursday night :— The mayor and Corporation of Pwllheli will thank you to convey to Captain Dreyfus their hearty invitation to winter at Pwllheli. We will place a furnished seaside residence. horses, carri- ages. and shooting at his disposal at once. The Winter climate of Pwllheli is extremely mild, and compares favourably with that of the Riviera. The average winter temperature is 48-2 there is a combination of pure sea and mountain air of a bracing tonic character. Trees and shrubs bloom in the open, and the district generally affords a quiet retreat, amid varied and romantic scenery, highly recommended by the medical faculty for nervous disorders. We shall be bappy to com- plete all arrangements without delay." THE COST OF THE RENNES COURT MARTIAL. It has already been stated that Captain Dreyfus will have to pay the costs of his prosecution at Rennes and according to one acconnt these costs do not fall short of E2,000. The Dreyfusard journal Tj Aurore, which should be in a position to know the truth, says, however, that the costs will amount to about IEBM. Justice (such as it may be) is invariably cheaper in France than in England. A notable item in the bill sent to Dreyfus's advisers is that of the expenses of the general officers. Each of these is allowed JE1 4s a day. MNEMOTECHNY. A correspondent sends an ingenious method of bow to remember in future that Dreyfus was condemned September 9th, 1899. It is as fol- lows He was condemned on the 9th of the 9th month '99-i.e., foor 9's. Four times 9 is 36 36 inches make 3 feet; 3 feet-Drei Fuss, Dreyfus. If, then, it is asked, what date was Dreyfus was condemned Dreyfus—three feet= 36 inches=4-9=the 9th of the 9th month of the year '99."

THE" RITUAL" MURDER IN AUSTRIA. AN ALLEGED CONFESSION. Prague, Friday.—It is stated in some of the papers here to-day that the Jew Huelsner, recently sentenced to death for the supposed rituaJ murder of an Austrian lady doctor, has confessed his uilt, and has named two men who were his accomplices.—Central News.

COURT AND PERSONAL. BALMORAL, Friday. The Queen went out yesderday, accompanisd by Princess Rohenlo)ae-Ianger) burg. In the afternoon her Majesty, accompanied by Princess Honenlohe, drove to Birkhall and honoured the Dowager Lady Southampton with A visit. Princess Henry of Battenberg and her chil- dren drove to Bal later with Prince Alexander of Battenberg. who left Balmoral on his return to school. Lord James of Hereford, Lord Gleepesk, Sir Stanley Clarke, the Honourable o. Borthwiek, and Dr. Barlow had the honour of dining with the Queen and Royal Family. The Prince of Wales, accompanied by Prima Hohenlohe, took part in a deer drive. Lord James. Lord Churchill, and Sir Stanley Clarke were of the party. Lord and Lady Penrhyn have reached Pea- r>!?- a,8^e' Bangor, from Sid mouth. Princess Victoria of Wales, attended bv Lady ^nffield,arrived at Marlborough House yoketihy evening from Copenhagen, and remained in London for the night. To-day (Saturday) bee Royal Highness will proceed to Mar Lodge on a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Fife. Au Exchange telegram states that Prinoass Henry of Battenberg arrived at Euston yestexdttV morning from Balmoral.

CHOICE DAIRV BUTTER IOd a Poand at all 811811 CHOICE DAIBY BUTTER lOd a Pound at all tbe LI Direct Trading Co.'s Branches. 3367—31e |ji DON'T LOOK OLD.—With advancing years |I gmyness increase*. Stop this with Lookyers | bolphar Hair Bestoeer, which darkens to the former I colour and preserves the appearance. Lockyefs [| keeps en ravages of time by darkening the grey streaks. JM |j.

GREAT FIRE AT CHICAGO. WILD STAMPEDE OF HORSES. New York, Friday.—A great fire broke out during the night at Chicago at the Union stock yards. The damage is estimated at 300,000 dollars. There were 1,500 horses on the premises and, terrified by the flames, they escaped in a wild stampede. A number of people were in jured by the maddened animals.—Central News."

TO-DAY'S WEATHER. 4.30 A.M. TO L>AY £ > I'OiiKCAST POR MNlrLAND, S.W., AJfO SOUTB WALKS. lsIMed at 8 o'clock last night. North-westerly winds, fresh, then westerly or south-westerly less fair; milder. General.-The strong north- westerly winds are now likely to moderate slowly. Warnings.—The south cone is up in 0, 1, 6, 9 and 10. GENERAL FORECASTS. The fallowing forecasts were prepared last night at the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock:— I DmTJUOTB- j North-westerly winds, strong 9. Sestlaad, N. J- at first, moderate later, ) and milder some rain. 1.gcotl*n4, E. 2. Englaad, N.E. [ North westerly winds i. Eflgi&nd, E. { strong, gnsty fair. 4. Mia. Counties.. 5. Eig. S. (Lon.) North-westorly winds, fresh 1 and Channel) J fair. 6. Scotland, W. i 7. England,N.W., Same as 0. & North Wales.. J f a £ uS? wXs I N^thn westeriy *ind8- *"»h> 9 Ireland, N [ the° or south 10.' Ireland, S J wester,y 'lew fair i milder.

CHURCH BURNT DOWN. Lima, Thursdav.-The Church of Sa.n Fran- cisco, which was founded by Pisarro in Lrkz, was almost completely destroyed by fire yesterday *veining Itintu.

NEWS IN BRIEF. The Hon. W. W. Astor, of Cliveden, has gives £100 towards the erection of the Jubilee Clog* Tower at Maidenhead. A forest fire which has broken out at Ti'Fintrrot has spread for a distance of several miles in am Commune of Les Adrets. Two of the three penquins recently broaght to Eew Gardens from the Falkland Islands bow > died from the effects of the climate. The coming of age of the Hon. Charles Caveis dish, eldest son of Lord and Lady Cheshan, was celebrated on Thursday at Latimer. Dr. Packer, after two months' absence, has returned to his place in the City Temple, and resumed the Thursday midday services. On the last day of the first week in September there was within the Metropolitan area a total ot 97,816 paupers who were in the receipt of relief. An old man of 60 was knocked down by a cyclist in Dundee on Thursday. He fell under a. steam car,anil it took 15 minutes to get his dead both out. A general strike, says a Paris correspondent, has broken out at the Creusot Ironworks, tIae most important establishment of the kind U| France. Lieutenant-Colonel Yorke has been appointed by the Board of Trade to inquire into the col- I lision that occarred at Perth Station on the lStb inst. William Denaloy, aged 24, assistant at the Parish Church of Easiagton, East Durham, was discovered in the steeple on Thursday hang- ing by a rope. The exhumation of the body of Mrs Brett, who was murdered at Worksop, has taken plftoe in order that photographs may be taken of the injured parts. The Executive Council of the Dock Wharf, Riverside, and General Labourers' Union, haw decided to give thelatemr Tom McCs6rthys public funeral. The Cutlers' Feast at Sheffield ;s fixed far J.hnrsa&y, IvovemmCySr 2nd. Lord Lansdowne, Secretary of State for War, will represent the Government. A farther remitttance of X750 has been made.. the Colonial Secretary from the Mansion House F and for tbe relief of the sufferers from the West Indian hurricane. At their fortnightly meeting on Thursday the Mile End Vestry decided to open a register *A the vestry hall where the unemployed can register their names. In order to bring about more rapidly th# < Rossification of the natives in the Tr&nscaspian Province the Russian Government has deeidef to establish many new schools. In view of the increasing trade relations of Russia with Asiatic countries a central batexw for the circulation of useful information is shortly to be established in St. Petersburg. A serious outbreak of typhoid fever has ocenxrcA at Tring. No fewer than 64 cases have been re- ported, and several have proved fatal. Many well believed to be polluted have been closed. The Wt-z Office is willing to give a site now, Military-road, Chatham, for the erection of a sailors home. The Admiralty has expressed its willingness to contribute £2,000 to the boOd ing fund. Preparations are being made at DeranpoM Dockyard for constructing a battleship of tbe Duncan class. She is to be laid down in the alip from which the Bulwark will be launched on October 20th. j A Madrid correspondent telegraphs thatprinas Henry of Crleans has arrivedvat San Sebastian. It is generally believed that his visit is con- nected with the appr sacking marriage of Princess of Asturias. Americans have begun to use armour plate for j strong boxes. The Pittsburg ironworks are now constructing a safe nearly 20ft, long and JUL high, by 10ft. wide, with walls of steel and nicfcsl steel, such as is supplied to armed cruisers. 1 A jeweller named Robert Brys jumped on Wednesday morning from the viaduct in Bose- bery-avenne, spanning Berners-street, London, and fell a distance of 40 feet. His head struck the stonework of a house, and death was ins tan* taneous. Marconi has gone to New York in the Etntria to instal his wireless telegraph on a Press boat of the New York Herald, which is to follow the raw for the America Cup and report its pxogrese to the offices of the newspaper, which will publish extra specials of the contest. The hot blood of youth is not a mere figuee of speech if Chelmonski is correct. He finds from observation that the temperature of aged persons tends to fall below the normal. Moreover, it i8 higher in the morning than in the evening, whereas in youth it is the contrary. Th- four ports of Bilerta, Tunis, Sfax, axA Sonssa have been modernised by the Freftob since they occupied Tunisia. Soussa was opened to navigation this year, and it is expected that a large export trade in wheat and olive oil will be the coneequenca. An inquest was held on Wednesday at Ports- f mouth on William James King.coachbuilder, who died at the hospital from blood poisoning. This had bean set up by a sore on his foot oaused by wearing new boots whicli were too tight. A verdict in accordance with rhe medical evidence WIll returned. A turtle has been found out on Long Island bearing on its back" A. B. 1800." Abraham Brown, long since dead, lived near the farm upon which the crustacean was discovered, and it is believed that nearly a century ago be carved his initials and the date on the shell. Among the London omnibus drivers to-day are an elderly man who 40 yea.rs ago owned an estate and was M.F.H. in a large county, three military officers and one naval captain, and a still largaf number who have been admitted solicitors and afterwards struck off the roils. I The spectacle of 11 men, each possessing only one leg, playing cricket against II opponents each possessed of only one arm, would appose difficult of realisation, bat at the Dyke-road Cricket Ground, Brighton, to-day this astonish- ing game is to be seen, and the pt occeeds given to the Saturday Lifeboat Fund.

THE SEAMEN'S STRIKE. MR J. H. WILSON AND THE CUNARD COMPANY. LIVERPOOL DOCKERS' ATTITUDE. Mr Havelock Wilson, M.P., has lodged a com- plaint with the representative of the Baara of Trade in Liverpool that the Cunaro Company have induced 50 Hull dock labourers to sign on 1 as firemen for the Rteamer Campania, to-day (Saturdavj from Liverpool to New York, and who arrived in Liverpool yesterday. These men are, it is alleged, engaged by crimps and have never been to Bea. The Cnnard Company « assert the men are fit and competent. ur Wilson has communicated with the Board ai Trade on the subject. The Livemool dockers, who were asked to co-opera.te in the ttnitt movement, have shown nu desire to partfripatti. »

ELECTION K VVS. THE DENBIGH BOROUGHS. At a meeting of the Wrexham Conservative jy Association yesterday a letter was read from Mr | W. Tudor Howell, ibe Conservative member for || the Uenbigh intimating his intention to retire at the next General Election. ]It VM [| unanimously decided to recommend the Central j$ Association of the four boroughs, Denbigh, | Ruthin, Holt, and Wrexham, to select the Hoa. | (keorge Kenyon, who sat in the House for the | Denbigh Boroughs for over 10 years MIl *| resigned in 1895 through ill-health. Mr Kenyon i. has already been recommended by the Holt Conservatives. 11