South Wales Daily News

I CHAOS AT PEKIN. DESPERATE OUTLOOK URGENT MESSAGE FROM SIR ROBERT HART. THREE LEGATIONS BURNED. MURDER OF THE GERMAN MINISTER. FEELING IN GERMANY STERN RETRIBUTION DEMANDED. USURPATION OF PRINCE TUAN. DOWAGER-EMPRESS POWERLESS. DISRUPTION IMMINENT." BRITISH DEAD MUTILATED. The situation in China becomes more serious day' by day. It is no longer a rebellion of Boxers that has to be sup- pressed, but an organised and formidable uprising against foreigners with which the Powers -have to deal, and which may tax them to the utmost. Official confirmation has been received both in this country and in Germany of the murder of the German Minister at Pekin. The news has produced a profound and painful sensation a .Berli il, where stern retribution is demanded from the Empress and all the members of the Chinese Government. Admiral Kempff has cabled to Washing- ton giving a gloomy account of the state of affairs at Pekin, obtained from a native runner who left the capital at the end of last week. The Legations were then still besieged, their provisions were nearly ex- hausted, and their situation generally was desperate. Prince Tuan has usurped the power of the Dowager-Empress, and has placed him- self at the head of the anti-foreign move- ment.

OFFICIAL DESPATCHES. The Admiralty issued on Monday the following telegram from Rear-Admiral Bruce, dated Taku, Saturday, 4 p.m. The German admiral reports that a Chinese runner, three days from Pekin, arrived at Tientsin yesterday, and brought despatches to say all Europeans were in great distress. The German Minister has been mur- dered by Chinese regular troops. The Admiralty state that Rear-Admiral Bruce has reported that all those wounded at Taku and Tientsin are progressing satisfactorily. The list of wounded re- ferred to was issued on the 22nd June. Gunner May, reported as wounded in the capture of Tientsin Arsenal on the 27th June, is Gunner William S. May, of H.M.S. Alacrity. WASHINGTON, Monday, Admiral Kempff telegraphs as follows to the Secretary for the Navy via Chefoo A runner from Pekin reports that the Legations are besieged. Provisions are nearly exhausted, and the situation is desperate. The German Minister, while going to the Tsung-li-Yamen, was murdered by Chinese soldiers. The American, Italian, and Dutch Legations have been burned. Twenty thousand Chinese soldiers are inside and 20,000 outside Pekin. Fighting is still proceeding at Tien- tsin. Three thousand Chinese soldiers are reported bound for Tientsin. Communication with that place by rail and river is insecure. URGENT NEED OF ASSISTANCE. (Central News Telegram.) BERLIN, Monday. An official telegram has been received from Colonel Zimmermann at Tientsin confirming the reported murder of the German Minister at Pekin. Colonel Zimmertrann received the news from Herr Bergen, Secretary of the German Legation, by a special courier who was sent off by Sir Robert Hart. Herr Bergen says that Baron Von Ketteler was dragged from his horse and beaten to death by Chinese soldiers. Herr Bergen acids that all Europeans are in great danger, and requests assistance as soon as possible. Baron Yon Baelow has left for Wilhelmshaven, to confer with the Kaiser upon the Chinese situation. It is believed here that there has been fighting in Pekin since the murder of the German Minister.

FEELING IN BEBLIN. STERN RETRIBUTION DEMANDED. (Central News Telegram.) BERLIN, Monday Afternoon, Count Von Buelow, the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had left Berlin for Wilhelmshaven before the arrival of the telegram confirming the news of the murder of the German Minister at Pekin. The telegram has caused a profound and painful sensation here, and all the newspapers comment upon it. The North German Gazette declares that Baron Von Ketteler's death was equal in honour to that of a hero on the field of battle. All the evening papers unanimously insist that stern retribution shall be exacted from the Empress and all the members of the Chinese Government for the monstrous crime. Every member is guilty of the Minister's blood, and it will only be necessary to fix in due course the degree of responsibility attaching to each. In official quarters here there is an all-per- vading pessimism. It is thought that the situation at Pekin could not well be graver, and the fear is expressed that by this time every European In Pekin has been murdered. Dr. Anzer, the well-known German missionary bishop in Cbin, has arrived here, and will give l the Government the benefit of his great experi- ence in everything Chinese. He was received by State Secret**? ftaritt.

FLIGHT OF THE EMPRESS. (Renter's Telegram.) BERLIN, Monday. The following telegram has been rpceived here from Vice-Admiral Bendemann, Commander of the German Squadron, dated Takr., June 30th I have received a letter from the German Le- gation at Pekin stating that on June 16th the German Minister,while proceeding from the Lega- tion to the Chinese Government buildings without a military escort, was attacked by Chinese troops. He was wounded in four places and died in the Government buildings. On June 25th the German French, and British Legations alone had not been destroyed. They were at that time occupied by troops, the commander of the foreign guards and the foreigners being in the British Legation. I t: The Chinese quarter of Pekin has been burnt down. About 30,000 Chinese troops are outside the city and the Empress Dowager has fied from the capital. The situation is most serious. Large bodies of Chinese troopa are reported to be marching on Tientsin." RECOMMENDATION TO THE POWERS Berlin, Monday.—Tbe Consular body to-day at Tientsin have unanimously proposed to the different Powers as the sole means of saving the foreigners in Pekin that the combined Powers should intimate to the Chinese Government, or to any accessible Chinese authorities, that the graves of the ancestors of the Imperial family at Pekin would be destroyed if the foreigners, and especially the Ministers at Pekin, should be murdered. The British Government is under- stood to be indisposed to accept this proposal.

DESPATCH FROM TIENTSIN. Par id, Monday.—The Government has received 1 a despatch from M. Da Cliayard, French Consul at Tientsin. It bears date Tientsin, June 26th,and Chefoo, June 29th. The Consul saye some shells were fired into the town on the 25th. One fell into the Consulate and damaged the building seriously, but no one was hurt. M. Dn Chayard adds There ia no news from Pekm, but it is known the foreign Ministers have not left there.

USURPATION OF PRINCE TUAN. YUNG 8U AND THE DOWAGER- EMPRESS POWERLESS. DISRUPTION IMMINENT. (Central News Telegram.) Shanghai, Monday,—Authentic messages from Pekin have been officially disclosed by the Chinese authorities this morning. The courier brineing these despatches left Pekin on the morn- ing of the 26th. These documents were addressed by Yung Su to the Taotai Sheng, and were wired by the courier from Pao Ting Fu. Yang Sa wrote that he, with the Dowager Empress, had been seeking to protect the Euro- pean Ambassadors and the Legations, but that Prince Tuan, the father of the Heir-Apparent, usurped the Imperial power on the 20th. Yang Su says since that day he has been powerless, The soldiers have refused to obey his orders. He saya that Prince Tuan himself gave orders for the attack npon the foreigners in Pekin. No later details are given in this despatch of the murder of the German Minister. Prince Tuan, it is said, has sent orders to all the Viceroys and Governors in China to drive the foreigners into the sea. The Viceroys of the Yang-tse Valley and in Southern China, at any rate, have agreed together to ignore Prince Tuan's orders. Formal assur- ances have been given by the Chinese authorities here and in the South that they will co-operate with the foreign Powers to maintain peace and restore order. The outlook, however, is alarm- ing. With chaos at Pekin, and so many powerful factions in the field, there is a strong beiief pre- vailing here that the disruption of China is imminent.

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE. COMPOSITION OF RELIEF FORCE. In the House of Commons on Mondav Sir El Ashmead-Bartlett asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he could give the Honee any information as to the Legations at Pekin, the composition and command of the relieving force, and its present composition. Mr Brodrick: Admiral Bruce, telegraphing from Taku at 4 p.m. June 30tb, Btates that he has heard from the German Admiral that a Chinese runner, three days from Pekin, who arrived at Tientsin June 29th, brought despatches saying that all Europeans were in great distress, and that the German Minister had boen murdered by Chinese Regular troops. The total allied force available is now about 13,000 men, as the troops have been rapidly arriving. We do not yet know what arrangements U1¿'J have been I made locally for the command of au expedition, I but it has not yet been thought possible to attempt a further advance. Sir Ellis Asbmead-Bartlett Does the right ban. gentleman mean to say that the relief force has not yet started for Pekin ? Mr Brodrick: I salid it had not yet been thought possible to attempt a further advance. Mr Brodrick, replying to Mr Herbert Robert s, said that with regard to the Yangtse provinces the Consuls had been in communication with the Viceroys, who were quite aware that support would be given them by her Majesty's Govern- ment in preserving order. It was obviously impossible that the representatives of the Powers at Pekin should be consulted, as no communica- tions were passing with them. The senior naval officer at Woosung had fall discretion to act where necessary.

RAILWAY DESTROYED AT PORT ARTHUR. St. Petersburg, Monday —News has been re- ceived by the Russian General Staff that a por- tion of the railway between Port Arthur and Mukden has been destroyed by a party of the Chinese troops routed at Taku and a force of in- surgents. Measures will bo taken to restore the line.-lieu.ter.

■»" .J jlijj._J.i-- I GLOUCESTER SESSIONS. I Mr Morton Brown, deputy-recorder, in "fit charge at the City Quarter Sessions ou Mondav Baid it reflected great credit on the citizc-na « Gloucester ihat at the Assizes just conclodef there was only one case to be tried from the city and at the Quarter Sessions that day there wert only two cases. Charles Ravenhill, for Jpnrglary at Fowler's Hotel inApril, received three molithal, hard labour, and Ralph Francis Beard. charTpr on four indictments with bicycle thefts extend'^ ovor tbw xacoMMt JUM months' lINt I%ww

BOTHA'S PLANS. ATTEMPT TO. JOIN DE WET. RECONNAISSANCE TO AMESFOORT. LARGE FORCE FOUND. ANOTHER FIGHT NEAR SENEKAL. CLEMENTS HOTLY ENGAGED. SURRENDER OF BOER LEADERS. CAPTURE OF SNYMAN. KRUGER MOVES EAST. There is a rumour at Pretoria that Botha has divided his force into two bodies and is moving to the south and west, in the hope of getting in touch with De Wet. Some colour is given to the statement by the announcement that General Talbot Coke has come into touch with a Boer force on the road to Ermelo and the pre- viously recorded defeats of bodies of the enemy near Heidelberg and Springs. General Clements left Senekal under Sealed orders, and on Thursday had a hot engagement a few miles on the road to Lindley. He reports all safe. Burghers continue to desert the com- mandoes, and news of the capture of Sny- man and the whole of the Marico com- mando has been received at Zeerust with considerable satisf action. President Kruger has, it is said, removed ids quarters from Machadodorp to Waterval, a few miles nearer to the coast.

I NOTES ON THE SITUA- TION. IBY A MILITARY CORRESPONDENT.) (Press Association Telegram.) London, Monday Night.—According to the latest news from the theatre of war General De Wet is practiaclly surrounded, though "at a. great distance." This signifies very little, for until our converging columns get to close quarters with the enemy it is quite possible that with their superior mobility they may evade our troops and join hands with General Botha's force. I say it is possible, for we have seen so many of our most gaflully-preparea plans turned completely inside out, that it is quite possible the Boers in their final dash for freedom may 2nd a way through our extended line of troops, stretching from Rustenburg to Lamp's Nek. To guard again3t this contingency Lord Roberts is sending several divisions southwards to occupy positions where the rush is most likely to be made. It seems that Commandant-General Botha's troops are stll facing our lines east of Pretoria, ind shots are exchanged almost daily, but beyond his there is no activity in the British camp. Although we have no means of ascertaining with any certainty what is happening in the Republi- ean lines. I should say that the Boer Commander- in-Chief is preparing to offer a stubborn resistance iisttacked upon either flank, and is also getting ready to assume the offensive upon Lord Roberts' right—that is to say, the wing in charge of Sir Bedvers Buller, in the event of Commanda-nt De Wet making a fient of it. At present it is quite possible for the leader in the Orange River Colony to march northwards before Generals Rundle and Brabant ca.n come up with him, and it remains to be seen whether General Buller will be able to hold him in check, and at the same time cope with any emergency which may arise through Botha's force threatening our flank in the effort to co- operate with De Wet. The somewhat heated controversy which is being carried on just now upon the subject of hospital treatment in South Africa is particu- larly out of place. When the complete history of the war comes to be written it will be found that in the matter of hospital accommodation and treatment it compares most favourably with other wars of the century, especially with those of other nations.

I CAPTURE OF SNYMAN. WHOLE OF HIS COMMANDO PRISONERS. (press Ajjsociataion War Special,) ZEERUST, Friday. The news of the capture of General Snyman and Commandant Botha with the whole of the Marico commando outside Lichtenburg has been received here with the greatest satisfaction. The catch is considered a most important one.

r RHODESIA FIELD FORCE. TROUBLE WITH NATIVES. (Press Association War Special.) SALISBURY, Sunday. Some natives having attacked a policeman, a Strong party of Yeomanry has gone north to maintain order. A. force of Yeomanry has arrived at Victoria to garrison the town.

KRUGER MOVES. A P. URTHFR RETIREMENT. (Central News Telegram.) CAPE TOWN, Monday. A despatch from Lorenzo Morquez states that 500 additional prisoners of war have arrived at Nooitgedacht, east of Machadodorp. It is confirmed that Kruger has shifted himself aDd the seat of government to Waterval, ostensibly on the ground that his health will not stand the cold climate of Machadodorp. Note.-Waterval is about 10 miles east of Biacbadodorp.

LOCAL LOSSES. dangerously ILL. Th f.illovviiiff fire dangerously ill 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers 5198 (? 5(97) Lance-Corporal W. Marks, at Springfon- tein. „ 1st Welsh Fusiliers —5463 Private W. Smith, at Kimberley 2nd South Wales Borderers—38288 Private J. ;,t Bloemfontein.

— AERIAL NAVIGATION. EXPERIMENTS WITH A FLYING MACHINE. Friedrichshaven, Monday.—Towards 9 o'clock yesterday evening, after the crowd had dispersed and the wind had dropped, Count Zeppelin under- took a trial on a small seals ir the presence of a few observers. The greater part of the airship was drawn out of tbe sbed and the propellers were set in motion. The huge machine moved' for- wards, backwards, and sidewards, a.nd rose in the air to a. heigbtof aboat 12 feet. Count Zeppelin was well satisfied with the experiments.—Renter. Fredrickshafen, Mondav Night.-Contit Zep- pelin made the ascent in his airship at 8 o'clock this evening, but the aerial machine remained in nidntir only 15 minutes,when it came down abou 10 kilometres further west.—Central Nsws.

ON THE ERMELO ROAD. STRONG FORCE OF BOERS LOCATED. The War Office announces the receipt of the following despatch From General Buller to the Secretary of State for War. STANDERTON, July 1st. General Talbot Coke, with the 10th Brigade, made a reconnaissance on the 29th June towards Amesfoort. He found 2,000 of the enemy there, with guns occupying a strong position. Having shelled them he retired, and was not followed by the enemy. His casualties were two killed and six wounded. Note.—Amesfoort is 22 miles north of Volks. rast, on the road to Ermelo.

FORCED TO SHOW THEIR STRENGTH. (Central News Telegram.) STANDERTON. Monday, 10.55 a.m. Last Friday Brigadier-General Talbot Coke, with the 10th Brigade, made a reconnaissance in the direction of Amesfoort, where a commando of Boers had been reported. He found about 2,000 of the enemy entrenched in a strong position. They had guns with them. General Coke shelled them for some time, com- pelling them to return our tire and disclose their strength. Having accomplished this, our men were ordered to fall back. The Boers did not leave their lines to follow. Oar losses were two killed and six wounded.

BOTHA'S HELP. AN ENDEAVOUR TO JOIN DE WET. The Boer leaders, according to the Daily Mail correspondent at Pretoria, are making an attempt to combine their forces, notwithstanding that De Wet is now practically isolated. Botha has divided bis force into two bodies, one of which is endeavouring to work south and the other west- ward.

CLEMENTS HOTLY ENGAGED. REPORTS ALL SAFE. (Press Association War Special.) NEAR TROMMEL, Friday (via Winburg, Saturday). General Clements' Hying column, which left Senekal yesterday with sealed orders, encountered the enemy about five or six miles out on the Lindley road. No particulars of the fighting have reached us as yet beyond the fact that the engagement was a hot one, and that General Clements has reported all safe The situation here is practically unchanged. The enemy aro still occupying all their old posi- tions to the north and east of Senekal, with a tendency to mass towards Ficksburg. At Scheepers Nek yesterday the yeomanry patrol, with a machine gun, when out recon- noitring, was fired on from a farmhouse by Boers lying in ambush there. The yeomen advanced and captured one prisoner, afterwards setting fire to the house. The enemy seem to persist in using farmhouses as forts, and have only them- selves to blame when their houses are burnt and shelled. There is good reason to believe the enemy are in the habit of sending canting letters to certain Home and Colonial newspapers alleging cruelty and inhumanity on the part of the British. The real fact is, British commanders are exhibiting a tendency all the other way, and are treating burghers and their property, considering the cir- cumstances, most liberally.

PROCLAMATION BY GEN. BUNDLE (Press Association War Special.) TROMMEL, Sunday. Under date Jane 30th General Ruadla has, issued a notice to the following effect;— It having come to his knowledge that small armed parties of ex-burghers of the late Orange Frse State are in the habit of patrolling the country, chiding "in hills by day and at night taking Bhelter in farms, etc., within the sphere of his military operations, he therefore calls upon and orders all residents of such farms to discon- tinue tbe practice of harbouring ex-burghers, and in all cases to give information as to the where- abouts of any armed ex-burghers in the vicinity of their farms or in the neighbourhood. Non- compliance with this order will render residents liable to the following punishments :—Confisca- tion of their farms, cancelling of all receipts for goods reanisitioned on behalf of the military, no payment whatever being made, and lastly, a fine which in no event will be less than 28 6d per morgen on the area. of each farm. This order will have two good results-oheck. ing the armed^parlies of the enemy who are at present patrolling the country, and protecting burghers who are now on their farms from in- timidation by such patrols.

POSITION AT PRETORIA. BURGHERS DESERTING BOTHA. (Central News Telegram.) PRETORIA, Sunday Afternoon. A steeplechase here excited great interest, and was won by Captain Kenaar. In all there were 50 starters, and the race was run amidst tremen- dous excitement. A large number of Hollanders with their fami- lies left for home this morning, The Royal Fusiliers marched in from Johan- nesburg to-day, and were accorded a gratifying reception by tbe troops. As regards military operations, everything appears to be quiet just now. It is generally be- lieved that if either De Wet or Botha is cap- tured the other will surrender. Large numbers of burghers are deserting daily from Botha's force. Forage and farm produce for the supply of the Army Me quite plentiful. Numerous farmers are now attending daily the market in Pretoria.

JOHANN ESBURGERS TURNED BACK. (Through Laffan's Agency.) PRETORIA, Sunday. The premature return of civilians to the Rand district has been checked by orders from Lord Roberts. During the past two weeks a consider- able number of mining engineers and others, in- cluding some of the mining magnates, have re- appeared iu twos and threes at Johannesburg. They have now all been ordered to retarn to Bloemfontein. It will be probably three months before the country in the Transvaal will be ready for the civilian population to resume their ordi- nary avocations. The daily reports of one pa.trol or another having been in contact with some body of the enemy, combined with the dis- turbed condition of the railways, keep tho people face to face with the fact that war still exists. Many of those who have given up their arms and been provided with pa.sses allowing them to return to their homes, which in numerous cases a.re only 20 miles from Pretoria, will not venture to the risk yet. Yesterday the trains from Johannes- burg to Pretoria took eight hours to cover the journey. In Church-square here there stands a large granite ba.se, which was intended for the pedestal of a statue of President Krnger. It is now suggested to erect on it a memorial to all the men who have fallen in the war. The site is eminently suitable, facing as it does the Govern- ment Buildings and the Palace of Justice.

AMERICAN PRESIDENCY. CHRISTIAN PARTY'S NOMINATION. New York, Monday.—Mr Charles Sheldon, of Topeka, has been nominated by the United Christian party for the Vice-Presidency. The party recently nominated Mr Swallow, a Harris- burg drvinej as their candidate for the Presi- dency.—Central News.

SITUATION AT PEKIN. THE MURDER OF THE GERMAN MINISTER. FOREIGN COLONY BESIEGED. (Renter's Telegram.) BERLIN, Monday. The German Consul at Tientsin telegraphs the subjoined under date June 29th :—The following written intelligence signed by Sir Robert Hart, has just, arrived from Pekin by a Chinese mes- senger Herr Von Bergen, Second Secretary of the German Legation, to the Commander of the European Forces—The Foreign Colony is besieged in the Legation. Situation is desperate. Hasten.—Sunday afternoon, 4 o'clock." (London Daily Express Telesrram.) Shanghai, Sunday.—Official despatches re- ceived by the Consular body here to-day unfortu- nately confirm in the fullest manner the news of the butchery of Baron De Ketteler on June 16th. The German Ambassador .was lidiug down Legation-street when be was attacked by Chinese troops and Boxers, who dragged him from his horse and killed him, the soldiers afterwards hacking his body to pieces with their swords. hacking his body to pieces with their swords. The German Legation and six of the other Legation buildings were then put to the flames, and a number of Legation servants slain and their bodies thrown into the flames. The official confirmation of this ghastly deed has created the utmost consternation among the Consuls-General of the Powers, who freely express their fears that war to the knife will now be declared against the Pekin Government when the allied armies arrive. However, it is feared that that Government has fled into Shan- si. and that Prince Tuan has virtually become Emperor. Liu Chuan Liu, the anti-foreign Governor of Soochow, has been ordered to proceed at once to Pekin. The Consuls here now entertain little hope of any foreigners being left alive in the capital. TANTAMOUNT TO A DECLARATION OF WAR. An Exchange Company's Paris telegram says:-The assassination of the German Minister at Pekin, and the disquieting rumour as to the fate of the Legations, have created a most pain- ful impression, and are considered tantamount to a declaration of war. The worst catastrophes are feared before the relief force is sufficiently strong to march on Pekin, unless an appeal is made to Japan. The Press is unanimous in encouraging M. Delcasse to active preparations for despatching troops.

RIOT AT WEI-HAI-WEI. A Renter's New York telegram saysA despatch from Chefoo to the Herald states that a runner from Pekin reports that great distress pre- vails there. According to the same despatch the killed of Admiral Seymour's force were fear- 1 fully mutilated. fl.M.'s despatch vessel Alacrity ffem MrtveA at Chefoo bringing 17 wounded. An ] 1ncipient riot is reported to have occurred at Wei-hai-Wei on Saturday. Members of the Naval Brigade at Taka have been recalled to their ships and replaced by troops. A steamer sent oat by the Consuls arrived on Saturday with 33 Americans, 29 English. 10 Canadians, and one Chinese, all missionary refugees from Shantung and Hunan.

POWERS IN PERFECT ACCORD. STATEMENT BY THE ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER. (Central News Telegram.) ROME, Monday Evening. In the Chamber this afternoon the Marquis Visconti Venosta, Minister for Foreign Affairs, n reply to various questions, said the situation iin China was extremely grave, and was occupy- ing the constant and earnest attention of the Government. For the protection of the nationa interests there would shortly be gathered in Chinese waters eight Italian ships of war, and further measures would be taken. Italy would act with the other Powers in dealing with every phase of the situation as it arose. The Powers were resolved to maintain the interests of civilisa- tion, and they were in perfect agreement as to the means to that end.

ATTITUDE OF THE UNITED STATES. (Renter's Talegram.) WASHINGTON. Monday, 3.30 p.m. While itthals decided not to ratify the agreement entered into between the foreign Consuls and the Viceroys regarding the protection of foreign interest in the South of China, the Government has cabled to Mr Goodnowi the American Consul- General at Shanghai, that be might pledge the United States not to commit any act of hostility so ] on as the Viceroys are able to keep the peace and will protect foreigners. This determination has been made known to the other Powers.

CASUALTIES. The Secretary of the Admiralty states that the following casualties have been reported by the Commander-in-Chief in China :— KILLED. Centarion-Capsain Herbert, W. H. Beyts, R.M.A. Edward Samuel Wyatt, chief petty officer George Spiller, petty officer, first class; Thomas James Restall, leading seaman; Thos. Townsend, able Fiesman Sydney Herbert Bone, able seaman Robert Parsons, able tiesman William Thomas Lloyd, ordinary seaman; James Bripon, ordinary seaman Wm. Edwards, stoker John T. fates, gunner, R.M.A. Ernest Lunn, gunner, R.M.A. Frederick H. Foster, private, Plymouth; George H. Hawes, private, Portsmouth Albert E. Ellis, private, PortB- mouth Ernest Frieby, ^private, ^Portsmouth, Aurora—Frederick Kane, ptivate, Portsmouth Thomas Davies, private, Plymouth Arthur H. Grigg, private, Plymouth. Orlando-Hugb Berry, ordinary seaman, Endymion—Herbert Charles, petty officer second class Stafford Ernest Wooldrigde, petty officer first class; Daniel Watsons, ordinary seaman Donald Mclutosh, stoker John Parker, private, Portsmouth Robert Barton, private, Portsmouth Henry W. Bryan, private. Ports- mouth William Stanford, private, Portsmouth. Oralando—(?) Sergeant Gingell, lent from the Tamar. DANGBROUSLY WOUNDED. Centurion- Albert Bins, Herbert S. Bolton. Frank W. Briggs, Private Port3in, Frederick W. WilkinsoD, stoker, the latter doing well. SERIOUSLY WO UNDED. Cf,ittarion-COI)ta,in John R. Gellicoe, Sidney G. S. Tooze, potty officer first class Maurice McEliigott, WaJter H. Rogers, leading seaman Thomas Wright, leading spaman; Arthur C. Thompson, stoker Herbert C. Miller, sergeant R.M.A. Orlando -Willis- J. Godfrey, stoker. Endymion—George Parsons, ordinary seaman Alfred Qoaife, private John W. Simmons, ordinary sea.man Richard Wright. All are badly wounded, but are progressing favourably. The remainder are only slightly wounded, and fe all doing well. Casualties at capture of arsenal north-eset of Tientsin settlement, June 27th, by the combined forces, the British forces engaged being the Naval Brigade and the let Chinese Regiment KILLED. Centurion-Fre:1eri ck .Sblup. Batfieur -Ernest Grover. Aurora-James Spillane, stoker, and Hanry Eddiford, private R.M.L.I., Plymouth. Etitlymion- William Flory, A.B.; William Chandler, private R.M.L.I., Chatham, from Wei- hai-Wei Arthur F. Lee, private R.M.L.I., Chat- ham. Wounded 15.

THE GOVERNMENT INQUIRY The Central News says :-It is understood that the War Office authorities are desirous of ap- pointing two medical men, a civilian member of Parliament and a military officer as a Committee of inquiry into military hospitals in South Africa. There has been an exchange of views between the War Office and Downing-strest, and on Monday night several names were msntioned iLl; pvobable members of the Committee. Two of these were received with general approval, viz., that of the President of the Royal College ef Physicians, and of Dr. G. V. Poore, professor of medical jurisprudence and clinical medicine at University College, London. The view was also expressed that while the mamagement of the hospitals should be inquired into by a civil medical expert, a competent authority on sanita- tion ought to have first consideration, with a view to detenfline whether the epidemic of enteric fever wtlS due in any degree to the sites of the hospitals. The leaders of the Opposition are strongly opposed to the definite appointment of the Committee until the names of its proposed members shall have been first submitted to the House of Com- mons. It is suggested that if a military officer is to serve on the Commtttee Colonel Sir Henry Fletcher, M.P. for the Lewes Division, would make an excellent member.

EARL DELAWARR'S TESTIMONY. Earl Delawarr has stated that from hia own experiences in Natal he considered that everything tha.t was possible was done for the thousands down with fever. Certainly doctors and nurses were short-handed, but he never saw any signs of neglect whatever. Field hospitals were sometimes short of beds, but this did not constitute any great hardship, as the men were provided, with something comfort- able to recline upon. Officers and men were treated alike, and he never heard a word of com- plaint from either. At Modder River, Magers- fontein, and Spion Kop ambulance men, doctors, and nurses alike worked with unceasing devotion.

THE DROUGHT IN INDIA. GREAT ANXIETY. Simla. Monday—Tho eagerly expected and prayed-for rains have not yet fallen. The whole of Upper India is parched with the fearful drought, and the greatest anxiety is felt as to the agrictiltaxal outlook.

ENTOMBED MINERS. ACCIDENT AT A DUDLEY COLLIERY. A Dudley telegram states that great excite- ment was caused there on Monday evening by a report that the whole of the day men, numbering about 40. had boon entom bed by a fall of coal in No. 1 Colliery, belonging to the Dudley Colliery Company. After several hoars' rescue work it was reported irom the boltom that all the men were safe with one exception.

"c.P' HAYDOCK COLLIERY DISASTER. THREE MORE DEATHS. A St. Helen's correspondent telegraphs :-No less than six deaths have occurred as a result of the explosion at Old Boston Pit, Haydock Col- lieries, last Friday, the victims being Patrick Flaherty, Thomas Gilliard, Patrick Babe, James King, Patrick Kina (the last two are brothers), and J. Haynes. Three deaths took place on Sunday and three on Monday.. Another man named Fitzpatrick is on the brink of death, and the three remaining injured men do not appear to be making much progress.

BRIGANDAGE. Constantinople, Sunday. —An audacious act of brigandage has been committed in the daytime on a much-frequented road leading to the forest of Belgrade, not far from Therapia Buyukdere, the summer residence of tqe Ambassadors, by three Turkish soldiers, one of whom wore a lieutenant's uniform. The victim was a German ex-officer, representative of a Berlin financial group, who was accompanied by a guide. They were both stripped of all vajca-blea under the threat of death. The German Embassy has reported the matter to the police. -Reuter.

Cadbury's COCOA is entirelv free from all foreign substances, such as kola, inalt, hops, &c., nor is alkuii used to darken the colour (and so deceive the eye). Dr. Andrew Wilson says "Cocoa is in itself a perfceli food, aud requires no addition of drags whatever." Uadbury's is absolutely pure should be taken by old and young, at all times and in all seasons for Children it is an ideal beverage, Insist on having Cadbury's, as other Cocoas are often substituted for the aaie of extra profit. Sold oftly in Jackets and Ttos, U28e

THE GREAT FIUE AT NEW YORK. THE GREED FOR MONEY. BITTER DENUNCIATION. New York, Monday, 6 a.m.—It is difficult to obtain the names of those who perished in the fire at the Hoboken Docks, because 80 per cent. of the crews of the burned vessels lived in Germany, and there were only the American records of the Saale, Main, and Bremen aboard the vessels These have probably been lost. The figures regarding the loss of life and property still vary widely. Some estimates place the number of viotiros as high as 500. Others believs there were 200 longshoremen and visitors on the ill-fated vessels, making the total number of persons aboard 326. The crews of the tugs are'bitterly denounced for demanding money from the victims. Mr John Voss says he saw three men swimming away from the burning pier. The hair of one of them was ablaze. He ducked and came up again shouting Help." A sailor on a German tug yelled Have you got any money ? The man threw up his hands and sank. Other similar cases are reported. The officials of the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse were highly complimented on their management which resulted in the escape of that vessel. HARROWING STORIES. New York, Monday Morning.—Most exag- gerated reports are being published oftheloss of life by the terrible fire at Hoboken Docks on Saturday afternoon. So far as is definitely known up to this moment the death roll num- bers 156. The papers again this morning contain harrow- ing details from survivors of the terrible struggle for life that took place when the flames so rapidly spread through the ships. The tugs which effected the salvage of the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse have demanded payment of 50,000 dollars for their work. The body of Captain Mirow has been found upon the deck of the Saale. The features were charred beyond recognition, but the remains were identified by a peculiar knife found upon the body, and some of the jewellery the deceased officer wore.—Central News. FIRE NOW PRACTICALLY QUENCHED. New York, Monday, 5 p.m.—It is now stated that 49 bodies have been taken out of the river. A diver reports having seen eight bodies on board the Saale. Two others have been seen on the Main. Most of them were unrecognisable. One of the bodies taken to the Morgue is now definitely accepted as that of Capt. Mirow. The Bremen has been flooded and the fire is now practically quenched. The wreckers have not found any bodies on board the Bremen, but it is thought the search has not been thorough. An official of the Wrecking Com- pany, who has made an examination of the Bremen, has expressed the opinion that the Bremen can be saved, as she is practically all right below water. The engines also appear to be in good order. Three of the crew of the Kaiser WilheJm der Grosse are missing. The North German Lloyd Company will rebuild the piers destroyed by the fire. Temporary quarters have been secured. -Reater. A SURVIVOR'S TERRIBLE STORY. The following is the story of Paul Stoenberg, a sailor, a survivor from the burned liner Saale There were 40 of us. We had just had our after- noon coffee and luncheon. By 4 o'clock the boas shouted,and we went forward to work in the bold. Someone shouted The ship is on fire." Thou such a scramble followed that every man was turned Into a devil. We ran-fighting, clawing, scratching, and swearing—for the ladder leading up to the deck. We found tho hatches batteneu down. How the men did curse. Some climbed up on a ladder and pounded their fiats against the main hatch. They pounded until blood ran through the iron grating. We saw the flames. The fire was forward. It was in the stern—it was everywhere. Some of us- started forward. We had to pass 07br the coal bins. Part of the way we could walk, part of the way we had to stoop—towards the last we crawled on our bellies. Think of 40 men struggling like rats in that black hole. There was no air, Everybody was fighting and cursing to get out. We crawled through the machinery, and got up on the pumps forward, but there were 40 of us, and on the pumps there was only room for 15 or 20. One man tried to pull me from my place. I kicked his face in and he lay still. Ten men tried to climb up. Others kicked them down. The man thjbC fell first was stamped on like so much coal. I guetts he is dead now. We were all almost dead. Outside we could hear the cracking of the flames. We knew the firemen were working to reach us. We could hear them shooting, but we thought they could never reach us. It was like hell down there. The men tore their clothes off and threw them away. Then after a while they stopped cursing. The men down at the bottom did not figbt any more. One by one they just fell down and lay still. A big man near me said, "We ought to pray." Near him a fellow who. had done a lot of figbt- ing and cursing began to cry. Then he prayed. Minutes were like months. Think of such a place from 4 o'clock until after 7, even if we knew we were to be saved. But no; we were sure it was death, But then we heard firemen above. After a while they put down a ladder. I got out. The others-well, I hope they got out too. MAILS FOR SOUTHAMPTON. A Lloyd's Southampton telegram says :—The North German Lloyd steamer Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse was not seriously damaged during the fire at Hoboken, and leaves New York to-morrow (Tuesday) with the mails for Southampton and Bremen in her regalai turn. LINERS NOT BADLY DAMAGED. The North German Lloyd Company have received a telegram from New York stating that the Bremen is not so badly damaged as the other vessels of the company. The service will suffer but little, and there will be no serious dis- organisation. Arrangements will be made at once for the transfer of intending passengers to other lines.

POSTAL JUBILEE. CONGRESS AT BERNE. Berne, Monday.—The gathering which in- augurates the jubilee fetes of the Universal Postal Union took place this morning in the hall of the Federal Council. In addition to the mem- bers of the Federal Council and the Corps Diplo- matique there were present about 180 postal dele- gates from the 63 States belonging to the Union. Great Britain was represented by Messrs Buxton, Forman, and King, India by Mr Kisch, and Australia by Messrs Cockburn and Pemger. After the inaugural address Dr. Zemp, of the Federal Council, was elected president, and Dr. Ruffy, director of the International Postal Bureau, was elected vice-president. The German delegates proposed the erection of a memorial to celebrate the foundation of the Union. It was decided to discuss this proposal on Wednesday, when a decision will be arrived at—Central News.

THE QUEEN'S CUP.' Toronto," Monday.-The Queen's Cup race to- day ^over a 30-miles course on Lake Ontario, for yachts over 45 feet in length, was won by the Merry Thought, subject to a time allowance. There were three starters, all belonging to the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. It was a close race, there being only three minutes between the first and la.st.-Reuter.

TO-DAY'S WEATHER 4.30A.M. TO-DAY' S FO,H.ECAS,)' flflR iSNQLAKV, S.W., A N OU'l'B WALES. Issned at A'cUck last Bighfc. North-westerly to northerly winds, moderate to light; finer generally. G e n e r a I .-Finer weather is probable.

GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts were issued by the Meteorological Office at 8 o'clock last night — DISTBICTS- 0. Scotland, N. 1. Scotland, E. f Variable airs and showers 2. England, N.E. J- to north westerly and 3. England, E. j northerly fine wealhei. 4. Mid Counties. e a North-weBterly winds, light: 6. Scotland, W.. Same aa 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. 7. England,N.W. ci'lji' North westerly to northerly 9. Ireland, N. I finer Renerally. 10. Ireland, S.

N MILITIA BALLOT BILL. GOVERNMENT OPPOSITION. HOUSE OF LORDS.—MONDAY. The Lord ChiuoelJor took his seat r.pon the Woolsack at a quarter-past 4. Earl WEMYSS, in moving the second reading of the Militia Ballot Bill, desired to have it clearly understook that this measure was not in any sense conscrijjtive. Many misapprehensions existed with regard to the conscription, and the ballot had been made to stink in the nostrils of the people. The present Bill had in previous years been introduced by the Government as a Government Bill. He thought it too drastic, and hoped its provisions would be modified in Com- mittee. This measure would make the Bill work- able, a.nd was meaat to meet emergencies. It pro- vided that whenever the ballot was put in force the Secretary of State for War should apportion the number of men to be raised for the Militia by ballot in each county amongst the sub-divisions and parishes of tht county in proportion to the male population as ascertained by the last census. For the purposes of the ballot there would be three classes of men. The first class would consist of the unmarried men between 18 and 25 years of age. In the seconj division would come married men under 30 y<ars, having a wife living, but no child, and unmarried men above 25, and not more than 30. The third division would consist of all mnn lible to to be balloted and not included in the foregoink classes. Lord Salisbury told the Primrose League tlat for the defence of this country we must have rifle clubs on the Sti-js model. Now the Swiss model was really the most stringent form of conscription in Europe, for every man in Swit- zerland, from yonth tc old age, had to fight in the army when required. He believed that her Majesty's Government, in view of an approaching General Election, vrere afraid that a proposal for the renewal of the ballot would be unpopular, but his own opinion was that a qualified form of ballot for home Qefence alons would be most popular and would be generally supported. Not- withstanding that a Government whip had been issued against this Bill, he hoped their Lordships would give the measure a second reading. Earl COWPER hid always held the opinion that compulsion should never ba resorted to in this country unless it should be found absolutely necessary, and after the magnificent way in which thousands of our-, countrymen recently came forward and volunteered to serve the Queen in South Africa there was less need than ever of resorting to companion in order to fill up our ranks. (Cheers.) To pass such a. measure as this for compulsory military service would in his opinion be a slur upo* the valour of our Volun- teers, (Hear, hear.) Lord NEWTON tbought the proposals in this Bill were sound, definite, and practical, and very mnch to be preferred to the proposals put for- ward by the Government for home defence. This war in South Africa btd demonstrated that next to the regular Army the Militia was the most im- portant branch of onr defence, and a limited form of compulsion, such aa suggested in this Bill, was absolutely necessary, because the vast majority of the able-bodied male population of these islands deliberately shirked their duty. There was not one in ten wh* discharged even the most elementary form of military duty. This was the result of a too slavish adherence to the voluntary system. L'he Marquis of LAlfSDOWNE claimed that it was for the Government to say whether this Bill for compulsory military service should be per- severed with at the present time, and he trusted that this point would riot be obscured by the elo- quence of Lord Wemy»s. The age of origin of the Bill given by thouvbleE-vriwasnot complete. In 1898, when Lord Wtniyss brought forward the matter of the ballot, be (the Secretary for War) admitted that the existence of the Militia ballot was of vital irnportanct to the military system of this century,"and heprtimised to have the machin- ery for the ballot examined to see if it had became more or less obsolete, and if necessary a Bill should be brought ir» to improve the ballot machinery. But he distinctly remembered saying that the Government bust not be understood as pledging theranelves to pass a Ballot Bill through Parliament either in tlat or any other Session. He had kept bis pledge The machinery of the ballot was examined, and was found not so obsolete or so unintel lgible as was supposed aud in 1899 he introdveed the Ballot Bill into this House. He denied that the Government had changed their miuds. '.clCY laid the Bill upon the table last year only to lOW what form legislation woald take should leghlation for the ballot be come necessary at some future time. Then, in February this year Lom Wemyss came down to that House proclaiming the existence of an emergency, and calling npon the Government to introduce the ballet. From that day to this the noble Earl had simply been marking time." He had now appropriated the Government Bill, but with a remarkable difieience, and on a separate sheet of paper Lord Wemyss had sketched out his own suggestions, wiicii made an jvbsolutely new Bill. As practical rien, their Lordships must consider two question!. Firstly, was there the remotest chance of Pissing this Bill into law during the present Session ? (Hear, hear.) There was not the slightest chance. Secondly, even supposing it could be passed in both Houses, would tkis Bill help in the least the emergency which Lord Wemyss foresaw ? Supposing the Bill were put in force in order to raise 20,000 or 40,000 mei hOoN long would it take to equip and arm titempnd fit them to be incor- porated into our Armj ? Months would elapse before a single man wtald be fit to be put into the fightiug line. (Chuers.? Lord Newton had supported this Bill bectuse he said the Govern- ment proposals all rested on coojecture. Lord NEWTON So they do. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE retorted that there was no conjecture tbout the 24,000 men of the Royal Reserves who had recently come back to the colours in respoasi to the Queen's appeal. The Commander-in-Chief after receiving the re- ports of the generals of tislricts, had stated that these men would be of very great service for home defence. In ad3itkn to the Royal Reserves fair progress had been n.de ritli the new per- manent battalions and kewly-ra,ised batteries of Royal Artillery. These w^re permanent additions to the military strength of the country, and there was no conjecture or imagination about their ex- istence. (Hear hear.) 1, 1the case of the Militia the War Office were not prepared to take any action which might be interpreted as a sugges- tion that they were looking to the ballot as the proper means of meeting exceptional military pressure tuch as they Had been subjected to tbl svear. Bnt that must not be taken as any in- dication of a desire to shirk the Militia problem. It was impossible at this time to describe fully and completely the proposals which they had in contemplatjan for the Militia. but he might say that he wa.s now prepared to admit that in the matter of clothing they had erred on the side of frugality, and he found clothing had been issued vhich they could hardly ask a British soldier to wer without some injury to his self-respect. (Hea), hear.) That griev- ance would be remedied without loss of time. The War Office at the present moment were pre- paring a scheme under whith Militia officers would be given more frequent opfortuaities of attending courses of instruction tod under conditions which would avoid any private expense to them. There were other matters under the considera- tion of the Government, a a scheme had been put forward by which the whole Militia might be allowed to accept a larger liability of service abroad, for which, in consideration of their assuming that liability, the bounty they received would be increased. It was also in contemplation to abolish the Militia Reserve, which was so un- popular with Militia officers. While these matters were under consideration Le did not think the Government were unreasonable in asking their Lordships not to waste Parliamentary time by proceeding further with the Ballot Bill. (Hear, hear.) Their Lordships divided, md there voted-For the second reading, 31 against, 90; Govern- ment majority, 59 MISCELLANEOUS. The BeerRetailers and SPirit Grocers' Licences (Ireland) Bill and Diocesan Registration Bill were each read a second time. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE informed Lord Blytbswood that an Army Order would shortly be issued to give effect to his promise of conference of warrant rank ca sergeants-major of Militia. The Prevention of Corruption Bill, the Mines (Prohibition of Child Labour Underground) Bill, the Colonial Solicitors Bill, and the Volun- teers Bill were all read a thifd time and passed. The Military Lands Bill, which was read the third titr-f, on Friday, wbet au amendment by Lord Turing was declared undecided by the Lord Chamberlain, was further considered, and even- tually the measure passed. THE INDIAN FAMINE. Lord SANDHURST and the Earl of ABER- DEEN questioned the Government as to whether any extension of the system cf relief was contem- plated for the Indian Fumine. beyond that laid down in the famine code. The Earl of ONSLOW reminded their Lord- ships that the Secretary of Sta.te had promised her Majesty's Government would come forward to the assistance of the Indian Government if they were satisfied the resources of the Indian Govern- ment were insufficient to meet the great dem a.nds made upon them. At present those resources were insufficient, but of conrse the matter was one which depended to an enormous ex- tent upon the result of the burst- ing of the monsoon. It was impossible therefore, for the Government to give any premise, or to foreshadow what their action would to until they knew a little more whac waz likely to be the condition of affairs during the rainy season which bad just commenced. So far as the Government of India were concerned they bad already far exceeded the system of relief laid down by the famine code, whii-b was of an elastic character and not rigid. The Colonial Stock Bill was read a second time. Their Lordships rose at 10 niinutes past 7. Their Lordships rose at 10 niinutes past 7.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY. The Speaker cook the Chajr at 3 o'clock, LOCAL PETITION. Mr Albert Spicer presented petition from the Guardians of the Monmouth U uioa iu favour of the Bill prohibiting the sale of intoxicants to children. DUBLIN ELECTRIC LIGHTING. On the motion for the third reading of the Dublin Electric Lighting UiU P, debate wkicb lasted for two hours and a half ensued. The third reading was rejected on a division by 174 t" 168 votes. DESPATCHES WITHHELD. Mr MACNEILL asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the announcement in the London, Gazette of the conferring of the Victoria Cioss on four iialdiere, for their conspicuous bravery during the action of Koorn Spruit on the 31st March last, with particulars of the disposition of the troops on this field of battle, the Wat Office will now communicate to the pub- lic the details of the disaster at Koorn Spruit and respecting the officer in charge of the convoy when the greater Dortion of the baggage column and five oat of six guns of the leading battery of the Royal Artillery were captared by falling into the ambush laid for them by the Boers. The hon, member further asked why the account now in the possession of the War Office giving the details of the surrender of the 4th Battalion of the Derby- shire Regiment has been withheld from publica- tion ? Mr WYNDHAM said that the answer to both questions were identical, au:i the same that he had given before to the hcu. member. He was not prepared to anticipate by way of question and answer any exercise that the Secretary of State for War might see fit to make of his discretion in the publication of despatches. (Ministerial cheers.) Mr MACNEILL May I ask the hon. gentle- man whether be has considered the propriety of publishing the name of the officer concerned before the General Election ? The SPEAKER Order, order. DOCTORED TOBACCO. Sir M. HICKS-BEACH, in answer to Mr T. M. Healv. said that the qaestion of the limitation of the use of oil in the manufacture of tobacco was undoubtedly important, not only to the revenue bat to consumers and to the trade. He proposed a clause dealing with the matter in the Finance Bill of this year, but did not press it as objection was taken on the ground of insufficient notice to the trade. If he received assurances that such a measure would not be objected to he would be happy to deal with the matter, but most be bound by the statement of the Leader of the House as to the objection to introducing fresh controversial measures. THE FIELD HOSPITAL QUESTION. Sir H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN asked the First Lord of the Treasury when he would be able to inform the House as to the constitu- tion and terms of reference to the proposed committee which was to proceed to South Africa and inquire into the arrangements for treating the sick and wounded. Mr BALFOUR asked the right hon. gentle- man to postpone the question till Thursday. KRUGER AND THE FRANCHISE. Mr FLAVIN asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether he could state on what con- ditions President Kruger offered a, five years' franchise before the outbreak of war to the UIt- landera in the Transvaal, and whether he could also state what were the naturalisation qualifica- tions and penalties in Austria, Russia, New South Wales, America, and England. Mr BALFOUR As regards the first para- graph of the hon. gentleman's question, he will find the conditions of President Kruger's offer in the Parliamentary Paper, c. 5,921, page 44 and the following pages. In regard to the second paragraph, I think the incursion into compara- tive jurisprudence to which he invites me is some- what outside my province. (Laughter.) Mr FLAVIN May I ask whether the period 01 naturalisation for the franchise in Austria is 10 years, while President Kruger offered fire yean, and why should we go to war ? (Laughter.) No answer was given. PROCEDURE. Mr BALFOUR, in reply to Sir Henry Camp- bell-Bannerman, said that to-morrow they would commence the Committee on the Tithe Bill, but he imagined that would not be couclnded in a single evening. On Friday it was proposed to take the Scotch Estimates, which he had intended to take last Friday. LOCAL LOANS BILL. Mr HANBURY brought in a Bill to grant money for the purpose of certain local loans out of the Local Loans Fund and for other purposes relatiug to local loans, and it was read a first time. HOUSING OF THE WORKING CLASSES. On the consideration of the Housing of the Working Classes Act (1890) Amendment Bill, as amended in Committee, Mr STE ADMAN proposed a new clause giving power to a local authority to asquire vacant land compulsorily for the purpolles of the Act at a price equal to 25 year"' purchase of the annual value as assessed for taxation. The clause was negatived without a division. Lord E. FITZMAURICE proposed a clanae empowering the County Council to exercise the duties and powers conferred by the Act if satisfied that the Rural District Council had made default in that respect. Mr CHAFLIN accspted the proposal, and the clause was added to the Bill. Mr CHANNING moved the addition of t clauee enacting that where land was acquired under the Act otherwise that by agreement nc additional compensation should be given to the vendor in respect of compulsory purcbase, thus applying to land taken to remedv the evil of oveicowding the law tnal applied in dealing with insanitary areas and unhealthy houses. Mr McLAIiEN said it was not equitable when land was being taken for a philanthropic object that 10 per cent. should be added to the value. Mr CHAPLIN failed to see on what ground the owner of land taken for this purpose was to be prevented from enjoying the same privilege that owners possessed when their land was acquired compulsorily fora gipat number of other purposes. The clause was rejected on a division by 150 to 96. A clause to the effect thai where land was acquired other than by agreement any question as to the amount of compensation should, in default of agreement, be determined by a single itrbitrator to be appointed and removable by the Local Govsrnnent Board, or in the case of a Council in London by the Secretary of State, was, on the motion of Mr CHANNING inserted in he Bill. Mr PICKERSGILL moved a clause giving to any Council power to acquire not only far imme- diate requirements but for the prospective needr of the locality to a period not exceeding 25 years. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL contended that the clause would not be workable. Mr CHAPLIN expressed the opinion that the claase would be a distinct limitation of the present powers if the local authorities. The motion was withdrawn and the Bill wae ordered for third reading. AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS. The Agricultural Holdings Bili was considered as amended by the Standing Committee. "t Lord WILLOUGHBY DE ERE54BY sug- gested that in arbitrations to determine the value of the tenant's unexhausted improvements, the arbitrator should be compelled to give th» details upon which he based his award of com pensation. Mr LONG resisted this innovation. In agri- cultural arbitrations they could not give a different form of procedure to that adopted in all. other arbitrations. Earl JERSEY thought thre should be a rigid limit to the number of improvements which Ii tenant was allowed to carry out with the consent cf his landlord. Mr GIBSON BOWLES observed that the Bill as it stood was one of the most remarkable, examples of refecential and allusive legislation that he had ever come across. It was an absolute cryptograph, which could only be unravelled by reference to nine other Acts of Parliament. Mr CHANNING moved a new clause requir- ing that every contract of tenancy should contain a record of the condition of the holding. MrW. LONG questioned whether such a record, could be so exhaustively made except at great expense as to be of any material value. Mr HUMPHREYS:3 WEN .said that all thai was wanted was a record of the agricultural con dition of the fences, roads, and drains. The Rouse divided, and the clause was rejected by 142 to 46 majority 96. The further consideration of the repOTt wat then adjourned. The Charitable Loans flreland) Bill and the Customs Duties (Isle of Man) Bill were read s third time. The Executors (Scotland) Bill was considered as amended and read a third time. The House adjourned at 12.10.

THE KHEDIVE. The Khedive spent a very quiet day at Buck- ingham Palace, and had no important engage- ment except to dine with the Prince of Waler at Marlborough House in the evening. Among thv distinguished company to meet his Highnest were the Duke of York, the Dnke of Cambridge. Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimer, the Turkish Ambassador, the Duke of Fife, the Marquis o'i Salisbury, the Marquis of L*nsdowne, tbe. Ear; of Pembroke, the Earl of Hopetoun, the Earl Of Kimberley, Lord George Hamilton, Lore. Wolseley, Admiral Lord John Hay. Lor6 Rothschild, Mr Chamberlain, Captain tht Hon. H. Lambton, Mr Goschen, Sir H Campbell-Bannermati, Mr Balfour, Genera.1 Sir Evelyn Wood, Sir Edgar Vincent. Si Benjamin Biker, Mr John Aird, and Sir Felii Semon. The following were unable to be pre sent:—Duke of Connaught, Duk< of Devonshire. Duke of Portland, Lord Dafferin, and Love I Rosebery.

I DOMINION DAY BANQUET. Lord Slrathcona and Mount Royal presided or Monday night in London at the Dominion Df banquet, when there was a large attendance » noblemen and gentlemen. Mr Chamberlain wfo to have been present, but having to attend tht Royal banqu3t to the Khedive was unsble to fotE his engagement. The Chairman said the xigh hen. gentleman, in expressing his regret, saitf that so far as rested in him the Colonies and Mother Country should in future be as onr English Imperial nation. All speakers spoke o' the South African War as having undoubtedly proved the desire which existed in the Colonic and Canada for closer union with Great Britain.