Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

GREATER BRITAIN. VZ;DZR the new system, by which the Indian Staff Corps is recruited direct from Sandhurst, a list cf unattached officers has been created, which tiuw figures in the Army List. On January 1 there were 84 names on this list, the officers ranking as second lieutenants and being shown as serving with Various British regiments in India. A* study-of tho 'names, says the IHunecr, shows at once that nine- tenths of these young subalterns belong to families "connected with the Indian Services. The majority, fre should say, are sons of military officers whose names are familiar in Upper India, such as Hitiye, Keen, Keyea, Bruce, Lance, Graham, Swinlev, Pratt, &C. Now it is only natural that these boys should prefer to serve with regiments in the Punjab and ngal commands, where they will probably find ndany friends to welcome them. Similarly, as re- gards those whose fathers or near relatives have served in Madras or Bombay, their preference may be for the Southern or Western Presidencies. The military authorities have, we are glad to say, recog- nised this point, and their orders as to pos: ings have been framed accordingly. Before being gazetted to commissions the Sandhurst cadets who have passed for the Staff Corps are called upon to stato officially, through their parents or guardians, what special claims (if any) they have on any par- | picular command in India through the services,1 therein of their relations, and to what command they would prefer to be posted. These statements are forwarded by the Secretary of State to the Government of India, and the claims thus preferred are alone considered in posting officers. In ord..r to guard against favouritism it is laid down that, [ "no private applications whatever or from what source soever are regarded." This is an excellent rule, fcut there will still be some hiking care of JDo'b, if ore mistake not. As to the action of the Govern- ment of India, they are to look upon the services in India of the fathers or near relations of the oflieers as giving the latter a claim to the command whleh they way prefer. Claims established by such services in any command will give priority in selection for that command if so desired, but the long and good services of an officer in any part of India are con- sidered as giving his son or near relation a right of choice over others who have no claims through such services in India. When all officers having special olaims as above have been appointed, the remainder of officers for appointment are posted in rotation to each of the commands by roster of seniority, duo regard being had to the number of officers requred for each command. THE Indian papers state that a curious domestic Crisis has arisen in connection with the princely house of Aloburbhiinj and strong efforts are being made, in certain quarters, with doubtful wisdom, to convert it into a political crisis, or, at all events, to find in it a pretext for political action. The young Mai larajah, who is of Itajput origin, and whose j family are adherents of the Boishnava cult, has set his heart on marrying n. daughter of the lAte Babu Keshub Chunder Sen. Presumably, the Maharajah has also become a convert to Brahminist views, though that is not stated. At all events the Dowager Maharanee, his grandmother, who is still a staunch Boishnava, celebrated throughout India for her piety, has telegraphed to the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal that her life will be endangered if this marriase takes place. THE departure of Lord and Lady Wenlock from Madras appears to have occasioned general regret among all classes throughout the Presidency. As was expected when lie was appointed to Madras, Lord Wenlock has proved an efficient Governor in every way. He is now 47 years of age, and will not take further service outside, as he intends to remain at home and devote his attention to public aifairs, in which he will no doubt find his Indian experiences of considerable advantage. THE prospect of a big rush of promotion is glad- dening the minds of the Madras Bar, says the J'ioiieer. We glanced the other day at the proposed appointment of a temporary judge to the High Court Bench for the purpose of noticing the CUI ions technical difficulties with which such a simple and sometimes necessary expedient is surrounded. If these can be successfully surmounted and the appointment is made, it will almost certainly go to a member of1 the Madras Bar. If the office, as. has fceen suggested, should be made to run for three years, it may very probably go to Mr. V. Bashyani ilyengar, who before his time was out would have an opportunity of being promoted permanently to the Bench, inasmuch as Dewan Bahadur Subramoney lyer, the present native judge, is said to intend re- tiring in a couple of years. If this arrangement Comes to be carried out, it will leave the largest practice in Madras to be divided among Mr. Bashyam Iyengar's legal brethren. On the other hand, it is very possible that Mr. Spring Branson, the Advocate- General, may be disposed to take the temporary judgeship on the three years' tenure, in which case his appointment would be made vacant. The recent death of Mr. Willie Grant, the Crown Prosecutor, has left another post, and a considerable practice in addition, at the disposal of some 01;0 or other, and in addition to this the Adroinistra.tor-Gtnera.1, Mr. Wedderburn, is going home on leave, so that his place and practice are also on the market. This is not quite all, for the Government pleadership, which is said to represent an income of about 2U0(Jrs. a month, is also becoming temporarily vacant. SIR DONALD SMITH, who is spoken of as the pro- bable successor to Sir Chares Tupper as Canadian jHigli Commissioner in London, is one of the wealthiest men in Canada, and has long been chief of the Hudson Baj Company. He is a native of Banffshire, and only recently became proprietor of the historic estate of Glencoe. The announcement, however, which is made in a Scotch paper, is a little prema- ture. It is not certain that Sir Charles Tupper will not return, though since his return to the Dominion iie has;re-entered Parliament. The prevailing opinion is that he will succeed to the Premiership. THE new Agents-General for New Zealand, Mr. W. P. Beeves, who has just arrived in London, is one of the most interesting of modern colonial statesmen. For the last five years he has been Minister of Labour in New Zealand, and in that capacity has had an .almost unique experience in thc apphcationof modern "Prr»crrfi £ sive theories to practical legislation, for which Ilis colony is so remarkable. A PRIVATE letter from Sydney, New South Wales, kiated January 19, says: 11 We have been having a Tory intimate acquaintance with real summer. It lias been so hot that all the observatory records have been exceeded, and they go back for 60 or 70 years. Last Monday we had lOSde-g. in the shade, and -during the week it has been over lOOdeg. several tinaes. Yesterday morning it was 99deg. for a little while, but a southerly 'buster'came up and cooled things a bit. In the back country, the thermometer has been up to 130deg. There" have been many deaths from sunstroke, the estimated number being 200, several in this city." A CORRESPONDENT of the South Australian Register writes: "One of a party recently returned from an enjoyable holiday trip on Lakes Alexandrina and Albert had an unenviable experience, escaping miraculously from being bitten by a black snake. The boat was anchored in Mundoo Channel, and it being a beautiful moonlight night, one of the number put ashore on Ram Island in the 'praiii' to do a little shooting. Hearing game on the oppo- site shore of the isle, he proceeded to walk over the rise. Having reached the crown of the hill, the fP6rts'n!»n heard the musical trumpeting of swan in X-f-ce, and expecting that he might get a on his h overhead, lis crouched d°w on b s lie- ey flew overhead, lie crouched down gougl* of ± "fd remu'nefl motionless. In about a j? t bia l u ?s felt something cold and clamm) ]U8t abo*e ^e sock. Intuitively he ? h'lej63 d°wnWard8> aQd j his horfor when 5? iPn-i 8T\fr, feet of the sinuous form of a black snake stretched out in the fortunately short, dry grass before him, lt.B head and shoulders being concealed between his boot and trouser8. leg. Our friend felt a sudden chill, and then his body became bathed in cold perspiration, while he declares that it would not be exagge- rating the case to say that his hair 8t00d on end. This all happened in a few seconds, but it seemed ages, because the venomous reptile still had his tiead and shoulders secreted in the holidaY.l:Dake: trouser-leg. Quick as thought the sportsman seized the cunning, crawling cre&turc, and hurled it from fatm. With a hiss the serpent stole stealthily but sluggishly through the grass, but ere it had advanced far a charge of AA shot' doubled it up for ever All tlw.ducks' in the world would not have tempted him to further explore the island. An aboriginal on the morrow explained that black snakes are known to mbve about at all times, both day and night, and are very treacherous. The black-fellow said it was evi- dently the cold which saved the spoitsnian from being bitten, ana that had it been daytime such liberties as catching hold of the vile reptile could not hare been taken without its retaliating with its fangs."

PAIIISII COUNCILS. ANENT judges presiding over annual parslj nwet- i I ings, it is interesting at the present juncture to know that Sir John Bridge vns chairman of the parish meeting at Headley, near Epsom. When lie receijV< d the nominations hCf (1Undtfi at hi" own name appeared amongst, the others, but he immediately, withdrew bis candidature and contacted the proceedings Jo a successful issue. At, the close a vote of thanks .was proposed to the chairman, but Sir John ^umoroysly remarked that he could not allow it, as the Local Government Act strictly stipulated that the only business should be the election of councillors. The Parish Council elections do not appear, to \lIrve aroused a great amount of interest in ort h Deyun. In some there has even been a difficulty to find a sufficiency of candidates tc fill tho vacant seat. At Fremington, for instance, says tho llc.<terii Monitno News, no interest whatever was displayed. At.the time'of meeting only nine out of 11 nominations time of meeting only nine out of 11 nominations required had been 'received. It was intimpled that a tenth nomination was on its way, and a member of the company started out to drum up the belated nominator. This he succeeded in dqing, but no one would suggest an eleventh name, and the Chairman of the late Council undertook the task. The 11 were then declared elected. Last year farmers were out of temper with the Councils. This year the labourers stem to have their backs up." At Braunton nominations could not be had without difficulty. If things go on in this way many of the Councils will soon develop into mutual admiration societies, and devote their time to gossip instead of to business. Manorial or Parish Council Rights.—A corre- spondent of the Councilf (iaztt.c asks (1) Can either the Lord of the Manor or the Parish Council take awav or shift some stone steps used as a horse mount, situated near, belonging to, and join- ing the wall of a chapel, wLich right has never before baen disputed for over 60 years, if at all? (2) If the stones are shifted what is the best way to get redress for the same ? (3) Can the trustees prosecute for theft if the stones are taken away, and appropriated by the offending party? Answer: (I) On the facts stated, neither the lord of the manor nor the Parish Council appears to have any right to move the stones. (2) We should like to know the circumstances of the removal before answering this question. (3) We always decline to answer questions relating to alleged criminal offences where, as in this case, the answer could easily be identified as relating to the alleged nFfenee. Repair of Drain.—Water Supply.—"Perplexed says: (1) There is a drain in our village that takes the surface water from the highway into the river. It is broken in. The Highway Authority refuses to accept liability as to its repair. Is it the duty of the Parish Council or of the Highway Authority io repair it? (2) Who is the responsible autho- rity to compel owners of property to provide a L good supply of pure water for their tenants ? (3) What is meant by the words reasonable distance for people to have to fetch water for their domestic use?" (as I have heard that it is 300 yards within the laeaning of the Act). (4) Can a person have a new house erected if water can be had at 300 yards distance, or must they. get a supply of water on the same before it is occupied? (5) We have a stream of beautiful water in our parish, but it is Eo polluted through tho drainage of water-closets, urinals, and cattle-yards into the said stream. What is the course for a Parish Council to adopt to have the pollution stopped ? The Sanitary Authority not being inclined to interfere, cannot the owners of property be com- pelled to stop it? (6) Whose duty is it to compel owners of property to cleanse the stream, as it is nearly full of dirt and rubbish in some places? Ought not the Sanitary Authority to use their powers in this matter, under Public Health Acts and Rivers Pollution Acts? Answer: (1) It appears to be the duty of the Highway Authority. (2) The Rural District Council. (3) What is a "reasonable dis- tance is a question of fact: 300 feet up the side of a mountain would be a less reasonable distance tihan 300 yards on the level. You say the Act. but'you leave us to guess what Act you refer to. (4) It is not necessary that the water supply should be on the premises. (5) and (6) We cannot answer these ques- tions without knowing more of the history of tho alleged pollution. If the Parish Council'resolve that the Rural District Council have failed to enforce ttiq provisions of the Public Health Acts, they can com- plain to the County Council. Bridge and Footpath.—From time immemorial (says" Farmer") the public have had the right of use of a footpath through fields and over a wooden bridge on property which has lately changed owners The new owner states that he paid for this wooden bridge, and he has pulld it down and erected a new iron bridge a short distance away, which he has given notice of his intention to charge for the use of. I shall be much obliged for your inform- ing me whether his action is tenable, and what steps the local authority should take in the matter ? Can they compel the owner to restore the old bridge, or would they themselves be justified in erecting a new bridge on the site of the old one, considering that they have never paid anything for the repair :of the bridge or the mamtenancf of the footpath? Answer: This (remarks the Coun- cils' 'Ga-ette') is a dangerous question to answer without a careful inquiry into all the facts and the history. As far as we can see, on the facts stated, the owner bad no right to pull down the old bridge. Whether the Parish Council or the High- way Authority could put a new bridge we have hardly information enough to enable us to determine. The best cwrse is to call the attention of the Rural Dis- trict. Council to the matter, and get them to inquire toto it.

TEA CIGARETTES. Among the women of America the craze for Ismoking cigarettes made of tea is rapidly spreading. 'To make the tea cigarette one takes a grade of green .tea which has but little dhst, being composed of un- broken leaf, and dampens it carefully, just enough to permit the leaves to be unrolled without being broken, and so to be left pliable and capable of being stuffed in the paper cylinder, awhile the dampness is not sufficient to stain the paper. The cigarettes are laid aside for a few days, and are then ready to be smoked. A tea sigarette, in the quantity of tea used, is about equal jo the tea for two cupra of pretty strong green tea, and, being inhaled instead of taken in the form of an infusion, its action is about ten times as great. If a tea smoker gets through 20 cigarettes a day, he takes the equivalent of about 40 cups of tea as -regards the quantity oonsumed, or of 200 cups at regards the effect.

•————.——— 'KING OSCAR AND ART CRITICISM. A strange story, illustrating the dangers of too ,frank artistic criticism on the part of Royalty, is told by the Copenhagen journals. King Oscar of Sweden, who is not in the best odour in tho Norwegian capital just at present, recently visited the annual art exhibi. tion in Chmtiania, accompanied by the Crown Prince The Nisitors were conducted through the galleries bj Mr. Holmboe, a member of the committee, and him self a painter. On pausing before a certain canva, the Crown Prince remarked that it was a fearful1 composition. The ¡ King, after stooping to dis. cover the artist's name, presently ejaculated with a smile, Wnyj the man must be mad!' The picture was by Holmboe himself, but neither of the Kovftl visitors was aware that it was he who was showing them round. The artist felt much offended, and afterwards declared that he intended to demand an apology. He was prevailed upon by the King s adjutants, however, to say nothing, in order not to embarrass his Royal critics, The sequel is repor ed to have taken place at a banquet given in connection with the Norwegian Artists' Association held on the same evening, when the President announced, amidst applause, that instead of proposing King Oscar it health as usual he would give that of Mr. Holmboe.

ACCORDING to news from Vienna, there is now a third European Sovereign holding a commission in the British Army. It is understood that at the meeting which took place a few days ago between the Queen and the Emperor of Austria, Her Majesty conferred on the Emperor the Colonelcy-in-chief of the 1st (King s) Dragoon Guards. The appointment is appropriate, as this regiment fought side by side with the Austrian cavalry at the battle of Dettingen. The German Emperor is Colonel-in-chief of the 1st (Royal) Dragoons; and the C2ar of Russia Colonel^ in-chief of the 2nd Dragoons.

MR. J. LOWTHER ON FISCAL REFORM. Mr. J. Lowther, M.P., addressed a largely-attended meeting of agriculturists, held in favour of fiscal reform, at Lincoln on the 20th inst. Mr. W. Hornsby, the chairman of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Agriculture, presided, and said that whilst agri* culturists appreciated the value of everything Lord Salisbury's Government was doing for them, they maintained that the whole of the measures before Parliament brought forward to lessen the troubles df the farmers would wst meet the case or stem the tide of thf deplorable depression fast bringing to ruin the great farming interests of the country. Mr. Lowther, who was well received, said there could be no doubt that all the trades in- dustries, and callings in this country were, now con- ducted under circumstances of the greatest difficulty. He could show that the agricultural body especially had been distinctly informed that the measures of the Government—which he, for one, so far as they went, welcomed, for the most part, as steps in the right direction-did not even profess to deal with the real gravity of the circumstances they had to facew Every industry was similarly afflicted with the diffi- culties by which they were themselves surrounded— tbe difficulty of foreign competition.

PATIENT IN A REFRIGERATOR. The British Consul at St. Jago de Cuba, writing to the Foreign Oiffce, gives a description of a curious refrigerating box invented by a Dr. Garcia for the treatment of yellow fever. "A personal friend of mine, who was attacked by yellow fevpr and tried this box, told me afterwards that soon after being put into it his headache began to decrease, the pains in the back became less severe, his great thirst ceased, and in a short time he experienced a feeling of per- feet comfort and rest. The only thing that troubled him was the water, or condensed air, dripping on him from the roof. This defect has now been remedied by slanting the roof sufficiently for it to run down into a trough on either side. The apparatus itsdf is not difficult to make. It is a wooden box or room of about 7 feet in length, 4 feet in breadth, and uk feet 2 high, but these dimensions can of course be varied. Tne walls are double, with an air space of about 3 inches between. One of the long sides is made to open on hinges, with rollers below to run on the floor of the bedroom and take off the weight of the door from the hinges. It also contains a glass window of about 2 feet by 1.1 feet, through which the patient and the 2 thermometer hung over his bed can be seen. This window is also made to open so as to communicate with the patient without having to open the large door. This latter is made of the size of the whole side of the box, in order to allow an iron bedstead to be in- troduced easily. The box has no bottom. The roof is made with two slopes, like the roof of a house, with sufficient incline to allow the condensations to run down it into a small gutter or trough fixed on either side, in the interior, which trough communicates with pipes leading down to carry off the drippings or condensations. The roof is made double, with a conden )ns. space of about 5 inches between to contain the ice, and is hinged so that each side of it can be opened from the outside to introduce the ice. Tho top part of this roof is of wood, and the inner part of copper sheeting, as galvanised iron was found not to withstand the action of the ice, especially when any salt was used with it. The whole apparatus is made in panels, so as to take to pieces for facility of transportation. There are pipes communicating with the ice deposit in the roof these lead down to the bottom and carry off the meltings. There is also a system of ventilation round the top part of the walls, with another close to the bottom, so as to insure a constant current of fresh air, which is very important. The temperature is generally kept a few degrees above freezing, and can be graduated by the use of salt with the ice. The patient is never left in the room for more than three if to 2 days generally suffice.

TO THE GOLD FIELDS. It is announced that since December 1000 to 150& men per week have been arriving at Western Aus- tralia from the Eastern Colonies, and all have been rapidly absorbed. A large proportion of these im- migrants, however, were not of the class most desired, and there was considerable need of labour of the English miner class; £ 3 10s. to C.4 per week is the ordinary rate of pay for miners, and the cost of living from ISa. to 25s. per week for a man living in I his own tent or sharing a larger tent with others. Women also readily find occupation on the gold ileldsas servants, cooks, waitresses, &c. Owing to the development of the gold mines there is great progress in the towns-especially Perth and Fre- mantie.

THE SLAUGHTER OF ANIMALS. The Church Society for the Promotion of Kind- ness to Animals has received the following frosi Mr. Councillor Ratcliff, J.P., master butcher, of Man- ningham-lane, Bradford The custom of starving cattle for any length of time before killing is, I think, now generally condemned by most practical butchers as doing the animals no good for keeping purposes, while doing them real harm in drying up to some extent the juices of the meat. If beasts are to be killed in the morning I step their turnip feed after their first meal the day before, and during the rest of the day I give them hay and water only, and the next morning nothing. If beasts are to be killed in the afternoon they get turnips and hay up to the night before, and only one meal of hay on the morn- ing of the day they are killed. Sheep receive the same treatment."

A BOOKMAKER'S PUNISHMENT. The French authorities have a very drastic method of dealing with bookmakers on racecourses, a method which might with advantage be adopted by the Eng- lish. M. Tible, a French bookmaker, was arrested on September 19 last for calling the odds. There was found upon him a sum of £ 240, which was confis- cated, and on October 24 he was sentenced to 15 days' imprisonment and a fine of 3000f. ( £ 120). He appealed against this verdict, and though the case was tried on the 28th ult., judgment was not given until recently, when the conviction was affirmed, with costs.

TIIEIIB are at present 1074 Church of England livings with an annual income of less than 9100; 1817 of a value of from £100 to EI-50 a year; 2274 between £ 150 and £ 200 a year 4355 between £ 200 and E300 a year; and 4105 over E300 a year. MR. PETER GILSTON, addressing a temperance meeting in Wakefield, stated that last year, while acting °as Mayor of Leeds, he entertained 10,000 persons, including princes, bishops, and judges, and did not provide a single drop of intoxicating drink for any of them. DR. HALL EDWARDS and Dr. Ratcliffe, of Birming- ham, have obtained a Rontgen photograph of the inside of an adult skull, showing the bones, with face, nostrils, and other fleshy structures in graduated shadow. There was no trace of the brain, but the photograph proves the possibility of locating internal osseous tumour. THERE is always a difficulty in fixing the day on which the Queen's Birthday is to be celebrated officially in London. It must be a Saturday, in con- sequence of the various functions which take place, and the Queen likes the celebration to come as soon as possible after May 24. This year the birthday falls upon Whit-Sunday, and as the recess will not have concluded on Saturday, May 30, it will be necessary to postpone the metropolitan celebration until Saturday, June 6. Accordingly the trooping of the colours will take place on that day, and also the full-dress Ministerial banquets, the Prince of Wales being the guest of the Prime Minister, who will entertain the Corps Diplomatique at the Foreign Office, where Lady Salisbury will afterwards hold a { reception, for which upwards of 8000 invitations are to be issued.

A LEARNED DOCTOR. Dr. Samuel Wilkes, who is now spoken of in con- nect ion w iih the presidency of the Royal College 01 Physicians, is a man who at once commands atten- tion in an assembly. He is of fair height, has a presenc. of great dignity,"a head that betrays a considerable intellectuality and is crowned with white hair. The doctor's eyes are keen and blue, and his beard in its jilver whiteness matches his hair. He speaks in a soft and musical voice, and has a courteous manner. Of iK>Wij!any societios and associations he is a member i; would be difficult to sav, but at any neuro'ogical, pathological, or surgical assembly his is a name to conjure with. Perhaps the doctor's popularity is greatest at Guy's, where he is regarded almost as an I apostle. He is a Londoner by birth—he was born in Cam berwelI in 1824—and his unole, the Rev. S. C. Wilkes, was for many years a shining light. in the "Clapham Sect" and the editor of the Chrialian obsep ver. The doctor had his first opportunity when he became Demonstrator of Morbid Anatomy at Guy s, and his lectures on Pathological Anatomy secured him a wide reputation as a diligent stiuient and investigator. Many of tne discoveries he at this period made have now passed into general accept- ance. The doctor has a happy literary manner, and he thus can clothe his medical previsions in fas- cinating garb. The doctor, it is known, does not believe in medical specialism be says frankly he does not understand it.

COD LIVER .OIL. Thsre has during the last few weeks been a con- siderable rise in the wholesale prices of cod liver oil due chiefly, says the British Medical Journal, to un- favourable reports from Norway of the fishing season. Apparently for some years the production of Norwegian oil has been diminishing. La;3t year it consisted of only 12,680 barrels against 18,500 barrels in 1894, and 26,813 bairels in 1893. This year there has been not only a deficiency of fish, in consequence partly of stormy weather, but also the average quality of the fish is still worse than that of last year, the livers having yielded only 25 per cent, of their weight in oil lIainst 33 per cent. in 1395. According to the official report the pro- duction of cod liver oil in the Lofoden clistt ict up to the end of February of this year was 400 hectolitres against 1664 in 1895, 2173 in J894, and 5407 in 1893. In the districts outside Lofoden scarcely any oil has been produced this year. The stock of last year's oil still remaining at Bergen has consequently become unusually small. Already at the middle of February the majority of the manfacturer's agents were refus- ing to quote prices. Ten casks of a yellow impure oil bought last year at 80s. per barrel have been resold this year by auction in London at 155s. per barrel. Now the best oil is selling at 230s. or 240s. per barrel at Bergen, and old oil of good quality has been pur- chased there recently at 185s., 190s., and even at 200s. j per barrel.

A MEDICAL SAVANT. Dr. Patrick Manson, who has opportunely ad- dressed the Royal College of Physicians on the sub- ject of the life-history of malarial fever, was for 20 years one of the most considerable figures in the medical world of the Far East. He was appointed by Sir Robert Hart to a post in connection with the staff of the Imperial Maritime Customs of China, and for a time resided at Amoy, where there is a large hospital for seamen, who were drafted ashore because of 101 forms of parasitic disease contracted in the filthy seaports of Asia. He was thus able to make a long series of observations upon these mala- dies-from leprosy to ringworm—and later on he turned his experience to account when serving on the lecturing staff of the Chinese Medical College at Hong Kong. On returning home the doctor at once found his proper groove in the great seamen's hos- pitals in the Port of London, which are often filled with mariners from Asia, and he has in recent years proved the versatility and pertinacity of his mind by taking the Aberdeen degree of LL.D.

AN ENERGETIC OFFICER. Colonel R. E. Allen, who goes to an important military post in Ireland, has one campaign only to his credit, but he served in that with great distinction. This campaign was the Bechuanaland Expedition of 1884-85, and when be emerged from it he found that the honourable mention in dispatches of his conduct had won for him the brevet rank of lieutenant- colonel. The position which he held in that business was that of deputy-assistant-adjutant and quarter- master-general, and he revealed a resource that had not a little to do with the success of the campaign. After that campaign the colonel held an influential os, position, first at Chatham and next at Chester. He was at Chatham two years—they were two years of great value to him, for they gave him that adminis- trative knowledge (true, he was not long in securing it) which did much to qualify him for the post tc which he now goes. The colonel looks a soldier, and his sharp, terse sentences, his brisk manner, and hit ready initiative reveal the man given to command.

-nmn!nmn" A "CONSCIENCE FUND." The United States Treasury keeps an account, entitled the "Conscience Fund." Remittances are frequently made by persons who explain that they feel bound to make restitution of sums of which they have either wittingly or unwittingly defrauded the Government. These sums vary from a few postage- stamps to lsrge cheques, the largest of which ever received being for 8000dol. A cheque for 465dol. was received during the past year. Among the people heard from are some who have evaded payment of duties at the Custom House. These receipts are always acknowledged by a notice in the newspapers of the place where the remittance was post-marked, the signatures being generally fictitious. The Treasury officials believe that many of the remittances to the Conscience Fund are from feeble-minded persons who are under a hallucination that they owe some- thing.

CARRIAGES WITHOUT HORSES. The self-propelled carriage will be the principal feature in this year's summer crop of exhibitions. A meeting has been held at the Mansion House with the object of encouraging the new industry, and it is likely to hold an important place in a show to be held at the Crystal Palace under the terrific title of the International Horse and Horseless Carriage and Roads Locomotion Exhibition, to be opened in May. At the Imperial Institute an exhibition of mechanical conveyances will be held during the summer under the auspices of the Motor Car Club Syndicate. At the Sports, Games, and Industrial Exhibition to be held at Scarborough from May to October awards will be given for the best designed horseless carriage, fitted with any kind of motor, for motors suitable for carriages, yachts, and boats, and for self-propelling cycles.

WATER GAS. Th" Birmingham Corporation is always in the van of progress. It has just decided to commence the manufacture of water gas to supplement its present production of coal gas, which is scarcely adequate to the requirements of the city. It is not proposed to adopt water gas in a greater proportion than one- third of the total gas production. The plant about to be put down will diminish the amount of coal required to the extent of 8000 tons per annum, and ultimately to 165,000 tons. The capital outlay upon two installa- tions, including buildings and oil tanks now ordered, will be about £ 60,000, as compared with about E130,000 which would be required upon the most economical lines for coal gas plant of a corresponding capacity.

"SHROUDS," exclaimed an old lady, who was listen- ing to an old sea-captain's story ",WLtt do you have them at sea for?" "To bury dead caiais L.) ma'am, replied the old salt. HKKE'S a chance for some young man who wants employment: "To the Credit Drapery Trade — Wanted a young man, to be partly cut of door and oartlv behind the counter,"

WILLS AND BEQUESTS. Estate duty at the rate of 7iV per cent., amount inj to £ 6273 10s. 4d., has been paid on £8,4Gi 7s. ra the vahle of the personal estate (including £ .3(1,G4 4s. 10d. in England), of the fifth Marquis of Water- ford, of Curraghmore, Portlaw, Waterford, M.P. for Waterford 1865-66, Master of the Buckhmmds 1885-86, who died on the 23rd of October last, aged 51 years. Lord Waterford's will bears date August 24. 1895, with codicils of the 25th of September and 9th of October. The executors are Sir Robert Nigel Fitzhardinge Kingscote, of Kingscote, Glou- cester, Captain Owen Randal Stacke, of Fane Valley, Dundalk, and Mr. Cecil Chaplin, of 21, Grafton-street, to each of whom for the executorship the testator bequeathed £400. Power is reserved to grant probate also to his widow, Blanche Elizabeth Adelaide Mar- chioness of Waterford, only daughter of the Duke ol Beaufort. It was Lord Waterford's desire that tht presents of jewellery, trinkets, ornaments, and furni- ture made to Lady Waterford should be regarded as hers absolutely. He bequeathed to his brothers, Lore Charles, Lord William, Lord Marcus, and Lord Dele Val Beresford S100 each for the purchase of « memento of him. He charged his mansion house in Charles street, St. James's, with the pay- ment of E100 a year to his daughter! Ladj Susan and Lady Clodagh Beresford, whilst un. married, and he appointed under settlements made in 1874 a sum of £ 20,000, and he charged all hit estate with a further sum of Y-20,000 upon trusts in favour of his said two daughters and their issue, but if either daughter should marry without the consent of Lady Waterford her interest in this sum is to bf forfeited in favour of the other. The testator charged his estate with the payment of E120 a year to Mist Keith Gomme, that she may continue the companion of his daughters whilst either cf them is unmarried, and he bequeathed, to devolve as heirlooms, the Aliir.,v Queen of Scots pearl necklace, the three row pearl necklace, a diamond bracelet, a diamond ring, a sapphire ring, and three miniatures. Lord Waterford devised and bequeathed all the rest, residue, and remainder of his estate, real and personal, to his son, Henry De la Poer, Earl of Tyrone, now sixth Marqu's of Waterford, or on failure of this trust in trust for such person as should succeed to the title. By his will, with codicils of March 10, 1890, and Jan. 8, Feb. 11, and May 4, 1894, the Hon. James Israel Fellows, of Saxon Hall, Palace Court, Bays- water, formerly of St. John's, New Brunswick, Agent- General for the Province, a Governor of the Im- perial Institute, who died on January 22 last, aged 67 years, bequeathed to his wife £ 500, his house- hold furniture, the use and enjoyment during her widowhood of his plate and articles of vertu, and an annuity during her widowhood of £ 1200,or in theevent of her remarriage an annuity during the reiiiarder of her life of £ 500. The testator bequeathed to his sister, Mrs. Mary Ann Langley, a life annuity of £ 200, and to her daughters Amanda and Alice Langley legacies of £ 100 each. Be bequeathed to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Crane, during the widow- hood of Mrs. Fellows an annuity of £ 25, to be in- creased to e75 if Mrs. Fellows should marry again. Mr. Fellows bequeathed to each of his children such minimum number of his shares in the Fellows Chemical Manufacturing Company as will entitle each holder to vote at meetings of the company, and he bequeathed to Mr. Addison Prescott Hiller, of Holborn-viaduct, one of the executors of the will, £100 a year until all the testator's shares in the com- pany are disposed of. The executors are to take fis their remuneration four per cent. of the income of the residuary estate, which is left upon trusts for his son, Frederick Barrington Fellows, and his daughters, Mrs. Ida Backhouse, Mrs. Eva Harrison, Mrs. May Lambert, and Mrs. Zoe Kenny, but Mrs. Fellows's income during her widowhood is not to be less than that of each of the children. The personal estate left by Mr. Fellows has been valued at £ 18,975 8s. 2d. By his will, which bears date July 7, 1885, the Rev. Sir John Warren Hayes, of Newlands, Berks, third baronet, who was born in the year 1799, and was from 1839 to 1879 rector of Arberfield, appointed as sole executor Mr. John Simonds, of Newland?, Reading. Sir John Hayes died on January 23 last,, and his father died in 1809. The testator bequeaths to his daughter-in-law, Julia Anne, widow of his son, Captain John Beauchamp Hayes, £ 300, and he leaves the residue of his estate in trust to pay the income to her during her widowhood, and subject to her interest to hold the estate in trust in equal lhares for her children (all of whom are daughtersl by the testator's said son. On failure of this trust the residuary estate is to be in trust for the testator's daughter, Mrs. Ellen Anne Simonds. The personal estate of the late Sir J. W. Hayes has beeu valued at E5236 6s. 5d. The personal estate has been valued at £:?fJ,509 14s. lid. of Mrs. Ann Buswell Bennett, of Carisbrook Villa, Upper Tulse-hill, and of the firm of Lincoln, Bennett, and Co., hatters, of Sackville-street, Picca- dilly, who died on January 27 last, the widow of Mr. John Fletcher Bennett, of Sackville-street. The executors of Mrs. Bennett's will, which bears date August 2, 1895, with a codicil made October 9, 1895. are Mr. John Brouncker Ingle, of 20, Thread- needle-street, and Mr. John Bamford Slack, of 21, Queen Victoria-street, solicitors, to each of whom the testatrix bequeaths £ 100 to her friend and partner George Randell, EIOO; to William Tee, in acknow- ledgment of his long and faithful service with the firm, £ 500; to the testatrix's daughter Mrs. Clara Moyes, EIOOO; to her niece Mary Ann Spriggs, E500 to her sister Elizabeth Blamires the income during her life of a sum of £1000; to Florence Buss, £100; to her servants of one year's service, each six months' wages; and to the trustees of the Wesleyan Chapel, Brixton hill, £ 1000. Mrs. Bennett devised Carisbrook Villa and bequeathed the furniture upon trusts for her daughter Helen Mary Soldi, and she bequeathed her plate and plated articles, books, and pictures to her three daughters. Ann Jarichow, Maria Bretherton, and Helen Mary Soldi. The houses No. 81, 83, and 85, Upper Tulse- hill. Tulse-hill House, and the residue of Mrs. Bennett's real estate are left in trust for sale after 12 years, but not earlier, and in the meantime the income therefrom is to be paid to the testatrix's said three daughters, amongst whom the proceeds of sale are to be divided. The residue of Mrs. Bennett's personal estate is also left in trust for her said three daughters. The personal estate of Mr. Bobert Fowler, of Felt- ham House, Feltham, and of 28, Victoria-street, solicitor, one of the directors of the Law Land Com- pany, and one of the founders of other companies, who died on July 21 last, aged 65, has been valued at JE7637 gross and net nil. Mr. Fowler's will, which is throughout in his own handwriting, bears no date, but a certificate has been filed that the will was executed on December 21, 1886. The testator appointed as 'executors his wife, Mrs. Helen Mary Fowler, his son Mr. Archibald R. Fowler, and his friend Mr. F. W. Blunt, to the last-named of whom he bequeathed £100, and he left the residue of his property in trust to pay the income thereof to Mrs. Fowler during her life, and after her death to p;vy the income to his children, until the youngest of them attains the. aW of 21 years or is married, and then to distribute the estate in equal shares amongst them. The trustees are to arrange for carrying on the testator's practice as a solicitor, and may employ the trust funds as capital. The will, dated March 7, 14-, with a codicil, dated September 19, 1895, of Mr. John Death, late of Poplar House, in the Borough of Cambridge, who died on January 4, 1896, was proved on the 13th inst. by Anna Maria Owers, George Apthorpe, and Samuel George Wheaton, the executors, the personal estate amounting to 948,742. The testator bequeaths E100 to each of his executors; the plate presented to him by the University and Town of Cambridge to the Master and Fellows of Jesus College, and the Master for the time being to have the option of its custody to his nieces Caroline Aptborpe, £ 3000, and Anna Maria Owers the residue of plate and in- come of £10,000 whilst she remains unmarried, but on her marriage two-fifths of the capital to be divided equally between the children of Caroline Apthorpe, and the interest of the remaining three- j fifths is to be retained by Anna Maria Owers, with power of appointment in favour of the children of j Caroline Apthorpe; to his brother, James Pea an annuity of £ 150 to his sisters, Ann „ and Susannah Death, a joint annuity o and to each of his brother James's daughters, £ 00 on the death of their father (after bequeatmg Beveral other legacies to relations and fnendb. to his servants—John Bates, £ 300 Hannah Carlton, £ 200* Agnes Carlton, £ 120; Sarah Carlton, £ 120; Mary White, £ 120; and Edmund Mann, £30. The following legacies are bequeathed to Cambridge I charities: Adenbrookes Hospital, £ 2000; the Cot- tage Home for Little Orphan Girls, £ 500; Female i Refuge, CW the Town Fund of the Home and Training School for Nurses, £ 500 to the District Fund of the same institution, E500 (nnd F-15,000 to Anna Maria Owers, to be given to such charities as Bhe might gelect, revoked by codicil). The residue the testator bequeath;, to Anna Maria Owers au.- tutelv.

MARKET NEWS. MARK-ir.Tb ere was not much business doing on Monday, and prices have bad a weak tendency. Tho sales of home-grown wheat in the leading markets of England and Wales during the first 29 weeks of the season were 9f»2,737qr., against 1,399,221qr. last season, at an average of 25s Id against 19s 8d pe* qr.; barley, 3.223,692qr., against 3,002,504qr., tha average being 24s, against 22s 5d per qr.; and oate, 514,601qr., against 440,329qr., at an average of 14s, against 14s per qr. English wheat moved off slowly, and was 6d lower to sell. Foreign wheat was inac- tive, and 3d to 6d easier. Flour was a dull market, at Gd decline. Barley was in limited request, on former terms. Oats moved off slowly at about late rates. Maize was firm, and quite as dear. Beans and peas sold at previous currencies. METROPOLITAN CATTLE.—Tbe cattle trade has re- mained in the same dull condition..As regards | beasts, the supply of both prime and secondary qualities was much smaller than usual. Nevertheless, in consequence of the congested state of the dead !:Ieat market, trade was very heavy, and prices had a tendency in favour of buyers. Fat bulls and rough cattle were most unsaleable. The best Scots made 4s 4d; Norfolks, 4s to 4s 2d; Lincolns, 3s lOd to 4s; Irish, 3s 8d to 3s lOd; and fat cows, 3s 4d to 3s 6d per 81b. Sheep were in smaller supply, but there was a good show of lambs. Choice wether sheep were in request and rather dearer, and young ewes, which were scarce were firm In value, otherwise the trade was of a dull and drag- ging character. The best 7|-stone to 8-stone Downs reached 5s 8d; 10-stone, 5s 4d 10-stone half-breds, 5s 2d to 5s 4d; 12-stone Lincolns, 4s lOd to 58 and 10-stone Down ewes, 4s to 4s 4d per 81b. Lambs were firm and 2d per Slb. dearer. Calves nominal. Pigs sold slowly at late rates. English milch cows, £ 12 to Y,20 perhead. The following were the prices current: Coarse and inferior beasts, 2s 4d to 3s second quality ditto, 3s 2d to 3s 8d; prime large oxen, 3s 10d to 4s 2d; ditto Scots, &c., 4s 2d to 4s 4d; coarse and inferior sheep, 3s 4d to 4s 4d second quality ditto, 4s 6d to 5s 2d; prime coarse-woolled ditto, 5s 4d to 5s 6d prime Southdown ditto, 5s6d to I 5s 8d; lambs, 6s Od to 8s Od large coarse calves, 3s 2d to 4s 4d prime small ditto, 5s 6d to 6s large bogs, 2s to 2s 6d; and neat small porkers, j 3s to 3s 6d per 81b to sink the offal. METROPOLITAN MEAT.—The supply has been very large-of the latter quite excessive, and much of it of very inferior quality. Prices were abnormally low even for the primest quality, whilst other descrip- tions could not be disposed of at extremely low rates. The trade was very bad, and a larg quantity was left unsold. Prices: Inferior beef, Is 6d to 2s Od; middling ditto, 2s Od to 2s 8d; prime ditto, 3s Od to 3s 4d; Scotch ditto, 3s 4d to 3s 6d; Scotch short sides ditto, 3s 6d to 3s 10d American, Liverpool killed, 2s 8d to 2s 1] d ditto killed hind-quarters, 2s 8d to 2s lOd; ditto, ditto, fore-quarters, Is 4d to Is 6d English veal, 3s 4d to 5s 2d; Dutch ditto, 2s 8d to5s Od; inferior mutton. Is 8d to 2s 4d middling ditto, 2s 4d to 3s old; prime ditto, 3s 8d to 4s 2d; Scotch ditto, 4s 2d to 4s 6d; New Zealand ditto, i 2s Od to 2s 4d; American ditto, 2s 4d to 2s lOd; j English lamb, 6s Od to 7s Od New Zealand ditto, 3s 6d to 3s 8d; large pork, 2s 4d to 2s 8d; small Iditto, 3s Od to 3s 4d; and Dutch ditto, 2s 4d to j 2s 8d per 81b. by the carcase. BILLINGSGATE Fisii.-Fair supply; good demand. Prices: Wholesale: Salmon, Is 6d; soles, Is 5d to Is 9d; red mullets, Is to 2s salmon trout, Is 8d per lb.; turbot, 12s to 14s; brill, 10s halibut, 7o plaice, 5s to 5s 6d lemon soles, 7s per stone; mackerel, 18s per pad; whitings, 8s; cod, 12s; gurnet, 9s; skate, 10s; smelts, 2s per box; fresh haddocks, 10s to 12s per trunk; ditto, 22s 6d per turn; live eels, 21s dead eels, 16s per draft conger eel, 35s fresh herrings, 25s; coalfish, 10s per barrel; lobsters, 15s to 40s per score; crabs, 18s per hamper; oysters, 4s to 15s per 100; escallops, 14a per bag; shrimps, 10s winkles, 8s to 12s per bushel; mussels, 7s per bag; bloaters, 2s 6d to 3s; kippers, 2s 6d per box dried haddocks, 3s 6d to 7s per dozen. Retail: Salmon, Is 9d to 2s 3d; salmen trout, Is lOd to 2s; soles, Is 8d to 2s slips, Is 8d; John Dorys, 8d turbot, Is 2d to Is 6d; brill, Is to Is 2d; halibut, 9d to lOd; lemon soles, 8d; fresh haddocks, 4d; gurnet, 4d to 6d; plaice, 5d cod, 4d to Sd skate, 4d to 6d live eels, Is 3d; dead eels, 9d to Is per lb; mackerel, 4d to 7d whitings, 3d to 6d lobsters, Is to 3s 6d crabs, 6d to 3s: dried haddocks, 4d to 9d each; oysters, 6d to 3s 6d escallops, Is per dozen whitebait, Is per quart. ESCLISH WooL.Great firmness characterises the wool market, and the outlook is regarded as ex- tremely hopeful. The number of transactions does not, however, increase, as much business is checked by the manner in which the raw material is held, sellers being very indifferent if their prices are not yielded. Wool is still going into consumption, and this gradual depletion of existing stocks greatly encourages holders in their independent attitude. Buyers, on the other hand, are acting with great caution, and at recent rates would purchase freely, but will not yield the higher prices now asked, and the struggle between buyers and sellers is becoming very keen. Spinners, though busy on old contracts, do not find new business at remunerative rates easy tO- meet with, and are consequently loth to follow prices asked for wool. Colonial wools sell better than home-grown, and command full rates, btiyer-i from the Continent purchasing very freely. Long-woola still keep good, and the more favourite qualities hold their own, and the recent firmer tone in short wools is maintained. Downs, 95d to lOid Kents, lOd to 2 10|d; half-breds, lOd. 2 BOROUGH AND SPITAUIELDS POTATO.—There was » large supply of potatoes on sale. The demand was dull, at the annexed rates Magnum bonums, 30s to, 45s; Hebron, 60s to 80s; main crops, 40s to 60s;. Blacklands, 30s to 35s per ton. SEED TRADE.—The recent rains naturally hinder Bowing operations, and consequently momentarily curtail consumptive inquiries. Values of clover and grass seeds show no variation, but remain at the low level which proves this season so acceptable to buver*. Tares slow. The Wisconsin green boiling peas being cheap and handsome attract attention for holding over. Rapeeeed firm. WHITECUAPKL HAY AND STRAW.—Superior picked hav, 84s to 88s good hay, 75s to 77s inferior, 50s to 65s best clover, 84s to 90s good clover, 80s to 82s; inferior, 60s to 75s straw, 30s to 3Ss. Co VENT GARDEN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.—Fair suppl es on offer, with a moderate demand. Green- stuffs Brussels sprouts, 2s to 3s per bushel; English onions, 5s to 5s 6d per cwt.; artichokes, Is 6d to 2s per dozen carrots, 2s to 2s 6d turnips, Is-Gci to 2s per dozen bunches; potatoes, 30s to 90s per ton. English grapes, Is 6d to 3s; English tomatoes,. 4d to Gd per lb.; English apples, 4s to 5s 6d: per bushel. CAMBRIDGE CATTLE.—Although only a poor supply of fat beasts, Lrzdo was a little better. A good show of fat sheep, but prices were not quite so good. Very fsw store sheep were shown. A very large show of fat pigs at slightly reduced prices. Trade for store pigs was somewhat better. An improved trade all round for hay, straw, and roots. Beef, 6s 6d to 7s 6d mutton, 4s 4d to 5s 4d; pork, 4s to,5s.. READING CATTLE.—Beef was in short supply, and trade proved quiet. Mutton was plentiful, and a rat her better trade was experienced. Veal was scarce and dear. Best beef made 4s to 4s 4d secondary, 3s to 3s 8d per stone prime mutton realised 58 2d to 5s 6d: and inferior sorts, 4s to 4i; 8d per stone veal. 4s 4d to 5s lOd per stone. CORK BUTTER.—Ordinary: Firsts, 106s.; seconds, 93s; thirds, 84s; and fourths 69s per cwt. Mild- cured firkins: Fine, 9/s per cw Gr.iMSB v FISH.—Moderate supply large demand. Brills, Is Od to Is Id per lb. cod, bve, 3s 0d to 7s (3d dead, Is 6d to 6s each; pickled, 35s to 37» per barrel*, salt, 14sjpercwt; codlings, 12s to 16s per box; halibut, live, is od to 8s 6d; dead, 6B Od to 6s 9d per stone; haddocks, GOs to 70s per kit; round, 17s to 24s per box live, 20s to 23s per score finnan, 4s to 4s 3d per stone; ling, live, 3s to 6s; dead, 2s to 4s each; American oysters, 4s 6d; Dutca, 8s to lis English, 7s 6d Heligoland, 6s 6d per liYJ; plaice, 4s 6d to 6s per stone; soles, Is 6d to Is 8.0 per lb.; lemon, 7s to 8s per stone; salmon alld grilse, Is 7d to Is 9d per lb.; skate, live, 3e to l S; dead, 2s 6d to 5s each; turbats, Is 2d to Is 4d per lb.; tusks, 10s to 30s per score; whitches, 6e to 7s per stone; whelks, 3s 6d per waeh; ioe. Is 6d per cwt. <

AT Liverpool Assizes on Monday, before Mr. Justice Kennedy, a married woman, named Ida Malonev Baxter, aged 23, was found guilty of murder- ing her' two children by cutting their throats at Sefton, near Liverpool. It was proved that the prisoner was insane at the time, and she was ordered to be detained as a criminal lunatic duriftf her Majesty's pleasure.

TWO QUEER WORDS. There are two words of American origin which are frequently mis-spelled in England, and it is only here and there that one obseives the proper spelling. In Great Britain," wrote the late Dr. Underwood, formerly United States Consul at Glasgow, ono reads of Bunkum instead of Buncombe, the name of the county in North Carolina where lived the spread- eagle orator for whose flights the term was invented. So one reads of 'jerrymander' instead of Gerry- mander, the editor being ignorant that the word was derived from the name of Elbridge Gerry (G hard), whose device for a tricky division of the State into electoral districts has given him an unenviable immortality."