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BRITISH COAL AND STRIKES.
BRITISH COAL AND STRIKES. '{Chose responsible for fomenting coal strikes in ;this country should read the following extract from ^tbe report of Consul Ward at Bordeaux: The total 'importations of British coal to Boideaux in 1895 458,444 tons, as against 417,430 ton? in the previous year, an increase, therefore, of 41,014 tons- Of these importations the French railway coinpajiies at Bordeaux took last year 70,000 tons, while in 1894 they had only taken 17,000 tons. The remainder was, as usual, imported for household or lip riai use. The fact that there were no very pro- ledor serious strikes in the United Kingdom in Ig95, and the niaintennuce of, prices conscqneni lv at a sufficiently low figure for attracting particularly the simdler consumers, had a favourable effect upon -the import trade to this port, in British coal last Veer. It is, however, only private custom yvhicli now ran be taken into account, by. those who supply j>ritish coal for use in France, as the various Government works are obliged to use French coal, whatever may be the difference in their price. So long a& strikes in the coal industry at home and t lie .consequent sudden rise in prices can be avoided, 'there is, in spite of the increasing demand for French coal at this port, every probability of the trade in British coal with Bordeaux continuing to prosper and increase. But wherever French coals be usied economically (by private consumers), the lightest interruption in the supply or in the regular prices of the British products, such as is caused by strikes at home, at once brings the French product to the front. It must be remembered tJmt the French mines are now better fitted than formerly for producing larger quantities and for continuing their arrangements for greater output if required, and also that there are several districts in France -yjjiqh now produce really gaod coal -'so tliat alto- etj/er. it is becoming more and more diflicult t(? cb»DSe a Purchaser's opinion, who may for one geaeon or the other havo taken to the use of French s co5 of good quality.
,THE ARMENIAN MASSACRES.
THE ARMENIAN MASSACRES. A lady residing in one of the Franciscan mis- sionary stations in the Orfah district has described 'the scenes of massacre and desolation there. She says: On October 28 there were about 4000 Armenian families residing at Orfah. After December 29 there were only 500 families who had not suffered. As many as 480 families have been completely exter- minated, and in upward? of 3000 others either single members ot, in frequent instances, the greater number of them are missing. It is estimated that the total number of grown men and young people who have been murdered exceeds 8000. It is certain that about 3000 women and children were killed in the Armenian church whither they had fled for gafety. Only 80 out of about 700 wounded have re- covered from their injuries. All the Armenian 'houses have been plundered and destroyed, and 300 bazaars owned by Armenians and Cat holics have been looted and razed to the ground. The last attack occurred quite unexpectedly on a Saturday, which is the day on which most of the families wash their linen. The disaster was terrible. There were more than 1000 victims in the course of 24 hours.
.OUR "HUNDRED MILLION" BUDGET.
OUR "HUNDRED MILLION" BUDGET. "THE RICHER THE STATE, TJlE rOORER THE PEOPLE. It is, perhaps, not to be wondered at, (eays the tlat the nation is elated at beiny able to raise so vast a revenue as it does raise with so little difficulty or complaint. For the Treasury to have an income of over £ 100,000,000 is unquestionably a most remarkable achievement but wo cannot say that we altogether sliare"lbe jubilation with which the fiscal statistics of the past year have been received. No doubt taxes th^t draw plentifully and without friction are a sign of national prosperity, and may, so friction are a sign of national prosperity, and may, so far, be regarded with satisfaction. They are an ^economic barometer, and it is always pleasant to see the glass rising. The public, however, is not Ijontent to take this moderate and limited view of a "Bumper Budget." They are much too apt to rush to the conclusion that because a country has a large yeVenue it is possessed of enormous riches. A good deal of the, talk indulged in during the past week geeois indeed to suggest that, the State is in possession of, F^not. irt'cfeed, of an inexhaustible I tveby-bng. If, However, people would only stop to think for a moment, they would remember that it is they themselves who are the Government, and that it is their money which is being heaped ttp in the Treasury. We do not feel at all sure (the Economist continues) that no harm is done by this confused way of looking at the matter. I YVp believe, that it tends to make people both careless in regard to the raising and the spending of money. The old impatience of taxation, the feeling that the I taxes were evils, if necessary evils, and that they must 'be kept in strict bounds, was, in our opinion, a far Safer and healther attitude for public opinion than that at present in fashion. Depend upon it, it is an evil to raise more money by taxation than is abso- lutely necessary for the "neèds of the nation. The individual knows far better how to spend his money to his own advantage and to the advantage of his fellows than does the State. If, on the other band, the same sum is raised by the State, it is raised peremptorily and at a fixed date. But this often means a considerable sacrifice of happi- ness on the part of the person from whom it is raised. He may be obliged to part with it at a most inccivfojient monjent. If, however, the money is really wanted, and is spent upon the State's necessi- ties, there is, of course, no more to be said. Not un- freqnently, however, and especially in good years," » considerable portion is muddled and wasted, and expended upon more or less inexpedient objects. But this being the case, it is obviously right to object to tnon-Y being taken out of the individual's pocket. unlets there is a clearly defined and necessary object upon .which to spend it. Hence it is far whoU'somer that the public should object to 11 blotted budgets" than cry out with, delight at the discovery that they are raising £ 109,000,000 by taxation. At the present, moment Wp are fully aware i that it is necessary to spend largely Cpon the navy, and to place the safety of these islands from foreign attack beyond all question, and to do this of course requires the raising, of a large ie. We should, therefore, be the last to sug- gest an outcry against necessary protective expendi- t ture. At the same time, we should prefer to see out present revenue regarded as a matter of grim and •unpleasant necessity than as a subject for rejoicing and congratulation. It is greatly needed that the public should grasp the significance of the iiiaxini, The richer the State, the poorer the people." Could they ç¡n master this proposition we should heat less glorification of our overflowing Exchequer.
' THE PAPER THAT WE LOVE.
THE PAPER THAT WE LOVE. The Bank of England notes now in use are most -elaborately manufactured "bits of paper. The paper itself is remarkitble in rhany ways; none other has that peculiar feel" of crispneas and toughness, -while the eye (when it baa satiated itself with'the amount ") may dwell with admiration on the paper's •remarkable whiteness. Its thinness and transparency are guards against two once-popular,modes of forgery —the washing out of the printing by iiiea 'no of tur- pontin^ and erasure with the knife. The wire- tsark 6T water-mark is another precaution again ?t and is produced in the paper 'rJ' i,n a state of pulp.. In the old iiianufac- m ° „' n*"notesthis water-mark was caused by an 25°°> •U'd'f.an2 which?. W ,4; is,engraved in a steel-faced as a pt'nch to „5erwai"^B hardened, and is then used brass The 8hftd'°P Pattern out plates of sheet brass, xne shading of the letters of this water-mark enormously inoreagas the u rri paper is made entirely from £ t ,Inltaf.10U- Th«
- STRANGE ADVENTURE AT LLANDUDNO.'
STRANGE ADVENTURE AT LLANDUDNO. Two visitors, a lady and gentleman, have had a remarkable adventure on the rocks oi Little Orllle Llandudno. During Saturday night the lifeboat put out, to theni) seeing that they were in danger, out they shouted, Go back, we decline to niouVr f° the boat returned. Shortly aftermid,- lam-> Roberts, the piermaster, went with a the ro^l-Sear<^ fche pair, hearing shouting from pon0;riu,.8Vi getting out of his depth, he swam a d,i8ta^e: and found the ladv and Cv„7nwnch. exhausted. At about three o'c.ock PraiaaidA^n1"0^!138 they "ere rescued, and takeu to oraitrside. near the T,ittie Orme.
PARISII COU-NCILS.
PARISII COU-NCILS. The Poll at-Parish Council Election?.—We hava lo: « (remarks the Council (iv:ettc) been awaitih* the ppearanceof an individual.bold enorgh to defend the present system of allowing a single voter to de- mand a pull. At last he has come upon the scenejn the person of a certain W. J. L. whe in a recent issue.of the Stamlard goes so far as to contend that a poll should follow as a matter of COUIBO whenever there are more qualiiied candidates than seats; W. J. L." may be congratulated on hie courage. opposing the .almost unanimous tendency of public opinion, but we fear that his argument.s will not gall) many converts. As a curiosity, however, if not 011 ,onv higher ground, his letter, deserves quotation I fLiU "Sir,—Will you permit me to put, tb.3 olherpid6 ,of the question before ',Rural :Elentor' and' Hate1 paver,' who coiiider it monstrous ihit one rejected candidate at the Parish Meeting LI.c,uld have powci to claim a poll? It is evident that the Parish Meet- ing does not represent the electoral opinion of a parish, for the following reasons "1. In many parishes no room would be large enough to contain all the electors. 2. A large number of respectable rate-paying electors are unable, or unwilling, to attend a Parish Meeting, with its unwelcome contingencies. 3. In many parishes there are many electors of the fair sex, who could hardly be expected to attend a Parish Meeting on a dark, cold, and inclement March evening. "Thus, the majority of rate-paying electors (for those who attend are for the most part compound householders, lodgers, &c.) would have no opportunity of expressing their .views as to the'suitability Of' the candidates were there no poll. I think, on tbe other hand, that where there are more qualified candidates than scats a poll should follow as a matter of course subject to the withdrawal of candidates within, say, 24 hours. At the last election cases occurred where candidates, for whom very slight support was found in the shew of hands, secured advanced positions at the subsequent poll. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, W. J. L." A Parish with Two Electors.—A meeting of the Wirral itural Council was held at BirkenLetld the other day, when it was reported that a curious state 6f affairs had again arisen at N etherpool. When the Local Government Act was passed the township was returned as having 300 electors, and it was accord- ingly entitled to a Parish Council of five members. On the completion of the Manchester Ship Canal the population migrated from Netherpool, with the result that only two electors remained, both residing under one roof. The election of a Parish Council was fixed for Saturday, but when the nomi- nations should have been made one of the electors was temporarily absent from the township, and the remaining representative of the ratopaying popula- tion of the district did not feel at liberty to elect himself unanimously." Under the circumstances the clerk to the County Council intimated that in all probability the "Parish Council" for Netherpool would be dissolved. "The ohief item of discussion and expenditure m\ of course the relief of the poor the othet subjects included church expenses, road repairs, constable's expenditure, payment for foxes' heads, sparrows, &c. The following items are selected from 1657-60: 'The widow Baskefield boy dyed, (id. and 2d. more. Agreed to pay Jerrome Itioe's rent, 12s. per ann. and 6d. a weeke for to keepe the widdowe Ilarvey during life. To John Laugher to sett him oil worke, »r)s. Gd. To Ann Sale by ye weeke for ye winter, 3d. To John Pùundrell toredeeme his toles, 6s. Gave Hen. Grilnn lid. Allowed Christopher Clifford to buy him shooes," Sic., &c. The Restoration made no impression on these records, unless a paucity of details for the next 10 years may be regarded as such. In-1697, ye whole weekly pay for paupers' is put down as £ 1 Os. 7d. As the population was about 770, this amount does not appear excessive, but was ex- clusive of the occasional and temporary relief, such items occurring as: Given to old Jon. Bradford's wiffe for twins, Is.; to Henry Hunt's wench, 6d. &c. In 1700, the accounts of Mr. Richard ferks, churchwarden, contained, several interesting items, e-g., for ringing 29 May, ,3a. r for ringing at ye proclamation of ye war, 3s.; washing communion challis and scouring ye plate, Is. Gd.; for taking five foxes, bs.; pd. for whitsun farthings, Is. 6Ø,; &c..During this year the erection of a workhouse was strongly and successfully opposed on the grounds that it would increase the rates and at a subsequent meeting the resolution was confirmed, and mention made of ye bell metal wch upon ye late casting of ye bells was sold or imbeziled.' "For the last half of the 18th century nearly every payment must have been entered-e.g., gave Sarah Baylis to buy her a shift, 3s.; paid for shroud for Sol. Morris' child, Ie. 3d.; paid for bleeding Geo. Ballard, 6d.; paid at Lightfoot's wife's groan- ing, midwife, and other expenses, log. 8d. (these are called shouting, cases in the north); paid for the lying ih. month .$we ,ar,ing the father, and other charges of Mary Bowa, 289. paid the widow Tandy for, cleaning Hannah Morris, 2s. 6d. etc., etc. There are many entries of payment .for coal and kids, the latter meaning faggots of wood. Temporary and extra relief was largely given, as evi- denced by such entries as Gave Edwd. Crook's famely in illness wt the smallpox, £ 1 0s. 6d.; Gave vagabond in this year, 4s.; Paid Eichd. Hopkins to make up his wages,^s. Paid for pair of, breeches forjSaml. Buggin, 3a.' etc., etc." Curiotls Find of Old Deeds.—A series of curious 1 0 old documents have been brought to light in the overhauling of the parish chest at Bramley. Among these is an'abstract of the will of Henry Smith re- lating to his benefaction to the parish, bearing date Jan. 20, 1626. In the list of payments in this ccn- nection are the followinit quaint entries: A.D. 1712.—Paid for gowne and potticoate for Widow Palmer and dafter. 12 6 Stuff to make George Heath a coat and waeket II. 14 0 Making ye same a 6 There are numerous" assessments for and towards I Uie and for providing a convenient (took there in." In the churchwardens (sometimes called Chappie wardens") accounts occur: I 1600. — Payed towards the reliefe of pafsengers 10 0 Payed for a kilderkin of beare when King William came from. Eirland at tho bonfire .7 6 Payed to Shalford Churchwardens 6g (This annual payment still continues.) i'ayed for a brook's (badger's) hed 1 0 Payee}, to (two) for hedes 0 Payed to Thomas ffrankes his constabell money what was layed out 5 0 1711-—liogger Woodes for a fox 1 0 (Entries for killing foxes, badgers, &c., are frequent.) Uave a-nainister's wife 10 Foure dinners at Uisettaison (visitation) 8 0 1714.-Paicl for a uroclamation for ye in- continent of pietie and vertue 1 o Four spitters to Rt. Smith and three others 16 0 For a kilderkin of beer when ye King was crowned 16 0 Ringers for the Crownnaishon 2 a frequent payments for beer to the ringers may r account for the faet that new bell rops were paid for in 171A 1716, 1721, 1727, 172S. mn T7^> I 1716— Paid For beer at Pouder PlQtt 2 6 1726.—"V icar for churchirig a wbmaa 6 Clerk forchurching-her 2 1727.-rrSpent goeing to. Guildfoid a bout Tlioo.- Sinainolis 3 Q Gave a man who was going to New England lhat was ill with a feaver e
[No title]
Tits Mayor of Douglas, Mr. Thomas Keig, died on the 13th inst. He was 67 years old, and was the first Mayor of Douglas. n EXTENSIVE stores connected with the Cory I'lax Spinning Mills, County Antrim, were destroyed by fire on' the 13th inst. The damage is estimated at £ 6000.. A PROPOSAL for anotner international sporting contest comes f^6m America. This time the challenge has to do with cards, the invitation is not—-as some might suppose, in view of the quarter whence it emanates—to take A hand at poker, but to,play a rubber goqd 0|d game of whist. It appears that the sixth American Whist Congress is to be held at lirooklyn in June, and the corresponding secretary American Whist League suggests that England should send a team of four or more playeis to conmetewith the best the United States can produce.
GREATER DIUTAIN.
GREATER DIUTAIN. TUB Hon. Air-. Justice Candy recently delivered judgment in Bombay in the C1íSft in wh;ch Mr. Pur- sotumda8 Triblioii-ndziselaillicl(i I" Mr. I'ur- flhotumdaa Mungnldas, a son of the Kte Sir Mun- guldas Nathooboy, was willing to perforin the mar- riage between his daughter, Kamlawnnti, nrnl the plaintiff beforetho expiration of the lIIonth of VA slik 1952 (Samvat), the contrad for marriage bet weep them he declared to be no longer binding upon i ht plaintiff, and that the betrothal be declared void nne of no effect; and, further, that unless the marriage was performed, the defendant, should bo ordered tc pay to the plaintiff the sum of lls.'J^.Oi'O by way of damages. His lordship, in delivering judg- ment, said that it was clear that. the de- fendant, who, as father of tin girl, was according to Hindoo law the person who had the right to disi poe of her in marriage, was the person who nctuallj betror hed Kamlawanti to plaintiff, and he had ir effect admitted himself to have bteri the contracting party, or at least t., have accepted and approved (JI the contract. The intention of the parties was that the marriage should be solemnised when the girl attained the age at which, according to the custom 01 the caste, betrothed girls were ordinarily married. that is between 12 and 15 years of age. His lordship was of opinion that the bride's unwilling4 ness to marry the plaintiff did net deprive tilE latter from recovering damages from the lady's parents or guardians, who were responsible for tlit contract of the betrothal. It was contended that the defendant had not broken the contract, as the betrotha-was still in force, but his lordship thought that, tin plaintiff's willingness to be married before next. Yysak did not disentitle him to damages, con.- ) sldering 'he fact that the girl had declared her nn- willirigntns to be married to the plaintiff, and the defendant also having declared that he could not compel her to change her mind. This was, his lord- ship said, practically a repudiation of the betrothal. Defendant's attitude towards the plaintiff, his lord- ship said, did constitute a wrong in present i not merely in future; and if defondant, would not within a reasonable time fix a day for Kauilaivanti.'s mar- riage with plaintiff, the latter was eiititle(I to damages. H-aving regard to the position of the parties, and to the notorious disinclination which existed to the assertion of such rights in a court of law, something more than a nominal sum must be awarded, though there was no call for anything exemplary. The decree of the court, therefore, was that unless the defendant within a fortnight from this date fixed a day for the solemnisation of tho marriage of Kamlawanti with the plaintiff before the end of next Yysak, the contract for the marriage be declared to be no longer binding upon the plaintiff, and in that case the plaintiff do recover from the defendant LRO. 1000 as damages, including ail pre- sents in respect of the betrothal, and also be entitled to recover the "paUa" money with interest, De- fendant must pay the plaintiff's costs. A couRBsrbNDKNCE has now been issued, containing a Jetter from the Government of India to Lord G. Hamilton, reviewing the report of the lloyal Commis- sion on Opium. The Government of India regards the majority report, from which one out of the eight members dissented, as a vindication of their past action on the opium question. They agree gener- ally in the- conclusions of the Royal Commission, and record their special concurrence in what the report says in regard to (1) the genually moderate use of opium in India and the effects thereof (2) the impolicy of any general prohibition of opium for any purpose other than medicinal (3) the position of the Indian Government in relation to Mahva opium, and the States and people who produce it; (4) the practical impossibility of prohibiting the use of opium in the Native States (5) the advantages' of the Bengal monopoly system of managing the opium revenue; (6) the principles by which and the restric- tions under which the cultivation of opium in the Ganges valley should be regulated and (7) the desirability of leaving the recent arrrangements in Burmah for restricting opium consumption to be tested by actual practice. They confirm the view, taken in Sir D. Barbour's evidence before the Com- mission, that the Indian Treasury cannot, in the present circumstances, forego the opium revenue, which during recent years has averaged about ■Rs.60,000,000 net yearly that India could not supply a similar sum from any new source of revenue and that the people of India would be altogether un- willing to endure additional taxation to make good a deficit caused by the abolition of the opium revenue. They report that, in accordance with the advice of the Commission, they are arrauging that the Behar Opium Agency shall, as the JJeBarea Agency already does, deal direct with the culti- vators of opium, instead of, dealing through middle- men. The Commission consider that no licenses should be granted for the sale of opium prepared for smoking. This recommendation liaa been antici- pated by action taken during recent years in the Punjab and some other provinces, and they are taking steps to secure that the same course shall be followed in all provinces. The Commission further suggest that special measures might be taken against the use of rooms as smoking saloons by the public or by so-called clubs. At present there is no law under which such prohibition could be enforced, but the Government of India are consulting the local Governments as to the expediency of conferring such power by special legislation. Lord G. Hamil- ton,, in replying to the report, says he agrees in tilt conclusions which the Government of India hold tc be established by the labours of the Roval Commis- Bion, and approves the action they are taking. A CASK was recently tried in Quebec which is 01 general import as again raising the vexed question ot the secrecy of the confessional. A report of the pro- ceedings appears in the Toronto Globe. The circum- stances are as follows: A tinsmith in the village of Granby named Louis Victor Bouchard claimec 117.50do!s. from the Rev. Marcil Gill, the Itdmar Catholic pastor of the locality, on the ground that the. latter induced an apprentice named Victoi Bernier to leave his (plaintiff's) services before thE termination of his service. In his plea to thE action Abbe Gill alleged that young Bernier, being under his spiritual' control, whatever took place between himself' and the boy was in hit capacity as spiritual director, was in good faith and was privileged. Being called as a witnesf by the plaintiff, Abbe Gill declared in his examfna- nation that if ha spoke to the young man about this matter it was in tbe confessional. The following questions were put to him: Did you counsel the said Charles Bernier, or did you advise him to leave the services of plaintiff either at confessional or else- whlere ?' To this the reply was "The defendant objects to declare what may have been said at the cosfessional during the confession, as being illegal and inadmissible." This privilege was claimed under a portion of article 275 of the code of civil proce- dure, which reads: "He (the witness) cannot be compelled to declare what has been revealed to him confidentially in his professional character as religious or legal adviser." In giving judg- ment of the Supreme Court, Judge Lyhch Said that though this privilege ip Wider* Tban that recogmsed m England, which extends to legal advisers alone, yet it is restricted, as in England, to communications in which there must bb both professfonat confidence and professional employ- ment, but if there be a criminal object in view one of these elements must be absent. Here, in inducing We apprentice to abandon the, master's service, defendant committed an oflence against arttcle 5320 of the Revised Statutes of Quebec and rendered himself liable to a fine of 20dol. The learned jiidge concluded as follo-ws; It surely cannot b6 under- article 275 C. P., which is intended for the benefit of a client and a Churchman in his professional re- lations with the attorney or the clergyman. Surety it cannot be said that a clergyman is acting in his pro- t fessional capacity as such when he usurps functions which belong to the courts of justice of the country. A. clergyman who violates the laws of the land is equally answerable as is the humblest citizen, and when he abdicates the precincts of sacred duty and ecomea a participator in doing that which the civil! tttiT f, res to be wrong ho should be prepared to Hi«A v.16 c?nse1uences. Any other course would be whfrb Te^#°n art<^ order, the maintenance of exalted el-isa S'nf 7v,be irec* by this educated and exalted class of the community. The objection is overruled", and it is declared >l,„f »u 1 j it "Y*,llceu tuat tha privilege does SSiiSttbe C'—ces as disclosed by the -==:=:,
[No title]
TUB German Jn-# ftables m terlm^ Of these lOu are for the of hi* suite. The brougnams, uc;0.m5, landaus used hv tho I Emperor and by the memners of tho Royal family aro all painted alikei ar,d sfO used by anyone else. I
A REMINISCENCE OF 1879. )
A REMINISCENCE OF 1879. ) Apropos of the Matabele rising, a correspondent of South Africa writes: "We had a similar scare to that in ikrluwayo, m Kimberley, early in 1879, after that awfirl Isandhlwana butcherv. There were then, 1 M now, a great number of .Kaffirs working in the vaTions mines," and unwelcome rumours of a con- templated rising amongst- them were sufficiently credited that detachments of townsmen patrolled Kimberley all night, and the women and children knew that they were expected to be ready at any moment dnring the night to seek refuge and protection in Lanyon's Folly,' the big Mnrket- bnilding on Msrket-square should our wily friends the Kaffirs rebel. My next experience dates from Grahamstown, Christmas, 1880-81, during the Bastito War. Deeming discretion the better part of valour, I escaped with children and nurses to the Phosnix Hotel in Port Elizabeth, where we spent a very pleasant Christmas week, finding Grahamstown on our return exactly as we had left it and the Kaffir servants %trifle less overbearing and cocksure of victory. Tbeii 'bro, had been well punished in the meantime t"
,; ,! AN ANCIENT DOCK.
AN ANCIENT DOCK. Apropos of some remarks in the Sketch as to the •'Old Greenland Dock," to which a ■nique interest attaches as being the oldest public dock in the United Kingdom, the secretary of the Surrey Dock writes on the point raised as to the date of the construction of this historic dock. He says: If the old map of London of 17,966. to which you ref3r, does not show ihis dock, the map is certainly inaccurate, for there is indubitable evidence that the dock was in existence j iongprior to this date. The dock was originally known is the 'Howland Great Wet Dock,' afftl was so tinned after a family settled at Streatham to whom r ;his property At liotherhithe belonged. In 1695 Elizabeth Howland married Wriothsloy, the Marquis of Tavistock, the eon of the celebrated Lord William Russell, and the Howland property passed to the Bussells by marriage settlement, and remained in their possession until 1763. The minutes of the Houee of Lords show that a petition of William, Duke of Bed- ford, Lady Rachael Russell, and Elizabeth Howland, on behalf of the Marquis of Tavistock and the Mar- ibioness, his wife, minors, were presented to the House on Feb. 11, 1695, setting forth that a sum of money had been laid out for the making of a dry dock at Redderiffe (that is, Rotherhithe), and that the petitioners were well advised- that the making of a wet dock there will not only be a great improvement of the said minors' estate, but of use to the public, and praying leave to bring in a bill to enable them to raise and lay out moneys for making a wet dock at | Redderiffe. Leave was given to bring in the bill, which was read for the first time on Sunday (!), February 15, 1695, and received the Royal assent on April 10, 1696. This proves that, prior to 1695, a dry dock was already in existence, or in course of con- struction, on the site of the present Greenland Dock; and that the wet dock referred to was constructed shortly after the bill re- ceived the Royal assent is evidenced by an old drawing of 'the Howland Dock,' in the pos- session of the company, with the description of the dock in manuscript appended, from which the fol- lowing is an extract: This dock hath been found a very safe repository for ships, which was fully proved in that terrible and violent storm which happened on November 27,1703, when, by the extremity of the winds, all the ships in the river which rode either at chains or their own moorings were forod adrift, and jonfu8edly driven on the north shore, where some were lost, and most received great damage. Then, of fcll the several ships deposited in this wet dock, there eras only one slightly injured in her bowsprit.'
.. THE KAISER'S OLD COLONEL.
THE KAISER'S OLD COLONEL. The recent promotion. of General Baron von Krosick to the rank of Grand Cross of the Order of the Red Eagle has recalled some anecdotes concern- tog, him and his Imperial master. According to a writer in the New York Tribune, the General was at one-time colonel in command of the Hussar legiment in which Emperor William, prior to his accession >0, the throne, received his cavalry training. On sne occasion at. a regimental mess banquet, to which young William, at tha.t time only a captain, had invited the Archduke Rudolph of Austria, the conversation turned upon. the projected reforms ittthe cavalry drill amd movements, which ultimately turned out to be impracticable. William, in his im- pulsive, impetuous way, declaimed in a loud tone of yoioe on their superlative merits, declared himself as in their favour, and added that he would do his utmost,to see them carried through. Colonel von Krosick, like, the other officers, had drunk his fair share of wine. The arrogance of the Prince's utter- ances exasperated himbey,ond measure, and, break- ing into the conversation, he exclaimed in tones that were heard throughout the aparttnent: "But that is the m«st ridiculous nonsense," and then proceeded gontemptuously to ridicule the Prince's arguments. Much neUled, the Prince exclaimed, That's all very well, colonel; you are now my superior offiser, and I am bound to defer to your opinion but our positions may change one of these days, and then you will see." Perfectly frantic and purple in the face, Colonel von Kroqiak thundered forth When that day comes to pass, Prince, I will sooner break my mabre across my knee than serve under your com- mand." Immediately both Princes left. Prince Williani, contrary to general expectation, made no report about tbe, matter, either to his father or hie grandfather, and Colonel yon Krosick heard nothing more about it. Naturally, he expected to receive his walking papers when the Emperor ascended the Throne, but William, on the contrary, appointed him to the lucrative place of general in command of the great riding school at [Hanover. For some reason or other the Emperor always seems to entertain a dertain respect apd fear of his old colonel.
A BIRDHOUSE ON A MOUNTAIN…
A BIRDHOUSE ON A MOUNTAIN TOP. On the northern slope of Mount Tamalpais (says the San Francisco Call), in plain sight of one of the numerous trails leading up from Ross Valley, is one of the most interesting looking birdhouses to be found anywhere. The miniature itself is not so unusual looking, but its position is so strange one involuntarily asks, How did it get there ?" The tiny structure is fastened to the top of one of the highest pine trees in the vicinity. The tree is dead, and perhaps have been for some time. The top is at least 70ft. from the ground. The trunk is very slender and even if the tree were young and springy would not support a man go, that he could climb to the top and nail the birdhouse in plaoe. How long the birdhouse has been in its. present- position is another question hardly possible to answer. It looks weather, worn, but seems to be in good condition otherwise. The supports that fasten it to the tree are apparently strong enough to hold it in its present poaition for a long time. Nobody living in the vicinity knows anything about the origin of the birdhouse. Some say it has been there for 20 years and others say qnly a abort time. There seems but one solution of the way in which it got into its present lofty posi- tion, and that is that a number of years ago, when the pine tree was younger, another tree grew close to it, up which somebody climbed and fastened the birdhouse intplace. The tree that was used as a ladder was afterwards cut down. The quaint old. structure on its lofty perch always seems to have tenants.
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EAHLY on Sunday morning a farmer named Toal, who was found lying unconscious on the public road near Keady, County Armagh, died while being con- veyed to the nearest police barracks^ An examina- tion showed that he had been injured in a shockin<f manner upon the head and face. Later in the day the constabulary arrested a labourer named Steenson in connection with the affair. Next to the busy bees, bootblacks furnish the brightest eabmple of improving the shining hour." s' I SMART young schoolmistresses, entirely without the aid of a sewing machine, frequently collar and cuff ■mall boys in less than thirty seconds. SHN: "Do you think that Mr. Warrington still loves his wife?" He: "Loves her? I should say lie did. Why, if she should use his best razor for a can-opener, Warrington would not complain." Now the timid, doubting suitqr, By Professor Rontgen's art, May, before he speaks, discover It she has a marble heart. CHARLES Really, I think that Miss Gray takes a good deal of interest in me." Henry But you should remember that where tho interest is large "Curitv is apt to be pretty poor."
I HUNTING IN ABYSSINIA.
I HUNTING IN ABYSSINIA. Prince Demeter Ghika Comanesti, a Roumasiiof nobleman resident in Vienna, and his son have jus! nobleman resident in Vienna, and his son have just returned from a six montus expedition in Abyssinia I and have brought home an interesting scientific col- )ri. The travellers left Berbera, in the Gulf ol Aden, in October, and went into Eastern Abyssinia During their hunting expedition they killed five large elephants, seven rhinoceros, four crocodiles, four 13 kudoos, one giiaffe, two panthers, besides wild boars, hvccnas, antelopes, zebras, wild asses, and a great many smaller animals. They made beautiful "botanical and zoc logical collections, and interesting ) me-teorologic observations. The Prince and his son travelled with a caravan of 72 camels, 12 horses, aud 50 armed men. —
THE COUNTESS OF ANNESLEY.
THE COUNTESS OF ANNESLEY. Lndv Anntsley is the eldest daughter of the late William Armitage Moore, of Arrenmoore, co. Cavan. Since her Hiarrifge in lt92 she has devoted much of her time to that branch of philanthropic work con- nected with nurs n^ the s ck and suffering poor. She tg also president of a working guild to provide cloth- ing for dtstitute families in co.Down, and has brought her influence to bear in various other directions for the benefit of those of her neighbours who are not too r chly endowed with this world's wealth. The Emerald Isle is renowned for the beauty of its women, who are remarkable for brilliant colouring and eyes of the softest hue; but no more lovely example can be found than tho Countess of I Annesley to whose charms the most accomplished portrait-painter finds it difficult to do justice. The fairest of Ireland's fair daughters is a clever musician and a performer on both the piano and guitar, as I well as an interested student of botany. Lady Annes- ley 's beautiful home, Castlewellan, is surrounded by gardens famous for curious plants collected from various parts of the globe, and which give quite a tropical air to the grounds. In the castle, too, are many interesting curiosities. One of the portieres is made from a gown worn by the Empress of China, and taken from the Summer Palace. It is of dark silk, embroidered with butterflies. Another was once employed for draping the altar of a Spanish monastery. A somewhat gruesome possession is the ancient Egyptian mummy case, in a good state of preservation, which stands at the head of the stair- case. Castlewelian is situated on a wooded slope I 1000ft. above the sea level, and from its windows fine views of the Morne Mountains can be obtained. Here Lord and Lady Annesley chiefly reside, though I I some part of each year is devoted to yachting.
A CAPTAIN'S GALLANTRY.
A CAPTAIN'S GALLANTRY. Tuo heroic conduct of Captain W. J. Nutman, late of the steamer Aidar, has earned for him the Albert Medal of the first class, presented by the Queen. His ship sank on January 19. Another Liverpool ship, the Staffordshire, voyaging between Marseilles and Port Said, came up in response to signals of distress. Lifeboats were launched from the Staffordshire, and j with great difficulty, owing to the darkness and the heavy sea, the crews succeeded in rescuing her pas- sengers and crew, 20 in number. Mr. Nutman, how- J with great difficulty, owing to the darkness and the heavy sea, the crews succeeded in rescuing her pas- sengers and crew, 20 in number. Mr. Nutman, how- J ever, stood by an injured and helpless fireman whom he was endeavouring to save, and whom he absolutely refused to abandon. When it was no longer safe for the rescuing boats to remain near the II sinking vessel, the rescuers were obliged to pull away. A few minutes later the Aidar foundered. After she disappeared, Mr. Nutman was seen on the bottom of an upturned boat, still holding the fireman. Half an hour elapsed before the rescuing boat could approach, but eventually Mr. Nutman and the fireman were picked up and taken on board the Staffordshire, where the injured man was with difficulty restored by the ship's surgeon. This story of heroism is now being circulated by the Board of Trade, together with the announcement of Captain Nutinan's decoration.
WHEN IS A "WOMAN OLD?
WHEN IS A "WOMAN OLD? "When is a woman old?" is the latest question which an inquiring spirit has addressed to all the leading actresses in Germany. Some of the answers are worth bearing in mind. Frau Nuscha Butze is of the opinion, "A woman is only old when shs tries by force to become young again." Rosa Bertens says, "A woman is old when aJpe begins I to ask herself, 'When 'is a woman old?'" Jenny Gross keep to the safe saying, A woman is as old as she looks." Marie Pospiscliil considers that, As long as a woman believes in youth I and clings to her youth she appears young, even when she is not really so." Marie Reisenhofer declares anigiiiatically Woman is old when she begins to love reason and finds no love in jeitrn." Clara Ziegler, the celebrated tragedienne, is more genial and consoling in some respects. According to her: "When is a woman old?" The conceited, never; the unhappy, too soon; and the wise at the right itÙc."
THE MONASTERY AT GLASTONBURY.
THE MONASTERY AT GLASTONBURY. It is gratifying to notice that within a very few lays of the present owner of the famous Benedictine monastery at Glastonbury inheriting it from his I father, Mr. Alderman James Austin, he has applied himself to the task of saving the abbey ruins from further decay. The Austin family have become en- riched by the sheep-farming industry of Australia, where—particularly in the colony of Yictoria—they hold large squatting" properties. The lately deceased alderman devoted much of his later years to civic duties, served the office of Major on three occa- sions, and in his 80th year journeyed to the Anti- podes and back in order that for the last time he might gaze upon his flocks and fleeces.
',1"' NONAGENARIANS.
',1 NONAGENARIANS. The death of more than 40 nonagenarians has been recorded in the first three months of the year, I about an equal number of each sex. Included were no fewer than six clergy, Archdeacons Crawlev and Denison, Canon Cbilders, the Rev: Sir John Hayes, I Bart., the Rev. Philip Booth, and the Rev. Paul Ashmore. Lady Llanover was the best known lady ¡ who died over 90. There were three centenarians— Dr. Gilbert (104), Mrs. Thompson, of Newcastle (lOlJ' and Mr. Johnston, of Caterham (100).
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THE recent inquiry which the Government insti- tuted into the charges made against certain Justices of the Tcace in Melbourne for corrupt and unseeruly conduct in their magisterial capacity, has resulted in the charges all being substantiated, and, no doubt, the Justices in question, unless they are politically influen- tial, will be removed from the Commission of the Peace. The result of the enquiry only illustrates the I deplorable condition of things which prists in Australia in connection with the unpaid magistracy. The various successful Colonial Governments have got into a habit of creating large batches of honorar y Justices from time to time, by way of rewarding their political supporters, and the result is that the thing has been wofully overdone. ACCORDING to information collected by the Gewerkschaft of Austria, there are known to be 750 trades unions within the empire. These have a membership exceedirg 88,000. The largest union is that concerned with transport traffic, whose members number 17,851 next come metal workers, 14,857; then printing and allied trades, 8258; mining and smelting, 7710; stone and earth working, 7591 woodworking, 6673 clothing, 6614 weaving, 0265; food preparing, 3319; building, 3251; paper and leather working, 2070; commercial, 719; chemical j manufacture, 281 and the rest are distributed in smaller groups. j THE young Marquis of Waterford is setting an j example that many an Irish landlord might copy to the advantage of the distressful country. Thanks to his energy and enterprise, the trade at his tweed factory at Kilmacthomas has revived* in a marked degree, and not for years has so much employment been afforded to the people near.. His lordship has now, we learn, taken over the St. Biigid's Well Brewery at Dungarvan, and means to make a big effort to revive a local trade which had almost dwindled to vanishing point. The Marquis comes o i age this month, and the event is to be celebrated with j great festivity. j TIIK Commission for the Preservation O Monuments in and about Cairo has ju f Lane Poole's recommendations ing adopted, The annual grant will be incieased, ahd £ 20,000 has been placed to the credit of the Commission. Of this sum £ 2000 will be spent on Coptic churches, and the placing of Coptic monuments under the control of j the Commision is a salutary measure. Had this been I done before, the old Roman fortress of Babylon might have been spared partial demolition |
MARKET NEWS.,' -.
MARKET NEWS. Mark-t.axe.—'The grain trnclt has been firm in tone, and prices have tended agariflst the buver. Tho ?alrs of home-grown wheat in the lead- m markets of England and Wales during the first 32 wt-ks of th eseason have been l,047,662qr., against ],> >2,830qr. last season, at an average of 25a against 10s 9d per qr. barlev, 3,299,081 qr., against 3,0G6,S94qr., the average beini 23s 7d, against. 22s 3d per qr.; and oats, 54G,708qr., against 480,921 qr., at an average of 14s 0'J, against 14s per qr. English wheat sold steadily, and was 6d dearer than before the holidays. Foreign wheat showed a similar im- provement, with a fair demand. Flour was firm, and 6d up. Barley was steady, with prices tending against the buyer. Oats made 3d more money, with a moderate business doing. Maize was finll, and quite as dear. Beans and peas sold at full curren- cies. MHTROPOUTAN CATTLE.—The supply of beasts was larger than usual, and there was no corresponding increase in the demand, hence a weak tendency pre- vailed, though a quotable reduction in values can hardly be mentioned either as regards choice or secondary stock. The best Scots made 4s 4d, Nor- folks 4s to 4s 2d, Lincolns 4s, Irish 3s 8d to 4s, and fat cows 3s 4d to 3s 6d per 81b. There was a con- siderable increase in the supply of sheep in the pens. The demand was inactive, and prices may be written 2d per 81b. lower, except for ewes, which, being scarce, were rather dearer. Sheep nrp now quoted out of the wool. The best 7s to 8- 'on ')owns made 5s 2d; 10-stone, 4B lOd 10-stone &If > eds, 4s 8d to 4s lOd 12-stone Lincolns, 4s 6d; 10- tone ewes, 4s 2d per 81b. Lambs sold steadily, b-lt were hardly so firm in value—5-stone Downs, 7s 8d per 81b. Calves sold slowly, at weak prices. Pigs were dull and unaltered. English milch cows, £13 to £ 21 per head. Coarse and inferior beasts, 2s 4d to 5s second quality ditto, 3s to 3. 8d; prime large oxen, 4s to 4s 2d ditto Scots, &c., 4s 2d to 4s 4d; coarse and inferior sheep, 3s 2d to 4s 4d; second quality ditto, 4s 2d to 411 8d; prime coarse-woolled ditto, 4s lOd to 5s; prime Southdown ditto, 5s to 5s 2d; lambs, 6s to 7s Sd; large coarse calves, 3s 4d to 4s 6d prime small ditto, 5s to 5s 8d large hogs. 2s to 2s Gd; and neat small porkers, 3s to 3s 6d per 81b. to sink the offal. METROPOLITAN MEAT.—A moderate supply gave more firmness to quotation?, but trade was slow, and the market was not cleared. The quo- tations were as follows: Inferior beef, Is 8d to 2s 4d; middling ditto, 2s 4d to 2s 8d; prime ditto, 3s Od to 3s 4d Scotch ditto, 3s Od to 3s lOd Scotch short sides ditto, 3s lOd to 4s 2d; American, Liverpool killed, 38 Id to 3s 3d; ditto killed hind-quarters, 4s Od to 4s 2d ditto, ditto, fore-quarters, 2s Od to 2s 4d; English veal, 3s 4d to 5s Od; Dutch ditto, 2s 8d to 5s Od; inferior mutton, 2s Od to 2s 8d; middling ditto, 2s 8d to 3s 8d: prime ditto, 4s Od to 4s 4d; Scotch ditto, 4a 4d to 4s 8d; New Zealand ditto, 2s Od to 28 3d American ditto, 3s Od to 3s 2d; English lamb, 6s Od to 6s 8d New Zealand ditto, 3s 2d to 39 4d; large pork, 2s 4d to 2s 8d; small ditto, 3s Od to 3s 6d; Dutch ditto, 2s Sd to 3s 2d per 81b. by the carcase. GAME AXD POULTRY.—Ostend rabbits, 6d to 7d and Britanny butter, lid to Is 2d per lb.; English plovers' eggs, 3s 6d to 4s foreign ditto. 2s 9d to 3s 3d live quail*, lis. to 12s; ortolans, 20s to 25s ptarmigans, 12s to 13s; pigeons, 6s to 7s 6d fresh Bordeaux ditto, lis to 13s; and wild rabbits, 10s 6d to 128 per dozen; goslings, Gs 6d to 8s; Avlesbury ducklirigp, 4s 6d to 5s 6d lar^e guinea fowls, 8s Gd to 3s 9d: ditto larded, 4s to 4s 6d; foreign ditto, 3s to 3s 2d fat capons, 4s 6d to 5s Gd large English pullets, 3s to 3s 3d and spring chickens, 2s 3d to 2s 6d each. BILLINGSGATE Fisii.-Trnde moderately good, and supply fairly good. Prices: Wholesale: turbot, 10s plaice, 5H; lemon soles, 5s 6d; brill, 8s halibut, Gs pel stone; whitings, 10s; gurnet, 8s to 10s mackerti, .10s cod, 10s hake, 12s smelts, Is red herrings, 3s; bloaters, 2s kippers, 2s per box fresh haddocks, 10s per trunk; dried haddocks, 24s per tnrn lobsters, is to 2s each crabs, 18s per hamper conger eel, 40s per barrel; live eels, 20s dead eels, 15s per draft whitebait, Is per quart; herrings, 8s per case winkles, 8s to 10s shrimps, 10s whelks, 5s 6d per bushel; mussels, 6s 6d per bag escallops, 12s per bag of 20 dozen oysters, 5s to 10s natives, 15s dried haddocks, 2s 6d to 7s 6d per dozen: salmon, Is 4d to Is 7d salmon trout, Is 3d to Is 6d; soles, Is 6d to 2s; slips, Is 3d to Is 9d red mullets, Is 6d to 2s; John Dorys, 6d prawns, 6s per lb. Retail: Halibut, 9d; cod, 4d; turbot, 9d brill, 8d lemon soles, 6d; soles, Is 9d to 2s slips, 1 s 9d; salmon, Is Gd to 2s; salmon trout, Is 3d to Is 6d fresh haddocks, 4d; whitings, 4d John Dons, 8d hake, 4d plaice, 6d skate, 5d live eels, is 2d; dead eels, iOd conger eels, 3d to 4d per lb; oysters, 6d to 3s 6d; escallops, 3d to Js per dozen; lobsters, Is to 3s crabs, 6d to 38 Gd mackerel, 3d to 6d. COVEXT GARDEN FRCIT AND VEGETAnLEs.-Plen- tiful. supply of greenstuffs and potatoes on offer, which met ti fairly ready sale. Fair arrivals of fruit,, with a moderate demand. Greenstuffs Cabbages, 8 to 3s per tally spinach, 4s to 5s per flat; carrots, 4s tI) V Gd turnips, 4s to 4s 6d per dozen bunches; -e.c,JIh onions, 4s to [is per ewt.; horseradish, Is to Is 2d per bundle; cucumbers, 4s to Gs per dozen endiw, Is to Is 6d artichokes, Is 6d to 2s per dozen potatoes, ,1:0s to POs per ton new, 3d to 4d per lb. English grapes, 2s to 3s Jersey. Is 6d to Is 9d English tomatoes, 4d to 6d per lb.; English apples, 38 to 6s per bushel. Bouoran AND SPITALFIELDS POTATOES.-There was a large supply of potatoes on sale. The trade was slow, at the following prices Magnum bontinw, 308 to 5lls main crops, 40s to 90s; Regents, 30s to 40s J Blacklarids, 30s to 35s per ton. SEE] ) TUADB.—A brisk~sowing demand. Red clover- seed is distinctly better, being bought for holding over. Indeed, all seeds at current low rates look temptingly cheap. Tares unchanged. Choice Swedish gore vetches are exceedingly moderate. Sanfoin scarce and dearer. Birdseeds dull and uninterest- ing. More doing ia haricots. Wisconsin peas It higher. Rapeseed steady. Mustard neglected. WRNRT'F.ciiArz-L HAY AND STRAW.—Superior picked hay, 84s to 88s;'good hay, 74s to 77s 6d inferior, 50s to 65s best clover, 85s to 90s good clover, 78s to 82s; inferior, 60s to 72s straw, 30s to 40s. ENGLISH WOOI>.—The wool trade has been rather quieter during the week, and in this case has been a little disappointing. The holidays have served to retard business, and advantage has been taken of them by buyers to postpone purchases unless on easier terms. Prices, however, show no change, as sellers at once decline to accept lower rates, and prefer to hold their stocks. Colonial wools are'nruch about the same, and tran-suctiont in them have also been reduced. Spinners a're tnrsy on old orders, but new ones are difficult, toobtainowiD to tbe price of wool, which forces spinners to ask enhanced rates for future de- livery. Downs, 9d to 10 £ d; Kent$, lOd to lO^d • half-breds, IOd. 2 a CAMRRIDGR CATTLB.—A large supply cf fat beasts at slightly lower prices. A few more store beasts and nearly ali cleared. A good show of fat sheep, prices unchanged. Very few store sheep on offer. A large supply of fat pigs at reduced prices. A somewhat better trade for store pigs. A fair trade for hay and straw, and a good trwde for roots. Beef, 6s 6d to 7s'3d mutton, 4s 2d to 5s 4d; lamb, lOd to lid; pork, 4s to 5s. READINO CATTLB.—Best qualities realised 49 2d to 4s 6d; secondarv, 3s 4d to 8s 8d per stone. Mutton was also plentiful, and trade ruled brisk. Prime sorts made 5s 4d to 5s 8d lesser qualities, -48 6d to 58 per stone. Veal found purchasers at 4s 8d to 5s lOd per stone. l iiWMSBY ,FISH. Good supply and demand. Brills, 9d to lid per lb.; eod, 1-ve, 2s to 5s dead, Is to 4s 6d each; salt, bs to 13s per owt codlings, 9e tolls per box; crabs, 5s per score; gurnets, 4s to-6s p^r box halibut, live, 7e 0d to 8s dead, 6s 0d to 6s 6d per stone; haddocks, 46e to 54s per kit; round, 1-s to 198 per box; live, 4s to 5s 9d per stone; bake, 2s to 6s ling, live, 2s 6d to 5s dead, Is 6d to 3s Od each; lobsters 2s per lb. mackerel, 6s 6d to 7s per score American ovatars. 8f t0 nos Enghsh.78 6d Heligoland, 6s 6d per 100; plaioe, Js od to 5s per stone soles. Is IOd to 2s Id per 16. ,!lemon, 's to 8sper stone; salmon and grilse, is 2d to 16,14M per lb.; sturgeon, 8s to 9s per stone skate, live, 38 to 6s dead, 2s to 4aeach turbots, lid to Is Id per lb.; whelks, 3s 6d per wash; i, lo 6d perewt.
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MR. JAMES TOMKEE, Clerk to the Foleshill Rural District Council, shot himself at Foleshill Workhouse on the 13tb iust. He had been in ill health for some tune, and got six months' relief from work. The period was about to expire, and the supposition lit that his non-recoverv creved upon his mmd; i