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

EXPLOSION ON THE METROPOLITAN RAILWAY. Great alarm was caused on Monday evening at about seven o'clock by an explosion which occurred in an Inner Circle train immediately on its arrival, and before it had actually drawn up, at Alders- gate-street Station on the Metropolitan RailWay. The train was proceeding eastwards from Farring- don-street, and it was therefore on the northern side of the station. Fatal consequences in one case have unfortunately attended the occurrence, and injuries, more or less severe, have been sus- tained in ten other cases. As far as could be gathered no one who bad been travelling in the train was injured, the unfortunate persons referred to being passengers who were waiting on the platform for their trains. It is stated that nothing happened during the journey to indicate that there was any- thing defective in any part of the train and the accident," if this be the correct definition of the occurrence, caused general consternation not only among the passengers, but also among the railway officials, including those in charge of the train. The explosion, which happened in the centre com- partment of a first-class carriage, was attributedfor the want of any other reason at the time—to some defect in the gas cylinders by which the carriages are lighted, though considerable doubt was expressed as to whether this was the actual cause of the disaster, owing to the great force of the explosion and the amount of damage occasioned by it. The very heavy traffic had happily been already dealt with, and therefore the consequences, evil as they are, were far less serious than they would otherwise have (been. Considerable delay was also caused to the tragic by the accident. The compartment in which the explosion took place was completely smashed, and part of the carriage of which it formed part was thrown on to the plat- form, where the wreckage was afterwards collected together, awaiting the official examination which will be made by the Board of Trade. A train belonging to the Chatham and Dover Com- pany, which had arrived at that company's station, on the other side had all its windows broken. The whole of the gas in the train in which the explosion occurred was extinguished, and the force of the explosion did great damage to the glass in the station, part of the roof of which was blown off. A piece of timber which bad belonged to the compart- ment which was smashed was hurled by the force of the explosion to the roof, where it remains wedged in the iron and glass work. Fortunately no passengers were in the carriage in which the accident occurred. It is said that the ex- plosion was heard both at Farringdon-street and Moorgate-street Stations, between which Aldersgate- street Station intervenes. Members of the City police-force were soon on the spot, with Mr. Super- intendent Mackenzie at their head, and the iqjured ipersons were at once conveyed, some on ambulances and others on stretchers or in cabs, to St. Bartbolo- mew's Hospital, which is very near the scene of the explosion. On the arrival of the injured persons at the hospital it was seen that there was at least one very serious case-that of a man named Pitts, who died the same night shortly after eleven o'clock in the institution, and that it would be necessary to detain several of the other cases. The' following is a full list of those who were injured: William Hall, aied 22, of 3. Cambridge-street, Hyde-park Paul Geogi, aged 35, of 27, Shepherd's-bush-road Sarah Ship, aged'50, C Block, Polvgon-buildings, Clarendon-square, St. Pan- eras; William Daniel, aged 33, of 30, Abdale-road. Shep- herd's-bush; Arthur Spawforth, aged o3, of 94, Ford wych-road, Brondesbury Theophilus Trustrum, aired 35, of 17, Albert-road, Forest-lane, Stratford Henry Pitts, aged 37, of 31, Wickham-road, Cole- raine-park, Tottenham (who. as already stated, has succumbed to his injuries); Mr. Nelson, of 12, Port- land-terrace, St. John's-wood; Arthur Wafehtell, aged 14, of 29, Stanmore-street, Caledonian-road; Simon Israel, aged 22, of 22, Latiiner-street, Stepney. The injured persons were received by the house- surgeon, and the first seven mentioned were ad- mitted as in-patients. Arthur Washtell was suffer- ing from a cut on the bridge of the nose; this was dressed by the surgeon, and the lad' went home Israel was suffering from shock; he was given some medicine and afterwards left the hospital. Police-constable 801 (City Police Force), John Sutton, who was at the station at the time of the explosion, in the ordinary course of his duties as a plain clothes officer, also sustained injuries, his right leg and left thumb being cut. He was taken at first to St. Bartholomew's, where his injuries were dressed, and he was afterwards removed to the City Police Hospital in Bishopsgate-street. All the-injured persons were removed to the hospital under the direction of Mr. Superintendent Mackenzie, and the friends of those who were detained in the institution were also communicated with by the City Police. The damaged train was removed .to a siding at Moorgate-street Station to await an inspection by the Board of Trade and until this examination has taken place the actual cause of the explosion will probably not be known. The Press Association was officially informed by the Metropolitan Railway Company at a late hour that an examination of the gas fittings of the wrecked carriage showed that they were intact except for the slight damage caused by the explosion. This, therefore, dispels the idea of an accidental gas ex- plosion, and leaves no other alternative than to sus- pect the presence of some highly explosive substance placed in the compartment with the deliberate inten- tion of doing mischief.

ACCOUCHEMENT OF THE DUCHESS OF YOEK. On Sunday afternoon, at half-past three o'clock, the Duchess of York gave birth to a daughter at York Cottage, Sandringham, and we arc happy to be able to state that her Royal Highness and the infant Princess were, at the time of publishing this message, both well. The news was tele- graphed to London, and shortly afterwards a bulletin was affixed to the portals of Marlborough House, signed by Sir John Williams, M.D., who has, as on previous occasions, been in attendance on her Royal Highness, and by Dr. Alan Reeve Manby, of East Rudham, Norfolk. It was in the following terms: York Cottage, Sandringham, April 25. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York gave birth to a p daughter at half-past three this afternoon. TiaePrincess and her infant daughter are well.—(Signed), John Williams, M.D., Alan Reeve Manby, M.D." The glad tidings, which is all the more satisfactory in view of a ridiculous rumour current widely in London on Saturday that a sad calamity had happened to the Duchess, were also forwarded to the members of the Royal family and to the Lord Mayor of London. This is the third child, but the first Princess, to which the Duchess of Y< rk has given birth. Prince Edward was born on June 23, 1894, and Prince Albert on Dec. 14, 1895.

THE annual value of the liuman hair exported from China is said to be about 500,000 dollars. It is taken from the heads of oaupers, criminals, and the dead.

¡ THE WAR. END OF THE GREAT BATTLE. I THE TURKS VICTORIOUS. j TURNAVO AND LARISSA OCCUPIED. GREEK ARMY IN FULL RETREAT. TURKISH SUCCESS IN EPIRUS. I The resistance of the Greeks on the Thessalian frontier has (said the Daily Graphic on Monday, summing the situation up to date) suddenly collapsed, and they have fallen back, not only from their posi- tions north of Turnavo and from those which they occupied on their right and left flanks at Mati and Reveni, but they have evacuated Larissa itself, leaving their wounded there under the protection of the Red Cross. Larissa, accord- ing to a telegram received in Constantinople from Edhem, was occupied by his troops on the 23rd April. The telegrams from Meluna dated the 24th describe the lurid spectacle presented by the Plain of Thessaly during the Turkish advance; the usual un- happy spectacle which always accompanies the advance of a victorious army after a desperate defence. A story comes from Greek sources of the firing of a church wherein there were Greek wounded, who all perished. It may be true, but it seems certain that so far Edhem's army has been kept well in hand, and no barbarities have disgraced their triumph. It is to be hoped that this temper may prevail, and that we may hear of no horrors at Larissa. The fighting at Mati before the final retreat è Greeks was evidently severe, but there was no with- standing the superior numbers of the invader^and the whole Greek army had to fall back upoiheir next line of defence, 20 miles to the south at phar- sala, the ancient Pliarsalia, where of old C £ esar""and Pompey fought for the dominion of the world. Tele- grams from Athens state that the retreat was effected by the Greeks in good order with all their artillery except the artillery of position at Larissa. These guns, it is said, were spiked. The hopes of those who thought that Larissa might be a second Plevna and withstand a long siege have therefore been dashed. The open plain has been abandoned, and the Greek army, it is said, will resist the Turkish advance with still greater energy at their new line of defence, the pass through Mount Othrys, a stronger position, it is asserted, than that on the frontier, where the Turks had everything in their favour. Our special correspondent states that the Greek General Macris has resigned, and was suc- ceeded by General MavroiDicbaelis. Telegraphic communication between Athens and Larissa bad been interrupted, and, as might be ex- pected, the failure to hold that place had caused pro- found emotion in the capital, but the populace was tranquil, and the Government "intended to perse- vere." TELEGRAMS FROM THE FRONT. ATHENS, April 24, 6.30 p.m.—Larissa has been completely evacuated. The troops before leaving spiked the fortress guns. It is stated that the Greek army succeeded in taking with them all their artillery and ammunition. April 2.5.-Three brigades have already; been assembled on the Pharsala line of defence. It is now stated that the Greek army was able to carry off all its guns in its retreat from Turnavo and Laripsa. The troops from Larissa before leaving the: town destroyed all the provisions which they could not remove. It is generally admitted here that it was the Turkish cavalry which turned the scale of victory in Edhem Pasha's favour. THE TURKISH ADVANCE. MELUNA PASS, April 24, Evening.—News reached headquarters here this morning that Kritiri had been evacuated by the Greeks. All the heights between here and Skompa are therefore now in the possession of the Turks. Late lat evening three Greek villages were :taken by the Turkish troops, who attacked under the cover of their guns. 1 During the greater part of the day a heavy artillery duel was maintained. The Turkish fire wais well directed, and the Greeks made but a feeble reply. On the Turkish side only three men were slightly wounded. A LURID SPECTACLE. i The Plain of Thessaly on April 24 present a furiri spectacle. Through a heavy cloud of fog and smoke could be distinguished the flames of many burning houses which had been fired in order to render certain military positions secure. The Turkish soldiers in the plain were comfortably installed in tents captured from the Greeks, which proved extremely useful. The villages also offered shelter from the cold at night. THE GREEKS RETREAT ON TURNAVO. The Turks strongly attacked Mati, which Colonel MastrApae' brigade was defending. After a fight tasting six hours it was decided at a Council of War, presided over by the Crown Prince, who had "been present at the battle, to fall back on Turnavo. This was accordingly done, the retreat being effected in good order. DESPATCH FROM EDHEM PASHA. The following official telegram was received in Constantinople from Edhem Pasha, dated Sunday: The hill of Lesdaki, the most important dominant point to the north, was taken by the Ottoman troops on the 23rd. Hamdi Pasha's division having left Koskeri (Karya), has effected a junction with the other Imperial troops at Millorin (? Meluna). The town of Turuavo, which is situated only two hours from Larissa, was occupied to-day by the Elassona Army Corps. The Ottoman troops continue their advance towards the Larissa Plain. A CRUSHING BLOW." The fighting in the vicinity of Mati was very severe. According to intelligence from Reveni, Edhem Pasha, on learning that the Greek troops on the frontier had been ordered to fall back, attempted to deliver a crushing blow with a considerable force of troops who had been resting for 36 hours. With these he succeeded in breaking the lines of the Greeks, who, however, were defending positions which were naturally very weak. THE GREEK VIEW OF THE SITUATION. The newspapers urge the public to take the bad news of the unavoidable evacuation of Turnavo and Larissa with patience and calmness, and to bear in mind that the army has fought courageously, de- fending the national soil at the price of untold sacri- fices. The Government has decided to persevere in the struggle, and to resist the further advance of the enemy with the greater energy, in that the new line of defence in Southern Thessaly is considered far stronger than the frontier line where the Turks gained the advantage owing to superiority of position. THE BATTLE OF KOURTSIOVALLI. LARISSA, April 19 (delayed in transmission.)—Last night the Turks attacked Kourtsiovalli, and-. very serioHa fighting ensued. They advanced from Elassona and Menexis, 1500 strong, with a battery of mountain guns, and simul- taneously attacked Kourtsiovalli, Talpinaris, and Drepani, Greek frontier stations. The Greek force at these posts numbered 2000, and was under the command of Major Kathiniotis. They defended the position with great gallantry, but Turkish reinforcements to the number of about 5000 came up and drove the Greeks from Kourtsiovalli. GREEK WOUNDED BURNT TO DEATH. The Turks set fire to a church where the Greek wounded had been placed, and these were all burned to death. The Greeks retired to Ligaria with a lose of over 20 killed and about 300 wounded. THE BATTLE OF REVENI. April 20, 11 p.m.—Yesterday afternoon (said a special correspondent of a London news agency, writing under the date prefixed), the Turks, after their victory at Kouitsiovalli, pushed on to Mati, three miles from Ligarla, on the Thessalian side of the Meluna Pass. The Greek force retired towards Tumavo and Karatsali. Reinforcements were hurried up from Tumavo and Larissa, Colonel Mastrapas, ex-Minister of War, taking command of this force, which consisted of 1000 Euzones, 4000 infantry-the 2nd and 4th regi- ments-and a battery of six guns. The infantry and artillery were drawn up in tattle array three miles due north of Turnavo. Meanwhile I returned to headquarters at Larissa, where I found a great concentration of the main Greek army proceeding with a view to an attack on the iiukisn position at the Reveni Pass, halt way between Larissa and Trikhala. The battle began this morning at four o'clock from the Reveni side of the valley, which was occupied by three Greek batteries, two in the left side and one on the right, each battery being supported by a battalion of the 2nd Regiment. In the middle of the valley, behind the first liae, were four battalions of the 11th Regiment and a company of Engineers. For some time after the opening of hostilities the firing from the Greek positions was slow, but the Turkish fire was slower still. Shells were thrown by the Turkish artillery on the Greek left. Very few of them, however, exploded. The Greek practice was better, and several of our shells burst in the Turkish works. Firing ceased about eleven o'clock for nearly an hour, and was recommenced at noon on the right, but the base, Yiglia, had not then been attained. HEAVY FIGHTING BEFORE TURNAVO. Early next morning the battle was resumed on the mountain, where the mountain guns of the battery, commanded by Colonel Mastrapas, did great execu- tion. A heavy fire was maintained from eleven till twelve o'clock. The Turkish bullets, fired at a high elevation, carried right across the mountain into the plain below. On the Greek side only one man was killed, but several were wounded. The Greek troops in the plain were disposed three miles to the north of Turnavo, a small hill forming their centre. The left flank was at the base of a steep mountain, while the right flank extended to Kasaklar. In the centre were one battery of field artillery and one of mountain guns. The infantry were extended across the plain in front of the mouth of the pass some 4000 yards away. Three sqwadrons of Greek cavalry were posted on the right centre. At ten o'clock six battalions of Turkish infantry came down through the Meluna Pass. They were followed at half-past one by three squadrons of cavalry and two more battalions of infantry, with two batteries of mountain guns. The Turkish battery at Mati then began to fire slowly, but without effect. At half-past two the Turkish troops were marched in column to Ligaria, and thence to Karatsati. They burned both villages, and then extended in attacking formation so as to face the Greek positions, the skirmishers on their right exchanging a few shots with the Greeks. All the afternoon a general engagement was momentarily expected, but up to six o'clock only 20 1 shells had oeen fired on each side. THE STRUGGLE RENEWED. When day dawned on Thursday morning of last week both armies occupied the same positions as at dusk on the preceding day, except that the Greeks had extended their left line up into the mountains overlooking Kourtsiovalli, and their right to the villages of Deliler and Mussalar. They bad also been reinforced by two batteries of mountain guns and a foreign legion of infantry 400 strong. The Turks brought two I atteries of four and six guns respectively to the front at Karatsali. Fire was opened by the Turkish batteries at six o'clock, and was returned by the Greeks at long intervals. At half-past eight the Turkish cavalry made a movement on the Greek right. It was checked by the Greek artillery, one shell dropping in the midst of the Turkish column, which then retired. For an hour there was a hot exchange of artillery fire. The Greeks made good practice on the enemy's infantry lines and batteries, but apparently it did not result in dismounting any of the Turkish guns. The Turkish shells were thrown at a range of from 3000 to 3600 yards. The evident intention of the enemy's artillery fire was to break our centre, but although three shells burst in the loose soil of the position occupied by the Greek battery of field guns, no damage whatever was done, except that one mule was killed. At eleven o'clock an additional Greek battery came up from Larissa, and after taking a favourable posi- tion opened fire on the bank of the River Xerias, near Mussalar, in which direction the Turkish infantry had been extended, and were trying to entrench themselves, evidently with the object of turning the right flank. Shortly after noon the firing ceased on both sides in front of Turnavo, but the guns could still be heard over the mountains in the direction of Kourtsiovalli. A shell fired at a high elevation, and meant for the Greek mountain battery on the crest of the moun- tain, pitched into the plain a few yards from the Red Cross Ambulance, but, fortunately, it did no damage. Several wounded Turkish prisoners were brought from Kourtsiovalli to Turnavo. By two o'clock the Turkish infantry were with- drawn from their left, and marched in the direction of Ligaria. THE TURNING POINT OF THE BATTLE. From the extreme right serious news reached Larissa at five o'clock, which fully explains the per- sistent efforts of the Turks on Saturday and Sunday to obtain possession of the hill commanding the pass of Nezeros. A Turkish army, said to consist of 12,000 men, last night forced the passes atViodendros, Analipsis, Nezeros, and Rapsani, and descended on Dereli, in the Vale of Tsmpe. This also accounts for the per. sistent attempts made by the Turkish infantry this morning ta extend to their left. The movement, if successful, would enable them to join hands with the Turkish troops at Dereli, as the Greek troops from the whole of the right frontier line are reported to have fallen back on Makrychori, which commands the road from Larissa to the Vale of Tempe. ARRIVAL OF OSMAN PASHA AT SALONIKA. Osman Pasha, the new Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish forces, arrived at Salonika on Saturday night and received an ovation. He left again immediately on his way to the frontier. Edhem Pasha has been decorated by the SultanÏn recognition of his services in the campaign. THE GREEK ROUT. Detailed accounts of the Turkish victory appear to leave no doubt that only the. hasty, and in part dis- orderly, flight of the Greeks during the night enabled them to escape a more crushing disaster than even that which they in fact sustained. Edhem's plans had scarcely time to develop when he found that the enemy had disappeared. As has often happened in war before, where a victory has been secured at night-fall, the beaten army was able under cover of darkness to escape some of the disastrous results which a powerful cavalry force ought in daylight to have been able to inflict. Nevertheless, the Turks appear to have cap- tured in Turnavo, and to the north of Larissa, large quantities of baggage and ammunition. If the Crown Prince's report that he succeeded in destroying all he did not carry away, and removed his ammunition as well as the guns, except those in the works, is to be accepted at all, it must apply only to Larissa itself. After all, he seems to have given orders for the bridges to be broken, but as the Salambria, in flood, is quite impassable, except at the bridges, they cannot have been very effectually destroyed. Otherwise the cavalry would not have passed as easily as they did. The bridge at Larissa is constructed of a number of low stone arches, and it would, therefore, have required to be systematically broken up if it was not to be easily restored between pier and pier by such means as are easily employed by troops for the purpose. The Prince, instead of deserving the censure which public opinion at Athens seem inclined to pass on him, ought to receive some credit for not having lost half his guns when he had to escape from a position in which be was being rapidly enveloped on both flanks and had a powerful cavalry against him ready to take advantage of the fatal moment when his flanks were completely turned and his front broken. THE POSITION AT PHARSALA. It bad not, up to Tuesday morni ng, been ascer- tained whether iD6 whole of the Greek forces that had been somewhat isolated on the right succeeded in joining the main army before the retreat. Some of them certainly, and perhaps all, effected the junction, so far as the men are concerned. But their rapid retreat from Nezeroa involved the loss of all their baggage and munitions. When the brigade was despatched by Edhem to intercept them they must have simply fled precipitately in order to escape it, and must have been re-formed after passing the Salambria. They will, therefore (says a writer in the Standard) add to the embarrassments of the Greek Army at Pharsala; for the first most serious disadvantage that the Greeks will find in their new position is that, whereas supplies have been conveyed to them hitherto more easily than they have reached the Turks, who had passed into the Larissa plain, now the position will be reversed. At Turnavo and Larissa the Prince bad a railway behind him com- municating directly with the Port of Volo, and able to furnish him with stores of all kinds all along his line. Till lately the Pass at Mikmca was so narrow that the Turks must have had to move along it in single file man by man. Now they have widened this into a carriage road, and will possess themselves of the whole of the plain, which previously had greatly assisted the Greeks in finding food and forage. The Port of Yolo itself will pass into Turkish bands. The Greek Army at Thessaly will only have behind it the one road over the mountains which runs by Thermopylae to Thebes and Athens. An army which has only barely escaped from such a contest will find itself sorely in need of fresh supplies, aVfce of food, clothing, and ammunition. The hardihood of the Greek soldiers and volunteer peasants will be put to a new trial when, in addition to all their other dis- couragements, they have to learn what it is to be un- able to replace boots that are worn out, or to get food enough to keep them in health, or the ammunition which they have been accustomed to lavish freely. There is, therefore, on this ground, even if it were alone, every reason to suppose that the Prince will before long have to retreat still further. But, in fact there is no position at Pharsala where he can hold out against the advancing Turks. A few low mamelons are the only features that mark the site of the famous battle of Caesar and Pompey. In fact, the Crown Prince is much more likely to be able to find such a battleground as will give an advantage to his artillery and his mountain troops, and deprive Edhem of the full advantage of his cavalry, by falling back to the passes of the Othrys Mountains. Whether it will be possible for him to do this, and for the Greek Government at the same time to lull the susceptibilities of the populace, remains to be seen. It is a dangerous way of flattering an ex- citable democracy to lead them to believe that some wonderful oversea attack is about to be delivered against the Turkish communications. For such a movement it is practically certain that the Greeks have now neither the shipping for transport nor the adequately-equipped forces to be embarked if they had the means of shipping them. There is, indeed, little room for hope in the look-out for Greece either in the East or West, except the fact that she is play- ing with limited stakes, thanks to the determination of the Powers to fix a point beyond which, if she asks them to intervene, the Turkish forces will not be allowed to advance. IN EPIRUS. The Standard is indebted to a Turkish correspon- dent for drawing attention to an explanation which very much clears up the situation in Epirus. Besh Bounar is the Turkish equivalent of Pente Pegadia. Therefore, the report from the commander of the Janina Army Corps, speaking of a fight of seven hours and a-half, in which the Turks ultimately cap- tured the fort of Besh Bounar, does refer to the coluit>n which had advanced on the Janina ro&d and had occupied Pente Pegadia. It is clear that this column has been completely driven back, and, while part of it has suffered severely, the remainder has retreated to Philipiada, if not, as one report says, to Arts. Pre- sumably, therefore, the Turkish retreat from Arta was carried out in order to destroy this column, and it must have been very skilfully managed, so as to gaio time before the Greeks on the other side of the river discovered the movement. So far as the Greeks in Epirus are concerned, this must have fully re-established the ascendancy of the Turkish forces to the North. Vague reports of the fall of Prevesa come from Athens. As to the south of Epirus, the most serious factor in this region is the revolt of the Albanian regiments. This, however, is in no way friendly to Greece. Only the Arnants, or Moham- medan Albanians, are enlisted in the Turkish Army. They have grievances of their own, which have caused serious anxiety to the Porte, and would appear to have affected even the Albanians in Constantinople, who have, after the Sultan's cha- racteristic fashion, beeu sent away with Osman, so that they may not endanger his personal safety. The Arnauts wish to have officers of their own to com- mand them instead of Turks. The idea that they might, if they were under their own officers, demand autonomy for Albania, has caused their petitions to be refused, and hence their disaffection. Apparently, however, there are sufficient Turkish forces in Albania to keep the province quiet until Osman is able to dispatch reinforcements, and, at all events, for a time, the Greek movement on the capital of the province appears to have been defeated, so that the Pasha will be able to give his undivided attention to the revolted Arnauts, and will probably succeed in pacifying or crushing them.

INDIAN FAMINE FUND. OVER IIALF-A-MILLION STERLING RAISED IN FIFTEEN WEEKS. The Indian Famine Fund has (to use a rather slangy but now much employed phrase) broken the record, and furnishes another proof, were proof needed, that the cry of suffering humanity is never allowed to pass unheeded by the charitably-disposed or Britain. Indeed, it may truthfully, and without the least exaggeration, be said, having regard to present circumstances, that with the urgency of the cry comes the desire to alleviate the misery and the means to achieve that end. It is only 15 weeks since the Lord Mayor of London issued his memorable appeal (41 behalf of the suffering millions of India, yet the fundhas^in that short space of time exceeded the sum of half a million sterling, as a London reporter was informed when he called at the Mansion House on Saturday to ascertain the latest information on this subject. This sum, however, vast as it is, does not by any means represent the whole of the amount which has been subscribed to meet the wants of our fellow-subjects in India in this year of Jubilee. Such large and wealthy cities as Glasgow and Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Manchester, have been sending their contributions direct, and, therefore, they are not included in the Lord Mayor of London's Fund. Indeed, the chief magistrate of the City of London has no official cogni- sance of the amount which has been raised in these various cities, and derives his information in just the same way as the ordinary citizen does—through the medium of the newspapers. These sums, therefore, will very considerably increase the gross total of the subscriptions when the fund is closed, and all the amounts are included in one great whole. This half- million and more in 15 weeks represents as nearly as possible a contribution twice as fast as that in 1877, when seven months were required in order to reach this gross and inspiriting total. When the fund closed in that year, E515,200 had been paid to its credit. It is expected, however, that this will be ex- ceeded this year by something like £ 100,000, for the London Mansion House authorities hope to add that amount to the present contribution before the fund closes. Indeed, the prospect of getting that sum are said to be "good, if the colonies remit well;" but it must be remembered that Canada as well as some of the other colonies are sending their contributions direct to India. "How much ionger will the fund be kept open?" asked the reporter. Probably until the end of July. All will depend upon whether the monsoon next month is satis- factory." The London Mansion House authorities are in no position to express an opinion as to how much more will be required to do all that was hoped, or may be considered necessary for the natives. That is a question for the India Office to determine, and the Mansion House is devoting its energies to augmenting the fund as much as possible wn to Monday night tde Lender Mansion House Fund amounted to £ 503,500, among the donations received on Monday being the following: Dorchester and neighbourhood (per the Mayor), ;2129 12s.; Leven and district, 1:56 Burton- on-Trent (third instalment, per the Mayor), £112 5s. 4d. Stirling (additional, per the Provost), £32 12s. 4d.; Tamworth (additional, per the Mayor), £76 3s. lid.; Chesterfield (additional, per the Mayor), £ 250 Inverness (additional), jE77 Os. 4d.; Hereford (additional), C25 Ile.; County of Somerset (additional, per the Earl of Cork, Lord-Lieutenant), £ 50; Sedgeley Urban District, £50 17s. 4d.; Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Macpherson, £ 50; Burntwood Board School children, LIO; Bible Christian Churches, Kingsash Circuit, E12 5s.; and collection at St. Paul's Cathedral, £85 18e.

Tiiz death is announced of Edward Letchford, who was the first driver to take her Majesty the QueeD by train on the London and Birmingham Railway. The deceased was born in 1816, at Maidstone, and travelled by coach to Bolton, where be became an engineman, at the age of 16 years, on the Bolton and Leigh Railway. He was also employed on the » Pareil and Rocket, which have been so many y exhibited at the South London upwards of 34 years Letchford wasi wu aid South-Western Railway, for thei greaterjpart of that period holding the position of locomotive fore- man. and about six years ago he retid on a pension.

THE WOMAN'S WORL0. BLOUSES for wear under jackets and coats arff lucked horizontally in the back and in front with side pleats turning away from a vest of white satin covered with white point or Venetian lace, finished at the !teek with two falte of lace, with a bow of silk under he chin. Quite vivid contrasts of colour are seen, is, for instance, a blouse of figured taffeta on a violet tround, has a knot at the throat of the most vivid burnt Oftnge. A grey blouse has accessories of prim- rose silk. These knots at the throat are small and closely tied. Two or three seasons ago a woman who had a silk slip covered with Brussels net or point d'esprit con- sidered it very elegant. Now she regards it with scorn. Plain nets aro quite out of style with the inmost Oriental splendour of the bejewelled, spangled, iind embroidered nets now used—some are in stripes, alternately plain net and a pattern in steel, silver, or gold beaded some with large flowers worked on them i It iridescent beads, and others resembling the firmament, so resplendent are they with golden spangles. IF we dislike the use of starch in the laundering of our table linen we may take pattern by the French, who have a way cf making an even inferior quality of table linen look well without the aid of starch. When the napkins are washed and dried and ready to be ironed they are dipped into boiling water and par- tially wrung out between cloths. They are then rapidly ironed with as hot a flatiron as possible with- out burning them. Treated in this manner they become beautifully glossy and stiff. IN making tea, one thing upon which the experts insists is the absolute cleanliness of the pot. Many housekeepers who are scrupulously careful about their china would be surprised if they could examine the inside of the spout of the teapot. Flushing with water will not clean it sufficiently. The end of a cloth pressed a little way into it will frequently reveal a black deposit-the accumulation, possibly of years, though a few days without care will leave an appre- ciable amount. One of the best things to clean the teapot with is a bristled wire, such as is used for cleaning bottles. They are soft. enough to bend into shape, and with a soft cloth the deed can be accom- plished. The Chinese tea bowl appeals to the fastidious tea drinker, but it is awkward even to the experienced manipulator. BRILLIANT coloais for table decorations seem to have disappeared for a time; white flowers or deli- cately tinted ones are sought after. Foliage is used to ornament the table, but the blossoms are kept by themselves. At a recent dinner, in the centre of a large circular table, was a good-sized round mat made of sea-green satin, and covered with irregular waves of white tulle, the edge beiBg finished with a thick fringe of graceful ferns. Resting upon the centre of t.be mat was a quaintly shaped antique silver vase filled with white hyacinths. Silver candelabra with white-capped candles were wound with delicate vines of smilax fragrant with its tiny white blossoms. FLOWER-HOLDERS are new being made of satin or suede dancing slippers. A lining of zinc or tin is made to fit inside the slipper, which is then filled with wet sand and stuck full of beautiful blossoms. It makes an unusual but pretty ornament to hang upon the wall, especially that of the owner's sanctum sanctorum, for the dainty shoe will recall to her the pleasures of the dances at which it did duty in a more general way. No oiatter how beautiful or expensive our gowns may be, without proper care they will not retain their stylish appearance. Everyday garments should be disinfected, for brushing is not sufficient, as it will not remove the unpleasant odours that come from long usage. Some women sprinkle their waists and dresses with scent and use sachet powders to perfume their bonnets and wraps, and this is quite a good scheme as far as it goes. But better than scent bags or perfumery is a clothespole and an open window. Turn the garments wrong side out, and let the air and sunshine do the rest. An all-night airing is good, but a day of purifying sunshine is better. When a bonnet lining or a set of dress shields becomes perceptible, it should be removed, while cloth garments can be sponged aad pressed clean. A pint of benzine does not cost much, and will clean anything in the way of kid, silk, lace, or worsted, while camphor is another common and effec- tive disinfectant. Garments that smell of nothing are the cleanest and most agreeable, as there is always a suspicion of bad sanitation or bad habits when there is strong perfumery employed. If a scent is desired to neutralise what is known as shop smells, emanating from the laundry, factory, kitchen, or packing room, orris, muscadine, bergamot, or a small piece of sandal- wood is preferable to the strong odours of manufac- tured perfumes. Perspiration stains may be removed from the arms of white woollen or silk dresses by sponging with warm water into which ammonia has been°poured, and then with clear water, and finally press the place before it becomes quite dry. TIIE newest evening dresses nave trimmed skirts and finely-plaited ruffles of taffeta or lace, or both combined, set on in groups. Narrow gauge ribbon, with a satin edge plaited into ruchings, and set on in series of five, 5in. apart, in waved lines, is an effec- tive skirt trimming. Bodices closely fitted, with a long point in fîont, are also worn with the new even- ing dress. TUCKS are all the rage, and are even appearing in thin gowns, while thev are used extensively for silk dresses, and all other materials which can possibly be employed for the spring and summer wardrobe, ex- cept perhaps cheviot and serge, and they are in all widths and forms, and run both crossways up and down. ONE of the novelties of the season is the trimming of cloth jackets with lace, one of the first London ladies' tailors having originated the idea, which a short time back would have been considered little less than barbarous. Here is a hint for those whose winter jackets of drab or box-cloth are still quite fresh looking, but which would be suitable for the cold days that may still be in store for us. When brightened with a full lace collar and at the wrists, a tan or biscuit cloth garment looks more in keeping with a pretty light spring hat. A grey cloth cos- tume, just made for a young bride, has one side of the skirt trimmed with a design of open embroidery stamped in the cloth over white, wide at the hip and tapering to a point at the hem. The smart bolero jacket is bordered with a similar embroidery, and the pink silk vest, lightly veiled with grey chiffon, is held in with a deep black satin belt. The hat to accompany it is of black straw trimmed with white ribbon, grey chiffon, clusters of pink rosebuds, mounted high, and an aigrette. Very simple and becoming is one of her trousseau gowns, a blue serge, lightly braided at the front seams, and the bodice made with a kind of bolero, cut up in front to form three pleats, the centre one drooping a little over the waistband, and each one outlined with braiding. The under bodice, which shows between the pleats, is of glace in a small check, blue and white. The sleeves are cut in straps at the top and fasten over the full silk puffs at the shoulder with buttons to match the silver buckle at the waist, and a coloured ha1; covered with mossy-looking to! s o green chiffon is trimmed with the now fashionable sornflewer. BLACK net, with black velve', is ma^* waist very appropriate for dressy wear. front gathered full on to a silk lining in yoke-sh.ped fron and back. A cape-shaped fichu, with JABOT ends fal ■»« over th. around the back of^the head :n £ the tene collar mounted from the shoulders belt are bands of FULL puffs of lace are to the elbows oyer Below the elbows are £ y« £ rt with ribbon. THERE are some exceedingly attractive all-wool cheviots and soft homespuns. They are brought out in all colours, some of them very light, indeed. A costume of cheviot has a cream-coloured ground, with very narrow lines of light brown. This is worn with a brown jacket and a waitt of the cream shade. MOST of the new waists to be worn with jackets have loose fronts; indeed, puffiness of the front por- tion of the waist is noticeable in costumes of all sorts. A dress of broadcloth has a drooping front of the material, and is exceedingly handsome aDd stylish.