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

PRINCE HENRY IN PEKIN. Prince Henry of Prussia went in state to the Summer Palace at Pekin on Monday, and was re- ceived "by the Emperor. His Royal Highness and his suite 'rode into the city mounted on ponies. Having changed their clothes in the Temple, and par- ake'ti 6'f a Cold collation; they visited the Empress- Dowager, who asked many questions, and afterwards rtd an audience of the Emperor, to Whom his Royal Highness presented some-splendid Berlin-porcelain vases. The Emperor was evidently nervous, and his hand trembled as he shook hands with the Prince. it the close of the interview the Emperor walked ivith his visitor to the entrance-hall, where the rattle -if the drums of the Gtermlttt marines,'who formed the Prince's escort, caused the Emperor to start. After L c 111 interval the Emperor returned Prince Henry's visit, bringing with him magnificent presents, includ- ing vases of jade and cloisonne work, and two fans painted by the Empress-Dowager with her own hands. Prince Henry, who displayed great tact, led the' Emperor into an adjoining room; only the secre- tary-interpreter being present, ^and the 'conversation lasted a considerable time. In the evening? the Prince attended a gala dinner given by Sir Claude Macdonald at the British Legation. v > ■ --j

A DIPLOMATIC SURPRISE. A Vienna correspondent transmits the substance of an agreement arrived at between Austria-Hungary and Russia at the time of the visit of the Emperor Francis Joseph to the Czar last year, whereby the two States, by a continuous contract,, divide the Balkan States into two spheres of influence, in which each is to maintain tranquillity and preserve the status quo.

VASCO DA GAMA. The four hundredth anniversary of Vasco de Gamars discovery of the ocean route to India was celebrated on Monday evening by the Royal Geo- graphical Society in London. The Prince of Wales, who was accompanied by the Duke of York, expressed, <?n ;behalf of. the nation, our sympathy with the Portuguese Government and people in their commemoration of an event from which Great Britaiji has derived the greatest benefits. His Royal Highness also read a message of congratu- lation, which he had sent to the King of Portugal, and his Majesty's reply. M. de Castro, who repre- sented the Portuguese Minister, acknowledged the compliments paid to his country, and Lord George Hamilton, speaking in his capacity as Secretary of State for India, dwelt upon the advantages conferred upon civilisation, commerce, and Christianity by the celebrated Portuguese navigator.

EDWARD KNOWLES, a painter, of Croydon, was in the Queen's Bench Division, on Monday, awarded £ 450 damages against the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Company, for injuries received at Box Hill Station in July last. 'The plaintiff and several hundred other workmen had been to Ports- mouth, and his case was that, after alighting at Box Hill,, on the return journey, the train was started as he was re-entering it, and he was thrown under the carriages, as a result losing his leg. The defence was that the accident was alone due to plaintiff's action lfter he had got into the train.—An action against the London, Tilbury, and Southend Railway Com- pany, for an accident to a young man named Sexton, on August Bank Holiday, resulted in a verdict for the defendants. MR. FELIX MOSCIIELES, a portrait painter, sued the Crystal Palace Company, in the Queen's Bench Divi- sion on Monday, to recover 2167, the price of a por- trait of Sir George Grove, which he lent to the g ro V ictorian Era Exhibition at the Palace in April of last year. When he asked that the picture should be returned it could not be found. The defence was a denial that the portrait was ever received. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff. THE Recorder, sitting at the Central Criminal Court in London on Monday, granted an application made on behalf of the Treasury, that the bill! of indictment against Dr. Collins in connection with the death of Mrs. Uzielli should not go before the Grand J mv until next sessions. THE most magnificent and costly pearl necklace in the world is in the possession of the Countiess llenckel. a lady well known in London and Patis. It is made of three historical necklaces, each of w hich has enjoyed considerable celebrity in former times. One of them., valued" at £ .12,000, was sold to the countess by a grandee of Spain, and it is known as the neckloce of the virgin of Atokha the second belonged to the ex-Queen of Naples; and the third was the famous necklace belonging to the Empress Eugenie,, and by her lately sold to a London jeweller fBr £ 20,060.^° F" iii~v it. j

J J. i. l «.ot THE- QUEEN AT NETLEY. TO V.C. FOR FINDLATm AND TICK BIT. The Queen, accompanied by Princess Christian, Princess Henry of Battenberg, and Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, and attended by the Duchess of Roxburglie, WAjor-General Sir Jphn McNeill, V.C., Major the Hon. H, C. Legge, and Lieutenant Poneonby, left Windsor Castle on Saturday aftpr- ,"a ih, order to Nivit Jfjetley Jpoqpital. j On the platform at Netley to receive her Majesty were the Earl of Northbrook, Lord Lieutenant of i Hampshire, General, Paris,, Roajmandirig; Ports- mouth district; Major Sumner; Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. IL G. L. Crichton, commanding, the Ports- mouth Brigade of Volunteers and Major St. A.. B. Warde, Chief Constable of Hampshire. As sq»i as the train stopped a temporary gangway was laid from the Royal saloon, and immediately after- wards; her Majesty was seen to walk on, to the station platform. The Queen, accompanied by her daughters, ,*t, onee profteded to her carriage drawn by a pair of grey horses. The appearance of her Majesty was the signal for the band of the training ship Mercury to play the National Anthem, and boys of the sains vessel, who lined the station yard, presented arrs. -There was enthusiastic cheering from a laree crowd of spectators as the Queen drove to the hospital. The roadway in the hospital grounds was kept clear by men of the Northumberland e, Fusiliers, and in front of the hospital was drawn up a guard of honour consisting of a captain, two subalterns, and 100 men of the East Lanca- shire Regiment. The Royal party arrived sit the hospital at ten minutes to five. At the entrance the Queen was received. by the principal medical officer, and was presented with a splendid bouquet by Miss Stevenson, daughter of Surgepn- Colonel Stevenson, one of the professors. After several presentations had been made, including tjiat of Miss Norman, the lady superintendent. of the hos- pital, the Qneen proceeded in her chair through a double file of convalescents drawn up for inspection. While moving along the lower corridor the Queen's attention was drawn towards an engraving represent- ing her first-visit to the wounded after the Crimean War, her Majesty being shown bending over the bed of a wounded soldier,, the Prince, Consort with her two elder sons standing near at hand. At the lift her Majesty was received by Captain Stevens, R.E., and he conveyed the Royal, party to the top corridor of the hospital, the surgical division of the establishment. From there the Queen pro- ceeded to the bedside of the wounded in their wards, and her Majesty spoke a few words of kindly sym- pathy to every patient, beingassistedby the Princesses, whoalso showed the greatest interest in the wounded. There were in. all 54 cases of wounded from the Ipdian frontier, and all were suffering from gunshot wounds, or had lost' a limb. The men were much touched,, as well as pleased. Her Majesty went. Into nearly every ward. When she reached Piper Find- later the Queen asked where he came from. He re- plied, from Aberdeenshire. Sir John McNeill; re- peated the answer to her Majesty, who remarked, Oh! another Aberdeenshire man." The riper had been seated, and made an attempt to stand, but her Majesty commanded him to remain seated. The Queen said a few words to the piper and then pinned the Victoria Cross, on his lesft breast,^ commending him at the same time for his bravery! Findlater burst into tears and was quite unable to say any- thing for a while. After her Majesty had left to go lo other wards Findlater got his pipes, presented him on the previous Monday through Colonel Williamson, and played the Haughs of Cromdale," the same tune which he played at Dargai. A little further OB the Queen came to the ward occupied by Lance-cor- I, poral Vickerv, who was also decorated with the Vic- toria Cross. He was also deeply moved by the honour conferred upon him and was only pble to murmur his thanks. Her Majesty saw altogether 889 men. One of the cases was that of Corporal Gray, of the 11th Hussars, who had been in Netley Hospital for two years. He has been twice visited by the Queen during his stay at Netley, and on three occasions by Princess Henry of Battenberg. He is a great favourite in the hospital, and her Majesty addressing him said, "I hope you are better; you look better than when I saw you last." The Queen also specially spoke to Private Gibson, of the 2nd Scottish Rifles (Cameronians), whom she had seen on her, previous visit and whom she at -ance remembered. Her Majesty left her chair and es- corted by Sir John McNeill, went to the beside of the wounded man. The Queen asked, ■" Are yoo getting on better since I sa,w you last ?" and the man replied that he was progressing all right. He seemed greatly pleased. Her Majesty was also much interested in the case of Piper Kidd> of the Gordon Highlanders. The Queen afterwards descended* hi the Ii# to, the medical division situated on the next floor aid proceeded to visit the wards, the convalescents lining the verandah. Every patient was visited and spoken to, and then her Majesty descended to the lower storey, where Lieutenant Pears, of the Cameronians, was presented. He is one of the officers who was wounded at the front. It had been arranged that the Royal train should leave Netley at 5.30, but, finding the visit could not be completed and every patient visited in that tinie, her Majesty directed the train to be delayed. On her return from the hospital the Queen met with an enthusiastic reception by the thousands who had assembled to see her. The Royal party left Netlej Station shortly after six o'clock and proceeded by special train to Windsor, which was reached at 13 minutes past eight, o'clock in the evening.

,c f,'C, .J _,9: 'J.. 1 HOME HINTS. Bofp meat, tasteJees «| it, is,. {nay be nkejy sea- volied and made ir.to potted meat, affording a nice told dish for lunchedn. I Ooui mutton may aba be mack into pillar hash on toast with tomato sauce, scalloped mutton, ajnd macaroni timbale. BRONCHITIS RKCIPB.—Four eunees of castor oil 4oz. of honey, two tablespoonsful of brown sugar, two tablespoonsful of malt vinegar, juice of twc lemons. One fcablespoonful three times a day. CUBAHINA PAJ-HU AND r APUIQ. It is well in ortfei toiavoid the utter discomfort of turning a house up- side down by doing all at once, and also by Wtty, of balancing. expenses, to have one room thoroughly done each year; that is re-papered, the ceiling whitewashed,, and the paint either renewed 01 thoroughly cleaned, and varnished. Papers, especially those called Sanitary, because of their hard, shiny surface, fan be cleaned wonderfully with soft bread crumbs, after thorough brushing and wiping. It is tiring-work, but the result is so satisfactory that it is well worth the doing. In choosing a new paper be sure choose one of these Sanitary papers, or one with a hard surface made by a mixture of silica. They are not only more easily cleaned, but are slower in becoming smoked or dirty, as dust does not adhere to their surface as it does to softer paper like the old ylock." In a hall or room much used, it is often economy to have a varnished dado, which will stand years of wear, and a renewing several times of paper above. Take care after papering that the men leave you their odd lengths of paper. They are often most Valuable in mending or renewing where damp shows. SFBIKG CLEANING.—lib. of common soda, lib. of fullers' earth, ilb. of the best pale soap, Igal. of soft water. Boil altogether twenty minutes, and put into a large jar, stirring it well until cold. When wanted, take a litlie in a saucer, sprinkle over the part to be scrubbed, and brush in the usual way. This quantity will clean a; moderate-sized house. BIBLLJIAX ÇHEB CAKES.—TAKE 21 BO. of potatoes, ,¡ø. of butter, 8ozs. of sugar, two eggs, 13pil potatoes well, and drain off the water, jjut them into a baf in, mash well with a fork until they are like a smooth paste ;add the butter, beat until fine, and then the sugar; the eggs should be beaten in » separate basin until they froth, and then pour the eggs into the mixture, mit well together, and you can flavour it with any kind of flavouring, if liked, and then the mixture is all ready for use. ine some patty tins with paste, put a little of the,mixture in, and bake for twenty minutes in a well-regulated oven. LINSEED TEA.—Take one large tablespoonful of linseed, half a tablpoontul of Spanish liquorice, honey to sweeten, and one pint of boiling water, wash the linseed, place it in a jug, add the liquorice; pou^r over it the boiliog,water &nd cover tightly. Let it stand in a warca pl&Ce for^ two or three hours, strain, and add the honey. JLihseed tea is not only refreshing, but no, alble rlimledy for coughs and sore throats. BABLEY WATER.—"One tablespoonful of pearl barley, one pint of water, a little lemon juice and sugar to taste, are needed for this recipe. Put the barley into a saucepan with one pint of cold water, bring it to the boil and then strain it, as this water is un- wholesome add another pint of cold water to the barley, bring this tothe boil, and let it simmer 'for half an hour. Strain into a jug, and add a few drops of lemon juice, and a very little white sugar, but do not sweeten too much. Allow to cool before drink- ing. TOMATO Soup.-Slice an onion and fry until brown in a saucepan with Itoz. butter, then add loz. of flour, stirring in gradually; when this quite is smooth, add the soup to this, and bring the whole to the boil. It is best to add the stock gradually; bring the whole to the boil between each addition. Then add (six sliced tomatoes, and about half a tin of tinned tomatoes. Let this simmer gontly for thwe-quarters Of ail how in a covered saucepan. Pass through a hair sieve, and re-heat. Season with pepper, and salt according to taste. COMPOTB DB BANANA.—For this delicious dish you require two bananas, los. of sugar, half a lemon, juice and rind, lpt. of milk, l|oz. cornflour. Slice the bananas and put them into the bottom of a dish, sprinkle over them the sugar, squeeze over the lemon juice. Mix the cornflour and milk and boil for quarter of an hour, stirring the whole time; add a a little more. sugar to this. Let this cool and then poptr over the bananas. When cool it will set and matr be served with ordinary or Devonshire cream. This compote may be made in: a motild laying the bananas at the bottom. This will, of course, i be turned Out beforeJieing served. Cim.DjtBN's HOURS ós. SLEEP.—One of the most fruitful sources of the illness of children is the habit wpiidi spine parents have of allowing them to stay'up unduly late at night. It is one of the greatest mistakes of those who have charge oftbem to let them have too little sleep. It is confessedly a difficult matter always to get little ones to bed, at the time they ought to go; they, of course, plead tor only a little longer to stay UP; t but if parents would only realise the extreme importance of plenty of rest they would remain ob- du»te to all such entreaties. It should not be forgotten that children are naturally wakeful in the morning, and in cdpsequence •f having to be off to school betimes are frequently called before they have finished their morning nap. Children, as a rule, ought to sleep ten or eleven hours, and to do this they ought to be put to bed early enough at night set that they jtnaj nave this amount of uni nterrupte^ sleep. If children do not get the necessary amount »f rest it is no wonder that they become nervous, fretful, and difficult to manage. Their nerves, inherited in many cases from dyspeptic parents, are keenly alive to every sound, and their tempers are irritated by being called out of bed when they ftfe fiQ much inclined to steep. During the earlier years of childhood, what- ever else may be done, there should be ample pro- vision for long and undisturbed sleep. CHOCOLATE CANELLONS.—Mix 2oz. of grated choco- late with 4oz. of finely sifted sugar and a dessert- spoonful of flour, add the beaten white of an egg to make a paste, roll out pieces about the size of a walnut very thinly, place them on a buttered tin and bake in a moderately hot oven 10 or 15 minutes. While they are still wm, turn them over a ruler to shape them, and put aside on a sieve to dry. ORANGE T.&riocA.-Wash, and steep a cupful of tapioca and place it in a pint of boiling water, lett ing it simmer until clear. Pael and seed a dozen sour joranges, cut them into slices and stir them into the ;boiling -tapioca, sweetening to taste. Cook until the fruit is done, then turn them into a glass dish and serve cold with whipped cream. FRIED VEAL.—Place a veal cutlet in a steamer over a very hot fire. Let it steam until a broom straw will pass through it with ease. Lift it carefully, season to taste, roll it in cracker crumbs, and fry in hot lard in a deep kettle. A croquet basket.may be put in the fat, the veal placed thereon, and when done it may be taken out without danger of breaking. DELICIOUS RUSKS.—One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, one pint of warm milk, half a yeast cake dis- solved in a cup of warm water J Stfr in flour enough to make a soft dough, set it to rise, add more flour, beat thoroughly, and set to rise again. When light, mould into biscuits, put them in a warm place until light, and bake in a quick oven. FRUIT FOR THE COMPLEXION.—We have always ad- vocated the great benefits to be derived from fruit- dating, and we cannot dwell too strongly upon the 9 importance of making fruit one of the principal articles of our daily food. There is no doubt that each year people grow to appreciate more fully the value of it, and eat it, not as a luxury, but as a staple article of dtet. Fruits are nourishing, refreshing, appetising, and purifying, and con- sequently, have effect upon the health, and, what to some is of almost equal import-, ance, the complexion. Yet there are differences." Grapes and apples are highly nutritious. The" former usually agree with the most delicate personis; for they are easily digested. Oranges, limes, and lemons are of great value as a means of improving the complexion, and they are especially good if taken before breakfast. Ripe peaches are easy of digestion, and are fattening. Nothing is better to enrich blood than strawberries, which contain a l»rg^r P61" e *$ of iron than any other fruit mth firm flesh like apples, cherries, or plums, be thorough masticated, otherwise they are difficult to digest, lite ■kin of raw fruit should never be eaten, and l^fore eating grapes, or any small fruit, care should be tcUvon to remove all impurities by washing. Never by any means swallow grape-stones. CHEESE BALLS.—To each teacupful of grated cheese add half a cupful of very fine breadcrumbs, two eggs to mix them, a little pepper, salt, and tomato sauce. Form into balls md fry in hot lard. Have the saligi ready and arrange the cheese balls around it. Sery the/balls hot. i t" '< '(

ON an outlying portion of Lord Rosebery's estate at Dalmeny there are shale mines which for mrvnj years have paid large dividends to the company work- ing them. When the wind is in a certain direction the smoke and smell from the works are occasionally carried as far as the mansion. One day, when they were exceptionally perceptible, a visitor ventured to express to nis lordship his surprise at his permitting such a nuisance to exist in tho locality. The promp reply of Lord Rosebery was: Ah, ™y fr>end, ever unpleasant it may be to you, to me it is the siliell of 25 per cent."

MR. GLADSTONE. HIS DEBILITY 18 BX'fREMM." Xr. Gladstone was a little better on Saturday, -th< bulletin being as follows "If anything Mr. Gladstone is a trifle stronger to-day than yesterday. He is quite as comfortable M possible under the circumstances." Lord Rose- bery left Hawarden shortly before eleven o'clock fot Dalmeny. A telegram sent on Sunday said I understand on good authority that Mr. Gladstone's condition has ap- parently not quite readied the critical stage which the bulletin ofFriday might have seemed tosuggest. On Saturday he was a trifle stronger, and took a fair amount of nourishment in the form of one or two mall sandwiches with some stimulant, and unless a sudden failure of the heart supervenes there is a probability that the fatal issue will be pro- longed for several weeks. Mr. Gladstone is quite aware that he is getting weaker and weaker and nearer the end of his days on earth, but his mind is quite tranquil and reposed, and death is contemplated in a spirit of patient resignation. It is comforting to learn that the aged statesman experiences very little suffering now as medical treatment has been completely successful in reducing the pain to a minimum. The bulletin issued on Sunday evening was as fol- lows: There has been little material change in J(r. Gladstone's condition since Friday. His debility it extreme, and seems to be increasing. Happily he is free from suffering, and his mind is perfectly j^aoid. -W. M. DOBIB, M.D., HUBERT E. J. Bias, M.B." On Sunday afternoon Dr. Dobie drove to the tastle from Chester, and remained for a considerable time in consultation with Dr. Brss before the bulletin was issued. I Dr. Dobie on his return from Hawarden Castle made the following statement: Mr. Gladstone's condition has not materially altered since I saw him on Friday with Dr. Biss. i His heart is acting weakly and irregularly, and hia breathing is at tinum interrupted and unsatis- l factory. There is now very little pain. When I saw him this afternoon with Dr. Biss he was sleeping as tnsquiHy as a child. Hia countenance wore a beautifully placid expres- sion. Mr. Gladstone's strength daily decreases, and his power of taking nourishment lessens; but an immediately fatal issue is not apprehended. There is less wandering, and when awake and conscious his mind is in a delightfully peaceful state."

EXCOMMUNICATION AT LICHFIELD. At a Special Service at Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday the bishop attended and publicly deposed ind excommunicated the Rev. Gerald T. G. Hayward, ate Precentor's vicar and sub-chanter, who on March 31 was found guilty by a Consistory Court of mis- conduct. The sentence set forth that, inasmuch as defendant had not appealed on the questions of law, or shown any signs or tokens of penitence, he was thereby entirely removed, deposed, and degraded from the office of priest and deacon respectively in the Church of England, and excommunicated and cut off from communion with the congregation of Christian men until such time as he should give the bishop or other competent witness sufficient sign or token of repentance for his open and notorious sin, which had caused such grave scandal to the Church. Psalm exxx. was afterwards said, wid the bishop offered up prayers for those who had wandered. The service was sad and impressive, and the dean and others were much moved.

CURRENT SPORT. 7 T ? • M 1 The dote of -the Oxford and Cambridgrfsports, ,b' ell were postponed from the end of March owing to t he inclement, weather, is still uncertain, as the committee are anxious to secure the presenre-uf-thie Prince and Princess of Wales. There Royal High- tnwses cannot be present on Wednesday, June"29; the day before the cricket match, and it now remains tp seen whether the Monday or Tuesday of the mille week Aviil fee nrore dofive*iieiit.j. r/ At the Queen's Club, West Kensington, on Satur- day. Mr. II. E. Craw%T«i«t,^Mr; S. I),. yViilVyvorth in the iirst. ties fur, the. secqpct prize in the Amateur prize in Tennis Championship" rfrid scored a pretty easy victory by three IVIr.-WizrkwOrth' only being dangerous in the second set, which was won by -six to five. 1 ~3 ? '> The Cantab Water-Polo team went up to London on Saturday and met Guy'sHosgital.at the-Totten- ham-court-road-Baths. It was a runaway affair; the 'Varsity winning by four (Powell and Scott two each) 10 lore. flftd,ifl a team race they displayed the Same 7supexiority. Owing to the rains polo grounds have been playing "heavy. Lovers of the game will regret to hear that the committee at Ilurlinghain have decided to allow only the fihal in the County Cup,. Tourijament to be played on their ground. Doubtless they find it 'difficult to meet the numerous calls on the clhb Sounds, but the contests in questkmHias. special iiins to their consideration. Country clubs dp much to render the game papular, and may be regarded a* training schools for young players..It would surely be advisable to extend to theirrevery*'possible enttou- nfeinent and assistance, even to the extent of allow- ing .the whole of the County Cup competition to be -decided at Hnrlingham. The cycle race: from Bordea,ix-,to loriq on Sunday -was won by Rivierre, who arrived at 4.39, having covered the distance in 20hr. 39min., in spite of Cfiia and bad roads. Garin came in second at 5.9 A very interesting feature at the Polytechnic 2'cling Club Carnival, on Saturday, was the One ile Professional Road Skating Championship, in which the redoubtable Fisli SITlarl competed. He, however, was not half fit, and was beaten by A. trutton. he One Mile Amateur Cycling Scratch Race for the Rucker trophy went to A. S. Ingram, of the Polys., who defeated A. J. Cherry, of the Catford C.C., by three yards. Contrary to general expectation, C. Betfriet.t, the holder of the Four Miles Amatcifr Championship, managed to defeat H. A. Munro in the mile-and-a- half scratch race at the Blackheath Harriers' Sports on Saturday, thus avenging his defeat in the three miles race at Ilford. The time', 6min. 57 4-5sec., was fairly good. but was 11 2-5 outside the amateur record held by the Irish-American, T: Conneff. The profesBional figtirl-s are 6min, 48§sec. by W. Cum- mings, at Preston, in April, 1880. Mr. A. J. Balfour, M.P., being Unwell, has scratched- to Mr. H. J. Tollem&che,; M.P., in the third ties of the Parliamentary Golf Competition On "file Tooting Bee Club's course, at Furaedowny Mr. George Kemp, M.P. (handicap 18), receiving 2 itrokes, beat the-Khjl of ErraU;(l5)by 2 boles up and one to play; and Mr. H. Seton-Karr, M.P. (5), giving 3, beat Mr. H. P. St. John, clerk, House of IrfirdfiXe) by 3 and 2. On the links-of the Prince's .club, at Mitcham, Mr. J.- L. Wanklyn, M.P. (8), giving 5, beat-Lor-d George Hamiltonj M.P. (14), by One up at the last hole. v. The cricket world continues tb be exercised" in re- gard to the management of the Australian team on English visits,1 and at the annual meeting of the Surrey Club Sir Richard Webster, the President, who was in the chair, replied to Lord Hawke, saying -that he did not think that any leading cricketer would take the Yorkshire captain's remarks in a serious light, and that, the ISurtey committe-e would never relinquish any rights" they hold iii oon- Qectiomrith the Australian visits. Biit what rights" have ei flier 1 Surrey or Lancashire in this matter, and how can claims thereto fie flfainttfifced in face of a hostile concert of the other 12 counties, for it is no secret that Lord Hawke voiced the unanimous opinion of the latter?. Two counties can of course play the dog-in-the-manger, for their obstinacy would probably lead to a postponement of the Australian visit, but they would seriously im- pair their prestige and popularity by such a course. Less than an hour's play on Saturday sufficed to bring the cricket match at Lord's between the M.C.C. and Yorkshire to a finish, the county gaining an easy victory by 99 runs. A great deal of rain had fallen overnight, and when hostilities were resumed on Saturday- it was soon apparent that, the club had little chance of f;; :ing the match in fact, the re- maining six men to go in^njy ftddedj* pEtJtry 24 jruns. In spite of the yiclu-t rendering great .assistance to the bowlers, they ought to have done better. Tufton and Murdoch put on 15 runs, but none of the other batsmen made the least show against the combined attack of Jackson and Rhodes. It would appear that Yorkshire has found a useful recruit in the new professional left-armed bowler and right-handed bat, who wa« tried for his bowling. In the M.C.C. second innings he captured four wickets for 24 runs,and when he had once found his length, gave the batsmen a good deal of trouble. He is capable of getting a lot of work on the ball, both from the off and leg side, and for a first ap- pearance he showed very creditable abilities with the bat. Mr. Jackson is also bowling very well just now, and although he did not meet with success in the first innings, he was responsible for six wickets for 45 runs in the last innings of the M.C.C. It is gratifying to see that Jack Hearne, just home from Australia, is displaying all his old clever- ness with the ball. and he is certainly bowling as well as he ever did in his life. He captured in the three first-class matches in which he opened his.season 83 wickets at the cost of a fraction over eight runs apiece. Admitting that the wickets have been in his favour, this is certainly an excellent performance. Albert Trott has shown himself to be an able partner in the attack with Hearne, and it will indeed be surprising if he does not come out of the present season high up in the bowling averages. He can bowl several different styles of balls, without giving the least indication as to which is coming, ▼arying his pape from fast to medium, with a tricky slow one. Many who have made a careful study of Trott's deliveries are of opinion that great things may be expected fronr him, but as yet he has not experi- J enced the best of luck, for he has repeatedly clean beat the batsman, without quite hitting the wickets. One of the pleasing incidents of the M.C.C. v. Yorkshire match was the evidence of Edward Wainwright being himself again. His best friends cannot bnt admit that he must be numbered among the failures of Mr. Stoddart's touring team down under." His appearance at Lord's last week showed that he has lost none of his ability,"both as a batsman and a bowlet. Ih. the second innings of the County he contributed an invaluable 63, the highest score in the match. These runs were made in good style and judgment, his hitting being always clean and well- timed. In the first innings of the M.C.C. he took four wickets for 43, and kept a good length through- out. 1 Rain robbed the Hampshire andLancashire match of all interest, for it could not have been more -per- sistent even at Old Trafford, where one takes an umbrella as a matter of course. No V™?™8? able at Southampton from luncheon on Friday till 'ten minutes to three on Saturday, and thus a draw, was inevitable. Stumps were accordingly pulled up when the end of the Lancashire second innings was reached, the total being just one less than in the first innings. Of this nearly half was contributed by Albert Ward and Tyldesley, who made a fine stand, and added 69 for the fourth wicket. In the Oxford University Trial Match, the Next Sixteen scored an easy victory over the First Twelve, winning by seven wickets. Cunliffe bowled exceed- ingly well for the losers, taking six wickets for 30 runs, but the result was never in doubt. In a cricket match played between the Thorpe-le- Soken and St. Osyth clubs, the latter were all dis- missed for a total of four runs. Two of these were obtained by F. Norman, and one by W. Rampling, 8en., the total being made up with a leg-bye. O. R. Lockey took six wickets without a run being scored fromnim, ;»'i i .< "iih'lu • -a ■ *> m rr.T'. r The third international-quoiting match, between 'thp English and Welsh Quoiting Associations, is to he' one "oif the Attractions at the Crystal Palace on Whit Monday. Thirty-two players, champions of their county or district, will take part in the event. At Leyton, on Monday, a cricket match was begun between Essex and Surrey. The visitors won the toss, went first to the wickets, and put together 188, of which Hayward contributed 64, and Mr. Jephson 50. At the close of the first day's play Essex had made 108 at the expense ot five wickets. Somerset and Yorkshire met on Monday at Bath. The Northern team had first innings, and began badly, losing three wickets for 10 runs, but ultimately carried' their r trttal to 163. Somerset were lesg feticcessful, being all dismissed for 104. Derbyshire Visited Nottingham to play the county team, and, going in first on Monday, kept possession of the wickets all day, running up the large^ total of 322 for five men out. Storer contributed 109—the first century of the season in first-class county cricket. At Oxford, the University began on Monday a match with Mr. A. J. Webbe's Eleven, and were all dis- missed for 94 runs, while their opponents did better, scoring 160. f, L.

INTERESTING INSPECTION AT WINPSOR CAGTLK. About 120 veteran soldiers who had fought in the Crimea and India were conyeyed from Bristol to Windsor on Monday, for the purpose of being in- spected by the Queen. 0 The old men were shown through St. Georg" Cbapel, and afterwards had luncheon in, the Riding School. During the repast the veterans were visited by the Pri nee of Morftenegro, who was attended by Major- General Du Plat on behalf the Queen. After the meal her Majesty's health was drunk by her guasts with a heartiness that only .circumstances of their visit could evoke. At three o'clock they.were conducted through the. State apartments, after which they were drawn up in line in the Quadrangle to be inspected. Her Majesty, accompanied in her carriage by Princess Henry of Prussia and the Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, was driven up to the line, when the chairman and members of the Veterans' Association were introduced by Sir John McNeill, V.C. The veterans were then individually presented to the Queen by the Rev. J. Warn, who stated the age and regiment of the presentee, and the special circumstances connected with his career. A few kindly words of welcome, accompanied -by a gracious smile, awaited each veteran, and her Majesty seemed especially interested when four old invalids were presented to her. One of the oldest among the company was Gunner Newbury, of the Royal Marine Artillery, aged 82 years; but although he is nearly bent double by age and service, his intellect is as keen as the youngest soldier in the service. Another invalid veteran was Private Ley, of the 7th Fusiliers, who is blind, and it was a pathetic scene that her Majesty witnessed when the crippled gunner led the stalwart and hale, yet blind, figure of Ley to the Royal carriage, when the Queen was informed by the Rev. J. Warn that there were even yet older veterans left behind at Bristol. After the inspection the veterans formed up and marched to the Town Hall, where they were enter- tained to a sumptuous tea, following which a number tained to a sumptuous tea, following which a number of speeches were made. Pleased with their visit, and proud of their recog- nition by the Queen, the veterans subsequently returned home by special Great Western train.

ALL the battalions at Aldershot will take parkin the extensive manoeuvres this year, with the excep- tion of the Gordon Highlanders, who are leaving Aldershot, the Northamptonshire Regiment, and the Welsh Regiment. THE East Durham Miners Federation, represent- ing from 20,000 to 30,000 colliers, have unanimously decided that the coalowners of Durham county be requested to immediately adyanpe miners' wages 20 per cent.. A TURNING suspension bridge has been erected over the River Calumet in the south of Chicago, United States. The pivot is supported on piles in the middle of the river, and when the bridge is turned to as to lie up and down stream there is a clear waterway for vessels on each side. THE armies of the chief nations of Europe, on a war footing, would be as follows: Russia, 5,000,000; Sermany, 4,500,000; J^^e, 4,380,000; Italy, 3,000,000; Austria, 2,000,000; Turkey, 700000; England, 660,000; Spain, 190,000. ,1U: .J:! ..i v

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. I HOUSE OF LORDS.—MAT 16. Lord Londonderry moved the second reading of the Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners) | Bill, the main object of which he explained was to i extend the limitation -of the British shipowner's liability under the Act of 1894, so as to include the -period between the launching of his ship and the date of its registration. After some remarks from Lord Ravensworth and the Lord Chancellor, The bill was read a second time. The Attendance of Children at School (Scotland) Bill passed through Committee. Lord Sidmouth, referring to the offer of the Natal Government to provide a large supply of coal for the use of the Royal Navy, asked whether her Majesty's Government intended to take steps to render the harbour at Durban more readily accessible to j her Majesty's ships. j Lord Hopetoun replied that great efforts had already been made by the Natal Government to im- prove the entrance of Durban harbour, which was now accessible to vessels drawing not more than 17ft. of water, and a large number of third-class cruisers ) on the station had already used the harbour. But, owing to the existence of a shifting bar, work that had taken months to carry out might be rendered useless by 24 hours of bad weather, and heavy ships might be unable to enter when they most required to i use the harbour. Therefore, while they fully recog- nised the natriotic spirit which prompted the hand- some offer made by Natal, her Majesty's Government did not think it would be advisable to convert Port Durban into an Imperial coaling-station. HOUSE OF COMMONS. Mr. Yerburgh asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether he could arrange to take the Foreign Office vote on the first Friday after the Whitsuntide recess. Mr. Balfour said he could do little more than repeat what he had before stated, viz., that it was not very easy, nor, per- haps, very expedient, to allocate particuiar Fridays much more than a week in advance. He understood that his hon. friend and the right hon. baronet the member for the Forest of j Dean, who had a question down on the same subject, were not quite in agreement as to the topics which they wished to discuss when I the Foreign Office vote came on. His hon. friend wished to deal with the policy of the Government in China, whereas the right hon. baronet had a wider ambition and desired to prove the general incompetence of the Government in all questions connected with foreign affairs. Of course the Government were prepared to discuss either the larger or the narrower issue whenever it suited the House, but considering that they had had two days' debate upon the Chinese question he confessed he thought the other aspect of the question perhaps had a certain claim for preference, though it was not for the Government, as much as for the House, to determine what topic should be taken when the vote came on. Sir W. Harcourt re- marked, amid Opposition cheers, that there was a new foreign policy. What he thought the House and the country desired to discuss was the Birmingham country desired to discuss was the Birmingham policy. (This observation elicited renewed Opposi- tion cheers and loud cries of "Order" from the Ministerial side.) The right hon. gentleman added that that was the policy which they ought to discuss at the earliest moment. Sir Howard Vincent asked whether information had been received respecting the intentions of the American Government towards those vessels under the Spanish flag-which were taken on the high seas prior to the declaration of war or which had left their I ports of departure in ignorance thereof, and whether in case British subjects were interested in such vessels as part owners or insurers, her Majesty's Consuls would be instructed to assist the representatives of those concerned before the properly-constituted tribunal. Mr. Curzon replied that the Foreign Office had not received any intimation from the American Government concerning the course which they proposed to pursue in such cases. Her ) Majesty's Consuls would, in accordance with their general instructions, give such assistance in these i cases as they properly could, but it would be incum- bent on the British subjects concerned themselves to make arrangements to be represented before the United States Prize Courts should the cases be taken there, and to raise such questions as to the owner- I ship of the cargoes and otherwise as their legal advisers might consider material. IRISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT. The Local Government (Ireland) Bill was further considered in Committee. On Clause 34, relating to the payment of the agri- cultural grant to and out of tho Local Taxation Account, Mr. Strachey moved an amendment provldmg that the grant should be made for five years only. In this he was simply following the precedent of the Agricultural Rating Act of 1896. Mr. Gerald Balfour said "it was impossible for him to accept the amendment. In making this great change in the local administration of Ireland the Government found it was likewise necessary, as they announced to the House last year, to alter the system of local j taxation. As the proposed grant and the new system I of local government were so closely connected, he was not prepared to limit the grant to the period o five years. f The amendment was negatived on a division by 258 to 107. t Mr Dillon moved an amendment under which the J 258 to 107.. Mr. Dillon moved an amendment under which the J first payment of the grant would become payable on March 31, 1898, and not, as proposed by the clause, j on the 29th day of September next after the passing j of the Act. Mr. Gerald Balfour, in resisting the j amendment, explained that he had followed the analogy of the English Act passed two years ago. Eventually the amendment was negatived by 276 to 96. Mr. Lambert moved to omit the words relating to the grant for relieving the landlords from the poor- rate. He was not aware that the Irish landlords had done anything which entitled them to £ 300,000 a year on condition that they swallowed this bill. Mr. Gerald Balfour opposed the amendment, which had not been supported by any new argument. On a division the amendment was negatived by i 235 to 70. Mr. M. Healy moved an amendment providing that a portion of the agricultural grant should be payable to the Council of every county borough. Mr. Gerald Balfour said the amendment raised the whole question of the exclusion of towns from the benefit of the agricultural grant. By the ex- clusion the towns lost only about £ 5000 which they would otherwise, receive from the Treasury but, on the other hand, they gained E26,000 by union rating. The Government plan was by far the best, and was decidedly preferable to that pro- posed by the amendment. After further discussion, however, Mr. Gerald Balfour promised to reconsider the whole question before the report stage was reached. Mr. M. Healy said that after that assurance, for which he thanked the right hon. gentleman, he would not press the amendment to a division. The amendment was accordingly withdrawn. Mr. Strachey moved as an amendment that the provisions of this Act should extend to every here- ditament entered as land in the valuation )J n the meaning of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896. Mr. Gerald Balfour was miable to accept the proposal, as it would entail an entirely new valuation throughout thOnba0ldiviSathe amendment was negatived by j ^Mr* Whittaker pointed out that this was the only; clause which concerned English members, because it demanded that this country should pay the money. It made grants in relief of Irish local taxation i practically out of English pockets. It was, in fact, a new departure, and he could not help remarking 1 that no attempt had been made by the Government to justify or defend the grant. The grant was bare- faced bribery and a monstrous job. Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Maddison also opposed the clause. Finally the clause was carried, on a division, by 243 to 60.

DR. DOBIE FORETELLS HOW Till ZND WILL COKS. Although he is undoubtedly sick unto death, still Mr. Gladstone may be many days with us. I should not be surprised," said Dr. Dobie, in conversation on Monday with a Press representative, if his life were prolonged for another fortnight." This professional view may tend to allay the anxiety of many people, and to check the wild rumours which get into circulation. Only on Sunday night, Hawarden was besieged with inquirers, who had posted hot haste from Chester, where a report had gained currency to the effect that the Grand | Old Man had gone at last." There did not appear, had gained currency to the effect that the Grand | Old Man had gone at last." There did not appear, [ at the moment of writing, to be any cause for im- mediate apprehension, according to the latest trust- worthy information. But naturally enough in the case of a man of Mr. Gladstone's age the end might come at almost any moment. The nine a.m. bulletin on Monday was rather re- assuring, the terms being as follows Mr. Gladstone 1has slept well and soundly. He seems to have a little more strength in consequence. He has no pain or distress." Apparently the condition of the right hon. gentle- man continued to be satisfactory throughout the day, for at five o'clock, at which hour a bulletin has hitherto been issued, it was not considered necessary to post any information at the chief entrance to the castle. At that time, it seems, Mr. Gladstone was again sleeping, and so Mrs. Gladstone found him on returning from her customary afternoon drive. Mr. John Morley desires to see his old and distin- guished colleague once more before the end comes. On the occasion of his last visit the scene between him and Mr. Gladstone was very touching. Mr. Morley, on taking his departure, asked for Divine interposition on behalf of the aged invalid, who in return fervently exclaimsd, "God bless you, Morley." Mr. Gladstone speaks very little, but he quickly recognises old friends. For instance, he knows Dr. Dobie immediately he enters the room. Questioned on Monday as to the probable duration of the illness, and as to when the end must be expected, Dr. Dobie unhesitatingly expressed the opinion that the right hon. gentleman might yet live for two weeks. The doctor added: "It is not the local malady that will kill him. He will gradually get weaker and weaker, and die from failure of the heart's action." I This local malady is the cancerous growth in the region of the nose, which has been causing the right hon. gentleman such acute pain. It has been found of no avail to attempt to combat its malignant effects, and the medical men have devoted themselves to assuaging the suffering which it has caused. In this happily they have been successful, morphia is now placed beneath the tongue, and is quickly absorbed. So effectual has this treatment been that Dr. Dobie declared on Monday: Mr. Gladstone is not suffering so much pain now as when he went away in the autumn." Tne inquiries and letters of sympathy continue to be very numerous. The family do not care to make them public, but the contents of many of the commu- nications have become known: The Queen has written to Mrs. Gladstone making particular inquiries, and expressing the utmost sym- pathy. A long telegram, covering several sheets, has been received from the Princess of Wales, couched in the most touching language, and containing the expres- sion, I am praying for you." The following bulletin was issued at Hawarden Castle on Monday night: Mr. Gladstone has passed a quiet, comfortable day. He has taken nourishment well and has had no pain. His strength is maintained, and he has had a good deal of sleep.'

THE ORIGIN OF BREAKFAST HAMS. In the Queen's Bench Division on Saturday, the Lord Chief Justice, Sir F. Jeune, Lord Justice Chitty, and Justices Mathew, Wright, Darling, and Channell gaye judgment in the case of Coppen v. More. The appellant, Mr. Coppen, proprietor of the London Supply Stores, 42, George-street, Richmond, Hid elsewhere, was convicted by the justices of an Dffence under the Merchandise Marks Act, his as- sistants having sold to the respondent, More, an American ham as a Scotch ham, and invoiced it as such. The appellant contended that the decision of the justices was wrong, as he had sent a notice round Do all his managers, including the manager of the shop in question, to the effect that the hams of this kind were not to be sold with the description of any place of origin, but were simply to be sold as break- fast hams. The Court confirmed the conviction, with costs.

ENGLISH travellers should beware of what they take with them across the Channel. Forgetfulness of this lately cost such a traveller the sum of £20 at the port of Boulogne, where he had to pay a fine of 500 francs on a box of wax-lights, value 4!d., which the Custom House officers found among his luggage. The manufacture of matches is a very strict State monopoly with our neighbours, and a fine of one franc per match is ruthlessly imposed on all contraband imports of the kind from abroad. It is no use say- ing to the Customs officers that they can confiscate the matches if they will relieve you from the fine, for this is imposed all the same.