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

BRITISH DELICACIES IN ITALY. The British Vice-Consul at Leghorn in his .report to the Foreign Office says that the Yarmouth bloater is a great favourite with Italians, and the import at Leghorn is always plentiful and generally profitable. About 28,000 barrels and 3000 half barrels and thirds were landed during the past year. The import of British hams, bacon, and saited pork into Italy1 is prohibited by an old regulation which forbade the import of the porcine products of all nations for sanitary reasons. By simply making the request most other countries have secured the setting aside of this regulation in their favour. It is not, per- haps, generally known that there was a means, if a somewhat expensive one, of evading the terms of the regulation. If a ham were picked in a henniti- cally-sealed tin it could be passed in as preserved meat, even if the tin were frankly declared as con- taining an entire ham. The point has been success- fully tested. Thus the gentlemen who have lately lamented in the Italian Press their utter inability to secure this luxury might really have procured it if at a somewhat exorbitant cost.

THE KING'S CHAMPION The latest publication of the Historical Manu- apripts Commission covers the voluminous corre- spondence in the possession of Mr. J. J. Hope Johnstone, of Annandale. Pei haps the most inte- resting letter in the collection is that in which the (Hon. Mary Hope Johnstone describesl the corona- tion of King George the Fourth, and thfcr Scene in Westminster Hall when the Champion thffeW down tire gauntlet. After telling howthe spoohs were forgotten at the banquet, and how the King, who only took soup, was not plfeased with the delay, she says Presently was* heard a loud, electrifying blast of the trumpet, and a loud knocking at the gate, which announced the champion, every creature testifying the utmost anxiety and delight. He entered a few paces 'within the hall, and the challenge being read, threw down the gauntlet with an air of most determined (unquestionable defiance, which every creature echoed as perfect, which most completely said" No one can dare to question the right I have espoused," himself looking so fierce and austere that I scarcely knew fiim, for the same man Sir Pulteney (Johnstone) had taken me to see practice his horse two days before. The gauntlet returned, amid loud cheering and trumpets again sounding, at the centre, and at the 'steps of the throne the same ceremony Was per- formed, the horse as quiet as possible, yet going at a graceful prancing pace, arid the champion sitting so easily and gracefully that all tho ladies were in ecstacies. On the final return and putting on of the gauntlet, the King pledged him, and drank his health, upon which the cupbearer bore the same cup (a beautiful massive gold cup and cover of antique form), filled with wine, and presented it to the champion, or rather Iron man, for such he was, when he bowed to the King till his plumes touched the horse's mane. Then, holding out the cup, and raising his head and person most erect and warrior-like, when everyone expected he would quaff off the contents in silence, in a voice that resounded to every corner of the hall, deep and distant, he said, "Long live his Majesty King George the Fourth,' and drank off the wine. I never saw anyone so en- chanted and delighted as the King. "He then retired backing his horse with one hand only, the cup in the other, and went almost- by a thread so straight notwithstanding the kicking and plunging of my Lord Howard's ill-managed steed, which with its ample tail nearly swept some of the gentlemen jten- sioners off the land of the living.

THE MADONNA AND THE VARNISH. It seems that at Minervino, a little town ir Southern Italy, the image of a Madonna stands or the market-place and is highly revered. By an acci- dent some of the varnish had come off the face of the figure. Like wildfire the news spread that from .anger at the enormous rise in the price of bread bhe Madonna had changed colour. That was enough. Armed with axes, scythes, and cudgels tht mob fell upon the Custom Houses, the Muni- cipio, the houses of the Sindaco, and the magis- trates and others. No quarter was shown. Thoat who did not escape through back doora or over the roofs were lost. The mob penetrated into Dr Brandi's house, although his wife lay dying. The sick room was plundered, and the doctor himself escaped on to the roof, and from there into a garden There he was brought to bay and struck at with axes till he was a mass of blood. The same thing happened to two other men.. The few soldiers,, only 80 men, fled into a housp, where they barricaded themselves. The house was set on fire, and the brothers in the King's cat" had almost begun tc stew when reinforcements arrived.

-À CAPTAIN MAIIAN, of the United States Navy, in expressing to the Navy League his regret that the war makes it impossible for him to keep his engagement with them, trusts that "the day is dawning when the accord between Britain; and America shall be Derfect." TnE death is announced of the Marquis de Sardoal who was formerly a well-known Spanish Minister, to whom many improvements at Madrid wore due. A HOOD worked by her Majesty and presented by Princess Beatrice, is about to be placed in the work- house of the Hungerford Union. THE Earl of Kingston, senior subaltern of the Leicestershire Militia Battalion, has been transferred to the 5th Battalion of the Connaught Bankers 'Roscommon Militia).

GARDENING GOSSIP. Gardmiiig lUustrafed}*} .• -> lIJ!í.) '■ ..I' ;■ j £ if ■iff; ;j;WINDOW GABDENINO. f!> V "Window-boxes should be (IV-r. E. Hobd^y^dvises) prepared and painted. Ivy-leaved and other Pelargoniums, Marguerites, and trailing' Lobeliai aw among- the moat suitable plants for" Window- boxes.. T bedding plants which hum-,tbeen wintered in spare room should be moved ,o^tsi<je to harden, sheltered with tiffany or something, at night for a time. OiTTDOOR GARDEN. ni More bedding plants to cold-frames., Plants with foliage hardened by exposure will do in temporary shelters where a light cover of any kind can be thrown over them at night. Pdt off late struck cuttings and prick out late sown tender-annuals. These are best pricked out in cold-frames. If only a few of each are required, prick into boxes. Soipe of the hardiest things, such as Peptatemons, Calceolarias, and Margaret Carnations, may be planted out. But every- thing should hew-ell hardened before planting out—this is necessary even as.late as-the end of May. When plants are taken straight from the greenhouse to the beds the leaves will suffer. Thin early sown annuals very freely. Six inches will not be too much spar e for each plant; but the thinning should be done before they are weakened or over-crowded. All hardy plants are growing £ reely flpw, but the cc,ld nights have checked growth, arid the Roses and other things have scarcely yet got into full swing in growth.' It is getting late now for. sewing biennials, such as Wallflowers, &e>, and if tbisis;not, already done, see to it at once. Prepare the bed and borders for the summer Bidders as soon Ja the spring Bowers are over. If bulbs are moved before "they 'hate com- pleted their growt h, some'pains should be taken to prevent them-receiving too much check. „ PLANTS FOB JIALLS. in large houses with artfpld hall space stands filled with growing plants are (" B. H." says) very effective if rightly arranged. It.is, however, aimattee^of much importance that the jplajats selected; for this purpose should be such as would not feel the effects of cold currents of air, for during the winter months in an outer hall they would, of course, be subject' t& sudden changes of temperature, while, during the'summer almost any plant may be placed under such circum- stances with the greatest safety. The size of the plants used for this purpose must bear some kind of proportion to the size of the hall in which they are placed, and as to the shape and the material of which the stands are made, that must depend on the taste of the purchaser; but the dearest and most elaborate, when fitted up, often do not look so well as those of a more simple character. The plant selected. for the centre should always be the tallest—a Dracaena, Cocoa-nut Palm, or India-rubber-plant being best adapted for this purpose. Round this should bo grouped other plants, either remarkable fotf flowers or foliage, which will be set off to advantage by that selected for the centre. Round the centre should be placed sqmething of a drooping character, which will hang down gracefully and produce a good effect: For a stand in a hall which is not heated in any way there ire no plants better suited than some of the hardy British Ferns, which withstand cold draughts well, and preserve their fronds very fresh and green all the year round. For town-houses nothing is so suitable as Ferns, as they often grow well where many other plants would droop and fade in a few days. A handsome stand of British Ferns could be arranged as follows: In the centre should be set a tall plant of the Male Fern (Lastrea Filil- mas), then grouped around, it a few plants of Scolopendrium vulgare, and again, outside of these, other Ferns, such as Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, A. marinum, A. Trichomanes, Btechnum Spicant, and Polypodium vulgare. The Parsley Fern (Allosorus -rispus) should not be forgotten. Ferns suc- ceed best when each one is set in a separate pot, and, when planting them in this way, care should be taken not to jrush any of the fronds, as if bruised they fade at ance. The size of the pots should be regulated by :he dimensions of the stand in which they are to be placed if a large one is employed the pot in which le, centre Fern is to be planted should be a 24-sized q'pe"; for those outside of it 48-sized pots will be large enough, and for those round the outer edge BO-sized ones will suffice. In the bottom of each pot should be placed.some broken crocks for drainage— not, as is too often the case, thrown in in any way, but placed so that the moisture will drain down through them, without choking up the water way. Over the ocks aJittle Moss or Cocoa-nut fibre should be placed, and over that again a little of the soil in which the plants are to be potted. In the case of Ferns they should be planted in a mixture of leaf-mould, rotten turf, and peat, a good dash of silver-sand being thrown in to keep the whole porous; On the sur- face of the pots, and between them, should be put wood Moss, as in the case of stands for sitting-rooms. A common seed-pan, filled with Selaginella denti- culata, dropped into a small vase, has a fine appear- ance long sprays grow out over the sides of the vase, and droop down 8in. or lOin., producing a. charming effect. During the summertime a few Roses, or similar flowers, might be placed, if desired, among the Selaginella. LIQUID-MANURE IN VINERIES. If facts were known, many mishaps might be recorded by the injudicious use of liquid-manure in vineries where the foliage is in a growing condition. If mere drainings from manure heaps much weakened by evaporation ("J." observes), and the-- addition of rain-water are used there is not much risk of danger, but it is when pure horse and cow- urine is used that great care is necessary. It should never be used without being diluted by adding. an equal quantity of pure water,. and even at this strength it should never: be pourd, on the border unless a fair amount of air is on, so that the superfluous ammonia may escape. There is not so much fear of immediate damage provided the day is sunless, but unless air is admitted extra early and as liberally as possible next morning, damage may be apprehended. 1 prefer to apply the liquid on a fine day, so that the ventilators can be opened fairly wide, and, what is more, not. entirely closed until the sun is off the house. I do not like to use the liquid stronger than a quarter its natural strength in early vineries in January and February, as at that period the weather is often too cold to permit of opening the ventilators even a little, and should the sun suddenly burst forth the chances are injury will follow. Strong guano- water will produce the same effects, and I well remember, when journeyman in a garden in the north of England, a house of young Vines suddenly becoming spotted in every leaf from the fumes of guano-water after closing the house in strong sun- shine. The gardener could not understand it and dug down to the roots, wondering if the phylloxera had attacked them. I, however, felt sure as to the cause, having previously seen a similar case. I have known several cases of bad foliage disfigurement caused by putting strong liquid-manure into the evaporating pans of a vinery where the foliage was young and tender, the fires being moved on early in the afternoon, which engendered steam, the actual damage taking place when the house was closed with sun-heat. o doubt much harm is likewise wrought by watering Strawberries, Melons, and other fruiting subjects confined in pots. Better by far give it weak and often than strong and at long intervals, especially previous to the formation of abundance of roots. The rule of diluting it to the colour of pale le IS a safe one for all fruit-trees in pots, and, provided such care is used, I believe it to be the very best manure procurable. The stale liquid obtained from puddles in open yards is ofteu not only of no value, but positively harmful.

His WIFE (hearing him indistinctly): Henry, please hold j our mouth a little further away from the 'phone." He (with considerable indiebatioo): Do vou ikink I've been drinking, Amelia 1*

A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. 1 The windows of the club lounge were open, and' the cool, fragrant air of the spring evening w.ta struggling with the smoke-laden atinosphero of the room. I > Just as the general conversation, which had turned on mettera American-, became most ani- mated, a man'bf unusual height and herculean?frame, whom we -had not previously noticed, rose from a de table and approached us. Ilia, intelligeiit- features, which bore-the stamp of resolution, seemed a 'rLWatised. by, the large, kindly blue eyes. But the! most striking-peculiarity in his appearance was the snow-white • hair and the grey beard framing his face, which at the utmost indieated an age of only thirty-five years. •" Pardon me if I enter into your conversation," h< qaid, bowing courteously. You are speaking of a qubject which, greatly interests me. I myself am « Jiving proof that terrible mental agitation really does ffxert the physical influence which you all doubt." His, words awakened the utmost mterest. Wei made room for him at our table, and, after he had taken his seat, unanimously urged him to tell us what bad caused the whiteness of his hair. The stranger feigned no undue modesty, but yielded to our entreaties, and related the foMowing <"Tf you have ever-<paid any attention to Americar affairs, the name of Auburn cannot be unfamiliar It has about the same significance in the United ^States as Spielberg has in Austria. You must not jmagine Auburn as an immense, gloomy prison, t single large building, but rather a whole colony oi criminals, a inetropolasiof the miserable outcasts ol pociety. Inclosed by enormous walls, which rISE, menacingly to a considerable height above the plain are a great numhar of single structures, housea whicr contain the cells of the prisoners, the residences of the wardens, barracks, hospitals, and workshops, all deso- late and dreary, with here and there a bit of turf, a row of trees, a bed of flowers, like an innocent memory of childhood among the evil thoughts of » criminal. Circumstances which I will not weary yon by recounting had led me, after completing my educa- tion in my native city, Hamburg, to America, and After a brief time in New York I found myself prison surgeon in Auburn, which, as perhaps you know, is the State of New York. "I had charge of a part of the prison which con- tained the worst criminals, men, or rather human hyenas, to whom blood had ceased to be a very special liquid, as Mephistopheles terms it. Two, who were condemned to lifelong imprisonment in the institution and were distingui shed among the others bygreatbodilj strength, craftiness and intelligence, bad, in conse- quence of repealed bold and cunning attempts to ng escape, been placed under more rigid oversight than the rest. I had incurred their special hate because I had once caused the discovery of several iron tools, which—Heaven knows how obtained they had concead under their clothing and on another I. occasion discovered that they were shamming when, on the plea of illness, they desired to be placed in the hospital, probably because they hopea to find the conditions there more favourable for their plans of escape. The scoundrels were separated and heavily chained, but nevertheless one morning one, and a few dfiys later^the other; vanished, chaVns and 1 all, without letting 'a trace, About "fortnight afterwards I went to Cayuga Bridge on some private businells." < • r "It was noon when I reached the end of my ride, and I gazed with delight at the sunlit latidf scape before my eye?. Gayuga Lake, one of those which, with Lake Erie, form the network of inland lakes in New York, lay before me in its pecality- loneliness. Between rugged, rocky shores, confront- ing each other like sullen foes, the long, narrow sheet of silver extended its clear surface as if striving tc reconcile the two enemies, who had stared defiantly at each jother for centuries. Across the lake, which is about forty miles long and at this point a mile wide, the railway trains run on an immense wooden bridge, a marvel of American.enterprise, which has a station at Cayuga Bridge, an insignificant village. "My business was soon completed, and towards evening I set out on my way home. Are you ftuni," liar with the pleasure of a ride on a- summer even- ing ? Cayuga Bridge is surrounded by extensive oak forest#,ythrough which I had to rider a considerable distance. The huge, lofty trunks cast long shadows. and the tops rustled so softly that one rathei* felt •than heard them, As I passed beneath thesf woodland giants, sweet memories of my far-off home stole into my heart. Absorbed in thought I loosened the bridle of my horse, which trotted slowly forward. I admired the be- witching blending of colours produced by the rays of the setting-sun, as they shone through the dense "g y dark-green foliage and seemed to kindle the edges 01 the leaves. Suddenly I was aroused from my dreams by a rustling in the underbrush on both sides of thE road. I seized my pistol and turned quickly, but at the same moment received a terrible blow which de- privod me of my senses. True, I opened my eyes once more and fancied I saw distinctly, as if in a dream, one of the escaped criminals bending over me. then darkness shrouded my mind. It must have been late at night when conscious- ness returned. I opened my eyes, and saw above me in the dp blue sky a radiant full moon. A dull, heovy sensation in the back of my head made me try to put my hand on the aching spot, but I discovered that,. I was bound band and foot. Gradually I collected my thoughts, remembered thehatt-ack by highwaymen, and a terrible foreboding, which made my heart stop beating, darted through my brain. I feltitbat 1, wax laid across two sharp parallel projec- tions which pressed against me most painfully, and, listening iotently, I heard, far below me, a faint plashing noise. There was no doubt. I was lying across the rails of the Cayuga Bridge, bound, unable to move, with the terrible, certain prospect of being cut into three pieces by the next train. "I almost lost consciousness again. But I soon recovered my composure. Then I tugged desperately at my bonds till they almost cut my muscles, shrieked, and at last wept like a child. I tried to roll myself into a different position, and remembered that an incautious movement would hurl me into the silent waves of the Cayuga-bound hand and foot, motion- less as a stone. "I shuddered and lay still, but not long. Ibe sight of the large, to me fearfully brilliant, moon, the splashing of the water below, the wind blowing softly, then the deathlike silenceagain, rarely interrupted by the distant note of a bird-all became unendurable, and inspired me with unspeakable terror.. And the rails! The rails I My senses tortured me. I could not escape them.. The wooden beams of the.bridge trembled almost imperceptibly from the washing of the water. I imagined I felt the approach of the train, and my hair bristled. The wind sighed a little louder, I fancied I heard the dull panting of the engine, and my heart stood still, only to throb the next instant with such dreadful speed that the pupa- tions were almost audible. There are some things, gentlemen, which are totally incomprehensible to me. One of them is how I survived that night. One thought stood distinctly before my mind. I must endeavour to work myself into another position-if possible, get into the space between the rails-if I was not, perhaps the next moment, to become the victim of the most agonising death. And I succeeded! I strained every muscle, every sinew to the point of breaking. I writhed, I twisted, I panted, my head seemed bursting; and, after tremendous exertion, which appeared to me to last an eternity, though perhaps it was only moments, I found myself in the hollow between the rails. It would never do for me to consider or rejoice in my new hope, f<jr all my vital powers were con- centrated in the single sense of hearing. In the far distance I distinguished, at first vaguely, the monotonous, dull noise, which is produced by the engine of a moving locomotive. The awful silence of the night merged minute by minute into the still more awful, confused jarring sounds, the rattling and groaning, which was rushing forward at the mad speed of American trains. A thousand feet more, five hundred-all the terrors of the infernal regions assailed me, but not, a muscle moved. I lay as if turned to stone. I tried to shriek, but did not even hear my own voice. How should it reach those on the train ? Now, for an infinitely brief space of time, I fan- cied that I saw a bright light, a blast of hot air fanned me, then suddenly darkness shrouded me. I heard a thundering roar, as though the very heavens were falling. Close, very close, barely an inch above, the monster dashed over me. I was safe. Still half unconscious, I heard a deafening rumbling and clattering, and saw shadowy masses flit by. There was another moment of mortal dread the hook of a chain which hung lower than the rest caught me dragging me along a few feet, and finally tore a large piece from the breast- of my coat; releasing me then avefy object danoad around me, the moony the bridge. and the high bank whirled in a giddy maze above and below me, and my senses failed. Wheji I regained xny consciousness I found tny- oelf in my bed, with familiar faces around me. To make the story short, I had been picked up the morn- ing after that terrible night by a signalman. recog- nised, and taken to Auburn. A violent fever kept me for a fortnight within the shadow of death, but my 3trong constitution conquered. Wl^en, after my re- covery, I looked in the glass for the first time, I saw what traces those moments had left upon me." The physician paused. His pallid face, the ex- pression of horror in the eyes, the perspiration which stood in large drops upon his brow, showed bow vivid must be hifr remembrance of the scene, andnow greatly the narration had exhausted him. Gradually the breathless anxiety with which we had listened to the story related with such graphic power passed away, and cheerfulness returned. Then we paced to and fro for a long time in the moonlight, in the garden behind the tavern, listening to the doctor's tales of less harrowing experiences in the young land of liberty, wonders, and adventures.

MR. J. M. BABRIE'S SUMMER HOUSE. Mr. J. Barrie is to make the Perthshire Highlands the scene of his summer holiday this year, he having taken Beechwood House, Strathtay, for the months of «|uly and August. Beechwood, which is 10 minutes' walk from Grandtully Station, on the Aberfeldy branch of the Highland Railway, is situated on the north bank of the river Tay, and has very picturesque surroundings. Ballechin House, the scene of the great ghost controversy, is in the immediate vicinity. The old castle of Grandtully, also in the district, is said to be the original Tullyveolan of Scott's Waverley."

IS THE WAR POPULAR ? 1 A. VOICE IN THE NEGATIVE, An American correspondent makes some, impor- tant declarations with regard to the war between Spain and America. He says If the cabled reports accurately gauge English opinion, I am afraid English opinion cannot be fully acquainted with all that has happened during the last three years and with the conditions at Washing- ton which have led up to the present war. From Washington the war is put forward as in the interest of humanity. That plea does not fiftd general acceptance even in this country; and it will de- ceive no one who is cognisant of the re- lations of the two countries prior 10 -last week's ultimatum. For two years both political parties have sought to make capital out of the insur- rection. Weeks before the Sampson Board reported, the cry of Revenge for the Maine!" was raised. It has never been dropped, and that cry is responsible for the war. The Sampson Board inquiry was entirely ex parte and it is not too much to say that half-a-crown could not be recovered in an English County-court on evidence like that whioh fills up the 250 pages, of the Board's report. Up to the time of the Maine disaster, Mr. McKinley had undoubtedly done his, best to come to some agree- ment with Spain. After, the Maine report Mr. McKinley began to act as a politican and not as a statesman. To a..statesman, the. offer to arbitrate the disaster to the Maine would have been a. new opportunity for continuing the pacific course which Mr. McKinley had followed until the disaster had occurred. If arbitration had been accepted, there would have been no wart and in the interval which would have ensued, the United States would have obtained from Spain everything that she had a right to demand. President McKinley, however, saw an opportunity only for politics, not for statesman- ship. He regarded the Maine disaster as a proof that anarchy was prevailing in Cuba, and as a reason for peremptorily telling Spain that she must quit the island. His party in Congress, with only a few ex- ceptions in the House and in the Senate, had semi that if they did not press the war cry, the Democrats would do -so, and would use it at the Congressional elections. Thus both the Republicans and the Demo- crats were demanding war, and the Presi- dent realised that, the exigencies of the Re- publican party required that there should.; be war; lie tossed the question of peace Or war into Congress, and then all was over. In considering the humani- tarian motives, two facts must be borne in mind the United States did not interfere when!, Weyler was carrying out his war policy, and the conditions in Cuba have admittedly been on the mend during the last 15 months. In the second place, the war has stopped all relief for the Reconcentradoes from the United States, and it has greatly hampered the Spaniards in any efforts they may have been making for the relief of the victims of the war. No humani- tarian war, if there can ever be humanitarian war, was entered on in the spirit in which this war was begun. People who are going into a humanitarian war could not cry, We are 70 millions they are 17. We must lick them." Nor could people about to enter on such a war purpose that warships and regiments going into battle should carry flags directly inciting to revenge. Nor should English people forget the traditional hatred entertained by largé groups of politicians of both political parties in this country for any connec- tion of Old World countries with this Western con- I tinent. The unreasoning hatred was entirely at the1 bottom of the Venezuela outburst of 1895, and it has had a share in bringing on the tvar with Spain. One has to live in the United States to realise how wide- spread and how unreasoning is this traditional hatred of Old World Powers which happen to have any territorial possession in this hemisphere. After being in this country a few years one sees how this spirit comes to exists. It runs through many of the histories 1 of the country and to-day, to a large cstent, it per- vades the newspaper Press and actuates the poli- ticians. This spirit has had a larger part in bring- ing about the present war than maybe conceivable to people in England. It must not be supposed that the war is popular here. Away from Washing- ton, and outside the columns of the "Yellow" journals, the feeling seems to be For better or for worse we are in for it, and we must go through with it." But there is comparatively little enthusiasm for war, and there will be less as the prices of staples climb upwards and as, from day to day, the army of the unemployed increase.

ELEMENTARY education in Germany is absolutely compulsory from the age of six to 14. In the smallest villages there are eight divisions, though sometimes they are all in one room and taught by one master. In towns, the divisions are sub-divided into 16 classes. There are no fees and no examinations in elementary schools. The community contributes about half the cost of maintenance and appoints the teachers, subject to State sanction. In all the higher schools fees are demanded. Private schools exist only with the consent and authorisation (f the State. THE latest novelty in the way of Yankee notions is calculated to fill the soul of the harassed telephone user with a great joy. It is a sort of automatic tele- phone exchange. On each telephone instrument there is a dial with the numbers thereon from a cipher up to nine. If you desire to speak to a person whose telephone number is 8971," you merely press each of these numbers in turn, starting at 8 and finishing on 1." This.operation causes your, instru- ment, to come into immediate connection with that of the person you want through the automatic ex- change and the lines connecting both instruments to it. On finishing your conversation it is only necessary to hang up your receiver as usual, and the connection is immediately broken.

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NEWS NOTES. ,J c THE Queen's visit to Netley Hospital on Saturday furnished a pathetic scene, showing how keen is her Majesty's interest in the personnel of her Army. She, despite her years, determined to honour the wounded soldiers who had served Mr so conspicuously by calling upon; tli(im in hospital, and pinning to the breasts of'two heroes of lowly rank the most- coveted of all the decorations worn by any in the British'Ariny. Well nave Findlater and Vickery won their V.C., but the graceful manner of its bestowal adds to the value of the badge, of valour in their case. ■ i f. i ;j tR. CHAMBERLAIN'S speech at 13inningltwn last week eaA,,Dig the position of J&itnin ae. ic-- cerned with the rest of thft world has routed a great deal ol. heated speaking and writing, in Continental nations. The question is whether the English-speaking race is, or is not, to te main pre-eminent; and one may here devoutly wish that such should be the case without fear of incurring a chaise' 'of political partisanship. It remains with Britain—with her vast colonial domain-and the United States in combination to decide the issue. -1 .l. ■ AMID the bewildering whirl of war rumour the world over, the bellicose utter»r»e«» of President Kruger last week-end about per- haps drawing the sword against England" passed almost as inconsequential verbiage. Though Oom Paul has been a personage in 'his time, he and his Boer fellows are now, so to speak, played out." A newer regime from other lands will ere long wipe them off the South African map. THE opening matches of the Srst-class cricket Reason of 1898 have not been pleasing, either from the view point of the public or the bats- men. The bowlers have had a good time, and experts with the leather like Jack Hearne, of Middlesex, have been able to lay the foundation of a good analysis: but hard, true wickets, with warm and" sunshiny surroundings, are sorely wished for byJall lovers of our greatest summer games. THE nine-tailed cat" is no longer a popular instrument of correction in the country; in- deed, corporal punishment was all but banished by the wave of humanitarian sentiment which superseded a more drastic feeling that swayed our forefathers. In regard to repulsive crimes of violence, however, there has latterly been a disposition to revert to the use of the lash. Whipping has been resorted to since the autumn of 1895 in fifty-five cases in this country of persons convicted of robbery with violence; or violence with intent to rob. There were other cases) and seventy culprits in all were ordered to be whipped once and eleven twice, while thirty strokes was the maximum infliction. These figures, gathered from a cur- rent return, give no light as to the effectiiality or otherwise of the penalty. THE items of war news have once again been voluminous and varied, but indecisive and confusing. Whether we shall have any reliable accounts of great engagements—naval or mili- tary or whether some way of pacification between Spain and the United States will be found, remains to be seen. So far the war has been more on paper than in reality. THE Italian authorities claim to have got the bettier of the rioters for the time being, but something heroic will require to be done before anything like permanent tranquility can be restored in Milan and elsewhere. Italy has been, doubtless, sorely misgoverned by the Opportunists who have managed to secure a little brief authority. A strong man is badly wanted in Garibaldi's land again. THE death of Mr. J. B. Melville, the well- known golfer of St. Andrews, was a peculiarly sad event. The popular wielder of the club was suffocated by a small piece of food which lodged in his throat during dinner. His demise is greatly regretted by many. THE Duke of Norfolk commends all manly sports, and is evidently a believer in the historic prouncement that Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Kton." Outdoor games of endurance and skill he fervently believes contribute much to the building of the moral and physical stamina of young lengland. There are many who think with his grace. TIU parting visits of Lord Rosebery and others of Jiis old colleagues to Mr. Gladstone at Hawarden, as the aged statesman lay awaiting his summons into the Silent Land," were very pathetic; and the only relieving point m the general grief which the ex-, Premier's hopeless illness presented was the fact that medical science had been able to save him from prolonged sufferings. Quietly he awaited, his life's work done, his calL; and the passions aroused by a strenuous career were all calmed at the close. Sincerely sympathetic messages have poured into the letter bags for Hawarden for many days from all sorts and conditions of men; and in solici- tation for Gladstone the man, every thought of political difference has been lost. INDUSTRIAL Britain has been in fairly good standing during the last few weeks, if we aocept the stoppage occasioned by the dispute in the South Wales coalfield, Only two out of every hundred are returned as having been unemployed in all the federated trades, a material improvement on corresponding periods and the general wages conditions are also dia-' tinctly better on the whole