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

(Our foniion Coraspibenf. I (We deem it right to state that we do not at all timet identify oius-elves with our Correspondent's opinionl] Death has laid its hand heavily upon the ranks of our eminent men since the setting in of those bitter winds from the north-east which seem inseparable from an English spring. Mr. Charles Reade, the novelist, was swiftly followed to the grave by Mr. Henry J. Byron, the dramatist, who was twenty years younger than the author of "Hard Cash" and "Never Too Late to Mend.' To those who remem- bered the pleasure which Mr. Byron had given to untold multitudes by the representation of one only out of his many pieces—" Our Boys," which had such an unprecedented run at the Vaudeville—it was painful to know that for two years he had been the victim of a wasting and insidious disease. The man who had long been accustomed to mingle in many a I cl gay scene of London life, practically shut himself up in his pleasant suburban home at Clapham-park, and became a recluse awaiting for at least twelve months the summons which his medical attendant knew to be inevitable. But, socially speaking, a greater than either of these fell before the cutting blasts of the east wind. Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, fifth Duke of Buccleuch, seventh Duke of Queensberry, Knight of the Garter, Privy Councillor, Lord-Lieutenant of the counties of Edinburgh and Roxburgh, Captain General of the Queen's Body Guard in Scotland, Colonel of the Edinburgh Militia, and Military Aide- de-Camp to her Majesty; was socially and politically the most considerable personage north of the Tweed. The election to each Parliament of the sixteen Scottish representative peers was in his hands. The proportion of these was sometimes fifteen Conserva- tives to one Liberal, but the former always largely preponderated. The duke's London residence wall Montagu House. "Whitehall, and his country seats were Houghton House, Kettering; Richmond, Surrey; Ditton Park, Slough; Beaulieu, Hants; Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian; Drunilanrig Castle and Langholm Lodge, Dumfriesshire and Bowhill, Selkirk. It was at the last-mentioned that his grace's long life came to an end. The Duke of Buccleuch held the title for the long term of 65 years, having succeeded to it when George III. was King. He owned 460,000 acres of land in several English and Scottish counties, and his income is set down at £ ^40,000 a year. He was spare in person, and by a life of moderation set an example to those in humbler stations which we do not always see in the higher ranks of society. No j one would imagine from his quiet manner that he was possessed of such vast wealth and great authority. Added to his other offices was that of High Steward of Westminster, and it was only a few months ago that he presided at the opening of the new Town- hall for that city. He then recited a quaint and singular reminiscence of his career. He said that he had witnessed the highest pinnacle of popularity, and on the other hand had been the victim of the vengeance of the multitude to such an extent that he still bore the marks of this' unsolicited attention. Two-and-twenty years ago the duke was not particularly popular in the ranks of the metropolitan ratepayers. He opposed the construction of the Thames Embank- ment on the ground that it would interfere with his proprietary rights as the owner of Montagu House. But this would not do. The people of London proved too strong for even the bold Buccleuch," and the result is seen to-day in the magnificent boulevard which runs alongside the river from Blackfriars to Westminster. The Queen's letter to her people, thanking them for the sympathy manifested for the Royal Family at the intelligence of the death of the Duke of Albany, con- tained a remarkable passage, every word of which was read with interest by all classes of her subjects. It was that in which her Majesty declared that, notwithstanding the sorrows which had fallen upon her in recent years, she would continue to labour on for the sake of her children and the good of the country she lo-,e-s so well. This has taken the special attention of the foreign press, which sees in it an ef- fectual disposal of the rumour that the Sovereign, broken by the trials of her mature years, and wearied with the cares of State in a reign protracted to nearly half a century, would seek an opportunity of retiring into that privacy which she so much enjoys. We have now the Queen's own word for it that she has not the-slightest, intention of abdicating. Therefore, two years hence there will be preparations all over the kingdom for the celebration cf her Majesty's jubilee. The eventi of the past month have shown that Royalty, like every other class, is subject to the opera- tion of two unalterable laws—death and marriage. The Duke of Albany died on the 28th March, and on the 30th instant will be celebrated at Darmstadt the wedding of the Queen's granddaughter, Princess V ic- toria of Hesse, to Prince Louis of Battenberg. In less than a month the Queen will have been present at the funeral of her youngest son, amid the gloomy trappings of woe in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and at the bridal feast of the eldest child of that beloved daughtw- -who was called to her rest after a brief illness contracted by her devotion to her children when stricken with a dan- gerous illness. An indefinite, postponement of the Darmstadt wedding would have done no good to: any one, least of all to the dead; and the Queen is generally commended not only for directing that the marriage should proceed, but for also paying her promised visit to her son-in-law, as a means of en- deavouring, by change of air and scene, to wean her mind from the contemplation of, her most recent sorrow. ( Primrose Day in London iA known as the 19th of April, the anniversary of Lord Beaconsfleld's death. The 26th is remembered as the day of the late Premier's funeral. No one who had the privilege of being in the little cbnrch at Hughrtiden on that day can ever forget the scene. The flower-laden coffin, the illustrious gathering of public men, the wail of the peacocks in the manor grounds, the crowd at the grave-side, the marks of respectful sympathy shown to the memory of the departed earl, and the sombre atmos- pheric conditions.of the day—all these will have a long place in many a memory. Mr. Gladstone is now within twelve months of the age of his distinguished predecessor when he was called to his rest. The bitter winds of the Easter. Recess have not given the Prime Minister those opportunities of seeking the fresh country air of Surrey which it was hoped the middle of April would bring. Besides, Mr. Gladstone requires a longer rest than he can now take. The recess has been marked by that political activity which has of late years been so character- istic of public life in this country. Many would have thought that after nine weeks' of talk in the House of Commons, those engaged in it would seize the occasion to enjoy the utmost quietude which the most remote rural retreat can afford. But we have had the Home Secretary at Derby and Leeds, with Mr. Forster and Mr. Goschen; Lord Randolph Churchill at Birmingham, Lord Salisbury at Man- chester, Sir Stafford Northcote in Edinburgh—all, it will be seen, busy centres of population. The political platform has indeed become a more general illstitution with the extension of cheap telegraphy and the development of the Press. The speeches of members which were formerly confined to their own constituencies are now disseminated by the news agencies throughout the length and breadth of the land. The House of Commons has now a straight run of six weeks before it between this and the Whitsuntide vacation, and in that time a great deal may be done if that historic assembly sets itself really to work. It is a mistake to describe the present: Parliament as moribund. It will not be four years old until the 29th instant, so that it should have t.t least two years more of life in it. The last Parliament was more than six years old when it was dissolved, and had witnessed seven sessions. The present is but the fifth session of the existing House of Commons. Looking at the leading part which Lord Palmerston and Lord Beaconsfield played in our modern political history, it is singular to note that the last Parliament in which each was Prime Minister lasted more than six years, and practically expired from effluxion of time. It may also be added that in the last of Lord Palmerston's Par- liaments Mr. Gladstone was Chancellor of the Exche- quer, and introduced seven successive budgets in as many sessions.

THE QUEEN AT DARMSTADT. Writing from Darmstadt on Sunday, the corre- spondent of the Times says Since the arrival of the Queen, an active corre- spondence by telegraph has been carried on between Darmstadt and other Courts, especially Berlin, rela- tive to the coming wedding. Yesterday morning the Queen received several members of her suite, and then inspected the wedding presents of Princess Victoria, among them being many from English friends. In the afternoon her Majesty drove out round the environs with the Grand-Duke, and this time in a closed carnage, as the weather was cold and snow had fallen. This morning her Majesty, with Princess Beatrice and her suite, and the Grand-Ducal family, attended Divine worship in an apartment of the New Palace, the service being read by Mr. Cummin, the English Chaplain here. Her Majestv continues to live in the greatest seclusion, taking open-air exercise with her pony carriage in the palace gardens of a morning, and driving out with the Grand-Duke in the afternoon. Her drive to day was to the romantically situated village of Nieder-Rainstadt, about five miles from here. 0

ACCOUCHEMENT OF THE DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH. EASTWELL PARK, April 20. Her Imperial and Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh was safely confined of a daughter this morning, at ten minutes past eleven o'clock. Her Royal Highness and the infant Princess are both doing well. CJ IV. S. PLAYFAIR, M.D. GBOIWE WILKS, M.B.

MASSACRE OF SOUDAN REFUGEES. A Renter's telegram, dated Cairo, April 19, says According to telegram received here from Hussein Pasha Khalifa, at Berber, some refugees from Khartoum and the garrison of Shendy left that place in steamers several days ago, but have not yet reached Berber. Hussein Pasha adds that it is not known whether the steamers have run aground or whether they have been stopped by rebels. A telegram dated April 20 says: Nubar Pasha this afternoon received a telegram of a desponding character from Hussein Pasha Khalifi at Berber. He states that the population generally are assuming a menacing attitude, and says he expects that in a few days Berber will be sur- rounded on all sides and taken bv the rebels. The telegram adds that little doubt is now entertained that the refugees from Shendy were massacred at El Baala. It is stated that General Gordon has notified to the British Government that in consequence of the difficulties and great delay in communication he will henceforth act according to his own judgment and on his own responsibility. Sir Evelyn Baring's visit to England is undertaken in connection with Egyptian public affairs generally, but more especially the Soudan question. Nothing has as yet been decided as to how long he will be absent, but it is expected that he will remain in Eng- land for a considerable time. A further telegram of the same date says: Despatches have now been received fully confirming the report that a steamer from Shendy, with 300 refugees who hoped to make their way to Berber, ran on a sandbank near El Baala, and while it was in that position was attacked on every side by Arabs, who massacred all on board. Nubar Fasba is apprehensive that the insurrec- tionary movement will extend as far as Assouan before long. Gordon Pasha, on the 8tli inst., sent the following telegram to Sir Samuel Baker "I have received a meagre telegram from Sir Evelyn Baring stating that the British Government do not intend to send British troops to open the road to Berber, but that negotiations are proceeding with the Arabs for opening the road. You will be able to judge of the value of these negotia- tions, and also of the time such arrangements will last after the withdrawal of the British troops from Soua- kim. Our position is as follows We are provisioned for five months, but are hemmed in by some 500 determined and 2000 rag-tag Arabs. Our position will be much better with the rising of the Nile. Sen- naar, Dongola, and Berber are quite safe for the present. Do yoirthinkif an appeal were made to the millionaires of England and the United States £ 200,000 would be available ? Herewith you might obtain the permission of the Sultan of Turkey to lend us 2000 or :3000 Nizams, and send them to Berber. With these we could not only settle our affairs here, but we could also do for the False Prophet, in whose col- lapse the Sultan is necessarily interested. I would put Zebehr in command. If the loyal way in which the troops and townspeople here have held to me under these circumstances of great difficulty were known. and the way in which my lot is involved in theirs, I am sure this appeal would be considered to be fully justified. I should be mean indeed if I neglected any steps for their safety. Rumour says that Zebehr is at Korosko, but no official confirmation has yet been received from Cairo. It is remarkable that I am not informed.

DEFEAT OF ZIBEBU. Intelligence from Natal states that on March 15 a letter from Ndabuko, brother of Cetewayo, reached Mr. William Grant at Durban. Ndabuko wrote: Two messengers have arrived from the L'sutu army, sent by the chiefs in command to report to Ndabuko the doings of the army. A considerable body of the r sutus were assembled at Mnyainnnas, and while there an army sent by Zibehu arrived to attack., them. A battle was fought and Zibebu's men. fled. < Wtile < he men were flying the chief in charge sent a message to Zibebu, Leave your kraal and escape: here is an army, that is driving us.' When the IT sutus reached Zibebu's kraal the chief and his followers had fled. Ebanganomo was then burnt. On- seeing the kraal burning, Zibebu's men renewed the attack, and were again repulsed. The slaughter was very heavy. As soon vs the Usutu chiefs had established themselves on the field, messengers were at once ..sent off to re- port to the Princes who send the new$vfor your infor- mation."

FUNERAL OF-THE BISHOP OF ItrpON The remains of the Bishop of Ripon were interred in the churchyard near the Cathedral at Ripon on Saturday. The procession, which was met by the Mayor and Corporation, was received by a large body of the clergy and general public at the Cathedral. The Burial Service was read by the Dean of Ripon, assisted by Arohdeacon Cust, and as the procession left the Cathedral the Funeral March by Chopin was played by the organist. The chief mourners were the Dean of Lichfield, brother of the Bishop, and the late Bishop's four sons. A number of wreaths were laid on the coffin, one of them being from the deceased's former parish of St. Giles', London. The coffin was of polished oak, and bore the inscription: "Robert Bickerstetli, D.D., for 27 years Bishop of Ripon. Died April 15th, 1884, aged 67."

The late husband, who removed his boots in the hall, thinking to steal upstairs without waking his wife, and found that she was watching him from the landing, admitted it was a bootless attempt.

THE MAHDI TWICE DEFEATED. In a telegram dated the 18th inst., the Cairo cor- respondent of the Daily Sews says A telegram, which has been received from General Gordon, dated the 9th inst., says thtt a merchant, after a twelve days' journey from El Obeid, has arrived at Khartoum. He reports that the Tagalla tribes have defeated the Mahdi twice, inflicting severe Toss upon him. The Mahdi," says General Gordon, is almost as much hemmed in as ourselves." Slatin Bey has not been made prisoner. By the last despatches I have received, there is anxiety at Berber. Hussein Pasha, who is in com- mand at Kalifa, thinks there will be difficulty in main- taining his authority much longer, as the conditiou of the country, even north, but especially south of Berber, is serious. Though Gordon has telegraphed to Zobehr urgently to come, it is thought that he will not be permitted to go. I learn on good authority that General Gordon expresses disappointment at not receiving the aid which he suggested might be afforded him. ,)e

A BATTLE WITH AN ALLIGATOR. Robert Carroll, a trapper and hunter, while trap- ping for otters on West Choctawpatchie River, in Alabama, had a terrible fight with an alligator recently. Seeing the water agitated in a hole near the river, and supposing that otters were fishing therein, he mounted a pole on a tussock just above the water's edge. His steel traps were in a sack suspended from his neck. His only weapon was his hatchet, life sat on the pole, with a mass of vines at his back. He held his weapon ready to strike an otter, s' one arise. '<' Soon he saw a young alligator P, He caught it up and it uttered a cry. In ¡..n inste there was a terrible splash of water, and a huge a,figator, with distended mouth and glittering teeth, rushed for him. With little hope of escape lie fell bad. upon the vines, and as lie did so kicked the pole from under his feet. The terrible jaws closed on the pole and crushed it. Carrell tried to interpose the traps but a vifife had caught them and partly held him down. Seizing his hatchet lie struck into the open mouth of his assailant. It closed on the weapon, and with great difficulty he saved the hatchet. Getting free from his traps he dealt the alligator a fatal blow on the skull as it made the next charge. He secured the skin and such teeth as had not been destroyed in the fight. The length of the alligator was about nine and a half feet. The hole was its den. Alligators rarely attack human beings.Dcei-oit Free Press.

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE AND THE FRANCHISE BILL. On Saturday afternoon a well-attended drawing- room meeting was held at the residence of the Misses R. and F. Davenport-Hill, Belsize-avenue, Hamp- stead, in support of the extension of the franchise to women. The Rev. T. D. C. Morse occupied the chair. Mrs. Westlake moved, That in the opinion of this meeting the coming Reform Bill, to be satis- factory, should include provisions for extending the p 11 franchise to duly-qualified women householders." She contended that the claim of women house- holders was at least equal to that of the two million males who were to 'be admitted to the fran- chise by the new Reform Bill, and protested against the continued inclusion of women in the cate;wy of minors, criminals, lunatics, and idiots. Women were allowed to vote at municipal elections, and, under the new London Government Bill they would have votes for the new Parliament of the metropolis. The exclusion of women from the fran- chise dated from the time when physical force was held to be supreme but in these days physical had been superseded by moral force, which strengthened the claims of women to be enfranchised. Political disqualification caused women to labour under prac- tical grievances in regard to social status, educational endowments, &c. As to the argument that women would neglect their homes if admitted to the franchise, the best-managed and most attractive households, were those of women who devoted a portion of their time to attending' to the wants of those outside. Women I like their hostess and Miss Octavia Hill had been amongst the pioneers in many social works. Mr. W. H. Wills, M.P., seconded the motion. He remarked that there were a number of men in the House of Commons who would not hesitate to grant what was asked in the resolution, but there were also a grt number who would hesitate. It was said that women were Conservatives at heart, and that Liberals, in supporting this movement, were preparing a rod for their own backs. He was afraid that the general tendency of the female mind was in the direction of Conservatism, but, nevertheless, lie would rejoice to see the privilege now conceded to women in municipal matters extended to the Parliamentary franchise. As to Mr. Woodall's amendment to the Franchise Bill, lie thought that if there were considerable feeliug shown in its favour* on both sides of the House it would be accepted by the Government. The motion was carried unanimously. Miss Anna Swanwick proposed the adoption of petitions to both Houses of Parliament, and of memorials to Lord George Hamilton and Mr. Coope, the members for the county, asking them to support the amendment to the Franchise Bill to be proposed in committee by Mr. WoodalL, M.P. Mr. Mark Wilks seconded the proposition, which was supported by Mr. F. Hill and Miss Lydia Becker, and carried.

A REMEDY FOR DESPERADOES.—A young German baker who peddles cakes and sweetmeats from a cart in Tiago, Pa., got ahead of a lot of bad boys who organized a "Jesse James gang," each taking an awful and lengthy oath to remain true to the organiza- tion through every peril. The purpose of "the gang" was to raid all the candy shops and strike terror to the inoffensive maidens back of the counters. After submitting to their thieving and finding no redress the baker consulted a doctor, and mixed in some nice-looking cakes a goodly portion of ipecac and tartar emetic. The crowd cleared him out as usual, but it cleared the gang out more effectually. It is reported that not a boy of the gang was seen on the streets for a week.

MR. ROBERT LINCOLN. A correspondent sends to the Times the following notice of Mr. Lincoln, who has been nominated a candidate for the Vice-Presidency of the United States Robert Todd Lincoln, the eldest and only surviving child of the late Abraham Lincoln, is about 42 years of age. He was graduated from Ilavard University (Cambridge, Mass.), in 18C>4, and was shortly afterwards appointed a captain of volunteers, but, I think, saw little or no active service, as the war was then nearly at an end. At college he was held a lad of parts; and the fact that he was unin- fluenced in any way by the court and adulation of office-seeking politieians-and only those who know American political life can understand what these might have been—showed that for one of his years he had great strength of character. After the death of the President, Robert Lincoln began the practice of the law in Chicago, avoiding politics—from a creditable feeling that he should not accept offices offered in recognition of his father's services to the country and devoting his energies to his profes- sion. But while Mr. Lincoln avoided public life, it can well be understood that, his sentiments were strongly in favour of the party that, largely through the efforts of his father, had preserved the unity of the Republic; and he reluctantly accepted a place in the Cabinet as the only method by which a breach in the Republican ranks could be closed. His course as Secretary for War has been marked by honesty, bold- ness, and ability and the disregard lie paid to empty official forms that might have caused delays and con- sequent suffering in his active and efficient applica- tion of relief to the people in the Hooded valleys of sslssl the Ohio and the Mississippi gained him the favour of all parties. The selection of Mr. Lincoln by the Republicans was a wise one for, apart from his worth and fitness, qualifications rarely weighed in a 'convention,' it will give satisfaction to the western branch of his party, and, by the force of a name still revered by the masses, bring many discontents to the support of the ticket.'

GAS AND THE ELECTRIC LIGHT. A useful contest is going on between the electric light and gas Boston, U.S. (says Iron.) At the time the electric light was introduced, the city authorities were paying 2dols. per 1000ft. for gas, and private consumers, 2dols. 80cents. Now the city pays Idol. 30 cents., and private consumers, Idol. 80 cents. Boston has been a liberal patron of the electric light. Its streets have probably been lighted more brilliantly for the past two or three years than those of any ether large city. The police department of Boston has also borne testimony to the value of this extra lighting as tending to prevent crime. But the gas has not been entirely crowded out of the streets, and it is now proposed to light the city again with gas, on the ground of its being more economical. It is sug- gested that large gas lamps, using about 100 feet per hour, be substituted for the farmer small ones. But the electric light promoters are on the alert. They shew that such a lamp would cost the city 49G dols. a year, against 237 dols. now charged foi an electric light of greater power. It is stated that the gas people only measure the large lamp at 26 feet per hour, in order to make it cheaper than the electric light, so that, with such cutting of rates on both sides, Boston is likely to be well and cheaply lighted. But neither the electric light nor any other cause seems to have any effect on the managers of New York gas companies. The latter are at liberty to use naptha in making water gas at a cost of about 50 cents a thousand feet, while the Boston gas men have been compelled to make their gas of coal at a higher cost, but still the New York monopolists charge 2 dols. 25 cents a thousand feet. New York should follow the good example set by her classic sister.

ATTEMPTED MURDER IN FRANCE. A young girl of 18 has been nearly murdered at Ai'gues-Mortes, near Nimes, under circumstances of a peculiarly tragic and horrible character. The girl, whose name was Josephine Reboul, on returning to her home from market, was accosted by a sailor called Azema, who cried out, You have betrayed me, and I must kill you He then fired one barrel of a revolver at her, but'without effect. A second bullet lodged in a grocer's shop close by, and while the terrified girl was running away from the would-be murderer he discharged another shot at her, which just grazed a young girl who was in the street. Azema then ran in pursuit of the un- fortunate Josephine Reboul, seized her, and discharged into her head the four bullets that remained in his revolver. The murderer was arrested before he had time to reload his weapon, which he intended doing in order to make his terrible work more effectual. Azemo is a sailor in the French navy, belonging to the class of 1882, is about twenty-two years old, and had just disembarked at Toulon. He stated at the police-office that he was engaged to Josephine Reboul, but that her parents refused to sanction her marriage to him. It has been discovered that Azema is absent from his ship without leave and that he forged a pass for himself. The life of the victim was despaired of, and the murderer declared that if she survived he would kill her later on.

LIGHTNING STROKES IN FRANCE. M. Corhery, the French Minister of Posts ani Telegraphs, has presented to the French Academy of Sciences, a report on the lightning strokes in France during the last half of 18Si. The report gives the date, hour, and locality of the stroke, together with the number of persons or animals killed, and the nature of the damage and surroundings. During the month of July there were no les? than 143 strokes in France, 30 of these occurring on the 10th and 32 on the 3rd of the month. Seven men, four women, a young girl, and a child were killed by these strokes, and over forty persons were mjured, including 10 men who were affected by the same flashes, which struck a plane tree in their neighbourhood. Nine horses were also injured by the flash in ques- tion, which happened at Castres in the Depart- ment of Tarn at 9.15 a.m. on July 4th, The same storm also killed a woman at Castres three quarters of an hour earlier. The total number of animals killed during July was 57 cattle, including a calf, 2 horses, 3 sheep, 1 goat, 1 dog, and 1 chicken; vhile 14 cows, 11 horses, 1 dog, and a goose were injured. In general the strokes were attracted by poplar trees, or masts, chimneys, and steeples, as well as elm, oak, and fir trees. The stems and points of lightning rods have also been struck, the latter being fused and the former heated red hot. The wire used to support vines has also drawn the stroke. In the majority of cases rain, often abundant, attended the discharge. In August, strange to say, there were only nine strokes as com- pared with 143 in July six persons were killed, and two bulls were injured. In September there were 14 strokes, killing four persons and six ani- mals, and injuring 10 persons in all. In October th6re was only one stroke on the 16th (four p.m.), at Castellane, in the Basses-Alpes. It fractured the head of a statue surmounting a chapel on-a rock some 250ft. high, and, penetrating the building, burned the fringe of the altar. In November and December there are no strokes recorded A survey of. the two reports for the year 1883, which have been submitted by M. Cocliery lead to the conclusion that .lightning strokes are, in general, more common during the beginning of the year than the end of it. and that they preponderate enormously during the summer months, especially June and July. The accidents have mostly been due to the persons or animals being near a tree, a chimney,.or a house on an elevated site with trees round it; but there are cases of death on an open field and on a roadway. To be near a projecting rock, the edge of a wood, or bushes, is evi- dently not the safest place in a thunderstorm. Several of the accidents have also been associated with the use of umbrellas.

LOSSES BY FIEE IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. —It appears that during the month of January last there were fires in the United States and Canada which swept away 12,000,000 dols. worth of property. In February, also, fires destroyed property to the extent of 7,000,000 dols. In the first two months of the present year, therefore, the losses by fire aggre- gated 19,000,000 dols., as compared with 17,000,000 dols. for the corresponding two months of 1883. The inference consequently is that the vice of carelessness is a growing and a costly one. In February, 1884, there was but one really large fire in the United States, but the number of fires where the reported loss ranged between 10,000 dols. and 200,000 dols. was 181. The larger fires of February, where the reported loss reached, or exceeded 100,000 dols., numbered only eight, and included Philadelphia, with 500,000 dols. But there were, in addition to these, no fewer than 26 fires, the deetructiveness of which ranged from 50,000 dols, to 100,000 dols.

The ANTI-JEWISH RIOT in LIMERICK. On Friday, in last week, at the Limerick Petty Sessions, six men of the labouring class were put for- ward, on remand, charged by Sergeant Phelen with having, on Easter Sunday night, formed a portion of a riotous and disorderly mob that attacked a Jewish synagogue in Edward-street. Mr. Liebasier, who was described as the Rabbi of the Jewish community, stated that about half-past six o'clock lie was in the house, when a mob collected outside, hooted, groaned, and ultimately sent a volley of stones through the window. A child was struck with a stone, and witness and those with him were terrified. One of the Jews made his escape out of the premises and went for the police. Witness identi- fied two of the prisoners, Ramplin and O'Sullivan, as having smashed the windows with stones. Jacob Barron, a Jew, gave corroborative evidence, and said ho brought the police to the scene of the outrage. He pointed out four of the accused as being present and joining in the attack. Mr. Ilall asked if it was a fact that the house was wrecked by the mob as reported. Sub-In- spector: Oh, completely wrecked. I saw the place myself. Mr. Alderman Connihan inquired what it was fath led to the attack on the synagogue. Was it some offence taken by the people at the conduct of the Jews ? Sergeant Phelan said the people in the locality got displeased at the manner in which the Jews were supposed to have celebrated the Passover. Alderman Connihan: Was there not something about the killing of poultry ? Sergeant Phelan: Yes, the people complained of the manner in which they killed poultry on Good Friday by impaling them on knives. Mr. Irwin, the stipendiary, said it was quite a common thing for the Jews to do in their cere- monies, and he did not see why it should have given offence. Sergeant Phelan, stated that the people also com- plained of the Jews having let off fireworks on Good Friday, but one of them was summoned for this. A mob of some one hundred and fifty people attacked the house, and the value of the window glass broken was 1 13s. After a protracted hearing Ramplin and O'Sullivan were ordered a month's hard labour each, and the others were bound in substantial bail to be of good behaviour. Barron, a Jew, was then summoned for letting off fireworks on Good Friday. The defence was that but one firework, a small rocket, exploded, and that it went off accidentally as he was lighting his pipe. Mr. Irwin asked was it any part of the Jewish cere- monial to let off lireworks on Good Friday. Mr. 13arroii answered in the negative. He said the Jews did not press for any punishment of the persons who attacked their houses, as they were desirous of living on good terms with the people. Afine of 6d. was imposed.

THE DYNAMITE CONSPIRACIES. At the Birmingham Police-court, on Saturday, John Francis Egan, merchant's clerk, was brought up on remand, charged with conspiring with John Daly, b alias Denman, under arrest at Liverpool, to cause an explosion dangerous to life and property. Mr. A. O'Connor appeared for the accused. Mr. Farndale, Chief Constable, said he was in- structed by the Solicitor to the Treasury to ask for a further remand for a week. The Assistant Solicitor to the Treasury, Mr. Pollard, was in Birmingham on Thursday, and instructed him to send the papers found in Egan's house to the Home Office, and to obtain a further remand for a week. Mr. Alderman Avery (magistrate) Do you expect this day week to be able to proceed with the case ? Mr. Farndale Yes or at all events to offer further evidence, if we do not proceed to a committal. Mr. O'Connor said under the circumstances lie had very seriously to ask for bail for the prisoner. Up to the present not one jot or tittle of evidence had been found against his client, although the police had dug and delved, and turned the house, he believed, almost outside the windows. Prisoners' whole operations were connected with England His friends were English, his wife and his employers were English, and it was a very serious thing for him to be confined on a charge which he ventured to predict would turn out not to have the least foundation in fact. It was a serious reflection on his character, and calculated to prejudice him in the eyes of the community, and perhaps of those who would sit upon his case as jurors. In these political cases the slightest, evidence was exaggerated to an ex- tent which was perfectly alarming. Mr. Alderman Avery This is not a political case at all. It is a charge of conspiracy to cause an ex- plosion. Mr. O'Connor Exactly so, but you know that these charges are intended to affect men who have a certain political bias, namely, the extreme section of Irish politicans. Mr. Alderman Avery said the Bench would deal only with facts. Mr. Farndale Mr. O'Connor is not quite accurate in his statements we have not told him all. I venture to think we shall produce very strong evidence against the prisoner when the proper time comes. Mr. O'Connor said that no evidence was given last week beyond a statement by Mr. Farndale that a letter had been found which said something or other which had no reference to the matter in dispute. The friends of the accused were prepared to find substan- tial bail, and the police were in actual possession of the prisoner's house. He asked at least that some one should be sworn who had searched the premises and had made the discovery on which the remand was asked for, so that he might cross-examine him. Detective Stroud was sworn, and said he assisted in searching the prisoner's house, and found a number of papers, which had been sent to the Treasury. Mr. O'Connor What have you found ? Witness A number of letters. Mr. O'Connor: What are they ? Mr. Farndale He cannot say. Mr. O'Connor It is most important to my client that I should know. He says a number of letters have been found. They may be love letters, and I am told there are a large number of milliners' bills. I want. to know on what evidence we are here to-day, and I must insist on my question being answered. C!1 What are the letters lie has found ? The Clerk How can he answer that ? Mr. O'Connor: What have you found besides papers ? Detective Stroud Well, there is something else. Mr. O'Connor: Have you found any dynamite ? Witness I have not myself. Mr. Farndale: He cannot answer the question. Mr. Connor: Have you found any infernal itiacliiiies ? Witness I have not. Mr. O'Connor: What have you found besides letters? Witness hesitated. Mr. O'Connor Answer, please. Mr. Alderman Avery Did you find anything else with regard to which, on a future occasion, you can give evidence yourself. If so, what is it ? Mr. Farndale I object to his answering that question. Mr. O'Connor complained of the unfairness of his not being informed of what the evidence was, Mr. Farndale stated that in all probability the trial of the prisoner would eventually take place at Liver- pool. The prisoner was ultimately remanded. On leaving the court prisoner was driven to the Borough Gaol, guarded by police armed with revolvers. On Saturday, John Daly, who was arrested on the morning of Good Friday by the Royal Irish Constabu- lary, with infernal machines in his possession, was brought up at the Liverpool Police-court, on remand, charged with having in his possession an infernal machine, with intent to commit a felony. Head-con- stable Humphreys, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, said lie had to apply for another remand, as the Home Office authorities had not completed the examination of the parcel found upon the prisoner. Mr. Quelcli, the prisoner's solicitor, said he had no objection to offer, and Daly was accordingly remanded for another week.

A BUDDHIST TEMI-LE DESTROYED BY FIRE.—A destructive fire has occurred in Mandalay, and the great temple of Gaudama has been completely destroyed. All the gold leaf stuck on the brass image of the Gaudama Buddha by successive generations of worshippers, and valued at from eight to ten lakhs of rupees, has been melted off by the heat. This result of the fire appears to have caused great consterna- tion, being held by the superstitious to be a sure sign of the downfall of the Burmese Empire.

.t-J: 111 isrcHancGus ruff, IlOME, FOB-EIGN, AND COLONIAL. FISHING ON TIn: TWEED.- V pry fair fishing is now being experienced at the several stations at the Tweed, though in some of the higher waters very poor takes are being got. In the St. Boswell's district most of the salmon seen are affected with fungoid disease. The prices on Saturday were Salmon 2s. 2d., and trout 2s. 2d. per lb., as compared with Is. lid. per lb. for salmon, t,!il Is. 9d. for trout on the corresponding day last year. For the week ending March 31, 27 boxes of fish were sent from Berwick to Billingsgate, as com- pared with 22 for the same period last year. RUSSIA AND CENTRAL Asi--i.-A telegram received at St. Petersburg by way of Kiachta from Colonel Prjevalski, and dated Aliaschan, January 20, states that he and his party had successfully traversed the Gobi desert, and that he intended to start on the fol- lowing day for the Khukhu Nor. A rumour prevailed that the Thibetans were h( stile. The health of Colonel Prjevalski and his party was good. LAND LAW REFORM.—A crowded and noisy meeting,, under the auspices of the Scottish Farmers' Alliance, was held in Glasgow on Tuesday night. A resolution was adopted that the cultivators of the land should be-, entitled to compensation for improvements made by them, with a rider declaring that no settlement of the land question could be considered satisfactory by the towns and cities of Scotland which maintained the principle of private property in land. Professor Blackie, who was announced to address the meeting, thereupon rose, and asked whether he was to understand that the meeting went against the principle of private property in land. There were cries of Yes," and Professor Blackie said he would take no part in a meeting which declared such a proposition. ANCIENT CUSTOMS IX THE CITY OF LONDON.—On the morning of Good Friday, for the 291st time, the conditions of the will of Peter Symonds were duly car- ried out. In the year 1586 this good citizen in his last will and testament directed that sixty of the youngest boys of Christ's Hospital should attend Divine service on Good Friday at the church of Allhallows, Lombard- street, at the conclusion of which each was to receive a new penny and a bag of raisins. One William Petts, in 1692, supplemented the good work of Peter Symonds by ordering that out of his estate there should be taken enough for the minister who preached the sermon to re- ceive 20s., clerk 4s., and sexton 3s. 6d. These sums have been augmented by the churchwardens, so that the children of the Sunday and ward schools receive a gift. There was a good congregation to witness the young bluecoats receive the Symonds' benefaction. The sermon was preached by the rector the Rev. Prebendary Charles Mackenzie, M.A. Another ancient custom took place in the old churchyard of St. Bartholomew the great, West Smithfield-one that has been observed for over 400 years. Twenty-one new sixpences are laid on a gravestone, which are picked up by widows of the parish. On Friday morning after a sermon by the Rev. W. Panckridge, M.A., rector, a procession was formed, which wended its way to the churchyard, where the antique ceremony was gone through.—" City Press." A STATION MASTER KILLED.-Aboiit half-past three on Monday afternoon a shocking accident occurred at Hockley Station, Birmingham. The stationmaster, Mr. Wolfe, was crossing the line frcm the up platform to the down to meet a stopping train, when he was caught by the up fast train, due at Birmingham at 3.35, and was killed on the spot. His body was shockingly mangled. Mr. Wolfe was a very old servant of the Great Western Railway Company, having been at Hockley more than twenty years. SUICIDE AT NEWINUTON-UUTTS.—In London, on Wednesday morning, Mr. Henry Mehling, the pro- prietor of the Universal Notion and American Novelty Stores, in Fleet-street, King William-street, and at 31, Newington-butts, committed suicide at the latter address, between eight and nine o'clock, by shooting himself with a revolver. Two German gentlemen residing in the house heard the report of the pistol, and on going to Mr. Mehling's bedroom found the door fastened. Eventually it was forced open, when the deceased was discovered undressed on the bed, with a bullet wound in the region of the heart. Beside him lay a revolver with one chamber empty. Dr. Ottway was summoned, but life was extinct before his arrival. It is stated that the deceased, who is only 28 years of age, has been under medical treatment for some time from nervous affection. BIRTHDAY OF THE PRINCESS BEATRICE.—Monday was the anniversary of the birth of Princess Beatrice, the youngest daughter of Her Majesty, but owing to the recent death of the Duke of Albany the bells of the London churches were not rung. The anniversary was, however, celebrated in the usual manner at St. James's Palace, the band of the Grenadier Guards playing a selection of music in the courtyard during the ceremony of mounting and changing the Queen's Guard." The officer of the guard carried the Queen's colours instead of the customary regimental banner. KILLED IN A RAILWAY TUNNEL.—The body of a man, apparently a tailor by trade, was found on Wed- nesday morning in a shockingly mangled condition in a tunnel of the Great Western Railway at West Brom- wich. The body was respectably dressed, and had on it a silver Geneva watch and chain, but no other means of identification. The deceased had no business on the railway, as there is no level crossing within 100 yards or more of the spot where the body was found. DEATH OF A MISER.—An old woman, named Eliza- beth Hercus, residing in Dunrossness, Shetland, has died under miserable circumstances. She lived in a dilapidated house, one end being occupied by herself and the other by her horse. On Monday it was remarked that she had not been seen for some days. On the house being broken into she was found uncon- scious, and (lied shortly afterwards. There was scarcely any furniture, the bed being a heap of rags. After searching the premises a will was found, made some years ago, leaving all her possessions to the Free Church of Scotland. FATAL ACCIDENT TO A FIREMAN.—On Tuesday Mr. Lewis held an inquest at Stratford on the body of James Jones, aged 29, a member of the West Ham Fire Brigade, who was killed on the road to a fire at Forest-gate, on Good Friday. There was a call, and the firemen turned out as usual. The deceased was one of the men on the engine, and was seen to drop his hands from the brake lie was holding, go down in a stooping position, and fall lictd foremost on to the road. He appeared to become entirely helpless, and not as a man suddenly jerked off the engine. He was taken to Dr. Evans's surgery, where he expired. The engine was not travelling at a fast rate-only about five mils an hour. The cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull, and the jury returned a verdict of Accidental death SCENE AT A WEDDING.—The marriage of a captain in the artillery was temporarily stopped two days ago at Saint Sulpice, in Paris, by a commissionaire, who, brandishing a large knife, dared the bridal party to enter the church. Taken into custody, he told the Commissary of Police that he was rich and wanted to marry the lady himself, and was going to have a golden palace built for her, and give splendid entertainments, at which he would invite all officers in grand uniform. A search was made at the lunatic's dwelling, when the police discovered about 40,000f. in gold coin hidden all over the place, in every possible nook and corner, the result of his savings for over 30 years. TLeiiioney was taken charge of by the Prefecture of Police, to be kept for the lunatic should he recover, or his heirs in the event of his death. ATTEMPTED MURDER OF FIVE PERSONS.—It is stated that a deliberate attempt was made late on Monday night to shoot a party of five person? who were driving through Dungannon. At the turn of the road, just beside the entrance gate of the residence of Mr. T- A. Dickson, M.P., four men emerged from the hedge, went over to the car, stooped down locked into the faces of the occupants, and then as soon as the operation of make ready—present, fire" could be gone through, balls swizzed past the terrified group of five who sat on the vehicle. The car was only about a perch from them when the first shot was fired, and it had not gone another perch when a second shot followed. Those fired upon had a miraculous escape. FOREIGN LIVE STOCK AND FRESH MEAT.—The follow- ing six steamers arrived at Liverpool last week with live stock and fresh meat on board from the United States and Canada: The Iowa, with 496 cattle and 1020- quarters of beef the Virginian, with 370 cattle, 991 duarters of beef, and 49 carcases of mutton; the Quebec, with 332 cattle and 93 quarters of beef the Oregon, with 1380 quarters of beef and 150 carcases of mutton; the Celtic, with ISO quarters of beef and 100 carcases of mutton and the City of Chicago, with 922 quarters of beef and 100 carcases of mutton; making the total arrivals 11S8 cattle, 5186 quarters of beef, and 1D9 carcases of mutton. There were no sheep brought by the above steamers, this being the second week since they were landed. These figures show, when compared with those of the preceding week, an increase in cattle and also fresh meat. THE WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE OUFSTION.-Ill view of the intended division on Mr. Woodall's amendment to the Franchise Bill an analysis has been made of opinion in the present House of Commons on the Woman's Suffrage question. This shows important results. Of 485 mem- bers who have either voted or paired in favour of Woman's Suffrage, or who have declared by speech or in writing that they would support it, it is claimed that 249 are friends of the cause and 236 opposed.. Of those favouring such a measure 170 are Liberals, 57 Conservatives, and 22 Irish members. Its opponents comprise 101 Liberal, 127 Conservatives, and .eight Irish members.