Barry Herald

WAB'IW SOUTH AFRICA. THE GREAT FIGHT AT MODDER RIYER. XIMBERLEY RELIEF FORCE ADVANCES. COLENSO BRIDGE BLOWN UP. BOER LAAGER CAPTURED. TRANSPORT ASHORE. LORD METHUEN'S WOUND. The General Commanding at Cape Town reports to the War Office, under date of the 1st inst., that Lord Methuen, whose wound is only slight, is re- maining at Modder River for the reconstruction of the bridge, and is being reinforced with Highlanders and cavalry. The Corps Horse Artillery, the Cana- dian Regiment, the Australian contingents, and three battalions of infantry have moved up the line from De Aar towards Belmont. FFICIAL LIST CASUALTIES AT MODDER < RIVER. The War Office haa issued the corovlete list of the Casualties at the battle of Modder River. It shows that four officers and 68 men were killed, 19 officers and 396 men—seven of whom have since died of their wounds— were wounded, and seven men are mining, making the total of casualties 475. FROM NATAL.—COLENSO RAILWAY BRIDGE BLOWN UP. Prom Natal there is very little news, but such as there is indicates that the British troops under the general direction of Sir Redvers Buller are push ing steadily towards Colenso. On Tuesday of last (Peek the mounted J force at Frere set out in Bnrsnit of the last parties of Boers retiring to Colenso, with four guns, and advanced within miles of Colesno, when the enemy opened fire with long-range guns. After a few minutes' artillery duel our troops retired without having suffered any Casualties. Frere bridge is being repaired. It has been definitely ascertained that the railway bridge at Colenso has been blown up. BOER LAAGER CAPTURED. Colonel Kekewich, commanding at Kimberley, re- Krted on Thursday of last week that a force of the chuanaland Protectorate Police had, on the pre- rious Tuesday, captured a Boer laager. Communi- cation with the Modder River has been established 6J searchlight. DISLOYAL CAPE DUTCH. The Standard special correspondent at Cape Town Sports that the disloyalty of the Dutch in the north of Cape Colony is greater than has been supposed. In the Yenterstad district they have joined the enemy to a man, and are convinced that they will enter Cape Town in triumph. The half-hearted attitude of the Cape Ministry is exciting the strongest feeling among the loyalists. THE NEW SIXTH DIVISION. The new Sixth Division, the composition of which is now decided, will be commanded by Lieut. General Kelly-Kenny, with Major-Generals Knox and Clements as Brigadiers. FRESH UJ3. CONSUL FOR .PRETORIA. Mr. Adalbert Hay, son of the Secretary of State, has been appointed United States Consul at Pre- toria vice Mr. Macrum, who has resigned the post for reasons as yet unknown. THE LOSSES AT MODDER RIVER. The list of casualties at Modder River proves (says the M&rning Post) the battle to have been, so far, the most costly of the campaign. The total is practically 1 killed, 372 wounded, and seven missing, which, fith the four killed and 19 wounded of the officers, brings the total out of action to 475, a good half battalion. The altered proportion of officers to men—one to nearly 20—while it owes something, no doubt, to Lord Methuen's wise precautions in the matter of dress; may be also taken to announce that Bone of the fighting was at close quarters. Hence one gathers that the river separated the combatants Oaring the entire action. Another sidelight from the list is thrown on the fight. The three minor casualties among the 300 Engineers engaged in temporarily bridging the river daring the fight locates the place of crossing as pro- bably some distance down the river. Hence it could tiardly have been, as supposed, the passage of this amall party which induced the Boers' retreat: that must rather have been caused by a general advance, which by gaining a command of fire, was enabled to eDfllade the Boer lines; a very possible contingency If the enemy held the forward loop of the Riet, which Cots the Free State boundary south of Seven Foun- tains. SOME CURIOUS ESCAPES. There have been already some very curious cases re- ported of woundsand recoveries, and this last battle has IlUppied one more instance of marvellous escapes. A man was hit four times—in the right thumb, the little finger, the tip of the ear, and the chin—and yet was scarcely marked. No man can well expect io be treated more suggestively and more consider- ately by fortune. But that other, shot through both temples, and yet reported as recovering, had a more marvellous escape, for such a wound would with any bullet but the Mauser have blown his head to pieces. .BRITISH TRANSPORT ASHORE.—TROOPS LANDED. VBOM GKNEBAL AT CAPE TOWN TO SECRETARY 07 STATE JOB WAB. CAPE Towy, December 3, 8 p.m. Officer commanding the troops on board the hired transport Ismore telegraphs from Vredenburg, December 3: Gone ashore this morning on the rocks in St. Helena Bay. All the troops safely conveyed from the ship to the there, but horses still on board, and difficult to land them. Majesty's ships Doris and Niobe and hired transport Columbian, with three lighters, proceed at once to render every assistance. Weather to all appearances calm. [The Ismore had on board the 63rd Battery Royal Field Artillery, the A Squadron and one troop of the B Squadron 10th Hussars, and No. 9 Company of the Boyal Army Medical Corps. J ALONG THE ORANGE RIVER. There was up to Monday morning no news of aa advance from either heads of the central column, and it is clear from the delay that both Generals Gatacre and French have a far larger force opposed to them than we are at all aware. THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH. From Natal the report of most importance is that ascribed to the blowing up of Colenso Bridge at dusk on the 28th ult. It was reported intact at 4.30 p.m. of that afternoon, and a party of Boers who approached it, apparently with the object of destrnetion, were driven off with Artillery fira. But the bridge was pretty certain to have been mined, and, probably, when the light faded and our reconnoitring party bad returned to Frere, the mine W as fire<f. It that lie 80, it is evidence that the last of the Boers is across the Tugela, and that General Joubert means to oppose its crossing from the northern side. His mobility will give him an immense advantage in con- fronting our crossing, since he can concentrate so rapidly at any point of the river where a passage is threatened, provided. its banks are carefully watched. But no river ever yet has proved an obstacle to a force determined to cross it, and not largely outnumbered by that to which it was opposed, and every man on the road to Ladysmith may be credited with the determination which in- spires his leader. BECONNAISSANCE BY GENERAL FRENCH. The following telegrams have been received at the War Office: From General, Cape Town, to Secretary of State for War: CAP. TOWN. Friday. Gatacre reports no change in situation. French made reconnaissance from Naauwpoort to JSosmPtxi Troops returned to-day. Methuen's flesh wound slight remaining at Modder River for reconstruction of bridge. Am *»infori".n. £ him with Highlanders and cavalry. Corps tforse Artillery, Canadian Regiment, Aus. tialian contingents, and three battalions of infantry have moved up to the line De Aar—Belmont. From General of Lines of Communication to Secreturyof State for War. Received Saturday, 11 p.m. Caps TOWN. Saturday 4.15 p.m. Driver A. W. Bartham, Royal Horse Artillery, died Number 23 No. 13203 ^nver Chariej Skelton, 4-ssny Service Corps, died No^embcr o* meninjrk Private if. Whitmore, 1st Northum- berland Fusiliers, died November 28 from pnen- ^nonia. l- n deaths from wounds received in action- Ko. 977.5 Private Thomas Watkins, 1st Scots Guards, on November 23 5486 Private J. Colebourne, 1st JSorth Lancashire Regiment, on November 29. THE CASUALTIES AT GRASP AN. The Secretary of the Admiralty informs ns that the naiK"-? the undermentioned non-commissioned officers men which were published in the previous i st. with (?) against them as having been wounded :1.õ the battle of Graspan, have now been confirmed by a telegram from the Naval Commander- in-Chief, R.M.A.—4001 Sergeant W. Gauon, 3889 Born- bardie? S Pape, 3444 Gunner G. Cunnington. R.M.L.I.—8303 Private A. Yass, 6813 Private A. Goat, 7997 Private C. D. Brace. COUNT GLEICHEN'S WOUND. A telegram was received from Sir F. Forestier- Walker on Sunday evening stating that Count Gleichen's wound is a bullet wound in the neck, and that he will report further as to Count Gleichen's state of health. THE BASUTOS. The paramount chief Lerothodi has left Maseru. He is believed to be very angry with the conduct of Joel, who is evidently fomenting disaffection in Basutoland, and acting in complicity with the Boers. Jonathan has displayed great forbearance, acting on the advice of the British magistrate, Mr. McGregor. Sir Godfrey Lagden and Lerothodi are cordially co-operating, though officially very reticent. BOER REPORTS. Reports received in Pretoria from the Boer com- mander on the western border state that 12 burghers were killed and 40 wounded at Belmont. Commandant Delarey has reported to President Kruger that despite the determined defence made by the burghers at Graspan they were completely surrounded and were consequently compelled to retire. The Boer laager at Dernepoort (?) was attacked on Saturday by a strong force of Mounted Police, and the outposts were surrounded while attempting to fall back upon the laager. The fighting still con- tinued when the message left. Mr. Barnard, mem- ber of the Volksraad for Rustenburg, has been killed. Up to the present five burghers have been killed and several wounded. DEATH OF JOUBERT AGAIN REPORTED. Substantial rumours that General Joubert was killed at Ladysmith on November 10 keep recurring. I have just seen (says a Cape Town correspondent of Laffan's Agency) a letter from a gentleman in Pretoria to his wife at Cape Town in which he states that he has just returned from Joubert's funeral. The Grahamstoum Journal publishes a letter re- ceived from an Orange Free State burgher at Lady- smith, stating: You will have heard of General Joubert's death. He was killed by a shell which recocheted, striking him in the head. I was stand- ing within 10 yards of him at the time. He expired soon after." AN AWKWARD PREDICAMENT. The Hon. George Peel, who was present at the battle of Belmont (observes the Cape Town special correspondent of the Daily Telegraph), got into a warm corner, the bullets flying thickly around him, and, as he was only a spectator, he prudently scrambled back to the rear of the fighting line. After resting, he started again for the purpose of explor- ing, when he found himself suddenly in the enemy's Camp. An old Boer jumped up from behind a rock, and Mr. Peel prepared to sell his life dearly, when, instead of a bullet, the Boer offered him a bible, open at Revelations, and then fled precipitately. Mr. Peel was examining the Bible when two Grenadier Guards- men appeared and seized him. They refused to listen to his explanations, and to all his expostula- tions simply replied: You are a Boer spy. Come along of us." Certainly, appearances were against Mr. Peel,with his soiled clothes, big broad-brimmed hat, unkempt hair, and Bible. The Tommies hitched their prisoner to a bullock waggon for safety. Finally, a member of Lord Methuen's staff recognised him, and he is now the life of the whole camp. Mr. Peel was on his way to bring his sister down from Kimberley. GALLANT DEEDS AND NARROW ESCAPES. Additional details which have been received in Cape Town of the fighting on the Western frontier show how severe was the task imposed upon Lord Methuen's column. Both at Belmont and Enslin (says Reuter's Agency) most of the kopjes were over 200ft. inheight. They were furrowed with trenches, and the ground had been carefully measured to find the ranges. The enemy were well informed of the British movements, and had carefully prepared their plan of campaign. At Enslin the armoured train advanced slowly in front of the column, and was already in action when the troops reached the battlefield. Lord Methuen deployed the cavalry on the flanks, while the artillery took up positions to shell the Boer trenches. At tha same time the 9th Brigade was sent forward in skir- mishing order. At six o'clock in the morning an artillery duel began. The enemy's guns were splendidly posted, and they had the range to a nicety. Shell after shell burst right over our batteries, but our men stuck to their guns. One shell struck the armoured train. Sub- sequently our guns withdrew a distance of 1000 yards. This affected the enemy's markmenship, but our artillery continued to make splendid practice, the Boers only replying at intervals. Meanwhile the infantry were moving forward in preparation for the attack. The Northamptons worked from the left round to the right, where they were joined by the Yorkshires and Northumberlands. After three hours of the artillery duel Lord Methuen ordered a general advance, and our infantry swarmed forward in magnificent style in face of a scathing fire. As they advanced, the troops, taking cover, re- turned the Boer fire, and, forging steadily ahead, compelled the enemy to abandon their first position. Our cavalry charged 200 Boers who were retreat- ing across the plain, and succeeded in catching up the enemy's rear close to a kopje, where they were sheltering. The Lancers found the kopje alive with Boers, and were, consequently, forced to retire. The capture of the second line of kopjes, every one of which was strongly held, was only accom- plished after very severe fighting; but nothing could resist the impetuous advance of the British infantry, who continued steadily onwards to the last of the enemy's positions. Here the fighting was fearful. The brunt of it was borne by the Marines. Though their officers were falling on all sides, the men clambered undauntedly up and over the boulders. Nothing could stop their rush. The remnant of the Boers fled to the plain, where the 9th Lancers were unable to follow them, their horses being exhausted. The detachment of New South Wales Lancers, how- ever. intercepted one party of the enemy attempting to retreat, and, charging, forced them back to their former position. The enemy were capably commanded, but their ooute was complete. It is believed that the Boers are short of food. ARMY OF 117,500 MEN. BRITAIN'S GREATEST MILITARY CONCENTRATION. By the New Year the British Regular and Volunteer forces in South Africa will number 117,500 men, including the Army Service Corps and the Medical and Nursing Staffs. This will be the greatest military concentration in the history of the British Empire. i The following are the details in tabular form South African Garrison on the outbreak of war 25,000 Troops since arrived 52,000 Army Service Corps (arrived October 26) 1,500 I Canadians and Australians 2,000 Naval Brigades 1.500 Local forces. 15,000 Now at sea 9,000 To sail-Half of Sir C. Warren's Divi- sion 5,000 To sail-Sixth Division at Aldershot 10,000 121,000 Casualties during war and prisoners 3,500 117,500 THE SIXTH DIVISION. OFFICERS OP THE STAFF. The staff of the Sixth Division is to be composed as follows: Major-General (local Lieutenant General) T. Kelly Kenny, C.B., p.s.c. Aides-de-camp (two). C.B., p.s.c. Aides-de-camp (two). Assistant-Adjutant-General | p.sx! WG°ld" Deputy-Assistant-Adjutant- j ^'c, °RoyalMWest Ueneral Surrey Regiment. Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-1 M^rc J* ^Sire Grneral • [ Fusijiers. Assistant Provost-Marshall, j j t» » | son, i\in^ 8 Own graded as D.A.A.G. j gcottish Borderers. Lieut.-Colonel W. L. Principal Medical Officer. G u b b i n s M.B., R.A.M.C. Medical Officer J^Tm.'c^ Skinn6r' "Rev. F. B. N. Norman- Chaplains Lees. Rev. S. E. Smith. p n. Lees. Rev. S. E. Smith. 'T_,8'°nal Signalling Lieut. J. T. Burnett-, fllcer Stuart, Rifle Brigade. 12TIl BRIGADE. Maior-General on the Staff Colonel (local Major- J General) C. E. Knox. Aide-de Camp Captain R. W. Thomp- Brigade Major ■ ion, North Lanca- shire Regiment. 13TH BRIGADZ. (Colonel (local Major- Clements!^ A.D.C. I Aide-de Camp f Captain R. S. Oxley, Brigade-Major j p.s.c.. King's Royal Rifle Corps. Lieutenant-General T. Kelly-Kenny, C.B., whose appointment is officially tannolinced, is one of the few officers now on the Active List who have both filled a number of high staff appointments and had ample experience of regimental duty. He entered the 2nd Queen's as an ensign at the age of 18 in 1858. He was lucky in seeing service two years later in the China War, in which he was present at the action of Sinho and the capture of the Tangku and Taku Forts. He acted durins this campaign as orderly officer to Brigadier-General Jephson, and was mentioned in despatches. In the Abyssinian Expedition of 1867-68 he was in command of a division of the transport train and was again "mentioned." In 1893 he was employed for a short time at Army headquarters as Assistant Adjutant-General, but, after a few months, was transferred to Aldershot, where he remained under his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught till 1897, first as chief officer and afterwards as major-general commanding an infantry brigade. In July, 1897, Major-General Kelly-Kenny was appointed to the dual post of Inspector-General of Auxiliary Forces and Recruiting at Army Headquarters, relinquishing it on October 9 to replace, temporarily, Sir Redvers Buller as lieutenant-general commanding the Aldershot district. PARCELS FOR OFFICERS AND MEN. The following statement has been issued by the War Office with reference to parcels and other things for officers and men on active service in South Africa: 1. Parcels, &c., for corps or individuals serving in South Africa cannot be received at the War Office. 2. Customs duties will not be charged in Cape Colony or Natal on tobacco, Ac., addressed to officers and men serving theie. 3. It is recommended as more satisfactory to the senders that when the size permits they should transmit the parcel by parcel post addressed to the consignee. 4. If sent, carriage paid. to the Embarking Staff Officer, Empress Dock, Southampton, boxes or parcels will be forwarded without charge, at the sender's risk, by the first transport in which room is available. 5. The War Department cannot, however, under- take any responsibility for the distribution in South Africa, but every effort will be made to carry out the distribution as expeditiously as possible. 6. If the consignment is one for distribution to troops by the general officer commanding it should be addressed as follows TOBACCO (or whatever the parcel consists of) f for the Troops in South Africa. The EMBARKING STAFF OFFICER, Empress Dock, Southampton. To be forwarded to the General Officer Commanding Lines of Communication, Cape Town (or Natal as may be desired). For distribution. If for a particular battalion (or other unit) it should be addressed to that battalion, &c., instead of to the General Officer Commanding Lines of Communica- tion. If for individuals it should be addressed the officer, non-com ni issicned officer, or man, with rank, name (number), and corps, field force, South Africa (the words for distribution being omitted). It is announced by the War Office that Mr. Hamilton Gatliff left on Saturday for the Cape to undertake the distribution, under the General Officer Commanding Line of Communications, of parcels sent for the troop", The Cape Canning Company, of which Sir James Sivewright is chairman, has kindly placed its warehouse on the wharf at Cape Town at Mr. Gatliff's disposal for this purpose. ARTICLES REQUIRED BY THE TROOPS. The following official list of articles required by the troops in- South Africa has been prepared from the best information available at the War Office, but it does not pretend to be exhaustive, and is published only as a suggestion *Tobacco, ciglrs, ^cigarettes, briar pipes, small lanterns and candles, sweets, jam. &c., pocket- knives, portable mincing machines, *knitted socks (good quality only), *worsted nightcaps or Tam-o'- shanters, Cardigan waistcoats, flannel shirts, woollen drawers and vests, cholera belts, slippers or canvas shoes, shoe laces, neck mufflers, pocket-handker- chiefs, writing materials, i.e., letter books, containing sheets of paper, an ink pencil, and envelopes. The articles marked with an asterisk are believed to be most in demand. Parcels containing matches of any kind cannot be received. VIVID EXTRACTS FROM PRIVATE I LETTERS. I The letters home of our soldiers at the front form, most interesting reading, as the following extracts will show: A colour-sergeant of the 1st Devons, who played such a splendid part in the charge at Elanris- laagte, writing home, incidentally gives some details throwing a light upon the serious side of the soldier's character, so singularly free from cant: It simply hailed bullets when we got to within 600 yards of hailed bullets when we got to within 600 yards of the enemy's position. But on we went with fixed bayonets, charged the position, and won; but at what a cost! The sights would turn you cold- headless bodies, limbs lying about everywhere, for our artillery made grand work on the enemy. I found one young fellow badly wounded, talking about his mother and his home, and it touched me, for the enemy are white people like ourselves. We had to remain on the battlefield all night, collecting the dead and wounded of both sides. What with j the continuous rain and the groans of the wounded, it was a night I shall never forget. I offered a small prayer up, thanking God for my safety. It is rough work, sometimes no food all day. But we are soldiers doing soldiers' duty." NEW VERSION OF NICHOLSON'S NEK- One of the most startling letters is that sent by Private T. Bigmore, of the 10th Mountain Battery, one of the gunners captured by the Boers at Nichol- son's Nek. This goes to throw quite a new lighoh that particular episode of the war. He says: Last Sunday my battery, along with the Irish Fusiliers and the Gloucesters, were sent out on a night match through the enemy's lines to tnke a position, ready for Monday morning, to turn the enemy's left flank in order that our main army might catch them. We had got about two miles from the position we were lupposed to take when about 1000 of their horsemen charged us. It was pitch dark, and they could have been only about 20 yards off when they charged. Everybody, of course, was taken unawares, and there was a proper panic. We all blame the guide for it, for it must all have been planned beforehand, because they were all ready waiting for us. I am pleased to say I am one of the lucky ones to escape after a very hard light for life.- I was stunned by a rifle and lay in a hole until the next morning. The first gun that was fired woke me up, only to find two Irishmen who were fighting for the Boers shouting at me to fall in between them, and I had to do so. They were only young fellows, about 17 years of age. They took the only bit of bread off me, and one made me carry his rifle--I was very bad at the time —so that he could eat with pleasure. The other had his rifle in one hand and bread in the other, and at last I let the fellow on my left have his rifle across his face. He fell, and the other ran off as quickly as his legs could carry him." But the writer's troubles were even then by no means at an end. I ran about a hundred yards into the bed of the river, remaining there all day. At night I took my boots off, and under cover of the darkness crawled six miles on my hands and knees through their lines. I came to a large house and slept in an outhouse until about half-past four, when hearing some trotting, I looked out of the door and saw some of the 18th Ilussars, I put ray hands up, and three of them came to me. This was on Tues- day morning, and I had been since Sunday night without food or war. While telling the Hussars how we had been cut off, and while one was giving me a biscuit from his haversack, bullets suddenly flew around us in all directions. The Hussars galloped away and left me. After galloping about 400 yards one of them returned. I was weak, but by catching hold of his stirrup he was able to take me to his outposts, where I got water and food. I was hit three times, but am now all right. Over 100 of my battery missing." FIRST IMPRESSIONS UNDER FIRE. Private T. Pritchard (No 4244), of the Mounted Infantry Company 1st King's Liverpool Regiment, writes from Ladysmith Camp after the first action in that district: Just a few lines to let you know that I am still living and in good health at present, but I the way we are fixed up is a bit uncomfortable, as -we never know the minute that a bullet is going* through us. I was all through the action at Modder's Spruit on the 24th (October), and came out safely, but I can tell you that I felt a bit funny at the beginning of the fight; but you soon get used to the bullets flying round your heads, and you take thmgs just as though you were on a field day. I don't know how long this war is going to last, but there is going to be a lot of men lost on both sides, as the Boers are not to be despised. War is all right so long as the actual fighting is on. A man doesn't seem to care whether he gets shot or not. It changes a fellow completely; all he seeims to think about is getting up to the enemy and making a hand-to-hand fight of it; but the Boron won't face the bayonet-they turn and run. J It is after the fighting is over that a fellow feels it, when he looks rouad,.and sees the dead and wounded. can tell you it makes you feel a bit solemn, and wish there was no such thing as war. I don't care how soon we get to Pretoria—that should be the end of it." BOERS DISHEARTENED. Private Charles Kimpton, of the King's Royal Rifles, writing from Ladysmith on October 30, to, his parents at Lincoln, says: "lam as well as anyone, and doing a treat! We have had one fight with the Boers, and came out all safe. The British loss w&s 50 killed and wounded, and the Boers' loaa was over 1000, and so we are all gay 1 It is a grand sight to see the battle where I was you could see Our shells burst and set fire to the Boers. Talk about a bonfire it was a good one. Our regiment lost none. It was a hard day's work. It was so hot, 6Adpwo weie at it all day. I don't think it will last long, as the Boers who are getting captured say they don't like it at all as they have hardly any food and no tents, and we have had a lot of rain. They were burning their dead in a coalpit the other day, so as we shall not know the number of dead. We are expecting to fight again to-night." EIGHT MILES OF INTRENCHMENTS. The Times correspondent with Lord Methuen's column, in a message dated November 29, gives some interesting details respecting the battle of Modder River. He says that the position was semi-circular, and that the British advance up the centre was enfi- laded on both sides. The Scots Guards, in an advance on the right flank, made under the belief that the enemy had evacuated the town, lost many men and a Maxim gun. After many hours' fighting the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and part of the 9th Brigade succeeded in crossing the river at dusk, and occupied a position on the other side, while our artillery heavily shelled the extensive Boer entrenchments. The shelling was vigorously returned, and night fell on an undecided victory, but early on the following morning the Guards were ordered to cross the river, as the enemy had evacuated his positions. Commandant Cronje in person commanded the Boers, who were 11,000 strong; his retirement was considered to indicate his opinion that the struggle was hopeless. The death of Lieutenant-Colonel Northcott is greatly deplored Lord Methuen declared that he was beloved by everybody, and had a great future before him. A Reuter despatch also give details about the battle, confirming the Times correspon- dent's statement that the Boers were 11,000 strong. and mentioning that their entrenchment extended for eight miles. FRERE CAMP. The Times special correspondent at Frere Camp says the Boer position near Colenso is visible from the British advanced post at Chieveley, and seems to be very strong and almost inaccessible to a frontal attack. Firing has been heard in the direction of Ladysmith. A correspondent at Sterkstrom, tele- graphing on Wednesday of last week, says that General Gataore on that day concentrated a force at Molteno, commandeered five trains, and carried off 1000 bags of wheat and flour which were in danger of being seized by the enemy. MESSAGE FROM MAFEKING. A message from the Times Mafeking correspond dent, of date November 22 and 23, describes a Boer attack on the advanced trenches on the west side of the town on the 22nd. The enemy retired after a few shells. had been fired at them. The Boers were keeping up a desultory bombardment with their long-range guns from a distance of 6000 or 6000 yards, to which our artillery, with a range of only 2000 yards, could not reply. The correspondent lays stress on the importance of the dynamite mines surrounding the town, and says that if the Boers had had any trustworthy information as to their locality the place would probably have been stormed weeks ago. Further particulars have been received regard- ing the stranding of the transport Ismore. All hands and 20 horses, with most of the gunp, car- bines, and some ammunition, were saved. CASUALTIES. The following casualties have been reported by the General of Lines of Communication, Cape Town, to the Secretary of State for War: Driver A. W. Bartbam, Royal Horse Artillery died November 23; No. 13203 Driver Charles Skelton, Army Service Corps, died November 30, of meningitis; Private J. Whitmore, 1st Northum- berland Fusiliers, died November 28, from pneu- monia. Following deaths from wounds received in action: No. 9715 Private Thomas Watkins, 1st Scots Guards, November 28; No. 5486 Private J. Cole- bourne, 1st North Lancashire Regiment, Novem- ber 29. The War Office has received the following tele- grams from the General, Cape Town: CAPB TOWN, December 4, 11.15 a.m. General Officer Commanding, 1st Division, wires to amend casualty return 2nd Coldstream Guards as follows: No. 783 Private J. Lewins and No. 8184 Private G. Edwards, erroneously reported dead, were seri- ously wounded on November 28. Erratum in casualty list, Willow Grange engage- ment: Wounded (since dead).—For 2990 West Yorkshire Regiment, Private J. Gibbs, read 3099 Private T. Gibbs. 1 P.M. Following deaths from wounds received in action: 2338 Private W. Kidd, 1st Scots Guards; 4205 Private W. Kitchen, Argyll and Sutherland High- landers 4945 Private Charles Green, Yorkshire Light Infantry, On November 30; 7269 Private John; Page, 3rd Grenadier Guards, gunshot wound; 6.311 Private M. F. Ross, ]st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; 5838 Private Henry Butler, 3rd Grena- dier Guards, on December 1; 872 Private Joseph Hayward, 1st Coldstream Guards, on December 2. Other deaths: 1. 1 4320 Private T. J. Godliruan, 2nd Cameronians, died December 1, pneumonia. 6078 Private Thomas McDonnell, 1st Minister Fusiliers, died December 2, having been crushed between two railway trucks. Following casualties reported, Modder River, December 2: Wounded: 1st Northumberland Fusiliers: Lieutenant H. T. Crispin (attached to Mounted Infantry), hand, severe. 4558 Private T. Smith (attached to Mounted Infantry), foot, severe. The War Office further announces the following additional casualty reported in the action at Modder River, November 28: Killed.-No. 3491 Private Green, lot Northumber- land Fusiliers. A telegram from Orange River, dated November 30, states that Lieutenant W. G, Neilsoq, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, wounded in the arm, and Lieutenant H. Baker-Carr, of the same regiment, wounded in the thigk, arq both doing, well.

A MASTIFF TRAINED AS A THIEF. Quite a new aspect of the power of the dog is dis- closed in a little story related by the Paris corre- spondent. of the Morning Post. It-aftm-i that an elderly gentleman was returning to his house in the Avenue Daumesnil when an enormous mastiff made a bound at him and knocked him over. A man and woman who were passing at once came to the assist- ance of the mastiff's victim and, displaying the utmost solicitude, helped him to his feet again. The old gentleman profusely thanked his bene- factors, who were taking leave of him when the police came up and arrested them. The old gentleman was told to feel in his pockets to see whether he had lost anything. He found to his bewilderment that his pocket-book, his purse, and his watch and chain were all of them missing. The charitable couple who had such an interest in his misadventure had, in fact, transferred his portable property to their own persons. As to the mastiff, it belonged to them, and had been trained to assist them in their professional operations as pickpockets.

WATZB is being carted in Pierrelaye, a suburb,of tYi Paris, through the streets to supply the daily require- ments of the inhabitants. A sewage farm, which had been laid out, has developed into a swamp per- meated by sewage, and this nas caused all the ordi- nary sources of water supply to be contaminated. THE new motor-car adopted by the firemen of Paris in preference to horse vehicles is worked by electric accumulators, and can run at a speed of 10 miles an hour for 60 miles without recharging. This change in the service is expected to save EIO,000 a year to the city. Five new cars will be stationed at the fire brigades of the Exhibition. THE power supplied by Niagara Falls and used is 34,590 horse-power, and this is distributed between 16 establishments; the lowest rate supplied to one factory is 20 horse-power, the highest being 7200 horse-power. By the end of this month the Falls will supply 45,190 horae-powe^, the increase beiag reqüired by two new works shortly to be opened

HOME HINTS. AN ECONOMICAL PUDDING.—An economical pudding, and one which makes a nice change for the children instead of the ordinary suet dumpling, is made thus: Take two teacupsful of flour and one of fine sugar, a tablespoonful of lard, one egg, a little milk, and a teaspoonful of baking powder. Rub the lard into the flour, and add the other dry ingredients; beat the egg, and make the mixture into a nice batter, add- ing milk if not moist enough boil in a well-greased mould for one and a half or two hours. Turn out, and serve with sauce or sugar. The rind and juice of a lemon make it better, or any flavouring if liked. HOME-MADB BRHAD.—Take four pounds of flour, one ounce of German yeast, mix in about a pint of water, not too warm to scald the yeast; then pour it in the flour, and add as much more water as the flour will take, and a little salt. When the dough is made, let it lie in a pan near the fire for three-parts of an hour, then put it in tins to be baked. ALMOND TART.-This is a most delicious cake, which might well be used as a dessert for dinner. Beat yolks of four eggs until thick and lemon- coloured, add gradually one cupful of powdered sugar, then fold in the whites of four eggs beaten until stiff and dry, one-third of a cupful of grated chocolate, one-half cupful of Jordan almonds blanched and finely chopped, or chopped English walnuts could be used in place of the almonds, three-quarters of a cypful of cracker dust, and one teaspoonful Of baking powder. Bake in a round pan, cool, and split. Put between "and on top whipped cream sweetened and flavoured. A DELICIOUS ITALIAN METHOD OF PREPARING Rica.—Shred some onions'into a frying-pan with plenty of butter, and fry till the onions become very brown and communicate their colour to the butter. Run the butter off, and add to this some good broth or stock, slightly flavoured with saffon; thicken the whole with some well-boiled rice, and serve as a pot- age instead of soup at dinner or as a supper dish. It is economical, very nourishing, and savoury. QUEEN'S PUDDING.-Butter a plain mould of basin rather thickly, flour well, and stick raisins, slices of candied peel, or dried fruit over the inside in rows. Fill the basin with layers of bread and butter, and 1 put between each layer sugar flavoured with lemon rind, blanched and sliced almonds, and candied peel. Pour over the whole a pint of milk mixed with four well-beaten eggs. Cover the basin closely, and boil or steam the pndding. If boiled, half an hour; rather longer if steamed. This is a delicious pudding hot or cold, and if you have a large plate of bread and butter left over not an extravagant ojie.Ieitral World. To drive ants from rooms, larder-shelves, &c., it will suffice often to keep a piece of camphor wrapped in paper or damp cloth in the room. POTATO CHIPS. Wash, peel, and slice some potatoes lengthwise, put them in cold water till wanted, then wipe them dry, and fry in deep, hot fat. Drain on kitchen paper, sprinkle over with salt, and serve. EGG SAUCE.—There are several ways of making egg sauce, but this is a good one; Make a rich melted butter, while you allow two eggs to boil hard. When the eggs are ready, throw them into cold water, then shell them and cut into neat slices. Add the slices of eggs to the sauce, season with a dash of cayenne and a dust or two of nutmeg. Give it one boil, stirring well the whole time. Send to table in a tureen or boat. To WASH DIRTY CLOTIIING. The following is a French method of washing dirty clothing: Two pounds and ahalf of soap are dissolved in five gallons of nearly boiling water, and to this is added three large tablespoonfuls of ammonia and one of spirits of turpentine. In these the clothes are to be soaked for three hours, when they are readily cleansed, re- quiring but little rubbing. Ammonia does not affect linen or woollen fibre as soda does. WHITX WALNUT CATSUP. Gather the walnuts when soft enough to run a pin through; put them in salt and water for ten days; then pound them in a mortar or pot, and to every dozen walnuts put a quart of strong vinegar, and stir it occasionally. Then strain it through a bag, and to every quart of liquor put a teaspoonful of pounded mace, the same of cloves, and a few slices of onion. Boil it half an hour, and when cold bottle it. If you use black walnuts, remove the hulls in the same way as for pickles. GiBLBr Soup.-Scald and clean three or four sets of goose and duck giblets; stew them with a pound of gravy-beef, and the bone of a knuckle of veal and ox-tail, or some shanks of mutton, three onions, sweet herbs, a teaspoonful of whole white pepper, and a tablespoonful of salt. Put five pints of water, and simmer till the gizzards are tender skim it, and thicken; boil a few minutes, and serve with the giblets. Sherry or Madeira, two glasses, and cayenne pepper may be added. A NOVBI. MOUSE-TRAP.—All houses are more or less overrun with mice, as the tiny creatures are cap- able of doing a great deal of mischief, it is only natural that the careful housewife should try and get rid of them. A very simple and ingenious plan consists of standing a small tub of water on a chair almost on a level with the pantry or cupboard shelf the mice most frequent, and then sprinkle the water thickly with oats. The oats float on the water, and impart, such an appearance of solidity to the surface that the unsuspecting mice, having a liking for oats, venture hupon it at once, and, of course, are drowned. SEED CAKE.—Put into a pan two pounds and a half of flour with half a pound of powdered loaf sugar; [mto it pour a pint of tepid milk and a tablespoonful of thick yeast. Mix the whole to the thickness of cream, and then set it by in a warm place. Melt half a pound of fresh butter and add to the ahore, with one ounce of carraway seeds, and enough milk to make it of middling stiffness. Line a hoop with buttered paper, but, in the mixture, set it some time to prove before the fire, and bake it on a tin about an hour in a hot oven. When done, rub the top over with a whisk-brush dipped in milk.- Spare Momen ts. VEAL CUTLETS A LA ZINOARA.—Put a snjajl quantity of butter into a frying-pan, let it get hot, put in the seasoned -CMtlats, and cook them on both sides over a hot lire. Fry as many slices of bacon as there are cutlets, an. I curl one around each. Add to the hoi; fat half a cupful of consomme, half a cup of melted aspic, a tablespoontui ot tomatoe juice, and the juice of one lemon, and reduce the mixture to a thick Bauw. Then add a teaspoonful of chopped parsley, and pour it. over the cutlets. LEMON CAKB.-Take three cups of sugar, one cup of butter, beaten to a cream add yolks of five well- beaten eggs, one cup of sweet milk, one teaspoonful of sodu, the grated rind of a lemon add the whites of the eggs beaten, and lemon-juice afterwards; sift 1UI lightly as possible four and one-half cups of flour. Bake in an oblong pan and cut in squares. BRAISED SIRLOIN OF BEEP. Choose a piece of sirloin weighing about five-and-a-half to six pounds. Bone it and lard with strips of fat bacon about an inch and a half long. Roll, tie securely, and put it in a braising pan with a pint of stock, a sliced carrot, a turnip, an onion, a bunch of herbs, pepper and salt. Cook for two hours, basting the meat from time to time. Free the stock frotn fat, add a gill of tomato and a gill of brown sauce to the stock, and cook the meat for another hour. Place the meat on a hot dish, remove the string, strain the sauce, boil it up, pour some of it over the beef, and send more to the table in a tureen. A FAMILY CAKE.—Dry two pounds of flour, rub it into three ounce of butter and two ounces of lard add a little salt, powdered ginger, and cinnamon. Set three-quarters of an ounce of yeast in a basin with a teaspoonful of brown sugar and work with a spoon till it becomes a liquid slightly warm half a pint of new milk and add to the yeast. Beat two i eggs to a good froth. Make a hole in the, centre of the flour, pour in the yeast and let it work for ten mimftea, Then work in all the flour till it leaves the hands clean, wetting it with the beaten eggs and tepid water. Set the dough;-to lise for two hours. Then place it in a warmed basin, work into it half a pound of cleaned currants and fivj ounces of moist sugar. Knead up till well mixed, place in a tin, and bake for nea'rly two hours. If preferred, the dough 1 can be divided into four flat cakes and baked on a tin. CTTNFTTER PUDDING.—This is especially suited to those who do not like suet in puddings. Work two ounces of butter and two tablespoonfuls of brown sugar together, then add a well-beaten egg, gradually stir in two tablespoonfuls of treacle and a teacupful of milk. Blend a teaspoonful of baking-powder with half a pound of flour, and gradually mix it with butter, treacle, &c. Place in a greased mould, i boil for two hours, and serve with any nice, sweet 8auee. RAISIN WINB.—Procure the best cooking raisins, pick them from their stalks, and to every gallon of water allow nine pounds of fruit. Place the fruit in a tub and pour the water over it (which must be previously Boiled and allowed to cool). Stir the liquor every day for a week. Then strain it inib a barrel, and leave it until fermentation has ceased. Add a bottle of brandy to the cask, bung it up tight, and leave it for twelve months. Then strain it into a clean cask, and after two years, if liked, the wine may be bottled.—London Journal.

AFRAID OF COLD STEEL. A Kettering private in the Leicestershire Regiment, writing from ladysruith, says that regiment marched for three days and three nights with only eight hours'sleep. Those at home could hardly tell how they were situated. He himself bad not had a wash for 16 days. They cleared the Boers in the last battle with bayonets, and half of them put their hands up and pleaded for mercy. The Boers hated the sight of steel. The men were badly off for smokes, and could not buy any.

SMITHFIELD CLUB SHOW. The Christinas fat stock show season of 1899 wiP be remembered as a Queen's year. The handsome three-year-old Hereford steer which won the cham- pion colours for her Majesty at the Norwich show, and successfully held them against all comers at Bir- mingham, has overborne all opposition for the third, and last, time of entering thelists this winter. He has been awarded both the champion plate of 100 guineas and the Queen's own challenge cup value 15C guineas, this being the second occasion on which hei Majesty has won the cup which she graciously pre- sented to the Smithfield Club five years ago. This year's show is not only one of admirable quality, but its opening was favoured with Queen's weather, and in the bright sunshine which lit up the great hall at Islington on the -opening day of the show there was little to suggest the near approach of Christmas. A pleasing incident of the initial day's proceedings was the presentation of an illuminated address to the Rev. W. 11. Barlow, D.D., vicar of St. Mary's, Islington, who has for the last 12 years conducted Divine ser- vice for the herdsmen and shepherds on the Sunday evening preceding the opening of the show. The Prince of Wales, in making the presentation, said it afforded him great pleasure to undertake the duty, for Dr. Barlow had done much to promote good feel- ing amongst those to whom he ministered. The Prince Continued: During my presidency last year this address was voted to you, and on behalf of the president and council of the Smithfield Club I now have great pleasure in asking you to accept it." In expressing his acknowledgments Dr. Barlow said he had always looked upon the herdsmen and shepherds who came to the Smithfield Club Show as representa- tive men from their country villages, and by showing them kindness and presenting them with books to take back to their homes he had endeavoured to influence them for good in future years. He trusted he might be allowed to continue the services which he had hitherto conducted. The Queen sent 13 animals in the cattle section, somprising four Devon steers, four Hereford steers, and a Hereford heifer from the Flemish Farm, Windsor, two Shorthorn heifers from the Prince Consort's Shaw Farm, Windsor, and an Aberdeen Angus steer and a cross-bred steer from Abergeldie Mains, Ballater. With the exception of the last- named, everyone of these was noticed by the judges. Her Majesty's winnings comprise four first prizes, two seconds, one third, two reserve cards, and three commendations, in iddition to the breed cups for Devons and Herefords, and the championship of the show with a Hereford steer. The Prince of Wales sent from Sandringham a Shorthorn steer, four Highland 3teers, two Dexter steers, a pen of Southdown lambs, md two pens of white pigs. With these his Royal Highness won the four first prizes, two seconds, one hird, and one high commendation, besides the breed 3ups for Southdown sheep and Middle White pigs. rhe Duke of York entered a Red Polled steer, a Red Polled heifer, a cross-bred heifer, and two pens af Berkshire pigs, and won one first prize, two reserve nards, and a commendation, together with the reserve for the Red Polled breed cup. Glancing first at the highest honours bestowed in the cattle section we may here repeat that the cham- pion was the Queen's three-year-old Hereford steer, by Ladas-Rose, which was champion at the Norwich and Birmingham shows. The award was especially popular amongst the cultivators of the white-faced breed of cattle, for it is 13 years since they last tasted the sweets of victory. The champion wins £ 25 as first in his class, JS25 as best of his breed, £50 as beat steer in the show, P.105 champion plate as best beast in the show, indtlie Queen's challenge cup, value £ 150, as the best beast bred by the exhibitor, besides two gold medals. The reserve to the Queen's Hereford steer is the best beast in the show was Mr. W. E. Learner's Shorthorn-Polled cross-bred hoifer Let- em-all-come, a winner in our Norwich and Birming- ham reports. She is by the noted Shorthorn sire Ringleader, and was bred by Mr. John Ross, of Meikle Tarrel, N.B. As the reserve for the champion plate did not happen to have been bred by the exhi- oitor the judges had to look elsewhere for a reserve to ;he champion Hereford in the competition for the Queen's cup, and this was found in Mr. J. Douglas Fletcher's Aberdeen-Shorthorn cross-bred heifer 3tinray. The best heifer in the show was Mr. j Learner's cross-bred already mentioned, the reserve ticket going to the same exhibitor's shorthorn heifet | Patience, also bred bjr}Mrv John Ross. A new prize J ;hisyear, a £ 25 silver ciip for the best beast not over ;wo years old, went to Miss Alice de Rothschild's A.berdeen-Shorthorn cross-bred steer St. Brieux, by j St. Dominie, the reserve being Sir J. B. Maple a Shorthorn steer Redikibbon,, by Sir Launcelot. The Queen's best Devon was the heifer Pretty Pansy, by Dragolijan-Pretty,, and her Majesty'?' champion Hereford steer has bee already noticed. Mr, James Bruce's best Shorthorn steer Kelemanjaro was, bred by himself and is by Waverley-Rosewood, The president of the Smithfield Club secured the Sussex breed cup with a steer, by Shylock—Sterling. J., E. Platt's best Red Polled steer is by Caistor,mir meat-Caistor B!oo'm,.and was bred^ hy Mr! H. P. Green, Caistor-hall, Norwich. Lord Strathmore's Aberdeen Angus heifer Victoria of Glamis is the one that secured the reserve card for champion honours at the Birmingham show. Messrs. 1 Biggar's Galloway steer Substance was, bred by Messrs. McCormick and Matheson, Kirkcowan, N.B., and is by Creditor—Violet of Mindork. The Welsh champion is Colonel Piatt's heifer Cambrian Princess III., by City Cotincillor-Caiiibrian Princess. Sir William Dalgleish secures the Highland cup with Perthshire's Hope, a steer bred by Mr. John Stewart, of Bochastle. Callander. The cross-bred cup winner is Mr. Learner's Let-'em-all-come, previously men- tioned. Sir Walter Gilbey's champion of the small breeds is a prefity little black heifer Royal Miss, by a Dexter sire out of a Kerry dam. In the sheep section the Southdowns made the biggest display, as they did in the two preceding years, their total of 34 pens far exceeding that of j any other breed. Cross-breds camo next with 21 ?ntries, followed by the Hampshire Downs,with 18 pens, and by the Cheviots and Suffolks with 14 pens each. The Border Leicesters just saved themselves from a blank record by one entry in each of the two classes. Two champion plates of ¡£i)0 each were offered for the best pen of long-wools and tke best pen of short- wools in the show. The former went to Mr. John McDowall'a Scotch Mountain wethtrs, and the occa- sion is interesting as being the first on which this trophy, instituted in 1890, has been carried off by the Mountain breed, all the previous winners having been Cotswolds, Leicesters, or Lincolns. The short-wool plate fell to Lord Ellesmere's Suffolk wethers, and here again we get a record, for this plate, in- stituted in 1890, has not hitherto gone to the Suffolk breed, the previous winners having been Hainpshires, Oxfords, Southdowns, and Shropshires. The Prince of Wales's challenge cup for the best, pen of sheep in the show was also won by Lord Elles- mere's Suffolks. After long run of success extending over 10 years the Berkshire pigs were forced to surrender the champion colours, which went to a cross-bred pen shown by Mr. Arthur Hiscock, jun., and the produce of a Large White cross-bred sire and a Berkshire j dam. As the best pen of pigs bred by the exhibitor this pen (No. 565) also took the Duke of York's challenge cup. It is remarkable that both the cham- pion pen and the reserve-Mr. N. Benjafield's Blanks -should come from the same Dorset village, Mot- combe, near Shaftesbury. CHAMPION AND CHALLENGE CUPS. CATTLE. SILVER CUPS FOR BEST BEAST, STEBR OR OX, AND HEIFER. Beast.—Silver Cup, value £25, to the exhibitor of-1 the best beast in the show, not exceeding two years Id, Miss Alice de Itothschild, (Class 28); rM Sir J. B. Maple, M.P. (Class 7). Steer or Ox.—Silver Cup, value £ 50, to -the exhi- bitor of the best steer or ox, the Queen (Class 5); r., Mr. J. D. Fletcher (Class 29). I Heifer.—Silver Cup. value E-50, to the exhibitor of the best heifer, Mr. W. E. Learner (Class 31); r., Mr. W. E. Learner (Class 9). CHAMPION PLATE FOR TIIB BEST BEAST IN THE SHOW. (Given by the Royal Agricultural Hall Company, Limited.) A Piece of Plate, value 100 guineas, to the exhi- bitor, and gold medal to the breeder, of the best beast in the show, the Queen (Class 5); r., Mr. W. E. Learner (Class 31).. J TUB QUEEN'S CHALLENGE CUP (VALUB £ 150). j (Graciously offered by her Majesty the Queen.) j Challenge Cup, value £ 150, for the best beast in I the show bred by the exhibitor, and gold medal to the holder but not final winner of the cup, the Queen (Class 5); r., Mr. J. D. Fletcher (Class 29). BHEE CHAMPION PLATES. A Piece of Plate, value £ 50, to the exhibitor of j the best pen of three long-wooled sheep or lambs in f the show, viz.: Leicesters, Border Leicesters, Cots- j wolds, Lincolns, Kentish or Romney Marsh, Devon, j Cheviot, Mountain, &c., Mr. J. McDowall (Class 52); j r., Mr. H. Dudding (Class 43); and gold medal to 1 the breeder, Mr. J. McDowall. A Piece of Plate, value £50, to the exhibitor of the j best pen of three short-woolled sheep or lambs in the j show, viz.: Southdowns, Hampshire Downs, Suffolks, j Shropshires, Oxford Downs, Dorsets, and Cross,breds, e Earl of Ellesiuere (Class 58); r., the Prince of Wales L(CUi»9 54) and gold medal to the breeder, Eftrl pf Ellesiuere. < > 5 vt I THE PRINCE OF WALES'S CHALLENGE CUP (VALUE £ 100). (Graciously offered by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, K.G.) Challenge Cup, value £100, for the best pen of three sheep or lambs in the show, bred by the exhibitor and gold medal to the holder but not, final winner of the cup, Earl of Ellesmere (Class 58); r., the Prince of Wales (Class 54). PIGS. CHAMPION PLATES. A Piece of Plate, value £ 20, to the exhibitor of the best pen of two pigs in the show, Mr. A. Hiscock. jun. (Class 82); r., Mr. N. Benjafield (Class 76); and gold medal to the breeder, Mr. A. Hiscock, jun. A Piece of Plate, value Y.5, to the exhibitor of the I best single pig in classess 83 to 86, Mr. G. Attkins (Class 84); r., Earl of Carnarvon (Class 85). THE DUKE OF YORli's CHALLENGE CUP (VALUE E50). (Graciously offered by H.R.H. the Duke of York, K.G.) Challenge Cup, value E50, for the best pen of two pigs in the show bred by the exhibitor and gold medal to the holder but not final winner of the cup, Mr. A. Hiscock, jun. (Class 82) j r., Mr. N. Benja- field (Class 76).

LORD MAYOR'S COMPANY. Mr. Justice Wright concluded his public inquiry into the affairs of the Industrial Contracts Corpora- tion on Monday. The Lord Mayor of London was in court, and two of his fellow-directors were examined. The judge made no announcement as to whether there will be any "ulterior proceedings." But he carefully re- frained from taking sides until something of the kind has taken place. Mr. James Bailey, M.P., was the first witness. Questioned as to Stock Exchange operations with the shares, he said everybody did it-even the Rothschilds. He left those matters to Mr. Mendel. He know nothing of the" Press expenses"; those also were left to Mr. Mendel. Counsel suggested that there was a good deal of Mr. Mendel about it; and witness agreed that perhaps too much was left in his hands. Mr.J[Lawson Walton asked witness why, as a man of honour, he rested under the serious charges made in Sir John Blundell Maple's petition. He replied, as the other directors had done, that he placed full reliance on the undertaking that the allegations would be withdrawn. On this matter, Mr. Jackson, chairman of the directors, gave a fuller explanation. Originally they determined to fight the petition strenuously. After- wards they deemed it advisable, in the interests of the shareholders, to settle the matter as speedily as possible-the essential condition being that all the allegations should be withdrawn. Their solicitors met Sir John Blundell Maple at the House of Com- mons. Sir John said he wished to consult Mr. Carson, and thereupon Mr. Carson drew up the wording of the withdrawal in Sir John's presence, and handed it to their solicitor. They all believed this undertaking as safe as the Bank of England," and were astounded that it was not carried out. The explanation given to them was that Sir John's counsel declined to be bound by what had been written by Mr. Carson. My view of the matter," said witness, "was this. If Sir Blundell Maple believed in the charges he would not withdraw the petition. If he did not, he could not be so base as to decline to withdraw the allegations." Mr. Herbert Reed, Q.C., said it was due to those concerned in the petition to state that they acted on their counsel's advise and responsibility. "I can understand that," said Sir Robert Reid (for the Lord Mayor), but what I should like to hear is whether Sir John Blundell Maple accepts the responsibility. He is, I understand, in or near this court." Mr. Carson suggested that Sir John should be called. The judge said he could not help them, but if any person wished to make a statement on his own behalf he would be heard. Mr. H. Reed Sir Blundell Maple is not concerned in this inquiry. He has had no opportunity of putting questions, and therefore it would not be proper Sir R. Reid This is not a question of etiquette it is a question of reputation. A settlement was agreed to; under which money was paid. They took the money, and broke the condition. Mr. H. Reed replied that at a proper time, and in a proper place, explanations could be given. His lordship said he had no judgment to give. This was an examination held solely for the purpose of enabling the Official Receiver to take further pro- ceedings if so advised. But his lordship thought it desirable to call attention to the settled law of the subject, as cited by the masters. He read, accord- ingly, passages from various judgments, to the effect that when directors receive considerations they ought to withhold no material fact of it from the shareholders. I have no doubt whatever," proceeded the judge, that the directors, including Mr. Burbidge-I do not speak of the promoters-believed on fair grounds that the property was worth something like the price the company paid. I think, further, that, although there may have been a mistake in directing funds of the company to be applied to an undertaking for which they were not intended, the directors believed that it was not illusory-I do not know what the promoters thought. It is due to Mr. Newton and Mr. Jackson to say thai it is proved by the corres- pondence that they resisted, and successfully re- sisted, the attempt of Mr. Mendel to appropriate tho £ 28.000 of premiums on the issue Of preference." Finally, the judge said it was a scandal that articles of association could be drawn, as in this case, so as to give the promoters power to wind-up the company when they liked, and divided the profits among them. Nor was it right that directors should be empowered to make profits and benefits out of the company, without any liability as to disclosure.

INSURANCE AGAINST SICKNESS. The records kept in Germany in regard to sick insurance; which is now compulsory upon workmen, are beginning (observes the Hospital) to show how serious a strain sickness produces upon a country. It appears that nearly eight million persons in Ger- many subscribe to the Krankenkassen—that is, insure against sinkness, and that in 1898 one-third of these reported illness of one sort or another, the average duration of sickness being 17 days. Now, if we reckon wages at ouly 2s. a day. this comes to a loss of more than four and a-ha)f million pounds'a year ih wages alone, besides what has somehow to be pro- vided for food, physic, and maintenance. This, of course, is among working people during the working period which is, presumably, the most healthy period of their lives.

EVERY;one who has been in Malta has noticed the curious hood worn by every native woman and girl. It is called the Faldetta. It is made of black silk stiffened fwitb whalebone, and according to the side of the head on which it is worn, one can see at once whether the wearer be married or single. The origin of this peculiar head-gear is very singular. When the French, at the beginning of the century, were in possession of the island, the women were submitted by them to such indignities that they were ordered by their clergy to wear the Faldetta or Hood of Shame for a hundred years. This period will soon be com- pleted, and it will be interesting to see whether the natives will continue to use the Faldetta or not. Probably they will not discard it, for, as in other cases, what was once imposed as a penance or punishment is now regarded as an honourable dis- tinction. A GERMAN doctor teaches patients to massage rheumatic finger joints by thrusting the hand into a deep glass two-thirds full of Mercury, which presses on them. The hand is dipped and raised about 30 times at each treatment, and with diminution of the swelling. COMMANDANT CRONJE has (say the Law Journal) formulated certain propositions with regard to the law of war which are of some legal interest. He holda that the Geneva Convention does not authorise the Red Cross flag to fly from several buildings at once in a town. He thinks dynamite mines are opposed to the rules of war, and also maintains that it it unlawful to employ natives against whites in war. The reply to these criticisms is not difficult to frame. The Geneva ConventioR contains no limita- tion of the number of buildings that may be pro- tected by the Red Cross flag, except that their neutrality ceases if they are in fact "used not as hospitals, but for military purposes (Ar- ticle 1). Again neither international law nor international morality prohibits the use of mines in siege operations. And, lastly, while the employment by one civilised belligerent of bands of maurauders or savages against another, leading as it may to such outrages as have in past times been committed by Cossacks in the service of Russia, and by Circassians, and-Bashi-Bazouks in that of Turkey, is condemned by the best international opinion, it is impossible to prevent, natives who are attacked by white people from defending themselves and their property. SOMEONE congratulated Count Tolstoi on having a charming, loving wife, as well as universal fame, health-everything. "That is not because Fate is particularly partial to me," he replied, but because I have always wished only for that which God has sent me. He has given me that sort of a wife, and I am satisfied with her and want no other." The Tolstois live very happily, and entertain a good deal, having many friends and callers. So minutely has the Countess (who is much younger) studied her husband's habits that she knows by his aspect as soon as. he emerges from his study how his work has thriven, and in what frame of mind he is.