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THE KNTGrHT - BARONET.
[ALL RIGHTS Rzsjmvim.) THE KNTGrHT BARONET. AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE OF OLD-TIME CHESTER. | BY EUSTACE de SALIS. 0 BOOK III. CHAPTER XIII. At day-break on the third of February, 1646, the city gates, which had been kept continuously closed for over two years, were thrown wide open once more. Lord Byron, losing no time, had set to work after the meeting at which the assent of the civic authorities to his communicating with Sir William Brereton had been gained, to open up negotia- tions with that rebel General, and the latter, who was anxiously desirous of being able to point to his successful reduction of the most strongly fortified city in the kingdom, and thus save his tottering reputation, had only been too delighted to meet the Royalist Commander-in-Chief. But the course of the treaty proceedings had not run at all smoothly. Frequent differences of opinion manifested themselves amongst the Commissioners appointed to act on behalf of the Governor of Chester, which more than once threatened to end in total rupture. The Cestrian, however, was beginning to feel the pinch of acute starvation, and as one day passed and then another and then yet another, and still the treaty formalities pended without exhibiting much indications of progression; realising the utter hopelessness of his situation; seeing that he would infallibly be starved to death if there were any further unnecessary delay; desirous of deriving every possible advantage from the total cessation of hostilities, and urging that no time was to be lost, he brought pressure to bear upon his repre- aentatives and insisted upon the proceedings being carried through forthwith. At length, after six weary days of proposals and counter-proposals; rejections and counter-rejec- tions; of the Royalists demanding certain con- cessions to have them instantly refused; of the rebels then offering certain terms to have them Contemptuously flung aside without considera- tion of disputes and contentions, and of the city Commissioners retiring from the conference to eventually return only for the other side to act in a similar fashion, the conditions of the capitula- tion were agreed upon. These latter covered a very extensive range of ground, and consisted of eighteen articles, which left neither side any loop- hole for committing future depredations, so thoroughly in earnest and so true to his word had Lord Byron been. They were approved of and signed by twelve of the Royalist representatives; and then, having been drafted into a handy form, were placed in the hands of the Governor, by whom-after having been agreed to by a majority of the inhabitants of Chester-they were confirmed an3 promulgated. Both parties were early astir on that dismal February morning. The rebels, as was natural, when they gloated over the coming promotions and rewards, gave themselves up to the wildest and most uncontrollable joy—the Royalists were correspondingly depressed. Not, however, that the latter had any real cause of complaint beyond the actual fact of having to yield the city over to a hated and despised foe; for according to his promise the Governor had obtained such terms as had astonished all-terms he could never have ventured to demand had he not been perfectly well aware of the fact that Sir William Brereton would go to almost any lengths, and would grant the most extraordinarily generous treaty, so terribly anxious was he to obtain possession of Chester and the mastery over her people. All troops were free to depart whithersoever they pleased. For those who desired to accom- pany Lord Byron in his march to Conway-the rendezvous fixed upon by the Royalist Commander- in-Chief—a convoy of two hundred horse was to be provided, and six clear days after the fall of the oity allowed them to make the journey; and further, no attempt was to be made to inveigle or entice with any promises or inducements what- soever any of the Royalist soldiery. The citizens and civilian population were to be permitted to remain in undisturbed possession of their goods and ohattels, and were to be molested in no way. Merchants and others of the tradesmen class were tD be at liberty to travel and trade in any manner they pleased, provided neither was to the prejudice of the public peace nor likely to cause friotion. All prisoners were to be released and allowed their unconditional freedom, and a specific guarantee was entered into by the baronet that none of the churches, monuments, mor other publio buildings, or objects of historical interest, should be mutilated or in any way defaced. Further than this none had expected the Governor to go; but before he would consent to hear a word of treaty Lord Byron had insisted on each individual who quitted Chester being allowed—according to his rank if a soldier, or social status if a oivilian-to take away a certain sum of money with him for personal use. In fact, beyond obtaining bare possession of a prao- tically ruined oity, inhabited by a practioally death-ridden population, the Royalists had the advantage in every detail. As the sun rose, struggling with all his might to pieroe the fog and gloom, the streets began to fill alowly, until at nine o'clock, the hour named for the final handing over of the city keys- emblematical of possession and control-a dense, ragged, half-starved crowd filled every nook and cranny of Esatgate-street-overflowing into all the streets and lanes which gave off this principal thoroughfare. Punctually as the hour of nine sounded from the clock in the tower of the church of 88. Peter and Paul, Lord Byron, surrounded by his personal staff and accompanied by Charles Walley and the Corporation, moved slowly down between the double row of soldiery which lined both sides of the road from the Pentice to the East gate. Arrived at the latter point, the gates were re- closed, locked, and double-barred, and the Governor and Mayor of Chester, with the various military and oorporate officials clustered around in a semi-circle, awaited the rebel summons from the outside. TJie last soene of the drama, Thomas Cowper," Francis Gamull whispered. In a few minutes all will be over! Chester will have fallen for the first time in history and her reputa- tion for invincibility be destroyed." Aye, aye. We are unwilling witnesses of the incident," was Thomas Cowper's reply-his reference being to his own refusal and the refusals of his companions, Francis Gamull, Robert Brerewood and Charles Walley, to assent to the terms of the capitulation treaty. I do not know what good we did refusing to sign the articles when the majority of the Com- missioners did so," Francis Gamull continued. "But I could not, consistently with my ideas of duty and loyalty to the King, take any hand or part in the delivery over of Chester to the rebels —disobedient subjects of a monarch who never harmed them in any way." It makes no difference now. The mischiet has been done." "For the King and Parliament! Open, open," accompanied by a couple of heavy knocks, came the cry from the outside of the gate, interrupting Thomas Cowper's reply. The -use of the demand?" Lord Byron asked in stentorian tones. In acoordance with the terms of the treaty agreed upon between the Right Honourable John, Lord Byron, Royalist Governor of Chester, acting for the King, and the Honourable Sir William Brereton, knight and baronet, Com- mander-in-Chief of the Parliamentary forces in Cheshire and the neighbourhood, I, Thomas Aldersey, an alderman of the city, empowered by the said baronet, do call on you, John, Lord Byron, to open your gates and admit us— nominated to carry through the provisions of the treaty aforesaid-forthwith." Lord Byron turned towards the men standing within the aroh and made a alight movement with one hand. To the accompaniment of a shrill exultant call on the rebel bugles, the huge gate swung slowly open, disclosing Sir William Brereton with his principal officers congregated beyond the drawbridge awaiting admittance. At a sign from the baronet his followers moved forward. The Commander-in-Chief, leading, rode by himself, glancing proudly and defiantly around. Next came John Yerworth, also by himself. Not a whit behind his master, he rode forward casting contemptuous glances right and left. Then came Thomas Aldersey, with Michael Jones on the one hand and James Louthaine on the other; and immediately in rear of this trio John Aldersey, William Edwards, Calvin Bruen of Stapleford and Riohard Golbome made their appearance. The head of the rebel foot—told off to patrol the principal quarters of the town and to mount guard at the various gates—turned the comer out of Cow-lane at the moment that the baronet and his principal assistants rode in under the archway of the East gate. As Sir William Brereton passed before Lord Byron the latter bowed courteously. But the baronet ignored the compliment. Although he entered Chester apparently the head of a con- quering army, Thomas Aldersey had taken upon himself the conduct of the entire day's proceed- ings, to such an extent that the Commander-in- Chief realised he was only going to be permitted to play a very secondary part indeed. This did not at all suit his views, but he felt himself compelled to do as the alderman ordered. Ever since his attempt to arrest his two chief subordinates and Thomas Aldersey the baronet had been steadily losing ground with his followers, and in answer to the complaint he had made to headquarters in connection with this fact, he had been told that unless he entered the city very shortly indeed other arrangements would be come to for the con- duct of the attack on Chester. But, he thought, as he soanned the sullen upturned faces of his stubborn foes, once he had nrmly seized the reina of municipal government, and with the credit of the capture of the city at his back, his position would be immeasurably strengthened. Then Thomas Aldersey should be made to pay heavily for the outrageous fashion in which he had con- ducted himself for many, many months past! Coming back to his surroundings somewhat comforted by this reflection, Sir William Brereton caught a sight of Thomas Cowper, beside whom Cicely Roseengreave and Nicholas Wyrvin were standing. Well, friend Cowper," he cried satirically, reining in his charger, my words have come true. Mind you that day in the Pentice? I vowed never to re-enter your gates until I should do so in the position of your conqueror-your reduoer. Behold me now, sir." "Sir William Brereton's personal exertions have had little to do with our misfortunes, I believe." Thomas Cowper, slightly inclining his head, addressed his remark to those within hearing. For if report speaks truly the honourable and gallant," for Thomas Cowper there was a well-defined sneer at the word, the honourable and gallant baronet has devoted most of his time during our siege to other localities—I should explain that whilst we have been engaged in aotual conflict Sir William Brereton has wisely refrained from putting in an appearance." Ah, still the same untamed tongue, sir," oried the baronet, flushing hotly at the very direct manner in which his taunt had been repaid. "Well, well, well. When we have taken over what remains of the city we must see whether we cannot devise some method whereby a little civility and commonsense may be introduced into your manners and speech." The baronet is an excellent judge of courtesy, I feel assured," was Thomas Cowper's cutting reply. Ha, fellow, what mean those words? See you not the foolishness of your course in essaying to irritate me, when I shall shortly be master both of your possessions and lives-and lives! Mark that!" Both are safeguarded in the articles of our surrender," said Thomas Cowper, still disdaining to address the baronet personally. In the past, however, we learnt how much reliance to place on the sacred promise of Sir William Brereton, knight and baronet; and I for one should not be in the least astonished if every provision by which we have sought to protect our future were broken by Say no more, sir. For less than that many better men than yourself, similarly situated, have been driven forth from home. Were I not con- vinced that your powers for good and evil were infinitesimal, I would order you to be thrust out as you stand. Did you return, you might know the welcome awaiting you." Thomas Cowper turned aside to hide the effort it cost him to repress the rejoinder that rose to his lips. He saw the futility of prolonging the discussion, realising that his aggressor was in a position to insult him to his heart's content; and, seeing he was a married man, with a family growing up, it behoved him to keep within dis- cretionary bounds for the sake of his children, whose rightful inheritance had been swallowed up by the various assessments rendered necessary by the pitiful condition of his native city. Bitter beyond expression were the reflections which accompanied the fall of Chester in Thomas Cowper's mind; but more bitter and more humiliating was the recollection that the victorious party were represented by the person of his haughty antagonist, who had, as all in Chester very well knew, so long as any danger or risk had to be incurred, with more prudence than bravery, kept himself well in the background. He would not have minded either Michael Jones or James Louthaine, but for Sir William Brereton to ride into his native city in that impudently aggressive fashion. The thought was absolutely unbearable! We have silenced his ex-Worship, have we, hah?" cried the baronet exultantly. Sir William Brereton," exclaimed Lord Byron, stepping to the front and interposing his ngure between the baronet and Thomas Cowper. I call upon you to hold your peace. You have not obtained possession of Chester as yet. You may have heard-you cannot know from personal experience, according to rumour—of what our people are capable of when inflamed. Beware how you act, or "What is this, my lord?" asked the rebel Commander-in-Chief sternly. Do I hear you aright? Are we or are you the victor?" Absolutely immaterial and foreign to the question." No, sir. Neither immaterial nor foreign to the subject. I would have you I tell you, Sir William Brereton," cried Lord Byron, raising his voice so that his words might be heard near and far, that your speeoh is scandalous. Far greater commanders than your- self, and no disparagement to you, have acquitted themselves of similar tasks with less effrontery and a kinder consideration for the feelings of those involved. For unparalleled I decline to listen to your lecture, my lord. Greater soldiers than yourself, and no disparage- ment to you," the baronet continued with a curling lip, have had to bow down to the inevitable. Your successful resistance—due to the want of proper management during my frequent absences-has emboldened you. You forget I represent the conquering side." "Sir, I have little more to say. Your attempt," Lord Byron went on, seizing the opportunity the other's words had afforded him of creating dis- sension in the rebel ranks, your attempt to ascribe the duration of the siege to the incapacity of your subordinate officers is no business of mine. I can well leave them to take care of themselves. But I warn you that if you cannot oomport yourself like a. man and be silent, I will not hold myself responsible for any disastrous consequences that may ensue." A low, angry growl resounded on all sides. The garrison, although weakened in numbers, and, for want of food and through sickness, enfeebled in health, were in no mood to put up with Sir William Brereton's jeering tones. The rebels too, irritated at what they deemed an unmerited slur cast on their bravery, shewed every disposition to openly resent their Commander-in-Chief's words. Hearing the growl and guessing its import, the baronet relapsed into a sulky silence, and, muttering some threats below his breath, moved slowly forward to the Pentice, where he intended to be formally installed as the military Governor of the city on behalf of Lieutenant-General Cromwell and the Parliament. This, however, was not to be until a fracas had taken place between one of his followers and one of the garrison. John Yerworth, ever ready to imitate his master, thought the present oppor- tunity, of demonstrating how little he cared for the incident of his confinement in the pillory, an excellent one; so as he was passing abreast of Thomas Cowper he called out mockingly, "I have not forgotten the eighth of August three years back, Thomas Cowper." Rejoiced-phew-phew; rejoiced to hear it," Nicholas Wyrvin, suddenly appearing at his foster-father's elbow, shouted loudly. A good thing you remember the day and the event in which you played such a leading part. Had you forgotten the pillory, others would not have. See you profit by your unique experience," he added ironically. John Yerworth pulled up his horse with violence. Something would really have to be done to put down that presumptious youth. He must needs take a strong hand with Nicholas Wyrvin if he desired future peace—he must demonstrate in an unmistakably plain fashion to all that he would no longer tolerate disrespectful treatment from any one. Arrived at this inflated conclusion, he cast about in his mind for some channel through which to strike his hated rival, and catching sight of Cicely Roseengreave, Ah, Nickie, dearest," he cried mincingly. Like a bad ha pence you have turned up again. When, lad," he went on in a patronising fashion, and, in order to look more important, standing up in his stirrups, "when will you learn dis- cretion? Must I needs dismount," for the first time in his life looking the other squarely in the face, and administer a corrective here and now. I have done so once." Thomas Cowper opened his mouth as if to rebuke the baronet's follower, but Nicholas Wyrvin, laying a restraining hand on his foster- father's arm, remarked quietly, "Let him alone, sir. Let me hear what more he has to say. Given a long enough swim, a pig is bound in the end to destroy itself." Dear me," was John Yerworth's reply. Then cutting short his further premeditated abuse, he asked, And how is the wench? Quite consoled at ray having called off" eh t Do you enjoy the reversion of my-1" Forcing his way through the press with one bound, Nicholas Wyrvin was upon John Yer- worth. Seizing him by the left leg in a vice-like grasp, and, before his opponent had any oppor- tunity either of calling for aid or of making the slightest resistance, the Royalist youth, in the presence of the armies of both sides, unhorsed the baronet's protege and administered to him one of the severest thrashings that it was ever the lot of one mortal to receive at the hands of another. (To be continued.) COMMENCED IN No. 11,372, AUGUST 2ND, 1899.
CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. 1
CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. 1 A monthly meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday afternoon, the Mayor (Alderman H. T. Brown) presiding. ELECTION OF KING'S SCHOOL GOVERNOR. Mr. J. F. Lowe moved the appointment of Alderman Thomas Smith as a representative governor on the governing body of the King's School in the place of the late Alderman Charles Brown. Mr. Smith was a townsman who knew the wants of the school, was a man of business, and was as worthy as any gentle- man around that table to fill the position. Mr. Edgar Dutton, in seconding, pointed out that Mr. Smith was a member of the City Guilds, and as one of them subscribed largely to the King's School, and he did not think they could elect any one more fit and proper to represent the Council on that body than Alderman Smith. The motion was carried unanimously, and Alderman Smith briefly returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him. ELECTRIC LIGHT EXTENSIONS. On the motion of Mr. B. C. Roberts, seconded by the Sheriff, the following recommendation of the Lighting Committee was adopted:— That the committee be authorised to have the necessary distributing main extended for sup- plying energy for public and private lighting in Gladstone-avenue, Whipcord-lane, Charlotte- street, Catherine-street, and Cambrian-iyew, and the conversion of. the existing:gas letups and an additional lamp at an estimated cost of 2280." TO ADVERTISE CHESTER. A PROPOSED BOOKLET. Alderman Jones moved the adoption of a recommendation of the Improvement Committee to authorise a committee to arrange with a Mr. G. W. May for the issue by him of an illustrated booklet for Chester, the letter- press and photographs to be first submitted to, and approved by, the committee. Mr. May, who is acting in -concert with the Health Resorts Development Association, proposes to issue the booklet, and to present 500 copies free if it is adopted as the official publication of the Corporation, with a notification to that effect on the front cover. Alderman Jones pointed out that the proposed publication would contain printed matter in reference to the history of the interesting buildings of the city, together with views in the city and neighbourhood. Mr. May proposed to circulate the work as an advertisement of the city and its attractions. The committee had reserved to themselves the right of reviewing the proof of the matter contained in the book before finally giving their sanction. Mr. J. M. Frost seconded the motion. Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes was in favour of the issue of the booklet, and believed that any- thing that tended to bring visitors to Chester was an advantage to the trade of the city. He, however, thought there ought to be a limit to the time for which the Council gave its sanction to the recommendation. He suggested the Council should authorise the publication for a period not exceeding three years. They seemed to be giving the man carte blanche to do just as he liked and for any period. Of course, it was very desirable that Chester should be advertised, and he understood Mr. May had some connection with the American boats. The Corporation were trying to bring visitors to the city, but when people came they could not do any business. That day, for instance, when an exhibition had attracted numerous visitors, almost all the shops were closed. That was one of the most serious misfortunes he could imagine. Alderman Jones: I may point out for the information of the Council that as you give per- mission for the book to be issued you can at any time withdraw that permission if the book does not meet with the requirements of the Council. I think that would meet Mr. Holmes's objection. The Town Clerk read the letter from Mr. May, dated the 19th of September, in which he pointed out that the pamphlet would contain a list of boarding-houses and hotels, with details as to accommodation, Ac., excursion, tourist, and railway arrangements. Mr. Holmes: Do I understand that permission can be withdrawn if we are not satisfied with the publication at any time P The Mayor: I think so. Mr. Holmes said he did not think that was the object of the letter. It was a serious matter for the Corporation to sanction a book of this kind unless they were perfectly satisfied it was doing credit to the city. He, therefore, suggested that the period of permission should be limited to three years. Mr. T. Browne: I think the best guarantee for keeping this book up to our standard is to give no limit. If it does not suit when it comes out withdraw the permission. The Town Clerk said the Council would under stand that the getting up of a booklet of that nature involved considerable expense, and Mr. May, with whom he bad an interview, gave him to understand that the reason for his applying for the sanction of the Corporation was to give to his publication an official character which would induce advertisers to put their advertise- ments in the booklet. He did not think it could reasonably be expected that any one would undertake the cost of such a booklet, or that advertisers would care to undertake the cost of advertising in it, unless reasonable time were given. If it proved to be a reputable publication such as the committee could approve of, there did not seem to be any necessity for limiting the sanction to any number of years. Mr. May, in his letter, asked that no other similar publi- cation should be issued under the auspices of the Corporation, and he (the Town Clerk) thought there should be a limit to that condition. The Mayor thought the committee would bear in mind these suggestions before they gave the sanction asked for. Mr. J. G. Holmes moved as an amendment, that the Mayor and Corporation sanction the booklet for a period not exceeding three years. He thought it was rather too much to give the sanction of the Corporation for perpetuity. Mr. B. C. Roberts seconded, and asked whether the Mr. May mentioned was the celebrated Mr. Phil May. If so, they might find themselves all caricatured. (Laughter.) The Clerk of Committees (Mr. Peers) His name is Mr. G. M. May. Alderman Williams did not think it right to entrust a stranger with the powers he sought. The Council ought to retain the privilege of giving their sanction to other publications. Mr. J. F. Lowe said it was a reflection upon the tradesmen of Chester that they could not bring out this work themselves. He thought that the work could be produced by a citizen, but he had no objection to sanctioning Mr. May's publication for a year. Mr. Holmes's amendment was then put to the meeting and lost, 14 voting for and 15 against it. Alderman Jones now moved the committee's recommendation with the following addition:— "Tbut the Committee be instructed not to bind themselves to refrain from the sanction of any othef publication for a longer period than three years. This, he thought, would meet all the objections that had been raised. Mr. Tom Browne moved that the recom- mendation be adhered to. The Sheriff did not think Mr. May would accent jthat condition. erman John Jones said the addition would be further safeguard. r. J. G. Holmes said the Council should only give consent for a limited period, suffi- ciently long to allow Mr. May to recoup himself for his expense. They were not justi- fied in giving permission for perpetuity. The Town Clerk, being asked if he knew Mr. May, said he had seen samples of his work. He had carefully examined the booklet of Aberystwyth, a place he happened to know, and to him it seemed very good. He only knew further that he worked with the Health Resorts Development Association, a body he had not heard of before. (Laughter.) Alderman Jones's motion was put to the meeting, and, 22 voting for it, it was carried. ALTERATION TO THE RACE STANDS. The Racecourse Committee's minutes con- tained a recommendation that the plans of the proposed alterations and addiuona to the Chester race studs bo approved, I The Mayor explained that the proposed altera- tiona were to meet the difficulties that were found in the working of the county stand during the last meeting. They would remember that there was a flight of steps in the centre leading from the balcony of the stand to the green sward. It was proposed to extend that flight of steps the whole length of the balcony, arranging it in such a way that the people standing on the steps should not interfere with the view of the people sitting on the balcony. Then there were other details, and there was an addition. The company proposed to erect upon a piece of ground which was now used as a sort of small vegetable garden, a cloak-room on the ground level, the upper storey to be used as an additional refresh- ment room. When the plans were submitted to the committee, as the building came very near to the Walls and was within full sight of the Walls, they thought that the innovation proposed by the architects to the company was not particularly ornamental, and they were asked to re-consider the plan in that respect and to design something which would be a little more sightly from the Walls. They had done that, and the city surveyor considered the present elevation was a great improvement upon the old one, and it was one that the Council could very well adopt. The other alterations were slight ones, being for the con- venience of telegraph clerks and others. Certainly, from the Council's point of view, the alterations and additions were quite unobjection- able. Mr. Edgar Dutton had great pleasure in seconding. He considered that a very great improvement would be made to Tattersall's enclosure; there would be more room there. Mr. J. F. Lowe: I hope that the erection will not exceed the height of the Walls. The Mayor It will not do so. We have also been very careful to exclude the possibility of anything in the shape of a chimney being erected to the objection of people passing along the Walls. The motion was carried.
BISHOP JAYNE ON EDUCATION.…
BISHOP JAYNE ON EDUCATION. t On Wednesday evening the Bishop of Chester distributed the certificates and prizes to the students of the evening science and art classes in connection with Runcorn Technical Institute. In the course of a lengthy speech his lordship described the advantages the young people of the present enjoyed over the young people of the past in the opportunities afforded for acquiring knowledge, and he congratulated the leading spirits of Runcorn upon providing such an equipment as that institute and its appliances. This institute was not the only institution which did much for the education of the people of Runcorn. There was the free library, and he knew how valuable such an institution was to old and young. Institutions of this sort were instances of justifiable Socialism. As Lord Salisbury said, they were all Socialists nowadays, and who was there that did not agree with the Socialism of the institu- tions he had mentioned ? What were the reasons why the youths of the country, the trustees of posterity, as Lord Beaconsfield described them, should make use of the advantages that were afforded them ? The first motive that ought to tell with them was the motive of patriotism. If our country was to maintain and be worthy of its pre-eminence among the nations, we must educate ourselves in order to keep at least on a level with them, not out of mere rivalry and competition, but because it was becoming that Englishmen should not be behindhand in the race of knowledge and of mental and manual training of art and science in all departments. If they were true English- men and English women they must feel it to be their patriotic duty to equip themselves so as to worthily represent that great nation to which by the providence of God they belonged. Then there was the bread and butter motive, a justifiable motive which they must all recognise. It was the duty of all to keep this motive prominently before them. They were justified in winning their position in life if they won it honourably and worthily. Thirdly, there was the motive of love of knowledge. Surely those who came to the different classes mainly to qualify themselves for some work in life would learn to love and have an enthusiasm for knowledge for its own sake. And one great use of knowledge ought to be to lift the level of life and to induce a higher mental and moral tone. (Applause.)
CHESTER QUARTER SESSIONS.
CHESTER QUARTER SESSIONS. The General Quarter Sessions for the city of Chester were held on Wednes- day, at the Town Hall, before the Recorder (Sir Horatio Lloyd), who was accom- panied on the Bench by the Mayor (Mr. H. T. Brown) and the Sheriff (Mr. R. Lamb). There were only two prisoners for trial. DRUNKENNESS IN CHESHIRE. NBED 01" AN INEBRIATES* BOXB. The Recorder, in his charge to the grand jury, commented upon the satisfactory nature of the calendar. The number of prisoners was certainly not in excess of what might be expected in a population such as that of Chester. One of the cases was ef a very disgraceful nature, in which a very old man was charged with an indecent assault upon a girl under thirteen years of age. The other case was one in which a woman was charged with theft. As she admitted the offence, there was no harm in mentioning that she was a very old offender, having, in addition to other serious offences, been convicted fifty-three times of drunkenness. She seemed a fit subject for treatment under the Inebriates Act which was passed two years ago. Unfortunately that Act was not utilised so much as it ought to be, inasmuch as district, borough, and county councils had not, he thought, taken so energetio an action to bring about its operation as might have been expected. Although nearly two years had passed since the passing of the Act, nearly half of England was unprovided with inebriates' homes. Some counties and boroughs had taken steps by agreement with others to provide these homes, but a large portion of the country was still without any. In that portion, he regretted to say, was our own county. No provision had yet been made in Cheshire for putting that Act into operation. Lancashire had taken energetic action, and there had been a proposition that Cheshire should join that county in the matter, but he was sorry to say that Lancashire had enough to do with her own people, and it seemed hopeless to expect that Cheshire should join in partnership with her. Now, however, action would shortly be taken by the Cheshire authorities for estab- lishing an inebriates' home in the county. At the Knutsford Quarter Sessions this week at least one half of the prisoners tried were of the same character ab the woman who was being tried at this court, and there was not one of that number who had not been convicted from 13 to 16 times of drunkenness. He should, therefore, be very glad to see the Inebriates Act brought into operation in Cheshire. He need only further remark that the state of the county regarding the law appeared to be satis- factory, the total number of prisoners dealt with during the past quarter for all kinds of offences having been 350. There had been the usual ups and downs in the different classes of offence. In some, including drunkenness, the number had been a little more, and in others a little less. "A SHOCKING RECORD. Ann Walsh (59), described as a hawker, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with having feloniously stolen a woollen jersey and an apron, the property of Mrs. Cowap, Sealand-road, Chester, on the 9th inst.—The Recorder, in giving judgment, remarked that he was afraid the prisoner's case was a hopeless one. He was sorry he could not at present put her in an inebriates' home for a long period in order to cure her of her drunken habits, for it was drunkenness which had led her into other more serious crimes, she having been convicted 53 times of that offence. She had been con- victed seven times of felony, and had served terms of imprisonment varying from one month to 18 months, and had also been in penal servitude for five years—a shocking record. Now she had committed what was, compared to her other offences, a trumpery offence. He had no hesitation in sentencing her to 12 months' imprisonment.—Prisoner: Thank you, gentlemen. ACQUITTAL. Hugh Edwards (74), insurance agent, residing in Trafford-street, was acquitted of a charge of indecently assaulting a little girl named Elizabeth Emma Baker at Chester on the 1st of September.—Mr. A. Latham appeared for the oroaecution, and Mr. S. Moss, M.P., defended.
CHESTER SOCIETY OF NATURAL…
CHESTER SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE AND ART. ■ -» CONVERSAZIONE AT CHESTER. The 29th annual conversazione held in con- nection with the Chester Society of Natural Science, Literature and Art at the Grosvenor Museum on Wednesday night, passed off with a success which must have been exceedingly gratifying to its promoters. The conversazione has each year been an opportunity for the exhibition of works of science and art, and these exhibitions have done much to popu- larise the efforts of the society and to stimulate the students to greater enterprise. It is also a means, if any were needed, of keeping bright and green the memory of Charles Kingsley, the founder of the society, whose associations with Chester are a matter of history. The society has been particularly happy in that it has had as its president gentlemen who have appreciated the honour of the position and worked assiduously for the promotion of the aims and objects of the society. Of all these worthy gentlemen none has accom- plished more in this direction than Mr. J. D. Siddall, who now fills the office of president in the happiest possible manner. That the society has made rapid progress under his presidency must have been patent to all who mingled in the large crowd which thronged almost every room of the Museum on Wednesday night and viewed the various departments of the exhibi- tion, wherein there was a wealth of curios and other treasures. The prosperity of the society is due in a great measure to the enter- prise of its members, and the organisation has been fortunate in that it has had ever since its inauguration the distinguished patronr ge of the late Duke of Westminster and the members of his noble-minded family. The arrangements for the exhibition had been carried out with great care and taste by the oommittee, and all who passed within the doors of the institution found much to interest and a great deal to admire. COUNTESS GROSVENOR PRESENTS THE PRIZES. The Lecture Theatre was packed from top to bottom at eight o'clock, the hour fixed for the presentation of the Kingsley Memorial Medal and grants from the Kingsley Memorial Prize Fund by the Countess Grosvenor. Mr. J. D. Siddall, the popular president of the society, presided. The Countess was accompanied by the Honourable Mrs. Parker and Colonel Wilford N. Lloyd and Mrs. Lloyd. The Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Brown), the Very Rev. Dean Darby, Drs. Stolterfoth, Dobie, Granger, King, and Taylor, the Precentor (the Rev. H. H. Wright), the Revs. F. Anderson, F. T. Stonex, and J. F. Howson, and Dr. Bridge were among the very large and select gathering. Mr. Yerburgh, M.P., telegraphed his extreme regret that he was unable to attend. The President said they had the pleasure that night of the presence of the Countess Gros- venor to present the prizes in connection with the Kingsley Memorial Fund. They were all exceedingly delighted to have her ladyship with them, and they remembered that that was a continuance of many favours that they bad had during many years past from the house of Eaton. (Applause.) Before the prizes were distributed he would ask the secretary to read the names of those who wished to become members of the society, Mr. G. P. Miln (the secretary) then read the list, and said the addition of those names would make the present number of members 891, the highest total they had yet reached. (Applause.) The President said the usefulness of the society, which had done a very good work during the 30 years of its existence-during the 30 years since Canon Kingsley so wisely and so well founded it-depended very largely upon the number of its members. The sub- scription was so small that unless they had a large membership it would be quite impossible to do as they would in the way of really good lectures in the winter time, and in paying their portion of the expense of the maintenance of that building, in which they were so comfortably and so beautifully housed. The society were, therefore, pleased when members could induce their friends also to join the society. The next business was to ask the Countess to be kind enough to present to Mr. J. Arkle the Kingsley Memorial Medal for original work. If her ladyship would allow him he would state on what grounds the medal was this year pre- sented to him. Mr. Arkle, during his residence in Chester of 23 years, had been a most useful member of the society. His minute and intimate knowledge of insect life had helped him to enrich the Museum very much indeed. Some years ago Mr. Arkle re- ceived from the Kingsley Memorial Fund a prize of X2-they wished it had been more-for a collection of dragon flies. He had also presented to the society at different times very large numbers of the smaller varieties of moths which were present roundabout that building. Mr. Arkle's work had been as an entomologist, and as an entomologIst-a student of insect life-he was with- out doubt one of the foremost workers in the northern counties. (Applause.) For some years Mr. Arkle was corresponding member and correspondent of the Tyneside Naturalist Field Club, and did very admirable work in connec- tion with that club before coming to Chester and joining their society. Mr. Arkle had also contributed very many papers to the entomological journals and, in fact, to quite;a number of local journals from time to time. Therefore, the members of the committee thought that their friend, Mr. Joseph Arkle, was abundantly entitled to receive at the hands of Countess Grosvenor that honour of the Kingsley Memorial medal which, they would remember, was established to keep alive, if, indeed, anything were necessary, the memory of their founder among them; also to encourage original work. It differed from the prize fund; it did not profess to be a prize in any way. It was simply an acknowledgment of really good, sound work done by the recipient, and if they at their leisure would look at the board in the Natural History Museum and see the names of those who had received the honour at the hands of the donors on different occasions, they would all feel that they were indeed conferring upon Mr. Arkle the highest honour that the society had in its power to award to anyone for really good work. (Applause.) The Countess Grosvenor now, with a few gracious words, presented the medal to Mr. Arkle, who had a flattering reception. Mr. Arkle said he was exceedingly grateful to them that night for conferring upon him that very high distinction—the highest distinction, in fact, which the society could confer upon its members. And he could assure them that the honour was most materially increased, and the value of the medal was most materially increased by the fact that the medal itself had been presented to him by a lady whose name was well-known in the city of Chester, and equally beloved as it was known. (Applause.) The Society had conferred upon him that high distinction for the prosecution of what after all had been a hobby with him since he could remember. And they knew there were hobbies and hobbies. There were hobbies which were elevating and harmless, just as there were hobbies which were baneful and harmful. It was his claim that the study of eiltomology be- longed to the first class, and that like the study of any branch of natural science the tendenoy was to elevate, and to give relief to the cares and anxieties which too often beset each one and all of us in whatever position of life we happen to be placed. That in itself was a very great thing. He wished again to express to the president, to her ladyship, and to the members of the society his deepest obligation and gratitude. (Applause.) The President then requested her ladyship to present prizes granted from the Kingsley Memorial Prize Fund to Miss Bowers (for a collection of local flowering plants), Miss E. Claribel Tomlin (for a collection of Aculeate Hymenoptera, or bees and wasps), Miss G. M. Siddall (for original design of programme), and Mr. J. Thompson (for drawings and a collection of local fungi). Speaking of the work of Miss Bowers, Mr. Siddall said the collection was in every respect most meritorious, and it was additionally pleasurable to give her the prize in view of the fact that Miss Bowers, as a student in the Science and Art School, attained her knowledge of plants that enabled her to prepare that admirable collection. (Applause.) Miss Tomlin, who had made quite a number of collections of different kinds, was on this occasion receiving recogni- tion for a splendid collection of bees and wasps. (Applause.) Mr. Thompson had performed an admirable work among the fungi of the district. His was in every way a most beautiful collec- tion, and in addition to preparing it, he had during two consecutive years drawn and collected a large number of varieties of the district fungi—a most difficult task which had been well carried out. (Applause.) The Countess having made the presentations, The Mayor proposed a vote of thanks to her ladyship for her attendance. They all knew what a deep interest had always been taken in this institution by the late Duke of West- minster and other members of the house of Eaton, and he believed there was nobody who evinced a deeper interest in its work than Lady Grosvenor herself. (Applause.) It must have afforded her great satisfaction to learn that the number of members of the society had now exceeded that of any previous time. That fact shewed that not only was the insti- tution prosperous in itself, but also that it was progressing. It was an institution which was doing, he believed, a very great educational work in Chester. It was filling a gap in the present system of secondary education, and doing a very great work in preparing the way for the higher and better secondary education to which he thought all who were interested in educational subjects were looking forward with great anxiety and with great hope. In con- clusion, he wished to express to Lady Grosvenor the joy they all felt in Chester at the prospect of a speedy return of her son, the Duke of Westminster, safe and sound after all the trials of the campaign through which he had passed, and, he hoped, with great strength to carry out the duties pertaining to his high position, and to which they were looking forward in the future. (Applause.) The Dean, in seconding, remarked that he knew it was no mere phrase when they said, even in her ladyship's presence, that the Countess was always ready to lend her help to any good work, whether in Chester, in London, or elsewhere. He supposed nobody really knew how her time was occupied day by day in lend- ing that tender sympathy to all good work, which, after all, was the greatest help anyone could give. Whether they looked upon this institution as a great educational centre for Chester-whether in science, where it had done very remarkable work; whether in that side of literature which, he believed, was flourish- ing more and more; or whether they looked upon it as a rising school of art-in all those works they were most thankful to have the kind assistance of such as Lady Grosvenor. He hoped her ladyship would take the opportunity of visiting the exhibition of oil and water-colour paintings which had been opened that evening, for it had certainly given most eminent satisfaction. He hoped in that exhibition they saw the rising tide of a real school of art in Chester. They knew how art enlivened, refined, and elevated the life both of those who worked and those who bought the pictures. He hoped those who worked would have the encouragement of knowing that there were buyers in Cheater of their works of art. (Hear, hear.) The motion was carried with acclamation. Colonel Wilford N. Lloyd, in responding on behalf of the Countess, remarked that he was sure if Lady Grosvenor had addressed them herself, she would have done so in far happier words than could possibly have fallen from him. However, he knew she was very pleased indeed to be present that night to present the Kingsley medal and prizes: As the society well knew, both she and her family had always taken the most lively interest in the furtherance of science and art in the city. The Mayor had told them that her son was soon returning home. In fact he had left Capetown to-day—(applause)—so that he hoped that if the Countess would be kind enough next year to come there and pre- sent the prizes she would then be supported by the Duke in person. (Applause.) Dr. Dobie proposed a vote of thanks to the President, and remarked that under Mr. Siddall's presidency the society had advanced with even more rapid steps than in any previous years. Mr. Siddall had done admirable work, and the society never had a better president. Dr. Stolterfoth seconded, and also alluded to the fact that under Mr. Siddall's two years' presidency the society had flourished in a way that it had hardly ever done at any previous period of its history. Mr. Siddall was ever ready to help anyone, and the society owed to him much of its great prosperity. The motion having been carried with applause, the President expressed his sincere gratitude for their kindness. He wished his thanks to be shared by his colleagues of the committee and the secretary (Mr. Miln). If it had not been for the loyal help they had given him during the time he had been their president the society would never have flourished as it had. So long as they had such officers as those the society would go on well. In conclusion, the President referred to various departments of the exhibition, which they should on no account fail to see. THE EXHIBITION. In the Lecture Theatre there was an exhibi- tion of lantern pictures by members of the photographic section. Besides photographs, some actual preparations of Natural History objects, consisting of wings of insects, &c., were also placed in the lantern and projected on the screen. In another room the Very Rev. the Dean opened a special exhibition of oil and water-colour paintings by artists resident in the district, who are members of the Guild of Arts and Crafts. This department did not, like the remaining sections of the exhibition, close on Wednesday night, but remains open for a month, and as the pictures can be better seen and their individual merits better appreciated by daylight, many who were unable to be present on Wednesday evening, and many who were will doubtless take the opportunity of viewing the pictures under more favourable conditions. The collection was both varied and interesting. Mr. W. Lee Hankey, R.I., an old student of the school, and a well-known exhibitor in the London galleries, had on view three water- colour paintings of figure subjects, which were remarkable for their exquisite finish and delicacy of colour. A water -colour, The Sorceress,"by Mr. A. C. Preston, found a central place. It is an Egyptian subject, and the artist displays a suitable knowledge of the architectural details of the period repre- sented by the picture. Mr. Preston also exhibited his work. 'A Mountain Road after Rain," which shews the brilliant effect of a bright light upon a wet and puddled road. At the far end of the room there was a striking portrait of Mr. Henry Taylor, F.S.A., in wig and gown, by Mr. Leonard Hughes, R.C.A., who is also an old student of the Chester School of Art. Next to it was hanging &portrait study by Mr. J. F. Harrison Dutton, another old student. This is a clever study of a woman's head in profile, the ftash tints being ex- ceedingly good. Mr. Walmsley Price shewed a very artistic picture of the old Dee Bridge, while Mr. Walter Schroder displayed three of his own works, including At Parkgate," which is a clever realisation of a mid-day cloudy sky, strong in effect, and giving a good impression of the freshness of mid-day. Miss A. F. Cummings's The Cop, Chester," is a pleasant little sketch. Mr. F. Beswick was represented by two landscapes, of which we prefer A View at Streatley," the rendering of the trees and sky being particularly happy. Mr. Mark Cook, an old pupil of the school, had four of his pictures on view, including "A Glorious July Evening," which is a bright little land- scape in water-colour, evidencing crisp and effective handling; and "End of the Hay Harvest," which is also a pretty piece of work. Mr. L. Rayner had on view a water-colour of Watergate Row, and Mr. W. E. Parkinson two little landscape views of Bosham, Sussex One of Mrs. N. E. Humphreys's pictures was a portrayal of a brilliant effect of a bright light over a hayfield. The special exhibits in the Archssological Museum were the recent acquisitions, including the lead piping bearing the unique inscription of Julias Agricola, and other interesting objects from the excavations at the new city baths and other places. In the Natural History Museum there were on view collections illustrative of the recent and Fossil Flora and Fauna of the society's district. The President exhibited a collection of fossils from the Bull Bay district, which he himself had collected there. They embrace many rarties, and possibly some undescribed species. Themieroacopic exhibition in the art gallery, although perhaps somewhat smaller than in previous years, was' eminently suc- cessful. Mr. Michael Johnson had collected from ponds in the district many aquatio animals of rarity. These were displayed under the various microscopes, and viewed with great interest. Exotic insects, kindly lent by his Grace the Duke of Westminster, were also on view in this room, where another object ol much admiration was Dr. Elliott's magnificent microscope. In the technical workshops Mr. Marriott, medallist and woodwork instructor, and Mr. Roberts, one of the assistant masters, had made an exceed- ingly interesting exhibition of the studentie works. Some of the MDior boll were working during most of the evening, and this practical display was highly interesting; The photographic display in room » was of a very creditable character. The exhibits contained some beautiful photo- graphs by Mrs. Hignett, who has on many occasions carried off valuable prizes at various exhibitions in the country, and other artistic works by Mr. J. A. McMichael, Mr. Spencer, and Dr. Stolterfoth. A novel FBATUBB OF THE CONVERSAZIONE was the magnificent display in the chemical- laboratory of living salmonidse from the Earl of Denbigh's fish hatcheries 0 Holywell. This hatchery is under th management and direction of Mr. J* Basil Feilding, of Downing, who very kindly undertook the laborious and risky task of bringing the collection of fiah to the Museum. This was successfully accomplished, and the fish proved a source of much interest. Three species of salmonidw were shewn—the ordinary brook or brown trout which frequent our streams, the Californian Rainbow trout, and the American brook trout. They were shewn in three stages, from one to three years. The Californian Rainbow trout (Salmo Irideua) should be specially mentioned. Although three months younger than the English brown trout, they were twiee as big, and, what is more important from a sporting point of view, twice as lively. Lord Denbigb, through Mr. Feilding's interest in the matter, has very kindly presented the collection of fish to the Museum, and some time hence, when pro- perly mounted and prepared, they will be placed on view in the Natural History Museum. The Rev. A. H. Fish's exhibition attracted large audi- ences throughout the evening. Mr. Fish himself manipulated the blow-pipe apparatus, and also successfully exhibited Tisley's harmonoaph and other scientific apparatus. In the next room there was a capital collection ot local fungi exhibited by Mr. J. Thompson. In the physical laboratory the society had taken » somewhat new departure in displaying collection of SBLICS OF THE BOMB WAR, and from the West Coast of Africa. Captain Beach, Army Medical Corps, who is still out at the front, had, through his wife, lent an extensive and certainly interesting collection of objects, consisting of various projectiles, cartridge cases, letters addressed to Cronje's laager, and, what were the most interesting to the members of the society, reptiles and insects from Modder River, &c. These had been for- warded for the most part in pickle jars, and Mr. Newstead (the enthusiastic Curator) had undertaken the work of removing them and displaying them for the occasion. Colonel J. H. Ewart (Whitchurch), who recently left for Lagos, had a very fine display of relics from the West Coast of Africa, notably brass vases made at Beda, and several carved ivory horns; also a State sword, spear, and ivory ornaments, consisting of ivory bangles, formerly worn by a native king at Abatchin, who was killed while fighting against the Niger Com- pany's troops in 1891. There were also collec- tions of butterflies, moths, reptiles, ke. The Curator exhibited some butterflies and moths from the Umtata District, collected by Mr. L- H. Sitwell. A set of Transvaal Kruger coins were shewn by Miss Claribel Tomlin, and some Mafeking siege stamps by Miss Tomlin. Next we come to the Art School. Here, as on former occasions, were collections of cut herb- aceous flowers. This exhibition certainly excelled that of any previous year, and included a magnificent display by Mr. N. F. Barnes, head gardener to his Grace the Duke of Westminster at Eaton, Dr. Mules, Mr. R. Wake- field, Mr. T. Weaver, and Mr. J. Taylor also contributed collectionb to this section. The far end of the same room was occupied by flowering plants, collected within a mile-and-a- half of Chester Cross by Miss Bowers, a col- lection of bees and wasps by Miss Tomlin, and Mr. Thompson's prize-drawings of fungi. The antique room was set apart for the display of needlework, woodcarving, and drawings of the work of the students of the School of Art. Miss Huxley's exhibit of embroidery was excellent. There was a set of very inter- esting old work, principally samplers. This section promises in time to become a very im- portant branch of the work carried on in the institution. The specimens of woodcarving by Mr. C. R. Warren and his students were clever- Mr. Newstead delivered short descriptive lectures in the archseological museum and the natural history museum. The stewards in the various departments were: The Revs. A. IJ. Fish, B.A., B.Sc., and J. L. Bedford, Dr. King, and Messrs. R. Newstead, E. Hodkinson, J. Arkle, W. Shone, Egerton Gilbert, T. Warmsley Price, W. G. Schroder, M. Johnson. A. W- Lucas, A. E. Goodman, J. Lyon Denson, J. W. Marriott, J. Roberts, J. H. Spencer, J. A. McMichael, J. Thompson, J. Bairstow, John Day, R. Wakefield, J. Wynne, N. F. Barnes, J. Taylor, T. Weaver, C. R. Warren, and J..6. Piercy, and Miss Huxley, Miss A. Huxley, and Miss O. M. Siddall. Dr. Stolterfoth acted as the hon. scientific secretary, and Mr. G. P. Milu and Mr. W. I'. J. Shepherd as the hon. general secretaries. The Massa Bros. String Band played selections during the evening.
ROYAL WELSH LADIES' CHOIR.…
ROYAL WELSH LADIES' CHOIR. 0 Chester music-lovers were afforded an oppor- tunity of listening to the renowned Royal Welsh Ladies' Choir at the Music Hall, on Wednesday, and every member of the large audience must have been delighted with the excellent treatment which each item received. The list of patrons of the concert included Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., the High Sheriff, the Mayor and Mayoress, the Sheriff, Mr. G. A. Dickson, Col. Evans-Lloyd, and Dr. J. Roberts. A somewhat lengthy programme opened with the patriotic song "Rule Britannia" by the Choir, this being followed by There's a Land, which was given with charming effect by Miss Mary Powell. Miss Annie Bell possesses a sweet and clear voice, which was heard to COIl. siderable advantage in the rendering of Poor Wandering One," for which she was encored. A violin solo, entitled Fantasie Brilliant," by Miss Backsheen Wood, followed, and this young lady was also deservedly encored. Later she contributed another violin solo, Ungarische Ithapsodie." After another chorus by the choir, Miss Maggie Watkins delighted the audience with The Enchantress" and a pianoforte solo, diffi- cult of execution, called Rigoletto was contributed in masterly style. For this Miss Marie Williams deserves praise. The seena Misereri" (II Trovatore) was given by Miss Edith Trew. The Choir now joined the part song Fair Land, we greet thee," in which there was a delightful blending of tune- ful voices. The Choir also added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening by contributing several popular Welsh airs. Mr. Arthut Weber's strong bass voice was well-suited in The Windmill" and" Love Divine. Miss Janet Garnet (winner of first prize at the National Eisteddfod, Liverpool, this year) won golden opinions with The Shepherd's Song." Miss Annie Davies, Miss Jennie Ffoulkes, Miss Gertrude Wedlake, and MisS Annie Lewis are worthy of mention, the latter being particularly happy in The Old Plaid Shawl," an old but pretty song. The r.r gramme ended with God Save the Queen,' sung before Her Majesty at Osborne.
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THE LATE MR. S. W. RAMSDEN.—The "Christ Church Parish Magazine announces that it & intended to place a stained glass window in south aisle of the enlarged church, in memory of the late Mr. S. W. Ramaden, who was a churchwarden of Christ Church for many yeatS and a prominent worker in the parish.
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