The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] THE KNIGHT-BARONET. AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE OF OLD-TIME CHESTER. BY EUSTACE de SALIS. BOOK III. CHAPTER XIII. (continued). Sir William Brereton, occupied with his own thoughts, had been gloomily pursuing his way up the street; but hearing the sound of the clamour he turned just at the moment when his youthful follower was thrown to the ground. The baronet instantly brought his horse to a standstill, and was proceeding to back bim, with the intention of trampling Nicholas Wyrvin under foot, when Thomas Aldersey, who had watched the incident with curiousity from his position in the rear, sidled up alongside his chief and caught hold of his bridle hand. Fair play, Sir William Brereton," he called out aloud. It serves John Yerworth right— the presumptuous young scamp—the insolent young dog! What call had he to address Thomas Cowper—a man old enough to be his father—in that disrespectful fashion ? "I am concerned in no way with what he said to Thomas Cowper, or what reply Thomas Cowper made to him Yes, you are," was Thomas Aldersey's stern reply. Those present, the Alderman told him- self, should now see who was the master. "Mind your own business," snapped the baronet. Permit me to observe that you are making a contemptible fool of yourself," was the short rejoinder. Unhand me, will you ?" exclaimed the Commander-in-Chief, giving his horse the spur and causing it to plunge wildly. Not a step shall you stir from this spot. Leave the two lada to finish it out together. What right had your precious young henchman to introduce a girl's name in that scandalous fashion ? Setting up for a judge of genteel speech ? cried Sir William Brereton scornfully. "Well, well," commiseratingly, "that rdle suits you better than the administrative one." Thomas Aldersey smiled. Yes, looking at him, the baronet observed he actually smiled, and in a manner which shewed he was in no way frightened by his chief's tones. Unhand me, Thomas Aldersey," Sir William Brereton stuttered with rage all the Alderman merely tightened his hold. He would, he must shake off this accursed obstreperous meddler, he muttered, as he strove to dismount. This is a flagrant breach of the article which ordains that no attack shall be made upon the person of any of my following by the rabble I have overcome. Unhand me, sir, or else "You have overcome no 'rabble' sir, my fellow-citizens," Thomas Aldersey continued, raising his voice, are as brave a body of men as ever drew breath, and had they had only you to deal with would never have opened their gates." Come, come, sir; I have had more than enough of this fooling," the Commander-in-Chief ejaculated wildly, doing his utmost to shake Thomas Aldersey off. Every minute you detain me here only serves to make it—the worse for yourself." Bosh!" Thomas Aldersey's temper was fast rising. You need not," he continued, eyeing the baronet from head to foot con- temptuously, "you need not be in such a hurry to get to the Nunne's Hall. You will not succeed in finding that place—not one stone of that structure remains standing upon another. The men you have so scandalously insulted took every means in their power for ensuring the safety of your property. More fools they, in my opinion." Somebody shall suffer for this, by God. I do not care who 'tis, nor how high his station "Twas Michael Jones's guns one of our own batteries that wrought the destruction. You shew yourself now in your true colours. Touch you about the pocket, and But 'tis no more than I always maintained." Then Michael Jones shall answer for his action. Think you I am going to be a loser through his damnable idiotcy ? Will you unhand me, you villain," the baronet yelled, trying to get at his sword. Sir William Brereton—silence Thomas Aldersey hissed. Stir a step, and I make a prisoner of you." My Goa A prisoner of me! That is suffi- cient. I will not bear with your impertinences another moment. Colonel Michael Jones— Adjutant-General James Louthaine I" "Michael Jones and James Louthaine," Thomas Aldersey called in his deep tones. "Here. I would have avoided this duty if possible; but Sir William Brereton's conduct has been so outrageous that I have no option." The two officers called for by both the Commander-in-Chief and the Alderman rode leisurely up. What could it mean P Why unless his eyes deceived him they too were also smiling. There must be some conspiracy on foot. He must make an end of it, with which intention the baronet exclaimed Arrest Thomas Aldersey and remove him to——" ) Sir William Brereton you have brought the punishment down on your own head your- self. Michael Jones—James Louthaine," Thomas Aldersey continued rapidly. You have seen how the baronet has insulted the whole of us by his disgraceful conduct. You have heard the manner in which he has essayed to hold us responsible for his own shortcomings and neglect. But you have not heard that I am authorised to personally conduct to-day's proceedings. Fall in on either side of Sir William. If he attempts to open his mouth, or to in any way interrupt me, make him your prisoner and march him away to the rear. An escort shall be made ready this very evening. I shall forward him to London to have his case disposed of by the Lieutenant- General who has a very neat and speedy method for breaking such as him." Michael Jones and James Louthaine, nothing loth, did as they were bid. Both officers were deeply incensed against their chief for his statement that the siege had been prolonged owing to their inefficiency and negligence, and both would gladly, without further discussion, have hurried him to the rear, and assisted in the preparations for sending him a prisoner to the capital, to be deprived of his offices by Oliver Cromwell. u So you have authority for your act p" Sir William Brereton asked with unnatural calm- ness. Mind you, sir—" I have," Thomas Aldersey replied, cutting k J u ther remonstrance. Keep on your best behaviour or away you go." II V ery good. I have no desire to create a scene before the garrison otherwise v'A0U„hav? done Sir William Brereton. You have made us all look extremely ridiculous," was the harsh reply. «See here," Thomas Aldersey went on after an interval of silence, during which he looked his superior sternly in the face as if seeking to read his thoughts. See here, producing an official-looking docu- ment with a seal depending from one corner of it by a short strip of silken ribbon. fC I act under orders—my authority for the step I have taken is undoubted, as you will find, unless you exercise extreme care in your manner of address and general comportment towards myself." I take your word for it all You had better. You will find it supported by someone else's word. A someone else who breoks no disobedience. You shall very shortly be made acquainted with the contents of this," tapping the parchment affectionately. During this short scene both parties had remained immovable. The Royalists were over- I joyed at the manner in which Thomas Aldersey had set the baronet down; and when they recollected that the former was a Cestrian; that he had handsomely acknowledged their courage and resource j and that he himself had never hesitated to venture into danger, their exultation knew no bounds. The rebel foot stood stolidly on the place where they had been halted; and with curious eyes were glancing alternately at the Commander-in-Chief, the Alderman, and the two officers, who had now, with set countenances, stationed themselves on either hand of the crest-fallen baronet. But if in the whole incident rebel and Royalist alike had found subject for gratification, it was in the thrashing which John Yerworth had received at Nicholas Wyrvin's hand that one and all recognised the finger of Providence. The Bon of a tradesman to ape his superiors and insult his betters! 'Twas to the credit of Chester I city that she possessed a citizen valorous enough to resent the affront to his benefactor; and, regardless of the risk he ran, to humiliate a youth who had wantonly insulted a young girl who had never harmed him in any way. By Gad," whispered a sergeant, the one wlio had essayed to identify Renald Elsemare's corpse. By Gad." He repeated the words nodding his head and rubbing his hands energetically together. The strange lad went to work in a proper fashion. Faith, I should not care to fall into his hands for the same class of treatment." That is the youth who has given us all the trouble," was the reply. He it was who destroyed our battery in Foregate-street and dug that trench near the New gate. Wide awake and about as keen as any man can be." Look at his eye," the sergeant rejoined. Precious little escapes his observation. Had he been on our side we should have entered the city months ago. But whist. Let us hear what he says," and the speaker leant forward to catch Nicholas Wyrvin's utterances. "My Lord Byron and Sir—and Colonel Michael Jones," he cried, purposely omitting to recognise either the baronet's presence or his official position. I have quite exhausted my breath, else believe me I would continue belabouring this foul-mouthed young devil. As soldiers, as honourable men I appeal to you and crave a moment of your time. This skunk— wretch," here he gave John Yerworth a hearty shake "has twice attempted my life—I who never harmed him in any way. But let that pass. 'Tis no great matter at the best. I am well able to protect myself from the attacks of the like of him. He essayed, however, to out- rage a defenceless girl not so very many weeks back. A girl who had shewn him unvarying kind ness—a girl who had saved his hfe on one occasion. Not content with that he has never ceased to vilify her, and, discovering he could not reach me by any other means, has just made the most scandalous imputations against her. There and there," Nicholas. Wyrvin added giving John Yerworth a couple of parting buffets. Then seizing him with both hands he raised him shoulder high and threw him out into the middle of the dirty roadway with the words, Lie there, you hound. Even your own folk are so thoroughly ashamed of you that none will stand up for you. They have only to know you as I do to despise you as heartily." Forward," cried the baronet," roughly giving his charger the spur. "I have had enough of this; somebody shall pay for this, by God; or my name is not Will Brereton." U Weare in an excellent position, my Lord Byron," Thomas Aldersey cried, as Sir William Brereton shewed this inclination for continuing up the street towards the Pentice. An excellent position for all parties to hear the proclamation I am directed to read." Please yourself in the matter, sir," was the Governor of Chester's reply. "I have bound myself down to observe certain conditions. I shall keep to my guarantee whether 'tis on this spot or in the Pentice eourt-house that 1 deliver over the city keys to your Commander-in- Chief." "Know ye all men," Thomas Aldersey, cast- ing a covert glance at the baronet before com- mencing to read from the document he held in one hand. chanted alojid. "Know all men that Lieutenant-General Oliver Cromwell, on behalf and with the full concurrence of the Estates of Parliament, does command that Alderman William Edwards do assume the mayoral office, keeping the same until the proper time for a further election to that honourable post has come round once again, and know also that the Lieutenant-General is pleased to appoint the said Alderman WiUiam Edwards to the Colonelcy and full command of the city regiment. with all privileges and emoluments appertaining thereto, which Sir William Brereton, knight and baronet, has heretofore enjoyed and possessed. Know ye further that 'tis ordained that Charles Walley, alderman and ex-Mayor; James, Earl Derby, alderman; Francis Gamull, knight, alderman and justice of the peace; Robert Brerewood, knight, Recorder, and others—sheriffs-peers and Common-Councilmen whose names are set forth in the schedule attached, which said schedule shall be affixed to all your city places of worship—know ye that these latter one and all are removed from their various corporate offices, they having been rightly adjudged delinquents in arms, and violent fomenters of this unnatural war against the High Court of Parliament and the peace of the Kingdom. I would," folding up the proclamation, warn all to quietly obey the laws. Disobedience shall be visited with the most exemplary punish- ment." Sir William Brereton had meanwhile been sitting chafing at the length of Thomas Aldersey's address and the manner in which he drawled out his sentences. But hardly had the last word left the latter's mouth than in- terrupting the deep silence that followed he burst out. Why am I deprived of the command of my regiment p" Ask the Lieutenant-General, Sir William Brereton," was the retort. You should know as well as I." "There has been some foul conspiracy at work behind my back," the baronet stuttered. "I would like to know what it all means." Eh," said Michael Jones, over-hearing the words. You would like to know what it all means ? Why that Oliver Cromwell does not deem you fit to be entrusted with the manage- ment of so much as a single regiment. You will never get the chief command of any large force again, mark my words," he added brutally. Sir William Brereton may judge the ex- cessively flattering and extraordinarily high opinion the Lieutenant-General entertains of his administrative and executive capabilities when he prefers Alderman William Edwards in his stead. Alderman William Edwards was a signal failure as a Mayor, and throughout his life he has been naught else—if he lived to be a thousand years old he would never be any- thing else save a dreary pompous fool." How much have you had to say to all these new-fangled arrangements P I wonder you did not nominate yourself for the post," Sir William Brereton gurgled passionately. "Ah, that would be telling," was Thomas Aldersey's reply, as, with an easy laugh, he dis- mounted at the steps of the Pentice. U But I did not nominate myself for this or any other post, because I prefer controlling the man who controls others, to controlling the crowd directly myself. Observe: Had I personally taken on the office of Mayor I should have in- curred considerable odium for several reasons. I make William Edwards—I make him, there is not the slightest doubt of that—the Chief Magistrate. He gets all the odium and blame. But I in reality wield the power. Yes, my lord," the alderman continued, stepping in front of Sir William Brereton. U I will take the city keys. The honourable and gallant baronet, feeling fatigued and overcome at the successful realisation of his long-deferred hopes," with a malicious glance at the unhappy commander- in-chief, has been pleased to depute me to act in the chief executive capacity. With your leave I am prepared to complete the formalities so that your lordship and your lordship's following may be released from a position which cannot fail to be extremely galling and humiliating." "This is not the most auspicious moment. But, dearest, I feel quite sure I shall have to leave Chester-" Leave Chester, Nickie ? Why ? Cicely Roseengreave cried with surprise. Have you wearied so of your old friends then ? No, no; do not misunderstand me. I have been a long way too active and too successful in my endeavours to outwit the rebels to cause them to regard me with any favourable eye. Besides there is that business of John Yerworth this morning. I do not care that," flipping his fingers contemptuously, for him, but I shall most certainly have called down the wrath of his master on my head." "Surely Sir William Brereton would not act thus meanly ? After all, rebel or no rebel, he is a man. "He should be one, but is not. Once the enemy have settled. themselves down in the city and have obtained a good grip of our affairs I shall either receive my marching orders, or, what is more likely, be quietly put out of the way. Put out of the way ? Well no," Nicholas Wyrvin laughed, slightly shrugging his shoulders. I did not quite mean that. The attempt will no doubt be made and 'twill necessitate the utmost wariness on my part to keep my skin intact." Cicely Roseengreave blanched and shuddered at her companion's very plain speaking. She realised the truth of his argument. He would have to leave Chester, would have to leave her just at the moment when she felt she could not do without him. The pair were standing on the Walls just over the Kaleyard gate, watching the manoeuvres of the various bodies of rebels, as they concentrated from their respective detached posts on the Justing Croft, preparatory to being marched into the city and billeted. Cicely remembered that August evening more than three years back when she had stood with John Yerworth almost upon the same spot- with the same John Yerworth who, after forcing her into confessing her love for him, had only some few hours previously, in the presence of both armies, so foully insulted her. And to think that at one time she had regarded that youth tenderly She almost groaned aloud as the full remembrance of her self-abasement surged through her mind. She must be born to misfortune, she told herself. The first object of her love had proved his utter worthlessness, and now the youth who stood by her side—a youth endowed with every ability and virtue, and whose silently proferred love she had re- jected in-the past-was to be driven from home and friends for having chivalrously, regardless of self, stood up for her fair fame. As I was saying," Nicholas Wyrvin resumed, casting a sorrowful and lingering look around and then leading the way off the Walls into Abbey Square, or rather as I was about to say, this is not perhaps the most fitting time for such-a-er-er-an-an-. I mean," he floundered on helplessly, I shall have to leave Chester. Must I go alone, dearest ? Is it necessary for me to add that I. have long "Nickie," Cicely Roseengreave replied softly. "Not just yet. I understand what you would say; but do not ask for an answer to-day or until I have got over this morning's scene. Wait," she continued slipping her hand affec- tionately through his arm, wait a little while longer and then-" "I will. I have waited long. But 'tis worth waiting for that reply, especially since I am assured as to its tenour." Thomas Cowper appeared to have suddenly aged and bent as he quitted the Pentice court- house where the last sad formalties which com- pleted the Fall of Chester had just been gone through. Signs of renewed life were visible on every hand. The Royalist troops were being marched out in detachments to occupy the rebel quarters in the Justing Croft and the suburbs around Foregate-street, until Lord Byron should have wound up his duties and led them away to Conway Castle. The rebel foot and horse were pouring into the city from every quarter and with laugh and jest were busily engaged, either in hunting about for billets or shaking them- selves down therein. Guns were being dis- mounted from the various mounts on the walls, and muskets and snaphahns collected and brought into the castle. Carts laden with forage and provisions were blocking up the streets at various points-around an excited, struggling crowd of famished citizens im- ploring the escort in charge to give them a bite of food for the love of heaven elsewise they would starve. But Thomas Cowper saw none of these signs of re-awakening life and bustle. With bent head he turned by the corner of SS. Peter and Paul into Northgate-street, there running up against Nicholas Wyrvin and Cicely Roseen- greave, both of whom had been anxiously awaiting him. It had come as a surprise to all —to himself more than any other-that he had not been removed from office as an alderman and a justice of the peace, by the proclamation which Thomas Aldersey had recited, and as they slowly walked up Northgate-street the youth said Ie Curious. sir, that they should have left you alone. Have you any idea as to the cause of this act of generosity P For such 'tis, seeing the important part you have played ever since that memorable riot I" 'Tis through no love of me, you may be sure, Nicholas," was the mournful rejoinder. I can see Thomas Aldersey's hand plainly in the matter. That individual has no cause to be friendly to me-far from it. But, hating Sir William Brereton as he does-see the manner in which he prevented the baronet's interference when you so rightly fell on John Yerworth, and the way he openly set him down before all-he has doubtless seen that my retention on the Commission of the Peace will prove gall and wormwood to his so-called chief. I owe my present position entirely to his hatred of the latter." Well, sir, if the rebels go on as they have begun I for one shall be mightily astonished. Toleration-especially considering how we baffled and beat them at every point-was the last, the very last, thing I looked for at their hands. Hark! There go the guns on the castle definitely announcing our fall to the world at large, and see," as the Royal Standard came fluttering down from the flag-staff on the Cathedral tower, there is the notification of the fact that for the first time in history we have been torn from our rightful allegiance." 'Tis the Almighty's will that this beloved city of ours should be so terribly humbled," said Thomas Cowper, raising his hat in salute to the disappearing emblem of royalty, and turning aside to hide the tears which would course down his haggard cheeks in spite of his efforts to stay them." Aye. sir," Nicholas Wyrvin replied, in such a tone as if to question the justice of their fate. But Cicely Roseengreave, seeing her guardian's distress, pinched the youth's arm to enjoin silence. Aye, sir," repeating the words now as if he fully concurred with the truth of the remark his foster-father had made, Nicholas Wyrvin relapsed into a stony silence. "Tis written," Thomas Cowper went on, with an abstracted, far-away look in his eyes, 'tis written. Our fall is meant as a warning that His mercy is yet to be found, since we have been left so many buildings—churches, streets and lanes-yet standing. We shall have to com- mence life anew. May we be granted patience to bear our heavy burden-amendment and true repentance, so that a worse danger befall us not." [END OF BOOK III.] (To be continued.) COMMENCED IN No. 11,372, AUGUST 2ND, 1899.

SINGULAR MAINTENANCE CASE. THE DECISION. It will be remembered that about a fortnight ago a remarkable case was heard at the City Police Court, in which Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Boyle, living in Gough's court, Upper Nortbgate street, summoned her husband, William Boyle, a bricklayer, lodging at Owen's- court, St. Olave-street, for failing to provide her with maintenance. On that occasion Mr. W. H. Churton, who appeared for the complain- ant, said his client married defendant in 1876, and they had had four children. The parties had never lived happily together, because the defendant had always been fond of other women, which was evidenced by the fact that he was convicted of bigamy, and sentenced by Mr. Justice Day to five years' imprisonment. He came out of gaol six weeks ago, and, returning to his wife's house, lived there until the 29th September, when he left her and went to live with another woman in St. Olave-street. Earning 92 a week, and being entitled to a legacy of X200 or 9300, defendant was quite able to maintain his wife, but he had provided no maintenance for her since the time he left her. Several witnesses were called, and the magis- trates (Messrs. J. R. Thomson and Roger Jackson) decided that the case was of so unique a character, they would defer giving judgment until a later date. On Friday morning Mr. George Dutton, who was accompanied on the Bench by the other magistrates named, said they had come to the conclusion in private that the balance of evidence made it right and proper for them to decide that the wife was entitled to maintenance from defendant, and they assessed the amount at 8s. per week and costs.

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THE NOMINATIONS. CONTESTS IN THREE WARDS. Five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon was the last hour for receiving nominations to fill the vacancies in the Chester Town Council. There were two retiring members in each of the five wards, and. the list of nominations was as follows BOUGHTON WARD. Samuel Coppack, provision merchant and shipowner, 6, Ashby Plaee, Hoole-road, pro- posed by James Garrett Frost, seconded by John Pritchard. John Meadows Frost, miller, Dee Lodge, pro- posed by William Henry Churton, seconded by Edgar Dutton. ST. JOHN'S WARD. Charles William Dutton, corn dealer, Guilden Sutton, proposed by William Arthur Shepherd, seconded by Frank Davies. Francis Faulkner Brown, cabinet maker, 18, Curzon Park, proposed by John Davies Siddall, seconded by John A. Mowle. Charles George Has well, chartered accountant, 84, Foregate-street, proposed by Thomas Smith, seconded by John Foulkes Lowe. Alfred Mann, M.D., 19, Newgate-street, pro- posed by John Egerton Gilbert, seconded by William Jos. Hodges. ST. MARY'S WARD. Samuel Moss, barrister-at-law, proposed by Henry Stolterfoth, seconded by Thomas Williamson. Isaac Williams, plumber, 20, Cuppin-street, proposed by J. R. Rae, seconded by John Williams. John Williamson, baker and confectioner, 30, Brook-street, proposed by John B. Davies, seconded by Peter Dodd. A. Wolfenden, gentleman, 7, Chichester- street, proposed by John Jones Cunnah, seconded by James Knight. TRINITY WARD. Thomas Browne, bailder and contractor, 5, Cambrian-view, proposed by Thomas Mills, seconded by James Sellar. James Garrett Frost, miller, Boughton House, proposed by Henry Dodd, seconded, by Robert Hargreaves. George William Haswell, mason, 70, Bouverie- street, proposed by Charles Bennett, seconded by Thos. Williams. ST. OSWALD'S WARD. William Carr, tailor, 7, Deva-terrace, pro- posed by James Shone, seconded by D. H. Daniels. William Denson, baker and flour dealer, 21, Upper Northgate-street, proposed by John Roberts, seconded by W. T. Harvey. Benjamin Chaffers Roberts, gentleman, Oak- field, Chester, proposed by George Arthur Dick- son, seconded by Charles Coppack. MR. THOMAS BROWNE WITHDRAWS." The last time for withdrawals was two o'clock on Thursday. The only withdrawal was that of Mr. Thomas Browne, who has been a member of the Town Council since 1891.

ST. MARY'S WARD CONTEST. CANDIDATURE OF MR. WILLIAMS AND MR. WOLFENDEN. SPEECHES AT SALTNEY. The first meeting ip connection with the municipal elections was held at Saltney on Thursday night. This was in support of the candidature, for St. Mary's Ward, of Mr. Isaac Williams and Mr. A. Wolfenden, who have certainly lost no time in getting into election harness, a fact which indicates their determina- tion to be among the new councillors.—Mr. J. R. Rae, who recently won a gallant fight in the ward, occupied the chair, and, in addition to the two candidates, there were also present on the platform Alderman W. H. Churton, Councillors Egerton Gilbert, R. Cecil Davies, and G. W. Haswell (who had that day been elected for Trinity Ward), Mr. Knight, Mr. Little, Mr. W. H. Lovett, and Mr. W. R. Conyers. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, announced letters of apology for absence owing to prior engagements from Mr. Clough and Alderman J. J. Cunnah. Mr. Clough wrote that he would specially like to impress upon the voters to split their votes between the two candidates-Messrs. Williams and Wolfenden. He gave that advice feelingly, because if the burgesses of the ward had acted upon it on a former occasion, they would have placed him in the position of town councillor. Alderman Cunnah wrote t As you know, I am a large ratepayer and resident in the ward, and had it been in my power I would have gladly attended, and ex- pressed my opinion as to the capabilities of both Mr. Williams and Mr. Wolfenden. The former has been well known to me all my life, while the latter has been my personal friend for the last eighteen years. I am confident that both gentlemen will do credit to our waid, and worthily uphold the best interests of our old city. I heartily wish the candidates every success, and I would certainly do the utmost in my power to return them on Thurs- day at the head of the poll. They must have a thumping big majority." (Applause.) He (the chairman) ventured to say they could not have two better candidates than Mr. Williams and Mr. Wolfenden. He would like to say a word of personal thanks to the electors of Saltney for the kind way in which they treated him when he came before them as a municipal candidate. (Applause.) He regarded it as a high honour to be elected as the representative for St. Mary's Ward, and he considered his election was a triumphant victory to the party to which he belonged. At a political meeting he attended at Saltney in support of Mr. Yerburgh a short time ago he was asked certain questions affecting the INTERESTS OF SALTNEY, and he then replied that he would do his best to answer them at a public meeting of his constituents. Now he had to give the answer. He had been asked, for example, about conveniences. That question was started immediately after the election, and had been carried, he believed, to a satisfactory conclusion, arrangements having been almost completed with the Great Western Railway and the repre- sentatives of the Duke of Westminster to have two conveniences at Saltney. With regard to the tramways he pledged himself to do his level best to get the tramways extended to Mold Junction. That question had already been thoroughly well threshed out in a committee of which he was a member, and they had arranged that for the present, at any rate, the tramways should be extended, if Parliamentary powers could be obtained, as far as Stone Bridge. He hoped and believed that eventually the lines would be extended a great deal farther than that, but half a loaf was better than no bread; and when they considered all the conflicting interests in the question he contended it was a great thing to extend the tramways even to Stone Bridge. It had also been promised, or talked of, that there should be a recreation ground on the Roodee. Mr. Cunnah and he fought to obtain that ground, but were bowled over," unfortunately, by the Town Clerk. He did not see at the present time why a new scheme for a recreation ground should not be brought forward. He was sure the Council were all prepared to carry out any reasonable scheme put before them, but it should be remembered that they could not do certain things without the consent of certain authorities. He thought those were the only promises he made at his election. If there were any others he would be glad to answer any Sentleman who thought he had neglected his uties. He could tell the electors ot Saltney he had honestly endeavoured to fulfil all his pledges to the best of his ability. (Applause.) Perhaps he had talked too much about himself; it was a much pleasanter duty to talk about his friends, and he thought the electors of Saltney would do themselves an honour by returning the two present candidates, on whose behalf he spoke. They had with them that night the first councillor who had been elected during the present election—Mr. Haswell—who had been returned without opposition for Trinity Ward. Their opponents did not venture to fight Trinity Ward at the last bye-election, allowing Mr. Hewitt to be returned unopposed, and now they had acted in the same way. He wished they had done the same in St. Mary's Ward, because he was sure they would receive as good a lick- ing next Thursday as they ever had in their lives. He would give his reasons why Messrs. Williams and Wolfenden should be elected. In the first place they wanted men who would represent the ward as it ought to be represented, not ornamental men who never attended to their duties in the Council. He had the greatest respect for HR. SAMUEL MOSS. He was an estimable man in every way, as member of Parliament for East Denbighshire he thought Mr. Moss was a capital man, while as a barrister he was an excellent and conscien- tious man. But he was sure Mr. Moss would forgive him for saying he could not see why he should attempt to represent St. Mary's Ward. A city councillor was expected to do a great deal of work in committees, and the main business of the council was transacted in com- mittees. But Mr. Moss did practically no work on committees, and refused to be associated with them as far as he possibly could, because, as he told them, he had other duties to perform. He did not wish to attack Mr. Moss in a per- sonal sense, but he said in a public sense that he NEGLECTED HIS DUTY on the Chester Town Council. (Hear, hear.) During the years 1896 and 1897, out of 44 meetings which Mr. Moss should have attended, he attended only at six. During last year there were 47 meetings he should have attended, but he was present at only eight. These were plain facts to shew that if they wanted a good representative on the Council they should appoint a man who could perform his duties properly. He had seen Mr. Moss at a Council meeting when there was something to be done for his patty, but when there was a question before the Council which affected the general interests of the city, he was very often an absentee. He (the Chairman) did not blame him, because he had not the time to attend to the duties, and although he respected Mr. Moss and admitted he had done some good work for the city, yet he had. as a general rule, been absent from the meetings he ought to attend. (Applause,) Speaking of the two candidates, the Chairman pointed out that Mr. Isaac Williams had lived in the city all his life, and was a tradesman and a practical man. On questions of sanitation, sewerage, &c, they could not have a better man than he. Mr. Wolfen- den, who had lived in Chester for 18 years, was an idle man at present. He had been supervisor of the Excise for a long time in Chester, but, having now retired, he had plenty of time at his disposal to represent the ward on the City Council. An additional reason why Mr. Wol- fenden should be supported was that he intended shortly to take up his residence in the ward (Hough Green). He thought they had two ideal candidates. (Applause.) Mr. Isaac Williams, who had a cordial recep- tion, commenced by thanking the electors present for adopting him as one of their candi- dates. He had lived in the ward all his life, and his father of course had been in the ward for somewhere about 50 years. He therefore thought he had got a CLAIM UPON THE WARD. (Applause.) He had served as a churchwarden at old St. Mary's Church in the ward for 15 years, with a break of two years. Moreover, he had served them on the Board of Guardians for three years, and for the last 22 years he had been a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge. He mentioned these as perhaps little claims upon their support—(hear, hear)—and to give them an idea that he was a fit and proper person to come forward to seek their suffrages. (Applause.) His connection with the parish had been of a very long period, and he might venture to say that he had taken a great interest in the welfare of those around him. He had always taken a keen interest in the building trade, and at the present time he occupied the post of treasurer of the building trades of the city of Chester- of all the masters. If they elected him as their representative he should do his utmost to serve them faithfully and well, and he trusted his practical experience would be of service in the Council. He should have great pleasure in looking after their interests on all matters affecting the ward in the beat possible manner if elected. Mr. Wolfenden, who also had a hearty recep- tion, prefaced his speech by alluding to a subject to which, he said, he was very sorry to have to refer because it was a personal matter. He held that a candidate ought to be at liberty to come forward either in their or any other ward in the city, without having his private charaoter traduced. (Hear, hear, and applause.) He thought at least they owed that to a candidate. Some of them had perhaps heard that he was connected in some way with some money-lending firm, a firm of usurers. That was entirely untrue. Never in the course of his career was he ever connected withf anyone in that capacity. (Applause.) He left his home in Lancashire when he was 21 years of age, and at that time for several years he had taken a great interest in the work of educa- tion, which was at that time not what it was to-day. We had made gigantic leaps in that direction. For some years he was a director of the Mechanics Institution in his native town. He then entered the Civil Service, where he served for a period of 40 years, during 18 of which he had resided in Chester. (Applause.) Cestrians had always treated him with the greatest kind- ness; he had many friends among them, and nothing had surprised him so much as that a rumour so false and base should be publicly mentioned or brought forward. (Applause.) Proceeding to discuss municipal matters, Mr. Wolfenden said he was in favour of the EXTENSION OF THE TRAM LINES. They in Saltney had been in more favourable circumstances than residents in other parts of the neighbourhood had, but he thought there was room for improvement in Saltney. He was in favour of a new line being extended there and, more than that, there ought to be penny fares. (Hear, hear.) In that way they would be able to alleviate at any rate some of the overcrowding which they had in Chester. If penny rides were instituted what was to prevent some of the workmen and artizans in Chester going to live out there where they could breathe the pure air and bring up their families to be strong and healthy and have some enjoyment of life P Lately he had been into some of the COURTS IN CHESTER, and he had been very much surprised at the condition of some of them. There were a dozen courts in Chester where the sun of Heaven never shone, where the atmosphere was fatid, and some of them were badly paved, while outers were not paved at all. Many of the houses were of such a nature that it was impos- sible to bring a family of children up as they ought tooe brought up. Now, did they not think they could do something for the poor people who lived in those courts ? (A Voice: "Yes, if you close the public-houses.") He thought the tramways would help them in the matter. The tramways would provide them with means of inducing the building of artisans' dwellings in the suburbs, and by cheap transit the workingmen could occupy them to advan- tage. He was also in favour of swim- ming baths for children. The old adage was a true one, that cleanliness and Godliness were nearly associated, and it was impossible for poor people to live under the conditions he had described and bring up their children and give them a fair chance in life. (Hear, hear.) With regard to Saltney, some of their streets were not what they should be. Many of them were very badly paved, and as to the numbers on their houses they did not seem to scarcely have such a thing. He did not see why, even if they had a little less done in Chester, a little should not be done for Saltney, which formed a part of Chester. Why should they not have a little more attention paid to their streets ? If they had a lamp under the railway bridge it would be a great improvement. No doubt they would have electric light, but in the meantime he did not see why they should not have a lamp to make it more safe for passengers at night. It would be a great advantage to the suburbs of Chester if they had the BOUNDARY OF THE CITY EXTENDED. That advantage would not be all on one side; it would be mutual, and they would find that schemes for the public good,such as sewerage and schemes of that kind, could be better dealt with in large communities than in small ones. That brought him to a little incident, which occurred at Saltney a few days ago. A gentleman com- plained to him in Saltney of the very bad smell which came into his house from a grid in the street. He said in the summer weather they could hardly bear to be in the house. Com- plaints in reference to this had been frequent. He (the speaker) went over to inspect the grid, which was intended as a ventilator. He noticed that the little holes had been stopped up. This was how the gas which should escape by venti- lators was driven into their homes, and disease was the result. Disease in any family was a great calamity, and disease in a work- ing man's family was still worse. He did not see why there should not be shafts to carry away the fumes of the sewage. They had shafts in parts of Chester, and he was told those shafts could be erected at a cest of £ 15 each. shafts could be erected at a cest of X15 each. He considered the expense was trifling com- pared to the benefit conferred. These were matters in which, if they elected him to the Council, he should be very pleased to do all he could. He was going to reside in the vicinity, and he should be a neighbour, and their interest would be his interest. He should take it as the highest honour if they would support his can- didature. He promised to attend to the duties of the Council, and if having been elected they found at any future time that he had not dis- charged those duties, let them send him no more. (Applause.) Mr. W. H. Churton remarked that having nothing to do in Boughton, he had come to see what they were doing in Saltney. (Laughter.) He wished to emphasise the opinion expressed in a newspaper the other day that although a Parliamentary election was very valuable, it was more important in these days to be cautious in selecting persons to sit on municipal parliaments, because nowadays great powers were vested in municipal councils. They would have heard that Liverpool's debt was something like £ 12,000,000. Hardly a year passed in which some additional powers were not given to municipal corporations to spend money on one thing or another. If the bur- gesses did not exercise caution in electing councillors, the municipal affairs would be in the hands of a clique and badly managed, and local interests would often be forgotten. Speak- ing from his long experience in the municipal government of Chester, there never was a time more than the present when every voter should exercise the greatest care to see that the right man was elected. To shew there was PLENTY OF VARIETT among the eleven candidates at the present election, he mentioned there was one high sheriff, one barrister, one doctor, one accountant, two bakers, one haberdasher, one corn merchant, one plumber, one retired excise officer, and one secretary to a trades union. (Laughter.) There was therefore plenty of variety among the candidates from which they could make a choice. Although Chester was going to spend a large sum in sewage disposal, he did not hesitate to say that the SYSTEM OF SEWERS in the city would have to be dealt with shortly. It was a very serious matter. They bad got a bad system of sewers, old and big sewers which gave plenty of room for the gas to accumulate. It was a matter which would certainly come to the front very shortly, and it was very im- portant that they should have a practical man like their friend, Mr. Isaac Williams, on the Council, because he would be of great service in committee where the greater part of the work was done. He should be only too glad to welcome Mr. Williams and Mr. Wolfenden on the Council to elucidate the problem. Turning his attention to HR. MOSS, Mr. Churton said Mr. Moss and he were very good friends. They always had been, and, of course, they could not have better candidates than lawyers. (Laughter.) It was not humanly possible for a man to do two or three things together. Now, they knew Mr. Moss was the Parliamentary representative of an important division of Denbighshire, a member of the Town Council, and he had a large pro- fession to attend to. He did not think any one would be more rejoiced if they were to kindly relieve Mr. Moss of his position in the local parliament than Me Moss would. The first thing Mr. Moss did when he came to the Council was to say, If I have not the time to serve on committees." He (Mr. Churton) got him put on one com- mittee, the Local Government Act Committee. Nobody doubted that Mr. Moss had got the ability, but he had his profession and Parlia- mentary duties to attend to, and it was physically impossible to attend to everything. He did not think they would find that Mr. Moss would be very anxious to attend a ward meeting. If he did, the important thing to consider was whether he would promise to attend the com- mittee meetings of the Council and do his work. He did not know that Mr. Williamson, another candidate, bad much to do with Saltney. He always understood he came from Brook- street. He had, of course, a perfect right to come forward, but it was for them to say whether a person who occupied the position of baker in Brook-street was likely to be a good candidate for Saltney. Mr. Isaac Williams did not profess to be a lawyer or an accountant, but he was a practical man, just the man to be useful on committee. Mr. Wolfenden had plenty of time in which to attend to the duties of councillor. He moved a vote of confidence in these two candidates, and that the meeting resolve to do all in its power to return them at the head of the poll. Mr. G. W. Haswell, the new councillor for Trinity Ward, seconded, and recommended Mr. Williams and Mr. Wolfenden as the right men to represent them on the Council, urging the workers to leave no stone unturned to secure their being at the head of the poll. Mr. Knight supported the resolution, remark- ing that Mr. Moss had misrepresented the ward, and that anyone who voted for him would be doing a positive injury to Saltney. The resolution was then carried with accla- mation. Mr. Egerton Gilbert moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman. He pointed out that Mr. Moss was absent from the Council meetings when they decided to spend Xll,000 upon the baths, recommended by Mr. Moss years ago at his election, and agitated for so long when the subject of the housing of the working-classes in which he professed deep concern was dis- cussed when the question of the financial arrangements with the Corporation bankers was finally decided, though he had been a mem- ber of the Finance Committee; when the Im- provement Committee was instructed to make a new road leading from Grosvenor-road to Handbridge, which would benefit some of Mr. Moss' constituents; and when the Council first decided to give notice to the Tramways Com- pany of their intention to adopt the system. Were the electors of Saltney content to be represented by a gentleman like Mr. Moss-a confirmed absentee P Mr. G. F. Clough seconded, and the Chairman returned thanks..

DEATH OF MR. THOS. HEWITT. A wellknown and esteemed citizen passed away on Monday in the person of Mr. Thomas Hewitt, who for upwards of 34 years had been in the service of Messrs. Dicksons, seed merchants. Mr. Hewitt was in his 46th year, a native of Chester, and a cousin of the late Mr. William Hewitt, coachbuilder. Having been in failing health for a considerable time be went a few weeks ago to reside at Pwllheli, in the hope of benefit- ing by the bracing air of that resort. While there he derived such benefit from the change of air that every hope was entertained of his complete restoration to health, but a few days ago he became alarmingly ill, and died at Pwllheli. The deceased was perhaps best known in Chester as an old member of the Excelsior Lodge of Oddfellows. He was connected with that lodge since 1872, and held the distinguished post of District Master several times, while he held the appointment of treasurer of the lodge at the time of his death. Mr. Hewitt was also a freeman of the city, a trustee of Owen Jones' Charity, a member of one of the city guilds (Coopers Company), and took an active part in the affairs of the Chester Glee Club as a member of its committee. He was unmarried, but his loss will be mourned by a widowed mother and numerous relatives. The funeral took place at Chester Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, and a large number of citizens were present at the grave- side to pay a last tribute of respect to their esteemed friend. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. G. C. Briesrs. The chief mourners in attendance were Mrs. Hewitt (deceased's mother), Messrs. William and James Hewitt .(brothers), Mr. and Mrs. John Hodkinson, Mr. Thos. Morris (Liverpool), Mr. John Morris (Manchester), and Mr. Samuel Morris (Shrews- bury), Mr. Jno. Lynch, Mr. Thos. Hewitt (Gorton), Mr. C. Hewitt, Mr. Walter Hewitt, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes (Pwllheli), and Mr. H. Williams. Representing Messrs. Dicksons, were Mr. George, A. Dickson, Mr. J. Sawers Dickson, Mr. J. Trevor Dickson, Mr. J. F. L. Dickson, Mr. F. J. Duck, Mr. T. Smith, Mr. Henry Smith, Mr. Harley, and a considerable number of employes of the firm. The city guilds were represented by Messrs. Edgar Dutton, E. P. Dobson, C. Jones, R. Williams, H. Williams, and T. Tushingham. Messrs. W. O. White, J. H. Thompson, P. Hughes, Turver, S. Whitlow, and J. H. Chesters attended as repre- sentatives of the Chester Glee Club. In addition to several members of the Victoria Lodge of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity) there were present on behalf of the Excelsior Lodge Bros. W. Coventry, D.S.; B. Fletcher and S. Earlam, D.M.; W. Gibson, P.M.; Hughes, D.S.; and G. D. Lloyd, P.M. Wreaths were sent by Mr. and Mrs. Lynch, Mr. and Mrs. S. Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Wakelin, the Chester Glee Club, in "remembrance of a respected brother," Messrs. G. A. Dickson, J. Sawers Dickson, and J. Trevor Dickson in remembrance of long and faithful services," Hr. and Mrs. John Williams, His Old Friends and Fellow Employes," Mr. and Mrs. Weaver and children, and Mr. and Mrs. Cowie.

TAKING UNDER-SIZED MUSSELS. ♦ PARKGATE FISHERMAN FINED. At Neston Petty Sessions on Friday, before Mr. Comber (in the chair) and Mr. Brocklebank, Benjamin Higgins, jun., fisher- man, of Parkgate, was summoned by Mr. John Simpson (superintendent of the Dee Fishery District) for removing certain mussels measuring' less than 21 inches in length from a mussel fishery in the estuary of the Dee. Defendant pleaded not guilty.—Mr. Henry Jolliffe, who appeared to prosecute, stated that the case was a bad one. The Fishery Board were doing their utmost to protect the fishery, and they had no personal animosity whatever towards the fishermen individually. It cost the Board a large sum annually to administer the bye-laws, and it was in the interest of those fishermen who fished fair and square, and adhered to the bye-laws—and there was a large proportion of them who did so-to put a stop to the depredations of this character on the fishery beds. If the Board was apathetic in the administration of the bye-laws,. the mussel fishery would very soon disappear alto- gether, and degenerate to the same state as it was before the Board took it in hand, and the very persons who committed breaches of the bye-laws would be the first persons to complain that their livelihood had been taken away if the fishery deteriorated. The Superintendent explained that the regulations as to the size of mussels which could be taken was the same in the Lancashire Fishery as in the Dee Fishery District. Bailiff Corlett stated that he was on duty on the 25th September, and examined defendant's mussels. He took three samples. Of the first of 53 the mussels were all undersized; of the next sample of 37, 20 were too small; and of the next sample of 109, 101 were undersized. Bailiff Calder corroborated. The Bench having decided to convict,. the Chairman said defendant and several others were before the Bench in March last for a similar offence, and the law on that occasion was clearly laid down to them by Mr. Duncan Graham. They were then warned that if they came before the Bench again they would be severely dealt with. Not- withstanding this, defendant had again com- mitted a breach of the bye-laws, and he (the Chairman) warned all fishermen that the bye- laws would be enforced and must be adhered to. Defendant would be fined 20s. and costs.

THE ASPERSIONS ON THE INFIRMARY. THE COMMITTEE'S ACTION. With reference to the inquest on the unfor- tunate man John Williams, whose recent death at the Workhouse drew such strong remarks from the coroner, we understand that the allegations as to the treatment of the man by the Infirmary staff, and the circumstances attending his removal to the Workhouse, have been exhaustively investigated at a special meeting of the Weekly Committee and the honorary medical staff, who intend communica- ting in report all information bearing on the subject. After sifting the matter thoroughly, the Committee find that the allegations against the Infirmary are quite uncalled for, many of the statements made at the inquest having been entirely controverted. The nurses who had charge of the patient in the Infirmary have stated that particular attention was paid to his cleanliness, as owing to want of self-control watchfulness in this respect was especially desirable. He was regularly washed all over every day, and at the time of his removal was perfectly clean. The nurse who accom- panied him further states that when she left him in bed at the Workhouse, she made a special point of seeing that he was clean. The patient's removal took place in a half-recumbent position in the cab, the injured limb being sup- ported by a fracture board, pillows, and blankets. He was accompanied by a nurse and the Infirmary porter, and the cab was driven very gently on his account. It is clear that every care was exercised to contribute to his comfort in what must naturally have been very difficult and trying circumstances. The impression gathered from the evidence given at the inquest was that the man was re- ceived at the Workhouse in a dying condition, that he succumbed the following day, and that his death was accelerated by improper and un- timely removal. So far from this being the case, it is said that at the time of the removal of the patient the doctors were of opinion that he was in a fit state to bear the movement, and instead of the man being in a dying condition on reaching the Workhouse and expiring the next day, he survived his removal for several days. The committee have had opportunities, of course, of going into evidence which was not brought to the notice of the jury, and they are satisfied that the patient's detention at the Infirmary, considering the condition he was in, would have been fraught with the gravest danger to other patients in the wards, some of whom bad undergone operations, and whose condition was likely to be critically affected by noisy or disorderly conduct day and night alike. The advanced age and maimed state of the man Williams make the case very pathetic, but we are assured that his stay in the ward was an impossibility if the condition of the other patients was to be considered; and we are satisfied that at a charitable institution like the Infirmary the poverty of an injured patient is the one consideration which would be absolutely ignored. WORKHOUSE T. INFIRMARY. A REPLY. TO TO EDITOR. Sir,—I have read with much surprise the statements made by Nurse Ada Beeson at a meeting of the Chester Infirmary Committee held yesterday. The statement to the effect that she "made a point of seeing that the patient was clean" before she left the Work- house is unfounded. That point" would have been much better had it been attended to before he was moved to the Workhouse. Nurse Beeson must evidently have forgotten that when the patient arrived at the Workhouse hospital he was no longer in her charge, there- fore hospital etiquette would demand her to stand on one side. I received the patient myself, with the nurse in charge of the ward, and I am quite positive that neither of us would stand by and allow a probationer nurse from another institution to examine a patient in our presence. Regarding the pillows being placed in the cab, they must have been invisible; certainly they could not be seen with the naked eye. Whether the patient was in a fit condition or not to be moved at the time of his removal, it is not within my province to say, but, certainly after his admission to the Chester Workhouse Hospital, he must have learned the error of his ways, or perhaps his poor human frame did not alto- gether benefit from the jolting of the cab, as he sank into a state of coma, and died a week after admission, and I think I may truthfully say, that the Workhouse Hospital patients were not even called upon to listen to language that was not proper or fit.-Yours truly, EMILY MORTON, Supt. Nurse. The Union Infirmary, Hoole, Chester, 27th October, 1900.

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