The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

WELCOME HOME TO CHESHIRE VOLUNTEERS. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. MEMORABLE DINNER. Cheshire's khaki-clad Volunteers have come home, and there is to-day immeasurable joy in the hearts of those who spared them for their country's sake and have watched with almost feverish anxiety their career in South Africa. It is now about fifteen months since we bade them God-speed on their patriotic mission, feeling confident that they would prove them- selves a credit to their county, aye, to their country. The story of these brave men will make up a bright chapter in local history. It will be recorded how cheerfully they left their civilian occupations when the issue of the war was-if it ever was-in doubt, and how willingly they gave up the comforts of home life for the necessary hardships of active service, in order to shew their loyalty to their Sovereign and their patriotism to their country. No more efficient body of men left old England's shores and no company have endured more readily the trials of the campaign. With rations often scanty, with disease ever near, they performed their trying marches and arduous duties in that unfamiliar climate in a way that has won them the honour of their fellow-citizens ot every rank. There was no mistaking the delight with which the news that they were homeward bound was received. It was deter- mined that the gallant fellows should have a welcome-home worthy of their loyalty and patriotism, and to this end chief citizens combined with the military authorities in making the necessary preparations. Informa- tion was at last received definitely fixing their arrival in the city for Monday. It was at first announced that they would reach Chester shortly after one o'clock (noon), but Lieut- Colonel Smith, of the 2nd (Earl of Chester's) Volunteer Battalion, received a telegram from Captain Thornely, commanding the Service Company, stating that they could not arrive until shortly after four o'clock. A still later communication fixed the actual time of arrival as six o'clock. THE ARRIVAL. Long before the appointed hour crowds began to take up positions in the Rows and along the streets bent upon seeing and welcoming the returning warriors. They were for the most part (Jestrians and people from the adjoining districts, but there was a good sprinkling of kinsfolk and friends from various parts of the county who were not pre- pared to wait until Tutsday to greet some relative or chum among the returning heroes. tfet'i'ieiive o'clock there was a good muster of tne 2nd (Earl of Chester's) Volunteer Battalion ar, their headquarters, and presently, preceded by their band, they marched to the General Railway Station. The officers were Lieut.-Col. Smith, Capt. Thomas (adjutant), Capt. Evans, Cape. Bromley, and Lieuts. Nicholson, Smith, and Hamilton. The 1st. Cheshire and Carnar- vonshire Artillery Volunteers also paraded under Major Fountain, Major Mason, Capt. Forestier WKiker, R.A., Capt. Taylor, Capt. Wood, Captain Lloyd and Lieut. Dickson. With their hugie band they went to the station, where the 22ud Regimental Depot Band also attended. In front of the station a large number of people congregated, but the city police maintained perfect order, the Chief Constable (Mr. J. H. Laybourne) himself supervising the arrange- ments. The fingers of the clock pointed to twenty minutes to six when the train slowly steamed into the Whitchurch bay and khaki- ciad soldiers, with somewhat bronzed faces and looking in excellent condition, emerged from the carriages. There were a few officers aiid others to utter the first words of welcome the vast crowds were outside wondering at which point they would make their exit. When they had piled up their bag- gage, of which' Lieutenant-Colonel Smith directed a iow of their red-coated comrades to take charge, Captain Thornely gave the command for forming into marching order- From the moment the crowd caught the first glimpse of them until they reached the Town Hall there was scarcely a break in the cheering. About a dozen stalwart members of the police force, under Inspector Wynne, headed the great procession. Next came the Depot Band, the Rifle Volunteers and the Artillery Volunteers, the respective bands taking up the stirring strains alternately. Thus a great mass of people, which became thicker and thicker every hundred yards, wended its way along City-road into Foregate- street, along Eastgate-street and Northgate-street to the Town Hall, where large numbers already awaited their arrival. Many tradesmen honoured the occasion by hanging out their flags. The Eastgate, the Rows and many windows were full of people, who swelled the chorus of welcome and fluttered handkerchiefs or waved their hats. Ever and anon a touching scene would be witnessed. Beneath a khaki helmet the beaming face of a relative or chum would be recognised, and there would be a shout of joy and an attempt to break through the moving mass of people for a hand- shake and a cheery word of greeting. Eventually ranks were broken, and men in khaki were de- tached and carried shoulder high. Others con- tinued the march with a friend hanging affection- ately on each arm. It was in this irregular way the Special Service Company entered the reserved enclosure in front of the Town Hall steps, where loud and prolonged cheering greeted their ap- pearance. AT THE TOWN HALL. Enclosures had been erected on the Town Hall steps and on each side for the accommodation of ticket-holders, and a space had been reserved on the Square for the Volunteers. The public com- menced to assemble some hours before the arrival of the company, and waited with the greatest patience. Flags floated from the Cathedral tower, the King's School and the post on the Square, and altogether the scene was an animated one. The Mayor (Col. H. T. Brown) was unfortunately unable to be present, through indisposition, to voice the city's welcome to the home-comers, and his place was taken by the Deputy-Mayor (Dr. Stolterfoth). About six o'clock Dr. Stolterfoth, wearing his aldermanic gown, took up his stand on the Town Hall steps, with the civic mace and sword bearers on either side. He was accompanied by the Sheriff (Mr. Edgar Dutton), the member for the city (Mr. Robert Yerburgh), Judge Wynne Ffoulkes, the Mayor's chaplain (the Rev. J. F. Howson) and Mr. John Thompson. It would be difficult to give a complete list of the citizens present, but the following may be selected-- Canon Gore, the Revs. H. H. Wright and A. E. Farrar, Aldermen W. H. Churton, J. J. Cunnah, T. Smith, George Dutton, Councillors Dr. Archer, John M. Frost, Dr. Hamilton, G. W. Haswell, J. R. Rae, R. Lamb, R. Cecil Davies, D. L. Hewitt, W. Ferguson, &c., Dr. King, Messrs. F. Bullin, F. French, J. R. Thomson, C. P. Douglas, N. A. E. Way, T. Gibbons Frost, G. H. Rogerson, Reginald Potts, L. Booth, G. Parker, Ambrose Roberts, W. Turnock, J. Scott, F. J. Bonnalie, C. E. S. McLeod, with many others. The crowd in the vicinity of the Town Hall finally swelled to tremendous proportions, and it was evident that the Volunteers would experience considerable difficulty in making their way up Northgate-street. About a quarter-past six the sound of cheering in Eastgate-street announced the approach of the gallant fellows, and a few seconds later the strains of "When the Boys come Home again" was borne on the breeze, and then a straggling line of khaki helmets, swallowed up in the vast crowd, came into sight. One or two of the men were carried shoulder high by their ad- miring friends. Hats, handkerchiefs and flags were enthusiastically waved by the spectators, and hearty cheers rent the air. The crowd en- deavoured to break into the enclosed space, and the police had extreme difficulty in barring their progress, and at the same time keeping a way open for the objects of the demonstration. During the crush a woman fainted, and she was carried into the police office by two stalwart men in blue. Finally the khaki-clad Volunteers, breathless with their exertions, managed to reach the Square, and they were drawn up in two lines in front of the J. own Hall steps. Here Dr. Stolterfoth, in the name of the city, offered them a warm welcome home, but his remarks were rendered inaudible by the cheers of the crowd. The Rev. J. F. How- son next struck up "For they are jolly good fel- lows, and the spectators heartily joined in the re- frain, and finally, on the call of Captain Thornely, the Volunteer Service Company gave "three times three" for the Deputy-Mayor and the citizens. They afterwards entered the Town Hall. THE DINNER. The men were afterwards entertained at dinner by tbe citizens. The repast was served in the large assembly room of the Town Hall, and the company was fully representative of the military and leading citizens. The Deputy Mayor (Alderman Stolterfoth) presided, and the attendance included Mr. Robt. A. Yerburgh, M.P., the Sheriff (Mr. Edgar Dutton), Alder- men W. H. Churton, Tbos. Smith, and J. J. Cunnah. Major Acland-Hood (North-Western District), Major Cook (22nd Regimental District), Surgeon-Capt. G. Harrison (Earl of Chester's Yeomanry Cavalry), Major F. B. Mason, Captain and Adjutant Forestier Walker, B.A., Major Fountain and the chaplain, the Rev. J. F. Howson (of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteer Artillery Corps); Lieut.-Col. T. J. Smith, V.D., Captain and Adjutant D. B. Thomas, Major Gamon, the Hon. Major Harrison, Capt. H. 1. Thompson, Capt. F. 0. Evans, Capt. C. E. Bromley, Captain H. Davison, Second Lieutenants W. G. Linaker and C. P. Smith, Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel A. Hamilton and Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel H. W. King (Earl of Chester's Volunteers), Major Lamb and Captain Davies (Flintshire Engineers), Messrs. J. F. Lowe, John Jones (Boughton Ward), Geo. Parker, N. A. E. Way, T. Knowles and L. P. Smith, the Chief Constable (Mr. J. H. Laybourne), Mr. Peers (clerk of committees), Mr. 1. Matthews Jones (city surveyor), Superintendent Leah (County Constabulary), etc.—A letter was re- ceived from Mr. Jas. Tomkinson, M.P., regretting that he could not attend and expressing the assurance that the men would receive all the con- gratulations and welcome they so well deserved. The loyal toasts having been given from the chair, the Deputy Mayor next gave The Army and Navy." He said that at no time were the two branches so closely united as at present, and spoke of the great debt of gratitude we owed to our Volunteers who had responded so well to the country's call. He coupled with the toast, which was enthusiastically received, the name of Major Acland-Hood. Major Acland-Hood, in returning thanks, told the company how much Major-General Swaine regretted his unavoidable absence. He (General Swaine) had had to go to Southampton to welcome home his son, who, unfortunately, had contracted enteric fever in South Africa. Speak- ing of the Army, he said all ranks had dis- charged their duties right well in South Africa, and it was a good thing to know what not only the people of this country, but outsiders, thought about it. He happened a short time ago to meet a very distinguished officer in the German Army, the leaders of which made it their business to study military matters in other countries. That officer had said that he thought as regarded pluck and endurance the Turkish Army was far ahead of any other, but in the matter of pluck alone that 0"1 U_L. _1- -] _1- -J uciuittus ttuu ningusn were necK auu necK, auu then came the Russians. But having gone through the South -African campaign, he and his brother officers had changed their opinion, and were now inclined to put the English as far ahead of the Turks as they had put the Turks ahead of all other armies before. That officer had also said that he was present at three of our principal battles, and was astonished at the cool- ness and pluck of our men, who, after hours of hard marching and with very little to eat, attacked strong positions and went forward as on an ordinary field day. (Cheers.) He did not think any foreign army could have done that work as well as our army had done. That was very satisfactory as coming from an outsider. Major Acland-Hood spoke of the difficulties of the South African campaign, and said it would have been an impossible job if it had not been for the noble response of the Imperial Yeomanry, the Militia and the Volunteers. (Cheers.) It re- flected the highest credit upon the men in good positions in life who had willingly, and without hope of reward or anything of that sort, given up' everything at home and gone out to fight the battles of their country. The spirit which pre- vailed throughout the country had impressed foreigners tremendously, and had shewn them that we were not the decadent race they thought we were, but that we were something better. (Cheers.) PRAISE FROM MR. YERBURGH. QUESTION OF ARMY REFORM. Mr. Robt. Yerburgh, M.P., who had a most cordial reception, said the toast that he had the honour of proposing was, he migbt say without any fear of contradiction, the toast of the even- ing. (Hear, bear.) It was The Service Com- pany of thw 2nd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment." When he saw that day from the steps to the Town Hall the—war-worn, he almost said-mell coming back as they came back that day beating upon their uniforms evident traces of the hard work they had gone through, he thought of the night when he had the signal honour of receiving them in the Town Hall before they went to the war in South Africa. He was delighted to see that the numbers that had set out came back in almost undiminished quantity. He knew, as they all knew, that when they bade good-bye to them then, they (the Volunteers) would act with the gallantry that had alwaysdistinguished Britishers whenever they had been called upon to fight in ddence of their country. He knew that whenever and wherever they were called upon to act, whatever duty was laid upon their shoulders, that duty would be performed as Englishmen had always performed it. (Cheers.) Major Acland-Hood had told them in his speech that night that he had met a great German authority who had told him that he and his friends had come to the conclusion-it was forced upon them by what they had seen in the conduct of this war-that the British soldier was one of the bravest and most enduring men on earth. (Applause.) Well, that was good news for everyone there and good news for every Britisher to receive, because there were those who had said, as Major Acland-Hood had remarked, that we were being destroyed by luxury, that our men were not what they had been, and that when the day of trial came we should be found to Ije wanting. liutwii iiad proved that that fear was entirely false; that our man- hood was as good as ever it was in the best days of this country. That, however, was not his point. His point was this: We had had that signal proof of the courage and valour of our soldiers. He noticed the other day that Count Sternberg, in his account of his experiences when made a prisoner, said he met at Capetown a somewhat haughty English officer, who asked who was the best general we had in the English Army. The reply the Count made was "Tommy Atkins." (Loud cheers.) That bore testimony to the valour and courage of the con- duct of our soldiers. I-le now came to his point. Up to now the Volunteers had, so to speak, been an untried and unknown force. They who knew them believed in their capacity, but the country at large and the people outside this country did not know what stuff the Volunteer force was made of. (Cheers.) They knew now, from what they had seen and heard from Lord Roberts, that our Volunteers were fit to stand in the ranks with Tommy Atkins. (Cheers.) What higher praise could be given to our Volunteer force. Our soldiers had proved themselves to be the bravest of soldiers; our Volunteers had proved themselves to be fit to stand shoulder to shoulder with those warriors in the field of action. (Cheers.) There was something further if he might deal with it for a moment. It was this: Not. only had our soldiers and our Volunteers proved themselves to be gallant men in action, but they had proved themselves whenever they had had to deal with the prisoners, women and children, to be as tender in sympathy as they had been valiant in battle. (Cheers.) He did not know whether the time was not arriving when we ought not to consider seriously in our hearts whether it is right for us who lived at home at ease to call upon a certain portion of the people, to appeal to their patriotism, to defend the country for us who were equally capable of doing so—whether the time was not coming when this duty which men discharged from feelings of patri- otism should not be shared by all alike, high and low, rich and poor. (Cheers.) The war had taught us certain lessons. It had taught us, he thought, that we required a force of a certain amount which ought to be ready to take the field whenever the opportunity arose, and whenever it might be called upon, and that we, with our pos- sessions in all parts of the world, ought not to be obliged to wait to mobilise troops, but ought to have a certain number ready at hand to send any- where at a moment's notice. It had been said that if it had not been for our Volunteers, Colonists and others who came to our assistance, it would not have been possible to carry the war through. Why? Because we, the British people, had been deluded with the idea that we had an army when we had not one: Let them think for the moment what was the case. We were told by a responsible minister that of the men serving with the colours 92,000 were unfit to take the field for foreign service, and they had to be left at home. That was why we had to call upon the Colonies and why we had to call upon the Volunteers. He thought the lesson for us was this: that we ought to write off a large proportion of these men who were soldiers whom we paid for, and ought to have an effective force ready to go anywhere; that we ought to largely increase our reserves, and the lesson borne upon us was that we must pay our soldiers better—(loud cheers)—and when they got their soldier they must offer him a career. There were numberless posts in Govern- ment employment and elsewhere that the soldiers ought to be justly entitled to by virtue of the service given to the country. If we took the line of increasing the pay of our soldier and increas- ing his opportunities afterwards in civil life, we should get as many men as the country required. Further, if behind this force we had a force, not entirely relying upon the patriotism of the Volun- teer and Yeoman, but a force that was called upon, as it was our bounden duty in time of peril, to qualify itself for the home defence of this country, then they would make, he thought, the country unassailable by the foreigner, and dis- charge all the country required of them in all parts of the globe. (Cheers.) The Volunteers had shed tlic;, bVid. jUry ],1 <>-■'Wcr as gallant d-r f< ride- •• of u •• 01: *< }• of South Africa. We ought not to iet iheni make that sacrifice for nothing. In different parts of the country he had noticed with grief and sorrow voices making themselves heard-that the war was going on a long time, that we were spending a great deal of money and sacrificing a lot of lives, and was it not time to put a stop to the war? We had got to see it through. (Cheers.) If the country had to spend another 50,000,000, or another 100,000,000 of money the war had to be seen through. (Cheers.) We had put our hand to the plough, and we could not withdraw it. That was the spirit which he was quite sure animated the great mass of our countrymen, but let them make their voices heard, because he was sure from what he had seen and heard that this spirit which began to grumble at the idea that they were called upon to pay largely and make further sacrifice was beginning to rise. Let them crush it; let them put it under their heels and let them tell the world that they, the great majority, were resolved to see the thing through. Then their sacrifices would not have been in vain. He did not doubt it for a moment. He did not apologise to them for dealing with the question, because as Volunteers they were per- sonally interested in it. They would see in the future the great United States of South Africa rising up under the British flag. A great writer in the French Revolution said the tree of liberty never, grew unless it was watered with the blood of tyrants. He (Mr. Yerburgh) believed the tree of liberty never grew better than when watered by the blood of free men in defence of liberty. The blood of free men had been poured out like water in South Africa. We should see that tree of liberty growing, and white men of every race and black men enjoying freedom and liberty under its spreading branches. (Applause.) He now gave with the deepest sympathy and with all the cordiality and thoroughness that he could com- mand, the toast of the gallant"men of the Service Company of the 2nd Battalion Cheshire Regi- ment, and he coupled with it the names of two distinguished men, Captain Thornely and Lieut. Bates. (Loud applause.) HISTORY OF THE COMPANY. TOLD BY THEIR CAPTAIN. Captain Thornely replied to the toast, which had been drunk with marked enthusiasm, and declared that he was proud to do it because he felt that they had really served with their regular battalion, a battalion which, he was proud to say, was second to none. He pro- ceeded to tell the story of his company's foreign service and was listened to with rapt attention and keen interest. After dealing with the mobilisation of the company from the 13th to the 20th January, their training in and about Chester in the most inclement weather from O.HhVi -To.nnn.rv i*.n th.. 1 St:h F«brilfl.rv. hw alluded to what he described as the record send-off" which they had from the city on the 15th February. He had inquired what sort of a send-off other companies had had, and he had not been able to find a single company whose send-off had come up to 75 per cent. of the send off the Cheshire Company had. (Cheers ) He desirbd to thank all who had subscribed or contributed comforts for the men. He did not think anybody else had anything like it. On the 16th February they embarked on the Gascon, and on the fol- lowing day they sailed. On the 12th March they landed at Capetown and were marched to Green Point camp, where they waited until the 22nd March. It was a very curious thing that everything seemed to happen during that campaign on the 22nd day ot the month. They lett tor Naauwpoort on the 22nd March. He thought it was a good omen and it had proved so. At Naauwpoort they met the Militia, who had preceded them to South Africa. There they simply waited and did nothing. From Naauwpoort they went to Norvals Pont and took part in the general activity. The Army reached Bloemfontein without food or supplies, except what was obtained via Kimberley by means of transport. It was absolutely essential that the bridge should be made across the Orange River, so that our trains could cross it and get com- forts for the sick and wounded lying at Bloem- fontein. Enteric fever was so bad that it was nothing unusual to see 160 funerals in one day when the Army landed there. The work they were engaged in was, therefore, practically the saving of the Army in tiont ot them. Tney worked night and day, and when they saw "daylight" on that job, when the tirst train had passed they had orders to march to Bloemfontein. Capt. Thornely next described the march to iipringfontein, and told how half the company was sent by General Rundle in charge of a hospital train to Bloemfontein. He (Captain Thornely) sent the men he knew could march and they accomplished the journey perfectly safely. The Atiliua and Reservists who were also with them were unable to march as well as the Volunteers, and had to be sent by train. On the 21st April thdy joined their regiment. There was no fuss and no great welcome but just as they liked it. During the first few days the Volunteers were with the 2nd Battalion there was the cold grey eye of observance upon them. But the cold grey eye passed away, and there was a littie merry twinkle instead. From that day it was all right. After speaking of outpost duty at Kleino S3 Spruit from the 22nd to the 26th April, and the severe hardships from the cold weather, ho referred to the advance upon Brandfort, in which they formed part of the fifteenth or central brigade. They marched from four o clock in the morning until the evening. The biscuit was all they bad to eat on many an occasion. Alluding to the seizing of the drifts by the Cheshires at the Zand River, he said they marched at night and there was absolute silence. The next day they were engaged, the battle lasting all day. From the 12th until the 22nd May they waited outside Kroonstadt for supplies, and they thus obtained a rest. The remainder of Captain Thornely's interesting story was descriptive of a march to Johannesburg, and the police duty undertaken by the Volunteers while there; the return journey to Bloemfontein, and outpost duty there. He told of a daring act by one man of the Company who was acting as stoker on a supply train. He saw some men on the line in front of him, and concluding that they were about to blow the line up, decided to blow them up. Although he knew that there was a detonator there, he took the train up, let the steam on and tyew the detonator out. Lord Roberts thought so highly of that man that he himself wrote to him in his own handwriting, and a copy of the letter was ordered to be posted up at every station in the Transvaal. Speaking of the good conduct of tl. e company, he said he should like them to reflect that they had been in the Army and to make up their minds not to degenerate one iota but to main- tain the honour of the cloth. (Cheers.) Lieutenant Bates also responded. Songs were contributed during the evening by Mr: J. H. Laybourne, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Proctor, Mr. S. P. Davies, Surgeon Lieutenant- Colonel Harrison, and Mr. Loui Parry. Mr. Butterworth acted as accompanist. The Company paraded yesterday (Tuesday) morning in their various sections at Chester Castle, where they were billeted on Monday night, and were disbanded, proceeding to the towns from which they hail. The Birkenbead section paraded early, and were briefly addressed by Captain Thornely, who wished them God-speed, and said that although it would be invidious to single out any particular company for praise, the Birkenhead Volunteers had acquitted themselves exceedingly well. The members of the company will remain soldiers for a month, at the end of which time they will receive whatever pay remains due to them.

CHESTER CORPORATION TRAMWAYS DILL.- This Bill came before Lord Morley's committee on Monday as unopposed. Mr. S. Smith, town clerk, proved the preamble of the Bill, but the report stage was withheld to allow certain proofs to be submitted as to the number of councillors who voted for the Bill, and also to produce the consent of the Local Government Board to the promotion of the Bill. ENORMOUS OUTLAY ON ELECTRICITY.—Mr. H. P. Boulnois, one of the engineering inspectors of the Local Government Board, will hold an inquiry at the Town Hall, Manchester, on Tuesday next,, as to the proposals of the Corporation to borrow £ 843,000. This great sum includes two items of X310,000 and £ 500,000 for the supply of electricity X22,000 for a new police-station, and £ 6,00^. +'r,r a new fire-station at Bradford and £5,000 ror the purposes of public walks and pleasure grounds. DEATH OF AN OLD CHESHIRE TRADESMAN.— On Saturday, Mr. James Batesone, one of the oldest Cheshire ironfounders, died, after a lingering illness, at his residence in Swanlow- lane, Winsford. The deceased, who was aged about 80, was well known throughout Mid- Cheshire, having carried on his foundry at Winsford for over 50 years. Nearly the whole of his business was in connection with the salt industry. He came from Yorkshire with two brothers, who are noted ironfounders at Northwich. FROM PRIVATE TO MAJOR.—Captain Herbert Bryan, of the Manchester Regiment, who has been promoted brevet major in recognition of his services during the fighting in West Africa last year, was only promoted to ia company in the Manchesters in July, 1899. He now steps over the heads of about a dozen of his seniors in the regiment. Major Bryan's previous com- missioned service—seven years—was passed in the Lincolnshire Regiment, whose home repre- sentatives are now stationed at Manchester and Preston. He began as a private soldier, and spent upwards of six years in the ranks. I

CHARITY CONCERT AT CHESTER. 4. One of the most successful and enjoyable con- certs which have been held in Chester for charitable objects was that which was given on Monday evening in the Music Hall for the bene- fit of the family of the late John Rigby, signal- man at the General Station, who met his death recently under sad circumstances. The entertain- ment had been organised by Dr. Bridge and the Precentor (the Rev. H. H. Wright), and receiving as it did the enthusiastic support of the General Stationmaster (Mr. J. T. Reddish) and the whole of the railway officials, it proved an unqualified success. The Music Hall is seldom seen in so crowded a state as it was on this occasion, and it was particularly gratifying to notice that the strong counter-attraction which the return of the Volunteers from South Africa presented to the public had no depressing effect upon the numbers of the audience. The programme was of a high order, providing an undoubted musical treat, and was sustained by professional artists, almost all of whom are favourites with local musical audi- ences. The Chester Glee Club, conducted by Mr. A. Millward, contributed in fine form a choral song, "Comrades in Arms," and two glees, "The Venetian Boat Song" and "The Lifeboat." The new Cathedral Choir tenor singer, Mr. J. S. Bux- ton, made his debut before *a Chester audience, and was very favourably received. In his song "Margaritta" he displayed a voice of a very pleasing and sympathetic character, his singing being marked with refined feeling. He received an encore, to which he responded with "Mary." The only cause of disappointment with the pro- gramme was the absence of Mr. J. H. Ditchburn, who was prevented from fulfilling his engagement to sing on account of his recent indisposition, from which he has not yet recovered. His friends will be glad to know, however, that he has re- sumed his duties in the Cathedral choir. Mr. A. Greenwood was in splendid voice, and had to bow his acknowledgments for a very pretty rendering of "Lorna." Mr. A. M. Proctor, always a great tavourite, was warmly encored for an artistic ren- dering of "To Anthea," responding with "Fair is my Love." His other contributions were "Mon- trose Love Song" and "The Yeoman's Wedding." The favourite duet, "Excelsior," received able treatment by Messrs. Buxton and James. The latter gentleman gave an enjoyable rendering of "The Bandolero." Probably the most enjoyable feature of the programme was the singing by the Cathedral choristers of two part songs, "Merry June" (vocal polka) and "Blow soft Wind" (vooal waltz), both by Vincent. For the latter an en- thusiastic encore was demanded, and the whole composition was repeated. Two male voice quar- tettes, "Annie Laurie" and "Come where my love lies dreaming," were rendered by Messrs. Dawson, Buxton, Greenwood and James. Miss Margaret Stone, who has been a student in Lon- don, proved a valuable acquisition to the pro- gramme. In her songs, "Angus Macdonald" and "Idle Words," she displayed a voice of beautiful quality, which gave evidence of careful training. For her successful rendering of the latter item she responded to an undeniable encore with "Home, sweet Home," the rendering of which it is no exaggeration to say fairly entranced the audience. Miss Edith Roberts sang "Life's Lullaby" and the couplets "Together" and "When thy blue eyes," in each of which she was successful. Miss J. Tyson Piercy, an artiste who has of late earned distinction before local audi- ences, contributed "Pack clouds away" and two pretty songs by Ellen Wright, "Violets" and "A Song of Roses." The duties of accompanist were shared by Dr. Bridge and Mr. J. T. Hughes. During the interval the Precentor, on behalf of the audience, thanked the artists for their services, and announced that with subscriptions the pro- ceeds of the concert would amount to about £100.

CANON GORE ON PATRIOTISM. -0 REFERENCE TO BISHOP STUBBS. Preaching at Chester Cathedral on Sunday morning, Canon Gore alluded to the patriotism of Israel, which was everywhere exhibited in their history, and which in great part constituted their religion. Proceeding, he said:—Their patriotism was founded on faith, a historic faith. Never was there a people so well taught in history as they were. Their history was their Bible. And it was a history not of what they achieved, but of their God's achievements for them. His wondrous works in Egypt, at the Red Sea, in the wilderness, at the river Jordan, His deliverances of them per- petually from their oppressors, His promises to them in the House of David. If we looked only at the human side of their story, it was one rather of failure than success, perhaps even of shame than of glory. And it is all told truthfully. Shame and glory alike, rebellion and obedience, the mag- nificence of Solomon and the misery in Babylon- all known to every one of them, sung in the psalms, read in their synagogues, carefully taught to their children, handed on from generation to generation; but it was not their deeds or the deeds of their forefathers that aroused the spirit of patriotism in them; it was this, that through evil report and good report their God had held them in His hand. They were His people and the sheep of His pasture. He had not left them or forsaken them. Their chastisements and deliver- ances were both from Him. He had written their history in deed and in word He had shaped their destinies. He had brought them to the present through the well-known past; His love, however tried, had been an unfailing love. There they were now before the world a unique people, held in safety against all the nations not by their own virtue, not by their own powers, but by His strength who had chosen their Zion to be an habitation for Himself, who had longed for her; who had said "This shall be my rest for ever; here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein." And we know that their faith is not yet dead. Still they would cry, "If I forget thee, 0 Jerusa- lem, let my right hand forget her cunning." Still you may see them in wailing-place, beating their breasts and watering her stones with their tears. They still ask, "Has God forgotten to be gracious? Are His mercies clean gone for ever?" We can give the answer. God has not forgotten His people whom He loved. He could not fulfil their mistaken forecast of His purpose; but He has given them and is giving them in their Messiah a spiritual empire such as eye hath not seen nor ear heard nor heart of man conceived, but which shall be revealed to them when once more they shall return to the Lord their God. We turn to Eng- land. We are living in patriotic days. The flame burns bright and high. We will not obscure it, we will seek to feed it that it may burn brighter and higher. We love England. The sons of Athens used to say that they would give each man his life to his oity, as the fairest offering he could make at her feast. And this is what the sons of England, hundreds of them, ah thousands of them, have been doing before our eyes. We love England because we know England, because we have read her history, because we have taken it into our hearts, seen its structure, marked its progress, looked with intense interest into its times of distress and deliverance, of shame and glory, of sin and repentance, watched its great men and its sordid, its patriots and its cowards; the evolution of its people through days of dis- tress and prosperity, of darkness and light; and we have noticed all through that history had a strange persistency, carrying the people forward; dashing them with troublesome waves hither and thither, but like the flowing tide lifting them all the while higher and higher, giving them some in- stinct of greatness and making their instinct true, and knitting them father to son, brother to brother. And as we read and understood it came upon us, "This is not of man; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." Then found we the true basis of true patriotism: this God is our God for ever and ever, our guide unto death. We have an advantage over our fathers in this matter. God gave us the greatest of his- torians to teach us, in the illustrious Bishop—once our Bishop and our friend—who has now finished his work on earth. He knew England and he loved England. I do not say that history passed before him in splendid pageant. It did not pass, it lived and moved and had its being, all and always from earliest days till now—monarchs, princes, people breathing, working, giving, con- sciously or unconsciously, each his share to the building up of the mighty and glorious fabric. He saw it with the seer's eye; he saw what was contributory to the whole: the dust, the debris he brushed aside. He saw England, living England, living by the finding for the purpose of God. And what he saw he taught; and what he taught he saw. He did not add to the vision nor take from it. God shewed it to him and said "Write," and he wrote down the truth and nothing but the truth. He worked in no purple patches for effect. He did not prostitute his powers to political aims and ends; he did not stoop to be a partisan. He could not, he dared not. He knew that he was sent to tell the truth, and I do not suppose that in any single instance he intentionally or consciously failed to tell it. Hence the world's gain in his work; hence our treasure in it as Englishmen. We know now what England is, and that God has made her what she is. Our patriotism can rest in faith. There is a temptation to speak of the man himself; but I have no words in which to speak of him. He changed the lives of those who knew him. He taught us such lessons of greatness as we could learn. He bade us, by example, seek it in simplicity, in sincerity, in love and compassion for man, by profound devotion to God. The Athenian whom I have already quoted tells us that the whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men; for their glory is proclaimed throughout it in word and deed. But the man, the man himself, to whom God gave the ten talents and the grace to make them ten times ten, what of him, the true citizen of his country? He is now fellow- citizen of the saints in the kingdom of truth, of light, of God.

THE PRICE OF COAL.-The leading coal mer- chants have, since last August, reduced their prices by 3s. to 4s. per ton.

FESTIVITIES AT EATON. — ♦ — ELABORATE PROGRAMME. FOUR DAYS' FETE. We understand that the Duke of West- minster's coming of age and marriage will be celebrated on an extensive scale at Eaton next month. The festivities will extend over May 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th, and the programme will be of a most elaborate character. On the first day there will be a large garden party. On the following day over 6,000 children from On the following day over 6,000 children from Chester will be entertained at tea, and sports, &c., will be arranged for them. In the even- ing a Ball will be given to his Grace's tenants on the Eaton and Chester estates. The 23rd will be set apart for the cottagers on the Eaton estate. They and their children will be entertained at dinner at half-past one and at tea at four o'clock. Spores, round-abouts, punch and judy shows and other amuse- ments will be provided for their delecta- tion, and in the evening there will be dancing. On the concluding day the tenants on his Grace's Halkyn estate will be enter- tained at Eaton. Mr. Johnson's celebrated band from Manchester, and the band of the Queen's Westminister Volunteers have been engaged to take part in the festivities. The celebration piomit.es, in short, to be the event of the year in the county, and the proceedings will be looked forward to with pleasurable anticipation by everyone concerned.

THE LATE BISHOP STUBBS. — -♦ THE FUNERAL. The funeral of the late Bishop of Oxford took place at Cuddesdon churchyard on Thursday, and was attended by an immense gathering. It was a common subject of remark that the funeral was fixed for St. Mark's Day, the anni- versary of the day in 1884 when Dr. Stuubs was consecrated to the see of Chester. The Dean of Chester, Archdeacon Barber, and Mr. Gamon (the late Bishop's solicitor) attended the ceremony. The coffin was placed in the church on Wednesday, immediately in front of the throne in tne chancel, and had been watched continuously by members of the Cuddesdon Theological College and parishioners. It was covered by the violet pall which was used at Dr. Pusey's funeral. Holy Com- munion was celebrated in the morning both in the Palace and in the church. Included in the procession whicn left the Vicarage at half-epasc two o'clock were the officiating clergy, line Bishop of Reading, the Dean of Christ Church (the Very Rev. Dr. Paget), Bishop Mitchinsou, the domestic chaplain (Canon Holmes), the Rev. J. Kebie (representing the ArchOisnop of York, the Principal of Cuddesdon College (the Rev. H. O. Johnston), &c. The chief mourners were Mrs. and Miss Stubbs, Mr. W. W. Stubbs, Mr. L. H. A. Stubbs, the Rev. W. T. Stubbs, Mr. R. E. Stubbs (sons), Commander and Mrs. Graham, Mr. J. Graham, Mr. Kvyworth, Mr. f. iii. Daveuport (private secretary to the late iiishop), Mr. R. H. Anglin VVhitelocke (his medical adviser), and Mr. (iamon (already men- tioned). CANON COOPER SCOTT'S TRIBUTE. The Rev. Canon S. Cooper Scott, preaohing on Sunday evening in St. John's Church, from St. John xvi., 16, said: We have a bright example of a faithful, diligent, useful life in that of our former Bishop—the Bishop of Oxford-who has been taken to exercise, as our Bishop so feelingly said, those great gifts so faithfully used in God's service unto a world where they may be used even more for God's glory than in this." It was in this church that he held his first ordination on Trinity Sunday, 1834, when one of our own clergy, Charles Francis Cross, was ordained deacon. The Bishop himself preached on the occasion from St. John viii., 29, and it is remarkable that the last ordination our Bishop held as Bishop of Chester was also in St. John's Church, when, on St. Luke's Day, 1888, he held a special ordination in order that another of our clergy, E. J. Sparks, might receive the order of priesthood. At a time when men's minds are disturbed by doubts, when difficulties are pre- sented without consideration to shake their faith, when the doctrines of the Christian faith are called in question and the bonds of religious obligation are being lessened, when some very earnest-minded men are wavering in their allegiance to the National Church of our country, it is reassuring, it is helpful in a very great degree to find one of such unrivalled learning as Bishop Stubbs, of such exceptional powers of intelligence and understanding more than other men, continuing to the end humble, faithful, constant to the Church of his fathers, finding in her doctrines the teaching of our Lord Himself and His apostles. It is a great help to us to find such a man able to finish his course and pass away from this world finding in the simplicity of the Church of England service and ritual sufficient to nourish and sustain his spiritual necessities May we not learn from this that in the use of what God has mercifully provided for us we may find sufficient for our needs, and that it is the restless, wandering spirit, wanting all things at once and not content to wait and persevere, that cries for new methods, change, excitement and even amusement in religion, and no doubt assist- ance from without, that fails to find the spiritual help he needs in our churches, services and ordinances? A life of conscientious duty is always a pleasant thing to contemplate, some- thing to admire, something to envy. We feel the upraising influence of such a life, and he that is faithful in that which is least will prove himself faithful also in much. DR. STUBBS AND THE ctjRATE. Dr. Stubbs had a high opinion of the value of Butler's Analogy," and nardly ever forgot to impress its importance on young students. This was once testified in a comical manner atter a luncheon given to Ordination candidates at the close of their examination. Among the number there happened to be a very simple and exceedingly nervous young country curate. Good-bye, Mr. said the bishop, with his genial smile, don't forget Butler, you know, don't forget Butler!" "Oh, no, my lord." replied the young man, nervously fumbling in his pocket, "I've given him half-a-crown already." OTHER STORIES. Among his country clergy was a vicar who, for convenience sake, may be called Mr. Blank, of Blankton-a man full of fancied ailments, who considered change such an absolute necessity that, at the date of the story, he was quite a stranger in his own parish. One day he came to the Bishop with his usual request. Not very well, my lord-feeling decidedly run down-immediate change of air most urgent." The Bishop's eyes twinkled, but he spoke quite quietly: Try Blankton, my dear sir-try Blankton." The late Bishop was particularly impatient of any attempt to "talk shop in hours of relaxa- tion. Clergy were often unable to perceive that, after two confirmations and a drive of perhaps ten or twelve miles, the Bishop had earned the right to have his tea in peace, and thus laid themselves open to a snub. But on one occasion clergyman approached the Bishop with a re- quest for a subscription towards his Band of Hope excursion. "Not I!" was his lordship's reply; "you temperance people spend more money in abusing your neighbours than I get for my diocesan societies." The reply was brusque, but the twinkle in the episcopal eye said, as plainly as words, My good friend, there's no cancnry vacant, and if there was you wouldn't get it!" Similarly, when a clergyman's wife inquired whether he was pleased with the confirmation candidates, the Bishop shocked her by replying: I didn't see a single pretty girl among them." His wit, in fact, took the form of unexpected replies. "How many articles, my lord?" said a porter, capturing the Bishop's handbag. "Thirty nine," replied his lordship promptly, to the man's bewilderment. But he had no scruples about shocking the par- ticular. A flustered chaplain once burst into the library at Cuddesdon, where the Bishop sat read- ing while the last bell was ringing for service. Has your lordship forgotten that it's Ash Wed- nesday?" he queried. "Ash Wednesday must take the will for the deed," replied tho Bishop, resuming his book. The following rather mordant epigram came from the Bishop's pen at the time when Kingsley had resigned his professorship of history at Cam- bridge, with some disparaging remarks on that study, and Froude had said in his rectorial ad- dress at St. Andrews that history had been cor- rupted by the clergy — While Froude instructs the Scottish youth That parsons never tell the truth, The Reverend Canon Kingsley cries That history's a pack of lies. These strange results who shall combine? One plain reflection solves the mystery- That Froude thinks Kingsley a divine, And Kingsley goes to Froude for history.

THE HOME RULE REVIVAL.—A meeting of the Newport branch of the tJnited Irish League was held on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Farrell, M.P., said the issue before the Irish electors was not that they should be true to this or that English party, but that they should be true to Ireland. The touchstone of fidelity to Ireland was Home Rule. A resolution was adopted pledging the electors to support Mr. Spicer, who is a staunch Home Ruler.

ROMAN BRIDGES. Sir,—I note with great regret the preliminary announcement for the doom of these landmarks at Hockenhull Platts. I trust you will use your utmost influence to endeavour to avert the catastrophe. The County Council could divert the roadway so as to leave the bridges intact and always to be seen as an ancient highway. I have written to Mi1. Henry Taylor, F.S.A., and Mr. Radcliffe, F.S.A., secretary of the Lan- cashire and Cheshire Historical Society, to use their influence.-I am, yours truly, GEO. W. HASWELL. 70, Bouverie st., Chester, April 29.

DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER BILL. In the House of Commons on Wednesday the second reading of the Deceased Wife's Sister Bill was carried by a majority of 157. Sir W. Gurdon brought up the necessary motion, urging on behalf of the measure that if a general election were fought upon it not a single borough or county would return a member opposed to its principal. Mr. Griffith-Boscawen moved and Mr. Sharpe seconded the rejection of the Bill, but chief in hostility and vigour among its opponents were Earl Percy, a chance remark from whom raised a brief storm on the Irish Nationalist benches, and Lord Hugh Cecil, who implied that the enactment was promoted by a limited ring of people who had broken the law and wished Parliament to whitewash their characters.

) —————————————————— ARCHIDIACON AL VISITATION. --+-- RUNCORN. Archdeacon Barber's second visitation was at Runcorn on Tuesday. Commencing his charge he said: One of the canons prescribed that places shall be chosen for the keeping of courts "as shall be convenient for those that are to make their appearance there and most indifferent for their travel." In acquiescing with the expressed wish of some of the wardens last year, that he should hold a visitation at Runcorn, he believed he was conforming to the spirit of this canon. TATTENHALL. On Wednesday Archdeacon Barber held his annual visitation at the Parish Church, Tatten- hall, to admit the churchwardens in the Malpas Rural Deanery to their offices for the ensuing year. In the course of his address he called special attention to the necessity of providing suitable safes for the custody of the parish registers, of keeping the churches in repair, and helping the diocesan funds. After the visitation Mr. Geo. Barbour, of Bolesworth Castle, enter- tained the clergy, wardens, and sidesmen at tea in the Barbour Institute.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. -+- Ail cycles and other vahicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in tne following table:— P.M. Wednesday, May 1. 8.21 Thursday, May 2 8.22 Friday, May 3. 8.24 Saturday, May 4 825 Sunday, May 5 8.27 Monday, May 6 8.28 Tuesday, May 7 8.29

WEKKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER INFIBMABY ENUKD BATUKDAY LAST. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. 1H-PATISBT3 DISOHA&ttgD.. IH-PATiKKrS, Cured 14 1 Admitted 29 Relieved 10 J Remain ui tun .-louse 102 Blade Out-Patients o Unrelieved 2j L><;uc. i I Hoiwe Visitoi-s-Mrs. Adair and Mrs. Dixon. OUT-PATIEKIb. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eieven o'clock. sursicul cases are seen ou Thursday mornings at Eles;;o o'clock Ophtttflmio oases are seen on Friday morniiig-s at Elev o'clocfc. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday ttnd 8ator.i»y riorum*- tt Teu o'viocn. »'¿11l1(,Mù tniiue a.'Jlll"(1lt.' i».*l 105

-F I tiirtbs, Jftarrtases, anD idcatbb. BIETHS, MARRIAGES, and DEATHS are ciiarged at the raw of 20 wards for Is. (prepaid). If iK.t prepaiu, the charge will be 2s. tki. l'lie unuouuceuieai must 08 authenticated by the Signature uud Address ot the Sender. BIRTH. Cumirie-April 24, at Greenfield HaJI, Holywell, the wife of J. S. Cuming, M.A., Oxon, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. BF.ECKOFT—SPENCER—April m. at All Sain s', Handley, by the Bev. A. P. Ostrehan, William Beecroft, Ducking. ton Grange, Malpas, to Edith, eldest daughter of Thomas HenryiSpencer, Well House, Hundley. EILIOTT-WEAVicit-April 29, at ot. Albyn's, Tattenhall, by the Rev. L. M. Farrall, rector of Holy Trinity, Chester, John Elliott, M.O., Chester, to Margaret, youngest daughter of the late William Weaver, of Stanney. No cards. KSNBALI—BCTCHEB—April 24, at St. John's, by the Rev. Canon Cooper Scott, MA., Charles, only son of J no. Kendall, Waterloo, to Katie, younger daughter of Mrs. Butcher, The Groves, and the late tdward Butcher, Liverpool. PEKMBWAS—MU8PRATT—April 17, at the Parish Church, Sefton, Lane., by the Bev. B. i'. G. Smithwick, M.A., assisted by the Rev. Canon Armour, D.D.. William Perinewan, M.D., F.B.C.S., ot Bodney-street, Liver- pool, second son of Dr. Peruiewan, Redruth, Cornwall, to Stella, youngest daughter of Edmund Knowles Muspratt, J,P., of Seaforth Hall, near Liverpool. DEATHS. BOLTON-April 20, at Tallon Green, near Malpas, James Dale Bolton, formerly Deputy-Chief Constable of Flintshire, aged 7J years. LITTLE-Ápril 27, at his residence. No. 48, Hough Green, William Edward Little, eldest son of the late John Little, of Woodville House, Chester. WATsoiN-April 28, at 32, Ermine-road, Newton, Chester, Florence Amy, daughter of the late George and Georgiana Watson, aged,22 years. WILLIANs-April 2d, at Dee View, Dee Bank, aged 32 yiars, Florence Cecilia, the beloved wife of David Williams, and youngest daughter of the late Charles Kurtz Orrell, Liverpool. Interment to-day (Wednes- day), May 1, at Chester Cemetery. LFricnds please accept thIs-the only—intimation.] I IN MEMOS JAM. BAMSDEN—In fond remembrance of Samuel William Bamsden (late editor of the "Chester Couraat" and the "Cheshire Observer"), who passed away (sud- denly), at his residence, Harrow House, College-road, Deal, on April 29th, 19LO, and was interred in Chester General Cemetery on May 4th, 19u0. ["At rest."j

M EMORIALS. AT ALL PRICKS, IN MARBLE. GRANITE, STONE& ALABASTiii- On View, a.nd to Order. W. HASWELL & 80S, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CIliisTEii. Estimates and Designs Free on application. Telephone No. 161 a..

NATIONALIST OPTIMISM.—Mr. John Dillon, M.P., speaking at an irish demonstration at Stockton-on-Tees on Sunday, said the Irish party presented to the world the spectacle of the most united and best-disciplined party in the House of Commons. If the Liberal party could be as well disciplined and led it could sweep the country within the year. He con- demned the Government's blundering and ex- travagance, and said the country was on the very verge of conscription, which, he held, would be fatal to the commerce and well-being of the nation.

CRAWFORD'S CREAM CRACKERS CRISP AND CREAMY.

YEOMANRY TO TRAIN AT WYNNSTAY.-A brigade order, issued by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., commanding the 15th Yeomanry Brigade, announces that the Secretary of State for War has approved of the assembly of the 15th Yeomanry Brigade for 18 days' permanent duty, frem May 22 to June 8, at Wynnstay Park, Ruabon.