Abergavenny Chronicle

J.P. SUMMONED AS ABSENTEE. I At Scunthorpe Mr. Thomas Stubbins, a magistrate and chairman of Wirterton Council and a memi>er of the local I.L.P., was summoned for failing to report himself for military service. He had been granted aa exemption certificate, but it was not recognised by the military authorities, as he was chairman of the TribiBial. although he did not adjudicate. The Bench held two months' grace should bo allowed after t'he withdrawal of an exemption certificate, and dismissed the ca.se.

FEWER HEAD WOUNDS. I The percentage of head wounds in British hospitals was fifteen six months ago. Mr. Tennant stated in the House of Com- mons, on Monday, that the supply 01 steel helmets had now nearly reached the num- ber asked for The percentage of head '? ruarv IS ani Alarch 15 wounds between February 18 and March 15 was 12.35.

DRINKING IN PROHIBITED HOURS. I At Newcastle on Monday. William Stephenson, manager of the Hawthorn Inn, at Forth Banks, was fined £ 22, and George Patterson, the licence-holder, was fined £ 130, for offences under the Central Control Board Regulations. It was stated that shortly after six o'clock in the morning crowds of workmen were on the premises drinking rum and whisky.

Mr. Oscar Kloc-cker, Norwegian Consul In the State of Wuohington, U.S.A., states that there is a wave of prosperity in Norway owing to the high prices fetched by plain dried herrings, the value of which has in- creased it-io e than five times since the out- break of war. German prisoners at Douglas Camp, Isle of Man. are engaged in cutting peat to re- lieve the scarcity of coal. A heavy tariff (,11 imported German-made nTnsical instruments ar.d musical supplies after the war was asked for uy the British Music Convention.

ATTITUDE OF THE PRIESTS TO SINN FEINISM. When tie Royal Commission on the Irish Rebellion resumed its sitting6 on Saturday, County lIkipcctor Rutledge described the growth of the Sinn Fein movement in Galway, and produced extracts from speeches of Professor McNeill and Sir Roger Case- ment. In the speech referred to, delivered in November, 1913, Sir Roger Casement said that the object of the Sinn Feincrs was to win Heme Rule and protect themselves? against the threats of Ulster Volunteers. McNeill dedared their object was the inde- pendence of Ireland. These and similar utterances were reported to the Inspector- General at the time, but, said witness, no action was taken. On April 25 last one priest advised the rebels to disband, but some of the younger priests participated actively in the outbreak. Many of the priests were loyal. There had been a secret society in Galway since 1882, always in touch with the Clan na Gael and Uie Gaelic Athletic Asso- ciation. That secret society 1w..d led to all the agrarian crime in Galway, and was at the back of the Sinn Fein movement now. There had been a feeling hostile to the Government in his district ever since a party of Sinn Feiners were prevented emi- grating from Liverpool to America in November, 1915. Asked if he had any intimation of German money coming into Galway, the incp-ector replied, "Not directly, but it was noticed that people who were known not to be well off had a good deal of money to spend. The police were unable to find out where it all came, from." County Inspector Clayton said that some of the younger priests were more active than others in promoting Sinn Feinism, but the older priests were opposed to the move- ment. County Inspector Hill, of Kerry, stated that Sinn Feinism came into prominence in his district in October, 1914. After Mr. Red- mond had announced the decision of the Nationalist Party to support England' in the war practically all the Sinn Fein leaders became pro-German, and were active against recruiting for the Army. Witness described the circumstances attending the arrest of Casement, and said that Austin Stack, one of his associates was arrested. This dis- heartened his followers, and after their leader had been taken into custody 316 Irish Volunteers returned to their homes. There was consequently no actual rising in Kerry. Among arms seized were a number of Ger- man rifles. The sale of arms in Kerry had I)e-n for some time stopped. Inspector Sharp, of Wexford, thought that 93 ]-cr cent. of the priests in that county r-pposed the Sinn Fein. Rifles seized in Wex- ford were mcstlv German. The ammunition included Dum-dum or soft-noted bullets, specially manufactured as such. GERMAN INFLUENCE IN KERRY. I Sir Morgan O'Connell., J.P., Killarney, giving evidence on Monday, spoke of his efforts during the first nine months of the war to get the German manager at the Kil- larney Hotel arrested. It was at that hotel that the spy Lody stopped. There was no doubt that much German money found its way to Kerry, which swarmed with German agents in the guise of waiters coming to receive accounts. It was more than probable that there was a connection between German influence and Sinn Feinism in Kerry. The hotel manager referred to was arrested in April, 1915, but released, and returned to Kerry to carry on good work for his country-Germany. The witness had the strongest possible reason to believe that the police authorities of Kil- larney did their best to get this man re- moved. Private efforts were made to get this done. He appeared to have powerful 'friends, and was allowed to remain in the area scheduled under the Defence of the Realm Act. Mr. Birrell and the Government were re- sponsible for criminal neglect of the spread of scditfon. The one bright spot was the unswerving loyalty of the Royal Irish Con- stabulary, who knew the people, were of the people, and repeatedly warned the authori- ties of coming trouble. As showing the feeling among the people, the witness said he heard the children out- side the cathedral singing "It's a wrong, wrong thing to fight for England," to the tune of "Tipperary." Another instance was that in a certain case a solicitor wanted to charge his client two guineas. The client said, "I won't give you two guineas; I will get two magistrates cheaper than that." He took the two magistrates and was acquitted. SINN FEIN PRESIDENT'S LIFE I SENTENCE. It was officially announced in Dublin on Tuesday that Professor MacNeill, head of the Irish Volunteers, was sentenced by court-martial to penal servitude for life, and that the sentence had been confirmed by the General Officer Commanding-in- Chicf. Mr. MacNeill was professor of Early and Mediaeval Irish History at University Col- lege, Dublin, and the originator of the Gaelic League, iqefore taking up the pro- fessor-hip Mr. MacNeill held a high position at the Accountant-General's office in the Dublin Law Courts. On the Saturday night before the out- k?e*k on Easter Monday Professor MacNeill I sent out a notice postponing i alefinitely the Volunteer parade arranged to take place on Easter Sunday.

BRIDESMAID SHOT DEAD. I The tragic death of a young bridesmaid on her way to her brother's wedding at B-c-ulah, South Cardiganshire, led to a el nr-e of manslaughter against a young servant named Evan John Jones, at the Lampeter Assizes on Monday. On the morning of May 13 Miss Julia Harris, of Cwmporthman. accompanied her brother, George, as bridesmaid, and there were rejoicings according to local customs, Topes being placed across the roads and guns fired. Young Jones took hold of his father's gun, and, as the wedding party was passing, fired a shot, killing Miss Harris instantaneously. Accused, who bore a good character, was found "Not guilty," and was discharged.

MANS FALL OVER CLIFF. I At Freshwater on Monday a thrilling ftory was told when an inquest was held on the body of Arthur Norman Labalencier, who lost his life by falling over the cliff 'Icon, Fres h water. near the Tennvson Beacon, Freshwater. Ropes having been obtained, an unknown man was lowered some distance, but he failed to see the body. Then Private Hughes, of the Duke of Portland's Light Infantry, undertook to go over the cliff. He was let down to within about 100 feet of the bottcm, but he, too, was unable to find de- ceased. Other evidence showed that a boat returned with the body four hours later.

WHERE KITCHENER FAILS. I "This gentleman would not be so efficient for the Ix7ork which he discharges if he were married," said counsel for the employers in an appeal at the House of Commons Tri- bunal on Monday. "Why?" asked a member of the Tribunal. A man cann.)t serve two masters," quoted counsel, adding, "Lord Kitchener says so." "NVe do not accept Lord Kitchener's opinion on matrimony," remarked the chair- man with a smile.

The proprietor of a Munich motor factory offers a premium of X5 for war babies, whether boys or girls, born to women in its employment, or wives of employees, up to six mont hs after the time peace shall have been declared. In a speech at South Shields, General Baden-Powell said that seventy per cent, of the Scoutmasters had gone into active serv icc, In j-pite of these diiffculties the movement had increased in efficiency and in numbers by twenty-five per cent, over last year.

MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S APPEAL TO MUNITION FIRMS. Addressing representatives of the engi- neering and shipbuilding employers on ttie Clyde and Tyne, Mr Lloyd George said a holiday at Whitsuntide was unthinkable. The Easter holidays had a deplorable effect upon ontput. Nominally, they were two or three days; really, it was a week, and our output of ammunition during that fortnight went down exactly one-half. It meant that there were hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition which under ordinary conditions would now have been at the Front supporting our troops, but were not forthcoming. There had been very heavy firing there lately, and the demand for ammunition was very great. The' gun- ners had to consider before they fired their ammunition how much they had in reserve, and when there were hundreds of thousands of rounds short upon a fortnight's output it made a considerable difference in the charac- ter of the operations which could be under- taken. The fact of the matter was that we could r.ot afford theso holidays at the present stage of the proceedings in France. The fighting was very hot in some parts; it was getting hotter and hotter on the British Front. He knew how hard they had all been working, employers, managers, foremen, and workmen. The strain was terrific, but it was nothing to the strain upon the poor fellows fighting under a rain of shot and shell night lifld day. He thought the least that could be done would be that, at any rate, during the pre- sent war—because we were straining our utmost to increase not merely our ammuni- tion, but the number of our machine guns, guns, rifles, and naval equipment-tbere should be a sacrifice of what would be very legitimate relaxation under ordinary condi- tions. Of course, if men were liable to break down under the strain it was better not Itnerel v in their own interests, but in the in- terests of the work, that they should be let off for a week or a fortnight to recover their strength. "I should like to hoar what your views are upon the subject," concluded Mr. Lloyd George. "All I am able to tell you as Minister of Munitions, knowing exactly what the Army wants and what I am able to supply, is that a holidaysat the moment when perhaps the fight will have developed into its hottest, is a holiday which will onmpel me to write to the Commaivder-in- Chief and a. I am very sorry, but this week I cannot send you half the ammunition which I sent you last week.' And that is a letter which I should be ashamed to write." I HOLIDAY TO BE POSTPONED. About fifty Trade Union officials, repre- senting all the important industries con- nected with munitions, met Mr. Lloyd George in conference on Monday to discuss the question of abandoning or curtailing the Whitsuntide holidays. The proceedings were private. Mr. Lloyd George addressed the Conference, pointing out that the post- ponement of the holidays for two months might mean the saving of thousands of lives. Ultimately the Conference decided to accept this proposal on the understanding that time and a-half would be paid for all holidays given up. It was also agreed that local district committees, in conjunction with representatives of the Ministry of Munitions, should make the necessary arrangements for carrying the voluntary scheme into effect. Where rooms have already been booked, as in the case of the Clyde. and Tyne workmen, steps will be taken by an administrative order, if neces- sary, to, cancel the bookings and save the men affected from pecuniary loes.

I BRITISH PRISONERS DRIVEN MAD. Lord Newton informed Lord Bereeford, in the Heuse of Lords, that the number of British civilian subjects repatriated from Germany since December, 1914, Was 628, and the number of Germans repatriated has been 1.160. There were about 27,000 German civilians interned in this country, and 4.000 British civilians in Germany, most of -them at Ruhleben. In view of theee figures, he was reluc- tantly compelled to admit that the situation was thoroughly and distinctly unsatisfac- tory, and it was most desirable that every effort should be made to secure the liberation of these unfortunate civilians at Ruhleben. The condition of these men was very bad, and he was given to understand, on the best authority, that many of them were ir danger of losing their reason. Out of nine civilians repatriated a few days ago, three vere descrilied as' insane. The lot of the German civilian interned in this, country was appreciably better than the lot of the British civilian interned in Germany. An extension of the present system of ex- change was in contemplation. A proposal has \)('cn sent to Germany that the age, now placed at fifty-five, should be lowered to fifty, and that in the case of men unfit for active service the age should be reduced to forty-five. This proposal was made some weeks ago, but no reply had yet been re- ceived from the German Government.. The present system of individual exchange was most unsatisfactory, and, in his view, the only fair basis of exchange was that the question should be decided solely by age and by physical condition.

INSULTED LADY CONDUCTOR. Lazarus Farostein and Myer Woolman were summoned at Lambeth Police-court with insulting Mrs. Gertrude Duncan, a lady omnibus conductor. When Mrs. Duncan tried to prevent the melt from going on the top of the omnibus, which was full, they pushed her violently aside, and though they finally went inside the omnibus, they con- tinued to direct, at her a volley of abuse. It was stated on liehalf of Messrs. Tilling, Mrs. Duncan's employers, who prosecuted, that they felt it was their duty to protect their wo m-n conductors, who had come for- ward at a time of great difficulty, and tho magistrate agreed that such conduct must Bsottoh plvd aa?C ,r-e.-e d that such con d uct must be stopped at once. Both defendants were fined 20s. and 20s. costs.

J.P. SUMMONED AS ABSENTEE. At Scunthorpe Mr. Thomas Stubbins, a magistrate and chairman of Wintearton Council and a memlier of the local I. P., was summoned for failing to report himself for military service. He had been granted a.i exemption certificate, but it was not recognised by the military authorities, as he was chairman of the Tribi^ial, although he did not adjudicate. The Bench held two months' grace should be allowed after the withdrawal of an exemption certificate, and dismissed the case.

TO DINE WITH MR. ASQUITB. A well-dressed woman named Gertrude Phyllis Cole, twenty-three, was committed for trial at the Marlborough-strcet Police- court for obtaining dre, etc., to the value of £ 236 by false pretences. The accused had represented that she was the daughter of a rich South American ship- owner, and on one occasion said she wanted a specia l gown as she was being taken by "!ie wife of the American Ambassador to dine with Mr. and Mrs. Asquith.

Alderman Fellows, J.P.. chairman of itthe Isle of Wight County Education Anthonty, says if they cannot get female teachers they will close down the schools. A free country is more important than an educated country in these times. At the instance of the Holboru Council, local authorities are being asked to recom- mend that the allowances to married men should lx» dealt with, at the discretion of the Lccal Government Board, by the local tribunals or war committees already appointed, who win act gratuitously. It is stated in New York that numbers of Swedes are l-eturning to their own country, where war-wealth is so widespread that farmers drink champagne and buy pearl necklaces for their wives.

DRESS OF THE DAY. I I A SPORTS COAT. I One of the most useful garments in tlio average feminine wardrobe, more especially during the spring and summer months, is a light weight Sports or golf coat made cf comfortable warm material. Such a coat may be worn not only with the usual ehort skirt and shirt of sports wear, but with a cotton frcck on colder days, and may even be used as a light wrap over a smarter toilette on a chilly evening. These coats are carried out in various Knitted fabrics, and in jersey cloth, crepe de Chine, Shan- tung, light weight homespun, or summer eerge. When the coat is to be made at home it is wise to choose some rather firmly vo%en fabric, such as Shantung, serge, gabardine, or ehepe de Chine, for these are much easier to handle than the more clastic jersey and stockingetto materials. The neat and very smart little coat ehown in our I [Refer to X 705,] I sketch is quite a simple model, and wouiu look well carried out in any of the materials mentioned above, particularly nice, perhaps, in heavy crepe de Chiife or in Shantung. It wraps well over in front and fastens in- visibly, the fastenings being arranged beneath the edge of the coat. Wide soft revers and a neat little collar turn back from the opening in front. The former are long enough to come quite down to the belt, and both revers and collar have their edges outlined by a row of machine-etitching; The sleeves are quite plain, and are set into a seam at the shoulder. They are finished at the wrist by cuffs that match the collar. The coat is held in at the natural waistline by a. stitched and stiffened belt of the material, which is passed through a strap in front and fastens with a large button. The coat is amply full below the waist, and is orna- mented by a large patch pocket placed on each cide of the front. All the edges of the coat are made neat by a line of machine- stitching. I A PRETTY LITTLE PETTICOAT. I A few years ago it was only the exception- ally energetic and far-seeing mother who made her small boys' and girls' clothes at home. But habits have changed greatly dur- ing the last eighteen or twenty months. Re- trenchment has been preached at us from I e»ery side, and to many of us economy has become a fixed everyday necessity. [Refer to X 706.] I Our sketch shows a particularly nice little garment, which i.s one of the newest types, and is quite easily made at home with the aid of a good pattern. It is a little girl's princess petticoat, which may be carried out in fine longcloth, madapolam, nainsook, cambric, tarantulle, or Jap silk. This little garment has six seams, one on each side of the front, one under each arm, and one on each side of the back. The neck is cut round and is trimmed with narrow lace, and with lace or embroidery insertion, and the sleeves are similarly finished. The bottom of the petticoat is edged by a band of lace or em broidery insertion, and an eight-inch frill of lace or embroidery to match. I THE USE OF RIBBON. I Ribbon is high in favour with the smart dressmaker just row, who is using it, more particularly in llie narrow widths, to trim dainty summer frocks, pretty rest gowns, and the very simple evening dresses which are the only wear of the kind just now. The ribbon is used in various ways, nearly all of which are both pretty and effective. In some cases it is simply arranged in parallel rows, with an interval between each row and the finished by heavy tassels. These smart little flat rosettes, with a centre made of iiry artificial lfowers, and these roectte;, are placed at lip(C the lfounces of the skirt. Or. again, the ribbon is made up into pleated which are broken here and there by tiny posies of flowers. Paper patterns can be supplied, price Gà. When ordering, please quote number, en- close remittance, and address to Miss Lisle, 8, La Belle Sauvage. London, E.C.

Mr. Runciman declared in the House of Commons that the recent rise in the price of milk from 5d. to 6d. had been confined to certain districts in London, and the Board of Trade are causing inquiries to be made. One hundred pounds to the Lancashire Military Convalescent Hospital at Blackpool has been contributed by the King. Lambeth Council has agreed with the gas companies to suspend the lamppost paint- ing contract this year. This will save Is. a lampport. I W:ands\vorth Council reports that a net profit of £ 1.337 was realised on the muni- cipal cemeteries in the borough during the past twelve months.

FORT HANDED OVER AFTER TWO. HOUR FIGHT. A Bulgarian force advancing from the north has occupied the Greek Fort Rupel (near the frontier, fifty-two miles north- north-east of Salonica), which guards the pass into Bulgaria up the Struma River, and also Forts Dragotin and Janovo (says the Salonica correspondent of the "Daily Mail"). The three, with Dova Tepe, which the French recently occupied, form part of the- Greek defences" igainst a Bulgar invasion. When the Buigars appeared before Fort Rupet they demanded its immediate surren- der. The Greek commander said he had -io orders, and called upon the enemy to retire. In view of the aggressive attitude of the Buigars, the Greeks opened fire with theii guns and obliged the Buigars to fall back. The fight lasted from midday until 2.3C p.m., when the Greeks received orders from Athens to hand over the fort to the Bulgars. The officer obeyed, but the soldiers wept when they had to raise the white flag. Two Bulgar battalions immediately entered the fort and also Forta Dragotin and Janovo. Large enemy forces have been seen coming down from Petrich by the Struma Valley, md considera ble troop movements have alsc keen observed in the vaHey of Mesta (which murks the boundary of Eastern Macedonia and Bulgarian Thrace). The enemy has already brought bridging material to the cast bank of the river. Important forces have been observed descending the Bul- garian valleys in the direction of the Greek port of Kavala. The Buigars have occupied the site of the Demirhissar bridge with a brigade on the east bank and another on the west, and a bridgehead is being established. It will be remembered that on January 12 General Sarrail had the Demirhissar bridge blown up. It has not since been repaired, and at present there is only a footway across. A natrol of the 6th Uhlans has penetrated as !r as Spatovo, a little west of Dcmirhissar. GREEK UNEASINESS. In a despatch from Athens, dated Sunday, Mr. M. H. Donohoe, special correspondent of the "Daily Chron icle," says that beyond protesting to the Central Powers it is un- likely that Grcece will take any other action concerning the violation of her terri- tory in Eastern Macedonia and the occupa- tion of several strategic points by the Buigars. Mr. Donohoe says the whole ques- tion of the German-Bulgar invasion in all its bearings has been discussed at a Cabinet, meeting, and that it vas decided that if Greek neutrality is to be maintained it is impossible for Greece to think of forcibly opposing the passage of the armies of the Central Powers, and must simply regard it as a case of force majeure against which Grcece is powerless. The Allies have already occupied consider- able sections of Greek territory, and accord- ir. to the view of the Greeks, the German- Bulgars only followed the example of the Entente Powers. The King, who has been absent from Athens, returned immediately, and summoned the Premier and the War Minister, with whom he had a long con- sultation. The Government are seeking to allay the uneasy feeling caused by the prc- stiicc of Buigars on Greek territory, but find their task one of difficulty. POPULAR PROTEST. Another "Chronicle correspondent, Mr G. Renwick, says the Greek journals very strongly condemn the Bulgarian violation of Hellenic soil. A great public demonstra- tion was held at Salonica on Sunday morn- ing, when a number of speakers strongly protested against the Bulgarian action in occupying forts on Greek territory. Later the people formed up in procession and marched through the "town carrying Greek '? l in order and Allied fli 's. General Sarrail, in order to prevent disturbance, sent a detachment to assist if necessary in keeping order. A curious feature of the procession was that it was czcoitecl tli-oiigh the town by French troops and Greek gendarmes, while a detachment of Serbian gendarmes brought up the rear. Everything passed off without mishap. The resolution passed at the demonstration was handed by the leaders of the procession to the Prefect at the Prefecture, after v.bich the people dis- persed quietly. The resolution called for energetic action by the Government, and protested against violation of Hellenic soil by Bulgarians.

MARRIED SOLDIERS' FURNITURE. Local authorities have received from the Local Government Board a detailed explana- tion of their rights and duties under the Local Government (Emergency Provisions) Act, which has just secured the Royal Assent. Sanitary authorities may make arrange- ments for storing furniture fcr men who have been called up, "reasonable expendi- ture to be defrayed out of the rates. Councils are entitled to charge a small sum to cover the cost of removal, storage, and re-deliverv or insurance in cases where they consider such a charge may reasonably be required, but in any case they must in- sure the articles against damage by fire or belligerent operations.

SOiDIERS TO HELP FARMERS. Sir Ailwyr Fellowes, speaking at a meet- ing of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture at Norwich on Saturday, paid that as chair- man of the County War Committee he had had a conference with the General com- manding the district upon the question of the Army supplying labour to farmers, and he was glad to be able to say that the mili- ta.ry were anxious to help them in every way. It had been decided that farmers short, of labour should be permitted to apply to their district for the help of as many soldiers as they might want, and it would be supplied at the rate of 4.»». a day if the soldier pro- vided his own board and lodging, and 2s. 6d. a day if the farmer provided it.

FATHER OPPOSES SON'S APPEAL When a boot manufacturer appealed on Mondav before the Northampton Tribunal for temporary exemption for a workman the appeal was opposed by the workman s father, who appeared in the uniform of the Roval Horse Artillery. He said his son had been discharged from the Territorials as unfit, but had now been passed as fit by the Medical Board. "He is trying to shirk it; he ought to go, and I'll see he goes," the father added. The tribunal gave a certifi. -at,e for fourteen days.

LORD KITCHENER'S GUESTS. I Lord Kitchener entertained a party of wounded soldiers at Brooms Park, Canter- bury, during the week-end The men came from the Manor Court Army Nursing Home, Folkestone. The Secretary of State for War had tea on the lawn with his guests, and paid par- ticular attention to a man who had been blinded by shrapnel.

TIGRIS BOMBARDMENT. I The War Office makes the following an- nouncement :— General Lake reports on May 24 that the enemy is still holding his positions on the left (north) bank of the Tigris in the vicinity of Sanna-i- Y at. "Our artillery from the right, hank has been maintaining effective fire, on his com- munications along the left bank."

Soldiers rendered ihiable assistance at a fire through which St. Mary's Church, Bath- wiek, Bath, was ecriously damaged. Miss Eve, sister of Mr. Justice Eve, who was a ga-eat lover of sport and succeeded Lord Brasscy as Master of the Bexhi!l Har- riers, has died at Bexhill. The "Washington Department of Commerce announces that New York leads all the ports of the wo-Id in commerce. London being rele- gated to second place.

OTHER MEN'S MINDS. I have no fear of the people. Britain will light it out.-MB. DAVID LLOTD GEOBOB. WITH GREAT RESPECT. Some people take Greenwich mean time as if it was on a par with the British constitu- tion or the Thirty-Nine Articles.—MAHQUI& OF LANSDOWNB. A NOTE OF WARNING. Taking tho farms of the country as a whole. they have parted with almost all the skilled labour they can possibly Fpare. If more were taken it would mean that more food would have to be imported and tonnage diverted from the carriage of munitions to the carriage of food. It would mean that money would be spent on buying food else- where that would otherwise be used in sup- porting the finances of the Allies. It would mean a constantly increasing cost of living and panic prices.—EARL OF SELBORNK. THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. This House is a representative institution, and I suppose that the dregs of the country are entitled to representation in it.-MR. CURRIE, M.P. THE FIGHTING AGE. If I were asked to lead a charge on a German trench I would rather have behind me It(lts of eighteen than men of forty.— COLONEL YATE, M.P. THE REAL PATRIOTS. It is ea.?y for a man who believes in con- scription to accept it. The really splendid display of patriotism is tho acceptance of it hy men who do not believe in it. That ia the core of the Engl ish character.—MB. JAJIKS DOUGLAS. A WAR MAXIM. We should be quite wrong if in this or in any other matter relating to this war we built our hopes of success on the weakness of the enemy instead of on our own strength.— MR. AUSTKN CHAMBERLAIN. A LIBEL. Å LIEEL. It has been said that the working classes flir,-ugliotit the country are wasting their mrrev and are living in a degree of luxury which ia particulary unbecoming in the midst of a Lrreat war. So far as I can judge, that charge, as a general charge, is untrue. -MR. McKENNA. l A SUDDEN PEACE. Germany is beaten, and the end of the war is in sight. Peace will come as sud- denly as the war started.—MR. SAMUEL lIlLi. RUSSIAN AND BRITON. We Russians are perhaps in comparison more a sentimental than a practical people. whilst, on the other hand, the British race have the reputation of being the most prac- tical race in the world.—M. GOURKO. GERMANY'S LAST THROW. Germany is fighting for this silly faction of invincibility, for what she calls expan- sion, but what is in fact the control of Europe. Her leaders must know it is all ex- ploded, but they are carrying on Tike the gambler who, having lost almost all his for- tune, feels that for that very reason he must stake the rest.—MR. HILARY HAR- DIKGE. I AFTER THE WAR PROBLEMS. There are great questions to which, after the war, we may have to find an answer, such as the land question, the drink ques- tion, the declining birth rate, the appalling infantile mortality of our great cities, and the terrible records of the health of our school children. These things will have to be taken up not as political cries but as common social duties and matters of science.. -Bisffop OF NEWCASTLE. THE BURDEN-BEARERS. No one before the strugcrle commence4 lxlieved that the strain involved would have been borne so tolerably by practically all the belligerents, and I am of opinion that not even Germany will be unable—at all events for some considerable period—to con- tinue to bear the economic gtrain.-FRo- FKSSOR FOXWELL. A NEW BRITAIN. I believe that now there is a surge sweep- ing through the mind of every Britisher that will make him-and has made him—a better man than he ever was before, and it will make them, when this blood-red cloud of war passes away, endeavour to lay the foundation-stones of a new England, infi- nitely better than ever before, in which every man shall have a place and every man shall have a chance, in which it shall never be said there are millions of men on the verge of starvation in the richest country in the world.—MR. W. M. HUGHES. FALSE NEWS CRIMINALS. When nerves are on edge, and the events of a century crowd into a week, to spread false news of calamities that you do not know to be true should be made a criminal offence.—MR. ARNOLD WHITE. A SETTLED PEACE. We are fighting the* German idea of the wholesomeness, almost the desirability of ever-recurrent war. Prussia under Bismarck deliberately and admittedly made three wars. We want a settled peace in Europe and throughout the world, which will be a guarantee against aggressive war.-Sin EDWARD GREY. THE THREEPENNY-BIT. There are people who think that their whole duty to the Church is fulfilled by an occasional threepenny-bit placed in the collection plate.-MR. J. A. LONGLEY. LTEE SPORTSMEN. It is because we have tought this war as sportsmen, in the true spirit of sport, that after it is over we shall command the re- spect not only of our Allies, but of our adversaries.—MR. J. ASTLEY COOPER < THE MAN WHO DOES NOT KNOW. The dangerous revolutionist ie commonly a.. person with little knowledge of history or practical experience in politics.—PROFESSOR. A. F. POLLARD. FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. Freedom of conscience does not mean. believing anything that you like, even though it be to the detriment of your neigh- bours, and declining to perform your duties as Christian men and citizens. This is cer- tainly not the freedom of conscience for which our forefathers contended and for which, if alive, they would have contended, to-(Iay.-BISHOP OF LIVERPOOL. SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE. I'J. 'L! Alter the war agricultural education will be more important than ever, and though the amount expended on it has been in- creased of late ycars it is still quite inade- quate. In the future much more careful attention will have to be paid to agricul- tural problems, the connection between science and farming will have to be much closer, and the financial aid will have to be iucreased.-MR. ACLAND.

Fishing with a hand-line, a boy has caught a fine bass of glIb. from the beach at Bognor. The D Northumberland Miners' Fund avail- able for political purposes is officially re- turned at £ 245. Ealing is organising a house-to-house "1-, lection of bottles on behalf of disabled local soldiers and sailors. s