Evening Express

THE LEGALITY OF CHRISTMAS- I BOXES. An absurd ecare arose about this time last year as to the effect of the Prevention of Corruption Act (which had then not even come into force) upon the legality of Ohristmas- tcxes. The result (says the Law Journal ") was that many people (wishing, presumably, to live up to the higher standard of morality which the law was about to enforce) refused to continue the time-honoured practioe of giving Christmas-boxes. For the belief that the Act makes them unlawful there is, how- ever, no justification. It is now a misde- meanour corruptly to give or offer to an agent (including a servant) or for aa agent corruptly to accept or attempt to obtain a gift as an inducement or reward for doing or forbearing to do any act, or for showing favour to any person, in relation to his principal's business. Secre-cy in the trans- action, the excessive amount of the gift, the fact that the servant belongs to a class to whom it is not customary to give Christmas- boxes, may be facte which tend to show a corrupt motive. But, speaking generally, Christmas-boxes are given without any intention to tempt a servant to violate any duty which a owes to his employer or any- one else, or to reward him for any violation of such duty, and the employer knows quite well that his servants are, receiving these gifts from the people with whom he has business relations. It Reams absurd in these circumstances to suggest that to give or take a Christmas-box is an offence within the Prevention of Corruption Act. Timorous people, who fear the hand of the law, may also take oomfort from the knowledge that in England a prosecution for an offence unde"r tha Act cannot be instituted without the leave of the Attorney-General, and Sir John Lawson has said that it is clear that Christmas presents, which really have that character and are openly amd honestly given as such, cannot be within the Act.

PUT TO THE TEST I She (after twelve): And wouM you really put yourself out far my sake? He: Indeed I would! She: Then do it, please. I'm awfully sleepy!"

LIK6BED COMPOUND." Tt?d* m*lk d Uy'a I Compound Essence of Ubosaed, far Ooajixs X d OoM<. I iew omgbe Dwuaded mow tfen ?

Sensational Arrest I INSPECTOR CHARGED WIlH PLUNDERING TRAINS Considerable sensation was created in Eetford on Christmas Day by the arrest of William Eggleston, an inspector on the Great Northern Railway, who is charged with stealing quantities of valuable goods which had been missed from time to time in transit. The articles identified included photo- graphic cameras, watches, mackintoshes, whisky, cigars, &c. The prisoner's son was also arrested, and in his house the detectives found quantities of the missing property. The prisoners were remanded, bail being refused.

PEERS FOR PORTUGAL. DICTATOR PROPOSES TO APPOINT AN UNLIMITED NUMBER. Senhor Franco, the Dictator-Premier of Portugal, has taken an extraordinary course in his determination to destroy the power of the Opposition in the House of Peers. In a dictatorial decree public, jd in the Official G-azette," he declares that umder the present conditions it is impossible to re-open Parliament owing to the Opposition's great majority in the House of Peers. Two courses have been open to him:- To substitute for the present House an elected Senate. To extend the nominations of peers to the House to an unlimited number neces- sary to obtain a majority in his favour. He has decided to take the latter course On Wednesday the "Official uazette" was: to publish the decree ordering the convoca- tion of the electoral colleges for the purpose of issuing the writs for the forthcoming elec- tions, which will take place on April 5. An official decree has been issued at Lisbon fixing April 5 as the date for the elections to the Chamber of Deputiee.-Reuter.

LIBELLED THE FRENCH ARMY. M. HERVE INTENDS TO APPEAL AGAINST HIS CONVICTION. M. Herve has informed the Patrie" that he intends to appeal to the Court of Cassa- tion against his conviction on the charge of hbelling the Army.-R-Buter.

MOTOR KILLS CHAPLAIN. TRAGIC DEATH OF THE REV. D. P MILLER AT CAIRO. The Rev. D. P. Miller. Army chaplain, died at Cairo on Tuesday evening as the result of injuries caused by a motor-oar. The rev. gentleman was alighting from a tramcar when he was knocked down and badly crushed by a motor-car.-Reuter.

MR. GINNELL'S MARTYRDOM HAS MEALS SENT IN, AND RE- CEIVES FRIENDS IN GAOL. Mr. Ginnell, M.P., has been visited in Kil- mainham Gaol by several of his Parliamen- tary colleagues and prominent Nationalists, who say he is permitted to write and receive four letters daily, and is also permitted to; wear hie own clothes and supply his food I and furniture for iiis room. I

NETHERLANDS MINISTRY I RESIGNS. The Netherlands Cabinet hae resigned in consequence of the rejection by the Chamber I of the military estimates.-Reuter.

LOTTERY V POTTERY I He: Manriaige is a pottery. I She: You møalIl a lottery, don't you? Ee: No, I mean a pottory--a place for I making family jars. I

TROUBLES OF BEETHOVEN INTERESTING MANUSCRIPTS OF I THE GREAT COMPOSER. The Christmas number of the Vienna I Zeit" contains an interesting article on the recently-discovered manuscripts of Beet- hoven, together with re-productions. There are altogether 47 pages of writing, dated February 18, 1830, and they contain for the most part an account of the great ¡ musioian's troubles in connection with his guardianship of his nephew Karl. A large portion of the manuscript is occu- pied with a close portrayal of Karl's mother, I and her character is painted in the blackest ooloure, Beethoven recounts his quarrels with the lady and the Vienna magistrates into which he was drawn in connection with. the cares of guardianship, and relates some lively passages in the contest. One of the most characteristic passages runs as follows:- I confess that one ought never to allow himself to be overcome with passion; yet I a.m a. man cruelly misunderstood on all sides, hunted like a wild animal, often treated in the vilest manner by these vulgar officials, and waging a continual confliot with this monster of a mother, who is always trying to stifle whatever good has ( been done with so much trouble. There- fore, I believe that psychologists will pardon I me if sometimes I let my temper get the better of me.

STRANGE TALE OF THE SEA. I An extraordinary incident is reported from Brussels. Several days ago the inhabitants of Anderghen, a village situated on the bor- ders of the Forest of Soignes, were terrified by the appearance of what seemed to be a huge ourangoutang in the neighbouring thickets A search was organised, and the uliknown monster turned out to be a man, nearly naked, with hair and beard 2ft. long, who leaped from branch to branch with the agility of a monkey. The police were warned, and after a chase lasting two days the unfortunate creature was captured in a. state of complete exhaustion. He appears to have lost all power of speech, and the only clue to his identity is the name "Mygraen" engraved on a medal suspended to his neck. The Mygraen was a Nor- wegian barque wrecked fifteen years ago, from which no survivors were discovered. It is conjectured that the man in question lost his reason, and has been living in the woods ever sinee.

A "RAINY DAY." I A rainy day to the rain statistician is a day on which at least one-hundredth of an inch of rain has been measured by a rain- gauge, and under the generic term rain- fall are int.-ded rain, snow, hail, dew, and mist. IAIST month Gibraltar setup a, new local record, no lees than 4in. falling in thirty minutes. Of late years the heaviest down- pour in the Metropolis happened Last year, in June, when on the 29t.h. nearly 3.in, fell in eight hours. The density of snow is so slight compared with rain that in rainfall" statistics an inch of the latter is equal to a. foot of the former.

ENGLISHWOMEN AND FRENCH I TOILETTES. M Jean Perier, the Coanmerciail Attache to I the French Embassy in London, has issued [ a report on French Exports to England and Their Weak Points." In this report tt<mtion is drawn to the marked dlOOlS6 ?ioh has occurred in the exports of a,gri- ?i]tMra!l products, and to the incr&aM which «hown in motor-cajs and their accessories, n*i in "article de modes." M. Perier FSri ate out that during the last Afteen yeMB ?ta of Englishwomen has tended more and more in the dir?tion of P<??. toilettes.

DRUNKENNESS IN FRANCE. I Alcoholism in France is held to be one of the moat terrible scourges of the present day. Two years ago the Aoademie de Medeeine invited members of the medial ooeieties to collect statistics of all deaths in their wards. M. Ferneto haa (says the "Horpital ") com- municated a eummary of these ?tistice. and S that during the last fifteen months, ??a total of over 1.500 dea? occurring in eleven different hospitals and asylums, alcohol played a part in the cause of death In one-third of the oases.

BEAUTIFYING A CITY. I Acting under plana of the CHty Beautiful officials, the Atlantic Oity Electric Light Oom?ny have pro?iMd to spend ESO,000 m buryi? overhead wires during ?." yew. I?ottcaUy ?ery m?ie i?m t? ?cM.?y ?w? be nlftoad la ooodirito. L.' ..t:O:

Seaman Goes Mad JUMPS FROM A MILFORD TRAWLER A determined case of suicide was reported on Wednesday morning on the arrival in dock at Milford Haven of the steam-trawler Emerald, of Milford. When fishing in the Bay of Biscay on Monday the cook. R. F. Crawford, aged 37, a native of Tasmania, who was recently in the Army Service Corps, sud- denly showed signs of insanity, first by taking up an iron bar, and then waving it over his head. He dropped the bar and jumped into the sea, swam a little distanoe, and then dived several times. A rope was repeatedly thrown to him, but he took no heed. He then floated on his back, opened his mouth, and kept his head under water. He was soon picked up, and artificial respira- tion was applied for over half an hour, but he showed no signs of life. The body now lies in the mortuary awaiting an inquest The deceased had been stationed for some time in the forts at Milford Haven.

IABERYSTWYTH HIGH RATES At the last meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Council a general district and water rate of 5s. 3d. in the £ was adopted for the current half-year, this being an increase of Is. 4d. upon the raw for the corresponding half of last year. The Mayor (Mr. C. M. Williams) strongly objected to a 3s. 3d. rate, maintaining that a 26. 6d. rate would be sufficient. He was also opposed to an item of jE900 included in the general district fund estimate, to be transferred to make up a deficit in the borough fund, on the ground that euch a transference would be contrary to the provisions of the Municipal Corpora- tions Act. After the meeting the mayor intimated to the town-clerk that it was his intention to take the necessary steps to obtain an order of the court to quash the rate. inasmuch as it-ems had been included in the estimates which wfere illegal. On Tuesday afternoon a special meeting of the council in committee was held to con- sider a letter from Mr. W. P. Owen, solicitor, on behalf of Mr. C. M. Williams, protesting against the making of the general district and water rates, and intimating that unless the said rates were rectified proceedings would be taken. There watj a full attendance of members, and, after some discussion, a question was asked as to whether that meeting could dis- cuss a question not referred to it by the council. The Clerk replied in the negative, where- upon the Mayor declared t-he meeting closed.

RE-AWAKENING OF CHINA A long edict was promulgated at Peking on Tuesday regarding the proposed consti- tution which the Government says it is pre- paring and hopes to establish. It is unable to fix the date of the introduction of the con- stitution, which, it says, must be gradual, and points out that Constitution means Government by law, and that China, in selecting the good points of foreign nations, must maintain her national civilisation and moral teaching. The edict adds that the Tee Chen Yuan, or G-overnment Council, in Peking, and the Tse i Yi-ohu, or provincial deliberating assemblies, are the first step towards Parliament. If the Tse Yi-chu's decisions are good, they can be submitted by the Governors to the Tse 1 Cheng Yuan. The edict also refers to the agitation in the provinces, and dew&res that the public j expression of opinion must be controlled by I law, and that press regulations will be drawn up. It orders the Board of the Interior and i the Constitutional Bureau to elaborate regu- lations regarding political associations, to determine their competence, and to repo?t to the Throne regarding Promulgatiou of regulations.—Renter. I

FIRES IN LONDON Several serious fires occurred in London on Christmas Day in rapid succession, involv- ing considerable I-. There were some exciting rescues, and in one instance three valuable horaee weTe lost. A child of seven succumbed in hospital to injuries received in a fire on Gbristmas Eve.

THE WORLD'S GOLD The estimates of the world's stock of gold at the close of laat year, furnished by the U.S.A. Treasury Department, suggests some interesting comparisons, in whioh our own country makes rather a disappointing- Bhow. Thus, of every L100 of gold the Undted States possess L23 (or little less than a quarter of the total supply); Germany claims CI5; Russia and Franoe approximately El3 lQs. each; Great Britain, £ 7; and the rest of the world, C28. tlranoe, with a population roughly equal to that of Great Britain (we assume that Ireland is excluded), has nearly twice as much gold, per capita, as ourselves, and Germany ajid the United States are in a position little less enviable. It is interest- ing to note that the world's gold represents only about one-eighth of the wealth of the United Kingdom alone, and less than five- pence in the pound of the wealth of the entire world.

THAMES TRAGEDY Dragging operations for the recovery of the body of Dr. G. J. Sealy, of Weybridge, drowned in the Tha.mes on Tuesday, were carried on on Christmas Day, but were un- ouooeer.ful.

A DRY SPOT Angler: Hans it. Is there a dry spot in this boat where I can strike a ipatch ? Boatnuan (who has been disappointed as regards refreshment): Try my throat, dirt"

BLACK HAND GANG CAUGHT NINETEEN DESPERADOES RUN TO EARTH AT PITTSBURG. Acting on information privately conveyed to the Pittsburg Police Department, a force of forty detectives made a raid upon a secret cavern near the oity on Tuesday, and after a short struggle succeeded in capturing nineteen desperadoes, all members of the Black Hand Gang." The ruffians were armed, most of them with stilettos, but, seeing they were out-munhered, they offered little resistance. lit is probable that t.be raid will bam the effoot of breaking* up the American organisa- tion of this notorious secret society. Several of the prisoners are recognised as leading members of the gang.Centrsl NeWII.

SLIP OF THE TONGUE Mr. Taffeiigh is a sunooUvfaced young man, isn't he, Matilda?" Why, I thought, it lelt-I mean—" Matilda!"

HEALTHIER CHILDREN. HOW SCHOLARS WILL BE MEDI- CALLY EXAMINED. wiul tne dawn of the New Year the chil- dren in all the elementary schools through- out the country will (as already announced in these columns) undergo medical inspection. The thoroughness of the bodily overhauling to which Tammy and Jenny will be subjected will probably astonish these young hopefuls, and they will go home to mother and father with fearful and wonderful tales of how the diootors pryed down their throats, grubbed in their ears, tested their breathing, raked through their hair, and turned their eyes about. A tabulated record of the examination of each child will be entered, either in a register or on a card, but it is not yet certain whether the parents of the children are to be furnished with a. copy of the opinions of the medical inspector, or whether the report on any individual child will be open to inspec- tion. This is a point that will, no doubt, be quickly brought to the test when Tommy rushes home scared with the newe that his visual aouity" is abnormal, or that he has nys-tagmua or "cervical" glands in the throat—or some other half-heard medical phrase. Tommy's parents will be at the school in double-quick time with a demand to know what it all means. The British Medical Association has drawn up a schedule of points to be noted in the inspection which it desires that the Board of Education should sanction. Under this schedule, which there is reason to believe accords very oloeely with the board's views, the age, height, and weight would be noted; the chest measured as expanded and deflated; a note taken of the body's nutrition and the clothing and footgear; the teeth reported on; and the throat, eyes, ears, and nose all examined, The mental capacity will alao be registered, and any defect'in articulation, and all other peculiarities will be recorded. Finally, infor- mation will be elicited as to the medical history, the position and occupation of the parties, and the like.

Weill, Mrs. Brown, I hear yorqr eon Edward hm enlisted in the Uth Hussars." I YM ma'am; you see, we wanted him to be near his tiio&bar Gbsusiee, vOao te sexseamt tu the 10&0 L I I I

I Missed His Wife I I HUSBAND HONEYMOONING ALONE ALONE I An extraordinary sequel to a Christmas Eve marriage came to light at Bristol on Christmas Day. I About ten o'clock in the morning a gentle- man went into the Bristol Post-offioe and stated that he had not only lost his memory, but had also lost his bride. He remembered being married at Wigan on Christmas Eve in the morning, and later setting out by train for Bristol, where he was going to spend the honeymoon. On the way he missed his wife—how he could not tell—but found himself landed in a strange place without any knowledge as to where he belonged or where he was going-a pretty situation for a one-day-old husband. He had but one poor clue to give the po6t- office omcials. to whom he applied for a.EB?t- anoe. Before leaving Wigan he recollected sending a telegram to relatives in Bristol advising them that he was coming by a certain train. He knew the time he handed it in, and gave the name in which it was sent, but there his memory left him stranded without an idea of the address or the name of the relatives. His accent was the broadest Lancashire, and it was obviously a genuine oase. The post-office intelligence was set to work, and kindly officials, by making inquiries, were at length able to find the addiess to which their inquirer wished to go, and whither they despatched him in charge of a messenger. What had happened meanwhile to the bride and the nature of the reception accorded to the groom when he reached the relatives, has not transpired. He had been wandering about Bristol's streets for four or five hours before it struck him that the post-office people might help him, and he was in a very distressed condition. When given the cue to the address he jumped; readily at it, and said it came back to his memory like a flash. After expressing his thanks to the officials, he left with the enigmatical remark, This will be a lesson to me!"

ADVICE TO A SON-IN-LAW I They have a Plowden in New York, one 'O'Reilly, who presides over a local police- court, and, like all city justices of the peace, is by common courtesy called judge." The other day a henpecked husband named Davis appeared and told the magis- traJte his wife compelled him to scrub the floor, wash the dishes, make the beds, and mind the baby while she went off to a theatre, leaving her mother to do a bit of slave-driviing. The Judge: Why don't you be a man and assert yourself? Davis: You've never soon my mother-in- law. The Judge: Do you want my advice? Davis: Store I do, your honour. The Judge: Well, don't scrub, don't cook, and don't permit your mother-in-law to butt in and boss the whole place. Take her gem/tly, but firmly, in your arms Davis: Holy Moses! The Judge: How many flights up do you live? Davis (eagerly grasping the situation) •. Three, your honour. The Judge: Good. Throw her down all three, and if that does not cure her and bring your wife home, start smashing a. few plates. Davis sallied from court with his chest out, 1mt his murage failed hAm when he hea?d the familiar voice issuing the familiar com- mamdo. And he meekly toddled off home j to renew his dish-washing.

I "PLATFORM "EGGSP I I An enormous quantity of unsold egg&-five I million in all—are said to be lying at present in the Hallee," or Covent Garden, of Paris, It appears that this is due to the exceptional mildness of the season, especially eo far as Russia is concerned. The Russian exporters, with the fear of wintei:"fTOsU in immediate prospect, are straining every nerve to hurry fotrward their So soon as the weather changes the supply will fall off.

I INDIA BY RAIL I According to the Times of India," in the fnlness of years a direct line from India to the English Channel must come. When it comes the Afghan-Russian route will ue the beet route, and our contemporary believes i tbitt Within the lifetime of "many who read these words carriages labelled Moecow I j Express" will be seen in the Victoria ter- minus at Bombay.

I SUNDAY DINING I I A feature of modern eocdal life which has come with rapid strides to the forefront of 1 fashion during the imt few years is (says I the" By?t?nd?r") that of dining in public restaurants, on Sunday Dighte in particalar. During the Victorian Era, Sunday night dining in restaurants was a privilege I reserved exclusively for members of the I dramatic profession.

I SAFETY FOR SUBMARINES It is stated that a Frenchman has invented an important apparatus for U8e in connec- tion with suibmiairines. According to the i Eclair," it will be possible by means of this invention to coonmiunicate with the ooou- pants of a suibmergied boat and to convey both air and provisions. Moreover, in case of dangier, it is claimed that a submarine can be brought to the surface without the employment of divers. ■

I TRAMS ON THE RIVER I Every winter, as soon as the Neva. at St. Petersburg is frozen over, a service of electric cars is started to run across it on the ice. These (says "Home Chat") are quite one of the sights of the city, and at night, when the track is brilliantly lighted by I electric lamps, the effeot is very fine. 1 ■

I DINNER-TASTING AS A PRO- FESSION. I An out-of-the-way profession for a woman is that of dinner-taster, observes the Reader." She is a product of Parisian refinement, and spends a portion of each da.y visiting houses and tasting dishes intended for dinner. She suggests improvements, amd I shows the cook new wayt3 of preparing foods,

I CRISPIN LIBRARY. I The library of Crispi, which is being sold by public auction at Rome, comprises some four thousand volumes. These are mostly works on jurisprudence, history, statistics, and political soienoo-the veritable library of a worker. A very large number of the books are in French.

I TROUT FOR CENTRAL AFRICA. Mr. C. Oadman, of the North of England Fish Hatchery, Barasford, Northumberland, has sent. on behalf of the British Govern- ment, to Sir Alfred Sharpe at Zomba, in British Central Africa, a consignment of 10,000 brown trout ova and 3,000 fontiualee (American brook trout). In 1905 Mr. Cadman sent out a consignment of similar ova in patent boxes, but these failed in the land transport on the way from Chinde to Zomba. Last year Mr. Cadman sent out 10,000 rainbow ova, which proved a great success. They developed into ltlb. in fifteen months. The present consignment is being sent in patent boxes, with ice chests, so that the ice in the boxes may be replenished. The fish will be shipped from Dover on one of the steamers of the German j South African line to-morrow (Friday). The voyage to Chinde will occupy four weeks After arrival there will be a journey of four days up the Zambesi, and after a four days' rail journey the ova will be carried for over IX miles through the bush by natives. The temperature of the country to be traversed varies from lOOdeg. to 115deg. Besides the con- signment ol ova, a considerable equipment is being sent out to establish a hatchery.

I THE NEW REPORTER. I The editor of a daily paper says; We took a new reporter on trial yesterday. He went out to hunt for items, and after being away all day returned with the following, which he said was the best he could do: — Yesterday we saw a sight which froze our blood with horror. A cabman, driving down Clark-street at a rapid pace, was very near running over a nurse and two children. There would have been one of the most heartrending catastrophes ever recorded had not the nurse, with wonderful lore- i thought, left the children at hoane before she went out, and providentially stepped into a chemist's shop just before the cab passed. Then, too, the cabman, just before reaching the crossing, thought of something he had forgotten, and. turning about, drove in the opposite direction. Had it not been for this -onderf-ul concurrence of favouring circumstances a doting father, a loving mother, and affectionate brothers and sisters would have been plunged into deepest woe and most unutterable funeral expenses.' "The near reporter will be retained."

10,000 Mile Trip RUSH BY MOTOR-CAR FROM PEKIN TO PARIS i The wonders that the modern motor-car can accomplish are strikingly eet out in Signer Luigi Barzini's book, "Pekin to Paris," recently published by Messrs. Grant I I' dclia rds. Signor Ba.rzini accompanied Prince Soipio Bargheise as speciaJ correspondent of the Gorriere Delia Siera," the great Italian paper, on has ItaLa car, which so easily won the recent transcontinental race. During the two months that the journey occupied ecores of unforeseen difficulties were encountered, one of the least of which was falling through a bridge into a stream. For hundreds of miles the car ran through a sheer quag-mire, and at times a ploughed field was considered an excellent track. The Itala was incamrparably the heaviest of the five cars pa-rtiæpating in the race, though it possessed a greater power—40-h.p. —thau any of them. At times oxen and camels had to be requisitioned from the peasantry to drag the automobile, or chi cho (fuel vehicle), as the Chinese called it. from the depths of some Mongolian higlhway. Yet from all its trials and tribulations the heavy Itala ca-r emerged triumphant, and eventually, on Amguet 10, exactly two months after leaving Pekin, ran into Paris ahead of its rivals. The performance of the 00.1" is all the more remarkable when it is realised that it was not specially built for the race. Prince Borgthese, in the same calm, matter- of-fact manner in which he entered for the contest, searched for a vehicle. He chose the Itala, and purchased one in the ordinary way, the manufacturers having no idea at the time for what purpose their model was bought. At the end of the race he presented the oar that had carried him so many thousand miles to the Itala Company. Speaking of the ordeal to whioh it had been put, the Prince, in an introduction he has written to Sigrior Brazini's work, says 1 that out of the 10.000 miles the car covered, 7,500 miles were without a track, and in the whole course of the race the automobile had to be assisted by extraneous means barely 120 miles.

INDIAN JUDGE SHOT A Calcutta telegram announces that the latest bulletin regarding the condition of Mr. Allen. the magistrate who was shot m the Goal an da Railway Statiou on Tuesday, states that the bullet has been found, and was to have been extracted that day (Wednesday). It was added that there is now some hope of his recovery. The event has cast a gloom over the Christmas festivi- ties The Viceroy on Tuesday conferred with the Lieutenant-Governors of Bengal and Eastern Bengal. Mr. Allen has tried several oases of sedition, and has already once been subjected to an assault in the streets. It is stated that he received a warning that an attempt would be made on his life, and for that reason motored a part of the way from Dacca to Goalanda instead of taking a train. —Reuter.

DEATH OF LADY PEARCE I News reached Glasgow on Wednesday evening of the death in London on Tuesday night of Lady Pearoe, whose husband, Sir William Pearoe, Bart., died in London on Novemiber 2 last, leaving instructions that upon the demise of Lady Pearce has fortune of £ 400,000 was to be handed to Trinity Col- lege, Cambridge. Sir William was chairman of the Fairfield I Shipbuilding Camp any, of Govan, Glasgow. Lady Pea<roe's maiden name was Caroline I Eva Cbote.

A DRY YULETIDE I Twenrty-three all-the-year-round swimmers I bathed at Folkestone yesterday, and a medal I was afterwards presented on the beach to one bather who had not missed a swim on any morninig during the year. The outstanding feature was the dryness of the air, which possessed less humidity than for several weeks past. Prospects favour a gradual increase of cold generally over the kingdom, with a tolerable prospect of skating in many parts I of England by the New Year.

—» I PEERS' HIGH DEATH-ROLL I Some remarkable features are presented by the obituary of the year which is now closing. No fewer than 25 members of the Upper House have passed away, as against only six in the Commons. Among the best known of the deceased peers are the Marquis of Bristol; Viscounts Goschen, Hood, Midleton, and Gormanston; the Earls of Liverpool, Olanwilliam. and Sondes; and Lords Allendale, Kelvin, Brampton, Chesham, Nuwbumholme, Penrhyn, and H&liburUm; and the Bishop of Chichester. The year's obituary also includes 30 ex-M.P.'s, two baronets, who both died soon after succeeding to their titles, six Bishops, and two ex-Lord Mayors of London.

KING AND QUEEN I The King and Queen. the Prince and Prin- cess of Wales, Princess Victoria, the Princes Edward, Albert, and Henry, a. Princess Mary attended Divine service at Sandring- ham Church on Christmas morning in sunny weather. The church was beautifully decorated. The Queen wore a long black velvet robe, and the Princess of Wales was attired in a violet costume with purple trimmings, Princess Victoria being in black, with a white boa. The Rev. F. Percival Farrar, the rector, officiated. There was no sermon. Christmas hymns were sung. After the ordinary service the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of WaJes, and Princess Victoria remlained for Holy Communion. The children of the Prince and Princess of Wales walked across the park to York Cottage. The Royal ladies returned to Sandringham House in a closed carriage. The King and the Prince of Wales went on foot across the park. The rest of the day was spent in Sandringhaon House.

BRAVE BOURNEMOUTH GIRLI The plucky conduct of a young lady named Florence Edwards during a disgraceful assault on a policeman at Winton, Bourne- mouth, by 'a crowd of men received warm commendation from the Bournemouth magis- trates on Christmas Eve. Albert Edward Loder was being arrested by Police-constable Saiasbury for using obscene language, when the constable was set upon by a crowd. Mies Edwards saw the constable .being kicked, and as he was on the ground she knelt down and blew his whistle. She was threatened, but blew the whistle still louder until assistance came. The Bench thanked the lady for her plucky conduct, and said it was a disgraceful pro- ceeding that such a thing should be left to a woman, but it was all the more honour- able and creditable to her. A grocer's assistant, named Alexander Haynes, who appealed to the crowd to desist. was severely struck on the eye. The Mayor remarked that he seemed to be the only one who behaved like II man among the crowd. Prisoner was sentenced to three weeks' hard labour for assaulting the police.

ENGINE DRIVER BEHEADED I An engine-driver, named William De Ia- mare, of Taunton. WRb killed at Barnstaple Station of the Great Western Railway on Christmas Eve. He was to have worked a train from Barnstaple to Taunton, but oould not be found, and another driver was procured. On Christmas morning Delamare's body, with the head severed from the body, was found on the line at the station under some carriages which had been shunted. He leavet3 a widow and seven children.

THE "ROMANCE" PATOIS I An international society has been founded in Brussels the object of which is to pre- serve to the different" Romance patois and provincial <x.aleots—those derived from the Latin-a. foremost place in philological I research. The Roman Dialect Review" I and the Bulletin of Roman Dialect" w.-Il advocate the views of the society.

TT! I FOOD AT RESTAURANTS I The cranks and the food faddists seem to be less obtrusive than heretofore. The maitreg d'hotel tell me (says Grimod," writing in the World,") that they are far less plagued by requests for fanciful dishee and quaint concoctions than they æed to be. One of these geniuses had to provide hominy cooked in five different ways on one night in July. Now he is asked for portaal, if more sophisticated, dishes, in which he can take a greater aftietio tntepaet. TMs it as fit sbemid b~ 'j, -o.¡:\ &¡,

M.C.C. Tour in Australia I MATCH WITH A BENDIGO EIGHTEEN Batsmen Score at a Rapid Pace. BENDIGO, Thursday. The M.CLC. toaza here to-day played the ninth match of their tour, their opponents being an Eighteen of Bendigo. It was arranged that the Colonials should only field thirteen men. The vi-eat-her was hot, and a violent wind raised clouds of dust when play commenced, but the wicket was in good order. A. O. Jones, Fane, Fielder, and Barnes were omitted from the English team. Hutchings won the toss, and sent Hobbs and Crawford in to open England's innings, the bowlin- being shared by Deravin (medium to fast) and the left-hander, Sarvaas. Botn batsmen commenoed scoring at a good pace. The total had reached 39 in twenty minutes when the first wicket fell, Orawford being caught by the wicket-keeper (Gould), standing back to Deravin. The Surrey amateur's 25 included four 4's. Hobbs, who had scored 14, was then joined by Hayes. Before the latter had scored he was missed at point off Deravin. The 50 went up when the game had been in progress twenty-five minutes. At 77 Harry, who Was a member of the Australian team that visited England in 1896, and is now fifty years of age, w,t on for Sarvaas. The century occupied fifty-five minutes, and at this stage Redd displ ced D'afavin. Hobbs, who was showing bright and interesting cricket, reached his indi- vidual 50 in an hoar and four minutes, while Hayes, hitting briskly and taking some riskH, was fifty-two minutes in compiling his half- century. At 135 Trott relieved Reid. With the total at 140 Hayes was caught at cover-¡ point bv Harry, off Anderson, for 53, Hobbs then being 57. Hayes's innings, which occu- pied fifty-eight minutes, included one six' and five fours. Hutchings followed in, but only scored seven, when he was clean bowled- by Ander- son, the third wicket falling at 148. Hobbs l had meanwhile put in a single. At this point lunch was taken. M.C.C. AND GROUND.—First innings. ¡ J. N. Crawford, c Gould, b Deravin 25 Hobbs, not out 58 Hayes, c Harry, b Anderson 53 K. L. Hutcnings, b Anderson 7 Extras 5 Total (for 3 wickets) 148 M.C.C. 187 for six. Abandoned for the day through rain. } )

WAGONER LEFT TO DIE I Remarkable evidence was given at a.n in- l quest at Milton, a village three miles from I Northampton, on Joseph Marks, wagoner, aged 61, who was knocked down and injured while delivering hay in Northampton. After being taken to the Northampton General Hospital he was sent to his home at Milton, where he died within an hour. Dr. Charles Linnell, who received the l deceased at the hospital, said he, with Dr. Myers, examined Marks. There was a little bruise on the groin, but nothing to suggest that Marks had been trodden on by a horse or run over. Witness and Dr. Myers came to the con- clusion that Marke waa suffering from a oertain amount of boozing and was under the influence of alcohol, and they dl&- charged him. A juror asked whether any means were used to ascertain whether Marks was suffer- ing from alcohol or whether his condition was surmised. Witness: It is well known that this is one of the most vexed questions in medicine. I only say it because it is the opinion I came to. I don't say it with any animus. I say it to defend myself. He had had a certain amount of beer, which would affect him. A man named Buswell who was with Marks declared that Marks was perfectly sober. Another witness, named Stanton, said he shared a quart of beer with Marks two hours before the accident. He aaked the doctor if he sanctioned deceased's removal, and the doctor replied, Yes, there's nothing the matter with him except a few bruises. He's been drinking, but I'll examine him again just for satisfaction." Witness took deceased home in the wagon, Marks becoming very much worse on the journey. Dr Richardson, of Blisworth, sai-d j Marks was dying when he saw him, soon after he arrived home. He detected no sign of alcohDl. The post-mortem revealed serious internal injuries, which it would be impossible to detect at a first examination. Death was due to shock following injuries which were caused by the horse having trodden 011 deceased or a wheel having paeeed over him. The Coroner said he did not see why the deceased should not have been dertamed tonger at the hospital, and the jury returned a verdict of Accidental death," adding, We think the doctors were wrong and inhuman in sending him out of the hospital in a dying state, and we see no reason to believe he was under the influence of alcohol."

BEES ARE SOCIALISTS. I LACK LOVE, DEVOTION, PITY, AXD CHARITY. An extraordinary illustration of the logicaJ outcome of Socialism was given by Pro- fessor Gaston Bonnier, the great authority on insect life, in a lecture to the Institute General Psychologique describing the com- munal institutions of bees. "Bees work for the benefit of the hive, and the spirit of individualism has no existence," he said, in detailing a number of interesting experiments he had made. "But they present a remarkable example of realised anarchy," he added. "They are without love, devotion, pity, and charity."

MINIATURE RIFLE SHOOTING I INTERNATIONAL MATCH. I Shooting in the international post match I Wales v. New South Wales concluded on Tuesday. Teams were chosen respectively by I the Welsh Miniature Rifle Association and; the Metropolitan Association of Australian Rifle Clubs. Competitors were aUowed to shoot on their club ranges, before two inde- pendent witnesses, who certified that the shoot had been carried out under the speci- fied oonditions. Ten shots and one sighter were allowed. Each range waa 25 yards long, and only open sights were eligible. The National Rifle Association scoring was adopted, the highest possible soore for each man being 50. The following are the scores of the Welsh team, whose targets will he I sent to Sydney, New South Walee — Pcn°Js- A. E. Morton, 3rd T.B. S.W.13. Points. A. K. Morgan, Oilfynydd so F. Every, Nelson ZS 53 W. Gre?or?, Newport u P. C. Holley, Bryn 5g W. J. MO '"I Ogmore Vale 5/) H. J. Barnard, Nevrbridi; 50 A. Webber. St. Fagan's  48 G Jenkins. Pontypridd 40 J. Gates, MMSteff 48 J. W. Monk. St. Julian's 47

BILLIARDS. I BLAENAVON V. PONTYPOOL OLUBS. A m&toh was played at the Blaenavon Liberal Club between Pontypool and Blaen- a von. Scores: -Blaenavon liberal Club, 1,202: Pontypool Liberal Club. 1,137. Blaenavon won five games to four—65 points on the aggregate.

LEGAL TIPS FOR WOMEN. I VALUABLE HINTS ON RENTING A HOUSE. If the house be taken on lease for five, seven, fourteen, twenty-one, or any other number of years, the tenant will usually be required to do all repairs, both inside and outside, and to Pey ail ratee, taxes. and assessments in respect of the premises, except property or income tax, which may always be deducted from the rent on production of the receipt for such tax. The tenant will also have to pay her own and the landlord's soli- citors' costs of preparing and completing the lease. When the house is taken on a tenancy agreement for three years or leas, the land. lord generally does all outside and sometimee all inside repairs, but the tenant pay* rates and taxes, and landlord and tenant each pay their own solicitors' cost of the agreement. It is, of course, possible to vary any of the above stipulations by agreement at the time when an offer for the premises is made. In taking a. house it is of the utmost im- portance to ascertain that the drains and sanitary arrangements are sound and sum- cient. Apart from the inconvenience to boarders, faulty sanitation might render tfut ten ant under a leaae liable to heavy expense if the district authority were to require im- provement to be made. The prospective tenant should also consider the question of rates, as these vary considerably in different districts, and sometimes form a serious addi. tion to the rent. She should also, when the houees are newly built, ascertain whether the adjoining roads have been made up and taken over by the public or local authority, and whether all charges in respect of such roads have been paid.

MOUNTAIN RIAX (Linnm Gyttnrtievm) KL&&- An agreeable ipertent. Worth. trill, PillS. EVENS' BB.EA.D- fIT IØ II .V,■A&a.into.v.s

KEMPTON PARK. Notes and Selections. KEMPTON PARK, Thursday Morning, The Kempton Park executive have, as usual, ( put forth an attractive holiday programme for their patrons, and, with the weather of a delightful, seasonable character, an enormous crowd will be seen at this popular arcing enclosure. The chief item in the progra.mme is the Christmas Hurdle Handi- cap, for which my selection is AMERSHAll. Other selections are:- Hurdle—ST. ENOGAT. C-hisvk-ick Hurdle-,ST. F-NOGA.T. Hounslow Selling Hurdle—OEPTNGTON. j Hamptan Steeplechase HARTIGAN"S SELECTED. Park Steeplech.ase-A.BELAB.D. Richmond Hurdle—SINTRAM. MERLIN.

PROBABLE RUNNERS FOR TO- DAY'S RACES. Qhiswick Selling Hurdle Rao&-All ready to run (except St. Luke, Halivai, Prodigy, and Hadijeh). HounsQow Selling Steeplechase—All ready to run (except The Bey, Genuine, and Whole Truth). Christmas Hurdle Randicap-Kolo, Amer- sha.m., Simonson, Leucossia, Pirate Prince, Prince Robert, Paris Ranger, Mount Prospect II.. Queen's Cup, Gold win, and Lusffeigh. Hampton &keplechase-Canary II., Jenkins- town, Mitchelstown, Bachelor, and Cobham. Park 8teeplechase-Abelard, Pat Oullinan, Postcript, BaJlyhaokle, and Rampart. Richmond Maiden Hurdle Race-gintimM Mr. Ooley, MacMurrough, Happy Evening, Clatford, Aguador, Common Council, Ironic ILt Mountain Gpide, Publication, Poker, Barbed Head, and Mitral.

"EVENING EXPRESS" FINALS. I KEMPTON PARK MEETING. 1. a—KNIGHT COMMANDER. 1.30.-BRASS LOCK. 2. O.-SIIIONSO.,T. 2.30.—JENKINSTOWN. 3. 0—BALLYHACKLE. 3.30.-MR. OOLEY. WOLVERHAMPTON MEETING. 1. O.-&ELSOON PRINCE. 1.30.- FUTE. 2. O.-JOVEY'S NEUK. 2.30.—TRASTAMENE. 3. 0.—ARIZONA n. .JO.-W. WOODLANDS SELECTED. HOOTON PARK MEETING. 12.45.-LLANDAFF. 1.15—BERTILLON. 1.45.-AGONY. I 2.15—FINCASTLB. 2.45.—BIG BUBBIE. I 3.15.-VEGLO.

Tips at a Glance. I TO-DAY'S NAPS. I Chronicle (Kettledrum)—LITTLE SPROUT. Daily Mail.—CANARY II. Daily Exprem.-KOIO. Morning Leader.-W-HIPSNATW,. Daily Mirror.—KOLO. Chronicle ("Travelling Ooxreepondent").— WHIPSNADE.

SPECIALISTS' OPINIONS. I RACING EXPERT. Corduff or Amersham, Sintram, Canary Mistake, and Abelard. Wolverhampton Meeting-- Seisdon Prince. Candelabra, Blunderbuss, and Little Sprout or Weather Eye. Hooton Park Meeting- Mystical, Veglo. Bertillon, Abelard, and Springmount. RACING WORLD SPECIAL. Amersham, Sintram, Mount Prospect's Fortune. Ballyhackle, Bansha or Brass Lock and St. Enogat or Kilgobbin. Wolverhampton Meeting- Candelabra, Weather Eye or Arizona, Blnn derbuss or Guilan, Seisdon Prince, The Fore- man or Futen, and Love Slave or M.S. Hooton Park Meeting- Mystical, Waoonta or Veglo, Agony or Springmount, ertillon. and Abelard.

WEEKLY OPINIONS. I EAOIIfO WORLD WEEKLY. Sintram or Bright Park, Amersham and Whipenade, Mount Prospect's fortune (or Jenkinstown) or Canary II.. Ballyhackle or Abelard, Bansha or Brass Lock, St. Enogat or Mistake II. In either's absenoe, Kilgob- bin. Hooton Park Meeting- Mystical, Veglo, Agony or Springmount', Bertillon, Lady Ta-cita or Moynalty. and Abelard or Sea Kid. Wolverhampton Meeting- Weather Sye and Little Sprout, Canelabra and The Drudge, Blunderbuss or Guilan, Seisdon Prince or Julia Wolf. The Foreman ¡ or Hallgate, and ove Slave or Wepener. WINNING POST. Mount Prospect's Fortune. Wolverhampton Meeting- Springmount, Bertillon or Hare Warren, and Bockhaiuptou's Pride. DIAMOND WEEKLY. Mount Prospect, St. Enogat, Yafford or Castlefinn, Sintram, Jenkinstown or Killes- ter, and Pat Cullinan. Wolverhampton Meeting— olsey's Rc%el, Simonhatcfh, Guilan, The Arab, Elston, and Candelabra. I Wolverhampton Meeting- Merry Moment, Judina. Bertillion, Mars i II., Sunbeam VI., and Extravagance. I RACEHORSE WEEKLY. Mistake IL, Bansha. Amersham ;if absent Whipsnade, Mount Prospect's Fortune, Sin- tram, attd Pat Cullinan. Hooton Park Meeting- Abelard, Grandiliora, Agony, Amersham, Clongowes, and Extravagance. Wolverhampton Meeting- Seisdon Prince, Futen, Blunderbuss, Wepener, Weather Eye, and Candelabra. JOCKEY WEEKLY. Knight Commander or Jack, Brass Lock. Prince Robert, Sintram, and Canary. Wolverhampton Meeting- Seisdon Prince, Futen or Simonhatch. Blun derbuss, Maria, Grit or Weather Eye and Candelabra. Hooton Park Meeting- Abelard, Bertillon. St. Benet, Bumpkin, Sunbeam, Waoonta, and Veglo.

DAILY PAPERS I Sporting Ohronicle Keffledrum Chiswick selling. Kùgo bbin. Hounslow Handicap.—Delgany. Christmas Hurdle.-Whipsnade. Hampton Steeplechase.ffiMaher'g Best. Park Steeplecnase.—Ballyhackle. Itictimond Maiden. Mr. Ooley. Wolverhampton Meeting- Shrewsbury HandiOMP.-Island Chief. Shifnal Steeplechase—Simonhaftih. Thorneycroft Maiden.—Blunderbuss. Boxing Day Selling. Ma.ria. Wolverhampton Hurdle—Little Sprout Dunstall Hurdle.—Candelabra. Hooton Park Meeting- Moderate Selling Hurdle.—Judina. Holiday Handicap.—Bertillon. Westminster Handicit P .-Agony. Rossmore Welter.—Fincastle. Hunters' Handicap Steeplechase.—Petro- pavlosk or Clongowes. Novices' Steeplechase.—Veglo. TRAVELLING CORRESPONDENT. Chiswick Selling.—Mistake II. I Hounslow Selling Handicap.—The Bey. Christmas Handicap.—Whipsnade (nap). Hampton 'Chase—Mount Prospect's Fortune Park ltteoplenham.-Milybaclile. Richmond M a-iden.-Ci n tram. MAN ON THE SPOT. Wolverhannpton Meeting— Shrewsbury Handicap.—Seisdon Prince. ShtfnaJ St.JuaA. Ba.11Dte. Dunstall Hurdle-—Golden Mischief. Thorneycroft Maiden.—Blunderbuss. Boxing Day Hurdle.—Wepener. Wolverhampton Ilardle.-We&ther Eye. Sporting Life-Augur Kilgobbin, Bansha, Whipsnade, Mitchels- town, Ballyhacde (nap), and Sintram. 1 MAIN ON THE SPOT. Mistake II., The Bey, simousm (-?p). Cam&ry IL, Abelard, aj?d Poker. Sportsman—Vigliant j Mistake II. or St. Enogat, Brass Lock, s Hartigan's or Mr. Stedall s selected, Mahero Retpresentati've, Ballyhaickle, and Sintra.m or General Brown. WESTERN MAIL. Chicwick Hurdle.-)fistake II. Hounslow Steeplechase.—The Bey. Chriei-mas Hurdle.—Nightingall's Best. Hajnpton Stt ..lechase.—Canary n. Park Steeplechase.—Ballyhackle Riohmond Hurdle.—Bright Park. Wolverhampton Meeting- Seisdon Prince, Futen, Wepener Little Spront Candelabra. ¡ Hooton Park Meeting- Abelard or Sea Kid, Bertillon, Agony, Amersham, Mystical, and YegIo. DAILY MAIL. Chiewick Selling.fEMistake II. Hounslow Steeplechase.- Bansha.. C hristmas Hurdle. Amersham; if absent, Queen's Cup. Hampton 'Chase.-Canary II. (nap). Park Steeplechase.-Bailyhaockle. Richmond Maiden Hurdle.—Sintram. Wolverhampton Meeting— Shrewsbury 'Chase.l<'ather Ignatius. Wolverhampton Hurdle.—Grit. Dunstall Hurdle.—Candelabra. MORNING LEADER. Chiswick Hurdle.-St. Enogat. Hounslow Steeplechase.—I ne Bey. Christmas Hurdle. Whipsnade (nap). Hampton Steeplechase.—Mount Prospect's Fortune. Park Steeplechase.—Abelard. Richmond Hurdle.—Sintram. Wolverhampton Meeting— Shrewsbury steeplechaae.-Seisdon Prince. Shiinei Steeplecha.se.-r uten. Thoflneycrott Steeplechase.—Blunderbuss. Boxing Day Hurdle.—Balak. Wolverhampton Hurdle.—The Longmynd. Dunstall liurdle.-Candelabra. Hooton Park Meeting- Moderate Hurdle.—Llandaff. Holiday Hurdle. Hunt Supper. Westminster Steeplechase.—Agony. Rossmore Flat Race.—Iman. Hunters' Steeplerhame.-Goodson- Novices' Steeplechase.—Extravagance. DAILY MIRROR. Chiswick Hurdle.—St. Enogat. Hounslow Steeplechase.-i."e Bey. Christmas Hurdle.—Kolo. Hampton 'Chase.—Pat Cullinan. Park Steep looliase.-Baiiy iia-ekle. Richmond Hurdle.—Sintram. Wolverhampton Meeting- Shrewsbury 'Cha.se.-beisdon Prince. Shifnal Steeeplechase.—Futen. Thorneycroft Steeplechas.-Blun,derbuss. Boxing Day Hurdle.—Love Slave. Y>V>1\erhampton Hardie.-Weather Eye. Duiistail Hu-rdle.-Ca-ild,-Iabra. Hooton Park Meeting- Modera.te Hurdle.—Abelard. Holiday Hurdle.-Bertillon. Westminster Steepiecilaf-Agony. Rossmore Welter.—Iman. Hunters' Steeplech"e.-L"y Tacita. Novices' Steepleohme.-Yegio. DAILY EXPBESS. Chiswick Selling.—Kilgobbin. Hounslow Selling.-Bansha. Ohristmas Handicap.—Kolo (nap). Hampton Steeplechase.—Mount Prospect s Fortune: if absent, Pat CullinaG. Park Steeplechase.—Ballyhackle. Richmond Yaiden.-General Brown. KEMPTON PARK MEETING. TO-DAY'S Pr.tKiRAM.ME. 1 O-The CHISWICK SELLING HURDLE RACE PLATE of 100 BOVB; winner to be a,.Id for 50 eovs. Two miles. Mr D ClarkeKilro&bin Gore 51112 The abov. has arrived. Mr J M EeU's ? Lute _-P? ?U 1. Mr P meesoi'e Sn<?bem Gi?eson all 12 Mr R Gere's HaJiva! -&ore a }i L. Ler all 12 Mr C B Hodgson's St ,?? ore a ii iz Mr F C PMtLor'6 Jack .K?y ? Mr H J Hall's K?t U ootton 3 iC 5 Mr H M Hartigan's Mi»tak« 11.F Kaxtigan o 10 5 Mr F E Hunt's Prodigy .F H?t ? 5 Mr H G JohMone Knight Cbm-d- T Smith 5 ? ID t) ?r C T PaUfv'e Hadijeh But"ers 3 105 Mr M K Rhode's Custom House Fitton 3 106 Mr R Tyter'? The ?hetp vC v1\OGd 3 10 f5 Mr C ?oode Gay CHy .C %? ocd "10 5 -g OA—The HOmSWW SELLING HANDI- i.OU CAP STEEPLECHASE of 100 eove; winner to be sold for 50 eove. Two miles. ye st lb Mr B Gore's Orpington .Gore *12 5 Mr F B Hunt's Deigany .J" Hunt a 10 12 rho above have arrived. Miss E M Woodland's Bansha JlacallisteT a 12 7 Mr H BohM'b The Bey G<)by 6 12 5 Mr C V Tabor's Dorion :Ia.OOr & Ii. 2 Mr J J M»h«r'e Genuine .Ma.her 61110 Mr J C ?ller-JeSery's LitLie G?-atom Thirlwen a 11 7 Mr JROMptT'? Bram Lock ? KellY 611 4 Mr iI S fna4.Thi 5 n 0 Mr H S M.tchMon'e Caetip6nm .ThirtwU a 10 11 C?ct W Murr!? Whole Truth .Gully 51010 2•U r\—The CHRISTMAS HURDLE HANDI- 2.0 CAi? of 200 sovs; second to receive 20 gove. Two miles, over eight flights of hurdles. Mr G Thursby's Park Ranger .1" Hunt 6 10 10 Mr J B JoeFe Mount Proepect II.Wbiwfcex 6 10 8 Mr W M G Singer's Lustleig-h .Da.vim 410 5 The above have arrived. Mr C B Hodgson's Whipsnade MacallieW 6 12 7 Mr A Stedall's Koio W Nigrhtingall 412 5 Ca.pt C P Wood'6 Amershwn F HarHgta 5 12 1 MrA Stedall'e SiMODmn W Kight.Bgall 4 12 0 Mr FM&OC&bee Leuoosia .Westl.a.ke 4 11 10 Mr H Hardy's Oordull Bietsm 4 11 2 Mr J T CroBeJey's Pirate Prince Perkee 5 11 2 Mr H Bonas's Jaloun .Gore 411 0 Mr A M Crickett's Mystical Close 4 10 12 Mr S G Sbeppard'e Denma.rk .Ha.!lick 6 10 12 Mr R Mills'* Prince Robert .1" Hartlgm 4 10 12 MT R Wright'" Queen's Cup T Smith 4 10 8 Mr RWaDt-tonc Goldwin Wootum 4 10 S C?pt C P Wood'8 BonnMace .F HUt'l 3 10 7 Mr HDponls Galonwr W&Uer 4 102I 2 ,OOU A—The HAMPTON STEEPIA hASE 2.3ö1:¡":fy= receive 10 eovs. Three miles. Y'S st It I VS 9t lb Mr K F M*laolmaon> Mount Prospect's Fortune Maher 6 13 2 Mr C R Hodgson's Canary H M.acallister a 12 1 Mr H M Hartigan's Pit Cullinan F Bartlgan 4 12 0 Mr J I>aly'6 Jenkinstown M"er 6 117 Mr B W Parr's Mitobeletown Perme all 5 Capt B Hao»iiton-Stubber's Killewter ..Maher 6 11 4 Mr H M Hartigan's Bachelor P Hartigan 6 11 0 Mr J B Cooper's Druid Hili .Gu11y 6 lfl 1C Mr J T CrodBiry's Cohham .Pukes 4 10 5 » 3• U ry—The PARK STEEPLECHASE of 100 3. Mve; second to reoeive 10 sovs Two miles. ys st lb Mr H A BrownV Abelard Davim 5 12 0 Mr K F Malcolmson's Ballyhackle .Maber 41111 Mr A Scott's Bampart .Tabor 4 11 6 The above have arrived. Mr F Koene's Prophet III. j Cannon a 12 Mr V P Miaa's CadwaJ FA00tt 6 120 MT J T Crowley'e Postscript P-ckm 4116 Mr Sir Halbort .A Cole 4 11 6 Mr B Bonas'e Brigand .Gore 411 6 Mr H G Fenwick's Tabasco Whitaker 4 11 6 Mr H M Hartigan's Pat Cullinan ..F Bartigan 4 U 6 Mr H Tonatall-Moore's On Guard .M&ber 4 11 6 3QA-The RICHMOND MAIDEN (at entry) •OU HURDLE RACE of 100 oove; eeoond to receive 10 aovs. One mile and a half. I lb Ool R L Birkia's Mr Ooley maaiu ro1 I Mr H BOOM'S Happy EveDi Gore 10 7 Mr G P Hucttey'e Silver Hackle ????HMJict 10 7 Hr W M G Singer's Mountain Guide Da vies 10 7 The above have arrived. Lord Carnarvon's Sintram weaiake 11 0 Mr T W Blenkiron' MacMurrough W Nifbtingall 10 7 Mr R C Dawson's Geneml Brown Vest lake 10 7 Mr H J Ball's Oollarmaker Wootton 10 7 Mr H M Hartigame Clatford .F Hartigan 10 7 Mr H Heasman's Aguador T Smith 10 7 Mr E J Hobbaa Fly Frankie V Bobbl 10 7 Mr C B Hodgson's Common Council..Macallister 10 1 Mr R R Jeffery's Dory an thee Private 10 7 Mr J J Mailer's Spangle Mahar 10 7 Mr B Mill's Ironie II F Hartigan 10 7 Mr T C Mundey'e Bright Park .Bu1.cbenl 10 7 Mr F Pritchard's Honest Bill Whitaker 10 7 Sir H Randall's Soliman's Way Bletwo 10 7 Mr A M Simon's The Drodg» v East 10 7 Mr A Siedall'e Publicatim W:KtBtUn?H 10 7 Mr H Trimmera Poker ..F Hunt 10 7 Mr J M WaJpoie'e Barbed H"d Walpole 10 7 Mr R OOUOIlI )(JWa1 W004ton 10 7

HOOTON PARK MEETING. I TO-DAY'S RACING. Order of Run-ning-Madmate Hurtle Raoe, 12.45; Holiday Hurdle, 1..15; Westminster Steeplechase, 1.45; Rossmore Walter Flat, 2.15; Hunters' Steeplechase 2.45; Novioes' Steeplechase, 3.15. ABBIVAX&. Bartilloti, Bodger II., FineaeUe, Iman, Tadftu, LIan- ciatf, Mystical, Veglo, Grandlflort, Goodscn. Extrava- gance, Hunt Supper, aÐd Entente Corcliale. Ma-ny others are under orders for the meeting

WOLVERHAMPTON MEETING. I TO-DAY'S KACLNG. Order of Running—JSHuewsbury Steeplechase 1.0; Shifnal Steep lactase, 1.50; Thorneycroft Steeplechase 2.0; Boxing Day Selling Hurdle, 2.30; jiverhamtnon HuxiUe, 3.0; Dunstall Juvenile Hurdle, 3.30.

NEWMARKET NOTES. I SELECTIONS FOR TO-DAY (THURSDAY) KEMPTON PARK MEETING. Cbisniek Hurdle-K.NIGHT COAMA Dlo]L Hounslow Steoplchme-k.ANTRA. Christmas Hurdle— n HIPcSNADE. Kichmmd Hur<lI_WESTLAKE'S SELECTED. Prampton Steeplechase—PAT CULLINAN. Park Steeplechase—BALLYHACKLE. WOLVBBHAMPTON. Shrewsbury Steeplechase—SEISDON PBIJfCE. Thorneycroft Steeplechase—GDILLAN. Wolverhampton Hurdle—LITTLE SPHOCT. Dunstall Hurdls—CAXDELABBA (good). HOOTON PAJtK. Optional Hurdle—ABELARD. Holiday Hurdle-BERTILLON. Westminster Steeplechase—AGONY. BosKoore Welter—MYSTICAL.

GREEN LONDON I i "If tnndon were painted green," says a leading eye specialist, it would have a wonderful effect apoo the heaJtL and evirits cf the Londoners." Hitherto (says the New York Daily Tribune") all efforts to improve health and spirits by changing the ("lour scheme of a city have taken the direction of wajn ,ng tfa town zed.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS AND IN MEMORIAM. Charge for inwrtkag bdvwtisemmto under t!m he*d tag:—is. for 5? Uoros Lad 1¡L for Every Two Eúh ?ord&. No notice of this description will be inserted uniesa authenticated by the name &nd addreaa of tha sender. Telegrams &ad telephonic messages oaooot be acesd 011 until coiihj-med in writing.

1 AUlxUiSTINij; J. a'iOiNK, l FUNERAL DIEECTOB. Personal Supervision to All Orders. Nat. Tel.: Cardiff, No 104. poe,&-ofri c. Tel.: No SU, Cardiff. Telesrame; ADOUSTl-NL STUNS, Cardifl. 5, W OP.KI-NG-ST., CAEDirF- I XMAS PRESENTS, For the Best Selection* at Moderate PricaL g'o w SEATON'S. 14 and 16, THE MORGAN ARCADE, ST. MARY-STREET, CARDIFF. InitiaJe or Names Engraved Free of Charge upon Articles Purchased. e4643 I The CAPITAL ? LAECCR Lolas a itputttienlorl'AMlLYMC'URMJ?G An Immense Stock for Immediate Wear. SUITS TO MEASURE IX T?E?YE HOCM. The CAfITA? & i?AR?rR, s6 & 61, QueeD-st., Cazd& JOHN SMART & CO., UNDERTAKERS AND FUNEBAL FUR-N isii F-US. CHEAPEST HOUSE IN THE TRADE. 92, BRIDGE SThEuT, CARDIFF.

———————" FRENCH ESTIMATES After a long discussion, the French Senate on Wednesday adopted the estimates of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Hengion, and J u.tim.-Reutkr.

INSANITARY DAIRIES. WELSH MEDICAL OFFICER'S OUT- SPOKEN REPORT. Dr. D. LI. Wiiliajne, the medical officer of health to the "Wrexham Ruirai District Council, having spent several months in visiting the dairies, cowsheds, and milkshoipB in his district, hae presented a lengthy report to the council. In the c?uj?e of it he cays :—" Thi? i?. probably, one of the most important miik-producmg distnetB in the rl-ingdam, an?. therefore, the responsibility of the council is very great. Emulations controlling cowsheds. &c., were adopted by the council in 1903. I regret, boweter. tc state that I am under the impression thaa a large number of dairy farmers in thif neighbourhood are very far from reaJi^ing their responsibility. Indeed, I question ii some of them have even taken t.he trouble to read the regula-tions. tiorne, especially tibose wiiK) keep only three or foulr cows, do not appear to understand the importance of cl-eanlines-, in connection with milk and ita products. The 4conditicn od many of the cowsheds is far from satisfactory. Some of them are merely hovels, almost wholly with- out light. ventilation, drainage, and greatly overcrowded rL"*heix- were large accumula- tions of manure in close proximity to. and in some instances hea-ped against, the wtaJJs. Some of the farmyards are very insanitary, wit,h la.rg¡<' manure heaps in the centre. I noticed that the uddere and flanks of some of the cattle were caked with dirt, and that the hands of eome of the milkers were far from clean. The dairies in the majority of cases were also far from satisfactory, being small, badly lighted, a.nd iLl-\eotiiated, and com- municating directly •with the living rooms. They are nearly always used as pantries and larders. In eome instances it seemed to be the lumber room for old and disused clothing. I also noticed that some went so far as to conduct their weekly washing in the so-called dairy. It is time for these oonditions to oease. Every precaution must aJso be taien to prevent contamination of the milk during diaxio-utim. "To procure a clean and wholesome milk supply for this district, and to ensure that the milk sent out of the t-striet to the large centres of population should be above sus- picion, we must procure the co-operation of the landlords and dairy fa.rn:ei>. The former mtUrt be made to understand that the days cf dirty, stuffy, and badiy-oon- Rtrucked cowsheds are over, and that they must be re-placed by well-ventilated and lighted cowsheds, constructed aooording to modern sanitary principles. I a,i glad tt find that some of them are realising theil responsibility, and have built new or re-coi* strutted old cowsheds on modern lines."

SOUL-MARRIAGE FAILURE. BORIS MINOFF STARTS OX SPIRH HONEYMOON ALONE. To practice his understanding of theosophy on the union of souls, Boris Minoff, a Bul. garian designer, in Cleveland (Ohio), attempted to kill Jessie Schroeder. thirteen years of age. and then committed suicide. Minoff's body was found shortly after mid- night. The girl's parents objected to his lore- making. The law, also, was a barrier. Denied a legal marriage, the young man thought of soul marriage. Minoff boarded with the Schroeders. On the fatal night he sent all the members of the family except Jessie to the theatre. Minoff studied his theostophical books until a late hour, and then, with a handkerchief, chloroformed Lhe girl and himself. The girl will recover. Minoff's spirit departed alone.

A VICAR AND CHRISTMAS. The Rev. A. M. Mitchell, vicar of Barton Wood, Warrington, attacks the social observance of Christmas in his Church maga- zine, describing it as a savage and barharie orgy of cruelty, greediness, and debauchery. The ideal Christ-mae of many men and women who are educated and refined is to pass from table to table practising the most revolting gluttony. Swell London hOtel. and clubs admirably serve the purpose of gorgers who can pay smart prices, and they over-eat until locomotion becomes difficult. Digestion is murdered, appendicitis follows and it is the d«jctors annual harvest \^re must get back to the old English ChristInas again.

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