County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

T. CURRENT TOPICS, SUGAR BOUNTIES. There are many ways of looking at the subject of countervailing duties on bounty-fed sugar, but in the main it is only the old question of the interests of the few as against the interests of the many. The one and only interest of the consumer in this country is to obtain sugar as cheaply as possible It is suggested that it would be better for us to pay a little more for our sugar in order to help the West Indies and other Colonies. This of course would be the result of countervailing duties, and it is clear enough that they would benefit the sugar cane growers, and the refiners of Bristol, Liverpool, and Greenock, but they would be disastrous to the jam, confectionery, and other industries that have been built up on cheap sugar. The bounty system is said to have caused the ruin of the West Indies, but long before the invention of beet sugar, and the abolition of slavery, the colonists were always more or less complaining of hard times. In 1735, a Bill was introduced in Parliament for the better encouragement of the trade of the Sugar Colonies in America, and George III. once got into trouble for going to the play instead of to a benefit for West Indian sufferers. The public does not concern itself much with the details of long Parliamentary debates, and to the great majority it is only a question of the cheapness or dearness of the article. The people have become accustomed to cheap sugar, as they have to cheap bread, and they will not willingly surrender either, without knowing the reason why. GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES. The war of tatiffs between Protectionist countries is very often like the international competition in armaments. After a vast expenditure of energy in the preparation of elaborate schemes, it leaves any balance of advantage between the different countries very much as it was before all the noise and commotion began. Germany finding that the United S'ates shut out her bounty-fed sugar by the imposition of countervailing duties, began to look about for other openings. She hit upon the plan of suspending the home duty in imported raw material when it was exported in a manufactured state. By these means the Germans hoped to be able to compete with American producers. The United States has, however, decided that where the home duty has been saved in that way the amount remitted in Germany is to be added to the American Customs duty in estimating the value of the manufactured article. What the Germans wanted was the benefit of protected industries at nOtUe, and the advantage of free raw material for export manufacture. But she cannot have it both at least not in dealing with the United States. THE DREYFUS DRAMA. J It is quite clear that the last act in the Dreyfus drama will not be accomplished without a violent political agitation in France. The Captain is expected to reach Brest before the end of the month, and already elaborate preparations are being made there and also at Paris, and Reunes, for the preservation of order. The new court- martial is to sit at Rennes, and the inhabitants are protesting against it, as they do not want all the agitators, and high-class loafers, the Chauvinists, and the Royalist rowdies, quartered in the town. There is no saying how long the coming trial of Captain Dreyfus may last, and it is to be feared that he is a long way from out of the wood yet. There is at least one officer appointed on the court- martial who is notoriously prejudiced and violently disposed towards the unfortunate Captain. Hia trial, it seems, is to be anything but a mere formality, such as the decision of the Court of Cassation would point to. On the contrary it is proposed to go into the case all over again, and ex-Ministers, and others, including the ex- President of the Republic—M. Casimir Perier—are to be once more examined. The Anti-Revisionists :are busy manufacturing fresh evidence of the prisoner's guilt, and unless public opinion in 'France absolutely insists upon a fair trial, the Affaire seems likely to drag on for a long and weary time yet. BANK OF ENGLAND NOTES. I One would think that the poaition of a holder of ,8 Bank note which has been stopped would have been made clear long ago. Yet the whole question seems likely to be raised again by the Bank of England's action in "etopping payment of the notes recently stolen from Parr's Bank. The Bank of England notes are legal tender for any sum of X5 and upwards, and it is therefore urged that the note, like gold coin, should be above question, subject only to the condition that it is genuine and not a counterfeit tender. One need not take a note from a person who is in ;fraudulent possession of it, but though there may be reasonable cause for suspicion, that is a suggestion, which, in the ordinary course of business, would often involve considerable risk for defamation of character. There does not seem to be any clear or definite opinion as to what is the position of the Bank of England in similar circumstances. Anyone may take a stolen note in good faith, and the fact that the number has been published counts for nothing, because no one goes about with such information. He may then ,present it for payment, and find himself forthwith handed over to the police. Bank notes go all the world over, and it might not be so easy to prove that it was obtained in a proper and legitimate manner, and consequently the holder might suffer all kinds of inconvenience before the matter could be put right. The question Í3, who is to bear the responsibility for all this ? and the point seems likely to be at last tested and settled in open Court. WEIGHING GOODS IN WRAPPING PAPER. Another point of law which ought to have been finally settled by this time is, whether or not tradesmen are entitled to weigh in the wrapping paper goods sold over the counter. The question has often been raised, but left in doubt, and one of the largest and best known tea dealers, with branches all over the country, has just been fined for selling tea in packets containing less than the stipulated weight, by reason of the practice of weighing in the paper. The case was argued before one of the London magistrates, and it was contended that it was not only the custom of the trade, but that it was the packet and hot the pound, or half-pound, of tea that was sold to the public. The magistrate declined to be satisfied with the argument, and the case will no doubt be taken to the Higher Courts, where, it may be hoped, the question will be finally settled. There was another matter recently decided in the Law Courts which has an important bearing upon the conditions of shop-keeping in rural districts. In many villages where there are few or no shops, the trade in many of the daily necessaries is carried on by tradesmen's carts, which are in fact simply travelling shops. The shop-keeper sends round to regular customers on regular day& in the district he serves, and it was never supposed that a licence was necessary for this system of trading. Such, however, seems to be the case, and it is now declared that a shop-keeper carrying on this business, and selling goods at the door, is, legally, a hawker, and must take out a licence as such. There are certain trades exempted from the Hawkers' Act, such as milk-selling, coal-dealing, and butchering, but the general dealer is not included in these exemptions. THB SINGLE-RAIL ELECTRIC LINE. The idea of a railway to the top of Mont Blanc reminds one of a single-rail mountain line of a novel and curious character which it was proposed some time ago to construct to the summit of Mount Hochstauffen, in Bavaria. Some part of the work was commenced, the rail being carried up the hill side at a short distance from the ground. The car was to grip the rail from below, and the lifting force was to be provided by a large balloon. For the descent, a sufficient quantity (,f water would be taken in at the top of the mountain to overcome the lifting power of the balloon. Experiments were made under the superintendence of Government experts, but the idea was not a success. On the level there is little doubt that the single-rail electric system is a coming development. <It is proposed to construct a lightning express on this plan, between Manchester and Liverpool, which would bring them within twenty minutes of each other. There is a railway of this character already at work in America, and it is proposed to connect St. Louis and Chicago with a single-rail electric line, doing over one hundred miles an hour. I SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT'S CONSTITUENCY. J Siuce Sir William Harcourt has sat for West Monmouthshire, he has been generally regarded as representing a Welsh constituency in the House of Commons. He has described hiniself as "an independent Welsh member," but it is a common mistake to suppose that the County of Monmouth forms any part of Wales. The Principality consists of twelve shires, and there are this number without Monmouthshire, and, besides, England is supposed to have forty shires, but without this county there would only be thirty-nine. Mun- mouth, is, however, on the Welsh side of the Severn, aud was in fact part of Wales up to the time of Henry VIII But in 1535, the English borders were extended so as to include this extra shire. It is one of the unanimous recommenda- tions of the Licensing Commission that the Welsh Sunday Closing Act should be extended to Monmouthshire. The object in view seems to be chiefly to strengthen the Act against Cardiff, in Glamorganshire, but only a short distance across the border, which would relieve Cardiff from the present temptation for short Sunday excursions.

Atir Naturalists' Sjlum, THE STUDY OF FLOWERS. CHAPTER XXI. ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum). Class, Polyadelphia: Order, Polyandrit. We have twelve different species of St. John's Wort, and all of them, with the exception of the large flowered (Hypericum Oalycinum), are very fre- quently found wild in our pastures, hedge banks, and rocky places the latter we often find culti- vated in shrubberies. The square stalked St. John's Wort (H. quad- rangulum) is a pretty plant, with a panicle of terminal yellow flowers, and leaves covered with a sprinkling of black dots, and, as the specific name denotes, has a square stem; it is found in our moist meadows. The common, perforated, St. John's Wort (H. perforatum), has a two edged stem, and there are minute black dots on the tops of the blossoms. The calyx and leaves, and the profusion of yellow flowrets, has caused it to be spoken of as the Hypericum, all bloom, so thick a swarm Of flowers, like flies, closing its slender rods, The scarce a leaf appears. It is commemorated by physicians as Balm of the warrior's wound." The plant boiled in wine and drunk is said to heal inward bruises, hurts, and spitting of blood. Made into an ointment it opens obstructions, dis- solves swellings, and closes up wounds, and the Oil of St. John's Wort is sold by chemists. There is a superstition attached to this plant, as may be gleaned from the following:— The young maid stole through the cottage door, And blushed as she sought the plant of pow'r Thou silver glow-worm, oh lend me thy light, I must gather the mystic St. John's Wort to-night, The wonderful herb, whose leaf shall decide, If the coming year shall make me a bride. The Trailing St. John' Wort (H. humifusum) is a weak plant, trailing on gravelly heaths. The pelucid black dots are present in this as in most of the other species. The Marr-h Species (H. elodes) is found in boggy spots of mountains, and The Upright St. John's Wort (ff. pulchrum), which is the prettiest plant of all, grows on heatlis and dry waste places. The flowers are bright yellow, tipped with red. Before expansion the anthers are red, stems from one to two feet high, bearing the blossoms in a panicle, slender, erect, and rigid. The whole plant is smooth, and the blossoms, like the calyx, are fringed with black glands. BINDWEED (Convolvulus), Class, Pentandria; Order, Monogynia. Many of our garden flowers do not possess half the beauty or delicacy of some of the flowers which decorate our wild scenery, and amongst the number the large white cup of the Great Bindweed (Convolvu- lus Sepium), are not excelled by any blossom in tint, beauty of form, and gracefulness of growth, as they cling their tendrils about our hedges, their large heart-shaved leaves accompanied by its beautiful cup. The Bindweed, pure and pale, That sues to all for aid. And when rude storms assail Her snowy virgin veil, Doth like some timid maid In conscious weakness most secure, Unscathed its sternest shocks endure. The Small Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is is very common in corn fields, the root is creeping, and, like the former species, if it once gets into the arable land or garden hedge, it is almost impossi- ble to eradicate it. The blossom is about half the size of the other species, and is of a delicate white and pink blend. In the corn field its slender stalks encircle the corn and injure the produce, and the farmer well knows the difficulty expe- rienced in expelling its tenacious roots from his land. We merry flowers are running The meadow mazes through, And be farmers e'er so cunning, We're as cunning to. Up an ear of barley We nimbly twist and twirl, To deck his brown stem early, With a wreath of pink and pearl. We climb the poppy's heavy stalk, And with wrath he grows more red, To see us, weeds of the meadow walk, Peer up above his head. And many a time the farmer vows He'll banish us his land, But we still run up the hawthorn boughs, A merry and myriad band. <> Like the Pimpernel and some other flowers, it closes its blossoms before approaching storms. It rejoices in sunshine, like other plants of the same family, and does not display the beauty of the flower after the sun has attained its meridian. The blossoms throw out a perfume similar to almonds. I J.H.C.

ç v- .G:- I Old Age Pensions. At a meeting of the select committee, on the Aged Deserving Poor, held in London, on Monday, Miss Tuckwell, the hon. secretary of the Women's Trade Union League, claimed to represent working women generally. She said that the wages earned byiworking women of the lowest class, were about 6s. or 7s. a week, and it was only those who were most skilled among industrial women, who could earn 15s. Her view was that taking the average wages of women at present, it was impossible to make the membership of a friendly society the test for an old age pension. She was of opinion that 15s. a week was the lowest sum at which a woman could be expected to save money, and that a woman's first duty was to make a contribution to her trade union. The Chairman pointed out that according to the returns, the number of adult males receiving poor relief, on July 1st, 1898, was 176,733, and that on the same date the number of females in receipt of relief was 32.5,234. The hon. secretary stated that there was no objection to women receiving old age pensions, but they could not, for the most part, contribute towards them. The number of women who at present were members of friendly societies, was between twelve and thirteen thousand. Those who belonged to trade unions numbered some 120,000, and these represented probably the num- ber of women who were able to put aside anything out of their wages. The Committee again adjourned.

CAERLEON. SPECIAL PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY. I Before MESSRS. F. J. MITCHELL (chairman), D. W. I JENKINS, and H. ADDAMS- WILLIAMS. THEFT AND ASSAuLT-James Shea and Major Tripp, labourers, who are well-known to the police, were charged with stealing a truss of hay from a field, the property of Mr. John Edgar Baker, of Glenpas, Caerleon, on Monday evening. Major Tripp was further charged with assaulting P.S. Lewis, the officer in charge of Caerleon Police Sta- tion, in the execution of his duty. Frederick Duffield, 16, in the employ of Mr. J. Baker, gave evidence of the theft, and P.S. Lewis stated that at 9.30 on Monday evening, from information received, he went in search of the prisoners, whom he found having a disputation near the Oddfellows' Inn, Mill Street, Caerleon. He told Shea he wanted him to come to the police station, and caught hold of him by the hand. He denied stealing the hay, saying Me and the Major have only been trying our strength with the hay." The witness pointed to the hay seeds, with which his back was covered. He told Shea that they were going to make a job of it, and he would be locked up." Shea came quietly to the station. He then returned to Mill Street, and found Major Tripp twenty or thirty yards lower than the place where he had arrested the other prisoner. He told Major he was going to take him into custody. He said You're not going to take me to the police station." Witness replied I am." Tripp then caught hold of witness by the coat collar, and got one hand down to his shirt round his neck, striking him with his left hand, and he said "If you don't let go, I shall make you. I will put something into you," They struggled for some time, Tripp striking witness several times on the breast. He felt in his pocket, as if he was feeling for something. Witness then put him on his back, and kneit on him until he got assistance from a passer-by. Tripp, who struggled for a time, said the officer should not take him. Upon search- ing him he found the large knife (produced) open in the hip pocket. The prisoners were charged with theft, but each pleaded not guilty. The charge of assault upon the police-sergeant was then gone into, the evidence being identical.-P.S. Lewis added that prisoner was a violent man, and had previously assaulted the police. In September, 1897, he was sentenced to four months upon that charge. For the felony, each man was sentenced to two months' hard labour, and for the assault Tripp was sentenced to a further term of a month.

I NEWPORT, I POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY. AN INCORRIGIBLE.—Ann Dunn appeared for the 26th time before the Newport magistratea.-P.O. Hamer found the woman helplessly drunk in Commercial-road. She was refused liquor in two public-houses in consequence of her incapable condition. Prisoner, who is the wife of a fisherman, expressed her regret, and while not disputing the officer's evidence thought he might have told more of the truth." Her record was handed to the Bench, who repeated the last punishment-a month's confinement at Usk Gaol. It was stated that the woman was only liberated from prison on Monday. DAMAGING LORD TREDEGAR'S PROPERTY.—Three girls were charged with wilfully damaging fire grates in a vnirl house in Ileiloti--qi.i-.ire. -The Magistrates' Clerk said that the property belonged to Lord Tredegar, and he didn't wish to press the charge.—Inspector Brooks remarked that the practice was to break up the woodwork and sell it for firewood.-P.C. Harper stated that his lordship didn't wish the cases to be brought forward, especially if the parties concerned were children.-The Magistrates' Clerk remarked that it was very kind, but he didn't know whether the Bench were not obliged to hear the case.—The Bench severely cautioned the defendants, and discharged them.

MONMOUTH. COUNTY COURT, TUESDAY. Before His Honour Judge OWEN. A HORSE CASK.—Ivor William Baldwin, colliery manager, Dean Forest, sued Albert Lewis, horse dealer and farmer, Priory Farm, Monmouth, for X20 Is, the price of a horse bought on April 29th.-Mr. Parsons (barrister) appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Herbert Williams (Monmouth), for defendant.—Mr. Parsons said defendant purchased a horse from plaintiff at Gloucester Market, on April 29th, for J620, and gave a cheque for that amount. The defendant three days later wrote to say that the horse was misrepresented at the time of sale, and intimated his intention of cancelling the cheque. He also said he would return the animal, but the horse had not been returned, and was now in the hands of a third party.—Mr. Herbert Williams said the horse was bought on a verbal warranty that it was good in harness."—Plaintiff said the reason why he sold it was that he had not enough work for it, and it was becoming unmanageable. He told defendant that at the time he sold it, and said it wanted good handling. He did not give a warranty nor use any words that could possibly be understood to convey that meaning. The horse was never returned to him it was put in the yard near his house, which belonged to Mr. Mason. Defendant tried the horse at Monmouth. At first it refused the collar, would only back and turn round, and on the way to the railway station kicked the trap several times. It would be shown that the horse was returned on May 2nd.—Other evidence having been called, his Honour gave judgmaiit for plaintiff for X21 Is., with costs. NON -SUITED. -Alfred Franklin, grocer, Trelleck, eued Mrs. W. H. Dawes, of Oxmore House, Trelleck, for X9 10s. ld, for goods sold and delivered. —Mr. Herbert Williams, who appeared for defendant, said that on 20th December, 1898, plaintiff obtained judgment in that Court for the amount now claimed at ZI per month. Since that judgment was given jE2 had been paid. At the April Court plaintiff took out a judgment summons; the case was then adjourned to last Court, when the decision was that defend&nt, being a married woman, she could not be sent to prison for debt. The present summons was a second action for the same debt, and actually included the two monthly instalments for which the defendant held receipts.-His Honour said the County Court Act left him no option in the matter. Plaintiff would be non-suited with treble costs.

PONTYPOOL. PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY. Before E. J. PHILLIPS, Esq. (chairman), A. A; WILLIAMS, Esq., W. L. PRATT, Esq Colone* HAIR, E. FOWLER, E-iq., W. PEGLER, Esq., and W. H. HASKINS, Esq. i DRUNK.—William Smith was charged with being drunk at Abersychan, on June 6th.— Defendant pleaded guilty.-P.C. Jenkins proved the charge, and stated that the defendant was very abusive.—Fined 7a. 6d. LEAVING A HORSE AND CART ON THE HIGHWAY. —Philip Williams was charged with leaving a horse and cart on the highway at Abersychan, on 10th June.-P.C. Prosser proved the case, and defendant was fined 5s. FURIOUS BICYCLE RIDING. —Thomas Thayer was charged with riding a bicycle furiously at Llan- hilleth, on 10th June.—Defendant pleaded guilty.P.C. Nurden gave the facts, and defendant was fined 10s, No BATHING COSTUME.—Isaac Williams was charged with bathing in the Canal without proper dress covering, at Pontnewydd, on 11th June.— Defendant pleaded guilty -P.C. Brown gave the facts, and defendant was fined 5s. No LIGHT,—John Hancock was charged with driving a horse and cart without a light at Hafodyrynys. on 6th Jutie.-P.C. Barter gave the facts, and defendant was fined 5s. CHIMNBY ON FIRB.-David Pritchard was charged with allowing his chimney to be on fire, at Llanhilleth.—His wife appeared for him.-P.O. Nurden gave the facts, and defendant was fined 2s. 6d. USING THREATS.—Elizabeth Jobbins was charged with using threats towards Emma Rapley, at Pontypool, on 13th June.—Mr. L. E. Webb, solicitor, Pontypool, appeared for the pro- secution. -00mplainant said she had been threatened several times, and was in consequence afraid of defendant. She was bound over in the sum of jE2 to keep the peace for three months, and pay costs, 8s. 6d. WITHDRAWN.—The case of Albert Gough, charged with assaulting Agnes Gough, at Pontnewydd, on 6th June, on the application of Agnes Gough, was withdrawn. I WORKING HORSES IN AN UNFIT STATE. William Rogers was charged with working a horse while in an unfit state, at Abersychan, on 6th June.—Acting-Sergeant Groves proved the case, and stated that he found the defendant working the horse in a brake at Abersychan, and over the right shoulder there was a wound about the size of a shilling which appeared to be an old wound, and there was a raw wound about two inches wide across the breast, which was rubbed by the collar.—Fined 10u. George Tomlin, haulier, was charged with working a horse in an unfit state at Greenland Colliery, Abersychan, on 9th June, and Jeremiah Edmunds, overman, Greenland Colliery, was charged with cruelty by causing the same horse to be worked at the same time and place.—Acting- Sergeant Groves proved the charges, and stated that he asked Tomlin why he worked the horse in that condition. He replied "I know she is not fit to work. I have told Jeremiah so this last seven or eight mornings." When the police officer asked Jeremiah why he caused the horse to be worked, he replied I know it is bad, but we were obliged to work it because we had not got another to work in its place."—Fined 15s. each. QUARTER SESSIONS CASE. Joseph Lewis, on bail, was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on George Cox, at Abersychan, on 22nd May.—Mr. T. G. Powell, solicitor, Brynmawr, defended.—Prisoner pleaded not guilty. George Cox, aged 9, son of John Cox, collier, Abersychan, stated that he was sitting on a small stool in the empty house next door to his father's, and his mother and sister were cleaning and papering. Joseph Lewis and another man entered the house, the other man took the stool from under him. Joseph Lewis had a broom in his hand and he struck his mother ic the face with it, and then Lewis said to him I will kill you, you little and he (Lewis) then struck him on the head with the broom. He fell down and did not remember anything more. Harriet Cox, wife of John Cox, was the next witness. She stated that on 22nd May last, between one and two p.m., she went out to go to the bakehouse, and she saw Joseph Lewis and her son Charles scuffling near her door. She ordered Lewis away, and when she came back she found Lewis had a boy named Clark on the ground. She pulled him off the boy, and she then went into the empty house which she and her daughter were cleaning. Joseph Lewis followed her with a broom in his hand, and also a man named Hughes. Her little boy was sitting on a stool near the fireplace, j and Hughes pulled the stool from under him. She tried to take the stool off Hughes, and Lewis struck her on the forehead with the broom and stunned her. When she recovered she found her boy on the floor with his head injured. She sent for a doctor and the police. Ellen Maud Cox, bister of the boy, stated that she was assisting her mother to clean the empty house next door to their own house on the 22nd May last. The prisoner came in there with a broom in his hand and struck her mother in the I forehead. He afterwards struck her little brother on the head with the broom and knocked him down. George Lewis, labourer, of Canteen Steps, Abersychan, stated that he was on the Manor-road, j where the Coxes lived, on 22ud May last, between ¡ one and two p.m. He heard a lot of screaming g from the back, and saw Joseph Lewis and another man come around the corner from Cox's house. Joseph Lewis had a broom in his hand and he held it up to him (George Lewis) and said "Come here and I'll square you." He afterwards threw down the broom and went away with the other man towards Garndiffaith. Alfred Cox, son of John Cox, and brother of the injured boy, stated that between one and two o'clock on 22nd May last, he heard a row iu the empty house and went to see what was up. When he was near the door, Joseph Lewis came out of the house with a broom in his hand and held it up to George Lewis, and said, Come here and I'll square you." Mrs. Cox then came out and said to Lewis "You have killed my boy." J. Lewis and the other man then went off towards Garndiffaith laughing. Acting-Sergeant Groves stated that at 7 p.m., on 22nd May last, he apprehended Joseph Lewis, in High-street, Garndiffaith. He charged him with inflicting grievous bodily harm on George Cox, a boy aged 9, that day, by striking him on the head with a broom in the empty house on Manor-road, Abersychau. In reply to the charge, Lewis said Yes, I was in the row and they knocked me down. When I got up and took the broom I squared all that came before me." He took Lewis to Abersychau, where he repeated the statement to P.O. Jones, and he was locked up. P.C. Jones stated that from information received, be went to the house of John Cox, and then went in search of prisoner but failed to find him. Later in th9 day he was brought to the Abersychan Police Station by Acting-Sergeant Groves. The broom produced was handed to him at Cox's house. Dr. J. W. Mulligan stated that he was called to the injured boy on 22nd May, and arrived there about two p.m. He found the bqy with a large bruise on the forehead, and on the back of the head the skull was fractured about as large as a five-shilling piece, and depressed upon the brain. It was a serious injury and might have proved fatal. It appeared to him that the blow on the back of the head had knocked the boy down and by falling caused the bruise on the forehead. The injury could have been inflicted by the broom produced if it was swung with great force. Prisoner was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions, and admitted to bail.

USK. POLICE COURT, THURSDAY. Before Gen. DUNN (in the chair), H. HUMPHREYS, E<q., aad H. A. ADDIS, Esq. A NEW MAGISTRATE.—Rees William Spencer, chairman of the Pontypool Rural District Council, was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace, and upon taking his seat on the bench was congratulated by the chairman. A. TRANSFER.—Ann Gilbert applied for a transfer of the licence of the Nag's Head, Usk, from her husband (deceased) Thomas Gilbert.—Granted. A. DISPUTE.—Henry Penhorwood, landlord of the Six Bells Inn, Usk, was summoned for not giving up a garden, adjoining his house, the property of Edward Morgan, which he rented, notice to quit having been served upon him. — Mr. Watkins (Messrs. Watkins and Co.) appeared for the owner, and having stated the case and called witnesses to prove the same-defendant and his wife disputing the evidence.—The bench made an order against de- fendant, with costs, allowing 28 days to move the crops. DRUNK ON LICENSED PREMISES.—William Jones, mason, Usk, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises—The Lamb and Flag, Usk-on the 6th inst.-P.S. Sheddick stated that at 9 p.m. on the day in question he saw defendant at the aforesaid house in a drunken state and arguing. He called the attention of the landlady to him, but he was not drinking there.—The Chairman I say, Jones; when you are shut up in one of those homes for a few years you won't like it.—Fined 10s. and costs, or 10 days. BATHING WITHOUT DRAWERS.—Arthur Weare, plasterer's apprentice, Usk, was summoned for bathing in the river Usk in view of the public road, on the 10th inst., not wearing a proper dress.— Defendant pleaded guilty and said such a thing had not happened since.—P.S. Sheddick stated the case, and said there had been complaints made of youths bathing in a nude state.—The Chairman: Nobody can walk down the river Llanbadoc way without seeing half-a-dozen men bathing.—Fined 6d. and costs. OBSCENE LANGUAGE. Morwent Parker, hay dealer, Usk, appeared in answer to a summons charging him with using profane and obscene lan- guage in Priory-street, Usk, on the 13th inst.— P.C. Bullock stated that defendant's sister on the day in question complained to him of her brother's conduct; he also said defendant's language was bad.—Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. Gd. costs. THE GIPSY ENCAMPMENT -TIJISAIqCE. --Job n Hunt and William Hunt, gipsy tinkers, were charged with encamping on the highway at Llangeview, oa the 12th inst.—Defendants did not appear.-P.C. Bullock proved service of summons, and stated that John Hunt said he should not be there, and the other defendant, William Hunt, remarked that whatever the fine was he would call and pay it.- P.C. Pettitt stated the case, and Superintendent James said the Rural District Council made a lot of complaints about that sort of thing in the district.— Fined 10s. each and costs, or in default 10 days'. EDUCATION CASES.—Emma Jones, widow, Usk, was summoned for disobeying an order to send her boy to school,—G, Wallace (school attendance officer), showed that the lad, who is ten years of age, had made but 60 attendances out of a possible SO.-Fined 2s. 6d., costs remitted. Thomas Williams, farmer, Gwehelog, whose wife appeared, was similarly charged on account of his two boys, who had respectively made 12 attendances out of a possible 90, and 17 out of a possible 72.—As this was not the first offence, a fine of 5s., including costs, in each case was inflicted. QUARRELSOME NEIGHBOURS. Edwin Col well, labourer, Usk, and Ellen Parker and her son Jamep, Llanbadoc, were cnarged at the instance of Ellen Davies, Llanbadoc, with assaulting her at Llanbadoc I on the 16th inst.-Defend ants also charged Ellen Davies with assault.—Davies stated that on Satur- day evening last she was washing down her window when a drop of water ran down to farker s place (next door), whereupon Ellen Parker. threw a bucket of water over her. She asked her why she did it, and then Colwell assaulted her by dragging her along by a cotton neckerchief and jumping ou her stomach. He pull her into the road, and a young man named Lewis told him to get off and let her get up. James Parker subsequently threw stones (produced) at her, but she warded them off by closing the door. The marks were still t« be seen. Witness further said that she was nearly 70 years of age and weak for a man like Colwell to jump upon her.-Colwell's version of the affair was that he was passing when he saw that Davies had hold of his sister-in-law (Parker) by the throat. He released the latter and told her to go in the house. Davies then fell down and pulled him on her. Questioned by Colwell as to whether she did not hit him three times with a brush, Davies vehemently answered in the negative.—Parker stated that pro- secutrix threw water over her, but the letter denied it.—James Parker also denied throwing stones. — Davies then called David Lewis as a witness, but he stated that he knew nothing whatever of the affair as he was not within a dozen miles of the place. He applied for his expenses.—Davies said there was some mistake; it was David Lewis's brother she wanted as a witness.-This completing the case for Davies, the cross-summons was proceeded with.- Ellen Parker ascubed all the lawlessness to Davies, and called a witness, who stated that Parker had a bruise where she was kicked, that she did not see a bueket used to wound either party, and that Coi- well took the broom from Davies as a precaution.— The Chairman said the bench were quite unable to make anything of the case, and therefore both parties would be bound over in their own recog- nizances of £10 each to keep the peace for six I months, and pay their own costs, or in default ona month. I STEALING COUNTY COUNCIL CIDER. I Frederick James, farm labourer, Llangibby. was brought up on remand charged with breaking and entering an outhuuse at Llangibby, and stealing therefrom 36 bottles, containing six gallons of cider, the pvnn-Tty of the Monmouthshire County Council, j value 30s on the ISrhinst. Mr. H. S. Gustard, Clerk of the Peace to the County, represented the C.O. He stated that in an outhouse on Tregrwg farm a quantity of rider was stored by the C.C., and onj be morning in question, about three o'clock, 36 bottles were taken therefrom. The prisoner, first of all, was charged with breaking and entering the shed, but as that court could not dpal with such a case, and putting: it off to the Quarter Sessions would entail trouble and expense, the charge had been reduced to one of simple larceny. William Pritchard, the first witness called, said be was in the employ of Mr. Wm. Lewis, of Tre- grwg farm, LIangibby, and slept in the house. On Sunday morning about three o'clock he heard the rattling of bottles, and after listening; awhile heard the staple of the door of the shed being knocked. He knew tK-ere was cider in the shed, and looking out a few minutes afterwards saw one man in the road and another beside a gatepost. Iney had two sacks, and walked towards Llangibby. Witness called his master and then want and dressed, subsequently going out with him. He examined the door of the shed and saw that the staple had been driven in again and the door shut. He did not make a search, but went towards Llangibby, and when near the fishpond heard the clinking of bottles. When he went round by the ditch he saw prisoner there. What are you doing there ? asked wit- ness, and prisoner replied: Go on and keep it quiet." He then went for his master, but when they returned prisoner bad gone. They found the sacks open and the tops rolled back, so as to enable the bottles to be more easily extracted. Prisoner said he told witness to keep quiet as he was half asleep. He had been sleeping in the ditch. William Lewis, Llangibby, said the County Council had cider at the shed on his farm. They bad bottled fuur 60-gallon casks. He corroborated much that the last witness had said, and further stated that a s!aple had previously been drawn from the same door, and that he followed Pritchard towards Llangibby to look for the stolen cider. He saw a man the far end of the meadow, but at the fi-bpond, on his arrival, there were only the bottles. He did not follow the man, as last witness knew him well. Prisoner protested that he kuew nothing about; the bottles. P.O. Pettitt said he went to New House Farm, Llangibby, on Sunday, and charged prisoner. He replied that he had never seen a drop of the cider; he was asleep, the effects of a drop too much the nig-ht before, when the boy woke him. Prisoner, who elected to be dealt vrith. summarily, disclaimed all knowledge of the cider, and strongly protested his innocence. The Chairman, addressing prisoner, said the Bench were of opinion that he stole the cider, but as it was his first offence they would let him off lightly. He would be fined £ 1 aud costs, or in default 14 days'.

I The Leading Schools. There is much to be said in favour of the Public Schools as they are known and exist ia England. Mr. Balfour, in comparing the merits of a classical and a modern education, naturally took this view in his address the other day at Leys School, Cambridge. There are many boys of the class to which Mr. Balfour belongs, who, as a matter of course, make their first start ia life at one or other of the great Public Schools as naturally as they learn to walk. In the next class, with not quite the same advantages, it is a common remark that there is nothiug like sending a boy to a cl FIRST-CLASS PUBLIC SCHOOL and it is quite true there is nothing like it for the development of character. The boy at once realises his dependence on his own resources, and, apart from mental training, so much is felt to his own sense of honour, and of what is known as "good form" as to give him an excellent training in judgment and self-reliance. In many other countries the system is quite different, and in France the superior master is always and everywhere in evidence. The Public Schools, so called, are in fact, a peculiarly English institution. Iu Scotland all the Board Schools are Public Schools, but Mr. Balfour was thinking only of the high class establish- ments, at which most of our great public men begin their careers. There is of course nothing very wonderful about these schools, in likening them to the long and steady growth of the British Constitution. Most of them owe their origin TO ROYAL OR EPISCOPAL OS OTHER PJOUS FOFNDEBS, When Lord Palmerston appointed a Public School Commission forty years ago, there were less than a dozen establishments of this kind. Winchester which is the oldest of all, and Eton, and Westminster, are typical examples. There are many more now, and some, like Harrow, Rugby, and Shrewsbury, are but the outgrown grammar schools of old. As a rule they were founded to provide free education for poor boys —a purpose from which they have been diverted, or retain only in the provision of scholarships. There is a common fault with all of them in the tendency to sacrifice the rank and file for the advancement of the few brilliant ones, who are I expected to shed lustre and distinction upon the school. As regards the comparative merits of the I CLASSICAL AND SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION, all the needs of the present day emphasise the importance of a modernised system. When the older generation was at school it was Greek, Latin, and Mathematics. Science was in its infancy, travelling was the privilege of the wealthy few, and there was no great call or need for modern languages. Now the general conditions of life are very different. It is an age of competitive examinations, with their infinite variety of subjects which bar most of the ways into the public services, and other openings. It would be impossible to over-rate the importance of a classical education, but there is no doubt that much time is wasted in our public schools in subjecting boys to unfruitful drudgery in a study for which they have no natural taste or endowments. IN GERMANY they attach much more importance to a modern and scientific training, and there are faeilities there for obtaining the best possible education, far beyond anything we have in this country. Any boy may go to the highest class school in Germany for about £ 20 a year, and have the same educational advantages as would cost seven or ten times as much at our great Public Schools. It is not an uncommon thing in Germany to find a man working at some trade or business with his hands, who was educated at oue of the leading schools. Such advantages are without a doubt one of the secrets of the commercial and industrial success of the Germans in recent years. To those who have the intellectual taste, and the leisure in prospect, which are necessary for the higher cultures, the school is only a distinctly preparatory stage. But these are the comparatively few, and with regard to most of the boys at our Public Schools who propose to take life seriously, it is more important that the knowledge they acquire should be of practical utility, such as they are able to turn to early advantage after leaving school.

BABNAM; AND BAILEY'S quow.-The Bal nam and Bailey Sbow paraded Cardiff on W dnesday morning, as the prelimin try exhibition of its four days' stay in the town.