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

CURRENT SPORT. I The third test cricket match of the Reason's series of five between England and Australia ended in an jnsatisfactory manner on Saturday at Leeds. The result was a draw on account of the rain. Of the leam representing Australia it is sufficient to say that it was identical with the one that did duty at Lord's a fortnight previously, Johns, Iredale, and McLeod standing down. F. S. Jackson at first declared his intention af not assisting England, but at the eleventh hour he was induced to adopt a more sportsmanlike attitude. That left only one place to be filled wp on the morning of the match, and in view of being prepared for all eventualities, the Board of Control invited Richardson, Brock- well, Tyldesley, and Briggs to attend at Headingley, and hold themselves in readiness. Rain came to the Leeds district in torrents the night before the match began, and practically settled the last place, for Briggs was obviously more suitable to play than Richardson on a wicket affected by wet. Unfortunately the little Lancastrian was taken seriously ill on Thursday night and could not figure in the subsequent stages of the game. The first day's cricket was not particularly eventful. The wicket was of the order known as tricky, and although the Australians won the toss, they were all out for a total of 172. Worrall gave a wonderful display of determined hitting, making 76 out of 95 secured whilst he was at the wicket. He made one or two bad strokes, but gave nothing like a'chance. From an English standpoint the feature of the day was the bowling of Young, the Essex left-hander. Like Quaife, the ex-sailor was making his first appearance in ai International. On first being tried he met with 10 success, but going on a second time, took four vickets in 13 overs and one ball for 15 runs. The finding of the Englishmen was splendid. Fry, Brown, Jackson, and Maclaren all distinguished themselves greatly, and Lilley behind the sticks was at the top of his form. The English batting was disappointing, but at the end of the first day six home wckets had to fall, and the home side were within i3 of the Colonials' total. On Friday Fry aud Qiuife were dismissed without any addition to the figires. The Australians were then fairly in a Eosition of advantage, on paper; but, fortunately, lilley md Hayward came to the rescue. They reijaaind together an hour and 20 minutes and adled 93 runs, it being entirely due to their efforts that the Australians were eventually left in a mnority of 48. Lilley's innings was one of the best he ever played, but Hayward was incky, giving a couple of distinct chances. There was something sensational when the Australians went in a second time. Four wickets fell at 34, Hearne performing the hat trick, and securing for both Noble and Gregory a pair of spectacles. A rather lucky, but commendable, stand by Trumble, who was ibly assisted by Trumper and Laver, followed, and after all, England were set 177 runs to win. When Friday's play ceased England appeared to be in a winning position. They had nine wickets in hand and required 158 to win. The pitch had been im- proviug all day, and had the conditions remained un- altered, the home batsmen would probably have made light of their task. Cricket had not, how- ever, been over more than half-an-hour on Friday when rain commenced to fall. It continued steadily until about five o'clock on Saturday morning, and when play should have been resumed at eleven o'clock the wicket was pronounced not fit for cricket. There was more rain before noon, and although it soon ceased, and the umpires made several inspec- tions of the batting area, another shower occurred about two. By then it was tolerably certain that England would have a stiff battle to fight if play ,ever became possible. Providing the sun did not make an appearance, of course, the task of the home team would not be anything like an impossible on< in one respect. The dead state of the ground, how- ever, had to be taken into consideration. As the time wore on and the hands of the clock pointed to two it became tolerably certain that the Englishmen would not be capable of getting the runs in the time. All doubt was set at rest by 2.50. A heavy down- pour that started at half-past two settled the business, and the first test match ever played in Yorkshire came to a most unglorious ending. Hampshire, in the inter-county contest on Satur- day at Portsmouth, scored their first victory of the season, administering to Surrey (who were without Hayward, Brockwell, and Richardson) their initial defeat. In the end rain almost saved Surrey, Hamp- shire only gaining their six wickets' victory five minutes before time. Surrey could not recover from the bad start they had made, and but for the break- up of the weather their defeat would have undoubtedly have been more severe. With four wickets down in their second innings they were still 81 runs behind at the close of play on Friday, and when the game could be continued, just after one o'clock, on Saturday the batsmen did so little that eight were out for 118, or only five runs on. Then came the recurrence |of rain, which nearly robbed Hampshire of victory. After lunch play could not be proceeded with until four o'clock, and then Leea and Wood found run-getting so easy on the wet pitch that they added 69 runs in 40 minutes and in the end Hampshire were set to get 94 runs in 95 minutes. Risking a good deal the home team scored just fast enough to hit the runs off; and so Surrey's colours were lowered, and Hants stood triumphant. Major Poore batted conspicuously well for the victors, making 175 and 39, not out. The Midland Counties district had charge of the amateur championships of the Amateur Athletic Association this season, and they engaged the Moly- neux Grounds, Wolverhampton, to'hold the meeting -on Saturday. They were very unfortunate in the matter of weather, for the frequent rain storms -during the week rendered the path, upon which every pains had been taken, so heavy that fast perfor- mances were out of the question, while on Saturday rain fell at intervals all the morning and until nearly three o'clock, so that this must have undoubtedly affected the attendance. Much of the sport itself was intensely interesting, and the finishes in the mile and the half-mile were wonderfully exciting. In the former Hugh Welsh, the holder, had all his work cut out to beat Charles Bennett, only struggling home a yard in front, while in the half W. E. Lutyens, one of the finest athletes ever turned out of Cambridge University, had his pro- verbial in-luck in the half-mile, Tysoe defeating him in a desperate struggle by barely a yard for once. The sprint and the quarter came south, R. W. Wadsley, of the Highgate Harriers, securing both in capital fashion, while Bennett again won the four miles run, Sturgess the walk, and Paget-Tomlinson, Cambridge University, the hurdles. The Irish con- tingent were, as expected, successful in the field event, securing the High and Long Jumps, the Hammer, and Weight Putting, but the foreign .element went away empty handed, G. Houdet, the French champion sprinter, suffering defeat in his 'n hoth the 100 Tards and Quarter, and Orton, of the New York A.C., failing to retain his trophy .and honours n the Steeplechase, which went to d £ TX • 6 mrruhe person of Stokes, of the Birchfield Harriers. The previous holders who re- ^tained their titles were Hugh Welsh in the Mile Kiely in the Hammer Throwing, Horgan in the 'Weight Putting, Reahy in the High Jump, Newburn :in the Long Jump, Bennett in the Four Miles run- ning, and Sturgess in the walk. Those who were pre- sent and failed were Cooper in the sprint, Fitz- herbert in the quarter, Poole and Orton in the pole jump and steeplechase respectively, while Parkes and ■Relf did not defend their cups in the hurdles and half-mile. As a matter of fact, Poole was excep- tionally unfortunate, for he lost his pole en route, =and as neither of the other competitors in the pole jump would lend him one he had to stand by and see wis trophy won by a much inferior man. The annual inter-'Varsity cycling contest was decided on Saturday on the Sheen House Club's track, at Mortlake. The weather was windy, and P. Engleheart rode finely for Cambridge, winning two ,of the races, and finishing second in the third, but the result of the contest was an easy win for Ox- ford, who proved successful, on points, in each of three races. H. B. Fitzherbert was placed in every event. The results were: One Mile: P. Engleheart, Cambridge^ ;H. B,Fitzherbert, Oxford, 2 ;L. Martin, J tu •' J m-0n length, two lengths between second and tmrd. Time, 2min. 33sec. Four Miles: L. Martin, SX/°J\ V n e Cambridge, 2; H. B. Fitzherbert, Oxford, 3. A close race was won by a wheel, three lengths between the next couple. Time, llmin. 17 2-5sec. ^Ten Miles P. Engleheart, Cam bridge, 1; H. B. Fitzherbert, Oxford, 2 • F. J. Hey- wood, Oxford, 3. Won easily by six yards, half a wheel between second and third. Time, 25min. 4sec. Contrary to usual experience the Royal N ortheJ8, Yacht Club had a beautiful day on Monday for the second day of their regatta. But the wind proved too much for some of the yachts at critical moments, for no fewer than five of them sustained accidents. In three of the races in which the maimed vessels were engaged there were only two starters, so that these events were shorn of all interest. The 65 raters were again represented by Eelin. and Astrild. During the first round Eelin carried away her topmast, and Astrild sailed over. The 52 raters had the finest race of the day. Senga led throughout winning by two minutes from Caprice, which got second prize. Forsa, Penitent, and Moiwiing Star finished in the order given. In the match for cruising twenties Zinita broke down, and Dragon sailed over and in the race for the Clyde 20 ton one design class, Vagrant and Tigris both brokty-their gaffs, Avalon winning, with Noyra second. The inclement weather interfered little with the actual cricket in the Oxford and Cambridge match, at Lord's, on Monday, but the company present was by no means so numerous and brilliant as its customary on such an occasion. Slow cricket pre- vailed, the Oxonians—seven of whom reached double figures-conipiling 192 in four hours and ten minutes, while the Cantabs repiled with 44 for two wickets. Play in the Australian match with Notts was considerably interfered with at Trent-bridge on Monday, only an hour's cricket being possible. In this period the County scored 51 runs for the loss of a wicket. Only a slow day's cricket was witnessed on Monday at Ken- nington Oval, several adjournments being caused through the failing light and the rain. Surrey have completed their first innings for 240, towards which Hayward, who completed his 1000 runs for the season, was top scorer with 84. At Manchester, Lancashire started in excellent style when they opened their innings against Sussex on Monday, but afterwards only a poor display was given, all being out for 244. Sussex replied with 30 without losing a wicket, when strumps were drawn for the day. York- shire made a splendid start in their match with Derby on Monday, for by the close of the day's play 318 had been scored for the loss of only four wickets. Towards this J. T. Brown, of Drffield, contributed a brilliant 192, which was marred by only two chances towards the close of his innings. Cricket proceeded at Lord's on Tuesday unaer much more favourable conditions than on Monday, and the attendance was much larger. Cambridge carried their overnight score of 44 for two wickets to 241, a fine stand being made by Day (62) and Hind (52 not out) for the ninth wicket. Oxford com- menced their second innings at 10 minutes to four 49 runs in arrears, and when stumps were drawn for the day had made 174 for three wickets, Pilkington, who went in first, being 93 not out. At Kennington Oval Essex did wonder- fully well against Surrey, scoring no fewer than 342 for the loss of seven wickets. Each batsman who went in made double figures, and four reached 50. M'Gahey making 68. At Nottingham, on a difficult wicket, the Notts innings against Australia on Tuesday closed for 188, Shrewsbury (51) making the biggest score, and J. A. Dixon (46) coming next; the Australians made 106 for the loss of three wickets, Noble (46) and Trumper (31) being not out. At Derby on Tuesday Yorkshire raised their overnight score of 318 for four wickets to 432; Derbyshire were dis- posed of for 78, but did much better on following on, making 122 for five wickets R. Kenward made the best stand, scoring 31 in the first innings, and being 39 in the second. At Manchester Sussex obtained on Tuesday decidedly the better of the position in their match with Lancashire; they completed their first innings for 219, disposed of Lancashire for 110, and had made one run for the loss of one wicket on Tuesday night, so that with nine wickets to fall they only wanted 135 to win. Derbyshire had to bite the dust before Yorkshire on Wednesday to the tune of an innings and 160 runs, no one but Storer and Mr. Kennard being able to make any stand. For Lancashire, at Manchester, on Wednesday, so successfully did Lancaster and Webb bowl on a wicket which favoured them, that Sussex found it quite impossible to get the comparatively small number of 125 runs set them, and lost in the end by 29, after some excitement. Noble carried his score to 84 at Trent-bridge against Nottingham on Wednesday, and Trumper his to 85, and when both had been got rid of and seven wickets altogether were down for 234, the Australian captain declared." The Notts second score stood at 50 for five later on. When Abel, Brockwell, and Hayes were all out for 21 amongst the three of them on Wednesday, at Kennington, after Surrey had gone in a second time against Essex 132 in arrears (the visiting fixst innings having been rapidly finished off for 3*2) matters looked black for the home team. Eut a careful stand by Lockwood and Hayward then altered the appearance of matters, and the good bat- ting was kept up so well that with the score at 150, and no further wicket had fallen, danger of defeat seemed to be passing away from Surrey again with every run added to the board, and the spirits of the Ovalites rose correspondingly. When Oxford had got to 347 for eight on Wed- nesday afternoon they put Cambridge in again to get 299 in just over three hours, play out time, or be defeated. One wicket of the Light Blues was down for 52 subsequently. Pilkington did not add to the 93 he made on Tuesday, but he was top scorer for his side, though Knox played finely for 73 not out.

THE REVENUE. I j.ne receipts on account of revenue from April 1, 1899, when there was a balance of E-8,919,173, to June 30, 1899, were 25,893,778, as against £ 24,087,846 in the corresponding period of the pre- ceding financial year, which commenced with a balance of £ 10,918,422. The net expenditure was £ 26,099,477, against 924,946,479 to the correspond- ing date in the previous year. The Treasury balances on June 30,1899, amounted to £ 5,638,474, and at the corresponding date of 1898 te £ 5,799,789.

FATAL GAS EXPLOSION. I v/n Tuesday afternoon an explosion occurred at Honley Gas Works, near Huddersfield, whereby four men were killed and one injured. The Honley Gas Company were having a single gasometer, capable of holding 25,000 cubic feet of gas, superseded by a telescopic holder of 75,000 cubic feet capacity. Messrs. Dempster and Sons, of Elland, were engaged to do the work, and a number of men were cutting through the plates on the top of the holder which had been lowered to the level of the ground, when an explosion occurred. The holder was lifted bodily into the air, and alighted on its side. Five of the workmen were blown up. Three were killed outright—namely, Thomas Carter, 25, Elland; Joe Makin, 27, Elland; and Ben Pearson, 35, Milns-bridge-the fourth, Joe Binns, 27, Greet- land, died an hour and a-half afterwards; and the fifth, Ben Taylor, 30, of Elland, was removed to the infirmary suffering from a fractured thigh. Pearson was in the service of the gas company and the others in that of Messrs. Dempster. The supposed cause of the explosion was a spark from a workman's chisel coming in contact with some unexhausted gas in the holder which was being removed.

COOLGARDIE FRAUDS. I The trial of Arthur Kirby and Morris Clifford, who were indicted for conspiring with Sir Alfred Kirby to defraud persons induced to become share- holders in the Coolgardie Mint and Iron King Gold Mines (Limited) by the duplication of some 30,000 shares, was on Tuesday resumed at the Central Criminal Court. The jury having returned a verdict of guilty, Mr. Justice Darling said that although the two prisoners did not conceive the fraud, yet they had a part in it. Had they been absolutely free agents, their sentences would have been much more severe. He sentenced both prisoners to six months' hard labour.

L TIlE British Columbia anti-Japanese Legislation has been disallowed by the Ottawa Government, at the instance of the Imperial authorities. As an indication of the importance to Victoria of the rabbit-exporting industry it is stated that there are now 10,000 persons engaged in tho trade in the colony.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. -1 HOUSE OF LORDS.—July 3. I LONDON GOVERNMENT, I The report of the amendments to the London Government Bill was considered. The Duke of Devonshire announced that it was intended, under Clause 15, to appoint Sir Hugh Owen, late Secretary of the Local Government Board; Sir Samuel Johnson, Town Clerk of Nottingham; and Mr. A. T. Law- rence, Q.C., as Commissioners to prepare such orders and schemes as might be required to carry this Act into effect. On the motion of the Duke of Northum*- berland, made on behalf of Lord Glenesk, a new clause was inserted providing that an Order in Council under this Act might detach Kensington Palace from the borough of Westminster and attach it to the borough of Kensington. Lord TweedmoMth moved, on Clause 25, an amendment to the effect that the London County Council (and not the Local Government Board, as was proposed by the clause) should cause an inquiry to be instituted when a vrima-facie case had been made out for the alteration of the number of wards of a metropolitan borough, or of the boundaries of any ward, or of the appor- tionment of the members of the council among the wards. Lord James of Hereford opposed the amendment, which was supported by Lord Kim- berley. On a division being taken, the amendment was negatived by 98 votes against 26. Lord Hawkes- bury moved to amend the first schedule by dividing the proposed city or borough of Westminster into two separate boroughs. The first area would consist of the parishes of St. Margaret and St. John, West- minster, and the parish of St. George, Hanover- square while the second area would comprise the parish of St. James, Westminster, the parish of St. Martin-in-the-Field, and the district of the Strand Board of Works. Lord Hobhouse and Lord Kimberley supported the proposal. The Duke of Devonshire said the Government thought it was not an unworthy idea to recognise in the ancient Parliamentary borough of Westminster an area which might fitly receive municipal incorporation. On a division the amendment was negatived by 74 votes against 22, Some other amendments having been disposed of, the bill passed the report stage. BILLS FORWARDED. I The Summary Jurisdiction Act (1879) Amendment Bill and the Education of Children Bill passed through Committee; and the Isolation Hospitals (Amendment) Bill was read a third time and passed. I HOUSE OF COMMONS. I KIGERLAND. I The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in Committee of Ways and Means, moved a financial resolution on which to found the bill for transferring to the Government the administration of the Royal Niger Company's territories. In submitting the motion for approval he dwelt but little on the history of the past, but reminded the Committee that in the basin of the Niger very large British interests had been created by the enterprise of the promoters of the Niger Company, and he described the grant of the charter in 1886 as a step that was sanctioned by both the great parties in the State. He then referred to the three forms of administration existing in West Africa-namely, the administration of Lagos under the Colonial Office, that of the Niger Coast Protectorate under the Foreign Office, and that of the Royal Niger Company—and he observed that these three kinds of administration did not always work in harmony. He then stated the claims of the company to fair treatment at the hands of Parlia- ment, saying that it had administered vast territories where it had checked the slave trade and also the noxious trade in spirits. It had, in fact, founder an empire extending over many thousand square miles in a most valuable part of equatorial Africa, and its achievements contrasted sharply with the neglect of successive Governments to further British interests in that part of the world. Having dealt with the successive side of the company's work, he next placed before the Committee the other side of the question. Regulations had been enforced which were, to a large extent, restrictive of trade, and which were held by traders in this country and in France to contravene the stipulations of the Treaty of Berlin as to the free navigation of the Niger; But, he said, the chief reason for making the change which the Government proposed in the company's posi- tion was the friction that had occurred in West Africa between France and Great Britain. The state of things to which he alluded had been put an end to, he was glad to say, by the treaty which the French Government had recently ratified; but it had become clear that the company was not capable of discharg- ing with complete satisfaction our international obli- gations. If, he said, the Niger Company had been allowed a free hand in its dealings with the French there might have been a conflict, resulting in a terrible war. In consequence of what had taken place, the Government had been forced to organise a West African frontier force, so that now there was within the territory both an Imperial and a civil authority, and this led to difficulties. This was the main reason why the Government counselled the revocation of the com- pany's charter. It was proposed that the company should be relieved of all its administrative rights and duties and should make over to the Government all its treaty rights, lands and mineral rights, and such of its administrative buildings and plant as might be required. It would be reduced to the position of a trading company, being left in possession of the buildings, stations, and wharves actually in its occupation at present. But the company, the Government held, was entitled to the full recog- nition of the position which it had created for itself and of the rights which it had acquired in the territories covered by the charter. When that chartet was granted the company was allowed to levy Customs dues for the cost of administration and to include in that cost a sum representing liabilities already incurred, which sum was fixed at £ 12,500 a year. On that charge on the Customs dues the company raised E250,000, which was a debt, and the Government purposed taking it over and to raise £ 300,000 in order to redeem it at once. Then the company had a claim to be reimbursed for what he called "unex- hausted improvements," and it was intended to pay them P.300,000 under that head. For the company's very valuable land rights acquired by purchase along the banks of the Niger, for its mineral rights, and as compensation for the disloca- tion of its business it would be paid £ 150,000. It would also be entitled for 99 years to half the proceeds of any royalty on minerals worked. For the buildings, steamers, war materials, &c., which were to be taken over from the company a sum of £ 115,000 was to be given. The total sum payable would thus be £ 865,000. E820,000 would be raised for the purposes of the bill by way of loan, and the rest of the money asked for would be charged on the Consolidated Fund. He next stated that throughout Lagos, the Niger Coast Protectorate, and the Niger Company's territory all inland Customs frontiers would be abolished, and there would be perfect freedom of trade for all alike. There would be a common arms law through the whole region, and a common tariff, except that the importation of trade spirits into Northern Nigeria would be prohibited as now. For the present the territories would be divided for administrative pur- poses into three divisions, all under the control of the Colonial Office. Having given particulars as to the areas included in each division, he said that the military and police would be reorganised and re- duced, especially in Lagos. Anticipating the objec- tion that the Government were assuming a very material increase of responsibility in West Africa, he explained that the responsibility was theirs already, and that all they were now doing was to Take power to discharge that responsibility in an effective manner. Adverting, in conclusion, to the terms which were granted to the company, he insisted that to revoke its char er and to reduce it to the position of a mere trading company without making fair and just compensation would be an act of gross in- justice. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman thought the statement of the right hon. gentleman showed clearly the dangers and difficulties attending the system of government by chartered company. By that system the country was led on to a rapid extension of its re- sponsibilities but it was only right that it should undertake those responsibilities openly. He com- mended the conduct of all who had taken part in the administration of the Niger Company, and said he imagined that the plan of the Government would commend itself to the judgment of the Committee. A definitive judgment, however, must be deferred until members should have in their hands all the papers tearing on the subject. Mr. Labouchere insisted that if the resolution was agreed to it must be understood clearly that the House reserved its right to discuss the terms upon which the duties of the company were being assumed by the Government. Mr. Gibson Bowles complained that the motion ot the Chancellor of the Exchequor had not been printed, and suggested that the debate should be adjourned so that mem- bers might have before them tNe figures given by the right hon. gentleman. Mr. Dillon argued that a full statement ought to be made as to the company's financial position before the resolution was passed, and Sir C. Dilke, referring to the circumstance that the French Government had some claim agains t the company, asked whether that claim would be settled before the affairs of the com- pany were taken over. The Chancellor of the Ex- chequer stated that recipi ocal claims were made by the company and the French Government, and that the subject would be duly considered. To the other members who had spoken he replied that the accep- tance of the motion would not pledge them to any- thing, and that they would have a perfect right to discuss both the principle of the bill and the amount to be paid to the company at the stage of second reading. After further debate, in which Mr. Buxton, Cap- tain Bethell, Dr. Clark, and other members took part, Mr. Gibson Bowles moved to report progress, but this motion was negatived by 192 votes against 103. The discussion on the main question was them continued, and after it had proceeded for some time, the Chancellor of the Exchequer moved the closure, which was carried by 216 votes against 116. A division was then taken on the resolution, which wa ) agreed to by 223 votes against 101. SMALL HOUSES BILL. I The consideration of the Small Houses (Acquisi- ) tion of Ownership) Bill, as amended by the Stand- ing Committee on Law, having been resumed, Colonel Milward's amendment to Clause 9, constituting the council of any rural district containing a population in excess of 7000 a local authority for the purpose of the Act, was carried on a division by 188 votes against 96. Consequential amendments proposed by Mr. Chamberlain were agreed to, and the other amendments on the paper having been disposed 94 j the bill was ordered for third reading. NATIONAL DEFENCE. I On the motion for the second reading of the Mili- tary Works Bill, Mr. Dillon protested against the pecuniary demand made by the Government and against some of the purposes to which the money was to be applied, and Mr. Gibson Bowles asked for information as to the defence works upon which one million was to be spent. Lord C. Beresford again expressed disapproval of the fortification of Wei-hai-wei, where a sum of £ 130,000 was to be expended, and as to the fortification of commercial harbours generally, he said he regarded it as waste of money. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman, while not intending to put any impediment in the way of this National Defence Bill, maintained that means ought to be devised to enable the House to retain control over the expendi- ture which the measure sanctioned. With regard to the proposed protection of commercial ports, he ex- pressed the hope that there was no intention of wasting money in fortifying mere seaside towns. Mr. Wyndham replied on th3 various points which had been raised, devoting special attention to what had been said as to defence work. These he explained must be shrouded in a certain amount of mystery, but the general object of the authorities was to secure our principal and secondary naval bases, our commercial stations, and strategic har- bours. The debate was continued until midnight, when it stood adjourned. OTHER BUSINESS. 1 The Report of Supply was agreed to; the Refor- matory Schools Amendment Bill was read a third time, and the Agricultural Holdings Bill was with- drawn. HOUSE OF LORDS.-JULY 4. I The London Government Bill was, on the motion of the Duke of Devonshire, read a third time and passed, Some other business having been disposed of, the House rose at five minutes past five o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMONS. I THB TRANSVAAL. I Mr. Chamberlain, replying to Sir J. Brunner, explained that the Cape Government was not a party to the negotiations between her Majesty's Govern- ment and the Government of the South African Republic; but that the High Commissioner was in communication with the Cape Ministers. SCOTCH LEGISLATION. I The Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Bill, as amended in Committee, was under consideration for several hours. In accordance with an under- taking given in Committee, when it was agreed that the local inquiries under the measure ought to be conducted by members of the two Houses of Parlia- ment rather than by extra Parliamentary commis- sioners, the Lord Advocate brought up a new clause for the formation of Parliamentary panels from which the commissioners were to be chosen. This clause pro- vided for the appointment in every case of inquiry of two members of the House of Lords and two mem- bers of the House of Commons, who were to be nominated by the Chairmen of Committees of the two Houses and it contained a direction that only when such members were not available was recourse to be had to the extra-Parliamentary panel. This arrangement was approved by Sir H. Campbell- Bannerman, but was not received with equal favour in every quarter of the House, some mem- bers being of opinion that the Lord Advo- cate's proposals did not carry out fully the agreement arrived at in Committee. The clause, however, was not seriously opposed and was added to the bill. Other amendments, most of them consequential, having been disposed of Mr. T. Shaw renewed his opposition to Clause 9, under which a second inquiry in the case of a disputed order will be possible before a Joint Committee of the two Houses, sitting in London. Ho moved an amend- ment providing that confirmation bills containing opposed orders should be considered in Parliament as if they had passed through all stages up to report, and that while either House might refer such bills back to the Commissioners who had conducted the local inquiries for further consideration, there should be no fresh inquiry before a Parliamentary committee. The Lord Advocate declined to depart from the position which he took up at the committee stage of the bill, when he explained his reasons for resist- ing the amendment, although he was pressed to reconsider his decision by Sir H. Campbell-Banner- man and by other Scotch representatives, including some sitting on his own side of the House. On a division the amendment was negatived by 159 votes against 114, and, after further dis- cussion, the bill was ordered for third reading. BOARD OT EDUCATION. I Sir J. Gorst having moved in Committee of Ways and Means a resolution authorising the payment of a salary of £ 2000 to the President of the proposed Board of Education, Mr. Yoxall asked for an assur- ance from the right hon. gentleman that the President of the Board would be a member of the House of Commons, and being dissatisfied with Sir J. Gorst's reply, he moved to reduce the amount named in the resolution by £1000. The amendment was nega- tived by 127 votes against 50, and the motion was agreed to. SMALL HOUSES BILL. I On the order for the third reading of the Small Houses (Acquisition of Ownership) Bill, Sir C. Dilke commented unfavourably upon the measure, observing that the use of public money for the pur- pose of enabling individuals to become freeholders had not had successful results in England. Mr. Cald- well complained that the bill would fail in many par- ticulars to meet the special needs of Scotland, and Mr. Wilson (Durham) made some observations as to the way in which the interests of miners would be affected. Mr. Chamberlain said that the bill gave effect, to one of the most important promises made by the Unionist party at the time of the general election, and that he believed it would be of great advantage to the working classes. The Government, in proposing the measure, had received, he remarked, no assistance ;from the Opposition, whose attitude thad been one of sombre acquiescence and con- emptuous depreciation. If, therefore, the bill should be a success, the Government would have a right to all the credit attaching to their legislation. Answering Sir C. Dilke, he affirmed that in many cases it was certainly desirable to create freeholds with the help of public money, and he referred to the purchase of holdings in Ireland in support of his contention. For his part, he declared he should like to see every working man in the country the free- holder of his house. The bill was then read a third time, amid Unionist cheers. IMrROVBMKHT OP LAND. I On the order for the second reading of the Im- provement of Land Bill, which extends the period for the repayment of charges under the Act of 1864 from 25 years to 40 years and amends the enact- ments relating to the improvement of land in a varietv of wt\vs. Mr. S. Evans, Mr. Lewis, and other members of the Opposition complained that the bill did not contain special provisions for the improve- ment of labourers' cottages. Mr. Long explained that the measure, which he had regarded as being uncontroversial. would assist limited owners who found it difficult to obtain money for the develop- ment of their estates on reasonable terms but the statement of the right hon. gentleman failed to satisfy the members who were opposing the measure, and they challenged a division, with the result that the second reading was carried by 140 votes against 44. The bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Law after a second division. NIQERLAND. The report of the financial resolution upon which to found the bill relating to the administration of the Niger Company's territories was agreed to after pro- tests from Mr. T. P. O'Connor, Mr. Dillon, and Mr. Dalziel, who held that the House ought not to sanc- tion the introduction of the measure until it had been supplied with fuller information than it yet possessed. The bill having been brought in by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and read a first time.

ROYAL VISIT TO DEVONSHIRE. The Duke and Duchess of York, accompanied by Sir Francis de Winton, the Hon. Derek Keppel, and Lady Katherine Coke, left Paddington by the 11.45 train on Monday, and travelled to Exeter, proceeding thence by special train to Newton Abbot, the nearest station on the main line to Ugbrooke- park, the seat of Lord Clifford of Chudleigh, whose guests they are to be for three days. On the arrival of the train their Royal Highnesses were received by Lord Clifford outside the station, and the members of the District Council presented an address of wel- come. They were accompanied by Mr. Seal-Hayne, M.P. for the division, whose ancestor, William Hayne, was among those who welcomed the Prince of Orange to Newton in 1688. Mr. J. W. Rowell, the Chairman of the District Council, was presented to the Duke and Duchess, after which he presented the Duke with a beautifully-worked address of welcome. His Royal Highness handed Mr. Rowell a formal reply, and within a few minutes the drive through the gaily decorated town to Ugbrooke-park had com- menced. The Royal 1st Devon Yeomanry supplied an escort under Captain Templer, and the Newton Volunteers, under Major Rowell, formed a Guard of Honour. The route through the town was lined with volunteers from all partt of South Devon. In celebration of the visit all the school children of Newton Abbot, Highweek, and Kingsteignton, to the number of about 3000, were entertained at tea on the Recreation Ground by Mr. Seale-Hayne, M.P., who also presented each child with a copy of the New Testament. Commemorative medals were also distributed to all the children of Mr. J. A. Nix, the Unionist candidate for Mid- Devon. The house party at Ugbrooke to meet their Royal Highnesses consisted of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset, Lord and Lady Churston, Sir Stafford and Lady Northcote, Sir Redvers and Lady Audrey Btoller, Sir Thomas and Lady Acland, Mr. and Mrs. Kimlyn, Mrs. Delacour, Miss K. Lister, Viscount Valletort, and Mr. Hugh Clifford.

THE TRANSVAAL. The Transvaal Raad on Monday authorised the Government to amend the franchise, according another member to all constituencies for the First Raad only. The new draft is to be submitted to the burghers for approval. President Kruger stated that the members of the Executive found the burghers as firm as a rock on the question of independence, and he trusted that the Raad would show the same spirit. From Kimberley,, the Standard corre- spondent telegraphs that arms and ammunition are being distributed by the authorities of the Free State among the burghers stationed on the frontier in that direction. TIIE UITLANDER DEMANDS. I Mr. Hofmeyr went on to Pretoria from Bloem- fontein on Tuesday afternoon. The Uitlander Council in Johannesburg has issued a declaration embodying their demands for alterations in the Transvaal Constitution. The Johannesburg police have been ordered not to carry revolvers while they are on ordinary patrol duty in the town. A letter is Published addressed by Mr. Chamberlain to M. 'ves Guyot on the subject of the scheme propounded by the latter for the settlement of the Uitlander diffi- culty. Mr. Chamberlain shows that he forestalled M. Guyot in proposing this solution to the Trans- vaal Government.

THE PRINCE OF WALES AT DALKEITH. The Prince of Wales, who opened the show of the Highland and Agricultural Society in Edinburgh on Wednesday, arrived on Tuesday evening at Dalkeith and drove from the station to Dalkeith House, where he was the guest of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. The town of Dalkeith has during its history frequently witnessed the passage of Royalty through its streets, and on all such occasions the inhabitants have been eager to testify their loyalty. But they probably never made such a decorative display as on Tuesday. From end to end of the High-street, which leads directly to the gates of Dalkeith House, there was an abundance of flags, decorative escut- cheons, and broad strips of gaudy material, repeat- ing endlessly the crest of the Royal visitor. Short as the distance is, room was found for two extremely effective triumphal arches, different in design, but both bearing the word Welcoma." The stonework of the palace entrance was hidden in foliage, while from the battlemented summit peeped a number of small cannon-the whole design being in representa- tion of an ivy-clad Border fortress. At the station his Royal Highnes s was received by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, the Earl of Rosebery (Lord Lieutenant of the county), the Duke of Abercorn, the Earl of Leven and Melville, Lord Henry Scott, and the provost, magistrates, and com- missioners of Dalkeith. Provost Liddell briefly wel- comed the Prince to Dalkeith and presented him with an illuminated address enclosed in a morocco case. The address recalled the fact that during the reign of her Majesty it had been the privilege of the burgh to receive three visits from Royalty. In 1842," it proceeded, when her Majesty visited Scot- land for the first time, she made a short sojourn at Dalkeith Palace, and in 1886 the Duke of Clarence came to Dalkeith when on a visit to the Marquis of Lothian. We have also to record that anterior to these visits, when Scotland did not enjoy her present peace and tranquility, Dalkeith House was the rest- ing-place for a brief period of the Crown of Scotland, a fact which the burg has thought fit to emblazon on its seal." His Royal Highness received the address, and his equerry in turn handed the following reply of the Prince to the town clerk: Mr. Provost and Gentle- men,—Let me express to you my sincere thanks for your address and for the hearty welcome given me on the occasion of my visit to your burgh. It affords me much pleasure to be the guest of my old friends the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, and while staying at their house to perform the cere- mony of opening the show of the Highland and Agricultural Society. I join with you in hoping that this exhibition will meet with every success. I am glad to have the opportunity of seeing Dalkeith and of becoming better acquainted with the town, which has been visited by the Queen and my dear son, the Duke of Clarence. I fully appreciate your loyalty and attachment to the members of the Royal Family, together with the expressions of good wishes for my happiness." Leaving the station, the Prince took his place in the carriage in waiting, followed by his host and hostess and the Earl of Rosebery, and drove through cheering crowds to Dalkeith House. The guard of honour was provided by the 6th V.B. Royal Scots, and the route was also lined by a strong body of police.

SOUDAN HEROES. I A county memorial is to be raised to the officers and men of the Royal- Warwickshire Regiment who fell in the Soudan campaign. Lord Leigh is at the head of the movement, and the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., has accepted a place on the committee. A suitable monument will be erected in some public place in Birmingham, and a tablet ia St. Mary's Church, Warwick.

IN the first four weeks after the opening of the electric railway at Cairo, it is said that 80 persons were killed, and since that time the weekly average of victims is seven or eight. CHILI and Argentina believe that the way to disarm is to disarm. They have settled their boundary dis- pute, and are offering warshina for sale.

I OPERA AT WINDSOR CASTLE. I PAGLIACCI PERFORMED BEFORE THE QUEEN. when her Majesty was in the Riviera in the spring Signor Leoncavallo played some of his carspositions before her, and accepted the Queen's commands to direct a performance of Pagliacci," the opera by which he is best known, at Windsor Castle this month1. Unfortunately, Signor Leoncavallo hae fouBd it impossible to come to England, owing, as everysne will regret to leant, to an affection of his- eyes. But the representation could not be post- poned, and accordingly it took place on Tuesday evening in the Waterloo Chamber, the performers being members of the company of the Royal Opepa, Covent Garden. The artrat, musicians, and assistants, about 150 im number, were conveyed in the course of the afternoon from Paddmgton by the Great Western Railway. The orchestra and chorus, accompanied by Mr. Neil Forsyth, reached Windsor at half-past two, and at once proceeded to the palace, where a rehearsal was held in the Waterloo Chamber. Earl de Grey and Mr. Maurice Gran, two of the directors of the Grand Opera Syndicate, and the prin- cipal vocalist travelled from Paddington later, find on their arrival drove to the eastle in the car- riages which had been provided for their conveyanas from the station. Lord Edward Pelham Clinton, Master of the Royal Household, personally superin- I ended the arrangements in connection with the entertainment, and the reception of the Queen's guests. The Waterloo Chamber had been specially prepared by the Lord Chamberlain's officials. The Royal dais and amphitheatre like auditorium behind it, were draped with crimson cloth, and furnished with chairs for the Queen and Royal Family and the Ladies and Gentlemen of her Majesty's Household. The front of the dais was fringed by a low curtain edged within by vases of roses and beautiful heart-leaved miniature calla- diums, selected from the Frogmore greenhouses. The orchestra was decorated with yellow roses interspersed with maidenhair and other delicate ferns, each end of the row terminating with a richly hued croton. Groups of roses, hydrangias, fuchias, palms, and cocas filled the corners and screened the fireplaces of the Royal apartment. The Queen, attended by the ladies aid gentlemen- in-waiting, proceeded after dinner to the Waterloo Chamber, the audience, upwards of a hundred in number, rising, and the orchestra playing the National Anthem when her Majesty entered the apartment. The Queen's libretti of Le Chalet" and "Pagliooci" were printed upon white satin, bound in Garter blue, and ornamented with the Royal Arms, a separate gilt-edged card programme being also provided for her Majesty. The rest of the programmes for the Royal audience were printed upon white satin. The entertainment commenced a few minutes after her Majesty had taken her seat, the programme being as follows I WINDSOR CASTLE. By Command of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, The Royal Opera Company (from the Opera House, Covent-garden), Under the direction of Mr. Maurice Grau, Will appear on Tuesday, July 4, 1899. Her Majesty's Servants will perform Adolphe Adam's Opera, LE CHALET. Daniel M. Cazeneuve. Max. M. Planqon. Bettly Mile. Leclerc. Conductor. M. Ph. Flon. Followed by Leoncavallo's Opera, FAGLIACCI. Tonio Signor Ancona. Canio Signor De Lucia. jen Arlequino M. Cazeueuve. Nedda Mme. Suzanne Adam*. Silvio M. Jacques Bars. Conductor Signor Mancinelli. Regisseur M. Pierre Bandu. Special scenery painted for this performance by Mr. Bruce Smith and assistants. Secretary, Mr. Neil Forsyth. There was an interval between the two operas, and at the close of the performance the Queen and Royal Family left the Waterloo Chamber. Her Majesty's guests were afterwards entertained in the dining- room, supper being provided for the artists and orchestra in the Vandyck room, and the Audience and Presence Chambers, under the supervision of Mr. Lloyd Clerk, Comptroller of the Lord Steward's Department. The company returned øubsequeDth tit London. ll.

HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY. The Queen reviewed the Honourable Artillery Company in Windsor Great Park on Saturday after- noon. The Prince of Wales, as Captain-General of the company, was in command and led the march past. Her Majesty also drove down the line, and at the conclusion of the review expressed her pleasure at inspecting the company again for the first time since 1861.

THE POISON BY POST CASE. VERDICT AND SENTENCE. The trial of Mary Ann Ansell for the murder of her sister, an inmate of Leavesden Asylum, who died in consequence of eating pastry received through the post, was concluded at Hertford Assizes on Friday of last week. Examined by counsel, prisoner denied that she wrote the letter signed Harriet Parish, or that she sent the cake. She admitted that she bought phosphorus paste on three or four occasions to kill rats. Cross-examined by Mr. Rawlinson, prisoner said she wrote the letter to Mr. Cooper, the insurance agent. She placed the phosphorus on a sack in the kitchen. She never succeeded in killing any rats. You never asked your mistress to pay for the phos- phorus ? Witness: No. You had a policy and a premium book, were are they ? Witness They got between some books, and I threw them on the fire by accident. Why did you insure your sister's life ? Witness: I was very fond of her, and I wanted to give her a nice funeral if anything happened. You tvere engaged to be married about that time ? Wit- ness Yes. Was that standing over until you and your young man had enough between you to make a home ? Witness: The young man did not appear to be earning enough to start housekeeping at the ;ime, and we agreed to leave it over until such time is he got a better situation. If you wanted to get ;he money to bury your sister, why didn't you claim, md why did you allow her to be buried by the isylum ? Witness: They seemed determined to keep "he body. Mr. Clarke Hall made an eloquent speech on behalf of the prisoner. He said the case against the prisoner pressed solely on the motive to get Ell 5s. insurance money. He asked the jury to say that as altogether inconceivably inadequate to make a person commit such a crime. In dealing with the similarity of the writing on the various documents and wrappers, he reminded the jury of the mistake at was made five years ago, when in France—the greatest country of handwriting experts—all the ex- perts agreed that a certain document was written by Captain Dreyfus. His lordship having summed up, the jury retirad. After an hour's absence they returned to court, and on being asked if they had come to a decision, the foreman replied: "No; can we have some refresh- ments ?—His Lordship: I cannot give any such instructions. Do you wish any part of the evidence read over to help you to arrive at a verdict? You must go back, and come to some decision. The jury then again retired, and after further deliberation found the prisoner guilty. Sentence of death was oassed.

Miss JENNY YALMORE, the well-known music-hall artiste, met with a serious carriage accident on Satur- day, at Thornton Heath, near Croydon, sustaining a fracture of the jaw. She is now progressing favour- ably. Miss HARRIET WILD, head teaoher of a Kings land Board School, infants' department, was on Saturday Sned 5a. and 25s. costs far administering excessive QdVOOnl punishment ta a bev of 3.1;. vears.