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

BIRMINGHAM STOCK SHOW, I CHAMPION HONOURS TAKEN BY THE QUEEY. I The fifty-second annual exhibition of fat cattle sheep, pigs, roots, corn, implements, and poultry, held under the direction of the Birmingham Agri- cultural Association, was commenced at Bingley Hall on Saturday. The number of entries was about the same as in past years. The Queen, who has always been a generons patron of the show, sent nine splendid heads from the Prince Consort's and Flemish farms, at Windsor, and was fortunate in securing all the leading honours of the show. With a very shapely roan shorthorn heifer, "Ciceley," from the Shaw Farm, her Majesty took the class prize, the extra of JE50 for the best shorthorn, the President's Cup, the Elkington Challenge Cup, the Webb Challenge Cup, and the Thorley Challenge Cup. As a yearling "Ciceley" took a first prize at the Royal Show at Maidstone, but she was only ex- hibited once last summer, when she took first in her class, and champion of the section at the Royal Counties Show. Ciceley will be shown at the Agricultural Hall. With a sweet little Devon steer her Majesty secured the Birmingham Daily Post Challenge Cup, and she takes first in the class for shorthorn steers, with "Robin Hood," a shapely animal, also from the Shaw Farm, first in the class for Devon cows, second for Devon steers, and second for Hereford steers. In all, the Queen took seven prizes for her nine exhibits, and carried off all the champion honours of the show. The Prince of Wales showed without distinction in the cattle classes, obtained a third prize for a pen of Southdowns, and was passed over in the small white pig class. The president (Lord Strathmore' obtained first prize in its class, and extra £ 50 foi the best Scot, with Aquilegia," a polled Aberdeen —Angus heifer. Sir Reginald Cathcart, Bart.. was a good first in the class for West Highland oxen. Among the Herefords, which were not showy lot, Mr. Price, of Psmbridge, sent what is probably for its age-six weeks under two years-the heaviest beast ever brought into the hall. There was a small but remarkably nice lot of Devons, Mr. John Wortley, of Norwich, taking first prize and extra for the best steer under three years old, but only just vanquishing the Queen's second-class xhibit. Shorthorns were not a large display, owing to the fact that a good many first-class animals have lately been bought for exportation and others kept for breeding rather than for exhibition purposes. Sheep, generally, were an excellent lot, and the entries, both in number and quality, were well up to the average. The Cooper Challenge Cup was taken by a fine wether Shropshire lamb, owned by Mr. P. Milk, of Nottingham. With the same animal he secured the award of the Shropshire Sheep Breeders' Association. The silver cup offered by Birmingham innkeepers for the best pen of Southdowns, was carried off by Mr. H. McCalmont, of Newmarket, this exhibit, a wether lamb, being also placed as reserve to the Cooper Cupt The restrictions as to moving having been cancelled, there was a fairly large display of pigs. The galleries bad the usual display of corn and roots, and the poultry department increases every year.

RETURNED FROM THE WAR. The Prince of Wales on Monday inspected at the Regent's-park Barracks the detachments of the 1st and Sid Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards, and the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment who re- turned last week from service in South Africa. The oontingent of the Composite Regiment was first inspected and then the Canadians, and the Prince briefly addressed each of the detachments after the inspection, thanking them for their services and congratulating them on their safe arrival in this country.

KRUGER'S WEDDING GIFT. Mr. Kruger is giving as a wedding present te Queen Wilhelmina of Holland a thimble, artistically engraved by a French artitt. The design round the edge represents youthful Parisian "empstresses at work-a pretty compliment to the most enthusiastic and demonstrative of the old man's admirers in the gay capital. The design is not copyright—upon wfeich hint Parisian jewellers are already acting.

BICYCLES AT EIGHTEENPENCE. A young fellow named Ironmonger, living at Ilkeston, took a room in Copenhagen-street, London, and thence issued an advertisement offer- ing bicycles for Is. 6d. each. It is truly (remarks the Daily Telegraph) not dupes that are wanting ia this world, for hundreds of people seem to have believed in the possibility of getting a machine for the small sum. One gentleman thought the offer a genuine method of making known the advantages of some concern, just as a respectable firm had been giving away £10 notes to advertise their business." Ironmonger's ingenious method of making a living is suspended, its author being detained at Bow- street.

Ax exceedingly curious relic ot the seven yeart war has just been unearthed at Hanover. It appears that a Hanoverian captain learned that a canon of Duisberg had been making public reflections upon the Hanoverian army. The gallant eaptain, taking the insult to heart, determined that it should be punished, so he despatched an adjutant to ad- minister 50 blows with a stick to the delinquent. This the adjutant did, and the canon owned up and signed a receipt to the effect that he had received 50 blows from a stick an inch thick for his "stupid and frivolous calumnies against the regiment of Chas- seurs." It is this receipt that has just been dis- covered.

t.. CURRENT SPORT. The committee of the Oxford University Athletic Club had a trial run on Saturday prior to selecting the representatives to oppose Cambridge at Roe- hampton. Eight men took part in the trial, including the president of the club (Mr. E. A. Dawson), but owing to trouble with his shoes he was compelled to retire. Soon after the start Huxtable and Briscoe went to the front. While crossing Cowley Marsh, Parsons had a bad attack of cramp, and Marshall stopped to render him assistance. The third place was then taken by Raysho, the Oriel freshman. Huxtable and Briscoe, however, had no difficulty in maintaining their positions, and a capital race home resulted in favour of the first-named by about six yards, The time was 45 minutes. Subsequently the following were selected to represent Oxford against Ca mbridge: E. A. Dawson, Malvern and Worcester G. R. Fothergill, Clifton and University; A. H. Huxtable, Clifton and University; R. R. Sharp, Charterhouse and Christ Church and H. K. Briscoe, Bedford Grammar School and Pembroke. A comparison of the performances accomplished by the 'Varsity hockey teams on Saturday made Oxford, on paper, much the stronger eleven, and aext February the Dark Blues appear to stand a very good chance of beating their rivals for the first time for eight years. All credit is due to Finchley for their three to two victory over Cambridge, but the latter's form was disappointing, following so closely on their excellent display and easy victory over Southgate. Oxford showed distinct superiority over Olton, a strong Midland eleven, who include W. G. Quaife, the Warwickshire cricketer. East Sheen maintained their good form, and defeated Surbiton, while Wimbledon effected a creditable draw with Southgate. Hampstead's improvement did not develop to the extent of superiority over Molesey but St. Bartholomew's Hospital did well in drawing with Crystal Palace. In the Association Football League championship the result were: Aston Villa beat Manchester City, 7-1, at Birmingham Notts County beat Blackburn Rovers, 2-1, at Nottingham; Sunderland beat Everton, 2-0, at Sunderland Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United drew, 2 all, at Sheffield Preston North End drew with Notts Forest, 1 all, at Preston; Derby County beat West Bromwich Albion, 4-0, at Derby Wolverhampton Wanderers drew with Bury, 1 all, at Wolverhampton Sheffield United beat Liverpool, 2-1, at Liverpool; Bolton Wanderers beat Stoke, 1-0, at Bolton. Oxford University were beaten by Clapton, at Fores' -gate, by six goals to none. The Oxford team was not thoroughly representative. In the Southern League, among the results were the victories of Tot- tenham Hotspur over Kettering, Portsmouth over Bristol Rovers, Bristol City over Chatham, Swin- don against Southampton, and Millwall against Watford. After twice drawing with the London Caledonians, Leytonstone won at Barking by three goals to two, and qualified for the semi-final ties for the London Charity Cup. In this stage of the contest the Casuals and Old Carthusians were engaged at Tufnell-park, a capital game being drawn at one goal each. For the most part the football was very good, the dafence of both sides being particularly strong. The Casuals had an excellent half-back line, P. P. Braithwaite, H. Thwaites, and H. R. Barrett so hampering the Car- thusian forwards that even G. O. Smith found few opportunities to show his skill. But he had rather poor support, B. Tuff and R. A. B. Tower, although playing cleverly to their wings, quite failing to recog- nise the importance of passing to their great centre. As a consequence of this W. J. Oakley and C. O. S. Hatton, the opposing backs, had much less work to do than W. U. Timmis and E. C. Bliss. Indeed, Tiimnis was chiefly responsible for the Carthusians escaping defeat. Particularly in the second half, when the Casuals repeatedly made strong combined attacks, the old Oxonian by his cool tackling saved his side on many occasions. He received most help from S. Darvell and O. E. Wreford Brown, C. Wreford-Brown being in nothing like his usual form. Tuff scored the Carthusians' goal rather luckily, heading the ball through from a big kick by Bliss. The equalising goal was obtained by R. G. Wright, the Casuals' centre, who put in a clever left foot shoot when T. S. Rowlandson had run out to stop S. S. Taylor. The Rugby County Championship matches pro- duced much interesting play on Saturday. Glou- cestershire had been the favourites for the South- western division, and their severe defeat at Exeter on Saturday caused some surprise. Gloucester- shire had beaten both Cornwall and Somerset so thoroughly that their success in the final stage of the championship was confidently expected. But the Devon forwards played splendidly both in and out of the scrummage, while their backs passed accurately and were quick in their work. Devon won by three goals and two tries to two tries. This result points to the success of Devon in the South-Western division, for their remaining match is against Somerset, whom both Gloucestershire and Cornwall have beaten. Devon play Somerset next Saturday at Weston-super-Mare, and if their scrummagers do the same excellent work there seems no reason why they should not run into the final match for the championship. There can be little doubt that the last game among the South-Eastern dubs will give priority to the East Midlands, although their chosen players in the trial at Richmond last Wednesday were decidedly a failure. As was expected, Durham beat Cheshire, at Hartlepool, by two goals and two tries to nothing. Durham have a very fine side this season, and there seems every prospect of their retaining the championship, and it neems likely that the final fight will again be between Devon and Durham. Mr. G. Hooper Harnett was referee at Exeter on Saturday, and the Rugby Union Committee was well represented. Oxford bad rather an easy day with the Marl- borough Nomads, who came up to play them at Eugger" in the Parks. The University forwards kept well together and broke up quickly, and their 'halves and three-quarters were skilful in kicking and tackling. The Nomads were not quite such a good side as they were last year, but they are excel- lent scrummagers, and their quickness demands good defence and a lot of watching. Oxford won their last match before meeting Cambridge quite handsomely by three goals and a try to nothing. They are un- doubtedly a fine side, and F. Swanston, of Trinity, the captain, is to be congratulated on the way in which he has brought his team on, for at the beginning of the season Oxford seemed to possess a poor chance of producing any- thing like a respectable side. On the other hand, Cambridge in October became strong favourites because of the splendid nucleus left them from last season's scrummage. But of late their game has fallen away, mainly through accidents to several oftheir best players. Greenlees, Daniell, Campbell, and Sivright feave all been injured, and the younger brother of -—J11* secretary—Sivright—was until Saturday SSlS* V8, little chance of Campbell's CSSf' the wt WJo1-6- flfteen' whose weakness is behind—the back division is not yet definitelv arranged—seems likely to be something of a disaD^ pointment. Leicester's win against them, at Leicester was by one goal and one try to nothing. After a keen struggle Eichmond beat the Edin- burgh Wanderers on the Athletic Ground, at Eich- mond, on Saturday, by a penalty goal and a try to a goal. The Wanderers kicked with discretion, and both full-backs played well. Since the dissolution of the old United Hospitals Club Blackheath have each season met a combined team' from Guy's and St. Thomas's. The medical students generally give the premier club a hard game, and the match on Saturday was no exception. Stone, a recruit from the second team, who was playing back in place of Dixson, had his defence severely tested On one occasion his kick was charged down, but Du Boulay and Thorpe coming to the rescue prevented a try. The hospital men, by following up all openings, compelled the home side to touch down or kick dead on several occasions. At the call of half-time no definite point had been gained. The home side, who after their recent hard series of matches had evidently been taking matters easily, now put more life into their play. After some good open work, Beamish, a rapidly improving player, gained a try which waa not turned into a goal. Directly after this Tarbutt, the home captain, reoeived an injury to his knee which necessitated his retirement from the game. The home side, how- ever, kept up the pressure and gave their opponents a great, deal of stopping to do. Skrimshire, who flhoweu excellent form all through, registered two tries, and, as Bullock failed to convert, victory rested with Blackheath, by three tries to nil. The hospitals deserve great credit for the display they gave, their following up and tacking being particularly effective. Among other Rugby matches on Saturday, Lennox beat Croydon, Harlequins beat Rosslyn Park, Coopers Hill beat London Scottish, Old Leysians drew with St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Edinburgh beat Glasgow, Northampton beat Moseley, and Sand- hurst beat St. George's Hospital. Cambridge University placed a stronger team in the field than they have done on any previous occa- sion this season when they met the Edinburgh Wan- derers at Rugby football on Monday. After the good ame the Scotsmen played against Richmond on Saturday it was to be expected that they would ive a fair account of themselves at Cam- bridge. But they signally failed to show mythmg like the life and dash that marked their play at Richmond. All through they were Dutplayed, but it must not be forgotten that the Light Blues were more strongly represented on this occasion than heretofore. Four goals and four tries is a big score to run up against any side, but it hardly represents the run of the game. More than once the Wanderers had a good chance, but their backs were at fault. The work of the Cambridge for- wards, who were well led by Greenlees, was thoroughly good. For the Wanderers the marking by the three-quarters was faulty in the extreme, and the forward tackling was not at all good. The result of the match makes the University match even more open than it was.

METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES. The Prince of Wales was present on Monday even- ing at a banquet given by Mr. Dickinson, chairman of the London County Council, to the newly-elected Mayors of the metropolitan municipalities and a number of other guests at the Hotel Cecil in London and responded to the toast of his health. The toast of The Metropolitan Mayors was proposed by Lord Rosebery, and acknowledged by the Duke of Norfolk, Mayor of Westminster. The Duke of Devonshire proposed the health of the Lord Mayor, which his lordship asknowledged and the Home Secretary gave the toast of The London County Council," to which Mr. Dickinson responded.

I SWEARING A DEATH. I I In the Probate and Divorce Division, the Presi- dent, Sir F. Jeune, granted leave on Monday to swear the death of Matthew Hutchings, acting master of the British war-sloop Busy, in or since December, 1806. It appeared that the Busy foundered in the Atlantic in December, 1806, and it was ascertained by his next-of-kin, only a few years ago, and there was a sum of £ 135 standing to his credit in the books of the Admiralty, which could not be paid out until a grant of administration had been obtained.

I DISASTERS AT SEA. I A collision occurred at about midnight on Satur- day, off the Mersey, between the steamer Voltaic, from Liverpool to Plymouth with general cargo, and the St. Olaf, of Dublin, owned by Robert Harper, Glasgow, and bound from France to Liverpool. Many of the crew of the St. Olaf, 13 in number, were in bed at the time the Voltaic struck the St. Olaf amidships. She sank almost immediately. Most of the crew managed to jump on board the Voltaic, but two firemen-John Quick and John Doherty, belonging to Garston-who were asleep in the forecastle, are missing. The remainder of the crew were transferred to the Dublin steamer Kerry and conveyed to Liverpool, where they were supplied with clothing and other necessaries at the Sailors' Home. The Voltaic also returned to the Mersey and was moored in the Trafalgar Dock. She has two holes in her bows above the water line. Captain Wilkie and the officers and crew of the St. Olaf speak in the highest terms of the treatment they re- ceived on board the Kerry. The Lowestoft fishing-boat Renown, while making for Lowestoft on Monday morning, and when about a mile off the port, collided with the steamer Sar- dinian, of London. The Renown was cut down to the water's edge and sank in five minutes. Three of the crew—Richard Long,! Charles Arrues, and Joseph Bumsby—were drowned, but six other men, who completed the crew, were saved by means of life lines and the steamer's boat. The occurrence was plainly seen from the fish markets at Lowestoft and caused great consternation among buyers and market men. A tug was at once de- spatched to the steamer and the six sur- vivors, three of whom were in an exhausted condi- tion through being in the water over 15 minutes, were taken to the Lowestoft Sailors' Home, where every attention was given to them. One of the sur- vivors stated that the Renown was sailing for Lowestoft, with a good cargo of herrings, the result of two nights' work. When she was about a mile from shore the steamer was seen coming along. It was then eight o'clock and the weather was clear and bright. The crew of the Renown were all on deck, having been engaged in shifting some of the canvas. Seeing that the steamer did not alter her course they shouted, but the Sardinian still kept on, apparently with the intention of crossing the Renown's bows. Instead of doing so, how- ever, the Sardinian struck the fishing-boat on the starboard bow, cutting her down. The water rushed in and all the crew were thrown into the water. Life-lines were thrown and three men with their aid managed to scramble on board the steamer. Three others were picked up by the steamer's boat, but the three whose names have been given were drowned, being sucked down by the Renown as she disappeared a few minutes after the collision. The Sardinian is an iron three-masted steamer of 700 tons register, and is owned by Messrs. Wood and Co., of London.

I ARSENIC IN BEER. Speaking generally,, there is some abatement of the alarm which has recently been caused by well- authenticated reports of the prevalence of pri- pheral neuritis, supposed to be caused by the presence of arsenic in beer. The important feature of investigations which have been made is that much beer which had been brewed in certain centres has been run into the sewers, while brewing materials have been destroyed. It is also definitely announced that the analysts employed by brewers and by public bodies have discovered the poison in both the liquor and the ingredients employed to produce it, so that little doubt can remain as to the source of the mis- chief. Some brewing firms of standing are sending out circulars guaranteeing their beers to be absos lutely pure, and enclosing analysts certificates supplied since the cases of poisoning were put down to the use of what it still pleases many persons to call our national beverage." MANCHESTER. Sir Lauder Brunton, Dr. Stevenson, Mr. Gordon Salmon, Dr. Luff, and Dr. Buckley, the experts ap- pointed by the Manchester Brewers' Association to in- quire into the alleged presence of arsenic in beer, and who have had the assistance of Mr. Fletcher Moulton, Q.C., M.P., have issued an interim report as the result of a week's inquiries. In it they say that their investigations point to the conclusion that the materials in current use in brewing in Manchester are free from arsenic with the exception of certain sugars supplied by one Liverpool firm. In appearance and price these sugars are undistinguishable from perfectly free sugars. We therefore recommend to the associa- tion," say these experts, "the immediate adoption for the present of the following provisional precautions: (1) That all beer in the brewing of which any sugar bought from the firm in question has been used should be at once recalled, and, if found to be contaminated, should be destroyed (2) that no beer should be sent out until it has been tested and shown to be free from arsenic. A certificate I!)f freedom from arsenic should be given in respect of beer so tested, and only such beer should be sold." The experts add: We should recommend that the association should undertake the manage- ment of the testing by its officials, and that the certi- ficates should be issued in the name of the associa- tion. IS these precautions be adopted, we are of opinion that their effect would be the effectual pre- venting of further mischief." This report will be brought before the association at a special meeting to-day. One or two new cases of peripheral neuritis are netified. BIRMINGHAM. The medical officer of health for Birmingham it procuring samples of the beer being retailed in various parts of the city, and submitting them to analysis. Glucose and other brewing materials are alsfi being analysed. So far no traces of arsenic have been found. A firm of brewers which has used sugar from Liverpool has poured the contents of its vats down the sewers, and has recalled the beer sup- plied to customers, other brewers coming forward tc replace the stock. tc replace the stock. LIVERPOOL. It would appear that while certain classes of beer, the product of some of the large brewing firms in Liverpool, have been shown to contain arsenic, the source from which it has come has been definitely traced to invert" sugar and glucose. The presence of arsenic is also traced to the sulphuric acid used in the manufacture of these sweetening materials. The Liverpool Brewers' Association has taken active measures. Imme- diately the report went out a few days since that beer poisoning cases were preva- lent in Liverpool and Birkenhead the association appointed a special committee to deal with the matter. This committee has met daily, and taken every possible precaution to check the evil, engaging competent analysts who have been busy testing in- gredients, beer in course of brewing, and beer in stock, and in the words of a report issued by the secretary, "whenever impurities are discovered in materials for manufacture these are at once destroyed, and all beer already brewed, or in process of manu- facture, which is in the least degree suspected is treated in like manner without hesitation." The health authorities in Liverpool and Birkenhead are also active. MARKET DRAYTON. The poisoned beer scare is speading in North Shropshire, and in Market Drayton alone one doctor has 15 cases of peripheral neuritis directly attribu- table to arsenical poisoning, some of them being most marked. There are three large breweries in the town, and on Saturday one of these stopped the sale of its beer at 25 of its houses, and has decided te destroy the whole of its present stock, amounting tc over 25,000 thousand gallons. In the meantime the other firms are awaiting analyses of their productions. THE POSITION IN LONDON. At the meeting of the managers of the Metropolitan Asylum District held on Saturday afternoon under the presidency of Sir E. Galsworthy, Mr. J. H. Lile, C.C., brought forward the question of poisoned beer. He pointed out that the board in its various estab- lishments had a population of about 15,000 to provide for, and said that it was only right the managers should protect those who could not help themselves. The question of arsenical poison in beer was a very serious one, and the managers ought at once to deal with it. He asked the chairman of the Contract Committee whether the analyst had received any samples of the beer that was supplied to the different institutions, and whether any steps were being taken for an analysis. Mr. J. Thornley, the chairman of the committee, as he said he was unable to answer the question at present, knew nothing about it. Personally he did not believe there was anything in the poison scare. The committee, how- ever, would give the matter their attention. FARMERS' DEMANDS. I At a meeting of the Tunbridge Wells Farmers' Club on Friday evening of last week a discussion took place on the poisoning cases said to be due to the drinking of impure beer, and the following re- solution was passed: This meeting of the Tunbridge Wells Farmers' Club, in view of the fact that a large number of persons have suffered from the poisonous substances used in the manufacture of beer, which is our national beverage, seriously urges on the Govern- ment the necessity of introducing a bill compelling brewers to use only malt and hops in the manufacture of the same." I NEARLY 2000 POISONING CASES. I The medical officer of health for Manchester, in a report to the Sanitary Committee, says it may be assumed that there have been between 1000 and 2000 cases of poisoning from beer containing arsenic. He has examined samples of sugar and saccharine from six local breweries, and has found arsenic in each of them. All the samples came from the same sugar firm. Fuller inquiry is being made into the matter. It is evident that the epidemic has been in existence for some months. Many cases of peripheral neuritis have come under the notice of the medical practitioners in the administrative county of Lancaster. The abnormal increase was at first supposed in some districts to be due to excessive drinking on the occasion of the national rejoicings. On Monday evening a circular was issued from the county offices at Preston to superintendents of police throughout the county stating that last week samples of beer taken by the ponce in tne county districts had been analysed, and had proved useful in the investigations carried out. It was not proposed to proceed further in respect to the contaminations found. Henceforth, however, the conditions were to be different, and in case samples of beer, which it was hoped the police authorities would freely purchase, were found to contain arsenic action would be taken under the Food and Drugs Act. The exhaustive analysis of samples of beer and brewing materials which the Medical Officer of Health for Birmingham is conducting, resulted on Monday in the discovery of arsenic in two samples of glucose. The firm from which the samples were obtained was apprised of the discovery. It is under- stood that measures had already been adopted for intercepting any tainted beer before it reached the consumer, and that all the glucose from which samples were taken, has been destroyed. The precise propor, tian of arsenic found is not made known, but it is said to have been quite sufficient to affect the health of beer drinkers, Nearly the whole of the employes of a big Man- chester brewing firm which has extensive malt kilns at Worksop have been seriously affected with the symptoms of arsenical poisoning. The men were served with an allowance of beer daily, the ale being forwarded direct from the company's brewery. For some time the men have been affected by losing alternately the use of their legs and arms, and have shown dropsical tendencies. In one case the sufferer's skin has become very dark and is scaling off. The only man who has escaped is a total abstainer. With the ex- ception of three all the men are now off work and under medical treatment. The beer in stock for the use of the men, four 56-gallon casks, has been all run off into the public sewers. The firm has no licensed houses in Worksop, nor is the beer brewed by it sold by any licensed victualler in the town. The annual report on the Food and Drugs Acts presented to the Middlesex County Council by the inspectors, based on that of Mr. E. Bevan, the county analyst, shows that not only during the current year, but also in 1899 and 1898, the whole of the samples of ale and beer submitted to Mr. Bevan were pure, and that the percentage of adulterated beer throughout England and Wales was only 0'4 in the last recorded year, 2-8 in 1897, and 0-3 in 1896. I 250,030 GALLONS DESTROYED. I It is estimated that net less than 250,000 gallons of suspected beer have now been destroyed, and that the valae of the beer destroyed will amount to fully £ 50,000. The Salford coroner, Mr. Holmes, opened an inquest on Tuesday on the body of Sarah Richards, aged 50, who died from peripheral neuritis supposed to have been caused by drinking beer containing arsenic. The husband stated that his wife was a very temperate woman, and he did not believe she had had any beer lately. The coroner said that while not disputing the statement as to the woman being tem- perate, the evidence would show that she had drunk beer recently. He would not take any further evidence that day, but would adjourn the inquiry in- definitely to await the report of the scientific experts. Other inquests with reference to cases arising out of the beer poisoning epidemic have been adjourned till the second week in January. A Lichfield brewery company having discovered that it has been unwittingly using invert sugar which has been pronounced to be impure, aud that some of its ales may have been thereby contaminated, has issued a circular to its customers asking them to withdraw from sale or use all such ales. Tt has also consulted Dr. Bostock Hill, who is making exhaustive tests of the ales now brewed and sup- plied. The brewery waggons are now busily engaged in taking out fresh supplies of beer and in returning old stock. The matter has created a great sensation in Lichfield and the district. Many public-houses in the Black Country are supplied by the brewery, whose beer has also a small sale in Birmingham. Recently there have been many cases of illness in Lichfield, especially a mild form of what has been believed to be influenza, with an affection of the eyes. Rightly or wrongly, this is now attributed to beer drinking. A Derby correspondent states that, as a result of the poisoned beer fright in the northern districts, the railway companies serving Burton-on-Trent have during the past few days been taxed to their utmost to supply orders for Burton ales received from northern brewery companies and others affected, so much so that special trains have had to be requisi- tioned to assist the ordinary goods trains in moving the traffic forward with the greatest possible expedi- tion.

MR. CHAPLIN AND THE MINISTRY. Mr. Chaplin, in reply to a letter from the president of the Sleaford Conservative Associa- tion-enclosing a resolution which entreats him to reconsider any resolution he may have formed for withdrawing from the representation of the division--sa,ys that a few days after the elections he received a communication from the Prime Minister, acquainting him for the first time with his intention to reconstruct the Government, and informing him that for the purposes of the recon- struction his (Mr. Chaplin's) surrender of the office he held and his retirement from the Government would be essential, not because the existing tenant of the office was condemned," but chiefly because of the necessity of creating vacan- cies for others, which could only be provided by some resignations." Mr. Chaplin adds that in view of statements he had made during the election, he stipulated, in resigning, for per- mission to explain the circumstances in which he had done so. The rumour of his intention to re- sign his seat may be connected with an offer which the Prime Minister was good enough to make to him; and which would necessitate that course were he to accept it. But he cannot refuse to accede to the request of his constituents, and for the present, at all events, will be proud to continue to represent the division in the House of Commons.

HOUSEHOLD APPOINTMENTS. I The Queen has also been pleased to approve the following appointments to her Majesty's Household: To be Treasurer, Mr. Victor Cavendish, M.P.; to be Vice-Chamberlain, Sir Alexander Acland-Hood, I Bart., M.P.

ESCAPE OF CONVICTS. Two convicts named Soar and King escaped from Borstal Prison, near Rochester, eariv on Friday morning of last week. A notice was published on Sunday to the effect that a reward of 0 will be given to any person who will give information likely to lead to the arrest of either of the men, and copies were cir- culated throughout the towns in Kent. It is stated that on the morning of their escape the men were paraded and inspected with other prisoners before proceeding to divine service at half-past seven. On the way through the corridors leading to the chapel the prison officials counted the men in the customary manner, and found that the numbers were accu- rate. On one side of the last corridor before reaching the chapel is a room where a number of mattresses are stored, and as the prisoners were passing the room Soar and King slipped in and hid themselves beneath the bed- ding. The other convicts, it is stated, closed up the ranks at once, so that as they filed into the chapel nothing appeared to be wrong. It is supposed that as soon as Soar and King heard the service com- mence they made their way to an artisan's shed, which they broke open and obtained a crowbar and some rope. Then they procured a ladder, and by means of this and the rope scaled the high wall which surrounds the gaol. They were not missed until an hour afterwards. Warders were then despatched in all directions, and information was sent to the police at Rochester, together with a complete description of the men, which was also transmitted to Chatham, Gravesend, Maidstone, and other towns in Kent. The Bridge-woods, which are situated about a mile and a half from the prison, were searched, and patrols were engaged on the roads leading to the various ferries across the Medway, but no trace was round of the men. Precautions were taken at night to prevent the convicts from escaping from the woods in the event of their having eluded the searchers. On Saturday the authorities, in conjunction with the Kent county constabulary and the Rochester police, continued to scour the neighbourhood. Boats were out along the river, the woods and marshlands were watched, the ferries at Snodland and Halling were guarded, and the South- Eastern and Chatham Railways were patrolled. The following is the official description of the men: W. Soar.—Registered number, L.S.Z., 196; height, 5ft. 7in.; brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion; iged 36 years. Scar near top of head, two moles back of the neck, scar on left elbow, anchor and W.S." on left forearm, C." and dot, 1883, on left Hand, three scars on left thigh and one on right; Fourth and fifth left toes deformed. Henry King.- Registered number, B.Z., 60; height, 5ft. Pin.; 4 brown hair, grey eyes, fresh complexion aged 30. Dressed in convict suit. Mole on left thigh, also on back; H. R." and stroke on outer forearm. EXCITEMENT IN KENT. I Much excitement was caused in the neighbourhood of Sittingbourne on Monday by report of the pre- sence in the neighbourhood of the two convicts, King and Soar, who effected their escape from Borstal Prison, near Rochester. Leaving Bredhurst Woods, the men on Sunday made their appearance at Key- street, a village on the London-road two miles from Sittingbourne. Secreting themselves in a thicket all day, they emerged from their hiding-place at night, and entered the house of Mr. Thomas Good- hen, which faces the main road. Here they provided themselves with overcoats, a pair of leggings, and a coarse apron. The family was in one of the front rooms at the time. The convicts took into the house a formidable wood-chopper, which they left behind them. So it may be just as well that they were not interfered with. They were seen during the evening by villagers leaning against a fence in front of a roadside public-house, but in the dark their uniforms were taken for khaki and putties, and it was thought that they were a couple of soldiers returned from South Africa. News of the robbery was reported immediately to the police, and Super- intendent Rhodes, Kent County Constabulary, of Sittingbourne, at once started in pursuit, while several plain-clothes men also took up the quest. The neighbourhood was scoured, but while active search was going on the convicts remained hidden, and at midnight broke into a labourer's cottage in the village of Borden, about three-quarters of a mile away. Here, while the family was asleep, the men ate a substantial meal, provided themselves with pipes and tobacco, a razor, and some clothing, and after having a wash took their depar- ture. On Monday a force of about 100 men, including police officers, armed warders from Borstal Convict Prison, and a few labourers were engaged all day in beating woods, coppices, thickets, and everywhere else likely to afford r3treat, but though the search was prosecuted with great keenness at a late hour on Monday night the convicts were still at large. They had been last seen in a wood about threo miles from the scene of the midnight burglary. Police and warders were stationed all night around the woods, but in spite of the vigilance exercised it was feared that the convicts would slip through the fingers of their would-be captors. A board of inquiry sat at Borstal Prison, Rochester, on Monday, to investigate the circum- stances of the escape from goal of the convicts Soar and King. Captain W. V. Harris, inspector under the Prisons Commissioners, was among the officials present. The facts are quite clear that the two men, while on their way to the prison chapel, darted into the bath-room and covered themselves with mat- tresses which were being put there by those convicts whose turn it was to have a change of bedding, and their fellow prisoners connived at the stratagem. Chief Warder Bennett has become seriously ill in consequence of the worry. POLICE BAFFLED. I The two escaped convicts, Soar and King, remained on Tuesday night at large in spite of the precautions which are being taken by the county constabulary and also the prison officials. All Monday night cyclists patrolled the various thoroughfares between Faversham and Sittingbourne, but nothing was seen of the runaways. Rumours were current during Tuesday that two men were seen in Bysing Wood, which is close to Faversham. The woods were icoured with no result, but iust after six o'clnnt in- formation was received at the Faversham Foliee- atation that two men answering the description of the escaped convicts had been seen at Sheldwick. They were observed by a Mr. Gowers, who was on his way into Faversham, to emerge from a wood known as the Badgings, and make their way towards the road. Seeing that the men were on ground where there was no thoroughfare he watched them. They advanced within a hundred yards of him, and he was able to observe that they were wearing overcoats, and that ane was carrying a bag over his shoulder. As loon as they caught sight of Gowers they suddenly dropped to the ground. This aroused his suspicions and he advanced towards them, with the result that they ran away, and after making a detour of the fields in which they were seen, crossed the Ashford- road, in which Gowers was, and ran towards the direction of Perry Wood. Gowers proceeded to Faversbam and informed Inspector Highwood of what he had seen. This officer at once proceeded with half a dozen men in a conveyance to Perry Wood, while in the meantime the police at Canter- Oury, Ashford, and Sittingbourne were apprised of what had been witnessed by Gowers. It would seem that the police and others who have been guarding the roads at Sittingbourne and Chatham have been working behind their quarries, who have exhibited the slimness of De Wet, and slipped through their fingers. It is reported that early last evening two plate- layers'huts on the railway near Selling were breken apen, but nothing of value was appropriated. Selling is situated near Perry Wood, and it is believed that the culprits are the escaped convicts.

I THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. The President of the Board of Education has ap- pointed a committee consisting of: Sir William ds W. Abney, X.C.B., F. R.S. (chairman), Sir Philip Magnus, Sir Swire Smith, Mr. G. R. Redgrave, Mr. W. Bousfield, Mr. W. Vibart Dixon, with Mr. A. E. Cooper, Board of Education, South Kensing- ton, as secretary, to consider the best means for co- ordinating the technological work of the Board of Education with that at present carried on by other educational organisations.

THE REVENUE. The receipts on account of revenue from April 1, 1D00, when there was a balance of £3,517,047, to December 1, were £69,370,991, as against M,438,499 in the corresponding period of the prece- ding financial year, which commenced with balance of £ 8,919.173. The net expenditure was £ 117,897,187 against E74,036,049 to the corresponding date in the previous year. The Treasury balances on December 1, 1900, amounted to 93,197,330, and at the corro- sponding date in 1899 to £ 3,692,343.

7 THE EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE OF BIGAMY. I PRISONER COMMITTED. At the Clerkenwell Police-court, on Tuesday, Frederick! Hall, 30, described as a commercial tra- veller, of Clarence-street, Islington, was charged, on remand, before Mr. Bros, with feloniously commit- ting bigamy and with stealing;Ell from Mary Anne Dormer. Mr. Rowe prosecuted on behalf of the Treasury. Margaret Helen Clisby, of Carr-road, Leeds, said the prisoner was married to her sister, Selina Wood- gate Clisby, on July 14, 1894, at St. Michael's, Hulme, near Manchester. The prisoner was her cousin, and was married in his correct name, that of John Woodgate Kinsella. She last saw prisoner and her sister together in July last in Leeds. Pri- soner's father was a policeman at Leeds. Mary Beale, a widow, residing at 178, Seymour- street, Euston-road, said in November, 1899, she re- sided at 25, St. James's-street, Cheltenham, where she had a furnished house. On November 9 she saw the following advertisement in the Cheltenham paper "Matrimony—Mechanic, 32, wishes to correspond with a domestic servant or widow with little means, with a view to early marriage.—Write, enclosing photo, in strict confidence," and then followed the address. She answered the advertisement, and corresponded with the prisoner, who gave the name of Williams. Subsequently he called at her house, and said his name was John King. On January 6 this year she married him at the Registry Office, Cheltenham. The day before the marriage the prisoner asked her for a little money, and she gave him £ 4. On January 10 be asked her for money to enable him to go to Birming- ham, where he said he had a position as sub-in- spector on the Midland Railway. Mr. Lowe: That is the day he married Marion Jennings. Witness said she gave the prisoner a sovereign that day, and he returned home in the evening. Mr. Rowe: He left Marion Jennings at Gloucester that day. Witness (continuing) said the prisoner told her he had a berth at St. Pancras Station, London, with a salary of £ 3 2s. weekly. She agreed to go, and he sold up her home, which realised F-20. The prisoner took from her a gold watch and chain and a gold ring. He said he would take care of the property, as it would not be safe for her to have it in London. They lived for some days together in Charrington- Btreet, St. Pancras, and he afterwards left her, stating that he had to go to Hereford for the firm." On January 31 he wrote to her from Hereford, urging her to send him S3, and addressing her affectionately as My dear Polly," and signing himself, Yours, JACK." She wrote to him, and suggested that he was tiving with another woman. He replied to her from an address in Leeds, stating that he was surprised at the tone of her letter, and that he loved her too much to think of another woman. He continued that be was very downhearted over his work, and wanted sheering up, and trusted that his dear Polly would not insult him again with such a letter. "Now, Polly," the letter went on, send me E3, you only sent me E2 before. When I am knocking about I must have money, and I cannot get it from the frrm. Also send me slippers and shirts. Remember that when I ask pou for IC3 I want it." The prisoner also in this letter stated that he would throw up his position and some to London and take a public-house. The letter concluded Do try and send the money. Good-bye, pet.—Yours, JACK KING. I do feel miserable with- out my Polly." She sent him E3, and afterwards, in response to a telegram, she sent him another E3. He returned home on February 22, stayed with her two days, and deserted her at Liverpool-street Station. When she arrived home she found that a sealskin jacket and other articles, value E5, had been stolen from her boxes. He left her at the station between three and four in the afternoon, and she waited until nine o'clock at night for him. The prisoner, who seemed much amused during the witness's evidence, asked her if she did not know he was a married man when he married her. The Witness: Certainly not. You told me you were a single man. Mrs. Wallis, of 78, Charrington-street, St. Pancras, said the prisoner and the witness Beale occupied rooms adjoining hers. She remembered the prisoner arriving home hurriedly on the afternoon of February 24. She heard him meddling with the boxes in his room, and afterwards he left with a parcel. George Osborne, manager to Charles Ayres, pawn- broker, of 249, Hammersmith-road, proved that Mrt. Beale's sealskin jacket was pledged with him for 23s. The man who pledged it gave the name of Ihgrpas H&U. Charles Pells, manager to Thomas Smith, pawn- broker, of 257, Seven Sisters-road, proved that Mrs. Beale's watch and chain and ring were pledged with him for E2 5s. The man who pledged them gave the name of John Gardiner. Detective Herbert proved arresting the prisoner at 14, Clarence-street, Islington. In reply to the charge, be said, "Yes, I have had a pretty good innings, and I must put up with it." The prisoner was writing a letter at the time. Witness said, You are writing a letter to a young lady." The prisoner replied, "Yes what do you think ?" He had other letters on the table. He had also in his possession the pawntickets through which the property stolen from Mrs. Beale was traced. Mr. Bros committed the prisoner for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

I GENERAL BULLER. General Buller was on Tuesday admitted to the honorary freedom of the Worshipful Company of Skinners of the City of London. The Master, Mr. C. H. Dorman, said that Sir Redvers would ever be remembered as the man who, undaunted by temporary checks, and in the face of unprecedented natural difficulties, never wavered in the task he had set himself to perform—the relief of Ladysmith. General Buller expressed his gratification at the honour conferred upon him.

I CABINE r COUNCIL. A Cabinet Council was held on Tuesday at the Foreign Office. The Ministers present were the Marquis of Salisbury, the Right Hon. A. Akers- Douglas, Lord Balfour of Burleigh, the Right Hon. A. Balfour, the Right Hon. G. Balfour, the Bight Hon. St. John Brodrick, Earl Cadogan, the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, the Duke of Devonshire, Lord George Hamilton, the Right Hon. R. W. Hanbury, Lord James of Hereford, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Marquis of Londonderry, the Right Hon. W. H. Long, the Right Hon. C. T. Ritchie, and the Earl of Selborne.