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

f LORD LONDONDERRY'S COLLIERY STOPPED.—Lord Londonderry's Silksworth Colliery has been stopped, and nearly 1,01)0 men and boys have suspended 1 operations, owing to the strike of the North Eastern Railway mineral guards.

CURRENT TOPICS. I -,N B TO MR. KRUGER. NOT AT HOME TO MR. KRUGER. Had Mr Kruger been a man to accept advice, he would probably be still President of the South African Republic, and in any event he would not b,ive undertaken his present journey to Europe Having tried France without much result, he seems to have retained some hopes of influencing Germany, but the position of the German Govern- ment was stated very definitely the other day by Count Posadowsky, in reply to an interpellation, expressing regret that Mr Kruger had not been received in Germany, "through fear of England." It is not a question of fear of England at all, but of rashly embarking upon a policy which, without bringing any advantage to Germany, would tend to prolong a state of strife in the annexed Colonies. The several statements made by Ministers in Parliament should however go a long way to remove any false hopes that may be entertained on the Continent, or in South Africa, of a restoration of Boer independence. A LITTLE CHILD FIGHTING A GREAT POWEH. Mr Kruzer in the course of one of his speeches at the Hague, remarked that the Transvaal was a little child lighting a Great Power. That was what Mr Kruger was told before he issued his "ultimatum," but he and his friends only scoffed, and when war broke out proclaimed their intention of driving the British into the sea. By the irony of fate, 0 there was issued on the evening of Kruzer's speech, a Blue Book, containing letters and telegrams which have omeiuto the possession of Britain in the course of the War. Among them was from Mr J. N. Blignanr, brother of a member of the Orange State Government, who wrote on Sept. 25th. Toe .only thing we are afraid of now is that Chamberlain, with his admitted fitful- ness of temper, will cheat us out of the war, and consequently the opportunity of annexing the Cape Colony, and Natal, and forming the republican United States of South Africa." Much more was written to the same effect, and in particular Kruger's own ultimatum, which was rather a strange document for a little child to address to a Great Power. CHINESE INGENUITY. I Mr H. W. L. Way, who has recently returned from an adventurous journey through Western China, has presented a new aspect of the question of Chinese trade. According to Mr Way, the natives are so clever and ingenious in producing copies of manufactured articles, that the policy of "the open door" would not be of v^;y Iiu)Cn advantage to Etiropenu tfadera. He relates that on one occasion ftli1 Archibald Little, who hits lived many years in the country, bought some oil stoves, in order to sell them to the natives at Chung-King. Only six were sold, and there appeared to be no further demand for these useful articles, but in a few days Mr Little discovered that the natives had utilised the six stoves as models, and were not only manufacturing them on a large scale, but dispos- ing of them at a lower price than that for which he could afford to sell them. 110MB t'SGbUcfS. I I-It Chamberlain has declared more than once I that the British Eihpife can produce all it needs. The last occasion on which he made tllht statement was at the Fishmonger's banquet, and though it is no doubt true in the sense that the Empire could be made self-supporting, yet there are some things that would be missed. The Colonial Secretary would have discovered this, if the Fishmongers had given him British chainoagne to drink, and a British cigar to smoke. Yet in both wine and tobacco growing the Empire is making steady progress. It is true the Ittte Marquis of Bute's attempts at wiue-gro>»it<g do not encourage the hope that it will become the flourishing industry that it once was in the southern counties of Britain. But in Australia and Canada, they are gradually improving the quality of their pro- ductions,'and are now supplying some first class wines. The Colonial Government are also turning their attention to tobacco-growing and in some districts of Australia, the leaf is>iid to rival that of the West Indies in quality. The manufacture of cigars, like the manufacture of wine. is however an art not easily acquired, but the Australians hope to supply in course of time, both these articles of such a quality as will satisfy even a connoisseur like Mr Chamberlain. THE REFORMED PUBLIC HOUSE. I The Reformed Public House" movemeut, which the Bishop of Chester started some time ago, promises to do more for the temperance cause than long years of wrangling over impossible remedies. There are some people "o impressed with the evils of the drink traffic that they will have all or nothing by way of a remedy, but there is a grow- ing feeling in favour of any moderate measures which will help in the right direction. From this point of view there is much to be said for Lord the public bouse Grey's scheme, for reforming the public house from within. A Company is now being formed to acquire licenses in any part of the United Kingdom, and to run the houses under a new system of management. Only the best liquor will be sold, but food and non-intoxicants will be as freely supplied, and it will be to the manager's interest to push the sale of the latter, and not that of the drink. In a word, it will be to his interest to made the house a place of refreshment and not a drinking shop, while any profits that accrue to the Company, beyond 5 per cent. on the invested capital, are to be devo-ed to the interests of the locality. This scheme has already been tried with the best possible results in Northumberland, and it is now to be extended to London, and different I parts ofitlie country. CRIMBAN VETERANS. I I I Soldiers," said Havelock to his troops, "your labours, your privations, your sufferings, and your valour, will never be forgotten by a grateful country." It waa ajfme speech, and in the abstract it was true enough, but one might wish that the State would show its gratitude a little more towards the individual men who endured such sufferings, and exhibited such valour. A case in point is reported from Wolverhampton, where a man who rode with the 17th Lancers in the charge of the Light Brigade, is stated to have died in the workhouse. Such incidents are not creditable to the country, but they are not the fault of the nation who would not grudge the payment of pensions to the men who suffered the worst hardships of the Crimean War, and Indian Mutiny. A commence- ment might very well be made by pensioning all the men—a fast decreasing number—who have the bars for the Crimea. Such an arrangement would embrace the Balaklava heroes, and it is perfectly certain that no man would get a pension who had not earned it.

War Telegrams. MAFEKING, Monday. It is unofficially stated that on Saturday some of the 10th Yeomanry and 5th Fusilier*, under Colonel MerriGk, were heavily engaged at Wonder- fontein. A messenger was sent to Lord Methueu at Kaffirs Kraal, and reinforcements were despatched from that place. The vanguard was attacked on the left flank eight miles from Wonderfontein, hut beat off the enemy. 011. their return the troops were harassed by snipers when they were about a mile and a half off.—Press Association War Special. CAPE TOWN, Thursday. A Gazette Extraordinary appoints the High Commissioner as the Administrator of the Orange Colony and the Transvaal, owing to the departure of Lord Rob, rts.-Rettter. Major-General Baden-Powell arrives at Cape Town on Sunday to meet his mother and nifiter.- Central News. The Australian and Canadian troops sailed from Cape Town on Thursday on thpir retnrn home. The farewell from tbe people of Cape Town was most enthusiastic.

ECCLE«IA8TICAL.—The Lord Bishop of Llandaff has licensed the Rev. Hugh Price James to the curacy o Llanover, uetir Abergavenny.

Slandering Brilisls Troops. I t 5 Sir Frederick Milner, M.P., has sent the following letter to Mr. W. T. Stead in reply to his recent manifesto I have received your broad- sheet purporting to come from a British officer and as yoa have asked my opinion, you shall have it, and I will also forward it to the press. My opinion is that you ought to be ashamed of yourself for circulating so vile a slander against your fellow-countrymen. You seem to have made it your mission in life to vilify your country and to slander the brav3 men who have suffered and borne so much for their country. It seems to me a pity that you don't remove yourself to France, and offer your services to the gutter-press, where they would undoubtedly be appreciated. As to the letter of A Bdtish Officer,' I decline to believe that any British officer could so demean himself as to spread so gross a calumny against his fellow-soldiers without, having the courage to nut his name at the eliti of It, If, indeed, any 'British officer has I stoopjjfl So low, I can only say he Is a contemptible coward, and I should like to have the opportunity I of telling him so to his face but in my opinion the British officer does not live far from the office of Mr. W. T. Stead. Personally, I prefer to believe the testimony of Lord Roberts, Sir Redvers BuUer, and other brave generals to the conduct of our soldiers in South Africa. I don't know if you have taken the trouble to read Lord Roberts's touching farewell to his troops, where he speaks of the gallantry, the patient endurance, the good conduct and humanity of our brave soldiers. If you have read it, and it has not made you feel, ashamed of yourself, I fear nothing will."

MERRYWEATHER ON Ulatcr Supplp to Countrp mansions, Rotcls, and Public Buildings, Sc. EXISTING WATER SERVICES TESTED, AND ESTIMATES GIVEN FOR IMPROVED SUPPLIES. WRITE FOR PARTICULARS OF OUR PATENT NOISELESS "HATFIELD" PUMP. 63, LONG aeRE, w.e. WORKS: GREENWICH, LONDON, S.E. THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. EPPS'S GRATEFUL—COMFORTING. COCOA BREAKFAST AND SUPPER.

Railway Time Table for December. I DOWN TRAINS, A.SI A.M A.M P.M. P.M P.M. London — — ,5 40,1037 — |3 15 ROM— dep.,7 08 151103.Ó 5.5 -7 10 KerneMdge -'1'7 llla 2711°'16:3 6 \7 21 Lydbroo? —716?32'1052J3l2—730 Symonds Yat -:721?3?l059'31<)—!736 ?7 33?S 50,11143 33 7 48 Monmouth, May JI. ?l 3318 50'111413 33 -[7 48 Monmouth, Troy 17 3,S l? 935?1245 3 5513 10 Dinestow —?746!942!l252;44517! Raglan —7 54?949?259.4 12 5 241 Handenny —.7 59;9M!l .5? 418?5 30 7 110 211 12!4 2715 3SS 33 USK -?S 6i LittIaMi)lJuuct'n817!l012122j44oL549!844L PontypoolRd.,M'r'82?!l018!l 304485 55'8 50 London -)1 1514 10:630 IUS 1145)3 30 UP TRAINS. A.M A.M A.M A.M. P.M P.M. P St. London I- [ — — 5 30 9 Oil 15 3 35 Pontypool Rd., dep 7 40 — 8 45 11 5Li 15 9 15 I.ittle Mill Junct'u 7 44 -8 4911 !¡12 2-16 l\}i 19 USK — 7 5318 20 8 58 111812 ?3 -S! 6?-9 UMdenny —! — 8 27 9 5 112712 4»|6 40j- — Raglan- — — 8 83 9 11 113312 48 0 46 Dinsestow 3 409 16 11-leY 9- 53654 Monmonth,Troy?73.5!8509301:!M3.38717815 Monnt'th,MayRU1? 739——9M1M43?!7 20820 Symonds Yat -?7 49 9 46 IMS 52 7 3718 &1 Lydbrook —754 9&31253?a8?743?40 Kerne Bridge 7 59 '9 58 1258|4 3 7 50,8 45 Ross arr 8 7 ii 8 841380?855 London -.2 20 ,22U5?0!830&M330 •Wednesdays only.

J" STOCK MARKETS. I Usk-lst and 3rd Monday in month. Monmouth-2nd and 4th MondHY in month. Chepstow—2nd and last Tuesday in month. Newport—Every Wednesday. Berkeley (Glos.)—1st Wednesday in month. Chippen Campden—Last Wednesday in month. Honeybourne (Glcs.)-lst Wednesday in month Neath (Ql.ira.) — Last Wednesday in month. Canton (Glam. )-lst Monday in month

A BEE'S WEAPON. I The sting is a bee's only weapon It is not tho singlo spear that it appears to the naked eye, but consists of three prongs, each beautifully grooved into the others, thus forming a sort of tube through which flows the poison from the sac to which the sting is attached. As soon as the point of the sting enters the flesh two of the prongs, which are barbed, begin to work forward alternately. When one has been thrust forward its barbs catch in the fl-sh, and hold while the other is being thrust for- ward, and this motion, which also pumps the poison Irom the poison-sac, is continued until the sting has penetrated to its full length. The sting, accompanied by its appendages, is almost invariably torn from tho bee, and remains in the flesh of the unfortunate victim. Unfortunate bee, too, as the loss of its sting is eventually followed by death. Hence it can be said that a bee literary defends its home with its life. It is also well to remember that a bee seldom uses its sting except in defence of its home. Out in the fields, flitting from flower to flower, a bee is the most harmless "reature in existence. If one strays into a building, there is no danger that it will sting the inmates; its only thought, is to again find its way out.

ABERGAVENNY. I COUNTY COURT, MONDAY. I Before His Honour Judge OWEN. I HORSE WAKRANTY CASH.-N,lr. J. Comer, Hereford firistructed by Mr. Wallace, Hereford), appeared for plaintiff, and Mr, J. B. Matthewf, London (instructed by Mr. Luther Davies, Abergavenny), for defendant?.—John Rees, farmer and dealer, near Hereford, bought two young <colts from Evan Griffiths. Raglan, who s,,11\ them for his mother-in-law, Mrs. Watkias. R es said they were represented as sound by Grithchs, and two witnesses heard the statement. The day after the purchase one colt was observed to be lamp. After several days' treatment a shoe was re nr ved and the hoof cleaned. A large hole then discovered in the toe, which had been concealed by the shoe, and was filled with what seemed to be a composition of wool, soap, and putty. In about a week the horse died of tetanus, resulting from the injured foot. A veterinary surgeon gave it as Lis opinion that the size of the hole was probably caused by a blacksmith paring in search of some injury, and who had probed into the sensitive structure. Plaintiff claimed for E30 and L7 expenses. For the defence the blacksmith's assistant said the horse was shod for the first time by him on Thursday before Tuesday's fair. On the Saturday he was sent for and took the shoe off, as the colt had trod it into the hoof. On the Monday he re-pl iced the iron and only noticed a little scratch. Griffiths ttited that he repree ited the colts to be all right, so far as he knew, only that the one had pricked himself, but then appeared to be all right, and he said he knew nothing of the packing under the shoe. His Honour did- not think Griffiths knew of the packing or the extent of the injury, and that when be sold the horse he thought it sound. There was evidence that warranty was given, but veterinary testimony lroved tliitt the horse was not sound at the time. Judgment for 130, one guinea surgeon's lee, and costs. POLICE COURT, WEDNESDAY. I before Capt. R. POWELL REEi (in the chair), Dr. PATON, DR. S. H. STEEL, and lAJOR WILLIAM, May or). A !tfbDÚ. -Arthur Isaacs, who for three years was a kind of handyman about the house. garden, and stables at the vicarage, L'ativihangel vrucoj-. mey, was summoned for stealing a bicycle lamp worth 3s. fid., the property of Mr Cecil A. Blundell, eon of the vicar of Llanvihangol Crucorney. Defendant did not appear. After some time Mr. Blundell said he had no doubt the defendant had cleared out, as he saw him late last night, when defendant asked him to take no further steps in the matter if he promised to behave himself and leave the neighbourhood entirely. Complainant agreed to this. The clerk said it looked rather like compound- ing a felony. Then complainant thought it might be a good plafl t-9 i-sue a warrant, bring him to court and bind him over. This 8tnirjj;?al eJjanija of front rather amused the Btnh, who gently Teminded complainant of his last night's compact with the defendant. Complainant said that during his absence in America, defendant had taken from ?15 to £ 20 worth of bo property, but ha  not liked to rT* him. "e lIked o prose.cute blm. e h*d been dismi"sed, W atSn ?'.nd access to the house, and took the .,imp in question from the hall. It was decided to adjourn the case sine die, and complainant was advised to abstain in future from making meal bargains. He couJd bOt. now proceed against I in this Case. If he brought him there Mi it must be for something entirely new. BOROUGH BUSINESS. fiefoie Tift MAYOR, CAPT. R. POWELL REES, Du. P. H. STEEL, and DR. PATON. REVENGH. William Megd, aged 13, was charged with wilfully breaking a window in the Salvation Army Barracks, on the 7th inst. Thomas Gatos, an officer of the Salvation Army, Said defendant with other boys attended the service, they chattered and laughed and disturbed the service. He spoke to them, but defendant would not be quiet, so he gave him a tap on the head with a violin bow. Half an hour later the boy went out and flung stones at the window breaking it in two places and doing damage to the extent of Is. 4d.—P. C. Acteson said the boy told him he threw a stone because the Salvation Army Captain hit him with the bow.—The defendant admitted this to be cor- rect, and he was ordered to pay Is. for the damage, and la. to the costs.

CAERLEON. I POLICE COURT, THURSDAY. I Before F. J. MITCHELL, E"q. (chairman), Sir A. MACKWORTH, G. B. T. NICHOLL, Esq., E. WINDSOR RICHARDS, Esq., D. W. JENKINS, E'q., H. ADDAMS "WILLIAMS Esq, aud the Rev. D. B. JF)NRS. SCHOOL CASE.—William Rees, whose wife appeared, was summoned for neglecting to send his son, Harry, aged 12, regularly to school. The magistrates made an attendance orde.7, the defendant to pay the costs, 4s. 6d. WITHOUT LIGHTS.—George Gale was fined 5s. for driving a horse and cart at Caerleou ou December 7th, without alight. OBSCENE LANGUAGE.—William Dixon, a gipsy, was charged with using obscene and profane language in a public place at Caerleon on Saturday night. He was fiued 7a. 6d. or a week's imprison- ment. He paid the money. TEMPORARY TRANSFER.—An application was made for the temporary transfer, of the license of the Lower Cock Iun, to Mr*. Mary Ana Yendall, until January 10th, which was granted.

CHEPSTOW. I PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY. I Before G. SBïS, Esq., H. L. P. LOWE, Esq., J. EVANS, E.-q.. G. Dbwdxby, E>q., aud C. W. WHALLEY. ESQ. CHARGE.—John Warman, of Chepstow, was summoued for assaulting Annie West, also of Chepstow, on 19th November.—Complainant stated that defendant met her in Nelson-street, and accused her of inculting his mother and sister, and struck her in the eye.—Defendant said he spoke to her about insulting his mother and sister, and she said she would do it again, and went to strike him, but he pushed her away.—Fined 10s and 10s costs, or 7 days in default, the Bench saving it was cowardly to strike a woman. COUNTER CHARGE.—Annie West was then charged with assaulting Emily Barrett, Warman's married sister. The summons in this case was issued after the previous one.—Complainant alleged that defendant pulled her hair without their hajring any quarrel. -Defendaii t said complainant had her hair down aud she only touched it and asked her if she was getting ready for the ball.-The Bench dismissed the case and ordered complainant to pay 6a costs.

PONTYPOOL. COUNTY COURT, TUESDAY. Before His Honour Judge OWEN. HOOLIGANIM,-Five young men, Benjamin Nab. Alfred Ford, Rees Thomas, Frank Williams, and James Lloyd, miners, etc., Pontnewynydd, appeared in answer to a claim, by Joseph Rolls, miner and fire-clay worker, George-street, Pontnewynydd, for L32 8s, 10J. damages for assault and loss of work. Mr. Bowen, Pontypool, appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. Webb, Pontypool, for Rees Thomas; and Mr. Powell, Brynmawr. for the other defendants.—Joseph Rolls said that on the 20th October he left Pontypool for Pontnewynydd at 11.20 at night. When near the bakery in George-street he overtook the defeudan ts and they began to push him about, throwing him down three times. He was bady hurt by the second fall, his collar bone being broken and his shoulder dislocated. He had not been at work eince. His wages were 25s per week. He knew all the defendants. He was not drunk. Amelia Rtes corroborated. She saw him fall, and going up to his assailants she said Boys, is this what you call fair, trying to kill the man?" She accompanied Rolls to his home. Dr. Mason saw him on Sunday morning and pronounced the it jury veiy serious. There was a doubt whether he would ever fully recover the use of his arm. Evidence was called to prove that Lloyd did not reach Pontnewynydd from Newport until long after the affair had taken place and he was dismissed. His Honour gave judgment against the four defendants for J622.

Lord Roberts's Proclamati ODS. J In a proclamation, dated the 28th of September, Lord Roberts said "Burghers are to be informed that as soon as their leaders submit, and when every cannon has b e 1 surrendered, peace will be declared, and all prisoners of war will then be sent back to their homes. Exceptions only will be made in the cases of members of the late Government of the South African Republic and Orange Free State, who are responsible for the war and its present disastrous prolongation, and of those who may be proved to have been guilty of acts contrary to the customs of Wir." The latest proclamation is an order, dated the 18th of November, which is as follows As there appears to be some misunderstanding with reference to the burning of farms and the breaking of dams, the Commander-in-Chief wishes the following to be the lines on which general officers commanding are to act:—No farm is to be burnt except for 811 act of treachery, or when troops have been fired on from premises, or as punishment for the breaking of telegraph or railway lines, or when they have been used as the bases of operations for raidn, and then only with the direct consent of the general officer command- ing, which is to be given in writing. The mere fact of a burgher being absent on commando is on no account to be used as a reason for burning the house. All cattle, wagons, and foodstuffs are to be removed from all farms. If that is found to be impossible they are to be destroyed whether the owner be present or not.

Imperial Parliament. I In the Houne of Lords, on Monday, Earl Carrington called attention to the fact that wounded and invalided Colonial soldiers who had been brought from South Africa to this country by the Government, to recruit their health, were being sent back to their respective Colonies as steerage passengers in mail steamers, and asked whether some more suitable accommodation could not be found for them. Lord Raglan replied that the expression "steerage" gave a somewhat unfortunate itn- pression of the accommodation which a man received as a third-class passenger on these large liners. Every man had a bunk in a cabin, and the dietary was extremely plentiful and varied. Third-class passengers on these steamships were, he was informed, extremely comfortable. These men could not be correctly described as invalids. They were men who had been brought to England to relieve the base hospitals and convalescent homes iu South Africa. Wherever possible such men had been sent straight to their homes. Iu the majority of cases the men had entirely recovered their health and strength, or were in an advanced stage of conva- lescence, and it was not considered a hardship to f-sk them to go third-class. In the case of a man who was in a delicate state of health, and when it was thought he would not receive a sufficient amount of attention as a third-class passenger, he was provided with second-class accommodation. The argument about giving men in a certain social position a second-class passage would apply to a very large number of men in South Africa, for many soldiers in the Imperial Yeomanry, the Volunteers, and in the regular Army were of a superior social position. It was prnotically impossible to make any distinction as to accommodation of the men except according to their rank in the Army, and he could, therefore, hold out no hopo that any alteration would be made. The Marquess of Lansdowne protested against the assumption that noble lords opposite had a monopoly of sympathy with the gallant Colonial soldiers, and he took exception to the highly-colored language which had been made use of. To the ordinary individual the word "steerage" suggested some- thing sordid and squalid of a kind described in the novels of 50 years ago. Things had changed for the better siuce then, and it must be remembered that these men were not given the lowfist class of accommodation on these liners. They were given what was known as superior third-class accommo- dation. There were, as a mattur of fact, two classes lower than the class by which these men travelled. It was most unfair and unjust to say that these soldiers were packed like herrings in a barrel, and he regretted that noble lords opposite had thought fit to indulge in the language they had. Lord Stratheona said that he, personally, had received no complaint from any of the Canadian soldiers, and he felt sure that, the matter having been brought to the attention of the Government,no cause of compbint would arise in the future. In the House of Commons on Wednesday there was a concerted attack by certain members of the Opposition on Sir Alfred Milner. Sir R. Reid said he thought that the time had come when negotiations should be opened for an amnesty, and that terms should be offered not inconsistent with British dominion." It was the Government's duty to send out the ablest men they could find to treat with this object. Mr. Bryce asked whether it was wise to confide the settlement to a man who had become an object of universal distrust to one-half at least of her Majesty's subjects in Cape Colony." Captain Pirie reiterated the phrase and Mr. Channing aid that the High Commissioner had been, from first to last, the curse of South Africa. Mr. Brodrick retorted that Sir A. Milner was only distrusted by those of the Dutch who were the anemias of ttio Queen, and quoted Lord Roberts's proclamations to show that the Boers had been invited to come in on easy terms. The resolution was agreed to, and the Appropriation Bill was then read a first time. In the House of Commons, on Thursday the Supplementary War Loan Bill was read a second time The Chancellor of the Exchequer made it plain that the Tram-vaal mine-ownera would have to bear a fair share of the cost.

VINOLIA G°s HOUSEHOLD SOAP IS WHAT SOAP SHOULD BE. TWIN BAR, SCENTED. 2id.

The Gleaner. I THE ST. MELLON'S MUKDEU.—Justice Wright will be the judge who will attend at the Monmouthshire Assizes iu February next, and before whom, consequently, Morris Evans will be brought on a charge of the wilful murder of Hannah Williams at St. Mellon's. WAit GRATUITIES.- Otir South African soldiers are to receive some recognition at Christmas for their services iu the campaign. Mr. Thomas Atkins will get JE5, Lord Roberts will receive £ 2,500, a full general Z2,000, a colonel £160, a major XSO, a captain 160, and a second-lieutenant £:30. CONFERRING OF PEERAGEs.-The Queen has been pleased to confer the dignity of a peerage of the United Kingdom upon the Right Hon. George Joachim Goschen and the Right Hon. Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart.

A GAKDHNKK'S LOVR-LETTEXI. I My Rose-Mary,—As you ar,) the Pink of perfection and the blossom of May, I wish to tell Yew that my H^art's-ease has been torn up by the Roots, and the Peas of my Holm entirely destroyed since I began to Pine after Yew. Yew will perceive that I am a gardener. My name is William Hud. At first I was pjor, but by shooting in the spring, and driving a Car-nation fast, I obtained a Celery, and by a little Cabbaging, &c., I rose to be master (although something like a Creeper) of the wholo garden. I have now the full command of the Stocks and the Mint; I can raise Ane-mone from a Penny-Royal to a Plum, and what my expenditure Leaves I put in a box for Yew. If I may, as a Cockscomb, speak of myself, I should say that I was in the Flower of manhood—that I was neither a Standard nor a Dwarf, a Mushroom nor a Maypole; my nose is of tho Turnip-Keddish kind, and my locks hang in Clusters about my cars. I am often in the company of Rakes, and rather fond of Vine and Shrub—which my Eiders reprove me for; so I had better Berry all this, and as I am a Branch of a good Stock, with a portly bearing, I well know when and where to make my Bough. So Lett-rice act for ourselves, and fix an early day for engrafting your fate with mine, which might be a Poplar measure. But I think it had better be Privet, for John-quil, the lawyer, says that your old Crab of a father, who did never a Li-lack when he wanted to part us, means to take the Elm in his own hands in the matter; but if he does and Bulhtce me at all, I will not be Slow in settling his Ash, and I will be such a Thorn in his side that the day he does it shall bo one of the worst days ha ever Saugh. But I must sow no "Seeds of discord, for I am certain that we should make a very nice Pear, and never repent even when we became Saga by Thyme. You would be the Balm of my life, and I should be the Balsam of yours, so that people that might call us green now would call us Evergreen hereafter. And now Sweet Peas he with you, and if he who tries at it Tares me from Yew I shall become a Melon-Cauli-flower and wither away. My tongue will always be a Scarlet Runner in your praise, for I have planted my Hopes in Yew, and I only live for the Thyme when I may hear from your own Tu-lips that I am your Sweet William and not your Weeping Will-oh.

THE ORIGIN OF DOMINOES. I Two monks, who had been committed to a lengthy Declusion, beguiled the dreary hours of their con- finement by shewing each other small flat stones marked with black dots. By a preconcerted arrange- ment the winner would inform the other player of his victory by repeating in an undertone the first line of the vespers prayer. In process of time the two monks managed to complete the set of stones and to perfect the rules of the game, so that when the term of incarceration had expired the game was so interesting that it was generally adopted by all the inmates of the monastery as a lawful pastime. It very soon spread from town to town, and became popular throughout Italy; and the first line of the vespers was reduced to the single word "Domno," by which name the g8 has ever since been known.

Hunting: Appointments THE LLANGIBBY HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Tuesday, Dec. 18th Tyrrre Wood.- Friday, Dec. 21st St. Julian's Wood. At 10.30 a.m. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS WILL M!IET ON Monday, Dfc. 17th Raglan Thursday, Dec. 20th. Pandy MR. CURRE'S HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, Dec. 17th Ear l swood Gorse, Th d' D ar swood Gorse.. Thursday, Dec. 20th Llanishen.- Atlla.m. TWELVE BEER RETAILERS ""UMMONED.- Sumn.onsea were issued at Manchester on Thursday against twelve beer retailers, who arc charged, under the Food and Drugs Act. with having sold beer which was not of the nature' substance, and quality demanded. +he  hneo<  at tthhl ?'tz:t Prudent ) Pru d ent "r th?t it Is e_nU- H .fe ally he 'd",y to pro. -?i- -arm and com. ousewl torta.ble Bed Clothing 1 •n-ncntmiinmi.JJ- M tor the winter. We 1 JB advantages for buying Bed Clothing from nu r P ? j OR HOUSEWIVES' GUINEA PARCEL B j? conbms 1 Pair of Superfine Witney Blankets, each ? -i ????"? ?' weight (targe size); 1 Pair of N i, S heet,?, by ?yd. d;, hemmed ,? !M ready for use 1 Pair of White Pillow Cases, full size but? j ES oned ends; 1 White Counterpane, S yd.. long by 21 yd& L-w?idee, wov(i pattern, good design; 1 %uchossetoilet Set. he hIgh standard of excellc?nce of *he goods,combined wIth lowness of prIce, appeals to the most economical purchaser. Parcels Tade up from One to Ton Guines. figga and sent Carig, Paid on r ipt of P.O.O. SeB? These Parcels suggest and constitute the JdealWeddlng preBeR&öJrlrÊrgiy.ki:kettå S Õ. ^l CLARK'S Almanac anfl in For the Year 1901. PRIOE OjVE ÇpE.NNY Will be sold by the agents of the County Observer" and by all. Booksellers. It will contain the Names of the Voters for the ensuing year. Names of the members of all the public Officers- in the District. Lift of the Fairs in the County. List of newly-elected Members of Parlfamentanét! their Constituencies, &c., The Illustrations Include the following:- I.-Entrance Gates and Lodge, Welbeck Abbey." 2.-Welbeek Abbey from thu Boathouse. a.-Magna Charta Inland on the Thames. 4.—Rons Lench Court, Worcestershire — genuine Elizabethan Mansion. 5.—The Frome at Trampton Court. 6.—View of Stratford-on-Avon. 7.-Cleetliorpes Pier. 8.-Lord Roseberry's Favorite Country Seat- Mentmore House. 10.—Dunrobin Castle. ll.-Bridge of Tay, Kenmore. 12.-c-Oulros from the Pier. The views are from photogaphs, and are accom- panied by descriptive letterpress. Useful Information, Is also given with regird to:- 1.—Stamps, Taxes, Exercise Duties, &c. 2—The Festivals, Eclipses, &c., 4.-Length of Time a letter takes to go to certain places abroad. 5.—The Royal Family, Ministry, Parliaments, since the Accession of George IV. 6.— Value abroad for Money Orders sent from- the United Kingdom. 7.—Population of the United Kingdom' S.-Bills of Exchange, Day,, of Grace, Law Sit- tings, Registration of Births, &e. 9.-Interest Tables. 10.—Weights and measures. 11.—Table of Expenses, Income, or Wages. 12.—Monthly Gardening Notes. ji. Ibhuryt tvilSi Money Column. Advt. Orders should now be given, the moderate charges being:— s. d. Full page. 10 0 Half 5 ° Quarter,t 2 6 THE ADVERTISMENTS WILL ALSO BE" INSERTED IN THE 'COUNTY OBSERVER' > ILLUSTRATED Book Almanac, For BOO I. which for the last 46 years has been justly Icokeda upou as a valuable medium for Tradesmen to lay before the public their respective olaimsto patron- age and support. This Almanac is sent out at the end of the year. FREE OF CHARGE, AS A. supp1eD1en:t TO THB "COUNTY OBSERVER" and therefore, has an assured circulation. It1 Is- kept in the homes of our readers for refareace- throughout the year. Its Engravings and Photo- graphs Include 1.—The Queen of Roumania. 2.-Ketiilw,3rth Castle. 3.—The Surrender of General Cronje. 4.—Staffa, showing Fiugal's Cave. o.—Ma]Of-General Robert Baden-Powell. 6. -The relief of Ladysmith Lord Duudonald 6", Force entering the city. 7.—Taymouth Castle. 8.—The Duke of Argyll. 9.—Inverary Castle. 10.—Lord Roberts taking Pretoria.. 11. —Saturday Market Parade, Cape Town., 12.-Hoi"tillg the British Flag at Bloemfontem_. > ] 3.- View of Bloemfontein. 14.-Attempted Assassination of the Prince oti Wales. 15.—Defeat and death of the Khalifa. Ils Literay Contents Include:- I.-The Gatherer. 2'- Wit and Wisdom. 3 —Gardening for the month. 4.—Interesting Paragraphs. 5.—Postal and Telegraphic Information. 6.—Parliamentary Summary.. 7.—The Royal Family, &c. 8.—Stamp Duties, &c. Local Information up to date; Printed and Published by "THE CoUKTT OBSBNVEB," NBWSPAPKR and PIUNTINA COMPAIIT; Limited, by JAMKS HENRY GLABK, at their Officos, Bridget- Street, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, Saturday v December 15th, 1900.