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

Mr. Thomas B. Lawson, of Boston, who claims to have a right to defend the America Cup, is a man of somewhat extravagant tastes. He once, it is said, paid £6,000 for a single flower, called the Lawson Pink. He spent a small fortune in building the Cup defender Independence, which, when she could not qualify, he broke up, that Boston might have souvenirs. He has lately been improving a farm, which has occupied for two years over a thousand vien, and is said to be worth 4200,000. One aairal on the farm alone is valued at L- 10,000.

THE 9TH LANCERS. TERMS OF THEIR PUNISHMENT. Major Rasch asked the Secretary for India, in the House of Commons on Monday, whether he was in a position to give any information with reference to the reported punishment of the 9th Lancers now quartered at Sialkote. Lord G. Hamilton: The punishment inflicted on the 9th Lancers was (1) recall from leave (other than leave on medical certificate) of all officers and men, and stoppage of all leave until June 1, 1903; (2) imposition of additional duty while the regiment is in cantonments until June 1, 1903. It may be well that I should add that I am in- formed by the Government of India that this punishment was inflicted by them because a na- tive was assaulted and died of his injuries under circumstances which made it reasonably certain that his assailants were men of the 9th Lancers, and because, subsequently, no serious attempt to discover the offenders was made by the regi- mental authorities, on whom, as well as on the men of the regiment, the responsibility for the failure to bring them to justice is considered by the Government of India to rest. Captain Norton Has that been done with the full sanction and approval of the officer com- manding the 9th Lancers and the military autho- rities? Lord G. Hamilton The punishment has been inflicted with the full approval of the military authorities. Colonel Legge Will the noble lord cause a full and independent inquiry to be made into all the circumstances of the case? Lord G. Hamilton No, sir; this is a question of military discipline, and I certainly do not think an inquiry should be instituted. —-—====-=!=======

DANGER FROM MEASLES. At the suggestion of the London School Board, it is proposed that the London County Council the provisions of Section Health (London) Act, 1891, which prohibits, without proper precaution, the expo- sure in a public place of any person suffering from a dangerous infectious disease, and also the transmission of infected articles. This decision will require the approval of the Local Govern- ment Board. The Act already applies to many diseases, including scarlet fever, diphtheria, and enteric fever. The Public Health Committee point out that the deaths from measles in the administrative county of London in 1900 amounted to no fewer than 1,930, or at the rate of 0.43 per 1,000 persons living. The number of deaths from scarlet fever in the same year was 361, of diphtheria, 1,540, and of enteric fever 717 -it will thus be seen," it is added, "that the mortality from measles was considerably greater than that from diphtheria, and much greater than the mortality from scarlet fever and enteric fever combined. There is no doubt that the risk to child life from measles is insufficiently appre- ciated, and that often no care is taken in the home to prevent any extension of the disease ™thm lt or to other houses or even to schools »

I FATAL FIRE IN GLASGOW. A disastrous fire occurred at Glasgow Harbour on Tuesday, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to nine persons, and the destruction of a large portion of the cargo sheds belonging to the Anchor Steamship Line. The sheds are en the north bank of the river, and extend from Queen's Dock gate to Finnieston. They are constructed of brick with a slated roof, consisting of a single truss resting on cast-iron columns. The height of the structure is about 30ft. When the fire broke out at one o'clock, the sheds were stocked with goods of a varied description and all of a very inflammable nature. A large quantity of straw packed in bales was stored in the west end of the building, and the fire is supposed to have been originated by some person dropping a lighted match. The flames spread very rapidly, and by the time the brigade had a full staff on the scene it had gained a firm hold on the whole western portion of the sheds. Two of the Anchor Line fleet, the Furnessia and the Assyria, were lying at the wharf when the outbreak occurred, and they were speedily moored at a safe distance from the flames. About 15 minutes after the discovery of the fire part of the roof collapsed. There were no centre pillar supports, and this breakage was not confined to the spot where the flames had actually been. The roof collapsing rapidly along a considerable portion of its length eastward, caused great alarm among those who were working in the sheds, and many of them narrowly escaped with their lives. One man was caught under the falling roof and was killed instantaneously, and nine others were more or less inj ured. About 450 yards of the roof collapsed, and, as only half of that was destroyed by fire, it is supposed that the other portion fell through the bursting of the brick wall. The damage to sheds alone is estimated at £ 15,000. In addition, an inward cargo from the Mediterranean is in- volved in the destruction caused by the fire, and a large quantity of goods consisting of iron and steel girders, machinery of various kinds, and spirits, which were to be despatched to Calcutta on Satur- day, were also buried in the ruins. The fire con- tinued to burn till a late hour on Tuesday night.

I SHIPPING DISASTERS. During an easterly gale at Yarmouth the Lowes- toft trawler Excel was on Tuesday night wrecked at the entrance to the harbour. Seas broke over the stranded vessel, but the rocket brigade was immediately mustered, and the second rocket line secured. The crew of five hands were then safely landed. At Lowestoft on Tuesday afternoon the smack Lily and Ethel went aground. She got too near to a previous wreck and in trying to avoid it was driven on to a sandbank near the North Pier. There was a heavy sea, and amid much excitement the crew were rescued by the coastguard with the cradle. The occurrence was witnessed by hundreds of people. The efforts of two tugs were not successful in shifting the Sparkling Nellie, which had been wrecked at Lowestoft, and in consequence of her lying right across the harbour's mouth the trade of the port came to a standstill. The large fleet of herring catchers which arrived in the morning could not get out, neither could a hundred Scotch boats which had finished their voyage. Steamers laden with herrings for the Continent were detained, and altogether the fishing industry was paralysed for the time being. The Ackergill (Caithness-shire) Lifeboat, belong- ing to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, was launched on Tuesday night and succeeded in rescuing the crew of three men from the smack Catherine, of Wick, which was in distress in Sinclair's Bay.

"Three hours in the stocks in the Broadway on a Saturday afternoon would well meet your cmw," said Mr. Howard, the chairman of the Stratford magistrates, on Saturday to a wife-beater. "Lei all the women come and throw garbage at him. A man cannot be brutalised more than he bru- Wises himself."

CURRENT SPORT. I Two games in the Rugby Football County 'Championship competition were decided on Saturday. The Devon fifteen took the field at Camborne for the first time this season, and aftei a hard struggle defeated Cornwall by a goal and a try to a goal. In the first half Irwin, for Devon, placed a goal from a try by Dohson, and after changing ends Eathorne, for Cornwall, performed a similar feat from a try by Lidgey. The result was in doubt until near the finish, when Duffin gained Devon's second try. The Cornishmen have now completed their programme, and though they have proved hard opponents they are once more at the bottom of the Soath-Western divi- sion, having previously drawn with Gloucester- shire and Tost to Somerset. Judging by the re- sults of previous matches in the Northern group, Yorkshire should have beaten Lancashire at Liverpool, but as it happened the game ended in a draw of a try each. All the scoring was done in the first half, Rhodes first gaining a try for Yorkshire and then Allen making matters level. The match was quite in keeping with the many close contests that have taken place between these great rivals. The result once more makes the premiership in the division an open question. Durham, the champions, only just defeated York- shire, and they have to meet Lancashire, who have two wins to their credit. After a disappointing game at Blackheath the Light Blues defeated the home club by a placed goal and a try to a dropped goal and a try, or eight points to seven. The Cantabs only showed moderate form, and on the play did not deserve to win. Their forwards packed in a ragged man- ner and their backs did not display proper com- bination. The Blackheath scrummagers were ex- cellent, their dash in the last quarter of an hour being worthy of all praise. Unfortunately for Blackheath their three-quarters could not press home the attack, the right wing being weak and missing more than one fair chance. Skrimshire played a fine game for Blackheath, dropping a neat goal with the left foot. Norman Spicer placed Cambridge in front with a beautifully- placed goal. The Dark Blues came to grief at Wandsworth- common, the Harlequins winning by a goal and three tries to a goal. Oxford were unfortunate in losing Buck, one of their halves, shortly after half-time, and a mistake was made in bringing Eberle from three-quarter to fill the vacant place. At one period in the first half the Oxford for- wards looked like settling down to a good game, but in the later stages, when a man short, they were worn down by the opposing pack. Quite the feature of the match was the half-back play of E. W. Dillon, the Harlequin, who has rarely been seen to such advantage. At Richmond, the London Scottish, after mak- ing a good fight in the early stages, were out- played. Richmond stayed the better, and were the smartest all round, winning by two goals (one penalty) and two tries to nothing. The R.I.E. College beat the Old Merchant Taylct-s by a goal (from a mark) and a try to a try. Lennox beat St. Bartholomew's Hospital by a goal and two tries to two goals (11 points to 10). Kensington beat the Old Leysians by a goal and two tries to nothing. Guy's Hospital beat Bedford by six tries to a goal. Catford Bridge beat the Marlborough Nomads by ten points to three. Cardiff beat Gloucester by a penalty goal to a try to nothing. Swansea beat Llanelly by two goals and three tries to a try. Newport beat Bristol by four tries to a dropped goal. Mountain Ash beat Treherbert by two goals and four tries to nothing. Exeter beat R.N.E.C. by a try to nothing. Devonport Albion beat Newton Abbot by eighteen points to six. Torquay Athletic and Plymouth played a draw of a try each. Cheltenham beat Coventry by a goal to nothing. Leicester beat Northampton by two goals and a try to nothing. Moseley beat Burton by a goal and three tries to nothing. The games in the First Division of the Asso- ciation League competition resulted on Saturday as follows:-Bury v. West Bromwich Albion.— As expected, the Albion had a very hard game at Bury, but they managed to win by two goals to one. During the first half Lee scored for the visitors, and Bury, though playing very well could not equalise until after change of ends, when Plant shot a goal. For a long while the home team had the best of matters, but near the end the Albion obtained the point which gave them a bare victory. Stoke v. Derby County.—Playing on their own ground, Stoke gave a capital display, and won well by two goals to none. They were helped by H. Smith, the Oxford City full back, and al- ways had rather the best of the game. Watkins scored a goal in each half, and all the efforts of the visitors failed. Derby County were unlucky in having Leckie injured during the first half. Notts Forest v. Notts County.—As usual there was a very keen struggle between the two Not- tingham clubs. The Forest on their own ground began strongly, and Colney almost scored, and then Montgomery, the County back, was injured. Still the game went fairly evenly, but Colney missed a chance of scoring, and Pennington did a 1Qt of good work in goal. Neither side could score, and the match was left drawn. Blackburn Rovers v. Sheffield Wednesday.— The Rovers played better than for some time past, and gained a capital victory at Blackburn by two goals to one. Their success was the more creditable as Langley scored the only point of the first half for the Wednesday. Afterwards the home club equalised, thanks chiefly to some smart work by Dewhurst, and the deciding goal came from a scrimmage after the Rovers had done a lot of pressing. Sheffield United v. Newcastle United.—New- castle had to make several changes in their team owing to men being injured, but they gave the Sheffield team a hard game at Bramall-lane. In a very even first half nothing was scored, and subsequently there was little to choose between the teams. W. Wilkinson at last scored for Shef- field, but then Roberts equalised. However, Brown scored another goal for Sheffield United, who won by two to one. Sunderland v. Everton.—The result of a splen- didly-contested game at Sunderland was a victory for the home team by two goals to one. Young opened the scoring for the visitors from a corner, but before half-time Robinson put the home team on terms again. Subsequently Sunderland had rather the best of matters, and M'Alister obtained the point which gave them a hard-earned victory. Liverpool v. Wolverhampton Wanderers.— Playing at home Liverpool had matters much their own way and won well by four goals to one. All the scoring was done in the first half, Living- stone, Cox, Goddard, and Raybould getting goals for Liverpool before Miller obtained one for the Wanderers. After change of ends Liverpool fcgain attacked frequently, but Baddeley prevented them from increasing their lead. Aston Villa v. Bolton Wanderers.—The Villa had an easy task at Aston Park and won com- fortably by four goals to two. Garratty and Bache scored early, and Wilkes made the score three to nil in their favour before the interval. Afterwards Bannister and Stoke scored for the Wanderers, and there was some prospect of a close finish when Garratty assured the Villa of victory. J Grimsby Town v. Middlesbrough.—Though losing the services of Gardiner, who was injured, Grimsby effected a draw on their own giound. Appleyard opened the scoring, and again gave the home team the advantage after Carrick had equalised. However, Jones scored from a penalty for Middlesbrough, and the teamB crossed over with the record two all. In an even second half nothing was scored, the result being a draw—two goals all. In the Second Division Bristol City beat Man- chester City at Bristol by three goals to two. There were ten thousand spectators of a good hard game. The home team deserved their victory, which places them at the head of the competition, and reduces Manchester City to fourth place. Woolwioh Arsenal beat Burnley at Burnley by three goals to none. As the outcome of this brilliant performance the Arsenal go up next to Bristol City. Small Heath beat Manchester United at Man- chester by one goal to none, and retain th-i third place. Southampton beat Millwall, at Millwall, in the Southern League, by three goals to one, a result that gives them the best record in the competi- tion. Reading beat Bristol Rovers by two goals to none at Reading, and greatly strengthened their position at the head of the league. Portsmouth beat West Ham United at Ports- mouth, in the Western League, by two goals to none. In the Scottish League Glasgow Rangers beat Queen's Park, three to two; Celtic beat Partick Thistle, four to one Port Glasgow Athletic beat St. Mirren, three to two Dundee beat Greenock Morton, three to none Heart of Midlothian beat Third Lanark, three to none; Hibernians beat Kilmarnock, two to one. The ties in the Fourth Round of the Qualifying Competition for the Association Cup, on Satur- day, ended almost without exception in favour of the teams that seemed to have the better chance of success, the only club of any reputation f,8 lose to apparently inferior opponents being Buslem Port Vale, who suffered defeat at St. Helens. Results:- Ilford beat Brighton and Hove Albion at Ilford by one to none. Shepherd's Bush beat Chesham Generals at Shepherd's Bush by two to nofae. Fulham beat Luton Amateurs at Fulham by four to one. Brentford beat Southall at Brentford by five goals to none. Wellingborough beat Leicester Fosse at Wellingborough by four goals to one. Gainsborough Trinity beat Rotherham at Gainsborough by three goals to none. Barnsley beat Chesterfield at Barnsley by three goals to two. Coventry City beat Stafford Rangers at Coventry by five goals to two. St. Helen's Recreation beat Burslem Port Vale at St. Helens by two goals to one. Glossop beat Wrexham at Glossop by four goals to none. Southport Central beat Barrow at Southport by two goals to one. Burton United _beat Kettering at Burton by three goals to one. Luton beat Lowestoft at Luton by five goals to one. New Brompton beat Maidstone United at Maid- stone by three goals to none. Swindon beat Poole at Swindon by seven goals to one. Bishop Auckland beat Stockton. Sunderland Royal Rovers beat Wallsend Park Villa, Stonebridge beat Kidderminster Harriers. Whitehead's (Weymouth) beat Eastleigh Athletic. ■- Corinthians v. Tottenham Hotspur.—The result of a bright and well-contested game at the Queen's Club was a win for Tottenham Hotspur by three goals to one. Though beaten, the amaturs played excellent football, and through- out the match the combination of both sides was a marked feature. Except that C. S. Ball is not -2t smart enough near goal the amateur forwards did extremely well. G. C. Vassall, coming back to first-class football, was almost as good as ever, and B. O. Corbett on the left wing did much splendid work. The Hotspur played admirably, showing plenty of pace and resource in defence against a very troublesome attack, and the forwards passed and shot beautifully. There was no scoring in the first half. Five minutes after change of ends Kirwan obtained the first goal from a long centre by Gilhooly, and after R. Corbett had equalised Copeland twice shot successfully. Casuals v. Cambridge University.—Playing capital football at Tufnell-park the University won easily by six goals to one. Deacon, who played instead of Booker, opened the, scoring, and Melin and Harris also made successful shots before change of ends. Afterwards Mellin added another, while Steel, who played finely on thr right wing, put on two more points. Towards the end of the game Durrant obtained a goal for the Casuals, who were not fully represented. Oxford University v. Northampton.—After an even first half the University were outplayed at Northampton and beaten by two goals to none. Queen's Park Rangers v. Preston North End. —The Rangers gained a victory at Kensal-rise by three goals to one. Lincoln City v. Doncaster Rovers The home team won at Lincoln by four goals to none. Ealing v. Old Westminsters: The home team won at Ealing by five goals to none. Dulwich Hamlet beat West Croydon in the Surrey Charity Shield by six goals to two. West Norwood beat Oxford City by three to one at Oxford. The result of a hard game at Southampton under Association rules between Millwall and Southampton on Monday was a draw—one goal all. Each side scored twice at Brentford in a game played on Monday between Portsmouth and Brentford, and the match was drawn. In the final tie for the Staffordshire Cup, played at Aston Park on Monday, West Bromwich Albion showed the better form against Stoke, and, though losing the services of Dorsett, won by two goals to none. In the Premier Division of the London League competition Woolwich Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur at Plumstead on Monday by two goals to one, and West Ham United beat Queen's Park Rangers by two to none at Kensal-rise. Oxford University played extremely well at Oxford against Monkstown, under the Rugby code, on Monday, and beat the Irishmen, who were commencing a short tour, by four goals to nothing. Raphael scored one try and Eberle three, Wordsworth placing a goal in each in- stance. After making a fairly good struggle up to a certain point Cambridge University were completely outplayed on Monday by Edinburgh Academicals, and beaten at Cambridge yesterday by three goals and a try to nothing. In the teeth of a freezing nor'-easter, F. W. Chase, the well-known professional rider, started to head the six hours record on a Bat motor-cycle, fitted with a 2fh.-p. M.M.C. engine, at the 4 Crystal Palace on Tuesday. Setting out at ten o'clock precisely, the rider was soon under way, clad in an almost Arctic costume. His first mile went in lmin. 47 3-5secs., five miles in 7mins. 48secs., ten miles in 15mins. 17 l-5secs., and twenty miles in 30mins. 9 l-5secs. In the first hour Chase compiled 40 miles 210 yards, and at forty-four miles he commenced to establish fresh records. His total at the end of the second hour was 79 miles 338 yards, the third hour 115 miles 335 yards, fourth hour 147 miles 1,370 yards, fifth hour 189 miles 780 yards, and for six hours 228 miles 250 yards. Chase continued to 233 miles, which he covered in 6hrs. 7mins. 31 l-5secs. This extra stage was to secure a 100 miles record, in which he was again success- ful. The previous six hours world's record of E. T. Arnott is thus well beaten, that rider's distance, ridden on the same track, during August of this year, being 212 miles 586 yards. A remarkable feature of the ride was that Chase was only ten minutes off his machine during the very marrow-freezing six hours.

fope is an enthusiastic philatelist, anu possesses some of-the finest stamps in the world. I* Their value will be considerably augmented next year, for the Roman Catholic priests of Cashmere will present to him, on the occasion of his Silver Papal Jubilee, a unique collection of obsolete ■tamps of Jemmu and Cashmere.

PROCEEDINGS IN I PARLIAMENT. I LORD WOLVERTON'S NEW POSITION. I In the House of Peers, on the 17th iMt., the Duke of Devonshire announced that Lord Wol- verton had been appointed to an office in his Majesty's Household, and that the noble lord would take charge of the business of the Board of Trade in that House, in place of the Earl of Dudley. Lord Wolverton, in the capacity thus indicated, afterwards moved second reading of the Ministerial measure to amend the Patent Law, and the Bill was duly advanced that stage. EDUCATION BILL.—FINANCIAL RESOLUTION. On the report in the House of Commons on the 17th inst. of the financial resolution in connection with the Education Bill the Prime Minister sug- gested that it should be agreed to without dis- cussion, so that his new clause regarding the aid grant might be forthwith considered. The pro- position was described by Mr. Gibson Bowles as a somewhat cool one, and Mr. Robson passed some sharp criticisms upon certain aspects of the measure. Mr. Balfour declared that there was absolutely no novelty in the principle of i' giving money out of the Exchequer to schools in which denominational teaching took place, and the resolution simply proposed a contribution to all classes of schools. The resolution wa-s even- tually agreed to. In answer to Mr. S. Buxton, who pointed out that the London taxpayer would be paying towards this new grant from which he would receive absolutely no benefit until the case of London was dealt with, Mr. Balfour said the Goveriament hoped to deal with the case of Lonf don at an early date. The resolution having been agreed to, the House went into Committee, whereupon Mr. Balfour explained that there were two changes in the form in which the amendment appeared on the paper. The Chancellor of the Exchequer had found it possible to increase the maximum aid grant of C930,000 a year by another £ 400,000 a year, so that the ratepayers would benefit to the extent of some £1,300,000 a year; while in regard to the projected threepenny rate, as there were a number of places in which it would not be necessary to raise a rate of that amount, it was proposed that if any place raised less its grant from the Exchequer should, pro tanto, be diminished. The saving would in fact be divided between the Government and the ratepayers. The Prime Minister's modification of his own clause was ultimately agreed to, though not until several points of importance in relation to it had been discussed. Among these was the case of the necessitous school districts, for which Mr. E. Gray pleaded, with special ref- erence to West Ham. The aid grant clause was eventually added to the Bill without recourse to the guillotine. Sir W. Anson brought forward a new clause at the evening sitting providing that where a trust deed indicated a particular direction in which an endowment should go that direction should be followed. The clause was eventually read a second time by 182 to 75. I RICHMOND HILL. Royal assent was signified in the House of Lords on Tuesday by commission to the Rich- mond Hill (Preservation of View) Bill and other measures of interest to London and its vicinity. I EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENTS. Committee on the Education Bill was resumed in the Commons on Tuesday, at the Ministerial new clause relative to endowments, on which Lord E. Fitzmaurice had moved an amendment. The Government explained upon it that where the managers had a discretion by the terms of the trust that discretion would not be touched, but the managers would be bound by the terms of the trust to use the endowments for educa- tional purposes. Mr. S. T. Evans described the proposal as a "dark clause," remarking that the original bargain made with the Bishops had been departed from. Mr. Balfour rejoined that he knew nothing about the alleged bargain, and had entered into none. The amendment was eventually rejected by 172 to 93. The next amendment, brought forward by Mr. S. T. Evans, proposed to leave the trustees and trusts affecting endowments in the same position in which they were in January 1, 1901, taking that date as being before negotiations between the Bishops and the Government in regard to the Bill. This was opposed by the Treasury Bench and defeated by 199 to 100. Another amendment brought forward with the object of limiting the portion of the income from the endowments which might be paid by the managers for religious or sectarian purposes was also rejected. Mr. Lloyd George afterwards moved an amend- ment providing that the Board of Education should not give their decision in regard to any trust until they had held a local inquiry of which they had given ten days notice to both the local education authority and the minor local educa- tion authority Sir W. Anson, after raising some objections, agreed to accept the amendment altered so that the inquiry shouiu only be held if demanded by the local education authority. The clause was under discussion at eleven o'clock, when, in accordance with the terms of Mr. Balfour's guillotine resolution, it was put without further debate and carried by 212 to 95. Two other clauses dealing with the appointment of managers by local authorities and the group- ing of schools under one management were put without debate. and agreed to.

MARRIAGE OF MR. BALFOUR'S NIECE. There was a large and fashionable congrega- tion at St. Mary Abbots Church, Kensington, on Tuesday, when Mr. Edgar Dugdale, younger son of the late Mr. W. Stratford Dugdale, of Merevale Hall, and nephew of Sir Otto Trevelyan, was married to Miss Blance Balfour, eldest daughter of Colonel Eustace Balfour and Lady Frances Balfour, and niece of the Prime Minister., and the Duke of Argyll. The cere- mony was conducted by the Rev. Lord William Cecil, rector of Hatfield. Among those present at the church were Princess Louise (Duchess of Argyll), the Prime Minister and Miss Balfour, Mr. Gerald Balfour, M.P., and Lady Betty Balfour, the Earl and Countess of Selbourne, Earl and Countess of Lytton, Lady Trevelyan, the Duke of Northumberland, Earl Percy, the Master of Polwarth and the Hon. Mrs. Hepburne Scott, Viscount and Viscountess Knutsford, Lady Francis Balfour, the Speaker of the House of Commons and Mrs. Gully, the United States Ambassador and Miss Choate, Mr. Brodrick, Mr. G. W. E. Russell, and Viscount Peel. The reception, held by Lady Frances Balfour, at Kensington Palace, in the apartment lent by the Princess Louise, was largely attended, and early in the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Dugdale left for Morocco. The presents, over 400, included a pearl necklace from the Prime Minister.

EXILED BOER OFFICIALS. I Messrs. Kruger, Fischer, Wessels, and Wol- marans, who had asked for permission to return to South Africa, have (according to a correspon- dent in Brussels) been officially informed that their demand is rejected. They are to remain banished, with their wives and children, and it is also stated that all their property, goods, and chattels, situated in South Africa, are provision- ally confiscated until Mr. Chamberlain s return. It will depend upon the result of Mr. Chamber- lain's personal inquiries whether the decree of banishment pronounced against them will be withdrawn or not. In the meantime, they are placed in the same category as rebels. It is further stated that Generals Botha and Delarey intend, acting on Mr. Chamberlain's advice, to return to South Africa, and it is believed that they will leave Southampton on December 6.

ECHO OF THE BOER WAR. I MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL'S ESCAPE. I The following (says the "Morning Post") are the full texts, translated direct from the actual despatches, of two official Boer telegram* which refer to the capture and escape of Mr. Winston S. Churchill during the war, and which effec- tually dispose of the unwarrantable story that his escape was unnecessary or even bogus. The first telegram runs thus :-HChief of Telegraph Department to Resident J.P., Vryburg, via S. Reneke 9.40 a.m.—Following telegram received from Commandant-General at Colenso at 8 a.m. to State Secretary, Pretoria: Begins—I see in the papers a report that the son of Lord Churchill, Lieutenant Churchill, reporter of the "Morning Post," will be released by the Government. I object most strongly against this. If this person be released, any prisoner of war whatever may as well be released, as he showed himself most active at the armoured train and tried as a fore- man to get the train away with the soldiers. He was thus made prisoner while he was engaged in doing us great harm in our operations. He must thus be treated like other prisoners, or, if necessary, be even more strictly guarded. The foregoing message is dated November 28, 1899, while the second telegram, which is from Mr. J. C. Smuts, Mr. Kruger's State Attorney, is dated Hoofd Laager, Ladysmith, December 16, 1899, is addressed to the headquarters at Pretoria, and reads as followsWhat truth is there in the report that Churchill has escaped but has been caught again? "SMUTS."

THB KING OF PORTUGAL. I VISIT TO KING EDWARD. I The King of Portugal left Paris at thirty-five minutes past eleven on Monday morning for Calais. Troops lined the street approaching the Gare du Nord. On the platform there was a crowd of distinguished persons, including M. Mollard, head of the Protocol, the Italian Ambassador, and the staffs of the Portuguese Legation and the Spanish Embassy. The King reached Calais at ten minutes to three, and was met there by the Marquis de Soveral, Portuguese Minister at the Court of St. James. ARRIVAL AT DOVER. I The King of Portugal arrived at Dover on Monday afternoon, after a rough voyage from Calais, there being a heavy sea in the Channel after two days of stiff north-easterly wind. When his Majesty reached Calais Town Station the royal saloon was detached and sent on as a special to the Maritime Station alongside the special steamer Empress. His Majesty was received on behalf of the Northern of France Railway Company by M. Guillemain and M. Favre, jftid on behalf of the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company by Captain Blome- field, marine superintendent at Calais, and Captain Dixon, marine superintendent at Dover, the latter of whom crossed to Dover with the cteamer, which was commanded by Captain George Paine. The voyage was made in an hour and a quarter, a good passage considering the state of the weather. Major-General Sir Leslie Rundle, commanding the South-Eastern District, had a guard of honour of the Royal Sussex Regi- ment drawn up on the Admiralty Pier, and there was a large assemblage of the general public despite the cold wind. The King was received by General Rundle, who was accompanied by Colonel Park, chief staff officer, and Major D'Aeth, garrison adjutant, and members of the Portuguese Legation in London. Mr .Vincent Hill, general manager of the railway company, and Captain Iron, harbourmaster, also met his Majesty, who graciously acknowledged the wel- come accorded him as he passed along the pier to the special train. His Majesty inspected the guard of honour and talked for some minutes with General Rundle before entering the train, which left for London at a quarter to five o'clock. RECEPTION AT WINDSOR. I His Majesty King Edward arrived at Windsor I on Monday evening by special train from Paddington in order to await the coming of the King of Portugal. Preparations had been made in the royal borough for the reception of the two Monarchs, and at the invitation of the Mayor, Mr. A. W. Shipley, the inhabitants arranged a liberal display of flags and bunting. A large number of the inhabitants assembled in the vicinity of the Great Western terminus, but the station premises were kept clear of all but a few privileged persons. The royal waiting rooms were specially decorated with parterres of flowers and were sumptuously furnished, and the platform adjoining the waiting room was car- peted. Among those present on the platform were the Mayor, the members of the Corporation, and the Borough member, Sir F. Tress Barry. At ten minutes to seven o'clock, Prince Christian, attended by Major Evan Martin, arrived at the station to receive King Edward. The royal train ran in punctually at Eve minutes past seven, and after an exchange of greetings between his Majesty and Prince Christian the Mayor welcomed the King to Windsor on behalf of the inhabitants, and expressed their con- gratulations on his complete recovery. His Majesty expressed his thanks, and having greeted Sir Francis Barry, Councillor G. Mitchell (ex-Mayor), the Vicar of Windsor, and Alderman Sir Joseph Devereux, he then entered the waiting room to await the arrival of the King of Portugal. The South-Eastern train conveying the Portuguese Monarch steamed in punctually at a quarter past seven o'clock, and King Edward at once advanced to welcome his illustrious visitor, the' two monarchs cordially kissing each other on the cheek. His Majesty then presented the Mayor to the King of Por- tugal, and his worship welcomed the Portuguese Sovereign on behalf of the borough. Sir Francis Tress Barry, who is a Baron of the Kingdom of Portugal and a Commander of the Order of Christ, was also presented by the King to Dom Carlos, who shook hands with him, as well as with the vicar of Windsor, the ex-Mayor, Sir J. Devereux, and the Town Clerk. This ceremony over their Majesties entered a closed landau drawn by a pair of grey horses, and pre- ceded by two outriders drove to the Castle with- out escort, by way of Castle-hill, amid the cheerti of the populace. ROYAL SPORT. I The King, accompanied by the King oieorttigal and attended by the suite, began shooting on Tues- day in Windsor Great Park. Their Majesties left Windsor Castle about 20 minutes past ten in a char- k-banc carriage drawn by four greys preceded by a couple of Royal outriders, and drove into the Long Walk, whence they proceeded to the Flemish Farm, which is on the west side of the forest between Highstanding-hill and Queen Anne's Drive. They were met on their arrival by Prince Ciiristian, Ranger of Windsor Great Park, who had driven from Cumberland Lodge to the rendez- vous, where Captain Walter Campbell, Deputy- Ranger, and the King's gamekeeper and foresters had also assembled. It was an ideal day for. sport, the weather being bright and seasonable Their Majesties shot over the preserves in the east of Highstanding-hill towards the deer paddock and enjoyed excellent sport. King Edward and King Charles took luncheon at Cran- bourne Tower, an old hunting-lodge near the Ascot side of the Great Park. After the luncheon, shooting was resumed in the vicinity of the Prince Consort's workshops. The King and his illustrious guest returned subsequently to the castle, where they arrived at half-past four o'clock. The King gave another dinner-party at the castle on Tuesday night in honour of the King of Portugal.

The body of an old man of seventy-three nmed Parker was on Sunday discovered hanging in his son-in-law's shop at Yarmouth. While walking to a pigeon shoot, one Burnley man is alleged to have fired a revolver at another who was carrying the stakes. The wound Nail not serious. Following the example of other Lancashire work centres, the cotton weavers of Church and Oswaldtwistle have declared, by a big majority, for direct labour representation in the House. The Turkish Ministry of Finance has paid io the German Embassy at Constantinople a sum of EI,500 as indemnity for the losses and brutal treatment inflicted by Kurds on Dr. BeIck, a German archaeologist, in 1899. Two lives were on Saturday lost by an explosion at the engineering works of Messrs. Clay, Henriquez, and Co., at Savile Town, Dewsbury. The deceased were James Rhodes, forty-six, and James Pickard, fifteen.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN. BANQUET AT BIRMINGHAM. The farewell banquet given by the citizens of Birmingham to Mr. Chamberlain in honour of his mission to South Africa took place on Monday night in the Town Hall. Both on driving to the Hall and on entering the building the Colonial Secretary had an enthusiastic wel- come. The Lord Mayor presided, and telegrams were read from Durban and Johannesburg, hailing the right hon. gentleman's approaching visit with delight. There was a great demonstration of enthusiasm when Mr. Chamber- lain rose to respond to the toast of his health. He referred to the kindness shown towards him by all the inhabitants, and said while there was no person in the city to whom he wished ill, he thought he could also say there was no one in Birmingham who wished him ill. During what might be called a fighting career, he had never cherished personal animosity towards any man. The Colonial Secretary went on to say his tour in South Africa was one of business and not of pleasure. The war being over, the greater task awaited this country of making the people of different races, lately so much divided, one united nation. He believed he spoke the views of all his countrymen when hp. said they would do everything in their power to relieve the suffering caused by the war and remove the differences that existed. First, we must deal generously with those who had stood with us, and. secondly, we must do our best to make it easy for those who were recently in arms against us to accept the situation and reconcile themselves to the new condition of things. He was assured beforehand of a kindly reception from the British population, and he hoped he might in some measure gain the confidence of the Boers. It would not be his fault if that was not the case. When Mr. Chamberlain left the hall he received a great popular ovation. More than four thousand torch-bearers had been marshalled, and these, with bodies of students, yeomanry, and others, formed a gigantic procession which escorted the Colonial Secretary, with his wife and family, amidst a continuous roar of cheering, as far as Cannon-hill-park. The students desired to un- horse Mr. Chamberlain's carriage, but this was declined. When the park was reached the torch- bearers defiled into an avenue and threw their torches into a heap thus making an enormous bon- fire. Meanwhile, Mr. Chamberlain had driven on to Highbury, and the people were attracted to Cannon-hill-park, where there was a great firework display.

NOTED WESLEYAN PREACHER DEAD. THE REV. HUGH PRICE HUGHES. The death took place suddenly on Monday night in London of the Rev. Hugh Price Hughes, the well-known Nonconformist leader. He had preached on Sunday evening at St. James's Hall, where he superintended the West London Mis- sion, and was in his usual health during the day. Towards evening he was attacked by apoplexy, and died in an hour and a half from the moment of his seizure. Early this year he suffered from overwork and had to rest for some months. He took up his work again in September, but it was known that his life was insecure, and the news of his death was not altogether unexpected. The fervent style of preaching of the famous Wesleyan preacher pro- bably accounted for the breakdown of his nervous system. It was as a preacher that he made his name, but he was also active in many public matters, such as education, social purity, and practical philanthropy. He was not followed in the line he took upon Wesleyan questions by the entire sect, but he was chosen president of their conference in 1898-99, and after that he devoted himself more to work and less to expressing his views upon all subjects. His sincerity and piety were recognised by all, but his wisdom was not always so generally admitted. His speeches at Grindelwald in 1892 at a conference of all churches, on the possibility of Anglicans and Noneomformists joining forces in this country, aroused a great deal of discussion, but scarcely furthered the object he had in view, nor did his impassioned harangues on total absti- nence do much to advance the temperance cause. He edited the Methodist Times," and had written several books. Social Christianity" was the most popular; it advocated the redemption of the fallen by looking after their bodies as well as their souls. The Philanthropy of God" was better than its sensational title would suggest. Mr. Hughes was in his 56th year.

c The Czar, according to the Vienna "Allgemeine Zeitung," is not going to Rome till after the Greek Easter. He will then visit both the Quirinal and the Vatican. The precise number of birdj estimated by the British Consul in Venezuela to have been killed last year to provide aigrettes for ladies' hats was 1,538,738. 6 Twenty-four and a half tons of coppers—equal to £ 10,905—have been collected during the year from penny-in-the slot gas meters at Huddere- field. Large gold medals set with garnets are to be worn by the aldermen of the City Council of Prague, Bohemia, to distinguish them from ordinary coune-iilora.

TRAGEDY ON A WARSHIP. I A startling development (says an Athens corres- pondent) has taken place in connection with the recent murder and robbery on board the German gunboat Loreley. A man was arrested on sus- picion and was found to bear tattoo marks identi- cal with those on the man Kohler, who had dis- appeared at the time of the murder, and for whose body the police have been dragginginthe harbour. When faced with this evidence the man collapsed and confessed that he was Kohler, that he had mur- dered his comrade, and had carried out the robbery, afterwards hiding so that the authortirieer should regard him as a victim of the robbers in- stead of the culprit. At the time of his arrest he assiduously denied that he was a German, and but for the discovery of the tattoo marks he might have been set at liberty. He is now confined to gaol, and will be charged with both the murder and the robbery. Kohler was confronted with the commandant of the Loreley, and was at once identified as a mem- ber of his crew. The accused has revealed where he hid the clothes of the murdered man, and is said to have confessed that he had three accomplices, who are members of the ship's company. The funeral of the murdered man took place on Tuesday at the Piraeus. The ceremony was wit- nessed by crowds of people, who at the conclusion proceeded to the Law Courts, where Kohler was being examined. When he was brought out for conveyance to the gaol the erowd made a series of rushes to seize him and lynch him, and it was not until cavalry had been called out and had charged the mob that the accused could be removed. Many people were injured.

) THE SAMOAN ARBITRATION. I KIN« OSCAR'S DECISION. The decision of the King of Sweden and Norway with regard to the dispute between the British and American Governments on the one hand, and the German authorities on the other, as to the respon- sibility for the damage caused by the disturbancea in Samoa in March, 1899, was published on Tues- day, but his Majesty reserved considera- tion of the amount of compensation which should be paid. The dispute arose out of a series of events which created some stir at the time, and were due to the death of the King of the island and the seizure of the throne by the chief Mataafa. The United States ship Phila- delphia and British ships Porpoise and Royalist opened fire across the town of Apia, the fire being directed against the forces of the High Chief Mataafa. The greatest part of the adherents of the newly-appointed King of Samoa, Malietoa, Tanumafili, having in those days been brought to Apia from different parts of the Samoan islands by the British and American naval Commanders, landed at Mulinuu, and supplied by them with arms and ammunition, active hostilities thereupon ensued between the Malietoans and the Mataafa party, and from March 15 up to April 29 following these ships, in support of the Malietoa party, frequently pro- ceeded to bombard Apia, as well as various other localities on the island of Upolu, and to destroy villages by landing parties, assisted therein from March 24 by the British ship Tauranga, while frequent expeditions were made into the interior. The British and Americans claimed that under the terms of the General Act, signed at Berlin in 1889, they were warranted in taking action to en- force the authority of the newly-chosen King. King Oscar, as arbitrator, finds this and all the other contentions of the Anglo-Saxon Govern- ments unwarranted, and holds that they are re- sponsible for the losses which resulted from the military action. His Majesty supports all the German claims. As already stated, the question of the exact amount to be paid by each of the two countries is reserved.

I MOTOR CYCLISTS FINED. Arising out of the tour of the Automobilists Club on the 8th inst., from London f4 Oxford, numerous cases are pending. At the Bullingdon Sessions on Saturday at the County Hall, Oxford, Frederick Prior, of Highfield, Headington, and Richard Annis, of Woodstock-road, Oxford, were summoned for riding motor cycles at an excessive speed. A distance of a quarter of a mile had been measured on the Headingion road, and it was alleged that the defendants were proceeding at a speed of between 18 and 20 miles an hour. The defendants were each fined £ 1 and costs. !m