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

PONTYPOOL. Agents—ifr. J. ff-u-dinr, t{,tli:t links'tit, ifr Fteldhoutt The Market, and Siessrs. Jones and Edwards. BOARD OF CXUARDIANG. Major D. E. Williams .presided at Thursday's meeting, when Mr Thomas Balkwill, of Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol, was appointed labour master, There were 53 applicants lor the post.

PONTYPOOL URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was held at the Town Hall, Pontypool, on Wednesday, when there were present:—Messrs J. R. Essex (chairman), W. H. Hughes, D. W. Simpson, J. ►Rosie, E. Probyn, F. Jones, F. James, G. Udell, J. Moseley, J. J. Harrnston, E. Fowler, J.P., P. Eckersley, the clerk (Mr H. H. Haden), the surveyor (Mr J. Powell), and the collector (Mr E. -Jones). MARKET PAINTING. Mr W. H Hughes brought forward a request irotu Mr Willoughby, painter, who had under- taken the contract of painting the Market Hall for X140, and moved that he be granted an allow- ance, as he had misjudged the work and it would 'lie a great financial loss to him. Mr F. James stated that the Market Committee ,had inspected the work and found it to be satis- factory. Several other members expressed entire sytn- pathy with Mr Willoughby's request and it was eve ntually decided to refer the matter to the Markets Committee to go into the matter at the • end of the Council meeting. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. Dr S. B. Mason reported that four deaths had occurred during the mo!)th, of which one was dua to diarrhoea, one to tuberculosis, and the other two to general causes. Five cases of infectious .disease bad been notified, four being of scarlatina, and one of diphtheria. During the last fortnight no cases of scarlatina had been reported, and he ,had every hope that the disease was abating. THE QUESTION OF BATHS. The Markets Committee reported that they had had under consideration the request of Mr G. H. Walden, Pontypool, for a site adjoining the cattle market for the erection of a gymnasium and swimming baths, the funds for which he would undertake to raise. After meeting Mr Walden and having given the matter full consideration, they reccommended the Council to write to Mr Walden asking him to formulate his proposals, the matter to be deferred pending a more com- preheuciva scheme, including the provision of a Jpublic park. Mr P, Eckersley said he regretted that the two things bad been linked together, as perhaps they could proceed better with one scheme at a time. Mr W. H. Hughes offered a strenuous opposition to the recommendation of the Committee as it would only tend to throw cold water on the scheme. The necessity of a gymnasium and swimming baths was obvious, and he regretted 'that the committee should propose to defer the scheme indefinitely. He was tmre that if the 'Council acceded to Mr Walden's request, the scheme would prove a successful one. Mr J. J, Harmston spoke in favour of the recommendation of the Market Committee, saying that it would be more advisable to go in for a digger scheme later on. It was decided on the proposition of Mr Hughes, seconded by Mr Risie, that Mr Waldeu be asked to formulate his proposals and submit them to the Market Committee. ELECTRIC LIGHT. I It was decided to write to the Electric Light Company, asking them to keep up the illuminating .,Powers of the electiic light. — ■» ■

RAGLAN. Agent-Mr. W. Parker, Photographer. 'See next week's Couity Observer" for full re- port of R tglan Petty Sessions. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the above ■Council was held in the National Schoolroom on Thursday week. Arising out of the minutes, Mr S. W. Jones, Rural District Councillor, reported the present position of the bridge over the Wilca Brook, situated oil the Brooks Farm, Raglan. The -question seems to be in abeyance for the moment, 'but it was considered something ought to be done in the near future to prevent any possible accident. -It was decided to allow the allotment tenants a .rebate of 20 per cent on the year's rent. The ,Clerk (Mr C. J. Saunders) reported the receipt of ,two applications for allotments (pasture), which ,were considered, and he was iustructed to corn. municate with the applicants on the matter. FARMERS' CLUB. At a meeting of the Committee Mr J. G. T. Morgan, Brooks Farm, Raglan, was "voted to the chair. The Secretary (Mr C. J. Saundera), reported that he had received air objection to the winner of the first prize in the 'district champion class. After some discussion it was decided unanimously to uphold the objection. 'The Committee then reported the result of their .efforts to increase the funds of the Club, and incidentally it was remarked that, with one or two exceptions, the Society did not meet with that pecuniary support from local tradesmen that might fairly be claimed The Secretary reported that he Itad not leceived yet the annual subscriptions tfrom several gentlemen who usually subscribed, but he was hoping t0 hear from them shortly. Chairman then proposed, and Mr F. Perkins seconded, a vote of thanks to the Secretary for his efforts on behalf of the Club, which S c°rried unanimously. wuicu was cairieu

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the Ring's Gift to Hie Nation. There seems to have been a good deal of unnecessary opposition on the part of Mr Gibson Bowles, and a few other members of the House of Commons, to the Osborne Estate Bill, which is intended to confirm and facilitate the gift which his Majesty King Edward has made to the nation of his interest in Osborne House and the beautiful grounds with which it is surrounded. It will be remembered that the King, desiring to mark his sense of the affectionate sympathy of his subjects at the time of his illness, and also, it may be presumed, to celebrate his Coronation, desired to make this splendid gift for the benefit in particular I OF OFFICERS OF HIS FORCES, their wives and families, and, in general, of the whole nation. The greater portion of Osborne House and the gardens were to be allocated to the officers and their families, and the rest of the house with the extensive lands were to be open to the public. At the close of the most serious campaign in which Britain has been engaged since 1815, it was meet and right that some recognition should be made of the services of those officers of the navy and army who have either fought or been ready to fight for Britain. It is tolerably well-known that except in the case of those generals who have held high command in an important war, the State does not pay its naval and military officers extravagantly, and it was meet and right that some accommodation, similar to that which exists at Hampton Court, should be placed at the disposal of officers and their families who have not the good fortune to be possessed of an abundance of this world's goods. When this provision was made, there was still an estate of very great value-and also it may be mentioned of increasing value—which would be open to the public. It was a gift WORTHY OF A GREAT KING, I as anybody who is familiar with the Isle of I Wight must recognise; nor was its value in the eyes of the public diminished by the fact that that portion of the House in which Queen Victoria died is not to be open to the public, but is to be kept—as the people would wish it to be kept-somewhat more sacred than the rest of the building. Shortly after his Majesty's wish became known, it transpired that there was a legal difficulty in the way of the King parting with his interest. It may be presumed that that fact was known to the King at the time, and that he had satisfied himself that those most interested in the property would not raise any objection to the transfer. By the will of the late Queen, her eldest son and the present Prince of Wales were given the property for their lives, and after that what is known as an entail was created. Where an estate is devised in tail it is settled upon a particular heir, and passes at his death to his heir and so on in succession. For hundreds of years various devices were tried by the lawyers for destroying an entail, but they were all defeated by Parliament, until at length a partial solution of the difficulty was enacted. But in this instance the particular heir who was to take the property first in tail was Prince Edward, son of the Prince of Wales, and he, being a minor, COULD NOT GIVE HIS CONSENT I to the transfer, which could not be made- except for the lives of the King and the Prince of Wales—without his consent But Parliament is all powerful even in such a case as this, and to meet the special circum- stances the Osborne Estate Bill was introduced. It was obvious that the proposed measure involved a variation of the wishes of her late Majesty, but that was only so in the letter. Mr Gibson Bowles spoke as if some disrespect were being extended to the memory of the late Queen, but it is more than likely that her Majesty would have deferred her personal wish to a scheme for the benefit of the people by whom she was beloved. King Edward and his son have generously waived their rights the Prince of Wales concurs in the destruction of the entail, and it is rather a strain of sentiment to suggest that either the young Prince's father or grandfather would consent to a course which would be seriously to his disadvantage.

Brutal Assault near Abergavenny. WELL-DESERVED PUNISHMENT. At Abergavenny Petty Sessions, on Wednesday— before Mr J. O. Marsh (in the chair), Colonel Manley, Major Williams, and Alderman E. Foster —Elijah Nicholas, farmer, Green Meadow, Mam- hilad, was brought up in custody charged with an aggravated assault on Mrs Sarah Ann Jenkins, widow of Wm. Jenkins, Grais Cwm Farm, near Llanellen, on the previous evening. From the evidence adduced, it appeared that complainant was driving home from Abergavenny, between 6.30 and 7 p.m., and when near Hardwick Lane, heard the clatter of a horse and cart coming along at a great pace. She looked behind, but could see no light, aud being alone and frightened she pulled her mare to the ditch on the near sid and waited to let the advancing vehicle pass. It struck her wheel, however. She cried out, "Oh, where is your lamp? Defendant swore, jumped out of his cart, as she could see by her lamp light, and said, I'll give you lamp." He got on to the step of her trap and struck her a violent blow on the left breast. She screamed, and tried to keep hold of the reins, but he struck her on the right jaw, knocking her out of the trap. She fell into the ditch, and partly into the hedge, trembling and bleeding from the mouth, the blow having knocked out four of her teeth. She screamed for help, and Captain R. Powell Rees went to her assistance. Defendant then drove off with her horse and trap, leaving his own behind. Captain Rees had been to meet his wife by the 6.40 p.m. train, and after passing Little Hard wick Farm, observed a horse grazing in the hedge, and the tail of a heavy cart across the road. It was very dark. Mrs Rees got down and turned the horxe's head, so as to give room for passing. Within 200 I yards he came upon a second trap on the near side, near Hardwick Line, and heard a woman's voice crying out, Leave me alone, you brute Leave me alone." Gapt Rees got dovn and called out, You drunken brute, leave the woman alone." The woman was iu the ditch, between the wheel of the trip and the bank. The man shouted, I'll give you calling me a drunken brute and rushed at Capt Rees, who, being clothed with two overcoats and a mackintosh, could do nothing but dodge, and the man fell on the road. The woman refused to get up into Capt Rees's trap and be driven home, saying she must stand by her mare. Capt Rees drove on to procure assistance, and, meeting four men, invited them to go with him to protect the woman. As he turned, a horte and trap, at a galloping pace, and t with one light, dashed past. He said "that's the fellow; see where he goes." But it was a dark night, and the trap was soon out of sight It. turned out that prisoner had driven off with complainant's trap. His horse and cart were found where Capt Rees had just seen them, and the name and address led to the capture of the prisoner. After driving through the village he abandoned the horse and trap of complainant, which arrived safely home soon after. Prisoner, who denied everything, was sentenced to two months' hard labour, without the option of a fine. --===-

I GERMAN STATE CO-OPERATION IN EDUCATION. Attention cannot too frequently be drawn to the way in which the State co-operates with the individual to promote education and commerce in Germany, an illustration of this co-operation is afforded by the experience of a gentleman who put two of his sons to study chemistry, one at Aachen, in Germany, and the other at King's College, London. In the case of the German institution the fees amounted to between P,6 and X7 a year, a sum which almost any parent could afford to piy, but at King's College, the total was £ 47 13s 9d. In the latter case the fees were probably reasonable enough, if the circumstances are considered, but the German college was enabled to afford similar instruction for a much smaller sum in consequence of the assistance which it received from the State.

INDIAN FRONTIER TRIBES. We have just now on the Indian frontier another of those "little wars" in which Mr Rudyard Kipling's Stalky" was particularly qualified for distinguishing himself. It is the old story of the frontier tribes who come into British territory for purpoaes of robbery, and then retire within the area controlled by our friend the Ameer of Afghanistan. The Ameer's soldiers are scarcely likely to manifest much zeal in capturing the thieves, because the soldiers are of a like temperament, and their only feeling with regard to the raids is probably one of regret that they have not shared in the plunder. And, yet, these Pathans are very useful people when their energies are properly directed. Many of them are in the service of the Indian Government, a? soldiers, and under British leadership have proved that they are not warriors to be despised.

MR. REITZ'S LEGAL ADVICE GRATIS. The Kruger group seem determined to do all they can to justify the refusal of Mr Chamberlain to permit them to return to South Africa. Mr Kruger makes no attempt in his book to conceal his hatred of the British, and Mr Reitz offers the opinion as a lawyer that the terms of peace are not binding on the Boers, because they were compelled to sign them with a knife at their throats." It is said that a legal opinion which has been given gratis, is worth only what has been paid for it, that is, nothing—but so far as Mr Reitz's opinion on this subject is concerned it appears to be worth less than nothing. If it were otherwise, no effective treaty of peace would be possible, because in any campaign it is an essen'ial preliminary that one party to the war must first admit defeat. It is the law that a contract extorted by violence or threats of violence, is not binding upon the person who has been subjected to duress, but while war is at the best a barbarous remedy, and ought not to be possible between civilised nations, at the same time the case of the Dutch States is not at all analogous to that which Mr Reitz suggests. A more complete analogy is found in the case of people who go to law for large stakes, which is generally as wise a proceeding as going to war, and in this instance it must not be forgotten that it was the Baers who issued an ultimatum which made a pacific solution impossible. It is, however, tolerably clear that the views of the Kruger group are not likely to prevail in South Africa. The men who have the most honorable record in the war have declared their intention of being loyal to the terms of peace, and it h they, and not the Hollander firebrands, with whom we have mainly to deal.

THE ROYAL VISITS. "The fierce iight which b-ats iip--)n a throne" has been turned rather searchingly of late upon the German Emperor, and the King of Portugal, but there is every reason to believe that the light has discovered nothing, and that too fir the best of all reasons, that there was nothing to discover. The people who know a vast deal more about, the inner motives of Royal personages than those personages know themselves, have published many ingenious, but wildly improbable, theories concern- ing the visits of these two monarchs to Britain but so far as any dependable evidence goes there has been no reason to suppose that their Majesties have varied the ordinary procedure of diplomacy, or that they came to Britain for any purpose more sensational than that of paying a friendly visit to I the King. and spending a pleasant holiday.

8T. VINCENT. I The situation of the people on the Island of St. Vincent continues to be a very distressing one, and almost, if not altogether, without a parallel. A few months ago St. Vincent was a beautiful island, the home of a people who were recovering from their former misfortunes, and were looking hopefully to the future. Then came the repeated eruptions, and a report from the administrator of the island shews that the condition of very many of them is extremely pitiable, Georgetown, at the date of the report, was deserted, and it was a question whether it would not be necessary to abandon the town altogether. That was bad enough, but the administrator remarked that it is a matter for grave consideration whether any part of the island can confidently be said to be without the range of danger." The area of safety was becoming gradually reduced, and the people appear to be in such a position that they can only escape the danger of a terrible death by abandoning their homes, and settling in some distant land.

Mr Kruger's Latest Request. Mr Kruger is reported to have despatched Z5 to Mr Chamberlain, through Mr Schalk 0 Burger, a humble appeal to be allowed to return to South Africa, promising to eschew politics in future. My only wish," he says, is to be allowed to die in the land of my people."

Bohotle Garrison Relieved. The flying column which set out from Berbera, under General Manning and Col Cobbe, has relieved Bohotle. Thirty-five per cent of the garrison at Bohotle are ill with malarial fever.

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I CWMBRAN. I PETTY SESSIONS, THURSD kY. Before Sir ARTHUR MACKWORTH (in the chair), and CLIFFORD CORY, Esq. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—For this offence, Frederick Crockett, collier, and Joseph Tampliu, were each fined £ 1, and costs 4s 6d. STRAYING CATTLE—George Harris, farmer, Llanfrechfa, was summoned for allowing five cows and five calves to stray. He said it was due to other people's fences being down. A caution was administered. APJOURNED, -James Evans, seaman, married, was charged with disobeying an order made in 1894, in respect of a maintenance order. The woman, now married, said the man had done his best to keep up the payments, but there was a sum of Yz now due. Evans was ordered to pay the court costs, and to appear at the Caerleon Sessions on January 22nd, to see whether he had paid up the arrears. SCHOOL CASES.—Mr T. Baker Jones prosecuted in the following cases on behalf of the attendance officer.-D,tvid Davies, now on strike and receiving 7s per week strike pay, was summoned in respect of a son and a daughter. For the son, David, a fine of Ll was imposed, and for the daughter, Annie, 10a, with costs, amounting in all to 34s 6d. Edmund Meredith was summoned for his boy, John, aged 12. Since the adjournment, attendances had been good, and the defendant was ordered to pay the costs.

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PONTYPOOL. I POLICE COURT, SATURDAY. I DRUNKEN FATHER'S NEGLECT.—John Llewellyn, collier, Old Furnace, Pontypool. was summoned for neglecting his two children, Stanley (7) and Miriam (3), in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering and injury. Inspector Sparks said that when he had visited defendant's house on three occasions the children had been roaming about, unattended. They were in a dirty and verminous condition, and poorly clad. The boy Stanley was suffering seriously from rupture, but nothing had been done for him. The house was in a very dirty state, and all the food was half a loaf and some butter. On two of his visits witness found defendant in bed, although he was a day worker at the Glyn Colliery.-Blodwen Llewellyn (17), defendant's eldest daughter, said that she had left home because there was not sufficient food in the house, and also because her father had attempted to commit a serious assault upon her. When she was at home defendant gave her sometimes 15s a week, and as often 513 a week, to provide food and clothing for herself aud the other five children and afterwards asked her for the balance." He only worked two or three times a week, and often came home drunk.Johu Andrew Llewellyn (13) said that he had left home, and lived with his father's next-door neighbour. Neither he nor the other children had half enough food. His father was generally lying in bed and goiusy out drinking," aud often came home rolling drunk."—Mrs Hillard and Mrs Dibble, two neighbours, also gave evidence. Defendant was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment, the Bench requesting Inspector Sparks to take charge of the children, Stanley and Miriam, and Mrs Hillard to continue to lodge the boy John Andrew. RIOTOUS.—William Donovan, Henry Williams, and David Price, colliers, were fined 7s 6d each for riotous behaviour. A GENERAL SQUABBLE.—Mr W. J. Everett, solicitor, Pontypool, prosecuted in cases of assault arising out of a general squabble. In the first case Elizabeth Murphy was summoned for assaulting Isaac Bibey, but Mr Everett stated that the defendant had since died.—William Murphy was summoned for assaulting Thomas Bibey, hairdresser,* Pontypool. There was a cross- summons.—Bibey said that on the 2nd November, he was standing outside his father's house, when the defendant struck him about the head and shotildert,Davi(i Williams and Henry Ryan corroborated.—Murphy, on the other hand, stated that Bibey struck him first.—The case against Bibey was dismissed, and Murphy was fined 10s.

SKENFRITH. t "SOMETHING FOR NOTHING," Dr Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa, as a concentrated form of nourishment and vitality, is invaluable; nay, more than this, for all who wish to face the strife and battle of life with greater endurance and more sustained exertion, it is absolutely indispensable. Dr Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa can be obtained from all Grocers and Stores, or from 60, Buuhill Row, London, E.C. Dainty sample free. A postcard will do. -r'-

Society Divorce Case. I In the Divorce Division, on Wednesday, Mr Justice Barnes commenced the hearing of the suit by Sir Charles Hartopp for the dissolution of his marriage, on the ground of his wife's alleged misconduct with Earl Cowley. There is a counter-petition by the respondent, who charges her husband with cruelty and undue familiarity with a Mrs. Sands. Mr Lawson Walton, in his opening statement, explained that the first difference between Sir Charles and Lady Hartopp sprang from the latter's friendship with Sir John Willoughby. After her acquaintance with the co-respondent had commenced, counsel said, she wrote a letter to her husband offering him P,20,000 if he would allow her to divorce him. Petitioner was the only witness heard, and the case was adjourned until Thursday. On Thursday, the servants at Lady Hartopp's cottage in Leicestershire gave evidence as to Lord Cowley's frequent and prolonged visits to her ladyship, and as to a number of suspicious circumstances. The hearing was again adjourned. 7"

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Dit JOSEPH PARKER h stated to be slowly sinking.

Lord Kitchener's Indian Reception. Bombay, Friday. Lord Kitchener arrived here this morning. There was no formal reception but his Lordship had an enthusiastic welcome from all sections of the populace. Lord Kitchener, while here, is the guest of Lord Northcote, ———

Havana Cigar lakers 011 Strike. New York, Friday. The Havana cigar makers are O still on strike.

Dr Parker. Dr Parker s condition was un- changed this morning; he passed e3 ZD a fair night

Society Divorce Case. I In Hartopp case to-day further I evidence was given by servants I concerning Lord Cowley's visits to the cottage. n [Later J. Sir Edward Clarke, for respon- dent, said there was no evidence to support the adultery charges, which were based on Lord Cowley's character, but respondent himself after marriage had asked his wife for money to pay his former mistress.

The ling of Portugal. The King of Portugal left n London for Chatham this morning to inspect the Oxfordshire Light Infantry, of which he is colonel. [Later."] King of Portugal reached Chatham shortly after noon, and was received by the chief military and naval authorities.

Sir Joseph Lawrence's Idea. Business Methods for the Public Business. A suggestion has been made for the formation of a Committee of the House composed of Unionist members, not being service men, who will take for their motto Business for the Public Business." The idea has been started by Sir Joseph Lawrence, and he has received several promises of support from business men in the House who desire that army reform shall be a reality.

Scottish Miners. I Arbitrator has awarded Scottish miners threepence daily advance. —1—

I Stocks. I Stocks, cheerful.

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I The Penruddocke Case. In the House of Commons on Wednesday, the Home Secretary declared his determina- tion not to interfere with the sentence passed upon Mrs. Penruddocke, nor to remove Mr Penruddocke from the Wiltshire magistracy.

I Parliamentary. r THE EDUCATION BILL. In the House of Commons, on Wednes- day, Mr G. White proposed that the Cowper-Temple clause should be made applicable to all schools. He was defeated on a division by a majority of 79. Mr Runciman moved that in areas where there was a single school it should be treated as if provided by the local authority. This amendment was rejected by 209 to 117 votes. Mr Harwood wanted a reversal of the proportions of representation on the boards of managers ot Voluntary schools. His suggestion was debated at some length, and eventually defeated by a majority of 81. On Thursday, a further debate took place on the question whether Voluntary school managers should be allowed to charge rent to the local authority for the teacher's dwelling-house. An amendment to abolish the right to charge rent for the house was defeated. Mr Cripps moved the omission of the Kenyon-Slaney amendment, and there voted—for, 35 against, 294; Govern- ment majority, 259. Mr Balfour made an important speech on the attitude of the clergy, affirming that they would suffer no wrong by the operation of the clause.

I Great Britain and France. It is reported that an agreement has been reached between Great Britain and France for the settlement of all outstanding ques- tions. The French recognise the status quo in Egypt, and withdraw all claims in Newfoundland and the New Hebrides, and in return are allowed a free haod in Morocco. A reservation is made in the case of Ceuta, which is to be neutralised.

THE House of Lords has upheld the judgment that a tramway company must keep their portion of the roadway in a condition not dangerous to the ordinary C, traffic.

You may be a Duchess, but even if you are, you don't like having your dress spoilt by a sudden shower of rain. The "PIRLE finish renders clothes of all sorts Spotproof, Genuine Pirle finish goods have these words on the selvedge -TI-IE "PIRLE" FINISH. From Leading Drapers everywhere, or full particulars from E. RIPLEY & SON, Ltd. 100c, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C.

SOMETHING ABOUT UPALS. In valuing opal a good many points have to be taken into account. Needless to say, colour is th first, red fire, or red in combination with yellow, blue, and green, being the best. Blue by itself is quite valueless, and green opal is not of great value, unless the colour is very vivid and the pattern good. That the colour should be true is a vital point. However good it may be, if it runs in streaks or patches alternating with colourless or inferior quality that is untrue, it is of compara- tively small value. Pattern is an important factor in the value, the various kinds being distinguished respectively as "pinfire," when the grain, if it may so be called, is very small; "harlequin," when the colour is all in small squares, the more regular the better; and "flash fire," or "flash opal," whe^ the colour shews as a single flash, or in very large pattern. Of course there are many intermediate classes. The harlequin is the most uncommon, and also the most beautiful. When the squares of colour are regular, and shew as distinct minute chequers of red, yellow, blue, and green, this class of opal is truly magnificent. The flash opal is often very beautiful in colour, especially when of the true ruby or pigeon's blood colour. As a rule, however, it shews green or red flash according to the angle at which it is held. The direction of the pattern has also to be considered. Often a stone that shews a very good edge pattern will not look nearly so well on the face, whilst a stone which shews somewhat streaky in the shorter direction on the edge will sometimes give a fine harlequin pattern on the face. On this account the shape of the stone comes into the reckoning. It is difficult to obtain separate stones of absolute similarity in colour and pattern therefore, for suites of jewellery, a large, true stone, from which the whole could be cut, is worth a great deal more per ounce than so many smaller stones, approximately similar. Some of the opal is more brittle than other. Of course, the harder and tougher the stone the better it is, as, when cut, it is less likely to be injured, aud retains the polish better.

ANGLING FOR MONSTER FISH. To catch the tuna the angler must be an early bird, since the fish feeds at dawn, and it is very seldom hooked after mid-day. The members of the Tuna Fishing Club of Santa Catalina Island, off South Carolina, are generally accompanied upon their hunting expeditions by Jim Gardner, a famous gaffer and expert angler. A steam launch quickly carries them to the scene of action, about a mile and a half from the shore. The bait generally employed consists of sardines and similar small fry, for which the tuna evinces a remarkable partiality. As an instance of the sport afforded by this fish, says a writer in the New Fenny Magazine, on one occasion one of the angli-rs of the club was engaged for seven hours in landing his quarry, while Pro- fessor Holder, when he hooked his record tuna, weighing 1831b., had his boat towed for ten miles before the fish was landed. When Mr. Rider caught his tuna, weicrhino- 1181b., on June 9th, 1900, he was successful in conquering the monster within fifty minutes, a magnificent achievement, testifying- to the skill and dexterity of the angler. The largest tuna ever caught was landed by Mr. C. P. More- house, with a 21-strand line. His catch turned the scale at no less than 2511b.

I THE MOST INVENTIVE NATION. Which is the most inventive nation ? This is a. question touched upon in an article in the Strand Magazine. It seems that in 100 years 650,123 patents were granted in the United States. France comes next with 308,558; England, 278,000; Belgium, 154.155; Germany, 126,114 Austria Hungary, 82,933 Canada, 65,510 Italy, 49,990. Thomas A. Edison, with" 727 patents, is, perhaps, the most prolific of inventors. There are about 40 other inventors each of whom has upwards of 100 patents to his credit. Of 25,786 applications for patents in this country in 1899, 15,340 were from England and Wales, 3,022 the United States, 2,921 Germans 1.116 Scotland, 1,031 France, 451 Austria, 39& Ireland, 208 Belgium, 163 Canada, 137 Switzerland, 125 Russia, and 112 Italy. Utia country «»• tributed as mauv as 100.

Cruiser for Venezuela ? Halifax, Friday. The Cruiser Charybdis left suddenly last night with sealed orders. It is assumed that she has left for Venezuela waters.

British Treatineiit of Russian Sugar. St. Petersburg, Friday. The Russian Government has suggested an appeal to the Hague n Arbitrat on Tribunal on the question of British treatment of imported Kussian sugar.