Cheshire Observer

TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements intended to appear in the CHESHIRE OBSERVER must reach the OBSERVER Q?C6 ?'? later than 12 o'clock (noon) each Friday. Under no circumstances whatever can we insert in the First Edition Advertisements received aftt,r that hour. .—————— a ——————

RADICALS AND ALIENS. Once more the Government have redeemed their pledge to introduce an Aliens Bill, dealing with a pressing and a growing evil, and if it does not become law before the present Session closes, the fault will certainly be laid at the door of the Opposition. But for the factious obstruction of the Opposition, the flow of criminal and otherwise undesirable foreigners into this country would have been stopped twelve months ago. Last year's Bill, it will be remembered, was killed in Grand Committee by Radical obstruction on an egregious scale, but the Government, profiting by past experience, will take care to avert that risk on the present occasion. The new Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening, by the Home Secretary, differs in some details from its ill-fated predecessor of last year, but its general effect is the same. That it will commend itself to the good sense of the majority of the people of this country we have not the faintest doubt. It having been found that 97 per cent. of the aliens landed on our shores come through eight ports in this country, the Bill proposes to restrict the alien traffic to these harbours and so set up local machinery there for dealing with it in an effective manner- Under the provisions of the Bill, no alien shall be landed at these ports without the sanction of a specially appointed immigrant officer, who is obliged to make an inspection in company of a medical inspector. In case of a refusal of permission to land, the immigrant or the shipmaster may appeal to a special board consisting of three persons, namely a magistrate and two persons having acquaintance with Poor Law administration. The grounds upon which an immigrant is to b- refused a landing are as follow :-if he cannot shew that he has, or is in a position to obtain, means of supporting himself in a decent condition if he is a lunatic or an idiot; if, owing to disease or infirmity, he is likely to become a charge on the rates, or otherwise a detriment to the public if he has been sentenced abroad for extraditable crimes not of a political character if he has been previously expelled under this Act. It is expressly provided that the landing of an immigrant would not be refused merely on the ground of want of means, if he can prove that he is seeking admission solely to avoid political persecution. The second part of the Bill provides for the exclusion of undesirable foreigners already in our midst. To this end the Home Secretary may issue an expulsion order, based upon the certificate of a court of law, including an ordinary police court, that it is satisfied the particular alien has been convicted of an offence for which he can be imprisoned with- out the option of a fine, and if the court recommends expulsion either in addition to or in lieu of the sentence of the court. Another valuable provision empowers the Home Secretary to issue an expulsion order, if a police court certifies that within three months past the alien has been in receipt of such parochial relief as would amount to Parliamentary disfranchisement. There is a further provision for the recovery of the expense of deportation from the master or owners of a ship, if, within six months of his landing, it is shewn that an alien has been or could be convicted of an extraditable crime. This latter proviso may be viewed as a hardship upon shipmasters and shipowners, but it must be remembered that it is these parties who bring the aliens here. The regulation will make them all the more care- ful as to the class of passengers they earn" and when any doubt arises, they can always err on the safe side, by leaving doubtful immigrants in their own country. Such are the provisions of this short and simple Bill for the exclusion of undesirable foreigners, whose presence in this country has been a scandal and a reproach to our civilisation. Let us see how the Radicals welcome this measure, which, be it remembered, is designed mainly for the relief of the British workman. It is somewhat significant that the voice of the Opposition was expressed on this occasion, not by the accredited leader 01 the party, but by Sir Charles Dilke, who announced that, so far as he could see, it would be "necessary" for the Opposition to resist the Bill. The grounds upon which he based this opposition were a challenge of the extent of the alien evil and a plea for the continuance of this country as an asylum for foreign refugees. Taking the latter objection first, it is apparent that the Radicals are more concerned still for the welfare of foreign refugees than they are for the prosperity of the British workman. Every care has been taken in the present, as in the late Bill, to safeguard the interests of foreigners fleeing from political persecution. But this provision apparently does not meet the requirements of the Radical party, who wish to preserve this country as a receptacle for all the scum of Europe, who are drummed out of their own country for their country's good. No Continental Power allows the fatuous policy of the "open door" to the I criminal and destitute alien, as we do. Is it not palpable on the face of it that this I policy of asylum" has been grossly over- done in the past 1 We have given asylum to all the Anarchist gentry from Russia, Italy, Germany and France, in order that they may escape police surveillance and batch their infernal plots against the whole fabric of society. Even if, as a result of this projected legislation, a few so-called political refugees should be denied an asylum in England, would the world be any the worse 1 The orthodox Radical is too ready to lend a sympathetic ear to the wrongs of foreign political agitators, who may call themselves Christians, but whose acts are often a dis grace to semi-barbarism. We have heard a good deal of the doings of those Christian '» revolutionaries in the Far East, and we are not at all sure that Great Britain is doing the best thing in the interests of civilisation in always granting an asylum to everybody who happens to quarrel with his own system of government. The second objection urged by Sir Charles Dilke, that the alien evil is by no means so grave as has been alleged, will not bear a moment's examination in view of the I undisputed proofs of its growing magnitude. I The figures quoted by Mr. Akers-Douglas on this head are incontrovertible and shew that the evil, instead of diminishing, is increasing at an alarming rate. The working classes in every large city are painfully aware of the extent to which foreign competition at unfair rates is crippling native industry, while social reformers, magistrates and judges speak with one voice as to the appalling spread of crime and vice as the result of unrestricted alien immigration. Yet this is a state of affairs which Sir Charles Dilke describes as "a trifling evil," a sentiment which evoked hearty cheers from the Opposition. If a General Election could only be fought upon this one issue, we have not much fear as to which way the verdict would go. The working-class voters would pronounce with overwhelming unanimity in favour of the Aliens Bill, and would demonstrate with crushing emphasis their repudiation of the insincere and false doctrines to which the Radicals pin their faith.

LOCAL & GENERAL NOTES. Sir Horatio Lloyvi's host of friends End the citizens generally will be glad tKy know that his Honour, with the. EXCEPTION of feeling a little soreness in his leg. is now little the worse for the accident which befel h'm in the street at Lianrwst on Friday, last week. His ARO-dica! ad- vL-ser ordered him a .short period of REST, and in consequence Sir Horatio WAS not abio TO sit at Holywell County Ccurt on Tuesday. He, how- ever, sat at Wrexham on Wednesday, and at Chester on Thursday- Mr. Yerburgh, M.P., is most zealous in the dis- charge of his duties as President of the Agricultu- ral Organisation Society. On Friday he attended the annual meeting of the Eastern -Counties' Farmers' Association, Ltd., at Ipswich, and de- livered an interesting address on the advantages of co-operation among farmers. The movement seems to have taken a firm hold of agriculturists on the other side of the country. The Association who invited Mr. Yorburgh to give them his views on the subject have been in existence only one yeer. L-iloy started with a membership of 94, and that number has been increased to 15S, repre- senting 61,620 acres and a. nominal share capital of £1,340. Of this sum only £ 3S3 had been, called up. On a turnover of L15,526, the gross profit was JS576 and the nett profit £ 86. On Tuesday Mr. Yorburgh addressed the Hert- fordshire Chamber of Agriculture; on the 26th inst. he will speak to the Bury (Lancashire) Far- inors' Association, and on the 28th inst. he will lay the foundation-stone of the Brandsby Co- oporativo Agricultural Society's Depot.. It will be remembered that during the- Dorset- shire bye-election the Unionist candidate made a challenge, on similar lines to that of Mr. Yer- burgh's, regarding the unlikelihood of white men working side by side in the South African mines with oolcured labour. The challenge WAS accepted by a man named Seidell, and a brief account has now been cabled to this country of an interview with him. He is reported to have stated "that he left England with the object of obtaining better employment after his six months in the mines had expired. He did not desire to continue THA work any longer." The last sentence is pregnant with significance, and conclusively shews, we venture to think, that Mr. Yerburgh was absolutely correct in the VIEWA he expressed on the subject. Mr. Mond had n-ot the courage to accept the member for Chester's plain challenge, but endeavoured to throw dust in the eyes of the electors by uttering plati- tudes to the effect that an English workingman was more than the equal of a Chinese ocohe. and so en. Of course, h? is, and Mr. Yerburg'h would be the last man in the world to express a contrary opinion. The point was that menial labour in the South African mines, alongside Kaffirs and Chinese, was not fit work for an Englishman, and this fact is confirmed by Seldan. Mr. MOND, after failing to come up tc: the scratch, gran- diosely promised to .send some men out at his own expense. It will be interesting to know wnen they are to go. Talk is very cheap! The Hoolo District Council performed a grace- ful and prudent act in re-electing Mr. William Williams as their Chairman for the ensuing year. By common consent it seems to be acknowledged that the near future will be a critical time for the fortunes of Hoole as a local authority, and it is well that the ratepayers should have as their leader throughout these delicate negotiations with the Chester Corporation a man who has shewn his capacity for publio office, and who has a bigger stake in the district than any of his com- peers. In addition to these qualifications, Mr. Williams has commended himself to all classes, in Hoole by unvarying courtesy and by a degree of publio spirit that is rarely seen in communities of the size of Hoole. The work of the Chester Charity Organisation Society is carried1 on so ur.ostentatiously that it is only by examining the annual report wa can realise what a great service is rendered by them. There can be no doubt the scoiety are a meflns qf relieving distress and sparing pain and degradation in a great number of deserving cases, and in their thoroughly commendable labours they deserve the generous support and sympathy of the citizens. In the past year the society's resources have been severely taxed by the de- pression in the labour market, and they have struggled valiantly with limited means at their disposal to ecpe with the ravages of poverty. The principal speakers at the annual MEETING on Tuesday c-ommentpdi on the wholly inadequate contribution last year of jBoO from the general public, and we earnestly hope that the appeal for practical support on a more liberal scale will meet with a response commensurate with the deserts of the cause. People who are not familiar with the aims and methods of the society will do well to study the speeches at the annual meeting. Colonel Wil- ford LLoyd, who was able to speak from a wide experience of the utility of the organisation, paid a valuable tribute to the work, and tzld some stories illustrative of the necessity and ad- vantage of using the society for enquiries into begging-letter cases. The Dean made a thoughtful contribution to the afternoon's dis- cussion, reviewing the unempLcyed problem, and pointing to labour colonies as the direction in which we ought most hopefully to look for some solution of the difficulties. A writer on motoring subjects in the (;Man- chester Courier" of Wednesday says"Though we are only on the eve of the opening of the season, complaints arc already being made by Cheshire residents with regard to the dust caused by the number of motor-cars on the road. The dust prooJem is one which will have to be seriously faced in. the near future, for as the number of cars on the Cheshire roads increases, as it un- doubtedly will, the nuisance in dry weather both to motorists and others will be intensifioo." The writer proceeds "The real remedy lies with the load maker. Roads constructed on an improved system would no doubt involve a heavy initial expense, but the saving in the cost of repairs would in a, few years mo:e than repay this, as experiments have shewn. The millennium is not yet, however and foiling new roads we must hope for an intelligent endeavour on the part of local authorities to grapple with the dust problem in some. otJicr wny. It is quite true complaints are rife among the It is quite true complaints arc rife among the residents on the Cheshire main roads, and it is obvious that with the advance of the motoring season the dust nuisance will be aggravated. To saddllo the. road maker with remedial measures is, however, a particularly cool proposal. Those who call the tune should pay the. piper. Testimony to the excellence of the Cheshire roads has come from all quarters, and it should be borne in mind tba.t this perfection has been attained at a lavish outlay of the ratepayers' money during a long series of years. At the outset so much as JE97 per mile was spent per annum on the rural roads, and even to-day, with all the building-up, they cost trom i;82 to £84- per mile for maintenance The. popularity of the county with cyclists and motorists is in. itself the best evidence of the splendid condition of our main roads. There would probably be no objection to adding to these comforts that of ridding the thorough- fares of the dust nuisance, were, it not that the coot is entirely prohibitive. The Cheshire County Council last year made an experiment with Westrumite on a mile of roadway from St. Mar- garet's Church, Altrincham, through Dunham to Park-lane, the material for the purpose being supplied, gratis by the owners of the adjoining property. It was a very fair success so far as its purpose was concerned. Another experiment was conducted outside Knutsford on the Toft-road, and further county experiments arc to be made. Mean- while it is calculated that to render a road dustless would cost from £ 30 to £ 40 per mile, according to the width, and this would work out at £ 20,000 for the whole 500 miles of Cheshire ruraJ roads, or NIL increase of 2d. in the E. The Farnham Urban Council Surveyor has made an experiment with tar and lime, but even that treatment requires all outlay of J314 per mile. The suggestion that the saving afterwards in the cost of repairs would more than compensate for the heavy Initial outlay is a matter on which ex- perts were not agreed. A much cheaper scheme will have to be forthcoming before the ratepayers of rural Cheshire, with their present heavy bur- den, will be inclined to wage battle against the dust clouds of the highway- The only solution seems to be in the direction of the Government's taking in hand the principal thoroughfares and perfecting them at the expense of the National Exchequer. Wo have, too, to consider the in- creasing number of heavy motor wagons and motor trains now to be seen on our highways. An expert road maker informs us that this class of motor traffic is sure TO work untold mischief on the surfaces of the roads, and is a serious incnace of the future to. be reckoned with.

I CHESTER CATHEDRAL. SERVICE LIST FOR WEEK COMMENCING APRIL 21. GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL :W,lI'Morning, 7.45: Litany and Holy Communion. 10 15 Service, Monotone; hymn 201. 12-3: Service of the Three Hours; preacher, the Rev. J. H. F. Peile, M.A. Evening, 4.15: Service, Farraut; in G I minor; chorale, 0 Them, whose head" (Bach). 7.80: Special Service with Sermcn preacher, Rev. H. Chignell, M.A. SATURDAY, APRIL 22HB.—Morning, 8.0: Holy Communion. 10.15: Service, Monotone; hymn 124. Ereuing, 4.15: Processional hymn, 125; Service, Smart in F; anthem, On the Cross," Easter Carol (J. F. Bridge). SUNDAY. APRIL 23RD (EMGerDay).-Mornin, 7.45: Litany and Holy Communion. 10.30: Processional hymn, 131; Service, Smart in F; Atbanasian Creed introit, hymn 319 choral celebration, 1-farwead in A fiat; preacher, the Dean. Evening, 3.30: Processional hymn, 133; Service, Harwood in A flat; anthems, Behodd, I shew and Worthy is the Lamb (Handel); hymn 504. 6 (10: Service, Bridge in C Processional hymn, 137 hvyauns 134, 141, 503 preacher, the Lord Bishop. Hallelujah Chorus."

Lord and Lady Tollemache are spenditag Easter at Peckforton Castle. The statement that Lord and Lady Delamere have gone to London is incorrect. They are still in East Africa. We regret to announce tffie deat-h of Miss Alice Denton, youngest daughter of the late Dr. Den- ton, -of Newbold. Deceased had been an invalid' for some time, and had resicled at Weston- super-Mare, where she passed away on Tresday. At the Bar Point-to-Point Races, held at North Weald between Epping and Ongar, the light and heavy weight races for the Challenge Cups, pre- sented by Mr. Yerburgh, M.P., were won respectively by Mr. H. G. Forrant's The Abbess and the same owner's Alcestis. Captain R. Lambert, D.S.O., Xth Hussars, WHO was seriously injured when riding' his own hearse, Dingleland. in the Open Steeplechase, at SIR Watkin Wynn's Hunt Poiiit-to-Pornt STEEJLIO- chasea on the 6th inst., is making favourable pro- gress, though ha is not yet able TO leave Wyxuf=- fitay- The Holywell Urban Council have decided t/S, present an address of welcome to the Duke and' Duchess of Westminster on the ooeasion of their visit to Holywell on May 1, when THE Duchess will; open a floral bazaar at the Assembly Hall. The address will be presented in the council chamber at the Town Hall. In recognition of his services as a ireaiber of the Flintshire County Council and other public bodies, a movement has been started to present Mr. Alderman J. L. Muspratt, who was formerly chairman of the County Council, with his portrait in oils. Mr. J. Philip Jones, of Holywell, is acting as secretary, and a large number of subscriptions have already been received. In the Parliamentary Golf Handicap Mr. Yerburgh, M.P. (20) has drawn against Sir H. Meysey-Thompson, M.P. (14). Mr. Henry Tolle- mache, M.P. (5) has drawn against Mr. T. Milvain, M.P. (16), Mr. H. J. Gladstone, M.P. (2) plays Mr. J. A. Morrison, M.P. (20), Lord Newton (7) plava Lord Monk-Bretton (14), Mr. Ellis Griffith, M.P. (1G) plays Mr. A. W. Nicholson, clerk, House of Commons (9). The Premier (7) is pitted against Major W. Evans-Gordon (lG). Lieutenant H. S. Whaatley-Crowe, of the- 4th Cheshire Regiment, and late of the 6th Lanca- shire Fusiliers, has just brought out a work on King Charles I., entitled "In Delencel of a King," in which one of the questions dealt with is that of the M'ilitia. His Majesty King Ed- ward has accepted a copy. Mr. WIIEA11 -_>Y-Cr-cw-E served for about a year at the Bury d'pot. and in 1903 Wa6 aide-de-camp to Brigadier-General Walsh and the 17th Militia Brigade,and also the Lancashire Fusiliers Volunteer Brigade. The Countess of Shaftesbury is to open a fancy fair at the Corn Exchange, Blandford, on Easter Tuesday, in aid of the parish church restoration fund. Mr. J. E. Linnell, M.B. Cambs., D.P.H. Lond., son of Mr. T. F. Linnell, Duddon Lodge, Tarporley, has been appointed assistant medical officer of health to the Sheringham Urban District Council. The Bishop of Chester on Sunday dedicated a peal of bells, which as the outcome of a public sub- scription have been placed in the tower of Beaumaris Church. His Lordship has for some months been residing at Lleiniog Castle, Penmon. The Earl and Coantess of Sefton are to entertain a large party at Croxteth Hall. Liverpool, for the marriage of Lady Gertrude Molyneux, his lordship's sister, with Captain Crawford, 32nd Lancers, Indian Army. on the 25th inst. Captain Crawford will return to the East with his bride very soon afterwards, as he is only home on leave. We regret to record the death of the Rev. the Hon. Henry Pitt Cholmondeley, honorary canon of Gloucester, which took place on Friday at Aldestrop Rectory, in his eighty-fifth year. He was the son of the first Baron Delamere. and married, in 1848, the Hon. Mary, daughter of Chandos, Lord Leigh, the first Baron of the second creation. THE LATE MR. J. DARLINGTON.—Mr. Joseph Darlington, of Upton-by-Chester, farn -r, who died on February 19th, left estate of he gTCss value CF £ 3,858. 15s. 9d., including person- alty of the nett value of £ 3,744. 15s. 2d., and prci- bate of his will has been granted to Mr. Charles Goulden, of the County Lunatic Asylum, Upton, engineer, and the Rev. Wilfred Sparling. of Up- ton, and power is reserved for Mr. Ernest Bras- sey, the ether exccutor named. THE LATE MRS. E. HIGNETT.—Mrs. Eliza- beth Hignett. of 28, Hough Green, Chester, who died on February 9th, left estate of the gross value of £ 3,195. lis. 9d., including personalty of the nett value of £ 3,132. 12s. 6d. Probate of her will has been granted to Mr. Arthur Holland Hignett, of 4, Shrewsbury-read. Ballsbtfidge., Ire-jllnd engineer, her son and her daughter Louisa, the wife of Mr. William Bird. of Bun- burv. Cheshire. NEW WELSH MAGISTRATES.—The name of Mr. Charles Davi-es, Bronoffa, has been added to the commission of the peaoei for the borough of Wrexham. Mr. Davies is a Churchman and Con- servative, and was formerly a member of the Wrexham Town Council. The name of Mr. Charles Cotton, editor and proprietor of the "Denbighshire Fre.S Press," Denbign, h;.s been added to the commission of the peace for tie borough cf Denbigh. Mr. Cotton, who is a Churchman and Conservative, is a member of three local bodies connected with intermediate and elementary education, and identified with the management of several local public institu- tions. PRESENTATION TO MR. C. JEROME.— A deputation consisting of Messrs. W. Vincent (District Supt.), J. Nixon, Crewe, and E. Ebbrell, Shrewsbury, on behalf of the clerks of Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son on the Shrewsbury district, on Thursday week, presented Mr. C. Jerome with a handsome timepiece, bearing the following inscrip- tion :—" Presented to Mr. Charles Jerome, as a token or respect arter iu years service in tneir midst by the clerks of Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son, on the* Shrewsbury district, March 22, 1!J05." Mr. Nixon, in making- the presentation, spoke of the high esteem in which Mr. Jerome was held by the clerks, and expressed a hope that now he had retired from active service he would feel a satisfac- tion in knowing that his fellow workers held him in such respect.—Mr. W. Vincent, expressed on behalf of the firm his best wishes and thanks for faithful services rendered, while Mr. Ebbrell spoke of the good work done by Mr. Jerome in the training of young men. who now hold important positions on the firm.- Mr. Jerome suitably i jeroine suitably responded. THE "CRUCIFIXION."—On Palm Sunday, as has been the case almost invariably for some years, the music of Dr. Stainer's oratorio "The Cruci- tixion" was sung at St. John's Church. There was a large congregation, who thoroughly enjoyed the service. There is no need nowadays to describe this inspired work, for its popularity has become universally established, and forms a feature of the special Lenten services at churches in almost every town in the kingdom. The solemnity of the sub- ject has not been detracted from, but, if possible, added to by Stainer's music, which affords oppor- tunity by five beautiful hymns for the congregation to share in the service. There are some impressive solos for tenor and bass, and the former were sung by Mr. G. H. Plant, and the latter were shared by Messrs. E. Robinson (the choirmaster), A. S. Dutton and A. Owen while Mr. F. Finch admir- ably played the organ accompaniments. The chief choral numbers are God so loved the world," which was sung unaccompanied, and From the throne of His cross," and the choir is to be com- plimented upon a rendering little short of per- fection. QUEEN-STREET P.S.A.—At Sunday's meet- ing for men only there was a fair attendance. The chair was occupied by Mr. Marriott, senr., who asked the members to be loyal to each other and finally to Cnrist Jesus. The speaker Mr. W. H. Barnes, took for his subject "Thou art weighed: in the- balance and found not wanting." Miss Jenkins sweetly saner the solos, "After the harvest" AND "The twe cities. The scripture lesson was taken by Mr. Wakefield and prayer by Mr. Turiiilcliff-. The orgai-i,'st was Mr. Skeldon. CITY-ROAD WESLEYAN P.S.A.—There was a very fair attendance on Sunday. In view of its being Palm Sunday the president made reference to the incidents in our Lord's life and the observances of the churches. in commemora- tion of th,, I-ame. An earnest address was given by Mr. W. Gclathan on the subject of "Fools for Christ's sake." Miss Edwards sweetly sang "I know that my Redeemer liveth" and "He shall feed His flock." The lesson applicable to the day was read, by the vice-president, and Mr. James Walker led in prayer. Mr. R. Butterworth was organist. and with him wae associated Mr. Geo. Jones, the new choirmaster, in place of Mr. Hibbert, who had resigned through lesidential distance from the O:ty.

CHARITY ORGANISATION SOCIETY. COLONEL WILFORD LLOYD'S TRIBUTE., I THE DEAN AND LABOUR COLONIES. 1 The annual meeting of the Chester Charity Organisation Society was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday afterncon. Colonel Wilford N. LLoyd presided, and the attendance included the Dean of Chester, Mr. Horace D. Xreiawny, the Rev. Canon Cooper .Scott, Mr. J. R- Thomson, Mr. H. J. Birch, Mr. C. P. Douglas Mr. Scott, the Rev. C- A. Griffin, the Rev. J. Phillips, Mr. G. R. Griffiths, and Mr. S. R. Jacson (hou. secretary The committee, in their report for the year, stated:—" The work of the society has been XCM- tiuuously carried on .since the year 1B72, and tne work of the past year has not been marked by ANY cri1.ic.al diftiewty. At one moment it was feared that, through slackness of trade, the want of work .might have led to severe trials, and _your committee communicated with the municipal authorities, who were quite alive to the possible distress, AND were prepared to act in case of necessity. There were, no doubt, more men -out oi work than usual, and the closing of auo industry made it necessary for the committee .to deal witn cases of emergency, which required assistance until wook which was promised had been actually obtained,; and in two cases of aged persons who coud not find employment with other firms the oommitlae were enabled to grant permanent .pen- sions. There are 37 pensioners, receiving as a rule 7s. -6d. per week; and small as this pension is, it nevertheless sawes the recipients Irani anxiety and want. THE DUKE S GENEROSITY The Committee have .to acknowledge that Jiut for the continued generosity of the Duke of Westminster, this branch of their work could MOT be continued; he gave i,70 out of a total of .£l3l. 4s. The committee are grateful for an increase given by the general public to this pension fund, but still urge that L60 is not an adequate con- tribution from the city and neighbourhood, when the nature d the work M thoroughly considered. One feature of this work is deserving OF special notioe, viz., that the sum given by the aoeiety K more than .doubled by the friends of the pen- sioners; indeed, this is a condition of any grant being made. Thus, in the year 1904, the society: granted £ 123. 12s. 8d., and the friends gave £270; 17s. lOd. If there was a larger yearly iioome at; the disposal cf the committee, other deservingi cases could be at once relieved. The committee, arc unable to .siate how maiir of the investigation' tickets issued TA the public ARE never presented,. but they know that a great many are not; this is enough to shew the necessity of investigation. Many a plale story when inquired into is found to be imposture. It cannot be too offen repeated that GIFIS given without inquiry may do much more harm than good. They promote a great evil, and tend to make the charitable repent of their kindness. Investigation is not a system of harshness, but LEADS to kindaeaf and equitable dealings. Begging -letters have b?n raised to a t.c i e.-ioe an d t' ..cienoe and the public are requested to have t?cm thoroughly inquired into be?o?' they answer tbt--m.. The committee, who sit ecrery week, have deali. with 199 cases; an increase 420 as compared with 1903. They have also boai able to afford surgical aid in two cases. Investi,gation into five special cases has been made at THE request of other organisation SOCIETIES, and forty reports were sent to persons WHO desired information. The Hon. Treasurer (Mr. J. R. Thomson) read the balance sheet. The Chairman, who was received with applause, mwed the adoption of the report and haiance sheet. He said it was a matter of much gratifica- tion to him to find himself in a position to accept the D-eana Invitation to take the chair at that meeting, well knowing as he did the excellent work of the socictv and its value and importance to the community at large. He did not think there could be many people in England who used the society more than he did in the interest of those he sorved. It therefore gave him great pleasure to puDiicly testily to its efficiency and worth. (Hear, hear, and applause.) The annual report appeared to be generally satisfactory. He rilpoilt that the committee had dealt with 199 cas. which were an increase of 25 as compared with 19C3. This shewed that the Chester society was extending its sphere of influence; the fact of its work increasing and not diminishing was a sure sign of vitality. The committee drew special attention to the pension fund, and to the fact that only J660 was subscribed towards it by the city and neighbourhood. That appeared to be a quite inadequate contribution. He did not know whether it was generally known that this fund assisted the aged poor—old men and women of about 60 or 70 years, who had toiled for their livelihood until at last they could work no longer, and who, in the majority of cases, would prefer to deny themselves the very necessaries of life rather than enter the workhouse. (Hear, hear.) It was to be hoped, then. that the public would see their wav to subscribe more liberally to this fund. 1 because he was perfectly certain there could not be a more deserving form of charity. He noticed also in the report that "it could not be too often repeated that gifts given without inquiry might do more harm than good." [ I INDISCRIMINATE CHARITY, ne was convinced, was a great mistake. He, of course, meant giving alms to cases which had not been investigated, for instance, to beggars in the street, or to the writers of begging letters, with- out first discovering whether the applicants were deserving and wort-hy of assistance. In former days he had frequently felt a pang of remorse in refusing the appeal of a beggar in London, par- ticularly if it happened to be a cold winter's day. He had often wondered if the applicant was really starving, and whether he should return and give him half-a-crown. Had not many present ex- perienced the same sensation ? He had no longer these qualms of conscience, for some six years ago he chanced to hear a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Carlile, who is the head of the Church Army in London. That preacher told them it was abso- lutely wrong to give alms to beggars in the street, especially in London, as all of these beggars knew perfectly well that they could obtain lodging and food at the Church Army Home or other institutions in London, provided they would perform some little work in return for it. Here came the point. Work was the last thing they wanted, since they found begging a far more lucrative employment. (Laughter and hear, hear.) With regard to begging letters, he did not think he was using too strong a term when ?he described it as a pernicious habit to send assistance to writers of these letters without first enquiring into the cases. To do so was simply a premium on fraud and imposture. Personally, his duties called upon him to investigate hundreds of these begging-letter appeal, and he could say that ninety per cent. of such letters were impositions, many of them very cunningly de- vised. Some begging letters on the face of them required no answer; others appeared to be genuine, but should be enquired into. AN AMUSING STORY. + í"1.u.l T T -.1 _• 1 1 IT • V^UVUMUIG, YU.UIU^I XJJ_XJVU suici no would give them two typical instances. He remembered the late Duke of Westminster receiving a letter from a gentleman in the following strain :My lord Duke. I am aDout to start a horse-breeding establishment in the Midlands. I shall be very grateful if you will finance me. (Laughter.) I should like to add that this establishment will be carried on on strictly Church of England princi- ples." (Loud laughter.) The Duke handed the letter to him (the chairman) with the following written across it:—" Sorry I cannot finance the man, but should be very glad to see the Church of England gee-gees when they are ready." (Laughter.) Another genlleman wrote to the late Duke from Lincoln's Inn Fields. He had his paper stamped with a certain number at Lincoln's Inn, and in the other corner "So-and-so and So-and-so, solicitors." The writer drew a. most harrowing picture of distress and poverty existing within a very short distance of Lincoln's Inn. aud begg-ed the Duke to help them. This looked perfectly genuine, and the Duke said "I don't think it needs enquiry. Send them £ 10. I I ..L..ce \1" lUUK tne precaution ot looking into the directory. and he found the name and address all right. The man received the £10. and the following year there came another letter, this time drawing an even more harrowing picture of poverty and distress. The case described was that of a poor woman with six or seven children in a single room in mid-winter. without food, are or bed-clothing, and so on. He wrote and asked the writer to send the name of the poor widow, and lie received no reply. That made him (the chair- man) suspicious, and so he forwarded the letter to the Charity Organisation Society in London. They replied that the man was an out-and-out im- postor, that he certainly had a room at Lincoln' s Inn, but he simply went there to collect his letters from a box on the door. He (the chairman) had great pleasure in putting the matter into the hands of the police, who arrested the gentleman. He gave evidence against, him. and the imnostor was given six months' hard labour. (Hear, hear.) He was a very venerable-looking gentleman, ex- tremely well dressed, and lived in a good part of London- and the detective assured him that the man had made £ 157 out- of that one case. He could quite understand the charitably inclined person savihg I wish to give some of my income in charity, how. then, am I to know what is deserving and what is not?" His answer was that there were many deserving charities to which alms could be given with confidence, but if a begging letter was received which appeared to be genuine, it should be sent to the Charitv Organi- sation Society for investigation. In return a full and clear report, would be received as to the circumstances of the anplicant. and they would finally say whether the society recommended assistance to be given or not. Here. then, was a channel through which alms could be sent- with a knowledge that the money would not be mis- placed or misdirected and that it would be really given tD a bona-fide and deserving case. He hoped the public in Chester and the neighbour- hood would USE the Charity Organisation Society more EX risively. If they did so, he was, confident tnev wouId. not be disappointed, and they would find it emcicnt and reliable. and he hoped that as a CONSEQ^T'NCE their contributions would flow in more liberally to assist the society which was doing such admirable work. (Applause.) Mr. Birch seconded, and endorsed the chair- --oc i ktv was doin!x aoo d man's op'nicn that the societv was doing good work, and his hope that it would be more liberally supported. TLVC rATTOTt. DTRO^ "t1r.nt,¡ ,oL.a. :y ü"t'" ,A 0 THE UNEMPLOYED PROBLEM. The Ven of Chester proposed' that the thanks of the society 00 given to the Mayor for permit- ting them thp. use of that room. not, onlv on that day, but week by week. Without that* priv ilege they would bo in a very sad case indeed. He (the Dean) re-echoed with all his earnestness the wish of the chairman that, the, public would make still more use of the committee, who met weekly. It o-Lielit not to be laid to the society's charge that there was a. great deal of work that ought to be done which they did not touch, because they were ready to do it if the- work was brought to them to do. He was thoroughly convinced there was a great deal of work wiiicn, they were unable to touch because their attention was not. drawn to it. He hardly Jikc-d on an occasion like that to approach debatable ground,, yet he COllld hardly retrain from expressing what came before thorn constantly—that the difficulties of our com- plex civilisation, were increasing year by year. Sir John Gorst had pointed out tnat if we did not grapple soon with the psoblem of the unemployed, it might be not in. the far distant that, it would become realry a social jiesrii to us. Sir John Gorst. ALSO, pointed out with .great clearness and foice that when we were usaig the word "un- employed" there were two .classes to be con- sidered-—those who wexe not at work, and those who wore rncapable of work—and JIO shewed that in the lapse of a very short time those who did not get work became unabie to work, and so there, was not only the problem EF the unemployed, but. also the problem at the unempiovdb.e.. Ho (the Dean) did not suppose that. in this s-ngulaxly free coun- try of ours we shoud be a-Die to reduce it to the perfect system they had in Denmark and in Ger- maiiy. 'lu91o the ia-w acted with great nromrK ness, and with what he dared say in this country would be looked upon AS great strictness. They àivided the unemployed into distinct classes. One class, he supposed, went by that sad name "the criminal.' i'liat was to say, the vagrants who ¡ weie much more inclined to plunder their neigh- bours than to work were quickiy iaid hold of by the police and put under lesiramt and forced to work. He did not think we could .<x>k forward in this country to any such solution of the pro- blem. But there WAS .another remark, by Sir John. Gorst, he ttiaught. that. "then we ought to; look to the first and iast resources of our wealth- labour on the land." That, was a system which had ali-eady begun in England. There were labour farms where THOAA who were willing to work were put out in what were called colonies, in the fresh air. The organisation took care that these people had their recreation as well as their work. They were; given Jj. very mode-ate wage, but they were provided for., and the cost, he was told, was clidv about -ElO per head, of which f,10 the labour brought back a considerable pro- portion. It might be hoping roo much that- we should have labour colonwithin reach of all our large towns, but it was worth calling atten- tion to what. had been done in Poplar with con- siderable suoccss. A wonderfully beneficent man, a Mr. Fells, if he rightly recollected, had given presents of farms for that experiment to be made. (Hear, hear.) He (the Deaii) .did think that labour homes or labour colonies wece the direction in which we ought most hopefully to look for some lutIon of the proolem of the unemployed. There, were those who must be handed over to legisla- tion. He meant the epileptics, who could not work or could work only for a short period. Of till people who deserved their GREATEST sympathy .were our aged poor,, who are simply unable to work from physical weakness, and had not bern abiv to lay by during their short JNERIOD of health atsd strength sufficient. to keep .themselves from WANT. (Hear, hear.) The olrairmau had rightly that the very last thiiig such people liked to -DO was to break up their homes AND seek the workhouse:. They deserved the strongest sym- patby. and the abundant. help of the society, to keep them from ending their days is the work- house, for, however well cared for they were there, there was always the melancholy feeling in their hearts ifuat. they should be compelled a.t IA^T after a. RESPECTABLE life, to have no other esad than to die UNDER what he supposed they did feel, and fed axtore deeply than others coiiid we3 under- stand. was a k-i-id of stjgmto die a pauper. If the SOCIETY could only extend the number OF their pensions moderate as they were, tney would be doing A veritably good work, a veritably chari- table work, .and something which he really thought these people deserved at they- hands. (Applause.) PLAIN SPEAKING. I J here was, perhs continued the D?m, a d&DgeT I of his being p?ilcd by the public for TOUCHING upon such a d&ng?rous t-opic. but he did think the moment had come for some legislation to pre- vent alien IMMIGRATION.(Hear, hear.) A still more dangerous topic: He did hope that the people who were. out of work would for themselves see ..L'1 't.. [nar. It was tneir WISDOM not to stana out for a maximum wage. If they were out of work, kt. them take what could be equitably given for a fair day's work. (Applause.) The Rev. Canon Cooper Scott seoonded. and EXPRESSED his gieat sympathy with the society's pensions scheme. It WAC NIVST deserving of sup- port. He agreed that indiscriminate charify was wrong. It was. he said, very discouraging to the hard-WOK king, industrio us persons to see others able to obtain, without working for it. a better living than themselves by the charity of the public. He, for one, was Yery glad to use the society. The motion was cordially passed. The Rev. C. A. Griffin moved the reappointment- of the executive committee. Alluding to impos- tures, he said once a man stopped him in the street and as ked if he could give him two sixpences for a shilling. He (Mr. Griffin) gave Lira two sixpences, and the man said, "I'll give you the shilling on Saturday." (Laughter.) There was a kind of scicnce. about pre-sent-day begging, and the Charity Organisation Society was tile very thing by which that science could be met. The committee were re-elected, and. on the motion of the Rev. J. Phillips, a vote of thanks was aooowkd tQ the auditor, Mr. John Davies (Parrs Bank). Mr. C. P. Douglas moved a vote of thanks to the chairman in cordial terms. Ho thanked Co). LLoyd for his tribute to the good work of the society. He mentioned that the municipal charity administrators could not give almshouses or pen- sons to persons who had received parish relief, and here the Charity Organisation came to the aid of deserving p;?ople. Mr. J. R. Thomson seconded, AND said it was a happy circumstance that the chairman should po-z-scss so extensive a knowledge of the advan- tages of the society. Mr. Thomson took the op- portunity of paying a well-deserved tribute, on be- half of the subscribers, to the committee for their good work, and referred to the Dean's regular attendance and great interest in the work of the society. (Hear, hear.) The motion having been carried with acclama- tion. the Chairman said he was glad to attend, if only to acknowledge with thanks the good work the society had done for those he had had the honour of serving for some yea: s new. (Applause.)

The Earl of Haddington recently sold the his- toric Border estate of Lennel, near Coldstream- upon-Tweed, to Captain Walter Waring, 1st Life Guards, who, with his wife. Lady Clementine Waring, daughter of the Marquis of Tweeddale (whose estate of Yester is also in the Border- land), proposes to take up his residence there. Before doing so. however, he intends to have the mansion, near which are some of the best salmon fishing casts on the Tweed, restored and re- modelled on an extensive scale, and for that pur- pose a large body of workmen have taken posses- sion of the place, which is not far from Flodden Field. FLINTSHIRE LEAD DEPOSITS -Important developments in the Rhosesmor Lead Mine near Mold have just been discovered, a fresh branch four feet thick of an old bed of lead ore having been found at a lower level. NEWTON PARISH COUNCIL.-The annual meeting of the Newton-by-Chcster Parish Council was held on Monday, the chairman (Mr. T. Hart Davies) presiding. On the proposition of Mr. G. F. OOX, seoonded by Mr. Geo. Barnes, and sup- ported by Mr. Hart Davies, Mr. W. Marrs was unanimously elected chairman for the enf?uing year. Mr. Barnes was elected vice-chairman. The Parcchial, Sanitary and Lighting Committees were re-appointed, as also were the two overseers, Messrs. Cox and Hart Davies. It is somewhat unique that with the ,ele-ction of Mr. Marrs and Mr. Barnes to the positions of chairman and vioe- chairman the whole of the original members cf the Parish Council have occupied these offices. TEMPERANCE HALL P.S.E.-On Saturday a good programme was provided principally by Dunham Hill Wesley an friends. Mr. H. R. Bullen presided and Mr. C. Bailey gave the address. rt" NUIN .I~_ I J. Jle .J.1.1 ITXI.LOIIA.III TTUIV tne voutw UUttvltt "What are the Wild Waves Saying." and "I know a Bank," and the violin duett Barcarolle." Miss Davies contributed vocal and pianoforte solos, and Mr. P. Higgins a recit,il and reading which were well received. Humorous selections were also given by Mr. H. S. Chatterly. In addition to solos. Miss A. Mitcham recited in excellent style "The Eagle's Rock," and "The Fugitive. These were warmly applauded. An instrumental duett was also rendered by Messrs. Atkins and Linden. The Carnival" sung by Mr. Sidney Clair was well appreciated. Madame Banks was the accompanist. CHESTER CROWN EISTEDDFOD. AS announced in our advertisement columns, the fifth annual Crown Eisteddfod will be held in the Music Hall, Chester, on Easter Monday. Record entries have been secured in choral, vocal, instrumental and other competitions, and there is good reason for predicting that the eisteddfod will be patronised afternoon and evening by even larger audiences than those in previous years. The promoters have been extremely fortunate in their choice of artistes, who include Madame Eleanor Jones-Hudson, R.C.M., Miss Edith Randies, Mr. Maldwyn Humpbeys, A.R.A.M., the renowned tenor, and Mr. Eli Hudson, A.R.C M., whose reputation as a solo flautist is known throughout England. Mr. Robt. Yerburgh. M. P., will preside at the afternoon meeting, and Mr..J. H. Welsford in the evening. Although the religious revival has prevented the holding of eisteddfodau in Wales, it will have no effect upon the Chester meeting, which is supported by English choirs. NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY.—On Friday evening a well attended meeting of the Geologi- cal Section was held at the Grcsvenor Museum. Mias E. G. Skeat. science mistress at the Queen's School, and daughter of Professor Skeat, read a paper cn "Jurassic Shcre-ILnes; a Fragrnent of World History." Dealing principally with Scan- dinavia, Miss Skeat traced the shore-lines of the continct there existing during- the early Jurassic times, afterwards detailing the works of tiba various German, Swedish and Danish expeditions in establishing the fact that such a continent had: existed in north-west Europe. The explorations of Andrup rn. 1898 and 1900, which had enabkd Denmark to prove herself in the van of scientific inquiry, was highly eulogised by the lecturer. A series of slides, kindly lent by Professor Ha.rtz and ether members of fhe Danish GeQlofnfnJ sur- vey, was exhibited, and included1 many interest- ing photographs of the Greenland and Jameson's la.nd expeditions. and also of the Jurassic flora and fauna. DON'T LOOK OLD. With advancing years greyness increases. Stop this with LOCKTER'S SULPHUR HAIR RESTORER, which darkens to the former colour and preserves the appearance. Lockyer's keeps off ravages of time, by darkening the grey streaks, also causing growth of Hair. Large cheap bottles4 I •»"

GOD AND DANIEL HUGHES. TO THE EDITOR. I have also received a vision; it comes from God." it (the alleged message) comes direct from God." When Evan Roberts claims to receive sensational messages from high heaven then I .think it is time that all sane and justice- ioving IDCD should enter a protest." Damei iiugnes, April 13th, 1905. THEFT he (Evan .Roberts) should do this in the name of the Holy Spirit is biasphemv." Daniel Hughes, April 15th, 1905. Sir,-O-ur city having been brought into rather unenviable prominence recently through letters from which the above are excerpts, I beg of your '1 1 11 r.. 1. "1. 11 lnciuigenae to airow me as a oestrian Drea ANA born, and jealous of the reputation of my native ciry, to .comment on the matter; and further to ask outsiders not to judge the sanity of the j citizens generally by the sample given in the latest effusions of the Rev. Daniel Hughes. If the ifr&+. two .quotans which head this letter, and upou which Mr. Hughes ba" hi? authority to deliver a message to Evan Roberts direct from Almighty God, are not rank blasphemy, wherein do they differ, in thifi respect, from the message said by Evan Roberts to have been received by him from -the same source? Are we to under- stand that. Daniel Hughes is, what he denies to Evans Roberts, infallible? He acts, as he say-s Evan Roberts does, as if he were, but hie evidence to this end needs a lot of strengthening. I know nothing of Evan Roberts other than what I read in the -newspapers, and not much more of his rival to the claims of direct ?- munication with high Heaven, except that I have heard that the latter is given to be somewhat atic (in eoatradistiaction to the isms" which he suggests in connection wiili Evan Robert)- dogmatic emphatic; and,what detracts from both, erratic. I W also given to understand that he suffers occasionally from that unpleasant affliction known AS "welled head"; and appar- ently this iast attack is a very severe one. One, however, cannot help seeing from his letter wiiat an exceedingly clever young man Daniel Hughes was—he preached in his teens! I take it he has therefore been at it a bit longer than Evan Roberts, but what have the results been? Comparisons they eay are odious, and no doubt Mr. Hughes thoroughly agrees with this familiar saying. But what a pharisaical letter that of the 13th instant is! Mr. Hughes tells us of all his good qualities, of his enthusiastic references in the pulpit to the "ardent Evangelist" (now alasl but a trickster using various arts), of his prayer for the same man and purpose; of the half-days he lias srpent in Wales helping: of the love he has for Evan Rcbert-s: ana then givee us sarcastic innuendoes and suggestions about hysteria, and the similarity between the claimed Holy Spirit guidance of Evan Roberts, and hypnotism. Still, he say", he will continue to pray, but, Mr. Hughr-s, you nave read that, the prayers of a righteous man availeth much, AND you must admit that the prayers you have hitherto made have, on your own shewing, apparently been a failure so fa.r as Evan ROBERTA is concerned. What has been wrong wita them? Literally they were no doubt perfect, bat what about the petitioner? T'iie Pharisee of old gave much of his time for his religious observances, and of his goods (your natural modesty probably forbade you to mention what you have done in the latter respect.), but his so-called prayers were simply the words of empty ee-lf- giorik cation. IVow, Mr. Hughes, if Evan Roberts s claim iR a blasphemous one, why should yours not be in the same category? What causes you to think that of all the people in this country, God has specially chosen you to personally deliver His direct message? You see, of course, that if your claim to have received that from high Heaven is a valid one, it follows that Evan Roberts must be a gross impostor, guilty of the heinous sin against the Holy Ghost about which we are specially warned, for surely God would not. have given you both contradictory messages. Evan Roberts may be all you suggest he is, but he is not proved to be an impostor simply because his rival happens to say w. Considering you admit his purpose is good, and that the revival has year fullest. sympathy (thereby blessing the effect, of which I think you will be prepared to admit. Evan Roberts is, under God. the cause), you might, A? others have done, give him credit for the best intentions, if you disagreed with some of INS methods. v, ma-.iv pcople i io There are, I dare say, many people who thoroughly believe in Evan Roberts. If I did in the same way. I might easily use your own words, and say Brother Daniel Hughes, look to yourse'f and pray for forgiveness. Seek Evans Roberts, fall on his neck and weep" (I think I should, however, leave (Yut the last. six words, they sug- gest hysteria), he will be ready to forgive; I-e e that before you speak in the name of God again you are right with your brother." Our conception of Almighty God is very small, but until you can give us better evidence of sensational and preposterous claim, there is abso- lutely DC reaGi1 why we should accept it against that of Evan Roberts, or, say, "Dowie, the Zion "Profit." I don't believe in the particular claim of any one of the three, but had I to make the choice, I think that, viewing the good undoubt- edly done by his mission (to which you bear wit- ness), I should without hesitation support the claim of Evan Roberts, leaving Dowie and you to fight it out between yourselves. Have a. little mere respect for your C-lot.II, Mr. Hughes, and do not think that a prolific USO of sarcastic adjectives, or a facile pen. frequen TJY dipped in vitriolic ink. is definite enough, even for a minister cf the Gospel, to support the blas- phemously outrageous claim you make. We read the warning as to Anti-Christs. Evan Roberta and Dowie may be two of them, and may use arts and subtleties to produce desired effects, AS you attribute to the former in your second letter, but if you wish to contest the position with either of them. you must certainly use less clumsy methods than those you have already employed. Your prospective lectures in English and Welsh do not appear to hold cut any enticing prospects. They may cause a whirlwind of morbid sensationalism, but what about the" still small voice"? The Master whor.1 you profess to serve was a pattern of humility. Is the disciple to be above his Master? n is earnestly to be hoped that for the ake os. t:-ie future generation, and for the outside opinion of the sanity of the future citizens of our grand old city, that the members of the Chester and District Union of Christian En- deavcurers will avoid the disastrous example cf the self-e.xaltation of tiieir president. Thanking you. Mr. Editor, for your kindness in allowing me the space in your columns, yours, etc., ANTI-HUMBUG. Chester, April IST-H. I TO THE EDITOR. ivr.—.H/very reiigiov.s movement which ha<? re- sulted in a large number of conversions HAS iiad its detractors and potty critics. The mission of Evan Roberts has- proved no exception to tins rule, and (NO is not surprised to find the Rev. Dæid Hughes figuring in THE pitiable role of CHEAP critic. The rev. gentknxan is much rnoje fitted to lead a melodramatic performance* in the local Police Court, THAN to identify himself with ûJY real evangelising effort- It is to be regretted, for the Rev. D. Hughes's own sake., or rather lor tho sake of THOSA who are connected with him in Ch arch-fellowship, that he was no:. able to imost his professional jealousy in more moderate terms. It is difficult to convinoe one's &elf that the tirade in your last issue was the product of the PAN of an acc-rcdifed minister of the Gospel, but tiie letter is only the true expression of the WRITER. One WAS quite prepared to read in Saturday'^ ISSUE of his brawling at the service. Such eon- duct is more usuaily associated with a footpad than a minister. Evan Roberts is not likely to be specially blessed by the rev. gentleman's pnsyeis and petit iotas any more than he will be I, ;:RT BY his paltry criticisms, since we know that it IS only "the prayer of the righteous that avaiicth- In concluding, ONE hopes the Rev. DtuiicI Hughes wiil be successful in gathering adequate material far his proposed' lecture, and trusts also tha.t the church over which he presides WILL not materially suffer while its pastor is engaged UPON "ci1 oroHtable research—I an-L yours, VERITAS. TO THE EDITOR. j Sir,-May I cntv(: a. p¡:,oo oÏ you:" papoe1 fei a. word on a Chester minister's view:; Y ] MAY also say I read with intense pain his attack on ene who, whatever be his metnods, has been the meaDS of diminishing so much evil and bringing about a reformation in the lives of so many. If the Rev. D. Hughes and orher ministers of the Gospol thought Evan Roberts brought a wrongful charge against tho FTee Church of Wales, why did they not do as they preach, and get together and pra.y t.hat he might SEE hie error and acknowledge* ;t? Does it not OCCu;" to Mr. Hughes that his bitter attack in public and talk of hypnotism are Cal u- lated to undo much that the Revival has done, and is contrary to the Gospel of love and poae-e which he preaches, and that by holding Evan Roberts up to ridicule he retards his work? In one word, he runs on the lines of Satan to hinder the work of God, and that while professing tc WO-K tor the same Master as Evan tiob,-rte,. Well may the ungodly give religion A wide berth. Let Mr. Hughes forsake his interrticii cf following the revivalist with his lectures AMJ withdraw his opposition. Then it will be tune enough 1..0 talk of pras,rig for him, and CINE -_hat the harm he has done to the cause of Cl ri;:t may be stayed. If not. I fear both he and his v.ork will euffer. Has he forgotten whatsoever gift:, he may have, without charity, he is nothing, but becomes as sounding brasi or a tinkling cvmbal? ONE INTERESTED IN THE REVIVAL. I I TO THE EDITOR. I S'rr,—1 have RSAO '?:th mixed feelings'of REGM, the puMi?hed comments of the P--?r. D. Hu?h« re Evan Roberts and the W?h Revival, ajid I ish,ould like to ask him "Who is 'BE"—that ho judges another mar ? Had he not better nee to Lis cwn soul £ rtt ? Only last Sunday, in the church of which he th PASTOR, was held no-zh- ing more nor LESS tha.n a l1ut::ü oc:c.rt; and tha charge, a silver collection; the names of the I ARTICLES being ADVERT'I^EE' in ycur papir before- I hand. Wee urnto him, for Christ HAS said "My Hùuse 1;8 a house of prayer, b?t ye hrve ma<Le N a DEN lof thieves. Had h? not jMu?h b??r first put HTS own house m order, 6fcra throwing stones at another? "Lpf hira that IS wtthcut Bin, CAST J the first stone."—YE-URE truly, "CHRIsrrIA N-BiOTHERHOOD." I TO THE EDITOR. I Sir,—In your paper of la-t week you publish A I copy of a letter from tl-o Liverpool Couner," sent by the Rev. Daniel Hughes: re Evan Roberta, it seems a pity that the owner d SUCD a biograph* should biemisn such a creditable career by coming to Liverpool and taking a. prominent part in turning a meeting of DEEP piety into a babel. Evidently he came last KRIJ-Y NIGH witn a pre- disposed mind. However, it IS pjeasing to lovc-rs of 1aw and order that arrangements have beea made to deal with him next time he is SO disposed, In muc-ii the same WAY as he would deal with La unbeliever who attempted to acdrest, him irons tne noor at the Grosvenor Park ChapeL He, too, has had a vision from Heaven there- fore we may expect He avenly tnings, buT. wh. A Ilis vision prompts him to do this kind oi work wel we doubt its origin. PE suggests HYPNOTIST .?' s as the power for the achievements oi Evan Roberts s mission, and, as WE read the reports of converts remaining firm, we must conclude there is a continuity of supply. PERHAPS he had better be examined by four ctQCtc, TO see if be -IS strong or overworked, and I have no doubt the Gros- yenor Park worshippers will grant him a rest. Hoping that he will come back well to tell the old, odd story in such a wcy that thousands =y be constrained to the CV-S of Christ in the ancient city of Chester. MERSEY SIDE. —————— -.————-

CHESHIRE AND THE CHESHIRES. I A DESERVING C A TTsF: I TO THE EDITOB. I Ir,-I once more write to ask your help by a suitable appeal in your paper for lunds towards a Church institute out here for the soldiers. The one in use at present is a terrible plac«, and the Vicar, Mr. Welshman, has already stred a. magmScent building, which, when finished in A month or two, will be a great boon to the men, as it; will have a lot of attractions for them and be a comfort in every way. The Vicar is very anxious to pay for the large entrance hail entirely from funds collected from the Cheshire Regiment, and to call it the Cheshire Hall," aua it is for this cause I am writing to ask, through your paper, for contributions, no matter how smail, that friends of the Cheshirescare to forward to me for this Cheshire Hall." Later on I will send a photograph of the Institute you might produce in your paper if the "Cheshirea" at home respond to this little appeal from me. The regiment are getting on very well, with remarkably little sickness; indeed, the climate is so perfect it is surprising there should BE any illness here at a.ll.- Y jurs- faithfuilv. AMY NEVILLE A (Wife of Lieutenant-Colonel Neville, Cheshire Regiwent). Wellington, Madras, India, March 29th, 19U5.

COUNTY RATES. PROPOSED RATEPAYERS' AssumrATTnxr TO THE EDITOR. BLR'~AT a. meeting of the Over Tablcy Parish Cvllncil held on Friday, the 14t;1 mst., we foi- lowing ion was psssed up-zniri-oc, y:- That this Parish Council views with alarm the increase in the rat-rs, a.nd invites the co- operation of other PARISH Councils IN consider- ing whether it is desircblo that a County Ratepayers' ASSOCIATION -should b,2 formed for ttie PURPOSE of exercising GREATER control over public expenditure within the county. This tentative resolution ekserves attention. It expresses a feeling, which is very widespread Ua" sufficient care is not exercised 111 the expendi- ture of the ratepayers' money. that, in SRARW* ( way or ether the ratepayers ought to carabine in °RDER to eecure greater control over the expendi- ture. Ratepayers' associations exist in many boroughs, and it is quite possible that a count* association might have A healthy influence in the dnection of economy. I other Parish | Councils whl consider the qu<?uon, and th? it may be po--ïbJc to seeme joint action in some form or <jt?KT. ARTHUR SYMONDS, Chai-Dan of the Over Tabicy Parish Council. Ov-er Tabley Vicarage, Kuuisford, April 18, IE05.

FREE CHURCHES. -0 Preachers for next Sunday in the various Free Church places of worship :— Congregational, Queen-street: 10.45 and 6.30. Rev. Wynne Evans. Congregational, Upper Northgate-street: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. W. H. Towers. Congregational Welsh Cnapel, Albion Park: 10.45 and 6.0, Mr. John Anwyl. Congregational, Great Boughton 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. J. Li. Jones. Congregational, Handbridge: 10.45 and 6.30. Rev. W. Jones. English Presbyterian, City-road 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. R. Jones, B.A. Presbyterian Church of England, NOWga.te-Bt: 11.0 and 6.30, Rev. J. Mitchell, H.D., F.K.A.S. Baptist, Grosvonor Park 10.45 ana. u,.bo, R,v. D, Hughes. Baptist, Milton-Street: 10.45 and è.){J, Supplj. Baptist, Hamilton-street: 10.45 and O.iJO, Supply. Welsh Baptist, Penri Memorial: IV. JO ana Supply. Wesleyan Methodist, St. John-street: 10.39, Rev. A. S. Sharp; G.30, Rev. T. Wi reatley. Wesleyan Methodist, Ct,v-roed. Rev. T. Wheatley tj.30, Rev. A. S. Sharp Wesleyan Methodist, Garden-iaue 11.0, Rev. W. A. Prunell; 0.30, Mr. J. Williams. Welsh Wesleyan, <^ueen-street: 10.30 and 6.0, Supply. Nvelsh Calvinistic Methodist, St. John-gtree, 10.30 and 6.0, Rev. ilitghts Weston. Primitive Methodist, George-street: 10.4b and G.30, Mr. J. Carter. Primitive Methodist, Hamilton-street, Hooie: 10.45, Mr. C. Sidgwick; G.30, Mr. T. Nixon. Primitive Metnodist, Hunter-sueet. iu.4O and 6.30, Mr. W. B. Sadler. Primitive Methodist, Saltney: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. W. Thornley. Primitive Methodist, Boughton: 10.45, Air. T. Wcollam 6.30, Mr. E. Kemierley. Methodist New Connexion, PEPPER-street: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. E. Genner. Waverton Prtisbyterian: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. D. Manuel, M.A. Matthew Henry, Unitarian 11.u and 6 30, Rev. H. B. Haycock. Church of Christ. Upper Northgate-street i 10.4c aua G. JO, Pastor Newton, B.A.

I LIGHTING UP TABLE. All cycles and other vehicles in the Cheater uieuret must be ligilted up as stated in the follow- ing; table: — S-turday, April 22 P.M. Saturday. APRIL SUNDAY, April 23 .8.2') MONDAY, Aprll::4 K27 TUESDAY, APRIL 25 Y.OY W'EDNESDAY, Apn12,j. S.32 | I I nday, APRIL 23$,34

I E M O R I A L > AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABAST :¡;. On View, and to order. W. HASWELL &,So.,N, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHtol). Estimates and Designs Free on application. Telephone No. 161A.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES itDiSATHS BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepLid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. cd. The announcement must be authenticated uy the I Signature and Address cf the Sender. SILVER WEDDING. WEST -JACKSON—On the lith April. lbO. at St. John's Church. Chester, by the Hoe\. C. Koc* West, vicar of fctret-ton, assisted by the itev. Cano.i S. Cooper hcott, vic:z.r of St. John's, Henry lloek Wetlt. 01 Giiester, to Siiah Hunter, ekle-t, daughter of tne late Georxe Jackson, also of this city. DEATHS. DENTON—On the lerh April, at Cable House, Weston- ^upti-M&re, Alice litntou, youngest u.A,^111 Wynne Dentc-n, Emj., il.U, late vi .Sewboid, near Chester. l^neral at .Bruera, Cnurci.j arcl ou Saturday atibO. HAND—0:i the ISth April, at S3, White Friars, Ellen, v. ife of Samuel Hand, iu her ::j.;(.1 year. illJNTOX—On the 17th April, at Belmont House oiuiiteer-street, Nina, the uearly-belavcd daughter of J. B. and F. Muuton, aged 1 jear ana 6 months. ROBERTS-OU the ISth April, at liiajrsley-terraee, j '-i, Garden-lane, Chester, Joseph, the beloved" husband of Emma Roberts, aged ol years. (No cards.) SAJJDFOED—Oa the 16th April, at 90, Uloacester-terraoe Hyde Park, London >lar^:u-t, widow cf tbi liitht Hon! Lord Sandford oi Saiidiord, C., K. C.B., in her b:lnd year. IN MEMOKIAM. DAVIES-In 'I&VMZ memory of our dear mother, EJen Davits, late (,f City-road, Chester, who died April 20th, 1JC3, aged 00 3 ears. [Sadly uiisftd.1 (Her daughters.) DAVIS—Iu lovinjr memory of iry dear mother, Catherine, the dearly-beloved WIRE of .1-. D&vis who died April ti-,e of 1- 1)av??Ls )aughLer Seli:ja. ) ly.h, 1900. (Daughter Seliaa.) HILL—In sad but loving memory of our dear father, James hi.1, who died February th, 1S86; also our dear mother, who died Easter Sunday, 18jij (Fondly remembered by iUa^ie, Bob, and Annie.) HILL—In memory of my dear son, John Hill, who died AL-ril 18th. 189.¿. aired 33 i,e. ntsn ,)f 'f'.w, u, farher of the above, died January si, th, AJJED OI years. [Rest in peace.) JOINSON—Lucy V?anne, Wife 0: Jo?'.han Jo-son of LlSCard' ?r?.ehy ot Chcs?r, who died Apzil ;thJ 19(,0.