South Wales Echo

ALLEGED MURDER OF A MOTHER. A young man named Thomas Beveridge, of Kirkcaldy, brutally assaulted his mother last night, inflicting injuries from which she died. He lias been committed for trial on a charge of murder.

TITHE AGITATION IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. As a result of the recent agitation the tithe- payers of the pariah of Mynyddislyn were allowed 10 per cent. reduction at the audit held by C. W. Squarry, of Liverpool, at Abercarne to-day, the reduction to apply to those who pay during this week.

THE BRISTOL AND WEST OF ENGLAND BANK. I Dividend of Eight per Cent. The report of the directors of the Bristol and West of England Bank (Limited), to be issued shortly, will recommend a dividend, for the half- year ending 31st December last, at the rate of 8 per cent. per annum, and an addition of £ 4,650 to the reserve fund.

VENICE IN THE CLOUDS. A correspondent write* from Venice to the Frankfurter Zeitung, that one or two days before Christmas a singular phenomenon was seen at Savile, near Udine, which recalls accounts of the mirage sometimes presented near Messina. The i-ky was partially covered by clouds, in which the surface of a calm sea was discerned, with boats passing over it and even a steamer cutting its way. Presently houses came in view, then large beautiful buildiugs, palaces, and churches, and, as the features became more defined, the cathedral oi St Mark, with the Piazza and tower were plainly presented, and the neighbouring canals. Th* spectacle faded gradually away, having made « great impression on all who saw it.

RIOT ON A FOOTBALL FIELD. A football match between Queen's Park and Aston Villa oatni off yesterday on Hampden Park ground, before about 2,000 spectators. Owing to the bad state of the ground it was decided to abandon the match • time, when the score stood at five goals for SiiT'tf and one for Queen's Park. On the J7 i- taring the field a riot ensued, and the BJTJ tore down the goal posts and fences, smashed the pay boxes, and did other damage, their fury being directed against the Queen s Park, who were called cowards," the mob demanding that they should come out and finish the game. This they did not do, and peace was only restored on the appear- ance of a strong force of police. Such a riot is unprecedented in the annala of the Queen's Park t, Club.

THE OLDEST MEMBER OF 't, ( PARLIAMENT. The Right Hon. Charles Pelham Villiers, M.P. for the Southern Division of Wolver- hampton, completes his 85th year to-day, having been born on the 3rd of January, 1802. He is the oldest member of the House of Commons, and has continuously represented Wolverhampton from 1835 till the sub-division of the borough under the Franchise Act, when he was elected for the Southern Divi- sion. Only two other members of Parliament voere 6latted to seats in the House prior to Mr Villiers-tiamely, Mr Christopher Talbot, the member for Mid-Glamorganshire, who is known as the "father" of the House, and was first elected in 1830 and the Right Hou. W. E. Gladstone, M.P. for Midlothian, who was first elected in 1832, but was without a seat from 1845 j to 1847.

I AN INDECENT PICTURE. At the Leeds Town Hall yesterday-before Mr Bruce-John Mitohell was summoned for having exhibited an indecent picture at the Coloured Cloth Hall. Mr Joseph Latchmore, Mr Henry Inchbold, Mr Rinder, and others <-ave evidence as to having seen the picture, they considered to be obscene. It -gasths nude figure of a, woman reclining on a couch. The first-named witness, who said he was the bon. secretary of the Leeds Vigilance Association, denied that the painting had any pretensions to be considered a work of art, and further described it as a picture the sight of which would make a Hottentot blush." In defence it was urged that the painting was a reproduction of a celebrated picture which had been previously Mchibited in Leeds for some months without any interference on the part of the police. Defendant was fined J65, including costs.

DAlliNG DIAMOND ROBBERY. I xi 0,000 Worth Stolen. I One of the boldest robberies ever planned was perpetrated at Minneapolis at 20 minutes past ten o'olook on the evening of December 22nd, when over$50,000 worth of diamonds were stolen from the show window of J. R. Elliott's jewellery store, No. 561, Nioollet avenue. The store was brilliantly lighted, when a couple of masked men queitly alighted from a double cutter, which was stopped immediately in front of the store. They slipped quickly to the window, and having placed a heavy bevelled piece of plank ibto the outside handle effectually barred the double doors and prevented the exit of the proprietor or clerks. This first precaution required but- a few seconds, and the men inside had not realised what was going on outside when they beard the noise of crashing glass. The man who had barred the door had smashed the side glass of the show windows with an axe. The first bliw was sufficient to make a good sized opening, and dropping the axe inside the window, the robber quickly inserted bis band and grabbed a tray which con- tained twenty-four diamond rings. It re- quired two heavy blows to break the large front plate plass window, but the second blow made an opening of a circular form, and nearly a foot in diameter. The second man was after the twenty-seven and a half carat diamond which has been displayed in the windows for several weeks. Grabbing this valuable jewel, the robber ran to the cutter, and the two men quickly seated themselves in the rear seat to which were attached a pair of spanking horses. The driver whipped up the horses, and the cutter was soon out of sight. Mr Elliott was behind the counter opposite the door whea the deed was perpetrated, and one clerk was within about five feet of the window. The robbery was-so neatly and boldly done that the people inside did not comprehend the situation until the jewels had been secured. The rings taken, twelve in number, are worth about $1,000. The twenty-seven and a half carat diamond taken is said to be the largest in the North-west, and was valued at 950,000. There were upwards of W,QM worth of diotmc nds besides in the windows,

I MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS. I [PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.] LONDON, Tuesday. Lord Hartington remained at Devonshire House transacting business with Col. Lascelles, his private secretary. He bad received no visitors up to half-past twelve to-day. No arrangements for his departure from London have yet been m^de. Lord Stanley of Preston came to London this morning from Witherslack Hall, Lancashire, and visited the Board of Trade. The announcement that th e Cabinet Council summoned for to-day had been postponed until Saturday did not reach several of the Ministers before they started for their country seats, and consequently some are in town to-day, including Mr Stanhope, Lord George Hamilton, and Mr Matthews. Lord Ashbourne and Sir Michael Hicks.Beaoh remain in Dublin until Friday night. It is expected that the Queen will hold a Council for the necessary change of portfolios at Osborna on Thursday afternoon. Beyond .the appointment of Mr Goschen, the other proposed changes have not yet received the royal sanction. LATER. Lord Camperdown, who formerly held a minor post in the Liberal Administration, bad an inter- view, lasting nearly half an hour, with Lord Hartington this afternoon. Lord Hartington subsequently proceeded to Brooks' Mr Goschen, who remains in London, is en- gaged in making arrangements for taking over the Exchequer. Mr Smith visited the War Office to-day. Lord Northbrook, who is at his Hampshire seat, is expected in London at any moment.

THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. I [PRESS ASSOCIATION TEL. KGB AM. 1 We have high authority for stating that Mr Smith has accepted the leadership of the House of Commons, offered him by Lord Salisbury, coupled with the first lordship of the Treasury. Lord Northbrook will become secre- tary for India, but nothing has yet been decided regarding the War Department.' Lord Morley is named as the most probable appoint- ment, but some delay may arise in filling the post. It it not even improbable that the Cabinet Council may be further postponed beyond Satur- day.

I MR GOSCHEN IN OFFICE. The Times says:—The authentative statement respecting Mr Goschen's acceptance of office shows that Mr Goschen has obtained the first of his conditions—that it was to be placed on record that he had not become a Conservative, but was joining the Government as a Liberal-Unionist under the advice of Lord Hartington. We under- stand that the interview between Mr Goschen and Lord Salisbury yesterday disposed of the second of Mr Goschen's cond itions—that he should be satisfied of his agreement with the policy of the Govern- ment on all questions of immediate importance, domestic and foreign. There was, as we expected, a very general agreement of opinion, and it was arranged without difficulty that those points on which there was some divergence of opinion should be relegated for the. present to the background. e Daily News says Mr Goschen's accession to office is the thin end of the wedge that will split the party in twain. There can be no comparison between him and Lord Randolph Churchill in point of political knowledge, and perhaps not in depth of political conviction. There the advantage is all on the side of Mr Goschen. But if we come to political instinct it is all on the side of Lord Randolph Churchill. In this depart- ment Lord Randolph has seldom been wrong, and Mr Goschen has seldom been right. Discussing Mr Goschen's appointment, the Freeman's Journal sa>sThe sooner he takes his place on the Treasury bench the sooner will it be brought home to the Radical wing of the liberal- Unionists what a precious set of fools they have been. The Irish Times observes :-Mr Goschen repre- sents the spirit of coalition. It is plain now that coalition has been sealed and determined. The Daily Express looks to the appointment as a pledge of the policy of patience, firmness, and stern enforcement of the law.

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE I CABINET. J The Morning Post says:—The negotiations for the reconstruction of the Cabinet were continued last night on the following basis: Lord Salisbury to take the Foreign Office, Mr W. H. Smith First Lord of the Treasury and Leader of the House of Commons, Lord Northbrook to succeed Lord Cross as Secretary for India, and Lord Morley to take Mr W. H. Smith's place at the War Office. Negotiations have been opened says the Times, with certain Liberal Peers, to whom Lord Salis- bury is prepared to offer seats in the Cabinet if they will enter with Mr Goschen. The Liberal Peers, of whose co-operation the greatest hopes are entertained, are Lord Lansdowne, Governor General of Canada, and Lord Northbrook. The Telegraph says :-It is almost certain that further modifications of the Cabinet will take place. The work of the War Office will be too onerous for Mr Smith in addition to the duty of leadi^| the House of Commons, and the oppor- tunity of joining the Government will be offered to several Unionist peers. But the re-organisation is for the moment in suspense, and any conjec- tures that may now be made can have no founda- tion in fact, since nothing save the appointments we have recorded has yet been settled. The Standard says:—In connection with the Secretaryship for War, rendered vacant by Mr W. H. Smith's appointment as First Lord of the Treasury, the names of Lord Northbrook and Lord Morley have been mentioned. If Lord Nortbbrook does not take the post he may pro- bably go to the India Office. Some further minor appointmen ts are, we believe, in contemplation, but in regard to them nothing has been decided up to the present. Referring to the rumoured further changes in the Cabinet, by the retirement of Lords Iddes- leigh and Cross, the St James's Gazette say#:— without expressing to-day any opinion of our own as to these chanpes-for at present we do not yet quite understand why, at any rate, one of them should be made-there need be no hesitation in saying that this news does not eive universal satisfaction. We are not award that any man remaius of the older and nobler school of English politicians who can boast of a sounder judgment, a loftier or more unselfish character, or a mind better equipped for the just conduct of affairs than Lord Iddesleigb. We have yet to understand why Lord Iddesleigh is to go, unlges he wishes it, which is not unlikely; and still less do we understand why it is thought desirable to import Lord Northbrook.

THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR LIBERA, RE-UNION. The Timet Oderstands that the negotiations between Mr Chaniberlain and Gladstonian leaders have progrtlkfkd so far that it is probable that the conference proposed by the member for West Birmingham will meet. Mr Chamberlain, it will be recollected, proposed that the conference, should be confined to the discussion of the Irish land question and thet Irish local government question. The Gladstonian leaders refused to enter such a conference unless the question of Home Rule was also^lujmitted for discussion and Mr Chamberlain has conceded this. The conference will, therefore, probably meet, and consist of Sir William Harcourt, Mr Morley, and Mr Chamberlain. Mr Gladstone will take no part in the conference, though he has approved the negotiations. He will be quite free to assent to or to reject the conclusions, if auy, to which the conference comes. Lord Hartington, we need hardly add, has been no party to the negotiations, of which he disapproves. Mr Chamberlain has, however, communicated to him all that he has done.

I MR CHAMBERLAIN'S ATTITUDE, The Birmingham. Daily post to-day gives prominence to an authoritative statement on the prospects of reunion in the Liberal party, so far, at all events, as regards Mr Chamberlain's share in the negotiations. After describing the changes which have lately taken place in the tone and attitude of the Gladstonian Liberals, as represented in the Press, towards Mr Chamberlain and his proposals, and the comprehensive and elastic character of the latter, as formulated in his speech of December 23, the article proceeds to point out that Mr Cham- berlain has from first to last in this controversy declared himself in favour of the largest possible concession consistent with the supremacy of Parliament and the integrity of the Empire. It is because he considered these conditions uuful- filled that he found himself obliged to oppose Mr Gladstone's bill, but he has always been ready and anxious to discuss any alternative plan not open to the same objections. In fact, it has been made a reproach to him that he has on more than one occasion buggested the lines on which such an alternative plan might be constructed. The National Radical Union, of which Mr Chamberlain is president, was formed for the express purpose of promoting 'a system of local government applicable to England, Scotland, and Ireland, and under the suprtme authority of one Parliament, for the United Kingdom,' and constructive legislation intended to meet the legitimate demand of Irish- men has been at least as great an object with the Radical Unionists as the negative policy of op. position to proposals which they have been forced to regard as dangerous. If, therefore, the only ob- stacle to such a free and frank discussion as Mr Chamberlain suggested is the fear that any dis- cussion going beyond the strictest limit of land and local government reform will be ruled out of order, it is clear that no such difficulty will be advanced by Mr Chamberlain. His view evi- dently is that a discussion upon the Irish question will be productive of good results if conducted in the order which he has indicated—namely: 1, land; 2, local government; and 3, anything which may be proposed in the direction of fur- ther self-government in Ireland, He appears to be sanguine of agreement upon the first two points, and if these be secured the conference would proceed with better hope to the considera- tion of the more thorny and difficult subject which will still remain."

LORD R. CHURCHILLIS I EXPLANATION. The Daily jVezcsunderstands that Lord Randolph Churchill has addressed to Mr Akers-Douglas, the Conservative Whip, a long letter setting forth the reason* of his differences with,hil colleagues leading to his resignation. Occasion will be taken to Wring this communication under the notice of the House ot Commons.

The Pall Afall Gazette states that Lord Randolph Churchill has no intention of opposing his late colleagues. He has decided that bis true policy will be one of benevolent but independent sup: port, especially with iegard to the maintenance of the union with Ireland.

A DOUBLE TRAGEDY. I The usually quiet village of Newtown, Conn., is in a state of intense excitement over a double tragedy that has just occurred here. Mrs James Lynch was shot dead on the night of Dec. 22nd by William H. Rowell, Jr., who followed up the murder next morning by shooting himself dead in the room where the body of his victim lay. The scene of these terrible occurrenccs was the resi- dence of Mrs Almira Lewis, an old fashioned farmhouse on what is known as Sugar-street. Mrs Lewis is- the mother of Mrs Lynch, and living with her and a younger daughter and a son, respectively 16 and 15 years old. Mrs Lynch's' name was Ella, and she was a very pretty young woman. She was married three years ago, but the marriage was not a happy cne and the pair separated. Mr Lynch is at present a resident of Bridgeport. Mrs Lynch, after the separation, passed her time among her friends. Rowell, who is a resident of Brookfield, and about twenty years old, had long been enamoured of her, and now became an intimate friend. In fact, he be- came a lover, and the matter of a divorce appears to have been discussed between them. The pair had a quarrel, when suddenly Rowell drew from beneath his coat a six-chamber 44 calibre revolver, and fired three shots, two of which took effect in the woman's back a few inches below the shoulder. One of them struck a corset steel, driving it into the body a distance of eight inches. The third shot struck the edge of the bodice, slightly tearing it. Death was instantaneous, the victim falling upon the carpet without uttering a syllable. Rowell afterwards shot himself through the heart, and lay beside his victim. On a table near by he had left the following letter:— I want the letters in my trunk shown to the public, to let them know what a false lover Ella was to me The letters without a name on Ella wrote to m. Love does it all. Don't worry, I'm better off now. Do the best you can. Good-bye. W. H. ROWELL, Jr.

HEAVY SNOWSTORM. I Gallant Lifeboat Rescue. I A heavy snowstorm prevailed on the south coast this morning. The Eastbourne lifeboat put off during the storm to a vessel off Beachy Head. The vessel proved to be a Norwegian barque of over 1,000 tons burthen. She eventually went on the. rocks under Beachy Head, and was greatly damaged by contact with the cliffs. The crew were rescued with difficulty by the lifeboat, in the sight of several thousands of persons on shore, who watched the scene. When the lifeboat returned, after six hours absence, the men were loudly cheered. Snow commenced to fall in London and the suburbs between two and three o'clock this morn- ing, and steadily continued during the forenoon of to-day. The flakes were not large, however, and became finely granulated before they reached the ground, so that at ten o'clock this morning the depth of snow had only reached about three inches. The slippery state of the roads inter- fered considerably with the tiaffie, and omnibus services were carried on only to a partial extent. Snow has fallen to a depth of over a foot at Buckingham. Many telegraph wires are down, and traffic MI much impeded. There Was a heavy fall of snow at Brighton this morning. It lay on the ground to a depth of several inches. Snow is also falling in Ijincolnshire.

A YOUTHFUL HIGHWAYMAN. Yesterday, at the Rochdale County Police- court, a youth, who said his name was Joseph Burns, and that he had run away from home at Leeds, was brought up on a charge of having no visible means of subsistence. It is supposed that he has been lately reading some exciting litera- ture of th e "Jack Sheppard" type, for at midnight on Sunday Sergeant O'Hata met him in the main street of the village of Littleborougb, armed withe a pistol and some matches, which the youth described as "buiglpis* matches." He told th sergeant that he had walked from Manchester that day. and intended sleeping that night in the Littleborougb Churchyard, but on other question. he was rather reticent. The magistrates remanded him to give the pilico an opportunity of tracing out his telaticns.

-0- ACTION BY MR DILLON AGAINST THE POLICE. A writ will be issued to-day, at the suit of Mr Dillon, against Inspector O'Brien and Inspector Davis, for illegal seizure of money at Loughrea.

SCENE IN A POLICE COURT. At the petty sessions, Loughrea, yesterday, John Roche, chairman of the Woodford Tenants' Defence Association, was bound over to keep the peace for six months, or undergo three month's imprisonment, for intimidatory language. Daring the trial the defendant's solicitor made reference to Inspector Davis, whereupon, it is alleged, the officer rushed at the solicitor, threatening lum with violence.

I ATTACK ON A MAGISTRATE. Major Neild, resident magistrate, has just bad an unpleasant adventure at Charfostown, County Mayo. He was driving into the town when a body of tenants, waiting to give the process server a warm reception, mistook him for that obnoxious official and beat him badly. He was rescued by the parish priest, and the tenants, who had seized a bag supposing it to contain writs, returned it intact and then fled.

AGRARIAN OUTRAGE.. The stable of a man, named James Conway, between Westport and Beluallet, Mayo, was fired last night and two cows and a horse destroyed. Conway recently took an evicted farm.

THE" PLAN OF CAMPAIGN" CONSPIRACY. Difficulties of a Government Shorthand Writer. The hearing of evidence in support of the charge preferred against Messrs John Dillon, David Sheehy, Wm. K. Redmond, Daniel Crilly, Matthew Harris, and Wm. O'Brien, of conspiring to solicit tenants not to pay their rents, was re- sumed to-day in the Dublin police-court, before Mr O'Donnell. The defendants were all present, with the exception of Messrs Redmond and Harris. It was stated that the laiter was dangerously ill from hemorrhage of the lungs. The court was crowded. Sergeant Christopher, examined, stated that be reported the speech made by Mr Daniel Crilly at Loughglynn, Roscommon, in December last. Witness read the speech from the transcript made from bis notes, showing that Mr Crilly recom- mended the adoption of the Plan of Campaign," and defied Lord Dillon or any other landlord to issue 3,000 processes and evict that number of tenants. Witness also read his tran- script of the speech delivered by Mr Dillon at Ballighaderreen, on the 10th December. in that speech Mr Dillon told the men of county Mayo that if the tenants won the victory on the lines of the plan, the power of landlordism would be for ever broken. A petition, he said, had been received from the tenants on a portion of French Park estates, and a collector would would be sent to Lisacull on the following day. Witness on cross-examination said that after transcribing his notes he inserted in the transcript words from memory,, as well as words from his notes. In answer to Mr Heaiy, witness stated that he bad struck out of his notes of Mr O'Brien's speech, at Kedue, several words which he could not read. Words which appear in his manu- script in plaoe of those struck out of bia notes were supplied from memory. Mr Healy applied td have the witness's note I book impounded with a view to prosecuting him for perjury. The application was refused. [CASK PROCBEDING.J

A LAD POISONED BY WHISKEY DRINKING. The Coatbridge police authorities report that a number of boys, from 12 to 14 years of age, had been holding the New Year holidays, and had indulged pretty fieely in drinking whiskey. One of them, named John Young, after vomit- in a good deal, was put to bed about one o'clock In the morning. When his father tried to rouse him about nine o'clock, the boy was dead. The doctor certified that death was caused by alcoholic poisoning.

FIRE IN A ROMAN PALACE. On Saturday night, at the Odescalchi Palace, in the Piazza 88. Appstoli, Rome, a tire broke out on the second floor, where a Christmas tree bad been illuminated for the children of the Prince, and the wind, which was very strong, fanned the flames, which speedily raged with great fury. King Humbert, on learning that the palace, which contained precious objects of art, was on fire, left the Royal Palace and hastened to the place t cf the disaster, where he remained until a late hour in the morning., The losses are valued at 5,000,000fr. The jewels of the Princess, a precious collection of missals and of faience, as well as many pictures, including a small Raphael, were destroyed. The Museum is fortunately intact, but the whole of the splendid old furniture on the second floor was burned. The apartments of the Belgian Minister to the Vatican (on the second floor) were greatly damaged. The Palace was not insured. The Odescalcbi are among the wealthiest families of Rome, and the two Princes are great collectors of antiquities.

A MAN BURIED ALIVE. < A painful incident, which recalls Edgar Foe's thrilling sketch entitled Premature Burial," is reported from Saumur. A young man, who was afflicted with a contagious disease, suddenly died, at least to all appearance, and his burial was ordered to take place as soon as possible. The croquemorts, or undertaker's men, who carried the coffin to the grave, thought that they heard a noise like knocking under its lid, yet being afraid of creating a panic among the people who attended the funeral, they went Oil with their burden. The coffin was duly placed in tfre grave, but, as the earth was being thrown upon it, unmistakable sounds of knocking ere heard by everybody. The Mayor, however, bad to be sent for before the coffin could be opened, and some delay occurred in the arrival of that official. When the lid was removed, the horrible discovery was made that the unfortunate inmate bad only just died of asphjxia. The terrible French law requiring speedy interment ought to be modified 1. without aalav.

SHOCKING OUTRAGE ON A I WOMAN. Yesterday morning, at Lawford's Gate petty session. near Bristol, Charles William Gunn and Frederick Nicholls, gunners in the Royal Artillery, and James Stevens and Jacob Shermur, two Infantry men, were charged with criminally assaulting, on December 30th, at Hor- field, Emma Penley, a single woman, aged 25 years, living at Soutbmead, and engaged at the Southmead laundry. The prosecutrix, whose face was badly bruised, stated that on the night in question she met Gunn, who would persist in following her home, notwithstanding her protests. On the way she met a respectable-looking man, whom she asked to see her home because she was afraid of Guun, and the man said he would, but Gunn replied that he should not allow him to do so. She then walked on, and when she reached the wicket gate in the Church field be acted indecently towards her. She screamed, and Stevens and Shermur came towards them, but they were told to go on by Gunn. She appealed to them to stay, but they passed on a yard or two. She walked out of the wicket gate, and then Gunn pulled her down and criminally as- saulted her. She cried for help, but he tried to prevent her by putting ;bis "band on :her mouth. She at last got away, but Stevens and Shermur came back, and catching her they all three outraged her. They placed clay in her mouth, to prevent her calling for assistance. They next carried her for some distance, lifted her over a stile into a field, and again assaulted her. Medical evidence showed that the prosecutrix had been subjected to very gross and violent treat- ment, and the men were committed for trial.

ISSUE OF THE NEW ARMY WARRANT, The expected toy warrant respecting promo- I tion, &o., is iss' 1 to day. First commissions in cavalry and ir Antry may be given cadets who have passed the Royal Military College or the Canadian Military College, or to officers of the auxiliary forces, or to warrant or non-com- missioned officers not over 32 years of age, recom- mended by the Commander-in-Chief. In regard to promotion a second lieutenant may be promoted, to fill a vacancy, to lieutenant after three years full pay service, and a lieutenant to captain after 11 years. Captains may be promoted to major after six years service to fill vacancies or under certain other conditions. Advancement to lieut.- col. is to be either by selection after two years as major or by brevet for distinguished servicosand by regimental succession in the Royal (late Indian) Engineers. When the last otfioer of the late Indian Artillery and Engineers has been pro- moted to major-genei-al, the British and Indian Artillery should be amalgamated, and the engineer list similarly amalgamated, and promo- tion shall be to the amalgamated list. A colonel is to be eligible for promotion to major-general up to 55, but if holding temporary rank only, at that age, he is to be eligible up to 62. The warrant deals exhaustively with increased pay and pen- sions, and will have effect from the 1st of Jan.

MR GOSCHEN AND THE CARRIAGE TAX. The Press Association says that at a carriage tax conference, to be held at Manchester, on Thursday next, several letters giving the opinions of prominent statesmen on the question will be read, ihcluding the following extract from a letter of the new Chancellor of the Exchequer to Mr Armstrong, of Edinburgh, when Mr Goschen sat for East Edinburgh:—"You make out a strong case for the aboli- tion of the Carriage Tax, especially in its aspect as a burden on the hiring of carriages for business purposes and not as a luxury. The only question is when can the tax be abolished and in competition witwhat other reductions of taxation ? It must readily be admitted that there are anomalies—vexatious eirciimqtancey- connected with this tax on locomotion and I recognise from your argument the importance which it has for Scotland. But probably it will have to be shown, when the time comes, that there are no other taxes even more undesirable and inexpedient, before a goverument would pledge itself to the abolition of this impost. In any case 1 am glad to have had the opportunity of perusing your very detailed statement of objections."

KISSING-IN THE NEW YEAR. A Paris correspondent writesAmong the lower classes a curious custom still exists—that of people not related kissing each other as the clock rings out the old year and rings in the new. Unmarried women of the working class think it unlucky not to be kissed by one of the opposite sex on the very opening of the New Year, and when they are no longer in the ieyday of their youth they generally arrange to give the concierge of the bouse in which they live a franc or two to come up and wish them la tame tmnie as the clock strikes 12 on the night of December 31st. In the provinces the rule kbout kissing is inflexible, and any lady who withheld her cheek from the salute of any acquaintance or dependent, however humble, whether man or woman, who wished her la bonne annee, would not only make an enemy, but be set down as having un mauvaisemur. In Paris people are less sentimental, and a pecuniary return for the expression of good wishes adequately meets the requirements of the case, without the kiss being exacted.

ENGLISH CRICKETERS IN AUSTRALIA. "~™° V"* JU ri,ticuTER's TICUGItAx.] I METBOURNK, Monday.—The return mat, between Shaw's Eleven and an Eler"- tralia was resumed here to-day. T*- who on Saturday had made T wickets, concluded the* £ of 246 runs. The English tfeaiftth jv v when stumps were drawn had scor the loss of nine wickets. Of this n cootributnH i

n' I TO-DAY'S SPORTING. J Newmarket Training Notes. I (DY OUR NEWMARKET CORRESPONDENT.) NEWMARKET, Tuesday.—More snow has fallen here, without, however, improving matters, and again the roads, rough grass, and straw beds had to be resorted to by stveral of our teams. Ou the Bury side, W. Arnull's Sock, Chicard, and Archibald were given a good spell of healthy trotting work. C. Arnull's Mephisto. Silver, Luciana, Hugo, Counterfeit, Argo Navis, Devilshoof, and the two year olds were similarly employed. Cannon's Confessor, Ducat. Colonist, Lord Lumley, and Little Lady were given galloping exercise in the Exeter House covered ride the remainder of his team took matters easy. Other teams not mentioned were confined to their home yards and paddocks.

SPORTING ITEMS. It is stated that Cortolvin and Woodman, in Swatton's team at Alresford, are amiss. J. Bennett and J. North commenced their billiard match of 8,000 up, spot barred, at the Aquarium yesterday. According to American papers recently to hand, tbe connection between Steinitz and the New xork Chess Club bas been severed. Mr Jennings's, sen., has sustained a heavy loss by the death of the two year old chestnut colt by Poulet out of Etolia, which died from inflamma- tion last week. As regards the Derby, there is a lurking dis- position to back Enterprise and Timothy, 10 to 1 and 20 to 1 respectively being considered fairly good for backers if they should succeed in getting on. Lohmann, the Surrey bowler, has caused a very favourable impression out in Australia. The cricket critics speak highly of him, and the de tailed scores which have so far come to hand show that he and Briggs have done most of the destruc- tion amongst the opposing batsmen. The International Skating Contest has been fixed to take place at Rotterdam on Friday and Saturday next. The chief event is the One Mile Open Championship, the definition of an amateur being that of the National Skating Association. The ice is in splendid condition. The Duke of Westminster intends running Ormonde next season in the Ascot Cup, Hard- wicke Stakes, and Champion Stakes. Supposing Ormonde to be thoroughly sound and well next winter, he will probably be seen, running as a five year old, as his noble owner has entered him for the Champion Stakes and Hardwicke Stakes of 1888. Hunting men have been "frozen out' in the North, as elsewhere, and have sought amusement in shooting and hockey. One day last week a hockey match between teams chosen by the Earl of Zetland and the Earl of Scarborough, was played on the Aske ponds. The game proved particularly exciting, and resulted in a draw. The Mayor (Capt. Gerald Walker), George Roper, Ted Roper, and Lord Dundas played for Lord Zetland, whilst Lord Scarborough had the assist- ance of Mr Oswald Lumley and others. The Prince of Wales having expressed a wish to have the spurs worn by Fred Archer when he rode Ormonde in his last race at Newmarket, the executors have sent them to his Royal Highness. together with the saddle used on that occasion.

TO-DAY'S POLICE. — CARDIFF. AN OLD SroRY REPEATED.—At the police-court to-day—before Mr Lewis Williams, Alderman Waring, and Mr W. Sanders—John Miller (40), a powerfully-built man, who looked like an old soldier, was charged with being drunk and dis- orderly, and with causing an obstruction in St Mary-street yesterday.—In reply to the charge defendant said he rarely took drink, as he had sustained an injury to his head by a fall at tbe docks, and after two glasses he did not know what he was doir.g.—Mr Williams: Knowing that you ought to be particularly careful to keep from the driiik .-Defendant Well, by the help of God, I'll never take any more.—Mr Williams S I am glad to hear you say that. I have known many who, by seeking that help, have obtained the mastery over drink. You are discharged now. AN OLD OMENDEB. — At the same ooort, Florence Jones (25), an unfortunate, was charged with disorderly conduct in Bute-street and damag- ing the uniform of Police-constable Crook this morning.—The officer said on arresting her she became so violent that a stretcher had to be pro- cured to take her to the station. She bit a piece cut of the sleeve of his overcoat.—Defendant said the officer accused her of living in Tiger Bay, and he pushed her down and struck her.—Mr Sanders: How came the hole in his coat ?-Defendant: I don't deny making that.—The Clerk: Is anything known of her ?—Supt. Price: She has been here 26 times.—Mr Lewis Williams: Twenty shillings and costs, or 14 days.

FRENCH LUNATIC ASYLUMS, I 0 A correspondent writes:—" A few months since an unfortunate gentleman was released who had been kept in a lunatic establishment at Montpellier for over 40 years. It was shown that at the time of his incarceration the man was perfectly sane. He had been put oat of the way by his relations, with a view to secure his wealth, as he was on the eve of marryinle a woman inferior to himself in social position. The confinement had the effect of imparing bis faculties, and the patient disd shortly after the wrongs he had undergone were brought to light. A fresh case is reported from the Ain department of the imprisoning of a sane man as a lunatic. The captive, M. Louvry, effected his escape. He alleges that he was con- fined for a year in an ill.lit room, bcWOld hand and foot. Such treatment is strictly prohibited by law. He also brought charges of cruelty against his attendants. The matter was dealt with in the Bourg Police-oourt, and it was shown that M. Louvry escaped with a portion of a chain attached to him. Prooeedings were taken against the medical man superintending the bouse, the matron, and two keepers. Fines were levied on the three last-named, and Dr Lacuire was condemned to a fortnight's imprisonment. The Moatpeliier Tribunal has just sentenced to six months, im- prisonment one Laporte, the keeper of tbe criminal asylum in that city, and a man living outside of it, for assisting a prisoner to rscape. The fugitive is a priest ccnvicted cf faeries of swindling transactions. He had bE p. remitted to the asylum to undergo his sentence, the plea of in. sanity having prevailed in his favour. The,abbe has not been recaptured, and is believed to be in Iiidina4omewhere in the vicinity of Montpellier,"

REVOLTING CASE AT JARROW. At the Jarrow police-court on Saturday Joseph McGuinness, a younv man, was brought up on a charge of committing a rape on Isabella Gaffing, a girl 15 years of age.-3ergt. Hildreth said be found the prisoner add the girl ia a waab-hous in North street, Jarrow, about three e'cloek that morning. It was alleged that the prisoner bad committed the offence with which be was new charged. The girl was helplessly drank, and bad to be led to the porice-station. -Prisoner Wall. remanded.

TAYLEURE'S CIRCUS., l The entertainment provided at Mr TayleureV J Circus in Westgate-Btreet this week is quite Hp to I the standard of excellence which usually pie tails at this well-managed establishment. Miss BewM performance on the elastic cord is remafk. clever and difficult, and the same may be 611: Miss Cash more's feats on the invisible Madame Myers gives a capital exposition icole riding, and Mdlle. Pauline's grac on horseback, and the daring riding Transfield come in for a large share e Mons. Leo and Clemolo's calisthr and the startling performances Maile. Dewy are also notable tionaliy strong programme

I ST. PAr fcTR*" t Trt-,

MONEY MARKET. I LATEST QUOTATIONS. STOCK EXCHANGE, LONDON, 3 p.m. Very moderate demand for money. Discount, 31 to 31. Consols weaker. Foreign inactive. Hun- garian Fours, 82 £ Home Rails generally weaker. Lancashires buoyant, Americans depressed. Louis- villes, 67 Den vers, 35 to 35i; Lake Shores, 98!; Norfolk Preference, 54; Wabash Preference, 36i; Union Pacifics, 621; Canada Pacifies, 69. Trunks flat; Firsts, 77*; Guaranteed, 74¡. Mexicans lower Firsts, 112; Seconds, 69. Mysore Gold, Paris Bourse dull. CLOSING PRICES: Coasela Acct ..100i 100ti Turks 3ds& 4ths 1*4 Jtt New A KeducedlOli 101i Egyptian Pref 9JJ » Caledonian 98* 98i KgyptianUmfied 7*1 TO Great Hasten.. 684 69* Mexicans 28 2» HuJI Burnsley. 18 18± Peruvian Fives 12J lo Great North.I07! 1071 Peruvian Sixes Great Western.. 136 136! Russian 1873 Ln. eSi IMi Lancasb, <fc Yorkll7 118 Pennsylvania* 58J 6t bon. &Chatham 254 233 Readings "ft Ditto Pref.. jolk lOli Atlantic IstMort SO* Mt Brighton Def. 1191 119, Eries 34. 35t bouth-Eastn Deflll 111* Illinois.137 128 Lon.& N-Wastu.1631 lb4* New York Ctrls. 117 117* Metropolitan .115{ 115, Gr.TrunkCauada 134 14 Metro. District 40 40; L mbardos — — — Midland 1241 1244 Angio-American 364 Man.,Sbef,& Ian 684 69* Suez Canals 80i 814 Ditto Def 371 37. Hudson's Bays North-British.. 9", 98¡ Ottoman Banks 10: 11 Nortb-Eastern .1521 163 Mexican Rails.. 68. 584 Italians 98 98! Telephones 141 11 Spanish Fours 65}

I TO-DAY'S SHIPPING. J Lloyd's Shipping Casualties. The yacht, Zelia, is at Algiers with mainmast sprung unshipping ma,,t. The steamer, Kb sola, from Ergasteria, with cargo of iron ore, grounded on entering Niaryport yesterday. Afterwards towed off, badly damaged. The steamer, Ealing, from Savannah, which arrived at Liverpool with cargo a-tire, is much damaged about two thousand bales 01 cotton also damaged, The steamer, Paraense, from Ceara to Liverpool, is at Maranbam with propeller lost. The steamer, Giannibanta. from Barletta to Rouen, is at Gibraltar with cargo adrift in hold. The schooner, Hawk, from Barnstaple to Newport, ifl at Minehead, bottom damaged, having stranded. Cardiff Arrivals EAST BOTE DOCK Jan. Srd.-Ouse ss, 441, Granville, light. Cttrina Accame, 738, London, ballast. Sagitta, 673, Hamburg, baliast. Porro, 475, London, ballast. Johann Theodore, 686, Amsterdam, ballast. Ringdove 68, Chepstow, ballast. Robert Injrram ss, 650, Dun- kerque, light. Palmers tone, 1143, Dunkerque, ballast. Abrana, 390, Danzic, timber. Amoor ss, 1288, Hull, light. StmtlaaUen ss, 40 St Mao, grass. Sinbad ss, 623, Portsmouth, light. EAST BUTE DOCK, Jan 4.—Severn ss, 406, Belfast, sundries. Mayo as, 1294, Bilbao, iron ore. Illimaai, b9C. Swansea, ballast. Maid of the Mill, 39, Barry. sleepers. Petty, 489, Bristol, light, Ely Rise ss, 783, Glasgow, light. Iron Action, 733. Bristol, liarht. HOATH BASIN, Jan. 2.—D irdogne ss, 587, Bordeaux, pit wood. Endymon ss, 1,495, Hull, light. Isberguo ss, 943, Boulonge, light. Activity ss, 758, Dieppe, light. Tredegar ss, 873, Dunkerque, light. WEST BUTE DOCK, Jan. 4.—Goven Antonio Percy, 190, Corunna, pic wood. Scbwergaard ss. 355, Plymouth, light. Tjalf, 211. Brevig, ice. M E Johnson 99, Bridgewaier, light. Mary Kellow, 74. Hayle, flour. Old Head, 96, Kinsale, oats. Leila, 84, Rabat, beans* Fanny Jaue, 64, Bridgewater, wheat bricks. Captain Cook ss, 153, Liverpool, sundries. Hoyhead ss, 199, Dover, light. Senitre, .72, Peuza.nce, broken stone. Castalia, S), Dahouet, pota.toes.

SENSATIONAL SUICIDE IN .THE CITY. Yesterday afternoon a suicide was committed at 46, Gresbam street, London, by a gentleman whose name is at present unknown. As Alfred Caldicott, letter-carrier, 645 G.P.O., was return- ing downstairs, and was outside the lavatory on thafinit floor, he was alarmed by the explosion of firearms inside. He tried to open the door, but it was bolted on the inside. Information was givea to the police, and Sergeant Egan,and Police- constable Oi iff, 591, immediately went to the spot, and forced an entrance through the window there they discovered the suicide huddled up in a corner weltering in blood, with a five-chambered revolver and a piece of paper beside him. One of the chambers was discharged, the deceased having effected his end by shooting himself tbsough the eye. On the back of the piece of paper, which was a receipt in the name of J. H. Bovome, was was written in pencil, I drew a cheque for £500. and was going to rob* you, but I could not. The money is in my pocket. The deeds are C. W.D.R., and are in the lower drawer." The body was removed to the city mortuary.

MATRIMONIAL SWINDLING IN PARIS. Two women, described as English, one named Evetine Rappy, the other Lindsay, were arrested in Paris yesterday on the charge of matrimonial' swindling. It is alleged that Lindsay, who was married in France 20 years ago, was accustomed to advertise in some of the newspapers. offering in marriage a young widow possessing a million francs, or "a wealthy girl who had lost her reputation," To those who took the bait she produced Rappy, who is 25 years of age, and the latter is said to have visited England with several Frenchmen in succession, to have gone through the marriage ceremony, and to have disappeared next day, not only with the wedding presents, but witb any jewellery within her reach. Rappy was arrfested ira a high-class hotel just as she waa about to start for England to mdet a fresh dupe. ffin is said to be very handsome, and to have detected persons occupying positions so high that tbey Kere ashamed to prefer a complaint. The letters and accounts seized have, however, faririebed tall information. Rappy has made a oonfesftion, throwing the entire responsibility on Lfedeav.

-+- THE FATAL KITCHEN BOILER EXPLOSIONS. An inquest was held at Shepherd's Bush, London, today, on Lawrence Hopkinson, aged li, residing at Shepherd's Bush-avenue. He was aittibg at breakfast with his mother, a widow, 8ft Sunday morning, when he was kiiled by the bursting of a high preeeote boiler, which supplied the bathroom. Aa inquest was also held at Acton, London, on Fanny Pritchard, a caretaker, who was killed by the oxpwian; of a kitchen boiler through the freezing of the pipes. Verdicts -of "Accidenta death won returned.

THE PETROLEUM EXPLOSION. Another Death. Another name bØII of killed is to, Witmam4, The ? )

NEW YEAR TRAGEDIES AT VIENNA. A Vienna correspondent telegraphs: The new year in Vienna, began with murder and auiciide. A popular singer eighteen years of age, exceeding- ly pretty, and still new to the way of the world, was stabbed to the heart by a lover she did not care for, and fell dead the same instant. A youog post office official shot his sweetheart, an actress, dead with a revolver and then blew his own brains out. Some hours later a man and woman, not identified, were seen to jump band and hand into the Danube, whose rapid waters bore them away before any one could come to their rescue. In Pesth a wealthy landed proprietor, who was I married only a week ago, blew his brains out with a revolver.