The Cardigan Observer and General Advertiser for the Counties of Cardigan Carmarthen and Pembroke

REVOLVER SHOOTING IN A SOLICITOR'S OFFICE. An extraordinary occurrence has taken place iø" the office of a Birmingham solicitor, Mr. Geoffrey Parr. Mr. Parr is the trustee under the will of deceased brickmaker named Smart, whose est»t« was recently realised, and one of the beneficiary was the testator's son Hubert James Smart- Smart was, it is alleged, dissatisfied because tbB" accounts were not pushed forward to a settlement* and when Mr. Parr told him he could have no more money until the accounts were completed h could have no more money until the accounts weF# completed he became very angry and drew revolver from his coat pocket. Before he coul ø use it, however, Mr. Parr and a clerk, who r*. into the room on hearing the scuffle, overpowered the man, but not before Mr. Pal'l') 8 the struggle had received a slight wound on tb chin, apparently with the trigger of the rev°lv. The weapon went off, and the bullet ripped inside of Smart's forearm, and was found in tbo flesh when he was arrested and examined "J surgeon. Neither wound was, however, serious character. Smart had been detect" custody.

LONDON LETTER. Lr will be interesting to ascertain what will be the re-arrangements in connection with the judicial bench. From time to time we have been bearing a good deal as to the changes which were said to have been in contemplation but up to the present the sifting up process does not appear to have been indulged in. Now, how- ever, the rumours are revived, and some of them are of an extremelv interesting nature. It is clear that in the ordinary course of events the new appointments may be expected to be made before the courts re-commence their sittings. This will occur about am onth hence. It is stated with some show of authority that the changes will be of an important character. Perhaps the most noteworthy rumour is that amongst the new appointments will be that of Sir Richard Webster as Master of the Rolls. This has been so frequently talked of that but little reliance can be placed upon such a state- ment until the official statement is made, though there would appear to be some reason for thinking that on this occasion the story has some foundation of fact. Then there is a vacancy to be filled, and the names of several prominent members of the Bar are being men- tioned in connection with this. It has for some time past been urged that the number of judges should be increased in order to enable them to adequately cope with the constantly increasing mass of work which has to be dealt with in the courts. In some quarters the alternative is favoured of extending the system of appointing commissioners of assize, so that the ordinary judges of the High Court might be relieved in some measure of the necessity of circuit travelling. It is certain that some expedient will have to be resorted to, for it is notorious that year by year the pressure becomes in- creasingly great at the Law Courts. The death of the Marquess of Northampton has had the effect of rendering vacant the seat which Earl Compton has occupied for the Barnsley division of Yorkshire. The new Marquess has been a supporter of the principle of betterment, and it will be interesting to observe how extensively he will bring it into practice now that he has become a great ground landlord. It is an interesting fact that the Comptons form one instance of brothers occupy- ing seats in the House of Commons at the same time, and it is a further remarkable face, that in this case. the brothers were to be found on opposite sides of the House. Earl Compton- who, by the way, is the second son of the late Marquess, and succeeded to the courtesy title on the death of his brother—was ranged amongst the Liberals, while Lord Alwyne Compton, his younger brother and the third son, sits in the Unionist interest for the Bigglewade division of Bedfordshire. It ought to be added, perhaps, that Lord Alwyne has a certain claim to dis- tinction in the fact that he managed to oust Mr. George Russell, whose defeat was all the more remarkable when one bears in mind the great influence wielded by the House of Russell in the county. In this connection, however, it must not be overlooked that the present head of the house, the Duke of Bedford, as well as Lord Ampthill are both attached to the political party at present in power. The vacancy at Barnsley forms the second of the last few weeks, and the 39th since the General Election. The reports as to the wheat harvest continue to be contradictory. On the one hand dis- quieting statements emanate from the Con- tinent, while on the other it is reported from New South Wales and elsewhere that the yield is fully up to the average if not a trifle superior. In the English counties there was a good deal of corn lying out at the end of last week, and in some places it was still uncut; but a few fine days have enabled the farmers to carry large quantities of grain when it began to appear more certain of destruction. The prices remain high, and it is considered by competent judges that they have not yet reached their limit in the matter of altitude. It is pointed out that although many small holders are disposing of their stocks at present prices the large merchants are in most instances holding QQ. It is gratifying to be assured that there is not much prospect of the price of bread advancing very materially. In London the bakers have not been slow to take advantage of the rise of wheat to increase the charges for the staff of life but it is understood that these prices are not likely to be exceeded. There is not much reason for grumbling on the part of the public as matters stand at present. It is undoubtedly the reverse of pleasant for even a halfpenny a loaf to be added to the cost but even this does not bring the charge for the commodity to half the cost which ruled for some time during the progress of the Crimean War. Then it was no uncommon thing to be required to pay a shilling a loaf. Now the cost is fifty per cent. less, and yet there is a deal of grumbling going on. But we are notoriously a nation of grumblers In this the national privilege of grumbling and paying will have to be exercised. From time to time the country is startled by the announcement of the outbreak of an epidemic of that scourge small-pox. This week comes the highly acceptable statement that the Metropolis may be considered free from this fell disease, no case having been reported within the last few days. The significance of this assurance will be readily realised by those who bear in mind the great fight which has been waged for centuries against this loathsome pestilence. Whether the immunity which is at present able to be reported is to be ascribed to the efficacy of vaccination or to the undoubted advances in sanitation in the last few years must be left to partisans to quarrel over, though it may be said to be clear that a very important argument in favour of the latter contention is that in many places vaccination has been entirely neglected. In one place, indeed, so strong was the prejudice against the practice that of several hundred children who were born in a six months term only two were reported as having been successfully vaccinated. This is a typical case of some districts where the Vaccina- tion Laws have been allowed to fall into desuetude. For months past those interested in dramatic matters have been eagerly anticipating the pro- duction of Hamletby Mr. Forbes Robertson. It is a curious fact that the summit of the ambition of actors of high ability seems to be to produce this play, aud one scans the list of brilliant histrions who have taken up the rule of the Danish prince lie will find that it contains some very tine exponents. A few years ago folks were looking forward with eagerness to the version which should be given by Mr. Wilson Barrett, and it was found that this differed materially from the traditional idea of Shakespeare's character. Then came Mr. Beerbohm Tree, and here again was a distinc- tion with a very great difference. So rapid has been the rise of Mr. Forbes Robertson that it was with mingled confidence and expectation that admirers looked to see what manner of rendering he would give to the part. The play baa been duly presented, and the chorus con- cerning the latest Hamlet is that he is an un- qualified success. It was no mean matter to achieve success on the part of Mr. Robertson, for his bid for it was made on classic ground. It was at the Lyceum that Sir Henry Irving gave a scholarly presentation of the part, and to have pleased the critics on the same historic boards is an achievement which redounds to the credit of Mr. Forbes Robertson. Of course Mrs. Patrick Campbell is the Ophelia, and here again nothing but praise is uttered concerning the filling of the part. The piece will be certain of a good run, for it has already received the stamp of success. Reference has been frequently made of late to the motor cabs which are being used in Lon- don. There are a dozen of them in constant use, and it is stated that they are meeting with acceptance on the part of the public. In regard to safety it is only necessary to observe *that each vehicle is put to various tests before beinrr licensed by the authorities. It is claimed that the takings of the new vehicles are a great deal more than those of the drivers of the ordinary hansoms, and it is further averred that the motors are not meeting with opposition on the part of the cab proprietors. This is a some- what surprising fact, and one that must be accepted as hopeful so far as the future is con- cerned. The traffic of our great centres of population will be revolutionised with the extension of the use of electricity as a propulsive power for vehicles.

SPORTS AND PASTIMES. FOOTBALL. ASSOCIATION GAMES. THE LEAGUE.—In the First Division on Satur- day the following were the matches:—Notts. County v. Aston Villa At Trent Bridge, Notting- ham, Aston Villa won by three goals to two.- Sunderland v. Wolverhampton Wanderers These unbeaten teams met at Sunderland, and in the end Sunderland proved victorious by three goals to two.—West Bromwich Albion v. Notts. Forest: At West Bromwich, the home team won by two goals to none.-Derby County v. Everton At Derby, Everton were defeated by five goals to one. -Sheffield United v. Stoke: Sheffield United and Stoke, both unbeaten this season, were opposed at Sheffield eventually United won by four goals to three.—Bury v. Sheffield Wednesday: At Bury, the local club proved victorious by three goals to none.—Blackburn Rovers v. Bolton Wanderers These Lancashire clubs tried conclusions at Black- burn, and Bolton won by three goals to one.- Liverpool v. Preston North End: At Anfield- road, Liverpool, the game terminated in a point- less draw. Below are the results up to date :— Played. Won. Lost. Drawn. Pts. Aston Villa 3 3 0 0 li Shettield United 3 3 0 0 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers.. 3 2 1 0 4 Sunderland "3 2 0 0 4 Derby County 3 "J 1 0 4 Stoke 3 1 1 1 '.i Everton 2 1 1 0 2 West Bromwich Albion 2 1 1 I) 2 Bolton Wanderers 2 1 1 0 2 Bury 2 1 1 0 2 Liverpool 2 0 0 2 2 Notts. Forest 2 0 I 1 1 Notts. County 3 0 2 1 1 Preston North End. 3 0 2 1 1 Blackburn Rovers 2 0 2 0 0 Sheffield Wednesday 3 0 3 0 0 In the Second Division Saturday's games were -Grimsby Town v. Darwen: Grimsby Town, on their ground, won this match very easily, scoring five to none.—Luton v. Gainsborough Trinity Playing at Luton, Gainsborough Trinity had to admit defeat by f-)ur goals to none.-Small Heath v. Leicester Fosse At Small Heath, the Leicester Fosse team were beaten by two goals to one.- Burton Swifts v. Newton Heath Newton Heath journeyed to Burton, and defeated Barton Swifts by four goals to none.—Blackpool v. Bumley The return match between these clubs, at Blackpool, resulted in a draw of one goal each.—Manchester City v. Loughborough A well-contested game between these clubs, at Manchester, ended in a victory for Manchester City by three goals to none. -Woolwich Arsenal v. Lincoln City: At Plum- stead, the Arsenal could only draw with Lincoln Citv, the final score being two goals each.- Walsall v. Newcastle United: At Walsall, the Newcastle men won by three goals to two. SOUTHERN LEAGUE -New Brompton v. Chat- ham These neighbouring clubs met at New Brompton, Chatham being beaten by two goals to one.-Reading v. Swindon Reading on their own ground beat Swindon by one goal to none.— Sheppey United v. Gravesend: At Sheerness, Sheppey United beat Gravesend by four goals to none.-Bristol City v. Wolverton A heavy scor- ing match between these clubs at Bristol ended in a victory for Bristol City by seven goals to four. THE MIDLAND LEAGUE.—Rush den v. Long Eaton Rangers: Rushden won this match at Rushdon by three goals to one.-Ilkeston v. Wellingborough: At Ilkeston, Wellingborough suffered defeat by three goals to none.—Burton Wanderers v. Kottering There was no scoring in this match at Burton, so the game ended in a draw. -Chesterfield v. Doncaster Rovers A draw of three goals each was the result of this match at Chesterfield.—Bamsley St. Peter's v. Burslem Port Vale At Barnsley the local club beat Burslem by four tfoals to two. UNITED LHAG CE. —At Millwall on Monday Rush- den won by three goals to none, while at Welliag- borough Loughborough lost by two to none. SCOTTISH LEAGUE.—Clyde and Third Lanark R. V. played a drawn game of one goal each at Glasgow; St. Mirren beat Patrick Thistle by one goal to none at Paisley St. Bernards and Dundee drew their match at Dundee and Glasgow Rangers beat the Hibernians by one goal to none at Glasgow. CLUB MATCHES. — Millwall v. London Cale- donians At Millwall, this match was won easily by the home team, who scored six goals to two.- Tottenham Hotspur v. Chorley Tottenham Hot. spur beat the Lancashire League Champions, at Tottenham by three goals to one. RUGBY UNION. NORTHERN UNION. — Yorkshire section. — Hull v. Leeds A capital game at Hnll ended in a draw of two tries each. Leeds Parish Church v. Bradford At Leeds, the Parish Church winning by three tries to nothing.—Halifax v. Hunslet: After a good match Hunslet won, at Halifax, by a goal and two tries to a try.-Holbech v. Brighouse Rangers At Holbech, the home side winning by a goal and five tries to a goal and a try. -Batley v. Liversedge On their own ground, Batley won by three goals and five tries to nothing.—Heckmond- wike v. Bramley: A hard fight at Heckmondwilce was won by the home club by a try to a goal (3 points to 2).—Huddersfield v. Castleford: At Huddersfield, the home club winning by two goals and a try to a goal and a try.—Manningham v. Wakefield Trinity: At Manningham, the visitors winning by two tries to one try.—Lancashire Section St. Helen's v. Leigh Playing at home, St. Helen's proved successful by two goals and two tries to a goal and a try.-Morecambe v. Broughton Rangers: The Rangers visited Morecambe and won by two goals and three tries to nothing.—Stock- port v. Oldham: At Stockport, the visitors winning by three goals and four tries to one try.- Salford v. Widnes: A well-contested game, at Salford, ended in favour of the home fifteen by a goal and two tries to two goals and one try (eight points to seven).-Swinton v. Wigan On their own ground, Swinton won by two goals and seven tries to one goal.—Warrington v. Rochdale Hor- nets At Warrington, the home club winning by two goals and five tries to two tries.-Runcorn v. Tyldesley At Runcorn, the home side proving successful by two goals and five tries to nothing. CYCLING. INTERNATIONAL RACING IN PARIS.—A large crowd assembled at the Velodrome de la Seine, Paris, on Sunday, to witness the 50 mile match between Chase and Huret. At the sixth lap, after the Englishman had ridden away from his opponent, the latter fell, hurting his leg badly. As he could not resume the match the Frenchman Champion replaced him. Chase, however, won easily by a score of laps. The whole distance was covered in Ih. 41min. 9 2 5sec. BRIGHTON AND BACK RECORD BEATEN.—On Saturday W. J. Neason, of the Anfield Bicycle Club, accomplished the London to Brighton and back journey of 106 miles in the fresh record time of 5h. 6miu. 42sec., thus beating R. Palmer's previous best of 5h. 9min. 45sec. The latter per- formance was accomplished on July 15th. Mr. F. T. Bidlake took the time. CRICKET. THE FIRST CLASS AVERAGES.—Though only one match has been played since the figures were last published, there are several changes in the averages. As the result of two small scores at Hastings—Mr. N. F. Druce has lost his place at the top of the batting lists, Mr. Ford, who has not played since the 17th of July, now standing first. As Ranjit- sinhji is not taking part in the Gentlemen and Players match at Hastings to-day, Abel in the only batsman who has a chance of finishing the season with an aggregate of 2,000 runs in first-class cricket. Richardson has taken 260 wickets and only needs eight more to give him the wonderful record of 1,000 wickets in four successive seasons. Cuttell has a fractionally better average than Briggs. GOLF. PROFESSIONAL MATCH Ar PENARTH.-The Welsh championship meeting was brought to a conclusion at, Penarth, on Saturday, with a 36 holes match between Alexander Herd, of Hudderfield, and James Braid, of Romford. The original fixture was Herd v. J. H. Taylor, of Wimbledon, but the latter was unable to attend. Braid played splen- didly in the round, at the end of which he was 6 up. There was a very large "gallery" when the second round commenced. Herd showed magnifi- cent form, and soon wiped off some of the adverse balance. At the turn he was only 4 down. At the 161/h hole, Braid was only one up, but securing the 17th, he won the match by two holes up and one to play.

MURDER OF AN ENGLISHMAN. A telegram has been received in London to the effect that the murderers of Mr. Welch, the Abou- kir Company's assistant manager in Egypt, were known to the police, and that four of them had been arrested. It is surmised, in the absence of details, that the murderers, six in number, were Bedouins, many of whom are in the habit of encamping in the vicinity of the company's estates, near Alexandria, and that they waylaid their victim when he was riding home from a visit to an extensive portion of the property which is under cultivation. Mr. Welch, who was about 24 years of age, entered the company's service about three years ago. The son of a Scottish missionary, he was born in Jamaica, and he had a successful career at Edinburgh University.

An accident to Mme. Sarah Bernhardt is said to have occurred whilst the actress was climbing k down a cliff path.

CURRENT OPINION. THE TRAIiES mUON CONGRESS. The Daily Graphic, alluding to a resolution passed at the meeting of the Trades Union Congress dealing with the existing system — or want of system—upon which waiters are remunerated, says: The resolution, however, was, of course, aimed more particularly at establishments which pay their waiters nothing and even, in many instances, require them to pay a considerable sum a day or week for being allowed to wait. That is to say, that we are once more face to face with the eternal problem of backsheesh. To tip, or not to tip, that is the question. But it is worth while to note that the Amalgamated Waiters do not express any opinion on that point. Doubtless they would have no objection to tips, however highly their employers might pay them. They ought, however, to recog- nise the fact that they cannot expect to get good wages and tips as well. It might be more profit- able for them to forego the glorious uncertainty of the tipping system, or it might not. But they must accept the one alternative or the other they cannot have it both ways. And that is just what they do not appear to realise. The Daily News observes that the resolve to form a federation of trade unions is not a new one. It haR been made before, and has come to naught. The difficulty of organising and uniting labour is always the safeguard and protection of capital. But the engineering trade dispute has given to this question an urgency that it lacked before. The employers have federated; a federation of the unions is obviously the next move in the game, and the unions have now the stimulus of self- preservation to induce them to agree upon a scheme. But while this fight between combinations of em. ployers and combinations of trade unions is going on, what about the public interest ? This sort of combat, as we have already pointed out, must soon reach its limit. The public cannot suffer it to con. tinue. Some sort of compulsory settlement of the questions involved in the disputes must be insisted upon. The Trade Union Congress resolution on education is the direct outcome of the Government's persistently denominational education policy. It is a manifesto in favour of secular education not because an exclusively secular education is desired. On the con- trary, the resolution distinctly recognises that "creeds and dogmas" may be separately taught by the parents and the denominations. The motive of the resolution is the conviction that educational progress is retarded by squabbles over the religious difficulty. Tories do not abide by the compromise, but seek continually to overthrow it. Hence the demand of the Congress that theologians as such should be debarred from raising sectarian strife." The Standard says Every thoughtful workman can see that to make all trades liable for the expeuse of a dispute in one would remove all the checks upon the use of the weapon. If the central directorate of the projected Federation were vested with a discretion, it would mean that they, an alien body, would have in practice to decide whether it was wise or unwise, safe or unsafe, right or wrong, to quarrel with the employers in the in. dividual industry. They would become the despots of the situation—a mark for attack, as" band in glove with the capitalists," if they forbade a con- flict, and a subject for reproach if the fight ended disastrously for the men. On the other hand, if the local Union had nothing to do but declare war, and indent on the common purse for indefinite sub- sides, what a pretty future would be in store for the more cautious trader. They would be, in effect, taxing themselves to provide a premium fund for strikes which their own better sense con- demned. Nevertheless, a Committee of thirteen has been nominated to take into consideration the best means of federating the Unions for the end suggested. THE INSURRECTION IN CUBA. The Daily Newll says: An important rebel success in Cuba has rudely shaken the faith of the people of Madrid in General Weyler's optimistic reports. Again and again we have been assured that the rebellion was broken, and that the in- surgents were submitting in large numbers. Now it is known in Madrid that the important town of Victoria de las Tunas, in the eastern portion of the island, has been captured by Calixto Garcia after a siege lasting five days. The place was defended by seven forts and the garrison had two Krupp guns. General Weyler has been asked for explanations, and the fact is recalled that in 1876 General Jovellar was recalled from his com- mand on a similar reverse to the Spanish arms taking place. In the meantime the tinkering at reforms goes on, and we are told in all seriousness to-day that some of the new regulations will come into force on the 1st of March I Unless the Spaniard gives up the manana way of doing things he may find no administration left to reform. The Daily Chronicle observes: The important victory of the Cuban insurgents has excited great alarm at Madrid, where a worried Cabinet is won- dering why the luckless General Weyler is so chary of details. General Weyler-who is likely to share the infamy of Butcher Cumberland, with the trifling difference that Cumberland was a victorious commander-has reported imaginary successes without number to his Government, who have kept the real state of Cuba from public knowledge in Spain. In spite of their decadence the Spanish still retain that belief in their invinci- bility which Philip II. thought an efficient sub- stitute for seamanship in the Armada. Why a troublesome little island should hold out so long against the might of Spain may have excited a transient wonder in Madrid but there was always the comforting reflection that the indomitable Weyley was just on the point of crushing the rebellion. Meanwhile he con- tinued to demand more troops, and large bodies of raw conscripts were poured into Cuba. This situation makes it plain to the observant world, if not to Spain, that Cuba cannot be reconquered. The Spanish administration is as detestable and incompetent there as it was in South America. General Weyler is convicted of barbari. ties, of which even the ill-treatment of Senorita Cisneros is a mild example. The ferocious spirit of Cortes, without his capacity, is the chief charac- teristic of Spanish generalship. If the Madrid Cabinet, which has already received significant warnings from the United States, is unable to grasp the facts, or unwilling to face public opinion at home with the confession that Cuba is virtually lost there will be worse humiliation for Spain. The Daily Graphic writes There is bad news for the Spaniards from Cuba in the fact that the town of Victoria de Las Tunas has fallen. Victoria de Las Tunas is situated towards the eastern end of the island, and on the long spine of railway which traverses Cuba from end to end. It should, therefore, be a place of some stategical importance in a country where means of communi- cation are few. That General Weyler should have allowed it to fall into the hands of the insurgents is another nail in the coffin of that much-abused commander's professional reputa- tion and it is not surprising that the Spanish Press should again be criticising him with considerable severity. The truth, in- deed, is that Spain is in a well-nigh desperate pre- dicament. For the best part of three years she has striven in vain to put down the Cuban insur- rection she has recently had to suppress a similar rising in the Philippines she is threatened within her borders by Anarchism on one side and Carlism on the other her ablest statesman has fallen by the hand of an assassin ahe is subjected to a ceaseless drain oi blood and money and at any moment the American Jingoes may force her into a quarrel with the United States. Despite the proud tenacity with which she disdains to yield an inch to the pressure of adverse fortune, it is difficult to see how she can long continue a struggle in which ultimate success no longer seems even a possibility.

SCARBOROUGH BOATING FATALITY. On Monday at Scarborough the coble Minnie was hired by three ladies for a sail, and left the sands in charge of two men named Brunton and Matthew Owston, aged 18. After proceeding five miles due east, Owston was in the act of handing the bowline to Brunton on a tack when he missed his footing and fell into the sea. The coble was sailing at a fast rate, but Brunton, acting with much promptitude, immediately lowered sail and did all in his power to rescue the unfortunate youth. Owston sank and was drowned before it was possible to get near him. The unfortunate youth was a nephew of John Owston, coxswain of the Scarborough lifeboat. His father, Tom Owston, a former coxswain of the lifeboat, was also drowned lately.

A collision between two trains occurred on the Santa Fe Railroad, near Emporia, Kansas. Twelve persons were killed and many injured. A fire broke out at the premises of Messrs. Chatto and Windus, publishers, 111, St. Martin's- lane, and a good deal of damage was done. A cab proprietor named Price attempted to get into a train at West Wickham while it was in motion, and was knocked down between the plat- form and train and killed. .The Fife and Clackmannan Coal Masters Association, at a meeting unanimously refused to grant the demand of the miners for a 12i per cent. inorease in wages.

LADIES' LETTER. My DEAR NJGLUB, Felts are already being shown, and I have noticed a round sailor brim of grey felt, bound with green at the edge, and with stylish full crown of moss-green velvet, held in tightly by a broad band of gold passementerie, studded with emerald cabochons. At one side a high black plume and black Paradise osprey stood erect, white a cluster of small green plumes rested on the brim. A charming toque is composed of the new plisse velvet in a delightfully soft golden-brown tint, with large single-petalled rosette of flame-coloured velvet at the left side, centred with a steel orna- ment, from behind which curl three natural ostrich plumes. A knot of fbyjje velvet appears at the right side also. • One oatmeal "sailor" I saw last week was turned up at the back with some dark red roses the crown had a band of black velvet, and a black velvet piping relieved the brim. Springing from the black velvet band there was a double frill of white accordion glace, and at the side a pretty white and fawn bird, with high wings, nestled. A fashionable walking dress is of beige cloth, with a band of brown feather trimming down one side of the jacket, and forming an inner collar. Similar bands are at the wrists, and narrow gold embroidery follows the same lines. Though one hears that all the skirts this winter are to be plain and clinging, with box pleats behind, the tablier style of skirt is much in evidence at smart watering-places. It looks well in muslin or gauze on a tall woman when arranged in two pointed aprons, each ending in three narrow little frills, the first reaching to the knees, the second to about six inches above the bottom of the under- skirt, which is a regular jupe either of the gauze or of silk in the same colour, covered with innumerable little flounces right up to the edge of the lower tablier. The latest styles of costume for the autumn are mostly plain and made of dark materials. The bodices are double-breasted and short. They are made to hook, and have only one button to button on the left shoulder. With this is worn a belt. In the matter of coats, too, we are a good deal behind Paris. At this moment it is impossible to speak with dead certainty on the subject of that all-important thing the winter coat. Pouched coats are more and more worn in London, and it is advisable not to invest in any more tailor- made coats for the present till the fashions are a little more settled. The loose fronted coat with flat basque and fitted back has enjoyed a long reign, and many of us will find ourselves stranded if we have several costumes of this sort on our hands. Most of the large firms are making pouched coats of thin serge or cloth for autumn wear. Coats this winter will be a good deal braided, either with regular or with black satin, and it will still be fashionable to wear coats of different material to the skirt selected to go with them. A pleasant variation from the plain pouched bodice is a very loosely pouched chiffon mousseline or gauze bodice with a gathered yoke, the fulness below it being caught into a festoon in front be- tween belt and yoke by a couple of large ribbon or velvet bows placed a little to the left, but not at the side. I saw a cerise mousseline bodice so treated the other day, ftD "?l^sped_ with black velvet bows. The result was delightful. Tucks are going to have .<* great vogue, says Myra's Journal. Some skirts and sleeves are tucked from top to lower edge. The tucks are of various widths according to materials. Stoufc woollen fabrics are arranged 10 large tucks, w^ch are often collected in groups. Sometime^ the upper groups of a tucked skirt will be diQgonal- higher on the left than on the right. This has almost the effect of draperies. "} or ev>ening dresses, skirts and sleeves of thin Sl ks and transparent fabrics are covered with '^cks standing out like cords. This is wonderfully pretty and be- coming, but such dresses ar-a costly they entail such an amount of hand wljrd. Your loving JENNIE.

TURKS AT TfiFIR OLD GAME. J_ AN ENGLISH JARM AT SMYRNA PILLAGED. A farm belonging to an Englishman, situated at Pergamos, nea.r Smyrna, has been pillaged by Mussulmans, and the Mussubnan caretaker killed. The robbers are protected by the Caimakam of Pergamos. Sir Philip Currie at once informed the Porte of tlae oceursence, and instructed the British Consul a.t Smyrna to call upon the Vali to take immediate steps for the arrest of the guilty persons and tq guard the property.

At the inquiry at Cholderton, near Salisbury, on Saturday, into the death of the Rev. E. Slater- Brown9f formerly Sub-Dean of Salisbury and non- residentiary Canon of the Catholic there, Dr. Kemp f-aid he was of opinion from the nature of the injul ies, that the deceased accidentally fell into the .weH in which the body was found. Accidental death" was the verdict.

SOCIETY GOSSIP. (From The World.) The Queen stopped at Perth for an hour on Wed- nesday morning on her way to Ballater, and breakfasted in the Station Hotel, her own room being beautifully decorated with lilies and palms. There were baskets of exquisite flowers from Scone Palace, Rosebank, and Pitfour, besides muscat grapes from Taymouth, peaches from Rose- bank, and nectarines from Freeland, nearly all of which were taken away by the Queen, who was received on the platform by Lord Breadalbane, Captain Drummond of Megginch, and Sir Robert Pullar. The royal train, which .was shunted for nearly an hour near Greenloaning, in order that the Queen might dress comfortably, was drawn by two engines. Princess Beatrice travelled with her Majesty in the big double saloon, and in the next carriage were the Battenbc.rg and York "nurseries. Before the departure of the Court from Osborne the Queen drove to Carisbrooke Castle, aocom. panied by Princess Beatrice and Princess Frederica of Hanover. Her Majesty did not leave the car- riage, but the Princesses went into the Castle and made a careful inspection of the memorial to Prince Henry of Battenberg, which will be com- pleted in a few weeks. The Prince of Wales has gone from Marienbad to Copenhagen to join the King and Queen of Den- mark's family party at Bernstorff Castle, where the Princess and Princess Victoria are staying, while Prince and Princess Charles are the guests of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess at the neigh- bouring Chateau of Charlottenlund. The 80th birthday of Queen Louise is to be celebrated to- day. The Prince and Princess of Wales will entertain large house parties at Sandringham from Saturday, November 6th, until Monday, the 15th, and from Saturday, November 27th, until Monday, Decem- ber 6th. The Prince of Wales will be the guest of Lord Durham at Lambtom Castle on Monday, Novem- ber 22nd, until Friday the 26th, and there will be a series of battues in the preserves of the estates, which are now among the best in the north oi England. Lambton Castle, which is within a few miles of Durham, is a very grand old place, with delightful gardens and grounds, and a large and very richly wooded park, which is bordered by the river Wear. Lambton, indeed, is one of the finest seats in the northern counties, although it is a place quite unknown to tourists. The Duke and Duchess of York will on Thursday conclude their visit to Lord and Lady Londonderry at Mount Stewart, when they are to leave Belfast for the Clyde in the Royal yacht Victoria and Albert, which will probably go on from Glasgow to Oban, to embark Princess Beatrice and her children for a week's cruise about the west coast. The Victoria and Albert 13 to reach the Tail of the Bank at 9 on Thursday morning, and she will arrive in the Queen's Dock, Glasgow, at half-past 11, when she is to be moored on the riverside. After the presentation of an address by the Lord Provost, the Duke and Duchess will cross the river in a steamer to the Cessnock Dock, where an ad- dress will be presented by the Clyde Trustees. The Duchess of York is to declare the new dock open, and she will name it Prince's Dock. The Duke and Duchess of York are to arrive at Dalmeny on Thursday afternoon on their visit to Lord Rosebery. They will not pass through Edin- burgh, but are to travel direct from Glasgow to the station at Dalmeny, by way of Philipstown. The Duke and Duchess will leave Dalmeny on Monday morning for Inverness, travelling by the Forth Bridge route to Perth, and thence by the Highland Railway. They are to be the guests of Lord and Lady Alington at Ness Castle, where they will dine and sleep on Monday night. On Tuesday the Duke and Duchess are to proceed by train from Inverness to Beauly, and thence they will have a drive of twenty-two miles up to Strath Affric to Guisachan, where they are to be the guests of Lord and Lady Tweedmouth for a week. The Duchess of Connaught and her children have left Bagshot Park for Abergeldie Castle, Aberdeen shire. The Queen has commissioned Prince Christian (who is now in Germany) to go next week to Stockholm in order that he may represent her Majesty at the festivities in celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the accession of King Oscar. (From Truth). The Queen will hold a Court at Balmoral during the first week in October, for the purpose of receiving a Jubilee address of congratulation from the Corporation of Edinburgh. It is understood that the Queen will knight the Lord Provost when he presents the address. Her Majesty had intended to be present at the Braemar Gathering, which was held last week, in one of Mr. Farquharson's parks at Clunie, on the banks of the Dee, but the weather was so wet and cold that the Queen gave up the project. There was a large attendance in spite of mist and rain, several hundreds of persons having come all the way from Aberdeen. Parties were brought by the Duke of Fife from Mar Lodge, by Lord and Lady Glenesk from Glenquoich, and by Mr. and Mrs. Farquharson from Invercauld. Late in the after- noon rain ceased, but there was not a ray of sun- shine, and the air was very cold. The Queen and Princess Beatrice left Balmoral at 5 o'clock, and drove in an open carriage to Invercauld, meeting most of the people who had attended the Gathering, by whom her Majesty was loudly cheered. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught have post- poned their trip to Germany by the wish of the Queen, and they will spend the next month at Abergeldie Castle, where the Duchess and her children arrived on Friday from Bagshot. The Duke has been the guest of the Duke of Norfolk at Arundel Castle during the manoeuvres in West Sussex. The Duke of Cambridge is to arrive on Saturday at Newburgh Park, Yorkshire, on a visit to Sir George and Lady Julia Wombwell, who will enter- tain a large party next week for partridge shoot- ing. The Duke will afterwards pay a visit to Lord and Lady Ancaster at Drummond Castle, Perth- shire, and he is going to Balmoral for a couple of davs. The Dowager Empress of Russia, who is now in Denmark, will be the guest of the King and Queen until the beginning of October, when she is going to Gmunden to stay with the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland, and early in November her Majesty will come to England on a visit to the Prince and Princess of Wales at Marlborough House and at Sandringham. The plans of the Empress depend much on the health of her second son, the Grand Duke George. The negotiatians between the Queen's solicitor and the East Cowes Council, respecting the road near Osborne which is to be closed in consideration of her Majesty making over some land for allot- ments, appear to be interminable, for there is always some new question cropping up, which leads to fresh discussions and further delays. Now Sir H. A. White has asked the Council to give up to the Queen an additional piece of road, but this request has been refused.

INTENSE HEAT IN AMERICA. SEVERAL DEATHS IN CHICAGO. An intense record breaking heat prevails throughout the country as far west as Chicago. In New York the thermometer registers 101 degrees; while in Chicago several deaths have occurred. The summer resorts oft the Atlantic coast have reopened ior business, and thousands of people from all parts are fleeing thither for relief. In New Yor^ there have been several cases of sun- stroke, though, happily, none of them has had a fatal result.

HONDURAS IN PAWN. REPUBLIC TO BE RUN BY A SYNDICATE. It is reported that an agreement has been come to between the Valentine Syndicate and the Republic of Honduras, by which the syndicate practically buys out the country. Honduras sur- renders all the functions of Government to the Syndicate on October 1, while the syndicate assumes responsibility for the debt of 35,000,000 dollars owed to England, and settles or compounds other debts, completes the railway from Puerto Cortez to the Pacific Coast, and colonises and builds up the country generally.

WHALER CRUSHED IN THE ICE. 42 LIVES LOST. News has reached San Fancisco that the steamer whaler Nauarch was caught in the ice in the Arctic Sea, and that 42 lives have been lost, 31 having been crushed in the ice and 11 frozen to death. The cutter Bear saw the Nauarch's signals of distress near Point Barrow, and took oil the captain and his wife, the first and fourth officers and four sailors. Nine of the crew refused to leave the ship, and it is feared they perished like the others. The rescued were landed at St. Michael.

A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned at an inquest on Nicholas Yeoman, 29, a cib proprietor of West Wickham, who was fatally injured while trying to get into a moving {train at West Wickham station.

FIELD AND GARDEN. TKJB WEEK'S WORK.—The following useful bints appear in Amateur Gardening:—Sow winter onions. Trim and replant box edgings. Layer evergreen shrubs and trees. Trim privet and other ever- f;reen hedges. Layer magnolias, aucubas, and aurestinus. Sow hardy annuals of sorts for flowering next spring. Pot Roman hyacinths for early flowering in greenhouse. Plant vacant fround with coleworts and spring cabbages, nsert pansy and viola cuttings in sandy soil in a cold frame. Gather flower seeds and dry them well before storing away. Plant new beds of strawberries on land just cleared of early potatoes. Gather apples and pears as soon as ripe, and store in a cool dry place. Repot cyclamens in a com- post of two parts loam, one part leaf-mould and sand. Divide and replant sweet Williams, pinks, thrift, polyanthuses, and primroses. Remove dead flower stems and seed pods from plants growing in beds and borders. Lift spring onions, spread them out to dry, and then store away in a cool, airy place. Propagate zonal pelargoniums, petunias, heliotrope, and peren- nial bedding plants generally. Clear away dead annuals from borders, and plant seed- ling sweet williams, rockets, pansies, etc., in their place. Gather green seed-pods of common, tall, or dwarf nasturtiums, and put them in vinegar to pickle for use in winter. Thoroughly oleanse the interior of greenhouses in readiness for receiving the autumn and winter-blooming plants. Camellias must have abundance ot water, with an occasional application of soot-water, otherwise the flower-buds will fall off. Turn fuchsias outdoors that have flowered, to ripen their shoots. Do not give more water than is necessary to keep the soil just moist. Propagate antirrhinums and pent- stemons by cuttings off young shoots three inches long inserted in sandy soil in cold frame or under handlight. Calla lilies planted out should be lifted, placed in pots, and stood in a shady position out- doors for a week or so, then be removed to the greenhouse. Plant lilium candidum. Grass seeds may be sown. Carnations may still be layered. Supply dahlias and chrysanthe- mums freely with manure water. Plant seed- ling sweet williams, Canterbury bells, and perennials. Plant snowdrops, winter aconites, and scillas to flower early in the year, Supply boxes freely with water. Remove dead flowers and seed pods from plants. Give vallotas and Guernsey lilies plenty of water. Lilies that have flowered should be stood outdoors. Propagate geraniums, fuchsias, marguerites, petunias, etc., by cuttings. GOOD PLANT FOR DAMP CORNERS.—For beauti- fying damp corners of the garden the pretty semi. aquatic Sagittaria heterophylla is exceedingly well suited. It forms large clumps of bright green foliage of 12 to 16 inches high, which will, in com- pany with other bog plants, be very attractive, and help to improve a cottager's back yard. The flowers are borne about this time in profusion, they are not very large, but there is plenty of them. They are pure white with deep yellow anthers. For growing in the rock garden in boggy parts it is almost unrivalled, as it flowers after its contemporaries have finished. FERNS.—Ferns should not only be grown well, but arranged artistically. Owing to the variety that exists among them, they afford a vast field for effective grouping. Although most ferns are indi. vidually graceful in growth, yet the appearance of a fernery is much beautified when the plants are grouped with taste. There are two ways of arranging ferns so as to show each plant off to the best advantage. The first relates to ferneries in which all specimens, large and small, are planted without reference to regularity—allowing them, in fact, to look wild, so as to imitate their natural growth. The effect is picturesque and beautiful, but a fernery of this description takes up more space than most people can afford. They have to content themselves with a few specimens grown in pots, and with arranging them at intervals, so as to form various combinations. It doing this, striking contrasts should be always kept in view. This can be readily effected by selecting species of quite different habits, and grouping them not only according to size or form, but also to colour. In all cases avoid symmetry in grouping ferns. Never place them in a formal manner, and never overcrowd them, for if this is done the graceful effeot is lost. BULBS FOR FORCING.—All bulbs for forcing should be ordered at once, especially such as freezias and Roman hyacinths. If the latter bulbs' are planted now, they will bear an abundance of beautiful white flowers at Christmas. Freeziaa, if carefully managed and ripened, may be forced year after year; but Roman hyacinths are no use for forcing after the first season. White lilies in. tended for forcing should be potted at once, and plunged in the open air in cocoanut fibre, moving the plants into a cool greenhouse early in October. This treatment will bring them on gradually till after the end of the year. Plants in the borders which are quite hardy may succumb to frost if they are in pots, so before the frost comes all lilies so grown should be placed in a light house where the frost is kept out. IN THE FRUIT GARDEN.—Young trees of gross- habit will not bear much fruit until the surplus vigour has been worked off in some way. The quickest way of getting such trees into harness is to check their roots a little, by either lifting or outting off their extremities. Lifting answers the same purpose as pruning; in fact, it does prune sufficiently to check growth, and therefore it is to be preferred, though it involves a little more labour, because the operator must begin farther away from the trunk when he intends lifting the roots of a tree than if he merely cuts them off. In lifting the roots of a young tree, a trench must be opened from 4 feet to 6 feet from the tree, accord- ing to its size and age, deep enough to get under the roots, and with a fork gradually work the soil from among them until length enough has been un- covered to lift nearer the surface without giving any unnatural pressure upon any part. IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.—Plant out plenty of lettuce and endive to meet all requirements. Corn salad comes in useful, and may be sown now either broadcast or in drills. Bath cos lettuce may be sown now to stand in the seed-bed till spring. Propagate lavender and rosemary from cuttings or slips. Sow chervil for flavouring salads, and pot a few roots of tarragon for flavouring purposes in winter. Harvest the spring-sown onions, if not already done. Must be well dried by exposure. IN THE GREENHOUSE.—Camellias and other hard-wooded plants will be better inside now. Old cyclemens which have been rested, and are now breaking into growth, should be shaken out and repotted if not already done. Must have good loam one-half and the remainder peat, leaf-mould, and sand. Keep the corms well up. Lift and pot up arum lilies, solanums, salvias, and any other greenhouse plants which have been planted out for the summer. Stand in the shade for a few days. Continue to take cuttings of any plants of which young stock is required. Pot early-flowering bulbs, such as freesias, Roman hyacinths, early tulips, and single and double daffs. Plunge all outside for six weeks, except freesias. Sow mignonette in 5-inch and G-inch pots for winter Soweriag macbet is a good variety for pot work. Sow thinly, and thin to five plants in each pot. Use the best loam, with some old cow manure, and 4 little charcoal-dust and sand. THINNING FRUIT TREES.—It is not too late even now to take in hand the thinning of apples, pears, and plums where they are too thick on the branches, indeed, as well as to preserve the tree from being exhausted. It may be pleasant to see apples and pears in clusters, and plums hanging en trees like ropes of onions, but if we want to see the same trees bearing fruit next year, the present one must be reduced to something like reasonable proportions. In doing this do not pull off the fruit, but use a sharp pointed knife or a pair of scissors, and remember the larger the variety of apple or pair the less number should be left, and these should be as nearly as possible equally dis- tributed all over the trees. The size of the tree and the length of time it has been planted should also be taken into consideration. Such large apples as Warners's King and Bramley's Seedling should be a foot apart on the branches, and pears like Doyenne du Cornice and Pitmaston Duchess should be treated in the same way.

A WAITER'S CONSIDERATION. Late on Saturday night a serious fire broke out on the premises of a basket maker in Union-street, Kingston-on-Thames, situated in a very thickly- populated part of the town, close to the Market Place and the Town Hall. The alarm was at once transmitted to the Surbiton Fire Station by means of an electrical fire alarm, but the local firemen were dining at the time with some brethren of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade at a hostelry some dis- tance away, so a messenger was despatched in poste haste to apprise them of the event. Upon arrival at the hostelry the messenger told the waiter, who at once run upstairs and into the room, but at that moment one of the company rose to sing a song, and so the waiter paused, afraid to disturb the harmony, and waited patiently for seven or eight minutes until the song was finished before he informed the company that a fire was raging in Kingston. Then the firemen hurried to the scene of the confligration, but fortunately the I, Kingston firemen had been there some time before so Lhat the fire was almost extinguished when they arrived. H

FIRE AT BERMONDSEF. RAILWAY SIGNAL BOX aUKFr TO THE GRONPRP, A dipterous fire broke out at Wilson's Cooper- age in Tanner.street, Bermondsey, and in a short time the reflection of the flames on the sky could be seen all over the Metropolis, and consequently a huge crowd assembled to watch the work of the firemen. Messrs. Wilsoa's premises consist of several big sheds of two or three storeys high, built entirely of wood and backing on to the South. Eastern Railway viaduct midway between London Bridge and Spa-road stations, and in immediate proximity to the "mid." signal-box. The fire originated in the second storey of the tentre of the three sheds, and when discovered by the night watchman was well alight. The man quickly raised an alarm, with the result that in a very short space of time the steamer from the Bermondsey Fire-station was soon upon the- scene and at work. The engineer in charge at once realised that the fire was likely to assume big proportions, and therefore sent for further assist- ance to headquarters, and within a quarter of an hour 12 steamers were in and around Tanner-street and playing on the now-burning three sheds. It was at once seen that it would be impossible to save the cooperage, and so the attention of the firemen was turned to saving the surrounding property. The chief anxiety, however, was the South-Eastern viaduot and the signal-box, which, soon after the outbreak, became ignited and unin- habitable by the signalman in charge. Despite- the efforts of the brigade and the officials of the railway, the box was soon reduced te a wreck. The telegraph wires connecting the signal-boxes were melted, and, early in the fire, fell with a snap to the ground. The railway authorities, foreseeing this, made prompt arrangements to- prevent delays in the arrival of trains. Men with hand-signals were placed along the line be- tween London Bridge and the Spa-road box, and easily succeeded in getting the trains through without any unreasonable delay. From Spa-road' the down trains were signalled through in the ordinary course. Passengers travelling by the up' Greenwich trains had rather unpleasant experiences when passing the fire. The trains almost ran; through the flames, and the smoke from the burn- ing mass considerably inconvenienced many of the passengers who left their windows down. The: wooden sheds did not take long to burn themselves out, but it was not until a very late hour that all danger of a further outbreak could be said to be- past.

ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD. An inquest was held on Saturday at Huns tan ton- touching the death of Mrs. Wherry, wife of Alderman Wherry, J.P., of Bourne, Lincolnshire,, who was knocked down by a cyclist and killed. She was staying at Hunstanton, and when crossing the road was, at dusk, knocked down by a lady cyclist riding down hill. She sustained a fracture of the skull and died in two hours. The cyclist, a~ stranger, went on almost direotly, and her name is unknown. The Coroner adjourned the inquest for inquiries as to the cyclist by whom the deceaiged, lady was knocked down. At Sutton, Surrey, on Saturday evening, a horse attached to a van belonging to a London firm took, fright and bolted. Several persons were knocked down, and one, Mrs. Rayner, was killed. The woman's husband and three children witnessed the accident.

GAS EXPLOSION. GREAT DAMAGE DONE AND SEVERAL PERSONS INJURED. An alarming explosion of gas occurred on the first floor of a building in Gordon-road, Peekham, used as a laundry. The shock was very great, and, in addition to the damage to property, the following persons were injured William John- son, 37, severely burned on head, face, arms, and hands; Rebecca Johnson, 39, severely burned on head, face, neck, and right hand Alice Condon, 27, burned on hands; and Louisa Rowney, 16, burned on right hand. In the excitement of the moment one young woman, named Matilda Craw- ley. aged 19 years, jumped from the first floor window to the ground severely injuring her right hip. Firemen were early on the scene, and, pend- ing the arrival of doctors, rendered first aid from the medical appliances carried on the engines in a most efficient manner.

THE RUSH TO KLONDYKE. FAMINE AT DAWSON CITY. It is reported from Otter Point, British Columbia, that winter is setting in at Dawson City. Two of the largest stores in the place have closed, having nothing to sell, and famine is threatened. An enormous price is being paid for provisions. There is a large unruly elemeut in the population of Dawson City, and threats of violence are uttered. Indignation meetings have beeu held at St. Michael of those unable to ascend the Yukon, which is freezing. Not more than three or four provision vessels can reach Dawson City before the Yukon closes. The Cleveland did not bring more than 150,000 dols. in gold. The steamer Excelsior, from St. Michael, which is said to have a million dollars of gold on board, has met with a mishap. She is repairing at Unalaska. An old steamer, Eliza Anderson, carrying a party for St. Michael, left Unalaska on the 2nd inst. She was seen off Kadiao in-a storm, when she signalled that she was short 6f. ooal. It was impossible to render assistance, and the vessel disappeared.

REMARKABLE ESCAPE FROM A TERRIBLE DEATH. A lad of about 15 years of age fell over Abbott, Cliff, near Dover, a height of 415 feet. His father and brother, visitors to the place, were walking with him along the cliffs towartis Folkestone, when they suddenly missed him, and it became apparent that he had fallen over the cliff. Assist- ance was obtained from the coastguard station at Lydden Spouts, and a search party mustered- The boy was found on a ledge of loose earth, which had arrested his fall in the most remarkable way about half-way down the cliff, and was rescued by Coastguard Doolin, who was lowered down tbtr face of the cliff by means of ropes. With the exception of a severe shock and a few bruises th*" boy escaped serious injury. The cliffs are very dangerous near the edge, and in many places over' hang, so that a person's weight is almost sufficient to dislodge the soil. Between Folkestone and St.. Margaret's Bay the cliffs are much used by visitor8* most of whom are unaware of the dangerous nature of the ground they walk upon.