The Aberystwith Observer

FALL OF A BRIDGE ON THE VISTULA. The Vienna correspondent of the Daily News writes: We learn from Warsaw that the now railway bridge across the Vistula, near the fortress of Ivan- gorod, which cost two millions, is entirely destroyed by the floods. Many persons were standing on the bridge watch- ing the rushing waters of the terribly swollen river. 11 which carried with it the debris of houses, trees, &c. The majority escaped, but twenty were drowned. In Lemberg, where another bridge has been de- molished, six dead bodies have been found floating in the Vistula. The river has burst through the fortifi- cation walls, nineteen feet above the ordinary level.

CAVALRY FIELD DAY AT WIMBLEDON. A grand field day of the cavalry quartered in the Home District command took place in the neighbour- hood of Wimbledon on Monday morning. The troops, which comprised the 1st and 2nd Life Guards, the 3rd Hussars, and C Battery A Brigade Royal Horse Artil- lery, arrived by march route, and, under the command of Colonel Duncombo, were formed up in line of double columns at close intervals west of the Windmill at Wimbledon, and facing south. The artillery were supplied with 15 rounds of blank ammunition per gun, and the evolutions lasted nearly two hours. When the Cease fire" was sounded the troops partook of refreshments, and the march back to quarters was afterwards commenced. A veterinary surgeon and an ambulance waggon were in attendance, but no serious cases of accident took place. The movements of the troops, which during the interesting manoeuvres were gone through with much steadiness and precision, were witnessed by a large number of persons from the surrounding dis- tricts, as well as a number of persons who left London by rail to witness the field day.

FOREIGN WORKMEN IN AMERICA. A Philadelphia telegram states that the House has, without opposition, passed a Bill forbidding the im- portation and migration of foreigners, being aliens, under contracts to perform labour in the United States. The measure punishes the shipmaster in- troducing such persons. This law does not in- clude contracts for the supply of skilled work- men in any industry not now established here, provided that such industry cannot be otherwise started, nor contracts relating to pro- fessional actors, lecturers, and singers. The bill is prepared in response to a universal demand of the working classes for the prevention of the system of bringing over organised bodies of Hungarian, Polish, Italian, and other workmen, whose competition reduces wages. Much feeling is shown in various places against the new comers.

ARREST OF ANARCHISTS IN VIENNA, j The Vienna correspondent of the Standard, writes on Sunday night: I hear from a private source that during the last few days several anarchists, all, foreigners, have been arrested in Vienna, a bomb being found in their possession filled with dynamite sufficient, as experts state, to blow up the largest public building in the city. In official circles the greatest secrecy is maintained, and no Vienna paper is permitted to publish anything about the arrrests but it is believed the police are on the track of several of the accomplices, and that they have a clue to large stores of dynamite. The Excise officials examine every parcel entering the city, even private carriages not being exempt.

MEDAL FOR SERVICE IN THE SOUDAN. A general order specially issued by his Royal High- ness the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, notifies that the Queen has been graciously pleased to signify her pleasure that the Egyptian medal (pattern of 1882) be granted to those of her Majesty's forces engaged in the recent operations in the neighbourhood of Souakim under the command of Major-General Sir Gerald Graham, K.C.B., V.C., who have not previously received it, and a clasp inscribed Souakim to those who have. All troops who landed at Souakim or Trinkitat between February 19 and March 26, 1884, both dates inclusive, will be entitled either to the medal or the clasp. Her Majesty has further approved of a clasp being issued to all those who were actually present at either or both of the actions on February 29 and March 13. This clasp will be inscribed El-Teb—Tamaai" for those who were in both actions, and El-Teb "or Tamaai" for those who were in one or the other but not in both. Rolls are to be forwarded to the Adjutant-General to the forces without delay.

CUTTINGS FROM AMERICAN PAPERS Gentlemen of the jury," said a Tecumseh lawyer, last week, there were just thirty-six hogs in the drove. Please remember the fact-just three times as many as in the jury box, gentlemen." A New York woman unostentatiously points to the fact that the funeral of her late husband cost but eighty-two dollars, which is fifteen dollars less than the neighbours thought she could do it for, and fet there is not one of them who can say that anything was spared to make the occasion a success, and one long to be remembered by all who participated in the ceremony Some people are born. to ill-luck. An old woman who has pasted nearly 5000 medical receipts in a book during the past forty years, has never been ill a day in her life, and she is growing discouraged. A little boy had gathered a flower in the Botanical Gardens in defiance of the rules of the society. His mother, a stately and somewhat pompous dame, approached one of the keepers, leading the culprit with one hand and holding forth the flower in the other, and, in solemn tones, said, This is the delin- quent." No, beg your pardon, ma'am," replied the civil official, that there's a polyanthus." A Yankee editor wishes no bodily harm to his subscribers, but he hopes that some of them in arrears will be seized with a remittent fever. An Iowa paper mentions the accidental shooting of a doctor and a lawyer, and has strong" fears of their recovery." "Suicide now within reach of all-kerosene only "fifteen cents a gallon," is the joyous announcement of a Milwaukee paper. An officer in the United States army laughed at a timid woman because she was alarmed at the noise of a cannon when a salute was fired. He subsequently married that timid woman, and six months afterwards he took off his boots in the hall when he came in late at nights.

THE Matrimonial Clauses Act is one of the things that the matrimonial act causes. Moonshine. We have heard of an economical man who always takes his meals in front of a mirror—he does this to double the dishes. If that isn't philosophy, we should like to know what is. FLAXSEED RUINED HIM.—" It was flaxseed that ruined me," he said, as he crossed his legs and heaved a sigh from the bottom of his soul. You tried to make a corner, eh ? Oh, no, I was simply calculating on the natural and average demand in the Middle States." "And did the price go down?" "Yes, fifteen cents per bushel." "What was the cause ?" ".Almost total lack of boils in the States of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois that season," he calmly replied. The number of boils dropped from 750,000 to three or four carbuncles and a felon or two, and I'll be hanged if even those weren't poulticed with corn meal to save expense "— Detroit Free Press.

BREACH OF PROMISE CASE. j In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, on Tuesday, the case of Salter v. Smith was heard, and was an action for damages for breach of an alleged promise of marriage. A defence deny- ing the breach was put in, but nobody appeared in support thereof. The plaintiff is Miss Geraldine Salter, a spinster lady, residing with her father, a tradesman of New- port, Isle of Wight. The defendant is a taxider- mist to her Majesty, carrying on business in the same town, and is about 55 years old. The plaintiff's case was that in June, 1883, the defendant told her that as his family were grown up he wanted a wife and that soon. Accordingly she accepted him, and, with the consent of her father, they were treated as an engaged couple, and he was frequently at her father's house. In September the young lady went to the defendant's house and saw there his housekeeper. It was said that this lady was very angry and annoyed when she heard what had occurred. From this date a coolness began on his part, and he ceased to write her letters. In January the plaintiff's father wrote and asked the defendant's intentions, but he received no reply. After the writ was served in March last, the defendant told both the plaintiff and her father that he would not appear in Court at the trial, and that he had executed a bill of sale on all his goods, and would take care that whatever the result of the verdict might be she should receive no benefit therefrom. The young lady and her father were called to prove her case, and at the conclusion of their evidence the learned judge summed up and directed the jury that the measure of damages would be what had the lady lost by not marrying the de- fendant, who, her father stated, might be earning X200 a year. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff- damages £100. Judgment accordingly.

DEPARTURE OF THE QUEEN FROM BALMORAL. The Queen left Balmoral on Tuesday for Windsor, after a stay of a month in the Highlands. Daring the forenoon the three Princesses of Edinburgh, who are at present residing at Abergeldie Mains, drove to Balmoral, and took leave of her Majesty. The Queen left the Castle at two o'clock, accompanied by Prin- cess Beatrice, Princess Leiningen, and Prince Arthur and Princess Margaret of Connaught. The Royal party drove to Ballater in open carriages, that in which her Majesty travelled being drawn by four greys, with postilions and outriders. The journey was not enjoy- able, there being a cold north-west wind and occasional showers of rain. A large crowd had assembled at Ballater, and when her Majesty drove up three cheers were raised. The town was gaily decorated. A guard of honour of the 93rd Highlanders, drawn up at the station, saluted her Majesty as she alighted from her carriage. The Royal party were received on the platform by the manager, directors, and leading officials of the railway. Punctually at 2.50 the train, consisting of twelve carriages, and drawn by two engines, moved away, amid loud cheers from the crowds assembled in the vicinity. The Royal train reached Ferryhill, Aberdeen, at 4.20. Here it was transferred to the care of the officials of the Caledonian Railway. The strictest pre- cautions had been taken to secure the privacy of her Majesty. No persons were admitted to the plat- form at Ferryhill, a detachment of police guarding the entrances. The same precautions were taken with regard to all southern stations. The Queen had dinner served in the saloon carriage on arriving at Perth, and left again at 7.9 p.m. Her Majesty was presented with a basket of beautiful roses, sent by Sir James Richardson, of Pitfour Castle, for which she expressed her thanks. Only railway officials were allowed on the platform.

DEATH OF THE PRINCE OF ORANGE. The Prince of Orange died at two o'clock on Satur- day afternoon. The last bulletin issued mentioned that the Prince had passed a quiet night. On Satur- day morning, however, his Royal Highness was so weak that the physicians began to fear a fatal issue. Towards half-past one symptoms of paralysis of the heart showed themselves, and half an hour later the Prince expired peacefully and without pain. William Alexander Charles Henry Frederick, Prince of Orange, was born at the Hague on the 25th of August, 1851, and had therefore not completed his 33rd year. He was a rear-admiral and staff major- general of the Netherlands, and colonel of the Russian Regiment, No. 5, Kiew Grenadiers, known as the Regiment of the King of the Netherlands." The Daily News, in a leader, says The Prince who is just dead, though personally respectable, had scarcely the qualities for a Constitutional King. His death does not, as is commonly supposed, raise any question of the succession. The young Princesss Wilhelmina, a child of four years of age, the daughter of the King by his marriage with the Princess Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont, is beyond doubt the heir to the Throne. The curious ignorance which exists in England among persons who ought to be well- informed upon foreign affairs is shown by the speculations which have abounded on this sub- ject. We have been told that the Salic law is in force in Holland, and there has been talk of altering the law of succession, so as to permit a female to ascend the Throne. The fact is that the present law meets the emergency which has occurred. Though the Dutch Constitution give the preference to the male line, it does not exclude the female line. The right of succession, by the 15th Article of the Constitution, lies in the eldest son of the King and his heirs. Failing them, it goes to the brother of the King and his heirs. On the male line becoming extinct, the succession devolves upon the eldest daughter of the King, and in her default on the eldest female representative of the eldest female branch of the Royal House. The title of the young Princess Wilhelmina is there- fore perfectly clear. The age and the infirm health of the King render a long minority probable on the part of the child who is likely one day to be Queen of the Netherlands. But a Regency is provided for by the law of the 28th July, 1850. It is to consist of certain members of the Royal House and of other eminent Dutchmen. The existence of the reigning House of Holland hangs, however, on the slender thread of a young girl's life. She is of an aga at which all the maladies and accidents of childhood lie in wait for her. It is to be hoped that she will pass safely through them. There is no reason to look with apprehension on the accession of a female sovereign to the throne of the Netherlands. Our own experi- ence during nearly half a century of the reign of Queen Victoria dispels such alarms.

SINGULAR SUICIDE, In London, on Tuesday, Mr. George Collier, deputy coroner, held an inquest at the Elephant and Castle Tavern, Victoria-park-road, on the body of Edward Oscar Holbrook, aged 25, a cellarman. Mr. Richard Wyeth Holbrook, warehouseman, 27, Sidney- terrace, Hackney, stated that the deceased was his brother, and that they lived together. When he went to bed on Friday night the deceased seemed to be very cheerful, and did not complain of anything, although he was always very reserved. Deceased was to have been married on the following day. When witness awoke at seven o'clock on Saturday morning he missed the deceased, and on getting up and going downstairs he found him hanging by the neck from the banisters of the staircase, in front of their bedroom door. He was quite dead, and witness called for assistance and cut the body down. Witness was not aware of anything that might have led his brother to commit suicide, as he was in good circumstances, and was in the employ of Messrs. Burne and Garner, of Leadenhall-street, who were well satisfied with his conduct, and gave him an ex- cellent character. Deceased seemed to be well pleased at the idea of getting married. Their mother died insane, and their eldest sister was confined in a lunatic asylum at the present time. He had ho reason to sus- pect that the mind of his brother was affected, and he was unable to account for the suicide. Some further evidence of a formal character having been given the jury returned a verdict of Temporary insanity."

RUDENESS.—When are you and the wife of yoar bosom like two useful articles of wearing apparel ?— Why, when you are foolish enough to become a muff, and she is obliged to be your comforter.—Judy. EXTREMES MEET."—" I wish to goodness they didn't," said a doubled-up rheumatic sufferer.- Moonshine. COME NOW !—Why are carpenters generally most awful nuisances ?—Why, because they so often become not only bores, but also frequently annoy people with their old saws.-Judy.

A HEARTLESS FRAUD. In London, on Wednesday, at the Westminster Police-court, George Vernon, a well-dressed young man, giving the address 43, Sudbourne-road, Brix- ton, was charged on remand before Mr. Flowers with obtaining a gold watch and chain, value £14, and 10s. in money, by false pretences, from Annie Neare. The prosecutrix, a young woman residing at Yarmouth, answered an advertisement in a daily newspaper offering a situation at the Health Ex- hibition to an eligible applicant who could deposit X- security, and pay a fee of 5s. for introduction. The prisoner, representing himself as the advertiser, requested the photograph of the young lady, and on its receipt requested her to come to London at once, as she would be required immediately "to relieve another young lady of the care of an exhibit." She came to town as requested, and the prisoner called at her lodgings at College-street, Chelsea, on the 14th inst., introducing himself as the person with whom she bad been in correspondence, and requesting the advance of £5 as security before she could enter on the duties of her situation. She asked him to wait a day or two for the £5, but he declined, and ultimately persuaded her to part with her watch and chain as security;" he also induced her to give him 10s. to purchase flowers to decorate her stall at the Exhibition, and left, making an appointment which was never kept. It was shown that the prisoner had nothing whatever to do with the Exhibition, and that he pawned the watch and chain for X4 the very night he received it. Prisoner pleaded guilty unconditionally, after asking the magistrate to deal with the case as one of unlawfully pawning by a bailee, his contention being that the prosecutrix voluntarily entrusted him with the property. Mr. Flowers said his conduct was heartless and brutal, and sentenced him to six months' hard labour.

MARRIAGE OF THE HON. HALLAM TENNYSON. The marriage of the Hon. Hallam Tennyson, eldest son of Lord Tennyson, with Miss Audrey Boyle, only daughter of Mr. Charles John Boyle, was solemnized in Henry VII.'s Chapel, Westminster Abbey, by special licence, on Wednesday afternoon. The invi- tations to the wedding party were for two o'clock. Long before that hour those favoured with invitations to the chapel began to assemble, the Lord Chan- cellor and Lady and Mrs. Selborne and daughter, the Premier and Mrs. Gladstone, and Mr. and Mrs. Goschen being among the later arrivals. The mar- riage evidently excited much interest, the nave and choir being filled with spectators, while a privileged four or five hundred were seated in Henry VII.'s Chapel. All the stalls of the Knights of the Bath were occupied, and many of the wedding party had to stand during the ceremony. Punctually at two o'clock the bride entered the chapel, attended by her ten brides- maids, six of whom were children namely, Miss Geraldine Liddell, Miss Goschen, Miss Hardcastle, Miss May Buxton, Miss Stepney, Miss Harding, Misses Lane (two), Miss Dorothy Boyle, and Miss Evelyn Boyle. The bridegroom was attended by the Hon. Edward Lyttelton as best man. Archdeacon Farrar read the early portion of the marriage ser- vice, which was taken up by the Very Rev. Lord Alwvne Compton, Dean of Worcester, who completed the betrothal portion of the service. The Dean of Westminster resumed the service, and the sermon was delivered by the Bishop of Durham. On taking their departure, the newly-married pair proceeded to Lady Sarah Spencer's house, 28, St. James's-place, for refreshments, where they were joined by Lord and Lady Tennyson, and a distinguished party of friends. At 4.30 the newly-wedded pair left for Great Berkhamsted house, Lady Sarah Spencer's house in Hertfordshire, which has been lent to them for the honeymoon.

CHARGE OF ATTEMPTING TO POISON A WIFE. At the Central Criminal Court, on Wednesday, George Henry Payne, 28, was indicted for unlaw- fully attempting to administer a certain deadly poison, called carbolic acid, to his wife, Maria Esther Payne, with intent to murder. The prisoner, it appeared, had for several-years lived happily with the prosecutrix, but latterly differences arose between them, on account of the wife discovering that the pri- soner had formed a connection with a young woman with whom he was in the habit of staying out late at night. The prosecutrix appeared to have reproached the prisoner for his conduct, and he was represented to have stated that he intended to go to America, and that a wife in England was not a wife in New York. The case for the prosecution was that upon two occa- sions, namely on the 28th May and the 4th of June, the prisoner had given his wife a cup of coffee, and that this contained a sufficient quantity of carbolic acid and phosphorus to have caused the death of the prosecutrix. On both occasions, however, the prose- cutrix detected a nauseous taste and smell in the coffee and refused to drink it, and an analysis was at- tended with the result of discovering the existence of the poison in the coffee. The prisoner, in his defence, denied the charge, and asserted that it had been trumped up against him by his wife out of jealousy. He urged upon the jury that there was no evidence that he had ever had such stuff as carbolic acid in his possession, and he declared that there was no foun- dation for the charge that was made against him. The prisoner's father was called by the prisoner as a witness, and he said that his son had always been a steady, well-conducted young man, and he did not believe he was capable of committing such an offence as the one he was now accused of. The jury without any consultation found the prisoner guilty, and sen- tence was deferred.

A POLICEMAN SHOT. In London at an early hour on Wednesday morning as Police-constables Chamberlain and Miller, of the N Division, were walking their beat in Park-street, Islington, they became suspicious of the movements of two men who seemed to bo intent on committing a burglary. Noticing they were watched the men ran away, but were closely pursued by the officers for thirty or forty yards. One of the men then turned and fired a revolver, and a bullet penetrated the right leg of Chamberlain, who fell to the ground. Miller continued to pursue the suspected burglars, who, however, contrived to elude their pursuer. The injured constable was placed in a cab and conveyed to the Upper-street Police-station, where his wound was dressed. He was then taken to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and at night he was reported to be progrer- sing as favourably as could be expected, but the bullet had not then been extracted. Fortunately the bullet had missed the vital parts. Miller was able to give a good description of the offenders. The man who fired is thus described About 23 years of age, height 5ft. 7in., complexion, hair, and moustache dark, stout build; was wearing at the time a long dark overcoat, dark trousers, greasy down the front. The other man is stated to be about 20 years old, 5ft. (Jin. in height, complexion, hair, and slight moustache fair, stout build he was wearing a long gray overcoat and light trousers. Both men wore hard felt hats and had a military appearance. =--

Jnicllljjniff, HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL. LAUNCH OF H.M.S. CALLIOPE.-Shortly before noon I on Tuesday the screw corvette Calliope was launched from Portsmouth Dockyard. The christening ceremony was performed by Lady Hornby, wife of Sir Geoffrey Phipps Hornby, commander-in chief at Portsmouth, the combined bands of the Marines and the Marine Artillery playing Rule Britannia" as the vessel glided into the water. Admiral Brandreth, General Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, and General Sir George Willis were among the company present. The Calliope will carry a crew of 300 men. Her engines are of 3000 horse-power, and she carries twelve 5-inch and four 6-inch breech-loading guns. She has coaling accom- modation for nearly 600 tons. DEATH OF THE REV. J. BALDWIN BBOWN.—The death is announced of the Rev. James Baldwin Brown, the popular minister of Brixton Independent Church. He died very suddenly on Monday of apoplexy, at his resi- dence on Streatham-hill, at the age of 63. Mr. Baldwin Brown was educated at University College and at first studied for the bar. He, however, subsequently entered as a student at Highbury Independent College, and in 1843 he accepted a call to the pastorate of London-road Independent Chapel, Derby, whence he removed in 1846 to the charge of the Clayland's-road Chapel, Clapham-road, London. Here his ministry was so suc- cessful that his congregation caused to be erected for him a more commodious, chapel in the Brixton-road. This was opened in April, 1870, and here he continued to labour to the last. In addition to his pulpit and pastoral labours he was a very successful author. ALLEGED ATTEMPT AT WIFE MURDEK.—A desperate attempt to murder a wife has just been brought to light at Burnley. Late on Monday night a collier named James Want was walking along the canal bank near Godley-lane, accompanied by his wife, aged 24, when he appears to have thrown her into the water. A man walking down Godley-lane heard a splash, and was was about to jump over the fence when Want said, It's only my chum. I'll pick him out." The man, however, jumped over and rescued the woman. Want made off, and has not since been heard of. THE SCOTCH FISHERIES.—The fishing in the Orkney and Shetland Islands is being prosecuted this year on a far larger pcale than ever hitherto attempted. What is known as spring cod-fishing is now about closed. Last week the boats landed at Orkney Stations hauls ranging as high as 60 and 80cwt. of cod, ling, and halibut, for which the prices have ranged about 10s. per cwt. A number of the boats are over E200 for the season's fishing. At Shetland a good commencement has been made at herring fishing. There are nearly 1003 boats engaged, and at several stations this week takes averaging from 600 to 1000 baskets of herrings have been landed. ATTACK UPON JEWS IN RUSSIA.—A St. Petersburg telegram states that Anti-Semitic disorders of a grave character have occurred recently at the little town of Kuniavino, near Nishni Novgorod. A mob of some 3000 peasants and workmen assembled and made a des- perate attack upon the Jews of the place. The Jews defended themselves as well as they could, and the struggle lasted for several hours, the mob only relaxing their fury when evening approached. The military were sent for, but it was past eleven o'clock before they could restore order. During the rioting eleven persons were killed and forty wounded. Thirty houses belonging to Jews were completely demolished and sacked. The au- thorities are endeavouring to prevent the details becom- ing known. CONSECRATION OF Two COLONIAL BISHOPS.—In London, on Tuesday, at Lambeth Church, adjoining Lambeth Palace, the ceremony of consecrating the Hon. and Rev. Adelbert John Robert Anson, M.A., formerly rector of Woolwich, as Bishop of Assiniboine, North-West Canada, and the Rev. James Hannington, M.A, as Bishop of the Church of England in South Africa, was performed by the Archbishop of Canter- bury, assisted by the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Rochester, the Bishop of St. Albans, the Bishop of Dover, and by several colonial bishops. The sermon was preached by the Bishop of Saskatchewan, after which the consecration ceremony took place. COURT MOURNING.—A supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday evening publishes orders for the Court's going into mourning for his late Royal High- ness the Prince of Orange, eldest surviving son of his Majesty the King of the Netherlands, viz.: The ladies are to wear black dresses, white gloves, black or white shoes, feathers, and fans, pearls, diamonds, or plain gold or silver ornaments. The gentlemen are to wear black Court dress, with black swords and buckles. The Court is to change the mourning on Sunday, the 29th instant, viz.: The ladies to wear black dresses, with coloured ribbons, flowers, feathers, and ornaments, or grey or white dresses, with black ribbons, flowers, fea- thers, and ornaments. The gentlemen to continue the same mourning. And on Wednesday, the 2nd of July next, the Court to go out of mourning. SUNDAY EXHIBITIONS.—Mr. George Howard, member for East Cumberland, has secured Friday, July 18, on going into committee, for a motion in favour of open- ing the metropolitan museums and galleries on the Lord's Day. A similar motion was lost in the Commons by 208 votes to 83 in May, 1882, and by a small majority in the Lords during the present session. The Council of the Health Exhibition have unani- mously determined not to open that institution on the Sunday. LAST WEEK'S WRECKS.—The feature of the past week among shipping disasters was the report from the Greenland coast announcing the wrecks of vessels in the ice, which crushed two vessels, one American-owned and one Danish, the latter sinking with ten men. A Dundee whaling steamer was also in a critical position with seven men on board, some of the crew having, it was feared, been lost. Off British North America two colonial vessels went down with 25 lives; off the Eng- lish coast a small vessel with all hands; and in other parts of the world three (two British and one French- owned), carrying sugar and coal, with all hands." The actual wrecks for the week were 21 (13 British and eight foreign), against 24 for same week last year, making the total for the present year 780, against 976 last year. Two British vessels sunk by collision (one off England and one off France), causing the loss of three fives. ENCOUNTER WITH A BURGLAR.-A desperate en- counter with a burglar occurred on Monday morning in Aberdeen. A medical student, the only occupant of a cottage in the Holborn district, was aroused by the movements of a man who had gained an entrance by the window. Having a loaded revolver in his possession he fired two shots at the intruder, but missed. The burglar then closed with his assailant, and in the struggle dealt him a blow on the head inflicting serious injuries, after which he made good his escape. THE MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL.-One of the largest gatherings held in recent years in Manchester took place on Saturday at Pomona-gardens in support of the ship canal scheme. It was organised by the Manchester and Salford Trades Council for trades unionists and the industrial classes generally of the district. Various estimates agree in placing the attendance at over 50,000. Two meetings were held, one in Pomona-place and the other in the Agricultural Hall, identical resolu- tions being passed at both. The principal resolution was one thanking the chairman and members of the provisional committee for their untiring energy and their successful efforts in establishing before the- Com- mittee of the House of Lords the necessity and advan- tage of connecting Manchester, Salford, and the district with the sea by means of a ship canal. At the same time the provisional committee were urged to press forward the scheme to its final completion. SHOCKING MISADVENTURE.—A shocking affair occurred at Droylsden, near Manchester on Monday. The wife of a well-known cotton spinner, Mr. Egerton, kept a number of tame linnets in the bath-room. Observing a cat on the window sill of the room, she called her hus- band's attention to it. That gentleman took his gun into the garden with the intention of shooting the cat. Just at the moment when the wife moved to the window he pulled the trigger, and the lady fell dead, having been shot through the head. ROBBING MISSIONARY BOXES. — At the Central Criminal Court, on Monday, John Henry Jenkins, 56, pleaded guilty to two charges of stealing money and several watches, the property of Mr. Samuel Morley, M.P., as the trustee of the Congregational Chapel at Clapham. The prisoner appeared to have been employed as assistant minister to the chapel in question in 1882, and he absconded, taking with him money that had been placed in boxes by the children attending the chapel for the use of the London Missionary Society. He was subsequently discovered acting as minister to a Congre- gational chapel in another part of London, and here he appeared to have got up a watch club, and to have stolen several cf the watches that were placed in his hands as samples.-The prisoner was sentenced to twelve months' hard labour. KITCHEN GARDEN NOTES.-Now is the time to sow longpod beans for a few dishes of each sort to be had in the autumn (says Land and Water "). The Seville early longpod, which is the earliest of all. or the common longpod, are the best for the purpose. Since the rain beet-root plants have been able to make some growth, and the subsequent warm weather has brought them on rapidly. The ground must be kept clean by using the hoe, and it is also necessary to thin out the plants, leaving them a foot apart. All the kales should be planted out from the seed-beds. It is best to do this in showery weather, or as soon as showers are imminent. They lay hold on the ground quickly, and make an excellent start, which is of the greatest advantage especially if the summer should prove dry. Walcheren broccoli and Dean's early snowball cauliflower should be sown now to come in for autumn use and during the winter, and if some of the useful purple sprouting has not been sown no time should be lost in doing so. Brussels sprouts should always be planted out at the earliest opportunity, and young cabbages also. Carrot crops should be thinned out from time to time as required, pulling the most advanced for present use, and some seed of the early forcing French horn should be sown for successional crops, and celery should be planted out in well-manured trenches, for with these there is nothing like a good start. It is a good plan to prick off seedling plants into nursery beds, four to six inches apart, and then from these to the trenches when well established. Ridge cucumbers should be encouraged to grow as much as possible, drawing the soil up about the mounds and keeping the plants well watered. The plants of endive raised from seed sown in April should be planted out, and some seed of the green curled be sown for autumn and winter use; seedling plants should also be thinned out when necessary. Some kidney beans can yet be sown for late crop, selecting a cool, moist situation for the crop. Leeks should be planted out in well-manured ground; it is a most useful and wholesome vegetable. deserving of being widely grown. Lettuces should also be planted out for succession, and sowings made for autumn use. Sweet, crisp lettuces can be had with a little care nearly all the year round if a cold frame can be utilised in autumn and winter. Tomatoes can be planted out in warm positions against walls and similar places. Onion beds should be thinned, hoed clean, and the surface soil carefully stirred, but not interfering with the roots. Parsley may be cut down from time to time ia order to induce the plants to furnish young leaves. Parsnips need to be thinned out, and thesoils among them hoed. Potatoes must be earthed up a required. Red and white turnip radishes should be sown for successional crops in a cool spot. Sow a little more summer spinach for succession, and some early six weeks or American strapleaf turnip for early use. AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH OORN.-The following are the average prices of British corn for last week, as received from the inspectors and officers of Excise Wheat, 37s.; barley, 27s. lid.; oats, 22s. 4d. per Imperialqr. Corresponding week last year: Wheat, 42s. 5d.; barley, 31s. 6d.; oats, 22s. 6d. DEATH FROM EATING MACKEREL.—Mr. George Collier has held an inquest in London at East India-ready Poplar, on the body of James Townley, aged seven years. Mr. James Townley, the father of the deceased, said a few days ago he gave him some mackerel, and on the following morning he did not seem well. The doctor gave him medicine, but on Saturday he was taken with vomiting and fits, and died before a doctor could be fetched. Witness and his wife, and three other children partook of the fish, and his wife was very ill at the present time from the effects of eating the fish. Mr. Aird, surgeon, said the actual cause of death was convulsions from gastric irritation caused by eating mackerel. The jury returned a verdict of Death by misadventure." THE GREAT FIRE IN RANGOON.—A correspondent of the Rangoon Times gives further and fuller particu- lars of the conflagrations which recently destroyed the greater portion of Mandalay. He describes the loss of property as enormous, but cannot estimate the figure. Twenty-three lives were lost, and over 20,000 tenements, brick and bamboo, were destroyed. A portion of the north-west stockade round the palace was consumed, and the palace itself had a very narrow escape. The great Arkan idol was melted about the head and one arm, but as it had an accumulated coating of gold on it to the thickness of eight inches, the original case was not injured. This coating of gold is the outcome of the continual layers of gold leaf laid on by several genera- tions of worshippers. While the shrine was burning a small fire-pump was brought to bear on it, and the jet of water caused the huge idol to crack across the face from ear to ear. It is not now believed in Mandalay that the fires were caused by incendiaries. Though much misery and poverty exists in the Golden City, there is nothing like a rice famine either there or in the surrounding districts. Grain and other edibles, though dear, are still within reach of the poor who have the wherewith to buy. AN ISLAND FOR SALX-The island of Herm, one of the Channel group, which is announced for sale by auction in London on the 29th of July, is at present owned by the monks of La Grande Chartreuse, so well known as the manufacturers of the liqueur of that name. The confraternity purchased the island about three years ago, pending the erection of a monastery at Oowfold, Sussex. Had the French Government com- pelled the Order to quit France previously to the com- pletion of the English monastery, temporary accommo- dation would thus have been available in the little island, and this was the object for which they purchased it. The necessity for keeping the island having ceased with the completion of the monastery in Sussex, which can now receive all the monks in France belonging to the Order, the island is again offered for sale. BATHING FATALITY.—A sad bathing fatality has occurred in the River Dee, in the Vale of Llangollen. A railway porter named Thomas Burgess, employed at Glyndyfodry Station, on the Great Western Railway, was bathing in the Dee in company with two others, during the interval between the trains. In wading across the river, Burgess got into a deep hole, the Dee being very treacherous in many parts. The other men hastened to rescue their drowning companion, but one of them was eagerly clutched and dragged down the stream, a desperate struggle ensuing, and it was feared both would be drowned. The scene was witnessed by several persons on the banks of the river, who made efforts to save the drowning men. After a severe struggle Burgess released his companion and perished, the other man being ultimately rescued. MURDER AND MUTILATION.—A Vienna telegram states that a horrible murder is reported from Prague. An old man, formerly a civil engineer, was found murdered in his lodgings, his head being severed from his body. The head and the mutilated body were found in the bedroom, but the murdered man's legs had been cut off from the trunk and carried by the murderers into the kitchen. The money in the house was un- touched, so that the crime is believed to have been instigated by motives of revenge. DEATH FROM HYDROPHOBIA.—Mr. George Collier has held an inquest at the London Hospital on the body of Dennis McCarthy, aged twenty-one, a cellar- man. About eight months ago the deceased was bitten by a dog on his two fore-fingers. He went to a doctor immediately after the bite, and he attended to it, and the wound healed up. On Wednesday morning he complained of a pain in his chest, above the shoulder, and also in his arms. On Saturday night he appeared. to be much excited, and shuddered at drink, and foamed at the mouth. He was taken to the hospital, where he died in great agony. Verdict," Death from misadventure." FP? SCOTCH GAME PROSPECTS.—There ape no signs of disease up to the present time, and the young grouse in Perthshire are plentiful and strong. Reports from the far-north state that the birds will be plentiful, but not ready by the twelfth. They will be in prime condition by the 1st of September. A good average year may be expected throughout Scotland. Other kinds of game are thriving, and stalking will be abundant. Shootings are being well let. A SHIP STRUCK BY LIGHTNING AND BURNED.—Cap- tain M'Cann, master of the Derry barque Village Belle, arrived in port on Sunday evening from Baltimore. He reports having eight sailors on board belonging to the, Spanish ship Angeleta, from New Orleans to Barcelona, which was struck by lightning and set on fire. The crew, consisting of nineteen men, were taken off by the Italian barque Pipalarno, and eight of these were trans- ferred to the Village Belle. The Angeleta, when last seen, was burning to the water's edge and completely dismasted, lying in the track of eastward-bound vessels. THE AMATEUR CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP.—On Saturday afternoon the one mile bicycle and 25 miles tricycle amateur championships were decided, under the auspices of the National Cyclists' Union, at Lillie- bridge Grounds, West Brompton. For the one mile bicycle championship there were 17 entries, but only nine competed. After seven preliminary heats Messrs. H. W. Gaskell (Ranelagh Harriers), C. E. Liles (L.A.C.), and H. A. Speechley (Chelsea B.C.) were left to contest the final heat. The run, a close one, was ridden at a very slow pace, and resulted in the victory of Mr. Speechley, who beat Mr. Liles by three inches only. Time 3min. 14 2'5sec. In the twenty-five miles tricycle race there were nine riders, and the record was beaten from 12 miles upwards to the finish. Mr. C. E. Liles (L.A.C.), last year's champion, won by 100 yards from Mr. H. J. Webb (L.T.C.), Mr. S. Lee (Sutton T.O.) being third, a lap behind. The winner's time was 88min. 58sec., or 7min. 5sec. better than the previous fastest time for the distance.

THE MARKETS. MARK-LANE. At Mark-lane on Monday English wheat was in moderate supply and dull of sale. Runs of white ranged up to 43s, and red to 38s selected samples, 46s and 40s respectively. Foreign wheats, though a very slack tale, upheld last Monday's value. Australian, 41s to 41s 6d ex ship Dantzie and Konigsburg; white, 41s to 44s; red, 35s to 38s; Saxonka, 37s to 38s; Petersburg, 35s to 37s; Kubauka, 338 6d to 34s 6d; Taganrog, 31s to 36s; Calcutta, No. 2 club, new, 35s to 36s old, 30s to 31s; Bombay, No. 1, 38s and No. 2, 37s. Floating cargoes of wheat are dull, and with 18 fresh arrivals of which samples have hardly jet been distributed. Prices are for the moment undecided. Grinding barley on the spot is very quiet, without change in Vdlue, at 21s to 24s accord- ing to quality, Floating, the market is unaltered Bean3 and peas remain quoted as on this day week. Maize shows a decline of 3d to 6,.1, and is quiet both on the spot and floating. The large receipts of oats last week depressed va.ues 6d on the common qualities, from which there was a recovery of 3d on lighter arrivals and smaller shipments from Russia. For common grades 17s 3d is now the lowest price. Fine stout qualities are very arm, and range up to 2gs for Kus-ian and Swedish, which are scarce. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET. A very good collection of both English-fed and imported cattle were on oifer Among the former, grass-fed beasts were more numerous, and extremely prime. The latter consisted principally of Canadian of good useful character These sold at 5s to Is 2d. A few Danish ranged from 4s 4d to 6s 4d, and Swedish from 4s 6d to 4s 8:1. Of sheep and lambs the supply comprised but a limited number of choice small qualities wlncli maintained their value secondary grades were not so well Supported. These remarks apply to both sheep and lambs. Calv s sold at about late value. The larger Ilumhf l' were Swedish, which realised 5s 4d to &s ha lor the best. Our extreme quotation is for prime -Lnglisu. Best Norfolk^, Ss 6d to f s 8d prime shorthorns, 5s oa second quality beasts, 5s to 5s 4d; inferior, 4s to 4s Hd; best Downs and ha'f breds, 5s 8d to 6s 0d; best long wools, 5s 6d to 5s 8d second qualities and ewes, 4s lOd to 5s 41 lambs, 6s 8d to 7s 4d; calves, 4s 8d to 6s 4d per 81b, sinking the offal Total supplies—2690 beasts. including 620 foreign; 9490 sheep and lambs; 220 calves including 50 foreign; 10 pigs. METROPOLITAN MEAT MARKET. Not much demand, but f-upply being light, beef was well sustained, though not currently dearer; rather stiffer rates were in some cases realised for town killed and best Scotch. No improvement m the value of mutton. Beef, prime. 4s 8d to 5s 2d middling, 4s Od to 4s 4d; inferior, 3s 4d to 3s 8d. Mutton, prime, 5s 8d to 6s 4d middling, 4s 8d to 5s Od; inferior, 2s 8d to 4s Od Lamb, 6s 8d to 7s <dj foreign, 5s 8d to 6a. Veal, prime, 5s 4d to 5s 8d middling, 413 8d to 5s Od inferior, 4s Od to 4s 4d. Pork, prime, 4s 6d to 4s 8d; middling, 4s 2d to 4s 4d; inferior, 3s 8d to 4s per 81b. FISH. Good supplies generally and trade steady at firm rates. Soles, being more plentiful, were cheaper, whilst salmon was shorter and rather dearer. Turbot, 2s 6si to 10s Od ■ brill, 2s to 4s 6d; cod, Is 6d to 3s 0d; gurnet, Is 6d to 2s red mullet, 2s Od each salmon, Scotch, Is 6d. Irish' Is 4 £ d; grilse lid to Is; trout, Is; sturgeon, 6dsoles! lid per ib; eels, 16s per draft; mackerel, 15s per three score herrings, 16s per 120; plaice, 27s 6d haddocks, 8s whitiDg, 8s per box lobsters, Cd to 8d; crabs, Is to 2s 6d each. POTATOES. There wag a. good supply of potatoes on sal-. riha demand was steady for new sorts, but there is very little doing m old. Old: Magnum bonums, 65s to 90s cham- pions, 35s to 40s per ton New: Jersey, 8s to 9s: Cherbourg, 0s 6d to 8s; Malta, 6s to 7s.; Lisbon, 5s 6d to 6s 6d per cwt.