The Aberystwith Observer

Among the colonial possessions, or more correctly, dependencies of Holland there is a remarkable lit'.le state which, in its constitution and the original cos- tume of its inhabitants, surpasses the boldest dreams of the advocates of woman's rights. In the island of Java, between the cities of Batavia and Samarang, is the kingdom of Bantam, which although tributary to Holland, is an independent state. The sovereign 18. indeed, a man, but all the rest of the gownment belongs to the fair sex. The king is entirely de- pendent upon his State council. The highest autho- rities, military commanders, and soldiers are without exception of the female sex. These amazons ride in the masculine style, wearing sharp steel points instead of spurs. They carry a pointed lance, which they swing gracefully, and also a musket, which is dis- charged at full gallop. The capital of this little state lies in the most picturesque part of the island, in a fruitful plain, and is defended by two well-kept fortresses.

THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS. I Up to Monday morning no material change bad taken place in the political situation, and it continued doubtful whether Lord Salisbury would feel justified in assuming office. Communications were still pro- ceeding between the leaders of the two parties. The most contrary rumours were current, and these formed the common topic of conversation at the Carlton, Reform, and other political clubs, where there was a larger attendance than usual on Sundays. On Saturday morning Sir Henry Ponsonby, private secretary to her Majesty, paid a long visit to the Marquis of Salisbury at Arlington-street. During this consultation Sir Michael Hicks-Beach arrived, but only remained a short time. Sir Richard Cross, Mr. W. H. Smith, and Mr. Arthur Balfour called at noon and saw his lordship. Shortly afterwards a meeting of the Gladstone Cabinet was held in the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury in Downing-street. All the Ministers were present with the exception of Earl Spencer, who had not returned from Ireland. Although the proceedings were confidential, it is known that the only object of the meeting was further to consider the request made by Lord Salisbury for assurances as to the extent of support which his Government, if duly installed, would receive during the remainder of the session from the Liberal majority of the House of Commons. As the result of the Ministerial deliberations, the Liberal leaders, whilst repeating their desire to discourage anything like factions opposition, have declined to enter into so comprehensive an undertaking as they were invited to give. It has been pointed out to the Conservative chief that Mr. Gladstone and his colleagues are not in a position to bind their party to abstain from full criticism of the Budget proposals, or to surrender entirely the opportunities constitutionally claimed by private members for the raising of urgent questions, or the discussion of measures proposed by the Executive Government. A notification of the views of the Cabinet was at once forwarded to the Queea, and a copy of this communication was at the same? time sent to Lord Salisbury, who brought the subjeet again before his principal colleagues at a meeting which they Itsld at half-past fcui o'clock on Saterday afternoon, m Arlington-street, at the close of which the Marquis of Salisbury sent a communi- cation to the Queen. la view of the smsettled state of political affairs, the arrangements which bad been made by the Liberal Ministers for their immediate retirement from the offices connected with their respective departments were suspended, and on account of the difficulties which arose upon the assurances asked from the Liberal leaders, the filling Bp of the minoiroffices in the proposed Conservative administration was postponed. The Marquis of Salisbury left London on Saturday evening for his residence at Hatfield, where hlit remained over Sunday. | Mr. Gladstone left London on Saturday afternoon, shortly after the Cabinet Council broke up, for the Earl of Aberdeen's seat at Mill Hill, Middlesex. THE NEW MINISTRY. The political crisis ended on Tuesday, and tha formal installation of the new Ministry took place on Wednesday. On Tuesday afternoon Lord Salisbury proceeded to Windsor and submitted to her Majesty a list of those whom he proposed as the priseipal members of his Government. The Times says the Cabinet will consist of 16 members, the same as the retired Cabinet, eight being in the Upper and Eight in the Lower House. The offices are distributed as follows: Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Marquis of Salisbury. First Lord of the Trea- Sir Stafford Northcote sury .) (Earl of Iddesleigh.) Lord Chancellor Sir Harding Giffard (with a peerage). Lord Lieutenant of Ire- land Earl of Carnarvon. Lord President of the Council Viscount Cranbrook. Lord Privy Seal Earl of Harrowby. Chancellor of the Exche- quer and Leader of the House of Common Sir M. Hicks-Beach. Home Secretary Sir Richard Cross. Colonial Secretary Col. F. A. Stanley. War Secretary Mr. W. H. Smith. Indian Secretary. Lord Randolph Churchill. First Lord of the Admiralty Lord George Hamilton. Lord Chancellor of Ire-1 Mr. Gibson (with a land. peerage). Postmaster-General Lord John Manners. President of the Board of Trade. Duke of Richmond. "Vice President of the Council. Mr. Edward Stanhope. We have reason to believe that the following appointments outside the Cabinet have been decided President of the Local Government Board Mr. Arthur Balfour. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Mr. Chaplin. Chief Secretary for Ire- land Sir W. Hart-Dyke. First Commissioner of Works. Mr. Piunket. On Tuesday morning Mr. Chaplin paid a brief visit to the Marquis of Salisbury at Arlington-street, and somewhat later Sir Henry Ponsonby called. At one o'clock a meeting of leading members of the new Government, including several who are not included in the Cabinet, was held at Arlington-street. Amongst those present were' Sir Stafford Northcote, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Mr. Balfour, Lord George Hamilton, Mr. Gibson, Lord Randolph Churchill, Lord John Manners, Colonel Stanley, Sir Richard Cross, Mr. W. H. Smith, the Earl of Carnarvon, Sir Hardinge Giffard, the Earl of Harrowby, Sir W. Hart-Dyke, and Lord Cranbrook. The meeting was called for the purpose of considering some details arising out of the settlement arrived at between the leaders of the two political parties as to the conduct of Parlia- mentary business for the remainder of the session. The meeting concluded at ten minutes past two o'clock. Shortly after its close Lord Richard Gros- venor called upon Lord Salisbury as to the arrange- ments for the transfer of Government, regarding which Sir Henry Ponsonby had a little earlier called at Downing-street to consult Mr. Gladstone. The following additions to the Ministry were an- nounced on Thursday Morning:— Financial Secretary Sir Henry Holland. Patronage Secretary Mr. Rowland Winn. Attorney-General Mr. R. E. Webster, Q.C. Solicitor-General Mr. Macnaghten, Q.C. Attorney General for Ireland Mr. Holmes. Solicitor General for Ireland Mr. Monroe. Paymaster-General Earl Beauchamp. Lord Chamberlain Earl of Lathom. Lord Steward Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe. Master of the Horse Earl of Bradford. THE OLD AND NEW MINISTERS AT WINDSOR. The Court Circular of Wednesday night contained the following: WINDSOR CASTLE, June 24. The Queen drove out yesterday afternoon, accom- panied by her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice; and her Majesty drove to Frogmore this morning with the Princess. The Marquis of Salisbury, K.G., bad an audience of her Majesty yesterday, and kissed hands on accept- ing office. Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein dined with the Queen yesterday evening. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, attended by Colonel Stanley Clarke, arrived at the Castle at half-past one o'clock to-day. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone bad an audience of the Queen to-day, and took leave of her Majesty. Lord Thurlow left the Castle this morning, and General Viscount Bridport arrived as Lord-in-Waiting to her Majesty. The Queen held a Council to-day at a quarte before three o'clock, at which were present His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, K.G., the Earl of Selborne (Lord Chancellor), Lord Carlingford, K. P. (Lord President of the Council), the Earl of Rosebery (Lord Privy Seal), the Right Hon. Sir W. Vernon Harcourt (Secretary of State for the Home Depart- ment), Earl Granville, E.G. (Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs), the Earl of Kimberley (Secretary of State for India), the Earl of Derby, K.G. (Secre- tary of State for the Colonial Department), the Marquis of Hartington (Secretary of State for War), the Right Hon. Hugh C. Childers (Chancellor of the Exchequer), and the Right Hon. Gr. O. Trevelyan (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster). Sir Henry James, Q.C., was introduced, and sworn in a member of the Privy Council. Lord Carlingford had an audience of her Majesty, and took leave. After the Council the following Ministers bad audiences of the Queen, and delivered up their Seals of Office: The Earl of Selborne (Lord Chancellor), the Earl of Rosebery (Lord Privy Seal), the Right Hon. Sir W. Vernon Harcourt (Secretary of State for the Home Department), Earl Granville, K.G. (Sec- retary of State for Foreign Affairs), the Earl of Kim- berley (Secretary of State for India), the Earl of Derby, K.G. (Secretary of State for the Colonies), the Marquis of Hartington (Secretary of State for War), the Right Hon. Hugh C. Childers (Chancellor of the Exchequer), and the Right Hon. G. O. Trevelyan (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lanssster). Mr. Charles Lennox Peel, C.B., was in attendance as Clerk of the Council. Her Majesty held a second Council at four o'clock, at which were present his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Viscount Cranbrook, G.C.S.I., the Earl of Harrowby, the Marquis of Salisbury, E.G., the Earl of Caraarvon, Lord George Hamilton, Lord John Manners, the Right Hon. Sir Stafford Northcote, G.C.B., the Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, the Right Hon. Sir Richard Cross, GKC'.B., Colonel the Right Ecr. F. A. Stanley, and the Right Hon. W. H. Smith. Viscount Cranbrook was here daclared President of the Ccraneil. Lord Randolph Churchill, Sir Bsardinge Giffard, the Right Hon. Edward Gibson, the Hon. E. Stan- hope, M?. Arthur Balfour, Mr. H. Chaplin, and Sir Drummend Wolff, G.C.M.G., wera, introduced, and sworn in members of the Privy Council. At the-Council her Majesty delivered the Seals of Office to the following Ministers: The Sight Hon. Sir Hardinge Giffard (Lord Chancellor), the Earl of Harrowby (Lord Privy Seal), the Marquis of Salis- 1 bury, E.G. (Secretary of State for- Foreign Affairs), the Right Hon. Sir Richard Cross (Secretary of State for the Home Department), Cole-Eel the Right Hon. F. A. Stanley (Secretary of State for the Colonial Department), Lord Randolph Cbucehil! (Secretary of State for India), the Right Hon. W. EL Smith (Secre- tary of State for War), and tha Right Hon. Sir Michael Hicks Beach (Chancellssrcf the Exchequer). The Right Hon. Sir Stafford Northeote was sworn in as FirstTLord of the Treasury. The Right Hon. H. Chaplin was introduced to an audience of the Queen, and bar-Majesty delivered to him the Seals of Office as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster after he had taken the oath. The following were then itotroduieed and kissed hands on their several appointments: The Earl of Carnarvon, as Lord Lieutenant of Ire- land Lord John Manners, as Postmaster-General; the Right Hon. E. Stanhope,, as Vice-President of th& Committee of Council on. Education; Earl Beaa^ sbamp, as Paymaster-General and the Right Hsa. D. R. Plunket, as First Commissioner of Works. The Right Hon. Sir- Michael Hicks Beach was sworn before the Lord Chancellor as Chancel'?/? of the Exchequer; and Lord George Hamilton, as Mrst Lord of the Admiralty* The following were- sworn before the Lord Presi- dent of the Council; The Right Hon. Sir Hardinge Giffard, as Lord Chancellor the Right Hon. E. Gibson as Lord Chancellor of Ireland the Right Hon. H. Chaplin, as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster j and the Right Hon. Arthur Balfour, as President of the Local Government Board. Mr. Charles Lennox Peel was in attendance as Clerk of the Council. General Yiscount Bridport and Admiral Lord Frederick Kerr were in attendance at both Councils, as Lord and Groom in Waiting to the Queen. The Duke of Richmond and Gordon was prevented by illness from attending the Council. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales attended by Colonel Stanley Clarke, left the Castle at five o'clock for London. Lord Randolph Churchill has appointed Mr. A. W. Moore, of the India Office, to be his private secre- tary. Mr. Moore had already been offered the private secretaryship to the Marquis of Salisbury; but it was felt that the wide knowledge Mr. Moore possesses of Indian policy, which would have been lost through his retirement from his post as Assis- tant Political Secretary at the India Office, could not be employed in a more useful sphere than that in which he had already gained no inconsiderable distinction. The Queen has been pleased to confer the dignity of the Order of the Garter on the Earl of Kimber- lev, and the honour of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath on Viscount Eversley and Viscount Sher- brooke. By permission of the Queea a peerage has been offered to Sir Ralph Lingen, K.C.B., who has ac- cepted the same. He will resign his appointment as Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, and will be succeeded by Sir Reginald Welby, K.C.B., Auditor of the Civil List. Her Majesty has also been pleased to direct that Sir Harry Verney, M.P., and Sir Arthur Otway, M.P., shall be sworn of the Privy Council. Her Majesty has also been pleased to confer the Companionship of the Order of the Bath on Mr. E. W. Hamilton.

ANOTHER DISASTROUS COLLIERY EXPLOSION. A disastrous explosion occurred on Saturday morning in the Burnley Pit of the Apedale Collieries, belonging to Messrs. Stainer and Co., near Chesterton, North Staffordshire. At the time of the explosion about 200 men were engaged in various parts of the workings which are very extensive. The actual seat of the explosion was in a dip recently opened out in the ten feet seam. In this seam, which is a fiery one, only a do^en men were employed. Of these three were in the level, and made their escape, but the remaining nine were killed. Great damage was done to the workings, and for some time the ventilation of the mine was suspended. The report of the explosion was not loud, and men working in other parts of the pit were ignorant of anything unusual having taken place until they were brought to the surface. Many of them at once descended for exploring" purposes. The colliery is one of the largest and most carefully worked in the district. When it was ascertained that several men remained in the ten feet seam, a party was formed to attempt their rescue. Headed by the manager, Mr. J. Cadman, they descended the pit, and the worst fears were then realised. The roads were found to have been blown in and ventila- tion entirely stopped, so that there was no possibility of reaching the imprisoned miners, who were about 700 vards from the pit's mouth, It was only by clearing the road and working their way by bratticing that they could hope to reach the men, nine in number, and no hope was entertained of getting them out alive. The work of clearing was, however, at once commenced, and although the afterdamp was very strong, numbers of volunteers persevered in the effort to get at their comrades, and by four o'clock on Saturday afternoon they bad succeeded in bringing out four bodies. The work of exploration was con- tinued throughout the night, and up to eight o'clock on Sunday morning six bodies had been removed to the surface. The explorers carried on their labours on Sunday under serious disadvantages, the ventila- tion being seriously impaired, and the afterdamp so strong as to overcome some of the rescuers.

CHASED BY A TRAIN ON FIRE. An engine-driver on an American railway, in relat- ing some adventures of his life, gave an account of the conflagration of an oil train which occurred several years ago on the Buffalo, Corry, and Erie Railroad. The train was a mixed train, that is, was composed of both freight and passenger trains, such as are run on roads where the passenger travel is light. There were two passenger cars at the rear of the train, and next to the engine were six cars con- taining 50,000 gallons of petroleum. When at the summit of a long descending grade, one of the oil cars took fire, and the engineer signalled for the brakes, the train hands pulled the coupling pin, and the passenger cars were left behind; although the coupling-pin in front of the oil cars was pulled out, they neglected to set the brakes, and the burning cars followed the locomotive, gaining in velocity until escape seemed impossible. At the distance of twelve miles from where the chase began, a branch road joins the main line. The only chance was to signal for the switch which would deflect the train iifto this branch road, whose grade was an ascending one. There were no trains due to require a man at that switch, but as the men on the locomotive blew the signal, fortu- nately a man reached the switch in time, and the burning train had sufficient momentum to follow the locomotive over a mile on the ascending grade.— Engineering.

"i» THE QUEEN'S ACCESSION. The forty-eighth anniversary of the Queen's Acces- sion was celebrated in London in the customary manner on Saturday. From an early hour, aDd at intervals during the day, the bells of several of the West-end churches rang out marry peals. The drram- major doing duty with the detachment of the 2hd Battalion Coldstream Guards, which mounted the Queen's Gaard, and the other public duties in Londos for the day, wore his State uniform in honour of the occasion, aad the band of the regiment played a selection of music in the courtyard of St. James's Palace during the ceremony of mounting and changing the guard. The subaltern on-duty carried the Queen's colour from Wellington Barracks to the Guard- house at St. James's hI place of the regi- mental colour usually taken, and the oiicer of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, who was relieved from duty, afterwards convayed the colour to Chelsea Barracks. The Admiralty flag was hoisted on top of the Admiralty Offic3s at Whitehall, and the Roval Stan-sard floated 9n the Royal United Service Insti- tutioa in Whitehall-yard. Flags- were also hoisted on saveral other public and private buildings. At nv' Windsor on Saturday the bells rang merrily in horuxir of the event. The Lord Chief Justice of England's Court presented a somewhat novel appear- ance, aa the 13 judges of the Queen's Bench Division, who sat to hear Crown Cases Reserved, wore their acarh;, robes.

LOBMALISBCRY AND THE NATIONAL LIBERAL FEDERATION, Tho following circular addressed to the delegates upon the committee, has been issue&by the officers of the National Liberal liberation: Birmingham, Jane 22. 1885. B-ear Sir,—The officers have to-day had under consideration the extraordinary coarse which Lord Salisbury took in the House of Lords on Friday last, stopping the progress of the Seats BiiL That course, together with the implied threat that in the event of his demands not being conceded' by the Liberal leadisys, an appeal might be mads- to the present electorate constitutes a serious and dangerous poli- tical; crisis. When the operation, of the Franchise Bill'was postponed until the 1st January, 1886, it was on. the distinct under-standing that the Seats Bill wouM come into operation at the- same time, and to refuse to allow the bill- to proceed and become law simply on the ground of the pressnt exigencies of the Tary party is, in the opinion of the officers, nothing short of a shameful departure Srom an honourable 9 understanding. Under these eiroumstanses we beg to request your attendance at a meeting of the general committee, to be held on Monday next at 3.30 p.m., at the Queen's Hotel, Birmingham. The committee- will be asked at this meeting to consider resolutions, setting forth the opinion of the Federation upon tbi, course adopted by Lord Salisbury, and to detsr- mine the best means of fitly expressing the views- of the country, and especially of the county constituencies thereon.

ROYAL PIC-NIC AT VIRGINIA WATER. The Prince of Wales, visited on Saturday afternoon, the Windsor Cavalry Barracks, and was present at the party given by the officers of the 2nd Life Guards at the close of the festivities of the Ascot week. His Royal Highness and suite left Easthampstead Park on the Earl of Fife's drag, and drove to the barracks, where he was received on his arrival, about half-past one o'clock, by Lieutenantr I Colonel G. A. Curzon, the commandant of the regiment, the band, stationed on the lawn near Arabi Pacha's tent, playing the National Anthem. The weather, although unsettled, was agreeable, permitting the guests and a large assemblage of the residents to enjoy without hindrance the play in the cricket match between the I Zingari team and the 2nd Life Guards, one of the attractions of the day. The Prince of Wales, who wore the undress uniform of Colonel-in-Chief of the Household Cavalry, at once joined the company, among whom were the Duke of Teck, the Marquis of Ormonde, Lord E. Gordon, Mrs. Curzon, Colonel Townshend, the Provost of Eton and Mrs. Hornby, Colonel Stocker, of the Seaforth Highlanders, Colonel Wood, the Hon. C. Bingham, Colonel Custance, Captain the Hon. W. Hanbury, Mr. A. Ricardo, Sir Joseph and Lady Devereux, Mr. W. Grenfell, Captain Cunningham, Major Tennant, and others. His Royal Highness lunched at the officers' mess, and at four o'clock witnessed a musical ride exocuted by 20 tropers of the 2nd Life Guards, under the direction of Riding-Master Burt. A dais and chairs had been provided for the Royal party, but the Prince preferred standing among the com- pany, and watched with keen interest the intricate evolutions of the guardsmen. The Prince subse- quently returned to the lawn, where he remained till the completion of the first innings of the cricket match, which the 2nd Life Guards won by a single run. The Prince of Wales, on quitting the Spital Barracks, drove up the Long Walk and through the Great Park to the Fishing Cottage at Virginia Water, where on his arrival, about six o'clock in the evening, he joined the Princess of Wales, who had proceeded thither with the Princesses Louise, Victoria, and Maud from Easthampstead-park, and was holding a picnic at the lake's side. A Metropolitan Police band has usually attended the party, but was not engaged this year in consequence of the Court being in mourning for Prince Frederick Charles, the father of the Duchess of Connaught. No velocipede crews were afloat, and the pleasure craft were pennonless, it being evidently the desire of the Royal party to pass the evening as quietly as possible. The Queen's state barge, with its high stern crowned by the Royal arms, was moored opposite the cottage, and near at hand was a small blue-painted cutter, bearing the Prince of Wales's crest on her bows. Her mainsail was hoisted in readiness for a cruise upon the lake, and the Union Jack was flying at the masthead. The weather had now become somewhat threatening, but tempted by a burst of sunshine the Princess of Wales, Prince George, and Princesses Louise, Victoria, and Maud em- barked with the ladies and gentlemen of the suite in the boats which had been provided and rowed along the lake towards the Wheatsheaf. The Princess and her companions were followed by the Prince of Wales, who, entering the yacht, took the helm, Captain Welch acting as sailing master. The boat scudded away smartly before a freshening north- westerly till it reached the far end of the lake, from which the other craft were already returning, when its occupants were caught in a storm of rain. The boat was accordingly put about, and in the face of the baffling head winds made slow progress across the lake. Prince George, accompanied by two other gentlemen, rowed out to tow in the yacht, but the Prince of Wales declined this assistance, and similar help proffered by one of the watermen was also refused. The Prince of Wales, whose steering had been watched with much interest by the spectators, eventually accomplished his object, and taking ad- vantage of a shift in the wind, sailed gallantly up to the Cottage landing-place about eight o'clock amid the congratulations of the company, his cruise on Virginia Water having occupied about an hour and a half. The Royal party dined at the Fishing Cottage and drove later on to Easthampstead Park, whence they returned on Monday afternoon to Marlborough House.

MR. LOWTHER, M.P., ON THE SITUATION. Mr. James Lowther, M.P., addressed his consti- tuents at Market Rasen on Tuesday evening. He said it was contrary to the fundamental principles of the English Constitution that any Ministry could hold office unless it could do one of two things—either command a majority of the existing House of Commons or be in a position to tender constitutional advice to the Sovereign to enable an appeal to be made promptly to the country. No Government formed from the Conservative side of politics could at the present moment do either of those things, and consequently he clung to the hope—though from what he read that hope might be slender-tb-t they might be spared what he should consider the national calamity of a Conservative Government unbacked by a Conservative majority in the House of Commons. His humble contention was that it was beneath the dignity of any political party to seek assurances, even if they were worth anything when obtained.

.ù. Why are cobblers eligible for medical diplomas ? Because they are skilled in the art of heeling. A three-year-old little girl was taught to close her evening prayer, during the temporary absence of her father, with and please watch over my papa." It sounded very sweet, but the mother's amusement may be imagined when she added, and you'd better keep an eye on mamma too!"

MR. HERBERT GLADSTONE. A correspondent vftStes Mr. Ashworth, the Con- servative candidate for the Chester-le-Street Division of North Durham, addressed a meeting at Holbeaeh, Lincolnshire, during last -seek. Referring to Ireland he stated that Mr. Herbert Gladstone was speaking at Leeds on October 23, 1883r in company with Mr, Biggar, and made the remalk, K'I know very little ef Ireland. Mr. Biggar jumped up and said, Be jabers, but your father knows less- He further said that Mr. E. Gladstone made a 1.OK~ is* Ireland during 1881, and was compelled to travef incognito fearing that the naiae of Gladstone would endanger his per- sonal safety. His identity, however, was discovered f*>y the chambermaid at a hotel by seeing the name of M'r; H. Gladstone marked on his nightgown. She spread the intelligence, and Mr. Gladstone was com- pelled to leave. Mr. Merry, of Ilolbeach, sent a copy of the report of the speech to Mr. H. Gladstone, and on Thursday reeeiwd a reply denying that he had ever spoken in company with Mr. Biggar esecpt in the Hoiase of Commonsi He certainly did travel incognito in Ireland, but not for the purpose of insuring his own personal safety. He wished to quietly ascertain the wishes of the people, and, being an official at Dublin? Castle, could1 Not carry out his object if his name were known. His wishes were frustrated in consequence of being recognised by an English engi- neer, but after his idea-tity was exposed he experienced the utmost kindnessEmd courtesy.

SPOUTING PROSPECTS IN THE HIGH- LANDS @F SCOTLAND. Sporting pro pects- ID the Highlands of Scotland are regarded as on the whole very favourable-. During the winter it may ba- said there was no scow, and although there was a. late spring, grass has now come on very well, and deep-are reported in capital condi- tion. It is expected that before the seassn opens stags-will be unusually fit. Grouse prospects are also very Ba/vourable. Notwithstanding the shacwp snow- storms experienced late in spring, which probably destroyed nests, espesially on the higher grounds, un- commonly numerous eoveys have been seen, and a few, of them comprisiag as many as 12 birda. Fortu- nataly, grouse were late in pairing, and to this eircum- st&ace mainly the satisfactory breeding results are to bo-attributed. Unless something unforeseen occurs tha coming grousa season will have to included among the good seasons. In the Braex&ar district stags have been seen in better condition, b»t many of them are showing finely developed antlerz, Some of the progeny of the recently imported stags to Mar ULcdge have of late joined and associated successfully with the wild herds in the forest. They are a mani- fest improvement 0>11 the old breed, alikë. in head and carcase. In many districts the stock of partridges is ex- tensive, and almost everywhere ground game is plenti- ful. A considerable number of shootings have changed hands, among them the following: Mr. Charles Watson, Brighton, has taken Findrack; Sir Spencer Mary GaWilson,Edinglassie; Major Blackwood, Asloun and Mr. Crichton, Haddo; in Aberdeenshire. In Forfarshire Kilry has been taks-n by Mr. Lister; Cammoek by Mr. Gourley; and Balnaboth by Mr. Ames Van Wart. In Inverness-shire, Crubenmore has been taken by Mr. Johnson, Kilmalin by Mr. G. Moore, Tsr&igh by General Gordon, Curour Forest by Mr. Tennant of Dunalistair, Tomatin by Mr. Thor- burn Maelaine, Flichity by Mr. Emil Reiss, South Drumouehter by M. Bortheiay, and Glen Gilort by Mr. Smart. Mr. Halford has taken Blair Adam, Kinrossshire. In Perthshire, Stuartfield has been let to Mr. Howat, Inverhadden to Mr. Walker, Tomna- grew to Mr. Kinmond, Inverchroskie to Mr. Hankey, Stronphadrich to the Earl of Darnley, Balernund to Miss Reynolds. Coillievrockan to Mrs. Drummond, Balmyle and Pearsie to Mr. Buckley, Badnamheist to Mr. Thomas, Braoo to Mr. Gow, Finnart to Mr. Wertheimer, Pitearmick to Mr. Cowan, Ashintully Moor to Captain Burbidge, Garvock to Mr. Neilson, Trinafour to Mr. Collins, and Glenlochsie to Captain Montague Macdonald. The lets to date are fewer than they have been at the same period for many yeavs past, and the circumstance is set down to the unsettled political prospects.

EXTENSIVE FRAUDS IN GLASGOW. The Times is responsible for the following: An extensive system of fraud, carried on over a series of years, has just been discovered by the heads of one of the oldest warehouse firms in Glasgow. The defal- cations, it is reported, amount to LIOIOOO or £15,000, but as no complaint has been lodged with the criminal authorities, it is difficult to ascertain the exact particulars. It has transpired, however, that the thefts run over a series of years, and they appear to have been effected by several of the trusted hands inside the warehouse leaguing themselves together and passing goods to outside representatives in other parts of the kingdom, where they were disposed of in due course, and the funds transmitted to a head centre, who made the distributions. The manner of the discovery is stated to have been very simple. It is the rule of the establishment that all goods sent out should be checked at certain stages of their transit. A young employe, however, who bad implicit confidence in the person above him, did not follow out this intruction, and this innocent aided the thieves in their operations; bu one day last week this young man was replaced by another employe, who did his duty, found that the parcels passed on to him did not tally with the in- voices, and reported the discrepancies, with the result already stated. As showing the careful and systematic way in which those engaged in these pro- ceedings have gone about the business, it may be mentioned that some of the principal books have been altered to suit and cover their purposes. It follows, of course, that that could not have taken place had not some of those who held responsible positions abetted, if they did not originate, the pro- ceedings and, as already been said, such is the case. One or two of those concerned-the number in all is given as seven-have been from ten to twenty years in the firm's employ, and more than one holds high office in connection with local churches. All were regarded as strictly honourable servants, and in re- spect of those who were prominent church office- bearers they were held in some esteem by a wide circle of friends who have been deeply grieved and shocked by the turn affairs have taken. One of the men most deeply implicated, who was a traveller in Ireland, has committed suicide. It is understood that the greater part of the money was wasted in specula- tion, chiefly on horse-racing.

Jftisrelhwfaus Intelligent!. HOME- FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL. GENERAL EARLE.—A statue in bronze of the late General Earle, who fell at the battle of Kirbekan, is about to be erected at Liverpool by public subscrip- tion. SOCIETY OF ARTISTS.—Mr. William Linnell and Mr. John Proctor have been elected on the Council of the City of London Society of Artists and Guildhall Academy of Arts. THE LAST REMNANT.—Madame Sarah Bernhardt's seaside villa at Sainte Addresse, and four plots of ground adjoining, are announced for sale. This is stated to be the last remnant of her fortune. SWEDENBOEGISM.—At the seventy-fifth annual meet- ing of the Swedenborg Society it was announced that 2132 volumes of the work of Swedenborg had been sold, and 2844 volumes presented during the year. RUSSIAN SCHOOL CHILDREN. — According to the Moskow Viedomoski only 21 children out of 100 at- tending school in Russia are girls. The proportion varies with the religion. Thus of Protestants the ¡ number was greatest, viz., 45-4 per cent.; of Jews, 34'1 per cent.; and of Roman Catholics, 14-4 per cent. The I number is lowest amongst Greek Catholics, viz., 12'3 per cent. THE COAL TRADE.—Mr. J. B. Scott, in his report on the coal trade for May, says that, during that month, 501,664 tons were brought into London by rail and canal, against 561,650 at the same date last year. For the five months of the current year the total brought into London by rail and canal was 2,878,922 tons, or 87,160 tons more than in the same period of last year. INTERNATIONAL INVENTIONS EXHIBITION. — The number of visitors to this Exhibition for the week ending 20th June was 151,847. Total since the opening 937,063. THE ALEXANDRA PALACE.—A special and splendid display of fireworks was given on Saturday evening in the grounds of the Alexandra. Palace. The chief feature in the show was a representation of the Falls of Niagara. In addition there were fire portraits of General Gordon and other heroes who perished in the Soudan, and a discharge of sextuple rockets, which, having attained a great altitude, discharged other rockets that burst higher still. Throughout the latter part of the evening the grounds, from end to end, were illuminated. Within the building there were enter- tainments of a diversified and amusing character. r- J ANOTHER MNATIVE VILLAGE."—"An Indian Native* Village" is to be established in Regent-street next November for the purpose of affording to the English public some idea of the manners, customs, industries and amusements cl the natives of India. Sir George Birdwood, O.S.I., of the India OSes, has accepted the office of art direetc-r of the proposed exhibition. It will be modelled upon that of the Japanese Village. STUDY OF SANSKRIT.—Proposals &ave lately been made to the Madras Go^srnment with a view to encou- raging the study of Sanskrit for law purposes. They snelude making Sanskrit, sompulsory tcr law degrees at the University and for -various legal appointments. While the Government has refused to santion them, it feao agreed to consider the question of making an annual allotment for the puMicaticn of Sewskrit MSS. THE OFFICE OF FIRST OF THE TBBASURY.— Sisse the accession of George 1. the post of First Lord of the Treasury has been filled during 64 yeara-by mem* bera of the tipper House, and during 107 by members of the House of Commons. Undfer her present Majesty the Premiership has been 15 yearawith the Peers and 33 with the Commons. Of the 82' statesmen placed at the head of the Treasury between 1714 and 1385, 28 either anjoyed or were in the succession to hereditary titles at the time of their elevation,. The other fear are Walpolej. Addington, Canning, and Disraeli. A MALICIOUS ACT.—At the summer exhibition of the Bristol Fine Art Academy it was found that some malicious person had run a small thorn stake THROUGH a figure SUBJECT called the Soudanese Gourd-carver, by Mr. T. Protheroe, a Bristol artist. Tile thorn had been driven through the canvas and was projecting from the nose of the figure when the mutilation- was discovered by Mr. Woodberry, the assistant secretary. IT is believed to have been done late in the evening, and' WRS disco veredaarly next morning. Nothing is known vf the perpetrator of the malicious act. LAST "WEBK'S WRECKS.—Nine British, two being steamers, AND 15 foreign owned vessels were reported as actual shipwrecks last week, making the total for the year 542. Of the British, four (sailers) went down off the British Isles, including two by collision. A British s' sailer and two foreign sailers were destroyed bv fire; two British and two Norwegian abandoned at sea. Lives lost 132; of which 127 went down in a French gunboat. Corresponding week of last year: Wrecks, 21; total for year, 780; by collision, 2. Lives, 76. CORN AVERAGES.—The following are the average prices of Eritish corn for last week, as received front the inspectors and officers of Excise: Wheat,. 33s. 2d.; barley, 28s. 2d, oats, 22s. 4d. per imperial qr. 00rre" sponding week last year: Wheat, 37s. 0d.; barley. 27s. lid.; oats, 22s. 4d. AN OLD POST OFFICE SERVANT.—The death of Mr- James Deacon, the chief messenger to her Majesty'^ Postmaster-General, occurred as Godolphis-road, Sllep" herd's bush, on Sunday morning, after nearly five weeks' illness. The deceased was well known and greatly respected, first entered the Post Office service over 45 years ago, and was in his 67tb year. Ha was one of the few persons living connected with the old twopenny postage service and the estab- lishing of the penny post. He had until quite recently attended his duties regularly. t THE ALBERT P ALAcE.-The Council of the Albert Palace have in contemplation a series of eom petitions in connection with those special industries which are identified with certain towns and counties in the United Kingdom, at which prizes for the best WORFE executed in the Palace will be given. The special feature of these exhibitions will be the actual manufac* tare of the articles by the various handicraftsmen in the presence of the public, an additional interest being given each trade competition by loan collections Of examples of early English work. THE GERMAN ARMY.—The German Minister of Wat has prepared several measures in view of the intended augmentation of the army of Germany. It is proposed; in the first place, to increase the standing army FRONJ 418,000 to 480,000, in accordance with the estimated growth of the population. The artillery is to be in, creased by the creation of two new batteries in each Of the 19 army corps of the German army. Besides thiS, the number of guns in each battery, which is now four when not mobilised, is to be permanently raised to six. Finally, the formation of some new cavalry regiment is in contemplation. They are to complete the organs sation of the 15th Army Corps (Alsace-Lorraine), whicb now receives its cavalry from the 18 other army corps Of the German army DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS.—One of most ancient of the few remaining old honses tn Lambeth will shortly go the way of its more fasaoaS neighbour and contemporary-the Swan. It is close TO the waterside, being No. 157 in Lambeth-road, FORMERLY Chuich-street, and over the wide entrance into (or Palace) Yard. The large room, which OCCUPY nearly all the first floor, has served for a oonventicl0/ and is said to have been used by Bunyan on the occasion of his evangelistic visit to this quarter from Bedford. Adjoining No. 157 is the cleared site of the SWABJ pulled down some three years since, reputedly one the earliest public-houses established in "Builder." A NEW EXPLOSIVE.—A Swedish engineer, HERR Sjoberg, has produced a new explosive, which he CALLS romite, and with which experiments have just BEEN made at the fortress of Waxholm. The manufacture claims that the explosive may be manufactured WIT"" out any elaborate machinery that it cannot ex PI0"; even when closely confined, except when ignited; FTD that it cannot freeze; while its strength is very and its cost small. The experiments carried out *ER^ with a breechdoader discharging shells to a distance 0 1090 yards, all the shells exploding with great EFFECT) whilst the blasting operations were most successful.; number of engineers and military officials witnessed the experiments, which were declared highly satisfactory' — Iron." STRONG BEER.—The following Vindication Strong Beer" was written two centuries ago by "the PR°, lific' Anon, to defend the distressed company 0 brewers against teetotal fanatics. England," say. the author, if cut off from wine hath whereat to re' joice. For of hopps and mault, our native commoditiest and therefore more agreeable to the constitutions 0 our native inhabitants, may be made such strong as that it may serve instead of sack if authority SHA think fit." Thence, he remarks, would ensue GRE9< increase of tillage and of hop-gardens, to the benefit O the industrious farmer, the revenue of the nobility, the poor people whose food affords them little ment, and is indeed sometimes dangerous, UNLCF* combined with beer well infused with hops, which 16 more powerful to expel poisonous infection than is yet publicly known or taken notice of." THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. -The additions to tb8 Zoological Gardens during the past week include a white-fronted Capuchin monkey from South A presented by Mr. E. Luxmore Marshall; a monkey from India, presented by Mr. A. R. Brown martinique Gallinule captured at sea, presented by G. S. Webb two grey-breasted parrakeets from Video, presented by Miss Buist; a red and blue from Brazil, presented by Mr. J. W. Beswick PurchaS > a yellow conure from Venezuela, presented by Albert H. Nicholson; abarn owl, British, presented PX Mr. W. Ostle; an aasculapian snake from Oentr Europe, presented by Miss Lenox Conyngham; 01 domestic sheep from Somali Land, deposited; W° larger tree ducks from India, two Gould's MONITOR^ two great cyclodus, two carpet snakes, three DIAMOND snakes from New South Wales, received in a Japanese deer, and three pigmy hogs, born in TH gardens. of THE SUMMER GRAPHIC."—The summer number Of the Graphic compares favourably with its cessors. The principal story is contributed by the W Hugh Conway," the popular author of Back," and the chief illustration by M. De whose premature death has also been RECENTLY announced. Garriston's Gift" is the title of 91, Conway's story, which abounds with interesting episodes and mirthful incidents. There are alsO amusing contributions pleasantly illustrated by p.. Caldecott, and a picturesque tour called the ings of the Beetle "—the roving insect being an OXF°^ pair-oared gig. The large coloured picture by the M. De Neuville represents a soldier of the SOUDA^ bathing the wounded foot of his charger. Thesubjec is treated with tenderness and expression.. FOREIGN LIVE STOCK AND FRESH MEAT.—The TO lowing steamers arrived at Liverpool during the pA week with live stock and fresh meat from America, and Canadian ports The Kansas, with 642 cattle AN 940 quarters of beef; the Lake Champlain, with cattle, 547 quarters of beef, and 40 carcases of muttoo. the Montreal, with 401 cattle; the British Prince, Witli 1020 quarters of beef; the Celtic, with 780 quarters 0 beef and 100 carcases of mutton and the with 2720 quarters of beef and 475 carcases of I The total imports, which amounted to 1323 cattle, 60^ quarters of beef, and 615 carcases of mutton, SHO^_ large decrease in comparison with the arrivals of *> preceding week. as PENJDKII AND ITS INHABITANTS.—The now IAN*U. G Penjdeh is inhabited by some 7500 families of (says the Graphic'') who are not subject to any 1, head chief, but are mostly ruled by various influen headmen. A good many Jews live amongst them, J* are the principal shopkeepers, while they have no O* I slaves than a few captured years ago as children women, now settling down as wives. The Sariks, Calcutta Englishman tells us, are most PRO8P £ ^^QQO and possess over half a million of sheep and 2'Y R0 camels. Their kibitkas are very comfortable, AT" hung with rich carpets, this manufacture being chief industry. The women go about freely, UNFVEIV OF and the children—very English looking—are spirits. One of tha officers of the Mission use" FOT quently to scatter small coin among the children, which they scrambled in true English form, WH1 ^E- elders looked on and enjoyed the fun. The dog longing to the Mission—especially the bulldog' fox terriers—excited roars of laughter AM°NG^J0 natives, as they formed such a contrast to the S'e long-haired beasts belonging to the Sariks.