Evening Express

LONDON LETTER. fFROJl OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.} LONDON, SATURDAY. THE ASSISTED EDUCATION SCHKME. I am in a position to supplement the remarks which I made a few days ago on the assisted education scheme and its foes by explaining the attitude of an important sec- tion of the Liberal Unionist party towards the proposed Bill. Mr. Chamberlain, we know, ia strongly in favour of the scheme, and has taken every opportunity of urging the Government on to bring in their Bill at the earliest possible date. But not so by any means his Liberal Unionist colleagues of Birmingham. Mr. Jesse Collin^s may follow his leader-and, no -doubt, he does- in this matter. The other Birmingham representatives, however, dislike the project quite as heartily as the Conservatives. One of their number in particular, whose name 1 am not at liberty to mention at4,he present time, declares that he will vote unreservedly against any proposal which the Bill may make towards the compensation of voluntary schools. No more grants to voluntary schools, at any rate without public control, ought to be made. This, in fact, is the main objection of the Liberal Unionists to the assisted education scheme, and the Government could not, of course, introduce a Bill that made no pro- vision for voluntary schools. THE ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH. Mr. Carvell Williams, the Liberationism has been lobbying a good deal of late. The fact is, the ex-honourable member cannot tear himself away from the House of Commons when there is any motion or Bill on the paper or any project afoot the object of which is to injure the position and prestige of the Church of England or to despoil it of its property. The ridiculous motion stand- ing in the name of Sir William Plowden respecting the property of the Church has. no doubt, attracted Mr. Williams. But let me not be ill-natured in referring to Mr. Williams and Sir William Plowden. While the Church of England in England and Wales has no stronger enemies than these two harmless gentlemen, its pillars will stand. EIGHT-HOUR HUMBUGS. The demand of the Jacobya and the Pickards that the Government should find a day for the discussion of the eight hours scheme will, when carefully examined, be found to be abso- lutely insincere. It is nothing more or less than an ingenious party move. But I am afraid that I must expose it at once. Now, it is perfectly clear that, if Messrs. Pickard and Co. rflally desired a day for the discus- sion in the House, they would long since have tried the ballot. They have not tried the ballot. Ask them why and they wili answer, co Ob, but we cannot by the rules of the House, because Mr. Abraham has an Eight Hours Bill on the Order Book, and he won't withdraw it." Now, it is admitted that that Bill has not got the faintest ghost of a chance of being dealt with this session. Why do not Messrs. Pickard, Jacoby, and Co. persuade the promoters to withdraw the measure accor- dingly and at once ballot for a day for their motion ? Let me reply for them myself. They do not take this course because they are afraid they might be successful in the ballot and might have to bring forward their motion, on which they would be hopelessly thrashed. Moreover, they would no longer have a grievance against Mr. W. H. Smith. THE LABOUR COMMISSION. Several attempts are likely to be made in the course of the next few days to induce the Government to add to the present number of members of the Royal Commission on Labour. A strong feeling is evinced in some quarters at the omission from the list of a representa- tive of skilled labour of the class to which an apprenticeship of five or seven years has to be served. This class, it is urged, is so impor- tant, embracing, as it does, the cream of the artisans, that it is imperative that the Government should add at least one member to the Royal Commission on Labour representing its interests. Mr. Wooton Isaacson, Conservative M.P. for Stepney, is also desirous that a member thoroughly acquainted with, and representative of, East End labour should be added. It seems that the toilers of Stepney and the Tower Hamlets are by no means contented with the choice of Mr. Tom Mann, the secretary of the Dockers Union. They would like a second and a far more independent representative. THE COMMISSION AND ITS SILLY CRITICS. In these particular claim3 and statements there may be some little reason and common j mm I sense. But it is a fact that a terrible amount of pure rubbish has been spoken and written anent the Royal Commission on Labour. One writer complains because it is not packed with violent demagogues and needy Socialists, who violent demagogues and needy Socialists, who live by spouting in the public streets, and I whose violence in language is only equalled by their excessive ignorance of the real con- ditions and ambitions of labour. Another I foolish creature cries out because a gushing Salvationist like Mr. Booth is not included. A third thinks that half a dozen petticoats ought to be seen fluttering about amongst the commissioners, whilst a fourth gravely criti- cises the reference because it does not include Colonial as well as British labour THE CHARGE AGAINST MR. DM COBAIN. Colonel Saunderson has given notice of a question for Monday which is obviously de- signed to afford Mr. De Cobain, the member for Last Belfast, an opportunity of explaining away the unfortunate coincidence of his absence from England when the warrant was issued on the charge preferred against him. Colonel Saunderson will ask whether Mr. De Cobain hasmadeanv communicationannounc- ing his intention respecting the charge, and whether, in the event of Mr. De Cobain con- tinuing to remain outside the jurisdiction of this country, the First Lord of the Treasury will take the sense of the House on his con- duct. PRIM COSE DAY. Primrose Day falling on a Sunday this year has somewhat disorganised the celebra- tion in the streets. It was officially desired that the celebration should be kept on Mon- day. The statae of Lord Beaconsfield at Westminster will be decorated to-night by the Primrose League, and simul- taneouslv a wreath will be sent to be placed on the grave at Hughenden. But early this morning the St. Stephens Review bad placed at the base of the statue an im- mense wreath of primroses, with the name of the paper set m violets. Many passers-by reverently cast their bunches of prim- roses round the statue, and there accu- mulated quite a pile of these loving tributes. But the wearing of the primrose was not general to-day. WELSH CENSUS. Welsh members continue to be exercised in their minds about the manner of taking the census. Mr. Brvn Roberts wants a fresh census to be taken in the village of Llithfaen, because, as he has been told, the great majority of the papers distributed there were in Eng- iish, without the language column. Mr. Lloyd George is concerned about the alleged omis- sion of the language column in the census papers for Nevin, Carnarvonshire. Both hon. members will ask questions on the subject on Monday.

DEATH OF A BRISTOL NEWS- PAPER PROPRIETOR, Mr. Peter Stewart MacHver, the proprietor and founder of the Western Daily Press, of Bristol, died in Sunday morning at Lis residence, Cotham Park, near Bristol. He was 71 years of age, and had been in failing health since the death of his only son about four years ago. Mr. Macliver, who founded the Western Daily Press in 1858, was a Liberal in politics. and sat for Plymouth from 1880 to 1885, and was Liberal candidate for the Doncaster division of Yorkshire until six months igo, when he withdrew owing to failing health.

THE PROPOSED TIN-PLATE STOPPAGE. On Saturday morning Mr. J. H. Rogers, who presided over the recent important meeting of tin- plate manufacturers, met the men of CwmbwrU Tin-plate Works (which with the South Wales Works, Llaneily, he controls), in order to discuss with them the proposed stoppage for four weeks. After an interchange of views, the men proposed that they should stop three w3eks in Juty and the Eisteddfod week in August.—Mr. Rogers thought this suggestion reasonable, and promised to lay it before the forthcoming meeting of employers.

MILITARY MUTINY AT PORTS- MOUTH. The Press Association Portsmouth correspon- dent states that the 34th Battery. Southern Division, Royal Artillery, stationed at Fort Grange, Portsmouth, broke out into open mutiny on Satur- day. For some time the men have complained of being over-drilled. and, as their representations were unheeded, they refused to go on parade on Saturday when the bugle sounded the assembly. Instead of obeying the call they appeared on the barrack square in a most excited st ite, the officers and non-commissioned officers being unable to keep them under control. Presently Colonel Younger, Royal Artillery, arrived, and, represent- ing to them the foolishness of ilieir conduct, in- duced the men to fall in. Meanwhile General Geary, commanding the Royal Artillery of the Southern District, had been telegraphed for, and on his arrival he at once ordered the arrest of the oldest soldier in each company, signed the warrant tor their trial by court-martial, and took the b it- tery off the duty list. The military authorities took steps to keep the affair secret, and the trcops in the nearest fort knew nothing of the occurrence until Sunday.

Irv.th says A speech delivered by the ReHDau Catholic Bishop of Salfcrj at a. temperance meeting at Ashton-urider-Lyne was so sensibl; and moderate that it deserves notice. The Bishop suggested that, whilst strong beers should be taxed, the nale o: light beers not above a certain minimum strength should he encouraged by being freed from duty. This is a doctrine that i have always preached. It is, indeed, a pity that more tempera nee reforwers are not as reasonable and as practical as the Bishop of Salfoid." A large measure of the success ot the Golden Sunlight. Ale may be attributed to the fact that, it is brewed on these iines, and will compare; favourably with the ordinary high- coloure ?, strong, heady ales. It is brewed from malt prepared from the finest Herefordshire bar- ley, and most delicately flavoured with hops, called Wor'sters," but really grown in the rich, fertile valleys of Herefordshire. Messrs. Watkins and Son, of the Her f .rd Brewery, are the onlv brewers of tais tamous Ale,and it is sold by over 200 Agents in the North, South, East, and West of the British Isles. South Wales Office 94, St. Mary-s'n or, Stores: Wcstgate-street, Car Jiff. 79795

I FHE WORLD'S NEWS. {BY SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS THVOTIGH DALZIEL'S, EEUTER'S, AND c^SIUAJ. NEWS AGENCIES.) THE INDIAN FRONTIER TROUBLES. I IVOHIMA, Saturday (Reuter).-The Mani- purlS are believed to intend fighting at Kaitimaloi, thirty miles from Manipur, on the road to this place, where they have three guns placed in position. The Kohima, Laehar, and hnrniah columns will meet at Manipur on the 27th instant. The health of the troops is excellent. The Naga tribes are most friendly, and the Manipur Kuki tribes are coming over to the British aide. >XMI,A, Saturday (Renter).The Miranzai force advanced yesterday in three columns. They met with opposition from the tribes, but carried everything before them. Colonel Cramer, Kings Royal Kifle Corps, received a severe wound in the wrist, and Major Egerton, of the 3rd Punjaub Cavalry was badly wounded in the hand. Four men of the King's Royal Rifle Corps were also wounded. The troops behaved admirably. To-day a further advance will be made with a view to clearing the Samana Range. SniLA, Sunday {lleuter).—Sir W. Lock- hart yesterday advanced to the crest of the Samana Hills, and cleared them of the enemy. One officer of the Mountain Battery was wounded in the advance. General Lockhart subsequently halted to enable the troops to obtain water, some having been without it for 24 hours. The advance was then continued and two villages were occupied. To-day another halt was made. The loss of the British force was one man killed and ten wounded. A few dead bodies of the enemy were seen, but it was impossible to estimate their losses. The Press Association has received the following telegram, delivered at the India Office on Sunday from the Viceroy on April 18 Report received horn Gurdon, assistant commissioner, who was with Quinton in Manipur. that Quinton was received with all honours in Manipur territory, but regiets brothfrs all ftiled to attend durbar at noon of the 22nd of March under the plea of illness, though the Senapatti had met Quinton the same morning. A second duibar was fixed for nine a.m. on the 23rd, but no one come. Grimwood visi ed the palace without r-sult, and Quinton then sent a written ultimatum to the Ri-gent warning him that unless tire Senapatti was sur- rendered he would be arrested. Grimwood de- livered this in the afternoon of the 23rd, and told the Regent that his recognition as Maharajah depended on the Senapatti's surrender. The Regent was apparently afraid ot the Senapatti, and would not agree. Shortly before daybreak on the 24th a force was sent to arrest the Senapaiti in his house. They were received with a heavy fire, and obtained possessi- n of the house after a severe struggled, but found that the Sena- patti had left at ten o'clock. The Resi- dency was attacked in the evening during a truce which Quinton was negotiating with the Regent. Senapatti sent n messenger inviting Quinton to meet him. After some hesitation Quinton, on the advice of Grimwood, went to the main gate. The party had no escort or arms. After a parley on the bridge they entered the gate. The officars in the Residency knew no more until suddenly attacked about midnight. Till then all was quiet. A rescue was impossible, owing to the number and position of the enemy, and, as our ammunition was running short, it was decided to retire towards Cachar." RIOT IN A CIRCUS. KXOXVIIXK (TENNESSEE), Saturday (Dal- ziel).-A disgraceful outrage upon a circus troupe occurred here on Thursday night. During the performance a band of roughs in the audience began to make a disturbance. A brick thrown by one of them knocked the clown senseless. The roughs then invaded the dressing rooms, wrecking everything they fouud, and carrying away the clothes of the actors. Finally they cnt the (ropes, and the tent fell upon the crowd within. Men and women were assaulted and knocked about, and twenty persons were seriously hurt. WHOLESALE POISONING AT A WEDDING. LOUISVILLE, Saturday (Dukiel).—The city has been thrown into a state of excitement over the successful attempt to poison a wed- ding party by the jilted lover of the bride. The bridegroom was Mr. F. A. Snooks, and his bride Miss Herr, the daughter of a wealthy citizen. A young man, for whom the police are now searching, who had been refused in marriage by Miss Herr's father, managed to place a quantity of arsenic in the coffee served at the wedding reception. Two of the guests have died, and many are ill from the effects of the poison. The bride and bride- groom got as far as Cincinnati on their bridal trip, when they were both taken very ill and had to return. They are now in a critical con- dition. The clergyman who officiated at the wedding is dying. Eight of the victims are lying ill at the house of the bride's father, Mr. Herr, who is not expected to live. THE QUEEN AT GRASSE. PARIS, Saturday (lleuter).—The Temps publishes a telegram from Grasse, reporting that the Queen will on Monday next receive the Prince of Monaco. The band of the 23rd Battalion of the Alpine Chasseurs is now practising a piece of music composed by Princess Beatrice, which it will play on Mon- Princess Beatrice, which it will play on Mon- day. Her Majesty has, the journal adds, sent a number of telegrams to her friends, expres- sing the pleasure her stay has afforded her. MURDER AND SUICIDE ON AN ATLANTIC LINER. NEW YORK, Saturday (.Dalziel).—A. shock- ing murder and suicide was committed to-day on board the North German Lloyd's steamer Eider. The victim's name is Louise Arnecher. who arrived in America a fortnight ago ana was returning home again. She came on board the Eider with a man named Charles I Ommecker, who is said to have been engaged to her. When on deck he shot Arnecher dead, and then committed suicide by shooting I himself. & ——^a———————imas

NATIONAL PHYSICAL RECREA- TION SOCIETY. Another Victory for Newport. A very large concourse of visitors a-■; i,.blcd in the new gymnasium of ihe Newptrt Attllt-tic Club on Saturday evening 10 wi.ness a compel ition between squads of eijjht men of the Exeter-hall Gymnasium, London, and of the Newport. Junior Consei vative Gymnasium in the seuii-finni tie for the 200 guinea challenge shield, nine 25 guinea shield-, and nine five guinea, shields offered by the National Physical Recreation Society amongst. gymnasia throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Thir'y clubs entered for the s>a;on nnw closing. In tiie first rounct, Newport was drawn with Wolverhampton, but as the Midiunders showed the wniie feather, the xMonmouthshire team had a walk over. The next round was with Southampton, in which Newport was very success- ful, and on Saturday,March 21, tile Junior Conserva- tives gained another decisive victory over Bir- mingham. The four teams then left in were Exeter-hall (London;, Liverpool, Dundee, and Newport. The first and last were drawn together, and Newport having won the choice of venue, the competition was brought off at the town on the Usk amidst great enthusiasm on Saturday evening. The con- tests this year prescribed by the National Physical Recreation Society were for the best per- formance by eight bond fide amateur members on the horizontal bar, a running high jump. and rope climbing hand over hand. Marks were given in each section. For the bar performance the test WaS one of strength, grace, and skill; the jump was over a lath from the bare floor, one mark being Rllowed for clearing 4tt., and one for each addi- tional inch; and the rope (marked off to a height of 26ft.) had to he climbed by the power of the hands alone, without assistance from feet cr legs, and one mark being allowed for every 3ft. climbed, competitors being allowed to ascend as many times as their strength permitted. The 200 guinea shield is to be held by the winning team for the year of victory only, but each member and the instructor will receive a "Milton" shield in repousse silver, valued at 25 guineas, and the team showing the next highest number of marks in the final receives, with their instructor, shields in bronze emblematic of Fame valued at 5 guineas. The teams on Saturday wote as follow :-Exeter- hall Gymnasium: Instructor, Mr. Eugene ;ully (colours red and white) members, J. Barratt, H. W. Hanson, J. C. Huggett, H Ginner, R. B. Lean, W. M. Mai shall, W. E. Webb, and T. W. Nye. Newport Junior Conservative Gymnasium: Hon. instructor. Mr. F. A. Huxtable (colours, dark blue and white); members, J. L. Lloyd, W. C. Hal), I. Jacobs, A Jacobs, James Lamey, T. T. Thomas, J. C. Huxtable, and F. A. Huxtable. The first section of the competition was on the horizontal bar, where the scoring was very close. The judges were Mr. T. Chesterton, director of pbysic II Ixercise to tile London School Board, and Mr. H. Brigs, Newport; referee, Sergeant T. Priestly, 2nd Scots Guards, Shrewsbury. The member* of the two eigbt. performed their tricks alternately. For the first five or six per- formances it was feared by the partisans of the home team that the Londoners woulfi establish a bisrger tota!; but, thanks especially to the splen- didly qutck and clever tricks of J. C. Huxtable, who al t lined the highest score of the whole lot, Newport completed the bar exercise with 119 marks, as against the Exeter-hall score of 118. On this occasion Tom Thomas, who against Bir- mingham, unfortunately, failed in his daring balancing trick a la hlondin, and thereby clearly lost five marks, on this occasion brought it off with great success, and beat W. M. Marshall, who was against him, by fifteen marks to fourteen. Stil1, it was feared that the Londoners would take a lot of beating at the jump, especially as against Bournemouth in the former contest they compiled in that section 104 marks, as against Newport's 98 against Birmingham. Nye was justly regarded as their most dangerous man.. He jumped with great ease and veiy little run everything up to 5ft. 2in., but when he had got over the lath at another inch he was finished, and failed at 5ft. 4in. Newport throughout, showed a much better average than on the I ti-t occasion, and the Londoners went down. It was a curious coincidence that whereas Newport improved exactly ten poiuta on their total for the jump, the Exeter-hall team fell off the same number. The highest spring was made by J. C. Huxtable, who cleared 5ft. 4ln. The c iptain-F. C. Huxtable-wllo against. Birmingham performed the same feat, appeared on this occasion to be rather over-trained, and now only got over 5ft..2in. With a total for the bar of 119 and for the jump of 108, Newpo:t had a clear lead over the t-core of 118 and 94 respectively made by the Londoners, and as the local gymnasts are always good at the rope-climbing, the pros- pect of getting into the final was now assured. The last contest, on the rope, was decidedly in favour of the home squad, who com- piled a total of 106 marks as against 91J by the Exeter-hall eight. J. C. Huxtable was in this, again, the greatest success, his score being 16i as against 14 marks made by Marshall, the best man amongst the visitors. The grand total of all was -Newport, 333 points (the highest number ever scored in the shield competi'ion by any team); Exeter-hall, 3031. The individual scores in the 2 horizontal bar competition, high jump, and rope climbing respectively are appended :—New- port: J. L. Lloyd, 13 -4ft. 8in.—12A- W. C. Hall, 15-4ft. 8in.—13; 1. Jacobs, 14—5ft. 2iu.—12J; A. Jacobs, 16— 5ft. lin.—9^; 2 James Lamey, 14—5ft. 2in.—14; T. T. Thomas, 15 -5it. lin.—14g; J. C. Huxtable,17—5ft. 4in.—165; 2 2 F. A. Huxtable, 15-5't. 2in.—13J. Exeter-hall: J. Bairatt, 15—4ft. 9in.—11§; H. \V. Hanson—14 4:t. 9in.—12 J.C. Huggett, 16—5ft. lin.—9|; H. Ginner, 15 — 4ft. 7in,—10|; E. B. Lean,16—4ft. 8in. -12; W. M. Marshall, I4_5ft.—14; W. E. Webb, IS-SIt. Im.—lOg T. W. Nye, 13-5ft. 3in. —11^. At the conclusion of the competition (which occupied from eight p.m. till 10.45 p.m.) the Exeter-hail squad called for three cheers for Newport, the winners, which were heartily given, and Newport, in response, gave a ringing salute to the visitors. The final tie, when Newport will have to meet Liverpool, the present holders of the trophy (who on Saturday defeated IXindee by 327^ points to 291) 1 akes place at the Exeter Large Hall, London, on Saturday, May 9. The Marquess of Lorne will preside, and her Royal Hietiuess the Princess Louise will present the shields. STARVED TO DEATH A r NEWPORT, Verdict of "Manslaughter" Against the Parents. Mr. E. H. Davies, deputy district coroner, re- sumed an inquest at the Town-hall, Newport, on Saturday afternoon touching the death of Arthur Whiting, a tittle boy aged four years. living with his father and stepmother at 6, Beynon's-court» Queen-street, Cardiff-road, who died under dis- tressing circumstances on Tuesday morning last. At the opening of t he inquiry on Wednesday evi- dence was given bv Inspector Brooks that, having received a complaint respecting the child, he visited the house on HarehSl, and found the boy ill and in a most emaciated condition. He was literally nothing but skin and bone. The inspector told the stepmother she had better get a doctor or she would get into trouble. She said Dr. Cooke attended it when she lived in Dolphin-street, but as she had removed out of his district no one had attended it. The inspect or .told her if she could not afford to pay for a docior she could get, a note from the reiieving-officer or from the dispensary. MrfO. Whiting, stepmother of the child, said she had been married about twelve months. She had no children of her own. The boy, she said, had been ill from its birth, but, she did not get either a parish doctor, » dispensary note, or call a chemist. The child was insured. Upon this evidence the coroner adjourned the inquiry, anu ordered a post-mortem examination. At the resumed hearing on Saturday the father, John Whiting, waa called. He said lie was a labourer employed at Messrs. Ponsford's timber- yard, where lie enrnecf" 18-. per week, and some- times more. Beside deceased he had only one other child, which v» a* in good health. His wife told him of Inspector Brooks's warning, but as he thought the child was about as usual, he left it to the care of his "missus." He took no steps whatever to get medical attendance. The child, though weak and delicate from bittb, was insured, but he did not know how much he would get. The defendant told his wife that if matters went straight she would get the money. Mr. Robert Cooke, a surgeon practising at New- port, stated that he attended the child on a dis- pensary note from January 21 for about a month, when the parents lived in Dolphin-street. It was suffering from a slight curvature of the spine at the top of the dorsal vertebrae. Deceased could move about, and the disease was not necessarily a fauil one, Attt)attime the deceased was very much emaciated, and he spoke to the stepmother, but she did not say anything. Several times when he called the stepmother was out of the house,and he was told she had been out from seven in the morning till eleveiyat night. He made a post- mortem examination on Friday. The child was 29in. in height. The circumference of the arm at the thickest piace was 2^in., the thickest part of 2 the forearm 2jhn., and the thickest part of the thigh 4in. Its weight was only 12glb., whereas a healthy and well-nourished child of four years ought to weigh three or four times as much. In the stomach he found a teuspoonful and a half or two teaspoonfuls of fluid, and the whole of the intestines were emptv with the ex- ception of a little matter that would not weigh a drachm. He concluded that the child had had no food for a long time. During the examination there was not a trace of fat. The child had, in fact, been living on its own fat, and the skin was like parchment. He could not find any organic disease in the body. The Coroner: Did you come to any conclusion as to the cause of death ? Dr. Cooke Yes, starvation or inanition. The Coroner Do you think the spinal complaint had anything to do with its death ? Dr. Cooke: No. The Coroner: Would the child refuse food? Dr. Cooke: No. The Coroner: Do you think if the child had ha.d food and medical aid it would have lived ? Dr. Cooke It certainly would have had a better chance of living. The Coroner: You consider that the child was neelected ? Dr. Cooke: Most decidedlv I do. This was the whole of the evidence, and the Coroner, addressing the jury. said that they would first have to find the cause of death and then whether an yone was to blame, and to what extent; whether the neglect was such criminal neglect as to incsuce them to return a verdict of manslaughter, or such lesser neglect a-s to induce them to return a verdict of Death from natural causes" and administer any censure that they might think fit. He had seen we body, and he was bound to say that a more pitiful spectacle he never beheld in the whole course of his existence. Parents and other persons having the care of young children were required to provide them with proper foo i and medical at'endance. If they were too poor, happily in this country there were means to enable them. The jury having consulted for five minutes in private, tire Foreman announced that they found the child died from starvation, and that there was culpable neglect on the part of the father and step-mother. The Coroner: That is a verdict of manslaughter against both? The Foreman: Yes; and we think that great credit is due to Inspector Brooks for having brought the case forward. The Coroner said he thought so, too. He then ordered both the father and step-mother into custody, but said he was prepared to take bail for their appearance at the assizes to answer the charge.

Lord Douglas and His Census Paper. The summons against Lord James Douglas, of 16, Kensington-court, for unlawfully giving false answers to questions contained in the schedule dflivered under the Census Act, was made return- able at West London Police-court on Saturday. At the opening of the case Mr. Kutherston, the registrar, asked for leave to withdraw the sum- mons and to give explanations. He said he received a letter from his lordship expressing regret at the ridiculous return made while he was confined to his bed. He had called upon him, and he stated that he filled in his own name and signed the return in pencil, giving it to his wife to insert the remaining information.—Mr. Curtis Bennett observed that there was a different hand- writing in the return.—Mr. "Rutherston said the return was filled up by Lady Douglas and her son, who thought it. was a good joke to fill it up as it had been, describing Lord J. Douglas's wife as a crossing sweep and his son as a shoeblack. It was now stated that Lord Douglas had paid all costs in the matter, and filled up a proper return.—Mr. Curtis Bennett, therefore, allowed the summons I to be withdrawn.

T J OVERCOME WEAKNESS.—Pepper s Quinine and Iron Tonic gives New Life, Appetite, Health, Strength, and Energy.—Hatf-C'rown bottles. Every- whsre. Insist on having PFPPFuls.

NEWS PARAGRAPHS. PRIMROSE DAY. Sunday being the anniversary of th° death of Lord Beaconsfield, the statue of his 1 r iship in Parliament-square was, as usual, decorated with a numoer of wreaths and other offerings composed of primroses. A large number of people visited Parliament-square during the day.

A BAROXETCY FOR JUSTICE STEPHEN. The Press Association is officially informed that the Queen has been plea-ed to confer the dignity of -t baronetcy of the Unit »d Kingdom upon Sir James FitzJames Stephen, K.C.S.I.

THE MISSING MERTllYR GIRL RETURNED HOME. On Sunday the police authorities at Cardiff received intelligence from Mertiiyr that Lizzie Griffiths, aged 16, of 16, Grawen-terrace, Merthyr, who mysteriously disappeared on tiie 26th of March, had been discovered, and was then at home with her parents.

LOCAL POST-OFFICE NOTICE. A new mail has been established from Cardiff to Exeter, and correspondence posted in the town pillir and wall letter boxes before five a.m., or at the head p).st-office before six a.m., will be delivered in the principal towns in Devonshire and Somersetshire the same afternoon. A return mail for Cardiff wili also he despatched from Exeter at, 3.30 p.m., and the letters will be delivered in Cardiff the same evening.

RUGBY FOOTBALL AND PROFES- SIONALISM. THE OLDHAM CASE. A meeting of the sub-committee of the English Rugbv Union was held on Saturday morning at the 6rand Hotel, Manchester, to consider the charges of professionalism brought against the Oldham Club. After a long discussion the follow- ing resolution was arrived at:— The sub-committee are satisfied, on the evidence laid before them, and on the examination of several of the witnesses, and of Peiiiiitt, oTi and Nolan themselves, that the charge of professionalism broughr against the Oldham Club has not been substantiated, but at the same time the sub-committee wish to state that they con iaer Mr. Marshall was quite justified, on the infor- mation brought to his notict., in re-opening the case.- Signed, E. T. Gurdon, Arthur Budd, G. Rowland Hill, K. beymour Whalley.

SINGULAR FREAK OF A YOUNG WOMAN. A hue and cry was raised at Alfreton on Satur- day morning owing to the discovery that a horse had been stolen from the stable of Mr. Morewood, J.P. Later in the day the police arrested at Nottingham a smart looking young man," who proved to be the daughter of Mr. Morewood's coachman. Early in the morning she had donned male garments, taken the horse from the stable, and travelled with it sixteen miles to Nottingham, where, when arrested, she was about completing the sale of the animai. The prisoner on being brought back to Alfreton behaved with perfect sangfroid, said she was ten times more pleased to wear breeches than petticoats, and hoped the police would let her have a. good sleep, as she was awfully tired.

MEETING OF COLLIERS AT CILFYNYDD. On Saturday evening a meeting of the workmen engaged in tne Albion Colliery, Cilfynydd, Ponty- pridd, was held at the assemblv-room of the Albion Hotel. Mr. W.Gronow took the chair. The system of working double shifts was brought up for consideration, and Mr. Philip Jones, manager, attended and stated that a deputation had waited upon him with reference to the question about, seven months ago, and he then told them he would reduce the number of the double-shift stalls as quickly as he could.—After the withdrawal of Mr. Jones a resolution was adopted in favour of the | abolition of the double-shift system, and it was decided to ask the management to adopt the single shift in a'l places throughout the mine in the next two months. A resolution was also passed con- demning the habit. of some of the colliers working on Mabon'a Day.

CONSERVATISM AT PONTYPOOL. The fifth annual meeting of the Pontypool Working Men's Conservative Club was held at the club-rooms, George-street, Pontypool, on Friday evening. Mr. J. Moseley (president of the club) in the chair. There was a good attendance, which included Mr. E. Jones, J.P., Snatchwood, and Mr. 1. Butler, J.P., Panteg. The report and balance- sheet were rend and adopted. Tiie following were re-elected :—President, Mr. J. C. Hanbury, J.P., D.L., Pontypool Park; vice-presidents, Col. the Hon. F. C. Morgan, M.P., Mr. J. A.Rolls, J.P.,Mr. E. Jones, J.P., Mr. 1. Butler, J.P.. Mr. A. A. Williams, J.P., Colonel Hair, Mr. W. H. Davies, Mr. C. Bunning, and Mr. J. Mose'ey. Mr. H. Fox was elected chair- man and Mr. J. Holloway vice-chairman. The committee, with a few alterations, were re- appointed.

ROWDY FOOTBALL IN IRELAND. FREE FIGHTS IN THE FIELD. Two charity cup football matches played at Belfast on Saturday rasulted in great disorder. At Ballvnaveigh, where the Lidfield Athletics met the Black Watch, the spectators broke into the field in the second half, and the game, which at that stage stood at one goal each, practically ended in a free fight batween the rival sympathisers.— This was, however, but trivial compared with what took place at Ciiitonvitfe, where Ulster and Glentoran were playing a match. Five minutes before the call of "time," when Ulster had four goalsand Glentoran two, a dispute urose between a pbyer IUld a spec- tator, and in a twinkling nearly 2,000 people were over the ropes and among the players. M'Cabe, an Ulster forward, received a heavy blow from a malacca cane, causing an ugly gash on the face. Flannelly, of the same club, had an ear split open. About 50 constables] were present watching the game, but although they rendered all possible assistance to the referee and umpires, they were for a time powerless in the melee. During a football match on Saturday at Grara, County Tipperary, a young man named John Cleary, was kicked in tne stomach by another player, named Thomas Maher. Cleary died shortly afterwards, and Maher was urrssted charged with having caused his death.

"ADVICE TO MOTHERS."—Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist, and get a bottle of Mns. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is per- fectly harmless; it produces natural, quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a button." Of all chemists.

IRISH AFFAIRS. Mr. Parnell on the Situation. On Saturday night Mr. Parnell, accompanied by Mr. Dalton, M P., passed through Athlone en route to irishtown, County Mayo. Adircssingacrowd from his carriage window, Mr. Parnell denounced the Irish members of Parliament, who voted against the Land Purchase Bill, as that Bill would be of great benefit to the farmers of Ireland. He was pleased that the Opposition were defeated by so large a majority. Addressing a great meeting at Irishtown on Sunday, Mr. Parnell reminded the people of County Mayo that that, day was the twelftH anniversary of the meeting at Irishtown out of which cime the great, movement of the Land Leigue, which in the succeeding years swepi like a whirlw ind over the country, and com- pelled the attention of both English political par i<;s to the claims of Ireland. No English party would ever do anything for them unless thev had strength wit,I in themselves, and if ihey adopted tiie advice of the cowards and traitors who had lowered their flag at Westminster, then, indeed, their cause would be lost. He appealed to them to assist him in restoring order in the National ranks and in creating once more an independent Irish p irty.

WELSH VOTES IN PARLIAMENT. Mr. Morley's amendment to Clause 1 of the Irish Land Purchase Bill. which was defeated on Friday night in the House of Commons by 247 votes to 77, was supported bv the following Welsh members:- Messrs. W. Abraham, S. T. Evans, the Hon. F. Hanbury-Tracy, Messrs. T. P. Lewis, D. Lloyd George, G. O. Morgan, J. Lloyd Morgan, W. P. Morgan, Sir E. J.'Reed, Messrs. W. B. Rowlands, S. Smith, A. Thomas, D. A. Thomas, Sir Hussey Vivian, and Mr. C. M. Warinington. There voted with the Government the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, Admiral Mayne, and the Hon. A. Walsh. Only tan members representing Wales and Mon- mouthshire took part in the division upon Earl Compton's motion in reference to the administra- tion of the Post Office. Of these the Bon. G. T. Kenyon and the Hon. A. Walsh voted with the Government against, and Messr. Abraham, S. T. Evans, D. Lloyd George, J. M. Lloyd. W. P. Morgan, Sir E. J. Reed, Messrs. J. B. Roberts and A. Thomas voted with the noble lord.

LIBERAL DONATIONS IN THE RHONDDA VALLEY. We learn from the Archdeacon of Llandaff, one of the trustees of the estate of the late Mr. Crawshay Bailey, that the beneficiares of this estate, Mrs. Gordon Canning, of Haitpury, and Mrs. Curre, of Ilton Court, have become liberal subscribers to the proposed hospital in the Khondda Valley. They have promised the sum of JE100 towards making up the amount required to secure for Porth the advantages of an intermediate school. They have also decided to give two scholarships of jE25 each to be held at the University College, Car- diff, by children of tenants or of persons em- ployed by them on their estates. The first compe- tition for these scholarships will be held at the college in Spptmber next.

THE BRADFORD RIOTS, YESTERDAY'S MEETING. The Pres3 Association Bradford correspondent telegraphs:—Not far short of 100,000 people assembled at a mass meeting at Lechover-walk, Bradford, and in the neighbouring streets, on Sun- day afternoon. The people were addressed from three platforms simultaneously by Trades Union- ists, Socialists, and advanced Radicals, and resolu- tions protesting against the action of the authori- ties were passed without the slightest dissent. All the speakers advised action at the ballot-box instead of the streets. After the meeting the pHttpte came down in thousands to the Town-hall- square, but as the police and militaiy were kept out of sight, the people gradually dispersed during the next two hours.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERY DISPUTE. Lord Salisbury received the Newfoundland deputation at the Foreign Office at four o'clock on Saturday. Lord Knutsford and Sir J. Fergusson were also present. The delegates were Sir Win. Whiteway, the Hon. A. W. Harvey, the Hon. Moses Monroe, the Hon. Mr. Emerson, and Mr. Morine. The proceedings were, by Lord Salisbury's desire, strictly private. The Press Association learns that Lord Salisbury received the delegates with extreme cordiality, and invitea them to statd their case against the Bill now before the House of Lords. Sir William Whiteway gave explanations respect- ing the fisheries dispute, and other delegates urged that it was possible to substitute some other measure for dealing with the difficulty if the Bill were abandoned.—Lord Salisbury expressed satis- faction that the delegates woufd be heard at the bar of the House of Lords, according to an ancient rule of Parliament, now seldom observed. It is believed that further meetings to discuss the matters at issue will be held either at the Colonial or Foreign Office.

VALEDICTORY BANQUET TO A CARDIFF JOURNALIST. On Saturday evening, at the Philharmonic Rest aurant, Cardiff, a banquet, excellently served by Mr. Frank Culley, was given by Cardiff pressmen to Mr. P. M'Sweeney, late of the South Wales Daily Neios, upon his leaving Wales to take a position upon the Lancashire press. Mr. E. W. Morris ( Western Mail) presided, on his right being Mr. M'Sweeuey. There were also present Messrs. H. Jones, D. F. Sullivan, J. Smith waite, G. H. Fisher, R. J. V. Synott, J. R. Stephens, Griffiths, and A. Hodson (South Wales Daily News), D. Davies, D. Williams, George Padfield, H. Wood- ward, J. A. Hopkins, and A. H. Parker ( Western Mail), W. Davies (" Spinnaker Boom") and II. E. Carr (Evening Express), W. H. Davies (Cardiff Figaro), W. W. Noble, S. Barber, C. Roberts, &c.- The toast of Our Guest was enthusiastically received, all journalists present speaking in the highest terms of Mr. M'Sweeney's .ability and of the loss South Wales journalism sustained on his removal.—Mr. M'Sweeney briefly replied.- The best of good wishes follows him to his new sphere of labour.

WHICH IS THE MOST REHAEI.E COUGH MixTUREt Cross Vegetable Balsam. It acknowledges no equa in Curing Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, &c. The effect is wonderful. In bottles Is. and 2s. 3d., by post Is. 3d. and 2s. 6d. Sold only by J. Munday Chemist, Cardiff. MEN OUT OF HEALTH.—Remedy and Advice for regaining Health, Strength, and Vigour; for Pimples, Blotches, all Skin and Blood Impurities.— Address Messrs. Wilkinson, 4, Fitzalan-square, Sheffield. Write or call to-day. Mirror free in I envelope. Established sixty years. Letters of ad vice by return of post.—Advt. E3671d

# MORNING SUMMARY. Our customary weekly article upon sporting topicals printed in the present issue. Mr. H. H. Gibbs, Conservative, was on Saturday elected unopposed for the City of London. On Saturday the Mayor of Bradford received a letter stating that men had been told off to take his life, and that the same fate awaited the members of the watch committee. At Bow-street, London, on Saturday Cap- tain Verney was charged with procuring a girl under 21 for immoral purposes, and was remanded until Friday next, bail being allowed. On Saturday evening a meeting of tin-plate workers was held at Llaneily to hear an address by Mr. Lewis Richards, one of the vice-presidents of the Union. The meeting was a very stormy one, and ended amidst some disorder. A n American city has been thrown into a state of excitement over the successful attempt to poison a wedding party by a jilted lover of the bride. The bride and bridegroom are now in a critical condition, and the clergyman who officiated at the wedding is dying. On Saturday afternoon John Allen, horse- keeper, shot himself at the door of the house where his wife was living apart from him. He bad just come out of prison for assault- ing and threatening her. At Sunderland County Police-court on Saturday Mr. Storey, M.P., was committed for trial for perjury in the evidence given by him in connection with the Silksworth strike riots, in denying that he had been ordered to leave before the ejectment. On Saturday evening Lord Randolph Churchill was entertained to a social and non- political banquet at the Amphitryon Club, London, by Mr. Guedalla, one of his consti- tuents, on the eve of the noble lord's departure for Africa. There were about 45 guests, in- cluding Mr. A. J. Balfour and inir. Joseph Chamberlain. At Newport on Saturday a coroner's jury found a verdict of "Manslaughter" against the father and step-mother of a boy, aged four years, whose death bad been occasioned by starvation. The doctor in his evidence stated that every bit of fat in the child had been consumed, and the weight of the child was only one-quarter of what it should have been. On Saturday in the new gymnasium of the Newport Athletic Club a large company assembled to witness a competition between representatives of the Exeter-hall Gymnasium, London, and of the Newport Junior Con- servative Gymnasium in the semi-final for the two hundred guinea challenge shield, nine twenty-five guinea shields, and nine five guinea shields offered by the National Physi- cal Recreation Society. The Newport men scored a grand total of 333 points, as against 303-1 scored by the Exeter-hall squads. 2 Newport has now to meet the Liverpool representatives in the final competition for possession of the shields.

SOUTH WALES BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION. On Saturday afternoon the first meeting of the above newly-formed body took place at Clirmel-hall, Aberdare. Mr. George Hanney, Mor- riston, presided, and there was a strong muster of delegates from Llaneily, Cwmaman, Ferndale. Morriston, Dowlais, Blaina, Yscuborwen, Tredegar, Mountain Asb, Abercanaid, Vochriw, Mertbyr Tydfil, Cymmer, Ystalyfera, Pontlottyn, Caer- philly, and Aberavou. The treasurer (Mr. M. J. Martin, Cymmer) and the secretary of the association (Mr. T. C. Edwards Llaneily) were also in attendance. A code of rules was presented by the executive committee, the chief of them providing that every band should subscribe 6d. per man per annum towards a general fund and that the annual meeting be held in February every year. After a short discussion the draft was approved of. It was also resolved to accept the proposed set of rules for reeuiating contests. In order to further the interests of the association, it was determined to hold a band contest either at Aberdare or Merthyr on Mabon's Day in July, at which prizes amounting in the aggregate to JE32 will be offered for competition. A challenge cup will, probably, be provided for the same date. A demonstration of brass bands will take place on the same day, and there will also be a large display of musical instruments, one of the chiet London firms having already signified a willingness- to pro- vide that part of the programme. There was no other business of importance.

CARDIFF AMUSEMENTS. THEATER ROYAL. Mr. Mark Melford's "Flying From Justice "ia to occupy the boards of the Theatre Royal this week. The plot is full of startling incidents and novel situations, but the scenes are natural, and admirably represent a career of crime and its results in every-day life. The drama is produced in four acts, and the fact that it is by the same author as Turned Up and Kleptomania" should be a sufficient guarantee of its excellence. GRAND THEATRE. At the Grand Theatre, Cardiff, this week Sun- light and Shadow," from the Avenue and St. James's Theatres, London, will be produced by Mr. Yorke Stephens's company. The piece is highly recommended, and its reputation should secure large audiences during the week. In many respects the dialogue is superior even to Sweet Lavender," which has proved such a success.

Mrs. Blossom (to her husband, who has come home with a black eye): That's what you get for riding a bicycle. Mr. Blossom (mournfully): No, my dear, it's what I get for not be;ng able'to ride one. LIVER COMPLAINTS.—Dr. King's Dandelion and Quinine Liver Pills, without Mercury, are a potent remedy; remove all Liver and Stomach Com- plaints, Biliousness, Headache, Sickness, Shoulder Pains. Heartburn, Indigestion, Constipation. Printed and Published for the Proprietors by WALTER ALFRED PKABCK, at the Offices at the Western Mail," St. Mary-street, Cardiff, in the Countv of ttlamorgan. MONDAY. APRIL. 20, 1891.

Declined With Thanks. It is the 1st of October, and instead of being among the Longtails i am seated in the smoking-room of a well-known Bohemian club, inwardly cursing the hard fate that detains me in town, for, mind you, I had an invitation to a certain house in Blankshire. where I would be sure of a welcome of the warmest; but pressure of work, combined with somewhat limited resources, compelled me to decline. Things might he worse, I reflect, and the reflection carries me back to another 1st of October, less than a decade ago, when things I were decidedly worse. How well [ remember the day, a glorious bright sunshine, even in London There had been a sharp frost the night before, and the unfortunate horses were slipping and falling 011 the greasy wood pave- ment. I feel a more than usual sympathy with them, for I, too, have been siippipo- and falling on the pathway of life, and my pros- pects are none of the brightest. j 1 was standing at the corner of a well-1 known West-end thoroughfare where several | lines of traffic converge, and it mattered littie j to me which way I should turn my footsteps, when an old gentleman, tapping me on the arm, inquired if 1 would be good enough to give hiin a wing over the crossing. He is not, he explains, so young as he used to be, and is unaccustomed to thread his way through such a maze of vehicles. I am not in the best of humours with man- kind generally, but 1. give h;.m my arm, and slowly, for my companion's steps are rather feeble, I pilot him over the. crossing. Decently-off old fellow," I think to myself. lives in the country evidently, and just up in town on business." Very slippery this morning." he remarlis. Very, indeed," I reply, must, be pleasant in the country, though." Yes; iu.vt the day for shooting, eh he returns. Some involuntary movement or, my part must have caused the old gentleman's explana- tion, for it is many a (lay eince i had a gc.n in my hand, and the mere menti c-n of shooting I bad aroused old memories. But we baye crossed the busy street, and the old boy looks up at me gratefully, yet withal, keenly. 1 glad enough to be alone, turn into the park, and ponder within myself why the editor of the Penny I'iifei er should have re- jected my last manuscript. Where is it, by the way ? Thought I had stuffed it into my pocket as I came out, but must have lost it. And here [ am sitting in a comfortable chair at my club. Oh, yes; things are de- cidedly better than they were eight years ago, when i piloted the old gentleman over the crossing. I cannot help thinking of Tommy this morning with feelings of envy. But it is preposterous. What chance have I of aspiring to the hand of fair Ethel Compton, whose father has been heard to say that Compton Towers and its broad acres shall be his little girl's when he is gone, for the Squire has no son and Ethel's two elder sisters have married into the peerage. Decidedly a rising young author," as one critic, kinder than his fellows, has been pleased to dub me, would have to rise considerably before having any chance in that quarter. Tommy, L should mention, is a briefless barrister, of some eight and twenty, inheriting from his father an income of about three hun- dred a year, which he supplements by occa- "aionalij^ backing winners, and contributing smart pars" to the society journals, and when these means fail, which is pretty often, he goes to see a man in the city.' who on the strength of his being heir to his bachelor uncle lets him have a trifle of ready," and charges him soms 60 per cent. for the accom- modation. I am the sole tenant of the smoking-room, save old Robert, the waiter, who moves ner- vously about, re-arranging things that don't want it, and evidently desirous of entering into conversation. At length he catches my eye and comes for- ward with the Times in his hand. Nice day, sir; seen the Times, sir ?" he begins. Yes, nothing particular in it, is there ?" I reply. Only this, sir," retnrns Robert, directing my attention to the Deaths," where 1 read as follows On Soates^ber 29. at the Grapae, Blank- shire, Thomas Edwin Jenkins, aged eighty- seven." I put down the paper and look up at Robert. I thought as how that might be Mr, Jenkins's uncle, sir," he says. "Isuppose it will be a great thing for him, sir ?" I suppose so," 1 reply mechanically, and not caring to continue the conversation, I rise and saunter towards the window, whence I watch the ever-changing crowd in the street. I rouse myself- I will go home and work. On my arrival I find several matters requiring absorbing attention for some hours. The next morning brjnga new duties, and it is not till late in the afternoon that I am free, when I go to the club,where I find a letter awaiting me; it is from Tommy, asking me to go down to the Grange. The funeral is to take plaoe next day. I don't care about going, but must not deny my friend at such a. moment; so, finding there is ar tain from Paddington which will jut!, get me down in time, I despatch a wire to Tommy telling him to expect me the following morning. A trap meets me at the little country sta- tion, and a short drive brings me to the house of mourning. Tommy greets me with a silent handclasp. The last sad offices over, we return to the house—Tommy and myself, a ferret-eyed little man who I am certain is the family soli- citor, and one or two others who, from their display of grief, I took to be some distant relatives who have expectations. Squire Compton, who had come to see the last of his old friend and neighbour, follows in hit carriage. Reaching the house Tommy, after few whispered words with the legal man of business, draws me aside into an unoccupied room. Frank," he says, as soon as the door is closed, I feel in an awful funk; do you know," he goes on, before I can put in a word, <; the poor old boy found out all about my going to the money lenders just before he was taken ill; in fact, I believe the knowledge hastened his end." What nonsense," I reply, but Tommy goes on. \es," he says, "the night before he was taken ill he said he wanted to have a long talk with me about business matters, and than avd there asked me if it was true. I acknowledged it, of course, when he inquired why I did not come to him if I was in want of funds. To this [ could make no adequate reply, whereupon he desired me to leave him as he wished to be alone. I'm afraid he's altered his will, for the next day he complained at not feeling well and telegraphed for old Poanceby, the solicitor, to come down, and they were closeted together the best part of the afternoon, and I noticed Pounceby looking very ouriously at me to-day—but they're waiting for us," as a knock came to the j. door. I 1 Well, I will remain here," I say; "I have no right to be present on an occasion of this sort." u 1 wish you would come with me," say. Tommy, plaintively, but I am resolute and remain where I am. I have not long to wait. In less than a quarter of an hour Tommy returns, exhibit- ing an expression of countenance that is at once puzzled and crestfallen. u Of all the extraordinary wills!" he bursts forth; the old chap has cut me off with a beggarly thousand pounds, and after a lot left to different charities the balance, nearly twenty thousand pounds, is to go to some fellow who once picked him out of the gutter in town, or something of that sort." But the estate, what about that?'' I inter- pose, gently. u Oh, that is vested in trustees—old Pounceby and the Squire, the income to go to paying off my debts, and I am not to touch a penny until every claim is fully discharged— whenever that will be," he adds ruefully. Oh, well, it's not so bad, after all," I say when he bursts forth again. The worst of it all is a pot of money going to a an entire stranger whose name is not even mentioned, and whose only claim on his sympathy appears to be that he once helped him over a crossing." An |uncontrollable agitation seized me. Tommy," I say at length, have you- is there—any portrait or photograph of your ancle ?" Yes, yes, there is a portrait in the library and a photograph somewhere, but why ?" Let me see the photo," I answer huskily. He leaves me for a few moments, during which I endeavoured to regain my composure. Presently he returns and hands me a cabinet photo, faded, it is true, but an exact likeness of the old man I conducted over the crossing eight years before! Tommy I say, after-a pause, I believe I am the individual alluded to in your uncle's will." Nonsense, man you must be taking leave of your senses." Be that as it, may, the fact remains that on the 1st of October, eight years ago, I dis- tinctly recollect assisting an old gentleman 'over the crossing at Hyde Park corner who resembled this likeness in a most remarkable degree." "Ob, that settles it, then; I know it's the 1st of October," Tommy responds. You had better come into the library." I follow him, and find the various individnals before mentioned seated in silence round the table. Mr. Pounceby, the solicitor; raises his eyes from the documents he is poring over as we enter. Tommy is the first to speak. My friend here, Frank Hobson, seemg to think he is the individual referred to in the will, Mr. Pounceby," and so saying he drops into the nearest chair. Take a seat, Mr. Hobson," says the man of law. "In Mr. Jenkins's excited state he must have given you, I fear, but, a very im- perfect outline of the testator's intentions. As you are not one of the family it is unneces- sary that I should do more than read that portion of the will to which Mr. Jenkins has alluded. H'm! ha here it is And all the residue of my funded property I give and bequeath to the person who on the first day of October, 18—, assisted me over the crossing at Hyde Park-corner, if he can be I found, and I have placed in the hands of my solicitor, Jorem Pounceby, Esq., Ill, Lin- coln's Inn-fields, a sealed envelope, the con- tents of which will, t believe, be sufficient to lead to his identification if living, and in case the said individual, after due inquiry made, shall not be dis overed or be found to be dead, then I give and bequeath such residue to the afore-mentioned charities to be divided among them in like manner and in the same propo tion as the other moneys hereinbefore men- tioned.' I may add," continued Mr. Pounceby, looking up from the parchment, that the testator framed that clause himself and would hear of no alteration. Now, Mr. Hobson, I what have to say ?" Only that on that very date I did assist a gentleman over the crossing at that particular spot who bore a striking resemblance to this photograph, which I understand to be that of the late Mr. Jenkins." Far too slender evidence, I am afraid, but the envelope the testator refers to is here, and we will see if it will throw any light on the matter in the meantime, will you oblige me with your signature," pushing a pen and ink towards me. I draw near the table, and somewhat ner- vously write my name on a sheet of paper. The contents of the envelope are not volumi- nous, s'iid, indeed, Mr. Pounceby would seem to have seen them before, for he takes up my signature and seems to be diligently compar- ing it with something within. Presently he asks, Were you engaged in literary work eight years ago, Mr. Hobson ?" I endeavoured to be, but my efforts did not always meet with success." Do you recognise that as one of your un- successful efforts? he asks with a smile, handing me a manuscript. Good heavens! it was one of my early effusions, across the top of which the editor of the Penny Pilferer had scrawled the usual Declined with thanks." Then as I made no reply, he added, I presume the signature at the end is yours," to which I bowed an assent and was about to return the MS., when he stopped me with, No, no, Mr. Hobson, it is yours, and t hope your future writings may prove as remunerative to yourself as that one has done." The rest of my story is soon told. Ere another 1st of October came round Ethel and I were married, and we live in a nice house in a far from unfashionable suburb, and in the house is a room which I call my den, but which Ethel persists in styling the library. Anyway, it is pretty full of books, valuable and otherwise, but on no volume has the wealth of the bookbinder's art been more extravagantly lavished than the thin tome whose title is displayed as Declined with Thanks."—Evening World.

Wanted The fragments of any person who ever burst with indignatioa,

VARIETIES, Johnny: Does all work and no play make Jack a dull boy ? Mamma: So they say, my child. Johnny: Mamma! Mamma: Well, what is it? Johnny: The teacher said to- day I was the dullest boy in school. "Perhaps, papa," said the financier's daugh- ter, "you would like to read something nice. Here is a volume of select quotations." Great heavensexclaimed the old man wearily, can I never get away from busi- ness Mamma: I hope my little boy, while out at tea this afternoon with friends, remembered what I told him about not taking cake the second time? Little Boy: Yes, mamma, J remembered, and took two pieces the first timp. Never did any soul do good, but it came readier to do the same again, with more enjoy- ment. Never was love, or gratitude, or bounty practised but with increasing joy, which made the practiser still more in iove with the fair act.—Shaftesbury. Of all the keen edged instruments in battle ever swung, The sharpest and most painful is an angry woman's tongue. I beg your paidon," said Mr. Wordington, but did I understand you to refer to the lady who has just passed as a stunner P" Yes, sir I said it deliberately, and, I think, judiciously. You must. consider the fact that I was struck by her appearance." ts Husband (newly married): Don't you think, love, if I were to smoke it would spoil the curtains ? Wife Ah you are really the most. unselfish and thoughtful husband to be found anywhere-certainly it would. Hus- band Well, then, take the curtains down. Sheridan excused himself from walking with an elderly lady on account of the bad weather. Soon afterwards she met him alone. So, Mr. Sheridan," said she, it has cleared up." "Just a little, niaain-enough for one, but not enough for two." First Tradesman: Is he a gentleman ? Second Tradesman Well, I suppose so. 1 know he doesn't pay his debts till you make 7S uo so. J ami. ■ mi Haven't you forgotten something, air ?" asked the bead porter of a guest who had paid his bill and was leaving the hotel" Oh, no," replied the dbn-tipper, "if I have, you can keep it." Much obliged! I notice you left your pocket-book lying on the desk. "If you and your mother had your way, by jove," said Spickley, I'd be arrested for bigamy." Why, John Spickley, how can you say such a thing ?" It's so—but the sooner you understand that I married you and not your whole family the better it will be for all of us." Constance: I care not for your poverty, George. Let us wed at orce. We can live on one meal a day, if necessary. George: Can you cook, love ? Constance: George, I attended a cooking school for two months. George: Then we will wed. I think one meal a day will answer. II JIll be a sist hold on she cried, As lie took aim to have her life; Put up your pistol; don't be mad, I simply was about to add: 1'i b.-i a syst-ematic wife. How clumsy you are," said the mistress at the table, as the waiter spilt the sauce over a guest's rich dress; there won't he sauce enough to go round now." D. So you and your handsome Eramble girl are one ? T. That's what I thought when the parson married us, but I have sincfe concluded that we are ten. D. What do you mean ? T.: She is one and I'm naught, my dear fellow. Stage manager (to prcprietor of theatre): Our scene-shifter says he wants a vacation. He says he hasn't been away for five years. Proprietor: Tell him he csnnot have one. He gets change of scenery enough to suit anyone, A chemist, expatiating on the discoveries in chemical science, observed that snow had been found to possess a considerable amount of heat. An Irishman was present (be always is on such occasions), and observed that truly chemistry was a valuable science," and inquired of the orator what number of snow- balls would be sufficient to boil a tea-kettle. Some women tire out their lives trying to look young, but they do not tire +heinseive» half as much as they tire other eeoole