Weekly Mail

TIDE TABLE. Foa THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 6 1886. 2 "7 R-S o & o rp £ i- C«J 5)AYS OR THE WEEK..« J 2W 2^ °-H S S-a >"5 = -2 5 oo < "2 s S 5?. • 5 i ( Morning 6 51 6 47 5 46 6 42 7 54 SATURDY Evening 7 25 7 13 6 13 7 9 8 201 Height. 32 U 34 6 32 9 35 6 26 11 (Morning 7 44 7 39 6~39 T35 8 46 3TTWDAT.^ Evening 8 14 83 74 80 9 10 ( Height 34 7 3S 6 33 4 37 3 29 3 K Morning 8 32 3 27 7 28 8 24 9 34 MONDAY.-? Evening 9 1 8 50 7 51 8 47 9 57 I Height. 35 2 137 6 33 11 33 3 30 7 i Morning 9 13 9 12 8 13 9 9 10 19 TUESDAY < Evening 9 47 9 35 8 37 9 33 10 42 ) Height 34 8 37 5 33 7 33 1 30 5 i Morning 10 4 9 57 9 1 | 9 "7 11 4 WEDSBY. Evening 10 32 10 18 9 24 10 20 11 25 I Height 33 5 36 6 32 6 37 0 29 3 ( Morning 10 50 10 38 9 47 10 43 11 45 THUBSDY Evening 11 14 10 57 10 8 11 4 — I Height 31 2 34 9 31 0 35 2 27 2 < Morning 11 31 11 17 10 29 11 25 12 4 FRIDAY. 1 Evening 11 57 11 38 10 53 11 49 12 24 t Heisrht 128 4 32 5 29 1 32 8 | 24 6

miohlgoau, SATURDAY, JULY 31. 1886. LOCAL JOTTINGS. [BY PEJJDBAGON.] The toll fixed 'y the Taff Vale Railway Company for the passage of ,e1.icles and pedestrians over the bridge which connects Grangetown with the Cardiff Dock3 was imposed for the first time on Monday morning, the former being charged threepence each for the passage and the latter one penny. Contrary to expectation, there was no disorder then and I congratulate those who will have to suffer by the imposition upon the tone and temper they displayed. When possible the route was avoided, but, then, the going round" a long dis- tance involved considerable time, which to workmen who get paid by the hour of course spells money. Now, it is qlite certain that this obnoxious impost cannot be upheld for any* length of time, and something must be done at once to put II stop to a state of things which id certainly almost unparalleled in the modern history of a town. It is a most serious thing for the men who have to work at the Docks and who live in Grangetown—the only place, almost, available to them. To those who go home to their dinners the crossing of the bridge will involve he outlay of fourpence a day, or two shillings a week: a serious item to be taken out of a limited wage. The Grangetown Bridge affair is still absorbing a considerable amount of attention in Cardiff. It is a very important question, one which very materially effects the working classes, and I shall be considerably relieved when it is settled not only for the sake of those who are pecuniarily and personally interested, but because I shall be relieved from the duty of perusing a number of communications which are, I am bound to admit, all on the side of these who have io suffer by the imposition of the new man-tax. It. is im- possible that the game of sotting up toll-gates and knocking them down again can go on everlast- ingly. It is also. I hope, impossible at this time of day to close a thoroughfare which has been free for many years to all who will not pay a toll I am glad to know that the Mayor and Corpora- tion of Cardiff are moving in the matter, and they have my best wishea for a speedy and successful termination of what they have taken in hand. I am bound to add, however, that as yet they have not shown that they grasp the situation or that they indicate any inclination to deal with it in a practical form. The Taff Vale directors, whatever their moral obligations may be supposed to be, have a perfect right to do what they like with their own. The bridge is as much their pro- perty as the station in Crockherbtown, and the Act, of Parliament under which it was constructed authorises them to levy a toll. It is a pity they did not insist upon their rights years ago, because in that case the present embroglio would have been avoided. However, the directors have made a stand, and have declared that they will not budge from the position they have taken, and it is for the corporation to meet them with a proposal which will do away with the present dead-lock. The deputation of the Town Council which met the directors to-day had really nothing to offer but words, idie words," and perhaps it would have been all the better if the meeting had never taken place. There must be a general putting together of heads. The town is greatly interested in the matter, and so are the railway company and Lord Windsor, and I shall be surprised if, after consultation and mutual conces- I sions, some way out of tli-- difficulty is not found. I I have been requested to stir up with a I big stick those who have the settlement of the aff.iirs of the Cardiff Savings' Bank. I should have had sent along at the same time a telegraph pole, for nothing less formidable will be able to accelerate the progress towards a conclusion of any kind, satisfactory or otherwise. The fact is that the affairs of the unfortunate con- cern have been taken out of the hands of the trus- tees and managers and placed in those of the Registrar-General of Friend!y Societies. I daresay this official will fall back on the assertion that he cannot be harassed, and I think some of us have discovered before this in the course of our lives that red-tape, like the snail, is never inclined to be in a hurry. The matter has assumed a very serious aspect to many of the depositors. One of my correspondents, who had just started a pro- fessional career when the crash came, had his capital in the concern, and now, unable to get at a farthing of his muney, he is in great straits, and his business may be crippled for years for the want of the necessary needful," always so useful to young beginners. Another case is that I of a widow, whose husband died suddenly. He had before his death deposi ted £ 120 in the bank, and now, although she is in a condition of destitution, she cannot touch a penny. I could multiply instances, but I have shown, I fancy, that there are plenty of "hard lines" knocking about in connection with this direful calamity. A little bird has whispered to me that our friend and neighbour Mr. Alfred Thomas, M.P., has had another and unexpected stroke of luck that, in fact, a rich relative in Chicago has done him the honour to die and to leave him a large fortune, made out of ground rents in that ever-developing and go-ahead city. I congratulate the member for the Eastern Division of Glamorgan upon his good fortune. If the story is true I am afraid this sudden addition to an already ample income will not be an altogether and entirely unmixed blessing. He has a big heart, and his ear is never closed to the calls of charity, from whatever direction they may come. He has to my knowledge his pensioners in Cardiff, and the various chapels in his native town and in the district he now represents in Par- liament know to their satisfaction that he has a long purse, and that he is not afraid to put his hands into it. When the news of this windfall-always provided, of course, that it is one-is known it is a thousand pounds to a gooeeberry that his correspondence will be increased, and that he will have to keep a clerk to answer the communications to My Dear Mr. Thomas," calling attention to this chapel debt and the necessity for that chapel's improvement. Well, he's an M.P. now, and 1 suppose, like other busy men in the House of Commons, he will have to start his private secretary at once. There has nothing been talked of in Cardiff but the attempt which was made to horse- whip Mr. Lascalles Carr, the managing editor and part proprietor of the Western Mail, I was not an oye-witness of the exploit, but I did have the privilege, coming like the proverbial policeman, upon the scene when all was over but tho excitement, of seeing the short stick with n iioavy thong to it which would have beon u formidable instrument of torture in strong hinds and the pluck to use it, iks to the Malacca cane, well, that, too, might have hurt if it had been well directed and the wielder of it had the courageof hisconvictions in thehandle he was grasping, The intended victim, however, escaped without a blow, except one which waa aimed from behind and knocked his hat off, but failed to reach the cranium for which it was intended. He hadn't—and I examined him from head to foot directly after the occurrence—a mark from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet to indicate the attack made upon him. He emerged from the onslaught as scatheless as Shadrach, Moshach, and Abednego from the fur- nace which Nebuchadnezzar had prescribed for their heresy concerning the golden image: "Nor was a hair of their heads singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them." The only exception to be taken to this description is that Mr. Carr's coat was changed,' but not permanently, for a little brushing soon dis- pelled the smudges produced by its wearer rolling in the mud with his assailants. I concede that the young Mr. Batchelors would have been wanting in reverence to their father's memory, wanting in pluck as men, if they had sat quietly down under the aspersions upon the character of their dead parent. What I object to is the method they adopted in wreaking their vengeance. First of all, they should have assured themselves that Mr. Carr was responsible for the insertion of the matter to which they took exception and in the second place, if they had come to the conclusion that he was, they should have shown a more manly way of meeting him. There should have been no two to one business, and, above all, there should have been no behind-back attack. It has been broadly asserted by a person who, from his knowledge of the circumstances, ought to have kept his tongue still that Mr. Carr was the author of the epitaph and the letter to which so much objection has been taken but I am in a position to declare that there is not an atom of foundation for the insinuation. I have no doubt Mr. Carr will be able to vindicate himself when the case comes to be magisterially investigated and, in the meantime, as a matter of justice, I must ask all lovers of fair-play to suspend their judgment until the book bus been taken in the right hand and the evidence adduced submitted to the crucial test of examination and cross-exami- nation by advocates skilled in the process. Referring for a moment to the origin of the quarrel, I should like to know what right the Car- diff Corporation had to vote the site for the statue, which everybody now admits to be a mis- take. I am aware that Sanders and the Duncans were instrumental in providing the funds and suggesting the way in which they should be dis- posed, and that at the time they manipulated a lever which could do wonders when cor- porate matters were affected. If I remem- ber rightly, the ccuncil purchased the pro- perty in the Hayes for something like £ 11,500, but for the six or seven years they have had it in their possession and control it has been nothing but an eyesore to the town. It has been a sort of Tom Tiddler's ground, affording a con. venient area into which to shoot dead cats, shards, old shoes, broken bottles, and an equally elegant assortment of unsightly rubbish. I should like t know, too, whether the recent litigation between the Vicar of St. John's and Lord Bute in reference to a portion of this site in any way affects the legal status of the corporation, and to what extent ? I make the inquiry because I know that our local Parliament very often gets a bit mixed up when the law and the statutes are concerned. In a recent "jotting" I called attention to the delay which was taking place in regard to tho furnishing of the Swansea Free Library, and hinted it was owing to a division of the contracts between a local and a distant firm, and unwillingness on the part of the c-ne to give way to the other. The subject was immediately brought before the council by Mr. Freeman, and Alderman Daninl denied that access was being withheld from the furnishing contractors. Mr. E. J. Clark, secretary to the Trades' Council, who apparently writes with I the authority of the local firm, now declares that repeated applications to the oontractors of the new Free Library Buildings for permission to fix the work have been met with refusals. If this is so, there was a good deal in the complaint I made aud very little in Alderman Daniel's authoritative statement to the contrary. I have the interests of neither firm in my keeping, and, after my examination of the furniture at the chief constable's, have nothing to say on behalf of local tenders more than others, but I do think the delay at the Free Library simply intolerable, and Alder- man Daniel's continued and persistent white- washing of everything in general won't do for me much longer. Another question which affects a section of the ratepayers is that which was considered by the Cardiff butchers on Monday. They sought and obtained from the corporation permission to extend the hours of killing at the abbatoirs from eight until ten p.m. The concession was greatly appreciated, and proved a considerable con- venience to my dear-this is not, I hasten to explain, intended for a joke—friends, the butchers. All of a sudden, at the last meeting of the Town Council. a resolu- tion was smuggled through, rescinding the previous one, and I have been assured that in moving it the mayor did not use the most compH- mentary expressions towards a large and respect- able class of his fellow townsmen. The change h, I am told, another instance of imperative officialism which unfortunately prevails in the town. The men in charge of the slaughter-houses,who use the power with which they are invested-well, this it I what the butchers tell me-in anything but a bland and courteous way, found that their time was voted away without their concurrence, and that their convenience was not consulted by those who placed them in their offices; so they put up their backs, showed their teeth to the butchers who had the impudence to desire to slaughter their beasts after eight o'clock, and finally got the ear of the mayor, and, I suppose, that of the docile and ever yours obediently Councillor Reynolds, who seconded the motion, with the result that the permission was revoked and the old regime re-instituted. The mayor stands t.) his guns like a man, but I am informed that Councillor Reynolds, in his accustomed deary, deary me" manner, pleads that he thought he was conferring a; benefit upon the butchers when he voted as he did. It seems to me that the persecutors of the Cardiff police are acting in a most indiscreet way. They are not only advertising for witnesses in support of their allegations, but have issued broadcast from one end of the town to the other a circular, which runs as follows: Be Police Outrages.—I under- stand that you were an eye-witness of the conduct of police on the night of the election, into which an inquiry is about to be held. I have been instructed to conduct the case on behalf of tho inhabitants against the police, and shall, therefore, be glad by your calling here on Monday to let me have your evidence on the subject. Your early atten- tion is requestect.Yours faithfully, James Morgan." Now, these precious invitations are issued to individuals who were never out of their houses on the night of the rioti, and some of them were positively away from the town, and had been for weeks. I have evidence to prove my assertion, which I am willing to show to all C illers. And yet, alas! I am expected to be all wreathed smiles and to keep my hair on."

THE NEW CABINET. At the time of going to press the followirg positions in the new Cabinet had been reported as definitely filled :— First Lord of the Treasury and 1 T„ „ Prime Minister }Lord Salisbury Lord Chancellor Lord Halsbury Lord President of the Council Lord Cranbrook Home Secretary. Foreign Becretary Lord dtieslelgh Colonial Secretary War Seoretary Mr. W. H. Smith In iian Secretary Chancellor of the Exchequer and ) Leader of the House of Com- > Lord R. Churchill uioria ) First Lord of the Admiralty Lord Geo. Hamilton Chief Secretary for Ireland Sir M. Hicks-Beach Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland Lord Londonderry

SIR JOHN GORST AND HIS CONSTITUENTS. The Press Association" Chatham correspon- dent. telegraphing on Wednesday night, says:- Sir John Gorst met the Executive Committee of the Conservative Association at the Conservative Club to-night. In reference to the rumour respecting his Indian appointment and the conse- quent severance of his political connection with the borough, Sir John Gorst said he should never, under any circumstances, accept an appointment which would reuder necessary his separation from his constituents without first consulting his sup- porters, but if Lord Salisbury asked him to accept an office in the Government which would necessitate his re-election he felt convinced his con- stituents would approve of his accepting such an honour. This opinion the meeting confirmed by loud and prolonged applause. Briefly referring to the political situation. Sir John said specula- tions were, of course, premature, but recent events had conclusively proved that the voice of the country was in favour only of such legislation as would give to Ireland equal rights and privileges with those enjoyed by Englishmen and Scotch- men, and no more. Outside the club some hun- dreds of people had assembled in expectation of some announcement from the hon. member, and quite an ovation was accorded to Sir John Gorst, as well as to prominent members of the Conserva- tive Executive.

EXCITING SCENE IN A POLICE- COURT. A sensational scene was witnessed in the BishOP" Stortford Police-court on Wednesday. A traWP named Charles Collins was charged before Mr. Taylor with disorderly behaviour in the workbou^ the night before. The superintendent of poh (Mr. Innes) said he thought the man was mad, 0 he behaved very strangely at the station, and tO up two suits of clothes. Just as he was about to be handcuffed to be taken down to the court It; tore up a third suit. Soon after being brougb into court Collins threw himself on the floor, b°5 was forced to stand From the evidence it that the night before the prisoner came to tb* workhouse with a woman with whom he They were admitted, and soon afterwards Colli"; violently assaulted the woman. He had of a bath through a window to get to her, her loud shrieks brought the porter to rescue. With difficulty the man was p^6: away, and then the police were sent for, and was given into custody.—The Magistrate said should remand him to the petty sessions, the prisoner said defiantly, M I will be a cotp^ before morning." No sooner had he said this he dashed his head against the wall of tbe Ho was immediately seized by several constable* and again handcuffed, protesting loudly that would dash his brains out. As he said he did like the cuffs, Mr. Innes said if he went quietly b» should have them off.—The prisoner said j? would, and Sergeant Summerling was about release his hands when Collins dashed away struck his head with fearful force against marble mantelshelf over the fireplace.—Mr. Tay»?J shouted to the police to secure the man, and intense excitement they carried him out of cot^T —The Magistrate ordered a medical man to • him, and said every precaution must be taken him. as he was satisfied Collins would take a life if he had tbe chance.—Collins i3 known a3 desperate fellow, and is said to be wanted assaulting people on the highway.

ANOTHER FIRE AT NOTTINGHAM Early on Thursday morning another disastrOIJO fire occurred at Nottingham at the factory of ^ri Windley, Robin Hood-street, occupied by lace and hosiery manufacturers. The flames bro»* out upon an upper story, and quickly made way amongst the inflammable silk and cotton belonging to Mr. William Selby. Fortunately- was soon discovered, and the fire brigade bein» promptly on the spot, the flames were subdue^ but not before damage estimated at £ 10,000 b»fl been caused. Later in the day Mr. Selby COøJ mitted suicide by shooting himself through tbf head.

BAD SALMON. At Liverpool on Wednesday Isabella Lackey? shopkeeper in the lower part of the city, was 10s. and costs for exposing for sale fifteen tins °, salmon unfit for food. She said she had them from a wholesale dealer, named Lynch,,0** whose premises the police discovered 1,600 equally bad.—Lynch said he bought them frOD2 respectable firm, and was separating the gO from the bad.—He was fined Y,10 and costs.

THE SCOTCH CROFTERS. The steamer Trojan arrived at Oban from Tire" on Thursday afternoon. The excitement 8oDJ(JP the islanders has considerably abated, and th¡¡. have resolved to remain at home attending to the1 ordinary avocations when the force arriVf31 instead of presenting themselves when } expedition lands. Boisterous weather preva»'e^ on the island on Thursday afternoon, and 00 police or marines can land until the sK*11* moderates. The troopship Assistance and pol,c boat Nigel still remain at Oban.

KILLED BY A CRICKET BALL. A sad fatality has occurred at Barking, EssØ:ti Some lads were playing cricket on a piece Of building ground, and while batting Miller, a boy of twelve years, was struck on left ear by a ball- He fell down in an state, ana on a doctor being called to him the was found to be dead.

TWO MEN DROWNED AT HULL- Two meu, while engaged taking the steanisb'P Stainscliff, of Westpool, into the Albert Dac1 Ilull, had their boat capsized, and were drowned-

BATII AND WEST OF ENGLA^S SOCIETY AND SOUTHERN COUNTi** ASSOCIATION. THE 1888 EXHIBITION. At a council meeting held at Bristol on last, July 27 (Sir J. T. B. Duckworth, Bart-, in chair), a communication was received from v* Mayor of Gravesend stating that there was a des> on the part of the inhabitants of that town neighbourhood that the society should hold annual meeting there in 1888, and asking if society would favourably entertain an invitatlO A communication, sent on behalf of a public ir-oat, ing held at Newport, Mon., was also reC&i". inviting the society to hold its annual meeting 1. 1888 in that town—On the motion of the Hon. Rev. J. T. Boscawen, seconded by Sir J. Bart., a deputation was appointed to inspect sites as the above towns had to offer, and to epOof thereon to the August council.—On the motion F Mr. Dyke, supported by Mr. Moysey and Capta Best, the sum of £ 100 was unanimously voted be expended in making cricket pitches 01 Durdham Down, and £ 50 for the erection t ornamental seats on the Down, in recognition the granting of the site for the society's exhibition.

TRINITY COLLEGE, LONDON. HAVERFORDWEST CENTRE. td # At the local examination (theory of music) # in June 21 candidates were examined at 1 centre, of whom twenty were successful follow:— SENIOR DIVISION.—Miss Bowen, Tenby. JUNIOR DIVTSIOX.—First Class Miis Kelwav, Carter, Milford Miss G. White (Miss White's M Academy, Haverfordwest); Miss Say, Miss H Miss Rees (Bill House College, Haverfordwest). j}, Class Miss 3. Mathiaa, Pembroke Dock; Mis9 /iril' Nash, Miss E. M. Nash, Miss C. Eaton-Evan* ^rfjjl House College). Third Class: Miss B. Evan* <■ House College). JUNIOR.—Pass Certificates Miss P. P. DAVIW W Miss M. L. Davies, Tenby Misa Whicher, Milford » E. Davies (Miss White's Academy, Haverfordwest) 'ggei Junes, Miss Mathias. MissHorsman (Goat-street Co> Haverfordwest); Mis* M. A. Nash (Hill House Four of the above, whose marks rank a9 class honours—Miss Carter, Miss Say, Miss S^tas, and Miss Rees—will only receive pass certlnCjVj^ being over the prescribed age for junior cft^ dates.

OUR PARIS LETTER. PARIS, JULY 23. The legend that the Minister of War, General Boulangor, has the army on his side, less the superior officers, has just received a part illuslra. tion. The Council of Defence consists of eighteen superior officers they had to definitely decide on that irritating and burning question, Ought the fortifications encircling Paris to be demolished ? No member advocated their entire levelling. General Boulangor and two officers voted for a partial razing of the city ramparts, but the vast majority pronounced a decided negative. The defence must, then, be considered as useful. I is an old and a sore question. The Municipal Council desires.to level the fortifications as being useless in point of resisting an attack. The ground occupied by the works was intended to allow for the expansion of the capital, and, above all, to inaugurate workmen's cities, connected with the heart of the capital by rail and tram, and the fares fixed specially low. M. Alphaud, the landscape engineer to the council, had drawn up a plan ot the future new suburbs of Paris, with squares, boulevards, fountains, gardens, &c. The council, in order to enable the State to eroct de- tachod forts to re-piace the forcifications, offered the sum of 30 million francs, they receiving in exchange tho site and the stone facings of the moat for building materials, as tho stone of the Bastillo erected the bridge at the Place do 111 Con corde. Tho fortifications occupy a belt 144 yards wide and 20 miles in circumference, representing an area of 900 acres. This, at 54f. the square yard, as building site, would represent a capitalised value of some 242 million francs, so the municipality, in purchasing tho area at 30 million francs, would make a good bargain. Independent of the actual site occupied by the fortifications, there is a military zone of an equal area running round, but outside the city, for the play of the bombshells of the future." This space is a great eyesore since 1870. It serves to graze goats, for worn-out asses and horses to rest or to die, and a free run for recidivists. The total site may thus be taken as equal to 1,800 acres. The fortifications date f-om 1840; were the fad of Thiers and MarshalSouIt; and they cost 500 millions or half a milliard. Their plan is a scalloped moat with a stone facing 26ft. to 33ft. high, and a sloping earthen parapet of 18ft. The bottom of the ditch is 66ft. wide, and could be flooded from the Seine. Before 1840 Paris was surrounded by a chain of detached forts, and, strange, the Liberals regarded those as intended to domineer them, hence the cry to erect the fortifications, not against a foreign foe, but against. the forts. Both ends were for a time realised in 1870-71. Paris expended 40 million francs in 1870 strengthening the defences inside and out- side the capital. Before 1870 Paris had submitted to no less than 30 attacks and sieges, and no less than four-1314, 1815. 1870, 1871-during the current century. Is she destined to experience others? It is to be hoped not, but prudence suggests preparation against surprises, for Paris is not alone the capital of Franca, but the head centre of the strategic roads of the country, and thus always the objective of an invader. Marshal Bugoaud said an enemy would think twice before breaking his nose against the stone walls of the fortifications. It is an open question had the Prussians pushed for Paris during the night of the 19tii of September, 1870, whether they might possibly have gained entrance into the city. Likely they remembered that on the 6th of August, the evening of the Battle of Worth, the cavalry of General Werder, made a dash at Strasburg, and pulled up, when within riflo shot of the fortifica- tions, believing a garrison to be Inside. It is said that by means of the now belts of detached forts the moat round the Metropolis is unnecessary. A fort implies a place to be attacked and taken, and the Russians and Turks have illustrated how that can be done. Napoleon held that the best place for raw troops to receive their "baptism of fire" was behind stone walls. The new Biinge cannon can send shells fix miles and a half. Krupp is engaged founding artillery that will send shells eight miles and a half. The Woolwich Infant on Dover Pier can throw an obus over seven miles and the range of cannon has not yet reached its ultimate limits. To take a city it is not always necessary to storm its fortifications. Paris was captured in 1871 not by shells, but by famine. The Prussians only fired 12,000 shells at the city from a distance of four to six miles; the shells but scratched the fortifica- tions, none penetrated deeper than eighteen inches. But that "psychological bombardment destroyed or injured 1,400 houses, killed or wounded 400 persons, and caused 50 conflagrations. This would likely be only a flea-bite to a real, the next, bom- bardment, should the future reserve for citizens such a calamity. On the 1st of August the 86 departments will have to elect 1,414 members for their General Councils. There are in the field 961 Republicans of all shades, and 433 Monarchists of all categories, Quite a general election fever rages. The verdict promises to be another plebiscite in favour of the Republic. On the side of the Monarchists there is still the absence of clear programme or courageous exhibition of flag. A candidate who plays the sneak to either, no matter what may be his political creed,, righteously merits to be black- balled. The Monarchists comprise four categories, ephemerally banded to gain the common prize- the ousting of theRepublicans from place and power to instal themselves, and then the usual piping on the same instrument, but in a different key. The country has full knowledge of this patriotic game. M If voters want the sky to rain larks or kissing comfits; to have the houses thatched with pan- cakes, and the streets paved with penny loaves, why send us to the General Council or to Parlia- ment." France has quite a plethora of pretender- rulers: there is Philippe VII., the father of Don Carlos; there is Louis-Philippe II., better known as the Comte de Paris there is PIon PIon I., and his son, Totor t. Under which king, Bezonian speak or die ? General Boulanger has done capital work in officially establishing military clubs in every gar- rison town. This is a boon that cannot be over- rated for the lieutenants and other officers, who have to live on a pay which is insufficent. Henceforth, for a subscription of two francs per month, they will have in their clubs more than the comforts of a home library and news-room, billiards and smoking, healthy and plain food and unchemical beverages; they will meet their superior officers on equal foot- ing, and will be drawn away from the questionable refuge of the local caf6. The annual examinations of the students of the Conservatoire de Musique are now taking place. This is the nursery of the future artists for the stage, and the various branches of vocal and instrumental music. As a rule, the female are superior to the male pupils in singing and recita- tion. The classes for the violin and bow" instru- ments maintain a first place as usual. The male students were excellent in piano playing. One novelty: the marked taste for the harp. A Miss Spencer executed some morceaux very brilliantly, but she was relatively cast into the shade by Madamoiselle Renie, aged ten years-quite an infant prodigy." Her playing was admirable. The pedal of the harp had to be lengthened to suit her tiny feet. A performance on the harp by a child is extremely rare, and rest assured Mdllo. Renie has a brilliant future before her. On the whole, the Conservatoire is making up lee way in its object ttiat of not only "conserving" acquired knowledge of music, but of propaganding it also. Conservatoires de Musiqut5 originated in Naples in 1537. Piris established her present institution in 1784. At first it was limited to teaching sing- ing later, in 1735, when the institution took its existing title, the range of studies was conside- rably enlarged. Under the direction of Cherubini. from 1822 to 1842, the Conservatoire was a power in the musical and dramatic world, but on the appointment of his successor, Auber, whoso indolence was proverbial. the institution declined. Ambroise Thomas, the present director, is rapidly repairing the injury inflicted by Auber. It is a standing charge that the Conservatoire is too con- servative that all its professors are supplied by its once pupils, and that, whilst the education is excellent individually, it is wanting in homo- geneity. The Conservatoire is endowed with an annual grant, varying froin 100,000f. to 200,000f. The number of pupils is 600, and of professors of all classes, 120. The instruction is divided into eight sections—Solfeggio, singing, lyrical declamation, piano and harp, violins, violoncello, &c.. wind in- struments, organ, harmony, and composition, and dramatic declamation. Instruction is also given in theatrical deportment, dancing, and fencing. The duration of studies is from one to two years- special exceptions understood. Candidates must bo nine, and not over 22 years of age must be French, but can be foreigners, if approved by the Minister. Grisi and Mario were thus in their day alumni of the Conservatoire..Admission is open to the whole of France, if the candidate exhibit marked ability though kindred establishments exist at Lyons, Toulouse, &c. Alphonse Karn held that the system only taught the daughters of house. porters to play the piano. There is no reason why such a daughter ought not to be afforded the means of earning a livelihood they are not the "Upper Ten win furnish the nightingales. Ten male and ten female students are educated, clad, and instructed gratuitously. In any case, the education is free. There are two matriculate examinations. The classes are limited to five or twelve pupils. The professor can admit two or more auditors. Mothers can assist by right at the lessons. Prizes and diplomas are also awarded, and if a student passes a brilliant examination he or she can be retained for an additional year and secured an engagement in one of the endowed theatres. .,a Pending apprenticeship no pupil can appear in public without the special permission of the director. To be twice absent from class without valid excuse involves expulsion. The professors are divided into four classes, and receive from 300f. to 2,000f. a year. The former members of 'the Conservatoire form a Societe des Concerts, highly prised by the public. The con- certs are held in the building, an uninviting struc- tuee, but with an admirable acoustic hall. There is a good technical library, and a museum full of interesting relics. Among the celebrities the Con- servatoire has turned out are included H6rold. a pupil of Mehul; Adolphe Adam, ot Boieldieu; Halevy, of Cherubini Barlioa, of Lesueur Roger and Mass6, of Halevy; Bizet, of Hal6vy Bizet, of Hal6vy and Zimmermann Ambroise Thomas, of the latter and Lesueur. There has been organised a Society of Anti. Pasteurists. They held their inaugural meeting to denounce the eminent and hard-working scientist as a humbug. Rochefort's paper is the organ of these stalwarts." Louise Michel was among the indignants. She declares to only love doctors who die at their posts. One speaker denied that canine madness had any special microbe more than ordinary human lunacy, and said it was fear that made folks mad. Another orator defied Pasteur to submit himself to be bitten by a bona fide hydrophobia dog, and then illustrate, Physician, cure thyself." Pasteur has inoculated 1,700 persons bitten by wolves and dogs, mad or sane. Not more than eight cases of failure are to be recorded, or less than 1 per cent. of the total bitten. Even sup- posing several of the latter not to have been attacked by mad dogs, the result of the work is not bad. The French commence to experience that with extended protectorates or takes comes augmented anxieties and increased burdens. Madagascar looks cloudy and the Congo has already a dispute to settle. There is the New Hebrides, to say nothing of Cambodia, Annam, and Black Flags. The outlook is not comfortable, when Europe com- mences to echo the hum of busy hammers closing rivets and giving dreadful note of preparation. A girl, an assistant in a shoemaker's shop, was accused of stealing the goods, and demanded to be brought before the magistrate. She there waxed eloquent on injured innocence till a pur. loined pair of boots involuntarily dropped from her bustle The advice of Demosthenes—" Action, action, action "-is not always judicious in oratory.-A provincial poet came to Paris; he was decorated with jewellery like a money-lender or a betting man. He encountered two young men, who listened to him for several hours reciting his compositions. He invited them to a splendid dinner. He drank like a god; then, when his eye was in the fine freniv, rolling stage, the two guests, who were recidivist*, cleared him of trinkets and cash. A fisherman, hearing eighs at the mouth of a sewer emptying into the Seine, went to ascertain the cause; he dis- covered a baby, aged twelve days, wrapped up in swaddling clothes and only slightly bruised, from its being pitched over the quay wall. Paul Bert has done something at last in Tonquin. He has founded a new order, that of the 16 Dragon." It is a kind of materialistic thank-offering for having recovered from a Sharp attack of fever. Beggar to a man, type bladder of lard: Happy monsieur, give me two sous as I have company to dinner to-day."

ILLNESS OF THE STIPENDIARY MAGISTRATE OF CARDIFF. APPOINTMENT OF A DEPUTY. The following letter has been received by Mr. R. O. Jones, stipendiary magistrate for the borough of Cardiff, in reply to one from him ask- ing for assistance during his illness Whitehall, July 26, 1886. Sir,-I am directed by the Secretary of State to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st inst. and to acquaint you in reply that he approves of Mr Robert Arthur Valpy, of the Temple, being appointed to act as your deputy from the 26th inst. until the 25th day o October next, during your absence on aocount of illuess.- I am, air. your obedient servant, GODJKBY LUSHIMGTON. R. O. Jones, Esq., Cardiff.

TAFF VALE RAILWAY DIVIDEND. We are officially informed that the directors will at the half-yearly meeting, on August 10, recommend a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent., and a bonus after the rate of It per cent per annum, to be declared on the Ordinary Stock and Preference Stock No. 1. for the half-year ending June 30 last, curving forward a balance of £ 1,358 to the guront half-year.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION. MEETING OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY. The meeting of the Conservative party which Lord Salisbury summoned to be held on Tues- day at the Carlton Club excited great attention throughout political circles in London. Some time before the hour nained in his lord- ship's circular for the meeting spectators began to assemble in Pall Mall. As the hour approached the crowd increased, and at two o'clock it extended into the roadway on both sides of the entrance to the club. The police had made no extra, provision to keep the roadway clear, and many of the members experienced a slight difficulty in reaching the headquarters of the party. Lord Halsbury was amongst the first to arrive, and he was followed by Lord Milltown and other well-known members of the Conserva- tive party. Up to two o'clock members did nnt rapidly arrive, but after that hour they flocked up in quick succession, and the neighbourhood of tho Carlton Club presented a very animated appearance. The spectators, in order to catch a glimpse of the distinguished politicians who were entering the club, took up positions upon the pavement and the doorsteps immediately fronting the club, and the thoroughfare became somewhat blocked. Lord Iddesleigh had a remarkably cordial recep- tion, and Lord George Hamilton, who was apparently not quite so well known, was also well greeted. The crowd easily recognised Lord Randolph Churchill and gave his lordship a lusty cheer. The crowd was, apparently, one thoroughly in sympathy with the Conservative party, and not the least attempt was made at any hostile party feeling. The greatest reception was accorded to the new Premier. Lord Salisbury left Arlington-street in a one- horse brougham at twenty minutes past two. and on seeing the crowd fronting the Carlton Club his lordship did not drive close to the entrance. Ho gave instructions to his coachman to stop, and alighted. The noble marquess was immediately recognised, and as he approached spectators made way for him, but the crowd pressed round after- wards, and he had some littlediHiculty in reaching the club. The spectators loudly cheered his lord- ship, and as he entered the club he acknowledged the compliment by raising his hat. The scene inside the Carlton Club on Lord Salisbury's arrival was of a very interesting character. Members of both Houses were crowded together in the vesti- bule, and, on Lord Salisbury's entrance, imme- diately divided, at the same time raising their hats. His lordship at once proceeded up the stair- case to the library, and the members followed. His lordship was evidently much struck with the cordiality of his reception, and raised his hat and bowed to particular friends whom he recognised amongst the groups of politicians. NAMES OF THOSE PRESENT. The following members of the House of Peors were present:—The Duke of Abereorn, Marquess of Abergavenny, Earl Amherst:, Lord Ardilaun, Duko of Athole, Lord Ashbourne, Lord Bagot, Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Viscount Barrinton, Lord Bateman, Lord Boston, Earl of Bradford, Marquess of Bristol, Viscount Bury, Lord Brabourne, Earl of Carnarvon, Earl of Ciancarty, Lord Colchester, Earl of Coventry, Earl Cowley, Viscount Cran- brook, Lord Crofton, Earl of Dartmouth, Earl Dela- warr, Earl of Denbigh, Earl of Dunraven, Lord Ellenborough, Lord Eiphinstone, Karl of Earno, Marquess of Exeter, Viscount Faulkland, Earl of Faversham, Viscount Gage, Earl of Gainsborough Lord Hillingdon, Lord Halsbury, Earl of Hadding ton, Lord Harlech, Earl of Harrington, Viscoun, Hawarden, Lord Hawke, Marquess of Head- fort, Lord Hulton, Earl of Iddesleigh, Earl of Jersey, Lord Keane, Earl of Kil- inorey, Earl of Lathom, Lord Leconfield, Duke of Leeds, Earl of Levin and Melville, Earl of Limerick, Marquess of Londonderry, Earl of Longford, Earl of Lucan, Earl Lvtton, Lord Lyveden, Duke of Manchester, Earl of Mar and Kellie, Viscount Middleton, Earl of Milltown, Earl of Mar, Lord Mowbray and Stourton, Duke of Northumberland, Lord Norton, Lord O'Neill, Earl of Orkney, Earl of Pembroke, Lord Poltimore, Lord llayleigh, Earl of Romnev, Lord Rowton, Lord Sinclair, Lord Templetnore, Lord Tollemache, Viscount Torrington, Lord Tredegar, LAd Trevor, Lord Wintage, Earl of Warwick, Earl of Wharn- cliffe, Lord Wynford, and Lord Zouche of Haryng- worth. Tha following Conserv ve members of the House of Commons were present: Ainslie, Ambroso, Amherst, Ashmead-Bartlett, Atkinson, Baden-Powell, Baggallay, H;mes, hartley, Bates, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Beadil. W. Beckett, C. Bentinck, W. G. Beutinck, Lord Charles Beresford, Blundel, Boord, Borthwick, Bourke, Brtdgman, Bristowe, Brodrick, Burdett.-Coutts, Chaplin, Ciiarringtou, Lord Itandolpli Churchill. Codding- ton, Cohen, Colomb, Commerell, Coope, Lord Cr;tnbourne, Sir R. Cross, Hon. G. Ciii-zon, Viscount Curzon, Ditlrym pIe, Bitron H. De Worms. Baron Dims- dale, Dixon-Hartland, Donkin, Douglas, Duncan, Duncombe, Sir W. Hart-Dyke, Moss-Edwardes, A. de T. Egerton, A. J. F. Egerton, Sir G. Elliot, Ellis, Elton, Evre, Farquharson, Fellowes, Fergusson, Fisher, Viscount Folkestone, Forwood, Fowler, Fraser, Fulton, R. Gardner, A. Gathorne-Hardy, Gadge, Gent-Davis, Gibson, Giles, Gilliatt, Golds- worthy, Sir J. Gorst, Gray, Green, Greene, Lord Grimston, A. W. Hall, C. Halsey, Hambro. Colonel Hamilton, Lord Ernest Hamilton, Lord George Hamilton, Hamley, E. Hardcastlo, Heath, Henniker- Heaton, Herbert, Hodgo. Hervev, Lord A. Hill, A. S. Hill, Lieut.-Colonel Hill, Sir H. Holland, Holmes, Hope, J. Howard, M. Howard. Hozier, Howarth, H. Hubbard, J. G. Hubbard, Hughes, Hallett, Hulss, Hunt, Hunter, Isaacs, Isaacson, Jackson, Jennings, Kelly, Kenyon, Korans, Kimber, Knightloy, Knowles, Kynoch, Luione, Lambert, Laurie, Sir T. Lawrence, Lechmere, Laos, Leighton, Sir R. Lethbridge, Llewellyn, Long, Low, J. W. Lowther, W. Lowther, Sir J. M'Garel Hogg, M'Naughton, Making, Lord John Manners, Marriott. Maxwell, rdtyne, Sir J. Mowbray, R. Mowbray, Muntz, Murdock, Noble, Northcote, Norris, Norton, Paget, Pearce, Pelly, Lord A. Percy, Plunket, Pompret, Raikes, Rasch, Reed, Ritchie, Robinson, Sir A. K. Rollit, Rovdon, Round, Rus- sell, Selater-Booth, Selwin-lbbetson, Selwyn, Seton-Karr, Sidebotham, A. Smith, D. Smith, W. H. Smith, Spencer, Stanhope, E. J. Stanley, Sir F. Stanley, Talbot, Tapling, Theobald, Tottenham, Townsend, Trotter, Tylsr, Vincent, Wajrond. K. G. Webster, White, Whittnore, Winn, Wright, Yerborough, and Young. LORD SAI,ISBUITY,S ADDRESS. On coming forward to address the meeting Lord Salisbury was very warmly received, Aftor the applause with which his lordship's rising was greeted, Lord SALISBURY said he would not havo put them to the trouble and inconvenience of attending there that day had he not considered such a pro- ceeding to be really necossary and desirable. In deciding to ask them to meet him that day he had two principal objects in view. The first was to inform them of the position in which he stood in regard to those Liberal Unionists who followed the lead of the Marquess of Hartington. Upon this point, howevor, he must confess that the news- papers had somewhat anticipated what he wished to tell them. He called upon Lord Har- tington last Saturday, and had informed him that the Premiership or any other post in the Cabinet that he cared to take was at his disposal. Lord Hartington, however, frankly declined to take office, and he gave reasons for his refusal which in his (Lord Salisbury's) opinion were good reasons. Lord Salisbury went on to say that lie did not take Lord Hartington's reply as final, but begged him to re-considar it, and to consult his political friends before taking a final decision. I do not think," continued tha noble marquess that 1 am committing any breach of duty or of faith when I inform you that in following this course with Lord Hartington I was acting with the approval, and, indeed, at the wish of her Majesty herself." Lord Hartington, continued the noble speaker, promised to think over what he had said and to consult with his colleagues. He did consult with those associated with him, with the result that he could not see his way to re-consider his original decision, and late on Saturday night ho telegraphed his final answer to him (Lord Salisbury), who was then at Osborne. But he (Lord Salisbury) also received from his lordship most satisfactory assu- rances that every possible support would be given by the Liberal Unionists to the new Administration. (Loud cheers.) That being sc, it necessarily followed that a purely Conservative Government would now be formed. The second object which he had in calling his friends together was to consider with them the arrangements for the next session of Parliament, which, as they were aware, lind been convened for the fifth proximo. Lord Salisbury then entered at some length into this question, and submitted various arguments in favour of the course which he proposed to follow, viz, that Parliament should assemble on the 5th of August nnd sit con- tinuously until the Estimates had been disposed of. His lordship again thanked those present for their attendance, and resumed his seat, amidst loud cheers. OTHER SPEECHES. Lord CAENARTOK expressed his concurrence in the views expressed by Lord Salisbury. He referred briefly to the disquieting state of affairs abroad, especially in the East of Europe, and earnestly trusted that a strong Government would be formed in this country under tho guidance of his noble friend, Lord Salisbury. To such a Government he would give his most cordial sup- port. Sir John Mowbray, Mr. Raikes, Sir Henry Hol- land, Colonel Tottenham, Mr. Tyssen-Amherst, and Sir Robert Fowler followed, all expressing cordial agreement with Lord Salisbury's proposals. Mr. RAIKES, however, warned members of the House of Commons that the session would not be such a brief one as they apparently desired. The Queen's Speech, the swearing in of members, the re-election and swearing in of Ministers, and. above all, the amendments and debates on the Queen's Speech, which they were not likely to escape, would all tend to prolong the sossion. which would probably not close before late in September. STATE OF IRELAND. Colonel TOTTENHAM, while approving of his lordship's proposals, would like to know what pro- tection would be given to the loyal people of Ire- land, whose lives were now a burthen to them. Lord SALISBURY, in reply to the hon. and gallant p member, stated with some emphasis that the existing laws would be strictly enforced. If it were found necessary the Government would ask Parliament to give them new and additional powers. It would not, however, be well to bring up these questions until the Estimates bad been first dis- posed of. The proceedings then terminated. Many of the members did not remain until the close of the meeting. The police arrived on the scene about three o'clock and cleared the thorough- fare so as to allow the members a free passage along the street. Mr. Finch-Hatton was the first member to leave the club, and Mr. Henry Man- ners, who is Lord Salisbury's secretary, followed him closely, leaving in a cab. The crowd dis- persed for a time, but soon after began to re-assemble, and the officers had their patience exercised in keeping the thoroughfare clear. There was little or no demonstration a.s the pro- minent members of the party left the Club, except that as the Marquess of Salisbury drove away the crowd gathered round the entrance and again greeted the Prime Minister. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. The "Central News has been favoured with the following official account of the meeting at the Carlton Club:—A meeting of the Conservative party, summoned by Lord Salis- bury, was held this afternoon at the Carlton Club. A large number of the members of both Houses of Parliament were present, and the meeting was characterised by great unanimity. Lord Salis- bury, in addressing the meeting, alluded to an interview he had had with Lord Hartington, and stated that the Unionist Liberals had declined his urgent invitation to assume office by either form- ing a Ministry independently or in conjunction with the Conservative party, although they gave every assurance of their intention to afford a friendly and independent support to the Conserva- tive Government. The question of the course to beadopted upon there-assembling ofParliament was discussed, and the opinion of the meeting appeared to be generally in favour of proceeding at once with Supply and winding up the business of the session as speedily as possible; but no definite conclusion was arrived at upon this point. RESULT OF THE MEETING. The Press Association says:—The conference between the Marquee of Salisbury and his sup- porters held at the Carlton Club on Tuesday resulted in a unanimous decision to dispenso with an autumn session, unless unexpected develop- ments in the sister isle create an absolute neces- sity for extraordinary legislation. It is probable, therefore, that hon. members will not be released from their Parliamentary duties until at the earliest the first week in September. A brief ad- journment will be required after the completion of the formal preliminaries, the election ofspeaker,the swearing in of members, and the issue of new writs for tha re-election of members accepting certain Government appointments, and thereafter Supply will have to be at once dealt with. Parlia- ment will then stand prorogued until the usual time in February. The circular convening the meeting gave no in- dication as to its object, and the majority of those Dresent arrived in ignorance of the nature of the business to be transacted. A conference at such a stage in the formation of a now Ministry, an occurrence almost unprece- dented in recent political history, was, how- ever, sufficient proof of urgency, and over 300 noble lords and gentlemen put in an appearance. Wide publicity having been given to the hour at which the proceedings were to commence, many people took advantage of the opportunity thus afforded to catch a glimpse of the Conservative leader. Soon after one o'clock a crowd began to assemble in the vicinity of the Carlton, and by half-past two the gathering had become so largely augmented that pedestrian traffic was seriously impeded, and gentlemen arriving at the club were subjected to considerable inconvenience. For a time the spectators contented themselves with standing at a respectful distance from the portico, and cheering and hooting as the better known personages were recognised, but as the arrivals came thicker and faster the crowd pressed forward until even the steps of the club were filled by the public, and members had literally to fight their way from the road into the entrance hall. Sir R. Cross, who arrived early, was at once recognised, as was Lord Randolph Churchill, who drove up a few minutes later. Both were heartily cheered, though in the case of the latter some groans were also heard. Mr. Stanhope was also cordially greeted. When Lord Iddesleigh arrived the crowd had succeeded in completely blocking up the door- way, and his lordship was for a few moments at a loss how to effect an entrance. As soon, however, as his identity transpired a way was opened for him, and he mounted the steps amid loud cheer- ing. Lord Salisbury arrived in his brougham from Arlington-street a few minutes before half-past two. His lordship, perceiving the mob, left his carriage opposite the Junior Carlton, and pro- ceedod the remainder of the distance on foot He was soon recognised, and, owing to the demonstrativeness of his admirers, it was some time before he was able to get through the crowd. Most of the well-known members having entered the building, the atten- tion of the loiterers now began to turn to the other arrivals. Unknown members were interrogated as to their identity. Several gentlemen complied with the request, in the hope of reaching their destination more quickly, and were promptly cheered. Others who refused were as promptly hooted. At half-past two an extra force of police which had been telegraphed for from Scotland Yard, arrived on the scene, and the footpath next the club was rapidly cleared, but many persons remained on the other side of the street until the proceedings terminated, when the cheering and groaning were renewed as members left the club. Before the police arrived a number of the more venturesome of the spectators swarmed upon the balustrades of the club and several of the nearest lamp-posts, but they were forthwith dislodged. A few minutes before the meeting commenced Mr. Goschen drove past in a hansom, but escaped recognition. Mr. Akers-Douglas received most of the early arrivals in the central hall, where many members lingered to greet their leaders. On enter- ing Lord Salisbury was enthusiastically cheered a demonstration which was renewed when he' entered the large reception room upstairs where the meeting was held. A noticeable feature at the meeting was the fact that, whilst Sir M. Hicks-Beach occupied a seat beside Lord Salisbury at the table, Lord Randolph Churchill was in one of the front rows of the members present.

MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS. MEETING OF LIBERAL LEADERS, ATTITUDE OF THE UNIONISTS. l" CENTRAL NEWS" THLEGEtAM.1 LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, Lord Salisbury rose early this morning, and was again occupied nearly all day in conferring with the leading members of the party. Sir Richard Cross, who was the first caller, had a long inter- view with the Conservative leader, and left at half-past elevon, just before the arrival of the Duke of Abercorn. Hisgric-3 remained only a quarter of an hour, and it was subsequently erroneously reported that lie had received the offer of the Irish Vice- royalty. Lord Halsbury arrived at three o'clock, and as he had previously had an interview with Mr. Macnaghten. Q.C., it was taken for granted that Lord Salisbury had requested his advice in the bestowal of the legal appointments in the new Administration. In this matter, how- ever, personal claims are comparatively numerous and conflicting, and up to a late hour this evening they had certainly not been adjusted. Later in the afternoon Lord Iddesleigh, with whom Lord Salisbury had been in frequent communication by letter during the day, arrived in Arlington-street, and, after an interview of twenty minutes, re- turned to the Carlton Club. where shortly after- wards it was authoritatively announced that he had accepted the important post of Foreign Minister. Lord Salisbury was engaged the re- mainder of the afternoon with his private secre- tary and the official party managers. We under- stand that, although considerable progress was made to-day, only throe appointments had been actually settled up till eight o'clock this evening, viz., the Marquess of Londonderry to the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, the Karl of Iddes. leigh to the Foreign Secretaryship, and Lord Randolph Churchill to tho Chancellorship of the Exchequer and the leadership of the House of Commons. All these appointments have caused the greatest satisfaction in Conservative circles and at least one of them, that of Lord Iddesleigh has been as well received by moderate Liberals, Lord Salisbury received early in the evening a number of political visitors, including Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, who had a lengthy interview, and Sir William Hart-Dyke. Subsequently the noble marquess entertained a small party at dinner. Although public interest centred to-day in the proceedings of the Conservative leaders at Lord Salisbury's house, much interest and some excite- ment was caused by the announcement that the members of the retiring Ministry were assembled in conference at Lord Granville's residence, in Carlton House-terrace. We learn that Mr. Glali- stone issued the invitations to his colleagues only this morning, and nothing was probably known of the proposed meeting until Ministers had actually commenced to assemble. This apparent secrecy naturally gave rise to reports that Ministers had been called together to consider disquieting news received from abroad, and we have reason to beiieve that this was, to some extent, the case. Important news requiring the attention of the Foreign Secretary has been received, but, in accordance with prccedeut, Lord Rosebery will refer it to the incoming Minister. As a matter of fact, Mr. Gladstone's principal object in summon- ing the meeting to-day was to make arrangements respecting the retiring visit to Osborne, and to discuss with his colleagues the political situation as affected or modified by the statements made by Lord Salisbury at the meeting at the Carlton Club yesterday afternoon. Although Earl Granville in his anxiety to fulfil a long-standing engagement attended the annual meeting of the City Liberal Club on Monday, he did so against the advice of his medical advisers, and has since suffered for his imprudence. In order, therefore, to spare his lordship unnecessary exertion and fatigue, the Ministerial meeting was held at his residence. The meeting was convened for two o'clock. Mr. Childers arrived five minutes before the hour, He was followed by Mr. Arnold Morley, the senior Liberal Whip, who brought with him a number of documents. Lord Ripon, Mr. John Morley, Mr. Campbell-Bannerman, Lord Herschell, and Sir William Harcourt came up almost together, and were received by Lord Granville. Mr. Gladstone, who had walked across the park from Downing- street, was a few minutes late, and the formal commencement of the council was still further delayed by Lord Rosebery, who, being un- expectedly detained at the Foreign Office, was 20 minutes behind time. Mr. Mundella was unable to reach the meeting until a quarter past three, and Lords Spencer and Kimberley were absent. The proceedings tarminated at twenty minutes to four. Wounderstand that Lord Salisbury's speech was fully discussed, and that it was decided to await the further development of his policy as indicated in the Queen's spegch before deciding upon the party tactics of the Opposition. But Ministers separated on the understading that, in the event of the Royal message making no refe- rence to the Irish policy of the onservative Government, Mr. Gladstone, as leader of the Home RuleJOpposition, should move an amendment to the Address. Mr. Gladstone remained in conversation with Lord Granville until four o'clock, and then returned to Downing-street. Immediately afterwards Mr. Osborne Morgan, who had called and left his card while Ministers were in council, returned to Carlton House-terrace, and had a long interview with his lordship. LATER. We are officially informed that the Marquess of Londonderry has been offered, and has accepted, the post of Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, and that. Lord Iddesleigh haa been appointed Foreign Secretary. [" mESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM, j LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING. We understand that Lord George Hamilton has been offered, and has accepted, the post of First Lord of the Admiralty. Mr. W. H. Smith will return to the War Office. We have high authority for stating that up to five o'clock no further ap- pointments had buen definitely decided upon. The delay has arisen out of a difficulty in filling the post of Foreign Secretary. Lord Salisbury is un- willing to undertake, in addition to the duties of First Lord of the Treasury, the responsibilities of the Foreign Office. The consultations in connection with the allot- ment of portfolios in the new Administration were resumed at Arlington-street this morning. Throughout the day small groups of spectators hung about in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Conservative leaders. Lord Salisbury was early astir and transacting business with his private secretary, Mr. Henry Manners. Although the noble Marquess has not yet taken possession of his offices in Downing-street, his acceptance nf the Premiership has already greatly increased his correspondence. During to-day frequent mes- sengers have arrived at Arlington-street from Whitehall with documents for his lordship's perusal, and, in the intervals of freedom from visitors, he was fully employed in their considera- tion. Sir Richard Cross was the first caller. He arrived shortly aftor eleven and remained about half an hour. A few minutes after his departure the Duke of Abercorn called, but left again after a brief interview with Lord Salisbury. In the after- noon Lord Halsbury called at Arlington-street, and remained some time with his chief. There has been much discussion at the Reform and other Liberal Clubs to-day re- specting the abandonment of the idea of an autumn session by the Conservative party. In the belief that the business to he transacted during the forthcoming weeks would be purely of a formal character, many Liberals had completed their arrangements for leaving the Metropolis in the course of the next fortnight, and much dissatisfaction is expressed at the result of yesterday's meeting. Such of the Irish members as have returned to town look upon the decision as a foretaste of the tactics to be adopted towards them. They declare that the abandon- ment of the autumn session is the result of a desire to postpone as long as possible the introduction of remedial legislation for Ireland, in the hope that an increase of crime and outrage during the autumn will give an excuse for the renewal of repressive measures. In this con- nection a remark made by Lord Salisbury yesterday and omitted from the published reports of his speech is of interest. His lordship, in explaining the reason why he thought it would be expedient to dispose of tha whole of the outstand- ing business without further delay, pointed out as one of the probable inconveniences of a session in October the certainty of an attempt being made by the Opposition to elicit from the Government detailed information in reference to their Irish proposals, It was obvious that the interval which would remain after the rising of the House h August would be too short to deal with tho subject in anything like a completo manner. If the House proceeded at once to business no detailed information in regard to their Irish policy could he fairly demanded by the Opposition, and the waste of time by premature discussion would be avoided. In consequence of the events of yesterday it was felt desirable to hold a meeting of the Liberal leaders to-day with the view to discuss the action which should be adopted on the assembling of Parliament. As Lord Granville is still in a very weak state, the meeting, which was sum- moned by special messengers this morning, took place at his lordship's residence in Carlton House-terrace. The members of the Liberal Ministry present were Mr. Gladstone, the Marquess of Ripon, the Earl of Rosebery, Mr. Campbell-Bannerman, Mr. Childers, Mr. Stansfeld, Mr. John Morley, Lord Herschell, Sir William Harcourt, and Mr. Mundella. Mr. Arnold Morley, chief Liberal Whip, was also present. At the con- clusion of the meeting, which lasted from two o'clock until twenty minutes to four, Mr. Glad- stone and Mr. Arnold Morley remained for some time in consultation with Lord Granville, after which Mr. Osborne Morgan called on his lord- ship. We have reason to believe that it was agreed to await tho Queen's Speech before coming to a final decision as to the course which should be pursued by the Opposition leaders. It was understood, however, that, in the probable event of the Irish question receiving no mention in the Queen's Speech, an attempt will be made by the Opposition to elicit from the Conservative leaders a statement as to the precise nature of the policy they intend to adopt in regard to Ireland. Failing a satisfactory reply, the matter may be discussed at some length, but it is improbable that a division will be pressed. In regard to the outstanding work to be dealt with by the House of Commons, wo understand that the Liberal leaders will give every assistance in their power to the Government to facilitate the passing of the remainder of the Estimates. We are informed that the undertaking given by Lord Hartington to Lord Salisbury was given with Mr. Chamberlain's acquiescence, and the latter has every intention of co-operating with tho Govern- ment and the Whig Unionists in dealing with the Irish question. Mr. Chamberlain came to town on Monday and had a long interview with Lord Hartington, who explained the precise nature of the communications which had passed between the Conservative leader and himself. Mr. Cham- berlain left London again on Tuesday morning, and will not return until next Wednesday. As to the attitude of Mr. Goschen, wo have the best reason to believe that he is in com- plete accord with Lord Hartington, and that this has been well known to the Conservative loaders. Lord Hartington's objection to a Coalition Govern- ment were understood to be shared by his Liberal coadjutors, and the report that Mr. Goschen has been since approached is entirely incorrect. Lord R. Churohill was for some hours this after- noon engaged at the Carlton Club with leading members of the Conservative party. His lordship left at six o'clock, accompanied by Mr. Akers- Douglas, the senior Conservative Whip. Lord Iddesleigh also visited the Carlton after having had an interview of about twenty minutes with Lord Salisbury in Arlington-street, where subse- quently Mr. Akers-Douglas saw his lordship. Lord Halsbury, who, as previously stated, had an inter- view with Lord Salisbury this afternoon, called upon Mr. Maenaghten, who came from the law courts to see him, and it is supposed that the interview had reference to soma legal appoint- ment. LATER. We are authorised to state that the following appointments have been made: -Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Lord Iddesleigh; Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, the Marquess of London- derry. We are also empowered to state that Lord Salisbury has appointed Mr. Henry Manners to be his chief private secretary, and Mr. James Daly and Lord Walter Gordon Lennox to be his assis- tant private secretaries^ Wa have also the best authority for stating that Lord Randolph Churchill has been offered and has accepted tha post of Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Sir Michael Hicks-Beach that of Chief Secre- tary for Ireland. Lord Halsbury will again be Lord High Chancellor, and Sir John Gorst will again be Solicitor-General. It is stated positively that Mr. Chaplin will have a seat in the Cabinet, but his exact office has not yet transpired. It is expected that he will again be Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Mr, Ashmead-Bartlett will, it is believed, obtain promotion, probably to the Secretaryship to the Admiralty. THURSDAY (2.30 A.M.). We learn at an early hour this (Thursday) morning that the following additional appoint- ments have been practically settleù :-President of the Council, Lord Cranbrook President of the Local Government Board, Mr. Chaplin President of the Board of Trade, Mr. Stanhope Postmaster- General, Lord John Manners Chief Commissioner of Works, Mr. Plunket; At torn eycrone ral, Sir R. Webster.

LA T E ST NE WS4 THE GERMAN EMPEROR. [" DAILY TELEGRAPH'' TELEGRAM, j PARIS, WEDNESDAY NIGHT. Throughout the day, despite the re-assurin» accounts of the state of his Majesty's health, the boulevards have been resounding with cries o Dermers moments de l'Emp6reur GuilIauroe", and even of Mort do rEmpereur Guillaufflfl- The people are too much accustomed to this sort of thing to attach much importance to these criøS. But the fact that they are systematically tolerAted is worth nothing. Nor is it possible to under" stand what earthly object there can be in thus exaggerating every indisposition of the venerably Kaiser. FATAL DUEL IN BELGIUM. lFROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] BRUSSELS, THURSDAY. A duel took place this morning between Lieut. Sauvage and :Military-urgeon Praille in the neigly bourhjod of Tirlemont Garrison, with which they were connected. The lieutenant had by far tW best of the encounter, and killed his antagonist. BELGIAN SOCIALISTS. [FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT. ] PARIS, THURSDAY M. Dupuisseaux, chief of the Belgian SocialisO who has taken refuge at Lille, has requested tW Northern Railway Company to supply special trains on the 15th of August to convey 10,000 Belgian workmen to a Socialist demonstration 10 Brussels. The company have declined the reqUest

A BRITISH STEAMER ATTACKED BY PIRATES. THREE PERSONS KILLED. The Central News says :-A letter received at Port Glasgow by the relatives of the second engineer of the British steamer Hok Canton, briofi1 particulars of a terrible tragedy on the high 901 The steamer, while on a voyage from Penang tI Atcheen, was attacked by three piratical junk* full of armed men. In the fight wbicll ensued Captain Hanson, the chief engineer, and the first officer of the steamer we" killed. The remainder of the crew weli overpowered, and together with Mrs. Hanson, tl" wife of the captain, were taken prisoners. pirates demanded a ransom of 15,000 dollars before releasing the unfortunate people. The Dote" authorities at Atcheen have sent three ships of "ar and 400 soldiers to the scene of the outrage; Tbll Hok Canton was built at Glasgow, and is 507 tOO" net register.

DISASTROUS FIRE AT HULL. The cement manufactory of Messrs. Reyn°^f! Simpson, Skilsoy, and Co., Stone Ferry, Hull, too* fire on Wednesday night, and was burned tot"? ground. The damage amounts to £ 1,400, aod covered by insurance with the exception of £400.