Weekly Mail

MR. CHAMBERLAIN AT BIR- MINGHAM. IMPERIAL EXPANSION AND FEDE- RATION. In accordance with his custom, Mr. Chamber- lain on Saturday attended the annual dinner of the Birmingham Jewellers and Silversmiths' Association, over which Mr. G. H. Johnstone presided. Some 300 gentlemen sat down. The toast of Her Majesty's Ministers" was proposed by Alderman Sir James Smith. Mr. Chamberlain, in the course of his reply, said: I read in a London newspaper the oiher day that I had lost whatever little popularity I once enjoyed in Birmingham in consequence of the part which I had taken in passing the Workmen's Compensation Act. I know my own people much better than any London scribe. I know that if I had made a mistake— as 1 have made many in the course of my political career—if I had done something of which you disapprove, that would not prevent you from giving me credit for honesty of pur- pose and intentions. I will, however, say that this Act, to which reference has been made, is, in my opinion, a wise and a just and a politic measure, and that experience will show that it will be beneficial to em- ployers as well as to employed; and that while on the one hand it will remove—to a large ex- tent, at any rate—the scandal of men wounded in the service of industry, being forced to take the bread of charity, on the other hand it will improve the relations between workmen and their employers, and it will not place upon any trade an unreasonable burden. In regard to the toast, it is a great responsibility to respond for the Government. My sense of it has been increased by the fact that I observed a short time ago that a political meeting in Aylesbury was held under rather depressing cir- cumstances — (laughter) — since they found themselves without a leader, without a policy, without a candidate, and without money. They passed a resolution in which they declared that the present Government was the worst Government of modern times. It is, then, for the worst Government of modern times that I have to respond. I always understood that Aylesbury was celebrated for Its ducks—(loud laughter)—but surely it must be a larger breed of bird. The usual signs of a bad Government —the worst Government of modern times— surely, would be bad trade, a falling revenue, a general insecurity and want of confidence, a downtrodden and unhappy population,incurring the pity, and, perhaps, the contempt of its neighbours; but are these the characteristics—the striking characteristics— of the United Kingdom at the present time? No; the country never before in its history was so prosperous. We have the sympathy and ever growing power of our great Colonies always at our backs, and now we see our cousins across the Atlantic—the United States of America—entering the lists and sharing the task which might have proved too heavy for us alone. Under these cir. n- stances, the first business of this "worst Govern- ment of modern times" is to draw c'oser the bonds which unite us to the other members of the English-speaking race, and to promote their co-operation in the great work of civili- sation which appears to be the mission of the Anglo-Saxon race. (Cheers.) Speaking for the Colonies, as well as for the Motherland. I think I mav safely say that at no period has the sentiment of unity been more deeply planted in all our hearts, nor the resolution been stronger to stand shoulder to shoulder in weal or woe to maintain common objects and inte- rests. We at home have endeavoured to meet the remarkably loyal displays of our Colonies at least half-way. In little more than three years that I have been in office the Colonial Office alone, not speaking of the India and Foreign Offices, has sanctioned sompthir" like soa miles of new railways in tropical Colonies, and though in so doing we are conferring benefits on British trade, our primary object is the effect on the populations entrusted by Providence to our charge. Some people say I am over sanguine, but I confess I do not believe it is possible to exaggerate the pros- perity which in the course of a few vea-s may be anticipated in those countries, which for centuries past have been desolated by slavery and by intertribal war. I am not gring to engage in the contest of definitions which has been going on so briskly between certain lead. ing members of the Opposition. I won't attempt to draw the line between a Jingo and an Imperialist and an Imperialist and a Little Englander; but I will say this, that the idea of an Imperialist policy includes the idea of duties, and interests outside these islands, and of responsibilities and obligations which we have to accept as woll as the privileges of greatness. I think that, judging by past experience bv the indications of national character. the Providence that shapes our ends intended us to be a great governing Power, conquering, but conquering cply in order to civilise, to adminis- ter, and to develop vast areas of the world's surface, primarily for their advantage, but, no doubt, for, our own advantage as well.

SALISBURY MANOEUVRES, LORD WOLSELEY TELLS THE LESSONS THEY TAUGHT.. Lord Wolseley, Commander-in-chief, in his report to the Secretary for War on the manoeuvres held in the neighbourhood of Salis- bury last August and Steptember, says that in his opinion the manoeuvres have been of very considerable value to the Army. 1% -3 from manoeuvres that we look to learn in time of peace the weak points of our organisation for war, and the lessons learnt will, he hopes in the present instance, be taken to heart. Amongst the most valuable of these lessons his lordship would place, first, the need of con- siderable additions to our supply and trans- port establishments; secondly, the inability of even the largest, most successful, and if -ral- minded civil firms to cope with the distribu- tion of supplies to an army in the field; thirdly, the general unsuitability of civilian transport' for military purposes in the first line with an army in the field. For manoeuvres its use is generally a necessity with us, but careful pre- vious organisation and constant supervision afterwards are essential to its satisfactory employment. Lord Wolseley adds: "While the manoeuvres have brought out mis- takes, they have shown indubitably the immense strides which the Army have made of recent years. The increased efficiency of the staff, the increased knowledge of regimental officers, the tact of warrant and non-commissioned officers, and the improved discipline, good conduct, and endurance of the j| rank and file have been prominent and most j gratifying features in the manoeuvres."

JOHN CORY STEAMERiS. EECOVEEY OF MONEY PAID AS DIVIDEND. AN IMPORTANT DECISION. In the Divisional Court of the Queen's Bench on Tuesday (before Mr. Justice Lawrance and Mr. Justice Chaunell) Mr. Witt, Q.C., in the case of Moxham v. Grant, said this was an iTPcal from a decision of the Swansea County- ci urt judge, and involved an important point, which Lord Justice Lindley and Mr. Buckley, Q.C., in their works on joint stock companies, said still remained to be decided. It was a test case, and the point was, Suppose the directors of a company paid away ultra vires money of the company, and then an order was made en them to refund it to the com- pany, and they did so, whether the-directors, as individuals, could effectively bring an action against the shareholders to whom they had ultra vires paid the money to get it back. Mr. Justice Channell: You mean they paid dividends out of capital, 'and the question is, Can they* get it back? Mr. Witt eaid that was so. There waa a company called the Cory Steamers Company, and the plaintiffs in the action were directors of the company, which was interestad in the steamship Primrose, In 1894 the Primrose" as lost at sea. and the underwriters paid £719 2s. 6d. In April, 1894. the directors sent out a circular to the share- holders, which said, "We have a sum of money received from insurance, and we propose re- mitting 10s. per share, providing the share- holders make no objection." The form of receipt was, "Received, being a reduction of 10s. per share in the shares held by me." Later on the directors sent further moneys for the same ship in precisely the same way, and altogether £35 15s. was paid to the defendant, who was a shareholder, and the directors dis- tributed the whole of the JE719 received from the uryierwriters in the same way. On Sep- tember 29, 1895, there was a winding-up order on the company, and in December, 1897, an order was obtained by the shareholders against the directors, Thomas Cory, Marcus Moxham, and Colin Cory, to this effect, that the court declared the sums of money in question, viz., £719, were capital, and were unlawfully and improperly paid by the directors to themselves and other shareholders in the company in reduction of the capital. In reply to the judge, Mr. Meager, who appeared on the other side, said the shares were all fully paid up. In the course of further conversa- tion Mr. Justice Channell said: — Suppose the directors considered it undesirable to buy another ship with the money received for the loss of the Primrose, and returned the money in reduction of the amount paid on the shares, so that the share- holders might remain liable to pay up again, that was one thing, but when that ship was lost they might have written so much off the capital and then get an order for the reduction of capital. If they had got the order of the court for reduction it would have been all right." Mr. Witt said they had nothing to show them the ground on which the directors acted except their own circular-letter. Mr. Justice Channell said it looked as if the directors gave back the IQs. per share, leaving themselves at liberty to call it back if necessary. It was a perfectly business-like transaction, but whether it was lawful was another thing. Mr. Witt said the order of the court was made on the view that whatever was done was wrong, and they ordered the directors to refund. The question now was whether the directors could recover against the shareholders. The county-court judge held that they could, but he submitted they could not, and that the decision of the county-court judge was wrong. Mr. Meager, for the respondents, argued that the directors could recover, and he was in- structed that all the shareholders except three had repaid, as they were honestly bound to do. Mr. Justice Lawrance said it was evident that no breach of trust had been committed by the directors. After further arguments, Mr. Justice Law- rance held that the county-court judge was right. It seemed to him absolutely just and right that the directors should not be held personally liable for that in regard to which the whole of the shareholders had benefited. It was an error in judgment as to the law, but it was no breach of trust. The appeal was dismissed, with costs, and leave to appeal was granted.

BISHOPBJC OF BANGOR, ELjECTION OF DR. WILLIAMS CONFIRMED. PROTEST FROM Mil. KENSTT. ^The confirmation of the election of Dean Watkms Herbert Williams as Bishop of Bangor took place at St. Mary-le-Bow Church, London, on Tuesday, in the presence of a small congregation. Mr. John Kensit pro- tested against the confirmation, on the ground that Dean Williams had deliberately appointed as examining chaplain Canon Thomas, vicar of Holyhead, who was a member of the English Church Union, which, he said, was a society for bringing back our Church and nation to the dark superstitions of the Church of Rome by introducing masses for the living and dead and setting up the abominable confessional. The protest was received with loud applause by a section of the congregation and hisses from others. Sir James Parker Deane, vicar-general, said if Mr. Kensit wished to take legal action he would adjourn the proceedings. Mr. Kensit replied that he only wished to enter his protest. The ceremony was then proceeded with, and i?^°n ^as conSrmed. Further particulars of the incident will be found in our London Letter. HOW THE PROTEST IS REGARDED IN NORTH WALES. Our Rhyl correspondent telegraphs:—Sur- prise, mingled with amusement, was caused in clerical circles on Tuesday night at the protest made by Mr. Kensit against the confirmation °: Dr. Williams's appointment to the Bishopric or Bangor on account of his alleged High Church proclivities. Dr. Williams has always been regarded as a member of the Evangelical party, and a person of too much culture and breadth of thought to be looked upon as a party man. Canon Thomas, whose appointment as chaplain Mr. Kensit made the basis of his protest, was already examining chaplain to the previous bishop, and the bishop-elect continued the services of the chaplain he found in office. It would have been unusual to supersede the services of these gentlemen at such an early date. As a matter of fact. Canon Thomas is very little known to Churchmen in Wales, except in connection with the Patagonia Mission, which even Mr. Kensit would not pro- claim as possessing Ritualistic tendencies.

CARDIFF ESTIMATES. COST OF THE ROADS OF THE TOWN. The Cardiff Public Works Committee on Tuesday morning discussed the estimates for ill:" half-year ending September 30 next. The estimate for the rorresponding half last year was £16,469 3s Id., the expenditure being £17,124 4s. 4d. For this year the estimate for the six months is £ 16,792.—In connection with road mainteracce, Mr. Veall said the total was £13,425, and. taking the mileage at 100 miles, that meant an expenditure of £134 per mile per half-year. He desired to cast no reflections, but would like to know whether they could not have accornts so kepI, as to show what each street cost. He would like, for instance, to know what Cowbridge-road cost per half- year.—The Borough Engineer said it would mean a good deal in the way of book-keeping. —The Chairman (Aldermaij Ramsdale) asked the borough engineer to con the matter over befcro the next meeting.—Other members said Cardiff could not be compared with other towns, and Mr. Veall replied that he wanted facts and figures, not necessarily for the pur- pose of comparison.—The matter then dropped.

—* LONDON WELSH WATER SCHEME, CRITICISM BYJA WELSH EXPERT. Some weighty arguments against the Welsh Water scheme of the London County Council appear in the current number of the "Public Health Engineer" from the pen of a Mr. R. Wellings Thomas. Several of them (says the "Pall Mall Gazette") are new, notably the announce- ment that the gathering grounds of the Birmingham Waterworks, 45,000 acres in extent, lie right in the middle of the pro- posed London scheme. And, if the pitch had not been queered by Birmingham, it is bad enough, because some of the Welsh waters are peaty, and peaty water has a peculiar action on lead, which is disastrous to the drinker of the resultant compound. Then, in the dry season, when the supply is short, the contributory streams are used for sheep-washing, in which opera- tion many tons of arsenical dipping pow- ders are used. On top of these dangers ia that of bacterial contamination in a long length of mains. We must confess that Mr. Thomas's revelations rather put us off the council's Welsh scheme. If we are likely to be poisoned by a combination of lead nitrate and arsenic, or eaten up with fearsome bacteria, we shall be inclined to fall back on Thames flood water.

BE.ECONSHIREi PROBATE SUIT. WILL OF A.LOCAL SURGEON CONTESTED. OPENING OF THE CASE IN THE HIGrii COURT. In the Probate Division of the High Court of Justice on Tuesday (before Mr. Justice Barnes and a special jury) the case of Thomas and another v. Vaughan Powell and another came on for hearing. The suit had reference to the testamentary dispositions of Mr. Rees Powell, a retired surgeon, who had resided at Cwm- nadest, Cray, in the parish of Defynock, Breconshire, and died at Ferndale, Cathedral- r? \S.lrCll5' on tIle 2nd of August, 1898. The plamtitts, Miss Winifred Amelia Thomas, a niece of the testator, and Mr. Evan Walker ihomas, as executrix and executor, propounded a will dated December 15, 1894, and a codicil of November 23, 1895. The defendants were Mrs. Gwenny Powell Vaughan Powell (wife of ;VIr- A''el Vaughan Powell), of SennvbrWge. and Mr Howell Price Williams, of Aberclydach, Jalybont, Brecon, and the latter opposed the will on the ground that it was not duly exe- cuted, that deceased was not of sound mind, and did not know and approve of the contents. Mr. Bargrave Deane/ Q.C., and Mr. S. T. Mans, 1I1.P. (instructed bv Messrs. Harry Cousins and Co., Cardiff), appeared for the Plaintiffs, and Mr. Barnard (instructed by Mr. R. Williams) for the defendants. Mr. Deane, in stating the case, said he did not think they need trouble themselves much about the codicil, as the main question was as to the validity of the will. The testator was Dr. Rees Powell. who in his earlier years had practised in London. Some years ago he reiredfrom practice and took up his residence with his brother, Mr. William Powell, at a loaf6 called Cwmpadest, near Brecon, and in isai a niece, Miss Winifred Thomas, went to take charge of the household affairs of these two bachelor brothers. The house was an old- fashioned, roomy house, built of stone, with about 48 acres of land belonging to it. It belonged to the brother William. Mr. Rees Poweil spent his time in local affairs and visited the sick. These two men had three sisters—a Mrs. Price. Mrs. Thomas, and Mrs. Williams—who pre- deceased them. In May, 1890, the testator had an accident and broke his arm, and in the same year he had a slight attack of paralysis. In January, 1894. he had a second stroke of a more serious kind. His right hand and arm became paralysed, and he could not use them. The attack also resulted m aphasia, and he lost his power of expressing himself in clear, intel- ligible words except to those about him who could understand his^wishes by hi» gestures. In 1894 William Powell made his will, leaving to Mrs. Vaughan Powell (who. though nomi- nally a defendant, did not contest the suit) £300. and to Winifrid Thomas, the plaintiff, the 48 acres of land and the house, and £1,000, and to other nephews and nieces legacies of different amounts. In November, 1894. William died. The testator. Mr. Rees Powell, then wished to make his will, and for that purpose Mr. W. P. Watkins was sent for. and saw him on December 15, 1894. Mr. Watkins had known him and his nephews and nieces for years, and had prepared his brother's will. He asked Miss Thomas what the property consisted of, and she said of a farm called Gochgarreg—a name which counsel said he found a difficulty m pronouncing, and which he refrained from attempting to pronounce-the farm being worth about £2.000. Mr. Watkins ascertained the deceased's wishes by repeating the names of all the nephews and nieces and the deceased indicated his wishes by saying "Yes" or "No," and then he read out amounts, in each case beginning at £600 and going downwards, and the deceased stopped him at the amount he desired them severally to have. To seven of f 1 nmuhews ancl including Miss Wini- fred Thomas. he left £ 200 each, and to others smaller amounts. He left the farm Goch- garreg to Mr. Evan Watkin Thomas. By the codicil he gave the farm to Miss Thomas, and the £200 to Mr. Thomas. A number of witnesses were called in sup- port of the will and to prove the testator's capacity. Mr. Barnard, for the defence, contended that the testator was not in a fit condition to make a will, and, as showing that the testator's memory was affected, he emphasised the fact that he left out his favourite niece, Mrs. Vaughan Powell, until the very last, when the will was about to be executed. Mrs. G. P. Vaughan Powell, a niece of the deceased, gave evidence to the effect that after the stroke her uncle was not competent to make a will. He became quite childish, and his memory was impaired. Mr. David William Jones Thomas, a solicitor, of Brecon, said that from the condition of the deceased after the stroke he would not have made a will for him, as his memory was impaired. The case was adjourned.

FOKUEft IfTGH-SHFTMFF IN THLE PtlLICEhOOiURlT. FINED AT TREGARON FOR GAME TRESPASS. The Tregaron Police-court was crowded on Tuesday, it being common knowledge that tho long list of cases to be tried contained the adjourned charge preferred by Mr. D. W. E. Rowland, of Garth, Llanddewi-brefl, against Mr. Wm. Jones, Ffosheulog, Tregaron, of trespass- ing in search of game, in the day time on Cefnllanio Farm, the property of the com- plainant, on November 25 last. Mr. D. W. E. Rowland was an alderman of the county coun- cil. and acted as ex-officio magistrate during his occupancy of the chair at the local district council. He is also the master of the Garth Harriers. Mr. Wm. Jones, the defendant, will be better known throughout the Principality as the gentleman who contested the Cardigan- shire seat for Parliamentary honours against Mi Bowen Rowlands, Q.C:, and who acted as high-sheriff of the county in the years 1895-96. He carries on a lucrative business in Birming- ham, and as Mr. Wm. Jones, of Birmingham will be recognised as the gentleman who has subscribed so lavishly to the foreign mission funds of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists. Added to' this, local colour was added to the proceedings by the fact that Mr. Jones is magis- trate of the division, and generally presides over the court at which he was on Tuesday a defendant. Mr. Daniel Watkins solicitor appeared for the prosecution. During the pro- gress of the case considerable latitude was allowed the parties concerned, as the passages below, which are but examples of what went on throughout the hearing, will indicate Defen- dant, cross-examining complainant, asked ii he had not at first given him permission to go and shoot over his (complainant's) land "Yes was the reply, "but not to shoot hares, and I knew very well you could not shoot birds if you tried. (Shrieks of laughter.) You can shoot a hare on her form. and that is all. You can on.y shoot her when she is sitting down." (Laughter.) Prosecutor was proceeding to make a long statement, when defendant interruptprl with the remark, "Oh, do answer my question only, to which Mr. Rowland retorted, "Keep your hair on, old chap. I have answered vou The Chairman: Hush, hush. Prosecutor: But why should I regard him as a god almighty on brass wheels? (Lond laughter.) Eh, Mr. Jones? Subsequently, in answer to another question by defendant, prosecutor said, "Do you think I am going to keep land for an inflated toad like you to go and poach over it?" (Loud laughter and commotion.) For the defence it was argued that if a per- son wounded or killed a bird, and it fell into another person's property, the person who shot it had a perfect right to go after it, even with a loaded gun at full-cock. His defence was, that he simply went on to Cefnllanio field after a wounded snipe. In the result, t defendant was fined £2, including costs, th. Bench being unanimously of opinion that the case had been proved.

WATCH CHAINS IX DISPUTE. A CARDIFF PAWNBROKER SUMMONED. Before the Stipendiary (Mr. T. W. Lewis), at Cardiff Police-court on Tuesday, Mr. T. Bomash, pawnbroker and jeweller. Queen-street, Was summoned by Mr. T. Jackson, of Caerphilly, for unlawfully refusing to give up a silver albert, alleged to have been, pledged by com- plainant with defendant.—Complainant gave evidence to the effect that. five years before his wife had pledged a pin and silver albert with defendant, for which he received 10s. Each year the pledge had been renewed by payment of 2e. 6d. When complainant went for the pin and albert defendant produced the pin, but another chain, which was not hall- marked. Defendant handed the pin and albert' to the bench. The Stipendiary (with whom was Alderman Sanders) said: I don't see any hall-mark on this. Mr. Bomash: No; but all silver is not hall- marked. That albert is silver—worth about 27s. 6d. Subsequently Mr. Spiridion, jeweller, was called in to give expert evidence, and, after minutely teeing the chain, said it was bad silver, containing 40 per cent. of alloy or there- abouts. It was far below the average of ster- ling silver, and was worth about 7s. 6d. Defendant urged that the aJbert undoubtedly was the one pledged by complainant, and that he had offered to give him any silver albert iM might like to select. The Stipendiary said that whatever metal it might be it was no answer to say that it I was more valuable than the original. The court was quite satisfied that, the article pro- duced was not the one that had been pledged, and Mr. Bomash was liable to a penalty- of £10, but if he could arrange with complainant to accept compensation for the loss of his chain the penalty would not be imposed. Afterwards it was reported to the stipendiary that Mr. Bomash had paid £4 10s., and that comri»m»nt waa satisfied ith that amount.

THE GREAT BANK ROBBERY NO FURTHER DEVELOPMENT. It was ascertained on inquiry on Saturday in official quarters that there is an absence of any further development. While it is still regarded as probable that the still missing notes will bo recovered, a suggestion appears to have been thrown out that the efforts of the police might be assisted by publication of a facsimile of the envelope in which the £40,000 came back to Parr's Bank during the progress of Thursday's meeting. Whether the bank's solicitors will act upon the suggestion is at present uncer- tain for a few days, at any rate, it will remain in abeyance, even if it should be ulti- mately be adopted. It can hardly be said to have been considered up to the present, though the Press Association understands that the bank's solicitors, Messrs. Mullens and Bcsan- quet, continue to receive hints from various sources as to possible lines of investigation. The notes still missing arc:—Fourteen JB500, dated Febluary 19, 1895, and numbered 83,348 to 61: seven £200, dated January 8. 1897. and numbered 41,224 to 30; 121 £100, dated January 27, 1898. end numbered 69.430 to 500, 74.401 to 50, and 77.831 to 50; and 22 .£5. dated September 12, 1898. and numbered 94,379 to 400. HOW A NOTE IS "STOPPED." The "stopping" of notes, it ought to be rtmembored, does not prevent their being cir- culated and does not ersur^ the arrest of the Person who may have stolen them. When anybody wishes to stop payment of a note, he has to go to the secretary at the Bank of Ei gland and report its loss. The most essen- tial thing to recollect is the year and date, for the numbers of notes are constantly repeated. This "stopping'' costs half-a-crown. It is usually in the "library" of the Bank of Eng- land that the stoppad note is first recognised. The library it may be well to explain, is a department situated in the vaults, where notes that come in in the ordinary course of business are annulled. • A big hole is punched in every note and one of its corners is torn off. The person who has stopped payment of the note then receives a notification that the note has come into the bank and may be inspected. The loser can go and see ths endorsement, for ninety out of every hundred notes that come into the Bank of England are endorsed either by a local bank or an individual. This endorse- ment puts the police on the track of the thief. Many a criminal has been traced by the endorsement. The bank must honour every note. If a stopped note be presented at the counter of the Bank of England the cashier must honour it for its face value. There are always several detectives from Old Jewry on duty in the Bank of England. If a stranger handed a note at the counter which was known to he stopped, the applicant would be asked to sit down and wait while one of the detectivos was called. Whatever the explanation he made, the bank would be obliged to pay the value of the note, but the police could then take the responsi- bility upon themselves of inviting the person who presented it to walk round to the police- station, and if they were not satisfied they could detain the person who had obtained pay- ment.

AFTER OMDURMAN, GENERAL GATACRE'S DEFENCE OF THE SIRDAR. Major-general Gatacro has in the Contem- porary Review for February replied to the charges made against the British forces of killing wounded Dervishes at Atbara and Om- durman. He says that a certain amount of cruelty and hardship is inevitable in war, and, however carefully operations in the field are carried out. there miigt still be some loophole through which sufferiWg may be conveyed to the combatants or to those in the war area by men who, escaping the observation of their leaders, allow their baser passions to run riot. Shortly before Atbara the Sirdar explained to him that any men laying down their arms were to be allowed to pa.ss through the ranks towards General Lewis's brigade. All the officers and men knew this, but it was quite Possible some few men who wished to surrender were killed in the great confusion. He saw many Dervishes spared and allowed to pass through the line. Large numbers of Dervishes who had been tended and cured were drafted into the depot at Berber to see service against the Dervishes at Omdurman. After Omdurman the Sirdar ordered the inhabitants to go and fetch in the wounded who could not. help them- selves, and for days afterwards the wounded were brought in on beds. With regard to Mr. Bennett's indictment, that the Sirdar turned his guns on homeless inhabi- tants fly.ir«g away, Ge.neral Gatacre says it is an axiom in war to disorganise a beaten enemy to prevent further attack. The Khalifa's beaten army retired up the Nile, and was accompanied by women belonging to the troops. As they moved in masses up the bank, it was impossible to prevent casualties among the women. But it was equally impos- l3ible to allow large, unbroken bodies of Del" vishes to escape unmolested because they were accompanied by camp followers. "Censure was" (says the general) "passed by some journal on the Sirdar for having given permission to loot the granaries at Omdurman. It apparently was not understood that this permission wag given to the starving women and children of the town to help themselves from the Khalifa's stores. For a general to warn his men against the cunning of certain tribes was different from issuing orders for the destruction of the wounded."

THE NANHYICH CLERICAL SCANDAL, ACQUITTAL OF THE RECTOR. The third day of the inquiry into what is known as the Nantwicli clerical scandal was reached at Chester Consistory Court on Satur- day, before Chancellor Espin. The Rector of Nantwich (the Rev. C. E. Jackson) was charged with improper conduct with Mrs. Woods, the wife of a Warrington jeweller. Mr. Colling- wood Hope appeared for the prosecution on behalf of the Bishop of Chester; Mr. Morton Smith, recorder of Rochester, defended the rector, and Mr. Gibbon, barrister, represented Mrs. Woods.—The evidence of Mrs. M. B. Hope, of Nantwich, taken on commission, was read. Witness lives near Poole Cottage, Nantwich, the residence of Mrs. Woods, and she had seen the rector going morning, noon, and night to the cottage. At first she thought they were particular friends, then that he was her brother, and afterwards one of Mrs. Woods' children told her they were only cousins. When witness heard they were no relation at all she noticed the rector more carefully.—The Rev. C. E. Jackson then gave evidence at some length and Mr. Woods gave evidence to the effect that his wife's visits to the Rectory and the rector's visits to Poole Cottage were made with his knowledge and approval.—Chancellor Espin then said he and the assessors had made up their minds that the charges of immorality were not proved. The medical evidence of Friday, which was not of a nature to be pre- sented to the public, had made a great impres- sion upon their minds. At the same time, they thought the conduct of the rector had not always been circumspect. A bachelor clergy- man should be particular when inviting ladies to stay in his house to have either his mother or sister there. With regard to costs, it was decided that each party should pay their own costs.

COSSACKS AT WORK, THE RUSSIAN WAY OF ENDING A ST-IKE. Serious strike disturbances have again occurred at cotton mills in the St. Petersburg district. When the police attempted to raid the workmen's barracks to secure the ring- leader, the men received them with stones and pieces of firewood, one policeman being killed. This necessitated the calling of the gen- darmes, and ultimately the Cossacks, who literally stormed the barracks, fighting' their way from floor to floor, assailed by missiles of every description, as well as a quantity of boiling water. The men were eventually forced Up into the garrets and severely flogged by the Cossacks with their cruel nagaykas (whips). Some 200 men were arrested, and will, of course, be severely punished for their stout resistance, apart from the flogging and ill- usage they have already sustained at the hands of the excited Cossacks ang dendarmes. Ot is said that the Cossacks used their whips indiscriminately on men, women, and children. Lhe barracks were stripped, even the great Russian stores being pulled to pieces to procure bricks for use as missiles.

MYSTERY OF THE THAMES WITNESS IN A ROBBERY CASE FOUND DROWNED. Thomas Nicholls, a delivery foreman at Carron's Wharf, Bow. had been summoned to give evidence in a robbery at Clerkenwell, but en Wednesday his dead body was found float- ing in the Thames. At the inquest on Thurs- day a fellow-workman stated that deceased went out of the warehouse on the evening of the 23rd. and did not return. The carmen against whom deceased had given, and was pgair. to give, evidence were not empljyed at Cairon's Wharf. Deceased had no occasion to go on to the wharf that evening. George Catchpole, a waterman, spoke to find- ing the body floating near the Tower Stairs, fully dressed. Deceased was still wearing his apron, but his hat was missing. Police-sergeant. Raffery said he found on the bcdy a summons issued from Worship-street ¡ fo Nicholts's attendar.co as a witness at Mid- dlesex Sessions. Mr. Wynne E. Barter, the coroner, remarked that there was some mystery about the case. A Juror remarked that anyone with desiga3 upon deceased could easily reach the jetty from the roadway and push him into the river. On the Coroner's suggestion, the jury returned an open verdict, and left the f7-, htmAa of the police.

"A Perfect Beverage."—Medical Annual. 1 FISSE—SOLiliBLE. 1 EASiLV DS&ESTED—EXQUISITE FLAVOR. 9 Cacao. | Yields a maximum proportion of H *'the valuable food constituents. n Easy of assimilation and digestion. I Cheaper to use in the end."— ■ THE LANCET. I BEST & 8§ES EST. I ;-c: g

THE OVMBWRLA MURDER, j RESUMED POLICE-COURT HEARING. DIFFICULTIES OF THE POLICE. At Swansea Police-court on Monday (before Mr. J. C. Fowler, stipendiary, and other magis- trates) Rhys Davies, haulier, was again put up charged with the wilful murder of Jesse Hili, at Cwmbwrla, Swansea, in September, 1896. Mr. Arthur Lewis (instructed by Mr. L. Richards^ appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Viner Leeder for the defence. The case was fixed for eleven o'clock, and the Crown Court was crowded from that hour onwards, but the magistrates found that ordinary business de- tained them all the morning in the police-court, and the case was eventually fixed for after lunch. Mr. Lewis said he had been instructed for the prosecution in the case. and desired to indi- cate to the bench the course he desired to take, so far as the Crown wis concerned. As they v. ere aware the facts which they 'vere there to consider t-oon place as far bc.ck as 1336, and the bench could readily undei-j'and that this lapse of time had greatly enh?„!<cd the dlfl' culties of investigation by the police. Evidence was given on the 20th of Jvma.-y last by a w;tness named Jones. He was sun, he ben, li would agree with him that tae police were only doing their duty by pursuing inquiries as to ths accuracy of that statement. These inves- tigations were not yet completed, and, in addi- t'on to the lapse of time since the occurrence, the po!cd ii-e.-e met with another difficulty, viz., that persons who in the belief of the police ■o~ild be able to throw light on the matter had left the neighbourhood, and would have to be traced. He was not, therefore, in a posi- tion to go into the whole case that day. He desired that day to give formal evidence, reserving his opening remarks with regard to the case, which must occupy considerable time, because there would be a great deal of detail to be -one into, and a great deal of explana- tion required with regard to the locality, which could 1 ot be gone into without plans. There were other branches of the case, such as scientific evidence—matters for analysis, &c.—not yet completed. He, therefore, proposed, subject to their sanction, only to give that day formal evidence with regard to the death and the finding of the body. The accused had only been in custody eleven days so far, and he thought, considering the gravity and complexity of the case, it was not an unreasonable course to do this, and then adjourn for a week, when they would be in a position to complete the case without fur- ther adjournments. Mr. Leeder did not appose a remand, but asked for bail for prisoner, but this question was reserved to a later stage. On the application of Mr. Leeder, Mr. A. H. Thomas, J.P., acted as Welsh interpreter to prisoner. JESSE HILL'S BROTHER. Thomas Hill, gardener, 55, Sea View-terrace. Swansea, was the first witness. He said he was the brother of the deceased, who lived at 11, Carmarthen-road, with his father. The other inmates of the house were his brother James and his sister-in-law. Jesse Hill (the deceased) was occupied in going about the country buy- ing vegetables and selling again. The business at Carmarthen-road was a hay and corn busi- ness Deceased was about 5ft. 4in. in height, and his weight would be lOst. 101b. to list. He happened to weigh deceased a fortnight before he died. Deceased always had money about him, being pretty well off. He had dark brown hair, which fell straight over his forehead, and was rarely combed. He had very little hair at the sides. On the 25th of September, 1896. wit- ness last saw his brother, and spoke to him about eleven at night in his father's shop. Next morning witness spoke to deceased from downstairs, but did not see him. That night he was missing, and witness took part in the search for him in the cabbage field belonging to his father at the back of Cwmbwrla Board Schools and in a shed. Nothing was found which helped them in any way. In the field next but one to the cabbage field there was a farm, and at 6.30 next morning he went there in consequence of what he was told, and saw the body of deceased in the water. He knew it by the head. Deceased had a very large head, and was broad across the shoul- ders, but otherwise thin. Witness recognised the knife produced as one usually kept in the shed. Witness used it in the cabbage garden about half-past twelve on the 26th to cut cabbages. His brother James had died in Feb- ruary last. Cross-examined by Mr. Leeder: Witness had two other brothers who were in the habit of going to the garden. Witness knew nothing of what took place in the afternoon, or whether the knife was used or not. He was sure de, ceased was 4in. to 5in. shorter and weighed 121b. less thin he (witness) did. Witness wa 5ft 9in., and weighed list. 81b. Witness never saw deceased without, money about him, gene- rally pounds. They examined the fields and the two ponds near. There were six in the com- pany. He could not say why they searched the pond. Someone suggested it. He did not know who. He did not think then deceased had come to harm They searched to please his father. Next day they searched the town. He did not consider his brother a strong or well-built man. He suffered a good deal with his head. They did not search the public- houses for deceased, as he was a very steady man, who had not touched anything for many years. Mr. Lewis then handed the witness a letter. Witness, in reply to questions, said the letter in question was received about two months before deceased died. It was addressed to Jesse Hill and was anonymous. It apprised him that two relatives were stealing cabbages from the field. Jest-e was not in the habit of going to the field in the night. The cabbages would probably ba stolen after they left in the even- ing. Susan Brown, wife of William Brown, livin- in Sea View-terrace, said she was assistant at Hill s stores in 1896. She was then Susan Durk and had lived with the family for eigh'e.-n years. On the morning of Saturday, the 26th she breakfasted with the deceased who wen- out at 8.30 a.m.. and went in the direction of the field. She never saw him alive afterwards Deceased never missed coming home to tea. He usually carried money. Deceased had hand- kerchiefs like that now produced. Cross-examined by Mr. Leeder: Deceased keot money to pay for goods, but did not carry a lot with him. Deceased was not a healthy man, but could do very hard work. Mr. Leeder: He was a man who could take his own parV-I can t say. I never saw him in a bother. He was a very quiet man. William Edwards, greengrocer, 193, Carmar- then-ioad, said he knew the deceased, and did business with him. Witness's shop was nearer to the cabbage field than Hill's shop was. He saw deceased in his shop between twelve and one o'clock on Saturday, the 26th. Deceased was not carrying anything. He came about some cabbages, but witness did not require any Witness did not see which way he went after- wards. a William Williams, farmer, Tyrbach Farm said his farm adjoined Hill's garden. On the 6th of October he was passing a pond on his farm when be saw something floating in the water. On passing back that way be saw the face of a man in the water, and he went and gava information to Police-constable Northeote. The pond was about 8ft. deep. By Mr. Leeder: Animals were kept in the field, which was a grass field. Jle had found that people got to the pond and drowned dogs there occasionally. By Mr. Lewis: In order to get from the shed to the pond a person would have to get over two hedges, whereas a person f om the road- way could get there without c'o- sing a hedge at all Police-constable J. G. Northeote, Swansea bofrough police, Cwmbwrla, said he remem- bered being called by the last witness on the 6th of October to the pond in his field. When he got there he saw the body of a man float- ing there. He knew the body to be that of the deceased, whom he had known for about three years. He knew it by the shape of the hea-d. It was a very large head, and his hair was always cut short on the top. When he grot the body out he saw marls* of violence on the left side of the temple and on the top of the head. and a big gash on the back of his neck. Ha knew at once that there was something wrong, and he sent for Dr. Hubert Thomas, Manselton, who saw the body on the bank before it was taken to the mor- tuary. He had measured the pond. It waa 5ft. 4in. to bft. deep. Witness searched the body at the mortuary, and found in the pockets a small bunch of keys, a handkerchief, the drop of a earring, and some odds and ends. The hands were open, not clenched. Witness knew the Manselton Hotel and Pen- villia-road. The Pwllydomen-road would lead past the hotel into the Penvillia-road, where there was a colliery incline. Witness knew a shed near this incline belonging to the pri- soner. In order to get from his shed to the pond, where the body was found, one could pass along a road the whole distance, and the same remark applied to the way from the Diilwyn Arms to the pond. Cross-examined by Mr. Leeder: The part of the road in front of the Manselton was very rough. There was a gateway leading into the pond field, which a person would tiave to open. The hedges from the Hills' fields into the pond field were more like banks than hedges, and there were several gaps in one of them. Re-examined by Mr. Lewis: If 3, person approached the pond from Pentregeth side they could throw anything into the deep end. At this stage the bench intimated that they desired to adjourn for the day. M, Lewis intimated that it would be desi- rable to adjourn to a day at some little d's- tance, as if that was done lie believed they would be able to start the case ard nnish ¡" as far as the Crown was concerned, in one day. If the bench would take Monday that day week, and would commence the hearing at, say, eleven a.m., he thought he could under- take to close his case the same day. TIm bench after some conference, decided to comply with th s request, and to give up Mon- day next ent:rely DO the case. The prisoner was then remanded in custody, Mr. Leeder intimating that after conference with Mr. Lewis, he did not renew his applica- tion for bail at that stage.

A W ELS Ii WILL CASE. LOSS FOR THE CALVINISTIC METHODISTS. Tha Chancery Courts had a fine opportunity last week of learning the correct pronunciation of We:sh place-names, but the lawyers are as little troubled by conscience in such matters as the Ordnance maps. In one case "Gwyrfai" was referred to all through as "G," a-nd, spite of the coaching of Mr. Llewelyn Williams, .earned counsel failed to clear "Dwynderw," and Mr. Justica Kekewich, rendered wary by expe- rience, did not attempt the daring feat. It all arose out of the will of the late Mr. Howell Davies, of Whitland. Mr. Davies, who died on December 26, 1896, was possessed of considerable property, which he left to divers relatives. But property of considerable value was left to the Calvinistic Methodist Connexion of Car- marthenshire, amounting in all to about JE500. Unfortunately, the provis: '-Ts of the will were not clear, and, therefore, iiie executor and all the devisees and legatees appeared by counsel m Friday last before Mr. Justice Kekewich to ask for directions how to administer tha estate. Mr. Rowdon appeared for tfee execu- tor, Mr. Romer for Mr. Jenkins, the testator's -on-in-law, Mr. Llewelyn Williams for the legal personal representative of the widow, Mr. Bryn Roberts, M.P., for the Calvinistic Methodists, and other counsel for the rest of the legatees and devisees. Intricate as matters were left by the will, things had been further complicated by mother event. To Mr. Jenkins, the son-in-law, had been devised three properties, viz., the house he lives in at Whitland, a little farm "ahed Nebo, and three leasehold cottages in the ame village. The combined value of these pro- perties is estimated at £ 323, but Mr. Jenkins vas ordered to pay off mortgages to the extent of G700. This Mr. Jenkins naturally objected to do. He disclaimed his interest under the will, but to the same time he claimed his dwelling. house as his own, because, he alleged, it was T-ven him sixteen years ago by his father-in. aw. Mr. Bryn Roberts, for the Methodists, and Mr. Llewelyn Williams, for the widow's representatives (for the widow did not long survive her husband), strongly contested this olaim, and urged, further, that Mr. Jenkins's disclaimer should not be allowed to defeat ne testator's manifest intention of making 'he-e properties liable for the mortgages. After 1 long discussion the "earned judge allowed hese defendants a fortnight during which they hou!d finally decide whether they should con- gest the claim. If was directed, however, that the two pro- perties Nebo and Willow Bank, which are harged with a mortgage of £ 500. should in 'he first instance be liable to d scharsre the mortgage. Willow Bank. the value of which is i-timated at £300. was devised to the Methodists rree of mortgage after the determination of he 1-fe interest in it of Mrs. Anna Jenkins, 'ha testator's daughter. Since the combined value of Nebo and A\r;llow Bank is only JS373 fhey will not be sufficient to pay off the mort- gage with which they are charged. The result ill be that the Calvinistic Methodists will be < 113 poorer by JE300.

THiE MAYBEICK CASE. The New York correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says:-Miss Helen Densmore, one of the leaders in the effort to obtain the release of Mrs. Maybrick from prison, says it is the custom of the English Home Office to revise long sentences in the case of female con, victs at the end of seven, ten, fifteen, and twenty years. The present year is the tenth since Mrs. Maybrick's conviction, and the reply of the Home Secretary to Dr. Clark, M.P., Mr Davitt, M.P., and Mr. Dalziel. M.P., during the last session of Parliament, viz., that he (Sir Matthew White Ridley) was aware of the strong opinion held in America and England as to Mrs. Maybrick s sentence, and also that "he had been adequately punished, has led to Strong hopes that the ten years' revision period will result in the release of Mrs. Maybrick. which would cause much satisfaction in Eng- land as well as in this country. A PETITION TO THE QUEEN. A Central News telegram from New York on Tuesday says:—The Medico-Legal Society last night uassed a resolution urging that steps should be taken to secure the release of Mrs. Maybrick. and a committee was appointed to draw up a memorial to the Queen on the sub- ject.

MB. HOOLEY AND THE EABL. The Press Association states that a private sitting was held on Tuesday in London (before Mr. Registrar Hope) for the examination of Earl Do La Warr as to his monetary transac- tions with Mr. Hooley. Th's was one of a series of private sittings which are being held at the instance of Mr. Bacden. the trustee, for the examination of all the persons alleged by the bankrupt, Mr. Hooley, to be accountable to his estate. Mr. Hunt (Aehurst. Morris, Crisp, and Co.) is conducting the examinations, and the evidence taken will in due course be submitted to Justice Wright on the applica- tions against the accountable parties, but until then will not be made public in any way. The examination lasted nearly two hours.

PENNY POSTAGE SCHEME. Notwithstanding the steps taken to notify the public as to the limits within which penny letter postage to British possessions and pro- testorates is applicable, considerable numbers of letters are being posted prepaid only one penny per half-ounce addressed to places not yet included in the scheme. The Postmaster- General has, consequently, issued an order that since the issue of the previous notices Zanzibar has been included in the scheme, and letter- postage for that place is one penny per half- ounce from to-day (Wednesday). Burmah and British Columbia are also incln^*5 in the penny postage scheme. Colonies affected are Australia, New Zealand, Cape Jamai# Malta, and HasMtisgv