Weekly Mail

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STAGE-STRUCK GIRLS. NURSEMAID'S ADVENTURE IN LONDON. Stage-struck girls are likely to read with mixed feelings the story of Jennie Gutherie, aged sixteen. Some months ago she gave up a situation as nursemaid and left her home at Dundee for Lon-don. Some part of her subsequent experiences was related to the Bow-street, London, magistrate, when she and a com- panion, named Gertrude Bruce, aged 22, who ¡ described herself as a milliner, were accused of annoying gentlemen in Euston-road. Strongly denying this charge, the girl Gutherie, who does not look the age she lays cla.im to. called the master who was trying to qualify her for the stage to support her plea of innocence. A well-dressed young man. who said his real name was James Shuttleworth, entered the witness-box. He stated that in the day- time he was employed as a wine merchant's clerk, but at night did work in connection with the stage. His professional name was Paul de Lara. The girl Gutherie had been in his employ- ment for three months, and he also employed three other professionals. He paid her a nominal salary of £1 a week, but deducted the money he paid for lodgings, which he had secured for her with respect- able people. He did not know the kind of life she led a.fter she left OIr work at night; but he had heard that she stayed away from her lodg- ings one night, and told her that he would not allow it. She had always acted in a straightforward way with him, but he was afraid she had got into bad company. It was not true that he brought the girl from Wales—she came from Dundee. As the magistrate desired to learn further particulars, the hearing of the case was con- tinued later in the day, when Jennie Guthe- rie's landlady, a respectable-looking woman, gave evidence. Mr. Shuttleworth, she said, brought the girl to her house, and always appeared to act very fairly and properly towards his pupil. Once the landlady had t-o remonstrate with the girl for staying out all night, saying, in answer to her lodger's explanation that she had been staying with a lady friend, that no respectable girl would aak another girl to stay out all night. Mr. Shuttleworth, the landlady added, was trying to teach the girl conjuring The police-court missionary informed the magistrate that Gutherie had told him her real name was Jane Kenniss, and that her father, a labourer, lived at Mid Hill, Dundee. She had begged him not to communicate with her father, this appearing to be her chief trouble. A constable stated he had ascertained that Mr. Shuttlpworth paid 5s. a week for a room in a backyard in King's Cross.. It was called the "Rehearsal Room," where ladies were taken in the evening to rehearse. He be- lieved that the performance for which they were preparing did not commence until Christmas, and the girl had been in London for three months doing nothing. The Magistrate decided to remand Gutherie, and said he would let her out on bail if she could find a surety in £1. The girl, who ap- peared greatly distressed at her position, with tears streaming from her eyes, besought Mr. Paul." as she called him, to become surety for her. This Mr. Shuttleworth did, stating, with reference to th8 constable's evidence, that, in addition to holding rehearsals in the room at King's Cross, he gave lessons in sleight-of- hand tricks and in the manufacture of stage properties. The girl's companion. Gertrude Bruce, also protested her innocence of the charge, but was fined 20s.

VANISHED FORTUNES, EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF A WASTED LIFE. A sad tale of wasted life and fortune was related at Blackburn, when William James Luca-s, aged fifty, stood in the dock, charged with abandoning his two children. Mr. Lucas, who formerly occupied a high position in the town and was esteemed as a man of great commercial talents, was stated to have been three times married. His second wife was a sister of a member of the Blackburn Bench and herself part owner of a large cotton mill and much property in the town. For some years Lucas managed the business, but he developed a fondness for drink, and the inevitable crash oame when his wife a.nd sisters, whoee capital was invested in the business, found it had all vanished, and that the house property had also been mortgaged up to the hilt to supply his extravagances. His wife's relatives eaine to the rescue, and backed him as a weights and scales manu- facturer, but this business, too, smashed. Then his wife died, leaving the two children forming the subject of the charge. Mr. Lucus married aga.in, but hia third wife quickly separated from him, report saying that each believed the other to be wealthy, and both were mistaken. Eighteen months ago Mr. Lucas was found at Southport touting for a. restaurant in the day and washing up dishes at night. In the meantime, he had left his children with a poor couple, who, getting no help from him, found it impossible to keep them. The children, ragged and in want, appealed to Nancy Yatee, who had been their father's servant in his time of prosperity, and she kept them twelve months, on the father's promise, whioh he did not keep, to pay for their food. The result was that the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children took the matter up, and Mr. Lucas was arrested. ) The accused, who was well known to occupants of the bench, denied with emotion that he had ever had the great wealth attributed to him, but eaid that If the magistrates gave him a chance he would make an effort to keep the children. The Chairman (Mr. Austin Cottam) said they all knew he could do well if he would make up his mind to keep away from, the drink, and they would give him a chance of regain- ing his position. Lucas was fined 10s. and costs for abandon- ing the children, and ordered to pay 5s. weekly for the support of a younger child, who would remain in the custody of Nancy Yates. ANOTHER CASE. Another case of a lost fortune came to the notice of the Stroud Board of Guardians. Application for relief was made by Thomas Russell, 78 years of age, of Misserdine. The applicant, an agricultural labourer, living alone, was once a well-known bookmaker, and was al30 in bnsiness as butcher in the city of Gloucester. Ho possessed considerable wealth, and drove his carriage, but lost large sums of money on the turf. He is said to have lost as much as £6iJ,oorJ in one day. The board granted him 3s. a week for a month, but told him he must find lodgings, it being against the rule to give relief to aged persons residing alone.

THOSE DREAMLAND FACES. "CATS AND WILD ANIMALS ALL OVER THE CELL." Joseph Murphy confessed to deafness when he was brought before the Cardiff magistrates on Saturday on a charge of stealing two shirts from 23, James-street, and Court-officer Gregory, meekly protesting that it was a hopeless job, began to bawl the charge into his ear. Murphy stood it without a murmur, although he showed no signs of deafness to tho shop assistant the previous day. He didn't move a hair, but, preserving his stony stare, mournfully said that he came from Philadelphia. "Try the other fide," suggested the Clerk. "No. that's his best ear, sir," returned Court- sergeant Evans, with a grin. "But he's not deaf; he tried this game last time he was here." The shirts were produced in court, and Joseph unbuttoned his ooat to show he had no need of one. "I was drunk, and I don't know anything about it," he said irritably, as Court-officer Gregory lustily yelled the evidence at him from a distance of half an inch. "I've been drinking all the time," he told the bench. "Last night there were three big navvies walking over my chest, and cats and dogs and wild animals all over the cell." Alderman Thomas: What was the colour of the animals? "What about the colour of the navvies?" echoed a court officer in an undertone. Joseph finally retired into seclusion for a. month.

SWEETHEART THREATENS SUICIDE After waiting an hour for his sweetheart at Crouch End, Henry Baliinger, a Horntsey dairyman, reproved her when she at last arrived with the remark, It's about time I've done with you." The girl, Constance Kemp, took the words to heart, for, after going to a shop, she showed a packet to Ballinger, and said it contained poison, adding, I shall be finished altogether with you by-and-bye." Failing to secure the packet, Ballinger informed a constable, who found it on Kemp's table. She said it was oxalic acid, and re- marked, "If I can't take it I'll buy some more or hang myself." The Magistrate at Highgate, London, remanded the girl on a charge of threaten- ing to commit suicide, and commented on the facility with which a girl could get enough poison to kill half-a-dosea people." j

MURDERED QUEEN. HER TRINKLETS BROUGHT TO LONDON. A distinguished exile from Servia has just arrived in London, in the person of Lieu- tenant Petrovitch, nephew of the late Queen Draga, who Was assassinated with the King and members of the Servian Court fifteen months ago. The object of the young officer's visit to London is to sell some of the jewels and dresses of his late Royal aunt. He brings the following treasures— SOME nABE JEWELS. 1—!A Diamond coronat, worn by Queen Draga at her wedding. 2—A brace-let of diamonds and emeralds presented to the late Queen as a wedding gift hy the Czar, wbo, by deputy, officiat2d as "best man." 3—The "Order of Mercy," set in brilliants, the Queen's wedding present from Abdul Hamid, tho Sultan of Turkey. 4—An order from the Shah, which the Persian Monarch presented to the late Queen WhHl ho vimted Ihl3 Servian Court shortly áfteT Queen Draga's wedding in 1910. It is an order of the rarest kind, the only two ladies possessing it in Europe being the Czatina and the German Empress. 5—A Byzantine tiara. 6—A pair of Byzantine earrings. RADIANT ROBES. 1—The lovely gown of Alencon lace worn by the Queen at her wedding. 2—A Itoyal whe of fourteenth century Venetian Velvet, in which the '.ate Queer, received the repre. sent?.tives of he-r people on great festivals. The gUtgeoua garment is of rich cherry c{)lout, and is elegantly embroidered with gold and silver, and with white eagles, which symoolige the Servian arms. 3—A magnificent white satin cope, beautifully embroidaed with pink flowers and gold. 4—A belt of silver gilt, studded with emeralds, Tubiea, and sapphires. These rare possessions of the late Servian Queen are inherited by her three sur- viving sisters, .and the youthful Petrovitch, the son of Queen Draga's eldest sister, Chris- tina, has come to London to eeil them, in order that the proceeds may be divided among the la-te Qaeen's sisters, who are in straitened circumstanoes. The jewels are in the custody of a strong City safe. Lieutenant Petrovitch, a handsome young fellow of 22, was himself on the list marked for assassination, but escaped by a blunder on the part of the leader of the assassins. Asked as to the present position of affairs in Servia, Lieutenant Petrovitch. speaking his native tongue, shrugged his shoulders and lifted his hands. "We do not want to express any opinion about the present King of Servia. It is not, of course, certain that half justice will be done to us by the courts of Servia, but we have addressed petitions to several Sovereigns of Europe, aud you will be interested to hear that we have received a moot sympathetic answer from King Edward."

CRUELTY ALLEGATIONS. CARDIFF FISHMONGER AND HIS WIFE. At Cardiff Police-court on Friday Mrs. Annie Eickel, now living at 42, Brook-street. summoned her husband. Richard, a retired fishmonger, for persistent cruelty, and applied for a. separation order. Mr. Harold Lloyd was for the complainant; and Mr. George David for the defendant. Mr. Lloyd said the parties had been married for 32 years, during the greater part of which time they lived together. A few years ago they had some litigation and separated, but had gone back to one another, and had lived at 92, King's-road, for two years. Mrs. Bickel said she left her husband on Soptember 4, and she described a lively time between her and her husband about seven in the morning three days before. She said she was in the china pantry, when her hus- band came in and complained about some pears he said she had taken. He took her by the throat and squeezed it, and then knocked her head against the wall. Then he called her a —— tyke, and, taking her by the throat, said he would do for her. Striking her on the chest, he knocked her against the wall, and said he had had quite enough of her, and would do for her unless she cleared out by twelve o'clock. Then he picked up a saucepan and struck her across the head, smashing a comb she was wear- ing. She wrenched the saucepan from his hand and threw it at him, but missed. Again he took her by the throat, and, hitting her on the head, knocked her up against a slate tank and hurt her back. She called "Murder," and her two youngest sons and a daughter came down and the two boys held their father back. On August 6 he came home about a quarter to twel-ve drunk and called his son out of bed. In cross-examination ehe admitted that she derived an income from property left her by her husband. She had summoned him before, and the summons was dismissed, and he had obtained an injunction against her at the assizes. She denied excessive drinking. The Bench said they were not satisfied with the complainant's case, and the summons was dismissed.

SIR WILLIAM ANSON. SURPRISE VISIT TO THE VOLUN- TARY SCHOOLS. Sir William Anson, of the Board of Educa- tion, accompanied by Mr. Legard, Chief Inspector of Schools for Wales, has just paid a surprise visit to the voluntary schools at Treforest and Glyntaff within the area of the Pontypridd education authority. It will be remembered that the authority, before taking the schools over, had insisted on- certain structural alterations being made. These demands were referred to arbitration in the case of the Church schools, as laid down in the Act in such disputes, and Mr. Legard reported on the result of the inquiry, the Government taking great interest in the prc- ceedings. Some five or six weeks ago the arbitrator's decision was made known, 1 and Glyntaff Schools declared to be in an insanitary condition. It was to gain an insight personally into the position of affairs that Sir William took the matter in hand. At the Roman Catholic School Father M'Manus took the party through the rooms, grounds, and other offices, and it would appear that, as no complaint had boon m-ade, the conditiou of the echool was considered satisfactory. This was not the case at Glyntaff. In a conversation with the headmaster (Mr. D. Daviee) a representa- tive was informed that Sir William wished to see how this school stood in comparison with others in the district. As a result he con- demned the lavatory "out and out." A site suitable for the purpose was pointed out to tho inspector. The site mentioned, eaid Mr. Davies, might be purchased for JE450, but no outside help was forthcoming. There was, therefore, every probability that the schools would be handed over to the local authority. VISIT TO ST. CLEARS. Sir William Anson, M.P., of the Board of Education, visited the National School, St. Clears, for the purpose of examining for him- self the state of the building and comparing it with the report made by the county sur- veyor. In the absence of the vicar, the master. Mr. Lyons, showed Sir William over the building and premises. The ventilation, the division of the main room, and the con- veniences were the only points of the sur- veyor's report. These, Sir William thought, might be easily remedied.

SIGNALMAN'S LONG HOURS, j CONTRIBUTORY CAUSE OF A SERIOUS COLLISION. Lieutenant-colonel Von Donop's report on the collision outside Broad-street Station, London, on August 17, when 56 people were slightly injured, places the blame upon the signalman, who accepted an incoming train while a down train was standing at one of the platforms. Lieutenant-colonel Von Donop calls attention to the hours of duty worked by the signalman priotr to the acci- dent. Owing to men being away on holiday, the signalman for the week before the acci- dent had been working on an average eleven hours a day, and during the tnree preceding days twelve hours a day. The hours were too long for the heavy and responsible work of the signalman at such a busy box, and they might, undoubtedly, be regarded as having led to his making such an unuaual mistake. Lieutenant-colonel Von Donop adds that the company's serious attention should be drawn to the matter. —

THE INCREASING PREFERENCE FOR VI-COCOA The reason for this is simple In the fierce struggle for wdstence, both individual and national, the intelligent selec- tion of diet is, even now, playing a decisive part, and the final victory will inevitably go to those who succeed best in maintaining a sound mind in a sound body." As a rule, the British Public have not been very discriminating in this matter, but hygienic education has been making great strides in recent years, and the marked and rapidly increasing preference shown for Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa is a striking proof of intel- ligent discrimination on the part of the public, and, at the same time, a guarantee for the future health and vitality of the race. You must have read the striking .testimony that is being published daily respecting the merits of Vi-Cocoa. And yet you have net tried it. We advise you to do so at once. Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa. can be obtained in 6d. packets and 9d. and Is. 6d. tins from all grocers and stores; or the Proprietors will eend you free a dainty sample tin upon receipt of a post-card to 60, Bunhill-row, i fcondou, KCn asking ttom. to do. ga, ju

SIR WILLIAM H SUDDEN DEMISE OF STATE! To the unfeigned regret of the whole nation, irrespective of party, creed, or cla.ss, the death has occurred of Sir William Har- court at Nuneham, Oxford. The sad event took place at nine o'clock on Saturday morn- ing. Sir William Harcourt had been, with Lady Harcourt, sojourning at Nuneham for some time, apparently in his usaal health, except for a slight cold a fortnight since, from which, however, he had recovered. On Friday he appeared to be in his ordinary health, and up to the last took great interest in the estates to which he so recently suc- ceeded on the death of his elder brother's son. Sir William, it appears, passed peace- fully from life in his sleep, and, peaceful though it was, the death caused a great sStock to his numerous friends in the univer- sity city. His death was extremely sudden. The right boil, gentleman was out of doors two days previously, and spent some time in his library at Nuneham on Friday night. Although he had for some days felt the effects of a slight cold, lie was not ili in any sense to cause the smallest apprehension, and on Friday night he retired to rest at his accustomed hour without any complaint of indisposition. Between eight and nino o'clock on Saturday morning Sir William's valet pro- ceeded to call his master, and, receiving no answer, entered the bedroom and found that he had breathed his last. The body was still warm, showing that death had been very recent, and it was evident that the deceased had passed away in his sleep. Dr. Freebom. the local doctor of the family, was, of course, immediately sent for, but no medical ser- vices could be of any avail, and it only remained to break the sad news to the rela- tives. Among telegrams of condolence received by Lady Harcourt was one from his Majesty the King, who wired from Balmoral: — Allow me to express my deepest sympathy in the sad loss you have sustained. I have lost an old and valued friend in your dear hushand.-EDW.ARD R. Amid a. multitude of telegrams one has come from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, who wired from Wash- ington—"Deep sorrow and sympathy.—MEL- VILLE W. FULLER." AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM THE Ki^\ br. In addition to the sympathetic telegram already announced, his Majesty has sent to Lady Harcourt a gracious autograph letter of condolence. Tho stream of other letters and telegrams of sympathy from the British Isles, the Colonies, and the Continent still continues. NO INQUEST. The county coroner had been dis- posed to think that the formality of an inquest would he unavoidable, as there was no medical man in attendance upon the right hon. gentleman at the time of or im- mediately previous to his demise, but on. SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT IN HIS PRIME. Monday a letter was received from Sir Wil- liam Broadbent, whom Sir William had con- sulted recently as to heart trouble, testifying that that was the cause of death. When this was communicated to the coroner he granted a burial certificate. and intimated that, in the circumstances, he was satisfied that no inquest was necessary. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. The Eight Hon. Sir William George Granvillo Venables Vernon-Hareourt was the second son of the Rev. W. Vernon-Harcourt, of Nuneham Park, Oxford, and was born on October 14, 1827. His great-grandfather was the Hon. Edward Harcourt, Archbishop of York, who was the second son of the third marriage of the first Baron Vernon, who assumed the name of Harcourt when he succeeded to the estates of his niothor, a daughter of Simon Harcourt, grand-daughter of Viscount Har- court, Lord Chancellor of England, and blister of Simon, first Earl of Harcourt. His earliest education was received at a private school at Salisbury, and at the age of thirteen or fourteen he spent some time under the tutorship of the Rev. Canon Parr at Preston, whither he went when the latter was appointed vicar. Laurence Oliphant was one of the canon's pupils at the same time, and as lads they often rambled about the streets of the old borough. In 1842 Har- court was an eye-witness of the Preston riots, when the soldiery fired into the crowds. From Presiton he proceeded to Trinity College, Cam- bridge, of which he was a scholar, and where he graduated with first-class honours (Classi- cal Tripos, Senior Optime) in 1851. Three years later he was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple, and joined the Home Circuit. In 1866 Mr. Harcourt took silk, and in 1869 received the appointment of Whewell Pro- fessor of International Law at Cambridge. It was in 1853 that he made his first appear- ance as a candidate for Parliamentary honours by unsuccessfully contesting the Kirkcaldy Burghs in the Liberal interest. Ten years were to elapse before he was to win his way to the House of Commons. Mean- while, however, he was to make a name in another fl,eld-that of journalism. He became a notable contributor to the Saturday Review," and his letters to the Times," written over the now famous signature of Historicus," commanded wide attention. It was in 1868 that he made his first appearance as a member of Parliament, being returned in that year as member for the city of Ox- ford. His first Government appointment followed five years Liter, when in November, 1873, he became for a few months Solicitor- General in the Gladstone Administration, and at the same time received the honour of knighthood. The usage of Parliamentary life is that anyon.e, becoming a leading law officer of the Crown—Attorney-General or Solicitor-General—shall receive the honour of knighthood. Sir WilHam, who came of notable family, considered this honour infra dig, but failed to persuade Mr. Gladstone to withhold it. When Mr. Gladstone took office in 1883 Sir William received the appointment of Home Secretary, but on seeking re-election at Oxford he was defeated by Mr. A. W. Hall (Conservative), who was later unseated on I petition. A vacancy was, however, created by Mr. Samuel Plimsoll's acceptance of the Chiltern Hundreds, and Sir William Har- court was returned for Derby, for which con- stituency he continued to sit until 1895, when he was once more defeated. In that year he was returned for West Monmouthshire, which he continued to represent up to his death. This was a safe Liberal seat, and the ¡ member, Mr. Warinington, K.C., made way for Sir William. Sir William returned to power in 1886 with Mr. Gladstone, and became Chancellor of the Excliequer, going out of office in the summer of the same year on the Home Rule general election. Sir William had followed Mr. Glad- stone in his Home Rule heresy, in spite of the many strange thingg he had said about the Irish Nationalist party. In 1892, when the Liberals returned to power for a term of just three years. Sir William became Chancellor of the Exchequer again. This period was notable so far as Sir William was ..ooncerned in two important directions. In the first place, his fame as a statesman is most pro- minently connected with his Budget of 1894, which created much sensation, owing to its equalising the death duties on real and per- socal property, and its exempting large sect-iona of the poorer businesa and jorofea-, ARCOURT DEAD. THE GREAT VETERAN SMAN. Eional classes from liability in the matter of income-tax. In the second place, it was in this period that the question arose on whom Mr. Gladstone's mantle should fall, for that statesman retired in 1894. At the time of the retirement Sir Wil- liam's name was freely used as that of Glad- stone's fittest successor; but Lord Rosebery was chosen instead, and the older states- man's undoubted claims upon his party were championed by many. Sir William was, undoubtedly, very sore on the point, but he remained in office as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and also became leader of the House of Commons. It Is a matter of noto- riety that he and the new Premier did not even speak to one another at the Cabinet meetings. But Sir William's antipathy to Lord Rosebery was not based on personal grounds, or, at least, not wholly so. There is no doubt that he distrusted Lord Rose- bery's Liberalism. Sir William clung to the traditions of Bright and Gladstone, whilst ( Lord Rosebery inclined to the Palmer- ston conception of Liberalism. Harcourt triumphed over Rosebery in the Cabinet of 1894 at the time of our difficulties with France over Siam. The Premier was said to be not averse to war, but neither Sir William nor Mr. Morley would liRtcn to it, and they had their way. Sir William's distrust of Lord Rosebery extended also to domestic politics. It was asserted in Radical circles that the Rothschild influence induced Lord Rosebery to circularise the other members of the Cabinet in a tone antagonistic to the Chan- cellor's Budget proposals. Sir William heard of it, insisted on a Cabinet being summoned to discuss the matter, and once more he and his party in the Cabinet came out of the fight successful. The party dissensions continued after the defeat at the polls in 1895, and even now, in spite of personal reconciliations, those dissensions continue, though in a subdued form. Sir William soon retired from the leadership of the party in the House of Com- mons, and also from the counsels of the party." Mr. Morley, his close friend, also retired from the party counsel's, and Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman became Leader of the Opposition in the House. A pathetic incident in which Sir William Harcourt bore his part was the scene in the House of Commons after the death of Mr. Gladstone, in 1898. Mr. Balfour had made his memorable speech to a crowded and silent assembly. Sir William rose to follow him, and it was evident, as he spoke with husky eloquence, that he was struggling against almost overwhelming emotion, yet his words were heard all over the House until he came to refer to the accusation that Mr. Gladstone had been overbearing in council. "Anyone that knew him," he began, and then broke down for a while, only to pull himself together, and with the tears still in his voice, to proceed to a beau- tiful and impressive peroration. The Boer War found Sir William in bitter opposition to the Government policy, and likewise in opposition to the medial policy pursued by the Rosebery, or Imperialist, faction. More recently, it is understood, he and Lord Rosebery buried the hatchet. They appeared together at the famous gathering of Radical chiefs and froe-food protagonists under Lord Wimborne's hospitable roof not many months ago, and about the same time Lord Rosebery made public and graceful reference to Sir William's stalwart services to the Liberal party. It was in the present year that Sir William, much to the grief of his colleagues and supporters, announced that the infirmi- ties of age would not permit him to seek re-election to the House of Commons, but no I ono anticipated the end was anywhere near. At the time of the coronation his Majesty offered to bestow a peerage upon the veteran statesman, but the "Squire of Malwood," as he was sometimes nicknamed, declined the honour, preferring "to remain an English gentleman." As an orator Sir William Harcourt won praise from supporters and opponents alike. His style was somewhat rhetorical and decla- matory, but at the same time it was recog- nised as being distinctly argumentative. As one shrewd observer put it, "he was a hard hitter, one of the hardest in the House, but he hit straight from the shoulder, and never gave an unfair blow. He was often very happy in his sarcastic touches, and there was a certain robust and self-satisfied good humour even in his severest attacks on his Parliamentary opponents." He was, indeed, recognised as one of the foremost debaters in the House of Commons at a time when the House was remarkable for debating talent. Sir William, who prided himself upon his Plantagenet descent, was twice married, first in 1859 to Maria Theresa (who died in 1863), daughter of Lady Theresa Lewis by her first husband, Mr. T Lister, and secondly in 1876 to Elizabeth, widow of Mr. T. P. Ives and daughter of the Hon. John Lothrop Motley, the famous historian, who died, it may be re-called, at his son-in-law's residence. He leaves two sons, Mr. Lewis Vernon Harcourt, M.P. for Rossendale, born in 1863, and Mr. Robert Harcourt, born in 1878. Sir William is the hero of many a tale, political and otherwise. Few will ever know of the work Sir William Harcourt did behind the scenes in the House of Commons for peace and reform. It was virtually he who saved us from a war with Russia ever Port Arthur by refraining from an attack on the Government at a critical and tempting moment. As a peace Minister he was in com- plete accord with Lord Salisbury, and on one occasion he remarked to a friend im- pressively, "When Lord Salisbury has gone we shall say that we have lost one of our greatest men." The Squire of Malwood and the Duke of Devonshire were old antagonists whose poli- tical differences were not mollified by strained social relationships in the past. In the Home Rule days the antipathy between them was very marked. I believe," said Lady Harcourt to the then Lord Hartington, "you would like to see my husband hanged." "No! no!" he replied, "not hanged; only suspended." SIR WILLIAM'S CONNECTION WITH WALES. Sir William's death concerns Wales and the Welsh party. It necessitates, of course, an immediate election in West Monmouth. In 1900 he was opposed by Mr. Illtyd Gardner, over whom he obtained a majority of 3,575 votes. His seat was absolutely safe, and his constituents naturally held him in the highest respect and esteem. the highest respect and esteem. As Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir Wil- liam in 1894 gave an annual Treasury grant to the Welsh University, following this up with a grant of £10,<:00 to the building fund of the University College, Aberystwyth. In 1895 he made a grant of £ 20,000 to the build- ing fund of the University College, Cardiff. In his youth Sir William spent many happy days at Harpton Court, Radnorshire, as the guest of Sir George Cornwall Lewis, Bart., the eminent Welsh scholar, statesman, and Cabinet Minister, who sat for Radnor County from 1855 to 1863, but his first public visit to Wales was in 1889, when he attended the annual meetings of the Welsh National Liberal Council at Carnarvon. He visited Aberystwyth in 1898 to perforin the opening I ^ceremony, of the new college buildinre. 1

MOTHER'S HEROISM RISKS DEATH TO SAVE LITTLE ONES FROM FIRE. The danger of leaving young children alone in a room with a fire in the grate is painfully illustrated by a story that comes from Earl's Court. In Hilmer-street lived a horsekeeper, named Hyatt, his wife, and three children—Maud, aged four, Freddie, aged two, and a baby. I The woman went out to do some shopping, leaving the children alone in a back room, the baby being in a cot. On her return the house was full of smoke. As she approached the room the suffocating fumes were almost impassable, and flames greeted her as she flung open the door. Mrs. Hyatt dashed into tho room, and as quickly as possible dragged the baby from its cot. In her anxiety to bear it to a place of safety ehe stumbled downstairs and fell. She had no time, however, to think of her- self. Consigning the infant to the care of a neighbour, who at once went off to the doctor, she returned to rescue the other children, but it was impossible to get near the room on account of the smoke. Screaming and wringing her hands, the poor creature dashed hither and thither in wild dismay, now crawling on her hands and knees in hopeless endeavour to evade the smoke and flames, now running forward, only to be mercilessly beaten back. A neighbour. Mrs. Hunt, tried with no better success, and, almost out of her mind, Mrs. Hyatt ran screaming into the street. Two men came to her assistance, and, the flames subsiding for a moment, they were able to enter the room. It was too late. Between a charred armchair and the fire lay the almost unrecognisable bodies of the two little ones.- Before she could learn the terrible news' the poor mother collapsed, and was taken to Dr. England, who found that she had been badly burned on the arm. Later the loss of her children was broken to her, and she was prostrated With grief. It is supposed that the children caused the fire when playing near the grate.

THE ANGLESEY TREASURES. DAZZLING BEAUTIES OF THE NEXT AUCTIONS. Another of the Anglesey sale catalogues is issued. It deals with the contents of the castle itself, and covers four days' work, com- mencing on October 11. There are forty lots of paste ornaments, and 147 of jewellery. The second day's work is the disposal of 189 lots of jewellery and furs, whilst during the third day 191 lots of furniture are to be dis- tributed. On the fourth day the library is to be disposed of. The total of the lots for the four days numbers 900. The "pasta" is exquisite, but the real jewellery is dazzling, bizarre. An 18-cara.t gold sovereign case i3 set with ruby, diamond, and sapphire, and bears aji enamelled monogram and a jewelled coronet. A "gent's smoking set" includes a gold matchbox, set with ruby, diamond, and sapphire; an amber cigarette-holder is decked with a circle of diamonds and rubies. Scarf pins, sleeve links, badge brooches of diamond, sapphire, and turquoise, or of gold set with these stones, abound. One cigarette- case is set with seven lines of square-cut sapphires, and six lines of diamonds with a samphire and diamond fastening. There is a coronation robe. quite new, in crimson velvet, ornamented with real ermine cape, together with a coronet to match Judging from its contents, one forms the opinion that the first section of the ninth and laat sale will realise a very considerable portion of the £15.000 which the whole of this sale is expected to fetch.

LIVELY SCENES AT NEATH DISAPPOINTED CROWD CREATES AN UPROAR. What was billed as a great wrestling championship tournament (including the light-weight championship of Wales) for £50 and the title of champion between Dai Rees, of Llansamlet, and Corporal Stevenson, Royal Field Artillery, light- weight champion of the Army," proved a fiasco, and there was, as a consequence, con- siderable commotion in the Assembly-rooms. Neath, on Saturday night, following upon the announcement that Corporal Stevenson, act- ing under the advice of bis trainer, Mr. Wright, of Newport, declined to wrestle on the mat provided. YelLs greeted this, and there was considerable uproar, and Mr. Jones, the manager, was menaced by threats. "What can I do?" he asked from the stage. "Dai Rees is here and willing to wrestle, but Stevenson won't. If I'd known that this mat was going to be objected to I would have got another." Mr. Wright, when something like order was restored, made a speech in which he pointed out that it would be dangerous for the men to wrestle on such a mat. Mr. Wright asked the audience to be sportsmen, and added that he was quite willing to bring down his own mat and Stevenson two weeks hence if Mr. Jones would arrange another show. But the crowd remained unappeased, and at one time it looked as if there were going to be serious happenings, but with the appearance of the Brothers Rees, who gave an exhibition of wrestling, the audience gradually left the hall, and there was no breach of ths peace. L-

ALL THROUGH THt; LODGER At Bridgend on Saturday Mrs. Alice Burgess applied for an order of separation from her husband, Ernest Burgess, 50, Caerau- road, Caerau, collier, on the grounds of his persistent cruelty.—In her evidence Mrs. Burgess stated that she married the defendant seven years ago, and there were two children. His behaviour towards her had been most cruel, and he had knocked her down and kicked her severely on several occasions. On the previous Tuesday night he had threatened to strangle her, and he locked her and the children cut all night.— Corroborative evidence was given by neigh- bours, one of whom, Mrs. Lucy Snow, eaid that on one occasion she went to the houee where the parties lived, and saw Mrs. Burgess lying on the floor. Her husband was stand- ing over her with a knife in his hand. threatening to kill her. She had seen the defendant dash a lighted lamp at the com- plainant's head.—Defendant said that it was all through the lodger. His wife had refused to turn the lodger out of the house, and he was there now. He spoke to his wife about it, a.nd she said, "It's you will have to go, not the lodger."—The Bench bound him over in the sum of £5 to be of good behaviour.

STOLE A WORKMAN'S WAGES. MEAN NEWBRIDGE MAN GETS ONE MONTH. George Preece, a young collier hailing from Newbridge, was brought up in custody at Blackwood on Friday charged with stealing 26s. 7d., the property of the Xewport-Abercarn Steam Coal Company. Prisoner on the 16th inst. proceeded to the Celynen Colliery offices at Abercarn, and asked for the pay-ticket of an employe named William Nicholas. Subsequently, he met a youth, named John Shephard. going to get his father's wages, and he asked him to get his butty's money the same time, as he wanted to go up the street to have a fight with a boy." The money was handed over to Preece, and for his trouble Shephard was given a penny. Prisoner was given into custody by Mr. Jack Games, the well-known football referee, who is engaged as an assis- tant cashier at the colliery offices. The money was recovered by Police-inspector Groves. Prisoner admitted the offence, and there being previous convictions for theft against him, he was sentenced 'to one month's im- prisonment with ha.rd labour.

FOND OF CHLOROFORM. A CHESTER DOCTOR'S FATAL HABIT. An inquest was held on Friday at Liverpool on the body of Dr. Lloyd Roberts. 35, of Chester, who was found dead in a temper- ance hotel. Deceased was in bed, fully dressed, with a handkerchief pressed to his face. He was son and partner of Dr. John Roberts, ex-Mayor of Chester. The evidence showed that when deceased was assistant in a chemical laboratory he acquired the habit of inhaling chloroform, which he has con- tinued ever since. He said it gave him plea- sant dreams. His relatives had tried to reform him and, though he made many pro- mises, he always returned to the habit. Xo Chester chemist would sell him chloroform, but he purchased it in an adjoining town. Last week ho was four days under the influence, and had another bout. He went to Liverpool. Medical evidence showed that death was due to chloroform poison by inhalation, and there was no reason to suggest suicide in the ordinary meaning of the term. A verdict of Death from misadventure" was returned.

It's sure. Gwilym Evans's Quinine Bit- ters is a pur6ly vegetable tonic, containing each par- ticular virtue found in Sarsaparilla, Burdock, Gentian, Lavender, Saffron, Dandelion, with Just the proper quantity of Quinine to complete the triumph. Bottles 2a. 94, IlIA 4a. 64* 416L7

LAUGH & GROW FA1 HUMOROUS PARS FRO# EYERYWHERE. Teacher: What are the three personal pro- nouns? Pupil: Ht, she, and it. Teacher: Give an example of their use. Pupil: Husband, wifo, and baby. Mrs. De Euffle: If you ever did any in this wide world, I'd like to know what1 is. i Mr. De Ruffle: Well, for one thing, I sa,e you from dying an old maid. "I 6'poae it's alright," said Mr. Newri^' "But it doesn't seem fair." "What doesn't seem fair?" "For Matilda to scold because I want to eat dinner in my eTiirt sleeves. I don't wale any fnss about her pa.rty dresses, an' th" haven't any sleeves at all." He: I see another naval engagement is re- ported. She: More fighting? He: I suppose so. The captain is engaSe to the rear-admiral's daughter. Ethel: How funny your brother's v°*c* sounds now? I Edith: Yes; papa says he's outgrown J* his clothes, and now he's outgrowing 11t:ó voice, I suppose. Pigment: I saw you at the art exhibiti^jj last evening. I suppose you are very foun of paintings? Gamboge: Oh, dear, no; I hate them! J'Ø1 an art critic, you know! Shine your boots, sir," said a LóndoØ I bootblack to a gentleman from the country- e "No, confound you! Get away!" was tll gruff response. You want polish, sir," said the bof. he departed. Fatleigh: I suppose you are pretty liar with the scenery between the city a° your suburban home? TTrbanite: Yes; I know every inch of tO advertisements. I dearly love birds," he gently And then what did she do but hasten to tB open piano and softly begin singing, "1 I were a Bird." They are looking for a neB now. At the Theatre: Would you mind that hat on? "Keep it on? Why, I was just about to take it off." I know it. But I don't want to see more of this play than I can help." t Doctor: Umph-great mental strain— once and get change of scene. Bank Manager: But where to? Doctor: I should choose a place whètt there is no extradition treaty. I like you very much, Charlie, but t couldn't marry you. I don't think we could live happily together." "But, my dear Maud, reflect. After 'tf8 were married I shouldn't be at home re" much." Towner: Our friend Short is looking ratber soody. Browne: Is he? Why the last time I e* him he t-old me Fortune was smiling on hitU. Towner: Oh, that's the way with little 10 jj They take all the smiles meant for the tl/l fellows behind them. Jim: I'm in love, and the only disa.greeable thing about it is that the girl ia older th3,0 am. Jack: How old are you now? Jim: Twenty-two. Jack: Make your mind easy, my boy. :61 the time you are thirty-one she'll be onII twenty. HIS WALK IN LIFE. First Lady: And what was your second- Second Lady: A banner bearer. First Lady: Theatrical or milingtary? Second Lady: Neither. He carried » re flag in front of a steam roller! ART CRITICISM.. „ An amusing story of Millais is told in New York paper, on the authority of American artist. While Sir John was PalBfl ing "Chill October" one grey afterno^^ among the reeds and rushes of r^a5\1-(j voice from behind a hedge asked: "Man, ye ever try photography?" "No, never," Sir John, and he continued to paint sip* "It's a hantle quicker," said the voice. "-fLl I suppose so," the painter agreed. Then tP voice said, bitingly, "An' it's mair like th place!" SOLD BY THE SHOCK. A farmer went on a visit to a friend. Aftt** dinner the husbandman requested to & shown round the town. After visiting several places they ftnsJl1 reached the electric lighting Works. What d'ye call this place, Dan? querie the farmer. "This is called the electric plant," the reply. "Plant! What do they grow?" "They grow currents." „ "How do they sell 'em—hy the bushel. "They don't sell 'em by the bushel; th sell 'em by the shock."

ANGRY SCENE IN AN lN^« ABERSYCHAN WOMAN AND HUSBAND. .to A remarkable case of a woman refusing quit licensed premises and afterwards S 3 moning the landlord for assaulting her ;116 heard at Pontypool on Saturday. principal actors were Amelia Knott, a. t. ried woman, living in High-street-, A sychan, and Ernest Seymour, the landlord the Swan Inn, Abersychan. ^A Mr. W. J. Everett, Pontypool, who a-pPeJ); y, for the landlord, said the woman rushed i the public-house in an excited manner, thrashed her husband in the bar. Fot had to be used to put her out. fB Tho landlord stated that shortly be^ £ eight o'clock on Tuesday last, Mr3. Ktio husband called at his house for a dri The defendant rushed into the house 1 t frantic manner, and started punching husband about and pulling his hair. refused to leave when asked, and witness obliged to push her out. -a Mrs. Knott declared that she had almost worried to death through her .j band's drunken habits, and had been ol3vj:rK* to place four of her children m the y house. On tho day in question one of boys broke his arm by playing football, *$ instead of coming homo her husband about drinking. She followed him Swan Inn, and tried to stop the land! putting a bottle of beer in his pocket. was then blackguarded by her husband. she further alleged that the landlord 6"* her.. ro<» Mr. Everett: How many times did if strike your husband?—He was my hushan I did strike him. (Laughter.) -f? How many times did you pull his Didn't you have a handful of hair in 1 hand?—He did not have so much hair that to pull. (Laughter.) ^5 In the end the Bench dismissed charges, and ordered each party to pay 01 own costs.

ROMANCE AND TRAGED1. PONTARDAWE SHOW-VAN WEDS A DWARF. At Pontardawe on Friday Elizabeth Cogger, wife of the proprietor of a ffrV saloon, which was at Pontardawe Fair week, was charged with attempted salC Mr. Henry Thompson defended.$0 Mrs. Day, another show-woman, defendant told her several times last gelf- -lay that she was going to poison her r iC Witness told her not to be foolish. L»^1 the day the defendant came to her ^et. jug in one hand and a paper in the ° 'ug'. Defendant drank the contents of The paper was marked "Carbolic acid." tJee'J dant. added the witness, must Jsave fll,l<> under the influence of drink, or jjip* never have done it. In answer to Mr. 1 j f» son, witness said that Mrs. Cogger pretty daughter of eighteen, who^ recently secretly married a dwarf. To had given defendant a lot of she had not been the game woman si Dr. Griffiths said that he knew of cottO women who had been reduced to sxnii'a ditions of irritability by trouble and t combined. Mrs. Cogger was all right a seut. c0&* The Magistrates bound her over to t up for judgment when called upon.

SWIMMING IN THE SEA. MAN PICKED UP IN THE CHANNEL. qaturd^ Whilst cruising off Penarth on one of the crew of a Channel noticed a man swimming some QtiXf away He put the boat about, arl T&? afterwards got the swimmer on boa • auo stranger, who was fully 'lre^1oersi°1^ appeared none the worse for his gave no account as to how b0 e° th, ft? water. He was put ashore at on landing made off. It is though g, man must have jumped overboara outward-bound ship. His appea that ol a ship's fireman.