South Wales Daily News

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. [REUTER'S AND PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.] tl FRANCE. PARIS, Thursday afternoon.—Rentes closed 51if. 30c. PARIS, Thursday.—Delegates from the Municipal Council of Metz will give evidence against Marshal Bazaine before the commission of enquiry on the 5th of March. ACTION OF THE COUNT DE CHAMBORD. PARIS, Thursday Eveiiiii,Tho Count de Chambovd request his friends, for serious political reasons, to suspend their visits. The Assembly will adjourn on March 20th. GERMANY. BERLIN, Thursday.—Mr. Odo Russell was, yesterday, congratulated by the Diplomatic Body on the recovery of the Prince of Wales.

ABORTIVE ATTACK ON THE QUEEN. Mr. Gladstone announced in the Commons last night that Her Majesty on returning from a drive this after- noon, was followed up to the entrance of Buckingham Palace by a youth about 18 years old, who presented a pistol at the Queen. She showed no alarm, but simply withdrew herself within the framework of the carriage. The lad was instantly seized and disarmed. FURTHER PARTICULARS. The youth who presented a pistol at her Majesty, about five yesterday afternoon, is named O'Connor. A paper was found on him, the object of which was to obtain a pledge from her Majesty for the release of cer- tain Fenian prisoners. The pistol was not loaded, and was so primitive in construction, that had it been, it could not have gone off. The lad accused, who presented the pistol at the Queen, is said to have stated that he attempted to get at the Queen on the thanksgiving day, but could not penetrate the Guards. His appearance indicates in- sanity. THE CONTAGIOUS DISEASES BILL. The National Association for the repeal of the Con- tagious Diseases Act resolved yesterday to support the portions of Mr. Bruce's Bill relating to the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act and the better Protection of Women. There are points in the Bill which the Conference objects to. SHORT TIME MOVEMENT IN ABERDEEN. The Aberdeen moulders last night accepted the masters' offer to decide the fifty-one hours' question on the-basis of the Glasgow settlement. CHARGE OF MURDER. Isaac Lithon, apprehended on the charge of murder of a Tunisian merahant at Marseilles, was, yesterday, committed for trial by Sir Thomas Henry. THE THREATENED STRIKE AT LEEDS. The Leeds Dyers have conceded the nine hours limit. The hands engaged in the woollen, flax, and felt trades threatened a strike unless some concession is made to them. THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA. LIVERPOOL, FEB. 29. The British and African Steamship Company's steamer Leander arrived here this morning, with the mails and eight passengers from the West Coast of Africa, Grand Canary, Teneriffe, and Madeira. At Old Calabar trade was stopped. The ex-President of Liberia, after having been found guilty of malpractices, had made his escape from prison. Other news unimportant.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—THURSDAY. The Speaker took the chair at four o'clock. BIRMINGHAM SEWAGE BILL. On the motion for the second reading of the Birming- ham Sewage Bill, Sir R. PEEL moved that it be read that day six months. Sir C. ADDERLEY seconded the amendment. Mr. DIXON strongly supported the Bill as necessary for the health of the populous town and suburbs of Bir- mingham. Mr. MUNTZ also strongly urged the House to allow the Bill to go before the select committee. After some discussion, Mr. STANSFELD expressed an opinion that the House, according to the usual practice, ought to allow the Bill to go before the committee. The Bill was read a second time by a majority of 192 to 130. NEW MEMBER. Mr. MONCKTON took the oath and his seat for North Nottinghamshire. He was received with loud cheers from the Opposition benches. NEW WRIT FOR EAST GLOUCESTERSHIRE. On the motion of Mr. NOEL, a new writ was ordered for East G loucester in the room of Mr. R. S. Holford, resigned. EX-GOVERNOR EYRE. Mr. BOWRING gave notice that on Monday he would ask the Government if they intended to propose a vote for repaying the legal expenses incurred by Lieutenant- Governor Eyre in his defence. PROPERTY OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. Mr. MIALL gave notice that after Easter he would move for a Royal Commission to inquire into the revenues and property of the Church of England. THE TELEGRAPH SERVICE. Mr. HEADLAM gave notice of his intention to ask the Government if it was true that there was a large out- standing claim against the Government in reference to the purchase of the telegraphs. THE VACANT OFFICE OF SIR LOUIS MALLETT. In reply to Mr. BIRLEY, Mr. C. FORTESCUE said it was not intended to fill up the office lately held by Sir Louis Mallett. CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT. In reply to Mr. MUNDELLA, Mr. GLADSTONE admitted the necessity for a bill to pre- vent corruption in municipal elections but the machinery would be different from that required in the case of Par- liamentary elections, and he could not promise that a the subject would be introduced in the course of the present session. PERSIA AND THE INDIA OFFICE. Lord ENFIELD, in reply to Mr. EASTWTCK, said the Government were not prepared to agree with the recom- mendation of the Diplomatic Committee of 1871, to trans- fer the control of our relations with Persia to the India Office. THE RECTORY OF EWELMB. In reply to Mr MOWBRAY, Mr. GLADSTONE stated that in November the Rev. W- Harvey was admitted by the vice-chairman of the Uni. versity of Oxford to be a member of Convocation. He was admitted without any qualification whatever, subject to the condition of not voting for 180 days, as provided in tke statute. He was presented to the rectory of Ewelme in December by the Crown, and her Majesty was at that time advised that at the date of his presentation he was a member of the University of Oxford, and, therefore, such a member as her Majesty was entitled to present. The rectory became vacant in December The right hon. gentleman appeared to assume that the possession of the right of suffrance was the same thing as admission to Convocation, whereas the right of suffrance did not accrue until 180 days after admission. LOCAL TAXATION. In reply to Sir G. JENKINSON, Mr. HIBBERT said the Government intended to bring in a. Bill upon the subject of local taxation if the state of public business permitted but it would not deal with the inequalities of the present system of levying local taxa- tion. LOSS OF THE MEG^ERA. In reply to Mr. CORRY, Mr. GOSCHEN said he believed the report of the Royal Commission on the loss of the Megaera would be produced before the Navy estimates were submitted, but if not he would omit from, his statement all controverted matter with regard to that vessel. THE KOOKA MUTINY. In reply to Mr. HAVILAND BURKE, Mr. GRANT DUFF stated that after the suppression of the Koeka mutimy, 49 prisoners were executed by Deputy Commissioner Cowan, and 16 by Mr. Forsyth, Commis- sioner at Umballa. The proceedings taken by the Com- missioner were regular and not informal. Before the executions took place no communication was made to the Governor-General of India, but a telegram had been sent directing that all summary executions were to be stopped unless there was a special order from the Gover- nor-General. There was no objection to lay upon the table all correspondence relating to the Kooka insurrection. THE AMERICAN DIFFICULTY. In reply to Mr. DISRAELI, Mr. GLADSTONE stated that the American answer to the friendly communication contained in the Queen's speech had been dispatched, but he could not say when it would be received. THREATENED ASSASSINATION OF THE QUEEN. Mr. GLADSTONE announced that Her Majesty, on re- turning from her drive after the Court at half-past five, was followed up to the entrance of Buckingham Palace by a youth about the age of 18 or 19. who presented a pistol at her. Her Majesty showed no alarm but simply with- drew herself within the frame work of the carriage, whilst the attendants, who had at once dismounted, seized the lad and disarmed him. He had also in his possession a paper, the object of which was to obtain a pledge from Her Majesty for the release of certain Fenian prisoners still in custody. He was also informed by Col. Hardinge that the pistol was not fired; and he believed it was not loaded, and even if it had been loaded it was of so primi- tive a construction that it could not go:hff. The announcement created a profound sensation. THE BALLOT BILL. On the instruction for going into committee on the Parliamentary and Municipal Election (Ballot) Bill, Sir M. H. BEACH said, while fully accepting the deci- sion of the House with respect to secret voting, he could not see why the Government should have dealt with the more important portion of the subject, which related to corrupt practices, in a separate Bill Last year the whole question was dealt with in one Bill; and as it was certain that secret voting would greatly increase personation and other corrupt practices, he should move that the Corrupt Practices Bill be referred to the same committee. Mr. FAWCETT said that as a general election was pro- bably immiuent in a few months, the Ballot, after having been bandied about for years, was HOW a great measure but it was most undesirable that another election should tike place before the question of corrupt practices had been fully considered and provided for. Mr. FORSTER said that the Government had given every pledge of their sincerity. After their experience of last session, it was thought necessary, for the convenience of legislation, to separate the Bills, but he could assure the House that the Government desired to press both Bills as fast as possible. Mr. NEWDEGATE, at great length, denounced the Bill as degrading and Americanising the institutions of the country. Lord JOHN MANNERS said that the House ought to have an assurance from the Government that the Ballot would not come into operation before the Corrupt Practices-Bill had passed. Mr. FORSTER said that the Government would make arrangements to proceed with the Corrupt Practices Bill after the Ballot Bill had been reported. Mr. G. P. BENTINCK strongly opposed the Bill. Mr. F. S. POWELL regretted that he differed from his political friends in supporting this Bill, he believed that a large body ef the electors desired it not as a means for eoncealing bribery, but to release them from intimidation. Mr. COWLEY strongly disapproved of the Bill. Mr. W. FOWLER considered the Bill defective as regards corrupt practices. After some discussion in which Lord NEWRY, Mr. MUNTZ, Sir W. LAWSON, and Mr. ILINGWORTH took part, Alderman LusK supported the bill, whilst Mr. COR- RANCE, Mr. BERESFORD HOPE, and Mr. SCOURFIELD supported the amendment. Mr. GLADSTONE was willing to import certain clauses dealing with personation into this bill, but he could not consent to the amendment of Sir M. H. Beach. Mr. DISRAELI said, if an engagement was entered into to pass both Bills, so much time would be occupied, that it would prevent other important measures being con- sidered at all this session. He did not see the immediate connection between the two Bills, but there ought to be in this Bill some safeguard against personatien and he was glad that the Government consented to introduce them. The amendment was then withdrawn. [LEFT SITTING.]

PROVINCIAL INSURANCE COMPANY. The 19th annual meeting of the shareholders of this Company was held at Wrexham, on Monday last. Mr. Thomas Barnes, Chairman of the Board of Directors, presided. There were aglarge number of shareholders present. Mr, Robert Williams (the secretary), having read the notice convening the meeting, the report and accounts, which had been circulated amongst the shareholders, were taken as read. The directors report was as follows The Directors now present to the Shareholders a Report of the operations of the Company for the year 1871. In the Fire Department the gross Premium Income was C64,667 15s. 8d., out of which the sum of £ 7,523 9s. 5d. was paid for Re-Insurances and the Losses were -239,981 14s. 9d. In the early part of the year the Directors finding that the business of the Company's Branch in Scotland con- tinued unprofitable, resolved to close it. It is. however, gratifying t@ observe, that notwithstanding the conse- quent loss of Premiums, the Fire Income has only slightly decreased. In the Life Department the Premiums on New busi- ness were £3,353 15s lid., while the entire Income of the Department, after deducting Re-Assurances, was £41,582 9s. lid. The sum of Cll,970 12s. 9d was added to the Life Assurance Fund, which now amounts to 2165,528 7s. 2d. The Quinquennial Valuation of the Life business was made by the Consulting Actuary during the year, the result of which is given in the following letter received from him. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said he thought that the remarks he made in doing so ought to be of a congratulatory character, because the real position of the company had decidedly improved. Upon the face of the accounts, it might be supposed that the company had not made progress and did not stand in any better position than it did last year, but such a deduction would be incorrect. Though the amount of income was somewhat less than it was last year, it was, as regarded good business, decidedly better. By closing the business they were doing in Scotland, they had sacrificed an income of from zg4,000 to t5,000 a year, but they had nearly made it up with business that was likely to prove much more profitable. In some other departments, also, they had cut off business which, while it had contributed to swell the income, was not so profitable as they could wish. They had, in fact, been more select in the class of business they had done; and, the income being now from busine'ss of a better class, he thought he might say that the company was in a much better position, and had made real progress. The claims, as compared with last year, showed a decrease of something like £ 2,000. The position of the company with respect to losses reported in the current year was exceedingly promising, the amount being something like £10,000 less than in the corresponding period of last year. Considering that for several years in succession they bad had bad years, he thought that according to the law of averages, they might fairly look forward to some years of losses considerably below the average, in which case the accounts of the company would present at the end of next year a very much more favourable aspect than they did now. They had begun the year well, and they could only hope that they would go on well to the end. The losses last year were much of the same character as in the previous, except as regarded cotton mills. There was nothing very striking in any of them. He was glad to say that the expenses were less than they had been, and would be still further reduced, and the directors thought they saw their way to a saving during the current year in the expenses of the Fire Depart- ment of about XI,000, which would go far towards the payment of a fair dividend. In the Life Department, the business of the year had been rather less than in the previous year. The falling off had been chiefly in one district, which had been greatly affected by the col- lapse of the Albert and European Companies. The life business, as would be observed from the report of the actuary, was in a very sound condition. There had been a slight increase in the claims, but they were not beyond what might reasonably be expected from calculations based upon the tables. The company generally, as far as the directors could see, was going on in a favourable way. They had had to fight under adverse circumstances. The public knew that they had had losses in years past, and he trusted the public would very soon know that they were rapidly making them up. As to the result of the actuary's valuation of the Life business, it would be observed from the report that there was a surplus of 9,1,454 5s. 10d.. Of this, the report stated, about C450 was at the disposal of the shareholders. It bad been a question with the directors what they should recom- mend the shareholders to do with it; they had not a very strong feeling on the subject, but thry thought that, under the circumstances, it would be the wisest and best plan to declare a dividend of 2{¡ per cent. After referring to the appointment by the directors of Mr. Wilson Edwards as a member of the board, in the place of Mr. James R. Barnes, retired, and expressing his confidence that Mr. Edwards would render very efficient service to the company, the chairman concluded by moving That the report and statement of accounts be adopted." Mr. T. Griffith said nobody "could have listened to the chairman's exact and clear account without being in possession of all that he could wish to know as to the real state of the company. He rejoiced exceedingly that a small dividend was offered to the shareholders (ap- plause). There were now, he thought, bright prospects for the Provincial Company. The report was then unanimously adopted. A number of resolutions were then unanimously agreed to, including a vote of-thanks to the secretary. Mr. Williams, the secretary, said he was much obliged to the shareholders for their cordial recogni- tion of any services he had rendered to the company. It had been his fortune to serve the company now for something more than eighteen years, and all he could say was that during those years he had done the best he could. The services he had rendered might not have been very valuable, but they had been faithful (ap- plause). With regard to the last three years, they had been services rendered under no ordinary difficulties- difficulties caused not only by the losses they had sus- tained, but also by an opposition, not of the most scru- pulous character. However, they had got so far on in the battle, and had not been greatly worsted; on the contrary, as far as prospects were concerned, they were better than they had been for the last eighty years. He begged to add his testimony to the deservedness of the vote as regarded the officers of the company. He could state positively that the staff were as good as any staff that could be selected and with regard to one of them, My. Francis, he ought to say that he had been to him a most faithful co-adjutor, and had assisted him in every possible way, at every possible sacrifice of time, comfort, and personal convenience. The proceedings terminated soon after.

CARDIFF. THE TABERNACLE.—On Wednesday evening, the Rev. J. Jones (Lleurwg), delivered a lecture on The Church and the State." The chair was taken by the Rev. N. Thomas, who, with as little ceremony as possible, intro- duced the lecturer, who minutely reviewed the present state of public opinion on the subject, and then logically examined all the stock arguments brought forward by his opponents, cunclusively proving that their pretensions were veid of foundation in the Bible. This was the first of a series of lectures to be delivered at the same place. A vote of thanks terminated the proceedings. THE INFIRMARY.—The Treasurer of the Infirmary, Mr. W. D Bushell, has received the sum of <6H 6s., being a donation from the Catholic Clergy of Cardiff; also the sum of JS5 5s., presented by the owner of the Panorama, through the Mayor of Cardiff; also £ 1 Is. from the St John's Mission Bible Class. MOUNT STUART INDEPENDENT CHAPEL.—On Wednes- day evening the Rev. J. Farr delivered a very able and instructive lecture on Success, its theory, and how to attain it," at the above place of worship. There was a very gaod attendance, and all present seemed to be highly pleased with the reverend gentleman's remarks. The lecture throughout gave evident proofs of wide reading, and keen observation of men and things. The chair was occupied by Mr. D. Evans, of Loudon-square. GAS LIGHT AND COKE COAIPA-NY. The seventieth half-yearly meeting of this company was held in the Board-room at the company's offices, on Tuesday last, Mr. William Bird, the chairman of the directors, presid- ing. The report of the directors and an abstract of the revenue account and balance sheet were presented. A dividend was declared at the rate of ten per cent. on the A stock, eight per cent on the B stock, and seven per cent. on the paid capital created by the Act of 1870. The thanks of the meeting was voted to Mr. Bowen, the engineer and secretary, and also to the chairman and directors for their attention to the interests of the com- pany. SERIOUS ASSAULT UPON A LANDLADY.—At the Police Court yesterday, (before Mr. G. Phillips and Mr. A Bassett,) Daniel Doran was charged with assaulting Mrs. Williams, Merthyr and Dowlais Inn, Bute Terrace. On Wednesday night the prisoner went into the above house and called for some beer. Mrs. Williams refused to give him any, and she tried to turn him out of the house, when he caught hold of her, threw her down, struck her several times, and tried to choke her. The magistrates thought it a very serious assault, and they sentenced prisoner to one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

SWANSEA. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The usual weekly meeting was held at the workhouse yesterday, when there were pre- sent Messrs. J. T. D. Llewellyn (vice-chairman), in the chair, Edward Bath (vice-chairman), J. T. Jenkins, John Davies. Thomas Harry, David Jones, Thomas Jenkins (Clywordy), Will.am Llewellyn, and Alderman Rogers. The Master's journal showed that there were 267 in the house, as against 260 in the corresponding week of last year. Admitted during the week, eight discharged 27 dead, 1. Mr Thomas Harry wished to know whether the business transacted by the Board last week with regard to the canal and the Great Western Company was legal, seeing that they had a resolution on the books forbidding the expenditure of any sum beyond five pounds without giving previous notice to the. guardians. He felt very dis- satisfied with the matter altogether it was too hurried, and the guardians were unable to understand the various bearings of the question. Mr. J. f. Jenkins (the mover of the resolution) explained that the canal was about to taken by the Great Western Railway Company, which would necessitate a new Act of Parliament. The guar- dians were anxious to get a clause inserted in that Act to enable them to rate the canal property in the same manner (as to value) as the property adjoining, which they were unable to do under the Canal Company's Act. The Clerk (Mr. Haynes) had laid before them the draft of a petion to Parliament, for which he deserved great praise at their hands, inasmuch as the property, when properly rated, would be a source of greatly increased revenues to the union. The question of a new weighing- machine for the workhouse was deferred in the absence of the Chairman of the Board Mr. Alderman Phillips. There was no other business before the Board, and the relief list was proceeded with. LOVE AND SUICIDE.-The following further particulars respecting the case to which we alluded on Tuesday tran- spired at the inquest held at Swindon on the body of Mr. Ebenezer Bryant, which had been found in the canal near that town. The deceased was a commercial traveller of the firm of Leaf & Co.. London, silk mercers, and had been many years in their service. He had been at Swin- don on his journey, and from there it is supposed he went to Swansea, to see a young lady to whom he had been paying his addresses, but who had declined further tc receive his attentions. This seems to have preyed greatly upon his mind, he having some years since sustained an injury to his head which made him at times irritable, eventually overturning his reason. He came back to Swin- don, and walked along the canal from the station, plunging in about a qnarter of a mile from the station. Some letters found upon him left no doubt that his unfor- tunate love affair had affected his mind. Verdict, Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity." POLICE COURT, Thursday, (before Mr. S. Padley).— Thomas Matthews, a young man, who did not appear, and was out on bail, was charged by Anne Matthews, his wife, with violently assaulting her on the 24th inst. The defendant had been previously convicted. A warrant was issued for his apprehension. UNION CHAIIGESI-Evtn Williams was charged by Mr. Charles Tuckfield, relieving-officer, for the lower division of the borough, with neglecting to maintain his wife, and not appearing when summoned to do so. The defendant was ordered to pay tl- lis. lid., including costs, within fourteen days.—Richard Williams, a middle-aged man, was committed to gaol for one month for destroying his clothes at the Swansea Workhouse.

HAVERFORDWEST. THE MASONIC HALL.—This splendid building was thrown open to the public on Wednesday evening. An amateur entertainment of a first-class character was witnessed by a crowded audience. The artistic merits of the exterior part of the building, which has been the subject of so much praise for months past, are not con- fined to the outside. The interior displays the same good taste and able judgment. The entertainment cannot be spoken too highly of, the characters throughout being sustained in a manner that would have reflected infinite credit on an experienced company of professionals. PETTY SESSIONS.—At the petty sessions, held at the Shire-hall, yesterday, before Mr. J. W. Phillips and other magistrates, Cornelius Doyle, aged 14 years. was charged with stealing a quantity of oats from Mr. Sellick's stable, Quay-street. Sentenced to 21 days' imprison- ment with hard labour, at the expiration of which to be sent four years to a Reformatory School.

CAERPHILLY. FEBRUARY FAIR.—The fair this year was rather larger than usual. Horses were rather scarce, but a good price was asked for those present. Cattle were pretty well represented and obtained a quick sale. In the Cheese market but a very small quantity was for sale.

EBBW VALE. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Wednesday afternoon a collier, named Richard Edwards, was killed underground by a fall in No 9 pit. His death was instantaneous. He leaves a wife and children to mourn his loss. A NARROW ESCAPE. -As Mrs. Atkins was driving home in the dusk of the evening, she was met by a great con- course of people, followed by the Ebbw Vale brass band. The horse shied and became very restive, and bolted down the road at a great speed, but luckily he was caught, but not before considerable damage was done to the trap. Mrs. Atkins was very much alarmed but, we are happy to state that neither she nor the child she had with her sustained any serious injury. SINGULAR THEFT.—A bier belonging to Beaufort church was stolen the other night. What next ?

BRITON FERRY. ACCIDENT ON THE GLYNCORRWG LiNE.-On Tuesday afternoon four trucks loaded with coal were about to be let down the incline, and before they had travelled many yards the rope broke. The guards or breaksmen fortu- nately saw their danger, and jumped off without receiv- ing any injury. The trucks ran down the incline and came into collision with the empty one3 which were to be drawn up, smashing them to fragments. The road, how- ever, wis not much damaged. The men at the bottom flew in all directions, and luckily no one sustained bodily injury.

NEWPORT. GREAT EDUCATIONAL MEETING.—A crowded meeting was held last evening in the Town Hall to take into con- sideration the Education Act, with the view of supporting ML-. Dixon in the motion which he will make on the subject on the 5th inst. in the House of Commons. The chair was occupied by Mr. T. B. Batchelor, and about 20 of the leading Nonconformist ministers and the advocates (f undenominational education were on the platform. The chairman, in opemino- the meeting, explained that it hld been convened for the purpose of protesting against the 25th and other clauses in the Act which were subversive of the fundamental principle of civil and religious liberty. The Liberal Government had passed the Act in opposi- tion to and independent of the protest of Dissenters and the Ministry appeared to think they could do so with im- punity, despite the conscientious scruples of Noncon- formists and the more advanced Liberals. Mr. Forster endeavoured to make out that the Act had not been in operation sufficiently long to ascertain whether it was defective and inoperative. But Nonconformists, and those who were opposed to sectarian education contended that a gross injustice should not be tolerated any longer than it could be helped (applause). He defended Dissenters from the charge that they were a party to the compromise, and he concluded by asking the enthusiastic speakers^ to use temperate language, and he hoped that the meeting would be orderly and well conducted, so that they might arrive at an intelligent and dispassionate decision.— The Rev. Mr. Oliver was called upon to move the first resolution, expressing approval of Mr. Dixon's proposed motion. He entered, at considerable length, into the question, explaining the objections that Dis- senters had to the State overstepping its functions, in attempting to impart religious instruction which appertained to the parents themselves, and to Christian Churches. He quoted lengthened statistics to show that so-called denominational education, as conducted at vast expense to the Government in our National Schools, had proved a complete failure. Not only were the children in a vast majority of cases completely ignorant of ele- mentary education, but their presumed religious instruc- tion was deplorably deficient. He condemned in elo- quent language the action of the Liberal Government in attempting by the Educational Act to coerce Dissenters. The resolution was adopted by acclamation. Several other able addresses were delivered, and the proceedings were of a most unanimous and enthusiastic character.

Mr. Dixon, M.P., President of the National Education League, has received* a letter from the Rev. John B. M'Clellan, Vicar of Botisham, Rural Dean of North Camp, in the diocese of Ely, and late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, thanking him and the League for their gallant efforts in the cause of education, and their firm stand against the Conservative measure devised and carried by a Liberal Cabinet." Mr. M'Clellan records his protest against the use of local rates or Government grants for denominational schools, and contends that the Con- science Clause is ineffective and unequal in its working. He also congratulates the Birmingham Town Council on their refusal to obey the precept of the School Board PAPAL INFALLIBILITY IN SWITZERLAND.—The Eidgermossenschaft reports that, at a private meeting which has lately taken place, there were passed in review the Raines of the ecclesiastics of the entire Canton, and there were found 53, as well cures and vicars as canons and professors, who do not acknowledge, and never will acknowledge, the dogma of papal infallibility. The names are printed in full in the above-mentioned jour- nal, which has now made its appearance. According to the Nouvelliste, this newspaper has been started by a com- pany, and the number of shares united at the com- mencement to 400 are almost all taken up. Some communes and districts are peculiarly distinguished by their partici- pation in the undertakiiig.-Suiss Times. THE NEW M.P. FOR NORTH NoTTs.-The Hon. George Edmund Milnes Monckton, who has just been returned in the Conservative interest as member for the Northern Division of Notts, in the room Of the late Speaker, Mr. Evelyn Denisom (now Lord Ossington), is the only son of Viscount Galway; his mother was Henrietta Eliza, only sister of Lord Houghton, and he was born on the 18th of November, 1844. He was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his bachelor's degree in 1866, obtaining a second-class in the school of law and modern history. Mr. Monekton is a magistrate for Nottinghamshire, and he now enters Parliament for the first time. His father has sat as member for East Retford since the general election of 1847. ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.—At the last meeting of the Geographical Society, the president, Sir Henry Rawlinson, announced that the Livingstone expedition vessel Abydos, had arrived at Malta on the 23rd inst. The progress of the finances continued exceedingly satisfactory, some of the contributions shewing also the great amount of interest felt in foreign countries. One hundred guineas had been received from Stockholm by Count Platten; fifteen guineas from the Imperial Geographical Society of Italy, and by intelligence from Mr. Whympen Y,100 had been put at his disposal by the still charred and blackened city of Chicago. The total sub- scribed to the present time amounted to £ 4,242. During the meeting a telegram was received from Zanzibar dated the 7th January, stating that the Sultan had just gone to Mecca. The paper of the evening was a translation and modification by Mr. Delman Morgan of an account by the Russian Archimandrite Palladius of his travels in Man- churia, which is ramarkable as being a description of the famous territory of Tsichar by the first modern European who has traversed it. A NEW FASHIONED THANKSGIVING.—The Sia- mese have been holding a Thanksgiving, but not precisely for the same reasons as ourselves. The Siamese Prince did not recover from his illness, but died. His remains were placed, after burning, in a golden urn, and the two Kings united in performing his obsequies with great splendour, of which "great rejoicing and theatricals "formed a rather singular part. The same curious idea of conducting the dead in a cheerful manner to their last home may be seen any day in Cairo, where a recent traveller describes an up- roarious scene of merry-go-rounds, music, and dancing in a market-place. The dragoman, questioned as to the meaning of the entertainment, replied impressively, This is lamentation; it is for a Princess lately dead. On the whole it may, perhaps, be questioned whether these Eastern notions of a proper mode of interment be not a. good deal more agreeable, and in no degree less reverent to the departed than our disgusting and vulgar pomp of beery mutes, and hearses with dingy ostrich feathers, and all the rest of our undertakers' triumph of death.-Echo. MR. BRIGHT AND THE WORKING MEN OF LONDON. —A meeting of the leading working men-to consider the propriety of presenting a congratulatory address to the Right Hon. John Bright, M.P., on his restoration to health and return to public life-met at Bolt-court, on the 13th "jfj m ^.°,a cir°ular, and a letter was afterwards addressed to the right hon. gentleman, asking -whether ha would consent to receive their address; and to fix the time and mode of its presentation. The following is Mr. Bright^ replyRochdale, Feb. 19.—My dear Sir,—I ™ thank your friends and yourself for the resolution ox which you have sent me a copy; but I am puzzled as to; the reply I should make to.-your kind and flattering pro- posal. I am not going up to London to attend Parliament immediately, although it is a great disappointment to me to be so long absent from the duties which I owe to ray constituents but I know well that it -is far better for me to give myself a little more time than to plunge into the turmoil of public life before I am well enough to encounter it. I must ask you to let the matter rest for a time. I cannot object to receive your address, so kindly intended and so complimentary; but I should prefer a postpone- ment of it to some period which may be better for me, and perhaps not less convenient for those who may wish to see me in connection with it. I beg you will convey my thanks to those with whom you are associated, for the kindness they intend to shew me. I am very sensible of the value of their good-will and friendship.—Believe me, very truly yours, vlfN BRIGHT. Mr. GeorgeoPotter, 10, Bolt-court, London." At a committee meeting, held on Saturday, the correspondence was read by the secretary, and arrangements made for getting the co-operation of the whole of the working men of London, without reference to section or parties, so as to be prepared to present the address when Mr. Bright is willing 10 receilro it. and in a manner which he may approve. M. Joly, the. counsel who pleaded so eloquently the cause of Rossel at Versailles, has been struck out of the roll of lawyers, owing to the accusation of aboad of trust brought against himisy the family Q&blmtlaut BREAKFAST.-Epps's COCOA.—GRATEFUL AXD COMFORTING,—"By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the opera- tions of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills."— Civil Service Gazette, Made simply with Boiling Water or Milk. Each packet is labelled —"JAMES Epps & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Also, makers of Epps's Cacaoine, a very thin beverage for evening use.