Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

MR. GLADSTONE AND THE ARMENIANS. Mr. Gladstone, writing to the Duke of Argyll in reference to the Armenian Relief Fund, expresses satisfaction that E31,000 has been raised for the objects of the fund, but fears that this sum is still very insufficient for the purpose in view, and hopes the humanity of the country will afford further sup- plies to the extent of the need.

en!Mn PRESIDENT KRUGER. The Times correspondent in Pretoria says an un- easy feeling has snddenly arisen regarding President Kruger's acceptance of the invita- tion to visit London. The influence of the Hollanders is gaining ground and is very hostile to the proposed visit and to any friendly settlement. The Diggers' News, a Transvaal paper subsidised by the Government, has published an article attacking the Hollanders for opposing the President's visit, and urging that the future of South Africa depends on the settlement which the Presi- dent and Mr. Chamberlain may make. The first- class cruiser St. George, the flagship on the Cape station, has been fitted up to receive President Kruger and bring him to England in the event of his deciding to come. In an inter- I view with Reuter's correspondent at Pretoria, the President said he still had confident hopes that the negotiations in regard to his proposed visit to England would result favourably. The reports as to the extensive arming of burghers were, he said, much exaggerated. The Republic was on a friendly footing with Great Britain, and the people were only guarding against their enemies, not their friends.

THE British residents in Paris, under the leader- ship of Sir Edward Blount, have resolved to present Lord DufTerin with a testimonial on his retirement from the Diplomatic service in June. Lord Dufferin, by the way, has just been the victim of unscrupulous joiirnalis-,ti, of the American variety. A publication, called the Grand Journal, has just published an article which purports to give a conversation with Lord Duf- ferinon the subjectof Egypt. As the journalist describes the Ambassador as a man of great stature and with a closely shaven face, it is obvious that the article ie an invention. Otherwise it is so cleverly done, and so well calculated to impose upon the French public, that the Ambassador wishes it to be known that he declined to see the representative of the Grand Journal.

BRITISH OFFICERS IN THE EGYPTIAN ARMY. The following is the latest official list of offiders lerving with the Egyptian Army. It willbe seen that in several cases they enjoy higher rank in the Khedive's forces than when serving with their own corps Brevet Colonel Sir H. H. Kitchener (Brig. Gen. Egypt), R.E. Brevet Colonel A. Hunter, R. Lane. B. Brevet Colonel H. M. L. Rundle, R.A. Lieutenant-Colonel W. F. D. Cochrane. Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel T. J. Gallwey, M.D., Â. Med. Staff. Major G. E. Lloyd (temp. Lieut-Col.) S. Staff. R. Lieutenant-Colonel J. Rogers, A. S. Corps. Major C^S. B. Parsons (temp. Lieut.-Col.), R.A. Brevet Major F. R. Wingate, R.A. Brevet Major J. G. Maxwell, R. Highra. Brevet Maior E. F. David, R.M. Major D. P. Lewis, Ches. R. Major H. A. MacD-ohald, R: FUB. Major J. F. Burn-Murdoch, 1st Drs. Major H. W. Jackson, Capt. Gord. Highr*. Major G. W. H. Pain, Wore. R. Major J. Colinson, North'n R. oJ Major J. Sillem, Capt. Welsh R. Major R. H. G. Heygate, Capt. Bord. Be Major R. J Tudway, Capt. Essex R. Major P. W. Machell, Capt. Essex R. Major C. G. Martyr 6apt. D. of Corn. L.I. Major H. M. Sidney, Capt. D, of Corn. LL Major H. P. Shekleton, Capt. S. Lan. R. Captain H. A. Raitt, S. Staff R. Surgeon-Captain G. D. Hunter. A. Med. Staff. Surgeon-Captain R. H. Penton, A. Med. Statf. Captain W. E. O'Leary, R. Ir. Rif. Captain V. T. Bun bury, Leic. R. Surgeon-Captaia H. E. H. Smith, A. Med. Staff. Burgeon-Captain W. P. G. Graham, A. Med. Stti Surgeon-Captain C. S. Spong, A. Med. Staff. Surgeon-Captain J. E. Trask, A. Med. Staff. tain N. Legge, 20th Hussars. tain F. J. Pink, R. W. Stirr. R. ptain R. G. Broadwood, 12th Lancers. Captain B. T. Mahon, 8th Hussars. Captain W. S. Sparkes, Welsh R. Captain L. St. C. Nicholson, Liverpool R. Quartermaster (Hon. Capt.) W. H. Drage. A. S Corps4 Captain R. H. Adams, 2nd Dragoons, Captain D. G. Prendergast, S. Lane. R. I Veterinary Captain G. R. Griffith. Captain T. Souter, R. Highlanders. Surgeon-Captain P. H. Whiston, A. Med. Staff. Captain S. F. Judge, Shropshire L.I. j Captain N. J. Goodwyn, Devon R. Captain N. E. Young, R.A. Captain W. S. Gordon, R.E. Captain W. F. Walter, Lane. Fus. Captain C. E. Keith Falconer, Northumberland Fu-, Captain A. J. King, R. Lane. E. Captain A. de S. McKerrell, Cam'n Highlanders. Captain J. R. O'Connell, Shrops. L.I. Captain C. E. Lawrie, R.A. Captain II. G. Fit ton, R. Berks. R. Captain J. K. Watson, K. R. Rif. C. Captain G. G. Hunter, E. Kent R. f Captain E. A. Stanton, Oxf. L. I. Captain R. S; Webber, R. W. Fus. Captain M. Peake, R.A. Surgeon-Captain H. N. Dunn, M.B., A. Med. Staff. Captain L. P. Green-Wilkinson, Rif. Brig. Captain A. A. Fisher, W. York R. Captain C. Fergusson, G. Gds. Lieutenant M. A. C. B. Fenwick, R. Lane. R. Lieutenant N. E. Playfair, King's Own Scot. Bord. Lieutenant G. F. Gorringe, R.E. Lieutenant C. E. G. Blunt, A.S. Corps. Lieutenant H. V. Ravenscroft, Manchester R. Lieutenant F. J. L. Howard, A.S. Corps. Lieutenant H. C. B. Hopkinson, Sea. Highn. Veterinary Lieutenant A. H. Lane. Lieutenant A. G. Stevenson, R.E. Lieutenant M. G. E. Manifold, R.E. Lieutenant R. Polwliele, R.E. Second Lieutenant T. H. Healey, Cameron Highrg.

THE MAGAZINE RIFLE. In view of the announcement that the Government have decided to re-arm the Volunteer force with-, the magazine rifle, a brief description of this weapon cannot fail (says a writer in the Pall Mall Gazette) to prove .interesting to the general public. All civilized armies have been or are being armed with some pattern of small-bore magazine rifle, firing a sm»L mullet with a high velocity. For several years the tegular army in this, country has been armed with the Lee-Metford magazine rifle,, which carries 10 with the Lee-Metford magazine rifle,, which carries 10 cartridges in its magazine, the whole of which can be fired in a quarter of a minute. The rifle can also be used as a single loader "that is, without employ- ing the magazine, which, however, remains ready for use, and to prevent the catridges rising in the magazine, cut-off is provided. Whenever there is no pressing necessity for the use of the magazine its use is tobedvoidea, as continued extreme raplOlty of fire causes the barrel to become too hot for use. The diameter of the bore of the Lee-Metford rifle is *303in., and the bullet is a compound one, con- sisting of a core containing 98 per cent. of lead and 2' per cent. antimony. The core is covered by a thimble' made of 80 per cent. copper and 20 per cent. nickel. With the old black-powder charge the bullet had a muzzle velocity of 1850ft. per second, but with the smokeless powder ammunition the muzzle velocity is' 2000ft. per second. The charge in the latter case: consists of 30 grains of cordite in the form of small rods, about 60 in number, which are separated from the bullet by a thin glazed-board disc. The high velocity is advantageous in more ways than one from a military point of view. It gives great penetrative power, and the bullet will pass through two, or even three, men. At 40 yards it will penetrate 2in. into brick, and 4^ into the joints of a wall. It is considered that works behind which men are fighting against others armed with this weapon should be of the following thicknesses to render them proof against its bullets: Earth parapet, 24in.; wrought-iron plate, fin.; fir or elm 38in. Another advantage due to high velocity is that it gives a flat trajectory, which renders it easier to bit, as the bullet skims along near the ground. At any range up to about 500 yards it will hit a six-foot figure without the sights being altered and without aiming off the figure. The back sight is graduated up to 1800 yards, but the rifle is also provided with long-range sights for ranges' from 1600 to 2000 yards. Four descriptions of fire are recognised in the British army, viz. 1. Individual fire, which the soldier employs when acting alone, as, for instance, when skirmishing, or when on sentry. 2. Volley fire, which is generally employed on the attack at extreme, long, and medium ranges, and on the defensive at all ranges. 3. Independent fire, which is used in the last stage of the attack. 4. Magazine fire, which can be used with any of the above descriptions; but, as a rule, only under certain circumstances, such as the critical or final period of the attack or defence, or at objectives which are only seen for a short time, such as ctvah-y, artillery limbering up, or troops crossing "a bridge. Although only recently generally adopted, magazine rifles have been in existence for many years; and the older weapons, such as Sharp's and Remington's, were used in the American Civil War, in connection with which the following story is told by the inventor of the Gardner gun. A body of Northern troops, armed with magazine rifles, were holding a breast- work which. some Southerners attempted to storm. The Northerners reserved their fire till the enemy were close, when they fired a volley, which took effect; but the Southerners, thinking that now was their time, rushed on. A second volley somewhat staggered them, but, concluding that their enemies were armed with double-barrelled guns, they deter- mined to close with them before they could reload, and were still rapidly advancing, wtIen a was fired into their midst. This proved too much for the Southerners, who broke and fled. Well might Thomas Moore exclaim- Go, good civilian, shut thy useless book, In force alone for laws of nations look.

THE results of the meetings In different districts of the Lothians go to show that the miners in the east of Scotland will continue working, and are in favour of the policy of improved organisation rather than a restrictive arrangement. MR. T^ITZUAURICE, British Vice-Consul, who was sent to Biredjik to enquire into the position of the Armenians there, has telegraphed that at the time of the recent massacres 150 Armenians were killed. The remainder of the population, numbering about 1500 Earsons, embraced Ialamism in order to save their ves.

FOUR MEN DROWNED. (the fishing boat Quick Step, bound from Peel, Isle '6f Man, for the "Fenit fishing grounds, encountered a severe gale off the Hoggs on the night of March 20, and ran upon the reef at Maharees. A heavy sea broke over the little vessel, sweeping from her Captain John Cockhill, James Quillian, John Crillian, and John Locklin, all four being drowned. Subsequently the boat floated off, and arrived at Fenit in a damaged condition with three survivors.

THE KHALIFA EL MAHDI. SKETCH OF IIIS LIFE AND CHARACTER. Slatin Pasha sketches an interesting, though grue- lOme, figure of the Khalifa el Mahdi (successor of the Mahdi) in his book, "Fire and Sword in the Soudan." Sayed Abdullahi Ibn Sayed Mohammed is his full name. When quite a youth he was a slave raider. He joined the Mahdi at the age of 35, and was then a slim and active, though powerful man; but of late years he has grown very stout. He is now on the verge of 50, but looks much older, and his beard is almost white. At times," Slatin Pasha writes, the expression of his face is one of charming amiabiiility, but more generally it is one of dark sternness, in which tyranny and unscrupulous resolution are unmistakably visible. He is rash and quick-tem- pered, and when in this mood even his brother dares not approach him." Of extremely suspicious nature, he is still most susceptible to flattery, and receives the most fulsome laudations with pleasure. Abdullahi's pride and confidence in his own powers are indescribable. He firmly believes that he is capable of doing anything and everything, and as he pretends to act under Divine inspiration, he never hesitates to appropriate the merits of others as his own. CRUELTY OF THE KHALIFA. Of the Khalifa's cruelty the world has heard much. He is never happier, according to his former captive, than when he has brought people to complete destitution. During the Mahdi's life- time Abdullahi was entirely responsible for the severity of the proceedings enacted in his master's name, and for the merciless manner in which defeated enemies were treated. It was he who gave the order for no quarter at the storming of Khartoum, and it was he who subsequently authorised the wholesale massacre of men, women, and children. Without the smallest rhyme or reason he has caused the death of thousands of innocent people. He had the right hand and left foot of a certain Omar cut off in the market place because he had failed to make lead, which he had said he could do, and for which purpose he had received a small sum of money in ad- vance. Again, Slatin Pasha tells us that during the horrible execution and niutilatton of the Batahdin, a tribe which it was decreed had been disobedient, and 67 men of which were divided into three parties, one of which was hanged, the second decapitated, and the third horribly mutilated, the Khalifa had been pre- sent and had gloated over the scene. HIS PRIVATE LIFE. The Khalifa shows to most advantage in his private life. He is devoted, Slatin Pasha tells us, to his eldest son Osman, now a little over 21 years of age. When Osman, then 17 years of age, was married to his cousin, the Khalifa departed from the strict observances enjoined by the Mahdi, and arranged a series of banquets extending over a period of eight days, to which almost every inhabitant of Ondurman was invited. The Khalifa has a harem of over 400 wives. In accordance with the Mohammedan law, he has four legal wives, who belong to free tribes, but he never hesitates to divorce at his good pleasure. The other women of the household," continues Slatin Pasha, consist for the most part of young girls, many of whom belong to tribes which have been forced to accept Mahdism, and whose husbands and fathers fought against the Mahdi or his Khalifa. They are, therefore, regarded as booty, and have only the rights and claims of concubines, or in some cases of slaves. This large assortment of ladies varies in colour from light brown to the deepest black, and comprises almost every tribe in the Soudan. The Khalifa's prin- cipal wife is called Sahra and belongs to his own tribe. She is the mother of his eldest children Osman and Kadija."

THE VOLUNTEER RETURNS. The official returns of the Volunteer Force for last year have been announced, and show the number on the rolls and the number of efficients to be greater than in any previous year. Though the authorised establishment of 1895 was reduced from the 261,155 of 1894 to 260,968, the total of en- rolled volunteers increased in the year by 376, from 231,328 to 231,704; while the efficients increased by 437, from 224,525 to 224,962, the non- efficients decreasing by 61, from 6803 to 6742. The percentage of efficients has thus increased from 97'06 to 97*09 and the number of efEcients earning only the reduced grant of lOs. (not having completed their musketry) has decreased by 119, from 905 to 786. Of the 224,962 efficients, 7472 are officers (decrease, 93), and 217,490 non-commissioned officers and men (increase, 530).

IT is proposed in L'tah to organise, in co-operation with neighbouring States, an 1 Arid Region Exposi- tion," to bo held successively in the principal citipq nf tbe East, foi the purpose of showing the nrn,Wts and resources of the arid region and rif 1* f dispel the notion that still exists i'n tr^in«to that the country between the Rockies and the Skrra" covot £ OP6ie31 •'iesert'fvenJuP to sage brush and orchards PMmeD? °f Pr°ducts fr0I» the fields and orchards would oe shown, with samples of the mineral treasures of the region. SOME idea may be gained of the great progress niade m the export of frozen mutton from New Zealand by comparing the figures of last year with those of 10 years ago. In 1886 the quantity of meat exported from New Zealand was 38,758,1601b.; last year the exports amounted to 128,039,5221b. THE library of the New York Academy of Medicine was commenced in 1847, and now contains 33,100 Tolumes and 13,000 pamphlets. The medical depart- ment of the puolic library of Boston was founded in 1882 and now includes 19.600 volumes.

CURRENT SPORT. The Thames Hare and Hounds Cross-country Club concluded its 29th season on Saturday with an eight- ínile paperchase at Edgware. The occasion was marked by several special features. Mr. S. K. Hol- man (hon. sec. of the L.A.C., and amateur champion half-mile runner of 1880) emerged from a long retirement, and, in company with Mr. F. G. Rye and the Dragsmaa of the M.F.D.H., laid a splendid trait "he ex-champion travelled in fine form all the way. A large pack of. runners followed, E. H. Flack, the Australian ex-champion, figuring as first man home. A meeting of the Council of the National Cyclists' Union was-ijeld in London on Saturday. The pro- position by Mr. F. P. Low to allow amateurs and professionals-to compete against each other in open events was lost by 13 votes, namely, 26 for and 39 Against. The profit on the year's workings amounted to £ 118 17s. 5d., making a balance in hand of £ 878 5tf.- 10d. '!r" R. L. Jefferson started on Saturday from Wood- green fot^aride on his bicycle across the Steppes of Siberia. The final tie in the South of England Lacrosse Benio^' Flage decide# o*S*turday at the»4Jhis- wick-park Cricket Ground, Snaresbrook and Surbiton being the two clubs left for the contest. Although Snaresbrook had won the Challenge Flags for two years past it was hardly expected that they would be able to repeat their victory this season, as a good deal I of their former excellence has been lost. Surbiton, on the tither hand, have been in, Splfjndiii form throughout, having lost not a single match and having carried off the Senior Championships week previously., Consequently their -supporters.- > fully anticipated their success^in the Championship, and the confi- dence was amply justified by tha result. The ground was in goofl iarder when the game started, and for a time play was of a fairly even nature. Surbiton's strong attack, however, presently began to tell, and by half-time they had obtained the substantial lead of six goals to two. Snaresbrook started well in the second half by scoring the first goal, but this proved to be also their last. They did not score again, while Surbiton, who played a consistently good game, suc- ceeded in adding four more goals to their account,; thus winning the match by 10 goals to three. For a purse put up by Sir George Newnes, the late member for the Newmarket Division of Cambridge- shire, a golf match was played sver the Wimbledon links on Saturday by J. H. Taylor, the open cham- pion, and A. Herd, a Scottish professional attached to the Huddersfield Club. It was twice round the course — namely, 36 holes — and Taylor, after holding the lead for a long time, was beaten by three up and two to play. In the first round in the morning, occupying a couple of hours, Taylor started badly, and was three down at the fourth hole, but afterwards he squared the match at the tenth hole, and finished the first round one up. After lunch Taylor played indiffer- ently, whereas Herd was in splendid form. Herd turned for the last nine holes three upi Once he in- creased his lead to four, but in the end he only won by three up and two to play. Taylor bad not been beaten in a match for a great while. The best round on Saturday was Herd's 80 in the afternoon. A very large number of golf clubs held compe- titions on Saturday. The principal results were: Eltham Club's Bogey" Competition: A. J. Johnstone, one down. Mid-Surrey Club's Senior Monthly Medal: A. F. Waters, E. A. Walker, and H. R. Morrison, tied, each 85 net. West Middlesex <31ubJs Silver Medal: W. Jackson, 80 net. East Finchley Club's Gold Medal: C. Monro, 86 net. Epsom Club's Monthly Medal: G. Cosens, 94 less 9, ( equals 85. Willesden Club's Monthly Medal (short handicap): Bantock Pierpoint, 97 less 9, equals 88. Richmond Clu b beat Royal Ashdown Forest Club at Sadbrooi-park by 25 holes. A large number of hockey matches were decided on Saturday last, the principal results being: Molesey beat JBromley, at Molesey, by six goals to one. Surbiton beat Wiilesden, at Surbiton, five to three. East Sheen beat Ealing, at Ealing, six to nil. Croydon beat Hampton Wick, at Hampton Wick, three to one. Staines beat Blackheath, seven to one. Ilford Park drew with Grecians, one all. Hawks heat Waldegrave Park, at Strawberry-hill, four to IWO. 1 ytlJ S i'v: r ..r. In brilliant weather, and in the presence of about 20,000 spectators, the annual Association football match was played at Caroline-park, Dundee, and, after a thoroughly interesting game, Scotland proved victorious by four goals to none. This made Scot- land's 19th success in 21 games, the other two matches having been drawn. Scotland scarcely put, a representative side into the field, whilq Waleamade nO fewer than six changes from the team beaten by England at Cardiff during the week. At the outset: the Welsh forwards played in capital style, and were, perhaps, a little unfortunate in not scoring. Macfar- ,a lane, the Scotch goalkeeper, was in admirable form, and saved his side on several occasions. The Scotch forwards, too, made some capital rushes, but their mooting at goal was decidedly erratic. About half-' way through the first half Neil scored the first goal for Scotland, and for some little time after this Wales were plated on the defensive. Keillor added a second: Eint, and then Wales secured a good opening, but. orris and Pugh failed to take advantage of it. After Macfarlane had saved brilliantly the play became' open, and at half-time Scotland led by two goals to none. On resuming, Wales for a little while Eressed severely, but were unable to beat the. ome goalkeeper. Trainer for Wales also performed well in goal, but he was eventually deceived by a shot- from Neil, the ball hitting one of the uprights and, going through. During the last quarter of an hour the visitors played somewhat tamely, and just before! the finish the home team added another point, thus winning by four goals to none. The teams were us! follow Scotland: Macfarlane (Greenock Morton), goal MacLean (St. Bernard's) and Glen (Itenton), backs ■■ Gillespie, captain (Queen's Park), Neil (Hibernians) and Blair (Lanark), half-backs; Thomson (Dundee),r Paton (St. Bernard's), McCall (Queen's Park), Kin (Heart of Midlothian), and Keillor (Dundee), for' wards. Wales J. Trainer (Wrexham and Preston North End), goal; C. Parry (Newtown) and Mathias. baefcs; J. Rogers (Wrexham), C. A. L. Jenkyns (Builth and Woolwich Arsenal), and J. L. Jones (Rhuddlan and Sheffield United), half-backs; H. Pugh (Wrexham) and Garner, right wing: A. G, Morris (Aberystwitb), centre; J. 0. Rae (Aberyst- witb) and W. Lewis (Bangor and Chester), left wing, forwards. ,J': League— Division I.—Stoke v. Notts Forest' t4 Stoke, the home side won by one goal to none. Bk,try V. Aston, Villa At Bury, Bury won by five goals, to three. Blackburn Rovers v. Small Heath At Black- burn, the Blackburn Rovers won by two goals to unej League—Division II. Grimsby Town v. Notts County Notts at Grimsby won by three goals to none; Leicester Fosse v. Burslem Port Vale: At LeIcester. the home side won by five goals to none. Loughborough 1, Darwen Loughborough won by four goals to one at *x>nghborough. Newcastle United v. Manchester City eoali t«r °Wn ground Newcastle United won by four Town: At°Tt9' -^urt(>n Wanderers v. Rotherhami one. Livem^i00'the Wanderers won by six goals to ground Swi,fts 0n their ovTO on "7 six goals to one. The Midland Leag^TlI^- Kettering won by foS? v" Matlock Bushden v. Dresden United: n! f,00.6' Matlock. Rushden won by seven goals to one Trinity v. Doncaster Rovers 0jinsL Toro°! at Gainsborough, won by tw0 Tnn,t-V': Grantham Rovers v. Ilkeston: At Grantham^the Borers won by five goals to two. ntharn' tbe The Southern League (Div. I.)—Chatham v Ilford: At Chatham, the home side won by 8ix goals, to two. Swindon Town v. Beading: At Swindou, fieadinj won by two goals to one. Southampton St. MarVa v. Millwall Athletic On their own groiind, Southampton won by two goals to none. (Div. II.) — Wolverton beat Bromley, at Bromley, by one goal to. nil. let Scots Guards defeated the locals by five, goals, to two at Maidenhead. I ■r^^iatig?Cqp- —Semi Final. —Bolton Wan- derers v. Sheffield Wednesday: At Goodison J -g-r-vr T1iCT -At 1 »#. M .:< £ 3* j V s, ::#r-: -to Park Liverpool, this game was played under favourable conditions. On their form in the League competition the teams were, well matched, and the expectations of a hard ffglit were fully realised, the match after varying fortune* end- ing in a draw of one goal each.—Derby County v. Wolverbampton Wanderers: The tie between these v clubs was contested at Perry Bar, Birmingham. The conditions were in every way favourable, and a splendid contest was witnessed. Mainly on the score of their superior record in the Football League, Derby County were favourites, but as is so often the case in Cup competitions a surprise was effected, the Wan- derers, after a keen battle, winning by two goals to one. The Amateur Cup.—Semi-Final Round.-R. A., Portsmouth, v. Shrewsbury Town: At Reading, the Royal Artillery won by two goals to one. Darlington v. Bishop Auckland: At Middlesbrough, Bishop Auckland won by three goals to two. Club Matches.—Corinthians v. Sheffield United: At the Queen's Club, West Kensington, the Corin- thians were defeated by four goals to none. Lanca- shire Amateurs v. Sussex At Worthing, Sussex won by three goals to two. Wycombe Wanderers v. West Bromwich Albion The West Bromwich Albion won at High Wycombe by four goals to one. Sunderland v. Newton Heath: At Newton Heath, Sunderland won by one goal to none. Preston North End v. Everton: At Preston, each side scored four times, and the result was a draw. Old St. Stephen's drew with Civil Service (two goals each) at ShepherNs- bush. Luton beat Royal Scots by seven goals to one at Luton. — Northern Rugby Union.-Tyldealey v, Hull: At Tyldesley, the, home side won by six tries to nil. Hunslet v. Widnes At Hunslet, the visitors won by two goals and four tries to two, goals and. one try. Leigh v. Stockport: At home, Leigh won by two goals and two tries to a goal. Warrington v. Batley: At Warrington, the home side won by two tries to a dropped goal. Huddersfield v. Liversedge: At, Huddersfield, the home club won by three goals and two tries to nil. Runcorn v. Bradford: At Run- com, Bradford-were beaten by a goal and two tries to a goal and one try.. Manningham.v. Leeds: The visi- tors, at Manningham, lost by three goals and two tries to one goal. Broughtoai: Rogers v. Brighouse Rangers: At Broughton, the visitoas won by a goal, and a try to a try. Wakefield Trinity v. Halifax:, The visitors won, at Wakefield, by a goal and two tries to a try. Oldham v. Roqhdale Hornets At Oldham, the Hornets lost by two goals and two tries to one try. Wigau V. St. Helens: Wigan won, at home, by two goals and a try to nil. I fXancashire Rugby Competition.—Morecambe v. Salford: The home club, at Morecambe, won by three tries to nil. Rugby Club Matches.—Cardiff v. Newport: At Cardiff, Newport won by a goal and a try to nil. R.M.C. v. United Services At Sandhurst, the Cadets won by a goal to nil. Wickham Park v. Old Merchant Taylors: At Richmond, Wickham Park won by a dropped goal to nil. Blackheath v. Man- chester At the Rectory Field, Blackheath won by eight goals and two tries to nil. Gloucester v. Penarth At Gloucester, Penarth won by a goal to a try. A football match under Association rules between teams representing London and the Army was played jn Monday at Ley ton, and resulted in a tie of two goals each.

WANTED, A NAME. The new method of picturing the umseflh is (says the British Medical Journal) still adding t.) its con- quests but altliough:it has acquired cefebniy enough it has not yet won for itself a name. The term new photography is a mere stopgap, and an unsatis- factory one at that. Besides being altogether wrong (except on the principle of Ituiis a non luccndo), it is open to the objection that in a very few years it will come under the operation of the law of retirement on the ground of-age. Our contemporary Plwtograplty thinks Rontography as good as many words that have been coined in these latter days, while it also tells the story." We cannot say we like the word, it certainly is not beautiful, and as it would certainly be corrupted into runto^raphy "it would soon cease tb tell the stJory. We should be glad if the discoverer's name could thus be perpetuated in his intellectual offspring but, unhappily, Professor Rontgen has not the good fortune on which Byron congratulated Goethe—of having a name sufficiently euphonious for the articulation of posterity. "Elect resciograpby," which has been suggested mole ruit sua; even the mitigated form" electrog-raphy" is something un-, wjieldy ffir these days of breathless hurry. Besides, it would degenerate into electro," and breed confusion. Shadowgraph y is an impossible monster. Scia- graphy has the authority of the Greek dictionary, but with a different meaning. We rather incline towards, "Sciography," which is equally legitimate in struc- ture, and yet, being new, is open to no question as to I validity of title. Radiography," which has been proposed by Dr. Hill Norris, albeit it comes trip-, pingly, epough off the tongue, is a trifle yagpe.! Scotography," which has recently been suggested,by; Mr. Justice Wills, expresses the fact that in the new. method there is "no light, but only darkness visible, but it is hardly in accordance with the principles. of scientific nomenclature tc name a thing according to, what it is not instead of what it is. On the whole,, perhaps we had better wait till the true value of the, x has been determined, before finally deciding upon a name.

BUYING AN ISLAND. It is rumoured that M. Henri Mcnier, who has won fame in yachting circles, is the purchaser of the; island of Anticosti, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, jfor the sum of E32,000, which works out at about 910,000 per square mile. It is rather strange that; this island, with its by no means severe climate, its excellent soil, huge forests, and abundance of fi,,h,: should never have attracted colonists. The inhabH tants are said to number only 300 or 400, some of whom are probably French. No doubt the chief' reason for its neglect must be traced to the fact that' the coasts are dangerous of access and the harbour accommodation practically nil. If M. Menier has' any hope of turning his property to account as yachting station he will certainly be disappointed. It is difficult to believe that he entertains any Chauvinistl design of hoisting the Fre,hdi flag'Witliin the Dominion of Canada though Jacques Cartier three and a half centuries ago unfurled the banner of Francis 1. on this inhospitable shore. One would like to know who was the vendor, for it was supposed that the soil was owned by the Crown.

ITALY AND ABYSSINIA, STATEMENT BY THE WAR MINISTER. Thli debate on the African credits was continued in the Chamber m R&me•on-March 21. General Ivi'cotti, Minister of War, said the heroic conduct of the troops in tlier bottle of Adowa had more than maintained the prestige of the army. It was certain that two generals, half the other officers, and a third pf the soldiers engaged had been killed. The Marguis tli Iiudini, who next spoke, laid stress on Italy's friendship with Great Britain and on the value ^hioh he attached to it. It was incorrect with Abyssinia had heen con- cluded. Aeogotiations were going on. He had never thought of the conquest of Tigre, but denied that he hnQ ever said that Italy should abandon hei^protectorate in Erlli ia. Inotion by Baron Sonmni, ex-M,ni8ter of the Treasurv, for the order of the day pure and simple, was opposed bv the Government, and rejected by 210 to 119 "votes 72 Deputies abstaining. A motion demanding the recall of the troops from Africa was rejected without a division, and the Credits Bill wns eventually adopted, on a secret ballot, by 211 to 57 votes. The Chamber then adjourned till the 28th of April.

THE Oxford University authorities have done honour to themselves bv conferring the degree of M.A. on Dr. A. M. Fairbairn, the Principal of Mans- field College. Dr. Fairbairn is one of the best known men among the Congregationalists. Born in Leitn about 60 years ago, he pursued his early studies at Edinburgh University, and had his first important change in Aberdeen, which he left IS years ago to assume the post of Principal of Airedale Congrega- tional College. From Airedale he removed to Oxford in 1886. Hiscareer furnishes a striking example of innate ability combined with steadfastness of purpose ^oundinga^Dr 5"°! .trim"phin^ manding infence Pre!lc!lcr of com; thoughtful writer ° a Yprol,S ,a acute critical faculty^ d ^a^,eB and aD ,jQ7 l.: &xxt tun ¡

PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT- HOUSE OF LORDS.—MARCH 23. FINANCIAL RKLATIONS COMMISSION. Lord Belper informed Lord Morris that the delay in the presentation of the Report of the Financial Relations Commission was attributable in part to the death of the Chairman, Mr. Childers, whose sue- ceesor had not yet been appointed.

ROAD LOCOMOTIVES. Lord Harris presented a bill to amend the law with respect to locomotives on highways, and explained thac its object was to remove those disabilities which now prevented the use and, consequently, the manu- facture of light locomotives. It was sought to exempt these vehicles—in which considerable public interest was shown—from certain statutory prohibi- tions, while imposing certain restrictions as to weight and traction. Local authorities would still have powers concerning the regulation of traffic, and the making of rules would be vested in the Local Government Board. Moreover, the bill would con- tain a provision as to the use of petroleum and other inflammable liquids for fuel. Answering Viscount Clifden, Lord Harris said that he did not think the measure excluded electricity as a motive power. The I bill was read a first time. The Burglary Bill and the Poor Law (Ireland) i (Women) Bill passed the final stage, and the Army Annual Bill, from tbfe Commons, was read a first time. HOUSE OF COMMONS. NO CHART 1 BED COMrANY FOR ASIIANTI. Mr. Harrison inquired whether proposals 'had recently been made for the grant of a charter to a Company in the Ashanti district, or in some part of Western Africa; if klO, whether any and what Treaties had been made conceding to her Majesty powers of government in any district to which such proposals referred;, and whether the Government would abstain fronl advising her Majesty to grant any powers of govern-, ment by charter to a commercial company until the, 'I policy and right to grant such powers bad been dis-: cussed in Parliament. Mr. Chamberlain, in answer,) said that there was no intention to grant any charter! to any company in the West Coast Colonies; and,) further, that no proposals had been made for thej grant of a charter. THE BUDGET. Mr. Smith-Barry was informed by Mr. Balfouri lhat the Budget would be introduce on Thursday, April 16. CATTLE DISEASE. On the order for the second reading of the Diseases, af Animals Bill. Mr. White moved, and Mr. Price seconded, the rejection of the measure, arguing that ao case had been made out for a permanent bill con- taining such stringent provisions, that it would render it almost impossible to import store cattle from Canada, that the price of meat would thus be raised, and that the few cases of pleuro-pneumonia iiscovered in Canada did not justify the bill. The I measure was supported by Mr. Grant Lawson, and riticised by Sir G. Trevelyan, who maintained that ao reason had been shown for what virtually amounted to the exclusion of Canadian cattle for ill time. Mr. Long said that all the bill proposed to do was to make statutory what was now optional. It would remove from the Board of Agriculture to Parliament the power of prohibition, and in this way give the majority of the representatives of Agriculture that security which they said was necessary for them in carrying on their industry. He ridiculed the idea that it would complete the ruin of the farmers, and denied that its tendency would be to raise the price pf either cattle or meat. In the course of subsequent discussion, in which a large number of members took part, the bill was opposed by Sir A. Rollit, Mr. G. Whiteley (who, as a Conservative, declined to support what he termed an English Land League"), Mr. Bryce, and Mr. Mun- della, and supported by Mr. Knox and Mr. Strachey. Colonel Russell expressed his inability to vote either for or against the bill. Mr. Balfour denied that the bill contained the elements of Protection or would raise the price of meat. The Government had no wish to give an unfair benefit to the English at the expense of the foreign producer; all they desired was to put the trade in cattle on a foundation of permanence and stability, thereby enabling farmers to invest capital with a reasonable hope of obtaining a fair return for that investment. After some remarks from Mr. Birrell, the bill was read a second time by 244 agàlnBt 1J5. The Consolidated Fund (No 1) Bill was read a third time, the Naval Reserve Bill was read a second time, and some other measures were advanced,

MR. H. H. ASQUITH AT SWANSEA. Mr. H. H. Asquith, M.P., on March 21 visited sweams, rnd- in the afternoon spoke at a meeting held to make a presentation to Mr. Randell, M.P. for the Gower Division. He referred to Mr. Randell's services in the promotion of legislation for the benefit of the working classes, and, dis- cussing the question of employers' liability, expressed the opinion that no measure deal- ing with that subject would be woith tbe paper on which it was printed unless it was accompanied by the prohibition of contracting out. In the evening Mr. Asquith was the principal speaker at a large meeting of Liberals. He defended the policy and proposals of the late Government with regard to Welsh Disestab- lishment. In regard to the .Armenian question, our in- tervention bad failed to prevent, if it had not pro- voked, the slaughter of thousands of Armenians, and it had left the Sultan in the possession of an irre- sponsible and uncontrollable authority such as he had not enjoyed for the past 40 years. It might be true that it was impracticable to procure better government for Armenia, but if Lord Salisbury had reason to know that, then he bad said and done a great deal too much. Recent events had exposed, once and for ever, the folly and futility of Lord r Beaconsfield's Eastern policy. The controversy with the United States over the Venezuelan question had apparently passed into a more peaceful and promising phase. As to Egypt, every Englishman and Welshman, without distinction of party, ought to re- gard with pride and pleasure the work which our officers had achieved in that country during the past 14 years. He admitted that the time had not come when we could safely leave the Egyptians to stand by themselves but our pledges in regard to evacuation remained, and we were bound to do nothing that would make the fulfil- ment of those pledges more difficult in the future. He contended that the Dongola expedi- tion was really an endeavour to renconquer for Egypt what she was not strong enough to hold for herself, that the necessity for the undertaking had not been proved, and that the time for it had been badly chosen. Mr. Asquith, after criticising the domestic programme of the Government, closed with some words in general vindication of the aims and policy of the Radical party.

NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION. The Duke of York presided on March 21 at the 72nd meeting of the National Lifeboat Institution, held in St. Martin's Town- Hall, in London, and, in moving the adoption of the report, reviewed the work of the institution during the year, mentioning that 533 lives and 35 vessels were saved by lifeboats. A Lifeboat Saturday collection was to be instituted in London on the 16th of May. The Duke concluded by urging the claims of the institution to the support of all classes of the public. The report was adopted, and other business transacted. The Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Dudley, Mr. Macartney, M.P., Admiral Sir G. Willes, the Earl of Drogheda., Lord Duncannon, and Sir E. Birkbeck were among those who took part in the proceedings.

DR. JAMESON'S SUCCESSOR. fcarl Grey left Waterloo on March 21 for South Africa to commence his duties as joint Administrator of the British South Africa Company's territory. Many friends of his lordship assembled at the station to see him off. Among these were the Duke of Abercorn (President of the British South Africa Company), the Duchess of Abercorn, Captain Holford, the Earl of Morley, Mr. G. Cawston, and Mr. Alfred Beit (the director of the Chartered Company), Mr. B. Hawksley (solicitor), Dr .Ruther- ford Harris (secretary), and Mr. and Mrs. Lawley. A special compartment was reserved for Lord Grev, who was accompanied by Mr. Benson. The Countess Grey and her daughter, Lady Victoria, will leave England in about six weeks' time to join his lordship.

CANADIAN SCHOOLS AND COPYRIGHT. A Commission has been appointed to proceed to Winnipeg to negotiate with the Manitoba Govern- ment with a view to a compromise for the settlement of the schools difficulty. Meantime the consideration of the Manitoba Schools Bill will be proceeded with. The session of Parliament will end. on April 25, and a dissolution will immediately follow. The Ministry of Justice is preparing a bill on the subject of copy- right, which embodies the leading features of Mr. Hall Caine's compromise, except the clause pro- hibiting the importation into Canada of British copyright works for a period of three months after publication.

LORD RIPON ON UNIVERSITY EXTENSION. Lord Ripon on March 21 delivered in the Egyptian Hall of the London Mansion House, the annual address to students of the London Society for the Extension of University Teaching. He took for his subject "The Political Uses of University Exten- sion," and laid stress on its importanco as enabling those who availed themselves of it to realise the nature and extent of the obligations involved in being British citizens, and more especially the character of the problems involved in our relations with our colonies and. dependencies.

A FATAL BOXING BOUT. A sensation was cnused in Swansea on the mora- ing of March 21, when it became known that Toin Davies, a well-known local boxer, had died from the effects of injuries alleged to have been received while boxing. The police went off on receipt of the intel- ligence of the demise of Davies in search of the man with whom it is supposed he was engaged.

THE VENEZUELAN QUESTION. The United States Venezuelan Commission on March 21 issued an official denial of the statement that they had reached a conclusion unfavourable to Great Britain. One of the Commissioners bays there is absolutely no jingoism or prejudice among them, and certainly not a particle of ill- feeling towards Great Britain. Every one of them would be glad to hear that Great Britain and Venezuela had adjusted their differences. The Secretary of the Coiumieeion tays that the British Blue-book, while remarkably full aud detailed, does not include all the documents which may be adduced in support of its conten- tion. A Washington despatch states that Lord Salisbury has telegraphed to the British Embassy that a memorandum correcting minor clercial errors in the Blue-book will be sent to the United States Government, and that, while the modifications are of no great importance, the new materials atrengthon the British case.

REAR-ADMIRAL DAWKINS DEAD. Rear-Admiral Richard Dawkins, whose death is announced at the age of 67, after being ill for some months, entered the navy in 1841, and as a lad of 14 was engaged as a first-class volunteer in the I Harlequin during the Chinese War of 1841-2, and in 1844 in the Sumatra. He received his lieutenant's com- mission in March, 1848, and served in the Modiste in the Baltic in 1854 and in the Glatton in the Black Sea during 1855. He was next employed in the China War of 1857, as first lieutenant of the Cal- cutta, and was present at the storming and capture of Canton, being mentioned in despatches. For these services he was promoted commander. In J863 he became captain, and at the close of 1878 was retired as a rear-admiral.

"CHARLEY," said a fond mother to her son, vidu are into that jam again." No, replied the little pet, you are wrong, ma the jam is into me. WHY should authors write lengthy books ? Because their ideas, scattered in short tales, would appear in different (indifferent) stories. IF you called on your sweetheart at dinner-time aod stayed till gas was on," why should you bt like Jvtpiter.—Because you would have sat till lights (satellites).

DEATH OF ARCHDEACON DENISON. The Ven. Archdeacon Denison passed peacefully away at an early hour in the morning of March 21, at East Brent Vicarage, near Weston-super-Mare, in the presence of his wife and other members of his household. The Bishop of Bath and Wells bad on Preceding evening sent the following telegram Give the archdeacon my love and blessing. You have our deepest sympathy." The dying man, on its receipt, ea^ressed himself well pleased with the know- ledge of having BO many friends, and remarked that be could leave tbe world in peace with all. The late Archdeacon Denison. who was fourth Ion of the late Mr. John Denison, M.P. (brother of the late Viscount Ossinfirton, Speaker of the House of Commons, 1857-72, of the Bishop of Salisbury, 1837-54, aad of the late Sir William Deni- son, K.C.B., Governor of Tasmania, Sydney, and Madras), was born in 1805. According to Men of the Time," be was educated at Eton and Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1826, taking a first-class in classical honours in 1828 was elected Fellow of Oriel College in the same year was University prizeman, gaining the Latin Essay, and the English Essay in 1829. He was curate of Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, from 1832 to 1638; mar- ried in 1838, Georgiana, eldest daughter of the Right Hon. J. W. Henley, M.P. for Oxen and became vicar of Broadwindsor, Dorset, whence he was transferred, in 1845, to the vicarage of East Brent, Somerset, and became Examining Chaplain to the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who advanced him in 1851 to the Archdeaconry of Taunton. He was an active member of the London and Bristol Church Unions," and a strong opponent of all schemes of Government education. In 1853, in consequence of a charge of unsound doctrine publicly made against him by Bishop Spencer, who was at that time discharging the functions of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Archdeacon resigned his Examining Chaplaincy, and preached in the Cathedral at Wells three ser- mons on The Real Presence," which he published as his defence. Proceedings were taken against him on account of matter containedrin those ser- mons, in January, 1854. In 1856 the Archdeacon was sentenced to deprivation of all his preferments by judgment of a court held at Bath, and presided over by the then Archbishop of Canterbury. This sentence was set aside, upon appeal to the Court of Arches on a point of law, and the judgment of the Court of Arches was confirmed, on further appeal, by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, February 6, 1858. The Archdeacon was editor of the Church and State Review, from its establishment in 1862 till August, 1805 and, as a member of the Lower House of Convocation in 1861 and 1864, was Chairman of the Committees, tho Reports of which issued in the condemEation of Essays and Reviews," and of Dr. Colenso's published writings. Archdeacon Denison published his autobiography under the title of "Notes of my Life," 1878. After the election of 1885, the Archdeacon published in December a pamphlet, Mr. Gladstone."