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

THE PRINCESS OF WALES AND THE LIFEBOAT SERVICE. On Monday the Princess of Wales personally pre- sented medals to two coxswains of the Royal National Lifeboat Institutions, as rewards for gallant services in saving life. The ceremony took place at Marl- borough House in the presence of the Prince of Wales, attended by Lord Colville of Culross, Colonel Stanley Clarke, Mr. Holzmann, and Mr. F. Knollys. There were also present Mr. Edward Birkbeck, M.P. (chairman of the Lifeboat Institution), Colonel Fitzroy Clayton, Mr. Cave, Admiral Ward (members of the committee), Mr. Charles Dibdin (secretary), Captain the Hon. H. W. Chetwynd, R.N. (chief inspector of lifeboats), Mr. Harman (chairman), and Mr. W. Wrench Towse (hon. secretary of the Clacton branch of the institution. The recipients of the decorations were Robert Legerton, the coxswain of the Albert Edward lifeboat, stationed at Clacton, who has assisted to save ninety-one lives, and Rowland Hughes, the coxswain of the Moelfre (Anglesey) lifeboat, who at the ad- vanced age of 82 years, is now retiring from the post, after thirty-four years' service, having assisted to save forty-nine" lives. Each of the men was personally presented with the medal by her Royal Highness, and they were congratulated by their Royal Highnesses on their heroic services. The Princess of Wales has always taken a deep interest in the lifeboat work, and on the occasion of one of their Royal Highnesses' visits to the late Fisheries Exhibition she was pleased to express a wish to become vice-patroness of the National Lifeboat Institution, and gave a donation to the funds.

THE BLOOMSBURY SAFE ROBBERY. In London, at the Central Criminal Court, Benjamin Jordan, 36, labourer; Henry George Chapman, 21 Alfred Thornton, 51, framemaker and Frederick Hadden, 23, labourer, were indicted for a burglary upon the premises of the Dairy Supply Company, 28, Museum-street, Oxford-street, and stealing a safe. One of the servants of the company, upon going by the premises about a quarter to four o'clock on the morning of the 1st of February found that they had been entered, and the safe which contained money and securities of the value of £ 800, bad been stolen. The manager's room was strewn with chaff used to deaden the sound in removing the safe, and the window was open top and bottom. Inquiries were made, which resulted in its being discovered that Police-constable Lockwood, while on duty in New Oxford-street, had seen Jordan's pony and trap standing there. Inspector Langrish and other officers went to Jordan's house, No. 5, Bale-street, Stepney, and in reply to questions he said that his pony and cart were not away the previous night. The officers, however, entered, and discovered in a back room the safe, which weighed seven hundred weight. It was unopened, but an attempt had been made to open it, and several chisels were lying near. He was taken to the station, and then he said that he did not do it himself, but he removed the safe and they were going to give him half the proceeds. The other prisoners were subse- quently arrested and were all indicted as having been connected with the removal of the safe. The prosecutor called on the prisoner Jordan as a witness, and also his wife. Chapman, commenting upon answers of the latter, said it was untrue, as she stated, that fchey all returned to her husband, in a pony and cart with the safe, as six of them followed in a cab. (Laughter.) The prisoners were convicted. It was proved that Thornton had already been convicted, and that Hadden had been a customer for about four years and a half with the Dairy Supply Company. The Recorder sentenced Jordan to nine months hard labour, and Chapman to 18 months the other prisoners were each sentenced to five years' penal servitude.

THE DUTCH CONSTITUTION. A telegram from the Hague states that the report of the Royal Commission formed to submit to the King the changes considered desirable in the Consti- tution has been published. The following are the principal recommendations: The enactment that naturalisation can only be obtained by law to be re- pealed. The established order of the succession to the Throne to remain unchanged. In the event of a regency the Ministers will not have seats in the Council of Regency. Treaties with foreign Powers containing clauses which require the sanction of the States-General to be submitted to the latter in their entirety. The suffrage qualification for elections to the Second Chamber of the States-General to be considerably reduced. The number of members of the Second Chamber to be definitely fixed at ninety. The members to be elected for four years. The whole Chamber to be periodically renewed. (Hitherto only half the Chamber has been re-elected at a time.) Taking the oath or making an affirmation to be optional, not only for the members of the States- General but also in all the other cases provided for in the Constitution. The right of investigation to be recognised as also appertaining to the First Chamber. Women to be admitted to vote at the election of com- munal councillors. The law that acts directed personally against the King, the Royal Family, or the State should be exclusively tried by the Supreme Court to be repealed. No fresh subsidies to be granted for the purposes of publish worship. The King to have the right, in the cases prescribed by law, to declare a state of siege, the continuance of which will require to be sanctioned by law. The law con- cerning public instruction to remain unchanged.

WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SWITCHES.—A white- haired, shrill-voiced boy, about eight years old, rode down town with his parents on the Sixth-avenue ele- vated road. He gazed curiously at two or three up trains which whizzed by the one lie was in, and in a voice that sent a thrill through every person in the car, piped out: Pa, how do these cars turn around ?" "They don't turn around, my son; when they reach the end of the line they are switched from one track to the other," answered the father sedately. Who switches 'em ?" asked the boy, eagerly. Why, the engine, to be sure." "The Indian!" repeated: the questioner. He must be a pretty big Indian, isn't he, pa "I Yes, yes; don't talk so loud," said the father curtly. Ma," queried the boy, after a moment's pause, does he switch 'em the same as you and pa switches me when I don't do right?" The maternal relative reached for the boy, wiped his nose, pulled the cloth cap down over his eyes, and told him to keep qtiieL-Antericaib Paper. THE SUICIDE FROM HUNGERFORD-BRJDGE.—In London Mr. Langham has held an inquiry at St. Martin's Vestry-hall as to the death of William Edwin Keene, aged 18 years, a tailor's apprentice, lately residing at 23, Piccadilly, who committed suicide by jumping from Hungerford-bridge on Wednesday morning in last week. William James Keene, father of the de- ceased, deposed that about five years ago his son struck his head against a swing while at school, in- flicting a wound on his temple. The doctor who at- tended him said if the injury had been half an inch lower it would have killed him. The witness had not noticed anything unusual in his son's manner until a week ago, when he seemed very depressed, and imagined that he would not be able to do his work. On Wednesday morning the witness sent him out on business, and he never returned. He had never threatened to commit suicide. Evidence was given by a carman named Speary, who saw the deceased de- liberately jump off the Charing-cross railway-bridge into the river. It was stated that two boats put off to the rescue, but they were too late. The jury returned a verdict of Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity."

THE DEFEAT OF THE REBELS IN THE SOUDAN. On Friday in last week General Graham, com- manding the British army, about four thousand strong, completely defeated, close to the scene of the battle and massacre of the 4th February, the rebel forces, estimated to outnumber our own by three to one. The special correspondent of the Daily News, in a telegram dated Trinkitat, Saturday, gives some particulars of the battle, from which we extract the following: On Thursday afternoon a last effort was made to treat with the rebels. A flag of truce, with a letter fixed in a cleft stick, was carried by Major Harvey, late of the 42nd, to a distance of two miles from Fort Baker. Major Harvey, who gallantly proceeded alone, was fired upon by the enemy. Thrusting the stick into the ground, he gallopped back. Going out on Friday morning he found the flag taken away, but no reply awaiting him. The enemy's intention to fight was thus clear. It had been already manifested during the night by their firing several rockets, but no damage was done. At eight o'clock we marched out in the form of battle chosen by the General the previous evening. This time, in order that there should be no risk of being caught by surprise, the formation consisted of a large square, or rather oblong, with the 75th Gordon Highlanders in front, the Black Watch occupying the rear, the 89th on the right flank, and on the left the G5th, who had late in the evening arrived from Aden, and immediately on landing marched to Fort Baker across the lagoon in thick mud, which they trudged and floundered in up to their knees. Our line of march coincided with the path of retreat of the 4th February. Beginning near the fort skeletons half-covered with flesh dotted either side of the line of advance for miles. On the scene of the massacre of Baker's square it was strewn literally with hundreds, numbers of them in the most extraordinary attitudes, and with fleshless fingers clutching into the sand. I noticed most of them lay on their faces, and showed one or more spear thrusts in the back, head, and neck. It was a hideous picture-those grinning, half- decomposed skeletons, in their positions so significant of abject despair, and it would have horrified the most hardened against such sights. Near the spot, but five hundred yards to the wind- ward side, yesterday a stubbornly-fought fight began. The time was about eleven; but by nine rifle shots on the enemy's side were becoming frequent, and groups and a line of rebels were seen on the low horizon from our left, round by the front to part of the right. As in the previous encounter, the enemy's chief strength was on the left. Until eleven o'clock we marched slowly onwards, with frequent halts, not replying to the enemy's fire. The view of the mounted riflemen, spread out far to the left of the 10th Hussars, and the 19th massed in the other part of the field, and of the large square, solid as a wall, and imperceptibly gliding, so to speak, across the level landscape, was extremely striking and picturesque. The infantry had reached the point already men- tioned, about a mile from the wells at El Teb when the enemy entrenched there, opened upon us in earnest with the Krupp guns they had captured from us on the 4th February. Doubtless, too, these guns were worked hy men of the same Tokar garrison which the expedition was intended to relieve. The first three rounds were ludicrously wide of the mark, .throwing up cascades of sand half a mile or more beyond the square; but the enemy soon found our range. Two or three of their shells burst right over the square. A splinter from one of them badly wounded General Baker, who had been attached to the Intelligence Department under Colonel Ardagh. Shortly the nine-pounders landed from the fleet and the machine-guns were brought into play. The practice was excellent. The Gatlings and Gardiners in particular made great execution. No sooner did the hoarse growling rattle of the mitrailleuses com- mence than numbers of the rebels were seen dropping. Meanwhile the infantry only advanced slowly and steadily, and the cavalry was retained in the rear ready for a charge. At this time we were right opposite Teb, and as we turned to move upon it the 65th, on our left flank, became the front line. They and the 75th were for a time exposed to a heavy fire. After some interval, the square, moving now to- wards the left flank, made a turning movement upon the Wells, thus temporarily converting the Black Watch into the front line, and straight in face of the Wells and the rebel entrenchments, which included two so-called forts in which the Krupps and Gatlings were mounted. Colonel Slade, of the Egyptian army, took one company of the 42nd. An officer, whose name I am sorry I do not recollect, took another detachment. Colonel Burnaby, who accompanied the 42nd men, had his horse shot and was wounded in the arm, and then with a rifle in his hand cleared a small building from which a group of Arabs were firing. The enemy's position was really strong, and the enemy fought like fiends. One man, for example, rushed upon the Highlanders after he had already received three bayonet wounds. Some of them close to the Wells found their way inside the square, where they were bayoneted. Round an old rusty boiler, which' must have found its way to Teb in Ismail Pasha OS improving days, at least one hundred Arabs lay dead. A portion of the entrenchment consisted of a number of deep large holes, or rifle pits, in which side by side, and over the dead bodies, a great many had hidden themselves with the purpose to rush upon the square and cut their way inside it. Evidently the rebels had all along been laying stress on their favourite tactics of rushing, fully determined to try it at all hazards. Concealed as they were, many of them escaped observation until our men had passed them. Thus for some time the fighting was a hand-to-hand conflict, in which the Arabs used their spears. They discarded their rifles before our troops came to close quarters. By this time the enemy was taking rapidly to flight from the left side of Teb, in the Tokar direction. The 10th Hussars was ordered to charge, and rode at them in splendid style. They were followed by the 19th. The lOth'gallopped through them repeatedly, dispers- inghose right and left, but apparently doing little execution. The real reason of this was not the alleged inferiority of swords against spears, but the unsteadi- ness of the Egyptian horses, which had never been properly trained, and which swerved and plunged as the spearmen darted and dodged about the bush. It was in their charge that Major Slade, a most gallant officer, fell. His horse was hamstrung, and Major Slade, falling on the ground, was overwhelmed by the rebels. The battle was over by about two, the troops givmg hearty and loud cheers when the last band of fugitives were seen disappearing towards Tokar. The conduct of the troops was admirable through- out. There was no hurry and no flinching in their movements. Considering how recklessly brave their enemy was, our men, it is but common justice to them to. say, maintained the honour and the glorious tradi- tions of British soldiers and sailors. No captures were made except that of guns; but in the evening a message reached Trinkitat that a large number of bullocks had been taken. All our casualties, except those of the cavalry, were caused by bullets. Had the Arabs fired lower, our roll of dead and wounded would have been much more serious. Admiral Hewett and General Baker returned to Trinkitat late in the afternoon with a small escort of cavalry. General Graham with the main body remain- ing at the Wells to which supplies of water, food, and munitions were sent early in the evening. On reaching the Trinkitat beach General Baker, who rode with difficulty, and was supported into the admiral's boat by two men, was loudly cheered by the soldiers and bluejackets, who rushed from the tents to welcome him. In a further telegram on Sunday the same corre- spondent says: Among the feats of Friday's battle none was more brilliant than those of the 19th and 10th Hussars. In the charge named in an earlier telegram the 19th found themselves confronted by a large body of rebels mounted on camels and horses, the former masking the latter, behind which again were considerable numbers of spearmen on foot. The rebel horsemen, armed with two-edged swords, made for the 19th, producing, however, little or no effect. The real opposition was from the spearmen, who, lying down, as the cavalry galloped on, started up, and attempted to hamstring our horses. Lieutenant-colonel Barrow, leading the charge, re- ceived a spear wound, but rode until his horse fell. The colonel's trumpeter coming to the rescue was severely mauled. Lieutenant Probyn, attached to the 10th, was the first to fall in this charge. Major Slade, of the same regiment, was not missed until the cavalry had for some time been returning to the square. Major Slade is supposed to have been killed in an attempt to help Lieutenant Probyn. Twelve spear wounds were found on his body. Sergeants Phipps and Conolly deserve something more than verbal recognition of their brave rescue of one of their com- rades. In this attempt Phipps was twice wounded. After all was over and the enemy was in full flight to Tokar, the walls presented a strange spectacle. The horses were eagerly making for water, and the cavalry and infantry men were slaking their thirst, and wash- ing off the dust, mud, and blood from their clothes. Old soldiers to whom I have spoken on the spot said they never met a more resolute foe in the course of all their service. The scene of the battle-field, which I again rode over yesterday, justified this description of savage valour. Judging from what I saw, I should think the esti- mate of 2000 killed on the side of the enemy rather under than over the mark. The space inside the entrench- ments was thickly strewn with bodies, especially about the few ruined brick buildings. Near the building which Colonel Burnaby helped to clear, with his double-barrelled rifle charged with buckshot, I counted among a great heap of bodies those of seven boys, not one of whom was more than twelve. They fought as desperately even as the adults. Some time after the battle, and when the troops were searching about the enclosure, a youth lying un- oberved amongst a crowd of dead and dying started up, and rushed with a drawn knife on two of our men, who, taken aback, ran for some distance, and then, turning round, shot him. The adventure caused a brief commotion in the camp, for more might be lurking unseen. At some distance outside an Arab sprang like a cat upon the back of one of our soldiers, and tried to cut his throat. An officer rushing up pistolled the Arab through the heart, barely in time to save the soldier's life. The ambulance was admirably managed. Every requisite was in readiness, and the wounded were all under careful treatment before dusk. Next morning the wounded were sent on to Fort Baker. It was deemed unsafe to transport them during the night, when, in spite of our victory, stray bands might be prowling about. Notwithstanding the danger Captain Turner volunteered to go on foot to Fort Baker for stores. He returned at midnight, guiding his path by the light of a huge bonfire which the soldiers kept piling up on the top of a mound. Late in the evening the Highlanders shot seven Arabs hovering about the encampment. About the same time a number of Arabs, including one woman and two boys, came in and surrendered themselves prisoners. The loss in killed on the British side was five officers, twenty-two privates, and two marines; in wounded seventeen officers and 142 soldiers and marines. The officers killed are Lieutenant Free- man, 19th Hussars; Major Slade, 10th Hussars; Lieutenant Probyn, 9th Bengal Cavalry; Quarter- master Wilkins, 3rd Battalion King's Royal Rifles; and Lieutenant Frank Royds, of the Carysfort. OY It is stated in the Court Circular" that her Majesty received on Saturday the gratifying intel- ligence of the victory of Sir G. Graham over the rebel forces near Trinkitat, and at once telegraphed her congratulations' to Sir G. Graham through the General Commanding her forces in Egypt, as well as the expression of her sorrow at the loss of brave officers and men, and her anxious inquiries after the wounded.

Lieutenant Frank Royds, of her Majesty's ship Carysfort, joined the Mediterranean Squadron four years ago, and was engaged in the operations at Kas- sassin and Tel-el-Kebir. He was at Teb, in com- mand of the Naval Brigade who had charge of the Gatling guns. Quartermaster J. Wilkins, 3rd Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps (CJÛth Rifles), by his bravery in battle raised himself from the ranks after fifteen years' hard service. He was born in 1848, and entered the army at 19. Two years ago he obtained his commission after gallant conduct at Tel-el-Kebir. He was engaged in the South African War from 1879 to 1881, and in the Zulu and Transvaal campaigns. His conduct during the action on the Ingogo River in the Transvaal was particularly mentioned in the dispatches, and he received her Majesty's special medal for distinguished conduct in the field. In the Egyptian campaign he was present at the action of Kassassin and the battle of Tel-el- Kebir. Colonel Montague Maule Slade, of the 10th Hussars, was the only other officer killed who had previously been engaged in warlike operations. Born in 1849, he entered the service in 1868, with a commission in the 56th foot, but the same year he joined the 18th Hussars, two years ago changing into the 10th Hussars. He was engaged in the Afghan War of 1878-9, and for his gallantry was frequently mentioned in the dis- Eatches. He was on his way home from India when he was stopped to do duty with his regiment at Trinkitat. He has two brothers in the Royal Horse Artillery, both of whom have rendered distinguished services, one in Zululand and the other in the march from Cabul to the relief of Candahar. Lieutenant Probyn was a nephew of Sir Dighton Probyn, private secretary to the Prince of Wales., Lieutenant Probyn was appointed only a few weeks ago, after a most successful term of studentship at the Staff College, to the 9th Bengal Cavalry. He was granted leave to accompany Colonel Stewart to Egypt, in order to take part in the cavalry opera- tion under General Graham. Lieutenant Freeman, 19th Hussars, was born in 1858. He joined the service in 1879, and this was the first occasion upon which he had been engaged on active service. THE RELIEF OF TOKAR. In a later telegram of Sunday's date, the special correspondent of the Daily News says Although the fate of Tokar was decided at the battle of Teb, General Graham sent a letter with offers to negotiate to Sheikh Kadra, commanding the rebels in the first- named locality. No reply was received yesterday morning by nine o'clock, when the General marched out. The country was well scouted, but no signs of the enemy were anywhere visible. The great part of the nine miles between Teb and Tokar is covered with thick, high brushwood, amidst which large numbers of the enemy lurked after the battle. Less than two miles from Tokar the enemy made their first appearance, about eighteen hundred yards off, on the right and left flanks. It was difficult to estimate the number, which, however, was large. The mounted Infantry, with two squadrons of the 10th and 19th Hussars, dismounted in skirmishing order. A few shots were exchanged. The force then advanced, and about five in the even- ing took possession of Tokar without any resistance worth mentioning. All the Egyptian women and children, with a number of the garrison troops, came to meet General Graham's army, none of whom, it may be added, were lost in the march from El Teb.

FATAL EXPLOSION ON A STEAMER. .,1 A terrible explosion occurred on board the passenger steamship Aberdeen, outward bound for Sydney and Melbourne, on Saturday afternoon in the Thames. The vessel had taken on board her passengers and had then ca9t off from the buoy, Captain Charles Maddi- son commanding. It is stated that she had just taken on board her powder from one of the floating maga- zines, and that it was placed under the bridge. Before she had got clear of Gravesend Reach, however, her powder exploded, and the bridge with its occupants was enveloped in flames, the fearful results of which were seen a few moments afterwards. The bridge itself was scattered in all directions. Captain Maddison was found on the deck frightfully disfigured and his eyesight destroyed, while one of his 'legs was fractured just above the ankle. The second officer, Samuel James Henderson, a man in the prime of his life, was disfigured beyond recognition, whilst one of his arms was broken, and the hands and body fearfully scorched. Quarter- master Peter Martingere, a Greek, was completely unrecognisable, and the pilot, Mr. William Davies, of Park-place, Gravesend, sustained a fracture of the skull, from which he died next day. As soon as possible the injured men were removed from the ship, and, stretchers being provided, they were carried to the infirmary, where the surgical staff was speedily in attendance. A gentleman from Grantham, Lincoln- shire, who was a passenger on board and narrowly escaped being involved in the catastrophe, states that when the mate brought the case on deck the captain, who, with the pilot, was on the bridge the quarter- master being at the wheel, observed a slight smoke issuing from the sacking. He called out to the mate, You are on fire. Throw it overboard," but the ex- plosion took place immediately, making a complete wreck of the bridge and its surroundings.

GOSSIP ON DRESS. The season of Lent having commenced, there is of course a pause in the gaieties of the London season. Amongst the numerous receptions which were recorded in the earlier part of last week may be mentioned that of Lady Hayter, at which there were some handsome toilettes. The hostess wore a beautiful dress of geranium brocaded satin and plain satin, trimmed with lace, and a diamond collar round the throat; nothing was worn in the hair. Mile. Musurus wore a handsome costume of black and gold; the Countess de Bylandt black lace and satin. Dowager Marchioness of Waterford had a handsome dress of sapphire-blue velvet, and satin of a paler shade. Lady Trevelyan was in black. A beautiful dress had a myrtle-green ground, and was brocaded with roses of all shades from damask to salmon colour. Hon. Mrs. Tremayne wore a pale rose- coloured satin, trimmed with flounces of handsome lace. Hon. Mrs. Alfred Gathome Hardy also wore ruby velvet with diamonds. Hon. Mrs. Dutton was in black, with diamonds arranged on the bodice. Hon. Maude Stanley wore black. with glittering embroidery; Miss Holland, a tasteful pale blue costume; Mrs. Ran- dolph, old-gold brocaded satin with black Chantilly lace, diamond tiarra, and diamond stars on the bodice; Mrs. Ilegan Kennard, skirt of white lace and satin, bodice and train of magnificent white brocaded satin, with large bouquets of raised black velvet flowers, diamond spray in the hair, and magnificent diamond necklace. Lady Wolseley had a beautiful dress of white brocaded satin, richly trimmed with chenille and pearl embroidery. Mrs. Baird (of Stichill) wore claret velvet; Miss Cole, white, with coloured embroidery; Mrs. Ames, a beautiful dress of silver-grey brocaded satin; Mrs. Kendall, white satin. A handsome dress was of black velvet brocade on a flame-coloured satin ground over a flame-coloured satin petticoat, with flounces of black Brussels lace; very handsome diamonds were worn with this toilette. THE Paris Correspondent of a contemporary gives some details of a magnificent soiree recently given by Baronne Gustave de Rothschild in celebration of her silver wedding. The hostess was in low pearl-grey satin (almost white), with a tablier of rich Venetian guipure; diamond and sapphire ornaments, as necklet, earrings, and comb. Mme. Lambert (her daughter) was in cream satin, much trimmed with gauze ruches, studded with gold; similar gauze covered the low bodice, while tne tunic was draped with rich agrafes of cream and gold passementerie marabouts in the hair powdered with gold. Her youthful sister, Mile. Aline de Rothschild, wore a white tulle dress, made with three skirts one over the other, with edges simply trimmed; bodice & la Vierge, and wide satin sash. The Countess Jancourt was in white satin, embroidered in gold; skirt mounted in wide flat box-plaits, each embroidered with a gar- land, and terminating with gold fringe; round the edge of the skirt there were several narrow satin and gold frills; low bodice, with paniers terminating as a train; a gold coronet in the hair the sortie de bal was white reps, finely embroidered all over in gold, and trimmed with white Thibet fur. The Comtesse de Montgommery was in white satin, with tunic studded with double rings of steel and silver, sewn on the satin, and having the effect of brilliant spangles. Habit bodice in white satin, with large pockets, each ornamented with five buttons in old paste. Hair studded with paste bars, buckles to match on the shoes stockings spangled with steel. TIIB writer of an article on Paris Fashions says The spring fashions are still only mere conjectures outside the manufacturing world, the weather being too variable to encourage any change from winter garments. One day we imagine ourselves in the month of May, so brilliant and warm is the sun but the morrow brings cutting winds, hail, and all the dis- comforts of a hard winter. Consequently the result is, a little of everything is worn, and the chronicler of fashions has a difficult task, as is often the case at in- termediate seasons. On cold days pelisses are gene- rally worn, made either of figured woollen or of the new material which has a satin ground, the design in relief being of terry velvet. The effect is that of guipure of rich design being laid on satin. You feel inclined to pick up the lace, but find it is woven as a pattern on the satin. Terry ribbons and terry effects will be general in both ribbons and mantle materials. SnOT or changeable silks will also be adopted (says the same writer), and the newest costumes worn at our recent picture exhibitions arc combinations of shot silk skirts and broche bodices, the brocha being terry. In millinery a few novelties have been disclosed. The favourite colour for strings and bows is geranium-red, and the new ribbons are either terry or glac4, by which latter I mean shot. The ribbons measure 3in. in width, and the shot effect discloses such colours as grey and pink, brown and blue, &c. in juxtaposition. The wrong side of such ribbons is satin, but these tpingline or terry effects are difficult to describe; they somewhat resemble uncut velvet. For bonnet crowns embroidery will be in vogue. The groundwork is either canvas or batiste, and the embroidery is carried out in chenille and silk, gold threads appearing here and there, and the canvas ribbons to match have gilt cords at their edges. Ecru batiste so covered with gilt figures that it has all the effect of cloth of gold is another novelty in spring bonnets; it is used for crowns, double or triple puffs of velvet of some dark shade of blue, red, or brown forming the brim. t THE demi-saison mantles are long in front and short at the back they are thickly ruched round the throat, and have high padded shoulders; they are laden with jet, even the designs on the richest broches are picked out with facetted jet beads; and there are glittering jet tassels thickly studded among the lace frillings that trim them. Short round jackets, tailor- made and of figured terry, will also be worn, and plain velvet will bo used for trimming them. A PARISIAN modiste of high repute has commenced the spring season with morning outdoor costumes of striped limousine, the lines running perpendicularly for the skirt; the Princesse blouse is in plain woollen to match, and is fastened with a band of the same. It opens at the top over a sailor's waistcoat in striped limousine, the lines running horizontally. For after- noon walking costumes the skirts are of shot silk trimmed round and en tablier, with pointed fan- shaped plaitings; the bodice and side panels are in brocli6 velvet, the design crossed batons on a shot ground. For dinner gowns Pompadour silk is used, with shot lilac grounds, trimming with long lilac bows; also the new shade of satin called peau de Suede, both in plain and broch6. The skirt is either lace or 6cru embroidered over Suede satin; pointed bodice, with lace or embroidered waistcoat. A new model for a walking costume is in fine woollen, also peau de Suede in colour; the skirt is ornamented with appliques of shot silk and velvet of a darker shade, embroidered upon the material.

HINTS FOR THE HOUSEHOLD. Crumpets.To a quart of warm milk and water add a tablespoonful of good yeast and two eggs well beaten; mix with these by degrees as much flour as will make a thick batter then heat a very small frying-pan, rub it with a little butter, and pour in a large spoonful of the batter, which will spread over the pan. Watch the under side by raising it with a fork, and when brown turn it. Dried Haricots.-Soak half a pint all night, and simmer them until thoroughly tender in just enough water to leave sufficient liquor for the sauce when they are done. Stir in loz. butter and a thickening of a teaspoonful of flour, a heaped teaspoonful of chopped parsley, with a pinch of sweet herbs if the flavour is liked, a large tablespoonful of vinegar, a grate of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Broiled Beef Bones.-Separate the bones, leave on them one-half inch of meat, or a little more, score the meat slightly, and rub in plentifully salt and pepper, with a little cayenne. Broil over a clear, brisk fire, turning constantly; when brown and rather crisp they are done. Serve them at once. Chow-chow.—(An American Recipe).—One peck of green tomatoes sliced and well sprinkled witn salt; let stand over night; pour all the water off in the morning and add one quart of small onions, twenty- five small pickles sliced, half pound of ground mustard, half pound of mustard seed, quarter pound of celery seed, one ounce of black pepper, forty head of cloves; mix well together and cover with white wine vinegar, and let simmer forty minutes. Wait for the last crop of tomatoes; if put in glass and sealed it will keep until spring. Boiled Brill.-Brill is less firm than turbot, and thus requires more care in the dressing. After thoroughly cleansing, cut off the fins and rub the fish over with lemon juice two or three hours before cook- ing to make it white. Place it in the fish kettle with sufficient cold water to cover it, add 3oz. or 4oz. of salt and a little vinegar to a gallon of water, heat it gradually by the side of the fire. As soon as it boils, skim, or the scum will fall on the fish and spoil its appearance. Let it simmer till when done, but not broken. A large brill will take, after it boils, about fifteen minutes, but to make sure of its being nicely cooked, lift up the drainer and try the fish with a fork (not steel). If the fish slips from the bone easily, and the bone is not the least red, the brill is ready to drain. Serve with lobster or shrimp sauce.

DOUBLE EXECUTION AT LIVERPOOL. The execution of Catherine Flannagan and Mar- garet Higgins, for the murder by arsenical poisoning of Thomas Higgins, the husband of the latter, took place on Monday morning at Kirkdale Gaol, Liver- pool. Binns was the executioner, and he was assisted by a man named Samuel Heath, also a native- of Dewsbury. The culprits appeared nervous, but they walked up to the scaffold without assistance- Binns and his assistant rapidly adjusted the ropes the noose being ulaced under the chin in each case.. Flannagan had drop of 9 feet 6 inches, and Higgins of 9 feet 8 inches. Death in both cases was almost instantaneous, and beyond a slight muscular tremor- there was no movement in the bodies after- the drop fell. The ropes used were three- quarters of an inch in diameter Both: women appeared resigned to their fate. From the first no hope of a reprieve was entertained. Flannagan. did not care to make any confession, but Higgins is understood to have intimated her readiness to con- fess if required. The morning was bitterly cold, and snow fell heavily, but in spite of this a large crowd assembled outside the gaol to watch for the hoisting of the black flag. Flannagan and Higgins were visited on Saturday for the last time by Mrs. Flanagan's son and daughter the parting being very painful, particularly in the case of Higgins. On Sunday they attended Divine service with the other Roman Catholic prisoners in the gaol chapel, and appeared very penitent. The women, since their conviction, have acknowledged the justice- of their sentence. They have, also, it is stated, made a circumstantial statement, detailing how the poison- ing was effected, and adding some startling revelations^ They have given the authorities the names of several persons who they allege were concerned in other poisonings carried out in the same manner. The names of the victims have also been given.

THE BRIGHTON ELECTION. The polling at Brighton, rendered necessary by the- formal retirement of Mr. W. T. Marriott, Q.C., under- well-known circumstances, took place on Saturday. Mr. Marriott, who was elected in 1880 as a Liberal, now appearing as the Conservative nominee, and being; opposed in the Liberal interest by Mr. R. Romer, Q.C. There was considerable excitement during the day, and a number of private vehicles were lent for the use of both sides. Several extemporised proces- sions took place, and towards the close of the poll the streets presented a busy scene, but no disturbance took place. The ballot boxes were taken to the Town. Hall, where the counting took place in the council. chamber. At half-past, six, one hour sooner than expected, the result was made known as follows Marriott (C) 5478, Romer (L) 4021, majority for Marriott, 1457. The majority was unexpectedly large. Shortly afterwards Mr. Marriott proceeded to the' Pavilion Hotel, and addressed a vast concourse of people from one of the balconies. Later in the even- ing he left the hotel in company with Mr. D. Onslow; M.P., and Mr. Tyndall Robertson, to visit Baron do Worms at his private residence, and a party of men detached the horses from the carriage, and attaching ropes, dragged the party in triumph the whole of the way. Mr. Marriott subsequently issued an address of- thank^

Miscellaneous nftlIigttttt HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL. AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH Conx.-The following are the average prices of British corn for last week, as received from the inspectors and officers of Excise Wheat, 37s. 3d.; barley, 31s. 7d.; oats, 19s. lOd. per imperial quarter. Corresponding week last year: Wheat, 42s. 6d.; barley, 33s. 8,1. oats, 21s. 9d. THE FISHERIES OF CANADA.—The total value o the Canadian fisheries for the year 1883 is estimated at $17,251,675, nearly §500,000 in excess of the returns of the previous year. The increase is confined almost en- tirely to the item of cod fish, and is to be largely attri- buted to the remunerative price realized for these fish and to the fishing bounty. These had the effect of in- creasing the fishing fleet by 140 vessels last year. On account of the ice remaining for so long on the coast of Labrador the codfishery at that place was a partial failure. TRADE COMPETITION.—In London, the other day, at the Thames Police-court, George Hutchings, a butcher,. of Poplar, was summoned before Mr. Lushington for creating an obstruction by beating a drum and ringing a bell to draw custom to his shop. A police-sergeant saw the defendant in butcher's clothing outside his. shop, beating a drum and ringing a large bell similar to. what they used at railway stations. There was a large crowd of disorderly boys assembled. The sergeant asked him to desist, but he persisted in beating the drum and ringing the bell most violently. The road- way and footpath were blocked with people. The de- fendant kept calling out, Hi, hi rotten chops," and other objectionable remarks. The defendant said that one opposition shop had a band of music, another a- drum and a mouth organ, and a third had a large rattle,. and he thought it unfair that lie should be singled out. He was fined 40s. and 2s. costs. DISCOVERY OF HUMAN REMAINS.—In London, on Saturday, shortly after noon, a startling discovery was made at the premises, 15, York-street, Westminster, in the occupation of Mr. M'Nalty, licensed victualler, and. known as the Prince of Wales Tavern. The house in question is undergoing repair, and it was whilst a work- man was engaged in excavating a basement at the rear of the house that he discovered the skeleton of a woman, which was perfect with the exception of the upper and lower extremities. Upon further search being made several human bones were found in the place, which is an old disused wine-cellar. BALSAMS.—These are plants almost indispensable in' summer, when, if well grown, they make a grand dis- play and fill up a void that few other plants can do (says the Field.") To have them in bloom early, and keep up a long-continued succession, it is necessary to make two or three sowings. The first should be made: at or soon after this time, but as the plants are liable to draw when raised while the days are short, it is im- portant that they be placed, immediately after the seeds germinate, on a shelf well up to the light, and in a house where the temperature ranges between 60 deg. and 80 deg. a degree of heat which balsams enjoy. As soon as they begin to show the rough leaf the plants should be potted singly in GO-sized pots, and in doing this it is> a good plan to sink the stem an inch or so in the soil, and keep on dropping it at each potting, till at the final shift the lower branches are brought on a level with rim of the pot. This makes the plants dwarf and bushy, and benefits them in other ways, as they root out around the buried stems, and the great quantity of feeders there formed adds to their strength. As balsams; are very gross habited, they require rich soil to grow in,, and if the manure used be mild and rotten, the pro- portions used for potting may be equal to that of the loam; but, instead of adding so much for the first batch, it is better to have some leaf mould to lighten. the bulk and keep the whole open. Although the posi- tion mentioned above is most suitable for the plants now, by-and-by, as the season becomes more advanced,, they may be grown to a great state of perfection in a pit or frame, plunged in fermenting material, the moist heat from which is highly congenial to them, and just meets their requirements. A MIRAGE IN CALIFORNIA.—The San Francisco newspapers state that the visitors to the Cliff-house had recently a clear view of the headland of North Faraloon, which, from the Cliff-house point of view, is absolutely below the horizon. The heights, which were clearly defined and seen as though they were- within a dozen miles of shore, were at first thought to- be the sail-draped masts of some ocean ship, but they were subsequently identified by the residents and visitors at the Cliff-house as undoubtedly the cliffs of the North Farallon. Marine glasses and telescopes- were brought into use, and the unusual sight of islands known to be below the line of the horizon, but plainly pictured in the mirage, was regarded with intense inte- rest. The Call newspaper states that the effect just before the setting of the sun was as though, far out in the ocean some jutting rocks had been utilised for the building of gracefully outlined castles, and when the light disappeared in the cloudless western horizon, and with it the beautiful mirage, the illusion was as though the observers had been gazing on veritable castles in the air. The atmosphere was so clear that the South Farallon, with its lighthouse tower clearly discernible was seen as long as the already set sun left a streak of golden light in 'the west. The whole effect was beautiful in the extreme, and so rare that it held enchanted every one who chanced to be where it could be seen until darkness supervened and hid all view of the ocean. j