The North Wales Times

APPOINTMENT OF CLERK OF THE PEACE FOR DENBIGH- SHIRE. As briefly reported in our last issue, a special meeting of the Denbighshire Standing Joint Committee was held on Friday last week, in the County Hall, Ruthin, for the purpose of appointing a Clerk of the Peace for the county of Denbigh. The office became vacant by the death of the late Mr. Llewelyn Adams, and there were nine applicants for the post. With one exception, all members of the Committee were present, namelyCapt. Griffith.Boscawen (Chairman), Messrs" Simon Jones, W. G. Dodd, Christmas Jones, J. Watkin Lumley, O. Isgoed Jones, Edward Hooson, John Roberts, Gomer Roberts, William Griffiths, W. Pen Dennis, A. O. Evans, Col. Mesharu, Capt. Cole, Mr. W. D. W. Griffith, Sir W. G. Williams, Sir R. E. Egerton, Capt. Best, Mr. A. O. Walker, Mr. S. Gregson Ellis, Col. Heaton, and Mr. J. R. Burton. A letter of apology was read from Mr. Jones- Parry, who was prevented from attending by illness. The Committee sat in the Grand Jury Room, and at the outset Mr. Lumley moved that they should adjourn to the Court House, which was more com- modious. There was a large number of the general public present, and the public were entitled to know what the Committee were doing. The Chairman said they would be much more comfortable where they were. Captain Cole proposed that they stop where they were. Mr. Christmas Jones seconded Mr. Lumley's motion, and Mr. A. O. Evans seconded Captain Cole's amendment. Mr. W. D. W. Griffith protested against going to the larger room. It was warmer where they were, and he did not see there was any reason for moving. Mr. Isgoed Jones asked if there were people wanting to get in ? Personally, he was com- fortable enough where he was. The Chairman said there was room for a dozen more people in the room where they were. It was for the Committee to decide where they would sit. He would put Mr. Lumley's motion to the meeting. It was not necessary to put Captain Cole's proposition, which was a direct negative. Mr. Lumley ultimately withdrew his pro- position. Mr. W. D. W. Griffith then desired, before proceeding with the appointment of Clerk of the Peace, to point out that the relationship between the Clerk of the Peace and the Deputy Clerk should be more clearly defined than it was in the advertisement. There it was stated the Clerk of the Peace would be required to pay out of the £ 850 salary, zC250 to the deputy, and the statute, under which the deputy was appointed, stated that officer was only to act in the event of the death, sickness, or absence of the Clerk of the Peace. He did not appre- hend that any difficulty would arise with Mr. Roberts, but thought that the relationship between the Clerk of the Peace and the deputy should be more clearly defined. Mr. Roberts stated that no difficulty would arise. He would be practically in the same position as he was with Mr. Adams. The only difference was that now he was appointed by the Committee and not by the Clerk of the Peace. The Chairman then called upon the Deputy Clerk to read the names and addresses of the candidates. Mr. Roberts read the list out as follows :— 1.—Mr. Ll. Caradog Evans, solicitor, Town Hall, Salford. 2.—Mr. W. R. Evans, solicitor, Wrexham. 3.—Mr. E. Foulkes.Jones, solicitor, Llan- gollen. 4.—Mr. A. Foulkes-Roberts, solicitor, Den- bigh. 5.—Mr. Edward Roberts, solicitor, Ruthin. 6.—Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts, solicitor, Denbigh. 7.—Mr. Ll. Roe-Brown, solicitor, Wrexham. 8.—Mr. Seymour Williams, solicitor, Bristol. 9.—Mr. William Williams, solicitor, Barrow- in-Furness. Replying to the Chairman, the Clerk stated that, with the exception of two, all the applica- tions were in accordance with the terms of the advertisement. The exceptions were the appli. cations of Mr. Roe-Brown and Mr. Seymour Williams-the former had not sent in testi- monials with his application, and Mr. Seymour Williams' was received after the appointed hour on the 6th of March. He had seen Mr. Seymeur Williams that morning, and that gen- tleman explained that his application had been sent by early post on the 6th of March, and should have reached the Clerk's office before noon on that day. The Chairman aaid that copies of the appli- cations and testimonials had been sent to each member of the Committee, and therefore he did net think it would be necessary to read them all then. If any member desired to have any particular application or testimonials read, they could be called for. It was decided to take the applications and testimonials as read. The Chairman explained that the election would be carried on in accordance with stand- ing order No. 30, by show of hands. Proceed- ing, he said that Mr. Roberts had written to him in reference to the attendance of the can- didates at that meeting. All he could say in reply was, that there was no lorder made, and if any candidate chose to attend there would be no objection. Several of the candidates were present, and could be called in if any member desired to see them. A member said that if they interviewed any of the candidates present, it might prejudice those who had not attended. Mr. Hooson moved, Mr. Isgoed Jones se- conded, and it was carried, that the candidates be not interviewed. The Chairman invited nominations, when Mr. Simon Jones and Mr. W. D. W. Griffith got up to speak, both being behind the Chair- man, who said he could not rule which of the two gentlemen ought to have precedence. Mr. Simon Jones said he was up first. Mr. Lumley: And spoke first, too. Mr. Simon Jones was allowed to proceed. He said that he had great pleasure in proposing that Mr. W. R. Evans, of Wrexham, be ap- pointed Clerk of the Peace. Mr. Evans was in practice as a partner in an eminent firm of solicitors—Messrs. Jones Parry and Co., of Wrexham. He had had a brilliant university career, and he had certainly profited by that training which stood him in good service in every capacity. He had passed as solicitor with distinction-,being selected one of five for honours; and further was a bachelor of law. Mr. Evans had considerable commercial experi- ence, and was experienced in municipal and county work, and in registration, and so forth. He felt Bare that Mr. W. R. Evans would win the race easily out of the nine candidates. He was in every way qualified for the office of the Clerk of the Peace and Clerk of the County Council. He (Mr. Jones) had great pleasure in proposing Mr. Evans for the office. Captain Cole: How long has he been in practice? Mr. Lumley, in seconding the nomination of Mr. Evans, said it was not necessary to answer Captain Cole's question. If that gentleman had taken the trouble to look at the application and the testimonials he would have found the information he asked for. If Mr. Evans was appointed, he (Mr. Lumley) agreed with Mr. Simon Jones, that he would perform the work of the office with credit and honour to himself and benefit to the county. He desired to point out, however, that if Mr. Evans was appointed the work would have to be carried on in Ruthin. Mr. Evans could not carry on at Wrexham, and take the county records away from the office at Ruthin. That would not be carrying out the spirit of the advertisement. The ad- vertisement did not specifically state so, but that was what it meant. Captain Cole said that he would repeat his question with regard to the time Mr. Evans had been a solicitor. His papers only said he had been a solicitor for some time. A member said he thought Mr. Evans had been a solicitor for about five years. Mr. Burton replied that he did not think so. He thought it was about two years. If there was a law list in the room it would settle the question. The Clerk said he had not got a copy of the law list by him.. Mr. W. D. W. Griffith said he had pleasure in proposing for the office a gentleman that he had known intimately for many years, and one that was wellknown to all of them. He would propose that Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts be appointed. As he had observed, Mr. Humphreys Roberts was wellknown to every member of the Committee for many years. He was a solicitor of long practice, and had held public offices in the county that qualified him for this office. As Clerk of the Ruthin Board of Guar- dians they were well aware that he discharged his duties with exceptional ability and to the satisfaction of all. For many years-he did not know how many-Mr. Roberts had been County Accountant, an office which gave him the opportunity to come in contact with the late Clerk of the Peace and the work of his office. By that intercourse he must have gained a lot of experience and knowledge which would be of immense benefit to one undertaking the duties of the office of the Clerk of the Peace. It had never been his pleasure to propose a candidate for any office that he had greater confidence in than Mr. Humphreys Roberts. He did not wish to disparage any of the other candidates, but in electing Mr. Humphreys Roberts for the post the Committee would appoint a gentleman qualified in every way to undertake the duties. He had very great pleasure in proposing him. Mr. A. O. Walker seconded, and endorsed all that Mr. Griffith had said of Mr. Humphreys Roberts. Sir Robert Egerton asked if the Clerk of the Peace could attach himself to any political or- ganisation. Mr. Lumley: That is a matter for his own discretion. The Chairman stated that the Committee could not enter into that question but, per- sonally. he thought that inasmuch as the Clerk of the Peace had charge of the compilation of the county list of voters, it would be impossible for him to join any particular political organi- sation. There was no rule laying it down that the Clerk of the Peace should not do so. Mr. Lumley asked if they were in order in referring to politicsjat all. This was a political election. They knew it, and did not wish to hide the fact. Sir R. Egerton said that what he referred to was, an official connection with any political organisation in the county. Mr. Dodd asked what was meant by official connection.' Mr. Burton remarked that the whole question was one that must be left to the person ap- pointed himself. The Chairman had given his answer, and it was no use discussing the matter further. Mr. W. D. W. Griffith referring to what Mr. Lumley had said about the work being carried on at Ruthin, said that Mr. Humphreys Ro- berts lived so near to that town that he could attend there without any inconvenience. There being no further nominations, the names of the two gentlemen proposed were put to the meeting, the members in voting standing up and raising their hands in accordance with the standing orders. For Mr. Evans 12 voted, and for Mr. Humphreys Roberts 11. All the County Council representatives supported Mr, Evans, and the magistrates voted for Mr. Humphreys Roberts. The Chairman explained that it would be ne- cessary to move formallyithe appointment of Mr. Evans, to which there could be no amend- ment. Mr. Simon Jones accordingly formally moved the appointment, which was seconded by Mr. Hooson, and carried nem. dis. The Chairman explained that it was necessary to have the sanction of the Home Secretary to the amount of salary proposed to be paid to the Clerk of the Peace and to the Deputy Clerk. To save time, Mr. Roberts, the acting Clerk, had already written to the Home Sec- retary, and had obtained his sanction. At the close of the meeting, Mr. Evans was called into the room, and informed Iby the Chairman of his appointment. Captain Griffith- Boscawen, at the same bime, called Mr. Evans' attention to what Mr. Lumley said about per- forming the work of the office at the head quarters in Ruthin, where the records must be kept. Mr. Evans, in thanking the Committee for the appointment, said he would endeavour to carry out the duties to their satisfaction. With regard to the question of residence, he said that he did not propose at present to remove from Wrexham, but would attend at Ruthin as fre- quently as necessary for the performance of the duties of his office. But if in the future it was found necessary for him to reside nearer to the office he would do so. Mr. Humphreys Roberts also thanked those who had supported his candidature. In coming there that day he was sure they had done their best to secure the appointment of one who had done his utmost during the past twelve years to further the interests of the county (hear, hear). THE SALARY OF THE CLERK TO THE RUTHIN JUSTICE. MR. LUMLEY RETORTS SMARTLY. The next business on the agenda. was the consideration of the following resolutions passed by the Ruthin bench of magistrates :— (a).-Resolved that the Standing Joint Com mittee be recommended to fix the salary of the Clerk to the Justices this day appointed at the rate of Z165 per annum-that being the rate at which the late Clerk was paid. (b(,—Resolved also that the Standing Joint Committee be recommended to pay to Mr. John Roberts, who has acted as Clerk to the Justices during the period intervening between the date of the death of the late Clerk and the day when the new Clerk shall enter upon his duties the sum of C36 5s. lid. —that being at the same rate as the late Clerk was paid. Mr. Lumley said that, if he was in order, he would like to call attention of the Committee to the salary recommended to be paid to the Clerk of the Justices at Ruthin. He did not want to disturb the salary, but he thought the basis upon which it had been fixed was wrong in principle. He quoted figures showing that the fees received in the police courts at Ruthin fell short of the salary paid to the Clerk, and wished to propose that the Committee take into consideration the question of revising, the basis. The Chairman said that he would be opening up a very wide question, and would affect the salaries of clerks in other divisions besides Ruthin, and they had only very recently been revised. He suggested that the matter be ad. journed to the ordinary meeting of the Com- mittee to be fully discussed. Mr. Lumley accepted the suggestion. Captain Cole: Is this political, too ? (laugh- ter). Mr. Lumley: Very likely it is. The appoint- ment was political (loud laughter). The Deputy Clerk pointed out that if the Chairman's suggestion was acted upon, the Clerk's salary could not be paid until August. The Chairman then suggested that the resolu- tions of the justices be confirmed now, and the whole subject be considered at a future meet- ing. Mr. Lumley agreed. Mr. Gregson Ellis proposed that the resolu- tions be confirmed. Mr. Burton seconded, and the motion was agreed to. This completed the business.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The monthly meeting of the Board was held on Monday. Mr. Henry Williams presided, the other members present being Mrs. Edward Roberts, Mrs. Lumley, Messrs. Thomas Jones (Plas C0ch). R. Davies Jones, E. Williams Jones, E. R. Evans, Evan Davies, J. H. Simon, John Garner, T. P. Roberts, Thomas Jonas (Llanferres), Richard Jones, E. Powell Jones, E. Rogers Jones. Isaac Daniel, Isaac Williams, John Foulkee, the Rev. J. F. Reece, John Ro- berts, John Evans, with the Clerk (Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts). Mr. Bircham, Local Government Board Inspector, was also in at. tendance. THE CASE OF UNFORTUNATE WOMEN. A circular letter was received from the Launceston Union, containing a resolution passed by the Guardians of the Union, to the effect that the present state of the law with re- gard to women who entered workouses, tor the purpose of confinement was most unsatisfac- tory, and urging that the Guardians should have power to detain such persons in the house for a period of up to twelve months as the medical officer might advice. Replying to a question, the Clerk stated that in the present state of the law, the Guardians had no power to detain these women if they chose to discharge themselves. Mr. Thomas Jones (Plas Coch): How many women of this character are received here in the course of a year ? The Clerk The average number is three, and they remain here for about three months. Mr. T. P. Roberts said he'did not see the ob- ject of keeping these women in the House for so long a period as twelve months. Mr. Bircham said that the Guardians would stilt have the power of and the option, of let- ting these women out whenever they liked un- der the twelve months. Mr. T. P. Roberts said this, in his opinion, gave too much power in the hands of the Guar. dians. They might have a good woman in the House, and one that by her work would' pay for her food. Under the Act now suggested, the Guardians might detain the woman, whreas she ought to be out of the Workhouse. At any rate, a detention of three months was quite enough. It might be that a good, industrious woman would enter the house, and if detained for twelve months, she would break her heart, and remain in the House all her life time. The Chairman pointed out that the resolution of the Launceston Union suggested that the women might be let out when the Medical Officer so advised. He knew the members of the Board well, and did not think they would keep in the House, for the sake of her services, a woman that may have fallen, if she was in- dustrious and likely to look after herselfi Mr. T. P. Roberts: That applies to all Unions. I look upon it from the broad view, Mr. Chairman. We Ruthin Guardians are the best in the whole of North Wales; in fact, we are almost blameless (laughter). The Chairman We know it would be a bles. sing for many girls if the Guardians had this power to keep them in the House for a certain period. Mr. Bircham said that if some of these women knew they were likely to be kept in the House for a period of time, they would think twice before they came there at all, and would make arrangements for their confinement elsewhere. Mr. T. P. Roberts: This would be no im- provement in a moral sense. The community would probably have to bear the expense even if the women went elsewhere. You are really too hard on the ladies, poor things (laughter}. I never can be hard upon them. Mr. Bircham: Bat think of the little child- ren. When the women go away, the children go with them, and that often involves cruelty. Mr. E. Powell Jones Do they take their children away ? The Inspector Yes. Mr. E. Powell Jones Let them go from here whatever you do, and that as soon as possible. We don't want them (laughter). Mrs. Lumley said she was not in favour of the resolution, as she considered it an injustice to women. There might be individual cases perhaps where it might be desirable to detain some girls but, as a general thing, she consi- dered it would be an injustice. Mr. J. H. Simon Suppose we, keep them here for twelve months, who is going to pay the expense ? Mr. T. P. Roberts: Quite so. I differ from the Inspector. Mr. Evan Davies said he failed to see that they could do anything better than let these women leave the House when the Medical Officer advised that course. Mr. Thomas Jones Do you propose that we adopt a similar resolution, Mr. Davies ? Mr. Evan Davies Yes. Mr, Thomas Jones. Then I second the reso- lution. It does not prevent us letting them leave the Workhouse before the expiration of the 12 months if we think fit. Mr. E. Powell Jones: Do you want to keep them here for 12 months? The Chairman: Not unless you vote in favour of it.. Mr. E. Powell Jones I don't want them here at all (laughter). The motion of Mr. Evan Davies was then put to the meeting, and unanimously agreed to. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that the number of paupers in the House was 84, as against 79 the corresponding period last year. The number of vagrants relieved during che fortnight was 54, a decrease of three. GENEROSITY TO THE INMATES. It was reported by the Master that he had received a large bundle of illustrated papers from Mrs. Lloyd, of Rhaggatt. Mr. William- son, of Derwen Hall, had also treated the in. mates to the Pleasure Fair, where all had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The thanks of the Guardians were accorded to Mrs. Lloyd and Mr. Williamson for their kindness. THE LATE MR. EVAN DAVIES, JOINER, PWLLGLAS. Mr. Evan Davies, in announcing the death of Mr. Evan Davies, joiner, Pwllglas, said that Mr. Owen Williams, Post Office, and Mr. Robert Roberts, Black Moor, had supplied a handsome coffin for the deceased at their own expense, they having served their apprenticeship with Mr. Davies. The Board passed a vote of thanks to the gentlemen named for their kind sympathy and generous gift. Mr. Davies applied that a sum of money be granted to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, who had nursed the deceased for some time prior to his death. The Guardians could not vote any money out of the rate for this purpose, but a collection amounting to 10s. was made in the room.

In proportion to their weight, dogs can ab. sorb without danger sixteen times as much arsenic as would kill a human being. The largest telescope in existence does not make the planet Mars appear any bigger than the moon does through an opera glass. Mexican school-children are allowed to smoke during lesson-time, provided they have attained a certain standard of excellency. Eggs have always been eaten since time be. gan. The eggs of landfowl, tortoises, croco- diles, ostriches, sturgeon, and emu all form articles of diet.

WEEKLY NOTES. The coming of Easter has revived the discus- sion as to whether it would not be advisable to limit the variation in the date of the festival. This is of course, fixed by Act of Parliament, which declares that Easter Day is the first Sunday after the full moon happening on, or next after the 21st March. The festival may thus vary between the 22nd March, and the 25th April and this year it falls comparatively early. The new proposal is to fix Easter from the 1900 on the third Sunday after the Equinox that is to say, after the 21st of March, the moon no longer influencing the date. The festival would then only vary between the 4th and the 11th of April, and it is believed that the limitation between these dates would be a decided advantage both from a business and holiday point of view. It would also enable the Parliamentary session to be spaced out with greater regularity. As things are at present; many legislative aspirations depend not a little upon the early or late occurrence of Easter and Whitsuntide, and there is generally quite enough uncertainty in the course of public business in the House of Commons, without leaving it subject to the coming or going of the full moon. —o— At holiday time our resources of amusement are largely dependent upon the conditions for outdoor recreation, and it is therefore to be hoped that the Easter vacation will be favour- ed with fine weather. This Is especially desir- able in view of the fact that varied, and extensive volunteer movements have for many years past become an inseparable part of the Easter holidays. Many people look forward to them to celebrate the coming of spring, but of late years the seasons have been a little raixed. We have not had what are called good old fashioned winters, but we had fair imitations, just when people have been thinking of giving up fires, and starting the annual spring clean- ing. Two years ago we had snow at the end of May, and last year was abnormally cold until quite late in the season. At the present time all vegetation is very backward, and agricul- turists are complaining of the injury caused by the recent spell of winter weather. —o— One of the leading medical journals points out that a heavy fall of snow is not without its advantages. It is said to largely take up the impurities in the air, consisting of organic matter, and bacteria, while at the same time the friction caused by the descending snow flakes gives rise to the formation of ozone. All this may console sufferers from the recent heavy snow falls. They however appear to have come too late to have any effect upon the serious epidemic of influenza, pneumonia, and similar ailments. These diseases have been exceptionally prevalent this year, and things have been quite as bad on the continent, and in America. If we may judge from an account by an American physiean to the Hartford! Medical Society, snow has also great curative powers, besides the merits usually attributed to it by farmers, and now by the medical authorities. This physician had a patient in the last stage of collapse from pneumonia. The final test to show life-that of the reflex action of the eyeball-had failed, and the man was given up for lost. The doctor however ordered snow to be brought in, and the patient was put into a heap of it, where he remained for three quarters of an hour. During that time his temperature went down from 107 degrees to 101 degrees, and he then began to show signs of returning life. The man thus raised, almost from the dead, by being swathed in snow, is since reported to be out of danger, and now rapid- ly recovering his health.

THE LAND QUESTION IN WALES. A GREAT MEETING. FROM 'THE ECHO,' LONDON. The first meeting held in Llanfachreth in connection with the Land Question was an un- qualified success. Farmers were present in large numbers, and the greatest enthusiasm was displayed in the proceedings. The farming effects of the tenant who was leaving realised splendid prices in the auction, the bidding for some articles being exceedingly keen. Mr. Howel Gee, from Denbigh, occupied the chair at the meeting which was held in a field adjoining Tyisa. The meeting opened with a well-known Welsh hymn, the singing of which produced a most impressive effect. In his re- marks from the chair, Mr. Howel Gee attacked the present system of land tenure in the most scathing terms. He gave- several instances of iniquitous cases which had caused great hard- ships among the peasants, and he pointed out that the remedy was.In their own hands. The only solution of the agricultural lproblem was unity, and his eloquent appeal for co-operation was punctuated by the hearty applause of the audience. MR. WILLIAM JONES, M.P. The next speaker was Mr. William Jones, M.P. In beautiful classical Welsh he explained the object of the meeting, and the importance to farmers of facing the grave crisis which the present land system had brought about in Wales. Whole families were being turned out of their homes. Several of their valleys were being depopulated. Farm had been joined to farm for the benefit of those who had made themselves subservient to the landlords, with the result that the slums in towns were being continuously increased. Mr. Jones made it warm for the squires' sycophants and parasites, and he made it very clear that a good deal of the farmer's hard lot was due to the treachery of those unprincipled and dangerous creatures. In a speech which will never be forgotten in Merioneth, Mr. Jones echoed Mr. Gee's appeal for unity. Letters were then read from Mr. T. Ellis, M.P., Mr. Ellis Griffith, M.P., and Mr. Richard Jones (Land Commissioner), expressing their sympathy with the meeting. ATTEMPTED DISTURBANCE. As the next speaker declaimed in indignant language against the action of the farmers' foes, a curious scene occurred. One of the men attacked had bought some of the heifers in the sale, and being unable to control him. self during this speech, he drove the animals right through the crowd. To their credit, however, be it said, no one took the slightest notice of hisiinterruption. At the conclusion of the meeting a resolu- tion was unanimously passed deeply sympa- thising with the families who were compelled to leave their homes, totally condemning the system which allowed such things to happen, and emphatically urging union and co-opera- tion among farmers with a view to hastening legislation, which would secure a land court for Wales.,

LLANFAIR, D.C. ELECTION OF SCHOOL BOARD. The following persons have been elected un- opposed on the School Board of this parish Messrs. Evan Davies, Brynobwst, farmer; John Garner, Ysgubor Isa, builder; Hugh Jones, Llysfasi, farmer Edward Rogers, Pen- trefelin, farmer and Edward Winter, Pentre- felin, shopkeeper.

THE SOUDAN KAIL WAY. WHY THE ORDERS ARE GOING TO AMERICA. JL good deal of comment has been caused by the news that the contract for the bridge which is to carry the new Soudan Railway over the River Atbara had been given to an American firm, and it seems to have been assumed in some quarters that a Trans- atlantic ironmaster had been preferred to a British manufacturer, and that the Egyptian Government had gone out of its way to ignore this country. But, the facts are exactly the reverse. The English agents for the Egyptian Government, who had the ordering of the Atbara-bridge, gave the first chance to British traders, and would doubtless have given them the sole chance but for the impera- tive importance of speedy delivery. Of the British ironmasters approached not one could guarantee delivery in the time at which delivery was required. One English firm ran the Americans pretty close as to time, but speed being of paramount importance, and as the Americans could ensure it in the greatest measure, there was no choice but to go to them for the work. In contrast to the promptitude with which they have shipped the component parts of the bridge may be placed the fact that the agents of the Egyptian Government had to wait four months for one small bridge of 31 tons ordered in England. Probably the recent engineering dispute was- re- sponsible for this. It will be found that the locomotives for the Soudan Railway, or, at all events, the first batch delivered, will come from America. The reason in this case is precisely the same. The desire is to get delivery with all possible despatch, and as America is in a position to guarantee greater speed than England the Government agents, with every desire to place their orders here, have had no choice but to go to the States for at least that portion of the order which could not wait.

THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE.' At a Primrose League Demonstration at Newcastle en Monday night, the Duke of Marl borough. Chancellor of the League, was the principal speaker. His Grace said that under the present Government the honour and position of Great Britain had been iiiaintained, the colonies had been brought into closer relations with the mother country than ever before, social problems bad been grappled with granting to. all classes the enjoyment of security and the blessings-of prosperity to a degree never known under a Radical Government. Industries would never decay,while th& Unionist Government was in power, because the latter pursued an Imperial policy which meant in- dustrial development. The policy of the Government in China and Egypt had been dictated by foresight and crowned with success. The Right Hon. J. L.. Wharton said recent events had shown that the best guarantee for peace was preparedness for war. While it would be well to reduce armaments-to a proper level, we must beware of imperilling the safety and honour of England. An Old Age Pensions scheme should encourage thrift, but no scheme which would make the worker support the idler would be listened to by rational Englishmen.

DETECTIVES DISRATED. During the past few days the conduct of two London detectives and a detective-sergeant stationed at Scotland-yard has been inquired into. The men were accused of having borrowed from professional money-lenders. As a result of the inquiries the sergeant has been reduced to the ranks. Nor is this all. The three men have been dismissed from the Criminal Investigation Department, and will in fnture do duty as plain-clothes constables, This means. that the sergeant's salary will be roducodf by about one-half.

SCARBOROUGH SENSATION. The Scarborough police are inquiring into, a strange case which occurred on the' afternoon of Palm Sunday. It appears that a. nursemaid named Beatrice Moore, who was in charge of two children, was sitting on a seat facing the sea in company with two girl friends, when a rope was placed round her neck by a young man. The rope was pulled tight, her assailant meanwhile, according to one of the rrirls, counting 50. Then he ran away, taking the rope with him. The girl had by this time fainted, and wits some time before she recovered. The reason for the strange outrage is not known, as the girl, who is IS years of age, states that she did not know the man.

CHILDREN KILLED BY AN EXPRESS. A shocking affair- happened at Clifton Junction Station, on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, I mmr Manchester;. about five o'clock on the evening of March 27. A number of young children strayed from the roadway on to the line. and were not observed until a Blackpool to Manchester express was approaching at 60 miles an hour round a curve. Henry Stopforsh, the station master, noticed the small trespassers, and heard the express approaching at one and the same moment. Rushing towards the children, he raised his arms in order, if possible, to stop the train. He proved too late, however, as the express dashed into the children when he was about ten yards. from them. The train pulled up soon -L-terward&. Hugh King and Martha Jacks, aged four and three respectively, were picked up dead, their bodies being frightfully mutilated, »nd a boy named Lomax had his right foot cut off. The parents live in Pendlebury. The injured child was immedi- ately taken to Salford Hospital.

IRISH LADY'S SUICIDE. The wife of Mr. Coplen Langford, a County Lime- rick grand juror, magistrate, and landowner, residing near Shanagolden, in the west of the county, has committed suicide under painful circumstances. The deceased, who was only recently married to Mr. Copley Langford, being his second wife, was dis- covered in the pantry of her residence with a shock- ing wound in the throat, evidently self-inflicted with, a razor.

JEALOUS HUSBAND'S MAD DEED. An unreasonably jealous husband was Henry, Robert Frostick, a chimney sweep, whose insane acts on the evening of March 25 thrilled the little town of Romford with horror. Frostick was 51 years of age. His wife was 12 years younger. He accused his wife of having a smile for everyone but himself, and, picking up a heavy poker, dealt her a terrific blow on the head. Mrs. Frostick ran shrieking for help, but her husband struck her two other blows before she escaped into the open air, where she sank to the ground unconscious. Frostick then went into the kitchen, and with a table knife nearly severed his head from the trunk, dying instantly. Mrs. Frostick was removed to the infirmary, but did not regain consciousness for several hours, and is still in a critical state. The husband's jealousy had caused frequent quarrels, but neighbours say there was absolutely no ground for it.

CYCLISTS' SHOCKING DEATHS. A strange fate befell a widow lady, Mrs.Plura.inor, while cycling late on the night of March 24, near Wantage. Riding home from a neighbouring vil- lage, she turned down a road by the side of the Wilts and Berks Canal, presumably to take a shorter cut into Wantage. There she was thrown off her bicycle into the ice-covered canal. A young man. hearing her cries, pulled her and the bicycle out, and medical assistance was brought, but the lady expired in an hour. Accidental death was the verdict at the inquest.. Walter Culthorpe, a clerk, who was in the habit of riding hard from business in London, was run over by a large van in Mildmay-park through his bicycle "skidding." His injuries were so severe that he died in a few minutes.

FINLAND will in future be provided with the stamps, &c., in general use in Russia. MR. W. H. SCOTT,. a Liverpool corn broker, a pa s- senger on the Umbria, has committed suicide. The body was buried at sea. THE sentence on Professor Delbrueck for his criticism of the expulsion of Danes from Schleswig- Holstein has been pronounced by the Berlin Discip- linary Court. The professor is to be reprimanded, and fined 500 marks. THE projected cock fights between French and English cocks in Paris have been prohibited on the ground that they are used solely as occasions for betting. In other French towns, notably Roubaix, Cock fighting is allowed and is very popular. MR. ALDERMAN WOMERSLEY, for 50 years manager of the starch department at the great works of Messrs. J. and J. Colman, Limited, Carrow, Norwich, has died at Norwich. Deceased amassed a consider- able fortune out of several valuable patent rights

QUEEN AND BEGGAR. Queen Victoria drove out in the direction of lieu from Cimiez on the afternoon of March 28. did not go so far as Lord Salisbury's villa. V, making the ascent of Montboron Hill, her encountered a well-known character, an old man who is frequently to be seen driving hjs drawn by two big St. Bernard dogs. After cap to the Queen the old man whipped up and kept pace with the Royal carriage until top of the hill was reached. Then, V" The whoop, he dashed down the opposite slope. n Queen's carriage does not go slowly, but it vv88 match for the beggar's turn-out, which tore down hill and was soon out of sight. At the foot of nd hill, however, the old man was waiting, hat in ba and when he received the customary reward fro111 tbt, Queen, he blessed her Majesty in his patois turned his dogs towards home. Princess i Batten berg and the Duchess of York accomPaDL the Queen and seemed to enjoy the incident, Duchess of York especially laughing heartily.

DEATH OF MR. BIRKET Mr. Birket Foster,' the well-known painter, died on the night of March 27, at Bratf'J Wey bridge, at the age of 74 years. Deceased, w.s a native of jSTorth Shields, showed his art!sj talent while still in the nursery, and was appreI1^ to a wood engraver. His ambition, however, a landscape painter, and at the age of 34 he exh'b' his first picture at the Royal Academy, u once brought him into fame. At the age of fof was placed with Mr. Landells, the wood engraTe/'rj for wnose advice, after he had practised engraving^ short time, he became a draughtsman. At the aoe j 21 he started on his own account, illustrated sevetu children's books, and drew a great deal Vj HIusirated London News. He illustrated Longfe11?•> Evangeline," Beattie's "Minstrel," Poetical Works," and several other works °r similar kind; and -was since employed on "jM I I Llo of the better class of illustrated books that h- issued from the press, especially a handsome Vol devoted. to English landscape, with descrjptio!S ft}1f the pen of Mr. Tom Taylor, published in 1863. then resolved to follow a different branch ° n j)- and began water-colour painting, and in 1 was elected a member of the Water-Colour He was the most widely known and perhap3 most popular of English landscape artists in ø colour.

THE evil of having pretty photographs '3 ing, and is becoming a decided nuisance. de' at least one young man in town who is ready nounce the custom forevermore, and it h^pPj$ this way. One evening he went to see a whom he liked very much, indeed. She was sl>0 ■he was jolly, she was pleasant in every way, f was not pretty. However, he did not mi0 juc^ and things were getting on finely until this night when he spied upon the mantlepiec0 photograph in a brand new Florentine fi'al,1| was the picture of a bright saucy-looking 81* big appealing eyes and -waving hair, and it gk< the young ruanimmediately. "Who is itke-ri,t>1' going up in front of the picture, mighty pretty I don't believe I know her. Wish I did. K introduce us ?" He was going on, but came aware of a certain frigidity in the atm°att0r'i and stopped. Wh—wh—why what's the J"! i he questioned, because the girl looked wrath1 w yet ready to cry. That picture," she exclaiin0^ j|jS slight explosion, is a new picture that IJ1^ had taken of myself." The young man 100 e Mld, from her to it and then sank weakly down. titol has not yet succeeded in making her believe thib t gít all a joke and he really recognised her. may not be pretty, but neither is she slow. t IT was in a dining car on a Michigan Cent ) going east. A young man with his hair Pa j-of the centre and his moustache waxed to th'J> caper sat down at a table just vacated by four people, and about the first thing he a lady's kid glove. He gobbled it acait%i two minutes later a young man entered the V approached the table to ask: Excuse d'j you see a kid glove around here?" It stammered the young man. Where is it? so small and soft and neat, you know, that d j }j» must belong to a beautiful young girl, a° placed it next my heart. If she don't „ jpt# know, I'd like But she does mlD rupted the other. No 1 Then she has ^e'g romance—no—no Not a bit of it- years old and my grandmother, and she p through with leaving her gloves around men to lollypop over." Aw gasped ^$ as he drew the glove from his bosom, an°f +\.0ge °°A' he could think of—in fact, it was one^ of 1 fcO sions when the English language hasn t &° t press a man's feelings. MB. SLOWBOY I never jump at CON t0 Mrs. Slowboy: It is unnecessary for 7 me that. Probably the only jump you ever your life was when papa reached for JQU a wntbtNtepw."

A new substance has been invented for mak- ing spectacles to protect the eyes of workmen exposed to flying particles of stone, metal, or wood. Bill: « Have you got a watch V Jill: 'Certainly.' Bill Is it going?' Jill: 'Nob with me.' He gets his daughter off his hands And thinks it all complete, But soon he finds he has to keep Her husband on his feet. Mr. Bunk's marriage didn't come off.' 'What was the matter ?' 'His tailor was, an old rival and didn't get his wedding-suit made in time.'

EXECUTION AT NEWGATE- or George Robertson, 43, a dwarf, who last SessiODStlJ. the Central Criminal Court was sentenced to de30f by Mr. Justice Bigham for the wilful murdef Mary Kenealy, a" child aged four and a half ye ad residing with her parents in Drury-lane, was ha.J1¡¡g within Newgate Prison at nine o'clock on the ni°rp!1|j)0 on March 28. Colonel Milman, the Governor. 0 dat prison, and Dr. Scott, the medical officer, arri f<! the gaol shortly before nine o'clock also Mr. g- Sheriff Metcalfe, who supervised all the llTrf%e ments for the execution. Upon the stroke of hoar Billington and his assistant entered' condemned cell, where the unhappy man ^'aS'0p gaged in devotion. In the presence of the G'^letr of the goal, the doctor, Under-Sheriff calfe, and Chief Warder Scott, the billglo performed the process of pinioning the rill" the convict, who offered no resistance. The c demned man walked between two wardersto'tbe. scaffold, which was but a few paces fr0111 condemned cell, without assistance, the meanwhile reciting a portion of the Burial Se^L, The convict was quickly placed, in a semi-dazed" dition, beneath the beam, the white cap and were adjusted, and, stepping aside, Billington p11 s the lever, and the drop fell. Robertson died struggle. The convict, who stood 4ft. 9in. inhe>l^ and weighed 1081b., was given a drop of ovot Death was stated to have been and the execution to have been carried ou^ factor:ly. A considerable number of sembled outside the prison to witness the hoist' 'j of the 1,-Lick flag over the debtors' «°or. ham, the London City Coroner, held an M4U \LJH the body at the Sessions House, Old Bailej', Coloisel Milman, the Governor of the prisofli duced the warrant for the execution of Dr. Scott, the medical officer, said at the execution. Death was instantaneous- Coroner Did the accused.admit, his .guilt ? @0l ep Milman: The deceased admitted his guilt,. 3,0 pressed contrition. The jury returned a ad according to the medical testimony-, that the met his death from dislocation,' of the "of the spinal column, due to hanging. Robe^ body was_ interred next to the grave of Mrs. vJ f the notorious, child murderess. A short birill 0 vice was recited at the grave in. the presence o bovernor, Colonel Milman, and, Chief Warder be

NEW COLONIAL POSTAL RATE;, A Post Office notice announces that the mentioned changes come into, operation on and »r April 1: Malta.—The postage ta be prepaid on letter Malta will be Id. for each half-ounce or tract'0 Malta will be ld. for each half-ounce or fractlO half an ounce. Jl India,—Registered letters for India may be'08 under the usual conditions up to £ 120. aI New South Wales.—Parcels for New South tP may be insured, under the usual conditions UP £ 50. Bermuda.—The postage on parcels for B0rDJui will be: For a parcel weighing not over 31b", A over 31b., but net over 71b., 2s.; over 71b., over lllb., 3s.

GREAT SHIPBUILDING B00&J The shipbuilders of the United Kingdom established a record. The total output (exduSl M warships was 1,367,570 gross tons. This total of the previous record year, 1889, by tons. About 20 per cent, of this tonnage wa £ for foreign owners, the largest custom,r'beiog oO mark. The total merchant shipping built lasL :rbíeb the Continent was 280,000 tons gross, 153,147 tons was turned out in Germany, in France, and 26,530 tons is Italy. In this sailing ships have practically ceased to Only 4252 tons of sailing ships was turned 01.1 year. If'