County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser Abergavenny and Raglan Herald Usk and Pontypool Messenger and Chepstow Argus

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Pontypool Urban District Council was held in the Town Hall, Ponty- pool, on Wednesday afternoon, when there were present: -Alessrs. D. Reid [chairman], L. E. Webb, E. B.Ford, W. H. Hughes, W. H. Griffiths, J. Walker, P. Ec ersley, F. Probyn, G. H. Newth, W. H. Pitten, W. H. Haskins. H. H. Haden [clerk], J. Powell [surveyor], E. Jones [collector]. FINANCE. Mr. Webb brought up the report of the Finance Committee, which shewed that after paying the cheques of the day [£750 14s. 3d. general and "6 -wanes], there were favourable balances of £47 6s. Od. [on the loan account], and X245 7B. 2d. [on the general]. At a special meeting of the Committee the application of Mr. Powell for an increase of salary was considered, and it was unani- mously resolved to recommend to the Council that as Surveyor the salary should be increased to IX45, and as inspector [with the sanction of the Local Government Board] to £ 70; total j6115. The committee were unanimous, said Mr. Webb, in recommending that they had taken into consideration the length of time Mr. Powell had served them, and the services he had rendered, especially with regard to sanitary matters. Mr. Hughes seconded the adoption of the report, and it was unanimously carried. Mr. Ford asked how much of the rate remained uncollected. Mr. Webb: £ 175 has been paid in out of a total of £ 1,100. Mr. Ford said he referred to the old rate. Mr. Webb said the amount of the old rate un- collected was under Y,10, and proceedings were being taken to recover that. HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. Dr. Mason [M.O.H.] reported that during the month there had been 12 deaths and 19 births, giving rates of 22-5 and 35-6 per 1000 per annum respectively. Four of the deaths were due to enteric fever. There had been six cases of infectious diseases—enteric fever, 1; diphtheria, 1 scarlatina, 2; erysipelas, 2-all of which had been dealt with. An epidemic of measles was threatening the dis- trict. THE FIRB BRIGADE. Captain G. C. Hall, in his report, referred to the recent fire at Mr. Stock's, High-street, Pontypool, which was extinguished in an hour and a half after arrival by the Brigade. In another communication Mr. Hall referred to the need for an improved method of calling up the members. Some discussion took place upon the latter question, and it was ultimately referred to the Fire Brigade Committee for a report. Mr. Ford suggested that the police should be rewarded for energy displayed in calling fireman, .&c. Mr. Webb said the question of reward should be left to the discretion of the Captain. Mr. Haskins said each case should be dealt with on its merits as it arose. This matter was also left to the Committee. A COMMUNICATION. Miss Margaret Carrack wrote as follows :—In sending the enclosed receipt I have to ask you to be good enough to convey to the Urban District Council my grateful thanks for their kind appreciation of my services on behalf of the enteric patients. The time was one of great anxiety as well as of mental and physical strain, but I shall always look. back upon it as a very valuable experience. At the same time it must not be forgotton that it is only through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Hanbury that a nurse is provided for the district. I should like to say that I am glad of this opportunity of expressing my own thanks to the members and to the patients for the cheering and kindly manner in which they have always received my services and seconded my efforts." INCREASE OF WAGES. Messrs. Powell and Brown, two labourers employed by the Council, wrote asking for an increase of d. to 5d. per hour, and an alteration of hours in the Winter. In reply to questions, the Surveyor stated that foe regularly employed six men, and that the ,uniform rate of pay had been 4d. per hour. 2 Mr. Hughes pointed out that wages generally had gone up in the district, and the cost of living had also increased. Colliers were now earning more than they had done since 1874, and tin workers, iron workers, &c., were now getting increased remunera- tion. For the last four years the Council's men ,had been working at 4Jd. per hour. Mr Pitten Some are not worth 2d. Mr. Hughes: I heard that remark, and will deal with it just now. Mr. Pitten I will stick to it. Mr. Hughes: You will stick to anything. t(Laughter.) Subsequently Mr. Hughes said he had yet to tiearn that the Surveyor was dissatisfied with the work the men did. He proposed that the men's wages all round should be increased to 5d. per hour. The Chairman suggested that the matter should be referred to the Finance Committee for a report, so that they might take into consideration the number of hours worked, &c. Mr. Ford thought that they would get on the horns of a dilemma if they levelled everybody up- able-bodied men with men not able-bodied. It was ultimately decided to adopt the Chairman's suggestion. TRAIN SERVICE. A communication was read from the Caerleon U.D.C. asking for support in agitating for the -every-day running, instead of on Thursdays and Saturdays only, of the 10.45 p.m. train. Mr. Ford moved, Mr. Hughes seconded, and it was agreed to urge upon the G.W.R. superintendent the advantages which would accrue to the travelling public by the running of late trains every ,day, it being remarked that it would be of great advantage to people returning from town." THE GAS CONTRACT. The Pontypool Gas and Water Company gave motice to terminate the contract for the public lighting of the district, a riee in price being necessitated by the enhanced value of materials. 0 The Clerk said a notice of a rise of 5d. per 1,000 cubic feet had been notified by the Company. Mr. Hughes I give notice that in three months I shall re-introduce the question of purchasing the rights of the Electrio Lighting Company. (Laughter.) THE CLERK'S SALARY. A communication from the Clerk was read in which he asked for an increase of salary in consequence of the constantly growing work of the Council. Mr. Ford spoke in eulogistic terms of the excellent work done by Mr. Haden, and moved that the matter be referred to the Finance Committee. > This was duly seconded. Mr. Haskins remarked that they had been talking about pay in g their labourers -iM. per hour, but their Clerk did not get that for what he did for the Council. He thought they might as well deal with the application before them there and then. They all knew that Mr. Haden was getting underpaid. He therefore moved, as an amendment, that the -Clerk's salary be increased from £ 35 to £ 50. Even then he would not be getting too much. Mr. Pitten said he had very much pleasure in seconding the amendment. They all knew what an ,excellent Clerk they had. After some discussion during which it appeared that the only difference between members was the way in which the Clerk's services should be more adequately recognised from a monetary point of 'view. at the Clerk's own suggestion, the application -was dealt with in the tame way as the others had been, viz., by referring it to the Finance Committee. MISCELLANEOUS. It was decided to take steps to secure the removal of some barbed wire which was a nuisance alongside a highway of the district. It was Besolved to offer a reward for evidence which would lead to the identification of the owner .of a vehicle which, colliding with the urinal in Clarence-street, caused damage amounting to £ 2 10s. The Surveyor was instructed to proceed with the accessary repairs. The Surveyor waa instructed with reference to various matters mentioned iu his report, such as cases of oTercrowding, nuisances caused by defective -ishutin-, &c. c This was all the business of importance.

I TRANSVAAL. A BOER COMMANDO APPEARS. STANDERTON, Thursday. Commando of 600 Boers have appeared at Delanges Drift Klip River. Fourteen captured locomotives have been repaired.

CHINA. AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS FOR CHINA. NEW YORK, Friday. New York has offered two regiments of volunteers for China, and Pennsylvania one regiment. Ninth Regiment United States Regulars under orders from Philippines for China will take several Maxim rapid firing and mountain guns.

CHINESE MILITIA CALLED OUT. HONG KONG, Friday. Viceroy of Kwang has called out Militia. AMBASSADORS AT PEKIN. Chinese official telegram says Ambassa- dors are still at Pekin, and were safe up to Monday last.

CENTRAL NEWS, TELEGRAMS TO THE U COUNTY OBSERVER," [TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.] FLOODS IN SPAIN. MADRID, Friday. Alarming floods have occurred in Murcia and Almeria; there has been considerable destruction but waters are subsiding. FATAL ACCIDENT. Young lady was crushed to death by traction engine in Islington. ———— ECHO OF THE LIBERATOR FRAUDS. Edward Cairns set fire to Hobbs' haystack at Norbury because his wife lost her money in Liberator frauds. Cairns was committed for trial. I THE KHEDIVE'S DEPARTURE. Khedive left Windsor Castle on return to London this morning. Large crowds gathered to witness departure. PAID OFF." Torpedo gunboat Gossamer, was paid off at Sheerness to-day, preparatory to being newly fitted with engines. i 0 CABINET COUNCIL. Cabinet Council held noon to-day. Lord Ashbourne was sole absentee. TEETOTALERS' INDIGNATION. United Kingdom Alliance adopted resolutions to-day protesting with utmost indignation against Mr. Balfour's refusal to afford facilities for passing Bill preventing sale of liquor to children. C)

Stocks. Stocks quiet.

I SKENFRITH. U.D. SCHOOL BOARD.—The quarterly meeting was held at Groamont on Thursday week, Mr. E. Prosser (chairman) presiding.—The Clerk (Mr. J. H. Farquhar) reported that there was a balance of £ 111 9s. Sd. in the bank.—Mr. Whitney, in accord- ance with uotice, moved a revision of the present bye-laws regulating school atendauce, stating that he thought the children should be able to leave school after having passed the fourth standard, instead of the fifth, as at present. It would remove a pressing injustice to many poor parents.— Dr Leighton moved that effect be given to the recommendation of the Grunrdiana that any child that shall have obtained a certificate of 300 attend- ances in not more than two schools during each year for five preceding years, whether consecutive or not, shall be entitled to the same exemption from school attendance as is prescribed in the bye law for chil- dren who have passed the 4th Standard. The Chairman seconded.-Both resolutions were car- ried.—Calls at 3d. in the £ were issued to the over- seers of the four parishes.

I War Items. Some of the heaviest drafts yet sent to South Africa, left Aldershot for Southampton, and embarked on the Canada. They included 226 non- commissioned officers and men of the South Wales Borderers, under Captain Gillespie, and Lieut. Gwynn. Colonel I.J. C. Herbert, C.B., C M.G. (Llan- arth Court), has been gazetted to be an Assistant- Adjutant-General of the South African Field Force. Lieutenant-Colonel Hanbury Williams, military secretary to Sir Alfred Milner has gone to Pretoria.

I Parliamentary. In the House of Lords, on Thursdav, the Marquess of Salisbury, in reply to the Earl of Marquess of Salisbury, in reply to the Earl of Kimberley, said So far as we know. Admiral Seymour has been relieved and is safe. (Cheers.) But. that statement, I think, comes rather from other sources of information than those of her Majesty's Government. Beyond that we know nothing of the position of Sir Claude Macdonald and of the other Legations. I think there is every ground for believing that no violence has yet been done to them. But that can only be stated in a hypo- thetical form. With respect to the future, I think the noble lord knows that from all quarters such troops as can be obtained are being hurried forward, but it will probably be some time before they arrive. Several questions were set down in the House of Commons on Thursday as to the treatment of the British sick and wounded in South Africa. Mr. Balfour read an exhaustive statement from Lord Roberts, in which the Commander-in-chief sugges- ted the formation of a small committee to proceed to South Africa, to inquire into and furnish a full report of the working of the medical arrange- ments. Mr. Balfour, promised that the matter should be fully debated to-day (Friday).

Br. Rutherfoord Harris at I Maindee. A large public meeting was held at Chepstow- road Board Schools, Maindee, on Friday evening in last week. under the auspices of the Maindee Conservative and Unionist Association. Mr. E. Phillips presided. When Dr. Rutherfoord Harris entered the room he was received with a burst of applause. Mr. E. Phillips said that it was always a great pleasure to preside at a Maindee meeting, but it was especially pleasant that night because they had with them Dr. Rutherfoord Harris (applause) and Mr. Isaac Lyons, who would address them. He was sorry to say that the Rev. J. C. Harris, of Johannesburg, who was to have addressed them would not be able to do so, as he was ill, and prevented by doctor's orders from leaving his room and coming to the meeting. DR. RUTHERFOORD HARRIS, who was received with loud cheers, said Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—I believe this is my first appearance in Maindee, or nearly so-it certainly is the first in this hall. I trust you will agree with me when I hope it will not be the last. (" Hear, hear," and "I hope you'll keep on coming.") I have been asked to say a few words, but the main reason for our being together is to hear Mr. Lyons, from the central association in London. No doubt we, as Unionists, will listen with profit to what he has to say. But there is one question connected with the war and the subsequent settlement, which I think will in a short time take place, and on one phase of which I should like to say a few words. There has, I have been told, been at last a platform discovered which will bear the divergent opinions of Sir William Harcourt and Mr. Labouchere, of Mr. Bryce and Mr. Courtney, of Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman and Mr. Morley. (Laughter.) As you know, they are AT SIXES AND SEVEN'S on the justice of the war and the settlement, and, as Mr. Chamberlain pointed out, one preached one doctrine and another a doctrine diametrically opposed to it. There is a worship known as the "cult of the jumping cat." These gentlemen- and no shame to them-have discovered that the British public on the question of the war and the settlement have made up their minds that the danger and the menace to the Empire in South Africa shall not occur again. They have made up their minds that, while dealing fairly and justly with the rebels against Queen and country, these rebels shall have punishment meted out to them. They also know that in the general course of events a general election cannot be tar distant. Therefore, they feel bound to reconcile their statements and speeches, which were made some months ago against the war and annexation, when they have found out that the prevailing opinion in this country is that these two Republics should be annexed. (Cheers.) The issue to be brought prominently to the front, and made THE GREAT ISSUE BETWEEN US at the general election is this: I believe the Unionist Government will urge that after annexation and peace have been concluded there shall be a period of pure military administration of those two Republics-a period sufficiently long, at any rate, to enable the rifles hidden to be discovered, to discover the hidden ammunition, and to deal with the case of the rebels in our own Colony-the men who rebelled against what you know to be the purest form of government under the sun. (Cheers.) Following upon that period of military administration the Unionist Government will recommend a policy of what is called Crowu Colony Goveinmetit "-government by officials appointed by the Crown, exactly the same form of government that existed in Natal a few years ago, and not more than twenty-fire or thirty years ago in Cape Colony. The Colonies of Australia and I Canada went through that phase, and I think we may fairly say that if after annexation we finally PLACE THE BOERS I on the same footing as that on which the Natalians, Australians, and the Canadians stood not many yenrs ago, we shall not be dealing badly with them, and they will not have very mach of which to complain. (Cheers). And after a period of Crown government—say of five or six years-after they have proved themselves loyal subjects of the Queen, when they have proved that they have really joined in spirit and heart the Empire to which we belong, then by all means give them absolute self-government and the freest institutions the same as we have here. Now, against that, I believe, the leaders of the Radical party are going to urge that the moment peace is concluded and the country is annexed, all at once and at the moment, we should give them back free institutions and self-government ("No"). They see they must agree to annexation—the views of the British people are so overwhelmingly for annexation that they for the moment will be Imperialists and vote for annexation, but in their speeches I believe they will urge that as a settlement after annexation we should give free institutions and self- government. That will be the point which will be at issue at the next general election between the Unionists and the Radicals. WHAT THE UNIONISTS SAY is, Let us go through the stages of administration of Crown Colony Government, and after the Boers have proved themselves loyal British subjects, worthy of being under the British flag, then give them the same freedom and the same institutions as we have got." I want you to bear this in mind, because you can make fine speeches on liberty, freedom, and of dealing with the Boers on terms of equality as men but you must remember that they are a very tricky foe, who have had their white flags and treacherous armistices. If you again give them a chance, Mr. Hofmeyf, of the Bond, and Kruger and Steyn will again acquire political power, and we shall in twenty years be faced with the same position and the same war. The only way of avoiding this is to put them through a period of probation, in which they will be given an opportunity of proving themselves worthy of the magnificent, but disastrous, freedom which Mr. Gladstone gave them. Why not give them self-government and trust them?" say the Liberals. We went through that in 1881, and we should go through it again if the Liberal proposals were acted upon. They feel impelled by the overwhelming force of public opinion to vote for annexation, but they will try to make that division of which I have spoken later on. Therefore, I am glad to have this opportunity, for the first time in Newport, of directing your attention to this, and I hope I shall have many opportunities of doing so again. (Hear, hear.) There is no other point upon which I want to address you at the present moment. I HOPE TO HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES of dealing with other questions, one of which was considered at a full meeting at the Tredegar Hall the other evening. (Laughter and cheers). In reading the report of that meeting I was amused to see that Mr. Carr, whom I expect to see this evening, had said that he did not mind a moderate amount of interruption. (Laughter.) Mr. Oarr is coming to stay with me for a few days, and I am going to tell him that I don't meet with even a moderate amount of interruption when I come before you in the Newport Boroughs. (Hear, hear). I have made up my mind on questions of education, questions of licensing, and upon all such questions. I know what I am going to say. It will be no double answer or half-hearted answer, and when the time comes every man who goes to the poll will know exactly what I am in favour of. I thank you very much for listening to what I have had to say to-night, and you will do me a favour if you will bear in mind the points between what I believe will be the Unionist programme and the Radical programme as to the I settlement that is to take place in South Africa. (Cheers). Mr. Isaac Lyons followed with an excellent j speech. Mr. J. W. Hunt proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to Dr. Rutherfoord Harris and Mr. Isaac Lyons fot their addresses. Mr. Pearce seconded, and it was carried unanimously amid loud cheering. Dr. Rutherfoord Harris and Mr. Isaac Lyons acknowledged the vote. CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT. Mr. J. Farmer Powell proposed the following resolution of confidence in the Government, which he declared needed no words of commendation from him :That this meeting of the Maindee Ward, Newport, Moil., Conservative Association, desire to convey to Lord Salisbury and his Government their most unqualified and undiminished confidence in them, and also wish to record that in their opinion their wise, firm, and statesmanlike conduct in respect to the war in South Africa, in the cause of liberty and freedom, commands the admiration and appreciation of this great Empire and they trust that all their efforts may be attended with unqualified success, and thereby add to the prestige of Great Britain and to the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of her Majesty the Queen and all her subjects both at home and abroad." I Mr. H. T. Winterbotham seconded, and the resolution on being put to the meeting was carried unanimously. I TH ANKS TO THE CHAIRMAN. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman, and the meeting terminated with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by cheers for the Queen and Dr. Harris.

I The Powers and China. The alarming state of affairs in China has quite eclipsed all interest in the dispatches from the seat of war in South Africa. Most people are inclined to consider the Boer war as over and so it is as regards any doubt as to its ultimate results. The resistance which the Free Staters have continued to offer can- not last much longer, and there is every reason to believe that Lord Roberts' dispositions now being completed will shortly result in the capture or destruction of all the organised forces of the enemy still remaining under arms. In China, the situation is a most anxious one, because of the savage and barbarous ferocity of the Chinese mob and soldiery. For those of our countrymen in the affected districts, whether civilians, or members of either fighting service, there is unquestionably the gravest cause ior anxiety. Apart from this, it is not to be feared that China will be able for any length of time to prevent the several powers restoring order with a firm hand. One of the strong: points which Lord Charles Beresford urged, after his recent journey to the Far East, was the organisation and equipment of A LARGE CHINESE ARMY, UPON EUROPEAN METHODS. Happily, that project has not as yet proceeded far, and the present state of affairs is a sufficient warn- ing of raising up the great "Yellow Peril" to check all such enthusiasm in the future. Unlike Japan, the Chinese are still true to their ancient traditions, and there is no longer any doubt that the Peking Government is at the bottom of the anti- foreign agitation, or that regular Chinese troops are making common cause with the rioters. The trouble may spread southwards involving much bloodshed, though appearances point to the proba- bility of its being confined to Northern China, to which the evil influence of the Dowager-Empress is chiefly limited. That notorious lady is reported to have issued orders for the extermination of all foreigners," but as a matter of fact, nothing is known of the intentions of the Dowager-Empress, and but little reliance is to be placed upon the incidents reported from day to day. One point alone seems certain which is that the Powers were quite unprepared for these astonishing develop- ments. If it were not for the extreme peril of the European communities, the situation would be truly comical, and infinitely more difficult than any Chinese puzzle of our acquaintance. The Peking Government is pretending to suppress the rioters, while all the time its regular troops are bombarding the foreign settlements at Tientsin with Krupps field pieces. Then we have all the Powers more or less making believe that they are not at war with China, but only with the Boxers. Russia in fact, has issued an official notification that its object is simply to assist the Chinese Government to restore order. All this will strike many people as simply fooling, but, until more troops arrive, the Powers are practically helpless, and the supreme object of the moment is to obtain by any means whatever, the exercise of A RESTRAINING INFLUENCE I'EOM PEKING. The pretence that the Powers are simply assisting China leaves the Peking Government a chance to climb down, and if by such an opportunity it is possible to obtain a check upon disorder much will have been gained. As to the ultimate issue no one appears as yet to have any reassured idea as to what it may lead to. Some say that Tientsin and Peking must be permanently occupied by European troops. That, however, would ouly exasperate the Chinese more than ever against the foreigners, and it would only be possible if it were intended to occupy large portions of China in force. Then again no defeat inflicted upon the Chinese troops, however crushing it might be, would have any lasting effect upon the country. The policy of wholesale executions is the only one that terrifies the Chinese into something like order, and though it is practised by the Chinese Government, it is hardly open to be adopted by the European Powers. Happily, so far, all the Powers seem to be working amicably together in the common interest, and though there is the danger of differences breaking 1 9 out, as in the former Concert of Europe, it is at least, equally possible that this new Chinese Crisis" will prove more effective than the Peace Conference in improving the relations which subsist between the great Powers of the world.

Charge of Abduction at Z5 Gloucester. William Williams, gardener, was charged at Gloucester on Monday with taking away a girl, under the age of eighteen, without the consent of her father or mother. It was stated that accused and Ada Knight, aged 16, whom he was charged with abducting, worked on the same land and for the same employer, the girl knowing that accused was a married man, with a wife and two children. On the 11th inst., prisoner went to the g-irl as she was in the garden at work, and according to her statement, said he was going away, and suggested that she should accompany him. She said her clothes were at home, and prisoner undertook to call at her mother's for them. It was stated that bf1 called on a second-hand dealer, sold some of his furniture, and met the girl the same night, as arranged. Together they trudged to Oakle Street Station and took train to Newnham. Here the girl, at prisoner's request, purchased a cheap ring, aud they stayed at a coffee house. The next day they went on to Abercarn, where prisoner got work in a colliery, and they took lodgings, remaining until the 20th, when prisoner was arrested. His defence was that the girl asked him to take her with him He was committed for trial at the assizes.

Chambers of Commerce of the Empire. The Chambers of Commerce of the Empire, on Thursday, passed the resolution agreed upon between Toronto and Manchester asking for the appointment of a Royal CommIssion to consider the possibilities of increasing and strengthening trade relations between the different portions of the Empire. The congress also passed a resolution asking for-a definition of what was really a trade mark, and seeking for the assistance of the Colonies in the matter. The_ delegates also decided in favour of the adoption of the decimal system throughout the Empire, except India, and denounced secret commissions in business. The congress spent several hours in discussing the question of sugar bounties, and finally passed by an overwhelming majority a resolution requesting the Government to enter into a convention with Austria, Germany, and other Powers who have expressed a willingness to abolish bounties, such convention to contain a penal clause prohibiting the entry of bounty-fed sugar into the territories of the contracting Powers.

Cricket. Gloucester, out, 619.

1- SIR REDVERS UCLLER. Sir Redvers Buller is at length co-operating with Lord Roberts in the movements for finally crushing out all resistance on the part of the Boers. This achievement has been the outcome of eight months' fighting, very often in circumstances of the most extreme difficulty. The operation were not, in the earlier stages, entirely free from "untoward iucidents," but it is noteworthy that those who knew Sir Redvers Buller best never lost confidence in him, and it is understood that the troops under his command, who, after eight months' experience, are probably the best judges of his powers, have the most implicit faith in the ability of the General. I STEEPLE-.TACKS. It used to be said of aeronauts that sooner or later all of them came to a violent end. Possibly the statement was at the time an approximation to the truth, but in these days, at any rate, the occupation of a steeple-jack would appear to be even more perilous than the work or recreation of a balloonist. The accident at Crewe, which last week resulted fatally, was only one of many which have caused the death of steeple-jacks, but the incident does not present any moral, it being apparently uecessary that these men should risk their lives m the way they do. No doubt they are well paid for their labour, but few people are likely to regard their position with envy, and the trade is not likely to become—like so many others- overcrowded with people who do not know their work.

4 SOLICITOtÙI HEAVY LIABILITIES.—At the London Bankruptcy Court on Wednesday Mr. Registrar Brougham made a receiving order against Benjamin Greene Lake, solicitor, late of 10, New Square, Lincoln's Inn, sole partner of the firm of Lake and Lake. The liabilities are estimated at etween JE200,000 and £ 300,000.

[ CURRENT TOPICS. I THE LATE COUNT MOURAT1EPF. | The Czar, who always appears to be actuated- with sincere goodwill towards this country, is unfortunate in the loss of his Foreign Ministers. Two years after he came to the Throne, Prince Lobanoff died suddenly in. the train, while travelling with the Czar, then on his way to meet the Emperor of Germany. The Pricce was an old man, but Count Mouravieff, who died just as suddenly last week, was only 55. Though never enjoying robust health he was considered to be in the prime of life. It was he who carried out the schemes of Russia to their present stage in China, and which are really at the bottom of the renewed troubles in that part of the world. Ministers come and go, and there is perhaps little to choose between them, for Russian policy is always the same, ever extending its grasp over Asia. But the death of Count Mouravieff unquestionably makes for the peace of the world. He was no friend of this country. It would be mere affectation to say that he was other than an unscrupulous enemy of Great Britain, whom he regarded as always standing in the way of Russian expansion. To do him justice. Count Mouravieff never pretended to be favourably disposed towards us, and on more than one occasion he attempted to shape that. European coalition which has been so often talked about on the Continent and threatened against this country. THE EXTENT or ltrSSI-k" POSSESSIONS. Most people would say that Russia has already as much territory as she can govern properly. In Europe, the Czar rules over more than half of the whole Continent, his realms extending through 40 degrees of latitude, and with Asia his dominions extend over more than a third of the Continent. It is quite true that Britain has not much to grumble about with regard to the extent of her possessions, but it might be supposed that; considerably more than a seventh of the entire surface of the globe should be sufficient to enable Russia to get along without quarrelling with other Powers over a policy of expansion. a* COLONIAL HEGTHET". Mr. Wyndham stated in the House of Commons the other day that the Government had under consideration the practicability of enabling representatives of the Colonial Regiments to visit. the Mother Country at the close of the war. Should such a course be possible, it would afford great gratification to our people at home, and we may be sure that the gallant Colonial soldiers would meet with a great reception. The Colonies can, scarcely need any demonstration of the goodwill of the British at home, but still the enthusiasm of the welcome which the troops would receive could scarcely fail to draw still closer the hand of affection which unites us to our fellow subjects across the seas. THE MONEY LENDING BILL. Although politicians on both sides display no extreme hesitation in the matter, still it is not always wiso to say that the feeling of the country runs in such and such a direction. Perhaps, however, an exception may be made with reference to the Money Lending Bill, aud it is scarcely very presumptuous to assume that if a plebiscite were taken on the subject, there would be an over- whelming majority in its favour. When Mr. T. W. Russell moved its second reading, the measure was opposed by several members on both sides of the House, but it can scarcely be a matter for surprise if the arguments adduced fail to convince everybody. Much was said of interference with the liberty of contract, but there is not much liberty on the side of the man who is seeking by any possible means to save himself from financial ruin, and who may have been deceived into signing an agreement which he does not understand. It was said by one hon. and learned member that the Common Law already enables judges to nullify a bargain which is harsh and uncon- scionable, but, as the law stands, such a. nullification would be liable to revision by a Court; of Appeal, and it would only make the debtor's position worse to compel him to take part in further litigation of the most expensive kind against au adversary who would probably be well supplied with money. SPECIAL TRAINING FOR THE VOLUNTEERS. "The people compel me practise my drill." said a great Frenchman, when a hail of British bullets compelled him to display some agility ill order to avoid them. Theoretically the Volunteers will be in much the same position during their fourteen days' course of special training, for the War Office memorandum directs that the emergency training is to be a very serious business. 1!1 cl Officers and non-commissioned officers are to be lectured before-hand on military subjects, they are to be lectured again while in camp, and while the men are firing the course of musketry the company commander is to lecture on tire-discipline the men who are not actually engaged in practice. There are various other directions from which one is glad to gather that the lessons of the present war have had some effect upon the War Office, and that the Volunteers are to be exercised in taking advantage of cover and in the construction. of hasty entrenqhraeuts- I THE LATE LORD LOCH. The late Lord Loch was an author as well as a great pro-Consul of world-wide experience. His Personal Narrative of the events associated with Lord Elgin's second Embassy to China in 1860 is a most exciting story, and especially interesting ill, view of the renewed disturbances in that part of; the world." Soon after the first taking of Taku Forts, in 1860, Mr. Loch, who was then. secretary to Lord Elgin's Embassy, was treacherously captured by the Chinese, aud. subjected to frightful ill-treatment, He was taken with his fellow prisoner, Sir Harry Parke. before the mandarins, with his arms twisted and tied behind him. There he was kicked and cuffed, and had his face rubbed in the dirt,. Afterwards he was driven about and exhibited in. a cage as a specimen of the "foreign devil." Finally, after much suffering in the Chinese prisons, both he and Parkes escaped, but only just in time, as the order for their execution arrived within an hour of their liberation. I SIR H. KEPl'EL'S EARLY ESCAPE. Admiral Sir Henry Keppel, now in his ninety- second year, is another great man whose career came very near to be cut short in his early days- A few weeks after his birth he was placed in his coffin for dead, and had a close shave of being- ecrewed down. Since then he has lived to put; in eighty years service in the Navy. He is ::1.. director of the North Borneo Company, and, in. spite of his great age, he has only recently been oit a trip to the Far East. The present troubles ill China will have a special interest for him, as he was second in command ou the Station when we were at war with that country in 1857.. He led the attack at the destruction of the Chinese flotilla in Fatsliam Creek, when his galley was sunk, and five men out of h crew of six were killed or wounded. I DISORDER IN THE POSTAL SERVICE. The recent disorder to th postal service in London and the Provinces is not a very happy augury for Lord Londonderry in his new office of Postmaster-General. Not within living memory has there been such serious delay in the delivery of letters and packets, and the loss to trade and business in the country. part from the annoyance sud inconvenience, probably amounts to hundreds of thousands of pounds. The cause, we are told, is the removal of the provincial department from. St. MartinVle-Graud to Mount Pleasant, the new buildings iu London. But one would think that all the difficulties of removal would have been carefully considered, and prepared before hand. I and an extra staff engaged as an additional precaution against breakdowns. The whole thing is a most reprehensible affair, and it is not made any better by the fact that the removal to Mount Pleasant is a permanent disadvantage, as it-- necessitates the posting of country dispatches in. London somewhat earlier than formerly,