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

.11 THE REVENUE. I The receipts on account of Revenue from April 1, 1900, when there was a balance of E3,517,047, to July 14, 1900, were F-29,366,400 against P-30,480,890 in the corresponding period of the preceding finan- cial year, which began with a balance of £ 8,919,173. The net expenditure was EM,713,604, against £ 34,572,922 to the same date in the previous year. The Treasury balances on July 14, 1900 amounted to £ 5,666,642, and at the same date in 1899 to £ 2,787,861.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. I HOUSE OF LORDS.-JULY 16. LAWLESSNESS IN THE CHURCH. Lord Portsmouth having called attention to the continued lawlessness in the Church," the Arch- bishop of Canterbury replied that if patience were practised they might save disruption, and that the great majority of the clergy had conformed to what the bishops had urged upon them. HOUSE OF COMMONS. THE SITUATION IN CHINA. Mr. Brodrick, in answer to a question, said that although no positive information had reached; the Government, he could hardly dare to hope that the reports of the massacres in Pekin were erroneous. Consul-General Warren, at Shanghai, telegraphed on Sunday evening that he learnt from a well-in- formed Chinese source that cannon were believed to have been fired on the Legations on July 8, a mas- sacre ensuing. I BUSINESS OF THE SESSION. Mr. Balfour, in making the promised statement as to the legislative business for the remainder of the Session, announced the abandonment of the Factories and Workshops Bill, Youthful Offenders Bill, Savings Banks Bill, Dogs Bill, and other mea- sures. An estimate, which will provide for what it is hoped will be the final payments for the South African war, for the cost of the military operations in China, as well as some other important items of army expenditure is to be submitted, and the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer will ask the House to make some further financial provisions to meet the additional expenditure so required. IRISH TITHES. Third reading of the Irish Tithes Bill was carried after an animated discussion by 94 to 58. HOUSE OF LORDS.—JULY 17. -TIE WAR OFFICE LEARNING ITS LESSON. The Duke of Bedford obtained from the Marquis of Lansdowne a general declaration that every effort would be made to take advantage of the lessons to be obtained from the South African war. Already his department had benefited, but it was too soon to de- cide definitely all the changes that might be advan- tageous, and he thought the commission suggested was not a proper means of dealing with the mattor o HOUSE OF COMMONS. WATER-TUBE BOILERS IN THE NAVY. On the Supplementary Naval Estimate Mr. Goschen reviewed in detail the progress which is being made in the shipbuilding programme. He claimed many advantages for the water-tube boilers, but announced his readiness to appoint a committee of engineering experts, to whom every assistance would be given to enable them to make an exhaustive inquiry.

BISLEY. "GRAPHIC" AND TUB "DAILY GRAPHIC" CUPS. The Daily Graphic Cup was won at Bisley on Saturday by Sergeant H. Ommundsen, 5th Royal Scots, who made a "possible"in his seven rounds, I at 200 yards, and only dopped one point through- out, including three tie shots and a sighier. The Graphic Cup was secured by Private D. Hepburn, 2nd Scots, shooting off against five other competitors, 0 with a score of 34, THE ALEXANDRA. The Alexandra competition was won on Monday by Private T. Hopkins. 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Welsh Regiment, with 70, the highest possible score. m I Six of the other competitors made 69. QUEEN'S-FIRST STAGE. The first stage of the Queens Prize opened on Tuesday at 200 and 500 yards. The highest aggre- ga'e was that of Sergeant John Murray, 3rd Bat- talion Gordon Highlanders, who scared 68 points out of 70. The tie for the Martin's Cup resulted in a victory by Sergeant F. J. Lewis, 4th Volunteer Bat- talion Devonshire Regiment.

WOUNDED MAKE GOOD SOLDIERS. What is the future of wounded men after they have been brought to the hospital ? Out of 100 men, says the Regiment, 15 die in hospital or on the way home. Twenty-six are per- manently disabled, and after coming home are dis- charged from the army. But the other 59 recover entirely sooner or later, some being discharged almost at once. And. curiously, these recovered wounded men form the very best fighting element of the army, for they learn, by experience, that being wounded is not such a bad thing as is generally supposed.

WORLD'S CONVENTION OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR. The delegates and members from all parti of the world, especially from America, to a convention- the first of so universal a character—at the Alexandra Palace on Muswell-hill, were formally welcomed to London on Saturday evening, at mass meetings at the Alexandra Palace and the Royal Albert Hall. Both meetings were of imposing aspect in respect of numbers, interest, and enthu- siasm, while at each music was a prominent feature. In the Alexandra-park there has been arranged an encampment of bell tents for the sleeping accommo- dation of 500 or 600 male visitors, while the ladies have a camp and dormitories in a large building to the south-east of the palace. There are also two marquees for meetings, called the Endeavour and the Mizpah tents, capable of holding about 1500 each. They and the various halls inside the palace have been rendered gay with bunting and flags, indi- aating the headquarters of the various sections of the convention. At the Albert Hall meeting, men- tioned above, addresses of welcome were delivered by the Rev. F. B. Meyer, president of the National Union (who acted as chairman), and the Revs. J. B. Morgan and F. W. Bourne, suitable replies being returned by the Revs. F. E. Clark (America), T. Harada (Japan), and C. E. Greig (Paris). On Sunday special services were held at the Alexandra Palace and in many of the churches and chaples in the metropalis, Lord Kinnaird presided over a large mixed meeting in Tent Endeavour, at which a letter was read from the Marquis of North- ampton (president of the Ragged School Union) who wrote that this movement for young people was full of promise for the future, as the consecrating of so many lives must have a great effect in Christianising the world. Lord Kinnaird, is an address, referred for a moment to affairs in China, and remarked that there was not a country represented at the con- vention, not a church, not a missionary society which had not some brother or sister or friend in that great land of China, and all hearts naturally went out to them. Yet he hoped they would not feel antagonism, but when the proper time came, would send out more missionaries with the life-giving Gospel of Christ, whose Word alone could regenerate that great country. He believed that during the coming months many would get fresh inspiration from the efforts of the soldiers and sailors who were fighting for the right of opening up countries for the preaching of the Gospel. The Christian Endeavours would be in the forefront in the idea The world for Christ." Other addresses followed, and in the evening a ser- vice took place in the concert hall. MASS MEETING AT THE PALACE. The Christian Endeavour Convention proper was opened at the Alexandra Palace on Monday. The attendance was estimated at from 25,000 to 30,000. Speeches were delivered, among others, by Mr. A. F. Hills, the Rev. Dr. Clifford, the Rev. Dr. Lorimer, of Boston, and the Rev, C. M. Sheldon, the author of In His Steps."

THE WAR. I SIR R. BULLER'S FORCE. CAPTURE OF A BOER CAMP. The following telegram from Lord Roberts tkag been received at the War Office: PRETORIA, July 13, Buller telegraphs from Standerton that the South African Light Horse did some good scout- ing work on the night of the 11th, and prevented the Boers from destroying part of the railwaj near Vlaklaagte Station; and that Dundonald cap- tured, near Vilpoort, a camp belonging to a party of the enemy who blew up the Leeuwspruit Bridge a few days ago. Buller also reports that troops are moving up Van Reenen's Pass. Hart reports from Heidelberg, and Mackinnon from IIeilbron, that Boers continue to come in daily and dt-liver up their arms. THE SITUATION NEAR PRETORIA. I PRETORIA. July 14. The garrison of Pretoria (says a Reuter message, dated as above) has been materially strengthened. The feature of the late operations has been the exact knowledge of our movement possessed by the enemy. Immediately after General French had withdrawn from the north the enemy attacked, while the move- ments of the Lincolns must have been known to the Boers almost to the exact minute of their departure and arrival. This furnished undoubted proof that information is sedulously collected in the town and transmitted to the Boers by means of natives. Many Boers are now wearing khaki. It is stated that a Boer officer and two men recently entered the town dressed in British uniform. In order to pre- vent as far as possible the transmission of informa- tion a zone on either side of our lines has now been cleared of natives, and steps have been taken to identify soi-distant officers and soldiers attempting to pass our lines. On Saturday (says Reuter's Pretoria correspon- dent) we fired three shells from a 9*7 gun, using for 1he first time a projectile weighing 2801b. So far as sould be seen the effect was great, the shells dispers- ing the enemy at a range of over 8000 vards. BUSHMEN IN ACTION. The following telegram from Lord Roberts has been received at the War Office: PRETORIA, July 16, 9.35 a.m. Baden-Powell reports that patrol of Australian Bushmen encountered a party of Boers on the 13th inst. and drove them back with loss. Sergeant Ryan wounded through shoulder. Hart telegraphs from Heidelberg that Boers in that neighbourhood continue to surrender arms. The Heidelberg defences are now complete. < BOER POSITION EVACUATED. On Sunday Lord Roberts detached a force to drive the Boers from a range of kopjes north and north- west of Pretoria. The Boers, however, evacuated the position without firing a shot. THE ADVANCE ON MACHADODORP. The Times special correspondent at Cape Town telegraphs that news from Lord Roberts's head- quarters indicates the successful progress of opera- tions. Everything is now ready for an advance on Machadodorp, which will be begun by General Hamilton, who now commands a new divison com- posed of General Smith-Dorrien's brigade and a brigade under Colonel Cunningham. Various re- arrangements have been made in the commands. The 2 imes Lorenco Marques correspondent states that the attitude of the Boers between Machadodorp and Pretoria has completly changed. They now show a general desire to give in with the best grace possible.

THE NAVAL MANOEUVRES. Shortly after 10 o'clock on Monday morning the large fleet which has been mobilising at Portland to take part in the manoeuvres began to leave its moor- ings, and in an hour and a half arrived well outside the breakwater. The vessels then formed in two divisions, the Majestic and Magnificent being the respective flagships. Rain was falling at the time and the weather was thick. The cruiser Medusa arrived at Plymouth on Mon- day, and, having landed some invalids and prisoners, left to rejoin B Fleet. The sharpshooter, t.g.b., left Plymouth on Monday, escorting t.b. No. 51, for Lough Swilly. The Gibraltar, cruiser, which arrived at Ports- mouth on Saturday night from Portland, was taken into the dockyard hands on Monday. Her low pressure piston rod is bent and her air pumps are de- fective. By working night and day the repairs will occupy about a week.

THE PLAGUE. The following telegram was received on Monday at the Colonial Office from Sir H. A. Blake, Governor of Hong Kong. Fifty-seven cases of plague, 58 deaths last week.

THE PRINCESS OF WALES'S I NURSES. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, accom- panied by Princess Victoria, attended by Miss Knollys, paid a private visit to the London Hospital on Friday afternoon of last week to inspect the "light cure for lupus, the apparatus for which she has presented to the hospital. Dr. Stephen Mac- kenzie and Dr. Sequeira, who have charge of the department, showed the light in working. Thirty patients who had already been benefited by thi cure were present. One of these had been trying every sort of remedy since 1847. Their Royal High- nesses then went across the road into the nurses' private garden, where about 100 nurses were assembled The Hon. Sydney Holland, as chairman of the hospital, presented the 20 nurses selected from the hospital staff whom the Princess of Wales is spnd, ing out as Princess of Wales's Nurses to South Africa at the expense of funds at her disposal. The Princest spoketothenursesin turn, and, after tying round then arms her own badge, presented to each a warm Shet- land shawl and rug. Each nurse will take with hei a tin box filled wilh medical necessities for typhoic fever in as concentrated a form as possible, and the Princess is sending with them two large boxes of pre- sents for soldiers whom they may have to nurse.

THE ANDREE EXPEDITION. ANOTHER BUOY FOUND. A telegram has been received at Copenhagen from Oerebak in Iceland, via Leith, handed in on July 11, which says: "An undamaged cork buoy, marked' Andrée'g Polar Expedition, 1896, No. 3,' without cover or contents, was found on July 7 in the sea near Lopstoedum, in latitude 63.42 N and longtitude 20.43 W. The buoy is being sent by the Danish steamer Botnia to the Meteorological Institute at Copenhagen." A despatch of similar tenour has been received by the Meteorological Institute at Copenhagen from Oerebak, with the difference that the discovery is i reported to have been made in latitude 20.53 W. )

LADY R. CHURCHILL'S WEDDING. The wedding of Lady Randolph Churchill and Mr. Cornwallis West is fixed for the last day of the London season, July 28. It will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, though in this arrangement a change is not unlikely. The wedding will be from Mrs. Moreton Frewen's house. A thousand people are ex- pected inside the church, and it will not be surpris- ing if 20,000 are outside. Lady Randolph's wedding dress will not be the orthodox pale grey, but blue chiffon with a quantity of lovely lace and a pale blue hat with black plumes. At first it was intended only to invite near rela- tions, but already a large number of people, chiefly Americans, have been verbally invited.

AN association is being formed to take over Living- stone College to carry on its work, and especially. to impart to missionaries a knowledge of medicine, sur- gery, and the treatment of tropical diseases. THE fever for an effective navy has seized Mexico. As a beginning for an increase she had decided to buy a number of ttigs and other light draft craft for use against the Indians in Yucatan, and then have some cruisers built in Philadelphia and elsewhere in the United States. At present the naval strength of Mexico consists of 1200 steel cruiser, two gunboats of 450 tone, three smaller craft, and five torpedo bonis.

mw-m FOR n THE SOAP (for the Complexion), {0H* SL" CREAM (Itching, Face Spots, Burning, &c.), 1/11 POWDER (Redness, Roughness, Sweating, &c.), 1/-

NEW GOVERNOR FOR THE CAPE. According to the Parliamentary Notes" in the- Daily Telegraph the probabilities are that as soon as the war has ended, the Government's first step will be to divide the dual office of High Commissioner of South Africa and Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, now held by Sir Alfred Milner. The Governorship. will probably be offered to Sir George Goldie, well known as the founder of Nigeria; while the Com- missionership will be bestowed upon Sir Alfred Milner, who will particularly devote his attention to. the pacification and settlement of the two new colonies-the Transvaal and the Orange Rivei" Colony. This operation is confidently expected to occupy a ccuple of years, after which federation may come within the scope of practical politics. Sir George Dashwood Taubman-Goldie is 54 years of age, and is a member of an old Manx family. His. father, Colonel Goldie-Taubman, is Speaker of the House of Keys, and his half-brother, Sir John Goldie-Taubman, who died in 1898, occupied the, same post.

UNLUCKY THIRTEEN. Those who are superstitiously inclined (says the- Daily News) might attribute the disaster which hap- pened to the 13th Battalion of Yeomanry (Duke of Cambridge's Own) at Lindley to the proverbial un- luckiness of their regimental number. Members of the battalion had remarked upon this circumstance, and had laughingly pointed to the good fortune of the battalion in spite of the omen. Their regimental number was not their only association with the number 13. They had been mobilised in England on the 13th of the month, and three times they had been moved further up country on the 13th. Every- body seems to have been much impressed with the- sad fate of this regiment, which had won golden opinions for its sporting character and splendid fitness.

L"IlE Admiralty have decided that leave will not be granted to the men of the Channel and Reserve Squadrons, or ships not specially commissioned, at the end of the mancetivres. IT is slated that experiments are being made in the Navy with a mixture of anthracite coal and other materials, not specified, as a substitute for Welsh coal, which is not always obtainable in sufficient quantity.

There 13 Security in H IVER SD!a11 m- lH ft? 3 Small Uose. H riLLb Small Frica Ab50luteJy cure Ski: Headache, Biliousness, Torpid Liver. Indi- gestion, Constipation, Di^zi^ess, Furred Tongue. Th<*y Touch the l.i\'er. But be rure they are CARTER'B. 14 fow drops on the toothbnufe every morning i' ct 8,1]20DOII Will Sweeten the Breath all day. and make ail the difference b#* tv."eea- Good Teeth and Bad Tee White Teeth uzici Ye'low Teetti, Frtty Teeth..ncl Ugly Teet' Coi»p]e'e in Toilet Case, witfc Tootfc Powder, 2/6.

TUB season at Newport, the summer home of New York millionaires (snys a New York correspondent, of the Daily Mail), has opened with unusual brilliancy,, and the great mansions there are the scene of sump- tuous festivities. Yachting, golfing, and automobi- ]ism are the favourite recreations of the smart, set.' Lord Pauncefote, the British Ambassador, has leased a house at Newport, and the business of the Em- bassy is now practically transacted there, nearly all the members of the Legation having accompanied the Ambassador. Another distinguished resident of Newport is the Earl af Yarmouth, who has organised a theatrical company and is rehearsing a series of society plays, the -st of which will be oiven on July 17.

E  S COVENTRATED" COCOA I "NO FLAW IN |TS CLAIM TO BE I ABSOLUTELY PURE."—Medica!Annuaf; Tl n n MHin Jin hi inuiwiiiMflifti

-» HUSBAND Why do you buy such a lot of trash every time you go out ?" Wife: Because the clerks are BO polite. They don't act a bit like you óoabo. it."

I .7 THel CRISIS IN CHINA. 1 ■' MASSAGES OF FOREIGNERS IN PEKIN. A DESPERATE SORTIE. CHINESE OFFICIAL TELEGRAM. The Shangai Taotai has communicated to the Consul* the substance of a message received on the 18th inst. from Yuan Shih-kai to the effect that the Pekin Legation guards made a sortie on the night of July 6 and inflicted heavy losses on the investing force. Tung-fuh-siang, enraged at the stubborn defence, issued orders on the following day to place heavy artillery in position and to bombard the Legations. Sheng states that Yuan Shih-kai considers the situa- tion hopeless, and expresses the fear that the palace will share in the general destruction. It is reported that a considerable Russian force is marching cn Pekin from Petuna. The following (says Reuter's Shanghai correspon- dent telegraphing on the 13th inst.), is from an official source: The Governor of Shang-tung telegraphs under fesferdav's date: The native soldiers and Boxers have gathered together and have been attacking the Legations for -f)ine hours, but have not yet effected an entrance. They are now all bombarding with large cannon to make a breach for a heavy onslaught. I fear all the Mi nisters and the Government as well are in great danger. The Government is intensely anxious." An official telegram received in Shanghai on Sun- day night from the Governor of Shan-tung states that the breach in the defences of the Legations in Pekin has been made, and that after a gallant defence, during which the ammunition gave out, all the foreigners were killed. A telegram was received on Saturday at the Foreign Office from the British Consul-General at Sbangha; repeating the telegram given above from the Governor of Shan-tung, and expressing his fear that there could be little doubt of the fate of the foreigners ir Pekin. The Chinese Minister at Tokio has visited thE foreign Ministers (? Minister) and communicated what he declared to be the first despatch received from Pekin since the troubles began. The despatch says that the murder of the German Minister anc other foreigners was due to the Ta-ku affair and thE despatch of Admiral Seymour's expedition. The Chinese Government, it adds, is now doing its best to protect the foreigners at Pekin. 11 SPREAD OF THE RISING. The tens'on and spirit of unrest in the province* created by the position of affairs in the north (says the Tin e; Shanghai correspondent) show signs of in- creasing. Saturday brought a report of an anti- Christ an outbreak at Heng-chau, in Hu-nan, in which several Italian priests were murdered. The Governors of Kwang-si, Ho-nan, and Shan- si, the last of whom is the notorious Yii-hsien, refuse to conform to the policy of the Southern Viceroys. It is understood that Li Hung Chang and Sheng have received renewed orders to await the first favourable opportunity to proceed north and oper negotiations with the foreign Powers. It is hoped that the British Government will bear in mind thai these officials have been declared by her Majestyi Minister to be hostile to British interests. I learn from an official source (said the Sanghai correspondent of Reuter's Agency, wiring on Satur- day) that the Governors of Shansi and Honan are reported to have joined the anti-foreign movement The foreign Consuls have requested them by telegraph to continue to protect the foreigners within theii provinces, pointing out that if they do not do so thej will be held responsible under treaty obligations. FIERCE FIGHTING AT TIEN-TSIN. HEAVY LOSSES ON BOTlI BIDES. The following despatches were received at the Admiralty on Sunday, from Vice-Admiral Si1 Edward Seymour TIENTSIN, July 9 (Via Chifu, July 11, 3.10 p.m.). Enemy's position south-west of settlement attacked four a.m. to-day. Japanese troops by flank movement drove enemy out, capturing four guns; cavalry pursued and completed rout, killing large numberssoldiers and Boxers. Allied forces shelled and afterwards occupied western arsenal. Two guns captured. Arsenal burnt, being unable to hold it. Enemy's loss 350 killed. Casualties of allied forces small; details not to band. TIENTSIN, July 12 (Via Chifu, July 13, noon.) On July 11, at 3 a.m., Chinese made most deteiv mined attack on the railway station Tientsin ia great force, finally driven off about 6 a.m., but allies lost 150 killed and wounded. Chinese loss not known, but believed to be very heavy. At noon forts were bombarded for one hour by British and French guns. Fort and pagoda used as aignal tower demolished. Forces have been increased by arrival of 1500 Americans. THE FATE OF FOREIGNERS IN PEKIN. On Saturday afternoon Dr. A. Bredon, of Scar- borough, brother-in-law of Sir Robert Hart, re- ceived the following telegram feom a high official at the Foreign Office: "Consul-General, Shanghai, fears there can be little doubt of fate of foreigners in Pekin.-Foreiza Office." Bearing in mind the last news from Sir Robert Hart to Lady Hart in London, Our people, includ- ing women, &c., are in the Legation, prepare to hear the worst," Dr. Bredon considers that the above telegram destroys the little hope there was of the safety of his brother, Mr. R. E. Bredon, and of Sir Robert Hart. Mr. R. E. Bredon was Deputy- Inspector-General of Imperial Customs in China, and he had with him in Pekin his wife and daughter. HOW THE WHITES WERE SLAIN. A ffTUBBORJf STAND. The following telegram from its enterprising special correspondent at Shanghai, dated July 15, 8 p.m., giving graphic details of the terrible slaughter of the white population of Pekio, was published by the Daily Mail on Monday: I learn that after Jnne 25 the Boxers &nd the Imperial troops gradually increased in numbers, and massed themselves around the British Legation, camping in the streets and in places laid waste by the Boxers. Daily sorties were made by the small body of defenders, who met the Chinese in the streets, indicting severe ponishment on them. These sorties, too, often took place at night. So great was the courage and the energy of the tittle force that they gradually compelled the Chinese to retreat from the immediate vicinity of the British Legation. These reverses were having a dishearten- ing effect, and there began to be open signs of dis- affection and frequent desertions to the troops of Prince Ching, who was endeavouring to co-operate with the besieged. Ultimately Prince Tuan decided to make an organised night attack. Having secured a plentiful supply of ammunition for his heavy guns, a conference of Chinese leaders was held, and* regular plan of attack was agreed upon in three powerful columns with strong reserves. At sixlp.td.on July 6 fire was opened with artillery upon the British Legation, where the allies, all Europeans, had concentrated. For two hours t-h« walls of the buildings were battered with shot and shell and huge breached were made in them. Then a general advance was ordered, and the Chinese infantry, volleying constantly, moved towards the gaps. The fire of the defenders, however, was so accurate and steady that the hordes of Chinese soldiers and Boxers broke and Bed in the wildest confusion, leaving large numbers of dead and wounded around the Legation. They were not rallied until out of rifle range, and then Prince Tuan, making a desperate appeal, indaced them to stand and return to the attack. Their artillery fire was resumed, and at the middle watch a second attack was attempted, but before the attackers could accomplish their object they were met by Prince Ching and General Wang Weng Shao with their troops, who were going to aid the foreigners. A desperate battle ensued befwsen the various forces of the Chinese and Manehus. Unfortunately many of Prince Ching's troops deserted to Prince Tuan. Prince Ching fell-it was supposed at tljg time he was killed —but the search for his body tlw meit morning wastrunsuccessful, and it is now believed that h« was only wounded and carried off and •ecreled by his faithful retainers. Wang Weng Shao, although a grey-haired old man 70 years old, valiantly led his troops in person. He was killed, and hit force, being completely outnumbered, was routed. Throughout the night repeated attacks were made 4ID the Legation,. b were invariably repulsed witb heavy lasses. Towirds the end of the third watch about five a.m., the allies had practically defeated the besiegers, who were wavering.-and were gradually withdrawing when General Timg-fuh-siang arrived from the vicinity of Tien-tsin with a large force of Kansu braves. By this time the walls of the legation had been battered down, and most of the buildings were in ruins from the Chinese artillery fire. Many of the allies had fallen at their posts, and the remaining small band who were still alive took refuge in the wrecked bniidings, which they endeavoured to hastily fortify. Upon them the fire of the Chinese artillery was now directed. Towards sunrise it was evident that the ammuni- tion of the allies was running out, and at seven o'clock, as the advances of the Chinese in force failed to draw a response, it was at once clear that it was at length completely exhausted. A rush was deter- mined upon. Thus standing together, as the sun rose fully, the little remaining band, all Europeans, met death stubbornly. There was a desperate hand-to-hand encounter. The Chinese lost heavily, but as one man feil others advanced, and finally, overcome by overwhelming odds, everjone of the Europeans re- naming was put to the sword in a most atrocious manner. THE FIGHTING AT TIENTSIN. The following telegrams were received on Sunday at. the War Office from Brigadier-General Dorward TIKK'SIN, July 7 (Via Chifu, July 10, 3.30 p.m.) City heavily bombarded July 6 by allied troops on right bitnk of river. Enemy ceased firing soon after bombardment began. Bombardment will be repeated to-day. Enemy have placed guns within 800 yards British, French settlements under cover of houses, and keep up galling fire. Lieutenant Browne, R.E., slightly wounded by shell bursting in mess-house. Major Bruce, Chinese Regiment, dangerously wounded while endeavouring to locate enemy's gun near French settlement. Other casualties, July 6: Two men, Chinese Regi- ment, killed in action, five wounded; four men, Hong Kong Regiment, wounded. Total of casualties up to date: Two British, one native officer wounded. Two men killed, two wounded, 2nd Welsh Fusiliers. Five killed in action, 17 wounded among rank and file Hong Kong Regiment, Hong Kong Companies R.A.,and Chinese Regiment. Two naval 12-pounder guns, two 4in. have arrived lately, so they are hoping to suppress enemy's fire more effectually. For the present atten- tion will be concentrated on artillery duel. Major Bruce doing well. TIENTSIN, July 10 (via Chifu, July 13 noon). Yesrerday at three a.m. combined force 1000 Japanese under the command of General Fuku- shima, 550 British troops, 400 British navy, 100 United States, 400 Russian, under command of myself, attacked enemy's position south-west of sity. Positions were quickly captured. Enemy's loss 350 killed, four small guns (? cap- tured.) Combined force then attacked western arsenal out- Bide South Gate, which, after a short bombardment, was rushed by United States and Japanese. Country to west of arsenal had been flooded by snemy, so no further movement in this direction was possible. Chief object of expedition, which was to clear away guns and enemy to west of settlements, completely sarried out. Day's honours rested with Japanese and Ameri- sans. Chinese Regiment as escort to guns worked splendidly, getting over difficulties of swampy country. During the action British and French settlements heavily shelled by north-eastern batteries. Following casualties reported in action: 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 3644 Pte. Porter; R.M.L. Infantry, one private; one Chinese hospital attendant, killed in action. Lieutenant Phayre (? Farie), R.N., three men 2nd Roval Welsh Fusiliers, one seaman, one man Chinese Regiment, one Chinese hospital attendant wounded. No casualties among Russians and Americans. Following casualties reported during bombard- ment: 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 4084 Pte. Porter, one seaman killed in action. Three men, one sea- man wounded. Yesterday's victory may result in withdrawal of Chinese troops from Tientsin, in which case fort and city will probably be attacked soon. TIENTSIN, July 11 (via, Chifu, July 13, noon). Three o'clock this morning determined attack made by enemy on railway station, which is garri- soned by 100 British troops, 100 French, 100 Japanese. Attack repulsed with loss after four hours' hard fighting. Enemy's loss 500 killed. Our loss, Hong Kong Regiment, three men killed, nine wounded; 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusi- tiers, one wounded R.M. Light Infantry, three wounded Royal Navy, three wounded. French and Japanese losses considerably heavier. REPORTED DEFEAT OF THE ALLIES. The United States Government have received the following despatch from Admiral Remey, dated Chifu, July 16: It is reported that the allied forces attacked the native city of Tientsin on the morning of July 13. The Russians were on the right, with the 9th Infantry, and the marines on the left. The losses of the allied forces were large. The Russians lost 100, including an artillery colonel; the Americans lost over 30 the British over 40 the Japanese 58, including their colonel and the French 25. "Colonel Liseum, of the 9th Infantry, was killed. and also Captain Davis, of the Marine Corps. Cap- tain Lemly and Lieutenants Butler and Leonard were wounded. At seven in the evening the allied attack on the native city was repulsed with great loss. Returns are as yet incomplete. The details are not yet confirmed. REPORTED TORTURES AT PEKIN. The Philadelphia Times prints a special despatch from Washington announcing the arrival of a report there to the effect that the Americans at Pekin suf- fered the worst tortures of all the foreigners. After they were tortured, the United States flag was torn to pieces, the fragments were soaked in their blood and sent to Tientsin for the American commander. The women and children are said to have been sub- jected to terrible indignities and tortures, their bodies being afterwards tern to fragments. CITY AND FORTS CAPTURED. TIENTSIN, July 13 (via Chifu, July 15). It has been decided (says a Reuter's despatch) that all the allied forces except those necessary to guard the settlements should make a general attack on the native city and the heavy Chinese guns on our left flank. Accordingly, 42 guns of the allied troops bom- barded the city, causing great damage and many large conSagrations, and completely silencing nearly all the guns within the city. Simultaneously 1500 Russians, assisted by small bodies of French and Germans, assaulted and cap- tured ali the enemy's guns, eight in number, which were mounted on the railway embankment to the east of the city, including a fort containing five guns, the magazine of which were afterwards blown up by the French. Meanwhile, all the available British, American, Japanese, and Austrian troops, and the remainder of the French, made a sortie and attacked the western arsenal, which had again been occupied by the Chinese, and cleared it after three hours of the hardest fighting we have yet experienced. The Japanese, British, and French field batteries and the British machine guns poured in a hot fire, to which the enemy re- taliated with a deadly rifle fusilade. After the arsenal had bean evacuated by the enemy, the Americans, French, and Japanese and the Welsh Fusiliers advanced towards the native city. The remainder of the British were held in re- serve, the intention being that eventually all the allied forces combined should assault and take the city. The Japanese infantry, with a mounted battery, advanced to the foot of the city walls. They were supported by the Americans and the French infantry, the British reserves reinforcing them later. The allies found it impossible to enter the city, and were encamping outside. The casualties of the allies are exceedingly heavy, especially among the French, Americans, and Japanese. The bombardment caused several explosion* in the native city. IS THERE A RAY OF HOPE? I The Chinese Minister in Washington has received an official message announcing the safety of the Pekin Legations on July 9. There is, however, so much confusion between the Chinese and the Western calendars that it is uncertain whether this message contradicts the previous official accounts of tne massacres or not. Mr. Pritchard Morgan, M.P., has received from a source in which he places confidence a cable to the effect that the British Legation at Pekin was stand- ing on the 9th, and that Li-Hung-Chang had left Canton on Tuesday to take supreme command in the Chinese capital. Questioned as to these reports in the House of Commons on Tuesday night, Mr. Brodrick could give no confirmation of them, nor had he any other news about China for the informa- tion of members. SUGGESTED MARTYRS MEMORIAL SERVICE. Universal approbation has been extended by all sections of the community to the proposal that honour should be done to the memories uf the defenders of the Pekin Legation by a special memorial service in St. Paul's Cathedral. THE CRY FOR RETRIBUTION. I Mr. Ritchie, speaking at the annual meeting of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, said he was afraid that the fact of the Pekin massacres must be accepted. Two things would be demanded of the Government by the country, reparation for the awful crime and security that such a calamity could not recur. It was also necessary to protect the region in which our interests principally lay from such terrible crimes as had occurred elsewhere. A balloon section of Royal Engineers at Aldershot has been ordered to prepare for immediate service in China. All the men will be mounted.

MUNIFICENT GIFT TO THE BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY. At a meeting of the Council of the Birmingham University on Tuesday a letter was read from Mr. Chamberlain covering a communication from Lord Calthorpe offering, on his own and his son's behlf, to give 25 acres of land as a site for the new scien- tific department of teaching and research which it is proposed to establish. In his letter, Mr. Cham- berlain said I sincerely trust that Lord Cal- thorpe's example will find many imitators. As we proceed with our plan it becomes more and more evident that, to establish the new scientific depart- ment on a complete and thoroughly effective scale, will require very large donations and if we are to follow the course adopted in the United States, and specialise the instruction for all the great industries prosecuted in Birmingham and the district, we shall require endowments for the teaching of the separate branches of learning related to those industries, and for the equipment of laboratories and workshops in connection therewith. I may point out, as especially worthy of the consideration of generous donors, the desirability of establishing schools of mining, of rail- way engineering and management, of metallurgy, and of technical instruction in connection with the pottery and glass manufactures. I hope also that some day a benefactor may be moved to imitate the splendid liberality of Lord Iveagh, and to establish in connection with our university a school of medica research, than which I believe no branch of scientific inquiry offers at the present time more promising results." A resolution was passed warmly thanking Lord Calthorpe for his gift.

WILTON ELECTION. Mr. Morrison, Conservative, was on Tuesday elected without opposition for the Wilton Division .of Wilts. The vaeancy arose through the succession of Viscount Folkestone, who is at present with the British forces in South Africa, to the Earldom of Radnor. Lieutenant James Archibald Morrison, of Fonthill Honse, Fonthill Gilford, Salisbury, is a son of the late Mr. Alfred Morrison, of Fonthill House. He was educated at Eton and Oxford, and entered the Army as a second-lieutenant in the Grenadier Guards on February 5, 1896. He took part in the Nile expedition of 1898, and was at the battle of Khar- toum. He went out to South Africa on special 1 service, in October last, but was invalided home.

SERIOTJS EIRE AT SOUTHEND. Southend-on-Sea was on Tuesday the scene of one of the largest conflagrations that has yet broken out in the town, a number of public, private, and busi- ness premises being either partially or wholly des- troyed, together with some valuable public docu- ments. The scene of the fire was in Clarence and Weston-roads and High-street. The outbreak took place at half-past twelve in Messrs. Wallis's iron- mongery stores, owing to the volatisation of three barrels of benzoline oil by the action of the sun, to which they were exposed. Immediately the building was enveloped in flames, and soon the adjoining premises of Messrs. William Elam were ignited. The efforts of the fire brigade proved futile to check the spread of the fire, and within an hour of the time when the outbreak occurred a considerable portion of the surrounding property, including Weston-chambers, in Weston-road (where there arc a number of public offices), and the Southend Unionist and Conservative Club was in a blaze. Stored in Weston-chambers were many valuable j records. Every effort was made to save them, but only a few could be got out, the rest being burnt, In the Conservative Club at the time were a number of members. These at once attacked the flames by means of buckets of water, and managed in the end to save the building from total destruction. It was thought that by five o'clock the fire was fairly under control, but the flames unexpectedly broke forth afresh at nine o'clock in the evening at the back of the municipal offices, and the brigade had again to turn out. Although the seat of the fire was in the centre of the town sufficient pressure of water could not be obtained. The borough fire engine having been sent away for rep&irs, there was only a single one-cylinder machine to do the whole of the work, and it broke down more than once.

THE RISING IN ASHANTI. The runner who has managed to get out of Coomassie reports that the garrison are almost with- out food, while a final parade for the inspection of the troops has been held. News has reached Fumsu that Colonel Willcocks's intention was to begin the advance to Coomassie from Bekwai on Friday. Many thousands of the enemy are strongly stockaded. The route to Fumsu via Obuassi has been opened by the loyal Bekwai levies. Colonel Wiilcocks has arrangrd that on the relief of Coomassie five star shells will be fired from the front to inform people in Bekwai of the event. RELIEF OF COOMASSIE. The following telegram from Colonel J. A. Man Stuart, C.M.G., was received at the Colonial Office on Tuesday: "CAPE COAST, July 17. "Apparently authentic information just received from Bekwai by messenger to Fumsu that Coomassie gave night signals relieved on July 15."

TEA DRINKING AND IDIOTCY. The alarming increase of idiotcy among the poorer classes in Ireland, the Lunacy Inspectors say, ie due to the drinking of very strong tea. Mr. Michael M'Donagh throws some light on the subject in an article in the Nineteenth Century. In his rainblea. through Kilkenny be was invited by a peasant to a, cup of tea, the liquor being black and strong through lengthy stewing, and giving the writer a sensation of dizziness in the head, although the peasant seemed to relish it highly. If I do but get the cup o' tay," said he, I'm contint. It raises the heart in me when I'm poorly." M'Donagh asked, Do you drink much of it?" The reply was, "I bo at it mornin', noon, and night. Oh, it's mighty refreshin' and he smacked his lips after drinking, the second cup.

SHOOTING NIAGARA-.AND AFTER Not quite in ttic, Carlylean senaj but the descrip- tion is perfectly accurate, none tlo less. Its mean- ing is that another man has shot the famous rapids successfully, and has subsequently related his experi- ences. The Standard's New iork correspondent iff enabled to give the impressions of a Chicago clerk named Bowser, who thought a successful demonstra- tion might enable him to take passengers regularly. His experience, however, changed his mind, and he no longer wishes to go himself. His boat was a queer craft, 20ft long, with many air chambers, and weigh- ing a ton. More than half of it was in keel to keep the ship upright. Dowser was to. propel it with a bicycle-like arrangement, and wa& strapped to the seat-a precaution which turned out to be prudent, since the boat travelled indifferently on either cr-d or on its side, and was submerged a good part of the time. A wave of the same kind and at the same spot which proved fatal to Captain Webb almost ended Mr. Bowser's experiment in the whirl- pool. 'Collisions with wreckage were worse thun the water, which, Mr. Bowser says, was like a sledge- hammer. In a much dishevelled condition ho ex- plain d that his trip was unlike his calculation* Whereby hangs a moral for would-be Niagarists- and others.

FRENCH ACADEMY PRIZES The Toirac prize of 4000fr. has been awarded f4 M. Devore for his piece played at the Comédie Française, La Conscience de L'Enfant." The Maille prize, of the same value, has been divided between MM. Ren6 Pinon and Jean de Marcillac for their work, The Awakening of China." The Monthyon prize of 19,000fr. has been divided between about 30 authors. The Siecle gives details of a new prize of 100,000fr., given by the widow of M. Dronyn de Lhnys, in memory of her husband, and to be employed in recompensing the authors of works (either MS. or pnblished) dealing with the history of French diplomacy.

A DOLLAR FOR HER HUSBAND. A very peculiar will has lust been filed in America, being that of Mrs. Elizabeth Amalie Buckley, who died on May o last at New York. Mrs. Buekley makes special directions as to the arrangements for her funeral. She said she wished the minister who conducts her funeral services to quote from the 14th chapter of Job, 14tli verse. One of the hymns that she wanted sung begins: He is the lily of the valley, the bright morning star, and the fairest of ten thousand to my soul." She makes the following provision for her husband: "To tny husband, Thomas T. Buckley, with whom I have not lived for some time, I leave the sum of one dollar."