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

ARISTOCRATIC DIVORCE SUIT, In the Divorce Division, London, on Monday, before the president (Sir Francis Jeune), a motion was made in the case^of Leigh v. Leigh and Cotten- ham, a suit which was before the court last quarter, and in which Mr. John Blundell Leigh, of Stratton Audley, Bicester, obtained a decree nisi, afterwards made absolute, for the dissolution of his marriage with the respondent, then Lady Rose Leigh, a daughter of the Marquess of Abergavenny, on the ground of her adultery with the Earl of Cotten- ham. Mr. Dean, Q.C., on behalf of the petitioner in the suit, now asked the court to vary the marriage settlement. He said the marriage was dissolved on the ground of Lady Rose Leigh's adultery with Lord (Tottenham, whom she had since married. There was one child of the marriage living with the petitioner. At the time of the marriage there were two settlements executed, The husband brought into settlement about EIOO,000 which produced an income of about £ 3,318 per annum. The respon- dent brought in certain reversionary interests amounting to about £ 4,000. He had to ask that half of the LTOO,000 should be secured for the benefit of the child, and that the petitioner should be free to deal with the other half. After hearing: counsel for the other side, the president decided that the petitioner should secure £50,0(¡û for the child, and be free to deal with the remainder, and the respondent should secure £2,000 for the child and have power te deal with the remainder of her part of the settlement.

CHEPSTOW. Agent.-Jii$$ Clark OrTiNa—The Newport branch employees of the floulder Line, Ltd., had their annual outing on Saturday. They left Newport about 9 o'clock for Chepstow and Tintern, per brake, and arrived at the former place just before 12 o'clock. After visiting the Castle and other places of interest, all sat down to a very good dinner at the Bell Hotel, following which the future prosperity of the firm was toasted as also the health of the marine super- intendent. At three o'clock the party drove on to Tintern, spent a quiet hour, and then had a refreshing tea on the lawn at the Royal George Hotel. The return journey was commenced at 7 o'clock, the King's Head Hotel, at Chepstow, being reached about 8 o'clock, where the party had a few songs I and spent a jovial hour. The homeward journey was continued about 9 o'clock, Newport being Reached at 11.30, thus completing a happy and pleasant day. FIRE.-On Sunday morning a barn situate on the Home Farm, St. Pierre, was ignited and TosPtt The ?e was di^vered'about 10.oU by a little boy, and a mounted mp=spn<Tpr was at once despatched to CilepstoNv. Comineiid- able promptness was shown byW Fire Brigade in arriving on the spot The Brigade attached a nose to a pond close by and poured a continuous stream of water upon the flames. Fortunately, they succeeded in confining the. same to the barn, which was entirely destroyed. It contained wheat, straw, fern, about 20 wooden gates, and a quantity of implements. The barn and its contents were insurtd. Sergt. Lewis investigated the case, and succeeded in tracing the outbreak to a five-year- old boy, named Edgar Colin James, grandson of Mr. John Williams, the St. Pierre Estate agent, with whom he was staying. The lad admitted having set fire to the barn with matches which he obtained from the house. The damage is estimated at between f 250 and £ 300. Great praise is due to e chep-tow Fire Brigade for preventing the flames spreading to the adjoining buildings.

•» CWMBRAN SCIENCE AND ART CLASSES.—A communication lias been received from South Kensingfo gS Cr° and JaST T& hSd & May and June. The passes are as follows-— Machine, construction and drawing.—Element stage Ralph Shearn, 1st class. Elementary sta-e^ Arthur Shearn, 2nd class. Advance stage Edwin I. Jenkins, 2nd class. Plane and solid geometry • D. A. Evans, 1st class; Caroline Jones, 1st class -Jno. E. Thomas, 2nd class.

LLANTARNAM U.D.C. Mr. D. M. Evans (chairman), presided over, the ligual meeting of this Council, and there were also present:—Messrs. W. Rafarel, J.P., T. Harris, and 0. W. Parry. A vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr. Saw tell, who was a member of the luoune,l], *Was passed. /n n,1,dinff Committee approved of the Ty- coon Chapel plana. Plans for four houses and four shops, to be erected for Mr. J. M. Prichard, in Court road, were ordered to be returned for altera- tjons to bring them into compliance with the bye- laws. a pay? ^°.ranaittee having inspected the •?vPir T? footpath and had an interview with Mr. Dawson, who denied that the publio had .any rights m connection with it, it was resolved to take no further action in the matter, as the path was apparently of little public utility. Tne tender of Mr. Henry Davies for the construc- tion of a road in front of Prichard's Terrace (£25) was accepted. Dr. Murphy (medical officer), reported two deaths which made a rate of 4-3, and 10 births, which gave a rate of 21'6 The epidemic of measles had now left the district. Six cases of Scarlatina and one of typhoid had been reported,— Dr. Murphy was given leave of absence to attend the Volunteer encampment at Salisbury, and Dr. Taylor was accepted as his locum, tenens. The Cemetery Committee reported that the tenders of Mr. Waite (for the growing grass in the cemetery) and of Mr. Brangham (94 for the carae- tery hay) had been accepted. The Surveyor had been instructed to proceed with the post and wire fencing from the north end of the cemetery to Oakfield- road, the diversion of a footpath and the repairing of fences, which he had estimated to cost X-9 5s. Od. As Mr. Phillips' block plans did not show the line of roads, it was resolved that proceedings be taken against him for contravention of the bye- laws. Mr. Parry proposed, and it was resolved, that the owners of houses at Croesymwlch be required to submit plans within fourteen days. Mr. Matthews reported that the Court Road fence had been completed, and the Fair View piping carried out. It was resolved that the owner of the dam in the stream between thl) Brick-yard and the Vitriol Works be asked to remove it as it kept back the sewage and made it stagnant. An order was received from the Local Govern- ment Board conferring upon the Council the powers of a Parish Council with respect to parochial charities. Mr. Parry gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that trustees be appointed for the charities in the district. A letter was read from Mr. Blackball, calling attention to the discharge of sewage from the drain laid by the Council into the culvert on the Great Western Railway. The matter was referred to the Sanitary Committee. On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Simmons, it was resolved to ask the Member for the constituency to oppose the Electrioal Power Bill. Mr. Rafarel voted against the resolution.

MONMOUTH. Agent.-Mt*. Caffrey. Bookseller. Monmouth. ENGINEER MILITIA.—Lieutenant Shute, R.E., has taken over the appointment of quarter-master of the Monmouth Engineer Militia, in succession to Captain Tucker, who lately retired. Lieutenant Shute has of late been serving as quarter-master of Royal Engineers in Jamaica AUTOMOBILE GYMKHANA.—At the Automobile Gymkhana organised by the Ranelagh Club on Saturday last the Hon. C. S. Rolls took three second prizes. The events in which he competed were the in and out steering competition, the starticg from cold," and the motor tricycle coat and waistcoat race. MYSTERIOUS DEATIf.-)-Irs. Ann Maria Morgan, wife of Frederick Morgan, head boots at the Beaufort Arms Hotel, Monmouth, was found dead in a field at Eastington, near Stroud, on Thursday morning. There were no marks of violence on the body, and nothing to indicate the cause of death. An inquest will be held to day (Friday). SALE OF WORK AT DINGESTOW COURT.—A sale of work in aid of the funds of the Church Missionary Society, was held in the garden at Dingestow Court, on Tuesday. Over tl5 were cleared. The stallholders were:—Miss Blandy, Miss Bosanquet, Alrd. Gear, Miss Smith of New House, Miss Cowles, Mrs. Waite, Miss Douglas, Miss Laura Morgan, Miss Blandford and Miss Chamberlain. A WYE BOAT RACE.—The Times and Mirror gives an account of an interesting boat race which took place recently on the Wye. Mr. H. J. Butt threw out a challenge that a friend and himself were prepared to compete in a boat race from Tintern to Chepstow, a distance of 7-1 miles. The challenge was accepted by Mr, H. Gillam, junr., who also secured the services of a companion. The first-named pair winning the toss, selected the Monmouthshire side of the water, and proved to be the victors, covering the distance in 48 J minutes, and winning easily by 15 lengths. The finish was witnessed by a larga number of spectators. It was understood that a piece of plate was presented to the victors.

NEWPORT. Agents—Messrs Greenland and Co.. Nemsemnts DEATH OF MR. E. MARFLEET. -Mr. E. Marfleet, secretary to the Newport Gas Company, died suddenly at his residence, Brook House, Llantarnam, on Thursday morning. A Boy KILLED.—A boy named Charles Williams, aged 8, eon of Mr. Williams, 40, Harrow-road, Maiudee, met with a terrible death on Saturday afternoon. About four o'clock he was playing with his brother, John Williams, aged 9, Eric Olsen, aged 8, and Trevor Barnfield, aged 7, iu a stone cutter's yard, adjoining the latter's house. By some means a large piece of stone which had been sawn in two, fell on his head, crushing the back of his skull, and inflicting such severe injuries that in all probability he was killed instantaneously.—On Monday afternoon the inquest was opened at the Town-hall, when the father of the deceased (a board school teacher) gave formal evidence, and the Coroner adjourned the inquest until Friday afternoon, for the Factories Inspector to attend. ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER.—On Mondav Annie Sanders wast charged at the Newport Police-court on remand with unlawfully causin* the death of Bridget Hearn, by violently assaulting her at 10, Emlyn- street. -Prisoner was committed for trial at the Assizes, on Friday, on the Coroner's warrant.— TheTownClerk prosecuted, and evidence wasgiven as to the quarrels of the women. Dr. J. Hurley deposed to having attended the deceased. He found her to be suffering from symptoms of brain fever accompanied by convulsive fits. There were no visible marks on her then. Deceased died on the 7th July. A post-mortem examination showed that the cause of death was meningitis or inflammation of the membranes of tiie brain. It could be due to various causes, but taking the history of it into account, he believed it was due to injury. Dr. Sullivan (house surgeon of the Infirmary) corrobo- rated. The Bench committed the accused for trial at the Assizes, allowing bail.

PILL HARRIERS' ATHLETIC SPORTS. The annual athletic meeting in connection with the Pill Harriers' Football Club took place on Saturday afternoon, and was favoured with brilliant weather. A magnificent lot of entries had been received, and the arrangements left nothing to be desired. The Spacious grounds of the club had been nicely laid out for the occasion. There were a good number of spectators, including Dr. and Mrs. Rutherfoord Harris, the latter of whom kindly consented to present the prizes to the successful competitors. Accompanying them on the Rocket Coach, was Mr. De F. Pennefather, M.F.H., the Conservative and Unionist candidate for X orth Monmouthshire. The Cwmbran Brass Band attended the sports, and played selectiuns. At the conclusion of the sports, the prizes were distributed by Mrs. Rutherfoord Harris, after which Alderman Fred Phillips proposed a vote of thanks to the donors. The vote of thanks having been cordially awarded, Mr. Pennefather responded on behalf of the donors. He said that if there were not a fine athletic body of men such as he saw before him, there would be no donors of prizes. The future of Great Britain depended upon their sous bein» strong, healthy, and athletic in their work at home and also in fighting the battles of their country when the opportunity occurred (A Voice: They're nrpnnW 7 U,3^' .As he liked to practise what he Lmlfif' ad lust given a 25-guinea shield for competition for cyclists at Abergavenny Sports in August, and he hoped that somf of the gentlemen (applimTp^ day Would go and compete for it 31r. George Thomas proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Harris for coming to distribute the prizes. n ,Dr; in responding on behalf of Mrs Harris, said it was his first visit to tho Pill Athletic Grounds, but he hoped it would not be his la-t. He congratulated them on the way in which they had improved their field. He also congratulated them on the fact that their baseball team had won the championship of South Wale*, which he thought was an extremely creditable performance for a club composed entirely of working men, and one that was not many years old. The football team had also won two cups, and they had just started a cricket team. He had also started a cricket club, and he was pleased to know that the two clubs would meet together at Llangibby later on.

PONTYPOOL. Agents—J/ J, Harding, Market Bookstall, and Messrs Jones and Edwards LLANERCH EXPLOSION TRUST FUND.-The annual balance-sheet for the year ending March 31st last of the Llanerch Colliery Explosion Trust Fund bus just been issued. The disaster happened on the 6th February, 1890, causing the deaths of 176 men and boys. At the Glynn Colliery in January of the same year there was a similar accident, involving the loss of five lives. By these two accidents there were left 72 widows, 166 orphans, and 21 dependents, a total of 259. Of the 72 widows five have since died, 30 have married, and one was disallowed for misconduct, leaving 3G still on the fund. The 166 orphans have been reduced to 46, ten having died, and 110 having attained the age limit of 13. The other dependent relatives on the fund now number 18. The tot I number on the fund for the quarter ending March last was 100. The total amount distributed in relief from the beginning of the fund is returned at £ 14,9S0 Os. 4d., and there is still in hand a balance of Y,19,478 5s. lid. The total disbursements for the year ending March last were £ 9d9 15s. Sd. +

RAGLAN. I Agent—Mr. W. Parker, Photographer, I OUTING.—The annual outing of the Newport I Fire Brigade was held on Saturday, when a party of 54, including officers and the men and their wives left Newport in brakes at 9 o'clock for Raglan Castle. There was a slight shower in the early part of the day, but with this exoeption the weather was perfect, and the outing was thoroughly enjoyable. Amongst the methods of spending the day at the Castle was a game of cricket, in a field kindly lent by Mr. Townsend, of the Castle Farm. Dinner and tea were partaken of in the Castle. The return journey ended at 10 p.m.

I DEATH OF MR. EDWARD JONES. I It is with sincere regret ve have this week to record the death of Mr. Edward Jones, of the Old Shop, Raglan, and of the Monmouthshire Central Supply Stores, Usk. Deceased was born at Raglan on January 3rd, 1842, in the same house in which he died on Wednesday morning last at nine o'clock. He was the eldest son of John and Mary Jones, both of whom were well-known and highly respected generally. Mr. John Jones carried on the business of a chemist and grocer at Raglan, and about the year 1834 opened a branch shop in New Market- street, Usk, on the premises now known as Ivy House; it was not carried on long, however. In 18G9 Mr. Edward Jones married Miss Mary Jones, at Tregare, and at about the same time was given his father's business. He had previously been trained as a chemist, with which profession he was identified in the provinces and London for ten or eleven years. In 1887, the deceased lost both his wife and father by death. In December, 188S, he took over the grocery and drapery business, &c., of Mrs. Jones, in Bridge-street, Usk, and on January 3rd, 1889, he married Mias Bliss, of the Farm, Penrose. Of his children, 5 by his first wife and 3 by his second remain alive to mourn his loss. He was a capable and upright man of business, and a large employer of labour, having at one time a brickworks in full swing at Raglan, in addition to the other business to which we have referrfirf. He was an active and energetic man, and took a lively interest in the Volunteer movement, being at one time Sergeant in charge of a Raglan detachment of "G" (Usk) Company, 4th V.BS.W.B. He took a great delight in all out. door sports and games, promoting racing, and supporting shooting, hunting, cycling, cricket, &c. As a cyclist he could give points to many a younger man, putting in such rides as from Raglan to Southampton but a couple of years ago. He had a great love of cricket, and did his best in the district to foster enthusiasm for the game. Cricketers will always remember the genial hospitality vouchsafed them when visiting Raglan iu fact all friends were ever made welcome at his house. For many years lie acted as hon. secretary of the Raglan Flower Show, which has now unfortunately, ceased to exist, and he was instrumental in starting technical instruction classes in the village. He was a staunch Con- servative, and a Churchman. Mr. Jones had been ailing for about two years, and in 189S, acting under Dr. Paton's orders, he took a sea trip around Scotland, with beneficial results. The insidious malady from which he was suffering, however, soon resumed its sway, and specialists were consulted. Last year he took a Mediterranean. t.rip, visiting Spezzia, Florence, Carrara and Rome. He was subsequently at Llandrindod, but there was no hope of his recovery. Since May list he has had the cheering company and mitigating ministrations of a devoted daughter. Last week it was evident that the end was near, and on Monday his second son, Mr. Vincent Jones, came home from London to see his father before he died, the eldest son being in Australia. Gradually Mr. Jones sank and, as stated above, at about nine o'clock on the morning of the 18th inst., he peacefully passed away. Dr. Logie was his medical attendant. Much sympathy is generally felt with the bereaved relatives at the loss of one who was respected by all. The funeral (which will be a private one) will take place at Raglan at 3.30 on Saturday after- noon.

Mr. Kruger's Reply to Lord m Salisbury. A further batch of South African papers has been issued in the form of a Parliamentary Blue Book. For the most part they consist of resolutions, from a great variety of sources, approving the Govern- ment's policy over the war, correspondence with respect to the commandeering of British subjects by the Boers, reports of the proceedings of the Bond, evidence as to the intentions of Mr. Kruger's Government regarding the Rand mines, and military proclamations and notices. There are also printed certain communications which have passed between the ex-Presidents and Lord Salisbury. Mr. Kruger's offer of peace on the terms of the independence of the two Republics, and the Premior's emphatic refusal to consider such a condition, have already been made known, as also have the demand that rebels should be treated as prisoners of war under penalty of reprisals on the British captives, and Lord Salisbury's retort, holding the Presidents personally responsible for the safety and good treatment of Imperial troops in the burghers' hands. The concluding paper ofthe latter series, in which Mr. Kruger displays symptoms of a lost temper, is now produced for the first time, and a precious document it is. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Excellency's telegram of the 4th inst. If nearly all those guilty of bringing about this cruel war which has been unjustly forced on were not at a safe distance from the theatre of war, we could also allow ourselves threats against those whom we consider personally responsible for all the innocent blood now being shed on both sides in South Africa. Seeing that your Excellency's threats are made far from where you are in any danger of being held personally responsible for any mistaken action in connection with the war in which your Excellency has a share, we leave the propriety of this with confidence to the judgment of the whole civilised world, which, to our great satisfaction, is slowly but surely becoming aware of the truth in connection with the aim and conduct of the war by the British Cabinet. We assure your Excellency that your threats, uttered from a place of safety, will not deter us from doing our duty, not only to the Republics and their old burghers, but also to those who have, as allies and new burghers, joined us in the struggle for existence and freedom, and whom we intend to protect to the utmost.

0 LET, HOUSE AND GARDEN, in Baron- 1. street, Usk, Immediate possession.-Apply, G. B. T. NICHOLL, Eldou Chambers, Commercial- street, Newport, Mon.

Sunday (losing in n Monmouthshire BLAENAVON MEMORIALISTS AND MR. REGINALD M'KENNA, M.P. On May 21 st a very largely attended meeting, held at Blaenavon to protest against the extension of the Sunday Closing Act to Monmouthshire, had to be abandoned in consequence of the behaviour of teetotal agitators thereat. However, a memorial, signed by some 500 adults, was forwarded to Mr M'Kenna strongly protesting against the Bill. We have been asked to publish a copy thereof, and the correspondence to which it gave rise. MEMORIAL TO MS. M JCENNA M.F. To Reginald M'Kenna, Esquire, M.P. Dear Sir.—The meeting which was held at Blaenavou on the 21st day of May last to protest against the Bill now before the House of Commons to include Monmouthshire in the scope of the Welsh Sunday Closing Act having been broken up by an unruly opposition, who by that means prevented the conveners of that meeting and their sympathisers recording their views on the subject, we, the uudersigned adult male inhabitants of the district desire to express our strong opposition to the proposed legislation, and also to point out that you were not, in our opinion, justified in stating to the House of Commons, as you did on March 14 last, that "In Monmouthshire it (Sunday Closing) would be welcomed or that Opposition to this Bill in Monmouthshire outside the trade is very slightand that in stating that "The people in favour of this are not only temperance people, they include numbers of men who are accustomed to go to the public- house, they ask the Honse to give a real meaning to the prayer. Lead us not into temptation,' they are tempted to go into the public-houses, and it is in their weakness that they cry, Close these houses from us.' While in the same speech you expressed your doubts as to whether Sunday Closing would be advantageous in Middlesex, you cast a most undeserved slur upon these Monmouthshire men whose elected representative you are, and who are no weaker or more unable to resist temptation than the men of Middlesex, among whom you live, and of whom you appear to think so much more highly than you do of yonr own constituents. We, therefore, respectfully request you to withdraw these injurious statements in the same public way in which you made them, and to withdraw your support from this Bill. [The above memorial bears the signature of nearly 500 adult male residents of Blaeu- avon and the neighbourhood. ] I MR. M'KENNA'S REPLY. I House of Commons, June 28, 1900. Dear Sir.—I have duly received the memorial you have forwarded me against the Monmouth- shire Sunday Closing Bill, signed by 112 residents of Blaenavon. Whoever prepared the memorial has fallen into an error-no doubt, by inadvertence In the authorised edition of Parliamentary debates I am reported to have said, Whether Suuday closing would be as advantageous in Middlesex as in Monmouthshire is a very doubtful question. In Monmouthshire it would be welcomed: in Middlesex I very much doubt whether it would be acquiesced in." I cast no slur whatever upon the men of Monmouthshire, as is stated in the memorial, but it was perfectly clear in my speech, and it is perfectly cleat in the report, that I contrasted the two counties in respect of the opinion held by their inhabitants as to the desirability of Sunday closing. So far from being a slur on Monmouthshire, my words were a testimony to the sobriety of the county which I am proud of having the honour to represent. The opinion I have formed as to the feelings of the majority of the inhabitants of Monmouthshire is confirmed by the Report of the Royal Commis- sioners. May I ask you to bring this correction to the notice of the author of the memorial and of all the signatories P I think you will agree that it is more desirable to make the correction in this way than by my taking such other steps as I may deem necessary to free myself from a most unwarranted imputation. Yours faithfully, REGINALD M'KENNA, RESPONSE BY MK. "WILLIAM LEWIs THY AUTHOR OF THE MEMORIAL. fCopV.'] I Dear Sir.—I regret to note from yours of the 28th that you do not approve of the wording of the memorial sent you. I can assure you there has bean no desire to cast any unwarrantable imputa- tions" upon you. Our sole desire was merely to point out the objections we had, and not only to your having supported the Monmouthshire Sun- day Closing Bill, but also to the manner in which you did so, which seemed needlessly insulting to the working-men of Monmouthshire as compared with the working-men of other English counties. Why should the working-men of this county be stated by you to be so weak and devoid of self-control as to ask Parliament "to give a real meaning to the prayer, "Lelld us not into temptation'"? Why ahould you picture the working classes of Mon- mouthshire as being tempted to go into the public- houses and "in their weaknesses" crying out to Parliament, "Close these houses from us ? Surely, if such arguments apply to Monmouthsbin they apply with equal force to all other English counties, and yet you expressly stated that you had declined to support a Sunday Closing Act for England as a whole, and also expressed a doubt if Sunday closing would be as advantageous in Middlesex as in Mon- mouthshire. I, therefore, cannot see any necessity for altering the form of the memorial at present, but I shall endeavour in due course to comply with your wish—that each signatory should know the contents of your letter. In conclusion may I point out that your letter does not in any way reply to the main points of the memorial, viz., you do not say if you do or do not propose to accede to the views of the signatories by withdrawing your support from the measure also withdrawing in Parliament your statements as to the weakness of the people of Monmouthshire?—Awaiting your definite replies upon these two points, yours faithfully. WILLIAM LEWIS. FURTHER REPLY BY MB. Ti'lvENNA. THE MEMBER GETS IRRITATED. [Copy.] House of Commons, July 12th, 1900. Sir,—I observe with regret that you persist in an unwarrantable misrepresentation of my speech on the second reading of the Sunday Closing (Mon- mouthshire Bill. Party rancour may sometimes so far blind the judgment as to permit a man innocently to put a strained and unjustifiable interpretation on an opponent's language, but when the error has been pointed out it is inexcusable to continue the misrepresentation. You distort my words into a comparison between the working classes of Mon- mouthshire and Middlesex unfavourable to my constituents, when you know very well that I made no such comparison. The words of the prayer which you quote from my speech, with the intention of showing that I have slighted my constituents, are words taken, as you should have well known, from the daily prayer in which all confess them- selves weak and devoid of self-control, by praying not to be led into temptation. For your own purpose you intentionally avoid seeing that the distinction I drew between Monmouthshire and Middlesex was that in the former county the majority wished for Sunday Closing, and in the latter they did not, and that this wish upon the part of the inhabitants constituted a strong reason for supporting the Bill for Monmouthshire. After my experience, however, of your reply to my last letter, I cannot hope for any good result from correspond- ing with you, and I shall, therefore forward your letters and mine to Mr. Lewis Davies to deal with as he t-hinks fit.—I am, (to. (Signed) REGINALD I MR. LEWrS'S PARTING SHOT Too Mawr Villas, Blaenavon, July 16 th. 1900. To R. M'Kenna, Esq., M.P. Dear Sir.—I am at a Joss to understand the tone of yours on the 12th. I do not think that I or the working men of this district are blinded by any party rancour, as many of the signatories to the petition are, I believe, political supporters of your own, and I am sure no one has any desire to mis- represent you. Whitt we resent is that you have publicly misrepresented us in your speech in the House of Commons. I do not think it is correct to say that we in our weakness" cry out to Parlia- ment "to close these Houses from us"; 011 the contrary, I think we are a self-respecting community as able to control ourselves as any other body. I am well aware that in our daily prayer we all pray n"t to be led into temptation, tnt I am not aware that the men of Monmouthshire have any special need to ask Parliament to give effect to that power. I have always understood that we addressed that petition to a higher power than any earthly Parlia- ment. Apart from that, it seems to me that, if Parliament is to be asked to givo effect to that pra-er, it should bs asked to do so, not only for Mooruouthshire but also for Middlesex and every other county, and not only on Sundays but on every day of the week. I note that you do not reply to the questions contained in my last letter, and, therefore, conclude that it is not your intention to withdraw in Parliament the statements which have been complained of, or to withdraw your support from the Bill agiinst which we protest. Under the circumstances, I have decided to send a copy of the petition and this correspondence to the press, and remain vours. &-c. WM. LEWIS.

——— ■ War Telegrams. On Wednesday, the War Office issued the subjoined despatches from Lord Roberts to the Secretary of State for War: Pretoria, July 17 (10.45 p.m.). (Received July 18.) July 17.—Yesterday the enemy made a determined attack on the left of Pole-Carew's position, and along our left flank commanded by Hutton. Posts held by Royal Irish Fusiliers under Major Munn, Xew Zealand Mounted Infantry under Captain Vaughan, and Canadian Mounted Infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel Alderson, were most gallantly defended. Hutton speaks in ln'gh terms of Major F. Hill, Lieutenants H. Knight, and A. Hughes, Royal Irish Fusiliers, and Captain J. Barnes, Royal Artillery. The enemy made repeated attempts to assault the position, coming up to a close range and calling upon the Fusiliers to surrender- The 1st Cavalry Brigade on the extreme right of the line, temporarily commanded by Lieute- nant-Colonel Clowes, was well handled. The enemy suffered severely; they had fifteen killed, fifty wounded, and four were taken prisoners. Ian Hamilton's column edvanced yesterday to Waterval without opposition, and to-day to Hammanskraal. 1 Queenslander, killed, and 1 wounded. 1,500 men, with five guns, managed to break through the cordon formed by Generals Hunter and Rundle's divisions, between Bethlehem and Ficksburg. They were making for Lindley, and are being closely followed by Paget's and Broadwood's Brigades. c From Lord Roberts to the Secretary of State for War. Pretoria, July 18(11.55 a.m.). July 18.—The two young Canadian officers mentioned in my telegram of yesterday were killed while gallantly leading their men in a counter attack oa the enemy's flank at a critical juncture of their assault upon our position. Lieutenant Borden, only son of the Minister of Militia, Canada, had been twice before brought to my notice in despatches for gallant and intrepid conduct. The 1,500 men who broke out of the Bethle- hem position were about half-way between that place and Lindley yesterday, closely followed by Broadwood's Cavalry and Ridley's Mounted Infantry. Methuen left Krugersdorp this morning, with Smith-Dorrien in command of his infantry, to clear the country between that place and Rustenburg. "Daily Telegraph" Special Correspondent says LOURENCO MARQUES. Wednesday, I July 18 (2.45 p.m.). Boer deserters continue to arrive here, They report that heavy fighting has taken place in the vicinity of Middleburg, in which the Boers suffered severely. One Boer asserts that if the British Government would treat those burghers who are now with Mr. Kruger leniently, by allowing them to return to their farms on promising that they will remain neutral, and will never again take up arms against her 3Iajesty, many hundreds of them would gladly avail themselves of the opportunity and surrender to the British Consul-Geueral here. The Boers are getting disaffected through their lack of success in the field, and Mr. Kruger's stubbornness. NEAR ROOIKRANTZ, Monday. At early dawn to-day General Rundle personally conducted a reconnaissance towards the Boer position. He was allowed to advance unmolested within range of Rooikrantz. No firing occurred, and, after securing an excellent view and ascertaining that the enemy were still in force, the reconnoitring party retired The Boers gave no evidence of a desire to attack or attempt to break through our lines, and Rooikrantz was found to be a position of tremendous natural strength. Later in the day our guns sent a few shells among parties of Boers seen moving about. Sniping continued all day.—Press Association War Special. The Boers around Pretoria have fallen back further north and east, and General Ian Hamilton's column and others have moved onwards in pursuit.

The Crisis in China. I On Wednesday night the Admiralty received the subjoined despatch From Admiral Seymour to Secretary to the Admiralty. Taku, July 15. Attack allied forces made on the native city Tientsin on July 13. Troops marched out at two a.m., and were heavily engaged until eight p.m., when they were still outside wall. 0 Early in the morning next day Japanese blew up the gate and got in, others following. No opposition afterwards, and city, with all forts, captured. On the right Russians took battery on the Liu-tai Canal with twelve small guns. Other troops all engaged on the left. About 8,000 troops engaged. Severe loss. Over 700 killed and wounded—Japanese most heavily. British loss 20 killed, 93 wounded, of whom 6 killed, and 38 wounded belong to Xaval Brigade. Chinese troops reported fled, direction un- known. ——— There is official confirmation of the Chinese invasion of Siberia, and of their activity at Aigun and the Amur district; but it is said that the Russian Government do not consider that war has been declared against them, as there is only evidence of the work of rebels and fanatics, and no settled administration exists atPekin. Prince Tuan has mobilised 950,U00 men, and has divided them into various army corps to resist the invasion of the foreigners. Meanwhile, considerable alarm exists at Shanghai, owing to -thecsupposed strengthening of the Woo-sung forts. shanghai, Tuesday. r learn from an official source that foreign ladies and ohildren have been requested to leave the Riverine ports. Rioting has occurred at Poyano1 LIlke, near Kin Kiang. Several missionaries were killed and chapels burned. The Chin Kiang soldiers are giving trouble. Wenchow, Taotai, is anxious that foreigners who arrived here two days ago should return to Wenchow. The British Consul is not returning. The telegraph between Kin Kiang and Hankow is interrupted. — Press Association Special, I Shanghai, Wednesdiy. Dispatches to the China Gazette," dated Mon- day, state that Tientsin city was still burning. The damage inflicted by shelling with lyddite was terrific, place being almost wiped off the face (f the earth, together with many thousands of its inhabi- tants. The allies have seized a large a.mount of treasure and valuable stores. The number of the dead is so great that it is feared the bodies will cause a pestilence. Hong Kong, Wednesday Afternoon. Li Hung Chang arrived from Canton last evening on board the steamer Anping, but did not land until nine o'clock this morning. He was received with much ceremony, aud was accorded the full honours of his exalted rank, the guard of honour being furnished by the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He proceeded at once to Government House, where he had a long interview with the Governor (Sir Henry Blake), The Governor made au earnest appeal to the Viceroy to return to Canton, and remain there until the troubles in China shall have been cleared up. Li Hung Chang, however, remained obdurate. He assured the Governor that he had received advices from Peking which left uo doubt that the Legations were safe on July SL-h.-Ceutral News. St. Petersburg, Thursday. Certain portions of the coast territory, as well as the towns of division of the Khabarovsk District, a section of the Coast territory, as well as the towns of Blagovestchensk, Khabarovsk, Nikols-Ussuri, and Vladivostok, have been declared in a state of war, dating from the 17th inst. Rear-Admiral Skrydloff has been appointed commander of the Russian Pacific Squadron.—Reuter. The "Globe" on Thursday afternoou published the following :— Shanghai, July 19. Russia has recently been secretly negotiating with Prince Tuan's Government, Li Hung Chang conniving. The Viceroy, Liu Kun Yi, has actually received details from Prince Tuan but failed to apprise the Powers. Certain high authorities in the Yangtse Province favour a secret alliance with Russia. Chang Chi Tung, however, dissents. i-

CHINA. 1 CHERBOURG, Thursday night. At a banquet at the Arsenal to-night, President Loubet said the troops who went to China would strive to add a glorious page to the history of French arms in the C) Far East, Sir Charles Dilke, in an interview with a Central News representative, said the latest China news was very grave, because the invasion of Siberia showed that there was a directing Government in China. It looked as if China had declared war upon the Powers. SHANGHAI, Thursday. It is reliably reported that 60 missionaries and 100 converts have been massaered around Taiyuanfu in Shansi. It is reported that Empress Dowiger and 0 Emperor are preparing to retreat westward into Shansi. Stocks weak.

TRANSVAAL. Lord Roberts wires that Methuen occu- pied Hechpoort yesterday. Ian Hamilton and Mahon continued their march along the a country north of Delagoa Bay railway. ■ RUT— ■■■ .N- "r"

British Consul at Beira died on Wednes- day. At Bisley to-day the Kolapore Cup was won by the mother country. Guernsey second.

Markets. USK, CATTLE, Monday.—The usual bi-monthly market was held to-day, but harvesting operations militated against a big attendance and a largo supply. Sheep and lambs were, however, numerous, and sold fairly well. klaotations- Best beef, 4] d to 7d per lb second, 5td to 6d 2 wether mutton, Sd to 8|d; Iamb, Sd to 8 £ d ewe, 6d to 7d veal, 7|d to 8d; cows and calves, £ 12 t> £ 16; yearlings, XG to £ 8; two-year-olds, £ 10 to X12; sows and pigs, £7 to EIO strong stores, 35s to 4.55 each three months, 20s to 25s: weaners, 15s to 18s; porkers, heavy, 8s to 88 6d a score light, 9s; baconers, 8s a score. NEWPOET, COUN, Wednesday, -Wheat, owing t:) fair weather, 6d. to 9d. cheaper per quarter on the week. Maize 3d. cheaper; good demand. Barley firm and unchanged. Oats firm and dearer good quality very scarce. Beans unchanged, Offals very firm. Flour 24s. per sack for tines. NEWPORT, CATTLE, Wednesday.—Usual supply of stock, which met with a brisk trade. Best beef, 16id to 7d seconds, 6d to 61 fi wethers, Sd to 8}d lamb, Sd to 81d; ewes, 6}1 to 7jd veal, 7d to ,1 per lb porker pigs, 10s to 10s 6d per score. NEWPOK:T, CHEESE, Wednesday.—Good supply, but trade very quiet. Caerphillies, 40s to 4os fancy dairies, 46 to 49s; truckles, 52s to 56s; doubles, 50s to 52s per cwt.

CADBCRY'S COCOA is absolutely pure, being entirely free from kob, malt, hops, alkali, or any forei-a admixture. Caution The public should insist on having CADBURT'S—sold only in Packets and Tins as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of —extra profit. LociL DIVORCE CASE.—On Wednesday, before tha Blaster of the Rolls and Lords Justices Rigby and Collins, Mr. Garland mentioned the respondent's appeal in the divorce action, C. Cory v. H. B. Cory, against the order made by Mr. Justice Jeune in. respect to permanent maintenance of the wife, who was the petitioner. The appeal had been set down for hearing on Monday net, but their Lordshipi would be saved all further trouble in the matter. An agreement had been signed by the appellant and by his client, the petitioner consenting to the with- drawal of the appeal, the petitioner's costs to ba paid by the respondent. The appeal was accord- ingly struck out of the list. THE MOST NUTRITIOUS. E P P S S GRATEFUL—COMFORTING. COCOA BREAKFAST AND SUPPER.

home to camp, a little leisure time, and then in at 10.30. Tuesday the same routine, only the right half did ,the drill and the left half the firing at the butta. "Wednesday morning we were up at 5. I was off to the butts again with the markers (after a hasty breakfast) to mark for the recruits of the 4th Battalion. This was done by 12 (noon). In the evening all the old hands went to the butts in heavy marching order to take part in more field firing. I got home about 5 p.m. to tea. Such has been the general routine up to Wednes- day night, with the exception of small drills, of Jialf-an-hour or an hour s duration, in trousers, shirts, and khaki slouch hats. I think we have a lot of trench digging, long marches and general field manoeuvres (in the shape of attacking and defending outpost duties, advance and rear guard operations) in store for us. We cannot complain of hard work or the food or anything else up to the present time, but probably as we get more fit, the agony will be piled on pro ratio. There are lots of different Regiments encamped .round about, the Inniskilling Militia, the Royal Irish, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the Second Volunteer Battalion, S.W.B., the Third ditto, and others too numerous to mention. Our camp (the 4th Borderers) is Nor'-West of most of the other camps, all of which lie on a plain bounded on the South East and round to the North by a high bill, which gradually rises from the plain and forms the horizon about 1,000 yards away, while Nor'.West the view is obscured by a high thick wood of fir trees, which rises from the plain about 400 yards from our lines, while away to the West around South the plains extend for miles until the earth seems to vanish away into mist. We have witnessed some grand sunsets here, and I can assure you we are not sorry to see them, for the heat the sun produces in the day is great. Some of the boys have got a fine tan already; I don't how they will be by the end of the month. Altogether we are looking forward to a fairly good camp. Of course we don't want all beer and skittles, but to learn to rough it, in case Usk is invaded. With all due apologies for this letter, written by an untutored hand (I'm afraid 1 should not make a -war correspondent) I conclude with kind regards to -all the people in Usk.