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

Skenfrtth & Grosmont Habitation of the Primrose League. The annual meeting of the Skenfrith and Grosmont Habitation of the Primrose League, was held in the Town Hall, Grosmont, on Thursday in last week, the building being profusely decorated for the occasion. Mrs. J. C. Evans, R.C. of the Bedwellty Habitation (in the unavoid- able absence of Colonel Bradney, R C.), presided. The accounts were presented and passed—a balance of S20 odd from the previous year being brought forward. Mr. C. A. Harding (the hon. sec.), expressed his regret at not being able to be amongat thsm more often than he was. Lady Llangattock was unanimously re-elected Dame President, Colonel Bradney, R.C., and Mr. C. A. Harding, hon. secretary and treasurer, for the ensuing year. The Executive Council was elected, the name of Mr. George Trimble being added thereto. The grand star was awarded to Mrs. Emily Lewis, of Llangattock-Lingoed, and a similar honour was conferred upon Mr. R. Hudson Evans. Clasps were also conferred upon other Primrose League workers. Tea was served in the Town Hall and Market House below, the tables being tastefully decorated. Tea over, a move was made to the ruins of Grosmont Castle, where Mr. John Thomas's band from Blaenavon discoursed sweet music, Mrs. Bos C. Williams, Blaenavon, presiding at the piano (lent for the occasion by Mr. W. H. S. Whitney). Speechmaking followed. Mr. Iltyd Gardner was chairman. Mr. H. J. Pettifer delivered an interest- ing address. Mr. H. Hudson Evans proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was carried. For the amusement of the young Holmes's Swing Boats from Abergavenny were provided, and a roaring business was done. When the shades of evening appeared a move was made to the Town Hall, which had been prepared for dancing, the rauMC for which was supplied by Mrs. Bos Williams (pianist), Mr. T. Ptirryl,(cornet), and Mr. J. Harris (violinist), of the Panteg Band. Miss Hilda Evans acted as M.C. Mr. John Thomas rendered some pleasing songs during the day, which were greatly appreciated. The arrangements throughout were of the most complete character—thanks to the energy of the late secretary-Mr. R. Hudson Evans, who displayed his enthusiasm in the cause as of yore. The general verdict was that the present gathering was the most successful Primrose League meeting ever held in Grosmont. At night the Town Hall was literally packed and all immensely enjoyed themselves. all immensely enjoyed themselves.

Monmouthshire Coal Field The annual report to the Home Secretary of Mr. Joseph S. Martin, H.M. Inspector of Mines for the South Western District, has been issued in the form of a Blue Book, and is of considerable local interest in so far as Mr. Martin's district includes the whole of Monmouthshire, part of Glamorgan- shire, and part of Breconshire. The report deals with the year endiug December 31st last, and shows that at that date there were in Monmouth- shire 143 mineB at work, employing 34,623 men; in Breconshire, five mines, employing 191 men and in the part of Glamorganshire 22 mines, employing 3,786 workmen showing an increase in Monmouthshire of 2,779 workmen, in Brecon- shire of 47, and in Glamorganshire of 558. The total coal output in Monmouthshire was 9,818,329 tons, which singularly enough shows a decrease as against the corresponding year of 291.856 tons, a decrease which Mr. Martin attributes to a "very considerable falling cff in the industry of the men." As against 1899, this is a decrease in output of 38 tons per man employed under -round, and as against 1897 of 18 tons per man.

I Newport Constitutional Club. I MR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE, M.P., A GUEST. On Tuesday evening the Newport Constitutional Club held a congratulatory banquet to celebrate the two Unionist victories in the Monmouth Boroughs, to which Mr Joseph Lawrence, M.P., and Dr Rutherfoord Hairis were invited. Unfortunately, owing to pressing business in London, Dr Harris was unable to attend. Dr Marsh, J.P., was chair- man on the occasion and was supported by about 100 members of the Club. After the loyal toasts had been honoured, Mr 'A. E. Southall (the secretary of the jNational Union of Conservative Associations) gave "The Houses of Parliament," and Mr Sheriff Lawrence, in replying, said that although as yet he was an untried man he hopjd to rv tie, things which had been said about I him, and to show that he Was a man of pluck, of courage, and of consistency of principle. bear.) Since he bad been a member of the House of Commons be had never left the House on any evening, except on Wednesday, before twelve or one oclöck, and on one occasion it was two o'clock in the morning. He (the speaker) assured the meeting that he was looking after the interests of the port of Newport to see that there was no diversion of its trade to other ports. Facilities begat tirade as a rule, but not always. Newport htid not got-a great hinterland of population to call for ships agoing high up the river Usk, but they could nicest diversion of trade, and they could encourage new industries. There was no reason why it should not be made a new Pittsburg; and if he could be satisfied that the town offered the same facilities as Middlesborongh he would not hesitate to bring the claims of Newport to the notice of his friends in this country and in America. (Hear, hear.) He had spoken to Mr Pierpont Morgan and Mr Carnegie on subjects of this kind. There was no reason, also, why Newport should not be a great port of shipment like Southampton. They should have a great comprehensive committee of commercial men of all classes and parties to consider the matter and further the schemes. He instanced the case of the Manchester Ship Canal as one of combined energy, and remarked that the chamber of commerce, the corporation, and the harbour board should combine to form a strong representa- tive committee to deal with the question of the future trade of the town and port. He promised that if the matter were taken up in that spirit to co- operate with the authorities so acting. (Hear, hear.) Other toasts followed, and a musical programme was given.

Church Restoration, I The ancient parish church of St. Tydvil, Merthyr J Tydvil, was reconsef rated last week by the Bishop of Llacdaff, after a complete restoration. It is a church with a history, having undergone mlmy restorations during its 1,UOO years, and was once desecrated by Cromwell, who stabled his cavalry within its sacred precincts. The present restoration has taken about 10 years' to complete, the architect being the late Mr. Pearson, who designed it in what is termed the Romanesque style. In the west end a window of an unusual character has been inserted, being a memorial of "Captains of Indus- try," associated with Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart., in the development of the minerals of the district. The window has a representation of ironworks and a colliery. The total cost of the restoration amounted to about 18,01)0, all of which has been collected except £ 1,700.

I Markets. ] USK, CATTLE, Monday.—The usual bi monthly market was held to-day. There was a fair attendance and supply, especially of sheep and lambs, and trade was good. The following were the quotations :-Best quality beef 6d to 7d 2 per lb, second quality ditto 6d to tJid; wether mutton, shorn-light 8d per lb, heavy 7d to 7d; ewe, 6d to 7d per Ib; lamb 9d per lb veal 8dl to 8M per lb sows and pigs, £ 7 to JE10, strong stores 3os to 45s each, three months old 20s to 2os, weaners, 17s to 20s porkers, heavy-weight, 9a 6d, light-weight, 10s: baconers, 9s a score. Cows and calves sold at X-12 to £15, yearlings, £6. to Xg, and two-yenr-olds, X10 to £ 18.

I The Gleaner. I CENTRAL CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE.—A large deputation from the Central Chamber of Agriculture interviewed Mr. Hanbury, president of the Board of Agriculture, on Tuesday, regarding the adminis- tration of the Diseaaaa of Animals' Acts. In reply, Mr. Hanbury stated that the Home Office was issuing a circular to maxifttrates urging more stringent treatment of offences with regard to swine fever, and he was himself about to recommend an increase in the veterinary stuff of his department. STRUCK OFF THE ROLLS.—In the King's Bench Divisiou on Saturday Jumtices Bruce and Phillimore directed that Mr. William Harry Bedoe, solicitor, of Pontypridd, should be struck off the rolls ou a charge "f misappropriating to his own use zC319 4s. 8d., the money of a client. I PUBLICANS AND BETTING.—At Longton on Wed. nesday J. H. Porter, a brewer, of Burton, non- resident liceusee of the Eagle Hotel, Longton. was fined £ 100 for permitting the premises to be used for betting, and Samuel Wright, bookmaker, for so using them was fined £ 50. Francis Hamilton Wolfe, landlord of the Roebuck Inn, Longton, for permitting betting on his premises was fined X75, and William Reese, bookmaker, for so using them was fined £50. CRAIG-Y-NOS UNDER THE HAMMER.—At Token- house-yard London, on Tuesday, Craig-y-Nos, the property of Madame Patti, was submitted to public auctiou, it being stated that the prima donna and her husband had decided to live in Sweden. The reserve price was £ 50,000, and, the bidding only reaching X45,000, the property was with- drawn. FottMALIK IN MiLli.—A Cage of considerable Importance was heard at Manchester, a milkman, named Devonport, of Gorton, being summoned by the Lancashire County Council for selling milk containing a preservative known as formalin. For the prosecution evidence was given that formalin was injurious in its effects, especially in the case of infants, the human stomach being made leathery by its action. For the defence it was urged that formalin was largely used by dealers to obviate the curdling of milk brought by rail from a distance. and that, as in the present case it had been applied at the rate only of one in a hundred thousand, its effect was harmless. The stipendiary reserved his decision. OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Full value in cash or offer per return of post R. D. and J. B. Fraser, Ltd., Princes St., Ipswich The largest and oldest buyers in the world. SUICIDE AT EBBW VALE.-On Saturday evening, Tom Richardson, aged 28, chief assistant in Mrs. Owen Jones's grocery and drapery establishment, Briery Hill, Ebbw Vale, committed suicide under very sad circumstances. He had been laid up sinco Tuesday with an attack of typhoid fever. Mrs. Jones, his employer, left him for a few minutes for the purpose of getting some soda water and milk, and before her return he bad secured a razor and cut his throat from ear to ear.

DALES* 0 a Mttil? Is a wonderful water proofer for BOOTS and HARNESS. Softens and preserve8 the leather. Pleasant odour. Allows polish- ing. Hightest Awards at 22 Exhibitions. Tins 2d., 6d., Is. 2s. 6d. Of all Boot- makers, Saddlers, Ironmongers, Mantifactory- Dulwich, London, S.E. MILLIONS OF BOXES VINOLIA FREE. On receipt of 1d. stamp we will send free a Sample Box of Vinolia. Editor of Baby reports For acne upots on the face, and particularly for eczema, it is undoubtedly efficacious, healing eruptious, and removing pimples in a few days." IT RELIEVES ITCHING AT ONCE VIXOLIA. CO., Ltd., LOD6, N.W. SELF FITTING M SBiilDi ML1HEaBESX* A GUARANTEE WITH EVERY PAIR. SEE THK NAME AND TRADE MARK ON EACH SHIELD. If unable to obtain from the leading drapery store in the town, write to KLEINERT RUBBER CO 63 BasinghailSt. London, E.C. 0-ft- -a%- ammm dam I A Seasonable I I II>vitatiot). I I Brown & Poison invite every 1 B lady's attention to the ease with H B which the most delightful Fruit B I Jellies can be prepared with their i S Co-n Flour. Jellies made with 9 H the ratural juice of fresh fruit 9 B and pure Corn Flour are more ■ g wholesome and refreshing than § g those produced from artificial I 1 ingredients. Any variety of fruit 1 i may be employed, but to obtain If 1 the finest results only the best 1 if Corn Flour should be used, and 1 | the best—the recognised best-is 1 I Brown & Poison's I 3 "Patent" £ Qrn pjour I 9 Full recipes for these fruit 1 1 jellies are contained in the B H packets, or can be had free B a from BROWN & POLSON, Paisley. S

The Financial Prospect In the Transvaal. A PESSIMISTIC VIEW. I Sir David Barbour's report on the finances of the two Dutch States seeraa to show that there is not very much to be expected from taxation in the early future. He does,notanticipate that the Orange River Colony, will be able to repay any portion of the cost of the war, and it is impossible at present to specify any definite sum as coming within the resources of the Transvaal. This will, no doubt, cause surprise to many people who have hitherto regarded the country as a veritable "gotd-mine." In 1898 the pro- duction of gold was equal to X.15,000,000, while the sum paid in dividends was 25,000,000, and in 1899, before the war, the output was at a still higher rate per month. Sir David suggests that, with improved administration, mining enterprise will increase, and that gradually the Transvaal will be brought into a condition of prosperity, which would be accompanied by a steady growth of revenue. But, for the present, his view of the situation is that not only will the Transvaal be UNABLE TO CONTRIBUTE I towards the cost of the war, but that for some time to come it will not have sufficient resources to pay its way. Sir David Barbour proposes a tax of 10 per cent. on the profits of the gold mines, which compares with the 5 per cent. suggested by Mr. Kruger's government before the war. This higher percentage would not, however, mean aoy additional burden on the mines, as British Administration would almost certainly abolish monopolist exactions and abuses. Roughly speaking, Sir David estimates that, on the same basis of taxation as in 1898, nearly XI,000,000 a year could be saved by the introduction of honest administration. This economy would give a handsome surplus were it not for additional items of expenditure in governing the country after the cessation of hostilities. The 10,000 constabulary it is in- tended to enrol, will cost E2,500,000 a year, whilst a sum of at least E5,000,000 would be required tor compensation for the destruction of property, and upon which interest will have to be paid. Instead, therefore, of there being any surplus, rtr David Barbour estimates that there will be A DEFICIT OF NEARLY 21)000,000 A YEAR, I quite apart from the cost of the military l garrison, or other expenses which the holding of the Dutch States may involve upon the British Army. At present the outlay is not less than £ 1,500,000 per week, and, as the Boers have hitherto declined to approach the question of peace negotiations, except on the basis of com- plete independence, it looks, in spite of the many rumours of an early settlement, as if this expenditure must go oii, until by sheer attrition, their remaining forces collapse. But even then it will for many years be necessary to maiutain a large British force in South Africa, in addition to the 10,000 constabulary who will be required to keep order in the conquered territories. On the whole the prospect of recovering any material part of the cost of the war from the Transvaal is not a very promising one. This result would seem to depend almost entirely upon the further development of the mineral wealth of the country, which may reasonably be I expected when things once more settle down. Hitherto the administration of the Transvaal has always compared most unfavourably with that of the sister state, and the chief difficulties of its former government have beeu those arising from the mismanagement of financial affairs. When these drawbacks have been removed there is every reason to believe that we shall see the same results in the Transvaal as we have seen in Egypt, by the simple process of V.Y the substitution of a careful and honest administration.

I War Telegrams. U?, Kimberley, Tuesday. Colonel Scott's Railway Guards engaged the enemy at iiaartebeestepan, in the Western Transvaal, on Saturday last. The engagement lasted five hours, and resulted in the capture of a quantity of stock and two wagons, with rifles and ammunition. Four Boers were takeu prisoners.— Preas Association War Special. In a telegram from Cape Town Laffan's cor. respondent states that General French is infusing new life into the operations in Cape Colony. Large concerted movements are in course of execution, reinforcements having recently been poured into the Colony. Middleburg (Cape Colony), Tuesday. Kruitzinger's commando recently passed the house of a loyal farmer, who couuted the force. It consisted of 270 whites, ten armed natives, and eighteen armed Hottentots. The horses were in a very poor conditioii.-HeLiter. The mishap to a portion of General Beat son's column (the Victorian Mounted Rifles) occurred at an unfortunate moment, in view of the successes elsewhere, and of the numerous surrenders of late. It appears that 300 M-ri were detached to operate on the flink, 25 miles' south of Middelburg. At half-past seven in the evening, 150 Boers, under Commandant Muller, with 200 more in reserve, surrounded the camp. The Boers crept near, poured in a heavy fire, and fairly rushed the position. The affair was over in a few minutep. Muller is the same leader who rushed our men at Helvetia some time ago, when that place was attacked by Viljoen's commando. According to details of the Vlakfontein battle, published by the Cape Argus, the Boers worked the captured British guns for some time before they were re-taken. Six shells were put into Dixon's left wing, which consisted of the Derbyshires, the Yeomanry, the 28th Field Battery, and the Scottish Horse. Subsequently the Derbyshires made a bayonet charge, and the enemy fled. Their losses altogether are estimated at 611 killed and wounded. —Central News.

Death of an Admiral. Admiral Sir Anthony Hoskins died at Capel, Surrey, this morning. He was for- merly commander-in-chief in the Mediter- ranean, Lord of Admiralty, and saw much active service.

Robbed and Thrown out of the Train. A London leather dresser returning from Ascot Races yesterday, was robbed and thrown out of the train. He was badly injured.

Important Shipping Decision. Mr. Justice Matthews, to-day, decided in the King's Bench Division, that the space for Lascar crews on board P. & O. Liners, was regulated by the Merchant Shipping Act, aud not bj the Indian Act of 1896. α-

-.a- Speed of Motor Cars. I rr. Sievier, of sporting fame, was fined p m X5 at Woburn, to-day, for driving a motor car at an excessive speecl.

I Pro-Boer Meeting. A great public meeting was held on Wednesday night at the Qiieen'a-hall, Loudon, to hear addressts from Messrs. Merriman aud Sauer, on the South African question. Mr. Ltbouchere presided, and amongst those present were Mr. Lloyd-George,. M.P., Mr. Bryn Roberts, M.P., and a number of other members of Parliament. Mr. Merriman coaldl not attend. Every precaution was taken to prevent a disturbance, and admission was by ticket. A resolution was carried with great enthusiasm condemning the South African policy of the Government, especially with regard to the treat- ment. of women and children, and calling upon the Government to concede the Boera complete indepen- dence. The proceedings were of a disorderly character. Thousands of opponents thronged the streets, which were cleared by the police.

— Mr. Keineys-Tynie and the Money-Lender. In the King's Bench Division, on Saturday, Justice Darling had before him the case of Parker- v. Kemeys-Tynte, which was an action brought by Mr. Joseph Parker, money-lender, of Duke Street, St. James's, against Mr. Eustace Kemeys-Tynte, a young gentleman of independent means, residing- at Cefn Mably, Cardiff, to recover S210 ou a. promissory note given by defendant in respect of a. loan of X150. Mr. Macaskie, K.C., aod Slr- Livesey appeared for plaintiff, while Air. Moure- represented defendant. It appeared that defendant, who is between 22: and 3 years' of age, had a private income of Y,1,500 a year. In July last plaintiff sent defendant, a circular stating that he was prepared to make an advance. Defendant replied that he would like some money, and plaintiff advanced £150. taking a promissory note for X210, payable in six months,, being interest at the rate of 80 per cent. Defendant was unable to appear. His Counsel offered on his behalf to pay the amount borrowed, with interest at the raie ot 2ft per cent. His Lordship said as the case did not come within the Act of last year, he was bound to give judgment for plaintiff for the amount claimed, with costs.

Railway Time Table for June. I DOWN TKAlNS. A.M A.M A.M P.M. P.M P.M. London — r — 5 40 1085 — 3 I& Ross — dep. 7 0 8 15 1035 2 55 — 17 10 Keme Bridge —,7 11 8 27 1046 3 6 i7 21 Lydbrook -17 16 8 32 10.52 3 12 17 30 Symonds Yat -|7 21 8 37 1059 3 19 — |7 36 Monmouth, May H. 7 33 8 50 1114 3 33 i7 46 Monmouth, Troy 7 38 9 35 1250 3 55 5 10 8 5* Dingestow 7 469 42 1257 4 4 5 17'8 12* Raglan — 7 54 9 49 1 4 4 12 5 24 8 19* Llandenny 7 599 55 1 10 4 18 5 30 8 25* USK 8 6 10 21 17 4 27 5 388 33 Little Mill Junct'n 8 17 1012 1 27 4 40 5 49|8 44 Pontypool Rd., arr|8 25 1018 1 35 4 48 5 55i8 50 Newport -19 4 10522 335 5l625!9 33. London —'l 15 4 10 G 30 1145 114553 30. I Thursdays only. I UP TRAINS. A.M A.M A.M A.M. P.M P.M. P M. London —' — — — 5 309 0 — |1 10 3 Newport —7 3 — 8 0 10 301 31 — 5 32 7 25> Tontypool Rd., dep 7 40 — 8 45 11 5 i 20 — 6 15 8 15» Little Mill Junct'n 7 44 — 8 49 11 9 2 24 — 6 19 8 19» USK — — 7 53 8 20 8 58 11 18 2 33 — 6 29 8 2& Llandenny —, — 8 27 9 5 11 27 2 42 — 6 40 Raglan- — — 8 33 9 11 11 33 2 48 — 6 46 — Dingestow —1 8 40 9 16 11 40 2 55 — 6 54 — Monmouth, Troy !7 35 8 50 9 30 12 30 3 3S 6 5 7 17 8 15 Monm'th, May Hill 7 39 9 34 12 34 3 42:6 9 7 20 8 20«'- Symonds Yat — 7 49 9 46 12 46 3 53 6 21.7 37 8 33 Lydbrook — 7 54 9 53 12 53 3 58 6 28 7 43 8 Keme Bridge — 7 59 9 58 12 58 4 3,6 33 7 50 8 45> Ross — ari'8 7 10 8 1 8 4 12 6 43 8 0 8 55« London —2 20 2 20 5 40i8 30 1145 1145 3 30" I *We,lnesdays only.

SEVERN & WYE VALLEY RAILWAY. DOWN TRAINS A.M. P 11. P.M. P.M. Monmouth (Troy)..dep.. 9 0 12404 56, 0 Redbrook 9 6 12464 11 6 6 — Bigsweir 9 14 12/i4 4 19 6 14 — Bi¡lsweir. 9 ]4 12;j4i4 19 6 14 Tiiitei-n 9 22 1 2:4 286 24 7 5fV, Tidenham 9 30 1 10i4 3« 6 39 8 5- Chepstow arr.. 9 37 1 17:4 43 6 39 8 10 Bristol (Temple Meads )arr 11 2 2 4-7]6 66 1 53 9 45- London..arr.. 2 40',6 011010 4 0 4 0 UP TRAINS London. dep.. 12 0 5 30 1045(1 15 3 10" Bristol (Temple Meads) dep.. 6 09 451 425 15 6 lo: Chepstow 7 131115 2 52 6 307 31 Tidenham 7 1911212586417 3T Tintern 7 29 1133 3 8 6 31 7 45- Bigsweir 7 36 1140 3 15 6 58 Redbrook 7 43 1147 3 22 7 5 Monmouth(Trov arr.. 7 501155 3 297 12 .r. -=r- "p.r-r-1"L/"T.

SOLICITOR SENTENCED.—Henry Watson, solicitor,, of Bedford, was on Tuesday sentenced so six years' penal servitude at the Bedford Assizes. There were charges of theft, obtaining money by false pretences, and forging and uttering deeds. The amount involved was several thousand pounds. ARSENIC IN BEER.—Two Liverpool publicans were, on Wednesday, summoned before the Stipendiary, at the instance of the healtli-, authorities, for selling beer containing a percentage- of arsenious oxide. In one case the percentage- was one-hundredth part of a grain per gallon, and in the other Olle-sixtieth part of a grain. The Medical Officer of Health held that either percentage was prejudicial to health in view of the- cumulative effects of arsenic in the case of a. regular heavy drinker. Dr Campbell Brown, an authority in chemical research, stated that, in his- view, one-hundredth part of a grain per gallon was, not material, and would have no effect. He thought that should be the maximum percentage" allowed, however. In the case of the one-sixtieth; > of a grain, a 10s. fine and costs was inflicted, and t the other case was dismissed. COMPANY DIRECTORS IMPRISONED.—Mr Justice-, Wright on Wednesday commuted Messrs. S. Parsonage and Criper, directors of Septimus1 Parsonage and Company (Limited), to six weeks' and four weeks' imprisonment respectively for contempt of court. The contempt consisted of the issuing of a misleading circular to the share- holders in connection with the winding-up of the company, whereby defendants had obtained > 60,01)0 proxies, which, it was said, they bad. wrongfully used in passing a resolution for the; voluntary winding-up. The defendants were ordered to pay the costs. :7 be, Printed and Published by THE COUNTY OBSERVES," NEWSPAPER and PRINTING COMPANY, Limited, by JAMES HENRY CLARK, at their Offiees, Bridget • Street, Usk, in the County of Monmouth, Saturday June 22nd, 1901.

I Speech by Mr. A. J. Balfour. Conservative agents from all parts of the country met at dinner at the Hoiborn Restaurant on Wednesday night, at the invitation of the Unionist Whips and of Captain Middleton. Sir William Walrond, M.P., the principal Unionist Whip, and Captain Middleton received the guests, who numbered upwards of 300. Mr. A. J. Balfour was amongst the guests, and, in a brilliant speech, when referring to the tactics 9 of thfi Opposition, said that it did not lie in the mouths of those who had calumniated their country in public to complain that that country was mis- judged and misunderstood by its neighbours. It was difficult to decide which was the chief channel of the sand-blocked Delta of the Opposition. "Sir Henry Campbell-Baonerman's own course," he said, "reminds me indeed of many rivers that I have looked at, flowing slowly and sluggishly through some alluvial plain. They first take a turn to the left, meet with some unexpected obstacle, and the whole current turns round—(laughter)— sweeps to the right, to the opposite aide, finds some other obstacle, turns round again, and thus slowly pursues its devious course, stained and coloured by each obstacle which it touches in turn, and its turbid waters finally flow in some indeterminate direction on to the quicksands at the mouth. (Loud cheers) Warlike at one moment, peacf-tul at another moment; at one tim, declaring that there was no necessity even for military preparations, at another time denouncing the Government for not making much greater military preparations than they did make at one time glorying, not merely in the courage, but in the humanity of the British soldier, at another times accusing soldiers and general alike of carrying on wars by barbarous methods. I do not think that this is the way to carry on a great national controversy." (

A Strike Riot. NEW YORK, Friday. v At Matervan, West Virginia, yesterday, a strike riot occurred, and troops fired on the men, wounding three. a

Train on Fire. I A fire occurred on the Aberdeen to London express last night. TWO corridor coaches were burned; they were both empty. Later. In the train fire, one coach contained several passengers, and much alarm was felt. They were almost suffocated with smoke. Some of them lost their belongings in scrambling from the burning coaches. °

0 Mr. Chamberlain (Jnwell. I Cabinet Council took place at Foreign I el Office at noon. Mr. Chamberlain was still too unwell to attend. too unwell to attend.

;—^— Cricket. Marylebone out 134. Sussex 69 for no wicket. Cambridge 110 for seven wickets. 11 Later. Cambridge out for 152. Raining at Derby, Manchester, and 0 Northampton.

Stocks. Stocks very quiet. I' õ'

Hunting Appointments. MR. CLAY'S SUBSCRIPTION OTTER HOUNDS will meet next week (water permitting) :— Monday. Pandy Mill, near Cbepstow. At 9.30 a.m. Cyclists, Light Up.! Saturday, June 22nd. 9.18 Sunday, 23rd. 9.19 Monday, M 24th 9.19 Tuesday, 25th. 9.19 Wednesday, 26ih 9.19 Thursday, 27th 9.19 Friday, 28th 9.19 Saturday 2pth 9.19 [Being One hour after Sunset.] 4th Vol. Batt. South Wales Borderers. "G" (USK) COMPANY. Orders for Week commencing June 23rd, 1901. For Duty- Sergeant: A. J. Jones. Corporal: E. Knight. Bugler A. L. Lucas. Monday, Company Drill, volley firing at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday, Squad and Recruits' Drill, 7.30 p.m. Wednesday, Class Firing from 6 p.m. Thursday, Class Firing from 6 p.m. Friday, Squad and Recruits' drill at 8.30 p.m. Saturday, Class Firing, 4 p.m. A good muster is requested for to-day's (Satur- day) Parade drill order, sun hats, 20 rounds blank ammunition. By Order, STANLEY M. WILLIAMS, Capt. Commanding.

I Markets and Fairs. I I STOCK MARKETS. Usk- Ist ati(i 3rd Monday in month. Monmouth—2nd and 4th lVlonday in month. Chepstow—2nd and last Tuesday in month. Newport—Every Wednesday Berkeley (Glos.)-Ist Wednesday in month. Chippen Cainpden-Lqqt Wednesday in month. Honeybourne (Glcs.)-Ist Wednesday in month Neath (Glain.)-Last Wednesday in month. Canton (Glam. )-lst Monday in month Moreton-in-the-Marsh—2nd Tuesday in month, ) Led bury-2nd and last Tuesday in month.

Mr. Asqiaith on the War. Speaking on Thursday night at a dinner iii., London, Mr Asquith, M.P., alluded to the differ- ences in the Liberal Party, and said that within the past week, without provocation, a challenge had been deliberately thrown out by colleagues, cii, the Opposition benches at thoae who held his opinion on the subject of the war. They had been definitely branded as schismatics and heretics ia, antagonism to the predominent and authorised', creed of the Liberal Party. As a matter of fact, however, they still held the view they bad so often, expressed, did not repent of it, and would not- recant it. He declared that the union of the Liberal party was only possible upon the basis of mutual toleration and respect. Where he parted company from his friends was in holding that the war was not desired by the Government or the- people of Great Britain, and that the Boers forced it on us without adequate reason. Blood andL treasure had been spent, not in criminal adventure,, but. for the institution of a federated, self-govern- ing body of dominion. He was not t) be regarded as. an apostate from the Liberal faith he demurred to the jurisdiction of beiug excommunicated. Such resolutions as those passed on Wednesday night, in London were in no sense an authoritative exposition- of the opinion of the Liberal party.