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

I SOUTH AFRICA. I COMMANDANT SCHEEPERS CAPTURED. The War Office has issued the subjoined official despatch From Lord Kitchener to the Secretary of State for War. "PRETORIA, October 12, 1901 (7.5 a.m.) French's columns have captured Commandant Scheepers." Scheepers (according to a Reuter's message) was captured by a troop of the 10th Hussars at Hetting. Commandant Scheepers was taken at a farm- house, where he has been lying dangerously ill for several days. Lord Methuen, operating in the Marico terri- tory, has captured and destroyed great quantities of foodstuffs. OUDTSHOORN, Sunday. On Sept. 26 Scheepers caught two coloured jien, who had been sent to locate the enemy at Kruis River, After interrogating them separately, he made them draw lots. The one who drew the shorter straw was immediately shot, and the other was sent with a letter to the nearest British camp. [Scheepers has had a long career as a rebel, but since the middle of July he has been the object of a persistent and relentless pursuit, which has at last been satisfactorily ended in his capture. On July 14 he and his commando, then a very considerable one, were located by General French at Desolation Kop, near Graaff Reinet, and four columns surrounded the place. He managed to get away by a bridle- path, however. The British forces continued to chase him, and early in September he was found in the south-west part of the Colony. On Septem- ber 14 he had a fight with Colonel Crabbe's column, and a few days later was driven north- ward to Meermgspoort, where there was another small action. From thence onward he was very vigorously pressed by the British. On September 27 he was forced to cross the Oiiphant's River, and on October 1 he joined Smuts near Cradock. A few days ago it was said that he was ill, and was obliged to travel in a Cape cart. On two occasions he was very nearly cap- tured, and only saved himself by jumping on to a horse and galloping away. He sent into a British camp for a doctor, who reported him to be suffer- ing from appendicitis. Subsequently the British again attacked him, and he had to beat a hasty retreat. Scheepers, who is said to be only 21 years of age, is Colonial born. EXECUTION OF LOTTER. Commandant Lotter was executed at Middel- burg, Cape Colony, on Friday morning of last week. Several sentences on rebels were publicly pro- mulgated in the market-square at Tarkastad on Saturday. Among the condemned was Jacobus Schoeman, a lieutenant in Lotter's commando, and the son of a well-to-do farmer, who was con- demned to be shot, and whose sentence has been confirmed by Lord Kitchener. Two youths, also of Lotter's commando, who had been recommended to mercy by the Court, were sentenced to receive 25 strokes each and to be imprisoned during the continuance of the war. The charges against Lotter included treason, murders of unarmed native scouts, murders of troopers, railway wrecking, and sjamboking British subjects and Europeans. He pleaded guilty to the last charge only, but the Court con- victed him on all counts. He declared that he was not a Colonial, but a Free Stater. The evidence, however, showed clearly enough that he was a British subject, as he was on the voters' list for the Murray Ward of the Colesberg Division under the name of J.J. Lumber. This, of course, established the charge of treason, and witnesses gave evidence to prove the other accusations. When Lord Kitchener's proclamation about the banishment of Boers leaders caught in arms after September 15 was published Lotter sent what was described in the despatch an unprintable reply." Two sentences for rebellion have been publicly promulgated at Kimberley. The prisoners were farmers, belonging to Barkly West and Jaeobsdal respectively. They had both been condemned to death by hanging, but the sentences were com- muted to 10 years' penal servitude in the case of the Barkly West man and to deportation in that of the Jacobsdal farmer. At Vryburg the sentence of 10 years' penal servitude passed upon an ex-field cornet has been commuted to three years, and the death penalty in the case of a farmer to penal servitude for life. The sentence of death by hanging passed upon two young farmers who had twice joined the enemy having been confirmed, was carried out at Vryburg on Saturday morning. MORE BOER LEADERS BANISHED. A further list has been published at Pretoria of 18 Boer leaders captured since September 15, and who are consequently permanently banished from South Africa. A proclamation has been issued reaffirming the non-recognition by the Imperial Government of the validity of alienations or encumbrances on property effected or concessions granted by the late Government subsequent to March 19, 1900, all such being declared null and void. Another proclamation abolishes henceforth the right, where beneficial occupation exists, to claim exemption from the payment of rent or interest by virtue of the proclamation of the late Govern- ment granting such exemption during the con- tinuance of martial law; nor is exemption allowed in the case of interest on mortgages of which beneficial use has been made during any period of martial law prior to this proclamation, provided, however, that no action can be taken in the latter case for the recovery of the capital sum until a date yet to be fixed. BOERS AND PORTUGUESE. News has reached Lisbon from Lorenco Marques to the effect that a number of Boers tried to cross the Portuguese frontier on the night of October 3 near the station of Ressano Garcia. During the same night six goods trains on their way from Lorenco Marques to Pretoria were derailed and burned by the Boers. The Portu- guese troops prevented the Boers entering Portu- guese territory. On the following night there was severe fighting between the Boers and a British force near the border. The losses are not known, but eventually the Boers retired. Two English soldiers who got across the border were taken prisoners and sent dawn to Lorenco Marques. BOTHA SAID TO BE "BARRED." I A British column has occupied Piet Retief. Any movement by Botha is barred to the north, east, And south, but his followers (a telegram from Dundee states) may still succeed in making their way through the cordon in small parties. The Boer General's force has largely dispersed, but the main portion remains in the Pongola Bosch. The Bethel commando is reported to have succeeded in escaping, passing to the north-west of Piet Retief. The weather has been terrible, and heavy rains have I made the roads almost impassable. The Standard special correspondent at Durban telegraphs that a rumour is current that the Boer General Cherry Emmett, brother-in-law of Louis Botha, has been captured. A party of rebels, led by Maritz and other Transvaalers, has worked down into the Malmesbury district, with the supposed object of obtaining horses in the neighbourhood. Wolfaardt, another of Lotter's officers, has been condemned to death, and the sentence has been confirmed. In the cases of eight other members of Lotter's Com- mando, the death sentence has been commuted to imprisonment for life. A portion of Smuts' Com- mando is reported to be again in the Craclock district. A Board to deal with complaints and grievances relating to the administration of Martial-law has been aDpointed at the Cane, LOSSES OF THE ENEMY. I Lord Kitchener, in a telegram dated the 14th inst., says that since October 7 the columns have reported 26 Boers killed, eight wounded, 194 prisoners, and 42 surrenders, with the capture of 103 rifles, 38.260 rounds of small arms ammvini- tion, 40 waggons, 2200 horses, and 3250 cattle. Heavy rains have considerably impeded opera- tions and communications. On the Natal frontier General Kitchener's columns are moving against considerable numbers of the enemy reported between Slangapiesberg and Pongola Bosch. General Bruce Hamilton is operating near the Ngome Forest. Lord Methuen is clear- ing the Marico district. Delarey and Kemp,, have retired towards Lindlevpoort. The Boer* commandos in Cape Colony have been much broken up, nd are being followed closely by our columns. The Times correspondent at Dundee says that Botha's main body is still in the neighbourhood of the Pongola Bosch. A certain number of Boers have undoubtedly escaped west and north across the Wakkerstroom-Piet Retief line. It was thought at first that Botha was with them, but it appears that he has returned to the neighbourhood of the Pongola Bosch. Piet Retief was entered on Friday of last week by Colonel Colville's Mounted In- fantry. It was found empty, but there were signs of recent Boer occupation. Wolfaardt, one of Lotter's officers, was executed at Middleburg on the 15th inst. Colonel Plumer has joined in the pursuit of Botha.

COBRA INQUIhY. EXCESSIVE WEIGHTS. Most important evidence was given at the re- sumed inquiry, at Portsmouth, on Saturday, into the cause of the loss of the torpedo-boat destroyer Cobra. Mr. Philip Watts, whose fame as a ship constructor is world-wide, furnished an account of the building of the vessel, which followed the lines of the destroyers Spitfire and Swordfish, for which his firm were also responsible. As usual, the strains that the Cobra would have to bear were exaggerated in working out the designs. When, however, the engines and boilers were received they exceeded the estimates by 30 tons or more. In reply to the president, Mr. Watts admitted that the hull was not strengthened when this discovery was made, though the Admiralty had the deck stiffened when they subsequently pur- chased her. The machinery of the craft weighed no less than 183 tons, on a total displacement presumably of less than 400 tons. The witness affirmed his blief that the scantlings were suffi- ciently strong, while conceding that the material used in the construction of the ill-fated ship, though similar in character to that used in con- temporaneous Admiralty boats of the same type, differed from that in newer ships, in which some special material has been used to strengthen the upper deck. "FINE WEATHER VESSELS." The Cobra court-martial was on Monday resumed at Portsmouth. The mate of the Outer Dowsing lightship described what he saw of the destroyer before she foundered. She parted after three plunges. It was not possible for him, in the weather which prevailed, to send one of the light- ship's boats to the wreck. Mr. Watts, managing director at Elswick Yard, questioned by the Court, repeated his opinion that the accident could not possibly have been caused by wave action alone. Some obstruction must have been struck, and he suggested that this was a wrecked vessel drifting about at or near the bottom with an iron mast standing, and on which the Cobra dropped. Further evidence was called as to the design of the vessel, and details were given of the requirements of the Admiralty for strengthening her. Mr. Parsons, whose firm supplied the turbine machinery, said destroyers were lightly built, being originally intended as fine weather vessels. The engines of the Cobra exceeded the estimated weight by 23 tons. The inquiry was again adjourned. CHIEF CONSTRUCTOR'S VIEWS. The Cobra court-martial was continued at Ports- mouth on the 15th inst. Evidence was given by Mr. W. T. Pine, instructor in the construction department of the Admiralty, and Mr. H. E. Dead- man, a chief constructor to the Admiralty, with respect to the alterations required by that depart- ment before the Cobra was taken over. Their testimony was to the effect that though the scant- lings of the vessel were somewhat weaker than those of other vessels of a similar type, they could not have been effectively strengthened without practically rebuilding her, and this was not thought neeessary. The inquiry was again adjourned.

THE REVENUE. The receipts on account of revenue from April 1, 1901, when there was a balance of £ 5,596,918, to October 12, 1901, were E59,390,584, as against £ 53,982,811 in the corresponding period of the preceding financial year, which began with a balance of £ 3,517,047. The net expenditure was £ 108,198,818, as against £ 98,200,000 to the same date in the previous year. The Treasury balances on October 12, 1901, amounted 'to £ 5,640,976, and at the same:date in 1900 to £ 1,841,657.

MR. LONG AT HULL. The Right Hon. Walter Long visited Hull on the 15th inst. for the purpose of opening the first of a series of new,, streets which, in the centre of the city, will take the place of a considerable amount of slum property .At the request of the mayor the right hon. gentleman severed a ribbon stretched across the street, which is 80ft. in width, and after declaring the new thoroughfare open, named it King Edward-street. Mr. Long spoke of the importance of spacious roads and streets in large cities in affording access from one part to another. From what he had seen of new streets he felt convinced they would be of great value in giving speedy access to parts which had been severed by narrow and tortuous ways. He was glad, as President of the Local Government Board, to show his sympathy with municipal government, which had done so much for towns and even for the rural districts of Eng- land. A statue of William de la Pole—Hull's famous merchant prince and philanthropist-was unveiled at the junction of King Edward and Jameson-streets, after which, at a special meeting of the Council, the freedom of the city was con- ferred upon Mr. Long, who was subsequently entertained at luncheon.

BIG JEWELLERY THEFT. Before Mr. McConnell, K.C., sitting at Clerk en- trell, Wilhelm A. Morley, 28, butler, pleaded guilty on the 15th inst. to the theft of jewellery, value £ 3000, the property of Mr. J. W. Brittain, his master. The prisoner, against whom there were previous convictions, was sentenced to four years' penal servitude.

GLUCOSE AND INVERT SUGAR IN BEER. The London Gazette has published the follow- ing announcement, issued by the Treasury: Prohibition, under Section 5 of the Customs and Inland Revenue Act, 1888,' of the use in beer of certain substances. Whereas it appears to the satisfaction of the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury that glucose containing arsenic, and invert sugar containing arsenic are substances which are capable of being used in the manufacture and pre- paration for sale of beer, and that the said sub- stances are of a noxious and detrimental nature. Now, the said Lords Commissioners, under the power conferred upon them by Section 5 of The Customs and Inland Revenue Act. 1888,' do hereby prohibit the use in the manufacture and preparation for sale of beer of any glucose or in- vert sugar containing arsenic. Dated this 10th day of October, 1901. N.B.—A penalty of P.50 is imposed by the said section for any breach of this prohibition. W. H. FISHER, H. T. ANSTRUTHER."

CONGREGATIONAL UNION. The Congregational Union opened its autumn Assembly on the 15th inst., at Manchester. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Parker presided, and, in his open- ing address, advocated the federation of Con- gregationalism throughout the world under the title of "The United Congregational Church." He enumerated the advantages which, in his view, would result from such a course, and maintained that it need not involve any disturbance of the autonomy of local churches, or any change of doctrine. It was resolved to refer the subject for -liscussion to the county unions.

THE LABOUR MARKET. The monthly memorandum prepared by the Labour Department of the Board of Trade states that in the unions making returns the proportion j of unemployed was 3*7 per cent., compared yrjth 3*9 per cent. at the end of August, and 3'6 ber cent, in September last year.

I iSTEPNEY CHURCH ABLAZE. I I IRREPARABLE DAMAGE. St. Dunstan's Church, Stepney, one of the few buildings of note which survived the Great Fire of London, and an object of much historical and architectural importance, was partially dismantled on Saturday morning by an exceptionally fierce conflagration, the origin of which is unknown. Clouds of smoke issuing from the roof gave the first indication of the outbreak, and the alarm was raised by an adjacent resident. A strong force of firemen, under Commander Wells, with 20 engines, responded to the summons, and the utmost was done to preserve the old church from the utter extinction which menaced it. From the first it was apparent that its eastern extremity was doomed, and the firemen concentrated their efforts upon the preservation of the tower and wings, in which task, after two hours' unremitting labour, they were successful. Disastrous havoc had been wrought, however, and it can never be possible to make good the damage done to the church's in- terior. As soon as the heated ruins could be safely entered, the Rev. A. E. Dalton, the rector, who had been present almost from the commence- ment directing the firemen, climbed over the blackened remains of the old eastern door, and, passing into the chancel, sadly surveyed the scene of destruction which that extremity of the structure presented. The chancel itself had been entirely laid waste, the whole of its most striking architectural features ob- literated, and of the fine old fifteenth century oaken roof, enclosing the nave, nothing remained but the charred and broken vestiges of the two great beams by which its ends were supported. The great eastern window-a noted example of stained-glass work-had been ruined, and two other windows only a little less damaged. The altar and choir stalls, upon which some of the finest artists of mediaeval times wrought curious designs, have been reduced almost to a heap of cinders, and the organ, a fine instru- ment, which was purchased only a few months ago, entirely consumed. Happily, the destruction extended no further, though smoke and water, in some cases, began what the flames failed to complete. In the latter respect the nave suffered somewhat seriously, much of the sculptured stonework having been sadly disfigured, as are also several necrological memorials of great interest in the body of the church. Most of the sculptures and monumental brasses of any importance have been saved, as also, most fortunately, were the parish records and church plate, which passed unscathed through the heart of the conflagration, enclosed in a huge iron cupboard. It was to this receptacle that the vicar first made his way on entering the church and his relief at discovering the security of the documents was intense. The carved pulpit, one of the finest examples extant of Grinley Gibbons's carving, also escaped damage. It was stated by the vicar that the church was insured for Ell,OW, though whether that amount would cover the damage he could not be certain. He left the building in complete safety at nine o'clock on Friday evening, and was unable even to conjecture the mode of the fire's commencement. Sunday's services were held at the Church of St. Faith, Stepney. St. Dunstan's Church, which extends the unique privilege to all who are born upon the high seas of enrolment upon the parish registers, dates from the year 960, A.D., the original edifice having been superseded by that now so badly damaged, which was erected in 1485. It has undergone many suc- cessive restorations, the last being as recent as 1899. On this occasion several interesting dis- coveries were made, a rood screen aperture, a very old elliptic Gothic doorway, and two other hidden doorways being disclosed after the removal of the restoration plaster from the walls. The earliest of the registers goes back to 1560, and the plate bears the date 1634 and 1680.

I FORBIDDEN MARRIAGE. I BANNS PROCLAIMED IN CHURCH. Another and more interesting phase of the love romance, in which Lieutenant Richard William Francis Cecil, grandson of the late Marquis of Exeter, and Miss Jessie Bain, of Belfast, are the central figures, was entered upon on Sunday, when in St. Cuthbert's parish church, Edinburgh, public proclamation was made of their intention to marry. Their union, it will be recalled, was stopped by the lieutenant's mother, Lady Francis Cecil, when it was proposed that the ceremony should be carried out in Ireland. Not to be outdone, however, the young couple eloped, and took up their residence in the fashionable quarter of Edinburgh. Lieu- tenant Cecil being a minor, and a ward in Chan- cery, Lady Francis Cecil obtained an order from the Chancery Court restraining the intended par- ticipants from marriage. In the meantime the order further restrained Jessie Bain from having any interview or communication with Lieutenant Cecil, while it also enjoined that all relatives and friends of Jessie Bain were restrained from assisting in or procuring the marriage. This order, it is believed, was served upon the runaway lovers at their residence in Edinburgh, whither they had been traced by Lady Francis Cecil's representatives. The intimation was widely circulated among clergymen and registrars who would be likely to come in contact with the couple. A registrar who has expressed an opinion on the subject said that there was no need for parental consent in Scotland, and any male over the age of 14 could enter the bonds of matrimony. Had they been an ill-assorted couple he could have under- stood the opposition, but as they were both in a good social position and highly respected, he cer- tainly would feel inclined to aid them in getting married. The young lovers might have been expeditiously and economically married by the sheriff of the county, in the presence of witnesses, but it is understood that Mr. Bain was anxious that the wedding should be as publicly announced as pos- sible. Under these circumstances arrangements were made for the proclamation of the banns of marriage in the church of the parish in which they are residing. On Saturday Lieutenant Cecil and Miss Bain attended at the Royal Exchange offices, Edinburgh, and went through the usual forms re- quired for proclamation. The only conditions they had to satisfy at this stage were that the parties had acquired the necessary residential qualification of 15 days, and that they were not within the forbidden relationships for marriage. The proclamation was therefore made at St. Cuthbert's Church on Sunday, when an abnormally large congregation was present. Many expected that there would be something in the nature of a scene in the church, but nothing unusual occurred, and the names were read out among about a dozen others. No protest or objection was made after the proclamation, but it is probable that when the announcement is repeated next Sunday some action will be taken by those who are opposed to the betrothal. The fact that the young lieutenant is a ward in Chancery may entail a judgment on him if he marries in defiance of the order of the Court, but that would be avoided by the parties remaining beyond the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court. The young officer is said to be in receipt of P.8000 a year from the trustees of the late Sir William Cunliffe Brooks, whose grandson he is. Miss Bain is the daughter of a Belfast stockbroker, and is tall, graceful, and attractive.

I THE death has occurred at Bradford of Augusta, Countess of Stradbrooke. Whilst on a visit to her youngest daughter, Lady Hilda McNeill, she was seized with an apoplectic fit on Thursday after- noon. She was a daughter of the Rev. Sir Christopher John Musgrave, and was born in 1830. She was widow of the second, and the mother of the present Earl of Stradbroke. ANY DOCTOR WILL TELL YOU there is no better Cough Medicine than KEATING'S LOZENGES. —One gives relief; if you suffer from cough try them but once; they will cure, and they will not injure your health; an increasing sale of over 80 years is a certain test of their value. Sold every- where in 13td. tins. -Pitn^nY ??%|e.at Scarborough, which has cost I 13.000 to build, is constructed of local material, laced with red pressed bricks and stone dressings, fcne roofs being covered with red Ruabon tiles. The schoolroom is 52ft. by 24ft., and is capable of accommodating 200 boys. The whole building is warmed by open fires and hot-water radiators under low pressure.

WHEN a man, for indiscretions, Nature pays by falling ill: The doctor pays the visit, And the patient pays the bill. THERE is a patent pending for a noiseless baby* carriage. Now if someone would only discover a noiseless baby, what a shower of blessings he would rponiw

   The Transparent Cement. 1 DON'T THROW AWAY "n article simply because it is ¿wI Son article SimplY because it'is in pieces. Keep the parts and send for a bottle of Coaguline, with which you can, in a few minutes, make a joint as Strong as the original ma- terial, and one which only the closest scrutiny will detect. MENDS ALL BROKEN ARTICLES. Refuse all Substitutes. In Bottles, 6d. and 1/ Of all Chemists & Stores. BILLIARD AND BAGATELLE TABLES. A LARGE STOCK OF NEW AND SECOND- HAND TABLES always on hand. WRITE FOR PRICE LISTS. -g. EDWARDS, 134, KINGS LAND ROAD, LONDON. N.B. SOAP IN THE EYES. The Bland Nature of VINOLIA SOAP is shown by the fact that it Never Hurts the Eyes. PREMIER VINOLIA SOAP, 4D. PER TABLET. BORWICK The Best IfPOWDER 1

TRAFALGAR DAY. In the decoration of the Nelson Column, in Trafalgar-square, on October 21, the precedent of the last few years in regard to style will be followed, the introduction of any special or novel feature being reserved until the anniversary day in 1905, when the centenary of the victory of Trafal- gar and the death of Nelson may seem to call for something beyond the customary annual form of celebration. The secretary of the Navy .League invites contributions of wreaths, and will see that they are properly placed.

MR. FRANK MARTIN, who, it is stated, is the only Englishman at the present time in Cabul, is a brother of Sir Thomas Acquin Martin, who has for a long period represented the Government of Afghanistan in this country. He has practieally succeeded Sir Salter Pyne as chief engineer to the Government. Sir Salter was first appointed to that position in 1885, and since that time he has introduced many industries into the Ameer's country, more particularly in regard to the manu- facture of arms and ammunition, coins, soap, candles, and the like. For these and many other services of a similar nature he has received an Afghan decoration from the Ameer, in addition to various other presents from time to time. IVIR. r UGHTi-K iviere laient is not appreciated nowadays. Oh, if I only had a touch of real genius Wife :V Genius isn't what you need." Eh ? "What then ?" More sense." WINKS Is it true that Mr. Bullion's doctors have given him up ?" Jinks: Of course not. He has plenty of money yet." YOUNG LADY: "Mercy me! When lost in the jungle, you came face to face with a tiger.' Ooo! what did you do ?" Modern Traveller (proudly) Photographed it." FRIEND: "Why do you wear those fearfully old-fashioned collars ?" Winkers (a man of affairs): "Because when the washerwoman sends to any- body else they send them back."

A. YOUNG Danish journalist, Mr. Marius B. Schroder, is on a journey round the world in per- formance of a wager on the question whether a man, being penniless, can go round the world in a year. Mr. Schroder is a bachelor of 27. The wager is for P-555. If successful he will receive E250 of that amount, while E950 will go to the Danish Journalists' Institution and £ 55 to the Sailors' Widow Fund of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Poor-box. In additien to his passport the traveller carries a sheaf of letters of recom- mendations from Danish Consuls, newspaper editors, and heads of public departments. FLY-WHEEL insurance has just been established as a department of one of the largest accident insurance companies in the United States. The policy will cover all damages to persons or pro- perty caused by the breaking of fly-wheels or large pulleys. A NEW Methodist Chapel at Failsworth will be in the Early Decorated Gothic style. The build- ing will be faced with Ruabon bricks, with terra- cotta and stone dressings, and at one end there will be a terra-cotta spirelet 66ft. high. The cost of the chapel, which will accommodate 500 people, is estimated at £4000. A PERIOD of five seconds between a flash of lightning and thunder means that the flash is a mile distant from the observer. Thunder has never been heard over 14 miles from the flash, though artillery has been heard at 120 miles. A NEW school of art at Leeds is to be built at a cost of about £ 10.000. KING VICTOR EMMANUEL has conferred upon Field-Marshal Count von Waldersee the Grand Cordon of the Military Order of Savoy in recogni- tion of his work in China. RAILWAY cars of pressed steel are being turned out at the rate of more than 100 a day from the works of the Pressed Steel Car Company. A RAILWAY station plan competition is being organised by the Russian Ministry of Ways of Communications, who will give a prize for the best large station plan submitted. LIEUT.-COLONEL REBER, U.S.A., has introduced a wireless telegraph between Presidio, San Fran- cisco. and Alcatraz Island. It is said not to in- fringe Marconi's patents. MR. CHAMBERLAIN has appointed Mr. Oliver Howard to be assistant private secretary. AN interesting Exhibition of Early Flemish Art will take place next year at Bruges. It will open in June and close in September, during which time visitors will have an opportunity of studying the early history of Flanders and the primitive works of the early painters. King Leopold has given his patronage to the undertaking, and among other notable persons who are taking an interest in the arrangements connected with the exhibition are Count d'Ursel, Governor of West Flanders, and Count Visart de Bocarm6, the Burgomaster of Bruges. M. Beernaert is honorary president. THE Duke and Duchess of Cornwall will pro- bably pay a visit to Lord and Lady Leicester at Holkham Hall, Norfolk, about the third week in December.

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THE NIGER EXPEDITIONS. SHARP FIGHTING. EMIR'S PALACE STORMED. FRENCH GUNS CAPTURED. Reuter's Agency has also received from its cor- respondent at Burutu, under date September 21, particulars regarding the British expedition to Yola, in Northern Nigeria, the successful result of which has already been announced by telegraph. The Emir Zuberu, of Zola, one of the most powerful of the Fulani rulers of the Sokoto Em- pire, who has hitherto governed the large pro- vince of Adamawa, having ill-treated traders, raided large tracts of country for slaves, and disregarded repeated warnings from the Government of Northern Nigeria, and finally sent back a letter from the Acting High Commis- sioner unopened, it was decided to send an expedi- tion to bring him to his senses, by peaceful means if possible, otherwise vi et armis. His capital Yola, a large town of some 30,000 inhabitants, is situated on the river Benu6, at a point some 500 miles east of junction with the Niger at Lokoja. During the months of August and September steamers of very light draught are able to reach there. An Aug. 26 a force embarked at Lokoja, and afterwards picked up detachments at Ibi and other stations en route. These were troops of the West African Frontier Force, under the command of Col. Morland, Commandant in Northern Nigeria, with Major McClintock as staff officer, and the expedition consisted of 12 officers, seven European non-commissioned officers, two doctors, 360 native rank and file, with two 75-milli- metre gun and four Maxims. Going night and day the force reached Yola on Sept. 2, and a landing was effected within half a mile of the town on open ground. The Benu6 at high water here forms a large lake. The troops all landed, a letter was sent in to the Emir, who refused, however, to re- ceiye it. The messenger was again sent with the letter, but it was returned unopened, with a verbal message to the effect that the troops must re-em- bark at once or they would be attacked. The men were formed up in three sides of a square,' the rear covered by the lake. Large numbers of horse and foot collected In the open ground to the front and right. About one p.m., after a deal of demonstration, these advanced to the attack, but the ground being quite open they were easily repulsed with heavy loss, a few daring fanatics getting within 15 yards of the square before they were shot down. The guns fired case and the infantry steady volleys from the knee, while the Maxims did considerable execution, which soon made the enemy retire into the town. The Emir Zuberu was known to possess two rifled field guns with ammunition given to him by Lieutenant Mizon in 1893, and it was partly on this account that this French officer came into collision with the Niger Company, which resulted in the seizure of the French so-called trading steamer Sergent Malaminc. As the Emir's palace could be sighted from the top of a tree about half a mile distant, inside the town, the direction was taken and a shell burst over it. This elicited two shots in reply, which, though ill- directed, showed plainly that these guns were in action near his palace. The town is not walled, but the Emir's palace and those of the various chiefs are situated in large compounds, surrounded by thick walls some 20ft. high. The streets are ail narrow and winding, and an approach was only possible on a narrow front. The troops were formed up in columns of fours, and the town was entered about 2.30 p.m. Little opposition was met with until the neigh- bourhood of the Emir's palace was reached, the walls of which, and of the mosque opposite, were strongly held by riflemen and bowmen. The two rifled guns; which were mounted in front of the palace, and hidden by a bend in the road, were tired at 30 yards' range, taking off one man's leg and dangerously wounding several others. A heavy rifle and arrow fire was al30 poured into the advancing troops. Colonel Morland was struck in the body by an arrow from the mosque, and many casualties occurred in a few minutes. The Hausa company in ad- vanee, however, behaved splendidly, and after a momentary hesitation, as most of the leading men were down, rushed forward. Major McClintock, who displayed the greatest gallantry throughout, also dashed to the front, and with Captain Rose led a charge on the guns, which were captured just in time to save their being fired again. Cap- tain Baker, who handed his men splendidly, took possession of the mosque, and Sergeant-Major Daniels, with a Maxim gun, also did good wJrk, 15 of his gun detachment being wounded. The two 75-millimStre guns under Lieutenant Henvey, R.A., were got up and directed on the Emir's palace, from which a hot fire was still main- tained, but as this slackened Colonel Morland ordered a company of the main body to rush the gate, the only entrance. Captain Mayne led this assault, which was successful, the enemy giving way in confusion, and retreating through a hole they had made in the rear wall of the com- pound, which was of great extent, covering several acres, and containing many strongly-built houses. The Emir, it was afterwards learnt, had escaped on horseback by this passage some minutes before the gate was finally rushed. His bodyguard, rein- forced by some 300 deserters from Fatarella, son of Rabeh, were the defenders of the palace, and they fought in the most determined manner until the millimetre guns were brought up. The cap- tures comprised the two French-rifled 9-pounders, with their limbers, 105 fused shells, some 60 French rifles, over 1500 cartridges, and about one ton of gunpowder. The 9-pounders, which are of brass, are marked with the Imperial Crown and the letter N," and are dated 1860 and 1864. Our casualties were Colonel Morland and Major McClintock slightly wounded, two men killed, six dangerously wounded, eight severely, and 23 slightly, 41 casualties in all. The greater part of these were among the leading company, who had 25 of their number hit. Most of the dangerously wounded were hit by shell fragments or soft lead bullets. The enemy's total loss amounted to about 150 killed and wounded. The Emir's palace was burnt, but strict orders were given not to touch the remainder of the town. The Emir, with a mounted escort, fled to the South-East, but effec- tive pursuit at so late an hour of the day was out of the question, and the force returned at dusk to the camp outside the town, near the landing-place. The correspondent adds that next morning the Emir's palace was blown up with the captured gunpowder, and negotiations were opened up with the Emir Zuberu's brother, Bobo Amadu, who, on September 8, according to arrangement, was installed as Emir of British Adamawa. On September 9 the expedition re-embarked, leaving a strong garrison on a commanding site about two miles from the town. Captain Ruxton, one of the civil officials of the Government, will act as Resident. All slave raiding in this large province will now cease, and it is understood that the Government will not interfere for the present with domestic slavery, the evil effects of such a policy being still felt in the pro- vinces of Nupe and Ilorin. The British Government made a move here none too soon, or otherwise the French or Germans would have taken an advantage of their continued apathy and claimed probably further concessions of territory. The Northern Frontier of Nigeria still remains to be effectively occupied by the British. The Northern Nigeria Government-have the means to hand in the splendidly-equipped West African Frontier Force, and it is to be hoped that they will use it in time to preserve intact the inheri- tance taken over from the Chartered Company.

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