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

TOWN TOPICS. ) (From Our London Corresponded.) I The citizens of the capital have be&n basking in the sunshine of the King's presence during the past week. Last Saturday, Sunday, and Monday his Majesty fulfilled three striking public engagements, on the first day making the Royal Progress through the City and South London, which had been postponed since last June; on Sunday attending a special thanks- giving service at St. Paul's to render thanks to Almighty God for his recovery from his recent serious illness; and on Monday review- ing the six battalions of Foot Guards which had fought in the war. Varying emotions have been stirred by each of these functions, but perhaps the most noticeable feature throughout was the striking demonstration of loyalty and affection for the person of the Sovereign, who has undoubtedly been brought nearer to the hearts of his people by the ordeal through which he, under Providence, safely passed in the summer. The popularity of the Queen was again evidenced, and the reception which has been accorded the Royal pair by the populace here proved, as we are officially informed, highly gratifying to their Majesties. The Honourable Artillery Company of London, which furnished the Guard of Honour at the Guildhall for last Saturday's great function, is one of the most interesting volun- teer organisations of the kingdom, dating back to the reign of Henry VIII., who in 1537 granted a charter to the Fraternity or Guylde of St. • George; maisters and rulars of the science of Artillery for longbowes, cross-bowes, and Hand Grenades." This ancient corps eventually developed into the Honourable Artillery Com- pany, and it is interesting to note that among its members during the Civil War was no less a personage than John Milton, the regiment being at that period a centre of instruction for the City Trained Bands, whose officers, indeed, were required by statute to be also members of the Company. One of the early Puritan settlers in Massachusetts, who had been associated while at home with the corps, founded in 1638 the Honourable Artillery Company of Boston, after its London prototype; and the connec- tion between the two organisations has never been forgotten. Six years ago a large body of the Boston Company visited this country as the guests of the London corps, and a represen- tative detachment of the latter will return the visit some time next year. I hear that success is likely to attend the final effort now being made on behalf of the Women's Memorial to her late Majesty in con- nection with the Queen Victoria Jubilee Insti- tute for Nurses. The institute was founded by the late Sovereign with the gift of seventy thousand pounds from the women of the country in celebration of her first Jubilee, and it is desired to raise a similar amount in order to perpetuate the memory of her Majesty, whose kindly and gracious interest in the welfare of her suffering subjects of the poorer classes was one of the most womanly attributes in her character. Up to the present time over sixty thousand pounds has been subscribed to the Memorial Fund, this total including nearly six thousand pounds received within the last few days from the Irish Committee; and as the Scotch Fund is still open and several of the English counties have not yet finished collecting, there is little fear but that the figure aimed at will be reached if not exceeded by the end of the year. The National Memorial to Queen Victoria has relatively by no means made such satisfactory progress. Only a little over two hundred thousand pounds has been sent to the London Mansion House Fund towards the half- million or so which it has been stated will be required for the memorial work outside Buck- ingham Palace and in the Mall; and the inflow of donations has latterly been almost stationary. Undoubtedly the reason for the slackening of public interest in the scheme was the mistake made by the committee in severely restricting the competition for designs for the memorial, instead of throwing it open to the whole of the Empire. However, the Colonial Premiers, during their stay here for the Coronation, pro- mised substantial aid to the movement from their respective Parliaments; and in the last resort, of course, an appeal could be made to the House of Commons, as was done in the case of the Albert Memorial in Hyde-park, though when the fund was originally launched an inti- mation was given that no such step would be taken. But a contribution from the national purse, though giving the matter something of an official character, and rather spoiling the idea of a spontaneous tribute of affection and respect from all classes of her people, would certainly be preferable to any modification from economical motives in the memorial designs. The Public House Trust movement which has sprung into existence during the past two or three years under very distinguished auspices, is the most up-to-date factor in the promotion of general temperance, as distinct from total abstinence. The main object of the movement is to eliminate private profit in the sale of intoxicants, and at the same time to supply a very high standard of quality. Thus the manager of a Trust public-house obtains a commission only on the non-intoxicants and food sold; and is consequently relieved of the temptation to push the sale of alcoholic bever- ages. Moreover, it is recognised that the grant of a license to a public-house is a distinct gift on the part of the community, which the community might well derive some benefit from and accordingly the surplus profits from the Trust companies, after paying interest on the capital employed—the maximum divided being never, I believe, more than five per cent.—are devoted to public purposes. Some very satisfactory reports of the first year's working of several of the Trust Com- panies are now being received at the central offices here; and in one case, that of Glasgow and District, out of a total profit of one hun- dred and seventy-six pounds, only fifty-one pounds was absorbed by a four per cent. divi- dend on the capital of a few hundred pounds, leaving some one hundred and twenty pounds to be expended on public objects. The growth Of the movement in England and Scotland during the past twelvemonth has been very striking. There is hardly a county in England in which a Public-house Trust is not either pro- jected or in active operation while public- houses on the same principles have been opened in nearly a dozen Scotch counties. Altogether, nearly seventy such houses are now in exist- ence, representing a combined issue of capital of about half a million; and this number is expected to be considerably added to in the next few months, as nine additional county and district companies will be registered before the end of the year' So much has been heard of late regarding the preservation of the beautiful panoramic view from Richmond-hill that it is gratifying to note that the private bill passed this Session to carry into effect an arrangement between Lord Dysart and the Commons Preservation Society has just re- ceived the Royal assent. Lord Dysart as the Lord of the Manor obtains from the public the abandonment of some rather shadowy rights over the lammas land at Ham, which he will now be able to enclose and will presumably develop as a residential building estate. This particular tract of land, however, does not come within the scope of the famous view, so that any build- ings erected there will not spoil the picture. What the public receive in return for their concession is valuable and in one feature especially interesting; while the general effect of the bill is to substantially protect the won- derfully fine view of the winding river obtained from Richmond-hill. Petersham meadows, which lie immediately at the foot of the hill, are preserved inviolate from building; Ham and Petersham commons become vested in the local authorities, and in addition Lord Dysart makes over a long strip of land bordering the Thames for a distance of two miles, and extending from Richmond to Kingston on the Surrey side. The last men- tioned concession will enable the'Surrey County Council and the Richmond Corporation to lay out a pretty riverside park for the enjoyment of the public in perpetuity and, as in the work of beautifying the banks of our rivers, we are distinctly behind our American cousins. The novel scheme now rendered possible at Richmond may be an incentive to similar pro- vision elsewhere in this country. R. I

NEWS NOTES. I The King's Coronation ceremonials may be considered to 'have reached completion in the Royal Progress through the capital on Saturday and the succeeding solemn Thanksgiving Service on Sunday at St. Paul's. All that was promised before his Majesty's grave illness interfered with the programme has now been ac- complished, and the South Londoners are very grateful to their Sovereign for the con- sideration he displayed in determining that Southwark and its environment should not be done out of the opportunity of giving theKing and Queen an enthusiastic welcoming. It was a warm and genial day, without glare of sunshine, and the only thing wanting to give greater brightness to the splendid pageant was the doffing of the coats and" cloaks of the military. The order had, however, gone forth that these should be worn, in view of the uncertainty of October weather; and doubtless the soldiers found their over-garments comfortable enough in the early morning, though they, as well as the spectators, would have preferred to dispense with them later. There was a brave show of guardsmen, bluejackets, artillerymen, dragoons, hussars, and lancers in the procession, with bands and banners; and these, with the Staff and the aides-de-camp, the Royal functionaries, and the Princes and Princesses, followed by the King and his Consort, presented a splendid spectacle as they passed between the varied guards of honour lining the route and holding the lines of packed and cheering people in orderly forma- tion. The decorations were mainly tasteful and often elaborate in their design, and on the whole of a strikingly pleasing character, while many thousands of people occupied points of vantage in stands on either side of the thoroughfares. So well-behaved was the populace, and so ad- mirable and helpful the police regulations everywhere that the sightseers experienced the minimum of discomfort, and the Royal Pro- gress will remain a bright memory in the minds of all who witnessed it. It has become proverbial that the Queen has captured somehow the secret of perpetual youth, and her Majesty's smiling graciousness and easy erect carriage as she rode along on Saturday once again impressed everyone that the passing years have failed to age her appear- ance at all. She dresses ever with faultless taste and suitability; but the same sweet face that we have known and loved so long remains unchanged for our continuing admiration. As for the King himself, the general opinion of those who had not had the opportunity of observing his Majesty closely for any length of time since his severe illness until Saturday was that he is a shade graver and thinner of coun- tenance, a little older looking after his trying ordeal, but undoubtedly of healthier aspect than a long time past. This might have been expected, for our King has undergone heavy physical and mental trials, and has succeeded to a great weight of regal responsibility. He seems, if possible, more dignified than before, without the suspicion of added hauteur. Long may his Majesty be spared to his loving and loyal people. The Thanksgiving Service in St. Paul's Cathedral was a very impressive piece of wor- ship, wherein King, Queen, and representatives of all classes of the people joined in unostenta- tious gratitude to the Almighty for His good- ners in restoring our Sovereign and enabling King Edward to complete the state ceremonials connected with the inauguration of his reign. The Bishop's short sermon on the occasion was apt and telling, and the musical portions of the service beautiful in the extreme. It was a pity that Sunday was not so fine as the day preced ing, but Thanksgiving Day was in no sense a time of show, and the assembled crowds were rather reverent than demonstrative. An alarm of fire was raised at the City of London Guildhall about an hour after the Royal and distinguished guests of the Lord Mayor had moved away, and when the conges- tion of the street traffic had been much re- lieved. The outbreak did not, fortunately, amount to much, and was speedily subdued; but it was well that it did not occur a little earlier on when the crowds were at their thickest and the historic hall was full. Many fire engines were got to Guildhall-yard in an incredibly short period, Captain Wells having the whole of the Brigade on duty at the various stations in readiness for emergency, and promptitude saved property and panic alike. There was plate in the Guildhall, belonging to the Corporation and the City companies, on Saturday, worth a King's ransom; and most of this was quickly removed to places of safety on the alarm being given. Great praise is due to the St. John's Ambu- lance Association for their excellent arrange- ments on Saturday for dealing with accident and illness in the streets. They rendered in- valuable aid, though providentially there were few very serious mishaps to grapple with. The Ambulance men and nurses dealt with over eleven hundred faints" alone, with the greatest kindness and effectuality.

The "Tablet" announces that an auxiliary Roman Catholic Bishop for the diocese of West- minister is about to be appointed. The Hon. and Right Rev. Monsignor Stanley will probably be the choice of the Holy See. The leaders of the Doukhobors in Assiniboia petitioned the British Columbian Government to grant them land where they may live without reference to any other authority than that of God. The petition has been emphatically refused. A large eagle has been shot on Latzlingen Common, near Magdenburg, while in the act of carrying off a goose which it had pounced upon. The eagle had an iron trap on one of its claws, proving that it had previously been caught. After he had taken part in forty-four engage- ments in South Africa, 440 had to be paid before the son of a Yarmouth gentleman could procure his discharge from the Army in order to take up a lucrative civil appointment. The shipwrights employed in the north-east coast shipyards have decided to accept reductions in wages of 5 per cent. on time rates, Is. 6d. per week in the case of men earning more than 24s. weekly, and Is. for those earning less. Smiths and labourers have also agreed to a reduction. Experiments have resulted in an order that the London firemen should be instructed in the use of the pompier ladder. Owing, however, to the projections beneath the windows of so many City premises, it is thought the ladder will be t of no practical use there.

CURRENT SPORT. Alfred Shrubb, the holder of many champion- ships, made his third attempt on Saturday to beat the record for four miles, and on this occa- sion was successful. The race was an invitation competition promoted by the Brighton and County Harriers at their sports in Preston Park Cricket Ground, Brighton, and the figures Shrubb set out to alter were the 19min. 53 4-5sec., set up by C. E. Willers at Padding- xm, on June 10, 1893. As in the previous at- tempt at Stamford-bridge, A. Aldridge, of the Kent A.C.„ was in the race with an allowance of 160 yards. Shrubb, who ran magnificently, covered a mile in 4min. 36sec., two miles in 9min. 32 2-5sec., three miles in 14min. 33 3-5sec., and ultimately completed the distance in 19min. 31 3 -5sec., thus beating record by 2 l-5sec. Aldridge was caught soon after the half distance, and finished half a lap behind, while J. S. Lyon, of the Brighton Harriers, with 280 yards start, was third. The following games were decided on Satur- dav in the First Division of the Association Football League competition:- West Bromwich Albion v. Grimsby Town.— The Albion gained a victory at West Bromwich by one goal to nothing. Lee obtained the point soon after the start, and the game continued to go in favour of the home team, but though con- stantly attacking, they could not again overcome the visitors' defence. Derby County v. Newcastle United.—There was a most exciting struggle at Derby. To be- gin with the County did most of the pressing, but well as their forwards played they could not score, the defence of the United being most brilliant. In the second half the play was more even, and towards the close Newcastle attacked strongly, but their efforts to score proved un- availing, and the match was left drawn, nothing being scored. Everton v. Notts Forest.—After being a goal behind at half-time the Forest played up splen- didly and drew their match at Goodison Park, the closing score being one all. Young scored for Everton and Warren for the visitors, the con- clusion of the game being most exciting with both sides struggling for a decisive point. Notts County v. Sheffield United.—Rearrang- ing their team the United played a drawn game at Nottingham, each side scoring once. Not until after change of ends was anything definite done, Green then giving Notts the lead, but W. Wil- kinson equalised and the United nearly succeeded in securing a winning goal. Stoke v. Bury.—The home team played very well at Stoke and gained a victory by one goal to nothing. From the start they had most of the play, but it was nearly half-time before Watkins obtained what proved to be the only goal of the match. Bury had to defend a lot right to the end, and thanks to Monteith's fine goal- keeping they prevented any further scoring. Bolton Wanderers v. Liverpool.—The Wan- derers averted defeat for the first time this season. Liverpool did not take quite their best eleven to Bolton, and only just managed to save the game. Bell scored for tlie Wanderers from a penalty kick in the first half, and some time elapsed after change of ends before Halliday gained an equalis- ing point, the closing score being one all. Sunderland v. Blackburn Rovers.—The result of a very hard game at Sunderland was a draw- two goals all. Morgan scored the first goal for the Rovers, Jackson equalising before half-time. Subsequently Farquhar gave Sunderland the lead, but the Rovers played up strongly, and Logan added another goal for them shortly before the end. Middlesbrough v. Wolverhampton Wanderers. —Played at Middlesbrough, the home team giv- ing a magnificent display and winning by two goals to nothing. Cassidy soon scored for them, Carride adding another point before change of ends, after which the game went more evenly, nothing being scored by either side. In the Second Division of the League the fol- lowing were Saturday's results:- Manchester United beat Woolwich Arsenal at Plumstead by one goal to none, a very disap- pointing result to the large crowd of spectators. Lincoln City drew with Bristol City at Lin- coln, each side scoring once. Small Heath beat Burton United at Small Heath by two goals to none. Burnley drew with Burslem Port Vale at Burn- ley-three goals all. Chesterfield beat Preston North End at Ches- terfield by four goals to two. Doncaster Rovers beat Glossop at Doncaster by four goals to one. Blackpool beat Stockport County at Blackpool by two goals to none. Manchester City v. Barnsley.—In this match at Manchester the home team were leading by five goals to nil when, with only a few minutes remaining for play, the umpire stopped the game owing to the failing light. Millwall beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Southern League at Millwall by two goals to none, the result being largely due to the splen- did defence of Sutcliffe, the International goal- keeper. Reading beat Queen's Park Rangers by three goals to one at Kensal Rise. Portsmouth beat Watford at Watford by four goals to one. Swindon beat Bristol Rovers at Bristol by three goals to two. Southampton beat Luton at Southampton by two goals to none. West Ham United beat Brentford at Brentford by three goa.ls to none. Northampton drew with New Brompton at Northampton, two goals all. The Scottish League.—St. Mirren beat Queen's Park, three to one Heart of Midlothian beat Port Glasgow, three to one; Kilmarnock beat Partick Thistle, two to none; Hibernians beat Dundee three to none. Third Lanark beat Celtic in the final tie for the City of Glasgow Cup on Saturday, by three goals to none. The _crowd at Ibrox Park num- bered 20,000. The Corinthians had a good side at Queen's Club, in their match with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, and an interesting game was drawn —one goal all. Clever work by the amateur forwards led up to R. G. Wright scoring quite easily after B. O. Corbett, R. Corbett, and Moon had taken the ball down, but for the greater part of the first half the professionals did most of the pressing. Thanks mainly to the fine defence of C. B. Fry and G. E. Wilkinson, the goal-keeper, the visitors could not equalise until after half- time, when Malloch shot a goal. Towards the end of the game the Corinthians attacked strongly several times, but could not beat Lyall, who saved some shots very smartly. During the first half of the game between the Casuals and Oxford University at Tufnell-paik the Casuals held the upper hand, goals being scored by Alexander and M'lver. After change of ends the University improved wonderfully, and constantly attacked; only one shot, by Morgan- Owen, beat Cheale, however, and the Casuals won by two goals to one. Cambridge University gained an easy victory over the Old Westminsters on Saturday by four goals to nothing. Booker scored the only goal of the first half, afterwards Harris, Mellin, and Booker made successful shots. The Old Boys were not at full strength, but played pluckily against a manifestly superior side. The Rugby County competition has made only small progress so far; but as Northumberland are the most dangerous opponents of Durham in the Northern Division there was plenty of atten- tion for their match with Cheshire at Newcastle on Saturday. Cbeshire began well with the first try, but afterwards nearly everything was for Northumberland. They led at half-time by a goal and >% try to a try, and finally beat Cheshire by two goals and two tries to two tries. It was a hard match at Oxford between the Dark Blues and London Scottish, the University just getting home by three goals and three tries to three goals and one try. It was a bright, open game, and the sides were evenly balanced, only the turn of the luck turning the game. Raphael was in creat form for Oxford, scorine thrice, while Eberle-and Wordsworth each got-through, the former twice. Orr (three) and Langdale gained tries for the Scottish. The Cambridge Rugby team have now run into strong form, and their victory of two goals to a try at Cambridge over Richmond was particularly clever. Their scrummage was well together and their back work excellent. Sisterton, New- bold, and Gibson did the scoring for Cambridge, while Hancock got the try for Richmond. Blackheath were unable to get their best side to go to Newport on Saturday, and were beaten by three goals and three tries to nothing. Forrest, Rogers, Cave, and Bingham were all absent from the London team. Skrimshire played well, but Blackheath were beaten both forward and behind. Lloyd placed the three goals, and the tries were got by himself, Lewis, Griffiths, Boots, Brown, and Pritchard. The following club results were arrived at in the Rugby game on Saturday: — London Welsh beat Streatham by two goals and six tries to one goal at Hendon. London Irish beat Old Leysians by four goals to two tries at Stamford-bridge. Royal Indian Engineering College beat Croydon by one try to nothing at Croydon. Swansea beat Cardiff by two goals and four tries to nothing at Swansea. Devonport Albion beat the Royal Naval Engineering College by three goals and four triee to one goal at Devonport. Northampton beat Bedford by three goals and three tries to one try at Northampton. Leicester beat Llanelly by two goals and two tries to one try at Leicester. Moseley beat Rugby by two goals to nothing at Moseley. Catford Bridge beat Hampstead by four goals to one try at Catford. Sheffield v. Glasgow.—This old-fashioned fix- ture, which existed since the early days of Asso- ciation football, was brought off on Monday at Owlerton, Sheffield. Glasgow won a hard match by two goals to none. West Ham beat Southamp- ton in the first round of the Southern Charity Cup on Monday by two goals to one, at Southampton. Brentford beat Millwall, at Brentford, by three goals to one in the Western League. Woolwich Arsenal won their match with Queen's Park Rangers, in the London League, by two goals to none, at Kensal-rise. Manchester City and Everton played a drawn game of two goals all at Manchester, in the Lan- cashire Cup on Monday, and the Cup tie at Blackpool between the locals and Preston North End was drawn, neither side scoring. Aston Villa beat Small Heath by three goals to two at Small Heath, in the Birmingham Senior Cup, on Monday. Llanelly won easily at Northampton, in a Rugby tussle on Monday, by two goals and two tries to one goal. At the Queen's Club on Tuesday the London Welsh beat Llanelly at the Rugby game by two tries to a goal. It was a keen, scrambling match of no particular merit. The forwards broke up quickly, and there was plenty of running, pass- ing, kicking, and tackling. V tts and Owen scored for the London Welsh Lifore half time, but neither try was converted. In the second > half for Llanelly Richards placed a goal from a I fine try by Stacey. There were few spectators on a wet day. •

I SOUTH AFRICAN COLONIES. I MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S VISIT. It is officially announced that the King has been pleased to approve the following arrange- ment:-The Secretary of State for the Colonies wfll, at an early date, proceed to South Africa to examine on the spot the problems presented by the termination of the war and the settlement of affairs in the new colonies. Mr. Chamberlain hopes to have the opportunity of conferring with the representatives of all the different interests concerned, and to consider their views as to future policy. He proposes to leave England in the latter part of November, and expects to re- turn by the beginning of March. His visit will include the Cape, Natal, the Orange River Colony, and the Transvaal. We understand that this arrangement has the full approval of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, and has been cordially welcomed by Lord Milner. I A WARSHIP TO CARRY THE COLONIAL SECRETARY. His Majesty has expressed his wish that the Secretary of State for the Colonies should make his visit to his Majesty's dominions over the seas in one of his Majesty's ships, and accord- ingly the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have given orders for the Good Hope to convey Mr. Chamberlain to South Africa.

I LORD CHEYLESMORE'S BEQUESTS. The late Lord Cheylesmore, who died on July 10, has bequeathed to the National Gallery five pictures, and to the British Museum his collections of mezzotint prints and of portrait prints of the English Royal Family.

I FIFTEEN THOUSAND COLLIERS REFUSE TO WORK. Trouble between the anthracite coal-workers and the operators of the United States continues to break out in isolated parts of the coal region. At Mahoney City on Monday (says a New York correspondent) 1000 workers went on strike with- out notice because the mine-owners refused to reinstate 15 men who were the ringleaders in serious disturbances during the big strike. In the middle district of the coal region 9000 men refused to return to work because, by doing so, they would be compelled to mine coal side by side with non- unionists. The total number of miners who still remain obstinate is 15,000. About 150,000 mentre now at work.

I A SURPRISE PACKET. Three civil engineers while travelling on Mon- day morning from Amiens to Paris began to play cards on an apparently abandoned lunch basket of large dimensions, which had been lying on the hat- rack. It appeared to be rather heavy, but they supposed it to be full of plates. The basket was placed on end, and a leathern portfolio placed on the top to form a table. Suddenly they were startled to hear loud cries which came from the basket. It was opened, and a three-months-old baby was found inside. The baby was neatly dressed and bore a card, on which was written. "To be delivered to Mme. Forsey, Creuil." The three men did their best to keep the child quiet until the train stopped at the next station. It was Creuil, and there a respectably-dressed woman came forward and claimed to be the owner of the baby. It appears that the child had been put out to nurse near Boulogne. Not having received any pay, the nurse had adopted this way of sending the child back to its mother.

I DISTRIBUTING WAIMA AWARDS. Lord Cranborne has informed Mr. Bill that the French Government have notified his Majesty's Government that compensation money in respect to the Waima case will be paid as soon as the sanc- tion of the Court can be obtained. It is proposed to distribute the amount, viz., £9000, in the pro- portion of E4000 to the widow and three children of Lieutenant Liston, iESOOO to the mother of Captain Lendy, E2000 to the mother of 2nd Lieu- tenant Wroughton, and £1000 among the families of the non-commissioned officers and men of the West India Regiment and Sierra Leone Frontier Police who were killed, and among the non-com- missioned officers and men of those forces who have Sustained permanent injury in consequence of the wounds which they then received.

I PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT. I NATIONALISTS AND THE GOVERNMENT. I In the House of Commons, on October 27, Mr. Wyndham told Mr. W. O'Brien that, the city of Dublin had been proclaimed under the Criminal Law and Procedure Act because the Government were advised that the "Irish People" had for some weeks contained illegal matter. The Chief Secretary emphatically repudiated Mr. Arch- dale's suggestion that resident magistrates were being prompted on the subject of sentences by his department. Lord Stanley informed Mr. Ellis that 13,000 of the Boer prisoners either had been repatriated or were on their way to South Africa, and that of some 10,000 remaining in exile, 7,000 would be sent home before the end of the year. At the end of question-time Mr. W. O'Brien obtained leave to move the adjourn- ment in order to call attention to the administra- tion of the Crimes Act. Among those who rose to support his request were Sir H. Campbell- Bannerman and Sir W. Harcourt. I THE EDUCATION BILL. I Consideration of Clause 8 of the Education Bill in Committee was resumed by Mr. J. A. Pease, who moved an amendment which would have given the local authorities the power to appoint teachers in denominational schools. This was debated at considerable length, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, Sir William Harcourt, Mit. Asquith, Sir J. Gorst, Mr. Bryce, Mr. Labouchere, Dr. Macnamara, and Mr. Lloyd-George being amongst those who spoke. Eventually the closure was carried and the amendment rejected by majorities of 131 and 122 respectively. A proposal by Mr. Lloyd Morgan was withdrawn on Mr. Balfour undertaking to insert words requir- ing the consent of the local authority for the discharge of a teacher unless the dismissal was "on grounds connected with the giving of religious instruction in the school." Progress was then reported. I NEW WRIT FOR TOXTETH.—SOUTH AFRICA. In the House of Commons a new writ was ordered to be issued for the East Toxteth Divi- sion of Liverpool, in consequence of the resigna- tion of Mr. A. F. Warr. The Prime Minister, answering Mr. Hay, said he did not think the question of the settlement of South Africa would be ripe for a general discussion for some time to come. I THE EDUCATION BILL. On the House going into Committee on the Education Bill, Mr. A. Hutton withdrew an amendment to Sub-section C, providing that teachers should be appointed by the managers as a whole, Mr. Balfour undertaking to intro- duce words to make it perfectly clear that such a course was prescribed by the measure. Mr Levy moved the omission of the stipulation that the local authority shall not withold its con- sent to the appointment of teachers except on educational grounds; but his proposal was defeated by a majority of 91. The Prime Minister's amendment, requiring the consent of the authority to dismissals of teachers, unless they are based on "grounds connected with the giving of religious instruction in the school," was carried without a division. Sir W. Anson, on behalf of the Government, accepted a motion by Mr. H. Hobhouse, to the effect that, not- withstanding anything in the trust deed, assistant and pupil teachers might be appointed, if it was thought fit, to a school not provided by the local education authority, without reference to the religious creed or denomination. This was passed without a division, after an amendment by Mr. S. Evans, who wished to compel managers to appoint teachers without reference to their religious views, had been rejected by a majority of 121. Sir W. Anson promised to frame for next year's code a form of engagement for teachers in denominational schools which should exclude the performance of extraneous tasks as a condition of appointment, and this met the views which Dr. Macnamara expressed in an amend- ment. Mr. Balfour then moved the closure in the sub-section, which as amended was sub- I sequently carried by 232 to 106 votes. At the evening sitting, Sir W. Anson moved an addition to Sub-Section D, providing that the managers of Voluntary schools shall provide the school I house free of charge, except for the teacher's dwelling, if any, to the local education authority.

I FIGHTING IN SOMALILAND. I I LOSS OF A MAXIM. I According to intelligence received at Aden, the Somali Field Force was charged by the enemv in a dense jungle on the 6th inst. They met with a determined resistance, but owing to confusion among the transport the line was broken and a Maxim was captured. The gun team were also thrown into disorder, but eventu- ally the enemy were driven back by Colonel Swayne, and a zarebo was formed. In a subse- quent sortie the enemy were dispersed. The na- tives left 62 dead. The British loss was 70 killed and 100 wounded. I INDIAN TROOPS ARRIVE AT ADEN. I In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Lord Cranborne, replying to Mr. Herbert Roberts, said: — On October 6 there were in Somaliland under the command of Colonel Swayne 300 men 2nd Battalion King's African Rifles, 500 men 6th Battalion King's African Rifles, sixty Sikhs from the Sikh contingent in British Central Africa, and also local levies 1,500 strong. Besides these troops there were two 7-pounders and six 9- pounder R.M.L. No troops of the Government of India were then in Somaliland. Since that date 270 men and four officers of the 1st Bom- bay Grenadiers, forming part of the Aden gar- rison, have already landed in Somaliland. The 2nd Bombay Grenadiers and 400 men of the 23rd Bombay Rifles, with six additional officers and two Maxims and one-half of a field hospital, left Bombay on the 23rd of October, and the second half of the field hospital was under orders. Be- sides these, a further reinforcement is under orders, consisting of 100 Soudanese of the 3rd Battalion King's African Rifles with two Maxims, 100 men of the 5th Battalion with one Maxim, due at Berbera November 11, and 300 men of the 2nd Battalion and 390 men of the 1st Batta- lion King's African Rifles, with one Maxim, due between the end of November and the middle of December. The total force at our disposal will be 2,920 men. The transport and commissariat are arranged locally. The Indian troops are armed with the Lee-Metford rifle, the 1st, 2nd and 6th Battalions of the King's African Rifles with the Martini-Enfield rifle, the 3rd Battalion with the Martini-Henry. The expenses con- nected with these troops will be borne by the British Treasury. Mr. Ritchie, in answer to Mr. Gibson Bowles, said India has ceased to have any interest in Somali- land, which is a Pretectorate under the Foreign Office. The whole cost of the operations against the Mullah will be borne by Somaliland Protec- torate funds, supplemented by a grant in aid from Imperial funds. There is already a grant in aid this year of £ 25,000 under the Protec- torates Vote in connection with these military operations; but it is of course probable that be- fore March 31 next an additional grant will be necessary. If so it would be borne by Civil Estimates, like the original grant in aid. I SPECIAL SERVICE OFFICERS FOR SOMALILAND. I The Government has appointed half a dozen Special Service officers for Somaliland. The officers selected are Major Gough, Rifle Brigade. Brevet-Major Kenna, V.C., 21st Lancers. Captain Dugmore, formerly of King's African Rifles. Captain Bruce, R.A. Captain Thorp, Yorkshire Light Infantry. Captain Bridges, R.F .A. Major Gough served in the Soudan campaign under Lord Kitchener in 1898, and was present at the battle of Khartoum, for which he has the British medal and the Khedive's medal with clasp. Brevet-Major Kenna, V.C., served in the same campaign, and was present at the battle of Khartoum, where he gained the Victoria. Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the famous charge of the 21st Lancers. He also served in South Africa, and was a Brigade-Major in the Field Force.

A JUDGE MOVES A MOUNTAIN. On Tuesday, having concluded the business at Carnarvon Assizes, Mr. Justice Bucknill travelled to Cilgwyn quarries for the purpose of participat- ing in a huge blast. The judge and his party were taken up the quarry to an altitude of 1000ft. on the mountain side. Cilgwyn Quarry is a yawning pit 600ft. deep, employing 300 men. Into one side of the pit a deep tunnel had been driven, and a shaft sunk into the heart of the granite. In a chamber at the bottom of the shaft 23cwt. of blasting gelatine had been placed, and to this was attached a time fuse. Ten minutes after the judge had applied the match a convulsive throb was felt, and was followed by a loud report. Then the mountain side was seen to heave, and swell, and crack in a hundred places, and there was a thunderous roar as the massive blocks of granite rolled away. Three or four hundred thousand tons of granite lay 600ft. below. The employment for 150 extra workmen had thus been found. Later in the day, his lordship, responding to a vote of thanks accorded him by the quarrymen, expressed his delight at the good feeling prevailing between employers and employed at Cilgwyn. At that moment another huge rock, loosened by explosion, tumbled down with a mighty crash. "Look!" said the judge, in the middle of his speech, a happy omen of my visit. More work for you, my men more profit to your employers. I only wish," added the judge, "I could transform myself into a Welsh fairy and by waving a wand over the head of other employers and employed bring peace and contentment to aU quarrymen. Even if there are faults upon both sides, and I express no opinion on that—by exer- cise of common sense and tact peace can be restored. To say I won't, because I won't,' is the worst of all possible arguments." This refe- rence to Penrhyn Quarry dispute was received with cheers.

LORD PEEL ON LICENSING. Lord Peel on Tuesday presided at the annual meeting of the Central Temperance Legislation Board, held at Westminster. He urged that beer- houses should be dealt with in such a way that they should no longer be allowed the privilege they possessed over other licensed houses. Steps should be generally taken to bring the number of houses for the sale of intoxicants into some sort of proportion with the inhabitants. He recognised that already there had been some movement in this direction.

I SCOTS GUARDS' RETURN. I PARADE BEFORE THE KING. A welcome message was given the 2nd Scots Guards on Tuesday morning at Aldershot by Major-General A. H. Paget, C.V.O., commanding 1st Division 1st Army Corps, on the occasion of the distribution of medals. The battalion landed at Southampton on Monday, a few hours too late to participate in the Royal review by his Majesty of the Guards in London, and came on to Aldershot very disconsolate in consequence. They are, however, not to be disappointed, for the general said that the King would see them next Tuesday, at a special parade at Buckingham Palace. Lieut.-Colonel F. W. Romilly, C.B., D.S.O., who had been invalided home from South Africa before the battalion returned, was in com- mand, and formed the battalion up in line. A number of officers of the regiment and ladies assembled near, a table being placed in the centre of the parade, on which were the medals to the number of about 400. The battalion received Major-General Paget with a general salute, and after that officer had returned it he inspected the line, and then had the battalion formed up into quarter column, and addressed them as follows: In the name of the King and in the name of his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught, I have the honour of welcom- ing you back from South Africa. I have to ex- press to you the regrets of his Majesty at your unavoidable absence from the review of the Guards held yesterday in London, the account of which you have all no doubt read in the papers l this morning. I can assure you that there is no intention of leaving you out in the cold, for I have the pleasure to inform you that a special parade has been ordered for you, to be held on Tuesday, at Buckingham Palace, at which his Majesty will welcome you home. The Duke of Con- naught much regretted being unable to be present at Southampton to greet you on arrival, or to be present to distribute your medals, a ceremony he had hoped to perform. He will not now be able to see you before leaving for India, as he goes to Ireland at once. I have passed many happy years in this battalion, and should have been only too pleased to be present at your disembarka- tion. Colonel Romilly, you and your battalion have experienced some very hard work during the time you were in South Africa, and shared some of the hardest fighting that has fallen to the lot of any, and I know that you have suffered severely and endured many priva- tions. I recall with pleasure meeting the battalion at Fourieberg, and will always remember with pride the cheers given me from my old comrades. I can only say, in conclusion, that from what I know, and from what I have heard from others, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards has, by the excel- lent services rendered in South Africa, added to the lustre of the laurels already earned by the soldiers of the King. The distribution of medals followed, each com- pany in turn forming up and passing before the table. It is understood that only permit-holders will be admitted to the grounds of Buckingham Palace on the occasion of the review by the King of the detachment of the 2nd Scots Guards. No official details are yet available, but it is expected that the procedure will follow pretty closely the scheme of former reviews in the Palace grounds, and will comprise an inspection of the lines, a march past, and a brief address by his Majesty.

I REMARKABLE MURDER CHARGE. At a special sitting of the Tendring Hundred Bench, Essex, on Tuesday, Constance Pamela Driffield, aged sixteen, a domestic servant, was charged with administering carbolic acid to Miss Amelia Mary Cowan, her young mistress, with intent to murder her. The evidence was of an extraordinary character. Prisoner entered the service of Mr. P. S. Cowan veterinary surgeon and farmer, of High Elms Farm, Alresford, only a fortnight ago, and it is alleged that she almost immediately began to meddle with Miss Cowan's private property. Miss Cowan, who has been blind for the past three years, threatened to tell her parents, and on Satur- day night, whilst the young lady was asleep prisoner went into her room with an 8oz. bottle of carbolic acid, itnd poured half the contents over the sleeper's mouth. Miss Cowan's face waa badly burned, and some of the acid went down her throat. She shrieked for assistance and prisoner ran away. The girl is alleged to have subsequently admitted attempting to poison Miss Cowan whilst she was asleep. Whilst the family were waiting for a doctor Driffield escaped from the house, and fled across the fields, and was only cap- tured after a long chase, during which she is said to have doubled like a hare. She was conveyed to Tendring Workhouse, and on Tuesday afternoon was charged before the Mistley magistrates, and remanded on a charge of attempted murder. Prisoner is a strong-looking girl, and her parents reside at Harwich. Miss Cowan, who is 23 years old, is in a very critical condition.

I TROPHY FOR LORD ROBERTS. I Earl Roberts was on Tuesday night entertained at dinner by the members of the Ulster Associa- tion in London, advantage being taken of the occasion to present him with a gold trophy and an accompanying address, in which he waa described as the most illustrious of Irish soldiers, and reference was made to the ser- vices he had rendered to the Empire. The Duke of Abercorn, who presided, said Lord Roberts had served his country for 50 years, and had deservedly won the highest honours that could be given him. The Commander-in-Chief, in reply, expressed his appreciation of the compliment thus paid him, and referred in high terms to the bravery, the humanity, and the excellent conduct of the soldiers who served under him in South Africa.