Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
14 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
_---CURRENT SPORT.1 -00
CURRENT SPORT. 00 INTER-'YARSITY BOAT RACE. VICTORY FOR THE DARK BLUES. In the University Boat Race for 1905, rowed last Saturday, Oxford achieved a comparatively easy victory. From the Duke's Head to the finish at Mortlake, Oxford maintained a lead vary- ing from 1-k to 3 lengths, and won comfortably, row- ing well within themselves. Cambridge surprised their supporters in one respect—viz., that they failed to make that successful effort which was expected from them in the closing stages of the race. At Thornycroft's they were a beaten crew, and acci- dents excepted, the race had gone to the Oxford crew before Barnes Bridge was shot." At the finish the Cambridge crew was the more distressed cl of the two, thus showing that every effort had been put forward in the Light Blue boat. With the glare of the sun in their faces the crews took up their positions at 11.30. Cambridge had the Surrey side, usually the best position; but the water at Putney was as smooth as smooth could be, and what little wind there was did not make station a matter of import- ance. For the first two minutes there was a real race. Those two minutes supplied the only period during the 20min. 35feec., which Oxford took to cover the course, when the issue of the contest would be said to be in doubt. Cam- bridge in the first minute pulled 35 powerful strokes. Oxford pulled 36 strokes still more powerful. The result of the first minute's rowing was that Oxford had forced their boat into a lead of several yards. In two minutes their advan- tage was increased to half a length. In three minutes there was a whole length lead. The form in both boats was good. In the Oxford boat it was splendid. There was not a splash, not a break in the perfect rhythm of bodies and oars. At the Crab Tree Wharf Oxford were two lengths in front, and apparently adding to their lead at every stroke. Here Cambridge made their first spurt. The pace of their boat increased, but the form of the men fell off. Cambridge gained slightly, but when the spurt died away Oxford went ahead quicker than ever. Oxford's lead through Hammersmith Bridge was well over two lengths. From Hammersmith to Chiswick Eyot Oxford put a couple of lengths on to their lead. Cambridge struggled on gamely behind, but the race had long become a procession. Alongside the Eyot Cam- bridge made another desperate spurt. Oxford allowed them to reduce the lead on sufferance, but went through Barnes Bridge, reached in 16min. 59see., three lengths ahead. Cambridge deserve every credit for their plucky effort to the end. Their form was now all at sixes and sevens, but their grit was indisputable. When they followed Oxford past the winning post three lengths behind, there was a collapse all through the boat. Thomas, the half-trained man, had been in difficulties from Hammersmith, and his car now fell from his hands as he hung for- ward panting. Powell, Cambridge's No. 7, nearly fell out of the boat. The Oxford men, on the other hand, looked as fresh as if they had just finished a short trial spin. Jones, their heavy- weight, on whose capacity to last the course doubt had been thrown, was the freshest man of the whole sixteen. I- GOLF. I HOUSE OF COMMONS v. FISHERMAN GOLFERS. I The team of Inverallochy Fishermen who opposed a team representing the House of Commons at Sandwich on Saturday played remarkably well in the morning, but were out- classed in the afternoon, and lost the match by eight games to two. Foursomes only were played in the morning, the results being:—Messrs. O. Scott and A. B. Tennyson beat Skiel Ritchie and George Stephen, Messrs. H. W. Forster and A. W. Soames beat Sang Ritchie and Robert Stephen, Messrs. A. J. Balfour and C. E. Hambro lost to James Buchan and George Buchan, Messrs. Mar- shall Hall and Guy Pym lost to J. C. Buchan and Robert Masson, and Sir Henry Seton Karr and Mr. J. L. Wanklyn beat William and James Whyte, the legislators thus leading on the morning round by three matches to two. In the afternoon the Premier and Mr. Hambro easily defeated the Buchans, Forster and Soames beat Ritchie and Stephen, Karr and Wanklyn beat the Whytes, and in a couple of singles Marshall Hall beat Masson and Pym beat Buchan, the Parliamentary team thus securing the match by eight points to two. HOCKEY. I ENGLAND Y. SCOTLAND. Summer-like weather prevailed at Surbiton on Saturday, when the third annual hockey match between England and Scotland was decided. It was not expected that Scotland would make a close match of it, but their first appearance in the metropolitan district attracted upwards of 2000 spectators. England won by nine goals to nothing, and were the better side from beginning to end. LACROSSE. I ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP. At Didsbury on Saturday Stockport and Surbiton, the northern and southern champions respectively, met in the final tie for the English Championship, the winners of which annually hold the Iroquois Cup. The Northerners had the best all through, leading at half-time by four goals to two, and, finally winning by seven goals to three. GYMNASTIC CHAMPIONSHIP. I For the third time in succession, Scotland I carried off the Gymnastic Championship at Leith on Saturday. The scores were as follows: I Scotland.—Horizontal bar, 70 2-3; parallel bars, 84; rope 87; total, 241 2-3. England.—Horizontal bar, 76 2-3; parallel bars, 80 2-3; rope, 78k; total, 235 5-6. Ireland.—Horizontal bar, 42 1-3; parallel bars, 54 2-3; rope, 75J; total, 172J. SATURDAY'S RUGBY FOOTBALLi SURREY V. KENT. This game in the South-Eastern Section, postponed from January 18 on account of frost, was played at Richmond in warm weather. Middlesex have won the championship of the section, and Kent virtually put a reserve fifteen into the field. In the first half the play was poor, and the only score was just before the interval, when Start scored an unconverted try for Surrey. After the restart Mitchell ran in for Surrey, and Ross placed a goal. Hearson scored a try under the posts, and himself added the major points, but Grenfell added another try for Suerey, who won by a goal and two tries to a goal-Ilpoiiats to five. NORTHERN UNION CUP—THIRD ROUND. Oldham 0, Bradford 0. Hull Kingston Rovers 8, Hunslet 2. Warrington 13, Wigan 0. Brough- ton Rangers 16, Wakefield Trinity 10. NORTHERN UNION LEAGUE.—DIVISION L Batley 5, Leigh 0. Hull 13, St. Helens 0. DIVISION II. Brighoase Rangers 7, Rochdale Hornets 3. Barrow 57, Normanton 3. Lancaster 23. Bramley 5: Millom J?28, Castleford 0. Pontef'ract 7 *ghley 6. Dewsbury 12, Huddersfield 0. TRE "SOCCER" INTERNATIONAL. .ti;NQ¡.4.D BEATS SCOTLAND. fifty th°re Per^ec' day for watching football the <m the°o8an<* v*cari°us sportsmen who assembled not havn ,?vsta* Palace slopes on Saturday could between Sesifed, though, as a spectacle, the match dcoircd. j*8 an<i and Scotland left something to be w {ii'nu no means a great game; judged aS8oSanudard of the best League football, I vipfcorv for E^fne?S was that the result of it, LIB thl call of fu ». vir>t,orv t!en?Jin Aasociation football, and that a victory would leave England at the head of the countries for yet another year, con- tributed, however, more than good play to the ex- citement of the struggle, which was even keener than the result indicated. In one respect the game was a curiosity. It was a Watch between English and Scotch playem but seven of the Scotch eleven play for English clubs. Consequently there coula'not be, however, »eat the football might prove, any display of op- posed national tactics, such as characterised the old games, and such as still are to be seen in the Rugby matches between Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Both elevens played the same game of short passing; neither played it to perfection, because five brilliant forwards are not such an effective combination as five forwards always play- ing together in club matches. Moreover, the we fit- ness of both sides was ot the same character for, though the forwards of each were apt to take the ball up the field, the shooting of each at goal was weak, and neither goal-keeper had any real stinging low shots to save. One might say that the game was largely controlled by the half-backs and, since Scotland's half-backs were rather cleverer than those of England, it was England which had, despite her vietory, the larger share of anxious moments, especially in the first half. On the other hand, the two English backs were a safer combina- tion in defence, and to their wearing tactics, as much as to any other cause, is to be assigned England's victory. Scotland pressed most in the first half, but at half-time neither side had scored. Scotland started off at a great pace when the sides had changed ends, and forced no fewer than six corners in suc- cession, but after the English centre forward had at last got the ball away in a run to mid-field the play becaws more even. It was not for half an hour, however, that a productive attack was made, and then Bloomer put the ball through the Scotch goal. The goal was disallowed on the ground of off-side, but almostimmediat elyafterwards another English attack took the ball up. Bloomer passed well to Bache and Bache, neatly trapping the ball, had a long range shot which scored. Scotland strove hard in the last few minutes, but could not score. At one goal to nothing the game ended in a rather lucky victory for England. LEAGUE.—DIVISION I. I Woolwich Arsenal v. Small Heath: At Plum- stead, the game resulted in a draw-one goal each. Notts Forest v. Sheffield United At Nottingham, Sheffield won by two goals to one. Blackburn Rovers v. Newcastle United: At Blackburn, New- castle United were much handicapped by several of their best men being away at the Crystal Palace. The Rovers won by two goals to none. Bury v. Middlesbrough: At Bury, the match attracted 6000 people. Bury won by one goal to none. Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Stoke: At Wolver- hampton, Stoke won by three goals to one. Sunderland v. Manchester City: At Sunderland, and the ground heavy. The game ended in a draw, nothing being scored. Sheffield Wednesday v. Notts County: Only 5000 people watched this match at Sheffield, the weather being dull. Sheffield won by one goal to none. LEAGUE.—DIVISION 2. I Liverpool v. Bolton Wanderers.—The result was a draw, one goal each. Bradford City v. Burnley. —Played at Bradford, the City winning by four goals to one. Burslem Port Vale v. Burton United, —These teams met at Burslem, the local players beating Burton United by 4 goals to 2. Glossop v. Blackpool.—The match at Glossop between these clubs ended in a draw, nothing being scored. Chesterfield v. Grimsby Town: In this match at Chesterfield the result was also a draw with noth- ing scored. Bristol City v. Gainsborough Trinity: These clubs met at Bristol. The game ended in a draw-one goal each. Lincoln City v. West Bromwich Albion: Played at Lincoln. West Bromwich Albion won by two goals to none. Leicester Fosse v. Barnsley: At Leicester the Fosse won by two goals to none. Manchester United v. Doncaster Rovers: Playing at home, Manchester United gained an easy victory by six goals to none. SOUTHERN LEAGUE. I Fulham beat Portsmouth by two goals to none Reading beat West Ham United by two goals to none. Southampton beat Brentford by two goals to none. Plymouth Argyle beat Bristol Rovers by three goals to one. Swindon beat Tottenham Hotspur by two goals to one. Queen's Parli Rangers beat Wellingborough by four goals to none. Luton beat Brighton and Hove United by two goals to none. New Brompton beat Millwall by one goal to none. Watford beat Northampton by one goal to none. WEST HAM CHARITY FESTIVAL. f Clapton v. Romford.—In the annual festival held at the Spotted Dog Grounds, Upton, the final bie of the West Ham Hospital Cup is the chief event. This was fought out on Saturday by Clapton and Romford, the latter team winning quite unexpectedly by two goals to none. The weather was gloriously fine, and there were about 3000 spectators. SCOTTISH LEAGUE. I 3rd Lanark 3, St. Mirren 0. Leeds City v. Preston North End.—Played at Leeds, and won by Preston by three goals to one. MONDAY'S FOOTBALL. Derby County registered a draw, one goal each, against Sheffield Wednesday, on the latter's ground, in the First League. Southampton greatly improved their prospects for Southern League honours by their brilliant victory of three goals to nil over Reading, and by a similar score Fulham overcame Swindon in the same competition. In the Western League Brentford beat Tottenham Hotspur by two goals to nil, and Queen's Park Rangers got the better of Millwall by five goals to one. The defeat of Stade Francais at Cardiff under Rugby Rules was notable chiefly for the fact that all eight tries scored by the Welsh club were con- verted, the old International full-back H. B. Win- field being the successful kicker. In addition, Gwyn Nicholls dropped a goal, this being the first score. Gabe, Nicholls, Biggs, Northmore, and Gibbs ran riot among the French, for whom Gautier and Braulet obtained tries in the second half. There were 5000 spectators. A CURATE'S BAD RECORD. I At the Central Criminal Court on Monday, Charles Woodhouse Shepherd, aged forty-nine, described as a private tutor, pleaded guilty to obtaining P,2 from the, Rev. Mr. Bowden by false pretences, and to uttering a forged postal order. Mr. Hinde, who prosecuted, said that Shephea-d was formerly a lay reader, and afterwards or- dained in the Church. While holding a curacy he was convicted of fraud, and sentenced, to three years' penal servitude. While, at Exeter Gaol he made the acquaintance of the' gaol chap- lain, the Rev. Mr. Pitkin, who, on his release, interested himself on his behalf. Shepherd had, however, grossly abused the kindnesses shown to him. On February 22 he wrote a letter to the Rev. Mr. Bowden, in the name of the Rev. Mr. Pitkin, and on the faith of Statements in the letter succeeded in getting from him 92. Sub- sequently he telegraphed for a further sum of 30s., but inquiries were m.ad)e, and the fraud was discoveired. The man had been engaged in writing begging letters for some time past,. The Rev. Mr. Pitkin was called, amd said the prisoner first came under his notice while in Exeter Gaol. That conviction had reference to his obtaining jewellery by fraud as bailee Though a, married man, while holding a curacy Shepherd made love to the daughter of a county family, andobtained the jewellery from a local tradesman to present ito her. Shepherd handed in a written statement in mitigation, but the Recorder said he could not give much effect to it. His record was a very bad! one; although the amount obtained was small. He must be imprisoned at hard labour for fifteen months.
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Weaning: A Manual for the Care and Feed- ing of Infants from One Year of Age," is issued gratuitously by the proprietors of Mellin's Food. It contains a large number of very valuable hints to the young mother as to the proper thing to do to avoid the sadly over-prevalent evil of mal- nutrition in the case of the young. There is evidently an astounding amount of ignorance amongst those responsible for the up-bringing of the little ones, and this sensible manual, full of sound, practical counsel as it is, should accom- plish incalculable good. Another handy little pamphlet disseminated free to all applicants by the enterprising Mellin's Food, Limited, in entitled The Rearing of Infants." It also aims at stop- ping the slaughter of the innocents," which is rampant around us for want of knowledge. These publications cannot be over-commended.
THE PRINCE OF WALES'I HEALTH.…
THE PRINCE OF WALES' HEALTH. SLIGHT OPERATION. The Prince of Wales being slightly indisposed, on the advice of his medical attendants, His Royal Highness underwent a slight operation at Marl- borough House on the 3rd inst. When the Prince went to Portsmouth a few days ago, he appeared to be in good health, and as recently as Sunday he lunched with the King at Buckingham Palace. KSir Francis Laking (physician in ordinary to the King) [and Sir Frederick Treves (his Majesty's King) rand Sir Frederick Treves (his Majesty's Sergeant Surgeon) visited his Royal Highness at Marlborough House on Monday morning, and Sir Frederick Treves then performed the operation which had been decided upon. Later in the day the following statement was issued: 1, Marlborough House, April 3,1905. "Owing to a slight operation performed this morning, his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will be confined to his room for a few days. As his Royal Highness's condition gives rise to no uneasiness, no bulletins will be issued. "F. H. LAKING. "FREDERICK TREVES." The above official statement was issued on Mon- day, and caused no little surprise and some anxiety, for the news of the Prince's indisposition was totally unexpected. It soon transpired, how- ever, that no cause for anxiety exists. The Prince of Wales has been suffering for some little time from an internal local affection of the nature of an abscess or troublesome boil. As it caused much inconvenience and considerable pain, the slight operation involved was decided upon on Saturday. At the King's request, Sir Frederick Troves operated, and the anaesthetic was administered under the direction of Sir Francis Laking. The operation was completely successful, and the Prince was expected to be out again in about three days. Sir Francis Laking subsequently saw the King, and informed him of the condition of the Prince, and in the early evening his Majesty called person- ally at Marlborough House. The Prince and Princess of Wales have decided children, they will remain for Easter week: Their to spend Easter at Frogmore, where, with the Royal Royal Highnesses' movements thereafter are un- decided.
REVIVAL SCENES. J
REVIVAL SCENES. J EVAN ROBERTS IN LIVERPOOL. I On Saturday evening Mr. Evan Roberts, the Welsh Evangelist, was amongst the Welshmen of Liverpool in the Wesleyan Chapel, Shaw- street. He (relates the special correspondent of the "Da.ily News") entered the building about half an hour after the commencement of the service, and) appeared in the most cheerful and light-hearted mood, which continued through a twenty minuted powerfully persuasive address. The text chosen was the parable of the prodigal son. On the meeting being after- wards teisted by the Rev. John Williams many converts declared themselves, and' the chorus, "Diolch Iddo," again and again filled the edifice. The evangelist's mood then changed almost instantly, and! he declared excitedly that the Spirit had moved! away. "There are church members here," he said, "who harve not prayed, and who are even jealous of the con- versions that have been madie. Pray for for- giveness. For shame. Jealous! Jesus is being glorified. There is to he no singing yet; pray." After a period1 of .prayer he said: "There. are some here who have not yet asked for pardon. The work has been going on gloriously, but there are five persons here who are hindlering it. Will they please go out? There will be no more sevin-g till then. If thinga don't improve I shall go. I cannot stand it any longer." It was suggested, in a whisper, that the obstruc- tionists might be non-church members. "No, no," said the evangelist, "they are Christians. They are still here; perhaps the names will be given just now." The minister suggested that they might 'be English friends who had' not undterefcood. "No, no, was the reply again, "they are all Welsh." Thereupon the evan- gelist (subsided into a fit of intenlge anguish, moaning azid trembling, and! (moving to and fro. "Oh! Lord," he prayed aloud, "bend) them." A floodt of congreigattional prayer started), but the evangelist commanded silence. "Don't ask Gadl to save," he said. "He is not listening now. Three of the five preach the Gospel." This declaration) produced a- sensa- tion bordiering on dismay, landJ the Rev. John Williams essayed to close the meeting by pro- nouncing the benediction. Evan Roberts, how- ever, paid! no heed. When someone started a prayer in English, he spoke, as though in a trance: "No, no; they refuse to listen. I don't know what will become of them." The Rev. W. O. Evans asked': "May we not give thanks for those who harve been saved?" The reply was sternly aiuthoritatige. "No He will mot receive any thanks; He has locked heaven as it were." Once again he stopped a hymn, but soon after the black cloud lifted, and' the smiling mood returned'. "Now," he said, "I'll tell you What we will db; we can, commit these five to the caire of God. We shall now sing." Song and prayer followed without restraint, and as converts, were discovered "Diolch Iddo, Diolch Iddo" was sung to the point of exhaus- tion. Over seventy converts were registered1. CONVERTS BAPTISED IN THE RIVER DEE. I The Welsh are (says a writer in the "Morning Leader") at their happiest at religious festival such as that which took place on Saturday at the head of the Vale of Llangollen. Here, where the Dee spreads out into a broad stream before flowing undor Pontcysslle-<bridge immediately below the wonderful aqueduct, the revival con- verts of North Wales were baptised. A dull grey sky, with rain falling intermittently, did not keep people away. Thousands lined the banks of the river, crowding on to the historic bridge and the wooded slopes near by. After a pro- cession from a neighbouring chapel, where a brief preliminary service had been held, the Rev. Evan Williams, a young minister who has just left Bangor College, entered the water with the first candidate, a fair young girl dressed in spot- less white. The girl had some difficulty in keep- ing her feet in the swift current that reached to her waist. A deacon, however, assisted the minister at the critical moment, when the con- vert was raised panting from the water. The loud outpourings of Alleluia6 from the ma-ssed choirs were taken up with striking effect by the crowds on the banks, and echoed and re-echoed around the amphitheatre of hills. In all, 17 candidates, five women and 12 men, underwent the ordeal, the two last to be immersed being young lads. It was an ordeal, for the tempera- ture of the water was little more than 40deg., and the current ran swiftly. For fully an hour the officiating minister stood waist high in mid..stream performing his sacred office. At the conclusion of the ceremony the sky cleared, and the sun shone out brilliantly.
THE COST OF YACHTING. !
THE COST OF YACHTING. There has been a discussion in one of tha sporting papers on the cost of yachting. One authority says he can keep up an 80-ton yacht upon C350 a year. This is controverted, how- ever, by another old hand, who declares that in yachts from 50 to 1,000 tons "the accounts work but surprisingly regularly to P,10 per ton per annum." At this rate it will hardly be doubted that, as this writer' says, deep-sea yachting. is "about the most expensive sport that anyone can take up." v
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Since: November 500 poor school children at Dover have been giVe-Do free meals daily from a local fund at an average cost of ltd!. a meal. 2 The deputy-mayor has called the corporation's attention to the improved physique of the children, and he stated: that the masters inform him that these children have never clone better work in school than dturing this period. Ation has been instituted by the NerJiheriands Government for the discovery of a method) of cutting diamonds which wiH obviate the present use of an alloy injurious to health. The prize is 6,000 florins, and answers should be sent to Professor Dr. L. Arou stein, Chemical Laboratory of the Polytechnic Schools Delft, HoHand.
-THE WAR
THE WAR PREPARATIONS AT VLADIVOSTOCK. I More than ten trains, laden with provisions I and war material, are leaving Russia every day or Vladivostock. OFFICIAL DESPATCHES. The following telegram, dated Tokio, Satur- day, has been received at the Japanese Legation in London: — "The following report was received on March 31:- "A native coming from the direction of Hailung, which is 87 miles south-west of Kirin, states Russians and) Chunehus-es under Colonel Madetoff retreated northward from the neigh- bourhood of Hailung, and, .the enemy is now concentrating on Kirin." Another message from Tokio on the 1st inst. read Subscriptions for the new Exchequer Bonds of 100,000,000 yen aggregate to about 500,000,000 yen, whereof 70,000,000 are above the issue price." REPORT FROM LINIEVITCH. In a telegram of Saturday's date, to the Czar, General Linieviteh reported that there was no change in the situation. TO TURN THE FLANK. A te from Gun-tzu-ling states that the Japanese ateacti-ve near the Mongolian frontier, and that the anti-foreign propaganda in the interior of China is increasing. Another Russian correspondent at Gun-tzu-ling sa,ys it is believed that the Japanese aim at turning the Russian flank beyond Tsi-tsi-har, neglecting Harbin for the time being. FLEET SEEN BY BRITISH WARSHIP. H.M.S. Prometheus, outward! bound, arrived at Perim on Saturday morning. She reports having overtaken om Thursday of last week a Russian fleet of five warships, in company with four transports, a hospital ship, and a tug. Five Russian warships and a- tug were sighted at Perim at sunset passing towards Jibutil, with three steamers' following them. THE, QUESTION OF PEACE. 'A telegram to the "Echo die Paris" from St. Petersburg says' it is reported there that all hope of an arrangement has been abandoned, and that the war will be renewed with fresh vigour. RUSSIA'S TERMS. It is asserted in diplomatic circles here that the fermis for peace to which Russia will agree, include the cession of the railway from Kharbin to Port Arthur to China, and the payment of 500,000,000 roubles to Japan, in the form of a concealed) contribution. A SIGNIFICANT OPERATION. The Russian State Bank has commenced ex- tensive buying operations on the( Stock Ex- change, purchasing largely of Four per Cent. Rentes. The latter have advanced two points. This circumstance is unanimously interpreted as a sign that peace is near. RUSSIAN GUARDS FOR THE FRONT. According to the "Russkoe Slovo," is is under- stood in military circles in St. Petersburg, that the mobilisation of the Second Division of In- fantry of the Guard has been definitely decided upon, and that the division will probably take the field with the Guards' Artillery Brigade. Nothing is yet known as to what is intended in regard to the Second Cavalry Division. RUSSIANS DESTROYING THE RAILWAY. A Tokio correspondent says that reports from I Manchuria show that the Russians are destroy- A Tokio correspondent says that reports from Manchuria show that the Russians are destroy- ing the railway much more thoroughly than hitherto. The evident inference is that they do not contemplate recovering the situation. GAINING TIME. The "Times" Peking correspondent says the impression there is that the Russian rumours a-bout peace terms are merely devices on the part of Russia to gain time, and that Japan will insist, when negotiations really begin, on strin- gent terms. The Tokio journals deprecate the idea of listening to any terms till Russia is con- vinced of the hopelessness of continuing the struggle and is prepared to make an agreement securing a permanent neace. FURTHER JAPANESE ADVANCE. I A Japanese detachment moving up from Kai- yuan on Friday of last week captured Mien-hu-chi. General Linievitch, in a dispatoh dated Sunday, said: Last night there was no change in the situa- tion. On the night of March 27 a patrol under Sub-Lieutenant Trotzky, on our extreme left, surrounded a Japanese patrol of six Dragoons at the village of Bai-chen-ehen-tse. Five of the Japanese were killed, and a sergeant was cap- tured." I PORT ARTHUR'S FALL. I COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. I An order has been issued by the Russian Minister for War appointing a special commission to inquire into the circumstances accompanying the surrender of Port Arthur. General Roop is president of the commission, which will commence work in May. Admiral Prince Ukhtomsky has informed an interviewer that he has asked for the appointment of a tribunal, composed of admirals and specialists, to inquire into his conduct in connection with the sortie of the Pacific squadron from Port Arthur. The Prince explains that when he signalled "Follow me from the Peresviet only the Pobieda and the Poltava obeyed. His only alternatives were to at- tempt to make Vladivostock with the crippled ships, in ignorance of the whereabouts of the rest of the squadron or to return to Port Arthur to enable the others to rally to him. When he returned to Port Arthur he found the Retvisan, Sevastopol, and Pallada there, all damaged. Prince Ukhtomsky added that it was premature to speak of the reasons which prevented the squad- ron from making another sortie. MILITARY METHUSELAHS. t In Russian military circles the nomination of the new commander of the Second Manchurian Army, General Batianoff, is strongly criticised. A well-known critic recently described the com- manders of the Russian armies as a collection of Methuselahs," and asked what may be expected from generals whose knowledge of campaigning is based upon the Crimean war, which differs in many respects from the struggle in Manchuria. Military opinion inclines to the view that it is a sad thing for Russia when she is compelled to seek for great commanders among the hroes of a past so far removed as the Crimean waer.
IWHY NOT KNEE-BREECHES. -I
WHY NOT KNEE-BREECHES. I We are told on the best authority that society desires the change. Then why has not society the courage of its opinions? (asks Max Pember- ton in the "Tatler"). Let a hundred of its members appear regularly in breeches at the theatre, and you will have every bank clerk in Lombard-street running headlong for them in a twelvemonth. And what of the cost? Are these things, like the motor-car, for the idle rich? Certainly not. A well-mads pair of breeches is a veritable heirloom. They go to the grave with a man, and as to the "honorarium" your tailor will ask, why, we shall have them anon marked at a couple of guineas in every shop window. Such an outlay may never be re- gretted. Imagine with what pride the wearer will cross his legs at the theatre. As to the stockings, why, there, of course, the new modte will be hailed enthusiastically by every maiden in the country who can weild a knitting-needle. Expectantly and with beating heart we shall upon Christmas mornings open those boxes of silk hose sent to us by the only women we have ever loved.
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The Automobile Club, who are organising a race for touring motor-cars of low power to be decided in the Isle of Man in September next, have received from the Continental Tyre Com- pany an offer of a prize of a hundred guineas, or a cup to that value, for the winner of the event, should the winning car be fitted with Continental tyres. The company also offers a prize of a ten-guinea cup to the car which accomplishes the fastest circuit regardless of other,mndmons,
Imperial Parliament.I
Imperial Parliament. I THE MILITIA. I In the House of Lords, on the 3rd inst., the Service of Militia Bill, which provides that any part of the militia, when embodied, shall be liable to be ordered for service outside the United Kingdom, passed through Committee without amendment. THE ARMY ESTIMATES. I In the House of Commons on the 3rd inst. the Army Estimates were considered in Committee of Supply. Mr. Churchill, on the vote of £ 10,101,000 for army pay, moved, as an amendment, a reduc- tion of £ 1,000,000, and adversely commented on the fact that there was an expansion of army ex- penditure when contemporaneously the expendi- ture on the navy was being reduced. Mr. Arnold- Forster, after further debate, again explained his scheme, which, he contended, would add to the efficiency of the army. The discussion had not concluded at midnight, when the debate was ad- journed. TRAMS OVER LONDON BRIDGES. I At the commencement of the Evening Sitting of the House of Commons on the 3rd inst. Committee of Supply was temporarily postponed, and the London County Council (Tramways) BiD came on for consideration, the opponents of the measure moving an instruction to the Committee, the effect of which would be to prohibit trams crossing any of the bridges or running along the Embankment. A division resulted in a tie, 171 voting for and the same number against the instruction. The Speaker gave his casting vote against the instruction, which was accordingly defeated. PARLIAMENTARY TIES. In connection with the tie which occurred in the division on the London County Council" Over Bridge Bill in the House of Commons last night, it may be recalled that there have been many ties" in the two Houses of Parliament. Of these the most notable occurred on the Church Rates Bill. The oceupant of the Chair at the time was Speaker Denison, who cast against the bill because there was not a majority in favour of it." A tie" occurred in more modern times, when Mr. Percy Thornton, who took part in Monday night's incident, was one of the tellers; but it was discovered next day that an error had occurred in the counting, so the vote was definedin a further entry in the journals of the House. This was in 1895, under. the present Speaker, and con- cerned a bill in which Mr. Theobald, afterwards killed in a suburban railway accident, was inte- rested. In 1867 a tie occurred on Mr. Fawcetfs University Bill. BUDGET DATE. SURPLUS OF £ 3,000,000 PREDICTED IN THE COMMONS. A week ago the Chancellor of the Exchequer, asked when the Budget would be introduced, replied that it would be in the course of the week beginning April 10, probably on that date. The Premier, in reply to questions in the Commons on the 3rd inst., definitely fixed next Monday for the event. While there is no very definite clue to the Budget proposals or the dimensions of the surplas, which the Chancellor will have at his disposal, expert financiers in the House of Commons, writes a Lobby correspondent, estimate the latter at nearly three millions sterling. Members generally have made up their minds that a penny will be taken off the Income- tax, and the party wirepullers are pressing for this as a minimum. Agents from Lloyd's in the lobby on Monday night reported underwriting as brisk for a rebate. Tea also was largely deaIt.in at a speculative remission. As the Chancellor wiH present the Budget on Monday, he will, according to the tradition of his office, be discharged from attendance at the House daring the present week except for his own convenience. Questions and all routine work connected with his Department will be waived pending-the completion of his finan- cial proposals. PICKETING. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Law on the 3rd inst. commenced the consideration of the Trades Unions and Trades Disputes Bill. The subject of picketing occupied the whole time of the sitting, various amendments to the first clause being discussed.
THE QUEEN'S TOUR. 1
THE QUEEN'S TOUR. a. Le Victoria and Albert, with the Queen said her party, arrived at Palma, in the Balearic Isles, on Saturday afternoon. The British Consul, the Civil Governor, and the Mayor went on board to welcome her Majesty. The escorting cruiser Cornwall exchanged salutes with the forts. A telegram despatched from Palma by Rear-Admiral Sir A. Berkeley Milne, commanding the Victoria and Albert, reached Genoa announcing that the Royal yacht, which was expected at four o'clock on Sunday after- noon, would not arrive there until about seven o'clock on Monday morning. It is officially announced tha-t Queen Alex- andra, before leaving Gibraltar, handed Sir George White the sum of £ 100 for distribution among the poor. I HER MAJESTY SLIGHTLY INDISPOSED. On the arrival of the British Royal yacht Victoria and Albert, with Queen Alexandra on board, at Genoa, escorted by his Majesty's cruiser Cornwall, on Monday morning the shore batteries fired a salute, and the vessels in the harbour dressed ship. The yacht picked up moorings at the Lucedio quay, and Mr. Keene, the British Consul General, went on board. The Queen did not land at once, as her Majesty was slightly indisposed, and is suffering from headache. At eleven o'clock the Duchess of Aosta visited the Queen on board the Royal yacht. Queen Alexandra and her suite, accompanied by the Duchess of Aosta, landed at half-past three and went for a drive, visiting the cemetery.
POST OFFICE WAGES.
POST OFFICE WAGES. AN INCREASE GRANTED. A memorandum by the Postmaster-General on Post Office wages has been issued. It relates to modifications andi improvements in the scales of pay of the indoor and outdoor staffs which, when they have their full application, at the beginning of the financial year 1905-6, will involve an addi- tion of e372,300 to the Estima.tes. The changes relate to the delivery and sorting classes. All existing officers in the classes who have passed the age of 25 will receive the increase up to the limit of their scale. Some further recognition of the greater cost of living in the large towns is given by raising the starting pay of both men and women in the largest towns (Classes 1. and II.) by Is. The starting pay of the women tele- graphists and the counter clerks in London, will also be raised by Is. At the smallest towns, Where the maximum of the existing scale is reached at the age of 27 or 28, it has not been thought necessary to give an age-increase at the age of 25; but the maximum will be raised from 34s. or 36s. to 38s. in the case of men, and from 26s. to 27s. in the case of women. Rural post- men starting from a town will in future receive the same pay as the town postmen in that town and the rural postmen who are at present cn fixed wages, varying from 15s. upwards, will in future be placed in most cases, upon the e-cale 16s. to 20s., or, in parts of the country where the current rate of wages is exceptionally low, 15s. to 18s.
I ART AND LITERATURE.
I ART AND LITERATURE. 'nle late Comtesse de Beaulaincourt de Maries (sav3 a Paris correspondent) has be- queathed to the National Library the original manuscripts of the Marshal de C&ste'lane's diary, and his "Memoires ou Bagatelles sur Mon Temps." The documents are not to be made use of for 50 years. Paderewski, it is said, can play from memory over 500 compositions. He needs to read or play a composition new to him only twice in order to memorise it, and, frequently after read- ing it over, can sit down at the piano and play it without referring to the notes. Mr. Edward Arnold announces the publica- tion of a volume of "Studies in Colonial Nation- alism," by Mr. Richard Jeihb. Mr. Jebb be- lieves that the view commonly held in this country of the future development of the British Empire is obsolete, being based on conditions and ideas which have very largely altered in the course of the last six years. Mr. King, his Majesty's Inspector of Schools in Scotland, says that in the Border district; there is a temptation to teach nothing but Border ballads, to the exclusion of other poetry. Too much school time, he says, can be spent over the poems of Burns and Hogg, and let other writings however fine, which are net written in good modern English." That must be the staple of instruction. "The rest is a luxury, whatever the perfervid Nationalist may say. Burns's Mouse' is a beautiful poem, but it is a waste of precious school time to spend five or ten minutes in teaching a class the mean- ing of a daimen icker in a thrive.' On the whole, the work which is to be found this year in the various British studios (s-avs the "Globe") is well up to the' average, despite tha adverse influences against which artists have had to contend for some while past. There 15 no perceptible slackening in the enthusiasm of the workers themselves, and no falling off in the quality of their performances. A few ambi- bition, some admirable landscapes, and, as usual, tion, some admirable landscapes, and, as, usual, a number of sound and capable portraits; but in this last class there is not the exoossive pro- duction which was so notable last year, for some of the men who have made great successes in- portraiture have happily diverged this spring into subject painting or landscape. Authorship is not. perhaps, the healthiest trade in the world; but some men of letters live long. The "Academy" reminds us that M. Fer- tiault, who presided at the recent dinner of the Societe des Gens de Lettres, was born in 1815 and began to write as long ago as 1835. M. Fertiault is, however, only an author in his leisure, which is, no doubt, healthier than being a writer by profession. Since 1856 he has been a confidential clerk in the bank of M. Raphael Bischoffsheim, and he still writes. Now, in his ninety-first year, he announces a new work, en- titled Galanterie et Esprit du seizieme siecle en Italie.' He claims to be the doyen,' not. only of Parisian men of letters!, but also of Parisian tenants, having lived in the same. house for 65 years." It is almost appalling to be confronted with a new book by an author who was writing two years before Queen Victoria came to the Thro-ne of England'. The first annual report of the National Art Collections Fund affords ample proof of t-he usefulness of this institution, not only for the purchases made from the funds subscribed by members, but even more. so becau-se its very existe-nce acts as a stimulant to the generosity of private art-lovers, whose voluntary contribu- tions have in several cases helped towards the acquisition of desirable objects of art. The British Museum was specially favoured during the year covered by the report. A beautiful old English repeating watch by Daniel Quare was presented by a member of the executive com- mittee, Mr. M. Rosenheim; while an anony- mous member presented an origina-l drawing of "The Martyrdom of SS. Peter and Paul" by Parmegiano. Furthermore, the fund contributed £400 towards the purchaise of an exceedingly fine Greek bronze relief from the Hawkins col- lection. Finally, another member presented tc the fund a plate of sixteenth century Rhodian faience, which was transferred to the British: Museum, as was also a volume containing thirty- five rare engravings of capitals and basets of columns, etc., by the monogrammiste G. A. and P. S., 1537. The fund also contributed a considera-ble sum towards the purchase of a pic- ture by Watteau for the National Gallery of Dublin, and has acquired a, panel picture of the "Madonna and Child" by Lazzaro Sebastiani, which will be offered to the trustees of the National Gallery as a gift to the nation. An article on "Reprints and their Readers" contributed by Mr. Joseph Shaylor to the Cornhill" is crammed with interesting information for those who study the tendencies of the book-buying public. On the whole its facts and conclusions are reassuring. In spite of the enormous output of new and cheap rubbish, the cheap reprints of standard works enjoy a popularity so great that we need not yet be seriously anxious about the supply of readers for first-rate literature. When we learn that one alone of the seores of editions of Shakes- peare sells to the number of 250,000 volumes we might take heart from t,hi-s single fact, but there is much else to support our cheerfulness. The satisfaction of many readers, however, will be diminished; by the assurance that there is a distinct falling off in the re-issue of religious books, excepton being made of such classics as the "De Imitarione" and the "Confessions of St. Augustine," while an enormous number of cheap "Rationalist" publications have been sold, and "circulate greatly through working men's clubs in the North of England." Mr. Shaylor refers incidentally to that American edition of Dickens called the "St. Dunstans," which "consists of one hundred and thirty volumes, and sells for £ 26,000. The edition is .restricted to fifteen copies, and whatever its value to those, who yearn to possess what few others have got, its inception, if not itself, is a curiosity of book-production. In connection with an illustrated article on the Whistler Memorial Exhibition, Mr. D. Croal Thompson, in "The Art Journal" for April, writes on the subject of his associations with the artist during other Whistler Exhibi- tions in London. Mr. Thomson relates the following anecdote :-Hln 1860, John Phillip, 'of Spain,' bought the 'Piano' picture;. The story has not yet been told' in print, and I had it from the lips of the artist himself. The Piano' was hung on the Tine in the RoyaJi Academy in 1860. John Phillip wrote to the young painter, and said he greatly admired the picture. Is it for sale, amd, if so, what is the jprioe?' Whistler, dtilv appreciative of the kindness of the old colouriet, replied that the picture was for safe, and he would be delighted to accept whatever Phillip thought it was worth. Thereupon,' related the artist, be sent me a cheque with which I was satisfied, and its amount was thirty pounds. And, to my own knowledge, at the very moment o* tije story being told the picture was w9rt^; one hundired times that cash amount, and trus m the painter's own lifetime." Mr. Andrew Lang complains of the excess of generosity from, which criticism; is suffering. His complaint (says the 'Bystander j he has small difficulty in justifying? by quoting irom recent reviews, many f^6urc} PaJlegyries of very ordinary novels. The cheap Press can talk in superlatives only, as ItS writers art utterly lacking in that long-gathered know- ledge of literature essential to comparison, with- out which there he no real criticism. While I plead for more signed! criticism, I am not a "whole hoggor" for signed journalism. The halfpenny papers brought it into contempt by allowing their rawest juniors to sign their articles, and no better instance is needed than that afforded by the "Mail" and, "Express," which, in eaiiy .stages of the present war, teemed) vrith sign-ed and aiLmost valueless despatches from a, small army of journalistic aonentities. Now that the war is really interest- ing, these scribbJjers have ceased from troubling, while the anonymous, but able, representative of Router's has sent from Ti eling, one of the few noteworthy reports yet ed, having witnessed1 the master episode of the war. One would like to have seen his name at the end of the despatch
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Two swallowB have reached) Rockland Broad, Norfolk, and been seen "hawking" over the water, and the arrival of other summer birdis is reported. The sand martin has madie its appearance at Weston-super-Mare, the chiff- chaff has been noted at Mitcfoaan, audi the wheatear a.t Kensington Gardens, MicheWever, Hampshire, amdi Woriingston, Suffolk. Acting under the advice of his doctor, the Rev. Benjamin Waugh is retiring from the post of director of the National Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Children. Mr. Waugh's strenuous work for children, in association with the society which was founded through his exertions, has continued for nearly twenty-one years, and his enforced resignation is a source of deep sorrow to himself and to everyone con- nected with the society.