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I .PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ABBANGEMENT.]…
I .PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ABBANGEMENT.] DOUBLES & QUITS By G. W. APPLETON, 'Author of "A Forgotten Past," "A Tragedy of Error," "The Co-Respondent," Francois the Valet," etc., etc. [COPYRIGHT.] CHAPTER XI. 1 opened my oyas very wide when Mr. Golightly made that statement, I can assure you. "But—but v' I stammered, "how could such a thing bo possible?" "Possible or not. he relied. with a ourtness quite outside his usual manner, the thing has been done. You understand French, of course. Read this," and he handed ID3 a telegram. It ran thus: '•Telegram arrived during absence —weddimr of Friend- -not opened by clerk. Re- turned six-took immediate steps-regret that bonds were cashed nbout five-thirty-by person unknowil.-Vi.-na-,i(i." Dumbfounded. I handed back the telegram in wlence. Comment was useless. True enough, th(, tfiliix hex] been done. There you are," said he. It is all as plain as a pikestaff. The thief took the nine o'clock express from Charing Cross yesterday—the one you were to have gone by—arrived at the Gare du Nord as 4.45. took a cab, drove to where. the honds wrr- payable, pocketed the cash. and dis- appeared into space. And now I am the loser of a cool £ 20 COO—thronsrh a confounded wedding and the stupidity of a broker's clerk. It is very vexing—very vexing." "B?tt." I suhmit?d. "i? not Mr. Vignaud re- sponsible for his clerk's negligence?" "He ousrht to be; he certainly ought to be: but I am ignorant of the French law. The in- surance people will doubtless take some action in the matter if it be at all feasible. I have my doubt., about it. however. The amount of money involved is very considerable*. Some part of it might ho recovered, perhaps; but, as I say. I doubt it verv much indeed. It is a most unfortunate and mysterious business." But," I urged, "the capture of the thief and the recovery of the money should not be beyond the power of the French police." "Perhaps not," said lie. "Let us hope not. 'And that reminds me. After you have had your breakfast, you had better take this telegram to the Police Station. Give it to the superintendent, and say that the matter is now entirely in their hands. T"ll him. farther, from me. that I think I-Vor,- h L; CO tn\XI. till iC tJ TTltll at once. It is very possible, too. that I may send you over to Paris to-night. I do not feel quite up to it myself at present. Things have turned out in a way I little anticipated, and I hope to good- ness I shall have no trouble with the insurance people. Matters aro bad enough as they stand. I will "eo you when you return "-and with this h2 abruotly quitted tho room. f made all speed in dreasing. and rang the bell for breakfast. What my emotions were I can safely leave to your imagination. My wildest dreams had not encompassed such strange ex- periences as I was now passing through-not as in the ordinal*" sequence of events, but experiences tumbling madly, a., it were, each on the heels of the other, and each more astonishing than the last. Mr. Golightly',s suggestion that he might send mo to Paris that evening came as a positive i relief. Anything, I thought, to get away, even for a few days, from my present mysterious environment. Mary g'i',Vf' ma a sJiaxp look of enquiry when she brought me my breakfast, but beyond the usual formalities I exchanged no words with her, thinking this to bo best. Half an hour later I was again closeted with Superintendent Walker. I handed him the telegram at once. But this is in French," said he. "Ouitc so," I replied. Shall I translate it for you?" 'v, n;n d 7" didn't teach u.? "If yon don't mind T??y didn't teach us French in that pare of the country I came from— Cumberland." he said with a grin. Car-n b or l an d he :?d ( reaci the te l egram a l ou d T daresay not," and ( read the telegram aloud to him. He listened with bent brows, and then reflected ft moment. "Just go over that again," said he. "I want to fix it in my mind like." I did so. and looking tip said: XII"r-.At do you think of it?" "Think of it? Why, that it is one of the smartest jobs I ever heard tell of. And look at the nsk the mail took. It is always cool cheek that does it. Le Noir, I daresay, will be for goinsr back to Paris. No placo for him here now." The remark surprised me. Whv. had he an inkiirtg then that something mieht happen at 'The c. Yes, he overheard a conversation in Paris that brought him over." And he thought that Javotte might be in it?" "Possibly so—yes. That is why. thinking you to be the party, he followed and epoke to you as he did." To friprhten me off the jOJ Very likely." I shook my heed. No. no. If he i* tiv. man he is reouted to be. his methods would vA have been clumsy ones. Did he keep no further watch on the house then?" Ah! there you are, sir. That's exactly what ho did do, and some of our men with him. They seemed to know just what was going to happen and what did happen. And all through the night, until long after daybreak, a steady watch was kept on that place. But not a soul was seen, not a sound heard. is the puzzling pan of the affair. Quite true, there were wires set on the lawn, and there wa.- the ladder against the wind, But no ladder and no men went over the wall tiiat night. Take my word for that. and yet the servants say there was no such thing as a ladder on the premises. Every one of them are willincc to swear to it. So you see, take it all in all, it's a very rum business." Very," I said. You see," he added, I thought you might throv, a little light on it. But hang me! if what you told me didn't make it seem rummier than ever. Lo Noir was right in any case. He got wind of a projected burglary, and it came off. So f .i- he wasn't wrong, you see: but he wasn't prepared for such an uncommon sort of burglary as this. I'll report to The Yard at once by as I I'll report to telegraph that the bonds have been negotiated in Paris, and will see the chief and hand him this telegram in tha course of an hour or so. Le Noir will hear of it and be off to Paris at once, I dare- say." With this the superintendent arose. By-the-bye," I said, rising in turn, I saw Javotte- last evening." He looked at me in atonishment. "The real Javotte. The man Le Noir was after. Yes. Rnre?" Woil, I am not sure, of course, but the man was my exact doubte--the resemblance was astounding. Where did you see him?" At the Savoy Hotel." Was he alone?" "No. At the entrance he met young Lord Romer. Know him?" The superintendent smiled. "I should think so," aid he. "Goes the pace a bit. Has a villa not very far from here." "Just so—in Wildwood Lane?" Precisel y." When he met Javotte he had a very beautiful lady with him." ""1 daresay. That often occurs." Know her?" I have seen her—a splendid woman." "Lives in the same villa?" I think so." Wife?" Don't know. Imagine not. However, the point to me is. What was Romer doing in the company of a man like Javotte? I must report the incident. Don't mind. I suppose?" "Not a bit," I said. "Perhaps I shall be sent over to Paris to-night myself. Mr. Golightly sug- gested it," and I was moving away when a thought suggested itself to me. "Oh, one thing before I go." I said. PPtnenber that I have not said positively that the man I saw with Romer was Javotte. I don't commit myself to any such assertion." Quite right, Mr. Lart, quite right. I fully understand. You really must excuse me now." The next moment I was wending my way in the direction of "The Elms" once more. I related as much of my interviow to Mr. Goli<ratiy as I thought strictly necessary. Very well," said he, "nothing more can bo done at present. A wretched business—a wretched business. I perhaps should have gone Over to Paris myself to-night, but of course I must remain to interview the insurance people. I have been turning the matter over in my mind, and think you had better go in my stead. There is a train from Charing Cross at 2-20. It is now"—and he referred to his watch-" just turned half-past ten, eo that you have plenty of time in which to make your arrangements. Be prepared to stay away a week or so. Here are the twenty pounds you returned to me. Put up at the Grand Hotel, and. as I told you before, don't stint yourself in any way. I will communi- cate with you there. Take this letter to-morrow morning to M. Vignaud, 23. Rue St. Mare, close bv the Bourse. The address i, very easily found. Tell him everything that occurred the night of the burglary, and give him as exact a description as you can of the man who shadowed you that day. It may be of great assistance to him and to the authorities as Well. You quite understand my instructions. Mr. Lart?" "Qtlite. %ir." "Well, that is all, I think, for the present. As I have said, you will bear from me further at the Grand Hotel in the ooursa of a day or two. Good-bye, and a pleasant journey." With that he shook my hand heartily and left me. I lost but little time in packing such of my small belongings a3 I felt to be essential, I can assure you. An overmastering impulse to get away from the house as soon as possible had seized upon me. I dreaded the recurrence of a l visitation, the very thought of which began to terrify me. I de-rpd not so much as glance at the mirror, which I now held to possess supernatural attributes. The. mere fluttering of the window blind sent oold shivers down my back. I snapped the lock of my Gladstone bag. grasped the handle, thrust my hat upon my head, and, without sum- moning assistance, bolted out of the door and out of the house, madly hoping—alas, vainly, as it proved—never to enter its portals again. I had not nrc?oee&d very far down the road b?or? a small hoy. espying my bag, volunteered to carry it for me. I directed him to take it and lead me to the nearest cab-rank, which proved to b much c?osc" by than I had previously aus- pected. Within five minutes I was on my way to Charing Cross Station, and-all unwittingly-to further strange adventures. Arrived at my destination, I left the bag in the oloak-room, and turned my face towards the Middle Temple. Dick, in those troublous days, was always a very rock of refuge to me, and what I should have done without him, heaven only knows; but in this instance my journey proved in vain. Dick was not in, and his clerk knew not when he would return. So I left a little note of explanation, with my Paris address, and then aet about the not over-difficult task—in London- of killing time. I lunched at Gatti's; I spent an hour in the Royal Aoademy; then formed a casual acquaintance with the shop windows in New Bond-street, and at last returned to Charing Cross, just in time to take my scat in the Paris express. I elected to go by way of Boulogne, preferring I the longer sea route. At the Folkestone station I bought a novel, with the view of beguiling the long journey ahead of me. Reading this, pipe in mouth, upon the deck of the Channel boat, I was suddenly interrupted. A man stopped in front of me. "Will you kindly oblige me with a light, sir?" he asked. I looked up, and found myself face to face with the redoubtable M. Le Noir. CHAPTER XII. I Inat he had approached me with deliberate in- tent, I felt quite sure, though he affected surprise when I looked up. "Ah It's you, Mr. Lart:" said he, with a pleasant nod of recognition. I knew by this that he had been to Scotland Yard—had probably met Supt. Walker there, so I recognised at once the fact that equivocation would be worse than useless. "Yœ, it is I," I said, handing him my match- box. "We are having a very smooth and delight- ful crossing. M. Le Noir." He laughed as he lighted a cigarette. "It seems I made a little mistake the other day," said he. returning the box with a bow. "A very great mistake, indeed, I returned "I didn't like it-I was somewhat alarmed at first." "That is very conceivable." he returned. "I am sorry. Pray accept my apologies. I mistook you for another man." "I know you did-you thought I was Javotte." "Precisely. They told you at the police station. I suppose." "I learned it from Supt. Walker—yes." "He told me so. I saw him at Scotland Yard this afternoon. He told me also that you saw this Javotte at the Savor Hotel last evening." "I saw my double there," I replied, "and it occurred to me that he might be the man." "He was beyond a shadow of doubt. He met another gentleman there"Lord Romer, yes." "And a lady?" ,1 bdv wit)] Lord Romer. Yes "You see that I am already acquainted with these facts. I also know that Javott? left for Paris by the mail train this morning. His move- ments will be watched when he arrives there this afternoon." "But who is this Javotte?" I asked, my curi- osity now thoroughly piqued. "Can he be in any way connected with the burglary?" "That at present is impossible for me to say. It is a very mysterious business. Mr. Lart." "I find it so," I replied, "and a dashed un- pleasant one, too, for me." "U nquestionably. Those were the bonds you were carrying in the bag when I met you in the city." "They were." "You are sure those same bonds were placed in the safe?" "Absolutely." "You put them there yourself." "I did." "And you were present when the safe was opened" in the morning?" "I was bound to be. as I held the other key." "The electric alarm bells then rang throughout the house, I understand?" "They did." "And the safe was empty?" "Absolutely empty." He borrowed my matchbox again and lighted a fresh cigarette. He reflected a moment, then, said he: "You have not known Mr. Golightly very long, I believe?" "Barely a week." "Will you be good enough to describe the man you be good enough to descri b e the man "Certainly. He is a man about sixty. I should say. He has an amiable face, with plenty of colour in it and snow white hair, rather long. Some of his front teeth are broken. Still his smile i3 a very pleasant one. He wears gold spec- "Coloured ?" Uic1e" I as-,e-, are of a "Wel!. yes. slightly. The glasses are of a light bluish tint. He has rounded shoulders, in "fadt 'he stoops very much-and-wcdf, that is about the best summing up I can give about the man. "That's all right. Now what is the nature of his business? Has he any?" "Well," said 1. "I am scarcely competent to answer the question. I assumed him to be a man of means. He appears to be interested in mining properties in North Dakota, and other parts of America, and speculates, I imagine, in various directions. "Any family?" "None, I believe. Ho told me he was a widower. "A quiet house?" "Very." "How many servants?" "Five, exclusive of myself." "A pretty good-sized establishment for a widower. "It struck me so." "Many visitors?" "None. "Never saw Lord Romer there?" "Never. "Nor the lady he was with at the Savoy?" I hesitatad, and was conscious of ohanging colour. I am sure he perceived it, and it annoyed "Why this severe cross-examination?" I asked, in a tone of irritation. "I have answered this long string of questions to the very best of my ability. I told you there had been no visitors to the house-since I have resided there." "So you did; so you did. Excuse me—oh! by the way, I met a friend of yours at Scotland Yard this afternoon." I looked up in surprise at this. "Indeed!" I said. "Whom, pray?" "Mr. Hamilton. a arrister." "What the deuce took him there?" "He was sent for by the chief." "What for?" to furnish some particulars about both Golightly and yourself." and as I merely stared at him in dumb amazement he went on: "Has it not yet occurred to you, Mr. Lart, that the police have nothing but your strange story and his to work upon. They sound incredible as they stand. To other minds the possibility might suggest itself of collusion between Mr. Golightly and yourself." I looked at him in sudden consternation. "1—-I don't quite—er—follow you," I gasped. "Why, what would have been easier than for you and Mr. Golightly to remove the bonds-then set the bells--lock the safe up again—and hand over the securities to a confederate—who took the first train to Paris and sold them there?" My face went as red as fire with indignation. "This is a. monstrous, a horrible suggestion," I exclaimed, "and I deeply resent it. Did I not see the telegram containing the numbers of the stolen bonds sent to Paris with my own eyes? And then, what about Vignaud's reply?" "That proves nothing. Anybody can send a telegram, by arrangement, in another's name." "Then do you doubt that the bonds have been sold?" M. Le Noir laughed. "Certainly not; and your manner only con- firms the pleasant things your friend said ??, su? you. You ought to feel a little surprised at my taking you to such an extent into my confidence. ?' I am greatly so," I replied. Well, it is simply because we are convinced that you are perfectly innocent of any com- plicity in this job, and that, possibly, you may be of some service to us in the end. There is a lot to explain in this affair, and Mr. Golightly, I suspect, will have a bit of trouble with the insurance people, for this is not an ordinary burglary by a very long chalk. You are on your way to Paris on this very same business, I suppose. Yes," I answered, now completely mollified, but by no means reassured* I am to take a note to Vignaud' in the morning." Staying long?" For a few days—until I receive further instruc- tions. Shall be at the Grand." "All right," said he. "I'll know where to find you in case anything turns up. I must leave you now to rejoin a friend I have with me." He removed his hat in the Frendh manner and was turning away when I detained him. Just one little question, M. Le Noir," I said. Don't think me rude, but how is it that you —a Frenchman-speak such remarkably good English?" "Ah!" he replied, with a smile, "that would be a fine compliment, but for one circumstance— my mother was an Englishwoman; I was born in England and did not leave it until my mother's death, when I was fifteen. I thank you, however, all the same," and once more removing his hat he walked away. A moment later I saw him in seemingly earnest converse with a man at the other extremity of the deck. I caught fugitive glimpses of him now and then during the remainder of the journey. Nothing more. We duly arrived at Boulogne. My Gladstone was severely overhauled at the Custom House in search of contraband tobacco, and at last I settled myself in a cosy corner of a first-class carriage and found myself swiftly whirling in the direction of La Ville Lumiere. For a time I reflected. Had I done right in so frankly replying to all of M. Le Noir's tren- chant enquiries? I thought so. Mr. Golightly would, probably, have been annoyed had I done otherwise. Upon the endeavours of the police he must now, of course, rely for the possible re- covery of the stolen property, or its equivalent, at least. Yes, undoubtedly I had done the pro- per thing, and determined to exorcise the demon of anxiety, for a time at least, from my mind. I once more had recourse to the pages of mv novel, a sirring tale of love and adventure, which beguiled me truly and well until the train slowed into Amiens Station, when I heard shrilled into my ears, "Dix minutes? d'arret," which I soon ascertained meant refreshment for the inner man,, an appeal to which by this time I felt accutely sensible. Fortified by half a cold chicken and a small bottle of Beaune, I re-entered the train in excel- lent spirits, and the remainder of the journey does not require dwelling upon. To me, it was an exciting drive in an opera dab from bhe Gare du Nord to the Grand Hotel. Remember that I was then obtaining my first glimpses of Paris-trite enough to me now-but upon that memorable evening stimulating be- yond compare. Who, indeed, can ever forget his first impressions of that marvellous oity, especi- ally in the early summer time? The broad, leafy avenues, the myriads of lights, the oafes glitter- ing with crystal and gold. the endless array of marble tables upon the spacious footways, at whioh thousands upon thousands of men and women sat gaily chatting; while tens of thousands more, in laughing throngs went slowly sauntering by. To me it was a veritable fairyland, and' when at last we dashed across the Place de 1'Opcra—one blaze of electric light--pa.st the Cafe de la Paix—packed almost to the kerb with human beings—and into the great court of the Grand Hotel, with its plash- ing fountains and vivid greenery and glowing vistas of sumptuous saloons, I was full of almost childish amaze, and recking not of what might soon befall, I felt that, for a time, at least my lines were oast in pleasant places. Some of you-the hardened' ones—may smile at this, but I am only setting down the honest im- pressions of a very memorable night. I ordered a room, in the vernacular, and I may say at once that I was perfectly at home in Paris in this respect. My father was an excellent French scholar, and among my earliest recol- leotions is that of a genial French governess, to whom we—my sisters and myself—used to chatter in her own tongue as to the manner born; and as she stayed with us for years, it proved to be no fleeting acquisition as is often the case. Hence, when shortly afterwards I strolled out upon the boulevards, I was in no sense handi- capped, as most English people are, by ignor- ance of what was being said about me. It was a lovely June night, the air sensuous with a de- licious warmth, in keeping with the sights and sounds that pleasantly smote upon the senses at every turn. I was in almost a delirium of de- light with it all when, suddenly, the mention of a name sent a oold thrill through me and as quickly dispersed my rose-huecf dreams. I faced about to see who the speaker was, and was not surprised. It was Javotte—my double; and with him was a young man, whose face, also, was vaguely familiar to me. I let them pass on, following closely at their heels. Javotte oontinued, and I could hear every word with the greatest distinct- ness Oh, yes, Romer is all right. Have no fear about that. He is as straight as any man alive. How he will get through this last affair I don't know. That is mainly his look-out, however, as he took it upon his own shoulders. No don't you worry bout Romer; it is Lucette I am not so sure about." Was she with you last night at the Savoy? -no Yes. She looke?? superb aa usual. li?.,y .Y. was on her. What & magnificent creature she ist | But I don't quite trust her. She was a bit cold and distraite last night as though her thoughts ) were somewhere else. I wonder, if in the end, she will be Romer's ruin?" And ours?" Javotte laughed and shrugged his shoulders. "Dieu sait!" said he. It often comes in t'hat way. He walked on a fe-w paoes in silence. then gave me a great start by suddenly exclaiming: Oh! I forgot to tell you, my double i's some- where in Paris to-night." Your double!" repeated the other in atone of surprise. Yes-the. fellow who- Quick! Turn back! There comes Le Noir!" They instantly faced about without perceiving me, and were at once lost in the crowd. I looked up, and my eyes met those of the great detective. He merely smiled, lifted his hat, made a gesture with his thumb in the direction of the retreating Javotte, and1 hurried on. (To be oontinued.)
SOUTH AFRICAN GARRISON. i«
SOUTH AFRICAN GARRISON. « SIR H. C. BANNERMAN'S SPEECH. BAD IMPRESSION CREATED. The correspondent of the Standard," writing from Durban on March 11th. says:— Tho remarks of Sir Henry Campboll-Bannerman in the debate on the Army Estimates, cabled to this country and published yesterday, have made a very bad impression. His suggestion that the South African garrison should be withdrawn is regarded as a tolerably clear indication of what would happen if the Liberals came into office, and as a hint to the Boers not to give up hope of re- trieving what they have lost. If people in England realised the actual conditions out here, they would recognise the danger of tampering with the South African situation. Nobody who knows the Boers believes that they regard the present settlement as final. Why should they, when they have the precedent of 1881 to look back upon? And now they will be able to compare the Liberal leader's reckless utterances with the very similar declarations of Mr. Gladstone at that time. Any weakening now would be fatal, for it is as certain as anything can be that the Boers look to the working of the party system in England to play their game. Tho return to power of the Liberals would be the opportunity of every dis- affected Boer agitator, and utterances such as those of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman only confirm such people in their confidence that a turn of the wheel will give them the chance they are | waiting for. As an indication of public opinion here, the fol- lowing extracts from the Press may be quoted. The Natal Advertiser yesterday commented as follows:—" If we needed any confirmation of the opinion we have always expressed, that the advent of a Liberal Government to power would mean a period of unrest and crisis for South Africa, we shall find it in the remarks of Sir Henry Compbell- Bannerman, the Liberal leader, in connection i with the Army Estimates. This egregu8 politician, the man who. when appealed to by Mr. Chamberbin not to embal'ras the Government at a most critical time, coldly refused to do anything, or to take any responsibility, preferring the interests of his party to those of his country, who on the verge of war declared that he saw no reason for preparation for via- and then attacked the Government for not making further prepara- tion—this man now openly advocates the with- drawal of the South African garrison! Could there be a clearer proof that the Liberals have forgotten nothing and learnt nothing? Talk like this is a most ominous reminder of the speeches made by Mr. Gladstone before the war of 1881, speeches which bore bitter fruit afterwards. No wonder Mr. Balfour regards this suggestion as a very plain hint to the Boers as to what might happen if the Liberals got into office. Can any- one who knows the history and character of the Boers doubt for a single moment that in such a disastrous event the Liberals would be called upon the fulfil the pledges made by their leader? We have said before, and we repeat, that it is the conviction of every man who knows the country, and is not wilfully blind, that. if a Liberal Govern- ment came into oiffce, it would be the signal for an asritation, from one end of South Africa to the other, to undo what it has cost Great Britain millions of money and thousands of lives to ac- complish. Nothing could be conceived more disastrous to this country. It is not too much to say that the peace and prosperity of South Africa depend on the continuance in office of the Unionist Government. at any %ate, until the present regime is much more firmly established than it is now." The "Natal Mercury" this morning says:— Such speeches as Sir Henry Campbell-Banner- man has a fatal facility for making on South African questions may well cause nervousness as to what may happen if the present Imperial Gov- ernment sustains the defeat which its maladroit- ness has provoked. It is impossible to read the blazingly indiscreet remarks which Sir Henry has been making in the House of Commons without being more deeply impressed than ever with the peril which was brought upon the Empire by the agitators for Fiscal change."
WHEN YOU VISIT LIVERPOOL.I
WHEN YOU VISIT LIVERPOOL. I When you visit Liverpool call on the resident mentioned here, and personally confirm this:- One of our representatives called on Mr. 1. B. Dixon, of 63, Melbourne-street, Everton, Liver- pool, a few days ago, in order to ascertain whether the testimonial appearing under Mr. Dixon's name in the Liverpool papers was correct. Mr. Dixon's reply is most convincing. "Most decidedly," he said; "although it was over twelve months ago that Doan's Backache Kidney Pills cured me of serious kidney trouble. I have remained well ever since. This just shews what a special medicine can do. I have never come across anything like Doan's Pills, and I am sure anyone else who tries them will be of the same opinion. They are the finest medicine there is for backache, or any other form of kidney trouble. It is a pleasure to Ine t.o speak a good word for them. We give a copy of Mr. Dixon's letter, which might prove interesting:- Dear Sirs,—A considerable time ago. I began to be troubled with a miserable ache in the small of my back, arisingfrom some cause which was then foreign to me. At first I thought it was due to a cold, or a strain, and would pass off in a day or two; but it didn't—it got worse and worse every day, until at last I knew I should have to get it seen to. While reading the evening paper on(j) day, however, I came across an advertisement of Doan's Backache Kidney Pills. After reading this through I was struck with the unique claim of this medicine to cure only diseases resulting from kidney disorders-the medicine did not claim to cure all kinds of troubles, like so many did. I purchased a box from Boots' Stores, to see if they oould rid me of my trouble. I was surprised at the result; the pains very soon left me—indeed, after taking three boxes I was posi- tively cured. I am extremely grateful for the wonderful good Doan's Backache Kidney Pills have done me, and I shall not hesitate to bring them before the notice of my friends, knowing that in doing so I am recommending a medicine which can be relied on.—Yours truly, (Signed) 1. B. Dixon." If you are ill, write and tell us your symptoms. We shall be pleased to give you the best advice in our power, free of charge. Your letter will be treated in the strictest confidence. Doan's Backache Kidney Pills are two shillings and nine- pence a box (six boxes for thirteen shillings and ninepence). Of all chemists and drug alores, or posted free on rooeipt of price by the proprietors, Foster-McClellan Co., 8, Wells-street, Oxford- street, London, W.
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FOOTBALL NOTES.I
FOOTBALL NOTES. I RESULTS. I COMBINATION. I Chester 1, Wiexham 1. Chester 1, Bangor 0. Chester 11, Witton 0. CHESTER CHARITY CUP. Hawarden Bridge 2, Saltney C. W. 1. CHESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Frodsham 2, Wrexham Crescent 2. Helsby Reserve 5, Chester United 2. Wrexham Crescent 3, Bearer Company 2. Connah's Quay 2, Chebter Reserve 1. FLINTSHIRE LEAGUE. Mold Amateurs 2, Flint U.A.C. 1. Mold Alyn 3, Aston Hall 1. Buckley 4, Penyifordd 2. Hope 2, Northop Hall, 1. OTHER MATCHES Cambrian Rovers 2, Old St. Mary's 2. Contrary to the usual state of things, the Chester club can look back on this season's holiday fix- tures with considerable satisfaction. It must be some years since they were last able to say. as they can do this year, that they have not lost a single holiday fixture and drawn only one. The Christmas holidays produced two wins, and this Easter's fixtures two wins and a draw, or, if the Tranmere cup tie is included, three wins and one draw in less than a week. But for a persistent spell of ill-luck, the result, might have been four wins. This splendid performance is in sharp con- trast with the iesults of last year's Easter matches, when only one point W't8 obtained out of a pos- sible six. Good Friday's match was, as usual, with Wrex- ham at Whipcord-lane. As we stated in our last Saturday Evening Edition, the game, which was spoilt by the wind, ended in a draw of one goal each. Chester were the better team, and in the second half they had very hard lines in not scoring more than once. more than one- Metaphorically speaking, of course, Chester bearded the lion in his den on Saturday, when they dared to visit Bangor, who have taught several strong teams that, whatever they may be on strange grounds, they are extremely powerful at home. To make matters appear blacker. Bathenc wew ill, and. T. Lipokam missed ;.n.9 train. T. Breen, brother of J. Breen, the regular player, happened to be on the platform, and was pressed into service, while Lloyd filled Bather's place. The Cestrians lost the toss, and for the first few minutes Bangor pressed strongly. The visiting forwards played excellently, and after half-an-hour Barker risked a long drive. The full-back thought the goalkeeper could clear, and left it to him, but, as chance would have it, the ball rolled over tho line into the net. This was the only goal scored during the match. In the second half T. Breen, who had Leen playing on the outside right, went half-back, and the city team played with four halves and four forwards. Bangor made splendid efforts to draw level, and a dangerous shot by Jones went just outside. The feature of the Chester attack was the fine centres by J. Lipsham, while Delaney, Matthews and Boll also played well. Chester retired winners by one goal to nil, Fortune seemingly having for the nonce sided with the city. Bank Holiday's fixture for the Chester first eleven was with Witton Albion, and a large crowd assembled at Whipcord-lane to witness what proved to be one of the most uninteresting matches seen on the ground this season. Chester immediately attacked against the wind, and J Lipsham and Delaney experienced hard lines. Barker sent in a shot which was saved at the expense of a corner, which J. Lipsham placed nicely, his brother he-ading into the net. The first and only goal was thus scored in less than two minutes after the start. Chester had the best of matters all through, Witton's efforts taking the form of ineffectual long shots. T. Lipsham raced away and had a fine chance of scoring, but his 5h.ot went wide through Barber, the goalkeeper, colliding with him. Pountney just afterwards sent the ball down from a free kick, and J. Lipsham sent in a splendid shot. Barber failed to stop the ball, but Sutton cleared from almost under the bar. Th3 score was unaltered at the interval, the Ces- trians having spoilt numerous opportunities. In the second half the home side had matters all their own way. but they played in very loose fashion. J. Lipsham registered an offside goal. About a quarter of an hour after resuming T. Lipsham was moved from tho centre-forward position to the right outside, but as he was en- 1 tirely neglected, not a single pass being sent to him, the change was not an improvement. The visitors' goal area. was the scene of many exciting scrimmages, but owing mainly to want of combi- nation among the city players Witton retired, de- feated by only one goal to nil. Chester must congratulate themselves that their opponents were weak. or a heavy defeat would cer- tainly have been sustained by them. Petty jealousies disturbed the harmony of the front rank, two of the forwards shewing a most unsportsman- j like spirit in their conduct towards the captain (Hall) and the rest of the team. Bell was badly off form, and the only two forwards who played well were the brothers Lipsham, one of whom was given the cold shouider by his confreres. Tho three halves (Barker, Hall and Breen) played a splendid game, and seldom failed to break up the opposing forwards. Bather and Pountney performed their duties in their usually efficient style, and relieved Coventry of a great deal of work. On Monday morning Chester Reserve enter- tained Connah's Quay in a leaguo fixture. The Reserves attacked with the wind in their favour, and led at half-time by one goal to nil, Dodd being the scorer. A penalty kick was taken by W. De- laney, who failod to score. In the second half the visitors quickly equalised, despite appeals for offside. Dodd put through for the home team, but the point was not allowed owing to his being offside. Before the whistle blew Coventry was beaten by a shot which gave him no chance at all, and the final score was Connah's Quay two goals, Chester Reserve one. A regular ding-dong cup fight was the replayed Charity Cup tie between Saltney Carriage Works and Hawarden Bridge, which took place at Hoole on Saturday. Both teams were fully represented, and there was a large attendance of spectators. The game was of a give-and-take character throughout, each side playing their hardest. Salt- ney secured the advantage of the wind in the first half, and made great exertions to obtain the lead, but the defence, which was very sound, was only beaten onoe, when Benyon succeeded in placing Saltney one goal ahead. The second half was of an exciting nature. Hawarden Bridge equalised about a quarter of an hour aft-er the interval, Tullock scoring. A fierce struggle for mastery followed, and shortly before time the Bridge men secured the verdict Whi- house placing them ahead from a corner. ^Saltney had very hard lines, and are much to be sympa- I thised with. A penalty kick was awarded them, and owing to the goalkeeper's coming outside his area it had to be taken three times. The first time the. ball went outside, the second time it went into the net, but on the operation being re- peated it did not reach the desired area. As the defending and not the attacking side were the offenders in this instance, it would have been only justice if th? refeiee had allowed the goal which was scored from the second kick. The game ended in a victory for Hawarden Bridge by two goals to one. Saltney protested against the result on the ground that a member of the victorious team was not eligible. The hearing of the protest was fixed for Thursday. On Saturday the Bearer Company played Wrex- ham Crescent at Wrexham, but were unfortunate in having only nine players. The game, however, was stubbornly contested, the Company, although handicapped, holding their own very well, and at the interval the score was only 2-1 in favour of I Wrexham. In the second half the extra exertions of the visitors were shewing themselves, and the defensive qualities of Thorley, Catherall and Davidson were requisitioned, but the shooting of the Wrexham players was not good, and they only scored once more, and as Wainwright scored for the Company, the game ended—Wrexham Crescent three goals, Bearer Company two goals. Cambrian Rovers entertained Old St. Mary's in their return match on Bank Holiday. The Saints could not again repeat their score of 16 goals to one, the Rovers this time being at their full strength. The Saints kicked with the wind. making straight for the Cambrian's goal, but Morns cloarcd, after which F. Garner, getting a pvs from H. Jones, headed the ball through. W. got away and passed to F. Garner, wt:o again scored, the ball hitting the crossbar and rebounding. The half-time score was—St. Mary s two goals, Cambrian Rovers nil. The Cambrians now had the advantage of the wind. Mmshuli got away on the left and beat Garner with a nice shot. The Rovers again got away, and Littler took a free kick, passing to Davis, who shot just over the bar. Jones now got in a shot which again beat Garner. The play was all confined in Old St. Mary's half, the ball only being past the centre twice. The Rovers had many openings, but failed to make use of them. The full-time score was-Cambrian Rovers two goals, Old St. Mary's two. On Easter Monday, Frodsham, after a short period of quiescence owing to the inability of either them or their opponents to raise a team, were again at home, receiving as visitors Wrexham Crescent in a league match. A boisterous wind was blowing across the field, but notwithstanding this there was one of the best gates of the season. a considerable number of visitors augmenting the home crowd of enthusiasts. The home team, who were rather poorly represented, played on their mettle right from the start, and shewed very good form. The visitors were the first to draw blood. This roused the home contingent, and after a period of midfield exchanges, Lloyd essayed a lightning shot from long range, which went into the net knocking thfe goalkeeper along with it, so great was the force. Give-and-take play en- sued for a while, during whioh infringements were very frequent. The Welshmen scored again during the first half, at the end of which they led by two goals to one. The second period of the play was of a similar character to the fiN{. the whistle going almost without cessation owing to tripping, both side being to blame. The game was somewhat spoiled with this regrettable method of procedure. Before the end Frodsham again scored, and as they kept Wrexham out, the result was a drawn game of two goak each. The homo backs played a good defensive game all through. The only match played at Helsby during the holidays took place on Saturday, when the local Reserves mot Chester United in a Chester and District Junior Division League fixture. The home side, who won by five goals to two, had much the best of matters, and had it not been for the good defence displayed by the visitors' goal- keeper and back their score would have been much heavier. On Bank Holiday a match took place at Malpas between a team from Wrexham, styled Wrexham Casuals, and the Malpas Grasshoppers. The match was played in Mr. Eaton's field. The game was well contested throughout, though it was apparent that the Casuals were the stronger side. At half-time the game stood one each, and at the call of time the result was Wrexham four goals, Malpas two. The referee was Mr. E. Mercer. Tho goals for Malpas were scored by Messrs. J. Lewis and E. Williams. The Malpas team in- cluded V. Pearson, goalkeeper; S. Huxley and J. Edwards, backs; O. Edge, J. Reece and A. McMIchael, half-backs; F. Neale, E. Cassidy, J. Lewis, E. Williams and T. Bickley, forwards. In the evening the teams partook of tea at the Wvvern Hotel, and later a smoking concert was held under the presidency of Mr. A. Mclntyre. COMBINATION. RESULTS UP TO DATE. ^-Goals^ P. W. L. D. ForAgst. Pts, Birkenhead 23.16. 3. 4.. 48.21.30 Nantwich .O 14. 4.. 1.57.21.30 Chester 22 .13. 6 3.55 ..27.29 Wrexham 23.11. 8. 4.51 33 26 Bangor .23.11.10. 2. 58.,55 24 Oswestry 22 11 .10. 1.40..47.23 Tranmere Rovers .21..11. 9 1.39 ..4Q.. 23 Broughton .23. 8.11. 4 39..48 20 Rbyl 21 9.,11. 1 50.47.19 Winsford United .22 5 n. 5.35.44, .15 Middlewich .21. 5 11 5.26.48..15 Witton Albion .22. 3.11. 7 27 54.13 Chirk 23 3.15. 5.35.72.11 CHESTER & DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION* II. RESULTS UP TO DATE. ^-uoais-^ P. W. L. D. For Asst. Pts. Saltney CarriageWks—16.13. 0. o ..65. 9.29 Itkjle 16 .13. 0. 3.63 16,29 Helsby Reserve 19.11. 4. 4.72.. 30 26 %nghall .20 ..11. 7 2 48.36.24 Wrexham Crescent 16. 7. 8. 1.40.35 .15 Whitbv 17. 6.8 3 27,57 15 Chester United .19. 6.12. 1.48.55.13 Bearer Co 16. 5. 8.. 3.32 41.13 Garrison 13. 5. 7. 1. 26.46.11 Little Sutton .16. 4.11.. 1.24.66. 9 Connah's Quay Reserve..11. 3.. 7. 1.19.40. 7 Frodsham .17. 1.13. 3.22.55. 5
-CHESTER GOLF CLUB. I
CHESTER GOLF CLUB. I The club offered two prizes for the Bank Holiday competition over the short course. The first was won by Mr. O. Harrison, as also the first sweep. Mr. F. O. Roberts took the second prize and the second sweep, and Colonel Norton the third sweep. Thirty-four entered, but the strong westerly breeze was against low scores. Returns: o Harrison 95 16 79 F. O. Roberts 85. 2 &1 Colonel Norton 101 17 83 R. Salomon son 89 14 85 T. G. Frost 94 8 86 O. Okell 88 1 87 F. W. Hayos 91 3 88 J. E. E. bankes 102 14 88 R. Wilkinsor. 104 16 88 C. B. Toller 102 13 89 Dr. Archer 96. 6 90 W. A. V. Churton 99. 9 90 R. G. Williams .104.14 90 W. H. Scott 98. 7 91 Rev. I. R. Tirnperley 98 7 91 Colonel Blood 109 18 91 G. J. Johnson. 105 13 92 G. H. Reynolds. 94. scr. 94 R. B. L. Jobnston. 105 10 95 MONTHLY SWEEP (BOX) FOR MARCH. Mr. H. B. Rowley put in a win for the final and took two-thirds of the sweep with the follow- ing card: 44655434 4, 39 out, and 444 4 5 5 4 5 3, 38 in total, 77. H. B. Rowley .owe5 1. all even H. B. Toller 1 3 down F. O. Eve.Rs 3 3 A. C. Blain scratch 4 J. Frater 10. 4 H. B. Rowley. owes 1 4 W. T. Lee 15 7 „ G. H. Reynolds scratch 10 „ Rev. N. J. Gourlie. 18 12 Rev. N 18 12
TEACHERS AND EDUCATION.
TEACHERS AND EDUCATION. I DANGER OF BANISHING THE BIBLE. The thirty-fifth annual conference of the National Union of Teachers was opened on Mon- day at Portsmouth. The uaion now numbers 50 oounty associations and district unions, 463 local associations, and close upon 51,000 members. Re- presentatives to the number of 2,000, appointed by the various branches, are attending the present gathering. The delegates were welcomed at a public reception in the Town Hall by the Mayor (Councillor J. E. Pink). Mr. G. Sharpies, of Waterloo-road Municipal School, Manchester, was then duly installed as president for the ensuing year. Afterwards various deputations were introduced, one of the speakers expressing the hope that at no distant date there would be established an international union. Mr. Joseph Morey (Paris) spoke with gratifica- tion of the mutual interest existing between the English and' French teaching professions. They wished to strengthen the entente oordiale. They weloomed the new star—that of peace—and lie gladly reiterated the sentiment to which he gave expression last year at Buxton, England and France, friemdly and united for ever." (Cheers.) At the afternoon session the President delivered his address, in which he said the new Act had lifted education to the plane of national and local responsibility for the well-being of the children. Speaking of the religious difficulty, he remarked that if unchristian strife was to oontinue men would be driven to the only logical conclusion—" secular instruction" alone. His own opinion was that such a result would be a national oalamity. He implored the leaders of our Christian churches to oome to some common agreement for the sake of the children. Once the Bible was banished from the schools it would soon become a rare book in the home. Among the problems before the new authorities was the dearth of efficient teaching power, and the oounty oouncils especially needed to face the difficulty with a wider outlook. The provision of training colleges must, he urged, necessarily follow from the establishment of pupil teacher training institutions, and the next step wal.9 co-ordination of the sohools. The number of pupils attending evening schools was at present wretchedly small, and the question of compulsion between the ages of thirteen and sixteen at least was becoming urgently necessary. Sixteen years ago he advocated this policy, suggesting that all youths employed in skilled trades or commercial houses should be compelled to attend classes two or three evenings per week in winter-class where they could be taught the principles under- lying the practical work they were taught in the workshops and, further, that the employers might pay the fees, inasmuch as they would directly benefit by the increased intelligence their appren- tices would bring to bear upon their daily work. It was laughed at, but to-day many enlightened employers and employed mutually benefited. If we were to have a body of leaders in the industrial occupations, leaders with inventive power to im- prove old and create new industries, there must ba a much larger number of pupils prepared to take up the day courses at the teohnioal schools. In this connection he pointed to Manchester as a oity, which meant to become by reason of a magni- ficent sohool of technology the Charlottenburg of the north. Mr. T. John, of Ceinfan, was elected vice-presi- dent by 16.825 votes, and Mr. G. M. E. Hamilton, of Stamford-hill, London, was again chosen treasurer. [ TEACHERS AND SCHOLARSHIPS. The Conference of the National Union of Teachers, at Portsmeuth on Tuesday, adopted a series of eight resolutions on the question of scholar- ships, which Dr. Macnamara, M.P.. brought up from the executive. Dr. Macnamara urged that their primary duty was to do all they could to promote an adequate system of properly distribu- ted scholarships for working-class children. The speaker road a letter from the Secretary to the Board of Education, who said' the Board would gladly see to what extent they could help ru)lb? taining information as to the provision of scholarships. An adequate system should be an integral part of every completed scheme of public provision for education. Sir John Gorst also wroto agreeing with the resolutions.
[No title]
Mr. J. Staats Forbes, chairman of the fondoni Chatham and Dover Railway Company, died en Tuesday in London, from pneumonia. Mr. Forbes, who was 79, was trained as an engineer under Brunet and commenced' bis business career on the Great Western Railway.
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AGRICULTURE. I
AGRICULTURE. I — — I THE ADVENT OF SPRING. I Now that March has run out we may reasonably be said to have fairly and fully entered the spring quarter, and if the seeding were all done, or at least the major portion of it, there would be little or nothing to complain about. With all its faults and drawbacks the season is passing quite in typical form it is on account of what has gone previously that the country is suffering, A great deal of the land under the plough had worked kindly during the past fortnight, but the htitfer soil are proving very tough only an inch or two under the surface, to say nothing of the dithcuity of cleaning it of the weeds that have been engendered through the abnormal spell of wet it liaz3 passed through. How- ever, let us hope that this may be now referred to as decidedly a thing of the past. March went out in a form rather reversing the proverbial order from the lamb-like condition generally conceded to it, in keen and boisterous fashion accompanied by frosts which would have been more apIJreci tble had they been more severe so as to disintegrate the soil more thoroughly. As it is the OJid has had the appreci- able effect of keeping the buds and blosscma of. the fruit trees in check, and it is within the bounds of probability that we may in the coming summer and autumn experience a complete reversal of the state of affairs so prominent last year, and have a bountiful crop of fruit. The present month at any rate has made its advent kincliy, and, given a con- tinuance of the present favourable auspices, much may be done to remedy the failings of the recent half-year. Yet there are many things that cannot be overtaken. Little autumn wheat was sown, spring or lenten sown corn as a rule is rarely pro- fitable, and is much shunned, and about the only refugo arable farmers have in the cereal line will be in oat sowing, which even in normal times is almost regarded as the sheet anchor of arable cultivation in Cheshire. A considerable amount. of ploughing has been effected during the week, notwithstanding some heavy showers at intervals have made matters rather uncomfortable in this direction; but seed- ing has been piacticaliy at a standstill, except in a few rare and favomed instances. More pro- gress has been made in gardening, amateurs es- pecially having taken advantage of the holidays to push on tho work wherever practicable to get in the small seeds and prepare the land for potato- planting. Work in the southern, and midland oountios has gone forwaid rapidly, and it is re- ported that spring wn-eat has been drilled there more largely than was at one time expected. Improved reports concerning the later lambing flocks are also received witn the advent of the finer weather. The growing crops of wheat, rye and vetchos, as well as the grass, have made but little progress during the prevalence of the cold, but with milder iiiiiuc.n,-es--wh IQII may be confi- dently looked forward to presently—will doubtless bound into new life. The agricultural corre- spondent of the "Manchester Courier" writes:— "The lambing time is now on among the hills and mountains of the Lake District, and from the start that has been made there seems a prospect of a. bettor result than we have had from some counties in the South of England. At any rate a farmer at Lamplugh. noar Cockermouth, has had some luck, for a shearling sheep of his last week gave birth to four laiiibs, all of which are alive and doing well. If you travel a little further across the country and call on Mr. J. W. Nicnol, of Wig- ton, you may see a Cheviot ewe which dropped four fine lambs on Thursday in last week. This ewe is ten years old, and during the last nine years has had twenty-six lambs. Probably this is a record for a sheep of this breoo." Very severe weather, accompanied by snowstorms, was experienced in tho North, on the Welsh hills, and in different parts of tho country at the beginning of last week. It is noted that up to the end of March this year the amount of rain measured in London is r.lmoot exactly an inch more than for the corre- sponding period of last ysar, which was considered the wettest on record. In 1903 a very mild March was followed bv con- tinuous cold throughout April and May, and with later frost affecting the early vegetation, the fruit crop was practically ruined. FOOD PRODUCTION OF BRITISH FARMS. lHr. R. H. Rew, in the course of an interesting article in the "Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society, sets out some startling figures in relation to the quantities of the several classes of products sold for human consumption being the yield of British farms. These he esti- mates in hundredwl\ights ail follow:Wheat, 24,600,000; barley, 2O,CO0,CGO: oats, !j!,0c0,000; peas, 100,000; potatoes, 84,000,GOO; other vegetables, 27,500,000; fruit, 14,500,000; meat, 25,000,000; milk, 58.000,000; cheese and butter, 4,000.000; poultry und eggs. 3,500,000. This shews an annual output of 2&2,600,00ccwt. of produce from the agricultural land of the country, of which 172,100,000cwt. are vegetable and 90,500,000cwt. animal. The writer further states that practically the whole of the barley, a large proportion of the fruit (i.e., the apples and pears made into cider and perry), and, of course, all the milk, reach the consumer in a liquid form; so that the total quantity of food, as distinct from milk, is probably about 180,000,000 cwt. After making some allowance for the agri- cultural population whoso requirements of most of the commodities mentioned are assumed to have been supplied, this indicates a gross supply of food (apart from drink) of something like 5owt. per head by British farmers to their countrymen. I BARLEY MANURING. Tho report from the Agricultural Department of the Yorkshire College, referring to, experiments in manuring land for barley in 1901, has just been published. It treats of trials carried out on plots of two acres each, to compare the effects of a purely nitrogenous manure, a rnixtare of this and phosphate, and a complete mixture of these two with potash and guano. It seems that where no manure was applied the yield was 49* bushels per acre, a cwt. of sulphate of ammonia increasing it to 52^ bushels, whilo the addition of 2cwt. of superphosphate brought the yield; up to 55 £ bushels, and the further addition of 2cwt. of kainit to 56"; bushels. Where 144jlb. of nitrate of soda, contain- ing the same amount of nitrogen as the sulphate of ammonia named above. was used instead of that manure, the superphosphate and kainit being the same, the yield reached 59s bushels. A further item is to the effect that the quality of the barley grown with the aid of the most successful dressing was the best for malting purposes. CONCILIATORY BOER FARMERS. An interesting item comes from South Africa, which states that a crowded meeting of Boer farmers belonging to the Krugersdorp district, and mostly consisting of members of the local farmers' association, was held at Johannesburg. General Delarey, who was present, severely condemned the projected Boer show at St. Louis, and expressed the hope that the Government would bring the misguided men concerned' in it back home. General Botha denounced the new gold and diamond legislation as destructive to the rights of landowners. The time had arrived, he said, for him to re-enter the political arena, and to organise the Boers. He appealed to all Boers to support the Government, because the Boers had the title deeds of the Transvaal in their pockets. General Botha, it is said, concluded a remarkable speech by declaring that racial bitterness must be eradicated. It was the duty of the Dutch to hasten a general reconciliation, which would be the signal for the early advent of free self-government. ° GOOD NEWS FROM TfTR ANTTPnnw« News comes through Reater's agency from Syd- ney to the effect that 2,622,268 bushels of wheat have already been harvested. The Government statistician estimates the season's yield at 27,327,268 bushels, representing an average of seventeen bushels per acre, and an excess of 11,000.000 bushels over the previous record. It is estimated that 17,000,000 bushels are available for export. CHAMBERS OF AGRICULTURE. The Staffordshire Chamber, at their late meet- ing, reaffirmed a previous resolution in favour of uniformity in gram weight, and the adoption of the cental. A short discussion took place in a communication in favour of Mr. Chamberlain's Fiscal policy, and a former resolution was affirmed that there should be an inquiry, and that Mr. Chamberlain's proposals were going in the right direction.—-Mr. Toon gave notice of his intention to movo at tho next meeting that the cost of all publio roads, as well as education, should be borne by the Imperial Exchequer. The Warwickshire Chamber has passed a nesolu- tion that the Education Committee of the (TVmnf-w -J Council should omit drawing from the curriculum for boys, and to substitute some agricultural- sub- ject suitable to the county in all elementary schools. Lord Belhaven's Weights and Measures Bill was referred to with approval as likely to be of great benefit to the country, and it was urged that the metrio system should be made compulsory. The same view obtained in regard to the Ripon resolution favouring the marking of foreign meat.
IBURGLARY AT BIRKENHEAD.
I BURGLARY AT BIRKENHEAD. I A MIDNIGHT FEAST. A very cool burglary is reported as having taken place at the house of Mrs. Stitt, Park-road West, Birkenhead, which perhaps offered a good scope because of the houses on each side being at present vacant. On Wednesc-ay evening the visit took place, the burglars utilising a ladder left by some workmen in the neighbourhood to enter a bedroom. The kitchen window was found to have been foroed in a solentiflo manner, so probably the thieves resolved finally upon entering the lower floor as the safer. In the kitchen they exchanged their own clothes for some which were airing there, leaving a note with the old-time proverb, "Exchange is no robbery." A good meal was ap- parently partaken of, arid, refreshed by this, the enterprising burglars proceeded to the dining- room, where they annexed all the plate that could be feiund and wrapped it in a tablecloth, and as a tricycle and bicycle ware afterwards found missing, they no doubt availed themselves of these con- venient vahicles for the carriage of the booty. Apparently they were alarmed, as most of the silver was found it* the kitchen, ready for removjj, and almost the whole of the remainder was dis- covered the nexfi morning hidden behind a wall. A watch detached from a motor-cycle waiataken, and, in addition to the feast in the kitchen* the thieves took biscuits, wine and some fruit in the dining-room, also sucking half-a-dozen egg*, leav- ing the shells as eviden.oe of the consumption of their contents. About half-past seven in the morn- ing the slumbering household awoke to the fact that there had been straager-s in the house, and, judging b,y the soundness of their sleep, they wero very fortunate in not having the ple stripped, owing to the iiit-ervention of some outside agency which alarmed the burglars. On Saturday morn- ing the two cycles were recovered in the ground of tho Birkenhead Park Football Club, having evi- d'tttlv been hurled over the 8Jt. hoarding which surrounds the ground. In the giound was also found the remainder of the stolen goods, and we understand that everything has been recovered except the watch taken from, the motor-ear and. a bicycle lamp.
CHESTER ATTACKED.I -- - -
CHESTER ATTACKED. I VOLUNTEER CYOLIST MANOEUVRES. I Important volunteer cyclist mamBuvres were conducted in Cheshire during the Easter holidays. Chester people will be surprised to learn that on Good Friday the oity was attacked, an ex- perience it has not undergone sinoe the time of the Stuarts. The opposing forces were named "white" and "red." The "whites" had landed at Liverpool, and were already in possession of the oountry north of the Mersey. Lacking horses and guns the main body of the invading "white" army was unable for the present to advance. As a matter of faot, the only mobile forces available for scouting or raiding purposes were the cyclists. So the cyclists were sent southwards to do what execution they were able. The might and strength of the British Empire, by a singular coin- cidence, were equally unready to repel the inva- sion. The "red" force, upon whom the safety of the country depended, was being mobilised as quickly as possible in the Midland counties. But the Army was not yet prepared to take the field. Tha "reds," being thus, perforoe, in a position of masterly inactivity, determined to push forward their cyclists also. The main business of these latter was to reconnoitre and discover the where- abouts of the enemy. But they were further con- cerned in affording protection to Chester, where a large quantity of military stores was supposed to be stored. This is how it oame about on Friday that the cyclists of the two imaginary armies had the conduct of of hostilities in their own hands. Starting from Aigburth Church in the morning the whites" crossed Runcorn Bridge with- out opposition, and it was not until they reached Frodsham that they came in touch with the defenders. Here their onward march was re- sisted with conspicuous gallantry by a detachment of the reds," who had taken up a strong position. It is doubtful if the "whites" would have been able to dislodge them, but in order that progress might be made, the umpire ordered the reds to fall back on Helsby. Hero the "cease fire" was sounded. It would be difficult to say which side the victory lay with. The "red" force was under the command of Major D. Abercrombie, 3rd V.B. Cheshire, and Captain Burnett. 3rd V.B. Cheshire Regiment, was staff officer. The "red force was composed as follows:—No. 1 Company, 1st V.B. Cheshire Regiment, Capt. E. W. Morrie,c. commanding; No 2 Company, End and 4th V.B. Cheshire Regiment. Captain L. C. Lake commanding; No. 3 Company, 3rd V.B. Cheshiro Regiment, Lieut. T. L. Fennell com- manding; No. 4 Company, 1st V.B. Lancashire Fusiliers, 1st and 2nd V.B. South Lancashire Regiments, Second-Lieut. R. Mc. M. Roberts, 1st V.B. South Lancashire Regiment commanding; No. 5 Company, 1st and 5th V.B. Manchester Regiments; No. 6 Company. 3rd V.B. South Staffordshire Regiment, and 2nd V.B. North Staffordshire Regiment, senior officer to command. The Whito Force was commanded by Major G. F. Allender, 1st V.B. Liverpool Regiment, with Captain Fairclough, 1st V.B. Liverpool Regiment, as staff officer, and consisted of—No. 1 Company: 1st V.B. Liverpool Regiment, Captain Molyneux commanding; No. 2 Company: 2nd and 4th V.B. Liverpool Regiments, Captain Fisher command- ing; iNo. 3 Company: 5eh V.B. Liverpool Regi- ment, Lieut. E. A. Davies commanding; No. 4 company: 6th and 8th V.B. Liverpool Regiments, Lieut. Dovonor commanding; No. 5 Company: 3rd V.B. Liverpool Regiment: Captain A. Campbell commanding; while Surgeon-Captain K. N. Monsarrat, 1st V.B. Liverpool Regiment, was the medical officer of the White Force. The umpiro was Colonel E. R. Courtcnay, chief staff officer, North-Western District, and the orderly officer was Captain T. T. Vernon, 4th V.B. Liver- pool Regiment. The assistant umpires were Captain R. P. Fox, adjutant 1st V.B. Liverpool Regiment: Captain W. Martin-Leake, adjutant 2nd V.B. the Cheshire Regiment; Captain A. H. Bathhurst. adjutant 3rd V.B. the Cheshire Regi- ment; and Captain A. F. Bundcock, adjutant 1st V.B. the South Lancashire Regiment. The cyclists of the 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment formed part of No. 2 Company of the red force, under the com- mand of Captain L. C. Lake, 4th V.B. Cheshire Regiment. At the conclusion of Friday's operations the two forces amicably made their way to Chester, where they were comfortably quartered. A lecture on reconnaisance was given in the evening in St. Michael's Hall by Col. Courtenay to the officers. I SATURDAY'S OPERATIONS. I The manoeuvres were resumed on Saturday.. The White force was supposed to be in bivouac near Grosvenor Park, and the Red force was holding Chester Castle. The White" force found their retreat to Liverpool cut off, and as they were hampered by a number of wounded, their GOlll- mander decided to retreat on Rhyl, in the hope of embarking on "White" cruisers that were off the coast. A White convoy was observed to leave Chester at 7.30 a.m., and the "Red" force were allowed to start in pursuit about ten o'clock. Major Abercrombie, commanding the Reds," detailed a flying column to ride off through Hawarden, under the command of Captain Morrice, to secure the flank, and attack the convoy between Flint and Bagillt. Another oompany, under Captain Lcwe, was detailed from the main force as a support to Captain Morrice, and instructed to engago the enemy by using the side roads. In the meantime the general body of the Reds" were jumping on the enemy's heels, and the ad- vance guard under Captain Lake came upon the rearguards of the "Whites at Queen's Ferry, com- pletely taking. them by surprise. The "Reds" were checked here by the umpire, and when they were permitted to continue, they worried the enemy so much that they did not attempt to take up a commanding position at all. The two forces came in contact at Connah's Quay. At Flint, according to the scheduled time, the Reds" were ahead of the enemy, and at Bagillt they were 20, minutes ahead. lhe" Whites" took up a strong. positIOn at the latter place, but were driven out. The "Reds" made a holding attack on the right, and enabled their flying columns on the left, hank to work round the anemy. In addition a. strong force was detached, and sent round under cower of the railway embankment on the far side, and they succeeded in getting right behind the" Whites." At this stage "cease fire" was sounded. The operations were cleverly carried out, and the umpire (Colonel Courtenay) warmly congratulated both forces. I CHURCH PARADE. I Church parades were held both at Chester and Rhyl on Sunday,, the "red force, which was billoted at Chester, attending the Cathedral The latter mustered 250 strong on the Castle Square at • 9.45, a.m., under the command of Major D. Aber- crombie, 3rd Cheshire, and Captain V. L. Burnett (Manchester Artillery) as staff officer. This ("red") force was representative of the following Volunteer Battalions: -1st Cheshire (Birkenhead), 2nd Cheshire (Chester), 3rd Cheshire (Knutsford), 4th Cheshire (Stockport), 1st and 2nd South Lan- cashire (Warrington and St. Helens). 1st Lan- cashire Fusiliers (Bury), 2nd South Staffordshire (^Wolverhampton), Srd North Staffordshire (Bur- ton-on-Trent), 3rd Liverpool (Southport), and 1st and 6th Manchester (Wigan and Oldham). The other ofifcers present included Captain Morrioe and Lieut. Beckett (1st Cheshire), Capt. Lake (4th Cheshire) Capt. Campbell and Lieut Campbell (Liverpool), Capt. Lowe (South Staffordshire), Lieut. Musgrave (2nd Cheshire), and Lieut. Feundl (3rd Chœhire). They marched to the Catiaedral m cyclist unifor. headed by the band of the 2nd V.B.C.R., and looking as smart a body of soldiers as one could wish to see. They occu- pied seats reserved for them in the nave while the service, full of exquisite music, beautifully and impressively rendered, proceeded: The Very Rev. the Dean. of Chester preached, an appropriate ser- mono After the service the Volunteers left the Cathedral by the west door and lined up on the Market Square. Again led by the band, and ac- companied by a orowd of interested civilians, they marched back to the Castle Square, where they were dismissed for the rf1mHin"r "f fh" rlu i' I IMPORTANT RECONNA TKA NPK FRONT OF THIRTY MILES COVERED. I n'1 11 1'J" I ne wmte and nxL forces, after unccm- promisingly carrying on hostilities i on Good Friday and Saturday, renewed their friendship on the latter afternoon when the "cease fire" sounded and the "whites were billbted at Rhyl, wldt:, the ^d-s took up their quarters at Chester. On Bank Holiday the two forces combined and portormed a difficult movement under the &uper- vision of Colonel Courteruav, chief staff oifieer North-Western District The task set the- lord was to reconnoitre all ifrat part of Cheshire that ties north of Chester from the sea on the w:d. to 'v v" the road from North>vu;h. to Warrmgioix, on the east. As on the previous days, a stiff breeae pre- vailed, but it was partiy in favour of tin,, cyclists, ine operations oomm-erired at 11 a.m. A recon- naissance of Monday's, character is deprj-.ied of the excitement attending, the blazing away izf blank cartridges when two opposing forces meet, but it is perhaps the most. instructive manteuvre that Volunteer cyclista can undertake. Companies were in position as follows. at the start:—The whole of the "white" force, at Queen's Ferry except No 6 Company; No. 1 Company ("red" force), Chester No. 2.Company ("red"). Stamford Bridge on Watling- itreot:; No. 3 Compaiiy-("red"), cross- roads south of Ash ton; No. 4 Compaay ("red") Abbey Arms Inn. No. 5 Company ("white."), Sandaway Lodge, No. 5 Company Nort-h- wich Castle; 6 Company ("red"). Chester. An idea of the extensive natuw. of the operations- will be gathered- when it is stated that a front of no less than 30 miles was covered by the 500 men engaged, and: hÐ commanding oScer ?XP?d himsel F very  w?t  t? e S oient n?n- himself very AeXi satisfied W7tU: th efficient nym- ner in wmck the operatione, wore* conducted. At one o'clock each company west of Chester com- municated by letter with the company on, its fAs A &t!a.lf officer was with No. 1 Company ("red" force) at Whitby t4. receive thess reports In the same way companies -fr.st of Chester 1lù- ported to the officer commanding, who. was at Helsby between, one and two o'clock. The various companies kept excellent tovech with one another, and whea Colonel Oou-rteaay was driven in a raotor-ear by Captain-, Vernon, 4th T:B. Liver- pool, along the lino faoni Stretton on the east to the south of Arrowo Park on the west, he found that tho companies had kept well up to the scheduled time. Accompanying Col. Courtenay were Capt. Evelyn, Wood, D.S.O., D.A.A. General North-Western District, and Capt. Pearoe- Se-Iocold, also of fihes staff. COIOJI^I C'.ourtenay in- formed our representative that the three davs' operations had beea very staocesaful, all ranks having shewn much intelligence in the perform- ance of their duties. Monday's, scheme would have been aimoult, he said. for regular troops. I The firing discipline on the first two days had not been quite so good as it might have been, and there were other minor defects, but on the whole he was pleased with th& nianceun-res. The opera- tions had demonstrated the importance of Volun- teer cycbats practising in large bodies.
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DEATII OF A PRINCESS.
DEATII OF A PRINCESS. We regret to record the death of Princess Edward of Saxe- Weimar, who passed peacefully, away early on Sunday morning, at her residence, 16, Portland- place, W. Her Highness, who succumbed to bron- chial pneumonia, was taken ill about twelve days ago, but was making satisfactory progress till Wednesday, when there was an unexpected change for the worse. Despite the attentions of Sir Thomas Barlow and Dr. Lyue Stivens, and the devoted nursing of her only surviving sister, the Gountess of Lucan, her condition gradually became graver, and on Saturday all hope of her recovery. was abandoned. During her illness the King and Queen frequently sent telegrams of inquiry, and the Prince and Princess of Wales were also kept constantly informed as to the progress of the distinguished patient. Their Majesties, their Royal Highnesses, and Princess Christian on Sunday sent messages of condolence to Lady Lucan. Lady Lucan and Dr. Stivens were with the Princess at the last- Her Highness, who was the sister of the late Duke of Richmond and the aunt of the present holder of- that title, was born in 1827, and married Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar in 1851. The match was regarded as one of the romances of the period, as it involved the renunciation by her husband of his chances of succeeding to the Grand-Dacal throne of Saxe- Weimar, and it was not till some time after the nuptials that Que,en Victoria granted to the bnde the right to bear his name and title. The. alliance, which was the outcome of a strong mutual affection, was a singularly felicitous one, for though their Highnesses were not blessed with children, their life together passed without a cloud, and was prolonged for upwards of half a century. They were both exceedingly popular in London society, their hospitalities at Portland-place being a feature of the season while they also had a house at Korth Berwick, where, especially of: lato years, they spent. a great deal of time, and entertained many Royal personages and other distinguished people who were travelling to or from the Highlands. Since the death of her husband, which ocourred in 1902, the Princess has led a. very retired life.
APRiL WEDDINGS. o-
APRiL WEDDINGS. o- UNPRECEDENTED LIST OF SOCIETY FUNCTIONS. An unprecedented number of society marriages* are to be celebrated this month. A large proportion, of over 200 which may be counted will take place in London at the leading West End churches. In respect of numbers, St. George's, Hanover square, is an easy first, and closely followed by St. Peter's Eaton-square, St. Mary Abbot's Church, Kensing.. ton, St. Margaret's, Westminster, St. Paul's, Knightabridgo, St. Peter's, Cranley-gardens, Holy Trinity, Chelsea, and Christ Church, Lancaster- gate. The list includes the daughter of a Duke. a Bishop, a Dean. two daughters of Barons, and four daughters of M. P.'s two sons of Earls, three sons, of Baronets, and two sons of M.P. 's; also thirty- three military men (seven being D.S.O. 's). six naval officers, six medical men, eight clergymen, five members of the legal profession, and several sons of J.P.'s. Several important functions have also been ar- ranged to take place at Roman Catholic churches. The wedding of the month takes place at St. Peter's, Eaton-square, on the 23rd, the happy pair being Viscount ingestre, R.H.G., only son of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot, and Miss Winnie Paget, Lady Alexander Paget's daughter. Among other interesting events are the following The Rev. Cyril Alington,. master at Eton. and the Hon. Hester Lyttleton, half-sister of Lord Cobham, on Tuesday, in London. The Rev. Lionel Ford, headmaster at Repton, and Miss Mary Talbot, daughter of the Bishop of Rochester, on Wednesday, at St. Saviour's Church, Southwark. il War d On the 14th, Lieutenant the Hon. Cyril Ward, R.N., brother of the Earl of Dudley, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, will be married to Bareness Irene de Brienen. daughter of the late Baron and Baroness. de Brienen. On the same day Major Charles Cochran, Grena- dier Guards, weds Miss Winifred Ricardo, Colonel. Horace Ricardo's daughter, at the Guards' Chapel, t the Guar d Ei' Chapel and Major A. W. McDonald, D.S.O., and Mrs. Berry, widow of Mr. J. C. Berry, C.I.E., will be married at St. James's, Spanish-place. A large crowd is expected at St. Margaret's, Westminster, on the 18th, when Mr.. William Cooper, 17th Hussars, weds Miss Lettice Long, daughter of the Right Hon. Walter Long, M.P. The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk will be present in the private chapel at Everingham, where they were recently married, on the 20th, when the Duchess's sister, the Hon. Angela Conatahle Max- well is to be married to the Hon. Eric Drummond,, brother of Lord Strathallan. On the same afternoon, in the private chapel at. Antrim Castle, the Hon. Ethel Skefiington. Lord. and Lady Massereene's daughter, will marry Mr. R. A. de A. Willis. Another interesting wedding of the month will, be that of Brodie of Brodie, grandson of the second. Earl of Ducie, to Miss Violet Hope, who is first, cousin to the Countess of Kerry. This is fixed for April 28. Ian Ashley Moretou Brodie is a son of. Lady Eleanor Brodie, and has served in,the Scots Guards, and with Lord Lovat's Scouts during the South African war. The last of thse smart functions, coming on the- ■last day of the month, will be the wedding of Mr. W. M. Beck with, of the Coldstream Guards, and. Lady Muriel Gordon-Lennox, third daughter of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon.
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At South-west London on Twssday, George Arthnr Ritson (33). traveller, was remanded on formal evidence, charged with shootinsr with intoat to murder his former sweetheart, Florence Rovle a nursery governess, on Tooting Common on Thursday. Prosecutrix alleges the accused approached and fired at her, two buJtets taking effect. He then decamped and was. arrested at his home at Man- chester on Monday, Mte Boyle is atm wuftned to bed,