Courier and Middlesex Counties Courier Gazette from London, Greater London, England • Page 2

The Courier London 25, 1890 THE NEW GAS GUN. A NOTEWORTHY IBVENXIOS. At the headquarters of the London Scottish Rifles some interesting experiments were the other conducted with M. Paul Giffard's appli- the employment of liquefied gas as an to be more strictly accnrate, one should say as a means of propelling place of gunpowder. M.

Paul scientific reputation as inventor of the pneumatic tube, and of the Giff atd injector," so largely used in connection with steam power, stands so high that any invention to which his name was attached would be worthy of attentive consideration. The weapon now introduced by him, however, is something more than an ingenious ia a discovery which not only promises to revolutionise the gun- makera' art, bnt is applicable also to many other purposes as a motive power. Those who are interested in the Giffard gun claim that it is the military weapon of the future, and rightB of manufacture for this purpose are said to have been ceded to the French Government. The idea of using liquefied carbonic acid gas as a propulsive power is not new, but Giffard is the first who has turned it to piactioal account. The gas-gun is a model of simplicity, so far as one can judge without examination of the discharging mechanism, in which much of the merit of M.

Giffard's invention lies. A small cylinder, called a cartouche, is attached to the barrel of a rifle or smooth-bore gun. This cylinder contains liquefied gas enough to discharge 220 shots, equal to about of an ordinary service rifle, with a velocity. sufficient to kill at 600 yards. There is no other explosive.

The pellet is simply dropped into an aperture of the barrel, which is hermetically closed by pressing a small lever, and the loading is When the trigger Is pressed a small quantity of liquefied gas becomes released and expands in the breech chamber. There is no louder report than the drawing of a champagne cork makes; no smoke, and no fooling of the barrel. In all these respects M. Giffard's gas gun seems to fulfil the requirements of an ideal weapon for warfare; but whether in other respects liquefied gas has advantages over ordinary explosives for military purposes remains to be proved. The inventor says there would be no difficulty in refilling the cylinders with gas on the battle-field; but it is obvious, even if that be the case, that reserve cylinders would have to be supplied to each man, in order to make up the number of rounds now thought to be necessary, and as bnlletB would of necessity be carried in addition, the ammunition for a gas-gun would weigh just as much as ordinary cartridges, weight for weight.

Moreover, mnch time would be lost in exchanging one cylinder for another, as they must be screwed very tight to prevent an escape of gas and consequent loss of power. This, as every tactician will see, is a very serious objection, but it does not apply to sporting guns, for which liquefied gas as applied by Mr. Giffard, may very well replace all explosives hitb 'erta As to merits of the invention in this respect there seems to be no diversity of opinion among experts; and as Messrs. Colt have purchased the American rights for a sum of £200,000, it is evident, that they attach great value to the principle of M. Giffard's discovery, if not to the weapon in its present form.

SINGULAR SCENE IN A CHAPEL. An extraordinary scene was witnessed on Sunday test at the Strict Baptist Chapel of Chelmondeston, a viloge about six miles from Ipswich. For some time past the minister (tbe Bev. J. Cordle) ha-i been at variance with some of the leading members of his congregation.

It is said that the dispute began with the singing at a Sunday-school meeting of some of Sankey's hymns, which were in the pastor's opinion heretical. However this may have been, the result was that 10 or 12 of the old members were practically shut out from the churcb-fellow- ship. Two of these members, who were formerly Jeacons, gave notice of church meeting for Sunday morning after Diviae worship, and were accordingly present with a considerable following of friends. Directly tho service was concluded, however, pastor read a statement to tbe effect that be had taken legal advice, and that all persons guilty of riotous behaviour would be dealt with according to law. The, senior deacon thereupon asked whether the service was concluded.

The who evidently considered that he was legally safe so long as service, was in progress, teplied that it was not. By way of bridging over the interval between twolve and two o'clock (the tatter being the hour for the afternoon service), he called down the school children, catechised them, r.nd induced them to a number of hymns on the promise that they should hereafter be rewarded with a treaS of tea and cake. In about three- quarters of an hour tbe children were dismissed, and the minister started a prayer meering. Several members led the rebellious congregation in prayer, and in tbe meantime the deacons and their friends were Sending out for bags of biscuits and buns to make up for the dinner, were sacrificing. When the prayer meeting was over, the minister said they would spend a few q-iiet moments and then he would give them an address.

The announcement aroused intense indignation among the hungry dissentients, more especially as the minister spent his few quiet moments in munching bniscnits. Ope of the deacons called out shame with great emphasis, and an old lady quoted the text, Vengeance is mine sailh the Lord, and I will repay it," adding, And I believe He will." The minister took lor bis text, however, tbe words, I am the good Shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine," and preached at the old members for three-quarters of an hour. He was frequently interrupted, and on each occasion he took ostentatious note of the words used. At two o'clock the des- sentient went home to dine, leaving a funeral service to proceed qnietly, but tbey returned in force when it was over, and a scene of most shameful disorder followed. A resolution was passed calling upon Mr.

Cerdle to resign because of the low condition of the oburch, and the brethren, after making many appeals to each other's Christian generosity, fell out all round, some calling their brethren." sneaking slinks," liars," and rongues." In' the midst of the hubbub minister went after the village policeman, bat that functionary refused to interfere, and the squabble continued for nearly an hour, the disputants adjourning from the chapel to the vestry, and winding up in the burial ground. The villagers and school children gathered around in large numbers. Tho end of it was that Mi. Cordle locked up the building directly the chance occurred, and threatened to take immediate legal proceedings against the offenders. TRAGEDY AT GLASGOW.

With the beginning of tho Glasgow fair holidays on Saturday a horrible tragedy occurred in Salt- market, Glasgow. In the morning two policemen were summoned to a lodging-bouse at the Salt- market, and on entering found the proprietor, Thomas Kane, lying deid. The man had been stabbed deep on the rifcht breast, while his head was terribly hacked, there being no fewer than 12 wounds. The body, which was warm, was removed to the police-stat iou mortuary. It appears that a quarrel took place between tbe deceased and a cripple named Thomas M'Gribben, and a fight ensuing it is alleged that M'Gribben, seeing he was going to be overpowered, stabbed Kane, who rapidly Buccumbed.

M'GSbben was apprehended on a of murder. IJoih men, it is stated, were under tbe influence of dtin's at t- time. JUDGE MATHEWS ON EVIDENCE. Mr. Justice Mitliews, in charging the grand jury at the lioflmin on referred to the probable oE legislation to enable prisoners, if they thought fit, to give evidence on their own behalf, and said it was singular we should have jjona on for fo many centuries dealing with questions affecting life and liberty, and had not acted on the rm-xim of bearing both sides.

The change would be justified by the fact that it would be a great protcc-'on to an innocent man, but be doubted whether it would improve the c'-mnces of criminals who ought to be convicted. Intelligent juries sometimes made mistakes, and treated persons as men of good character who did not deserve to be to regarded. A court of criminal appeal was a needed reform and would be ot special advantage in Clearing up points of doubt and uncertainty. At the meeting of the London School Board it was stated that the total outlay in connection with the pianos to purchased would represent a capita) gum of about £0,250, A ROMANTIC BORDER MARRIAGE. On Wednesday and Thursday Sheriff Gabble was engaged in chambers at Dumbarton Sheriff Court hearing proof in an action at the instance Darn-, barton Parish againBt Old Kilpatrick Parish, to establish tbe settlement of a woman named Mrs.

Jenkins or White. The chief points in the case are whether Jenkins was married to a man named William White, and whether she was deserted. If she was married to White her settlement is in Old Kilpatrick if not, it is in Dumbarton, and Dumbarton alleges there was an irregular marriage according to tbe law of Scotland; Old Kilpatriok denies this. Mr. Alexander Roberta, town-clerk of Dumbarton, appeared for Dumbarton Parish; and Mr.

Robert M'Farlan, writer, Dumbarton, was the agent for Old Kilpatrick Parish. Mrs. Jenkins or White, examined by Mr. Roberts, said she was 46 years of ace, and at present an inmate of Dumbarton Combination Poorhouse. She bad been married to Mr.

Joseph Jenkins, and had resided with bim at Towneend, Dumbarton, and afterwards in Coldingham, Berwickshire. Her husband died in Ooldingbam. She shortly afterwards became acquainted with William White, a basket- maker, and known in the Border district as the youngest eon of the Border King of the Basket- makers." White courted her, and tney arranged to be married. Tbe marriage ceremony took place at Flemington Inn. The ceremony was performed by a man named James Ferguson, better known as German Jim," and was of a religious nature.

She considered the ceremony a correct one. She was asked if Bhe wonld "take this man to be her lawful husband," and she had, of course, answered "yes." White had also answered similarly when asked if be wonld "take this woman to be his lawful wedded wife." White.took a ring out of tris pocket -and placed it on her finger, and Ferguson concluded tbe ceremony by offering np a prayer. All the party were sober. A document was drawn up and signed by all present. Shown this marriage certificate, witness recognised her own handwriting.

She never received a copy of this certificate, although promised it. After the ceremony White came to live with her in Coldingham. Shortly after the marriage, and on her hustand's suggestion, his cousin, Elizabeth Kennedy, was introduced into the house as servant. Before this girl had been there long witness suspected familiarities between her husband and her. These intimacies were continued all but openly, and when they left Coldingham a few months after the marriage to go to Cbirnside the girl also came.

Witness's life at Chirnside was most miserable, and after a time she left her husband, giving him as a reason that he appeared fonder of tbe servant than of her, and that one wife in a house was plenty. On leaving she returned her husband the marriage ring. She came to Dumbarton, and money running short she attempted to get work in the printfields. Being unsuccessful, she bought laudanum, went to Dumbuck Wood, and attempted to commit suicide by swallowing the laudanum. She was discovered lying there, and taken to Dumbarton Poothouse.

James Ferguson, alias German Jim stout, fresh cemplexioncd individual, and a shoemaker by he was introduced to the party by White in a Berwick publicThouse. White said he wished to be married, and witness asked where tbe contracting parties came from, and whether one of the parties had resided for 21 days in the kingdom of being necesBary before such a marriage could.take place. As tbe marriage could not legally be celebrated in Berwiok, the party drove to Lamberton toll. Being unsuccessful in obtaining a room here, they went farther on, and entered Flemington Inn. There were present the contracting parties, himself, White's brother and sister, and the coachman.

He performed the service of the Oburch of England. Both parties made the responses readily. He finished by offering up prayer. The marriage was performed with solemnity and in all seriousness, and the parties were in a condition to know perfectly well what they were doing. He drew out a certificate, which was signed by all.

Shown certificate, witness identified it as that which he made out. were served, but the party all left the Inn sober. Witness said that bis fee for mnrrying a couple was 7s. 6d. Harry Smith, a friend of the previous witness, said he acted as clerk at the The party were all tinder tbe influence of drink when they entered tho inn.

Witness said he had much drink, and he could not recollect of signing any certificate. Shown certificate, witness said he could swear to the 'Arry as being in his handwriting, but the Smith was considerably mixed. Witness gave a graphic account of the marriage ceremony. It was the first of tbe kind he bad ever been at. "German Jim," whom he styled The Bishop of Lamberton Toll," was specially got up for the occasion with tall hat and white tie.

When the priest came to the part Whom God hath joined let no man put asunder," witness said It's a wonder God Almighty does not strike us all dead." The Sheriff: Let me understand this. Did the parties contt acting this marriage understand what they were about Witness (emphatically): Most deoidedly. They knew, perfectly what they were doing. There was; no part of the ceremony omitted. It was performed without a hitch, and as solemnly as if by the Bishop of Canterbury.

Other witnesses were examined to prove that the marriage took place, and that the parties thereafter lived together aB man and introducing her to neighbours as his wife, and sneaking of her as Mrs. White. James Campbell, proprietor of the Black Swan Inn at-Berwick, was the first witness examined for defenders. He said the party had drink in his house, and the priest" also bad some. He looked upon the 'whole affair in the light of a spree.

The parties, however, appeared to be able to realise quite well what they were about. After a number of other witnesses had been examined, Elizabeth Kennedv was called. She said she was White's cousin, and bad at his request come to live with him and the woman Jenkins at, Coldingham. Mrs. Jenkins was not White's wife.

She had never heard hor referred to as such, and she had heard of no marriage. White's sister was next examined. She was with the party on the day in question. They were all drunk with the exception of herself. They were in Flemington Inn, but there was no marriage, nor any mention of marriage.

They were refused drink in the inn after a time, and after having some jollifications outside the party returned to Berwick, leaving William White and Mrs. Jenkins under the influence of liquor. She had never once heard of Mrs. JenkinB being her brother's wife, or of any marriage whatever, until she heard of this case. William White himself was next examined.

He said he was 28 years of age, and a basket maker. He remembered going to Berwick with the rest of tbe party on the day in question. Tbey had all much drink, and they had met German Jim and Harry Smith, but there had been no wedding. They were only out foi a jollification. He had never introduced her to anyone as his wife.

After the day in question he lived with her, but that was because bis tatber doi-ied him admittance to his house. Witness denied the story of the alleged marriage given by pursuer's witnesses in almost every particular. The first time he heard that he was said to have married Mrs. Jenkins was when he was interviewed in Fifeshire by tbe Old Kilpatrick inspector. The inspector did not then threaten legal proceedings against him for deserting his wife.

No one bad told him he would be imprisoned if it was proved that he had married Mrs. Jenkins. Further hearing was adjourned. SERIOUS ARTILLERY ACCIDENT GERMANY. A Bbell explosion, attended by serious results, occurred on Saturday, on the artillery practice ground at Kummersdorf.

A number of artillerymen were employed in hoisting a shell by means of a crane, when something went wrong with the latter, and the shell dropped, exploding instantly, and at tbe same time causing a shrapnel close by to explode. When the smoko had cleared away it was found that two officers and 16 privates were lying on the ground bathed in blood. Some of the men, however, were only slightly hurt, but Naval Lieutenant Count Monts, Captain Bordau, and seven of the gunners were terribly wounded, while one of the privates was killed on the Bpot. Count Monts, as the result of his injuries, bos been obliged to have a leg amputated. The War OffioB ordered an ioqairy to be wade into the affair, SENSATIONAL INCIDENT AT AN INQUEST The body of a man was found in the Medway on evening, and Wakefield, one of the Rochester city constables, was deputed to summon a jury.

When the coroner commenced the investigation on Tuesday morning one of the jurymen asked Wakefield whether the body had been identified, and he replied in the negative, adding I don't suppose it will be, as it is considerably decomposes." A juror, however, was curious enough to scan the, features of the deceased olosely, when he declared it to be Wakefield's own son. This unexpected discovery created considerable sensation in court, BUILDING SOCIETY FRAUDS. James Glenn, late secretary of the Belfast Union Building Society, pleaded guilty at Belfast on Tuesday, before Lord Justice FitzGlbbon, to embezzling £25,000, tbe property of that society. Counsel made an urgent appeal for meroy on behalf of the lordship said he wonld consider the case. Prisoner was afterwards sentenced to five years' penal servitude.

Thomas Dennison, secretary to the Onward Building Society, Darlington, surrendered at the Durham Assizes on Tuesday, to answer a charge of having embezzled £296 13s. 91., belonging to the society, in November, 1888. Five other indictments charged the accused with embezzling similar sums of money and falsifying the hooka of the The prisoner pleaded guilty. A charge of attempted suicide was Waddy addressed the Court in mitigation of punishment, and gave the assurance that not a penny of the money reached the prisoner's hands, but had been appropriated by another Justice Wills believed thai the prisoner had. been an accessory, and sentenced him to font months' imprisonment.

THE INSURANCE OF CHILDREN. The Select Committee of the House of Lords on the Infant Life Insurance Bill, whioh has been promoted by the Bishop of Peterborough, continued its sittings on Tuesday, under the presidency of the Bishop of Peterborough, Mr. E. Hooper, coroner for the West Bromwich district of Staffordshire; said his opinion was that industrial insurance of the working classes was a distinct and great benefit. He had no hesitation in saying that he did not consider that infantile insurance was conducive to neglect on the part of parents with the object ot putting them away in order to receive the insurance money.

His observations led him to state that npon an average the sum of 50s. was generally paid by the insurance companies upon tbe death of a child, and so far as he had been able to ascertain the whole of tbe money was spent on the funeral. ALLEGED ATTEMPT TO MURDER A SHERIFF'S OFFICER. Thomas Cox, aged 45, described as an artist, bi 49, Southampton-row, was charged at Bow-street Police-court, London, on Tuesday, with feloniously discharging a loaded revolver at John Tricker, sheriff's officer, with intent to do him grievous bodily prisoner is well-known at this court, and has repeatedly appeared in litigation in connection with the recovery of rates and other proceedings relating to the house in question. It was on the same premises that the alleged assault by Peacock Tricker deposed that about twelve o'clock on Tuesday, he went to 49, Witness told the prisoner that he was a sheriffs officer.

The prisoner went into a room at the bottom of the stairs and opened a bag. Witness was standing within three yards of the prisoner, and said, Take that," and immediately witness saw a flash and heard the report of a revolver. The prisoner then rushed downstairs. Witness followed and found that the prisoner had been Cross-examined by the defendant, witness admitted, that something was said about the rent being paid. He beard nothing of tbe prisoner oomplaining about an illegal Vanghan said he could not go into that question, as the sheriff was entitled tc (to witness): Did I fire atfm I saw the I wasgoing to kill myself, not you.

(Excitedly): I am no-mfil'-! derer of such as yon. Did I not say, The end hat' come, and I may as well go. I have a right to shoot Fudge, 116 deposed that he heard the report of firearms in tbe house. He went inside and saw a man with a revolvei pointed down the stairs. He ran up and seized the man's hand, and took the revolver away.

He could not say from whose hand he took it. He handed tbe weapon to the sheriff's officer, who said he would charge the prisoner. On the way to the station prisoner said, "Yon I ought to have shot 25 of yon, as there are 25 more bullets at home, and rive in the pistol." At the station, in answer to the charge, prisoner eaid, "It's a He was very Vanghan: Have you any questions to ask this witness Prisoner: I'll leave that man to God Almighty; I cannot take him on at an7 price. What I said at the station I say now. Vanghan remanded the prisoner, bail being refused.

STRANGE FORM OF LUNACY. Professor Krafft Ebing, the famous specialist in mental diseases, in a book just published devotes a long chapter to an interesting case which came before an Austrian court of justice about a year ago; and, without attempting to explain its causes, says that it would be well for doctors to take note of it. In November, 1889, the father-in-law of Count Sander Vay accused the latter of having obtained from him 800 Serins under false preteaces, Tbe trial showed not only that this was quite true, but that Count Vay bad forged documents, and had conoluded a sham marriage with the pro-, sector's daughter, being in reality not a man at all, but tbe Countess Sarolta Vay, who bad for years passed herself off for a roan by wearing man's clothes. The Countess Sarolta's father, a spendthrift, who ran through a million and a half of florins, brought np his children as his crazy mind dictated. The girl went as a boy, and the boy as a girl.

When the boy reached 15 he became a cadet, and the comedy ended for him. Not so with? Sarolta, who was known as Sandor. Before she was eighteen she drank, smoked, fenced cleverly, spent tbe evenings at cafe's, and had several love affairs. Everybody in Budapest took her for a man. Three years ago Bhe 'made the acquaintance of the daughter of a Government clerk who had just passed her examination as a Bchool- miBtress.

After two years of courting they eloped and were married in Hungary, a false priest officiating, and an intimate friend acting as The pair lived together for six months, until trie, father-in-law, alarmed by the sad state of the "count's" finances, sued him for fraud. It has. not been possible to ascertain whether the wife was really attached to her "husband," or whether the fear of being the object of ridicule kept her quiet. Sarolta Vay was acquitted. She returned- to Budapest, and to her male attire and her habits of smoking and drinking.

She writes for the newspapers, and is not without talent. Her only grief she declares is that she has been robbed of what she calls her lawful wife. The cost of running a train a mile is said to he 2s. 7d. The Servian Minister for Foreign Affairs has teceived anote from the in which the Ottoman' Government declines to give any satisfaction for the recent murder of the Servian Vice-Consul at PriBtina, or to grant any compensation to his widow.

The people of Jersey (saysa News Agency), proceeded to tbe election of a judge under circumstances of peculiar interest. Tbe members of the bench had put forward a candidate, but tbe people resented this attempt at dictation, and, by an over- whelming majority, duly elected a collector of market dues, who is over eighty years of age, to fill the vacant seat on the Bench, Gout has manifested itself in Jacques's right hand, and in such a severe form that he was on Tuesday unable to continue the practice of signing his biographies. The pain also was so great in the night that his sleep was much curtailed. In other respects Jacques is in good condition. Up to Tuesday, when be completed the thirty-second day of his undertaking, be had lost 241b.

9oz. in weight, or 8oz. less than Succi did in the corresponding portion of his 40 days' fast. At ten on Tuesday night Jacques had been without food (ot 7T4 bourr A THIEF ASKS FOE PENAL SERVITUDE. An extraordinary request was made to Mr.

Justice Hawkins at Notts. Assizes. George Smith, aged 24, pleaded guilty to stealing a coat worth £1, and also admitted a previous conviction. Ha said he bad tried to get an honest living, bnt without success. Ho begged bard of the judge to send him for five years' penal servitude, so that he might learn a trade.

Jost ice Hawkins said Buch a sentence would be disproportionate to the offence. He was not there to teach poople trades, and he sentenced the prisoner to eight months' hard labour, suggesting that he should make application to the visiting' justices to see what could be done for him. A DOMESTIC TRAGEDY IN SOUTH CAROLINA. A horrible crime ia reported from Colldon County, in the State of Columbia. A man named Patrick Grant had a quarrel with his wife on Sunday regarding her relations with another man.

Soon after Grant arrived in great baste at the house of one of his wife's relatives, and reported that she bad been fatally burned by the explosion of a lamp. The woman was found by her friends terribly burned, but not quite dead. She tried to Bpeak, but was unable to do so, and soon after succumbed. Grant was arrested on suspicion of having caused her death, but as there was no evidence to justify bis being held he was released and permitted to return home. Soon after reaching bis house bis neighbours heard a shot, and upon entering bis bedchamber they found that he had shot himself with a musket.

BATTLE IN CENTRAL AMERICA. Dispatches received at New York from Mexico report that severe fighting has taken place between the armies of Guatemala and Salvador. The forces of the former State numbered 9,000, while the Salvador army was at least equally large. The fight was of the most sanguinary character, but ended in the defeat of the Guatemalian forces, the Salvador commander-general Eseta following np tbe enemy with such vigour that the retreat soon developed into a rout. The Guatemalian army, which bad crossed into Salvador, fled across the frontier, leaving artillery and camp baggage with the viotors.

General Ezeta is now in Guatemala, proceeding Dy forced marches towards the capital. It is stated that Honduras is allied with Guatemala against Salvador. WHOLESALE POISONING BY A DISCHARGED PARTNER. A case of wholesale poisoning has occurred at Hamburg in tbe household of a merchant named Hoffman. Some time ago, Hoffman, who had traded in partnership with one Rich, found it desirable to dissolve tbe connection.

In revenge for this it is Baid Rich went to Hoffman's bouse and soaked in strychnine some rolls which the baker bad left in the hall. On the members of the family partaking of the bread they were seized with violent pains, but they fortunately ail survived and are rapidly recovering. Rich has been arrested. He feigns insanity. GIVING UP THIS WORLD'S GOODS.

George Bowling, lying under sentence of death in Wandsworth Prison for the wilful murder of Eliza Nightingale, his paramour, at Mitcbam, has sent tbe following letter to his Dear is my.wish that you should have all my property. There should be one iron bedstead, four pictures (two are oil paintings of horses and the others are cheap pictures of Our Saviour, one pail, one large iron saucepan, one ciodk, two Btools, rabbit hutch, watering can, hoc, dibber, long-handle prong and uhort- bandle prong, and two watch-chains. You can claim the little shed, with the exception of the iron on the' top and the back. I forgot to mention the counterpane. There aro four large china plates, two earthenware cups and saucers, and one china ditto.

You are also to take my gravelling chains and irons. I will tell you anything else that I may think of when you come to see me. p.S.—I will let you know which day Mr. Brewer and Henry Manning and wife may come to see affectionate brother, GEOBGE BOWLING. The condemned man, however, cannot give his property to anyone, as it is forfeited to the Crown.

The only way tbe brother could get the things was by the condemned man making a will leaving the property to him. In that case the Crown might forego their rights. Albert, however, was told at the Croydon Poliee-court that if he took possession of the goods it was just possible there would be no difficulty. A HOSPITAL FOR BOOTS AND SHOES. A curious sort of industrial enterprise gives employment to a very large number of hands in a manufactory in Colchester.

It consists in what has been oalled the resurrection of soldiers' cast off shoeleather." Mr. Kavagh, tho proprietor, makes it his business to purchase by contract all the shoes and boots of our home regiments which are deemed to have passed beyond the skill of tbe ordinary cobbler, and such is tbe scientific perfection to which tbe art of boot-repairing is brought that these apparently hopeless we are assured, very soon leave the works again as strong, serviceable, and good-looking specimens of their kind. pairs are treated annually, something a third of the number being broken np to reconstruct tho remainder. The average retail price of these "restored" goods is about three or four shillings. FARMER'S BREACH OF PROMISE.

At tho Norfolk Assizes this week, before Mr. Baron Huddleston, tbe caBe of Shickie v. Warren was heard. It was an action for breach of premise of marriage brought by Miss Nellie Shickie, aged 25, liviDg with her mother at Attleboro, against Mr. J.

J. E. WarreD, a farmer of 40, residing at Besthorpe. Tbe defendant admitted tbe breach of promise and paid £50 into court. Mr.

Blofteld, for the plaintiff, slated that defendant farmed 80 aores of hired land and 40 of his own. He paid marked attention to tbe pleintiff list year, and became her recognised lover. The defendant's mother opposed the match, and he began to show some coolness, and in March last bin solicitor wiote breaking off the engagement. Defendant now stated that he owed his mother £900, and there was a mortgage on biB farm. Mr.

Kemp, C-, on his behalf, held that £60 was sufficient compensation, citing figures to prove that after Warren had met all his liabilities he was cn'y worth £63 63. 81. The jury returned a verdict for £50, in addition to the sum paid into court. A FARMER'S PAINFUL END. A farmer at Hayward's Heath has committed suicide under painful circumstances.

Owing to the wet weather his crop of hay was entirely spoiled. This preyed upon the poor fellow's mind. Going to his housekeeper, he told her that he intended to cat his throat, and suggested that be should first end her life. She knew the mental condition of the unfortunate man, and she escaped him by telling him that she was prepared to commit the deed herself. Givm? her the razor, be went in search of another.

Making her way out of tbe bouse, the housekeeper gave the alarm. When frieDds arrived at the farm they found the farmer's lifeless body at the bottom of a well. His throat was also cut. THE PASSION PLAY AT OBERAMMERGAU. The Burgomaster of Oberammergan has issued a notice in which he says that it is impossible to give a reply to the hundreds of applications for tickets for the performances and for lodgings.

He states that though the theatre is calculated to hold about 4,000 persons, tbe number of visitors often amounts to 7,000, and tbus, though every order will be attended to, no guarantee can be given that seats will be reserved for any certain day. The representation, however, will bo repeated on the following day for tbe benefit of those who fail to get places. Alt seats should be booked at least fourteen days In advance, but these second performances cannot be booked for. Prepayment is expressly forbidden. Those who hava hooked through private persons will be provided with tickets by them, but visitors are warned that, seats in the desired part of the bouse oannot alwajB be guaranteed.

Visitors who have ordered lodjlcgs are also advised to arrive as early as possible, tho first comera stand the best chance of securing lodgings as well as seats at the TOPICS OF THE HOUR. An item of news from Brussels says that Turkey has signed the General Act of the Anti-Slavery Conference. What Holland, a professedly Christian State, with its supposed accumulated hundreds of years of civilisation, refuses to do, Turkey, outside the nominally Christian pale, dees. The latest and most startling piece of intelligence that may lead to Anglo-American complications, if not to the withdrawal of with regard to Heligoland, comes from the United States. We receive it with bated bTeath." It is stated, apparently on the very best authority, that Mr, Richard Mansfield, comedian, was born on the island I Manifestly, the accomplished, actor ought to be communicated with, should the cession of Heligoland to Germany be ratified.

It is announced that the Prime Minister of Newfoundland, now in this country, has offered, on behalf of his Government, to repeal the Bait Acts if Franco will abandon her duties upon the export of fish. Anything which promises a peaceful settlement of this vexing dispute will be heartily welcomed by both political parties, and Lord Salisbury may rely upon tbe general support of the nation in satisfying the just olaims of Fraooe without ignoring the rights of her Majesty's Newfoundland subjects. There is desolation in the heart of many a London nursemaid to-day. The dispatch of the 2nd Battalion of the Grenadier Guards to the Cape will, from this point of view, be a great misfortune. Bat what is tbe London nursemaid's loss will be Africa's gain.

But tbe ordering abroad of the Grenadier Guards appears to be a wild kind of justice, The whole battalion is to be punished for a fault whioh rests from first to last with the officers. At the same time it must be admitted that the officers will feel it most. The carled darlings of London society will be mnoh more out of it" at Barbadoes, Cyprus, or the Cape, than even poor Tommy." Many poople think. the working expenses of industrial insurance companies too high. So they are.

The worker pays per cent, for bis insurance twice or three times the amount paid by the middle or upper class. It is his own fault. The Post Office insurance scheme is open to all, and it might fairly be supplemented by a State grant. Its working expenses are practically nil, its advantages very great. But simply because tho missus does not care to go to the pest-office once a week with the insurance money, its benefits are nezleoted, and an army of one hundred thousand agents perambulates Great Britain, earning a bare subsistence truly, but still a subsistence, by acting as middlemen between the thrift of the poor and its ultimate application.

Some day we may alter all this. Some considerable time ago the Beard of Trade issued what were considered necessary requirements in connection with the working of railway signalling arrangements. The Board cannot' enforce its regulations. It can only keep a note' of those who comply with them and those who do not, and probably this would be brought to light in case of accident. From a recent Board of Trade return it seems that in 9,666 instances the Government requirements are not complied with.

It would be interesting to know why this is so. Do the companies consider them' unreasonable Impracticable they cannot be, for they have been adopted and are in operation in tbe majority of cases. Then why do tbe minority hold out against them? The question is of interest for the public no less than tor tbe railway servants. It is snrely time to consider whether the Board of Trade should not have, more power in enforcing arrangements which are considered for the safety of the public and the protection of railway workmen. Whatever may be the hardships of excessive hours of toil in ordinary callings they must always be felt with exceptional keenness when they are endured by colliers.

Life in a coalpit, apart from tbe restrictions and the danger; incidental to it, is not one which would be voluntarily selected by men who could earn the same amount of wages in some other way. To leave the sunlight and pass most of the day in the gloom of the workings of a coal-mine, and often in positions the reverse of agreeable for the human frame, demands some compensations. It Is not, therefore, surprising that Mr. Burt, the Member for Morpeth, who knows from personal experience what life in a oolliery is, should consider six or Beven hours labour "at the coal-faoe" long enough. That constitutes the Northumberland miner's day, and that, he told the Warwickshire pitmen on Saturday, Is toll enough for them.

He has always advised such workers, whenever the question of time in relation to pay had to be considered, to sacrifice pay rather than increase the hours to be spent in a mine. If there is one thing about which we have plumed ourselves it is that our native alcoholic above all our whisky, whether of Scottish or of Irish indubitably superior to the rubbish in alcoholic guise that came from Germany and Russia, And if there was one superstition more deai to the heart of connoisseurs than another, it was that every year whisky was kept in bond, up to a certain too nicely defined, but somewhere between five years and would steadily improve in quality and get rid of its deleterious elements. These two fundamental principles, as tbey may be called, are Beriously impugned by the evidence just given by Dr. Bell, the chief analytical authority of tho Excise before the Select Committee appointed by the House of Commons to consider bow long whisky and other spirits shonld be kept in bond. Whisky that had been kept in bond for three years was actually found to contain a greater percentage of fusel oil than spirit fresh from the still and German potato spirit is positively declared to be the purest spirit procurable.

Bonding, it seems, does not cause the fusel oil to diminisb, but only affords an opportunity for certain aromatic ethers, that may or may not have an antidotal effect to develop themselves in the spirit. The point upon which no very confident opinion could be tbtained from Dr. Bell was, nr.fortnnately, the central and all- important one, namely, how far any particular spirit is injurious or beneficial to the human syBtem when consumed as a beverage. Dr. Bell's evidence is undoubtedly weighty and startling so far as it goes.

But it wonld be a mistake on the part of tbe public to jump raBbly at conclusions until the committee have heard the whole case. Sir Lyon Playfair, tbe chairman, is himself a chemist of great ability, and be may be trusted to guide their deliberations with more than the little knowledge" that is a dangerous thing." Both in the interests of the home trade and of tbe consumers it is to be hoped that popular illusion on the subjeot will not be ruthlessly uprooted, and our native spirits supplanted by those of foreign origin. There is alarming news from Lincolnshire. As if the farmers bad nnt sufficient anxiety on account of the absence of sunshine and the almost incessant rains of the present inhospitable month, tbey are now threatened with that terrible pest tbe Hessian fly. This insect has a curious history which goes back for at least a hundred years.

It first appeared in America in 1786, shortly after the War of Independence. There are no troops on the British aide so obnoxious to the Colonists as the Hessians, who were let out by their Prince to George III. Either because the New England fanners had such a hatred of these Hessian troops, or, perhaps, because the Hessians were supposed to have brought over the new bug," it was oalled the Hessian fly. In America it has reappeared at intervals, and has caused enormous devastation. It is only too well-known, too, in the south of France, Hungary, and the south of Russia.

The unwelcome visitor first made its appearance in this country about a century ago. Since then it has not been a serious trouble, but five years ago it came again as a visitor, and came to stay. The following year considerable damage was done, and last year the Agricultural Department issued a cautionary circular to farmers, with the object of destroying tbe puparia in the districts where the insect appears. It is generally believed by entomologists that, tbongh tbe insect may do much harm, our winters are too cold and wet to agree with its constitution, and consequently it never can plague ns to tbe extent that it pUguea tbe farmers gj the United fitatea, NOTABILITIES OF THE DAY. Telegrams received in Manchester on Saturday announced the death ot Miss Lydla Ernestine Bscker at Geneva on the previous evening from diphtheria.

She had gone to Switzerland for the benefit of her health and for rest. She was for many years the recognised head of the Women's Suffrage Movement in Manchester, and was a well- known and respected member of the Sohool Board, in the election for which she generally headed the poll, sitting as a representative of the onseotarian party. Mies Becker is perhaps best known as the editress of the Women's Suffrage Journal, in the pages of whioh her advocacy of tbe movement she had so muoh at heart was carried on with vigour. In tbe split which took place in the ranks upon tbe question of "methods" she championed the elder section. Of late years Miss Becker had consequently appeared less prominently In tbe agitation than she did when tbe movement began.

Bhe was one of the pioneers of the cause, and deserves to be held in grateful remembrance by tbe women whose position, socially and legally, she helped to better, for she has been the strenuous champion of the enfranchisement of women, both on tbe platform and in tho Press, for the last twenty-five years. For long she was a regular attendant in the Lobby of tbe House of Commons, 8he was not beautiful; and, perhaps, in her resolute, spectacled face, large square-set figure, and careless dress, a little typified the vulgar idea of the political woman. So she was the subject of many good-natured jests, which probably affeoted her no more than if she had been a Lydia in atone. Withal she was a loyal, unselfish pioneer of her cause, never sparing herself, never missing a chance, or letting a possible recroit go. She wrote well, was the author of a manual in botany, and made an admirable member of the Manchester School Board.

She was a.forcible speaker, too, and she knew her pet subject by heart. A good many who'smiled at her will regret her. On some women's questions Miss Becker was decidedly conservative. Bbe, indeed, in many ways exercised a wise, moderating Influence over her colleagues, and never at any time sympathised with those of her sisters who carried their revolutionary tendencies even into matters of costnme. On one notable occasion when certain dootora denounced the use of stays, she confronted tbem boldly, and maintained that stays were conducive to both health and comfort.

Miss Becker, who was of German descent, was tbe eldest daughter of Mr. H. L. Becker, of Manchester. Lord Harrington and the Duke of Devonshire are staying together at Compton-place, now the residence of the former, at Eastbourne.

Tbe Duke, whose health must always be a matter of tbe deepest interest to the Liberal Unionist Party, is eighty-two, having been born in 1808. His wife, who was daughter ot the sixth Earl of Carlisle, is dead. His Grace is the seventh Duke of Devonshire. In 1829 he was Second Wrangler, and Is now Chancellor of his University (Cambridge). He is patron of forty livings, and master of four bistorio seats, including Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey.

His Irish estates are models of liberal management. lord Brassey, who is 64 years of age, is about to be married a second time. The first Lady Brassey, who wrote The Voyage of the Sunbeam," and who was well-known, died suddenly at sea three years ago. The bride is tbe Hon. Sybil Capsl.

granddaughter of the Earl of Essex, born in 1858, The Capels are descended from a London Alderman, who was Lord Mayor in 1503, and who was one of the victims of the exactions of Henry VII. The Earl of Essex, who was such a conspicuous figure in the Civil War, belonged to an older family, while the Capels fought on the other side. Lord Capel, who attempted to get up a third civil war, was beheaded in Old Palace Yard, ard his sou was created Earl of Essex at the Restoration. Lord Brassey is, as duly announced at the time of bis ennoblement, a descendant of Le Sleur Sohn de Bressey, wbo came over with the Conqnerer. The fortunes, however, and fame of tbe family date from the era of Lord Brassey's father, who made a considerable pile in tho dayB railway construction.

Lord Brassey gained his peerage in 1886. He is the fatber of three daughters, and has one son. The son is married to a daughter of the Marquis of Abergavenny, and his eldest daughter to a grandson of tbe second Earl Manvers. His house in Park-lane is one of the centres of philanthropic enterprise, and has been frequently lent for benevolent functions of every kind. M.

Roobefort, the editor of the Paris L'Intranii- ant, who is once more a refugee, seems to find residence in London agreeable. He was in this country once before, on the same interesting errand. That was about fourteen years ago, after his escape from New Caledonia, to which he had been transported for his share in the work of the Commune. The Government have been much less afraid of him than of his fellow-exile, General Boulanger. And yet he is a much more dangerous man than the General.

It has been said of him with truth that his Lanterns, the famous blood-red- covered little weekly, did even more to overthrow Napoleon the little than Napoleon's own mistakes, including the Mexican fiasco. Henri Rochefcrt is not yet GO. He is in the prime of his intellectual vigour. What an extraordinary jburnalistio career be has of La Lanttme, The Iniravsigeant, all three, perhaps, the wildest and the cleverest of French newspapers. Henri Rocbefort is tbe beau ideal of the merely aggressive and destructive journalist.

This man, of suah singularly brilliant wit and immense energy, has done nothing to upbuild. He has not oven built a fortune, for he spends all his big earnings as soon as he gets them. He must have been making at the very least about ten thousand pounds a year; yet he has never saved anything. Tbe truth is that Rochefort is tbe most extravagantly openhanded of men. Scores of Parisian Bohemians have lived upon this warm-hearted, careless prodigal.

He has been known to pick up deserted children in the streets, put them to school, and maintain them luxuriously at his own expense. He adopted the children of Olivier Pain, who was killed in the Soudan. Mr. W. T.

Stead, late of the Pall Mall Gazette, now editor of the Review of Reviews, has got Oliver Cromwell's pistol. It was presented to him ny a friend, and he is very proud of it. Cromwell ocoupies a prominent place in Mr. Stead's gallery of heroes, and, after the Bible, Cromwell 'B letters and speeches had the greatest influence on him as a' young man. The pistol is in good order, and would shoot a cavalier yet.

Mr. Stead has hung it up on the walls of his sanctum on the mbankment, underneath an old and curious portrait of Cromwell- painted on a A biiBt of another of Mr. Stead's placed over his desk. Colonel Harcourt, who is being abused for granting the use of his park to the Primrose League, and refusing it to a Home Rule organisation, is brother to the great Sir William, the aspirant to tbe Badioal leadership. The Colonel is a staunch Conservative, and represented Oxfordshire for several years, up to the redistribution of 1885, by which the county was split into three divisions.

He then refrained from becoming a candidate swing to ill-health. Tbe Colonel somewhat resembles his distinguished relative in stature, but has a more cheerful demeanour and a decidedly less ostentatious bearing. He is very popular as a landlord and country gentleman. Lord Barton, the head of the great brewing Arm of Bass," is again convalescent. Lord Barton, first as Michael Arthur, and subsequently Sir M.

A. Bass, has ever taken the keenest interest in the affairs and interests of the retail trade, and not a year passes without his occupying the chair at various annual dinners in connection with the licensed victuallers' tions. He possesses a knowledge of the intricacies of the licensing laws. Lord Burton is, moreover, an accomplished scholar and a true English gentleman. His father, Michael Thomas Bass, represented Derby for many years in Parliament, where his name and fame are perpetuated by the princely gifts be made feon to.

time to tbe great Midland town,.