Belfast News-Letter from Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland • 5

THE BELFAST JS KWB-LBTTER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1889. 5 AiUJliJUUA. THE LONDON STRIKE DISTURBANCES. uiiu vthqd the Bill was reintroduced no more formidable opposition than that -which ho had already alluded to as characterising his action last year would be shown to it. He recognissd fully the force of the argument in favour of thi Hilt happier, and safer far by being once again an integral part of the British Empire, with all its glory and splendour.

(Cheers.) The Mayor My lords and gentlemen. I have now come to the toast of the In the position which I occupy as Mayor of the city of Belfast I think I may claim to represent a union of persons of all shades of opinion and party, who have met here to-night for the purpose of doing honour to our noble and distinguished countryman, the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava. (Cheers.) My lords and gentlemen, I feel that, apart from the question of my ability to do so, it would be unnecessary before an assemblage such as thiis to go into every detail of the great career of our noble guest. I will only express the feeling of pride with which we have watched the uniform success of our distinguished countryman. (Cheers.) From the time he left Eton and Oxford until he entered upon his diplomatic career Lord Dufferin distinguished himself as an orator, a traveller, and a man of letters, and also exhibited that kindness of heart aud foresight for which he has always been famed in his efforts for the improvement of the condition of the occupiers of land.

(Cheers.) The most marked testimony to the ability and sagacity of his Lordship is to be found in the fact that Ministers of both political parties have been glad to avail thcmselues of his services. (Applause.) In 1855 lie was invited by Lord John Rnssall to become spjeial attache to the mission to Vienna. In 1860 he was appointed by Lord Palmerston as British Commissioner to Syria and in 1864 the year, by the way. in which he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of the County of Down he was selected Under Secretary for India. In 1 866 he was offered the governorship of Bombay, and eventually accepted the Under Secretaryship to the War Department.

Under Mr. Gladstone in 1868 ho, became Chancellor of, the Duchy of Lancaster and Paymaster General and a Privy Councillor. In 1871 he was created an earl of the United Kingdom, and in 1872 he entered upon the important office of Governor-General of Canada. (Cheers.) I need not tell you, my lords and gentlemen, with what distinction he filled that great and responsible post until he returned to England in 1 878. In 1 879 he became Ambassador to the Court of St.

Petersburg, and in 188! he was chosen her "Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Constantinople, During the end of the j'car 1 882 and the beginning of 1883 he was engaged in the important task of reorganising Egypt after the rebellion of Arabi Pasha. (Cheers.) This brief epitome, my lords and gentlemen, brings me down to the period when we last had the honour of entertaining Lord Dufferin in this hall on the occasion of his departure for India, and here I will venture to make a quotation from the eloquent speech which his Lordship made on that occasion. He said "I imagine the greatest success and triumph I onn obtain is, that from the time, that I depart from these shores, and wave a grateful response to the farewell you are saying to me tonight, even the echo of my name may never be wafted to your ears until attho end of my official term Istand again amongst you having won from the historian of the day no higher encomium or recognition than that my administration was uneventful, but that I have kept the empire on-trusted to my guardianship tranquil and secure.1' (Cheers.) My lords and gentlemen. Lord Dnfferm kept the empire (intrusted to his charge tranquil and secure." (Cheers.) Ho kept it tranquil by satisfying the just demands of the people of India for those reforms and enactments necessary for the welfare of that great population. (Hear, hear.) He reformed the land laws; he established courts regulating the law in times of famine and distress.

He encouraged the advancement of railroads and the construction of great irrigation works. Ho maintained law and order, and suppressed crime with a firm, yet merciful hand. He reformed the administration 'of the jails, and established reformatories for juvenile offenders. He added stability to the security of life and property by affording improved legislation in the courts. Ho gave considerable attention to commercial legislation by amending the patent laws and fixing the standards of weights and measures.

He established regulations for the great pilgrim traffic, and he advanced the cause of education by the establishment of a university and the encouragement of technical education. (CheerO He kept the empire secure by his great work of fortifying the north-west frontier: by prosecuting the important defence works at Aden, Bombay, Karachi, Calcutta, and Rangoon and by pushing on towards completion the railways from the sea to the Afghan frontier, and especially by the admirably sagacious and statesmanlike way in which he succeeded in conciliating the. THE MARQUIS OF DUFFEBIN AND AY A. BANQUET IN THE ULSTER HALL. The Marquis of Dafferin and Ava was last evening entertained at a banquet in the Ulster Hall, which was filled by an influential and representative gathering of the men of wealth, intelligence, and enterprise, not only of the city of Belfast.vbut of the proyiuce of Ulster.

It is almost needless to say that the hall itself decorated with judgment and taste, this part of the programme having been entrusted to the well-known and experienced firm of decorators in Royal Avenue, the Messrs. Mayrs. The doors in the vestibule and those from i the vestibule into the front corridor, as well as those into the large hall, were draped and ornamented with rich curtains. The ladies' dressing-room, on the right, was divided into two, and prepared as retiring rooms for the Marquis and Marchioness. A portion of the north corridor was curtained off as a dressing-room for the ladies.

These rooms as well as the lobbies and entire floor of the large hall were carpeted in crimson. To the left was placed the guests' table, which was raised on a platform right under the balconv. This was screened off with beautiful sateen material, and ornamented with Chinese punkahs and Japanese fans. Underneath the balcony was draped in festons of Indian muslin. In front of the balcony the whole way round there was displayed in large white letters on a crimson ground the various offices and missions the noble Marquis has been engaged in, as follows Vienna, 1855; High Latitudes, 1859; Syria, 1 860; India Office, 1 884-66 War Office, 1866-7; Duchy of Lancaster, 1868-72; Canada, 1872-78 St.

Petersburg, 1879-81 Constantinople, 1881-84; Egypt, 1 882-3; India, 1884-88 Rome. The catering was entrusted to Messrs. Thompson Son, Done-gall Place, and the following, was the -menu. Wines Sherry, Vino de Pusto; hock, Ostrich, 1880; champagne, Giesler, 1 884; claret, Chateau Larose, 1875. Whisky Jameson, Bushmills, and Cole-raine, 1878; aerated waters.

Potages Consomme a l'lmperatrice, oyster. Poissons Turbot and lobster sauce, fillets of sole a la Horlay. Entrees-Pigeons, farcis aux truffes, obandfroid of cutlets laZingari. Releves Roast saddle of mutton, sirloin of beef, roast turkey la Chipolata, tongue, boiled chicken, ham. Rots Grouso, wild duck.

Entremets Duchesse tart, compotes of fruit, champagne jelly, pudding a la Stanley glace. Dessert Grapes, peaches, melons, pine apples, plums, ginger, dried fruits, biscuits. The wines were supplied by Messrs. Gordon Guthrie, Rosemary Street, and the mineral waters were those of Messrs. Cantrell Cochrane.

The music was rendered by Mr. Haines' string band, and the programme was as follows Grand' entree, Rule Britannia;" danse antique. Silks and Satins" (Kottaun); waltz, Perdita" (Prout) song, Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock" (Devers); march, The Indian Patrol" (Kottaun); walta, (Otto Roeder); fantasia. Bohemian Melodies" (Lumbye); gavotte. Clotilde" (H.

Farmer). The banquet was fixed to commence at eight o'clock, but it was some time after that when the noble guest, who wore the decorations of the Order of India and St. Patrick, made his appearance, and was received in a most enthusiastic manner. The Marchioness also received a very flattering reception when she entered and took up a position upon the balcony, which was occupied by a large num-ber of ladies. The Mayor of Belfast (Mr! Charles C.

Connor) presided, having on his right the guest of the evening, Captain J. S. Cramsie, High Sheriff of Antrim Right Honourable Lord Arthur Hill, M.P. the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Down and Connor and Dromore, Right Honourable Lord O'Nolll, Right Honourable Johu Young, Sir E.

J. Harland, M.P. Sir James Russell, C. M.G. Sir David Taylor, J.

P. William Johnston, M.P. Sir Henry and John Mul-holland. D.L. To his left sat Sir E.

P. Cowan, Lord Lieutenant of Antrim Right Honourable Viscount Bangor, Right Honourable Lord Terence Blackwood, Lieutenant-General the Right Honourable Lord de Ros, Right Honourable Lord Dera-more, Sir J. P. Corry, M.P. the Recorder of Belfast, Henry Fitzgibbon, Q.C.

James Musgrave, J.P., chairman of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Sir John Preston, J. P. Captain M'Calmout. M.P. Sir James H.

Haslett, J.P.,; and James M'Ferran, C. I.E. The following is a list of the companv John Anderson, J. Holy wood Thomas Andrews. Ardara, Comber; George Andrews.

Ardoyne John Andrews, J.P,. Maxwell Court, Comber Thos. J. Andrews, The Square, Comber; John Andrews, Comber; John Alexander, Royal Avenue; Robert Ardill, Comber; W. B.

Ardill, Comber H. Adair, J. Cookstown James S. Bovd, Dun-murry; Samuel Black, Glen Ebor W. S.

Boyd, Bloomfield James Barr, Beechleigh-; R. Barnett, M.D., 74, Pakeuham Place; Captain Barnett, Pakenham Place; R.Bolton, M.D., J.P., Bangor J. Taylor Blackwood, Windsor John D. Barbour, D. Hilden, Lisburn the Viscount Bangor.

Castleward, Downpatrick Samuel Black, J.P., Randalstown J. M'C. Blizard. Comber Davys Bowman, 14, Elmwood Avenue Edward Bates, Holy wood James Bruce, D.L.. Thomdale G.

H. Brown. Craigavad James Barbour, J.P., Ardville, Holywood Charles Bowles, J.P.; A. H. Bates, Barrister-at-Law, Dublin Charles W.

Black, Glen Ebor; H. Bland, J.P., Lisbnrri; Major Barklie. Larue J. W. Byers.

M.D.,'The Crescent; J. Milford Barnett, M.D. (Indian army), Elmwood Avenue J. Briton, W. F.

C. S. Corry, Malone Road Alexander M. Carlisle, College Gardens James Craig, J. Craigavou H.

C. Craig, Craigavon Vincent Craig. Craigavon Granville Craig, Craigavon; Charles (.1. Craig. Craigavon; Victor Coatcs, J.

Dunmurry Sir E. Porter Cowan, Lord Lieutenant of Antrim, Craigavad; William Carson, J. Bangor 0. C. Connor (Mayor), Notting Hill House Sir Henry Cochrane, D.L.

Dublin George S. Clark, Fort-william; Sir James P. Corry. M.P. Dun-raven Wm.

Crawford. Mount Randal Captain J. S. Cramsie, J.P.. High Sheriff of' Antrim, Ballymoney; T.

D. Crawford. J.P,. Fort Breda; Edward Coey, J.P., Morvillej'A. C.

S. Cleland, A. S. Crawford, D.L., Craw-fordsburn R. I.

Calwell. C.E., College Square North William Charley, D.L., Seymour Hill S. Craig, Bank of Ireland Henry Crawford, Queen's Square G. H. Clarke, Lisburn Alex.

Cooke, Windsor Avenue Abram Combe, Windsor Avenue; T. Carson, Banfield. Oole-raine; J. Callan, W. Chapman, W.

Church Chas. Dnffin, Danesfort; Daniel Dixon, J. Strand-millis James Davidson, Bloomfield Very Rev. the Dean of Down. Bangor; Lieutenant-General Lord de Ros, Strangford S.

C. Davidson, Killair House James Davidson, Carnesure, Comber Adam Duffin, University Square Lord Deramore: Belvoir Park. Archibald Dnnlop, M.D., Holy-, wood; John Davidson, J.P.. Turf Lodge; AV. H.

Dixon, Dunowen R. (i. Duhville, D.L.. Redburn; Rev. Mr.

Dunkerley, Comber A. M. Ferrar. Windsor Colonel Forde, D.L.. Seafnrde John Fagan, J.

Glengall Place Henvy Fitzgibbon, Q.C, Recorder, Jordanstown' David Fulton, Abbotsford Place Lieutenant-Colonel Gracey, Downpatrick William Guthrie, University Road Arthur Gotto. Dunraven O. B. Graham, D.L., Libburn; O. B.

Graham, Lisburn; Francis P. Gunning, Notting Hill; Alex. H. Gordon, Killyleagh: James Gray, J.P., Hazel-bank; John Hunter, Ardmore, Holywood; James Henderson, Ulsterville Avenue; II. Trevor Henderson and Charles W.

Henderson, Norwood Tower; Julius Hanna, Knock; Hugh Henry, Dunowen; George Horner, J.P.", The Lodge; J. Blakiston-Houston, V.L., Orangefield; Capt. Harrison. J.P,, Holywood; Thos. S.

Howe. J. Hillsborough; Sir E. J. Harland, M.P.

Glenarm; Edward Hughes, J.P., College Square North; Right Honourable Lord Arthur Hill, M.P., Hillsborough; Major Hall, D.I.-., arrow xW- J.P,, Ballynahinch; R. T. Hamilton and R. E. Hamilton, Little Clande-boye; Arthur Hamill.

J. Trench House; Sir James II. Haslett, J.P., Princess Gardens; John Hogg, Union Club; E. T. Herdmau, D.L., Sum Mills; James -Heron, J.P., ICillyleagh; Oharlcs Ifowden, Larne; Thomas Houston, Oi-jingefield; Henry Harrison, Rushpark; James N.

Hamilton, Prospect, Carrickfergus; S. Heron, J. Hamill, W. J. Jenkins, Windsor W.

J. Johnston, J.P., Dunesk W. Johnston, M.P., Ballykilbeg Alfred J. Cloona, Duninany James Inglis, Whiteabbey Henry J. Johns, Carrickfergus George Johnston.

Robert Joy, J. Baubridge Samuel Johnstone. J. Highfteld; Jas. Johnstone, Highfield S.

Kingban, J.P., Bangor; J. J. Keegan, J. Holywood Archibald M. Kirker.

Craigavad J. J. Kirkpatrick, J.P., Ballyclare Pardo Kirk, Carrickfergus H. C. Kelly, sub-sheriff County' Down.

Greenislaud J. Lepper, J. Laurel Lodge; W. H. Lynn, 3.

Crnnvlin Terrace John Lanyon, C.E., Fortwilliam R. Lepper, D. Lawson, Clif tonville F. R. Lepper, Crawfordsbum Samuel Lawthev, J.P.

Mount Vernon John L. Marshall, Glengormley Alexander S. Matier, Fortwilliam John R. Musgrave, D.L., Druraglass House James Musgrave, J.P,, Drumglass House Henry Musgrave, prwnglass House; William Moreland, Little Patrick Street George L. MacLaine, J.

Strandtown; James Malcolm, D.L., Lurgan Robert Megaw, J.P., Holywood Rev. Dr, Mair, Glasgow John Mulholland, D.L.. Ballywalter W. H. Moreland, Crawfordsbum Thomas Macknight, Wellington Park; James Magill, Greenisland W.

F. MacElheran, Botanic Avenue John Martin, Newtown-breda Mr Murphy, ames Moore, 19, College Gardens Hugh Montgomery, D.L., Grey-abbey; Colonel George Montgomery, Greyabbey Thomas Montgomery, J. Ballydrain'; S. T. Maclean, Bangor; John Mitchell, Craigavad; Alexander MacLaine, J.

Queen's Elms; Major Perceval Maxwell, Finnebrogue R. MacGagh. J.P., College Park; R. T. Martin, University Street; Major M'Cliotock, J.

Hillsborough; John M'Connell. Mornington H. H. M'Neile, D.L.; Parkmonnt Lieutenant-Colonel M'Cance, J.P., Knocknagoney; CaptainM'Oalmont, M.P., Holywood House; Colonel John M'Don-nell, J.P., Glenariff; Wm, M'Cammond. J.P..

Fortwilliam; John M'Neile, Parkmount; Colonel M'Calmont, Abbeylands; R. J. M'Cance, J.P., Derryvolgie Avenue; Jame3 M'Connell, Anna-dale Hall: Orr -Gangland, College Gardens; John M'Ferran, Fortwilliam. Park; H. D.

'Master, J.P., Gilford; H. M'N. M'Cormick, Craigavad; Jackson M'Gown, Botanic Avenue; H. J. M'Cance, D.L., Sir T.

M'Clure. D.L., Belmont; John 'Bride, A. J. M'ICisack, Holy-wood; H. 'Bride, B.

P. Newett. Mount Lyons; H. J. Neill.

Rockport; J. S. Nicholson, Bangor; Lord O'Neill, Shane's Castle: Sir John Preston; J. Duumore; 11. Lloyd Patterson, J.

Holy-wood; Robert Patterson, J.P., Holywood Joshua Pirn. Whiteabbev; Robert Patterson, Windsor Park Terrace; W. Patterson, Strand-town; E. W. Pirn, Elmwood Terrace; Major Blackwood Price, J.

Saintfield; Jonathan Phonix, J.P., Cliftouviile W. A. Ross. Craigavad Captain W. B.

Ritchie, The Grove W. Riddel, J. Boechmount W. Robertson, J.P., Strandtown; John Rogers, Windsor Avenue Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Down and Connor, Conway House J.

Theodore Richardson, J.P., Lisburn H. Keade. J. Wilmont Sir James Russell, C.M.G., Chief Justice, Hong-Kong; Samuel Riddel, Beechmount; A. P.

Richardson, Newtownards C. Richardson, Farm Hill E. A. Robinson, T. D.

Reardeu. Barrister-at-Law, 3, Cranston Place Edward Robinson, E. W. Robinson, William Robinson. Holywood Ven.

the Archdeacon of Connor; J. .7. Shillingtoii, J. Strandtown AVilliam Shaw. Royal Avenue J.

W. Smith, M.D., Wellington Place H. H. Smiley. J.

Larne T. R. Stanmts, J.P., Lisburn Thomas Shaw, J. Sydenham Herman Struver, Reform Club A. C.

Stannns, Tudor Holywood Thomas Sinclair, J. Hopcfield Walter Stannus, D.L., Lisburn George Saxton, C.C.S., Gilford; Major Stokes. Downpatrick: Mr. Stewart, Wm. Tiilie, J.

P. Londonderry; Anthony Traill. LL.D., Bushmills: Sir David Taylor, J. Bertha House James Torbitt. North Street Thomas B.

Topping. Corporation Street Thomas H. Torrens, J. Whiteabbey; John Tor-rens, Whiteabbey Robert Tennent, Rushpark Captain Terry, Fortwilliam Thomas Valentine. J.

Knock; Win. Valentine, J. Whiteabbev Jonathan Vint, J.P. Road William N. Wallace, D.L., Downpatriok Capt.

R. H. Wallace, Downpatrick R. B. Walkington, Windsor F.

D. Ward, J. Strandtown T. R. Walkington.

Strandtown; William White, J. Bangor; Wesley Watson, Strandtown; R. E. Ward, D.L.. Bangor Castle; M.

Wylie, LL.D., Antrim Road; James Wilson, Old Forge; G. W. Wolff, Strandtown; John Ward, J.P., Lennoxvale Sir George White! V.C.. K.C.H., India; Frank Workman, College Gardens Thomas Weir, District Judge, Madura, Madras; J. Wilson Right Hon.

John Young, D.L., Galgorm Castle and W. R. Young. Galgorm Castle. Letters of apology were received from the following noblemen and gentlemen regretting then-inability to be present The Earl of Kilmorey, Major-General Sir George S.

White, K.C.B., V.C.. late Commander-in-Chief in Burmah the President of the Queen's College, Sir Thomas M'Clure. Mr. A. Sha-rman Crawford, D.L.

(who, owing to illness, was, unfortunately, unable to be present); Mr. John Temple Reillv. D.L. and General Sir Edward Selby Smith, K.C.B. Glenmore House, Rostrevor, County Down.

Gentlemen- I regret extremely that important duties at home will prevent my having the pleasure of assisting a the banquet to be given on the 19th to the Marquis of Dtifferin and Ava the more so as, having known him and admired him for so long, I wouid have been glad to be among the number of those collected to do him' honour. Yours faithfully (signed), "Kilmorey. "The Secretaries Dufferin and Ava Banquet. Army and Navy Club, Pall Mall. "De.U! Sirs I write to ask you to include my name amsngst the' list of subscribers, although I am very sorry that I cannot attend the banquet, as I leave to-morrow morning on my return to India, but knowing perhaps better than anyone else from the North of Ireland the great work done by Lord Dufferin in India.

I would be very sorry not to participate, as far as circumstances permit, in the well-earned tribute of appreciation about to be paid to our late Viceroy by his Believe me, yours sincerely, George S. White. "The Secretaries." "Belmont. Dear Sirs I regret very much that I cannot have the opportunity of doing honour to the Marquis Dufferin and Ava this evening. India, Canada, Russia, Turkey have all been favoured by his presence, and we know with what conciliation he has used his power, and' how he has endeavoured to promote peace among all parties.

Yours sincerely, "Thomas M'Cluhe." Conishead Priorv, Ulverston, 1 7th September. 1 889. Dear Mr. Mayor Tf there is any opportunity may I ask you to express my groat regret at being unable to be present at the banquet to the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava on Thursday evening Only unavoidable absence from home prevents me from joining in so well-deserved a tribute to our noble countryman. I should have liken especially to take part in it as president of a college which numbers the Marquis among its visitors, and of whose Literary and Scientific Society the students are proud to know he is a patron.

"In honouring him we are assuredly giving honour where honour is due. Would that our country had more such men. Believe me, dear Mr. Mayor, very truly yours, Thomas Hamilton, President Queen's College." The cloth having been removed, The Mayor, who, in proposing the toast of the Queen, was loudly cheered, said My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, the first toast which I have to propose is one which is always certain of a most hearty reception in this part of the world. It is the toa-st of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen." (Renewed cheering'.) She has now passed the jubilee year of her reign, and is universally looked upon as the head of the Sovereigns of Europe, and, indeed, of the world.

(Cheers.) I will ask you to drink most heartily and loyally the health of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. (Enthusiastic cheering. The toast was loyally honoured. Air "God Save the Queen." The Mayor My lords and gentlemen, I will now give you the toast oE "The Prince and Princess of Wale3 and the other members of the Royal Family." I need not here speak of the universal popularity of the Prince of Wales, as it not so very long ago since be honoured Belfast with a visit. (Cheers.) The Prince's popularity is not based alone on his exalted station, but is secured by bis personal worth (hear, hear and the interest he takes in every movement for the benefit of the people.

(Cheers.) The Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of Connaught have made their mark in their respective careers; and their Royal Highnesses the sons of the Prince of Wales have already begun to show their fitness for the professions they have adopted one being a bard-working soldier and the other a hardy sailor. For the Princess of Wales there tvill always be cherished a warm feeling of loyal respect and attachment. (Cheers.) The toast was loyally honoured. Air" God Bless the Prince of Wales." The Mayor--My lords and gentlemen, I have now to ask you drink the health of the Lord Lieutenant and prosperity to Ireland. (Cheers.) The responsibilities of the Queen's representative in this country have always besn very great, but particularly so during the past three year'.

Lord Londonderry has filled the onerous post of Vicerov with great distinction to himself aud benefit to the country at large. (Cheers.) His administration has beeu marked by a mixture of firmness and justice tempered with forbearance, which has resulted iii a marked decrease of crime and more general respect for law and order throughout the country. (Cheers.) 1 am happy to say that the prospects of the country appear to be brighter than they have been for some time past. Parliament has under consideration some legislation for the material benefit of Ireland, and there is every pro-epect of the country being blessed with a bountiful harvest. (Hear, hear.) My lords and gentlemen, I you now heartily to drink the health of his Excellency thy Marquis of Londonderry and prosperity to Ireland, and in doing so, I will call npon Sir Edward Porter Cowan, her Majesty's Lieutenant of the County of Antrim, to respond.

(Cheers.) The toast was received with great enthusiasm. Air St. Patrick's Day." Sir Edward Porter Cowan, who was received with cheers, said Mr. Mayor, my Lord Dnfferic, my lords, ladies, and gentlemen, I esteem it a high privilege to have my name associated with the important toast which has jnst been ibly pufe frws with perfect truth that both Ireland as a whole, and Ulster a3 a province, have imported a vast amount of ability, industry, and valour into the Indian civil and military services. (Loud applause Why, gentlemen, to whom at this very moment has been entrusted as Viceroy the supreme control of Indian affairs is it not to a great Kerry nobleman, the Marquis of Lansdowne (Applause.) Who is governing 30,000.000 of Indian subjects ia Madras with exceptionnl success and ability Why a Burke, of Mayo, Lord Comiemara.

(Applause.) Who is it that now commands the arnv'es of the Queen in India, with the universal acceptation both of the public and of the Ts it not a Watcrford hero, the victor of Candahar. Sir Frederick (Loud applause.) Who. again, has succeeded in what, considering the difficulties of the task, was a marvellously short period in reducing Burmah to submission or what was even more troublesome, the hill tribes surrounding Burmah Has it not heen Sir George White, a most distinguished soldier, of whom his native Antrim may well be proud. (Loud applause.) And. not to multiply further instances, who was the able financier thnt has contrived, in spite of the treacherous, debilitated, and even depreciating rupee, to evolve surplus out of an impending deficit? Has it not been Sir David Barbour, whom we are entitled to claim as a Belfast (Loud and continued applause.) No, my lords and gentlemen and in saying this, I feel that I airi not trenching upon any burning political question thu British Empire could never get ou without us Irishmen.

(Prolonged applause.) In the saiat way that too much decorum in individuals superinduces fatty degeneration of the heart, sa the vitality of tile Biitish Empire would stagnate and become sluggish unless mercurialised by our livelier and more sunny temperament. (Applause.) Not only our; Indian but'our Colonial Empire plainly shows that' Irishmen havo a positive genius for governing, if not themselves (laughter) at all events other people. (Applause.) And nowhere is this horoio talent more beneficially apparent than in the case of tiie Irish ladies. (Laughter and applause.) And the reason for this is not far to sock. extremely sensitive ourselves, and having a desire for sympathy, our lively imagination enables us more or less to put ourselves into the places of other people, to divine their thoughts, and to understand their wants and wishes, and this is the first quality requisite in those who are called upon to administer the affairs of an Imperial dependency or to rule over cither kindred or alien populations.

But I freely confess that of all the nationalities with which I have come into contact the Indian races are those whose inner thoughts and modes of regarding the problems of life are the most difficult to discern. The inheritors of a civilisation far older than our own. and the adherents of a religion whose subtle principles, as hsld by their best thinkers, is is almost impossible for the European understanding to analyse, our efforts to harmonise our intellectual methods with theirs, or to regard che economy of existence from the same point- of view, ends only ton frequently in complete and sometimes comic failure. will give you an instance of this. On one occasion the kind-hearted wife of some great official was attracted by the singular brightness and intelligence of the young lad who acted as her punkah boy.

Thinking it a pity that so hopeful a youth should pass his whole existence in pulling day and night at a rope, she suggested to him one day that his prospects would bo much improved if he' would allow her to start him on some more promising career. For a long time the little fellow could not understand her meaning, or wliRt was intended by a more promising career. When at last lie grasped the import of her benevolent intentions, he rebuked her in the following terms "What for mc change' I punkah puller my father punkah puller his father punkah puller all my ancestors for thous-irtus of years punkah pullers and the god from whom wo are descended was punkah poller to Vishna. Punkah puller to Ladyship very good position." (Laughter.) Here, gentlemen, you have a specimen of the changeless East-bound in the fetters of caste so unlike the seething, surging struggles of the entities in a modern European community; yet a system not without its compensations. But, though occasionally discomfited in this manner in our enr'ea.

vonr to ameliorate the condition of our Indian fellow-subjects, the English people may be fully content with the reflection that the history of the world does not exhibit a more splendid example of the way in which the material and moral condition of a vast congeries of nationalities may be elovatcd and improved than that which is manifested throughout the length and breadth of out Eastern Empire. (Applause.) Kingdoms and principalities which for hundreds, of years had be continually devastated by successive wars and internecine conflicts now lie peaceful and secure-in amiable juxtaposition. (Applause.) A justice, which formerly never was known in India, and i-not now known in any Oriental Government under the sun. protects alike the rights ar.d property of the poorest peasant and the wealthiest Zemindar. (Applause.) Extensive lines of railway and the Indian population havo au extraordinary aptitude for travelling not only unite all the great centres of population and of industry, but have in a- great measure penetrated all those districts which were once the theatres of the most disastrous whose severity in future they will, at all events, mitigate.

Universities, colleges, and schools offering free education to the entire population are to bo found in every town, nay almost in every village and hamlet. (Applause.) British manufacturing energy and enterprise have not only supplied millions with cheap clothes and all the necessaries of life, but have taught them in their turn to establish in their own land rival looms and industries. (Applause.) While above all the standards of moral obligation which prevail in the West have vindicated their authority and planted their sanctions both in the courts of justice and in the counting-houses of Hindostan. (Loud applause.) Bal, gentlemen, when once he is s-ft going, an Indiim official is apt to become only too garrulous in recounting his Indian reminiscences nor is it desirable that an ex-Viceroy should become too discursive ou Indian affairs. Rather let mc turn and congratulate you.

Mr. Mayor, and all merchant princes I see around me, who themselves and their ancestors have created the North of Ireland as we now see it, on the splendid progress which has been made in Belfast and its neighbourhood during these last few years. (Hear, hear.) Although even to a resident the rate of progress which has taken place have appeared very rapid, to one who. like myself, revisits this city, after a considerable lapse of time, the change is simply marvellous, and well may we all bo proud that a place which not so long ago was a place of comparatively small account, and was certainly not a county town, should as th? third commercial city in the United Kingdom. (Cheers.) AU honour to those great organisers of enterprise and industry, the real Paiadins of the modern world, who havo worked tills wondrous change (hear, hear) a change both in its commercial, in its social, aud in its political consequences of the greatest moment to the British Empire.

(Prolonged applause.) Gentlemen, to receive a wreath of "laurel at the hands of so great a city is an honour of which any man might bo proud, and the memory of this night, of the kindness you have shown me, and of the supreme favour with which you have rewarded my humble endeavours to do my duty will never be forgotten either by me or hy my remotest de-soendent. (Loud and prolonged applause, amidst which his Lorship took his scat.) The Ma you My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, I have now to call on Mr. Blakiston-Houston tc perform the pleasing task of proposing "The health of the Marchioness of Dufferin and (Cheers.) Mr. J. Blakiston-Houston, on rising, was re ceived with loud applause.

He said Mr. Mayor your Excellency, my lords, ladies, and gentlemen' owing to the unavoidable absence through ill! health of Mr. Arthur Sharman Crawford, who was to have proposed the health of the Marchioness 'oi Dufferin, the honour of doing so has been conferred on me. In the many and varied positions of exalted rank which the Marchioness has occupied for th last seventeen years she has not only fulfilled them with honour to herself, but has endeared herself to all with whom she has come in contort her charm of manner and the kind svmnath-e which she has extended to all classes 'both ir Canada and also in India. (Cheers.) Her ex-r turns in the latter place to raise the social position of women and eradicate some of the debasing cus toms by which they may be said to he held inh dago are widely known, and are already hS much good, fruit, though, of cour-e Sip must be necessarily slow and I Venti.

that whPR the history of Lord DuffeAn' tui administration as Viceroy of Ind i the chapter reciting the 1 Wn-tto? work of the Marchioness nf one of the most interesting-(l0 oho 1 be read with thagreafcest Tpleasmt wsr8)-j i.j oy will recognise the kindest. many.w bear by a noble Christian ladv ll? Dnghfc to mg fellow-women in Indii 7. "er sntter- now occupied in more Poslt great honour that County Down untries. It is hi Excellency, but also the Wi? nly clai mngmg to the county both 7 -i 113 birth, and I am sure all Urn ties come the day. which I ho, 6'Sl wil1 wel" when our distinguished ftu' distant, will return to reside ft offi iIarchioneSS the beauties of the byeTCoh)-and entirely created by their excell VTUlCh llave mg what nature has aWl ent Uste in improv-ayor, I give you ul unenn and Ava.

Entb The toast was entL.s cheers Air-" honour oness the chair, and especially to he permitted to take part on an occasion when we are met to do honour to one ot whom we, as Ulstertnen, are justly proud (hear, hear, and cheers) one whose ability, attainments, and high imperial services have shed a lustre on the Irish name. (Applause.) In responding to the health of the Lord Lieutenant I feel that my duty is an easy one, as the toast is invariably received in this hall with the same heartiness and enthusiasm which you have accorded to it this evening, and which are indicative alike of the regard which we in Ulster entertain towards the representative of the Sovereign in Ireland irrespective of party (pbeers) andof our devotion for the Constitution whose blessings we enjoy. (Hear, hear.) You, Mr. Mayor, have referred in very graceful and very appropriate terms to Lord Londonderry, and I think it may be truly said that the resignation of his high office, has occasioned very universal regret. (Hear, hear.) It is not, however, to bo wondered at that after more than three years of particularly trying aud onerous duties he should now seek the repose and quiet of private life.

And I think it must be extremely gratifying to his Excellency to know that the able aud impartial maimer in which he has discharged his duties has met with such very general approval, and that he carries with him in his retirement the sincere esteem and the best wishes of his fellow-countrymen. Hear, hear.) Of his successor, Lord Zetland, wo, of course, cannot as yet speak from experience, but ho comes amongst us with a very high reputation, and I have no doubt he will bring to bear in the discharge of his responsible duties the same high principle and the same ability and conscientiousness which so eminently distinguished his predecessor. (Cheers.) With regard to the second part of the toast, I feel that it is a more important question than can receive justice on an occasion such as this. I shall not. however, attempt to enlarge upon it, or weary you with elaborate statistics but I shall simply say in general 'terms what I think is a matter of sincere gratification to all that the condition of Ireland is more satisfactory now than it has been for some years past.

(Cheers.) In many districts of the country where crime and discord unfortunately existed, comparative peace an good order now prevail, and there are indica tiona that the people in those districts are more-disposed to adopt profitable and legitimate pursuits. (Applause.) The increased earniugs of our railways show that the tone of the country is improving, and our great industries in the North, which give such large and constant employment, are, I am happy to say, in the most healthy aud moat prosperous state. (Applause.) The larger deposits in our banks also indicate that the wealth of the country is greatly on the increaso. 1 think I am also justified in saying that the harvest this year is likely to be above the average, which, with the higher prices of cattle and other produce, makes the agricultural outlook bright and hopeful. (Cheers.) The extension of the.

Ashbourne Act, by which many of our tenant-farmers may be enabled to become the proprietors of their holdings on reasonable terms, and the Bill for the Construction of Light Railways, wdiich will give easy and cheap communication through the poorer and more congested districts of the country, are all measures of a remedial nature, which recently passed the Legislature, and which I trust will bear out the anticipations formed of them. (Hear, hear.) Under all these circumstances, however, I think the present condition of Ireland gives U3 reason to hope that our country, in whose future welfare and happiness we are all so deeply interested, has at length emerged from the gloom of the night into the dawn of a bright and prosperous day. (Cheers.) I thank you, my lords and gentlemen, for the kind manner in which you have received the toast. (Renewed cheering.) The Mayor My lords and gentlemen. I havo now the honour to invite you to drink to the toast of "The Houses of Parliament." (Cheers.) I need not tell you that each of the Houses of Parliament plays an important part- in that complicated structure, the British Constitution.

Notwithstanding passing difficulties, which arise from timo to time from the strife of pirties or the accident of a period, we who enjoy the great privilege of living under British rule, may well congratulate ourselves. (Hear, hear. Yet those two great assemblies are governed by a sense of honour and patriotism which furnishes the best security that legislation may be for the best and truest interests of the United Kingdom. Our noble guest occupies a position one of the v.wy first in eminence atnongs the peers of the realm (cheers) and we have also present members of the other House, in whose hands we believe the interests of this great country to be perfectly secure. I will, therefore, give you the toast of The Houses of Parliament, coupled with the names of Lord Dj Ros and Sir Edward Harland.

(Cheers.) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Air "The Roast Beef of Old England." Lord De Ros, who, on rising to reply, received with cheers, said My lords, ladies, aud gentlemen, in rising to respond for the House of Lords I trust I may be permitted to observe that when I first heard of the proposal to give a public banquet to pur distinguished guest I felt pleased to think that I should be able to bo present on the occasion and assist in doing honour to one, of my oldest and most Valued friends, (Cheers.) Bub on-receiving an intimation that I was to make a speech on the occasion I confess that my feelings underwent a considerable change. I must, therefore, beg your indulgence while I endeavour to fulfil the task placed before me. As you are all likely aware, during hite years the House of Lords has been the subject of much discussion, both by its friends and by its foes, and I venture to think it has stood the ordeal pretty well. (Oheors.) Its friends desire to see certain changes in its construction, whilst its foes demand its total abolition.

Now, during the last session of Parliament there were several changes introduced into the House of Lords, one of which was the introduction of standing committees, very much on the same lines as those which prevail in the House of Commons. But, personally speaking, I very much doubt if these changes have had a beneficial influence upon the House. The opponents of the of Lords demand its total abolition, their principal reason being on account of its hereditary character. They also complain that it sometimes obstructs the progress of measures which have received the sanction of the other Houae of Parliament. But I confess I think it very often acts as a very saintnry check upon hasty legislation, more particularly in times of any public excitement.

(Cheers.) There is. no doubt that there are som, objectionable members in the Houe of Lords. But I will only ask what assembly in the world is there consisting of some 600 members where you will not find some black sheep among them And I also think that tho.ie persons very seldom join the debates in the House, consequently, they may be considered as harmless as regards any legislation. I venture to think, however, that the House of Lords enjoys the general approval and the confidence of this country. (Cheers.) More particularly do I think so on account of the way in which it transacts the work which is given it to perform.

It is done in a sound, practical, and business-like manner. (Hear, hear.) I also think that in consequence of some of its members being representatives of some of the oldest, most distinguished, and most influential families ill the United Kingdom, whose interest it is to protect the ancient institutions of the country, and also to guard over its agricultural interests, the House of Lords has a strong claimon all who have at heart the interest of this country. (Cheers.) I beg to return thanks for the House of Lords. (Cheers.) Sir E. J.

Harland. in rising to reply for the House of Commons, was received with cheers. He said Mr. Mayor, my lords, ladies, and gentlemen, I have the honour to respond to this toast, I believe, as being the junior member for Belfast, and in doing so permit me to refer in grateful memory to one who previously occupi ed the same seat one for whom we all had the deepest regard, and one whose loss we so very recently had to lame it. (Hear, hear.) My experience of parliamentary-matters being simply nil, it is quite impossible for me to in any way dilate upon the various measures which through, no doubt, great difficulties, have been carried through Parliament during the last session, and those many others, equally good, which, from various reasons, it was not possible to carry through, and which maybe termed dead or shelved.

I regret, therefore, that some of the old parliamentary hands whom I see around ine have not had charge of this toast, for they would havo been able to inform you how clever they had been, how few mistakes they had made, and soforth. (Laughter.) This I can fortunately avoid, and I would rather speak as one of you, and refer to the grand Constitution under which we live, which provid'i? for us the 'most representative, the most intelligent, the most powerful, and yet the. most, sensitive assembly in the world (hear, hear) for in the same hour it may determine to conquer and annex a kingdom, ns illustrated in the annexation of Burmah, so admirably carried through by our most illustrious guest this evening (cheers) or may move a vote of condolence with some one of its members who has had the misfortune to lose his moustache. (Laughter.) However, nothing seems too great or too frivolous for the consideration of that assembly. (Laughter.) I trust that the loss of time on the latter is at an end (cheers) and that in the future merely imperial measures will be considered, such as attention to our colonies, so that they may become a real strength to the mother that their fleets, their armies, and ours may join together in certain circumstances, and so make us far more powerful than we ever thought or art; known to be in Europe at the present time.

(Hoar, hear.) I would hope, however, Lhat we shall soon see the last act of that serio-comic drama of Home Rule (laughter and cheers) come to a conclusion, and that Ireland, in spite of its supposed friends! will soon settle down again to the pursuit of peaceful commerce, and that it will feel itself richerv wi.ser TERRIBLE RIOTING IN NAVASSA ISLAND. YACHTING- CATASTROPHE. LOSS OF NINE LIVES. SPECIAL CABLEGRAM. PKOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.

New York, Thursday. The Cincinnati, Washington, and Baltimore Railroad has been sold under a foreclosure order for the sum of five million dollars. It is understood that the purchaser represents a number of English and American stock and bond holders in the defnnct company. The Canadian official sent to England and Scotland some months ago to inquire into the practicability of emigration on a large scale of Scottish crofters to British Columbia, has reported that this mission is a failure, as the BritishGovernment absolutely decline to give the financial assistance required. The Simpson Dry Dock, at Norfolk, Virginia, was formally opened to-day by the successful docking of the United States war steamer Yantic.

The United States Consul at Kingston (Jamaica) telegraphs to the State Department at Washington that terrible rioting lias occurred on Navassa Island, in the Caribbean Sea, in which a number of Americans were killed. British and American men-of-war have in consequence been sent to the scene. The island belongs to the American guano syndicate. Some dreadful forest fires are reported from Oregon. Many villages have narrowly escaped destruction, and special precautions are beingtaken at the city of Portland to prevent the advancing flames from consuming the city.

A small steam yacht belonging to Lorain, Ohio has foundered on Lake Erie. Nine lives were SHOCKING TRAGEDY LN WIFE MURDER AND SUICIDE. Durham, Thursday. The mining district of New Herrington was thrown into a state of excitement this morning by the alleged death of a married woman by poison, and the suicide of her husband by throwing himself before a long train, consisting of thirteen coal waggons. The man's name is William Walker, aged about forty-eight years, and he had been employed for a lengthened period as a horsekeepcr at the Peggy Pit, which is close to the village, and owned by Lord Durham.

The deceased woman was about fifty-six years of age, and was his second wife. The deceased couple were in the house at about eleven o'clock on Wednesday night, and both' were intoxicated. They left the place, aud nothing more was seen of them until this morning about five o'clock, when Walker again entered his house. This time he was carrying the woman. He placed her on the bed in the front room, and then went into the kitchen.

He said to his daughter, aged about twelve years, he believed her mother was dead. The child did not heed much what her father said, but commenced to make him some coffee which he asked for. She poured a liquid out of a jug into the kettle, and in doing so some of it ran into the fire and blazed up. "The man, seeing this, said to the girl that she would have to put the water out of the kettle, as there had been matches in the jug from which it was at first poured. The girl looked into the jug, and there appeared to be the remains of matches at the bottom.

The man now became impatient, and. after making some incoherent remarks, he left the kitchen and went out into the garden. He was observed to go out at the gate and on to a railway which leads to the pit already mentioned. There was a locomotive, with a set of thirteen coal waggons attached, standing ready to be moved away. Walker spoke to William G-reenset, the firemen.

Shortly after John Hall, a mineral guard, discovered the lifeless body of Walker lying on the rails. On arrival at Walker's house the woman was found to be also dead. Walker's neck presented a ghastly appearance. The woman did not show any signs of a violent death in fact, there was not a scratch to be seen about her. THE WHITECHAPEL MURDERS.

EXTRAORDINARY STATEMENT. BY OUfi SPECIAL WISE. London, Thursday. In an interview with a reporter on the subject of the Whitechapel murderer, Dr. Forbes Winslow made the following extraordinary statement "Here are Jack the Ripper's said the doctor, at the same time taking a large pair of boots from under his table.

The tops of these boots are composed of ordinary cloth material, while the soles are made of indiarnbber. The tops have great blood stains on them. Besides these noiseless coverings, the doctor says he has the "Ripper's" ordinary walking boots, which are very dirty, and the man's coat, which is also bloodstained. On the morning of the 30th of August a woman, with whom I am in communication, was spoken to by a man in Worship Street, Finsbury. He asked her to corno down a certain court with him, offering her 1 This she refused, and he then doubled the amount, which she also declined.

He next asked her where the court led to, and shortly afterwards left. She told some neighbours, and the party followed the man for some distance. Apparently he did not know that he was being followed, but when he and the party had reached the open street he turned round, raised his hat, and with an air of bravado said, I know what you have been doing; good morning." The woman then watched the man into a certain house, the situation of which the doctor would not describe. She previously noticed the man because of his strange manner, and' on the morning on which the woman Mackenzie was murdered (July 1 7) she saw him washing his hands in. the yard of the house referred to.

He was in his shirt sleeves at the time, and had a very peculiar look upon his face. This was about four o'clock in the morning. The doctor said he was now waiting for a certain telegram, which was the only obstacle to his effecting the man's arrest. The supposed assassin lived with a friend of Dr. Forbes Winslow, and this gentleman himself told the doctor that he had noticed the man's strange behaviour.

He would at times sit down and write fifty or sixty sheets of manuscript about low women, for whom he professed to have a great hatred. The doctor is certain that this man is the Whitechapel murderer, and says that two days at the utmost will see him in custody. Ho could give a reason for the head and legs of the last murdered woman being missing. The man, he thinks, cut the body up and then commenced to burn it. He had consumed the head aud legs, when his lit of the terrible mania passed, and he was horrified to find what he had done.

I know for a fact, "said the doctor, that this man is suffering from a violent form of religious mania, which attacks him, and passes off at intervals. I am certain that there is another man in it besides the one I am after, but my reasons for that I cannot state." The chairman of the Whitechapel vigilance committee, Mr. Albert Backers, informed the Press Association to-day that the police at Leman Street Station, having received a letter stating that it lias been ascertained that a tali, strong woman has for some time been working at different slaughterhouses attired as a man, searching inquiries have this morning been made at the slaughter-houses in Aldgite and Whitechapel by the police. It is presumed that this has something to do with recent Whitechapel murderers, and it has given rise to a theory that victims may have been murdered by the hands of a woman. It is remarked that in each case there is no evidence of a man being seen in the vicinity at the time of the murder.

CHARGE AGAINST MR. W. REDMOND, M.P. AimitnsSTOWN', Thursday. The prosecution of Mr.

Win. Redmond, M.P. Dr. Counsel, and six others for conspiracy, arising out of the prosecution of Canon Doyle and others.was commenced at Arthurstown 'to-day. Dr.

Oonnssl defended himself Mr. Healy appeared for the others. Several police reporters" were examined, after which the Court adjourned. Receiving Office in Peter's Hill. This office has been reopened for money order and savings bank business.

applied to what '-were properly known as firms, and be recognised the necessity for a change in the law. He concluded by expressing his willingness to communicate with Sir Albert Koliit, or the executive committee, in order, if possible, to harmonise his views with their own. It cannot be denied, we think, that the spirit displayed by Sir M. Hicks-Beach in regard to the two points referred to yesterday was that winch should exist on the part of the President the Board of Trade in his dealings with the q-presentatives of the commerce of the country. The evidence which was given at the Revision Court for the West Division, presided over by Mr.

H. Moore, yesterday, in regard to the attempted service of a summons upon a man named Ferris, residing at Cyprus Street, shows that, unless some endeavour is made to prove to the Nationalists that they arc liable to severe penalties forireatiug with contempt an order of the Court, it will be impossible to revise the lists. The disgraceful treatment to which Leith, the summons-server, was subjected is more suggestive of Kerry than of Belfast. The man stated in the course of his evidence that it was -with difficulty he managed to get into the street from the house. He was followed out and struck several times.

A crowd of about a hundred persons collected, and pelted him with stones and potatoes, which they lifted from the shop doors. They followed him down Cyprus Street intoLeeson Street, where he escaped further ill-treatment. This outrage is surely worthy of having some ittention given to it. If the perpetrators are allowed to escape the difficulties with which the Unionists will have to contend will soon be multiplied. It is simply monstrous that a respectable man should be obstructed in his duty in the manner described by him yesterday.

The incident throws a lurid light upon the methods adopted by the Nationalists. The Unionist demonstration which was announced to take place in yesterday was held outside the town, as it was understood that no Nationalist meeting would be permitted by the authorities to take place within the limits of the town. This understanding was. however, broken through by the Parnellite faction, and they succeeded in gathering a number oi loiterers together to constitute their "demonstration." The Unionist meeting was quite as enthusiastic as it could possibly have been if it had taken place in accordance with the original announcements. The speeches delivered were of such a character as made plain the fact that the Nationalists' attempts to carry out their schemes of sis years ago in regard to the capture of Ulster" are not likely to be any niore successful than the previous efforts -made in the same direction.

TEE CAUL ROSA OPERA. THE STAR OF THE NORTH." The representation of Meyerbeer's opera, Star of the North," by the Carl Rosa Company last evening proved so attractive one can only express surprise that the work was not long aero added to the repertoire of the company. But although not written until "Robert the Devil" had been performed close upon three hundred times and The Huguenots" over two hundred, "The Star of the North" has never been regarded with the favour that was accorded to its forerunners just named. Compared, however, with some operas that have bean received with acclamation within the thirty-six jeais that have elapsed since it was originally produced, it is an undoubted masterpiece, and there is no reason why it should not become one of the most attractive works represented by the present company. The romantic story upon which it is founded, though far from having any of that flavour of mysticism which commended itself to the composer and admitted of his achieving his noblest effects, is still admirably adapted to the requirements of the lyric drama.

It possesses many elements of interest, and its general construction is highly dramatic. Performed as it was by a strong cast last night, it could scarcely fail to charm every section of the audience. Madame Georgiaa Burns was entrusted with the interpretation of the lovely music assigned to Catherine. The popular soprano has rarely been heard to greater advantage than in this part. We are pleased to notice that Madame Burns is gradually adopting roles of a more strikingly dramatic type than those in which she has been accustomed to appear in Belfast.

There can ba no doubt that she is capable of sustaining even the most exacting characters in grand opera. Her singing- of the Invely aria in the first act, Guard these I leave day," was marked by grace and expression. In the more dramatic scena in the same act her opacity was displayed in a way that called for the wrongest expression of approval from the audience; :v.it it was, perhaps, in the singing of the finale in i he tbird act that her highest qualities wore made ipparent. Throughout the work Madame Burns aeted with the greatest intelligence, and at times with genuine power. Miss Kate Drew made a rraeeful and spirited Praseovia.

Every year shows i marked advance in the art of this clever young Her execution is admirable. It was most noticeable last evening in her singing of the aria in the first act, "Ah, I shall die." Drew's graceful vocalisation also brightened up the final act. Mr. F. Celli's fine bass was heard to great advantage in the part of Peter the Great.

He sang throughout with spirit and good taste. His finest effort was perhaps the rendering of the Drinking Song in the second act. Mr. Payne Clarke is another artist whose progress is worthy 9f note. His tenor is of a most serviceable quality, and bis acting last evening was most effective.

Mr. Wilfred Esmond sang and acted wi th good taste in the part of Kavi-onski, and Mr. Aynsiey Cook made a most amusing Gritzenko. The opera was well mounted, and the stage management cannot be too highly praised. To-day there will be a morning performance of with Miss Fanny Moody the title-role, and at night ''Lucia di Lam mermoor" will be produced for the first time in Belfast by this company.

We are. informed that the matinee will be under the natronage of Lord Arthur Hill and party. Mr. John Egskisb, hat and cap manufacturer, lei't Belfast yesterday for the London and Paris markets. He is accompanied by the enterprising managers of his silk and felt departments.

His ratrons may rely on obtaining the newest styles on his return. The Local Military Manoeuvres. The field manoeuvres in connection with the local garrison, which were to have taken place yesterday, were interfered with by the showery character of the weather. The full strength of both regiments quartered in Victoria Barracks turned out to the appointed ground, but, owing to the rain, the manoeuvres did not come off. Captain Harris commanded troop of cavalry which was acting as a convov of provisions from Doagh to Ligoniel.

Major Robinson, of the Gordon Highlanders, commanded the eastern force, whilst Major Napier, of the same regiment, had command of the western force of the euemy. Colonel 0. W. N. Guinness, C.B..

commanding 83rd regimental district, was to have acted as umpire-in-chief. Wintkr. Parents and guardians requiring warm Overcoats for boys and youths would do well to purchase now, as they get a better selection than later in the season. Our stock of Cape Coats, Reefers. Waterproofs, and Winter Suits is now compete, and worth inspection.

H. A. New 119. Royal Avenue. 1S799 Curtains.

Messrs. A. Harper it 36, Done-gall Street, hold a choice Stock of Curtain Materials in Tapestry, Diana, Chenille, Cretonne. feu. also Nottingham Lace Curtains, Guipure, and Madras, all in the Newest Designs and Colourings, aud ranging in prices from the cheapest to the most expansive.

Inspection is respectfully invited J6196 CHARGES AGAINST THE POLICE. THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER'S DEFENCE. London, Thursday Night. The Central News says The correspondence supplied to the Press this evening by the dock directors did not include the following important communication, received by them early in the afternoon from Mr. Monro 4, Whitehall Place, S.W., 19th September, 1 889.

Silt I have to acknowledge the receint of your letter of yesterday's date. This letter "deals (a) with my action personally and (b) with that of the police generally. With reference to (a). I confess that I am unable to understand what course other than that taken by me could properly have been adopted in connection with the matter brought under my notice by your deputation. About ten minutes to five I was informed by you that an unruly mob had possession of the Albert Dock, and I was asked to give orders to disperse it.

I took steps at once to ascertain whether the information was such as to justify special measures being taken, and on learning that the local police required no assistance I refrained from issuing any orders. For the maintenance of order and enforcement of the law I hold the superintendents directly responsible. Had there been any disturbance with which the local police were unable to cope, and had the superintendents abstained at once asking for assistance, they would have been seriously at fault. But I trust my officers to fulfil the duties for which I hold them responsible, and I should wrong them and neglect the public interests were I to interfere with their discretion unless I had very strong grounds for believing that they were acting itrT-properly or injudiciously. I had no such grounds for distrusting the responsible officers of police at the docks.

There was no disturbance at the Albert Dock with which the metropolitan police on duty were not perfectly competent to deal, and at the time (about 4-50) when I was asked by the deputation to issue orders to disperse an unruly mob. there was, as a matter of fact, no unruly mob at the Albert or any other dock to be dealt with as requested. I am quite prepared to make every allowance for information given in trying times being coloured by anxiety or but the public, very rightly, are not ready to extend such allowances to police aotion under difficult circumstances. The public hold the police responsible for acting with promptitude, tempered by judgment and discretion, and the action taken in the present instance I am fully prepared to justify and defend. As to (b) the action of the local police As soon as information was given (about noon) to the police that there was any disturbance a strong force quite sufficient to meet the exigencies of the case appeared on the scene and remained present till towards evening.

There is no doubt that there was a decided display of ill-feeling on the part of the unionist towards the non-unionist labourers, but there were no acts of intimidation or assault witnessed by the police or brought to their notice which were not promptly dealt with. Had any other cases been seen by the police or reported to them they would, as they have always done, have acted without hesitation. If yon can give me any instances of intimidation or violence in which the police declined to act, I need not say (as I have said before) that inquiry shall be made. Similarly with reference to the acts of violence used towards non-unionists on leaving the dock on their way to the train, I can only say that with the exception of an assault by a man Henry Holland which was promptly dealt with by the police, no cases of such violence came under notice of or were reported to the police. These non-unionists were escorted by the police from the docks to the railway station' and had such numerous instances of violence actually taken place I cannot but think that the police would have seen and dealt with them.

If you can give me any information as to particular cases, I shall be glad to inquire, but without snch details I am not prepared to accept unreservedly a general statement that many acts of violence wore committed on men after they had left the clocks. On the general question of police assistance, I can only repeat that the fullest aid and protection allowed by law have been given by the metropolitan police throughout the strike. It must be borne in mind that the docks are private property, and that, as in the case of railway stations, the duty of maintaining order inside the dock gates rests with the dock authorities, who have police of their own for the purpose. The duty of the metropolitan police is to maintain order outside, and to aid in suppressing any disturbance inside on being called to do so. This duty has been faithfully performed, but I am not prepared to undertake to discharge in addition the duty which primarily ought to be performed by the dock authorities through their own police.

To enable me to perform the additional duties in connection with the strike I have largely increased the force of metropolitan police outside the dock gates, and it ia for the directors to say whether they have increased their staff of officers inside the gates on account of the additional duties thrown upon them by the strike and its consequences. I can only regret that you should consider the aid afforded to you by the police to have been inadequate, and I can but repeat what I have -already written in my letter to you of the 17th inst. 'l find in the reports of your subordinates statements to the effect that the metropolitan police have done nothing. I trust that these views are endorsed by your directors, for a more undeserved reproach has never been cast upon the force which I have the honour to command. From the commencement of the strike to its close the officers and men of the metropolitan police have worked day and night with untiring energy and zeal.

They have afforded the utmost protection within their power and within the law to life and-property, and I have no hesitation in saying that the public owe them much for the admirable, manner in which they have performed their duties during a most trying To this opinion I adhere, and while regretting that the services of the metropolitan police have not met with your approval. I am quite prepared to leave their action throughout this unfortunate strike to be judged by my superiors and the public. I am, sir. your obedient servant (signed), J. Monro.

The Chairman Joint Docks Committee. Complete order prevails at the various London docks this evening, and no further trouble is apprehended by the authorities. FATAL ACCIDENT TO A BELFAST SEAMAN. SPECIAL TELEGRAM. Queenstown, Thursday Night.

A fatal accident occurred at Queenstown to-night. A seaman named Wm. Query, belonging to the Liverpool brigantine Zalita, which is lying in the harbour windbonnd, from Glasgow Tralee. coal-laden, was on shore with some of his fellow-shipmates, whom, it appears, he was running away from, and having some drink taken he was unsteady in his movements, and ran against a stone wall at a dark side of the street with mnch violence and fell, inflicting a nasty wound on his head. Assistance soon arrived, and he was quickly removed on a truck to the General Hospital, where Dr.

Hodge3 did all that was possible for the unfortunate man, but he died in a few minutes after his admission to the institution. The deceased is about 25 years of age, belongs to Belfast, and has only been eight months married. SUICIDE BY A COUNCILLOR'S SON. London, Thursday. The coroner for North Staffordshire held an inquest to-day at Longton on the body of Robert Farmer, son of Councillor Farmer, of that town, who committed suicide on Wednesday night by taking poison after a desperate attempt to murder his brother-in-law, Albert Brindley, whom he shot with a revolver in four places.

Evidence was given of the deceased's kindness to Brindley, whom he fed and clothed, but bitterly differences had arisen between Farmer and his wife, in which Brindley shared. A verdict of suicide whilst temporarily insane was returned. THE DEPTFORD INSURANCE FRAUD. London, Thursday. Elizabeth Jane Frost, who was convicted of defrauding the Prudential Assurance Company in connection with the Dept-ford poisoning cases, was brought up ab the Old Bailey to-day for sentence, but, on the application of the Crown, the matter was further postponed in order that the Treasury might consider whether they should proceed with the charge of murder.

Larne and Stranraer Route. The next cheap excursion from Belfast to London, Harrogate, Scarboro', ice, by the Lame and Stranraer route, will be on Thursday, 26th instant. Express train leaves York Road Terminus at 4-1 5 p.m. The tickets are available for sixteen days. Sea passage only two hours and forty minutes.

For fares, see bills- 185G5 native princes of India and securing their loyalty to the British Empire. (Cheers.) The historian of to-day will not call Lord Dufferin' administration in India an uneventful one; for has it not been marked by the acquisition of the vast and valuable territory of Burmah (hear, hear) the name of whose capital has been embodied in the title of the marquisate conferred upon Lord Dufferin by his grateful Sovereign the Queen and Empress of India (Cheers.) You will understand that I have attempted only the very briefest-epitome of Lord Dnfferin's services to his country in India: but what I have said will perhaps serve to bring before you a few of the objects achieved by the great statesman who has honoured us with his presence upon this occasion. (Cheers.) My lords and gentlemen, I fear I have occupied your time too long, but I cannot sit down without reminding you of the many graces of Lord Dufferin's private character, his charm of manner and boundless generosity, which have so endeared him to everyone with whom ho has come in contact during his long and brilliant career, more particularly to us his fellow countrymen in the province of Lister. I ask yon all to join most heartily and enthusiastically in welcoming our noble guest the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava back to his native land. (Cheers.) The toast was enthusiastically honoured.

Air "Home, Sweet Home." The Marquis of Duj-teiun, on rising to respond, was received most enthusiastically, the entire audience rising, waving handkerchiefs, and cheering. He said Mr. Mayor, my lords, and gentlemen, although I have had the good fortune during a- long and varied term of official employment to be frequently called upon to return thanks for the kind way in which my name has been mentioned at public entertainments, I can say with the utmost sincerity that I never felt it more difficult to reply in an adequate manner to the toast of my health than on the present occasion (applause) for, as a rule, those who havo hitherto been my hosts have sought rather to pay respect to the dignity of my office or to the august Sovereign whom I was representing, or to the principles of government, which my conduct of affairs embodied and enforced, than to give expression to their personal regard and sympathy. (Hear, hear.) But in this magnificent demonstration, in the cheers which have greeted the flattering and eloquent utterances of the Mayor, what is principally brought home to me is the fact that I am surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of niy earliest and lifelong friends, by those who first encouraged my youthful and halting endeavours to be of some use to the country (hear, hear) and who have never missed au opportunity of manifesting the indulgent interest they have taken in my career, and of testifying to the world at large their general approval of my conduct. (Hear, hear.) And I assure you.

gentlemen, I have found that the privilege of being able to display your imprimatur has heen of no small practical benefit, for whenever I havo proceeded to display my official functions in the midst of strange communities, who knew little of my character or antecedents, the fact of my bringing g'ood credentials from Ulster was in itself -sufficient to ensure mc a favourable reception and auspicious start. (Loud applause.) But although larb aware that private friendship and neighbourly good-will and the natural indulgence you feel for one whom you have long known have heen the principal agents in bringing you here to-night, I may perhaps venture to hope that another sentiment of a more, general character has added to the numbers of this assembly namely, the desire of Irishmen to make a fellow-countryman feel that they are pleased at one of their own race and land having been able without discredit ti take a considerable part in administering the affairs of che mighty British Empire (applause) and to add another proof to the far more convincing ones so many of her sons have already given, that Ireland is as capable of producing men well fitted to undertake the great duties of the State ns hither of the sister countries. (Applause.) cvenw. gentlemen, I can assure you, at each successive stage of my career, at every fresh mark of my Sovereign's and of my country's approval, this thought, has never been absent from my mind. (Hear, hear.) To do credit to Ireland and to myself not unworthy of the native strain from which I am descended has been the constant object of my ambition.

(Applause.) But in undertaking the government of India a more special anxiety forced itself upon my attention the desire that if I could not emulate the merit for I knew that would be impossible I might, at all events, follow in the footsteps of those illustrious Ulster-men to whom India owes so mnch (applause) and to whom England is most chiefly indebted during the most terrible season ef trial that has ever overtaken her for the preservation of her Eastern Empire. (Loud applause.) Though my labours and my difficulties can in no sense be compared with theirs, yet to be allowed, throngh the indulgence of my fellow-countrymen, to occupv a humble niche in the temple of honour which enshrines the memory of the Lawrences, the the Nicholsous, the Gillespien, and many another North of Ireland hero, would indeed be an ample reward. (Loud applause.) Nor were this favour to be conceded to me, need those that I am addressing fear that the cycle of distinguished Indo-Irishmen would be closed. (Applause;) Without disparagement to ehiher of the sister kingdoms, I can say ayA, oi nsmar.