The Leeds Mercury from Leeds, West Yorkshire, England • 5

THE LEEDS MERCURY, THCHSDAY, 16, 1M Til MATABELE MMi: THE NEE EXPEDITION. SOCIETY WEBBINGS. MISS MAPLE' EOKlARDSTEm. jBOM OUB LONDON CORRESPONDENT. Materia scene wEen.

trie Shadow of Gcti met the lay Bbntiff of the West, and listened adxniringly to bis- words of wisdom and mpiooS." I Although Charles Lamb speaks of "the sanity of true, genius," we have eminent authority for the etate-: mient that great wits" are near allied to madness;" I and an elaborate treatise was written some -rime ago by Mr. "Nisbet to prove that genius was the correlate of I insanity. Recently an eminent Frenchman, Dr. Dtrrand Pardel, was at great pains to prove that the author cf the "Divine Comwv' wn 3. In-nstiA toitvi nxtr prjpii-aSttry rCTgii'otr dettonrrna'Jrlori E22ake3 sis ie-cion ejLfiruiaely probable.

ColoxsaJ and Home 2dis-aions and Hks Ctarcb. Sitensron quesiaon. will ba dia-rassed after the address on the Itiesday morning. The levision of the oonstiimtion will occupy the Union's attention at a special assembly on Wednesday; morning, Slay 15th; while another special assembly for the consideration of public creations has been summoned for Thursday morning. At this session a resolution on the Education Bill will be moved by Mr.

Carvell Williams, M.P., seconded: by Dr. Berry, of Wolverhampton, and supported by the Rev. J. Hirst Hollowell. It is quite safe to anticipate that this resolution will be a root and branch condemnation of Sir John Gorst's proposals.

At the same assembly, Dr. Guinness Sogers is to propose a resolution approving the principle of international arbitration. As the "Mercury has already announced, Mr. A. E.

Hutton, M.P., will preside at the Young People's Conversazione, to be held the same evening. Br. B. F. Horton and the Bev.

Airbed Davies, of iNew Barnet, are to be the other speakers at this gathering, which promises to be one of the specially interesting features of the Union's meetings. Simultaneously with this conversazione a public meeting of the Colonial Missionary Society will be held in the City Temple, with Sir Donald Chime, M.P., in the chair, and Dr. Barrett, Dr. Guinness Rogers, and Dr. Herbert Evans as principal speakers.

The closing assembly of the Union, on the "Friday morning, will be devoted to a conference on "The Pulpit -and the Pastorate." Altogether the programme is a. full One, and presents a great variety of interest. At the meeting of the Musical Association, I heard that Sir John Stainer. the President, was lying in a private hospital suffering from a very severe internal complaint. Evidently the distinguished musician's trip to Cairo has not done him so much good as was expected.

The Lamoureux Concert at Queen's Hall attracted a very large audience. The famous Parisian conductor visited London some fifteen years ago, but on that occasion he did not bring his own orchestra, the band being entirely composed of resident London instrumentalists, with Sainton as their principal. Judging from the miscellaneous programme put forward, the French orchestra is only poor in its first strings fact due more, perhaps, to the quality of the violins themselves than to the executive ability of the players. Londoners are accustomed to the splendid tone of the valuable fiddles possessed by the members of the leading orchestras, such as the Philharmonic, so thit foreigners with, comparatively new instruments are sure to be criticised in this respect. M.

Lamovrreus: is a very conscientious musician, and obtains the best possible rendering from his band. Moreover, unlike many foreign conductors, he has endeavoured to discover the intentions of the composers, which is one of the good traits of the leading English conductors. Consequently, the performance of familiar works, as Beethoven's Symphony iu minor and the overture to ''Der X'liegende Hollander" was similar in style to what is generally given in "London. BRANCEPETH COIXIEKY EXPLOSION, AW I If CREASED DEATH ROLL. During Tuesday night and the whole of yesterdaj-parties of explorers were working incessantly in the Brajioepetb.

Pit at Willington, endea-vtairiiig to reacti the bodies of the remainder of the men who were in the mine ai the time of the disaster. It has transpired that the names of two more of the men were omitted-from the official list given, on Tuesday, so that ths death-toll has been increased from seventeen to nineteen, there being now no hope for those still in the pit. It appears that 26 men in all went down oa Mouday, and of these five were got out alive, the bod es of other five have been rccoverrd, and there are fourteen entombed amongst the falls of roof and debris still to be cleared away. Two more of the bodies have been seen, but it is impossible to get to them for the present, though efforts are being made to recover them. The following is an a-trthentio list or those killed audi mt embed: MST OF Dowson, stoneman, single.

Thoxa; Nicholson, stoneman, married, no family. Joseph Forster, shifter, single. John Rogerson, rnaster-shlfter, married, grown-up family. Ralph Lawson, deputy, married, grown-up -family. DSSTOMBED TEE 3IIXE.

George Lowther, stoneman, married, five children. William Laws, stoneman, single. Thamas Lawson, stoneman, married, six children. Charles Linton, stoneman, married, five children. John Wearmouth, stoneman, married, grown-up family.

John Jefferson, shifter, married, growa-up family. Robert Ransome, boy. Henry Hodgson, stoneman, single. Willian? Rawlings, stoneman, married, one cHlcU Tristram Spenee, stoneman, single. Thomas Carling, boy.

William Cooke, stoneman, married, grown-up family, Michael Turner, shifter, married, large family. Joseph Brigharn, shifter, single, widowed mother. The two last named are additions to the lists previously published. Amongst those present at the pit yesterday were Mr. Donald Bain, Chief Inspector of Mines for the district; Mr.

John Wilson, M.P., and' Mr. J. Johnson, agents of the miners Sir Henry) Haveloek-Allan, M.P., and many colliery managers front surrounding districts. All the bodies of those named in the list of killed have been brought out, the bodies in most cases being dreadfully burns and singed. All that was recovered of Forster "was the trunk, without head, arms, and legs, and the remains) were so charred, as to resemble a mass of burnt cottoa waste more than anything else.

Mr. Wilson, M.P., who left the mine in the afternoon, said that the s- arch parties had advanced two miles underground, and found two other bodies, which as yet were not identified. There was still a large mass of fallen roof and debris to make a road through, and the party had nearly ai mile farther to traverse before coming to the end c'l the workings. It was possible that more of the bodies; would be brought to bank during the night, but in was very when the whole would be recovered: The inquest was opened yesterday, before Mr. Proud; District Coroner.

Mr. J. H. Stxaker, one oi tba ownors, attended, and expressed their great sorrow foi what had occurred. There had never been ary sign in the mine of anythin.tr like f-uch a calamity occurring; bus alt that human aid could do would be done to alleviate the condition of the bereaved.

The inquesi was adjourned, after evidence of identification. Resolutions and, letters of sympathy have been received ai the Miners' Hall, Durham, from the North of England! Primitive Methodist Preachers' Association, in conference at Durham, the Ven. Archdeacon Watkinsi Messrs. Rolckow, Vaughan, and and others. Willington is a mining village about midway, between Durham End Bishop Auckland, and lies south of the city, almost in the centre of a broad! valley which is really one continuous coalfield.

Foa something like twenty miles shaft chnrneys are everyi where prominent, with groups of miners' cottages" here sirigleTstory brick huts, built barrack fashion' grouped around them. The mine in which the explosion occurred is a large one. It is divided into threa sections of and trith separate shafts. Ths workings of each of those sections extend several miles in one instance it is said over four from the shaft. The three sections are, together, termed the Branee-1 peih Mine, that being the name of a village Dear, ia which lives the landowner, Lord Boyne.

The Colliery owners are Messrs. Straker and Love, who have owned mines in the district tor many years. The A section of the mine was the actual scene of the explosion. In the whole mine about 900 miners have been employed, and latterly they have done no nighS work. The miners are divided into two day "shifts," which between them work from four o'clock ia the morning until the same hour in the afternoon.

Ail night the practice has been to send down a number oi stonemen," whose ork was to repair the roofs, clear; up the mine, and put it in order for the miners on thai following day. These men usually went down soon-after four o'clock in the afternoon, when the miners) bad left, and remained ax their particular task until the morning. Twenty-two ot these night men went down into the A sect-ion of the mine on Monday night, and to these the disaster happened. With regard to the cause of the explosion nothing wns hazarded but conjecture, nor, in the prcJ 1-abie death of every man at work where it began, was it thought likely thai the cause will be was stated that connected and half connected with the mine were a number of old workings, begun mora than half century ago, and that gas may have there; accumulated'. The mine itself has alwavs been considered a safe one, and the particular section in which, the explosion occurred has, it is said, been worked' fori more than twenty years without ssrious accidents QUEEN nulOBIA AT NICE.

Wednesday- (Renter), The morning was oiotidy, but mild, and the Queen took her usual drive in her donkey chair in the grounds adjoining the Hotel gardens. "erincess Christian, Princess Henry of Batten-berg, and Princess Victoria of ScMeswig-Holstein went into the town, where their Royal Highnesses visited the radway station and inspected the Russian Imperial train, which is remarkable for its numerous mechanical and electric appliances. In the afternoon Her Majes-tv, accompanied by Princess Christian, and followed by another carriasB contain inn Pi-Iti firnM -nA the roJ' of the Villa owned by Princess iurjf or raicenDerg, Grove to Montbanon. Tr' lir quaiw-past nye a snower ct ram fell, and Her Majesty, with the Princesses, drove back uie wmcn was reacned a ten minutes to six. Princess Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, attended by Dowager Lady Southampton, drove to the Cascade of Gairaut.

Major Von Jacobi, Military Attache with the German Embassy in Rome, called at the Hotel Oimiez this afternoon. The Kino- rf fW-Am ca Oimiez this afternoon. The King of Sweden is ex- I pacted to visit Her Majesty to-morrow. According to present arrangements, the Marquis of Salisbury wild leave here on Saturdav. The denai-tiiTA tha Orison is definitely fixed for the mst.

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OP YORK. Paris, Wednesday (Reuter. The Duke and Duchess of York arrived here yesterday on their way to Cobwrg. The Duke of York will, it is stated, visit the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough at Blenheim early in June. THE GERMAN B1IPEBGR IN Vienna, Wednesday The annual spring parade took place to-day in splendid and passed off brilliantly.

When the Emperor William wearing his Austrian Hussars' uniform, rode on the ground, the band struck up the German National Anthem. The Emperor Francis Joseph immediately galloped up to him, and after lowering his sword three times, delivered his report. Their Majesties then rode together down the front, of th troops. The Emperor Francis Joseph has conferred the order of the Golden Fleece upon Prince Hohenlohe, German Chancellor, and the Emperor William has bestowed the order of the Black Eagle upon Count Goluchowski, Austriin Foreign Minister. At a luncheon given at the Josefstadt Barracks, the Emperor William, replying to the toast of his health, expressed his pleasure at havinff been able to lead his Hussar Regiment past the Emperor "Francis Joseph that aay.

A am convinced (added jus tnat I am the interpreter of all who are assembled at this table, or who enjoyed the opportunity at to-day's parade of admiring the eornmanding and hale appearance of the Emperor, when I call from a joyful heart to the Emperor "Francis Joseph and his army, "ElienJ eljen In the course of the afternoon the German Emperor gave audience to Count Goluchowski, the Austm-Hurtgarian' Minister for Foreign Affairs. THE SULTAN" ANJ PEINCE Constantinople, Wednesday (Reuter). The Sultan has appointed Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria to be a Marshal of the Ottoman army. An Imperial decree making the appointment was. read yesterday at Kura-Tehesme Palace, with the ceremony usual on such occasions.

The Sultan has also -granted to the Prince the right of conferring the existing Bulgarian orders. The King of Servia, who is at Athens, is slightly indisposed. The King of the Belgians has returned to Brussels from VieEna. The President of the French Republic left Paris last evening for Verdun. The dinner to Sir William Harcourt, at the National Liberal Club, has been fixed for 5th May.

Sir Hubert Jemingham, of Mauritius, arrived in Paris last evening. He will leave on Monday for London. Prince. Hohenlohe, the German Chancellor', was present yesterday morning at the marriage, in Vienna, of his niece, Princess Dorothea, to Count Lamberg. The ceremony was perfo-med by Cardinal Gruschsj Prince Archbishop of- Vienna.

Tuesday, being the anniversary of the birth of Henry of Battenburg and of Prince Christian Victor of Schleswig-Holstein, numerous congratulatory telegrams were received at the Hotel Oimiez, Nicej from members of the English colony at Cannes. GIFT OF A FREE LIBRARY TO TODMORDEN. At the half-yearly meeting of. the Todmorden Industrial Co-operative Society Limited, held last night, Mr. William Jackson in the chair, the question of celebrating the society's jubilee came under discussion.

The general desire. of the meeting, was. to do so handsomely and permanently. Ultimately it was decided, by an almost unanimous vote, to build a spiendid Free Library, and to transfer thereto and present to the town the whole of the society's library, consisting of over 8,500 volumes of books, subject to the Free Library Act being adopted by the town. The result was hailed by loud cheering.

Furthermore, it was resolved take the cost, estimated at about 3,000, entirely out of the society's reserve fund; and a comibined committee, representing the society, was appointed, with full authority to cany out the munificent scheme to a successful issue. LEEDS WORKPEOPLE'S HOSPITAL FUND. The quarterly meeting of this organisation was held last evening at the General' Infirmary. Mr. S.

H. Oldham, in the absence of the chairman, Mr. F. R. Spark, presided.

Mr. Norbury submitted the report, which stated that there was every prospect of last year's record bemg surpassed. Tfie new committees showed an increased membership in almost every ward of the city. This indicated an extended interest in the movement. A carefully revised list of non-subscribing workshops had been prepared, and was in the hands of the ward secretaries.

When they had reported, a thorough canvass of such shops would be undertaken. The committees would shortly commence their duties in connection with the gala, ths chief attraction- at which would be Blondin, who would give two performances each day over the lake. Open-air fetes and carnivals were announced by Bramley, West Leeds, Stanningley, Holbeck, and West Hunslei Wards, and the list of Sunday concerts was rapidly filling. It was thus evident that laudable efforts were being made to achieve satisfactory results. The committee regretted the resolutions recently passed by the Weekly Board of the Infirmary with regard to out-patients, being afraid: that the proposed system of out-patients, after forty-eight hours' treatment, obtaining certificates from a doctor, a minister of religion, or -a magistrate, would lead to difficulties.

The total amount received to date was 892 as against 917 15s. Sd. for the corresponding period last year. Some discussion took place with reference to the abover mentioned resolutions re.garding out-patients, and it was that the cards' should be in the hands of. the members of the-Workpeople's Hospital Fund Committee, as they were most likely to know the eiroumstane.es of the appli-! cants.

It was also suggested that it might be well to allow employers of labour to. give out the cards'. The report was adopted on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. W. B.

Rhodes, and the proceedings terminated. ENTERTAINMENT TO THE BLIND IN LEEDS. Under -the auspices of the committee of the Leeds United Institution for the Blind and Deaf and Dumb the annual tea and entertainment to the blind of Leeds and district took place in the Assembly Kooms, iSnggate, Ihe tea was provided by voluntary contributions, and ladies connected with the committee and other friends presided at the tables. There were, upwards of 200 blind persons present, but as they were accompanied -by friends, the number that sat down, to tea was about. 503, the commencement of the proceedings the Chairman of the Committee of the United Institution said were delighted to see so large a gathering.

They had. to thank many friends for what appeared on the tables. Before -he asked them to siag the' which. would; be out by Mr. Harvey, he wished' to 'refer'' to the loss which they, he was sure, would feel- as' much as himself, in the removal from their midst of Mr.

Sydney Lupton, who had gone to reside "Condon. Lupton had been for eleven years, he believed, a member of their committee, and he could safely say that there was no man connected with the committee who had worked harder or more disinterestedly in the cause of the blind aid the deaf and dumb. Mr. Lupton had sent them in his resigratiori, and he was asked to read a resolution which tbey had -passed that afternoon at a committee meeting.1 It was as follows The -committee of the United Institution for the Blind and Deaf and Dumb havo received with great regret the-letter of resignation from Mr. Sydney Lupton, rendered -necessary by his removal from Leeds.

The committee desire to place on record their great sense of the loss sustained by the instiution through Mr. Lupton's resignation, who for the past eleven" years, has devoted time and m(-ans to ameliorate the condition of the blind and deaf and dumb of Leeds." He was sure tliey would all agree with him in endorsing that resolution, and if they thought that' their thanks were to Mr. Lupton they would hold up their hands. -In response to this request all hands were" raised. After tea there was a musical entertainment, the artistes who took part in which kindly- giving their services.

Songs and duets were sung by Madame Marie Henderson, Miss Ada John H. Green, and Mr. Farrer Briggs; Mr. Blake-borough gave -Several liumordus sketches, and "violin soloffwere by Mrs. Cohen.

Mr. Sarrer-'Briggs was the- The piano was lent by Mr. Archibald Gifts" of tea, coffee, sugsov and tobacco, for tte blind invalids were presented by Messrs: Taylor and Co. and "Bond, and MssaSa. Tetley and Son.

STEEKGTHENINCf OF FfiENCH POSTS. JDEEYISHEg 'ON TEE MOYE. i THE EEIBN3DLT AEAB PATEOLS- (SPECIAL tEEXEQEAMJ Wly Haifa, Wednesday. Two days ago iht tracks of sixty-five camels were discovered in the desert at a distance of about forty-five m.3ea to the south-east of Akashelh. The tracks indicated that they were, proceeding in a northerly direction, and it is supposed ihere thai a party of Dervishes were advancing to reconnoitre the Egyptian lines and communications.

Nothing so far, however, has been seen of them. The mule and camel field battery -left here to-day for Akasheh. The laying of the telegraph wire between Sams and Akaflheh. raras begun to-day, under the direction of Lieutenant M. G.

E. Manifold, B.E. It is expected that it will be completed in ten days. It will follow the route along- the river banks. The following is the present organisation of friendly Arabs co-operating with the expeditionary force: The east bank of the river at Sarras, and farther south is patrolled by Shargia and Aiig-hat tribes: the west bank by the Xababt-sa and Foggart tribes; in the eastern desert section, by the Ababdas tribe, under four chiefs namely, BesMr Bey, Abdel Azim, Abu Sidein, and Bashai Bey, who patrol the district from Assouan and Korosko to the Eaima? Wells, Origat Wells, Bsmet Wells, and Murad Wells, and thence, southward towards Abu H'axaed and tne Assouan-Berber road.

Each Arab receives pay and a rifle, but supplies fcis own camel and food. Constant patrols on either flank prevent the incursion of small parties of Dervishes into the Egyptian lines and' communications. They serve also to keep the desert routes clear. Camels are arriving steadily, and the work of transport is proceeding tuimterTuptedly. Cairo, Wednesday (Reuter).

Prince Aziz, son of the late Prince Hassan, starts for Wady Haifa to-morrow morning to join the Egyptian field force. "Paris, Wednesday. The to-day says it learns from a -good source that in view of possible events in, the Soudan orders have been, given to renew and increase the supplies and armaments of the French posts in the extreme south ci Algeria and Tunis, and in Senegal and Timbuotoo. The three stem-wheel steamers ordered by the Egyptian War Office will be sent out in parts to Alexandria. If the Nile is high enough they will be put together there, and if not, at the Boulak Dockyard, at Cairo.

This can be effected in a fortnight, -but it will take another week to prepare them for their trial trip. The Press Association's Woolwich correspondent says Information having 'been telegraphed to England that the troops engaged in the Nile expedition were likely to run short of provisions, one hundred tons of supplies have been promptly despatched from Woolwich Dockyard. For the better provisioning of expeditions like that of the Nile, Her Majesty's Gorermnent is about to expend some thousands of pounds in making Woolwich Dockyard a supplementary victual-En department to the Royal Victoria Yard at Deptford. THE ITALIANS IN ABYSSINIA. Rome, Wednesday (Reuter).

A despatch from Massowah, dated the 12th conveyed' by steamer to Perim, states that twenty Greek canteen keepers and fifteen. Italians employed by a victualling contractor, all civilians, together with journalist, arrived at Adi Caie on the 17th inst. from Adigrat. They were allowed to pass on paying 25 dels, each to the Sas Sebat. The "Tribane" published a telegTam from Masso-wah confirming the news of the abandonment of Tuorif by the Dervishes, and stating that the enemy had accumulated large supplies of provisions thei, evidently with the, intention oi holding the position for a protracted period, even throughout the rainy season.

Two wounded Baggaias report that the Dervishes retreated in great haste along the Osobri read, and reached Osobri after a march of fifteen hours. According to a private despatch from Massowah, Osman Digna is in a isolated position in Sacsel, near Suakin. Ras Mangoseia is in the neighbourhood of Amba Angher. King Mecelik is believed to be beyond Makaleh. THE REBELLION IN CUEA Madrid, Wednesday (Central News).

The Havana correspondent of fae Imparcial telegraphs that several more small encounters have occurred, the Insuirgents losing 39 killed, including their leader, Scull. The Spanish had seven wounded. The gunboats Dardo and Almendares cave been firing on the Insurgents near Maiana. Incendiarism continues in the cane fields, and a bridge on the Cibara line has been damaged by a bomb. The governor of a Spanish bank proposes to increase ths share capital by two millions, issuing preference shares.

The shareholders oppose the step. THE fiEVOLT IN ACHIN. Amsterdam, Wednesday (Reuter). The Handels-blad publishes the following telegram from Balavii "The post of Tjotrang, occupied by the Dutch, has been relieved. The pest of Lsmgoet, occupied by the Achinese, has been burned.

The Dutch had one officer killed and 21 men wounded." GERMANY AND THE CONGO STATE Berlin, Wednesday (Reuter). The semi-ofEcial Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung says "The indemnity which the Congo Free State had to pay the German Government in connection with the Lothaixe-Stekes affair has been employed in giving suitable compensation to the families of those of Lothaire's victims who were domiciled in the German This has produced an extraordinary favourable impression on the natives, since it has clearly demonstrated to them the power of the German pro-f tection. Mr. Stokes's native wife, after receiving the amount of the indemnity assigned to her, wrote a cordial letter of thanks to Major von Wissmann, the Governor." CONVICTION OF A BE BEERS AGENT. Capetown, Wednesday (Reuter).

The trial of Mr. Rutherford, the Capetown agent of De Beers and the Chartered South Africa Companies, on a charge of moving rifles from Capetown to Kimberley, in October last, without a permit, took place here to-day. Mr. Rutherford was convicted, and fined 20. Mr.

C. van Boeschoten, Transvaal Acting Secretary of State, left Capetown yesterday for Europe, oa board the Grantully Castle. The mail steamship Grantully Castle left Capetown yesterday, taking gold for Europe to the value of 254,659. THE CASE OFDR." HEP.2. la- a letter Messrs.

Lewis and Lewis, the Home Secretary states --hat. Dr. Buzzard and Dr. Barlow have reported' on the. condition of Dr.

Herz, and, therefore, he decided that the exhmin'ation of prisoner by isfc John Bridge at Bournemouth, on the 17th crust proceed as arranged, ihe prisoner is to oe examined lying 'in bed. Messrs. Lewis and Lewis have replied that if the inquiry is to take olace on Friday, ihe owing to delay ia certain formalities, can- not be professionally represented. Therefore, they ask tnat the' inquiry may be postponed to a later date. MEDALS FOR YORKSHIRE SOLDIERS.

The Commander-in-Chief has awarded the army medal for long service and good conduct to Lance-Sergeant C. Goddard, "East Yorkshire Regiment; Quartermaster-Sergeant W. Shearing, West Riding Regiment Private Trotmaa, King's Own Light Infantry; and Colour-Sergeant W. A. Priest, York and Lancaster Regiment.

CASTLEFORD URBAN COUNCIL. At the first Sheeting of this Council since the election the number of members haying been increased from twelve to eighteen, ex-Councillor Aaron Davies, of Castleford and Garforth, was elected' ohairman. Mr. Thos. Waring, a new member, was appointed vice-chairman.

LEEDS SHORTHAND WRITERS' ASSOCIA TION. Representation and Indication" was the title of a lecture delivered to the members of the Leeds Shorthand Writers' Association, at their meeting-' room at the Leeds School of Shorthand, last evening, by Mr. James Singleton, the association's president. Mr. D.

Tempest occupied the chair. At the close of the- lecture Mr. Singleton congratulated the society on its members having secured the largest number of speed certificates in the kingdom in the recent examination, held under the auspices of the National Federation of Shorthand Writers' Associations, as well as three special merit prizes and the Federation presi-Sisiit's tenia of nne, sruinea The wedding of Miss Grace Maple and Baron von Eckardstein, of the German Embassy, took place at St. Alban's Abbey yesterday afternoon. Si.

Allan's was gay with flags, and crowds of people thronged the narrow streets. Royalty itself could not have had a better reception than the bridal party. It is no secret that the match was a love-match, and one with a spice of romane in it. Baron Eckardstein. is a fine, frank, good-hearted six-footer, with English tastes and -all sorts of good English qualities and -fie.

completeness of the manner in which the young couple have conquered the heart of Sir Bhrndell is indicated in some degree by the fact that the Baronet's wedding present is a town-house' in Grosvenor- square, with 6,000 a year to keep it up. Mr. Maple, too, gives Ms granddaughter 1,500 worth of silver plate. Two special trains, left St. Pancras Station at 12.15 and 12.35, con veying guests to St.

Alban's, and among those who went down was Prince Edward of Saxe- Weimar, the Austrian Ambassador, the Turkish Ambassador, the Russian Ambassador, the Italian Ambassador, the Danish Minister, the Netherlands Minister, the Belgian Minister, the Brazilian Minister, the Swedish Minister, the Persian Minister, the German Consul-General, Captain Von Boeder, Mr. A. de Castro, Mr. Geilich, Baron and Baroness Deichmann, Miss Deichmann, Col. Ludlow (of the American Embassy, the Earl of Kil-rnorey, Mr.

Herbert Gladstone, M.P., Sir John Puies-ton, Mr. Brenton, Sir George and Lady Dallas, Count Mr. Grant, Mr. Grantham, Mr. and Mrs.

Edward E. Sassoon, Colonel, and Miss Edith Edis, Mr. and Mrs. Middleton, Captain the Hon. E.

Dawson, the. Chaplain the and many others. The service was' choral, and the ceremony wa performed by the Bishop of St. Alban's, assisted bv the Archdeacon of St. Alban's and' the Rev.

C. V. Biek-Jifd, Vicar, of St. Michael's, St. Alban's.

J. JBlundell Maple gave his daughter away. She wore an ivory duchesse satin gown, veiled with tulle, and draped with deep frills of Brussels point, of simply priceless value. A soft, low niching of mousseleine de soie took, the place of a collar to the bodice, with charm mg effect; and an exquisite finish was given to by a chatelaine of orange blossoms and myrtle. The full Court train, worn from both shoulders, was also of ivory duchesse satin, bordered with' embroidery, the bows 'and ribbon being in a cloisonne of Brussels Isae set on a background of silver powdered with diamonds, the entire outlining being in pearls.

Round her throat was a necklace of pearls, clasped at intervals with diamonds, a love-knot of diamonds being attached to the cape of the dress with pear-shaped, pearls and dewdrops of diamonds. She earned a bouquet of rare orchids, intermixed with white lilac, heather, and orange blossoms, specially ordered from garden of Europe, Cannes. Miss Maple was followed to the altar by five bridesmaids. Miss Barron, Miss Powler, the Hon. Eily Blake, Miss Arnold, and Miss Blumenthal, the last-named being a relative of the bridegroom.

They looked the prettiest of hying pictures in ivory satin dresses, with full Dodiees- of mousseline de soie, held in at the waist with broad turquoise blue Miss Maple's favourite colour) satm ribbon, to which in each case was attached a bouquet of pink roses. The fichus were, of white mousseline de soie, edged with vellow lace and insertion, with very full sleeves ruched to the wrists. After the ceremony the guests were entertained at luncheon, which was served in a large marquee erected on the lawn 'at Childwickbury, and afterwards Baron and Baroness von Eckardstein left for the Duo d'Alba's chateau, Seville. The presents numbered over six hundred. THE HON.

MARIAN BRODRICK AND MR. JAMES WHITEHEAD. At Peper Harow Churchy near Godalming, the marriage was solemnised of Mr. James Whitehead, Second Secretary to the Embassy in Berlin, and the Hon. Marian Brodriek, youngest daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Midleton.

The service was fully choral, and the church' was tastefully decorated. The Hon. and Rev. Canon Brodriek, uncle of. the bride, officiated, assisted by the Rev.

A. E. Campbell, Vicar of All Souls', Leeds, and the Rector of Peper Harow. Lord Midleton gave his daughter away, and Mr. B.

A. Olarke-Thornhill acted as best man. There were nine bridesmaids and two pages. MS. -CLARENCE GOFF AND LADY CECILIE WILLOUGHBY.

At St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, in the presence cf a very hvrg'j assembly, the marriage took place, with full choral service, and special floral decoration, of Mr. Thomas Clarence Edward Goff, of Oaiport, county Roscommon, and Lady Cecilie Heathcote Drvrmmond Willoughby, lourth daughter of the Earl and Qountess of Ancaster, of Normantoh Park, Stamford, and 12, Belgrave-ssquare, S.W. The Rev. Canon J.

S. Warren, Rector of Willoughby, Alford, Lincolnshire, officiated, assisted by the Rev. H. Montagu Villiers, Vicar of St. Paul's.

The Earl of Ancaster gave his daughter away. Viscount Brsckley (eldest son of the Earl of Ellesmere) acted as best man. There were only four bridesmaids Miss Dora Agnew, Miss Hazel Agnew (nieces), Misj Cynthia Fitzelarence (cousin of the bridegroom), and the Han. Norah M'Garel Hogg, and Master Victor Alexander Ewart (a nephew of the bride) acted as page. The reception given by the Countess of Ancaster after the ceremony, at 12, Belgrave-square, was very largely attended, among those invited, of whom many were present, being Prince and Princess Adolphus of Teck, the Duke and Duchess of St.

Albans, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland, tne. Duke and Duche3s of Buccleuch, the Marquis and Marchioness of Huntly, Earl and Countess of Lonsdale, Sir Henry and Lady Evelyn Ewart, Hon. Lady Trvon, Mr. and Lady Margaret Ormsby Gore, Lord and Lady Magheramore, Lady Augustus Fitzelarence, Mr. and Lady Mary Turner, Miss Fitzelarence, Mr.

and Mrs. Henry Agnew, Miss Goff, Mr. D. Goff, Mr. and Mrs.

C. Goff, The newly married couple afterwards left for their honeymoon tour. The presents, over 400, included four massive silver cups and silver salver from political friends in the Buckrose Division, and valuable articles from a large circle of friends and acquaintances of ooth families. A WEDDING AT GREENGATES. The little village of Greengates presented an interesting sight yesterday afternoon.

It was the occasion of the. marriage of Mr. John William Garnett, of Greengates Hall, youngest son of the late Mr. Green, wood Garnett, and Miss Edith. Blanche, the only daughter of Mr.

Robert Aked, of its Oaklands, Ap-perley Bridge, and the event aroused great interest in the district, where bride and bridegroom are held in high esteem. Mr. Garnert is a member of the firm of Messrs. Garnett and Sons, cloth manufacturers, of Valley Mills and Greenside Mills, Apperley, and King-street, Leeds. He has taken a prominent part in pubSc matters, and has been chairman of the Eccleshill District' Council since its formation.

The bride is equally well known for her charitable deeds amongst the, sick and poor. The wedding took place at the Church, of St. John the Greengates, the interior of which was profusely decorated flowers, whilst without there were Venetian masts, banners, and streamers, -which, with tihe throng, of people in the adjoin'ng. thoroughfare, formed an animated picture. Fully ari hour before two o'clock, the time fixed for the cere-ahony, the Church was crowded, and by the time the wedding party arrived over two thousand people had collected in the vicinity.

The ibride, who was given away by her, father, wore a dress of white Duchesse satin trimmed with ostrich tip3, and carried a shower bouquet of real orange blossom, whit lilacs, staphanotis, tuberoses, vyhife tulips, and lilies of the valley. Her ornaments a diamond half-moon crescent and diamond gifts of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Miss Porter (cousin of the bride), Miss Mataker (London), and Misses Garnett and Mathers (rdebes of the bridegMom). They wore skirts of -pink crepon gauze, and -bodices, of lace ehifion, trimmed with embroidery and glace ribbon, and their hats were of shot ''pink, and green straw, artistically trimmed with pink roses and green tulle, and grasses. They also wore initialled gold bangles and carried showers of pink roses, 'the gifts of the bridegroom.

Three children nieces of the bride who bore the bride's train, were attired in Surat silk dresses, "trimmed with lilies of the valley. Mr. Richard Watson, of Thorn Garth, was the -best and the groomsmen were Borfbrhley. 'Hart, 'and P. Aked.

-The Bishop of Richmond, assisted the Rev. Thomas Gleave, Vicar of Eccleshill, and tie Rev. E. A. Mold, of Greengates, officiated.

During the the. Greengates augmented. from the "Leeds Parish Church choir, rendered the antfiam, King "shall Rejoice'" '(Dr. Hopkins); Mr. Chas.

Blagbro and Mr. John Browning effectively taking- the solo parts. Mr. Benton, of the Leeds Parish Church, presided at the organ. After the ceremony, there was" reception at the Oaklands, tie guests.

numbering about 200, and'during the afternoon the Greengates Brass Band played selections on the lawn in front of the house. The presents, numbering over 150, are a beautiful eoUection, and include tokens of regard from the Eccleshill District Council, the workpeople at Gainett's, and. also from many of grateful poor in the neighbourhood. In the evening thsere was a gala in the village, which was numerously attended. The mills of the firm were closed during, the.

afternoon. Mr. Garnett and his bride left Apperley "Bridge for London by the 4.25 p.m: train, en rente for and Italian lakes, where they intend to ebehd 'a month or so. THE PARNELLITES AND THE LAND BILL. -leader of the Pamellites, has been Interviewed by, the Press Association's Lobby representative regarding the Irish Land Bill.

The Member thinks all their efiorts eihould be directed to forcing the Government to. provide sufficient time for discussion, and amendment, and the passing of the measure this session. He' believes its passing this sesrion: quite possible. While considering several elates he regards, the proposal for automatic "revisiba of rents with' favour, and thinks the provisions purchase would', go a long way towards settling the land question. The Pamellites, he states, will move amendments, but will give no pretext for withdrawing the bill on the ground of obstruction.

OFFICIAL 1EOM -jpXJLUWAYQ. The undermentioned telegram froia Sir Heronlcft Robinson has been received at the Colonial Office "14th April, Following telegram received from Nicholson: Buluwayo, 13th April. Out of the men enrolled and armed1 here, about 250 might be counted on to keep the field, and act in. cooperation with Colonel Plumesr's force for a length of time. This is perhaps a low estimate, and another hundred or so might become available.

I It is impossible to estimate the numbers of the enemy, reports as to strength of individual impis being so conflicting, and the whole cormtry round is now in their hands. The enemy north are cow stated to be in great force, most difficult country, and thickly wooded, but the Matoppo range now full of men and well stocked. Will require large force. The Salisbury column consists of 70 mounted men and 80 They were leaving Umyati last Thurs- day 'for Gwelo. 'Can; communicate with Gwelo by wire through Mashonaland and Salisbury.

There are no other columns taking the The Press Association learns that the official mows from Buluwayo, although serious as showing the extent of the native rising, indirectly relieves in a measure the natural anxiety fait for the safety of the force at Buluwayo. Captain Nicholson, when speaking of the force at Buluwayo which might be counted oa to take tlie field and co-operate with Colonel Piumec's force for a length of time, is presumably speaking of offensive rather than defensive- operations, so that tne little band at Buluwayo apparently has no immediate fear of being called upon to assume (he defensive. It will be noticed that the despatch published yesterday was received art the Colonial Office on Tuesday, but the delay in issuing it mus not be, token as an indication of dilatory action on the part of tie Government. The Press Association has reason, to believe that it was not at first intended to publish the telegram; but that the Secretary of State, who has shown himself anxious to satisfy all legitimate curiosity, on the part of the pcHio, ultimately gave directions that it should be issued in the usual way. THE DOMINION PARLIAMENT.

MANITOBA SCHOOLS' BILL DROPPED. Ottawa, Wednesday (Renter). The prolonged debate in the Committee of ths Manitoba Schools Remedial Bill, which kept the Dondnion House of Commons permanent session the whole of last week, terminated to-night after a second protracted sitting of eighty hours. Owing to the obstruction which it has called forth, the Government have decided to drop the bill for the present session, and to devote the remaining week to Supply. Parliament will be dissolved at once, and general elections will be held not later than the first week in June.

Both parties express confidence as to the result. The Liberals trust that the opposition, offered to the Remedial Bill will gain them many seats in Ontario and Manitoba, while with a French-Canadian leader they hope to hold their own in Quebec The Conservatives, on the other hand, expect to sweep Quebec, owing to the strong support they mil receive from Catholio clergy, and to retain most of their Ontario seats by the same influence. They also maintain that there will be little change in the maritime provinces, and the Far West, which now return a large Conservative majority. THE LOSS OF THE STEAMER ELBE HEAVY DAMAGES AGAINST THE CRATE IS. Rotterdam, Wednesday (Reuter).

Judgment was delivered to-day in the cacc- of the North German Lloyd Company against the owners of the Crathie for the sinking of the steamer Elbe. The defendants were sentenced to pay 565,000 florins damages, together with 6 per cent, interest on that sum, darini from March, 2nd, 1895. RUMOUR ABOUT TB.E LOTH AIRE TRIAL. Brussels, Wednesday (Reuter). The "Independence Beige" publishes, under all reserve, a report, which, however, it says, is derived from well-informed sources, that the trial of Major Lothaire for the murder of Mr.

Stokes was. at Boma yesterday or on Monday, and that the prisoner was acquitted. Oa the other hand, the independent Congo State ofBeials say they have received no such news. THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD. Messrs.

Henry S. King and Co. write: As the agents of His Highness the Nizam of Hyderabad, we shall feel obliged by your contradicting- the statement a.ppearing in the Press to the effect that His Highness is now in Vienna; His Highness the Nizam is now in his own dominions, and has no present intention of visiting Europe. The telegram, no doubt, refers to the Nawab Sultan-ul-Mulk, the eldest son of his Excellency Nawab Sir Vikar-ttl-Umra, K.C.I.E., the Minister of Hyderabad, who will spend the next six months in Europe, visiting the principal capitals, and being present at the coronation of the- Czar. LEEDS ANGLERS AND THE FRESH-WATER FISHERIES BELL.

A largely attended meeting of the Leeds and District Amalgamated Society of Anglers was held last night at the White Swan Hotel, Call-lane. The meeting had been specially convened to consider ths Freshwater Fisheries Bill. Mr. W. Peat (the president) Cfccupied the chair.

The measure- was discussed clause by clause, and a nunsber of amendments were proposed, which will be brought before a meeting of anglers at Yorii on tte 25th inst. In Section 5 it was agreed that) the fee payable for a license to fish for fresh-water fish-should not exceed 2s. per annum. In Section 6 it was decided that instead of tlie words "preservation of fresh-water fish the clause should read preservatioa of trout and char and fredi-water fish." A similar alteration was made in the wording of Section 7. It was suggested that the following clause should be added to Section 8 (3) Any person having taken out a license shall be eligible for election on the board of conservators without any further qualification." Section 10 gives power to ifee conservators to make a.

bye-law altering the close season, and the meeting resolved that words should be added to make the close-season not less than three months." They also agreed that flounders and eels should not be included in the close season. It was proposed to amend Section 11 by the addition of the words that the mesh of the net be not less than three inches." A resolution was adopted to the effect that the meeting was not- in favour of tEae bill unless these amendments were embodied in it. THE PROPOSED ELECTRIC TRAMWAY IN LEEDS. At a meeting of the Highways Committee of the Leeds Corporation yesterday, the minutes of the Tramways Sub-committee were spproved. They included the appointment of Dr.

Hopkinson as engineer of the electrical tramway from Kirkstall to Round-hay, terms satisfactory to the committee having' been arranged. Dr. Hopkinson will take the full responsibility of the equipment, and he has been instructed to prepare the necessary specifications. Mr. He.wson, the City Engineer, has also been instructed to prepare plans for the power-station near to Crown.

Point. Renter's Paris correspondent says that the Academy of Medicine has decided to divide the St Paul Prize of between Dr. Rbux, of Paris, and Dr. Behring, of Berlin. The Colonial Office has received from Governor Maxwell at the' Gold Coast, a telegram announcing that Major Pigott, Acting British Resident at Kumassi, is very much better, and is not Tetuming home.

A verdict of Accidental death was returned by a Leeds jury yesterday at the inquest on the body of; Scott, of SiHi-sftreet, Accommodation-road, who fell downstairs on Tuesday evening, and fractured her skull. At the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, Wakefield-road, Normanton, yesterday, Councillor A. Hartley, J.P., of Castleford, opened a two-days bazaar for the trust flint's. Among the visitors present were the Rev. J.

T. Heselton prist), Councillors Woodman, J.P., and Nicholson, of Normanton. There is every prospect oi the effort being a success, WAKEFIELD BOARD OF GUARDIANS. At the annual meeting yesterday, Mr. T.

Wordsworth, of Alverthorpe, was unanimously re-elected ctiairman, and Mr. Spiirr, of Walton, vice-chairman. Great interest was manifested in the selection of the Assessment Committee. Fourteen-(fentlemen were nominated for the eleven seats, and the following were elected Messrs. Taylor, 23; Kenceii, 27; Scarth, 26; Wilson, 25; Holliday, 24; Robinson, 23; Roberts, 23; Hargreaves, 21; Save, 21; J.

Armitage, 21; Marshall, 19. Mr. Walter Moorhouse, of Wakefield, warmly protested against the dead-set by the Conservatives against Mr. E. Stonehouse (Liberal), who had "been nominated for a seat oa the Assessment Committee, pointing out that whilst he represented 17,000 electors and a rateable, value of 70,000, Mr.

Kaye, of Breirton who had been elected, only represented 322 electors. He proposed as an amendment that Mr. Stonehouse should be, substituted for Mr. Kaye. Mr.

Sharphousa seconded the amendment, which was lost, there being nine for it and 22.affiUB.si, I 1 i PRIVATE TIE London, Wednesday Night were in possession during the whole iw-s sitting in the Bouse of Commons, but there 01 Hrie room for either dramatic or humorous intra" 11 taton a si. whole, must nci me piu-s, josfribed as dull and tedious. Dr. 'i aimer, wr.o House of Commons a decade, and experiences nave ceen exsensivB appeared in a new role as the sponsor of 11 -i He had charge of the Boards of Guardians and DHL (Ireland) wmcn ww and he came down prepared to move the Day 5.n ornate and; earenuly prepared Bus Mr. Healy, who is said to have no great ior Dr- 'Tanner' a Tery sferanch Kllonite, h'evously tried to get up a preliminary debate "the Municipal franchise in Armagh, which is one numerous ways or ventilating the grievances of 1 Ulster Korean Catholics.

The Speaker insisted tf-a ieeping the discussion within narrow limits, and though not before Mr. Mumaghan, a 1 obscure and unpractised Irish. Member, had a "bull" of the richest flavour. Debarred j'pr essing a certain line of argument, he turned to Chair, and remarked with supreme bow to your ruling, Mr. Speaker, and myself with reiterating what I intended The House roared with laughter, to Mr.

jfcnihaas unaffBCted surprise. fie debate on the Boards of Guardians Bill was, as I said, very- dull. The measure proposes to reform the constitution of Boards of Guardians in Ireland, to introduce the ballot into the elections, and tt. invest ihe Guardians with greater powers under the labourers (Ireland) Acts. Mr.

Davits supported the Vii as did Sir Albert Bollifc, who, to the manifest of his party, insisted on. his old argument "the way to settle the Irish question v. as to assimi-the law? of England and as nearly as -risible. Perhaps is was this speech which brought up Ov-mrl Saundarson, who has been very silent- for a c.ar time past. At any rate, he could not resist the tp-stion of pitching into his old enemies, and during rsr2arks there wore occasional flashes of his old ri-o'T ar.d hurrour.

He laid down the broad propositi that the way to reform the Irish Boards (hwdta wss to sweep them away altogether, and on: paid boards in their place. These Irish local bodies, to the gallant Colonel, are not content to look aster the rates and the workhouses. They want to gggg the British Empire at- ihi same time. English aal Scotch he remarked, may not know scat a heated controversy is," and then, amidst general lighter, he proceeded to quote some choice specimens of polite rhetoric, as it is practised amongst the public E-a of the city of Cork. These examples did not to their piquancy from the revelation of the faei that Dr.

Tanner, who happens to be a Cork Guardian, is a past master in the art of hitting off the peculiarities of an opponent in a full-blooded epithet. The bill to supported by Mr. John Morley, and Mr. Gerald Bslfbor. while nois committing the Government to the uroviiions of the measure, assented to the second reading as a recognition of the unsatisfactory state of the existing system.

Mr. Healy, whose overcharged feel-i-g: usually find vent in a startling phrase, averred that the monkeys at the Zoo had as much control over tlieir keeper as the ordinary Irish citizen had over his local rates. The second reading was carried, but a "Sa'iorclist motion to refer the bill to Grand Committee was opposed by the Government and rejected cn a division. Various statements are being made as to the course which the leaders of the Opposition propose to take oa the second reading of the Education Bill, but they are all unauthorised. Three or four of the Opposition kae'ers met yesterday to consider the position, but so far they have not announced their policy, and it is not certain that they have finally adopted one.

There is a report published to-day that a declaratory will be moved from the. front bench. That raar eventually be done, bub there are at least one or wo influential men who sit there who favour the thorough-going cturse putting forward a direct Diotion of rejection. The situation is, in fact, a iiSeult one. It is desirable that, if possible, the regular Opposition should be able to carry the Irish party with it, arid if a declaratory amendment could Ts trained in such terms as would secure Irish support, it might be an advantage.

It is interesting to note tint the private Members who have given notice to cove the rejection of the hill include not only Mr. T. P. Whittaker and Mr. H.

J. Wilson, but Major Essch, cue of the. Esses Tories. I run informed that Mr. T.

W. "Russell is not going ov-fT to Taster entirely on his own responsibility. The Govemmeiii is very anxious about the reception given to the Land Bill, and Mr. RusseE goes to Ireland in a anal capacity as' the Memoer for South, Tyrone, jlsdged to the interests of the Ulster tenant-farmers, aid as the emissary of the Cabinet. The Government is very eager to learn whether the bill is acceptable to T'ister, and every sign of public opinion is being c-osely watched.

The rather friendly tone adopted to-day by the "Freeman's Journal" confirms what I said this morning as to the probability of a little ''deal" later on, by which, on the basis of a general coasent, part of the bill will be carried into law this year. Ministers, 1 may say, are cherishing the hope of adroitly managing the Irish party this session between tie land Bill and the Education Bill. It is a curious fact that the two leading bills of the session should be in the hands of members of the Government who are outside the Cabinet. There would some uafSeuIty in finding a precedent for a state of aurs hi which a scheme so large and revolutionary as the Education Bill and -a measure so important and complex as the Irish Land Bill have been in the charge "a excluded from the inner counsels of the Ad-BiBissra'aon of which they were members. "Field, ths PamelHfse Member, who oai his grievances before the House of Commons yesterday on the question of -the excessive travelling expenses which Irish Members have to pay in discharge of their Parliamentary is initiating an agitation "Wei to the British Parliament He is going to ask i President of the Board of Trade to consider the advisability of enabling Memfcers of the House of Com-ffioas to obtain travelling concessions while in attendance on their legislative duties, pointing out that in wnstitutionaliy governed countries Members of foment have free passes or lower fares upon the fcibrays." Mr.

Eield goes a step ftrfhsr, and suggests at this point should be considered is. connection "sBodgetj.so-as. to give Members of the House of T-i3l facilities to those afforded in other Jaticus.1' Satriek OTBrien intends to ask Mr. Balfour nofj "Ppoint any Member of the House who is 'a director der in any public company" to serve upon "select Committee which is to be nominated to in-fflto question of the right of those who ar "Ofs of or fiaaneially interested in. public com- iotrcdnoe, support, or vote upoa bills pro-hy companies in Parliament.

Teral matters of special interest appear in the rarae of tie Congregational Union's May net-which 13 now praotioaily oomplate. Th-3 gather-whieii are the sixty-fourih annual assemtbly of luce, wffl be held in. the second -week ol May, fto EeT- J- Morlais Jones, in Jfe t323- tie jesr' Peealiar jitorest is- centred feown PeaillS address. The ehairman is toE Con 0118 mosft eloqueni preacaersi is he gatIQnail cenoarmaMon, bat iH-ieaKh and a modesty have hitherto kept him from taking JccrabieK part in the Union's procedsags. His (v.

JBorning of Tuesday, May 12th, is The Wit1" lxiked forward to with eager esjestanqy. Wiot for the nest Chairman of ta Union wilT P-ace on Monday, May Ilsh, at tie business raeefc-W meonibers. Br. Berry, of Wcfoet--bTV Td mA Sco1 SMipfflt of Lan- St wT 1 ige, My to. be the and that the visions of hell, heaven, and purgatory there tiortraved we A-arm.

a hr The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" now states that the "French doctor's theory has been revived, with variations and additions, by no less a person than Professor Lombroso, who has abandoned the study of criminals of the present in order to diagnose I ttle mental condition of great men of the past, and who has now arrived at the conclusion that Dante was subject to epileptic fits. Professor Lombroso furthermore expatiates on the irasdbility, the inordinate vanity, and the violent character of the Piorent-ine poet and, accordingly, it is "henceforward evident to everybody that Dante was fit for the strait-waistcoat." This is an interesting point which might be brought under the notice of that eminent Dante scholar Mr. Wicksteed, whose lectures on the poet were so much appreciated in Leeds, as they have been wherever they have been delivered. The last has not yet been heard of the Bishop Monkton burial scandal, which occasioned a good deal of correspondence in our columns lately. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr.

H. J. Wilson will ask Sir M. White Ridley whether he has received a statement from Mr. Walter Rentoa, of Bishop Monkton, to the effect that the Home Secretary has been wrongly informed as to what occurred at tho recent burial of Mr.

William Simpson in the churchyard of that parish, and stating that on the occasion in question the gates, which are usually opened for funerals, were locked, and the funeral party had to enter at a gate which has not been used for any purpose since the last Nonconformist funeral eight years ago, and by steps which are old, dangerous, and overgrown with weeds and moss. Mr. Wilson will also ask whether the Eome Secretary is prepared to make further inquiry into the facts. Captain Thomson, R.A., Inspector of Explosives, has presented to the Home Office a report of considerable interest on the circumstances attending the explosion of fifteen tons of mtro-glyeerine compounds gelatine-dynamite, blasting gelatine, and gelignite on board- the schooner Secret," at Troon, in Ayrshire, on the 29th of February. The vessel was on her way from Hayle, in Cornwall, to Glasgow, and ran ashore about four o'clock in the morning on the Black Rock a mile south of Troon Harbour.

The crew managed to get ashore in safety, and four hours later, when the ship was covered by the tide, the cargo exploded with great violence. Although the sound of the explosion was heard eleven miles away, comparatively little damage was done on shore, and no one was injured. This Captain Thomson ascribes to the fact that the explosion took place wholly under the water, and also to the fact that the point where the vessel struck was nearly half a mile from the mainland. As for the cause of the explosion, it is said that it is abundantly evident that a portion of the cargo had escaped from the hold of the ship before she blew up, and that the first ignition was caused by the crushing of frozen cartridges of gelatine-dynamite between the hull of the vessel and the rocks. Captain Thomson points out as a remarkable coincidence that the only other case of the wreck of a vessel carrying explosives which has occurred in the United Kingdom since the passing of the Explosives Act in 1875 happened in December, 1894-, on Holy Island, in Arran, within a few miles of Troon.

The Greek Government passed a bill last year which was intended to benefit the growers of currants in the Morea, and to restore the staple product of that district of Greece to eome degree of prosperity. The report by Mr, Wood, British Consul at Patras, on the trade and commerce of the Morea during 1895, hardly encourages the hope that the efforts of the Government will prove successful. Mr. Wood fears that the currant industry is doomed, unless some new outlet for the sale of the fruit is suddenly discovered, or some other expedient devised. Over-production is the great evil from which the Morea is suffering, and the only suggestion which our Consul can offer is that one-third of the present currant plantations should be uprooted; but this, he admits, is impossible.

Last year the value of the currants exported from Patras was 685,142, which is about 28,000 more than in 1894-. Some idea of the enormous drop in values may be gathered from the fact that in 1891 the average price of all currants exported was about 17 per ton, whereas last year it barely exceeded 9. In the course of his report, Mr. Wood propounds this interesting economic paradox: A currant crop of 130,000 tons, which is about the amount required for the world's consumption, would realise over 2,000,000, while a crop of 170,000 tons would bring in little more than 1,000,000. It has been arranged -to hold a mass meeting in St.

George's Hill, Bradford, on the 29th inst. to protest against the treatment to which British residents in ths Transvaal are exposed, and to urge the home Government to take steps to obtain for them the civil rights which President Kroger has so often promised, but which up to the present have been withheld. Mr. Charles Leonard, chairman of the National Union of Johannesburg, will be the principal speaker, and Mr. Byron Reed, M.P., has been asked to take the chair.

Many of ocr readers will join with the Chairman of the meeting held yesterday at the Leeds United In? stitution far the Blind, Deaf, and Dumb, in the expression of regret that Mr. Sydney Lupton, of Round-hay, is about to leave this neighbourhood-to -take up his residence in London. Mr. Lupton belongs to a family which for generations has been identified with the social and educational progress of Leeds. He himself, in an unobtrusive but very effective way, has done much in these, directions.

He has given valuable counsel and support to most of our public institutions, and his removal will be a great loss, not. only to the society at which the event was referred to yesterday, but to the Yorkshire the Literary. and Philosophical Society, Cokridge Home, the Charity Organisation Society, and otherbodies. That Mr. Lupton a etnae ana possessed oi a.

tine iiterary taste, has bean shown by the lectures which at in- I tervals he has delivered in Leeds; and, while his is a name that is linked with the history of the city, he himself will be remembered for the good work he has done for the welfare of. such organisations as are indicated above, and for the benefit of the -community generally. 'THE AUSTEAEIAN' 'MAILS: New York, Wednesday (Renter). The Australian mails, which have been received here, via San Francisco, are being taken to Europe by the American Lina steamer New York. THE BEHEIKG SEA ARBITRATION Washington, Wednesday (Reuter).

The Senate in executive session has ratified the Behxing Sea Arbitration Treaty. "ARMENIAST RELIEF IT3XD. The Duke of Westminster received yesterday at Grosvenor House the following donations for the Armenian Relief Fund: CifceJis of Leicester, 310; Canadian sympathisers, 275; Swiss Protestants. 100; Provost and Masters of Eton College, 71; K. E.

100; readers "Times of 53; Mayor of Bangor, 50; W. of Blackburn, 50. A telegram from Alexandretta. states that the Grosvenor House agent arrived at Zeitoun, and found 4,000 men, women, and children in a deplorable condition, all suffering from typhus fever, which is spreading' over the district towards Marash. PUDSEY DISTRICT COUNCLIi.

This Council accepted- the'-tenders' of R. WrlftboiisoiB, at 346 03. for construction of sewage-tanks Swaiewell; Joseph. Bass, at 323; for ssweriig Si. lAwreaaoe-ierrace; and William Button, at 154 for sewering Banlrionse-laiie.

Mr. Haliiday proposed 'that a rate be laid for the -next twelve months at 3s. 6d. in the jpotmd, and IQJd. on land'Mx.

J. Bug'gari: seconded, aid the Eaotk'ii- was eacri4 1 POLITICS AND SOCIETY. Leeds, Tiraisday, April 16th. Those Members of the House of Commons who listened to Mr. Gerald Balfour's exposition of the provisions of the Irish Land Bill have not yet- had time to recover from the effects when they are called upon to face another ordeal in the shape of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement: It is not likely that Sir M.

Hicks-Beach will attempt to rival the three hours' performance of his colleague, the Chief Secretary. But he may consider it necessary to keep up the reputation of this Ministry for dealing in "big" measures, so to-night's Budget may, after all, contain some surprises, agreeable or otherwise. "Blessed are they that expect little." There are not many income-tax payers indulging the hope that the Chancellor of the Exchequer may find it possible to listen to the appeal which "Punch" makes to him through the medium of Sir John Tenniel's cartoon of the uncomplaining but overburdened ass- But, undoubtedly, when a big surplus can be reckoned upon, the income-tax payer has a strong claim to consideration. His claim is to be set aside on the present occasion, however, in order that the Ministry may reward the particular sections of the electorate that did most to put them in ofnee. The Irish Nationalist Press has not welcomed Mr.

Gerald Balfour's Land Bill with the effusive gratitude one would expect from those who are to benefit by the policy of killing Home Rule with kindness." Tin? Freeman's Journal terms it, not inaptly, a big bundle of small points," a measure of which three-fourths seem devoted to whittling down the relief that the other fourth purports to extend to the tenants," and a bill which in many of its provisions makes believe to follow Mr. Morley's proposals," but does so in a grudging and niggardly spirit." The Freeman" believes that the Irish tenant's verdict on this great Land Bill of the Unionist Government will be ''complicated and disappointing." The Parnellite Independent is, on the whole, perhaps inclined to view Mr. Gerald Balfour's proposals mere favourably than its anti-ParnolEte contemporary but its owns thai i-he measure as it stands is "largely a bill of buts," making very important concessions, but qualifying almost every concession by some limitation. On Wednesday of last week the Westminster Gazette quoted from the Irish Times," of the preceding day, a letter signed and dated from Drogheda, on the subject of Lady G'Hagan's alleged secession from the Church of Rome. The writer of the letter said thai he had sent Lady OTfagan some newspaper cuttings on the snbieci of her change of faith, and had received from her a reply, in which she says that there is no truth in the report that shi had seceded from the Catholic religion." As for ths Plymouth Brethren, which the paragraph said she had joined, she does not even know their religious doctrine.

"The lamp in the oratory of Tonneley, which, she was said to have extinguished, is stall burning as it always did," and "she still contributes many hundreds a year towards the support of the cenvent from which she was said to have withdrawn her contributions." How this circumstantial story originated will form an interesting subject for inquiry; for the "Westminster" yesterday contained the following announcement, referring to contradiction: We are asked to contradict the contradiction, on the positive authority of Lady O'Hagan herself, and to state that she has seceded from the Roman Church, and with her family has joined the Unitarian body. Lady O'Hagan positively denies having made any such statement (as that quoted by either in any letter she may lave written to the supposed correspondent or to any one else by word of mouth." "Some day hope to be able to'pttblish. series like Mr. Morisy's Men of Letters, which will be devoted to the lives and adventures of famous newspaper men, and the first place in. that list should be given to' M.

de Blowitz." So Mr. Stead writes in the current issue of the Review of Reviews." Until the contemplated series of New Men of Letters is forthcoming, Mr. Stead has written an entertaining character-sketch, of the famous Paris correspondent of the Times." But there never will be anything half so diverting as M. de Blowitz depicted by himself, if only the sketch, were conceived in the vein of the story which makes him responsible for the remark, apropos of Bismarck's retirement, Yesterday there were two men in Europe Bismarck and. myself.

To-day there is only one!" It is- certainly true, that only one tamorist is ever permitted to disport himself in ccluxans of ths and when M. de Blowitz lays down his pe1 the gaiety of nations will indeed suffer 'an eclipse. Mr. Stead's sketch, does less than justice to this sremarkafole personality3 tout this js tie less to be regretted since- at various times the inaompaiaible correspondent has done full justice to the theme "himself. Mr.

Stead mentions -that once in despair, M. de Blowitz was on the Targe of accepting- a Oonsul-CSeiifirai-ship at Riga from Thiers. "rHrink what the world would have lost if our one, our only, Blowita had been, stowed away in the- BaSks pjcmnces 33 ftoe-of the most ei2rarristic of- feat ius pilgrirE-aga to Constantinople for ike parses inteir yiewing Sultan. Some day eome' famous artist will oxiiutsr paaaafiswsaite carjsss she- DETONIANS IN YOBKSHIBE, ANNUAL DINNER IN LEEDS. The third annual dimer of Devonians in Yorkshire was held last evening in Po.volny's Rooms.

Bond-street, in this city. Mr. Fred R. Spark occupied ths chair, and the company, vho numbered about 30, included the Rev. J.

11, D. Matthews, Mr. Frank Curzon, Mr. demons, Mr. W.

P. Hamlyn, Mr. V. H. Warren, Dr.

Bainpton, Aid. S. Border, and Mr. Follett Dunsford (hon. secretary).

Numerous letters of apology for absence were read by the secretary, who also mentioned that he had received telegrams of congratulation and good-will from Devonians in Manchester, London, Swansea, and Northamptonshire. (Applause.) After dinner the usual loyal toast was drunk with musical honours, at the instance of the Chairman. Dr. Bampton proposed "The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," which was responded to by Mr. Cie-rrons.

The Chairman was warmly cheered on rising to propose the, toast, "Devon, our County." He said many were the reasonB which induced them thus to meet. They desired to enjoy friendly intercourse, to revive pleasant recollections, and to arouse in themselves that noble spirit of patriotism, of courage, and oi service to their country which, in an eminent degree, animated those Devonshire men whose names would ever live in our national history, and must never fade from the Devonian's memory. (Cheers.) Recording a recent; dinner of Devonshire men in London, a writas on the daily Press said that the fact which struck one most was the prodigious pride of country in their western, land, and that even the few inlanders had beea privileged to put their noses in, began to forget their owe counties, and to feel as enthusiastic as any born Devonian. (Laughter.) Prodigious pride in theu-owri country was not only pardonable, but justifiable, and was it not, true that "-a other county in England appeared to hold tin- position which Devonshire held in the number and enthusiasm of hr Eons, who, in so many places, annually met together. (Applause.) That they had good reason to be proud, let him call in evidence one who, writing of Devonshire, said that it was ccupty which was all but the largest in the kingdom, which had afforded the earliest traces of man in these islands, and which had never from the dawn of recorded history occupied a secondary place in the national life, which, again and again, in the hour of England's need had found the man; whose worthies century by century claimed the first rank in every classy soldiers, sailors, lawyers, divines, inventors, poets, artists, explorers, statesmen, men of science; which by.

the staunchness of its own folk, no less than the courage and skill of their leaders, had more than onoe proved the pivot whereon the destinies of the State had hung." The history of such a county, added the writer, was the history of England. (Applause.) Having mentioned the names of Devonians who had achieved fame, the Chairman went on to speak of the loveliness ot Devon scenery, of its moorland and woodland, its pastures and wave-washed rocks, and beauteous streams. Speaking of the Devonshire dialect, he quoted authorities to prove that it was the true classic English, and that upon it the ancient Anglo-Saxon was built. Under all these eirenmst-anees he felt that they had reason to be proud of the county of their birth, and ha had, therefore, great pleasure in proposing the toast. In the Rev.

J. H. D. Matthews said! Devonshire, oi course, was the best county, and Devonians the highest type of men (laughter) and! they were all the better Englishmen for their love of their old county. (Applause.) They recognised tte greatness of their men in times past, and believed thai Devonians were as much to the front now and as ready: to do their duty as ever in the past.

(Applause.) Mr. Frank Curzon, in an extermely humorous speech, submitted Yorkshire, the County of Our Aid. S. Border responded. The" toast of "The Cora-axrittee" was given by Mr.

W. H. Bradley, and Mr. Follett Dunsford replied. During the evening ths proceedings were enlivened by Devonian ditties, sung by the chairman and others of the company, and aa enjoyable evening was speaV.