The Newcastle Weekly Courant from Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England • 2

THE NEWCASTLE OUR ANT, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, lgg7 2 NOTES AND A STORY OF EGYPTIAN PORPHYttY. LONDON CORRESPONDENCE. The Portuguese Consul at Newcastle is not only an observant man but a bit of a wag in his way. His report to his own Government on the wine trade acd consumption of wine in England is both interesting and amusing reading. He does not admire usasanation.

Ourdinnercustomshecaustically criticises, and it is evident that as diners he considers us ignorant barbarians. Noticing the custom of Englishmen and Americans to drink champagne witli soup, and all through the dinner, ho remarks. Every one knows how in England it is worthy and respectable to do things costly and expensive. He even goes the length of denying to us a palate, and bursts into the following high-flown diatribe in our want of taste generally; "The British race was organised in a region where alimentary substances have no flavours; where flowers have no aroma, where light rr.ites no briaht colours." He has discovered a Another Welshman was ficed 10s and costs p. on Saturday, for being intoxicated on Sunday Supt.

Dowcea informed the magistrates that scenes were witnessed on Sundays in tli the Welsh border. Unable to obtain drink i3 -V-' country, the Welshmen came over in cr.j-,i, '-lessly drunk. This comes of Sunday --v A correspondent writing to the D.r.'in that tbe Most Reverend Dr Healy, Coadjutor 1' diocese of Galway, is being boycotted. List hop held a confirmation at Cloncoe, 0:1 two eU-. large an attendance as possible of The National Leaguers, however, visited warned the people to send only the be confirmed, and no one else.

National League and is a staunch Ubiouist, Details of a scheme are given for the rn! expenditure in the the Admiralty, and it is tiut r-'fira, Government offices will be based upon department consists of 48 highly-rnid clerks, or one officer to three men. Tcsrty-thr officers are to be retired, aud the lower g-aj- better paid, but there will he a net re tuns of 8,500, but whether after granted we have yet to learn. Mr W. H. Smith, in a letter to Dr Tin.lU M.P., who called bis attention to the to of members and officials of tho House of Coxx-m s.

from the proiracted sittings, states that intends to introduce early next Session a rslc f. -this evil. It is hoped that the provisions (f tae -made known ts early as possible, there a icg out of doors on the subjeot. At a crowded meeting at Bedworth on Tu-Hay, tion was unanimously passed tenderins Lord Salisbury and Her Majesty's Guv. iiircen; the new Coal Mines Regulation Bill, which safety to the mining population whilst at wot fairness in all questions touching their kl-mr.

M.P., said he thought working men ought t.a:..: dogged pertinaci with which the Conservative had stuck to the bill and carried ic through. The Socialists and Anarchists a n-r ra 1., on Tuesday in New Yoik to protest against the Chicago Anarchists. Herr Most, eilitor made an inflammatory speech urging tl.5 America to arm and avenge the death ot :i.e 1 Michael Davitt, speaking at the rccepti-n Home Rule deputation at Cork on 1.:.: sympathy shown by their English, beneficial effect. The progress of the nr.ri. would not be stopped by any coercion v.

who bad just suppressed two hundred would find out this winter that though it was issue a proclamation it was not so e.iy people who were members of the vj, trial by jury, freedom of the pre-, and public meetings, but Irish mankind This is unhappily too true; hence the The Press Association is becoming a circulation of Home Rule reports. Its Cork r.aysltbatheis enabled to state on the that Mr W. O'Brien, in the event of bcir.i; term of imprisonment, will cot in any circu sent to wear the regulation prison jarb, or menial offices that fall to the lot of the ctai: He will take this course as a protest prisoners being treated as common to tbe last, even though his life may be O'Brien has not the making of a martyr iu hii not have whined so about his present deteuti. lit ar.ii wi. NORTH OF ENGLAND TEMPI-R-ANCE LEAGUE.

CONFERENCE AT RYTON. The 29th annual conference in connection with ti of England Temperance League was held on the Wesleyan Chapel, llytom There was a iv.t of delegates from all the temperance societies in tct England. Mr Geohge Dodds (Cullercoats) took tbe chair. said that 37 years ago the North of England League bail no existence, and it was brought into xi.v;.-just by one or two men thinking over the needs 0' district upon the temperance question. Th w.

places affiliated to the league, each of which contnf 1 a year, and, in addition, they received as subscri; 5, making altogether 75. The working of cost about 175, so that there was a loss of ill 00. yl.i 35 places, however, from which they receivn! their liability in these 35 places wn -7. so tint from these the favourable balance of 60. and this to wipe off 00 cf tbe 100 loss iu the other j.Uc They, further, received subscriptions to the 162 19s from 46 places not affiliated with the i that, adding everything together, they had a band to meet the general expenses of th plause.) The 29th annual report of the comrr.itl 1 senred, of which tbe following ia an extract:" year has been one of considerable anxiety to youi They have had to face an increasing exn i decreasing income, acd they have been pelled to refrain from prosecuting localities where organised temperance effort They have been able to do little inor- the ordinary claims of affiliated societies.

The reports of the work of the agents have have hem fully occupied in carrying on our the drink evil. We have on our roll S3 foci -ti and 9 bands of hope, 70 of which have sent report as having 0.771 members, heM of 1,403 meefings, 403 of which were held in The societies report as having connected with of hope, with membership of 4.1S7, and a. 939 meetings. The lodges state as having ii; with them 40 juvenile temples, with a 0 i. and under their ausplcs addresses have be-in day schools.

The amount of money tr soui cos being 1.208 IRs The finances of ti. have caused your committee much. 1 ference has to face the startling fact that ouf is 74 19s Sd in excess of our income. So 1 a cor. '-of affairs constrained your committee to seek nr.

with our president. Every item of oar finance-. fully considered in conference with i.im, as. made for economising wherever i 't -needs were urgent, our president mo special donation of 50, which be kindly i-- 't tinue for another year. The conference convey to him its cordial appreciation of The report was adopted.

The CHAIKMAX moved, and founcilW i seconded, a vote of thanks to the prcsM-n: th- for his liberality during the past year, i wis unanimously. Tbe Rev James Mackenzie, after meat concerning tbe financial condition or moved: That this conference, gratefully importance of the work which the Lr-agu-- nearly 30 years throughout the North deeply regretting its inability adequately to the needs of an extensive and populous distiici, its subscribers and the friends of moral reform -aid, that it may be able to carry 011 all its greater efficiency and success; approve cf tie. relieve the secretary to some extent fro-r. pl that he may give special attention to the ii: League; aad cordially invites the members in tn tricts to give their hearty co-operationi this The resolution was agreed to. The election of officers for the proceeded witb.

Mr Arthur Pease was unsnni' elected president, and tbe vice-presidents wr. -with the addition of Mr Joseph Elliott, Jfay-'t mouth; Mr Joseph Lingford was re-elected J--the Rev James Mackenzie honorary secretary. field, Newcastle: Mr J. Baxter Ellis NewcaV.l-.; Middleton, Ryton, were re-elected auditors. At the invitation of Mr Joshua Moslsy was bold the next annual meeting of the league -Auckland.

The Rev A. Trbb, Blaydon, moved the folio-'-re tion:" That this conference rejoices that, ir. manifold difficulties, the cause cf total -tinves to make progress; and that its social, moral, and religious aspects are increased and sympathetic attention from ail earnestly appeals to all who desire to promote fare of their fellow-men to aid its extension 'y vidual example and by their personal efforts. Mr J. JIosley seconded the motion, which was by the Rev J.

Baenaud, Newcastle. The motion was carried. Mr SSOWBAIX moved tbe following reflation: this conference respectfully but firmly protests and unjustifiable delay in giving the to protect themselves from the untold evil- licensed drink shops placed so thickly amoiitst 1 its declaration that no alteration of the law can as adequate or satisfactory which does nor. nities to free themselves from a traffic whose prejudicial to every interest that is working for t.v-trial, social, and moral advancement of tne wR-'H earnestly appeals to electors to make the people from tbis mighty enrae the supreme itV polls, and to members of Parliament to unite from the Government the enactment of a Iswa. enable communities by direct veto to banish tne midst." Mr Wilkins (South Shields) seconded the- motion.

The Rev S. A Steinthal supported the motiun. Mr Malins (Birmingham), also support! and said they must be better temperance politician The motion was then put ani carried A vote of thanks having been given to and to Mr J. Malins for their fitter. aleo to tbe chairman for presiding, tue -terminated.

of In connection with the annual conference ct a England Temperance League, a public meeting ff.s 5 the Ryton Wesleyan Chapel last mgut. -Jot Vj-rs crowded attendance. Songs were sung by Mis' -r ti. t'i during inr.eiv.ij.-,. F.

Rev i and 1 unanimously pasaed: That this meeting gratefully acknowledge' dant success which "has marked the progress peracce reformation throughout the worlu; conviction that the practice of total abstinence necessary to the material, social, and moral ao of the people, acd, therefore, incumbent oa the true progress of the nation and the wel.an- -fellow-men." 1 i.tpsfirf5- "That this meeting rejoices in the great ano benefits which have followed entire Sunday c.osu-, land, Wales, and the greater part of I.1,' tr against the delay which leaves England sm tj law bo righteous in its character and benefa cen 1. "i tt ho tho dntv of all noes: ana declares 1." secure this great blessing, either by county ffi national law. nj scource tnan war, penmen, sectarian peals to all patriotic citizens jSeot; tPbe traffic in strong drink by a direct vetoon the u-U TolS of thanks terminated tbe meeting. sionary in Old Mexico; Kalne, Jir w. uuson, ittv u.

jsonuun, Seo. Thompson, Mr Jos. Malins. iev P. A Steinthal.

The appended resoWt'-'-- j.e "That tbis meeting cepiores eTils drink-system in the land, with the tor invariably flow from it and but he did not know what was meant. The driver and hsd been looking ahed for. tbe start not for flags. He was clo.e on tbe second flagman before Sfnot ced him. That man held the ling out, but did not call to him.

They were then at the rate ot twenty or thTrty miles anour. There was no time for wrta to speak to the driver, who at the same time sighted tho Mid-land train at the nlatform, and shou ed Woa. Witness opened the sand valves and applied the hand-brakes, whilst the driver put on the vacuum, but it aid not bola well, as tbe rain bad made tbe rails very ereasy. The engine was also reversed before tbey struck the Midland tram. At that time they were proceeding at the ratn of from nve to ten miles an hour.

When running between the first ana second flagmen be and the driver were looking straight ahead. Witness did cot know fl-iginen were out, or that the block system had been suspended. Major Marindin: Did you not receive any notice or any instructions? Witness: Yes, and I acknowledged their receipt, but 1 did not read that part of them. Tho Foreman: I should like to ask you if you and the driver were both sober? Witness: We were. We had no opportunity to get drink, and all we had on the journey was cold tea.

Wm. Stanley, the rear guard of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire bain. the brake was used several times on the journey between Liverpool aud Hexthorpe. it was in good order, acd acted throughout the train. Tickets were not collected at Conisboro', because the instructions were that they should be taken at Hexthorpe ticket platform.

Witness was aware that the block system was sus-l-. tt anA Chprrv Tree Junction, aDd that flag signalmen would be employed on that section of the line. He was not on the loos out for flags at that point, because he was busy with bis parcels. He, however, saw a man holding a red flag as his van passed, at which time they were running at the rate of 15 or 20 miles an hour. He hoard no whistle sounded before the collision, nor diu he feel the break applied.

Had it been he must have felt and heard it There was a violent shock when the collision happened and he was shaken and bruised. He did not remember whether or not he was thrown down. There was no sudd sn check before the collision, and he believed the tram was running at the rate of 15 miles an hour. Thomas Smith, travelling superintendent, said he was in the Manchester. Sheffield, and I incolnshire tram, having been told to go by it from Penistone.

He was the guard 3 van, three vehicles from the tender, in company with tho ernard, whose name was Smith, and Inspector Goss wicb three passengers, who were allowed to come on because tho train was full. He satisfied himself of that before they were allowed to come in. They weie filled up at gtiiirfoo. and BarnBley. The train stopped at Conisboro and he beard the guard Smith speaking to the driver, but did not know what he said.

Witness did not give any instruction to the driver at any of the stations they stopped at, because be knew he had received his working instructions for that day. He knew the driver had received tbe printed notices. Witness expected the train to stop at the Hextaorpe ticket platform, but he did not notice the fixed, signals. He saw, a flat, at. t.hfl home box.

which they passed steadily, and then they went raster. He also saw the first flagman waving his red flag, the engine being then within 14 or 15 yards of him, acd the speed about seven or eight miles an hour. From that point speed was again increased, and just afterwards he saw the second flagman waving bis flag very violently, the engine being about 60 or 100 yards from him. The train did not check at all. When he saw what was occurring he called to the guard to put his brake They were then going at a speed of la or 20 miles an hour.

He did not hear or feel the vacuum brake go on, nor was any whistle sounded. There was no time for the hand biake to take effect. Smith, the guard, was much shaken. He felt sure that they were going at the rate of fifteen or twenty miles an hour when they ran into the Midland tram He only saw two ladies injured in tho Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire train; they were cut in the face. The only damage clone to their train occurred to the first coach, the side view being smashed.

Nothing left tbe rails. Be supposed the driver knew all about stopping at the Hexthorpe platform. Suppose there bad been a continuous brake worked in the van, tbe train might probably have been stopped after it had passed the signalman; bat of this he was not certain. There was, however, ample time after the second flag was passed for tbe brake on the engine to have pulled the train up before the accident happened. By the Foreman: The driver could have seen the flag signals, and he must have known of them had he read his instructions.

Every driver had them. Mr James Hibbert, the surveyor of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Company, in reply to further questions, said that the intention was that the Hexthorpe ticket platform should be used throughout the day, but the rule bad been departed from; it was used until two or three o'clock in the afternoon. Their instructions to the drivers were to stop all trains on the Leger and Cup days at Hexthorpe unless they got asignil to go on. The tickers in some cases were collected at Conisboro'; but still the trains should stop at Hexthorpe. Maior Marindin asked if this was not a departure from Witness said it was ia one sense but net in another, for if there was a signal to go on tae driver woum ooey 11, lln 0 He Uia 1106 UIIOW WJlOrvo iu and he could not say If the published instructions of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway were sent to the Midland Company.

If the driver passed' through Hexthorpe on Wednesday without stopping it was a deselection of duty. Taylor, the driver of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lin- j. J.l. llJ coinsnire train, eueu tautu. The Coroner said Taylor had better be sworn, and thia having been done, he told the coroner, under advice, he declined to answer any questions, The Coroner Very well.

It was then agreed to ndjourn till next Tuesday the jurymen agreeing to meet at Hexthorpe, the scene of the accident, at ten. INQUEST AT DONCASTER. The borough coroner of Doncaster opened his inquiry into the cause of the death of six victims of the Hexthorpe collision, who died in the Infirmary. He was assisted by Major Marindin, Board of Trade Inspector, who had made another inspection of the scene on Wednesday. The Coroner, in opening the Court, told the jury if there had been negligence they must ascertain who was at fault, and if it was culpable, give a verdict of manslaughter.

Mr Pollitt, general manager, repeated Sir E. Watkin's remarks made yesterday accepting the liability of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Company; and witnesses were examined to show that the regulations were issued to all the driveis and firemen. Davis, the fireman, was called, but under advice refused to say why he did not read the instructions or to answer further questions; and Taylor, the driver of the train nhich ran into the Midland, having been cautioned, declined, as he did yesterday, to give evidence. Mr Young, solicitor to the Midland Company, said they received a copy of the regulations, and tbe driver of tho Midland train was specially selected for duty because he knew the working on these occasions. The inquiry was adjourned.

A WAY OUT OF THE DIFFICULTY, When the rumours of Mr H. M. Stanley's death reached England a month or more ago, they were generally discredited. Stanley knows too well bow to get out of a difficulty to be caught so the great traveller's admirers, and they turned out to be correct. Itseemsto be one of tbe qualifications of the art of travelling, to be able to meet all emergencies.

The first great traveller, polutropcs Odusseus, the man of many devices," was celebrated for the same tact, without which no adventurer could hepe to live long ia the early days. The circumstance which recalls these travellers' tricks is the curious adventure of an English M.P., news of which arrived in England from Vienna the other day. Mr Thomas Wodehouse Legh, member for the Newton Division of Lancashire, was out shooting near Sophia, the Bulgarian capital, one tlay in the beginning of this month, when he was seized by brigands. The brigands are not of a very bloodthirsty disposition, but they are the peat of the Turkish peninsula, having a nasty habit of detaining travellers till a heavy ramaom has been paid. But Mr Legh was too many for them.

He represented himself as a serving man, unable to provide a ransom, and added that one Thomas Legh, his master, was a very hard man, and would not think of giving twopence to rescue him. The brigands consequently released him, and he returned to Sophia in great glee. Mr Legh is a young man, being only tbirty years of age, and he has served abroad in the diplomatic servVce, from which he retired last year, and was elected as Conservative member for Newton Division. Doubtless it is to his experience in the diplomatic service that one may attribute his pioficiency in the art of impromptu lyiDg, which served him so well, and cannot but be commeniitd in such circumstances. One cannot help reflecting that the brigands must have been extremely stupid, or Mr Legh must be a consummate diplomatist.

To be eqnai to all emergencies, to scramble out of a difficulty without losing a moment in reflection, is an art not confined to travellers. The lavless affair which occurred the other day at the Liilie Bridgeiunning-grounds might perhaps have been averted had the managers been as ready as was a well-known actor, not many yearB ago, when placed in somewhat similar circumstances. The actor was in one year on tour through the provinces on his own account, but the provincial tour did not answer his expectations. When he arrived at a certain Scottish town hia funds and bis splritB were both at their lowest ebb. On his ariiva), after he had engaged a hall, he was informed that a theatrical entertainment wonld be" naegude at a1 there," buttbat if hegave a lecture on chemistry the hall would be crowded.

He was well-nigh drowning, andheclutchedatthe straw. He advertised a great chemical demonstration, though he knew no more of chemistry than Julius Caesar. His last coppers were spent on a few innocent powders, iron filings, red-fire, and brick dust; and when the time camB he found himself on the stage before crowded audience. With one or two other contrivances he gave the platform quite a scientific appearance. He read a few pages from a popular treatise on chemistry, and then, closing the book, the savant proceeded to give his demonstrations.

Tbe first experiment went wrong, as one of the retort tubes, being filled with water and placed over a flame, suddenly burst with a load report. This resulted in making tbe audience a little nervous. The actor-chemist became still more imaudent, and proceeded to explain the dangerous nature of ohemicals, dwelt on gun-cotton, sudden death by fumes, and so on. Then," he says, I filled the mortar, which I had borrowed, with the brick-dust, and having worked up my audience to the required pitch of nervousness, I dilated ou the dangerous and uncertain nature ot the compound I was mixing. I spoke of my bad health, and wound up by saying, Startling and marvellous aa the aunouncment may seem, it is nevertheless true, that ifjl were to leave off stirring this mixture for a single second, the whole of this building and everyone therein would be blown into unrecognisable In less than two minutes there was not a soul leftia tbeplace except Mr MacTaggart and myself, who pitched the stuff away.and cheerfully divided the pronts." It is not pleasant to fall back on one's resources in all circumstances, especially if that means falling out of frying-pan into the fire.

Some thirty yeais ago, when the southern seas were infested by a (lawless crew, tbe captain of an English vessel sailed from a Spanish port with a number of passengers fboord. Among them was a timid Frenchman, who Bhowed the greatest fear least the vessel should be taken by one of the Sallee rovers, when they would be made slaves of the Moors. Don't you bo alarmed, my good sir," said the captain. "Before I'd allow my ship to fall into the hands of tbem confounded rascally pirates, I'd blow her info the air." The story is'not without its parallel, In the well-founded anecdote of the French knight reported by Joinville, Swear to me," said Queen Margaret, that if the Saracens become masters of Damietta. you will cut off my head before they can take "Willingly," replied the knight.

"I had alreadv determined to do so if the contingency arrived." A last anecdote may be given, which iB indeed of quite a different character from the reBt bat it illustrates the method of trying one's way out of a difficulty, so ably used by the above-mentioned member of Her Majesty's diplomatic service, It i3 related by the American writer. Burroughs, who says, speaking of boys Another savage trait cf tbe boy is his untruthfulness. Corner him, and tbe chances are ten to one he will lie his way out. I knew a boy who was in the habit of eating apples in school. His teacher finally caught him in the act, and without removing his eye from him, called him to the middle of the floor.

I saw yon thiB time," Eaid the teacher. Saw me what?" said the boy, innocently. "Bite that apple," replied the teacher. No, sir," said tbe rascal. Open your mouth and from its depths the teacher, with his thumb and finger, took out the piece of apple.

Didn't know it was there," said tbe boy, unabashed. The irreverent Biglow has observed that the eleventh commandment rues tbuB Tell a lie and stick to it." The eleventh commandment seems to answer very well DREADFUL RAILWAY COLLISION- A terrible railway disaster took place at Hexthorpe siding near Doncaster, oa Friday morning, with lamentable loss of life and serious injury to scores of unfortunate travellers. As is during the Doncaster week, the train was crowded, Sheffield always sending thbnBands of sport-loving citizens to take part in the famous north country race meeting. All went wall until the special train reached the sidiDg at Hexthorpe, a mile or two from Doncaster, where it is customary to collect the rickets of passengers bound to that place. The train drew up at the narrow platform, and there could have been no thought of danger, as the siding is specially protected by flag and semaphore signals.

To those, however, who knew this particular part of tbe line, the precautions referred to wore fully required, for the main ne from Liverpool to Hull takes a considerable carve not far from the Hexthorpe ticket platform, past which it would rush at a great speed if Lot stopped by signals before icachmg the turn which wculd bring it within sight-of the siding. Ticket cc dlec iters were ready at Hexthorpe for the special which they boarded immediately on arrival, and the guards left theb breakes to assist In the work which always attends the stopping and inspection cf a crowded train. Suddenly a loud whistling was heard, which rose hich above the bustle on the ticket platform, and neonle turned in the direction whence the noise came, and thrust their heads out of the carriages. In another instant there was a horrid shout from the officials acd others on tbe platform, followed by loud cries irom the passengers, and then a mad rush to get out of the carriages. The ordinary passenger train from Liverpool to Hull was Been and heard thundering round the curve and dashing straight down the line towards the Midland special standing right in its way.

A momentary glimpse was obtained of the driver and stoker of the approaching train frantically pulling at their levers, but tbe view was only transient, for almost immediately tbe inevitable collision took place; the Liverpool engine struck tbe end of tho Midland special a most at full speed, and with such a momentum that the collision was of a Iteriific character. The woodwork of the solidly-constructed carriages was smashed and splintered as if the material were nothing more substantial than that of a packing case, and the massive iron work tyres and fiames and wheels were twisted into many fantastic forms. The screeching of the escaping steam from the partially-wrecked engine, miogleu witb, and for a moment drowned, the agonising screams of the wretched beings imprisoned by the wreckage, and the still more harrowing groans of tae many who had sustained terrible injuries. Only the rear guard van and three carriages immediately preceding it had suffered seriously from the collision. Of these the van and two of the carriages one a large composite of eight compartments-was completely wrecked, and the cries aud groans proceeding from the rums gave a nfnl evidence that many persons were buried beneath.

Attention was tberefoie first devoted to these unhappy sufferers. Many uninjured passengers from both trams joined in the work of rescue, and within an hour nearly fifty persons were extricated and placed on the platform and in the nearest available buildings, where they received prompt and skilful attention at the hands of numerous surgeons and physicians who had flocked to the spot irom the neighbouring towns and villages. The sights and sounds encountered by the gallant band of workers were enough to appal even the seasoned army surgeon. Many ot the poor creatures were terribly, Several had limbs bodily torn off or crushed almost into pulp; others were found literally disembowelled, and one headless corpse was discovered almost clear of tne wreckage. An unusally large proportion of the injured were round to-be suffering from serious wounds, and it was decided to send most of them to the Infirmary at Doncaster, where they would receive more careful nursing than would be possible in the improvised hospitals in the vicinity of the disaster.

Special carriages were accordingly kept running between Doncaster aad Hexthorpe, and most of the more seriously injured were soon comfortably installed the Infirmary. By four o'clock twenty-three dead bodies had been lecovered from tbe wreckage and between fifty aud sixty injured persons. Of the latter four have already succumbed to their injuries, and several others are in a critical condition, GOVERNMENT INQUIRY. Ol Monday Major Marindin proceeded to Doncaster with the view of holding, an inquiry as to the cause of the accident, on behalf of the Board of Trade. The first witness called was James Hibbert, mrveyor of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway, who handed in a plan of the spot where the accident happened, and he explained where the men were placed to do the flag signalling He also explained the distances between the men and the signal boxes, and pointed out the exact spots they wonld have to move to in order to see the platform at Hexthorpe.

There were several curves upon this section of the line, he explained, and there was a falling gradient of 1 iCMr Halmshaw, district superintendent, st'ted that the line bad been worked on the block system since September. 18S0, and ho produced the rules, which had been observed ever since that date. On Leger acd Cup days the block system was suspended on this section of the line between Hexthorpe Junction nod the South Yorks Junction, where the bos was under the hands of the Great Northern Company. He produced a copy of the notice given to drivers and all concerned as to the mode of working on these days. Thomas Welham, the signalman at Hexthorpe Junction, said he bad discharged his duties there for thirty years, and he estimated that when the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire tram came aiong ir.

was travelling at the rate of twelve miles an hour. After tho Midland train had passed, all the flag signalling was properly done. The flagmen raised the red flags and never lowered them. The steam was off when the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire train passed his box, but be did not notice if tbe brake was on. It did not strike him at the fimp that tbp sneed was excessive, and he did not know if it was subsequently reduced.

He cautioned the driver of tbe Sheffield train with a green flag as he passed. John Isaacs, assistant signal inspector, said he was superintending the signalling, and saw all the trains pass up to the time of the accident, The Midland train came nearly to a standstill before approaching the Hexthorpe box. It at any late was not running more than five or six miles aa hour. The flagmen hoisted the red fligs directly after it bad passed the box, and never lowered them, nor did they show a green flag. George Coates, one of the signalmen, stated the orders he received as to the use of the red flag, and said he had to check the trains and verbally caution the drivers, which he did.

He saw the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire train coming, aud waved his flag, but the driver did not seem to take any notice. He continued to 3how tbe red which be bad waved violently, because of the pace the train was The train was not checked as it pas-ed him, but be indicated to the fireman that there was a (rain at tbe platform. The Manchester, Sheffield, aud Lincolnshire train had steam 011, and he did not see or hear tbe brake applied. Joseph Frost, the other Sag signalman, gave similar evidence, and said be waved his ilag violently, because he thought that the train was coming too quickly. He could not estimate the pace it was travelling at.

He saw no green flags shown. Tbe driver of the Midland train had just previously pulled up in answer to his signal. The red flag was never lowered after that. He waved his flag more violently than usual, as he thought the tram wa3 coming too fast. He had, however, seen trains pass as rapidly, especially when there was nothing standing at the platform.

Wm. Webb, "who was flag signalling in the goods Une, gave corroborative evidence. John Mason, the driver of the Midland tram, stated that he left Sheffield at 11 '15 to take an excursion train to Cherry Tree. He received no instructions except what was on the programme. His last stopping place was Masborough.

From Masborough to Hexthorpe Junction he was constantly stopped by signal. Both the distant and the home Bignals at tbe junction were against him, and at the distant signal he shut off steam, reducing speed from about 2S to 15 miles an hour. He did not know officially that the block system had been suspended, but he knew it was suspended the four previous years, and also the Wednesday previous. The borne signal as lowered when he was within a hundred yards of it. He then received a caution signal.

The first shock of the collision did not move the engine at all, but the second shock sent the engine some 20.yards forward. A man cried out "Look out, look out," but before he could do anything the collision took place. He did not hear any train, nor any brake applied after the collision. He went to the rear of the train to see if he could do anything. He found the driver of the Manchester, Sheffield, aad Lincolnshire train walking round his engine, which was all right, with the steam blowing off at the ordinary pressure.

He saw the brake and three bogie carriages in the rear of hia train all broken. The other carriages wetc scarcely damaged at all. Patrick Mitchell, fireman of the Midland train, gave similar evidence. Samuel Taylor, the driver of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire train, was told that he need not make any statement, but there would be taken down what he liked to gay. Taylor Btated that he had been in the service of the company twenty years, and a driver fifteen.

He had been in tbe habit of running this journey from Liverpool to Hull between nine and ten years and knew the road welL He had notice of tbe suspension of the block system between Hexthorpe and Doncaster on the 13th inst. He drove the 3'45 P.M. train from Liverpool to Hull on that day. He stopped at Conisbro' to collect the tickets, and be did not believe he stopped at Hexthorpe. On the ltith inst.

he had five vehicles aud two brakes as far as Penistone, and nine vehicles and two brakes from Penistone to Doncaster. He bad the Smith simple vacuum brake, and apparently it worked right. Conisbro' was his last stopping place, and he was" under the impression that tickets were collected there. He therefore concluded be would not have to stop at Hexthorpe platform. When he saw the distant signal at "danger" he shut off steam, and when the home signal was lowered he went ou.

He saw no train until he got round the curve, and then he applied the brake, his fireman using sand valves, the metals being very slippery. He also reversed the engine before striking the Midland train, when he was going ten miles an hour. He was looking ahead, and saw no flags. CORONER'S INQUEST. On Tuesday, the coroner resumed his inquiry into the circumstances attending the accident at Hexthorpe, in which 24 persons lost their lives.

The first witness was Edward Bowskill, a clerk in charge of tbe mineral department of the railway, who, in reply to Major Marindin, said he superintended the collection of tickets at Hexthorpe on the day of the accident. He was collectin? the Midland train when the collision took place, and was about three carriages from the end ot the train. He did not hear any whistle, and as the collision was so unexpected he could not form any estimate as to what pace the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire train was travelling. The Midland train was driven ahead the length of two or three carriages. He was on duty at the Bame place on the St.

Leger Day, and had a copy of the instructions as to the collection of tickets. On that day all the tickets were examined at Hexthorpe, and the instructions were that they should on the Wednesday and Friday up to two o'clock. The arrangements made were the aame as in former years. He believed Ecster went through Hexthorpe on the Wednesday, but It was later in the day. He did not know by whose authority the tickets had been collected at Coaisboro'.

He did not know if tickets -were collected by Foster's train at Conisboro' on tbe day of the accident If they were it was a breach of orders, and even then the train ought to have stopped at Hexthorpe ticket platform. Arthur Mitchell was then called, and recognised the body of Sidney Mitchell, his brother, tbe last of the dead to be identified, and for whose burial a certificate was given by the coroner yr-sterday. Deceased was 29 years old, and lived at Brigbtside, Sheffield. He knew he was going to Doncaster races. Robert Davis, who was next called, said he had been in the service of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Company since April, 1879, and since July of that year bad been a fireman.

He was fireman to Samuel Taylor, the driver of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire train on the occasion of the accident. They left Liverpool on Friday morning at the right time, and having taken on some extra coaches at Penistone, they left there with a train of eleven carriages fitted with Smith's single vacuum brake. Everything went right till they got to Hexthorpe Junction, when the distant signal was against them. The home signal was also at danger. They were running at about fifteen or twenty miles an hour, the steam being on.

Steam was shut off directly they reached the summit of the incline. They ran past the distant signal and were preparing to Btop at the home signaL They put the brake on and reduced speed to ten miles an hour and whistled at the home signal, which was then lowered. They passed the box with steam up then, and saw no green caution flag at the box. After they passed the box they noticed that the starting signal was off, and he said to the driver "all right," After leaving the junction he noticed two flagmen on the line one near the box but got no signals from them that he could understand. Tne first Ban had the two flags under bis arm, aud was ge-ticulating, HARVEST HOMES, OLD AND NEW.

THE NEW. The Harvest Festival in the pariali church has become a notable ceremony in all our rural parishes. There are few occasions when the church is so crowded, or when all religious differences are so completely laid aside. Every one feels and acknowledges the fitness of the service, and even the loudest talkers against church decorations, are fain to hold their peace and admit the propriety of such things on a harvest thanksgiving. The omarnen-tation for the most part consists of the produce of the fields, orchards, and gardens, and carries us back in some sort to the old Jewish times, when the first fruits were brought and offered in the temple.

The service and all its accompaniments are founded alike in nature and revelation, and as such they recommend themselves to the approval and adoption of all sober-minded and religiously disposed persons. Very likely you may by chance, if there be such a thing as chance, now and again come across some godless Radical or political Dissenter, who will gnash his teeth and turn up his nose, and gather up the skirts of his gaberdine in a profound semblance of scorn, if you bespeak his attendance and contribution of his mite towards expenses. You must not be shocked at your own wickedness as he declaims with all hi wonted vehemence about Papal mummery and shameless waste of money, which might have been given to the poor he never gives a penny to any poor body, unless he can make a show of it and been far more useful to them at home in the bosom of their families. He is not to be minded, for he is only a miserable and sparse exception, which proves the rule; and if you look about you, it is not difficult to see that those who do moBt on such occasions are tho very persons who do most for the poor all the year long. My old who has worked on farms for all his life, and never recalls to mind the brave doings of the old mell suppers without licking his lips and feeling a savoury relish in his mouth, told me the other morning that he has no objection whatever to the harvest festivals, unless that it seems a trifle new-fangled.

It is his humble opinion now here I must tell you what may, or may not, be something peculiar to my friends. He is a man of several kinds or degrees of opinions, all of which are qualified by an adjective, but whose real meaning is. nevertheless, only reached by close observation arid long experience. For instance, he has hts "humble opinion," which is a sort of jog-trot opinion, and stlch as by no means he would snake his reputation upon for veracity and soundness of judgment. Then there is his "candid opinion," which he seldom makes use of except when he is put upon his mettle and begins to set up his bristles.

At such junctures he flings all prudence to the winds, and does not hesitate for a moment to tell his best friend what all along has been his "private opinion" of him. This last, after careful weighing, I have found usually to mean a sort of reserved, substantial opinion, to which all others in the last resort are to be referred, or else swept away as mere shams and subterfuges, and only meant as foils to the innermost judgments of his own mind. These judgments are not always in favour of the persons and things of the present generation, and you might think them at times somewhat cross-grained and. ill-natured. Sometimes he will give his decided opinion," but never about the weather, or the prices of corn, or any other matter of great'moment.

He has also his firm opinion," which is never resorted to, except on grave occasions, when he may consulted on questions which come specially within his own province and experience. In Buch straits he will put you on all the gravity of a judge, and should you smile with incredulity he will deeply resent the affront and leave you to the shallowness of your own thoughts. Now, it is his humble opinion that harvest festivals at church are all very well, and that nobody can find fault with them. They are done decently and in order; and a few corn sheaves' set up in the church, with here and there a sprinkiug of other produce, and some bonny garlands and flowers placed in conspicuous places, ought not to give offence to anyone. Then there is the grand singing and the sweet harvest which make the time seem heavenly, and as if a common body had a ssul to be saved.

Be will back the vicar in this as in all other reasonable things, for he hates infidels and all idle loitering fellows, who cannot so much as wash their faces and put on a decent coat on a Sunday, to say nothing about going to church. He counts them as no better than a pack of jackanapes, who are as conceited in their ignorance as a cock on a dunghill. To hear them talk you might think they were tho finest fellows going, but a good look into their homes and daily haunts would soon convince anyone to the contrary. There is always Borne difficulty in fixing the day fcr the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival, because the weather is so uncertain, and might be too soon and so anticipate the complete ingathering of some of the farmers. Then again, it does not fJeem well to defer it until late in October or into JNovemoer, when the summer is gone nd the harvest passed, and, in a sort, out of mind.

If the church should be dedicated to the memory of any saint, whose festival is in September or October, or to St. Michael and All Angels, that is usually chosen as the fittest time, and there is a suitableness in this which no Churchman can take exception at, for the day of remembrance for any or all of those "who have departed this life in the faith and fear of God" is in itself a day of rejoicing for which special services aro appointed, while at the same time the history of the Ohurch itself awakens historical inquiry and leads the mind back to far distant times, and to generations of men and women long mouldered to dust in the churchyard. There are thus grouped together associations whereof we are all proud, and Buch as are well suited to recommend the celebration of the harvest festival to the approbation and love of all honest and humble-minded men. The harvest this year is a full month earlier than is usual. The stackyards in their fulness have suddenly cropped up as a marked feature in the land before we seemed ready to expect them, while the recent heavy rains have done wonders among the green crops and made the farmers' hearts sing for joy.

My old friend says he never knew sunshine do harm in summer, for however long the drought might be, plenty of ram was sure to come when it was most needed. So it has been this year; and the burst of vegetation in the pastures and sown fields since the rain came is the one topic of conversation among all country folk. Every beast is rapidly recouping itself for the long leanness of the summer, and the orchards just now, before they are rifled of their riche3, are as freshly green and full of leaf as in the days of une. Altogether the year has been one of great productiveness, and our harvest festivals are being prepared and celebrated with a thankfulness and joy such as become the occasion. There is not a parish in the land but will have its church decorated, aud its special services, and appropriate sermon.

This is surely a good sign of the times, and one more proof of the awakened life of the national Church, and of the repose and comfort which the people find in her ancient temples and her devout ministrations. There is no need to deprecate the onslaught of Liberation Society, for notwithstanding all the money it has lavished during the last quarter of a century in order to depreciate the Church in the eyes of the cation, every year findB her more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and more energetic in her efforts to grapple with the spiritual necessities of our ever-growing population. J. D. HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES.

Whickham. Harvest thanksgiving services were celebrated on Sunday, the 18th, when appropriate and eloquent sermons were preached morning and evening to full and attentive congregations, by the Rev Edgar Carr, vicar of Ainderby Steeple, and offertories amounting to 11 12a 3d were taken in aid of the parochial schools. Silkswoeth. The harvest thanksgiving services in connection with St. Matthew's Church, Silksworth, were held on Sunday.

The church was decorp.ted with plants, fruit, emblematic of the season. The Re? J. W. Willink of St. John's Church, Sunderland, was the preacher in the morning and the Bev Canon Body at the evening service.

A children's service was held on the Sunday Bfternoon, when an address was given by the Rev J. W. Willink. Deptfoed, Sunderland. The harvest thanksgiving services in connection with this church were held on Sunday, The ohurch presented an attractive appearance with the floral and fruit display.

The Rev W. P. Swaby, M.A., Vicar of St, Mark's, Sunderland, officiated at the morning service, and the Rev O. G. Hopkinson, M.A., Vicar of St.

Peter's, Monkwearmouth, at the evening service. St. Peteb's, Saceistok. Thanksgiving services for the harvest were held in St. Peter's Church, SacrietoD, on Saturday and Sunday.

Eloquent and impressive sermonfl were preached on Saturday and Sunday evenings by the Rev M. Green, M. rector of Stella. The vicar preached on Sunday morning from Psalm 4, and in the afternoon the sermon was preached by tbe curate. Belfoed.

Tbe Sunday services in the parish ohurch (St. Mary's) were devoted in the morning to a thanksgiving for the harvest, and in the evening to a children'a flower THE DEATH-RATE. The deaths registered last week In 28 great towns of England and Wales corresponded to an annual rate of ISi) per 1,000 of their aggregate population, whioh la estl-mated at 8,906,446 persons In the middle of this year. The deatbs registered in each of the several towns, alphabetically arranged, corresponded to the following annual rates at per 1,000 Birkenhead 21-9 Manchester 25-8 Birmingham 18'o Newcastle-on-Tyne 21'S Blackburn 201 Norwich IS-0 Bolton 18i5 Nottingham 18'4 Bradford 2313 Oldham 17 5 Brighton 17 2 Plymouth 16-9 Bristol Portsmouth 17 8 Cardiff 22 0 Preston 270 Derby SaSford 26D Halifax 24'4 Sheffield 201 Huddcrefleld 15-6 Sunderland 22-1 Hull 17D Wolverhampton 23'2 Leeds ITS Leicester 17'5 Edinburgh- 163 Liverpool 18'3 Glasgow 19 2 15'7 Dublin 35-3 In Newcastle there were 118 births and 65 deaths, 16 Infants under 12 months and 10 persons of 60 years and upwards died. Measles caused 1 death; scarlet fever, fever, diaiThcea, 4.

There were 3 inquests, and 9 deaths in public institutions. In Sunderland there were 82 births and 55 deaths. 19 infants under 12 months and 6 persons of 60 years and upwards died. Whooping cough caused 2 deaths; fever, 2: diarrhoea, violence, 1. There were 4 inquests, 4 deaths in public institutions, and 1 uncertified death.

Ltm mil pptw HISTORICAL, ANTIQUARIAN, GENEALOGICAL, BlBLIOOIUFUICAL AD tiEXEKAL, KKK AND Oi'EX TO ALL UK0lili3 When correspondents, in answering Inquiries, mates extracts from any hob's or other publication, they wilt oblige by quoting the authority, not only in justics to the author, but to satisfy inquirers. NOTE. AN OLD SCHOOL. "In tie matter cf the Free Grammar School, founded by Tbeopbilus Pickering, in the of Gatethead aud coumy of Durham, Committee of Council or. Education have approved of 11 scheme for the future management of the above-named foundation; and notice is hereby given, that unless within two months after the first publication of this Eotice a petition ia presented to Her Majesty in Council, in pursuance of section M) of the Endowed Schools Act, 18G9, or a petition is presented to the Committee of Council on Education, in pursuance of section 13 of the Endowed Schools Act, lhTK, such scheme may beappoved by Her Maiestv without being laid before Parliament." So runs liich is at present appearing in some of the local newspapers.

Tneonhllus Pickering was acme time K-ctor cf Seiifc-Stld and afterwards of St. Mary's Church, Gitcshoad. He was the son of Sir Gilbert Pickering, ihe-kin-man of Johi. Dryden, both ou the poet's mother's nud fatbir'n side. Tui Sir tlilbi-rt wai one of the most rigid pcritir.K of the time, a person of great weight and influence, a fierce sequestrator, a member of the Council oi tho Protector, a clambei lain of the household, and high stc-wun: of Westminster.

According to Malms, he was a poisvn of so utorroy a temper that he was commonly callod "thi-Ory i'ickerir bat he never suffered his fanatical fmv t'. ii.t. rferc with his interests. According to Shadwell, Drydca was his cierk or secretaiy. The next step of advancement you began, being clerk of Noil's lord cti'iniberuiin, A seqeei-trnur and committee-man.

Sir Gilbert Pickering enjoyed the close confidence of Ci was a member of his House of Lords, as It was calli (1: and indep i.der.tly of his private means had a large interne from various official appointments. His boo, TheoiH -i'us Pickering, 1.D., founded the school at the And waee in Gateshead Churchyard in 1701. The foundation was v-ty sltuder, iuuouutiiig to only some 800, the iijlttf-j' wnich was to be devoted to the education of 15 jtcor Ic Some- years it was found insufficient, and the wi-t. ui-coutiuutd. Besides Thoopliilus, Sir Gilbert PU-keriiit: bad other sons, one of whom, Colonel Picket fiistincuwiitil himself in the Parlismoatiry army in the iive- of Lriatul by Cromwell.

P. INQUIRIES. How TliKV in' Paeliamkst. Is there any one who is cxpericucHl in Parliamentary ways andmanuers, and can tell how the "divisions" or votes are taken in the House of Loni- Intkuksted. "TillKVt.sM llAXI'STTl Mr TJii: SaSIKOF1 AUMSTROSO." Ifl "Border History of England and Scotland," page COO ami elsewhere, I re al of "a tribe of bandits, chiefly of the name of Armstrong." Ridp-ith's words are A tribo of banditti, oryiWj Serfs, who had settled in the wildest ou the "Western Holder, committed grievous outrages on the adjacent puts, and were given up by the King of Scotland as an herd of outlaws to be punished by the English warden (Sir Robert Carey) as their offences deserved.

These banditti were chiefly of the name of Ann-strong. They burnt and plundered the town of Hartwcsell (Hsiltwhistle)," tc. Is there auy ground for the statement that the Armstrongs, of whom there aro bo many Ttpu scntatives in Newcastle and disiric', were originally Scotch And i there any ground for supposing that the Armstrongs were naiiy ot this very low and thievish disposition 11. ScOTTON. Lick.v kij Was it ever the law ir England that ail hi jgais had to be licensed, instead of being condemned to imprisonment us at present Ninetkenth t'KMTtV.

Jaisj-ow Chi kch and Old I would like to know when was Jarrow Church restored, and how much of the ontimil pv.it is now left standing; also whether auy traces old Jarrow in the way of antiquities had ever )ca discoveied? B. AKCIIHii. ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS. JHonrs of BcniAL. Just as there aro different way of disposing cf the dead, one of which is by burial, so there are dillereut modes of burying the dead.

The modes of burial differ widely among various peoples, from the rudest ceremonies and methods of the wandering tribes to the ornate, impressive, reverent services of the heir of all the ages, in the foremost files of time." Among some the duad ate buried lying; cithers sitting, as is the case with several of the Indian tribes, and instances are related where warriors or leaders iu the nations have been buried seated upon favourite as was done with the famous Blackbird, thechii of the once powerful Omahas. But there isaremurk-iibh agie'inent of custom for tliepracticeof placing the idy and west. Sometimes the body is placed with the head to the east and sometimes to the west. It is held by certain writers tl at this custom is due to solar symboliam, and tho lead to the east or to the west according as tho the dead aro thouftht of in connection with the sunrise, the if putii; home of tile Deity, or the sunset, the reputed homo oi tie dead. Theie are, however, some tribes wno lay their di ad nirth and south, and others bury men with the face, to tho north and women with the face to the south; while among seme of the African tribes, if one happens to die away iiom his home, he is buried faciug his native village.

fcOCKM.Ui:lST. The litiiuiOKHKS. The once notorious Eiddiokers were the lawless people of South Eiddick, near Houghton-le-Spting. Toe village of South Biduick is in a sequestered situation, and was formerly inhabited by bandits, who set all authority at defiance; cay, tho officers of excise were afraid of surveying the two public-houses, unless protected by some cf the most dating of the pitmen, who were re-warded for their trouble. There wero in the village about ten shoes or houses where contraband spirits were publicly sold any license.

The press-gang was at onetime beatu: iut of the place1 with the loss of two men; and never more was known to venture into it for if it was known to be in the neighbourhood, tho Bid-dickeis used to sound a horn, the signal for them to fly to Sines. Files were lighted in various places; the keels in the liver were seized, with which they formed a bridge of communication with Eatbeld, a place on the opposite side of the river, just as lawless as their own; and there they Lij.r watch and ward till danger was pnst. Inconsequence of all which the village became a receptacle for such as had violated the laws of their country. Jl'S. aiKANINU OK THK "Elck Pi-TKH." The Bloo Peter which is hoisted at the mast-head of vessels just about to sail, is of doubtful oiigin.

In Dr Cobham's Brewer's well-known of Phrase and Fable," it says: "Peter is a corruption of the French partir (leave or notice of departure), the Hag being hoisted to give notice to town that any poison having a money claim may make it before the ship starts, and that ail about to sail are to come on board." In Wetstei's Ameiiciiu Dictonary of the English. Lin-git'ige it is said to lie a corruption of blue repeater, one of the lliiiish signal II. C. Tin: l'iiisr Banks. The origin of banks is not accurately known.

I believe, but they are of great antiquity. They existed in China, E-vbylon, Greece, Borne, and other ancient nations long before thr1 Christian era. There were banks of deposit, loan, and exchange in Babylon, Greeoe, and Home in very early days; but we are not so certain that they were batiks of issue. Iu the Metropolitan Jluseum of Art, New York, there -are Babylonian tablets of larking transactions, dating back to the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. The earliesl of these tablets bolougs to the year u.c.

001. On it are memoranda of loans -made in silver by a ceriaiu banker, Kudurra, as follows: "1 nana to Eeluepns, shekels Nabubasanaprati, and to Nergul-dann total, 3 minas, 5 shekels of silver." The above-named collection contains more than fifty of these Babylonish bank tablets, some of them dating down to the tijoe of Darius, 510 to 493 B.C. 51. l.eiiorrraut has classified them into five descriptions 1. simple obligations; 2, obligations with a penalty incase of uon-paymeut; 3, obligations with guarantee to third I'arty; 4, 'obligations payable to a third person; 5, drafts Uiawu in one place payable in another.

To theso is attached the names of witnesses. The earliest known Babylonian banking house is said to be that of Egibi and a house that seems to have acted as a sort of imperial banking institution in Babylon from the time of Sennacherib (about iCOkc.) down to the reign of Darius, having been traced through five generations. Kecords of this house, on clay tablets, have been found in an earthen jar in the neighbourhood cf Hillah and elsewhere. FiSOES BRUCE. The Duke op Wellington's Birth, I believe it is strictly true that both the time and place of the Duke of Wellington's birih are unknown, or at all events uncertain.

Aa to the date of the great event, the 1st of May, 1769, is the day universally accepted as tho "Iron Duke's birthday; and in consequence of this one of our Royal Princes, Arthur, who was born ou that particular day, was named in graceful compliment to the Duke. Sir Bernard Burke, in his interesting work, Itixof Great Families, in discussing the (juestion as to the day the Dnise was born, quotes Enhaa-'a (Dublin) Matjazine tor May, 1769, as follows: "April L'y, the Countess of Morntugton, of a son." The parish register of St. Peter's, Dublin, contains the entry of Arthur Wellesley's baptism Sunday, 30sh April. 1700, which Is authenticated by the signature of Archdeacon Manns. On the same day an apotnecary in Dawson Street supplied medicines to the Coimte99 of MorniogtoQ and her infant on the occasion of her accouchement, and the record of which in his day-book was shown at the Dublin Exhibition.

"With respect to the place of tho Duke's birth, one account assigns the honour to Dingan, another to lrtiE, anotticr to a house in ijcratton street. Dubnu; but Sir Bernaid Btnke adduces several facts which seem to prove that the Duke was born at No. 24, Upper Mention Scree Dublin Blyth. Sir Amukose Ceottlet and Winlatos. "Wlnlaton," says Mackenzie in his history of Durham, hss been rendered famous as the chief site of Sir Ambrose Crowley's manufactory." Sir Ambrose was in several ways an interesting character.

He projected an iron foundry, and first fixed on Scnder'and as an eligible site bnt after an experience of five or six year9 he transferred his Cyclopean colony to the district between the Tyne and the Derweat, a cheaper country, abounding with coal. This was about 1600, when the village is described as consisting of "a few deserted cottages." In the following year Wmlatun eoro mill was converted into an iron-forge and grinding-wheel and th works fcr rnanufactuiing the heaviest articles were soon after extended to SwalweU. where for a long time anchors of the largest size, anvils, chain cables, pumps, and cylinders for steam engines were produoed under Sir Ambrose, where Incessant, day and night, each crater rose, the volcanoes on Sicilian shores. Their fiery wombs each molten mass combine 'Ihence, lavs-fike, the boiling torrents shine Down the trenched sand the liquid metal holds, t- hoots showers of stars and fills the hollow moulds." Sir Ambrose Crowley, the benefacter of Winlaton, is siij to have been designated by Addison in the "Spectator" as Sir Antlonv Anvil, "who began the world with a small pwcel cf rusty iron; acd being gifted in the acquisition of vealth, was kDighted in his 35th year, and being iotent on making a family, with a dash of gaod blood in their wins, married a woman of fashion, who chauscd his name to KniiUe, and confioed her husband to the cockloft vhen she had visitors of quality." There is very little appesrance of truth in tbi. story.

Sir Ambrose was a mm of uncommon Sigacity and energy. The sign of "The Doublet" at his wharves at Greenwich is said to have been picture of the identical leather jerkin in which he worked when a common smith. Sir Ambrose married Mary, daughter and co-heli of Charles Owen of London, fifth son of Sir William Owen, a country gentleman of the oounty of Shropshire. Alter Sir Ambrose had fully established his useful and extensive manufactory he instituted a code of laws, with great good sense and benevolence, for the government of his coloDy, which code was afterwards altered and improved as cases and exigencies dictated. To pat these laws into execution a court of arbitrators was appointed to meet every tea weeks at Winlaton, for hearing and deter-ming disputes among the workmen.

The fees were fixed at a moderate rate. This institution had tho happiest effect." The max of Crowley or Ctawley became exsiast in If S2, G. three men were thrown into tbe Tees. One of them was dashed to pieces outheiock; tho others, Tailing into tbe water, were saved. Ic is a mUncholy addition to the circumstance that he was a young man who was preparing to go to London iu a few days to enter into business, aud had crossed the, bridge but a short me before, to see tbe others at work in a meadow tbey ore mowing.

Ia Bell's repository of valuable local lore, previously men tioned, it is stated that, the pa' ty. who had been assisting Thomas Tallentvre ot Holwick in hay-making, wer returning from Holwick to tbe Durham siie and we are further informed respecting this accident that Ralpa medley, one of the nine, was jerked astride tbe overturned bndg? and relieved Sarah Simpson hung upon the hand-vail by the bend of her arm until relieved; John Tallentyre and John Bain bridee of Howgill, the latter a young man of eighteen years, were precipitated into the river. After smsing three times Tallentyre was saved by the assistance of a pteca of wood held out to him. Bainbridge, being rendered nocoosoious by bis fall on to the rock, was never seen to rise and bis body was not recovered until Hie following day. Thepirlsh regiiterhasthisentry V1302, John Bainbridge of Howgill, near Bowlees drowned by the falling of Winch Bridge, died August 20, buriedAugast 22, a.ed 18 years." The edition of the Tour of Teesdale," published in 1S28, by an unfortunate transposition of figures, sives the year ot this accident as 1S20, an error copied by Sopwith in "Alston Moor," and by Fordyce aud Mackenzie and R-oss in their histories of Durham.

Shortly after this sad accident the bridge was repaired by the late Earl of Strath-more, and after standing one hundred and thirty-six years, it was replaced by the present Suspension Bridge, erected near the old site in 1830, by the late Duke of Cleveland. W. M. Eoglestons. SIR M.

W. RIDLEY, M.P., ON POLITICAL QUESTIONS. The annual meeting of the Ridley Habitation of the Piimrose League was held on Saturday in the School-house, Stanuington. Sir U. W.

Ridley, Ruling Councillor, presided, and there was a large attendance of members. The Secrstabt (Mr Luke Flint) read the annual report, which was of a satisfactory nature, indicating useful work during the past year, the increase of the members to about 500, and a good financial condition. The Chaieman commented on the satisfactory report, and then stated in a few words the pith of a precept from the Grand Council in London, congratulating the habitations upon the way the work was spreading, and notifying that agents were being appointed in districts throughout England. Mr Worsley had been appointed agent for the northern district. Mr Chaulton Humble, The Grange, read a letter from the Grand Council, addressed to Lady Ridley, the Dame President, from the Chancellor, as follows: "Victoria Street, Westminster, 28th July, 1S87.

My Lady, I am desired by the Grand Council to inform yoa that tbey have much pleasure in awarding you the honour for which you have been duly recommended by your habilation. I have the houour at the same time to thank you ou their behalf for the valuable assistance which you have rendered to the Primrose League and to the Constitutional cause generally. Very faithfully yours, Smith, Chancellor. With this letter, Mr Humble stated, came the diploma of tbe Primrose League, which was the honour referred to, and he bad great pleasure in now formally presenting it to her ladyship. There was something more than that to be done that night.

It was considered a fitting occasion for their testifying in a special way their love aud esteem toe their dame president (applause) who bad been the pioneer cf the movement iu that part of the oounty. and they had therefore subscribed to purchase a handsome brooch which she could wear either at the meetings of the Primrose LengU6 or elsewhere. Before Lady Ridley toak the matter up they heard very little about the Piimrose League in that neigbourhood, but now they found habitations being etaitcd in all directions, following the example set them at Stannington; and he thought this condition of things was due to Lady Ridley. They had much pleasure in testifying to their appreciation for Lady Ridley's efforts on behalf of the cause, and their regard for her personally, by making her the presentation he had already referred to. He was suie he was speaking the sentiments of all of them when he wished for their dame president long life and prosperity.

(Cheers.) Lady Ridley rose to reply amidst hearty cheering. Her ladyship said that she thanked thorn all from the bottom of her heart for the most beautiful present thev had given her, and Mr Humble for the very kind words he used in presenting it to her, She Bhould always wear it with the greatest pride and pleasure, and often think of the many kind friends through whose kindness she was made the owner of Buch a Primrose League jewel that no one else possessed, and she hoped that many occasions on which she should wear it would be at pleasant evenings spent with the Ridley Habitation of the Primrose League. She concluded by again thanking them very much indeed, (Cheers.) The Chaibman then addressed the assembly. In the first place he added to what Lady Ridley had said, that her ladyship and himself had both been most deeply touched by the expression of their kindly feeling to Lady Ridley for the little Blie had been able to do, not only in the capacity of a Primrose Leaguer, but in other respects in that neighbourhood. He had always asserted that very muoh of the good done by tbe Primrose League was done by friendly influence and a desire to show sympathy with our neighbours as well as in the arena of politics.

He had before this tried to point out what the objects of the Primrose League success it had attained, aud what appeared to him to be the reasons that the Primrose League had come to be such a gigantic success. It had been because it had appealed to the loyalty of Englishmen, and to the love for onr Queen, for our Constitution, and for the laws of this country. There was a feeling, not only in Ireland, but in some quarters in England, which was distinctly disloyal, both to the Throne and Constitution of this country. From tithe to time there had been significant signs that the Throne, quite apart from the person of the Queen, was not hold in the esteem by some thaiit formerly was. Not only in the person of the Queen, but in the institution of a limited monarchy we had one of the greatest guarantees for permanent progress that any country ever had, and it wa9 for this reason that the Primrose Lsague had put forward loyalty to the front.

In Ireland, he had heard the name of Her Majesty hissed, aud had seen persons sit down when the national anthem was sung, and so-called Liberal politicians had no shame in seeing that done. They found, a3 was stated in a pamphlet he had seen in that room, that there was an attempt to teach the children of the people everything but their duty to God, and therefore Primiose Leaguers called upon all God-fearing people to aid them in upholding the cause of religion, not of tbe Church of England only, but of ail branches of the Christian Church. (Applause.) He had spoken before of the attacks made on the House of Commons. Men were sent there from Ireland and paid by American money for the purpose of deoastng our institutions; but that was not all a considerable number of English and Scotch Radical members, led by the exigencies of party, had not been afraid to throw in their lot with the Parnellites, whose actions were calculated to dsgrade and debase the House of Commons. The people did endeavour to convince them who were sent to the House of Commons to represent them, and it was their duty at least to respact the House.

He had 9poken to them before upon tho greatness of their empire and upon the importance of impressing upon their representatives that it was for the good of all parts that they should maintain its unity and ascendancy. (Applause.) He thought it was very gratifying that the present Government had been able to inaugurate and carry through sucoessruuy a colonial Conference, in which matters of great importance to the colonies aud mother country were discussed, even If they had not been finally settled. The result of the conference had been to knit still closer together, if passible, the bond of unity between the old country and the colonies. (Applause.) The present Government was not a Conservative Government, but a Unionist Government. The Unionist Government had had the alternative before them of, at the command of Mr; Gladstone, allying themselves with the Parnellites, or of joining in what some called the Tory Government, On the question of the unity ot the empire they had loyally stood by the Conservatives, and helped to form a Unionist Government.

Though at the last election they succeeded in defeating Mr Gladstone's insane, and he thought even criminal proposals, they must not think they had yet won the victory. He did not take the desponding view of the Constitution that some did. He thought there was a strong Unionist feeling in the country, and a decided hostility to Mr Gladstone's proposals, whioh had sustained men through their difficulties and temptations of a tedious Session and prevented them returning to the old ties ot party alieganoe. The Uberal Unionists had had strong Inducements made to them to restore Liberal unity, but though it was difficult to them to be In a different lobby to those they were in the habit of voting with, and in the lobby of their former opponents, as a body they had stuck to their Unionist principles. He then referred to the Irish question and the men who were sent to the House of Commons, as Mr Bright said, to make government impossible, and the alliance of Mr Gladstone and the bulk of the Liberal party with these men, though Mr Gladstone had previously denounced them in the strongest language, and then impressed upon them that there was no half-way house by which a compromise between the Unionists and Home Rulers could be made.

Tbey must stick to their Home Rule principles in tbe interests of Ireland itself and the whole of the empire. (Cheers.) Songs by Mr Legge and Miss Winchester beguiled the remaining portion the evening, and the meeting terminated with the usual votes of thanks. The jewel presented to Lady Ridley consisted of a primrose, made of pearls set in gold, with diamond centre, mounted on a crescent composed entirely of pearls. It was specially designed and executed by Messrs Reid of Grey Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. PARTIES AND POLITICS.

BARNARD CASTLE DIVISION CONSERVATIVB ASSOCIATION. On Saturday afternoon, a meeting of the Executive Committee of the above association was held at tha Tatbot Hotel, Bishop Auckland, when representatives were present from Barnard Castle, Crook, Cockfield, Evenwood, Gainford, Howdon-le-Wear, Ingleton, Stanhope, Staindrop, Woodland, Wokingham, Witton-le-Wear, and West Auckland. In the unavoidable absence of the Earl of Strathrnore and Mr R. A. Morrit, Colonel Watson of Barnard Castle took the chair, and in a few remarks complimented Mr Mills on the work he had been able io accomplish since he cameinto the division; and expressed his opinion that If the case of the Conservative party was only put fairly before the working people they would not be long before they were supporters of the Conservative cause.

The meeting that afternoon was -very encouraging, and augured well for the future of the cauBe in the Barnard Castla Division. (Cheers.) The minutes of the laBt meeting hevieg been confirmed, Mr Mills reported that he had formed associations ia the polling districts of Barnard Castle. Crook, Evenwood, Egglestone, Forest and Frltb, Gainford, HamBterley, Ingle-ton. Middleton-in-Teesdale, Stanhope, Wearhead, Witton-le-Wear, Wokingham, Woodland, and West Auckland, and he hoped ere long to be able to form associations in the rest of the polling districts. (Cheers.) The proposed rules of the association were then discussed aud carried as amended.

A finance committee and an emergency committee having been appointed, it was decided to leave the question of holding meetings and arranging for speakers in the hands of the agent. It was also decided to ioln the National Union and elect representatives to the Council of the jNortnern umon. THE EDINBURGH UNIONISTS. In acknowledging the receipt of a resolution adopted at the recent Unionist meeting in Edinburgh, the Marquess of Salisbury's secretary "It is a matter of great gratification to his lordship, to receive Buoh emphatic assurances of the sentiments of approval with which the present policy of the Government is regarded by the people of Great Btitain. He desires me to convey to yoa his best thanks for the resolution yoa have forwarded." Lord Hartington's secretary briefly acknowledged the receipt.

Mr W. Smith's secretary wrote expressing the great pleasure of the Government at receiving resolutions of confidence and support. ELECTION MOVEMENTS. The Liberals of the Rossendale Division of Lancashire, of which Lord Hartington ii the representative, are endeavouring to carry out the resolution passed some time ago pledging them to bring out a candidate at the next General Election on Gladstonian principles. A number of names have been submitted to the council, and amongst them Mr Arthur Arnold, one of the late members for has been invited to address a meeting in the division.

It is intended that thoXiberals ahall be ready with the candidate if any changes in the Government render the seat vacant. Tcwlk's PHrfrmoTAL sad Sshsl Pills Twmisi quiikly correct all irregularitws and relieve the distressing symptoms so prevtlent with the sex. Boxes. Is 1W and 25 9d, of all chemists. Sent anywhere for 15 or 24 stamps, by the Lincoln aad iUdland Ccutfies Jreg Co.

Liasola. HermKj imitations. Wi.at is Eiyp'i''11 porphyry? It his b3en described as a red or rather puriile-coiouted s'one of great hardness, oapable of being raissd to a high pjiiah, and is regirdedas of great value from its rarity. Great dsubis have hitherto existed as to what pare of the world porphyry came from. Examples are found in the shape of colo.mus, pillars, tomb-etoues, or pavements, at Constantinople, iu Westminster Abbey, and elsewhere.

Ancient writers spjka of gveit porphyry quarries, but they differed as to their whereabouts. Pliny said that the quarries were in Egypt, and that they were extensive enough ta produce blocks of any size, Tae Egyptian tiavelleis. Burton and Wilkinson, claimed to hive discovered these quarries ia 1823, but neither of them brought back any visible proofs of their visit, ia the shape of specimens, bo that tneir account wasnot held in great value. The visit of Lepsiusin 1S45 was similarly disregarded. In lator years the discovery of quarries was announced first in one country and then ia another, so that the question became perplexing.

Last February, however, Mr Briudley, F.R.M.S., an English traveller, whilst visiting Cairo with his wife, resolved to follow in Wilkinson's footsteps and ascertain the truth. He had previously examined all the localities mentioned by modern authorities, and had found that none of the quarries mentioned supplied antique porphyry. Mr and Mrs Briudley proceeded to the first cataract of the Nile, and saw the ancient quarries that supplied Eiyp: with materia! for its great temples and obelisks. Tuey saw not only the deep rid, but the rose and the dark grey, tho colours often coming into contact on the same block. Mr Briudley came to the conclusion that the obeliek and other Urge blocks iu the quarries were all of Koman date, and wnat is more important, that they were cut out with metal wedges; and not with woeden as was generally supposed.

Mais revenons A was pclils tigrcs. The travellers came to the outskirts of the great desert, in the midst of which the porpbvry quarries were said to stand. In the second day's journey through the desert, accompanied by guides, they encamped at an ancient Roman station, where fragments of Egyptian porphyry were to be seen. Two days ti-ey loft the region of the Nile and began a giadual ascent of SQOft. At one place they saw a number of porphyry blocks, lyina half buried in the sand.

A ride of fifteen miles brought the party to the charming valley of Wady Gitta, hemmed in by precipitous mouutiins over 0,000 feet high. After a few days they found themselves beside the immense porphyry mountain ot Gebel Duchan, and the difficulty was to End out whereabouts in tho mountain the quarries were. Mr Brindley began the ascent at 5 'SO in ti.o morning, accompanied only by a Bsdouin and a Luxor Arab. The desert route passed over, with its forts and wells, was older than the Christian era. They followed an ancient Roman road, and at an altitude of over 2,000 feet was a station similar to those in tho desert.

At 8'30 thty arrived at the top of ihepass, the height being 3,100 feet. Throughout the ascent there had not been a single fragment or ttace of porphyry, and the investigator became- very didieartcned. The view on the other side revealed a regular amphitheatre of rocks, all bare, like an extinct volcano. At the foot of the mountain could be seen an old town, where the guides expected to be going, but the Englishman, on examining the country with a powerful field-glass, espied some porphyry colouring on the opposite mountain. He lesolved to go there, but his companions flatly objected.

They went together down the slope the mountain, but at a point about half-way down the path divided, one way lending to the old town and the other to the purple-tinted mountain opposite. At the junction, therefore, they came to a standstill, but after luncheon the; explorer took from bis companions his cold tea, lunch, and sketch book, and offered them tempting bribes if they would accompany him. They refused, and the explorer proceeded alone. In about ten minutes time lie beard a noise behind him, and louud that they had determined to follow. On arriving at the foot of the opposite mountain the explorer's delight was without bounds.

The grouud was all strewn with broken pieces of the most sumptuous porphyry, and further on was the actual "slide," 15 feet iu width, down which the blocks were lowered. The throa men tctambled and climbed with great diflicuhy up the ascent, and near the top found a good road, but after a while they found it lead, not to the quarry, but across the mountain into another valley. i'hey were now very mush exhausted, bul Mr Brindley took the opportunity of sketching a marvellous view over the Red Sea, with Sinai iu the distance. After a rest they continued the journey, and at last they found the place where the Ramans had extracted their grandest masses. From the character of the workings in the face of the rock, It seemed impossible to have broken the rock by expanding wooden wedges with water, as some assert was done.

Mr Briudby, recounting Lis experiences the other day before the British Association, expressed his conviction that iron or rather steel tools must have been used for dressing the stone, and probably there were also metal wedges. The altitude of the quarry was found to be 3,560 feet. Mr Brindley and his attendants returned by another path to the old town of Meedinah before-mentiouecl, Near this place, but further up the valley, was a small Roman temple of the time of Hadrian, the portico being in granite, with an inscription to Our Lrd the Emperor Hadrian, and his whole house." The temple and its pre cints were dedicated to the Sun-god, and the whole was in ruins. On the plaster wall of a cell in large red letters was imcribed: lb'23," 1845," 1S77-7S." These marked tbe visits respectively of Wilkinson, Lepsius, and Schweiafurtb. Following this bad example, Mr Brindley added in indigo lSi7, and quarries," after which the party returned to the camp and thence to Cairo, not without adventures.

The results of the visit will be the establishment of works to renew theqiianyiug operations carried on so many years ago by the Romans. A new route will be taken for carrying the blocKs to the Red Sea, which washeB the shores about miles away. On Mr Biindley's return to Cairo, after 13 days in the Eastern Desert, 170 miles of camel rioing, tonus for a concession to work the quarries were agreed upon. These terms have since been ratified. The English will cany on the great porphyry works where the ltucaus stopped.

WI1SCII BUIDGE OVER THE TEES. One of the mtuy interesting sights characteristic of the romantic vale of the Tets in the Noi th of England, is Winch Bridge, and no tourist visiting Teesdale should omit seeiug it and its surroundings of rock, river, and wood. Tho present structure, however, lacks the interest of it9 pro decessor, which not only presented such an odd appearance and affoided so perilous a passage, but is said to have been the earliest suspension bridge in Europe, uay even in the world. The object of this paper is to give our readers some particulars of this old Wynch Brig'' over the Tees. Teisdale is wild and romantic.

The river rise3 in tbe vicinity of Cross Felland takcth a course among tokkss, an 1 reseyviug divers other small hopes and hekltes, and commith much by wild ground." For some ten miles it threads its ccuise among barren to the lakelet of the Weald and the cataract of Cauldron Snout. From this point its course divides the counties of Durham and Yorkshire, and tie dale becomes more romantic as we follow its course eastward, where, on the Durham side, the rugged Falcon Glints tower high above tbe river, and the massive ana dark Cronkeldy Scars of basaltic rock stretch away along the Yoikshire side of the moss-staiuel Tees. The river having received the becks of the Maize and Harwood, passes Juniper Soar and rolls its amber flood over the High Force falls fifteen miles from its source. Between the sublime water-fall arid the town of Middleton-ia-Teesilale the scene is more diversified, the table land looking rich in cultivation, and is beautified with trees, coutrastuii with the out-crop of the rocks ou the banks of the river and at the skirts of the brown mountains which stretch beyond. On this stretch of the river between High Eoroe aud the dales-town WiDch Bridge crosses the river connecting the counties of Yorkshire and Durham.

Tbe old structure appears to have been exclusively used by tho lead-miners of the little neighbouring village of Hoi wick, which lies under the shadow of the romantic Holwick Sears on the Yorkshire side of the Tees. The time at which tho bridge was erected does not appear to have been known to the early local historians. Hutchinson, writing about the year 1794, says "About two miles above Middleton, where tho river falls in repeated cascades, a bridge, suspended on ii on chains, is stretched from rook to rock, over a chasm near sixty feet deep, for the pas-age of travellers, but particularly for miners. The bridge is seventy feet in length, and a little more than two broad, with a handrail on one side, and planked in such a manner that the traveller experiences all the tremulous motion of the chain, and sees himself suspended over a roaring gulph on an agitated restless gang-way, to, which few strangers dare.trruat themselves." The Xocac Records of Mr Syke's (1833), says About this year (1741) the first chain bridge constructed in thii country is believed to have been that over the river Tees, called Winch Bridge." The author of An Account of the Minirvj districts of Alston Moor, Wcarialc, and Teesdale, leirnt from respectable authority that the bridge existed in 1753, and from the histories of Durham, by Mackenzie and Ross (1834) acd William Fordyce (1S57) we gather no more information. A recently issued repository of local matter, Collectanea Teisana, compiled by the Rev W.

R. Bell, gives the year 1704 as the date of its erection. From this source we are informed that a note on an old plan or survey of Howgill iu Teesdale, states that Wyach Brig" was erected in this year, 170-1. The old plan existed in 1S32, at which time a copy was taken, and this copy is now in the hands of the proprietor of Howgill. Tho demensious and position of this peculiar structure have been exaggerated by most wiiters.

Hutchinson calls the chasm nearly sixty feet deep, and tbe bridge seventy feet in length. The Tour in 'fees-dale, edition 1S2S, gives the depth of tho chasm as fifty feet, and the length of the bridge sixty-throe. The first edition, however, published in 1S04, without giving measurements says, "this extraordinary structure is composed of boards with a slender railing on each side, and is hung on chains, the breadth of the river, the height of the rocks, and tne impetuosity of the floods preventing the erection of any other kind. It is by no means pleasant to oross this bridge on account of its swinging motion tor is it at this time safe, as it has not beenrepaired for some time, aud has got a considerable cast on one side." he correct dimensions are given by Mr W. C.

Trevelyau, in Brewster's Philosophical ourrtal, 1S28, anil are as follows: Length of bridge between she rocks, 50ft 4in; length of chain supported by the rock oa the north side rft; length of chain on the south side not visible, be-in" cow red with earth; centre of bridge lower than ends about 3ft; height of bridge above the surface, 21ft; depth of rver Sft 6in. The links, some of which are almost worn through, are preserved in the museum at Wallington, and were about six inches long and ooo and three-quarter Inches broad; the iron bar of which they were formed being half-inch and three-quarter-inch thick. These chains were fixed by bolts into the rock at each end, and on them were Hid deals lengthwise, forming a floor If 6 9in broad with a handrail on one side 2ft Bin. high. Smaller chains were placed near the ends and fixed into the rockB to prevent the swinging of the bridge.

Tradition asserts that this dangerous-looking fabric was erected by theHolwick miners who were employed at the Red-groveandPike-Lawlead mines oatheDurbam side, and found the river difficult to cross in times of flood. This ismentloned in Teisa, a poem descriptive of the Tees, by Anne Wilson, written in 177S, The almost perpendicular abutments ot rocks on each side the river might suggest the idea of a suspension bridge. Something to reach from rock to rock was all that was wanted, the chasm being deep enough for the Btream. In Frazer's Tour through part of the snowy range to the Himalaya Mountains, mention is thus made of one of these kind of bridges. "A stoat beam of wood is fixed horizontally upon or behind two strong stikes that re driven into the banks on each side of the water and round these beams ropes are strained, extending from the one to the other across the river, and tbey are hauled tight and kept in their place by a sort of windlass." A windlass or winch was one of the earliest machines used by the north of England lead miners iu the dales, and it is more than probable that the winch employed in the construction of the Teesdaie bridge gave it a name.

This old bridge, constructed of two chains 21 inches apart, stretched across a river from rock to rook and covered with planking, to which was attached a hand-rail on one side, had stood the mountain storms of many years, but the great flood of 1771 lifted tho south end of the structure from its moorings and carried it round to the other side, just after a passenger bad crossed over it. In its latter days, with its worn chains, rickety railing, open and rotten flooring, it afforded a dangerous passage but its decayed stite, the trembling of the flooring and the creaking of the chains deterred not the villagers. At last, however, a melancholy accident ultimately befel a party were crossing ou the 20th day of August, 1802, by the snapping of a chain. The author oi the Tom in Teesdale, first editisn, 1801, Bays "A party of nine men and two women were passing it from the Durham side to Holwick, moat of whom being upon it at the same time, the unusual weight entirely destroyed the balance, and one of the chains being over-strained by the grtriouB iasliaatioE, it snapped, the bridge turned. oyert hitherto unobserved fault that we use no salt our cooking.

As judges of wine we cut a sorry figure in the consuls estimation, and our crude standard of wine judging exposes us to all Kis ot fraud. The bulk of English wine consumers decide by the colour alone. To them, black wine is port, yellow wine is sherry," the strength of the former being in proportion to its blackness. It is well, indeed, to see ourselves as others see us; and therefore the further observations which this friend of ours in Canny Newcastle has to say ot us as a race are well worth reading. According to this gentleman, England has never produced a great and nertainlv never a great musician, la his opinion no historical race has so raaiiy physical and moral blemishes and defects as the English.

If he derives thia opinion from the specimens of the race which he has seen in the north, I wonder what he would have thought had fate placed him among theLancashire factory operatives or the incomparable East End cockneys. One cannot think of it without a shudder. He is so far charitable as to admit that no race is so capable as ours of putting forth energy and conscience in remedying our defects. If that be so we may take heart of grace, and hope ere long to arrive at a standard of excellence to please even our Portuguese critic. It is very sad to read tho fatal accounts of the quarrel that has sprung up between the harvesters of the ocean in England and Ostend.

Their seems, however, to "be some hope that bygones will be bygones between them, and that in future the fishermen will pursue their trade amicably side by side at home and abroad. The latest suggestion is that the Ostend men should fish during the day and tho English men during the night, so as to avoid all possibility of conflict at sea. This, if acted upou, would no doubt produce the desired result. On the surface this proposition looks fair enough, but the eagerness of the Ostend men in agreeing to it may raise doubts on that point. It will, therefore, be well to await the inevitable discussion that will take place over this suggestion.

1 think it doubtful if our English fishermen will consider that they would have the best of the bargain by the arrangement, especially in winter time, when, for several nights in succession, they are unaoie to race tne ieariui weatueu. uui ouu un.eu occurs on the well-known fishing grounds. Still there are many occasions when night fishing is more successful than when it is pursued by the light of day. Last year, for example, I made a note of tho results of two nights fishing in the North Sea, by a a single fishing smack. One lot consisted of 6-10 fine soles, 45 big brill and seven fine turbots, which realised on the spot 90.

Had the haul bean brought to London the fish would doubtless have been damaged, and carriage being considered, tha total receipts would have been reduced Dy one-umu, say to 00. Even then this would be considered very satisfactory by tho hardy toilers of the sea who owned the lot in question. Lately at Dover, some men having brought some flotsam and jets3in" of tho sea in the shape of a couple of large rusty, anchors of different shapes, the official, addressing me, said Theso men have have had a good 'hovel' to-day, sir," On inquiring the meaning of the strange word, I was told Lhat the "hovellers" always used it in the sense of a good day's work, or as fishermen would say, a good haul. But, I added, who are the hovellers I was informed that more than a century sinco poor fishermen were allowed to dig out a dwelling place in the chalk, say a couple of moms, in which thoy lived, and not unfrequently brought up a largo family. These were called hovels.

No rent was paid, nor any taxes, and the owners got their living by acting a3 boatmen, fishermen, and collectors of flint for tinder boxes, and for the old-fashioned guns and blunderbusses. Often the larger flints were used for building purposes, and even for making roads. This industry is now partly stopped, for digging out flints tended to weaken tho cliffs and change the coast line. Indeed, not a single habitable hovel exists now. True, the buildings are there, but the pathway leading to the front doors is obliterated, it being wasted away by the sea.

Still, although in the true sense of tho word there are no hovellers, tho name is still employed in the way I have mentioned. Going to the ferry that is used across one part of the docks, I saw the boatman engaged in eating his humble meal I begged him. not to hurry, as 2 could wait till he had really finished, Step in sir," he said, I had really finished before you came up, leastways I'd done my meat and taters; and if you had'nt come up I should have put tho lump of pudden across my chest, too But," he added, I don't care much about stuff of that kind, for there's no stamiueer about it." It struck me that Dan'l Peggotty curiously mixed up hia chest with his stomjach." As another" instance of the curious nature of localisms" or phrases, a Scotch lady of my acquaintance was showing the other day to a London friend an album of Edinburgh views, and observed that she got the same in a present." But, said the person addressed, What was the present Now there is nothing a Scotch C1 native" dislikes more than to be caught up in regard to their Scotch colloquialisms. They even defend a person who says to another, Come off the door and sit in the fire," which merely is a request to come nearer and take a seat by the fireside. On mentioning the point to an old Scotch lady, she took the trouble to search history regarding it, with the result that she contends it is quite correct grammatically, as Mary Queen of Scots uses it when alluding to some gift she had received from Bothwell.

The "Blue Bells of Scotland" at the Novelty Theatre, by Mr Robert Buchanan, is a five-act comedy-drama of considerable power; it contains several striking situations, a well-constructed plot, some smart dialogue, affording a vivid portrayal of both the good and the evil elements of human nature. There is tho hero dispossessed of his inheritance by villainy, and is living with his sister Mina among the crofters. The wicked earl and his equally wicked factor markher out for ruin. This is the element in which the story with its ever-changeful and startling vicissitudes revolves. In the long run tbe hero comes into his rights and marries happily.

The acting is first-rate, Miss Forteseue taking the part of Mina, the heroine, Miss Harriot Jay that of Lady Ethel, and Mr Henry Neville is the hero. The piece is likely to have a long run. Should any readers of the Coumni intend to visit London and see the Jubilee presents at St. James's Palace, I would advise them to wait a while, as the exhibits will be on view till the end of November. There will be a catalogue issued shortly, and without this much of the time spent at the Palaee is lost, A temporary covering too is to be put over the heads of the visitors outside the building, so that they may be protected from rain.

At present all visitors have to stand for about two hours exposed to the weather before they can get in, so great is the crash. After October 29 the hours will be from ten to three o'clock, and the authorities will close the exhibition on dark and foggy days. After passing through the principal rooms, yoa arrive at the apartments in which are exhibited a large number of water-colour drawings displayed on screens, together with a splendid portrait in oils of Lord Salisbury, and a'choice landscape, also in oils, by Sydney Cooper, A. The Jubilee presents are, it should be remembered, exhibited in the State Rooms of the Palace, including the Throne Room, which are net usually open to the public. On coming away, I saw a string of carriages and cabs outside the Palace gates, and it was amusing to watch the fares" get out of the vehicles and pass through the Clock Tower till they got a sight of the "Colour Court," three sides of which were occupied by a row of persons four deep." These were the visitors waiting patiently for their turn to enter, Many of the newcomers seemed shocked at the bare idea of having to join the ranks of the people.

Still, no favouritism is shown, and all are treated alike. People may growl, but growling is useless. In free exhibitions, no special respect must be shown to one class of persons, rich and poor must be treated alike. In relation to this subject, it occurred to me, as I stood among the crowd, that if each person was to pay the modest sum. of 2d for his or her ticket nobody would object, provided always that the sum thus collected at the end of the three months were given, say to build a Jubilee lifeboat or endow a new ward or wards in the Sick Children's Hospital, or any similar charitable object.

There might even be one day in the week set apart for those who could afford to pay 2s 6d for admission. This would in-elude the groups who daily drive to St. James's Palace in cats, and who not being physically able or willing to stand for hours in the crowd go away without viewing the Jubilee presents at alL There miaht, too, be a second day in the week for visitors willing to pay Is each, and there are many thousands who would very willingly do so, more especially when- they knew that while gladdening their eyes at the sight of so many treasures, they were aiding to alleviate the sufferings of their fellow-creatures, INTEMPERANCE CUBED. A wealthy American lady, whose jonly was sSerlng tor many years from Alcoholic Intemperance, after trying in Tam every known remedy without sutcess, at last fouad a simple means that saved him from a drunkard's grave. Anyone suffering from this complaint or desiring to help others in this worthy cause, sending addressed stamped enfelope to Dr Jamrs Holland, Boom 8.

25, Hurt Street, Bloomabury, London, W.C, will ttseive tht foil liUormaUon of self we, tree ol clurga.