The Courier and Argus from Dundee, Tayside, Scotland • 4

THE DUNDEE COURIER, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, NEWSBOY TO MILLIONAIRE. LETTERS TO EDITOR FORFARSHIRE SHOOTING ESCAPADE. THE THIRD HARRISON CONCERT. The London- Editorial, and Special Wire Offices of the DtrctDM Cotjkikk, Dukdee Wbkklt News, end Weeely Welcome are at 109 Fleet Strvei dose to Ludgate Circus. tangible evidence wia afforded ot excellent work that is being performed undex the direction of the Secretary, Commander Maitland DougalL That Dundee is vitally concerned in every movement to improve the coast defences of this country does not require demonstration.

It is upon foreign trade that the city is mainly dependent, and it is essential in its interests not only that British shipping should )e fully protected against the attacks of possible foes, but also that the wholo coast, and especially that of the East of Scotland, should be thoroughly guarded. Much lias been done and will yet be done by Government, but there still remains plenty of scone for volun In a speech at a Rifle Club dinner in London last night, Lord Wolseley referred to tho important results of tho battle Of Omdorman, and thanked Mr Hiram Maxim, who was amongst the guests, for the guns which he provided for our.troopB when they were engaged in unequal warfare against fanatical foes. Other contents of to-day's issue are: Fife County Council Montrose Asylum Board A Year's Crimo in Fifeshire Golf Notes Property Sales Blairgowrie Auction Mart District Presbytery Meetings. ASSAILING THE GOVERNMENT. Now that the first day's hostilities in connection with the present Parliamentary session have been concluded, it cannot be said that the Government has suffered materially.

The attack was of a somewhat feeble kind. It proceeded on identical lines in both Houses, and was repulsed in an exceedingly effective manner. Though they have secured a "stop-gap leader," it cannot be said the members of the Opposition exhibit any better form than they did at the end of the last Parliamentary session. Their leaders both in the House of Lords and iu the House of Commons were unfortunate enough to assail the Ministry at points which could quite easily be defended. On the question of the Soudan, for example, it is impossible for the Opposition to score.

At the beginning of the operations on the IRISH HOME RULE. TO THB liDlTOE Of THE DTTSDES COCWHt. Sir, I was glad to see in this morning's paper that the electors in North-W est Lanarkshire bad the courage to insist upon a direct answer on the great Home Rule question, which Dr Douglas tried to shirk by every means at his command for at least a quarter of an hour. His reply is "I have said no." Besides this, I observe that in regard to the House Lords Mr Douglas says in the most positive way possible also No to the demand for its abolition. Dr Douglas also.

I observe, is in favour of the destruction of all the Established Churches. Therefore let the electors be on their guard on the polling day. by remembering that every vote given to Dr Douglas is tantamount to a stone being taken from the walls of their most sacred Church. Above all, I notice that Dr Douglas actually on Friday answered a question in the negative, which question, on Saturday night at Shettles-lon, he said he desired to answer in the affirmative. For reasons I have just stated, Dr Douglas is.

literally soaking, a Unionist as well as Mr Whitelaw-; but with this difference Mr White- law wul, it elected, give his most hearty support to the Government, while nn ihn other hanrl vr XJoiiglas does not propose to support the Ministry. Unquestionably Mr Whitelaw is the uiu, ivousu iie, cn one nanu, kjiows exauuv what the constituency requires; and, moreover, the electors know precisely hat he is and, better still, can calculate with confidence what he will do for their interest and the United Kingdom at large. He represented them from 1892 down to 1895, and proved himself to be most faithful towards them during that I am, w. S. Fixiat.

ALYTH SCHOOL BOARD. to tile rnrrcB of the nrxnrE cornixR. Sir, In reply to my letter of Friday, Life-Long Supporter" to-day says I unhesitatingly assert that Mr Geddes has done more for education 'in general' and Alyth in particular than all the members of the present Board combined." This phrase "in general" is amusing. Whence the quotation? I fancy the writer is not clear himself ae to what he really means. And if he is really serious then he is ludicrous here.

For what have the members of the present Board done for education "in general':" It is not very difficult to beat nothing, and I fancy that the other members are modest enough not to claim more. But this "doing" of Mr Geddes for Alyth in particular is a different matter. If Life-Long Supporter had said, "I unhesitatingly assert that Mr Geddes has 'done for' education in Alyth more than all the members of the present Board combined," most people would have believed him. Surely the printer has made a mistake, and misplaced the words At anyrate, one of the first fruits of his "doing" is the proposal to wipe oat the secondary department. Certainly, if that is not doing for secondary education in Alyth it looks uncommonly like it.

Does Life-Long Supporter" not see that the County Committee have the ball at their foot? It is no nse, Mr Life-Long Supporter," to kick That is the prerogative of the County Committee. You may "agree" and "absolutely agree" with Mr Geddes till doomsday if you wish, but it is the County Committee in this instance that have tho "bank book" Is there anything else "in particular that Mr Geddes has done for education? Why, yes! He has thrown dust plentifully in the eyes of the ratepayers. Everybody know. that the best men are not to be had at the lowest price, and Mr Geddes evidently half suspects that. (rood men do not require to have it continually proclaimed in the newspapers that they are possessed of the necessary qualifications for their work.

Their University certificatcs would be better credentials, if they could be seen! As I said in my former letter, woe worth the day to any community that listens to the harangues of such a demagogue. Alyth has begun to reap. I am, A Hater of Falsitt. TO THE EDITOR OF THE DVSDEE COURIER. Sir, What is all this about intericrer.c?? When I read the County Clerk's letter, as reported, I imagined that what he said was, in effect, this We offer you a good lot of money on certain conditions.

You are not fulfilling them. You must come up to the scratch, or we shall keep our cash." And that seems business. Aljth must "fill the bill." or Perth won't foot the bill." After reading of the swiftness and unanimity with which this Board appointed it3 last secondary master. I never had any doubt as to its thorough satisfaction with its choice, and therefore was a little at a loss when I found that the sage seconder of the motion for the teacher's appointment should find it necessary, after a few weeks, formally to intimate to the public that the Board was pleased with its man. It was the County Committee that was not satisfied we all knew that.

But perhaps the reason might be that Mr Japp intimated at a subsequent meeting that, through absence, he did not know the teacher had not had the advantage of a University curriculum, and that Mr Duncan, who had been present, also expressed ignorance of this. At that same meeting the headmaster gave it as his verdict that his protege was thoroughly qualified for his work. Now he says he expressly intimated difficulties might arise. Strange! It was also strange that the headmaster was ready at this meeting to point to three members of the Board who were ready to bear out his latter statement should the other three or four of the Board dare to question it. Surely no Board member had met the headmaster in conference? We all admit this assistant is an acquisition to the school specially in the matter of music.

He is, moreover, well liked the town but then that has nothing to do with his qualifications for being headmaster of the secondary department. "Not M.A." is bad enough, but "not fully certificated" I There is, unfortunately, something in a name, and the appellation "M.A." is connotative. It has more force, for instance, than when appended to a name. Now this is really what some of the Board would like to have people disbelieve. We cannot believe that a lad o' pairts is not better qualified after some years spent with tho best men of letters and science, anil in sharpening his wits against fellows than ho was before.

Peopl" won't believe it. But in closing, let me say I think Mr notice of motion retrograde or not is the logical outcome of the Board's course of "reasoning." They are resolved to abide by the Department, and have nought to do with the committee, though their application to tho Department's representative brought cold comfort. (Your last correspondent's language at this point ceases to be Parliamentary'.) Then, I maintain, this means thry have resolved to do without the committee's money, finding the Department's dole surfictcn' I do not intend to trouble you again, and so hops you may sparo space for this. I am, Onlooker. DUNDEE SHERIFF CLERK DEPUTE.

TO TH'? EDITOIi OF TUL IITNDEE COURIER. Sir. Allow me, a.s mo who has known Mr Simpson for over thirty years, to state how pleaded I was to observe that the Faculty of Procurators have taken steps to support hiin in the hour of ncd. They are (competent judges, and have appointed a strong and able deputation. I wish them flod speed.

Mr Simpson is one of the most obliging and respected, as well as one of the oldest and ablest, officials in the county of Forfar, or anywhere else for that matter, and it would ill-become such a generous and important county to lose his much-valued services. I am sure there are thousands who have applied to him for advice as to procedure and otherwise, many of them the poorest of the poor, and all were most courteously received and advised. When reading over thus matter I called to mind what th late Sheriff Guthrie Smith, when resi-dent Sheriff iu Dundee, stated some thirty years ago before a Royal Commission or Parliamentary Committee. He advocated the abolition of the offices of Sheriffs and Sheriff Clerks, and added tbtt the duties of Sheriff Clerks were most efficiently performed by competent deputes." These were the sentiments of a Judge who was much respected in Dundee, and well able to give an opinion on the subject I would like to see the general public take go Die action in this matter, for while justice is demanded for Mr Simpson, sympathy is required to he extended to Mrs Simpson and family, whose feelings must have been sorely wounded by this outrageous blow, and I would humbly suggest that Mr Simpson should be snitablv entertained, and pre sentod with some tangible tokens of regard. "Do jutly, love mercy, walk humbly," are reouire-ments from which no one has a discharge.

am, Lex. Dundee, 6th February. 1899. CARNOUSTIE UNION CLUB. TO THE EDITOR OF THE Dl'NDRE COCBIEB.

Sir. Will yon favour me with space to call attention to what seems a very questionable proceeding on the Dart of the Directors of the above Club Durincr a whole week iu December the secretary wa receiving the names of intending memhers along with their subscriptions, and numbers of non-Unionists enrolled for the lienefits to tie gained in the reading and billiard rooms, Not a word was then said about members making a declaration of LTnionist principles. Now, how- ever, a circular has been issued calling upon all memoera to suoscrilie such a declaration, ana this unworthv breach of faith is causing much in dignation. and is sure to damage the Unionist cause in the burgh. All pood Unionists will hope that tho officials responsible will be called to account for exposing the party to accusations of bad faith.

This is a had start for the usefulness of our splendidly-equipped Clubhouse. I am. Sir, yours, Unionist. Carnoustie. 7th 1899.

A Sunday delivery of letters to Londoners in oases of emergency will come into operation next Sunday. DUNDEE EDITOR'S INEXPERIENCE. A RETRIEVER'S SAD END. Proof was led in Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday Sheriff Campbell Smith on the bench in an action at the instance of R. D.

Dewar, ironmonger, Arbroath, against James Donnet, wine merchant. Dura Street, Dundee, and John Taylor, described as an editor, Morgan Street, Dundee, ioc the sum of 12, being the price of a retriever dog which, it was alleged, was killed by the defender Taylor. It was set forth by pursuer, who is the tenant of the shootings on the estate of Lour, near Forfar, that on 9th November last he invited Donnet, one of the defenders, to a day's shooting at Lour. Un the dav in question Donnet went to Lour, but it was alleged that he brought with him three other men Matthew M'Kenna, licensed grocer, Blackscroft, Dundee S. Nicoll.

licensed grocer. Alexander Street, Dundee and the defender Taylor without the sanction of pursuer. It was averred rfbne of these men had any knowledge of shooting. Notwithstanding this they all engaged in shooting or in the firing off of cartridges, with the result that a valuable retriever dog belonging to pursuer was shot dead on account, it was alleged, of the defender Taylor's gross carelessness and recklessness. Mr R.

D. Dewar, tho pursuer in the action, said ho had arranged meet Donnet at Kmgs-muir on the day in question by tho first train. Donnet wa-s also to bring another man. who was not to shoot, but was to look after him and see he did not make any bad shooting." Witness, along with his keeper, started shooting, and about two o'clock he heard shooting in another part of the estate. Proceeding there he found M'Kenna, Donnet, Nicoll, and Taylor engaged in shor.ttncr.

but although they had shot for a considerable time they had killed nothing. (Laughter.) Subsequently ho and the keeper went to another field, when the butler joined the party. Just at that time he heard a shot, and looking over, ho saw Taylor fire at a rabbit, the shot ploughing the ground for about six yards in front of him. He quarrelled him for firing in such a careless manner. A few minutes afterwards he heard Taylor fire another shot, and he (witness) asked him what he was firing at.

Taylor, in reply, said it was a rat in an ashpit. He (witness) again warned him about his shootinsr. as he might shoot someone. In coming back Dewar stated hig dog set to a rabbit, and stood stationary, and Taylor lilted his gun within fiva yards of it and fixed, with the result that the dog was shot. Charles J.

Johnston, gamekeeper, generally corroborated the evidence of the previous witness, ae did Gabriel Cock burn, gamekeeper, who valued the dog at at least 20. Matthew M'Kenna, for the defence, said the party arrived at Lour about one o'clock, but they saw nothing to kill. Mr Dewar had invited him to shoot. He took 50 cartridges away, and brought 6 or 47 back again. The dog "was a very disobedient one.

John Taylor said Mr James Donnet invited him to have a day's shooting at Lour, and for the purpose a spare gun was obtained from Mr Dewar. Asked as to his experience as a sportsman. Taylor stated he had often been out at Maulesden with the gamekeeper there. Mr Cowan Did you shoot tho dz? Witness I did not. Mr Cowan Who shot it? Witness I think Mr Dewar shot it.

Mr Cowan How do you think so? Witness; Because he fired the la-t shot. Mr Dewar said. "Taylor, there's a and lie, fired, then the butler fired, and Dewar fired two shots. James Donnet. examined bv Mr Cowan, said if anvbody was to blame fer shooting ihr dog it wa-s Mr Dewar.

The dog was a stupid brute. The Sheriff said the first question was- Who killed the dog? The pursuer su.id Mr Tavior shot it. and Mr Taylor said tho pursuer shot ir, The wound in the dog must have been made In-one standing at close ranvte, and Mr Tavior within four or fr. yards of it. There wj a conflict of evidence, but he had no doubt at Mr Taylor killed the animal.

He Sheni believed that a young, inexperienced, pxritabie sportsman lifting his gun to his shouldtT wi'h hi? finger on the trigger might have fired the gun without actually realising it. As the plea that the shooting of the ting was an ai eident, the law did not hold that gross careles-ness or want of skill wns any excuse for fursh an ar As to the valm; ot the dog. he believed the stun sued for was actually btiow what it was worth. A good retriever was one of the rarest of dog to be found. therefore gave decree for 12.

The third question was as to whether Mr Donnet wa also to be found liable this anion. Looking to tha oiretimstances, he (the Sheriff) held Mr Donnet to' this inexper.euced yciuig shooter to thnt place, and pracueallv authorised him to shoot, and he therefore held, although with some hesitation, he must be coniunctlv and severally liable in this action. TV Sheriff flowed 30s expenses on the ground that the defenders were both rah. DUNDEE AND THE NAVY LEAGUE. A SATISFACTORY YEAR'S WORK.

The first annual meeting of the Tay Branch of the Navy League was held in the Town Hall yesterday. Lord Provost "Grady presided, and there were also present Kx-Provust Ballingall, Messrs W. N- Walker, A. B. Gdroy, D.

C. Thomson, R. B. Thomson. W.

H. Fergusson. J. C. Buist, R.

B. Don, John Scott. R. B. Sharp.

E. A. Baxter, and Commander Maitland Dougall. Commander Maitland Dougall, the secretary, submitted the first annual report, which stated that the eight original members had been joined by other twenty-fiie members and ascciates. The branch hail, according to iU means, made from time to time presentations of Navy League books, pamphlets, and maps to public institutions and citizens of this city, while hundreds of leaflets have been distributedl amongst the working classes.

An effort to secure the services of Admiral Lord Charles Beresford. C.B., to lecture in Dundee in November only fell through owing to his mission in the Far East, but a very successful free lecture was given by Lieutenant Kucx. lato Royal Navy. It was proposed to carry on the dissemination of information til Dundee and neighbourhood on nun the same Unee, a in tho ast year, but especially in drawing public attention to the ncrwssity of forming a -uffi naval re-serve. The financial statement showed that the income for the year had been 30 Its 6d and ihe expenditure 2 2o 9d, leaving a.

balance ot 12 Us 3id. Mr J. C. in moving the adoption of the rcort. said it must, bo us.dereil sstisfavtoFV by thrt meeting.

The feature of their iar'i work wa.4 undoubtedly the lecture delivered bv Lieutenant Kuox on "The British Navy." aivl be was sure ie va the fcelui.r of the meeting when he said they hop-'d v. ry to have something of a similar kind, as ho believed Dundee formed soil genial to the growth of the League. (Applause.) To begin with, they lied ui a seapor: whose inhabitants might be pecVd to apprehend what were the objects of the Association, in times gone by Dundee i.ad bo more than one burned and laid waste by invaders, and although they had r.o longer anything to fi-ar on the well-protected Channel, Ibey could easily imagine a foreign foe tindiug his way north and endeavouring to laud Miinewhere tho Scottish Coast. To civilians like themselves tho idea was an impleading one. and not long ago it might lie considered altogether absurd, bnt during the last few years they had had their sense of security rudely shocked in more than one farm.

Tho local Members of Parliament had done good sendee on the platform, whilst tho Chamber of Commerce had shown itself anxious to further the defence of the Tay. The object of the League, it was staled, was to form a public enlightened opinion," and this was the best stimulus to a good administration. Mr D. C. Thomson said he seconded the motion with pleasure.

He was sure they all concurred with the remarks which had fallen from Mr Buist, that they all hoped the branch would go on increasing, especially in membership, and that they would all do their best to extend it in that direction. (Applause.) Captain Walker then moved that the eight gentlemen at present forming the Executive Committee be re-elected, with the addition of the names of Mr James C. Methven and Mr John C. Buist. This was seconded by Mr R.

B. Thomson and unanimously agreed to. Mr E. A. Baxter.

Kincaldrum. said this country was thoroughly prepared for any emergency, and was endeavouring, by being thoroughly prepared, to secure lasting peace. There was no doubt they occupied a unique position among the nations of the world, but in order to keep tliat piition they should see that the navy of this country was maintained at iw full strength, and that the meteor flag of England was still a terror to the world. He thought the branch would go on prospering as long as they had Lr rd Provost 'Grady president and Commander Maitland Dougall secretary. He proposed a hearty vote of thanks to these gentlemen.

(Applause.) I The Lord Provost, in returning thanks, said I they were doing no more than their duty as British subjects in forward' the interests of i the Navy League. They had no desire to measure strength witn any nation, and he might even put it that if there was one nation more than another that thi3 country was desirous of keeping un good trms with it was their neighbours across the Channel. He earnestly joined in the hope that the successful beginning which had marked the Dundee branch of the Leajguo would continue, and that at their next annual meeting their friend Commander Dougall would be able to report tliat that their memhers were very greatly increased. "FRY PrE rovcVTRA-ntiTcocOA is withont an cquI respect of its puniv anil for tll-rousd irHru-( It ii SOOB. -Dr Andrew Wilson, tc.

tui TV third of the 1.. i at conjunction w.th Mi.r -aw jviiiuiuru txiui iasi mgtit, provi tiveasany of its pwdecena, 'it a large any mot-t apr. i- The special st. the fortunate possessor oi 1' tralto voices in extstettee, vocalisation siveness. Last nigh; her lower tone chtuuir deep notes of an Schubert's Der she nang in German.

u.J poetic ong ira The other blutnent the words of whu li ir Browning, and h. i quisitly set. tewrVmess and eri.r-rs.- en-ore, delighted hf a li- finished and I Charuinade's dn.nv. But it a perhai i iJttsi ae Li. M-i Kennedy lion night heard rr murkably imprevM wntinz.

and tie- -itUdii indeed a revehuioa Alice Estv. who i- to tie in DuniW. the excellence of h-r ji parity of her t--ir from Beliioi sympathetic mleriT- song, "Heaven i i-n encore for an en i Esty sang with charm: ru; pretty Cn --kooS-na The only Iaiiv -Miss llona Eibeesuhurz, before, and who srar" i Chopin's lovely Ber-ese. clear and lucid an Scarlat'i. Mr Kennerlev Rurcfopi.

i tone, sang Goam.d "i with nertcne Maude Valerie Wbuifs humorous huuting oog. In the tatter he was sDecail encore he gave J. L. "'To in pJ" Dempster, the tenor Sinters, sanjr very ww Charles Salaman 1 an rsu and the Georgian ti'iig-r- nu pieces, the moM effective a Bridge's humorous "Th -to. Hatton's familiar Wiro am which tbey sang as an Henley, a verv clever vioiin at the Hamsun Con-e- "Chanson Russes.

WtlbeiiB Chopin's and Hi leu Melodies by Krnss. numbers Mr Henley hi how was display-! to played the Chopin i. masteriy precision an.i wlm.n. A. Sewell's accompan n-r thir refinement ar 1 i The fourth and ia--.

i-- -season will be given I when 1 -Black, vontjisa: and Mr pianist, will appear. i accompam-t. along 1 1 Dundee th Harrison 1 Mr Oi Jaeger. THE DlXDEt: I I MOVEMENT F' dJ 1. 1 La-t ttHf'bt a Panvi Couruh truttneDC cif ihv Hall.

As r-tdcr the via- att-ai a Chiiirmau. ar lie -ii that Uigur --with a sense of th- moieruent of thva wtitcti had rnkI -period. viitai' sub of tii- iboir. i that they uWrvi -jrriititude all --of the i htirch. iar the -r i tolerance tldot!) ea 'i 3 Their psCvt rati' -n i th -t to account.

By u. been done" i snreiy by tlw) i then to try i p-' peat if anyone could Catty. Ari elutr of Ittn s-e why the mana-pm uaU aoy ne matter at ail. it- meoirers. and iia-l they dismissed i -that the members of the statement of tueir (fne-sanew member of the cifir -tat-i included the question ot toe a sional singers at two majnajje -church, and the alleged tran: part of the organist when cbi ir held.

The circnrnstance-i ansa -of the choir by the maoai -r -into, and the treatment of the choir at a recent The Chairman remarked harmony thev must ba. I rs ne and he for one would -i those concerned to Inru: i -ending to the difficult -had acted harsnlv. are- ing. intending to thrvw il and if that could he a-tt mi-. -the presenr meeting effort.

His t'-eiing wa- interpreted the in chun in a wrong wav. the Supremo Coun tlw (' question what were "I member -tated that Mr i opinion taken a liliertv church whu bv had no ex also stated chat he tt idea that a deputa" nfl -meet the minister and bring -iliout a harm some further discussior -deputation trim the i confer with the Kick SUOJTt. FIFE COl NTY A AKk'i i -A meeting rh- '-ti Fife Count r. i -Mr V. statement 58(30 Ids, as d-'tlipir- 1 date lut yenf, r-1 ro.i'lim mi' 'i.

weekly wage men ii 20s a'we-k. Th fHi- roadmcn were lower I hut taken all the yt- per week. Mr D. Lc-s a t- lie iiirn. It consideration of The Chairman said irh.t 1 Thomson of from Newhigginu yuaary ir the committer-.

Tru- 1 of the ground, attd he th 1 in on condition rha: them for any carried awav. They ha Thomson than thrv had similarly situated the the Colonel entered the opened the face of (be that he had the rtijht and he did not wane -i was suggested that ihe -wunn for the Colonel what charge him accord inaTlv Colonel said he would amf matter drop if they -gu quarry that was aors said they would consult endeavour to meet th-In connection with crv- from Ceres Bum. if 'va- prietor of Ceres Mill Daw original level, and the pm lands the burn Sowed clean the burn. Ic wi-additional steam roai r- They proposed, in tiew Ui" roller, to recommend rhu: by Id in the 1. The avoxai atrreetl to.

Is which the burgh of Aai the District for trie and anitarv Ipm- Nasmyth, and 2 Kb the motion of Mr Jaui--s delay consideration i it new buildings an lodiring-houses -or month thirteen ana li reported. B1LUAI John Roberts I ml Egvptian Hall ivt-A-conceding 5600 stait --vesterdav. iien Diggle. 15.698; Robert the best hreaks were 'J 89, and 102 by Roberts. -bj Diggio.

Orders for the Dundee Conner to either residence or place of business may be made by postal card or through telephone No. 652. Any irregularity in delivery should be immediately reported to the office of publication. TO DAYS WEATHER FORECASTS. London.

Monday Evening. 0. Sootiand South-easterly winds, increasing in force dull some rain milder. Scotland Same a No. 0.

JL England N.K. Same as No. 0. 2. England E.

Southerly to south-westerly pales or strong winds; squally and rainy at rirst some improvement later. Midland Counties. Same as No. 3. fc.

Holland S. (London and Channel). Same as No. 3. 6.

Scotland W. Same as No. 0. t. Kngland N.W.

(and N. Wales). Southerly to southwesterly or westerly gales or strong winds mild squally; some rain. 8. England S.W.

land S. Wales). Same as No. 7. 9.

Ireland If. Same as No. 7. 19 Ireland S. Same as No.

7. General. Unsettled weather is likely to continue in most districts. South rone has been reboisted this evening in districts 3, 5, and 7 to 10. TLbe Sunbee Courier LARGEST MORNING CIRCULATION IN DUNDEE.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1899. SUMMARY OF TO-DAY'S NEWS. Tho Imperial Parliament resumed its sittings yesterday. In the Queen's Speech various foreign topics were alluded to, special reference being made to the operations in the Soudan, to the relief of the distress in the West Indies, the dor's peace proposals, and the contribution by the Cape Government towards the naval defences of the Empire. In the House of Lords, in the course of the debate on the Address in reply to the Speech, Lord Kimberley said the announcement that the Soudan had been taken possession of was a serious one, and was attended with far-reaching consequences.

Lord Salisbury, in reply, aid we had subjugated the political power by which the territories in the Soudan were held. We held the dominions of the Khalifa by two titles -first, by their being part of Egypt, of which Britain was now in occupation and, second, by a much less complicated and much better title- thai of conquest. Speaking on the Crar's peace proposals, he said he would be glad if the results aimed at could be attained, but they must follow the example of other nations while th efforts for peace were being prosecuted, and be prepared for war. The Address was afterwards agreed to. In the House of Commons notices were given of Government Bills for the local government of London, to provide Scottish private Bill legislation, to establish in Ireland a Board of Agriculture and other industries, and a Bill to deal with the adulteration of certain foods.

Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman took part in the debute on the Address, and after criticising the attitude of the Government in foreign affairs, declared that if the Bills mentioned in the Queen's Speech were good ones they would recve the support of the Opposition. Mf A. J. Balfour replied and defended the conduct of the Government. The debate was ultimately adjourned.

Aguinaldo has issued a proclamation to the Filipinos declaring war against the United States. In the course of his manifesto he alleges that the At 11 erica us, by their actings towards the Filipinos, have been the cause of the rupture. Orders have been issued to the American Generals to proceed vigorously with the campaign. Further details of Sunday's fighting show that the Filipinos sustained heavy losses. Amongst the dead found on the battlefield were several women dressed in soldiers' clothes.

Telegrams from Calcutta announce that a British expedition had marched against a number of outlaws and robbers at Goomatti. The robbers took refuge in the towers of the village, wliich was carried at the point of the bayonet after a brilliant charge, but efforts to dislodge the robbers were unsuccessful. The British sustained beavy loss. At a private meeting of the Irish Pariiamen-iary party yesterday, Mr Dillon, tendered his resignation of the chairmanship. A heavy snowstorm is reported from the Perthshire Highlands.

The lifeboat inquiry was resumed at Montrose yesterday, and was again adjourned. A settlement has been effected in the Aberdeen joiners' dispute, and the strike has ended. The death is announced of Mr Wm. Laird, head of the firm of Laird Brothers, shipbuilders, Birkenhead. There is a Parliamentary vacancy in North Birmingham, the Bight Hon.

William Kenrick hiving resigned. The Peace Conference will bo held at Tho Hague, and is expected to meet at the beginning of next month. Owing to the death of her grandson, Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg, the Queen has cancelled ail her engagements. Th3 Marquis of Duff-srin has been adopted as the Conservative candidate, for the Lord Rectorship of Edinburgh University. In London yesterday a young man named Gray was sentenced to five years' penal servitude for personating an army reservist with intent to obtain pension money.

In London yesterday, George William Austin, indicted for the wilful murder of his four-year-old son in Clerkenwell, was ordered to be detained during Her Majesty's pleasure. A remarkable) accident occurred at Loughborough Junction yesterday, when the wholo side of a passenger train was damaged by coming in contact with a waggon which had gone oS the line. At tho annual meeting of the Tay Branch of ihe Navy League, held in Dundee yesterday, it was reported that satisfactory progress had been made in the district since tho branch was opened some time ago. A libel action brought by Mr W. W.

Astor against the London Daily Mail was heard in London yesterday, but the defendant's counarl expressed regret, and the case was settled by tho withdrawal of a juror. In connection with tho aocadenlal khnoting of a retriever dog. Sheriff CaAphnll Smith yesterday awarded 12 damages againat two Ihindee defenders who were proeont at. the chooting party when the mishap occurred. The death-rate in the eight principal noottirh towns last week was 28.4 per 1000 of cwtimated population.

The lowest mortality wsa recorded in Perth 16.9 per 1000 and the highest in Glasgow 33.2 per 1000. At the annual mooting of the shareholders of the Matador Land and Cattle Company, Limited, held in Dundee yesterday, it was reported that the past year had been a most prosperous one. An increased dividend was paid The inquest on the eight victims of the Barking boiler explosion concluded yesterday with a verdict declaring that there was general remissness in connection with the work of preparing the boiler and want of adequate mrpervieion. The Criminal Chamber of tho Court of Cassa-lion has net yet formally declared its inquiry into the Dreyfus case closed. This will probably be lone, however, in a day or two, when tho evidence taken by commissioners in tho provinces has been iwoeived.

The Directors of J. P. Coats have issued a rircular in which they recommend the conver-tion of the ordinary shares into stock, the effect of which will be to give 10 of stock for each 10 ordinary share, the shares to be transferable in pounds and multiples of pounds. tary effort. It is necessary, therefore, that the public should be roused to a sense of the danger that exists in these troublous times, and this can best be accomplished by prominent citizens joining such a body as the Tay Branch of the Navy League, and taking an active part in its operations.

Already the Branch has given a good account of itself, and it is eminently worthy of support. The Fifeshire Chief-A Year's Crime in Constable's return of Fifeshire. crime in the county for the past year presents several points of interest. Reference is made in it to that great trial of the farmer sheep-worrying. Captain Bremner very sensibly wishes tliat owners of dogs would exercise a stricter supervision over them than they have done in the past.

The farmers of Fifeshire who have lost I sheep through the depredations of wandering aogs nave met and discussed the bane and the antidote times without number. Govern- ment have been appealed to, and with little result. But that the evil requires serious and immediate attention from the authori- ties, local and Imperial, needs no proof. The other two nuisances which have added to the yearly list of crime in Fife are tramps and drunks. Sixty-four per cent, of those convicted of crime were more or less intoxicated when they committed the offences with which they were charged.

This is a large percentage, and the temperance organisations of the kingdom" ought to see to it. With regard to the tramps, 102 of whom had been apprehended during the year, the suggestion is made that coalowners and others who occasionally employ these wanderers should provide some shelter for them, or cease employing them altogether. Certainly the former alternative would be the more merciful of the two, and the hint might be taken by some of the more kindly employers of the county, and carried into practical effect. Wbll we maw ailnnro War in the the pluck that has Philippines, prompted Aguinaldo's declaration of war against the United States, it is impossible to refrain from regarding that declaration as foolhardy and regrettable. A conflict between America and the Philippines can only have one termination that of the subjugation of those who are now defiant.

The fighting of this week has sufficiently illustrated the terrible nature of the hostilities. Men and women are literally to be mowed down in order that the undoubted superiority of the United States may be fully demonstrated. To a certain extent it is possible to sympathise with Aguinaldo and his followers. They complain of bad faith on the part of the Americans, and they find that their long-continued resistance to Spain has simply placed them under the control of another and, apparently, even less appreciated country. The folly of resistance, however, is clearly apparent.

Even Aguinaldo himself in his most sanguine moments cannot hope for success. It has been represented on his behalf that it will take the Americans ten years to bring the people to submission, but even that consideration, were it justified, should furnish cold comfort to the natives of the islands. The war is sure to be productive of misery to the people, and those who have the interests of the Philippines at heart will the most earnestly hope for its speedy conclusion. There are several tele-A tiothfr Telegram for grains in history. History.

There is a telegram to President Kruer there is another to the King of Greece there is now one to Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, "leader of the party in the House of Commons." The last of the three was despatched from Perth Post Office last night on the point of the- Office closing for the night. As became a great historical document, it required much touching up after its tirst draughtsman had roughly sketched it out. When at last it stood forth in all its perfection, itsanthors went home to rest satisfied. The telegram will, no doubt, be very gratify ing to "C.B. but what of Sir William Will not the late Liberal leader feel that he is taken down in proportion to the height to which the new Liberal leader is elevated.

It is surely an unkind cut to Sir William Harcourt to be set to read in his quiet retreat on the Continent how very necessary it was that he should retire in order that so fit a leader as C. should take his place. The fact is that this fussy little episode at Perth might have been well spared. Addition to Tonnage of Port. Messrs William Thomson Sons have completed the purchase (subject to docking clause) of the as.

Saint Marnock, belonging at present to Messrs Rankin, Gilmour, of Liverpool. The Saint Marnock is a steel vessel of 2969 tons frross register, and of about 4400 tons deadweight capacity', fitted with triple engines, and was built about nine years ago by Sir James Laing, of Sunderland, to the highest class at Llovd's. The Saint Marnock is expected to proceed "to-morrow from Antwerp, where she has been discharging, to Cardiff, where she will be drydocked and taken over. North End Angling Club. The members of the North End Angling Club held their first meeting on Monday evening in Isla Stieet Hall.

The Treasurer submitted the report of last year's finances, and it showed that the club was in a flourishing condition. The office-bearers were then elected as follows President, Andrew Scott: vice-president, James Ross; treasurer A. Scrymgeonr secretary. T. L.

Milne, 27 Cald'runi Street; committee. Messrs A. Souter, A. Fraser A. Henderson, J.

Williamson, and Balfour. Fall of a Churoh in Birminirhain. A fritthtfio accident occurred at Birmingham yesterday. Whilst a number of men were engaged demolishing an old church Christ church, recently scld for 5 for publio improvement, the main' beam gave way, letting in part of the roof, which fell upon the workmen, several of whom were so seriously hurt tliat their Uvea are despaired of. They were removed to the hospital, where they now remain.

Trawler Ashore: Crew Saved. Yesterday morning the steam trawler Lapwing, of Sunderland, went ashore on the rocks at CrcsswelL A heavy sea was running. The rocket apparatus was summoned and the lifeboat turned out. The crew at first refused assistance, but owing to increasing danger they took advantage of the lifeboat, and were landed tafely. The trawler has got into a precarious position.

Seamen Lichtenstein was a New York boy in lOOR 1 fi 1 ,.,,) in the world with a bundle of newspapers clutched his cold, red fingers. He was at that time about ten vears of age. Though he is an Ameri can millionaire one of those men whose life story is the romance of trade he does not know who his father was or his mother. They bequeathed him good habits and good nature. For the rest he remembers with deepest gratitude Jane M'Collick, an apple woman on the Washington Market.

Jane M'Collick she was a Scot, black-haired, black-eyed, and comely noticed the puir bit bairnie." She used to give him apples and smiles and the nearest approach to mothering the ragged young millionaire-to-be ever knew. Laddie," said she one day, why dinna ya gae tae the fleshers' an' speir at them wad thuy gi'e ye bitso meat for cleanin' their stalls And what would I do with them?" Tak' then to the Indians at the Elysian Fields." For New York was different in those days. There were Elysian Fields and Indians both in the great city the fields, where great steamship docks stretch to-day, and the Indians camped there, shot with arrows at pennies tossed in tha air. or wove baskets of rushes for sale. Seamen took the advice.

The very first day he made a dollar. He used to clean the stalls with an asparagus head run to seed, for brooms cost money, and as he always had a new broom he always swept clean. He slept until he grew too big on a trundle bed in Jane M'Collick' room. He paid rent by looking after her stand in the early morning. The business developed.

Seamen went to a night school and taught canny Jane bookkeeping. For many years he and old Jane got along together. He used to take her to the Museum to see the animals but never to the stage performance. Bless you, no," he says "Jane would never have forgiven me that." And then they began to lose sight of one another. He grew older and got mamed, and his business ha3 never looked back.

Ho has been a successful speculator, ami is now one of the wealthiest men in Now York. "My principles?" he says. "First be honest to the core. People will soon know whether you are to be trusted. Be game.

Life is full of adversity, but never give up. Never neglect business. Be generous. People hate to deal with a crabbed man. But always save- something.

Don't spend all you earn. Don't be afraid to seem poor. It's no disgrace. "Bo content to travel slowly. It may not draw as much comment, but you will get there.

Don't le lured by visions of sudden opulenca from what many tutve proved good. advice of the successful. Nothing succeeds like success. I began by absorbing henest ways and fixed purposes from good, old-fashioned, honest, business mrji." Mr Lichtenstein is Bismarckian in personal appearance. His head is well set cn the shoulders, the arms and body powerful, and the chest well developed and sound.

His feet are small, the hands small but muscular. Mr Lichtenstein has had fourteen children. Eleven are living. He has been generous in giving. He lives in a fine? mr.nsion.

His is tha largest produce house in the United States, but he never forgets the sturdy beginnings of his fortune in the little an pie stand and the kindly advice of Jane M'Collick. POISONING IS A WOMAN'S CRIME. As far back as history records anything the gentle art of murder poison has strongly appealed to women who desired to put out of the way some person against whom their hatred was levelled. Whether it be a husband, a lover, or a father, poison in one form or another has been the choice of murderesses from the days of the famous Lucretia Borgia. The reason for this is obvious.

With poison cleverly administered the object of the murderess is attained, and there is no physical conflict, no blood spilling, no wounds, nothing which would frighten a woman of delicate beasi-bilities or turn her from her purpose. And, better still, the chances of detection are very slight if the job be skillfully done. POI30X3 USED BT ANCTKXTS. In prehistoric days, as well as now, the poisonous properties of arsenic, aconite, bele-borc, opium, and henbane all appear to 1 ave been thoroughly well known, and to have been utilised as well for the purposes of and murder as for criminal execution. As early as 331 B.C.

the first notable instance of poisoning in Rome took place, and lovely woman was at that early day implicated in the crime. A number of leading citizens had died, and a number of others were suffering from curious symptoms, when lo and behold a young slave girl betrayed the secret. The Roman matrons had arranged a cheerful little conspiracy to rid themselves of their husbands, and formed a club for this purpose. Guided by the little slave girl, the officers of justice were led to the poisoners' club, where they found the ladies of some of the ro'olest families busy around a smoking cauldron tiile.d with liquid. Twenty of these Roman matrons were seized (wo of them undertook to speak for the rest, and declared that the potion was a harmless one.

Drink it, then, yourselves, was the short reply. They accepted the test, drank, and died. Further investigation led to the ultimate condemnation of over 170 liomau matrons, each one a poisoner. LUCRETIA BORUIA'S CBIME. The most famous of women poisoner? was Lucretia Borgia.

She was the daughter of Alexander and, with her father and her brother, Caesar, managed to get rid of a Most imposing number of tho family enemies. The celebrated poisoner. Mme. Hriuvillicrs, was cue of the most beautiful women in the Court of Louis XIV. She was delicate, refined, of robin birth, and exquisite appearance, yet she poisoned her father and her two brothers in order to secure to herself the family estates, and finding it an easy method of getting rid of obstacles, she proceeded to destroy a number of other persons to gratify personal pique.

With the aid of her lover, St Croix Gaudin. she concocted a compound which she called inheritance," because it so easily removed those who stood in the way. KXPERIUEN'TEP OX HOSPITAL PATIENTS. Like Cleopatra, she experimented with poisons, carrying poisoned biscuits and dainties lo the hospitals of Paris, and giving them iu apparent charity to the patients. A number of these unfortunates were thus destroyed, but no suspicion fell upon her, nor was she suspected until the deaths of many persons whose lives ctood between her and coveted inheritances aroused inquiry.

The Marquise fled to London, whore she remained three years. Then she returned to France, and entered a convent, where she believed herself secure. She was enticed from the convent, arrested, tried, and convicted. In her cell was found a diary, which showed that she had not only poisoned her father and two hrothers and manv hospital patients, hur her own child and two servants as well. Marquise De BrinvillicTs believed up to the last that her beauty and influence would save her, but she paid the penalty of her crimes.

WUOLKSALK rOISOXING IJf ITALY. At the beginning of the eighteenth century a general husband-poisoning conspiracy was discovered in Naples by the bungling efforts of a nobleman's wife to poison her husband. As a result of this discovery thousands of arrests vein made, among the number being Princesses, Duchesses, Countesses, and others of noble rank, besides great numbers of tho wives of bankers, I merchants, tradesmen, and gentlemen I For three years the Courts were busy with poisoning cases. Two hundred women of rank I and education wero beheaded, 200 were hanged, nearly 100 in consideration of their rank and families were, as a great privilege, privately strangled in prison, and nearly 2000 were whipped, imprisoued, or banished. Toffania, buppueu me urugs, uumuiea navmg been party to over 600 murders that she knew of, and how many more she could not tell, for her poison was sent in vials all over Europe.

It was believed to be a preparation of arsenic, was colourless, almost tasteless, and from four to six drops formed a fatal dose. In recent years there have been a number of celebrated poisoning cases in which the murderer has been a man, but always a man of refinement and education a scientist very often. Tho idea that poison alwavs leaves discoverable traces in thn victim's body is erroneous, according to the best utuoriuea. Nile Her Majesty's Ministers Mere condemned by the very politicians who have now been forced to admit that the march on Khartoum was justified, and that it has been conducte with able and gratifying success. How is it possible, in these circumstances, to make party capital out of the events that have transpired in Egypt Lord Kimberley in the House of Lords could do no more than querulously object to the word "subjugation," which occurs in the first paragraph in the Queen's Speech, and his objection to the word gave Lord Salisbury an opportunity for very definitely and emphatically defining the position Great Britain has assumed.

We have subjugated the Sondan, he said, just as William: the Conqueror overcame Great Britain, for we have crushed the Power which was formerly responsible for the misgovernment of the country. Then he proceeded to say that we hold the dominions of the Khalifa by two titles first, as part of the possessions of Egypt, of which we are in occupation, and, second, by the title of conquest. Probably his Lordship's phrases will to-day be criticised as offensive to France, and as indicative of a bellicose and obstinate attitude, but by the unprejudiced it will no doubt be readily admitted that it is better the British Ministry should show, once for all, that it is the determination of this country to cling to the spoils that have been fairly won, and to guard against the benefits gained at Omdurman being diminished by outside and unwarranted interference. Something was said about the suzerainty of Tiukey over the Soudan, but it is evident that Lord Salisbury is not inclined to give the slightest heed to auy matters of that kind. If Ottoman rule ever prevailed in the Soudan it was, he asserts, a long time ago, and was only partial in character.

It was the Khedive who ruled the dominions, and it is as part of the property of the Khedive that the territory is now claimed by Great Britain. But by the Opposition another contention is put forward. In both Houses it was pointed out that the attempt to maintain British rule in the Soudan will mean an expenditure of money and the employment of a considerable portion of the British Army. To this the reply by Lord Salisbury and Mr Balfour is that only a few British soldiers will be required, and tliat reliance may now be placed on the efficiency of the Egyptian troops. Moreover, the House of Lords was reminded that Belgium, which is a much weaker country, has managed to subdue and govern the great Congo provinces, and what has been possible for Belgium ought not to be impossible for this country, with its infinitely greater resources.

In their new-born zeal for Imperialism, the gentlemen who now find themselves in the position of leaders of the Opposition are not very consistent. At one time they grumble over the cost that will be entailed by preserving order in the Soudan, and at another they are condemning Her Majesty's Ministers for irresolution in Crete and for incapacity in China. The policy they seem to pursue is that of condemning the Government as addicted to Jingoism when it has been successful in acquiring territory, and to upbraid it as indifferent to the honour of tho nation when there is reason to suspect that everything asked by this country has not been obtained. For example, the members of the Opposition are apparently terribly eager to secure a huge slice of China. Notwithstanding all that has been said against the aggrandisement of the Empire, there is simply no limit to the covetousness which has been aroused in the ranks of the Opposition by the tactics Russia has employed in the Far East.

Lord Salisbury and Mr Balfour, however, will not admit that this country has been thwarted either in Crete or in China. In the former island there was certainly a regrettable delay, but it cannot be denied that the whole programme of reform announced by the Government has at last been carried out. In China, too, the efforts of tho Government have been singularly successful. Yesterday afternoon the Prime Minister wan ablo to give the assurance that tho ndvaiitages gained in China during the pant year are greater than any ever gained Insforo in a similar country. Not only so, but thoy exceed, his Lordship says, the advantages that have been obtained by any other European nation.

Here, then, we have the best answer that could be given, and it is to be hoped Sir Henry Campbell BaDnerman and his followers will henceforth profit by the advice tendered to them by Mr Balfour, and will criticise the foreig policy of the Government not by the events chronicled in a single day, a single week, or even in a single month, but will content themselves with regarding the tendency of the policy pursued and the results ultimately attained. Domestic matters have as yet received little attention in Parliament, but it is gratifying to know that Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman lias given assurances that he will not hesitate to support all measures that are dominated by safe and progressive principles. Strong efforts ought Dundee and tlie to be made by Dun-Navy League. donians to strengthen the Tay Branch of the Navy League. At the first annual meeting of the Branch, which was held yesterday,.