The Yorkshire Herald and the York Herald from York, North Yorkshire, England • 15

THE YORK HERALD SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1884. NEWS IN BRIEF. md Countess Gran ille hare left town for PriM 608,1 at Fembroke on Tuesday dynmile in a passenger train. Conservative Clnb was opened el East-i Wednesday by the Earl of Dooonghmore. Shield on Wednesday P.

Welsh was found coroner's jury of manslaughter of his wife THE LATE CANON GIRDLESTONE. Ihe funeral of the late Canon Girdlestone took place on Tuesday last, in the graveyard attached to Bristol Cathedral, in tbe presence of a large gathering of the clergy of the diocese and Nonconformist ministers. The deceased canon was, at his express request, buried in tbe surplice and University hood in which be preached before the Prince of Wales at Ssndringham three weeks ago. The Princess of Wales wrote to Mrs Oirdlestone expressing deep sympathy. IMPORTANT JUDGMENT.

At Warwick County Court, on Tuesday. 8ir Bichd Harrington gave judgment in tbe ease of O'Brien v. the Chief Constable of Leamington, in which the plaintiff, a dressmaker, claimed fifty pounds for da mages sustained in consequence ot defendant having refused her medical aid during her detention in custody on a charge of assault. At the last hearing the jury found that the defendant had been guilty of an error of judgment, and his Honour now gave judgment for the plaintiff for fifty pounds damages, expressing the opinion that defendant had been also guilty of an excess of duty, inasmuch as there were magistrates within a few yards of the cell, before whom tbe pl.intiff might have been taken. PERILOUS BALLOON ADVENTURE.

Mr. M'Kibbon, a native of Inverness, armed at Charing Cross Station on Saturday afternoon by the 2.60 train from Sidcnp, after a balloon adventure by which he nearly lost his life. Mr. M'Kibbon, in company with Captain Bright, of Twickenham, ascended in a balloon at Aahford, Kent, on Friday. A slight rein was falling at the time, bnt they soon got above the clouds, and were rapidly carried in a southerly direction.

Descending somewhat they found themselves spproaching the sea, and parsing over a town which they believed to be Folkestone. To their intense alarm they were carried out to sea, but ascending again they came in contact with a current of air which carried them inland. Having decided to descend, they pulled the valve, and came down at a frightful rate. Mr. M'Kibbon threw out the grappling iron, and they soon found themselves sweeping over a field, with the balloon striking the ground ana fences so violently as to throw Mr.

M'Kibbon out of the car. His companion, however, held tight, and was soon rejoiced to find the grappling iron catch securely in a tree and bring the balloon to a standstill. He immediately sprang from the oar and went to the assistance of his friend, whom he found in acute pain from a sprained ankle. They let the gas out of the balloon and proceeded, as well as they were able, to the nearest vUlsge, which proved to be Sidcnp, where they remained all night, and are now not much worse for their adventure. RENT AGITATION CHCMHlRt' IN Tb farm ers of East Cheshire have now determined to represent to all the great landlords of that division of the county, including Mr.

Lsgh, MP. that if their common demand for a general redaction of 25 per cent, in reft be not complied with they will hare to relinquish their holdings. GREAT FIRE IN GLASGOW. At eleven clock on Saturday night a Ore occurred in Glasgow, Bothwell-street grain stores, consisting of a block of fire storeys, 70 yards long, situate between East and West Both well-streets. The firemen appeared to have obtained a mastery over the flames about midnight, by which time the roof had fallen in, and showers of sparks caused the families living near to quit their dwellings.

The damage done amounts to 20,000. Two upper storeys of the building were burnt out. The stores destroyed were filled with 20,000 bolls of grain and floor, a large quantity of paper. PRIZE FIGHT NEAR BROMLEY, On SaturdaT morning a wise fiarht of a mrwt rin- tormined and desperate character took place in a field near Bromley between two men named Lambert and Gumall, stated to be well known in pugilistic and boxing circles. The stakes were 15 aside, and the encounter was witnessed by large number of spectators, although every effort- was mads to keep the affair as quiet as possible.

At the conclusion of the fourteenth round Gumall threw up the sponge, and Lambert won the stakes. Both the pugilists presented a frightful appearance, being much disfigured and bruised, Gumall being nearly blind. ARREST OF AN ALLEGED FORGER. At Leicester on Saturday, a man named Renfree, who is alleged to be chief of a notorious gang of forgers carrying on operations in London, Manchester, and elsewhere, was charged with fraud. The prisoner has been living in high style at Leicester, paying his accounts, it is stated, by manufactured cheques on unknown banks, and procuring consignments of cigars and other things.

He is alleged to have defrauded a large number of persons, and is wanted in London for forgery. The prisoner was remanded for a week. Extraordinary disclosures are expected at the resumed inquiry. THE UXBRIDGE MYSTERY. On Saturday, at the Uxhridge Police-court, John Frost Araey Day, farmer, and Emily Elizabeth Stallard, governess, were charged on remand with the murder of Matilda Hickes, aged seventy-seven.

The Public Prosecutor withdrew the charge against Stallard, who then gave evidence for the prosecution to the effect that she prepared gruel for deceased's supper, and that Day was the only person she left in the kitchen during the preparation of same, she being absent to fetch a glass of ale at his request for about two minutes. The deceased complained of the gruel, and died in twenty minutes with every symptom of poisoning. Day, who is looking very haggard, was remanded for a week awaiting Dr. Stevenson's analysis of deceased's stomach. EXTRAORDINARY SPEECH BY PROFESSOR BLACKIE.

Professor Blackie delivered, on Sunday, at Glasgow, a lecture on Scottish love songs, to an audience of 4,000 persons. In the course of his lecture the professor said some people thought it profane to deliver such a lecture on Sunday, but he thought that what was harmless or good on week days could not be bad on Sunday. Ministers opposed bis speaking on love songs and beautiful women, but clergymen, usually sought for beautiful wives, especially if they possessed the added advantage of a well-filled purse. For hut own part, he liked to see a woman's beautiful face, but he never looked at her ankles. At the conclusion of the lecture, which provoked much cheering and laughter.

Professor Blackie sang, to the intense delight of his auditors, the old Scotch ballad, Will ye gang to Kelvingrove, bonnie lassie, 0. THE SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A CLERGYMAN. Tbe inquiry into the allegations against the Rev. Geo. Tabberer, vicar of St.

Peter's, Coventry, was resumed on Friday week before the Bishop of Worcester and three assessors. The allegations were obscenity, drunkenness, frequenting public-houses, and immorality. The evidence for the promoters was continued. Several witnesses were called to substantiate the charges of drunkenness and bad language, and one of them, Mr. H.

Hill, who lived next door to Mr. T'ubbcrer, repeated in addition a conversation which took place in April last between Miss Marston nnd Mr. Tabberer as to improper relationship. The Court found the respondent guilty of indecent conduct, and habitual familiarity with Mary Marston; of drunkenness, frequeotmg a tavern, and profanity. The sentence was that the respondent should be deprived of his preferment.

Mr. Tabberer gave notice of appeal. No order was made as to cojU. ATTEMPT TO POISON A BABY. The latest Parisian crime is an attempt by a day nurse, one Marie Constantin, 19 years of age, to poison a child in her charge.

The infaut was taking medicine for a slight indisposition, and Madatue Hebert, the mother, on entering the nursery recently, perceived a strong smell of phosphorus. She asked the girl whether she had been handling any matches. The reply was, No I know what harm that doss to babies." Madame Hebert, seeing that the child was pale, gave it two spoonfuls of tbe medicine, and was then horrified to see particles of phosphorous in the bottle. Tbe doctor was sent for. and administered an emetic.

Meanwhile tbe nurse absconded, but she was afterwards discovered at the registry office, where she was complaining that she had been dismissed on a false charge of poisoning the child, and was loudly demanding redress. On being taken to the police-station she at first protested her innocence, but at last confessed that, anxious for a fresh situation, she had scraped phosphorus into the bottle in order that the child might die and she might leave with a good character. MISTAKEN IDENTITY. At Westminster, on Saturday, Fredk. Williams, well dressed, and described as a late captain in the Army, was charged on a warrant before Mr.

Fart-ridge with being drunk, disorderly, and with refusing to pay a cab fare. The prisoner should have surrendered on Wednesday morning week to have answered tbe charge, but failing to do so a very remarkable cirenmstance occurred. It appeared that on the morning in question several police candidates attended the court for the purpose of instruction, and one of them was singled out by the police as the offender. The young fellow at first treated the matter as a joke, and protested his ignorance of the charge with evident astonishment and some amusement. However, the latter assumed a serious aspect, for he was placed in front of the dock, and the constable who took Williams into custody, the cabman who drove him about for five hours, end a youth he was alleged to have assaulted, all swore that, to the best of their conviction and belief, the accused was the offeuder, and that he was only dressed differently than when taken into custody.

Fortunately for himself he was able to demonstrate bis innocence by the evidence of his fellow-candidates for admission to the police force, who proved that they were with him on the drill-ground at the time when the cabman asserted he was driving him about In discharging the young man, Mr. Bridge said that it was the most remarkable case of mistaken identity which had ever come under his notice. The witnesses now repeated the evidence against the present prisoner, who was fined 40s. and costs, or one month hard labour. DOUBLE EXECUTION AT LIVERPOOL.

Ernest Ewerstadt, a Russian seaman, and Arthu Shaw, of Manchester, were executed at Liverpool on Monday, the former for the murder of his paramour, and the latter of his wife. Tbe morning was very dark and cold, and there were not more than twenty persons outside the gaol. Shaw, for whom efforts had been made to obtain a reprieve, admitted to the chaplain that he killed bis wife, but said he did so unintentionally. He was very restless daring the night, and rose early on Monday morning, when he partook of the Communion with the chaplain and his son. He then had a hearty breakfast.

Ewerstadt protested his innocence to the Lutheran pastor. He slept very little during the night, and would not take any breakfast, but partook of the Communion. On the way to the scaffold both men repeated the responses in a loud tone, and Ewerstadt again protested his innocence when on the drop. Berry, of Bradford, performed hU work in an expeditious manner, and death was instantaneous. At the inquest on the bodies of the two men hanged at Kirkdale, Dr.

Barr, prison surgeon, said that in one case death was very rapid, but in Shaw's case the death struggle lasted two minutes. During the first minute Shaw would be conscious. Death in each case was from asphyxia, and not from dislocation. He considered the drop too short. Berry, the executioner, however, appeared to do his work well, but death should take place by dislocation, and not by strangulation.

Berry, being called, explained that the position of the noose was changed when Shaw fell, as he was caught by the flap of the trap. Otherwise death would have been instantaneous. He gave Shaw a drop of nine feet, which the doctor said would have been sufficient to cause dislocation. A verdict that the executions were carried oat according to law was returned. GLASGOW AND MR.

CHAMBERLAIN. The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce was convened on Monday to consider resolution snsWSssM regret that Mr. Chamberlam should have said atHao-ley that the reformed Parliament would override the selfish clamour of the shipping trade, and stop a prae-tice which tended directly to useless waste ot lafe. The Chamber, by 98 to 6B, declined to oooaider the question. MURDER OF A WOMAN.

Dr. Thomas, coroner, concluded the inquest in London on Monday on the mutilated remains of the woman, portions of whose body were found in Alfred Mews and Bedford and Fitzroy-squaxes. Evidence was also given respecting the other remains found in Mornington-crescent, St. Panerss, but which belonged to another body. The jury found that the woman bad not died a natural death, and that abortion had been procured or attempted.

They proposed that the Home Secretary should offer a substantial reward for the identification of the woman. EXTRAORDINARY INCIDENT AT A TEA MEETING. A singular outbreak of sickness occurred in the Cooperative Hall, Oldham, on Saturday evening, at a public tea meeting. In the course of the evening many who had partaken of tea began to be sick, and in some cases gave way to vomiting. No serious illness occurred, however.

It is believed that the illness was caused by some meat that had been partaken of. SNOWBALLING THE SALVATION ARMY. At Warrington on Monday, M. Walsh, of Dials-court, and George Hopkins, of Mersey-street, were summoned for snowballing the Salvation Army. On Sunday, November 30th, while the members of the Army were parading the streets and singing, the defendants, with others, furiously assailed them with a volley of snowballs.

The leaders of the Army complained greatly of the conduct of the defendants, who were fined 14s. each. MR. BRADLAUGH CASE. NEW TRIAL REFUSED.

The hearing of the arguments for the new trial in the case of the Attorney-General versus Bradlaugh waa resumed on Monday in the Queen's Bench, when, after some discussion as to whether technically the Court was rightly constituted, their Lordships refused the rule for a new trial, but stayed execution for a fortnight to enable Mr. Bradlaugh to appeal. The Lord Chief Justice, after a brief consultation with the other judges, said that the defendant had brought forward no new point, had addressed no new argument, or cited any new authorities in addition to the points, arguments, and authorities he brought under their notice at the trial. These were then fully considered by himself and bis learned brothers, and it would be unnecessarily taking up the time of tbe court to have them gone through again. LORD CAIRNS AT NEWCASTLE Earl Cairns, replying to an address from the Conservative Club, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Saturday, referred at some length to South Africa and Egypt.

Speaking of the former, he ridiculed Mr. Gladstone habit of blaming his predecessors for whatever entanglements Ministers became involved in abroad, and said our difficulties with the Boers might have been overcome immediately by prompt action at an early stage. The compromise on Redistribution had permanently strengthened the position of the House of Lords. It would permanently strengthen the Conservative party. Tbe course which the House of Lords took last July was a very simple and very common-sense course, when they asked that before passing the Franchise Bill they must know what the Government intended to do about Redistribution.

An endeavour was then made to kindle a flame all over the country against the House of Lords. They were denounced high and low at railway stations, at public meetings, in the street, and in the Houses of Parliament. But what had happened Parliament met in autumn, and the very thing the House of Lords asked to be doae last uly bad been done. In conclusion, he hoped that there, and also in every part of the country, the indomitable spirit of the Conservative party, which had carried it up to this time, would continue to manifest itself. A FIGHT WITH NATIVES IN NEW GUINEA Tfce Auglo-Xeic Zealander and Australian Times publishes particulars of some startling statements rc-gardirg the expedition to New Guinea organised I the Meibourne Age newspaper.

The charges we first to a Sydney newspaper by a young mart named Thomas Kerry, wfio served in the expeditiora Kerry stated that about four p.m. on the Queen birthday, while sailing down one of Lhe rivers, th. were attacked by natives, who advanced against tl vessel in twenty-three large war canoes. These weiei the largest Kerry ever saw, and must have contained fully 1,200 men. As tbey came towards the expedition schooner the savages sang war songs, brandished spears, bows, and arrows, aud gave horrible yells.

The schooner ran among the canoes, keeping up a running fire. The fighting continued until seven 0 clock, when the savages retired, but subsequently resumed the attack, and the position of the explorers became so perilous that they resolved upon a desperate experiment. The medicine chest was emptied and half filled with powder and dynamite. Two fuses were attached to it and lighted, and the improvised infernal machine was thrown among the savages. The result was terrible.

Two or three canoes were blown into the air, and from ninety to 100 men must have perished. As the natives still threatened them, the explorers decided that their only chance of safety was to abandon the schooner. The anchor was therefore tripped, and the explorers got into a small boat, taking with them a little dry oatmeal, the firearms, and plenty of ammunition. At midnight the sails and helm were lashed, with the object of sending her up the river, and so deceiving the savages. The explorers landed safely, and started to march for the coast.

Towards tbe end of May they were again attacked, but after the white men bad succeeded in killing 400 natives, the remainder ran away. The exploring party sustained no casualties with the exception of a spear wound in the foot received by Kerry. The Anglo-Hew Zealander Bays that in the accounts of the expedition published in the Age nothing is said of the loss of life described by Kerry. The Central News has authority for stating that the attention of the Colonial Office has been called to the matter, and that it will probably be mentioned in Parliament before the adjournment. RIOT AT A MORMON MEETING.

A serious anti-Mormon riot took place on Sunday at the Ellesmere Temperance Hall, Sheffield. For some time Mr. W. Jar man, who styles himself an ex-Mormon priest, has been addressing meetings in Sheffield, giving his experience of life in Utah, and making grave charges against the Mormons. A locl committee has been assisting him in his crusade.

On Monday a conference of Latterdsy Saints was announced to be addressed by Elder John Henry Smith, described as one of the twelve apostles and president of the European mission, and other elders from Utah. Mr. arman, accompanied by nearly 500 sympathisers, marched to the hall and at once took possession. When the Mormon elders arrived the Jar-man party listened patiently to the first speaker aid while a couple of hymns were sung. On Elder Smith rising to speak there was great tumult and disturbance.

Jaruian shouted opprobrious epithets at bi the crowd hooted, and a desperate attempt was made to carry the platform. Two policemen made a plucky stand against the rioters, and shortly after Inspector Smith and a strong force of constabulary arrived. Mean while, the Mormon Elders, who were all muscular men of unusual height and strength, were making a stubborn resistance. Elder John Henry Smith seized arman as his friends carried him towards the platform, and pushed him off. Jarman says the Elder kicked him off, but the police deny that the Elders ever struck or kicked at all.

One of them grasped a rioter by the neck, lifted him up like a child, and flung him back among bis friends. Others were similarly treated, and the uproar was terrific. Ultimately the police ejected Jarman and several leaders by the front door, and taking possession of the platform began to clear the halL Jarman and his friends, however, re-entered by a side door.fought their way to the back of the platform, and made a determined effort to sweep off both the elders and police. This attempt was nearly successful, but the eiders rendered effective assistance, and ultimately, af'er a series of severe struggles, the Jarman party were ousted from the hall, the doors locked, and the conference resumed. One man had his head cut open, another is stated to have received an ugly wound in the forehead, one of the elders was injured, and a policeman had a nasty kick on the knee cap.

The Jarman party held several outdoor gatherings amid aruch excitement, and shortly before six in the evening, when a sesoad conference was to be held, they again returned to the attack, this time in larger numbers, and so threateningly that the Mormon elders decided to abandon the conference altogether. The crowd tried to mob the Mormons, and afterwards made their way to another room where the elders sometimes assemble, but nothing was going on there, and they therefore marched to Westbar Pump, where Jarman addressed an immense gathering, and accused Elder Smith of having kicked bim twice. Elder Smith states that Jarman was in Utah, bnt that the Mormons were very glad when he seceded from their community. A TOWN HALL ON FIRE. A fire was discovered on Tuesday afternoon in Torquay Town-hall, the outbreak occurring between tbe ceiling of the public hall and the floor of the Local Board offices.

The cause of the outbreak is supposed to be a leakage of gas suppl iiig a sunlight. Much damage was done by water. SAD DEATH IN WALES. The body of an old woman, 71 years of sere, has been found on the Welsh mountains between Bwllch and Crymner. The poor woman, who was in straightened circumstances, had received relief from the Pontypridd Board of Guardians, and she seemed to be making her way over the hills to her home whan she perished.

THE LATE MR. FAWCETT. At a meeting of members of the University of Cambridge on Saturday afternoon, it was resolved to establish a memorial to Professor Fawcett, to consist of a portrait, the surplus to be applied to the encouragement of economic science, or, some study connected with tbe welfare of the people of India. Lord Hartington, Sir C. Dilke, and Mr.

Trevelyan approved of the proposal, and Professor Stuart, Mr Beresf ord Hope, and Mr. Raises spoke in its support VISCOUNT HAMPDEN ON REFORM. At the dinner of the Lewes Fat Stock Show on Tues-. ay, Viscount Hampden expressed the opinion that the compromise on the franchise question reflected great credit on both parties. Although some districts, Sussex especially, would lose a considerable number of members, all most admit that the Bill was framed on just lines, namely, an equalisation of represensation among the wealth and population of the country.

MR. O'CONNOR, M.P., ON THE LAND. Mr. T. P.

O'Connor, M.P., addressing a meeting of Irishmen at Birkenhead on Sunday afternoon, congratulated them on the passing of the Franchise Bill, which gave them equal political rights with Englishmen. He referred to the Land agitation of the Skye Crofters as having been first raised by Irish hands, and said English and Scotch Land agitation, which was looming in the future, was attributable to the Irish farmers, who had led the way. The game was in the hands of the Irish party, and their success was assured. THE PREMIER. Mr.

Gladstone and Mr. Herbert Gladstone left Downing-street on Saturday afternoon for Hawarden Castle. Mrs. Gladstone has gone to Wellington College, near Reading, to visit tbe Rev. E.

C. and Mrs. Wickham. Mr. Gladstone arrived at Chester at 7.15, where a large crowd assembled on the platform and enthusiastically cheered him.

Many congratulations upon the passing of tbe Franchise Bill were expressed, and Mr. Gladstone shook hands with several of the well-wishers. The saloon carriage was taken by special locomotive to Broughton Hall Station, where the Premier and his son alighted and proceeded to Hawarden. Mr. Gladstone will probably stay at Hawarden until the 15th inst.

THE IRISH PARTY. Speaking at an Irish Nationalist demonstration at Manchester on Sunday, Mr. Bigger complained of what he called the gross partisanship displayed by the Speaker of the House of Commons on Saturday in adjourning the sitting without permitting certain questions to be put of which Irish Nationalist members bad given notice. Mr. J.

Redmond, advised Irish electors to hold aloof from all English parties at the next election, and particularly to beware of that sham political body known as the Radical party. If the Government attempted to pass the Crimes Act next year they would experience the severest, bitterest, and most long continued opposition ever offered by the Irish party. DEATH OF THE REV. J. SUGDEN This melancholy event took place on Monday last, at 06, Trafalgar-square, where the deceased has lived during his residence at Scarbro'.

The deceased was tbe son of a Wesleyan preacher of the same name, and was bom in 1822 at Ulverston. He entered the ministry in 1846, after two years' training at Dids-bnry College. His first circuit was Middleham, and subsequently be travelled in Aylesbury, St. Neots, Sheffield, Boston, York, Leeds (Brunswick), Manchester (Oldbam-street), London (Chelsea), and Scarbro'. During his residence in Scarbro' deceased was elected chairman of the York district, but during his first ear of office he had a stroke which incapacitated him from following his ministerial duties for eighteen months.

He recovered sufficiently to take full work again in tbe Filey circuit, the present chapel being built during his triennial term. He was next appointed to Ventnor (Isle of Wight), where he gradually failed in physical strenth, until after two years of labour, he was compelled finally to retire. One stroke followed another until he was at length completely paralysed on one side, and rendered ajn.ost unable to speak. He lingered helpless, dumb, and almost unconscious for some nine moutns ttnd at last succumbed as stated. THE CANNIBALISM AT SEA.

the Royal Courts of Justice, on Tuesday, Thus. Dudley and Edwin Stephens, captain and mate of the yacht Mignonette, were brought before Lord Chief iit ire Coleridge, Mr. Justice Grove, Mr. Justice Denman, Baron Pollock, and Baron Huddleston, to receive sentence. Prisoners, who were accommodated with seats in the well of the Court, were attended by two warders.

The Attorney-General, Mr. Charles, Q.C., and Mr. Dank warts, appeared for the Crown, the prisoners being represented by Mr. Collins, Q.C. Tbe Lord Chief Justice read a long written jidgment setting forth tbe authorities as to what constituted the justifiable taking of life.

What they had to do was to apply the principles of law to the present ease. If the law were too severe then all that judges had to do was to leave it to the Sovereign to exercise the Royal prerogative of mercy. It was their duty to declare that the prisoners' act. in this case was wilful murder, and that the facts as stated were no legal justification. He pronounced both prisoners guilty of murder.

In reply to the usual question both prisoners hoped that the special circumstances of tbe case would be taken into consideration. The Lord Chief Justice passed sentence of death without assuming the black cap, promising to forward the recommendation of mercy. The prisoners were removed to Holloway. The Secretary of State for the Home Department has advised the Queen to respite the capital sentence passed on Thomas Dudley and Edwin ephens until the further signification of her Majesty's pleasure. The news of the respite was communicated to Dudley and Stephens by the Governor of Holloway Gaol in the course of on Tuesday afternoon.

PRIZE FIGHTS FOR 100. A prize fight took place on Sunday morning between two weH-known pugilists, one a Leeds and the other a Liverpool man. The latter is reported to have won no fewer than seven previous battles, but on this occasion he suffered defeat. The fight, the scene of which was between Asbton and Oldham, lasted an hour and thirty minutes, and was for .50 a-side. The ground was staked out in the usual way, and the spot being secluded there was little danger ot interruption.

A policeman did appear on the scene, but he was detained and the fight proceeded. After the combat the principals took train and made their way to Leeds and Liverpool. There waa a large number of spectators, and a lot of money is said to have changed hands over the affair. The Liverpool man is said to have been badly punished. On Sunday morning a brutal spectacle was witnessed on the Green at Flint.

During divine service a crowd took possession of the Green at a quiet corner near the Janitor's door to witness a double fight ii is said for a money wager. Four men stripped bar-to the waist, and fought each other savagely, dealiiu' such heavy blows that the faces of two of thorn wen. indistinguishable, their flesh being lacerated and their ejss knocked up. The brutal affair continued ur.til two of the men were the victors. So thoroughly did the crowd enjoy the disgusting spectacle that no intimation whatever was given to the police until the light had terminated.

DEATH OF THE OLDEST ODDFELLOW IN ENGLAND. The death is announced of Mr. Henry Skelland, of Aughton, near Ormskirk. Mr. Skelland waa tbe oldest Oddfellow in England, having belonged to the Manchester Unity for 66 years.

He joined the Pride of Glory Lodge, Leigh District, when he wss 18 years of age, and in 1836, taking up his residence at Burscough, he ooened the Good Intent Lodge, Ormskirk, with which he had ever since been connected, and of which, up to a short time ago, he was one of the trustees. He founded Oddfellowslup, and spread its principles throughout the Ormskirk District (with the exception of the Earl of Derby Lodge, Newburgb, then attached to the Wigan District), wbich comprises 1.500 members. He took part in tbe Preston Guild procession of 182J, and also walkedin friendly society processions in 1842, 1862, snd 1882. In the Guild week of 1842 the demonstration of the friendly societies took place on the Monday. Mr.Skelland walked from Burscough to Preston on that occasion, a distance of over 16 miles, beginning the journey at midnight on Sunday, and on his arrival at Preston walked through the town with the Oddfellows in the friendly society procession.

At the Guild of 1882 he rode in a carriage which had been provided for old members, and was congratulated on bis hale and hearty appearance. He wore on that occasion a silver medal, which had been presented to him some years ago oy the Oddfellows' fraternity. wt.byneaong ner duol bat 111 W'l uovwocu mo mayor 01 A thp Judge ot Instruction there. Two exchanged withont result. MnrV house waa hum dnvn rmp mdosh Pennsylvania, on Tuesday morning, and a of perished in the flames.

TJ Childere left town on Saturday evening where he will spend a few dan be for 1 before in lorEsnire ior unnstmaa. -ipeeo" firf Lochend farm, near Leith, on Satur- i.t stacks were deatroved. The mithMwt- to incendiarism. 11 l.fc I i S'arwru umuu on xoesoay fjoon ior tirmr. ii rigui uuiL gentleman is 'f suite recovered from his recent indisposition, jr William Goulding, formerly M.P.

for Cork, ti on Monday morning. Mr. Joseph Crook, J.P., rlv il.V. for Bolton, died on Monday afternoon. lingering Ulneas.

art gallery ana museum was on Saturday in Aberdeen with an industrial exhibition. flie building, which is most palatial, is the gift of Cjncilior John Gray. Ti Oueen, accompanied by Fnneess Beatrice, will, Riding t0 Present arrangement, leave Windsor pcXt Wednesday for Osborne, where her Majesty will lid tier urisiiuno. he order for raising volunteers from the West mierset Yeomanry Cavalry for service at the Cape been countermanded. Many of the men had re- 0 oat ions in order to volunteer.

At Ooiham Petty Sessions, Hants, on Monday, John wr? of Vateley Mill, was committed for trial at 'fnfAwtt Assizes on a charge of firing at and a-minding some students at Wellington College, who ftrc baring a paper chase. IiMructious were received from the Admiralty on afternoon that all hands employed in Chat-tno. Dockyard should henceforth work full time, in order to expedite the completion of ships now budding. The Rev. William Taylor, aged 52, librarian of the Brown Theological Library of the United Presbyterian Church at Glasgow, hanged himself in the library on Friday week.

The Queen lias been pleased to grant a pension of 'HI a year from the Civil List to Madame Balfe, idw of Michael William Balfe, in recognition of his distinction. The Royal Commission on Shipping is now com- pVted, hut there is no intention immediately to call it ip. -nor. Accurumg i-o present arrangements it win rnience wort tut rebruary. ra sentry of the Windsor Castle guard was on Monday night posted asa precaution in St.

owing to suspicious characters having been noticed loitering about the Royal stables and the post-office. AxBAStADOBiAL Ciuwoas. The London Gasctte of luetday night announces the appointments of Sir E. Jbiirnton, U.CJJ., now Ambassador to liussia, to be Ambassador to Turkey and Sir R. Morier, R.C.B., con Minister to Spain, to be Ambassador to Russia, Sn jie or a Bo3KiiAKEK.

Samuel Lidster, a bet-liaj. man, at Sheffield, was found drowned on Tuesday Burning in a dam in the outskirts of the town. It uuused that the dread of having to undergo imputation of one of his legs was the cause of his fuiiiniit-ting suicide. Tin; X.ATE Fatal Pakic at Glasgow. Jaime Turner, the man in custody at Glasgow, cliarped with raising an alarm of fire in the Star liitatre and so causing apanic by which fourteen prrRins were killed and as many injured, wa on Worda released by order of the Crown counsel, on ui (rround of insufficient evidence.

L.i al Goveeejiext. Colonel alrond, M.P., jiikiiig at a farmers' dinner at Cffculme, Devon, pb Monday, said a thorough readjustment of taxes ould have to precede any measures for the relief of eal burdens but in the first place a Local Govern ment Bill was essential, and he doubted whether time wild be found for it next Session. W'csLmAii Newspapers. We hear that the Rev. Price Hughes, M.A., has accepted the editor-ity the Methodist.

The Rev. W. L. Watkinsou the editor of the new Wesleyan weekly paper untied the Chrtetian Journal. The old-established iiitloiriift newspaper, the Watihman, will be dis- (01 in uod at the close of the year.

Liverpool Post. I nfobtckate Mihe. On Monday night, two nrinere, named Thomas and Stancombe, were in it 'd into the Barrow Hospital, suffering from lUredfit injuries caused by an explosion of dynamite ir the Stand Iron Mine. Only on Friday week 1 wimp miner named Henry Trelore was killed in-sUalli 111 tl.e same mine by a massive rock falling wm. I Mill Gearing.

At Nottingham, ot Tuesday, Mr. J. Brownson. of Brunswick Mills, tin, was summoned by the Inspector of Jrac-for neglecting to fence a horizontal shaft in his tniil.it! lactory, in consequence of which neglect a boy nun id Ward, working there, was killed. The inspector stated that at least six people had been killed the neighbourhood lately by such accidents.

De-ieuditut was fined Jib. Poiket Gaedee Caleitoae. Messrs. Sutton and fott, tlie well-known seedsmen, Reading, have just issued their annual Calendar, which we notice contains a complete list of operations for each mouth, nioi.tiily notes, and illustrated descriptive particulars of Tarious new kinds of vegetables, flowers, to-ch her with a lot of other useful information. This rlegant little publication is sent post free to any iridress by this enterprising firm.

CiHBEBVATivES a No tue Beeab-tax. The Murquess of Bath, speaking at a meeting of the South Wilts Chamber of Agriculture on Saturday, said he did not regard trie question of Protection as settled. With the extension of the franchise they had a fair prospect of seeing it revived. If it came, he thought it would le asa democratic movement, more fully carrying out the principle of trades unions. Ita SiiirpisG Tbade at Sukdeblasd.

The Isrfe number of steamers which have been laid up at Sunderland since the early period of the tear, in consequence of the unremunerative freights offering, have during the past mouth or so gradually diioiuirhed. In March the number of vessels laid up ii the dorks and river was 25 in April, 2i and Ji.lv. 31. Trade has so far improved lately that en ployment lias been found for a considerable pro-JfTtmn of them, and now only 15 remain. '1 HE FaIHEE IE THE HALIFAX SpiHEING TsADE.

The official receiver at the Halifax Bankruptcy Court 's-'ueil Tuesday last a statement of the affairs of Brothers, Halifax, spinners and manu-hiciurers, who recently failed, showing the total liabilities of the firm as and assets as deficiency, The cause of the failure is described as depression in trade, deprecia-ww of stock, hostile tariffs, bankers' charges, change iishion and had trade. liiaTAL Assault on a Cosstaslb. At Burnley, Tuesday, James Gleeson was committed to prison sii months for brutal assaults on a constable run. ed Mitchell. He was apprehended a week ao tor disorderly conduct, when he struck the oifior 1 -It -t ly in the chest and seriously injured his thumb.

(' Monday the constable weit to apprehend hi tii.der a warrant, when prisoner treated him in a shameful manner, throwing him to the ground an! ki. l.uig him until another officer came up. Seotueeed bv Oeiieb, A late number of the Easier Journal says that the Kuan of hhiva ordered a rich Xhivan merchant named Atxlro-sul-Madraimoff to be smothered and all his propertv to be confiscated. He dealt principally Russian goods, and was well known to and greatly tv-peeted by the Muscovite traders established at who have been thrown iuto pr. at consternation by this act of the Khan.

It is "i I posed that the Khan desired to possess himself of 1 nil's property. A TtttMBLE Log FianT. At Wellintshorouh W. Iiiae, E. Lacgiey, and ten other men, were charged a.tl.

rrutltv to animals bv ineitins two doirs 'i ht. The animals belonged to Lowe and Ui t' and the encounter took place in Lowe's shop, dogs attacked each other with such ferocity tUai one was killed. Luring the combat some of the Irfi ndanu played whistles with the object of deaden-II 'J the howling of the auimals. Lowe was fined i.t ui Langley only nominal penalties being VI I used, on the other defendants. 11 mi Simiav DbiMKMO.

On Monday, at the Police-court, Ann Lynch, widow, hvijig in a low iian of the town, was charged selling beer on Sunday without a license. An 1 1 ei rf siated that he watched the defen- tr honae for several hours, and saw about sixty ha and woman io and out. Some men vera dilutes in the Rovnl Fnaili nrl tmn DCe in Minrmrt nnaMra tl- fr.L. L. e.

If tLonths' i.i.m,e Hckdeed Times Coevicted. At the Thames umav, miirtiret evtune. a aissioatea- woman, who had been brought before the iti'wtS llcre 0Ter two nundre1 times, was charged ttirniii ana aisorderly and using obscene si 1' Ruteu asked the prisoner what 8ne replied, What do yon think I roulrT'V Ir' Eutsen 'd the tindest thing he dro, jV to Bend here ald not get wiO, 1 duUIOel her 10 moatil't RECEPTION AT WETHERBY OF COL. GUNTER, M.P. On Wednesday, Col.

Gunter, the elected member for Knaresbro', on his return to Wetherby waa met by a great number of tbe inhabitants, near to the railway station. The horses were unyoked, and ropes were attached to the carriage. A number of working-men, preceded by a large number of tradesmen, pulled the Colonel and Mrs. Gunter, who were seated in the carriage, through Wetherby and down to the Grange. The Wetherby Brass Band was in attendance, and played See the conquering hero somes.

The procession stopped in High-street, which was gaily decorated with blue flags, where Mr. H. Cross-ley made some appropriate remarks, after which CoL Gunter thanked his friends for their kind reception. Cheers were afterwards given for Mrs. and the Misses Gunter.

A RUSSIAN POLYGAMIST. A few days ago," writ a correspondent, an officer of the Russian army en retratte, named Stchebrovsky, was tried at Odessa on a charge of polygamy. He bad married three women in less than three years. The second wife was called as a witness, but refused to testify against him. said there was not such another man in the world, and declared that she loved him si ill.

The prisoner found an eloquent defender in Prince Meetcbersky, who in a brilliant speech invoked the example of Ivan the Terrible and other distinguished historic characters to prove that a man may rightly have several wives at the same time. But his master stroke was an appeal to the letter of the Russian law, which, though it declares bigamy to be a penal offence, is silent as to polygamy and the jury, takingthe same view of the question, returned a verdict of not guilty. Stchebrovsky thereupon quitted the court amid the applause of the audience, with the second Madame Stchebrovsky banging on his arm." MR. TREVELYAN ON REFORM. Mr.

Trevelyan, addressing a Liberal meeting at Brighton on Tuesday, said they had met to celebrate the most complete and satisfactory triumph that Liberal members had ever won. The extension of the household franchise to counties originated in 1868 in the desire of the enfranchised borough householders to give the Bame privilege to residents in counties. When a Ministry as would be the ease after the next general election represented the whole nation instead of part of it, it would not only do bold things more boldly than before, but it would refrain from doing things that seemed strong but were impolitic or even wrong because it was afraid of being stigmatised as weak. Tbe system set up in 1832, and only partially corrected in 1867, left the aristocratic and popular elements so nearly balanced that the councils of the nation were divided. Hence the country was very nearly induced to interfere with the American civil war.

A consequence of our attitude in reference to the Russo-Turkish war was the Afghan war. Now the whole nation was represented in Parliament such a sorry sight would never be seen again. If Britain spoke defiance she would speak with a voice which no one could mistake. THE WINTER CIRCUIT. The following are tbe circuits choeen by the Judges for tbe ensuing winter assizes South-Kastem Circuit Lord Chief Justice Coleridge Midland Mr.

Justice Denman Western Mr. Baron Pollock Oxford Mr. Justice Hawkins North-Eastern Mr. Justice Lopes and Mr. Justice Stephen Home Mr.

Justice Manisty North Wales Mr. Justice Cave; South Wales- Mr. Justice A. L. Smith; Northern Mr.

Justice Day and Mr. Justice Wills. Mr. Justice Manisty, aftr (hushing the business at Maidstone and Croydon, will join Mr. Baron Pollock at Exeter, and both will afterwards proceed to Bristol and Winchester.

Mr. Justice Hawkins will go round the Oxford Circuit alone until Stafford is reached, when he will be joined by Mr. Justice Hathew. At the conclusion of the business there Mr. Justice Hawkins will rtl urn to town, and Mr.

Justice Field will join Mr. Justice Mathew at Birin.ngham. The Northern Circuit will once more consist of Appleoy. Carlisle, Lancaster, Manchester, and Liverpool, and Mr. Justice Day will attend at the first three places alone, being afterwards joined at Manchester and Liverpool by Mr.

Justice Wills. Mr. Justice Stephen will go to Newcastle alone, but will be joined at Durham, York, and Leeds by Mr. Justice Lopes. The assizes will begin on Monday, the 12th of January next.

LONG FIRM FRAUDS. At Birmingham on Wednesday. George Paul), a young man of good address, was charged with attempting to obtain goods to the amount of about from several Birmingham tradesmen. The transactions were of the long firm class, prisoner representing himself as the buyer for a well-known Canadian house, snd ordering goods to be consigned to Liverpool to await their orders. He had an office in Birmingham, and also carried on business at Wolverhampton as Hurst snd Allport, It is further believed that he obtained the acceptance of large orders at Manchester, Macclesfield, and other towns.

The magnitude of the orders aroused suspicion, and inquiries led to his arrest, He was remanded for a week. At Sheffield, on ednesday last, a respectable-looking man, named Alfred Cousens, was charged with having obtained goods under false pretences. It is alleged that for some time past prisoner, as a wholesale fruiterer, has obtained from farmers in Lincolnshire and elsewhere large consignments of potatoes and goods, for wbich he has never settled. It is also allegt-d that he is connected with a long firm. He was remitted to Lincolnshire.

EXTRAORDINARY ACCIDENT AT WAKEFIELD. On Wednesday an extraordinary and rather alarming accident took place at Wakefield. About ten o'clock Robert Routh, a drayman in the employ of Messrs. Crowther anil Woodhouse Chemical Works, Leeds, was ou his way to Messrs. Lee Nephews, at Horbury Junction, with twenty-five carboys of carbolic acid, which were on a four-wheeled dray drawn by two horses.

As the man was proceeding down Back Lane, near to Westgate Station, tbe breeches band counnected with the harness of the shaft horse suddenly broke, and the loaded dray began to run down the hill. Just before reaching the entrance to the Unitarian Schools and burial ground the dray swerved against the kerbstone on the causeway side, and tipped over upon the causeway, the necks of th earhoys striking against the high brick wall which turrounds the goods yard of the Westgale Station. Some of the necks were smashed off tht carboys, and the acid ran upon the two horses, which wpr.t thrown down. The shaft horse was much burnt ai.i.ut mouth and on one side, ai it appeared in gn at agony. It is feared it will have to be destroyed.

The other horse was not. -o badly injured. The dray waa slightly damaged. The man contrived to est upe. TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.

A terrible sporting tragedy occurred in the neighbourhood of Vienna on Monday. At this season of the year, when feathered game is getting scarce, the Austria ns have recourse to what is known in this country as the owl hut. It is generally constructed in an open field or plain, and is sunk in the earth, the roof alone appearing above ground and having loopholes on all lour sides. A large decoy owl is placed on a perch outside, about 20ft. from the Lut, and behind it is planted a dead tree as full branched as possible.

The owl attracts birds of prey, and every year a number of eagles coming from the Carpathian Mountains are thus shot within a short distance of Vienna. Large hawks and rooks are abundant, OnMonday morning a wealthy tradesman of this town set out, accompanied by his son, to shoot in one of these huts on some land they had lately rented at Sczenbrunn, an hour's drive from Vienna. The elder one waa first to fire, but, missing his mark, his son was about to use hisgun.when it accidentally went off, shooting his companion through the lungs. Death was instantaneous. The young man, driven to despair, discharged the second barrel against his own breast, and succumbed shortly afterwards.

The three shots, fired in rapid succession, attracted the attention of a gointaman on the Northern Railway close by. nspecting that something had gone wrong, he entered the hut, where he found father and son lying in a cool of blood, the former dead, while the latter waa able to give an account of what had occurred before expiring. SEVERE STORM VESSELS LOST. On Sunday afternoon, about a quarter-past three o'clock, a large three-masted steamer, having a white funnel with black top, waa observed from Holyhead Breakwater to be labouring heavily in the race north of the North Stack Fog Signal Station. There wa a heavy squall at the time, and the vessel was drifting astern, the crew endeavouring to set the foresail Suddenly, however, her bows were seen to go up, and she ssnk stem foremost.

The lifeboat was immediately launched and towed to the scene of the disaster. The unfortunate steamer is supposed to be the Pochard, belonging to tbe Cork Steam Packet The steamship was bound from Cork for Liverpool, and from toe manner in which she laboured in tbe heavy sea it is supposed that her machinery bad broken down, and that some portion of it broke through her side or bottom, causing her to sink rapidly. It is feared that all hands must have perished. The Pochard was commanded by Captain Miller, and was a vessel of 1,800 tons. A later telegram says that every effort has been made by the crew of the Holyhead lifeboat, but unfortunately they were not successful in saving any of the crew or passengers of the ill-fated vessel.

Their promptness in answering the rocket signals was praiseworthy in the extreme. The boat was manned by the ordinary crew, and they were accompanied by Mr. W. P. Ellicott, local honorary secretary of the National Lifeboat Institution.

On being taken in tow by the Commodore two other tugs followed her to the scene of the disaster. Alter leaving the shelter of the breakwater very heavy seas were encountered, and the force of the waves wss such that when off the South Stack the hawser parted. The lifeboat drifted for about four mdes into Carnarvon Bay, and for two hours was in imminent peril, being then in what is known as the Holyhead Race, one of the most dangerous spots around the Welsh coast and it was with extreme difficulty that another hawser was got from the tug to the lifeboat. The crew of the latter state that no ordinary boat could live in such sea as was running in the locality where the steamer went down. When returning the lifeboat was towed over the spot where the catastrophe occurred, but not a vestige of the vessel was discovered.

Beyond all doubt the whole of the erew and passengers number at present unknown, have perished. The persons who witnessed the vessel founder had not been on the breakwater more than five minutes when they saw her sink, and tbey express the opinion that there was no time to launch boat, nor was it possible that anyone on board could have escaped. The steamer was built at Port Glasgow in 1883. A Cork correspondent telegraphs that the Pochard traded only between London, Liverpool, and Rotterdam, and she left London for Liverpool on the 29th ult A Liverpool correspondent says that the Pochard would carry a crew of thirty, but probably no passengers. The cargo from the steamship which recently foundered off Holyhead is being freely washed ashore.

It consists of bales of tobacco, boxes of soap, casks of palm oil. and barrels of bacon these tally exactly with the goods shipped the Pochard. Attridge, the carpenter of the Pochard, who was reported as being among the lost, is safe. His friends in Cork have received a telegram from him stating that he left the steamship on the Saturday prior to her departure on her disastrous voyage. Tbe vessel which was lost off Boscastle, Cornwall, on Friday night week, is supposed to be the steamer Alliance, of Cardiff.

She left Cardiff under the command of Captain Bell, of Glasgow, with a cargo of coals for St. Nazaire, and was due at her destination on Friday week. Nothing has since been heard of her however, and from tbe wreckage washed up at Boa-C' Btle it is feared she went down in Friday's gale with her crew of 16 hands. THE ASTON DISTURBANCE. MAGISTERIAL DECISION.

On Saturday, at the Birmingham Police-court, the bearing of the charge against Edward Reed of libelling Messrs. R. C. arris and W. Barton in affidavits made in reference to the Aston riot was continued before the magistrate.

It will be remembered that on Friday night the case for the prosecution was completed, and it was arranged that witnesses for the defence should be called that morning. The Magistrate on coining into court, said Since the last adjournment I have been considering this matter. No doubt it is a case of very great importance, and there is also no doubt that it has been greatly exaggerated. I think the public will not be satiified unless it goes before a jury. I think the better plan will be to send it to the jury in this manner I shall refuse to commit in this case, and leave yon to your 'remedy under the Vexatious Indictment Act.

If you wish to go on with the case of course you may. Mr. A. Young I understand the case is dismissed, sir, so far as you are concerned. I think I may now take upon myself some responsibility as counsel on behalf of tbe Liberal Association.

I shall take upon myself the responsibility of assisting by the course I shall take in trying to put a stop'to these proceedings. I would quite concur in saying that they are for toe most part scandalous but I do not intend to trouble you by offering any evidence on the counter charges. The Magistrate Then I formally refuse to commit, and you formally withdraw the counter charges. Mr. A.

Young I will withdraw the counter summonses. The Magistrate: Then there is an end of the proceeding. Mr. Matthews, Q.C. I imperfectly caught what has passed, but I understand that Mr.

Young does not proceed with any charge against Mr. R. C. Jarvis. Mr.

Young The other summons is dismissed, and I withdraw the summons against Jarvis. Mr. Matthews: And I accept that withdrawal, which, I think, is an extremely proper course for my friend to take. Mr. R.

C. Jams is a man occupying a responsible and respectable position, and having had misconduct of a grave kind imputed to him by the defendant Reed.he has his character to clear under the Vexatious Indictment Act. Mr. Jarvis will be bound over to prosecute Reed therefore, sir, I accept your offer. Mr.

Young It is not an offer. The magistrate has refused to commit. Mr. Matthews Very well, and I claim my remedy under the Vexatious Indictment Act. After a conversation by the counsel on both sides, Mr.

Matthews said that there was a second summons against Reed, with which they must deal in some way. He was not prepared to withdraw it, but he did not desire to take np the time of the court by proceeding with it then. He would therefore suggest that the second summons should be adjourned sine die. In all probability it would not be beard of again, although he could not consent to withdraw it. Mr.

Hugo Young said that what Mr. Alfred Young intended with regard to the summons against Jarvis was that it would be no use going on with it, as the magistrate had inquired into the whole affair bnt tbey bv no means intended to convey that they withdrew the charge against Jarvis in the sense of vying that they did not believe in the tenth of it. It wns open to Mr. Matthews to take out another summons against Reed, in the same way that it was open for them to take out another against Jarvis, or to proceed against him at the assizes. Tbe Magistrate: I am sorry the question has arisen.

I fully believed that the whole thirls wm at an end, and there seemed to be a clear understanding that the thing was at an end. Mr. Matthews: The proceedings have taken me by surprise. As the representative of Mr. Jarvis, I hold to my right to proceed against Reed for the false statutory declaration, and I do not care how the summons is dealt with.

I only desire to guard my client, and to be able to proceed against Reed necessary. The Magistrate suggested that it would be much the best if all the cases were dropped, and it was eventually agreed that all summonses should be withdrawn without prejudice to any rights to take further action on either side. The Magistrate I am very happy to announce that there is an end to the proceedings. (Addressing the general public laughingly), And now yon may all go home if you please. (Laughter.).