Liverpool Mercury, etc. from Liverpool, Merseyside, England • 6

THE LITPOOL WEDNESDAY MARCH' mil SMOKE KENNEDY'S I Yesterday the steamer Burma, from Rangoon, arrived in the Mersey, and landed at Torteti I Dnclr fivn vmmr. Anient. LATEST C03I3IERCIAL. AMERICAN COTTON! IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. closed quiet, at the initial fluctuation.

Spot weak. Rio. 8. Rales. 65C0.

Mar. Apl. Mav. June. July.

Aug. To-day 825 8-25 8--5 8 5 8-3S 8-40; 8-40; 8-45; 8'45 Jan. (next year), 8-50. Prev. dav 8-25 8-25 8-25 8vi5 8-30 8-35 8'35; 8'40; 8-40: Dec, 8-40 Jan.

(next year), 8-45 845. Cotton opened unchanged to 1 point down. The market was bearish nil day on unsatisfactory cables and local liquidations, and closed quiet, 1 to 2 points down. Spot quiet. Middling, 7J Orleans.

6Jf. Sales, 42 7C0. Receipts Atlantic r000 Gulf, 4000. ENnorte: Great Britain, 14,000 Continent, nil. Mar.

Apl. Mav June July To-day 7'01 7 -01 7'0a "VJ 7'15 i 7-14 6-33 67 677 Dec, 6'cO Prev. day 7'02 7'03 7-11 7-15 7-16 6'89 6'77 i 6-73 Dec, 6-81 6-85. Cotton Oil qui-t. Crude, 22e.

yellow, 235e. Petkolkum. Refined opened steady lo-ed with Staniiaro i mints dearer. Refined, 7'00 Standard, 6-40; Philadelphia, 6'35. Cenili-cates quiet at uuvnu April option 93.

Runs, 118,000. Shipments, 176,000. Sioak steady, unchanged. Muscovadoes, 2 centrifugal, THE HOUSE OF KEYS. PERMIT BILL REJECTED.

The House of Keys met at Douglas yesterday. There was a full House, the 24 members being present. Sir John Goldie Taubman, Speaker, presided. Tho debate was resumed upon the motion to reject, upon the preamble, the Bill to revive the Boarding House Act, which provides for the to Douglas boarding-house keepers of permits for the sale of beer in boarding-houses to boarders. The Act expires on July 5 next.

Mr. Stephen, South Douglas, opposed th motion, and pointed out that in view of tho possible rejection of the Bill 101 boarding-house keepers had applied for public house licenses, who, if the Bill passed, would be content with permits. The great majority of Douglas people favoured the permit system, and temperance people, who believed in local option, should give effect to ihe wishes of Douglas. If tho country members rejectod the Bill they might cause unhappy friction between town and country. Mr.

Crellin, Michael, also opposed tho motion. Mr. E. H. Christian, Michael, supporting the motion, contended that no case for the Bill had been made out.

Messrs. Clague, Peel. E. T. Christian.

German, and Qualtrough, Rushen, also supported the motion, arguing that in eo doing they were acting in. the interests of Douglas. They cuntendeu that the permit system gave increased facilities for drinking, rind was injurious to Douglas and the island. Mr. Joughin, German, replied on the motion.

Upon a division the motion was lost by the casting vote of tho Speaker, the voting being 12 for and 12 against. The House then considered the Bill clause by clause. Mr. Mooro, Middle, protmsed as an amendment, that Bill remain in" force to the 30th September. 1S93.

Tho amondmont was carried by the casting vote of the Speaker. Mr. Stephen moved that the Bill, as amended, do pass. Mr. North Douglas, seconded the motion.

The voting was 12 for and 12 against. As it requires a clear majority of the whole House to pats a Bill, the motion was lost, and the Biil was discharged. tu amend Representation in the House of Key-', to amend tfi'e Merchandise and Trades' -Marks Act, and to Prevent the Sale of Intoxicants to Children wore road a first time. Trie House adjourned to Thursday next. The rejection of the Permit Bill has occasioned considerable feeling, especially Jn Douglas, and an agitation for a redistribution of political power is being fostered.

Douglas has over one-third of the population of the island, while the town's representation iu the House is only five out of 24 members. SPECIAL TELEGRAM. Xbw Yoas, TcEsmT. Cotton opened "lull at previous rates, and, after advancing on receded owing to weaker Tii1-- market fiui-iied steady, unchanged to 2 points down. Marcli, 7-01 April, 7 "02 May, 7'06 June, 7-09; July, 7-13; 714; 6'S3; 6'76; 6'77.

OFFICIAL REPORT. New York, Tuesday. The New-York market closed quiet, unchanged. I utiues ojfened unchanged to 1 point down, closing quiet but steady, 1 to 2 poims dec! i ue. The New Orleans spot market closed steady, unchanged.

Futures opened 1 up. closing quiet at a detune of 2 points for March, and an advance of 1 point for April to July, and unchanged for later positions. Southern markets unaltered. Galveston quiet but steady. Savannah quiet, Charleston firm.

The weather is reported cloudy in the Atlantic and clear in tne Gulf States, with an average temperature of 64 and 51 degrees respectively, against 62 and 57 degrees yesterday. Sa. day Sa. day Sa. elav Ekckipts Gulf I'orts Atlantic Ports To-day.

last wk. 1335-35. 3.5C0 11,9.0 ll.COD 6.5C0 i Total Total 4 days Since Scat. 1 15,600 37,700 17,500 37,200 60,000 Gulf Pent Atlantic pc.rt3 All ports Int towns (1) Total days fJreat Britain. Continent 4,144,000 1,936,000 5,031,700 4,632,200 7,224 IOC V-0O 3,800 3,500 Sa.CO 8.200 8,600 lS.r.OO i.COO 3CO 3,000 11.CO0 14.000 43,200 5,500 17,00 4,500 5,500 Total Total 4 days Siuce Sept.

1 Great 2,6 10,000 22,500 43,400 67,100 7 no 7-v, 7rn rxz. rc Coalmen I uaies nave Deen received at Ven-eacoia, winch be included in the week's receipts. i.lKliiuug.Prev. Last! Purt Suoi Te-day. Galveston 7 New Orleans, off! Mobile Savannah b'f.

Charleston 6g year. 72 lieceiots. Sales. F'ghfc. tOO 300 17-64 15-64 13-64 2,500 8,000 400 100 1,300 300 200 500 17-32 Norfolk Baltimore New Yorli 73 100 600 11-64 Boston Philadelphia.

-West Memphis 6Jg 6J Bt. Louis 7 7 Augusta 75-32 7 5 Other 300 11. 75 QUOTATIONS FOR FL'TOKES AT NEW TORK. 1 o-clay. Prev.

day. Closing liih'st Low'st Closing ll'igii'stlow'st April. May 7-01 7-01 7-02 7-04 7-01 7-05 7-09 7-13 7-14 6-38 6-76 6-77 6-20 7-0i 7-03 7-11 715 7-16 6 '33 6-77 6-78 7-06 7-11 7T6 7-16 6-90 6-77 6-78 6-81 6-31 7-01 7-02 7-02 7-01 7-03 7-04 7-05 7-07 7-09 7-10 7-11 7-13 7-12 7-15 7'17 7-13 7-16 7-19 6-87 6-89 6-91 6-77 6-77 6-77 6-75 6-73 6-79 6-79 6-31 6-34 A TO DAY LIVERPOOL '-LXJL M-J Uill I. LI Ul Ijllil JJ The Liverpool Tramways system, though purchased in effect by the City Council, continues to be conducted the company, and no changes either in statf, route, or fares can be looked for prior to the autumn at the earliest. It is expected that the question will not be brought before the Council until the April meeting, and then the formal report of the special committee will necessarily be accepted, plenary powers having been given to representatives of the municipality in regard to the purchase of the undertaking.

The news will be gratifying to every one that Liverpool is again to have a resident eity organist, Dr. A. L. Peace and Mrs. Peace, who are at present the guests of Sir David Rad-cliffe at Rosebank, Knowsley, having decided to make a permanent home in our midst.

As previously mentioned in this column, a large sum of money is to be expended upon the renovation of the "organ in St. George's Hall. It was originally announced that recitals would beabandonedfor aperiod of three months during the repair of the instrument, but as a considerable period is likely to elapse before the requisite materials are sent out from the factories, the recitals will be continued each Saturday afternoon and evening when no courts are sitting. The next recital by Dr. Peace will be given on Saturday, April 3rd.

His many friends will hear with sincere regret that Mr. James Thompson, who is at the head of the Liverpool Constitutional Association, has been obliged to relinquish his duties by reason of indisposition. Mr. Thompson is one of the mkt ardent workers in the political arena of the city, and has rendered invaluable services to his party as regards organisation. Overwrought, and over conscientious in his labours, he became ill a few days ago, but hopes aro entertained that rest will bring about speedy recovery.

Three interesting revivals of operas which are of the widest diversity are to take place at the Royal Court Theatre this week. The first is Mozart's Don Giovanni," to be presented to-night the second, Meyerbeer's Robert the and the third, Wagner's "Valkyrie," which is to be presented on Saturday night for the first time iu this city. There was a time when the discussions of the Select Vestry proved amusing rather than edifying, but ail that has been changed. To-day the parish of Liverpool may congratulate itself upon1 representation by men of practical views, whose deliberations, less abstruse than those of former days, have issue more directly beneficial to the community. Technical knowledge is now brought to bear upon almost every department, and this proved invaluable yesterday when important contracts came under con-sideratioa.

A leading pianist in Liverpool, an accomplished professor of music, and an extremely popular man, is Mr. H. Steudner-YVelsing, who has just been appointed chairman of the Liverpool College of Music, in succession to Mr. Carl Courvoisier. Mr.

T. Edwards, of the Water has been, chosen as conductor of the newly-formed orchestra of the Liverpool Municipal Officers 'Guild, and: sixteen competent instrumentalists are rehearsing under his direction for a performance, which is to be given, under the auspices of the dramatic section of the Guild, early next month. Canada and the Northern States of America are supplying us with an enormous number of horses. In Liverpool a few da3rs ago a sale was conducted which has no parallel in Great Britain or possibly in the world as many horses being disposed of within one day as there are days in the year. One of the most honoured and prolific contributors to the Roman Catholic Hymnody of England is a sister of Mr.

J. Bernard'Partri'dge, an artist whoso drawings are so prominentiy humorous a feature of the pages of "Punch," and who is also an actor of considerable distinction. The popular hymn-writer is resident in a convent ia this city. Springlike weather has increased the influx of visitors, who are eagerly looking forward to the Grand National meeting. Recent decisions in the courts of law did not prevent the keenest interest being manifested in betting ou the Lincolnshire Handicap yesterday, and it will be interesting to note to what extent the stringent regulations of the authorities will be observed during the next few days at Aintree, where, we understand, notices have been posted forbidding betting.

Progressive steps are being taken with a view to the increased efficiency of our local fire brigades, and at present Captain Nott-Bower is engaged upon the preparation of a report showing the city divided into five districts for fire-prevention purposes including ambulance facilities and what buildings' and appliances are necessary to place a fire station in each of such districts on a sound footing, together with estimates of the requisite capital expenditure and the annual charge to be incurred in connection therewith. Mr. Lempriere Pringle, who has but recently returned to Liverpool after a successful tour in the United States with Madame Albani. has promised to sing at an Irish concert, which is to be given in the Picton Lecture Hall this evening on behalf of Our Lady's Schools, Eldon-street. The organisers, who have compiled an exceptionally attractive programme, appeal to the public by quotation of those stirring lines Cold must the heart be, and void of emotion, That loves not the music of Erin-go-Bragh." LOCAL COMMISSIONS.

Tho "London Gazette" of last night contains the following Line Battalions. King's Own (Royal Lanc-ster Regiment). Lieutenant Robert Nelson Dobson, from the 4th Battalian Prince Albert's (Somersetshire Light Infantry), to be second-lieutenant, vice W. A. L.

Lethbridge promoted, dated 24th inst. King's Liverpool Regiment), Captain William H. Scales retires from the service, receiving a gratuity with permission to retain his rank and wear the prescribed uniform, dated 24th inst. Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment), Captain W. E.

S. Tyler is seconded for service as an adjutant of volunteers, dated 1st inst Lieutenant Robert C. Trousdale, from 3rd Battilion, to be second-lieutenant, vice F. B. M.

Chatterton, seconded, dated 24th inst. Norfolk Regiment, to be second-lieutenant, dated 24th Lieutenant Harold Philip Muir White, from the 3rd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment, vice Thompson promoted. Lancashire Fusiliers, Lieutenant Reginald S. Wilson, from the Lancashire Artillery (Southern Division Royal Artillery), to be second-lieutenant, vice J. V.

Timmis promoted, dated 24th inst. Loyal North Lancashire Rc-ginient, Lieutenant Francis Herbert English Torbeth from the 4th Battalion Princess of Wales' Own (Yorkshire Regiment), to be second-lieutenant, vice C. J. Newton promoted, dated 24th inst. Manchester Regiment, Lieutenant Edward J.

H. Walker is seconded for service with the Gold Coast Constabulary, dated 6th inst. Gordon Highlanders, to be second-lieutenant, dated 24th Second-Lieutenant James M. Sandilands, from 4th Battalion Manchester Regiment, vice S. C.

Maitland promoted. Staff. Major H. 0. 0.

Plumer, York and Lancaster Regiment, to be deputy assistant adjutant-general, and also for instruction, vice Major and Brevet-Lieutenant-Colonel J. Murray, Royal Artillery, who has resigned the appointment, dated 5th inst. India Office. Indian Staff Corps To be lieutenants. Lieutenant James B.

Keogh, from the Royal Lancaster Regiment, dated 10th November, 1895, but to rank from 30th December 1893 Lieutenant Richard H. E. Pennell, from the Royal Lancaster Regiment, dated 15th November, 1895, but to rank from 8th Juno, 1394 Lieu tenant John J. the North Lancashire Regiment, dated 26th October, 1395, but to rank from December 3, 13S4. Militia Infantry.

3rd and 4th Battalions King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, James Worsley Taylor to be second-lieutenant, dated 24th inst. ird Battalion Prince of Wales's Own West Yorkshire Regiment, Lieutenant H. E. T. Wilkinson resigns his commission, dated 24th inst.

4th Battalion Prince of Wales's Own West Yorkshire Regiment, Lieutenant J. L. Scarlett resigns his commission, dated 24th inst. 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment, Milboume Edward Clark to be second lieutenant, dated 24th inst. 4th Battalion Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment, Percy Spencer Fryer to be second lieutenant, dated 24tl inst.

3rd Battalion Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, Major A. K. Wyllie is granted the honorary rank of lieutenant-colonel, dated 24th inst. 3rd Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, Lieutenant A. G.

Cowan resigns his commission, dated 2tth inst. 3rd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment, Captain Charles W. Gale, Yorkshire Regiment, to be adjutant, vice Major Colhoun, York and Lancaster Regiment, whose period of service expires, dated 13th inst. Yeomanry Cavalry Cheshire Earl of Chester's), Lieutenant E. L.

Townshend resigns his commission Second-Lieutenant Richard Norman Harrison Verdin, from '3rd Battalion Cheshire Regiment, to be second lieutenant, dated 24th inst. Volunteer Artillery 8th Lancashire, Captain W. Walker, from 7th Lancashire Volunteer Artillery, to ba captain, dated 24th inst 1st TVest Riding of Yorkshire, West Division, Roval Ar- Liiioij, 7 resigns his mission and- is appointed second lieutenant, dated 24th inst. Volunteer Engineers 2nd Lancashire (the St Helens), the following announcement is substituted for that which appeared in the London Gazette," dated 16th mst. Captain Gandy to be quartermaster, dated 17th inst' Second West Riding of Yorkshire, Surgeon-Major C.

Richardson resigns his commission, also is permitted to wear the uniform on his retirement, dated 24th inst. a msre Volunteer Kifles. 1st Volunteer Battalion Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, Rev. Bdsy1tofbe 'haplainrdated 24th inst. 3rd Volunteer Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, TVjlham Johnson Galloway to be Kcond lieutenant, dated 24th inst.

5th Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment, Surgeon-Major Dambnll Davies to be surgedn.eutenant-eolonel, dated 24th mst. let Volunteer Batta-hon Manchester Regiment, William 'Reynell de Castro Shearman to be second. lieutenant, dated wimV Volunteer Battalion Manchester Regiment, Lieutenant- Colonel R. Walker h0Qrary rank oi "colonel, dated -Mr. VL KZO-S.

Turfcc the blockade. It has in Goes i notiriori i been enforced bv admirals of owers. Turkish merchant enter Cretan ports under vesse's vk tie sarr.e ri. other vessels. Th-of blockade is left 1 appneatioT, admirals, who tin doubt wii! not press with unr.ee.

car? peacefully disposed portion either creed. Mr. BOWLES. May I offence of the'block whole voyage? ry f-v- n-? -Mr. C'c RZON.

I an authority on ter.) very national i.i Sir E. ASHMKAP-BART! ''TT whfther Turk- and (Ire-; into -r--i -o--' Retth nit Great Powers ui negotiations. if obh -clion has Mr. of s-: -Ti shown or of arv the Grout Powers. NECESSITOUS SCHOOL BOARDS KILL.

Mr. It. M- 1 h.ivi- to C'llNSOLli On n.otion Ti-. 1 Fl'Nil solidateil 1) TAXATION OF Ci.l Wi, IN? Mr. ROUND ch-ricai ii.o-in;i t-jndi whoso- i.f ihrm unit; is oi-iv 1 the- w.

re upon a nm Ha: larc-. ti- in es land dcr th uht. -s in i a i -me am. large cs. i no would rth'-r ion fr- tii, ii LAWRMNCE HARRISON ha: Vr gard Church.

-n- GRli-Fi: Her: nones a. 1: nisicy ilauKi-o r. CV3 -k! Mr. aN i mm r. nur-J For tho tc-: 1.

Mr. LOT' grants in ihe i a Lv. Oil NT OP Mr. E. Lruviv.irt- favour of tli to irsqiiu.

L-Tfnt iho- ox tr.i iii IkjUiTs on the of Ki-. imnrovf'd, Tt that tln-re Oiiy 27 Tiici.ibi rs vrf- Th'1 House LtccrrdiTi-; minutes purl S'-vm "WEATHER KEPOUm cotla tbn.l. fllanc; Cr Engla BANKRUPTCY ACTS 1833 li 0,1 FfFrylif I I 1) 1 Jehe J.T.U..-S Sarp-a' BANK it WilliaUiCr- a Richnr'ii T. Alfrc- i (-. Lin New Clan.i Currv and I.ha 'aledenian Chrl--s Ciiur.

iiil! i Mu-s Litter limited. PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLY (Frou iett, OuzcMl ED. A- Bins, aa Hii H. Wor a.rnhill, Bria Seikirk ana spl a. an.

I TreveKe i7xa r--a: Maiierietler, inanlt-r John Shr.ck!etn and Aii-e iu v.c, x.c.----' Rochdale, drapers. A. tiAjjji uw wrmiea to e-during the blockade. I RAILWAY HALF-YEARLY REPORT. CHAIRMAN'S REPLY TO MR, WADDELL "The report of the directors of this company, to be submitted to the half-yearly ordinary general meeting of the proprietors, is as follows; 1.

Your directors have received the following figures from the receivers and managers as the result of the working of your railway by them for the half-year ended 31st December, 1396 Receipts and Expenses The total receipts from all sources for the half-year have been 37,269 as compared with 35,895 19s. 6d. for the corresponding period of 1895. The working expenses have been 28,305 or at the rate of 75.95 per as against 27,079 18s. equal to 75.44 per cent, for the corresponding six months of 1895.

2. The exceptional charges for pumping, ventilation, and hydraulic lifts for the past six months amounted to 6089 4s. equal to 16.34 per as compared with 5835 19s. or at the rate of 16.26 per cent, for the corresponding period of 1895. The working expenses, exclusive of the exceptional charges above referred to, have been 22,216 19s.

equal to 59.61 per ns against 21,243 18s. equal to 59.18 for the corresponding six months. 3. The number of passengers conveyed during the six months ended 31st December, 1896, has been 3,726,743, as against 3,566,709 for the corresponding period of 1895, exclusive of season-ticket holders. The following traffic table shows the number of passengers conveyed siuce the date of opening of the railway: PASSENGERS.

Jo. or jruuiary of Season Ticket Holders. 1,134 Hlitf-vpar pnrlfl Puss-jii'crs. Feb. 1 June 33, 1886 (Five months.) June 50, 1267 2,492,957 2.S65.545 2,859,062 4,057,111 4,355.949 4,256,725 3,927.609 3,132,627 3,403.690 3,619,124 Ko.

of Ordinnry FassengerA. 3.C92 2,305 1,967 2,383 2,583 2,785 2,405 2,375 2,171 2.091 of Scuson Ticket Holders. 1,771 2,951 1,631 1.850 2,269 2,550 1ES9 1830 18Slt 1332s 1893 1B94 1E95 18S6 Half-year ended December 31, 1886 1S88- 1E90 1BS1 1S92 1393 1894 1855 1896 2,992,23 2,492,070 3.7S5.4E0 4,268,288 4,465,333 4.185,342 4,236.007 3,533,179 3,383.251 3,566,709 3,726,743 2,509 2,188 2,220 1,716 1,315 EECEIPTS. Ordinary Pnsseuger Tickets. 6 17,303 Season Tickets.

988 2,333 3.243 3415 3.355 4.248 4.474 4.230 4.183 Season Tickets. .1,441 2,803 2,057 2,387 2,709 3,523 3,718 .3,643 3,705 3,683 Half-Tear ended Feb. 1 Juno 30, 188( (Five months). June 30, 1SS7 1888 1889 18S0 1S9U 1SS2 1893 1894 1895 1896 naif-Year ended December 31, 1886 1887 1333 1889 18S0 1ES1 1392 1893 17.677 20,712 23.253 21.947 25.547 33,443 32,816 29.127 23.055 30,477 Oi-dinary Passenger Ticlicrp. 19,334 16,555 22,423 24,543 25,563 29.103 33,907 31,056 29,517 30.356 1894 1895 18S6 31,352 3,510 Park Extension opened 2nd January.

1B8S. Koclc Ferry Extension opened 15tli June, 1E9I Liverpool Central (Low Level) Extension opened Uth January, 1892. 4. Parliamentary, and Redemption of the First Debenture Stock. Your directors regret very much to state that at the special general (Wham-cliff e) meeting, held 22nd January, 1897, the Bill providing inter alia for (a) redemption of the company's redeemable first debenture stock (b) short extension to George's Dock for coal and goods traffic (c) permissive contribution to the construction of a junction with the Cheshire Lines; which was promoted by your directors, with the support of the receivers and managers, and with the sanction of the High Court (who deemed it of such importance as to authorise 1000 being spent in its promotion), was, owing to the action of certain parties, rejected.

This action prevents the redemption of the company'6 first debenture stock by which there is little doubt a saving in interest of about 2000 a year would have been effected. It is also a matter of regret to the board that, notwithstanding the great importance of the measures brought forward at the Wharncliffe meeting, out of 2500 only 17 shareholders attended, of whom 10 voted against the Bill, and 7 for it. The board cannot too strongly impress upon the proprietors that, until connection is effected with the docks and railways on the Lancashire side, there can be no substantial improvement in the affairs of the company. 5. Rent: Mersey Decks and Harbour Board.

The proprietors will learn with satisfaction that the Mersoy Docks and Harbour Board have, as a result of negotiations by Mr. Sroitton, made a material reduction two years in, the annual rent payable by the company to tie'm, 6. Directors. The directors who retire by rcltation are Mr. Francis Fox and Mr.

Thomas William. Oakshott; being eligible, they offer themselves for re-election. 7. Auditors. The retiring auditor is Mr.

John Francis who is eligible, and offers himself for re-election. THE CHAIRMAN'S REPLY TO MR. WADDELL. Mr. Albert G.

Etching, the chairman of the Mersey Railway Company, yesterday sent out a circular letter to the shareholders in reply to the statement published by Mr. Waddell, one of the directors, a fortnight ago. He points out that Mr. Waddell was the contractor for the Mersey Railway, and is the petitioning creditor who has placed the management of the company under the Court of Chancers'. Mr.

Hitching proceeds; The statements in his circular are so inaccurate and misleading that I consider it my duty as your chairman to place the actual facts before you. The object of Mr. Waddell's circular appears to be to show that the board iB not acting in your interests, is endeavouring to make arrangements with neighbouring railway prejudicial to the company, and desires to deprive you of the five miles' bonus which Parliament granted to your company on account of the expensive character of the tunnel under the river. That the board was pursuing any such course, or has any such desire, is untrue. The facts are these: Parliament has given to your company the valuable power to charge a bonus toll of five miles on traffic passing through the tunnel, but the keen competition of the ferries, which carry passengers to and from Liverpool and Birkenhead for a penny, renders it im-posible to charge these additional fares on local passenger traffic and, if it were attempted, you would have no traffio at all.

For long-distance traffic the five miles' bonus iB charged and accepted by the London and North-western and Great Western Railways. The board has never declared the policy and views 6tated by Mr. Waddell, and his statements to that effect are absolutely devoid of foundation. The policy of the board has been to cultivate friendly relations with neighbouring companies, to obtain the best possible terms for immediate, traffic, under an agreement terminable on six months' notice, in the belief that in the near future they will agree to better terms for us. The alternative is stagnation The board has co-operated with Sir Allen Sarle and Lord Iddesleigh, the receivers and managers appointed by the Court of Chancery on Mr W-id-dell's application, to manage your railway, but the action of these two gentlemen, as well as that hfjard, has been greatly obstructed by Mr.

Vi addell applications to the court on several occasions. Let me give you an instance. Some time since he obtained an order that our traffic manager should not be allowed attend the meetings of the board, and it must be apparent to everyone that without such information as this gentleman alone can give it is impossible for your directors to arrive at a correct opinion as to your aftairs. For nearly ten years past your line has been managed by, and agreements with neighbouring companies negotiated by, the receivers and managers, who were appointed on Mr. Waddell own application therefore, tho credit or discredit of mismanagement rests with them, and not with your board.

Sir Allen Sarle is an able and experienced railway man, and the arrangements which Mr. Waddell characterises as. "grossly inadequate" were made or approved by him after consultation with many of the most eminent railway managers of tha country. As an example of tho thorough trafno which Mr. Waddell states can well afford to pay the full bonus to the Mersey Company, the fares between New Brighton and Liverpool Central Station may be instanced.

The total length between Liverpool Central and New-Brighton is seven miles two chains: Park Station, Birkenhead, is the point where the Wirral Railway and tho Mersoy Railway meet the diatance-on the Mersey lino to the Park Station is only two miles 74 chains, whilst the distance on the Wirral line io the same station is four miles eight chains. The local third class single fare on the Mersey line from Liverpool Central (low level) Station to Park Station, notwithstanding the extraordinary parliamentary powers, is because of the keen competition with tho Jerries and tramways. The local fare on the Wirral line from New Brighton to Park Station is the same, but, owing to the steamboat competition, the through fare from Liverpool to New Brighton is only 5d. instead of 9d. the sum of the two locals), and, therefore, if the Mersey Company received out of this through fare its local fare, it would only leave Id.

as remuneration to. tho Wirral Company for carrying passengers four miles eight chains, and if the Mersey Company were given their local fare, plus the five miles bonus, they would be entitled to whereas the total through faro to be divided is only 5d. This suggestion of Mr. Waddell's, you will readily see, i. absurd.

This state of affairs is due to the rnmnpr.irinn if The ferry boats, of which Mr. Waddell appears to trunk lightly. In December, 1893, on his urgent representation, a remedy was attempted by wia iuco, uul- tne result was disastrous and the loss of traffio so greut that tho original tares had to be reverted to, and some of the traffio haa never been recovered. This is an ox ample of Mr. Waddell's railway management.

Mr. Waddell speaks of tho bonus being reduced from five miles to 14 miles, aud 2 miles in certain cases, with the apparent intention of leading you to think that the five-mile bonus has been in force and your present directors had reduced it. This, like most of hie statements is inaccurate. The five-mile bonus has neve- been in force for local traff.o, for the reason that it lias been impossible to obtain it. Your board has never -reduced" any "bonus" wnich had been arranged but, on the contrary, during the past year tho bonus mileage beyond Chester has been increased from 2i to five miles.

Mr. Waddell also states that the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lmcolnshire Railway Company made a demand for through fares" with which the "expressed views of the majority of the present board are ia harmony." This, is for no proposal of the Sheffield Company has received the approval of the majority of the present board. He further states that in 1893 a proposal was made at the board to grant the Sheffield Company running powers over your railway on manifestly disadvantageous terms, and that it was with difficulty he succeeded in getting it rejected. This, again, is incorrect The Sheffield Company forwarded to trs at that date proposals for through traffic, which we considered at two meetings of the board (at one of which Mr. Waddell did not attend), and which were not accepted, the board being of opinion that the proposals were Mr.

Waddell does not tell you that the receivers ajid managers (appointed by him), and who, he says, "may be trusted to protect your interests," agreed about a year ago to certain working terms, with the Sheffield Railway, and that he at once served them (his receivers and managers) with notice that he should apply to the court to prevent the arrangement carried out. As to the terms of this shortlived agreement, the board has expressed no opinion. Mr. Waddell states that the Sheffield Company "has acquired a joint interest in tho Mersey Company's Low Level Station at Liverrwol." This, again, is incorrect. Thry have no interest- in the station except as one of the three companies forming the Cheshire Linos Committee, who aro our landlords.

He further states that the Wirral Company aro claiming before the Railway C'om-missicners to have the bonus mileage reduced from five miles to nothing. This, again, is incorrect. Tl hat does not exist cannot be reduced, and no arrangeme.it for a five miles bonus has ever been made, with the Wirral Company. They demur to the amount of bonus we have proposed to them, and as we cannot agree they have taken tho case to the Railway Commissioners for settlement, as the law permits them to do. The settlement of through fares with the Sheffield Railway is being determined, by the and is conducted on behalf of the Mersey Railway Company by Sir A.

S.irie with Lord Iddesleigh (Mr. Waddeli's receivers and Neither Mr. Francis Fox nor Mr. Sniitton has taken, nor will take, any part in influencing Sir Allan Sarle in the matter, but should he desire to consult with the. board a committee will bo appointed to meet him.

Mr. Waddell states that, through the negligence of the board, the Mersey Railway was some vears back classed by Parliament in a disadvantageous way for rates for goods. Thie classification did not take place, and the responsibility rests with the receivers and managers of that day, but when attention was called to it by the "present solicitors to the company, the board at once took the necessary steps to have it remedied, so that it was not through the repeated representations of Mr. Waddell that the mistake was corrected. With regard to the personnel of the board, I do not agree with Waddell's remarks.

Mr. Fox was elected a director in 1833, and has been of great strvicc-to the company. I believe he is one of the consulting engineers to the Sheffield Railway, but I can confidently state that he has always advocated at the board Mersey interests first and foremost. Mr. Sniitton war-elected at the half-yearly meeting a year ago, and has been of great assistance in many ways, especially recently in carrying through successfully negotiations with the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board for a reduction in our rent, by which 700 a year is saved to this company.

I consider the presence of these two gentlemen on your board decidedly advantageous, and will tend" to smooth over difficulties between your company and the Sheffield. Mr. Oakshoti "was elected a director in 1S88. whilst he was Mayor of Liverpool, in compliance with the wishes of a large body of shareholders that a Liverpool gentleman should be added to the board, I consider the shareholders are much indebted to Mr. Oakshott for joining the board, as the company were unable then, and are still unable, to offer him any fee for his services.

Mr. Waddell concludes his circular by stating that he is a "holder of 40,000 of ordinary shares, besides 115,000 of debenture stock of the company." The register of the company shows him" to'be a holder of only 100 ordinary shares and no debenture stock at all. Yon Lwill nlso have received a circular signed by Mr. addell and five other shareholders, in which they stato that thr.y represent the holders of ordinary stock to the value of upwards of 30,000," hat they represent I do not know, but these gentlemen together hold only 805 shaies, of the par value of 16,000, not a large sum out of an ordinary share capital of 1,084,553. The chief complaint of these gentlemen appears to be that Parliament having given the Mersey Railway power to charge a rive-mile bonus, your directors are neglecting your interests in not charging it.

It is ono thing to have the power to cluirge it, and quite another thing to be able to do so. If competition permitted ua to charge the full bonus on short distance traffic as well as on long your board would only 1 too glad to see this done, but under existing circumstances it is not- pnict-ic-able. What may be possible in the future I cannot say. I believe the true policy for the company to pursue is to make- the best terms possible at tho present moment to obtain traffic from our neighbours, and as that traffic grows and becomes more valuable to obtain an increase of the bonus. Mr.

Waddell complains that no agreement had been made, as to the rates to be paid to your compiny in respect to the traffic exchanged when the St. James' Junction, was made. Until wo had powers to assist in making this connection we were not in a position to negotiate terms for traffic. I explained a.t the last meeting that unless satisfactory terms were arr.ingcd, not farthing would be subscribed the junction. Notwithstanding this, and Mr.

Waddell's statement that if satisfactory terms are arranged the making of the junction would no doubt be advantageous to the company, ho voted against it. I beg to assure you that I have but one interest to advance that of the Mersey Railway, in which I am a large holder. I am unconnected in any way with any of the neighbouring railways, and it is my firm belief that any shareholders supporting Mr. Waddell i-i his present movement will be seriously injuring the Mersey Railway." ECCLESIASTICAL NEWS. BIRKENHEAD RURAL DEANERY.

The spring conference of the Rural Deanery of Birkenhead was held last evening in the Music Hall, Claughton-road, the Rev. W. L. Paige Cox, rural dean, presiding. After the transaction of routine business a discussion was opened by Mr.

F. Gregory on Tho Rights and Duties of Laymen as Members of the Church." Dealing first with the duties of laymen, Mr. Gregory said every member of the Church of England ought, before claiming rights, to be a baptised, confirmed communicant. With regard to clergymen, he thought that if a minister was doing his duty to the best of his power he had a right to expect from the laity a generous support without the humiliation of having to appeal for it. A layman had the right to attend his parish church on terms of perfect equality with his neighbour, and he suffered a grievous wrong if any barrier were placed in his way, or if he found any part of his parish church appropriated by his richer neighbour, causing hira to feel himself an intruder.

As to the right ol the congregation to participate in the appointment of their parish priest, ho should hesitate before conceding Euch a right to any large body. He was inclined to the opinion that private patronage on the whole had worked well, and with the abolition of the abuses connected' with tho sale of livings he thought no grievances would be felt. The laity had also a right to tho best intellectual efforts of their clergymen, and it was no excuse for a minister to say he had not time to prepare suitable discourses. Incalculable harm was done by childish platitudes and obvious commonplaces delivered as though containing some weighty intellectual truths. (Laughter.) Mr.

J. P. Hargreavcs thought the laity ought to have a voice- in the election of their clergyman, and the bishops, and also in tho changes in the services of their parish church. Dealing with the duties of the laity, he was of opinion that the laymen wanted waking up on the subject of adequately supporting their churches. A discussion followed.

ST. GEORGE'S PEESBVTEEIAN CHURCH MV rhe Young People's Guild of the above church concluded a most successful session with a conversazione, held on Monday evening, in the lecture hall of the church, when over 250 of the ennnre' gatioii were present The hail was tastefully furnished as a drawing room by John Waring, floral decorations heing supplied by Mr. li. VV.Ker.' The first part of the evening was devoted to a concert, in which the following ladies and took part -Miss Hall's Mandoline Band-Miss Pearson, Miss Dodd ami Mrs. Beckett, and S.

Dmicl, A. Dmid.Paul Vlai-ine. and K. Ilutrhes. An aniHsmir Item, v.

Ker, M. Eeade, and Lang, and Messrs. .1. must, buku anil iiugues. Keiresh-nisnts were serv ed during the evening.

LECTURES ON CHURCH HISTORY. There wp.s a larye attendance chiefly of laches at the Royal Institution, Colquitt-street, yesterday afte' iioon when the Rev. W. E. Collins, M.A., Cantab, Pnifesorof Ecclesiastical History, King's College, lndnn delivered His first of a series of lectures on 'Church History." -Principal Kendall, of University College who occupied the chair, said that his sympathies were entirely with such a coarse as this, and he hoped th-t it was but the precursor of others of a similar or cognate kind.

There was no subject more fascinatip" than that of Church history. On the persornl ik niu oi coiour ami more romantic tnan tiny which took us back into our national re-ords in regard to ways of thought iind ways 0f iifc. Church history was equally fascinating iu its aspects as regarded the foundations of tha areat monu- siue ion also its influence- upon our lives. Above all, there wis the direct and personal side in the fnct that we- wVre as bnrchmen trustees cf a great, inheritance. (Applaiie -Prior to proceeding with his lecture, whose snbiej as Tho Early British Church," and whicl as of the most, lucid and informing eharacte-r-ofessor Collins, who was warmly received lat he hail had no hesitation in accepting' ivitation to come to Livernool tn a ureal- innentanee.

m. iuuu intorming character. Professor Collins, who was warmly received srid that he hail had no hesitation in accepting' kn uj.unuon io come 10 jjver)mrii to assist at this in- auguration of a movement of this kind. It may be auded that the financial proceeds of the oonrie -ire- to i fuml of the Church of England vw.v-u ujju eacners ana this extract, from a circular of the committee will be readily r'enised i "Special attention is directed to the central classes 'in Liverpool for the instruction of pupil teachers in Church day schools, as now recormisea bv th- Education Department. Inaugurated some vpar's by th" lute Canon M'Xuile, and reconstructed 'in 1834 these classes have been doing an excellent work amongst a hup number of pupil teachers gathered from Church schools in Liverpool and its vicinity.

Most encouraging testimony has' bcr-n borne to the nnuien.se value of these classes bv 11 inspector, by the clergy and head teachers "of the schools represented, as well as bv the students themselves; and the Diocesan Board of Education evinced its warm approval of this work last year bv a grant vi aid A idrer income is urgently needed and we earnestly appeal to all Cimrehraon to become annual subscriber's to a scheme which aims at raising to the highest possible standard the instruction given to teachers in our Church schools, both in theological anil secular subjects." The subject of the lecture this afternoon will be "The Coining of Augustine," and that of tomorrow afternoon Celtic and English Christianity." Last evening Professor Collins lectured also in" the Royal Institution, before "a crowded audience, on The Continuity of the Church of The chair was occupied by the Rev. Moiley Stevenson, oriucipal of Warrington Training College. DEATH' OF THE REV IV. T. EAECLIFFE.

The death is announced at Altrmgham of the Hev. W. T. Radcliffc, Wesleyo-rt minister, at- the age of 81 years. The deceased minister became a supernumerary' some years ago, after having travelled in many of the most important circuits in Methodism, including Liverpool (Brunswick), London.

Manchester, Mr. Rud-cliffe enjoyed a high reputation as a preacher, and was beloved by ministers and laymen throughout the Methodist coaimuniou. He was 'a native of Do'uglaB, end is the author of a ibistor? of the Itlo oi Man, NUGGETS," WHOLESALE STORES 7. mwt LOCAL JN IS Tub Assize Judges at the Opera. Among the audience at the Royal Court Theatre last night to witness Wagner's superb cpsra "TheMeister-sincers were Mr.

Justice Collins and Mr. Justice Kennedy, her Majesty's judges sitting at the present assize. Their lordships, who occupied a private box. seemed to be highly gratified by the performance, LivEr.rooL Catholic Literary Society. The eleventh ordinary meeting of the seventh session of this society was held last evening in the Roval Institution.

Colquitt-street, Mr. J. Sparrow, B.A., LL.D., being in the chair, when the Rev. J. A.

Wilson, D.D., O.S.B., delivered an interesting address, of which the subject was 'The Hebrew Poets." Officers for the eighth session were appointed as follow President, the Pev. Dr. Wilson; vice-president, Mr. A. Watts, M.A.

honorary treasurer, Mr. J. Lightbound honorary secretary, Mr. W. P.

Whitty, B.A. and members of the council, the Very Rev. the Cross, ojien's Industrial Council. A lecture entitled "Does Trade Unionism Benefi Women was delivered by Miss Shilston, in the offices of the Women's Industrial Council. Miss Dismore, who presided, referred to some of the restrictions placed upon women's labour bv recent factory legislation, and spoke of the advantages of the existence of such a body as the council to inquire into the conditions of women's work.

The lecturer gave a short account of trades unionism and its beneficial effects in the country, and referring to the immense educational value of trade unionism she urged her hearers to encourage the formation of unions among all classes of women workers. Being an educational movement she said it was slow, and she explained some of the difficulties it had to encounter, but she felt that many of the unsatisfactory conditions under which women now worked could only be removed by union and co-operation among the workers themselves. An interesting discussion followed, in which Miss Biggs, Mrs. Bushby, Mrs. Wade, and others tool; part.

Birkenheat Literary and Society. A meeting of the Birkenhead Literary and Scientiric.Sooiety was held on Monday evoning in the Music Hall, Claughton-road, Mr. C. T. Gos-tenhoi'er presiding.

A pipor was read, by Mr. George H. Cox on the Trade and Port of Liverpool," a surrmary of which -has already appeared in our columns. Mr. Cox pointed out thrt serious effect which tho opcring of Uie Manchester Ship Canal and the efforts of competing ports had already had on tho tr.ide of" Liverpool.

Mr. Danson, in moving a vote of thanks to the reader, said he did not rhare all the pessimistic views of Mr. Cox. No doubt trade had declined in many ways during the past 50 years but, on the other hand, they must remember there had been tin enormous development, in other directions. For connuuance 01 their prosperity he thought thoy At present I hey could bring goods from the At-lant-io seaboard or the States at about the Kime cost 7n.

or 8c a ton as it took to carry the same goods from Liverpool to Manchester. Air Wetherell seconded, the resolution, which was carried. "Ruskin on Education. "-At a meeting of the City Literary Club, held on Monday evening-, in the Common Hall, Hackin's-hey (Miss illiams in the chair), a paper was read by Miss Conway ou "Ruskin on Fducation." She stated that Ruskin, in his treatment of educational questions, was somewhat of an idealist, and that he dealt rather with the principles and philosophy of true education than with methods and practice. He considered that the present system of education was poisoned at its source owing to its being undertaken for social advantage or social ornament.

In Ruskin's view education should be regulated by natural endowment children should be treated according to their constitution aud capabilities. Thoir education should also have a distinctly moral aim, ana not be confined to the mere attainment of knowledge, but rather to the development of their best instincts. To this end great attention should be paid to the inculcation of obedience, cleanliness, kindness to animals, truthfulness, honesty, and love of useful work, and 1 ess ntfpn- tiou devoted to instruction in grammar and the three R's. He also insisted on the educational importance of natural science and history, and of bringing children into contact with the beauties of nature, and in general pleafled for an education that should make people happier and more fit for complete and noblo living. A discussion followed.

Lecture by Mr. Max Mcspbatt. Under the auspices of the Fast Toxteth Libera Association, Mr. Max Muspratt ou Monday evening delivered a lecture on the subject of" Representative Government to a gathering of ladies at the L-iuDrooms, Uranby-street. S.

K. Muspratt presided, aud in opening the proceedings, referring to the Cretan trouble, said that it appeared that the first shots from the Concert of Europe had been fired against the poor Cretans, and they all felt indignant that such a thing had occurred. She proceeded to express the greatest indignation at the manner which matters had been carried out. As a woman's Liberal Association, they must express their disgust that England should have joined to crush th-3 poor Cretan people. Mr.

Muspratt, in the course of hie lecture, gave a sketch of the rise of representative governments, and the great Franchise Bills, and pointed out that the will of the people triumphed whenever they insisted upon their rights. He quite agreed with Mr. Gladstone when he said that the franchise of respectable citizens was an additional strength to the State. (Hear, hear.) He expressed himself in favour of woman's franchise, and said that the large amount of opposition to it was due to the action of the Primrose League, the object of which was to throw dust in the eyes of the electors. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, he said he was entirely in sympathy with the expressions of condemnation uttered in regard to the action of England in connection with the Cretan question.

Hear, hear.) Votes of thanks to the lecturer and the occupier of the chair concluded the proceedings. Liverpool Rjflb Clue. The annual general meeting of the members of the Liverpool Ritie Club was held on Monday in the Clarendon Rooms, South John street. Major G. A.

Wilson, 2nd V.B.K.L.R., presiding. There were also present Lieut. E. L. Fletcher, 2nd V.B.K.L.R.: Colour-Sergeant R.

L. Keating, 1st V.B.K.L.R.; Sergeant T. T. Marsden, 3rd V.B.K.L.R.; C. W.

Sheppard, 1st V.B.C.R. Private P. H. Dodd, 2nd V.B.K.L.R. Staff-Sergeant Wattle-worth.

2nd V.B.K.L.R. Private Sprigings, 1st V.B.K.L.R.; and W. D. Shimmin, 2nd V.B.K.L.R. (secretary).

The report stated that the shooting during the season had been conducted sutcjssfully, and the scoring would compare favourably with that of the previous year. The fact that the long range shootins was "reduced to was 80, as against 72 the previous year. The accounts showed that the receipts amounted to 64 2s. and the expenditure to 60 17s. leaving a balance of 3 5s, 2d.

in the bank. On the motion of the chairman, the report and statement of accounts were adopted. Colonel W. Maefie, V.D., 3rd V.B.K.L.R., was re-appointed president; Major G. A.

Wilson, 2nd V.B.K.L.R was elected executive officer; Lieutenant E. L. Fletcher. 2nd V.B.K.L.R., honorary treasurer-Colour-Sergeant W.D. Shimmin, 2ndV.B.K.L secretary Stalf-Sergt.

M'Cav, 2nd V.B.K.L.R. and Private Sprigings, 1st V.B.K.L.R,, auditors': and Corporal D. Martin, 2nd V.B.K.L.R., was appointed an elective member in place of Armour-Sergeant J. M'Donnell. Freemasonry in West Lancashire.

The Liverpool Dramatic Lodge, No. 1609, which this year attains its majority, having been consecrated in 1876, lias been justly recognised as the premier Masonio body in the Province of West Lancashire in respect to the number of brethren connected with the musical, dramatic, medical, and literary professions, and tho usual monthly mooting yesterday afternoon at the Masonic Hall Hope-street, was in a very large degree the most interesting and attractive which has been held for a considerable period. There was a total attendanco of about- ISO brethren, comprising tho loading members of the lodge, 14 Prov. Grand Officers, and 30 W.M.'s. P.M.'s, and officers from other lodges.

The occasion was also rendered specially notable by the fact that four members of tho Royal Carl. Rosa Opera Conip-ny were recipients of Masonic honours, and that 'there was an attendance of several members of tho celebrated company, who are cocnocted with the Masonic fraternity. The chair of honour was occupied by W. Bro. Harris Fineberg.

W.M. who was supported by a lull complement, of cfacers. The ceremonial work was admirably performed by the chief, and by Bro Round, P.M., P.G.S., and other principals of the Dramatic. Banquet served after business, and the course of the evening a choice musical programme was given bv Bros. Eaton Batty, Nelson Jackscn, Frank A.

Wood Paull, L. Prmgle, A. S. Winck worth, G. Holli- allet, Bert Gilbert, and the Dramatic Quartette.

The "Masonic Overture," by Bro H. Found, played by a full orchestra, of Masonic brethren, elicited great enthusiasm, A Striking Scene on the Mersey. A lar-e proportion of our art lithography, if not made Germany, is generally limited to three or four big firms this country, and there is no doubt the art has made considerable progress in recent years, till its products have all the delicacy and finish of watercolours. That, given a fair chance Liverpool is nob a whit behind other places is evidenced by the picture just produced by Messrs. Turner and Dunnett, fitly representing the improvement made at this port in this Jubilel l.u convemenco and requirements of modern ocean travel.

From reading advertisements and circulars of competing ports, it would appear ns if tne obsolete use of a tender to em bant and disembark passengers in Liverpool, and tho necessity of cabs and porters in conveying passengers to the railway stations, were' still thl order of the day, instead of having been swent away completely for the past 18 months The production above referred to, however, gives the answer to this misrepresentation by showing tha Lucama, the largest and fastest ocean steamer yet built, lying comfortably berthed alongside the Liverpool Landing-stage at almost dead low water, with the customary busy scene that accompanies the departure of our great liners eyen to ihc detail of tho Lord Bishop, who "has always taken such a lively interest in the Transatlantic passenger business. The picture further exhibits the great expanse of our Landing-stage, th3 commodious Customs buildings and the bridges connecting them with the Riverside Railway tetation, the whole forming a beautiful picture, arid exhibiting the extent of progress at-tamed marine architecture, and the facilities for landing and embarking passengers second to tained from Messrs. Heazell and Co of 41 Castle-street, and Mr. Thomas Newton of 13L in vUj yA uu.v jj.iri 01 tee world, it can be ob- OUVLM to' Mr. William Cross, the well-known local naturalist.

Found Drowned. The dead body of a man, which has been identified as that of Robert Barnes, of Combermere-street, was found floating in the Harrington Dock yesterday, and taken to the Prince's Mortuary to await an inquest. The Cost of the City Extension. The Local Government Board have sanctioned the borrowing by the City Council of 4337 for defraying the costs incurred in respect of the Provisional Order for the extension of the city. weekly meeting of the Wallasey and District Shorthand Writers' Association, held at tt6 Schoolrooms, Egremont, on aI1 interesting paper, entitled Shakespenan Humour," was read by Mr.

J. M. Heaney. Society of Devonians in Liverpool. A meeting of this association will be held this evening at the Royal Institution, Colquitt-street, when Captain A.

Y. Jeffery, M.R. Met. will lecture (illustrated by limelight) on The Principles of Swimming and Life Saving." Chancery of Lancashire. At the sittings before the Vice-Chaiicelior, St.

Georee's Hall, Liverpool, to-day, the following cases are in the list Actions for trial with witnesses: Avon Steamship Company, Limited, v. Hughss, part heard; Thomas v. Griffith, without pleadings Griffith v. Griffith, without pleadings. City Rate and the School Board Precept.

The town-clerk submitted the precept from the Liverpool School Board for 112,000 to the Finance Committee, and it was resolved to recommend the Council to levy a rate in pursuance of the Llernentary Education Acts and the Municipal Corporations Act in order to raise the amount, and the sum of 18,624 3s. 3d. reauired for City Fund purposes. Sale of Liquor to Children. In our issue of Saturday last a report of a resolution, in reference to the action of the Birkenhead justice? to the serving of intoxicants to children bv licensed victuallers, was incorrectly given.

The fpJlowinE is the resolution that was passed: That in the opinion of this meeting of borough justices, children apparently under 13 years of age should not be served with intoxicants upon any licensed premises, whether for consumption on or off the premises, and that a deputation of justices be appointed to wait upon the Watch Committee with reference hereto." Mrs. Bandmann-Palmer at the Shakespeare Theatre. The favourable impression long entertained this city of Mrs. Bandmann-Palmer's histrionic abilities is being heightened as the result of ber appearances at the Shakespeare Theatre tnis week. Last evenine she susf.ainnH the parts of Lady Isabel Carljle and Madame Vine in her own special adaptation of "East Lynne," doing so with cultured grace.

There was again a large audience, and the evidences of appreciation were convincing. This evening the clever tragedienne will appear in the role of Hamlet. Birkenhead Guardians. The fortnightly meeting of the Birkenhead Board of Guardians was held yesterday, at the Union-offices, Hampton-street. Mr.

Joseph Brattan presided, and there were -present Mrs. Abraham, Mrs. Bowen, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Mossop, the Rev.

J. Davies, Dr. J. T. Martin, Messrs.

Thomas Shaw, J. Woodcock, W. Mersey Jones, Getley. J. Evans, G.

Edwards, E. Denman, J. Prendiville.P. M'Mahon, J. B.

Jones, W. Wright, and R. Bell. The workhouse master (Mr. Edwin Taylor) reported that there were 685 inmates on the 8th March admitted during the fortnight, 72; born, discharged, 65 died, 7 remaining in the house on the 22nd instant 685, as against 604 at the corresponding date last year.

Birkdale New Rate. Tha Birkdale Urban District Council rate for the ensuing year will again be 2s. 9d. in the pound. Alleged Attesipted Fraud at Socthtort.

Yesterday, the Southport magistrates remanded until Monday next a middle-aged woman, named Annie Duckworth, of Pine-grove, Southport, on a charge of attempting to obtain money by false pretences. The evidence tendered showed that for years she had been collecting subscriptions professedly for a girls' home at Freshfield. On being arrested she seized a knife, and attempted to cut her wrist. A Bookmaker and his Agent. At the Orms-kirk County Court, yesterday, before his Honour Judge Collier, Mr.

R. R. Glover appeared for Thomas Culshaw, collier, Skelmersdale, who sued Thomas Craig, of Wigan, for 6 alleged to bo duo to him as wages. Mr. S.

Bnghouse defended. Mr. Glover said that the defendant, in addition to his ordinary business, acted as a betting commission agent, or bookmaker, and he had employed the plaintiff as the local agent for Skelmersdale. His Honour found for the defendant with costs. Fatal Accident at St.

Helens. John Rennie, 61 yeare of age, an engine driver, of Ellamsbridge-road, Sutton, St. Helens, died in the St. Helens Hospital yesterday from the effects of injuries received by falling downstairs a few weeks ago. Since his removal to the hospital Rennie been under the care of Dr.

Bates, of St. Helens, and Dr. Larkin, of Liverpool. The Society op Friends and St Helens Public Houses. The Society of Friends meeting at St.

Helens have decided to give up a number of public houses on their land in that borough as the leases expire. It is understood that they own about 30 of such houses, and two of them will be given up during the present year. The lease in of tho Volunteer Inn, Bridge-street, expires on the 29th May next, and that of the Plough Inn, Duke-street, on the 6th November; and it is officially stated that the houses will be sold as unlicensed premises. The Charity Commissioners, however, have demanded that their full value as licensei houses should be paid to them for investment in other property, and certain memberB of the Society of Friends who havo agitated for the abolition of the licenses have undertaken to pay the difference between the respective values as licensed and unlicensd houses Mr. Henry Yates-Thompson and the Crewe Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Henrv Yates-Thomp-son, who gave 1000 towards the building of Crewe Memorial Hospital, and furnished one of the wards, has now ottered to give 500 towards an endowment fund if Crewe will raise 1500, or, if Crewe will raise the present endowment from 2500 to 10,000, Mr. Thompson has offered 1000 towards it. The Medical Officership op Crewe, At a meeting of the health committee- of the Crewe Town Council, yesterday, it was resolved to appoint Dt. Meredith Young, of Brighouse, Yorkshire, medical officer for the borough of Crewe, to give his whole time to the duties of the office.

The salary is 300 a year. Dr. Herbert Jones the present medical officer for Crewe, has received the appointment of medical officer for the Rhondda Valley district. There were 23 applicants for the Crewe vacancy. New Organist for St.

Asaph Cathedral. Last evening the dean and chapter of St. Asaph's conferred the appointment of organist and choirmaster of the cathedral upon Mr. Hugh Percy Allen, B.A., of Christ'3 College, Mr. Allen, who holds a distinguished position hia university, is a Bachelor of Music, and qualified by examination for the degree of Doctor of Music.

Ho is also a Fellow of tho Royal College of Organists. There were over 200 applicants for the position. ACTION FOR SLANDER. In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice yesterday, the case of Jenks v. Cox, which came before Mr.

Justice Lawrance and a common jury, was an action to recover damages for alleged slander. The plaintiff, Henry Jenks, resides at Ruabon, Denbighshire, and is interested not only in coal mines but in various breweries, and is director of a brewery in North Vvales, of the Birmingham House Brewery, Birmingham, and others. The defendant, Thomas Cox, who is a brewery valuer, denied that ha had ever spoken or published anv slander about ihi nlniTittfT fr Tlnrl TC Mr. Witt, O.C.. and Mr.

Pnle.v fnr A- fendant. Mr Dodd said the slander which the defendant was accused of -uttering was a very serious jne, iia-mely, that plaintiff had committed perjury. It arose in this way. Jenks had employed Cox to make brewery valuations for him, and a dispute having arisen as to the amount in which Jenks was indebted to Cox, the latter sued Jenks to recover the sum which he said was due to him, and it was during the progress of the action that Cox made the statement complained of. It was this Jenks has sworn a false affidavit my action against' him and I am going to make him smart for if." 'This was said on the 22nd May to a co-director of Jonks some of his brewery undertakings.

It impressed him very much, and, as Cox repeated the statement at a later interview, in the presence of a solicitor named Hammond, Mr. Pugh communicated the statement to Jenks, who instructed his solicitor to demand a withdrawal and apo.ogy but the defendant declined either to withdraw or apologise, and hence plaintiff was forced to bring this action, not for the purpose of putting money into his pocket the way of damages, but to clear his character. The only defence was that tho defendant had never uttered the words complained of. There was no attempt to show that they were true, and, indeed, thev could not be true, as it was a curious fact that no affidavit or any sort was sworn in the action brought by Cox against the present plaintiff Tnomas Owen Fugh was called to confirm counsel's statement. uuiw Mr.

Witt said tha action was the most absurd "0 ijuu ever come across, and it was hard to understand why it w-is hrnno-ht without bpmor KcKtj ij scenes, but he thought he oould throw some light upon iv. T'his elsh miner, the riaintiff. 1,., how taker, a craze for promoting brewery com-Tinnies. and he emnlnvpd 1id valuer. There was a dispute as to a sum of 76 odd.

which wns nhnro-prl Iiu 1-. i i- jr- 0 i ueieuuant to I i ii "one, and he was compelled to sue to recover the monev as Dlaintiff would not Dav. Tha it- present plaintiff to that action, in which he was defendant, was that he did not owe the money but that it he did Cox had undertaken to let him off if he obtained for Cox the valuation of a certain brewery, and this he had done, Cox's "I i is "i neen paid. As a fact, however, he had not been paid at the time, and he succeeded in getting judgment against Jenks for 70 and 29 costs, and it was this which he (Mr. Witt) suggested vexed the plaintiff, and induced him to bring this absurd action.

The defendant having denied the utterance of the words, the jirry stopped the case, givng a verdict for the defendant, for whom judgment was entered with costs. Pam from indigestion, dyspepsia, and too hearty eating is relieved at oneo by taking one of Carter's i ii after each meal. Is. lid. BUT BE SURE THEY ate CARTER'S.

mwf22mh26x ANOTHER COUNT OUT. Only forma! business vras transacted in the House of Lords yesferday. Iu the House of Commons Mr. Curzon, in reply to questions about Cretan affairs, stated that her Majesty's Government had not received any proposals in the nature of a compromise addressed by Greece to the Powers beyond that contained in the Supplementary Note of March 13- Also that Turkey does not take part in the blockade and, further, that they were not aware that Turkey and Greece have been desirous of entering into direct negotiations for the settlement of the Cretan question, or of objection being raised by any of the Great Powers. Mr.

Balfour informed Mr. Herbert Roberts that he expected to be able to introduce the Bill dealing with necessitous school boards before Easter. Sir Howard Vincent called attention to an alleged advantage given in the conveyance of parcels to the United States in connection with the American Line, but Mr. Hanbury, on behalf of the Postmaster-General denied that any such advantage existed. Some time was spent in discussing a morion bv Mr.

Round in favour of relief beinc fivpn in turn of clerical incomes, aud a motion by Mr. Lough, relating to London taxation, was also disposed of. When Mr. E. Lawrence rose to move that, in the interests of trade and communication by sea between pla-ces on the coasts of England and Wales, and with a view to ihe protection and development of sen fisheries the safety of the persons enaaced in them it- is desirable that a Departmental Committee he appointed to inquire in what- way.

and whit extent, the existing provision of piers and I i---bours on those coasts should be imnrovei the House counted out. and adjourned at. 25 minutes pust seven o'clock. 1 HOUSE OF LORDS The Chancellor took his seat on ooisat-K at. a quarter-pa-at four oViori: the OUSinPSS trnne-mfn, House rose at 2o minutes to five o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS. The Speaker took ihe chair at three o'clock. LOCAL BILLS. Mr. Ritol.ie brought in Bills to confirm electric lighting provisional orders made- bv the Board of Trade relating, amongst other placs.

to Garston, Hoylake. West Kirov. Darwcn, ar.d THE RELIGIOUS IN MADAGASCAR. Mr. SMITH asked whether the attention of the Under-Secretary ior Foreign Affairs had been called to the increasing persecution of th-native Protcste-nts in Madagascar at the instant" of French Jesuits: whether churches rchoois-built by Protestants had iorcibiv taken from them and given to Roman Catholics': whether the Queen had recently been deported from Madagascar to the Isle of Bourbon because she would not abjure the Protestant faith and whether those arts wore in contravention of the solemn assurances given to this tho timo the French occupation took Mr.

DAYITT asked whether the alleged persecution might not be due to the recent' war in the island, and not to a spirit of rolighnis. animosity. (Irish chpers.) Mr. CURZON. No doubt it might be tn some, extent excited by the war, but I should think the war is at a sufficiently remote date to have allowed these feelings to'subridL.

Tii attention of her Majesty's Government has been called to the complaints made by the in Madagascar, though we have- at pres. received no official confirmation of the stati ment contained in the part of the question. The entire subject, which is one of importance, is engaging the attention of her Majesty's Government, and we have addressed representations to the French Government on the matter. (Hear, hoar.) The grounds upon which the- Quean has been deponed from Madagascar have not, boon reported to us, and if I may judge from the recent debato in the French Senate, are not as yet known in France. THE CARRIAGE OF PARCELS TO AMERICA.

Sir HOWARD VINCENT asked if the Postmaster-General was aware that the London and Sct-th-wcsteni Railway were endeavouring to divert- trade from British steamship lines to the American flag by advert isinsr at evoi-v station that the American. Government parcels from this country to America at pre- I fcreutial rates if under the American flag: and whether, having regard to the deprest-. i-mdition l.j of the national shipping industry, the Govern- ment would give like advantages to the Union I Jack over the Stars ar.d Stripes. I Mr. i'limt-ster-Goneral 'J.

is not aware of any cdwrtiWinems of the London end Railway that tho Arr.c-nc-ni carries parcels from this couniry to America at prefernmisl rates, or otherwise. Such a statement would be untrue, as neither the American other department of the American G.vcmnent maintains any service for the conveyance cf parcels to and from this country. It is undomood that facilities for Customs clearance- an- given at New York in regard to particular kinds of parcels carried by the subtidised stcrmirrs oi the American Line. This is clearly a matter out.side our control. The procedure in regard to Customs clearance cm this side is already so simple that it is difficult to see how Her Government could afford a corresponding: preference to parcels carried in British vessels, even if it were our policy to differentiate in tho manner stated.

Sir HOWARD VINCENT. Can my right honourable friend say that the American Government affords no facilities for the desnatch of parcels under the American flag? Mr. HANBURY. Not for carriage only for clearance from Customs on the other side. RENT REDUCTIONS IN" IRELAND.

Sir J. COLOMB asked whether the attention of the Irish Chief Secretary had been drawn to tho reductions of rents fixed by the Land Commission in tho second statutory term as shown by the latest return whether in every case the court had explained the principles on which such reductions were made whether the rents so fixed had any, and if so, what, proportion to the marketable value; and whether it would be possible to furnish a return of the prices paid for the tenants' interest in holdings with reference to which fair rents had been fixed. Mr. G. BALFOUR said that since the Land Law (Ireland) Act (1836) the court, when fixing the fair rent of the holding, recorded in the form of a schedule the particulars relative to the holding mentioned in the first section of that Act, and which had been taken into consideration in fixing the fair rent.

This provision of the Act had been complied with by the sub-commissions, and. it- was believed, by the county courts, in all cases since heard, as well as by "the Land nil cases heard by them since the decision of the Court of Appeal in Cope v. wa3 communicated to tiiem. No statutnrj-riuiv was cast upon the courts of explaining anv principles beyond such as were apparr-nt from the partioulars recorded in the nor were the Land Commissioners aware whether any of the courts had or bad not given anv sue-h explanation in any particular cases. If the expression marketable value used by the honoti'--abie and gallant member was equivalent in competition value," it was not possible to 'av down any proportion rule which would be a-ipiio-aine.

It would be impossible to furnish a return ol the prices paid for the tenants' interest in holdings with reference to which fair rents had been fixed, owing to the absence in the majority o. cases oi any evidence that the tenant's int, re-'; in tho holding had boon sold. However, under die form of the schedule now in use. if it appeared that tho tenancv had been purchased since the passing of the Landlord and 'J (Ireland, Act 11870). the da to of the and me amount oi the purchase were now recorded.

JUBILEE PROCESSION IX WXSDOX. THE THREATENED EVICTIONS. Sir .1. RUNNER osked if the Home T'K-'r attention nt had had thc-ir atrc-ntio-ce-rtain landlord An -h(. Sw taklnS tr.c -vie wiih the ir houses for larrre siims mi whether tnc Horse Secretary proposed to take action in the matter.

Mr. DARLING inquired whether the Home Secretary or the Government couid in anv w.av divert the route so as to fi-us-rrate any scheme of this kind that misrht be resolved upon. i The HOME SECRETARY, replying io Sir John Brunner. sain be had no particular in- formation on the subje-ct beyond the- conununi- cation the honourable member was good to make- to him. He bad noticed tin rr.mours which had heen reported in tne newspapers tl" 1 Sir John Brunr.er in i subsidiary question) if he were to indicate to any London magistrate the- course- he should take upon anv Ir-sai oro- codings being instituted.

As to Mr. Dariinjr's i question, his office had no power whatever to settle what route her Majesty might p-ensr-d to take- in making procession thro iig.i CRETAN AFFAIRS. Sir C- I)ILKE Secretary for nn-cAm 4ffni-s wJeihr it was the ease, as stated in the declaration read by M. HauorauN the tribune of the French Corps Lcgislatif. that Greece addressed to tho Powers several proposals of compromise, including one for the administration of Crete under tho suzerainty of the Porte.

Mr. Her Majesty's Government are not aware of any proposals in the nature of a compromise having Been addressed by Greece to the Powers beyond that contained in the Supplementary Note of March 10, which ha already been laid before Parliament, Sir C. DILKE. Has the right honourable gentleman looked at the words employed by M. Mr.

CURZON. I have. The French Minister for Foreign Affairs stated tliat communications had been made to liim. I assume those communi cations were made by the Greek Minister in Paris. What I wish to say is that wo have not i received them here.

Foreign Affairs whether Turkey is to be allowed to take part ia the- bjtwkadfj of, Crete, ami would. 1 to as do not of the are of cf the tho no: in th. be J. 1. an io 25 Tho The IV.

J. THE WALLASEY GALA. TO TBB BDITOHS OF THE LIVERPOOL ISEHCniiT. Gentlemen, As the day of election of the district council is approaching, I beg to bo allowed to protest against the practice of closing Discard Park to the public every Whit Monday (Bank Holiday), one of the few days in the year when tho majority of its supporters are at liberty to enjoy it. Of the numerous wealth and influential members of the committee, surely one would be willing to grant the use of his own land for the purpose of holding this annual gala? MECHANIC.

OLD MAGAZINESFOR FISHERMEN TO THE EDITORS OF THE LIVERPOOL ilEBCXRT. Gentlemen. For some years past we have been the medium for the distribution of a large supply of literature to tho fishermen who at this season leave the Manx ports for the Irish This has been so largely appreciated that we arc this year anxious to extend the effort, so as to be able to provide a larger number of boats vrith an increased supply. Wo have hitherto been able to locally obtain sufficient matter, but our friends' stores are becoming exhausted, and we are now compelled to make tins tnrthcr appeal. Books, magazines, pamphlets, religious, social, and illustrated pnpers are greatly in demand.

Parcels addressed to us. sent to Mesrrs. Orford and Son, 22, Wator-street, Liverpool, will be forwarded, by tho kindness of the Isle of Man Company, free of charge. JOHN KERRUTSH AND SON. 21, Athol-street, Douglas.

OUR GREATEST NEED. TO THE EDITORS OF THE LIVF.ltrOOL UEHCTEY. Gentlemen, May I suggest that ia discussing plans fur the suitable celebration of the 60th year of a woman's reign, it would have been an act of courtesy if the Lord Mayor had kindly permitted women to act as members of the committee as well as men? The Lord Mayor expressed himself as being particularly anxious that me committee snouia Oe thoroughly representative of every class of our people." But it can scarcely be this if it is confined to ono sex only, there is still time to include women if tlie committee should think fit. D. J.

MYDDELTON WORRALL. March 23, 1897. TO THE EDITORS OK 1TIE LIVERPOOL MERCXHT. Gentlemen. Tho slightest knowledge of the difficulty of finding a central hall, at- a reasonable rental, which could be used by our various trades and other societies as a liberty hall, would convince at onee that its absence is our greatest need.

I havo b-n bold enough to suggest- opportune sites during the last ten years to various men of leading, and offered to do any work, or assist in it. that might be requisite to organise such an undertaking. If it did nothing else, it would afford us an opportunity of seeing if our iucai iraaes societies dealt in anything but pretty prattle when given a-chance. H. M.

Liverpool, March 22, 1837. SIR JOHN G0RST AND THE NEW ASSOCIATIONS. TO THE EDITORS OF THE LIVERPOOL JIV-EC'CRT. Gentlemen, Sir J. Gorst having directed attention by his presence at a prize distribution to the National ttichool at Girton, Cambridge, per mit- me to acid a tew particulars.

This school of comparatively recent build is under the shadow, as it were, of the Women TTniversit whose professors and graduates are sending out new life and light into the world; but no graduate that is not a Churchwoman would have the slightest chance of teaching in this school. It is endowed with 30 a year, and will hold 137. It is only about two-thirds full, thoush free. Its average attendance is 91, and has increased by three in seven years. The parliamentary grant is only ill, or 10s.

a head one of the lowest items of that kind in the university county. The fee grant and the 5s. grant "--iil together raise the amount to 175, or close on 40s. Sir J. Gorst talks of the new associations, and the stimulus they will give to education." Now, I note that their deliberations are to bo private.

A motion or amendment to allow importers to be present was rejected, and had to be withdrawn. Imagine such an association in Liverpool met to recommend how the sum of 15,000 of public money is, all at once, to be given to schools, some of which, like nine at Everton, could only show an average subscription of lljd. per head, while St. Augustine's gave over and many 10s. Mr.

Balfour, in his speech of 1st February, spoke of the evils of isolation of individual managers from public opinion, and yet he thus shuts out public opinion from associations. Trades unions, in their deliberations, occasionally shut out the press. This educational association is permitted by the new Bill to do so at its pleasure. A PRACTICAL EDUCATOR. 22nd March, 1SS7.

LADIES' HATS AT THE OPERA. TO THE EDITORS OF THE LIVERPOOL MERCURY. Gentlemen, I was recently with my wife at on? of the convenient morning performances at the Court Theatre. Tiio music and singing deserved high praise, and what little I could see of the acting was all that could be desired but a lady in front of me, with a target hat bedecked with ribbons and flowers on the top. and with a thick spotted veil reaching like a ship's shrouds down on each side, effectually blocked out my view of the acting for most of the afternoon.

An object like this immediately .1. -1 1.. 1 3 ir. iront oi one in tne eiuei -vs iuwb or tup cfll if Wn h.UiA is like holding a penny superstructure on iadn te enough to obstruct all I itsen, out it xs vXJan Metals. J.

steady, points up, 13-40. Iron easy, unchanged, 11 "75. Cooper easier, unchanged, 111 nominal. Steel rails, 20. FnKtGHTs.

Liverpool. London. Grain 2vi 3d. Cotton 3-52d Petroleum. 2s.

6d. to 3s. MtSfKLLANKOUs. Turpentine, 29j Savannah, 26i. Floub has had a steadier tone, unchanged.

CHICAGO. Tuesday. Wheat opened weak at io. loss for May. The market was afterwards controlled by the same causes that affected New York wheat, and finally left oil firm, at e.

to 1-c improvement. Receipts Western, 215.000 bushels last year, 440,000: this season, last season, 153,844,000. Mar. May. July.

Sept. To-dav 72i 73i 72i 691 Prev. day 71g 72g- 71 68 Corn opened steady at former currencies. A generally firm tone prevailed owing to large seaboard clearances, and the market closed steady at gc to ic. rise.

Receipts: Western, 305.000 bushels; last year, 426.000: this season, last season, 76,170,000. March. Mav. July. Sept.

To-day 23 24 2o 265 Prev. day 23 24 4 25 2C LauI) opened weak, and declined for a in unison with a weak hog market, but subsequently, ou meeting with good support, rallied, and closed steady, unchanged to 2ie. up. Mar. May.

July. Sept. To-day 412 Prev. day 410 4'20 4 -40 Rius, after some early weakness, moved up in sympathy with kindred products, then again declined on local operators selling. The closing, however, was steady, 2ic to 5e.

down. Mar. May. Julv. To-dav 4'65 4'65 4-70 Prev.

day 470 4'70 4'72j Pork opened weak and lower, owing to a break in the hog market, but later buyers became prominent, and the market consequently recovered, and closed steady, unchanged to 2 points higher. Alar. iViay. Julv. To-day Prev.

day Bacon steady sides, cheaper. Light, 4'00; Western, last 8-65 8'75 8-85 8-62A 8-72i 885 4'75. Hogs are 5 points heavy, 3'95. Receipts: year, Onicago, 11,000 last year, 13,000. THE KEMPSHALL PETITION.

The petition praying ior the commutation of the death sentence passed on Miss Ivempshall, which lies at Mr. Quilliam's office, in Manchester, street, was again largely signed yesterday, Mr. Robert yuiiliLun and Mr. George Evans, who have charge of tho petition, together with threo other of Mr. Quilliam's clerks, being busily on-gaged in attending to those who visited the office for that purpose.

Altogether some thousand or more signatures were added during the day, bringing tho total signatories up to between two and throe thousand, whilst large numbers of letters were received from various parts of tho country asking for signature sheets to bo forwarded to the writers. In some of these com-mmnoations received from London great sympathy was expressed with the condemned woman, and hope was also expressed that the petition might be successful. A MISSING BIRKENHEAD OFFICIAL. A meeting of the Birkenhead Income Tax authorities was held on Monday evening, and we are officially informed that the appointment of Mr. Walter Wardell as collector of income tax for the townships of Oxton and Noetorum was revoked.

Mr. Warden's accounts were audited on Thursday last, but as he was not present the audit was adjourned to allow him an opportunity of being present. Ou Thursday afternoon he paid in a considerable sum of money, but at the adjourned audit on Friday he was again absent, and an examination of his accounts showed that about 300 had been collected and not accounted for. This amount, however, is covered by Mr. Wardell's guarantee On Friday the furniture was removed from Mr.

Wardell's residence, and since that day his whereabouts has not been traced. Mr. Wardell also held the office of assistant overseer for Oxton. He was also well-known in Hoylake and West Kirby, having at one time been chairman of the district council. THE LICENSING THE TLED-HOUSE SYSTEM.

Tho Royal Commission on licensing sat again yesterday ab the House of Lords, Viscount Peel presiding. Mr. J. H. Croxden Powell, secretary of the Tied-House Tenants' League, was further examined, In reply to Mr.

Hyslop. he said that the remedy proposed for the alleged evilB of the tied-house system was that all contracts botweenliiiuor merchants, brewers, and others to the effect that the tenant must purchase goods or servo his customers in the way required by the owner should bo void. The manager should be absolutely fi.e-. under the control of the magistrates only. Of all the public1 houses in the country about 75 per cent, were tied in one form or another to companies or brewers.

In the case of the Lancashire brewerv in he alleged on a former occasion that beer of a certain quality had been sold to a free publican at 22s. 6d. per barrel, and the same beer sold to a tied tenant at a much higher figure, the brewery he referred to was the Oldneld Brewery Company, of Wigan. Mr. Hyslop.

Such a shameless transaction brings discredit on the whole trade. If it is true it ought to be exposed. It not true, it ought to be contradicted. Witness replied that he had full authority for making the statement. Mr.

Hyslop. "fa it not shameless that such a statement as that 75 per cent, of tha public houses in the country are tied should be made? The Chairman sharply interruptinirl asked whether tho question applied to the witness. Mr. Hyslop said it applied only to the alleged practice. With regnrd to the quality of beer, witness stated that the inspectors under the Food and Drugs Act were practically helpless in prosecutions for bad beer.

There were no instructions as to what ingredients might be used, and there was no fixed standard of quality. He still adhered to his statement that the Tied-House Tet ants' League was not conducted for political purposes. There was no doubt that increased license duty and increased assessments had driven private persons out of the trade. The new monopolies he" attributed largely to the greed of brewers to make money out of public companies. SELECT VESTRY CONTRACTS.

Mr. TD. Laurence, chairman of the Liverpool Select "Vestry, presided at the fortnightly meeting, yesterday, at the Parish Offices, Brownlow-hill, the only business of importance being tho consideration of the contracts for the supply of goods to tha workhouse and its other branches for three, six, and twelve mouths. After careful discussion, the following tenders for supplies were accepted, subject to tho amounts for the total quantities being found to be correct as to calculations, and to those tenders which now appear to be the lowest proving to be the lowest when all necessary corrections are made, viz. From the 28th inst.

to the 26th day of March, 1893, both days inclusive: Coals (workhouse and schools) workhouse, Whiston Coal Co. industrial schools, Sutton Heath and Lea Green Collieries Co. printing and stationery, Liverpool Printing and Stationery Limited. From the 28th inst. to the 25th September next, both days inclusive Brushes, Workshops of Outdoor Blind candles and soap, J.

Lees coffins, P. Macmuldrow and Co. druggist sundries, Ayrton and Saunders drugs, Evans, Sous, aud Co. drysaltery, F. Wilkinson and Co.

earthenware, J. Brophy glass, F. Wilkinson and Co. hardware, T. K.

Bow' man hay and straw, Joseph Taylor indiarubber and guttapercha and indiarubber appliances Telegraph Works Limited; ironmongery! zi. iitu Liwv iuurner, j. nomas Samuels methylated spirits, James Mellor and Sons salt', Thomas Leonard; smallwares, Joseph Hunter; surgical appliances, John Reynolds; timber, Watson tinware, Thomas Clarke and wines and spirits, James Mellor and Sons. From 28th inst. to the 26th day of June next, both days inclusive Beef and mutton, M.

Bergl and Limited; butter, cheese, W. Gilbert and Son; flour, oatmeal, North Shore Mills Limited; potatoes. Joseph Taylor; woollen drapery, Edward Lloyd linen and general drapery, Edward Lloyd also for boys' socks, Joseph Hunter. For jobbing repairs from the 28th inst. to the 26th day of March, 1898, both days inclusive Gasfitters, A.

and J. Hall slaters and plasterers, John Tayner and Son; joiners, F. D. Mayors and Co. mason and bricksetters, G.

L. Desoer; smiths, James Campbell and Son; plumbers, Quirk; also for farriery and shoeing, T. G. Duggle cars, Thomas Maguire. For BABY'S SKIN, SCALP, and HAIR, nothing in the whole world is so cleansing, so purifying and beautifying, as the celebrated Cuticura Soap, the most effective skin soap, as well as the purest and sweetest for toilet.

bath, and nursery. ior distressin l.Yii riicvreMir. eruptions, irritations of the scalp, with dry, thin, and falling hair, red rough hands, with shapeless nails, and simple rashes and blemishes of infancy, Jf. i a.hsnlntftlv incomparable. fi tM vtw i Number of bales April, 3200; May, June, 400; Julv.

7200: Au 8000; 400 400; 600; Dec 3000; total, 43,000 bales. KEW ORLEANS. SPOT QUOTATIONS 01' Low Mid. Mid. Good Mid.

To-day 6i 7,5. Prev. day 6J 7ft. QUOTATIONS YOU I'UTL'RES AT NSW ORLEANS. To-dav.

Prev. dav. Closing Jligh'st JjoWst Closing Iligh'st Low'st 6-S7 1 1 April. 6'39 6'86 6'36 6'86 6-S3 6'94 6-91 6-92 6-33 i 6'93 6'91 6'92 6-S4 i 6-94 6'92 6-83 i 6-33 6'83 6-83 6-59 i 6-60 6'59 6'S9 6-52 6-53 6'51 6-52 6'S9 6-95 6-S5 b-88 6-92 5-95 6-53 6-54 6'52 6-53 6-54 I 6'54 I 1 6'54 i 6-59 I 6-60 i 6'59 fi-59 I Sale of futures, 17,000. EXCHANGE.

To-day. Ainu. Sat. 1'ri. Thur.

N. N.Orrns.4-34...4-84...4-841...4-34...4-84. Wed. .4.843 SPKCIAL REUTER. STOCK AND PRODUCE.

New York, Tcespay. On the stock market to-day a concerted and vigorous attack was made against the entire list after the opening, and an abrupt general decline ensued, but from low-level early in the afternoon there was a slow and irregular recovery. Professionals made use of the anti-trust decision in raiding railways. Some operators said their sales of industrials and railways were owing to the belief that a reaction of several stocks would improve the market. The closing was weak at losses of 1 to 4.

Government bonds were weak, and railroad bonds easier. The day's business amounted to 219,000 shares, including Chicago. Milwaukee, and St. Paul 21,000, and Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy 21,000. Sales of silver certificates represented 32.000 ounces.

Canadian Pacific advanced j. Atchison preferred, Denver preferred, and Union Pacific declined Canada Southern 1, New Jersey 3i, Quincy 2, Chicago Great Western, Milwaukee common, Cleveland ordinary, Illinois Central, and Reading shares 1, North-western ordinary 1, Rock Island 11, Delaware and Hudson 1, "Louisville Manhattan, Northern preferred, Norfolk preferred, Reading first preferred, and Southern preferred Michigan Central 3, and New York Central V2. Money was easy, closing at 14 to 1J. Sterling exchange stronger. Silver bars unaltered.

The closeness of the vote of the Supreme Court in rendering the anti-trust decision yesterday encouraged a feeling railway circles that the existing agreements could easily be modi fed, if necessary, to bring them within tho law. Members of the Joint Traffic Association are generally confident that the basis upon which they are acting is entirely legal, as rules were drawn up by eminent lawyers thoroughly familiar with the scope of the Inter-State Commerce Act. Some believe that yesterday's decision will hasten measures to legalise pooling, which would benefit railroads. 'There is some difference of opinion with regard to the precise application of the decision. Only last Friday the Federal Circuit Court of New York decided in favour of the railroads a case which seemed parallel to the Trans-Missouri decision in the Supreme Court.

ij-l lj-J uc 65 4-853 4-874: 4-37j sis: 113: 123 835 Y'day. lp-2 pe li-a pc 63 4-85 4-87A 4- 871 5- lSi 95 1131 1231 831 Call Money, U.S. bonds Ditto, other securities Silver Exchange, London, 60 Demand Bills Cable Transfers ou Paris, 60 days on Berlin U.S. Fund Loan Reg. 4 p.c...

New 4 p.c Government Loan Western TJuiun Telegraph To-dav. Railways. Closing Business done. Cl's'nc ajku nest, ij west. 5.

uav Atchison, lopeka, 1 new stock 114 New Fours i Preferred 22i OhioatN. York li! 87! Canada Southern 48; Canadian Paoilie 48i Central of w. Jersey. 85.1: Cent. Paeilicof Cab fur.

Chesapeake ttnd 17 New 41 per cents n2 211 1H 22-1 15A 97 491 48 32 173 7U 76 1081 156 77 68J 3C 10- 154 o9 95 163 434 8S 93 12j il. 65i 101 36 53 234 464 81 tl 284 90 6J Chic, Qnmcy. 74j! Chicago Gt. 3: Chicago and N. W.

ord. 1071 1 Chicago preferred Chic, St. Paul 76! Chic. P.k. Island, P.

6651 29 Delaware and 107i: Dela. and LackawaniM 154' Denver preferred SSjj Common Illinois Central 94 Lake Shore Louis, and 43 4: 1541S 391 95; 48 154 39. 43! Manhattan Michigan Central Kansas. Texas Missouri second Missouri Pucitic Erie First preferred General New York Central N. Ontario.

-V West. Northern Pacific (new) 84.1: 35: 125. 59i: log! 12i 100 12! 101J 14J, 12 36i 141 35l Preferred (new) 35J Norf. West, newstk. 27l Pennsylvania 53' Philadel.

and 221! 23i 221 First preferred 45; 4 p.c. mortgage bds Slrj: Southern Railway 8f Preferred! 5jp.c 1st rnort. bonds 90: nion Pacific 6i 61 St. Louis, Pac 5l Preferred 13 14; 131 SEW YORK. Tuesday.

Wheat opened easy with May option 1c. cheaper on lower cables, but afterwards reacted on bad crop news, south-western buying, and local short demand, also on heavy reduction in Bradstreet's figures. The market closed strong, with May c. and other months c. up.

Spot opened quiet, but closed firm. Bradstreet's visible supply figures show a decrease on the week east of the R'ockies of 967,000 bushels. Spring, 84 winter, S3. Sales: Futures, 2,500.000 bushels; spot, nil. Receipts: Atlantic, 34,000 bushels; last year, 20,000 this season, 30,527,000 last season, 27 838,000.

Clearances, 10.000 last year, 157,000 this season, 26,281,000 last season, 23,885,000. Mar. Apl. May. June.

July. Aug. Sept. To-dav 80? 791 77 75 Prev. day 80 78g 77 744 Corn opened auiet and uncnanged, but improved in sympathy with wheat, and closed firm, unchanged to jc.

dearer Spot opened quiet, but closed firm. Bradstreet's figures show a decrease in supplies east of the Rocky Mountains of 821,000 bushels on the week. Western, 30. Sales: Futures. 80,000 bushels; spot, 20,000.

Receipts: Atlantic, 792,000 bushels; last year. 99.000: this season, last season, 46,952,000. Clearances, last year, this season, 55,263,000 last season, Mar. Mav. July.

Sept. To-day 291 30j 314 orf Prev. day 293 30 314 -2 Lard. Cash market steady and 24 points dearer. Western Steam, 4'42i.

Coffee opened steady at unchanged rates to 5 points histier. and. after a featureless marksV aultion of their tenar HCr; yjen oi iiie Mu ti- target nats ocen worn in c-pviTt cum rneatres at the time they were designed by their architects, doubtless the receding rows of seats would have been arranged like those in the Coliseum at Rome, or in the lecture room of the University. If this had been the case, shrouded and be Stiwered hats could have been worn and seen over, but the very reverse is the case at present As a matter of fact the rows of soatB do not successively rises more than a few inches above each other, so that the people can just sec over the hatless heads of those in front of them. Consequently, anyone wearing anything on hip nr head is bound to oDstruct the view of tWt.

to ODstruct the viu. behind them, boine rad es-I mean real ladies- knowing this, took oft hats when the per- forraance commenced; but the generality of young g.ris aim women present did nothing of "eigiit ot fashion or otherwise. "a IIZ wives" lunch i 7 ntlemen beforehand, so as to be present Te tt in n' performance, they ought fc i money by seeing what they pay to see I would therefore suggest to the manaew ililJ UUiVl IV BeT, hen tree to allotting a breadth of say a do 7" tho izi-rtrrr. i vj-iuitl J- ci 1 11,4 of the pit, to. -nr.

1 vjiucotld lU lilt? to neonlA -hose, wearine hats at's Then those with courtesy w0T-, nT la2? and people who liked by wearing hats could eniov sr. II 7 selves without hnrtia? ZJkZZSZ for the fu'tureull fail to remove their WwdTX neir natural b.air than in any hat they ever or concerts (wheney t37' at operas, theatres, performance is gjvenlis a bo taken in harfd bv rnf7 mg 'rf Ehld stand patrons 4t Cn" sucheStertammL111 jr who goes to ing himself ats myself, comes away iesl- A VICTIM OF BAD MANAGEMENT. Ke member to write for Advice, Terms. c. 145 VIo.

4. i "MJYVKE. ADVERTISING AGEXT Loatjon, E.C. "Reiterate. SofaZi i I I.