Liverpool Mercury, etc. from Liverpool, Merseyside, England • 5

TOECLIYEEPODli -MEBCUHT -WEBOTSBAT' MAY SO 1888. 5 engine, tage would there be in such a delay? If yet, as compared with vears when smtjjHrline LATEST NEWS. THE ANNUAL CORPORATION ACCOUNTS. grant Home Rule now, we shall earn the was rampant, the returns show a coasider-good wishes of the Irish people and it will be able falling off. That this decay of the worked with friendly feelings towards opium importation will continue until the England.

But if we give Ireland a plan for i business has entirelvceased.Ihave nodoubt." address expressing the high esteem in wfeieh he is held by mimsterj and members of JTonconformiat churches'in Liverpool. The annual meeting of the Liverpool Board of Legal Studies waa held at the Law Library yesterday, when the prizes were clean. A French penny is now as rare as a double florin. Bat the double florin has not become popular. Up to this date it has failed to obtain a general currency.

Lord James Douglas, who has been sent to prison to-day for communicating with Misa Isabel Edith Scott in contempt of an order of the Court of Chancery, is the youngest son of a to an empire always straitened in means. The public debt of Austria now amounts to over 400,000,000, entailing an annual interest of 15,300,000. Last year the debt was increased by 24,300,000. Of this sum 18,000,000 is set down as having been raised for the purchase of THE MURDER OF A PRISON WARDER. Another day has passed without the slightest clue being obtained of the whereabouts of Jackson, the murderer of Webb, the warder in Strangewayi In the Queen's Bench Division, yesterday, the Attorney-General appliedtothe Lord Chief Justice to fix a diy to bear tha libel action by Mr.

F. Hngh O'Donnell against the Time. The Attorney-General, who appeared for the Times, said there were a great many witnesses oa both sides, Mr, Ruegg, for the plaintiff, made no objection, and TWdav. the 19th of June, was fixed for the which she has never asked, which she doe3 writes the British Consul at Amoy. According not want, and which she 'would use, and, to the same authority, "a great deal of rightfully use, only to secure the greater importance has been attached to a statement concession she has throughout demanded, smokers accustomed to Indian opium in i.

i i GAS EMGISS8 and FOTTPS. itSfcio GAS and ar ALB ana DYSAHOS. "'OTTO" OAS EHGINEa "OTTO" OAS EHQIKZa 5rt3iak OTTO GAS se3 WTE Old Blue and White jNAlNRlIN aofi rars e. of Old inx Shton JSROSSB BIACKWEUS'PICKLES. tsaefSt ELAS8QgPnt aaa poSSE I BLAOKWEIi-S PCEBSB KSATS iSOSSfi' In jart and tint, '20355 4BAOKWEI1I1 Purrevora to tie Quwa, "-rrTSjBLAOKWSIL'S names are oa tho labels of (U their jenaiMmajamMTOrcs.

ISSEFOED'S MAGNESIA. i is pcrg cjoiuuon ia vae cws remeay for Acidtty of tha Stomach, Heartburn, y5EF0BD'S MAGNESIA- Th safest and most gsatls ftppriMit for delleate constitutions, Xftdlw, Children, asd Inlints. wdeSo ISO. Boadtieet, landon, and all Chemists. PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS.

VotsI Court Theatre. Erminie. fig jLi-und Theatre. Tempest Tossed, Star Music Hall. Miscellaneous Entertainment.

IkvnoIiU's Exhibition. Music by Telegraph, Grand Theatre Variety Performance. VVkcr irt Gallery. 'Water-colour Painters' EAibition V-ou Opera llouse. Entertainment by Snazolle.

New Brighton, Brewers', dec, Exhibition. trrSfaJi Art (fcllery. Open freerlailyfrorn ten a.m earlv dasti, except on Fridays, when admission to grantdion special application. 4 jC'e pV'lic Library, WilliamBrown-street. The Brown Library una i'icton Beading Boom open daily from ttna'n to ten p.m., except on Fridays, when they cioied at to p.m.

for cleaning. tor Children. Vis ors are admitted eerv'dT exceps Thursday and Saturaay, romtwo to 'oar 'o'ciock. Parents of patients only are ad- rait'teii oa Thursdays at the same hour 'T-ve'-jcvi gymnasium, Myrtle-stveet. The public are adiiiitteu to the Visitors' Gallery, to witness the eiercJses, iiDon Mondays, Wednesdays, and batur- to 9 30 ra.

'ft-EOlfor the Blind. HardaiRTi-street, ThlsSnsUtation 1 isjnen to the public every week-day from rune a.m. sis p.m., except oa Saturday, when it is closed at cue p.m. A concert of sacred and secular lausic is riven bv the pupils at 3 30 p.m. on the second and crthtuesdayin each month.

Divine service the -vise1, attached 4o tho schools, at eleven am. anfl every Susfiay PROPERTY SALES THIS DAY. t- JMiieatial Estate, Perthshire Faculty Hall, St. timree's-place, Glasgow, two p.m. Land and Premises, Jamaica-street, Branch atid leete, Law Associatiun Rooms, "2 30p.nl.

fescholii, Brewery, Ac, Russell-street Branch and 1 eete, Law Association Kooms, 2 30 for three p.m. Land and Warehouses, South Docks Branch Leete, Law Association Kooms, 2 30 p.m. 'rreei'M Land, West Kirby o. Williams and iitcliffe. Law Association Rooms, 2 30 p.m.

ivjebtid P.esideuce and Land, Aughton P. JFreeman, Hotel, Ormskirk, rl'se p.m. tKft-rM Land. Ac, Park-place J. M'Clellnnd and Co Law Association P.ooms, two for 2 10 p.m.

jveehuld' and Leasehold, Land and Houses, Branch and Leete, Law Association iiooms, two for 2 30 p.m. fteetold. Fleece Inn, OrmsKirk P. Freeman, "Wheab- 'he'af Hotel, seren p.m. freehold and Leasehold, Property, CansbrooKe-road, J.

M'Clelland and Law Association Scorns, 30 p.m. Fot Particular see AdvtrtUtmtntSt TO CORRESPONDENTS. amnut undertake to return communJcatJoriJ of which we do not avail ourselves. Communication should always be legibly written in ink, and on om tiif of tht parxr only length increases the difficulty of Ending space for them, whatever is intended for insertion" must be authenticated by the namo and iddrass of the sender not necessarily for but as a guarantee of good faith, letters not otherwise noticed have, been passed for insertion, and nil! aopear when space porrai ts. Uecounts of presentations; social gathennas, private celebrations, can ouiy ba noticed when paid for advertisements.

JciMta About forty days. Joi-Yes but it was prior to Ms election. i. B. At the office of the Belgian consul, 7, Ales- andra-buildings, 41, Ormond-street.

p. We think that enough ha3 been said on the acbiect. Each side lias had a fair hearing. The manager can put him out, without, of course, using unnecessary violence. He may also call in a policeman, and have the person summoned for reiosin quit.

M. E. Stuart lane, English Secretary, Japanese Legation, 9, Cavendish-square, London, W. 2. Con Florencio L.

Dominquez, Secretary, Argentine Legation, li, Kensington Palace-gardens, London, W. 8. Dr. Wilfrid Lawson, Sir Wilfrid's eldest 8.m. contested the Penrith division of Cumberland at tte last fteneral election against Mr.

J. W. Lowther, ir.ri as defeated by 644 on a total poll of 6708, C. Crowe. 1.

Sandioroft, Broughton Hall, or Queen's ferry each about the same distance from Ha warden. 2. Chester, about three miles' drive through Eaton Pari, or a three miier row up tne uee. SA1U3 rOFITLT. LEX SUPRE3IA.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1888. The Exchequer returns from April 1 to May 28, 1888, show Receipts, 13,447,593 expenditure, 1 13,790,537 433,354. For the corresponding period of last year the receipts were 13,654,525 expenditure, 12,751,161 iad balances, 4,025,720. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Vili hold a levee on her Majesty's behalf, St. James's Palace, on Friday, the 8th of iune.

I A meeting of Liberal Dissentients was teld in Dublin, last night, to hear addresses fiom Jlr. "VVodehouae, M.P., and Mr. Craig eliar, M.P. Lord Hartington wrote com-fcending the Dissentients of Dublin for ih8ir efforts in the cause of the party, and tecommending them to refrain from placing Hew weapons in the hands of their opponents. A letter from Mr.

Goschen was road. With respect to the illness of Mr. John irifiht, it appears that the right honourable sntlemau has been suffering from a bad tdd for a fortnight, but nothing serious was Apprehended. On Sunday he was able to i attend the Friends' Meeting House at Roch-lale as usual, but his acquaintances noticed that he did not walk with his accustomed vigour. On Monday he became orse, and it W23 found that he was suffering from congestion of tho lungs, his tcaciition being serious.

Yesterday there some slight improvement, I A general meeting of the National Rifle Association was held in London yesterday, which the question of the abandonment it for the annual prize meeting as discussed. The Duke oi" Cambridge presided, but on Major M'Kerrell suggest- that Parliament should take step3 to teure Wimbledon for the future use of the oicuteers, his Royal Highness left the chair, wa3 then taken by Lord Wantage. Sis lordship objected to Major M'KerreU's proposition, as Parliament, under the cir-rarastance3, was certain to decide that they no locus standi for a bill, and if they to use compulsion the price would tecoirie verv large. Several other sites had eea suggested, the most suitable being "Whmond Park but the Duke of CsKuridge, as Ranger of the Park, liad "itfiiield his sanction, the Queen's pcrmis- having been obtained, subject to tho tpaion of his Royal Highness and the Com. "watoaer of Works.

Colonel le a site at Altcar, and proposed the taootvng should take place there next year. Several speakers aupported this proposal, while others urged the desira- r- OI coawring to hold the meeting near London. An advantage in tonnection with the selection of Altcar the "New -Wimbledon" was honed by Colonel Burt in the ocal entry it would entail. men-large Major i'Kerrell said his only objection to it Ut for the rest of the year the range would used as the shontinrr i was v. regiment.

Lord vVantage intimate i or one "6 Lnvmml would ttor.i AUOar a -t a public meeting held last evening in "Jttrgarets nail, Liverpool, to lin "censing clauses of the Local Govnm. we proposals or wie viovernment. Art arnenrlmi. amendment was proposed to the effect 'hat equitable compensation should be given tot, uwe licenses were aw An epitome of the annual Liverpool cor- rw accounts tor the year 1887 is given another column. sJV4 ana0al SouthIrt Clerical and yesterday at "uumport der the president Archdeacon Clarke.

aTin niat. wligiour, subjects were read ions followed. ana dls" capers en vari- Hussions On the occasion of his I ludon, the Ear. a. fWuie, for f30? was A.

a 1 COURT NEWS, MR, BRIGHT'S ILLNESS. A telagram. received from Rochdale, and timed eleven o'clock yesterday morning, stated that the attack of congestion of the lunge, from which Mr. John Bright was suffering, had moderated, but that tha right honourable gentleman was still weak, Mrs. Clark, Mr.

Bright's eldest daughter, arrived at One Ash yesterday morning. When Dr. Hayle saw Mr. Bright yesterday he was found to be better in every way. His temperature Monday night was 102, but yesterday morning it had fallen i to 100, and a report yesterday afternoon also stated that he was slightly better.

He has not been well daring the last fortnight, and it is thought that ha has caught several chills. His ailment has been diasnossd as a serious congestion of the left lung, and it is said ha cannot leave bis bed for a considerable time, while he will be unable at best to out of doors for several weeks. Tha most serious sign is his extreros weakness. Many telegrams of inquiry and expressing sympathy were received at One Ash yesterday, one of these messages being from the Pnnce of Wales. Our Rochdalo correspondent says The serious indisposition of Mr.

John Bright was not known even amongst hia neighbours until a late hour on Monday night, and it waa not generally known yesterday until after the perusal of morning daily papers from distant towns. It was not until the afternoon of Monday that the members of his own family were aware that it was anything of a momentous character, for in the earlier part of the day it was only rezarded as an ordinary cold. Dr. Hayle, his medical attendant, was away on his holidays at Blackpool, and was sent for by telegraph, and he arrived about eight o'clock on Monday evening. He found Mr.

Bright suffering from a serious attack of congestion of tha lungs, the fever then being 102 degrees, and that his patient had experienced two or three attacks of shivering, Mr. Bright then retired for the night, and at nine o'clocli yesterday morning Mrs. Clark, his eldest daughter, who resides at Street, in Somersetehire, arrived, and took charge of her illustrious parent. At ten o'clock yesterday morning Dr. Hayla again visited Mr.

Bright, and found that the fever had abated two degrees, tha fever then being at 100 degrees, and that his general condition was improved. His weakness he regards as the chief danger. Mr, Bright caught the chili during the last week, through the prevalence of the east winds, when he was already suffering from a cough and soma degree of debility; for, according to his usual habit, he does not seek medical assistance until it is absolutely necessary. On Sunday morning last, at the Friends' Meeting House, at Rochdale, in answers to inquiries respecting his health, he said he felt muoh better, Sut the worshippers noticed, with painful regret, that ho did not walk with his UBual vigour. Telegraphing later, our Rochdale correspondent says At eight o'clock last night Dr.

Hayle again visited Mr, Bright and found that the heat had gone down another half degree, whioh, in the evening, is a good sign. During the day he had slept a good deal at short intervals, and was improving satisfactorily. Our Manchester correspondent, telegraphing last nisrht, says Mr. Briiht's illness is so serious as to cause great anxiety to his friends, though there was a gratifying imorovemsnt in his condition yesterday. During Monday night he was at first restless, but later he Blept soundly for four hours, and he had some further refreshing sleep yester-dav, the result being that the fever abated a good deal.

The danger is in bis physical weakness. It is Jon? since he iu fairly robust health, and of late hia weakness has been very marked. He has been sutferina from a bad cold for a fortnight, and the cold has been accompanied by loss of appetite. On Wednesday or Thursday last, it is thought, he caught a chill, but in what way is not known. Although weak he walked from his residence, One Ash, on Sunday, to tbe Friends' Meeting House in George-street, and this without his greatcoat.

On Monday morning, after his ordinary bath, he was seized with a shivering fit, the first symptom of his present illness. Mr. John Albert Bright, his eldest son, reached Rochdale from Blackpool about halt-pist ten in the forenoon, and at once telegraphed back to Blackpool for Dr. Havle, Mr. ikuo mcunt ouYici, wuu was Bpeauiag a short holiday at the seaside.

Dr. Hayle returned at and found Mr. Bright sittine no. On examining him, Dr. Hayle saw that he was suffering from congestion of the lungs, and ha at ones advised him to go to bed.

Under the most favour able conditions he will be confined to bed for several For a fortnight he has taken but little food. His present nouriahmentiis chiefly milk. wmcn ce tastes reaauy, Although Buttering no actual pain, Mr. Bright is troubled with coughing and his breathing is short, though in the latter respect there waa a distinot improvement yesterday. Dr.

Hayle and bis father have for many years been tbe medical advisers of the family. Mr, Bright, however, has throughout his long life or, at any rate, since bis weaklv bovhood enjoyed good health, and had little call tor medical attention. is habits nave always been simple and healthy. Colds have bean bis chief complaint. Whilst in London he had an attack somewhat similar to the present, but he was then stronger.

A Renter's telegram from New York of yesterday's date says General Sheridan has beers somewhat better since yesterday evening, and has slept without tha aid of narcotics. A telegram from Milan yesterday announced that the Emperor of Brazil had passed a very good day, and that his strength and general condition were the same as on Monday, the illustrious patient having regained the ground lost on Monday night. Oolonel irrvse. Lord-Lieutenant of Cardigan. shire, died yesterday morning at his seat nsar Aberystwith.

For Several years Colonel Pryse represented Cardiganshire in Parliament in the Liberal interest. Lord Stanley of Preston, the new Governor-General of Canada, with Lady Stanley'and suite, leaves Euston Station at 12 10 to-day fcr Liverpool, and will sail oa Thursday in the Sarmatiau for Canada? It is officially announced that at the approaching commemoration at Oxford the honorary decree of DC.L. will be conferred upon the Marquis of Lansdowne, Lord Brassey, Sir Jamas Hannen, Rugsrievo Honghi. the Kev. James Martineau, Professor Presswicb, and Mr.

Leeky. Mr. George W. Childs, one of the foremost citizens and journalists in the United States, was entertained at a banquet at Philadelphia recently on the occasion ot his birthday by the members of the International Typographical Union. Mr.

Childs 13 held in high esteem by hia own countrymen, and considerable effort is being made to induce him to become a candidate for the Presidency. In England his name and fame are well known, and tha drinking fountoin at Stratford-upon-Avon and the stained glass window in St. Margaret's Church, Westminster, are substantial proofs of his sympathy and affection for the old country. Ministerial Basqcets. The following Ministers have issued invitations for dinners to be given on Saturday next, tbe date officially fixed for the celebration of her Majesty's birthday Lord Salisbury, at Arlington-street, to Ambassadors.

Ministers, and she Diplomatic CorDs. Ladv Saiis. bury will hold a reception at the oreign Office, at wmon it is expeoieu isnat tne rnnce and Princess of Wales and the Duke of Cambrido-a will hn Mr, W. H. theSpeaker uu iiieuiuars oi ranumeac, ana to tne leading members of the Civil Service, Lord Knutsford.

at the Colonial Office, to tha Agents General and Secretaries of the Colonies and tbe heads of JJepartments at trie Uoloniai Orcce. Mr. Stan hope, at the War Office, to the chief Military Officers and Lord Georsre Hamilton, at tha Admiralty, to the Admirals of the Fleet and the chief xsaval ana mvii Officers of his Department. Lord Cross, st the India Office, to the heads of his Department and Indian notabilities in this country and the Lord Chancellor, at the House ot to tne judges and chief members of tha Bar. THE EMPEROR FREDERICK.

(through hbdtee's agk5cy.) Chaelcttenbukg, Mat 29, The Emperor passed a good night. Thia morning his Majesty received verbal reports from General Winterfeld and Herr von Rauoh, Master of the Horse, and afterwards transacted State business with General von Albedylu At eleven o'clock the Crown Irince's brigade defiled twice before the Emperor, who witnessed the march past while standing in an open carriage. At a quarter to four his Majesty received verbal reports from Prince Bismark, who remained with the Emperor for an hour. Prince Alexander of Russia and the Hereditary Princess of Saxe-Meiningen subsequently visited his Majesty. Berlin, Mat 29, Evening, I iThe Emperor drove out in an open carriage at twenty minute past five, accompanied by 'he Empress, Sir Morrall Mackenzie, and an adjutant, returning at a quarter to seven, his Majesty subsequently remaining in the park until half-past seven.

The Emperor's general condition continues favourable. SPECIAL TELEGRAMS, The cholera epidemic in Cashmere is increasing, Salter. Sir J. MacBain has been appointed President of the Melbourne centennial Exhibition. -Xirut The Supreme Court of New South Wales has granted writs of habeas oorpua ia the case of 4-3 more ot tne oniasse immigrants, Sevier, A o-MLnltna evTlfaJrt ft- uues occurred a ware- nouse ao sreaenck, iviaryland, one man being killed and .75 workmen injured, soma t.hrr, iacauy.

iae aeiezattoD of the Honourable Artillery Company of London waa yesterday 'received at TSt 7 T- Secretary of State Mr. Whitney, Secretary of the Navy; and ueaerai Sutler, and subsequently visited the Capitol and Mount Vernon. ifeufcr. The German official military gazette yesterday jmousnen a royal decree ordering that the regi snentof the Garde da Corps, as well as all the other cuirassier regiments, are no longer to wear toe cuirass ia military manoeuvres or in campaigning, and are to be armed with carbinea instead oi revolvers. A Reuter telegram from Ottawa of yesterday's -date states that Mr.

Charles son of Sir Charles Tapper, has been offered and has accepted the portfolio of Minister of Marine and Fisheries, vacated by the transfer of the Hon, (J, Foster- Baj the Ministry Finance. Ths HonJvRoyal trill i 7-. t. "-i "ir w5i(wij(biimwiwws wi ttvrut west territories. jl presented to the successful students by Mr.

Bright, president of the Liverpool Incorporated Law Society. The Court of Appeal yesterday granted stay of execution pending an appeal to the House of Lords, the collision case of the Bahiana Steam Navigation Company of Brazil v. the owners of the steamship Memnon, of Liverpool. The arbitration case of Harris Brothers and and Ross, Smith, and of Liverpool, came before Baron Huddleston and ustioe Charles yesterday, in the form of a motin to set aside an award of the committe of the Liverpool Corn Association, in a dispute as to the allowances to be made in the. weighing of corn.

The Court held that- the arbitrators were within their rights, and dismissed the motion with costs. At a meeting of the Wirral Farmers' Club, held yesterday at Birkenhead, the selling of foreign meat in this country as if it were of British production was discussed, and a committee was appointed to confer with representatives from other clubs, with view of petitioning Parliament on the subject. A Board of Trade inquiry into the circumstances attending the stranding ot the British steamer Bessie Morris near Gibraltar, on the 2nd March last, was opened at St. George's Hall yesterday. Probate lias been granted of the will of the late Mr.

Nicholas Waterhoase, of Durning-road, Liverpool. The valae of the personalty is 27,694. An influential public meeting was held last night at Dolgelly in furtherance of the movement for obtaining an abatement of mining royalties from Government. Mr. Pritchard Morgan, owner of the Gwyn-fynydd mine, was loudly cheered.

He had a magnificent reception. The chairman stated that to impose impracticable terms on the mining energies of North Wales would throw thousands out of work. At a mass meeting of the loomers and weavers of Blackburn last night, it was resolved to come out on strike this week. iuere was again some neavy scoring in the cricket match between the Australians and Gentlemen of England, which ended yesterday in a draw. The innings of the Gentlemen closed for 490, to which Dr.

W. G. Grace contributed 165, and Mr. W. W.

Read 103. In their second innings the Colonists compiled 213 for one wicket, Bonnor's total being 119. At Oxford, Lancashire beat the University by 221 runs wnue at faurrey was defeated by Leicestershire by 11 runs. The mortality returns of the past week show that the lowest death-rate was at Birkenhead, 10 "9, and the highest Preston, 27 -8. The rate at Liverpool was 16 6.

The Emperor Frederick was sufficiently well yesterday not only to transact business of State, but, from an open carriage, to witness the march past or the Crown Prince's brigade. The French Chamber of Deputies yester day passed the first reading of a bill relating to employers' liability in cases of accident to workmen. The Austrian Estimates and Budget Bill were passed by the Upper House of the Reichsrath yesterday, after restoring an item for secret service which had been struck out by the Lower House. The Swiss Federal Council has asked for a fresh credit of on account of war material. The Finnish Diet has resolved upon the adoption of capital punishment in cases of murder.

Great destruction of property and loss of life have been caused by storms in several of the American States. In spite of Mr. Chamberlain's self-confi dence, which appeared as prominently as ever his latest Birmingham speech, he must surely feel in his heart that his pro vincial councilsschemefor Ireland hasfailed aa dismally to arouse public interest upon its gaze. The Liberals laughed at it, those Dissentients who did not live at Birmingham ignored it, while the Tories treated it with open scorn and the address of Monday night, in which yet another attempt was made to galvanise it into a semblance of life, has fallen as flat as the scheme itself. The reason for this is apparent on the surface.

For a man who clothes himself in public, and with great parade, with the robe of consistency, Mr. Chamberlain is a most strangely inconsistent man in politics. Three years ago he was all for giving Ireland full controloverherdomesticconcerns and for doing away with the last vestige of coercion to-day he advocates a continuance of a far worse form of coercion than that against which he then protested, and an extension of local government to Ireland only at some distant period, when the people of that country shall have accepted him as an infallible prophet and a patriot whose motives are beyond 'doubt. The schemes he has put forward within the same period have been as varied as the views he has expressed upon the general question of Irish policy. First, he was all for provincial councils then he advanced to the idea of a national council next he wished for something in the nature of federation at another period he advocated a kind of Canadian settlement a few weeks ago he recommended the Cabinet not to touch the question and now he has reverted to his original provincial councils plan, which he is pressing forward for acceptance.

It needs more than a little patience to track so inconstant a person through his many windings and doublings upon what is undoubtedly a great but as certainly a simple question. So high flies Mr. Chamberlain like the lark and so low flies Mr. Chamberlain like the swallow before a shower, according to the suggestions of his teeming brain." In these words Mr. Gladstone described the member for west Birmingham just two years ago, and they are equally applicable to-day.

And some further words the Liberal leader used on the same occasion are similarly appropriate to the circumstances of the present. "I did," he exclaimed, "in an address written at Hawarden, describe the plans of the seceding Liberals in language which I am afraid Lord Hartington thinks contemptuous. I look back to it to-day. 1 described them as halting, stumbling, ever-drifting, ever-vanishing projects of seceding liberals. And it was a true description it was even a moderate description it did not do fall justice to the incessantly shifting and fluctuating character of those schemes which are hatohed from week to week, essentially different from one another, and put before the country, it cannot be for a substantive purpose, but for namtivo nnrnosB of imcedins and do.

UU UVUU.V i of trip. Lib! nart.ir Exactly the same words deserve to be j. whwh holla from Birmingham. As emanating from TU r- v.i; in -nr, RBnsn an i't, is designed to hamper and hinder the Liberals in their effort to make Ireland as peaceful and contented as they mean to make her free. The nrovincial councils scheme is held by some to be simply Home Rule onceh-emoYed, and it is contended that, if theformer be granted, the latter is bound to come.

But why should two bites be taken at the cherry when one would amply suffice In this nhme. mite that it would be I oiiaa necessarv tor tmnt to ork'together for cornraoa-puT- poses, and if two why not four Once the provincial four e' matters couli not remain within the narrow bounds first constiucted. TheTgreat improvement in the form of the annual accounts of tha treasurer of the city of Liverpool which was noted last year is aftairt conspicuous in those just issued for the past financial year, which now runs from the 1st oE January to the 31st December. The whole of the financial statement bearing on corporate income and expenditure is comprehended in one volume of goodly dimensions and attractive appearance, thereby rertderinjr a reference to any, particular item much more easy than was formerly the case. The city fund, sanitary, and water accounts, formerly separated, are now included in tho intarestinK and sienifioant volume, which doeB infinite credit to the City Treasures (Mr.

P. S. Rhind). The accounts have been duly audited by Mr. H.

Cookson, sepresenting the Mayor, and by Messrs. P. B. Mtjuie and E. Mounsey.

the eleotiva auditors, A copious index is also a prominent feature of the new form in whioh the accounts are now furnished to the ratepayers. From the City Treasurer's epitome of the accounts, under the head of ordinary receipts, it appears that the lighting fire police, and watch rates realised 59,339 parks and museum rates. improvement rates, sanitary rates, 231,400 water rate. 68.607 aptkana' dwellings (general rate), 3790 hospitals account, total, 510,636. Feom this amount the following sums were set apart for sinking funds Improvement rates 24,298 public parks rate, 5201 sanitary rates, 39,510 artitans' dwellings (general rate), 'c575 hospital account, 190 total 69,776 leaving a balance of 440,859.

Other receipts were as follows: EBtate, real and personal, 81,539 markets, 16,456 buildings. 3578 port sanitary account, 12 tramways account, 5368 total, 106,955. The ordinary payments were as sab-joined Lighting, watching, prevention of fires, and preservation of the peace, 98,097 administration of justice, 6776; parks and places of recreation and instruction, 39,801 baths and washhouaas. 405 county expenses, 13,678 churches, 2717 establiahownts, 10,451 departments, 15,573 miscellaneoM accounts, 14,339 improvement accounts, sanitary accounts, 175,614: arti-zans' dwellings, 3502; hospitals accounts, 8098; water accounts, 66,134 total, 513,917. The extraordinary receipts comprised the following items Property sold, 2570; miscellaneous accounts, 206 stock accounts, 502 mortgages of the rates, loans fund account, 5564 income tax account, 134 deposit accounts, 2580.

The extraordinary payments comprised Charges on property purchased, 1119 opening and widening streets. new buildings and additions, University College, 1187 sinking funds, 859: insurance fund account, 113; sanitary accounts, 54,385 artisans' dwellings account, 4755 tramways account, 89 hospitals account, 15,820 water account, 209,230 Royal Infirmary, otficials' superannuation fend, 329 total 351,624. The balance at tho end of the year was 109,480, compared with 108,389 last year. Sundry deposits amounted to 3382, aad in the hands of beveral officials there was the sum of 2805. The gross total under these bends was 975,033.

The abstract of the sanitary account shows that the following sums were received on account of paving rates Liverpool, 23,324 Kirkdale, 926 Eveiton, 5762 West Derby, 6945 Toxteth-park, 8620 total, 53,917 of which 22,530 was transferred to sinking fund, leaving a balance of 31,387. The receipts for paving, flagging, were Liverpool, 30,387 Kirkdale, 2268; Eveiton, 1740; West Derby, Toxteth-park, 1743; making a total of 53,243, which, with a sum of 3451 as a propor tion of the tramways surplus, transferred iu accordance with the Liverpool Improvement Act, made the total under this head of 56,694. The cash receied on account of the sewer rates from Liverpool was 23,342 Kirkdale, 7797 Everton, 8636 West Derby, 5125 Toxteth-park, 7524 total 32,426 of which 10,405 waa transferred to sinking fund, leaving a balance of 432,020, The general rates in Liverpool realised 72,999 in Kirkdale, in Everton, 9012; in West Derby, 7143 and in Toxteth-park, 12,593 making a total of 112,286. Under tha head of extraordinary receipts it appears that the loans re-ceived on mortgage in the five districts ot the borough foripaving and sewering amounted in the aggregate to 40,000. Under the same heading the amount of cash received for paving, is given at 5769, and for frontages, 3299.

The total ordinary and extraordinary receipts, including balances and a balance at bank of 20,345, amounted to 379,996. Turning to the credit side of tha account, under the head of ordinary payments, we find that the cash paid on account ot paving rates throughout the borough was 52,829, whioh, with the sum of 24,128 interest, made 76,957. There wob paid on account of eewer rates repairs, interest, 12,196 together, 42,258 on account of general rates, 107,432 and on account of the General Rate, Sanitary Amendment Act, 1864, 656L From the statement of extraordinary payments, we learn that the money paid on account of new works was For paving, 22,051 for sewering, general rate account, 7349; General Rate Amendment Act, 1864, 6134; making a total of 63,454. Turning to the abstract of the water account for the year 1887, it appears, under tha head of ordinary receipts, that she amount received on account of water, rents, waa 123,719 water supplied to shipping, 12,369 water supplied for sundry purposes, 1602 water rate, 68,607 rent of meters, 1722 contributions from city fund, 2500 rents and miscellaneous receipts, 2143 private plumbing. 203 Chorley works, 3837 in all, Under the statement of ordinary receipts, it is stated that the amount received on loan under the mortgage debt account was 208,831, less 7600 paid oS during the year and that the No.

1 account sinking fund was 9675, Ths balances under the items of the ordinary account was and of the capital account, 53,214. The amount paid on account of interest was 140,074 for pumping stations and service reservoirs, 9663 for workshops and Btoreyards, 183 miscallaneons (comprising town distribution, general repairs, rates and taxes, departments, 19,925 Rivington works, 10,327 Chorley works, 3072; and Vymwy works (ordinary), 3266 the grand total of ordinary payments being 225,067. The principal items in the extraordinary payments are as follows On account of extension of pipes, 5638 Rivington con struction, 1000; Chorley Waterworks, 992; expenses of issues Liverpool Corporation 3 per cent, stock, 10,815 sinking fund (No. 1 investment account), 9675 depositaccount, 2000 and Vyrnwy construction, 190,486 total, From a statement of the ordinary expenditure of the Liverpool water account for the years 1848 to 1887 inclusive, appears that 5,545,910 had been paid. Appended to the accounts is a financial statement with respect to tbe Liverpool Police Superannuation Fund, which shows that the cash received from constables, penalties awarded by magistrates, was the capital at the end of 1886 was 104,669 and tha excess of receipts over payments daring laffc year was 3789, making a total of 108,458.

The cash paid on account of superannuation allowances was 9727. A Schull telegram states that tbe mackerel fishing has proved so disastrous a failure to all during the present season that it is being brought to an abrupt and premature close, leaving many persona on the verge of ruin. It has been decided by the aolicitors engaged for the defence of the Messrs. Greenway to move for a writ of certiorari to remove the trial to the CentraliCriminal Court, on the ground that, owing to the excited state of local feeling, tbe accused would not have a fair trial in Warwickshire. A Violent Preston Pcblzcan, Yesterday, at the Preston Police Court, before the Mayor (Alderman Burrows) and other magistrates, William Shorrock, landlord of the Meadow's Arms, Meadow-street, was summoned for assaulting his wife, Jane Shorrock.

It was stated that the parties were married in May, 1886. At that time the complainant kept a beerhouse, and boob after the wedding tha defendant persuaded her to get tha license traaafenea to him. She did so, and since then he had abused her. On Wednesday, she complained to him that he had taken too much drink, whereupon he turned upon her and kicked her upon the leg. On Monday he told her would not go to the court, and that if she appeared against him she would never have the chance of taking out another summons, A witness named James Eastwood, who appeared for the defense, said he thought there was six of one and half-a-dozen of the other.

Defendant was fined 10s. and costa, or in default 14 days with hard labour, upon which he observed, Just what I A Fbsnch Mobdbser and bis Grime, The Paris Assize Court waa occamed nn Mnnriav with trial of the murderer Cornu. whose crime created so much-sensation about four months ago. One morning a workman found the body of a bird-fancier named Le'evre in a (rravsl pit at St, Maur, and what rendered the discovery more horrible was the fact that too murdered man a head had been literally stamped down into the sand. Lefevrs'a body was also covered with wounds inflicted with a knife.

The murderer, who was a soldier on furlnmrb. had met the bird- fancier at a wine shop, and, accompanying him I iiuiuc, vooit ine opportunity when tuey were pausing the gravel pit to posh him in, believing he would be killed by the fall, and that he would be able to rob bim oi tha money he had about him without further trouble. This Cold-blood firi villain. aRflnnlim? to his own -confession, found when he descended into the rayei pis that Lcfevre bad not been much injured, and that he offered a stout readstance. He ultimately threw Leievre on ths- ground and stamped out his brains with hia heel.

Coma repeated this confession in court with the utmost calm, as if he were perfectly unconscious of its horror, bat was. nevertheless, quite overcome and cried like a ohilci when. bo. heard the sentence of death pronounced agatasS hiav, on go certain railways, leaving the balance of 6,300,000 for military expenditure but we must bear in mind that the acquisition of railway property was largely dictated by strategic reasons, and may not represent an investment fairly reproductive from the commercial point of view. It is evident that this strain cannot be much longer borne for although even an armed peace is less expensive than a war, the irritation growing out -of accumulating debt tends to provoke a conflict.

OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENCE. Londonv Tuesday Night, They are coming back the Derby brmgs them back all those scattered legislators whom, nothing else than the call of an urgent political crisis would tempt into London just dow. Scarce were they but yesterday as swallows in October. To-day they are as abundant as butterflies in July, They have come up to see the race. Most of them, however, not to stay most of them to return into the country for a few days' more rest from politics.

There is every prospect of a bright day for the race, and though there is no great excitement over it in a Bporting sense, the attendance is likely to be very large. The announcement of a Cabinet for Saturday was expected. A formal decision must be reached on the qnestioij of the Local Option scheme, and an announcement of policy muBt be made next week. It looks more and more as though Ministers would be driven to choose between dropping the clauses and pressing them in an unmoaified form. No suggestion yet made for amending them has found favour.

The proposal to make the publicans themselves pay for their own gradual extinction is not, I hear, popular at the Local Government Board. It involves a public auction for licenses, which Mr. Ritchie is not prepared to adopt, and the temperance party would perhaps not be ready to accept. Had the result of the Southampton election been different, Mr. Ritchie would have proceeded with hia clauses.

But the inexpediency of tying the Unionist causa to the pro-publican propaganda is felt so strongly, at least by the Liberal Unionists, that the Cabinet is almost certain to decide that this portion of the bill mujst be dropped, though the announcement may not be immediately made. An autumn session being once decided upon, it may be that the whole subject will be postponed, Mr. Chamberlain has this afternoon "gone dead for compensating suppressed publicans. He evidently does not yet realise the strength of the movement against Mr. Ritchie's scheme.

Cardinal Manning and Archdeacon Farrarare in sympathetic agreement to oppose the clauses. It looks as though the Hyde Park demonstra- tion of Saturday would be the greatest that has taken place for many years. The outcry against compensation swallows up all other minor cries, and must fore the Cabinet. Mr, Chamberlain does not seem to be greatly thanked by the Conservatives for his formal acceptance of the unaccredited programme of the Birmingham Daily Post. Though he was careful to explain that it was intended to avoid a recognition of the political nationality of Ireland, he is severely lectured to-day for an inexpedient proposal.

Every effort is being made in advance, it is evident, to guard the approaches to Irish local government from the Cabinet, But the Radical Unionists will perhaps find comfort in the fact that those who are most energetic in resisting local government for Ireland made themselves most prominent in denouncing the introduction of the Local Government Bill for England. 1 am glad to learn that Mr. Bright's illness, snouga so myatenouHiy suaaen, is not so dangerous as was at first reported. Congestion of the lungs is, of course, always serious. The treacherous climate of May makes it especially serious.

When inflamrnation once sets in nobody knows how quickly it will become fatal, A nd Mr. Bright is 77 years of age an age at which all inflammatory symptoms cause anxiety. The latest news, however, is reassuring. The distinguished patient is being very carefully nursed. He shows a capacity for taking rest, and there is no great reason for fearing anything worse than a brief confinement to his room, ihe warm ciays of June are happily, close upon us.

Sir Charles Dilke has no notion of letting Lord Salisbury off with his recent confession of ignorance on the representations made by Lord Wc-lseley concerning the condition of the national defence. In the new Fortnightly Sir Charles says bluntly that the truth has' not yet been placed before the Tjublic. "In official memorandum after memorandum, as well as by private and personal protest in every shape and form in which a man conscious of his responsibilities and fully acquainted with the facts could force upon the attention of a Cabinet Minister the gravity of the present situation of our affairs, Lord Wolseley has endeavoured to act through Mr. Stanhope upon the Cabinet. The ignorance of the Cabinet, therefore, must be due either to Mr.

Stanhope, who is to be blamed for not laying Lord Wolseley 's views before the Prime Minister, or to Lord Salisbury's refusal to take any notice of the facts. In either case Sir Charles Dilke thinks somebody should be blamed. Mrs. Gladstone is to OTien on the Harmnol rlav the bazaar which is to be held this week on behalf of the North Kensington Liberal Association. The Countess Tolstoi is to officiate on the first dav.

If Mr. Gladstone can be induced to accompany Mrs. Gladstone on Thursday it is! intended to tempt mm to mame a bnet speech. i stated yesterday Mat Mr. uitonnells action against the Times would be heard about Midsummer.

The trial of the cause has to day been put down for lane 19. It will be the moat sensational law-suit of the year, and may yield unexpected results. Both parties are prepared with evidence upon the assumption that the whole issue raised in the articles of the Times will be allowed to be placed before the courts. Mr. O'Donnell himself, I under stand, rather invites a complete investigation, and Mr.

Faniell will be a witness on Mr, O'Donnell'a side. But a more limited field of inquiry may be fenced off by the judge, and the final result may be to leave the real public issue untried. Wimbledon is lost to the volunteers. The Duke of Cambridge is to have hia way, and it is now doubtful whether the great rifle shooting contests will not begin to "Pale their ineffectual fires," being held too far from the metropolis for the maintenance of public interest. No place has yet been chosen.

The Commsnder-in-chief has vetoed Richmond Park, which the Q.ueen was willing to grant, and the N.R.A. will probably be forced to go into Berkshire, the not unlikely result being a division between north and south. It is probably already forgotten that a few weeks ago Christmas Island was annexed by her Majesty's Government. It is about two and a half fdegreea north of the Equator, in longitude 158 almost duesouth oi the Sandwich Islands, and hitherto an unappropriated piece of rock in the North Pacific. Attention was called to thisiislandjby the hydroeraphic aurvey, which has been conducted by the -miralty during the past year.

The place waa visited by two of her Majesty's ships, the Flying Fish in January of last year, and the Egeria in September. The Admiralty hydro- grapher, describing the island through the spectacles of the surveyors on the Flying Fish, states that though it is often sighted by passing it has been very rarely visited, "and no account of it could be found. Most of the coast proved to be inaccessible, and generally there seems to be a depth of a hundred fathoms at a cable's distance from the cliffs that surround it. Anchorage, however, was found in a little cove on the north side, and parties landing there collected specimens of the fauna and flora, which, though alike to those of the neighbouring islands, had special characteristics owing to the complete isolation of Christ-, mas Island. These specimens were sent to the British Museum, where they were received with much interest," The later visit of the Egeria was made for the purpose of completing the collection of botanical, zoological, and geological specimens.

The wooded summit of the island (11,000 feet above the sea) was reached by several of the officers this was accomplished with difficulty owing to the dense undergrowth, inland cliffs, and other obstacles, which made travelling difficult. Several additional soundings were obtained round the island, as well as other details, to complete the survey cormneneed by the Flying FiBti. Christmas Island is a remarkable instance of a lofty island entirelv encrusted with limestone rock of presumably -coral origin. It could hardly happen that officers should visit an island of this kind without returning home to propose that the English flag should fly over it, Henoe it comes wat her Majesty is Queen of Christmas Island. What hasheooma of all the five-pound pieces that were struck at the Mint last year Does anybody see them nowl And the two-pound pieces where are they? They also seem to have vanished out of hand.

A quarter of a million of money was the value of them, and they have all been absorbed. The Deputy-Master of the Mint believes that nearly the whole number must be hoarded as specimens." No more significant hint of the wealth oi the country could be given than this fact. It absorbs a quarter of a million of gold without a sigh. Nobody knows what has become of all these coins. Nor is that the extent of the absorption.

The florin, is aa rare now in ordinary circulation as was the crown piece a little while ago. Nearly 100,000 worth of the doable florin was produced, and nearly the whole sum has disappeared. At the same time, there was last year a larger demand for bronze coins than at any tune for tan years, ahm was thejeault, ittmuy us eccentric as any rnai ever put we bleeding heart upon its arms. Hia eldest brother is the Marquis of Queeaaberry, whose recent career has made him a public character. Another brother, Lord Archibald Douglas, conducts a boys' home in the Harrow-road, and has made some ineffectual endeavours to produce modern miracles within its walls for the glorifi-cationof the Church of Rome, to which he belongs.

A sister, Lady Gertrude, some years ago married a baker and lived with him at his little shop in Shepherd's Bosh. Lady Gertrude's twin sister is Lady Florence Dixie, of The Fishery, Windsor, the Amazonian champion of Cetewayo, and the heroine of a dream battle with the emissaries of the National League in her own garden. Each member of the family has shown great abilities of a curious kind. Lord James, I believe, writes readable novels Lord Archibald works very hard as a benevolent priest Lady Florence Dixie is tvery eloquent with her animated pen. The Marquis of Qaeensberry himself, as a secularist lecturer, pamphleteer, and politician, manages every now and then attract public attention to himself.

But there seems to be something untameable in the Douglas blood which makes this special branch of the family almost as incapable of discipline as was the original Black Douglas himself. Lord James will perhaps leara a little more self-restraint in durance. Mr. W. G.

Grace's sensational innings at Lord's, yesterday, increased the excitement over the match between the Gentlemen of England and the Australians. The attendance at Lord to-day was enormous. All round the course the spectators stood 8ix and eight ueep. inouga as the alternoon advanced and the sun got low a bitter wind swept the field, still the devotees ot the bat watched on. Mr.

Grace did not attempt to repeat to-day yesterday 's score. He was content, by adding 15 to his record, to carry out ms oat witn loo ruDS entered against his name. The Gents, in their first innings, made 460, against the Australians' 179. In strict fairness tho Australians might bo considered beaten, but in their second innings they put Bonner to the fore, and he held his place until half -past six, mada his century before six, and was dismissed only after he had made 119. He seemed for a time to be about to beat Grace.

In vain the Gentlemen rearranged then-field, Boanor always hit his ball where there was no one to catch it. When the fielderB went almost back upon the pavilion, Bonnor hit his ball so that it fell on the awning of the amphitheatre. Play ceased at seven o'clock, the Australians having gained their object in a draw. The result will be to reassure all the clubs who have still to play the Australians. They were losing heart before Lancashire broke the spell of Australion success.

NATIONAL AND THE RIFLE ASSOCIATION NEW WIMBLEDON." A 'general meeting of the National Rifle Association was held at the United Service Institution, Whitehall, London, yesterday afternoon, under the presidency of the Duke of Cambridge, when the question as to the abandonment of Wimbledon for the annual prize meeting was discussed. The Duke of Cajiusidqe Baid that the meeting was eiropjy a formal one. The annual prize meeting would be opened on the 9th July, and the camp would be ready for occupation on the 7tl. Hia Royal Highness than read the list of prizes and conditions of shooting, showing that there would be several new prize competitions, including one for c.vciists, 30 being divided into two prizes, the competitors to ride in fours six-sevenths of a mile, dismount, and fire ten shots at 450 yards. Maior MKhkesll then susfrested the advisa bility of endeavouring to induce Parliament to secure Wimbledon for the future use of volunteers.

The Duka of Cambridge, interposing, said that Lord Wantase would make a statement on the matter, and he thought it better that he should vacate the chair and retire durinpr ths discussion, as he would rather not interfere with the freedom of the discussion by. remaining. His Royal Highness then left the room, after a vote of thanks had been accorded him, and Lord Wantaae took the chair. Major then suggested that the House of Commons might take up the question on behalf of the public, and deal with the matter as in the case of a railway bill, buying the whole of she ground at Wimbledon at a valuation. No better site existed in the kingdom for the ride meetinfrs of bug tujscmuuoil.

Lord Wantage said he would state what the council had dona since they were assured that they could no loncrer hold tha meetinfrs on Wimbledon Common. If a bill were introduced, as Major 'ICerrell suggested, it would undoubtedly be opposed by the Duke of Cambndae, who had distinctly stated that tie would not airree to let the land in future for the purposes of the association. Besides, iu 1860 an agreement was signed by the council pledging them to give up the ground when called upon to io so, and. under the circumstances, Parliament would undoubtedly decide they had no Joeys standi for a bill and if they had to secure the land by compulsion they would be sure to have to pay an excessive price for it. He therefore considered that Wimbledon- was out of hand, and thatnothing more could be said aboutife.

The council had been engaged since the last meeting in trying to find another site. Among those suggested as being most suitable were Nazeing Common, near Broxbou ne Pir-. bncrht, Epping Forest, various sites in the vicinity o'c Brighton, Staines, Berkshire Downs, between Diddot and Compton. and Richmond Park. He pointed out that with reference to most of these there were objections as to cost, soil, space, or distance from London, Richmond Park, however, possessed in a tpronainent degree all the advantages enjoyed at Wimbledon, together with more space, and great additional attraction of being one of the finest parks in England.

The Queen had graciously intimated her willingness to allow a portion of the park to be used by the National KiHe Association for the annual fortnight of the volunteer meeting, subject to the proposal obtaining; the sanction of the Duke of Cambridge, Ranger of Richmond Park, and of the Commissioner of Works, and conditional upon no unknown objections arising. The Duke had, he regretted to say, considered it his duty to withhold his sanction, basing his objections on the ground of the interference it would entail with the privileges of free access to the park now enjoyed by the public, and on the un-suitability of a site in the neighbourhood of dwelling houses to rifle practice with the new nHe about to be issued. Tha first objection could hardly be considered insurmountable, and as to the second, he (Lord Wantage) had no knowledge of the capabilities of the new rifle. There was no doubt that proximity to London for the annual meeting constituted an element of importance which could not be disregarded. On the other hand, it entailed limitations and restrictions such as rendered the choice of a suitable site a matter of very great difficulty and perplexity.

The National Rifle Association should be the keystone of volunteer organisation. It was founded not only for the encouragement oi rifle shooting, but also for ths purpose of giving permanence to volunteer corns. The most effectual means of carrying out' these two objects was to continue to hold the annual July meeting as near to London as practicable, and to provide another site elsewhere whioh would ba available throughout the year for volunteer regimantB who might de.ire to combine their exercises in camp with their class-firing, in order to earn their capitation grant. A permanent volunteer camping-ground of that nature would be available on the Berkshire Downs. With regard to the unpre-paredness of the army and the auxiliary forces, he would say on behalf of the volunteer force that they were prepared to accept the fresh obligations that seemed destined to be cast upon them, and would do their utmost to remedy the unprepared oandition in which it was stated we now are.

It would he gathered from what he had said that tha hnal selection ot a site lor tae Aew Wimbledon had not yet been made. The matter had proved at least as difficult as they had anticipated. In proportion as they moved away from London the difficulties diminished. On the other hand, the risk of the meeting losing somewhat of its present character ot "international increased. Xf they were prepared to face this possible risk there was no lack of good sites within a radius of 50 or 60 miles from London, and on such sites tha expense of carrying on the work of the association would be to a large extent diminished.

(Cheers.) Sir Hbhby Fletchbir said that one of the most convenient sites was a mile north-west of Brighton, where there was every accommodation and a range for 300 targets. Colonel M'Fis suggested a site at Altcar, in Lancashire, and proposed that the shooting should take place there in 18S9. At present there was a range for 100 targets, and 100 more could be provided. Sir Halforo and Sir H. Wtxmot supported this proposal and Colonel the Hon.

said he doubted whether the association would have any other alternative than to go to Altcar toe the meeting next year. The discussion was continued by other speakers, who spoke strongly in favour of keeping the meeting aa near London as possible. Colonel Buhh said that iE they were to move from London he would support the suggestion as to Altcar. If they moved from London they must go where the local entry would be as great as at London and in Lancashire they had more volunteers than in Middlesex. It woald be fatal to the association if they did not go where the local entry would be as large as at Wimbledon.

Major M'Kebkell said that his only objection to Altcar was that he objected to the National Rirle Association meeting being held on ground which for the rest oi the year was the practising ground of one regiment. (Hear, hear.) Lord Wantage stated that the Council woold consider the proposal with reference to Altcar at their next meeting, which would be held very shortly. It would not be appropriate to vote oa the matter now, as the decision mast rest with the Council. The proceedings then terminated. The Local Government Board has issued a circular to clerks of the of counties, town-clerks of boroughs, and retaining officers, drawing attention to the provisions of the County Electors Act, 1888, which render it.

necessasy that supplemental precepts should be iseued to overseers informina them of tho action to be taken by thsm for the registration of county electors with a view to the election in the future of county council. Kate O'Brien, a young woman, was shot dead on Monday night, at Trecrky fair, near She bad charge of a temporary erection, from whioh dangled coloured balls and other objects, to be shot at by visitors to the fair, Amongst the amateur marksmen was Thomas Thomas, who took aim at a bottle, but just at the moment when he fired O'Brien passed in frost of him to attend to another customer, and reosived the ofcacge in her forehead, dying almost instantly. Thomas waa uxuted, and takes to st- iion. lud wumrtea wui db Jiops in a state or agitation for years longer than there is any necessity and when Home Rule does come, as it is bound to come, it will be received by the Irish without gratitude and what gratitude could be expected for a grudging gift? Into the details of Mr. Chamberlain's scheme it is of no profit to enter.

The plan is simply adopted within the boundary lines of the borough of Birmingham not a solitary responsible politician outside that favoured spot has been found to endorse it and its production has only seemed to deepen the general suspicion that in all this controversy Mr. Chamberlain is actuated simply by personal considerations. He has been roundly accused of this within the past week by both Tory and Dissentient organs and, after the manner in which he has shaped his conduct and his language, it is not for those who have remained faithful to their principles and true to Liberalism to defend him from the charge. But, like many men who think them selves skilled in tactics, Mr. Chamberlain is super-subtle in his intrigues, and is playing his cards badly.

There is nothing! the English people like less than finesse. They are slow to move, but when they have sesolved that an improvement is necessary, they insist that the new system of things shall be broadly based. Boldness, in fact, is their characteristic upon suoh occasions, and all the greatest measures of the past 60 years have borne this distinctive mark. In 1831, when a reform in our representative I system was acknowledged to be needed, it was undertaken with a determination to do well which fairly took away the breath of all timid and time-serving politicians. When Sir Robert Peel thought that the time had come for Protection to be attacked, it was in no half-hearted fashion that he dealt with the Corn Laws and it was the most statesmanlike action in Disraeli's life to recognise that, putting aside all talk about a six pounds "rental" or a six pounds ratal franchise, the suffrage, if it was to be widened at all, should be given to every householder.

Precisely the same point holds good with regard to the Irish question. All Liberals have now made up their minds that Ireland shall at length have a system of local government of her own, and they are determined that it shall be a comprehensive one. They will not agree to any plan which is certain on the very face of things to need re-modelling within two or three years after its establishment, still less will they agree to a scheme designed simply to soothe the vanity of its promoters without the least regard to the wants and wishes of the people upon whom the experiment i3 sought to be made. The principle upon which the Liberals are united is an obvious one. They inBist that Ireland shall be allowed to manage her own purely domestic concerns through the means of an elective body representing the whole country, and sitting in Dublin.

Upon the details in connection with such a plan there is room for compromise upon the principle there is none. ThiB is the answer to all demands for further particulars concerning the Liberal plan. The principle is there, and unless Mr. Chamberlain likes to accept it he has no right to ask for details. As allied with the Tories, he possesses no title to make any such demand, and when he can induce his own leaders, Lord Salisbury and Lord Hartington, to announce their plans for dealing with the question of Irish local government, it will be time enough for him to talk further on the subject.

Meanwhile, both he and his plans are an interesting, but not an important study. In the days of the Whig oligarchy England allowed herself to be governed by families; in these democratic times we are not inclined to return to the system even to please Mr. Chamberlain. There is a highly-interesting contest imminent in the Ayr Burghs, consequent on the death of Mr. R.

F. Campbell. The 'ae member was a Dissentient Liberal, the Gladstonians have therefore a seat to gain if circumstances are favourable. They have a candidate in readiness, who only awaits the interment of Mr. Campbell in order.to open his campaign.

The electoral history of the constituency i3 somewhat peculiar. Up to 1868 a Liberal was always returned, but in 1874, under the influence of the strange Tory reaction, which affected Scotland as much as England, a Conservative was victorious. That was the only occasion upon which a Tory was successful. Mr. Campbell entered the field in 1880, and defeated the Tory, Mr.

Cunyngham, by a majority of. 883 vote3. However, the figure came down to 342 in 1885, when the Tory candidate was Mr. Low. This, it must be confessed, was not a triumph to boast of in a Scottish constituency where 4500 votes were recorded.

When Mr. Campbell adopted the policy of Lord Hartington in 1886, his re-election was resisted by Captain Sinclair but on this occasion the sitting member was supported by the whole Tory strength, and he had a majority of 1175. He secured only a minority of the Liberal votes of the burghs, for Captain Sinclair polled two-thirds of the liberal strength as measured by previous contests. The task now before the Liberal candidate is to recover the constituency for the party of progress. It is not by any means an easy one, nor are we going to assume his return as a practical certainty.

He has to wipe away the majority of 1175 which Mr. Campbell obtained in 1886, and the extent to which he does so will measure the waning of Liberal Unionism in Scotland. The future of Indian finance is not unnaturally giving rise to a good deal of anxiety in official and mercantile circles in India. Just now there seems to be quite an accumulation of difficulties, and the prospect is mat very serious dencits are in store for the Government at no distant date. The recent further fall in the exchange, owing to the redaction in exports of wheat and other commodities, is a grave enough matter in itself.

Year by year India has been losing more and mors through the fall in the exchange value of her currency, and it is impossible to say when the mischief will end. The home expenditure of the Government is always tending to increase, and the additional Council drafts which have to be sold in London aggravate the competition against which producers of silver have to battle. Twenty year3 ago, the amount of these Council drafts waa scarcely over 4,000,000, whereas at present the total is no les3 than 14,000,000 and how large this sum is will be better-recognised when it is stated that the annual production of silver in the whole world is hardly over 20,000,000. It is easy to see that Council drafts are a very powerful factor in keeping down the value of silver and the Indian exchanges, and that the chances of recovery are remote so long as India's tribute to England continues to grow larger and larger. The tribute is alike a permanent danger and an eloquent -against the policy of refusing the natives of India a larger share in the administration of their country.

But even a greater financial evil than loss by exchange jiow seems to be threatening India, The opium revenue, which, next to the--land revenue, forms the largest item in the national receipts, is not only showing distinct signs of diminution, but is even threatened with almost Incomplete extinction. The exports to 3hina during the last lour years snowraa, nminous shrinkage. The Iekm' tax on- the drug is now under the additional article Lf Chsfoo-Conventioa collected by the au. repartee; to Have been, seea as far north as Kendal and as far south as London, but nothing approaching a definite cine ha yet been obtained as to his whereabouts. Baring the last day or two opinion has gained ground that Jackson is Manchester, rudiagin thieves' haunt, a low quarter of the city.

The Mancheuer police discredit the story, being confident that the cam search which they have made of ail the? lodging-houses and other buildings which are frequented by the criminal classes would have unearthed tbe culprit before now. Of course tbe police are reticent about their plan of campaign. They are aware that Jackson is very likely to in a position to obtain possession of newspapers, and if their method of procedure were disclosed therein the culprit would have a better chance of elndinsr theit vigilance. Jackson's commonplace appearance is tbe best guarantee he has of ultimate escape. Then nothing distinctive about the man except the small lump on the fore finger of his left hand, and the fact, which seems to have hitherto escaped publicity, that his left leg has a slight bend inward.

An extraordinary statement is made which tend? o-anfirm the alleged premeditation of Jackson's fatal attack on the Straneewoys prison warder and his subsequent escape from jaiL It is alleged that on the" day previous to the murder, another warier who had him in charge noticed mm true uoor, ana promptly repnmanueu him for doing so. At the inquest it was disclosed that Jackson had been occupied some hours daily for three days with work which could very much sooner have been accomplished, and that when an alarm was raised alter suspicion, the door of tbe room was found locked. Everything tends to prove that tha crime was deliberately planned, and not the result of a sudden impulse, as was at first imagined. Persons bearing some resemblance to the culprit have been arrested at places in various narfca af tha country, but these have bean found to be others than jacKson. j.ne posaiouiry ot a reward Leinfc offered has been mentioned, but as yet the Government do not contemplate taking any such step, the offer of rewards for the apprehension of criminals having been practically discontinued.

The probability of a sum for tha purpose being raised privately has been discussed, but no definite steps have yet been taken toward carrying out tbe schema. FOREIGN NEWS. fSHUTES'S TELEGRAMS. FIGHTING IN BURMAH. Mandalat, Mat 29.

Severe fighting has occurred at Moguoz between force of 400 Shana and 75 Goorkhas, under the command of Messrs. O'Donnell and Elliott The British loss was slizht compared to that of tbe enemy. Another attack is expected, and reinforcements are being pushed forward from Bhamo to the scene of action. FRANCE AND GERMANY. Bshlis, Mat 29.

The semi-official Korih German Gazette, referring this morning to the new frontier regulations against France, describes tha measures taken in Alsace -Lorraine not as reprisals fat certain incidents, but as the outcome of the whole policy for coneolidating the re-acquisitia of tboe provinces. This, however, says the journal, ts prevented by various and by tne preparations mace Dy ranee tor a war of revenge by means of espionaee, and agitations which heighten tbe hostile attitude of tbe French. The French Government has, in order to strengthen itself, rather fostered than lessened tbe national hatred, Tha continued increase in this hatred prevent Germans from entering Prance without being in danger of their lives. Tbe fact that Germany's imoderatioa base had no good results causes no warlike feeling in the country, but, nevertheless, it ia desirable that intercourse between tbe two nations should be restrained. It will, therefore, not be regretted if Prance by taking counter measures keeps Germans from visiting France, as dangerous international frictions will thus as far as possible be avoided.

In conclusion the semi orBeial journal says that, by its action, the Imperial. Government serves the cause of peace. FRENCH PASSPORTS TO ALSACE-LORRAINE. Paeis; Mat 29. The Tempt this evening states that passport are no loncrer visel immediately on presentation by the German Embassy here.

Persona desirous of entering Germany by way of Alsace- uutnuuu wui avs names noseo, ana win oa informed after a fortnight when they are to call at the Embassy to procure tha visa, the charge for which will in future be 12f. 50c, instead of It. 30c The Journal dc De-Mis announces that tha Minister of Public Works has opened negotia tions with the Eastern Railway Company for altering the route of trains proceeding to the East, oraer to avota tne necessity ot passengers undereoing tbe formality required from passports issued by way of Alsace-Lorraine. M. TISZA'S SPEECH.

Vienna, Mat 29. Count Kalnoky. to day. received M. Decrais.

French ambassador to Austria, and, in reply te his representations, crave explanations reeardina M. Tisza's recent speech which, it. is believed, will put an end to the Franco-Hungarian incident. Paris, Mat i3. In the Chamber of Deputies, to-dav.

M. Grevilla Reacbe informed M. Goblet of his intention to put a question regarding Jf. Tisza's recent speech. l.

Vxooiet requestea orevalle Keache to postpone his question until he had received the neces sary information. bT. PHraasTiCBfi, Mat 29. In Russian political circles M. Tisza's reoeni speech in toe Lower House of the Hungarian Diet is regarded as a surprising and aggressive sally asrainst France, and as a vain attempt to induce adverse Powers to abandon their present passive attitude, from which, however, it is declared that mure parGituariy win not depart.

THE PAPAL RESCRIPT. Chicago, Mat 29. Desiring that the mass meeting to discuts tha Papal rescript, convened for Thursday next, should not be taken as leoresentinff the unani mous opinion of the 200,000 Catholics of Chicago. tne representatives or a number of Catholic parishes met to-day and decided to send a deputation to the Archbishop 60 ascertain from him whether it would be desirable to hold a counter demonstration. Rome.

Mat 29. It is affirmed in well-informed Vatican circles that the Pope will do nothing for some time which might tend to disturb further the public mind in Ireland, having decided to observe this attitude of reserve in order not to lay himself open to reproach. In political questions only if circum stances render it necessary, will his Holiness proceed to some public manifestation of his will. THE FISHERIES TREATY. WASBTNGTOit, Mat 29.

Tbe Senate began the discussion of the Fisheries Treaty in open session to-day. Senator Frye, of Maine, strongly denounced the measure. He inveighed against the whole conduct of Great Britain with regard to the fisheries, and declared that Canada's treatmentof American fishermen was barbarouji, and would have led to a declaration of war 75 year3 ago. It was characterised by every conceivable outrage, wrong, and injustice, and the treaty was the most disgraceful, humiliating, and cowardly surrender that tha United States had ever made. Mr.

Frye went on to argue that tha headlands theory had never been acted on except in two cases, when tha theory waa overruled. It would have remained settled had not Mr. Bayard obtained new light, aad reopened it. Mr. Frye then entered upon a fresh denunciation of the treaty and the course which Great Britain and Canaday had pursued with resrard to the fisheries Question.

and concluded by recalling the Bostihtv displayed by the British to the Federal State in the civil war, when in their desire to the country cut ia twain they recognised the belligerent rights of the South, built cruisers, and otherwise showed theic enmity to the Union. Mr. Morgan, of Alabama, who spoke next, declared that he had said, and would say again, thaf if Mr. Frye wets to place before the people of the United States the question of war with Great Britain as againBt that of letting in fish free, ha would raise a very serious issue. The further consideration of the treaty was postponed to June 11.

Ottawa, Mat 29. An order in council has been issued bringing into operation the modus Vivendi as agreed to in the Fisheries Treaty. The fishery licenses have been placed in the hands of customs collectors, who have been instructed to issue them to United States fishermen. The licenses will, by arrangement, be recognised both ia Canada and Newfoundland, DISASTROUS STORMS IN AMERICA New Yoek, Mat 29. Violent storms are reported from various parts of Pennsylvania, the southern portion of New York State, Central and Southern Ohio, Missouri, and elsewhere.

The heavy rainfall has seriously damaged the crops in many districts, and trees, caurcues, uarns, ami otoer ouuuicgs nave been demolished, and a number of people and cattle killed by lightning. Reports from the Western States announce that they have been visited by storms as violent as those which prevailed east of the Mississippi. Enormous damage has been done to ciops, stock, and house property by torrential rams and hail showers. People have been swept away and drowned by the foods. WEST COAST OF AFRICA.

A Router's telegram reports that advices frot tbe West Coast of Africa state that her Majesty's ship Royalist visited Taboo, on the Krao Coast, 00 the 15th April, and that Captain Hands, her commander, inflicted a fine on tha chiefs of 100 puncheons of palm oil as a punishment for their action iu connection with wreck of the steamer Senegal which went ashore there some months ago. Tfie chiefs asked foe a certain time in which to pay ths and Captain Hands allowed tidi, but gave them distinctly to upderrtand that if it was not then paid be would bombard the place. It is believed that there will be considerable diffi-colty in raising the amount of the tine, as this particular district is more agricultural than oil-producing, and the visit of the Royalist, there-fore, caused great csssternatioa amongst the chiefs and their followers. hearing. At a sitting of the Free Church Assembly at Inverness, yesterday, ths principal busines was the consideration of motions on the subject of Church and State.

Dr. Hainy proposed a motion calling for the immediate diaestabhshment of the Church of Scotland. The Rev. Mr. M'Ewea moved an amendment in favour of overtures for reconstruction.

On a division, the motion waa carried by 467 to SO. Mb. Gladstone on the Chasssl Tonsel. Mr. Gladstone, in acknowledging the receipt of a resolution adopted at the recent meeting at St.

James's Hail, London, advocating tha construction of the: Channel Tunnel, writes "Hawarden Castle, 2Sth May, 1888. Deiir Sir, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, and to say that I in no way share the alarms created in some minds by the project of a Channel tunnel, which, indeed, appear to me to redound but little to the honour of the country. Yours faithfully, W. E. Gladstone;" The Whebi, Tax.

An inequality in the bill imposing duties on oirts and horses was pointed out by a deputation which waited on Mr, Chamberlain at Highbury yesterday. Under section 27 a person hiring a cart for more than one month is deemed, for the purposes of taxation, tne owner, so that the tax may be imposed many times on one vehicle in the course of a year. Mr. Chamberlain agreed that tbe section was open to grave criticism, and said tbe bill appeared to have been hastily modelled. He would repre sent the case to the Chanoellor of the Exchequer, and endeavour to get the section amended and the license made transferable.

A Clergtuas Robbed is Holboek. Two young men, named Jeremiah Brenan and Patrick Tmgg. were charged at Bow-street, London, yesterday, with stealing a chain from tha person of the Ptev. W. Cotton, of Stockbridge, Hants.

The prosecutor was passing down Holborn about seven o'clock on Monday evening. He was hustled by the crowd of roughs, and two of thern snatched at fits watch and chain. It was broken, and the thieves secured it. Two men ran away, and were followed by a constable into Fullwood's rents. They ran into a lodging-house.

The two prisoners were arrested, and Brenan was identified by the prosecutor as his assailant. He was committed for trial, but Twigg was discharged. Threatened Steikb at Blackburn. A mass meeting of loomers and drawers of Blackburn was held at Blackburn last night, to hear the result of tbe meeting between masters and men on the pro-poed universal list of wages. The men reported that the employers' committee refused to consider any universal list not based on present prices paid in Blackburn.

The men wanted the prices paid in the district to be considered, but the masters alleged that this would mean an advance of wages. The meeting was most unanimous, and amid, tremendous cheering it was decided to coma out on strike this week. The strike will affect both the weaving aud spinning, branches of the cotton trade. The Gordon Bots' Hoke. The Lord Mayor of Loudon presided yesterday at tha annual meeting of the Council of the Gordon Boys' Home, held at the Mansion House.

He announced that 160 boys had joined during the year, and that out of 28 who had left 19 had entered the army. There was a balance in hand, but tha council urgently appealed for funds to clear off a building deficit. Lord Tharlow, in proposing the adoption of the report, trusted that as time went on they would receive more support and sympathy. Sir Harry Verney, in seconding the resolution, suggested that affiliated committees should be formed throughout the kingdom to asBiat in the work. General Hijgirsson said the committee had under consideration the question of obtaining a corporate existence for the institution by registration.

The report waa then adopted, Loed Jamks Douglas Committed to Prison. In the Chancery Division, London, yesterday, before Mr. Justice Chitty, Mr. Romer, Q.C., moved for an order to commit Lord ames Douglas to prison for breach of an undertaking. The learned counsel said the motion was by Misa Mabel Edith Scott, by her mother, and was the third motion that had been made for tbe committal of the gentleman.

He now asked that Lord James Douglas should be absolutely committed to prison, in order to show that the order of the court might not be disregarded with impunity. Miss Scoit was an infant of considerable means, and Lord Douglas had made proposal of marriage, which were detained. In consequence of alleged persecution. Miss Scott sought the protection of tbe court, and ultimately Lord James Douglas was restrained from communicating with tba lady. It wa now, however, alleged that he had disobeyed the order of the court.

Counsel for defendant tendered a profound apology and regret for what had occurred but Justice Chitty, in making the order for committal, said the former leniency had apparently been thrown away. More Postoffich Defalcations. Frederick Parsons Ward, a young man, surrendered to hia baii, at tha Old Bailey, London, yesterday, to answer tha charge of embezzling tbe moneys of the Postmiister-General. He pleaded guilty. The prisoner had been receiver at the postotfice, Bodega-road, Bow.

In January, February, and March last, som8 irregularities having been reported to the General Postotfice, an investigation was made into the accounts, when it was found that there was a deficiency in the savings bank book of 169. TheL-e deficiencies had been refunded by a guarantee society. A strong aopeal had been made to the Postmaster-General on the prisoner's behalf, but tha usual way in such cases was to lay the facts before the court, and leave the court to deal with the matter. It was pleaded for the prisoner by his counsel Mr. Grain, that this was an exceptional case.

The young man had taken the business of a chemist without sufficient capital, and had foolishly mixed up the postotfice money with his own, without any intent to defraud, iae petition to tha Postmaster-General was handed to tha Recorder, and several witnesses having been called to character, sentence was postponed. POLITICAL ITEMS. Mr. T. J.

O'Mahony, a prominent Gaelic athlete in the south of Ireland, wa3 released from Cork County Jail yesterday rooming after serving 14 days' imprisonment, imposed by a Crimea Act Court. He was met outside the prison by a large crowd, including the Mayor of Cork and members or the Gaelic Athletic Association, who marched with their hurleys. The police were present on tne scene unaer arms. Sir Lyon Playfair, addressing a Liberal meeting at Leeds, last mght, said did not require the uo ucuhsio uiftb fcifo plan qe campaign was not a right one, but he insisted upon the right ot the tenants to combine in order to alter nnins-. nmhi A3 to the Local Government Bill, tha principle of compensation was most dangerous, and if con sented to wooiq extend injuriously other irections.

Mu. Gladstone and Wales. It is understood that the annual conference and demonstration in connection with tho North Wales Liberal Federation will take place at Carnarvon during the autumn. Great efforts will be made to induce Mr. Gladstone to take part in the proceedings and so remove the grievance of which th InraX T.iv!.

wiupuuiung taat cney are practically over-looked, whilst the Conservatives are able to secure for their demonstrations tha presence of Lord Salisbury, the Postmaster-General and other Itnuiimr statesmen. Ays Election. At a mpntinir nf .1,0 Executive held last night, it was arranged that Mr. Sinclair Bhould open tbe campaign at Ayr on Monday, and at Irvine on Tnnsrla Th. Unionists meet in Glasgow on Friday to choose a cauuiuaie.

mx. nomer, W.U and thn Hnn. Jiveiyn Asniey probable candidates. It is Butwu tnat tne Lague will intervene in toe election, jar. Champion left London last mght to arrange for meetings to be addressed by aeieatea candidate Mid-Lanark), and Mr.

M'Manus, of Newcastle. JiiPRBSsioN op Religious Opinions. Mr Courtney Kenny, M.P,, has this session reintro- uucea nis dui aDoushmg prosecutions against laymen for the expression of opinions on matters of religion. It proposes that no criminal proceedings shall be instituted in any court against a person for schism, heresy, apostacy, blasphemous uuai, oiaspnemy at common law, or atheism. Pro ceedings will, however, be still allowed to be instituted in Eccleciaatical Courts asainst spiritual persons of the Church of England or in tb courts ot tne (Jtmrcn ot Scotland against ministers or preachers of that Church.

The Aob of King George IL for "more effectually preventing profane cursing and swearing" is not to be affected. Nor is any other enastment not expressly repealed by this measure. Of those expressly repealed, the first is a statute of King Edward VL "against such as shall unreverently speak against the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, commonly called the Sacrament of the Altar and fm- tba racaivfne thereof in both kind Tho second provision repealed is that in the Act of Uniformity or ueen Xiiizacem, waica is directed acArnst persons who in anv intarlnrW snnofL rhvmes. or by other open wardn. rtar-Tca speak snything in the derogation, depraving, or asspisiiut 01 mH grayer; 000K, or ot anything therein A Boy Drowned cj iHb Canal.

John Mao-donald. five years of ace. who iivrf xi Btreet, Booths, fell into the Leeds and 'Liverpool vunoc-uguise yesterday alter--noon, and was drowned. An excitinf? scene was witnessed oa Monday evening in Wombwell's Menagerie, at Cardiff. A local hotelkeeper, Mr.

Robert Wiltshire, had made a heavy wasrer that hn xumA th mm nf lions, and several thousand people assembled to see- the appointed ttme Mr. Wiltshire, accompanied by the keener, entered a cage containing seven boas, and, despite their juraateiiinggrowifl, waUced in their midst in a mot fearless manner. Having remained ia tile cage for several minutes whilst the beasts were put through iiVi16 ofdinary performance, he came ouVacd waa with tremendous applause. Several iremenaoas applause. Several in beta changed hands over nunurerg pounds 1 affair.

in ful be is to i a ao Hot care to smoke any other, which, how ever, is only partially true, A mixture of the two drugs is getting into favour here in fact, I am informed on excellent authority that the product of India is nearly all used for admixture with native opium. Then, the collection of the 'lekin' by the foreign Customs will have in fact, is having a very prejudicial effect on the Indian trade. When the lekia was let to the farmer the amount produced was the property of the provincial authorities, to deal with as they liked the officials and tax farmers both made money, and the greater the trade the rioher they became. All is changed now. The lekin collected at the custom house is absolutely at the disposal of the Imperial Government, and whatever amounts are paid from ft to the provincial authorities they must be accounted for as far as such things are aocounted for in China.

This state of affaire will, of course, greatly promote the growth of native opium, on which the local officials can impose what tax they iite, without being accountable to the Imperial Government for it." At the present time the net revenue derived by the Indian Government from the sale of opium is about 6,000,000 per annum, or nearly one-third of the revenue derived from the land tax. The loss of so large an amount would be disastrous, for it is the misfortune of Indian finance that the revenue has always shown a remarkable lack of elasticity. Tnere are no new sources of revenue to be tapped, nor can the' present faxes be made to return more, as was abundantly shown in the case of the salt tax a year or two ago. The land revenue is the largest source of income, but its want of expansion is proverbial. The rents are fixed for long periods, and to alter them is impossible.

Within the ten years from 1876 to 1886, the increase in the net revenue from the land was only some 500,000, on a total of 18,500,000. During the same period the revenue from stamps increased only some 750,000, and that from Excise 1,600,000, whilst Customs actually showed a falling off of 1,500,000. From all sources of taxation the increase of net revenue during the decade was only 2,120,000. Few countries in the world can present a worse picture than this. Of natural growth of revenue there is nothing to speak of, whilst it is conceded on all aides that the people are too poor to be taxed more heavily.

If future budgets are not to disclose heavy deficits, the only remedy iB to be found in economy. There must be far less officialism in India, native labour must take over the work now done by highly salaried Europeans. It is useless to blink the fact that the finances of India are not only straitened, but that 'their condition pro mises to become far more grave before long. In Brisbane, Queensland, there exists an association which must interest Lancashire people all over the world. It is called "The Lancashire Association," and its members consist exclusively of those who have once lived in the county palatine but who are at present residing in Brisbane, Its objects are to bring together in social intercourse people whose memories of the old country gather chiefly round Lanca- shire scenes and places, and who thus have common subjects of interest and are able to give each other information regarding remembered home life and folk and, further, to lend a helping hand to newly arrived emigrants, by introducing them to those who feel a friendly interest in them because they come from Lancashire, and are likely to put them in the way of obtaining employment.

To carry out this latter object, every immigrant ship is met by the secretary of the association, or by one of the oommittee, who welcomes the stranger on landing, and, when necessary, extends to him a temporary hospitality-His circumstances are inquired into, and the best advice available is given, pains being taken to make him feel that he is not entirely a stranger in a strange land, but that he has friends who are kindly disposed, and ready to help him in his first difficulties. Over the young of both sexes some supervision is exercised in order to guard them from bad company and evil habits. Many of the leading citizens of Brisbane are members of the association, and there is a reading room in connection with it, where the usual amusements found in clubs chess, draughts, dominoe3, are provided, and entertainments are occasionally given for the benefit of the Benevolent Fund. The idea of this association is excellent, and one that would be likely to find favour in most colonies, for Lancashire folk are somewhat clannish, and think a good deal of their native county. The secretary of the Brisbane society terms it the star county of England," and few of its sons will be disposed to quarrel with Mr.

Hewitt for so doing. The law relating to blasphemy is not in a satisfactory condition. It has come down to us from the olden time, and is capable of being made use of at the present day for purposes whioh common sense could not approve. Mr. Kenny, M.P.

for Barnsley, introduced a repealing bill last year, which, like many other measures, came to nothing. He has now brought it forward again, and it may come up for discussion, although there is apparently more urgent business already than it will be possible to transact. Mr. Kenny's object is to abolish prosecutions of laymen for the expression of opinions on matters of religion. There is no clause interfering with the responsibility of clergymen of the Church of England or ministers of the Church of Scotland to their respective ecclesiastical courts.

All that is proposed is the repeal of certain of Edward TL, Queen Elizabeth, William and George IV. There is an enactment of George IL directed against profane cursing or swearing," and this is not disturbed. The main object in view is to prevent the institution of proceedings in any court for schism, heresy, apostacy, blasphemous libel, blasphemy at common law, or atheism. Some of these offences, it is obvious, have long ceased to be noticed by the authorities. No one would think of prosecuting criminally for schism, heresy, apostacy, or atheism, But blasphemous speaking and writing have been visited with penalties in recent years, and Parliament will have to consider care fully how far it is desirable to go in tho direction of complete freedom such matters.

A financial- statement has been trans mitted Austria wnicn reveals in a striking way the oppressiveness of the military burden in that country. It is always exceedingly difficult, even in normal periods, to make the taxes balance the -expenditure, and although there hasj been A no war since ioou, ma aeDE Has risen considerably during the interval. But recent preparations for a possible conflict with Russia have rendered the monetary situation worse than it was ever before. Vt. ifalk, the intimate friend of the Hungarian Prime Minister, and editor of ITV 1 xiszas organ, Ban a en is ween, in a very important speech, that sums ranging from 60 to 60 million florins are voted each year in increase of an already enormous military budget.

This sacrifice is believed to be absolutely necessary, and therefore it is sanctioned without demur lest a crash should come and find the empire unready. In almost all previous- Tvars for century past the Austrian have been unfortunate, and no-slight portion. of their ill lack has been due to defective measures of precau tion. If they should have to fight this year or next they will afe last-he in a position to so with effect. But eosb of thia these fwould -have to- bebroadened inta.2oxei2u custom houses.

Smuggling has TSbaUs t13 withdrawal o. foreign. WoaaolO'! i UJwllanof.j)erfectHorae3Rue..