The Morning News from Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland • Page 7

THE MORNING NEWS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2i, BUSINESS NOTICES by this time be in the hands of the French, NSIDIZr 'f toinrr; pair, ii MURDER AT WALWORTH. LONDON LETTER. vessels and claimed 4,129 lives for the yea 1882. Altogether 945 British owned vessels wereloBt in 1882, and 445 of these off our own shores, where 131 foreign ships were also lost; while the majority of collisions likewise took place near these, coasts, or 93 out of 139. Finally, including the figures for 1882, within the last live years alone no less than some 20,000 persons had, it was computed, perished at sea.

The summary of the Society's work for the year 1882 Bhowed that through its agency aid was directly administered to the large number of 13,145 distressed fishermen and mariners, widows and orphans, tc, bringing the numbers thus relieved, since the Society was first instituted in 1839, up to a grand total of while, as rewards for saving life at sea, if silver medals (of which the greater number were obtained by the crews of fishing vessels for exceptionally gallant efforts), besides barometers, testimonials, and pecuniary grants, were awarded within the year, placing the number of medals already issued at 38 gold and 301 silver medals respectively, and raising the total number of lives saved, for which recognition had thus been given by the Society, to 7,208 in all. passe wf, emplrrn iot ace; jto inablei in foe jte-berettfisf poouisoiedi n's boots putting itches -ar i 2345 ERTl IT Want and Box i 1 where to and Geesq Ivertiaer tr er He News Or a Seconc stating Ic I ilSESS I Snt Good iniost reap and 34 Oh i iery). j8C fintinrf. Lectures, Sows Uei tt, Commt ass, Paint falLoad Figured 3 Hjlidaj Leather mers that losed on To biBt.Jjp8G Carda 1 NeW.Yei tuty; in pa I BobtOCS, i liese cards re sum. nd other General I tmuiercial IAL Pnnu lii voices, ness Card cites, Lab ibe Mormuj uegall Sere lace.

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College the ata aigregatiol jhe Very p7645 i everyond ia Presents. 'iieccro-pjatf a'KeownA jallaisea; h) e. Trial sol lo Virei .5 keys, Gi large Market I CI ted I and fatellien raaunatt' fntushed tick also! iodidatey nation le Street) tu lown. 51 Sak i 35s; Work" Tories a feeling, begotten, it is true, of piaue and disappointment in favour of having a nome But this feeling gradually Wore off. Mr.

Chamberlain ban aairl thai the representation which does not reflect the will of the people is a sham representation. Mr. Verner thinks it is only by a sham representation that the voices of the Orangemen of Ulster can be heard. And Mr. Verner would be a leader The Financial Reform Almanac" for the New Year attracts attention, as usual with this publication, on account of the vast quantity of really useful and interesting information which it contains.

The book is becoming more than ever the vade mecum of every man who wishes to get a correct and complete idea of the vastness of British public departments, and the vastness as well of what they cost to the The information contained in the new issue is briefly summarised in the preface. It consists of a condensed analysis of the work accomplished by the Land Commission, with, as it is neatly put by the writer, an exposure of the more salient instauces of landlord oppression; 2, a detailed estimate of the amount of public money paid to dukes, marquises, and earls, and to' their relatives; 3, a connected account cf the vaiious branches of the revenue, with facts and figures illustrative of each; 4, a list of names, with amounts showing every pension granted under the Civil List Act since the accession of her Majesty, with the reason assigned for each grant; and 5, an exposure of the evils fostered by the Bank Charter Act, 1844, with pleas for the extension of Free-trade principles to banking and currency, and an indication of how this may be done. These are the main points on which the almanac is replete with information. There is no need to say that it will be unwelcome reading to the titled and other idle classes; but even they cannot say that the information is compiled in an offensive or invidious manner. The facts are there, and anyone is at liberty to put whatever meaning he chooses upon them.

No individuals from the upper circle are particularly singled out for notice, but there is no mistaking the fact that, taken all together, they are made to occupy a position which they should prefer to have concealed from the gaze of an inquiring public. The "Medical Press and Circular" of the 19th referring to the recent deputation to the Chief Secretary of the Irish druggists and grocers to complain of the Pharmaceutical Council's refusal to license them, says The Council has a public duty to do to provide Ireland with competent medicine and drug sellers. it never was intended "to be a trades union for the protection of one class of traders by suppressing another "class; and we believe that the majority of the Council have no desire to give it any "such character." Jewels are still a particularly marketable commodity, and diamonds still hold the palm for popularity. At a sale ef jewels in London the other day remarkably high prices were obtained. For instance, a flower head orna ment fetched 84 guineas; a cross of brilliants, 190 guineas; a couple of brilliants set as ear rings, 129 guineas; brilliant earrings, with Oriental pearl drops, 244 guineas; brilliant top and drop eamngs, 171 guineas; a bracelet composed of seven selected specimen brilliants, four white and three fancy coloured stones, 383 guineas; a bracelet set with four emeralds and five brilliants, 720 guineas; a Court necklace of old Brazilian brilliants, set in collets, 795 guineas; a head ornament, 70 guineas.

The saie realised about 4,000. Thus the rich squander and the poor starve The gentleman who. has, it seems, been selected as Conservative candidate for the County Derry has yet to make his first essay as a politician, bo tar Mr. Wm. has not been heard of in that respect.

His father, Mr. J. Joarre Beresford, was an un successful candidate for the county at the general election in 1674. It was not to be expected that the Tones would yield in Derry without another struggle, but that they should rest their hopes on an untried and unheard-of man is equal to an admission on their part that they are not sanguine of success. If a comparatively respectable Tory like Mr.

Alexander cannot win County Derry for his party there is little use in an attempt being made by a Beresford, which is not a name to conjure with in any part of the county, least of all where it is best known. 1 vjn An important case has just been decided by the Islington County Court Judge which may present ieatur.es or interest to tne general reader. A man belonging to Dalston sought to recover 20 as damages for personal injuries sustained owing to the negligent driving of the defendant, who is described as a dairyman. The case for the plaintiff was that in September last he was turning a corner at Dalston Lane, when the defendant's horse and care while sharply rounding it knocked him down, causing such injuries as to temporarily incapacitate him from following his employment. The defence urged was that the cart never toucnea tne piaintin, out that he stepped off the kerb, was shouted at to keep out of the way, and in his sudden confusion he slipped and fell.

The Judge held that the plaintiff was not touched by the horse or cart, and the question, as he put it, was to decide as to whether the defendant could be held liable, or whether the damages were too remote. Taking decided cases as a precedent he had come to the conclusion that the damages were not too remote, and gave a verdict for the plaintiff for 7 and costs. It is not the first time that a cry has come from rural postmen that they do not get a fair day's wage for a fair day's work. After all there would seem to be good reason for it. Postmen who in most country districts are in receipt of about 1 a week; and have to travel, heavily-laden, over a large tract of country, starting on their wearisomo journey at an early hour in the morning, and returning footsore and weary far on into' the evening, are certainly of all men not overpaid.

In the Northern portions of Ireland, however, they appear to be a little better off than the rural postmen in England. A complainant writes to a Yori shire paper that he has to travel twenty-two miles every day at the top of his speed, bearing a heavy load, and he may be. assumed to be consequently incapacitated from doing other work. It was, therefore, with not a little touch of irony that the Post-office officials granted him liberty to supplement his income by other means other than postal carriage and delivery The English rural postmen wish to have 23s a week fixed as a minimum salary. This does not seem too much, considering the very trying duties they have to perform at all seasons of the year.

The operations of the Tramways Act, it may be assumed, will do much to supersede the work of the rural post man. At the annual meeting of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society, held on the 17th inst, the secretary's report, always an inter estiag affair, bore melancholy testimony to the terrible havoc to shipping of all kinds on our coasts and abroad, in the course of which the deejt swallowti tp.aqmt so that the situation would be' exactlv that which, according to the Marquis Tseng, would provoke active hostilities, and put an end, once for -all, to fruitless The French Chambers feel, also, that diplomacy has exhausted itself to no good purpose. The two votes of credit for nine millions and twenty millions respectively were passed in the Seuato yesterday almost unanimously, and 7,000 more men are to be sent out as reinforcements immediately. Is an omnibus conductor "a workman" within the meaning' of the Employers' Liability Act? The Court of Queen's Bench has just decided a case in a way which shows that the Act passed for the protection of workmen needs amendment in a direction which, so far, had not been anticipated. The omnibus conductor has certainly been ruled outside the Act.

The case referred to is that of Morgan v. The London General Omnibus Company. In the County Court the action was taken for injury occasioned by the negligence of the Company or their servants. The plaintiff was in their- employment as conductor, and on the day on which the accident occurred he was standing as usual on the monkey board" of his omnibus. The frail structure gave way without warning, and the plaintiff was thrown down on street and seriously injured.

There was no question raised as to the facts in the Court of first instance. The plaintiff was injured, and 'it was. fully admitted that he was entitled to compensation, provided it could be shown that he came within the meaning of tho class of servants to which the Act referred. The County Court Judge held that the defect in the board was such as proved negligenco on the part of the Company, and as would entitle the injured person compensation. But the more important point in the interests of the plaintiff was decided against him.

The Judge held that he was not "a workman" within the meaning of the -Act, and that, therefore he could not recover damages. On this view of the law his Lordship non-suited the plaintiff. In the Queen's Bench Division the case was very fully argued on appeal, and it was at once seen that a new and important point was raised, for if the decision of the Court below were correct a large class of servants would be altogether excluded from the benefits of the Act. Counsel for the plaintiff contended that the decision of the County Court Judge was manifestly wrong, inasmuch as the plaintiff, being employed by the day, and in what was mainly manual labour, oame within the definition of "a person to whom the Employers' and Work-" men's Act of 1875 applied." Counsel for the defendants of course maintained that the plaintiff was not one of the class of servants to whom the Act applied. The two udges before whom the appeal was argued were Mr.

Justice Day and Mr. Justice A. L. Smith, and their decision was that the ruling of the County Court Judge was quite right, as the plaintiff did not' come within the terms of the Act of 1875, which could only include such persons as labourers, servants in husbandry, artificers, and the like. The Court also heicl that the plaintiff was not a person engaged in manual labour, the ordinary meaning of which words could not be regarded as covering the employment in which the plaintiff was engaged.

The only relief, therefore, which the plaintiff could have was that which the common law doctrine of employment gave him. It was, in fact, a case which, according to their Lordships' view, did not come within the meaning of the Act, and consequently he could not recover in the action. The appeal was therefore dismissed. But as showing that their Lordships held that the case was one of some importance, and that it might bo desirable to have the Act interpreted by the highest judicial authorities, the Judges gave liberty to carry the appeal further. As we have said, it is easy to Bee that by this deci sion, if it be ultimately upheld, a very large class of employes are excluded from the benefits of this important Act Since it was passed it has been the subject of much judicial interpretation, and its numerous defects have been pointed out, but this is the first instance in which it has been shown that a coachman, who may be regarded as an ordinary employe, has been held to be outside the Act Ma.

Edward Wingfield Verner, J.P., D.L., Grand Master of the Orangemen of County Armagh, is very anxious to become a leader, and, like Don Quixote, to take a windmill ac a run. Said Mr. Verner in Portadown on Tuesday night, when celebrating the Shutting of the Gates, "All I can say is, that I have tried to prove to you that if you want a leader, I shall be proud, as far as my ability allows me, to lead you to defeat the enemy." Yerner was a name to conjure with at one time in parts of Armagh and Antrim but those were the days of landlord rule. Verner for ever was then an electoral shibboleth. It is not so now, and we fear that Edward Wingfield will experience some difficulty in organising his forces.

You might as well," said Mr. Verner to his tea swilling Orange brethren, a3 they stared at him with mouths wide You might as well mve up the idea or ever having your opinions expressed in this coun "try if the franchise is lowered. You might "as well sell this hall to the people of Cross- maglen for your enemies will be able to outvote you if such a dangerous enactmont becomes law." What Mr. Verner means by an enactment becoming law is best known to himself but it is pretty evident that he does not believe in the representation of the people. Hear him for his cause again "The lowering of the franchise, as I said the "other day, means the effacement of Ulster.

"We are -to have no more voice either in the Parliament in London or the one in College Green if it ever exists." This is not bad. But Mr. Edward Wingfield improved on it. "I would rather like that there should "be a Parliament in College Green," said he, "for we could go there and make our "selves heard," And, be it particularly noted, the audience cheered Nthe sentiment Mr. Verner is not the first modern True Blue Tory who has exhibited a desire to see a Par liainent in College Green.

After the flaming O'Flanaean had expressed a wish to kiok the Queen's Crown into the Boyne the "Mail" of Dublin strongly advocated Home and the reae-ade King-Hannan waa elected for Slizo on Conservative Horn Rule pnn eijlas. Hurt was, unor rsine At Lambeth Police Court yesterday, George Baldwin, labourer, was committed for trial. charged with having murdered George Hoar, wmie in bed at Walworth, last week. JNo motive has been furnished for tbe crime, and Baldwin said he was drunk at the time, and had na recollection ef what happened. THE DYNAMITE OUTRAGES IN GLASGOW.

At Edinbui gh yesterday the trial of the alleged dynamiters was resumed. The Lord Advocate continued his address, in closing the case for the Crown, referring to the purchase of glycerine by the piisoner M'Dermott, and his endeavours to obtain vitriol from an aerated water manufacturer, urging there was-direct evidence against M'Dermott The Lord Advocate then analysed the evidence as it affected each one of the prisoners, and urged that it showed they had conspired together to bring about the Glasgow explosions. Mr. Rhind then addressed the jury on behalf of seven of the prisoners. He contended it was not unnatural that large numbers of the Irish at Glasgow should meet without any thought of evil.

Members of Irish Societies there were poor, honest, harl-working men, mostly with families. The prisoners, who were men of no understanding and education, were the dupes of Feather-stone, but there was not one iota of evidence to connect them with the explosions. Mr. Orr followed on behalf of MCulagh, contending that the evidence of Hughes must be received with reserve and caution. The Counsel for the prisoner Drum was next heard, and the Court adjourned till to-day.

THE MAYO CONSPIRACY. IMPORTANT EVIDENCE OF AN INFORMER. The trial of the seven men charged with the Mayo murder conspiracy was resumed at Cork yesterday, when further important evidence was given. A witness named M'Evilly stated that he left Mayo for England in 1878. Before that he waa asked to join the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

He refused to do so, but took an oath not to reveal anything he knew of the organisation. In 1881 the prisoner Nally and ho started a provision store in Manchester Market where Nally received several cases of revolvers and ammunition. Nally said they were for Ireland, and that some good work would be done with them. Nally and a man named O'Kane, who cannot be found, told him that every land-grabber in the West of Ireland would be shot before the Winter of that year. Dr.

Ryan, of London, visited Nally at Manchester, and Nally told witness that the doctor was one of the principal men of the organisation. Nally It ft Manchester for Mayo in 1881, and witness sent him false whiskers and some soft hats which he had ordered. Corroborative evidence waa given by Mrs. M'Evilly, wife of the last witness. Letters in the writing of Nally, O'Kane, and M'Cawley relating to the Society were read, and the case for the Crown concluded.

THEATRE ROYAL THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. One of the great events of the season will be inaugurated next Monday, the 24th inst, by the production for the first time in Ireland of the great new play in six acts, The Silver King," a composition which has acquired a deserved popularity in the English metropolis. It is credited with possessing ail the merits of high comedy, with a good spicing of the melodramatic art. Tbe situations are sufficiently effective and telling, while there is sufficient latitude for good histrionics. Mr.

Warden's staff of artists have, already intimated in these columns, been busily at work for many weeks on the new scenery and mechanical effects with which tbe piece abounds. The name of Mr. Wilson Barrett is a sufficient guarantee for the excellence of the company, which is one of the bes) that has yet appeared in Belfast Altogether a treat of a rare order may be anticipated. The Silver King will, it is to be hoped, reward Mr. Warden's enterprise wiin" VWcrruarvest during the time of the visit Sudden Death.

Yesterday afternoon an inquest was held in the Morgue touching the death of James Maze, Killultaph, Ballinderry, who dropped dead whilst standing at the bar of a public-house in town on Wednesday, and the circumstances of whose death were reported in our issue of yesterday. The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes. Shipment of Potatoes. Potatoes continue to bo shipped from Belfast in very large quantities tor England, Scotland, and Malta. The steamer Bickley, belonging to the Ulster Steamship Company, will leave the Prince's Dock in the course of a few days with a cargo of 800 tons for the last-named place.

The Ship Bay of Panama. This new ship, which was launched some time since, has received her outfit in the Abercorn Basin, and is fast approaching completion. She is one of the finest sailing ships yet built at this port being four-masted and square-rigged all over. She will be completely finished early in the New Year, when she will leave for her destination. The Fatal Accident on the Si'anehill Road.

Dr. Dill, borough coroner, will hold an inquest in the Royal Hospital to-day on the body of the man Thomas Macartney, of Bally-murphy, Ballygomartin, who died in that institution on Wednesday night from the effects of injuries caused by a portion of a house in the coarse of erection on the Shankhill Road falling on him. Greenisland Bazaar. This bazaar, which was opened at the Ebenezer yesterday by L. Hamilton, J.P., has so far turned out a complete success notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather.

The bazaar opened at one o'clock and closed at fonr, and then opened at 6 p.m. and closed at ten o'clock. Great numbers of people in the neighbourhood lent their aid in money and work, and1 the promoters have every reason to be preud of their efforts. The bazaar will be continued this (Friday) and Saturday evenings from six till ten o'clock, when a further sale of work will take place. There are a shooting gallery and diorama, which have lent great aid, and these will be continued both evenings.

Choral Association's Concert. The above Association will, as previously announced, give a grand Christmas concert in the Ulster Hall this evening. A number of talented vocalists will appear on the occasion, and the services of Mr. W. H.

Jude, organist, have been specially secured for this one night. A new and important feature in connection with this Society's concerts will appear for the first time this evening in the form of an orchestra, consisting of between forty and fifty members. This addition to the st length of the Society the want of which has been its only source of weakness in the past will, we are sure, add greatly to its popularity, and enhance the attractions of this performance. A most enjoyable programme has been drawn up, and altogether we anticipate a very successful evening for the Society. Attempt to Upset she Cavehill Tram.

At the Whitehouse Petty Sessions yesterday before Sir Edward Coey, D.L., J.P., and Sir Charles Lanyon, D.L., J.P. Andrew Hogg, described as a commercial traveller, and whose address was given as 12 and 13 Fleetwood Street, Belfast was charged in the custody of the police with having placed a stone on the rails of the Cavehill and Whitewell Tramway Company with intent to overturn the tram. Mr. Harper prosecuted on the part of the railway, assisted by District Inspector Mason, Cartick-f ergns. After evidence, Sir Kdward said that the Bench believed defendant did not commit the offence maliciously, but they would not decide now what course they would take, but adjourn the case for six months.

A second charge of drunkenness, and a third of assault both committed on the 18th were then proved by Constable CallaghaB. The Court fined defendant in 5s and costs for drunkenness, and sent him to gaol for one month for the assault The steamship Badal Godard, from St Ne-Eaire, landed yesterday at Cardiff Captain Dee-tande's crew and two passengers, of the Cardiff steamer Cornwall which oundered off the Saints on Tuesday nlht can from nasais. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. (Br Morning News" Special Wire.) London, Thursday Night. The sneers of the Tory Press as to the alleged agreement of the Liberal Party upon the programme of next Session has induced the Pall Mall Gazette" to adopt a somewhat novel but effective method of solving the question.

It has addressed an inquiry to every unofficial member of the Liberal Party English, Irish, and Scotch asking for his viewB upon the subject, and has already received replies from over 250 members, representing county and borough constituencies in the Three Kingdoms. These, it says, nave been, of the most satisfactory character, especially as to the proposal to include Ireland in the Franchise Bill, and entirely justify the prediction that this measure will be vigorously pressed as the first item of business in the next Session. Mr. Plunket's eloquent declamations against the extension of the franchise to Ireland are estimated at their true worth by reflecting Englishmen. Here is the answer the Echo" makes to him this evening: Mr.

Plunket knows that whilst the present franchise lasts the Tories may be able to keep fifteen or twenty seats, but that once the franchise is lowered they will be lucky if they retain half a dozen. Besides, he belongs to a party that never yet listened to an Irish cry for justice except when it was backed by force. Mr. Plunket protests against governing Ireland according to Irish ideas That is Mr. Gladstone's plan.

He has acted upon it for eight years, and mark what has come of it. Ireland is less loyal to-day than at any time since the But does Mr. Plunket mean to say that since 18C8 Ireland has been ruled according to Irish ideas 1 Is it according to Irish ideas that Ireland should be groaning under a Coercion Act more ruthless in its operation than any one that has been passed since 1803 Is it according to Irish ideas that the franchise should be far higher in Ireland than in England; that the Grand Jury system should bo maintained; that all authority should be centered in the Castle; that, though three-fourths of the Irish people are Catholics, three-fourths of the principal officials are Protestants; that if it is proposed to run a few miles of rail from one town to another costly proceedings must be undertaken at Westminster before the work can be commenced In January the new magazine "To-day" will enter upon a fresh career. It will become the organ of the English Socialists, and all its articles will bear the signature of the writers. "Light," it says, will be thrown from time to time on the various cliques and mutual admiration societies in art and literature which palm off mediocrities upon the public as men of light and leading." A monthly retrospect of the important popular movements both in Europe and America will form a feature of the magazine.

Among the writers for the ensuing year will be Mr. H. J. Hyndman, Mr. Wm.

Morris, Prince Krapotkine. Mr. Tavroff, Mr. Henry George, and Eleanor Marx. An interesting little work, entitled The Pandora's Log A Diary of Our Ulster Campaign, by Vivian Gray, has been issued by Messrs.

Remington, of New Bond Street It is dated from the Carlton Club, and professes to be written by a Conservative inti-matoly acquainted with all the incidents, private and public, of Sir Stafford Northcote's recent trip to Ulster. Whether the narrative will ba particularly pleasant reading for the Ulster Tories is a question which must be left to themselves, but there can be no doubt that it will afford much amusement to the general public. Captain Samson, of County Clare, who married a ward in Chancery entitled 2,000 a-year some time ago, is still in Holloway Prison for his offence. An application was made to release him on Wednesday, and again to-day, to Mr. Justice Kay, sitting in the Chancery Division, but the learned Judge refused to grant it until Captain Samson executed a settlement divesting himself ot any claim to the property.

This settlement will be executed. Shipbuilding prospects in the Clyde are rather gloomy. Builders have on hands only half the number of orders which they had this time twelvemonths, and the result necessarily must be a large disemployment and want among the workmen. During khe present year 329 ships were launched in the Clyde, representing an aggregate tonnage of 420,000 tons. This total was 30,000 tons above the previous year, but even taking this increase into account the trade at present is much below its normal condition.

The monotony of political and social contentions is varied a little just now by an interesting controversy on the subject of tho street cries of hawkers. A Society has been established for the purpose of suppressing these discordant noises, and its manifesto has evoked all sorts of opinions as to the feasibility and justice of the proposal. Some persons argue that the cries are positively intolerable in a civilised city, and should be put down at all costs, while others vehemently declaim against any attempt to impose silence onthe hawkers, on the ground that it wouldbe a needless and cruel hardship to a deserving race. While these opposite opinions are put forth in the Press with a due amount of acrimony, the street hawkers go on making day hideous with their deafening yells. There is, perhaps, no city in the world where this nuisance prevails to such an extent as in London.

From early dawn until midnight thousands of streets are converted into a pandemonium by the cries of the milkman, the coalman, the potato-man, the vendor of oranges and nuts, and the patentees of a composition upon which cats dine, the tinsmith, the mender of umbrellas, and a dozen others of kindred occupation. This army of universal providers march into many streets where they have no business whatever except to try the strength of their lungs, and it is impossible for those who have not actually experienced it to imagine the amount of annoyance they cause to inoffensive citizens. The will of Sir Edward Henry Scoit, Bart, D.L.,the seniorpartnerof the firm of Sir Samuel Scott Jsquare, bankers, who died on 1st Aug. last, at West Cowes, was proved on the 8th inst. by his widow and the other executors.

The value of his estate in the United Kingdom amounts to upwards of 917,000. This sum is independent of 500,000 in the hands of trustees under a settlement made by his late uncle, Mr. Samuel Scott, and over which he had a power of apportionment mong children. Glebe Purchasers at Ballygawley. On Tuesday a meeting of glebe purchasers was held in the Courthouse, Ballygawley, for the purpose of establishing a branoh of the Glebe Purchasers' Association.

A large number of farmers interested attended. It was the opinion of those present that every purchaser under the Church Aot ouzht to join the movement, and that every legal and constitutional means should be used to obtain redress of the grievances which affect so large a seotion of the Irish farmers. Calendars fob 1884. Mr. David Wightman.

jeweller. Castle Street, has just brought out a vsry handsome and ingeniously designed calendar for 1884. The design is intended to represent a gold keyless watoh, the months and days ot the year being indicated in letters of gilt round the edges. The hands serve as indicator! the hour hand being intended to point out the months, and the minute hand to show the days. The almanac is finished in an exceedingly handsome style, and no doubt, prove both an mamental and useful addition either to the study or the office.

Mr. Wightman proposes to make a present of his almanao to his numerous oustomers, by whom, aofdoUirWfesaljrsrP. Christmas Presents. Anderson M'Auley Invite special attention to their large collection of new and choice Goods, oiublefor Presents. Beat Makee and Colours of iiLLaOJJiO Serges, Ottomans, Tweeds, Friezes, Cashmeres, dco.

frkCf ITir PC One the Largest Stocks to bracing the Newest Fabrics and Designs, suitable for every occasion. Children's Costumes in all sizes. Tif vrrpT TO-J61 Seal, Fur-lined, Plain 1UAIN lliJJiO nd Fancy Cioth in immense variety of tho newest Shapes. Qu ucBlack Silks of very Best Mann-faotnre, and purest dye also a Special Purchase of Black and Coloured Satins, unusually chesp. VBSLVETEBlNaSS in the leadiug Shades and Black, 111, 26, 33, 39 per Yard.

Gloves, Handkerchiefs, Umbrellas. Fancy Bags, Jewel Cases, Glove Boxes, Card Cases, Writing Cases, Japanese Productions, and Knick-Knacks," almost innumerable. Toys and Games For Children. ORDERS BY POST, accompanied with remittance, receive prompt and careful attention. Parcels value 40s carriage paid to any Railway Station in Ireland.

Anderson M'Auley, DONEGALL PLACE, BELFAST. ULSTER HALL, TO-NIGHT. Miss FENNA will Sin Frank Moir's Great Song Precious Stones." Admission 3s, 2s, and Is. NOTICE. It is particularly requatUd that latter relating to either biuiaeu or editorial matters will not in any case be addretted to individuals.

BnsineM communications should be addressed to Ihs Manager" Editorial eommunicaUone should be addressed to "The Editor." Private letters should not be sent to this offloe at all, as tkey are liable to be opened. The London Offloa is at ill Strand. The Dublin Offloe, 4 and 8 Prince's Street The Cork Offloe is at 88 aracd Parade. The Deny Offloe is at 12 Caetle Street. The Glasgow Office is at 145 Argyle Street Cheques, Money Orders, and Postal Orders to be made pay-' 'able to Morning Newi" account, National Bank, or the Manager, J.

DaurssT. N.B. In no case dees the Proprietor hold himself rcspon elble (or errors of any kind in advertisements ordered tor insertion in this Journal bat where any material error oocurs he will either refund the sum paid or re-luiert the advertisement correctly at the option of the advertiser: All advertisements are received subjeot to tbeje condition! and to editorial supervision. AND KXAMINKR. BSf.T,r-'ST.

FRIDAY. DEC. 21, 1883. to news which reached Hong Kong yesterday the long-expected hostilities be-: t-arean France and China have actually broken out. At the end of last week the French 'forces, numbering 7,000 men.

of all arms, made an attack on the town of Sontay. Of entire force 4,000 were engaged, and the result waa that five outer villages, which formed a kind of protection to the fortress itself, were captured by the attacking troops, The loss to the French was 200 men and 15 officers in killed and wounded. The fortress was at the time still held by Chinese troops, and according to the information a combined attack by sea and land was to have been made on the fortress itself by the invaders on Monday last, the 17th inst. The result of this attack, if it took place, is not yet ascertained, but the news of the first encounter was brought to Hong Kong yesterday by a merchant vessel which had arrived from Tonquin. Supposing the intelligence to be correct, we cannot any longer entertain a doubt that the dispute between France and China has passed altogether out of the region of diplomacy.

It was stated, indeed, before any attack was made upon Sontay that China would regard such an attack as equal to a declaration of war. On Srjurday last tho Chinese Ambassador at PariaVas interviewed by the Times correspondent, and the conversation appeared at length in the "Times" of In this interview, as published in the Times," the Marquis Tseng appears to have admitted that though Sontay is in Tonquin, Chinese soldiers were keeping garrison both there and at Bacninh, He further stated that it would be impossible for China without dishonour to avoid defend- ing Bacninh and Sontay, inasmuch as her troops were in Tonquin. Consequently, he said, it is quite impossible that France should carry out her designs on those fort-" esses without direct collision with regular Chinese troops." If the Chinese was then speaking according to. his in- structions, there can no longer be any doubt that the war has commenced in earnest "Do you still affirm," said the correspondent, "that China will "break off relations with France if the latter takes Bacninh and Sontay 3" "I distinctly "affirm," replied the Marquis Tseng, "that "China will break off official relations with France if she takes either of those places." Union Admiral Courbet has failed in his attici, or lis sdi3 to wait for reinforce Accident in Kilrea. On yesterday a young man named Barr, residing in Bridge Street, fell from a ladder, a distance of about twenty foet, resulting in injuries to oue of his legs.

Accidents. David Dick, 49 years of age, residing at 33 Matlock Street, waa admitted to the Royal Hospital yesterday evening, Buffering from contusions of the thigh, caused by a fall from a house. Antrim Board of Guardians. Mr. Alex.

Woods presided at the weekly meeting yesterday. Reports shewed in house last week, 194; admitted since, 19; discharged, 20; died, remaining, 192; balance in favour of Board, 1,114 19s 8d. Ballynahinch Fair. This fair was held yesterday, but Owing to tbo atrict regulations now in force relative to the removal of cattle there was a marked falling off in the supply, and the demand for the same reason was comparatively dnlL Beef sold at from 80s per cwt. down, and mutton from 8d to 9d per lb.

Armagh Presentment Sessions. These sessions were held yesterday, before Messrs Boyle (presiding), Lavery, sad M'Crum, Justices, and the following cesspayers Messrs. Lonsdale, Mills, Menany, and Fleming. John Dobbin, for whom Mr. Peel appeared, was awarded 20 for alleged injury to a horse in the townlands of Magheryavoule and Liabanoe.

Christmas Races. It will be observed from our advertising columns that these races will take place on Christmas Day at Malluak, situated about six miles from Belfast. The entries, it is announced, whioh will close to-day (Friday), will be recti ved up to eight o'clock p.m. in the KainbowTa vera, High Street. The programme, whioh includes the usual events, promises to be of an attractive character; and should the weather prove favourable a good day's sport may be anticipated.

The New Courthouse in Lisbcrn. The new Courthouse in Railway Street, Lisbnrn, which has been erected at the expense of Sir Richard Wallace, is about receiving its finishing touches, and will be opened for the transaction of business in the course of a few days. It is under stood that Sir Richard Wallace has it in contem plation to solicit the Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council to establish a Quarter Sessions Court in Lis burn. Should this effort be successful, it is not too much to say that the arrangement will supply a felt want, and prove of great advantage, not lest to tne legal gentlemen man to tne commercial and agricultural residents in the town and neighbourhood. Trotting Match at Newtoyvnards.

A trotting match was to have ccme off at New-townardsyesterday morning between two ponies, the property of Mr. Wallace, Drumawheg, Newtownards, and of Mr. Magee, Uailygowan. The race was for 2 a side and the distance a mile and a Half oa the GOmCer' Road. At xnenou appointed about 5C0 people were in attendance, but Mr.

Wallace did uot put in an appearance, and Mr. Magee, accompanied by P. Eohlin, who was to act as referee, had a walk over the course. On coming to Newtownarda the stakes were handed over to Mr. Magee by Mr.

Samuel Stewart, Seaview, who held th money. jgLooAL Admiralty Court. Yesterday, J. H. Otway, Q.C., sat in the Recorder's Court for the purpose of hearing an action brought by Mr.

Alexander King, shipowner, against the owners of the steamer Tlgrapb, of Belfast, for the sum of 22 13s the amount of damage sustained by plaintiffs vessel Springbok through the Telegraph colliding with her at the Queen's Quay in tbe month of May, 1881. Captain White, superintendent of the Local Marine Board, occupied a seat beside bis Worship. Mr. James M'Lean, represented Mr. King, and Mr.

Uarpei appeared for the owners of the Telegraph. After evidence had been given, his Worship gave a decree for the full amount claimed. Extraordinary Kidney of a Heifer. There is at present on exhibition at the shop of Mr. Cooney, butcker.

Mill Street, a side of the carcase of a heifer carrying an extraordinary kidney which weighs upwards of 100 lb. The kidney, whioh reaches in length the fifth rib, is covered with a layer of fine rich prime fat, and the meat of the careate is finely mixed and luscious-looking. The heifer was purchased in the Christmas market at Belfast on Tuesday last, and was fed by Mr. Wilson, farmer, Ballyma-grennahan. County Down.

As a specimen of prime fat we have sldom seen its equal. Notwithstanding the boast of cross-Channel cattle-breeders, it is gratifying to know that we can do something in the.rearing of fat cattle in the North of Ireland. Cootehill Murder Case. A correspondent writes: In looking over your paper I observed a mistake under the above heading, which I hope vou will kindly allow me to correct The deceased was a respectable farmer, residing in the townland of Drumgui, about two miles irotn Cootehill. He waa not returning from the Salvation Army meeting, as stated, but was return-hur after spending the eveuintr with his intended bride.

He was accompanied by his cousin, when they were met at Kiloreeny or Carriok Bridge by some men going home from the Salvation Army meeting at Cootehill, who at once attaoked deceased, and mulcted tne latai wounas, Deceased was a R.C., and had nothing what ever to do with the Salvationists. He leaves his mother, aged 75 years, to mourn his untimely death. Masonic Foneral is Ballymena. Yester day forenoon the remains cf the late Mr. Wm.

Moore Armstrong were removed from his residence at tbe Ballymena Northern Bank, of which deceased waa manager tor several years. The funeral waa ene of the largest and most respeotable that has been seen in Ballymena for a number ot years, ana ootwitnBtanuiug mat ne was a Freemason, and buried with all the honours of the fraternity, yet the large funeral cortege yesterday embraced all sects of the community. The coffin was beautifully finished with brass mountings, and on the top lay several floral wreaths. The Masonic lodges 43 and 776 followed in precession wearing sable hatscarfs. At the charch the burial service was read by the Yen.

Arobdeaoon Murray. Mr. J. Knowles had oharge of the funeral arrangements, whioh were admirably carried out Carrickfebgus. Sudden Death.

Yester day Dr. R. Taggart, Coroner, held an inquest in the Courthouse, Market Square, on the body of Mary Rush, who died suddenly on the evening of the previous day. Bridget Rush, mother of deceased, deposed that her daughter was aged 19 years, and unmarried. Deceased worked as a reeler in the Barn Mills.

For some time past she had been ia delicate health. Deceased went to her work on Wednesday, and took her dinner as well as she had ever done. Un that evening. shortly after six O'clock, when the mill had stepped working, deceased came to witness and holding up her hands said she was done. Deceased was taken into the dinins-room of the mill, where she threw up blood, and died in about five minutes' time.

lit. J. w. ratnea said death resulted from hemorrhage of the lungs. The jury returned a veraiot in accor dance with the medical evidence.

Welff and Bondurand were again charged at Eejr Stmt jwjiexday node the mpmr4k fa trj etryjatart.