HOME AND FOREIGN NEWS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4307, 16 March 1901, Page 7 (Supplement)

HOME AND FOREIGN NEWS

AN ARISTOCRATIC BOARDER. Thu stipendiary magistrate at MarylcImno had before him a smart-looking' woman, giving the name of Beatrice Leslie Maynard, and describing herself as a music teacher, of Judd street, Euston road, who was charged on a warrant with having unlawfully obtained credit under false pretences. Rosa Wicks, a boarding house keeper, of CG Marlands road, Paddington, said the prisoner called on her and gave her name as Lady Leslie Vivian. Vivian, she said, was the name of her first bushand, and she continued to use it as her professional name, for she was a member of the Carl Rosa Opera Company. (Laughter.) Eventually the prisoner took apartment--'. She said she sang at a cathedral, and had an engagement that afternoon.

Mr I'lowdon : What cathedral? —Witness I don’t know. I haven't been in London long.

The Magistrate : I should think not. Did not the mention of her connection with the C arl Rosa Opera Company and a cathedral cause you, as they say, to '‘smell a rat”—did you not think it extraordinary? Witness: No, it did not. Air Plowdon : I suppose the name of Ladv V ivian charmed you. It is really wonderful simplicity. The prosecutrix said the prisoner, after talcing the apartments, ordered tea with new laid eggs. That was supplied, and the prisoner left the house after having ordered dinner for herself and her husband.

Air I’lowdon: What, Lord Vivian? (Laughter.)—Witness : No, her second husband’s name, she said was Forbes.

The Magistrate : I see, the Vivian was a tribute of respect for her deceased husband. (Afore laughter.) Contir.u’ -g, the prosecutrix said tho prisoner did not return to the house until the next morning, when she apologised. and said her delay was due to an accident to her husband, who had had a fall when landing at tho docks, and had broken his arm. She ordered breakfast.

Mr Plowden : New laid eggs again? ■ —Prosecutrix: No, cutlets. (Laughter.) Continuing, the witness said tho prisoner, an hour afterwards, wanted a cheque cashed, aud as they could not oblige her, she asked for the loan of a eape, and she would go out and get it changed herself. Of course you lent her one?—Yes, one worth £!i 3s. She then left the house, saying she would return with her husband and the luggage about 4 o’clock, and would pay a month’s rent in vanceHow about dinner that day?—Oh, before she went out she ordered dinner for Lord (Rosebery, her husband and herself. (Loud laughter.) Lid yon believe her?—Yes, certainly, or I would not have had the d inner _ prepared. (More laughter.) The witness added that the prisoner never returned to the house. The refreshments supplied amounted to 3sAccused was remanded.

A BLACK SEA TRAGEDY. Details are to hand of a terrible disaster in the Black Sea, involving tho loss of no fewer than 30 lives. It appears that a party of 38 Turkish subjects, men, women and children, wishing to emigrate to Turkey without observing the usual passport formalities, secretly arranged with tho owner of a felucca at Chourouk-San for tho hire of his craft and the services of two boatmen to transport them to Turkish territory. The agreed price was 1000 roubles. The boat put off in heavy weather, and soon great waves began to break over it. The pitchy darkness of tho night and the intense cold added to tho horrors of tho situation. and a panic of the wildest description broke out, oni board. It was a struggle for life. The children were first thrown overboard to liwbton the cargo, and then the women, but the water still continued to mvin the mnsterv. The mast was somehow washed overboard, with a 15-year-old hov clinging to it. This hoy was washed Up near an out-of-the-way coastguard station, .the only survivor of that night of horror.

JOYS OF TOBOGGANING. Tlio following exhilarating description of the Jpßffhts of the toboggan appears in the “Westminster Gazette’'— Tobogganing Ims set in serious! v Jn Northern London. and Hampstead is in a feverish state. There is a, snlendid run to he had down the slopes of Parliament Hill, and yesterday and to-day the amusement, has been in full swing, or, rather, slide. Tt is a very simple enjoyment—to aIT appearances. All that is required is a sledge. This can he made out of northing, from the hack of a chair to a baby’s bassinette, with runners instead of wheels. _ Having obtained this requisite, pull it to the top of the hill, sent yourself get someone to give a starting push, and away you go. “Hi! hi! hi!”-ing like a mad fireman till you get to the bottom of the hill, Rcppiat the performance, and keen repeatin'* until you have not strength enough loft either to “Hi! hi!” or drag your toboggan up the bill. That is how it appears to an onlooker, who also eninvs the sport very much; for, although he is very sorry for anvono who lumpens to come a. cropper, he mostly shows his grief hv laughtelr. Ho can he heard being sorrv miles away. Bvt trv a run down yourself, and that mere onlooker instant.lv becomes an object tor supreme pity. The first experience after starting is a fetelmg of having left -a nortion of vnnr internal antomy at the ten of tlm hill: next yon discover vnurself hordm;*.and whooping like » schoolboy. apd 'Whoosh, hang! “What’s that?” '‘The first ridge.” answers t.h 3 skinner of the machine; “hold tight!” Whoosh! bang! again, and vou only think things this time. “Second 1 ridge! Hold tight!” Bang, crash, wallop! “That's the ditch. Hi! hi! yen. sir!” Smash, clatter earthquakes and explosions! and vou pick yourself up and 1 feel if your limbs are stiH all on, and discover that you have collided l with another toboggan. whose owner is slanging away at your captain for nil he is worth. But yon have found out that, the only thing worth doing in this world is to haul your machine up the hill and go through it all again.

WHAT SPIRITUALISTS EXPECT. There will he no question, as to what is the hook of its season, if andl when the late Miss Florence Marryat redeems a, promise sho is reported to have made. The premise was not given “in the flesh/’ to nso the phraseology of a gross materialism—but has come from the world beyond the crave. It is nothing more or less than that Miss Marryat shall write a hook, recounting her experiences since “she crossed the river.” This announcement has caused no great surprise in spiritualistic circles. Mr Gambier Bolton, lipn. sec. of the Society of Spiritualists. who is responsible for it, informed his friends some time ago that tho society had been reoedving; message* from.

i the departed novelist. There is no quos--5 tion about the sincerity of Air Bolton or his associates. They accept the message as indubitably coming from Aliss Marryat, and they are looking forward with eagerness to the time when she will oo ready to dictate her bock. In view of that contingency, a shorthand writer, probably one of their own circle, will attend the seances, and be prepared to “take down” the statements Aliss Alarryat makes tnrough the medium. A spiritualist, discussing the question at the offices of the Spiritualist Alliance, hit upon 9, difficulty which will occur to mest people. “The important question,” he said, ‘‘is, ‘Was it really Aliss Alarryat who made this promise ?’ ” “Surely,” it was urged, “you do not suggest that a spirit would play ,su,ch a trick as you are hinting at?” “It is possible there may be some power or spirit doing this.” “But surely a spirit would not condescend tc such pranks ?’’ “Wo do not know ; w T e cannot understand theso things.” “Then supposing a book is dictated, how is it possible to- decide upon its genuineness ?” “Wo shall see that when if is published, but no doubt the style will give some due and there will be external evidences of many kinds.” SCOTSMEN AND THE KILT. Members and friends of the London Scottism Rifle Volunteers, of wdiom the Duke of Argyll is the honorary colonel, i wore present in largo numbers at the headquarters, Buckingham gate, to witness the annual prize distribution by the Princess Louise (Duchess of Argyll). The largo hall was prettily decorated, and the arrival of the Princess, who was accompanied by the Duke of Argyll, was heralded by a quick-march from the pipers of the regiment. In opening the proceedings Colonel E. J. A. Balfour, the officer commanding, said the present strength of the regiment was 1130, 40G recruits having joined during the volunteer year which ended on Oct. 31 last. With reference to the war in South Africa, ho claimed that the regiment had been the first to come forward for active service in the dark weeks of little more than a year ago. Forty non-commissioned officers had reverted to the ranks rather than nob go out, and six of their officers had been selected for positions of great responsibility. After the presentation of prizes Mar jor-General Trotter congratulated the regiment on the splendid- work which its members had done in South Africa, and thanked them- for the hospitality extended not only to the C.l.V.’s, but to the troops which came Up to assist in the reception of Earl Roberts. In acknowledging a vote of thanks to the Princess, the Duke of Argyll referred to the question of the kilt, and expressed his earnest hope that they might be allowed to keep it for both peace and war service. It was thought that there should be uniformity all through, and there was a feeling that it was a dress which made its wearer a mark for the enemy’s bullets. But in his opinion that could be met by an invention which was known as the reversible kilt, suggested by his (the Duke’s) brother Archie. This was tartan on one side and khaki on the other. The question of the sporran must, ho supposed, remain in abeyance, but-with regard to the hose he thought they should follow the example of the stalker, and have hose which could be brought over . the knees when necessary. Those, said his grace, were not small matters, because costuino had much to do with recruiting and national sentiment. In conclusion, the Duke said he would add to the prizes for next year a gilt bronze statuette of the Princess Louise’s statue of the Queen now in front of Kensington Palace, an announcement which was re- i ceived with cheers.

RIOT AT A RUSSIAN THEATRE. It was recently announced that Prince Bariatinsky’s paper, the “Syevenyj Kurier,” was suspended. The reason for this disciplinary measure has to be sought in the disturbances which occurred at the first performance of the play “The Smugglers,” nearly a month ago. The play, which was brought out at the theatre of the Artistic and Literary Club of St. Petersburg, was nothing more than a direct attack on the Jews. The principal role was offered to the actress Mile. Yavorskaya, who is the wife of Prince Bariatinsky, and was refused by her.

The Prince put a preliminary notice of the character of the piece in his paper, and recommended a demonstration against it. When the play was -produced, it was discovered that almost all the tickets had been bought by Jews, who filled! the theatre, and who soon showed their objection to the performance. Beginning by hissing and hooting, they ended by hurling missiles of all kinds—fruit, vegetables, rotten eggs, goloshes, and opera-glasses —at the actors, completely stopping the play. The police were called in, cleared the theatre, and made some arrests. Prince Bariatinsky subsequently defended the action of the Jews in his journal as warrantable and excusable, but the scandal created had been so great that this attitude on his part greatly irritated the authorities, who accordingly prohibited the publication of the “Kurier.” Moreover, the Princess was forbidden to act further in StPetersburg, and she will in future, it is said, appear at Moscow.

CONCERNING GENERAL COLVILLE.

Major-General Sir Henry Edward Colrequest of the War Office, to send in his ville, who has recently refused, at the resignation, has been more than thirty years in the Army. He took his commission in the year 1870, and has seen active service in Egypt and the Sudan. In 1884 he accompanied the late General Sir Gerald Graham, in the Sudan campaign of 1884, and was present ac the battle of El Teb, being mentioned in despatches, for which he received ihe medal and clasp and the Khedive’s Star. As an Intelligence officer, General Colville did some excellent work in the Gordon Relief Column of 1884-85', being again mentioned in despatches, for which he was made a C.B. and rewarded, with two clasps. In the years 1885-86 he acted as Assistant-Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-General Intelligence Department, with tho Egyptian frontierforce, being present at the battle or Giniss. He received after this the brevet rank of colonel. For so successfully conducting, in 1894, the Unyozo expedition in Central Africa, he was rewarded with the C.M.G. When the war m South Africa broke out. General Comllo was in command at Gibraltar. He was then appointed to the command of the First, or Guards, Brigade of the First Division, under Lord Methuen. In this capacity ho fought at Belmont, Graspan, Modder River and Magersfontein; but subsequently he was transferred to the Ninth Division, which was afterwards broken up. It was after the disaster to the 13th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry

at Lindley that General Colville was brought home. At the time of that occurrence he was on his way to Hoilbron w-ith a large convoy for Aiacdonald and the Highland Brigade. That was on May 27. A few days later Lord Roberts announced in a message from Pretoria: “I regret to report that the 13th Ba;talion Imperial Yeomanry had to surrender to a superior force of the enemy on May 31.”

THE FUTURE OF THE NILE. Tho two great dams of the Nile—at Assouan and Assiout —will be completed, it is estimated, in about two years. Sir John Aird, AI.P,, left England for Egypt last month in connection with the work, which, it will bo remembered, is in tho hands of his firm, Alessrs J. Aird and Co. Sir John told an interviewer before leaving that 15,000 men were and had been employed for the last two years on the construction work, about 90 per cent, of them being natives. Some Italians were oxcuting the granite work, but a great many artisans and engineers had gone out from this country. The Assouan dam was tho greater undertaking. It would stretch, when finished, one and a half miles across the Nile. The smaller work, however, at Assiouo would, it was hoped, be completed within ab.iut twelve months, provided tho Nile th»» year was low, as there was every reason to anticipate would be the case. When the two dams were finally completed tho effect would bo that the level of the water in the Nile would be raised for a distance of 180 miles, and while navjgation of the river would be made much easier, the general power of the country to cany out irrigation work would bo considerably increased. In aditiou, said Sir John, the whole country would be affected, and the work in progress would greatly help in making Egypt and the Sudan prosperous. A CORPORAL’S GALLANTRY. Tho London "Gazette” recently con- : tained the announcement that the Queen had signified her intention to confer the decoration of the Victoria Cross on Corporal H. J. Knight, Ist Battalion Liverpool Regiment, No. 1 Company, 4th Division Mounted Infantry, whoso cl:dins have been submitted for Her Majesty’s approval, for his conspicuous braveiy during the operations near Van Wyk’s Ylei'. The act of courage for which Corporal Knight has been recommended is set out as follows; On Aug. 21, during the operations near Van Wyk’s Vlei, Corporal Knight was posted in some rocks with four men covering the right rear of a detachment of the same company, who, under Captain Ewart, were holding the right of the line. The enemy, about fifty strong, attacked Captain Ewart’s right and almost surrounded, at short range, Corporal Knight’s small party. That non-commis-sioned officer held his ground, directing his party to retire one by one to better cover, where he maintained his position for nearly an hour, covering the withdrawal of Captain Ewart’s force, and losing two of his four men. He then retired, bringing with him two wounded men. One of these he left in a place of safety, the other he carried himself for nearly two miles. The party were hotly engaged during tho whole time.

A FRENCH SCANDAL. The Guitry domestic scandal now ranks as a thoroughly Parisian episode. The letters published are instructive, for they reveal a state of things which unfortunately is the result of the corrupt surroundings to which the young people of excellent families are exposed. Jean Guitry, the elder son, appears to have been expelled from the Arcueuil and Neuilly Colleges, and after a vain attempt in another school was relegated to M. Blondin, a kind tutor, who soon found that he could only wring his hands in despair over his pupil. Mme. de Pontry writes to her ex-husband Imploring him. to save the lad. Her life (she says) is like that of a female warder. Jean spends his hours of truancy'with a young lady, and carries on an intrigue with an American girl. “It is tragic and appalling (she adds.) Paris will kill him.” The girl, who is only mentioned as “I’Etrangere,” used to go to Versailles with Jean, and the bills for refreshments and other items were sei't to th© father or grandfather. The mother chided M. Guitry for allowing her sons to have the run of his library, which is full of novels utterly unfit for growing and precocious youths. His paternal maxim was always : “Amusez vous bien.” He was about (it was alleged) to take the younger boy, Pierre, to Monte Carlo, to take the part of "little Holion” in Jjo Faubourg,” a "role” likely to damage th© character of a young and impressionable boy.

M. Guitry has twice been refused the custody of his children. The professors of the various colleges affirm that he never visited his sons, to which the “Flambeau” of “L’Aiglon” replies that when he called he was received by the principals with a minimum of frigid courtesy.

FIGHTING TAMMANY. - Governor Roosevelt has made a b : g sensation by dismissing from office Colonel Gardiner the District Attorney for New York. Mr Eugene Philbin, a wellknown lawyer, has been appointed ins successor. Colonel Gardiner’s dismissal was caused by flagrant violations of his official duty, notably his refusal to prosecute certain Tammany men accused of serious offences. He came into office two years ago, and was the author of/he famous icmark “To with reform,” which ho used in a speech shortly before bis appointment. Mr Devery, the Chief of Police, and several other Tammany officials whose official behaviour has recently become a public scandal, are likely to share Colonel Gardiner’s fate before many days have passed. Proprietors of gambling-houses and other vicious resorts hitherto winked at are in a state of panic over Mr Roosevelt's move against official corruption, and nearly all have closed up. MAJOR CUIGNET’S PUNISHMENT. The Nationalist papers are evidently trying to make the most of the “affaire Cuignet/’ They cling to the fallacy that the decision of the Inquiry Committee was primarily intended as a rebuff to the Minister of War. I happen to know (writes a “Daily Chronicle” corresuondent) from the best sources that tho acting motive was the stratagem adopted by French juries when they mean to he indulgent. General Noellat and his brother officers rightly considered that, as Major Cuiguet had been

placed on the retired list, he was not bound by the reserve essential in an officer on active service. They therefore considered that dismissal would be too severe a punishment. General Andre also shrank from such a measure on his own initiative.

The Mont-Valerin inquiry was utterly devoid of politics. The officers and generals, as in all such cases, gave their comrade a “leg-up,” and they were probably conscious that the sixty days’ arrest would square matters. The way in which this disciplinary measure is being carried out may bo judged from the fact that Maitre .Menard, Major Cuignet’s counsel, spends several hours with him daily to prepare the libel actions against the “Sieclo” and the “Petite Renublique.” “A MESSAGE TO MARS.” The New York “Herald” publishes an interview with Dr. Tesla, in which the electrician replies to the criticisms cf Professor Fleming and Signor Marconi upon his recent statement. He says; “Having no exact knowledge of the means of investigation possessed fay other experimenters, I cannot judge of the value of their obserrations. “I have not the slightest doubt, judging by my experiences and measure ments, that, with a properly constructed electrical oscillator, an amount of onui gy can bo transmitted towards other planets, such as Mars aud Venus, even when they are at their greatest distances from the earth, sufficient to affect a sensitive instrument such as I am using iu my observations’. “Furthermore, it is an error to believe that a great expenditure of power is necessary for interplanetary communication. What is needed is an enormous rate of energy in delivery, but lasting each time only the fraction of a second, so that the total power used up is small, I can make this rate with my oscillator equal to five million horse-power, and more if necessary, and my calculations show that a small fraction of this rate is amply sufficient for conveying, a message to Mars.”

ARSENIC IN COMMON THINGS. During the past few weeks a number, of representative foods, drugs and other preparations likely to be contaminated with arsenic from the oil of vitriol used in their manufacture, have been submitted to careful examination by tho “ ‘Lancet’ Analytical Commission,” with the following results, which are regarded on the whole as reassuring: Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes.—lt is well known that glycerine or glucose is added to tobacco to give substance to the cut leaf. We examined a number of samples of sweetened tobacco, but without getting the slightest indication of arsenic.

Blacking.—Arsenic urns foupd in mere traces only in blacking. In any case tho presence of arsenic in small amourits would not matter much in blacking.

■Sweetmeats. —A number of sweetmeats were examined, but not a tracb of arsenic could be found in them. Similarly several fruit jams when examined for arsenic gave negative results.

Lemonade.—No arsenic was found in several samples. Liqueurs.—Sugar, of course, is a largo constituent of liqueurs, and it might be glucose. Of two liqueurs examined we could not find a trace, of arsenic in either sample. Lemon Crystals.—These are largely employed for the preparation of an acidulated beverga. We could find absolutely no arsenic in the samples examined. Arsenic iu lemon crystals might exist in the sugar, tartaric acid, or citric acid.

Acids—Specimens of citric acid and tartaric acid as ordinarily sold in the shops were likewise submitted to .examination for arsenic, but in no case could the slightest trace of arsenic be found. Soap and Oleio Acid.—Specimens of common bar soap were found to contain just a trace of arsenic, but no arsenic was found in oleic acid.

Effervescing Salts.—Specimens of natural Carlsbad salts were obtained, but in no instance was arsenic found in them. In two specimens of artificial Carlsbad salts arsenic was definitely discovered in one. It may be referred probably to the use of common sulphate of soda or Glauber’s salts. In the samples of effervecsing citrate of magnesia examined no arsenic was found. Glauber’s Salts.—Distinct evidence of arsenic was found in the crystals examined.

Artificial Arsenic in very distinct quantity was invariably found in the specimens of artificial manure examined.

THE DEBT OF RUSSIA. Russia is again trying very hard to obtain a loan in America. It is, however, not very likely that she will succeed, unless she makes enormous concessions—as, for instance, in regard to petroleum—to certain financiers who are trying for monopolies over all the Russian Empire. Tho truth is that the real state '-f Russian finance is known to American business men. Thes’ are quite well aware that Russia, with a deficit of 160,000,000 roubles, will be obliged sooner or later to obtain financial aid to >ay her foreign interest, or else she will be obliged to draw on her gold reserve. Possibly a similar attempt may be made in London and in Paris within tho next few weeks.

It is well known in financial circles that M. de Witte tried very hard to obtain a loan of 500,000,000 francs in Paris, but in the hauto finance circles, as by the French Finance Minister, he was told that France already had enough of Russian stock, and wanted the money now for the development of her own industries. The story goes that M. de Witte waxed indignant when speaking to the Minister of Finance, and hinted at a possible withdrawal of Russian friendship, -and to this the French Minister coolly replied that judging by results France had not had very much of it. THE GAMBIA EXPEDITION. The operations of the British expedition which is being despatched to the Gambia under the command of Lieuten-ant-Colonel Brake, D. 5.0., are expected to be brief, says Reuter’s Agency. There is no question of anything like a general native rising in the colony, and the present trouble, which is purely local, was occasioned by the, murder last June of Messrs Sitwell and Silva, two British Commissioners in the country. A head chief named Mansa Kota was also killed by the natives at the same time- . The object of the present expedition is to punish the inhabitants of the two villages responsible for the murders. These are situated on the south side of the River Gambia, fifty miles from the coast, and can be easily reached by the troops.

A TALL STORY. Among the passengers who landed at Plymouth the other day from the Aberdeen liner Moravian were Mr and Mrs A. Dettmer and their son, Mr H. Dettmer, aged twenty-two. The last-nam-ed, who was bom in Cape Colony, has been serving on commando with the Boers, and during the course of four or five months participated in a good deal of the fighting—“haring a fine time,” as he expressed it to a representative of ‘ The Daily Chronicle.” Dettmer served with General Liedenburg, and subsequently was adjutant to the Boer commandant Do La Bey. He states that he was present at Klerksdorp in the Potchefstroom district in July last, on which occasion he alleges that ninety of the Kimberley Horse, as well as 200 of the townspeople who had been armed, surrendered to a force of thirty Boers. The only party in the near vicinity—British —were holding all the commanding positions until one man was taken prisoner by the enemy. Then, after informing him that there were 15,000 Boers at hand they released him and sent him back to the town.

A little later thirty Boers galloped into the town, which promptly surrendered, as did also the fort, of course in the belief that the force which demanded the arms was only the advance guard cf the army. Later, when the smallness of the force was realised, there was tremendous excitement in the town, but the British were powerless to reassert the supremacy. Curiously enough, it was at Klerksdorp some months later that Dettmer fell into the hands of the British, and the result has been his arrival in England yesterday with his father and mother. SENTRY AND ARTIST. A curious incident recently oGeared at St. George’s Barracks recently Just before nightfall, as the guard was being changed, the sentry on duty at the main entrance to the barracks was accosted by a gentleman, who was accompanied by a friend, and who asked the soldier to allow himself to be sketched with his rifle. The sentry complied, and remained still while the sketch was being made, but a non-commissioned officer, noticing through tho door what was going forward, took nleasures to prevent an escape, and sent the two gentlemen, under escort, to the officer in charge of the barracks. When requested to explain the purpose of his sketch, the artist replied that his object was to make an accurate drawing of the manner in which soldiers carried their rifles.’ He added that he was painting a picture of Oronje’s surrender at Paardeberg. Several sensational reports have been circulated in reference to the artist having been a foreign spy who desired to secure a drawing of the lock of the new regulation rifle, but the above particulars supplied at the barracks next day represent what actually'took place. The sentry who allowed himself to be sketched has been punished for his breach of discipline.

FATAL FORGETFULNESS. The report of Major Pringle to the Board of Trade on the fatal collision at Virginia Water on the South-Western Railway attributes the accident to the forgetfulness of a signalman. A -passenger train while standing in the station was run into by a horse-box train. The guard of the passenger train died from injuries received, and both drivers were seriously hurt. FUrmedge, the signalman, the report states, admitted that he accepted the horsebox train when offered to him by Rusham box, and pulled off the necessary signals for its passage, forgetting that the passenger train was standing on that line at the platform. ( This, Major Pringle says, is the more inexplicable as he had an excellent view of the passenger train from the windows of his box. He subsequently recollected the position of the passenger train, and attempted to divert the horsebox train on to the down Reading line, but too late to avert the collision. Furmedge bore an excellent character, and the alterations in the time tables, which commenced on the day in question, as well as the unusually early arrival of the horse-box train, Major Pringle thinks may in part account for the signalman’s mistake. GENERAL BULLER AND SIR G. WHITE. The “Devon and Exeter Gazette” gives publicity with some authority to the following statement respecting allegations affecting Sir Redvers Buller and the relief of Ladysmith: A misstatement made some time ago has just been revived concerning the communications which passed between General Buller and Sir George White during the siege of Ladysmith. It is now stated that after the battle of Oolenso Sir Redvers counselled Sir George that the latter only kept the flag flying to the end by virtually disobeying the orders of General Buller. We believe that this statement is an entire misrepresentation of what occurred. It is not true that Sir Redvers Buller sent to Sir George White the equivalent of an order to surrender. After the battle of Colenso Sir Redvers told Sir George White that he was too weak to get into Ladysmith 'unless Sir George could help him, and that it would take a full month from Dec. 16 before he could make another attempt. This-would have taken him beyond the date up to which, according to Sir Redvers’ information at the time, Sir George White had supplies. Sir Redvers suggested the steps Sir George might take if he ran out of provisions. It turned out that Sir George White had supplies for a much longer period than Sir Redvers Buller had been given to understand, with the result that Sir 1 George was able to hold out. and Sir Redvers to resume operations in time to relieve Ladysmith. - JOUBERT ON BULLER. A reminiscent interest is aroused, says a “Central News'” correspondent, by letters written by a burgher under Joubert to his mother in England. The writer had been an English soldier serving under Buller twenty years ago, and settling in one of the country districts had become a naturalised Boer, and had, at the outbreak of the war, taken up arms on the Boer side. Ho was, he told his mother,, engaged mainly in reconnaisance work, and had never killed an Englishman, nor intended to do so except under dire compulsion. He went on to say that when Ladysmith was invested and news reached Joubert’s force that General Bnller was approaching, the Boer leader massed the burghers and made them a speech. “I have to tell you,” he said, “that we now have to face the bravest and finest

general in the world, who is accompanied by an army of men who would go through fire and water for him. Those of you. who fought in the previous struggle with the English I need not tell I speak of General Buller.” As soon as Joubert had finished, a grey-headed Boer, seventy-two years of age, stood up. ‘‘We think,” he said, “that we have on our side the bravest and finest general in the world, and he may be sure that his men too will if necessary go through fire and water for him and in defence of their homes and independence.”

The writer, in mentioning his occasional meetings with Christian De Wet, says that the famous Boer raider was a comparatively unknown man among the Boers, and that even now the great mass of the Boers know but little of him personally. The Boers are as a rule sparing in their hero worship, and in the place of enthusiasm there is but a sober appreciation of De Wet’s exploits. They recognise his good work, but they recognise also that they are fighting a desperate battle, and that at any-moment any one of them may be called upon for a ereat sacrifice or a bold endeavour. Incidentally it was stated that De Wet speaks German fluently and well. In a recent letter the writer remarks that the Boors will fight doggedly on till the end. FLEECING THE WICKED. The “Toronto Despatch” says a firm there advertised that for five shillings they would send, “securely sealed, a beautifully bound hook full of good things which every ‘sport’ should read.” The Detective Department, scenting the possible circulation of improper literature, sent five shillings, for which they yesterday received a shilling Bible. There is no way to prosecute the advertisers. FRANCE AND THE NIGER.

In reference to certain remarks made by an English newspaper regarding the French enclaves in British Nigeria, the “Temps” declares that the Convention of 1898 places it beyond all doubt that' the French have a right to use the Niger as a waterway for the transport of Government supplies, and the two French enclaves as depots for such supplies. RUSSIAN ATTACKS ON GENERAL ANDRE. i The French Government has of late taken umbrage because, amongst the distinguished Russians visiting Paris, too much unfavourable social comment on the attitude of General Andre has been in fashion. President Loubet is most courteous in his reception of Grand Dukes and Generals, and it is natural that the remarks made even by the former should be looked upon as in the worst taste. The military attaches and Russian officers, when mixing with officers in different garrisons, have gone so far as to hint that Russia would see a change at the Ministry of War with great pleasure. The Nationalists have worked up the situation, and have inspired the articles in the “Novoe Vremya” and in the “Svet,” a paper under the direction of General Komaroff. How far Prince Ourousoff will be made the scapegoat of this artificial agitation remains to be seen ■ RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN FRANCE. A horrible fatality occurred recently at the Enghein Station, Paris. M. and Mme. Leblond, an aged couple living at Montmorency, in their fear to miss the last train, endeavoured to cross the line instead of taking the foot bridge leading to the other platform. At this moment a luggage train passed through the station. Mme. Leblond stood motionless with fright, and her husband tried to save her. His effort was fruitless, and ho himself was so injured that he died a few hours afterwards. The accident was seen by a crowd of passengers, and several ladies fainted as the mangled remains of Mme. Leblond were picked up and carried to the waiting-room. “ BOBS’S ” EARLDOM AND GARTER. By his elevation to the dignity of an earldom Lord Roberts has jumped from the rank of Baron over the intermediate title in order of precedence of viscount. This is as unusual as the conferring of the Order of the Garter upon a victorious general. Of successful soldiers or sailors who have received the Order of the Garter there are very few. The first Duke of Marlborough was decorated with this order by Queen Anne in 1702, and when the Duke of Wellington returned from his trying Peninsula campaign in 1813 the same honour was conferred upon him. The Marquis of Anglesey, who was Wellington’s Chief of Staff, and w'ho lost a leg during the battle of Waterloo, also received the Garter for conspicuous gallantry in the field; but it ■was not until three years after the great battle. In the year 1797 George 111. presented Earl Howe with the Garter as a reward for the splendid work he rendered while acting as Admiral of the Fleet. Although Admiral Nelson never was decorated with the Order, had he lived after the battle of Trafalgar it is certain the honour would have been conferred upon him. 'Between Earl Roberts and Lord Wolseley there is a bond of mutual gymSathy respecting their titles. Like Earl Roberts, Lord Wolseley lias no male heir to succeed him, but a special remainder of the title has been granted to each for the benefit of their daughters and their male issue.

NEW MARITIME LEAGUE. A new “International Maritime Association” has recently been founded in Paris. Its object,, M. jj. Charles-Rous, one of the best known French, authorities on ships and shipping, and president of the organising committee, is to hold international conferences in all the capitals of the world, and to deal in a practical fashion with such questions as lifesaving, lighthouses, the rule of the road at sea,* international maritime law, signalling, orens, etc. SEIZURE OF A STEAMER. A dispatch from Colon states that the Colombian Government has agreed to pay a sum of £6OOO to the Pacific Steam Navigation Company as compensation for the seizure by the Government of, the steamer Taboga. The vessel has been returned to the owners in good condition, and has rehoisted the British flag.

FLAGS: THEIR USE AND ABUSE. At the Royal United Service Institution, Captain Eaidley-Wilmot, R.N., delivered a lecture on “Our Fleet and Flags.” He pointed out that it had been especially apparent during the last year that very little was known of what were the national flags of this country. On oooasions of national rejoicing lie had seen foreign flags used. Many people were under the impression that so long as the flags displayed had red, white and bine in them they were paying a tribute to the national honour. The Royal Standard! was very universally used by persons who had no right whatever to fly it. He hoped that people would pay more respect to the flag, and that it would not be flaunted indiscriminately over shops and hotels. He suggested that perhaps at no distant date the fourth quarter of the Royal Standard, instead of being simply a repetition of the first quarter, would be taken for the arms of Greater Britain beyond the sea, which had now become as one. THE RHODESIAN MINES. The German_ liner Hertzog has arriv ed at_ Biera with 136 Abyssmians and Somalis on board for work in the Rhodesian mines. On the passage the natives had been told by the firemen on board that they would have to work in chains, and they consequently refused to' land. The overseer therefore called two Portuguese police on. board to arrest the ringleader, but they were attacked and maltreated. A large Body of police then boarded the steamer. Th ±y were assisted 1 by Portuguese _ soldiers and by the passengers. The natives had barricaded themselves on the fore-deck, and a serious fight ensued, lasting for an hour. The Portuguese got the upper hand, but mine of the police were wounded, while one Somali was killed and twenty-six were wounded. Fifty were found on board, but the remainder are missing, having jumped overboard.

TRAGEDY IN PARIS. A fearful tragedy took place the other day in the Passage AbeLLeblauc, Paris. An old woman of sixty-three, named Ohalmendrey, who was taking care of M. Ferdinand Steckel, a paralysed and bed-ridden relation, sent for his little niece and nephew to spend a holiday with their uncle. She tied the two children together, and after placing them in a cupboard, set fire to the bed. The neighbours, seeing smoke issuing from the windows, rushed upstairs and found Mme. Chalmehdrey dancing with, a razor in her hand. She had already cut her throat, and was taken off in an ambulance to the infirmary of the Prefecture of Police. Happily, the . fire was speedily extinguished, and M. Stockel and the two children were saved from a horrible death. BRITISH GENERAL SAVED BY A CURB CHAIN. It would ‘be hard to find in the British Army at the present time a more popular cavalry leader than Sir George Luck. The story‘of his wonderfully lucky escape when serving in 1879 with the forces in Afghanistan is worth recording. It was during a cavalry charge against the Pathans that he nearly lost his life. A big, burly Afghan had singled him out, and attacked the gallant officer with a great two-handed sword. The Pathan struck, and the sword crashed on to Sir Geo. Luck’s shoulder. The blow would surely Lave severed his arm front his body, but the General’s, wjfo had taken the precaution of sewing a gpuplo of curb chains on . the inside of his jacket, and one of these effectually broke the force of the blow. Before the Afghan could recover himself he was run through and despatched. It is said that this is the origin of the steel curb chains now worn by most of our cavalry regiments. CANADA’S TRADE RECORD.

The trade of Canada for the fiscal year is the largest on record. The imports amounted to 189,622.513 dols., being an increase of 26,858,200 dols. over the previous year, while the experts amounted to 191,394,723 dols., an increase of 33,000,000 dols. The imports to Canada from Great Britain reached the figure of 44,789,730 dols. The exports from Canada to Great Britain were of the value of 97,000,000, an increase of nearly 8,000,000 dols. *'

The trade with the United States shews an increase of 25,000,000 dols., the imports being 93,000,000 dols., and the exports 54,000,000 dols.—Reuter. ITALIAN MAIL ROBBERY. A daring robbery was recently committed in a train between Rome andl Naples, when all the money orders in the postal van were carried pff. Most of these, valued at 300,000 fr. (£15,000) were transmitted from New York, Lon. don, and Paris. The police have not yet been able to diiscover how the robbery was effected.

AN AUTOMOBILE DISPUTE. Automobile enthusiasts are greatly concerned at the squabble which has ariseu between the French Automobile Club and the French Automobile Union, aud which has now developed into a declaration of open ‘war. The latter society has recently decided that all road racing as a record of mere speed conditions should be abolished, and that such races' should only be allowed on properly prepared race tracks. The other society at once replied by a decision to disqualify all racers who accepted the conditions of the .union, or who entered their machines for races organised by the union. A further resolution declared that the club would disqualify all makers whose _ machines were used in union competitions. The result of these counter-declarations is awaited with some interestWILL HE KEEP THE CUP? It ia reported that Mr F. W. Lawson, who is building a new yacht to defend the America Cnp, has engaged the services of Mr Frank Haff as captain for the coming races. Mr Lawson is known in the States as the “Copper King,” from his enormous dealings in this profitable metal. He is a fancier of fashionable horses, and is known to have given £6OOO for a crack trotter. In his stables may be seen some of the most notable of American trotting horses. Although not altogether a popular man on the American Stock Exchange, he has been backed in most of bis big copper coups by Messrs Rockefeller and Rogers, the great Standard Oil magnates.