SCOTLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2456, 10 April 1901, Page 28

SCOTLAND.

EDINBURGH, February 21. PROCLAMATION OF KING EDWARD

The various changes incident upon the decease of Queen Victoria have of coupe occupied the leading place in the thoughts and doings of the Scottish people during the past month. The first great public ceremony was the proclamation of the new monarch, which took place, with much pomp, at Edinburgh on the 25th January. Unfortunately, the day was most unpropitious, snow having fallen heavily during the morning, and fierce enow-showers following at brief intervals during the day. A great procession was organised to march from the Parliament House round the Cross and Exchange square, and back to the Cross, where the proclamation was made by heralds in true mediaeval style. At the actual moment of proclamation the sun shone out brightly, which was accepted as a happy augury for the new reign. There was an immense concourse of spectators, win greeted the proclamation with enthusiastic cheering, while the castle guns thundered forth a royal salute. The judges, university authorities, and some others, then returned to the Parliament House, while the rest of the procession reformed and marched up to the Castle, at the gate of which the proclamation was read a second time. The procession then marched down the Higli street and Canongate to Holyrood, where King Edward's accession was proclaimed for the third time. In a blinding snowstorm the sheriff and heralds drove to Pilrig, where they were met by the Provost and magistrates of Leith, and another progress was made to the street facing the Sailors' Home, where, in accordance with ancient custom, the King was proclaimed "by pier and shore."

Somewhat similar ceremonies, barring the heralds and military, were made in cities and town 3 throughout Scotland in the course of the next few days. The quantity of wine and whisky drunk in "honouring the King's health must have been considerable, and made up in some measure for the loss of the usual convivialities in connection with Burns's anniversary on January 25, the latter being dropped this year in view of the Queen's death. The reality s.nd depth of loyal feeling towards the new Sovereign is beyond all question. Nevertheless, at least one canny Scot did not allow his patriotic feelings to smother his frugality. This economical personage, having an apprentice who was absent from his work for five hours while he acted as one of the volunteers who helped to keep order in the streets while King Edward was being proclaimed in Edinburgh, deducted sd, or Id per hour, from his wages, To stand for five hours in the street on such a day was an act of patriotic devotion which deserved a recompense, instead of being made an excuse for a fine. Perhaps, however, the master who fined him is one of a little coterie of idiots who have been demurring to the new King being styled Edward VII in Scotland, seeing that Scotland had no previous sovereigns of that name. It has been thought necessary to remind these fanatics that a precedent already exists in the matter in the case of William IV. As "great wits to madness are allied," so shrewd and sober Scotland is not without its perennial crop of cranks. QUEEN VICTORLVS FUNERAL.

February 2, the principal one of the three days occupied by the obsequies of Queen Victoria, will long be remembered in Scotland as a day of universal mourning. Not only the banks and public offices, but the shops and public-houses, were closed throughout the day, in spite of the inconvenience ccvused in some respects by it being a Saturday Nor was it by any means a holiday under pretence of mourning, as such occasions sometimes are. The grief was as real as its expression was universal, and the day was characterised by a solemn quiet which was very striking. Such a day no one living has ever witnessed, nor is anyone now living likely to behold its like again. Memorial services were held in a great many churches throughout the land, and were very largely attended. At many of them collections were made in behalf of the Scotsman's shilling fund for the relief of sufferers through the war in South Africa, and in this way a total sum of £2556 wa3 collected. In Glasgow the arrests for drunkenness were less than a sixth of the average number on a Saturday, and in other towns the figures were equally satisfactory. The demand for newspapers giving an account of the proceedings in London and Windsor was extraordinary, both on the Saturday evening and on the following Monday morning. A large number of people proceeded from different parts of Scotland to witness the doings there with their own 1 eyes. A detachment of Edinburgh volunteers which formed part of the line of troops in Hyde Park, had a rather troubled experience on their journey to London. Owing to the overheating of an axle the corridor carriage in which they were travelling took fire, and bad to be removed at Berwick. Then, when they arrived at Newcastle, they found that the refreshments ordered for them had been commandeered by another corps which preceded them, so that they had to go without. At Peterborough, however, finding themselves in the position of first oomers, they promptly turned the tables, and appropriated what had been provided for others.

Queen "Victoria's death has of course upset the calculations of drapers and dressmakers, though the universal demand for mourning must in some degree compensate for this. Some other classes of the community are less fortunate. For instance, in the Edinburgh Town Council last week an appeal was made for pecuniary help to the jobbing waiters, who were reported to be in much distress on account of the stoppage of big dinners, parties, etc. One councillor mentioned that a single purveyor known to him had had orders for a dozen dinners and suppers cancelled. The council, while sympathising with the waiters, was unable to help them in its corporate capacity, but recommended their case to the charitable consideration of the councillors as private individuals, as well as to that of the public generally. The cab proprietors, who had a very bad time a year ago on account of the dull timas caused by many families

being in mourning for relatives killed in South Africa, arc al=o suffering from the renewed suspension of gaieties. One of them, long established in Edmbtirgh, has been compelled to go into bankruptcy. It will be a relief to many when the period nppointed by the King for public mourning comes to a elof-e QUEEN ALEXANDRA AND THE CENTENARIAN. A gracious act on the part of her Majesty Queen Alexandra hns given great satisfaction in the Highlands. It seems that near Ardnamurchan there resides a Miss Stewart, who has reached the patriarchal age of 109, and carries her weight of years well. Her case having been brought before the Queen, her Majesty sent the venerable lady a basket of sweets and a quantity of tea, accompanied by a very kind and sympathetic letter. This, too, was in the midst of the pressure caused by the death of Queen Victoria and the arrangements for her funeral The deceased Monarch's mantle of kindly thought for others has evidently fallen upon her gracious daughter-in-law.

LOVAT'S SCOUTS

When Lord Lo\at's Snouts were being organised as a corps in Scotland prior to being sent out to Siuth Africa, there were not a few who prophesied that they would be of little or no service, tl b -Marquis of Breadalbane leading the van of the croakers. A« a matter of fact, the scouts have proved invaluable, and commanding officers have repeatedly acknowledged their services in warm torms. No one has done to more generously than General Sir Archibald Hunter, in a despatch published last week II & states that the corps was formed on " the idea of General Macdonald, instigated by Lord Lovat." Its commander is Major the Hon. A. D. Murray. Every officer and man in the corps, G&neral Hunter states, is a specialist and a picked man. In ones, twos, and threes they crept, ciirabed, and spied, and always came back safely with the truth discovered The general adds: — " Aa scouts, spies, guides, on foot or pony, es individual marksmen, or as a collective body in the fighting line, they are a splendid band of Scotsmen, which is the highest compliment I can pay them."' General Hunter has just arrived in England to recruit Mb health, but it is stated that he is likely to return to South Africa as soon as that object is attained.

EPIDEMIC OF SMALLPOX.

The outbreak of smallpox in Glasgow, mentioned in my last, rapidly assumed such serious dimensions as to give rise to much alarm, not only in that city, bui, throughout Scotland. The number of cases rose to nearly 500, with a good many deaths, aaid disease also made its appearance in other towns, to which the infection had been carried by people ' from Glasgow. Prompt measures were taken by the authorities to encourage vaccination, with the result that a large proportion of the population underwent that operation. The need for this was emphasised by the publication of the fact that most of the cases which ended fatally were those of unvaccinaied persons The world is probably -none the poorer for their departure. One case occurred at Leith, imported from Glasgow, but none ha 3 yet been reported in Edinburgh. The authorities, however, are actively on the alert, and six stations fnv free vaccination have been opened in different parts of the city. The Town Council voted without demur the sum of £1000 to meet the necessary expenses. Next to Glasgow, there have been most cases in Paisley, and there have also been some in Dundee. It is to be hoped the disease will be speedily stamped out, or it will tell against the success of the Glasgow Exhibition, preparations for which are being pushed on wifch vigour. It is still hoped that it will be opened by the King and Queen on 7th May. THE CLYDESDALE BANK (LIMITED).

The annual meeting of the shareholders of this bank was held in Glasgow a few days ago, when the directors were enabled to present a very encouraging report. The net profjts for the year were stated to amount to £169,656, and it was resolved to increase the dividend from 10 per cent . at which it has stood for some years, to 11 per cent. At the same time £40,000 was added to the reserve fund, bringing it up to £620,000, and a balance of £21,709 was carried forward. The chairman (Sir James King) stated, amid applause, that the deposits had increased during the year by £1,424,788, and amounted on December 31 to a grand total of £12,310,514 The amount of the note circulation was £989,219.

ANTICD?ATING THE BUDGET,

Holders of dutiable goods are exhibiting considerable nervousness as to the probable increase of duty under the forthcoming Budget. They doubtless remember that in consequence of the enormous clearing of such goods -that took place at the close of tha last finanoial year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer threatened that next time the duties would be made retrospective for a certain period, hence the clearing has begun much earlier this year. Thus far, however, it has not approached to anything like last year's figures. Judging from the amounts of duty paid, it 6eems to be expected that fresh imposts will be laid upon whisky, tea, and tobacco — in the order named.

A LADY LAWYER

Scotland is still behind New Zealand in not having any lady members of the legal profession, but it seems as if a change were impending in this respect. In the Court of Session the other day an application wa3 made for the court to authorise the law agents' examiners to receive for examination Miss Margaret Hall, of Kirn, with a view to her passing as a law agent. It was stated that Miss Hall is 18 years of age, and has arranged with a solicitor in Dunoon to become his apprentice on passing the first part of the general 'knowledge examination. After consulting together, the Lord President said that it appeared to the judges present that they should not take upon themselves to alter the existing practice, and they therefore requested the parties to put in minutes of debate which would go to all the judges, without the necessity of any second hearing, and the court could then consult and arrive at some conclusion upon the whole matter. So things stand at present. Lady doctors are now numerous, and no one saya they have done harm to their profession. It is hard to see why lady lawyers should not be equally successful and beneficial.

OBITUARY RECORD.

Lord Inverclyde, better known ac Sir John Burns, the head of the Cunard Company and of the lines of steamers running between Glasgow and Ireland, died at Oastle Wemys3 on February 12 ; aged 81. His servioes to the shipping interest have been very great, and his death has caused much regret. Lady Inverclyde took a chill on the- day of her husband's death, and died only 36 hour? ajf^er;

him from general collapse and failure of the heart's action She was a daughter of Mr G. 0. Arbuthnot, c,f Mavisbank ilov.se, Midlothian. ]soth husband and wife were lmrird on Febiuary 16, amid many demonstrations of sorrow. Lord Inverclyde lea\es two sons, the elder of whom has long taken aa active part in the business of the firm; while the younger has come more before the public in respect principally to matters connected with shipping.

The Earl of Galloway, K.T., a leading landed proprietor in the south-west of Scotland, died at his shooting lodge, Cumloden, nnar Newton Stewart, on February 7, aged 65. His family claims descent from a brother of James Vof Scotland. Lord Galloway began life in the army, in which he always took a great interest. He twice visited Australia and New Zealand, mainly in the interests of his health. He was much esteemed as a landlord, and the tokens of mourning in Newton-Stewart wore universal on the day of hib funeral. His wife is a sister of Lord Salisbury, but as Lord Galloway died without issue, the title and estates pass to his brother, Captain the Hon. Randolph Murray, who taw service with the Black Watch throughout the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny.

The Rnr. James Chrystal, D D., the oldest minister in .Scotland, died on February 6. aged 95. He had spe-nt the whole of the 67 years of his ministry ac parish minister of Auchinleck, and continued preaching till lie met with an accident two years ago He was much esteemed in every relation in life, and in 1879 he occupied the moderator' 5 ! chair in the General Assembly ot the Chuieh of Scotland. He received the degr"es of D.D and LL D. from the Universities of Glasgow and St. Andrew's lespectively.

Mr G. W. Burnet, sheriff-subscitdte of the Countie.? of Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine, died suddenly on January 31 from the bursting of a blood-vessel on the brain. He had sat en the bench as Ufual en ; ho previous d.iy. Mr Burnet was called to th<3 bar in 10 ?S, and was very popular with the ;n?mbrrs of *he legal profenion. and much rospected by the public. He was only 48 years of age.

Ex-Bailie Walker, a leading citizen of Kilmarnock, died there on February 5, aged 77. In addition to municipal affairs, Mr Walker, who was an able spanker, was noted as a preacher and as a tempprarice adv*catp He published a book of reminiscences of " Old Kilmarnock," which had an extensive sale, and was also a constant contributor to the secular and religious press.

The Rev. Robert Buchanan, for nearly 40 years parish minister of Dunhir, died rather suddenly on January 27. Beforp coming to Dunhar he occupied a charge at Elie for two years. He was known throughout Scotland, and when Queen Victoria visited Dunbar over 20 years ago she heard him preach, and recorded her pleasure with the service in her "Leaves." There was an immence gathering at Mr Buchanan's funeral, all Dunbar and the people living for a good many miles round flocking to it. Mr Fraser-Macmto?h, who was XI P. for Iho Inverness "Burghs from 1°74 to 2T85. and from 1886 to 1P92, died at Bournemouth on January ?5, aged 72. He took a leading part in the reforms which have ameliorated the lot of the crofters, and became popularly known both in the House and out of it O3 " thp member for the Highlands." He died after a prolonged illness. The Rev. Dr Andrew Thomson, of Broughton Place Church, Edinburgh, for many years a leading minister of the United Presbyterian Church, died on February 8, aged 86. His connection with Broughton Place Church dated from 1842, when he had already held another Edinburgh charge for five years. His semi-jubilee, jubilee, and diamond jubilee, all called forth great cV rronßtrations of respect axid affection. Dr Thomson was an able and impressive preacher, a first-rate platform speaker, and the author of nearly 20 hooks, mostly of a biographical nature. For fully three years he had retired into private life. His wife and only son, Sheriff Comric Thomson, died within a morth of each other in IC9S.

GENERAL NEWS

Rapid progress is being made with tae erection, at Duart Point, Mull, of the lighthouse which is to form a memorial of tho late William Black, the novelist. The tower has been designed hy Mr Lciper, R.S.A. The light will be supplied by compressed gas. The estimated co=t of the lighthouse is £1563. Its erection is regarded with much satisfactior. a number of wrecks having occurred at Duart T'oiiit — the last about three months a.go.

A fund is being raised for the endowment of Arbroath Infirmary, and now amounst to upwards of £12,000.

Hamilton was startled on January 27 by the occurrence of three sudden deaths in that town within a few hours of each other.

A return has been prepared at Stonehaven showing the number of persons now living in that town who have lived in the reigns of five sovereigns. The total is 52, out of a population of about 4800, giving a percentage of fully 1 per 100. Their ages range from 95 downwards, the average being 84.

Arrangements have now been made which will ensure the early construction of the Wick and Lybster railway The Highland Railway Company insisted on the entire estimated cost, amounting to £72,000, being raised before undertaking the work, and this has now been done. The Duke of Portland is the principal shareholder in the new lino.

The Earl of Rosslyn, whose career has been of a chequered description, has instituted in the Court of Session an action for divorce against his wife Violet Aline, daughter of Mr R. C. Vyner, of Fairfielcl, Yorkshire, to whom he was married in 1890.

According to the annual report of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, the property owned by the Crown in Scotland yielded last year an income of £28,808. Messrs Denny, of Dumbarton, are engaged in constructing a flying machine to the order of a Spanish gentleman. Seventy waggon-loads of herrings, made up into four trains, were despatched on February 11 from Kyle of Loehalsh to London. This is stated to be a record.

To prevent accidental injury from electricity, the employees of the Dundee electric tramways have been provided with indiarubber gloves.

In urging the -erection of more churches in Glasgow, the Rev. Dr Donald Macleod stated that the population of that city i& increasing at the rate of 12,000 a year. The restoration of Rothesay Castle, which was stopped at the death of the late Marquis of Bute ; has been resumed. The ancieus banqueting hall is being specially pushed on with, in order that it may be used at the celebration of the quincentenary of the burgh. Principal Rajny, who is fbgut jto. celebrate

his jubilee, has resigned the chair of Church History in the New College, Edinburgh.

A proposal to provide swoids for mounted polico in Edinburgh wa* brought fnrvvaid in the Town Council, but was dropped in consequence of opposition to it. Me-srh Alexander Forgiwn and Co. (Limited), distillers and whisky blenders, Glasgow, have issued a circular to the shareholders intimating the company's financial inability to carry on business. It was formed in 1896, and the share capital and debenture stock amount to £220.000 A dividend of 10 per cent, was paid until last year Several of the directors retired some time ago. Owing to prolonged illness and advanced years. Professor Tait has resigned the chair of Natural Philosophy m Edinburgh University. which he has occupied with co much distinction since 1860. Professor Tait Will be 70 m April Seven miners lost their lives in a coalpit at Hill of Beath. near Duofermline, on February 15, through gas proceeding from subterranean sources. They ha\e left six widows and 34 ehildien.

At Coatbridge a boy of 11 has died from nicotine poisoning, caused by smoking cigarettes.