The Times, 1881-12-10, p.6

6 THE TIMES, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1881. ## Column 1 # THE BURNING OF A THEATRE IN VIENNA. (By Telegraph.) (From Our Correspondent.) VIENNA, Dec. 9. The appalling catastrophe of last night is still the universal theme of conversation. The Ring Theatre, in which Mdlle. Sarah Bernhardt has lately been performing, was a favourite resort of the Viennese. It was a *fête* day, and the galleries and pit were crowded long before the performance began, but happily the boxes and stalls were almost entirely empty, or else the loss of life might have been far greater. The fire broke out a little before 7 o'clock, just as the curtain was about to rise on Offenbach's last operetta, *Les Contes d'Hoffmann*. According to one account, the fire was caused by the fall of a large spirit lamp ; but another report says that the origin of the fire was the catching alight of some of the scenery through carelessness in lighting the stage lights. However that may be, the fire rapidly extended. There had been no explosion or other warning, when suddenly the curtain, according to one version, was raised, but according to another was blown on one side towards the audience, and raised up, when the whole stage was seen to be on fire. A panic immediately followed, and everyone rushed to the doors. Almost at the same time the gas lights went out, having been most probably turned off to prevent an explosion, and in the narrow and intricate passages, amid the most profound darkness, a struggle for life ensued. Even those who were lucky enough to gain the entrance were only rescued in a fainting and, in many cases, a disabled condition. It was with great difficulty that many persons were prevented from jumping from the windows to the street below. When the fire brigade at length arrived with all their appliances a great number of people were saved, not only by means of ladders and fire escapes, but by cloths being held in the street below, into which they jumped from the windows of the theatre. In the meantime the fire spread rapidly over the whole building, above all in the upper portions. The roof was quickly in a blaze, and thus a double danger was added. On the arrival of the brigade it was found impossible to penetrate into the theatre beyond the first tier, and even there the firemen had to encounter the most serious difficulties, for their lamps and torches were soon extinguished by the rush of air and smoke. They were thus forced reluctantly to retire. They believed, however, that there were no more persons in the theatre, as their shouts had been unanswered, and as they could hear no sound in the place beyond the roar of the flames. This illusion was, however, soon dispelled by those who had been able to escape, and who were seeking for those with whom they had been inside. Another attempt was then made to penetrate and search those parts of the house which were not actually in flames. In spite of the scorching atmosphere and the stifling smoke, the party penetrated to the narrow passage between the second and third galleries and a horrid sight there presented itself to the explorers. Nothing was to be seen but a confused mass of human beings, who in their hurry to escape from a fearful death had blocked up the doorway and had thus been crushed and trampled to death. The struggle for life must have been terrible, for several of the bodies were so interlocked that they could hardly be separated. The first man recovered was alive, but after him not a single live body was recovered. Corpse after corpse was brought out and taken to the police-station, where they were laid out to await identification. Up to the present about 200 bodies have been recovered, but this represents but a portion of those who must have perished, for before the firemen were able to reach the third and fourth galleries they both gave way and buried all those who had been left there under the ruins. All efforts to save the building were soon abandoned and the whole energy of the fire brigade was directed to save the adjoining premises, more especially the temporary building which had been erected for the sitting of the Lower House of the Reichsrath. A body of firemen were told off especially for this work, and the Vice-President of the Lower House, Prince Lobkowitz, soon arrived on the spot in order, if necessary, to take charge of the archives. About 10 p.m. the gasometer exploded and the roof fell in with a tremendous crash. The scene in the streets surrounding the theatre was most heartrending. Not only were those who had escaped unscathed from the fire searching for their less fortunate companions, but excited crowds of people, who knew that relatives and friends had visited the theatre, were rushing through the dense throng in a vain endeavour to discover their forms. A body of troops, as is usual on such occasions, had been told off to form a cordon round the scene, and these had no little difficulty in keeping back the crowd. In many cases, desperate persons, seeking some missing relative, succeeded in breaking through the ranks and were only restrained by force from rushing into the theatre itself. The authorities of the town were soon on the spot, the President of the Police and the Archdukes Wilhelm and Albrecht being among the first. The heartrending scenes of last night were renewed this morning, when people were admitted to the General Hospital, where the bodies had been taken, to seek for those belonging to them, who are, however, mostly but blackened and half-charred remains. No idea can yet be formed of the actual number of deaths, for there can be no doubt that the principal portion were in the galleries, and most of these have not been recovered, having been buried in the *débris* of the fallen roof. Up to the present time there are in the hospital, according to the official report, the bodies of 96 men and 41 women, and 20 charred bodies quite unrecognizable. Naturally, the catastrophe has thrown a gloom, not only over the city, but over all parts of the Monarchy. All the provincial telegraph offices were besieged to-day by people anxious to know that their relations had come to no harm. All the papers contain appeals for subscriptions and head the list with considerable sums. Their Majesties and the Crown Prince and Princess have asked for detailed information. In the Reichsrath the Vice-President referred in feeling words to the catastrophe and proposed to hold no sitting until the House could be in a frame of mind to do so. The proposal was warmly supported on both sides. At Buda-Pesth, also, subscriptions have commenced. These seem to be so much the more needed as the poorer classes have been the chief sufferers. It would be as yet premature to analyze the causes which have led to such deplorable results. The chief cause of the disaster will no doubt be found in the insufficiency and narrowness of the passages and outlets. It appears, moreover, that every one on the stage lost his head ; the iron curtain with which the theatre was provided was not lowered, either in the confusion, or perhaps because it would not work. Besides this, the gas was turned out too soon, so that the first moment of panic was heightened. The large water reservoirs, which were over the stage for the express purpose of deluging it, were not opened ; even the oil lamps in the passages ## Column 2 were not lighted, so that everything seemed to unite in bringing about a great catastrophe. (Reuter's Telegrams.) VIENNA, Dec. 9, 11 A.M. The sum of 10,000 florins was subscribed this morning at the Stock Market in aid of the families of the victims by the fire at the Ring Theatre, who now appear to be far more numerous than it was at first believed. Business on the Bourse was entirely at a standstill this morning owing to the absorbing interest felt in the terrible catastrophe. 1 30 P.M. The removal of the remains of the unfortunate victims of last night's conflagration from the ruins of the theatre to the General Infirmary and Garrison Hospital has continued uninterruptedly throughout the morning. The bodies are conveyed from the scene of the disaster in wagons belonging to the Red Cross Society. It is greatly to be feared that the previous estimate of the loss of life, which placed the number of victims at 300, is considerably, and perhaps upwards of one-half, below the real figure. The fire brigade continue their labour without intermission, but the heat of the still smouldering ruins is intense, and every attempt to penetrate into the interior of what was yesterday the Ring Theatre is attended with the utmost difficulty. Every step disclosesfre sh [sic] bodies or remains. The researches already made show that the upper gallery must have fallen into the pit, precipitating great numbers of people, who, it may well be hoped, had already succumbed to suffocation, into the raging sea of flame beneath. The only remains found on this spot are small fragments of bones. It is beyond doubt that 900 tickets of admission to the gallery were issued last night. Of the bearers of these tickets, 100 are known to have saved themselves by jumping from the windows or by means of ladders. It has not yet been ascertained how many escaped by the stairs. Those who from personal observation or inquiry are competent to judge express the fear that no fewer than 700 people in all lost their lives. Nothing has been heard of the members of the orchestra, or the workmen employed at the theatre. Whole families are known to have perished in the flames. The applications of friends and relatives of the deceased at the Infirmary and Hospital, where the corpses are placed for identification, are so numerous that the authorities have found it necessary to call in the aid of both military and police to maintain order. Ten police officials are specially engaged in taking down all the particulars furnished by the applicants, and in answering inquiries. The whole city seems overwhelmed by the extent of the disaster, but the spirit of charity is active. Besides the contributions made on the Bourse, which now amount to upwards of 28,000 florins, all the newspapers have opened subscription lists. The Emperor has given a large sum for immediate distribution amongst those who are in particular need. The various firms of undertakers have combined to provide the victims of the catastrophe with fitting burial. It is believed that many charred bodies will be found in such of the galleries as still remain standing ; but it will be impossible to reach them until the galleries have been propped up. With regard to the origin of the fire, the superintendent of the machinery states that the scenery became ignited as the lamps were being lit by the electric current. The flames spread with such frightful rapidity that it became absolutely impossible to lower the iron curtain. 10 P.M. Besides the 10,000 gulden already subscribed by the Emperor and Empress, the other members of the Imperial family have contributed largely towards the fund for the relief of the relatives of the victims of the great fire and the distressed *employés* of the theatre. All classes of the inhabitants are making efforts for the prompt relief of the sufferers, and the managers of all the theatres announce special performances for their benefit. The number of persons actually reported missing exceeds 600. 10 30 P.M. The collection opened to-day among the members of the Lower House of the Reichsrath for the Fire Relief Fund already amounts to 3,000 florins. The theatre, which was the property of the State and was built out of the funds granted for the extension of the city, was insured in the North British and Magyar Francia Companies ; the amount being 800,000 florins in each office. The loss sustained by the lessee, Herr Jauner, former director of the Imperial Opera House, is estimated at 100,000 florins. He had only insured for a small amount. This evening when darkness came on the building was seen to be still on fire in spite of the incessant efforts which had been made by the fire brigade, and lurid flames were still shooting out of the fourth floor of the left wing. The charred remains of the dead continue to be removed from the theatre. The funeral *en masse* of the victims is fixed for Sunday afternoon. ### TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. Sir,—You will doubtless be inundated with letters on this subject, and every London manager will conclusively prove that the auditorium of his particular theatre can be emptied in periods varying from three minutes upwards. Most of them will go for the three minutes. Assuming this to be true, is there one who can say that equal care has been taken in the construction of their theatre—even the latest addition—for the safety of the performers and the army of workpeople who are behind in case of fire ? Narrow passages, not sufficiently broad to allow two people to pass, steep winding stairs, &c., would probably be sufficient impediment and insure the death of a larger percentage of those employed behind than the Vienna holocaust even will show of those in front. Fire drill, for every one, male and female, employed in any capacity whatever in connexion with a theatre, is also urgently required. Each one would then know what to do for the best. Yours, &c., Folkestone, Dec. 9. M. FATAL FIRE.—A house in Brislington-terrace, Bristol, was burnt yesterday. The occupants, Mr. and Mrs. Stunchcombe, had barely time to escape, but before leaving they went to the bedroom of their son, a boy of seven, who was deaf and dumb. Not finding him there, they thought he had escaped, but his dead body, dreadfully charred, was subsequently discovered near a back door, which was locked. He had evidently been overtaken by the flames while attempting to make his way out. THE BODY-SNATCHING AT DUNECHT.—The authorities have now completed their investigation in the neighbourhood of Dunecht, and the local constabulary have been withdrawn. Inspector Swanson, of the Criminal Investigation Department, left for Glasgow yesterday. Whether the withdrawal of the police and Inspector Swanson's departure mean that the authorities have discovered a clue to the perpetrators or have given up the case as hopeless, it is impossible to say, the most profound reticence being maintained in regard to the matter. The sleuth-hound has been employed scenting the neighbourhood. It is suggested by some that Inspector Swanson's visit to Glasgow may be connected with the anonymous letter which came from that city on Wednesday, purporting to be the statement of one of those connected with the crime. Another correspondent says that five gloves believed to have been worn by the body-snatchers have been found in the shrubbery. The tomb has now been thrown open, and the three coffins have been deposited in a safe inside the mansion. In the letter of sympathy received from the Queen, the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres is informed that Her Majesty has personally requested the Home Secretary to spare no effort or expense in recovering the body and punishing the parties guilty of an outrage that has caused Her Majesty much concern. THE MYSTERIOUS POISONING CASE AT SHEFFIELD.—The Sheffield Coroner yesterday opened an inquiry into the death of Mr. Thomas Skinner, an artist, of independent means, who died suddenly in great agony after partaking of fowl for dinner last Tuesday. Ann Holmes identified the body as that of her brother, and emphatically denied that he was addicted to drinking. The coroner then announced that a *post-mortem* examination of the body was being made, and the inquiry was adjourned. Miss Dover, the housekeeper of the deceased, is under the surveillance of the police, as she is stated to have purchased arsenic, chloroform, and laudanum before her master's death. THREATENING TO MURDER.—At the Chester Police-court, yesterday, Patrick Walsh, an Irish labourer, residing in Parry's-entry, one of the Irish quarters of the city, was charged on remand with sending postcards, threatening to murder Mr. George Lee Fenwick, Chief Constable of Chester. The postcards addressed to Mr. Fenwick were as follows :—" December 3, 1881.—Dear Friend,—After a careful meeting you have been found guilty and sentenced to death at our Buffalo lodge this Saturday night. It has been requested that you should be shot dead on returning from your work on a certain night, which we will not mention. If this should come to public you will be shot dead before the time appointed.—Yours truly,—S. THOMAS, *versus* SOMEBODY ELSE." " December 4, 1881.—Dear Friend,—Our plan has been spoilt last night. Prepare for an unthought-of time. Yours obediently,—S. THOMAS, *versus* SOMEBODY ELSE." The Chief Constable said that perhaps the object in view in arresting this man had been attained. The prisoner now knew that any one found guilty of sending a letter threatening to murder was liable to ten years' penal servitude. The prisoner was then discharged without any remark from the Bench. OVERDUE VESSELS.—The *Liverpool Journal of Commerce* says :—" The Dominion, steamer, from Liverpool, on which high rates have been paid, has arrived at Portland, all well. The City of Louden [sic], steamer, from London, and the Bath City, steamer, from Bristol, both for New York, are so long overdue that high rates are asked upon them." ## Column 3 ### IRELAND. DUBLIN, Dec. 9. In opening the winter assizes for Leinster on Wednesday, Mr. Justice Barry, in his address to the grand jury, directed attention to the state of the country. His address observed that, having regard to the great extent of the district comprised in the commission, the number of cases was remarkably few. That under other circumstances would be a very satisfactory state of things, but on the present occasion it was not a source of congratulation, because the diminution of the cases presented to them arose, not from any diminution or cessation of crime or disorder, but from the inability of those intrusted with the preservation of the public peace and the administration of the law to bring the guilty parties to justice. To regard the condition of this country at present as anything but alarming and perplexing would be impossible. The excuse and justification for the disorder which last year existed in the country was the condition, or alleged condition, of the tenant-farmers under the then state of the law. The Legislature had passed the Land Law (Ireland) Bill, which for the advantages it conferred on yearly tenants exceeded whateven [sic] the most fanatical tenant-farmer could a short time ago have conceived even in his wildest moments. He had always been an advocate for a tenant proprietary, and regretted that a more vigorous effort had not been made to bring the Bright clauses into operation. But he could not but state that the position of the tenant from year to year under the recent Act, regard being had to the benefits and the financial advantages which it conferred, was as good, if not better, than it could be under any system of peasant proprietary. What had been the result of this strong measure ? It was impossible for any man of sound common sense to deny that the condition of the country was worse now than it was at the end of last year. He had not the courage to utter words of hope, yet he could not bring himself to despair of the old country. He could not believe that the farmers of the country would be so infatuated as to turn aside from the peace and prosperity offered them by the present land code in pursuit of some wild project impossible of realization. A meeting for the purpose of organizing a political prisoners' aid fund for the county of Dublin was held in the Rotunda yesterday afternoon. The attendance was very limited. Mr. T. D. Sullivan, M.P., who presided, said he would have been better pleased if the farmers had come in greater numbers to show the police and the Government and the Chief Secretary that they were not intimidated. A resolution was passed calling on the tenant farmers of the county of Dublin to establish branches of the society in every parish, and to appoint collectors to receive weekly subscriptions. Mr. F. H. O'Donnell, M.P., who had just entered the room, said he entered most heartily into the spirit of the undertaking they had on hand. He had just come from Kilmainham, and he had just seen Mr. Parnell lying upon that bed of sickness upon which the starvation fare of the prison had laid him. (Cries of " Shame.") The county of Derry was placarded with appeals of the Solicitor-General to the farmers of Derry to vote for Porter and fair rents. Mr. Parnell, for appealing to the farmers to defend their own interests, was cast into Kilmainham. Mr. O'Donnell was sorry to say that the Government were not even giving prison fare to the imprisoned leaders. (" Shame.") The meat furnished them was simply what the prison soup had previously been made out of. Mr. Parnell told him he did not know what the " tea " was made of, but tea it certainly was not. The gruel was made of such coarse stuff that Mr. Dillon sickened on the first day of it. Besides the miserable badness of the food, the prisoners must either be in a stuffy cell or in the exercising ground, or in halls swept by all kinds of draughts. Their system being reduced by the bad fare, they were all liable to colds, and a cold of that kind brought upon Mr. Parnell a sharp attack of feverishness. The treatment of the prisoners was only too well calculated to break down and to kill any man who was not of an iron frame. Dr. Cart, the prison surgeon, who seemed to combine kindliness and skill, represented to Mr. Forster that the prison fare was surely killing John Dillon. He most strongly recommended that John Dillon should be released, but Mr. Forster refused. (Hisses.) There was no justice or humanity to be expected from Messrs. Gladstone and Forster ; they reserved their commiseration and pity for the Bulgarians. The merits of the Land Act, whatever they were, had been used by Mr. Gladstone as a mere electioneering and bribing instrument throughout the north. Nothing more vile in the annals of electioneering could have been imagined than the tactics of the Government in the county Derry. " If you want fair rents, vote for Porter." The Government had the nomination of the Sub-Commissioners ; and was not that a threat that if the farmers did not vote for Porter they would not get Sub-Commissioners who would lower their rents ? They might be sure that the scandalous conduct of the Government would be exposed within the walls of Parliament. (Cheers.) A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. O'Donnell for his services to the national cause in Derry. The old man Patrick Halloran, herdsman of Mr. Andrew Enright, J.P., who was fired at on the evening of the 12th of November at Ballysac, within three miles of Ennis, while sitting at his fireside, died in the county infirmary at Ennis on Wednesday, from the effects of the wounds he received. The project of an exhibition of Irish manufactures next year, which was promoted by a number of influential citizens, chiefly merchants and traders, for the revival and development of Irish trade and industry, has been killed in the cradle to-day by a band of patriots who seemed from the first to have resolved upon destroying it or making it instrumental in furthering political objects. It was presented to the public under the most favourable auspices ; all parties went forward to welcome it, and within a very short time a guarantee fund of £20,000 was created. Among the first to co-operate was the Lord-Lieutenant, who became a guarantor for £500, and the Land League got credit for practical patriotism by guaranteeing the same amount. It was regarded as a happy omen that the representatives of Imperial and popular power were united in an effort to serve the country, but from an early period it became evident that the party who assume and discredit the name of the nation were determined to bring it into harmony with Land League principles and practices, or to strangle it. They feared that the multitude who had been led by the mob orators to engage in a movement of revolutionary tendency would be induced to turn their attention to industrial pursuits, and that political warfare would be at an end and their own occupation gone. They did not venture openly to avow their dislike of the project, but they organized a plan for turning it to their own purposes or rendering it abortive. At the public meeting of citizens on the 15th of September, convened to promote the object, a deputation of Land Leaguers, headed by Mr. Sexton, M.P., and other leaders, who left the deliberations of the " National Convention " to attend, appeared in a compact body in the midst of the assembly, and soon made it evident that they intended to stop the movement if they could not turn it upon their own lines. The guarantors and the promoters of the undertaking regarded their presence with concern, but it was hoped that by showing a conciliatory and forbearing disposition towards them the apprehended rupture would be averted. The first declaration of hostility, however, was made by Mr. Sexton, who moved " That it be an instruction to the committee not to seek for or accept any patronage in connexion with the exhibition." This was seconded by Dr. J. E. Keany. On a division it was declared by the Lord Mayor to have been lost, and after a stormy scene, which it was expected every moment would end in the break up of the meeting and the abandonment of the project, Mr. Gray, M.P., who took an active part in the movement, proposed to get rid of the difficulty by moving the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Sexton :—" That the functions of the committee be limited to those of a purely executive character." It was perfectly well understood at the time that Mr. Sexton's original resolution was a blow aimed at the Lord Lieutenant and the influential dignitaries whose " patronage " has on all former occasions of a similar character been received with satisfaction and contributed to the success of the design, thought [sic] it consisted in nothing more than their presence at the opening ceremonial and the use of their names as a testimony that the undertaking had enlisted the interest of persons whose official and social rank made them centres of attraction for others. Mr. Gray's resolution merely blunted the point of the insult, but tied the hands of the executive committee as effectually as if the Land League resolutions had been carried. In the hurry and hubbub of an excited meeting, however, its full significance was overlooked, or the respectable merchants and traders, who were really anxious for the success of the movement, preferred to sacrifice their feelings rather than have it end in a *fiasco*, showing the hopeless disunion of Irishmen. They went even further ; for although Mr. Sexton and his phalanx were in a minority, and had contributed little, if anything, individually to the guarantee fund, the meeting included their names in the list of the general committee. The movement was then continued, and no difficulty arose until a deputation of the executive committee went to Belfast to explain to the Mayor and the Chamber of Commerce the object in view, and to enlist the co-operation of Belfast and the North of Ireland for the proposed exhibition. At the close of the interview with the Mayor he told them that, while the Corporation of Belfast were willing to further the objects of the proposed exhibition, they must be satisfied that the proposed movement was not in any way to be used for political or party objects ; that he believed the merchants and manufacturers of Belfast would be most willing to take their part in furthering it ; but that, in order to show that it was not political in a party sense, it ought to have the countenance of some member of the Royal Family. They also considered that it should be carried out under the countenance of the Head of the Realm. The council of the Chamber of Commerce of Belfast made a similar statement. This was reported by the deputation, and the executive committee convened a meeting of the general committee this afternoon to consider their recommendation that Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen be invited to allow her name to be used as president of the exhibition, and that Her Majesty be graciously pleased to open the exhibition, or to depute that office to one of her Royal sons. This resolution brought the two parties again into the field, and those who desired to pander to the populace and get credit for their advanced patriotism saw another opportunity of obtaining prominence. There was an unusually large attendance, the Mayor presiding. It was resolved after adivision [sic] to admit the Press, and that having been done the windbags were let loose. The first business, which consisted mainly of appointing officers and voting salaries, was amicably gone through ; but when the recommendation was moved by Sir George Owens, High Sheriff of the city, and seconded by Mr. Hutton, Mr. E. D. Gray, M.P., raised the point of order that the recommendation was *ultra vires*, having regard to the purely executive powers conferred on the committee by the Mansion-house meeting held in September last. He referred to the proceedings of the Mansion-house meeting and to the reported statements in support of this view. The Lord Mayor ruled that the recommendation was in order. Mr. C. Dawson, M.P., Lord Mayor elect, then moved as an amendment " That, considering the understanding arrived at at the Mansion-house meeting as to patronage, the question of asking Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen to open or to be present at the exhibition cannot now be honourably raised at the general meet- ## Column 4 [column continues from column 3] ing, and that the Belfast committee be so informed." Mr. Dawson supported the amendment in a speech of considerable length. He argued that it would be a breach of faith with the citizens who met at the Mansion-house, and that if they were to choose a precedent [sic] for the exhibition there would be millions to vote for another president. Mr. Sullivan, M.P., spoke in the same view, and suggested that there would be danger to the public peace, in the present state of feeling excited against the Government, if there were a display of armed force in the streets on the occasion of an opening ceremonial. Mr. Gray proposed that the report be adopted, except the part relating to the recommendation. Mr. Ewart, M.P., warmly supported the recommendation. Lord Brabazon observed that he was out of town when the meeting was held in September, and he thought that if the recommendation were not agreed to the committee should dissolve. Mr. Gray and others charged the people of Belfast with having thrown the apple of discord in among them, and disclaimed any disloyalty in opposing the recommendation of the executive committee. After a protracted discussion, Mr. Spaight, J.P., of Limerick, suggested, as a means of bridging over the chasm between the parties, that the meeting should adjourn and a committee be appointed to consider the matter. The motion for adjournment was agreed to, but no committee was appointed and no day was fixed for meeting again. CORK, Dec. 9. The United Hunt Club hounds were stopped to-day at Bolton's Glen, near Riverstown. In the early part of the day the hunt was not interrupted, but in Bolton's Glen a large crowd, armed with pitchforks and sticks, attacked the huntsmen and beat them off. The latter were compelled to retire in the direction of Riverstown, followed by the mob. At the Cork Assizes to-day three men named Conners were found guilty of forming a portion of a party who assaulted the dwelling-house of a man named Sullivan, a " Boycotted " farmer, living near Rathmore, county Kerry. The police, expecting an attack would be made, lay in ambush every night for nearly a week. The three prisoners with two others came to the house and knocked. Refused admittance, they threw stones at the windows. The police seized two, and after a pursuit captured the third. No arms were found in their possession. The prisoners, who alleged that they went to the place believing it to be a publichouse, were recommended to mercy. Sentence was deferred. Several of the persons charged with riot in Limerick in September pleaded guilty, and were let out on their recognizances. They were also obliged to enter into security to keep the peace. To-day two arrests under the Protection Act were made near Cork, one of the prisoners being Mr. Denis Lane, a prominent Land Leaguer, and the other Mr. Sullivan, hon. secretary of the Clogheroe branch. The warrant charged them with intimidation. They were conveyed in a car to Cork, and a number of farmers, friends of the suspects, accompanied them on horseback to the railway station. Seven men were arrested under the Act to-day at Castleisland, county Kerry, for being suspected of attacking dwelling-houses and shooting at the inmates. CASTLETOWN, BEREHAVEN, Dec. 9. Miss Reynolds, of the Dublin Ladies' Land League, was charged on a summons at the Petty Sessions here to-day before Mr. E. B. Warburton, R.M., Mr. O. V. Handcock, and Dr. Armstrong, with aiding and abetting a conspiracy, to prevent payment of all rent by intimidating a tenant of the Earl of Bantry, named Catherine Murphy, of Aughabrack, on the 1st of December, from paying her rent. The offence was alleged to have been committed on the occasion of recent evictions in this district. Miss Reynolds reached Castletown from Dublin at 5 o'clock this morning, and at 10 o'clock Head Constable Meek served her with another summons for the same offence. The charge in the latter instance was for unlawfully inciting Catherine Murphy to pay no rent. When the case was called on Sub-Inspector Maxwell asked that the hearing of both summonses might be adjourned, on the ground that a necessary witness, named Benjamin White (a Cork bailiff) was absent. Miss Reynolds, whose counsel had not arrived at the time, said it was a shame to bring her there on such a charge. As to witnesses, they did not require any, because she supposed that the Bench had made up their minds on the case before this. Mr. Warburton said that was not proper language to address to the Bench. On the application of Mr. Maxwell, a warrant was granted for the arrest of White, the bailiff. Later in the day, Mr. White, B.L., of Dublin, appeared to defend Miss Reynolds. He asked that both summonses might be dismissed, with costs. The Bench granted an adjournment for a fortnight, which the Sub-Inspector asked for. Miss Anna Parnell travelled from Dublin by the night mail on Thursday, and reached Castletown at noon to-day. She was present in court while the case against Miss Reynolds was being discussed. In the evening, by which time the news had spread all over the city, Miss Parnell, Miss Reynolds, and Mr. White left town for Dublin, and the ladies were cheered as they drove off. The tenants on the property of Mr. Dobbs, in the County Kildare, came to the agent on Wednesday last and paid their rents, and though some had sent notices of their intention to sue in the Land Court for a reduction, they all now decided to leave the re-adjustment of their rents in the hands of a valuator to be named by the agent, declining themselves to appoint an arbitrator on their side. The tenants on Lord Mayo's estate have come in and paid their rents. ### UNIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE. CAMBRIDGE, Dec. 9. The following have passed the undermentioned special examinations for the ordinary B.A. degree :— Theology—Class I. (in order of merit).—Greenwood, Corpus Christi ; Shields, Jesus ; Danks, Corpus Christi. Class II. (in alphabetical order).—Arnold, Clare ; Chamberlain, Christ's ; Chamberlain, St. John's ; Girling, St. Catharine's ; Lacey, Caius ; M'Donell, Trinity ; Oke, Trinity ; Poland, Trinity ; Robinson, Jesus ; Rosher, St. John's ; Sedgwick, Christ's ; Smith, E. B. L., Clare ; Square, John's ; Swinton, St. Peter's ; Wright, G. H., Trinity. Class III. (in alphabetical order).—Armstrong, St. Catharine's ; Baldwin, Corpus Christi ; Banks, Trinity ; Dodd Christ's ; Elrington, Pembroke ; Fair, Jesus ; Finch, A. T., Pembroke ; Gell, Pembroke ; Gleadow, Clare ; Green, St. John's ; Hall, T. R., Caius ; Hart, Caius ; Harvey, St. John's ; Hibbard, St. John's ; Hinder, Pembroke ; Hodson, St. Catharine's ; Hotham, Trinity ; Kettlewell, Clare ; Longe, Jesus ; Molesworth, St. John's ; Norwood, Trinity ; Spicer, St. Catharine's ; Sturkey, Pembroke ; Taylor, Emmanuel ; Wannop, Christ's ; Wilkinson, C. G., Trinity ; Williamson, St. John's ; Wing, Clare ; Wright, Pembroke ; Wright, Caius. Law and History. Law (Class I.).—Lunnon, Jesus, and Macnaghten, Trinity, equal ; Bonner, Trinity-hall, and Gibbons, Trinity, equal. Class II. (in alphabetical order).—Boughton-Leigh, C. E., Trinity ; Coope, Caius , Cooper, G. C., Clare ; Curling, Trinity ; Davis, R. D., Trinity ; Gordon, C. T., Trinity ; Horton, Trinity ; Johnston, J., Trinity ; Lloyd, St. John's ; Loveday, St. John's ; Lyon, Trinity ; Philpot, Trinity ; Ponsonby, C. A. C., Trinity ; Soames, Caius ; Taylor, S., Trinity ; Tower, F., Trinity ; Ægrotat, Barnes, F. G., Jesus. History (Class I.).—Cottrill, Christ's. Class II. (in alphabetical order).—Chancellor, R. B. M., Caius ; Edwards, Jesus ; Faithfull, W. J. H., Trinity ; Heald, Trinity ; Jackman, St. Peter's. Natural Sciences.—Chemistry.—Class I. (in order of merit).—Lewis, H., Christ's ; Milne, J. A., Trinity-hall ; Windley, Trinity. Class II. (in alphabetical order).—Beard, St. John's ; Fayrer, Trinity ; Fox, E. L., non-collegiate ; Hughes, M., St. John's ; Puckridge, Clare ; Schank, Jesus ; Shipton, Emmanuel. Geology.—Class II.—Faithfull, A. F., Trinity. Botany.—Class I. (in order of merit).—Topham, E. H., Caius ; Ingle, Downing. At Corpus Christi College there will be an examination commencing on March 28 for two scholarships, each of the value of £60, open to students intending to commence residence in October. The scholarships will be awarded for proficiency in mathematics and in classics respectively. Particulars of the subjects of examination can be obtained on application to Mr. C. W. Moule, the Tutor, to whom all candidates must send certificates of age and good character (the latter from an Oxford or Cambridge M.A.) before March 10. At Magdalene College three or more scholarships, varying in value from £40 to £70 per annum, are offered for competition by students under 20 years of age who intend to commence residence in October, 1882. The examination will commence on Tuesday, March 28, the subjects being classics and mathematics. Scholarships will be awarded for proficiency in either branch of learning. Candidates can procure further information on application to Mr. Pattrick, Tutor of Magdalene College, to whom each candidate must send his name, a certificate of age, and a testimonial of good character, on or before March 25. DURHAM, Dec. 9. Michaelmas Term, 1881.—The pass lists for the theological examinations were issued this morning as follows :— First Year Examination in Theology.—Class I.—Richard Hosegood, Hatfield-hall ; William Terry, Hatfield-hall. Class II.—George W. Grundy, Hatfield-hall ; George H. Stanton, unattached. Class III.—Cyril A. Greaves, Hatfield-hall ; Robert Greenwood, Hatfield-hall. The undermentioned have passed the examination :—David T. Allton, Hatfield-hall, ; Edward Arkless, Hatfield-hall ; Hamilton H. Arnott, unattached ; William F. Collings, University College ; William R. Hartwright, Hatfield-hall ; William Jenkins, unattached ; John A. Owen, University College ; David D. Peregrine, University College ; Henry Pigott, University College ; William Purvis, unattached ; John J. Richards, unattached ; Tom Watson, unattached, and Anthony A. Wilkinson, unattached. Examiners—A. S. Farrer, R. Gandell, and A. J. Worlledge. Recommended for prizes—1, Hosegood ; 2, Grundy and Stanton, equal. Supplemental List.—The following satisfied the examiners :—Aaron C. H. Strong, Fouval Bay College. Examiners—Henderson, W. K. Hilton, and W. Hooper. The Junior Hebrew prize is awarded to E. R. Brown, Hatfield-hall. Examiners—H. W. Watkins and J. T. Fowler. DISASTER AT SEA.—On Thursday evening the Austrian barque Malalsel, bound from Bordeaux for Cardiff with pit wood, struck the Shark's Fin, a dangerous rock near Land's End. The crew of 14 hands took to their boats, having a narrow escape, as the barque immediately filled and turned on her beam ends. They managed, after considerable difficulty, to reach Sennen Cove, but all would undoubtedly have perished but for the help of three Sennen fishermen, who at considerable risk put out to pilot them in. The disaster is understood to have been caused by the wind suddenly ceasing, the strong tide carrying the vessel against the rock. ## Column 5 ### THE IRISH LAND COURT. DUBLIN, Dec. 8. The Land Commissioners sat in the Court of Exchequer to-day to hear cases under section 21 of the Land Act to set aside leases. There were a number of cases on the same property—*viz.*, that of Mrs. Clement, in Lower Broughshane, near Ballymena. The tenants were—James Craig, John Cumming (whose case was withdrawn), William Owens, Andrew Sexton, John Boyd, Alexander Greer, Robert Greer, Thomas Wotherspoon, and Samuel Owens. The leases were all on the same conditions, and contained covenants against assigning, [reselling?], or rebuilding without the consent of the landlord in writing. The leases were made in 1876. The rents were raised from £200 to £377 in the aggregate. In the case of James Craig, tenant, Mr. M'Ilwaine, the former tenant, swore that he told the agent the rent was too high, but the agent said he would be put out if he did not take the lease. He had a message for the rest of the tenants that if they did not accept leases they would be put out. On the part of the landlord it was shown that the covenants in the old and new leases were substantially the same. Counsel for the tenant said he did not think that under the section he could support the case, which was dismissed. In another case it also appeared that the tenant had held under an old lease, and Mr. Justice O'Hagan inquired how it could be taken that the applicant had been a tenans [sic] from year to year at the period of the execution of the lease ? On the part of the tenant, it was contended that at the expiration of the lease she paid rent from year to year under the conditions of the former lease. Mr. Justice O'Hagan observed that the argument was ingenious but hopeless. It might be that legislation ought to have gone further, but the duty of the Commissioners was to attend to the strict words of the statute. The other cases, which were stated to be brought under similar circumstances, were, on the suggestion of Judge O'Hagan, struck out of the list. In the case of L. Dugnan, tenant, Colonel J. H. Cooper, landlord, the allegation was that the rent was excessive and that the tenant was prevented by the terms of the lease from making any claim under the Act of 1870. The tenant wanted to have a yearly tenancy, but the notice to quit was served and he was obliged to take the lease. The lands are in county Westmeath. After the case had been heard, the Court reserved judgment. DECEMBER 9. To-day the Commissioners sat in the Exchequer Division Court, and continued the hearing of cases in which tenants seek to set aside leases. In " John Gardiner, junior, and others, tenants ; James Gilmore Wilson, landlord," counsel for the landlord said the applications were to set aside leases of the 29th of December, 1880, on the ground of unreasonable contracts. After stating the details of the several claims, however, he thought he could not establish the tenancy from year to year at the expiration of the former lease, and he did not think he would be justified in doing more than stating what the cases were. Mr. Monroe, Q.C., counsel for the landlord, said that unless the Court took some steps to idemnify [sic] the landlord they would be flooded with applications. There were five cases, and these leases were made in 1859. The original leases were made for 21 years, and expired in 1880. Before expiration notice was served so as to make a further arrangement, and the parties came in, and a rent was fixed and a new lease taken. The landlord afterwards gave them indulgence in the payment of rent, and in all these circumstances a child would know that there was no case. He held that the tenants were issuing these notices to have leases set aside in the belief that the landlord, in order to avoid litigation, would abandon the lease ; and when the party was unsuccessful, and counsel could not even act in the cases, he thought they had a right to their costs. Mr. Justice O'Hagan did not think the matter was so very clear as Mr. Monroe seemed to think. The Court would give £3 costs in each case. Mr. Cumming, the tenants' counsel, said the cases were served at an early period, and the tenants, considering the hardship of their position, thought they must have a case. Mr. Litton said the case might have been withdrawn before the costs were incurred. In the case of " David Clyde, tenant ; executor of Christina Casement, landlord," counsel for the tenant said the lease was executed in February, 1878. There were covenants against sub-letting or selling without the consent of the landlord in writing or to pay an increased rent. The entire rent was £51, and the entire valuation was £11 5s. This man was tenant from year to year as his father had been. David Clyde was examined, and deposed that the landlord insisted upon his taking a lease, though he objected and said he would rather sell. Mr. Justice O'Hagan wished to know how the tenants' case was to be established. Counsel referred to the covenants, one of which was against alienation. Mr. Justice O'Hagan said there might be a clause against alienation, but it did not follow that it was unfair and unreasonable, for the Court of Chancery had inserted it in its own leases. Since there was nothing but the alienation clause to rely on the Court considered the case should be dismissed. Mr. Commissioner Litton said the 21st section must have reference to the 13th section of the Act of 1870, where the principal of alienation was recognized. Mr. Commissioner Vernon thought it could scarcely be contended that in a lease in Ireland for the last 30 years a covenant of non-alienation was unusual or improper. Mr. Justice O'Hagan said they would give £3 costs, and the case was dismissed. In the case of " Timothy Murphy, tenant, R. N. T. Bowen, landlord," counsel said the tenant held two farms, one under a tenancy from year to year, the other under lease for certain lives, at £36 a year. The last life in the lease ended in 1876, and Murphy, the tenant, was allowed to remain in possession after 1876 as a yearly tenant. He paid the rent in September of that year, and he was then acknowledged to be tenant from year to year, and the lease of which they complained was forced upon him, and bore date June, 1877. In making a lease, the landlord included in one lease both holdings, and the rent was fixed at £56 a year. The lease, they alleged, was forced upon them by threat of eviction and undue influence, to the effect that the neighbouring farm would be taken from him. Mr. Justice O'Hagan said it was impossible under the statute that they could set aside that lease. When the first lease was surrendered, and the new lease included what was under that old lease, they had no power to set this lease aside partially. They were bound by the absolute rules of the statute. Counsel said he had pointed out to his client the enormous difficulty that stood in the way. The case was dismissed, with costs. DONEGAL, Dec. 9. Sub-Commission No. 6, which has been sitting here since Monday, gave their decision to-day in 11 cases on Lord Arran's estate. Owing to the prominence given to the management of Lord Arran's Donegal and Mayo estates in the report of the Bessborough Commission, the cases attracted considerable attention. It appeared in evidence that in the year 1857 there was a re-valuation of the whole estate by Brassington and Gate. The rents had previously been on an average 39 per cent. below the Government valuation, and the new valuation brought them from 20 to 25 per cent. above it. In Donegal the new rents were in no instance put on at once, but by three, four, or even five instalments extended over the ten years from 1859 to 1869. These successive increases appeared to be more complained of than the amounts by which the rents were finally raised. It was at the same time shown that Lord Arran had spent £2,800 in drainage work, and about £1,000 in other general improvements. The following decisions were announced :—Charles Cairney : present rent £26 15s. ; judicial rent £19 8s. Charles Cairney (No. 2) : present rent £9 1s. ; judicial rent £7 12s. 6d. William Jackson : present rent £21 ; judicial rent £11. Richard English : present rent £7 1s. 6d. ; judicial rent £4 1s. 5d. Richard English (No. 2) : present rent £4 9s. ; judicial rent £3 10s. James Spence : present rent £33 14s. 2d. ; judicial rent £20. William Ingram : present rent £7 6s. ; judicial rent £4 6s. Patrick Millar : present rent £52 ; judicial rent £35. Mary Roe : present rent £4 10s. 6d. ; judicial rent £2 1s 5d. John [G?]raham : present rent £32 10s. ; judicial rent £22 10s. John Davis : present rent £6 18s. 6d. ; judicial rent £5. PRESIDENT GARFIELD ON THE INSANITY PLEA.—In 1871 a murder trial took place in Cleveland, the defence being insanity. Judge R. F. Payne charged strongly against the plea of insanity. A few days afterwards he received the following letter from the late President :—" Dear Judge,—Allow me to congratulate you on your splendid charge to the jury at the close of the Gelentine case. The whole country owes you a debt of gratitude for brushing away the wicked absurdity which has lately been palmed off on the country as law on the subject of insanity. If this thing had gone on much further, all that a man would need to secure himself from the charge of murder would be to rave a little and tear his hair a little, and then kill his man. I hope you will print your excellent charge in a pamphlet form and send it to all the Judges in the land. Very truly yours, JAMES A. GARFIELD." THE OPIUM TRADE.—A meeting to protest against the enforced opium trade with China was held on Thursday night, at the Albert-hall, Sheffield, and was very largely attended. The Archbishop of York presided, and in his opening address said it was a disgrace and a shame to this country that the heathen people should have had to ask for the abolition of such a trade. He referred at length, in a severely critical manner, to the letter of Sir G. Birdwood which appeared recently in *The Times*, and proceeded to state that it was no business of the objectors to the traffic if they should hamper the Goverment [sic]. This was not a Government question, it was a question of right and wrong. In presiding over that meeting he felt he was thoroughly in his place. It was a question affecting the whole of the human race. It affected this great country in its honour ; it affected the population of China more vitally still, for it destroyed and paralyzed the people ; and it affected the manufactures of England, because exports to China were visably [sic] hindered by this traffic. As a Christian minister, he felt, now his attention had been called to the subject, that the Government had no right to raise money in this way, and as a Christian country we ought to help the Emperor of China to diminish the consumption of opium in his country. The Rev. Canon Stowell moved " That this meeting is of opinion that the British Indian opium trade for the sake of revenue inflicts grievous wrongs upon China and British Burmab [sic] ; is the cause of much misery and crime, endangers the peacefulness of natural relationships, restricts legitimate trade, and obstructs the progress of Christianity, and that the trade is a dishonour to the British name and nation." Mr. H. Richard, M.P., seconded the resolution. The effect upon the Indian revenue was, he knew, the chief cause that it was not abolished, but, he asked, were financial considerations for ever to overrule questions of justice, morality, and religion ? The resolution was supported by the Rev. David Hill, missionary to China, and unanimously carried. A second resolution was passed, calling earnestly upon the Government to devise the means necessary for the suppression of the British Indian opium trade. ## Column 6 ### RAILWAY ACCIDENTS. A very serious collision between passenger trains, resulting in the injury of 15 persons, but happily unattended by any fatal result, took place last evening some three or four hundred yards outside the Manchester Central Station. It appears that there were due within 20 minutes of each other two trains, one leaving Chester at 4 20 p.m., and timed to arrive at 6 20, and the other leaving Glazebrook at 6 15, and timed to reach the Central Station at 6 40. Both trains were late, and while the Chester train was on the arches just outside the station, at from 6 45 to 6 50, it was run into from the rear by the train from Glazebrook. The shock must have been considerable, but the damage to rolling stock was not so great as might have been expected. Late at night the line was entirely cleared. It at once became manifest that a large number of passengers had suffered, some of them severely, though none, it is believed, very seriously, and prompt measures were taken for their extrication and relief. In one of the waiting rooms Dr. Heathcote (Grosvenor-street), Dr. Dixon Mann, and Dr. Maxwell Moffatt rendered medical aid to such as needed it. The following is a complete list of the sufferers :—Mrs. Glover, Cromwell-street, Stretford, injury to leg and spine ; Mrs. H. Bosustow, Cresswell-grove, Didsbury, bruised face ; Mr. Swallow, Midland locomotive foreman at Cornbrook, severe incised scalp wound ; Mr. Henry Busby, 79, Dalton-street, Moss Side, leg slightly injured ; Isaac Newton, Hulme, injuries to leg ; Mr. T. G. Harrower, Liverpool, knee and leg badly hurt ; Mrs. Co[x?]ley, Ardwick, slight injury to leg ; Mrs. Mary Simcock, Moberley, slight injury to leg ; Mr. John Nolan, Salford, reported slight injury to neck ; Mrs. Walton, Aston, near Knutsford, concussion of the spine ; Edward Netherton, Northwich, guard of the Chester train, sprained thumb and injury to thigh ; Mr. Holt, chemist, Manchester, internal injuries ; Mr. Charles P. Martinnant, Knutsford, head bruised and shaken ; Pendergast, driver of the Glazebrook train, injury to back of head ; Mr. Joseph Higson, Antrobus, near Northwich, injury to eye. A dense fog prevailed at the time of the accident, and this probably had something to do with it, but no official statement has been obtained as to the cause. Yesterday morning an accident occurred at the Broomieknowe Station, on the Polton branch of the North British Railway, whereby a number of persons were severely injured. It appears that while the first train from Polton to Edinburgh was standing at Broomieknowe Station it was run into by an engine coming up behind. The line takes a sharp curve near the station, and when the guard of the passenger train saw the engine approaching he signalled the driver of his train to put on steam. This was quickly done, the passengers being all seated and the doors just closed, but the train had only just started when the engine behind dashed into the rear van of the passenger train and knocked the van off the rails. The following is a list of the injured passengers :—William Buchanan, jun., Bonnyrigg, cut about the head and face and severely shaken ; Jane Macdonald, Lasswade, teacher in Dalkeith Public School, bruised and cut about the head and severely shaken ; J. Duthie, master bricklayer, Bonnyrigg, cut about the face and several teeth knocked out ; Mrs. Blair, baker, Lasswade, considerably shaken and bruised about the head ; Charles Hislop, Broomieknowe, scalp wound and considerably shaken ; Provost Stewart, Bonnyrigg, considerably shaken. The engine which ran into the train was a special one, returning to Hardengreen from Polton. The police authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. A porter at Lasswade Station, which is next to that at Broomieknowe, was apprehended last night. LONDON MUNICIPAL REFORM.—The second of a series of public meetings for the purpose of advocating representative municipal government for the whole of the metropolis was held last night in the lower hall of Exeter-hall, under the presidency of Sir Ughtred J. K. Shuttleworth, who was accompanied by Sir G. Campbell, M.P., Mr. Firth, M.P., Mr. Sydney C. Buxton, Mr. Lewis Emanuel, Mr. C. Campbell, and Mr. John Lloyd (hon. secretary of the Municipal Reform League). The chairman congratulated those who had been the active workers in [th]e present movement on the great advance of public o[p]inion on the subject during the last few years. Both Parliament and the Executive Government were overburdened with duties which ought to be performed by Londoners themselves for themselves. There was, moreover, a cry constantly arising for legislation, and also constant interference on the part of the Home Secretary, the B[o?]ard of Trade, and the Local Government Board in affairs which ought to have been long ago in the hands of the local authorities. The speech delivered the other day at Rugby by Mr. Goschen was one of the best expositions he had ever read of the value of local self-goverment [sic] in rural districts and every one of the right hon. gentleman's arguments was singularly applicable to the wants of the metropolis. The Metropolitan Board of Works was not that body which was originally proposed by the Royal Commission of 1853-4. That influential commission proposed first of all reform of the Corporation of London ; secondly, that there should be municipal districts each with a municipal government of its own ; and, thirdly, that the Metropolitan Board of Works should be composed of representatives for those municipal governments. At present different local bodies were constantly fighting with one another, and there were such things as three-cornered conflicts. A special committee appointed in 18[7?]0 to consider the state of local government in London had recommended that there should be one central municipal government with jurisdiction over the whole of the metropolis, and that there should be a readjustment of the districts into which the metropolis is at present divided for the purposes of local government. The promoters of this movement desired to see a consolidation which would get rid of all the numerous staffs and paid officials at present employed. For his own part he should like to see the position and authority of the ancient Corporation maintained, and extended to the whole of the metropolis, in accordance with the opinion expressed by the late Sir Robert Peel in introducing the Municipal Reform Bill of 1835. Mr. Sydney Buxton said the fact was that ratepayers did not at all realize the chaotic condition of the so-called government of London, of which the consequences were increased cost and diminished deficiency [sic]. He mentioned as an instance of confusion that a fire involved the interference of four distinct bodies—the fire brigade, turncocks, salvage corps, and police, all under different authorities, in addition to the vestries, which had control of the thoroughfares. The apathy and ignorance of the London public were harder to cope with than active opposition. In conclusion he moved the following resolution :—" That in the opinion of this meeting the reform of the local government of London should be undertaken without delay, and that the only satisfactory solution of the question lies in the constitution of a single directly-elected municipal authority into whose hands the final control of all municipal matters should be confided." Mr. Lewis Emanuel seconded the resolution. Mr. William Malthouse, common councilman, moved an amendment, " That this meeting agrees with the Royal Commission of 1854, that one corporation of 4,000,000 of people, and 240 square miles would be unwieldy and inconsistent with good local self-government, and that the metropolitan boroughs should have each its corporation." Amid noisey [sic] and continued interruption, he contended that it was a wild dream to attempt to govern 4,000,000 of people from one centre. Mr. Charles Campbell, member of the Kensington Vestry, seconded the amendment. Mr. Firth, M.P., spoke in support of the resolution. The amendment was negatived and the resoltion [sic] carried by a considerable majority. On the motion of Mr. W. Phillip, seconded by Mr. J. F. Torr, the following resolution was also agreed to :—" That in the present state of the great question of London government and the prospect of its early settlement by the present Ministry, this meeting earnestly hopes that all arrangement [sic] respecting water, markets and lighting will be deferred till they can be made by the new municipality." ROYAL SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES.—Last evening the Royal Society of Antiquaries held its third meeting of the present session (1881-82) at the apartments of the society in Burlington-house, Piccadilly. Two important papers were read—the one by the Rev. Dr. Baron, of Queen's College, Oxford, upon the Church of St. Peter, Manningford Bruce, Wiltshire ; and the other by the Rev. Frederick Edward Warren, of St. John's College, Oxford, upon some Anglo-Saxon manumissions in the Leofric Missal. Dr. Baron exhibited ground plans of Manningford Church, showing its curious apsidal termination, and also of other churches, both English and Continental, by a comparison of which he was led to claim for it a Saxon origin, though he did not ascribe it to an earlier date than the tenth or eleventh century. Dr. Baron also exhibited a curious manuscript on stenography, probably of the date of the reign of James I. Mr. Warren handed round to the members and visitors photographs of several pages of the Leofric Missal, which belonged before the Conquest to the Dean and Chapter of Exeter, but was secured by Sir Thomas Bodley for the Bodleian Library at Oxford, in which it now is. THE PROPOSED TAY BRIDGE.—Unless some arrangement is made, the construction of another bridge over the Tay at Dundee may be abandoned. The Board of Trade have decided that the old structure must be removed before the new one is erected. Yesterday Mr. Stirling, the chairman of the North British Railway, several of the directors, and the engineer had a meeting with the Dundee Harbour trustees, at whose instance mainly the Board of Trade has taken this resolution. It was explained that if the resolution were insisted on the erection of the bridge would be indefinitely postponed. MYSTERIOUS DEATH.—A day or two since a girl named Elisabeth [sic] Hood, 17, servant at 20, Windsor-road, Ealing, went out between 12 and 1 o'clock on an errand, from which she was expected to return in a quarter of an hour. She was a very quiet, well-conducted girl. Her employer became very uneasy at her not returning, and as no tidings of her were obtainable in the town, the police were communicated with, and her friends, who reside at Harrow, were telegraphed to. Between 10 and 11 o'clock at night the police received a message from Barnes, to the effect that the body of a girl nearly answering the description given, had been taken out of the river opposite the Ship Inn, Mortlake, and which has since been identified as that of the missing girl. Prior to leaving her employer's house she seemed healthy and in her usual spirits, and painful uncertainty exists as to how she met her death. KILLED ON THE RAILWAY.—The Pullman express due at Staveley, on the Midland Railway, at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon knocked down William Shepherd, a shunter, aged 26, and cut him to pieces. The deceased was a native of Bristol, and had been two years in the company's service. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES (ANIMALS).—An Order in Council, published in the *London Gazette* of last night, revokes the Schleswig-Holstein Order of 1881 from and after December 15.