FROM THE ALTAR TO THE SCAFFOLD.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2079, 22 October 1880, Page 3

FROM THE ALTAR TO THE SCAFFOLD.

On the 22nd of July a melancholy marriage ceremony was celebrated in the principal gaol of Madrid. Some days previously a young man named Alvarez Oliva and his mistress, with whom he had lived for several years, were tried for murder by the criminal tribunal in the Palacio do Justiz, and, having been proved guilty, were sentenced, the former to death by the garotte, the latter to ten years’ imprisonment with hard labor. Shortly after their condemnation they craved permission of the authorities to be united in matrimony ere the dread sentence of the law should be carried into effect, in order that their only ehild, a little girl five years old, should bo legitimised. Their petition was granted, and the gaol chaplain pronounced the blessing of the Church upon their union on the morning of the day appointed for Alvarez’ execution. Having duly exchanged rings and pronounced vows of mutual fidelity “ till death should part them,” they took an eternal and affecting leave of one another, after which the bride was removed to the scene of her future punishment, and the bridegroom was conducted to tho condemned coll, whore, having confessed his sins and received absolution, ha was pinioned and conveyed to the scaffold, A few minutes later he had ceased to lire.

COEN EXCHANGE. The following is tho Corn Exchange report for the weak ending Friday, the 22nd inst. : There is no change to report in the state of the market during tha past week. Tha business that is being done is purely a hand-to-mouth one. The crops in all parts of the country are looking extremely well. Copious rains have fallen all over the country. Up to the present time harvest prospect * are exceptionally good. Wheat —First-class milling is still in request, and sales have been effected at 4s 6d, f.o b. in Lyttelton, for this quality. Good sound milling, average quality, 4a to 4a 3d in Christchurch; second quality, 3s 3d to 3a fid; chick, 2s to 3s per bushel. Oats—Good stout milling oats are being inquired for at from Is fid to le 8d per bu-hei. Feed parcels are also saleable at from Is 3d to Is 4d per bushel. Holders seem rather disinclined to part for the money offered, but there is no advance obtainable on these prices. Inferior feed parcels la to Is 2d per bushel. Barley—There is very little business doing in this grain. Brewers and maltsters are now fully supplied, and are very indifferent. Nothing but the primest samples will |tempt them, 1 here is little or no inquiry for shipment; prices have not altered, although sales are difficult to effect. Prime malting, 2s 8d to 3s fid per bushel; second olass samples, 2s 3d to 2s 6d; feed. Is 6d to Is 9d per bushel. Grass seed—A few small parcels are still moving off at from 2s fid to 2s ICd per bushel, the latter figure for really well cleaned heavy seed. Samples which have been recleaned in town 3s to 3s 3d per bushel; badly c.eaned light seed 1 a 9d to 2a 3d per bushel. Potatoes —There is no alteration to note in the state of the market. Supplies are abundant, whilst buyers are few and prices low. Small transactions are taking place at prices between 12a fid and 15s per ton, sacks extra. Cheese and Batter—The market is well supplied with the former, while tha demand is sluggish at from 4d to 4)d. The same remarks are applicable to the latter at from Sid to fid.