NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2640, 22 September 1882, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Comet.—Early risers are now rewarded, if they only get up soon enough. A correspondent of a singularly energetic nature informs us that at five this morning the tail of the oomet wr.a visible above the Eastern horizon By twenty minntes past fire the reuc! si came into sight, but the sun ri-ing shortly afterwards the erratic stranger diappeared. T 1 e comet wt» extremely brilliant ; far more so than Jupiter, which was on the other side of the heavens, and this although the sun rrom under the horizon was shining on the comet.

Lyttelton Waterworks.—The reservoirs at the Valley are to undergo the annual cleaning, so too water in the low levels of 'he town will lu shut off from Monday night to Wednesday night.

Fbaoab Eitbaobdinabt. Yesterday evening the editor of tho journal “ Society had a lively passage of arm* with Mr Crocker, • draper of thi« city, by reaion of certain remark* pasted by the journal on the eetaclishment of the oimmeroisl man. Mr Orookir male for Mr Izett with a honewbip, and Air Izett wont for Mr Crocker. Mr Crocker had previously demanded, through hi* solicitor, an apology from Mr Izett, which had_ been refused. Both the gentlemen are now in al probability going into strict twining, a* neither of them are just at present in tne best form. All await the result with interest. Lyttelton Bbabs Band. —This band will play a selection of pieces at the Orphanage to-morrow evening. . B.M. Coubt, Lyttelton.—David Evans, found drank on the previous afternoon, with a serious wound in his head, sustained in a row with hi* wife, was brought before this Court to-day. Evidence showed that the accused was found in a very drunken condition, bleeding so profusely as to necessitate his being taken to Dr. Bouse to have his injuries attended to. Accused said he received the injury from a fall, but it was believed to have been done by his wife with a stone or something of that kind. He was fined 20i for drunkenness, or in default fourteen days’ hard labor, and ordered to pay the doctor’s fee for attendance. XL Dobin, for being drunk and disorderly, and breaking windows at tho Albion Hotel, was fined 5s or forty-eight hours’ hard labor, and ordered to pay 10s 6i, amount of damage done. . A.O.P.—The usual court meeting was held at the Library, Papanni, last evening. There was a fair attendance of members, including some of the brothers from the Couit Star of Canterbury. After a quantity of routine business had been transacted, the nomination of officers took place for the ensuing half year. Tho court adjourned for harmony, when some excellent songs were [rendered by the members present, after which the 0.8. closed the court in due form. Kaiapoi Friendly Societies.—At a meeting of members of the two principal friendly societies here, on Thursday evening, held in the Oddfellows' Hall, at which about fifty were present, and Mr Brooke presided, it was almost unanimously decided to accept the offer of Dr. Ovenden a services to attend the members, their wives, and families, under the scale proposed, and to secure his election as the medical officer of the several lodges Interested.

Thh Missing Mas Wisxbb.—Mi Fisher, one of the search party for young Winter, returned to Port last evening, and informed Sergeant Moxioe that he had not been able to glean any tidings of the misting man between Purau and Governor’s Bay. The patty that started for the Peninsula have not yet re* turned. Sergeant Moriee this morning received a telegram stating that Winter had •aidd that he intended taking the short route for Akaroa over Mount Herbert if possible. Ohtteoh on thb Good Shefhbbd, Pb tt.t.t maw.—ln the report of the Society for Promoting Christian Know* ledge for July, under the heading of “ Diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand,” the following appears :— “ An application in the usual form was presented to the meeting from the Bev. H. J. C. Gilbert far a grant towards the erection of a brick and stone church, to be dedicated in the name of the Good Shepherd, in the parochial district of Phillipstown. Phillips town is a suburb of Christchurch, inhabited chiefly by laborers, artisans, cabmen, Jco. There is at present a small mission dhapel capable of holding 170, which is crowded to excess. Accommodation is to be provided in the new ohuroh for 600 persons, and the cost of the building will be £2OOO. The Diocesan Synod have so thoroughly appreciated tke needs of the district, and the work of the curate, that they have voted £SOO towards the church (the Bishop remarks that the usual grant is limited to £600). Sir Arthur Gordon, the Governor, has sent a demotion of £2O. The people themselves, who are poor, have given about £6O. Mr Gilbert expects to raise about £670 more within a year. The Bishop, besides countersigning the application, wrote strongly in support of it. On the recommendation of the standing committee, the sum of £IOO was granted.” Tn furtherance of thie object a monster baxaar will be held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lichfield street, on the 19th, 20th and 21st of October. The subscription list is receiving attention from Mr John Ollivier, who ie a resident in the district. A large portion of the purchase money of the site, which is three-quarters of an acre in extent, has been p»;a off, and it is hoped that the building will be commenced early in the ensuing year, to enable which the Bev. Mr Gilbert solicits the donations of those who are able to assist in raising the funds for so desirable a work.

Guk Aooidbht. — An accident of this nature happened at 10.80 yesterday to a man named Thos. Powell, who is in the employ of Mr T. W. Maude, of Eiocarton. It appears Powell was shooting small birds when the gnu exploded, badly shattering his left hand, and blowing off the thumb. He was brought to the Hospital, where he was duly attended to, and it is hoped that amputation will not be necessary.

Thbatbh Boy ad. —There was a capital house last night at the Theatre Boyal, when 11 The Gnv’nor " was repeated. In noticing the piece yesterday, Mr Sefton’s excellent impersonation of Jelliooe was accidentally overlooked. It was a very capital perform ■ anoe throughout, as also was the doubling of the character of the boatman. Mr Hall’s impersonation of the boatbuilder last night evoked great laughter, and the piece, as a whole, went excellently. It will be played again to night.

Ancient Oedbb op Fobbsthes. —The ordinary meeting of the Court Star of Canterbury was hold last Monday evening in the Foresters’ Hall. Besides the usual routine business the fete committee delegates were elected. On Tuesday evening a special meeting took place to consider the advisability of joining the proposed Friendly Societies’ dispensary. The M.O. gave in their report to the effect that they were satisfied that first class medical attendance was procurable in Christchurch in connection with the dispensary, and at a favorable price. After a long and somewhat heated discussion it was decided that this Court should hsve nothing to do with the proposed dispensary. W hath SB Exchange. Now Zealand, yesterday—Depression passing the Bluff j general N.W. weather, but changing to the S.W. at Hokitika in the night, with thunder and rain. Australia—Moderate westerly winds, with fine weather. A depression passed east of Tasmania, Barometer —Bussell, 29 9 s Wellington, 29 6 j Bluff, 29 3 j Albany, 29.9 j Hobart, 29 8 Portland, 30.1 j Sydney, SOS.

PbbsehtAtion. — A large number of the employes of Messrs F. and D. Dunoon met in the Wellington Hotel last night for the purpose of making a to Mr Sarimgeonr, who is leaving the service. Mr James Fraser presided, and with complimentary remarks handed Mr Sorimgeonr a handsome timepiece, which had been subscribed for by his fellow-workmen. The recipient of the gift responded in appropriate terms and after a pleasant reunion the meeting dispersed.

A Baptist Chxtboh fob Ashbubtob. — A meeting ol those Interested in the shore was held in the Town Sail on Wednesday evening’, amongst those present being the Her. Mr Spencer and the Bor, Mr Bray, who attended as delegates from the Canterbury Baptist Association. After some discussion, the Ber. Mr Spencer said the Baptist Association would be willing to a weeklylservice, to bo held in Ashburton during the months of October, November, and December, and several ministers had promised to come and give assistance in conducting the services. A committee was appointed to carry out the -details, and the formation of a Sunday-school was left in the hands of the committee Fibs at Kowai Bush. A fire occurred at the Kowai Bush a little before midday on Thursday, which totally destroyed the dwell-ing-house of Mr Barry Markey, the well known racing gentleman. Very little of the furniture, saddlery, and other articles which were in the building was saved, owing to the high north-west wind prevailing at the time. The dames spread so rapidly, that the building was soon so far enveloped in flames as to be unapproachable, and in a very short time was burnt to the ground. The real origin of the fire is unknown, bat it is thought » spark from the chimney caused the mishap. From ~ 'enquiries made, the building is believed to be insured for the sum of £3OO, which amount will hardly cover the loss. It is not known yet in what office the insurance is effected. The fire has occurred at a most unfortunate time for Mr Markey, as this day it was his intention to hold a clearing sale. General sympathy is expressed for the luckless loser throughout the aorrcundir g district*

Sheffield.—Oar correspondent write* This district has been suffering considerably lately from its old enemy, the heavy nortnwest wind, which quite counteracts the very occasional showers got when the wind is in the B.W. quarter. Brazil Nut*.—Among the by no means common assortment of nuts which Mr W. Graham, senior, of Lyttelton, of bon ana ivory work renown, uses in his unpretentious workshop,’might have been seen yesterday a nut similar somewhat in size and appearance to a coooanut, but which was in reality the large nut within which is contained the Brazil nnts in the form in which they are sold in the shops. In the one Mr Graham was operating upon there were twenty full sizad Brazil nuts, which filled the large nut with wonderful exactness. Eaiapoi Oddfellows’ and Foresters’ Fete.—The committee having the management of the pionio proposed to he made by these friendly societies to Waikari was held on Wednesday evening last. There was_ a good attendance, Mr A. T. Clark in the chair. Reports were received of the progress and arrangements of the sub-committees. It was stated that the Mayor had proclaimed a holiday, and that there would be a holiday observed at the woollen factory, so as to allow the employes, members of these orders, to join in the excursion. All the details for the affair seemed to be well arranged for. Ancient Obdbb of Foresters. The A.O F. Court Thistle of the Forest, No. 6494, held their usual meeting in St. Saviour’s schoolroom on Tuesday evening. There was a good attendance of members. After the ordinary business of the Court and the appointment of a committee, the Court adjourned for harmony. Some good songs were rendered by the brethren present. The discussion re dispensary and the purchase of land was postponed till next Court night. One new member was initiated and two others

proposed. The Court was then closed in due form by the C. 8., Bro. W, Haig. Worthy of Emulation.—At the meeting of the committee of the Young Men’s Club last evening, it was mentioned by the secretary that a lady bed announced her determination to regularly forward copies of the “ Home Bows ” and “ Public Opinion.’’ The offer was accepted with thanks, and it was also mentioned that the committee will be glad to receive copies of illustrated papers from other donors, as a large number of members have joined the club, and till arrangements can be made for a regular supply of newspapers and periodicals from Home, Donations of draughts, dominoes, chessmen, and any other games will be dnly appreciated, as the large influx of members has created a great demand upon the present stock. Board op Education Architect.—At the previous meeting of the Board of Education, held on September 7tb, Mr E. O. Farr was elected architect to the Board at a salary of £360 per annum and travelling expenses. At the Board’s meeting yesterday a very strongly worded letter was read from Mr George Latham, one of the applicants for the position, who, after criticising the appointment of a gentleman whose father ooonpied a seat] on the Board, asked that bis testimonials be returned, and, if possible, that his name may be expunged from the list of applicants. A draft copy of the conditions by which the architect will be bound was submitted, and a danse to the effect that he shall not be allowed to take an articled pnpil was struck out. It was stipulated that all plans, specifications, and reports shall be the property of the Board, who provides Mr Farr with office accommodation in the Normal School buildings. One of the conditions of the appointment is that the whole of the architect's time is to be at the Board’s service.

Young Mmr’a Oiiua.—The committee of the above club met last evening at the Metropolitan Temperance Hotel. Present —The 7ery Bev. the Dean (in the chair), Messrs Miller, March, Malcolm. Hogben, Packer, and Griffiths (hon, sec.). An apology for non-attendance was read from his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch. The number of lads who have joined the club is 68. Various classes have been formed, viz.:— Arithmetic, 13; elocution, 13; shorthand, 12: singing, 10; drawing, 10; physiology, 7 ; physical geography, 2; writing 1. Owing to the large number of members joining, the agreed sum for preliminary expenses was stated to have been somewhat exceeded. Mr F. Joseph was elected a member of committee. Mr Miller stated that Mrs John Lewie had undertaken to supply the club with copies of the “ Home News ” and " Public Opinion.” The offer was accepted, with thanks. The time-tables of the various classes were submitted and approved. It was resolved that all persons subscribing 5s or upwards shall become members of the association. After the transaction of some routine business the committee adjourned.

A New Bridge Wanted.—A preliminary meeting of the residents of the northern part of the city wa* held last evening, for the purpose of endeavoring to get a bridge erected over the river at the west end of Salisbury street. It is thought that point is the moat suitable, being in close proximity to the junction of Victoria, Montreal, and Salisbury streets, at the angle of the main road nearest to the river. There was a good number of persons present, and it was their opinion that the proposed bridge would prove a great boon to the inhabitants in the locality and the public generally, as it would be the means of more effectually opening up the Park, thereby making it much more safe as a place of resort for ladies and children, and would give greater facilities of access on occasions such as the sports held on Anniversary Day. A large amount of support was given to the movement, and several sums of considerable amount promised. After having made arrangements to carry on the work necessary to make the proposal a success, the meeting closed, to meet again on a future date.

Inquest. —An inquest was held at Homebrook Cottage, near Southbridge, on Thursday, before W. D. Lawrence, Baq., acting Coroner, and a jury of thirteen, of whom Mr Thomas Harbottle was chosen _ foreman, touching the death of Thomas William Johnstone, son of Mr Bobert Johnstone, manager at Homebrook. Bobert Johnstone, deposed—lam the father of the child, Yesterday I went to roll a small piece of ground, and took the boy with me. I fastened a bag on to the front of the roller for bis safety. After I had finished rolling, and was returning home, I pulled up about six yards from the gateway to put up the rail, leaving the boy on the roller While doing eo the horses started off. The reins were tied to the roller. I immediately dropped the rail and ran after the horses, but before I could get to them the boy fell through and the roller passed over him. 1 picked him up. Blood was running from his mouth and nostrils. I believe he was quite dead. I took him tothe honse and sent for Dr. Chapman, who arrived in about twenty minutes, and stated life was quite extinct. Henry Hugh Chapman, dnly qualified medical practitioner, deposed tha', receiving word that an accident had occurred at Homebreok, be immediately proceeded there and examined the child, and found life extinct. He was of opinion that death resulted from injuries to the base of the brain caused by the accident. The Coroner, in summing up, expressed the sympathy felt for Mr and Mrs Johnstone. He was perfectly snre Mr Johnstone had taken bis little boy with him out of kindness, bat he thought it a very unwise thing to do, and hoped other parents would take a warning by Mr Johnetone’s sad loss. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Oddpbllowship. —The Loyal Perseverance Lodge, Woolston, held their quarterly meeting last evening, there being a good attendance of members present, also visiting brothers. After the receipt of the sick visitors’ report and consideration of other matters, the Lodge proceeded with the discussion of the notice of motion duly tabled by P.G. Coles, viz.—'“ That the resolution of a previous meeting to the effect that the enlargement of the hall be deferred until the Lodge valuation is completed be rescinded.” Several members having taken part in the discussion, an amendment was proposed, seconded and adopted by 26 to 7—“ That the matter under discussion be postponed for twelve month;’,” the Lodge expressing their approval thereto in a very warm manner. Circular read from Fcuesters’ Hall re usual fete on Boxing Day. The Lodge decided to take part in same, and appointed Bros. F. A. Bromley, W. Aylward, H. Burnetts, H. Scott, G, Oooksley, as delegates to attend committee meetings. Bro. F. A. Bromley, P.N.G., was elected to the of Q-.M. for remainder of term. An application made by P.G. G, Collier, on behalf of the Loyal Phillipstown Lodge, for the use of Lodge banner for their anniversary dinner, was granted by the Lodge ananimonsly. The receipts amounted to nearly £9l. The Lodge then closed in due form.

. Conobbt .—Mr North’s choral class wi j give a grand concert of vocal and instrument! . music in the Congrc g->ticaal Bohoolroon Manchester street, on Tuesday evening nex i when a capital programme will ho given. Educational Capitation —lt > j nounoed at the meeting of the North Oantei , bury Board yesterday that the Governmen had granted an additional 5s capitation to t each child attending school. , Accident. —About three o’clock yesterday i a horse which was being driven in a cab b; i its owner, Mr McLellan, slipped on the Iran i rail at the junction of Barbadoos street am the Ferry road, and falling broke its neck No other damage resulted. Magistrate's Count, Kaiapoi. —At thn Court on Thursday, before the Mayor, R Nosbit, for being illegally on the premises ol Mr Piper, Raikanni Hotel stables, was sen' fenced to one month's imprisonment. Railway Mattebs. —The Hon. W. Roues ton, accompanied by Mr Back, traffic manager, and Mr Maxwell, chief engineei of railways, left Christchurch by special train yesterday, the business being to inspect the crossing at Chaney's Corner, the Avon Road Board having requested Mr Rolleston to look into the matter. It appear* the Avon Road Board some time back petitioned the railway department to remove the gates from the new road which connects the North road with the old Canal Reserve road (at the new Styx bridge), and the railway depaitment has made some difficulty owing to the aiding at Chaney’s crossing the road. Mr William Dunlop, chairman, Avon Road Board, and Mr James Cochran, a resident in the neighborhood, met Mr Rolleston on the platform at Chaney’s. After a careful inspection it was decided that, to relieve pressing inconvenience, the gates should bo removed from their present awkward position and placed a chain further back from the line, Mr Rolleston making it clearly understood that this was merely a temporary measure, and the Railway Department would undertake to do away with the inconvenience altogether when the traffic became greater. Mr Cochran drove Mr Rolleston and party to see the groin which has been placed in the river by the Waimakariri Board of Conservators, after which the party returned to Christchurch by the special train. One Sunday at Montgomery we were talking about duels, and when the names of several parties who had gone out in past years to satisfy their honor were mentioned, the judge knocked the ashes off his cigar, and said, ' Gentlemen, it may be mentioned right here that I have been there myself.’ 1 Were you challenged 7 ’ 1 1 was. It was over in South Carolina, and I called a man a liar. He sent me a challenge, and I selected swords as the weapons. We met at 7 o’clock the next morning. It was just snob a morning as this—bright, beautiful, and full of life.’ 'And how did yon feel ‘Very queer. I shall never forget my sensations as 1 saw my rival, and he seemed to be as visibly affected. We oonldn’t either one of us say a word.’ ‘Was it in a grove? ’ ‘Oh, no ; it was at the railway station.’ ‘ The railway station ! Why, you didn’t fight at the railway station, did you 1 ’ ‘ Well, no. The morning express trains passed there at 7, and he took one and I the other.'

'When 1 shake hands wid a stranger,’ said Brother Gardner, as silence fell upon the members, 1 1 doan keer two cents wheder his great-gran’fader was a cabinet officer or a cobbler; wheder his own gran’fader sold silks or kaliker; wheder his fader was a cooper or a statesman. De man I have to deal with am de man bsfo’ me, an’ not de dust an* bones an’ coffins of his predecessors. He may size up well, or he may run to remnants : may be iqnar’, or he may be a bilk; he may be honest or he may have de right bower up his sleeve —dat am fur me to find out. I doan’ propose to jine hand-j wid a stranger bekaie bis gran’-fader enm ober wid de Pilgrims. Neither shall I lend five dollars to one o’ my color on da ground dat his uncle weighed a ton an’ shook bands wid three different presidents. What colored man he am, wheder his fader was a poet or a blacksmith, won’t make him better or wuss. Size up your man on bis own personal shape. It doan’t matter to you what sort of a head his fader had, or how big his uncle’s feet war; he am de man you am doin’ bizness wid. Da pusson who trabels from dis kentry on nothing bnt de record made by some relative half a century since .will land in gaol as soon as in good society. A stranger who seemed to be from Connecticut was strolling through Battery Park the other day, when be was accosted by a match peddler, and asked to make a purchase. * No, thankee, I don’t smoke, chew, play cards, or drink whisky, and I don’t need them,' was the reply. ‘I am very poor,’’ pleaded the match man. 'Ab I then you put it on the ground of charity, eh? Very well. Now my friend, how much do yon make on a box of matches ? ’ * Three cents.’ 1 And how old are yon P Thirty-five.’ ‘Just so. You have fifteen years of active life before you. In fifteen years there 330 months, 1320 weeks, or 9,210 days. Knock off the Sundays and we have 7910 days on which you cau sell matches. You ought to sell fifteen boxes per day. That is an income of 45 cents ; 7940 multiplied by 45 gives 387,820 cents ; which is 3,677,20 dols., and don’t you forget it. No, sir, I can’t buy on the ground of charity. You’ve got a good thing. All you've got to do is to preserve your money in an old stocking, and at 50 retire from business and invest in 7 per cent, securities. Pass on, sir 1 ’

There is a good story told (says the San Francisco “Newsletter”) of one of our bloated bondholders whose wealth dates just far enough back to keep him outside the pale of the nouvelle elite, but no more. He had built himself a big plate-glass mansion, with silver door handles, set up a carriage, and kept a ‘ waiter-man ’to open the door. This did well enough for a year or two, but finally the old man’s soul grew weary. His aristocratic sensibilities had expanded beyond his power to give them scope in this simpleminded town, so of course he and the old woman packed up and went to Europe. Hitherto he had contented himielf with a monogram, but when he got to London he saw that the best people had crests and mottoes on their carriages and notepaper. So he went to a celebrated advertising heraldic stationer, and commissioned him to get him up a ooat-of-arms regardless of cost. The shopman was a bit of a wag in his way, and took the old fellow's measure at a glance.

‘What yon want is a crest and motto, sir,’ said he politely. 1 1 guess so,’ said the old chap; ‘ what the big-bugs here have on their carriage doors, ’ ‘ Precisely, sir, ’ said the man ; ‘ we’ll fit yon up one in the latest style.’ He was requested to call next day and see the design, and promptly went. The crest was a mailed arm holding a dagger—- ‘ Something uncommon,’ the heraldry man said—and the motto, Semper nobilis omnibus benignus, which means, he explained, translating freely, 1 Always noble and kind to everybody.’ The old man was delighted. 1 Now, the latest style of printing mottoes,’ pursued the shopman, ‘is initialising the words after fashion of the old fioman motto, Senatus populus gue Bomanus, which the ancients abbreviated into B.P.Q.E. Of course you’d like yours done like that, sir ? ’ * Most assuredly,’ assented the old fellow with renewed delight, and he forthwith ordered a couple of reams of note-paper and envelopes to match, stamped instanter, in gold and silver and every known hue. Well, he and his wife used the stationery a (month or so, writing to every one they could think of, to show how ‘ toney ’ they had grown, when one fine morning, while studying with more scrutiny than usual the beauty of tha decoration, it suddenly dawned upon them that the capitals of the sheet to which he had been daily and hourly affixing his valuable signature was nothing more nor less than 5.N.0.8. Not long since a lady called on Moses Schaumberg to find out it a colored woman, who had formerly been a servant at his house, was honest, she having given him as a reference. * She vas honest, too honest to suit

me, put she vas not reliable.’ ‘ How in the world can that bo ? ’ ‘ Yell, one day, I leaves a five-dollar pill on do floor, and I tells Matildy to sweep dot room out. I shoost wont to see if she keep dot pill,’ ‘ Well, did she keep the bill 1 ' ‘ No, she bring me dot pill back. ’ ‘ That looks very much as if she was reliable ‘ No, she vas not reliable, for that pill was gounterfeit. I was in hope she dakes dot bill, and den I would never pay her dot twenty dollars I owed her; put she's fooled me by pringing me dot pad pill pack, bo I cannot say she vas reliable but maybe she vas honest.’ This story la told of two well-known sontbern clergymen, one of whom undertook to rebuke the other for using tobacco :

s B-other G.,’ ha exclaimed, without stopping to aak any other questions, ‘ is It possible that you chew tobacco ?’ ‘I must confes s that I do,’ the other quietly replied. * Then I would quit It, sir,’ the old gentleman energetically continued; * it Is a very unolerioal

rraotloe and a very uncleanly one. Tobacco ! Why. sir, even a hog won’t oh aw it.’'Father 0., do yon obew tobacco ? ’ responded the unsed listener. *ll No, sir I’ he anTered gruffly, with much indignation. ■‘■'Then, pray, which is the most like the hog, yon or I? ’ The old doctor’s fat sides shook with laughter as he said: * Well, I have been fairly canght this time.’ . _ Gobert, who long appeared in the French theatres and oircusae as Napoleon 1., in all the pieces in which the career of the conqueror from Toulon to St. Helena was depicted, was abominably lazy, and had a poor memory, and whenever he had to read a letter or a despatch in his part, made it a rule to have the letter duly copied out, so as to save study. On one occasion the Bmperor, having received an important despatch from his aide-de-camp, was to read it to the assembled staff, and ask the opinion of his generals. The part of the aide-de-camp was taken by an inveterate and merciless practical joker named Gautier, who, being but too well aware of the infirmity of the noble mind of his chief, substituted a sheet of blank paper for the written despatch. The moment came. The aide hurried in and presented the despatch. The Emperor opened the paper, perceived the joke, frowned, knit his brow, and, with a gesture of command, handed the despatch to Gautier and said— ‘ Bead the despatch to the ataff, colonel, while I look at the map.’ The aide paused, became flustered, broke down, end was soundly hissed.