the weekly traffic return, in which a considerable rise was expected. When the actual figures were received they showed only an increase of £1,058, instead of an anticipated increase of £4,000. The difference at the close of business, however, was not very important, and it is quite likely after the present account is settled that South-Easterns may be worth buying. Brightons were very buoyant, on a traffic receipt which showed an increase of £3,232. I am glad to see this, as Brightons were one of the special stocks I advised opening for the autumn. South-Westerns, though firm, have been very little dealt in; and the same remark applies to Chathams. Paris and Berlin are very busy in the Railway Market just now, so that prices, though somewhat high, particularly in the Northern series, are not unlikely to continue their upward march. For speculative business, however, I still advise keeping to the Southern ones, as they will certainly improve, particularly so Chathams. The six months' account of the current year, issued by the Board of Trade, shows a considerable increase in the bulk of business done, whilst, as far as is ascertainable, the second half of the year will show a still further increase. In the ten weeks which have elapsed of the latter period, the receipts of the railway companies have improved by £309,000, made up entirely by the receipts from goods and minerals, which is clearly attributable to the great augmentation in trade and commerce. Under the circumstances, therefore, there is little wonder that "gilt edged" stocks like North British, London and North-Western, and North-Easterns have become strong favourites; and it seems pretty certain that advancing stocks, such as Chathams, Sheffield and Manchester, and Great Easterns will follow the lead and command higher prices. The report issued by the Board of Trade shows that, on the whole of the railways of the United Kingdom, the receipts increased by £1,351,000, and the expenses by £545,000, leaving an increase of net railway profit on the working for the year of £806,000. These figures, of course, apply to the first six months of the year; so that, adding thereto a similar amount for the second half, which, by the way, seems certain to considerably exceed this, there can be no doubt that all dividend lines will be able to advance the amount of dividend to their shareholders.

Railways.

American Rails have been somewhat deAmerican pressed, especially Louisvilles, which were affected by the continued advance of yellow fever all along the Mississippi river. A strict quarantine is being observed at most of the affected ports, this bringing business to an almost absolute standstill. At Jacksonville the ravages of the desease seem most terrible, and a state of panic produced such as has rarely been seen. The little town of Decatur, where many deaths have occurred, is nearly deserted, only 150 people remaining in the place. Though no real reason may exist for it, it is certain that nearly all American Rails are being influenced by the outbreak of this terrible plague, and reports from New York show a general fall in all lines. Yesterday's prices were the worst received for some time, and, in spite of the efforts of several strong bulls, prices fell considerably; of course, Louisvilles were the principal sufferers, but, with the solitary exception of Lake Shores, not a line which was not out of favour. A matter which is not unlikely to considerably affect Yankee roads is the uncertain feeling respecting the corn crops. Early reports respecting the prospect of crops were evidently misleading, and many districts which were reported as partial failures are evidently making full returns, but the disposition throughout the States is to hold off selling. The reason for this is that the States believe England, a portion of the Continent, and India must all come to her for supplies; that the wheat crop is deficient in the majority of Continental districts and in the British Isles; that Indian crops are a failure, which is generally admitted; and that as a consequence, by holding the new produce they will be able to command heavier prices by waiting. How far this may be correct I will not venture to say, but must, as a matter of investment, point out to my readers that the United States' present policy is one which will improve Grand Trunks and Canadian Pacific securities; the last-named will especially benefit by the Yankee move. There is no question that the Canadian crops are the best which have ever been grown in the Colony, and in bulk far and away in front of

any previous year. The Canadians will not let speculative considerations stand in their way, but will at the earliest possible moment place their stocks in any and every market in which they can reap a paying result. Do the States expect, by allowing the Canadians first run of the markets, to make increased profits? If they do, they may be mistaken. It must not be forgotten that already large stocks of old flour are on hand: the cheap price of wheat last year led to over-buying in many directions, and the hope that this year might result in a failure in the wheat crop led also to the holding of those purchases. Perhaps the Yankees may find themselves placed somewhat in the same position as the present holders of stock. Anyway, everything points to the soundness of the advice I have been offering during the past few weeks-that Canadian Pacific shares are one of the best investments now offering, and will see 64 to 66 between this and Christmas next, if not much earlier. The Mining Copper has not gone yet, nor have Rio Market. Tintos been sold at £8 to £10; on the contrary, Tintos have gradually forged their way up to 244, and are firm at the price. The fact is that copper is established, is established in spite of the Financial News, and the whole host of financial journals which are supposed to be in the know. Copper is an article, as I have over and over again pointed out, of limited production; the amount likely to come into the market can be assessed to a few tons; and when trade is brisk, or likely to become so, no metal offers a bigger field for speculation than does copper. Trade is improving, has improved, and, unless some unforeseen event happens, will continue to do so. Copper is now selling more freely than it has done for months, but the market has been restricted because of the determination of users to restrain their purchases to their immediate wants only. Now, with an increased bulk in demand, it is impossible to restrict purchases; so that, instead of spot purchases, contracts will be made forward at a price. The ship-building interest alone must make an immense demand; armaments, ammunition, and industrial wants, will still further lend their aid to putting up prices; so that the speculation in copper shares cannot be said to be either injudicious or ill-considered. My readers are aware that throughout the whole of the present year I have never ceased cautioning them against bearing copper securities, and especially those of such mines as are presided over by the Paris syndicate. In the gold mining market, all Indian shares are looking healthy, particularly Mysores, in which considerable speculation has taken place; those who buy and hold Nine Reefs will have nothing to complain of, and the same applies to East Indian, Nundydroogs, and Mysore gold. In the diamond market, I should advise getting out of De Beers, as they will very likely experience a fall which will land their followers in the cart. The fact is that the proceedings of this company have been such as to create considerable animosity both in London and The Cape, and unless I am greatly mistaken, De Beers will lose a few points during the next two or three accounts. News from the Transvaal shows that the output in that district of gold is gradually but surely increasing, and I consider a selection of mines in that district one likely to result in a good profit between this and the new year. MERCATOR.

WILLIAM HENRY BUMPUS, STOCKBROKER AND MINING SHARE DEALER, 44, THREADNEEDLE STREET, LONDON, E.C. (Established 20 years at this address), transacts business in Mining Shares of every description. English and Foreign Stocks, Colonial Government Bonds, Railways, Banks, Financial and Miscellaneous Shares, and all Securities dealt in on the London Stock Exchange. Mr. Bumpus devotes Special Attention to Legitimate Mines, and is in a position to afford reliable information and advice to intending in

vestors and others in the selection of Shares either for Investment or Speculation.

The present is a most favourable opportunity for investing in Sound Mining Securities, a judicious purchase of which at the low prices now ruling will, in all probability, result in large profits within the next few months. Cornish Tin Mines-Special Business. Indian Gold Mines, South African Gold and Diamond Mines, Queensland and New Zealand Gold Mines, American Gold Mines, Copper Mines, Lead Mines. Mr. Bumpus has large transactions in the above, and can execute orders at close market prices. Send for Investment List (free on application). All Business receives Personal Attention. W. H. BUMPUS, 44, Threadneedle Street, London, E.C. (Established 1867 Telegraphic Address :-" Singular, London."

[Advt.

CURRENTE

CALAMO.

De Lege; de Omnibus Rebus et Quibusdam Aliis.

THE September adjourned General Sessions of the Peace for Middlesex were opened last week at the Court House, before Sir Peter Edlin, Q.C. Several justices of the peace were present on the Bench. After the grand jury had been sworn, Mr. Ribton, as the senior member of the Bar, congratulated the judge on the honour of knighthood, which had been conferred upon him by the Crown in recognition of his long service. Speaking for the Middlesex Sessions Bar, Mr. Ribton expressed the opinion that Sir Peter was one of the most able exponents of the criminal law that

had ever sat in that Court. Sir Peter Edlin said :-Mr. Ribton, I thank you and the other members of the Bar most heartily for your kind congratulations. I may take this opportunity of saying that I have observed with much pleasure the increase in your numbers. I am told that there are now twice as many counsel practising at these sessions as when I took my seat in this Court nearly fifteen years ago. I can never sufficiently express my obligations for the great assistance and uniform kindness I have received from the Bar. I say it in all sincerity, their generous appreciation, their confidence and goodwill have been the sunshine and solace of my life.

THE Temple Church, which has been closed for the long vacation, will be re-opened for divine service on Sunday

next.

THE rumour is revived that it is the intention of Lord Esher to resign the Mastership of the Rolls, which will probably be offered to Sir Richard Webster, whose place will in that event be filled by Sir Edward Clarke, while Mr. Finlay will be made Solicitor-General.

AN action affecting the mineral rights of the Duke of Westminster in Flintshire was heard at Holywell County Court last week. The rector of Brynford was sued by the owner of surface land on Halkyn Mountain for £40 damages, for having sunk a lead ore mine, and raised a

No. 103.

spoil bank on the plaintiff's field. The defendant had obtained a lease of the minerals from the Duke of Westminster, and it was contended that under an ancient patent grant from the Crown to his Grace's ancestors he was entitled by himself and lessees to raise minerals from the land, and to commit the necessary damage and spoil without making any compensation. The case was adjourned for the production of the ancient patent grant.

THE late Mr. E. P. Roe, the American novelist, was insured in the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York for the sum of £2,000, which was paid to his heirs in the course of nine days after the proofs of his death were received at head office. Mr. Roe had only reached his fiftieth year. This is something like promptness.

A NOVEL sight will be witnessed to-day, October 3rd, The procession led by the immortal Jack Falstaff through Coventry was commonplace compared with the spectacle which will be presented to-day by the appearance of "two hundred" animated sandwiches parading the streets of London, indicating to a curious and in-, terested public the notable fact that upon that day the "two hundredth " performance of that phenomenally successful play, "Sweet Lavender," will be produced at Terry's Theatre. At exactly twelve o'clock noon, those in the vicinity of the theatre will observe what will really be the most original and unique advertisement of the day. It will combine the best qualities of a rare entertainment with the cleverest features of the advertiser's art. Those who are in the neighbourhood of the theatre to-day, just previous to mid-day, should keep their attention directed to the "roof" of Terry's, and they will be rewarded by a startling sight, exciting in its daring and intensely amusing in its grotesqueness.

It is worth noting that Sir James Hannen is sitting as Vacation Judge for the first time for twenty years, since indeed the long vacation succeeding his appointment as a Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench in 1868. It is always the duty of the last-elected judge to act as vacation judge immediately after his appointment, but this year, as there was no fresh judicial appointment, the duty reverted back to two of the senior judges-viz., Sir James Hannen and Mr. Justice Denman. Sir James urged that he was exempt from serving, on the ground of being president of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division; but at a meeting of the judges, convened for the purpose of considering the the question, it was almost unanimously decided against him. Sir James will act up to and including the 18th of October; the following week his lordship will resume work on the Parnell Commission.

IN another column we print extracts from addresses made to the Harvard Law School Association. We heartily concur with the speakers as to their influence, though they seem to be unaware that this is not the case only in America, but is equally true in England. In the first place, with us, there are the Lord Chancellor and the Attorney-General' In addition and Solicitor-General always abiding with us. to this the most important portfolios, as they say in France, are in the hands of lawyers. The Home Secretary (Mr. Henry Matthews), the Colonial Secretary (Lord Knutsford), and the Under Secretary (Baron de Worms) are all lawyers.

And there are other examples; while the number of leading debaters in both Houses who hail from the Temple is without end.

The

THE annual provincial meeting of the Incorporated Law Society of the United Kingdom will take place at Newcastle on Tuesday, the 16th inst. In the morning of that day, at eleven o'clock, the president of the Newcastle Law Society (Mr. N. G. Clayton) will welcome the members attending the meeting in the Assembly Rooms. president of the Incorporated Law Society (Mr. B. G. Lake) will then take the chair and deliver his address, and the reading and discussion of papers will follow. Between half-past one and half-past two o'clock luncheon will be provided in the Assembly Rooms by the Newcastle Law Society, after which the discussion of papers will be resumed. At seven o'clock the members will dine together in the Banqueting Hall-Jesmond Dene, the president of the Law Society, in the chair. On the Wednesday the Solicitors' Benevolent Association will meet in the Assembly Rooms. During the rest of the day, except during an hour which will be devoted to luncheon, the reading and discussion of papers by the members of the Incorporated Law Society will be continued. In the evening, at half-past eight o'clock, a conversazione will be held in the Museum, which will be lighted by electricity. The Thursday will be devoted to visiting objects of interest in the district. Two alternate excursions have been arranged for. One is to be to the Roman Wall. It is proposed that the party electing to go by this excursion shall travel by special train leaving Newcastle at a quarter past nine o'clock to Bardon Mill, thence drive to Housesteads (Borcovicus), and after inspecting that station, eastwards to Chollerford, where Mr. John Clayton of Chesters has kindly offered to entertain them at luncheon. After luncheon the station of Cilurnum, in Mr. Clayton's grounds, will be visited; as will also the remains of the Roman Bridge. In the meantime the special train will be sent round to Chollerford Station, and the party will leave that station by it at five minutes past five o'clock in the evening, arriving in Newcastle about six o'clock. This excursion will afford an opportunity to those who join it of seeing some of the most interesting parts of the Roman remains in the north of England, and will be under the guidance of the Rev. Dr. Bruce, the historian of the Roman Wall, and Mr. Robert Blair, one of the secretaries of the Newcastle Society of Antiquaries. The special train and the carriages for the drive will be provided by the Newcastle Law Society. An early start and a little walking is involved in this excursion, and those who object to that part of the programme may travel to Chollerford by ordinary train, leaving Newcastle at half-past II o'clock in the morning, and join the party there, returning with them by the special train. It is arranged that the second excursion shall be to Durham. The solicitors of the county of Durham have undertaken to entertain the visitors to luncheon, and to arrange special facilities for their seeing the cathedral, the castle, and other objects of interest which the city contains. Single journey tickets, available by ordinary trains, will be provided by the Newcastle Law Society at the inquiry office, which will be in the Assembly Rooms. On presentation of their tickets, members may enjoy the privileges of the Union Club, Newcastle, and may visit the museum of the Society of Antiquaries and the Castle.

THE Annual Report under Section 28 of the Judicature Act has been issued. The receipts for the year ending March 31 of this year amount to £534,187 145. 2d., against an expenditure of £676,586 5s. 4d. The salaries of minor officials amounted to £282,427 Is. 7d., and pensions and superannuation allowances to £81,835 175. 2d. The salaries of judges, including pensions of retiring judges and of ex-Lord Chancellors, amounted to £179,693 15s. 5d.

THE organ of the demi monde singularly enough gloats, in a way, over the horrid murder of the unfortunate wretches who presumably form the rank and file of its clientèle. "For one thing," says the Pall Mall Gazette, "we may be

truly thankful. What an incalculable blessing it is that these six undiscovered murders occurred in Whitechapel, and not in Ireland," and so on; rejoicing at the fact that murder is stalking among us, and ingeniously making political capital out of the distressing incidents. But, to meet our contemporary on its own ground, is it quite sure that the martyrising of Irish murderers has not lessened respect for human life throughout the kingdoms, has not made bloodthirsty people more bloodthirsty. When crimes of every description in Ireland are not only justified, but applauded; when a prison is no longer to be a place of degradation, but a palace whence the "probationer" is to emerge with a crown of glory; is it any wonder if criminals are made more criminal, and if the contagion spreads to the metropolis? Still more, indeed, if the murderer be, as suggested, suffering from erotic mania, is the Pall Mall Gazette responsible; for no opportunity is lost by that journal of furnishing the kind of mental food which breeds such a disease.

THE INFLUENCE OF LAWYERS.

In the course of his speech to the Harvard Law School Association at its recent annual meeting, upon "Some of the present Needs and Duties of our Profession," the Hon. D. H. Chamberlain, of New York, said :

"There is another aspect of the profession of law which may well be considered on occasions like this-what may be called its public side. The historical prominence of lawyers, or those trained as lawyers, in the public life of the country is unquestionable. Statistics of this fact at any period of our history are almost startling. Probably from the earliest periods of the civil experience of America, the relative number of lawyers at any given time engaged in the public service and their relative influence has been greater than in any other contemporaneous nation; and contrary, perhaps, to the general impression, their relative prominence and influence is not diminished or diminishing now. Every member of the present national executivethe President and the Cabinet-is now a lawyer, though only one of the eight need be. The membership of the Congress shows now, as at all times, the preponderating number as well as the leadership of those who have been trained in legal studies or practice. It is not hard to in their nature." explain the fact. The causes are general and fundamental

The president of the Association, the Hon. James C. Clark, of New York, said :—

"Man is a social animal, and can never under any circumstances unite together except on the basis of the establishment of a series of rules, and these rules will ever conform, to a greater or less degree, to an abstract ideal of justice; and therefore we never need have any fear of anarchy, for anarchy is impossible. I remember a happy expression given to this thought by one of the great statesmen of the revolutionary period, Fisher Ames, who was insisting and urging in the Senate for the adoption of the Jay treaty; and, insisting that it was reprobates who have met their fate upon the gallows a simple measure of justice, said: 'If all the miserable should be permitted to return to life, were suffered to come together aud allowed to form a civil society by themselves, they would soon find themselves obliged to make justice, that justice of which they had been the victims, the fundamental rule of their State.' I remember being told some years ago, by a very intelligent gentleman, himself a university man though not a lawyer, engaged in very large business operations, and who has borne congressional honours-I remember his saying that this country is ruled by lawyers, and always should be, a sentiment in which I think you will concur. He said it was ruled by lawyers, and if you look at it you will find that such is the fact and always was the fact, and we may credit it upon this occasion without any exercise of presumption. Who was it that, in the Revolutionary period, shaped and formed the impulses of independence and kept them from degenerating? Who shaped the immortal Declaration of Independence but lawyers, and university lawyers at that? Who, afterwards, when revolution had achieved successfully

its object, laid broad and deep the foundation of nationality in a constitution and a system of government which has found itself capable of supporting the mightiest fabric of civil society known in ancient or modern times? They were the Adamses, the Jeffersons, the Madisons, the Randolphs-lawyers and university men, all of them. And who, in later times, have presided over the great changes which have taken place from time to time in our governmental ideas and notions? Who has been enabled to adopt the fine element which mark national problems and fixed them in the enduring form of statutory law? The lawyers. How should we get along without them? I therefore say with truth that the cultivation of the science of the law and the administration of justice is easily the first of human interests, and that is why I think it should be held to be the most important of all pursuits and purposes which are and should be cultivated and encouraged in a great university."

COUNCIL OF LEGAL EDUCATION.

MICHAELMAS COURSE OF LECTURES, 1888. PROSPECTUS OF THE MICHAELMAS COURSE OF LECTURES AT THE INNS OF COURT.

THE Professor of Jurisprudence, International Law, Public and Private, Constitutional Law, and Legal History (Mr. Harrison) will deliver, during the ensuing Educational Term, in the Middle Temple Hall, a course of eight lectures on "The Conflict of Law on Status, Contract, Succession, and Procedure." To be followed by a course of four lectures on The Modern School of Constitutional Law." The first lecture will be delivered on Friday, November 2, at 3 p.m., and the subsequent lectures at the same hour on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Professor of Equity (Mr. Giffard, Q C.), will deliver, during the ensuing Educational Term, in Lincoln's Inn Hall, twelve lectures on "Specific Performance." The first lecture will be delivered on Monday, November 5, at 4.15 p.m., and the subsequent lectures at the same hour on Thursdays and Mondays.

The Professor of the Law of Real and Personal Property (Mr. Wright) will deliver, during the ensuing Educational Term, in Gray's Inn Hall, twelve lectures on "The Law of Settlements." The first lecture will be delivered on Friday, November 2, at 4.15 p.m., and the subsequent lectures at the same hour on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Professor of Common Law (Mr. Pollock) will deliver, during the ensuing Educational Term, in the Inner Temple Hall, twelve lectures on The Law of Wrongs and Offences against Possession, including Larceny." The first lecture will be delivered on Monday, November 5, at 3 p.m., and the subsequent lectures at the same hour on Thursdays and Mondays.

NOTE.-In December next, there will be four examinations, one in the subject of the lectures given by each professor, open (subject as hereinafter mentioned) to all students who have during the year 1888 attended the lectures of any of the professors; but no student will be admitted to the examination in the subjects of the lectures of any professor unless he shall have attended at least two-thirds of the lectures given during the year by such professor. No student will be admitted to more than two examinations; and no student who shall have obtained a studentship will be admitted to any such examination. After the examinations the following prizes will, on the recommendation of the committee, be given (that is to say): "To the students who shall have passed the best examination in the subjects of the lectures of each professor, first prize £50, second prize £25, third prize, £15, fourth prize £10; and a first and second prize of £70 and £30 respectively, to the students who obtain the greatest aggregate number of marks in the examination in the subjects of the lectures given by any two of the professors. No student I will be entitled to more than one prize, but a student will receive the prize of the highest value to which he shall appear to be entitled. The committee will not be obliged to recommend any of the above prizes to be awarded, if the result of the examination be such as, in their opinion, will not justify such recommendation.

HONOURS AND APPOINTMENTS.

MR. CHARLES PETER LAYARD, barrister, has been appointed Solicitor-General of Ceylon. He was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in Trinity, 1873.

MR. ROBERT CAMPBELL, barrister, has been appointed an Assistant Revising Barrister for the county of Middlesex. He was formerly Fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he graduated as a wrangler in 1854. He was admitted a member of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland in 1856, and was called to the bar at Lincoln's-Inn in Michaelmas, 1867.

Mr. ROBERT MACLEANE PAUL, solicitor (of the firm of Smith, Paul & Archer), has been appointed by the Bishop of Truro, Chancellor of that diocese. He was admitted in 1866, and is secretary to the Vice-Warden of the Stannaries, and also town clerk of the city of Truro. He was mayor of Truro in 1887.

Dr. PERCY JOHN RENDALL, assistant colonial surgeon, has been appointed Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of the Court of Requests for Gambia.

"PUMP COURT" ACROSTICS.

DOUBLE ACROSTIC. No. XXXI.

At College and in Court I'm known full well, And every whining schoolboy's tears could tell. I wait for no man, nor indeed for woman; On wings of wind I fly, catch me who can. 1. By Plan of Campaign I live,

By Plan of Campaign I die. 2. Hard work slays its thousands, I, my tens of thousands.

3. If me you drink, if me you crave, I'll surely bring you to the grave. 4. Am I a failure?

The letter T is accepted for light 5. Correct answers have been received from Sand-Witches, Cactus, Elm, Hopeful and Reldas. "Sand-Witches" is credited with 29, and he (or she) is to be congratulated on the very able argument addressed to the A.E.

The State of the Poll for the quarter just ended will be announced next week.

The Acrostic Editor wishes to impress on solvers that only subscribers are eligible. In every case where, on reference to the publisher, the successful solver is found not to be a subscriber, the prize will not be awarded. The Acrostics are intended for subscribers, and subscribers only.

The A. E. is not allowed space if he had the inclination to enter into controversies with solvers; but the following criticism on the August Acrostic, received from Ryecroft Hopeville, is delicious.

"Dear Sir,

AUGUST ACROSTIC.

"Ten thousand censure wrong'
"For one who writes amiss.'

"The solution being Critic-Do Critics censure wrong? Do they write Books? perhaps they may, but I think not-but if and when they do, they become authors."

Would Ryecroft Hopeville be surprised to learn that it is the immortal Pope who is responsible, and not the humble A. E.? who, however, thinks it "Better to err with Pope, than shine with-R.H."

But Pope is not wrong. He does not say that all critics censure wrong, neither does he speak of critics "writing." If the Ellipsis be supplied, the lines would read: "Ten thousand critics censure wrong, "For one author who writes amiss." And the idea clearly conveyed is that an author is more likely to be right than his critic, in the proportion (poetically exaggerated) of ten thousand to one. RH. is referred to Pope's Essay on Criticism.-A.E.

PUMP COURT.

The Temple Newspaper and Review.

EDITORIAL, ADVERTISEMENT AND PUBLISHING OFFICES,

OCTOBER 3, 1888.

Pro Lege.

CAPE WATER BILLS.

It is rarely indeed that the Secretary of our Colonies is called upon to over-ride the actions of our Colonial Houses of Assembly, and still more rare for an actual veto to be pronounced upon Bills passed by their members; but the extraordinary steps taken by the Cape Parliament in passing the De Beers Consolidated Mines Water Supply Bill is one which clearly calls upon the Ministry to advise Her Majesty to exercise her prerogative. This Bill unquestionably strikes at the very root of the security of Colonial investments, and if permitted to become law will render it extremely difficult for the Colonies to raise money in this country. To show the injustice of the proposed Act of confiscation-for it can be called nothing elsewe must go back to the early history of diamond mining at the Cape. The one thing which stood in the way of the full development of these mines was the scarcity of water. Water could only be obtained by long and tedious journeys to and from the Vaal river by pack mules from wells, which at frequent periods of the year became dry, and from tanks whose supply was quite inadequate to meet the wants of the miners. In 1880 an Act was passed to empower the Kimberley Water Company to construct works. The Cape Legislature fixed a maximum price at which the water was to be supplied to the townships of Kimberley, which inincluded Old De Beers, Dutoitspan, Bulfontein, &c. To carry out the proposals of the company half a million of money was required. This amount could not be raised, or at any rate was not raised, in the mining districts; but the assistance of English investors was invited, and this so successfully that by far the major portion of the shares are at present held in English hands at home. The engineers carried out their work, and water was conveyed by means of powerful machinery from the Vaal river to the townships in the district of Kimberley, a distance of seventeen miles. No question has been raised since the company completed their works, of insufficiency in supply, or the quality of the water supplied; but on the contrary, evidence of the most weighty character is forthcoming that on the one hand the present appliances are equal to meet double the present requirements, and on the other that the water is of certified purity and good quality. Everyone appeared satisfied-the consumers paid for their water, the miners were enabled to quadruple their output, and, indeed, the Kimberley Water Works had secured, in the space of a few years, the complete success of the diamond fields. Towns with only a few hundred inhabitants rose to several thousands, and the impetus given to speculation in this district unquestionably dates from the time when the Vaal was tapped to supply the machinery of the Kimberley Water Company. The shareholders in the company drew their dividend, which was not by any means excessive,

traversing exactly the same ground, as that over which the Kimberley Waterworks Company are already exer cising the rights granted them by Ordinance No. 12, 1880; and, astounding as it may appear, the Cape Parliament have sanctioned the scheme. How this permission has been obtained it is not for us to say; but the circumstances surrounding the whole progress of the Bill through the House point to either unlimited corruption, or, if not this, the most astonishing credulity on the part of the members of that House. In the first place, sight seems to have been lost of the fact that, eight years previously, powers had been given to the existing company which constituted, with certain restrictions, an absolute monopoly; that that company had in every way carried out their portion of the contract; and that no single reason could be shown for the passing of the De Beers Act, except the whim of the members and, it must be said, at the dictation of the wirepullers of the De Beers syndicate.

At this point it may be as well to draw attention to the grasping spirit of this mining company. They have been. endeavouring, and have up to a certain extent successfully carried out, a system of coercion with respect to all rival companies, and have absorbed many of the smaller diamond speculations, intending to continue this process of coercion and absorbtion till they have made themselves absolute masters of the whole of the diamond fields. To give to this overreaching company a water monopoly means placing at their mercy the whole of the mining interest in the Kimberley district. It is evident, therefore, that the Colonial Secretary must advise Her Majesty to refuse her sanction to this Bill, or at any rate, accede to the modest request of the signatories to the petition to Lord Knutsford for a commission of inquiry into the circumstances of the passing of the Bill. Apart from the local, if we may use the term, there is the greater question-the imperial aspect of the matter. If our Colonial Parliament are to be permitted to upset, at the dictation of powerful financial cabals, previous contracts entered into by them, English investors will lose all confidence, Colonial loans collapse, and enterprise will languish for want of British money, which alone has enabled our dependencies to carry out their best and brightest inspirations. The petition to the Colonial Secretary is practically by the petition to Sir J. Gordon Sprigg last year, supported by the signatures of seven of our leading London Banks and over twenty of our merchant princes; and in spite of a Dutch taunt that the petition is only backed up by "Jew bankers," it is certain to meet with that attention on the part of the Ministry it deserves. This taunt, by the way, comes well from a portion of that assembly who, though not powerful enough to make the whole of the Cape Dutch, would nevertheless do so if they could. They are known at home as the Dutch Bunders, and are at once the tools of such monopolies as De Beer's mine and are as antagonistic to British influence in the Cape as the Boers themselves.

Lord Knutsford has the choice of two courses: he can advise Her Majesty to refuse her assent, or he can suspend that assent pending the result of an inquiry by a special commission. If the latter course is pursued, we shall doubtless hear some account of how the De Beers Company have spent the £10,000 per annum which has been regularly written off as 66 secret service money" on the annual balancesheet. Between the managers and the shareholders an understanding exists that no inquiry can be made as to the method of expending this £10,000 annual secret service money, but this will hardly prevent "My Lord" President of the Commission asking some very ugly questions upon the point, especially if it can be shown that the passing of the De Beers Water Supply Bill was in any way connected therewith. We feel assured justice will be done the shareholders in the Kimberley Company, and a lesson read to the grasping overbearing Bunders which will show them that an English Government cannot be engineered, whatever may be attempted in her lesser Parliamentary assemblages.