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Lucknow Sentinel, 1892-06-03, Page 741 01•110.... DOMINION PARLIAMENT. Bills granting divorces to James Albert Manning Aikins, Ada Donegan and Herbert Remington Mead were passed through committee and were read a third time upon a division of 60 to 33. .. ___ , Binaleiene___Tlempeon,einsaanfswereeseellire Somerville, said the number of electoral dis- tricts for which the last revised notes' lists have been priuted is ninety-six. Mr. Armstrong asked for copies of all petitions, letters and other documents re- lating to the release of Edward Wilson, found guilty of arson at the Essex Assizes in October, 1884, and sentenced to twenty years in te Kingston Penitentiary. He ex- plained theta resident of Essex had his build- )ing burned in 1884. The insurance company of which he was president paid for the building. The prisoner was found guilty and sent to Kingston for twenty years, but was released, strange to say, before a quar- ter of the time had elapsed. The same man's buildings were burned shortly after- wards, and the company had again to pay the insurance. The same man was eus- pected. Sir John Thompson related, the circurh- stances leading up to the release of Wilson. Sir Adam Wilson sentenced the man, and four years afttirwards wrote him, stating that he thought he had made the sentence too severe. He urged that the sentence be reduced to ten or; seven years. The con- vict was a Swede, and representatiens were made by the Swedish consul that as he could not speak English, and therefore could not 144 'Understand his trial, it was not quite fair. a conduct was certified as good while in prison, and for the above reason he had recommended the Governor-General to• reduce Wilson's sentence, which was done. Mr. Armstrong said, after hearing the Minister's explanation, he would withdraw the motion, which was made on behalf of the insurance company. Mr. Charlton moved that the state of public opinion upon the question of prohibi- tion of the manufacturing, importation, and sale of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes should be ascertained by ,a refer- ence of the question to the electors of Can- ada.at the polis. The gentlemen who had taken an active part in pressing this prohi- bition question upon the House had been from time to.time provided for. The mein- • ber for Kings, (N. B.,) who formerly pressed the question upon the attention of the House, had become Finance Minister, and did not seem to be so anxious as for- merly to have a prohibition law passed. Sir John Thompson said every member would have in mind the action taken last session, when, after discussing the matter in its various phases, the House voted in amendment to the proposal for prohibition. The House voted by a large majority to appoint a commission to investigate and report upon the questions of high license, prohibition, plebiscite, etc. The mover of the present resolution charged the Govern- ment with insincerity. In doing so he was making an unwarranteg charge, not only against the Government but also against the House. The hon. gentleman laid him- self under grave suspicion when, after the commission had been appointed by the authority of the House, he sought to fore- stall its action upon one point upon which it was .to report. Mr. Laurier said if the Government was sincere in proposing the appointment of the commission, at least they would not deny that there was some foundation for the charge made against them by the 'mover of this resolution. They had not shown haste in carrying into effect the vote of the House. The fact remained, however, that the corn - 'mission was investigating the question, and he believed his hon. friend (Mr. Charlton) would do well under the dircumstances, now that he had brought the matter before the House so as to let the Government know that the people still were interested , in the question, to withdraw the resolution for the present. If the report of the commis- sion was not down at an early period next session this 'movement should be prdceeded with vigorously. Mr. Charlton contended that the action of the Government in occupying six months in the appointment of a commission showed that they were not desirous to bring this matter to a conclusion. He did not doubt the Government were sincere. Theyswere v ry, sincere in delaying this matter as long a possible. What we wanted to do was to fin 1 out from the people if they were in favor of prohibition as a preventive to the evils of intemperance. A FTER RECESS. • Mr. McMullen moved that in the opinion of this House the corps known as the North- west Mounted Police should be annually reduced in numbers. He claimed that the. ,term of the necessity for this force was drawing near its close. At one time it was 500 strong. After the rebellion it was increased to 1,000, and is supposed to have continued so to the present time. Owing to increased railway and telegraph facilities the presence of so large a force was not needed. Another reason lor a reduction in this force was the influx of settlers. Since the 'rebel- lion the indians seemed to have ssttleddown to a new order of things. , The following figures showed the cost of the police since • 1884: In that year they cost $404,333 ; 1885, $470,650 ; 1886, $1,354,369 ; 1887, $ 1,664 ; 1888, $862,965 ; 1889, $829,201; 0, $753,095 ; 1891, 740,979, or a total of ,197,70. He brought up this subject having noticed an advertisement for 100 new recruits. •He was of opinion that from 100 to 200 men could 'be struck 01 the list' every year. Thine men, he understiod, were very useful in preventing smuggling, but if they were need for that purpose the expense should be charged to the Customs, and not to the Northwest account. Mr. Dewdney said he was sorry the hon. member had introduced this motion, as in the early days of the session he had heard it stated that it was the intentinh of the Government to cut down the force as low as possible, compatible with the safety of the country. Tho regular strength of the Mounted l'olice was 1,123, while this year the force embraced 1,015 men, so that it was 108 below the regular timber. He thought it would be very unwise to reduce the force now, as it might lead to most disastrous results, considering the bodies of Indians still in the country. He said the force was also of great use in preent- inn and handling prairie fires. - Their cost was ien,sonable, the expenses being less than $700 for each man and horse, including o fli COM Mr, 'McGregor thought if the Northwest was to be valuable the Government should appoint a moat vigorous man over the De- partment of Immigration. The motion was witfidrawn. Mr. James A. Lowell, the new member for Welland as introduced by Messrs. Laurier and Gibson, and was received with applause by the Opposition members as he stookehis-seat.-- — - The House went into Committee of the Whole on the report of the Special Commit- tee on the bill to consolidate and amend the criminal law, with instructions that tey have power to incorporate with the measure the provisions of Mr. Charlton's bill respect- ing obscene literature. Sir John Thompson stated that the amendments proposed by the Special »n - mitten were few, and mainly of a verbal character. The first of these was to make the title "The Criminal Code," instead of the " Criminal Law,Act of 1892." Mr. Mills, speaking .of a clause dealing with the application of -the criminal law on territorial waters and high seas, urged that it was impossible to say what was the inter- national law, since there was no general code. It was also objected that the clause did not clearly define the jurisdiction of Canada over British subjects committing crime in foreign ships, and the clause was allowed to stand. AFTER RECESS. On the vote of $51,000 to complete the Kingston graving dock, Mr. Ouimet, in reply to Mr. McMullen, said it was intended epaeomplete the work during the current year. 'The total amount .to be paid to the Connollys, who are the contractors, was $379,621. Mr. Gibson said this was $118,941 more than the Government said would be required • last session. His tender and fourteen others were below that of the 'Connollys. The estimated earth excavation was 14,0C 0 cubic feet, and the Government paid the Connollys for 15,940 'feet. Likewise there was an increase of 50 per cent. in rock excavation. There was also an increase of 50 per cent. in masonry, an increase of $10,221 on hemlock timber, and on red pine it was estimated that there would be 90,000 cubic feet, whereas 150,000 cubic feet was paid for. The total amount which exceeded thenstimated expenditure was $124,426. This was the counting down process. Then $109,000 was gained by the contractors in the counting down system. If the Government had taken his advice last year and sent down one or two independent engineers to review the work and report on the work much money might have been saved to the country. Mr. Ouimet said the figures given by the hon. gentlemen were not reliable. Taking everything into consideration, .it would be found that Bancroft & Connolly's contract was the lowest. If a mistake had not been made in tho estimates and the tenders had been made on the actual reeults, the tenders would have stood : Bancroft & Con- nolly, $344,397 ; Macdonald & Aylmer, $353,408 ; Fuller & Gibson, $501,013 ; Ross & MacRae, $620,662. Mr. Gibson said it , was apparent that there was a deliberate intention to give the contract to the Connollys. Bancroft had been a very costly myth to the country. Mr. Lister—How much does the Govern- ment owe this firm ? Mr. Ouimet----Forty-three thousand and some odd dollars. •, Mr. Lister—How much has been paid since last session ? Mr. Ouimet—Sixty-two thousand dollars. 'Mr. Lister said there was sufficient ground to have awakened the suspicion of the Governinent that A. C. Bancroft was not a man to carry out the contract which was given in his name. There was evidence to show that the money awarded for this contract went to Thomas McGreevy to be used in elections in support of gentlemen opposite. The whole management of the Public Works Department had been a dis- grace and a scandal upon the Government of this country. It was no use for the .Minister to say the officials in his depart- ment should not be blamed when there was evidence that the officials were guilty. Not one single public building in this country had beencornpleted at the contract price. Mr. Gibson, referring to the statement that there hadbeen no declaration that the 60 -foot entrance would • be made without extra payment, read an order -in -Council to the effect that the widening was to be authorized without modification • of the prices. He urged the Government to adopt the system of Great Britain and the United States, under which tenders for a public work were called together on a day, fixed by the Government, when the tenders were opened and read. If this system were adopted there would be no figuring up and figuring down, and the lowest tenderer could get the work. Sir John Thompson, seconded by Mr. Laurier, moved that when the House ad- journs on Friday it stand adjou rned til Wednesday following, and when it adjourns on Wednesday it remain adjourned till Friday following. The House went into committee on the bill respecting the Criminal Code. Sir Richard Cartwright said it appeared to hiin that the House was conferring on peace officers not under regular discipline or authority powers which the English codi- fiers only intended to give the regulated 'force in England, practically under military law. The criminal classes as existing in England fortunately did not exist yet, and he hoped would not exist, in Canada. After passing 37 clauses the committee rise for the 6 o'clock recess. AFTER RECESS. The House again went into committee on the Criminal Code Bill. Sir John Thompson, on consideration of clause 84, on the duty of justices if rioters do not disperse, explained that the commit- tee decided to changethe time in which the rioters must disperse after hearing the pro- clamation from one hour to twenty minutes. Clause 87, pronouncing it illegal for • Sir John Thompson accepted this Pug - assemblies to drill without lawful authority, gestion, and to the clause,as applied to con - was struck out, and ,a new one, providing traband goods was added, "knowing them that drilling would not be unlawful unless : to be such." prohibited by the Governor -in -Council, was Clause 106makes it a penal offence for substituted. I one who Las not reasonable cause to fear an The committee rose after passing 98 assault or injury to his family or property clauses. li to have upon his person a pistol or air gun. 1 The House went into supply. ! Clause 108 makes it a penal offence On the item of $6,000 for the Inprairie punishable by from '$20 to $50 fine or . ! post office, imprisonment'for not more than thirty days Sir Richard Cartwright said it was a for any person to point at another a firearm monstrous job ; $10,000 was asked last or air gun, loaded or not loaded., year, making $16,000 in all, for a post office On clause 122, defining seditious inten- the entire anneal revenue from which tion. anmented to $433. It was a most scandal- Mr. • Davies urged that the clause was 008 proceeding, and could only be for., the altogether unnecessary in this country. • It, purpose of bribing the electors of Laprairie. would wipe out the Opposition. (Laughter.) It would cost the country probably over $1,400 to collect an annual revenue of $400. Mr. Scriver said this was a most indefen- sible vote. Laprairie was a small village of 1,200 souls, which was going backward. It was a most indefensible job. Mr. Laurier said as the Government had -eucceedeclein—carnyingethe elation in La - prairie they ought to have been spared the gerrymander. Mr. Ouimet said this place, with many historic memories, was likely soon to be a suburb of Montreal, and it was fitting that it' ehould be adorned with a handsome pub- lic building. Mr. Somerville contended that the Minis- ter had treated this matter with undue levity, and thought the committee should dem and that if there was any possible explanation of this outrageous job it should be given squarely and seriously. He con- trasted the postal revenue in Laprairie with that in Woodstock and other places in which no public building had been given, and characterized the whole system as a system of petty bribery. This was only one of the means, others of which had been and now were being eximsed, by which the Government and its supporters had bribed the people with the people's own money. This matter had been exposed again and again, but t he Governmen tpersisted. Its mem- bers used it to assist themselves, and they would not assist in putting a stop to the systemto which they owed their political success. He believed, however, that public sentiment would soon rise to a height which would -Make it impossible for the Govern- ment to keep its place by bribing the people with the people's own money. Mr. Mulock protested against the expen- diture. He quoted the figures to show that the post office of 'Laprairie sent out only about 40 letters a day—about as many as a man could carry in his pocket. With these figures-, he demanded to know if the Minis- ter would venture to stand before this House and declare that this building was necessary in the public interest. After a pause he went on to say that the Minister dared not attempt to justify such an, act. He declared that no member from Ontario could afford to defend such an action, and as one member from that province, though he stood alone, he would protest agaiust it. Mr. Landerkin said that if the construc- tion of this building were postponed for about ten years, it might be shown to be wholly unnecessary._ In 1878, in those days when according to gentleman opposite there were nothing but soup kitchens in this country, the revenue of Laprarie postoffice was $495, but last year, under the beneficent influence of the N. P., it was $433. The population of the place was 94 less than ten years ago. He did not object to this build- ing because it was in Quebec Province, for yesterday he had opposed just as strongly unnecessary public works in Ontario. Mr. Foster, pointing out that the House had been two hours on this item, said it was not to be supposed that the Government was to go into a campaign speech on every item which came up. He did not think it was right to turn the House for any very long period into a show of a kind that was so much applauded a few months ago. 'Every appropriation made was made in pur- suance cif the appropriation already made. Hon. gentleman could not point to, one single new appropriation fcr a single - to,, • Mr. Laurier said the hon. ,gentleman was quite at liberty as to whether, he should talk or not on this subject. His silence meant that he had no argument to offer in support 'of the item. He denied because the vote was carried last year it was settled. Let hon. gentleman stand up and say these appropriations will be carried on according to the resolution two years ago, and this discussion would stop. So long as Parlia- ment would pot adhere to, this resolution setting forth that Buell appropriations shbuld be made on certain rules this discussion would go on. ir Richard Cartwright 'said the reason these items were so fully discussed was becatise of the grota abuse of their power on the part of the Government. Mr. Sutherland was surprised that the Minister of Finance was not in favor of a resolution he himself yoted for. M. Foster said this item originated before the resolution was passed. Mr. Sutherland read the resolution, to the effect that in all appropriations regard should be had to the amount of business done. The town of Woodstock, with nearly 10,000 population, had a revenue of $15,000 for postoffice purposes, and its importance in comparison with Laprairie was ignored, while a town of 1,200 souls received $16,000 for a public building. A great injustice was being done in spending money as it was being spent. ParliaMent had fallen very low if a resolution passed by the House and supported by the Government was to have no effect two years after it was passed. Mr. • Taylor said no gentleman on the opposite side of the House had pointed to a single instance where the spirit Of this resolution was violated. M D i Th b f r • r. ity s—. ere is one e o e us now. Mr. Taylor—Thera was a vote in the estimates of 1889 for that purpose. Mn Fauvel said in 1889 there was a vote in the estimates for a wharf at Little Bonaventure. In 1891 that county returned a Liberal, and he found that the vote was struck off. Mr. Kirkpatrick moved the adoption of the first report of the Library Committee. Sir John Thompson objected to going on with the matter at present. The House went into Committee of the Whole on the ctiminal code. On clause 104, which provides that every- one is liable to imprisonment for ten years who is found with any goods liable to seiz- ure under the Inland Revenue or Customs laws and carryi.ig offensive weapons. Mr. Davies suggested that guilty know- ledge Should be made part of the offence. asir Sir John Thompsen—I am sorry to say it will not go that far. Mr. Mills contended that obnoxious Acta of Parliament might beproposed and carried by a majority. It was the right of the pepple to resist an improper measure as a breach of the public trust, a right to be sure only to be resorted to inextrerneecases esTelsieeelnueet was estiblishing a high prerogative. It could only be free from danger if it remained a dead letter on the statute. Sir John Thompson said that it would not restrict criticism ia the slightest degree. On the contrary, lest anybody should fancy the enacting words bore out auch a construction it was distinctly provided that anyone could point our errors or defects in the Govern- ment or in the adniinistratiou of justice, or excite Her Majesty's subjects to attempt to• procure by lawful means alteration of any matter in state. A seditious intention was an attempt to excite Her Majesty's subjects to rebellion. Mr. Mulock said if he went on the stump and pointed out the political crimes of a Minister of. the Crown, and excited between the members of the Min- istry, he would be guilty of an indictable offence. Mr. Davies said no one would suggest that in any part' of Canada circumstances had taken place to justify the limiting the liberty of the subject heretofore existing. He held this clause was an attempt to define what it was better to leave• undefined. • Sir John Thompson said gentlemen op- posite differed entirely from him as to the meaning of the clause. But he would agree to the clause standing in order to allow of hon. gentlemen ernovirig an amendment which might better meet their wishes. . Clause 125 reads as follows : " Every one is guilty Of an indictable offence, and liable to ono year's imprisonment, who publishes ,any false news or tale whereby injury or mischief is occasioned to any public or private interest." Sir John Thompson asked that this clause stand. An amendment was proposed by the committee, whereby it was provided that it would be an offence where public interests only are affected. Mr. Masson, upon clause 135, dealing with corrupt practices in municipal affairs, suggested that it should be made applicable to members of Parliament and of Provincial Legislatures, and it was agreed to insert such a clause at a later stage. The House went into Committee of Supply. Meters. Flint, Leduc, Pelletier and Cho- quette continued the discussion on the vote for the Laprair ie post office. The item finally passed. • On the item of $1,500 for post -office and custom house at River du Loup, 0 Mr. Ouimet said the total, cost was $23,725. The postal revenue was $1,922. The item passed. • On the item of $1,500, St. Henri post - office, - Mr. Lister thought this course of party bribery should be stopped, and if gentlemen opposite wanted to buy up constituencies, let them put their. hands in their pockets and do it like men. He did not expect to impress the Ministry. - Mr. Lister moved that the committee rise. The resolution wile lost, yeas 33, nays 58. Mr. McMillan continued his address, de- nouncing the Minister of Public Works (Mr. Ouimet) for expressing opinions which he regarded as mere provincialism. After some further discussion the item passed. TWO STRANGERS DROWNED. Two oung Men Lose • Their Lives. In Toronto Bay. . A Toronto report says : A regular gale was blowing on the bay yesterday after- noon and two young Englishmen while at- tempting to cross to .the Island were swamped by the waves and drowned. About 1 o'clock the two young men, Charles Wel- ler and C. W. George, hired a row boat from Mr. Wm.. Armour's boat-honse to row to the Island quarters of the Royal Cana- dian Yacht Cleb, W. C. George saying he had jut conte over from England with a brother of Caretaker hlartin, of the • Yacht Club. Mr. Armour advised them not to venture out, as the bay was very rough, but they insisted on it, one of them saying, " Oh ! that's nothing to what it is at Og- densburg." They had hardly got out fifty yards when the wind sweeping around the. wharf upset the boat and they Eank. Mr. Wm. Bruce, of the yacht Condor,,. which was anchored close by, heard a screen), and lookingsaroend saw that the boat was upset, and two hats floating on the water. Mr. Bruce and Mr. Robert Graham, of the Zelma, were at the place of the accident in a couple of minutes, but were not out in time to save them, and when they arrived nothing could be seen. The men apparently could not swim, for there were three yachts anchored within ten yards of where the accident happened. Both men registered at the Crosby Hall Hotel Tuesday night as C. A. George, England, and Charles Weller, Montreal. MICHAEL*8 WIFE SOFTENS. She Drops Out of the Prosecution Against the Lonwitaired Prince. A Detrtit despatch says: The caseag-ainst Michael K. Mills and Eliza Courts, Charged by Mrs. M. R. Mills with adultery, was nolle pressed by Judge Chambers yesterday .afternoon. Mrs. Mills' attorney appeared before the court and presented the follow- ing document, signed by his client " To Samuel Burroughs, prosecuting attorney : You will'plesise enter a nolle prosequi in the case of Mrs. M. K. Mills vs. Michael K. Mills, and I hereby withdraw the complaint by me made in the above case because I was coerced in making it, believing, as I did, that unless I did make the complaint per- sonal injury would be done to respondent." The paper is dated May 16th, and is signed by Mrs. M. K. Mills, also bearing the sig- nature of her attorney as witness. Judge. Chambers said he would not order a nolle prosequi unless it was recommended .,by the prosecriting attorney. Mr. Burroughs was very uneasy, ana thought some time before giving his decision. Finally he said -that as he knew the letter to be, genuine, and as Um! Mills had requested him to do so, lie would rceenerriend that the order be made, which was done. ' The most delicate, the most sensible of all pleasures consists in promoting the pleas- ures of others. " I've always been used to a drop," as the man said the night before ho w.as to bo hanged. What My Lover Sald. By the merest chance, in the twilight gloom In the orchard path he met me— •- In the tall wet grass, with its faint perfume, And I tried to pass, but he made no room ;4 Oh, 1 tried, but he would not let me. So I stood and blushed till the grass grew red, With my face bent down above it, 4 I While he took my hand, as he whispering sands= - How the clover lifted -its sweet pink head, To listen to all that my lover said ! 9h, the clover in bloom ! I love it. • In the high wet grass went the path to hide, And the low wet leaves hung over, But I could not pal -s on either side, ,,, Per • found myself, when I vainly tried, In the arms of niy steadfast lover. And he held me there and he raised my head, While he closed the path before me ; And he looked down into my eyes and said— How the leaves bent down from the boughs o'erhead To listen to what my lover said ! Oh, the leaves hanging lowly o'er me. I am sure that he knew when he held me fast, That 1.1-nus.t be all unwilling ; For I tried to go, and I would have passed, As the n gilt was come with its dews at last, And the sky with its stars was filling. But he clasped me close, when I would have fled, And he made me hear his story, And his soul came out from his lips and said— How the stars crept out when the white moon fled To listen to all that my lover said ! a Oh, the moon and the stars in glory ! I know that the grass and the leaves will not tedlli An'm sure that t he wind, precious rover, Will carry his Seell 1 ,o safely and well That no being shall ever discover Ono word of the many that rapidly fell From the eager lips of my loVer. And the moon and the stars that looked -over Shall never reveal a hat a fairy-like spell They wove round about us that night in the dell, In the Path through the dew -laden clover; Nor the whisp-rs that made my heart to swell, As they fell frothe lips of my lover. —Homer Greene. Charley Iturke's in Town. It's Chairley Burke's in town, boys, down til Jamesy's place, Wid a bran' new shave upon 'um an' the fhwis kers alt' his face ; Hc's quit the section gang last night, and-yez can chalk it down fri r " Ther's going to be the cavil's time, since"Shair- - ley Burlm's in town. It's treating iv'ry boy he is, and poundin' on the bar, And iv'ry man he's drinkinwid must shmoke a fyne cigar ; An' Missies Murphy's little Kate that's ,nomin' there for beer Can't pay wan cint the buclletful the whilst that Chairley's here. He's jumpin' o'er the tops of shtools, the both forninst an' back He'll have yez pick the blessed dor% an' walk the straightest crack. He's liftin' barrels wid his teeth, and singing " Gerry Owen" Till all the house be shtrikin' hands, since Chairley Burke's in town. The road yard hands comes -dhroppin' in an' niver goon' back ; An' there's two freights upon the switch, the wan on aither track ; An' Mr. Gearry, froni the shops, he's ;mad enough to swear, • An' durstn't spake a word, but grin, the _whilst that Chairley's there. • • Yes, It Pays. A merchant of thiS city carne To Inc the other day, And asked me, as he spoke my na,me, " Does advertising pay 1" He knew me as a smart "expert" On whom he could rely, • • And therefore did not seem much hurt ' When " yes "was made reply., "Who does it pay 1" he then inquired, And stared md in the face, Until I felt my bosom fired With anger at this -brace." 'It pays." said I, and fixed my gaze On him, " most men 1 see, • ' At all events, it often pays Newspaper men and me !" —Art. in Advertising. The Postoffice Pen. There's an oft-met-wi ch invention • That occasions much dissension While -playing its important • part in busy • haunts of 111C11• ; • And you surely must," have tried it, , Grumbled at.and villified it, Tis the really quite exasperating postoffice pen.• . It is sadly ink -corroded, And with dust and dirt is loaded, But at times 'twill write quite smoothly for a half a minute; then It will take .a sudden notion . To indulge in an explosion, ' •And scatter ink about it, will the postoffice • pen. Scores of men have.wildly jabbed it • In the bottle, thou have stabbed it Through the. blot•ter and have let it fall point down time and again ; • Ladies angry words have spoken „In -t because they found it broken. When they wished to do some writing with the postal -ice pen. 'TWouldbe nice could this -great nation Build at every postal station Such mighty structures as are asked by all the Corigressmen. • But 'tw,ould better,satisfy us If the •Government would buy us, Say every hundred years Or so, a new postoflicc pen. • THE. MALIIITIES DESOLATED. A Hurricane Sweeps Over the Island Causing Terrible Havoc. A London Cable says : Advices from Mau- ritius state that a hurricane unprecedented in violence passed over that island on April 29, causing enormous damage to shipping. A majority okthe vessels at the island were blown ashore. The western half of Port Luis, the capital, was devastated. Houses were blown down, gigantic trees were up- rooted, and that part of the town was al- most wiped out of existence. The loss of life was appalling. A large number of per- sons were caught in the falling houses and crushed to death, and others lost their lives by flyingdebris while they were attempting to seek places of safety. The roar of the gale was deafening, and the people rushed to and fro in great confusion with no idea of what they were doing. Rain fell in torrents. The thunder crashed with awe-inspiring volleys, while the flashes of lightning were blinding. Never before in the history of the island has .such a warring • of the elements been known, and never west here such widespread fear among the inhabitants. The exact, number of the dead is not known. Every effort is being made by the authorities to alleviate the suffering that has been caused by the disaster. The Governor has issued orders for military tents to be distributed to shelter the homeless, and food is issued to those mho have lost everything by the storm. Half of the crops of rice, coffee and pepper were nearly ruined, and the loss in this direction is extremely heavy. Capt. Hayes, of Buffalo, master of the barge Ogarita, bound from Duluth t9 Kings- ton, fell overboard near Port Stanley on o,•," Thursday and was drowned. Theebolly was not recovered.