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The Huron Expositor, 1890-02-28, Page 4• • 4 osomin f NEW .A.DVERTISEMETS I _ tar The figure between the parenthesis after each line denotes the page of the paperon whibh the advertisement will be found. Unreserved Auction Sale—Joseph Ward. 5)- Publie Sale—Mrs. Wm. Sinclair. (6) Blake Cheese Factory—D. B. Steckle. (5): Notice—Mts. W. Hanover. (8) Seaforth Seed Emperium—Scott &Crichi (5) Seaforth Horse and Cattle Fair—J. Aird.1(6) Farm for Sale—John Johnson. (5) Auction Sale—Wm. Moffatt. (5) Auction Sales—F. S. Scott. (8) Boarders Wanted—Expositor Office. (8) I Estrays—D. Livingood. (5) Room to Let—Manager of Bank. (8) Shorthorns for Sale—Neil McDonald. (5)i Bull for Sale—John Sinclair. (6) I Wide Awake for March. (8) Sheep Skins, &c —Edward Cash. (8) g Notice to Contractors—Alex. Johnston. (5) Grand Concert—BalmoralChoir. (6) Something Serious—I. V. Fear. (6) Musical Instruments—Scott Brothers. (8) Holstein Bull for Sale—James Elliott (5) rham Buil for Sale—James Braith‘vs,ite. Utird of Thanks—Mrs. Scarlett. (6) Cheap Sugar, ote. [8]—Wilson & young. (8) The Corner Drug Store—R. R. DOwns. (5)' Great Sacrifice Sale—A. Cardnol--(5) Practical Education—W. H Shaw. (5) (6) 47, xpooitra. SEAFORTH, FRIDAY, Feb. 28, 1890. The French Language Bill. - • It requires a very small grievance . sometimes to create a very great row on thestreets or even in Parliament. This has been abundantly exemplified in the Dominion Parliament within the last two weeks, over Mr. McCarthy's resolution abolishing the official use of the French language in the Nerth west territories. Of the general trend of this discussion our Ottawa correspondent has kept Our readers thoroughly posted, and from his diagnosis of the case they will be enabled to un.derstand the situation'ai thortiugh- ly as though they had read all the speeches delivered during the discussion, perhaps even more thoroughly. And we venture to saythat the generaltconclusion will be that there hasbeen a great waste • of wind, and what is vastly more. impor- tant, a shameful waste of valuable time, over a _very trifling matter. It is of comparatively little importance -to the "vast majerity of the people of this Do - Minion whether the official use of the French language is permitted in thrts,far off region or not, and had Mr. Mc- Carthy's little bill been brought forward by almost any other member of the House,it would, in all probability, have created very little interest. Throughout he whole discussioe the man was kept more prominently forward _ than the „measure. By his receot crusade agajost the French and Roman Catholic's, the member for North Simcoe has made him-, self moat obnoxious to a large number of the people of this Dominion, and had his object been to stir up strife and bad blood and to intensify thii feeling against himself, he could not have adopt- ed a surer plan than the speech Which he cleliveeed in introducing his bill. Mr. Mccarthy'a connection with snCh a measure, therefore,' coupled with' his very injudicious remarks in introducing it, acted upon the fiery French _mind, - very much as the proverbial red • ragt is said to have done upon the masceline bovine. The French members -were up in arms at once against the measure,a. nd they have become so accustomed" to be, ing petted and coddled and humored by both sides of the House, that they were even more violent than they otherwise would have been. But after all the fuss, no person has been seriously hurt, and the French language will still occupy about the same position in the North- west that It has hitherto done, as the. compromise resolution finally • adopted amounts to nothing in the way of spt- tling the question. Respecting the merits of the dispute, there is little doubt but Mr. McCarthy has the best of it. Except in the Pro- vince of Quebec, there is no part of the Dominion in which the official use -of the French language is required. This is, amply proven by the fact that the Legis- latures of all the other Provinces have either never introduced it or have aban- doned it, Manitoba being the last to fall into line. So soon, also, as the North- west is made a Province and endowed with responsible government, it will be abandoned there too, asr the Northwest Ceunsel have already 'unanimously peti- tioned the Dominion Government to re- , , lieve them of the Incubus. Indeed, the clause requiring the official use of the French language was smuggled into the Northwest Act in the first place. The Commons refused to insert such a clause and it was inserted in the Senate. So that, aside altogether from the necessity for it, the Dominion Parliament, haviag allowed in this round about way, /the in- sertion of such a clause, the Dominion Parliament is the proper authority to have it expunged in order that when full powers of local self government a.re given to the people of the Northwest they will not be embarrassed by this clause, and will have full liberty to act freely and without previous prejudice in the matter. It will be much easier for thennif they desire it, to commence with only the English language, if the Act under which they held their previous existence recognised that language, and that only, than if it recognised, as now, both languages as official. To permit the people of the Northwest to have a fair start, therefore, when they set up on th.eir own account as a Province, this •French clause should be expunged be- fore -hand, and if they find it necessary te have use foreign language they Can very easily adopt the necessary legisle- THE HURON EXPOSITOR. FEBRUARY 28, 1890. tion for themselves to secure it. This prospect of a fair and even start the Do minion Parliament, in voting down 'Mr. McCarthy's bill, hal denied them. As our Ottawa correspondent hint, the leaders of the Reform party have made a very grave mistake in this mat- ter. They have needlessly interfered in a quarrel which was not theirs, for the purpose of making peace in the house- hold of their opponents', and as a result, although they may be said to have suc- ceeded in their object, they have estranged .some of their own friends and do not even receive thanks from those in whose behalf their good offices have been so effective. The quarrel in the outset was entirely within the Government camp, between the McCarthyites on the 'one side and the French Blues on the other, and it would have been wisdom on the part of the Liberals to have stood • aloof and let the contending factions in, the camp of theirepponents fight it out between themselves. Instead of doing this, however, fearing that in the melee the country would be injured, they rushed in between the belligerents to make peace, and did make at least a temporary peace, but at a great cost to themselves and a corresponding gain to their opponents. They were too easily alarmed for their cOuntry ; it was in no real danger. They should have kept cool and allowed their antagonists in their internal strife to rend, eaeh other to their hearts' content, and then at the end of the battle the Liberals would have been on hand to pick up the scat- tered fragments. It would not have surprised any one had _Mr. 'Laurier eIone got excited and rttshed into the fray, because his language and national- ity were being assailed, but the country, and eepecially the Reform party, had a right to expect cooler and more discreet judgment on the part of Mr. Blake and Mr. Mills. 1They, at any rate, should not have lost their heads. . That sly old fox, the leader of the Government, was not slow to take ad- vantage of the impetuosity of his oppon- ents. Re sat still, never uttering a word, although his followers were fight- ing like demons around him, until he got his opponents to show their hand. He then by honied words beguiled them into a compromise with him. So soon as he got them conimitted to this, he whipped his own quarreling followers into silent line, carried the compromise motion, and took credit for the whole arrangement to himself. Himself and his followers saved the country! and his oppenents :dare not say nay, although . they had really furnished the greater portion of the amunition which had gained for the old general the victory over his own recalcitrant followers and • had reduced them from a state of mut- iny into subserviency. As for the country, he did not care a snap. He had his own followers solid behind him; and he had his opponents so committed to his action that in justifying them- selves they must necessarily justify him also. The game was well played. It is satisfactory to know, however, that the rank and file of the Liberals from Ontario showed greater good sense than their leaders, as a. large majority of them voted against the compromise reso- lution. THE ,contest in Haldimand on Friday last between Mr. Coulter, the late mem- ber ,and Dr. Montague, his old antago- nist, resulted in •the election of the , latter by a majority of over two hun- dred. The result was a surprise to both Reformers and Conservatives as it was generally expected that Mr. Coulter would, be re-elected. Haldimand is • evidently a very fickle constituency and is not much to be relied upon. It _ is said there is likely to be another pro- test and should this be the case,it is net improbable that there may be aeother ,election there before the close -of the year, FROM THE CAPITAL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) OrrAmA, February 25th, 18go.. So far as Parliament is concerned, the week which ended on Saturday last WN8 a miserable one. The whole time of the House of Commons was spent in this unfortunate question of the dual lan- guage, Mr. McCarthy's Bill to abolish the official use of French in the North- west being the text. As a rule at this e stage of the sessson only three days of the working Week are devoted to busi- ness proposed by private members, the remaining two being taken by the Government. But in this case, the Government, in order to hasten the con- clusion of the debate gave up the dates which they might have claimed and •there has thus been no break in the flow of talk upon this questien. Mr. Blake's suggestion across the floor that the leaders _should confer with a view to arranging some common ground of action bore fruit .before the discussion concluded, and a compromise of a certain kind was patched up and was pulled through by main strength. The result, however, cannot be said to be satisfactory to anybody, a not unusual state of affairs in a compromise. As affairs stood at the beginning of the week there was great uncertainty. There were directly before the House three propositions. The first of these was the Bill itself, abolishing in the Northwest the dual language system. The second was Mr. Davin's amendment which, if carried, would have left the whole affair to be discuased and settled by the people and legislature of the Northwest Territory. The third was Mr. Beausoleil's propoeition deolari against all interference with the du language system. Besides these the was another which was considere4 b everybody, though under the rules the Heim it could not he placed on t records at the time. This was M Blake's proposed amendment standi by the guarantee of the French ia guage in Quebec and the Dominion an postponing consideration of the case the Northwest Territories as in volving, at present, . no pract cal grievance. Mr. Blake's amen ment could not come before the Hou until Mr. Beausoleil's had been vote down, as it was well understood would be. Mr. Blake, however, did n submit his proposal." officially" whe -the time came, for in the meantime th vote had been taken, the Beausole amendment had been voted down an the compromise resolution was ready t be proposed from the Government sid On Monday, ,before any vote ha been taken the two leaders came int collision but in a good natured way and without damage to either. Mr Laurier spoke in fever Of Mr. Beauso leil's amendment which was at tha time still under consideration. He ob jected to some features of it, but ther were other points which he did no think it would be right to declar against by his vote. In the course o his speech he characterised the Bill o Mr. McCarthy as a true Tory measur intended to assert the will of a ma jority by mere force against the strong est feeling of the people. It was such policy, he declared that had so utterl failed of good effect in Ireland while the mere promise of one grea party in England that it would do jus tice to Ireland had so won the heart of Irishmen that the name of Englan was loved instead of being hated. Thi rather unexpected assault upon Tory ism could hardly be allowed to Pass un noticed and the Premier himself under took to reply. And he was effectiv too, for he reminded Mr. Laurier tha the Liberal leader, George Brown, was the man who had spoken so harshly of the French Canadian, and had antag onised them on points of race and creed. Before closing his speech he spoke of the compromise which had been suggested across the floor and expressed the hope that an understanding would be reach- ed. It was generally remarked that the Premier dealt very leniently with Mr. McCarthy. He evidently has no desire to make that gentleman any less an adherent of the grand old party than he now. is. Sir John concluded his speech just before the House rose for the evening recess, and on -resuming Mr. Blake -announced that he had to leave for Toronto, whither he was called by duties growing out of the disaster to Toronto University, of which he is the honored Chancellor. He still favored the proposition he had laid 'before the House, but if a reasonable compromise could be come to, he would be very glad of it. Onthe following day one of the prin- cipal speeches was that of Sir Richard Cartwright. Like the hard-headed man that he is, Sir Richard looked to the question to see if there were danger in it to the Liberal party. He expressed regret that Mr. Beausoleil, a French Liberal, had been led to speak so harshly of Mr. McCarthy, for in so -doing he was simply playing that gentleman's game, which was to set the two races at odds. He stood on the solid Liberal ground of Provincial Rights, and expressed the hope that Mr. Davin's amendment leav- ing the matter to be decided locally might be carried. He twitted Mr. Mc- Carthy with making a great to-do over this alleged grievance which involved a smaller' cash expenditure for twenty years than one-tenth part of the cost of the blundering license legislation, of which Mr. McCarthy was the father. The great feature of the evening, and one of the greatest of the debate, was Mr. McCarthy's speech in answer to his many critics. He spoke at some length, and very effectively. He did not seem the least bit hurt by the very harsh words that had been spoken of hire not even to the extent of losing his temper. He ineisted that the proposal he had made to the House had been misunder- stood and misrepresented. He ,simply proposed to abolish the official use of French in the Northwest. It might be true; he said, that the preamble of the bill covered too much ground in declar- ing that community of -language was desirable; if so, the proper way would be toread the Bill the second time and amend it at the next stage in committee of the whole. To the surprise of all he declared himself ready, if there were a single man who objected to the preamble as offensive, to strike it out altogether. While his speech was a remarkably good one it was also remarkably tame and quiet in comparison with the first. There was nothing in this speech to in- dicate that he had any designs upon the French language outside of the North- west Territories. One other speech should be mentioned • "that of Mr. Weldon, of Albert, New Brunswick, Mr. Weldon is a professor of his- tory and constitutional •law, and is always heard with the greatest respect by the House. He pointed out that as the official use of the krench language in the Courts established by the Dominion Government is guaranteed bythe Constitution, and as the Courts of the Northwest are under Dominion jurisdiction, the passing of this Bill 'would affect only the use of the French language in the Assembly and the print- ing of the Statutes. The vote on the Beausoleil amendment being taken, it was defeated by 63 yeas to 117 nays, a majority of 54. Those for the amendment were either French or English, having a large French vete in their counties. Sir John Thompson • proposed the compromise resolution the same 'evening. ' It was indeed a pure compromise, arming no principle and going no great distance in any particular direntisin. It simply left the question of language to be settled by the North- west Assembly after next election when the question °in be brought before the people. It leaven the matter of printing the , Statates and ' the matter of the language to be used in the Courts still in abeyance - • \ The House did not sit the next day, as it was Ash Wednesday and a statu- tory holiday.On.Thursday the debate was resumed with but little preliminary talk. Caucus of the two parties had meantime been held, and all but a few of the Conservatives were pledged to support the amendment, while it was well known that Mr. Laurier and a majority of his followers would go the same way. It was nota surprise to any- body, therefore, when the Premier rose ng al re of he r. ng 11 i- d - 80 it ot il e. • a d e and valiantly accepted all responsibility for the amendment. The renuer is , always ready to stand or fall by any proposal that he knows cannot fail. After this there were a lot of other people who desired to speak, and it was not until Friday evening rather late that the vote came on. There was a solid body of 149 people satisfied to accept the amendment, but those who insisted that Mr. McCarthy, was wholly right, those who went to the other extreme and would not have French interfered with together with the Ontario Liberals who stood by Provincial Rights as reflected in the amendment, formed together a body of fifty, so that the Government's compromise . amendment carried by a majority of 99 votes. Mr. McCarthy will undoubtedly be ready to claim that the "noble thirteen" of Jesuits' Esta.tes Bill_fitme have almost quadrupled their number, but if he undertakes to make an effective fighting force of this band he will find plenty of fighting but very little effect. And now, after more than two weeks' debate the matter is [ settled for the present. What are the next re- sults ? One result is that a good deal of additional bad feeling has been creat- ed between the French and English elements of the population. It may be argued that this is necessary, and • that out, of the evil will come good. This throws upon those who have made the disturbance, or sympathized with it, the salemn duty of carrying the agita- tion t)) the point where peace is to be reached, wherever that may -be. It is hard to believe, however, that this cru- sade will be carried so far as to make up for all the trouble that is being caused. A curious result of the struggle is the solemn proposal made in the Senate by Mr. McInnes, ' seconded by Mr. Mc- Callum, to make Gaelic, an official lan- guage in the Dominion. •It can hardly be expected that this proposal will run the gauntlet of both Houses and become law, but it will have the effect of still further increasing the strife. Another effect is to put the Liberals at a very decided disadvantage in the country. Sir John Macdonald takes all the credit for the result, notwithstending that the proposal of a compromise came from the Opposition aide. Moreover, the earnest petriotic efforts of , Mr. Blake, Mr. &Ells and others to illay feeling and counteract prejudice, have had the re suit of increasing the i I 'rancophobes of Ontario, of whom thereare, unfortun- ately,v too many. This as a question for the Government and ot the Opposi- tion to deal with, partictilarly as it was brought forward by one of their own supporters. But the Government kept quiet and the Opposition talked. The proverb says that ailences golden. And now Parliament ill be able to turn'its attention to the business of the country. There are many things ready and waitifig. The vote OD the proposal to revert to Provincial voters' lists hes, to be taken, the wreaking bills are com- ing up, the tariff is to be' discussed, the bank charters must be considered. These are but a few of the greeter and more important questions. There are dozens of others only seconda4 to these that are yet to be dealt with, I mes.....esesea.. The Ontario Legislature. TORONTO, Peb (From our own Crre Ths work in the Legisl uary 25th, 1890. pondent.) ture has been qunet, but • not interesting. The main. .. features have been the co elusion of the debate on the financial tatement, and the discussion on the proposition to aid in the reconstruction of the University. The Budget debate came off 'on Tuesday 1 and lasted from a few lminutes after three until close on midnight, with the usual recess, of course, rather more than the usual, in fact, for it happened to be the eveniug of the Government House dinner, and when the House rose at six o'clock it did not resume .business ,until half -past eight, instead • of half -past seven as usual. The debate was very wordy, but it can not. be said to have. been of very great imPortance. The Opposition is too weake to seriously at- tempt the task of criticiam., The only point attempted to be inadeeven was one insisting that t e Government should have included a ongi its state- ment of liabilities for the current year the entire sum of the t1ree-quarters of 3 a million or so of mon y which it will pay away in the shepe of railway bonuses during the next forty years. As soon as one member Of the Opposition lighted on the idea—it was Mr. Clancy's —every other speaker on that side took it up and harped upon it for a great deal • more than it was worth, and tried to make out that in withhblding the bulk sum from the statement in question the Government, the treasurer particularly, was wilfully misleading th si country. Mr. Clancy, in fact, went farther than anybody else, and argued seriously that the Government shonld not only have ' counted this sum among its liabilities for the present year, but should have paid the entire amountduring the pres- ent year, or the pest, out of its surplus. Mr. Awrey show'ed th ei absurdity of this by pointing out very properly that it pays the Government better to borrow the money in question and pay 4 to 4i per cent. for the use of it, payment ex- tending over a long l term of years, than, to withdraw from its surplus for the Government purpose money that is making five • and six per cent. , In pursuing the sensible and business like policy it has adopted, as Mr. Awrey showed, the Government has saved the province some thousands of dollars. As to the other point, touching the alleged omission from the statement of liabilities of an important item, speaker after Speaker on the Government side showed it to be just as reasonable to include prospective assets as prospective liabilities!. and that if the treasurer included in (his liabilities a statement of monies that would become due many years hence, it would be just as reasonable to include the railways for the construction of which the money was to be spent, among the provincial assets As Mr. G. B. Smith said, it would be as reasonable to include the Dominion sub- sidy fora term of years to come as a present asset, as to include the railway liabilities for a term of years to come, as a present liability. It makes one al- most sad to see how exhausted the Op- position ranks were lafter Mr. Clancy and Mr. A. F. Wood had each said their say. Mr. Creighton and Mr. H. E. Clarke, it will be remembered, had spoken on the preceding Thursday evening.- Mr. Meredith had not spoken and wanted to reserve himself until I BOHM member of the Ministry had • spoken. When Mr. Wooclf finished, therefore, and Mr. G. B. Smith rose on the Government side of the House to reply, the Opposition was hard pressed to find a man to follow. Mr. Mere- dith, however, found out Mr. Whitney, of Dundas, and spent an hour or so ap- parently coaching him as to what to say. Mr. Whitney helped him out of a hole by talking for half an hour, though he admitted that he knew nothing whatever of the matter he was pretend- ing to discuss. The debating talent on the Government side had been hardly touched upon, hardly a member of the liberal ranks, in fact, being unable to make -a lucid and effective speech when he wishes. Mr. Gibson, of Huron, followed Mr. -Whitney, and made some excellent hits in a short and • pithy speech, the force of which was much increased by the infusion into it of a large amount of that Scotch shrewd- ness and humor which he always brings to his aid. There was nobody left on the Opposition side to reply, so up rose Mr. Hardy and made a rattling half - hoer address in which he took the flimsy arguments of the flimsier Oppesition,and disposed of them in, short order one after the other. Mr..Meredith thought his time was now, come, and he replied to Mr. Hardy. He made a very good speech, but having no case what could • he do? He made no new points, but •contented himself with enforcing the old ones, and resting on his oars. The result was that Mr. Mowat in a fifteen minutes' speech, de1iverf;c1 about half - past eleven o'clock at night, was able to show that from beginning to end of the Opposition speeches- there had been' no point made against the Government. One specially good incident was Mr. Meredith's interruption of Mr. Mowat with the statement that there was com- petition. for Dominion timber limits, Mr. Mowat's ,assertion to the contrary notwithstanding. Mr. Mowat thought of Mr. Rykere, and admitted that there certainly had been in his case, which was not what Mr., Meredith meant at all, and made him very angry. Mr. Ross wound up the debate with a calm and dispassionate reply to the numerous personal criticisms that had been launch- ed against him by the Opposition critics. The University grant came up for discussion on Thursday. There was a general unanimity, of sentiment in re- gard to the wisdom of a liberal grant being made by the Government towards the reconstruction of the University. Mr..Ross, the Minister of Education, showed very clearly, too, that it was the duty of the Government to do so. The Opposition leader, however, was not on hand, and Mr. Creighton was not strong enough to hold his men to- gether. Several of them therefore start- ed' the contention that while it might be right enough to grant the money, the House, watgo ing to do it in too muchof a thoueh, th t the motion made by ihurry. TIte fact was, _ , Mr. Ross, told on which the discussion arose was not to grant the money, but simply to consider the question with a view to bringing in a bill afterwards at any of the various stages of which it might be opposed or amended if the opposition to it were sufficiently strong. The making of this explanation, and the return of Mr. Meredith, who made a brilliant little speech in support of the motion to ;id his alma meter, brought the refrac,.ory members to order, and there was no division. It is possible, however, that the discussion may be re- newed at different stages of the bill, which Mr. Ross immediately afterwards introduced, which the House straight- way read a first time. The major portion of Friday's session wag devoted largely to a discussion on the manner in which the poor school grant is distributed, which arose on a mOtion for returns made by Dr. Preston. The Minister of Education showed that it is divided up into the same proportion as the public school grant, according to the provisions of the Separate School • Act. The Opposition professed at least that it was not averse to Separate Schools receiving their share of the grant, but claimed that it was better to be given indiscriminately than by this proportionment. This looks very fair on the face of it. But, as Mr. Fraser aptly pointed out, only let that system be put into vogue, and allow the poor schools among the Separate Schools for a year or two to get more than they would be strictly entitled to under a proportionment, what a howl would there thenle. The present system is by all odds that calculated to give the greatest satisfaction. Th n Committees are all through now, and important Government measures will no doubt be taken hold of this week. The session of Monday, the 24th, was very light, owing to the thinness of the House. News of the Week. MINERS ARE STARVING.—The Lehigh Valley Coal Company has suspended work in all its collieries, and hundreds of poor people are out of work and on the point of starvation. KILLED HIMSELF WITH A BUCKLE. -- A man arrested in New Yor•k on Satur- day for murder, inflicted a wound in his throat with a 'buckle that camped his death. • BUFFALO BUD IN ROME.—Col. Cody, (Buffalo:Bill), has opened his Wild West • show in Rome. The attendance has been immense. DESTITUTE FACTORY HANDS. — At Lodz, Russia, the spinning and weaving mills are stopped and 4,000 persons are destitute. FAMINE FEARED.—A terrible famine is feared in Japan. By the abnormal advance in the price of rice dire distress has heenecaused. FRIGHTENED SPANIARDS.—The Span- iards are alarmed at the intention of the Btitish Government to build a dry-dock in Port of Gibraltar. FAILED. —Secret negotiations to induce Pctrtugal to propose the Pope as arbitra- tor of her dispute with Great Britain GOSPEL -CAR. —Bishop Walker, of North Dakota, has let the contract for a Gospel car, which will be properly lined for the conduct of religions ser- vices in the -country where few churches exist. VALUABLE DISCOVERY, —Peruvian ad- vices anneunce the discovery of large beds of guana, which it is estimated will yield 1,500,000 tons of excellent quality. DISASTROUS RESULT OF A J0KE.--1-A Mrs. Marshall, of Dubuque, Iowa, laughed so heartily at a joke on Friday that she opened her mouth so wide that the home became fixed and she could not shut it. ,•A physician had to break one of the jaw bones to close the mouth. $11,000' ToR: A LEG. -11. L. Hall, of • Fairfield, Iowa, has been awarded $11,- 000 -damages against the Rock Island Railroad for the loss of a leg. ITALY IN STRAITS.—Owing to her bad financial standing, Italy finds it difficult to raise a loan in Europe, and so is ne- gotiating with American bankers to form a syndicate for the purpose., SPOTTED FRYER EPIDEMiC.—A fatal epidemic is raging at Aurora, Texas. The disease is pronounced meningitis, or spotted fever, and several persons have died of it, The people are terror- striken'and many are fleeing. An ap- peal to Fort Worth for physicians and nurses was responded to. MUST HAVE LOCKS.—According to the Panama Canal Commission the &nal must be constructed with locks. The probable cost is estimated at $140,000,- 000. STAGE ROBI3ERY.—A gang of high- waymen robbed a stage coach between Sonderburg and Flensburg, in Germany, after beating the men in charge into insensibility. THE KING 01 SPAIN HAS A RELAPSE. —The infant King of Spain is ill again and the Queen Regent is in despair at the relapse. SIR ROBERT MOWER'S SON SHOT.— It is now known that the shooting of the son of Sir Robert Morier, British am- bassador at St. Petersburg, was acci- dental, and his conditicn now is hopeful, though the ball is still in his abdomen. A PROTEST AGAINST — The Sl,berialt Exile Assotiation, in Philadelphia,' is making arrangements for sending petitions throughout the country for signatures, protesting against Russia's treatment of her ,political pris- oners. The petiticem, when signed, will be forwarded to the Czar. TRAIN -WRECKERS AT WORK. — An unsuccessful attempt was made Sunday night, near Capac, Michigan, to wreck the Chicago and Grand Trunk passenger train which passes there at 9 o'Clock. A number of ties and fence Aosts were placed upon the track, but were discov- ered in time to prevent any accident. Huron Notes. Mr. W. J. Wallace, of Goderich, has purchased the jewelry business of R. R. Venstone, of Wingham. —One day last week de Mrs. A. Stew- art Was passing along the street in Wingham she slipped on the ice, and falling broke her arm at the wrist. —Mr. George Strong, treasurer of the township of flowick, has purchased Mr. Jos. iistleford's 50 acre fariti, lot 11 on the 10th concession for the sum of $1,600. se, —The% Ontario Government has ap- pointed the following as license 'com- missioners for West Huron: Samuel Sloane, Goderich ; James Stevens, Clin- ton and Myles Young, Blyth. —Mr. Wm. Milne has contracted to furnish the council of Exeter with 22 cords of cedar posts at $3.85 per cord. These posts are to be meal in block pav- ing a part of Main street. • —Mr. A. Roe, of Wingham, recently sold to a gentleman in St. Paul, a year- ling gelding, sired by the clear Grit stallion, Garfield, formerly owned by Mr. George Whiteley, of Seaforth, for $200. —Robert McLean, of Goderich, has sold to Dr. J. B. Whitely, of the same town, his fine mare, "Daisy," for which was paid the handsome sum of $600, probably the highest price paid in that section for some time. '—Mr. J. J. Brown, of - the Inland Revenue Department, Goderich, left last week for Sarnia to take his position there. His suceessor, Mr. FAL Spence, who is well known in Goderich, has taken over the office. —Messrs. Smith Bros., of Lake road, Stephen, near Exeter, lost a very valu- able young bull on Saturday. It is sup- posed the animal was choked by a piece of turnip. The animal was valued at $200. —Another one of the Morris pioneers, Mrs. Nicholson, died at her residence pear Belgrave, on Monday, February 10th. She had reached the good old age of 80 years, and was loved and re- spected by all who knew her. —On Friday of last week Drs. God- frey, of Belgrave, _Gunn, of Clinton'and Sloan, of Blyth, removed a cancer from the tongue of John Budge, sr., of Bel - grave, and we are glad to hear that he is making rapid progress toward health. —Rev. A. Stewart, of Clinton, received the unpleasant intelli- gence last week that one of his brothers, who -has for some time held a responstble official position on a line of steamers running between New York and some point in South America, had died in New York. —The Salvation Army barracks, in Wingham, have been broken into a, couple of times lately and considerable damage done, the last time, the stove, flag, two drums, organ and tambourine were partly or entirely destroyed. A reward has been offered for the -convic- tion of the guilty party or parties. —Last year the Clinton Collegiate in- stitute received from Government $1,- 243 ; from the county, $1,243, and from the town, $1,500. There was collected' ib fees from students $867. There was paid for teachers' salaries $4,322. Clin- ton also paid for public school teachers $3,137. —The total assessment for the town- ship of Stanley for the past year is $1,678,445. On this assessment there was raised for county purposes $3,356.89. For township purposes, $1,846.86. For schools, $4,413.77. There was also levied as dog tax, $281, and statute labor $11. Total amount levied $9,909.52. —Mrs. Charlotte Esterbrooke died at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. Wm. Anning, irk Exeter, on the 15th inst. She was 72 years of age, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and has lived in Exeter since 1873. She was a consistent member of the Methodiat church, and was in every sense a most worthy lady. lady. Goderich Signal is credibly in- formed that a veteran gentleman, _a resi- dent of Ashfield, near Dungannon, who ' served in the British army a number of years, when stationed in the West In- dies had the honor to nurse the late Senator Macdonald, of Toronto, who at that time was an infant, and whose par- ents were residing there at thet time. —The Clinton Nev Era seys :—A case that has not yet been made) public, but which is expected to °come up at the Spring Assizes, is that of Da.ncey vs. the Grand Trunk Railway. He was traveling from Point Edward to Gode- rich. The conductor claims to have twice notified him to change cars at a Lucan crossing and come up the London, Huron &Bruce, but Dancey insisted on going around by Stratford. This being a longer route than his ticket called for he was notided that be must pay the extra fare or be put eff. He got off, but subsequently got on again and paid the difference in the fare. He now claims 81.0-1In°deacn mhaagieLtely visited the Ron- ald Fire Engine Werke at Brussels, sent all the way from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, to negotiate for one of the large double pump size machines, same as purchased by the city of Winnipeg. Mr. Ronald's establishment is now bus- ily engaged getting out -six new engines, all of which have been ordered by towns in different parts of Canada. —Last week Auctioneer Kirkby dis- posed of the bulk of the Sunshine pro- perty in Morris for the Venstone Bros., of Brussels. Richard Adams, of Londes- bore, bought the mill site; George Hood, a house and lot, and ' Adam Scott, the saw mill building. A number of other small parcels were also sold. Sunshine got a bad set back when the machinery was removed from the mill and factory a year rhe1in orC80atgoon. TNew Era of last week says :—Mr. Musgrove, the Conservative candidate for the East Riding ot Huron, is now in Toronto, where he is under- going treatment for an affection of the throat that threatens to result seriously. It is not only feared by his. friends that he will be unable to make the campaign, but they are somewhat afraid of the ultimate result of his ailment. We are sure that even his opponents will be sorry to hear of his sufferings and hope for his recovery. —Another old resident of the town- ship of Goderich has passed away in the person of Mr. Wu'. Tichbourne, at the rare age of 91 years. He gad been almost helpless for someyears, and hav- ing spent over half a century in the active work of the farm, coming into the township in 1834, he had more than filled the alloted space both in years and activities. He was •a native of Enniskillen, County of Fermanagh, Ire- land, emigrating to Canada in 1832, and was highly esteemed during his long life he—re. r. William Orr, an old and hi mghly respected resident of West Wawanosh, died on the 14th inst. after a lingering illness of nearly three months. Mr. Orr came to the township when all was bush, and like many others of his, day, hewe 1 out of the sturdy forest a com- forts h e home for himself and family. - But e nen this was done, and he was about to retire to take the good of hie hard earned comforts, found himself with a, shattered and worn-out constitu- tion finally to be laid in the grave to rest. He was 69 years of',' age, and leaves a sorrowing widow and two daughters to mourn his decease, —Mr.' W. H. Johnson, of Winghatn, while going into the Congregational Church, on Wednesday evening, itt some way fell frotn -the landing to the basement floor, iitjuring himself some- what, but not seriously, it was thought, as he went into the church and remained until the services were concluded, and then started for his home near the salt block. He was unable to reach his home unaided, and was assisted by a gentleman who had been attending the services. On reaching his home he be - cerise unconscious, and died on Satur- day, never having gained consciousness. Concussion of the brain was the cause of death.of—thAetTarinivietettMinegmoofriatiheofficial Board church, Exeter, held last week, it was decided to pro- ceed at once with the erection of the new rectory and school house in connection with the church. The building it is es- timated will cost in the neighborhood of • $8,000. The chimes for the church have been purchased and will reach Exeter its April. When completed Exeter Can boast of havingene of the finest church proper- ties in Ontario, the total cost of which will have been in the neighborhood of $50,000, the greater part being the do- nation of one individual, in the person of Thomas Trivitt, Esq., to whose., memory and liberality it will be an ever- las_tinTgmaonouomalro monument. heoeetfog of the congre- gation of Willis' Presbyterian church, Clinton, was held last week. The vari- ous teports show the congregation' to be in a most prosperous condition finan- cially and otherwise. The total receipts from all sources were $3,720.87, the principal items of weohnietiwoehrse. pvewsor.e1n4ts, $; p9ro3c7 and benevolent purposes,$1123.- eed:rodfinaanrnyiversary, $254.96; mis- sionary89. The total expenditure was $3,437.- 22, leaving a balance of $283.65. The Trustees in their report recommend that owing to the many applications for ad- ditional seats, they be authorized to take the necessary steps to provide for the building of a gallery according to a draft plan submitted to the meeting. Theau- • tho_riAtyt aaskreegduwlaarstageeratigo granted. f the Hallett Grange No. 393, it was moved by John Cuming, Sr., seconded by John Brig- ham, and carried unanimoasly, that this Grange in session, condemns the action of the Miller's Association in askitkg a -higher tariff on our, as we think 18 18 an injustice to the farmers. Also this . Grange thinks that the present tariff in exchanging flour for wheat is too high, and we are of the opinion that the -Gov- ernment should pass a law regulating in some way the quantity of flour and offal that the millers should give in exchange for our wheat, as we are of opinion that they do not give us a fair exchange. This Grange also thinks that the meas- ure now in use for testing the weight of grain is too small, and that it should . not be less than one half bushel. —The missionary report for the past year of the Canada Methodist church shows the amounts contributed by the several cOngregations of that denomina- tion in this county for Missionary pur- poses to be as follows Goderich, North street, re389 ; Goderich, Victoria street, $78; Clinton, Rattenbury street, $451 ; Clinton, Ontario street, $230; Seaforth, $282; Ilolmesville Circuit, $205; Bayfield Circuit, 69';$Varna Circuit. $100, liensall Circuit, $77 ; Hensall North Circuit, e1,41 ; Dungan- non, $215, Nile, $117, Berinailler, $132; Wingham, $144 ; Wroxeter Circuit, $120 ; Brussels, $92; Walton Circuit, $131; Londesbore Circuit, $168; Blyth Circuit, 8146, Auburn Circuit, $193 ; Belgrave Circuit, $72 ; Bluevale, 76;$ Exeter, James street, 8368; Exeter, Main street, $211. —Wm. Heard, of the 12th concession of Eln a, was thrown from a young horse the other day and had several riha broken. - ce servie was- h evenha 4:lenge ineetin 1113Y• by art Many .11.T4 *yen eafor 111] Qrsar with 8 Quart. of the Willi' sudie -Cook, a retitle ktessr forth, jsfess of Sea, The amo may were bertsoi liens all NV4 lent di annive very sl Carme on haN passed astene the p like a will r obser ended grain of gm throu propt is, v.71 enlarg we th buildi facilit at the 11r. gon 11 APPea by pi • be fol • chin will Miss —Mr of th good way a fe Arth Mies1 their] near I and dwell takes best borha be lo to - Mr. move .& Col tide fine s • front Dake • both looki bei leas him dist Miss Rev, and ; in th • est ti Ing t high veer (R, officl ing -Ordt endi Hug W. 1 Sisti B. P, F. Sisti" Alfr Benl ley, coati •isoork Ps ant of / • nigil vita. -of McI Mi .up exc Lar and, -wit tha oft per ERR Wit to •ko for siv is his loo 0, fo 11 a