davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

brother Meredith, who was killed in q
barroom, at the corner of Washington aud
Main streets, about seven years ago. Sus-
plcion pointed to Monroe Klinck, who was
tried butacquittcd, Mr.. McCarver describes
jim Reeves as n dead game man and one
who might be expected to have trouble
with klinck. For that reason Mr.. Me.
Carver got lid OF him. Meredith Reeves
was steamboat mate, and is described rs
desperate and dangerous man. Dick
Reeves, another brother lisa barkccper on
Main street Eph Reeves, implicated in
the Martin Moore killing, is not related
TO the family. Al Reeves has worked for
Floyd at intervals for the past five years,
always at the soda counter. lie was a
good'looking, ncatly-dresscd young man,
and OF decidedly propossessing address.
lilo also occasionally collected bills
for Mr., FLOYD. From there hc went to
Robinson's drug store, corner Second aud
Madison, and during the summer Of 1887
presided at the soda water counter at that
establishment At the end OF the soda
soda water season he was discharged.
lie betrayed no symptoms Of Ia.
macy there, but had spells OF
absence Of mind. In March, 1855, no was
again employed by MIR. Robinson putting
IN packages, aud held that place until
June. In the fall Of 1855 he was employed
10y The. Washburn IA barkccpcr on the
steamer Benton. While in that position
hc began to act queer" Whom custo.
mer would apply at the bar for drink he
would saw
81 wouldn't touch that il were you;
It will kill you in five minutes"
This was not the sort OF barkecper TO do
a lively business aud AIS discharge
was decided upon. When his dismissal
was communicated to him he flew into a
paroxysm Of rage aud became 80 violent
rs TO neccssitatc his confinement in the
county Jail. Here Father Ashdcld ire.
quently visited him and obtained great
influence over him. Reeves became more
aud more lucid, and finally on Father Ash.
fields application was restored to liberty.
Alter that he became frequent visitor ut
the rectory and often took his meals there.
Father AshReld even busted himself trying
10 procure him employment. The young
man pcstcred him so ~ 10 become n source
Of great annoyance TO him, but the good
father bore il nll with n''icurc, and never
relaxed in b. t'c n
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
How Reeves Conducted Himself In ~
Re.lRuraul

hfsttutNuI
TnR ArPEAL is enabled 10 trace the
lunatics movements from 10 o'clock the
night preceding the tragedy until shortly
before o'clock yesterday morning. Al
the hour iirst named, or thercab)uts, he
called at the rectory aud rang the bell
Father Moran answered the summons and
inquired what was wanted. Reeves frst
asked for Father Francis and was in.
formed that he did not sleep in the
building. lie then wanted 10 know "
Father Ashfeld was in aud was informed
that he was asleep. Father Moran then
demanded TO know the motive OF his bus-
meas, and Reeves said he was hungry aud
wanted something 10 eat After rebu king
him for coming at no late "a hour, Father
Moran gave him 81, with which Reeves
declared his intention OF going TO the
Windsor Cafe. Instead Of going there,
however, he went TO Floyd's, and seated
himself at table II was then about /
o'clock, long after the supper hour. John
King, a colored waiter, promptly stepped
up 10 him 10 take his order.
81 want a regular supper" The waitcrt
politely informed him that IA could no
supply him with a regular supper, ~ tho
supper hour ended at 8 o'clock. Reeves
replied: "well, 20 aud get mo some
scraps ! want a regular meal. Mr.. Floyd
said could have it,"
The waiter went back 10 the kitchen,
pretending 10 humor him, and after u
short interval returned and reported
there was nothing III for n regular supper
This seemed 10 enragc Reeves aud he be.
gan abusing the waiter, telling him he
looked like tcrrapin and applying other
epithets TO him. Finally Reeves said he
wanted meal for 90 cents. The waiter
suggested 'sirloin steak, French-iried po-
ta,oos and coffee, and thai was agreed on.
Reeves betrayed great impatience aud
repeatedly urged the wsitor 10 hurry.
Once he started 10 leave tho house, went
M far Us the cake counter and returned
At last the meal was Brought and dis
patched, Reeves mover ceasing 10 guy the
waiter, saying he would Ike 10 have fifty
like him on a string. As be- went out aud
paid his check to Mr.. Floyd he remarked
you've got lot Of snido walters hero"
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
The Full Details OF Tragedy AL
most Without Parallel
The Career OF the Man Who Was Known
Only To BE Loved-How lie Had
Attempted TO Save Roeves-
uniaillng Charity ana Ten
dornoss-Tho Funeral
Wednesday.

One Of the cruclcst crimes that has ever
cas-, iis shadow over this city was per.
petrated yesterday by Al. Reeves, well
known young man about town OF unsound
mind and deprayed habits At5:3O o'clock
In the morning, when day was just dawn.
ing, Reeves obtained admission 10 the rec
tory adjoining 81. Peters Cathedral aud
made his way 10 Father Ashdclds room
on the second floor Of the building. Les
than ten minutes thereafter Father Ash.
field was a corpse. The story Of the kill.
Ing will probably never he accurately told,
as there were no eye witnesses. The un.
fortunate priest, who met 40 horrible q
fate, had probably just arisen from his
couch when the lunatic entered. When
found by his reverend associates lac lay
prone on the floor ut the foot
Of his bedsicad and at right
angles TO Il, face downward, with the
assassin STOPPING over linn. lie was par.
italy dressed, having on his undcrclothes
and top-shirt lie never uttered word
after the room was entered by his horror.
stricken brethren. Death came instantly.
The only consoling feature Of the dreadful
affair Is that the vcneratcd deceased came
tc a comparatively painless end. The
death dealing weapon was true TO liz aim
and the yictin expired without n groan.
THE NEAREST WITNESSES TO THE CRIME
were Sexton 0'Rourkc, Father Edelin,,
Father Moran and Father Dunn. What
they saw and heard il herewith given a,
told by them TO an APPEAL reporter
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

not only included members OF the Catholic
Church, but members of many other
churches, who knew and respected Father
Ashiield and who revercd his memory. 1t
was a spontaneous tribute to goodness and
virtue irrespective of religion. The church
remained open all night, the vigil being
kept by the members of st. Dominic and
the Holy Name Societies, aud who will
keep vigil today and tonight and until to-
morrow "Wednesday morning at 0o clock,
when solemn high mass will bc celebrated
at st. Peters Church by Bishop Radc-
machcr assisted by the entire Catholic
Clergy of tho CITY.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
III. a.,.v,m.., susses,m,.

PNms, Feb. u.-m chambers today
Premier Floquc, said lac had been a sup
porter Of the scrutin de l.lc but had re-
nounccd his advocacy Of that system In tho
fAce of the sentiment OF the country. which
was nov manifc-iing itself strongly i'm
favor Of scruiin a. reimbursement. They
were. he continued, IN the presence 81
conspiracy Of party coalitions aud pro-
tensions founded on treason. They
must thwan the electoral conspiracy
while waiting for the power OF law TO foil
the unlawful conspiracy Of the Lett. Ap-
plausr The Chamber, by u vote 81 100
10 22G, then agreed "a proceed with the
discussion Of the articles of the scruun
reimbursement hill, all 'vf which were
altcrNnid adopted. The members Of the
Right demanded that the final vote on the
bill ~ whole be- an open one, each dep
uty declaring his vote from the tribune.
This was agreed o..
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

was assigned the duty Of guarding the
prisoner. The prisoner refused TO talk to
reporters, but in their absence talked
freely to Others. The following interviews
with Deputy Powell aud Squire Barry are
reported
"What did you kill Father Ashield
ior?" asked the deputy.
"For fun"
"Do you know what they do with peo-
pie who commit murder for iun?'
Eyes, they hang them. | suppose tho
police will hang me, and do II well.
Later Squire Barry engaged him in
conversation. "God told me TO do rs
did" he said.
Don't you know Father AshGcld was
the best friend you ever had?'
ayes, he was just like father 10 me. Z"
"Why, then, did you kill him2'
al killed him TO save him."
~ may be hung" he added. "Ii die
easy il will be all right; but II die hard 1
will come back TO this world and every
body who lives in II shall be my slave"
To DIR. l.. Miles Willelt he was dccid-
eddy communicative, and spoke nationally.
The Doctor found him lying down ON the
mattress in his cage, aud asked.
"Do you know mc?"
The prisonsr looked ut him and said
stand in the light where can see" The
Doctor complied, and Reeves, with a
slight laugh, said: "Oi course l know
you"
whats my name?"
"You are DR.. Miles willett."
"Do you know what you arc here for2'
Eyes; killed priest"
"what priest did you kill2"
"Father Ash6eld, wasn't it2'
eyes, he WIS your friend, wasn't he p
ayes, lac was very good to me-"
"what did you kill him FORT"
ooh, that's private Natter
"IIaye you had breakfast"
"No, but I'll get some directly. Mr..
Duffy promised 10 give tue some"
(Which Mr.. Duffy
"The Mr.. Duly who keeps the hotel. y
Just then bysiander put In a word,
and Reeves declined TO answer any moro
questions.
Az ASSAULT uroN THE PRISONER
Jack Shea. cotton CHASER, by some
means obtained admission TO the cell OF
the prisoner, to whom he was we'll known.
"a" said Shea, who was under the In
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
TmE As,A.sIN,s mlsronY
Horn Ia Shelby County -tiis yario
Employ meats. IIe.


Employ meats, ATE.
Al Reeves Is about twenty-ono years Of
age and was bora at his faihor's home on
the old Raleigh Road. Arch McCarycr was
near neighbor aud gave the reporter
valuable points ~ 10 bis history. Old
man Az Reeves he describes as u man Of
powerful build and mddy complexion.
Gle looked" said Mr. McCaryer, "like
Bill Pryde before be 20, raunchy." Tho
old man was American, h. mother Irish.
She was small aud dark complexioned.
lie tall, rcd.hcadcd and tough The
children used 10 tell Alr. Mctoryer how
their dad dubbed them. There were
two girls, ono Is nov dead lhg other mar
ried TO reporter nc New Orleans. She
was educated at Ia SalriIo Academy ut
the expense Of her brother, Jimmie and
Dick.
Jim IL nov la Little r .k, following ms
ayoca,ion'o Of butcher. II worked Tor NJ.
McCaryor ior mRny year hni TIA. s1n'
tleinan discharged hin ir1. ''a' he
might seek TO aychge ..h o' ils
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
60 on y I'd
THE dSSlSsIyS KNIFE

auencc Of liquor, what did you do this
torg'
Reeves answered: "pve got no use for
converts and did him up because he was a
convert.
This 30 enngcd Shea that he seized a
pair Of tongs lying near by and lovcled
a murdcrous blow At the prisoners head.
Depu,y sheriff George Powell saw II COM
inc and threw up his hand TO intercept IL,
receiving the blow with full force upon
his hand aud sustaining painful injury.
gut for his courageous inierccSion the
missioner might have been killed. Shea
was promptly removed from the room aud
allowed to depart, but ut late hour yes
lpflay afternoon was rcarrcs,cd aud gave
bond for his appearance.
After the Shea incident II was thought
saier TO remove the prisoner TO the jail,
which was promptly done. Here repeated
attempts were made 10 interview him by
roporters and othcrs, but he maintained u
stubborn silence aud spoke not word.
AT . o'clock yesterday afternoon an Ar
pr,t reporler was admitted 10 his cell. lie
found him in cltalepuc condition. lie
lav mollonless on his back, with his arms
rigid aud his fists clcnchcd so tight that il
was with the utmost EFFORT that muscular
,,il unfortunate WIS enabled TO force them
open. Ills eyes were fixed in vacant
s,arc. with a rapid turning Of tho oyclids.
Tho reporter. who Is well known to
Reeves, asked:
"Do you know inc, APP
Ho turned. rlzcd upon the inquirer
| ,.i.i, , g.ersy look but made no response.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
The nIi,iub sub.rrip,,ons.

Mr.. James Wood, Who last year man.
aged the Memphis Baseball Club, will call
upon the citizens Of Memphis today to
solicit subscriptions for the new club. llo
desires 10 raise about $1,000 aud is able to
guarantee subscribers nn excellent club
Tor the money. There will be- probably
siN clubs In the Southern League, insuf.
.ng that variety In contests which adds 10
much to the interest oi the game. II h to
be- hoped that Mr.. Wood will meet with
success Ia his appeal 10 the lboulily Of
the baseball lovers oi Memphis.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

verdict in accordance with the above mar,
rated facts.
Most OF the jury were parshioners of
the dead priest, and sadder looking lot
OF men never performed so solemn duty.
The dead man lay in the room whore he
had fallen. TWAS plainly but comfortably
furnished. A simple bedstcad, ward
robe, center-table, wasLstand and two
chairs constituted all the furniture. The
accompanying sketch gives an accurate
idea OF the appearace of the room:
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
THE INQUEST.
Location Of the wouads-Thc verdict
OF tue Jury.

OF the jury.
There were but two wounds aud each
had penetrated the heart aud would Of
itself have caused death. One was about
two inches above the left nipple, the other
entered the breast at point almost on n
line with the first, but three inches or 20
nearer tho center Of his bosom. There
was comparatively no flow Of blood. II
there was any hemorrhagc Il was
internal A rod spot about the sizo
Of a watch was the only bloody indica.
ton Of the murderous work done.
rus conoNER's INQUEST.
Squire Barry held the inquest at an
early hour with the following jury: sergi.
Koran, Arch Carr, Richard Dillon, james
u. Ryan, Chief OF the Fire Department,
Rober, lrwood, Frank Michigan aud Dr. l..
Miles willett. There was M dispute ~ to
the facts aul The iury speedily came TO O
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
STATEMENT oF WITNESSES.
Sexton O'Rourkc, aud Father. Edriiu,
Moran ana Dunu.

Patrick o'Rourkc, sexton Of st. Peters
Church, occupied a room on the second
floor Of the parsonage. He said; 81 was
awakened by the continuous ringing Of
the door bell. dressed rs quickly as
could and started out toanswcr Il. When
] entered the hall saw Father Moran
standing In the doorway Of his room. lie
told me to hurry up and open the door as
the party was crying and had probably
come after priest 10 minister 10 dying
relative or friend When opened the
door Reeves pulled II knife, aud raising 1t,
lac exclaimed You will be a dead man
In an instant Realizing that something
was wrong with the fellow, ran by him
and escaped. When reached the side
walk turned and saw that he was follow.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
O,nrIrn,- Iirn,n,nI.

DunLiN. Feb. ll.-Mr William O'Bricn
was conveyed from the Clon mel to tho
Tnlcc jail this morning under strong
guard Of military aud police. At Clonmei
tile escort wis attacked with stones by the
crowd who had gathered ~ with css Mr..
Oliricn's departure. The police charged
the crowd, using their batons freely AZ
Tippcufy large crowd surrounded tho
railway sia ton aud resisted the efforts
made la liaugr A.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
A SOCIAL EVENT IN NASHVILLE.
Marriage Of Mr. Horace Ecrchovai and
Miss May Portornold.

special Dispatch 90 Iho Appeal
NASHVILLE, Tom, Feb. ll.-Mr. Horace
Kcrchcyal and Miss May ror,criicld we're
married this afternoon. Mt kcrrhevd IA
VOL known to many Of Memphis bellies
and Is a social iayoritc here. Miss Porter
field l. seventeen years Of age aud one Of
the prctlicst Young ladies In tho city.
Mr.. Kcrchcynl had been forbidden 70
enter her parlor by Mr. Portcrield, but
about three months ago, upon Miss May
promising her father no. TO marry Mr.;
kpIchcyal Tor q year, he WIS allowed
10 visit her Today. by prcnrranged
plan. she met number Of hers and M.
kcrrhcyils gentleman friends and went
10 the residence oi Mr. I. A. kercheval,
uncle Of Horace, In South Nashville, where
the Rev. j. u. Irwin formally united tpn
two fond hearts already attached by Inks
Of love. Mr.. aud Mrs. kercheyal leit ON
the 3 o'clock train for taysltevlhel me
proon's former home Mrs T. A. ker-
eheyal ielephoncd Mr. Poucrlcld al the
bank tina, his daughter had married. IL u
great blow TO her parents aud Is the topic
OF general conversation. Both have hoss
OF friends Who wish them unalloyed hep
pines.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

The members Of the Holy Name Society
Of ~. Peters Church and st. Dominic's
Union are requested 10 meet ut st. Domi.
MICS Hail. Tuesday evening, the l2lh
inst. ut o'clock y. m, b. make arrange.
Iuonlz to attend the funeral II the Row r.
A. AshGcld. The members Ut the Holy
Name Society u -. Brigids' Church arc
invited 70 attend. A. NACCARO.
President Holy Name society.
4. J. klYER.
President st. Dominic's Union.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

PAuIs, Feb. lit Is reported that the
leading financial houses OF this city arc
negotiating with tho object Of forming a
new combination a. complete the Panama
Canal and prevent its passing into tho
hands oi Foreigners. NJ. pclr,-cps, Il is
said. will be- merely honorary President Of
the new company On the Boursc today
Panama Canal shares fcccdcd 2lL
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

From Floyd's Reeves must have walked
In some muddy suburb. HIS shoes, when
arrested, were covered with mud, as were
the lower part Of his panialoons. Al I
O'Clock in the morning, when Charles
Driscoll, his roommate, won't 10 bed he
found Reeves there soundly sleeping Al
. o'clock, or Whereabouts, Reeves woke
him up and asked for a cigarette. which
was given 10 him. Driico. did not see
him after that.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
FATHER AsIriELD's CAREER,
The beautiful Record OF u Good Mans
Lille

Row Edward Ashdold served in the
Union army during the war and at its
close was employed in the Treasury De-
partment ut Washington City, lie was
identified with st. Johns Epis opal Church
OF that city aud taught Sunday-school
class therein. About that time lac attended
the Mission OF the Dominican Fathers,
holding at st. Matthews Catholic Church,
and became deeply impressed. lie called
on the Rev Father Hugh Lilly well
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
AT rnE srArION.IIousr.
interviews Win the Assassin-An As.
sault ON the Prisoner

The news of the horrible deed spread
rapidly, and was everywhere received with
mingled horror and amazcment. Crowds
OF the curious tlocked to the police station,
but none were admitted but the reporters
and a chosen few who were known to the
police. Deputy Sheriff George Powell, Jr.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
ACROSS THE SEA.
Cardinals Appointed by the Pope.
The Recognition of the Panama
Canal Company.
A Vote In the French Chamber
Sustaining Floquet.
Another Ripper" Case Occurs In q
Scotland Town.
The City OF Handoub Burned by tho
Soudaneso- Parneu VIII Sue tho
Times in the Irish Courts
miscellaneous.

RoNF, Feb. ll.--At the Consistory to-
day, the Pope nominated for the Cardinal.
ate Mgr Macchi and Dannibale and the
Archbishop OF Catana The condition
Of the Popc's health prevented him from
reading his allocution, but it will DO
published tomorrow.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

BEuN, Feb. 1.-The resumption OF
the sitting II the conference concerning
samoa will probably be delayed Tor several
weeks. awaiting the arrival oi a special
commission who. Il Is expected, viii DO
sent from Washington.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
4 geuteuariau


Special Dispatch TO Tho Appeal.
KNoNyutE, Tenn, Feb. li.-Conmd
Weaver, aged lOl years, died at Pine Flats,
Tenn, Yesterday Ito was In the war Of
1872. and has been resident Of the same
Civil District OF Sullivan ber ninoty.one
Vrafa.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

AN IDIOT'SCRIME.
Beloved Father Ashfeld Murdered.
The Bloody Deed That Shocked
Memphis Yesterday.
An Insane Fiend Arouses the Cler-
gyman From His SAUNDERS,
And Stills the Voice of Welcome
bya Knife Thrust.
A Crime in tho Very Shadow of
Gods Holy Altar.
The Assassin is Alfred Reeves, a
Mind-Wrecked Wretch,
Whom the Good Priest Had Most
zealously Befriended.
He Draws His Knife Upon the Sex
ton of the Rectory,
Who Attempts to Bar His Way,
Without Avail.
The Murderer's Weapon Flashes to
bis Benefactor's Heart
Upon the Very Instant He Arises
to Greet Him.
Mercilessly He Inflicts Two Deadly
Wounds Upon His Victim.
The Chimes of the Early Mass
Father Ashfields Funeral Knell.
No Word Uttered by the Priest
After the Fatal Blow.
Reeves is Overpowered and Borne
TO the Station.
He Exhibits Himself as a Mocking,
Egotistic lmbecile.
The Body OF Father Ashfield in
State at the Cathedral.
Thousands of People Flock o weep
Over the Bier
The Full Details OF Tragedy Al
most Without Parallel
Tho Career OF the Man Who Was Known
Only To BE Loved-How lie Had
Attempted to Save Roevcs-
unhilns Charity ana Ten
dornoss-Tho Funeral
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
p,rneiI wiz sue the Times

LONDON. Feb. 10. Mr. rarncll viii
bring m action Tor libel against tho Tina
la the Irish courts
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

good .. .. ....., c'u itirss
deeds Of bunymcti1n, his reward was q
deadly knife thrust.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
.ul.,th.uaLs Ia IsgIaud.

LoSpoN, Feb. IA shock Of Garth
quake was iclt today at Bolton aud Man
chester. No damage WIS done.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12
TuE NIGuT nnFOnE.

an apparent stupor, with clenched fists
and stiiIened arms.
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

ing me. then continued my course to
the police station, where | gave the
alarm
The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-12

Has n larger circulation than
any other newspaper I'm the re-
gion comprised by the states OF
Tennessee. Mississippi, Arkan-
sas, Alabama, Texas and Lou
isiana.
The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1889-04-19

A HUNDRED MILLIONS FOR RATIONAL
DEFENCE,

A London correspondent gives
some details of the national defence
programme of the British Govern
ment, which, in Its magnitude and
completeness, is greater than has
ever been adopted by any other
country. The total programme in
wolves an expenditure of 0,000,-
900, which will be raised by means
of a defence loan. 1t is proposed
to build, before 1895, some twenty
or twenty-five battle ships on the
lines of the latest ironclads, the
Nile and the Trafalgar, and also to
construct nearly fifty fast cruisers.
The torpedo boats will be increased
both in number and efficiency. The
Government dockyards will be work.
ed to their fullest extent, and every
contractor in the kingdom who can
take orders with certainty of eX-
ecuting them promptly will be GER
| tain to receive as many orders as lie
can fulfil. The guns for the land
defences at home and abroad will
be greatly increased in number, and
the pattern will be of the latest and
most effective description. The old
muzzle-loaders will be taken away,
and breechloaders will be substituted
for them not only in the forts, but
in the horse and field branches of
the royal regiments of artillery. The
scheme is so vast that the Govern
ment factories at Woolwich, En-
field, Weldon, and Birmingham will
be quite unable to supply the stores
and munitions to the War Office fast
enough, and orders are to be given
for cartridges, gunpowder, and
small stores to all contractors who
can carry out the orders.