The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-12
GLADSTONE'S SUPERSTITION.
He Receives an Archaeological Pamphlet
for His PeruSdl.
The HARDSHlPS OF THE LAW OF LIBEL
Veratious Proceedings Against the Russian
Press-Case of the London Cabman-
The Cotton Industry.


TBv Dunlap Cable to The Times.l
LONDON, April ll.-During Mr.. Gladstones
recent stay in Brighton he received from
correspondent an anti-theological pamphlet
for his perusal. accompanied by letter, in
which the writer remarked that he deeply de-
plored the waste Of Mr. Gladstones splendid
talent at the shrine OF superstition. In reply
Mr.. Gladstone wrote the following letter: Il
thank you for your interest in me, and shall
not fail to peruse the tract you SO kindly sent
me. | honor every sincere effort in the pur-
suit Of the truth, but my own long and trying
life has been convinced Of the principle asso-
ciated mainly with the name of Bishop Butler
and the solidty of those foundations on when
rest the fabric of belief"
HARDsHIPs OF THE LIBEL LAW.
The proprietors of the Chester Chronicle
have lust had a curious experience OF the
hardship of the law of libel. A few minutes
before going 70 press short time ago tele-
gram was received giving details OF a sum,
mons which had been heard against several
people for illicit drinking. In this way John
Jones Henry Brown. Thomas Robinson, the
agent for Colonel Blank. and John thomas
had been summoned. The clerk who sent
the dispatch had left out the word for be-
tween agent aud Colonel Blank. 50 that the
Colones name was included among those
charged.
Although the error was promptly corrected
andapolOgZed for. Colonel Blank commenced
action for libel which he subsequently COM
promised on the payment of five pounds stei-
ling by the defendants 10 a charity. lhe
solicitor of the paper advised his clients that
although the error was on the part ot the
postotiice, which holds a monopoly III the
telegraph business Of the country the fact
only Ia za1 % tlla IN
the fine for damages which would be imposed
by the court
EGPERIENCE or THE LONDON cADMAN.
The case of the London cabman may be
thus cOncisely stated He sells lhe conveyance
If passengers at price which Is h1ed for HIM
by the authorities The quantity Of the com
modify he deals in and which he can sell III
day. Is fixed 10y the amount Of rest requisite
for him Ia take The rent he has 10 pay FOR
the vehicle Is fixed 10y the owner, for few
men drive their own cabs their cost being too
great 10 allow of their purchase. When from
his earnings the rent and the cost OF living
are deducted, it IS found as "a rule that very
little, If any, surplus exists and therefore,
the cabman is dependent entirely upon Illegal
fares or e1tOrtion In word. It Is more the
business OF the cabmau 10 cheat and be insO-
lent 10 obtain more than the fare than % drive
a cab for they make their living not by
driving. but by Oyerchargng.
So much local patronage las never fallen 10
any goyernmet as the Lord Chancellor Lord
Halsbury has been called upon % dispense.
Within the ilst few weeks he has had % I'LL
two high iudgeshlps. "A county court Judge
ship, "A mastership III unacy and a registrar
ship. 1t is quite on the cards that he may
soon have the appointment OF an additional
chancery Judge.
yEXATIoSs OF THE RUSSIAN PREss.
The recent vexatous PROCEEDINGS against
the Russian press. although no doubt meant
b. illustrate the power Of the ministry of the
interior have been the cause of Widespread
feeling Of dissatisfaction among the enlight-
ened classes Of Russia, whose numbers are
always increasing. II is believed that the
real intention must be sought deeper
down, as these yeied measures are
but a teint 20 be followed by the suppression
ofthe Yoskhod. or Sunrise, the special organo.
the Jewish population. The Liberal paper
Noyesti, Or News which used T. be slow, Is
now wakeful 10 the mass of discomfort IN
Kussia. but such irritating measures tend
10 convert those who We're slumbering into
wakeful members OF the party of discomfort.
THE COTTON PLANTING INDUSTRY.
Cotton planting in Iranscaspia and Turke-
stau Is becoming more and more an industry
in which Russian capital Oh "a large scale Is
being directed. Within q short time two large
companies have been formed in Moscow with
land in these countries suitable for tie bet
ter growth Of the plant. Experts who have
gone into the matter have Just issued report.
which has been published IA the Merry, that u
sufficient water can be obtained these districts
will be second 70 10 country IN the world Tor
cotton growing.
II is now IN contemplation to increase the
volume # upper Moorghab river 10y diyerting
into it certain streams which at present run
10 waste in the sands just as the MOorghaO Is
lost near Mery.
MR. LABOUCHERE's UTTERANCFs.
The phrase used by Labouchere in debate
last evening has been much commented on BY
the Irish. and seems likely to sink deep INTO
the minds If lrshmen at home and
abroad because it disclosed the claw be
meath the velvet and revealed the real rela-
tious between the radicals and the Irish. Mr..
Labouchere said. If the Irish members do not
support my proposal in regard 10 the Land
Purchase bill it will be a question for English
radicals 20 determine how far they can so
ia tue direction Of home rule.
BIG BLAZE IN LONDON.
4 big fire occurred this afternoon on Tower
Hi nt 5 o'clock. The flames We're issuing
from the windows Of Towers Floors build
ing. occupied by the Tip-ToD Tea Company.
The engines were soon on the spot, but the
fire continued 20 gain. and further AID were
telephoned for at 49, a large force OF
engines and men were in attendance. but the
flames still gained headway. The firemen
saw il was useless 20 Try 10 save the building,
aud they turned their attention % saving the
adjoining buildings. and poured immense
Quantity Of water into the buildings imme-
diately next to the Tip-Top building II was
completely Cutted. and being an enormous
structure. made one Of the largest flames
ever seen here The other buildings were
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