The record-union., 1897-10-17

the Associated Press. 1.-The English
newspapers, which are fond of preach
ing unctious sermons on the subject Of
"Lawlessness of Americans have food
for reflection in two events which have
happened in London this week.
The -Honorak Golf Club possessed one
tree hill for three years. Finding the
property was being wantonly destroyed
or stolen, the club caused the ground
to be fenced, thus shutting out the gem
eral public. On Sunday last a. mob of
about 1000 persons, armed with clubs
and stones, tore down the fence and
demolished everything in sight. They
destroyed the golf links, and. reinforced
by over 1900 other rioters, the mob
advanced upon the clubhouse, driving
the golfers within Bricks and logs
flew until the clubhouse was wrecked.
When the rioters We're unable to dis
lodge the determined members of the
club, some of the leaders brought bum
dies of straw, with the intention of set
ting fire to the premises, and were only
prevented by the arrival of police re-
inforcementss those previously on the
ground having been as badly maltreat-
ed as the golf players. One Of the lat
ter fell into the hands of a dozen
roughs, who pounded him with sticks
until he was in a serious condition. A
renewal of the disturbance is expected
tomorrow.
A somewhat similar disturbance was
witnessed at Hillingdon on Tuesday,
when the inhabitants Of that place
opened road through Lord Hilling-
dons game preserves. The right of
way through these preserves for over
thirty years had been closed, and the
ground is Overg1oWn with fine timber,
which the crowd felled for a distance
of half mile, also removing the gates,
iron fences, etc, which were in their
way.
London ruffianism does not end here.
The terrors of the streets are so glar
ing that the vestries of the different
parishes have combined in an appeal
for additional police protection, point
ing out that many of the districts are
living practically in a state of terror
ism, gangs of ruffians insulting, attack
ing and robbing the inhabitants seem
ingly without any restraint.
The Army and Navy Gazette" voices
the opinion of British military men in
LIl6 COuIllIy upon tlIG
fact that the Government has at last
determined to increase the effective
ness of the army. In other quarters
the old proposals for a conscription are
again heard.
The newspapers are poking a good
deal of fun at the latest War Office or
der, prescribing weights and nights of
candidates for commission in the army
who must not be less than 5 feet 5
inches high and 130 pounds in weight
at the age Of 1S, or ) feet 5 inches high
and 1873 pounds in weight when 21
years OF age. 1t is pointed out that
under this rule neither Lord Wolseley
nor Lord Roberts could have entered
the army, while Napoleon, Nelson,
Wellington, julius Ceasar, Alexander
the Great and William of Orange would
have been barred. The newspapers are
bristling with letters from friends of
the candidates for commission, many
Of whom are understood to be under
going fattening processes in order to
reach the required weight.
The champagne vintage is finished.
Owing to the changeable summer and
wet September, necessitating too early
gathering Of the grapes, the vintage
will be very medium both in quality
and quantity. 1t is satisfactory that
reports from Italy, Sicily and Sardinia
are exceptionally good, promising to
add to the reputation which Italian
wines have lately been reacquiring.
The Baronets are about to hold a
meeting in London to protect their
rights and seek redress for their griev-
ances, in view of a recent decision ac-
cording children during the legal life
of peers the title of honorable, and
giving them precedence of the younger
children of Barons and ahead of Bar
onets.
The rapproachment between Queen
Victoria and her grandson, Emperor
William of Germany, is proceeding, and
it is now probable that his majesty
will pay a brief visit to Balmoral in
November, travelling on his yacht from
Kiel to Aberdeen