Weekly News. — 1890-11-06 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

FRENCH STUDENT-SOLDIERS.  A Paris telegram states that the new law to compel seminarists to serve for a year in the French army as cornmeal soldiers has entered into force. A first batch of 87 yJung seminarists of the Order of Saint Lazarus left Paris the other day, after hearing Mass at Saint Sulpice. The ceremony was most impressive. A large crowd had gathered to bid Godspeed to the young students, many et whom were in plain clothes. Cardinal Richard. Archbishop of Paris, who officiated, was assisted by several Bishops. The Cardinal, aft. r giving the blessing, put the mitre on his head, and, holding the crozier in his hand, delivered to the Seminarists a few parting words of advice and encouragement. He said there was a natural sympathy between the priest and the soldier, as both were called in different ways to lead a life of self•sacrifice. "We do not wish in the least," he said, "to hide the sorrow we feel at seeing you removed from the seminary to the barrack, but we say to you—. Strive with the Divine assistance to come out of this trial with renewed strength." The Cardinal ex'es..rted them to love their fellow-soldiers, and to bear in patience any taunts or sneers that might be levelled at them. If they bore themselves bravely and meekly their bother soldiers would sooner or later do them justice. Ela trusted they would be afforded protection, not only tle the Christian officers, but even by those who did not hold their faith. He desired the seminarists to look up to Saint Martin of Tours, one of the most popular saints of the Church and of Prance,as their model and their patron during their year of service. St. Martin was the son of a Roman veteran, and was compelled to serve in the Roman army. He had looked forward to a religious life. He did not swerve as a soldier from his determination, and showed, as Sulpicius Severna, his historian, relates,what a Christian should be. 1:e was a model of purity and charity and patience towards his fellow-soldiers.  When I was at Cologne recently, says a writer in the Lady's Pictorial, I was much interested to see two young girls laying the tesselated pavement behind the high altar in the Cathedral. I believe this is the first time Women have been employed in this work, and they seem to be doing it extremely well.  Once more the Duke of Portland appears to be in luck. Extensive seams of coal have, it is believed. been discovered on his Grace's estate at Oringley Carr. North Notts. Two labourers came upon a deposit at a depth of four feet, and, if experimental borings now going on should warrant, a shaft is tube sunk. The district is not yet opened up by a railway, Ward, Li tilt and Co. are ailding ii their alreauy lengthy list of serial publications some works of widespread interest, chief among them being "Our National Cathedrals their history and architecture," with coloured plat,. and wood iingravims. 'the first part, now ',sued, contains plates of 'Salisbury anilCantorlitiry the work is to be oomph, ial inf; pari. The initial parts art also puld of -tVinien's Concordance" (unabridged, AA it I ari Pi !i : Br. rarke's "Commentary on the it. ;y oit Ii latest corrections and additionsl tufts: “Worthics_ of the  W,,rid,” and a" i; iet ionary '' of terms used in architectuial ki.ii tind building constructiou.  SUICIDE L'i A