Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser. — 1879-04-26 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

JOHN TILLY."  "THE NATIONAL BURNS " GILFILLAN. Mr Wthson. of Leeds, is at present in this district for the purpose of introducing " The National Burns," edited by the Rev. George Gilfillan, and published by William Mackenzie, of Glasgow. The designation of this edition is singularly appropriate; in the widest and truest sense Robert Burns is " national ;" and no more striking evidence of this exists than the fact that throughout England and the world—wherever ficotclimen, or indeed Englishmen who can understood the dialect, are, there Burns is ever welcome in his rich and pathetic strains to express the sorrows, the hopes, the joys, and the aspirations of the human heart. All who knew Geore Gilfillan and are acquainted with his writings —and not to have heard the brilliant lecturer or read the "Bards of the Bible" or the Biographies of the Poets, argues one's ignorance—car realise to some extent the , capability and enthusiasm with which Gilfilial] entered upon preparing a new, complete and in all respects worthy edition of tlo- Scottish Poet. His untimely death prevented him Peeing published the work which had been to him truly a labour of love—as it happened, a last service to his country and his countrymen and to all who can estimate aright literary faculty and intellectual appreciation. This edition of Burns is to be issued in fifteen parts at two shillings each, thus placing it within the reach of all; it will contain an original Life of the Poet, with critical remarks on his genius as a song writer, as a prose writer, and on his position and influence as a poet. A novel and attractive feature has been introducedby incorporating in the text those fine old Scottish airs the preservation of which from oblivion was one of the great objects of Burns in writing for them his immortal songs. The art, however, is intended to be a special feature; and, judging from the parts issued, we can speak in the highest terms of the illustrations. Throughout the text there are numerous realistic and Wilkie-like scenes giving embodiment to the sentiments expressed in the Bong or poem, and exhibiting with living effect the habits and customs of the people we well as the scenery of Scotland. The fullpage illnstrations--such as the "Old and New Brigs o' Doon," ant the Birth-place of Bnrns--are excellent engravings after the drawings of some of the foremost Scottish artists. The portrait which accompanies the first part is strikingly characteristic, and brings vividly to our remembrance the living form as seated not long ago by the table on which those lines have been written; the broad, manly, genial face, which, once seen, can never be forgotten. We have no doubt the representative of the enterprising and public-spirited publisher will be well received throughout this district, where there are so many lovers of the National Poet.  Captain Burnaby spoke at Birmingham on Monday night, and asserted that the popu. larity of the Government was not decreasing but increasing. lior.a.Awxy's Purs.—ln the complaints peculiar to females these Pills are unrivalled. Their use by the fair sex has become so constant for the removal of their ailments that barely a b ilet is without them. Amongst all classes, from the domestic servant to the peeress, universal favonr is accorded to these renovating Pills ; their invigorating and purifying properties render them safe and invaluable in all cases; they may be taken by females of all ages for any disorganistiou or irregularity of the system, speedily remeving the cause and restoring the sufferer to robust health. As a family medicine they are invaluable for subduing the iliniadiee of young and old.  Considerable sensation has been created in Stockton by the mysterious disappearance of Mr Guy Herbert, the landlord of The George Hotel, in High-street. It appears that on Saturday morning last Mr Herbert left home after partaking of breakfast, and expressed his intention of returning about mid-day. He did not, however, return, and no clue has up to the present time been secured as to his whereabouts, although the police have instituted enquiries in every direction. Some fears are entertained that the missing man has committed suicide in the river Tees, as a hat has been found on the banks of the river near Mr Hick's farm at Bowesfield. Mr Herbert, it seems, was wearing a new hat when he left home and the hat which has been found is also a new one but it has not yet been conclusively recognised as having belonged to Mr Herbert. On Thursday morning the operation of dragging the mar at Bowesfield was commenced, in the hope of recovering the body of the missing man should he have committed suicide in the manner which the circumstances would lead one to suppose. Up to the time of going to press the efforts of the "draggers" had not been successful.