Buffalo Bill's Wild West In England (Part 1)

A HOPEFUL PROSPECT.

After a period of depression unusually severe and prolonged, signs are happily apparent of an expansion of British trade. The iron industry led the way, and other industries are now following suit. A more cheerful spirit prevails in the great manufacturing centres of the North, and the improvement is gradually extending towards the South. Among other incidental features in support of the more favourable outlook for British commerce is the very noticeable and continuous decline in the returns of pauperism. The improvement of trade at the main commercial centres is having its effect in many ways, and in none more than in the spirit which is now being thrown into such great enterprises as the Manchester Ship Canal. When the scheme was first broached it seemed almost hopeless, so deep was the gloom which had settled upon everything commercial and industrial ; but now there is every assurance that the large preliminary local capital of [British pound]3,000,000-the condition precedent to the further progress of the scheme-will be forthcoming. Already two millions and a half have been subscribed, and it is not at all likely that the half-million still necessary will be withheld. The Lancashire capitalists and manufacturers are becoming alive to the importance of the project. The proposed improvements in the canal communication between Birmingham and the sea are another indication of the more hopeful spirit [prevelant?]. The cost of the entire scheme is put at only one-third of the Manchester project, viz., [British pound]2,000,000 ; and it is hoped that this amount will be found by the different towns concerned, from Birmingham to Bristol, applying to Parliament for leave to borrow on the security of the rates, and thus avoiding the necessity for making the canal an ordinary joint-stock undertaking. It ought not to be difficult to carry this promising enterprise to a successful issue, seeing the wealth that exists in the Midlands.

Further signs of industrial activity may be found in the Exhibitions of the year, which promise to be notable as regards their number, extent, and significance. We are being pleasantly invaded by "Our American Cousins:" and, in addition to the great Exhibition of United States products to be opened at Kensington on the 9th of May, we are to be made merry, and instructed also, by Buffalo Bill's wild Indian show, which is said -and, we believe, not without reason-to be as unique as it is extensive. But the Old Country does not intend to be behind with its indigenous displays. The Exhibition at Manchester will be opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales next week. From the art, engineering, industrial, chemical, and general points of view, this Exhibition has prospects of unusual excellence. In extent the Exhibition is a wonderful advance upon its predecessors, covering an area of forty-five acres, or just double that of the London Exhibition of 1886. In no branch will there be a more striking display than in that of machinery, the motive power for which is supplied by half-a-score of Messrs. Galloway's world-famous engines. This firm has also carried out the whole of the contract in connection with the illuminated fountains, which are designed to vie with the late Sir Francis Bolton's triumphs at South Kensington. Ireland fills a magnificent section at Manchester, and here at least all will be Unionists in warmly greeting her productions. Chemistry again, which enters so much and so deeply into nearly all our manufacturing industries, will be fittingly represented in a city which boasts of so eminent a chemist as Sir Henry Roscoe ; and its beneficent influence is to show the [hygienic?] as well as the practical side. In the application of the fine arts to manufactures, Messrs. Doulton, of Lambeth, and other firms will again demonstrate the strides that have been made, and are still being made in this direction. Altogether, the Manchester Exhibition will compare very favourably with any which have preceded it. On the 11th of May Newcastle will emulate Manchester by opening a mining, engineering, and industrial exhibition; and the products of Tyneside will, there is no doubt, be viewed with that interest which their scientific and general value demands. Last but not least, Liverpool, imitating the sister city of Manchester, and undeterred by her untoward losses and experience of last year, will re-open her Exhibition buildings on May 16th. The Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lorne will perform the inaugural ceremony, and as one of the principal features of the resuscitated Exhibition will be the Colonial section, it is peculiarly appropriate that the Princess, the wife of the late Governor-General of Canada, should express her interest in the products and enterprise of the Dominion. All the exhibitions enumerated promise to be worthy of the spirit, the ability, and the energy of the inhabitants of the Northern portion of England.

English trade will, no doubt, be stimulated by the Budget. Mr. Goschen's financial proposal for dealing with the Sinking Fund may be open to objections, but even Mr. Gladstone's authoritative criticisms will not awaken discontent with the remission of a penny in the Income tax. That is the central fact which traders and men of business grasp at once, and as each penny in the Income tax means two millions of money, this substantial relief in taxation will make itself felt indirectly in trade. Industry must benefit by a further diffusion of capital. The decision of a Select Committee of the House of Lords in favour of a subway from the City to Stockwell will necessarily lead to the expenditure of a large sum on useful work. Money is proved to be plentiful by the further reduction of the Bank rate ; and profitable openings for its use are being eagerly sought. Without desiring to be too sanguine, a review of the present conditions of our national commerce cannot but lead to the conviction that a brighter day is at length dawning upon [our?] industries.

THE AMERICAN EXHIBITION.

On Monday next, at three o'clock, the American Exhibition at Earl's-court will be opened to the general public. The work which has been done there during the past week has been amazing, and is another proof, if one were wanting, of what can be achieved by proper organisation when a body of 2,000 men are employed by day and night in completing an edifice which would in other times not so far back have taken as many years as it has now taken months to build. Already the principal gallery of the nave is completed, and, decorated as it is with flags and banners, presents a very gay appearance. Exhibits are coming in daily, and there is every reason to believe that when everything is finished the result will be imposing. The building is mainly constructed of a rather novel material ; to wit, old rails, struts, and cast iron, with wrought iron tie rods. The columns, which have by no means an inelegant appearance, are throughout composed of rails, and the roof is of galvanised iron with glass skylights skilfully introduced so as to produce as much light as possible while avoiding glare. The nave is 1,140ft. long by 120ft. wide, and the principal refreshment room, situated to the left of the main entrance, is 90ft. in breadth by 250ft. in length. In addition to these, a Fine Art Gallery has been constructed consisting of eight separate rooms, each 40ft. by 40ft. There are two electric light sheds, 120ft. by 60ft. There are, in various parts of the building, four principal entrances, all under cover, and no less than seven bridges crossing the numerous lines of railway which intersect the grounds. These lines, together with the Metropolitan Railway, form at West Brompton a kind of junction, which will be a great convenience to people arriving from all parts of the country, and who may wish to visit the Exhibition only. A bridge, under cover and of great length, leads from the Exhibition proper to the grand stand, whence some 25,000, comfortably seated, can behold the much-talked of "Wild West" sports. In the extensive gardens is a club house, a Tobogganing slide, a switch back-railway 400ft. long, a pavilion containing a panorama of New York, and several large restaurants. The principal contract for the supply of refreshments has been granted to Messrs. Bertram and Co., who have arranged with several leading American firms to supply Yankee drinks and specialities.

The exhibition itself is not in any way supported by the American Government, for the obvious reason that it would be impossible for the Government of one country to select the capital of another as the place wherein to make a grand demonstration of its natural, commercial, and artistic products and resources. Under such circumstances it is necessary, nay, imperative, that the Exhibition should be considered purely as a private enterprise, conducted, however, by gentlemen high in authority in the United States- the president being Colonel H. S. Russel, and the general manager Mr. J. R. Whitley, assisted by Mr. J. G. Speed, Mr. F. C. Penfield, and Mr. Applin -who have devoted the last three years to the selection of exhibits which it has been determined shall be of a most representative character. In this manner the principal nave will be filled with a highly interesting collection of cereals, minerals, and manufactured goods. In short, so far as the space and the unofficial character of the undertaking will permit, the Exhibition will be as representative as possible of the actual progress and commercial condition of the United States. This is assured from the fact that the applications for space have been so numerous that the management have been enabled to select only those exhibits in which America excels. The Fine Art Gallery is, fortunately for the Exhibition, under the superintendence of one of America's foremost connoisseurs and critics, Mr. Sartain, whose perfect knowledge of art, both in this country and his own, has proved of so much value to America during the past 50 years. Although in his 80th year, Mr. Sartain is as bright and active as many a man of half his age, and his energy has been so great that it is mainly due to him that the Art Galleries are likely to prove quite as attractive as the "Wild West" show. The principal picture to be exhibited is the famous Battle of Gettysburg, by Peter F. Rothermel, which is loaned by the State of Pennsylvania, and is of such value that it is insured for $30,000. It is 32ft. long, by 16ft. in height. In all, there will be about 1,000 pictures by American artists. Mr. Healey sends a very fine collection of portraits, including those of M. Gambetta, Mlle. Nordica, M. Thiers, Mr. H. M. Stanley, the King and Queen of Roumania, and Lord Lyons. Mr. Bierstadt sends [five?] pictures ; Miss Dodson contributes 10 large and small works ; and Carl Webber is also represented ; and so also will be Sontag, Ward, Clifford, Greeson, J. R. Tait, J. B. Waugh, W. L. Picknell, W. R. Boyle, Addison, Hutton, Saul Sartain, C. Schussel, F. M. Boggs, and other well-known American artists. Mr. J. R. Brown sends eight miniatures of unrivalled beauty and immense value, the case containing them being insured for no less than [British pound]8,000. In the Art Gallery will also be found a most curious and interesting collection of hunting trophies, lent by an influential committee of sportsmen and others, at the head of which is Mr. E. North Buxton.

There is no question that the entertainment which proved so immensely popular throughout the Eastern States of America, and known as the "Sports of the Wild West," will prove quite as attractive here. Curious to say, the windows of London booksellers are already full of editions of Fennimore Cooper's novels "The Path-Finder," "The Deer Stalker," "The Last of the Mohicans," "Leather Stocking," and, in short, all that series of delightful romances which have placed the name of the American novelist almost on the same level with that of Sir Walter Scott. And now encamped in West Brompton are these very same Indians, Sioux, Pawnees, and Ogallalas. It is very strange to see these people living under tents, rudely painted with outlines of animals and birds, with here and there a grotesque figure of a human being. It is not unlike a military camp with its headquarters under canvas, and everything is conducted with almost soldierly precision. The Indians, draped in their crimson and deep blue blankets, stand about, their heads bedecked with feathers and beads, and with spears in their hands, in unconsciously picturesque attitudes. There are no restrictions upon visitors, who are allowed to enter the tents, chuck the Indian babies under the chin, watch the squaws at work, and even interview that august personage "Red Shirt," the Sioux chief, elected by these strangers to be virtually their king. "Red Shirt" is a man of about 35, whose regular features are so strikingly like those of the first Napoleon that everybody must at once notice the resemblance. Many of the other men have features of singularly regular outline. They are a silent and observant people, and rarely speak among themselves if a stranger is by, but as soon as his back is turned, they become very communicative indeed. On Monday, owing to the unsatisfactory state of the weather, "Red Shirt" pronounced anything but a blessing upon our climate, and very sensibly informed-through an interpreter-Miss Ellen Terry and her sister, who had come to visit him, that he preferred the bitterest cold of the plains to the unstable, smoky atmosphere which then surrounded him. These Indians have a very curious theological belief. They worship two Gods, a bad and a good. The good one is to be prayed to, becuase he provides all the good things in life-warmth, food, joy, success in love, distinction in war, all come from him. The bad, on the other hand, is the enemy of all, and as such he is to be propitiated and kept in good humour. Of course, all the Indians believe in the immortality of the soul, and that they will all live hereafter in the Happy Hunting Field, unless, indeed, they happen to die by strangulation, in which case their spirits are destroyed, inasmuch as they are convinced that the soul escapes by the mouth into eternity. When all the 120 Indians are on horseback, and rush wildly into the arena, their feathers blowing in the wind, and their bright cloaks flying round them, the scene is [certainly?] extremely exciting. It is very curious to see with what precision the number of horses are suddenly brought in a line abreast, the chiefs in front gesticulating in the wildest manner, whooping and hollowing, whilst their feathers and war paint glimmer in the whirl. Nothing like this has ever been seen in Europe before-at least not since the days when our own painted ancestors perhaps yelled and whooped in the same manner, and perchance on the same spot, long before Augustine came to preach Christianity among us. Then there are the cowboys, who, by the way, have really excellent musicians amongst them, and a band which will be very well worth hearing. The other morning a herd of a dozen buffaloes were let loose into the arena, and hunted round and round by the Indians and cowboys, without, however, in any way hurting the animals, who seemed rather to enjoy the run than otherwise, and were to be seen a few minutes afterwards peaceably eating their noontide meal. One of the most exciting episodes of the entertainment will be the attack on an old stage coach, drawn by six mules, which comes rattling round the arena. An ambuscade of yelling redskins pounce upon it, and it is for some time fiercely attacked, and then, with a loud cheer and a clatter, come the cowboys, headed by Buffalo Bill, to the rescue ; the Indians are driven away, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. All this is so cleverly managed and so very realistic that the other day an amateur volunteered to enact the part of a passenger. He was so alarmed by his varied experiences in the besieged coach that when the performance was over it was discovered that he had fainted. The lassooing of ponies, extraordinary trials with untrained horses, races, marvellous shooting feats, are likewise included in the programme, and prove what skill, tact, and endurance men can acquire who gain their livelihood on the plains. The great advantage that these actors have is that every one of them has been in his or her day trained from sheer necessity to perform the part in real life which they now enact in mimic. In other words, this entertainment is nothing more nor less than a sample of what a large number of men are obliged to go through every day of their lives if circumstances oblige them to live on the great borderland. The strictest discipline is maintained in the camp, and it re quires the commanding presence, the undaunted courage, of such a man as Buffalo Bill, who has in a rare degree the power of winning affection and commanding respect. The Hon. W. F. Cody, known to the world as Buffalo Bill, was born in Scott County, Ohio. At a very early age he was employed as a herder, waggon-master, and pony express rider. In Kansas, in 1861, he was a Government scout and guide, and in 1862 he served as a scout and guide for the 9th Kansas Cavalry, and participated in several battles. At the end of the war he was honourably discharged, and in 1867 he contracted to deliver all the buffalo meat that would be needed as food for the labourers on the Kansas-Pacific Railway. For this purpose, in less than 18 months, he killed no less than 4,280 buffaloes, and this feat gained him the name of Buffalo Bill. In 1868 he again entered the Government service as a scout, and performed many dangerous rides through a country infested with hostile Indians. Later on Mr. Cody was assigned duty with the 3d Cavalry, with which regiment he served until 1872, when he was elected a member of the Nebraska Legislature, which gained him the title of honourable. He soon, however, resigned his seat, and [shortly?] after made his first appearance as an actor in a drama entitled "The Scouts of the Plains," winning an instant success. From this date he continued in the theatrical profession, and his latest enterprise in this direction is the organisation now at West Kensington, in which he has the assistance of Mr. Nate Salsbury and Major John M. Burke, his general manager. The magnificent appearance of Buffalo Bill and the almost legendary stories of his valour, have made him one of the most popular personages in contemporary American history. And there are other interesting characters in the troupe, as, for instance, Mr. Nelson, who pioneered the Mormons across the plains to their settlement in Utah, and who has married an [Indian?] "Princess." "Buck Taylor," who stands 6ft. 4in., is famous all over the plains as a huntsman, from Idaho to the Rio Grande. He is the "King of the Cowboys." And there are Miss Lillian Smith, a Californian huntress and champion rifle shot ; and Miss Annie Oakley, the champion "markswoman of America ; and Antonio Esquivel, the King Vaquero of Mexico ; and "Mustang Jack," the greatest jumper in the world ; and "Broncho Bill," and "Broncho Charlie," whose perfect acquaintance with the various dialects, as well as of several European languages, makes him invaluable as an interpreter, as none of the Indians speak a word of English.

CRITERION THEATRE.

There is not much strength in the "Tea" brewed by Mr. Maurice Noel, and presented at an afternoon performance yesterday, but it has exhilarating qualities which may create a demand for its being served on future occasions. Playgoers are becoming accustomed to farces drawn out into three acts, but it is rarely that sufficient material is used in their framework to render such a process of elongation either judicious [?] entertaining. One can enjoy a laugh over a piece brisk in action and of reasonable duration, but the introduction of matter extraneous to the simple plot of a farce in order to extend it to the dignity of a comedy but too frequently results in disappointment. "Tea" is a piece in which some degree of fanciful humour is displayed, but it would run more smoothly if condensed into two acts. The story turns upon the means adopted by Mrs. Bulpin, a widow endowed with personal attractions as well as a moderate fortune, in order to gain a chance of looking into the affairs of her brother, Sir James Pompasour, who manages her monetary business upon strictly economical principles, and from whom she has expectations. Having read in a medical book of the powers of a certain Eastern drug, which develops symptoms akin to lunacy in the person to whom it is administered, she mixes the potent agent with Sir James's tea, trusting to secure his temporary confinement in an asylum. This expedient-rather a strong one to resort to in a farce-affords Mr. Felix Morris opportunity of employing his peculiar abilities as a character actor when the influence of the potion is at work. From being a staid, methodical politician he becomes at one time a religious enthusiast, crying out for paint, feathers, beads, and blankets, preparatory to visiting the haunts of the wild Red Indian ; at another a jovial advocate of the chase, organising foxhunts in August, and drinking champagne in utter disregard of time or place. The engineer who has brought about so extraordinary an ebullition is, however, hoist with her own petard. Harry Holmwood, a young cousin of the baronet, having some knowledge of medicine, suspects the real cause of Sir James's eccentricities, and accidentally discovers a bottle of the drug employed by Mrs. Bulpin. An amusing climax is brought about by changing tea cups when the next administration is attempted, the designing lady herself swallowing the dose she had intended for her brother. The evanescent [madness?] by which she is possessed develops an amatory form, and she makes violent love to the doctors whom she had relied upon to sign certificates of Sir James's lunacy. Regaining her senses, she is but too glad to refrain from further experiments, satisfactory explanations being afforded by the wealthy baronet of his intentions with regard to money matters. Mr. Felix Morris as Sir James Pompasour played, as indeed he always does, with marked skill, his treatment of the character being extremely diverting. Miss Ffolliott Paget showed tact in keeping her amorous scene within bounds, and made a handsome and dashing widow. Miss Paget has a commanding presence, and much laughter was raised by the spectacle of an exceptionally fine woman wooing, in terms which brooked no refusal, a timid and diminutive doctor, impersonated by Mr. E. M. Robson, whose physical proportions are by no means on a par with his abilities as an actor. An agreeable undercurrent of genuine love-making was sustained between two nieces of Sir James and Harry Holmwood and his friend, Captain Lonsdale, the young people finding adequate representation at the hands of Miss Mabel Millett, Miss Evelyn Forrest, Mr. W. E. Gregory, and Mr. J. Nutcombe [Gould?]. A word of commendation is due to Mr. S. Wilkinson for his clever sketch of a well-trained butler. "Tea" was received with marked favour by a friendly audience, a domestic bereavement unfortunately preventing the author from responding to a call.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION.-The annual conference on continental work in connection with the Sunday-school Union was held yesterday morning in the Lecture-hall, Old Bailey-Colonel Griffin presiding.-The report stated that though the subscriptions received from auxiliary unions and subscribers had been less than in the preceding year, the income from all sources had been more than sufficient to meet the expenditure. The total number of schools in connection with the union was 6,015, showing an increase on the preceding year of 509. The increase which had taken place in the metropolis amounted to 24 schools, a rate of increase nearly double that which in the meantime had taken place in the population of London.-Mr. E. Thomas, Bradford, read a paper on "Continental Missions," after which the meeting was addressed by Mr. J. Edwards, Mr. J. T. Holmes, Dr. Vincent, of New York, Mr. Van Meter, of Rome, Signor Facio, of Genoa, and others.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.-Yesterday morning the 83d annual meeting of this society was held in Exeter Hall-the Earl of Harrowby presiding.-The report stated that the income for the year amounted to [British pound]116,761, while the sum received for Scriptures sold, both at home and abroad, had amounted to [British pound]104,888. The expenditure during the year had amounted to [British pound]231,776. During the year 3,932,678 copies of Bibles and Testaments had been issued by the society, and since its commencement the society had issued [112,253,547?] copies of the Holy Scriptures.-The chairman, in the course of an interesting speech, reviewed the work of the society during the last 50 years.-The Archbishop of Canterbury, in moving the adoption of the report, said that in withdrawing from Holland, Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark, and attempting to withdraw their operations in other quarters, the society was doing exactly the thing which the Christian Church ought to do in all respects. They had no business to undertake to do for other nations what they were being induced to do for themselves. No part of the society's work would have been more effective than when they would be able to put up the shutters of their last depot, and leave the work of the propagation of the Gospel to the native Bible societies.-The Rev. Dr. Young, president of the Wesleyan Conference, in seconding the resolution, took the opportunity of thanking the society on behalf of the body he represented, for the generous and abundant help which it had afforded to the Wesleyan Church in her foreign missionary operations.-The report was adopted.

CHURCH PAROCHIAL MISSION SOCIETY.-The annual meeting of this society was held, at Prince's Hall, Piccadilly, yesterday, the Bishop of Exeter presiding. The report showed that the income of the society had been [British pound]5,799 during the past year, scarcely meeting the expenditure, and that aobut 200 parochial missions had been held during the year.-The Bishop of Exeter, in his address, gave the reasons why, in his opinion, there was an imperative necessity for such an organisation, and one which would not be diminished by the further development of mission work in the several dioceses.-Archdeacon Lefroy, the Rev. James Johnson, and other clergymen also addressed the meeting.

WORK GIRLS' PROTECTION SOCIETY.-The festival dinner of the Work Girls' Protection Society was held last night at the Hotel Metropole. In consequence of the indisposition of the Earl of Carnarvon, the Earl of Powis took the chair.-General Sir Richard Wilbraham responded for the army and reserve forces, and Admiral Sir Leopold M'Clintock for the navy.-The Chairman then proposed "Prosperity to the Work Girls' Protection Society," and showed what an important work the society is doing in assisting the thousands of hard-worked and often half-starved needlewomen and machinist girls. He was glad to be able to state that the Queen and the Princess of Wales had expressed their deep sympathy with the objects of the society, and that its usefulness was now acknowledged on all sides. During the past year 316 members of the club and other girls had been benefitted in the School of Instruction, and altogether no less than 3,500 had received timely help.-The Rev. George Nugee responded, and the secretary announced subscriptions amounting to [British pound]900.

Infants have thriven so rapidly on Ferris's Persian Food that it is being largely recommended by the faculty. Even the youngest children take "Persian Food" greedily, and there is [no?] case on record where it has not largely increased the health [and?] strength of the child. The most remarkable feature of [this?] most remarkable food is in the fact that it gives healthy nourishment to the young as well as the old, to the strong as well as [the?] weak. It has effected wonderful cures of indigestion, and has [been?] found to readily assimilate with the human system. Sold [in?] bottles, at 2s., 3s. 6d.. and 10s. 6d., of all chemists, medicine vendors, and stores, or sent per parcels post on receipt of remittance to Ferris and Co., 146, Holborn-bars, E.C.-[ADVT.]

Ruptures.-A New Washable Truss.-Mr. C. B. Harness, the renowned inventor of electropathic belts and [other?] curative appliances, has lately introduced a new Xylonite Truss Approved of and adopted by the medical profession; gives complete comfort and support without irritation. It has a perfectly smooth flesh-coloured washable surface. Is cheap and is guaranteed to last a lifetime. Every other make also kept in stock May be had at half usual price. A guaranteed fit in every case Note address: The Medical Battery Company (Limited), 52 Oxford-street, London, W. (corner of Rathbone-place).-[ADVT.

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THE AMERICAN EXHIBITION.

The American Exhibition of the arts, inventions, manufactures, products, and resources of the United States - such being its official and advertised description - opens today at Earl's Court, and it will remain one of the great sights. if not the sensation of the London season, until October 31. If with regard to our exhibitions at home, in London or elsewhere, difficulties are always found in getting exhibits ready to time, it could hardly be expeted that an exhibition composed entirely of American productions, which have to be collected from different parts of a very big country and conveyed across the Atlantic, would be an exception to the rule. As a matter of fact, the practical portion of this American Exhibition is not complete as yet, and some days must pass before the block of building 1,200 feet long by 120 feet wide, planned in sections with intervening streets duly numbered, will be ready for critical notice. Nothing has, however, been more striking that the rapidity with which the Exhibition as a whole has been brought to its present state. A few weeks ago we had to wade through mire and slush upon what seemed a most hopeless waste, and pick our way over a very chaos of building materials. Now the grounds are prattily laid out, and the great house of iron and glass is built. In the outer buildings about the grounds there yet remains much to be done, but no one who has watched the smartness of the operations in the past has any right to doubt that the balance of the work left for the future will speedily be mastered. The Wild West Show, however, of which the town is already talking, is waiting for public admiration. As our readers have been informed, Colonel Cody, his Indians, the buffaloes, horses, and deer have not only arrived in this country, but have for three weeks been established upon their own territory at Earl's Court. The Exhibition grounds are in two sections, a total of some twenty-three acres, offered to the proprietors by the Metropolitan Railway Companies o whom the property belongs and divided by the West London Railway. The setions are united by a substantial bridge from Fourth-sreet f the Exhibition's township, to the centre of the Grand Stand, stretching in a horseshoe shape round a part of the track round which the Red Indians, cowboys, and scouts career on horseback. The admission moen is a shilling on ordinary days, and half-a-crown on Wednesdays, and this pary ment includes the whole of the Exhibition, Today is in some senses ceremonial in character, and the admissions are restricted to the two guines season tickets, payment of one guines at the doors, or special guests to whom invitations have been sent. The grand stand accommodation 20,000 people is, of course the largest erection fof te kind we have every had, and the management has very wisely fixed low prices for the seats, amphitheater one shilling, grand circle two shillings, and reserved stalls five shillings. Only one exhibitions of "Wild West" will be given today. The Prince of Wales, Mr. Gladstone, and a large number of notable people already visited the Indian encampments, Mexican village, corrals, and stables, and a private rehearsal of the performance was given before the Royal visitors last week. Without preliminary advertising beyond the striking piotorial posters on the boardings a vast amount of interest has been aroused in Buffalo Bill and his remarkable compnay of the two hundred persons who this afternoon, and henceforward daily, will represent episodes in the adventerous life of the Wild West. There are a score of items in the programme - all being characterised by picturesque groups and colours, dramatic and rapid action, wonderful feats on horseback, and with the rifle, suggestions of prairie warfare, camp life, wigwam customs, buffalo hunts, and the log cabin of the white man. The painted and half-naked Indian warriors do not actually destroy their victims, but they carry the action with marvellous effect up to the very scalping point. The feats of the Mexicans and cowboys with the Broncho horses and mules, and steers, are as amusing as they are exciting. In short, we very much mistake the tastes of the British public if they do not become enamoured from the outlet with the grand novelty. Before engaging in this enterprise the promoters entered into calculations showing that ten millions of people reside within an hour's, and half that 'number within thirty minutes' railway journey of the site. The Exhibition may be reached by alighting at West Brompton station for the Lillie-road entrances, or West Kensington station for the entrance at the northern corner of the ornamental grounds, but the principal station used will be Earl's Court, at which elaborate additions and alterations have been made for the Exhibition season. Mr. J. R. Whitley, chairman of the Executive Council of London, and Mr. H. S. Russel, chairman of the American Board, are general managers; Mr. J. Gilmer Speed, secretary; and Mr. Florence O'Driscoll, engineer of the Exhibition

THE NEWCASTLE EXHIBITION

One of the special compliments to her Majesty's Jubilee was to a certain extent opened on Saturday afternoon. A private view was given to the representatives of teh Press. Some of the exhibits are of rare excellence, coming as they do from all parts of the United Kingdom. It is difficult to point to the stands to this and that particular firm; they all seem good, and no doubt when the Exhibition is opened every department will be looked at with interest. One of the chief features - the best of all, perhaps - is the North Court, where all the heavy machinery is placed. The firm of Sir W. G. Armstrong, Mitchell, and Co. have a wooden model of thier 110-ton gun that has been - or will be - placed upon the Victoria, the largest ironclad ever built. Many of the chief Clyde firms have splendid specimens of their workmanship in the various courts of the Exhibition and outside. Perhaps the most interesting of al the specialties is teh model of the old Tyne Bridge. Another is a facsimile of the old Carliol Tower, one of the defenses of Newcastle in feudal times. The mighty guns and big locomotives in teh north court have a speaking contrast in the old. No. 1 engine built by George Stephenson. The Duke of Cambridge formally opens the place on Wednesday. A district like Newcastle gives special opportunities for the study of coal and lead mining, and both these important industries are well set forth in the Exhibition. They will be very interesting to visitors. A portion of Alnwick Castle, one of our Northumbrian strongholds, is also well worth looking at.

OPENING OF THE AMERICAN EXHIBITION IN LONDON.

The American Exhibition was opened yesterday afternoon, at West Brompon, with Republican simplicity. Being an enterprise entirely due to private initiative and effort, no representative of the State drawn either from the Royal family or the Government, was committed to official approval of it by taking a leading part in the opening. There had indeed been some doubt entertained as to whether this bold invasion of the British market by the American manufacturers and proucers would be altogether welcome, and this and other consierations dictated an official and modest inauguration. A few thousand people gathered in the main exhibition in front of a platform. On this were assembled the principal organisers of the enterprise, headed by Colonel Henry Russell and Mr. John R. Whitley, and the chief members of the Council of Welcome, headed by Lord Ronald Gower and Cardinal Manning. "Hail Columbia," by the Grenadier Guards Band, gave the keynote to the proceedings. A prayer by Archdeacon Farrar for God's blessing on the undertaking followed, and then "God Save the Queen" was performed by the band. Lord Ronald Gower expressed how cordially the Executive Council of Englishmen formed to welcome the Americans desired to receive them in England. This council consisted, he said, of about a thousand leading Englishmen in all walks of life. They hoped the exhibition would cement the friendship and good feeling beween the two great Anglo-Saxon peoples. (Loud Cheers.) Colonel Henry S. Russell, the president of the exhibition, in the name of those who were present from America with their products and inventions, thanked the many Englishmen, high and low, who had given them encouragement in their effort to make a fair show of Yankee industries. It would be easy, he remarked, to dilate upon the enormous resources and produce of the United States, but their object here was merely to indicate what improvement they had made since the days when their ancestors reclaimed the American forests from the families of the very redmen who were now with them in this exhibition. A pleasing interlude following in the shape of the "Star Spangled Banner" sung with great effect and amid indescribable enthusiasm by Madlle. Lillian Nordica. She next gave "Rule Britania." Mr. John R. Whitley, director-general of the exhibition, next delivered an address, in which he spoke of this as the first American exhibition held beyond the territory of the Great Republic, and as the natural sequence to the Centennial Exhibition of 1876, held in Philadelphia. It would, he said, give the death-blow to all suggestions of any remnants of ill-will or jealousy continuing to linger between the two great nations of the English speaking world. He mentioned that the preliminary thought and preparation for this exhibition had extended over three years, and its design was to illustrate the conditions and modes of that bright and active, that incalculably wealthy and varied section of human life, which developed its resistless energies and practically inexhaustible resources betwen the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, Lake Superior, and the Gulf of Mexico, America came to learn of England and to teach hor. (Cheers.) The Guards band having performed the popular American air "Dixie," Colonel Henry Russell proclaimed the Exhibition to be opened, and started the machinery, "Yankee Doodle" by the hand brought the opening proceedings here to a close, and the audience trooped off to witness Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. This representation of life on the frontiers of civilisation is undoubtedly the main attraction of the exhibition, excellent though the rest of it is in all the products of a fertile country and an ingenious and industrious people. It was to the Indians and the trappers, huntsmen and hersmen of the backwoods an prairies that the visitors hastened, with the conviction that in them they would behold a spectacle entirely unique and novel. This country has had many exhibitions of the arts and manufactures of civilisation, and is fated in this year of jubilee to have many more; but an exhibition of genuine barbarism, with barbarians no interesting as tho Red Indians who have figure so largely in American history and romance is not to be seen every year in England. Hence the avidity with which the visitors hastened into "the Wild West." The grand stand was speedily filled with its 20,000 spectators, and about 5,000 more were found standing room round the immense area. This space is about a third of a milo in circumference, and afforded ample scope for the Indian movements. With rocks, trees, shrubbery, and scenery, a very realistic appearance was given to the place. A very interesting and exciting programme was gone through. The displays of great skill with the rifle have been seen in this country before, marvellous though they are, and the tiks with trained horses can be matched in an well-appointed circus, but all the rest was entirely new and unparalleled. There was the representation of an emigrant caravan, with its bullock wagon and acompanying horseman, plodding across the prairie, when suddenly with the speed of lightning a troop of red Indians, emerging from some natural cover, swooped down on the train, and would have overwhelmed it but for the resolute defence of the frontiersmen, reinforcd by the timely arrival of some mounted herdsmen, or cowboys, as they are called. The whole scene was most animated and thrilling. The Broncho horses and Indian ponies proved swift and mettlesome, though nothing could have been more unpromising than their appearance, for they are undersized, rough, and not very shapely. The Indians and frontiersmen rode very loosely in the saddle, and yet with perfec assurance of their seats and command over their bridles. Even the incorrigible "buckers" could not unseat them, after any amount of dancing in the air. Another exciting spectacle consisted in an attak on a stage-coach by a mounted detachmeut of Indians, and their repulse by scouts and cowboys, commanded by that prairie celebrity, "Bufalo Bill." the affair was arranged and managed with amazing skill, and caused immense excitement. The horses flew about in a wild gallop, while their reiders fired with rifle and pistol almost into each other's faces. It was a mock combat carried so far that the spectators almost feared it would end in grim reality, so much in ernest did the combatants appear. Still another exhibition of wild warfare was given, an isolated settler's cabin was attacked by a numbe rof Indians, who furtively approached as if they had been stalking deer, and who were only beaten off the the opportune arrival of frontiersmen. there were many other items in the programme which greatly delighted the spectators, though they exoited them a litle less than did these wild steeds. A buffalo hunt and the roping and riding of wild Texas steers, besides several examples of the antics of the Mexican mustangs, were amongst them. After this desplay the spectators spread themselves over the encampment, and took a great deal of interest in the "braves," "squawes," and "papooses," as these red-skined gentlemen and ladies showed themselves in all their finery of feathers and paint outside their tents. Most, indeed, of the visiors reserved for subsequent visits an examination of the in-door exhibition-whose principal gallery is 1,140 feet in length and 110 feet in breadth, with its fine-art annexes-and of the gardens, which occupy an area of about twelve acres, for, interesting as they all were they were not quite finished. There can be little doubt that both to the inhabitiants of the metropolis and visitors to London from the country the exhibition will be an irresistible attraction, more especially as South Kensington is not offering this year anythin in the way of active competition.

COLLIERY WARNING.- The distrubed weather of the past three weeks is being replaced by more settled conditions, an area of very high barometer readings now covering the greater part of Western Europe, the centre lying off the mouth of the Channel. With such a distribution of pressure it is advisable to be prepared for an increase of gas in mines, and to keep down the coal-dust. In shallow mines with natural ventilation the increasing temperature is likely to cause a sluggish current.

THE DOVER ABDUCTION CASE.-The charge against Colin Young, lieutenant and quartermaser of the East Surrey Regiment, of abducting Elizabeth Aspey, aged seventeen, was further investigated at Dover yesterday.-The prosecutrix, on ebing cross-examined by Mr. Mowel, for the defence, said the license of the Royal Mail Hotel had been in the name of Mr. Wyatt, who aoted as landlord for about two years. Her mother married Mr. Wyatt last Christmas. Before the marriage he used to treat witness as a daughter. Mr. Young first came to the house abotu twelve months ago. He first kissed her on the day after the ball at Canterbury, two or three months ago. Prisoner came to the house every day afterwards. Witness once went to prisoner's quarters, when Mrs. Young was away. He kissed the witness in the bed room. Witness told Mary Whitley (the servant) and Miss Oram that she was going away with the prisoner, but did not tell her mother. She would not have gone if he had not told her his uncle would give him a situation at 900 [British pounds] a year. In re-examination witness stated that prisoner said if she would not go he would shoot himself, and leave a ntoe behind that would disgrace her.-The prisoner was remanded, bail being refused.

LONDON NOTES

[EXTRACTS FROM SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE, &c.]

LONDON, Monday night.

Rarely has there been so enormous a crowd assembled as to-day crowded the auditorium of the new American entertainment. It was, happily, a fine day, and the weather was very mild, so that the period of waiting which the thousands present underwent had no disagreeable effect. On the American Exhibition proper I can say nothing--that must be left for another occasion--but the Wild West show at once made its mark, and has many features of interest which will make it the talk of London.

At the same time, I doubt whether it will not require some degree of compression. The length of time over which it spreads is considerable, and many of the acts are little more than repetitions of what have gone before. There is a good deal of firing. Several scenes represent attacking and relieving parties, in which great execution is done by the Border King in vindication of civilisation against the indigenous inhabitants of the Western region. In one instance a stage coach is attacked, in another emigrant train, and in another log hut in the wilderness. In all these cases there was plenty of dramatic spirit in the action, and the rough-riding and firing while riding are very good.

As each performance takes place, the nature of it and anything interesting about it are announced from a sort of pulpit in the middle of the arena by a sort of double of Buffalo Bill--a gentleman with a very fine voice, who makes himself heard to a suprising extent. The Indians are by no means pretty to look at, but they make a gallant show in their striped blankets, and displayed abundant vigour in the performances which they have to enact. Perhaps the most pleasing and astonishing part of the whole performance is the firing which is done by two young ladies and by Mr Cody himself. The skill shown is almost too great to be believed. A great proportion of the House of Commons and a large proportion of the theatrical and literary professions were present, and altogether Buffalo Bill may be said to have made a most distinguished commencement.

One of the entertainments in the programme will have to be omitted and modified. It was the lassoing and roping of cattle. There appeared to be great cruelty in it, and the anmals showed signs of acute distress and suffering. Very loud hisses arose from the parts of the arena which were nearest the spectacle. Many of the audience must have felt that a very little more, and they would have been spectators of something like the horrors of a bull fight. This event at Earl's Court and the receptin of the Corporation of London at Buckingham Palace by Her Makesty constituted the important events of to-day.

Lists of Jubilee Peers are in circulation, and some of them have found their way into print. They are certainly not published in the interests of those whose names are contained in them. They are rather likely to injure the chances with Her Majesty of men who she will think are being pressed upon by her by unconstitutional means. The Queen in almost absurdly sensitive on this point; and I have reason to believe. also, that in two cases at least there is no chance whatever of a Peerage being conferred. The honours list will be by no means an overwhelmingly large one. It will, however, contain representatives of all section of all sections of the community; and I am able to say that journalism will be represented in it, as well as science, art, and the higher forms of literature. I do not say that any journalist will be made a Peer, but one at least will be made a baronet.

Very slowly indeed does the popular general subscription for the Imperial Institute begin to mount up. Less than 10,000 guineas from the general public is acknowledged though the total is swollen by $1,500 derived from the apparently illegal grants of railway companies. So far as the South Eastern Railway is concerned, Sir Edward Watkin promises that if Mr Justice Kay's decision that railway companies cannot contribute to public objects be maintained, the directors will among themselves find the $1000. But even if the sum granted by the South Eastern Railway Company to be added to the 10,000 guineas which have been subscribed in the last month, the show is not a very good one. The amount would have been doubled but for the adoption of the South Kensington site. On the other hand, the people who are "bossing the Institute" are largely relying upon semi-public contributions. They have appropriated the donation from the Royal Commisson of the Colonial and indian Exhibition a sum of $25,000. But this is a windfall by no means likely to be repeated. Among the larger contributions are $1,000 from Mr Pochim, High Sheriff of Denbigh; $1,000 from Mr. Petit, High Sheriff of Bombay; $500 from Lord Bute; $200 from the Compte de Paris; and a hundred guineas from Messrs Lincoln, Bennett, and Co. The bar seems in no great hurry to subscribe. The Attorney-General and Sir Edward Clarke have given $100 apiece; but most of the Q.C.'s are content with a small contribution. and most of them make none at all. None of the leading solicitors pay very heavily. The largest contribution is from the wigless gentlemen of the law with six guineas. Dr. Tyndall has given $5. The army in Ireland has had collected from it $314. At Malta the military whip has produced $122. The Farmborough Military College has given 50 guineas, and the Woolwich Military Academy 24 guineas. Devonport Dockyard has sent nearly $100, Chatham Dockyard less than $5. The largest contribution from any ship is $40 from the Dreadnought, the smallest is 15s from the Trition. The Agincourt gives $30, and the Durham 27s 6d. One's conclusion from the third subscription is that it will be long ere the Imperial Institute will be in a fair way towards success. But the provincial municipal contributions have still to be ackowledged. They may change the aspect of affairs altogether.

Lord Carnarvon is almost as much abused by the Tories for his Times letter as was Sir Charles Lewis. Lord Carnarvon as an ex-Lord Lieutenant of Ireland obtains a hearing, and suggests that which amounts to a censure of the recent preceedings of the Government, and something to which they feel now utterly powerless to consent. His suggestion amounts to this:--That the Government should at once introduce a Bill including the names of three or four persons acceptable to all parties and willing to enquire into the articles published by the Times referring to the Irish members, and to include in the Bill provisions giving this tribunal power to call witnesses and to take evidence upon oath. Lord Carnarvon does not actually ask for a Bill, but it is impossible to carry out his plan without a Bill, but it is impossible to carry out his plan without a Bill, and that is not all. The suggestion is almost like a mockery of the Government, and so nearly resembles the appointment of a Committee that people are in doubt as to whether Lord Carnarvon would not have voted with the Opposition had he been in the House of Commons. The effect of this extraordinary proposal has been to deepen the dilemma of the Government; and so keen is their sense of the waste of last week by one of their own supporters that they have felt unable to-day to make any statement as to the urgency of making progress with the Coercion Bill.

Summer has burst upon London and the South of England with tropical suddenness. Four days ago you might have walked through the parks and scarcely have seen a green leaf except in shrubberies, though it was obvious that under the influence of the moist weather the buds on the trees had swollen to bursting. One bright warm day has, at a touch, brought about a transformation scene. To-day the trees are draped in foliage of a most brilliant green, while the fruit trees in suburban gardens are clad in blossoms of snowy white. The temperature both yesterday to-day has been very high. Parasols of flaming brightness were the great features of the parks and Kensington gardens yesterday and to-day. They were also very prominent at all outdoor gatherings.

New Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Wreaths, Crosses, Dress Sprays. Orders by post receive prompt attention. W. Strike, The Florist, Stockton; Nursuries. Dairy Knoll, Middlesbro',--ADVT.