The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 9

MANCHESTER GUARDIAN. FRIDAY. MARCH 17, 1921 9 EGYPT DECLARED A KINGDOM. GOVERNMENT AND THE BOTTOMLEY AGAIN AT THE MISSING AIRMAN. INQUEST ON LADY WHITE.

CHALLENGE TO THE I.R.A. REBELS. SULTAN PROCLAIMS SOVEREIGN LOUD AL.L.ENBY PROMISES SUPPORT. CAVALRY GUARDING CAIRO AGAINST EXTREMISTS. LUUK-UUT.

i IMMEDIATE INQUIRY REFUSED. A DEBATE ON MONDAY. SHIPYARD BONUS EMPLOYERS' "FINAL" TERMS. The joint Labour deputation to Mr. Chamberlain and Dr.

Macnamara yesterday were informed that the Government considered that the engineering dispute might possibly be prolonged, rather than shortened, if a Court of Inquiry was appointed now, as the deputation asked. When the result of the ballot of the shipbuilders, foundry-men and general workers on the employers' shop-control memorandum was disclosed, said Mr. Chamberlain, it would bo the duty of the Government, if the parties did not spontaneously come together at once, to use what influence it possessed to bring them together. If they failed to meet, he added, or in meeting failed to come to an arrangement, it-would then be the Government's duty very seriously to consider whether they should not establish a Court of Inquiry. The deputation also asked for an opppor-tunity for the discussion of the lock-out in the House of Commons, and this Mr.

Henderson pressed, but a definite answer was not immediately given. In the House of Commons, however, Mr. Chamberlain said he had received a communication from Mr. Clynes, and he therefore proposed to move the adjournment of the House on Monday. He was afraid the consequences might be more harmful than helpful, but the House would be placed in a false position if he refused the facilities for discussion asked for.

The shipyard 'negotiating committee submitted last night to tho delegate confer-ference what are understood to be the employers' final proposals for the division of the bonus withdrawal into instalments 10s. 6d. on March 29 and 6s. at the end of April, the balance of the 26s. 6d.

to remain at the moment in abeyance. The employers were willing, it is stated, to suspend notices pending the taking of a ballot. Tho negotiations aro to continue to-day. 4 EFFORTS FOR PEACE IN THE SHIPYARDS. Still critical, but somewhat easier, was the position yesterday in the dispute on the removal of the war bonus of 26s.

6d. per week in the shipyards. As a result of the inter vention of the Minister of Labour late on Wednesday night, following a breakdown in the negotiations, tho parties wero brought together aain. The delegate conference of the shipyard unions, which met yesterday morning, adjourned shortly after one o'clock until 2 Mr. John Hill and Mr.

Frank Smith were in consultation wun ur. Jiaenamara lor some time. On leaving, Mr. Hill said No definite meeting has been fixed up yet, but we may see the employers later this afternoon." The delegate conference of the unions had a short afternoon sitting. When it rcasspmhU last night at the Ministry of Labour, after a four hours' interval during which the negotiating committee had been endeavouring to ob tain certain- lusuiances, a proposal made by Dr.

Macnamara was submitted through the negotiating committee. It is understood tnat, the employers' final proposals, on which it was suggested to the con-ference that a ballot should be taken, were that the reduction of 16s. 6d. per week should be made in two instalments 10s. 6d.

on March 29 and 6s. at the end of April. The question the withdrawal of the balance of 10s. of the 26s. 6d.

total bonus is not an immediate issue. The employers, it is understood, were willing to agree that any notices already given in resoect of the first reduction should Vin ex pended while a ballot is being taken. After two hours' further discussion tho gates adjourned until half-past ten this morn- iu, uu cuLicuisiuiis muring oeen readied. Mr. John Hill denied emphatically that any decision had yet been taken with regard to a ballot.

It is stated that the men's representatives will probably have a further consultation this morning with Dr. Macnamara. Reports of yesterday's references to tho lock-out in Parliament, Sir. Chamberlain's reply to the labour deputation, and other news of the dispute appear on the sext page. THE FALL IN WHOLESALE a is is to or of a.

he do ROW STREET REVEALING QUESTIONS. POSSIBLE LINE OF DEFENCE INDICATED. (From our London Staff.) Fleet Street, Thursday. Mr. Bottomloy's powers as a draw," even in misfortune, were illustrated at Bow Street to-day.

A large and mixed crowd it included Mr. Bigland, some clergymen, some well-dressed women, Indian and negro law students, as well as the man in the street waited patiently in the cold for the chance of standing all day behind the barrier in the dismal little court where Mr. Bottomley appeared for the second time to answer various charges of converting money subscribed to the Victory Bond Club to his own uses. Th is patience was poorlv rewarded. The crowd has come to expect something dramatic whenever Mr.

Bottomley is struggling in the meshes of the law. Perhaps he is reserving himself for the later stages of what must be an enormously lengthy business. At any rate, he was very quiet all to-day, and sat at the solicitors table with a resigned, even subdued, expression on his countenance. The proceedings were in truth extremely dull, and the evidence, every bit of which will no doubt fit into the plan when the jigsaw puzzle is complete, was almost incomprehensible without the kev provided bv Mr. Trn vers Humphreys in his opening speech last week.

The mild conversational tone adopnted by magistrate, counsel, and witnesses made the' evidence very difficult to hear. "It is as bad as hearing the caso in. camera," complained one spectator. The case is also very slow because the clerk, who a marvel of efficiency, has to write all the evidence down in longhand, then read it out aloud. Mr.

Graham Campbell is mow the magistrate hearing the case in place of Mr. Chester Jones who is ill, and he, too, takes elaborate notes. Tho slow piling-un of documents went on steadily all day. and before the case has got very far the accumulation will bo mountainous. People, indeed, are beginning to wonder when it will ever end.

Already something like a dozen separate sums of money, which are alleged to have been transferred from tho Trust Funds to other purposes, are in and it is known that there will be fresh charges very soon. Case Simple in Essence. Developments are expected at the Tesumed hearing next Wednesday. The whole thing wonderfully complex in detail, but perfectly simple in essence. Mr.

Travers Humphreys, the Treasury counsel entrusted with the prosecution, pushes his way through the maze with the greatest patience and lucidity, slowly building up the foundations on which tho case will finally rest. To-day his task was produce sufficient evidence to justify his opening statement before breaking fresh ground. The long list of the witnesses to-day was composed either of bank officials who have had to deal with Mr. Bottomley's complicated accounts or people who in one way another ha.vo been connected with Bottomloy's companies and enterprises, which, it is asserted by the prosecution, have received sums from Irim whose real source was tho money subscribed to the Victory Bond Club. Much of the evidence was technical and formal, and Mr.

Bottomley did not trouble to make much use of his powers as a cross- examiner. He showed, however, once or twice, that he is as much alive as any lawyer to tho niceties of the law of evidence. For instance, the defendant held up the case for some time while ho argued that the prosecution must prove that his signature on a cheque was actually vritten by him. But Ins most significant intervention was one that seemed to give the first indication what tho line of defence will be. Evi-denco was given that in May, 1920, Mr.

Bottomley handed over to tho Official Ito-cciver as liquidator of a company called the Joint Stock Trust and Finajice Corporation banker's draft for 5,000. Mr. Bottomley asked the official who proved this whether personally knew where the money camo from to provide the The reply was Xo." Mr. Bottomley then asked the witness whether he had heard it suggested that tho to provide the draft was unlawfully taken out by me from the Victory Bond Club." The witness replied that he had seen it in the newspapers. do uot know," asked Mr.

Bottomley, "whether any money was paid into the Club account by me to meet it, do you?" The Witness I not." Mr. Bottomley: "You don't. We'll see later on." This was the most significant thing said during the day. The hearing is reported on page 6. AND RETAIL PRICES.

slight interruption in the summer of 1921 there has been a subsequent continuous decline since, and the figure now recorded is lower than that for any date since December, 1917. Under the sliding scale from April 1 railwaymen will lose a further 2s. per week in wages. The following diagram illustrates the com parative percentage increases in wholesale and retail prices upon those of 1914, from March, 1920. The various points are based upon figures supplied by the "Labour Gazette" and those published periodically in "The .1921.

4922 Mar, for- May Jun.Jufr Aug.Stp.Otlr.Wo.Dec.J3''-reli.My. MILITARY ABANDON THE SEARCH. POSTED AS CASUALTY BY AIK MINISTRY. (From our Special Correspondent.) LXANGOLLEK, THCESDAT. Ten days ago Flight Lieutenant B.

Holding left the Shotwick Aerodrome, Queensferry, in an Avro aeroplane to make a trial flight over the Denbighshire hills. According to one repurt a number of machines were taken out together, and Lieutenant Holding's made one of tho flight formation. During tne return journey Lieutenant Holding's machine was missed from the formation, and from that moment until the time of writing nothing more has been seen or heard of him. It is diflicnlt to obtain precise information about him. It is known that he was a competent pilot, with a very creditable record in France, but that is all that can be told, for the military authorities at 'the Shotwick Aerodrome refuse to answer anv inquiries.

had a telephone conversation with the adjutant at Queensferry this morning. He was very courteous but verv firm. King's regulations, he pleaded, forbade him to speak, and he was sure that I would not liko him to incur the risk of a court-martial. Admittedly it would be a hard thing to tempt a responsible officer to break the rigid code which prescribes his conduct, but I ventured to ask whether he would 6ay if Lieutenant Holding was still missing or" if his fate was still unknown. Xo, cannot even say that," was the replv.

"I must not commit myself to anv statement at all." Failing with tho military authorities, I mad inquiries at the headquarters of the Denbighshire County Police in Wrexham, and was there told that Lieutenant Holding was still missing, and that no nows of any kind had been received about him. Since going up into tho blue he has vanished completely. Lop-Sided Flight. The only hint as to his probable fate is contained in the fact that about eleven o'clock on the morning that he left the Shotwick Aerodrome an aeroplane was seen by several people flying over Llangollen apparently in some difficulty. One townsman whom I have questioned says he noticed the machine flying over Castell Dinas Bran, a sharp peak just over a thousand feet hisrh.

which is sur- 3 mounted by the ruins of a castle. Another observer says he saw the machine over Moelyfaen Mountain, some distance further northward, and that it then appeared to be flying in a "lop-6ided" manner. If the testimony of these people be reliable, then it is quite likelv that Holdins- has crashed some where among the hill-tops and there met fcis nearn. This is the theory upon which both the military and the police have acted so far. Until the end of last week aeroplanes were Observed daily flying over the hills and a number of man from the aerodrome were staying in Llangollen until Sunday last and making daily searches among the mountains.

Since Sunday however, the military autho rities appear to have abandoned the search in this part of tho country. The police have scoured soma of the thick woods which clothe the hill-sioes, qrarrymen who have to traverse lonely hill-paths to their work have been keeping a special look out for signs of anv- tnmg unusual, and the occupants of the more remote sheep farms have also been searching XI- .1.1. .1 i.ne wnas among wnicn tney live, out there appears to have been very little planned and systematic eeareiung. Difficult Country. If the theory that Lieutenant Holding has fallen among the hills be sound, to find him and his machine might well be the task of many days.

From Queensferry the town of Llangollen lies almost due south, and a great barrier of hills from 1,000 to about 1,900 feet high is massed in the way. This barrier attains its greatest height towards the south, that is to sav near Llangollen. Here it takes tho form of a rolling plateau several miles in extent which is called Ituabon Mountain on the west and south, Eglwyseg Mountain to the east, and Esclusham Mountain on the north. Its highest point is named Cvrn-v- Brain. On the east from Castell Dinas Bran, where the aeroplane was first observed ten days ago, it frowns down on to the valley beneath as a steep limestone escarnmont which reaches about 1,200 feet above Bea-level and measures four miles from end to end.

Ihis escarpment is known as the EerlwvsBEr Rocks and it ends in a recess sienificamtlv called the World's End. Eastward from, the crest of these rocks stretches a dreary soli- Tiuae given up to sneep and grouse. It is country over which even natives who know it well travel with caution. Mamy days' searching might fail to find a traveller lost hero, and it is in this desolate region that the people of Llangollen believe tne mystery or lieutenant Holding will be solved. To the north there is a large reservoir of which they speak ominously.

A roadway from Llangollen to Ruthin pierces these solitudes, crossing the depression between Cyrn-y-Brain and Moel-y-Faen by what is known locally as the Horse Shoe Pass. The aeroplane whicn came over Llangollen ten days ago is said to have been observed over Moel-y-Faen. If by any chance it should have fallen there it is in a region equally as difficult to search as the plateau of Ruabon Mountain. It is difficult to believe that these barren wilds have been thoroughly searched. Such a task would be a bigger undertaking than the ranging of Kinder Scout, and alanchester people have reason to know how difficult it is to recover a perished traveller from the grip of the Derbyshire wilds even when the most elaborate arrangements have been made for a search by expert mountain walkers.

POSTED AS MISSING. London, Thtjesdat. A "Manchester Guardian representative was informed at the Air Ministry to-day that no inronnation whatever has been received to throw any light on the fate of the missing Flight Lieutenant Holding. An extensive search by air was carried out by a squadron from the Shotwick' Aerodrome from which tho airman set out, but without any result' and there "was also a ground several aays ago when the Ministry received the report that the search had led to no result an official notification the next-of-kin, as is usual in such cases that jivi wuoru uviuuig was missing. MB.

BOTTOMLEY SUMMONED FOR UNPAID BATES. Mr. Bottomley was summoned at the Marl. borough Street Polios Court yesterday by- the Westminster City 'Council in' respect of the non-payment of rates amounting to 230. 8s.

Mr. Mead, the Stipendiary if made an order for payment with 2s.1 costs; remarking, I must issue a warxant when the time comes." i ae summons was in respect pt premuses in POLICE THEORY OF THE CRIME. THIEF AND OTWATCEffiD AEEAD00R. SINISTER PARCEL PRODUCED. The inquest on Lady "White, who was murdered in her bedroom at the Spencer Hotel on Monday night, was opened yesterday by the Marylebone Coroner.

Little that was new was revealed. Evidence of identification was given, tho doctor described the results or his examination, and tho circumstances of th discovery of the crime were related. During the hearing the Coroner produced from under his tablo what was presumably a long metal weapon wrapped in newspaper. A brief consultation with tho police took place. The parcel was hidden out of sight again without wrapper having been removed, and with the questions, which the Coroner was about to put to the doctor in the witness-box, unasked.

The inquest was adjounwsd. The crime remains as great a mystery as atth moment it was discovered, the efforts of Scotland Yard having so far failed to reveal anything that will lead to the discovery of the murderer. The police theory is that the criminal bslongs to a class of hotel thieves who have been giving considerable trouble lately in London. It is thought probable that he entered the hotel by one of the area doors which is left open until laie in tne evening. Tins door was on tne laicn and could not.

Vip corn niirht T)ortr from his post near the main entrance, where ho was stationed on Tuesday morning from about two o'clock until five o'clock. The police are endeavouring to discover anyone who may have seen a man leavini: the hotel between two and three o'clock on Tuesday morning. If anyone passing through Portland Street about that time noticed a man leaving the hotel they are asked to get into touch with Sunerintenripnt. Tfpil and Divisional Detective Inspector Cornish, at Marylebone Lane fonce station. There is no truth in the statement that a poker bearing a finger-print has been found.

The Inquest Proceedings. The inquest was opened yesterday afternoon at the Marylebone Coroner's Court by Mr. H. R. Oswald, the coroner for West London, who sat with a jury.

Mr. Roche was present on behalf of the proprietor of the Spencer Hotel, while others present were Mr. Arthur White and Mr. Frank White (stepsons), and Mr. Thrale Gell, the executor of Lady White's estate.

The Coroner, addressing the jury, said Lady White appeared to be in perfectly good health on Monday evening when she went to. She had been having a quiet social entertainment in the hoteL and retired to bed about rieven o'clock. The last person who- saw her that night in her usual state of health was one of her friends who had played a game' of Bridge with her. Next morning the chambermaid entered the- room about eight o'clock, and on pulling up the blind, to her horror and amazement found Lady White's head and face were covered with blood. She told the manageress of the hotel, who sent for the police.

Doctors were at once informed, and three doctors attended that morning. Lady White was quite unconscious, and seemed to have terrible wounds' on the head. She never recovered consciousness, and died on Wednesday in the early morning without being able to give any clue as to what had happened. From the appearance of the wounds and the body generally." he continued, "it would appear that she had been brutally and violently assaulted by someone with some kind of instrument, and it will be proved to you by the doctors that she died in consequence of the wounds she received. "Unfortunately so far the- culprit the ruffian who did this has not been arrested, and it is not known who did it.

There has been talk of clues, but whether the polios hive any or not I cannot say. If they have, I think they had better keep them to themselves at present. It is to be hoped that the assassin will be arrested. After taking to-day's evidence I shall adjourn this Court until the police have oom- Had No Enemies. Evidence of identification was then givea'by Mr.

Arthur' of 6, Stratford Place, a dental surgeon. He said that his stepmother, Lady White, was approximately 60 years of age. She laved quietly, but had many friends. She had no enemies that he knew of. On Tuesday a message came for him to go and see her.

At that time he did not realise the position at 'all. He thought it was a case of 6yncope. At-the hotel he was quietly informed that it was 'something more serious than that. He -was surprised to find Lady White still breathing. There was a large amount of blood everywhere on the face and head and the bed, and on the wall and' the floor.

There was an enormous scalp-wound. It was obvious that Lady White was beyond aid. Dr. Dr. and the ripcirled that there was notnlmr thev could do.

Representatives of Scotland Yard were 'in. the -room at the time. The Coroner: Did you notice whether any. thing had been taken from the room belonging to Lady White? All Jewellery Intacta Mr: White: No: Her gold wristlet watohwss on the dressing-table, and was still-going. had not been interfered with in any way.

I knew a little about the -jewellery Bhe had, and went through the box and found what should think was all her jewellery intact. Thfl watch was on the dressing -table, lie jewellery was in a little case in her bos, which-was locked. The Coroner: Was there anything -upon the dressing tablet Only a pair of' lorgnettes! as far as I know. No money Not as far as I know: There was nothing missing at all. The witness, further questioned, said ha did not know anyone who would have-ill-will-'to-wards his' stepmother.

She was of gsod temper; not inclined to find fault with pooplfc The Coroner: The servants would- respect her? She was that kind of Hid sne nave mucn jeweneryi coming, oi any great value. What she had was -good, but she did not wear a great deal of jewellery at any- time. She would' wear a few rings and. a' pendant occasionally Did she tell you that she had any fear of anyone! She had rather a fear. She remarked to me that one of the ladies in the hotel had a large amount of jewellery, and she-thought that was rather dangerous.

This was quite cecentlv. T. I- 1 1 m.1 xi miui io.vo utcu us iaw -last auuxsuayv She thought it was a danger to people. Did that lady occupy room-near that" of Lady White 71 don't know. The witness explained that Lady White occupied room No.

14, with a balcony outside uic wmuuw. j.ueio were two windows, both French windows, and- twq single Does the door face tho staircase Just to "flic right of the staircase There was lift, but not near Lady White's bedroom. The corridor was carpeted. If anyone dropped tho; balcony Outside the windows would he drop into the oreaT If -he dropped over the front he would drop' on the pavwuwiw 4i uiu uio aiuc uuo xne 'area. In i- th witness said that Bba eyrieaeott to 'heS management ere most iderate towards r8hhad rer BuagaSad'-there was aaylack of care, "TSTr Lady.White'i Bridge ItV Mrs.

AdeliniB Grainger, middlsceij Udy living at the Spencer Hotel, said' she iid tauwn Lady White as a resident faT theHotelBee -November. uTI i "On conttouedth witafeaSX was one of thn AN INDEPENDENT STATE. this day to inaugurate an era which will restore Egypt's past grandeur. The message has been communicated this morning to all parts of Egypt, and also to the Soudan. The King is to hold a levee, probably on Saturday, which day is likely to be a public holiday.

Decoration of the Government offices is proceeding. Sal voes of 101 guns at Cairo, Alexandria, and Port Said and of 21 guns at the capitals of the provinces will signify the declaration of independence. Meanwhile the news has been received with quiet satisfaction by the moderate sections of the people, but "the extremists, who are organised, are demonstrating. Exchange. PROZAQHLUL DEMONSTRATIONS.

Cairo, Thtjrsdat. Strikcs have been declared in most of the schools here, and bands of pro-Zaghlul students are parading the streets. The demonstrations, however, have not assumed any importance, there having been merely some lamp-smashing in certain streets by small boys. Reuter. An Exchange telegram says that Egyptian cavalry were sent to control the streets.

Street lamps were smashed and trees uprooted. A CENTURY'S STRUGGLE- THE EGYPTIAN ASPECT. (From an Egyptian Correspondent.) Egypt is to-day an independent sovereign State. The movement which has thus culminated dates back to the early years of last century, when in 1807 Mehemet Ali Pasha was proclaimed by the TJlema of Al-Azhar, the religious political leaders of tho people, as Pasha of-Egypt in the teeth of the Sultan of Turkey, who merely confirmed the fact after the event. In 1832 and again in 1838 Mehemet Ali once more had occasion to challenge the authority of the Sultan, and with a large Egyptian array at his back his son Ibrahim overran Asiatic Turkey right up to the gates of Constantinople, the conquest of which was only stopped by the intervention of the Powers.

The result of these repeated victories of the Egyptians was the grant by the treaty of 1840 of autonomy to Egypt under the hereditary rulership of Mehemet Ali and his descendants. It was thus as early as 1840 that Egypt assumed a virtually independent existence, and launched upon a career of its own which has now, after many vicissitudes of fortune, resulted in that formal pro clamation of independence- which was the unrealised dream of the great Mehemet Ali (great-grandfather of Fuad, the newly proclaimed King) and of many Egyptian patriots since. While the reign of Ismail, father of the present King of Egypt, was responsible for much misery for the Egyptian people, it was also productive of a reaction against bureaucratic misrule, culminating in the popular Arabist revolt of 1881, which was described by Lord Cromer as "a genuine revolt against misgovernment," in its origin unquestionably an Egyptian movement against Turkish arbitrary rule (Egypt Xo. 1, 1905, p. 2).

In this national movement was am obscure youth, Saad Zaghlul Pasha, who underwent imprisonment for a while at Kasr-el-Nil Barracks, which he was again destined to visit as a British captive in March, 1919, before his deportation to Malta, which' formed the first act in his dramatic career as champion of Egyptian independence. By the irony of fato, however, while the independence of Egypt is being proclaimed in Cairo, Zaghlul, thanks to whose sustained efforts that independence has been achieved, is a lonely exile in a desolate island of the Indian Ocean, a fact which has marred the effoct which that announcement was calculated to have on the Egyptian people. SUPER-DEFENCE MINISTRY SCHEME. CHANGE UNDESIRABLE. Mr.

Chamberlain, speaking on the Navy Estimates in the House of Commons last night, announced that the Geddes Committee's proposal for a Ministry of Defence as a remedy for the present overlapping and duplication in the Xavy, Army, and Air Services was one which required a gTAat deal more consideration than the Government had yet been able to give to it. Long preparation would be needed to train the necessary staff, and it was doubtful whether such a change would at present facilitate tho task of securing economies. The Government belioved that to abolish the Air Ministry now would be a fatally retrograde step. Mr. Amery claimed that the maximum naval cuts possible were represented in the new estimates.

We were now down to the cne-Power, and could not go further. That standard of equality was necessary in the interests of the peace of the world. The debate is reported on page 12. LUNACY REFORM. HEALTH MINISTER PROMISES A BILL.

Sir Alfred Mond, Minister of Health, yesterday received a deputation from the National Council for Lunacy Reform, headed by lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck. which strongly urged the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into every detail of the present lunacy administration and to propose alterations id treatment and such legislative amendments as weie needed to bring about a right method of dealing with mental cases. The Council also expressed its strong opposition to legislation -which might be introduced by the Government to extend the area of authority of the Board of Control. The Minister of Health admitted the urgent need for reform and that the present system treated lunacy as a crime rather than a disease to be cured.

He stated that he was about to introduce a bill which will meet some of the points advanced by the Council. IRISH GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL ITS ARMY- I.R.A. CONVENTION PROHIBITED (From our Special Correspondent.) Dublin, Thursday. The Dail Eireann Publicity Department announces to-night that the following instruction has been issued by President Griffith to the Minister of Defence It is quite evident to the unanimous Dail Cabinet that at an army convention contemplated for March 26 it was proposed to endea- vour to remove the army from under tne control yi ie urovernment elected by tne people, wmcn "an i.ireann. Such a purpose is luegai, and you are hereby instructed that the holding of this convention is forbidden.

(Signed) Mr. Griffith's manifesto -is clearly a challenge to the secessionists. The convention was to have called together over a thousand delegates on March 26, and they would, without much doubt, have been faced with a resolution to the effect that the army could have no proper part in the administration of the Provisional Government. Probably it would not have been couched in terms so crude, but the intention at least would have been separatist. In sentiment it might even have gone farther.

The Limerick affair was the first, bid of the separatists. Its conclusion, though a victory for law and order, was a compromise so far as the two great factions were concerned. The withdrawal of the two forces left Republicans and Free Staters still uncommitted and veiled from public gaze. They were hidden, that is to say, under the (necessity of occupying barracks" and the necessity of recognising that local patriotism existed. The public could mot exactly divine the faces which the rivals showed to each other.

The breach between Republican members of the army and the Free State was, of course, apparent, but would have been cured one way or another at the convention. Mr. Arthur Griffith's announcement challenges that decision by anticipation. Thus begins more intensely the vivid struggle with Mr. De Valora than any election campaign could provide, and with Mr.

Griffith in both matters stands, one can presume, Mr. Collins. DE VALERA THREATENS CIVIL WAR. Speaking at Dungarvan yesterday, Mr. De Valera said it was only by civil war that they would get independence if they accepted the treaty.

It was untrue to say that the army wanted the treaty. The Republican army was the army of the Republic and nothing else, and no man or group of men had any right to deliver the Irish army into anybody's hands. He voted against the treaty because it would not give them peace. The independence they would get through the treaty would be through the blood of their fellow-countrymen and over the dead bodies of brother Irishmen. 1 IRISH POLICE ATTACKED IN HOSPITAL.

THREE PATIENTS MURDERED: ONE SEVERELY WOUNDED. (From our Correspondent.) Galway, Thursday. In Galway early last night lour disguised men entered St. Bride's Home and shot dead Sergeant Gibbons, of the Fair Green, Westport, and Sergeant Gilmartin, of Camp Street, Oughterard, and dangerously wounded Constable McGloin, Clonaghbawn. county Sligo, who now lies in a serious condition.

Shortly before, three masked men entered the workhouse hospital and shot dead Patrick Cassidy, a farmer, of Crossard, Ballyhaunis, county Mayo, who had been employed as an official on the Congested District Board. Cassidy was 45 years of age and had been a patient in the workhouse for wounds received when he was attacked at, his home some time ago. The three members of the R.I.G. were patients in St. Bride's Home.

Irish Republican police rushed to the home and found one ward riddled with bullets. Constable McGloin, who had received bullet-wounds through the wrist and the arm below the elbow, one through the thigh, and one through the eye, was conscious and made a statement to the Republican police. It appears that whilst the staff and nurses were at supper four masked men entered the hospital, went to the room where the two sergeants lay, shot them dead and then crossed to where Constable McGloin was. The staff, seated at supper, heard a noise as of crashing glass, rushed upon the landing, and four men immediately dashed past them and disappeared. Republican police pickets were placed all over the town, but so far no arrests have been made.

In tho case of Cassidy, three masked men entered the ward where he lay with other patients. They first asked hie ume and then fired two bullets into his throat. He struggled and fell at the end of the bed in a pool of blood. MORE ULSTER SPECIALS. (From our Special Correspondent.) Belfast, Thursday.

During the sitting of the Northern Parliament this afternoon Sir Dawson Bates spoke briefly on the formation of the special constabulary. He asked for a supplementary estimate of about 6,000. It had been decided, he said, in view of the largo number of applicants for admission to the special constabulary, to form reserve units to be known as the class. About half the sum voted is to go in clothing. This third class of constabulary has been in existence a short time.

Sir Dawson Bates read a telegram from Londonderry stating that seven armed men with, a Cros'sley tenner had been seized by the police, together with three rifles, two revolvers, and ammunition. THREE BOMB OUTRAGES IN BELFAST. (From our Correspondent.) Belfast, Thubsdaf. Piftae-n -nelsons were ini-nred t. Kru rages perpetrated this afternoon in the New-townards Road district of East Belfast, and but for the plucK ot a soioier tne casualty list would undoubtedly have been much larger.

The first bomb was thrown from a Unionist district into the playground of the St. Matthew's Catho'ic School in Seaforde Street. A soldier who was cooking on a field kitchen in the yard picked up the bomb, and threw it into a bucket of water, rendering it harmless. Ten minutes afterwards a second bomb was thrown from the same place into Seaforde CM rViit 4q SL exploded. Twelve people eaght men, one 'woman, and three children were wounded by the splinters.

A similar period elapsed before the third bomb was hurled from Vulcan Street I a Nationalist locality, into Newtownards Roai and three people were wounded by the splinters, while a horse was also injured and had to be destroyed I I A report of the defeats on the Irish Bill in the House ol Lords will he found on I page U. (From our London Correspondent.) London, Thursday Night. Egypt has had the legal status of an dependent sovereign State since ten o'clock last might, "when the Sultan made a proclamation to that effect. At tho same time the British Government M-nt out instructions to British representatives abroad authorising them formally to advise tho Powers that Egypt has ceased to be a British Protectorate. It is to be explained to tho Powers that the Protectorate was declared for the special purposes of the war, and that its raison d'etre is now at an 'nd that Egypt is to huvo her own Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Egyptian subjects abroad are not to be protected by Great Britain, except in so Far as the Egyptian Government so desires.

At the same time it is to be pointed out that tho safeguarding of British interests in Egypt is reserved for subsequent agreement between tho British and Egyptian Governments, that pending such agreement the status quo remains, and that tho relations between Egypt and other foreign Powers are in no way affected. In other words, there is proclaimed a Monroe Doctrine, to bo applied jointly by T.gypt and Great Britain, and under which foreign Powers arc excluded from interference in Egypt. "YOUR MAJESTY." Cairo, Thursday. A Sultanian rescript was issued at ten o'clock last night formally announcing that Ugvpt bus become an independent sovereign and that the Sultan will assume the title--of King of Egypt. Tho rescript concludes by offering thanks to God.

Lord' Alleiiby, accompanied by the Residency staff, called at the Abdin Palace this morning and congratulated King Fuad on the new era which Esrvpt entered to-day. Lord addressed King Fuad as "Your Majesty," and assured him of his support. lleuter. A Renter telegram dated "Wednesday stated Preparations are afoot for celebrating th occasion. It is understood that the programme includes the firing of 101 salvoes.

Flags will bo Tim up on the Government buildings and be flown for four dayt, and tho buildings themselves will be illuminated and a general holiday proclaimed. Tho celebrations will probably also include a solemn visit by the and his Minisir 10 the Mosque on tho heights, of the citadel for thauks-riving and prayers. A great review of Egyptian troops has been arranged, and a bis reception wij be held by the Sultan at the Abdin Palace. SULTANS ANNOUNCEMENT. Cairo, Thursday.

Nows of tho Imperial Government's proclamation of Egypt's independence was received at Cairo late yesterday evening, and was immediately communicated to the Sultan, who despatched a letter to the Premier, saying To our Xoble Nation God has. graciously permitted the independence of Egypt to he attained at our hands. Wo are grateful, and hereby announce to the whole world that from this day Egypt enjoys independence and sovereignty. We have taken for ourselves the title of his Majesty tho Kinr of Egypt, in order to ensure the coumry'6 dignity and international status. ask God and the nation to bear witness (hat we endeavour to work for the welfare aud happiness of bur beioved country.

We hope STILL NO INDIA OFFICE APPOINTMENT. LORD DERBY'S REFUSAL. -Mr. Montagu's successor at the India Office has not yet been appointed or even definitely btlected. It may be accepted (says the Press Association) that Lord Derby will certainly not be the new Secretary for India.

There is no official information that he has refused or even that tho post has been offered to him. It would probably more accuiat to say that certain possible occupants of the post have been lpproached as to their views, and that Lord Derby was among the number. Had he looked with approval on the prospect the definite offer would certainly have been made to him. There is little chance that an appointment Rill be made earlier than the end of the current week, and still Jess that the vacant Under-teecTctarysbip will be tilled in the meantime. The Premier Keeps in Touch.

The Prime Minister's home at Criccieth and his official residence in Downing Street are telephonically connected, and he is following developments closely, and communication is frequent. It was learned in London yesterday afternoon that Mr. Lloyd George had spent yesterday resting. He has by no means shaken off the fatigue that sent him away on holiday, although his general health is very much better. MESOPOTAMIA OIL.

ANOTHER AMERICAN NOTE TO BRITAIN. Washington, Thursday. It is learned that Mr. Hughes recently sent a tv Britain regarding the 3Iesopotamian nil nuestioii. Pending a reply a reply the contents have not been divulged.

Exchange. CAUGUT SLASHING COAT. A LADY'S ANOTHER ARREST IN PARIS. Pa'ris. Thubsdat.

The polii-o to-day arrested another man, aged 42, who was caught on the Underground slashing a lady's coat with a penknife. Reuter. A TWO YEARS' REVIEW- The Labour Gazette states that on March 1 the average level of retail prices of all the commodities taken into account in the statistics prepared by the Ministry of Labour (including food, rent, clothing, fuel, light, and miscellaneous items) was about St per cent above- that of July, 1914. The corresponding figure for February I was 88 per cent, and that for March 1921, was 141 per cent. The highest point reached by the figure was 176 per cent above the prewar level in November, 1920.

Apart from a .1920. War. Apr. Mfl Jun. Juty Aug.

Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. 22J3 210 E00 190 180 170 160 150 J40 130 zo no 100 r- I 1 I I i i (all items) Wholesale 1 I 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1: i 1 1 1 90 so 70 60 50 i jubk street.

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