Time jump from the end of "The Puzzle of the Moss-covered Stone" to the beginning of "The Atlantean Debacle" Version 1.0 (April-July) [0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1.0]
April, 1871
Monday, 3 April: Wee small hours of the morning, guests at Dearden House experience a shared dream of a church fete. Wooster awakes most folks at Edenfield Court talking loudly in his sleep. Later in the day, Insp. MacGreggor and Mr Frazer interview Shorrock sisters about their mother's maid (Daisy Cooper). Mr Frazer goes into the city to retrieve Algie Timson. Mrs Frazer and Mrs Salmalin go shopping. Also check in with records office of Manchester Constabulary to get further details on the death of Sean Malloy. Meanwhile, editor of Bury Times attempts to interview MacGreggor. Later he interviews O'Flaherty. Meanwhile, MacGreggor interviews several residents of the town in various matters. Insp MacGreggor visits office of the Bury Times. Also, Lady Cowperthwaite receives letter from Lord Greyminster accepting invitation to visit for Easter.
Late that night/wee hours of Tuesday morning: George awakens the Frazers to warn them that Mr Frederick Shorrock's manservant, Sullivan, is skulking about, trying to pick the lock on the conservatory. A brief confrontation ends in "Sullivan's" arrest.
Tuesday, 4 April: Lady Cowperthwaite receives a momentous note from Lady Ffolkes. The Bury Times publishes a story about the alleged recovery of the Hari Diamond. There is also an editorial railing against the cost of the monarchy, feeling that the Queen, who receives in excess of £300,000 per year "to defray the expenses of her royal household and to support the honour and dignity of the Crown," is not holding up her end of the bargain. As she has been in official morning for nearly a decade, and thus not performing many of the public and state functions, it was believed that considerably less than that was actually being spent for the purposes stated. Algie Timson positively identifies "Sullivan" as Sean Malloy. Insp MacGreggor and Mr Frazer interview more people and work on their reports. Malloy cooling his heels in Edenfield's tiny jail. Initial arrest reports wired to London. After reading the Bury Times Mr O'Flaherty helps Edward with a lot of heavy lifting and pounding of metal out in the shop.
Wednesday, 5 April: Mrs Frazer presents Mr Frazer with his birthday present. Mr Nathan Shorrock finally awake enough to converse. Moved to bedroom. Vicar visits. News is spread that Mr Shorrock has returned from Africa earlier than expected, and is ill. Insp MacGreggor speaks with editor of Bury Guardian. The League attends the speaking engagement of Lord Shaftsbury and Lord Greyminster at a Christian Worker's Hall in Manchester.
Thursday, 6 April: The Half-penny Marvel Library publishes the short story "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Lily of the Valley," in which Atlas and his companions, Little Billy Callahan and Dr. Jeffers the Wizard of Ballistics, take a detour on their journey back to London to visit a distant relative in the Netherlands. While there, a sudden storm causes a flood, and Atlas and his companions must race against time to save the inhabitants of a small village. At the end of the story, there is an advertisement for the a new Atlas O'Flaherty adventure coming soon, "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Air Pirates." MacGreggor and George take Sean Malloy into London. Malloy makes one attempt on train to escape. Mrs Salmalin goes out to workshop to thank Edward for creative method of getting material component for the history spell. Decides to help with the repairs (after a quick change of costume).
Friday, 7 April: The Bury Guardian publishes a story about the recovery of the Hari diamond that doesn't misquote Insp MacGreggor and doesn't imply that Mr O'Flaherty was somehow involved. There is also an editorial offered in rebuttal to that of the Bury Times in which readers are reminded of certain earlier generations of the royal family who spend far in excess of their personal fortunes and the civil annuity, leaving Parliament to pay off those debts upon their death. "Should we not reward thrift, rather than punish it? Would they rather that we encourage royal extravagance and excess?" Meanwhile, Lady Cowperthwaite's copy of The Half-Penny Marvel Library arrives with the new Atlas O'Flaherty adventure. Lady Cowperthwaite shows the magazine to Mr O'Flaherty (after reading it herself, of course). Mrs Salmalin presents Mr Salmalin with his birthday present.
Saturday, 8 April: Insp MacGreggor and George return from London. Lord Greyminster arrives at Edenfield Court.
Sunday, 9 April: the League celebrates Easter.
Monday, 10 April: Lord Greyminster returns to London. Some of the guests may head back into London at this time.
Tuesday, 11 April: Opening of Parliament. For the first time since the death of the Prince Consort, Queen Victoria opens parliament herself, rather than sending the Prince of Wales in her stead. She asks the Lord Chancellor to read the throne speech. Meanwhile, in Edenfield, supplies which Edward asked Sir Cosmo to order for the workshop arrive. Later in the evening, Sir Cosmo and Mr Ichabod Balderstoke spend the latter half of the evening in Cosmo's study, going over business matters. The Bury Times publishes a story of the arrest of Sean Malloy and the recovery of the Hari Diamond, with particular focus on the feud between Mr Nathan Shorrock and his younger brother, and the unusual relationship between Mr Horace Shorrock and Sean Malloy. In Blackwood's Magazine is published chapter one of "The Battle of Dorking" an anonymous serial about an invasion of England.
Wednesday, 12 April: Mrs. Salmalin receives a letter from James, safely returned to England. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite, after much pleading from Edward about how much work remains to be done in the workshop, decide to postpone the return to the London townhouse for "at least a week" from the originally planned return on Monday the 16th. In the afternoon, Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite go to Chatterton Park, the home of Mr Elijah Balderstoke. There, Lady Cowperthwaite, Mrs Balderstoke, and Mrs Applethwaite (the sister of Elijah and Ichabod Balderstoke) pass a pleasant afternoon while the husbands and Mr Ichabod Balderstoke conduct the quarterly board of directors meeting for the B & C Great Locomotive Company in Mr Elijah Balderstoke's study.
Thursday, 13 April: Mr Sean Malloy's trial for four counts of Burglary (three on Kennington Road, one at Edenfield, Lancashire) begins. In Edenfield, Sir Cosmo spends the day out in the workshop, assisting with the repairs. Lady Cowperthwaite joins them in the afternoon. The Weekly Companion publishes chapter 1 of "Kid Rocket in New York" in which the American Outlaw and his faithful companion, Little Running Deer, arrive in New York City where they save a young married couple from hooligans. They discover that the young woman is the daughter of an inventor who has mysteriously vanished.
Friday, 14 April: Mr Chadwick takes the morning train from London to Edenfield, bringing some of Sir Cosmo's correspondence and other papers. Lady Cowperthwaite receives a note from her Father, announcing the birth of her brother, who they intend to name Stanley, in honour of his grandfather.
Saturday, 15 April: Lady Cowperthwaite receives a note from Sir George Ponsonby, Personal Secretary to Her Majesty the Queen, confirming her appointment at St. James Palace on Wednesday, 14 June. Meanwhile, in London, the jury returns a verdict of "guilty" against Mr Sean Malloy in four counts of burglary. In other news, "Creatures of Impulse" a drama by William S. Gilbert, opens at the Royal Court Theatre.
Sunday, 16 April: Mr Chadwick returns to London on an evening train, accompanied by Stuart (one of the footmen). The Times publishes a long story by Laurence Oliphant about the Hari Diamond, its loss, its recovery, et cetera. The Globe, meanwhile, publishes a story about fantastic reports from America of strange happenings on the Western Frontier. Entire territories lost contact with the outside world for months, it is claimed, and all was set right only after The Great Leslie (Junior) and a group of his associates (including Kid Rocket) participated in a strange battle atop a volcano. The Daily Gazette publishes a group of related stories, including reports from the Dominion of Canada about crazed, half-starved people found wandering in the woods north of the Territory of Washington in the United States. These people claim that monsters were seen roaming the countryside, destroying homes or entire towns. While the stories are treated as wild tales, it is noted that authorities in Canada admitted that for many months attempts to communicate with communities in the southwest of British Columbia and the Northwest of the United States failed.
Monday, 17 April: Lady Cowperthwaite receives a note from Lady Ffolkes, mentioning the date of the presentation, and making suggestions as to when to meet with her dressmaker. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite discuss when the return to London.
Tuesday, 18 April: Lady Cowperthwaite receives a letter from Miss Pinker, extremely pleased about the presentation at court. Meanwhile, the Illustrated London Weekly publishes chapter 1 of "The Hand of Justice - A new Inspector St. Wode Mystery!" in which Insp. St. Wode investigates the mysterious death of a crusading journalist who died in a mysterious fire. At the end of the chapter, St. Wode has discovered evidence which leads him to believe that the culprit is none other than the infamous Rocket Bandit.
Wednesday, 19 April: Sir Cosmo receives a letter from Mr Willoughby, Sir Anthony's secretary. Lady Cowperthwaite receives a letter from Lord Greyminster, asking permission to arrange a "reception in your honour sometime after the 14th of June." Various London papers report an attack on the carriage of Archduke Leopold Karl and his new bride, Princess Caroline Elisabeth of Oldenburg, while traveling in Budapest. A gunman is reported to have run into the street and fired a pistol into the carriage. One coachman and one guard were injured. The gunman was captured at the scene.
Thursday, 20 April: Lady Cowperthwaite receives a congratulatory letter from her neighbor, Mrs George Beeswax (Mr Beeswax represents the district that includes Edenfield in the House of Commons) about the presentation, and reminding her to call on them at their London townhouse when the Cowperthwaite household returns to the city. The Half-Penny arvel Library publishes chapter one of the new adventure, "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Air Pirates" in which Lt. Howarth of the Royal Navy goes missing under mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, Little Billy Callahan and Dr. Jeffers the Wizard of Ballistics, run into trouble when someone sabotages Dr. Jeffers' latest experiment. In the Weekly Companion, in chapter two of "Kid Rocket in New York" Kid Rocket and Little Running Deer investigate the disappearance of the inventor. During the course of the investigation they run into Kid Rocket's old pal, Mort Hammer, who is an expert at explosives, and barely manage to save him from abductors.
Friday, 21 April: Mr O'Flaherty is asked to address an upcoming meeting of the Norwood Sporting Society on the importance of exercise to good health. Insp. MacGreggor returns to Edenfield, to tie-up some loose ends.
Saturday, 22, April: Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, and the rest of the household, leave Edenfield Court for London.
Sunday, 23 April: The Daily Gazette publishes more stories quoting people in America who claim that the state of Oregon and the Washington Territory lost all contact with the outside world for months. Telegraph lines were cut. Stagecoaches and trains vanished without a trace. The Times publishes a slightly less sensational tale of a group of settlers in the Washington Territory who were cut off from the outside world after a river changed course, who were rescued by a team led by Leslie Gallant, Jr. In a special side bar by Laurance Oliphant, the colourful careers of the stage magician, daredevil, and adventurer, The Great Leslie (Mr Leslie Gallant), and his son, Leslie Gallant, Jr., are recounted with some detail. In London, Lady Cowperthwaite and Sir Cosmo visit Mr and Mrs Chigwidgeon to meet the newest member of the family.
Monday, 24 April: Sir Cosmo and Edward call on Mr Willoughby and spend several hours at the Foreign Office. Lady Cowperthwaite and Mrs Salmalin call on the dressmaker. That evening, back in the townhouse, Edward and Sir Cosmo spend a lot of time in the lab scribbling designs and discussing something.
Tuesday, 25 April: Sir Cosmo spends most of the day at the London offices of the B & C Great Locomotive Company. Lady Cowperthwaite visits her dressmaker. The London Illustrated Weekly publishes chapter two of "The Hand of Justice" (this time bearing the subtitle: "Inspector St. Wode Pursues the Rocket Bandit!") in which the Inspector interviews various acquaintances of the murdered journalist and has an alarming encounter with the mad inventor, Lord Humberside, and his faithful companion, the silent and mysterious oriental servant, Wang. Edward drags Mrs Frazer (and anyone else who cares to come along) to the performance of two Shakespeare plays ("Comedy of Errors" and "Richard III") at the Royal Court Theatre, part of the annual festival in honour of Shakespeare's birthday. The theatre is presenting two of the bard's plays each day for the entire week.
Wednesday, 26 April: The Yorkshire Naturalist publishes "The Role of Moths in Pollination of Flowering Plants" by R. E. Sinclair. Edward returns to the shipyard for his first day of work, most of which he spends closeted with Mr Reid. In the evening, the Cowperthwaites and the Cuthberts co-host a celebratory party in Ruth's honour at Sir Spencer's townhouse. Mr Reid takes all the workers from the shipyard to the afternoon performance of "Twelfth Night" at the Royal Court Theatre.
Thursday, 27 April: Several of the daily newspapers carry favorable reviews of "The Stolen Mink: A Comedy of Furriers" a new play by Mr Nigel Graham, opening this week at the Royal Gallery of Illustration. Lady Ffolkes comes to tea and discussions the upcoming presentation with Lady Cowperthwaite. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter two of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Air Pirates" in which Atlas continues to search for the missing Lt. Howarth and has a violent encounter with a mysterious European Count and his minions. When the battle seems to be going against Atlas, who should come to his aid but Lady Estelle, the Mysterious French Sword Mistress! Meanwhile, Little Billy Callahan and Dr. Jeffers the Wizard of Ballistics, have determined that the people who sabotaged the experiment in chapter one must have used a balloon or areofrigate to make their escape. And in the Weekly Companion we see chapter three of "Kid Rocket in New York" (which this week bears a note that this tale was originally published in the U.S. as "Kid Rocket Returns!") in which Kid Rocket and his companions, Little Running Deer and Mort Hammer, continue to investigate the disappearance of the inventor, this time they wind up in a boat-to-boat battle on the Hudson River.
Friday, 28 April: Throughout London, no newsboy appears to be about. People accustomed to buying their papers from the corner newsboys have to trudge a bit further to the newsstands – many of which are sold out of their copies of the morning papers by midday. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite organize an outing to the Royal Gallery of Illustration to see "The Stolen Mink: A Comedy of Furriers." During the after play festivities, Mr Bialystock (the theatre manager/producer) reads excerpts from several of the review, after making some joking comments that the play should be re-titled "The Stolen Ink" in honor of the sudden disappearance of newsboys all over the City.
Saturday, 29 April: The corner newsboys have reappeared, but the only paper available from them is the Daily Telegraph. Anyone who purchases said paper from them, will find an article (on page four) about the newsboy strike. The editorial talks about the virtues of labour unionism, mentioning specifically the newly formed Newsboy Union; the editorial concludes that the Telegraph is proud to be the first London Daily to reach an accord with the new union. Mrs Frazer and Miss Wilhelmina call upon Mrs Moriarty.
Sunday, 30 April: The only paper available away from newstands (many of which close on Sunday) is the Daily Telegraph, which carries in-depth stories on the work of the Society for the Protection of Young Mothers and Infants.
May 1871
Monday, 1 May: The only papers which may be purchased from newsboys throughout the city are the Daily Telegraph and the Daily News, both known Liberal papers. Both papers print a list of the demands of the Newsboys Union, which have to do with compensation and working conditions. Both papers also note that it is the 21st birthday of Captain His Royal Highness the Prince Arthur, the seventh child of Queen Victoria. They carry editorials critical of the anticipated move in Parliament to grant the prince an annuity. Also, "On Shore and Sea" a cantata by Arthur Sullivan, is performed at the newly opened Royal Albert Hall as the official opening of the International Exhibition. In League news: Miss Wilhelmina attend her first day of new class at Lady Ottoline's School; Miss Bertilde begins teaching a weekly defense class at Lady Ottoline's School; Mrs Frazer begins teaching at the school near the B.C. & R. Powered Boat Company.
Tuesday, 2 May: The corner newsboys are still distributing only the Daily Telegraph and the Daily News, though they are also passing out handbills making their case. The London Illustrated Weekly (for those who can find it) publishes chapter three of "The Hand of Justice: Inspector St. Wode Pursues the Rocket Bandit." Sir Cosmo organizes an outing to the Crystal Palace to see the International Exhibition.
Wednesday, 3 May: Both the Daily Telegraph and the Daily News contain small advertisements from the firm of McTeague, Burke, Samsone & Sons, purveyor of printing inks expressing their solidarity with the Union of Independent Newspaper Sellers. Meanwhile, the editorial pages denounce the proposal before Parliament to grant Prince Arthur an annuity of £15,000. Extensive quotes from Sir Charles Dilke, member of Parliament from Chelsea, criticizing the entire civil list, with particular mention of the Queen not spending the full amount alloting for maintaining the dignity and honour of the Crown.
Thursday, 4 May: The Times and the Standard reach an agreement with the newsboys. The Evening Standard is available at street corners throughout the city, bearing a banner headline about reports of an assassination attempt in Berlin: Ernst von Bruck, Chancellor of the North German Confederation, was fired upon from the gallery while addressing the confederation parliament. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter three of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Air Pirates" in which the mysterious Count continues to elude Atlas and Lady Estelle. Meanwhile, in the Weekly Companion, chapter four of "Kid Rocket in New York" features a confrontation between Kid Rocket and a corrupt politician.
Friday, 5 May: All the morning London papers report that Sir Richard Mannering, Assistant Under-Secretary in the Foreign Office, died the previous evening in what appears to be a hunting accident at his country home in Kent. The Evening Standard reports that the Privy Council received the report from the Rt. Hon. Mr. Ebeneezer Scrooge, Auditor Royal, on his investigations into the Foreign Office. Meanwhile, Lady Cowperthwaite and Sir Cosmo have their first meeting with the artist who is painting their portrait.
Saturday, 6 May: At the Cowperthwaite house, at breakfast Nigel announces the sad news that his play is closing at the Royal Gallery of Illustration after this weekend. He even manages to act sad about it for several moments before adding that it will be re-opening at the Orpheum Theatre on Beeker Street (a larger venue) on 17 May. Most of the London daily papers carry stories this day reporting that a settlement with the Union of Independent Newspaper Sellers. A notable exception is the Echo. All of the papers are full of stories and editorials about the continuing debate in Parliament concerning the civil list and the expenses of the royal family. Even the Times carries some articles questioning the cost of maintaining the monarchy, though the main editorial remains neutral, but decries the time this single question is taking, as there are many other serious matters confronting the empire at this time. The Globe also carries a commentary expressing concern about the alarming number of anarchist attacks on government officials on the continent.
Sunday, 7 May: Several newspapers carry stories of the volcanoes on the Pacific Coast of North America erupting some months ago, causing some rivers to shift their course, blanketing hundreds or thousands of square miles in clouds of volcanic ash. Roads were blocked. Railways were washed away or buried under debris. Thousands of miles of telegraph lines were destroyed. This natural phenomenon is said to be the cause of the earlier stories about entire towns vanishing or at least losing contact with distant city. Those readers who can find a copy of the Echo will read a scathing editorial asserting that this so-called newsboy union has been instigated by person or persons with sinister political objectives. The editorial will also refers to "an ink manufacturer notorious for its anti-capitalist leanings."
Monday, 8 May: The Treaty of Washington is signed, settling the outstanding issues between the U.S. and United Kingdom arising out of the aid given by certain British companies and individuals to the Confederate cause. In the pages of the Daily Telegraph and Daily News readers will find a letter from Karl Marx, stating his unequivocal support for the cause of Union of Independent Newspaper Sellers and calling on workers everywhere to unite against the tyranny of unfettered capitalism. A picket line is reported outside the business offices of the Echo and the London Illustrated Weekly.
Tuesday, 9 May: The London Illustrated Weekly publishes chapter four of "The Hand of Justice: Insp. St. Wode Pursues the Rocket Bandit." In Blackwood's Magazine is published chapter two of "The Battle of Dorking" an anonymous serial about an invasion of England.
Wednesday, 10 May: Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie arrive in Vienna for a state visit. Are received by Emperor Franz Joseph. Mr O'Flaherty addresses a meeting of the Norwood Sporting Society
Thursday, 11 May: The lawsuit of the man claiming to be Sir Roger Tichborne (declared dead after his ship was lost at sea in 1854) against the current heir, two-year-old Sir Henry Doughty-Tichborne (nephew of Roger Tichborne) begins at the London Common Pleas Court. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter four of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Air Pirates" in which Atlas and his companions battle the mysterious Count (revealed as Count von Ruffin) across the rooftops of London. At the end of the fight, Count von Ruffin and his air pirates have escaped, capturing Dr Jeffers, the Wizard of Ballistics, in the process. While in the Weekly Companion one finds chapter five of "Kid Rocket in New York" in which Kid Rocket, Little Running Deer, and Mort Hammer are nearly captured by the mysterious gang, but are saved by the timely appearance of The Great Leslie, Jr. Less sensational publications, the Globe and the Standard, print small items mentioning Mr O'Flaherty's address to the Norwood Sporting Society, where he is described as more enthusiastic than eloquent, but an entertaining and inspiring speaker, nonetheless.
Friday, 12 May: All the London papers carry a notice that Sir John Herschel, twice winner of the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society and winner of the Lalande Medal (of the Institut de France) and twice winner of the Copley Medal (of the Royal Society) passed away in his home in Collingwood, Kent the previous afternoon. Mr and Mrs Salmalin leave London to visit West Darlston.
Monday, 15 May: A very public funeral for Sir John Herschel at Westminster Abbey, where he is later interred.
Tuesday, 16 May: Mr and Mrs Salmalin return to London.The London Illustrated Weekly publishes chapter five of "The Hand of Justice: Insp. St. Wode pursues the Rocket Bandit." Meanwhile, the House of Commons finally ends debate on the bill granting Prince Arthur's annuity.
Wednesday 17 May: Mr O'Flaherty is approached by representatives of the Richmond Football Club and the Barnes Football Club about speaking at the constituent meeting of the proposed Rugby Football Union in June. Meanwhile, newspapers carry varying stories on the previous day's vote in parliament, pointing out that 50 members of Gladstone's party voted in favour of an alternative proposal giving substantially less than Gladstone had proposed, and nearly 100 members had voted for Sir Charles Dilke's amendment demanding an independent audit of the expenditures of the Royal Household and the entire civil list. The conservative papers take particular delight in pointing out that, if it were not for the support of the Conservatives, this bill would have failed. "This does not bode well for Mr Gladstone's Administration," the Standard concludes.
Thursday, 18 May: Several newspaper carry a story of an altercation involving the newsboy strike. Several "irate men approached the picket line and acted in a threatening manner" on Wednesday evening. Sgt. Relf, who arrested the miscreants, is quoted as crediting the good citizenry of Mr Seamus O'Flaherty, who happened to be assisting with the delivery of hot meals to the picketers when the trouble began. "Thanks to him, no innocents were hurt, and the culprits didn't get away." These generally accurate stories almost overshadow the fictional exploits of Mr O'Flaherty portrayed in The Half-Penny Marvel Library: in chapter five of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Air Pirates" Atlas, in a feat of spectacular strength, launches a kite carrying Little Billy Callahan after the air pirates dirigible. Billy lands atop the dirigible and draw up a rope behind him, which allows Lady Estelle and Atlas to board the gondola. The chapter ends as Lady Estelle and Atlas confront Count von Ruffin and his gang. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion features the sixth and final chapter of "Kid Rocket in New York," where Kid Rocket joins forces with The Great Leslie, Jr., in a spectacular battle on the rooftops of Manhatten against the gang, which is revealed to be led by the notorious Confederate Col. Scarlet.
Friday, 19 May: The financial pages report that the London Commercial Fiduciary Bank reaches an agreement to purchase the Midlands Fidelity Bank. Other pages of the newspaper report the introduction in Parliament of a new Infant Protection Bill, which becomes embroiled in debate.
Saturday, 20 May: The Emperor and Empress of France are received in Rome on official state visit to the Pope.
Sunday, 21 May: the Daily Telegraph and the Times both carry a short review of "The Stolen Ink," a one act parody of "The Stolen Mink" also written by Mr Nigel Graham currently being performed between song and dance numbers at Les Cabaret Fantasitique, which comments on the plight of the newsboys, oppressed in the play by the miserly publisher, Oliver Lowbred.
Monday, 22 May: Those that can find a copy of the Echo may read with some amusement Mr. Oliver Lomax' outraged editorial about the crass and immoral entertainments offered at Les Cabaret Fantastique. Another trial of Mr Sean Malloy begins, this time one charges of perjury, obstruction of justice and felonious return from transportation.
Tuesday, 23 May: Several newspaper report at length on the debates over the Infant Protection Bill, indicating at least three factions within the ruling Liberal Party at odds over key provisions of the Bill. The Bill is referred to Committee and debate moved on to a a new Irish Land Reform Bill. Meanwhile the Illustrated London Weekly publishes chapter six of "The Hand of Justice: Insp. St. Wode Pursues the Rocket Bandit,"
Wednesday, 24 May: Emperor Napoleon III meets with King Victor Emmanuel of Piedmont and Sardinia. In London, a special presentation of "The Spendthrift" at the Royal Gallery of Illustration.
Thursday, 25 May: London papers report that on the previous day a group of anarchists disrupted the procession of the Archbishop of Paris, including hurling a bomb. The Archbishop survived, though two guards and one bystander were killed. The Duc d'Lorraine, acting as Regent, urges calm. The police round up suspects. Meanwhile, in the pages of The Half-Penny Marvel Library is found chapter six of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Air Pirates" in which Atlas and Lady Estelle battle the minions of the evil Count von Ruffin, freeing Dr Jeffers the Wizard of Ballastics and Lt. Howarth partway through the battle, in time for them to join in the fun. At the end of the tale, it is revealed that Count von Ruffin was trying to obtain the secrets of a new naval weapon to sell to an unnamed European power. It is also implied by the end that a romantic relationship might be developing between Lady Estelle and Atlas. Meanwhile, Sean Malloy is convicted on all counts.
Friday, 26 May: "Great Expectations" a play by William S. Gilbert, opens at the Royal Court Theatre. In court, Sean Malloy is sentenced to transportation to Australia (again) "for the rest of your natural life" and there to serve one year hard labour in addition to the sentence previous given for the burglary charges.
Monday, 29 May: The Echo publishes a story by Ronald Fingleton about the notorious nihilist and anarchist known only as Radical Edward, who is the rabble-rouser who has incited the newsboys to strike and worse. Quotations describing this young man's violent, criminal, and anarchic assaults on various institutions are attributed to two librarians. That evening, Sir Cosmo and Edward have a talk.
Tuesday, 30 May: The Echo publishes a story by Ronald Fingleton which alleges that the operation of the "Union of Independent London Newspaper Vendors" has been underwritten by none other that Lord Greyminster. The accompanying editorial claims that the motivation for this action is a desire for revenge. Previous versions of the conspiracy theory are rehashed. Sir Cosmo and Edward have another talk, after which, Sir Cosmo sends a note off to Lord Greyminster.
Wednesday, 31 May: Sir Cosmo and Lord Greyminster have a talk.
June 1871
Thursday, 1 June: Emperor Napoleon III and his Empress are guests of the Duke of Modena, as the tour of Italian states continues.
Friday, 2 June: The Times publishes story by Laurence Oliphant about the Union of Independent London Newspaper Sellers. Of not to the League will be some quotations for the Hon. Mr Aiden Ramsay, Curator of the British Museum regarding wild charges about an allegedy anarchist called "Radical Edward." Mr Ramsay says he knows of the young man in question, but dismisses the suggestions that the boy is a criminal agitator. "He incites people to read, and tends to become excitable about learning new things," Ramsey is quoted as saying, "but he is a Subscriber of the Museum in Good Standing, and is quite conscientious about the care of books. That hardly sounds like a dangerous anarchist, does it?"
Monday, 5 June: There is another affray at the picket lines outside the publishes office of the Echo. Several papers note that debate of the new Irish Land Reform Act in Parliament has become quite acrimonious, and the matter has been referred to committee.
Tuesday, 6 June: Emperor Napoleon III and his Empress are guests of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Meanwhile, several London papers carry the story of the previous day's incident. Sgt. Strawberry is quoted, describing a group of ruffians armed with clubs and worse attacking the boys at the picket. Before anyone was seriously injured, a citizen intervened and was a great assistance to the Sergeant in rounding up the ruffians. The citizen, Mr Robert Chigwidgeon, of Stepney, declined comment to reporters. Lord Hartington, Secretary of War, introduces a new Army Reform Act.
Wednesday, 7 June: Mrs Salmalin receives a wire from her younger brother. "Honours it is."
Friday, 9 June: No copy of the Echo can be found, anywhere, in London. The Evening Standard reports that the pressmen working for the Echo went out on strike on Wednesday, and that by Thursday afternoon rumor was rampant within the offices of the Echo that payroll could not be met on Friday. Officers of the London Commercial Fiduciary Bank were reportedly seen leaving the office of Mr. Oliver Lomax on Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, Lt Wooster attends a party at the home of his sister, Agathe, in honour of his nephew, who has graduated with Honours from Oxford.
Saturday, 10 June: The Queen's Birthday is celebrated with a procession, followed by a state ball at St. James Palace, and fireworks over the city. The Hon. Lt. Henry Wooster takes his nephew, Mr Tobias Gregson, out for a night of celebration.
Sunday, 11 June: Members of the League may notice that Prince Lukas of Florin, nephew of the King of the Netherlands, is mentioned as the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the Queen's Birthday festivities. Also mentioned in the society pages are Ambassador Klugheit, of the Kingdom of Prussia, and Ambassador Vicomte De Molineus of the French Empire. One of the papers that mentions these things is the Echo, operating once again, under somewhat new management. The masthead now lists Mr Thomas DeFauve and Mr Oliver Lomax as Publishers. The paper contains a story about the new business partner, Mr DeFauve, reaching an agreement on Sunday with all striking workers.
Monday, 12 June: The Honours List is published. Several newspapers take special note that Admiral Sir Spencer Robinson, who was forced to retire from the Navy and the Admiralty the previous December, will be created Baron Silverbridge. The Standard opines that this may be a message to the Commons about their handling of the tragedy of H.M.S. Captain. Also, Sir Spencer "and guest" receive an invitation to a Ball at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Tuesday, 13 June: In Blackwood's Magazine is published chapter three of "The Battle of Dorking" an anonymous serial about an invasion of England. Other publications take note of the story, which depicts the home regiments in a very poor light. Meanwhile, Mrs Salmalin receives letters from Whitnell House, describing her brother's party.
Wednesday, 14 June: Lady Cowperthwaite is presented at the Court of St. James. Nothing is permanently damaged, that when the statue in the hallway outside the receiving room went over, it must have frightened two of the footman out of a year or two. That evening Lady Cowperthwaite is the guest of honour at a small-ish party at Lord Greyminster's townhouse. Mrs Salmalin receives a letter from her younger brother, confirming the days he will be in London.
Thursday, 15 June: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter one of a new serial, "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel," in which Atlas is among the guests at the hunting lodge of a Bavarian Count, where many mysterious things seem to be afoot. In more serious publications, several editorials speculate that the anonymous author of "The Battle of Dorking" is a high-ranking army officer or official in the Ministry of War.
Friday, 16 June: Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite are dinner guests of Mr and Mrs Enoch Balderstoke (Icky's older brother and sister-in-law). Meanwhile, Emperor Napoleon III and his Empress continue their round of state visits, this time being received by of King Charles of Wurttemburg
Saturday, 17 June: Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite attend a ball thrown by the Duke and Duchess of Exeter (who happen to be the in-laws of Sir Anthony, so the guest list includes a lot of people Lady Cowperthwaite has previously met).
Sunday, 18 June: The Times carries a long story by Laurence Oliphant which examines the current state of the British Army and corroborates many of the problems with it's structure, training, and supplies as portrayed in the fictional "Battle of Dorking."
Monday, 19 June: Mr O'Flaherty is one of several people addressing the constituent meeting of the Rugby Football Union, being formed through the cooperation of several smaller sporting clubs.
Tuesday, 20 June: Several papers report that debate of the Army Reform Act in Parliament has become so accrimonious, that some observers feared MPs were going to come to blows.
Wednesday, 21 June: Sir Cosmo and Sir Spencer organize an all-day outing to the Derby Stakes.
Thursday, 22 June: Emperor Napoleon III and his Empress are guests of the Grand Duke of Hesse. In London, Lt Wooster is summoned to luncheon with his sister, Agathe, who has a serious family mission for him. Later, he tries to explain his difficulty to members of the League: Mr Tobias Gregson, rather than pursue studies at the bar as his Mother expected, has taken a job with the London Metropolitan Police. He is a lance constable, a job Mrs Gregson believes is unsuitable, and for which she blames Wooster. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter two of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel" in which Atlas, Lady Estelle, and Lt. Howarth discover the a corpse, and realize that one of the other guests at the hunting lodge is a murderer.
Friday, 23 June: The morning papers report that Gladstone called for a vote on the Army Reform Act on Thursday, and the act failed to pass. The conservative papers all raise the question of whether Gladstone should have resigned when this important bill failed. The Evening Standard reports that at the meeting of the Privy Council at St. James Palace, the Queen issues a Royal Warrant bringing an end to the practice of selling commissions in the Army. The Queen's reasoning is that since the practice was originally created by Royal Warrant during the reign of King Charles II, an Act of Parliament is not required to change the policy. The Warrant calls for the practice to be brought to an end no later than the first of January, 1873, and for Parliament to enact a pension system by that time. Meanwhile, Mr James Whitnell arrives in London.
Saturday, 24 June: The Globe publishes a cartoon depicting Prime Minister Gladstone hiding behind the skirts of the Queen from an agitated mob shouting demands for reform of the army. The Morning Post carries a similar cartoon, showing the Queen propping up a very shaky Gladstone, who is burdened with boulders labeled "Army Reform," "Infant Protection," "Irish Land Reform," and "Sinking of H.M.S. Captain." All of the newspapers take note that the Queen has not retired to Windsor (in the country), which she usually does immediately following Derby Day. In the evening, the Netherlands Embassy Ball.
Sunday, 25 June: The Times publishes a story by Laurence Oliphant describing, in detail, the modernizations being made to both the French and Prussian Armies, and comparing the British Army unfavorably to both.
Monday, 26 June: The Times and Globe both report that in Berlin on Saturday evening a man believed to be and anarchist tried to attack Count von Beust, Justice Minister of the North German Confederation, with an knife. The man was apprehended at the scene, and no one was hurt. In London, Lt. Wooster takes his nephew to lunch with Post-captain Symington, commander of Wooster's ship.
Tuesday, 27 June: The Evening Standard reports that Gladstone has brought the Infant Protection Act out of committee and intends to have a final vote on Wednesday.
Wednesday, 28 June: Emperor Napoleon III and his Empress are received with full state honours by King Ludwig II and Queen Frieda of Bavaria. In London, Mrs Gregson has lunch with, among others, Mrs Captain Hall. That evening, Lt. Wooster is one of several officers invited to dinner at Vice Admiral Moriarty's townhouse.
Thursday, 29 June: Several newspapers carry the story of His Highness Prince Francois of Rumelia being killed by a bomb hurled at his procession while returning to his home after a visit to his Imperial Cousin, Franz Joseph. The morning papers note that the Infant Protection Act became embroiled in irreconcilable amendments and failed to pass. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter three of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel" in which the corpse discovered in chapter two is identified as the personal physician of an elderly German Princess who is also a guest at the lodge. It is soon discovered that a fantastic blue diamond, which was part of a tiara owned by the Princess, is missing.
Friday, 30 June: The Evening Standard, and special editions of several of the other London papers, all carry similar headlines: Gladstone resigns after Irish Land Reform Act is voted down.
July 1871
Saturday, 1 July: Many papers report that Benjamin Disreali was summoned to the Palace for a meeting with the queen. The papers are full of stories about the factions within the Liberal party in Parliament. The Radicals, approximately one-quarter of the party, have desserted Mr Gladstone on the Irish Land Reform Act, saying it is far too timid, while the Imperialists (another quarter) feel it overreaches. Meanwhile, the so-called Peelites (free trade Liberals, many of the older of whom were originally members of the Conservative Party, another quarter of the party) resisted many of the Radical amendments proposed to the Infant Protection Act and the Army Reform Act. While the Radicals were vehemently opposed to some provisions in the Army Reform Act which were most dear to the Imperialists. The remainder of the Liberals, referred to in several of the papers as the Gladstonians, make up a "sad minority incapable even of swinging a vote one way or the other" according to the Standard. The British Columbia provincial parliament ratifies the Dominion of Canada Act.
Sunday, 2 July: The Times contains a story by Laurence Oliphant which carefully lays out the results of the Auditor Royal's investigation of the Foreign Office, which reveals diversion of funds by Mr Thomas Mannering (confined to a private hospital since January due to total mental break down and "Severe brain fever"; in declining health), and indication that Mr Mannering was accepting substantial financial gifts from external parties previously implicated in plots against the Crown. It is further revealed that the day before his tragic death, Sir Richard Mannering, Assistant Under-secretary for Non-consular Affairs, offered his resignation from the Foreign Office and made full restitution of the funds misused by his brother. Lady Mannering is reported to be grieving in seclusion on the continent with relatives.
Monday, 3 July: The London papers are full of speculation and contradictory reports of Mr Disreali's attempts to form a minority government. Edward realizes that one of the Southwerk Radicals has not been seen in his usual haunts. An investigation ensues.
Thursday, 6 July: The Evening Standard reports that after four days without success, Mr Disreali has admitted defeat in forming a goverment. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter four of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel," in which Atlas and Lady Estelle follow clues to a nearby village where they are ambushed by a gang led by Dr Destiny. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter one of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway," which begins with the Great Lesilie being asked to investigate reports of an entire train vanishing on the Frontier. Kid Rocket is merely one of several people recruited by Leslie to investigate.
Friday, 7 July: The morning papers are full of speculation about whether the Queen will dissolve parliament and call new elections, ask Mr Gladstone to form a new goverment, or turn to another candidate. The Evening Standard reports that Lord Bellinger (described as both a Peelite and an Imperialist within the Liberal party) currently Vice-President of the Council, and formerly Chancellor of the Exchequer in a previous Conservative government, has been asked to try to form a government. Edward speaks to the employer of his missing friend.
Saturday, 8 July: Most of the London dailies report that Ernst von Bruck, Chancellor of the North German Confederation, has issued a statement that Confederation is disbanding the government department for spiritual affairs. Meanwhile, Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite organize an outing to see "The Stolen Mink" playing at the Orpheum. Edward calls on a house in Greenwich.
Sunday, 9 July: Edward tells Sir Cosmo what he discovered.
Monday, 10 July: Emporer Napoleon III and his Empress return to Paris, having completed a rather exhaustive tour of some of France's European allies. London papers note that the visits seemed to have resulted in little more than symbolic statements.
Tuesday, 11 July: In Blackwood's Magazine is published chapter four of "The Battle of Dorking" an anonymous serial about an invasion of England. Meanwhile, morning papers report that late Monday a healthy Parliamentary majority consisting of the Conservatives plus members of the Peelite and Imperialist factions of the Liberal party approved a cabinet proposed by Lord Bellinger. The cabinet reflects the new coalition:
Wednesday, 12 July: Editorials make comments on the new government. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite were to have dinner with Lord Greyminster and Miss Pinker. Lord Greyminster sends his regrets, being rather busy at the Admiralty. The Cowperthwaites and Miss Pinker have a pleasant evening regardless.
Thursday, 13 July: The Commons passes the University Tests Act, removing the last of the religious tests from non-religious degrees at Oxford and Cambridge. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter five of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel" in which Dr Destiny and his trusty sidekick, Max, escape, but Atlas and Lady Estelle rescue a mysterious young man who had been held prisoner in Destiny's hideaway. And over in the Weekly Companion one finds chapter two of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway" in which The Great Leslie, Kid Rocket, and several others journey west to where the rail tracks mysterious end. While investigating the disappearance, they become invovled in a fight between two tribes of Red Indians.
Friday, 14 July: Nigel discusses with his employer a change of living arrangements.
Saturday, 15 July: Lady Cowperthwaite meets with her brother for an early tea.
Sunday, 16 July: the Times publishes a story filed from Paris by Laurence Oliphant, describing the preparations for the impending marriage of the Imperial Prince. The story specifically mentions that the Emporer appears to be in excellent health and spirits.
Monday, 17 July: Mrs. Frazer and guest receives an invitation to attend a reception preceeding a special exhibition at Burlington House in Piccadilly (headquarters of the Royal Society, the Royal Chemical Society, and the Linnean Society) of the life works of Sir Meachum Murbles, as part of a larger display of the contributions of Britain to the progress of Science.
Tuesday, 18 July: Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite receive an invitation to the reception at Burlington House. Sir Spencer and guest receive a similar invitation.
Wednesday, 19 July: Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite host a small dinner party including Lord Greyminster and Miss Pinker.
Thursday, 20 July: Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite are invited to attend a Gala (in August) at the French Embassy in honour of the marriage of the Imperial Prince. The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter six of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel" in which Atlas and Lady Estelle try to discover the significance of the mysterious young man, and barely save the eldery German Princess from an assassin. Meanwhile in the chapter three of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway" in the Weekly Companion, Kid Rocket is taken captive by Col. Scarlet, the Air Pirate. Most of the chapter follows the actions of the Great Leslie and his other companions in trying to discover the Colonel's secret hideaway. Several papers cover a speech delivered at the Christian Mission meeting hall by Lord Shaftsbury, laying out the points of the Infant Protection Act originally proposed by the Lords' Select Committee on the Protection of Infant Life. The papers say the Lord Shaftsbury will be speaking on the same subject at the Christan Mission's hall in Battersea on Friday. Meanwhile, Lady Cowperthwaite realises that something has happened. She shares her suspicion with Sir Cosmo, Tattvick, and Mrs Salmalin.
Friday, 21 July: A new book by Sir Matthew Whemple, Bt, The Legacy of Egypt receives mixed reviews. The Evening Standard reports that such an enormous crowd wished to attend Lord Shaftsbury's speech in Battersea, that the event was moved to the Battersea Fun Fair, nearby. The crowd became quite aggitated, at one point chanting, "Make it law!"
Saturday, 22 July: Sir Cosmo receives a note from Sir Anthony's office, asking him to study the new book by Sir Matthew Whemple and evaluate it in light of certain events of the previous summer. Several members of the League accompany Sir Cosmo to a book store that afternoon.
Monday, 24 July: Post-captain Symington, commander of H.M.S. Rhinoceros, was found dead in his bed this morning. Wooster, as nominal First Lieutenant of the vessel (which has been in near-perpetual port duty serving the Ordinance Office), is temporarily relieved of his office duties to attend to the ship.
Tuesday, 25 July: Commander Wooster receives orders authorizing the burial at sea of Post-captain Symington, as per his wishes. Symington's grandson, who is a Lt. in the navy, is temporarily transfered to H.M.S. Rhinoceros. The London papers all report that the new Infant Protection Act (amending the act of the same name passed the previous year, reforming the Bastardy Laws and adding enforcement provisions to the registration of nurses and "lying in houses" and making willful abuse and negligence of children in a responsible adult's care a crime) is passed by the House of Commons. The evening Standard reports that the House of Lords passed the Infant Protection Act, without amendment, that afternoon.
Wednesday, 26 July: The memorial service of Post-captain Symington occurs on land in the morning. With the evening tide, H.M.S. Rhinoceros sets sail on its grim mission. London papers report that the Queen and her household are relocating to Windsor Castle. It is also announced that the Duke of Wessex, Admiral of the Mediteranean Fleet (and second-cousin once-removed of the Queen) will head up the British Delegation attending the wedding, in Naples, of the French Imperial Prince to the Princess Royal of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. Papers also report that Emporer and Empress of France, and they Imperial Prince, were scheduled to leave France for Naples on this day.
Thursday, 27 July: Several papers run stories about the protests being raised by supporters of the Count of Chambord (the French Bourbon claimant to the throne of France), and the Count of Paris (the Orleans-Bourbon claimant to the same throne), both courts residing in exile in England, over a member of the Royal Family attending the nuptuals. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter seven of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Crown Jewel" in which Atlas and Lady Estelle call on an old friend, who performs a seance to try to identify the mysterious young man and find the diamond. Whereas over in the Weekly Companion one finds chapter four of "Kid Rocket and the Vanishing Railway" in which the Great Leslie and his other companions battle a small army of ghosts, meeting up with a young sword mistress. Kid Rocket's plight (captured by Col. Scarlet) is mentioned several times, but he doesn't actually appear in this chapter.
Friday, 28 July: The gossip column of the Globe mentions a rumour that the Royal Household is making preparations for an as-yet unannounced state visit of the Queen to the Continent "in late August." The columnist "refuses to speculate" as to whether this means Her Majesty contemplates attending the Paris celebrations of the wedding of the French Imperial Prince. The Evening Standard carries stories of angry denunciations from supporters of both the Count of Chambord and the Count of Paris of any plan to send a high-ranking member of government to any event "celebrating the parvenu Bonaparte so-called dynasty."
Saturday, 29 July: The Morning Post and the Standard both carry stories quoting an anonymous government official claiming that the only member of the Royal Family who plans to attend any of the nuptual festivities in Paris is the Duchess of Inverness, widow of the Queen's uncle, who, as the daughter of the Earl of Arran, spent several years of her youth in Naples when the Earl was Britain's Ambassador there. As such, she has a personal relationship with several members of the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. The Globe carries an interview with the Henrie, Comte de Chambord, Duc de Bordeaux, "rightful King Henri V of France and Navarre"--who expresses great concern at how close an alliance seems to be developing between England and the "illegitimate regime" in Paris. There are hints that the Comte and his followers my relocated to Austria. Whereas the Daily Telegraph carries an interview with Philippe, Comte de Paris, Duc d'Orleans, "or as his followers know him, Philip VII of France," expressing far less outrage at any attendance of the marriage, and rather more worry about the balance of power in Europe. He alludes to his service (along with his brother) in the Union Army in America, and concludes that many people are worrying about genealogy when they should be more concerned with the advances being made in the machines of war. Nigel Graham moves into his new flat with his new roommate, Fong Chigwidgeon.
Sunday, 30 July: The Times publishes a story filed from Paris by Laurence Oliphant about the preparations for the impending imperial wedding. An editoral note says that Mr Oliphant will be covering the wedding festivities in Naples.
Monday, 31 July: H.M.S. Rhinoceros returns to port.
August, 1871
Tuesday, 1 August: Sir Cosmo presents Mr Salmalin with an important document. In the evening, the League attends an exhibit hosted by the Linnean Society and the Royal Society at Burlington House. Various odd things happen. Sir Spencer takes Prince Lukas of Florin out on the town. Mr O'Flaherty gets a boxing match. Edward flies. Inspector MacGreggor catches a very elusive rope. A warehouse burns. A dirigible goes down in flames.
Wednesday, 2 August: The Globe
carries a story claiming that a Temperance Group raided an unlicensed
public house in Bermondsey, chasing out the customers and burning
the "sinful house" to the ground. The Daily Telegraph
carries a similar story, though it also mentions several sightings
of the American Outlaw, Kid Rocket (and notes that Kid Rocket
his a vocal advocate for the temperance cause). The Telegraph
also carries a story about an alleged abduction of Prince Lukas
of Florin, which appears to be a false report, according to quotations
from Insp. Bradstreet, a spokesman for the Dutch Embassy, and
the Prince himself. The Morning Post carries the story
about the false report of an abduction of Prince Lucas, and also
carries a story about several sightings of a flying object over
Rotherhithe and the West India Docks.
Proceed to Thoroughly delightful
Contents this page copyright 2005 by Gene Breshears. All Rights Reserved.