The Penang correspondent of the Free Press telegraphs—­“The barque Elizabeth put in to-day in tow of a steamtug of this port, and reported an extraordinary incident in mid-ocean.  She was dismasted a fortnight ago in a cyclone south of the Andamans, and while drifting, fire broke out in the forehold, and was kept under with the greatest difficulty.  Her plight was discovered and reported here by the driver of an aeroplane who was making a flight in the neighbourhood, and the tug was immediately sent to her assistance.  Conflicting rumours are prevalent as to the identity of the aviator in question; Captain Bunce, of the Elizabeth, insists that the airman’s name was Smith, but his account is rather confused, and the most generally accepted opinion is that he is an officer of the German navy, which has recently adopted the aeroplane for scouting purposes.  On no other supposition can his presence so far from land be accounted for.  Owing to the facts that he arrived in the night of Sunday and departed immediately, no trustworthy information is obtainable.”—­REUTER.

      (From Our Own Correspondent.)

      TORONTO, Wednesday.

The later editions of the Sphere contain a detailed account of the extraordinary world-flight accomplished by Lieutenant Thesiger Smith of the British navy, which sets at rest the rumours and speculations of the past week.  Lieutenant Smith left London last Friday at 12.30 a.m.  (Greenwich time), and arrived here this afternoon, descending on the golf links on Scarborough Bluffs.  I will wire full particulars later.

      (From Our Own Correspondent.)

      PARIS, Monday.

The Cross of the Legion of Honour was to-day presented by the President of the Republic to M. Laurent Rodier, who accompanied your Lieutenant Thesiger Smith last month on his adventurous flight around the world.  It is understood that the French Government has taken up the remarkable invention due to M. Rodier and his English confrere, and has offered M. Rodier the headship of a new State aeronautical department.

      THE NEGLECT OF GENIUS.

      To the Editor of the Spectator.

SIR,—­The paragraph in the Times of Monday relating to the honour awarded to M. Rodier, suggests sad reflections to a patriotic Englishman.  We have not as yet heard that Lieutenant Smith’s wonderful achievement has been in any way recognized by our government.  Abroad, genius is fostered:  here, it is slighted.  How long shall such things be?—­I am, Sir, etc.,

      PRO BONO PUBLICO.