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I D'ABRA THE BUDDHIST 1
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D'ABRA THE BUDDHIST 1 A STORY OF THE ROMANTIC HUNT AFTER A LOST GIRL. BY H. M. LONSDALE: CHAPTER Yl.—(Continued.) dense mist about this man's personality tfakskaning rather than clearing. What be his purpose? He wanted Life! Was :ID7 life he wanted, in order to replenish in 80Ine mysterious way the store of his ? There had throughout his intercourse been a marked about many of his statements; yet was ever an impenetrable cloud them all. He handed me fact, I mystery; he gave me definiteness, I it bewilderment. The more I con- ^ere<* the more encaged I felt myself; all completely around by unanswerable ^oestiona fc man. I, John Eames, was no and I would await the mystery na¡¡ple with it, and force from it its Jijg I would again question D'Abra as to *ra^i^?OSe' be content with no cloud- answer. I would have solid sub- which I could handle and taste and 1 would know where I wae, and what I >fy from his direction. And, **ad lost my revolver, I would imme- trjg secure another of a similar type. A br&u-°* would at least place me in a be Ka^11 to my adversary. I should not IujjT6 iu any hand-to-hand conflict with ftiojjl .^Sht would be down at the office by clock, when I would ring him up and 1fUiL8^ him to secure a weapon similar to 7cy JjT* and to have it sent up to my place at KSo^l possible moment. Besides, I of jy ^he same time give him the address Vith and urge him to note it carefully, eventa V*6W to inqoiries at that house in the tiio °* a delay upon any visft I inaS^ induced to make thereat—the he *?es to be energetically prosecuted should ^^liot h&ar from me for a space of twelve u/8' He should insist on some formula Qnl5" > us both, such as the private oe-mark ox the firm. This course, I was ^med to think, would provide for any of ei^noy. There would thus be no chance Ridden disappearance without any » neither would there be any oppor- of personating myself in any tele- j"1 transmitted to him. jy .^trne<l again to my desk for the card that it handed to me, but I could find y^Jlowhere. Evidently D'Abra had removed g-; a*^8°- Again a band of armed questions baAfclv. up in my mind. Why did D'Abra want his card? Because, forsooth, he would •k,_? me at hie house before I had the oppor- ^^Jty of giving information of its where- j^uts. i remembered that I had casually slip the fact that his address had escaped memory. Evidently he had seen to it that not be able to re-call it. Of course, rr* he been anxious to keep me and my .ends ignorant of my whereabouts with him, could have changed bis address. But such aPParently did not suit his plans, ^bably enough that house was prepared for fcoii18, suck 33 intended me to be. A jj/*1*6- likely it was, with secret panels and j^ble floors and asphyxiating rooms. The X discussed this man the more madden- s my bewiderment. looked out of the window upon my plot th garden. It had now grown well visible in that 4?Q8e November morning, and I knew HcuVi6 machillery °f London movement waa Itte heating up into full, ringing activity. JittT^ 3,8 waa of the fact that my jjj tragedy was one scarcely noticeable drop and mighty current of metropolitan life, J* ^et how real, how awfully, vividly real, infinitely mournful waa the fate of my ^fortunate Ella, when I found myself turn- ip to greet the Man of Mystery, Dr. D'Abra !^5?8elf. He had, by his address, won the the hosied upon some domestic duties at Rj?Oter door, to allow him to pass and to i?*t himself to my presence unannounced. j-iou have been early at work this morning. <!Sh he said, eyeing me with his DaJ quiet, almost indifferent, calm. The J^lenegg of his cheek was, maybe, a degree J two paler, owing possibly to the experience the previous night, but otherwise, in matter of dress always tastefully plain, and in point of appearance always dignified and 8eU-pouesøed. he was the same D'Abra who had accosted me in the place of the unowned tiead. The moment, however, he addressed me my attitude towards him underwent a curious eftange. I could not kill my sense of mistrust and even abhorrence, but a feeling of perfect freedom and companionship, such as, in spite of all my recoiling from him, had invariably •«ooinp«feie<i his presence, begau to possess i hold speeches died down from jny tongue before even born, and J accosted fcim- "Good morning, doctor. I hope you are none the worse for our misadventure of yes- terday." "I am even better, thanks to your invigo- rating comradeship. But, my good sir. you appear some little distressed. You have lost something. You have been searching. A revolver, perhaps, judging from that cart- ridge in your hand. I trust that you have not lost hope of finding your Miss Ella. Escape fol' you from your trouble would not mean escape for her." I I nerved myself to face him manfully now that he had referred to the matter in hand. fixed my eyes keenly upon his face. as I 8a.id: "Yes. doctor, I have lost my revolver. I find that it has been stolen from a secret place In my desk." The doctor eyed me in the same calm fanner. No perceptible change crossed hia It did but show his ordinary in6cruta- The dots of light in his eye-centres altered no perceptible trace. "Your domestics are women, they would "sver tamper with anything so formidable as a revolver." > I do not suspect my domestics for a moment." "What theory, then, do you offer to explain *ts absence?" The sentence formed in my brain. "Whb but y?U, Dr. D'Abra?" but, as I faced him in all coolness and equableness, the expression of it would have been an act of madness. I ^ould not equivocate, and I accordingly Remained silent. Nevertheless. I had little dOuht that he penetrated my silence and tlneartbed my thought. He continued his JjOimpassioned gaze at me for some time, evi- denly reading and interpreting me. His eye ran over the contour of my head and brow, ahd rested at length upon my eyes. "I might suggest a theory." he observed in *he end. "You have walked in your sleep at odd timee in your life." He was hand to hand with fact on this, as I On every occasion. Whether it was only a shrewd guess or actual penetration, he had hit' the truth. There had been times in my lite when I had been a.icted with the curse ■°f somnambulism, and at one period for nearly a year had indulged in various ?ta,rtling freaks during the night watches. Sis deliberate words were iced water on the heat of my suspicions, and „ froze them. Thankful that I had not comftiitted myself br any rash utterance. I said: "Your suggestion rings like- truth. My late I **Periences may possibly have brought on my malady again." "I imagined that was the case. I've little ^otibt, also, that you will find your revolver 80mewhere in the house. You have, doubt. less, been preparing for emergencies, all un- Conseiously. during the night. I must con- gratulate you on your safe deliverance from your nocturnal experiences." Before long I had occasion to visit another room, when. seeing the overcoat which I had J'orn on the previous evening. I went to take from it my cigar-case, which I had left therein. Surely enough, there also I found *Qy revolver; but, on examining it, I found that the cartridges had been removed. On the supposition that D'Abra had removed the J^eapon the previous morning, it would have keen a simple act to have slipped it into iny docket sometime before he parted from me. that I might find it on my arrival home. However, it occurred to me that it might be '19ise to omit all mention of my having found it. and, if such a feat could be performed by portal man. leave D'Abra to imagine that it had not yet been found. By changing my o.erooat to a still warmer one. the fiction :might. to the intelligence of ordinary folk. be readily and effectually maintained. He joined me at breakfast, bnt his share 111 the meal was meagre to abstemiousness. alid I observed, as before, that he eschewed that savoured of animal food. "You have no clue. doctor, of course, and Ilp suggestion?" The burden of my search was heavy upon and with the growing day had outgrown ^1 misgiving about my' companion's inten- wons. I must get to my task of seeking and ^scuing her. "I have no clue," he assented. "But it is a finable hint that we know that Miss Birch's ^Ptors are foreigners. The tall, handsome J^an and the dark man are both apparently Ioreign ens." "Can you imagine of what country?" "Hindustan, I have little doubt." ."Cam you yet imagine any reason that could h1t"-e induced this disgraceful abduction ? I ILtn baffled—completely and miserably baffled." '1 can only imagine one thing, that her ^hdncCort must have a very good reason." 'Can it be possible that some wealthy or some Indian prince has taken a "4? torher a6 eight, and is scheming to get her away to his own country? The idea is preposterous, but not impossible. "I have heard such a plot discussed in Hin- dustan, but never heard of any actual case. The idea appears scarcely probable." "It is little use guessing. We must look for traces. Our first course is to visit the house we were aiming for yesterday when we met their coach, and then pay a visit to the police-station to learn what success, or rather, failure, they've experienced." I had eagerly watched the clock as we talked, and when the hour of nine had struck had listened anxiously for my little cabby's ring at the bell. "You are waiting for someone?" observed D'Abra, as he observed my frequent glances through the window. "Yes; I cannot go without our friend, the cabman. We shall need him for purposes of identification." "Do we need him? I saw both the men in the coach, and could recognise them any- where." Evidently the doctor wanted me alone with him. He wished for no repetition of the interference of yesterday. It was no gratifica- tion for him to remember that he had been easily outsohemed by the sharp-witted cabby. "I passed my word to wait for him. He seems of a punctual kind." "I fear you will find him remiss. My study of him bids me not expect him." Again D'Abra had hit a fact. Nine o'clock, ten. eleven, twelve passed, only to find us waiting, for I was resolved to go nowhere without the faithful fellow. But it was the truth D'Abra, epoke. We waited in vain. The cabman did not come; indeed, be never came. Nay, he was never heard of again. A hint. in subsequent times floated to my ear, but that is a later story, and must be reserved. The result, however, faced me in all its bold significance, and I was left entirely alone to negotiate my mysterious doctor friend! CHAPTER VII. My telephone instrument was so placed that every word was to be heard in the room where we had breakfasted; wherefore I was unable, in D'Abra's presence, to converse freely with my assistant. Accordingly, before leaving the house, I simply made an appointment with him at my office, asking him to meet me there at five. This would grant us ample time to pay our prospected visit to what we expected would prove the late prison of my betrothed. In due time we were upon the pavement! before the house, and found it a large one. of, the type much built in the early years of the nineteenth century. The windows presented a, most dingy appearance, as if seldom treated with a wholesome stream of cold water, while the curtains had almost a definable pattern of rents and holes in them. "What a place in which to have incarcerated the poor girl!" thought I. with a shudder. I re-called her form and features, as I was accustomed to see her. seated in the tasteful, if limited. drawing-room of her aunt. That room had always been deemed sacred to her. and she had decked and furnished it at her own dear wise will. How the sunshine of her presence had bathed her surroundings with a sweet, pure light, till every article in the room had stood out as the most beautiful and the most artistic that ever human hand con- F"3 APPROACHED HEE WITH HIS LONG KNIFE LIFTED ABOVE HER HEAD." ■ structed, while each piece of furniture blended harmoniously—I had nearly said songfully, for there was meaning, almost words, in her arrangements—with every other? And how her character revealed itself in her choice-quiet but bright, artistic but anaimsy. firm but lightsome! But I could picture her wdll-built figure, with its ever attractive and suitable dress, as she met me on my visits. I could see her fine, strong, womanful face, all radiant as she greeted me, sometimes playfully withdrawn to reserve the kiss I claimed till she was sure "I wanted it," or "deserved it," or "earned it," according as her mood or idea might be. And those large, good eyes, what well-springs of loveliness they shone when the love-lights danced and sparkled in them as I caught her in my arms and forced from her the kisses she wae burning to shower upon me. That little room was a garden of fairest flowers to me, a chamber in a palace of Fairy Land when she We had knocked at the scarred door, and a summoned head had thrust itself through the pictures of my memory to cry- "We, we. messieurs. If you please?" I stood back from the shock of the appari- tion of this wretched-looking woman. It was as if a mother had suddenly discovered the child she adored changed to a. snake in the very cradle. The picture of the face of my betrothed, and this repulsive face! they seemed to belong to different species of being. A fiery mass of red hair, strong and unkempt, flaming like a torch, on an elongated neck which linked the large head to a small body- that was what startled me. My Ella had been housed under the same roof with that!" "Excuse me. madam," I said, with a gulp, "but have you had staying here a young lady-?" D'Abra was by my side in a moment. He bad seen the flash of suspicion that made even more lurid the forbidding features of this prodigy of the feminine kind. "Allow me, my dear sir," he whispered, and then addressed himself to the gorgon at the door. "Friends have suggested your house as 'a suitable place where wo might find a suite of toorM for a special purpose." "Ah we. monsieur! We have rooms for to let. but our prices are very expensive." "We are not at all particular about the price, so long as we can command secrecy and no interference." I left the management of the interview entirely to D'Abra. who, by his marvellous adroitness, had easily won to daylight, from the woman, what my clumsiness was driving underground. "We have rooms which would be oonvenient to messieurs. But they comprise a suite, and must all be rented together. They are the more expensive." "May we look at them?" inquired the doctor. "If you please, messieurs." We were conducted up a broad and once handsome staircase on to a fine landing, from which branched two spacious corridors. The rooms upon this floor looked bearably, but certainly not comfortably, presentable. "Our special apartments are yet more high," she informed us, hastening to mount a. second flight of stairs with an agility born of frequent practice. She conducted us along a second corridor to a suite consisting of five small, rooms, which, in comparison with the rest of the house, were surprisngly tidy and clean. There was. too, an air of luxury about them that one would only expeot to find in the mansion of one of the wealthiest class. "Do you think these rooms could be made to serve a young lady whom we might Jind it to serve a young lady whom we might Jind it desirable to bring?" "If you please, monsieur?" inquired the woman, with her small eyes glittering like the wet shine on a black slug. "Will the doors look?" asked D'Abra, in a whisper. "Look! Will they not look?" "Tlhey are safe?" "Parfaitly. The last lady could not escape." "That was, perhaps, because she was not strong. Our lady is a strong woman who could-" "The last lady was tall and strong; she tried all the power that she had, and was not able to come out." "She is very particular about the cleanli- ness of her rooms. What sort of people have occupied them? Dirty? Well-bred? Gentle- folk?" "The more clean, the better bred, and cer- tainment gentil. Monsieur the stranger and madam his wife were of the quality; they lived in the rooms at the other end; the black servant lived in the small room here." "Man and wife!" The words crashed like thunder on my brain. My Ella! But she had struggled to escape from this inferno. She had cried my name from the cab in an agony of pleading. "Man and wife!" What sulphur- reeking, blood-stained, crime-crimsoned signi- ficance had those words? For me they carried horror. What was it that was surging in my veins—blood or fire? What was the hideous roar that reverberated in my ears? What the wound-red curtain that dropped before my vision? Who was I? Not John Eames. of Eames, Williams, and Co.? Surely not! What had he to do with suffering of this nature? He was never destined to pass through a fur- nace so scathing! "These rooms are a little stuffy. My friend here is seized with his usual sickness. Sit a moment or two, my dear sir." It was D'Abra who spoke, for, with his customary omniscience, he had noted the effect of the leprous-minded creature's words upon me, and seen the quick flash of snow- white into my face. He handed me his flask of peculiar cordial, from which I freely drank -more freely by far than ever before. The feeling of suffocation that ensued was over- powering, and laid me gasping upon a. couch that was near. After a few moments of utter unconsciousness, my recovery from which, I thought, seemed to give relief to the doctor. I felt the cordial at work within me, doing its bracing, invigorating mission. Soon I was upon my feet listening, as before, with an air of calmness. "And now your terms?" pursued my corn- j panion. "Fifteen guineas each night for the suite of five," replied this daughter of the devil- an import from' Parisian cesspoolism. "Fifteen!" "Our work is not at all easy-often dangerous." "Three guineas a night for each room!" "We, monsieur. And three guineas for the use of the backstair, which has been specially made for messieurs who may be obliged to go themselves suddenly." It was the cordial probably mounting to my brain and intensifying my emotions to the emotions of ten thousand men. I glared at the woman—if she deserved a name so sacred -and advanced toward her. To think that my poor heart-broken girl should have fought in these rooms-ay, in this very room where we were standing, for eo the creature had hinted-fought for freedom, for purity; battled here on the spot which my feet then trod against some fiend that, could I have caught him. I should have torn to pieces- battled madly, with breaking heart and terror-haunted face, and this vile reptile should stand unhelping by! That she should even make her ghastly gain out of the poor girl's ruin! I could endure no more of the calm inquiries of the doctor. "Child of hell!" were the words that roared from my throat as I advanced upon her— "child of hell, tell us everything you know about the fiends who dragged that poor girl into this sink of perdition against her.will, You knew she was pure, you knew that she would have exchanged life for liberty, and you lifted no hand to save her. You, a she- devil, helped those devils in their hellish work! Where have they taken her?" My blood leapt in my veins. I should have grasped the flesh of her long, repulsive throat but that she backed nimbly from me, and. darting to the mantelpiece, pressed an i electric button hidden somewhere there- abouts. An ugly gleam glittered in her slug- like eyes as she saw that she had been tricked. Now, too late, I saw how mad had been my act. We were in a den of human-shaped brutes whoae trade was to batten on the perdition of unfortunate men, and—more especially, it seemed—of helpless and innocent women. What could we two do at the top of a strange hoifse, with any number of bad confederates of this creature waiting below? If they could contrive it, we should never be aJlowed to leave the place alive; their horrid trade was too remunerative for that. "Lock the door behind you. my dear sir," were words from the lips of D'Abra, that sum- I moned back my reasoning powers to their duties. "Keep the key in your hand." I watched him as, with a swiftness that I should never have credited to him, he cut off the retreat of the woman by the door which led into the adjoining room. I saw him aa he stood calmly facing her. There was visible no excitement in any feature or movement of his. The centre-spots of his eyes alone were changed to fire-flashing points. I could not but admire the man. My spirit bowed before his colossal power. Here he stood, apparently with no hope of deliverance from the death of some cornered rat, yet his brain was coolly active, scheming out some plan of escape. Whether bad or good. this personality was one I could not but admire for the sheer grandeur of its fearleceness and power. He drew a long clasp-knife from his pocket with his left hand, and opened it with his teeth. Fastening the door behind him. he approached the shrinking Frenchwoman and looked at her quietly, as if no stealthy stockinged feet were creeping up the stairs to their confederate's aid. His steady look drove Irer back upon the wall behind. "Be pleased to seat yourself, madam." he said. pointing to a large saddle-backed chair. paying no heed to the feet shuffling outside, .all waiting the signal for their entrance. A cry, a hasty movement would have brought the gang-we could not guess how many-full crash against the door. But she let slip neither cry nor moan; she sat like a stone woman. She read in his attitude what he did not even trouble to explain that her slightest signal to the men outside was her death- warrant. "Madame," said he. speaking her own French, with purest accent, "we have little time to waste. Bid your friends have patience." The woman moistened her paled, dried lips and tried to speak, but her voice was not all at once ready at her command. At last she raised her voice- "Jacques, Bert." "Oui. madame," came a hoarse reply from the other side of the door, followed by an excited whispering. She spoke a sentence in some language or dialect with which I was not acquainted, for the words fell meaningless upon my ear. "Do not enter yet. or my life will pay for it." was the gist of what she said, as I after- wards learned from D'Abra, who translated everything to me later. "Madame," replied the doctor in the same dialect, "it is unlikely that you will be able to speak any language wh\Ch is unknown to me-least of all. any Belgian dialects. Do not be deceived, therefore. Let us deal openly with one another." The woman cowered abjectly before the ical gaze of D'Abra, who, although the whispering beyond the door grew more sibilant and angry, seemed to grow cooler and more deliberate. Nay, it appeared as if he were revelling in the situation, to be actually testing and tasting the sweetness of the danger in order to draw from it its fine, rich flavour. What a giant he was, assuredly! [What wonder if my personality had bowed land done homage to ones bo dowered I I. the .J: equal of the few and the superior of the many, was but a child with him. In my business and social dealings I was accustomed to take my place as leader, controller, director; but in his presence I was bound to acknowledge myself worthy only to obey. At the same time, I could not help keenly scrutinising the unclean specimen of woman- hood crouched in haggard terror before him. I thought of my injured Ella crying for help, while this creature was probably laughing at her cries. Naturally shrinking from the blood- shedding even of a brute, I could have watched him strike her dead at his feet with- out a- quiver of repugnance. "We will now speak French," continued D'Abra, after a while, "for my companion's beneiu. Let me just finally state, lest there should be misunderstanding, that my friend and I are going to leave your house unmolested. Be pleased, madame, to accept that as settled. Should there be occasion for a conflict we are not unprepared; indeed, I do not know that we should not welcome it." I trembled. I was afraid that the scent of blood had roused the fury of battle in him, and that he would let in the crowd of whisper- ing scoundrels for the mere love of fighting with them. I plunged my hand into the pocket of my overcoat, and grasped the revolver I had changed from my other over- coat. But D'Abra was a man, heights above those levels where men fight, for fighting's sake. His every act was crammed with pur- pose. He worked for ends, never for mere work's sake. "I do not know precisely how many friends you have, whether nine or ten- In the lamentable event of their entering I have decided"—he waited and eyed her curiously, and then proceeded—"to—kill—four—not reckoning yourself, my dear madame. You dying at once would not count as coming into the conflict. My companion there could arrange matters with not a few. Be good enough, sir, to show madame your weapon. And, by the way, you had better re-load, as the cartridges already in the cliambers are blank. Here are a few charged with bullets." He presented me with a handful of what seemed to be my own cartridges.. He knew, then, of my revolver-knew that I had trans- ferred it to my fresh overcoat! He was, indeed, beyond the sounding of my puny intelligence. "There are several ways of quietly leaving your residence, and our difficulty lies in the choice. Whether by yon fire-escape (the case is there, the ropes and pulley are, doubtless, convenient to your hand), or by the stair you mentioned, which I fear we should use free of charge. Ah. it is guarded, your eyes tell me, and locked. Those keys of yours would aid WI; and what is one man? He would not be much missed. But our desire is to depart without annoyance; we will. therefore, by another method. Do not be afraid, madame; I shall do you no injury, except on reason- able provocation. Keep your eyes earnestly upon this." He approached her with his long knife lifted above her head. Coming close to her. he held it slightly higher than her forehead, almost out of range of her vision. Her eyes followed the gleaming Jbrilliance of the blade, and remained fixed upon it for a while. Presently, to my astonishment, for the curious pheno. mena of hypnotism were entirely unknown to me at the time. I saw her pass off into a semi- unconscious state. Now, bending his mouth to her ear, he poured in upon her a string of instructions, spoken in a clear, intense tone, of which I caught a few. "You cannot escape me." "Tell them that the police will be presently upon their tratk, and, unless they are gone immediately, they'll be captured in a body. We are working with the police." "We will seat ourselves in the far room, near the secret stair." "You will bring us refreshment when they have gone." "You shall not suffer." Such were some of the remarks I caught. (To be continued.)
AN UNDESIKABLE LOVER
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AN UNDESIKABLE LOVER DOWLAIS MAN'S ANNOYING ATTEN- TIONS. At Merthyr Police-court on Monday (before Mr. T. Marchant Williams, stipendiary, anq wL Mr. J. Plews) Joseph Jones was summoned for assaulting Abigail James at Dowlais.—Mr. F. P. Charles appeared for the complainant and Mr. W. Beddoe defended.—Mr. Charles said that the defendant had been paying his addresses to the complainant's sister Maggie. but the relationship had been broken off, and since that time Jones had lost no opportunity of annoying and interfering with Maggie and the rest of the family. Be had sent letters of a rather objectionable character to the house, and he had gone so far as to hand missives to Maggie in chapel. For the last two months he had been out of work, and he had annoyed the family more than ever. On Monday, October 27, Esther and Abigail were proceed- ing to their work when they encountered the defendant, who struck Abigail several times with a, walking stick which be had in his hand.—Dr. Hughes said the complainant was not able to attend the court that day. He found her on the day of the alleged assault in a fit, Buffering from a contused wound on the left temple and a corresponding bruise on the left side of the lower jaw. One of her teeth was loose, and she had been confined to her bed ever since. The Stipendiary said he was not sure that the best thing to do would not be to send the defendant to gaol for six months and ask the prison doctor to look after him. However, they would adjourn the case for a month in accordance with Mr. Beddoe's suggestion and Hnd the defendant over in one surety of £ 20 to be of good behaviour in the meantime.
ABERYSTWITH GUARDIANS
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ABERYSTWITH GUARDIANS SCENE AT A MEETING: MEMBERS INPULGE IN PERSONALITIES. At the fortnightly meeting of the Aber- yatwith Board of Guardians on Monday, Mr. Trugh Hughes presiding, a heated discussion took place with regard to the payment of a bill for 91 11s. 6d. received from Dr. Morgan. who had been called in by Dr. Bonsall, house- surgeon, to consult and assist at an operation on a man who had been refused admission to the infirmary. In proposing that they pay the bill, subject to the approval of the Local Government Board, Mr. Salmon said that the man had been treated as an out-patient at the infir- mary, and at no other institution in the country would they have refused admission for the purposes of an operation. He was surprised that the committee should hesitate about paying a paltry bill of jEl lis. 6d. Mr. E. Morris said that the committee werp, exceeding their duty even in offering to pay part of the bill, because the agreement with the house-surgeon was that he should provide all medical assistance. A long and warm discussion followed, and a remark by the Rev. John Davies (vice-chair- man), that he did not think the case was so urgent as it was made out to be. gave rise to angry protests. Mr. Salmon protested against the vice-chair- man repeatedly getting up to speak, Mr. John Jones: You sit down. Mr. Salmon: You shut your mouth. The Chairman: Well, allow somebody else to spealt. Mr. Salmon: Why should you stop me and let Mr. Davies criticise my remarks? He has been up three or four times. Mr. Morgan: I am surprised at you-a town councillor, too. Mr. Salmon: I want to have justice for the poor. The Chairman: You must sit down, or I shall rule you out of order. Mr. Salmon: Yon are giving the vice-chair- man privileges. (" Order, order.") You can "order" as much as you like, but if you are going to show partiality to one member more than another you had better leave the chair. Mr. Jones: He ought to be ashamed of him- self. Mr. Salmon: So you ought with that face. At length the Chairman got the members in hand. and it was agreed to send the account back to Dr. Morgan, with a suggestion that he should send it in through the house- |surgeon. *———
iABERTYSSWG EXPLOSION.
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ABERTYSSWG EXPLOSION. INO ALBERT MEDALS FOR THE RESCUERS. In the House of Commons on Mcmday the proposal to make some public recognition of the bravery displayed in the, rescue operations after the Abertyaswg explosion came up on questions addressed to the Home Secretary by Sir Charles M'Laren (R.. Bosworth) and Mr. William Abraham (R., Rhondda). The Home Secretary replied that he had looked very carefully into the facts of the case. He fully appreciated the praiseworthy and courageous conduct of each one of the men referred to, but he did not find-and he said it with regret-that the case was one which he should feel justified in submitting to the King for an award of the Albert medal.
OARDIFF OONSTABLFlS DEATH.
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OARDIFF OONSTABLFlS DEATH. At the Cardiff own-hall on Friday Mr. E. B. Reece, coroner, held an inquest on the body of Police-constable Roland Thomas, 20, who sustained an accident about Christmas- time. and died from shock. Thomas, while on duty about the premises of Councillor Courtis, at Penylan, fell into a hole, and evidence was given by Dr. Treharne and Dr. Alexander Brownlee (Cardiff Infir- mary) showing that there had been great vomitting, and tha,t death ensued consequent upon complications. Dr. Mitchell Stephens had made a post- mortem examination, and-the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.
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THE RECENT CONFERENCE IN LONDON.
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THE RECENT CONFERENCE IN LONDON. Au important Blue Book was issued on Monday evening relative to the recent con- ference in London between the Colonial Sec- retary and the Prime Ministers of the self- governing Colonies. According to the sum- mary of che proceedings, the subjects of dis- cussion indicated iu the telegram of invita- tion to the conference were the political and commercial relations of the Empire and its naval and military defence. In addition to the Prime Ministers, the conference enjoyed the advantage of the presence at its meet- ings of the Minister of Defence for the Com- monwealth of Australia and of the Canadian Ministers of Customs. Militia and Defence, and Finance, and the Canadian Postmaster- General. The Secretary for War, the First Lord of the Admiralty, and the President of the Board of Trade were also present at the discussion of the questions affecting their special departments. The full report must continue to be regarded as confidential, and only the statements made by his Majesty's Ministers, in which they indicated generally the views of his Majesty's Government on the various resolutions passed, are now made public. MR CHAMBERLAIN'S OPENING SPEECH. The text of the speech with which the Colonial Secretary opened the proceedings is set out in full. Dealing first with the subject of political relations, Mr. Chamberlain ex- pressed the opinion that the political federa- tion of the Empire was within the limits of possibility. He recognised the difficulties which would attend such a change in our Constitutional system, and which at one time appeared to be, and were, indeed, insur- mountable; but now he could not but recol- lect that similar difficulties, almost, if not quite, as great, had been surmounted in the case of the United States, and difficulties, perhaps not quite so great, but, still, very considerable, had been surmounted in the federation of the Dominion of Canada. Therefore, he held that, as the progress already made was only an indication of the progress which might be made in the future, these difficulties might be overcome. At all events, they should cherish this ideal of closer union in their hearts, and do nothing either now or in the future to make it impossible. Closer union must come from the Colonies. "The link which unites us," continued the speaker, almost invisible, aj it is sentimental in its character, is one which we would gladly strengthen, but, at the same time, it has proved itself to be so strong that certainly we would not wish to substi- tute for it a chain which might be galling in its incidence. And. therefore, as regards political relations, his Majesty's Government. while they would welcome any approach which might be made to a more definite and closer union, feel that it is not for them to press this upon you. The demand, if it comes and when it comes, must come from the Colonies. If it comes, it will be enthusiasti- cally received in this country." A COUNCIL OF THE EMPIRE. Proceeding, Mr. Chamberlain said. "If you are prepared at any time to take any pro- portionate share in the burdens of the Em- pire, we are prepared to meet you with any proposal for giving to you a corresponding voice in the policy of the Empire." That object, he pointed out, might be achieved in various ways. Representation of the Colonies in either or both Houses of Parliament had been suggested. There was no objection in principle to any such proposal. If it came to them, his Majesty's Government would feel justified in favourably considering it, but he had always felt himself that the more practi- cal way would be the establishment or the creation of a real Council of the Empire,, to which all questions of Imperial interest might be referred. And if it were desired to pro- ceed gradually, as would probably be our course, the Council might in the first instance be merely an Advisory Council. But. though that would be a preliminary step. it was clear that the object would not be completely secured until there had been conferred sueh such a Council executive functions, and, per- haps. also legislative powers. and it was for the Premiers to say whether they thought the time had come when any progress whatever could be made in that direction. IMPERIAL DEFENCE. Turning to the question of Imperial defence, the right hon. gentleman said he would lay before the conference a paper showing the comparative amount of the ordinary naval and military expenditure of the United King- dom. In the case of the United Kingdom the cost of armaments had enormously increased since 1S97. The increase was due not entirely to our initiative, but was forced upon us by the action of other Powers, who had made great advances, especially in connection with their Navies. The Estimates for the present year for Ijoth naval and military expenditure in the United Kingdom. not including the extraordinary war expenses, but the normal Estimates, involved an expenditure of 29s. 3d. per head of the population per annum. In Canada the same items involved an expendi- ture of enly 2s. per head of the population, in New South Wales it was 3s. 5d., in Victoria 3s. 3d., in New Zealand 3s. 4d.. and in the Cape and Natal it was, he thought, between 2s. and 3s. No one would pretend that that was a fair distribution of the burdens of the Empire, or believe that the United Kingdom could for all time make this inordinate sacri- fice. Now that the Colonies were rich and powerful- their tnaterial prosperity promised to rival that of the United Kingdom itself—he thought it was inconsistent with their position and dignity that they AOQld leave the Mother Country to bear almost the whole of the expense. He begged them to remember that the Colonies were not asked to put upon their own shoulders any burden for the exclusive advantage of the Mother Country, because it was owing to its duties and obligations to its Colonies and its trade with those Colonies that the necessity had been cast upon the United Kingdom to make these enormous preparations. And he thought they would agree that it was not unreasonable for the Mother Country to call the attention of the Colonies to a state of things which could not be permanent. The disproportion he had noted could not be immediately remedied, but he hoped something would be done to recognise more effectively than hitherto the obligation of all to contribute to the common weal. COMMERCIAL RELATIONS. Next speaking on this head. the Colonial Secretary said he was placing papers before the conference which ,gave a very full account of the present state of trade between the Colonies and the Mother Country, and also a very important matter for consideration—of the condition of trade between the United Kingdom and foreign countriee. Without going into details, he would say there were two salient facts which appeared on the sur- face of those returns—the first was that if the people of the Empire so chose the Empire might be aalf-sustaining. It was so wide, its products so various, its climates so different. that there was absolutely nothing which was necessary to existence, hardly anything which was desirable as a luxury, which could not be produced within the borders of the Empire itself. And the second salient fact was that the Empire at the present time. and especially the United Kingdom, which was the greatest market in the world, derived the greater part of its necessaries from foreign countries, and that it exported the largest part of its avail- able produce—surplus produce—also to foreign countries. This trade might be the trade—the inter-Imperial trade—of the Empire. The present state of things was not. to his mind. satisfactory, and he hoped they would agree with him that everything which could possibly tend to increase the interchange of products between the different parte of the Empire was deserving of their cordial encouragement. What his Majesty's Government had statefl to be the object for which they would most gladly strive was a free interchange. If the Premiers were unable to accept that as a- prin- ciple. then he asked how far could they approach to it. If a free interchange between the different parts of the Empire couli he secured it would then be a matter for separate consideration what should be the attitude of the Empire as a whole or of its several parts towards foreign nations, i The first thing to do—the thing which touched them most nearly—was to consider how far they could extend the trade between the different parts of the Empire. RECIPROCAL TRADE. Mr. Chamberlain went on to refer to the preference voluntarily accorded by Canada on British taxable goodo imported into the Dominion, and. while gratefully acknowledg- ing the intention of the. proposal and its sen- timental value as a proof of goodwill and affection, he had to say that its substantial results had been altogether disappointing. Practically the whole recognisable result of the concession wae to check the previous decrease in the importation of British goods into Canada.
WHAT THE CONFERENCE ACHIEVED.
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WHAT THE CONFERENCE ACHIEVED. The following is the official summary of the resolutions and results of the confer- ence — POLITICAL RELATIONS. Resolution: "That it would be to the advan- tage of the Empire if conferences were held. as far as practicable at intervals not exceed- ing four years, at which questions of com- mon interest affecting the relations of the Mother Country and his Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and con- sidered as between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Prime Ministers of the self-governing Colonies. The Secretary of State for the Colonies is requested to arrange for such conferences after communi- cation with the Prime Ministers of the respec- tive Colonies. In case of any emergency arising upon which a special conference may have been deemed necessary, the next ordi- nary conference to be held not sooner than three years thereafter." COMMUNICATION PRIOR TO TREATIES. Resolution: "That. so far as may be con- sistent with the confidential negotiation of treaties with foreign Powers, the views of the Colonies affected should be obtained in order that they may be in a better position to give adhesion to such treaties." NAVAL DEFENCE. Contribution of Australia increased to £200.000 a year towards the cost of an improved Australasian squadron and the establishment of a branch of the Royal Naval Reserve. Contribution of New Zealand increased to £40.000 a year towards an improved Austra- lasian squadron and the establishment of a ^ranch of the Royal Naval Reserve. ^Contribution of Cape Colony increased to ■50,000 per annum towards the general main- tenance of the Navy. Natal to contribute £35.000 per annum towards the general maintenance of the Navy. Newfoundland to contribute £3.00D per annum (and a capital sum of £1.800 for fitting up and preparing a drill-ship) towards the maintenance of a Royal Naval Reserve of not lesa than 600 men. COMMISSIONS IN THE ARMY AND CADET. SHIPS IN THE NAVY. Resolution: "That the Prime Ministers of the self-governing Colonies suggest that the ques- tion of the allotment of the naval and mili- tary cadets to the dominions beyond the seas be taken into consideration by the naval and military authorities with a view tfc increasing the number of commissions to be offered. That, consistent with ensuring suitable candidates, as far as practicable greater facilities than now obtain should be given to enter the Navy and the Army." PREFERENTIAL TRADE. Resolution: (1) That this conference recognises that the principle of preferential trade between the United Kingdom and his Majesty's dominions beyond the seas would stimulate and facilitate mutual commercial intercourse, and would, by promoting the development of the resources and industries of the several parts, strengthen the Empire; (2) That this conference recognises that in the present circumstances of the Colonies it ie not practicable to adopt a general system of Free Trade as between the Mother Country and the British dominions beyond the seas; "(3) That. with a view. however, to pro- moting the increase of trade within the Empire, it is desirable that those Colonies which have not already adopted such a policy should, as far as their circumstances permit, give the substantial preferential treatment to the products and manufacturers of the United Kingdom; "(4) That the Prime Ministers of the Colonies respectfully urge on his Majesty's Govern- ment the expediency of granting in the United Kingdom preferentiaMreatment to the pro- ducts and manufactures of the Colonies, either by exemption from or reduction of duties now or hereafter imposed; "(5) That the Prime Ministers present at the conference undertake to submit to their respective Governments at the earliest oppor- tunity the principle of the resolution, and to request them to take such measures as may be necessary "to give effect to it." The representatives of the Colonies are pre- pared to recommend to their respective Governments preferential treatment of British goods on the following lines: Canada.—The existing preference of 33 1-3 and an additional preference on lists of selected articles':—(a) By further reducing the duties in favour of the United Kingdom; (b) by raising the dot ice against foreign imports; (c) by imposing duties on certain foreign imports now on the free list. Australia.—Preferential treatment, not yet defined as to nature or extent. New Zealand—A general preference by 10 per cent. all round reduction of the present duty on British manufactured goods, or an equivalent in respect of lists of selected articles on the lines proposed by Canada, namely:—(a) By further reducing the duties in favour of the United Kingdom; (b) by raising the duties against foreign imports, and (c) by imposing duties on certain foreign imports now on the free list. The Cape and Natal-A preference of 25 per cent.. or its equivalent, o. dutiable goods other than specially rated articles, to be given by increasing the duties on foreign imports. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS. Resolution:—"That in all Government con- tracts, whether in the case of Colonial or the Imperial Governments, it is desirable that aa far as practicable the products of the Empire should be preferred to the products of foreign countries." With a view to promoting this result it is suggested that where such contracts cannot be filled in the country in which the supplies are required the fullest practicable notice of the requirements and of the condi- tions of tender should be given both in the Colonies and the United Kingdom, and that this notice should be communicated through official channels aa well as through the press." SHIPPING SUBSIDIES. Resolution:—" That it is desirable that in view of the great extension of foreign subsi- dies to shipping the position of the mail ser- vices between different parts of the Empire should be reviewed by the respective Govern- ments. In all new contracts provisions should be inserted to prevent excessive freight charges or any preference in favour of foreigners, and to ensure that snch of the steamers as may be suitable shall be at the service of his Majesty's Government in war time as cruisers or transports." COASTING TRADE. ResolutionThat it is desirable that the attention of the Governments of the Colonies and tne United Kingdom should be called to the present state of the navigation laws in the Empire and in other countries, and to the advisability of refusing the privileges of coastwise trade, including trade between the mother country, and its Colonies and posses- sions and between one colony or possession and another to oountries in which the corre- sponding trade is oonfined to ships of their own nationality, and also to the laws affect- ing shipping with a view of seeing whether any other steps should be taken to promote Imperial trade in British vessels. OTHER MATTERS. The conference adopted resolutions in Tavour of the adoption of the metric system the mutual protection of patents, the purchase of cables, cheap postage between the different parts of the Empire. THE QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL. Contributions to be recommended to' the respective Parliaments by the Premiers — The Dominion of Canada.630000 The Commonwealth of Australia, reply not yet received. v y New Zealand, (not less than) £15,000. The Cape Colony, £20.000. The Colony of Natal, (not exceeding) £10,000. The Colony of Newfoundland. 82,000. THE TENOUR OF THE DISCUSSIONS. With regard to the question of naval defence it was suggested that the representatives of the Colonies should arrauge separate private meetings with the Lord of the Admiralty (who had addressed the conference) in order to settle with him what should be the form and extent in which they might severally best contribute to the naval defence of the Empire The discussion on the matter of military defence revealed considerable differences of opinion amongst the members. While the representatives of Cape Oolony and Natal were disposed to fall in with the policy suggested by the Secretary for War (of having a special body of troops earmarked for Imperial ser- vice). the representatives of panada and Aus- tralia were of opinion that the best course to pursae waa to endeavour to raise the stan- dard of training, for the general body of their forces to organise the departmental services and equipment required for the mobilisation of a field force, leaving it to the Colony, when the need arose, to determine how and to what extent it should render assistance. On the subject of commercial relatione, the discussion revealed a, very strong feeling among the Prime Ministers in favour of making some definite advance towards estab- lishing closer trade relations between the Mother Country and the Colonies, but the cir- cumstances in the different Colonies differed so widely that it was apparent that no arrangement applicable to all could be devised, and it was resolved accordingly that the several Prime Ministers should meet the President of the Board of Trade privately, with a view of considering such separate arrangements as would best meet the varying circumstances of the several Colonies, and that when the result of those meetings was reported the conference should proceed to discuss the terms of a general resolution embodying the principle of the arrangements arrived at.
ICHARGE OF ATTEMPTED MURDER.…
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CHARGE OF ATTEMPTED MURDER. Before Mr. Justice Bigham at the Central Criminal Court a young man. named William John Woozley. admittedly respectable, and who had been for many years a clerk in Somerset House, and who resided in a flat in the Gauden-roa-d, Clapham. was indicted for having attempted to murder his child. Dr. Scott, medical omcer of Brixton Prison, gave it as his opinion that the accused was insane at the time of the attack on the child. The jury found a verdict to that effect, and accused was ordered to be detained during his Majesty's pleasure. Mr. and Mrs. Woozley are well known at Carmarthen, the husband being a native of Abergwili, and the latter having for several years occupied the post of assistant-mistress at the Soman Catholic. School at
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A FAMOUS DOCK AT LLANELLY.…
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A FAMOUS DOCK AT LLANELLY. HOW IT CAME TO BE BUILT WITHOUT AN ENTRANCE. After having to contend with an almost unparalleled host of difficulties, to which at one time there seemed no end, the Llanelly Harbour Commissioners will be in a position in a few days to open their new dock for traffic. It was reported at the meeting on Saturday last that the signalling contract was now practically completed, and as soon as the finishing touches have been put in a special meeting will be called to make arrangements for the opening. This will be welcome news to a community that has had its temper sorely tried during the last few years by the cam- paign of blundering upon which the commis- sioners had entered. Apart from the delay which has been occasioned by litigation that ought to have been avoided, the estimates of expenditure have been largely exceeded, and even now all the improvements that were con- templated have not been carried out. It is hoped to attract the largest vessels to the port, but considerable dredging will have yet to be done before craft of the largest size can be accommodated. The question of further expenditure has already been under considers tion, the intention being to make application in the ensiling session for further Parliamen- tary powers. After going into the whole situa- tion. the commissioners have now decided not to make such application until the session of 1904. In the meantime, the dock is to be opened, and dredging is to be carried on sys. tematically with the plant at the disposal of the commissioners. Perhaps it will not be without interest at the present juncture to re-call the series of events which made Llanelly for a long time famous as owning a dock without au entrance." The first sod of the work was cut as far back as April. 1398, and it was then confidently stated that two years would see the dock completed and ready to. receive traffic. Nor. indeed, was this an exaggerated estimate of time. The contract was placed in the hands of Mr. L. P. Nott, who went about it with his usual despatch, A part of his con- tract was the cutting of the entrance, which would mean the diversion of the Mynydd Mawr Railway, which ran across the head of the dock at this time. And this is where the trouble began. The actual land required was only a few yards, but how costly those yards have been the ratepayers of Llanelly now know- The commissioners —good, easy men I-never anticipated conajng into conflict with the railway com- pany, and so confident were they of their own rights that they deliberately made up their minds not to give "notice to treat," and they ordered the work of cutting the bank to go on. Thereupon the railway company commenced legal proceedings, the first step being the securing of an injunction to restrain the com- missioners from interfering with the bank. This brought the whole of the work to a stand- still. and an action followed in the High Court, in which the position of the railway company was upheld. But the harbour authority-were still confident that right was on their side, and they appealed against this finding. The appeal, however, was all in favour of the decision of the lower court, and the commissioners found themselves compelled to treat with the Mynydd Mawr Company and also mulcted in coats. The action between the commissioners and the railway company turned upon the inter- pretation put upon a document drawn up between the two parties as far back as 13,82. At that time the railway was being con- structed, and it was held out that it would do much to develop the shipping trade of the port by opening up the rich anthracite deposits of the Gwendraeth Valley. The commissioners of that day were anxious to assist the railway as much as possible, and they allowed them to run the line over this land near the present dock. Now, it was contended by the commis- sioners that the document was an easement. which meant that the commissioners could themselves use the land whenever they desired to do so. On the other hand. the company urged that they had been given a lease of tha land, and this was the view taken by the courts of law. The result was that the bar. bour authority were at the mercy of the Mynydd Mawr Company and would have to make the best terms the ycould with them. In the ensuing session of Parliament the commis- sioners promoted a Bill enabling them to deal with the difficulty, but at the last minute a settlement was arrived at in London between the parties. The settlement, as was to be expected, was altogether in favour of the company, who were able to Secure valuable concessions affecting the use of the shipping stages and the commissioners' railway around the dock. In regard to the diversion railway, this was agreed to be in perpetuity a part of the undertaking of the company. The commissioners further pledged themselves to construct and maintain lines of railway and sidings, and if through their failure to properly dredge the berth at the stages so that t-eseels can- not lie there with safety, such vessels are to be allowed to enter and use the dock. Another important part of the settlement was in relation to the swing-bridge which the commissioners ha.d to construct to carry the railway over the entrance of the dock. This is to be worked and maintained by the har- bour commissioners, who are also to provide, work, and maintain adequate signals and sig- nalling appliances. If the company's traffio over the bridge be interrupted they are to be allowed to use free of toll the commis- sioners' railways, In regard to the shipping rtages erected by the company, the com- missioners are to buy out of the rates and charges received by theia for coal shipment at the new dock from the railway of the company a rate of 2d. per ton until the sum paid shall, amount to £3,000. There are various other clauses in the agreement, which need not be detailed here, with the usual provision for arbitration in cage of dispute. In spite of the settlement already referred to. there has been ever since it was made a continuance of trouble with the Mynydd Mawr Company. It would appear that the agreement was anything but a com- plete one. for there has been as much con- tention since as there was before it was arrived at. Matters are now to be brought to a head by arbitratiou. in Wi_ch- the company intend putting forward the following four points: — 1. Signalling. 2. Layerage at the bertha. 3. Protection of the st^^es. 4. Buoyage. When the umpire has djudic-^ed up<m these points of difference it is to be hoped that there will be no further trouble between the parties. In the meanwhile, however, "the dock is to be opened and the channel is to be dredged and maintained at a greater depth than before. It ought to be explained that the original estimate of expenditure was much exceeded by the decision of the commis- sioners in favour of hydraulic power, the first intention being to go in for steam. The entrance has also been widened from 50ft. to 52ft., while the approach is close upon 100ft. wide. Whatever increased expenditure has been incurred by these improvements has .not been grudged by the ratepayers; but they have every right to complain of the policy which landed the commissioners in such costly litigation with the railway company. MEETING OF THE CHAMTER OF TRADE. A special meeting of the Llanelly Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday night for the purpose of considering a letter received from the harbour commissioners, in which it was stated that the commissioners could not make application to Parliament for further powers in the ensuing session.—Mr. William Bowen expressed the opinion that a meeting of ratepayers should be called, and said that the present state of affairs in the harbour was not at all satisfactory. Unless further powers were sought immediately he thought the result would be serious for the port Mr. Tom Hughes said that the commissioners were well advised in not going to Parliament at present with any piecemeal scheme. It was better to wait until a larger scheme dealing with the whole estuary could be laid before Parliament.—A deputation was appointed to confer with the commissioners upon th*- matter.
LLWYNYPIA COLLIER DROWNED.
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LLWYNYPIA COLLIER DROWNED. The inquest touching the death of Morgan Lewis, aged 27, whose ootiy was found in the East Dock. Cardiff, en Friday, was held on Saturday (before the coroner, Mr. E. Bernard Reece.—Robert Lewis, a collier, of Llwynypia, said that, deceased was his brother, and had lived with him. On October 20 he left home, and had been missing ever since. Inquiries had been made in all directions, and infor- mation was given to the police, but no clue aa to his whereabouts was received until wit- ness heard that a body bad been found at Cardiff, when he came to the town and iden- tified it.—Dock-constable William Arthur. who found the body floating in the dock, paid that 2s. 2d.. a silver wateh, and gold chain were found in the pockets —Dr. Buist said that death was apparently due to drowning, and the jury returned a verdict of "Found drowned."
WELSH SINGING.
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WELSH SINGING. At the demonstration held in the Alexandra Palace. London, on Saturday to protest against the Education Bill the Beihegda Choir sang a selection of Welsh national airs, followed by several Liberal songs, in which the audience joined. In the course of hia speech Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman alluded to the singing in flattering terms. The music of Welsh voices was, he said, perhaps the moat impressive music that could fill the earthly air—(cheers)—and it wae to be koped th&t, aa those honest men and women had proved themselves masters of harmony, harmony WCMIld be restored to their daily livee.