The Cardiff Times

Another Version. I POSSIBLE JAPANESE TRIUMPH. Steamers Sunk at Port Arthur. (Press Association Special War VeleMzn.) ST. PETERSBURG, Wednesday, 11 p.m. On the 23rd instant the Japanese attempted to send four steamers filled with explosives into Port Arthur Harbour. Owing to the vigilance of the Russian fleet the attempt came to nothing. Theae vessels did no damage, but were themselves destroyed, two of them being sunk and two tun ashore. Of the Japanese torpedo boats which escorted them two were destroyed by the Russian fleet. ("Standard" and South Wales Daily News" Correspondent.) (Coryright.) SHANGBAI, Wednesday, 10 30 p.m. An official telegram received here from Port Arthur says that the Japanese Fleet last night made another attack on Port Arthur, but was repulsed. jiJ: vessels are reported to have been entirely disabled, but there are no intelligible details of She affair. AT THE JAPANESE LEGATION. The Press Association learned at the Japanese Legation on Wednesday that no news of warlike operations had come to hand during the day. There was still no confirmation of the report that the Japanese had captured four Russian MRWdo boats, and none of the latter report that the Russians had repulsed a new attack on Port Arthur,with tho result that four Japanese battle- j ships and two Japanese transports were sunk. | As to the report that certain disguised -Japanese officers had been captured and hanged by the Russians while engaged in an attempt to destroy portions of the Manchurian Railway, the Lega- tion officials do not recognise the names given as being at all like Japanese names, and it is significant that no such names appear in the Japanese Army list.

TRYING TO BLOCK THE HARBOUR. Four Barges Sunk. (Central News Special War Telegram). ST PETERSBURG, Thursday, 12.25 a.m. News has been received here from Port Arthur of a Japanese attempt to block the entrance to Port Arthur and of its defeat by the Russian squadron. The idea of the scheme seemed to be the sink- ing of barges in the strait leading from the outer to the inner harbour so as to effectually block access or ingress to the port. The Japanese, however, were observed in time by the Russian squadron, a portion of which was in the inner harbour. Guns were immediately turned upon the enemy, and the barges were sunk by the Russian gun fire before they reached the point at which the Japs evidently intended to sink them. No further details are yet to bnnd

THE LAND MOVEMENTS. I (Exchange O:8 War Telegtam ) I PARIS, Wednesday. It is reporte d that Japan has proclaimed her protectorate over Korea. (Press-Association Special War Telegram.) PARIS. Wednesday, j A telegram fiom Shanghai states that accord- ing to the latest news from Korea the Jappnese Army Corps landed at Chemulpo is about 30,000 strong, and has already been deployed between Seoul acd Pingyang, the advance guards being even beyond that place. Owing to a partial thaw the roads are in a very bad state, and the transportation of provisions and ammunition is very difficult. (Central News Special War Telegram.) REOU L. Tuesday. Russian scouting parties have been seen at Anju, 40 miles north of Fin.Yan (Press Association Special Wal Telegram.) SEOUL, Wednesday. The Russians are keeping open the communi- cation between Wija and Anju, but beyond this no advance south is vet being made. Russian spies are, however, known to be in the vicinity of Ping Yang The inhabitants of the place are panic stricken owing to the prospects of Ping Yang becoming the centre of operations.

DARDANELLES QUESTION. The "Daily Telegraph's" representative in St. Petersburg is enabled to state with absolute certainty that some eight days ago the Russian Government telegraphed detailed instructions to its Ambassador at Constantinople to obtain from the Porte authorisation, exceptionally and for once only, for the Russian Black Sea warships to pass the Dardanelles. M. Zinovieff, who is very familiar with all the aspects of the subject, took upon himself to refuse to make any official or unofficial request, for reasons which appeared so conclusive to the Foreign Office here that on receipt of his reply in that sense the matter was allowed to drop altogether.

British Colliers Taken. THREE CAPTURED BY RUSSIANS. (Press Association Special War Telegram.) SUAKIN, Wednesday. The captain of the steamer Luristan, bonnd from London to Bombay, which has arrived here, reports that the vessel was stopped and examined by Russian destroyers a few miles south of the Daedalus (?), and that the Russians informed him that three British steamers laden with coal for Japan had been captured by them. British Steamer's Adventures. (Central News Special War Telegram.) ST. PETERSBURG, Wednesday. A despatch from Port Arthur states that the British steamer Chilka has just arrived there from Nagasaki, where she had been detained. On the 6th inst. she was informed that she was at liberty to sail, and the following day she com- pleted discharging and put to sea late in the evening. She was, however, closely watched down to the last moment by Japanese agents, and was in constant danger of arrest. On her passage from Nagasaki to Port Arthur the Chilka passed on the 20th inst. a Japanese destroyer.

JAPAN'S DUTY. Lasting Peace in the Far East. A high Japanese official who is responsible for JaDan's commercial and financial interests in this country informed a Central News represen- tative yesterday that although he had just received information that the 100,000 000 yen war loan bad been completely successful at heme it might be necessary if tbe war with Russia was protracted to float a second and similar loan. The Central News in- formant stated that from a personal knowledge of the theatre of operations he could say that the weather was most sevore in Korea and the Liaotung Peninsula at the present time. The inarch of a large army such as Japan would require in any concerted movement in the present operations would be limited to ten miles a dav, as the troops when away from their base would have to carry their own forage and supplies with them. The bad roads in Korea, which at present would be covered with thick ice and snow, would tend con- siderably to hamper any forward movement, but in any event winter was the better time for mili- tary operations, as in the hot summer a great deal of drinking water would be required, and the water in that part of the country was not very very pure. If the Russian troops were to make a move southwards a pitched battle might be looked for very soon. The possibility was. however, that Russia would not risk a pitchea battle, but instead would retire inland and fortify a strong position such as Harbin. He considered that Russia knew ehe could not hold Port Arthur very long. One of the great water towers erected at stations on the Siberian Railway. 11 From information which had just been received from Tokio four battalions of Japanese troops, numbering each a thousand men, bad already been landed at Chemulpho. These were intended for the protection of the capital, and the main armies were being rapidly transported there. The Japanese Government did not anticipate that the present war would last as long as that with China. Japan's duty was to expel Russia from Man- churia. and the negotiations preceding the out- break of war centred entirely around that point. Russia did not withdraw ber army, and Japan was compelled to endeavour to secure the evacna- tion of Manchuria by force of arms. Russian power in the Far East was very much over-estimated in Europe. China was similarly over-estimated nine years ago, yet the Chinese navy fought bravely. So far Russia had not in- flicted any damage on the Japanese fleet. Japan bad very important work before ber. She had to i secure a permanent peace in the Far East, and I she sought to make her victory over Rnssia so I overwhelming that she could be in a position to secure that peace

REPORTED RUSSIAN SCOOP, j French Newspaper Yarn. | (Reuter's Special War Telegram.) PARIS, Tuesday. The "Libafta" states that according to a telegram received in London from Santiago de Chile the entire Chilian Navy, consisting of two armoured cruisers, six protected cruisers five large torpedo boats, six destroyers. and 24 tor- pedo boats,has been bought by France, on behalf of Rujoia. RUSSIA THE UNREADY. I The yt. Petersburg correspondent of the Daily Telegraph wrIter :-The despatch of troops to the Far Ekst is the principal problem for the moment, and it is complicated by the transport of medicaments, surgical appliances and war material, none of which was ready on the outbreak of war. The soldiers are said to be sanering dreadfully from the frost, which in j'i? '8 Snowstorms delay the trains, and the troops are obliged to turn out and clear the line from snow. At Lake Baikal passengers and war material have to be removed from the trains, and the means of transport over the ice of the lake are extremely defective and few, so that both shores are encumbered by mountains of freight awaiting the arrival of trains. The rolling stock it wholly inadequate to the task ¡ there is an extreme dearth of engines, and several of those in nse are credibly stated to have broken down. Everything™ being done hurriedly, anyhow. -■t

1,000 Tons increase! Ten Hundred Tons! Only think what this means when it represents the actual increase over last year in the sale of Provost' Oats, the finest Porridge-making food in the world. It means thou- sands of additional eaters of Provost' Oats, and hundreds of thousands more plates of Provost' Oats Porridge than were ever eaten before. What more eloquent testimony could there be to the superior quality of these Oats. They stand high above all others in goodness and merit. The finest in flavour. The woody fibre so often found in other Oats is entirely eliminated. R. ROBINSON & SONS, ANNAN, N. B. Try our Blue Bell" Flaked Rice, it makes dainty puddings in five minutes. Simply drench the flakes in boiling water and cook in an oven for five minutes. 3d. one pound packet.

HAKODATE SAVED BY SNOWSTORM. (" Standard and South Wales Daily News Special Correspondent.) (Copyright.) NAGASAKI. Monday, 5 p.m. The steamer Stolberg arrived here to day from Vladivostock which it left on the 19th. It has on board the foreign lesidents at that port, among them the British Consular agent and 53 Japanese, including 42 of the survivors of the Japanese coasting steamer Nagoara Maru, which was sunk by the Vladivostock Squadron on the 11th. It appears that the crew refused to leave their vessel, and had to be removed by force. Two of them were drowned while belner transferred to a Russian cruiser. The remainder were well treatea and provided with clothes, while their fares were paid by the Russian Government. The intention of the Russian squadron was to bombard Hakodate, but the operation was ren- dered impossible by the heavy snowstorm. The fleet accordingly returned to Vladivosotck on the 12th. The Russians are said to be contemplating another descent to Hokaido very shortly with five torpedo boats and the armoured transport Lena. Vladivostock ia ahert of supplies. Food is scarce and expensive and is largely comman- deered. No telegraphic messages have been allowed to be despatched since the 12th. The harbour of Vladivostock is elaborately mineh, and the passengers of the Stolberg were ordered below when the vessel was being piloted out.

JAPANESE IN KOREA. Preparations for an Advance. (" Times Special War Telegram, per Press Association.) WEI-HAI-WET, Monday, 10. 15 p.m. On the 19th inst. the Times steamer Hai- mun entered Cbemalpho anchorage, being the first private-owned vessel to arrive since the en. gagement on the 9th. Aa she cam a in she was ordered to heave to, and was boarded by an officer from a Japanese cruiser, but was politely permitted to proceed by a long and devious approach. The port presented a busy appearance. Numer- ous transports were entering and departing, and the anchorage was thronged with craft of every description. Conspicuous were the tops of the submerged Korietz and the Sungari, while the flat side of the Variag w" visible at low tide. Salvage operations iim began. The Japanese are landing an army corps. The Twelfth Division is disembarking, and the Guards' Division follows immediately. The present base is Chemulpho. The regiments on landing advance to Seoul. Small detachments hive already been despatched north to establish forage depots. A general advance along the Peking road to Ping-Yang is expected shortly. The disembarkation methods excite great ad- miration. British officers state they are an im- provement on anything in their experience, and believe they demonstrate an organisation superior to that of any European Power While the origi- nal base is close, the weather perfect, and the port friendly the natural difficulties are con- siderable. The harbonr is intricate, the tides are strong, and there is an entire absence of wharves. The action of Japan amounts to an acceptance of responsibility for the safety of the European residents throughout Korea, and apprehensions of local disturbances have been allayed. Cotmt Lamsdorff, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Japanese follow our South African system of giving receipts for supplies purchased, but granting immediate payment. Troops are being billeted at Seoul, the purchase of all available ponies and supplies resulting in a great influx of money, combined with the admirable behaviour of the troops causing a disappearance of the animosity of the Koreans, who are not expected to interfere with the Japanese plans. The original scheme was to land at Masampho and march north through Korea. The movements have been conducted with per- fect precision, which is instructive. While the Cbemnlpo-Seoul Railway has been utilised for the transport troops, the passenger traffic trains are keepi g time. A farther change of base to Chi-nam-po is highly probable when once it ia free from ice. Troops will be advanced and established at Ping-Yang in sufficient strength to guard against a sudden Russian descent. It isbelieved that while the Russian sea power at Vladivostock is intact the Japanese wilt not I attempt a landing on the eastern coist. The road as far as Hwang-ja is good, flanked in every valley by paddy fields, at present frost- bound and covered with two inches of ice, the conditions and distance rendering it practically impossible for the Russians to check or interfere with an advance. The district between the Yaln and Ping-Yang, however, is of such stragetic value as to necessi- tate strenuous efforts on the part of both armies to occnpv it. Success by the Rassians in this respect would render Chinampo untenable as a base for the Japanese,while its occupation bv the latter would place them in an enviable position. a few miles in advance of their base with an open sea and a square front. Russian scouting parties are known to be at Anjo, and it is believed that two companies of Japanese are already at Ping-Yang. Immediate skirmishing is probable at several points. As evidence of the Japanese intention it is worthy of note that cruisers are busy patrolling towards the north west of Korea, not landing artillery at Chemulpho, and tbe transports are carrying sampans from Japan all of which suggests the probability of a disembarkation movement.

THE CHEMULPO FIGHT. Russian Account of Japanese Losses. (Central News Special War Telegram.) ST. PETERSBURG, Monday Morning. M. Pavloff, Russian Minister to Korea, in a telegram from Shanghai, dated the 17th trans- mits his official account of the naval engagement at Chemulpo. M. Pavloff left Seoul for Shan- gtffci in the French warship jnedon. M. Pavloff says I have to report that in view of the interruption of telegraphic communica- tion and the military preparations of the Japa- nese, I decided to send the gunboat Korietz, which was at Chemulpo, to go with despatches to Port Arthur and to warn the cruiser Variag to be leaoy for all eventualities. The Korietz, OD leaving the Gulf of Cbemulpo. met the Japanese squadron, consisting of six large cruisers and eight torpedo boats. One cruiser commenced evidently to pursue the Korietz. At the same time the torpedo boats surrounded her and sent in her direction three torpedoes, but without striking her. The Korietz dtd not open fire, and retained to the roadstead and cast anchor. During the night there landed from Japanese transports about 3,000 men, the greater part going to Seoul, whore they occupied the town in force. The Korean populace and troops were in- active. The next morning the commander of the I Variag was officially advised by the Japanese Admiral of the commencement of hostilities, and invited him to leave the harbour before midday under the threat that-if he remained he would be attacked by the whole squadron. The same morning the commanders of the foreign warships were requested by the Japanese Admiral to leave the harbour before 4 o'clock if the Russian warships remained. The conimaider of the Variag accepted the summons, and to- gether with the Korietz left the harbonr. Then the Japanese, by signal, invited the Varlag to surrender, bnt receiving no reply opened fire with the whole squadron. After the battle, during which the enemy's guns hit the Variag three times below the water- line, our vessels returned to harbour to repair the more serious damage, but seeing the impossibility of making the necessary repairs quickly and wishing to prevent the ships fallin into the hands of the Japanese the commander of the Variag decided to sink the two ships, sending the wounded and others of the crews on board the French. British, and Italian cruisers, who took a lively interest in the combat. At the same time the Russian steamer Sungari arrived. She was burned and sunk by her own crew. On the Japanese side the following cruisers were engaged Asama, Maniwa, Takacbicho Cbiyoda. Akashi, Niitaka. General Oku, of the Japanese Invading Army. 1 can positively state that by our fire one Japanese torpedo boat was sunk, and in addition one of the turrets on the Asama was silenced, and the captain's bridge was destroyed. Accord- ing to the latest news the cruiser Takachicho sank towards night. Next morning a Japanese transport landed about 80 killed and wounded Japanese seamen. The bravery and audacity of olpr seamen during the battle evoked tha general admiration and interest of the foreigners' position. The same evening the Japanese Ambassador demanded an audience of the Emperor, and in formed his Majesty that Korea would henceforth be under Japanese control, threatening in case of resistance that tbe Royal Palace would ba occupied by Japanese troops. No previous communication concerning the rupture of dinlomatic relations with Russia and the decision to violate the neutrality of Korea was made by the Japanese Legation either to the Korean Government or to the foreign representatives. Des Moines, Monday.—Agents of the Japanese Government have given an order here for 2,000 barrels of Wess pork, to be shipped as rapidly as I possible.—Press Association Special War Tele- gram. Councillor of State Bezobrizoff, who was in- strumental in having Admiral Alexeieff appointed Viceroy, and whose emphatic assurances that j Japan world not dare to wage war against Russia lulled tbe Emperor into a false security, has for- warded » letter to the Czar asking to be received in audience, in orderto make an important state- ment respecting the plan of campaign. but his Majesty, who is indignant with his late private adviser, whose blunder, shared by Admiral Alexeieff, baa caused the war, absolutely refused to receive bim.

BRIDGt DESTROYED. THE FIRST ATTACK ON PORT ARTHUR. (" Standard anti" South Wales Daily News Special Correspondent.) (Copyright). SEOUL, Tuesday, 9.30 p.m. The report that 70 miles of railway track and some important bridges have been destroyed between Kbarbin and Vladivostock is confirmed. Russian scouts are reported to have left Wijo for Ping-YRDR, ELUD 3,000 troops are said to be on the right bank of the Yala river. In view of the great activity that is now being displayed along the Korean coast there is no question the Japanese have full command of the sea and are making the most of their advantage. The steamer Wen-Chow bas arrived from Port Arthur, after tonching at Chifo, with 359 Japa- nese refugees from Northern China. It Jeft again to-day for Nagasaki. The Wen-Chow, which lay in Port Arthur Harbour from the 6th to the 14tb, reports that on the night of the 8th the Japanese torpedo boats made free use of the Russian signal code. In answer to the questions the forts replied kil clear," whereupon the torpedo boats approached close to the Czarevitch, Poltava, and Retvisan. which ware lying at anchor out- side and torpedoed them. Admiral Stark was giving a birthday dinner- party on shore, at which the captains of the squadron w&re present, when the attack was delivered. The Retvisan went on the rocks stern first, partially î blocking the entrance to the harbour, while tbe Czarevitch and Poltava rested on the mud inside the west ba.3in. Both the latter were badly damaged. Tho Novik, which was in dock. was also seri- ously injured. The Askold had a very heavy list to port, and several other vessels were moie or leas damaged. The soldiers are said to have broken out into open riot. The Japanese bombarded Port Arthur at inter- vals from the 8th to the 14th. The amount of injury done to the forts and town is not known, but it isbelieved to be slight. His Majesty's ship Amphitrite, which arrived at Chemulpho on the 19th, sailed again on the following day for Hong Kong, having on board the Russian sailors taken out of the Talbot.

JAPANESE OFFICERS HANGED. The Russian Command. (Press Association Special War Telegram.) ST. PETERSBURG Monday. Three Japanese disguised as coolie3 were ) recently arrested by the Frontier Guards. just as they were on the point of attempting to blow up the bridge over the Sungari River. An inquiry rev-aaled that they were Japanese officers-Colonel Assai, of the Engineers, Tor- nedo-Lieutenafit Zouki Asch-i, and Lieutenant Kaourata, of the Sappers, all of whom belonged to the general staff. Tbey were immediately brought before a court martial, condemned to death and hanged within 24 hours of their arrest on the culverts of the bridge which they had lutelded to destroy. Vice-Admiral Makaroff will direct tbe opera. tions of all the Russian naval forces in the Far East, assisted by Rear-Admirals Jesseu and Mollas. General Kuiopatkin will command all the operations of the land forces. Admiral Alexeieff will retain the chief command in his quality of Viceroy, but his authority over Admiral Makaroff and General KuroDatkin will be purely nominal, and it is because Admiral Alexeieff bad foreseen this that he made every effort in his power to present the despatch of General Kuropatkin to the Far East. His recent naval losses, however, seriously impaired bis anthoritv by their disastrous moral effect and by the evidence they afforded of the urgent necessity for sanding out military and naval commanders of great capacity, able by their presige and talent to restore the shattered energy and confidence of the Navy and Army. I A Rusiian Hussar. RUSSIAN NOTE TO THE POWERS Protest Against Japan's Methods. (Renter's Special War Telegram.) ST. FBI-ERSBURG. Tuesday. I The following circular was sent yesterday by Count Lamsdorff, Rassian Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Russian diplomatic representatives abroad Since the rupture of negotiations between Russia and JapaD, the attitude of the Tokio Cabinet has constituted an open violation of all customary laws governing the mutual relations | between civilised nations. Without specifying each particular violation of these laws on the part of Japan, the Imperial Government considers it necessary to draw the tnost serious attention of the Powers to the acts of violence committed by the Japanese Government with raspect to Korea. The independence Rud integrity of Korea as a full- independeut, EciDire were recognised by all the Powers." It is further charged against Japan that before the opening of hostilities she landed troops in the independent Empire of Korea, which had de- ¡ dared its neutrality, and attacked on the 8th inst. (which the Russians hold is three days before the declaration of war) on the two Russian war- ships at Chemulpho. and whose commanders had, it is further alleged, not been notihed of the rupture of relations, as the Japanese mali- ciously stopped the delivery of Russian telegrams by the Danish cable and destroyed the Korean Government's telegraphic communication and that shortly before the opening of hostilities Japan captured as prizes of war the Russian merchantmen in the ueutral Dorts of Korea; and that she declared to the Emperor of Korea that Korea would hence- forth be under Japanese administration, and summarily ordered the Russian representative at the Court of the Emperor of Korea to leave the country with the staff of the Russian Legation and Consulate. The Imperial Government lodges a protest with all the Powers against the procedure of the Japanese Government, and issues warning that, owing to Japan's illegal assumption of power in Korea," the Government declares all orders and declarations which may be issued on the part of the Korean Government to be invalid.

First Land Encounter. RUSSIAN OFFICIAL REPORTS (Reuter's Special War Telegram.) ST. PETERSBURG, Saturday. Major-General Pflug telegraphs as follows from Port Arthur to-day The situation here is unchanged. It is im- possible to cross the Yalu on the ice below Shakedtse A sotnia of Cossacks passing through Wiju has captured the Japanese Major Tatsaru with five armed soldiers and two civilians. Reports concerning the enemy are generally contradictory and scarce. Advices have been received confirminil the report that Yuanshikai's troops are beingisent to Sin-c-;iti-Fti and Nupantsc. Manchuria is quiet." The same telegram states that the Koreans observe a decidedly friendly attitude towards the Russian officers, and that the Manchurian Rail- way is forwarding the military trains to the various points of concentration without difficulty, 60,000 Japs in Korea. (Press Association Special War Telegram.) PARIS, Sundav A telegram to I he Figaro from St. Peters- burg says --It is ioported that 60,000 Japanese have landed in Korea. Prince llilkoff, Russian Minister of Communi- cations, have arrived at Lake Baikal, where he is studying the working of tbe railway over the ice. j Officer and Private of the Japanese Infantry. f RIDDLED WITH SHOT & SHELL 1 The Fate of the Variag. FRENCH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. (Central News Special War Tologram.) PARIS, Saturday. The Minister of Marino has received from Captetin Nicol, commanding the cruiser Pascal a long report on tha naval battle at Chemulpho The following is the substance of the report :— On the morning of the 9th February a Japan- ese squadron, consisting of six large cruisers and eight torpedo boat destroyers, arrived before Chemuipho. where two Russian warships, the cruiser Variag and the gunboat Korietz, were Ivingat anchor. Admiral Urin, commanding the Japanese squadron, invited the commanders of the two Russian shins to leave the port. If they did not the Japanese would bombard Chemulpho. The commanders ot the French warships Pascal and Gueydon, auchored in the harbonr, as well aa the officers commanding the other three foreign warships -Italian, Britisb, and German--who I were also present, then called on Admiral Ulill and protested against this attack, which they held was a violation of the law of nations, since Che. mulpho was a neutral port. The Japanese ad- miral, however, took no notice of the protests of the European officers, and again ordered the Variag and Korietz to leave the harbour, in- timating at the same time that this was his last warning. At noon the Russian vessels left their anchor- age, but they had scarcely passed through the channel leading out of the harbour when the 14 Japanese ships surrounded them and opened a deadly fire. The Russians rephed bravely, but, riddled with shot and shell, they were compelled to take refuge again in Chemulpho roadstead. Tha progress of, the battle was followed with anxiety by the European warships, which were impotent spectators of the unequal struggle. In the aiternoon the commanders of the Rus- sian vessels, wishing to prevent the bombard- ment of the towu, decided again to attempt an II escape. Despite advice which was given them to the contrary, and notwithstanding a fresh protest which was lodged with he Japanese admiral by f the foreign officers, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon 1 the Variag and Korietz passed the channel for the second time, and were received with a well- ] sustained fire, against which thoy defended them- selves desperately, but in not more than 20 i selves desperately, but in not more than 20 i ..1inute3 the Russian vessels were cut to pieces I j by projectiles, their sides being battered in by the shells, and they again fell back towards Chemulpho. j As soon as the Variag and Korietz, pursued and harassed by Japanese torpedo boats, had 1 got inside the harbour, their crews leaped into the water and were taken on board the vurious warships. Their wounded were quickly at ten- ded to. Captain Nicol's report adds The Russian sailors went to their death like heroes." It will be remembered that the Russians blew up their ships rather than they should fail into the bands of the Japanese. j PANIC ON THE PARIS BOURSE. h It is universally admitted that not since the i war of 1270 has there been anything like the panic that occurred on tha Paris Bourse onSatur- day. j j Tha fall in stock, in fact, is said to represent « < a depreciation of £ 35,000,000. French Renter now stand at the extremely i low figuia of 93.55, as compared with 97.52 on j February 6th. | One of the chief causes of the crash appears to have been the receipt at the Bourse of a tele- gram announcing that Count Benckendorff, the Russian Ambassador in London, had been re- called, and that M. Paul Cambon, the French Ambassador, had unexpectedly arrived in Paris that morning. When too late it was found that thoagb the Count bad left for St. Petersburg it was for family reasons, and that M. Cambon is in the habit of reasons, and that M. Cambon is in the habit of making week end visits to Paris.

CARDIFF STEAMER DETAINED BY RUSSIA. The as. Rosalie has been detained by thA Rus- aian Government at Vladivostock. The Rosalie belongs to tbe British Steam Shipping Co., Ltd. (Messrs J. Cory and Sons), Bute Docks, Cardiff. She is a steel vessel, built in 1900, and has a registered gross tonnage of 4,303 tons, and j is of 319 horse power. When approached on the subject Messrs J. j Cory and Sons said they were 1, not in a position to make any statement to-day." In other quarters, however, we learned that the Rosalie was chartered by Mesars Hull, Blyth, and Co. for the Russian Government on October 27th last, for Port Arthur or Vladivostock. She .• left Cardiff with coal on Novembar 21st, and j received orders at Sabaiag (China) to proceed to Vladivostock, and Information was received that she was at this port on the 17th inst. The probable explanation is that the vessel is being detaineci-just as the Russian authorities detained the Foxton Ball at Port Arthur-to prevent leakage of information as to Russia's naval doings at Vladivostock. The 8.8. nosatie's captain is Mr J. Couch, of Cardiff, who is accompanied by his wife and one if not two of his children. The mate, Mr Cross, and the second engineer, Mr Harris, are also of Cardiff, but the crew were signed on at a Con- tinental port, and are practically all Dutchmen. The Times" marine insurance correspondent writes The owners (J. Cory and Sons, Limited) of the British steamer Rosalie have received advice that this vessel has been captured by the Rasaiau Government at Vladivostock. It is cleaily a misuse of words to speak of the vessel as captured, though she would certainly appear to have been detained, as the owners have given the underwriters notice of abandonment. The Rosalie left England in November last with coal for the Russian Government, and has been nearly a month at Vladivostock. It is understood that the coal has been discharged, and it is difficult to ( see why she should be detained, unless the Rus- f aiauu mean too her as a collier for the Vladi- vostock squadron. The detention of the steamer Rosalie, following closelvupon a very similar de- tention of the British steamer Foxton Ilall at Port Arthur, causes a good deal of anxiety among shipowners and underwriters. The responsibility for any injury to thsa steamers must fall upon the Russian Government, who -whether a receipt has been given or not-may evade that respon- 3ibility unless kept up to the mark by our Foreign Office. The Rosalio is4,303 ton3, built in 1900, j and insursd against war risks out and home for .£50,000. The insured value of the vessel on the current marina risk policies is £40,000.

MERTHYR BANKRUPTCY COURT Road Surveyor's Affairs. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS INVOLVED. At the Merthvr Bankruptcy Court on Weanes- day (before Mr Registrar D. Rees Lewis) the public examinations of debtors were conducted by the Official Receiver, Mr W. L. Daniel, as follow James J. Jones, formerly road surveyor to the Breconshire County Council and the Hay Rural District Council, who was represented by Mr F. P. Charles (instructed by Mr Cheese), stated. his liabilities were £q.78 3s 9d, and assets £715. tie was examined as to hid indebtedness to the Councils and balances for smaller amounts due to himself. and admitted that Council moneys had got mixed up with his private accounts. Ha bad lost about £35 in betting. He hoped to better his position, bat had never gained by betting. He bad lived above his means. but he did not place the bUme for that on his wife's shoulders he blamed himself. To the best of his knowledge ho had paid all the wages due to road- men. The amount due from him to the Hay Rural Council was £81 8s 7d.-Mr D. T. Jeffreys (who appealed for the Hay Council) I want an account of all moneys paid by you on account of the Council* otherwise than by cheque. Debtor: I could get it, but I cannot give it now. You will make it out ?— Yes, I will give it to you. He had drawn a cheque to David Evans, his brother-in-law, and self on 9th November. At a meeting of the Hay Council he was asked about this cheque, and he faid he did not know who Evans was. He explained afterwards the cheque .vas cashed, and he did not retain any portion of it. He paid his labourers in cash. He had been informed that the auditor had surcharged him £98. Bill. were handed to the debtor, who said some of them were coriect, but they were not all bills appertaining to his depaitment tor which he was responsible. He had paid all bills sent to him it was not, he thought, his place to hunt for them. He was the tenant of Bronllwa Farm the stock of five cows were his mother's. At bis mother's he had a. stock of pipes belonging to the District Council. He was prepared to hand them over. Replying to Mr Charles, ho said the different Councils ware covered as to his indebtedness by guarantors. There was on one quarterly occasion a balance due from the Hay Council to him of £511s 6d. The examination of debtor was adjourned to March 23rd, debtor to furnish farther accounts required within a fortnight. Miscellaneous Failures. Wm. Combes, Dowlais, repairer, stated it was not true that he was addicted to drink and neg- lected his work. Owing to illness lie had not been able to work regularly. He attributed his failure to various causes, including his large family, keeping his parents, burial of one son aud having another son in the hospital. Upon the application of MrD. W. Jones, who appeared for the debtor, the examination was declared closed. Cyrus Rogers, roUer, Cefn, admitted that he had earned during the last seven weeks £3242 2d and he had paid income-tax upon £250 less the usual abatement allowance of £160. He owed £5919", 6d, and he had not refrained from paying Ü. After his second marriage, old debts of which ho had not been informed during his first marriage ca.me in in droves. Upon the application of Mr J. W. LeNis, on behalf of the debtor, the examination was closed. David Davies, builder and carpenter, owed £191. and this was his second bankruptcy. The examination was closed subject to remaining acconnts being hied and found correct. Abraham Bowen, grocer, Dowlais, had lia- bilities of £6685" 4d, and assets He started in business twelve months ago upon the death of his mother with the insurance money. He was not aware of the extent of his mother s liabilities when he continued the business. He believed his mother's liabilities amounted to £700, and that they bad been reduced below that figure. Mr D. W. Jones (for debtor) remarked that debtor thought ho was an administrator, but made himself liable. The examination was declared closed.

LLANELL i DOCK AFFAIRS. The Agreement with the Bank of I England. On Thursday the Llanelly Harbonr Commia- sio n, ersfurtber considered in private the pro- posed agreement with the Bank of England. Surprise ia being expressed that the Banb of Eagland are uetitioning against the Harbour Bill, but t bank, it Bbonlfl be added, have net taken this step in any hostile spirit. One of the main objects of the Bill, indeed, is to give farther security to the bank, but to give effect to the intentions of the Commissioners it is essen- tial that an agreement should be entered into, as the Bm does hot mention the name of the Bank of England, and it is the terms upon .which the additional loan is to be granted that the Commissioners have under consideration. It was understood from the chair- man's statement at the ratepayers' meeting that the bank was prepared to advance a further sum of £35.000, provided another shilling rate was mortgaged in their favour, and on condition that an advisory committee should have an absolute voice in the expenditure of further capital moneys. Rumours are current that. the bank now want something beyond this in short, con- trol over all expenditure. Whatever may be the terms of the draft agreement under considera- tion, it is certain that the Commissioners are not altogether satisfied with them, and an effort is being made to effect considerable modifications.

LOCAL WILLS. Mr Joseph Jenkins, Ferndale. Mr Joseph Jenkins, of the Victoria Hotel, Ferndale, Glamorgan, licensed victualler, who died on the 28tb November last, left estate of the gross value 9ó1 6d. with net personalty niJ, and letters of administration have been granted to his widow, MIS Mary Ann Jenkins. Mr F. J. Merry, Swansea. Mr Francis John Merry, of 3, Coastitution- hill, Swansea, who died on the 11th February last, loft estate value'J at £1,461} 13s 9d gross, including personalty of the net value of £2 17s 3d, and probate of his will has been granted to his widow, Mrs Lillian Merry, Mr Philip Williams, Roath. Mr Philip Williams, of Halswell-terrace, Roath, Cardiff, who died on the 29th November last, left estate valued at £15,401 7s grosa, and at £14,57915s 3d net. and probate of his will dated 12th June, 1900, has been granted to his son Mr Gieorgo Ernoat Williams, of 29, Newport-road, Cardiff, architect and surveyor, and Mr John Whitlock ivlorris, of 9, Quay-strest, Cardiff, solicitor. The testator left £250 to his crand- ihildren Philip; John and Grace Elizabeth; the children of his son, Mr Philip Parfitt Williams, md he left the residue of his est&te in trust for ill of his children.

IS A TYPEWRITER A NECESSITY? Swansea Infant's Unsuccessful Defence. At Swansea County Court on Wednesday, fudge Gwilym Williams had tho point ruised before him of whether a typewriter is a neces- sity. It appeared that the Remington Type- writer dompany bad supplied a. typewriter to Barnet Shepherd, a travelling jeweller, of Alexandra-road, Swansea, and the company now claimed for £22 1.7s, its value. The defence was that the machino was supplied to an Mr Rowlands, for the plaintiffs, it had been held that a racing cycle was necessary for an infant of 19, and he contended that a type- writer was therefore certainly a necessity for one of 20. The Judge said it all depended. It might be that he was going to use it for tbe purpose of bis business and profit. Mr Rowland called evidence to show that defendant bought the machine for the purpose of advertising his business throughout the district When asked for payment he offered the machine back. Tobias Shepherd, of Ystalyfera, called by Mr Soline to prove defendant's age, said defendant was born in Warsaw 20 years ago. A school certificato was, however, put in, in which defen- dant's age was given as 21. Mrs Shepherd. called to give corroborative evidence of the age sa.id, in cross-examination, she could not remen. ber the year of the birth. The Jndge found for plaintiffs, saying, apart from the doubt as to tbe age, he held that the defendant ordered the typewriter thinking it would be an advantage to his business, and ho must pay for it.

FOUND DROWNED OFF PENARTH. Oil Wednesday an inquest was held on the body of John Griffiths, 15, Spencer-street, Car. diff, before Mr E. B. Reece, district coroner. James Griffiths, boot and shoe dealer and insur- ance agent, of J00, Harriet-street, Cathays, Car- diff, said that about twelve months ago hIs father had a stroke. He might have had one on Sunday, thusfaUing into the water. A ver- dict of Found drowned was returned.

NEWPORT AND THE COAL TAX. In April, 1901, the Newport Chamber of Com- merec passed a resolution pointing out that the coal tax was just a.nd fair, and would be paid by the foreigner, and Dot the colliery proprietors. This has been the sobject of a good deal of com nient since, and at next Friday's meeting of tbe Chamber Mr W. L, Joldsvvorthy will move that the resolution bo re-cinded, and that the Chamber express its sympathy with the efforts of tbe Cardiff and Swansea Chambers to repeal the tax.

I APIOL AND STEEL superior to Pennv r royal and all other remedies. Price 4s 6d, post free. —Martin, Pharmaceutical Chemist, Southampton.

WINDPIPE SEVERED. I The Attempted Suicide atCogaJ | At Penarth cn Wednesday James Hinin, cj-j, Dock-street, Cogan, was charged with nig suicide at Cogan on tbe 4th inst. oØ P.C. Jones, stationed at Cogan, stated that the 4th inst. he saw Hinin clinging to th9 & j| of the Cogan Council Schools, and groaning • in great pain. He took him to the and upon examination found that be suffering from a wound in the throat. —( Dr. Charles Aitken said tha windpiP0,S severed. The man was quite comatose, stitched the wound up, and the man was e<^ veyed to the Cardiff Union Infirmary. Prisoner expressed regret at wbat bad curred, and said that he did not remember aDt thing at all about it. ,jj Tho Bench appealed to the son, and he could take charge of his father. This tbefj f said he could not do. He was in lodgings I self, and was ouly earning 10s a week. | The Bench ordered the father to the UoW I and characterised the conduct of the son as 0^ ? callous, and said he ought to be ashamed of bio if self. I

__h HEARD GROANS. I Sawyer's Fatal Shelter. I The circumstances of the death of TIP,00 James, sawyer, who died from the effects j > burns received in a cabin at tbe Plymouth C0* t liory screens, were inquired into by Mr R. J. Bby coroner, on Wednesday at the board room of t*#. Merthvr Workhouse. William Francis, Railway-terrace, titter, stated that about a < quarter or half-past 5 o'clock on Sunday morf" ing no found, deceased in the lodge at tie, k screens of No. 2 pit. Witness and a companion were attracted to the spot by groans. Deceased t was then sitting down. He was much burnt about ) the back and chest, and a portion of bis clotbo | had been destroyed. There bad been a big 6t! in tbe cabin. Deceased said he was Henry Jamef andjjthat he had come from Senghenydd. Vfii neBS could not understand much more that h said. Police-constable Hooper, Troedyihil Baid part of the man's clothing on the upper ipal of the body was incinerated on an iron plate i front of the fire. Witness saw the man on tV previous night about 9 o'clock at Troedvrhil, He appeared to ba a stranger, and under tfc influence of drink. He said he was a sawy4 Nurse Davies said the deceased stated that i had gone to the cabin to take shelter out of ti lain. The jury returned a verdict of AccideuU dsath."

I BLACK-LlS.S' PHOTOS. Not Always a Reliable Guide. Stephen Jones, an inmate of the Pontypld Workhonse, appeared before the Bench on W. nesday on a charge of obtaining beer whilsbn the black Jist. The Stipendiary stated at Jones bad greatly improved in appearance see he had been in the House, and advised hio tbe satisfied with the diet there. He was reaamd for a month. George Parfitt, landlord of the Whit. lirt Hotel, was summoned for supplying Soren Jones. Mr James Phillips defended. Acipof the photo of Jones supplied to the licensd ic- tnallers was handed to the Bench, hut b tas improved so much in appearance that only non a very close scrutiny could he be recogt)i-e(fbm the photo. It was elicited that the phcoof blackllisters are not hung up in the bar, bu hpt in a convenient place there, and Mr aies Phillips remarked that if they were hnng i be bar of any public-house it was a question wieter an action for libel could not be instituted a;aist tha licensee.- The Stipendiary I think iot— The case was dismissed.

SAD CASE AT NEWPORT. Wife Desertion and Assault. Thomas Osmond, builder's labourer, of t West-street, Pontypool, appeared in the dock Newport on Wednesday charged with aftsaalti and deserting his wife. Florence Osmond. The w a little woman, appeared to be ill, and was ov II come in the court and wept bitterly. Her sto was that on October 21st her hasband, who thi lived with her at Newport, told her that b mother had baenleft a legacy, and she sai Good luck to her." Prisoner thereupon picki up a ham bone from the table and struck her: the face with it, causing a wound under the ej and badly bruising tbe cheek. Osmond left hon that dav, and was not traced until Monday, whe he was found to be living at Pontypool wit another woman. /The wife had spent most ( the interval in the Workhouse, and the cost c her maintenance was Z3 2s 6d. Prisoner, wh said that he left home because his wife would no provide his meals, was sentenced to one month* imprisonment for the assault, and tined L5 fo the desertion. —————>

NOT IN THE LAW." A very unusual incident occurred <\t the Clerk- auwell County Court on Mondav ■plaintiff' tiSftfoitor ihfdraMfi hiS Hoc tf to tHcf BO' wish to introduce Prejt^ felt it h'a duty to state that the gen <*(, ia who was robed to act as defendant's solicitor had not paid hi« qualifying fee for 1904 yet, and therefore was not entitled to practice.—His Honour Is that cor- rect ?—The Defendant's Solicitor Ye3, it is.—- His Honour Then you are not in the law and I cannot hear YOU, and your legal friend has done a public service in drawing attention to the fact. Jr:

BRONCHITIS AND ASTHMA. SUFFERED SIX, YEARS. CURED BY VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. Mrs MARTIN HILL, The Hem, Shifnal, Salop, writes I have had what the doctor called bron- chial asthma, and he said I would never be cured, but thanks be to God and Veno's Lightning Cough I am better now than I have been for six years. IcaB'i lie down and have a good night's rest. which seems » God-send to me. I had tried everything that people told me of. but nothing did me a bit of good. DariOS the winter I had to sit in a chair for months at a time because of the shortness of breath. All that has gone now and I am looking very well. VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE is th< purest, safest, and most efficient remedy procurable tor coughs, colds, chronic bronchitis, asthma catarrh. weak Inngs. and children's coughs. Price 9 Is 1.1a, and 2s 9d, at chemists and drug stores.

FUNERAL OF A NEWPORT VICAR. The funeral of the late Rev. J. T. Wrenford M.A., who was in his 50th year as Vicar of St Paul's Church, Newport, took place at tbe New port Cemetery on Wednesday. The body, whict was clad in the deceased's clerical robes, was enclosed in a shell and outer coffin of unpolished elm. The coyer bore a massive cross and breast- plate, the inscription beiug, John Tinsoll Wrenford, M.A., Ph.D., Priest born June 25th, 1825, died February 19tb, 19C4." The officiating clergy were Canon Aitken, M.A., the well-known missioner, who bad been a friend of the dead vicar for 33 years, the Hev. W. A. Peters, M.A., curate of St. Paul's, and Rev. J. M. Target/, M.A., son-in-law of the deceased., The chief mourners in attendance were the Rev. U. S. Wrenford, Mr Reginald B. Wrenford, sons, and Mr J. H. Burt, son-in-law. There were many handsome floral tributes, and large nam- bsr3 attended to show their respect for one of Newport's best citizens.

[. Nourish II Flourish I N N !S ShfaSaMaBr-B PRAME-J FOOD | (for Building up the Frame). Best for Babes. H y.NT FREE. M SAMPLE, with Booklet entitled "Bringing up Baby," jg&s by a Hospital Nurse. jg&Sf (Mention this Journal.) I i|g 16 0;. Tin Is. |Pf Of tesf Chemists c £ Grocers. 8 im FRAMt-FOOD CO. LTD. £ 85! ST JACOBS p OIL N I cures Rheumatism I € NEURALGIA LUMBAGO 1 | STIFFNESS SPRAINS 1 I SORENESS BRUISES I I H Price 111 and 2/8. Of all Ghemista. B auk& YS B1 LEAD ^HtheKIHC. NIXEYSJI BRILLIANT, BLACK, BEAUTIFUL I mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmlammmmmmrnrntm