The Cardiff Times

A MINER'S WIFE TORTURED. recently had occasion (writes a Wakefield 61 to visit the coal mining district Ha»-l "harlston, and at No. 30, Croasley-street, tu' me^ M-l's Thompson, wife of a miner, Ah t an e*traordinary tale of sufferings. ago Mrs Thomson contracted a f0}^> which rapidly developed into rheuma- 6yet ^ne most acute kind. She was known all neighbourhood as one of the greatest) suf- *a<i t»ln g'ancl» nnable to move without aid, I Hup,l^f'nted dayand night by the most poignant of body and limb. She had the greatest stick» nioving about the house with two hec_ or crutches. Her appetite failed, and she ^eiphf f1 ™ere shadow of her former self, her fctojfe ^"ing off to the extent of nearly three Serion 8 Thompson's condition beoame her k\ much sympathy was elicited on ^octrti.6 i kut even the skill of the best local he^v8 n0,! the desired effect. At a in the bath treatment was tried sUession a.1I Buxton, Matlock, Askern, hort .q.arrogata-and all in vain. The to J6s continued, and Mrs Thompson began Was vTeaPairi and to think that her case *on °P°'ess or incurable. One day Mrs Thomp- ilJ a box of Dr. Williams' Pink &ie<jip0r *a'e People, a remedy, not liko other Bage ,ne» which has cured some very obstinate kjjeh,' *rom the time she commenced to take l%t gradually improved. To-day she is in thin health than she has been for the last ^ears* No doubt there are certain people thin «. Wakefield Express) who will designate °Hrr aQ advertising puff," but we can assure on the authority of our reporter, and Slja ?° evidence of many of the residents in tfu6 that the above statement is literally j fan'J not exaggerated. Mrs Thompson said, hauj thankful that I was ever led by the good hftVB ^*ocl to try this marvellous remedy. I iftln^Qntinued taking the Pills, my appetite has <«* and my weight has gone up from six jjr 'pounds to about nine stone." fteum", iil,ams' Pinlc Pills cure rheumatism, tlajj. &la« locomotor ataxy, St. Vitus' tlajj. &la« locomotor ataxy, St. Vitus' ionQ. nervous headache, and prostra. ter0f?, diseases of the blood, such as liKj u,a' chronic erysipelas, See., restore pale *re complexions to the glow of health, *Gl*ial SlJec'^e f°r the troubles peculiar to the *"0trv6 Sfex» and m men cure all cases arising from Ml X' overwork, or excesses. They are sold by 'einist=, and by Dr. Williams' Medicine boj n^' ■ Hoi born-viaduct, London, at 2s 91 Wujj' 0t six for 13s 9d, in wooden boxes with Wjij;, raPPer genuine only with full name, Dr. a*ns Pink Pills for Pale People.

SOLICITORS FALL OUT. Peculiar Action at Swansea. ^Ud»5pansea County Court on Tuesday—before N hPn,JvilT"1, Williams—an action for damages which arose from a quarrel between two f ^°8e 6a s°l'citors, one having pulled the other's b^j kicked him. The plaintiff was Mr fytr j/- Stanley Owen, solicitor, and the defendant) fclalaijlchard J on., Lloyd, solicitor, the plaintiff ftiitte lB^ £O 103 damages for an assault) com- ihg go 'in him by the dniendant in York-street on «*«?<* July. Mr Meager appeared for the arir! ant* Benson for tho defendant. ^ir> \re^ that the parties had been in partner- aissolvmg there was a quostion of 8>lsUed ^utwefcu them. A correspondence that a anc^.u> °ne of the letters it would appoar def^j^ething had been written which annoyed stftec aant, who met plaintiff in the street, and an argument with him, In b.1ted his nose and kicked him twice. bí eldence, plaintiff said he had only written ftCcou>TifSa lett«r co the defendant demanding an *r*nd t jnc^ htt denied that he had imputed fof defendant. He did not desire damages be and said whatever he received to tho hospital. Mr *d»nu. ;?ld not put defendant in the box. He Sl,fticier h .the assault, but said £ 1 would be *be' damages. Tiie Judge commented ou that there had been no apology, and, ^erdif»f the case as a painful one, gave » tor the full damages claimed.

Ill!' LyaH has completed the peal at St. Wh^;1.1 ^,lsl'bourne, by giving three more bells, bt. f 1 named after characters that will *>Hl «'n»*'ar ',er reader;-—"Donovan," Erica," nV «ugo." E A«- polit'' i ^^tyn-Pryce has been" entertaining tt e"l t house-part.y nt Gunley, prior to the Mr of Parliament. Among his guests were ey Leighton Mr A. Drucker, "the

IPQ"J"="' Trades Congress at Cardiff. PROGRAMME OF BUSINESS, Mr John Jenkins as President. The 28th annual assembly of Trade Unions' representatives will take place at the Park Hall, Cardiff, on Monday, September 2nd, and five following days. Much interest attaches to this year's gathering, coming so soon as it does after the General Election, the result of which will have a considerable bearing on the prospects of legislation promoted and favoured by Trade Unions through the medium of the Congresss Parliamentary Committee. It is not improbable that questions will be raised as to the bona-fides of a number of candi- dates who were put forward at the General Election on the Independent Labour, ticket. It is on the cards to ask the congress to repudiate the conduct of these Independent Labour" men, or, at least to disavow any responsibility for it, o. sympathy with them. In the Final Notice of Congress, issued by Mr S'm Woods, secretary to the Parliamentary Committee, appear tllenotilitiitiolis for offices during the ensuing /ear. Mr Woods is the only liersoii nominated for the secretaryship. Iheie aie 17 nominations for 12 seats onthe Parliamen- bary Committee. The names of Mr Broadhurst M.P. aud Mr John Burns, M.P., are not of the 17 inasmuch as by a new standing order they are no longer eligible for office, not beiztgf-ictively engaged at their trades or permanent) offices of thOn the'°Monday, the chairman of the Parlia- mentary Committee will formally open the meeting, and at once proceed to the election «f committees and officers of the congress, lhis done, the secretary will read th<> Parliamentary Oomnittee's report, and the meeting will be aZurned to the next day It is customary to appoint the president of the Trades Council of the town visited to be the president of the Onn^ross This practice will be followed at o S Jenkins, J.P., will b. called on to preside over this year's Parliament of Labour, and will deliver the inaugural address on the Tuesday morning. j The chief items fer consideration are contained in the Parliamentary Committee's Programme. These include a proposal to Limit the hours of labour to eight per day in all trades and occupa- tions in the United Kingdom and that the Parliamentary Committee be instructed to draft •i, Bill on the lines of this resolution." The next 'potion deals with the extension of Employers Liability for the acts of all employees or of those of sub-con tractors, and shall apply to all industries on land or sea, private or State, or municipal, and that contracting out of the Act be illegal." Mr E. Harford is deputed to urge this matter upon the acceptance of the congress and the Government. Mr J. Jack, J.P., will then move a resolution condemning the obstruction of the House of Lords, and favouring the speedy abolition of the Second Chamber. The law of conspiracy will next claim attention, and its modification wherein it interferes with the right of picketing, and makes demonstrations breaches of the peace, will be demanded. The present administration of the poor laws will be urced to be bad in principle and ineffective in results," and a system is asked for which shal not involve recipients of relief in civil liabilities," and which should provide for aged workers" outside the Workhouse. Minor suggestions as to the extension of recent factory legislation to more trades, and to vessels and crafts in dock or river; the provision of work for the unemployed at an autumn Session of Parliament: the payment of members, and of returning officers election expenses from the rates and lastly, a demand upon the Government to prohibit the landing of all pauper aliens," make up the committee a programme. Resolutions from the trades on every conceivable industrial question follow. One from the Cardiff, Penarth, and Barry Coal- trimmers' Association declares that, for the greater safety of those employed in the trimmiug of coals, it is absolutely necessary that there should be a supply of escape holes cut in the between decks of all vessels engaged in the coal trade. Further, the Trimmers' Association is of opinion that Government) "should appoint a practical man as inspector in each coal-shipping port, to see that the conditions under which men werk on board coal-carry^ vessels are healthy and safe." Arrangements for the reception and entertain- ment of the delegates are well in hand. The Local Committee have up to now arranged for the disposal of their gu" spare time as fol- lows „ On Monday, September 2nd, on adjourning, the members of the corgws will be conveyed from the Park Hall by special tram-cars to the Pier Head. Arrived there, they will be the guests of Lord Bute on board the Cambria or Westward Ho, and proceed for a five hours' trip in the Channel, calling at various pleasure resorts. During the voyage the delegates and friends will be entertained to a cold collation on board. On Tuesday, September 3rd, a grand Welsh concert in honour of the congress will be given at the Park Hall. The Treorky (Prize) Male Voice Choir of 75 performeu, under the leadership of Mr W. Thomas, will be the chief attraction. Two or more of the clever Welsh lady sopranos so highly eulogised by Sir J, Barnby at Llanelly will be another feature of the entertainment. On the Wednesday the Trade Unionists will be the guests of Alderman Carey (the mayor) at a conversazione held at bbetown Hall. On Thursday there will be a great meeting at the Park Hall, at which a number of Labour and other M.P.'s will speak, and in which it is not improbable that Sir William V. Harcourt will take a commanding part. On Friday, there may be a public breakfast or dinner, and the Castle, Dock-, and places of interest will be visited, and on Saturday, the trades of Cardiff will proceed through the streets and hold a demonstration in the Canton Cattle Market. Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., kindly offered to entertain the visitors at his mansion near Llan- wern, but time would not permit the committee's acceptance of his generous offer. During the week, Lady Dilke will address a meeting of women on the necessity of joining Trade Unions. Mr Gardner, the secretary, informs us that collections and subscriptions to the reception fund are flowing in.

AWKWARDLY PUT. MAID (to the doctor): My mistress has sent me to becr of you to come to master as quickly «s possible she doesn't want him to die without your assistance.

CLAIMANT TO LORD JtRbhY b ESTATES. A middle-aged man, of military appearance, entered the Bow-street Police Court, London, o $Say and told Mr Lushington he had an £ KZ;on to make. Mr Luahmgton do want '—Applicant I want the estates o Baron Defeourne and the Earl of Jersey. ?r« mine I am the rightful heir, but I was done out of them whi,e 1 was in the Cr,me.3' ^.Tleft in Ve 38th Foot. I have seen the agent, and eft him in a nice terror, I can tell you. lhere litter I have got plenty of proofs.-Mr Lushington (after leading the letter): I sea what I can do for you.-Applicant; I only want you tc send a solicitor to take possesaoi the estates for me in the Queen s »amo. I on y want mv own. I don't want to prosecute any bodv -fir Luahmgton s This is not the place to make out your claim to a Barony.—Apphcan • wt™n. I to go to!—Mr Laahington TortJ House of Lords. -Applicant: How am I tog^ thpre *>_Mr Lushmgton: I cannot tell yo AnDlicant afterwards said he served in the 38tb Regiment in the name of Samuel Langton.

SUiCIDE AT SWANSEA. On Monday, Mons. Crevier, a well-known French resident at Swansea, died at the Hospital from cuts self-inflicted on the chest • week ago. The cuts, which have been already described, were not in themselves serious bub for the fact tJiat deceased was of advanced age and W At the inquest held on Monday afternoon, Mrs Crevier the wile of the, deceased, said her husband had formerly been in rece'Pph°L? nension. but this was discontinued last Christ mas and latterly he had been very depressed After theattempted suicideshe wentto the hospital to see him, and he said » I'm sorry l ye done th. wicked thing I don know why I otdifc £ • Lloyd said if deceased had not infl^ted mjunes on himself be could not have lived lo»| as™ health was in a very bad state. -l"e returned a verdict that he died from exhaustion and dementia, and by wounds which were self- inflicted.

SHOKKING ACCIDENT AT MERTHYR. Our Merthyr correspondent tolegraplis OH Tuesday afternoon a deplorable accident oc- curred near the Cyfarthfa Crossing. A middle aged man named Henry Hams stood on a locomotive the better to see the Welsh Regiment march into the town. Being anxious subsequently to get back to his work, lie stepped down hurriedly from the engine, which moving all the time ran over him, almost severing his feet from bis body* WW 4nk«vtQ the. flofwitol"

A HOLIDAY TRIP TO TOWN. The Adventures of Six Parish Councillors. I No. 10.-SCOTLAND YARD AND OUR MEMBER. :¡- "TEA ON THE TERRACE." On our way along the Strand we met both Briggs and Mine Host. They were very much flurried, as we could see. "I have inquired at the Golden Keys," said Mine Host, and there is no letter left for me- or, at all events, it is not there now." Why, what do you mean ?" What I mean is that the jB20 which was remitted from home to me on a forged telegram has been stolen by the man who sent the tele- gram." Did they say at the Golden Keys what kind of man called for the letter ? Yes a young, fair fellow under 21." Well, that does not answer to the description ofiOur chance acquaintance, the American," I said. The question is what is to be done ?" asked Mr Mine Host. At that moment the schoolmaster and the wag rejoined us, so that our party was now complete. The whole story had to be retold and, finally, it was resolved that a deputation should attend Scotland Yard to lay the matter before the police. The deputation consisted of Bnggs, Mine Host, and the Recorder. I confess I added myself to the deputation because I bad some curiosity to see the iuside of the great building which bad more than once attracted my notice when West- minster way. We had, of course, no difficulty in finding the road thither but to discover the right department in which to lodge our plaints was not quite so easy. Naturally, we went to the front door first, ascended a flight of stone steps beneath a granite arch. At the top of the flight a constable in uniform was stationed, who very politely asked our business. 11 Oh," said lie, having heard it, II better see the superintendent." But where 2" Go outside, turn the corner, first door to the right." This was rather mystifying, but we were too much awed so ask for fuller information. We got outside all right, but then made our first mistake by taking the fiiat door on the right before turn. ing the corner. The result was that we entered the hackney carriage department, where we found several cabmen, very meek and mild, presenting themselves at pigeon-holes in the walls, and transacting business with safely-imprisoned clerks upon matters connected with the renewal of cab licences, and plates were so frequently men. tioned that I was quite puzzled, for I could see no sign of any eating-house business. Plates," I afterwards learned, is the term used for the numbered plate attached to every licensed vehicle in the streets of London. Obviously the detective department for which we were in search was not here, so we left the lobby and did what we should have done at first, i.c., ".turned the corner." Then another constable on duty pounced down upon us. We informed him that we had been instructed to see the superintendent. "This way," he said, and directed us to door on the right, which opened into a lobby, the walls of which were placarded with illustrated reward bills for the recovery of missing property, or information 'concerning absentees. Beyond this lobby there was a sort of guard chamber, and on a. form near the fireplace were two or three police officers in uniform, one of whom, hearing our business, asked us to wait. Presently3. lift having meanwhile descended from the upper regions—we were invited to walk upstairs, and at the first landing found ourselves in a corridor, at the opposite end of which, through glass doors, I seemed to recognise the form of the first constable who had told us to "Go outside, turn the corner, first door to the right." Why, there's that chap wesaw just now," said Briggs; why didn't he let us pass through these glass doors and get here straight?" We had not, however, reached our destination. We were shown first into a small waiting-room, very plainly furnished, but very substantial. It I offered nothing to entertain the mind, not even a map. "Most offices belonging to the State are similarly bare," I said to my companions. "I have seen brand new rooms in palatial buildings provided with worn out tables and chairs which would not have fetched a few shillings at an auction sale." "Economy," said Briggs. "The superintendent will see you," interrupted an attendant; and, so saying, led us into the corridor again, but in the opposite direction to the end at which the public entrance is placed. We were ushered into a square room, rather comfortably furnished, a desk facing the door, and engravings and photographs adorning the walls. Behind the desk was the superintendent, a big man, whose physique indicated that no criminal could pli^y tricks with him. Tho superintendent, as I now know, is one of the oldest detectives in the service. Men may come and men may ro, U but he retains his post-tbe terror of rogues and swindlers throughout the world. Well, gentlemen," he said, what is wrong We told him our tale, of which he jotted down a note or two. Instantly he seemed to touch the spot." He put his finger on an electric button, and an attendant reappearing be told him to ask Mr X to step that way. Mr X appeared in the person of a smart, well set-up fellow, in tweed. Get me the papers about S., will you, please," said the superintendent, and Mr X dis- appeared for a moment or two, and then came back with a bundle of documents, which he handed to his chief, who. untying the broad tape which confined them. selected one paper and began to read a description to us which cor. responded to a "to" to that of our friend the American. That's the man cried Briggs and my other companion together. "Smart fellow, smart fellow," observed the superintendent calmly, and not without a shade of admiration in his tone. Best confidence-trick man now at work." I "Confidence trick!" exclaimed Briggs, in surprise; but there was no confidence trick about this. He did not ask us to take charge of any money whilst he lent us some of his." "There are many variations of the trick," ex. plained the superintendent; "and yours-the one he played upon you-is one of them. What Mr S. wanted to discover was one of your addresses, He did that easily, by offering to post that letter for you, and, having done so, he sent the wire which fetched tho £ 20, which duly passed into his hands this morning." Ah said Briggs, complacently; "bub that is where the theory falls to the ground. It was a young man, under 21, not at all answering to the American's description, who called for the letter. My dear sir," answered the superintendent, "do you suppose that the man would have been such a fool as to call for it himself ? How did he know but that we were not on the watch for him; and it is easy to employ any dupe as a messenger. But there, gentlemen, leave the matter in my hands, and we will see what can be done." We bade the courteous superintendent good morning, and were ushered from New Scotland Yard. We met our other friends by appointment at an Italian restaurant—what a number of these places there seems to be in London-and narrated our experiences, and tht question then was raised, after lunch, what was to be done next ? I have an idea," cried the wII. in a buret of enthusiasm. What do you stay to interviewing our member 3" I' getting on towards three o'clock, and we may catch him. The House sits at three to-day, doesn't it ?" So passing across the roadway we lingered a little while in the throng which had assembled at the foot of Parliament-street, evidently in the expectation of seeing some members of the Cabinet passing from Whitehall to the House of Commons. In this we were disappointed. Our most direct way to the Houses of Partia. ment appeared to me to cross New Palace-yard, leaving the entrance to Westminster Hall on our left. A gentleman now and then traversed the gravelled square, passing the cab-rank to the opposite corner, and sometimes a pedestrian would disappear into the court nearer West- minster Hall. You can't go that way," said a police. oonstable on duty at the iron gate?. But the others have done so," I objected. Are you members of Parliament y he asked, rather suspiciously. We could not say we had that honour. And you ain't reporters—gentlemen of the gallery 1" Of course not." Then you can't go that way, I say." But we want to see Mr——, our member- member for East--shire." Go round to St. Stephen's porch, then that's your way," replied the constable a little curtly, as be stood back to let a hansom dash into the yard, and I caught sight of a well-known politician in the cab." St. Stephen's porch was found to be at the other end of Westminster Hall, beyond the modern buttresses to that ancient building. We were again questioned as we walked through the outer portals, and crossed the raised or south end of Westminster Hall without descending the steps, but we told the policeman that we desired to see the member for our part of the county of-shire. "Deputation," I overheard the policeman explain to a colleague. We walked through the porch into St. Stephen's Hall, built on the site of an old chapel dedicated to the saint of that name—hence the reason why the Housesi of Parliament are ofteu called St. Stephen's "and admired the statues of celebrated statesmen. Presently we discovered ourselves in the Central Hall, which is richly decorated. From this hall a corridor opens on the right, on the south side to the Lobby of the House of Lords, and on the north side another corridor gives access to the Lobby of the House of Commons. But the entrance to the Commons corridor was strictly guarded by attendants. To one of these we addressed our- selves. The schoolmaster was handed a oard, upon which he wrote the names of our party, with that of our member, and this card was handed to a messenger, who vanished with it. We were then at leisure to note what was going on in the Central Hall. People were moving freely about this handsome rendezvous, and ladies. too, were there in busy conversation. There is an election agent," commented the schoolmaster; no doubt he is waiting to see his member for instructions about registration or an ap- proaching contest in the constituency. That indi. vidual yonder is a Parliamentary agent-this one a newspaperman who is not on the Lobby list." The lady who is flitting nervously about with a reticule full of papers is one of those harmless lunatics who beset almost every public building. She is waiting to see the Lord Chancellor perhaps. That group in the corner is composed of members of local political organisations. I may be wrong in my guesses, but at all events I do know that you will meet these and many other classes in this Central Hall. At this moment the messenger at the door shouted out the name of the schoolmaster, and we discerned walking between the lines of people who were gathered about the entrance to the commercial corrido r the person we all desired to see-none other than our member. Our member, I must confess, seemed a little surprised and apprehensive. What; could possibly have gone wrong in the constituency ? must have been his thought. However, he shook hands pleasantly all round, and heard the schoolmaster very patiently, as he explained that we were all members of the same Counoil, and bad planned this excursion to the Metropolis for the purposes of instruction and enlightenment. "A very commendable idea-very praiseworthy indeed," said our member. Now, what can I do for you ?" It was gent?! hinted that we should like to obtain admission to the Strangers' Gallery. I am almost afraid that I cannot get you so many tickets of admission as you will require. Let me see-there are six of you. I will do my best. Wait here, please; I will be back in a little while." Our member was as good as his word. He returned in a few minutes with two tickets of admission issued by the Speaker to the Public Gallery. If you can make these do," he said, I can contrive to give two others a peep at the House from the floor." We expressed our thanks. It is a very unusual privilege. The schoolmaster and Farmer Blunt were given the tickets, and Briggs and I followed our member, whilst the wag and Mine Host declared their intention of meeting us later in the evening, As it proved, neither the schoolmaster nor Farmer Blunt succeeded in obtaining admission to the Gallery until the dinner-hour—7.30—when the Speaker went out for his chop, and when he returned to his high-canopied ehair the House was almost empty, and the proceedings were so very dull that after watching the reporters pop in and out of their boxes over the Speaker's head at stated intervals the pair grew so weary of the monotony that they gave up their places for which they had waited in a corridor for four solid hours. Brigg and I were mare fortunate, as we fol- lowed our member through the splendidly frescoed corridor into the Lobby proper, in which journalists were buttonholing members of Parlia. ment who were passing in and out, and private secretaries were hanging around their chiefs. It was just a pt)ep-ind not more than we were allowed of the House from behind the glass doors which were always on the swing. There is Mr Speaker at the end," whispered our member. "These gentlemen are the clerks at the table. There is the mace. On the right of the Speaker is the front Treasury Bench. The Home Secretary is now answering a question. I really ought to be in my place. Opposite the Government are the Opposition. On the same side, nearer to us, are the Irish below the gang- way. The bar of the House is thrust across this end of the principal aisle whenever required. Yes, that is the reporters' gallery, and above it, behind the grille, is the. Ladies' Gallery. The Speaker' Peers', and Distinguished Strangers' Galleries are all above us." But it was obvious to us that our member was anxious to get back to his place, and we therefore begged that he would allow us to return to the Central Hall in order that we might not further detain him. He was a very willing escort, and we left him with a cordial expression of thanks for tbe special facilities which he had exerted himself to procure for us. If you want to see the Houses of Parliament when they are not sitting," he said as we parked, you may make application to the Lord Great Chamberlain, whose office is in the Royal Court, here. Any Saturday from ten to four is the proper time to come." Of late years the Terrace overlooking the Thames has presented a gay sight in the summer months. Tea on the Terrace has become such a popular funobion that M.P.'s could hardly find accommodation for their competipg friends. The artist of our party has preferred to aketch the society belles and aensacional swells, to the long and fi_up arr&Y of buildipgg Hfhjnlt gig#itiltp ppr k £ a# (tKVjBalwr

LOSS OF THE YACHT SCOTIA. RESULT OF THAftD OF TRADE INQUIRY. Certificates Suspended, On Tuesday the Board of Trade inquiry at Cardiff into the circumstances attending the col- lision in the English Channel on the 25th June between the s.s. Penzance, of Cardiff, and the yacht Scotia, of Plymouth, whereby the latter was sunk and two hves were lost (including that of Colonel Gordon, who was on board) was con- cluded, and judgment was given. The stipen- diary magistrate (Mr T. VY. Lewis) presided, and there was also present Captains Knox, Ward, and Cunmnghame, nautical assessors Mr Wal- drou, for the Board of Trade • Mr A. Lewis (mstructed by Mr W. H. Puckridge), for the owners of the yacht Scotia and the representatives of the late Colonel Gordon and Mr Handoock, solicitor (Messrs Downing and Handcock), for the owners, master, and chief oflicer of tbe s.s. Penzance. The Stipendiary read the judg- ment of the Court, which was that the Penzance carried the boats and life saving apparatus required by Section 427 of the t Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. The rowlocks of the boat launched on this occasion, however. were in the lamp-room, and the rudder in the sail-room. Tho absence of rowlocks did not delay the launching of the boat, but it could not be described as properly equipped. According to the scale of medical stores the Penzance should have had on board four bottles of brandy when she left Barry, whereas she commenced her voyage with only a pinb and a half. The owners or master thereby failed to comply with the previsions of the section and should either be made responsible for the default or be required to explain their non compliance. The Penzance was sufficiently manned, and the arrangement of the watches on the 25th June was such that a proper look out might have been kept. The Stipendiary then reviewed the evidence given by the master of the yacht Scotia and the witnesses from the Penzance. In sueh a. conflict of testi- mony it became necessary, he said. in order to arrive at the truth, to determine on which side was the balance of probability, to consider the consistency of the statements of the witnesses in themselves and with each other, and also to consider the demeanour of the witnesses, their opportunities of observation, and the existence or absence of motive for testifying falsely. The mate in leaving the bridge was admittedly a wrongdoer, for during his absence from the bridge the vessel had no look-out whatever. She had passed through dense fog two hours pre. viously; she was in a crowded channel much frequented by small craft, and the Owers Light- ship, which the mate expected at that time to see was, owing to the condition of the atmosphere, invisible. Hence his culpability was of an aggravated character. Having regard to the manner in which the master of the Scotia gave his evidence, his statement must be accepted in preference to that of the mate of the Penzance. If the master of the Penzanca's statement in the official log was correct the evidence given by him and the mate was incorrect, and, moreover, it showed that the engines continued at full speed until a few moments before the collision, and also that there was no look-out ordered until a few moments before the collision. The Couit was of opinion that at and after 2 p.m. on the 25th of June the yachf Scotia and the Owers Lightship were enveloped in thick fog, and that about 2.5 p.m. the s.s. Penzance, approaching the vicinity of the lightship, ran into the fog at full speed and continued to procsed at full speed without a look-out and without sounding the footer until about 2.20, wnen collision with the Scotia was un- avoidable. The Penzance thereby infringed Articles 12,13, 17, and 18 of the Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The Scotia com- plied with Articles 13 and.2f of the said regula- tions, but inasmuch as liejr fog horn was not sounded by mechanical :mean she infringed Article 12 of the regulations. But in the opinion of the Court, having regard to the speed with which the Penzance app^hed on the ebb tide and the want of vigilance on board the Penzance, the infringement of th £ .^regulations did not conduce to the casualty, ? The look-out on the Scotia for a vessel of her size was good and proper. The cause of 'the collision was the reckless navigation of the TW^nce at full speed in a dense fog with no lookout. The loss of life was due to the crew of the Sootia, when collision was imminent, jumping Overboard to avoid being run down. Prompt measures were taken by the mate of the Penzance to reader assistance to the owner and crew of the S^oTia but, speaking in the light of after events, it would have been better if the boat despatched to the rescue of the drowning men had been manned with one or twd more hands so as to facilitate their being ta&$n into the boat and to provide for more attention to the men when rescued. Ihe promptitude?displayed in despatch- ing the boat was very praiseworthy. No lifebuoys were thrown. The master and mate appear to have been in total ignorance of the proper measures to be adopted to restore the apparently drowned. Their efforts were unskilful, clumsy, and not persisted with as long as they should have been. For the foregoing reasons the master and mate of the Penzance vue in default, and the certificate of the master is suspended for twelve months, aud that of chief officer for 18 months. The Stipendiary Continued I alone am responsible for the following expression of opinion. I desire to add that the navigation of steamships at full speed during fvggy father in theorowded waters of the English and Bristol Channels has been, and continues to be¡",be cause of lamentable loss of lite. Tho punitnlenb visited on the officers responsible for culpable recklessness of navigation resulting in loss of life is limited in most cases to the suspension of their certificates. Such punishment does not appear to operate as a deterrent, and it appears tutallYInadequate to the gravity of the offence. I venture to recommend that where a prima faoie case of reckless naviga- tion is established before a Wreck Inquiry Court, criminal proceedings should be instituted against the offenders. We understand that the, owners of the Penzance will appeal against the decision of the Court. =. ..r

SUICIDE At CARDIFF. Inquest and Verdict. On Monday Mr E. B. eece held an inquiry a the Town Hall, Cardiff, respecting the death of Mr Joseph Henry Howell, a travelling draper, lately residing at 112, .Miskin-streeb, Cathays, who hanged himself there on Saturday. Mr George Win. Fox deposed that his brother-in- law had only been in Cardiff for about seven weeks, having previously iresiaed in Bristol. He was 43 years of age, and* doing business as a travelling draper. Before he left Bristol he enjoyed good health. and appeared in good spirits. Mr Henry Paterson deposed that he had known deceased for abbnt eight weeks, during which time he had lived .w'ith him as a lodger. On Sunday morning, wtWfi passing his bedroom, the door of which was a kittle open, he observed that the bed had not beeii slept in, and on enter- ing found Mr Howell ddad in a kneeling position. He was greatly alarmed; hnd sent for the police. Miss C. Paterson deposed that on Saturday after- noon Mr Howell came HotA drunk. He com- plained of illness, »nd_;wenfc_ to bed about 5 o'clock. She never sawhum alive afterwards. He had lately been in low spirits, and had frequently been the worse for drinH. P.O. James also gave evidence. The Coroner said deceased had com- mitted suicide in the most determined manner; and the jury returned a verdieb of Suicide whilst temporarily insane.*

FLOOD IN THE NEATH RIVER. Consequent upon the recent heavy rains, there was a very strong flood in the Neath river on Tuesday morning. The water rose suddenly to a. height of 10 feet, and dashing against the steamer Dundegan, which was discharging timber at the yard of Messrs Robert .Wtlhams and Co.. Neath, caused the mooring ropes to break, with the result that the steamer shot across the river aud well-nigh heeled over on the opposite bank. The assistance of a tug boat was summoned, but before it arrived the men had worked the steamer back to its former position. In the excitement and confusion which followed the parting of the ropes a man named Joseph Charles, an employee at Messrs R. Williams and Co.'s timber yard, fell off the discharging platform into water six feat deep. He gained the shore with difficulty. S'x, standardll of timber, the property of Messrs R. Williams and Co., were washed away by the current. 11 |m

REMEDY FOR POVERTY. Philanthropic men and women are theorizing, and trying to explain and modify the evils of poverty and yet, in spite of the almost miracu- lous increase of the V loaves and fishes," due to modern invention in spite of the advantages of education and advanced civilisation poverty, as a pestering disease, as t threatening cloud, holds fast upon.us. Why. with all our charity, with all our noble impulses, with all our mighty national progress, why should there be so many helpless— many even starving ? The cause of general poverty is not in that there is a. deficiency, but because too large a percentage of the human race are over-burdened with care; bound and held down by infirmity and disease, rendering them unable to hold their own in the struggle for life and predominence. Thousands of poor mortals are suffering to-day because in younger days, or in the prime of life, they were handicapped by Pain and disease. Llttlø- seemingly harmless—symptoms neglected occa- sional aches and pains, bilious abbacks, or disturbance of the stomach after meals, were allowed to increase in frequency until they in- creased by their own momentum—for habits of disease are greases tn te body often made as thoughtlessly as a lold in a. newspaper, easily smoothed and remedied at finb; neglected, they rapidly develop trotn functional to organic disease, leaving the victim a hopeless invalid*" If your liver (by occasional giddiness, nausea, periodical headaches, or unnatural feelings of melancholy) tries plainly to tell you it is over- burdened, helpless, inactive, and weak, listen to its warnings and enliven it to its normal activity by taking Warner's Safe Cure, which for years has sucoessfuDy stood the severest tests by those who have tried it for. torpidity of the liver and the weaknesses developing therefrom. Mr G. Hall, of 15. Carl ton-street, Woat Hartlepool, writes; "I have suffered from biliousness and liver complaint from childhood, and I have tned several kinds of medicines, but they gave me very little relief until I was persuaded to try Warner's Safe Cure, and I oau truly s^y that I found relief from the firat few doses," With health at command who cannot succeed and earn the neoeesaries of life

The agony of cancer was the cause of John ,_W .aoltiJ9r. cwomiktHME musig*

LADIES' FASHIONS. Until autumn-tide shall bring in its train large velvet and satin picture-shapes copied in a modi- fied style from ancient pictures, and smart fussy little toques tossed up with a piece of some rich material crumpled and trimmed with immense chic, we are to adhere to straw hats, remembering that an abundance of floral decoration is now voted bad form. One is sure to be safe in selecting as a garniture for the sunny days of late summer I those charming frills and cascades of lace, or better still lisse, a material that stands out so crisply on a hat or bonnet. Not in the forsaken Metropolis are the prettiest of costumes to be seen, for Cowes, with its regatta, and Canter- bury, with its energetic batting and bowling, have in their turn monopolised the inhabitants of lenioittle elegant. The cricket fixture once again sustained its reputation, and wo give here a hat worn at the match by a blonde beauty worthy of the reputation of her county. On a rather scoopy" shape of golden tan Dun. stable straw is a cascade of crisp lettuce-green EECHRROHE. lisse arranged with wonderful effect round the low crown, a sweet little twist of rich crimson velvet throwing in a tiny note of warm colouring amongst the billowy gauze. Above the coil of hair the hat is just slightly raised, but not suffi- ciently to require a cache peigne of flowers indeed, very few of our English shapes have been caught up at the back in the daring style adopted so generally this season by the Parisienne. Here the only relief under the curved-brim is a second knot of the deep red velvet resting OR the back hatr. To crown this little masterpiece of reeherche millinery is a fine osprey matching the golden tan straw. There is every prospect that on our winter headgear twists of fur will be blended with things of the flown summer, such as cherries, a deep-toned dahlia, and a. scrap of delicate, costly lace. The newest colour on the autumnal season's list of modes is a warm shade partaking partly of a purple and partly of a crimson nuance. Are we then to style the novel colour mulberry or black. berry ? The name is still an open question, but if any very important personage happens to affect this particular hue on some popular occa. sion it is certain to be christened according to the I)Iaceor-ttiewe,arer. En attendant its baptism we may as well describe a novelty in blouses made of a soft surah of the new shade. This dainty con- fection seems expressly planned for late summer and autumn wear, and would figure most usefully as a derm-toilette corsage for the holidays. On either side of a securely-fitting waistcoat, which hooks on one side under the folds of the bodice, the blouse is drawn down beneath a lucked velvet band of the same rich colour as the silk. There are cuffs in 'deep butter-tinted guipure to finish off the bishop's sleeves, and some more of this thick lace is ap. plied over the elbows, round the collar, and across the neat plastron. There is every prospect that the blouse-bodice, which oame in at first like a common, shapeless sack, will be with us for many DISTINGUE. a long day yet; having', when it leaveque, attained the very pink of sartorial perfection. On her Majeety'a Cup day at Cowes, there wap, of course, a most brilliant array of chic toilettes, some nautical throughout, and others combining the useful character of a sea-side own with the supreme smartness of a delightful Bond-street find. Here is an example of the latter category I neat à taus points. 011 a charmingly hung skirt of military blue cloth are graduated applications of cream guipure worked in very deftly with silks of a soft shade of maize and egg-blue. This trim. ming is ratber Russian in style, and reminds one OHIO, of the Moscow passementerie in the making of which there are silky threads and golden fil. The bodice, with its big round sleeves, terminating in long glove-like cuffs, is rather severe in build, but essentially trim and ladylike. Over the guipure, which is laid without a orump, or crease across the front of the corsage, are two pieces of the plain cloth that, coming from under the arm-seams, are secured together in the oei)tre by little knots of maize satin ribbons, just a glimpse of the thick worked lace being caught between. To accompany this sweet little gown is a Parisian hat in "nutmeg grater" straw, matching the oloth, loops of maize ribbon striped with blue and a few ears of corn completing this smart piece of millinery. Now that our dresses are made to just escape the ground, the wondpous sills petticoats of two years ago are nob BO much in vogue. Rich brocaded, or billowy belaced batiste petticoats are at present the rage.

mi By ten o'olock on Monday morning the markets in London and other towns were full of grouse, find it is evident that few of the birds that were offered for sale could have been killed fairly. That is, the majority of them must have been poached, and killed out of season. How do I LOOK Well, to be plain, you don't look well. Perhaps you are worried a bit, el) ? That's a common complaint, and the universal remedy IS MApores RBMW OP HElUtS for RAFTING W, IntOJdcating Beer. Of all, chemists ana grocers, £ 4 and Is per Bottle. A 6d Bottle makes 0 gallons. Send 9 stamps to-day for a sample, Newball and PfegoR* Nettiorham. rwiRi>

NEWPORT COUNTY COUNCIL, At the Newport County Council meeting on j Tuesday, the Mayor (Alderman Sanders) presid- ing, Dr. Garrod Thomas made the gratifying announcement that tbe University of Wales had ] taken offices in Newport and practically had made it its headquarters. This decision was j practically due to the fact that the railway service was excellent, and that the county borough was not associated with any of the ¡ University Colleges. Therefore 111 was thought to be preferable to Cardiff, Aberystwyth, or I Bangor. He learned from the treasurer, which honour had been conferred on their townsman, Mr Edwin Grove, J.P., that the arrange- ment was only temporary, but he hoped that Mr Grove and Mr Alderman Jones (who represented Newport on the Board of Governors) would do all they could to make the offices permanently in Newport. Perhaps the Mayor and Corporation would do what they could In granting accommodation at the Town Hall, and so helping towards so desirable an end. I (Hear, hear.)—The Mayor said he was very glad to hear the announcement from Dr. Thomas, and assured him that the Corporation would be glad to do anything they could to make the office permanent. (Hear, hear.) WENTWOOD WATER SCHEME. The sub-committee having charge of the Went- wood water scheme reported that they had called in Mr G. H. Hit!, the water engineer to the Manchester Corporation and the gentleman who had carried out the Thirlmere scheme, and that he had furnished a report and made recommendations as to dealing with the puddle trench in a different way from that originally intended. The committee reported on other matters in connection with the scheme, and the two reports were proposed for adoption by 1 Alderman Lyne, seconded by Mr Goldsworthy. — Mr Wilkinson moved an amendment referring back the reports for fuller information as to why so large an expenditure had been incurred. He declared that the scheme was likely to prove a financial calamity, and that this opinion was shared by a majority of ratepayers. Was it not a fact that a well about one and three-quarter rnilas away from the reservoir had become dry since the opening of the Severn Tunnel?—Mr Morgan wished to know where the well was situated,—Mr Green- land What, only one well ? (Laughter.)— Alderman Vaughan Well, well (Renewed laughter).—The amendment found no seconds". and was accordingly lost amidst laughter.—Mr Wilkinson You will find next November that it is no laughing matter.—Mr Brown was astonished at Mr Wilkinson's mind on the subject as revealed by his amendment, and asked the chairman of the committee whether they had obtained any expert reports that the scheme was in a position as to cause alarm or such as might induce them in any way to abandon the works.—Mr Parry said the Council had con- fidence in the committee, and that they would give information to the Council at the earliest possible opportunity. He therefore did not think it wise to discuss the matter before they were in possession of theful! facts.—Mr Wilkinson said it looked very serious when the original estimate was £ 90,000,and now £250,000 was to be borrowed, and asked whether Mr Hill's report was not unfavourable.—Alderman Lyne said the committee had nothing to disguise, but said he declined to say what was in Mr Hill's report because he had recommended the committee to obtain the assistance of a geological expert. The committee were doing what they could, and calling in the best evidence to assist them, but regretted that Mr Wilkinson did not accompany the committee to the site of the works on Mon day, when every information was civen that could be given.—Mr Wilkinson reiterated his request as to the nature of Mr Hill's report, but Alderman Lyne declined to divulge it, as Mr Hill had advised other experts to come in,-The report" were afterwards adopted. LARGESSE FOR THE POLICE. The Watch Committee reported as to the arrangements made for the late polling day, including the score of constabulary and an inspector who were kept in the gloom and shadow of the recesses of the Town Hall in case of need. The committee were ungrudging in their praise of how the borough men did their work, even to surrounding the carriages of the candidates and keeping their persons from harm and gave vent to their sense of duty well done by reoommendmg that an extra day's pay be granted to the entire force. This was in accordance with precedent—happy precedent—and was agreed to without a murmur, Mr Pugsley and Mr Brown voicing the faithful duty done by the police at all hours of the day and night. DEAD MEDICAL OFFICER. The loss of Dr. Benjamin Davies, who for 33 years has looked with a keen, searching, trained eye after the health of the borough, was early referred to. The Mayor proposed a resolution expressing high appreciation of the late medico's valuable services, and of deep regret at his loss and Alderman Jones, chairman of the Sanitary Committee, dealt with the personal side of the question, and said it was in cases of emergency, from cholera, typhoid, or smallpox, that one learned to appreciate the value of their late medical officer. After a daring and successful conquest of impending mischief, there was no desire on his part to beat the big drum of self- praise. Then the fact that the doctor had not lived to see the famous hospital sanitorium, now being erected on tbe breezy heights of Alteryn, opened and in full swing, was mourned over. Dr. Garrod Thomas and the Town Clerk (on behalf of the other officials) also bore testimony to the able servant whose loss was deplored. THOSE FATAL BRTCKPONDS. The Works Committee reported that the brickponds all Pillgwenlly would be filled up as soon as possible, and that in the meantime every precaution would be taken for preventing danger to child-life. Mr Wilkinson volubly thanked the committee for coming to his aid but Mr Gower asked whether it was not a fact that children could still geb through and drown. Alderman Davis askea if Mr Gower would show him any place where adventurous, aspiring childhood would not get through G.W.R. AND THE BRIDGE STRKET BRIDGE. Mr Cordey endeavoured to rouse the Council as to the miserably inefficient and shaky structure which carries the highway over the G.W.R. at the top of Bridge-street. The Town Clerk said the plans were being prepared in the borough engineer's office. Did Mr Cordey know, asked Alderman Moses, that the delay was not due to the Corporation? "No," said Mr Cordev, "he did not." Then the worthy alderman revealed the hopelessness of inducing the G.W.R. to do anything, but assured Mr Cordey that a final effort would be made when the plans were ready. But you know how difficult," sighed the alder- man, "it is to move the G.W.R., and how difficult, when they are moved, to get anything out of them. We shall have to do it ourselves that is my belief." VARIATIONS IN BATHING STATISTICS. Mr Cordey wished to know from Alderman Vaughan how it was that the attendances at the Corporation Baths for the past month showed so great a difference as compared with July of last year. Alderman Vaughan replied that it was due to the colder weather, but the answer was wrapped up in the alderman's usual versatile way, and Mr Cordey did not catch it.—Tho Mayor (to Mr Cordey, who still wanted an answer) Duo to fluctuations in trade, Mr Cordey. (Laughter.)—-Another Member The General Election, Mr Cordey. (Renewed laughter.) A NEW DEPARTURE CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND. Mr Mordey .referred to the fact, as reported by the Parks Committee, that Aider- man Davis, on behalf of the Tre- degar Estate, ha.d kindly consented to allow the open apace at the end of Alma- street to be used as a playground for children until required for building purposes, and that the committee recommended the erection of two swings and seesaws. This showed, said Mr Mordey, that they had only to rub the worthy alderman the right way to get almost anything from him. (Laughter.)—Alderman Lyne You think he's like Venus soap, and does not require much rubbing ? (Renewed laughter).—Mr Mordey I don t know whether it is meant to asplialteit.—Alderman Lyne Oh, don't make a hash of it, please. (Laughter.) TRAM EXTENSION GALORE. Mr Wilkinson elicited that the Alexandra Dock Company were favourable to tram exten- sion to the Alexandra Dock. Mr Clifford Phillips elicited that the committee were considering the extension of tramways from Maindee to Caerleon-road, and Dr. S. A. Davies asked the committee to include the new Corporation-road in the next application. The Town Clerk said the time limit was only four years, and that the road was not sufficiently developed yet to justify applioabion being made. EJjEQTRICITX IN THE TOWN HALL. Alderman Moses promised the Council that within a week the Town Hall should be lighted with electricity..—Me Brown Including the clock ?—Alderman Moses Including the clock. (Hear, hear.) Everything in connection with the Town Hall —Alderman Bear who elioited this information, thought the com- mittee might have left a few gas jets, as the dark nights were coming on but Alderman Moses thought there was no need of this, and expresstd his belief that tho installation would be entirely successful.—Mr Greenland And will not go out? (Laughter.)—Alderman Moses confessed that there were difficulties with the Usksids Company's engines, but believed that none would be ex- perienced with the smaller and the larger engine for the dav load, and that he felt no anxiety about the Town Hall installation. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION. The Couneil spent over an houi discussing the Technical Instruction Committee's report, which recommended that; classes for plumbing, modelling in olay, and wood carving be aban- doned in order to make both ends meet. The committee get £1,127 per annum. An amend- ment by Mr Howell to reduce the principal's salary from J6350 to £300 was lost by 17 to 12, and the committee were aaked if with the £550 from the halfpenny rate they could pot restore the plumbing and modelling classes.

ODDFELLOWS AND OLD AGE. Brother White, the Grand Master of the Man- chester Unity of Oddfellows, attended a meeting in Sheffield on Saturday and spoke on old :1g,. pensions. He said actuarial calculations were sufficient to remove dislike felt in many districts to making provision for deferred benefits, and I once working men were convinced of the fair- ness of the tables they would make provision for old age. He hoped at least tho Manchester Unity would. Whatever the State might do the Upitv tpust legislate for their QWU body, and if the otete should ever be ao generous as to aesisb the old men of the country it would not Deflect those who bad already made provision for tbem- polwes,

|M| If we were to spend i One Million Pounds | |p Sterling PER ANNUM in advertising, there would still be those who would doubt that J. Titan ,ap washes with no rubbing. But you can prove it H For 3d. ffl y Besides, the clothes will last much longer. Clean water, a good fire, Pr are all you require. Titan Soap bleaches without chemicals or sunshine, and makes flannels and woollens soft and fleecy. Try it and prove it. i|^i Sole -r"he liverpool Patent Solap Co., Ltd., LIVERPOOL. lli

By Maggie Symington. My Little J-renoh Friend. Would you like to see her picture, and know all about her ? She is a dear wee doggie, and her name is Gilette. Her portrait was sketched for me from life by her mistress, a young French lady called Mademoiselle Alice, who is a very clever artist. Now look well at the picture and tell me if you do not think her one of the dearest little doggies you ever saw in your life. I made her acquaintance the first morning after my arrival, she came to breakfast with me in a most friendly way that is, as soon as my windows were set open in the morning, which happened invariably as quickly as I could thrust my feet into my slippers and my dressing-gown on, she would enter by way of the balcony. That balcony was a great convenience to Gilette, and I fear she made use of it to secure more than one breakfast for herself. She likes eating, it is her one object in life to secure all the tit-bits she can. And she is not in the least bit shy about making her one object plain to you. This firsb morning she sat object plain to you. This first morning she sat down on her hind-quarters, raised her little body, and waved her fore paws entreatingly, as much as and waved her fore paws entreatingly, as much as to say, What have you got for breakfast, j and how much of it is coming my way 2" I hastened to make her under- stand that both milk and sugar were at her com- mand. She graciously consented to refresh her- ] self with some of both, and then went on her ( way to see what more was to be obtained. The next time she put her nose inside the glass door I bethought me of some English biscuits still left in my travelling bag, and from that until the, last of my stay Gilette and I were sworn friends. She knew the very shelf in my wardrobe on which those biscuits reposed, and understood that I kept. them to be doled out to her in bits. Two or three times a day she would come to me and demand this proof of our friendship. If I were obtuse to her first request, she would go to the wardrobe and sniff round the door, turning back entreat- ingly to me with wagging tail. saying as unmis- takably as any doggie can, If you love me, feed; me." And I always succumbed there was no resisting Gilette when her heart was set on biscuit. You see she is dressed in the height of Parisian fashion that is, the curly white hair is j clipped close upon her hinder part, and haugs in | a silky frill round her shoulders,to which the long | ears droop. When she is freshly washed, combed, j and tied with blue ribbons, no daintier little doggie I can be found anywhere. I Gilette and the Prafeesar. A certain young professor used to come to the house sometimes who was brimful of mischief, of ] which Gilette reaped the benefit. When she was > made to 41 sit up by him on the crimson table- f cloth in the lamp-light, decked with a paper hel- met and breast-plate, holding a stick between her [ fore paws as if it were a gun, with the addition of j my spectacles across her nose, it was so droll a sight that she sent us all into fits of laughter. > She would be very angry and indignant with the professor sometimes, and tell him as plainly as slim could that he was old enough to know better. I j grieve to say that at meal times she often had to 1 be shut up in her mistress's chamber because— I well, over that permit me to draw a veil, little j dogs have sometimes little weaknesses, and hers j lies under her tippet, a little below where the > frill falls. She is of Scotcn extraction, and has become French because it is the country of her mistress. She barks in French, of course, and her manners—particularly when there is a chance of | earning a bit of sugar by good behaviour—are j.quite Parisian. I am sorry to say cherries, of which she is particularly fond, demoralise her, and the less we say of them the better. The j latest news of Gilette comes to me by letter, I which I wi!l translate for fear you are not all so j proficient in the French language as she is: J Gilette went to look for you several days by way of the balcony she entered your room con- tinualiy and waited for you some time." Alas Was it for me or for the biscuits? Which do you [ think made the deepest impression upon her ? j The Chinese Swan-pan. I am sure you will never guess what a swan- i pan is. so I had better tell you right away for fear you should suppose it to be a pan for swans to bathe in it is an instrument which the Chinese j use in doing arithmetic. They have no figures, nor anything to use instead of them, but the swan- i pan has been in use among them for centuries. As a rule, Chinese merchants and manufacturers j are very expert in making calculations; but the lower and labouring classes are, generally I speaking, ignorant. This ingenious instrument [ is a kind of table divided into two compartments, j Tiie compartments are crossed by slender bamboo I rods, tightly stretched twine, or, more frequently, j iron wire. Two small balls strung on each rod, i or wire in the upper compartment, and five on I each wire in the lower compartment. The chief use of the upper set ofballs is to double the numerical value of the lower ones. The balls on the first wire to the right represent units, the 1 next tens, the next hundreds, and so on in ten. I fold progression. In this manner any sum ex- pressed in figures may be shown by the moveable I balls with accuracy and rapidity. Chinese accountants become so expert in using the swan- pan that, even in large commercial transactions, j th6y can compute the sum total in less than it I would take to write down the figures. j A Brave Lad. I You and I, my chickens, always like hero j stories, and when you read this one, I am sure you > will say the hero deserved to be called by the I above title. He was a little German boy, some } seven or eight years old, and one day he and his little sister were playing together in the town of < Weser, where their home was. They were l interrupted in their play by the shouts of a man 1 running after a mad dog. Looking up, the boy j saw the dog making straight for them, and he was afraid for the.' safety of his sister. Quick as thought he tore off his coat and wrapped it round j his arm, then, without a moment's hesitation, t went forward to meet the dog, When a dog is mad, he rushes straight on and seizes the first object which comes in his way. The boy knew this, and so thrust his arm before him. The dog seized and worried it till the man who was trying to catch the creature before it could barm anyone, came up and killed it. Why did you not run i when you saw the dog coming ?" someone asked the boy. "If I had run, the dog would have bitten my sister," he answered simply. Most Satisfactory, j That is what I oall the fact I am going to tell j you here. In the coming October the great Army of Kindness, composed of Bands of Merey in con- f nection with the Society for the Prevention of Crualty to Animals, will be just 21 years old. Ib began with a small gathering of village children in an obscure English hainlet, and now it has become an army of millions of boys and girls, all pledged in some form or other to be kind to animals and to promote their humane treatment. We belong to it, we of the Rr.und Table, because to be kind to animals is one of our obligations, and we are more than 23,000 strong. There are something like 700 branches of the Army in our towns and villages, to say nothing of the sister societies with the same object, worked through newspapers and magazines. In Australia and Canada there are hundreds more; America has established 21,000 bands with over a million members in Massachusetts alone France, Germany, Switzerland, and Russia have thousands of young soldiers in the same Army even Japan has caught the eeho of the marehing song, and formed a society for the almond-eyed little ones of Chrysanthemum Eiand. fc'o yon see j we are marching along wibh plenty of companions, I -4 ta" heartkeA.==PJR ev-wwwlvwA mr-A kw rejoicing to see us. Look after the donkeys and ponies wherever you go during the holidays, and be sure that they get a good time ar well as you. Hew a Hospital was Born. I like this story, and so I feel sure will you. Once upon a time a ,young- surgeon went to London to make his fortune, having no more knowledge of medicine than could be acquired in a country town. By dint of hard study and hard work he began to make his way and to get a very good practice as a surgeon. One winter's night nearly seventy years ago, he found a destitute girl lying on the steps of a church in London's big city. Having a warm heart in his breast this good man could not leave her there to perish of disease and want. H« took her to several hospitals, bat they would not take her in because he was unprovided with a letter of recommendation from a Governor, so he found lodgings for her, where she died two days after without anyone having learnt her name. Her death made such an impression upon this good man's mind that he determined to work hard and save all the money be could to found.. hospital for poor people who would not need any recommendation in order to be taken in and cared for. In 1829 a Free Hospital was founded by him, which grew and grew under the fostering care of Kings and Queens and Princes, until id. became known as the Royal Free Hospital. Through its wide open doors to-day hundreds of patients are taken in and made better-better for the sad death of that one poor girl and its effect upon the heart of a good man. A Very Young letter, Pleise put this in the Gournal" writes* little correspondent; and so I will, but I hiusfc express a hope.at the sams time that you will all be able to make out what the curiously spelt words are, which is more than I can do Dear Gralldmother,-I will try to write very little letter, if I don't spell the words all right why next time il do better. My little rabbut is alive and likes his milk and clover he loves to see me very much but is afriead of rover hive got a dove as wite as snow I call her polly fether she flys and hops abouat the yard in every kind of wether, the hens ar comby of the grass and calacy very loudly whil our old pecock strucks about and shows his ooulours proudly. I think it close my letter hive nothing more to tell but please Answer soon and come to see your loving little Nell." At the Round Table NEW AfiRMBEM John W. Raistrick, William V., Walter and Clifford Soarth, Abner Varley, JolinW. Fuller, John W. Spencer, George Moor- house, Fred Hinchcliffe, Albert Jowett, William Walker, Sid James, Bertha and Sarah Walker, Louie James, Florence Elliott, Albert Duarte. James Bolt, Annie Williams, Alfred Barnes. John, Harry, and Eustace Ellcotfc, Florence and Lillie Tijon, Florence Dymond, Lilian Sorroll, Mary Diggon, Ethel Kipling, Eva Eyles, Gladys Peters. ( Round Table Awards. Prizes of Books and Medals of the Older will be given at intervals through the present year to little people who contribute something original of interest to the column, or of whom a good report is made concerning conduct, or of work for tlio Round Table. Contributions may be sent at any time, and must bo written on one side of tbe paper only, with name, age, and address attached. All young people under 17 years of age are eligible for these awards. Contributions must ba original/and certified as such by an older person. THE ORIJRR has now upwards of 23,100 mem- bers. Watchwords: Conscientiousness, Kindness, Courtesy. Motto: We must do the thing we ought before the thing we may." Vows and Promises. I Knights and Esquires must pledge themselves to try to be brave, true, honest, courteous, and obliging; kind to dumb animals to refrain from bad language and to say a few kind words, or do a kind deed every day. Damsels and Thimblemaids must pledge them, "elY to try to be true, sweet, helpful, modest, and gentle never to listen to a wrong thing, nor repeat ono; kind to dumb animals f and to say a few kind words, or do a kind deed each day. THE Bia Boolt OF THE ORDER is always open for the reception of new members. All t-eaders are entreated to join. A penny postage stamp should be enciosed in letter of application for transmission of the beautiful blue and gold certificate. If six stamps be encioftd, a Book of the Order, Song of the Round Table (full music size, with tonio sol-fa, in addition to the ordinary notation), and illuminated Vow Card will be sent with certificate. OLDEIt PEOPLE are invited to join as Hon. Members. Rules, &o., free on receipt of ad" dressed halfpenny wrapper. Address — AUNT MAGGIE SYMINGTON, Hunstanton, Norfolk.

SWANSEA COUNTY COURT, (WEDNESDAY.—-Before his Honour Judge GWILYM WILLIAMS.) APPLICATION IN BANKBUPTCT.—Mr Ivor Bowes (instructed by Messrs P. and C. B. Jenkiast made an application on behalf of the trustee is the bankruptcy of Samuel Blnndell, ironmonger, of St. Helen's-road, claiming the household furniture and effects now in the bankrupt's house, and held by Messrs Blundell, the ground being that the goods were believed to have been purchased by Mr Blundell, and not by his wifr, out of her separate estate. Mr Meager (instructed by Mr R. J. Lloyd) opposed, and called Mrs Biundeil, who swore that the furniture in question was hers, having been purchased out of £ 1,000 left her by her mother.—The application was refused, and the Judge ordered that thf costs come out of the estate. WINDING-cp, OF COMPANIES.—Mr Ivor Bowee (instructed by Mr Viner Leeder) appeared in support of a petition presented by Mr XX F. Sugrue, Mr D. Phillips, and Mr A. Mason, that the Crystal Spring Company be wound up compulsorily, on the ground that u was unable to pay its debts. Mr Slater repre- sented other creditors. The company was incorporated in 1889, the registered office being 2, Worcester-place, Swansea, and the business that of brewers. The judge made the order. A similar order was made with respect to the Tre- boeth Brick Company. ADMIRALTY Ao.rION.-His Honour had the assistance of Captain Paul Smith and Captain Lowther as nautical assessors, in the hearing ot an action brought by the owners of the Swansea tug Privateer, against the owners of the barque Flora (Messrs T. P. Richards and Compauy, Swansea) for salvage service rendered, put at £ 300. M. Villiers Meager (instructed by Mr Cox) was for plaintiffs, and Mr F. Laing, of the Admiralty Bar (instructed by Mr H. Wilson Paton) was for the defendants. For the plaintiffs it was said that the Flora with her freight and caigo was, at tho time the-services were rendered worth £ 4,186. On the 16th July last year the Flora had come up from sea and put into Swansea Bay for orders. After she had received them, an attempt was made by the tug Wasp to tow the I barque up channel, but the weather was so j that the vessel had to return to Swansea Bay and anchor off the Mumbles. During the day it. > j was noticed that the barque was dragging her anchor, and at last she got aground on the Qreen Grounds. Tbe master of the tug Privatew j observed tbe danger of the barque and went to I her assistance, and after three-quarters of an hour's towing got her into a place of safety. Then 1 the towrope parted, and the Privateer had to era 1 to another vessel and borrow one, and on her return she stood by the barque and finally towed her into Swansea. When the Privateer went to the Flora she found her bumping heavily, and j that this was so was proved by subsequent examination, when it was found she was much damaged. It was probable that, but for this assistance, she, woulrl have gone to pieces altogether, and so C300 was claimed. The defendants had denied|that the services were of the character described, and paid j630 10s 6d into court. Ihe defence was that the vessel was not in distress, and that no success attended the t nvateer s effottR.—The Court found there was no risk to the Privateer, but the tug did prevent the Flora from going over the greeugreuuds.— For this £ 60 salvage was awarded and 210 fa- towage. =

LABOURERS' UNION CONFERENCE. The biennial conference of the National Amalgamated Labourers' Union concluded thely sittings, on Saturday, at the Bridgwater Arms, Cardiff.—It was decided in future that the conference should be an annual one, and that the next meeting be held at Newport in the first week of August, 1896.-A resolution was also passed congratulating Mr J. H. Wilson, M.P. for Middlesbrough, upon the victory he achieved in the face of strenuous opposition by tho agent* of the Shipping Federation, and expressed the hope that he would continue to champion the ca.use of the seamen and frustrate the efforts of the so-called Free Labour Agency.-The usual votes of thanks terminated the prooMedingc.

To mE DBAP.—A Gentleman who oured I himself «rf Deafness and Noises IN the Head aftevlS years'suffering; will gladly send full particaar. of Un remedy post free.—Address II. Clifton, Norfolk Hooc& *~ff«k-street, Strand, London, W.C. 13670