Evening Express

CHILDRENSCHARTER N.S.P.C.C. Prosecutions at Pontypridd. XEMPLAHY PUNISHMENT FOR CALLOUS TRAMPS. Thft following reports appeared in the Extra- tpeciai and later editions of yesterday's 'Evening Express" Before the Pontypridd bench of magistrates yesterday Ben Davies, mason's labourer, of 15. Bodwenarth-street, Cilfynydd, was charged with neglecting his four children. Mr. James Spiekett, solicitor, Pontypridd, pro- secuted on behalf of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (in- structed by Inspector John Thomas).—Mr. Spiekett Eaid that defendant's family lived in two rooms, and that during the last six months he had hardly done any work. He was too lazy to work, although it had been offered to him several times. He had given his wife not more than an average of 6s. per week. out of which she had to pay 5s. 8d. for rooms. The children would have starved but for the gene- rosity of the neighbours-Inspector Thomas said four of the children were in a bad oon- tlition, insufficiently clad. dirty, and nearly shoeless. They were fairly well nourisne There was very little food in the house, and hardly any furniture. There was one bed not sufficiently covered, and another for the child- l'in. a kind of a make-shift. Defendant a wife ,11ad complained in defendant's presence that he had only given her 6s. a week for the past six months. It appeared that defendant went about earning money and drink by Play- ing a concertina. He bad worked as & collier, and lately as a mason's labourer, For the pust few weeks he had only worked three or four turns, and once, when the inspector visited him, be offered to go to work at the pit if the inspector kept his family for thiee weeki! The Stipendiary: I suppose the children axu starving?-Yes. Mrs. Davies said she could not get her husband out of bed in the morning, and many times before the inspector called there was no fire or food in the house. Her neighbours assisted her. and once, when she asked her husband for money to buy a pair of boots, he told her to go and earn it like many other women did-ull the streets. Defendant pleaded for another chance, and the Stipendiary, after consultation with his colleague, Mr. Edward Edwards, decided to accede to the request, and adjourned the case for a month. If he didn't work and give satis- faction during this time he would be sent to prison. Another case of child neglect heard was that against Charles William Grant, a blind man, who wore the Salvation soldier letters on the lapels of his coat. He was charged with neglecting and exposing a boy, named Holton, to induce people to give him alms. Mr. James Spiekett again appeared to prose- cute on behalf of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.-Evi- dence was given by Inspector J. Thomas to the effect that the boy's parents were dd. Defendant was in the h?bit of taking about children. He had done so before. As to the boy Richard Holton, he played a tambourine, and was picked up by defendant in Morris's Lodging-house, Christian-street, Liverpool. Defendant a wife had gone to Cardiff, together with a girl and a nigger boy-Dr. Dawkins stated in evidence that, he had examined the boy Holton, and found him to be poorly clad and exceedingly cold. His, pulse was very feeble, and there was vermin in his hea.d. The lad was well fed, but not in a fit state to tramp about the country. Defendant told him (witness) that the boy's father gave the bov to him at a lodging-house in Liverpool, and he had pity on him and took him from {1 place of drunkenness and revelry. Be said he had not neglected the boy, but had learned to love hiin.-Tlie Stipendiary said he was satisfied that no unnecessary suffering was caused, but there was no doubt defendant had taken the lad about for the purposes of begging. A fine of m. or a fortnights imprisonment, would be imposed. Defendau said he had no money to pay. SHOCKING REVELATIONS AT NEW- I S. PORT. I A case showing how infectious disease is spread about the country was heard at New- port yesterday, when a middle-aged man nnd woman, named John Wood and Margaret Wood, who had been on tramp for three months, were brought up before the magis- 1 rates charged with neglecting their three children, aged six, eight, and eleven, in such I a way as to cause them unnecessary suffering Mr. Lyndon Moore prosecuted on behalf of tha National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Police constable Bobinson stated that at 7.411 on Tuesday night the prisoners went to the police-station to get tickets for the casual ward. He noticed that the three children looked very tired. The father said they had walked that day from Pontypool, but had started in the first place from London. Mr. C. Crane, the superintendent of the casual ward, said he noticed that the children were in such a bad condition that he thought it wise to call in the inspector of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Chil- dren. The little ones were sore, filthy, and Terminous., It was the worst case he had ever seen. Superintendent Brooks and Dr. Bassett also said the children ware in the worst condition that they had ever seen. They were suffering from the itch their bodies were sore, and in the case of the girl her head was a. pulsating mass of matter and vermin. She was literally being eaten up. The Bench, in the result, said it was a very serious case, and both defendants would be sent to prison for six months with hard labour. The children would during that period be taken care of at the workhouse. The bench recommended that inquiries be made at other towns to see why the poor law authorities allcwed people to go through their estab- lishments in such a condition. The magistrates further wished to appreciate the action of Mr Crane in bringing the case forward. ] ABERGAVENNY BOY BADLY BFATEN. ? At Abergavenny police-court yes^iud* Robert Martin, fruit hawker, was brought up in custody (before the mayor. Alderman E. Foster), charged by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children with assaulting his son Albert, aged ten years, on the 23rd of December, by beating him with a whip-stock, punching his face, and giving him a pair of black eyes, kicking him, and other- inise cruelly treating him. Prisoner admitted beating the boy under provocation. He said lie had taken the boy out with him to protect his cartload of fruit, and the boy gave a num- ber of apples and oranges to various children during his absence for refreshment in a pub- lic-house. In addition to the prisoner's admis- sion evidence wjts taken as to the condition of the boy after the very severe treatment he had received at the hands of his father, who, it was said, was a good father to all the rest of the children, but was extra hard on this boy.-The Bench cautioned prisoner and fined him 50s., or one month. I

ASSESSMENT OF SWANSEA LICEN8EDFT PROPERTY b at Mr. F. F. Meager has submitted to the,, Swansea Asseiiament Committee a detailed „ return showing the results of his re-valua- p tion of Hcensed properties in the district-st assigned to him. From this it appears that ] the increase in the valuation of such pro-I perty in Llansamlet Higher (urban) was equal to 36.6 per cent.; in Llansamlet Lower, ■( 108.1 per cent.; in St. John's, 60 per cent.; in St. Thomas, 94.7 per cent.; and in Clase (urban). 51.1 per cent. The former aggregate valuation for the five parishes mentioned was £ 3.595 5s.; the re-valuation brought the aggregate to C5,888 Sa., or 42,493 more, equal to an increase of 69.34 per cent. in the assess- ment of 121 public-house properties, Thert had been 57 appeals, 44 of which resulted itl the valuation being confirmed; whilst in regard to the remaining thirteen cases the total reduction upon appeal amounted to 182 10s. only, or 1.6 per cent. on the gross valuation. The figures (says a Swansea con- temporary) are so transparently satisfactory, judged from the standpoint of the public, that some explanation other than that appli- cable to ether parishes must be sought for again submitting the 121 public-houses men- tioned to a fresh valuation. It is probable that the assessment committee exaggerated the difficulty of apportioning the rates from districts partly within and partly without the borough unless the' valuations were uniform throughout. If no other considera, tion weighed with* the members, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that, apart from the avoidable expense about to be incurred, the plan decided upon is bound to land the rating authorities into even more serious difficul- ties. For example, how will the assessment committee fare in defending appeals to quarter sessions should Messrs. Eve increase valuations only just confirmed by the com- mittee, and, again, what is to happen where these valuers consider assessments approved by the committee and accepted by the owners above the real value?

F.ATAL'DRIYING ACCIDENT I Thomas Dearlove was driving a. party of children home, to Wallittgford after they had chil .dr,ell honle. 't Party, when the horse sh'ied been attending a party, when the horse shied and the carriage was overturned. Not one of the children were hurt, but Dearlove was ¡ thrown from bis seat aad-killed.

srop PR*S Latest f linns. EXPRESS OFFICE, 11 ( m. ■LGtfbox T.ttiUhik The SiIs- and Star—Ranunculus, j The S!tn.—Hurry On; The Star, 21. The Sim and Stir.-Lobster. The Sun Fcrilictis (nap); The Star, eu». Helen; The s ai- vetc (nap)" j The Sun and mar.—Benhead. THE LEYTON MYSTERY. The Central News Leyton correfllnt telegraphs there are no further >I). mente this- morning1 in coruiectiith the terribl^ triple murder discoflon Tuesday. 'Hie police are coniplBiabir 1-ii,ii.ti )I, t-v ill a^cansi the riuuirrcis. ami ii is tirt tlwif ;)o:}¡ tbh- liiifi's. m-1. was employed by tVie Ur t.1 :1,1 him in moovins-' I he the We in ess I'iJ!o}!T"HÍiled!(¡" Mth orders in reject of the put'' t ■various businesses, -has feh-en infoi'vnatioji of '.1U i-uiportaiit efer. "■ The PINK EDITION o Evening Express," on 81 6.15 p-ni., contains all the of the day up to that time, i ing Closing Prices on Londo Cardiff Stock Exchanges, S Market Reports, Local Charte and Arrivals.

tHARGES AGAINST AN EX-ER I Yesterday, at Westminster Ptirt, jondon, Albert Collins, alias JameEt to lave risen from the ranks to a conn in he Royal Artillery, was on remaned rith robbery from furnished apartfcnd ritli the theft of jewellery, value <om Messrs. Hutchinjson and C04. oftal- treet, E.G. The accused was idenfcj a ady residing in Ebury-street, S.W.,te louse he called ostensibly to view auife. AJter he had been through the roori-ca articles of jewellery were miflsed, ts prisoner was identified as the peraorhl pledged valuable rings which were tiro a tray at Messrs. Hutchinson's sholpt last. Mr. Horace Smith committed ris< ner for trial on various charges toCci ral Criminal Court.

TRIPLE POISONING CAS I A Blackburn overlooker named Daient- ey was horrified on going home taner yesterday to discover his wife, age and wo children, aged five years and year respectively, lying on the kitchen floicon- scious from large doses of carbolic atppa- fently administered by the woman, hose lide an eight-ounce phial of the pc lay. the children are in a precarious tion. the mother's recovery is hopeless.

FRIGHTENED TO QEATI I Yesterday Dr. W.ynn Vvreatcttt heln in- liieat, at Shoreditch, I/>ndon, respe<g the leath of Richard Gray, 43, acoaehinter, ate of 86, Pownall-road, Dal sin. Tbvidow leposed that her husband lent to?d on lunday night about eleven olock, babout wo o'clock on Monday mormg he d that ie heard the report of a giuflownsta. He vent below in the full expecition ofeeting i, burglar, but discovered Ut the rort he lad heard was from a tin obears wlh had ermented and burst on a alf. He turned .0 bed in a nervous condion, andbortly cfterwards expired. Nv it#s was ffoly of opinion that her husband'teath wadue to ,he fright and shock oausi by the plosion .f the tin of pears.—Dr. Atur Greenood, of Jueen's-road, Dalston, atbd that L6 was- jailed, and found the in&lead. The.atopsy ihowed that all the orts were ealthy. Death was due to suoa heart failure, wrought a.bout by shock In the frigt.—The Jury returned a verdict tiat effect.

GUARDSMAN CHGED VITH FORGE. At the South-Western ice-court, ndon, 'esterday, Ray Stuart mmond, a young nan, said to be the son naval officer, and vho appeared in the i dressed in the miforjji of a trooper oe 1st Life Guards, nto which regiment had but leoently mlisted, was charged otnand with forgery md fraud. The prosbrs were Messrs. Jould and Eagles, a fifl butchers. of Earls- ield, Wandsworth, an4y were persuaded ny the prisoner, who wnown to them as a customer, to advance lthe sum of £12 126. in the security of a bill kclxange for L14 10s. Fhe prosecutors discovi in due course that tire document was vafeg, and that the prisoner had decampepm the neighbour- hood. The prisoner eM into a lengthy statement describing ijjoverty forced him in the first place to e6, scanty livelihood by grinding an organ.he streets, how he and his iriend-a Mstler-subsequently left London for Fragham. Suffolk, on borrowed money, takilth them two empty portmanteaus, how hiained money from the proprietress on tWIs of exchange, and finally decamtnng wit paying the hotel bill and leaving the )ty bags behind.— Ernest George Ostl% tea merchant's manager, of Bow, adim accompanying the prisoner to the countrh the two portman- teaus.—Prisoner (addjig the magistrate angrily): That maninting to witness) should be sta 9 h?th me. He is as Unity as I am.-The her was committed or trial.

MIDLAND RAILWLOCAL GOODS R. MAKR. To-day the Midland rally's new arrange- tilent for the decenution of the Goods Managers' Deparbmetne into operation. In so far as Brigtoltucerned, the local management of the Jaoo. merchandise traffic will be direct., Mr. E. G. Norris, it: Phillip's StatiClllrtoI. formerly city roods' agent of the <ny, whose scope of upervision will be tied to include the ollowing territory :nol and Avonmouth o Worcester, BristotJath, Worcaster to branch^heae sections; carti- ng and canvassing lea at Cardiff, New- iQrt, Merthyr, and i Wales generally; ,lso Penzance, Plym<Uid Exeter. Changes orresponding to thn take plaoeover Itner parts of the Xreas through which 1 he Midland line run

A FOX I HOTEL An exciting incident place in coanec- un with Tuesday's ithe Belvoir Hounds. "Vie pmk ran a fox olkingham. bm lost 1m before reathingorm The fugitive. Wever, continued <?llincborough, and. ?termg the Higb-øought sanctu ;y in qe bar of the Cro?tei. Found < ? the tyidlord, Reynard dMPe rat,e e rt to  «fcape by the wmdp he was Mcf and j{t into a. ba? i int4D a bue, i

EMPEROR OF INDIA King Proclaimed at De.,i. THE GREAT DURBAR TO-DAY. SCENES OF ORIENTAL! MAGNIFICENCE. Enthusiasm of Natives at the Ceremony. A SUPERB MILITARY DISPLAY Delhi, Thursday.—Amid scenes of unexampled Oriental magnificence, King Edward s Coro- nation was to-day proclaimed to the Princes and people of India. The ceremony took place in a superb amphitheatre, erected on the spot where the late Queen Victoria was proclaimed first Empress of India. Close upon 15,000 per- I LORD CURZON. sons, including many British, Colonial, and European notabilities, were present in the vast auditorium. The Durbar was accompanied by a great military display. The utmoet anima- tion attended the arrival of the chiefs and their retinues, but no part of the preliminary proceedings excited so much sympathetic interest as the appearance of the surviving veterans of the Mutiny. The Duke and DUKE OP OONTTAUGHT. I DUs of Connaught and the Viceregal party I ha,, most enthusiastic reception. The Vit sat on a, throne, decorated with golden libm"hen he mounted the dais the bands Plathe National Anthem, and a salute of I LORD KITCHENER. thirty-Cms was fired. The Herald (Major Maxweld the Proclamation, which ran as follows: ie Proclamation.. fd R.I. WheVpon the death of our late Sove- reign ppy memory, Queen Victoria, upon Hjd day of January, in the year of our 19Q1, we did ascend the throne under iyle and title of Edward V n. by the giof God King of the United Kingdo Great Britain and Ireland, Defand«he Faith. Emperor of India. And 'a.s by our Royal Proclamations, bev,ring the 26th day of June and ths 10th dabecember, in the year of Our Lord lCXthe first year of our reign, we did public declare our Royal intention. by the f and blessing of Almighty God, to cclebbe solemnity of our Eoyal CoronaMon the 26th day of June, 1902. And wl by the favour and blessing of God, we enabled to celebrate the said solemnity Saturday, the 9th of August. And wtI it Ï8 our wish and desire that the fact,he celebration of the said solemnity be publicly announced to all our I subjects with.n our Indian DominioBfrpportunity should be given to our GC\r Lieutenant-Governors, and heads of nistrations, to the Princes, Chiefs, anjfeg of the native States under our prote and to the representatives of all theinoea qf our Indian Empire, to take pi the said ceremonial. Now wifi by this our Royal Pro- clamatioufee announcement therof, and we hereby chatge. and com- mand oItght trusty, well-beloved Councilloreorge Nathaniel, Lord Curzon ce-liston, our Viceroy and GoTemor-Ot of India, to hold at Delhi, on the 1stannary, 1903, and Imperial Durbar foipurpose of declaring the competitioihe said solemnity of our Coronation we direct that at the sa d Durbar thiijamation shall be read for the inform of all whom it may con- cern. Given at ?rt of St. James's, the 1st day of Oct?902, in the second year of our reign.. God ,he King-Emperor. Vfy-g ADDDBS8. The ViceroYls address, referred to the fact that it v the very spot where the present Durba being held that the late Queen was Pned fi4"st Empress of India. To-day, he sh e Empire was not less united, nor w. Sovereign less dear, for, the people of. had seen his face and heard his vObere was represented at this Durbar t-YUlers and Deputies nearly one-fifth of th% human race, all bowing before a singljne. After enumerating the advantage King's Government, the Viceroy said tave won such dominion was a. great a ent, but that to weld it into a compac would be the greatest of all. I HONOURS WFERRED RY f%ING. I A GENERA MEASURE OF 4ESTY. I The King hM; pleased on the occa- sion of the ne at Delhi to confer a large numbfc honour*. There ars r appointments to and promotions in the Order of the Bath (Civil and Military Divi- sions). Those in the Civil Division are I issued by the Prime Minister's department and those in the Military Division by the War Office. I KNIGHTHOODS. I The honour of knighthood is conferred upon Mr. Montague Charles Turner, president of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and an additional member of the Council of the Governor-General, for making laws and regula- tions. He has been member of the Legisla- tive Councils, first of Bengal, then of India, and is still a member of Calcutta Corporation. Lieutenantrcolonel William Earnshaw Cooper, C.I.E., commandant of Cawnpore Volunteer Rifles. Colonel Cooper represents the manu- facturing interest of Cooper, Allen. and Co., and has for many years rendered valuable service to the Government both in his capacity id as head of local Volunteers. I Mr. William Owens Clark, of the Indian Civil Service. He is chief judge in the chief court of the Punjab. Dr. George Watt. M.B., C.I.E., officer in charge of the economic and art section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta. Dr. George Watt entered the Bengal Educational Department in 1873, and after serving in the Hugli and Patna Colleges was in 1881 placed on special duty with the Burmah-Manipur Boundary Commis- sion, and subsequently in connection with the Calcutta International Exhibition of 1883. He served in the Revenue and Agricultural Departments of India in 1884, and was there- after appointed to the charge of the Imperial Indian Economic Court of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition. Dr. Watt is the author of several scientific papers. and is editor of a dictionary of Indian economic products. Lieutenant-colonel James Lewis Walker, C.I.E., late of the 2nd Punjab Volunteer Rifles, is 4, Volunteer officer of long standing. He has been a benefactor to Simla by his muni- ficent gift of a hospital for Europeans. Mr. Justice James Ackworth Davies, of the Indian Civil Servioe. judge of the High Court of Judicature at Fort St. George. Mr. Harkeseandas Narotamadas, sheriff of Bombay. He is wealthy, and a prominent Hindu merchant, who has given largely in charities. Mr. William GodaeU, a.uditor at the India Office. Mr. God sell entered the service in SaP- tember, 1860, and after serving as junior inspector and assistant to the auditor he received his present appointment in January, 1895. ORDER OF THE BATH. I The King has been pleased to direct the following appointment to the Most Honour- able Order of the Bath (Civil Division):- To be Knight Grand Cross, his Highness Sir Mahbub Ali Khan Bahadur Fateh Jang, G.C.S.I., of Hyderabad. STAR OF INDIA. I AS sovereign of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, the King has altered the statutes of the Order so as to increase the second-class, or Knight Commander, from 80 to 85, and the thirdIa88. or Companions, from 160 to 170. This notification is followed by the announcement of a number of appointments to the Order. These indude two Knights Grand Commander, namely. Lord George Hamilton and Raja Sir Rama Varma of Cochin, and eleven Knights Commanders, amongst whom are Rear-Admiral Charles Drury, Commander-in-chief of the East Indies Station, and Colonel Sir Colin Campbell Scott-Moncrieff, president of the Indian Irriga- tion Committee. There are also. sixteen appointments to Companionships of the same Order. ORDER OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. I mt.. T7_- LDe xving, aa sovereign of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, has increased the number of the second-claes, or Knights Commander of that Order from 82 to 92, and the number of the third class, or Companions, from 20 to 40. This announcement is followed by the gazetting of a large number of appoint- ments to and promotions in the Order. Among the new Companions of the Order of the Indian Empire are Mr. Henry K. Beauchamp, editor of the Madras Mail"; Mr. Thomas J. Bennett, of the "Times of India," Bombay; and Mr. John O'Brien Saunders, proprietor and editor of the Englishman," Calcutta. K.C.B. uolonel (local Majonera.l) Charl- O. Egerton, D.S.O.. and Colonel Arthur G. Hammond, V.C., are gazetted Knighte Com- I ihander of the Bath. KAISAR-I-HIND MEDALS. I It je also notified that the King has made a number of awards of the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal for public service in India. Amongst the reci- pienta are Lady Curzon and the Rev. Samuel Scott Allnutt. of the Cambridge Mission, Delhi. The King has alao granted certain specified salutes to a number of native Princes. PRIVILEGES AND AMNESTY. I A Delhi telegram of Wednesday says: In consequence Off the new moon being visible to-night and the MaJiommedan Festival of Id commencing to-morrow, to meet the wishes of the Mahomedan rulers the Durbar cere- monies will begin at half-past twelve to. morrow, instead of at noon. In oonuection with the Coronation honours the following favours and concessions to the different branches of the Indian Army are an. nounced — The officers of the Indian Staff Corps will henceforth be known as officers of the Indian Army. Six native officers are to be annually appointed for duty ae orderly officers with the King-Emperor. The establishment of thirty appointments in the Order of British India for the Imperial Service Troops has been sanctioned. A small money grant is to be made to all British and native corps. The sentences of certain classes of military offenders are to be remitted. Instructions have also been issued for the release of 16,188 prisoners now in civil gaols for various civil or criminal offences. Two matches were played in the Interna- tional Polo Tournament at Delhi on Y ednes- day, the first between Jodhpur and Patiala and the second between Haiderabad and Bikaner. The results were as follow:- First game, Jodhpur, 6 goals, 6 subs; Haide- rabad, 5 goals, 2 subs. There was an enor- mous crowd of spectators, including the Vice- roy, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, the Grand Duke of Hesse, and many native chiefs and other dignitaries. Both games were very fast and well contested, Bikaner in parti- cular playing brilliantly.-Pmes Association Foreign Special.

RHONDDA MYSTERY. I Body of Deceased "Examined by l Cardiff Doctor. Later in the day Dr. J. J. Buist, of Cardiff, who has been retained by the defence, made a re-examination of the body of the deceased, in the presence of Dr. Reardon and Inspector Williams, who has charge of the case. The parents of deceased were reluctant to permit a second post-mortem examination. so that only an examination of the superficial injuries was made. Dr. Buist, spoken to by an "Evening Express" representative, said: The circumstances of the case are very peculiar. I visited the spot where the body was found; the water is very shallow just there, while the ground is very rough. There are a lot of stones, also a large quantity of gravel and sand, while there are also a lot of stones near the water's edge, and it is a place where a deal of injury might be caused through falling. The case is, in my opinion, one in which a very good defence can be established. I should like to say that Inspector Williams treated us very courteously in accompanying us to the house and the river- side, by which we were able to perform our duties more expeditiously than otherwise."

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT I PONTYPRIDD At Pontypridd Police-court on Wednesday Mary Ann Flowers. a married woman, of Pontypridd, was brought up on remand on a charge of having attempted to commit suicide on Christmas Day.—Mr. John Maisey, of Faotory-lane, who employed defendant as housekeeper, stated that she had attempted to take her life by trying to strangle herself with a handkerchief. She also tried to ran to the Maritime Pond the same evening, but he prevented her. The next morning he ft nd that she had tied a scarf round her neck and fastened, it to the bedpost, and he released her.—Defendant told the magis- trates that her husband had deserted her.— She was committed to take her trial at the next quarter sessions.

I CANADA'S PHENOMENAL PROSPERITY. Reports received from various sources from the Atlantio to the Pacific Oceans show that the year whiob has just closed has been the moot prosperous ever enjoyed by Canada. All indications point to the New Year being even more so. A great influx of American capital, not only throughout the Canadian North-west Territory, but also in the older provinces, is expected, and 1 surge immigra- jt tions are also looked

NATAL'S WAR CLAIM Announcement by Mr. Chamberlain. SOUTH AFR CAN FEDERATION ADVOCATED. As reported in the Special and later editions of yesterday's Evening Express," Mr. Chamberlain had a conference at Pieter- maritzburg on Tuesday with the Natal Ministry, which occupied practically the whole day, preventing his attendance at the mayor's reception in his honour. In the evening Mr. Chamberlain was present at a banquet at the Town-hall. The place was absolutely crowded —even the galleries being full—and the enthu- siasm was even greater than at Durban. Mr. Chamberlain's speech, which was the longest he has yet delivered, was punctuated with cheers. Even his remark that he had not come to flatter them evoked enthusiasm, and his outspoken statement that Natal had done much, but not enough, was received with the utmost- good humour. Mr. Chamberlain spoke of the necessity for unity, and again instanced the Scots and English, urging that the same satisfactory result was- possible in the case of the Dutch. He pointed out that active as well as passive loyalty was required. Referring to the question of federation, Mr. Chamberlain drew lessons from Canada and Australia, and said that before federation was possible it was necessary to have responsible government in the new Colonies. This could not be granted immediately, as the popula- tion had not returned, and industry was only partially being carried on. Before granting the privilege of self-government the Imperial Government bad the right to ask for evidence of active loyalty. They must not put it in the power of anyone or any party to undo the results of the war. Mr. Chamberlain, in con- clusion, pointed out the obligations under which the Colonies lay to the Mother Country. and announced that the Natal Ministers had agreed to withdraw their war claims against the Imperial Government, amounting nearly to £ 2,000,000. This announcement was received with almost indescribable enthusiasm, the whole audience cheering again and again.- Press Association Foreign Special. A further message from the same source says:—Mr. Chamberlain announced the con- summation of his visit to Natal-a contribu- tion from the Colony of nearly 92,000,000. Seldom has a statesman announcing an increase of taxation been received with marked cordiality, but the enthusiasm when the Colonial Secretary made his statement was impressive in the extreme, The intima- tion that the Natal Ministers had agreed to wipe out the claims for compensation and other war expenses was received with as much and as hearty cheering as though the right hon. gentleman had announced a gift to the same amount. The whole scene was one of indescribable enthusiasm and whole-hear,ed cordiality. The Deputy Mayor proposed the health of the Governor, who replied by urging the importance of maintaining friendly feelings towards the Dutch in Natal's new territory. The Mayor afterwards pro- posed the toast of "The Guest of the Evening," who, on rising, had a reception such as he probably never met before. For nearly two minutes the whole audience, both diners and spectators, seemed to lose all control over themselves. The ladies waved their handker- chiefs, while the men stood on their cnairs and yelled, cheered, and shouted until the hall rang again. Never since Mr. Chamber- lain arrived here has such warmth of feeling been displayed. As soon as Mr. „Chamberlain held out his hand for silence the contrast was extraordinary. The cheering stopped, the noise subsided, and in a clear voice the right hon. gentleman commenced his speech. He said that the kindness of Natal was over- whelming and embarrassing. He had been hard at work from the morning until half an hour before dinner, but the work had not been thrown away. Already questions were beginning to shape themselves before his eyes. The difficulties would not groh less, and it was unreasonable to expe-c that his visit was going to settle all the problems. His own anticipation was more modest. He hoped to acquaint himeelf with local opinion, which was impossible by other ways than by a personal visit. He was looking forward to his intercourse with Lord Mil ner-(pro longed cheers)—to share the advantages of his expe- rience and to exchange v.ews. so that he would be Cetter able to co-operate at home with thcye who administered affairs in South Af■>'}.ca. The greatest .question affecting South Africa was unity "-unity between the two waite races; unity within each separate Colony; the unity of all the Colonies in one great federation. The Boer leaders, on the conclusion of the war, declared themselves to be loyal subjects of the King. They must not comment on or criticise that declaration, but must accept it wholly and fully, and wel- come it as it deserved. But a declaration of loyalty meant much or little. A Boer leader had said that there, as at home, they could not expect immediately to forget the past or do more than give a passive loyalty. They must allow for feeling, but he hoped the time was not distant when that passive loyalty would become active loyalty. (Cheers.) Until then progress in Sonth Africa would be hindered. I say," Mr. Chamberlain added, that he who hinders the desire for unity is a traitor to his country, and is ruining the prosperity of South Africa." (Loud cheers.) All should rise to the height of national patriotism. While not discouraging individual thought and opinion, he remarked that there were some points in which there was necessity for union, such as customs, railways, and native administration. South Africa must, sooner or later, follow the example of Aus- tralia, and the Imperial Government would heartily rejoice when a united people demanded a new constitution. Mr. Chamberlain and his party left for Colenso on Wednesday morning, accompanied by Sir Henry M'Callum, the Governor, and Sir A. Hime, the Premier.-Reuter. Lord Milner, Sir Arthur Lawley (Lieutenant- Governor), and staff will leave Johannesburg to-morrow (Friday) for Volksrust, in order to welcome Mr. Chamberlain at the border.— Reuter. PERSECUTION OF NATIONAL SCOUTS. Reports from the country districts of the Transvaal show that the hostile feeling towards the National Scouts is unabated. The predicants in many instances actually refuse to admit them to Holy Communion. At Burghersdorp, which :s a hotbed of the Bond, the Dutch are particularly aggressive and offensive. They have been warned not to listen to Mr. Chamberlain, but to boycott him. All the Loyalists are leaving the town.

THE HOUSE FAMINE AT MERTHYR At a meeting of the health committee of the Merthyr Urban District Council on Wednes- day, Mr. Wm. Lewis (Treharris) said he had seen a report in the newspapers that an ejeotment order had been granted against a person living in Merthyr who for four months had been trying without success to get a house. At present there were about 500 houses in course of erection in the Merthyr district, and he thought the council should wait until they were all completed before further eject- ment orders were applied for.—It was pointed out to Mr. Lewis that the case in question was one with which the council had no connection whatever. It was not a case in which a house had been condemned as un- inhabitable, but simply a case in which the owner wanted to get possession of the pre- mises.—Mr. Lewis was satiefied with (the explanation, and the matter dropped.

STRANGE DEATH OF A SWANSEA BUILDER An inqttest was held on 'Wednesday after- noon at Swaneea. on the body of Mr. J. B. Martin, a builder, of LMorrioton, Swansea, which was found in the South Dock, Swansea, on Tuesday, bat it threw ho light on the mys- tery of his death. He had for years been a yard foreman with Messrs. Walters and Johns, and afterwards started business on his own acoount. His brother stated that he was a temperate man and not subject to faints. The landlord of the Royal Oak said Mr. Martin was in his house for some hourf and was perfectly happy and chatty, and nursed witness's child a great deal. He did not believe that it was a case of suicide.—lhe Coroner said the case was apparently not one of suicide, and the jury would be doing right in returning the verdict of "Found drowned." —This was agreed to.

MERTHYR FREE LIBRARIES AND MR CARNEGIE'S GIFT At a meeting on Wednesday of the finance committee of the Merthyr Urban District Council Mr. D. W. Jones inquired when they were going to get any money from Mr. Carnegie.—Mr. Sydney Simons, chairman of the free libraries committee, in reply, said that it might be expected as soon as the con- ditions of Mr. Carnegie's gift had been com- plied with—Mr. Jones suggested that the matter should be taken up at once, but Mr. Simons p-dvanoed a very good reason for not being in cauch. of a. hurry.

I MINERS'. WAGES. I Men and the Masters I Proposals. MABON DECLARES THE I TERMS IMPOSSIBLE. I As reported in the Pink Edition of the "Evening Express" of yesterday, I A reporter of the "Evening Express" waited upon Mr William Abraham (" Mabon "), M.P., the president of the South Wales Miners' Federation yesterday, with a view of eliciting his opinion upon the new situation created by the latest proposals of the employers. Mr. Abraham was. as usual, averse to an interview. However, he reluc- tantly consented to make a statement. It was evident that Mabon does not regard these proposals as likely to lead to any immediate settlement. He went further, and said, I can scarcely conceive that the owners, taken collectively, can be serious in the proposals they are now making. Indeed, the question I put to myself this morning, after carefully reading the pro- posals, was this—whether it can be possible that there is on the owners' side any one man of whose views these proposals can be regarded as a reflex. If so, it seems to me that that one man must be as a bird isolated on a stray branch, who will welcome, for some incompre- hensible object, the spectacle of a two years' struggle in the coal trade." Why two years?" asked our representative. Well." replied "Mabon," "it must be so. It cannot be otherwise. If by these proposals the employers mean to force a struggle, they must know that that would by no means relieve South Wales from participating in what may happen at the end of 1903 in con- nection with the general movement a general movement which they seem at present to be so apprehensive of. The owners are not ignorant of the true inwardness of the Southport resolution. They have been told of it over and over again, but in these pro- posals they have apparently forgotten all the arguments put forward in favour of their agreerrents, for they have here proposed a three years' agreement which, as it stands at present, is unjustifiably hopeless and im- possible. Still, let us hope that reason will prevail, and that South Wales will be spared from being made the cockpit or 'vantage ground by which Scotland and England may be able to make for themselves without a struggle, a position for the next decade." Pressed to express his opinion as to whetber he really thought there was absolute danger of a conflict, "Mabon" said, "Yes, there is .certainly a very real danger if these pro- posals are insisted upon, but for my own part my view is that the ovsners cannot be serious. When both sides come together we may find a middle course, which may make a settlement possible with honour to both sides. He added: "You may say that if we were to accept any approach to these proposals we would be made to look ridiculous and incom- petent in the eyes of other leaders and in the eyes of the men who are instructing us." I VIEWS OF MR. THOMAS THOMAS, I MERTHYR. Mr. Thomas Thomas, miners' agent, Mer- thyr, who, we regret to say, is very unwell— so indisposed, indeed, that he was unable to attend the quarterly meeting-in an inter- view with one of our representatives said:- The employers' proposals, which are put for- ward as being conciliatory, involve practically the re-establishment of the sliding-scale, inas- much as the selling price of coal is to be the only factor in deciding advances and reduc- tions. To call these proposals conciliatory is merely a delusion and a snare. They place the middleman in a better position than he was ever in before. The proposed change in the standard is ridiculous. In 1892 we had to knock down the 10 per cent. to 8J. and now it is suggested that that should be reduced to 5. upon which the minimum is to be paid. There is certainly a basis laid down for discussion, but, unless the proposals are amended, I am sure there is no sane man in the coalfield who would dream of accepting them. With regard to the proposal to advance the price of hnuse coal, I cannot possibly advise anquiescence. It would not be fair to U8 in this district, because the standard pr ces ruling here—in Dowlais especially-are prices in the fixing of which the men yielded something in con- sideration of getting their house coal cheap and on a-ccount of rents being low at the time -low, alas! no longer. As to payment for small coal, that is a matter that can very well be left to stand over until the bigger questions have been settled. Speaking gene- rally, I have no hesitation in saying that the employers must modify their proposals con-. siderably if a crisis is to be averted. ) THE FRAMEWORK OF A SETTLEMENT. I Mr. W Vyce, miners' agent. Ebbw Vale, said: If the masters are serious in their proposals it is bound to end in rupture. We cannot for a moment consider a reduction in wages. The proposals are much worse than we have worVed under for w)m-. time Th" rnaximnm suggested is too low for our consideration, and as far as the workmen's representatives are concerned, they do not intend for a moment to accept the minimum and maximum pro- posed. It is entirely out of the question. At the same time I believe the proposals contain the framework of a settlement, but the details will have to be more satisfactory." I OPINION ON CARDIFF EXCHANGE. I There was no very marked feeling on the Cardiff Exchange on Wednesday with regard to the proposals put forward by the coal owners to the colliery workmen's repre- sentatives as a basis for future wages. No opinion was expressed as to the reasonableness of the proposals submit- ted, it being generally believed that both sides will maintain the conciliatory attitude which has hitherto been adopted, and that a fair and equitable basis of agreement will be ultimately arrived at. Consequently, the market showed no appreciate change, quota- tions remaining practically the same as on Tuesday. In any case, it is yet too early for the market to be very much influenced, as a stoppage of work cannot take place until March 1 HILL'S PLYMOUTH COLLIERIES. I I The notices given on the 1st of December to the men employed in the Four-fo6t Seam at the No. 1 South Pit, Plymouth, expired on Wednesday. The number of men affected is about 450, the object of the notices being to bring about a reduction in prices. Efforts to effect a settlement without causing any cessa- tion of work have proved abortive, and the men concerned will to-day (Thursday) be idle. A mass meeting has been called to discuss the situation, and it is to be hoped that the stop- page will be of very brief duration. I ABERNANT COLLIERIES. -I I The notices given to tne men employed at Lord Bute's Abernant Collieries expired on Wednesday. The probable duration of the stoppage is not known. The collieries will be idle for the rest of the week. I GARTH-MERTHYR DISPUTE. I I A well-attended meeting of workere at the Garth-Merthyr Pit, Ma-e^teg. was held a.t the schoolroom on Wednesday in regard to the notices, affecting 300 men, given to terminate contracts on January 3, in consequence of a dispute wi4h regard to the price-list for the Six-feet seam. Messrs. Tom James, Clydach Vale, and Vernon Hartshorn, Risca, who had been appointed to meet Professor Galloway, mining agent to the colliery company, reported that arrangements had been made to submit the matter to arbitration. Mr. David Beynon, the agent for the men, spoke, advocating strongly the endorsement of this policy, and a resolution was unanimously passed in favour of the matter being dealt with in the manner suggested. I THE WERFA COLLIERY, ABERDARE. I Notices were tendered on Wednesday evening to the men employed at the Werfa Colliery, Aberdare, who number about 600. The proprie- tors are Messrs. James Evens and Co. There is some question as to the renewal of the present lease, which, we are given to under- stand, expires at the end of February.

I SCOITISH CURLERS IN CANADA. I The Scotch curling team was beaten yester- day (says a Halifax, N.S., telegram) in itA first match against the Canadians by "the score of eighteen to twenty-three. The Canadian team consisted of players from Truro and Halifax. The ice was a trifle wet, but otherwise was in good condition. The moisture assisted the local curlers, who are more accustomed to it than the Scotchmen. There was a great crowd of spectators present, and they cheered I the visitors more than they did their opponents. The playing, was brilliant on both sides, and was very fast. After the I game the Scotchmen left the rink in a body, and were cheered through the streets.

I A GRAND DUKE IN DISGRACE. I l The St. Petersburg Officia.1 Messenger" announces that by order of the Emperor the I court of the Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovitoh. I who was recently dismissed from the army, baa been dimolved-Ileutez..

Manchester Meeting TIPS FOR TO-DAY. SPORTSMAN.—'VIGILANT." 1.0.—King's Idler. 1.30.-G leneula, 2.0.-Le Fere. 2.30.—The Dunlin. 3.0.-Elandslaagte. 3.30.-Guttcrsnipe. "MAN ON THE SPOT." 1.0.—King's Idler. 1.30 —Gleneula or Master Gamp. 20-Merrion. 2.30.-Cajideros. 3.0.—Dr. Charlie or Perdicus. 3.30.-Benhea.d. SPORTING LIFE.—"AUGUR." I.O.-Trouvere or Ranunculus. 1.30.—Hurry On or Milano. 2.0.-Cutler or Looter. 2.30.-Perdicus or Dodragh. 3.0.—Cutler or Allurement. 3.30.—Benhead or Court Belle. "MAN ON THE SPOT." I.O.-Tronvere. 1.30.-Donauvellen. 2.0.-Be.rehaven. 2.30.-Perdiens. 3.0.—Naivete. 3.30.-Benbead. SPORTING CHRONICLE.—"KETTLEDRUM." 1.0.—King's Idler; if absent, Trouvere. 1.30.-Milano. 2.0.-Gold Paint. 2 30.—Dodragh or Perdicus. 3.0.-Gold Paint; if absent. Naivete. 3.30.-Benhead.. "TRAVELLING CORRESPONDENT." 1.0.—King's Idler; if absent, Trouvere. 1.30.—Milano. 2.0.-Merrion or Perfidious. 2. 3O.-Dodragh. 3.0.-Allurement. 3.30.-Benhead. BIRMINGHAM POST.VERITAS." 1.0.-King's Idler. 1.30.—Master Gamp. 2.0.—Cutler; if absent, Corner Boy. 2.30.-The Dunlin. 3.0.-Cutler; if absent, Golden Wren. 3.30.-Martinez del Rio. BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE. 1.0.-King's Idler. 1.30.-Gleneula or Master Gamp. 2 0.—Merrion. 2.30.- The Dttnlin or Lady Scattercash. 3.0.—Revnscliffe. 3.30.-Doochary or Sullivan's selected. WESTERN MAIL.—"VENATOR." I.O.-Ranunculus. 1.30.—Donauvellen. 2.0.—Looter. 2.30.-Perdicus. 3 0.—Canderos. 3.30.-Guttersn ipe. MORNING LEADER.—King's Idler. Donau- vellen, Cutler, Perdicus*. Naivete, and John Dory. DAILY EXPRESS.-Ranunculas, Hurry On. Cutler, Friendship, Kitchener II., and Likely Bird. DAILY MAIL.—King's Idler, Seisdon Prince, Cutler, The iunlin, Golden Wren, and Honey- comb. DAILY GRAPRIC.-Perdiens or Lady Scatter- cash, Benhead or Arizona n., Donauvellen, Mr. Hall Walker's selection or Ranuncnlus, and Gold Paint. MORNING ADVERTISER.—King's Idler. Donauvellan, King Bonby, Caerleon, Allure- ment* .and John Dory. DAILY TELEGRAPH.—King's Idler, Gleneula, ePrfidious, Perdicus, Naivete, and Benhead. 'BEE STANDARD.-Perdicus or Caerleon. Ben- head, Gleneula or Seisdon Prince, King's Idler Merrion or Cutler, and Naivete. SPECIALS. I «. JCKEY SPECIAL. 1.0.—Mr. Hall Walker's selected. 1.30.-Hurry On. 2.0 —Cutler. 2 30 —Blondin or Perdicus. 3.0.-Outler or Lilly Girl. 3.30.Doochary. RACING WORLD SPECIAL. 1.0-King's Idler. 1.30.—Milano. 2.0.-Merrion. !.30.-Ca.erJeon. 3.0 -Elandslaagte. 3.30.-Likeiy Bird. THE JOCKEY. 1.0.—Mr. Hall Walker's selected. 1.30.—Hurry On. 2 0.—Cutler. 2.30.-Blondin II. 3.0.-CUtIer. 3.30.—Doochary. SPORTING SKETCHES. 1.0.—Likely Bird. 2.0—Corner Boy. 2.30.-Dodragh. 3.0.-Misa Avis. LICENSED VICTUALLERS' MIRROR. I O.-King's Idler. 1.30.-Glpneula.. 2.0.-Perfidions. 2.30.—Gangbridge. ADDITIONAL ARRIVALS THIS MORNING. I Polestick. The Farmer. Gleneula, Cutler, Per- fidious, Lustrous, CEnopion, Canderos, Ravens- cliffe, Henderson. Guppy. Prince Regent, Trip- lands. Court Belle, Reginald, Bayard, Doo- chary, and Cooloch.

Hamilton Park meeting SPORTING LIFE—"AUGUR."—Marsava or Coekenheugh, Royal Don or Gentilhomrnc, Ethel Star. Rhomboid or Round Robin, Re- stored or Amberite, and Chit Chat. "MAN ON THE SPOT.Pants, Royal Don. M.D., Highland Plaid, Stepbano, and Chit Chat SPORTSMAN "VIGILANT."—Dominie, Beautiwick, M.D., St. Maurice, Amberite, and Chit Chat. MAN ON THE SPOT.-Cockenhengh, St. Mau- rice, Ethel Star, Merry Shields, Round Robin, and Flying Fad. SPORTING CHRONICLE.—"KETTLEDRUM. -Cockenheugh, Gallotte, Dominie, Highland Plaid, Stephano, and Cloister in. MAN ON THE,SPOT.-Pantg, Gallotte. M.D., Gentleman Joe, Stephano, and De Rougemont. JOCKEY SPECIAL.-Chit Chat*. 8t Maurice, Ethel Star, Highland Plaid or Vier Marchi, Dorndon or Restored, and Chit Chat*. THE JOCKEY.—Chit Chat, St. Maurice, Ethel Star, Highland Plaid, Dorndon, and Chit Chat RACING WORLD SPECIAL.—Burton Pidsea, King's Lynn, Merry Shields, and Ciuc Chat.

« EVENING EXPRESS" FINALS I MANCHESTER MEETING. 1.o-KING'S IDLER (if absent. TROUVERE). 1.30-DONAUVELLEN (if absent. HURRY ON). 2.0-MERRION (if absent, C. BROWN'S BEST. 2.30-PERDICUS. &o CANDEP-09 (nap). 3.30—JOHN DORY. HAMILTON PARK MEETING. 1.0—CHIT CHAT (if absent, COCKENHEUGH). 1.30-GALL,OTTE (if absent, M'pall's Best). 2.0-I)OMINTE, (if absent, M.D.). 2.3^—TRUSTY. 3.G-STEPH A.NO. 330—DE ROUGEMONT. Treble Event-STEPHANO, DE ROUGEMONT. and CANDEROS. Best Thing of the Day—CANDEROS (nap).

Official Scratch; ngq, I The "Sportsman" has been officially Informed by Messrs. Weatherby of the following scratching*:— All published handicaps—Prince Llewellyn. New Year Hurdle Handicap, Manchester-Strategy. All engagements in Colonel Baird's name-Donative and Svme. Juvenile Hurdle Race, Hurst Park-Darner.

Yesterday's Starting Prices. I As published in the "ttacfnr Calendar" and the "Sportsman." BURST PARK MEETING. Kingston Hurdle (16).-Blpek Cat, 100 to 15 agst. Old Year H-nd;cap (8) -Flutterer, 7 to 4 ant. Wolsey Selling (15).-Quick Shot, 11 to 4 agst. Hnrst Stlechaøe (6).-Shfpshape, 10 to 1 apt. Brockley Selling (6).—Orpington, 4 to 1 agst. JuvenUe Hurdle (5).—Kinrara, 11 to 10 on. MANCHESTER MEETING. I TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. I LO—A MAIDRN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT BACE of 70 govs, weight for age; winners extra. Two miles. ys at lb Mr E H Barnes's Michael Allen a 12 0 Mr A Buckley, jun. 's Trouvere Malone 6 12 0 Mr C J Cunningham's Dermot Asthere..Binnie a 12 0 Mr D J Downing's Bushford Lass Private 6 12 0 Mr W Newton's Zenda Sharpe a 12 0 Mr J E Bogerson's Harvest Home II Taylor 6 12 0 Mr W Hall Water's Ki?'t Idler Coulthwaite 6 12 0 Mr t I¥f Bree Private g g Mr T Craven's Strontian M'Gibbou 51112 Mr 0 Dixon's Donauvellen Mr Rogers 5 11 12 Mr J H Locke's Ranunculus Cuilen 5 11 12 Mr J T Raisin's Crownet Owner 5 11 12 t Mr H Whitworth's Keendragh Private 5 11 12 Mr H M Wilson's Dodragh Capt. Coventry 5 11 12 1.3D-The CLUB MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE PLATE of 40 sovs; weight for age; winners extra. Two miles. a st lb I Mr B Deplidge'a Milano C 6 12 6 Mr C Bower ismay's Hurry On M'G ibbon 6 12 3 Mr N J Kelly's Master Gamp Cullen 6 12 3 Mr P Macaulay's Cloister III Owner a 12 3 Mr J Magill's Lord Lorrha.Owner 6 12 3 Mr E P Ryan's The Runaway Girl Private 6 12 3 Mr W Shepherd's Jolly Roger II.Horan a 12 3 Mr V T Thompson's Rose Wreath.Ambler a 12 3 Mr T Barrasford's Yellow Bird Tinslcy 6 11 12 Mr It B Beutiev's Polestick C Brown 611 12 Mr H Crow's Hamilcar Menzie3 5 11 12 Mr 0 Dixon's Donauvellen Mr Rogers 5 11 12 Mr H E Randall's Red Hand C Peek 5 11 12 I Mr Reynolds'? Parsival Private 5 11 12 Mr W Shepherd's Battlement Horan 51112 Mr H M Wilson's The Farmer..Capt. Coventry 5 11 12 Mr A Buckley, jun. 's Patrick's Saint Malone 4 10 12 Mr H Crow's Good Match. Menzies 4 10 12 Mr H Crow's Vier Marchi. Menzies 4 10 12 Mr T Southall's Gleneula Owner 4 10 12 MrJS WaUev's Spanther. Owner 4 10 12 Mr W Waliinsf's Seisdon I'rince Coulthwaite 4 10 12 2.0—The PEEL PARK SELLING HURDLE RACE PLATE of 100 sovs; weight for age; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. ys st lb Mr J A Bradshaw's Cutler Private a 12 0 Mr R Deplid^e's Gold Paint.Brown a 12 0 Mr H Griffin's Stornoway Private a 12 0 Mr C Hibbert's King Bonby Wilkinson a 12 0 Mr C H Tinsley's Haskeval Owner 6 12 0 Mrs M Woodland's Le Fere Woodland a 12 0 Mr W Sanderson's Berehaven Owner 6 12 0 Mr W Shepherd's Jolly P.ogr II Horan a 12 0 Mr T Coulthwaite's Perfidious Owner 6 12 0 Mr P Dav's L??y Shamrock Private 5 11 10 Mrs PM!l;;fradlre:In 'r{: n ¡8 Mrs Shepherd's Ethelwulf Horan 5 11 10 Mr T Soulhali's Lustrous Owner 5 11 10 Mr T SouthaU's Court Belle 0wner 5 117 Mr R it Colling's Gentilhomme Ambler 4 11 0 Mr B S Cooper's Wisconsin II Brown 4 11 0 Mr H Crow s Grandborough Menzies 411 0 Mrs B (ampiell RU83Cll's Corner Boy Cowap 4 11 0 Mr PScuHv's Looter .fn Ireland 4 11 0 W \Ulhde8hiói'n: g it g Mr H Turner's Wolf Gang. W Wilson 4 11 0 2.The TRAFFORD PARK HANDICAP STEEPLE- CHASE of 250 sovs; winners extra. Three miles. ys stlb Mr J Monro Walker's Caerleon M'Gibbon 6 12 2 Mr A Buckley, jun.'s Doctor Charlie. Malone 6 12 1 Mr H M Wilson's Dodragh Capt. Coventry 5 11 8 Mr Lines's Abbeywood Owner a 11 7 Mr W B Partridge's Spread Eagle.Mr Rogers a 11 7 Mr A Hamblin's Perdicus.Escott 611 7 Mr J W Craig's The Dunlin Clarke a 10 13 Mr G W Smith's Hercules II Cowap a 10 12 Mr Moorsrate's Prince Tuncan Driscoll a 10 12 Mr G Hurst.s Friendship.Private a 10 11 Mr A Buckley, jun.'s Knight of St. Patrick Malone 6 10 8 Mr W Chatterton's Lady Seat terwh Peacock 5 10 8 Mr W L Longworih's Blondin II.Mr Itfuubya10 8 Mr J S Walley's CEnopion Owner a 10 0 Mr B SherilTe's Turban II Private a 10 0 3.0-The CANAL SELLING HANDICAP HURDLE RACE of 100 sovs; winners extra; winner to be sold for 100 sovs. Two miles. yg st lb Mr J A Bradshaw's Cutler Private a 12 8 Mr Hamblin's Claqueur Escott 5 12 7 Mr J Muddimer's Trustee Private 6 12 4 Mr A Buckley, jun. 's Corn Exchange.Malone a 5 2 3 Mr T Southall's Canderos Owner 6 12 2 Mr W Shepherd's Innellan.Horan 6 12 2 Mr P Day's Lady Shamrock Private 5 12 1 Mr B Wade's Elandsraagte Private 5 12 1 Mr Mitchison's GaUop.ng Helen Private 412 1 Mr C H Hannam's Berehaven Sanderson 6 12 0 Mr T M'M?hon's Silly Girl Private a 12 0 Mr W P Cullen's Golden Wren Owner 5 12 0 Mr R J Hannam's Ravenscliffe Sherrard 5 11 13 Mr H Turner's Allurement W Wilson 5 11 11 Mr R Deplidge's Gold Paint C Brown a 11 11 Mr \V E Elsev's Heir Male.J Elsey a 11 11 Mr W Shepherd's Battlement Horan 5 11 10 Mrs F E Coulthwaite's Henderson Coulthwaite a 11 8 Mr A White's Sapphira.Owner 5 11 8 Mr C J Cunningham's Guppy Binnie a 11 7 Mr E J Percy's Dalhcusie Raisin 5 11 6 d',?(ÙŸè&pï: n Mr J Bee's Kitchener II Shedden 5 11 4 Mr J Woolley's St. Erth.Spire 611 2 Major E Vaux's One and All Kennedy 4 11 1 Mr Lines's Coralline Owner 6 11 0 Mr J T Whipp's Spirited Owner 6 11 0 Mr C Atherton Brown's Poitiers.Private 6 11 0 Mr W Ward's Prince Reg-ent.Privato 5 10 13 Mr C H'bbert's Dick Wynne. W Nightingall 5 10 13 Mr B Bletsoe's Miss Avis Holland 6 10 11 Mr H Crow's Gallotte Menzies 4 10 11 Capt. Cameron's Naivete Armstrong 4 10 9 Mr F PhiUips'? Herodias Private 4 10 6 3.30-A MAIDEN HURDLE RACE of 100 sovs; weight for age; winners extra. Two miles. ys st lb Mr 0 Dixon's D'Artagnan Mr Rogers 611 5 Capt. Neil Haig's Benhead Cullen 6 11 5 Mr G Hurst's Ballintogher In Ireland 611 5 Mr W L Longworth's Tortion.Mr Munby 6 11 5 Mr G Mortimer's Guttersnipe.Private 611 5 Mr M D Peacock's Harris Owner 6 11 5 Mrs Shepherd's Longy Horan 6 11 5 Mr J C Sullivan's Likely Bird.In Ireland 611 5 Mr F Hall Taylor's The Bargee.Private a 11 5 Mr T J Widger's Shandradan In Ireland 6 11 5 Mr T Barrasford's Llanmira Tinsley 6 11 1 Mr T Carr's Warm Baths.Private 511 1 Mr R W Cox's Luerana Osborne 5 11 1 Mr H Crow's Hamilcar Menzies 5 11 1 Mr J C Dyer's Sandbag. P Chaloner 5 11 1 Mr H Hardy's Childless Bates 5 11 1 Mr R V Hartley's Masquerade.Biack 511 1 Mr A Knowles's The General.Mr Davies 5 11 1 Mr C Mynors's Derby China.Peacock 5 11 1 Lord Penrhyn's Frank Buckle Cole 5 11 1 Mr C Perkins's Triplands Coulthwaite 6 11 1 Mr M B Plzzey's Teuton Owner 5 11 1 Mr J Rogeri's Marialva Owner 6 11 1 Mrs Shepherd's Warning.Horan 511 1 Mr T Southall's Cherokee.Owner 5 11 1 Mr J C Sullivan's Royal Winkfield..In Ireland 5 11 1 Mr M S Wandby's Phantom Knight.Private 5 11 1 Mr J T Whipp's Sweet Hilda. Owner 5 11 1 Mr A Buckley, jun.'s Sabine King Malone 4 10 5 Capt. Cameron's Pork Pie Binnie 4 10 5 Mr B S Cooper's Arizona II. C Brown 4 10 5 Mr J F Hallick's John Dory Owner 4 10 5 Ur C Bower Ismay's Martinez del Rio M'Gibbon 4 10 5 Mr W M'Auliffe's Fairy Spark. In Ireland 4 10 5 Mr A E M'Kinlay's St. Hubert Coulthwaite 4 10 5 Mr W Mason's Reginald.Coulthwaite 4 10 5 Mr W F Shedden's Bayard Owner 4 10 5 Mr R S Sievier's Doochary Owner 4 10 5 Mr W Hall Walker's Honeycomb..Coulthwaite 4 10 5 Mr Edward Hodgson's Primrose.Private ARRIVALS. Allurement, Busby Stoop, Benhead, Berehaven, Blondin II., Caerleon, Cornice, Castlehill II.. Dodragh, Donauvellen, Doctor Charlie, Dunlin. Gold Paint, Hurry On, John Dory, Knight of St. Patrick. Lord Lorrha, King Bonby, Kitchener II., Looter. Naivete, Prince Tuscan, Perdicus, Pork Pie, Poitiers, Ranunculus. Sea- flfrht. Spread Eaele, Trouvere, Tortion, Wandering Minstrel, and Wolf Gang.

HAMILTON PARK MEETING. I TO-DAY'S RACING. I Order of Running.—Bpthwell Steeplechase, 1.0; I Montrose Maiden Hurdle, 130: Cadzow Steeplechase. 2.0; New Year Handicap Hurdle, 2.33; Clyde Selling 1 Hurdle, 3.0; Boss Ste<-plcchase, 3.30. ARRIVALS. I Athelfrith, Amberite. Atalanta, Antrina Lass, Bourton Hiil, Beautiwick, Baron's Folly, Battleshiels. C!oister III., Cliff, Cockenheugh, Demon de Rougemont. Dominie, Earlv Purl, Eye Witness, Ethel Star, Five of Hearts, FitzGeorge, Fiddlestring. Flying Fad, Good Shot. Golden Slice, Galotte, Gentilhomme. Gloriator, Hiph Stand. Harvest Home II.. Heartburn, Hamilcar, High- land Plaid, Indemnity, Justice Royal, Jarrow, King's Lynn, Longholm. Melba, Marsala, M.D., Old Barney. Ocean Nymph Palmaro, Pants, Pat-a-Cake. Prrcival. Penitence, Rhomboid, Royal Don, Roughborough. Ravenous, Round Robin, Restored, Rockcastle. Separa- tion, Stephan, The Devil, Trusty, Thurifer. View Holla, Watcher, Wexford Boy, West Mailing, Chit Chat, Cum- berland, Spinado, and Devilkln.

SPORT OF THE DAY. I W. Grey, the Kingston Warren trainer, is stated to be on a fair way to recovery. Lord Abbot has left Captain Coventry's establishment at Kinnersiey and returned to Ireland. Aoefal- has no engagement in England except the Derby, and he will be entered for the Epsom Coronation Cup and for the Ascot Cap. Next Tuesday is the most important nomi- nation day during the year. An enormous number of events of all descriptions will then close, and forfeits have to be declared for a great many races. The final forfeits for this year's three £10,000 stakes must also be de- clared on Tuesday. A leading owner, who has won many of the most important events on the turf, will pro- bably "decline" racing after next season. The individual referred to breeds most of his horses, and in the event of his retirement from raoing his yearlings will in future be Bold every summer at Newmarket. It is a slice of exceptionally bad luck for the Hon. H. Bourke to lose such a promising young steeplechaser as Thomondgate, who was quite expected to eventually take Grand National honours. He was given to "chanc- ing" his fences, but he had won over the stiff Aintree course, and would undoubtedly have been a prominent favourite for the race to be decided three months hence. It is noticeable that the first three winners at Hurst Park on Tuesday were by the Isonomy horses. Ravensbury. Gallinule, and Oommon, and a good idea is thereby given that the breed take kindly to jumping. The jumping propensity is inherited from Isonomy's sire. Sterling, who himself sired several good jumpers, and his sons. Atheling and Cherry Ripe, got any number of good cross-country horses. Cherry Ripe, by Ster- ling—Cherry Duchess, was the sire of Drog- heda, the Grand National winner of 1898. There has been (says "Truth") such constant tinkering at the Rules of Racing of late years that many of them are now involved in most perplexing confusion anci uncertainty. It would be a very good thing for the Turf if the stewards of the Jockey Club would take seriously in hand the work of fixing, defining, arranging, and, finally, of codifying them. A revision and reformation of many of the present rules, by which their meaning would be rendered perfectly clear, would be a great boon to the stewards themselves, to whom disputes and doubtful points are being con- stantly referred for decision. When Napoleon had resolved to establish a code he began by nominating a board of the most eminent French jurists, by whom it was settled and discussed article by article. The Rules of Raoing should be overhauled in much the same fashion, and, in addition to being assisted by a competent expert, it would be an advantage for the stewards to consult some of the leading trainers, as well as cer- tain prominent owners who axe not members of the Jockey Club.

Told in Tabloids I Mr. John Dillon, M.P., and Mrs. Dillon have sailed from New York for Europe.-Reuter. Mr. E. H. Phillips, a pupil of Llandovery College, has been offered a major exhibition of JB60 a year for Natural Science at Jesus College, Oxford. At an inquest held at Colchester on Wednes- day evening on the body of Private Larkin, of the 5th Lancers, who was killed by being thrown from his horse, it transpired that deceased was in receipt of an income of nearly .i3M a year and was a skilled linguist. At the fortnightly meeting of the Bedwellty Guardians at Tredegar on Wednesday a scheme for the extension of the workliouae was approved of. by which provision will be ntade for 100 additional beds, an isolation hot. pital, and a board-room. ± ..iiIi8.

VENEZUELAN WAR. President Castro Accepts AI bi ration. Mr. Hay on Wednesday received President Castro's reply to the proposal that the dispute vith Great Britain. Germany, and Italy should be submitted to the arbitration of The Hague Tribunal. President Castro accepts the general principles of the proposition. The answer will be transmitted from Washington to London, Berlin, and Rome.-Iteuter. The Caracas correspondent of the Berlin "Lokalamzeiger" telegraphs that he has had an interview with President Castro, whom hit found in his garden lunching with General Alcantara. and surrounded by a gay party dancing on the lawn. The correspondent con- siders that President Castro merely desires to gain time, and has no feeling of responsi- bility.-Roeuter. Caracas, Wednesday.-It is learnt from a member of the Cabinet that the answer of the Venezuelan Government to the demands of the foreign Powers will, undoubtedly, effect a speedy solution.-Reuter.

SAD ACCIDENT AT TREDEGAR. A young man named David Davies (nine- teen), residing with his parents at Red Lioa. square, Tredegar, was seised with a At oft. Tuesday, fell on the fire, and upset a kettle of boiling water over himself. Be was badly burnt and scalded, and lies in a very pre- carious condition,

TOO LATE TOO CLASSIFY. imi> NEW YEAR'S {JIFTS. SEE WINDOWS. SOL. PHILLIPS, JEWELLER AND SILVERSMITH (Established 1850), CARDIFF. SPECIAL REDUCTIONS FOB THIS WEEK. LAST FEW DAYS OF SALE PREVIOUS TO STOCKTAKING. RARE BARGAINS. oiom WA.NTED, General Servant; 5soBouMm?Jd? Waitress.-State age, wages required, and fuU particulars, to the Berkeley Private Hotat. Llandrlndod WeUa. 1142UiT LOST, on December 24th, Black Cob, plated harness, vara she 1 dogcart (wing and tailboard damaged); anyone detaining same will be prosecuted.—Chick, Aarel Mews, Cardiff. e4210i7 WANTED immediately, 2 House-Chambermaids. Also strong, cleaa Pantrymaid.—Mrs. Hislop, Penarth Hotel, Penarth. e4200i5 TRUSTWORTHY Man, of active habits, aged 25 to 40, wanted to take up responsible and remunera- tive, outdoor position; whole or part time.—Write, first instance, stating age, occupation, &c., to V 39, Evening Express, Cardiff. e4202i7 TO let, House, 10 rooms, suitable pouitry farm, T miles Swansea; stables, coachhouse; B acres large gardens, fruit trees, hen houses; abundance of water; rent L20.-Apply Veterinary Surgeon, Fortardulais. e4203i2 16 h.p. Portable Engine; firebox and tubes very good; J. cheap.—Drew, Lliswerry, Newport. e420413 BRICK Machine, capacity 12,000 per day; good ord?r?, Beheap.-Drew, Llisworry, Newport. e4Mi3L I ?. CORNISH Boiler, 18ft. x 6ft.; insured 601 bs; cbe&p.- Drew, Lliswerry, Newport. e4206i5 LARGE Business PMmJsM to be let in Oxford-street, US-; best pMttton.—Appty Opportunity, Ev(60 ing Express, Swanom e4207i7 WANTED, Barmaid; willing to assist in housework! —Apply, with references, to Victoria Hotel, Ebbw Vale. e420813 WANTED, good General; w??. ?U; cemfort?Mw W hMne; em-Ul house; chiIdFem.—4<, HMTtet-?treet, Cathays, Cardiff. etSlMt WANTED, a good fteoikd-band Semen Shoots, with har? about 12 feet long, Hin. &part.-Apply Nival Colliery Company (1897). Limited. PenygTaijr. o4212:7 GOOD nf\n.1 Servant requtwd.—Apply Mrs. Hay. Gmau, K?BOdcwn PWds-ro", izew". M?n mm