South Wales Echo

TOPICS OF THE DAY. A morning paper "doubts if the Princess Beatrice would listen to any suitor for her hand if, in surrendering it, she must neces- sarily abandon regular association with her mother. So far as Prince Henry of Batten- burg is concerned, there is happily no ob- stacle of the kind in existence. He can make his home where he pleases." In fact, to use a homely English phrase, he is of no fixed residence. The Prince of Wales got a good deal of credit a few weeks ago for declining to appeal to Parliament just yet for an allowance for his eldest son. It was not known then that Parliament will be asked next session to give Princess Beatrice an annuity of 96,000 a year. Two applications of that sort in a single session might have led to some very plain speaking, and a division list that would not have been a pleasant study for royalty. In the January number of To-day there is a manifesto to the working classes, issued by the Social Democratic Federation, and signed by Edward Aveling, Eleanor Aveling, Robert Banner, E. Belfort Bax, John Burns, Herbert Burrows, H. H. Champion, R. P. B. Frost, Amie Hicks, H. M. Hyndman, J. Lane, J. L. Mahon, S. Main waring, William Morris, J. F. Murray, H. Quelch, and J. E. Williams. The policy of the Federa- tion is thus stitecl: The business of such organisations as the Social Democratic Federation is not to create re- volution, for that is impossible, but to help to regulate and thereby hasten it; and this has to be accomplished by a threefold method. First, by showing sympathy with all popular revolutionary movements, by spreading.and deepening the vague discon- tent which is now simmering all through civilised countries. Secondly, by turning that discontent into an assured hope by teaching the people what are the real causes of their misery. Thirdly, by organising the workers into bodies with the definite single aim of realising Socialism or the freedom of labour." In one of the phrases here used lies the whole explanation of the strength of the Socialist movement. The Federation advo- cates spreading and deepening the vague discontent which is now simmering through civilised countries." The Socialist leaders, by the vastness and the vagueness of their hopes and promises, appeal to the misery of the world, and there is much misery. The quack who prescribes a universal specific for every disorder is certainly not a sound prac- titioner but he may gather around him crowd of patients by the comprehensiveness of hisappeal. According to the Pall-Mall Gazette, Lord Derby formally declared some time ago that, if France annexed the New Hebrides, Eng- land would regard it as "an unfriendly act.' But, as a matter of fact, Lord Derby was alluding to New Guinea, and to New Guinea only, when he used these words. At present an agreement between the two Countries prevents either France or England annexing the New Hebrides nut this agreement can be cancelled by mutual consent. Whether it would be wise to do so, unless France binds herself not to use these islands as convict settlements, is another matter. It is rumoured that the Samoan Islands will soon become German territory. Well, why not ? There is already a considerable German settlement in these islands. England would have annexed them long ago if there had been half as many Englishmen in them. The Church of England of late years has borrowed not a little from Rome on the one hand and from Dissenting bodies on the other; and Watch Night, which used to be a peculiarly Methodist institution, has now been introduced into not a few churches of the establishment. We have not a word to say against a custom which forcibly reminds men of the march of time and the brevity of human life, so long as those who wish to observe it do not force their ob- servances upon other people. I The death is announced of Mr W. H. Pottle, a veteran reformer, who took an active part in the Reform movement of 1367. More recently he acted as hon. sec. of the association, which succeeded in throwing open to the public several acres of enclosed ground in Regent's-park, and for the part he took in this movement he was not very long ago presented with a testimonial. The Publishers' Circular gives an analytical table of books published in 1884, which shows that 4,832 new books were published last year, and 1,541 new editions. Theology stands at the head with 724 volumes, more than one-sixth juvenile works and tales stand second with 605, about one-eighth and educational, classical, and philological books take the third place with 543, or about one. ninth of the total number. Of novels, &c., 408 were published. There has been a new version of the Corsican Brothers" in Paris. M. Georges Lefevre said something nasty about Corsi- cans. Several Corsicans waited upon him, but he gave satisfactory explanations. The Corsican Deputy, M. Arene, however, Lefevre said he would kick. Arene with Bonparte, a friend, called upon Lefevre, and boxed his ears. Lefevre bit Arene, and gave him into custody. Bonparte dis- charged a revolver in his own pocket and was also arrested. Grand finale-Arène fined 200f., and Bonparte lOOf. There is a great deal of quiet dignity in all this. "There is no need," says the Times yes- terday, in a really modest review of itself, that we should now attempt in any way to recall the nature of the long relations of the 2 imes with the public and its persistent influence upon public affairs." Perhaps, however, at this present juncture there is a shrewd discretion in saying nothing about the influence of the Times upon public affairs." It is not a year since the Times, doubtful upon many matters, was at least cock-sure that Ireland would not be included in the Franchise Bill. In another matter the Times is distinctly too modest. We have always," it claims, acted upon the principle of keeping our- selves thoroughly independent of Govern- ment favour and party influence, and shall continue to maintain that principle to the last." The Times is more-it is independent of itself, independent of consistency, inde- pendent of its own words and policies and the only principle it has to maintain is the principle which regulates the turning of a weather-cock as the wind blows. The function of the Times to reflect the opinion of the hour may be a creditable one, but there should be no virtuous boasting about such a work.

TORY stump orators are prone to have a fling at any prominent Liberal who may have a connection with trade. Thus, for instance, Mr CHAMBERLAIN has been charged with ruin- ing the screw manufacture at Birmingham, and now this has been shown to be false, another great Liberal who has made himself particularl y obnoxious to the Tories is violently assailed. Mr JAMES SOMERVILLE, a tory candidate for Glasgow, in addressing the Bothwell Con- servative Association, alluded to the connection of Mr Bright with the Corn Law agitation, and said Mr BRIGHT was enabled to put a considerable quantity of size into his goods, but he did not reduce their price for all that, and those goods were sent to India and Africa, among the coloured races there, but who were unjustly talked about as belonging to the Great Unwashed." They, however, objected to size, and washed their clothing until it al- most altogether disappeared. So much, added Mr SOMERVTLLE for Mr BRIGHT'S philan- thropy. He has done his best to ruin the British farmer, and he has also done his best to wheedle the very niggers who practised habits of cleanliness. Mr BRIGHT replied to the gentleman who had called his atten- tion to this speech, and severely castigated Mr SOMERVILLE, remarking that to indulge in such language was a proof of the low opinion he must have had of those who listened to him. Thereupon the irrepressible Tory candidate for Glasgow wrote to Mr BRIGHT complaining of this reply. He little knew Mr BRIGHT. The right hon. gentle- man is not easily cajoled into making apologies. In a final reply to Mr SOMER- VILLE he hits that indiscreet gentleman very hard indeed, and unless his object all through has been to bring himself before the public, and thus gain notoriety, which is quite probable, Mr SOMERVILLE will let Mr BRIGHT alone for the future.

THE Ystrad Gas and Water Company are apparently determined to set at defiance the agitation which has for some time been on foot in the Rhondda Valley for a reduction in the price of gas. When last we wrote upon this question, there seemed some probability of a compromise being arranged, but now a settlement seems as far off as ever. At the meeting of the Rhondda Valley Chamber of Trade last night —In consequence of a satisfactory reply not having been received from the directors of the gas company, numerous petitions were submitted to the meeting, containing the names of hundreds of consumers, all of whom, it was alleged, were determined to discontinue the use of gas unless a reduction were made. It was proposed that the chamber finally fix the 15th of January as the date for the dis- continuance of the use of gas. This was seconded and duly carried. One of the members proposed that should they come to a decision to discontinue the use of gas, the consumers, after turning it off, should act unanimously in declining to re- sume its use unless the company compensate them for the expense incurred in buying lamps. The Ystrad Gas Company will probably be wise in time. When they find that the gas consumers in their district are fully determined to carry a reduction in the price of gas, they will probably concede it; but they may wait until the oil lamps are in general use. Then they will no doubt be glad not only to reduce the price of gas, but also to compensate the consumers of the expense incurred in buying those lamps.

COACDUNX^—Cement for Broken Articles, 6d, It, 2t, postage 3d. Sold everywhere. Kuy~ Bros, Stockport. 213

j OUR COAL TRADE. The Export of Coal and Increase of Steamers. [BY CHEVIOT.] The collapse which has taken place in 1884- in the production of steam vessels has been sudden, and heavily felt by both capitalists and their workmen. In the Clyde district, and on the Tyne and Wear—the three largest shipbuilding sites in the world-the distress has been disas- trous. A moral may be derived, and that is, put not your trust in (princes, I was going to say) single trades for towns and districts. The "cotton famine years ago, in Lancashire, told a fearful tale. It cannot be said that the shipbuilding enterprise is the one interest on the Clyde and Tyne. There are, happily, many other branches of business on the banks of those classic streams. But the building of ships is extensive enough to make the breakdown sufficiently felt to a very large population. Unhappily, Sunderland feels it more than the others, for her staple manufacturing trade is that of shipbuilding. I have often trembled to think of the consequences that might ensue to Cardiff and the populations on the banks of the Taff, right and left, up to Merthyr, were a serious collapse in the coal trade to ensue. Hence the force of the sermon that has been so often preached by prominent public men to extend the boundaries of general trade as much as possible. As the coal trade—especially the steam-coal trade-is so intimately bound uu with the extent of our steam fleet, I thought it worth while ot inquire as to the proportion of development be- tween both. In doing so, I hope I shall not be led away into any doctrinaire ideas or empirical conclusions. I will endeavour to state a few facts plainly, and perhaps some practical men dealing with both classes of property may be induced to think out" some solid lessons thereupon. Take first the total production of our coal mines. Ac- cording to that valuable publication, "The Mine- ral Statistics of the United Kingdom," prepared for so many years by Mr Robert Hunt, F.R.S., and now by the Home Office, the amount was as follows in three decades Increase per cent. 1360 80,042.698 tons 1870 110,431,19i tons 38 1880 146.818,622 tons 32 Mr Hunt roughly distributes the consumption as under Shipped to foreign countries: Carried by railways and canals; Consumed in blast furnaces Consumed in other branches of iron manufacture; Used by foreign-going steamers. In the latter year there were:— Exported 18,719,971 tons. Carried coastwise 11,495,896 tons. Use in pig-iron manufacture 16,682,629 tons. Other purposes-railways, factories, home consump- tion, &c 99,920,126 tons. Total as above 146,818,622 tons. Turn now to the export of coal since 1840. The figures are:— T. Increase ±01U- per cent. 1840 1,606,313 1850 3,361,880 108 1860 7,321,832 118 1870 11,495,092 56 1880 18,719,971 62 1883 22,775.634 21 The latter, of course, is for three years as against ten in the previous periods. The tonnage per register of British and foreign vessels cleared outwards from ports in the United Kingdom were British. Foreign. Total. Increase percent. 1840 341,397 66,881 408,278 1850 876,186 202,133.. 1.078,319 166 1860 2,041,884 376,678 2,418,562 124 1870 6,786,841 850,607 7,637,448 216 1880 15,685,739 3,217,791 18,903,530 147 1383 19,920,580 4,447,007 24,367,587 28 The percentage for the last three years is singu- larly alike that of the coal export for that period, in contrast to the manifest disparity of the former periods. Turn now to the steamers registered in th United Kingdom during the same term of years. They were No. Tolls. In. p. Cent 1840 771 87,928 1850 « 1.187 2i.-8.474 91 1860 2,000 451,327 .„ 170 1870 3,17c) 1.112,934 143 1880 5,247 2,723,468 114 1883 •• 6,2q0 3,7^8,268 35 This is one continued course of increase in all these figures. They vary and yet they agree. There are minor dissimilarities, and yet a broad family resemblance—like children, according to Darwin, who decline to be exactly like their parents, but follow more after their grand- parents, and even farther back in the perspea- tive of pedigree. But our family resemblance hardly gets so far back as the arboreal period." In the first place, the production of coal does not proceed so fast in a percentage degree as the export of that article. This indi- cates, I should think, that our foreign customers are in ratio stepping out in front of us. Then, in the next place, the increase of steam vessels as carriers is ahead of the export of coal; but, al- though the aggregate increase is much more in the former, there is a coterminous resemblance in the consecutive years given. The year 1870 is an exception, but an exceptional exception which could harilly prove the rule." Going further, we find that the registered steamers have increased more in proportion to the carriers." The latter, however, have increased more rapidly. Why so? Because the modern steamer goes faster, and thus makes more voyages. But there is another exception to be noticed here, and that is-the registered steamers in- creased faster in 1860 and in 1883. I hardly re- member the whole of the circumstances of the former period. It comprised the disastrous Crimean War and Indian Mutiny. There was a financial crisis a few years before 1860, and after the recoil, probably, a good deal of money was spent in steamers. About last year, however, there cannot be much doubt. It was the most unprecedented in the annals of shipbuilding for the production of steam vessels. Take the Clyde alone, and we find this view confirmed. The tonnage built there in five years amounted to i— In 1880 242,774 tons. „ 1881 340,823 „ ». 1882 395.149 „ ». 18&J 417,881 „ 1384 299,119 „ So that more than a million tons was built and launched in the three great years, 1881-3. Ot course, such productive power could only have one result. It outstripped the demand, and the per- centage of increase placed upon the register again exceeded the carrying capacity. In passing, it is hopeful to see that the tonnage built this year is more than that of 1880, and proves that there is some vitality in the trade yet. But let us return. The popular delusion that Tenterden steeple was the cause of the Goodwin Sands is no longer believed in, especially by the enlightened citizens who dwell under the shadow of the University College of Cardiff. This pro- blem, however, remains: Can any of the learned professors solve it? Will our steam fleet in- crease again ? And what bearing will that increase have upon the coal trade ? That a demand for steamers will again arise is surely not only possibl but probable. Some people think that its halcyon days are over and that the proper nautical in" vestment is the big iron four-masted sailing craft. They certainly are increasing, as a visit occasion- ally to our docks will show. Increasing 'Yes, in number as well as size. Theya,re"thingsof beauty' that walk the waters like "things of life." It makes a patriot's heart swell with pride to think that his nation can be represented in far-off seas by such tokens of his country's resources. Like Tell, addressing the Swiss Alps, according to Sheridan Knowles, one might well apostrophise them thus How high you lift your heads int i the sky How huge you are 1 how mighty and how free Ye are the things that tower, that shine,, whose smile makes glad. But notwithstanding the utility of such ships to carry goo js cheaply and safely on long voyages, it is unlikely that any serious inroad will be made upon the vocation of our steamers, either liner" or "ocean-tramp." They are more likely to sup- plant the old wooden sailing ship, which is gradually being relegated to the limbo of the dear departed." The rsvivs^ the steam trade ia dependent-probably vp -z general. ttwii. The I run down of that main element commenced in Wall-street last spring. It did the same thing about ten years ago. In 1866 it began in London with the collapse of Overend and Gurney's. The Stock Exchange, for good or evil, has always the credit of beginning this general mischief; and, after capitalists have been well cautioned and prices reduced, the turn of the tide comes again. One of the features of general trade about twelve or thirteen years ago was an inordinate thirst on the part of speculators to invest in coal mines. The men of this district do not require to be reminded of the result. For a few years back another "feature" was to "invest in steam." Twenty per cent. dividends, vide circulars of managing owners, had a wonderful effect on the gudgeon-like public, who swallowed the bait- hook and all. Behold the result-an empty pocket and a lacerated mind and stomach. Well, if general trade should revive-and let us hope the revival will begin with this new year—there is plenty of coal in South Wales to supply any amount of "steam." According to the Royal Commission on the Coalfields of the United Kingdom (1866-71), we have 32,456 million and odd tons, which is something to dream about and dig for. But, I forget, the Bristol people are going to take the wind out of our sails." The new number of the Manufacturer has an article on the subject. Bristol has as good coal as South Wales It has only to erect tips and go ahead exporting. The Chamber of Com- merce there has petitioned the town council, and the town council bas-not yet consented to erect these said tips. This by the way. It shows, however, as every straw does, how the wind is blowing, and Cardiff men must be up and doing- must look after their general as well as their coal trade. Because, if a port exports and does not import, and vice versa, it makes a difference of Is 6d per ton to the trading ship shifting across this channel. Now, if steamers are still to increase, will they have an appreciable effect on the development of the coal trade-especially the steam-coal trade? To understand this question more clearly, let us ask-who are our foreign customers for coal? In 1883 the exports of coal, etc., stood thus :— Tons Value. Coals 21,670,926 E9,970,711 Cinders. 488,001 339,551 Patentfuel.. 616.707 335,657 Total 22,775,634 £ 10,045,919 The principal customers were:— France 4,481,426 tons. Germany 2,424,573 II Italy 2,212,111 II Russia. 1,563,843 Sweden and Norway 1,"57,484 Spiin 1,229,924 Denmark 1,102,133 14,571,494 Other countries (under a million each) 8,204,140 „ Total. 22,775,634 „ So that the main part of our coal goes but a short distance after all. What is done with it ? Ap- plied to a variety of purposes, no doubt. France gets a good deal of small coal, and makes patent fuel. A large quantity is consumed in bunker- ing" steamers. It is also used for house purposes and for factories. The bunkering question is well worth a little consideration. In the Return —above quoted (Parliamentary Return, No 138)- the coal shipped as bunkers" is not taken into ac- count. Sir Hussey Vivian moves for this important account—important especially to this district. Why does he not include in his programme the "bunker" coal, both foreign-going and coasting ? No account at all is taken of the latter, but the former is, for a few years back, stated separately in Mineral Statistics." It is becoming an im- portant item of export, as for instance- Year. long. 1880 4,926,076 1881 5,227,588 1882 5,575,160 1833 6,400,594 1 These figures, of course, refer to the whole United Kingdom. For Cardiff alone in 1383 the amount was 969,150 tons-nearly one million tons, worth about half a million sterling at ship- ment. It is a large sum for one port, and repre- sents a good deal of capital and labour to produce. it is, however, a larger question for the whole kingdom and it becomes an impor- tant consideration as to the quantities that our steam fleet uses when "bunkering" in foreign ports, to trade in foreign waters, or to carry them back to Old England" again. Also, how much of the coal we export goes to supply foreign steamers in their voyaces abi oad ? Look, for instance, at the big" lines'' of boats, and judge what they may need. In those above 100,000 tons register, there are belonging to the No, Tons. Peninsular and Oriental Line 53 175,339 British Inuia Line 83 173,787 Messagcries Maritimes Line 61 141.1h; Comp. Transatlsntique Line. 66 135.362 Anchor Line. 46 129,871 Cunard Line 33 112,608 AtianLine. 37 106,452 Austrian.Lloyd Line. 81 104,265 Florio Rubattino Line 87 101,167 In the yearly account of the first-mentioned line for the period ended 30th June last, the cost of coal (including its freight) was £488,822 15s 6d. This would at least represent half a million tons. If the others consumed the same ratio, about four million tons would be taken for those seven fleets only, to say nothing of the other more numerous, but smaller, fleets of the world, amounting to about six times the tonnage of those enumerated above. I have now done with this subject for the nonce. I hope this little "study of statistics" may be of some use to our local shipowners and coal-shippers, who are just now in tribulation about the stagnation of trade.

LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL SCHOOL The following appointments have been made this Christmas in the Llandaff Cathedral School: Athol S. J. Pearse promoted to a full Dean's Scholarship, and Waldemar B. Wilkinson elected to the half Dean's Scholarship va.cated by Pearse s promotion; William E. Jayne app,,)inted to a Cboral Scholarship, and W. Gordon Peiniger, Francis G. Crawsbay, and H. Finch Dawson to probationerships, the first two of these being already pupils in the school. We are glad toheai that the school is in a flourishing condition, the boys who have lately left it for the great public schools of Rugby and Repton having taken excel- lent positions there, and already dtstinguibhmg themselves in their new places ot education.

ALARMING FIRE AT MERTHYR. About a quarter to seven o clock on Thursday evening, a fire, which at one time promised to assume alarming proportions, was discovered to have broken out in the cellar of Messrs Lewis and Jones's offices, in Victoria-street, Merthyr. There was no one on the premises at the time, and the origin of the outbreak is at present un- known. Information of the fire was conveyed to the police-station near at hand, and not a moment was lost m turning out with the hose, and vigorous efforts were made to prevent the conflagration from extending beyond the cellar, but. notwithstanding, it reached the passage and stairs on the ground floor before it was finally subdued. Mr Lewis is the registrar of the Merthyr County-court, and clerk to the magistrates, and in conjunction with his partner, carries on an extensive private practice. It is obvious, therefore, that had the flames reached the offices, books and documents of a very valu- able character would have been placed in con- siderable jeopardy. At the time of the un- fortunate occurrence, Mr Lewis happened to be absent from home, but Mr Jones was. soon on the scene, and rendered signal service in directing operations. The cellar contained coals aild other fuel, and some old books, which were without any substantial value.

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THE GREAT FOOTBALL MATCH. England v. Wales. Great interest is centred in this match which will be played at Swansea to-morrow at 2.30 p.m. Not a single important match will take place in any of the towns of South Wales on the same day, hence a large and enthusiastic number of specta- tors may be expected to visit the scene of the con- test. The ground at present is in good condition, although somewhat hard, but about ten minutes' play would suffice to render it soft enough to play on without the slightest danger. The game of football has greatly increased in popularity in Wales_ during the laSfc three or four years, and it is now recognised as a national pastime. A cricket cup match will only bring together 20D or 300 spectators, whilst a football cup match will bring together some thousands. There was a time when Wales could scarcely muster a fifteen good enough to play against an English team, but now fifteen Welshmen can nearly hold their own against the most skilled and subtle players of England. As proof of this: In 1881 Wales played England at Blackheath, when England gained a most deci- sive victory by 8 goals and 5 tries. In 1882, at Swansea, England defeated Waies by 2 goals and 4 tries. In 1883, at Leeds, England only won by 1 goal and 2 tries to 1 goal scored by Wales. Thus it will be seen that the tries scored by England have, curiously enough, decreased each match by halves, viz., 12, 6, and 3. This speaks volumes for improvement of football in Wales. No doubt a great deal of the improvement noticeable in the Welsh teams dated from the time England first visited Wales, as by witnessing skilled play of the best kind players and spectators were enabled to gain many a valuable hint. Passing began to be shown, men were not savagely thrown to the ground, but held, "tackled,' or "collared" properly. Referring to^ the match which will be played to-morrow (Saturday), there is every pros- pect of a good game, and not a one- sided affair, which always proves of little interest. Most of the leadiug authorities in England do not consider the English team so strong as the two previous ones, whilst, on the other hand, the Welsh team is stronger than before. The English three-quarter-backs are about the best "dodgers who, perhaps, ever played. Stoddart and Haw- eridge have quite a number of tricks, and take a lot of finding." Wade, who obtained three tries in the previous match at Swansea, is a resolute, dodgy runner. Rotherham and Payne, at half-back, are very unselfish, and are masters of every trick that is likely to puzzle their opponents. Sample, at back, is a very powerful kick and a certain tackier. The English team being equally divided between north and south, the wonderful passing and com- bination displayed by the two previous English teams will naturally be somewhat missed. The northern contingent is light, but very quick, and excel in dribbling. If Wales should prove strong enough to force England to act on the defensive, the possible lack of kicking by the three-quarters will be noticeable, but this is about their only weakness. Nothing need be said about the Welsh team the players are nearly all well known men -hough many are dissatisfied with the selection. Devotees of the game in each town perhaps, minus Newport, would like to see more of their first fifteen take pait in the match, but in all possibility, if the team were selected again, dissatisfaction would again pre- vail to about the same extent. A fine day, the ground in good condition, a large good-tempered and impartial number of spectators are the requi- sites necessary to make this very important match a great success. Below are the names of the players, which will perhaps prove serviceable the day before the match. Following the names of the English team are the dates they have previously playeci for England: hnglaiid -(Back) C. H. Sample (Cambridge University and Durham), E 84 three-quarter backs, J. Hawcridge (Bradford), G. C. Wade (Oxford Universí1y)E83 84, A. E. Stoddard (Blackheath); half-backs, A. Rotherham (Oxford University) E 83, 84, J. H. Pavne (Broughton), E. 82, 83 forwards, E. T. Gurdon, captain (Richmond), E. 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84. G. Gurdon (Rich- mond), tO. 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84 R. Kindersley (Oxford University and Exeter) E. 83, 84 E. D. Court (Blackheath), A. Teggin (Broughton Rangers), F. Moss (Broughton), II. J. Ryalls (Broughion), Keinble (Liverpool), G. Har- rison (Hull), E. 80, 81, and 82.—IFatas—Back, A. J. Gould (Newport); three-quarter backs, F. E Hancock (Cardiff), 1. 84, C. J. Taylor (Rua- bon), E. S. 1. 84, H. M. Jordan (Newport and United Hospitals); half backs, C. H. Newman (Newport and Durham) (captain), E. 81, 83, and 84, S. 83 and 84, 1. 82, W. H. Gwynn (Swansea), E. S. and I. 84 forwards, T. Clapp (Newport). E. 83 and 84, S. 83 and 84, R. Gould (Newport),Il. 82 and 84 T. B. Jones (Newport), E. 83 S. 83 and 84 K. Lyne (New- port), E. 83 and 84, S. 83 and 84 S. Golds- worthy (Swansea), i. 84 E. S. Richards (Swan- sea), L. C. Thomas (Cardiff), E. Rowlands (Lampeter), J. S. Smith (Cardiff), E. 84, 1. 84. E. England, 1. Ireland, S. Scotland'. it will be ,een that seven are from Newport, three from Cardiff, three from Swansea, one from Lampeter, and one from Roabon.

NEW YEAR'S DINNERS TO THE CARDIFF POOR. At the St. Mary's National Schools, Mount Stuart-square, on Thursday, a substantial dinner was given to the unsectarian poor of Cardiff Docks and Grangetown. The bill of fare was a liberal one, comprising roast beet, mutton, pork, vegetables, and plum pudding. About 400 were thus entertained, who, after the repast, joined in a most cordial vote of thanks to the givers. The same evening, about 500 children from the above-named districts, includ- ing specially the very poor.,and little cared for, were supplied with a capital tea. This was followed'by a nu-gic lantern entertrdnmesit, pre- sided over by the Rev. J. R. Phillips, ot the misa on ship Thisbe, who had been kindly granted for use a largo number of slides by Mr Thatcher and Mr Biggs, opticians. Finally, the children, who seemed by their demonstrations to have spent a most rapturous evening, were, presented each with some little, article from an imposing Christinas tree. They were also the recipients of four oranges each and a ticket for the pantomime at the Cardiff loeatre this afternoon, the latter the plift of Mr Fletcher. Addressea were delivered by the Rev. A. n. "Russell (St. Stephen's Church) and others.. The tea and all the arrangements were got up by Dr. Laen, Mr J.J. Ames, and Mr W. Burrow. Several ladies also assisted, especially in decora- ting the Christmas tree.

THE REVENUE RETURNS. The quarterly abstract of the revenue of the United Kingdom has just been issued from the Treasury. The total receipts for the quarter are £ 21,118,471, as against L21,423,174 in the corresponding quarter of 1833, thus showing- a net decrease of £ 304,703 in the present return. The items composing the total receipts of the past quarter are as follows :—Customs, £ 5,570,000 excise, B8,100,000 stamps, £ 3,160,- 000 land tax, £ 5,000 house duty, £ 20,0^0; property and income tax, £ 845,000 post-ofhee, £ 1,980,000 telegraphs, £ 430,000 Crown lands, E130,000 interest on advances, ijaacfloc., and miscellaneous, £ 595,889.. These figures, compared with the return for the quarter ended December 31st, 1883, snow the following differences Increase m customs, L93,000 stamps, £ 230,000 property and income tax £ 40,000 post-office, Zioo,ooo. The decreases in excise were £ 200,000 house duty, £5,000 telegraphs, £5,000; interest on advances, £ 102,675; and miscellaneous, £ 455,028. For the nine months just completed, the revenue shows a net decrease of LI,695,501 on that of the corre- sponding period of 1883, the chief difference being decreases in the excise of £ 425,000; income-tax, P,400,000 and miscellaneous, £ 1,121,216. The Customs, on the other hand, have increased £ 249.000, and the Post-office, £ 120,000. For the three completed quarters of the finan- cial year the revenue for the year ending 31st December, 1884, was £ 85,509,883 as compared with X90,035,522 in 1883, the net decrease being therefore £4,525,639 for the twelve months. This is accounted for principally by the decrease in the income tax of £ 2,402,000, and in tbe e.xcisc o £ 593,000. Miscellaneous is also. £ ^707'9jf Against these there are increases m the pos office of 2400,000, and customs B140,000.

FATAL FIRE AT EDINBURGH. A fire occurred early on Thurödy. inurning, in a broker's shop in the West Port. Edinburgh, and a man named Brown, aged 22, engaged at the Fortli Bridge Works, was suffocated by the smoke. Several persons were rescued by ladders, ordinary cotiju-julicatioii with their houses-having been cut off. A fireman fell from the secona storey, and dislocated his-hip.

UNFAILING REMEDY FOB HEADACHES KEimCK'S VEGETABLE PILLS, FOB INDIGESTION Sold by all Chemists, &c.. > J Wh 84 bOles. 8EWARB C-tf íMUATIuNS!

ANOTHER REP01.§E OF THE REBELS. Gordon on the Qui Vive. Letter to Lord Wolseley from General Gordon. J KI; UTER'S TELEGRAM.] CAIRO, Thursday.—The Mudir of Dongola telegraphs under yesterday's date that an Arab from the Mahdi's camp, who has reached Dongola, affirms that the Mahdi's followers are in force at Mizan El Nek twelve miles south of Omderman, whence they have made repeated attacks upon Omdermati. They were repulsed with heavy loss, and com- pelled to return to Mizan El Nek. General Gordon having learned that the Bedouin Arabs came during the night to the wells, sent armed boats to stop the practice, thus causing great suffering among the rebels, many of whom died of small-pox and dysentery. Thf, Mahdi in consequence withdrew with his army to Jabbara, two days' journey from Omderman. Several tribes afterwards deserted him. It is added that the Mahdi subsequently sum- moned his principal chiefs and declared his intern- tion of marching against the o{ ]j)ougola. I The chiefs professed their readine#, to foIlow thg Mahdi if instead of remaining behiM the army he placed himself in the front, and thUs charmed off hostile bullets. On the following a tfae Mahdi again summoned his chiefs, and tola y,em he had seen in a dream that the Mudir of ÐClQ. gola was a saint against whom it was useless to fight a reply which caused great consternation. The Mahdi's forces were still at Jabbara. CAIRO, Thursday. Lord Wolseley received yesterday a small piece of paper from General Gordon, containing the words, "Khartoum all right.—C. G. Gordon. December Hth." No doubt is entertained as to the genuineness of this paper, as it bears General Gordon s seal on the back. I [""TIMES TELEGRAMS. J UL/ _» KORTI, Thursday.—There is no uuuut. or too authenticity of the letter from General Gordon, which is both signed and sealed. The messenger adds that General Gordon has occupied two palaces, placing a gun on the roof of each. He goes to the top of one every morning and looks round the country with a telescope, and he spends the day on one or the other of them. At night he goes round the works. ALEXANDRIA, Thursday.—It is hardly possible to consider seriously Ir Blunt's proposals. His good-natured credulity has evidently been im- posed on, as it was by Arabi. But the conse- quences of his action have alreadv been too serious in Egypt to encourage us to repeat ex- periments in the Soudan. L DAILY NEWS 0; TELEGRAM.) KORTI, Tliursday.-Thougli Barrow's Hussars, through an error, yesterday only covered onu flank of Sir H. Stewart's advance, their reconnaissance procures important information. Many miles of the desert were without traces of human beings, but they found one camp of nomad Arabs, from whom they learned that no hostile force was within many days' march. Large num- bers of Arabs are said to be procurable from this and other tribes if necessary. From the infantry advanced post near Barkel I learn that no attempt has been made to proceed towards Gerendid at present. [" STANDARD TELEGRAM.] KoRTi, Thursday. No definite information has reached head-quarters with reference to the strength of the enemy at Metaraneh. It is sup- posed that the place is occupied by a detach- ment of the Mahdi's Dervish army. f" DAILY TELEGRAPH TELEGRAM. J KoRTi, Thursday. — The desert march may now be regarded as settled, not merely for tha camelry and mounted men, but also for the infantry. The Royal Sussex are already undei orders to be prepared to start for the Gakdul Wells, and my belief is that the General will himself start for Shendy and Khartoum with three, if not more, infantry regiments. in addition to the whole mounted force, except a f'w detail. His column will probably number close on 6,000 men. Yesterday, a Bedouin stated that he had heard there was a man who had upset the whole country still on the river Metem- neh with a large force, but it was not the Mahdi. He knew, he said, that the rebels were there a week asro. [" DAILY CHRONICLE" TELEGRAM.] KOHTI, Thursday Night.—My informant with General Earle's division, wires me that the tele- graph wires were cut by the enemy on the river bank last night, but a parry of Hussars repaired them. Large quantities of stores are being col- lected at Abudom, on the south side of the river facing Merawi. The present intention is to make a start to-morrow. Colonel Brackenbviry with a squadron of Hussars has gone to choose a position. The messenger who brought Gordon's brief message of December 14th all rigb" was instructed to inform Lord Woiseley that Khartoum can hold out, and that in the last en- gagement he disabled one of the enemy's guns. Skirmishes with the Mahdi's followers are fre quent. Gordon still keeps a gun on the roof of both palaces at Khartoum, inaking play on the enemy encamped on the west bank. At night he makes a round of the city's earthworks, and by day he learns the enemy's movements. General Earle has ascertained that the Monassers, the tribe most deeply implicated in Col. Stewart's i-nurder,liave assembled at adiftioult pass on theriver some miles beyond Gerendid. The tribesmen have however, not responded to the call to arms, and it is not probable that our passage will be disputed, if at all, by more than a hundred or two of the enemy.

GERMAN AND FRENCH ANNEXA- TIONS. Probable British Cabinet Council. To-day's Dall.Y Chronicle saysThe news of Mr Gladstone's sudden return to London hast caused some surprise and a considerable arnount of speculation in political circles. It is known that no Cabinet Councils were to have taken place it the ordinary course of Government business unti the end of the present month. Reports Were current last evening that Ministers h»ve bee& caiied together at the request of Lord Verby, whe has received important information"1 Cor"iectio» with the German and French annexations in th« Western Pacific. ==-

FAILURE iN LONDON. To-day's Mor>lin'J Post t yays:—11 circulai has been iss«ed statin2 that Messrs Cosmettc Brothers an<* Inerc'ian':s> ^2, Mincing-lane, litve foun" it necessary to convene a meeting at their crodito". The liabilities are believed to b. moderate. The books are in the bands of Messrf dera e. j_ j. Saffery and Co.

I DEATH OF LADY HASTINGS. The death is announced of Erances, Ladf' Hastings, widow of the late Lord Hastings, and since married to Major Heane, of BurnwoocJ, Gloucestershire,

I THE EARL OF MALMESBURY. The Earl of Malmesbury has had a relap3@t aa4 is still unable to leave bfe room. rf is .till unable to leav. bit room, I