Evening Express

NOTES. (By "OBSERVER") CARDIFF, TUESDAY MOBNINO. The fatal day has at length arrived when Sir Edward Reed is to run the gauntlet of his quondam supporters. What a change But yesterday his name amongst Cardiff Radicals might have stood against the world to-day there are few so poor as to do him reverence. Of course, we must wait events to know whether the judgment will result in his acquittal, or whether Sir Edward is to be led forth to be politically hanged, drawn and quartered. Meanwhile Radical busybodiea and wire- pullers all over the town are full of excite- ment, and to-night's meeting is regarded by them as the sensation of the hour par excel- lence. If they could only make a stiff charge for the admission of spectators I verily believe a nice sum could be netted, for there is no fun so brisk as Radicals girding and pounding at one another. I trust if the public can't witness the proceedings there will be no exclusion of reporters, they will then be able at least to read an unbiassud and impartial report in the Moil, to whioh the Welsh people (even the most violently partisan of them) are learning by experience to look for plain and unvarnished records of political proceedings. ) • » « The air is full of darkness, dissembling and dynamite What will be the outcome of the day? For once the G.O.M. himself is a secondary figure. Poor Sir Edward—before his judges-is in all men's minds in his own, of course, most of all. I should much like to know how the hou. member slept last night, and how he enjoyed his matu- tinal coffee, shared with a copy of the Mail, of course, for the other, after all, is less compatible with sound, healthy digestion- Rumour has it that some of the junior Liberals have been very busy at the free library consulting the numerous dictionaries there. Synonyms for traitor and turn- coat are in demand amongst them, and a little missing-word competition on the point might be made profitable between now and this evening. 1 am speaking of nouns only: I as for adjectives THE RADICAL WIRE-PULLERS' SONG. Radicals of Cardiff town, Voters of unique renown, Sea upon you looking (iown All the world to-day. Now'a the msment to decide Who the lofty steed* shall ride. Edward, in his pomp aud pride, Or we voters—say ? Don't ba wheedled by his speech: Strike, and Reed a lesson teach. On your ii,etlie ail ;tnd (oj,.ch, Strike, and gain the aay. < See the tottering Government, s As it stands scarce worth ;i cent- t Bid enough pre Edward went (VViddlehead!) astray. Stiff as starch, then, all to-n ight—. f In his rank ea.ch valiant wight, So we'll teach the recreant. knight With our power to play. Edward you're a broken Reed. Useless thou in case of need: I Suaine upon you Yes indeed, Erin to betray. What of England ? Stuff and rot Loyalty may go ro pOt! On your knees!! Yon' II catch it hot Ere the closo of day. Hyperbole for high horse. f It strikes me that local magistrates are making rather a mistake in passing such light sentences on parties guilty of assaulting the police. Hoth here and at Penarth yester- day, such oases, rather bad ones too, were ¡ punished merely with a fine. This is not anyhing like severe enough, The police have difficult work to per- form, and are after all only human, and kicks and punches do them harm like any- body else-constables are often maimed for life in struggling with violent ruffians. People of the latter class should, therefore, be taught that they oannot assault the police with im- punity. We expect the police to protect us we also have a right to expect the adminis- trators of the law to protect them. One would have thought the watch com- mittee would with scarcely any discussion have endorsed the head-constab!e's application for more police. Cardiff is decidedly under. staffed at present, as anyone with any love for law and order must admit. Yet here we havo Mr. F. J. Beavan moving the adjournment of bhe matter to know the position of affairs at Swansea and Newport. I am surprised at Mr. Beavan, whose idea of the magnitude ani importance of Cardiff nust be a curious one if he thinks it dignified to represent the town as waiting the tip from smaller and less im- portant centres. But this is Radicalism all over. After the head-constable's reply to Mr. beavan and the expressed views of such of the jouncillors as took the trouble to speak, it werns extraordinary such an important matter ihould be deferred. Though adjourned, I trust it will not be lost sight of. It is most unfair to expect a police foroe so considerably; under strength to its duty as though it were up to the average. Why, even at Swansea | they are better than thia. But, perhapa;if Mr. Beavan were on the Swansea Council things would be different. t -:¡- i At this season of festivity my readers will I pardon me for calling attention to a pretty I French version of Auld Lang Syne" whii.,h I dropped across yesterday in the Glube. But, aftrtr all, the language of the Gaul doesn't t adapt itself to soag somehow :— Doit-on negliger ses ;ur.i?, Outraeer la tendresse De caux qu'or clierissoit j,(Iis Aux jours de la jfiiinesse ? Aux jours tie l i jeunesae, ami Aux jours de la jeunesse Qu'un unux verre encore soit rempli Aux jours de la jeunesse. « I am gratified to learn that a testimonial is on foot for Inspector James, who for a third of a century has served the borough faithfully and well. It is right that there should be I public recognition of this kind, not only on account of a very worthy officer, but because it lets the constabulary at large know the public feels a real interest in them and appreciates their services, often rendered at much personal risk and discomfort. Parti- culars of the testimonial proposal appear else- where in the Express. I trust it is not too late to urge on all merchants, shopkeepers, and others to close their places of business next Tuesday, so that their employes may get at least three clear days relaxation for Christmas. Don't let it be a case of some doing it and others holding back. Be unanimous, and win the gratitude of your employes. They will work all the harder in the new year.

The Evening Express Almanac and Diary. On Thursday aud Friday of this week will be presented to every purchaser of the Evening Express an ALMANAC AXD DIARY for 1893. This handy work of reference, on which much care and thought have been expended at our offices, will contain 32 pages large octavo, with a specially and beautifully designed cover. A noteworthy feature of its contents will be full parti- culars for the cooking and serving of a first-rate Christmas dinner, as well as numerous hints and suggestions for the promotion of seasonable fes- tivity. The housewife will find in the Diary ample room for memoranda of her daily expenses, and scattered throughout the book are many wrinkles and bits of valuable information, besides a variety of pleasant and entertaining reading. The Express ALMANAC AND DIAEY is no catch-penny localised" affair, but a first rate local publication, for which there will be a heavy demand. Look out, then, for it on Thursday and Friday, and to prevent disappointment purchase your Express early.

THE REVISED RAILWAY RATES, Attempt to Increase Coal Rates. Ia accordance with the permission granted by the Board of Trade on the 6th of this month, tbe railway companies have published notices that they are prepared to supply lists of the new rates (to come into force from the 1st proximo) to traders at a. charge of sixpence per fifty rates The London and North Western and the Great Western are already making an excuse of the new Acts to increase their rates on coal. The former company now carries coal to Birkenhead for ship- ment at very low rates, averaging from South Wales collieries about 6s. 6d. per ton of 2lcwt. The new Acts specially provide that all charges snail be made at Imperial avordupois weight, viz., 20cwt. per ton. The railway proposes to retain the present rate of 6-1. 6d., but charging it. for 20cwt., making an increase of nearly 4d. per ten. This means on the large quantities sent a very appreciable sum. Unfortunately for the railway, however, the freighters are in a position to send ail this traffic by sea, and it was in consequence of this c itnpi titive route that the low rites were in the fir,-t phce granted. Needless to Sty, the competition which existed when the existing rates were first made has now conside- rably increased in keenness, and the colliery owners can to-day make contracts with ship- owners which will enable them to deliver their coal at Birkenhead at a less cost than the present 21cwt. rate. If is certuin, therefore, that if the London and North Western Railway insists on the proposed increiHe, it will simolv r, suIt in its losing the whole of the conl traffic it now conveys from South Wales to Birkenhead. The existing state of shipping is sueu that owners will be d-lighted to obtain the carriage, and if the rail- way is foolish enough to allow matters to go to this point it will probably discover that, in order to recover the los' traffic, it will, instead of obtaining an increased rate, have to make a reduction on the rate it, now obtains. The Great Western and other railways are attempt- ing to make similar increases, the maximum fixed for coal being so far above the nctual rates charged as to allow them to do so. As in the case of the London and North Western, however, all these low rates have been granted by the companies, not as a favour, hut in order to obtain traffic in face of competition, and in all cases the causes that created the rates are sufficient to force the rail- ways to continue them.

THE STARTLING STORY OF THE LIBERATOR. A Letter rom the Secretary, TO THE EDITOU SIR,—I have just seen in your issue of the 14ih inst. "A Startling Story of 'The Liberator'—uliy Nonconformists Invested Their Monev," in which your London correspondent states that he has been informed that "when 'The Liberator' was formed it was given out that the profits, or part of tlie profits, would he devoted to the work of help- ing the Liberation Society to destroy the Church in Engiand." i, 01 course, cannot say that no one was fooiisii euough to make such a statement, though I think it very improbable. And, equally of course. 1 cannot deny that anyone has been misied by the name of the building society, for that is quite possible. But this is certain, viz., that that society has never had, either in its origin or subsequently, any connection whatever, near or remote, with tne Liberation Society, which is no mere responsible for its carek-c than for that of any other financial institution.— f an\, &c., SYDNEY ROB JO HNS, Secretary. Liberation Society, London, Dec. 17.

ALLEGED THEFT FROM A RAILWAY TRUCK. A TAFF VALE RAILWAY EMPLOYE IN TROUBLE. At Llandaff Police-court on Monday afternoon (before Mr. John Gunn, Dr. Taylor, and Colonel Woods) Herbert Jones, brakesman, Radyr, was charged on remand with stealing nineteen bottles of ale from a truck, the property of the Taff Vale Railway Company, at Hfldyr on the 9th Df Decem- ber. Mr. Vanderpump prosecuted, and Mr. Joseph Heury Jones detended-Jatnes Edwards, a detec- tive in the employ of the company, who gave evidence on the last occasion, was cross-examined at length by Mr. j. H. Jones. He (witness) said lie saw prisoner dismount from a truck containing a large quantity of beer, but no bottles of bder had been found in his possession nor in the house in which he lived, and witness could not now swear that prisoner had stolon a single bottle.- William Jones, signalman, Rndyr. said he was on duty on the evening in question about 11.30 at the Sout,h Signal-box, Radvr, when prisoner, kn answer to Edwards, denied having been iu the truck' Prisoner attempted to strike Edwards with a iong piece of iron or wood, and was left by Edwards in witness's custody. However, he caught hold of witness and pushed him from the door., and suc- ceeded in making bis escape, at the same time smashing the glass of (tie door- Henry Paine, goods guard, Radyr. said he saw no interference with the train by prisoner or anybody else.—Frederick Wadly (Cathay, a goods brakesman, who was working an the train under the last witness, corroborated.—Edward James, assistant traffic inspector, proved that prisoner signed off duty that night at Radyr at 6.40, and would have no business on the iine until ho returned to work next morniog.-police- constable Jones (Whitchurch) on examining the particular truck from which the beer was alleged to have been takeD, found the tarpaulin drawn back, and eight cells empty in one case of beer, and eleven in anoCher. Prisoner was afterwards iden- tified at his home by Detective Edwards as one of two men he had seen in the truck, and on being charged he said, "'I didn't steal anything from any truck." A search was made, but none of the bottles were found in prisoner's bouse.—Prisoner pleaded not guilty, and Mr. Jones, for the defence, pleaded that the case was one of mistaken identity, but the Bench committed the prisoner to the Cardiff Quarter Sessions for trial, bail being accepted.

CURIOUS SHOOTING AFFAIR. On Monday a young man of independent means I named Dore was brought up at Bradford-on-Avon, charged with shooting Edwin Gore, another young man, with whom he had been dining or I Saturday night. On Sunday morning the prisoner j gave himself uy t, tie police, and acknowledged that ha shot Gore in the hand during a struggle in an adjoining village, where both men reside, adding j that be meant to shoot him. When taken into custody later he said he did net know what Lllado him do such n stnpid thing. He must hava been mad through duak.—Be was remanded.

I UR LONDON LETTER o [FEOM OUR LONDON CORRKSPOXDKNTSJ LONDON, MONDAY. Mn. GLAD.STONB AND THE PEERAGE. You may expect to have the interesting subject of Mr. Gladstone's elevation to the peerage raised in a short time. I have heard that Sir Andrew Ciark has warned the Premier that his health cannot be expected to sustain for more than a month the work and worry of the House of Commons. This is assumed to mean that as soon as the Home Rule Bill has been read a second time or has burst up Mr. Gladstone will be elevated to the House of Lords. Conscious that Mr. Gladstone's presence in the Commons is far more helpful than hurtful to Unionists, they yet anxiously hope that he will see his way to accept the peerage the Sovereign would undoubtedly offer him, and will spend his declining years in the serener atmosphere of the Lords, where hecklers cease from heckling and agitators agitate no more. A MODERATE HOME RULE BILL. Another evidence of Lord Rosebery's triumph at the Cabinet on Saturday is afforded by his air of joyous self-content. He bears the look of a man who has triumphed and is now master of the situation. The adoption of a moderate Home Rule Bill by the Cabinet is variously received in Nationalist circles. One impression is that the Parnellites will coerce the anti's into voting against such a Bill. On the other hand, there is weighty opinion that the Nationalists will be persuaded to swallow the Bill by Archbishop Walsh and his friends, who feel that Ireland 1 cannot stand another six years such as the last. Among LJladstonians the feel- ing is that if there is to be a quarrel it bad better be with the Irish friendlier than among the Gladstonians themselves. Apropos of the decision of' the Cabinet on Saturday, I am decision of the Cabinet on Saturday, I am reminded that the late Mr. Parnell, shortly before his death, stated in one of his speeches that Mr. John Morley had told him that the next Home Rule Bill would not be as strong 1 as they expected. This is one of the state- ( ments imputed to him by Mr. Parnell which Mr. Morley has not denied. THE MISSING WORD C'BAZE. [f the Government dare they would cer- tainly remove the embargo placed by those directly responsible for the administration of the law on the £20,000 or £ 30,000 which is awaiting disposal in connection with 1 the missing word competitions stopped by the recent decision. The party managers arA becoming alarmed at the demon they have ( raised. It is estimated that some half-million persons, mostly voters, are interested in the various sums that have been contributed for 1 the competitions that are stopped. Some of the proprietors of the papers are returning 1 the money they have received; others have destroyed the addresses of those of the senders ( who have not won prizes, and, there- ( fore, cannot return the money, even 1 if they were permitted to do so. The managers of the Gladstonian party I recognise that it is awkward for them, with a the prospect of being thrown on the country f at an early day, to have these half million angry people looking to the Government as ] the authors of their losses. But they cannot e help themselves. The money has been I employed in an illegal manner, and even the I Government, which already reeks rankly of jobbery, dare not go openly against the law by restoring it. I ( ANOTHER WAY. t One of the Sunday papers has gone into a ludicrously violent re-action from such specu- lative competition as the missing word craze. Piously thanking Providence that it is not as other papers are and has not engaged in any prize undertakings, it modestly proposes to start a series of competitions to guess the best of a series of things, such as Christmas annuals. And the novelty of the proposal is that no prizes will be offered. Is not this a pretty oouceit ? ON BIBLICAL AUTHORITY. A great peace has come over me ainoe I have read the interesting letters published in the Standard on the subject of Biblical errors. Many of the blunders are very quaint in their naturalness, but I pin my faith to one on which all- persons who have to write for the press will be joined in a bond of sym- pathy. It is the plaintive cry of King David (who also was a literary man) that Printers have persecuted me without a cause." In the usual editions this phrase is printed, "Prinoes have persecuted me without a cause." I am not sure that the edition in which H prmters" is substituted for ''princes" is the blunder purists profess it to be. King David was a man of ripe ex- perience and immense sagacity. It would be quite natural for his prophetic soul to start the writers' cry that was to ring through the ages, Printers have persecuted me without a cause." For my own part, while grateful to printers for the consideration they invariably show to my crabbed handwriting, I am bound to state that they are sometimes fanciful, and imagine that because a man who writes a great deal loses the copper-plate smoothness of his school days he is, therefore, a bad writer. A touching illustration of what I mean once occurred to me. I wrote for a newspaper the printers whereof decided that my writing was bad, and sent repeated messages to me to that effect. Anxious to meet them. I had my copy transcribed by an amanuensis. After two or three days I re- ceived a polite message to the effect that the printers would be obliged if I dispensed with the amanuensis—they preferred my own writing. BEERBOHM TREE'S NEW PLAY. Mr. Stuart Ogilvy's dramatic version of Kings1ey's novel, "Hypatia," is expected to be produced at the Hayinarket on January 2. The scene of the play is laid in Alexandria in the time of the Emperor Honorius. and in endeavouring to present a picture of the life and manners of this time Mr. Tree has bad the artistic co-operation of Mr. L. Alma- Tadema, U.A., who has designed the scenery and costumes, and of Dr. Hubert Parry, who has composed the illustrative music. Dr. Parry's experience in connection with the Greek performances at Oxford and Cambridge should stand him in great stead. Kingsley's story has been greatly altered for stage pur- poses. The cast includes Mr. Beerbohm 'I ree, Mr. Fred Terry, Mr. Fernandez, Miss Julia Neilsori (the beautiful Hypatia), and Mr. Lewis Waller. What is supposed will be a memorable production is looked forward to here with the liveliest interest. THE COLHRIDGES. A funny story was afloat last week, to the sffect that, in consideration of Lord Coleridge resigning the Lord Chief Justicesbip in favour of Sir Charles Russell, his second son, Mr. Bernard Coleridge, Q.C., MP., was to be appointed Attorney-General in the place of Sir Charles, thus passing over Sir J. Higby, the present Solicitor-General. I have got at the bottom of that ridiculous story, I think. There is something in it, as there was in the case of the three black orows. The explanation is to be found in the appointment of Mr. Gilbert Uoleridge, the third son of the Lord Chief Justice, to the post of Queen's Coroner and Attorney. This is a snug, fat place, worth about JE1,500 a year. In appointing his son to it Lord ( oleridge has adhered to tradition. The late holder of the post was a Mr. Cockburn, who was appointed by his relative, bhe late Lord Chief Justice Cockburn, and for generations it has been customary for the Lord Chief Justice of the day to appoint a relative of his own. As to the Attorney- Generalship, which is not the same place as that held by the Queen's Attorney, Sir W. Rigby will certainly take it when Sir Charles Russell succeeds Lord Coleridge. Indeed, I understand that Sir J. Rigby only accepted the Solicitor-Generalship on that understand- ing. There is no doubt, however, that Lord Coleridge entertains the ambitious idea of getting his son Bernard made Solicitor-General. He will certainly use all his influence to attain that end before he makes room for Sir Charles Russell on the seat of the Lord Crnef Justice. But even the ambitions of the Cole- ridges pause at, the Solicitor-Generalship. Later.—It is difficult to get at the truth of the story about Lord Coleridge's appointment )f his son to be Queen's Attorney. It should be noticed that in an official correction sent out the reference is only to the post of Queen's Coroner, and not to Queen's Attorney, which is a distinct place. I have, however, later information, to the effect that the Coleridges do not even think of the Solicitor-Generalship for the Hon. Bernard. They want to push him on the bench, so that be may be a judge when his father retires. Ministers have hitherto refrained from taking seriously the hints thrown out to them, but J am informed that they may offer him a county .court judgeship..

PART II, Loud cheers welcomed the arrival of tha gay young sport. S i n g 'another song, Candy, and I'll stand drinks all round," ex- claimed Evan. We are going to enjoy our- selves to-night, ain't we, Charlie," addressing his companion, a smart, well-dressed, horsey swell. I'll show you the ropes, Evan, now you are free from the old girl's apron strings. Let's have a sing-song. Who'll be chairman ?" In a few minutes Evans was chosen chair- man of the meeting, and the renowned topical vocalist was again hoisted up on the table. With a glass of whisky in his left and a big cigar in his right hand, "Cough Candy" Esq., commenced to warble a stirring racing song, entitled, "How Freddy won his first Derby." Next one of the "sheeny" bova suggested a quiet game of solo-whist with tho chairman. "Handtl off whispered Charlie; don't you try to start a walking loan office on my pal's money or I'll play I Rule Drittania' on your nasal organ." "Hear! hear chorused the oompany. Next for a song Mr. Evan Jones, in a racy speech, declared that "the boys are going to make a night of it. After closing time we'll adjourn to the club. (Loud applause.) Landlord, bring in « dozen bottles 01 champagne and we'll drink to our next merry meeting." (Uproarious cheering.) A Bohemian musician at that moment appeared at the bar door, and with tae blandest of smiles begged to be allowed to entertain the company for a few minutes. "Fire away, oid cock-a-lorum," said the chairman; "something lively—none of your ioleful funeral tunes here, or I'll souzeyouin the water-butt." Then the ragged, dissipated artist com- menced a variety of airs, holding the audience spell-bound by his superb handling of the old- fashioned concert! a. A wandering son of genius, clothed in rags, with bared toes peep- ing through his travelled-worn shoes, yet bis -yes shone with delight as the melodious muiic thrilled the hearts and stirred the nobler passions of fast-living men. The ohairman doffed his h& :¡:1 dropping in a silver coin passed it round the room. A large number of coppers were thrown in, the aheerful jingling causing a pleasant smile to appear upon the wan face of tbe ill-clad tourist. A hot grog for the musician, landlord," shouted the chairman. The next item on our impromptu programme is Newport Ike,' a song—'Put me 111 my little bed,' Our unwashed friend will accompany him—and oblige with, He's another colour now—'aftar which Cookney' will sing, I'm off to Bath to back a gee-gee. 0; Ike Ike roared the company. "Get up on the table," said "Cough Candy," winking his eye. "No frauds wanted here. What's sauce for & Christian ought to make good stuffing for a Hebrew." Order Order shouted the Chairman. Anyone disturbing thb harmony will be fined drinks all round." Free drinks or three drinka," whispered the waggish dwarf; the more -are drink to- day the lesa there will be to take stock of to- morrow." 'Cough Candy' will pay for the next roand, gentlemen," said the chairman laughing. Send the account to my office, landlord," bouncingly shouted the rough wit. "My bankers are busy touring on the continent, address at present unknown, No payments ¡ made by our firm after two p.m., Suudays excepted." Urder order for the next song," shouted! several lusty voices. When thu harmony was at its height two of the "sheeny" boys started a row over some gambiing transaction. As quiok as lightning the quarrelsome pair were hustled into the street. Valiant seconds were quickly found, and betting commenced with six to four on Fly Nathan." Before "So ly Old Clo" had finished "peeling" the betting veered round to even money_I. Old Clo for choice. Neither of the cursing braggarts feit dia- pasedtocommence operations in the sanguinary encunter. Dodging about like cats upon hot bricks they seemed to expend a large amount of strength in fighting the air. At length "Solly hit "Nathan" smack on the nose, and the gory claret flowed freely. Time was called by the referee. Panting from their marvellous pantomime exhibition of spar- ring, again the white-livered Hebrews stood up for action. The finish was sharp and somewhat unexpected. "Fly Nathan had grown wary the natural instincts of his race led him to scheme. Pretending to strike he lowered his thick-skulled pate and butted his adversary, who, with a deep groan, dropped down like a stricken bull. Fly Nathan, seizing hold of his garments, darted off like a madman and ran straight—into the friendly arms of a young police officer, who was just coming to view the disturbers of the peace. The youthful constable was only too pleased to enfold the bleeding youth and prove a faithful escort to the borough free lodging- house without fee or reward. It was an honour that Fly Nathan" sadly failed to appreciate. '«Holy Moses yelled Fly Nathan," it wasn't me. It vas i Solly Old Clo.' Let me go, pleeceman. Vat vilt my fader say ? I vill give you von shilling, my good man, to let me off. I vas'nt lighten'. I vas running a race vid my broder Solly. Von't you earn five-ten shillens—von pound ?—No Fader Abram Vat shall I do ?" Come along said the robust constable 61 Put your clothes on and leave of snivelling, rake my advice. Look where you are going before you start racing. Yeu'Ii reach the judge's box first this time. A short spell on the wheel will be a good tonic for a sprinter. Come on The pleasant harmony of the boys' meeting having been rudely upset, it was con- sidered impolite to revive it. Pugilism was the sole theme in the crowded bar until the hour of eleven denoted closing time. Our sporting young blade, Evan Jones, oltme out singing in boisterous tones, "I .8 won't go home till the morning-till day- light doth appear." Charlie—Bill—Sam- Dick, and Joe, let's go to the King of Clubs and enjoy ourselves. Don't leave an old sport alone. Come on, my gaysome bucks. Five to four on Evan. I'll raco any man for a fiver to the club door-" Done! Done ? was the cry, and off started about a dozen sprinters. Let us view the palace of the King of Clubs. If Over a dingy looking door hangs a red lamp. The fi tfulfiicker of the rude gas jet is barely sufficient to iight up the doorway of the King of Clubs. A burly, disreputable- looking man, with pimpled noae and shabby greasy collared coat, guards the outer door. Three taps must be given and a seoret pass- word before the member and his friends ar4! admitted within the sombre looking, dingy warehouse, now known as The midnight palace of the mighty Bacchus-the regai dwelling of his Majesty the King of Clubs." The humble fee of sixpence is sufficient to enable anyone desirous of joining to beoome a member—a faithful, servile slave and sup- porter of the bloated looking caterer. The initiatory fee paid to the greasy janitor and our name entered upon the visitors, or members' book, another knock has to be given at the green covered baize door before we are allowed to enter the low-roofed room. Once upon a time this commodious barn had been utilised as a coaoh-house. A few pounds Dn- vested in whitewash, lamps, anti fittings had rendered the place sufficiently comfortable for its nightly and Sabbath patrons. i A. thick oloud of smoky vapour, unpleasant 1 to a stranger fresh from tiie purer atmos- phere,without envelopes the habitues for a brief period from our sight. 'i'he dingy, white- washed walls, illumined by a dozen or more of smoke begrimed paraffin lamps,casts a peculiar sickly light upon the faces of the many regular frequenters of this newiy- estaMished drinking den. After a few moments the hazy smoke clears away and we are enabled to view the room. O11 one side stands a row of unpolished wooden 11 benches, on which are a long array of "blues-" On the low, unplaned, deal forms are seated a number of men-toilers and spendthrifts of low degree. A sun-burnt, rosy-cheeked cabby is busy chatting to his mate, an ostler at the tram stables. A coal trimmer is imparting verious items of labour news to a gang of dusky companions, Several sharp-witted racy touts and heavy- jowled punters are discussing their last welshing escapade at Abergavenny Kaces. On the other side of the room provision has been made for the elite of the club members. Hound marbled topped tables with bronzed supports stand here and there, while cane- bottomed black polished chairs are waiting in silence the heavy swells* midnight companion- ship. The bar is fitted up in a very frugal manner. Evidently the proprietor is expecting an early raid by the police, and does not intend that a large amount of eatables and liquors should falj into the bands of a few voracious guzzling policemen. Bread and cheese, pickled cabbage, and a boiled ham constitute the chief items of the victualling department, A rude black board suspended on the wall bears the startling advertisement, badly written with white chalk:— A TRIPE AND ONION 4 T>. SUPPER ON 4c SATURDAYS. A few bottles of spirits, well diluted with water, three 18-gallon casks of Burton ale, a few dozen of bottled stout and ale, and a box of ill-flavoured cigars, represent the stock-in- trade of the thriving establishment known as the King of Clubs. The keeper, or manager, of this select resort-a giant in stature—is comfortably seated in an arm-chair before a blazing tire. Around him sits a select audience of clubbites, listening with gaping mouths and bated breath to the old wairior's hair-breadth escapes when he was a mimber of the Royal Oirish Coiiathabulary." Listen to his oiiy harangue Begorra, bhoys, 'twas in '69 1 was on duty in Cork County. Talk of riots and foighting, life was worth living then. Niver a night but what 1 cracked somebody's skull or some dhivil of a bhoy cracked mine. I want a man,' says the inspector,'to go up the hills,' sez he, 'and cap- ture some of the speerits,' sez be. 'The whisky still ?' Bays 1. 'Tunder and lightning, lean foight wid spirits-if they begood'uns,' sez 1, 'It's foighten wid the Hill bhoys I want ye for,' says the chief. Blackthorns and the divil,' sey I, place me in the thick o' the foight,sor,and—who the divil's that smashing down our club door ? By the piper of St. Paul's,' he exclaimed,' rising up, It's the bhoys Shure now we'll have a Bally-hooly I row here to-ntght.' ( To be continued.)

AMERICAN TARIFF WAR. Disagreement of the Democrats. Three Contending Factions. Welsh Wool and Welsh Tin- Plates. [FROM OUR WELSH CORRESPONDENT IN NEW YORK.] NEW YORK, DECKMBER 6. Notwithstanding their recent decisive victory at thu polls, a victory achieved almost entirely on the tariff question, the Democrats can scarcely look forward with eagerness for the coming session of Congress. There are divisions, and divisions of a very serious nature and extent, in their ranks, the bone of contention amongst them being the very issue upon which they were triumphantly returned. As regards the tariff reform proposals, the party is divided into three factions, and that is hardly to be wondered at, for the tariff has always been the one great issue on which they were most hope- lessly split. Even at present, of the several nominees for the committee on tariff reform not one seems to be acceptable to all three sections, and nothing is more certain than that any selection the Speaker may mxke will cause heartburnings and disagreements such as will not be forgotten for the sake of the party's general welfare. Ever since the election futile attempts have been made to harmonise in some measure, however slight, the views of leading Democrats. The Radicals persistently clamour for a tariff wholly and solely for purposes of revenue; they demand the absolute abolition of the protective feature, excepting where it is comprised in the revenue tariff scheme; and they would vote a ticket that should, where possible, make the United States an open market for the world. As for the moderate Protectionists, they have adopted the motto of the Drummonds of Hay "Gang warily" is their cry. and they advise great caution in dealing with the tariff question. They wish to bring in some measure by which taxation shall be gradually reduced without doing anything calculated to disrupt the business inte- rests"—oh! that spectre-of the country. The third section of the Reform Democrats are like Gilbert's apologetic statesmen "—they are of a compromising kind." They advocate the admission of raw materials duty free, but they are strongly in favour of taxing manufac- tured articles of all sorts. The only radical re- vision of the tariff which they can be relied on to support is that portion affecting tin-plate, iron ore, and wool, and these must only come in free in the crude state. That there is a powerful Rmount of influence at work to crowd Welsh tin-plated goods out of this market no one who listens to the daily conversa- tion of business men and politicians culd deny The goods manufactured here are so far inferior in every way to the Welsh goods that, they simply have not a chance against the latter unless pro- tected by a prohibitive duty. All the three elements I have enumerated above will be well represented in the fifty-third Congress, and the beads of the Democratic p-trtv will have a herculean and thankless task to reconcile them. This state of affairs gives the Populist, or Farmers' Alliance, party the balance of power in the Senate. They have promised to vote with the Democratic party on the tariff question, on certain conditions, but they will assuredly demand some substantial concessions, especially as regards the coinage, before they commit themselves to the Democrats or aid them to a continuance of power. They advocate the free and unlimited coinage of silver; and. unless they have some assurance of support on this question, the Democrats will have to face their opposition, as well as that of the Republicans and the dissentients in their owu ranks, when the Tariff Reform Bill comes 011 for discussion Apropos of the duty on woollen goods, I will relate the substance of a conversation that took place at the dinner-table of a prominent Democratic politician the other evenine. His good lady, speaking of prices generally mentioned the extravagant figures charged for flannel and other woollen goods of a very inferior kind. "Why," said she," I cannot get a piece of good Welsh flannel unless I pay a ruinous piice for it and even then I cannot be sure that I have the genuine article. And look at your clothes, too. They cost no end, and, after all, they are as likely r as not to turn out shoddy. While you are about altering your Customs duties, it's a pity you don't think of your women, and give us free flannel and woollen stuffs from a country where they make it, honest. I can tell you we women are going to agitate on that ticket and if we don't get some sort of satisfaction, there's going to be trouble, and don't you forget it." That struck me as being very like the thin end of a wedge that may give an impetus to the woollen trade of the West, for she who rocks the cradle rules the world." and when the better halves of politicians make a demand en masse on a matter affecting their household economy something has to be done. I sincerely hope the dear creatures will agitate until they succeed in re-invigorating an industry that may benefit hundreds of families in the Principality. Contrary to the general expectations, Jay Gould's death has in no way affected financial circles here Everything in Wall-street ill, or at least seems, at, its normal standard, so for ouce the alarmists have had a serious disappointment, which they do not at all relish. The deceased gentleman leaves about £ 80,000,000 sterling.

SUPPOSED LOSS OF A LARGE SAILING-SHIP. The Central News says There is no longer any doubt that, toe sailing-ship Ben Douran. of Glos- gow, which sailed from San Francisco for the English Channel wit ha cargo of wheat 00 April 22, has founder-ad at sea with all hands. Since the I date of her sailing nothing has been heard of her, and it is supposed that she has been wrecked among the icebergs In the latitude of Cape Horn. I Consequently she has been posted at Lloyd's as missing. The Ren Douran was an iron four-masted ship owned by Messrs. Watson Bros., Glasgow, and l was commanded huCaotain Carapbell. j

DAY BY DAY. f 0 It is probubie that Mr. David Jenkins, Dr. John Thomas, and Dr. Joseph Parry will be among the adjudicators at the Chicago Eisteddfod next year. Ellen Sweeney has spent sixteen consecutive Christmases in Swansea Gaol, although there is no Christmas dinner provided there, as at the work- house. "OldEmnvs" daughter will be the Cinderella of the Swansea pantomime next, week. Abnut twenty years ago the young lady's mother occu- pied the sfunH boards. In the latest jswel robbery case in London the name of one of the prisoners is John Jones. It is believed that an ancestor of his was at some time or another in Wales. A son of the Emerald Isle, in describing the size of a wound on a man's head at Merthyr Police- court yesterday, said, "You could put an Irish pipeful of tobacco into it." "It was done on the eve of the impossibility of a recurrence," was the way in which a defendant explained to the Merthyr magistrates that he had signed the pledge on the day following a carouse. Dr. Joseph Parry is busily writing a new grand opera, Sylvia by name. The scene is laid at Stonehenge, aDd the opera will, therefore, contain a vigorous sprinkling of fairies, Druids, and things. The trials of 30 odd prisoners at Glamorganshire Assizes were ail finished on Monday. The number of prisoners was, we believe, the largest ever tried on the circuit, and over 70 of them were fiom Cardiff Gau]. A boy conductor on one of the Cardiff 'buses is happy as a kitten. While he was clambering up the steps yesterday he light-heartedly shcuted out to the driver on a passing tram, We'll have a day off Christmas DHY." Lady Miles, whose jewels, to the value of twenty thousand pounds, were stolen at Bristol on Sunday, is the mother of Mrs. Lewis, wife of Mr. C. W. Mansel Lewis, of Stradey Custie. It was Mr. Lewis, it will be remembuied, who" found" Herkomer. Mr. David Williams, who died at Beaumaris on Saturday at the age of 88 years, had been in her Majesty's Customs service since 1819. super- annuated from Glasgow fifteen years ago, and was the last of the collectors of customs super- annuated upon full income. Truth's doll show has a local interest. One of the groups in the collection of 26,000 dolls at the Roy al Albert-hall, London, depicts Mr. Gladstone in the centre of a number of Welsh peasant women in traditional costume. It is supposed that they are the old women who inspire the Premier with his Welsh policy. A motion is to be brought forward at the next meeting of the Newport County Couocil-eo we are nssured by a trustworthy Ananias—that the cor- poration should arrange monthly smoking con- certs. A round dozen members of the council so enjoyed themselves at the Conservative "smoker last night that they think the movement ought to be municipalised. Morien," who is in his own way full of worldly wickedness, tells us that "during a frisky move- ment in one of the dances at the Llanharran Hunt Ball at Pontypridd, one of his most valued friends fell down, and his partner—a lovely lady, dressed in white—instantly assumed a horizontal attitude, suggesting to the archdruid the idea of the salt figure of Lot's wife falleu across the patriarch's prostrate form." Llandaff has the manners and customs of a bve- gone age. Yesterday was a big day at. the police- court, and when the shades of night fell upon the assembly in the court-room it was left to two lonely-looking tallow candles to struggle ineffec- tually with the thickening gloom. Although Justice is blind, the authorities should remewber that witnesses, reporters, and prisoners can see. Perched up on the bench, the magistrates looked like spirits from the vasty deep. A country rector sends to tell the Globe" that the following flowers, &c., were to be found in the garden of a house in South Pembrokeshire this day in the open air:—Double white primrose, Christ- mas rose, carnation, violet, rf se, mignonette, stock wallflower, anemone, eschalonia uiacrantlia, myrtle, sweet-scented verbena, pansy, common marigold, borage, and chrysanthemum also another the name of which I am unable to give. I enclose specimens of each." And yet solre people say that Sir Edward Reed's cold day has arrived. Mr. Morgan Jones. Llantniloe. St. Clears, had t shooting party for four days last week to shoo over the land he holds in his own hand. The party consisted of Mr. Gadsden, Mr. Saunders Davies, Major Colby, Mr. Gwvn Saunders Davies, Mr. Jones, jun., Mr. Pinney, and Mr. Peel. The game, &c., bagged were:— Pheasants. Woodcocks. Babbits. Snipe. December 13. 35 2 1,408 0 December 14. 6 6 804 0 December 15. 3IG 0 9 3 December 16. 9 9 613 3 365 17 2,831 6 A young Dissenting preacher has been riling a congregation out Cathays. His watch was ahead of time on Sunday morning, and he started the service at four minutes to eleven. When the announcing time" came the young preacher said that during the past six or seven years he had preached at a large number of chapels, but in no place were the congregation so late turning up as they were at Cathays. Some of the members became so indignant that they said, A little more of that, aud he had better bring his own congrega- tion with him." We are told by a man who had an armour of mud on him up to his knees that, in consequence of the system of sewerage which is now being constructed, the highways round Pontypridd and Treforest are mud and slush ankle-deep. They are so bad that on Sunday morning the Vicar of Glyntaff introduced the subject into his sermon. He complained of the difficulty and discomfort experienced by worshippers in getting to the churches and chapels, and said it was "full time for the members of the local board to 'mend their ways' in more 'ways' than one." Some people have quite a genius for combining business with pleasure. A local lady who entrusted a glazier to repair some windows for her some time ago soon afterwards received an invi- tation from that gentleman to attend a select ball. A double ticket was enclosed, and a promise was given to exchange it for a single if desired. The invitation was written on a business circular, which stated in large, cold-blooded print that the sender "had been appointed to levy under the Distress Amendment Act, 1888, and that he would advance cash on goods intended for sale." This is charming. Whilst Sir Edward Reed, accompanied by Lady Reed, was seeking refuge from the storm that like Prospero in The Tempest," he had himself called forth in the health-giving city of Bath, his daughter, Miss Reed, was on Saturday evening last, with a number of friends, engaged in dis- coursing sweet music to the country folk of the little village of Fetcbam, neal- Leatherhead, in Surrey. Miss Reed is a violinist of considerable ability, and her solos were received with enthu- siastic applause. A musical critic who was present, but unknown, informs us that he consi- dered her execution quite equal to that of London professionals, while she especially distinguished herself for the taste and expression of her render- ing of a couple of difficult solus. A fair illustration of the smailnsss of the muni- cipal mind at Cardiff is found in the circumstance that, although a special meeting of the watch committee was called to consider—as if the thing needs any considering—the recommendation of the chief-constable that twenty men be added to the borough force. Mr. F. J. Beavan';? proposal to adjourn the question to give the members time for further reflection, and the chief-constable to get more information from other towns, was adopted As if the bead-constable is not the best possible authoiily on the subject, and as if the complaints from the various suburbs of the town that they are not sufficiently protected are not to be listened to, and, moreover, M if the unprotected state of another town is a good reason why Cardiff should also go unprotected. It is the small grocery shop all the time, and Frank Beavan is the smallest of he small gi'Dceis.

ALCOHOL IN WORKHOUSES. The Local Government Boird has sent to the boards of guardians a circular calling their special attention to the great difference of expenditure in respect of spirits, wine, and malt liquors for the indoor poor in different districts, its set forth in a Parliamertary return recently issued. The. dif- ference is certainly remarkable, the averago ex- penditure per head of inniatu* of workhouses, iiifn-mavics, and workhouso school* ranging from 4d. in Northumberland up to 12j. lOd. in But- t Lind, j

ST, DAVID'S SCHOOL, LAMPETER. Distribution of Prizes. Theannud disti ibut ion of pr:zss to the schol*^ # at St- Dnvid's Col;et;e School, Lampeter, took plad at the College-hail in that town on Monday afte' nOOIl. Tho function had b-bu postponed to suchl late date in order that the Bishop of Chester migK attend. His lordship, however. was unable to b present, and in his absence the chair was taken bj Principal OWPII. of St. David's Collega The hall was well tilled with tW parents and others interested in the boy" The headmaster (the Rev. T. M. Evans, M.A.) read his report on the work of the year, and while re- gretting the departure, owing to ill-lte,lth, of the Veil. Archdeacon Edmonde?, welcomed the advent, or, rather, the return, of Dean Owen as principal of the college. The headmaster proceedrd to read thl report of the examiners, namely. Vice-principal Davey, Mr. G. M. Gniee, B.A.. Scholar of Jeaut Co 11 f>gpt Oxford; Mr. H. R. Humphreys, Scholar-d Keble College, Oxford; and Mr. D. O. MarsdeD B.A., Scholar of Jesus College. The reports spold highly of the thoroughness and excellence of tht work done in the school, and were received with applause. The prizes, consisting of standard works, were then delivered by Miss Lone Price, a* follows: — DIVINITY.—Division r.. II., D H. Pugh III.. IV., D' EVHLIS. CLASSICS.Form I.. D. B. Davies; II.f M. Davies: IIT., I). Evans; lV., Llewellyn Davies V., fl. P. Rvans; VI., D. A. Lloyd. MATHK.viTtcs.-Division 1., J. T. Jones; II., T. B- Jones; Ill., J. W. Davies; IV., H. P. Evans. FRKKCH. -'st, Llewellyn Davies 2ml, D. Evans. T,x&L!SH HISTORY.—Forms IV.. V., Vi.. D. E. Davies: III. Arthur b. Edwards; I.. If., Hector Grant. ENGLISH LITKHATUKB.—Division I., T. Price; II., 1. L. Evans. Special prizes for gener d merit were awarded to J. O. Pugh. D. Jones, C. O. Hughes. Evan Davies. and T. Jones (form I.). Special prize for general excellence, T. E. Timothy. The CHAIRMAN, who was very cordially received# congratulated the master and boys upon the satis- factory chaiacter of the examiners' reports, and especially upon the gratifying fact that this year the school had doue better than ever in the science and art examination. As an old school, master, he looked forward with confidence to the future of the school, not only on account of itS success during the past year, but also on account of the evidence which he had from various sources of the good conduct of the boys and of the good tone and vigorous public spirit fostered among them. He might mention, lor example, that bs had been most favourably impressed with all thaC he ha.d seen of the students who had come into college from the college school. Looking back on the record of nine years which the school now had, he thought they might venture to consider it a decided success—a successful specimen of tb4t intermediate type of schooh of which Wales was soon to have a. considerable number. He noticed with satisfaction the success which the school had this year achieved iu the football field, where they had defeated the University College at Abcrystwith and Llandovery, and went on to re- mark that the valuable educational services ren. dered by the school to that district of the county in particular had been practically recognised by the liberal support given to the scholarship fund by the inhabitants of Lampeter and its neighbourhood. He might here point out in passing—a fact not geuerally known-that the professors of the college, in order to give the school a good start, volau- tarily subscribed about E200 a year for some years after the foundation of the school out of their own private resources. (Applause.) The school then, as at, present, held the position of a voluntary, successful intermediate school, prac- tically appreciated by the district, as well as by other parts of Wales. On coming back to Latn- .peter he learned with great surprise that, the majority of the members of the Cardiganshire Joint Education Committee, who, he believed, were stout supporters of the voluntary principle, looked somewhat askance atLampeter College Intermediate School. The claims of the school upon the appre- ciation of the committee had been very modest It had not claimed any share in the Treasury grant of the country. It had only asked that parents of boys in the district who might succeed in winning county scholarships in the future should ba at liberty, if they though fit, to send their boys, with their scholarship, to Lampeter School. This claim. exceedingly modest though it be, had been rejected by the Cardiganshire Edu- cation Committee. The Charity Commissioners, on the other hand, had. according to the report he had seen in the newspapers, suggested to the committee the desirability of re-considering their decision. He hoped their suggestion would be ultimately adopted with good grace by the COlD. mittee. They were not asking for any concession which would be injurious to any other school in the county. The cost. of intermediate education was estimated by all competent authorities to be at least £9 per annum for every child. The school fees, on the other hand, would be ur.der £6 a year* so that there would be a toss of at least E3 per child per year to be made good out of the county funds. Ail boys, therefore, educated at the college school from the county weuld mean saving of at least L3 per boy as a rule to the county funds. Why the joint education committee should insist on rejecting this considerable assistance to the county fund was more than he could make out. The dis- trict also had something to say on the matter. It would be an absurd wante of money to build another school in the district, and he was glad to find that that was the prevalent opinion in the district. In these b'td times they did not want to throw away money on useless buildings, and the college school also saved the district the cost of main- tenance of an intermediate school, so that the district would ba entitled to claim a much largor sum on that account with scholarships from the county fund. The position of the county com" mittee was this It wanted the county fund to have E3 per boy on every scholarship. It wanted also to compel parents from the district to go to the expense f sending their boys from home when they had a school in which they had confidence at their own d 'ors. He had pointed out one ot two considerations which ought to carry weight with the joint education committee, but he did not wish the people of that district to feel any panic, for he did not consider there was the slightest reason to fear that this particularly un" wise—he would not say preposterous—pr posal which the committee had been rash enough to send up to London, and which would prevent boys from that district from going, if their parents wished, with their scholarship to the College Schoo!, would ever become law. (Cheers.) Votes of thanks were then passed to Miss Long Price, to the examiners, to the head-master and his staff, and to the principal for presiding. The MAYOR of LAMPKTBB (Mr. J. W. Evans) said he proposed to give a scholarship of XS per annum, tenable at the school, an announcement which was received with cheers. In the evening the annual concert took place in the schooMxtll, which was tastefully decorated by Mrs. T. M. Evans.

A QUARREL OVER CARDS. One Welshman Shoots Another in America. Two Welshmen, named Thomas Williams and Edward Jenkins, were playing cards in a low dive at Miners' Mills. Jenkins accused Williams of cheating; both became enraged, and Jenkins took out a revolver and shot his companion in tild shoulder. Jenkins w s arrested the following day, and was put under bail of l.OOOdols. to answer the charge in court. Williams's wound is not thought; to be very serious. The bullet was extracted by a physician.

THE COMMITTEE on DARKEST ENGLAND." Preparation of the Report. The Central News says:—Lord Onslow's Com* mitt.ee on the Darkest England Scheme met &LO half-past ten on Monday morning and sat until ona o'clock. The report, the general tenour of which is understood to be favourable to General Booth, is in active preparation, and will, in all probability be issued betore Christmas.

interesting Wedding in St. Dogmell's, On Monday last the marriage of Miss Anna Elizabeth Waterford Buekham. the only child of Mr. Buekham, chief officer of coastguards at St. Dogmell's Station, near Cardigan, with Mr. J. Lewis, son of Captain Lewi! Brynhyfryd, St. Dogmell's, was celebrated at St. Dogmell's Church. At the conclusion of the ceremony the members of the lfovaI Naval Reserves, from the St. Dogrnell'* Battery, met the wedding cortege, and offered to drag the party to the bride's residence, but the honour was refused. The whole of the villagewag beautifully decorated with flags, as was also the eoastguardV-station. The preaents were exceed* ingly beautiful, and many of them of considerable value. The day was observed at St. Dogmell's all a general holiday. The bride's dress was a beau- tiful fawn silk, trimmed with lily broche, and fawn lace veil. Her travelling drees was of brown silk, witn broche corselet, bodice, with shot plosh to match. The bridc and bridegroom afterwards left by train for London.

CORN AVE K AGES. The following statement shows the qofUtMUMt sold and average price of British corn, imperial measure, rs received from the inspector* and officers of Excise, in the week ended December 1W 1&92, conformably to the Act of the 45th and 46ctt Victoria, cap. 37 Quantities Sold. Average frice.^ Qi's. bus. s. d. j Wheat S4.7P9 I 26 4 A Harley 175,2$"J 1 24 S Oats 16,423 5 16 10 Comparative statement, for the corresponding week in each of the years from 1888 to 1891:- I Quantities Hold. Arerage Price. Wheat. Uarley. I Oats. Wheat. Barlay.wOat* Wheat. Uarley. I Oats. Wheat. Barlay.wOat* Qrs. Bus. Qra BujjQra. Bn*. (. d. s. <1. <*( 1389.k 60,259 3129,543 4 9,617 2 3ff 8 36 11 IS ■# 1889.. 82.677 1 185,829 3 S',913 4 30 1 39 i II 1390.. 86,692 6 lti5,942 S 21.899 7 35 4 21 S 17 L1S91.. 65.M* AlS7,Ui ,15.895 2 36 10. 3» fr -21 I