Evening Express

L- Miners' Eight Hours Bill. I FACSIMILE OF MR. GLADSTONE'S LETTER.

AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM THE EX-PREMIER TO MR. D. A. THOMAS, M.P. MR. GLADSTONE WRITES AS "A FRIENDLY ADVISER." SKILFUL FENCE OF THE QUESTION. "hÚ AN ESSAY IN GLADSTONESE. We publish to-day, in facsimile, with letter- press version, a. letter from the ex-Premier on the Miners' Kight Hours Bill. Addressing his correspondent, Mr. D. A. Thomas. M.P., and posing "simply as a friendly adviser," Mr. Gladstone indites in his usual skilful fence, committing himself to little beyond bare suggestion, checked by cautious exceptions and hall-marked with Gladstonese qualifications on almost every line. The letter is interesting as showing that even in retirement and re- lieved from the responsibilities of office and leadership, that delightfully vague habit of mind, or, at any rate, of expression, which for] long years has been a.t once the admiration and the distraction of friend and opponent alike, still maintains itb sway unimpaired, undi- minished. From the standpoint of caligraphy, our facsimile of the letter is also interesting. Mr. Gladstone is 84 years of age, and the hand- writing is wonderfully clear, even if the opinions expressed do not deserve such a comment. MR GLADSTONE'S LETTER. "Hawarden, August 3, 1894. ''Dear Mr. Thomas,—I cannot leave your letter without reply, but please to understand that I write simply as a friendly adviser, and not as in any manner committed or engaged in controversy. In 1892 I suggested the plan of Local Option for the eight hours to my mining constituents, and they appeared to me to receive it in a maimer not- unfavourable; per- haps, they reserved it for further reflection. I am clear that if the miners de6ired the Eight Hours Bill with a. degree of concurrence approaching unanimity, they have a moral title to it. Of the moral title to inijxise it on a considerable minority I ani very doubt- ful, and I apprehend that if the minority is really considerable it will be found practi- cally more difficult to overpower tiiar. sonic among the promoters" of the Bill may imagine. The general adoption of the Eight Hours Bili gives me, personally, very great satisfaction. I must not onnt to say that, in speaking of Local Option, I contemplate the actiou of districts rather than that of single collieries in near neighbourhood to one another.—Believe me, dear Mr. Thomas, very obediently yours, "W. E. GLADSTONE." IFROM: OUR LONDON COBRESPONMNT.J Telegraphing last night, our London corre- spondent, referring to Mr. Gladstone's letter, says —It may be recollected that in supporting the second reading of the Eight Hours Mines Bill last year Mr. Gladstone stated that he would not be prepared to vote for the third reading of the Bill unless certain modifications were made, particularly in the direction of allowing the Northumberland and Durham miners to decide the question for themselves. In view of the forthcoming debate on Monday, this expression of opinion led Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., to write to the right hon. gentle- man at the beginning of the week to ask him how far he thought he should go in the pro- tection of minorities and in the direction of local option. The reply received to-day is given above. This letter, which I am privi- leged to publish now, will figure largely in the coming debate. Whether much will be made of it is another matter. The promoters of the Eight Hours Bill held a. meeting in Committee-room 13 this afternoon to consider the many amendments now on the paper. Mr. Roby occupied the chair, and after two hours' discussion it was decided to oppose all amendments, and demand the Bill, the whole Bill, and nothing but the Bill. During the evening there was a great deal of canvassing done by those in favour of local option, but without any apparent result. CONFERENCES IN THE COM- MONS. The Press Association says :-The prospects of the Miners' Eight Hours Bill, which will come up in con.mittee next Menday, is the main topic of interest in the Parliamentary lobbies. Mr. Roby presided on Thursday afternoon over a meeting of about 30 members who support the Bill. Amongst those present were Mr. S. Woods, Mr. Abraham (Rhondda), Mr. Philip Stanhope, Mr. Carvell Williams, Mr. Joseph Arch, Mr. Randall, and Mr. Keir Hardie. It was agreed to resist all the amendments to be proposed, and to press for the Bill being passed 1 in its present form. Mr. Ashton, secretary of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, has issued a circular to the Parliamentary supporters of the Bill urgently requesting thei attendance in the House of Commons nex —— Monday and Tuesday. A. number of delegates of the federation are expected to come to Lon- don to-day (Friday) for the purpose of attending a meeting of the executive committee to be held on Saturday. In the House of Commons on Thursday, in reply to Sir M. Hifcks-Beacb, Mr. S. Smith, and others, Mr. MORLEY said the Miners' Eight Hours Bill would be taken after the report of the Equalisation of Rates Bill on Monday next. MINERS' EIGHT HOURS. FIGHT ON THE COMMITTEE STAGE. The "Star" of Thursday savs:—Members interested in the Miners' Eight Hours Bill were busy in the lobby and conference-room yester- day in anticipation of the coming fight in com- mittee. Mr. D. A. Thomas, who claims to have a special mandate from the Merthyr men to oppcse the measure, and whose name figures prominently on the amendment paper, was especially in evidence; so were Mr. Roby, Mr. Woods, and other backers of the Bill, who in- tend to make the most of the opportunity which is now afforded them. After the House rose Mr. D. A. Thomas conversed for a considerable period with Mr. Gerald Balfour, who has theories of his own in regard to the legal limi- tation of the hours of adult labour. The pro- moters of the Bill met in the conference-room to settle their plan of campaign, and they are sanguine that they will be able to send the measure up to the Lords without material alte- ration.

TIN-PLATE DISPUTE. Threatening Letter Sent to Mr. P. S. Phillips. The unsettled condition of the tin-plate trade and the strained relations between masters and men have been emphasised in a somewhat un- pleasant manner at Pontymister. A few days ago Mr. P. S. Phillips, the proprietor of several works in the Western Valleys, received the following anonymous letter — To Captain Phillips. You old you want to starve us poor working men, you haven't got enough out of our lahour but want us to work for nothing, and put all our hard-worked earnings into your own pocket, and see our wives and children nearly naked and starving. No, you old we don't intend to give you any concessions, so look out the first time we see you out we intend to blow your brains out or blow up the house you live You have been carrying this on long enough, you old screw-driver, we will have no more of it. The letter was not dated, and there is no clue to its author, except that, according to the envelope, it was posted at Abertillery. The letter was posted up in the office window at Pontymister Works, in order that the workmen might see it, and, presumably, that the hand- writing might be identified. So far, however, the mystery surrounding the epistle has not been cleared up.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. i Half-yearly Meeting of Shareholders in London. The one hundred and eighteenth half-yearly general meeting of this company was held on Thursday at Paddington, Mr. Fred. G. Saun- ders (the chairman of the company) presiding. -The report stated that the Riverside branch at Cardiff had been opened for passenger traffic, and preparations were being made for the erec- tion of the permanent station at the junction with that branch and of new station buildings on the down side of the main line station. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the leport, said he had been so much in the habit of apologising for the diminution in their revenue and a decrease of their dividend that it was almost a new sensation to him to con- gratulate them on the substantial increase which the accounts showed. He hoped it would be gratifying to the shareholders and proprie- tors, and that they would appreciate it as much as he and his colleagues did. He gave a rapid analysis of the accounts, and said the capital expenditure of tie Great Western Company as compared with the capital expenditure of most large railway companies was at the pre- sent moment on a small scale. In the revenue account the decrease arising from passenger traffic amounted altogether to £ 9,000. The first-class traffic showed an increase in numbers of 7,000 and a decrease in money of £ 7,000. The second-class passenger traffic showed a. decrease of 139,800 in numbers and a decrease of £ 18,000. He thought that most people would conclude from these figures that the second-class passenger traffic was gradually wiping itself out. The third-class passenger traffic showed an increase in numbers of 1.600,000. and flie increased receipts from that source amounted to £12.300. The result of this decrease was that, taking the decrease in the first and second class and the increase in the third class traffic, a diminution was shown of £ 12.000 on the passenger traffic. The season ticket traffic was a satisfactory feature, as there was an increased income from that source of j32,300. The in- crease in the third class traffic was, in his opinion, attributable, in the first place, to the short distance traffic; and, in the second place, to the reduction which the company gave on the privileged tickets issued to their own work- men. The net increase arising from the pas. senger and goods traffic amounted to £ 153,497. To earn that the company had run 274,000 more passenger train miles and 620,000 more goods train miles. The average income per train mile for the goods traftb had slightly increased, whilst the average income per train mile for passenger traffic had fallen from 4s. 3d. to 4s. l^d. With the balance brought forward from previous accounts, there was a total sum available for distribution of tl.900,000, of which £536.680 was available for the ordinary dividend. It was. therefore, proposed to pay a dividend of 4! per cent.. aud to carry forward £ 23,693, as against a dividend of 4 per cent. in the corresponding half-year and a balance of £ 7.000 carried forward. He pointed out that the General Powers Bill of the company had received the Royal Assent in substantially the same form as when submitted to the pro- prietors in February last, with the exception that the powers for the construction of a branch t line from Port Talbot to Maesteg. to provide railway communication in the DnffrYll Valley, and for the construction of two short lines from near Wrexham to Rhos were rejected by the Committee of the House. Viscount Emlyn formally seconded the motion. The report was adopted without further com- ment. A resolution declaring a dividend of 4Js per cent. was moved by the Chairman, and car- ried unanimously.

jBugmes# gftartsteesu BEV A NAND COMPANY, (LIMITED.) REGISTERED AS •THE CARDIFF FURNISHERS/; STARTLING ANNOUNCEMENT REV AN AND COMPANY Respectfully announce that they will henceforth present te each and every purchaser ft £ 100 FREE INSURANCE POLICY ON THE BRITISH UNION INSURANCE COMPANY (LIMITED). B. and CO. haying n'ade arrangements with that Society for the issue of many thousands of policies securing the sum of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS on the death by accident ef any kind, or the payment ef ONE POUND PER WEEK, for the period of 13 weeks during; disablemest through an accident, to the helder of a Policy, subject to the conditions stated thereon. All Goods will be sold at the same extremely low prices as heretofore, BJSVAN AND COMFANT relying upon a. greatly increased bus.g ess to recoup them for the expense they have go&e te in, connection with this I FREE DISTRIBUTION OF INSURANCE POLICIES. PURCHASE YOUR FURNITURE, CAEPFTS. FLOOR CLOTHS, FENDERS, FIlGIRONS. CLOCKS, HARMONIUMS, ORGANS, PIANOFORTES, &c., OF BEVAN AND COMPANY, THE CARDIFF FURNISHERS," Who are not only your own countrymen, but are THE LARGEST FURNISHERS IN WALES. Their immense business enabling them to huy, and therefore sell at prices far and away below those of their competitors. DELIVERY OF ALL GOODS FREE OF CHARGE. 1 LARGE ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES Gratis aad Post Free. .¡ BEVAN AND COMPANY. (LIMITED), "THE CARDIFF FURNISHERS." Whose only addresses are as fellow :— 21 DUKE-STEEET nika 97, ST. MARY-STREET. CARDIFF COMMERCIAL-STREET, NEWPORT CLALENCE-STREET and BANBURY-ROAD, PONTYPOOL. E876 PERKINS BROS. & CO., ST. MARY-STREET AND WYNDHAM ARCADE. CARDIFF. GENERAL IRONMONGERS AND COMPLETE SOUSfi FURNISHERS, °.. !-> ,1 PERitMBtrLATORS AND MAIL CARTS FROM 10s. M TO 71a PERKINS BROS. & CO. ST MARY STREET AND WYNDHAM ARCADE,, CARDIFF.

On the motion of Mr. Strow, Mr. William Barber, Mr. Frank Biddy, Lord Charles Bruce, Mr. Thomas Holland, and Mr. Owen Slaney Wynne were appointed the audit committee. The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

Questions for the Rev. W. Spurgeon. TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING EXPRESS. SiB,—At the Radical open-air meeting at Cardiff last week the Rev. W. Spurgeon said the Tories would have to adopt Home Rule, and also asserted that it was the policy of the Tories that lost us America. I wrote next day to the South Wales Daily News," the paper in which his speech was published, asking the rev. gentle- man two questions. I have waited until now, but they have never been allowed to appear in the Radical organ. Will you, sir, kindly allow the questions to appear, as follows (1.) When and how did the Tory policy lead to the loss of the United States? (2.) What does the rev. gentleman mean by Home Rule ? Does he mean equality of local government and equality in Imperial represen- tation as proposed by us, or does he mean the granting of other Parliaments in what bas hitherto been "a United Kingc^m r—l am, E. WADDINGTON. Cardiff.

A PROMISING FUTURE has often been clouded through the breaking bown of the bodily health.— (Jwil.viu Evans's Quinine Bitters fortifies the system and purifies the lilcod. Try it. Avoid imita tious. e3146 At Swansea Police-court on Thursday Minnie Davies, of 60, St. HelenVavenue, Swansea, and Mary Gregory, of 7, Washington-terrace, Landore, were charged with stealing a number of articles from the shop of Mr. Knight, draper. High-street. Davies now pleaded guilty to stealing and Gregorv to receiving, and they were sent to gaol for a month.—Mary Greg-ory was then charged with stealing a suit of clothes' from 28, Castle-street. It was proved she had pawned them, and, though she pleaded not guiltv, she was sent to gaol for a further month. PEPPER'S Ql'lXl^K AND IltO>' TOXIC em- bracing, TWifying:, sustaining, dispel* depression, cues indijre*tiou, neuralgia, and all »ehe* or pain. Pepper'i the only real tonic. Shilling bottle*.

VOLUNTEER ENCAMPMENT. On Wednesday morning the 1st and 3rd Volunteer Battalions Welsh Borderers had their annual inspection at the brigade camp- at Porthcawl. The inspecting ofiicer wao Colonel Bromhead, C.B., who paid a high: compliment to both battalions. In th#i afternoon the inspection of the 2nd V .R, Welsh Regiment took place on the same ground. Colonel Goldsmid, in command of the 41st Regi- mental District, was received with a general salute by the battalion, which was under the, command of Colonel A. P. Vivian, C.B. Colonel: Goldsmid made a minute inspection of the clothing and accoutrements. The battalion next marched past in column and quarter-column. The dressing of some of the companies as they passed the saluting point was exceptionally good. On Thursday morning a. mimic battle was engaged in, the 1st and 3rd Sonth Wales. Borderers taking the offensive, and the defence wa.s taken up by the 2nd V.B. Welsh Regiment* and the 3rd Glamorgan. On Thursday after- noon athletic sports were held. Brigadia* Bromhead, Colonel A. P. Vivian, and other officers were present. We append the list oC winners:— 100 Yards Flat Race.—1st, Private J. E. Williams. 3rd G.R.V.; 2nd, Private Emery, Bridgend; 3rd, Corporal Brown, Bridgend. Three-legged Race.—1st. Privates Emery and,, Brown, Bridgend; 2nd, Privates Jones and HarriEU 2nd Welsh; 3rd, Privates Williams and Jones, 3rd 2nd Welsh; 3rd, Privates Williams and Jones, 3rd Gp»otball Match, Twenty Minutes, Two Teams.—; After an exciting match, the 3rd G.R.V. wer» declared the best. Quarter of a Mile Race.-lst, Private Tom Jonea, Bearer Companj, 2nd V.B. Welsh Regiment; 2nd., Private Wintle. 3rd G.R.V.; 3rd, Private John, 2nd V.B. Welsh Regiment. Tug of War.—Four teams entered. 1st and 3r4t1 South Wales Borderers, 3rd G.R.V., and 2nd V.116, Welsh Regiment.

"ADVICE TO MOTHERS.Are you broken Is your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain by cutting Go at once to a chemist and get si bottle of Mrø. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is plea. sant to taste; it produces natural, quiet sleep relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a button.' Of all chemists. Is. lid. per bottle. tfB

Annella's Love Affairs. .< I'am listening to you, said Annella, bending her blonde little head, aId Mario felt that her slender hand trembled in his. Who was Annella? The beautiful widow of Count Giummi had found her one day pale, desolate, and exhausted, beside a dead woman in a. squalid, dark room. That dead woman was the aunt of the countess and the mother of Annella, and the poverty which surrounded her was the sole inheritance of the fair young girl. Countess Giummi, rich, admired, and courted by the fine flower of aristocratic salons, lived upon vanity and coquetry. But, in spite of that, she had a morsel of heart, and poor Annella's little white face had the power to draw two beautiful tears, more lucent than pearls, from her great, black, enchanting eyes. If the baron, the viscount. or the marquess could have seen those two pearls, surely they would have loved her even more than they did—so compassionate and tender did she seem amid the triumphs j of her h^ppy youth. I That -same evening Annella reposed in I a soft bed, under a counterpane of pink silk, while at the balcony window, that she had left partly open, the moon peered in and laid a tint of pallor upon the rose-red divans of the elegant little room. Two years passed after that first tranquil sleep. Annella's beauty, which early pri- I vations and sorrows had almost withered in the bud, bloomed again as if by magic. It was a pleasure to see the radiant girl, a I, slender little person, but with perfect curves of outline, the bust full, the throat of admi- rable softness, and the little head—oh, that dainty littlo head was like an artist's thought! Like a golden wave, the curling hair, which she wore unbound and floating, rippled down her shoulders; her eyes laughed with the colour of the clear heavens under arching, delicate eyebrows that were Vlack against the whiteness of her forehead and gave a rssolute expression to her beau- tiful countenance. Her small, rosy BMS$th was always smiling it was a languid smile and tinged with an expression of melancholy or bitterness. Now, after having sketched Annella's graceful figure, it seems strange not to be able to give it a background of bright colours. We know how much a brilliant setting adds to a gem, and certainly the Countess Giummi's beauty gained greatly by the luxury and richness of her dress and surroundings. A fashionable dressmaker, an artist in his line, dressed her with Parisian taste a skilful young woman, who was maid and confidante together, combed the wealth of her dark hair that touched the floor and adapted to her shapely person stuffs, colours, flowers, and jewels. From their hands the countess issued a true goddess of love, and her shrine gleaming with silks, marbles, silver, and crystal increased the enchantment and rendered her marvellous to the eyes of the visitors. Poor Annella So simple in her little muslin gown so timid in that rich house, not her own, how could she contend for the palm with that superb queen ? And it is no new thing that the bright rays of the motn I dim the placid light of the quiet stars. So the hundred gentlemen that flocked into those gilded rooms had eyes only for the beautiful countess, and if they deigned to bestow a passing word or look on the timid girl, that was merely an act of homage to the reigning lady, homage that showed their admiration for her charity to a dependent. They all knew, and from her own mouth, I too, the countess had taken the forsaken orphan to this beautiful home and changed her sorrow to happiness. But was Annella. really happy P Her young heart thirsted for love. In her childhood she had been the one treasure of her poor mether, and though she r C, had often lacked bread, air, and suu- light, caresses were never wanting. She knew the sweetness of a kiss into which is transfused all a loving soul; she knew the dual life, the breath Jt14;1ri with another breath from a breast palpitating with tenderness. Yes, her mother's love had taught her all these things, and taught them to her in poverty. Then came fine times, abundance of everything, new amuse ments every day and every hour, noisy gaieties and the luxury of carriages and dinners. But, strange to say, amid all this laughter of life, her heart was narrowed, closed. She, indeed, no longer suffered from hunger, cold, or fear of worse misfortunes, but henceforth she had no one to love her, not a simple object to call forth her own love, though she felt an overpowering need to bestow on someone all her warm, impas- sioned soul. At first she had tried for this exchange of affection with her cousin, the magnificent countess. Alas! she had found her kind, courteous, generous, but frivolous, full of herself and her attractions, and incapable not only of feeling love, but even of com- prehending it. Discomfited, Annella had looked about her, and amid that array of faces, coats, and decorations that made a circle around her beautiful cousin, she had sought and sought. An odd girl! She had actually found those polished gentlemen empty and unsympa- thetic, although finely clad and unexcep- tionable from top to toe. How could she have dared to raise even her thoughts to the heights on which they moved ? Which of them would have deigned to descend to her, a poor little orphan, sheltered by the pity of her cousin ? Thus set apart and averse to all flat- teries she led her own life, amid the festivities and the constant noise and confu- sion of the house. But one evening she discovered among the crowd a newcomer—blonde and hand- some like herself, and, like herself, sad, timid, and embarrassed. At once a secret sympathy attracted her towards young Mario. It seemed to her that she might be able to comfort him with her words, for surely he cherished a deep sorrow in his heart, since his fine face never brightened with lively colour, and his eyes often glis- tened as if with restrained tears. He welcomed sympathy so eagerly that it appeared as if be sought her, as if he came solely for her sake. And they soon talked I freely together. After their first meeting, which was full of embarrassment to both of them, they passed all the reception evenings of the splendid countess together. Annella always awaited him with indescribable emotion, and when she saw him appear- ing in the doorway, diffident and shy all her life was concentrated ia her heart that beat, beat as if it wsuld burst its bonds. Then, with studied caselessness, he wandered" through the rooms until he succeeded in I am listening to yon. placing himself at her side, whence he did not stir until the last guests were about to leave. Mario told the story of his life—his poor life of discomfort and isolation. He :too, was an orphan brought up by strangers who had speculated upon his talent. By force of study and effort he had at last made for him- self a position that had enabled him to de-! mand his liberty in exchange fer a monthly payment. Never, poor soul, had he tastftd the sweetness of mutual love. Annella in her secret heart rejoioed it aIIJ this. For would it not be her privilege to give him the delights that he had never ex- perienced, her task to make him forget the bitterness of so many years, and to reward him for all his sufferings ? At night how many dreams of this kind peopled the virginal little room of the young girl, and in fancy she saw herself already an adored wife, clasped to the gentle and noble breast of her beloved Mario. One thing, however, preoccupied her mind. When she met Mario for the first time a cloud of sadness had veiled his attractive countenance, a sadness behind which she had perceived a deeply wounded heart. Of that wound Mario bad never spoken to her, but the cloud had not passed away, notwith- standing the love that Annella breathed towards him from her eyes, her smile, her entire personality. And then, too, she would have wished-indeed, she expected it every evening, and always vainly-the final outburst of Mario's love. He loved her— eh, she was sure of that—but why did he not tell her se ? Of course, natural timidity —the fear of troubling her simple life. He was so noble, her Mario But finally he must explain himself. Oh! and she would not. stammer in giving him a favourable answer such a yes would escape her lips-and then that mutual joy, what warmth in their future talks. Then she would be obliged to tell it to her cousin, and the kind ceuntess would willingly consent. But why did he not speak to her. One evening when they were alone in the shadow of the little yellow drawing-room Mario suddenly let himself go, seized her trembling hand, and murmured to her, I will-I must speak to you-at last! And Annella, bending her fair head and almost suffocated with emotion, replied, I am listening to you Dear Annella," Mario began, have you never asked yourself why I first came to this house ?" .t How should I ? Chance, perhaps," mur- inured Annella, hardly able to contain her joy, while her heart cried out the answer, For me, for me alone!" It was not a chance no—I came here conquered, led by passion alone. I loved and was wild with pain before I set foot [ mside the house." declared Mario. -■ j Annella trembled, not daring to interrupt him, but she would have liked to fling herself upon his neck without letting him finish and to say to him amid a world of kisses, Here is joy for you! But he continued, I loved, and to-day I love more than then I suffered, and to-day I suffer more than ever." The girl started and looked, wild-eyed, at his face. Why did he speak of suffering ? Had he not understood her great love ? Or was the feigning, perhaps, in order to hear her confess it ? "Dear girl," and here Marie caressed her hand, you indeed have comforted me, you have helped me to bear my g ief, but new my anguish has reached the last degree- I know that my love will never be returned." No, no, you mistake 1" Annella involun- tarily interrupted, bending towards him. I mistake! he exclaimed, with hope beaming in his glance. Why do you say so ? Do you know who it is that I love ? And Annella, shame-faced and confused, stammered, I imagine." Well," continued Mario, bitterly, if you knew who I love you will have seen for some time that she not only does not even dream of this tempest, in my soul, but she would never imagine that one so low would dare to lift his eyes to her." What ? Was he going mad ? Why did he talk of descending ? Aud the girl, pro- foundly troubled, asked him quickly, She ? Who ?" "Your cousin, the countess, of course." Do you love her? Her?" And Annella could say no more. She felt a chill like ice through her veins—a ringing in her ears. She saw sparks, shadows, before her eyes, tlwn nothing. When she came to herself she was upon I her bed, with the beautiful countess bending a little uneasily over her. Ob, what was the matter?" asked the Countess; "have you quarrelled this even- i 0 ()" P" "With whom ?" said Annella, not yet quite herself. With Mario, with your impassioned Mario, who, I hope, will decide to ask me for your hand. "Ah!" exclaimed the poor girl, "Mario loves only you." Me 1" replied the Countess, with a haughty mien. What a stupid man And: she went to the mirror to arrange the cor- sage of the scarlet gown that set off the marble whiteness of her perfect shoulders. Annella buried her face in the pillow, an4 drenched it with scalding tears.—From tha Italian of Erminia Bazzocchi, for Shorfc Stories," by E. Cavazza.

FLOWER SHOW AT ABERGWILI. There is an old tradition attributed to Merlin to the effect that when Carmarthen i will have crumbled into ruins and been quite forgotten its place shall be taken by Abergwili. In one respect the prophecy is in a fair way ùf i being realised already. The Carmarthen! Horticultural Show has been relegated to tha limbo of discontinued event*, and a very flourish- ing exhibition of a similar character has been established at Abergwili. The second annual exhibition on Thursday was a great improve- ment on its predecessor, lioth as regards the number and quality of the exhibits. By the per- mission of the Lord Bishop of St. Pavid's. the show was held within the Palace wounds--a. kindness on the part of his lordship greatly appreciated, not only by the committee, but by the visitors. A pleasant selection of musio was rendered by the Carmarthen Company of the 1st V.B. the Welsh Regiment. The lion, secretary was Mr. R. Heard Davies. schoolmaster, Abergwili: and the judges were -Flowers, fruit, and vegetables: Mr. Coysh. Mount Hill Nurseries Mr. Keight-ly, gardener to the Bishop of St. David's: and Air. Rice, gardener at Castle Pigyn. Farm produce: Mr. ■ •1. (iriffiths, Llvrynpiod, and Mr. R. Footman, Hafodwen. Live poultry: P. S. Harries, Car- marthen. Dmc poultry: Mr. W. Evans, fish- monger and poulterer. Ca,rJ\1:t,rt.1Hm.

-1 A DEMOT?AI/T'M") STOMACH is another name for Dyspepsia.—Wlirn this disenpp prevail* digestion gee* rn slowly and irregularly. This misht easily be remedied hy a ooijife of Gwilvni Evans's Q<1ml1l8 3146 I Iliwn ■npqiE— mt WWW* > ■ 'FIWI SIM' Printed hv thp Proprietors, Daniel Owen and Co. fl.imiled). and published by them at their work*, Tudor-ro*d, Cardiff; It office*, Cattle Bailev- atreet, Svrineoa; at the shon of Mr. Wesley Wil- liam*. Bridgend—all in the Conntv of Glamorgan; at the "Western Mail" Offices, Newportst the •hop of Mr. ,T. P. Oaffrey, Monmouth, both in tbe County of Monmouth and at the shop of Mr. 0. UitTiM, ManeUy. in the County of Carmarthen. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 1894.