Evening Express

EXPLOSION ON A CARDIFF- LADEN STEAMER. The steamer Suppioich, of South Shields, ith 2,000 tons of coal from Cardiff to af? ot1, Ca^^<l off Penzance on Saturday «rnoon and re[>arted that an explosion of ai K;us ha<j occurred, by whioh the mate as seriously burnt and three other men but not severely. The steamer left ardiiff on (Friday, encountering heavy eather. Upon the mate, a South Shields ,i au. going into the hold with a lighted ^dp, an explosion immediately followed, ^nung all his clothes off and severely injur- 8 his face and hands. He has been oon- •VM to the West Cornwall Infirmary. SlJPPOSED LOSS OF A FRENCH T STEAMER. JJiE CREW OF THIRTEEN MISSING. The French steamer Romeo, of Paris, for T> P°rt with 600 tons of coal v -Rouen on the 17th inst., has not since 0 en, heard of, and ae she is seven days erdiue it is feared that the ill-fated it £ amer nnd crew of thirteen hands, belong- Rouen, has been lost in the gale of lowing day. The Romeo had been Cra'UJl'^ between Llanelly and Rouen for S6veral months.

LEWIS SCHOOL GELLIGAER. The following is a list of boya from the abeve ^chool who hare passed the College of Precep- °rs' examination held in December last:— FIRST CLASS. Thomas Price, Rhymney. SECOND CLASS. FIRST DIVISION. A. 1. Timothy, Ton Ystrad, T. B. Davies, Rhymney. L. A. Williams, Rhymuey. SECOND DIVISION. R. Percival Jones, Gelligaer. E. Jones Rhys, Hengoed. Collwyn David, Nantymoel. Ithel Jones, Aberdare. D. Llewellyn, Tynewydd, Ogmore. THIRI> DIVISION. E. D. Evans, Toff's Well. Harold John, Gilfach-fargoed. THIRD CLASS. FIRST DIVISION. Clifford Phillips, Catbedine. A. J. Prosser, Treharris. David Evans, BrynmawT. H. H. Evans, Bargoed. G. D. Watkins, Brynmawr. D. Rees, Aber,lare. D. E. Thomas, Deri. J. H. Harvey, Cowbridge. J. Jones, Brynmawr. E. R. W. Bull, Ystvadmynach. A. E. Jones, Henffoed. W. I. Evans, Dowlais. SECOND DIVISION. Fred. L. Evans, Brynmawr. J. L. Roberts, Ebbw Val°. J. Jones, Tredegar. G. Christopher," Cwmdu. C. W. Thomas, Rhymney. T. R. Jenkins, Abercam. T. G. Bilney, Deri. W. S. Lewis, Crumlin. W. L. Howe, Fleur-de-Lis. J. C. Lewis, Pontlottyn. T. Timothy. Ton, Ystrad. THIRD DIVISION. Basil N. Jones, Whitchurch. W. J. Jones, Bargoed. E. T. Radcliffe, Saint Well. T. F. Greening, Pontlottyn. T. Perry, Pontypridd. C. 0, Thomas, Blaina. T. H. Richards, Cardiff. R ^jver Long, of Bryn, Pontllanfraith, obtained Pcciai certificates (awarded only to candidates "o obtain not less than three-feurths of the ^xunum of marks assigned to any first-class l in mechanics, Euclid, and chemistry, P^ced first of all England in mechanics, 11 bracketed sanond in Euclid*

lartar Appeai to Japan- ANXIOUS TO AYENGE CHI- NESE ATROCITIES. An Offer of Over Sixty Thousand Troops to Aid the Mikado's Soldiers in Their Attack on Mukden. A Router's telegram from Yohoha-ina says :— An offioial dispatch from General Nodzu reports that a Tartar, named Lukor Ariskang, from the borders of Kirin, the eastern province of Man- churia, has arrived at the camp of the fifth division, and denounced the ravages and depre- dations committed by the Chinese. He offered the services of 60,000 men to join the Japanese in attacking Mukden, and avenging the cruel- ties of the Chinese. The man was kindly treated and given his travelling expenses, but his services were refused. He was, however, instructed to report upon the enemy's condition. The dispatch adds that many petitions from t.he natives near Liao Yang have also been received at Haicheng asking for a speedy Japanese occu- pation. The Chinese dead at Port Arthur were removed from their temporary burial places on the 18th inst., and cremated, the remains being subsequently buried afresh after an elabo- rate funeral, conducted by the Japanese and Chinese priests. The latest dispatch received from the staff of the first army reports no change in the position at Haicheng. The Chinese force near Newchwang numbers 10,000 men. BRILLIANT TACTICS BY THE JAPS. A Central News telegram, dated Satur- day, says:—General Nodzu's official despatches describing the fighting on Tues- day last were received last night. He says that from the movement of the Chinese forces he anticipated a renewal of the attack from the direction of Liao-Yang. Accord- • ingly, he arranged the defences of the third I division of his force so that the enemy would be compelled to come within a distanoe of 600 metres if they intended to deliver an j1 attack. Meantime, the 5th Japanese In- fantry Brigade, with three batteries of artil- 5 lerv, was placed in ambush on the Chinese left. with orders to attack when the Chinese l were fully engaged. The movement was entirely successful. The Chinese advanced and attacked the Japanese lines in full strength, and. while the fire was brisk on both sides, the brigade in ambush made a sudden onslaught upon the Chinese right flank. The enemy, completely surprised, were thrown into the greatest confusion, and tied in disorder. The brigade on the Japanese right was then ordered to charge, and the Chinese, finding themselves between two fires, were stricken with panic, abandon- ing everything in their flight. They ran in a north-easterly direction, and the pursuit was kept up for some time. Several pri- soners were afterwards brought in. They state that the campaign in Manchuria is being conducted by the Tartar Generals Chang and Sliung. The whole Chinese force operating from Liao-Yang, they say, exceeds 12.000 men. The Japanese losses j in the fighting amounted to 29 wounded. I The enemy's losses are unknown, but over 100 corpses were found on the field inime- diatelv in front of the Japanese lines. THE INVESTMENT OF WAI-HAI-WEI. t A Central News telegram from Chefoo on Sunday says:—Authentic news reached here to-day from Wei-Hai-Wea that the Japanese are steadily advancing overland from Sliantung Bay, and drawing their cordon round the Chinese stronghold. The place will be closely invested by the end of this week. There has been no serious fighting yet, and only some minor skir- mishing. There are now twenty Japanese war- ships, nineteen transports, and twenty Japanese torpedo boats in Sliantung Bay. The expedi- tionary force ha.s landed, all the heavy guns and ammunition. Forage, food, and other neces- saries are still beiilg brought ashore. The British and German flagships are in Shantung Bay, as well as many other European and American warships. The operations are closely watched, and the methodical movements and perfect organisation of the Japanese forces are liigldy commented upon. An official notifica- tion has been received here stating that the Japanese intend advancing upon Chefoo, and will surround the settlement. It is not stated that they intend occupying the city. Probably, they will occupy the hills at the back of the city to prevent any possible sortie of a. native force and an attack upon their lines of commu- nication. Thirteen foreign warships are at pre- sent anchored off the port. There is much excitement in the European quarter, but no alarm is felt.

CASIMIR-PERIER. TO PUBLISH A SENSATIONAL BROCHURE SOON. A Renter's telegram from Paris says:—The "Estafette" announces that M. Casimer Perier intends to publish in the near future a sensa- tional brochure, entitled "Six Months of Presi- dency. In it, the journal says, the late Pre- sident will relate the history of his captivity a tthe Elyeee, the role of victim to which he found himself condemned, the conflicts of each day, and the snares into which he narrowly escaped falling. The work will probably be published in the coming spring.

COLUMBIA REVOLT. DISPATCHES SAY IT IS NOT A SERIOUS ONE. A Central News telegram from New York says:—Messrs. Flint and Co. have received -telegraphic advices stating that the ^volt in Colombia is not of a serious c-iiaranter. rI IK re has only been one minor uprising. The Government troops in the district are quite sufficient to quell it. There is no dangt-r e*thor to life or property in the State

A DURHAM MYSTERY. MUTILATED BODY OF A WOMAN FOUND. Isabella Cur they, a married woman, who had been missing for some days, was found dead, with her throat cut, on Saturday in an outhouse attached to her dwelling, at Murton Colliery Company, Durham. It is believed that she was murdered, for her injuries were of a shocking character, the head being nearly severed from the body. a.. L.

A BODY WASHED ASHORE. THE DROWNING OF NEWPORT BOATMEN. The body of one of the miesing Newport boatmen, that of Edward Arr, who resided at 31, Robert-street, Pill, was discovered on Saturday lying on the sand at the mouth of the river by a labourer, named Wm. Waggett. The body was conveyed by boat to the Alex- andra Dock, and subsequently taken to de- ceased's home. It will be remembered that on Sunday, the 20th inst., Arr, in company with a man named Thomas Salter, of Potter-street, v ent down to the river mouth to a spot known as West Point to meet a steamer which was to go into dry dock. They left about eight o'clock, and exacted to be back about mid- night. Their boat, which belonged to Arr, was named the Teaser. The weather at the time was very rough, and it is feared that the boat copeized oif the point during a, ajge of wind. Nothing was heard of the men or the boat until the body of Arr was discovered on Saturday. The captain and crew of the steamer heard of saw nothing of them. Arr leaves a widow and six children. Nothing has been heard of Salter, but there is little doubt but what he also has been (lrowned. He was mar- ried, and leaves several children. An inquest will be held.

BALFOUR'S VICTIMS. REPOliT OF THE LIBERATOR RELIEF FUND. The second annual report of the Liberator Relief Fund bus been issued with n balance, of £ 3,397 from last account. The receipts were brought up to £ 15,345, temporary grants have taken £ 3,399, and grants to annuitants £ 2,769. An investment fo £ 5,000 in Consols has been made towards a permanent provision for aged sufferers. After paying expenses, tITe sum of £ 3,937 is armed forward. Altogether 4-,975 giants have been made, and 2,472 cases are on .the books,

A Sad, Solemn Cortege. LORD RANDOLPH BORNE TO REST. The Pre-.s A«?ostataon telegraphs:—The remains of the hite Lord Randolph Churchill were on Monday morning removed from Grosvenor-square to Paddington for convey- ance to Bladon Church, Woodstock, where the interment takes places this Monday after- lIoon. Long before nine o'clock, in spite of thp wintry weather, a crowd assembled in the square, and when the floral laden coffin appeared at the door all reverently uncovered. Notwithstanding that snow was falling heavily at the time. At the head of the coffin were wreaths from Lady Randolph Churchill and the Dowager Duchess of Marlborough, in the centre the one from the two sons, and at the foot one from Mr. Leslie, Mrs. Jerome, and Mrs. Frewin. By the panel at the foot of the coffin depended the offering of the rince of Wales, composed of lilies. On the right side of the coffin were wreaths from Lords Rosebery and Walden and deceased's valet, and on the other side were floral tri- butes from Lord Curzon, Captain Wilson, and Sir F. Milner. A glass panelled coaoh drawn by four black horses left the house at 9.15. The cortege conveying! the chief mourners consisted of six carriages, in the first of which were Lady Randolph Churchill, Lady Curzon, Mr. Winston Churchill, and Mr. John Churchill. The Duke of Marlborough and Lord Curzon were in the second vehicle, and Lord Tweedmouth and Lord De Ramesy in the third. Then followed in the other carriages Captain Wilson and Mr. J. Lespie. Dr. Keith, the Rev. Edgar Sheppard, Sub- Dean of the Chapel Royal, Mr. Walden, and Mr. Speading (the Duke of Portland's steward. Carriages sent by the Baroness Burdett-Coutts, Colonel Howard Vincent, and others, joined the cortege on the wayt o Pad- dington, which was entered at the eastern approach. The sad procession was accom- panied by a large number of pedestrians, and at the Marble Arch and other points large crowds assembled to witness the passing of the funeral. At Paddington the large crowd which gathered had to be regulated by a force of police. The departure platform was kept private, except to friends of Lord Randolph. Mr. Fardell and Mr. Burnett attended on behalf of the Paddington Conservative Asso- ciation, and the large bridge spanning the station and other platforms were densely packed with persons anxious to catch sight of the coffin. The special train conveying the coffin and mourners to Woodstock left the station at ten o'clock, all persons present meanwhile respectfully uncovering. HIS VIEWS ON DEBATING SOCIETIES. Tie late statesman held very pronounced views on the educational value of debating societies, as well be seen from the subjoined letter, sent by him some years ago to Mr. I'.bert Bridcut, in response to an invitation to visit Leamington in connection with a dinner given by the local Conserva.tives: — 2, Connauglit-place, W., April 25 th, 1884. Dear Mz-. Bridcut,— I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd inst. I regrjt that it will not be in my power, on acount, of other engagements, to attend a dinner on the 15t,h of May of the Conservative party in the Leamington Parliamentary Debating Society. There is a. deplorable disposition in some quarters-particularly amongst the Radical party-- to ridicule and despise the debating societies which have been established in great numliprs all over the country recently. It is a most remarkable fact, that all societies or institutions or machinery having for their object the encouragement of free discussion of political, commercial, and industrial questions, inva- riably meet with every kind of oppositon from the Hadcal party, and this indubitable fact leads me to the conclusion that free discussion is altogether in- compatible with the existence of a powerful Radical party in this country. On this ground alone, there- fore, it would be a pleasure to me to do anything that might lie in my power to assist Parliamentary debating societies. I a.m, however, convinced that such societies cannot but be most beneficial to the interests of the nation. They rouse and sustain a healthy interest in public affairs, they promote the diffusion of sound and accurate political informa- tion, they materially assist in the formation of a wise and deliberate public opinion, and they foster amongst our people that love of Parliamentary in- stitutions and representative government which for many centuries past has been the pre-eminent pecu- liarity of England, the model and envy and the ad- miration of the civilised world, and the chief bul- wark of British liberty. Believe me, verv truly vours, RANDOLPH S. CHURCHILL. Robert Bridcut, Esq.

DEATH OF M. DE GIERS. A WELL KNOWN RUSSIAN MINISTER GONE. M. de Giers, the well-known statesman and Foreign Minister, died on Saturday night. He had been in failing health for some time, and, as he was 75 years of age, the chances of his rallying were remote. A Reuter's telegram, received on Sunday morning from St. Petersburg, briefly announced the death. Nicholas Carlovitch de Giers was born in 1820. He came of a Swedish family, which had settled in Finland. During the troublous times of 1848 he was, in a diplomatic capacity, on the staff of General Luyders with an army in Transylvania, for his services in connection with which he obtained his first decoration— the Order ot St, Stanislaus. In 1850 he was First Secretary to the Russian Embassy at Constantinople, and the following year was appointed Director of Chancery m Moldavia and Wallachia. During the Crimean War he was in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in 1E56 was made a Councillor of State. He was Russian Minister at Teheran (1863-69), at Berne (1869-70), and then at Stockholm. In 1875 the post of "Adjunct to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Director of the Asiatic Department" was created for him, and in 1876 M. de Giers presided at the Foreign Office, piloting, with no inconsiderable skill, the Muscovite Empire throagh its complicated rela- tions with other European countries. Though greatly enfeebled, his advice and counsel were able adjuncts to the Romanoff dynasty, and, next to Prince Bismarck—his senior in age by five years—M. de Giers might indubitably be styled the Nestor of European politics. He has often been credited, as all diplomatists must be, with ambitious and sinister schemes; but it is reasonable for his friends to claim that he. with his Imperial master, the late Emperor, worked in the interests of peace, and his death, in the complexities of the Russian Empire as at present placed, is undoubtedly a severe loss to his country.

MANSION ABLAZE. FIREMEN INJURED BY THE ROOF FALLING. On Sunday night a destructive fire occurred at the mansion known as Oakwood, Chisle- hurst, now undergoing repairs, and formerly occupied by Mr. Medley, ex-M.P. By the fall of a portion of the roof a iretnon, named Pearoe, was partially buried, and, when rescued, was found to have sustained a dislo- cation of the collar-bone, besides other inju- ries. The origin of the fire is unknown.

ROSEliERY AT CARI) IFF. AN AMUSING STORY OF A POLICE MAN'S ERROR. The "Globe" says:—There vrill be a good deal of curiosity as to who m the member of Parliament of whom an amusing story is told by the "Speaker." He is evidently a Glad- etcnite, and is desoribed as being one of ihe most distinguished of the party. IThe story is that he was in the station at Cardiff when Lcrd Rosebery arrivyd, and remained after the Prime Minister's departure. To him approached, with an air of extreme deference, as one who advances into the presence of the really great, a local policeman, who thus addressed him, "May I a^k you, sir, if you are the valet of Lord Rosebery ?" On being informed tha.t the person to whom he spoke was not entitled to claim this honour, the police-constable retired with that air of disgust which well befits one who has been so far deluded as to mistake an ordinary ricital for a person of real distinction.

THE EDINBIRGHS. ANOTHER APPROACHING ROYAL MARRIAGE. We are informed on good authority that a marriage is contemplated between his Royal Highness Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, only son of their Royal and Imperial Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Saxe- Coburg and Gotha, and grandson of her Majesty, and her Royal Highness the Duchess Eisa j\'l at-ilda Mariij. of Wurtemberg, elder twin-daughter of the late Duke WiUiam Eugene of Wurtemberg by his marriage with the Grand Duchess Ycra of Russia. She was born at Stuttgart in 1876. Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg, who is a lieutenant, in the German Army, oomes of age in October next. ¡"">

At ten o'clock on Saturday morning Mary Pui n, aged. 59, residing at 50, Milton-street, Roath. was walking on the pavement iu Castle- road, when she slipped on the snow, and, fall- ing, fractured her right leg in three places. She was taken to ths infirmary, ard was detailed there. —•

Scotland v. Waies. The morning opened somewhat dull in Edin- burgh. and, with a keen frost still prevailing, the opinion, even before the ground was visited was freely held that there was a decided ques- tion as to whether the match would, after all, be played. The opinion of those members of the Welsh committee who visited the ground was decidedly against playing :t. Probabiy they had in mind the crushing defeat sustained at Birkenhead last year, when the hard condition of the ground suited the wearers of the rose infinitely better than it did I the wearers of the leek. Gould, when viewing the ground, distinctly stated that the 25 or 20 ya.rds near the bottom goal-post was unfit for play, and he, on behalf of his team, ob- jected to performing on it. His suggestion that the goal-posts should be iiioi,ed fifteen yards nearer to each other, so as to avoid play on lifts patch, Was at the time "pooh-poohed," but when Mr. Hoimes, in company with Messrs. M'Lagan and Lyne, visited the ground, and expressed the same opinion, the Scotsmen, rather than give up the match, decided to do this. The other part of the field with the exception of one or two hard lumps, was quite fit for play, although outside the touch lines and the goal lines the gyound was as hard as adamant. Iiiteretst- in the match was very general in Scotland's capital, and at an early hour a. constant stream of spectators began to make their way towards Raeburn-place enclosure. The space around the field of play was soon filled up by the crowd, and then, about half an hour before the match commenced, the grand stands, specially erected for the occasion began to fill. What opinions could be gathered from the crowd all pointed to the fact that they considered Scotland, with her present te:111, had a very big chance of winning. Possibly the wish was father to the thought, for they, doubtless, had in mind the two defeats Wales had inflicted on them at Newport and on the scene of the present encounter. The idea of the shortened ground was commented on somewhat adversely by the players, who suggested that a good goal dropped might easily win the match. There was no change in the composition of either team, the men turning out exactly as advertised. Scotland: Back, A. R. Smith (Oxford Uni- versity) three-quarter backs, *J. J. Gowans (London Scottish), t". T. Campbell (London Scottish), *W. Neilson (London Scottish), and R. Welsh (Edinburgh W atsonians): half- backs, *J W. Simpson (Edinburgh Royal High School) and M. Elliot (Hawick); for- wards, *W. B. Cownie (Watsomaiis), H. Ü. Smith (Watsonians), *G. T. Neilson (West of Scotland), *W. Gibson (Royal High School), *W. M'Ewan (Edinburgh Academicals), J. Dods (Edinburgh Academicals), *R. G. M-Miilan (London Scottish), and 'T. Scott (Hawick). Wales: Back, *W. J. Bancroft (Swansea); three-quarter backs, Evan JJoyd (Llanellv). *A. J. Gould (Newnort), *0. Badger (Llan- elly), and *T. W. Pearson (Cardiff); half- backs^ *F. C. Parfit.t, (Newport) and *S. Biggs (Cardiff): forwards, *T. C. Graham (New- port), *A. W. Boucher (Newport), T. Pook (Newport), *H. Packer (Newport), *J. Hannan (Newport), *F. Milk (Cardiff), *C. B. Nichol (LlaneJly), and E. George (Ponty- pridd). PLAN OF THE FIELD. SCOTLAND. 1 A. R. Snuth (back) f II i J. Gowans R. Welsh W. Neilson G Campbell I (tbree-quarter backs) RJ1 M. Elliot J. W. Simpson 'g (halfbacks) i| 3 I J £ R* W. *Dr. G. T. w McMillau McEwan W. Cownie Neilson w McMillau McEwan W. Cownie Neilson I W.*b. J! H. F. I Gibson H. Dods O. Smith M. Scott l (forwards) o f (forwards) I C.*B. J. T. T.*C. Nichol. Hanflan. Pook. Graham. E. F. H. A. W. l w bi I George. Mills, Packer. Boncher. S d 33 2" £ (half-backs) ( 3 J F. C. Parfitt. S. Biggs. ? (three-quarter backs) E, A. J. O* T. W. l.Lloyd. Gould. Badger. Pearson J (back) W. J. Bancroft. • I WALES. DETAILS OF THE PLAY. It was some tweny minutes past the adver- tised time when, a.fter the usual photograph- ing process, the teams took the field. There would then be present about 8,000 spectators. The sun was shining brightly, but the frcst was still keen, and every moment saw the ground getting harder. Gould led his men on to the field first, and received a hearty cheer. Gibson followed at the head of his men directly afterwards, the Scotch also receiving an en- thusiastic reception. The Scotsmen winning the toss, chose to play from the town end, with a slig-ht breeze in their favour. Boucher started operations for .Wales, and. from the Scotch return, Evan Lloyd returned to touch nearly at the centra A line out at this spot saw E. Lloyd obtain possession. He attempted to punt back, but the Scotch forwards got right on top of him and com- menced a loose rush, which took them clean down to within half a dozen yards of the Welsh line before they were checked. A punt back saw Gowans make his mark on the touch line and the ball was placed for Neil- son, who, however, made a very poor attempt at goal, and Bancroft cleared to touch on the far side of the ground. Scrimmaging was then commenced in the centre. From the first pack the Scotch forwards held* the advantage and Bancroft had to save at a very critical moment. Pea,rson punted into M'Ewan's hands, who got very close to the Welsh line before Ijcing pulled down just outside the goal line. Scrim- maging was again commenced. Elliot made one big dash-iii fact, got over—but for some uresfularity was called back. Play was still confined to the Welsh quarters, and, try as they would, the visitors could not cicar t-heir line. The Scotch forwards were going great guns, and time after time initiated attacks, which only the most desperate tackling cm the part of the Y Pish kept under. The Welsh front line came through a scrimmage, and managed to get to outside their 25. The home forwards, however, almost immediately afterwards took play back to its old position close on the Welsh line. Up to the present no attempt attenued with a.ny degree of success had been made by the forwards on either side to send out to the three-quarter line. Once Elliot tried it for Scotland, but the ball never started fairly on its journey. A few yards at a time the Welshmen managed to work away from the line until the centre was reached. Then Simpson started his back line, but some smart tackling by Evan Lloyd stopped them at a critical moment. Out of a loose scramble that followed the for- wards, headed by Hannan, brought play up to the centre. The first scrimmage formed at this spot again eaw the Scottish eight gain an advantage and attempt to start their backs. The attack, however, was nipped in the bud, and play taken to the far side of the field. Pear- son, with a useful kick ir.to touch, for the first time during the progress of the game, moved play into the Scottish half. The ball was, how- ever, driven back by the home forwards for a minute, only, however, to see the Welsh for- wa.rds come to the attack, and scrim- maging was next commenced close up to the home quarter flag. How dangerous the Scotch recognised the Welsh thiru line to be wa.s shown from the fact that both the Scotch centres were standing off- side waiting to intercept the Welsh passing. Once Biggs did get the ball out. but it never had a fair chance of starting on its journey. Scrummaarincr was still in the Scotch half, the Welshmen varying their tactics, alternately heeling out and wheeling. On one occasion Graham and Nichol came round and com- menced a dribble which was only stopped when within half a dozen yards of thp Scotch line. They were pegging very hard at it in this position for several minutes. Then a free to Scotland drove play back to the centre of the field, from where the Scottish forwards drove it down to within a dozen yards of the Welsh tfoal line. Here Elliot, started some passing, which was intercepted by Parfitt. and he succeeded in travelling nearly to the centre, where he sent Hie ball to the three-quarter line. It was fumbled, however, and the attack finished when the half-way line had been readied. At the centre of the field play was stopped for a couple of minutes through Parfitt being hurt. In fact, he had to be taken off the field and play continued without hi to. This necessitated a re-arrangement of the Welsh team. Boucher came out of the pack to centre three-quarter, Badger going on the wing, while Lloyd partnered Biggs behind the scrum. Adoptihg rushing tactics, the Scotch pack immediately took play to the Welsh line, but from the first scrimmage the Welshmen, headed iff Graham, -acker, and JViills, travelled up the field and were well over_ the half-way tine before they n ere stopped. Scrimmaging again followed, which was a bit in favour of the Scotsmen, and yard by yard they travelled down the right touch line e. until well inside the Welsh 25. A wheel at this spot was not so cleverly executed as the Welshmen desired, and they gained little or nothing by it. Then, trom the touch-line, play went right. across to the centre of the field directly opposite, and about ten yards out from the Welsh goal posts. From the next scrimmage Scotland got the ball, but Lioyd and Biggs were round too quick for the home halves, and, gaining possession, re- lieved their slue by ng play to the centre. Then play slackened down a bit, and just out- side the Welsh 25 some hard but dull scrimmages were) fought out. Eventually Ediot get possession. and punted over the Welsh line, Bancroft con- ceding a minor. From the -rop-out ISmith re- turned in fine style to well over the half-way line, from where the Scotch forwards, with some smart footwork, a.gain rushed play to the Wei mi 25. Here they attacked vigorously, and eventually the ball was again sent over by the forwards, but Bancroft managed to kick dead, conceding a second minor. After the drop-out play went to the centre of the field, where, after Pearscm had returned to touch, Dods made his mark exactly on the centre line, and the baJl was placed for Scott. A premature charge on the part of the Welsh- men resulted in "No charge" being sounded, but a little irregularity on the Scotch side did not escape the eyes of Arthur Gould, who ml- mediately claimed the advantage, and the Welsh forwards, rusii.ng up, took play into the Scotch half, where half-time was called with the score reading:- SCOTLAND—2 minors. WALES—Nil. At the interval Parfitt resumed HIS place in the W e-ish team. The kick-off saw the bail go right over the Welsh goal line, a third minor being conceded. The drop-out, after the return by the Scotsmen, resulted in Wales's favour. Gould made his mark, and from his punt touch was reached, taking play to the Scotch half. A few exchanges followed, and then, in the centre of the field, Selvvyn Biggs made another mark, the ball being placed for Bancroft. His kick. however, fell short, and the return to touch on the far side left play just inside the 25. Hera there were some scrambling ex- charges, from one of which M'Millan made his IT,ark, and his kick went just over the centre line. Here Evan Lloyd nearly made a mess of it in attempting a backward kick, which sent the ball up in the air. A fine opportunity for Scotland to make their mark was missed, although the Scotch forwards rushed dangerously close to the Welsh goal line. Here several exciting scrimmages were fought out, but eventually the Welshmen got the better of it. and rushed piay down to the centre, where they were checked by the Scotch forwards. Again the Scotch took up the attack. They travelled well up the Welsh quarter line before being stopped, and there was some scrimmaging hereabouts, after which the Scotch pressed hard. Bancroft, who handled last, had his kick charged down, and Gowans, popping up from the far wing, scored the first point in the match. His try was converted by Smith. Almost imme- diately on the re-start play settled in the centre of the field. From the first scrimmage the Welsh three-quarters tried prac- tically their first bout of passing. Pearson and Gould came away in fines form on the right wing, but after Pear- son had taken a. nice pass, his throw-out to the centre saw Gould miss what looked like a score. Then piay travelled nearly to the centre. The Scotch backs got possession, and sent out a punt in their attempt to dear. The ball came to Bancroft, who just inside the half-way line took a and dropped a beautiful goal. After this play was "f a most exciting description. There was praciic^liy nothing in it, and it was "nip and t,u"-k" nil through. First the Scotch forwards made an attack, then the eilih eight would start a rush, and go right into the Scotch" half, to be driven back by some fine kicking of the home three- quarters. Then play settled in the Weish quarters, where the Scotch commeuccd a very hot attack. A good kick by Bancroft drove ve them back to near the centre, wh ?re the cish three-quarter line got into motion, ana Peai&on was sent sailing down the \Lng. t his punt over Walsh's head unfortunately went into touch. Then play became, if anything. more vigorous. Certainlv it was faster and more exciting. Time after time the Welsh line would be attacked in the most ardent fashion, but on each occasion the Welsh defence was equal to the task imposed upon them, and although they had several nar- row escapes, especially one oil the right wing, where Pearson and Bancroft had a misunder- standing. The line, however, was kept intact. Then, after a bout of mid-field plav. the Welsh forwards started the attack. They got to within half a dozen yards of the home'goal line, where a desperate struggle was made to get through. The Scotch defence, however, was quite as sound, and. although Smith had one narrow escapes of getting out. of difficulties, he just managed it. Then, from the centre, Pear- son R-ot another chance. Down the right wing he went. past Walsh and M'Ewan, like a streak of lightning. Coming to the full back. Jin r Punted across to the centre. 1 li- forwards followed up in fine stvle and a general scramble saw the ball rushed right on to the verge of the Scotch line. Desperate play on t.he part of the Scotch eight brought back to the centre, where the home team were penalised, and Gould threw the ball to Bancroft, with the admonition, "Try and drop a goal, Bancroft; you may do it." The Swansea back made a grand attempt, but it fell a bit short, and Gowans made a grand re- turn to touch in the centre. From here the Scotchmen rushed on to the Welsh line, where for a couple of minutes some desperate scrim- maging ensued. Eventually the Welsh wheeled away and then play went to the centre, where Bancroft tried another shot at goal from a mark with no results, although Smith wa-s obliged to concede a minor. A couple of minutes later time was called with the score standing:- g'oal (five points), 3 minora WALER-l dropped goal (four points), 1 minor. FEELING AT NEATH. Most Neath people who t&ke an interest in football had "fancied" Scotland, and so the result did not come altogether as a surprise. But had the Caledonians' victory been greater many would have been better satisfied. This did net arise from any want of patriotism, but from a feeling that it is terribly bard lines to be so near victory and yet to sustain defeat. Still, viewed from a proper standpoint, it is satisfac- tory that Wales did so well. And in this light the result is viewed by the majority of local football patrons. Of course, there are the usual number of wiseacres, who on Saturday eTOning pervaded the places of public entertainment. These gentlemen are each able to pick a Welsh team that would lick creation. OPINION AT SWANSEA. The news of the result of the international match was received at Swansea with a fair amount of satisfaction. Considering that the Welshmen had to do the travelling the per- formance was voted oreditable, and the circum- stance that, as usual, Bancroft, the only repre- sentative of the town, was the shining light, and notched the only score the Welshmen could achieve, made the result somewhat more grati- fying to Swansea people than possibly to othere, PRESS OPINIONS. Subjoined will be found press comments on the international game, Scotland v. Wales, played a.t Edinburgh on Saturday:- "SIX AND HALF A DOZEN." "Jonathan Oldbuck," writing in the "Athletic News," says:—It was not a brilliant game in the sense that it overflowed with sparkling iuci- dents, but it was one of the most keenly debated international contests it lias been my privilege to witness. It was largely a forward game, and the teams were six and half a dozen. In- stead of heeling out, to begin with, the. Welsh- men went in for rushing, such as England adopted with so much sucoess against the Prin- cipality a few weeks ago. This, I consider, was playing into the Scotsmen's hands, for, if there is one style of play at which they can hold their own, it is rushing, while, on the other hand, heeling is the game which bewilders them more than anyone. It was only in the second half, when the Welshmen went in for heeling, that their play was seen at its best, and it is a noto- rious tact that about the middle of this period very little would have crumbled the Scottish edifice into ruins. Bancroft has given many finished displays in Scotland, and his latest will compare favourably with any of his previous exhibitions. He had a. lot of saving to do. and his tackling powers were as keen and as subtle as ever they were. Some critics ha.ve it that his powers are Oil the decline, but I could detect no signs of decay in his general work on Satur- day. Next to H. B. Tristram. I think Bancroft is the best back that has been seen in any visit- ing team. Arthur Gould put in some, very fine head work, but he did not take the passos as well :18 I have seon him do. On two oec-a- sions he made very bad slips, but Pearson und Bancroft were there to cover his faults. In the second half he had one pretty run, Pear- son being in attendance, but he slipped—a fomturnte circumstance for Scotland, as A. R. Smith was the only one he h:vd to pass. Bad- ger was not much behind his captain; in some things the was better; for exainplo, his runs weix better executed, rliaai Gould's, naW he fielded more cleverly. Pearson got very little to dq, and I was not greatly impressed with Lloyd. Parfitt was playing wtdl before he got hurt, and even after he resumed he did same closer things, toltihough ri twas qu^te apparent lie wa.s suffering great pain. It w;u? said lie was suffering from contusion of the bnwnb hub I hope it is nothing so bad as that. Sfcpl, I a-ttvc, heard of a. pljayer who was obli views to pain while he was playing, amd after having to be removed to the infirmary. It was a spMidid example of courage—though,. perhaps, a foolhardy one—on the pa.rt at the Newport, quarter to come out the second half, afod I only hope he ,#>- Vne the icr xias lug L'tmif to xu* sitifj assistance when his help was so much required. Biggs was clever, but he got tossed about dreadfully by the Scotch forwards, who again and again brushed him aside with ridiculous ease. C. B. Nicholl, of course,, is hest known to me, and my eye caught him oftener than it. did any of the others, and you may take it from this that he was always to the front, and proved himself, what he undoubtedly is-one of the finest, if not the finest, forwards in Britain. Graham was always in the thick of the fight, and so was Hannen,, who is a wonderful man for his yeiarsi. Pook. "wEio pilajyeclinstead of Watts, was not far from being one of the best of the fonnu.dl3. MISTAKEN TACTICS. The "Athletic News" in its "En Passant Columu" says:—The evenness of the teams was demonstrated by the small ness of the score. and though the Scottish contingent had more chances than their opponents, the fact that Wales were handicapped during some ixirtion of the game by Parfitt's absence would account somewhat for this period of supe- riority. The Welshmen tried the tactics of their English opponents of three weeks ago, and endeavoured to break up the Scotsmen by strong forward rushes, but they failed to accomplish their end; and when they re- sorted to the methods generally known as the Welsh style of play they were far more suc- cessful, and very little would have turned the defeat into a victory. The Scotsmen have not quite mastered the idea of the four three- quarter system, and there was not that amount of fine open play which spectators delight to see. and which tends to show what science, skill, and combination can do against mere exhibitions of physical force and vigorous rushes. Considering the fact that the vic- tors had not had many opportunities of in- dulging in club practice for some weeks, the men performed exceptionally well. and the style in which they started quietened the anxious admirers and inspired them with hopes of ultimate success. HOW SCOTLAND WON. The "Sporting Life" says :-The first opinion v.hich one must have formed regarding the game was that for such a fastly-played match the scoring was wonderfully low. The Scotsmen, it is said, had held a council of war previous to the match, and at this conference it was decided to play like demons from the start, and this policy was strictly acted upon, and the home forwards went at it, hammer and tongs, with such effect that only prior infringements prevented Willie Gibson and George Neilson from getting tries. There is not the slightest dovht the home forwards were the chief factors in the Scotch success. Of smaller stature than their opponents, but faster on the ball than the latter, they stuck to their work like demons, though it must have been very tantalising to see many of their best efforts going for nothing, because of their mistakes bellied the scrum. Somehow or other the Welsh forwards could not take the ball away with them when the-ç screwed the mauls, and the home pack, taking every advantage of their opportunities, seldom failed to take it right, through, and the Sncotch eight, played with that determination which is bound—unless a fluke occurs—to result in success. The doubts tliat were entertained that they would not stay were negatived, for in this they bent the well-trained W elshmen. Everybody—that is t osay. every Scotsman— while delighted with his own team's success, was greatly surprised—we won't say disap- pointed—at the indifferent display of the Wels- men. The forwards played well enough, and Parfitt- and Selwyn Biggs were clever halves, but, like the Scotsmen, the three-quarters passed properly, and Bancroft, though he aga'n I .t scored a g-oal. was several times apparently chary of risking too much on th hard ground. One looked in vain for a glimpse of the fine combination which gained Wales their gloriou, victory in 1893. Bancroft was the player most, dreaded 011 the Welsh side. for the simple reason that his drop-kicking' scored agarinst Scotland in his last visit to Ednburgli. He v, as well looked after to day, and it is certain his all-round exhibition was inferor to those of the bst two years. His punting, for in- stance. had less force, though his lropping was as pretty as ever, and he found opportunity to gain the only point scored by h'-s side T. W. Pearson the best of the Wel-h thiee guarter backs, tliat is to say. tie made the fewest mistaken, and his efforts were always to most puipcse. Once in the second half, by a preity run and kick, he got a try for S' of land but two Newport forwards got in front of the ball, plaved it. and were penaii-td. A. J. Gould is failing. Not but what he did eerera1 smart things, but the crtic could .lot fail to notice several deficiencies, more especially in saving and tacking, wheh should no have been apparent in such a player. it> passing WlàS very good, and he kicked well. Badger was moderate, but Lloyd was a big failure, even hi.; kicking being poor. Parfitt and Selwyn Biggs did as well at half as could have been expected from them, the former savintr very well. Biggs -was making his 'irst appearance ir. Scotland, and created a favourable impres- sion. Forward the Newport mn more spe- cially Graham. Boucher, and Human played very well, but possibly C. B. Nichol was the pick of the pack. Mills .ilso shone in open work. DIFFICULT WHOM TO PRAISE. The "Sportsman" says: -The game was such a peculiar one that it is difficult whom to praise, for under different conditions Scotsmen recognise the fact that the result might easily be reversed. It is true that the home lot had slightly the better of the play, but this was in a greatmeasure due to the very effective punting of their back divi- sion who, instead of kicking into the open. invariably went for touch and found it. Play was principally confined to the forwards, and in this department Jack was as good as his master; indeed, we have seldom seen two packs more evenly balanced. The Welsh lot combined far better in the scrums, owing to the fact that the five Newport men kept themselves lacked together. They wheeled in beautiful style, but the agility and cleverness of the Scottish halves in saving these rushes Droved of inestimable service to Scotland, whose forwards, perhaps, were a bit smarter than their rivals in the loose; but here ag-ain the Welsh halves were also seen to advantage by pluckily dropping on the ball. Where all the front division did so well on either side, it would be unfair to single out any for individual praise. It was a. great pity that Parfitt was injured, for it un- doubtedly weakened the \N elsh team in the second half, otherwise there was very little to choose between the respective couples behind the packs. Individually the Scottish three-quarters were better than the Welsh, who. however, excelled their rivals in the combined passing tactics, and twice after some brilliant transfers, Gould narrowly escaped scoring, but he unfortunately fell at the crucial moment. Bancroft had a lot more to do than Smith, but as far as could be seen neither made a mistake and both kicked in brilliant style. Summing up the fifteens on Saturday play, they were not good in attack, but, as regards their collaring it was o fa sterling character, and Was distinctly the feature of the match. WELSH PACK SMARTEST. Says the "Morning Leader"Wales were a distinctly better side than at Swansea three weeks ago. and were to a certain extent rather unfortunate in losing, as on two occasions slipped up on the hard ground when within an aoe of scoring. On each side the front division performed splendidly, Wales being smarter in the pack. but in the loose the Scotsmen used their feet, in very clever style. The accident to Parfitt crippled the visitors considerably, and. rlthough he returned very pluckily after ten minutes' absence, he was of little service in the second half. Both Ban- croft and Smith upheld their reputations, whilst the feature of the play of the three- quarters on either side was t.heir brilliant tackling. A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING. The "Morning" says :-Apart from the loseness of the contest, the match was a little disappointing from a spectator's point of view, the play being mainly confined to the for- wards, and the ball rarely getting among the backs. The latter, consequently, had to make chances for themselves, and by far the most success was achieved 'y Gowans. who played a, fine game for Scotland, and whom, in addi- tion to scoring the try, was unlucky in not getting in a second time after the beet run of the day. Gould a,nd Bancroft defended well for Wales, and though the lattw practically goa I-e away Scotland's try he made amends by dropping a splendid goal. Gould was not in the best of luck, as once, when he looked like getting clear, lie stumbled, but, on the whole, he played up to his reputation. Elliott and Simpson made a good pair of halves, and Smitn at full back was a s\H>cess. M'Millan, II. mit-h, and -Mcho'l were the most promi- tient among the forwards. POOR BACK PLAY. The "Daily Chronicle" thinks the scxire hardly represents the true merits of the game. In the first half Scotland, with the merest bit of luck, ought to have scored two or three times: while the referee looked with an un- kindly if impartial eye on the efforts of Elliott, who twice dashed across the Welsh line, only to be called back comfortless, and without a score. The Scotch forwards, as usual, went away with a tremendous burst, and although the Welsh scrimmagers were only slightly inferior in weight they were pushed all ever the field for quite a quarter of an hour. It was not till after Go warns had scored for Scotland early in the second half that the Welsh for vards sho.ved anything like their best form. From this jjoi.nt on to the end the game was evenly a nd fiercely COD tested, the advantage swinging first to one side and I !c.n the other. The back play on both sides w.s not nearly up to expectations, and the Welsh- men, especially after their bril5ia.it play on the same ground two years ago. were very disappointing. Welsh basks, as a, rule, never shine where their forwards are beaten, and on Sati.iday the visiting backs for the most part were playing behind a, pack that only now and again held its own. Parfitt a.nd Biggs played a wenderfji}^ (food game at half-back^but were not Eufficiently supported by the men behind them. Bancroft made one grievous mistake, hie-h lost his side the match, and. although he almost atoned for it by his brilliantly-droped goal, I am afraid the little Swansea man is not so safe as he was. SCOTLAND WON ON THEIR MERITS. The "Times" devotes half a. column of its space to the match), and says: —The Scottish worked wonderfully well in the scrimmage, and it was here they gained the great advan tage which made them on the day worthy of a inore. majority than the single point difference between a goal from a try and a goal from a drop kick. Behind a win ning scrimmage, too, Siicrjon and Elliot, the half-backs, played soundly, and knowing the danger that a pass might bring to their side, <e.xeroitpd every diacmcioai in opening play. With their forwards beaten, the Welsh had not much scope for tlifct mechanical precision in passing by which their four three quarter back game was made famous. Scot land won on their merits. It had been thought that Wales had strengthened the capital side wluoh gave England such a rood match at Swansea. In an open game they would pro- bably b'nve won: but. on Soturelav the Scot- tish .forwards kept the ball tight-a policy that was not pursued in vain. The Welsh had a fine defence, in which Bancroft. Pear son, Gould, and Badger came out J1:!rticnhrly wBE: while tihe Scottish "backs tdso did ja lot of sound work. and Smith, of Oxford. was very good, in kicking. St. Andiews's Football Club (average 15) Require Away Match. February 2.—Write Gilbert, 35, Wn.id- vilie-road, Cardiff. e6293i28

KING FROST. TWELVE DEGREES REGISTERED AT CARDIFF LAST NIGHT. The severe weather of the past few days con- tinues. During Sunday night one of the most severe frosts of recent years was experienced, the thermometer registering twelve degrees. ICE BROKE. Whilst a number of persons were skating in the grounds of Boys' Hall, Wullesborough, Kent, on Sunday afternoon, the ice broke, and a man named Robinson was drowned. Severa others had narrow escapes. A HEAVY FALL. There was a heavy fall of snow in South Lin- colnshire this morning, and owing to a strong wind it has drifted considerably. The weather is bitterly cold. Skating cemmenced in Cowbi Wash this morning.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. PROPOSED VISITS TO CARDIFF IN 1898 AND 1890. A meeting of a special committee of the Cardiff Corporation was held at the Town-hall on Monday morning, the mayor Alderman Carey) presiding, for the purpose of considering letters which had been received from the Royal Agricultural Society and the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society in reply to in- vitations sent to them to visit Cardiff. The secretary of the later society stated that Cardiff could not be visited until 1898. The society re (juired a local fund of £800 to be placed to theii credit in Stuckey's Bank by August I in the year previous to the holding of the show, and a site of 35 acres in extent.—A sub-committee, consisting of the mayor and Mr. James Tucker, was appointed to see Mr. Corbett, with the view of securing the Cathays Park for the meeting.- The Royal Agricultural Society stated that the country was divided into seven districts for tb( holding of the annual shows. Cardiff was in- cluded in F district, which wa,g visited in 1892. so that the year 1900 would be about the time v hen the show could be held at the Welsh Metropolis.—The same committee was re- quested to endeavour to obtain the promise of the Cathays Park for this meeting also.

NEWPORT GUARDIANS. ALLEGED EXTRAVAGANT EXPEN- DITURE. At the weekly meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians on Saturday Mr. Charles West moved that, a committee should be appointed to inquire into the extravagant expenditure of the board, salaries of the officials, superannua- tion, vaccination fees, &c.—The Chairman asked whether it. would not be wiser to ask for an inquiry into the finances of the board, rather than to propose a vote of condemnation. It was exceedingly bad taste on Mr. West's part, but it was in the power of the board to carry an amendment. (Applause.)—The Rev. C. Ayliffe thought Mr. West should not make such a public assertion without substantiating it, and this he was unable to do.—After a discus- sion Mr. West withdrew his motion, and said he would move another resolution next Satur- day.

INCENDIARISM. DESTRUCTION OF HAYRICKS NEAR BARRY. Information was conveyed to the Police- station. Cadoxton-Barry, shortly after tioon on Saturday of a case of alleged incendiarism at the Yerlons. near Biglis Brickworks. Ser- geant Ben Davies and Constable T. Thorbum hastened to the place, and on their arrival found a valuable rick of hay, belonging to Mr. Edward Jenkins, Mill Farm, Cadoxtoii. ablaze. I'lie police and took steps to extinguish the fire, and their prompt efforts were rewarded bv saving a portion of the rick by cutting it through the centre and confining the flames to the other portion. Sergeant Davies then ob- tained information that a similar conflagration had broken out on Southra Farm. near Dmas Powis. belonging to Mrs. Harry. He thereuj^n proceeded to Southra, accompanied by Police- ccnsta) Ie Thorbum. and found two large hay- ricks burning furiously. They also learnt from the driver of a hearse in a funeral whioh was passing that a man had been seen leaving the scene of the fire, and the officer and con- stable went in pursuit in the direction of Dinas Powis, and arrested a man answering the de- scription gven, who gave hs name a- Charles Williams, and said he was a marine fireman, having left Cardiff for Barry on Friday, and was then returnin g to Cardiff. Williams denied haying fired the ricks, but lie was detained in custody. The prisoner was taken to Barry Dock Central Police-station, and will be biought up for trial at Pena.rth Police-cxjurt to day (Monday). In the meantime the Penarrh Volunteer Fire Brigade, in charge of the police, arrived at Southra, and for several hours played vigorously upon the burn my ricks, but dusk had set in before the fire was effectually got under. The damage done at both places is considerable.

PLOUGHING MATCH. The annual ploughing match for YstrswWen and district took place on Friday. The plough- ing was very good, the show of teams being much better than last year. The hedging and ditching were especially good. The juages were Mr. D. Thomas Mr Timothy David. Mr. Thomas (Margam). Mr. Thomas Miles. Mr. Evan Thomas, and Mr. Miles (Tydu). The prize list was as follows:— PLOTTGHIKC, Champion Class.—None of the competitors finished in time. Senior Clfss.—1st, Thomas Burton: 2nd, John Smith; 3rd, D. Jenkins. Junior Class.-lst, Jas. M'Car thy; 2nd, Fred Bryant. HEDGING AND DITCHING. Champion Class.—let, B. Maddy, 2nd, John Davies. Senior Clas°.—1st, Thomas John 2nd, John Thomas; 3rd. J. Gibbon 4th. J. Dare. Messrs. Griffith B'ot^e-is, Coity, secured the priye for ths best, turn-out. and ivlr. J. L Williams, Llan- sanncr, the prize for the best team of horses. The usual was held in the evening, when Mr. E. Tudor;(-weii occupied the chair, in the absence of the president (Mr. G. L. Clark. Talygarn). amongst others present being Alder- man Edward John, Mr. W. V. Huntley, and Mr. T. Thomas. The proceedings passed off most en joy ably.

SERIOUS FIRES AT SWANSEA. Shortly after midnight on Saturday night a fire broke out at the shop of Sir. Williams, tailor, in Neath-road. Hafod. The fire brigade witS summoned, but owing to the fire-plug being frozen, experienced some difficulty at the outset, but afterwftrd.'i the supply was copious, and the brigade dealt expeditiously with the fire. The shop. aewf»ver, was gutted, and two adjoining shops ere damaged. The fire was extinguished at 2.30. J

CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH CASE. At Flintshire Assizes on Saturday Priseilla Roberts, nipetflcu years of age. was .sentenced to fifteen ifiontbe' imprisonment with hard ar.-ur fer concealment of birth. >I iimiii—iIJ——j

TITHE DISTRAINTS. On Saturday Mr. Robert Lewis, the Newcastle Emlyn County-court bailiff, successfully dis- trainee* upon stock, &c., on two farms in Lower Cardiganshire, namely, Gilfachronw and Cwm Bangor, in both of which cases fire orders of the court obtained by the Reeter of Bargo r. Teify b,d not been satisfied.

Saturday's Stocks, CONSOLS o nil 12.0 Cios Af In. Goscheiifi pc Monet Do. ao. Account. Feb j New 2A do. do 103 Local Stocs \IQ9%'> Bank of JSnginua Stock. ijiJJ indift5j Do. 3 do 1104 Met. B'rd of Works, 3i pc; !21-<j J Do. do. 3 f !Ul(k] J lidiau Rupee Pnyer c 53^; lisCaimdiftu 4 j> Ct..iau..1 113 )is.C.Good Hope,4 t>r. C't.il}7 iis.New/,e;uftjid Co'.isoiid 7 "lis. Ke«vS. Wnles4 per C:109 j ns. Victoria4 pr. C.'8E-3-4;102fe' ns. South Australian .j'07 'j i'R. Que*>us!jnni 4vei- Cts.jH 6 HOME UA I L W y;" Brighton limiway Om 74 I'o. Deferred £ 1 uieilojiaii Consolidated. Do. Preferred Con. Ol d.; 38 Do. Derevrpd do 53 .j. batiiBin and Hover Orii.1 19V; Do. Preference 1^4. Jl.isgow ;i;id South West. 110 j Great 15asi.er»i Ordmnrv 79^ ,1 t. N T,-e j j Do. do. Defd. do. 55-^ Do. do. A'n 55 "w 3rent Western 't4 r Hull and Bavnsiey 6% í Hncaxiiire and Yorkshire ,18,> London rnd North-W'estn '30V, Tjondou and South-Wesfu 99 1 Do. do. Deferred 71 56 Do. Preferred 83 Do. Deferred 26^ Metropolitan Con 92k j Do. Land Stock 87 > j Do. District Ordinary 29^4 Do. Pieferred 101 j Midlalld Ordinary j I North British Ord. Pref. i Do. Ordinary '8% Sorth Eastern Ordinary ;68 North Staffordshire 131 South Eastern Ordinary 8 j Do. Deferred 93 East London 8 Taff Vale Ac. 9 51 Furness 7I%t AMERICAN BAIT. WAYS. Central Pacific 4 Chicago, Milwaukee 56'V. Denver Ordinary 11^ Do. Preferred 35 Erie Shares 03/g Do.Preference £ 3 Do. Sec end Mortgage' 64 Illinois Central 89 Do. Sec end Mortgage; 64 Illinois Central j 89 Lake Shore 14; Lonib and Nashville j 54^ Missouri, Kansas & Texas! New York Central 01' [. New York,Ontario Norfolk I'reference 17%i North Pacific Preference! Pennsylvania Ordinary 52 Philadelphia & Beading,, i 41,,[ i Do. First Income Bonds! ?.lg>; Union Pacific 9^s'! Wabash Preference j Do. General Mortgage.. Atlantic G.W. 1st Mort. 14-^j Atchison Do. 2nd Mort. Class A. II 19If,¡i Canadian Pacific '6 Grand Trunk Ordinay 5j! Do. Guaranteed «S«5"| Do. First Preference 36-> Do. Second Preference 24 Do. Third Preference. 13 Mexican Ordinary 15 Do. First 61& Do. Second Preference! 33 FOREIGN BOND* I,Orulm .rÙ¡; Ordiinu-y .1 "'1' Mexican Cen. 4 p.c. Bond 56^J I i)o. do. First Income 1 fluent s A yree Gt„ S'fchem :C5 Bueuos Ayrenaad Bowie 64 ''entsre.1 Argmitiue 6' hilian 1W6 05 Do. 189: !l00%j Buenos a res 1882 cl Do. 5883 ,7 ] Bulgarian 6 per cent, 18&- I101 Argentine 3886 6 Do Fundtiijj 70 i Do. p.c. Sterling Do. Treasury 41' A'/gentine Cedulvo A i 29?ij Do. Cedulas B .5/4] -iienos A vres Cediiiasl. t%\ DO. j. 6%i j; 'raziliau 1899 76^ Egyptian Unified 5 Do, Gov. Pref., Sew ',02^ Do. Stale Domain 4fc't Daira, New '04% F'-eneh 3per e^eur. Rentes iCl'i Do. 3J per Cent 107fe •' uiifrnriH.li 4 v.r. <-ioM '01 ceu German 3 per cent 1891- £ -3 9a%j .hthar n per Oeui, >5exiean 6 per Cent 72^i ^«ruviateCorporat'k Ord. 2%. DP. Preference 8' P >rtue<ieAe y«r 'Jem. 166? ;4^ Greeks J881 29fe; Do. 1884 28V b ussia 4 p.c. Conversions 103 Spanish 4 p«r Cents 7?&! Turkish lc94 Do. Ottnii .-in Defence !C4%! Do. First Group f5'*l Do.Seeoud Group '5% Do.Third Groan Do. Fonrth Group 26w Ottoman Bank Share1: 17 & M ISO EI,I, K N KOTTS Ururuay 3% per Cent 52% j Honduras 6% Paraguay \2 Transvaal Loan 5 per Cent 10 London S. Katherine's Dk "6 East & West India Docks 16 Peninsular A Oriental Pref 145'^ Do. Deferred 192ft Cunard Steamship m £ 20pd Gen. Steam Nav.. £ 15 pd 4^ Do. 5 per Cent. Pref. Do. 5 per Cent. 1887 4-fc Atigrio-American Tel. Pre:" iT/y Do. do. Ordinary. 41% Direct United Bt's Cables S% > Eastern ditto :6| Eastern Er'eusion ••• Frazilian Submarine '.V% National Telephone } Arthur Guiness Ordinary 84. *j National Telephone } Arthur Guiness Ordinary 84. *j Allsopp's Ordinary 129!4 — Bryant & May Ordinary! Consett hon <0 '1 Ebbw Vale St, A Iron Co. 7| Hudson's Bay Shares 13 Hofcchkiss I Deccan Land 9J Suer Canals 122 ••• ?pratt'8 Patent 10% I Hammonds lg Eastmans 3% Leed s Foree J Lister and Co 4^' Salt Union Ordinary 4% ii!inoreOopr.er Dei osi'jnc ■% Nitrate Railway '7<?« Primitive Nitrate []. 2&. San Joffe Nitrate j 5% San Pablo Nitrate 3% Dublin Distillers 2% i'eli's Asbestos Oceana Land 2% Chartered Afrioa 43/6; Bechuivnalnnd Land. 32 6 New Exploration ("Bos.j ,l^pr Cape Copper Mines 1& Rio Tin.,os MV ». Mason ana Barry 1\ 'rh:,rsis:Co er Mysore Gold Mysore Gold Fieids. 19-6 Oregt>n Ordinary 2& Montanas ll'b De Beei's Diamond 13 South African Exploratn. 10% New Jag-erstontein 17.'» ••• Gold Fields S. Africa 3$"! Salisbury Gold, New 3% City and Suburban — Jumpers ••• Ferreiras 15% Jubilee Simmer and Jack. l'% — Wemmers 7 Crown Reef Langlaaghtes Lan^laaghtes Block B! 19'' Sheba 33/ Primrose ••• Pioneer 3J Australian Broken Hili .I 2' Weiitworth Priority 25 9 l'arapaca Water 11 Do. Bank 2^ North's Nav Collieries 2%! — Coat 24?fc! Pear's Soap. Ordinary 5 |. Coat 24?fc! Pear's Soap. Ordinary 5 I. Pear2s Soar. 5 Bartholway Brewery Ord 8V Do Preference '>2ft! St Louis Brewery, Ord 2%; Do. Pref. i | u ¡ 'I

The retirement of Mr. Frank James from the Glamorgan County Council, which has now been definitely decided upon, to the regret ci his r.umerous friends, leaves a vacancy which many prominemt men in the oounty will note with interest. Amongst the candidates is Sir. Alfred Edmonds, of Merthyr, who a £ the repre- sentative of one of the oldest Merthyr families, the Josephs, in addition to his own special quali fixations, is naturally regarded with interest. 'iic Joseph family figured aauongst tJie earliest ■.■oal workers of the valley, and Mr. David •ioseph is remembered as the manager of the l'i\nouth Works, and in close association with Mr. Anthony Hill at a time when that excellent ironmaster and good Conservative had the well-merited reput-e for turning out the best iron in the world. At the rec"üt exam'nation of the Pharmaceu- tical Society of Great Britain Mr. Harold H. Prosst-r, formerly aesistaait to Mr. Alfred Cole- man. chemist. St. Mary-street. diff. obtained his qualification as chemist and druggist. Air. I rosser was, in August. 1890. awarded the society's medal for his herbarium of British plants, collected in :<nd around Cardiff. "Upon the proposition of Mr. John Rogers, seconded by Mr. alter Sell, the Merthyr Union Assessment Committee on Saturday re- elected Mr. R. H. Rhys, J.P., as chairman. Mr. F. T. Bircham. Poor-law inspector for nl Wales, attended the meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians on Saturday. He con- gratulated tine electors upon having returned so appreciable a proportion of ladies to the board, observing- that there were mamy direc- tions in which the ladies oould do very usi nl work, both in the workhouse and at the Alier dare Industrial School. dare Industrial School. The Grand Master of the Order of Oddfel- lows, together with other prominent officials, attended a meeting in the Cambrian Lodge- room, Swansea, on Friday evening, in view of the approaching A. M. C. and delivered some interesting speeches. P.G.M. Walton was made a presentation similar to that given the G.M, at the banquet on the previous evening. I

Sporting Intelligence. LEICESTER MEETING. In consequence of the severe weather it seems improbable that racing will be practicable at Leicester to-morrow (Tuesday', and a decision wil be arrived at to-day (Monday) as to the course to be taken. If the officials find it impossible to commence the meeting to-morrow (Tuesday) it will, with the permiagionoi the stewards be postponed till Wednesday and Thursday aeit. SPORTING PROPHECIES. LEICESTER. Leicestershire Handicap Steeplechase.—Sports- me D-Day Chieftain. Sporting Life—Bav Chieftain. tidd-Bov Ch.eftai l or Golden Ein-j;. Land and Watei—First Dragoon. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette Hoy CLiefte;ti. Spoiling Times—Bov Chieftain or aterford. M iystori Steeplecliase.—S|<n tsipan—C'iaiiriearde. Spoivmg Life-Clanriearde. Field—Dollar II. Land iaii! Wi'ter—Olive Branch. Licensed Victuallers' ietualleiti' Gazette—CSanricarde or Olive Bra.ich. Sporting Tunes—Dulie of Hamilton's selected. Glen Hurdle Race.—Sportsman—Roval Scot or Decla. Spcrting Life—Upsi'lon. F.eid—St. Jude or Royal Scot. Land and Water—Popinjay. Licensed V iflnallers' Gazette—Last Toast or Popiniav. Sriort- ing TirrRs-E-yal Scot or Cliater. Beiprave Hurdle Race.—Sportsman—Warrington or Ben WYTis. Sporting Life—Ben Wyvis. FieId- W arnng-ton. Land and Watei—Warrington. Licensed Uctuallers' Gazette—Lady mile or O'Kuspodos. Spcrting Times—Warrington cr Specs. January Hurdle Race.—Sportsman—Prince Frede- rick or Glcnloch. Sporting life—Glenloch. Field- Prince Frederick or Caerlavercck. Land and Water -Mock Ore.nge. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette—Glen- loch or Prank. Sporting Times—Glenioch or Specs. Belvoir Hunt Steeplechase.—Sportsman—Graig Oiway or Olive Branch. Sporting Life—Gra;g OJ- vay. Field-Tommy Sliaw or Excelsior. Land and WÙer-Graig Olway. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette —Fin ma-Coui II. or Graisr Olway. Snorting TiDl(>E- Graig Olway or Flying Jib. Oadhy Steeplechsse.— Sportsman— Yoredale or Kinsr's Birthday. Sporting Life—I.e Papillon. Field —King's B'nhday. Land ind Water—Yoredale. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette—Marehincton or Mel- bourne. Sporting Times—I.e Papillon Mcntrose Hurdle Plate.—Sportsman—M anm^ton. Sprrt-ing Life—Mona. Fie'.d—'Warrington. Land and Water—Waringron. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette —Lsdv Halle or 0 Kunpodos. Sporting Tmies— u r fringfon. WINI SOR. Maiden Hurdie Race.—1Sportsmen— Monla 0r Basil- don. Sporting Life —Moreli. Ficlci-All Gay or Basildon. Land and Water—AH Gav. Snorting T'nif's—Basildon. Binfield Steeplechase.—Sportsman—Ladv Eme. "Spcrting Lifc-Anhn-riup. Field—King's 'Birthday. Lend and Water—King's Birthday. Sportinz Times —T.ady Erne. Round Tower Steenle.-haie.— Sportsman—Bed Rube Snorting life—Ilex. Field—Ilex. Land and Water —Seaside. Sporting Tim^—K?d Rube. Upton Steeplechase.—Sportsman—Il»x or Clansman n. Sporting Life—Co-k'ie'ierry. Field—WheatfieKL Land and Water—Emigrant Sjiortdtiir Times Wetheibv.

[Bottles e) irs V14 ¥> V- H'"6 ASL V I T»' ^xwinic 1>;<L Cvyj§|8t* 3JTOCTBALL CUIfi* entire haye. UZC4, &ONS & ftAa

FRENCH CRISIS. M. RIBOT HAS FORMED A CABINET. A Central Xews Paris telegram of Saturday says t is officially announced this evening that M. Ribot has succeeded in forming a Cabinet Th? Ministry will be as follows :— Piemier and Minister of Finance. M. Ribot; Minister of the Interior. M. Georges Leygues Minister for Foreign Affairs. M. Hanotaux; Minister of Instruction. M. Poincare Minister of Works. M. Dupuy-Dutomps: Minister of Commerce, M. Andre Lebon Minister for the Colonies. M. Chautemps; Minister of Agricul- ture. Senator Gadaud: Minister of Justice. Senator Trareux. Admiral Bes.iard will probably be Minister for the Navy, and General Janioni for War. LATER. The new Ministers held their first conference this evening at M. Ribot s residence, and decided in principle to supports Bill granting an amnesty for political effence.s They afterwards met again at the Elysee tc hear M. Fa ore's Presidential message, which will be read to Parliament to- morrow. The Senate and Chamber of Deputies have been summoned to meet at half-past two to-morrow for this purpose.

VOLUNTEER NEWS. THE NEW ADJUTANT OF THE WELSH REGIMENT. On the let prox. Captain H. B. Phillips, of the 1st Battalion (41st) Welsh Regiment, now- stationed at Pembroke Dock. will commence his duties as adjutant of the Cardiff (3rd Volun- teer Battalion Welsh) regiment- Captain Phillips was originally a second lieutenant ill the West India Regiment, and was promoted the same year (1881) to be lieutenant. He was afterwards earn sen adjutant in Jamaica, and was eventually, in 1891. appointed to a captaincy in the 41st Regiment. Captain Phillips has qualified doubly as an army interpreter in the Swedish and German languages, and is a very u es, oL efficient and popular officer.

A LANARKSHIRE ROMANCE. A year ago a traveller from abroad, visiting the old country, was on his way from Glasgow to the South, when he had occasion to leave the train at a big coau_ and steel working centre on the Caledonian Railway, a few miles south of the city. Having nothing to do for half an hour. he walked up the prin- cipal street, and. entering a bookseller's, called for a copy of a Northern newspajier. While in the shop he heard two ladies conversing oi; Church matters. One of them spoke of the good work that was 1.pg- done bv a certain young- lady deaconess in connection with one of the Church of Soofland congre«gations in the town. and the name ct the lady mentioned wa,s the name of his t-weftht-art.from whom he had been parted at their home in the North of Scotland years before. The aphorism anent the course of true love and its smoothness was justified in their ease. and. he had left for a foreisrn country to make liis fortune. He was new a rieh man, with one unrealised dream. In a quiet way he made inquiry. and discovered that the young lady deaconess was at home for a well-earned holi- day. HiB journey South was given up. and the train northwards from M bore the Triscan to Aberdeenshire. A few days later the v-oung- deaconess was seen again in the dingy streets, and there was a new light in her eyes. Meanwhile the rover had hurried back to 'Frisco, aollu set about building a; splendid home for his future eorrnianion. She, on her part, worked away in her own quiet, winning way until at lens-til a cablegram! came. It announced that all was in readi- nees. and asked her to leave at once. Sh& said food-bye "uietly to her many friendsA and. the other day. bade farewell to thl!' smoky Lanarkshire town for sunny San Fran- cisco, where there is every reason to ben eve she and her old 1m er will live happy "eyer after.

A painful street accident occurred at Parry Dock on Friday evening. Mrs. Thomas, resid-, mg a-t 55. Lombard-street, was walking along' Hoi ton-road, which was in a slippery condition, when she fell on the frozen snow. and. oil being conveyed home. Dr. LivingstDlle was summoned, and he found that two bones in the right leg were fractured.

rjlHEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. Lessee and Manager Mr. Edward Fletc' e* NOTICE—The NEXT PANTOMIME at this Theatre, 1-395-6. will be the "FORTY THItVl^S." >3979 (RFrt ISTKRED. 1 Blaibenr's Arcade.—Forfeited Watch 7s. fcd. Riat 26. fxI., Albert. 8s 6d Links, 2s. 9d Lever. S5 Albert. £1[1: Mat "libox. 7s. 6d. Pin, £ 7 7s.. Bia:he;g s Arcad"Forfeited: Ring. So: P ndant. £10: Brooch, 2* tvir-rings, ¿f'. 6d.: Bracelet. 10-: Gjn. 73e. Btail-rg'g Arcade: Clock, 15, Concertina, 2.51; Bevoive:. 9s. 6d. Violin. H". 6d. Bow, Is 9d. BlaibergV Arcade -l'orfeit,] Lever, 70s. Geneva, 10s.. Ring. 3s. 6d Albert, 15s. Albert. 45s. Blaiberg's Arcade.-New: 19s. Ring. 19s. Keeper, IPs. Ring and Keeper, 19s. Watch. Blaiberg's Arcade! Forfeit'-d Watch nod Albert, 17s. 6d. Spri & M Seal. 10s. 6d. Kins. 19B. Blaiberg's Arcade. Bme*tr?et —5*. 6d. Ring; Sir Knives, 3f; Q¡a. 8s. li Ooncert:na. 19s. Watch. £12.Parrir. Ian Blaiberg's AI Ide, Bute-street, &c. e3960 "This is where we Bour'i; the Sleeve LinW-, *^Ar? they gold frosts?" "Tee "—Blaiberg's. fe3fab6 "This is where !!v Overcoat came frvim." "X 0: 138. 6d." "WhatY" "See yourself."—Biaibcrg* -cale. e3966 "This in where My W- ddi- g Ring wan Bought. "That thick one?" "Yes." "50?" "No; las."—Bla berg's. e 396ft tliis is where that Shirt can be bought, 2s. 6d."—Blaiberg's Ai-eadc. e3966 "This is wh"re meet ot the People here Buy their Suits to Order: fine fit."—Biaiberg's. e.5856 Blaiberg's Arcade.—Welsh Di-aw-rp. is 10 £ d. "They are not "Yes ihev are." 3959 Blaiberg's Arcade.—Red-hanri Shirt., 2s. 6d. "They won't w"il?,, Yes, they will; 1UJ,1 don't shrink." e5«)69 Bitviberg^ Arc»de.—Piilot OVCR»«!«. 13S. ad. "Why. they are worth h. I lwve seen thou: marked that elsewhere." e3969 Biaiberg's Arcade.—Oilskin Leggings, Is. a P»Lr. "I suppose they sell at Is. for an adveit's.-nieM." They were never roade for it." eMM