Evening Express

DUKE OF ORLEANS. Ins OONDITIONBEGINNING TO OATJSE ALARM. A Central News telegram from Seville says The condition of the Duke of Orleans is not so satisfactory, a.nd is beginning to cause some alarm. He is now suffering from traumatic fever, and a continual cough prevents him from jetting a.ny refreshing sleep.

A NEW OPERA. TO BE PERFORMED AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. Dr. Joseph Parry's latest (and fourth) opera, under the title of "Sylvia," will be staged for the firs*/ time at the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, during the week commencing' August 12, 1895. "Sylvia" is, unquestionably, the most mature of Dr. Parry's opwatic works, and this is saying a great deal, for the doctor has had a long and varied experience, he being familiar with the operas of all the great masters and of all modern composers. Before enter- ing upon a resume of the plot of "Sylvia, and a description of its liui^ie, it would, perhaps, not be out of place to acknowledge the enter- prise of Mr. Edward Fletcher, the lessee of the Theatre Royal, in deciding to introduce Dr. Parry's new opera +o the public, in a manner worthy of the work and of the traditions of the Royal. No expense will be spared in its pro- diction, and, by the way, leading musicians will be invited to witness the first performance, so 'that the new craft will be launched under the most auspicious and artistic conditions. Mr. Arthur Rousbey has kindly undertaken the responsibilities of tho actual production of the work, and the caste will be an exceptionally strong one. The prima donna selected is Miss Van-Dalle, whose engagement by Mr. Fletcher came about in this way. When Mr. Arthur Rousbey's opera company produced "Cavalleria Rusticana" at Cardiff some time ago. Dr. I'arry was so pleased with Miss Van-Dalle that h" expressed a strong desire that she should take the title role in "Sylvia," and Mr. Flet- cher lost no time in retaining her services. The jpntralto will be that distinguished and ex- perienced Welsh vocalist, Madnmo Han- lah Jones, while Mr. Maldwyn Hum- ohrevs, another popular Weleh voca- list, will appear in the tenor part. Mr. Mering Jones, of Swansea, has been re- tained as baritone. Mr. Jones is a highly- gifted young man. He is now a student at the Milan Conservatoire, and will make his dehut at Cardiff after his two years' course of study on the Continent. For the bass part, no less an artiste than Mr. Franklin Clive, one of the principal artistes in "Ivanhoe," and a vccalist of great operatic experience, has been retained, while the chorus will be Mr. Tom Stephens's specially-selected choir of 50 picked male and female voices from the Rhondda. The orchestra is to be the largest ever engaged at the Theatre Royal, and it will consist- of the rery best instrumentalists, for the orchestral de- mands of the opera are very exacting. Dr. Parry will conduct in person. The scenic effects and costumes are to be on an elaborate scale, a.nd, taking all thmgs into considera- tion, the production ought to prove a. giatifying success to all 'concerned. And now for a description of the opera itself. The librettist is Mr. Mendelssohn Parry, who has special talents in this direction. He is well versed in the construction of operas, and possesses imaginative powers of no mean order. The plot is a charming one. The first scene represents Stonehenge, and the curtain rises upon a group of shepherds who are returning homewards at sunset. They sing of rest and re nose. One of their number, "Arthur" (tenor), id asked to sing a lyric lay. but he ex- cuses himself, and prevails upon his brother • ■< Uitiund" (the boy contralto) to comply with the request, and "Osmund," in song, tells of fairies who come out upon the green to dance at night. The shadows are quickly falling, and the shepherds all depart save "Arthur," who lingers behind and sings an ode dedicated to the charms of night. At the close of his song he falls asleep, and then appears an aged druid (the bass)—last of the race. He describes in song the druidic ceremonies which made that spot historical. Upon his departure the faires appear and go through pretty dances to novel and charming scherzo. Then the ''Fairy Queen" addresses her. followers, and delivers three charges, which form the theme of the whole opera. The first is that a fairy is lost to Fairyland should she ever meet a mortal's gaze; the second dooms her to love with a passionate love should she ever be i embraced by a mortal; while the third decrees I that. should she ever receive a mortal's kiss, i flhe would return to Fairyland. At the close of each aharge the fairies give way to lamenta- tions, which, we may mention t/n passant, per- | meafce the whole opera. Subsequently, the F fairies resume their festivities, and the sleeping shepherd awakens and is bewildered by the fascinating picture that meets his gaze. When the has recovered hiinseif he approaches the "Fairy Queen," who, with the cry of "Mortat," veils face, an example followed by all the members of the band, and ^tiey trip hurriedly off the stage. Not so "Sylvia," however. She, although a member of the fairy band, is afflicted with a fatal feminine curiosity, and lingers bfhind. Her curiosity has its punishment, for h'ir veil aooidently slips from off her face and sfte meets the shepherd's gaze. Thus is she 'ost to Fairyland, and her erstwhile companions aisturb the quietude with their lamentations. Then a dramatic duet ensues between "Sylvia" and "Arthur," at the close of which the villagers, hearing the lamentations of the fairies, rush in upon the scene and upbraid "Arthur" for bringing the wrath of the fairies vpon them. "Sylvia' attempts to protect him from the threatened violence of the villagers, and falls into his embrace, whereupon she is imbued with a passionate love for the shepherd. "Arthur," "Sylvia," "Osmund," and the druid decide to leave the village, and the cur- tain drops on an exciting situation. In Act 2 the scene is laid at Sarem Hall. A band of Roman soldiers are discovered in the precincts of the hall, and they sing in praise of 'Ceazar" and "Bacchus" in exhilarating and fantastic strains. They then salute the "Baron," who appears, and presently the old druid is dragged in with cruel force. He pleads far mercy, when a messenger announces that three charming troubadours are at the gates. They are none other than "Arthur," "Sylvia." Mid "Osmund," and by order of the "Baron" they appear with musical instruments, and each sings a beautiful romance. The "Baron" and the others leave to partake of the banquet, arid "Sylvia" remains alone upon the stage, when she. sings a very elaborate and dramatic soena. The "Baron" disturbs her reverie. He is smitten by her charms, and addresses to her a thrilling* love song", and asks her to become his wife She declines, and he attempts to embrace her, but she stabs him with a^ dagger, and the guests, hearing the "Baron's" cry, rush in to find him lying wounded on the floor. "Sylvia" is then condemned to be burnt at the. stake for her attempt on the "Baron's" life. The third act opens on a courtyard scene. It is night, and "Sylvia" is chained to a stake. "Osmund" is watching over her while she sleeps, md sings a most pathetic song, in which he invokes the angels to care for the poor doomed nctiin of the "Baron's" wrath. Day dawns, and ■he "Baron, "who has not been mortally wounded Lppears, and tries to persuade "Sylvia" to become his wife. this being the only condition ipon which he will consent to revoke the sen- tence of death. "Sylvia," however, declines to 'be unfaithful to "Arthur," and preparations ^lcn, llmde to carry out the sentence of the "Baron," but the privilege is given "Sylvia" of satisfying a last wish, and fhe asks to see "Arthur." A pathetio scene ensues, which ends by "Arthur" embracing Sylvia" and kissing her passionately. Thus is the third dliarge of the iairy Queen fulfilled, and "Sylvik" is re- oeived back by her fairy companions in a scene which will be found to be exceedingly charming and effective. Several distinguished musicians, who have heard the music of the opera, are loud in their praises of it. They have expressed the opinion that it is melodious, dramatic, and resourceful, md altogether worthy of the operatic stage. It is a rare thing to find a father and son col- laborate in the production of an opera, and that makes the opera of "Sylvia" all the more in- teresting. We understand that Dr. Parry and his gFFted son, Mr. Mendelssohn Parry, are also engaged on another opera, for whioh the title of "Bronwen" has been selected. It will be toured by a. small party during August and September next-

Mr. Ernest H. I-eeder. of the well-known firm of J. M. Leeder and Son, Swansea, has just passed the fellowship examination of the Surveyors' Institute, Ldndom, being' one of seven successful candidates out of a large cumber.

China and the Japanese THE 1PEACE TREATY COMPLI- ? CATIONS. A Chinese General Killed by His Soldiers in Formosa and Serious Distur- bances Follow. A Central News telegram from Tokio says: — The report sent from here asserting that the Russian and German Ministers had left- for Kioto, and that the French Minister had followed his colleagues to that place, in order to personally interview Count Ito, the Premier, and Mr. Mutsu, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, is unfounded. All the Ministers remain at Tokio. Japan has not yet replied officially to the notes of the three Powers, though some representations have been semi- officially made. Ministers are not inclined to take a discouraging view of the situation. Naturally, the Japanese people are anxious to retain that which they have won by so much blood, and, doubtless, some method will be found for meeting any legitimate claim that Russia may have. The Japanese Government, however, is entirely at a loss to know how either the interests of France or Germany are prejudicially affected, and the holding of I or mo* a can in no sense be construed as threatening to Tonquin. It might, with far more justice, be declared a menace to Hong Kong. Yet Great Britain is willing to accept the treaty of peace. France may, in the light of her own experience, desire to protest against a.ny cession of territory, but it would be an injustice to make Japan suffer for that which occuried in 1870. The attitude of Germany is to prevent Japan doing what she herself did in circumstances not altogether dissimilar. The J apanese Government believes it has done every- thing to meet the wishes of Europe, and the result of the war; has been largely for the benefit of the Powers. Japan con- fidently believes that united Europe wilj ere long view the treaty in that light. SERIOUS DISTURBANCES IN FORMOSA. The "Times" Hong Kong correspondent tele- graphs:—Serious disturbances are occurring throughout Formosa. Her Majesty's cruiser Leander has gone to Takau. German sailors have been landed from the Irene at Tainsui, in Formosa, to protect foreigners. The Chinese soldiers on the 22nd inst. killed their general. The Governor's bodyguard attacked them, and oO were out to pieces and 50 wounded. Ulti- mately the rioters dispersed. Thei Governor is accused of stealing the soldiers' pay, which is over two months in arrear. The Chinese artillery threatened to fire on any vessels, native or foreign, leaving Formosa with trea- sure. The position is critical for foreigners. Fortunately, however, the French cruisers Alger and Islay, the German cruiser Irene, and her Majesty's ships Tweed, Redbreast, and Leander are in different ports of Formosa. Savages from the interior are coming down the hills to attack the natives. AMERICA AND THE OTHER POWERS. The "Daily News" Vienna correspondent say3:—A telegram from Tokio announces that the American Minister there is doing all in his power to make the representatives of Italy, Belgium, Austria, Spain, and Holland help him to persuade Count Ito to comply with the wishes of Russia, Germany, and France. It is also reported that America- means to come forward with a proposition according to which the Corean question, which interests only Russia and Japan, should be settled by these two Powers alone, whereas the difficulty concerning the Liao-Tung Peninsula should be put before a European conference, which would meet either at Tokio, Simonoseki, or in London. Of course;, all the maritime Powers would not attend the conference, but only those who have an interest in it. It is reported that the Mikado will convene a war council, and have a detailed discussion of the military situation of the country. ILLNESS OF THE MIKADO. A Renter's telegram from Yokohama on Mon- day says: ■—Owing to the indisposition of the Mikado, the festivities which were to have been held at Kioto to-morrow haye been postponed. His Majesty is stated to-be suffering from a chill. The date of Count Ito Miyoji's depar- ture for Chefoo for the purpose of exchanging peace ratifications is not yet decided. ACTION OF THE GERMANS. A Reuter's telegram from Berlin on Monday says:—In order to rectify the impression con- veyed by the articles in certain English papers, which have represented the action of Germany in initiating diplomatic action in regard to the treaty of Simonoseki, side by side with Russia and France, as constituting a remark- able change in German policy, the "Nord- deutsche Allemagne Zeitung" to-day points out that Germany advised the Japanese Govern- ment to observe moderation as early as the beginning of March. "The charge of inconsis- tency in her policy brought against Germany by many English newspapers," the journal con- tinues, "is the more surprising when,'it is remem- bered that after the first victories of the J apa- nese the people in England urged intervention on behalf of China, and that later a readiness was shown in the English press to approve of any influenoe which might be brought to bear on the victors to adopt a moderate course. The German Government has done right in not allowing itself to be deterred either by the change in the attitude of Great Britain or by the sympathy manifested by the warlike achievements of the J apanese from fully vindicating German interests. The fact that Germany thus finds herself in union with her neighbours on the West and East can but be regarded by us in connection with the honour- able peaoe policy which we pursue in Europe as matter for congratulation." RATIFICATION OF THE TREATY. A Reuter's telegram from Yokohama on Mon- day says:—The date fixed for the ratification of the treaty of Simonosaki is May 8. It is thought by the Japanese that when China has ratified the treaty there will be no ground for any intervention on the part of the European Powers. The Japanese are not in a frame of mind to regard with equanimity the action of any Power attempting to deprive them of the fruits of their victory over the Chinese. ATTITUDE OF THE POWERS. A Reuter's telegram from Washington says: —In reference to the present situation in the East, it is announced that the United States Government has made it clear to the Powers that its unvarying policy is not to form alliances involving complications in Europe and Asia, except so far as it is able to exert-a kindly advisory influence in trouble involving Eastern nations. It is positively asserted Italy's policy is neutral, but favours the execution of the treaty, although she will not oppose the action of Russia, France, and Germany. It is under- stood that Great Britain's course all along has been on the same lines. So far a.s the United States are concerned, there will be no co-opera- tion, except in such a kindly way as may seem to be in the interest of all concerned. RUSSIA THREATENS A BLOCKADE. A Dalziel's telegram from Paris says:—A St. Petereburg telegram, published on Tuesday, states fnat in the event of the Japanese Govern- ment refusing to acceed to the terms of Russia. France, and Germany, with regard to the re- tention of the Liao Tong Peninsula, it is prob- able that Russia will at once proolame a blockade of Japanese ports.

CUBAN REBELS. DISPATCHES TO HAND TELL OF FURTHER DEFEATS. A Reuter's telegram from New York fays: —A later telegram from Havana regarding the success of General Salcedo's troops over the insurgents under Macco, states that the latter were pursued by the Government forces, who came up with them at Arrays Hond. Another fight took place, in which the insurgents again suffered defeat, nine of them being killed and many wounded. Among General Salcedo's men there, were onjy seven casualties, namely, two killed and five wounded. Other successes of the Government troops are reported at Ciego Avilo, where a band pf rebels, led by Castillo, has been routed, aaid at Santa Cruz, near the latter place, the insurgent leader Mortego had collected a strong force, but, after a sharp en- counter, they were dispersed with the loss of three lives.

THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE, ITALY INCLINED TO DEPART FROM THE ENGAGEMENT. A Dalziel's telegram from Rome on Monday says:—It is stated in several journals that! Germany recently made overtures to Italy as-' to the renewal of the Triple Alliance. They add that Signor Crispi does not see his way to renewing the existing engagement as it stands,, as he is desirous of making several modifications, particularly with respect to the military force which Italy is to keep up. As the papers oon- taining these statements are nearly all Minis- terial organs, and as their notes on the subject are almost identical, it is believed that they are .inspired by the Government. j <

Indian Frontier War. CAPTURE OF SHER AFZUL IS REPORTED. More Prisoners Brought in and now Thought all the Tribesmen will soon Surrender. A Reuter's telegram from Simla says: — Sher Afzul. the Chitral Prince and sup- tjort-jr of Umra Khan, who besieged Chitral until Colonel Kelly'<9 relief force arrived, was brought :n on Saturday evening with his brothers and some 300 followers. The prisoners were placed in safe confinement. Eighty-one rifles were taken from them. The Khan of Dir rendered great assistance to the British in the capture of fugitives. Moie prisoners ara expected to be brought in shortly. Lieu- tenant Robertson, intelligence officer, while re- connoitring on the bank-, of the Panjkora River, was attacked and slightly wounded in the hand and head. AN IMPORTANT CAPTURE A "Tunes" second edition telegram from Dir says:—The Khan of Dir has just arrived, bringing Sher Afzul and 1,500 followers as prisoners, together with many stand of arms. He diove Afzul into the snow, and starved him to surrender. The highest credit is due to the Khan of Dir and to Major Deane. The poli- tical effect of the capture is very important. The whereabouts of Umra Khan is uncertain. He is not. with the Afghan Commander-in- Chief. Twenty-one of Umra. Khan's force nave been captured and disarmed. They were pio- vided for the most part with Martini carbines. The large number of stolen British rifles, and the immense quantities of Government ammuni- tion which have been found, cause unusual astonishment. In Dir Fort 10,000 rounds were found sealed up in Government boxes. A Central News telegram from Simla on Monday afternoon f-ays: — It has been announced here to-day that Mohammed Shereef, Khan of Dir, with his levies, has succeeded in overtaking Sher Afzul and capturing him. He has been brought back, and is now a prisoner in the ramp of Sir Robert Low. An intima- tion has been forwarded to Simla, and this arch-conspirator will remain a prisoner with the British force pending orders from the Indian Government. A further report has been re- ceived, intimating that Umra Khan lias been handed over by the Ameer's forces to British care, but this has not yet been confirmed. DISPATCH FROM SIR R. LOW. A dispatch from Sir Robert Low, received on Monday afternoon, states that Lieutenant Robertson, of the Intelligence Department, whilst surveying with a small force, met a party or Chitralis. Shots were exchanged, and Lieutenant Robertson was wounded. A message has been sent by the Government to Dr. Robertson thanking him warmly for th^ excellent services he rendered during the siege of Chitral, and approving his policy in reference to the Mehtarship. Captain Campbell is improving. Word has come down that all is well at Chitral. The fortified posts in the Janbatai Pass and at Surbat have been abandoned. General Gatacre is meeting with no opposition, but his tran- sport difficulties continue exceptionally great, even for the Indian hill country. RECOGNITION OF THE FORCE'S SERVICES. The special correspondent of the "Times" telegraphs from Dir: —It is to be hoped that the Government will substantially recognise the achievements of the Uhitral force. The short, but brilliant, canxpaign ha»s been successful at all points. The greatest hardsnips have been cheerfully borne, the troops have bivouacked throughout the campaign, and immense physical difficulties have been t.v^r- come by their pluck, endurance, and courage. The chief points are the heroic defence mrde by the garrison at Chitral, the rapid mobi- lisation of the relief force, the leternmed opposition of the enemy, the storming of the Malakand Pass, the passage of the Swat and Panjkora rivers, the dash of the levies and. Colonel Kelly's force on Clntral, the relief of the fort within three weeks of the start, and the fine generalship of Sir R. Low. Captain Blood has been an excellent and skilful chief of staff, and Major Dean has been highly successful as political officer. A special medal with clasps for "Malakand" and "Defence of Chitral" has been fairly earned. MORE PRISONERS BROUGHT IN. A Central News telegram from Dir on Sunday afternoon says —The prisoners brought in by the Khan of Dir yesterday afternoon numbered 400, including Sher Afzul. Moat of these fighting men who had previously surrendered all their arms, which were handed over to General Low. During the night considerable oommotion was caused in the town and camp by the arrival of 1,500 additional prisoners- men, women, and children. The men had been disarmed, and were guarded by a strong force of the Khan of Dir's levies. The women and children looked half starved, and, with the men, had evidently suffered considerable privations. They had given up all hope of escape, and offered no resistance to capture. Many were glad to come into the British camp. It is believed that all the tribesmen still in arms will come in wlie.i they learn how well we are treat- ing the prisoners. The news is sure to spread quickly. Word has been brought in from General Gatacre to-day. He did not wait until the Goorkhas had got through the Lowari Pass, but pushed on in light order. Progress was slow at first, owing to the condition of the track, but matters soon improved, and some fine marching was accomplished. Yesterday he reached Bukshering, 30 miles from Lowari. He found several villages deserted. General Gatacre ought now to make very good progress, as the natural obstacles to his march will hence- forth be comparatively trifling. Mahomed Shah Khan, Isa Khan, and, it is now reported, Umra Khan have gone to Jellalabad, where they have been made prisoners. Amir-ul- Khsn refuses to come into oamp, fearing severe punishment. -?-

REVSERYOIRBLRST. FEARED INCREASE OF THE DEATH-ROLL. A Dalziel's telegram from Paris on Monday says At the Ministry of the Interior to-day it was stated that, according to telegrams received from Bouzey, there was reason to fear that the number of deaths would considerably exceed 100. It is believed that the collapse of the dyke was due to the extreme cold of the past winter. The statement that President Faure will visit the scene of the catastrophe at Bonzey is incorrect. DISTRIBUTION OF RELIEF. A Renter's telegram from Epinal on Monday says :—M. Leygues, Minister of the Interior, arrived hero at seven o'clock this morning, and spent the forenoon in visiting the district affected by the catastrophe, distributing among the sufferers a hum of 30,000f., aifirot instalment of the relief fund already subscribed. As he drove through Uxequey M. Leygues met a long file of carts laden with coffins, contain- ing 'the remains of victims, which wero being conveyed to the cemetery for interment. The chvreli bell tolled lugubriously, and in several of the few houses which remained standing lighted mortuary tapers could be .een through the windows. Proceeding dcwi the still par- tially-flooded valley, the Minister fornd The soldiers of tho 149th Regiment engaged; despito a steady downpour of ram, in aiding the people to search for the dead, to provide shelter for their surviving live stock, and tc clear the mMn roads of tho wreokage and mud by vvnich they had been rendered almost impahsaSle. M Leygues addressed a few words of sympathy and ei couragement to both toldiers and peasants, and handed to the mayor a sum of 3,000f. All along the route sorrowing survivors were seen groping among mud and debris in search of remains of missing relatives, and endeavour- ing to collect the scattered remnants of their household effects. The Minister, finding the inhabitants were toiling unaided at work of salvage, authorised the mayor to telegraph to Epinal for 50 men. The bells here, as else- where throughout the district, are tolled in- cessantly. When M. Leygues arrived the in- terment of three victims was in progress. A sum of 5,000f. was handed to the deputy. mayor for distribution. Returning to Bousey, the starting point of the catastrophe, the Minister inspected the ruined village. Crowds of spectators visited the spot throughout the day and gazed with consternation on the broken dyke, whose collapse had produced such widespread destruction. The official in- quiry as to the cause of the disaster was con. tinued to-day, but no explanation of the burst- ing of the dyke can be suggested. A GOVERNMENT INQUIRY. A Reuter's telegram from Paris says: — Donations sent on Monday for the relief of sufferers by the Rousy disaster exceed 25,000f. The examining magistrate at Epinal has been instructed to open an inquiry into the cause of the disaster, together with the Local Govern- ment authorities. The result- of the investi- gation will not be known for one or two months.

H0 L I AN D'S LITTLE QITEENr SAID SHE IS IN ENGLAND ON A MATRIMONIAL QUEST. A Dalziel's telegram from Paris says:—The "Gaulois" thinks it probable that the present visit of the Queen of Holland to England is connected with future matrimonial projects, and believes it likely that a marriage may be ar- ranged between the young Sovereign and a son of the Duke of Teck.

CHEMICAL WORKS AFIRE. The chemical works of Mr. Joeiah Hardman, a.t Melton, near Stoke-on-Trent, were on Monday night destroyed by are. The damage is eati- at over £ 3,000.

MAY SETTLE SOON. Nicaragua Likely to Ac- cept England's Terms, AMERICA'S ATTITUDE. A Member of Cleveland's Cabinet Defends their Position and Says His Government will not Interfere. A Central News telegram from Washington on Tuesday morning says.—It is confidently believed in diplomatic circles that Nicaragua. will accept the terms of the compromise, as out- lined in Monday night's dispatches. A tele- gram from Managua, endorses this view, the only doubt being whether the opposition to the Government will be too strong to enable them to effect an amicable settlement. A member of President Cleveland's Cabinet, in an inter- view on Monday night, declared that the United States would not interfere, and for these reasons; Nicaragua is a Sovereign State, responsible for her own offences. The United States has no intention of protecting the central South American States to such an extent that one Sovereign nation might insult another with impunity. The United States Government absolutely declined to protect a wrong doer in her wrong doings, and would not in any case interfere unless American interes'ts were vitally threatened. Mr. Miller, the President of the Nicaraguan Canal Company, in an interview on Monday night, said he was positive that the United States Government would not permit Great Britain to undermine the interests of the Nicaraguan Canal. He added that he was willing to advance to Nicaragua a portion of the indemnity demanded by Great Britain, so that the present tension might be relaxed. ADMIRAL STEPHENSON'S OPINION. A Reuter's telegram from New York says: — The "World" publishes the following telegram from Paso de Caballos:—"A courier from Corinto reports that H.M.S. Wild Swan and Satellite have been ordered to Paso de Caballos and San Juan del Sur respectively to establish a passive blockade of both ports. Rear- Admiral Stephenson says that he does not expect to remain at Corinto long. He expects that Nicaragua will soon see the folly of her present oourse." THREATENED COMPLICA1 IONS. A Central News telegram from Washington on Monday afternoon says:—It is reported vpon authority, said to have been derived from the Siate Department, that the action of Eng- hind against Nicaragua, is merely the first of a series of measures which the British Govern- ment has resolved upon against other offending South American States. The next move, it is stated, will be against Honduras, whioh de- faulted in the payment of interest on the bonds held almost exclusively in England. British warships are, therefore, to be sent to Hon- duras ports, which will be seized, after the Corinto fashion, and the revenues collected ui-til the overdue interest lias been obtained. Needless to say, such a proceeding on the part of the British Government would greatly add to the gravity of the situation. So far, despite the frantic efforts of the entire Republican and of purely anti-Cleveland Democratic papjrs, like the "New York Sun," this country has re- mained wonderfully calm. Sensible Americans have been unable to find any excuse for the im- p1'dent and exasperating conduct of the Nica- raguan Government, but if it should appear that Er gland was bent upon a policy of aggression against the Republican countries of South Am erica in the interests of the foreign bond- holder, American opinion might very easily be inflamed 'to a dangerous degree, a.nd uni- versal Anglophobia might nullify the efforts of the diplomats. So far, however, it has been impotable to obtain anything like an authori- tative confirmation of these alarmist reports, and they are not in the least credited. Senor Guzman, the Nicaraguan Ministe- here, has seen fit to tako public notice of the insinuation that he has kept his Government in ignorance of the -views of the United States Cabinet in regard to the dispute with England. He declares. that he notified the Government at Managua several times that they had nothing to hope from America, which would remain neutral, and would not in any circumstance exercise force for the protection of Nicaragua. Senor Guaman adds that, of course, while he knew he had nothing to expect from the Wash- ington Government in the way of diree.t sup- port, lie did not for one moment relax his strenuous efforts to obtain better terms for his country through the good offices of Mr. Greshair. and others. The failure was in no respect due to him. Mr. Gresham (Secretary of State) visited President Cleveland at his country seat yesterday, and remained the night. Mr. Cleveland and Mr. Gresham came to Wash ington together this morning, and proceeded at once to the White House, where they remained in consultation over the latest dis- patches for several hours. Later in the day Senor Guzman had an audience at the White House, at wlii:h, it is rumoured, considerable progress was made towards the completion of a scheme of eompro- •mise. It is vaguely said that the situation has unexpectedly developed, and an agreement is probable whereby the British force at Corinto will be withdrawn, and all the threatened com- plkiations averted." At the moment of cablihg this hopeful view requires < meial confirmation. PROPOSED ARBITRATION. A Reuter's telegram from New York on Monday says :—A telegram from Managua an- nounces that a proposal to sett.e the difference between Greai Britain and Nicaragua is under consideration. The essential points of the proposed agreement are 'the payment of 77,5C0dols. iii London in a fortnight's time, the immediate evacuation before the lapse of two weeks of Corinto by the British, the ap-i pointment of a n ixed British a,nd Nicaraguan Commission to arbitrate chould Great Britain's demands exceed the sum of 77,SOOdols., the pro- posed Commission to be constituted to the satisfaction of Nicaragua and the United States. It is believed that these terms, wheh are under- stood 'to have emanated from Senor Guzman, the Nicarangua Minister in Washington, are acceptable to President Zelaya and the mem- bers of his Ministry, and would be agreeable to the United States. Should the Nicaranguan Government accept them they will be pro- posed to Great Britain, who, it is believed, will accept them.

EAST LEEDS SEAT. POLLING THERE FOR THE NEW MEMBER TO-DAY. Polling for the election of a member of Parlia- ment to succeed the late Mr. Gane, Liberal, commenced a.t Leeds this (Tuesday) morning in dull and threatening weather, the candidates being Mr. Leuty (Liberal) and Mr. Power (Con- servative). A number of business men recorded their votes during the first hour. The result will be declared to-night.

QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. THE DISCHARGE OF THE PEM- BROKE CONVICT. In the House of Commons on Monday night, Mr. REES DAVIES (L., Pembroke; asked the Home Secretary whether his attention had been called to the case of Thomas Rogers, who was tried at the Pembiokeshire Assizes 111 January last upon a charge of wounding with intent to Inurder, and, being found guilty, but insane, was ordered by Mr. Justice Vaughan Williams to be detained during her Majesty's pleasure; whether he was aware that the medi- cal evidence showed the wounds inflicted to be of a highly dangerous character, and the life of the prosecutor for some time despaired of, and that Rogers had recently been released and allowed to return to his home in Pembroke- j shire, after being, detained for less than three months in a criminal lunatic asylum; whether he would state upon what ground his release was ordered, and whether, in view of the terror1 existing in the district at so dangerous a. charac- ter being at large, he would give instructions for special police supervision ovor Rogers, so as to prevent a repetition of such grave mis- corduet. Mr. ASQUITH (Home Secretary) said: Thomas Rogers was discharged after careful ir quiry into the case, the result of which was to convince the director of Broadmoor and my- self that Rogers was not, and was not at the time of the crime, insane, and, consequently, that the verdict was wrong. I may say that the learned judge who presided at the trial con- curred in this view, and agreed with me that, in the circumstances, Rogers ought to be released from further detention in a criminal lunatic asylum. The chief-constable of Pem- brokeshire has been fully informed of the appre- hensions referred to in the question, and lias been desired to adopt such measures as may be necessary with a view to prevent any miscon- duct or annoyance on the part of Rogers, should he attempt it. I have received a reply from the chief-constable, from which it appears that he had anticipated this request, and taken all the precautions which the oLrcumstanoes seemed to require.. —

Colliers' Sliding Scale, TO REGULATE WAGES FOR NEXT TWELVE MONTHS. Employers and Workmen Ratify the Agreement at a Special Meeting at Cardiff To-day. A meeting of the sliding-scale joint com- mittee was held at the offices of the Monmouth- shire and South Wales Coalowners' Associa- tion, a.t Cardiff, on Tuesday morning. Sir William Thomas Lewis presided, and Mr. Wm. Abraham, M.P., occupied the vice-chair. There were present representing the coal- owners :—Messrs. Archibald Hood, Edward Davies,. Jamtes Williams, and Charles H. Eden; representing the workmen Messrs. David Morgan, T. Richards, J. Morgan, T. R. Thomas, A. Onions, D. Beynon. P. George, T. Davies, T. D. Isaac, and I. Edwards. The proceedings were, as usual, private, but at the ponculsion of the meeting Mr. W. Gascoyne Dalziel, one of the secretaries, supplied the following official report to the representatives of the press. THE AGREEMENT RATIFIED. The representatives of the workmen inti- mated that at the general delegates' meeting held at Cardiff on the 18th inst., the agree- ment entered into between the owners' and work- men's representatives in London on the 11th of March in favour of the continuance of the pre- sent sKding-scale system had bee nratified and adopted. Sir W. T. Lewis also reported that at the general meeting of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Association, held at Cardiff on Saturday last, the colliery owners had also confirmed the agreement It will be remembered that Mr. David Morgan, one of the workmen's representatives, cad. not concur with the signing of the agree- ment in London. At Tuesday's meeting, how- ever, he attached his signature to the document, having beoo authorised to do so by the work- men whom he represented. AN APPEAL FROM MINERS. A question was raised with regard to a notice which had been given on the 1st of April by Messrs. the Powell Duffryn Coal Company (Limited) to the workmen at the West Elliot Colliery, eNw Tredegar, to terminate contracts with the workmen at that colliery on Tuesday. It was stated that the object of the company in giving notice was to temporarily suspend coalworking operations, so as to enable the sinking of the pits to a deeper seam of coal. Although t'he question did not come within the jurisdiction of the joint committee, the representatives of the workmen made an appeal to the owners to prevent, if possible, the throw- ing out of employment of a large number of men—estimated at aOO-ood, as a result of an informal discussion, it was decided to suggest that operations at the colliery should be con- tinued until Saturday next, pending an inter- view proposed to be held between representa- tives of the workmen affected and the proprie- tors of the colliery.

IN A POLICE-COURT. ALBERT PROMISED TO MARRY THEN SAID "NOT I." At the instance of a respectable-looking girl, named Susannah Roberts, Albert Baker, alias Palmer, was arrested by Police-sergeaat Richards at Weymouth for having disobeyed a magisterial order to contribute 5s. a week towards the support of 'his child. The order was made twelve months ago, and the man never paid anything. When placed in the dock at Birmingham Police-court on Monday morn- ing he said that the hard winter had caused a lack of work. "You either make a substantial offer now," said Mr. Jacobs, "or go to Winson- grt-en." "I can't make any offer," said the accused, "and if I go to gaol I shall lose my character and be out of work."—"What about the girl's character ?" exclaimed Mr. Jacobs. "You have ruined her, and than pay no heed to her wants. Why should she bear all the hardship, and you escape scot free? We have got you here from Weymouth, and you either pay the money or go to gaol."—The prisoner had a consultation with his brother, who eaid that in the course of three days he might get the j312 8s. lOd. that was owing. If the parties liad a few miruites' chat he thought they would arrange tc be married.—Mr. Jacobs (to the girl): Are you willing to marry him?—The witness: Yes. —Mr. King (magistrates' clerk): If the pri- scner pays the money they ca.n pay for the marriage expenses out of it, and she can make a present, of the balance if she likes.—Mr. Jacobs: They can get married at the registry- office very cheaply.—The case was adjourned till Wednesday, the prisoner being kept in c'-stocV.—Subsequently it was announced by Mr. Gaul that the prisoner's brother had found the money, and that the man had arranged to marry the girl in three weeks.—The prisoner was put in the dock, and the magistrates told the girl that if the marriage took place she might consider this a very good day's work.— The Complainant: Yes, sir.—Mr. Jacobs: You ought to invite the magistrates to the wedding. (Laughter.)—Directly the money was paid the prisoner took a different view of the marriage ciuestion. He muttered, "Marry her! Not I. Leave me to that. I'll marry the right sort when I marry." He then left the dock.

"BOBS" HATES CATS. HE,S UNCOMFORTABLE IF THERE,S ONE IN THE ROOM. Strange to relate, the only living thing able to inspire that illustrious soMier, Lord Roberts, with terror is the domestic cat. The great general is, in fact, unable to be in the same room with a cat without undergoing severe physical discomfort. One of his lord- ship's officers is responsible for a curious in- stance of this. When Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army Lord Roberts was on t'ar. no,; was putting up for a day or two with the general officer commanding a divi- sion. This general pad a cat, and the chief's A.D.C. impressed upon the general's A.D.C. the imperative necessity of having this cat re- moved or carefully secured during the chief's stay. "All right! said the general's A.D.C. dC live in a detached bungolow in the com- pound. and the beast shall be tied up in my room until our visitors have gone." So said, so done; and all went well until the night before the Commander-in-Chiefs departure. But at dinner on that night,as the two A.D.C.'s were sitting at the end of the table together, he of the headquarter staff said suddenly: "By Jove! that oat of yours hasn't got loose, has itr "No!" said the other. 'It's tied up safe enough. But why?" "I'm sure there is a cat in the room," said the first. "Look a.t the chief! He's got quite pale. For goodness sake, see if that is not some- where about J 80 the general's A.D.C. made a search, and sure enough found the house cat had got loose, and, having stolen into the dining-room, had curled itself under his chair. He made a grab art it, and conveyed it away as swiftly as possible. As soon as the animal was out of the room the chief recovered his usual serenity, and went on with his dinner. Everybody knows, or has heard of, eases of this sort; but who is able to explain them?

MINER TO GO TO GAOL. HE MADE A BRUTAL ATTACK ON HIS BLIND WIFE. At West Bromwich Police-court on Monday Josiah Moore, 53, of NewhaJl-street, was brought up in custody on a charge of assaulting his wife, Julia Moore.—Complainant, who is blind, had I to be led into the witness-box. She said that about seven o'clock on the night of the 15th inst. she remonstrated with her husband for having his sisters in the house. He gave her a blow in the eye, blackening it, and also struck her in the mouth, knocking a tooth out* at the same tim^ remarking, "Take that, you old blind S" The prisoner had previously assaulted Her, and she had forgiven him. She did not want to live with him again, and asked for a. separation order to be made. The prisoner was a miner at Sa-ndwell Park Colliery, and could earn good good wages; He had only given her 5s. per week for the last few weeks to carry the home on with.—Eliza Jane Moore, the daughter, deposed to seeing her father strike her mother.—The prisoner denied the assault, and called his son, who said he was in the house at the time, but did not see the assault com- mitted.—The prisoner said he was unable to work regularly owing to injuries he had received in the pit.—Mr. Garratt said the hench consi- dered it to be a disgraceful, cruel, and das- tardly assault which prisoner had committed upon this blind woman. The poor woman was unable to protect herself, and had not got the opportunity of getting out of his way. They should send him to gaol for one month with hard labour far thei assault, and make a separa tion order for him to contribute 6s. per week towards his wife's maanteniutdk -H?"

OSCAR IN THE BOX On His Defence at the Old Bailey To-day » The trial of Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor was resumed on Tuesday at the Old Bailey (before Mr. Justice Charles and a jury). The Crown case having closed at the hour of ad- journment on Monday. There was again a large attendance of the general public, but the court was scarcely so crowded as heretofore. Pending the arrival of the judge, Taylor was brought into the dock for a cousultation with his counsel, Mr. Grain. CONSPIRACY CHARGES WITHDRAWN. When Mr. Justice Charles took his seat, Mr. Gill, on behalf of the Crown, withdrew the count's for conspiracy. Sir Edward Clarke said that had he known these counts would be withdrawn, he should have asked that prisoners be tried separately, and he now asked for a verdict of not guilty, so far as the allegations related to conspiracy. Mr. Gill observed that he had adopted this course to avoid any difficulty in the way of the prisoners giving evidence. His Lordship, in acceding to Mr. Gill's ap- plication, said he could not consent to the adoption of the course suggested by the learned counsel for the defence. Sir Edward Clarke replied that he did not wish to appear tenacious, and he would at a later stage of the case ask for a verdiot of "Not guilty" upon those particular counts. THE DEFENCE. Sir Edward at once began his address for the defence of Wilde. Having, at the outset, given on his client's behalf an absolute denial to the charges brought against him, the learned counsel animadverted on the oonduct of a large section of the press, which he alleged was such as to prejudice his client and imperil the inte- rests of justice. He accused the Crown counsel u, of having on Monday read the cross-examina- tion of Wilde in the action brought against Lord Queensberry for the sole purpose of in- ducing the jury to believe that the man who wrote "Dorian Grey" was likely to commit indecency. But, as Coleridge said, a man should be regarded as superior to his books. There was no single page in "Dorian Grey" where the statement was made of any person being builty of an abominable sin. From Dorian Grey. Sir Edward passed on to comment on the "Chameleon," many of the passages in which, from Wilde's pen, he de- scribed as merely smart phras-ep. In that magazine his client said the story of the priest and the acolyte, a production which was a disgrace to the man who wrote it to the editor, who accepted it, and to everybody concerned with it, and Mr. Wilde became so indignant that he wrote to the conductor of the magazine declining to be longer associated with it. The literary controversy had nothing whatever to do with the questions before the jury. The controversy as to the morality of Shakspeare's sonnets was likely to last as long as the ques- tion of who wrote the letters of "Junius" or "Asto," the character of certain sonnets of Michael Angelo to one of his friends. He. therefore, asked the jury altogether to discard what had been urged against the prisoners in relation to "Dorian Grey" and the "Chame- leon. (Proceeding).

The Elbe Disaster, LOWESTOFT CORONER RE- SUMES HIS INQUEST. Crathie's Cook Goes Into the Witness Box and Makes Some Extraordinary Statements. The Suffolk coroner resumed, at Lowestoft Town-hall on Tuesday morning, the adjourned inquiry into the ciroumstanoes involving the death of the passengers and crew of the Elbe, whose bodies were landed at that port. Upon technical points, the coroner was again assisted by Captain Wilson, principal officer of the Board of Trade, while Captain Donner, retired offioer of the German Navy and Privy Councillor, re- presented the German Government. The same counsel appearing for parties interested, were present as at the previous hearing. Mr. Holman, for the owners of the Crathie, again urged an adjournment, pointing out that while the Crathie witnesses were to be put for- ward to be examined and cross-examined, he had r.ot the opportunity of questioning the evidence of the surviving members of the crew of the Elbe. The Coroner, however, decided the inquiry should proceed. James Sharp, cook and steward on board the Crathie, was the first witness, his evidence being of a remarkable character. He stated that on the morning of the collision he came on deck at 25 minutes past five. On looking over the port side he saw what looked like several lights of fishing vessels. On going to the galley, where a fire was burning, he found the mate and look-out man all staying there. Until the collision (Proceeding.)

A STORY OF MALIBRAND. HOW SHE BROUGHT RICHES TO A LITTLE WAIF. Madame Malibran (says the "Woman at Home"), the famous and gifted operatic singer, was as justly renowned for her goodness of hetart as for the wonderful qualities and powers of her voice. A little sad-faced lad once calledon her, and begged the maid to be allowed to see her mistress. Marie Malibran was rest- ing from the fatigues of receiving, but told her servant to let the boy come up, as she could never refuse anything to children. The little boy came timidly to her, and said—"I have come to tell you that my mother is very ill, and we are too poor to get food or medicine. I have thought that perhaps you would sing my song," showing her a roll of paper in his hand, "at one of your grand concerts, and that maybe a publisher would buy it for a small sum.' Malibran took the music from his hand and lightly hummed the air. "Did you com- pose it?" she asked; "you, a child? And the words? Would you oare to come to my con- cert?" "Oh, indeed, yes," cried Pierre; "but," he added, sadly, "I must not leave mother," "I will send someone to take care of your mother," said Malibran, softly, "and meanwhile here is money to buy food and medicine." That evening the little boy was admitted to the concert-hall. With a beating heart he listened for the well-known strains, and only after many songB were over the band struck up the plaintive little melody he knew right well. Many a bright eye was dimmed, many a heart was stirred by its pathos. The next morning Pierre received a visit from the great singer. She kissed the child affectionately, and turned to the sick woman. "Your little son," she said, considerably moved, "has brought, you a fortune. I was offered a large sum of money bv the first publisher in London this morning for his little song." Malibran never lost sight of her little protege, and on her untimely death he who clasped her hands and lightened her last moments by his devotion and gratitude was the little Pierre of former days, now rich, accomplished, and one of the most talented composers of the day.

DUKE OF HAMILTON. A Central News telegram from Barcelona on Tuesday says :-It was stated here this morn- ing by one of the local papers that the Duk. of Hamilton had had a relapse, and is lying seriously ill on board his yacht, the Thiatl*.

LATE MR. W. H. THOMAS. The remains of the late Mr. W. Hugbes Thomas will arrive at Cardiff on Thursday next, and the funeral service will take place at Trede- garville Chapel at noon on that day, instead of on Friday as previously announced. Will friends of the departed intending to be present kindly ake note of this alteration'

The annual meeting of the supporters of the Swansea. Shelter for Fallen Woinen was held on Monday evening, when a satisfactory report was presented by Mr. Ebenezer Davies. A smoking concert—the last of the season— takes place at the Riverside Conservative Club, Cardiff, at eight o'clock to-night (Tuesday).

Tr Let a Three-roomed Cottage near Loudoun- sqvare, Bute-street, Cardiff.—Apply Mr. George Bees, 28. St-. Mary-street, Cardiff. e67741i2 Wanted, respectable Young General; Ems 11 fimily. -Applv, between sax and nine p.m., to 16, Church- read, Cardiff. e6771h6 A Latiy has a New rheumatic Cycle (Gent's) for Sale; no use to her; ba,tgaln.-E. L., 61, Windsor- road, Penarth. P6772830 lloath Musical Academy, Established 17 Years.— Oi%an, Piano, Violin, Singing, Il.nd Theatrical Know- ledge Efficiently Taught. A few vacancies.—Applv C. 0. 1 hatcher, 63, Newport-road, Cardiff. 6773hS

TURF TALK. Pithy Pars for Sporting Readers GOSSIP OF TO-DAY'S EVENTS Apart from the "Guineas," capital sport is assured at "headquarters" this week, and, if Monday's sample can be taken as an augury, a very pleasant time in the way of weather is in store for visitors. Few "country" horses have arrived, so that the home-trained candi- dates look like having things practically all their own way, and there will be plenty of them brought out during the four days over which the first spring meeting extends. An interesting card is put forward to commence with this after- noon, and, of th seven races to be decided, the Hastings Plate is the most prominent feature. The first race is fixed for two o'clock, and the last for five. Although Captain Machell was anxious to secure the services of Mornington Cannon for Ravensbury, there is no chance, providing that. Grey Leg keeps well. Lord Durham has re- tained S. Loates for Son o' Mine, who is doing uncommonly well. Of Ryan's pair, Laveno and Speedwell, it is difficult to form an opinion as to which gave the more satisfaction in Saturday's trials. And, indeed, it is doubtful if in either case, the trial tackle oould have told the master of Green Lodge anything very trustworthy. For in- stance, Laveno's companions were Bushey Park, Rookery, and Cheery. Now, we saw at Epsom that the first-named cannot go fast enough to keep himself warm. Cheery we know to be an absolute jade, and Rookery has never shown himself to be in the same street as a fairly good one. Beyond the fact, therefore, that Satur- day's stripped gallop showed Laveno to be the handsomest colt and the finest mover that will be stripped on Wednesday, and withal one of the most backward and unfinished, we remain iust about as much in the dark as before. Speedwell's trial tackle may have been more trustworthy, for Choice usually goes straight enough at home, and may be in form, for she settled Ottoman very easily when tried a. little while ago. If the daughter of Galopin be in the same form now as when she spreadeagled a field of fourteen for the Royal Two-year-old Plate at Kempton last May, Speedwell must prove exceedingly dangerous on Wednesday, in spite of the general opinion that he is ex- tremely backward in condition. In Monday's London Market the favourite (Raconteur) was easy in the Guineas wagering, 60 to 50 being asked for that the colt did not win after 60 to 40 had been laid on his chance. On Monday, in town, the Chester Cup was introduced for the first time this year, Son of a Guu being made favourite and supported at 4-00 to 100. El Diablo was on Monday at the chief sport- ing resorts in good demand for the Jubilee Handioap, 700 to 100 being noted to his chance, and of the others there was most money for Hebron, in the same stable as Ravensbury. At one time on Monday in London, 700 to 400 was noted Raconteur tor the Derby, and, although to some money 200 to 100 was after- wards laid, the former named price was again the top offer at the close of the day's proceed- ings at the chief resorts. Le Var, it has now been decided, will not be started for the Two Thousand Guineas, but be reserved for a later engagement. The colt does not appear to have given every satisfac- tion in a gallop at Kine-sclere last Friday, and on Monday afternoon the announcement was made by Messrs. Weatherby that Le Var had been struck out of Wednesday's race. Le Var having been struck out of the Two Thousand Guineas, Mornington Cannon will have the mount on Laveno in that race on Wednesday. In spite of the predilection expressed with regard to Portmamock and the Jubilee Handi- cap, it is no certainty that the horse will run at all, and, any way, the reports concerning him are not re-assuring. J. Fagan will ha.ve the mount on El Diablo in the Jubilee Stakes, and with the northern horseman in capital form, full justice will be done to Colonel North's horse. Kirkconnel won another mile trial yesterday. Ridden by Watts, he easily beat Royal Hazel (Allsopp), Mintlaw (Bradford), and Gracieuse (H. Toon). Had he stood up. Will o' the Wisp would havo won the Pavilion Steeplechase at San- down. Mr. Miller's horse was knocked over by Lismore.

To-day's Raci ng. NEWMARKET SECOND SPRING MEETING. NEWMARKET, Monday. For the opening day of the Second Spring Meeting my selections are Two Thousand Guineas Trial Plate—Dnooo. All-aged Selling Plate-WATCH TOWER. Hastings Plate—KEELSON or VILLIEKS. Two-year-old Selling Plate-GRIP FAST FILLY. Maiden Plate—LOCK AND KBT. First Spring Two-year-old Stakes—PERFECT DREAM. Visitors' Plate—CHAT Moss or MKLISSE. VENATOR.

OLD SAM'S TIPS. I NEWMARKET MEETING. Two Thousand -Guineas Trial Plater-ES- MOND or BANQUET II. Selling Plate-WATCH TOWER.* Hastings Plate—KEELSON. Selling Plate—R. M. D. or THE STOUR. Maiden Plate—SULKS or LOCK AND KEY. First Spring Two Year Old—PERFECT DREAM or LAURIOLA. Visitors' Welter-CONFESSIONAL or BLOODTHIRSTY. WORCESTER MEETING. City Hurdle-MACBOOZER. Kempeey SeHing Steeplechase—PROFIT or CARDINAL. Witley Handicap—PROFIT or ESKE- VEKE. Croome Hurdle Plate-CANDACE. Hallow Maiden—LADY HALLE or TWO BOB. Worcester Hunt-HARPIST or CAUSTIC.

PROGRAMME FOR THIS DAY. Horses marked "a" have arrived or are trained at Newmarket. 2.30.-A SELLING PLATE of 103 eovs. Rous Course. Five furlongs. aMI' C A Miss's BOIn, 4yrs, 9st 41b aMr W Newton's Watch Tower, 5yrs, 9*4 41b aMr J Jewitt's Navarino, 4yrs, 8st lllb aPrinoe Soltvkoff's Cameo, 4yrs, 8st lllb Mr H Vawser's Mater filly, 4yrs, 8st 71b aMr Elhs s Lady Marie, 3yrs, 8st 71b a-Sir H Farquhar's Pyjama, 3yrs, 8st 71b aMr T Jennings's Sauteuse II.. 3yrs, 8st 71b aMr A B Sadler's Picotee II.. 3vrs, 8st 71b aSir S Scott's Dysart, 3yrs, 86t 71b Mr Aston'e Ceremony colt, 2yrs, 6st 51b a obeli's Creswici, 2yrst 6st 51b aHr Jennings, jun.'s Parmys, 2yrs, 51b am i Rose's Monotony tilly, 2yrs, 6st 51b Trlals.-Watch Tower beat St. Ignatius, Flip Flap, Crin, and Call Duck filly, five furlongs. Astana beat Devil-may-Care, Wicklow, R.M.D., Elisira, Cecil filly, and Navarino, five furlongs. j1?> a^, Haddon Hall, Runaway, Noteless* and_ Lory filly four furlongs. Courante beat Julva. Langden and PvlaHl3, seven furlongs. Sauteuse II. beat The "Stour and Helen filly, five furlongs. Trilltr beat Moscow filly, Cor- fjoTar, Picotee II., Naseby, and Goldbeater, five furlongs. Dysart beat Leominster, Biother Bounce, La Masquerade, and La. Czarine, five furlongs^ Hindley beat Tumbler, The Rush, Rugby Cement, Creswick. and Bevys, four fur- longs. Literature beat Parinys and Faithless, five furlongs. Mogul beat Arcadia tillv, Monotony filly, Distant Shore colt, and Pindi, five furlongs. 3.0—The HASTINGS PLATE of 500 80VS. wv, DM. aDuke of Westminster's Tarporlev, 9st 41b &Mr L de Rothschild's Bragget, 9st lib aDuke of Westminster's Cayenne, 9st lib aLord netland's Keelson, 9st lib aLord Ellesmere's Villiers, 8st lOlb aMr Brodrick Cloete's Posterity Sst 101b aCapt A E Whitaker's Fitz-Fifth, 8st. 31b aLord Alington's Church Parade, Bst 31b Mr L Brassey's Donar, 8st 3lb aLord Durham's Soliman, 8st 31b Mr J Gratton's Pentless colt, 8st 31b aMr A .James's Helenus, 8st 31b Sir F Johnstone's Golden Casket, 8st 3lb aM R Lebaudy's Delva, 8st 3lb aMr J Lowther's Featherstone, 8st 31b aBaron de Rothschild's Serapis, 8st 31b aDuke of St. A1 ban's Gallowglass, 8st 31b aPrince SqJtykoff's Sequin, 8st 31b aPrince Soltvkoff's Dross, 8st 31b Trials.- Villiecs beat Bolton and None the Wiser, one mile. Plutocrat beat Solimaji and Leader, one mile. Amandier beat Medicis, Serapis, and Attar, one mile. Rinovata oolt beat Gallowglass and Head Lad, one mile. Sequin beat Haddon Hall and Lory, four fur- lcngs. Zamet beat Dross aud Spur Royal, one mile. 3.30-A SELLING PLATE of 103 sovs, for luo year olds. Rous Course, five furlongs. aMr G Blackwell's Swaffham, gst aMr T Connor's Steeple Bob, 9", aMr T Jennings's The Stour, 9st aMr T Leader's Report, 9st aCaptain Mac-hell's Wicklow, 9st a.Mr J Ryan's Red Monk, 9st aMr A L Duncan's Chirtagong, 8st lllb aMr Ellis's Grip Fast filly, 8st lllb aLord Howe's White Lily filly, 8st lllb aMr T Jennings's Thorn Bush, 8st lllb aCaptain Machell's R.M.D., 8st lllb aMr C D Rose's Monotony filly, 8st lllb Trials.—Jack -the Dandy beat Swaffham, five furlongs. Sauteuse II. beat The Stour and Helen filly, five furlongs. Gripfast filly beat Lina Hackett filly, Sister Louise geldniig, and Lock and Key, five furlongs. Thorn Bush beat Brown Bess filly, Literature, and Parmys, five furlongs. Astana beat Devil-niay-Care, Wicklow, R.M.D., Elvira, Cecil filly, and Navarino, five furlongs. Mogul beat Arcadia filly. Monotony filly, Distant Shore colt, and Pindi, five furlongs. 4.0—A MAIDEN (at entry) PLATE of 103 sovs, for two-year-olds. Last five furiongs of D. M. Gei-eral 0 Williams's Colonsav, 9st aMr J Dawson's Golf Ball, 9st aM R Lebaudy's Casas, 9st aMr .i Rutherford's- Little Emily colt, 9st aSir G Elliott's Sulks, 8st lllb aMr Ellis's Lock and Key, 8st lllb aCapt J M Gordon's Rose May lie felly, 8st lllb aMr Ellis's Lina Hacket filly, 8st lllb aLord Londonderry's Nenemoosha, Bst lllb aSir J B Maple's Graceful Girl, 8st lllb aLord Rosebery's Nespola filly, 8st lllb aLord Stanley's Fright filly, 8st lllb Trials.—Grip Fast filly beat Lina Hacket filly, Sister Louise gelding, and Lock and Key, five furlongs. Eau d'Or beat Patna, Nene- moosha, La. Belle, Slang, and Satisfaction, five furlongs. Blue Mark beat Rudder, Inchi- quin, Graceful Girl, London, and Barn Dance, five furlongs. The Winter King beat Berke- ley, Avilon, and Ne-spola filly, five furlongs. Newby beat Nouveau Riclie, Fright filly, Dingle Bay, Viceor II. filly, and Red May, four and a half furlongs. 4.30-The FIRST SPRING TWO-YEAR- OLD STAKES. Rous Course (five fur- longs). aMr Marsh's Perfect Dream, 9st 31b aLord Durham's Samaria colt, 8st 121b aSir H Farquhar's Nouyeau Riche, 8st 121b Mr Gubbins's Kenrosa, 8st 121b aMr James's Polenta colt, 8st 121b aMr Jennings's The Stour, 8st 121b Colonel North's King Hampton, 8st- 121b aMr Rose's Lottie colt, 8st 121b aMr L de Rothschild's Fro ward, 8st 121b aPrince Soltykoff's Haddon Hall, 8st 121b Mr Walsh's Amberite, 8st 121b aCaptain Whitaker's Paper lvnife, 8st 121b aMr Brassey's Pimenta, Sst 91b aMr Houldsworth's Lauriola, 8st 91b aMr Jersey's Partition filly, 8st 91b aMr Keene's Spinet, 8st 91b a,Mr Keene's Stephanotis nlly, 8st 91b aMr M'Calmont's Erminie tilly, 8st 91b aMr Miller's Rousseau's JJream, 8st 91b aMr Miller's La. Masquerade, 8st 91b aLord Rosebery's Nespola filly, 8st 91b aSir S Scott's Madame. 8st 91b Sir S Scott's Flowing Wit, 8st 91b Gen 0 Williams's Scalpa, 8st 91b Trials.—Newby beat Nouveau Riche, Fright filly, Dingle Bay, Victor II. tilly, and Red May, four and a half furlongs. Sauteuse 11. beat The Stour and Helen filly, five furlongs. Sequin beat Haddon Hall, four furlongs. Lauriola beat Frederick Cecil and Dog Rose colt, five furlongs. Regimarda beat Partition filly, Smder King, Robespierre, Black Oats, Flaxen, and Prismoid, seven furlongs. Dimity colt beat Innerdale filly, Cerito fillv, aud Stepha- notist filly, five furlongs. Hunthill beat Rous- seau's Dream, Sagessto colt, Princess Bee, Gloxinia colt, and Spinaway colt, five furlongs. Dvsart beat Leominster, Brother Bounce, La Masquerade, and La Czarine, five furlongs. The Winter King beat Berkeley, Avilon, and Nespola filly, five furlongs. 5.0—The VISITORS' WELTER PLATE (han- dicap) of 150 sovs. Rous Course, five fur- longs. aMr Dwyer's Banquet II., aged, 9st 131b a.Mr Croker's Eau Gallie, 35Trs, 9st 121b Mr Gottsohalk's laek and White, 5yrs, 9st aMr Cristo's Ccelus, 6yrs, 8st 121b aPrince Soltykoff's Persona. 4yrs, 8st lOsfc aMr James's M'Craukie, 4-yrs. 8st 91b aMr H E Beddington's Muscipula, 3yrs, 8st 91b aMr Dobell's Wliiston, 3yrs, 8st 71b aMr W Johnstone's Blarney, 4yrs, 8st 71b aMr Russel's Chat Moss. 3yrs, 8st 41b Mr H T Barclay's Excise, 3yrs. 8st 41b aMr W M Redfern's Confessional, 4yrs, 8st lib Mr W M G Singer's Flore, 3yrs, 8st Mr G E Paget's Cardonald, 3yrs, 8st Mr Dartmoor's Tarrare, 4yrs, 7st 121b Mr Dartmoor's Lord Salisbury, 4yrs, 7st 121b aMr H Bass's Bloodthirsty, 4yrs, 7at 121b Mr W T Sharpe's Naiade, 3yrs, 7st 121b Mr R Crest's Grand March, 3yrs, 7st 121b Mr Dartmoor's Lindriok, 4yrs, 7st 101b aMr L de Rothschild's Quill, 3yrs, 7st 81b aLord Howe's Bramber. 3yrs, 7st 71b aLord Dunraven's Stockboy, 3yrs, 7st 41b aMr D Cooper's Mint o' Money, 3yre, 7st 41b Mr C A Mills's Humphrey Clinker, 3vrs, 7st 3lb aMr L Brassey's Melisge, 3yrs, 7st aLord Ellesmere's Blackburn, 3yrs, 7st aM Ephrussi's Philae, 3vrs, 7st Mr S Darling's Moses, 3yrs, 7st Mr Gottschalk's Last Soent, 3yrs, 7st Trials.—Pet of the Fancy beat High and Low and Coelus, five furlongs. Helenus beat M'Crankie, five furlongs. Nostrum beat Whiston. Avona, and Uncle Peter, five fur- longs. Echline beat Carriden, Chat Moss, and Belle Haven, four furlongs. Catkin beat Quill and Lavande, five furlongs. Aberdeen beat Stockbov and Bramber, five furlongs. Mint o' Money beat Swaffham. Snoe Shoe, and Dip, five furlongs. Pride beat Pardalo, Melisse, Trojan, and Chibiabos, five furlongs. Black- burn beat Vitez, five furlongs. Phils beat Velleda. filly. Halef, American Girl filly, Emmeline filly, Semitone, Rosita, and Broth, ive furlongs. Lost Scent beat Bally Castle, Madame Cardinal colt, Spoonbait, and Fochabers, five furlongs, LATEST SORATCHlNGS. Two Thousand Guineas Trial.—St. Antoine, The Xi; per. and Rockery. Visitors' Plate-Sheiner, Son and Heir, High and Low, Dargas, Rudder, swid Eudoxia. Haetinars Plate—Propeller, Speedwell, Blackburn, Minting Kin/, Aurum, Meilekh, Donna Bella, Monitor, Dunover, Malelioi, Loti», and Dover and Calais. rJ\vo-Year-Old Sellillg-lktgs. First Spring T.Y.O. Stakes-Fair Slave, The Moon, Shurland, Ager, Eugene, Polly Marti en colt, Hender- svde, Tryst, Pakington, The Brett. Satisfaction, Cecil filly, Bournemouth, Towrope, and Flowing Wit. WEDNESDAY. Plate of 400 sovs.—Melancholia and Rabicano. Two Thousand Guinea*?.—Busvbodv filly, Abstinence colt, Revelilillon colt, Lupus, Kettle colt, Blackburn, Scotland, Ugly, Snialhnuit, The Nipper, Oakwood, Barba Rossa, Dry Royal, St. Joliann, Minting King, Aurum. Tocsin, Theakston, Call Boy, Sequin, Mal- clioir, and Cranmer. Second Welter.—Royal Favour, Marble, Balwearv, and Splendour. Wilbi-aham Plate.—Gobryas, Missile, Marie Louise and Robin Goodfeilow.

WORCESTER MEETING. TO-DAY'S RACING. Order of Running.—City Hurdle Handicap, 2 0; Kempsey Steepleeha.sc, 2.35; Witley Steeplechase, 3.10, Crcome Hurdle, 5.45; Hallow Maiden, 4.20; Worcester Hunt Steeplechase, 4.50 ENTllJiSS. Croome Hurdle.—Pettifogger, 6,vrs; Antique, 4vrs; K'lkhanipton, 5yrs; Ambroeine, 5yrs; Cavil, 5yrs; Lord Lytton, 5yi's; and Candace, 4yrs (each to be sold for 50 sovs). ARRIVALS. Ambroeinc. Annandale, Bouchal-tia-Slieve, Cardinal. Caustic, Down. Forester, General Sir Bevys, Hard Cash, Ireland Yet, Knighthood, 1 >ady Halle, Master Percey, Macboozer, Mediator, Mistress Prue, Marien- bad, Nothing, Profit, Roseal, Solve, Tliree-i>ouiider, Two Bob, and Wych Elm. Many others expected in the morning.

SHEFFIELD AND ROTHERHAM HUNT MEETING. Order ot Running.—Beauchief Tlunt Flat, 2.0; Shetlield Steeplechase, 2 30; Selling Hurdle, 6.0, Holmes Hurdle. 3.30; Masbro' Steepleohabe, 4.0; Cutlers' Steeplechase, 4.30. ENTRIES. Beauchief Hunt Flut.— Horton, aged Uj«l!on, 5yrs Cunuiug Boy, 5yre; Happy Girl, aged; and Specs, aged. Steel/1E'chase.-Pul'epl'onrJ, acred Quack, aged Miriaan, aged; and Mrs. Brag, 6yre. Selling Ilunl.ie.—Alice Hampton, 5yrs; Golden Oriole, 6yrs; Belted Earl, 5yrs; and Golucn Heart, 5yrs. ADDITIONAL ARRIVALS. Horton. Ha;>pv Girl, Specs, Punseproud, Quack, Mrs Brag, Alice Hampton, Golden Oriole, and Belted Karl.

T^LtlM AN'S iminaks pain MBROMON ? "CHESTER CUP, KEMPTON PARK JUBILEE, 2,000 GUINEAS, DERBY, etc. Mr. ALFRED CROOK. OSTENDE. Alfred Crook will forward, free, on receipt of addreer < "CROOK'S PRICE RECORD," Containing Entries and Latent Market Moveemnfcs on above. Lettere posted by the Kiirht. Mail arrive in Oefcende the following day, and answered t" re- turn of post. Letters must h" prepaid. Address: .ALFltED CROOK, Ostende. Postage, 24d. Accounts settled at TattersaU's, of which Mr. Crook is one of the oldest members. e3995

About the Name of Golf ITS GROWTH IN THE SOUTH WALES DISTRICT. Health-giving- Recreation for Peer and Peasant and Old and Youngr. One of the latter day wonders, perhaps, ia the growing popularity of the game of gulf. Peer and peasant are fascinated alike by it, in a manner which is often inexplicable to the unitiated. There is a. common bond of union among golfers that does not exist between the votaries of any other game. Class distinc- tion is non-existent, except, perhaps, that those who have attained the highest degree of pro- ficiency in the art, are looked up to and re- vered by less successful players. There are many things which conduce to make srolf popular, and not the lea.t of these is that it provides the worried and tired man with relaxation and invigorating outdoor exercise. It is probably one of the most healthful of eamts. Old and young. even beginners, find amusement in it. although they may never hope to become experts in wielding the "sticks." The game is catching on locally, and new members are being enrolled every week. The Glamorganshire Golf Club, whose links are at Lower Penarth, is probably the strongest local dub. Thera have recently been several com- petitions and matches, in which the teams usually played up to advantage. But the match against Burnham was lost on Friday last. when the Welshmen sent over a very poor team, on the whole, to meet the redoubtable West "Zummerzet" champion and, as the latter were playing over their own "sporting" links, the result WM only what might be ex- pected under the circumstances. The veteran Mr. T. M. Barlow alone was "up" of the visitors. But the Glamorgan men must try and retrieve their laurels when the return match comes to be played at home. Mr. Barlow is playing a rattling game just now. He won the monthly medal over the difficult Penarth links on Saturday, with the excellent score of 86 nett. The Abergavenny links, which are prettily situated on the raceooursc, are naturally very St>ortive: and they are at present in very good order, thaiiks to East's care of them. The Porthcawl team against Abergavenny was any- thing but representative of the visitors' strength on Saturday, and this enabled the homesters to secure their first (match) victory. Great has been the rejoicing's thereat. I gather from the latest information that the band proces- sion and illustrations have yet to take place. The annual meeting of the Llwynypia. Quoit Club was held at the Ivor-hall, Llwvnypia, on Thursday evening last to appoint officers for the coming season. The following officers were aupointed :• -Captain of the first team, Mr. John Hughes; vice-captain, Mr. William Thomas; captain of the second team, Mr. J. P. Kent; vioe-captain, Mr. William Charles. Clubs wishing to arrange fixtures with the Llwynypia Club are invited to communicate with the secretary, Mr. David Llewellyn, Col- liery Offices, Llwynypia. The Harlequins!' sports next Saturday pro- mise to be very successful. An excursion train will be run from Swansea and district, and entries for the foot and bicycle races will be received, if posted to-day (Tuesday), to Messrs. Metoalf and Davies, the hon. secretaries, Car- diff. WELSH ATHLETE.

FOR RELIEF OF DISTRESS., PARLIAMENTAR COMMYITTIE ISSUE PI BST REPORT TO-DAY. The first report of the committee on distress on want of employment was issued with the Parliamentary papers on Tuesday. The com- mittee mention the number of suggestions thai have been made to them for meeting the dif- iculty, but state that no plan has been suggested which fulfills the required conditions. They, therefore, give the nature and general purport of the evidence received, explaining why no immediate recommendation is made while they proceed with further investiga- tions.

TAILORS IN CUSTODY. TO BE CHARGED WITH PICKETING AT ASHTON-UNDES-LYNE. On Monday night at Ashton-uuder-Lyne, sixteen journeymen tailors were arrested on a. charge of picketing. It is alleged that the* assembled outside a non-unionist master tailoM shop where a dispute has been pendfay in api gard to the employment of non-unionist woi%. men. They will be brought before the map. trates on Tuesday.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. INTERESTING PARS. ABOUT IBT- TERESTING- PEOPLE. Pearls are being largely worn for scarf paaa in London. The Queen's arrival at Nice each yeftr is a sicnal for prices to take a sharp advance all along the line. The wedding-ring prepared by the ThiVe of Aofita for presentation to his bride is of min a sold, and bears in the interior, within irr foliage, the inscription, "For ever." The offioers of the German Army are to have a new cloak, the novelty of which lies in the fact that bv an ingenious devioe the cloak may be made thick or think. It is adapted tat winter or suifimer use. Seltzer water derives its name from the village of Lower Seltzers, in Natfau. where several swings, united in one basin, yield 5,000 cubic feet an hour of this sparkling mineral water. More than 1,500,090 bottles of this water ara annually exported. The TCiucr of Sweden has shown himself tc ba, a true father of his subjects. A Swedish dress- maker having unfortunately been killed in a railway acoirent at Appily, irr France, the King waitched pertfcireilly the aoitiou for dam^es brought by relatives against the North of France Company. "Club Chatterer" in London "To-day" says that no man who has to spend the greater part of the day in London can get through wiil leas than half-a^crown for tips which amounts to about £50 a year. The barber, the waiter, the cabman, the railway porter, and heaven only know^ how many others, rely upon the unfor- tunate public to supply them with all or a crreater part of their salary. Lady footballers are as yet unknown ia Australia, but ladies' cricket matches are of fairly frequent occurrence, and one which was olayed for charitable objects at East Melbourne last month attracted a large number of spec- tators. With one exception Miss May M'Donnell, who scored 62 in good style, the ladies showed very poor form. Among the olayer;, were two Misses Trott. sisters of the well-known Victorian ccricketers. The Chinese g-entleman who teaches the Emperor English states that hIS Majesty rises a.t four o'clock, and studies English and Manchii until five, when he breakfasts. He then gives his Ministers audience, and general!v retires to rest every evening at sundown. The favourite wife of the present Emperor is a very intellt- c-eut young princesfe. She delights ip rMding. and in hearing fjtories of the deeds done by ancient worthies. Occasionally she varies the monotony by watching the antics of her per- forming sheep, monkey, and dog. Her apart- ments arc filled with foreign furniture and bric-a-brac. She i. very, interested iu foreigners. According tc the Lord Chief Justice, the habit of taking snuff is eminently judicial. If ever the habit had a clrance of revival it must be at the present, time, when no less distin<mialied an authority than the Lord Chief Justice sets the example to both bench and Bar. Th-* Lord Chief Justice still finds that the pinch of snuff has a soothing effect on the mind, and those who know his lordship have been eard to say that there are times when this remedy has been absolutely necessary.

Clergyman and the Burglar. The Pev. Clifford Riclrards has given £5 to Tavistc;!r Cottage Hospital, as a thank- offering íror the r^scoverv of the burglar whe bioke into his house at 'tvinoetotvn. '? .?- -+