Evening Express

WELSH FREE CHURCHES THE RETURNS FOR THE PAST YEAR. The returns of the leading Nonconforming bodies in Wales for the year jifet closeti, though by no means complete, are more perfect than in former years. In Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire there are 75 Churches which have failed to make returns. If these be added to the number of reporting there are 1,002 Churches belonging to the Congrega.- tionalists, wrth a known membership of 133,258, and of 131,213 aalLerente. IR the Sun- day schools there are 135,461 teachers and scholars. The debts on places of worship amount to LIBO,914, and the estimated value of the property belonging to the Churches that report is £ 1,225,673. Last year, for all pur- poses, the sum of £ 139,854 8s. was contributed. There are 744 ministers in Wales, to which should be added twenty labouring among their fellow-countrymen in England. The number of mission stations not included in these returns is set down at úiJ. In the three Welsh theo- logical colleges there are 88 students. The Baptist Churches in Wales and Monmouthshire number 776 (an increase of 22). with 861 places of worship (an increase of nine), and 99,627 members (a decrease of 907). In the Sunday- schools there are 10,267 teachers and 107,018 scholars. The number of pastors in charge is 476, to wliich should he added 441 local preachers and 64 students. The new chapels erected during the year are reported to have cost over £ 30,000, while a further sum oi Lb,446 has been spent on enlargements and improvements, and JB14,766 on the reduction of chapel debts. The Calvinistic Methodist returns (which include English Churches in England) number 1,308 Churches, to which should be added 178 preaching stations. The membership is 145,094, and the number of hearers, who are not members, 161,575 more. Last year for all purposes the sum of JB250,104 was raised. In the Sunday school there are 195,354 teachers and scholars—aY: increase of 2,443. There is also an increase of 3,130 in Church membership and of JS15,590 in the amount contributed. Of 720 ordained ministers, 543 are described as having pastoral charges. Of the total amount contributed, E50,811 was for the reduction of ohapel debts, but the debt burden Still amounts to the large sum of L297,859, an increase for the year of E15,000 The denomination has a distinct foreign mis- sionary organisation, having formed 108 Churches in Khassia and Jaintia, India, which include 2,726 members and 6,004 adherents. The next general assemblv will be held in May in Liverpool, the Rev. Griffith Jones being mode- rator, while the Union of Welsh Independents will meet in July at Bridjgend, under the presi- dency of the Rev. D. M. Jenkins, of Liverpool.

PASTORS AND SALARIES)* PROTEST BY A GLAMORGAN- SHIRE jrnriSTEBu At the monthly meeting ef the West Glamorgan Calvinistic Methodist Association on Wednesday, the Rev. W. John, Bridgend, drew attention to the neglect of some treasurers in various churches to disburse money entrusted to them for various purposes. Some of them," said Mr. John, in paying the preacher will tell him occasionally that they had for- fotton the money, having left it at home. and 'We'll see you again,' said they, and the preacher may have them paying him just when he leaves for his train."

Technical Instruction at Newport. At the monthly meeting of the Newport Technical Instruction Committee on Tuesday. the chairman, Councillor T. Canning, presiding, on the recommendation of the Principal, it wa* decided to award the local silver medals to Miss Sarah J. Hodgeg and Mr. Arthur E. Sheppard, and the bronze medals to Miss- Emily Thatcher and Mr. W. E. Matthews.—It was decided to ask the corporation to make pro- vision in the proposed new .municipal building's at Maindee for technical instruction work.

Notes from i ondon ALL THE GOSSIP OF THE TOWX AND CLUBS. Dr. Jameson and the Boers.—Bewards of Merit..—A Fat Surplus. How to Tackle Russia. A memorandum issued from the Colonial Office this evening, reciting the frantic steps that have bten taken to stop the march of Dr. Jameson to the Transvaal, has rather overshot the mark. The memorandum is issued under the authority of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain. The opinion to-day is that the time has come for putting a stop to Boer domination, and that Dr. Jameson deserves the support and sympathy of all honest Englishmen in his plucky march to the reseat of his countrymen. Mr. Chamberlain's action is thought to be that he has committed himself too deeply in ordering back Dr. Jameson. He could only enforce his order by putting troops in motion, and there are only two regiments at the Cape. Moreover, my information is to the effect that, though publicly Mr. Rhodes disavows Dr. Jame- son's action, privately he is in full sympathy with it. He had determined weeks ago that the time had arrived for pushing the Boers out of the Transvaal, or compelling them to live on equal terms with the other residents. It was, I believe, to this end that, when the Bechuanaland Police were recently disbanded, the Chartered Company offered to enlist them, and most of the men accepted the invitation. Presumably, it is this force of tried and well-trained men, organised by Sir Charles Warren and Colonel Methuen, that is now following Dr. Jameson into the Trans- vaal. Indeed, I was assured that the pur- pose the Chartered Company had in enlist- ing the force was to use it against the Boers. Dr. "Jim" has certainly shown splendid courage, for he has undertaken a movement which is bound to be disavowed by every one cf his immediate superiors, and which can only be justified by its success. By this I mean that if Dr. "Jim" succeeds in estab- lishing a civiiised government in the Trans- vaal it will then be too late to undo it. The wires being all cut, we are without direct information, and the statements in Mr. Secre- tary Chamberlain's memorandum must be re- ceived with some reserve until the wires are again opened and we know exactly what is going on. REWARDS OF JJIERIT. The honours-list was unusually late in coming out last night. The reason for this is to be found in the fact that the replies of some of the recipients of dignities and honours acknowledging and accepting the same were not received till ten o'clock at night, and after that the list had to be sent to the "Gazette" and to various London newspapers and agencies before it could be transmitted to the country. Points to note in the list are that all the men whe receive honours have done some useful work. There are no peeragts for men who are merely rich. Mr. H. H. Gibbs is rich, but he is a great deal more. He has rendered essential service to the country as a financial authority who has been Governor of the Bank of England. The Privy Coun- cillorships conferred on Sir Richard Temple and Mr. Stuart Wortley may be taken to signify that these two distinguished men are not iikely to take office. Mr. Stuart Wortley, as an Ecclesiastical Commissioner, is, of course, barred from office. But there is no reason why he should not in some future time become Speaker of the House of Com- mons. Sir John Arnott, who has been made a baronet, has done more for the pros- perity of Ireland than all the Nationalist leaders put together. Besides being pro- prietor of the "Irish Times," Sir John is in a great many industries and commercial under- takings. He is one of the born leaders of men, and whatever he places his hand on suc- ceeds. I remember being told once how, when the people in one of the towns in which he is interested were suffering from dear and bad bread, Sir John started bakeries of his own, which not only made him popular, but paid him a profit. Similar praises might be given to another new baronet—Sir William Thomas Lewis—who in Cardiff and in Wales is as suc- cessful as he is a distinguished organiser of industry and commerce. Mr. Alfred Austin, the new Poet Laureate, is supposed to be in the confidence of the Unionist leaders. He has long been known as one of the leader- writers of the Standard." He used to edit the "National Review," and he is a born poet, scholarly and refined rather than sen- sational. A FAT SURPLUS. The announcement of an increase of six I millions in the revenue within the last nine months must not be taken to imply that there will be a surplus of eight millions on the year. The estimate of the late Chancellor was for a revenue of ninety-six millions, which, prac- tically, would just meet the expenditure. At the rate of increase shown in the nine months, the revenue for the year would be about 101 millions, which will leave a surplus of five or six millions. How TO TACKLE RUSSIA, Members of the Opposition who are clamouring that Lord Salisbury should do something to coerce the Turks are good enough to explain in private conversation how this may be done. To adopt the language of the streets, they want Lord Salisbury to "round" on Russia. They would have him offer that the British fleet should occupy the Dardanelles and a Russian army march into Armenia. If the Russians refused this pro- posal, then Great Britain should throw up its hands and declare Russia stops the way. That is to say, we are to give up all the advantages of our present position either to hand Armenia over to Russia or simply to quiet our conscience by saying that Russia refuses to do anything. This may be the statesmanship of the Rosebery school, but it is not that of the school of courageous diplomatists, of whom Lord Salisbury is one. ST. PAUL'S SATURNALIA. A praiseworthy effort by the dean and chapter to stop the saturnalia of rowdyism that takes place round St. Paul's Cathedral on New Year's Eve has not met with a frii measure of success. Northerners, mainly Scotch folk, began years ago the practice to gather round St. Paul's, and when the mid- night bells pealed in the birth of the Vew Year they took a kindly dram, and, with linked | hands, sang "Auid Lang Syne." This was all very weil as far as it went, but the street j roughs found out that this New Year celebra- j tion was an opportunity for high jinks and j rowdyism. Year by year the scene round the cathedral has become more disgraceful, j Last night the peal which is usually rung was stopped, with a view of putting an end to the disorder. The rowdyism was, perhaps, not quite as pronounced, but the crowd was greater. Masses of people marched up from the East End singing music-hall songs, and joined great crowds of silk-hatted or Scotch- capped folk who were packed closely in the spaces surrounding the cathedral. An army of pickpockets was at work, but, as they had heen expected, they did not secure many prizes. The police, in solid masses, kept the mob from seething into mischief. On the whole, the people were good-natured, perhaps because many of them were maudlin with drink. The striking of the clock could not be heard for t'le babble of the rabble, and. as the bells did not ring, few of those present knew when the New Year came in. The more potent factor in dispersing the crowd was a rumour that public-houses in the neighbourhood were still open. NEXT BOOK SEASON. Books for the spring season are already being talked about. Messrs. G. P. Putnam and Sons, for instance, will have a cheaper and popular edition of "The Rights of Man and "The Age of Reason." The material for these volumes is selected from the set of the complete "Writings of Paine." edited by Dr. Moncure D. Conway, the publication of which will be completed early in the New Year. The same publishers will issue "Joan of Arc," by Mrs. Oliphant, which has been in prepara- tion for some year?; and "The Crime of the Century," by R. Ottolengue. who has written several notable books dealing with criminology. -?

THE GIBBON ESTATE- WORKMEN" TAKE UP MB. WIND- SOB GIBBON'S APPEAL). The appeal, which was foreshadowed in the "Western Mail" nearly a fortnight ago, in re- gard to the Claim of Mr. Windsor Gibbon as claimant to the estate of the late Mr. J. S. Gibbon, of Cowbridge, is now assuming defin:te sha,pe. 16 will be remembered that Air. Wind- sor Gibbon, who has been in possession of Newton Mansion for the pash eighteen months, was a collier working in the Albion Colliery. Cilfynydd, and now that funds have become necessary to defend his claim against that of Mr. R- T. Samuel, of London, the workmen are being appealed to for financial support. On Tuesday evening a gathering of re- presentative workmen from Pontypridd, Cilfynydd, and other places was held in the Graig Hotel, Pontypridd, to consider whether any steps could be taken to aid Mr. Windsor Gibbon an bis present posi- tion. Mr. Gibbon was present, and, at the request of the meeting, briefly stated his posi- tion in face of the approaching litigation. The appeal was taken up with enthusiasm, especially as there were present some of Mr. Gibbon s former fellow-workmen, who spoke highly of him as an upright, genial workman, wiiio deserved every fairplay to put the other claimant on his proof, at any rate- It was ex- plained that Mr. Windsor Gibbon had already successfully withstood the claims of one oppo- nent, but, if some money had not already been subscribed by friends, judgment would have gone against him by default. All that was a.sked for was that he should he aided to prevent him losing his claim by default. In order to further the appeal for funds, it was unani- mously decided to form a committee of nine workmen to carry out preliminary arrangements for a public appeal to the collieries, and, having appointed a secretary pro tern., the committee arranged to hold another meeting in a few days to consider the steps to be taken to approach the great body of miners.—The Chairman declared that if every workman in South Wales and Monmouthshire contributed sixpence to the fund enough money would be forthcoming for the purpose in view.—It was stated that steps are being taken by others to organise a com- mittee or committees of tradesmen.

F ARIANISM, LETTER BY THE FABIAN CANDI- DATfE. To the Editor of the "Evening Express." Sir,—Many friends are still puzzled with the word "Fabianism." was a Roman general who adopted a policy of striking when lie thought it the right moment, and then as hard as he could, in fighting against the swarthy Africans, who, to him, in those days represented the power of darkness. A few Socialists, about a dozen years ago, banded themselves against the tremendous forces of fire and smoke and darkness, as represented by the modern slavery of Capitalism in this country. They decided that they should arm themselves with the true and keen Damask blades and the concentrated, immensely-potential bormbs of knowledge wherewith to wage war for Socialism on the methods of Fabius. Fabianism is simply a Constitutional method of spreading Socialism, whereby the glare of the press is shed on the da.rk country, and the ballot paper is the efficient implement of revolution. To speak in the plainest possible way, I am a SociaJ'kt candidate. "Equality of oppor- tunity" is an axiom of Socialism. As an out- come of this, it goes without saying it that a.ll meetings of representative bodies should be held in the evenings, not earlier than seven o'clock, c-lso how could the genuine working man be there as a member, or even as a listener? These meetings should bo in large halls, with sitting accommodation, 80 that the people might at first hand know what was going on, and by whom carried on. I believe that meetings of this sort would have a very healthful influence both upon representative-! and represented. Socialists, remember your one trick—write 15 opposite the name below, and let the parties fight. Grangetown, secure your only local candidate!—I am, &c., DAVID RHYS JONES.

IF-OR SAILORS' FRIENDS. FOREIGN ARRIVALS AND MOVE. -MENTS OF LOCAL VESSELS. Newark left Plymouth for Cardiff 1st. G E. Wood arrived Valencia 2Int. CyfarUifa left Bilbao for Ci> cliff 1st. Ixjngueil left St. Nazaire for Bilbao 30th. Wilfrid arrived Bilbao from Cardiff 28th. Bernard arrived Antwerp Jsfc. Earl of Dumfries arrived I-a itochelle 31st. twalia arrived Ardrosawi 30th. Gk-mlowcr arrived Charente 28th. Garth left Glasgow for Bilbao 1st. Hurl burn arrived Bilbao from St. Nazaire 31st. Crathome pessod Port Said 30th. lever, arrived Norfolk froml Philadelphia 30th. Cymmrodorioti left Bona for Maiyport 31st. Kate B. Jones left Pera for Suliiu*, olst.

At Penarth Police-court on Wednesday John Moss, labourer, Barry Docks, was fined 40s. and costs, or a month's hard labour, for obstructing the police while in the execution of their duty at Barry Docks.

The Angel, The darkening twilight immerses the 'horizvn in purple, making it seem more dis- tant glazes tiie surface of the ponds, doubling their depth, and the night comes, •with the cold. At the foot of the hill is a road. A little 'girl, barefooted and very poor, is leading Hock, another's Hock, along this road. She is the living image—though for her there be so little of living—of misery and abandon- ment. In her twelve short years her hand.; have grown feeblei, more wea^v, even than are those of the very aged. Bat in her deep reyes the ideal sequences have prolonged them- selves through days of silence, doubtless, she has dreamed; and through the nighls, itoo, under the pale light of the stars. The understanding of the lowly is sometimes di- vine. Suddenly, in the middle of the road, her dog stops, as if transfixed, and stands trembl- ing ana awe-stricken. Marie, advancing, per- ceives. in the shadow of the thicket, a form iialf obscured, yet radiantly wuite,' and en- circled with an aureole. The child has prescience of a miracle and is not astonished. She muteiy cuuaidera the mysterious being. Yes, it is an angel-with flowing robe, with abundant locks, with visage severely pure, such as one sees in the fres- coes on the walls of churches. But this angel haB only one wing, and his face is ineffably sad. Putting her hands together, palm TO piaim, she speaks to him softly, and in tones of prayer: Uh, beautiful Prince of Heaven, I salute ■"you I would serve you. Since you are come ■hither, it must be to bring joy on the earth, and I thank you." But the Immortal answers with a great ■•ob, Ãlld then quickly exclaims "Whore am IV On earth, iD exile! 'Ban.sued Stricken Chastised It is joy that I bring, hast thou said, 0 daughter of men ? Alas behold me What am I "lit the fall ordained to DItiI. I have lost a "wing No more of heaven, nor yet am 1 of earvk 1 Suspend und fear hoid horrible nieoace for me of things unknown. Ou high, it sotms, I y&sterday declared too bard a judgment upon mankind, their passions— sheir vijentss, u it is called—upon crimes -witetGof I knw _Ct. S<v as pmnahMteat for -the King ofTuagg, the Power Supreme, hath senteleed rie: to best the terrestrial life, a prey to those temptations r I erstwhile regarded as beneath contempt. Sboukl I resist and prove the victor in these successive trials, then will the azure and the gold, thft unchangeable firmament and its eternal glories be restored to me. But, should I once fail, I must dwell iu this, thy world, until the final judgment of men. I am afraid -of all things. And thou—who art "I am only a poor, kiuless child, received of ciiamty-, who a farmers sheep mu."t guard that I may liye-sometunes hardly, sometimes well, according to the weather—and who, an Angel seeing, kneel to him m prayer, that he will bear me hence to heaven- Then the Angel wept yet harder. "Alas I Heaven is closed to me, and this one wing, that I must dorag so painfully, but deepens my affliction, reminding me of my origin, and nothing serving me upon this earth where I must walk. It is the last warn- ing that remains to me. At my first fault, this, too, will fail and I shall b-3 bound to this nether sphere, inexorably delivered over to vileness, far from yonder sublimity of space. -1, Syriam, the Magnificent, Bearer of L;ght! Oh, these temptations of men How I dread them, child, even as before I scorned them! What is that dreadful noise?" Strident songs disturbed the stillness of the night, and the lurid glare of torches, tossed by the wind, drew nearer, and dyed \'ïth the bloody hue the desolute countryside, wakened to horror. Amid a troop on horseback, Regina, the courtesan, was returning to her dwelling from a forest chase. The noisy cortege stopped in front of Cyriam and Marie. "What s there? Some vagabonds? Make way Make way The Angel, circled by the scarlet torches, looked whiter than even before. At sight of him there were bursts of laughter. "What kind of crippled fowl im here? Loose ye the dogs the chase is not yet done It's a stork—or, is it, perchance, a white turkey cock ?" The Angel, risen to the full height, snatched a sword from one of those who were pressing upon him, and laid him dead at bios feet. A peal of thunder resounded. Tha second wing feli, the white robe also, and the aureole vanished. A voiae cried "rhe lirss •rial—Anger Already ata courtesan, Regina, hAd thrown herself combat. Now she gazoiopon r the, Angel, struck by bis superhuman beauty. ''Come, I love thee t" she said. "Thou didst well to slay this fdlow. He insulted thee, the drunkard Follow me Then Cyriam cried': "Since no longer I am more than m?,n. earth's pleasures shall be mine. I'll follow theE-thou art beautiful—au-d I—I, indeed, am lost!" And as he mingled with the throng they did homage to him for his valour and his splendid presence. Marie, left alone, wept in the highway, knowing that a great evil had befallen; and her dog, for p'ltyV sake, licked the teardrops from her eyes, while her sheep grazed where- they listed. Cyriam, of origin divine, is great among men. He is the most beautiful, the strongest, the most beloved. He has wished for gold- he (is rich for land and titles-he hm, them. In war he exterminates and the obscure crowd of combatants give way before him, lo-se their footing, terrified by the supernatural After Regina, who died for love, others have: adored him. The earth is illumin-td by his bright- ness; and his adventures are numberless. He hail succumbed successively to all human temptations. The seven capital sins are his best companions; by all his immortal force, which multiplies the evil tenfold find prolongs it indefinitely, he surpasses the worst hamau culprit. He acknowledges neither fatigue nor repose. He pauses not. Sometimes, however, he looks upward and sighs, yet the souads about him again divert him, and he returns to hds wished-for pleasure. As time passes bitterness comes. The im- mortal beholds death about him. As ho is human of heart, so has he loved unreservedly b'th mistresses and friends. He sees them grow old, sadden, and di<\ Others he has after them, but their fat?, is the same. Alone unchangeable, he sets them pass away, and each time that a loved being disappears be suffers and weeps. How many times did he suner and weep during the ten human centuries, which seemed to him as hardly so many cb,ys? And his martyrdom was of every hour. Renewal did i-.ot fill up tlit gulfs of the pMt. Across the throng of laces i,!iat he hart met in the alolished years two ^•amorios haunted him implacably—that of heaven, and also-- how strange, indeed '—tha.c of Marie, the poor child whoIR he had met on that first evening, &nd who, doubtless, had long bean dead. And ib was MII" women who rasembl-^d' Marie th",f¡ he preferred above the other*. Thus, amidst noise and coiywrHition, Cvri-io. existed for century after century. Then, on", day, weary of everything, er.vyi.n,g mankind, whose inevitable escape is d^tl' (which jvt may tv. advanced' by self-killing), ha draw apart from the abodes of civilised men, walk- ing for a long time in the solitude of the fields. At twilight, as oc the evening of long ago, he sat down at the foot of the hill, in a corner of a deserted road. Suddenly he saw a poor, bare-footed child coming towards him, leading a rich flock through the deepening gloom. With panting breath he watched htr as she drew nigh and ill urm ured "Oh, 3arth Oh, earth accursed Yet will I pardon thee if this poor child be by a. miracle the child of long ago. the first one met, whose memory—why, I know not—dwells ever in my dream. For thee have I suffered, ah, earth I judged of men too hardly, though I knew then? not. Now, more guilty myself than all mankind together, I absolve them. Have mercy upon them But the child comts neai. Who art thou, little one?" "A poor, kinless child, who have ever been vry unhappy. And; you, oh, Prinoe of Heaven, beautiful angel, for such by your wings I know you to be. I come to supplicate you to take me with you-up yonder, whither you go." Cyriam started. Behind him in very truth he felt the quivering of his wings divine. God. because he was penitent, recalled him to the light. Yet he spake again "So it i" thou. Marie, the first whom I met —here tiiid I thee again, my sister, after a thousand years f' "No," said the child, guileless of hpArt; "I know not what you mean. Yet hapless little girls a.re of all time in this world. Misery is their name, and I am one of theci." And Cyriam, Lhe Pardoned; Cyriam, the Charitable, opening his wide wings, quivering with rapture, took ths child up ir :'I'DlS, ?ud bore her aloft into the i-l.erna.1 glory recon- quered.

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NEW WELSH BARONET. CONGRATTJIiAiTIONS FOR SIR WILLIAM T. LEWIS. The announcement in Wednesday morning's "Western Mail" that her Majesty had conferred a baronetcy on Sir W. T. Lewis has aroused a good deal of interest in different circles in Pontypridd, Rhondda Valley, and East Gla- morganshire. This will be readily understood when it is remembered that Sir William is intimately connected with several large indus- trial concerns, including Lewis' Merthyr Col- lieries, and his son, Mr. Herbert Lewis, con- tested Mertiiyr at the last general election, and was the Conservative candidate for East Glamorgan in the previous election. Sir William has for years been associated with important local public improvements, and the interest taken in him by the people of these districts is, consequently, very great. The liveliest satisfaction was expressed all through amongst his political friends at the local Con- servative clubs in the Rhondda. district. MERTHYR. The 21 nounoement that the Queen had been pleased to confer a baronetcy upon Sir W. T. Lewis was received at Mertiiyr with intense satisfaction. For how much soever certain sections of the people may be at variance with him on questions of politics, religion, or trade, there is a unanimous feeling of pride that a Merthyr boy, who owes his fortune to his own industry and talent, should have achieved so great a distinction. Mr. William Griffiths, chairman of the Conservative club, on behalf of the members of the committee of that insti- tution, has sent Sir William a hearty congratu- latorv message, whilst numerous private tele- grams have been despatched of a similar charac- ter. Merthyr practically owes to the worthy baronet the establishment of the general hos- pital, to which he is now adding an accident ward. and) at the annual ball on Wednesday the further honour which he has received at the hands of the Sovereign was a subject of general gratification. CARDIFF. The prevailing feeling on Cardiff Exchange. at the conferment of a baronetcy on Sir W. T. Lewis was one of satisfaction and conaratula- tion. It is felt that Sir William richly de- serves the honour which has been bestowed upon lini, not only for his great commercial ability, but for the work he has done on the several Royal Commissions on which he has been appointed. On the Commission on Mines, on which Sir William acted some years ago, his knowledge and services were of the most valuable description. and on the Labour Com- mission also he took ai very prominent part. Further than this, the allegiance of Sir W. T. Lewis and his son to the Conservative party entitled him to some recognition at ther hands of Lord Salisbury, and it is in this manner that his efforts have been rewarded. ABERDARE. The news gave unbounded satisfaction to the inhabitants of Aberdare, in which town the Mardy family are deservedly held in the highest esteem. When the dignity of knight- hood was conferred upon. the then Mr. W. T. Lewis, some ten years ago, so great was the enthusiasm occasioned amongst all classes of people in the neighbourhood), and such was their earnestness to make manifest the joy they felt, that a strong committee was promptly appointed to take steps for conveying to the. recipient of the honour a tangible expression of the respect in which he and his family were held. In the result, a public meeting— described by the late Rev. Dr. Price as "the most representative one he had ever seen in Aberdare"—was held, and a resolution agreed upon to present a congratulatory address (Colonel Thos- Phillips being appointed hon. secretary). This was beautifully illuminated il album form. Sir William T. Lewis's arms being displayed on the cover, and his mono- (gram on the lid of the case. An. interest- ing feature was the recording therein of a complete list of the gentlemen who subscribed towards the fund. An influential deputation was appointed to make the presentation, which took place in. the morning-room at the Mardy. Mr. R. H. Rhys, J.P., was fittingly chosen as spokesman, and at the ('lese of a very neait speech pertinently remarked, "We have also the strongest feeling that Lady Lewis is in every way entitled to share -the honour that has been conferred upon. you, and we are all very proud of the opportunity of telling you this." Sir W. T. Lewis, who was deeply affected, made a touching address in reply. So great was the enlthusiasm amongst the ladies, who desired to participate in the demonstration of congratulations, that a complimen- tary ball, upon a magnificent scale, was 31rranted a.t Abemant Hou-a, the decorations and catering being upon a scale never equalled in the district. Sir William and Lady Lewis, with a large party, arrived early, and the guests included hundreds of well- known and representative ladies and gentlemen from all parte of the county, in addition to the principal residents of Aberdare. Ever since that time Sir William and Lady Lewis, to- gether with the members of their, family, have continued to take an active interest in all matters appertaining to the welfare of the people amongst whom they reside, their ready assistance in all cases wherein relief is deserved being household words in the town. Tliis addi- tional honour by her Majesty is welcomed by people of all shades of opinion—religious and political—who do not seek to conceal their satisfaction that the distinction is one which confers honour upon Aberdare as well as the recipient himself. The matter was well dis- cussed during New Year's Day, and Colonel Thomas Phillips, who undertook the duties of hon. secretary upon the last occasion, was approached by several gentlemen, who ex- pressed their desire to have some public mani- festation of a similar character initiated by him and the high-constable without delay. Sir William is at present en route for Egypt, Lady Lewis, together with several of her children, being also journeying to Australia, but efforts were made to intercept them by telegram at some one of the ports of call.

SCENES AT MERTHYR. ADDITIONAL STANDING ORDERS ADOPTED. On Wednesday, ati the ordinary meeting of the Merthyr District Council, Mr. D. W. Jones moved the addition of two clauses to the stand- ing orders, so as to give greater authority to the chairman, and to secure better order in the conduct of the proceedings.—The motion was seconded by Mr. D. T. Thomas, who remarked that if language such as had been used in the council-chamber had been, used in some of the miners' meetings the offenders woald have been kicked downstairs.—Mr. David Davies and Mr. John Lewis supported, the latter observing that the operation of the new clauses would be welcomed by the public, because they had befcome nauseated with the disgraceful lan- guage that had been uttered at some of the meetings of the council—The motion was car- ried.—Mr. Dan Thomas desired to move a further addition to provide that the chairman should vacaite the chair when any subject affecting himself or the Oimipany he repre- sented, or any company he WaS interested in, arose for dicussion, but it was ruled that it could not be submitted without notice. _?.

DRUNKENNESS or the LIQUOR HABIT I positively OTJKED by administering DR. HAINES'S GOI.DEN SPECIFIC. It is a powder, which can be given iii beer, coffee, or tea, or in food, without the knowledge of the patient. It is harmless, and will effect a permanent and speedy cure, whether the patient is a moderate drinker or an alcoholic wreck. Is has been given in thousands of cases, and in every instance a perfect cure has followed. It never fails. The system, once impregnated with the specific, it becomes an utter impossibility for the liquor appetite to exist. 30 page book of particulars on receipt of postage stamp. Can be had of Hicks and Co. 23, Duke-street, Queen-street, and Paradise-row; Duck and Sons, St. John's-square, Cardiff. Trade supplied by Lynch and Co. (Limited), London. RHEUMATIC CURE.-Phil Phillips' "RheumaUc Cere." Sufferers from Rheumatism, Rheumatic Gout. Sciatica, and Neuralgia may Ob'ain Instant Relief and Certain Cure by Using the Patent Appliances.— Seeks from lQg. 6d. per Pair. Belts from 10s. 6d. each. Wrietlcos from 5s. per Pair. Send measure- ments, with remittance, to Phil Phillips, Jeweller, 24, St.. Mary-itreet. Cardiff. e37082 I Thousand* of Children die annually from that terrible disease, CROUP All may be saved bv giving them Mortimer's Group Mixture in time. May, ba obtained ef all fhetMtt at 1* J8d. per bottle- tS4469

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NEW RAILWAY SCHEMES. HOW THEY ARE LIKELY TO AFFECT CARDIFF. A couple of days ago we stated how some ccal railway schemes would affeot the town if Cardiff, and two of the principal points out- side the interference with sewers and water CLARENCE BRIDGE. mains relate to the Clarence Bridge and to he Roarth Park- It will be seen by the first iketch that lareat danger to the< bridge may result from the making of the line, while, according to the limits of deviation, the bridge itself may be encroached upon by the London in.d South Wales Railway Company. The I How the Railway Crosses Roath Park. second) sketch shows the cut proposed to be made through the Roath Park by the Bute Docks Company in their new railway scheme. The propagating house will be demolished, and a portion of the botanical garden taken by the company. HOW THEY WILL AFFECT THE LLAN- DAFF AND DINAS POWIS DISTRICT. The monthly meeting of the Llandaff and Dinas Powis Rural District Council was held on Wednesday, under the presidency of Mr. Robert Forrest.—The Chairman announced that the surveyor had prepared reports' on the Parliamentary Bills, from which it appeared that the council would be affected by the Bills of the Taff Vale Railway Company, the Bute Docks Company, the London and South Wales Railway Company, and the Barry Gas and Water Company. He proposed that a gmall committee be appointed to consider the reports and confer with the various authorities, with a vr!ew of boiling down to the lowest point the objections of the council to the schemes. It appeared that the Barry Gas aind Water Com- pany sought to include the whole parish of St. Andrew's in its limits, and, as they had gone to considerable expense in connection with this parish. lie thought there would be considerable objection to the proposal. The footpaths of the district would be the most affected bv the other Bills, and not so much their bridges.— A committee was formed to take the reports in consideration in private. A BUSY PARLIAMENTARY SESSION. Out of 199 private Bills deposited in the House of Commons, 24. or nearly one-eighth, relate to schemes for South Wales. Of these twenty are in the confines of Glamorganshire, and two each are promoted in Carmarthenshire and Monmouthshire.

A YEAR'S WORK AT THE MINT. From a, summary of the operations of the Mint in 1895, MJsued on Tuesday night, the year just closed would appear to have been a busy one in that establishment. No fewer than 72,245,295 "good coins" were struck, or, roughly speaking, ten millions more than in 18941. Dealing with values, 'the gold coins aggregated £ 3,592,625; the silver, £ 1,196,158 (of which L376,172 went to the Colonies), and the bronze, £ 40.995 (B57,155 of which was required for tho United Kingdom). As against this, JEi2,100,000 in gold and £ 444,000 in silver were withdrawn from circulation under the provisions of the Coinage Act of 1891. the figures i. the preceding twelve months being B3,600,000 and £ 390,948 respectively.

Early Closing Demonstrotion. at Neath A demonstration was organised at. Neath on Wednesday agaiinst a local tracieeman on account of his not falling -in with the eariy closing movement-. In the course of the pro- ceedingn some disorder was caused and missiles were thrown, but no serious injury was m- flicted.

On New Year's Day the aged poor of St. Stephen's Parish, Cardiff, were regaled in the schoolroom with a substantial meal of roast bed and plum pudding, and dinners were also sent to old people unable to attend. A packet of tobacco was given to each man, and a packet of tea to eaoh woman. Mrs. Barry's catering gave every satisfaction. The helpers were Mrs. and the Misses Russell, Mrs. Hughes (H.M.S. Hama- dryad), Miss Southwell, the Misses Rees, Miss Myers, and Mr. Cardell. This (Thursday) afternoon over 150 poor children will be re- galed with tea, cake, nuts, oranges, apples, and sweets. ONE MOMENT, PLEASE Sufferers from Gravel, Lumhtgo, Piles. Paine in the Brick. Dropsy, Wmd and Water Complaint*, Disease* of Kidneys, Bladder. Stone, Sciatica, lUitu- iratiam. and Gout, will find & positive Cure in Eelroyd's Gravel Pill*. Try a 6mull Box, and i) not satisfied your money -will be returned. Pricfc la. lid of all Chemists or {.est free for 12 stamps, from Holroyd's Medical flail. 0!eckhe*ton, Yorte, Don't be put off. If yoo cannd get them, write «o the proprietor, tod » box will be mart next post. i'

AT THE PARK-HALL. A FANCY DRESS BALL AT CARDIFF. Our Lady Correspondent writes:—A fancy dress ball is generally a very brilliant affair, and the one which took place on Wednesday at the Park-hall was exceptionally so. Much of the success of a dance is due to the work done beforehand; in this case the committee, headed by Mr. F. Standen, as secretary, had worked j admirably and, indefatigaibly, and the result was most auspicious. At eight precisely the company assembled, and were greeted by Mr. Standen, disguised as a, fine, burly King Henry VIII.and Mrs. Standen,in a handsome dress, as "Queen of Hearts." Mrs. Hellier wore I the very handsome and oostly dress of "The Duchess of Devonshire," her corsage trimmed with valuable pearls and Honiton lace, white wig, and a large picture hat, Mr. Hellier, in a fine uniform, as "General Roberts," at her side. "The Queen, represented by Mrs. Williams, from Newport, headed the march past, her train held by two tiny pages in scarlet valvet. She wore the full regalia, orders, &c., of our "own ir.cst good, gracious one. It would be impossible to describe every dress we can only pick out a few, making the general remark tha.t they were, if possible, richer and more varied than last year's. "Patchwork was a really good get-up—coat and trousers of crazy- work. Two "Magpies" passed us next, one learning on the aim of a Red Indian. A Christmas Tree was assiduously escorted by a young sailor, while a gallant naval lieutenant of 1895 had betn promoted to full captain's rank, and well it suited him. "Mary Queen of Scot*, "David Garrick, The King of Hearts," "Fatima" (a lovely dress), "The Fortune-teller," "Mephistopheles" (two of these) passed us—one had reddened his face. so he was quite correst. One of the most costly dresses in the room was "Cleopatra," a mass of white and gold and purple. Lawn Tennis" was very becoming, and "Mistletoe was a very courageous costume to tempt all the poor male creatures with. Officers of every rank and of every kind of cervice abounded, and added much brilliancy to the scene. "La Sa.pipho," in black and white, was a showy costume. 'Autumn Leaves" was a very dainty dre-.<Í8, si wreath of blackberries and leaves round the head, and a garland of autumn leaves falling over a pale yellow skirt. Space will not allow us to describe more. We shall hope to do so in Saturday's supplement. The music was excellent, the catering in Mrs. George's hands quite a success, and the bal- cony was simply crammed with eager specta- tors. We must congratulate those who got up the dance on the immense success that attended it from first to last.

CENTENARIANS. THE DEATH ROLL FOR THE PAST YEAR. The number of reputed centenarians who died during last year was considerable, namely i —Mr. Robert Horsley, of Soham, Cambridge- shire, in his 103rd year Mrs. Catherine Henry, of Gostree, aged li2, who left a daughter aged 99; Count Eugene Yandersluys, who was at Waterloo, aged 100; Msss Elizabeth Iliffe Berill, who was present at the Mansion House ball in celebration of George JII.'g Jubilee, aged 107; Mrs. M'Dowall, of Liverpool, aged 101; Mr. Griffith Parry, of Hammersmith, aged 102; Margaret MVey, a Downpatrick Irishwoman, aged 105; William Jam.?s, an in- mate of St. Panoras Workhouse, aged 104; Mrs. Dalby, of Bexley-heath, aged 102; Mrs. Sarah Fisher, of Poplar, aged 103; William Sutton, the Isle of Thanet centenarian, aged 107; Mr. Joseph Guiise, of Bromsgrove, aged 100 Miss Morgan, of Ryhope, aged 104 Mrs. Fildes, of Rainford, aged 100; Miss Eliza Gore, of Blackrock, County Dublin, aged 103; Mr. William Walker, of Malvern Wells, aged 102; Mrs. Robertson, of St. Andrews, aged 101; Mrs. Glasse, of Bournemouth, widow of Air. W. B. Glasse, Q.C., in her 103rd year; Miss Griffith, of Lianwrst, aged 102; Miss Macpher- son, of Badenoch, aged 103; Mrs. Margaret Dollison of Hetton-le-Hole, aged 104; Mrs. M'Ghie, of Paisley, aged 102; Mrs. Turner, of Fornham, aged 105; Mrs. Morris, of Llanelly, aged 104; and Mrs. Morrison, of Fraserburgh, aged 100. Mrs. Bulman, who attained her 101st birth- day on February 14, has just died at Thornton Dale, Yorkshire. She had been a widow about 70 years, and was able to knit up to a short time before her death.

WIGAN MURDER TB\E FttjlSONER'S CONNECTION WITH CARDIFF. Although the Lancashire police have made extensive inquiries concerning the antecedents of the man Joseph Ellis Jones, farm labourer. now on remand for the wilful murder of Michael Burke, collier, at Standish, near Wigan, on Sunday, little is known of his career. As the result of the inquiry instituted by the Wigan representative of the '"Western Mail," prisoner was questioned to-day as to his former place of abode, and he admitted that for nine years prior to his marriage ae resided in Cardiff. but refused to say anything further. The authorities are now in communication with tho Cardiff police. Jones's wife, who left the W.igan district three days before the crime j was committed, has now returned from Wales, but it is not stated which part she visited. In all probability she will be oalled as a. witness during the police proceedings to be held on Monday next, when startling revelations as to her conduct with the deceased man are ex- pected. On inquiry at the Cardiff Police-station on Wednesday evening, one of our representatives was informed that the man Jones was not known to the police, and up to the present no commiunication had been received from Wigan as to his antecedents.

Suicide of a Rhyl Gentleman. On Tuesday Mr. G. H. Simon, the deputy coroner for Flintshire, held an inquest at the Town-hall, Rhyl, on the body of Mr. Gill Anderton, said to be of independent means, and! residing at 55, Wellington-road, Rhyl, who was found on Sunday morning lying in his bedroom with his throat cut.—Mary Creeby, domestic servant, said she found deceased in his room on Saturday lying dead between th" dressing-table and the table. He was in his nightshirt, which was saturated with blood. His throat appeared to be out. Since Christ- mas Day the deceased had been drfnking heavily, and on one occasion he came home drunk. He was in drink every day. He wao not engaged in any busi ii--ss. -Inspector Williams said Mrs. Anderton told him that the deceased had often threatened to take his own life when in drink. -The jury returned a verdict to the effect that "the deceased had committed suiaide by cutting his throat whilst in a state of temporary iu- I san.iy."

THE GREAT BLOOD PURIFIER. JL THOMPSON'S BURDOCK PILLS purify the foullest blood, and relieve every disease of Stomach, Liver, and Kidneys. Pure Blood givee Health. Thou- sand* have been cured by thsse wonderful Pilto where disease could not be reached by any other medicine, Bold by all Chemists, in boxes, Is. lid and 2B. 3d. Sent bx raU to P.43i tddren, e4050 BUSINESS ADDRESSES. QUANTITY UNLIMITED! QUALITY UNEQUALLED ROCK-BOTTOM PRICES! I ?' The above is a fair description of the Provision made to Supply the Public of Cardiff and Neighbourhood with Xmas Cheer by DAYID JONES & CO., LIMITED THE PEOPLE'S POPULAR FOOD PROVIDERS. NEW SEASON CHRISTMAS FRUITS. We have the best Assortment of Fruits in Cardiff at Prices that Cannot be Beaten. Call and Inspect our Samples, and you are sure to place your Orders with us. HAMS! HAMS!! HAMS!) 6D. PER LB. Thousands to select from. Our Little Beauties, f Q ??? -L'-?' about lOlb. each, J BACON BACON BACON ) Light Lean Wiltshire Cut f LlJ, American Pea-fed Sides, about 401b. each, at J LEAN C.C. BACON, ABOUT 251b. EACH, at 3id. per lb. BIGGEST VARIETY IN CARDIFF OF CHRISTMAS CAKES. Currant, Seed, Sultana, Luncheon, Balmoral, Empress, Cocoanut, Orange, Raspberry Cherry, Almond, Lemon, &c., &c. Plain and Iced Cakes in great variety. PRICES TO SUIT ALL POCKETS, FROM JD. TO 10D. PER LB. OUR NOTED WELSH POULTRY. We have a Name, and mean to keep it, as the Most Reliable Salesmen of Xmas Poultry in the District. ARRIVALS DAILY ON AND AFTER FRIDAY, THE 20TH DECEMBER. NO FORE IGN-BIRDS EVERY ONE GUARANTEED WELSH FED AND DRESSED. Every Department Well Supplied. Special Lines on Every Counter. Our different Department are Ham and Bacon, Butter, Cheese, Tea, Cake, Grocery, Fresh Meat and Poultry, Green- grocery, and Order Counters. 1 DAVID JONES & CO., LTD., WESTMINSTER STORES. WHARTON-ST., CARDIFF. Telegrams, "PREMIER, CARDIFF." National Telephone, No. 621. [4193* PHIL PHILLIPS RHEUMATIC CURE, FOR RHEUMATISM, SCIATICA, OR RHEUMATIC GOUT. SOCKS, 10s. 6D- PE R PAIR. j THE ONLY GENUINE APPLIANCES BEAR THE STAMP, ?? ? IpP t ? "PHIL PHILLIPS' RHEUMATIC CURE/' AS SHOWN IN THE SKETCH. Jf SOLE MANUFACTURER MR. PHIL PHILLIPS. J'EWELLER, 24 ST* ]TYJARY-STREET> CARDIFF. 9 40875 AGENTS WANTED THROUGHOUT SOU TH WALES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE. I JJAYID JONES AND CO. LIMITED, THE PEOPLE'S POPULAR FOOD PRO. VIDERS, Will Hold their usual SHOW of RJLURKETS, GEESE, JQUCKS AND FOWLS DURING CHRISTMAS WEE K EVERY BIRD GUARANTEED TO BE WELSH. FED AND DRESSED And Selected for ns by our 0 WN MEN in the BEST POULTRY DISTRICTS IN WALES. DON'T FORGET ow. CHRISTMAS J^ELICACIES. Our Only Address WESTMINSTER STORE w HARTON STREET, /"CARDIFF. 41621 Printed by the Proprietor*, Daniel Owen and Co. (Limited), and published by them at their offices, St. Kary-itreet, Cardiff ;at their offices, Cbfltle Bailey street, Swansea; at the chop of Mr. Wesley Wil- liams, B rider end—all in the County of Glamorgan at the "Western Mail" Offices, Newport; at the thop of Mr. J. P. Oaffrey, Monmouth, both in thf County of Monmouth; aDd at the shop of Mr. OL Davies. Llanelly, in the Ctouatf of Oarmarthea. THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 1896. GRAND FOOTBALL COMPETITION fKIZE OF £ 5 STERLING EVERY WEEK* HOW TO WIN IT. On SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, the fol4 lowing matches will tie played: — ENGLAND V. WALES. CARDIFF V. NEATH. SWANSEA V. JEDBURGH FOREST. BRIDGEND V. MORRISTON. HOW TO COMPETE. You must fill up the Coupon underneath ai follows: — lst.-With the Names of the Teams whom you think will win. 2nd.—With the actual number of points for; j and points against the teams you inink will J win. 1 CONSOLATION PRIZE. I win. 1 CONSOLATION PRIZE. I A Prize of One Pound Sterling will be srivenl to the Competitor who, failinsr to win the LS I: Prize, comes nearest to the correct result. CONDITIONS 1.—Forecasts must be made on the Coupon. 2.—As many forecasts may be sent in atf desired. 3.—All forecasts must arrive at latest byl Twelve Midnight every Friday, marked "Foot- ball Competition" on the outside, and ad- dressed the "Evening Express." Cardiff. 4,-The result will be declared in every Mon- I day's issue of the Ja-vening Express." 5.—Our decision is final. — ts • 18 £ f. z So J l ■ z O & fc — 1 r- j oi E* 7 H « r O fc 2 2 ? t-3 j j j a • £ « PQ t o H 2* I = I ;• -I O = i I PM X a MM l\\ XI < 'z a W H j 1 I ii £ ill! M 3-1 fc i « S i M I 5 5 1 5 MM Me S25 £ 5 J = S5 H I I i i '• HH H) *5 9 = ? = 1 W z- I S >■ o g W £ S « Ph g Q » p •< »>i ea w I 9hMiP64' offer you the *€ream of tfie £ ondon Tea Tftarfiet. :—it