Evening Express

I TMRAUTTTKE. RAIIT»AIX. BATX. Max. Min. Mean. 9 a.m. 9 p.m. Total. Friday 11 44 i1 50-5 "CO '00 '00 Saturday 12 42 36 38-5 -37 '— '— Sunday 13 42 33 37'5 '38 "80 '18 Mo»day 14 39 26 32*5 *22 '00 1'22 Tuesday 15 40 27 33*5 "00 '02 -02 Wednesday 16 36 27 31-5 -00 '02 '02 Thursday. 17 '80 w

"V" MAS CARDS.—The Largest Stock xm. in tho Principaiitv to he seen at the ■WESTERN MAIL" OFFICES. CARDIFF.

telephone. National, 502; Poet-officc, 95. 1 Telegrams, "Express," Cardiff. 1

Bill Banter's Budget The awful struggle impending on Monday next has done no good to myKflf, as honourable secretary. Presrure of business has been go enormoua that the trivialities of ordinary life- our little town-Stalls and sewerage schemes and boundary extensions, etc., etc.-have found little or no place in the Banter intellect this week. Nor are they likely to until the crisis has pass-ed. I make no apology, for suoh events as next Monday'# match are of such rare oc- currence that their vsSue is increased even by reason of the rarity. Suoh a thing has never happened before, and after the lesson Swansea are about to receive will never happen again. I have had tearful protests from a few. "Dear Bill," they write, "can't you let the poor children's Christmas alone? Is it necessary to risk life and limb for such an object ? And, more than all, is it necessary that you should fill our bally head's with football till wo don't know half our time whether we are touch-line umpires or crossbars?" To which I answer. "This is Christmas. Yuiletide comes but once a year. Monday's Press match only occurs once in eighteen hun- dred years. Have you ever been a football secretary under such circumstances? No! Then hie tiiee henoe and gag thyself, whilst those who do know talk a bit!" I The correspondence attending the office of hon. secretary is appalling. I have received the following apology:- [PRIVATE.] To William Banter, Esq. Dear Bill,—It is now plain that a ciiild could easily bluff a Swansea pressman! I see they have been using- my remarks on the first prac- tice match of the Cardiff Press team. It's only a Swansea j, uj-naiist who could be so easily hood-winkeid. The remarks were written because I was afraid that the heavy attacks made upon them by the Banter artillery would have reduced fchem to such a state of funk that they would send in an apology for non-atten- dance at the last moment. My remarks will, I hope, have the effect of luring them on, for it would be one of the jfr»ate«c Disappointments in my life not to see Cardiff pressman leave the field next Monday bearing honourable traces of the Swansea bounders' gore. Floreat Car- diff! THE JUNIOR REPORTER. I have just communicated with Swansea through the telephone this morning. They are afraid to come any nearer to the hon. secreta,ry for Cardiff till the great day. I am informed by the Swansea secretary that the Great Western Railway have placed a saloon carriage at their service for Monday, and that thoy arrive in Cardiff about 2.20. A large number of patriotic Swansea ladies and gentlemen are travelling with them. Amongst the visitors will bo the Rev. A. A. Mathews (the old international half), Mr. R. L. Sails, Superintendent Thomas (of the victorious Swansea police), and ex-Mayor Chapman. I nuint say I am surprised, after aJI we have thought it right to tell them, to find the Swan- sea victims so very full of fight. They say an earthquake wouldn't stop them now. Whioh remands me that an earthquake travelled across the country about five o'clock this morning. It was felt severely in various parts. In Swansea it was taken to mean an evil omen for their men on the Cardiff Arms Park. The shock was not felt in Cardiff. My old friend Spinnaker Boom called in to say that whilst he was out training (a ten-mile spin allong the Swansea-road) he saw the earth- I quake coming, and stopped it. That is the best authenticated proof of our forwards' prowess yet to hand. The proof of the feet is easily obtained. It lies in the fact Ibhait the earthquake never reached us. "I tackled it low, Bill. It was an awful struggle, but I was glad of the opportunity after hearing one of our pack had stopped a runaway omni- bus. and another had collared a mad bull." Our confidence for Monday Î6 well warranted. Plain facts like these are better than any theorising on paper. I have been unable to stop anything myself by reason of the heavy secretarial duties. I stopped a brewer's dray, however, this morning, with an order for Wor- thington'a special, to be delivered for the banquet. Tickets for "the field were issued on Thursday, and are going like wild-fire'. A seoomd edition will be found necessary to-day. Ah! Nothing but business! Better be a cattle driver than a secretary. As I said before in effect—expect no billing; an earthquake needs no advertising. j Y The Swansea Police force has lost its head in iots enthusiasm for the press team it dazzled so badly the other day. I received this morning (the huge Swansea Silver Challenge Cup, won by the Police Football Team. The Cup stands two feet high, and holds something like a gal- lon of football fluid. The letter accompanying it says, "Dear Bill, we send you up our trophy, much as we value it, as an earnest of our faith in Swansea. We are confident they will be able not only to wrest it from you and bring it back as our champions, but to thrash you by a bigger majority than Maclean's. If the Swansea press should fail, the Swansea police will come and fetch it." Ah, ha!

THE RESOURCES OF KRUPP. The fame of the Krupp Works at Esaen, Westphalia, as the vastest indu-strial estab- lishment in the world appears to be still main- tained- At present the establishment consists of two steelworks with fifteen Bessemer con- verters, four steelworks with Siemens-Martin open-hearth furnaces, iron. steel, and brass foun- dries puddling, melting, re-heating, and annealing furnaces, draw benches, a hardening and tempering department; file manufactory rolling mills for platee, rails, and tires; rail- way spring and wheel manufactory; steam hammers, forges, axle-turning shop, boiler shop, engineering and repair shops. Besides the above and many other departments at Essen connected with the making of cannon, there are steelworks at Annen, in Westphalia, three collieries in Westphalia, besides partici- pation in several others; 547 iron mines in Germany, various iron mines in Bilbao, in Spain; four ironworks, including one at Dnis- burg, one at Engere, one at Neuweld, and one at Sahn various quarries of clay, fondstone, &c., four steamers, and artillery ground at Meppen, Hanover.

PHIL PHILLIPS' TOOTHACHE CURE ACTS LIKE MAGIC! ONE SHILLING PER BOTTLE, j POST FREE 1e. 24. AGENTS: ABEBBARB TUDOR WILLIAMS. Medical Hall. ) LLANTWIT MAJOR: WILLIAM CUMMINGS, Ascot. AHEKAON: Mr. THOS. NIOHOLAS, Central MERTHYR: Messrs. 6. M. aad K. OUNSON, 67 sod Supply Stores, Water-street. 60, Hirh-street. BATH: THE BATH DRUG STORES, II, Abbey MO.NMOCTH: J. R. BARBELL, Grocer, itonnow- Ohurch-road. v_ street. BLAENAVON Messrs. D. DAVIES sod CO., 100, MOKRJSTON: M. L. BE VAN, Chemist and Seedsman, Broad-street. Post-office. ■BRECON: W. TUDOR, Chemist. NEWPORT: Messrs. CORDEY and CO., High-street. BRISTOL: BENRT HODDER and OO (LIMITED), PENARTH: Messrs. STRANAUHANi sod STEPHENS, Chemists, Broad-street. Grocers. &c. BRTNMAWR: Messrs. H. OONNOP and SON, PONTYPRIDD ISAAC PROTHFRO Grocer, Ac. Grocers. Ac. PORTHCAWL: T. LANGDON, Grocer, John-street. COWBTtTDGE: Mr. J. G. HAROLD BIRD. I SWANSEA: Messrs. TAYT/m and CO. (LIMITED), EBBW VALE: DAVID HUGHES, Grocer, Victoria- Wind-street. street. TREDEGAB: Mr. C. J. PRICE, Manchester House. HEREFORD: OLARKSON sad SONS, 9, High Tewa. WESTON-SUPER-MARE: Mr. NORMAN, 35, High- ILFTlAfJOMBE Messrs. HUSSBLb and SON, 27, stnet. High-street. PHIL PHILLIPS' RHEUMATIC CURE. (PATES^ SOCKS, 10s. 6d. BELTS, 10s. 6d. WRISTLETS, 5s. ? (SOD MEASUREMENTS.) ¡ Ttooaaad* «t festissoBials hare been received, and ea. fee sees on application to the Sole Manufacturer, MR. PHIL PHILLIPS. 24, STMAKY-STKBBT, CARDIFF, BEWABE OF ««!f AXIOMS I tII8859 V

The Siaughter of the Innocents BY THE CARDIFF PRESS, MONDAY'S GREAT FOOTBALL MATCH. Kick-off on Cardiff Arms Park at 3.15 Sharp. I i SKETCHES OF THE TEAMS IN TBAINTUG. LIST OF THE LADIES GENTLEMEN OF WHOM TT 1KRTS MAY BE OBTAINED. The tickets (always so much more comfort- able than payments at the gate) for the Cardiff v. Swansea Press match on Monday next are selling so well, although onily issued en Thurs- day, that we may reasonably expect one of the best football gatherings of the year. The Chil- dren's Christmas fund will receive a much- needed and joyful stimulus. Our waifs' en- joyment wilt be reward sufficient for the friends who buy the tickets and tihe friends who have kindly undertaken to sell them. We are setting no fancy price upon our lives and limbs. As long as we wreck Swansea we don't care a jot whether there's a pressman left in Oa-rdiff to report the encounter or not. Of course, this is a hypothetical statement. On reference to the columns contributed by Mr. William- Banter, the secretary, it will be seen tlmt we are going in such form that we are pre-ordained to carry a. great and glorious victory. We sha'l do more than lick the enemy; we shall pound the face of nature with them. Yet we ask only a etwlling1 for the grand stand and sixpence for the fteld. We should not ask that except on behalf of shivering waif-? and strays, whose little eyes glisten at the thoughts of Christmas, and whose little minds are so full of it that t'hey can hardly wp'it for the time to come. It is their only chance of knowing what the Christian Christmas means. Their little hearts are warmed towards the prosperous mea and well-dressed ladies whom they meet, for tlhev think everyone is interested in their Chris- ten happLness. Their little untidy bodies and their ra.w street roughness may rot be pre- possessing. That is the misfortune of bitter circumstances. But beneath the neglected ex- terior the grateful heart looks out from the glistening eyes with so much faith that they wonder how the field will hold all tho>e who must be going after tickets. In the prospect of the coming Christmas everyone is their own per- sonal friend, moving in a sphere, the bliss of which they only vaguely realise as paradiise, but gtill their personal friend. As Ul exhibition the match is honestly worth five shillings to a.ny man—ladi-es half a crown. We wouldn't perform for any money, but the pleasure of kicking Swansea back mto their protoplasmic state is worth untold wealth to us. Our forwards are practising the human kick upon fiat-irons, rocks, and substances calculated to make the kicking of a Swansea preawnao child's play. They can kick a brick in a hat ovei the cross-bar with the greatest ease. We *vam to train until we can kick a Swansea man over hiis own cross-bar from mkHield. The only d!Ùl!tdn1lI1t!tge is that we can find no men to practise on, and fifty-six pound weight are not as soft to kick as we expect the Swansea anatomy to be. This is a match the like of which may never be seen again. We would invite mil Wales to see it free, but for our little street waifs' longing eyes. In en feting the tic- kets ac low as sixpence and a shilling we are conferring a public benefit. Below is a list (imperfect as yet) of our friends in public places who have kindly under- taken the charge of tickets:— Conservative Club. Griffin Hotel, High-street. Miss Moore, Beaufort Restaurant,'St. Mary- street. Blue Bell Hotel, St. Mary-atreet. Mr. H. E. Webb, 5, Castle-street, Globe Hotel. Angel Jiotel and Vaults. Miss Jwvies, Rummer Hotel, Duke-street. Miss Timothy, Mason's Arms, Queen-street. Meesrs. Carey and Cb, Queen-strast. Mr. Wheeler, Nell's Brewery. Mt-asrx. Fulton and Dunlop, St. John's- equare. Maekell's Resturant, St. John's-square. Miss Sheldon, Stephen's Cafe, St. Mary- slreet. Miss Donkley, Black Lion Hotel. Napier Hotel, St. Mary-street. Mr. H. Martin, Ellidtt's Hotel, St. Mary- j street. Mr. Chamberlain, Terminus Hotel. Miss Miargan, Maskell's Restaurant, St. Marv-straet- Miss Mossop, Royal Hotel. Miss Tabbener, Victoria. Dining-rooms, Queifn-streef. Miss Wat kins, Riyal Arcade Cafe. Mr. Evans and Miss Lavertder, Park Hotel. Miss Jones, Alexandra Hotel. Red Dragton Restaurant, Queen-street. Councillor Gerhald, Victoria. Hotel. Jenkins's Restaurant, 5, Duke-street. West gate Hotel. Western Ma,il" Advertisement Office. OUR FAMOUS FOOTBALLERS. Sketches of Individual Flayers Continued. THE MAJOR (Cardiff) was Oft. 2in. when he was born.. He is one of the likeliest of our forwards, t'notugh he i8 equally an adept a.t three- quairters or an goal-post. He 13 in perfect training through having followed the volun- teers all through tihe summer, cwrying a 401b. bicycle. He can ride a. mile ;11. imino 7 3-5sec., but he carried the bicyoie mostly en acwunt of punctures. He can lift the whole ivvar^ea oorum. He has seen a footbitlU many times, and knows just what it iÏ9. No .nan can stand before his kick and live, the leverage Rcldõllluch mighty force to his number tens. FORWARD (Swansea) played half-back with Ben Davies in the Press v. Police lJlaoeh on the Swansea ground. He can laik uvare about half-(back play tham any man in the west. He stands outside the scrum and talks, while Ben Davies runs after some fellow who has got hold of the bail. He got the ball out once, though, m the police match. He crawled in amongst the forwards and fetched it to give to Ben, amd: the Rer. A. A. Matthews, who was refereeing, gave the police a. big free kick. He plays far better without a referee. (METRONOME (Cardiff) is by profession a musical ardtic, but he is one of those born footballers who get their heads down by in- stinct when they see a bib of leather. He turned out at the decimation practice match on Wednesday, and lived longer than anybody on the field. He is a sh"T^ who'll make the Swansea crowd look flat. He took the com- mittee's eye at once when thsy first saw him play, and is a. certain selection. He goes for ibis man without a quaver, and his opponent always needs a few bare rest. We shall have a word or two to aay again (though time is getting short) of his performances in training. BILL HiIGGHNS (Cardiff) is a poet whose veroap upon the matdh give a fair indication of what he is going to do. He is a sixteen-stone half-back, who puts hia bands upon the scrum and brushes it off the ball. This avoids the necessity of heeling out wfcen he is there. He picks the leather up and gets a try, and will write poetry about it afterwards.

NEW WAY OF PAYING WAGES At 'Bloomsbur^ County-court on Wednesday., (ttefore hM Honour Judge Bacon) a general servant named Mullins claimed for three weeks wages from MrtI. Hull, wife of a greengrooer at 156, Tottenham Court-road. Plaintiff said ate was engaged at a weekly wage to be paid monthly. She could not stay the month, as defendant put her on the bed and "paid""her.— Judge Bacon: Do you mean that she beat you?—Plaintiff sir.—Judge Bacon (to defendant): How many servants do you keep?— Defendant: One.—Judge Bacon: You were not satisfied with the plaintiff?—Defendant: 'No, I was not.—Judge Bacon (sharply): Judgment for the plaintiff for tlhxee weeks' wagjes. She should 'have applied nrs.t of all to the police magistrate at Mariiborough-street.

PANAMA LOTTERY. A LUCKY-WIDOW. The big prias of the Panama lottery, drawn for on Tuesday, and amounting to JB20,000, has been won by a poor toidow named Boissiere, with a family of four children, who ttold ftliit and vegetablgj^in the streets at j^araejllga.

Sunday Cars and Busses THE QUESTION AGAIN DIS- CUSSED BY THE CABS COM- MITTEE. WHEN WILL MOTOR CARS BE INTRODUCED. Mr. Comley presided a.t the weekly meeting of the Cardiff Cabs Committee, held at the Town-hall, on Thursday morning. The question of granting permission for the running of trams on Sundays, to enable the working classes to get to the suburbs, was again brought forward. — Mr. Good was of the strong opinion that the working elas-es lived in the suburbs, and didn't therefore want trams to taka them there.—A Member: What about Temperaneetown ?—The Mayor (Mr. E. Eeavan) thought the matter should be further deferred. People did not want to go out much in the winter months. He suggested that the matter should be left over until March.—Mr. Lewis Morgan thought that if they left it over so long they would be right into the summer before the arrangements could b« put into force. and .it was uflfcimately decided to defer the matter until the second meeting in January.—An appli- cation from Mr. Edwards, Diana-street, to run a break from the Royal Oak, Roath, to St. Mellons. on Sundays, was refused, the ap- plicant, though being caKeif three times, fail- ing to put in an appearance.—The committee decided to slightly alter the position of the cabstand near Mijunfc Stuart-square. — For some time the committee has considered the question of despatching a deputation to other towns for the purpose of making inquiries and observations as to the tramway regulations in force. On Thursday, however, the com- mittee dreided that this was unnecessary, and the matter ha*, th»roiore. been knooked in the head. Mr. Halleit, however, took the opportunity of suggesting that, if they inquired into traction at all, it should be in regard to motor cars. aT

FRENCH WAR ESTIMATES. A Dalziel's telegram from Paris on Wednes- day says —In the Chamber of Deputies this afternoon the discussion of the Wat Office Estimates was begun. M. Jaures, Socialist, moved an amendment for the rejection of the recommendation of the Budget Commission to vote an extra 4-,000,000 frames for the in- crease of the Infantry. The War Minister (General Billet) said that, in view of the in- creased armaments of other Powers, he hoped the Chamber would not refuse the money re- quired for the national defence. The amend- ment was rejected by 482 votes against 54.

CARDIFF MOTOR CAR CO. SYNDICATE FORMED TO SUPPLY THE NEW VEHICLES. The South Wales Motor Car and Cycle Com- pany (Limited) (50,503) was formed on Decem- ber )1 vith a capital of £5,000 in £ 5 shares to carry on the business of cycle, motor, auto- car, and vehicle inanuafcturer3, electricians, mechanical engineers, machinists, fitters, founders, millwrights, smiths, wire drawers, tubs-makers, &c. The subscribers nre: — B. L. Downing, Consulate-chambers, Car- diff, ffaipbrokeT 1 H. J. Thomas, Barry, accountant 1 H. Murrell, Mount Stuart-square, Car- diff, ^arveyor 1 T. P. Thomas, Bute Docks, Cardiff, ex- porter 1 W. E. D. Duncan, 39, Mount Stuart-fquare, electrical engineer 1 J. Guthrie, Acacia House, Penarth, ship- owner 1 R. T. Duncan, Wenvoe, near Penarth, solicitor 1 A. C. Mackintosh, 8, St. John-street, Penarth, solicitor 1 The number of directors not to be less than two, nor more than seven. The subscribers are to appoint the first. Qualification, 50 shares, or as the company may decide.

A BOGUS BANKER ARRESTED IN THE GAY CAPITAL. A Dalziel's telegram from Paris on Wednes- day says: —A so-called banker of the Rue Chateaudun, who is referred to as Pirie B." was arrested to-day upon a. charge of having committed numerous frauds. He was the founder of two financial journals, nam.t;d the "France Contemporaire" and the "Finance Contemporaire." They appeared, however, very irregularly, and then only for the purpose of extorting money by blackmailing. He also succeeded in duping several jewellers, and managed to obtain credit enough to furnish apuitments for his mistress in a most luxurious mar.ner. Now that he is in the depot com- plaints agairat the "banker" are being received from all sides by the police authorities.

A MUMMIFIED LIMB. RELICS OF THE MARQUESS OF MONTROSE. At the first meeting for the present winter session of the Society of Antiquaries of Scot- land, held in Edinburgh, one of the papers read was a notice by Mr. J. W. Morkill, M.A., of a. human hand and forearm pierced with nail- holes, and a baeket-hilted awosd, formerly pre- served in the family of Graham of Woodhall, Yorkshire, and considered as relics of the famous Alarquesg of Montrose. The eword bears on both sides of the blade, immediately below the hilt, the quartered coat of arms of Montroee, and the date, 1570, damascened in gold. The arm is in a mummified condition, and has evidently never been interred. A hole through the centre of the hand and a second through the fleshy part of the arm near the elbow are suggestive of the limb having been affixed to some gate or post, a» it was customary to thus expose the severed limbs of those executed for high treason. It is known that the arms of Montrose were affixed to the ports of Dundee and Aberdeen, and it is on record that during the time of the Commonwealth all lambs thus affixed in diffe- rent places in Scotland were taken down by the English or with their permission. This is con- firmed by the records of Aberdeen ae regards one of the arms of Montrose. which was taken down and interred in Lord Huntlv's vault till 1661. when it was disinterred and sent to Edinburgh to be re-united to the other members for the public funeral which was accorded "the mur- dered marquess" after the Restoration. There ie. however, no record of the arm that had been exposed at Dundee, and the possible explana- tion of the presence of an arm of the marquess ill Yorkshire is suggested by the fact that a Oomwellian officer of the name of Pickering was settled there, and that the aa-m is traced to the possession of a Dr. Pickering in the begin- ning of the last century, or within a few years of the death of the officer referred to.

FOOTBALL. NORMAN BIGGS TO APPEAR FOR SOMERSET. Norman Bi<w\ the old Welsh International, haa consented to appear in the Somerset team against Devon on Saturday at Weston-super- Mare, and will taike the place of Walter Long, the right wing three-quarter back, who, when playing at Weston for Bath, last Saturday, badly injured his left shoulder, the ligaments being torn from the bone. Norman Biggs for the last year or so has been living at Bath- easton, near Bath, managing a brewery, which his father purchased there, hence his qualifica- tion. The teams will be: — Somerset.—Back, H. T. Gamlin (Wellington): three-quarter backs, R. Forrest (Taunton), C. Sealv (Bridgwater Albion), W. J. Hancock (Wellington), and N. Biggs (Bath); half-backs, G. C. Vincent (Bath) a.nd E. Baker 'Bridgwater Albion); forwards, F. Soane and J. B. S. D'Aguilar (Bath), P. F. Hancock and P. Ebdon (Wellington), S. M. J. Woods and H. Bradshaw (Bridgwater), T. P. Gillmore (Wes- ton-super-Mare), and L. C. POWVB (Yeovil). Devon.—Back, A. Full; three-quarter b*cks, E. J. Salter (Exmouth), J. G. Matters (R.N.E. C Uege). W. A. Boyle (Barnstaple), and H. Stcyle (Barnabaiplo) half-backs, E. Down (Albion) and A. G. Bantiftford (Barnstaple); forwards, C. Thomas (Banstaple), C. Pearse (Barnstaple), J. Laverty (Albion), A. May (Albion), J. Bond (Torquay Athletic), F. Thomas (Plymouth), J. F. Shaw (R.N.E. Col- lege), and B. Howard (Torquay Athletic). 1:1 Uondaff Cathedral Schoot v. Pfcnarth Lodge.—Tin above annual match was played on the Bishop s Field, Llstidaff, on December 16, and resulted in s. viotcry for the Cathedral School by seven goal« to nil. The following were the teams: —L'.WKUff Cathedral f^hool: Goal, W. J. Powell; !»ck», If. A. Marshall and B. Hope; half-backs, C. A. (!uy, A. E. A de Luoov'.ch (captain), and H. UV'-itrj^tiire forwards, r. O. Edwards, R. E. P. Lew; W J. W. North, G. P. Fletcher, and W. H. Madden. f'onarth Lodge: Goal, H. Turnbull; backs, J. Waifiird a?j.! JI. Ctole- man: half-backs, S. Scott, C. Field, ami It. Wilton; forwards, Y. Bfcset, D. T>ung*n, J. Driver, W. Martyr, Laud Uf. &rie £ 6'

Spirits to Order ARE SPIRITUALISTIC MANI- FESTATIONS SHEER TRICKS ? Those who have always ooencm the verge of believing that the spirits of the departed reveal their Inmost secrets by twisting tables a.round and rapping on a board—a spiritualistic tafbie could not be described as a festi\ j board will be interested in a. book just published by a Frenchman named Alber. For M. Alber professes to be able to produce by ordinary human agency all thait is done in spiritualistic seances. Take table-turaing. Half a dozen people may press their fingers lightly on a table, and it will turn ad though by magic—or, again, it won't Is it that the spiritual forces that move the table are antagonised in the latter case? M. Alber's answer is that when his table moves it is because he has a. small iron lever up has sleeve, and the lever is attached to his forearm by a leather strap. Whi'e his fingers are eveksng the spirits this lever is moving the table. That is M. Alber's explanation of his own table-turning. His explanation of the messages written on the slate is hardly so impressive. It is that while the gas is out or low, and the medium's right hand is held, he is writing with the left. You hear the writing goting on; and this, M. Alber says, is now it is dene. The medium's forefinger wears a little thimble, and inside the little thimble is a tiny lead pencil con- trolled by a secret spring. So the medium sits and Writes With His Forefinger^ while the other fingers of the hand hold the ¡ slate. He has to work backwards from left to right, beginning at the last letter of the last wcrd. But M. Alber declares that after a few hours' practice one can easily write in this roan r:«r. But what of the luminous ghosts, the wilJ-o'- th'-wisps that float in the air a.bout the darkened room* M. Alber hit" his explanation of these also. Good eodid flesh, says M. Alber —that is wha.t these bodies firom the other world, these spirits from the vasty deep, really are. But the medium, by making his audience join hands and keep a magnetic circle," pre- vents anyone from stepping forward to grasp the ghost. Then, the lights being out, he draws from his vest a glove, one side of which has previously been rendered dimly phoepho- rescerit. He puts it on his hand, and waves it up and down in the darkness. The specta^ tors see a light now sma.ll and dim, now nearer and larger, a^ he waves his hand up and down; sometimes the dark side is towards them, and they see nothing. As for spirit photography—well, anyone, he says, can do that.

ASSAULT WITH A BASIN At Cardiff Polics-oourt on Thuirsday (before Messrs. R. Banjamin, David Duncan, and Councdllar Edward Thomaa) Henry William Williams, 35, a seaman, was brought up charged with assaulting and wounding Annie Eliza Morrows on the forehead with a basin at 47, Pembroke-road, Cairdiff, on December 16. Mr. Morgan Rees appeared to prosecute.—Mrs. Marrows, the prosecutrix, stated that (the prisoner had been lodging with her, and came home drunk on Wednesday night and beat her severely, and afterwards threw crockeryware at her. He also threw down a silver watch be- longing to her and stamped on it.—The prisoner was sent to prlisom for two months.

DARING BURGLARY IN LONDON A daring burglary was committed on Thurs- day mornrlng on the premises of Mr. John Attenbury, jeweller,. 129, Strand. The thieves broke through the wire door befcwsen eight and nine o'clock, and made off with a large quantity of eighteen and fifteen carat gold watch-chains and other valuables. The safe ^T-ojg not torched, but the value of the stolen goods oannot yet be aoourately estimated. The contents of the shop were insured in the Gold- smiths Burglary Insurance Association.

IN A TRANCE. REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE OF A l/LANHLLY CENTENARIAN. A few days ago Mrs. Sarah Thomas, the well-known centenarian, who lives with her widowed daughter, Mrs. Grylls, in a humble cottage at Burry Port, near Llanelly, had a very remarktbje experience. It appears that her daughter went into her bedroom one morn- ing. and found the old lady apparently dead. Fortunately, Dr. Williams, the medical officer for the parish, called in and examined her. fie found that her pulse was not entirely gone, although almost imperceptible. By use of hob stimulants, however, Mrs. Thomas regained consciousness after a aleep, or what might be called a trance, of thirty-six hours. She then partook of a hearty meal, and asked for her day pipe (she smoker no other kind. and shag, and smoked as vigorously as ever. She acquired this habit about sixty years ago. It was to this old lady the Princess of Wales, in 1894, sent a cheque for £ 5 6s. on her 106th birthday (being a shilling for each year of her life.) She still possesses all her faculties, though she is not allowed to leave her bed. If she livea until February 5 she will be 109 years old.

A "LOCOMOTIVE1" SON. At Wioolwich County-court on Wednes- day, an interesting interpleader case came before the Deputy'Judge, in which Mr. Thomas Green, a retired City merchant, was the claimant. Mr. Edward Bell. who appeared for the claimant, said that when his client retired from business he told hi's son. who had been living with him since his marriage, that he would have to find fresh apartments <for himself and his wife, and lent him sufficient furniture to furnish a house. Since then the son had borrowed' money, and, failing to pay it, the creditor had put in an execution on the goods, which actually belonged to the olaimamt. Mr. Duke, who appeared for the execution creditor, said that the inventory which the diaimant put in was void, as it was net registered. The Judge said the point was an important one, but lie would hear what the claimant had to say. Mr. Green When I was about to retire from 'business I said to my son, "You now must findi a home somewhere else.' He said he had no furniture, eo I gave him sufficient to furnish a house, but on the understanding that he was to return the things whenever J. gave him notice. (Laughter.) I Mr. Bell: You did njt mean to part with them, entirely?—Of cour* not. (Laughter.) And you kept a list <M the things and com- pelled your son to ?ive you notice whenever he removed?—Certainly. My son had locomotive tendencies, &nd used to remove from place to place. (Laughter.) Mr. Duke: But he has bsen in a good position, and could have paid back the loan if he liked?—Good JXOJUIOT:, indeed! He has been a clerk in Barnato's Bank. Was that a. good position ?—Why, he had only 30e. a week. That is all Barnatos pay their clerks except when they work overtime. (Laughter.) He lives at Charlton, and pays £45 a year rent. He could have pa'd Irack borrowed money?—I am sorry for you, hut you should have been wise and not lent money before making inquiries—at least, that has fieen my experience since I first started ihouseVeeping in 1844. (Laughter.)—I started business in London in 1850. The furniture which my son is mow taking care of i* mine-, and he has never paid me anything for it.. Hasn't he paid you something for the uoe of it?—'No, nothing. The Judge said the question raised a nice point of law, and he would reserve judgment.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S | PRESENTS. The moat welcome present to a eufferer from rheumatism, rheumatic gout, or sciatica i* ,t pair of Phil. s patent rheumatic socks, belts, or wristlets. Belts lOg. 6d., tsock* 10s. 6d., wristlets measurement^. Hundreds of tt^tittionia^- PMnplilete Bent free —ZL Ht Mw**tre^$9260

Barry Dock Explesion THE CONTRACTORS' CLAIM. tTrial at Cardiff Before the Under- Sheriff.—Substantial Damages. j Ast the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Thursday morning, an inquiry was held (before Mr. Under-sheriff Laurence Williams, and a jury) Und-?r-sheriff Laurence Wiliia.ms, and a jury to assess damages in a case in which Henry Lloyd war; plaintiff, and John Rigby atid other defendants. Mr. S. T. Evans, M.P. (instructed by Mr. A. Jack- son), appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. Bailhache (instructed by Messrs. Downing and Handcock) was for the defendants. Plain- tiff is a stevedore and contractor in partner- ship with one William White. He lives at 1. Beryl-road, Barry Dock, wMle White's place of abode is 32, John-street, Cadoxton. Defendants are a Liverpool firm of shipowners. —In opening, Mr. S. T. Evans said this was a writ of inquiry isweri for the assessment of diimages in an action by Henry Lloyd against John Rigby and fourteen others, the owners of the sailing ship British Army, which came into Barry Dock in January last. On the 28th of that month plaintiff amd his partner, White, were engaged by the owners to examine the shi.p and see how much it would cost to clean the bilges. The ship at one time had been laden with ooeoanut-oil, and also with a cargo of naph-ha, and a considerable quantity of both hrvd beeen left in the bilges. When the two unfortunate men were on the ship on the day named the mate or some one lit a match and a candle. The result was a. great explosion, in which plaintiff and his partner, with others, were badly burnt, while two men were killed. Lloyd and White were in the hold for a perio^ of four minutes. They could not reach the ladder, which was handed to them as a means of e*c?pe. Another ladder was brought, and the plaintiff was in the hold for what must have been a very ic-ng time, in the cremnstances. Ultimately rescued, they were in a. helpless condition, and were taken to thj hospital. Their injuries were moet severe. They were badly burnt about tha head and body. They WM laid up for a long time, and for many months were not able to follow their employment. These men were contractors wiih a good connection as steve- dores at Ba.rry Docks. When finally they re- sumed "work they had to take on smaller jobs. Their skin was so tender that they could not fcaaidle lime or materi«nis of that sort. The act-ion was brought by Lloyd and White. Originally were put in, but they were withdrawn, and the sole question was now the amcajt of damages plaintiffs were entitled to ancl should receive. Comparing thear eaaiiings fcr seven months before the accident with those they had earned for the seven months subsequently, and assum- ing there would have b en no increase in business, they assessed the actual loss at £ 170 each. They also cloiiried certain special damages for medical attendance, and in re^pfdt of ether expenses it was necessary to incusr.— Lloyd was called, arid described the injuries to his back, arms, hsmds, head, and face. Most of his cdofhes were ala> burnt, and only his bent; were left. He slso could net r.ee distinctly for several days.—Dr. Peter Joseph O'Dnnnell proved that the man after the aoci- dent was almost m. a state of collapse, and suffered severely from the shock, as well as from the burns.—Mr. Bailhache did not call evidence, but in an address to the jury he asked for only reasonable compensation.—The jury after retiring assessed the damages at J6150. White, whose injuries were more severe, wag, awarded £ 175 by consent.

KISSING THE BOOK. At JJhonlsblIry Coiuity-eourt on Wednesday a ni.edie.il man was called to give evidence in a case, and the oath was administered —Judge Bacon: Why did you deliberately kiss your thumb and not the Testament?—Doctor (hand- ling the Book daintily): Well, it certainly is not a very clean book.—Judge Bacon ordered him to swear in Scotch fashion, holding his band above his head.

THE TRANSYAAL PARLIA- MENT. Payment of members exists in the Transvaal. From the accounts just published it appears that last session, which extended over five months, every member of the Yolksraad re- ceived £537. They generally sit about four hours a day for five days a. week'when Parlia- ment is in session, GO they are very well paid for their labours. But it must be remembered that prices are higher at Pretoria than in London, and that members have to leave their farm work and business to others during their absence

CONTINENTAL POLICE) STRANGE APFAIIt AT LEMBEEG, The "Daily Mail" correspondent, wiring from Berlin on Wednesday, says:—An extraordinary story reaches me from Lemberg, which I give, however, under all reserve. It appears that last night some twenty students were arrested by the police for disturbance inthe streets. They were taken to the police-station, and there the gas was suddenly extinguished. To prevent the escape of the the polioe drew their swords. Whether the students made a rush for liberty and so came into conflict with their cap- tors has yet to be ascertained, but the grim fact is that nearly all the students received sabre cuts and slashes. The president of tha Students' Corps attempted to interfere, and was rewarded for his pains by a sabre cut which completely severed his nose from his face. ?

MR. M'KINLtEY'S TROUBLES EIGHT THOUSAND APPLICANTS FOR OFFICE. The New York correspondent, telegraphing on Wednesday, says:—Mr. M'Kinley will leave Canton to-night for Chicago, where his wife is already residing. The President-elect has been literally driven from home. Already 8,000 citizens of the State of Ohio have applied for offices under him—from White Houge mee- sengerships to posts in the Cabinet. The list is expected to reach over 12,000 by March 4. Mr. M'Kinley has made no promises as yet. His stereotyped answer is, "I will consider your claim." "I will have your application in mind when the time oomee." Senator Sherman has finally decided not to enter the Republican Cabinet. He says that he feels he will be more useful to the country and the party by remaining in the Senate.

NEARLY ALWAYS DRUNK. At Cardiff Police-court on Thursday (before Messrs. Richard Benjamin, David Dunean, and Councillor Edward Thomas) George Abraham, 35, was brought up charged with being disorderly and using obecene language, and also with begging in Castle-road on Wednesday.—Inspector Durston said that the prisoner was nearly always drunk, and did very little work. Two or three days ago he went into the police-station quite drunk and wanted his name put down on the unemployed list. —The Bench inflicted a fine of 10s. and costs, or fourteen days with hard labour. all' "<PI

I.O.G.T. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CARDIFF WELSH LODGE. The annual meoting of the Cardiff Welsh Lodge (Twr Cathays), was held on Wednesday evenin at Minny-stic-st Congregational Chapel, Cathays. Chief Templar Tom Roberts presided, and was supported by the Rev. Thomas Hushes (deputy), and Mr. Evan Humphreys (past chief tempiar). A large number of members and friends attended, who aat down to tea. After the tnbb" had been cleared, a miscellaneous programme of music and recita- tions was carried out, and was thoroughly appreciated. A very successful evening ter- minated with the wual votes of thanks. -u?-

THE SPHYGMOMETROGRAPff. Mr. Charleo Vsrdin, who has devised most of the modftls ustd in medicine and physiology, has invented an apparatus called the sphyg- mometrograph, whioh permits of knowing the extaet pressure exerted upon the artery, and which, consequently, eliminates one of the principle caumm of error in the ordinary spliyg- mogrcvphs, wi*h which, Sicoording to the pres- sure exerted, we obtain different graphic records from the sarnie subject. The result is attained through a weight eliding upon a prisma tic rod and pressing upon the artery through the intermedium of a small ijpry disc. The rud is so graduated as to permit of con- verting the pressure exerted into centimetres of meroury ozdiwry pijweere gauge.

The Ring Marriage AN AMERICAN ROMANCE OF THREE WEDDINGS. t How the Second Wife Heard that Her Husband had Married Again "to Avoid being Shot." Richard Preston Saunders appeared at Bow-1 street to show cau^e why he should not con- tribute to the maintenance of his wife Caro- line." Mr. George Biackwell, for the complainant, said that in 1878 the complainant was living with her mother in New York. Defendant. who was agent to a. firm in a. lairge way of business there, proposed to her, the acoeptcd, and cards were sent rcurid to relatives inviting them to the wedding. The defendant, however, said that he did not believe in God, and that he oould bind her quite as well as 50 clergymen. She believed him, and they went through the ceremony, the defendant reading the marriage service and placing the ring on her finger. After that they lived together, and two chil- dren were born. They visited England, and the defendant introduced the complainant to !is friends, some of wlicm were in good posi- tioaia, As His Wife. They afterwards went back to New York, and e»aelly two years after the "ring marriage" they ware legally married by a clergyman at Brooklyn. In 1886, counsel continued, defendant went to Buenos Ayres to represent his firm there. I and arranged that the complainant should re- ceive an allowance from the firm in his absence, It was understood that in a few months she < would go out to join him. Unfortunately, an accident rendered it impossible that fhe could join her husband on the date agreed upon, and then to her great surprise she received a letter from her husband's firm stating thra he had re- scinded his instructions with regard to her allowance. On this she went to England, and stayed at the house of a Mr. Preston, a relative of the defendant, who held a substantial posi- I tion in Liveipool. This gentleman lent her money, and wrote to defendant asking him to I explain his conduct. He replied that The Lady Was Not His Wife. Mr. Preston (the story proceeded) was very indignant at this, as the defendant when in England had introduced the complainant to him as his wife. He wrote again to the defen- dant, and ultimately sent the complainant and her children to Buenos Ayres, paying their pas- sage and supplying them with funds. When she met her husband he told her that she should I have joined him at the stated time, and that now he had married again. The complainant gave evidence in support of this statement, and added that her husband told her that he had made the acquaintance of a young woman in Buenos Ayres, and that he would have been shot if he had not married her. Cross-examined: The defendant never told her that he had a wife living. In 1885 she took out a summons against him for main- tenance in Brooklyn, But Forgave Hini for the sake of the children. At Buenos Ayres she charged him with bigamy, and he was im- prisoned for three months, but he was friendly with the political party then in power, and they managed to get him released provisionally. Mr. Bullen said that the case for the defence was that the defendant was married in 1870. In 1877 he and his wife separated, but she was living at the time of his "marriage" with the complainant—as the complainant well knew— and she did not die until 1884. Mr. Vaughan adjourned the case, strongly advising that some arrangement should be come to.

A VACCINATION RAID. Some excitement was caused in Buckingham on Wednesday afternoon by the sudden ap- psffranoi of twelve policemen in charge of a wagon loaded with furniture, belonging to an anti-vajccinationist, which had been brought from a neighbouring village. Some sympa- thisers send round the crier, and a crowd quickly assembled. A gentleman said to be the Agent of Mr. Carlile, M.P., came forward. and paid the amount of tihe fines, and the goods were thereupon taken back amidst deri- sive cheers and groans. The owner of the fur- niture, whose name is Hodges, was placed in the cart, and headed by a band the town was paraded, and a. public meeting held.

A SKELETON CHILD. Violet Lillian Steers, in spite of her lovely name, has been starved to death at 3, Le=sada- ctreet, Bethnal Greec. She was only four months old, so that her misery has not lasted long. Alfred Henry Steers, the father, said that the child had been delicate from birth. The Coroner: It is a skeleton. (Sensation.) Witness: Not from want of food. The Coroner: Why (lidn't you call in a doctor ? Witness: It seemed to thrive lately, and it smiled at me when I picked it up. The Coronert NonflEllløe; the child is a ter- rible sight to ?ook at. Witness: Well, I fed it the day it died. The Coroner: Then you must have noticed that it was shrinking away to nothing. Was it insured? Witness: Yes, eir. We insured it for 2d. a week. Tly; Coroner: How much will you get? Witness: Well, sir, we expect £2. The Coroner: I hardly ever heard of babies being insured for more than a penny a week. The doctor said that the child was only about half the weight of a newly-born baby. The jury returned a verdict of "Natural death," and added that the parents had been guilty of neglect through want of judgment.

A FAT DOG AND H-d; FIRST BITE. An abusing spectacle was witnessed in the Birmingham Stipendiary-court on Wednesday. A fat, somnolent dog was placed upon the small raised table by the side of the magistrates' clerk's desk, and placidly regarded the stipen- diary and Mr. Carter, while the question was argued whether he was a dangerous animal: — The owner of the supposed ferocious creature, an old gentleman named Parker, was summoned for not keeping him under proper control. "Your Worship, it's nonsense," he said; "the animal is in court, and I can let you see for yourself whether he is dangerous. BiM, bring the savage animal here." "No, don't, if he is dangerous," said the Supfndiary; but Bill came forward, with the fat animal tucked under his I arm, and deposited the savage creature on the I table. The magistrates' clerk sat well back in his chpvir, but the dog was quite satisfied with an inquisitive sniff in his direction, and then ¡ turned his attention to a crust which his owner I threw to him. The allegation against the apparently inoffensive dog was that ne bit a little boy on the leg. It appeared that the dog WM sitting outside his master's door, '.ad the fact that he was shivering moved the com- passion pf two little boys. One of them went up and knocked the door, to aek the owner to let the dog in, and the dog caught him in leg. The boy and a policeman nov gave evi- I dence. The policeman said that when he wont into the house after the attack, the dog, which was lying on the sofa, barked, and snapped in his direction.—The owner contemptuously deuced that the dog was dangerous. He ap- I pealed to the Stipendiary to look at the animal sitting quietly on the table and say if he w.e dangerous.—The Stipendiary said it was clear that the dog had bitten the boy and that he would defend his muter's property. He had had the one bite which the law allowed him, and next time the defendant would be liable for damages. On this occasion lie would only have to pay 5.j. towards the costs.—The defen- dant paid the money, and picking up his corpu- tart pet. walked out ot. oourfc.

Theatrical Scandal A SENSATIONAL CASE IN VIENNA. ALLEGED PLOT BY A RENOWNED ACTRESS TO KIDNAP HER HUSBAND. Baron Albert Rothchild's Name Mentioned in the Matter. Dalziel's correspondent at Vienna says — A scandal in theatdical circles at present is causing a great sensation here. Herr Girardi, a well-known comediian, accuses his wife, Frau- lein Odilon, of the Volks Theatre. one of the most renowned actresses in Vienna, of having attempted to have him kidnapped and shut up in a Innatio asylum. It was arranged, he says, to entrap him as he left the house in the even- ing. An ambulance van was ready at the door, together with two attendants with a straight WB.tcoat, but Herr Girardi got wind of the plot. He induced a friend to dress up as him- self. While his unfortunate substitute was being taken to the madihouse he went and laid the facts before the polioe, accusing his wife and her lovers 'of haying concocted the plot. The anti-Semitio papers are making capital out of the affair in consequence of the intimacy which is said to have existed between Baron Albert de Rothschild and Fraulein Odilon. I b is even said that the former's name will be brought into the case in the divorce court. It b also reported that a. question is to be asked dn the Reich strath with reference to the attempt to kidnap Herr Girardi.

An Auction Mystery WHERE A VASE WAS SOLD SEVERAL TIMES. Judge Bacon Declares that these "Knock-outs" are Only a Con- spiracy to Defraud the Vendor. For dsmage done to two vases in transit from Gloucester to London a fine art dealer of Mont- pel ier-road, London, N.W., made a claim of JS10 at Bloomsbury County-court. Mr. Long, the plaintiff, said that in October last he was in Gloucester, and purchased tfwo vases for £ 8 18s. They were packed oeourely, but reswhed his London house in a broken con- dition. He expected to get £ 40 for them. Mr. Goddard, who described himself as a P. and O. agent, pianoforte manufacturer, picture seller, and glass merchant, deposed to packing the goods. Judge Bacon: Were they well packed? Witness: Well, I packed a valuable dinner service on Saturday, and it did not have so much straw as this. Judge Bacon: Has it arrived safely? Witness: Yes. Judgo Bacon: How extremely lucky for you. (Loud laughter.) Judge Bacon (to pialniiff): Are they worth £40? Plaintiff: I won't say that, but I could have got that money. (Laughter.) Judge Baoon Are the public then so gullible that they give JS40 for what is not worth that amount ? Plaintiff further explained that the goods were originally bought for 38s. at the auction, immediately after the auction were sold for a further profit of 39s., and then purchased by him for £ 8 18s. 0 udge Bacon: These auctions are mighty mysteries. (Laughter.) This was evidently a. "knock out." After the regular auction there was a new auction to see who should be the happy possessor. It may sometimes happen that the conspirators have a. great Joss, but it is a conspiracy to defraud the vendor of his proper price. That is what it is, and nothing else. (Applause.) Mr. Hulbert submitted that the defendants (Messrs. Su/tton and Company) were protected by the Carriers' Act, and no declaration had been made as to value. Judge Bacon said there muat be judgment for the plaintiff for £ 9 4s. 6d. Mr. Hulberfc: May be ha.ve the vaRes ? Judge Bacon Oh, certainly. Mr. Hulbert: Thank you. Perhaps the plwintiff might like to buy one back.

ALLEGED DUBLIN GHOST A CASE FOR THE PSYCHICAL RESEARCHERS. Some further details of the Dublin ghost story, recently mentioned, are supplied by a "Daily News" correspondent:—"A lady, well known in Dublin society, the wife of one of the leading iremberg of the choir in St. Patrick's Cathedral, who is a constant attendant at the services, perceived in one of the stalk the dim outlines of a man's form suddenly becoming more dis- tinct in a sitting posture. The face and form were at once recognised by her as those of one of the clergy of the cathedral who was greatly bolevcd and respected, and whose death plunged the Protestant community of Dublin into mourning for four years ago. The lady's experience, of the reality of which she is quite convinced, might perhaps bo attributed to an optical illuAÏon, or to an vnaocountafole freak of the imagination, were it not that the appearance of the dead dignitary has presented itself on several occasions to members of the 8.taff of the I cathedral. These appearances have been chiefly seen in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral, where special services in whioh he took the keenest delight were held by this clergyman for the poor of the surrounding neighbourhood. The interest created in these apparitions is intensified by the circumstance that the gentle- man whose spirit is supposed to be seen was himself a convinced behever in supernatural apoearances."

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED ARSON THE FIRE AT THE TRADESMAN'S CLOB, WYNDHAM-CRESCENT. At Cardiff Police-court on Thursday (before Messrs. Richard Benjamin,, David Duncan, and Councillor Edward Thomas), David Alfred White, 20, was brought up on a. ("large of attempting to "'set fire to a shed at the back of the Tradesman's Club, 35, Wyndham-cres- cent, Cardiff, on Sunday night 'ast. Air. Francis appeared to prosecute, and Mr. T. P. Clode defended. Detective Kellet said he arrested prisoner on Wednesday night about 9.40, to being given into custody by Mr Charles Owen, the secre- tary of the Tradesmen's Club. He cautioned the prisoner, who, however, t-aid, "Charley knows I was* drunk; it was an accident." Mr. Charles Owen, the secortary. said that on Sunday night, about 9.30, the prisoner, who is a member of the club, was in the bar with Beveral companions- One of them ordered four sleevers of beer, which W!l- supplied by the Rt ew.ame:<8, but they reused to pay for it, saving, "Chalk it up." Witness was then called, and Lc with the men, and they still lefused to pay he threatened to report them to the directors of theolub. After- wards witnoss went out to the back- yard. In the yard was uA opqn hsfd, in which ;1. quantity of dry brushwood was stored. There was also a table in the shed, upon which was a paraffin Vmyv placed there for th" purpose "f giving light in the yard. Uvery'hin# was all rijrht and the lamp burn- ing brightly. Shortly after had gone back intc. the house the prisoner (White) went out to the backyard, and ren< lined for some tune. Shortly afterwards hI' returned, and witness: again went out and found the brurh- w. in the shed burning. The lamp, which I had bec. upon the tab'e. was on the floor. The chimney had been removed, at'.d wme brush- wood was piled upon the lamp, the flame of which had caught the wood. Witness- at once '•hfsmed a bucket of war«r and extinguished the fire. He then returned co the bar of the club, and seeing prisoner there asked him why he had tried to set the place on fire, and pri- r. rer replied, "If T did do ii. it was an acoi- dent." J 11 l'ooO'I-E>xf1.mina.tiol' tlw witness said that the prisoner was all the dir.e perfectly sober, and that it was iinpossihie '1)1' the lamp to ha ve got into the position he found it aoci- tier-tally. Mr. Francis applied' for a remand until Tues- day next, which was granted, prieonor boing allowed l>nil—himjelf in £ 10 and two sureties of £ 5 each. of £5 each. -?

I VALUE OF EVENING NEWS. PAPERS. Evening papers seem to nu valuable properties in the eyes of those who sell, at a matter of course but also sometimes of those who buy. I For "The Pall Mall Gazette" it haa always been understood that Mr. Abtor paid £ 50,000. For "The Sun" it is said that Mr. Hooloy's I syndicate is paying ntoio than half thalt. sum. j The value put by the Manrrs. it anna worth upon "The Evening New*1' is, as a reooot proe- Ijwwtua felhowed, £ 250,000

England v. Wales Match LONDON CRITICS ON THE WELSH TEAM. Eulogy of the Back Divisioat and Foy- wq,rds and a. Prediction thftt Wales Will Win. The English critics are taking quite an interest in the composition of our international fifteen this year, and are busy just now com- I paring our strength with that of their own team. Our forwards seem to puzzle them a lot. The "Morning Leader" man, for example, talks about the "hill country" teams, by which, I presume, he means the Rhondda contingent. He say*: -"It is as yet early to give a decided opinion. We must suppose that the Welsh Committee have their reasons for selecting so many forwards from the hill country teams. It is curious that Swansea has no representative in the pack, though it possesses probably the best eight in Wales this year, while the unbeaten Llanelly team supplies but one scrimmager. Cardiff like- wise sends one, and Newport ha.s two, whilst Penygraig and Llwynypia send two each. Naturally, the choice has caused considerable criticism amongst those chiefly interested, but the executive is clear that it has a good and powerful pack, above the average of recent years. Indeed. I have heard that the weakest man of the eight is the Newport captain, A. W. Boucher, and, if so, I am sorry for Eng- land. For, if Wales should prove the better team in the front line. I fear our chances 01 success are small. Honestly, we ought to feel proud of tie manner in which England look upon our back division. The passing over of the Brothers James the writer makes a peg on which to nang a cloak of glory as to the brilliancy of Biggs and Jones. The fact that they have been passed over, he says, "shows the strength of Wales in this hinge-joint of the game. Biggs has, of course, been seen in town a great deal this year, and his play has greatly assisted Richmond in asserting its superiority amongst the London clubs. With a partne- of his own type he should be good enough even for Wells and Taylor." But it is when speaking of the three- quarters that our London friend Jets himgeli oose. If the Welsh three-quarters don't blush after reading the following, then I ghal be compelled to doubt their possession of thfc slightest amount of modesty. Sit still and listen. "The three-quarter line shows a quartette such as I fancy no other of the nations can show. All who have seen Arthur Gould play this year are as confident as ever that he retains his form undiminished. I have seen him play a. game which for skill, beauty, and resource, as well as for the more common qualities of speed and staying power, is mar- vellous, not for a man of 31, but for any other man half a dozen years younger. There is no falling off, not a whit, from the Arthur Gould of 1890. His wing man, Pearson, has quite overcome his tendency to weakness in tackling. He is older, stronger, and more confident in taking his man. His speed is undiminished, and he has combined with Gould just as if they had been club mates for a dozen years. This wing is fast and strong to a marvel. And the other is little, if any- thing, behind it. The Cardiff crack, Gwynn Njcholls, who is claimed to be the best centre after Gould by all Welshmen, except those dwelling in the Taff valley, who bracket him with the great Arthur, is to have Cliff Bowen, of Llanelly, who, now playing for Devonport Albion, has brought that team again to the front of Devonian football. La»t masons displays in all three of Wales"* international games made him familiar to us, and there is no getting away from tho fact that, given a fair chance, such as Nicholls will know well enough how to make with the least slip on the part of his opposing centre, Bowen is just the man to trick his adversary. The science of the whole line is above commendation. In this respect the English four are outclas^d." That ought to settle the match off-hand. If Wales doesn't win after that eulogistic "little lot," I can only say that she ought to. Mr. Tom Roberts, last year's captain of the Morriston Club, and a player who has done a great deal to raise the status of the Morriston tea.m, has left for the North. But the good old Morriston forward has not left for the regions where the clubs are identified with profess i on a J ism. He is gone a few steps further, having secured employment under one of the largB Glasgow steel firms. His loss to Morriston football is, undoubtedly, keenly felt, for, besides being an excellent player, he continued to take an active part in seeing that the play ens turned out "fit" for the Saturday games. Linton and Lumsden did not intend to finish ) in the big six dfays race in America, entering mainly as pacemakers for Hale. Both with- drew when he took the lead. Every nerve, I understand, is to be strained J by Blackhea-th to retrieve their name and beat i Cardiff on Saturday at the Rectory Field (a week later the sides play the return at Cardiff), and I hear that the Heathens are whipping together a. powerful fifteen, and hope to be strengthened behind. By the way, Robinson, the Northern three-quarter, is going to London. An international fifteen I minus a Blackheath representative is indeed a novelty. At a, meeting of the Northern Rugby Foot- i ball Union on Tuesday evening a question was raised relating to players of "no occupa- tion." After a lengthy discission, a reso- lution was adopted to the effect that the cases of players following no occupation should be brought to the notice of the com- mittee And their bona-fides inquired into. That is Rill very well so far as it ?,2' buti it does not go far enough. Whst"the Nor- thern Union official's ought I" do, if they are really anxious to puijfv their clubs, is to write down to South Wale»s and endeavour t<v obtain the letters in possession of the local players offering them £ 3 per week for playing football. However, I suppose, as a matter of fact. they don't want to know anything about it. Good judges WELSH ATHLETE.

AMERICAN TARIFF. A Renter's telegram from Washington mi Wednesday says:—In the Senate to-day rhf Dingley Tariff Bill was called up, and the debate soon became general. Mr. Fry pre- dieted that if the Bill did not piss th«re'won)<i be an enormous increase in the importation of woollens during the next four mannall. Vs- anticipation of the heavier duties in the ne^ tariff. Mr. Venesi declared the Dingle?" Tariff Bill to be a dead Bill. The reviving all the old rates w&fi. he said, being matured' Mr. Sherman said the deficiency occur* ring yearly made it little tesw thin a crinK f<*r Congress to take no sction. He wo'd take up the Dingley or any other Bill offer* ing revenue, but the Dirjrlev Bill should pa*8 as it came from the Hou*e -.v'thout. the Sennte silver substitute. Mr. Teller said there obstruction in the Senate which would n*>^ permit the Dingley Bill to pass without silver attachment- It wa». he urged, duty of the incoming Administration to au extra session to formulate and try to pRfg a Tariff Bill. Mr. Sherman subsequently mally announced that, the Diagley Bill oow" not be passed, and it saelew to furt«er tbat Bill,