Evening Express

CARDIFF CONSERVATISM I MEETING O? THB COMBINED I POLITICAL COMMITTEES. I The first meeting held this year of the com- bined political committees the Cardiff Conservative clubs will take place at Grangetown Conservative Club this (Thure- ( day) evening at eight o'clock. The I speakers for the evening are Mr. W. H. Tu ker. Mr. I. Samuel, and Mr. William Spiiller. Several important matters will be before the meetii^r. a.nd all the members are requested to attend. Later in the evening a. smoker," under the auspices of the Grange- town Club, will be held.

ACCIDENT TO A CARDIFF UNDER- TAKEN I Or- Wednesday afternoon a somewhat serious accident befel Mr. Wm. Marsh, head of the firm of Messrs. Marsh and Co., funeral undertakers, St. Mary-street, Cardiff. It appears that he was driving a horse and trap along Bridge-street, when ine animal suddenly slipped on the asphaite road, and Mr. Marsh W:8 violently precipitated to the ground, sustaining a severe gash across the forehead, from which blood profusely flowed, r.nd other injuries. He was conveyed home in a semi-conscious condition, and his wants were attended to by Dr. S. Smith.

UNUM CATHARTfCT'M PILLS, digestive, corrective, and agreeably aperient, 9 £ d., 13 £ d. Of all chemists. I C59Q1—7

I Social and Personal INTERESTING PARS ABOUT INTERESTING PEOPLE. A Cilunn of Gossip and Chatter ea ti Infinitude of Men. and Matters. A prominent and well-known ecclesiastical figure in Paris has been removed by the death of the Abbe Van den Brule, Cure of the Church of St. Francois de Sales, which he rendered oi o of the most famous church a; in Paris for the artistic perfection and impressiveness of its musical servJCe. A man of highly cultivated musical tastes. the Abbe came of an old and distinguished Flemish family, but spent the greater part of his long life in Paris. where a fast friendship existed between him and the late M. Gounod. oooo: Lady Anna. Loftus, who died at Brighton -?cent)lr, was a daughter of the second Marquess of Ely, and was at one time Maid of Honour to Queen Adelaide, about whom she had many anecdotes. Lady Anna was allowed by the Queen a residence in St. Kathorine's, Regent's Park, and her drawing-room was until recently the rendezvous of quite a number of distinguished people connected with the Court. Lady Anna, who in the course of her long life had come in contact with.most of the leading men and women of her time, was a pleasa-nt conversationalist and an exceedingUy clever woman. :oooo:— By the almost sudden death of General John Meredith Read. a gloom has been cast over the Amerioan Colony in Paris and over a large oircle of private friends in the French capital. Having attained the rank of general at the age of 25, and presided over an impcrtamt military commigsion in the War of Secession, he came to France as Consul-General in 1868. He stuck to his duties throughout the siege and the Commune, going thence as Minister- Plenipotentiary to Athens. In 1880 he returned to ParLg, and was welcomed in the highest social circles. One of his two daughters married little more than a year ago Count Max von Foras, and he had only returned from a visit to her shortly before his dwease. :oooo The late Mr. Joseph Mylchreest, the member for Pee] in the House of Keys. the elective Chamber in the Isle of Man Legislature, was the original of "Pete" of Mr. Hall Caine's "Manx- man." Both Manxmen were great frionds. At a time when he was engaged in the dramatisa- tion of t-h^ story, Mr. Wilson Barrett had an interview in his dressing-room with the Manx diamond king. and Mr. Mylchreest used to say that he felt more nervousness in meeting Mr. Barrett than he did in meeting the Prince of Wa^w. At his death Mr. Mylchreest was still the owner of what are known as the "Myl- chreest diamonds," two gems of great size and lustre, which, from their extremely high value, arc said to be practically unsaleable. oooo: A notable Australian character has dis- appeared by the death of Mr. John Edward Kelly, who was one of the pioneers, and up to the time of his death one of the leading men, in the Darling River country. Mr. Kelly was a many-sided man, and was constantly taking up schemes of a novel and enterprising character. He practically demonstrated in the first instance the suitability of the Darling country for grazing purposes, and having done this and left others to reap the benefit of his pioneering instinct he turned to mining, which industry he practically started in the West. Then he tried newspaper work, starting a paper known as the "Stock-whip," which was one of the liveliest and most thoroughly Australian papers ever published. oooo Probably the Empress of Austria spends more than any other women in Europe on horses for her own riding. A really first- class hunter commands almost any price the owner likes to ask for it; but let it once hesitate at a fence, or show signs of temper, and it is never ridden again by her Majesty. When the Empress is hunting and the meet happens to be far from her residence, she generally drives to within a short distance of it in a brougham, wearing ordinary carriage attire. With her Majesty are two ladies-in- waiting, whose duty it is to see that every- thing required for the Empress' wear on horse- back is brought by the dressers, who follow in another carriage. The coadhman has orders to drive up to any gentleman's house which happens to be in the neighbourhood of the meet, when the footman alights and requests that a room may be placed at her Majesty's disposal to dress in. NaturaLly a good many people have been somewhat taken aback at thus being suddenly asked to accommodate an imperial guest, and this was specially the case in Ireland when the Empress was hunting there a few years ago. ——: oooo: It was once said of Jfr. Gladstone that he had shown how old age dhould be put back for ten years. A great nmirrJber of octogenarians, and some nonagenarians, can be counted now in various spheres of activity. In the House of Lords there is the Earl of Mansfield, who, "t the age of 90, can claim to be the oldest peer of tho realm. Lord Armstrong, founder of the great firm at Elswiek, is still hale and hearty at 86, though he is said to have been Tory weakly as a child. The Duke of Northumber- land is 86. Lord Cranbrook, who, as Mr. Gathorne Hardy, ousted -'Ir.1t Gladstone from his seat for Oxford University in 1865, and sent him "unmuzzled" to Lancashire, is 82. Lord Gwydyr is 86 Lord Bridport, who has been Lord-in-Waiting to the Queen, is 82; and Earl FitzWilliam is 81. Lord Esher. the Master of th<- Rolls, who has been a judge for 28 years, is also 81. Some of these peers, however, are still young beside Mv. C. P. Yilliors, the Father of the House of Commons, wbo is 94. Per- haps. the next oldest member of the House of Common- is Sir John Mowbray, who is 81. Sir Isaac Holden, who, like Mr. Gladstone, re- tired from Parliamentary life at the general elec- tion. is M. Sir George Grey, the "Grand Old Man of New Zealand," is 84. Sir Thomas Ac- land. Mr. Glaæltonp's contemporary at Oxford aDd life-long friend. is 87 Sir Henry Bæsemcr, the inventor of the steel rail that bears his name. is 83: Sir James Paget, the distinguished surgeon, is 82: Mr. Glaisher, the well-known meteorologist, is 87; Dr. Ryie, Bishoo of Liverpool, is 80, Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, is 90; and Admiral Sir Henry Keppel, 87.

QUEENLY TENANTS. The rooms at Hampton Court are only granted to ladies, and are intended as a tort of provision fur widows of members of the household, widowed ex-Iadiee in attendance, and the widows of officers and Ministers of distinction. The rules with regard to the allotment are much the same as those at Kensington Palace, except that it is much easier to get on the list at Hampton Court. On the other hand, the list is of little avail, for the Ql een for some years past has granted by selection. There is this difference between the grant of rooms in St. James's, Kensington, and Ha-mpton Court Palaces, and similar at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, that the former are for the life of the tenant, and the latter are during the Queen's life. The demise of the Crown would make » olean sweep of all the tenants of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, unless the new Sovereign chose to confirm any of them. This is natural, to" these two palaee.s are residential, and all the accommodation is required for the actual household. There is none too much room for that.

DON'T T.UKCH or DINE Without Asking for ihr New French Bread. Delicious Eating, Mid easily digested.—Send postcard for van to call to T. Stevens, French Confectioner, 122, Queen-strwt, Cardiff. e5661 WKLli THIS IS DREADFUL WEATHER FOR THE FAMILY WASHING DAY Impjwibk to 4et the clothes dry. The only remedy is one of Spencer's 6d. Wringer and Mangle, to le obtained at Spenctr's Sewing Machine Depot, St. Jolm'e-f.|!iare, Cardiff. c3908 "UNSEED OOMPntJND," a demulcent anodyne ex- pectoriiit ior Coughs and Colds, 13;<1" of Chenaisto onll. tJOl-4

For the Ladies FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE BALL-KOOM. Our Lady Correspondent's Collection of Interesting Paragraphs for The Fair Sex. Clean Hair Brushes. To clean hair brushes quickly and easily, take a d"essertepoonful of hartshorn to a quart of cold water in a washhand basin. Dip in the hair of the brushes and rub them together until clean. Then rinse well with cold water, rub dry with a towel, and stand upright at an open window. Armenian Maids. Wlhen a-n Armenian maiden attains her seven- teenth year and is not engaged to be xna<rried she must undergo a strange punishment. She is forced to fast three days. then for 24 hours her food' is salt fish, and she is not permitted to quench her thirst. Suet Pudding. To one teaoupful of suet, minced down very fine, add four teacupfuls of flour, half a pound of raisins, one teacupful of molasses, a teaspoon- ful of cream baking powder and a scant teacup- ful of milk, with a little salt and cinnamon to flavour. Boil for nearly three hours, and serve with sauce. The baking powder should be mixed with the flour when dry. Chestnut Stuffing* j Cook one quart of blanched chestnuts in boiling- stock till tender, press them through a rioer, season with four tablespoonfuls of butter, a generous iteaspoonful of salt, and a. dash or two of pepper. Sweet herbs, onion juice, par-1 sley, or lemon juice may be added if desired. A pint of finely-chopped chicken or veal on a pint of bread crumbs may also be added. Heavy Cycling Waist. A very heavy waist of boucle cloth can be worn as a jacket in early winter. Boucle is warm, and, being rough, suggests the coat idea at sight. Such a. waist should be made large and loose. It is for slipping on over the house-dress like a jacket, only it has a belt and box-plait in front, like a waist. If is really a coat. Concerning the Nightcap. Tho night-caps most universally worn some 25 years ago are now quite as universally dis- carded. There is a diversity of opinion in regard to the wisdom of this change. While some doctors assert that there is much lees baldness since they were abandoned, others declare, with equal fervour, that neuralgia and catarrh arc much more common since the night-cap was banished from. the wardrobe. Wet Boots. If leather boots, when wet, are filled wii,li hay or paper directly after lAiey are taken off ithe feet, they will not stiffen or lme their shape. The hay quickly absorbs the damp. Wet boots s:houlld never, on any account, be placed near the lire. Paraffin will soften boots which have become stiff through wet, and restore their suppleness. Varnish applied to the soles of boots will not only lceop out the damp, but render them more durable. The soles should be covered wkh a coat of varnish and allowed to dry. This process should be repeated' three times. For Afternoon Wear. A remade dress worn by the beautiful Mary Anderson-Navarro impressed itself upon a morning caller. The dress was a cream challie, with a daisy design in pale blue, simple and inexpensive in grade. The wearer had done with it for summer, a(nd was making it do a reason in the house. Around the hem she placed a band of black fcummer silk, an old p-verdreas, and at the head there were small swirls of white China tilk appliqued on. The belt was a crush of black silk, and the collar matched it with a small ruff of soft lace a.t the sides. A fichu of plain sheer muslin was tied in front auid hung to the waist with embroidered ends. Hints on Cleansing. The question is often asked what to do with soiled ivory, and many elaborate directions have been put in print from time to time, but la woman, who dared, has discovered recently that one of the scrubbing sand soapn may be used wi-th impunity. It does not yellow the ivory, nor does it scratch it. It should be rubbed on a fine nailbrush and the ivory scrubbed as if it were china. Brass, copper, and their alloys should be cleaned with polishing paste in nre- ference to silver powder. Oxidised ornaments need only washing and hard rubbing with flannels or obamois. White metal is most useful, in that it requires little or no care. Silver powder is. of course, the beat possible cleanser for silver. Venetian ironwcrk should be oiled to keep it from rusting. Kerosene may be used with safety. Gorgeous Dancing Frocks. Some gorgeous dancing costumes are baing worn during the season. There are gorgeous heavy duchess eatiiis, in all colours, the love- liest of them showing broad stripes, blurred over with big posies of various hues. A splendid stuff in flilk, which is shown in all colours, has an underweaving of gold glisten- ing all through it like sunlight. This is used for the building of superb dinner and ball dresses for dowagers, and even young matrons are assuming the handsome stuff because of its reach beauty. Then, there are the sheer, fairy- like textures, fit to bo worn only by the young and beautiful, to be made up into billowy frocks, with laces and ribbons galore. There are daii ty embossed silks and velvets for less stately wear, which make most satisfactory gowns, set off by any of the rich embroideries or appliqued lacas now in vogue. An exceed- ingly pretty sleeve is built for such a gown, virh a plain, smooth forearm and a triple puff a.t the shoulder, wide enough to stand out crisply. The puffs a.re set together by dainty ruchingfs of lace, giving the sleeve a very dressed-up look. Then there is another less dresey eleeve to be won) on a gown of embossed velvet, built all in one piece, showing the snug lower arm, springing out at the shoulder into a gracefully draped puff, gathered in at the inside of the arm. At the hand the sleeve flares out into a frill, making r pretty finish. The frills about hands of all cloth gowns are lined with contract in;; silk, sometimes a plain lining, and sometimes in scte of frills with pinked-out edges.

LOCAL NEWS ITEMS. The annual instafllation meeting of the Loyal Monmouth Lodge of Freemasons took place on Tuesday a.t the Masonic-hall, Monmouth, when Bro. W. S. I'oole was duly installed into the chair of K.S. bv Worshioful Bro. Captain C. C. Powell, P.M., P.P.G.SW. T'.ie Haverfordwest and Milford Haven "Telegraph" Almanack, Diary, and Directory for 1897.—'Hiis well- kiown annual, now in its 35th year cf publication, will be lasued on Saturday next. Should be in the hands (i all Pembrokeshire people. Brimful of jute- resting matter. An enormous .1en1.\nd berp? t'xpeeted. nrder early to avoid ,1isappointment. Post. free 3d., from the publishers, Wm. Lewis and Sons, lIaveriord- west. e5914 XM.AS PRESENTS.—A Clioi -e A(*mtTonfe of IAdi8' Fancy and White Apions, Mob Caj*. Children's Pina- fores and Pre.*e«. Silk and Linen Handkerchiefs, Fur- lined Qlnypft, Deep Cuff. b, Hid. Fur Ties from h. 63<1. TJmWrellafi, Ijadieu' and Children's Milli- nery. Costumes, Gorsete. and Underclothing, Skirts anll Blouse* also Newret Pattern Veil, Nets. <fec.. *c.— An inspection tcHcited at Mre. Wfl/LIAMS'S Millinery and Baby Hneo Warehoutle. 25, Royal Arcade. David Wright, aged ten. was ordered by the Penarth magistrates on Wednesday to receive six strokes with a birch for «tf-aling seven toy whips, value 2s. 4d., belonging to Edward Ostler, fancy dealer, 34, Wind-or road, Penarth, on the 29th ult. 18S6-7.—WINTER CLEANING.Household Furnish- ings. Gerttii' tnd Ladies' Clothi-i1, Frercli-cleaned or »yed. CARPETS Factually Beaten. LACE CUR- TAINS Practically Cleaned, LINEN Laundered in a superior manner. Shirts, Collars, kc., a speciality. All Orders receive prompt, attention HED CROSS VANS in all parts daily-—SEX!) POSTCARD to the Cardiff Stefvm Laundry, Dyeing. Carpet and Window Cleaning Company (Limited), Minny-street. Cathays.

-?- Tt^usands cr children die annually from that terrible direase, CitOUP. All "Jay be saved by eiving them Mortimer's Croup Mixture :n time. May be obtained of all chemists at Is. 12d. per bottle. "LINSEED COMPOUND" for Boughs, Colds, Asthma, and Bronchitis. Of Chemists calx* e5901—5

OVER THE NUTS AND WINE OVER THE NUTS AND WINE *¥IPS ANB CRANKS FROM 3&TR HEMI- SPHERES. A Selection tf Jekes and Fun ay Anecdotes for the Mental Recreation of Old And Toiing. Y OUIlC. I Heard you sold your team and bought a wheel." Yes. I prefer the spin to the span." "You are charged," said the judge, "with riding your bicycle through the streets at a rate exceeding ten mile# an hour." "Ten miles?" said the man, whose new wheel had rut* away with him, "ten miles? I'll bet I was going 300." Happened to see your wife on a wheel yes- terday. If I remember, I heard you declare you would, never allow her to ride." "Yes, i know. But she had a chamce to trade ctf her pug dog for a wheel, and I thought I would chooee the least evil." It is a settled principle, your honour." said an eminent Q.C., "that causes always prr^iuce effects." "They always do iBar lawyers," blandly, responded the judge; but I've sometimes known a single cause to deprive a client of all his effects." She: That lame man with one eye over there, whom everybody calls captain—waj he in the a,'I:l}" during the W311'? He: Oh, no. He got his title and injuries as captain of a football team. She: Oh, how lovely. The brave fe-l'iow! Voice at the telephone: Major, will you please bring your faanily and take supper with us next Sunday? Servant girl (replies back through telephone) Master and mistress aire mot ira. at present, but tihey can't come to supper, as it s my Sunday out. "Oh, ah-pardon me, Miss Minnie, but at what age do you think women should marry? You know the newspapers are discussing the question." "At about my age, I think, Mr, Timid," she replied sweetly. Young Man: I have a poem here. Editor (after examining it): Well, how would £ 2 suit you? Young Man: That's really more than I expected. Editor: Well, we can't publish such a poem as .that for less. As an instance of the remarkable cheapness of Chinese labour, we note that in China native witnesses can be secured at sixpence a head to testify on either side of the question at issue, or on both sides for ninepence. We have heard of men sowing wild oato, but women's mission is to sew tares. "I'll woo thee in the moonlight," sang the lover to his girl, who was gazing fondly on him from the casement; "it's much cheaper than the gaslight," sang her father, the old churl, who was taking observations from the basement. Verger, to lady, one of a party whom he is showing round a church That is the other wer- ger, mum. Lady: Oh, I thought you were tho only verger! Verger: No, mum; ho werges up one side, mum, and I werge up the other. "My husband is t-lie most considerate man in the world." "In what way?" "When he gave me my new writing-desk, he had two keys made, so that, if I lost mine, he would have one. Few men would be so thoughtful as that." Mrs. Wailker: I don't see why the doctors all recommend bicyole-riding. If it makes peopla healthier, it is a los/J to the doctors. Mr. Walker: I know; but they figure that one sound healthy rider will disable at least five pedestrians per week. A lawyer on Iris death-bed willed all his pro- perty to a lunatic asylum, giving as a reason for so doing that he wished his property to return to. the same liberal class who patronised him. He: What allowance do you think your father ought to make us when we are mar- ried? She: Well, if he makes allowance for your faults, I think he will be doing all that can be expected of him." Freddie: Oh, Mr. Dudley, may I touch you? Mr. Dudley: Certainly, Freddie; but why do you want to touch me? Freddie: Well, I heard May say you were so soft, and I want to see for meself. The little word "again" once threw a large assembly into fits of laughter. It was at a publio meeting. One of the speakers, the Rev. Mr. B., had'the misfortune, when, he tried to take a seat, to miss his chair and come down at full length on the olatform. The accident occasioned not a little subdued mirth. When at last it came his turn to speak, the presiding officer introduced him in these words "The Rev. Mr. B. will again take the floor." The reverand gentleman never met wit.h so enthusiastic a reception as that which greeted this anouncement. She: Do you think ibloomèN are good fonnt He Yes, when the wearers are. Dimling: W ell, old main, I hope you won't find marriage a failure. Newed: I sincerely hope not, for the courtship came near bank- rupting me. 5" Bluffy says that file. Cannot atand the mental strain of matrried life much longer." "What in the world is there to so tax his mird?" ''Manufacturing excuses for getting: home late at night." A certain SuU-a.n one morning commanded his Prime Minister to take a census of all the stupid people in his empire, and let him have the correct list. The Vizier set to work, and at the head of the list, which was a very long one, he placed the name of his sovereign. The latter happened to be in a good humour, and merely inquired how he came to merit that distinction. "Sire," the Minister replied, "I have entered you on the list because only two days ago you entrusted large sums of money, for the alleged purpose of buying horses abroad, to a couple of men who are entire strangers, and who will never come back again." "Is that your opinion? But suppose they do?" "Then I will erase your name, and place theirs at the head of the list." THE STORY OF WATERLOO RETOLD, The following is the account of Waterloo as given with all seriousness by an old Belgian veteran to a number of open-mouthed villagere. It certainly deserves to be handed down to posterity. The day was dark (he commenced.) The Emperor was gloomy and disheartened. He was mounted on his horse, and his orderly efficer, a fine-looking fellow, caracoled by his side. Suddenly the Emperor raised' his field-glass, and said "What is that large black cloud I see yonder?" "Sire, it is the English." Forwa,rd,-marebL I A squadron of cuirassiers to the front." Rub-a.-dub.dub' Rub-a-dub- dub! Off with the Engheh. Clean swept away. Not a man left. The Emperor and his suite dismounted, and coffee was handed round. Of a sudden Napoleon again takes up 'his field-glas3, and says to his orderly, a splendid fellow, "What's that other dark cloud I see over yonder?" "Sire, it is the Awtnans." "Forwaid*—mart% j!a.Y8 the Emperor." "A squadron of carabineers to the front." Riib-a-dlub-dtitb! Rub-a-dub-dub! Not an Austrian left! All of them blown to smithereens! Again they dismount, and resume their coffee. All at once the Emperor turned pale. "Pray, what is that tiny little black cloud I see in the distance?" "Sire," said the orderly, "those are flvj Belgians." "The Belgians I" paid the Emperor; "then we are done for And there you have the Battle of Waterloo. ?-- A certain late professor was an accomplished linguist. One day 'he was in a train when an official who knew him entered h is carriage and asked him to oome out to the second-class io try and find onit where a cortson stupid foreiener was going. The official had attacked him in all the foreign tongues he knew, but c-ould iret no other response than a stupid stare. The professor went to the carriage. The passenger sat in his seait Hooking very much bewildered and disturbed. The professor went at him in French, then in German, then 'n the lan- guages of Scandinavia, Egypt, Italy, Spain, and practically every other on the face of t.b,is green earth. Still the passenger sat mum as an owl, while the look of bewilderment deepened on his face. The professor was nonplussed and was about returning in defeat to his own carriage, when the man looked wearily out of the' window and remarked sadly to himself: "By goah, I wish I was to home." He could speak nothing b-ut English. 0.0

.c inorganic Cement for Pottery; Porcelain, &c., Sd. »«d Is., postage 2d. 01 .Cbeni:?te. PQrcelain, &c., 5d, .lId 111., post.g,e 2<1. Ut .C'hem:?ts. »5901—8 if

Miss Anteek: Do you suppose Eve nad iny desire to vote? Mr. Slim: But. she couldn't, you know. Miss Anteek: Why not? Mr. Slim She was paired with Adam. I A German newspaper contains tli" following offer ill an advertisement bv an enterprising trader:—"Any person who can prove that my tapioca, contains anything injurious to health will have three boxes of it sent to him free of charge." "Your friend is a man of means, is he not?" Man of mean-s Well, I should rather cay he was! He keeps a safety, a tandem, and a duplex. If you want to be regarded Quite au fait, above the herd, You musit give a pink-tea function In the tombs, lik. Airs. Bird. How delightfully aesthetic To hobnob with Nell the To exchange notes and opinions With the damee that never Hué There is pocket-picking Mollj And her cousin, Bleach-Bllondp Maud; There's the girl that killed lhor infant, And the one accused of frau^1 There is Ann, the viciou- vixen And the ha.t-pi,n jabber. J anv. And a host of other worthier Of a kindred social strain. What though honest niJKds and matron' Starve in temementf and freeze! What's the odds? B in the fashion LeJn thj Tombs enjoy pink i«..s. One day, vkliil- mondial. r* r<f o' his house, a Japanese lost his balance, and, fallang to the srround, broke rib. friend of his went hurriedlw for hzklw (doctor ) "Hakim, have vou ever '•alien WiiT a roof and broken a riru?" wais the first question the patiem asked the doctor. "Thank Heaven, no. replied t'" hakim. "Then go awa-v at once, Diease, cried Chodja. on want a doctor who has fallen from a roof and know* what it 1. A clertgyiman at Oxford, who was very nervou. ?ud absent-minded, <,oinr to read prayers at St. Mary' heard -bowman in the fireets, who had au exhibitior: of wild bsaste, repeat often, "Walk in! walk in! ladies and .gentlemen! all alive, alive, O!" The sounds struck the absent-minded man, and ran in his head so much that when lIe bagan to read the service and came to the words, "He shall save his souil alive," he cried out v.'ith a loud voice, "Shall save his soul alive; all alive, alive, 0!" An Oakland bootblack deserves special men- tion as an honest man who would not deceive his patrons When he first went inco business six years ago he put up a sign which read — Joe Garibaldi, bootblack. Has two .small children." Each succeeding year found him deserving of more sympathy, for he kept amending The sign, until it read, eight small children. A few daya ago Joe's bootblack stand wa3 locked for a, whole da.y, and when he returned the next morning lie confided to the butcher's boy that his baby had died. His first work was to amend the sign so that it might not mislead the public, and it then read, "Joe Garibaldi, bootblack. Has seven small children." Then, to "vod being placed in a false position before the pub- lic, he added with his finger and shoe-blacking, "One he die." At their five o'clock tea "At our last meeting Mrs. Oldfield told how her great-grandmother sacrificed th-c family plate foi the causo," said the daughter of the revolution. Yes" replied the colonial dame, "I've heard that the Contnientaile were often hard pushed to find lead for their bullets." "In Europe." "aid ihe {ravelled guest, mean- ingly, "the custom of tipping hrs be,c,c reduced to a system—one-twentieth of the bill. Thw a dollar check an titles the wai^or to fiv( cents." "Yes, sah,' replied the waiter, "but in this Hand o' liberty, sah, every genian ia free to g-ub A quarter."

LINSEED COMPOUND" (Trade Mark) for CVmjfhs and Colds. 9<kl.. 134d- Sold bv Ohemiate onJs. eSSOl—2 e.nd Colds. 9-.1<1,. 13..Ld. Sold bv OhemiBte onJoE. e5Q01-2

"Express" Football ,? Competition, This week we continue our football competi- tion. The prizes given will be:— First Prize: Bound Volume of Stoddardt's Portfolio of Photographs of Scenery and Cities, value 15s. Second Prize: "Beautiful Britain," value 128. W. On Saturdady, December 9, the following matches will be played: — ENGLAND V. WALES. BARRY V. TREORKY. BRITON FERRY V. LLANELLY A. EBBW VALE V. ABERGA VENNY. You must fill up the Coupon underneath 36 follows: With the Names of the Teams whom you think will win. Forecasts must be made on the Coupon. As many forecasts may be sent in as desired. All forecasts must arrive at latest by Twelve Midnight every Friday, marked Football Competition on the outside, and addressed i ilie Evening Express," Cardiff. Coupons will be dated, and will only be available for the week's competition of which they bear the date. The result will be declared in every Monday's issue of the "Evening Express." Our decision is final. In caise of dispute a Scrutiny Fee of 2s. 6d. must be deposited, not later than Tuesday evening, which will be returned if the complaint be found to be well-based. I "ETEXIXG EXPRESS" FOOTBALL COUPON. | I COI'ON FROM JANUARY 4 TO JANUARY 8. I PROBABLE WINNING TEAM. ^TNTS AGAINST. wWlT 2. 3 4 Address -?--??-

WELSH POOR IN LONDON. THE "KELT" RELIEF FU'ND. Fifteen months ago we published an article dealing with the condition of the London Welsh poor, and our Special Commissioner gave a very graphic description of the grinding poverty to which some of them have been reduced. The "London Kelt" has lately made a spirited and successful effort to raise a fund to relieve the worst cases. On Tuesday night a free tea was given at the vestry of the Brunswick Chapel, Whitechapel-roud, to about two hundred poor Welsh men and women. Among those present were a mcm- ber of the family of Williams, Pautvcelyn, a son of one of the greatest Welsh divines, and the wife and family of a man whose brother is a well-known Welsh missionary. It is proposed to continue these tea meetings every Tuesday till the winter is over, and the funds are distributed entirely without reference to anything but the need, deserts, and Welsh parentage of the recipients. A well-attended public meeting was held subsequently in the chapel, Mr. Llewelyn Williams in the chair. Stirring addresses were delivered by the Revs. Abraham Roberts (Chai-ing-eross), Evan-Davies (Welsh Church Mission), D. Jones (Eldon-street), and R. S. Williams (one of the Welsh city missionaries), and Messrs. Ernest Rhys and W. Williams (treasurer of the Welsh Charitable Aid Society). Songs were rendered by Mr. Herbert Emlyn, Mrs. Lloyd Williams (Harrow), and others, who were accompanied by Miss Frances Rees (conductress of the London Kvmric Ladies' Choir) and Mrs. Herbert Emlyn. A hearty vote of thanks, moved by a hale old octoge- narian, who has been a resident in London for over fifty years, but who has preserved his Glamorganshire dialect in its native purity, and seconded by another who has spent the last seventeen years of his life in a London hospital, concluded a very interesting and successful function.

HOW TO TAIE OUT PATENTS Many useful and novel appliances are from time to time devised which are not turned to practical account owing to want of knowledge on the part of inventors as to how to patent their inventions. We constantly receive letters askin? our advice, and, with a view to affording information as to-costs and modes of procedure in applying for provisional protection and patents and registered designs or trade marks, we have made arrangements accordingly. Any of our readers who desire such information should send a stamped envelope, enclosed to the Patent Editor, "Western Mail," Cardiff, by whom it will be handed to a thoroughly trust- worthy and experienced patent agent, who will reply fully to our correspondents; or an inter- view can be arranged on giving a few hours' notice. -?-

FOR SAILORS' FRIENDS. FOREIGN AIU<IVA(»S AND MOVEMENTS OF LOCAL 8TEAMKKS. Ruperra. arrived Calais 6th. OktiinmuUng left Seville 6th. Blue Jacket arrived CUpe de Verdes 4th. White Jacket left Baltimore for Londonderry 4th. G. E. Wood left Swansea, for Nice 6th. Mark Lane left Bilbao (or Newport 4th. Peter Graham left Portland for Penarth 5th. Lady Havelock arrived Swansea 6tli. Charles T. Jones paswd Dover for Barry 5th. S. W. Kelly passed Gibraltar for Antwerp 6th. Colli vaud arrived St. NazaJre 5th. Lavemoek left Ancona for Gulf cf Macri 5th. Rothesay le!t Seville 6th. Thor left Bilbao for Cardiff 6th. Giendower arrived La Rochelle 3rd Lyndhur«t left, Drammen for I'enarth 6tb. Hart anived Newport 6th. Watlinsrton left Smyrna 5th. Melrose Abbey left Havre for Swansea 4th. Harlhv kft Rotterdam for the Tvne 4th. Ihuworth left Genoa for Marbella 4th. Klton arrived Barcelona 5tli. Trunk ley arrived Aitlroft-an from Seriphoe 5th. Scokesley left Havre for Penarth 5th. I'h«ebc left Havre for Cardiff Oih. Garonne arrived Bordeaux from Cardiff 6th arrived Swansea 6th. Starcross left New Orleans for Dunkirk Oth -?-

ONE MOMENT PLEASE! Sufl'enrø from Gravel, Lumbupo, Piles, Paivis in the Back, Dropsy, Wind and Water Complaint*, Diseases of Kidney., Bladder. Stone, Sciatica. Rheu- matism. and Gout, will find a positive Cure in Holroyd'e Gravel Pills. Try a umall Box, and if not satisfied your money will be returned. Price Is. ljd., of all chemists, or post free for 12 stamps, from Holroyd's Medical Hall. Cleckheaton, Vorks. Don't, be put off If vou cannot get them, write the proprietor. and a box will be xent next post. The estimated population of the Merthyr Urban District at the end of 1896 has been estimated by Dr. Dyke, the medical otHoer, at 68,958, and upon this basis the birth- rate for the past year was 34 per thousand and the death-rate 26. COAGCLINK.—Cfocnt for broken articles, fid. and Ie. postage 2d. Sold everywhere. Home and abroad. e5901-6 Impurities in the BTood.—" We have seen hoste of letters from people who have received great benefit from the use of Clarke's Blood Mixture. It cannot be too highly estimated, for it cleanses and clears the blood from all impurities." This is a good testi- monial from the "Family Doctor," which goes on further to say:—" It is the finest Blood Purifier that science and skill have brought to light, and we can with the utmost confidence recommend it to our subscribers and the public generally." For Scrofula, Scurvy, Eczema, Bad Legs. Skin and Blood Diseases, Pimples and Sores of all Kinds, its effects are mar- vellous. Thousands of wonderful cures have been effected by it. Clarke's Blood Mixture it, sold every- where, at 2s. 9d. per bottle. Beware of worthless imitations and substitutes. el335 At Merthyr Bankruptcy-court on Wednesday (before Mr. Registrar Lewis) the examina- tions of Thomas Morgan, formerly a farmer of Gelligaer, and now a collier working at V ochriw, and of Thomas Evans, blacksmith, Shingrig. Nelson, were both further ^adjourned, the debtors not having furnished the accounts which they jhad been ordered to file. "LINSEED COMPOUND" (Trade Maik) gives Ex- jvectoration without strain. D^d., 15id. Sold by ChewjA&s onlxt e5901—3

BUSINESS ADDRESSES. PHIL PHILLIPS' TOOTHACHE CURE UXG.1 ACTS LIKE MAGIC! ONE SHILLING PER BOTTLE, POST FREE Is.' 2d. AGENTS:- ABERDARE: TUDOR WILLIAMS. Medical Hall. LLANTWIT-MAJOR WILLIAM CUMMINGS, Area*. AI vN Mr. THOS. NICHOLAS, Central MKKTHYR: Messrs. G. M. and R. OVNSON, 67 *mI Supply Stores, Water-street. I 68. High-street. BATH: THE BATH DRUG STORKS, 11, Abbey MONMOUTH: J. R. BARBELL, Grocer, Mennow- Church-road. street. BLAENAVON: Messrs. D. DAVIES aud CO., 100, MOliBlSTON: M. L. BEVAN, Chemist and Seedsman, Broad-street. Post-office. BRECON: W. TUDOR, Chemist. NEWPORT' Messrs. CORDET and CO., High-street. BRISTOL: HENRY HODDER and (X). (LIMITED), PENARTH:, Messrs. STRANAGHAN end STEPHENS Chemists. Broad street. Grocers, &c- BIITNMAWR: Messrs. H. OONNOP and SON, PONTYPRIDD: ISAAC PROTHF.RO. Grecer, &c. Grocers, &c. POR'IHCAWL: T. LANGDON, Grocer, John-street. COWBRIDGE; Mr. J. G HAROLD BIRD. SWANSEA: Messra. TAYLOR and CO. (LIMITED) ERBW VALE: DAVID HUGHES, Grocer, Victoria- Wind-street. street. TREDEGAR: Mr. C. J. PRICE, Manchester House. HEREFORD: OLARKSON and SONS, 9, High Town. WESTOxV-SUPEK-MARE: Mr. NORMAN, 35, Hirfe. ILl'KACOMBE: Messrs. HUSSELL and SON, 27, street. High-street. PHIL PHILLIPS' RHEUMATIC CURE. [PATENTED. SOCKS, 10s. 6d. BELTS, 10s. 6d. WRISTLETS, 5s. (SEND MEASUREMENTS.) Tkousand* ef Testimonials have been received, and cant be seen en applicatian t« the S.I. Manufacturer, MR. PHIL PHILLIPS. 24, ST MAKY-STREET, CARDIFF BEWARE OF IMITATIONS! 44WS

CONTEXT BURNT DOWN. SEVEN SISTERS PEjEISH. A Reuter's telegram from Montreal on Wed- nesday cays -The Ursuline Convent at Rober- val, on Lake St. John, in the Province of Quebec, was burnt down this morning, seven of the sisters perishing in the flames. The fire, which broke out during the night, was occasioned by the explosion of a lamp. The convent being built of wood. the flames spread with great rapidity, and the nuns who escaped only did so with great difficulty. The cries of those left behind were heard through, the barred windows, but no human aid was able to reach them. So fierce was the conflagration that the building was completely destroyed. Owing to the Christmas holidays, the pupila of the convent were away, otherwise the fire might have proved still more disastrous.

THE LIBERAL UNIONISTS. MR. COURTNEY AND SEPARATE ORGANISATION. Mr. Courtney, who is this week addressing his constituents, attended on Wednesday a meet- ing of the South-east Cornwall Liberal Unionist Association at Liakeard. Speaking of the desirability of maintaining a separate organisa- tion of the Liberal Unionists, he eaid he repu- diated the opinion that in time country we need anticipate Qanger from the development of Par- liamentary groups. He certainly thought the existence of the Liberal Unionist group, so far iroui being a peril to our stability, would in the 'future. as in the past, prove a guarantee of stability. The various Parliamentary groups now in existence helped to keep Parliamentary (life in a state of healthy and active vitality. Later in the evening Mr. Courtney discussed the report of the Financial Relations' Commis- sion, and said his own conclusion on the whole matter was that there was no substantial case of injustice in the question. He utterly repu- diated the notion as one between nation and nation. It was a question, if at all, between different individuals, and the real question lying at the bottom of the argument was, Was it just that people who drank intoxicating liquor, and, above all, spirits, should be taxed so that they contributed an excess to the revenue? The whole question was an embarrassing one, and must be faced fearlessly.

LORD ASHBOURNE ON CURRENT POLITICS. Lord Ashbourne, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, speaking at Lancaster on Wednesday night, said the Conservative party was growing and developing with the age, while the process of disintegration was still going oil among their opponents. There were Home Rulers and Home Rulers, who would like to drop that subject if they knew how. Whatever designa- tion they gave their opponents, there was not one of them who did not desire to give Home R-ule a very back seat. They must not be blinded by the threat that resolute task- roasters would again force that question to the front if they got the chance. They might still look to Lord Salisbury with confidence for a peaceful settlement of the Armenian question. No Foreign Minister would be alive to his duty to his country who for a moment listened to the suggested isolated action ? He had no secrets to tell, but a shorter and simpler Educa- tion Bill than last year's would he introduced, which would apply itself largely to helping voluntary schools. There would be an Employers' Liability Bill and an Agricultural Bill for Ireland. With reference to the finan- cial relations with Ireland, the matter had better be adjourned till Parliament met, when the discussion on the subject would be worthy of its importance.

OLD AGJ1 PENSIONS. MEETING OF CARDIFF SHEPHERDS. The members off the Cardiff district of the Aneient Order of Shepherds on Wednesday night assembled in large numbers at the Marchioness of Bute Hotel, and, after dinner, discussed various questions affecting Friendly Societies, the ohiief of which was that of odd-age pensions.—Bro. J oihn H. Day presided, a.nd proposed, as the toast of the evening, "The Health of the Board of Management," coupled with the name of Bro. Sage (Bristol), Chief Shepherd of the Order.—In responding, Bro. Sage pointed out that the great difficulty in the way of old-age pensions was the undeserving poor scattered throughout the country; but he hoped Friendly Societies, in conjunction with the Legislature, would take the matter up and make gome kind of provision for the deserving poor. There were nearly 400,000 members of Friendly Societies whose age exceeded 65 years. He was no advocate for giving pensions to men who had neglected to help themselves, and he warned them that the Government probably would only help them on the one condition that they were sound and solvent themselves; and in that case he predicted that the work already accomplished through the intelligence and independence of the members of Friendly Societies would be far and away surpassed in the century that was to come.—Most of the evening was spent in oonviviality.

CHARGE OF BIGAMY. On Tuesday at Llandudno Police-court Mary Eliza- beth Levies, Conway, was charged with bigamy. She wao married at Llandudno in November. 1892, to Hugh Daues, and last Christmas to John Twist, her first husband still being alive. She now said that she would rather go "0 gaol for twenty yearn than live ¡ with Da\ies. Three weeks after marriage he threatened to kill her with a poker, and fisked where she would like to be buried. On one occasion he broke two of her ribs. She left linn after seven months. She was committed for trial to the assizer.

BEATTTY IN THE HEAVENS. One of the prettiest sights to 'be seen at inter- vals in the heavens mavbe, watched this even- ing, when Venus is in conjunction with the crescent moon. For several days past Venus has been the most conspicuous object in the sky. The planet will be found to be shining a little to the south of the moon. its angular distance being rather more than six times the moon's apparent diameter. With a good tele- scope, Venus -tself will be seen to present a small but very bright crescent, so that the I appearance is not unlike a small moon attend- ing a inudh larger primary.

MUSICAL FESTIVAL AT CARDIFF. The English Calvinistio Methodist Musical Festival (Cardiff district) was held at the Grangetown-hall on Wednesday afternoon amd evening, a choir of about 500 taking part, accom- panied by an orchestra under the conductors-hip of Mr. Dd. Jenkins, Aberystwith. Several addresses were delivered in the evening.

C-ADBURY'S is a perfectly pure Cocoa, without alkali added, like many so-called pure cocoas. It hM a world-wide reputation as a delicious, strengthening beverage, and a valuable nutritive food. Cocoa must be pure and unadulterated to ensure the fullest beneficial effects. CADBUKY'S is absolutely pure, therefore the best Cocoa. The "Lancet" says: —" CADBURY'S represents the standard of highest purity at present attain- ablet"- e3434—I

FANCY DRESS BALL. SUCCESSFUL GATHERING AT TH5) TOWN-HALL, CARDIFF. The annual dress ball held by the tradesmen of Cardiff took place in the Assembly-rooms of the Town-hall on Wednesday evening. There was a large attendance, arid some of the costumes (desoribed below by our Lady Correspondent) were of unique pattern. Considerable in- genuity and artistic taste must have been exer- cised to lhavto produced some of the Tery pleasing costumes worn. The M.C.'s were Mr. W. H. Dunford, Mr. B. Jenkins, Mr. R. J. T. Hillier, Mr. W. James, and Mr. Foote, Mrs. Hillier acted as hon. treasurer, and Mr. F. H. Standen as hon. secretary. Mr. A. Johnson's string band, in their new uniforms, provided the music, and dancing was kept up until an early hour. The decorations by Messrs. Richard- son and Co. were exceedingly pretty. Thanks to an energetic committee of about twenty, of which Mr. W. James was chairman, the dance was the most successful as yet held. A list of those present, with their costumes, follows, and where not otherwise specified evening dress was worn:— MiM Timothy, Mr. Grant (Court dress), Mr. A. Mor- gan, Bridgend; Mr. Archie Carpenter, Miss Beatie Burns, Mr. R. W. Price, Miss Davies, Mr. Lew. Loug-her, Llandaff; Miss Harvey, Llandaff ("Folly"); Miss Flo Priest, Mr. Richards, Mr. Thomas, Mr. A. C. Pitte ("Coster"), Mr. Guv Hillier, Miss A. Lewis, Mrs. W. R. Bertram, Miss Roddy, Mrs. Prosser, Mis. W. James, Llanishen ("Chef de la Cuisine"); Mr. W. James, Llanishen ("Lawn Tennis"); Mr. Douglas, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Roberts ("Officer Parliamentary, Wars"), Mr. Dan Hadcliffe, Mr. Fryer, Bridgend; Mr. and Mrs. Foreman ("Irishman" and "tJipsy"), Aliss Ford, 111'. and Mrs. Kovachieh, Mrs. Palmer ("School- girl"), Mr. and Mrs. Alford ("Up to Date" and "Daughter of the Regiment"), Mre. Gorman, Mr W. F. Slater, Mrs. Weeks, Mr. W. Weeks ("Ally Sloper"), Miss Flo Jones ("Stars and Stripes"), Mr. Dan Mor- gan, Mrs. Watts, Mr T. Watts, Mr. James, Miss Edie Burns, Miss M. 0. Storey ("Peep-Bo—Japanese Lady"), Miss F. Roe ("Pitti Sing—Japanese Lady"), Miss ML B. Roe ("Yum Yum-—Japanese Lady"), Mr. A. II Durbesiok ("Welsh International"), Miss Bric4 ("Gipsy"), Miss Day ("Gipsy"), Mr. and Mrs. John Hill, Llandaff; Miss Queenie Hill, LlandaS ("Lady Slavey"), Mr. Albert Beer ("Bookmaker"), Mrs. A. Beer, Mr. Lloyd Davies. Captain Canrobert ("Spanish Toreador"), Miss Vincent ("Magpie"), Mr. and Mrs. Bellisario ("Admiral" and "Lady Donna Diana"), Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Luen, Penarth Mrs. Mules, penarth ("Roses"), Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Nicholls, Bridgend; Mr. Butt, Mr. H. A. Timothy, Mr. R. Smith, jtU1., Miss C. E. Smith ("Juliet"), Mr. A. E. Smith, Mies Williams ("Folly"), lfiSti Morgan ('Primrose League"), Mr. E. R. Foote (George III. Court ostume), Mr. Leonard How ("Clown"), Mr. Nat Sutton, Mr. Albert Virgo, Mr. Samuel, Mr. and Mrs. R. J. T. Hillier (Court and Greek costumes), Mr. F. H. Standen (reverse evening dress). Mrs. F. H. Standen ("Red, White, and Blue"), Mr. A. Standen ("Courtier, Charles I."), Misd Ethel Standen ("Doctor of Music"), Miss A. Hillier ("Sj«uiish Dancing Girl"), Miss Lily Jarmaa ("Scotch Lassie"), Miss Eva. Jarnmn ("Rose"), Master C. V. Hillier ("Little Lord Fauntleroy"), Mr. W. B. Dunford ("Toreador"), Mrs. W. B. Dunford, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Porter ("Dr. Jim" and "Queen of the Gipsies"), Mr. James Dunu ("Jack Tar"), Miss Kdie Williams, Miss Moore, Mr. W. Morgan ("Jester"), Mrs. W. Morgan, Mrs. Kenway, Miss futtie Kenway, Mr. Josep, Miss Annie Morgan "Violets") Miss Minnie Morgan ("Gitana"), Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. Mr. G. A. Foote (Court dress), Mr. J. M. Lewis ("Monta Carlo"). Mms Oha.rlotte Louglier, Llandaff ("Winter"); Mr. and Mrs Conibear, Bridgend; Mr. David, Bridg- end; Mrs. John, Bridgend; Mr, A. W. Welson ("Pen- sioner"), Mr. B. D. Jenkins, Dinas Powis Miss Jen kins. Dinas Powis ("Dorothy"); Mr. M'Intyre, Mrs Stevens, Mis. S. Jones, Mr. Fish ("George III."), Mifli Moreland ("Eighteenth Century"), Mr. a.nd Mrs Da.vey ("Crazy Work" and evening dress), Mr. ant: Mrs. J. Hopkins, and Mr. Riche. THE DRESSES. Our Lady Correspondent writes:—Where am. I to begin? I thiak the decorations deserve the first place. The passage from the dcor of the I own-hall to the stairs presented a lovely appearance; shut in to form a perfect bower, lit up by fairy lamps and innumerable statues gleaming whitely against the red-showing lamps. The corridor was made into a most charming series of alcoves for sitting out. I niufrt congratulate Mr. Richardson on the very happy way in which lie had carried out the decorations. Inside the assembly-Kern the heavy-stamped velvet curtains contrasted well with the light art muslin draperies over the mirrors that lined the room. Now for the dresses- Here is "Juno," Queen of Olympus, in the earthly tabernacle of Mrs. Hillier, robed in a really lovely and very becoming white Grecian dress, and made correctly with the Grecian pattern, embroidered in gold, and her hair accurately coiffured. Mrs. Walter James looked admirably as a "Chef de Cuisine." Mrs. Lewis wore a very handsome scarlet Monte Carlo." Mrs. Standen represented the "Union Ja,ck" and "Royal Sfcandurd" over scarlet. "La Vivandiere," most tastely costumed, danced with a handsome "Sailor Boy." Sir Charlew Surface" was coquetting with a ''Magpie." Mr. Ikimford looked reaiuarkablv well as » "Matador." "Three Little Maids from School" were beguiling two "Football Players" and a Colter," while "Dr. Jim" was taken up with -1* <>-iy. Two brothers as "Courtiers," both e..o:!treul.e-ly nice-looking fellows—one m silver grev brocade and the other in red locked very well. "Stars aind dtripes" I noticed, "l'addy O'Roorn" brought in "The Colleen liav/n." "Ally Sloper" I thought very badly carried out, while the "Bookie" was there in full swing with his red hat-a good dress, "The May Queen1' was a pretty dress, and so was "The Primrose League." The pale, primrose-coloured skirt, was embroidered with primroses, and the badge of the order and a broad blue ribbon with the motto. A "Lady Slavey" in pink looked well, as did a sparkling little brunette as "Winter," with snow and icicles and holly. "My Sweetheart" looked pretty in pink. Altogether, I think the dresses were better than in previous years, especially those of the men. The court suits were all remarkably good and well-chosen. I fancy Mr. Dunford arranged most of them. Mr. Standen, in black and white evening dress of the twentieth century, had a splendid white wig oil. Mr. Johnson's band played very well, and wore their smart uniforms for the first time. Talking of uniforms, a naval officer and a yeomanry officer looked well. There was a good many present in ordinary evening dress, and the dancing was kept up with spirit to an early hour in the morning.

CALVmSTIC METHODISTS. WEST GLAMORGAN MOSTTHIY MEETING. The monthly meeting for West Glamorgan- shire of the Calvinistio Methodists was commenced on Wednesday at Briton Ferry, the Rev. D. G Jones (Tonna, Neath) presiding—An appeal was made by Mrs. Watts Hughes to the effect that the Churches should set their faces against encourag- ing members to become musical artistes, and strong remarks in support were made by the Revs. T. t. Edwards and W. jotn (Bridgend).-A vote of condo- lence with the WeUh Congregationalists in the low sustained by that connexion through the death of the Revs. AV. Evans (Aberaeron), Dr. Morris (Brecon),and Dr. Herber Evans (Bangor) was passed.—Tbc Rev. William Lewis (Pontypridd) mentioned that he had received a letter from the Rev. J. T. Lloyd (Johannes- burg) stating that there were 1,000 Welshpeople in Johannesburg and the district. There were three Welsh preachers there, and a Welsh service was held every month.

"LINSEED COMPOUND" (fr-Mle Mark) for Cougha and colds, 9jd 13id. Sold by Chemists only. e5901-1 rrinted by the Proprietors, Western Mail (Limited), and published by them at their efllces, St. Mary- street, Cardiff; at their offices, C'astle Bailey- street, Swansea; at the shop of Mr. Weeley Wil- liams, Bridgood-all in the County of Glamorgan; at the "Western Mail" Offices, Newport; at the shop of Mr. J. P. Caffrey, Moumouth, both in the Odinty of Monmouth; and at the shop of Mr. G. Dtvies, Llanelly, in the County of Carmarthen. THTJiRgBAX JANUARY 7, 1897.

?-- News Gleanings 1 SUMMARY OF INTEBESTING ITEMS. ftltpraphio aid Otherwise Obtaimtd from a Variety of Sources. Lord Crewe will formally open a Liberal club at Coalville on Januajy 13. The Saddlers' Company have recently voted JEI-400 in annual donations io hospitals and other Metropolitan pu'blio institutions. » Lord Denbigh, nfc the half-yearly rent audit of hie Flintshire Esate, made an abatement of 10 per cent. to his agricultural tenants. » » An attempt to wreck a train by placing nsh-plattes on the metals was made on Tues- day, a few miles south of Darlington, on the North-Eastern Railway. •* ♦ )'1: Beerbohm Tree's company is now a.t Washington. Mr. Tree's "Hamlet" and Miss Kate Rorke'a "Ophelia" are highly eulogised by the whole American press. » Lord Dufferin has accepted the presidency of the movement started at Bristol to celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of North America by the Cabots. • • » • A new White Star liner, named the Delphic, wart launched from the shipbuilding yard of Messrs. liar land and Wolff, at Belfast, on Tuesday. She is of 9,000 tons burthen. » At Warrington cn Tuesday Martin Connoilv was sentenced to two months' imprisonment for theft, and four months' imprisonment for assaulting Deteotive-inspector Managhan. It has been decided to postpone the presen- tation of the testimonial to Lord Hawke until after his return from the cricket tour which he is about to make in the West Indies. A second application for bail for the Rev. 311'. Winnifrith, who, with Mrs. Hern, is com- mitted for trial on a charge of perjury, was made at Bow-street Police-court on Tuesday, and refused. Mr. A. F. Buxton has transferred to the trustees of the Clergy Sustentaticn Fund, Church House, Dean's Yard, Westminster, railway debenture stock of the value of upwards of £ 500. it » The New Year entertainments, provided by the Mayor of Leeds were continued on Tues- day night, when over 700 children were enter- tained at a fancy-dress ball by Sir James a.nd Miss Kit eon. it A memorial has been forwarded to the Post- master-Ganeral from the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, drawing attention to serious delays on the telephone trunk lines, and call- ing for immediate reforms. ♦ » The Blackpool Town Council have appointed a committee to take evidence as to the adminis- tration of the building bye-laws in the town. Great laxity was alleged tc exist, and serious charges were made against public men. < A Carnarvonshire sheriff's jury on Tueiday, in Bangor, awarded Robert Roberts, a Llan- dudno farmer, JB50 damages against William Brookes, a Llandudno butcher, who had charged him with having stolen a sheep. » •» » » A handsome tea and coffee service was pre- sented to :\11'. Charles L. Carson, editor of the Stage," at the St. James's Theatre on Tues- day afternoon, in recognition of his work in the agitation for a reduced railway tariff for ti avellmg player*. • • • t Although appealed to for a mitigation of the punishment, Mr. Paul Taylor, at North Loudon, refused to alter a. sentence of 21 days' imprisonment passed upon Charles Freeman, a baker in a. large way of business at Crouch End, for cruelty to a pony. < At Manchester on Tuesday two shopkeepers were each fined 10s. for having sold beer with- out a Seance. The beer was of the herb beer ?I&sa. and, instead of containing the 2 per cent, of proof spirit allowed, it contained more spirit thàJll many brewer's boors. I -It t Mr. Yaughan, sitting at Bow-street Police- court on Tuesday, ordered that various valu- able articles of plate, &c., stolen by a man now undergoing a. term of imprisonment, when he was acting as a carver at City dinners, should be restored to the persons claiming them. » » » A young man named Kent was at Greenwich Police-court charged with stealing JE40 from his fattier. The prosecutor, who wa.s much affected, stated that the prisoner stole £30 from a drawer in the father's bedroom and JS10 from a bag ir his daughter's bedroom. The accused had booked a passage to New York. The father said his son had never robbed him before, and a. little punishment might do him good. The magistrate ordered a TemaowJ. it < Mrs. Amelia Spurling, a. lady of independent means, aged 60 years, who had been under medi- cal attendance at her residence in Norwich, left her bed on Tuesday morning, and running to an attic jumped out of the window. Her nurse, -who followed, caught her by the nightdress, but was unable to retain her hold, and the unfortu- na.te lady fell head foremost to the ground. In her descent she struck an iron railing, which was bent by the blow. Death occurred almost immediately. • » ♦ • In the Liverpool Court of Passage on Tues- day Elizabeth Darlow, money lender, Soutb- porfc, sued Thomas and Mary Nelson, of West- bourne-road, Birkenhead, for £14 8s. l £ d. on a promissory note. It appeared that all the de- fendants actually received was £ 4 10s., that they had paid £ 6 5s. in regular instalments by the end of the year, and now £7 5s. was. claimed, besides £ 7 380 lkl for interest payable in con- sequence of default. Counsel for the defen- dants calculated that the raite of interest worked out to 9,200 per cent. The jury found for the defendants. At Llandudno Police-court on Tuesday Mary Elizabeth Davies, Conway, was charged with ibigaany. She was married at Llandudno in November, 1892, to Hugh Davies, and last Chrstmas to John Twist, her first husband being still alive. She now said that she would rather go to gaol for twenty years than live with Davies. Three weeks after marriage he threatened to kill her with a poker, and asked her where she would like to be buried. On one occasion he broke two of her ribs. She left him after seven months. She was committed for trial to the assizes. » < Amongst the passengers by the Cunard liner Lucania, which left Liverpool for New York on Saturday last, were Mr. Trubshaw, the chief architect of the Midland Radlwav Company, and Mr. William Towle, the manager of the com- pany's hotel and refreshment department. The [object of their visit to America is to make a thorough inspection of the greatt hotels of the New World, with a new to introducing some of their beet features into the new hotel which the Midland Company are about to erect ai the Central Station at Manchester. It has alre £ *dy been announced that the company have acquired at an enormous cosi » considerable area of land in immediate proximity to the station, and it is understood to be their intention to erect thereon what will be absolutely the finest hotel in the provinces. it Franois Bilkm (65), army pensioner, was found dead in hi8 hovue at Kirkat, Glasgow, oa Tues- -?- day night. His body was much bruised, and his hauds and face wern smeared with blood, j As he and his wife were heard quarrelling on Tuesday morning, the woman ha* been arppre- hended and remanded pending inquiries. Two serious cases came before Alderman New- ton at the London Guildhall. In one, a. clerk named John Chandler was remanded on his own confession of forging bills of exchange, and in the other,. Henry George Mi seel brook, also a clerk, was sentenced to six months' hard labour on the charge of stealing the money of ins employer. » » During the twelve months ended on the 31st of December, 1896. there left the United King- dom for places out of Europe 161,939 persons of British nationality, 75,968 foreigners, and 14,005 whose nationality WaB not distinguished. The total, 241,912, as compared with the return for last year, shows a decrease of 29,860 emi- grants. The Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Company have a private Bill lodged at the House of Commons, in which, among other things, they are asking Parliament for powers jo carry into effect the agreement between them and the Great Northern Railway Company, entered into on January 30, 1892, to erect a joint station at Nottingham, "Truth's" Paris correspondent says the favourite jewel of this season is opal, either plain or set with brilliants, worn either as ear-rings or in necklaces strung together like pearls, Medals are coining into vogue. Joan of Arc is still the favourite figure, but Sainte Genevieve. the patron saint of Paris, popularised by Puvis de Chavannes, is almost as much in evidence. » » The Essex County Council have appointed Mr. C. Edgar Lewis as coroner of West Essex (exclusive of West Ham Borough}, in succession to his deceased father, )11'. C. Carne Lewis, on the understanding that he resigns the office next Juiy, and that the district be divided into two coroner's districts, each coroner to receive JS250 per annum. Until July Mr. Lewis will receive the same salary as was paid to hie father. » • In June last an international congress of publishers was held in Paris, a.nd attended by several English delegates, Mr. Edward Mars-ton, head of the firm of Sampson Low, Mars ton-, and Company, being of the number. As a souvenir of his visit to the French capital, Mr. Marston has just received a hand- some service de Sevres, with an otficial letter from the Minister of Commerce begging his acceptance of the gift. Official returns from the department of the Canadian Interior, covering immigration for me season 1896, show that 1,400 homestead entries were made, representing 4,174 persons, against 1,950 entries in 1895, representing 5,689 persons. There were 208 from England, as compared with 243 last year. The number from other countries remained the same as the year previous, there being a slight decrease in almost every nationality. » » » • There was an unrehearsed incident at the election of Bishop Creighton. When the formalities were over one of the prebendaries, a. clergyman known throughout England, pro- posed that the Chapter should engage in prayer on behalf of the bishop, his work, a.nd the diocese. The suggestion, says a London corresponoent, appears to have been received with some alarm, and was put aside on the ground tha.t it might create a precedent.