Evening Express

BEXIX EXPEDITION. A Reuter's telegram from Ologho, dated February 13, says:—Work is actively pro- Ceding oil the base camp which is being ^'ablished here. Ammunition stores and water are toeing brought up by carriers. Colonel ruce Haii. Hon starts at daybreak to-morrow for a point about four miles towards Benin ^•v. with the Naval Brigade and the Niger <>ast Protectorate forces. All the white Offioers are in good health.

A DIAMOND KING'S WILL. 'fhe will of the late Mr. Joseph Mylchreest, the jale of Man, known ats the "Diamond lng," has been proved. The personal estate ¡;'Worn at £ 60.000, of which about one-half is In the island and a great deal in African shares. r- Mylehreest bequeaths to his wife an annuity Of B500. also the plate, jewellery, and Myl- diamonds, and to his son, Thomas °ore Mylchreest, he bequeaths his best dia- P*->nd ring, and £ 5,000 each to Cecil John and hoebe Ann Ada Mylchreest. -0'

A COMING LIBEL ACTION. aeti-,a of considerable interest to sek-n- *•* will occupv ths attention of Justive Cave •1<1 a special jury in the Queen's Bench Division 's Week. The plaintiff, who is a native of < P.Ilssia, is a well-known inventor of various appliance:, and among other inven- Ie)]'U! is the patentee of an automatic telephone •Mem. He seeks to recover damages against a Member of a well-known firm of solicitors for ^ged slander, which tho defendant denies. ls said to impute that the plaintiff is an ftarchist and Nihilist of tho worst type. The arises out of certain negotiations relating tu Plaintiff's inventions.

FARMERS RUINED BY FLOODS. Such widespread havoc has been wrought by e floods in Mid-Lincolnshire that a relief ln<' is being organised for the farm labourers a"d small farmers in the district. Over 12,000 of land at the very least between Lincoln Qnd Bardney alone are still under water, and *hen the river and druins, which are yet abnor- mally swollen, have gone down, th;s water will ^3-ve to be removed from the land by the ^essarily slow proee< of pumping. Practical ^'eii say that Hot until May is well advanced anything be done on the land. The ground tllUs cannot possibly be prepared to receive tho ??, and the whole of this year's harvest must i3 lost. Therefore, unless substantial aid is forthcoming, there is nothing for a large Luiriber of smaJl farmers but absolute ruin. --?-?

STORY OF A "HIGNORANT JJLOiiE." ^r- Justin M* Car thy, M.P., in an article en Hou.;e of Commons in the "Temple Maga- taic- refers to the "perfect craze" which some ^mbftrs of Parliament have for putting ques- °ri8> and tells a good story. "A friend of nii'le, an English Libsral member of the House, 'l-' since dead," says Mr. M'Caithy, "used to '^Peat with great good humour a story which told against himself. During the course of a recess lie was delivering an address to his con- stituents, and in order to impress them with a ^Ue seiitse of his public services he emphasised 43 fact that in the last session he had put to ir^stepg more than 300 questions. He paused study the effect of his statement, and a voice ^°IT1 the farthest part of the gallery called out, k> what a hignorant bloke you must be'

NEW ZEALAND AND THE DIAMOND JUBILEE. ? ew Zealand is going to celebrate the Re- °°rd reign of the Queen in a fashion that seems lllQre original than appropriate. If the latest reports of the intentions of the New ealand Government are correct, the Queen's e4d is to be removed from the stamps of the °°iony with a view to the eabstitution of repre- stations of some of these natural wonders in *Wh the "Brita'n of the South" is so pro- ^rsoaping pt'Wkr. great geysers, burning wingless birds, &c. This will be good to the philatelists, (saya the "Daily r°ni<?le"), but otherwise we see littie matter °r congraimlation in the new departure. A similar change was made in the cen- teriniad stamp issue of another colony—New Jlh Waies-but it cannot be honestly des- '•r»bed as a .succees.

MYSTERY OF THE DESERT. 4 DROVEE AND FOURTEEN THOU- SAND SHEEP DEAD, '.rho far north of Queensland has bsen the ?elle of many tragic occurrences, but few are tl10re sensational than the last recorded in that distriot. It seems from the newspaper accounts ¡ of the tragedy that a drover named John Forbes 'ar3C out in company with a mate, Thomas Mar- tIn, to take a mob of 14,000 sheep from a station Qll the Lexbv River to the Hamilton River, in th? Boulia district. After travelling a long Stretch over desolate sandy country. with a vegetrttion and miitcjuent water holes, °i'beg found hiin&eif at last in a, locality be- the Flinders River a.ia Ifiastera Ciwlt. coiintry was a succesflioa of sand ridges, j ? clumps of spinifix here au/i there. It was l^ded that Martin should ride forward and th° ^"r water, while Forbas remained with w- ^lie<p, many of which had ah'eady died, i, ^rtiu rode away, and no human eye saw alive again, but some days later a black named Howard came acroes the "r'y of drover lyinpr out on the plain. itliiu a o*Us (,f a few miles the carcasts of 14,000 ji'^P lay rotting. The surroundings showed ,l(' snfferings of the unfortunate man at the last. dark stain on the sand indicated where he rj»- ^'Hed a sheep to assuage his thirst by 4 lr'kin,g the animal's blood, and four miles C;)XVuy from the overlanuer's corp e lay the car- °f his hor?c, still saddled and bridled, iter exttiriining the trader tiie black boy re- r'e(I that the man had becomo lost in trying r°Und up the sheep, which had broken away.

LACROSSE. BRISTOL Y. EXETER. ■'■•Us, the second fixture of the Bristol Club, j3* l'layed at Exeter on Saturday. During the half of the game Exeter gained considtr- advantage, owing to the sun l>eing in their .^Poni'urt! eyes, and to their superior skill in lialf-time genre, Exeter four goab, Tjr^to1 ,!il °n chansr- ends Exeter again 's°ed, H. C. Rowe playing a fine game. (,(0<v4rds the end Bristol broke away, and scored 0'e" Final result:—Ex?ter seven goals, Bristol ffoal. For Bristol Dove-Willeox, Sidney ul» and A. P. Paget played a good game. | —————a

BOMBARDED CHRISTIAN CRETANS UNDER FIRE I Joint Squadrons Shell- ing the Camp. -ooor. First Shot Fired By the British Ship. GREEKS STILL DEFIANT. HELLENIC FLAG FLYING OVER THE INSURGENTS, The most important item of news to hand this morning is that the G-reat Powers have definitely decided on an aggressive policy. The news comes in a Central News telegram from Athens on Sunday midnight. It is as fallows — The international squadrons before Canea bo- day bombarded the positions occupied by the insurgents before the town. Details are not yet to hand. The foregoing has been confirmed by Reuter, who telegraphed at two o'clock this morning: — The combined squadrons of the Powers on Sunday bombarded the insurgent camp out- side Canea, in consequence of the Cretans having opened a fueilade in the morning, and continued firing, in spite of the injunctions of the admirals. GREEK GUNBOAT FIRED AT. A Reuter's telegram on Sunday night says '— Two rounds of the blank were fired yesterday from the forts at the Greek gunboat Penens. A Turkish frigate also fired at the Ponens, which replied. The frigate then drew off. GERMAN MARINES LANDED. The German cruiser Eaiserin Augusta has disembarked a small force of marines at Canea. ENTHUSIASTIC DEMONSTRATION AT ATHENS. A Central News telegram from Athens on Sunday, at five p.m., says :—A gigantic demon- stration was held here to-day in support of the Cretan movement. A vast crowd assembled in the square in front of the Palace, where they were addressed by the King from a high balcony. His Majesty said: "You are accom- plishing the mandate of the entire Hellenic peoples. I thank you for your sentiments. May God protect Greece and strengthen our common efforts. Long live our Hellenic Fatherland." His Majesty's remarks were greeted with enthusiastic exclamations. The meeting passed an address declaring that the King and the Hellenic people were ready to make all sacrifices in blood or treasure to bring the present policy of action to a. successful issue. A Router's telegram from Canea on Saturday at 9.25 p.m. says —The Mussulmans at Retimo, who were greatly excited by the reported massacre of their co-religionists at Sitia, made a sortie from the town and attacked the insur- gent positions in the vicinity. The fighting is still proceeding. Colonel Yaesos. the Greek commander, has proclaimed at the Greek Vice- Consulates at Retimo and Candia the occupa- tion of Crete by Greece. The Greek Consul- General at Canea, who has been appointed Royal Commissioner, has left his post and landed near Platania. In the fighting at Peli- kano a detachrrg:t of Turks was destroyed. The guns at Fort Aghia have been spiked by the insurgents. A Reuter's telegram from Canea at midnight on Saturday says:—After the conflict at Fort Aghia the Greek troops occupied the towers. The Turks have returned to Canea. Three Greek officers were killed in the fighting. The Greeks are masters of the island, with the excep- tion of three villages. All the provinces in I Crete have voted for union with Greece, and this vote has been communicated to all the Consuls of the Great Powers in the various towns of the island. The Greek troops have so far not made much progress. Yesterday they appeared to be contemplating an attack on the Turkish outposts, but the naval commanders made representations, and the assault did not t«ke place. The war vessels are etill distri- buted along the coast at Canea, Candia, Retimo, and Sitia. At the last-named port the ocm- mander of the French cruiser Suchet is com- mander-in-chief. He has appointed a commis- sion of four notables, under the presidency of a military commandant, to settle all differences between the inhabitant-, and tranquillity is now being restored. At Candia and In its vicinity all is quiet. The Greek Consul has once more gone on board a Greek man-of-war, and it is stated that his departure is now final, the Hellenic Government holding that Consuls are out of place in a country annexed to Greece. Th? Cretan insurgent leaders in all the provinces of the island are sending proclamations to the Consuls announcing' union with Greece. THE DESPERATE FIGHTING OFFICIAL DETAILS. The Press As-sociattion states that official confirmation has been received of the reports of desperate fighting between Greeka and Mussulman8 in Crete. The British Consul a/t Canea. reports that a force of Greek regulars, armed with half-a-dozen field gun", invested Bukolics, a. town about thirteen miles from Canea in a south-western direction, and called upor the Turkish garrison to surrender. Although the defenders were greatly inferior in force to the Greek troops, they stubbornly refused to yield. When the demand was repeated the garrison made a desperate eally, and succeeded in driving the enemy back for a distance of three or four miles. The block- house (a kind .of depot or guard-room) was demolished, and the garrison, despite its tem- porary success, was too heavily over-matched to secure any permanent advantage. Only eighteen men managed to cut their way through to the Turkish lines, and although the Consul does not specifically state what became of the remainder, the presumption is that they fell or were taken prisoners. The garrison at Aghia w:s also menaoed. but the entire number—75 or 80 men ia aU-were safely withdrawn. The Coaisul further reports that skirmishing rulS been going on for some days between the Cretan Mussulmans and the insurgents, both on the western and southern lines of defence, and also at Akrotiri and to the north of Suda. THE STORY OF THE BOM- BARDMENT. A Renter's telegram from Athens on Sun- day (midnight) says:—The following account of the bombardment by foreign warships of the insurgent eamp outside Ganea is l'onhinoo ;171 a telegram despatc"i«d from Crete hortJv before seven o'clock this evening. From eleven o'clock in the morning a sharp fusilade was heard from the direction of Mournies, a village ir the vicinity of Canea, above Hale])a. Tw Greek flags wore distirguisibed from the tov/n. The firing increased during the afternoon, and at four o'clock the foreign admirals, after con- ferring together, decided to bomlrard the insur- gent camp. About an hour later, by way of warning, the foreign men-of-war fired some shell* ar the position. Ae the insurgents kept up their fiwilade, orders were given for an effective bombardment. The first shot was fired by a British vessel, and the warships of other nationalities followed suit. The Greek man-of- war Hydra go't up efcearn, and was prepared for action in case of necessity. Melinite shells were fired from the German cruiser Kaiserin Augusta. The cannonade was directed exclu- sively against the Christian camp, but some shells fell in Canea, raising clouds of dust, and several of the Christians are reported to have been wounded. When fire had ceased the Greek flag was seeti to be hoisted over the insurgent position. The enigines of the Greek steamer Laurium have been dismantled by the British. The Crow.i Prince Constantino has sent the following telegram to the C'ommander of his rc-gimeni, which has been engaged i"1 fighting in Crete:—"I am proud of my regi- ment for the victory which it has won. Con- gratulate officers and men for me. Memory of soldiers who fell like heroes will he eternal. (Signed) Cons:antir;e." AllotJher Reuter's telegram from Athens on Sunday v>ays:—Forty bomJbs were thrown in ten minutes. The reason of the attack and the number the vi<cbi,!]l8 are not yet known. As soon as the fire ceased the Greek flag of inde- pendence, which for Horne minutes was not visible, re-appeared, and now continues to float over the hill. -The London stock markets were depressed and unsettled on Monday on the receipt of less favourable llCW" from the Ea?. PARIS OPINIONS. A Rttiter's telegram from Paris on Monday says:—M. De Laiiensa-n. writing in the "Rafffl," says that if Europe allows Greece to take possession of Crete there will no longer be reason for not recognising the occupation of Egypt by Groat Britain. In the "Matin," M. J auras congratulates Lord Salisbury on having formulated his ideas, aud calls llpcm France to follow his example. The Central News Agency, telegraphing from Paris on Monday, says:—The "Rappel" Bays the ccncert of the Powers, eo much talked of docc not exist. Russia, wishing to obtain the pre- ponderating influence in the Balkans, is, there- fore, not in accord with Austria and Germany similarly Russia-, coveting a. protectorate over Turkey, is not in accord with England, who wishes to dismember Turkey for her own benefit.

FATAL BOILER EXPLOSION. 'AUSED THROUGH A SHIP COI/LID- ING WITH A WALL. On Monday morning, while the tug Anglia was proceeding across the Colling'wood Dock, Liverpool, for the purpose of going to is^a, she collided with the dock wall, the impact causing1 ithe main, boiler to explode. William Ben- nett, the engineer, was sc badly scalckd that he died bafore the arrival oif the ambulance, and John Houghton, fireman, was removed to tho hospital in aiserious condition from scalds. Both nmi were in the engine-room at the time of the explosion.

SOCIETY" SCANI)AL. The Vienna correspondent of the Daily News" telegraphs:—Some yeaas hssc* Count Samuel Gyulay married a beautiful cymbal player, who went by the name of Baroness Alice Veeey. His family promptly stopiied his yearly income until he should consent, to get rid of his wife. For some years the young couple lived' in the country in poverty, but at laiit Count Gyulay gave way, and a separa- tion was granted lately. The lady was not provided for, and, left to her own aevices to get. a livine. she accepted aJl engagement a.t a Buclapsst music-hall, where she poses in living pictures, and does not object to her maiden name. and the name of her husband appear- ing on Meanwhile the papers are dis- cussing the family affairs of the Gyulays, and the music-hall has erowded audiences. -?.?.

STEINITZ DEAD. CHESS CHAMPION DIES IN RUSSIA, The "Daily Mail" says:—A private telegram from Moscow, states that Steinitz, the cele- brated chess player, has just died at the asylum in that c-ity, to which he was removed some days back. William Steinitz was born on May 14, 1836, at where he was also eàll- cated, furnishing, his StUd1es, however, at the Polytechnic Institute, Yienn.a. He early a-t- tain.f(1- distinction M <>, chees player, say" "Mrai of the Time, and by his defeat of the late Pro- fessor Andersen in 1866 won the match, cham- pionship of the world. Among the tourna- ments in which he ha" taken part have been those held in Dublin 1865, Parts 1867, Dundee 1367, LVid,jn 1870, London 1372-1883, Yieima. 1873 and 1882. In 1883 he settled in the United Statss. and edited the ''International Chesa Magazine."

STRANGE AFFAIR. INCIDENT AT A LONDON THEATRE, About one o'c-lock on Sunday morning Fire- man Hardy, employed at the Metropole Theatre, Cambarwtil. saw two men leaving the saloon. He challensred them, whereupon one of htem made xwe of an offensive reply, and at the same struck him a violent blow on the side of the head with an umbrella. They closed, and in the struggle that ensued Hardy was pushed down the stairs. He blew his whistle, which brought several sceueshifters, who were ensrasred on the stage, to his assistance, and who found him lying at the foot of the stairs severely in- jured. Tn answer to questions put to him lie replied. "They have gone; two of them." It was then. noticed that hte special exit door was open., through which the men must have made good their escape. Dr. Graham Scott, of 2, Coldharbour-lane. was summoned, and ordered Hardr's removal home, where he was examined and found' to be suffering from a fractured collar bone and contused wounds on the right side of the head and on the thigh. The police were at once called, but in the meantime Hardy's assailants had disappeared, and up to a late hour last night had not been arrested.

AN5 UNTIMELY END. FATAL ACCIDENT AT ST. MELLONS At> "Hit twelve o'clock on Saturday a man named William Møardl". aged about 40, was driving a team of horses attached to the wagon and riding on th, vehicle at St. Mellons. When near the White Hart Hotel he slipped and fell underneath the wagon, one of the wheels pass- ing ever his head, and causing such injuries that, notwithstanding medical attendance, he died about five o'clock the same evening. _?-?-

MARCHIONESS DEAD. The Press Association telegraphs that the Marchioness of Waterford, who has been ailing for some time, died a.t three o'clock on Monday morning at Curraghmore. 'Hie deceased, who was the mother of the present Earl of Water- ford. W:\8 left a widow in 1895.

DEATH OF A CENTENARIAN PAUPER. There had j lloSt died in Worcester Workhouse a notorious character named' James- Conisky, v!io-e age is supposed to have been 108. He was an Irishman, who came to England early in life, and fart he.* back than the memory of moist of tlie inhabitant goes settled in Worces- ter as a vagrant. He was a cripple, walking with the aid of two crutches, which in violent moments he wed as weapons, chiefly against the representatives of law an dorder. Most of his time was spent in the workhouse, but every now and then lie discharged himself and went round Worcester, Malvern, and the district bagging. He was frequently before the magis- trates for vagrancy and drunkenness. ?

TO-DAY'S MARKETS. B UTTER. Cork. Mondav.—Thirds, 85s pei cwt. Mild cured: Fine, ICCh. mild, 35s. In market: 39 firkins and 14 mild. SCGAlt. Glasgow, Monday—*fl>c oftie.ial report says:—Tlie market opeuetl slow, a modemte husiness !leing done ;1 steady prices to l-Ul decline. The private report says:—The market was quiet, and little doing. MEAT. Lor.doji, in -fair demand. Quota- tions :—Scotch long sides, 3s 8d to 4s; short sides, 3H 101 to 4s 2d; English sides, 5s lOd United States sides (Liverpool and Deptford killed), 38 2<1 to 3& 5d; AnwrieRn hindquarters. 3s to 3s 6d; forequartens, 2s 4d to 2s 6d. Mutton: Trade quiet; Scotch. 2d to 4s 6d excejiti'mally good, 4" 8tl; English, 4s 2<1 to 4s 8d: New Zealand, Is 8d to 2s Id Sydney and River Plate, Is 5tl. Fisn. Grimsby, Monday.—A large supply was brought in hv about or-tv steamers find thirty smai ks, for which there was a fair demand. Quohvt'ons :—Soles, Is; turbot. 9d; brills. 6d per lb.; plaice, 3s to 48: lemon s' les, 4s to 5s 6d; whitches. 38 6:1: live halibnt, 48 to 5s dead, 3s to 4s per stone; congers, 2s to 3s; live ling, 2s ód to 38 6d; dead, Is to 2s; live cod, 3s to 4s; dead, Is 6d to 2s 6d live skate, 4s; dead, 2s each; hake, 9St;; ooalfish, 25s; per acoie; kit haddocks, 68s.

The Gould Dispute. POSITION OF THE NEWPORT CLUB. INTERVIEW WITH MR, A, W, BOUCHER, S, In conversation with an r'Eveni«g Express" reporter on Monday morning. Mr. A. W. Boucher said the statement in that morning's "Western Mail'' that the Newport club would sever their connection with the English Union was somewhat premature-. They had not re- ceived official information of what was done at the meeting of the International Board in Scotland, and until they had received tnat infor- mation from Mr. Lyne, together with the deoi- siosi of the Welsh Rugby Union this (Monday) evening nothing could be done. But little could be gained in any ease. The sympathies of the Newport club weie with Wales, and they always h.ad, and always would, give their services to the Principality. So far, the decisions of the Ijiternotional Board only affected international matches, but if it was extended to club matches the Newport club would certainly throw in their lot with Wales. Mr. Boucher thought that a special meeting would be called to con- sider the matter Asked as to what course he thought the union ould take this evening, Mi. Boucher unhesitatingly said that, in his opinion, they ought to stick fast to their pre- v ious deeision. The Newport correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" »avs:—Interviewed! on Saturday evening after the decision of the International Board WHS made known, Gould said he did not see how the Welsh Union could recede from its position. The Interua.itonal Board had taken high-handed action in seeking to make him a professional. He had been playing first- class football for sixteen years, and was going to confttnue an amMeoir, in spite of the Inter- national Board and the Rugby Union. The Welsh Union, to whose discretion the matter of the tesiÏmoniaI might have been left, were grate- ful or the sympathy of ma.ny English clubs and the support of the public generally. GOULD'S CAREER—IS IT AT AN END? Askei by a press representative whether under the present circumstances Scotland a.nd Ireland would be entitled to play Wales this as on, Mr. M'Alieter said:—"No, tuey can- not until this Gould business is finally settled." This is a great pity, for, as a motier of fact, Gould himself licked his knee so badly in the Cardiff and Newport match last week that it is lJignly improbahle that hB will en:1' risk playing any more. He hu,s not as yet made a JdinÏte but we have ir. on the highest authority that Gould's brilliant career as a foot- baller is at an end. The International Board weie informed of tihis fact, and it is a thousand pities that under circumstances the board have net adopted a more conciliatory attitude and finally settled the uoption. The "Birmingham Daily Post" devotes a leader to the Gould questicji. It says :—Events re moving fast to the further disruption of Rugby football on its present amateur basis. The International Board met at Edinburgh on Saturday to consider the Welsh deadlock once more, and finally left matters precisely where they weie. That is to say, the testimonial to Mr. Gould is an accursed thing, the inter- national fixture* with Wales are practically cancelled, and Sir William Harcourt is etill a. professional football player. The board, which is really nothing hut a diplomatic conference, has solemnly resolved that it has power to send its writ into the furthest, corner of Wales and forbid' a national compliment to one who has represented his country in almost thirty matches. The boanl may be very roughly awa- kened from so pleasing a delusnon. It is the simplest tilling in the world for the Welsh Union to withdraw its delegate, and ,ii will be five international contests, and not Wales, that will be the poorer. It is pretty certain new that there can be no matches with Scotland and Ireland this S<'3.soa, and it easy to guess what value either country would attach to an international champ ion shio for which the Prin- cipality had been disqualified on grounds like the present. No one can pretesxl to Fay what further action Wales will take in its own in- teiest,> but it is clear t'hat the action of the International Board has hastened the ,*everar>ce of the Welsh clubs from the rest of the Rugby world, purity is so jealously guarded by Mr. Roger Wa.lker and Mr. Rowland Hill. Other particulars will be found on Page 2.

BENEATH ST. PAUL'S. A DOG'S STRANGE RATTING ADVENTURE. The London ''Mail" relates lihe stirring adven- ture of a fox-terrier named Jock, belonging to Messrs. Spence and Co.. in St. Paul's Church- yard. The foundations of Messrs. Sper.ce'e vs.rehouses date back almost to the days cf the great fire, and through holes in the old walls the rats come into the place in such numbers that, before Jock joined the firm and "lviid in," it was difficult to peisuade a porter to sleep on the premises. They are big brutes, and it is supposed that they find their ways from the river up by ancient unknown passages to the old foundation of the cathedral, from which they goo foraging around the neighbouring premises. Those of them who come within snapping dis- tance of Jock are lucky if they ever see the river again. He is an old dog. and he hM killed thousands in his time, but age has not withered nor custom staled his zeal and enthu- siasm. One day recently Jock was missing. He was at first thought to have gone astray, and lest he should find his way to the Battereea lethal chamber the police were communicated with. But after a time someone working in the ba.semenK. of the establishment heard a faint barking which seemed to come from the bowels of the earth. Search was made, and in one of the outer walls of the basement .there waa discovered a. rat-hole, which, with hiri ac tive paws, the terrier had sufficiently enlarged to permit the passage of his body. Through this the sound of hi. voice came rather plainly but for all the calling and whistling of his master hte dog himself could not be induced to come. After a time his barking ceased,, and the next day there was no sign of him. So he was given up for lost. He had gone in his quest for rats, it was thought, somewhere under the cathedral, and could not find his way out agam. Several days went by without any sign of him, and his friends sorrowfully pictured him dTing of thirst and starvation, and bC1ng eaten by his natural enemies the rate. A week went by and his sad fate was assured. A fort- night went by, and the grief for his loss had parsed its first poignancy. Tliree weeks went by, and he was forgotten by all but his owner. Then one day, three weeks and one day after hia diiappearance, someone working in the base- ment beard a. faint distant barking. It was recognised for Jock's bark. It did not come from the hole in which he had disappeared, and there waf) considerable difficulty in locating it. But after several attempts a workman with a pick dislodged a. brick in the outer wall, and t<> rough the hole Jock popped hie nose, and was helped out. F jrr three weeks and one day he had been wandering about in goodness knows what long-forgotten parts of oldest London. What he has been living on all the time only he knew, ^ind he did not tell. But he did not appear to have been in very grea.t want of food, for, though thinner than he had been, he was i;y no menae exhausted. Something to drink seemed to be his ohief want.

STRIKE OF RAILWAY SERVANTS. The Sunderland correspondent of the Central News teleagraphs that the rolleymen checkers, bench men, and truch horse men. employed by the North Eastern Railway Company at Sunder- land, refused to start work on Monday morning. In order to support the men at Newcastle who came out on strike on Saturday, against the summary dismissal of seven men, who refused to start work at five instead of seven in the mornings. About 110 men are out at Sunder- land.

THE SECOND COMM ANDMENT. A SCENE AT HOLLOWAY CHURCH. The Bishop of London (Dr. Creighton) preaehe don Sunday morning to a crowded congregation at St. James's Church, Holloway, in behalf of the church Sunday and day school. At the close of the Bishop's sermon, and as he was descending the pulpit -teps, a well-dressed man, stariding in the end gallery facing the pulpit, excitedly shouted, "I protest against the Lord Bishop of London violating the Second Commandment. I protest against this most strong-ly." All eyes were turned towards the spoaKer, th'8 congregation apparently being surprised and shocked by this wanton interrup- tion of the service, a propos of nothing the Bishop had said in the course of his sermon. Several persons in the vicinity of the interrupter —a stranger to the church—gently removed him outside. As. however, he was leaving he shouted, "Don't support the Church schools. Practice what you preach. The service then proceeded quietly to tto close.

Another Rfeilwav Tragedy • FOUND UNCONSCIOUS, AND DIES AT THE HOSPITAL. On the arrival of the 1.45 train at Euston on Sunday afternoon Mr. Alfred Valentine Ramsey, of Walford, was found in an uncon- scious condition. He was taken to the University College Hospital, where he died during the night. The Central News says that the death of the geGtleman who was found in an unconsoious condition in a carriage at Euston Station on Sunday is attributed to poison, which the autho- rities state they have little doubt, was self ad- ministered. There is nothing to lead to any suspicion of oul play. The deceased's widow and daughters visited the University Hospital, and identified the body.

Soudan Campaign ADVANCE BEYOND KHARTOUM. Subsequent to the announcement made at the beginning of the session that the beneficial effect of the Soudan expedition, will not be allowed to wane through inanitic-n, but that ::1.11 advance on Khartoum would be made at the earliest possible moment, with possibilities of an un- limited extension to the south 0If Gordon's city, I learn (says the London correspondent of the "Nottingham Guardian"), that the success of the advance will be made doubly sure by the transport, if necessary, of a large dra.ft of British troops to the scene of action. They will supplement the Egyptian native regulars, and will largely act as a means of maintaining the points of communication established as the expedition advances with the base of operations. In any case, the transport of British troops could not have taken place for three or four months, a8 the rising of the Nile is such an im- portant factor 1ll the advance, and now they have been further delayed by the critical trend of affairs in the East. CULTIVATION OF DONGOLA PROVINCE. A Reuter's telegram from Cairo on Sunday says —Gar&iin, under-secrefcary for public works, and Messrs. Dawkms and Chitty have returned here from an inspection of the pro- vince of Dongola as far as Merawi. They re- port that the culitvation of the country is con- fired to a 1 arrow strip of land on either bank of the Nile, and to a few of the islands. The best crops are raised in Arglo Island, Merawi, and Old Dongcla. The two latter possess many lakkiehs, or waterwheels, worked by cattle. Palm trees abound everywhere, but are neglected. There is a large growth of acacias, and mimosas furnish excellent fuel. The principal crops are maize, wheat, barley, and peas. Irrigation might probably be much improved l1T:,d extended by the use of steam pumps, but the present population is unable to cultivate more lauld than at present, and it will, therefore, be useless to introduce any improvement until the Congolese, now in Lower Egypt and el^.vhere, return, and until some oapital is brought into the country. Ihis, however, M not likely to occur until the fron- tier has been consolidated, and the risk of Der- vish incursions thereby removed. The present population is only about one-fourth what it was in 1882. Mr. Garstin states that a super- ficial inspection of all the cataracts north of Merawi has impressed him with the great superiority of the Assouan cataract over the others as a site for a dam and reservoir. Major-general Knowles ha«j started' for Suakim on a tour at inspection.

HAS SHE FOUNDERED 2 A Router's telegram from Boston on Monday says: -As the steamer Galileo was attempting to tow tha German tank steamer Diamant the two vessels were separated in a storm. Captain Forth, of the GaJileo, thinks it likely that the Diannant foundered with her crew of 36 men, about 280 miles off Halifax.

LINE BLOCKED. AN EXTENSIVE SLIP AT HOOK- NORTON, Gangs of navvies from all parts of the Mid- land." are engaged night and day in clearing the Banibury and Cheltenham Railwa.y at Hook- norton, where the line has been blocked in consequence of the landslip on Saturday. The mishapn occurred in a cutting 80ft. deep. It is due to the reoent rains and water rushing in the cutting. This is the seoond extensive slip in a month. On the last occasion the line was blocked for sesveral days. .?-

DEATH OF A WATERLOO HEROINE. There has just passed away at Hackrford Hall, Norfolk, in her ninety-third year, Mrs. Collyer, the widow of Mr. Collyer, and a daughter of Sir William Johnston* She was born at Aberdeen in 1805, and the Duke of Gordon was her godfather. At the commence- ment of Napoleon's last campaign, her father and mother, with their family, had been ordered to quit France, and were residing at Brussels at the time of the Battle of Waterloo. Mrs. Collyer was then ten years old, and she remembered her father and mother being at the Duchess of Richmond's historic ball. Later in the day, coming home from her convent school, she remeni'bered hearing of the battle, and made her way home alone—having lost her servant—creeping by the walls through the throng of oannons and troops marching to the field. On June 17 and 18 she helped her parents to hand water and wine to the wounded as they passed the door of the house, and she remembered Sergeant Shaw, with a convoy of prisoners, stopping to show the dents in his sword to her mother, and the Queen of Holland coming in quest of her wounded son. For twenty years subsequently Mrs. Collyer lived abroad, and at the time of the Diet of the German Federation was at Frankfort, where she knew Mendelssohn, whose wife was among her intimate acquain- tances. and Spohr, whose playing she often heard and admired, and of whom, alike as a man and an artist, she spoke in warm terms. Of late she had lived a retired life, but her stirring experiences in her youth always made her take a broad and vigorous estimate of the political and social movements on the Con- tinent, which she followed with keen in- terest.

FLASH SIGNALS FOR SIXTY MILES. Colonel Miklaslievski, of the Russian Engineers, lias invented a new signalling light, which is described as possessing extraordinary power. Its signals have been read at a distance of 34 nautical miles, and the inventor hopes by means of reflecting mirrors to increase the dis- tance to nearly 60 miles. The apparatus con- tains spirit a.nd two distinct powders, one green and the other red (the composition is the inven- tor's secret). Brilliant red or green flashes are produced, and by a combination of these coloured flashes messages are transmitted.

General regret, will be felt by the public at the intelligence that Sir John Bridge, the chief Metropolitan magistrate, is very ill, and that his medical advisers have imperatively ordered him to take six months' leave uf absence. It is even reported that Sir John may bo compelled to resign his seat on the bench. Should such a step unfortunately occur, nÎ5 successor will be Mr. Vaughan.

in the Courts NEWS AND NOTIONS OF THE SEAMY HIDE. "OR, MR. JACOBS." The most interesting "drunk" was that in which Mary Coase: 54, indulged in on Satur- day night. and for which she had to appear on Monday before Alderman Jacobs and Mr. F. H. Jotham, on the information of Police-ccn- fetahle Davies. The officer said that at half-paet nine he caw prisoner misconducting herself dis- gracefully in front of the Royal Hotel. The Clerk: Have you any questions. Prisoner: None whatever. This is too bad. May it plaze your worships I onily came out on Saturday from "doing" a month. My son p came to me, and gave me two glasses of beer. I am sorry s'or it, indade. Twon't happen again. If you'll be good enough to let me off this time—God bless you—oh. Mr. Jacobs —(laughter)—oh, do, if you please Mr. Jacobs —I am very sorry. (Laughter.) Inspector Durston: She has just come out from "doing" a month. Prisoner (in a tone of humrble entreaty): Oh, don't say anything. God bless you, Mr. Jacobs. Alderman Jacobs: Now look here. Prisoner: Yes, Mr. Jacobs. Aldeni) an Jacobs: For goddness sake, why don't you Prisoner: 1 will, oh. please Mr. Jacobs I Aildernraii Jacobs: Now, look here Prisoner: Yes. Sir. Jacobs. Alderman Jacobs: Don't you come here again. Prisoner: May God bless you—may heaven be your bed Mr. Jacobs. Discharged. RAID UPON BEGGARS. The police hauled up a string of beggars, who were charged with vagrancy, an offence which has been much on the increase of law. AJder- man Jacobs remarked in each case upon the increase, and, in disc-barging the offenders, who were lame and blind or broke to the world, warned them that if they appeared again they would certainly bt, sent to prison. BIG BLACK BRANDY BOTTLE. Mary Jones, 64. was the only vagrant who failed to escape scot free. The lady has in- verted a method of obtaining drink on a Sunday which is simple and original It is not to visit phebeens or descend to evasion. All you have to do is to take a big black bottlo, and call from house to haurO begging for a "wee dralp of br&ndy" to cure any one of the ailments to which poor human nature is heir to. A police con- stale caught Mary Jones on Sunday night call- ing with her bottle from door to door in Rieh- mond-road. She called at one house three times, and when brandy was givan litr she would come outside and drink it.—Alderman Jacobs described such conduct as outrageous, and sent prisoner to Adamsdown Dry Dock for seven day. "ENGLAND, HOME AND BEAUTY." According to the evidence of Catherine, his wife, Thomas England, when in drink is a terror to his spouse and five little children, and on Saturday night he made a brutal attack upon the partner of his joys (?) and sorrows, striking her and kicking her, at "No. 2 cottage, at the back of No. 59. Wellingtoai- street.—The wife, who appeared with one of her even badly discoloured, told a pitiful story, and produced some blood-stained clothing as evidence of her husband's ferocity. Prisoner, she said, generally treated her with .aTeat cruelty, and on Saturday night he wab more than ordinary cruel. He called her a "heifer," and told her to "clear out." She refused, with the children, and he then caught hold of her by the hair. "W1.lllg- her round, and jumped on her. He was so engaged when the police came up and put a stop to his vagaries.—Prisoner, in defence, said he was "ae quiet as a lamb." and eharsred his wife with always abusing and "bully-ragging" him. He had been up before five times for assaults, and was now sentenced to three months' hard. -??-

To-day's Racing OLD SAM'S FINALS. I SHEFFIELD AND BOTHERHAM MEETING. 2.0—SANDCHAT. 2.30—EUROTAS. 3.0—SPOONBAIT. 3.30-ROYAL DOUGLAS or FOGHORN. 4.0—HAGIOGRAPHER (nap). 4.30—PLAxT'S SELECTED.

SATURDAY'S LONDON BETTING. Lincoln Handicap wagerins: wa-s very quiet. Gulis- tan has had the pen put through his name for this race. Clorane had good eupnort. The Soarer and Cathal both had admirers for the Grand National, the latter of whom Was at 100 to 8 previous to his to-day's race. Prices — LINCOLNSHIRE HANDICAP. fRun Tuesday, March 23. Distance, one mile.) 16 to 1 agst Clorane, 6yre, 9st 81b, t and w 16 to 1 — The Tup, 5yr8, 7st 31b, t 20 to 1 — Bridegroom, 4yrs, 7st, t 20 to 1 — S&rdis, 5yrs, Yet 41b, t 20 to 1 Clw-yd, 6yns, 7st 41b, t GRAND NATIONAL. (Run Friday, March 26. Distance, about four miles and 856 yards.) 11 to 1 aprst The Soarer," aged, list 41b, t 12 to 1 — On thai, aged, list 101b, t and o 40 to 1 — Fairy Queen, aged, 9st 7lb, t

HARDAWAY and TOPPING, Flushing, Holland. Price List, containing latest market mOTementa. for- warded free on receipt of addreng. Lincoln Handicap and Grand National. TThe oldest eetabliihed Firm in the world.

MUNIFICENT GIFT TO THE NATION. The London correspondent oil" the "Man- chester Guardfian" has ascertained the destination of the priceless collection of pictures and other works or art left to Lady V oil ace by the late Sir Richard Wallace, and which comprise the heir- looms of tlie Hertford family. He has the beet reason for believing that under the will of Lady Wallace, the whole of these collections will go to the nation. At the very lcat their money value must considerably exceed a million sterling, and those best acquainted with the treasures they contain are inclined to value them at a much higher figure. It in too soon to ascertain, whether any conditions are attached to this splendid gift, but it is understood that it was the wish of Sir Richard Wallace that the works of art contained in Hertford House, Manchester-square, should remain there, and that the house should serve as a mueeum for their display. As the correspondent remarks, the collection of plictures should be of special value to the mationa, because it is so rich in the work-i off Frenoh painters, in which our national collections are at present so sadly deficient. -?-

ITALIAN RAILWAY SCANDAL. The Rome correspondent of the Pall Mall Gazette" of the Italian ra.ilway scandals, which Sign or Priiietti, the new Minister of Public Works, was trying to put a stop to. Now public attention is attracted by a new scandal, which absorbs attention even more than the others beeausc of the persons implicated. For a line of railway which it was originallv esti- mated by the Government would cost 29,600, the contractor claimed £ 160.000, more than six- teen times more. Arbitration was decided upon, Engineer Toscano was chosen to represent the Government, Deputy Brunicardi. the contractor, and Signor Crwpi, was selected as third arbitra- tor. People innocently believed that either the Government was wrong and had much underestimated the cost, or that the contractor had made a mistake in his accounts. But the arbitrators decided that the contractor was entitled to £ 72,600, thus taking a middle course, and demanded £ 800 each for Signor Crispi and Deputy Brunicardi, and 2480 for the repre- sentative of the Government, as a reward for the services of those gentlemen.

I PORTHCAWL LADIES' GOLF CLUB. The sixth competition for the Ashford Cup took place on Wednesday. The following were the net scores:—Mrs. Egbert Williams, 101; Mrs. Earle, 114: Mrs. Campbell McCall, 119; Mrs. Phillips, 121; Mise A. Brind, 128; Miss Davies (retired).

A large number of railway men were at Bridgend Station on Saturday afterri.oori await- ing the arrival of the body of Mr. Richards, a driver on the Great Western Railway system between Reading and Pad ding ton. Richards was only 34- years of age, and was the son of Mr. W. Richards, Daerwen. An inquest was held at the Co-operative-hall, Crews Keys, on Saturday morning, before Mr. Roberts-Jones, coroner, on the body of Edgar Muman, who was killed by a fall of coal at Celynen Colliery on Wednesday last. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," and expressed their regret at the large increase in the number of fatal colliery accidents in the district. William Kisley, alias Smith, was a.t Neath Borough Police-court on Saturday sent to prison for a month for attempting to obtain money from Mrs. John, ot the Falcon Inn, Neath, by ? false pretences.

A Cardiff Sensation TRADESMAN FOUND HANG- ING BY A ifcOPE. Fortunately the Injuries are Slight, Assistance being at Hand in the Nick of Time. A sensation was caused in Queen-atreet, Car- diff, and the vicinity on Monday morning by the news that Mr. Laban Pearce, shoemaker, Sv-is--clia-moory;. had been found hanging by a ropj attached to the ceiling of his bedroom. A reporter who was on the spot soon after the discovery found that assistance had bee") rendered in time to prevent the attempt maving a fatal termination, a mew. of Mr Pearce fortu- nately having gone to her uncle's room. and with praiseworthy promptitude cut the rope. Directly afterwards Police-constable Green. who was on duty in Queen-street, wat called in, and upon hearing the facts at once sent for Dr, Penrose, who, upon arriv- ing, pronounced Mr. Pearce to be of unsound mind and not under proper control, and or, dered his removal to the workhouse. Mr. Pearce was conveyed there in a cab. but had so far recovered as to be able to walk from the cab into the building without assistance, Dr. Sheen, the medical officer of the institution saw him. and afterwards told our reporter thai Mr. Pearce would be detained, and after being brought before the magistarte mighl be sent to the Bridgend Asylum, Mr. Pearce was a bachelor, but since the death of his brother, who, it will be remembered, wat killed some time ago whiist crossing the Tafi ale Railway, he has had the charge of his nephews and nieces. It is thought that tht tragic death of his brother, together with domes- tic trouble, had weighed upon his mind of late.

Penrhyn Quarry Dispute A MORE HOPEFUL TONE. The Press Association. Bangor correspon- dent says:—Mr. Young, chief manager at thE Penrhyn Quarries, left Bangor on Saturday for London, accompanied by one of the men on strike, with the view, it is reported, tc discuss the situation with his lordship and coming to a settlement. A more hopeful tore prevails in the district. The clerical stafl of the quarries and the few men employed on the shipping quay were on Saturday notified that unless a settlement WHS arrived at beforE the end of the week their services will be dis. continued. DONATIONS FROM SOUTH WALES. The sum of £ 1 has been voted by the mem- bers of the Cadcxton Branch of" the Amal- gamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners tc the Penrhyn Quarrymen's Relief Fund. PUBLIC MEETING AT NEATH. LORD PENRHYN SEVERELY CRITICISED. Under the auspices of the Neath Trades' and Labour Council a public meeting was held at the Gwyn-hall, Neath, on Sunday after- noon for the purpose of rendering moral and financial support to the Penrhyn quarrymen. Councillor Hopkin Morgan presided, in the absence of the mayor, who was away from home, but wrote expressing his sympathy with the movement, and promising to subscribe to the fund.—'Tlie Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said it was extraordinary to find at the end of the nineteenth century that one man had the power to tyrannise over his fellows. He was living in affluence, while they, in a righteous cause, were being pushed to the brink of starvation.—The Rev. James Edwards followed in a similar strain.—Coun- cillor S. Phillips said while they returned men of the stamp of Lord Penrhyn to Parlia- ment they must expect tyranny and oppression. —Mr. Isaac Evans, miners' agent, Skewen, whe was cordially received, moved a resolution protesting against the arbitrary action of Lord Penrhyn, and pledging the meeting to afford financial help to the workmen. The speaker, in conclusion, expressed a hope that ere long Parliament would take the matter up, and decide it by legislation onoe and for all. (Applause.)—-The Rev. Edward Morgan seconded the resolution. If that "man — (meaning Lord Penrhyn)—had any humanity about him, not only would he make conces- sions, but he would make sacrifices to keep the men about him. (Applause.) Now he was doing his best to reduce them to poverty and sin. ("Shame.")—The resolution was then carried unanimously, after which a collection was made in aid of the quanymen. WALTHAMSTOW AND PENRHYN. Speaking at the joint dinner of the Eighty Club and the Russell Club of Oxford, 0.1 Saturday evening, Mr. John Morley said it was a. very remarkable thing that the party of sound principles and general patriotism should wish their discussions on general policy to be private. Why should they be clandestine. It was said they should not pay much attention to bye-elections, but, at any rate, the Waliham- stow election was a remarkable one. (Cheers.) Various explanations had bean given of the victciy. Hf, for hie part-, felt sure that the extraordinary scene in the House of Commons with respect to the Penrhyn quarries made an impression upon the working n-en of Waltham- stow. and would make an impression upon working constituencies all over the world. The clue was this—the Tory party shouted with uproarious applause when it appeared that the act of their own Mini.-ter in attempting to bring the parties to the dispute together had not been successful. He was confident of the honesty and straight judgment of the working classes upon all questions submitted to them, if submitted honestly and fairly.

WELSH TIN-PLATE TRADE. FURTHER TROUBLE ANTICIPATED A representative of the "Western Mail" nad an interview on Saturday with a gentleman who has been prominently identified with the Welsh tin-plate trade for many years. Asked what was the present position of the trade, he expressed the opinion that a truce was declared some time ago, when the masters con- ceded the 1874 list, but this was only a tempo- rary truce. "It is all very well," he con- tinued, "to quote ruling prices, but to gel orders at those prices is quite another matter. The men were conceded the 1874 list on the express condition that they would co-ope rate with the masters with the view of bringing about uniformity in the wage-rate, but what has been done in the way of redeeming that undertaking? Absolutely nothing. Now that they have secured the full standard ol wages the men forget their obligations, and are too well satisfied with their present posi- tion to fpare even a thought for the future. I am convinced, however, that a. rude awaken- ing will come shortly, and then, perhaps, the men will think it time to do something in the direction I have indicated."

FISHGUARD INVASION. CENTENARY OF THE FRENCH LANDING. To day (Monday) is the hundredth anni- versary of the French landing at Pencaer. An interesting and unpublished diary of a Haverfordwest man who volunteered, among others, for the front on that occasion has been discovered. Relics of the Fishguard in- vasion are gradually being brought to the front. In one part of Pembrokeshire the identical pair of breeches worn by one of Lord Cawdor's cavaliers forming part of the defen- sive force on that memorable occasion hai been found. Mr. J. P. Evans, of Haverford- west, has in his possession two curious weapons, which were probably used by the F'shguard Fencibles—one is a courtier s sword, and the other is a sabre. One of them bears the name of an officer in the Fishguard Fencibles.

TENNYSON SMITH. IS ON THE TEMPERANCE WAR PATH. Nearly 300 persons signed the pledge at Tennyson Smith's mission at Llanelly on Sun- day. he campaign opened on Saturday, and a procession met the lecturer at the station, and escorted him to his quarters. A reception tea was held subsequently. A large number of minister* were present. Many gave addresses of welcome to the lecturer. The large Tabernaole Chapel was packed last night, the aisles being crowded, and hundreds turned away.

Cycling Note, (BY "THE ROADSTER.") Loofah socks are reoommended for the use of I cyclists who suffer from cold feet when riding I in frosty weather. The North Road C.C. will not hold its annual six hours' race on the path any more. Two have teen found quite enough. The ladies' section of the Catford C.C. has banished the r3,tional dress for ever. Those I members who favoured tho knickerbocker cos- tume resigned en bloc" at a meeting recently held to decide between the different styles of attire. 'Ware the rust fiend! I was much annoyed, on going to take my bicycle out the other day, to find the front hub a mass of that unwelcome visitor, and no umount of elbow grease will improve its appearancc. Servos me right for my carelessness in not giving that hub the necessary rub over on my return from a ride in tho damp weather of last week. The National Cyclists' Union granted a per- mit for the professional iace-: which began en Saturday last at Oiympoa, on the condition that women were not allowed to compete with men in any of the events. The policy of the N.C.U. towards women's races, however, re- mains unchanged. It would have been hard on the professionals if the union had stood out, for many of the men have had little oppor- v tunity of earning money since the close of Lst season. I saw several well-known racing men hanging about Olympia last week on the look out for an engagement. A reason given for the prevalence of tyre punctures on French roads is that the French peasantry almost entirely wear wooden shoes, and as wood is not nearly such a good holding medium for nails as leather, the heavy nails frequently come away, with disastrous results to the passing tyre. Out of 110.000 dollars recently voted by the city of Philadelphia for park improvements, 40,000 dollars will be expended for experimen- tal cycle paths. Happy Philadelphian cyclists I wonder what the average English vicar would say if it was suggested that the vestry of his church would be most useful as a store- room for the machines of those of his parishoners who would like to cycle to church! Yet I read that the Rev. Lyman Abbott, D.D., 1 pastor of the famous Plymouth church, Brook- lyn, N.Y., has pursuaded the trustees of his [ parish to install cycle racks in the vestry of > the church, believing that religious organisa- tions must meet the cycling fraternity half way. A very nice, pleasant minister, indeed. We want a few of that sort here. The first "Wedding on wheels" celebrated in London took place on Sunday last at the Church of Notre Dame de France, Leicester- Square. The bride and bridegroom used a "companion" bicycle, and they were followed by eleven other couples mounted similarly. The affair createJ much amusement for a crowd appreciative—and otherw ise. The party rode from the church to the Comedy Restaurant, where a dejeuner wa" served, the Press, as usual, being well represented. An Oxford graduate has written to tlie editor of the leading cycling journal-a personal friend —asking for letters of introduction to the heads l of one or two Coventry cycle manufacturers, with the view of the said graduate being appren- ticed, as he wishes to gain a thorough know- ledge of cycle construction. He Is willing to l go through the tack just like any ordinary person. Some graduates are content to join the bar as a profession, but this one is ambi- tious enough to go direct to the bench. The Bar, the Church, and the Army and Navy are pretty well over-crowded. Can it be possible L that our University men have a new profession opened to them? Well, it is comforting to leam that the National Cyclists' Union intends doing a little 1 for the social side of cycling. It is time it did anyhow. I was beginning to fear that it was bent on dealing only with the racing man and his little peculiarities. But now comes the pleasing intelligence th3'Í the union is about to enter into an arrangement with the Belgian Government, where-by members of the National Cyclists' Union can enter that country for tour- ling purposes without having to depoisit the amount of duty usually payable to the Customs of the port or place of entry! The following paragraph clipped from the leading American cycling journefl will throw some light on the comparative failure of the party of English racing men who crossed there some months ago:—"This invasion of America by the Englishmen under Plummer is much to be regretted, because ot the false impressions it will create on both sides of the Atlantic. We on this side will be too likely to misjudge foreign racing men by the mediocore talent Plummer has brought over. and those of the other side will resent the chilly treatment of their country- men, and gather the impression that we have no men in thiiJ country whQ can ride in the same class with their best men. Nevertheless, the really first-class riders from abroad who are gentlemanly and sportsmanlike, such as Meintjes, Parsons, and Michael, have been welcomed heartily, and been treated right royally, as they themselves assert upon their return to their native heath. With the same open hearts, and glad hands we await more of their kind, and hope they will come soon. After all. the compulsory "plaque" movement has not succeeded in Berlin. The police autho- rities have expressed a.n unfavourable opinion regarding the motion, recently made b*- a mem- ber of the municipal council, to number bicycles in that city. The proposed precaution would, they think, be useleea, as there would be great difficulty in distinguishing the precise number of a cycHwt in flight—even during the day time, j while at night it would, of oourse, be impossible. It is announced that Bald, the crack Ameri- > can rider, will visit this country during the racing season. Bald, by the way. has net a very elevated view of the prowess of our men. Well, we shall see. Cycle lamps should be lit on Saturday next, February 27, not later than 6.30 p.m. An amusing incident occurred recently at a pantomime running at Dublin. It took place in a school scene, where one of the questions asked was: Where is the capital of Ireland situated"? Immediately came the smart netponse from one of the scholars: "In the Dunlop Tyre Company!" Needless to say the joke went down well. Cyclists who carry their inflators on the machine—and this includes all prudent riders- should see the new pump clips just introduced by the Dunlop Tyre Company. They are light, simple, and eany to manipulate, and hold the pump quite firmly, an adjustment being provided to take any diameter of inflater. They do not scratch the enamel, and a.re guaranteed not to rattle. They are about the best things in their line on the market. The three days' bicycle race at the Winter Velodrome, Paris, was concluded on Sunday. The first prize was secured by Champion, the second by Bonhours, the third by Taylor, while a fourth was awarded to Armstrong, who fell during the first day. Champion, who broke several records during the race, as well as Bonhours, rode machines fitted with the famous Dunlop tyres. -?-

The annual dinner in connection with the "Merthyr Express" Chapel Fund was held on Saturday evening at the Aberglais Inn, Pont- sarn. Mr. H. W. Southey, J.P., the editor and proprietor of .the paper, presided, Mr. Harry Southey occupying the vice-chair. The toast of "The Chapel Fund" was submitted by Mr. D. M. Richards, and responded to by Mr. D. Williams. Mr. W. Harris, the American Vioe- Consul, submitted the toast of "Tlie Express,' and the Chairman, in responding, said, in refe- rence to the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen's reign, that there was no form in which the commemoration of that great historic event would be more acceptable to the overwhelming majority of the parishioners of Merthyr than the signing by her Majesty of a charter of incorporation.

On the Stock Exchange MINING (AUSTRALIAN AND INDIAN). Aiaddin Lamp 1<j; liroken Hill Proprietory 2* Burma Ruby 4s Champion Reef 4J lark's Consolidated Great Boulder 7 Hampton Plains 2 Hannan's Brown Hill Kalgurli .„ Lady Loch Londonderry 2,'o Mawson's Reward Mining- Menxie'sHeef t Mysore 4i\- STvsore Goldfields 206 North Boulder Nundydroog 5% Paddington Consols 1 £ Oorefe'uni Ordinary Do. Pref. Wentwortli Gold Wealth of Nations White Feather 1% West Australian Fiuanoe 3A Do Goldtields ??? Rio Tin to 26 ft .» MINING (SOUTH AFRICAN). Afrikander 4s Augelo 3fc Barnato Consols 1/y Bancjes lfc Bechuanaland Butfelsdoorn 1^ British S. Africa (Chartered) City and Suburban 3% Comet It Con. Gidfie.ds. S. Africa Def 71 Consort Oonsol Croesus Crown Reef 9 £ > De Beers 27 Durban Koodepoort East Baud Ferreira 16 Geldenhuis 2J Do. Deep Glencairn 2 Graskop 1/9 Hendersan Transvaal lft Henry bourse 50^ Heriot. 65 Jagersfontem 8%- Joiiajiiiesburj; Invest 2 Do. Water 1^- Jubilee 6% Jumpers 3% iClemfontein 2^ Klerksdorp 6/0 Knight ^>8 Langlaagte 3<* Lisbon Berlyn 4,3 .London and Paris £ Luipaards Vlei New 1'11,- Lydenburg Estates fa Mashonalaud Agency 2 May 1.\ Meyer aud Chailton 5 Modderf on tern New Primrose 3.^ Klfei 1% do. Deep ifo Oceana Consolidated Ji Pioneer 9 Potchefstroom 5/6 Randfoiitem 1% ]]] liand Mines j>0 Rietfontein ixfc Robinson 71 Salisbury 2 4 sheba 1^ dimmer and Jack South African Gold Trust Spes Bona 'l ati Concession 1^ Transvaal Gold 3+ Van Ryn 2^ Village Mainreef 3*. Wogelstruis 3^ Wenimer 6^ Velhuter 3& Zambesi Exploration 1 Xfa

OPHTHALMIA AT ELY SCHOOL. MEETING OF THE CABDIFV GUARDIANS. When the minutes of the Ely Schools Com- mittee dealing with the outbreak of ophthalmia. came up for consideration at the Cardiff Board of Guardians on Saturday (Mr. 0. H. Jones presiding) Mr. l'adfield moved that the ciaubee providing for separate water for washing face, flannels, and towels for each child, &c., bo reieried back. He could rot understand, ne said, why some of the recommendations wera made, and argued that if they were put into force the cost of management would be increased three times over.—Mr. John liees said he would second the motion if Mr. l'adtield would propose that the whole import be referred back.—The Rev. J. II. Buckley defended the recommendations of the ccmmittee.—'liie lie v. W. Spurgeon in supporting Mr. Padheld's proposition did not see the necessity for separate towels for each child, which was not adopted in one home in 500. lie also ridiculed the provision of sepa- rate water for each child.—Dr. Buist supported the recommendations of the committee. Pro- portionately, there was not half the staff at Nazareth House as there was at Ely Schools, but there the children had separate water for washing and bathing, and each child had its own toivel and comb.— Alderman llr.nisdale supported the reoom. mendations of the committee. Dr. Fuller, he said, had reflected upon the way in which the schools were conducted, but the committee were not to blame, because a iong time ago they proposed that single beds should be provided. The board by a Large majority defeated the proposition, but. notwithstanding that resolu- C tion. t.he double beds had lieen to a great extent re-placed by single beds.—The Rev. Father Jiayde having epoken in favour of the com- mittee's report, the Chairman stated that ophthalmia was the curse of all public eohoola, and, unless the board took every possible pre- caution, public opinion would force them to adopt the cottage home system.—Mr. Padfield withdrew his amendment, but moved another to Clause 11, in which it was recommended that a trained nurse should be put in charge of the infirmary. He himself had called atten- tion to the fact that the nurse now employed was not fully trained, and he contended the charge now proposed was not adequate to meet the requirements of the institution.—After a discussion, the amendment was withdrawn, and the report with a slight alteration was then adopted.—Mr. Mildon called the attention of t.he committee to the waste of water at the Ely Schools. Mr. Richards, the water superin- tendent, had, he said, found nine taps open on one occasion, and he also discovered that as much water was used at night as by day. Atten- tion to this matter was promised by the com- mittee.

DISTRESS AT MORRISTOff. FAMILIES STILL STARVING. The need for funds to assist the Morriston unemployed is still severely felt, in spite of the recent awakening, and we observe with pleasure that the Mayor of Swansea has now opened a fund at the Town-hall. The Swansea "Daily Post" Fund has reached close on 2100. Mr. W. F. Hulley s grand concert in aid of the distress is fixed for Monday, the 1st of March, and will, we hope, be the success it deserves. There will be a splendid programme of vocal music and a strong orchestra. Coun- cillor Protheroe has agreed to act as hon. secretary. ?'R"

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY. BLAIBEHG'S ABCAHE* LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF j FORFEITED PLEDGES, CLOTHING, JEWELLERY, J: fee. THOUSANDS OF REGULAR CUSTOMERS. Prcof that we must be Selling at Right Prices. COME DOWN AND JUDGE YOURSELF. To Let, Three-storied Warehouse, Trade-street; within three minutes' walk of Cardiff Station (G.W.R.); size of each floor, 36ft. by 25ft. would suit for fur. liiture store.—Applv D. Davies, Builder, Trade-street, Claidiff. -99051M Aberdovev-street Families can buy to their ad van- tage at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. lieauehamp-street inhabitants, you can save by, buz- insj at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. there run down to pmr- chase at BLAIBKKG'S ARCADE. Donald-street, combine together and all ruab towards BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Eldon-street residents would find it economical at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Flora-street is not far by tram to BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. _? Gaol-lane safe by, purchasing at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Habershou-street, have you ever tried blAIBRRGS ARCADE? Inveniess-place to BLAIBERG'S ARCADE is a twenty minutes' walk. You buy 5s. you gave 1.. 6d. Janet-ataeet, the 'bus stops at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Kent-street Householders, Ac., try. BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Llandaff-road residents, your interest and pocket benefited at BLAJBERG S AROADE. ?_? Maria-street, buy at a place you know—BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. North Clive-street residents, when you are coming to town, Shop at BLAIBERG'S AROADE. Orbit-street householders, several useful things for sale at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE Patrick-street residents, thk half who do not shop at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE, do so. Queen-street, regular visitors should compare prices with Bute-street.—BLAIBERG'S AEOADE Richard-street, do not attempt to sav you can do well elsewhere until you visit BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Saltmeaci-road, five minutes' walk will bring youtõ BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Talbot-street residents, the cheapest plaoe in Cardiff, according to half the population, is BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Union street, you will never need going to the Union by continually shopping at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Victoria-street, victory over all other competitiODB you know.—BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Wellington -street residents, immense bargains at BLAIBERG'S ARCADE. Y GO Olt BLAIBERG'S ARCADE.