Evening Express

LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL SERVICES. Saturday, July 17.—Six p.m.: Martin in 0; anthem, "Blessed is the man" (Qoss).

TsxrassTru. RAINFALL. Dat*. I- Max. Min Mean. 9 a.m. 9p.m. Total. Tuesday 13 71 52 61'5 "00 *00 *00 Wednesday. 14 76 66 66'0 *00 *00 *00 Tuesday 13 71 52 61'5 .00 '00 .00 Wednesday. 14 76 66 66'0 '00 1)0 -00 Thursday. 15 76 56 66'0 '00 -00 .00 Friday 16 81 60 i 70 0 .00 -00 "00 Saturday 17 75 56 65-5 .00 -00 .00 Sunday 18 79 61 70-0 .00 "00 .00 Monday 19 "00 t

IMephoaa- National. 902; Post-oBcs. III Etiegrame, "Express," Cardiff.

Bill Banter's Budget. • ■1 These are the "reasons" which the councillore sent to the Swansea Corporation for their teetotalism. instead of their municipal acumen advance in excuse of their strange opposition to the dramatic licence of the recently ereeted theatre:—(1) That the facilities for obtaining drink in the town should not be extended; (2) that the old theatre had no drink licence, and no inconvenience resulted; (3) that selling drink in the theatre would tend to demoralise the audiences, and would be a great discomfort to the people not requiring drink; (4) that it would divert trade from the hotels in the neighbourhood; (5) that it was understood beforehand that the bars were to be eliminated froru toe plane of this theatre; and (6) that all places so licensed in the town would have to be treated alike. People have been sifting the reasons since the discussion on the matter was published. Many of the teetotalers have been interviewed for the purpose of ascertaining how far they can support the grounds alleged in their at. tempt to establish a precedent of bigotry for the ridicule of the country at Swansea. The result shows that not a single contention they put forward can be sustained by argument or proof. First, they have failed to prove that the dramatic licence will "extend the facili- ties for obtaining drink in the town." On the contrary, the statement is too plainly prepos- terous to admit of support. They are given the lie direct when they take upon themselves to state that no inconvenience resulted from the absence of a full licence in the Wind-street Theatre. IX-ring long years a cry of complaint has risen from every theatre-goer—not from the men only. but from their wives and daugh- ters. The whole country produces evidence to prove the insane ignorance of the notion that a refreshment licence to a theatre would demoralise the audiences." These licences are held to be no temptation except to the tee- totaler, In stating that the licence would "divert trade from the hotels in the neigh- bourhood" the fanatics give themselves irre- trievably away. Swansea teetotalers have evidently some latent interest in hotel property after all. Ah well! We are accustomed to thf, senility of Swansea bumbledom by this time! Bristol is losing a bit more by the Avon River scandal than it would lose by the ex- pense of carrying out the scheme for avoidiiuc the river-polution- A Bristol friend cites me an instance. He tells me that, despite Bristol's splendid health record, the statements made in medical journals and elsewhere about the smells from the river reaching Clifton have already proved so detrimental that in one case last week a gentleman from a distance who was about to purchase a mansion and other property in Clifton, to the value of about £10,000, suddenly stopped all negotiations. "This is a. bit too cruel," he says. "Clifton, in self-defence, like other places of resort, will have to advertise its health record, and face these accusations." Newport Conservatives are not napping. There will be a hotter Conservative fight when the opportunity arises again. Conservatism is growing rapidly, judged by the figures I get from time to time. A local notice to Newport electors will come in equally well for Cardiff at this time. Read. mark, and learn:—"The three R's. Register! Register!! Register! Every reader of this note should bear in mind that if he hati occupied a. house from the 15th of July last year to the 15th of July just past he is entitled to be placod on the list of voters, and if he is a new elector he should at once take steps to claim his right. This may be achieved without any trouble. All that his to be done is to apply at the Central Conservative Office, 22, Catherine-street, where every information will be willingly given. It is the duty of every Conservative and Unionist to see that he obtains his commission in the electoral army, for there is always the possibility of his assis- tance being required; it is the unexpected that has such a nasty trick of happening." The Jarrah paving is slowly creeping over Cardiff—slowly—oh, so slowly! The first con- signment laid in Queen-street has been generally praised, especially by tradesmen, who discover the noise of street traffic pleasantly minimised. But how will years tell upon the road-paving in some other parts of Cardiff, admittedly suffer- ing from vile road-foundations T This matter of road-foundation ought to be more considered, or the cost of maintaining the wood paving on some of the Cardiff road-foundations will be well-nigh ruinous. Here are a few requisites submitted by an engineer; a ratepayer has merely to walk over Cowbridge-road and any others he may care to in wet weather to observe that Cardiff fulfils not one of the requirements. "No good roadway," sayff my engineering genius, "can be made without a rigid founda- tion, the material with which the street is paved being merely the skin or veneer to preserve the real roadway—the foundation underneath. The best foundation is one composed of cement con- crete—not the 'hand pitched' or 'pinned' foundation. The many considerations that must be taken into account before deciding upon the most suitable paving for different roods are :—Impermea- bility on eaniitary grounds—durability—foothold —ease of traction—adaptability to all gradients —adaptability to all classes of traffic-noiseless- neils-non-manufacture of mud or dirt—ease of oleansing—ease of repairs—economical in first cost and maintenance—not influenced by cli- matic changes—good appearance." Ho-ÙJ this for Cardiff, eh ? How does our ancient Liberal caucus that originally laid the roads stand in this light? In Liverpool they have been paying more attention to this very necessary subject. Let us compare:—In the city, where the traffic is very heavy indeed, the average cost of main- tenance for four years was only one farthing per square yard, while natural asphalte cost nearly 2d., and wood .52d. per square yard. The use of wood pavement has increased in a remarkable way during the laet few years, no doubt in consequence of the superior quality of the Australian haidwoods, recently intro- duced into this country, and its noiseleeeness without the slipperinese of asphalte. It is noiseless—manufactures no dust in itself—offers very little resistance to traøtion-it fairly durable-is comparatively easily repaired— suits all classes of light traffio—has a good ap- pearance—4a fairly easily oleansed. Its most serious defects are, that it offends more than any other pavement against public hygiene, and its oost of maintenance is very great. In Liverpool, wood pavement is laid instead of granite setts if the abutting owners re-pay 60 per cent. "A the estimated first coet of the wood, the council undertaking to maintain it fat ten years. Cardiff waifs to the number of 400 benefited last Saturday by Pearson's Fresh Air Fund, of which we have heard so much from London. The children spent a rattling good day at Weston, in the care of Mr. Godwin Edwards and other gentlemen—and ladies. I understand that a sufficient sum will be allotted to Cardiff out of the fund this year to give 2,000 children a day out. The same number were provided for last year. The children had a magnificent time on Saturday—fresh aid and food and ozone and things enough to set them fairly on their little feet for the winter. This fresh aid fund has worked a splendid benefit to children over the country, and when we see it working so close home as this we get a thoroughly practical idea of its scope and bene- fit, and its claims to support. It can't get too much of this support. No philanthropist need be afraid to put his money in it because it happens to be well-supported already.

TERRIBLE MURDER IN GLASGOW. BEATEN TO DEATH WITH A CHADa. A shocking murder was committed at Glasgow on Saturday night. A man named John Delaney went to the house of a woman named Margaret Thomson, or Alexander, in the Old Wynd, and demanded money. Beinp refused, the man became quarrelsome, and high words ensued. The altercation became so violent that at last Delaney seized one of the chairs in 'he apartment and belaboured the woman about the head with it' with such extreme ferocity as to smash her skull. The woman was conveyed to the hospital, where the died on Sunday. Deianey is in custody.

THE UNITED STATES NAVY. STRUGGLE TOR EXISTENCE SINCE THE GBEAT WAR, For nearly a score of yean the navy of the United States went slowly to decay. The American people, when the strife between the North and South had ended, were weary of war, and turned eagerly to the arts of peaces The struggle for an adequate and modem fleet has been long and difficult. Against its advocaiea have been arrayed the lack of knowledge of many who, in distant inland homes, oould not realise the hazard of the defenceless coast. With others, more informed, there was a curious belief, whoee base was national pride, that. in danger's sudden hour, naval material would, in some magic fashion, appear, full fledged, through the traditional "American ingenuity"—a strange phrase, indeed, to conjure with in an era when a battleship requires years in building, amd a high-powered gun many months. For a powerful fleet, the American nation has other reasons than defence alone. "Mahan writes of "the no* far-distant day when the United States people must again betake themselves to the sea, and to external aetion, as did their forefathers, alike in the old home and the new." Wearied by an exhausted war and absorbed in the development of the lands, the manu- factures, and the markets of a continent, that people seem to have turned, for a generation, from Nature's great highway, the sea. It seems to have forgotten the exceeding worth to it of maritime commerce, not aJone in intrinsic profit, but, as well, in the ways of communication thus given a nation isolated geographically from the great body of civilised peoplee. And, too, it has seemed unmindful of that principle which history eo cleverly proves, that sea-borne commerce and naval power must progress hand in hand. In sharp contrast with American indifference ae to this is the ceaseless energy of Great Britain. In comparison with it, the utmost that can be said as to the United States ia, that for it, in maritime power, the day-dawn seems at least to have come; that the ebb seems to be have passed, and the flood to have set in with its relatively small but wholly modern and efficient fleet. In this new movement it may be safely assumed that the nation which, through ite representatives, has authorised that fleet will require of the builders ships that lack in no essential.

THE PRINCB OF WALES. The Prince of Walee and party, who have been visiting Lord and Lady Gerard at East- well Park, left Ashford at 10.30 on Monday morninar for Loudon.

Insulting a Britisher. HELD UP BY A MOB IN THE FRENCH CAPITAL. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Tele- graph" says:—One may be permitted to express a hope that the attention of the proper autho- rities will be directed, in due time, to the indignities which & gallant British officer has recently had to bear through the obstinate and altogether unnecessary authoritativeness of some Paris policemen. Colonel Dawson, Military Attache at the English Embassy in Paris, was driving to the Gare du Nord on the night of the national fete for the purpose of taking a late train. His driver, however, was not permitted to pass through the crowds near the station, the police- men objecting for the reason that open-air dancing was going on. It appears that there was very little dancing at the time, and the driver could, in any case, have gone towards the terminus at slackened speed, as is often done on such occasions, and way might have been made for a traveller bound to catch a. certain train. It was in vain, however, that Colonel Dawson urged these pleas, besides showing a coupe-file, or police permit, and declaring his double position as an Attache of an Embassy and as an English officer. All was of no avail, and the words "On ne pasee pas," were hissed in his ear at every request or remonstrance. To maka matters worse, the unruly spirits of the crowd seized the opportunity of lifting up and down the vehicle in which Colonel Dawson was seated, a common practice here on mob nights. The upshot was that the colonel lost his train, and was subjected to more annoyance in returning from the station. Clearly somebody is to blame, and ought to be blamed for this stupid perversion of duty on the part of persons dressed in a little brief authority. Independently of Colonel Dawson's position, the fact remains that a tra- vller was obliged to miss his train because a few people wanted to dance. Surely there ought to be some special rules enacted whereby persons should be allowed to drive to railway j stations on nights when the streets are given over to the people.

A Romantic Marriage, j SOCIETY MAX WEDS HIS IRISH HOUSEMAID. The New York correspondent of the "Daily Mail" says:—Dr. C. E. Cadwalader, a wealthy member of Philadelphia's highest society, has occasioned much scandal by marrying Miss Bridget Ryan, an Irish girl from Tipperary, his former housemaid. Dr. Cadwalader is a descendant of a noble Welsh family. His ances- tors were associated with William Penn, and his family has figured prominently in American history. Miss Ryan left the Roman Catholio Church end became a Protestant in order to marry Dr. Cadwalader, who is a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, where the marriage took place. The bnde is twenty years old, and quite handsome, while the husband has passed his fiftieth year.

THE MUZZLING ORDER. TO BE EXTENDED TO CARMAR. thenshibe. It is understood that the area over which the dog-muzzling order operates will this week be extended by the inclusion of Carmarthenshire. The rapid decline in the number of cases of rabies during the past few months has justified the Board of Agriculture in adding fresh areas to the sphere of application of the order, and the total disappearance of the disease is not regarded as altogether a remote possibility.

AN IMPOSING CEREMONY. Sunday being the Roaian Catholio festival of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a procession took place through the streets in the Italian quarter of Clerkenwell, which was profusely and, in many cases, tastefully decorated. At the entrance of Eyre-street- hill a large triumphal areh had been erected, and the street was festooned with artiicial flowers and coloured lamps, the whole district being illuminated at night. Headed by a crucifix, flanked on either side by acolytes bearing lighted tapers, the procession left the Italian church soon after three o'olock, many banners being borne, among them being several of the Guild of Our Lady of Raneom. The rear was brought up by the clergy and a number of gaily-dressed school children. Enormous crowds Mocked the roadways, and it was with the greatest difficulty that the police were able to clear the way for the pro- cession, which was above an hour in passing through the district. A number of bands were present, and some well-known hymns, such as "Faith of our fathers, were sung.

CARDIFF MODEL TACHT CLUB. The above club raced on Saturday for a 1st prize, put up by Mr. A. Durgeas, also a 2nd prize, by the club, and a 3rd prize, by Mr. Abraham son, jeweller. Splott-road. The course up and down the lake had to be shortened owing to tbe amount of weeds at the top end, making four times around the buoys necessary to ret a 12-mile course. The following boats started at 4- p.m.Bee, Lyonesse, Lapwing, Secret, Teaser, Hornet, Minnie, Doris, Polly, Meteor, and Aurora. The Swallow was ten minutes late in starting. The Meteor gradually drew into the first place, Teaser second, and Secret third. In the second round they still held the same position. In the third and fourth rounds the positions were slightly changed, and the finish wws in the fallowing order :—1st, Meteor (Mr. Reed); 2nd, Secret (Ml. Jones); 3rd, Teaser (MI. Burgess); 4th, Lapwing (Mr. Tucker.)

CONCERT AT PENABTH. On Thursday evening a very pleasant concert was given by the members of St. Maeburne School, Penaxth. The piano playing was exceptionally good, Miss Edith James's solo, (Beethoven's "Sonata AppaBsionata" being specially enjoyed. Miss Kitty xvavies's violin solo (Handel's sonata in D) was also good. The five tableaux, all scenes from Shakspeare, were exceedingly pretty and effective, especially one from the "Midsummer Nnight's Dream," in which the faries were a charming feature.

A VETERAN'S FUNERAL. An impressive scene was witnessed at Ports- mouth on Saturday afternoon at the funeraJ of an aged inmate of the local workhouse named Johieon, who took part in the battle of Navarino and the siege of St. Jeane de Acre. The guardians subscribed to a fund, the naval authorities lent a gun carriage, on which the remains were drawn to the cemetery, and the coffin was covered with the Union Jack. A mmber of seamen from Whale Island volun- teered as bearers and drew the gun carriage through the streets, which were crowded with spectators, and a number of naval pensioners, wearing the Crimean and other medals, attended with the Board of Guardians and two of the deceased's shipmates as mourners.

HHTMNET EMPLOYEES' OUTING. The annual outing of the cleaners employed by the Rhymney Railway Company at Cardiff took place on Saturday, when they journeyed to Chepstow by saloon carriage, provided by the Great Western Railway, accompanied by their local inspector, and night foreman. After partaking of a splendid dinner, provided for them at the Bell Hotel, they went to Tin- tem Abbey in breaks, and, after returning to Chepstow, partook of tea, afterwards enjoying themselves in various wavs until the return journey was made.

SHIP PAINTERS' OPTING. The first annual picnic of the Cardiff ship painters' branch of the National Amalgamated Labourer!' Union took place on Saturday. The party left at 8 a.m. by the Bonnie Do on for Weston, proceeding thence by brakes to Cheddar, where they "were entertained at the Bath Hotel. The party returned to Cardiff 1£ 11.80 B.m.

A Pugilistic Judge MAKES HIS SCHOOL EXPE- RIENCE OF USE IN COURT. Asks a Witness Quite Seriously Why he did not "Slip in" to the Man who Struck him. Deputy Judge Howard Smith entered with ap. parent zest and expert knowledge into a discus- sion of the "noble in connection with a case which came before him and a jury in the Edmon- ton County-court on Saturday, in which James Hankin, a labourer, claimed from James Field- ing, a filer, jB15 damages in respect of an assault,, which he alleged that the defendant committed upon him on February 9, at the Corticine Com- pany's factory at Ponder's-end. After ordering the defendant to stand up, the judge asked the plaintiff: Which do you con. sider the better man, you or he ? (Laughter.) Plaintiff: I don't understand. The Judge: You know what I mean-lit fight- ing? Plaintiff: I have never fought him. The Judge: But which of you do you think is the better man? Plaintiff: I can't say who would be. The Judge: Why did you let him knock you down ? Plaintiff: Because he took me unawares. The Judge: Why didn't you slip into him? (Laughter.) Plaintiff: I could not. My knee was hurt and I bad only one leg to stand on. Mr. Avery. in addressing the jury on behalf of the plaintiff, urged that the evidence which had been given that the defendant was upper- most when both men were on the ground dis- proved the defendant's statement that the plain- tiff had tht best of the tnoounter, whereupon the judge remarked that it did not necessarily follow that the man who had the best of the round would be uppermost in a fall at the finish, and asked if Mr. Avery had any experience. (Laughter.) Mr. Avery: Not in the ring. I ind the experience of fighting in oourt sufficient. (Laugh. ter.) The Judge: Well, I had some experience at school. The jury found for the defendant, and the judge expressed agreement with their verdict.

Howell's Charity. NOTICE OF IMPORTANT QUES- TIONS IN THE COMMONS. Mr. Humphrey^-0 worn, like other Weflsh Radical memebers, is very dissatisfied with the action the Lords have taken over the Denbigh scheme of Howell's charity. He thinks that the method of procedure is all wrong, and he will to-day indicate his news to the First Lord of the Treasury in the following ques- tion:—"Whether, in view of the dissatisfac- tion caused by the present procedure in respect of schemes laid before Parliament after appro- val by the Education Department in pursuance of the provisions of the Endowed Schools Acts, the Government will give effect to the sugges- tion of the Royal Commission on Secondary Education, that suoh schemes may by a vote of each House be referred for consideration and amendment to a Committee of each House, or to a Joint Committee of both Houses." He will also ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether a Seoondary Education Bill will be introduced by the Government, either in this House or in another place, for consideration during the recess. THE DIVISION IN THE LORDS. The division list of the debate in the House of Lords on Friday discloses the fact that one Archbishops and thirteen bishops voted for the petitioning of the Queen. The Unionist peers who supported the Duke of Devonshire in his action were Lord Camperdown, Lord Cowper, Lord Northbrook, Lord Portsmouth, Lord Stamford, Lord Powerscourt, Lord Glenesk, Lord Granard, Lord Heneage, Lord James of Hereford, Lord Dunraven, Lord Kinnaird, Lord Huntly, Lord Clifden, a.nd Lord Wantage. Lord Cross and Lord Ash- bourne both voted with Lord Salisbury against the Duke of Devonshire.

GOLD GALORE. DISCOVERY OF THE METAL IN CALIFORNIA. The Central News Agency ait San Francisco, telegaraphing on Sunday, says:—An immense body of gold has been discovered in Trinity County, California1,. This is believed to be the mother lode of the Sierra Nevada lode, which miners commenced seeking for thirty years ago.

THE BORNEO BRIGANDS. REBELS OCCUPYING A FORTIFIED POSITION. A Reuter's telegram from Labuan on Monday says:—Seven Chinese refugees from Gaya have arrived here. Mr. Neubronner. the treasurer, is still detained a prisoner by Mat Salleh, but is well treated. The rebel leader, with some 150 or 300 followers, occupies a fortified position on the Inanajn River, four hours' sail from Gaya. Two native tribes, the Bajows and the Dusuns, are reported to have joined him. The expedi- tion commanded by Mr. Godfrey Hewett. the acting British Resident in Labuan, is at Gaya, where it is awaiting reinforcements.

MR. BARNARWS ESTATE. AN INTERESTING QUESTION OF LIABILITY. The "Statist," in referring to the death duties to be paid on Mr. Barnato's estate, is of opinion that there will probably be no difficulty with regard to most of his shares in determining the prices at which they were officially quoted on the day of his death, and these are the prices at which the Inland Revenue authorities will ex- pect that his investments shall be valued. But an interesting question may be raised as to the liability of Mr. Barnato's estate to be charged on this valuation. The words of the Finance Act of 1894 are:—"The principal value of any property shall be estimated to be the price which, in the opinion of the Commissioners, such property would fetch if sold in the open mrrket at the time of the death of the deceased." Stock Exchange quotations, although hitherto gene- rally accepted for probate valuations, are not necessarily binding. A good many shares, practically almost unsaleable, are quoted daily at prices on which it would be most unfair to base a valuation for probate even of a small I quantity. If great holdings, such as those of Mr. Bamato in some of his companies, were to be "sold in the open market," what price, in the opinion of the Commissioners, would they fetch? Again, the adoption of Stock Exchange quotations as a basis of values may create, con- tinues the "Statist," extremely unjust diffe- rences in the valuation of property. Thus, if Lord Iveagh's holding of JB1,250,000 of Guinness Ordinary Stock came into probate, it might be valued, according to the Stock Exchange quota- tion of the day, at JE:8,750,000 or J66,250,000, but ordinary stock of Bass, Combe, Barclay, or Hanbury would be taken at its face value. Mr. Bertram Currie's shares in Glyn's Bank for £225,000 were presumably charged with the death duties at that price, whereas if the money had been less advantageously invested in shares of a joint-stock barak quoted on the Stock Ex- change the valuation might have been three or four times as much. The question of the values of property which may equitably be accepted by the Commissioners is difficult as well as inte- resting, but there is no doubt that at present there is often great inequality.

Gwilym Brans' Quinir.e Bitters. Sold in Bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d each. lta unfailing success where all other remedies have failed entitles it to be icVnowledged M the Unrivalled Tonic Remedv of t.he Age. e4919—3 The adjourned annual meeting of the Barry District A.F.C. was held on Saturday at the Windsor Hotel, Barry Dock. Officers for the coming year were. elected as follows -Presi. dent, Mr. G. W. Swain; secretary, Mr. Chas. Pauley; treasurer, Mr. ChM. Davies, Barry- road, Cadoxton; captain offiret team, Mr. Joe Sheldon; vice-captain, Mr. H. S. Wooding. LIVER COMPLAINTS.—Dr King's Dandelion aad Quicine Liver Pilla, without Mercury, are a patent remedy; reaaores all Liver &tod Stoiaach Coasplalnts Biliousness, Headaches, ftcltness, S'uculder Pains, Heartburn, Indtzestion, G*asUpatieau

South Africa Committee MR. LABOUCHERE GIVES NOTICE OF MOTIONS. He Will Move that the Queen be Peti- tioned to Remove Cecil Rhodes from the Privy Council. Mr. Labouehere, it is evident, does not in- tend to allow the report of the South African Committee to be forgotten, nor does he intend to allow Mr. Cecil Rhodes to go unscathed if he can help it. Snubbed by the Speaker, and unsupported by members on his own side, he has found refuge in the tabling of the following motions, which will, no doubt, be given a hear- ing by the time the Greek calends are reached —"That an humble address be presented to her Majesty informing her of the condemna- tion of the Right Hon. Cecil Rhodes by the Select Committee on British South Africa. in reference to his connection with the invasion of a friendly State, and that the Committee has reported to the House that Mr. Rhodes, after having authorised that certain cablegrams which passed between him and his agent in London, had refused to allow them to be pro- duced before the Committee, thus leading to the conclusion that he is aware that any state- ments purporting to implicate the Colonial Office contained in them were unfounded, and the use made of them in support of his action in South Africa was not justified; and praying her Majesty, in view of this condemnation and of Mr. Rhodes's violation of his oath as a Privy Councillor, to remove him from her most honourable Privy Council." He has adopted the same method in order to have a fling at his late colleagues on the South African Com- mittee. His motion to effect this object runs as follows:—"That the action of the Select 1 Committee on British South Africa in not reo porting Mr. Hawksley, one of the witnesses before it, to the House, for his refusal to pro- iduce certain documents in his possession when ordered to do so by the Committee, with a view of affording this House an opportunity to take notice of his contumacy, if persisted in, is cal- culated to bring the proceedings of this House into ridioule and contempt, and to inflict a serious blow on the honour and dignity of Plariament: and that the refusal of the Com- mittee to afford all the members of the Com- mittee an opportunity to examine him upon certain evidence, oral and written, that he had tendered to the Committee, was contrary to all those principles of equity that have hitherto guided the Committees of this House; this House, therefore, placed on record an absolute and unqualified condemnation of the conduct of the Select Committee on British South Africa in respect to these matters."

Church Lads' Brigade. THE LLANDAFF BEGIHKNT CAMP AT SULLY. The officers of the Llandaff Regiment of the Church Lads' Brigade have organised a monster seven-day camp to be held at Swanbridge, near Sully. The regiment is the largest of its kind in the kingdom, which fact is due in a great measure to the indefatigable efforts of Mr. J. B. Howe, diocesan major and staff officer. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the comfort of the lads, and also pre- cautions against bathing fatalities, so that parents need have no misgivings as to their safety. Perhaps a word or two of explanation of the object of the brigade movement would not be out of place. In the first instance, the lads are trained under the same discipline as if they were in the regulars. Athletics of all kinds are indulged In. ambulance work and surgery are taught, as also are swimming and the resuscitation of drowning persons. In the camp next week, besides the competition for the shield, there will be seven other competitions for prizes given by Lord Llangattock, Lieutenant-colonel Wheely, Major Wyndham-Quin, M.P., Colonel Sir E. S. Hill, K.C.B., M.P., Colonel Turbervill, Colonel Cresewell, and Colonel C. T. Wallis respectively, for different branches of drill. &c. The spot selected for the camp has been lent by Mr. C. E. Evans, Swan- bridge, commands a splendid view of the channel, and has been pronounced by the medical officer as being most suitable for the purpose of a camp out. Thus, providing the fine weather continue a most enjoyable week should be spent. The arrangements for the camp have been sent out to the officers com- manding companies by Colonel D. R. Lewis, commanding the South Wales Brigade Camp.

A CYCLING RECORD. A CARDIFF RIDER DOES A GOOD PERFORMANCE. W. Clay, the well-known Cardiff eyclist, made an attempt at Colre, Wiltshire, on Satur- day to lower the amateur hour record for the West of England. Paced by tandems ridden chiefly by Iccal riders, Mr. Clay succeeded in covering 26 miles, 21 yards; thus smashing the ipreviou8 record (23 miles, 1046 yards). An official timekeeper of the National Cyclists' Union was present.

UNAPPRECIATED CARESSES. On Friday afternoon the attention of Police- constable Gunter was called to the eccentric pro- ceedings of Joseph Carmody, a bricklayer, of stalwart physique. He was reeling down Chapel-street. Edgware-road, and his drunken- ness took the form of giving every woman he met an ursine hug. Being remonstrated with, he went a little way up the street. A young lady was coming along, and the amorous bricklayer embraced her round the neck, an action which she strongly resented. The policeman again advised him to cease his misbehaviour, whereupon Carmody asked him if he could fight, at the same time aiming a savage blow at him. It missed, and had the effect of precipitating the assailant on the pavement. In this predica- ment he was arrested and conveyed to the station. Mr. Curtis Bennett, at Marylebone, declined to believe that the last lady on whom he be. stowed his alcoholic caresses was his daughter, and sentenced him to twenty-one ddays* hard labour.

SWEETS FOR ZINC PENNIES. Shareholders in automatic machine companies must feel that their modest dividends are in danger of diminishing, if not of totally dis- appearing. when they read the evidence given at Westminster on Saturday against two boys. named Smith and Robinson. These stand charged with persuading the machines to give up their toothsome contents by the operation of discs of zino or other base metal. Seventeen of these were found in Smith's pocket when he was arrested. He confessed to having cut them himself out of pieces of zino, which Messrs. Willing complain were no less than advertisement tablets of their's. feloniously wrenched from carriages on the Underground Railway. During the past week as many as 169 of these discs were found in machines at West-end sta- tions, and altogether the company's collector have the rueful satisfaction ofgazinir on a heap containing between 800 and 900, taken at various stations in London. Mr. Shiel, remarking on the cool deliberation with which the boys had gone to work, said the offences were getting very common, and must be put a stop to. He remanded them on their fathers becoming bail in £10 for their appearance.

MR. MUNDELLA'S HEALTH. The Central News says that the following bulletin was issued on Monday morning at 9.30:—"Mr. Mundella had a restless night, and his condition shows no improvement this morning.—Dr. Brinton. M-Oi

By Air to the North Pole. HERR ANDREE STARTS ON HIS PERILOUS VOYAGE. The Plucky Swede in his Balloon At. tempts a Feat Which Some Experts Call a. Clear Act of Suicide. The Berlin correspondent of the "Daily News" says:—A week ago Herr Andree started with a favourable wind on his adventurous balloon voyage, by means of which he hopes to achieve the solution of the mystery surround- ing the North Pole. A special correspondent with the expedition, in various dispatches to the "Lokal Anzdger" has described the prepara- tions made by the party, and the waiting for the baffling breezes to cease. The latest report, telegraphed from Tromsoe late on Friday night, and containing the account of the ascent, is as follows:—"The morning of 11th July brought sunshine and blue sky. The rain-smoked things could now be dried. More- over, a south wind was blowing, not softly, but right freshly, and it was a genuine south wind. From on board the Svenksund the crew at Divine service were chanting. I sat in silent devotion in my tent and listened. Scarcely had the ship's bell struck eleven then I became aware of unwonted acti- vity on board. The large rowing boat and small steam launch were manned, and in them I recognised not only Herr Andree a figure, but also those of his two companions, who landed together with the two officers and the little Frenchman. What could it mean? Did Andree intend on this Sunday morning and in this strong gusty, and at times almost stormy. wind to venture on an ascent? It was scarcely conceivable. It could be nothing more than a trial to see if everything worked smoothly. But that they might have done yesterday. Why on a Sunday? While I was still pondering over the matter I observed several men at work on the upper portion of the front side of the balloon t'ouse. A moment later the planks were being thrown down, the beams sawn through, and screws and rivets loosened. Truly this must be in earnest. I hurried with all speed to the scene, and Learnt that Herr Andree intended forthwith to attempt the accent. With almost painful expectation the men were putting forth most strenuous exertions. Andree himself pre- sently appeared on the scaffolding above and shouted his commands to the men through the medium of a speaking trumpet. He and his oompanione were already olad in their travel- ling costumeR-Andree and Strindberg in a dark blue, Fraenkel in a grey suit, with collars of wolf's fur. "In Peak House a. pair of trial balloons were inflated and let loose, and the breeze carried them in precisely the desired direction. On the beach the crew were busy laying out the drag ropes to prevent the possibility of their tangling. With a. crash the loosened portion of the tower's front wall fell out. Inside the tower the greatest activity prevailed. In every corner stood men regulating the ropes by which the balloon was held. Everyone helped, even the commander of the gunboat. The ballast bags were hung in a narrow circle so that the balloon might rise. Then when the north wall had been removed as far as the centre of the build- ing, this circle was still further reduced. At last the lashings were secured to the last bolt, and the balloon swung some two metres from the ground. I helped Strindberg to fix the pigeon cages above the car, where also the food supply is stored. The cook carefully stowed in a small barrel the dinner which would be the irst to be eaten aloft. Fraenkel brought up a few glasses of beer for immediate use. The car was quickly put in order, superfluous ballast bags were severed from their fastenings, several of them being placed in the car for preliminary use. From the west side of the balloon waved the Swedish colours, and beside them a white silk flag adorned with a blue anchor, the happily conceived, and it may be hoped luck-bringing gift of a lady. Immediately under the balloon was fastened diagonally a bamboo, to which sails like wings were attached on either side. By means of ropes the aeronauts can manipulate these sails from the oar. "Shortly before half-past two Andree was quite ready for the journey. Heartily shaking hands with those assembled in the balloon house and nodding to the astonished trappers who stood watching, he addressed warm, deeply-felt words of thanks to all those whose hands he could not reach owing to their inability to leave their posts. With sturdv handshakes Fraenkel and Strindberg also took their leave. Strindberg appeared to be deeply moved, and. indeed, the solemnity of the moment impressed all spectators. Then Andree called aloud, "Fraenke Strindberg!" Standing in the car the three severed the thin ropes holding them, Andree counting one, two. three. At three the last chord binding them to the floor of the tower fell away. Proudly and majesti- cally the balloon rose, passing directly through the open northern portion of its former dwell- ing. Andree gazed with happy confidence on those who remained behind, and then he and his comrades, waving their caps, he cried out, "Greetings at home to Sweden." Those who had a photographing apparatus took yet another snapshot. Running to the shore, we all saw the balloon floating some 180ft. over the water. A moment of intense anxiety followed, for the balloon was driving right on to a jutting pro- minence of rock on the east side of Smeeren- bure Sound and threatened te collide with it. Suddenly, however, a gust of wind coming through the Sound from the south-east sent air-vessel back to sea in a north-westerly direc- tion and struck it so strongly above that for BOtne seconds the car was trailing along the water. At the same moment we discovered that the three drag ropes from whose assistance Andree had honed so much lay quietly on the beach. The swivel fastening them to the ring must have been loosened at the moment of the ascent. But how that was possible will never be explained. All> they have a reserve stock of ropes with them for ballast the loss of the three lines will not. 'however, be irreparable. Mean- while, they had thrown out several ballast bags. A few minutes only had passed since the time, exactly 35 minutes after two, at which the start was made, and the balloon was now seen moving exactly as AncPree had wished over the flat peninsula Hollaendernaes towards the north. It is true that at the north end of Sweerenburg Sound a south-westerly air cur- rent caught it again and aipparently drove it towards the craggy odiff of Vogelsang, but with shaded eyes we could perceive it sail a few yards above this danger point and proceed com- pletely free at last once more directly north. It was precisely three o'olock when the balloon disappeared on the northern horizon, ftt "When shall we hear from Andree and his bold comrades again?" This anxious question forced itself upon every one of U8 then. and again when a couple of hours later we sat on board the Svenskund before foaming glasses of seek, and Count Ehrensvaard in a few elo- quent sentences toasted the absent men who Had won the affection of all during the time of their presence among us. The balloon will probably be driver towards Greenland or the north ooast of America. The best of scientific opinion in Germany is the reverse of hopeful regarding Herr Andree's success. Professor Dr. Von Bezold, in an interview, stated that two years ago he had a. discussion lasting seme hour* with Herr Andree on his project. The latter sought, with no little display of knowledge and skill, to allay the objections and doubts with which the scheme was regarded. Nevertheless, the professor holds its success highly problematical, on the ground alone of th3 colossal difficulties offered from an aeronautical standpoint. The direct line from Spitsbergen across the Polar region extends tc 3,400 kilometre:. As the winds at the Pole cross one another, a direct passage cannot be hoped for. The distance Andree must travel may therefore extend to from 12,000 to 20,000 kilometres and the balloon cannot possibly keep afloat long enough for this. Moreover, be the thickness of the covering as great as may be, the vertical oscillations to which the valve must be exposed, even with the best of arrange- ments for shutting it on, would result in a loss of gas such as must materially lessen the carrying capacity of the balloon. Professor Beheld considers it very possible that Andree may sail over the Polar region without knowing it. since it is precisely in that part where the usual methods of navigators are faulty, and difficulty would be exptrienced in deter- Im/ining one's whereabouts. These diffi- culties, as Professor Berson, of the Royal Meteorological Institute at Berlin, points out, consist not in the absence of the means of help afforded by the stars, but also in the fact that the midnight sun, even if it be not veiled for hours '\ind days in mist, afters its altitude so I little that the exact moment of noon, so im- I portant for taking observations, cannot be deter- mined. The rapaid changes of longitude, more- over, which the balloon must make. render the operation of observation additionally difficult. Even should Andree succeed in crossing the Pole, an extraordinary concatenation of favour- able circumstances will, in Professor Berson's opinion, be necessary to render a safe landing I possible. Professor Neumayer, who is attached to the I Admiralty Office, does not agree with those who I regard Andree's venture as a pure act of.suicide, but he emphaeies the impossibility of prognosti- cating in any degree the direction the balloon will follow. Though not denying that the I voyage may be scientifically xiseful. he fails to ) lee how Andree can make the aeceswr aaatonm. logical observations at the time when he believef himself to be crossing the Pole. He said to a reporter: — Andree is a bold man and a capable engineer. I know and appreciate him, but in the provinces of meteorology and Polar research he is an amateur. His deductions regarding the air currents which prevail at the North Pole, and which it is the object of his journey to investi- gate, have not been scientifically tested, and are nothing more than hypotheses. Against this opinion as to Andree's capaci- ties must be set that of the well-known geo- grapher, Professor von Richthofen, who con- siders that Andree, if anyone, is the man fitted! to fulfil the task he has set himself. Andree, as all who know 'him would agree, is intelli- gent, energetic, and of great strength of per- sonality. Whether the undertaking, he said, is possible of execution, and whether in the interests of science it could be of value, the event itself only can prove. A specialist attached to the military balloon- ing department at Berlin, whose experience renders his opinion of more than ordinary value, has expressed hiimelf regarding the undertaking as follows — "It is not impossible, of course, that Andree may succeed, but the experience of aeronauts in these latitudes renders it most unlikely. The goal is so far distant that within its boundaries all conceivable and unsuspected complications may arise. The distance is about equal to that betwen Madrid and St. Petersburg, yet the longest oompleted balloon journey so far has lasted only a day and a half, whilst the furthest is that during the war of 1870, which started from Paris and landed on the north coast. The wind is certainly a favourable element for Andree, for in the latitudes in whioh the explorer will remain it appears to be constant. The constancy of the sun's rays is also a, favourable point as involving but littlo alteration in the temperature of the gas. The utility of dragging lines is doubtful. Such lines would be worn out in a. short journey, and Andree's hope that the ice would offer fewer rough obstacles than land is contrary to experience." It was the question of drag lines that the meteorologist, Dr. Ekholm, of Sweden, in an interview, declares had more to do with his refusal to accompany Andree this year than disagreement between him regarding the thick- ness of the silk. Yet the drag lines offered one guarantee that the balloon would lose less gas than one that was quite free. Andree had intended to ascend at first 800 800 kilometres, to allow the balloon to profit freely from the wind. Later he would come lower to make observa- tions should a calm set in. The balloon, with its present thickness, would last a month. To reach a point in Asta. it was expected that five days would be necessarv supposing the wind to maintain its strength, which ia very improbable.

A Desperate Affray RESULTS IN THE DEATH OF A BIRMINGHAM POLICEMAN. Late on Sunday night a murderous attack wltl made upon Police-oonstable Snipe in Bridge- street, West Birmingham. After the closing of the public-houses a man named Kilrain, under the influence of drink, behaved so disorderly that Snipe, who was accompanied by Police-constable Mead, proceeded to arrest him. Kilrain offered a strenuous resistance, and whilst the constables were engaged in struggling with him, a man named Charles Alvis came up and joined in the attack upon them. A desperate scrimmage fol- lowed, during which a third nnan, named James Franklen, is alleged to have thrown a brick, which struck Snipe on the head, rendering him unconscious. It was found necessary to remove Snipe to the general hospital on an ambulance, where he died at half paist two on Monday morn- ing. The three assailants were charged before the magistrates on Monday morning and were remanded.

DROWNED TOGETHER. A BOY SACRIFICES HIS LIFE FOR HIS BROTHER. The Press Association Silverdale corres- pondent telegraphs that a sad case of drown- ing occurred on Sunday afternoon at the village of Knutton, Newcaetle-under-Lyme, by which two lads lost their lives. A number of boys were bathing in an old disused marl- bole, and one named William Clark wae seen to sink, whereupon the younger brother, aged nine years, jumped into the water to his rescue. Both were drowned. Two men named Blosaons recovered one body and a youth named Odell the other.

A CONFESSED IMPOSTOR. Arthur Henry Cowley's devices for obtaininj money are not marked by very much aeuteness He wrote to Lord Middleton, representing him self to be his former coachman, Robert Thorn son, and alleging that in Consequence of poverty,, illness, and a sick wife he was unable to pay th. rent, for whioh a harsh landlord was presssing him. If his lordship could help him a little he would be deeply thankful. His lordship's son, the Hon. Lawrence BrocL rick, interviewed the veritable Robert Thomson, and discovered the attempted fraud. By the advice of the police be sent 5s to the letter, writer, who was arrested on Saturday morning. He immediately confessed, and gave up tw< other written appeals of a similar character, adi dressed to wealthy gentlemen. At Westminster on Saturday he expressed his sorrow, and de plored the fact that a previous sentence of fivi years' penal servitude would go against him. Mr. Shiel remanded him in custody.

WHISKY FOR CATTLE. James Boon, farmer, of Knightoncombe, Modbury, came up for his public examination at the Stonehouse Town-hall on Saturday morning. The Official Receiver (Mr. J. Greenway) appeared for the Board of Trade, and Mr. J. P. Dobell for the debtor.—The liabilities in this case were JB162, while the assets were only estimated to produce £21, leaving a deficiency of £H1.-Debtor attri- buted his position to losses in connection witl the farm, and agricultural depression.—Reply- ing to the Official Receiver, debtor stoutly de. nied that he was addicted to drinking habits. He had not taken the "blue ribbon," neither did he intend to. (Laughter).—1The Receiver said that debtor rather surprised some of them at the meeting of creditors oy saying that whisky was good for ailing cattle. He had discovered since that this was so.—Debtor wa. allowea to pass his public examination.

DRY DOCXMEN'S PICNIC. Th employees of Hill's Dry Docks held their annual outing on Saturday. The party left for Minehead at 8.30 a.m., and arriving there, the party proceeded by breaks to Porlock, returning to the Plume of Feathers Hotel, where an excellent dinner was provided by the host, Mr. G. Thristle. After dinner; a vote of thanks was given to the committee, who had arranged the festivities, Messrs. Fisher, Barter, and Thomas, and to their secretary (Mr. J. Cook.) Thanks were also according to subscribers to the outing fund. Subsequently the pairty drove to Dunster, where, after tea, various amusements were indulged in. The return journey was then made to Cardiff, which was reached after most enjoyable day at 10.30.

PROFITS ON RAILS. The Press Association is officially informed that the accounts of the Great Eastern Rail- way Company for the past half year, subject to audit, show the net receipts to be sufficient, after providing for rent interest dividends on all guaranteed and preference stocks of the company, for the payment of a dividend on the ordinary stock at the rate of 2 per cent. per annum, carrying forward' B2,600

A FAMOUS OLD VESSEL. This week the breaking up commenced at Portsmouth of the Tremendons, which, next to the Victory, was the oldest ship in the navy. The Tremendous was launched in 1784. She helped to garin Lord Howe's great victory on June 1, 1794-, and fought in many other famous battles.

PREMIER AND THE QUEEN. The Marquess of Salisbury on the conclusion of his visit to the Queen on Monday mornir left Windsor Castle on his return to town.

At the weekly meeting of the Metthyr Bo?r? of Guardians on Saturday a precept for £ 5,82^ was received from the Glamorganshire Counts CnunaiL