Evening Express

TxxrziuTcaK. | RAINFALL DAT*. —■ Max. Min |Meau. 9 a.m. 9 p.m.! Total -1- Thursday 2 49 30 39*5 00 "00 *00 Friday 3 49 33 4f0 "00 -00 "oO Saturday. 4 47 33 140'0 -00 "00 •<*> Sunday '5 60 41 45-5 "00 "00 '80 Ifaaday 6 52 35 43'5 '45 "00 45 Tuesday '7 55 39 47 0 '04 -04 08 Wednesday.1 8 I 1*40

I Telephone: National, 502; Post-oflice, 95. Telegrams: "Express," Cardiff.

THE TARIFF message. As visual, Wales has looked with some anxiety for the official utterances of the Great M'Kinley -and found no consolation. And. also as usual, America lia; found none either in the tariff advocate's message to Congress. We can only see between the lines some indication that, per- I haps, the present muddle will resolve itself again in favour of Wales. But the indications are faint, and waiting is weary. The President's rressage to Congress has done little more than give the usual offence in certain quarters. The task before him. it must be allowed, was no easy one, and it surely would have taxed the abilities of even a great statesman to have dealt exhaustively and satisfactorily with the tangled web into which the affairs of the United States have been allowed to become involved. But President M'Kinley is not a great statesman, and, conscious no doubt of his own imitations, did not attempt the impossible, but contented himself, for the most part, with the enunciation of a string of perfectly innocuous platitudes. His references to the financial question were beautifully fatuous. "Tariff legislation being settled," the currency is the next press- ing que: :on. Quite so: although the American trader may not be able to feel quite so certain that "'tariff legislation" is altogether settled he will waive his objection in order to hear what the President is going to suggest about the "next pressing question." President M'Kinley enunciates some very sound doctrines. To maintain the different forms of money on the parity of gold is, without a doubt, not only a great expense to the Government, but a serious menace to the national credit, and "it is manifest" that some plan ought to be devised to protect the Government against Bond issues for repeated redemption. That is certainly an unsound system of finance, and to denuncia- tions of the "existing system," the President mainly confines himself. Yet, let us be just; he does suggest that the United States notes when redeemed in gold, should be set apart and only paid out in exchange for gold. Here at least, then. we have a definite and wise financial policy indicated. But. unfortunately, it is qualified by the provision that it shall come into force "as soon as the receipts suffice to pay the expenses of the Government," which, so far as it is possible to see, means putting off the reform nntil the Greek Kalends. The fact of the matter is that President M'Kinley is simply playing with his subject; reforms are to be dependent upon the wiping out of the deficit, but he says not a word to indicate how that desirable consummation is to be achieved. Perhaps the President thinks that the Dingley- Tariff is going to bring about the era of pros- perity "with sufficient receipts to cover expenses of which he talks so glibly. American business men, with the experience they have already had of that tariff, would hardly endorse this view.

POWDER AND SHOT. It cannot be true that the gale has blown the Port Talbot docks away into Cwmavon. • Thirty years ago to-day Gethin Colliery went hang, and thirty colliers were killed! *»*»•« One of the members of the Aberavon Town Council is said to be notoriously afraid of drought, but after yesterday he has become quite easy in his mind. What a pity the Cardiff Corporation didn't leave the attack on the Bute fence until last night. They could have won the forthcoming action by saying the fence was blown down. • The mayor of Cardiff is still, unfortunately, confined to the house. Those who said it was the gout now say it is the gale. The latter is far more likely, and we congratulate his worship on a brighter outlook. The gale can't last for ever. The TaT was unusually full this morning, and so was an out-fil night clubman who paused to look at it and hold up Canton bridge on his way home. The Taff threatened to flow over into Sophia Gardens, and the clubman threatened to fall over. # • » A small brick cook's-gallev has been erected on the pavement iin Cowbridge-road, to supply the Cardiff road-workers there, apparently. Why can't the corporaton enlarge its some- what by adding a pleasant Sunday club for their navvies? *•*••• Talk about the gale! It's nothing to the blowing there will be in Park and Riverside Wards to-night over the commemoration of the return of Courtis and Svmonds. Both celebra- tions are fixed for the same hour, and the ques- tion is which ward will blow most. • Great Scott! The gale has done some damage here!" exclaimed a visitor to Cardiff, as he caught sight of the echasms in St. Maryi- street. Folk turned aside, and passed the inquirer silently. They could not tell him that the wreck was the work of the road-makers. < A man from Pontypridd rang us up this morn- ing to say that a slate had fallen from the roof of a public hall last night and buried its sharp edge about a foot deep in his brain. He wanted to know whom he could drop on in his turn. We replied that he had better sue Boreas, and he's looking for him-never having heard of the name. A councillor called in this morning to say that last night's atmospherical disturbance was due to the Radical Falstaffs who couldn't let the borough engineer pull the Bute's pier-head I obstruction down without blowing about it. This is far-fetched, but we shovel anything into this column. • A lady amateur belonging to a Cardiff dra- matic society reached home last night so drenched that her delicate frame threatened to collapse as though she were a pillar of salt, like Mrs. Lot. She had been to a rehearsal, and said the gale had suddenly come into the front door and fetched her out and blown her home. Quite time it did, too. s Some of our staff are keenly interested in the attempt of the municipal council of Etampes, in France, to introduce the phonograph as a substitute for shorthand reporters. Now, our reporters are paticularly kind to public men, and a united testimonial is to be presented to the staff at Christmas. We announce this with all reserve, for we have heard nothing to that effect. But when we make a comparison between a phonographic reproduction of a speech and a reporter's delicate account, we consider a handsome testimonial more than deserved. Take a passage from a public meeting at the last Swansea School Board election, for example. Our reporter had it thus: — "Mr. Chairman, ladies, and gentlemen,—We are met on this auspicious occasion to inaugurate an honest campaign against the aspersions cast by prejudiced and self-seeking candidates upon the hard-worked and hard-working school board which has just dissolved. I can assure you that my efforts, and those of my colleagues upon the late board, have been directed honestly towards the maintenance and improvement of the excellent scheme of education which has made Wales what it is to-dav," etc. But the phonograph, with its mechanical pitiless fidelity, would have come out with the same passage thus — Mr. Chairman—ahem—ladies and gentlemen —ahem—W3 -re 'net—t'schew, ahem—on this auspicious occasion— 'old yer blamed 'ead up' —ahem, on this auspicious occasion—speak up!— as I said, ladies and gentlemen, er—out with it, hoo-ter-hoo :-on this, er, auspicious occasion, ahem-rats: Let 'em 'ave it! Get it off yer chest! :-er. as I said—go it, old brass lungs— rsallv, gentlemen, in the face of this ahem t'schew interruption -ha. ha, ha Don't artoloeiso --on this auspicious occasion-slow it, old leather- 'ead—I cannot really go on-sit down, shut up, bring yer mother, rats-to er- Etc. «• • Evan Lloyd plays in Badger's place at centre for Llanelly now. Evan is about the most ver- satile player in Wales. He played forward for the Harriers; then he went full-back for Llanelly; next he did a season at half-back in Percy Lloyd's time; then he went on the wing, filling up a gap now and again at half. And at last, to suit the changes in the team, we see him at centre three-quarter. He would be useful on the International Board. • A correspondent says that the most remarkable feat of the gale last night was to blow one of the port-holes of the steamship Oliver, of Lan- dore, right through the spinnaker-boom on the for'ard funnel into the chief engineer's main- top. "The crew were all blown overboard into the Hafod Inn, where, on the stroke of six bells, prompt assistance was rendered by the waitress,' continues the narrator. We are inclined, from the tenour of this narrative, to believe the re- port comes from the world's record lyre on the "Daily Post," which has "maintained a consis- tent attitude over the triple scheme." • Welsh Boards of Guardians are warned to be on the qui vive. The Local Government Board been receiving cookcry lessons from nn expert, and is bent on going into details. The Holbeach Guardians have just had a letter from tHe d inquiring how it aiiv currants were put into the workhouse children's puddings. The reply has gone up that the allowance is 2g ounces to a pound of pudding. That is not likely GO be considered sufficiently explicit. The guardians will have to count, the currants and make a return in round numbers. Then the Board will pursue its investigations in Wales, it is said. Eventually they will come to the p.iupsrs' beer. » » There was an interesting incident at the Grand Theatre, Cardiff, on Monday evening. Mr. Harding Thomas, as "Jacob Fletcher," in the hour of his trial, when tempted to forswear him- self, worked his audience up to such a pitch of excitement that they nearly burst. Will you agree to Crisp's vaiuat.ion ?" said the hypocritical, Samuel Hoggard." There was a moment's pause, which was broken by audible "No's" from various quarters of the theatre. Don't you do it!" said a smaii voice from the gods. Then another moment's pause, and "Jacob" roared out amid thunderous applause. There's a great time of jubilee for the River- side Conservative dinner to-night. They are going to present illuminated addresses to a few councillors in commemoration of the winning of three seats for the Progressive party. The chairman of the Conservative party, Mr. J. H. Cory, and many other 81-ton guns will be there. The run upon the tickets has been such that nienv applicants have had to be refused. Might we suggest an over-flow dinner on the stairs, or on the embankment if the weather be fine ? *«**•» That was an excellent idea of a New-street tradesman for proving that his weights were up to the proper standard. When the inspector came into the shop to examine the weights the tradesman threatened to drop one on his toes. The weight he proposed to drop was a 561b. one, and he reasoned naturally that when the inspector felt it fall he would have a notion that a ton had dropped. No better proof than this that the half-hundred was full weight-and a good bit over. Yet the official dodged the test, and factually summoned the man because the weigh ts- and-measures stamp was not there up-to-date. "What?" said the Cardiff Stipendiary, when mine host of the Wyndham applied for an extension on the occasion of the Riverside Con- servative Association's banquet there to-night; "you begin at seven o'clock-that gives you four hours until eleven." "It's a large meeting, sir, with many speakers." "And they want more than four hours?" "There's the banquet to come in. They're the Conservative Association." "I see. Then Conservatives want a longer time than Liberals?" said the Stipendiary. Of course they do. His Worship should have sent down and asked us. We should have told him they had ten times as many important matters in their programme to discuss 1 as the Liberals. But ails well that ends well. No doubt his worship knew it.

THE CLEVELAND BICYCLE An American Machine of the Highest Grade. TITHE great point in favour of American-made Machines is their extreme lightness as 44 compared with English-made Machines. THERE IS NO DOUBT WHATEVER THAT 44 AMERICAN-MADE MACHINES OF THE HIGHEST GRADE ARE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND "DESIRABLE MACHINES."—Extract from "Ten Years of Cycling." by ROBERT MACHRAY Windsor Magazine,, September, 1897. LOOK OUT FOR Evening Express Creat Bicycle Cift Scheme Which will shortly be announced. BPEO) MEN BICYCLES (Ladies' and Gentlemen's) ON VIEW IN GREAT RECEPTION AJID ADVERTISEMENT qALL, WESTERN MAIL OFFICES St. Mary Street, CARDIFF

Fatal Boxing Contest. I OPINIONS OF SOME PROMI- NENT PEOPLEl, Mrs. Chant Says Prize.Fights Should be Tolerated No Longer, While Others Take Another Viej?, i SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. ( t After ths fatal result of the glove fight between I Barry and Croot at the National Sporting Club on Monday evening, the "Morning Leader" took steps to obtain the opinions of those from whom ] a pronouncement would be interesting. The 1 question asked was, "Ought we to continue to tolerate glove fights ?" Mr. G. R. SIMS. Mr. Sims was silent for some time after the question was asked him. "How can you stop themr" he at length s responded. "Boxing is carried on at the National Sporting Club under the very same conditions as it would be in the best and most perfect gymna- ] siums in the world. "Compare the number of accidents in football with those that take place in boxing contests. ( They are far more. If a fast bowler like Richard- i son happened to give a ball that struck the bats- man's head and killed him, you would not find the police haling everybody off to Bow-street. Ridiculous! "Why not put down cycling because a cyclist runs over and kills someone? He doesn't mt&n to do it—but there it is. Why not put down horse-racing because a jockey is killed—and fenc- ing and wrestling? One might easily give a fatal fall in wrestling. "Curious, though, that a fatal -tccidint should occur just after poor Fleming's ceath. "There will, of course, be an outcry against box- ing—from the usual quarter." MRS. CHANT. Mrs. Chant said "We should certainly tolerate it no longer. "Fatal accidents from this cause are not such, for instance, as that of the poor fellow who was stabbed on the stage. That was an accident easily preventible. But in boxing contests the dettlis seem to be a result of the shocking brutality which so often characterises them. "These contests have nothing to do with the art of self-defence. They are simply on the same levéi as gladiatorial shows and co ?k-fighung and the old pri/.e ring. "But it would be wise for all who protest against boxing contests as such to make it clearly understood that thuy do not wish to minimise the value of boxing as an exercise cr a pastime, and as not yet unnecessary for self- defence." THE BOXING PARSON At his men's club in Old Nicho'-street. Hfthnal Green, was found Father Jay, known throughout the East End invaiiably as the "boxing parson." He has never had a pair of gloves on, but in a corner of the club-room is a boxing-ring, and here the father nightly watches the contests of his parishioners. "Should we tolerate these glove contests?" I am not sure. The kind of boxing here is always with real gloves—not 2oz. or 4oz. gloves, vdiieh are a >ery different thing. If these con- tests pre with such gloves they are most un- desirable. But I think West End people—the so-called upper classes—have very much to answer for. This neighbourhood produces practically all the well-known London boxers, and boxing is a favourite recreation of the people. ° A young boxer as soon as he excels is taken from the East End to the Pelican or the National Sporting Club to box for money. I have seen many a young fellow absolutely ruined by going to the West End." S Do you find boxing a help in your work ?" Yes. It enables the men to keep their temper in the most marked degree. It is quite a healthful and most excellent exercise, though." he added, with a laugh, "I have no knowledge of it whatever." DEAN FARRAR. Dean Farrar telegraphed:—"Precautions should be taken to prevent such shocking results." BISHOP OF ROCHESTER. The Bishop of Rochester expressed himself as deeply shocked. I do not say." he remarked, "that boxing as a means of self-defence is-an objectionable practice, but for professional pugilism and prize-ring contests nothing can be said. They are well described in Conan Doyle's recent work, Rodney Stone.' Their record is quite sufficient, for they have always been degrading and brutalising, both to those who took part in the contest and those who backed them up." LORD LONSDALE'S VIEWS. The Earl of Lonsdale. who, as all the wodd knows, is an ardent supporter of all kmds of spcrt, was not loth to spe'ik out on behalf of rational and decently-conducted fighting. "There is no brutality whatever irr boxieg when it, is properly conducted," said his lord- ship. "Some people are under the impression that MS a preliminary to a bout the gloves are hardened. This is altogether a mistaken im- pression. Any such practice would not be allowed for a moment. Beyond nil question it does not exist at the National Sporting Club. As the president of the club, I always make it part of my duty to inspect the gloves end the men before boxing begins. I have always declined to have anything to do with any con- test which is not conducted on thq fairest and most humane lines. There is no more danger in prize fighting on the average than in other tports. Lota of men, like myjelf, for instance, put the gloves on pretty well every day, but we don't get any hurt to speak of. Look at wrestling, again; how dangerous that is! And racing and hunting. There is danger in every sport, and you can't get away from it. "What I want to know," continued his lord- ship, "is this—Do you propose to do away with so eminently British a sport as boxing? The cry of the dangers attendant on boxing is a false one. Under the revised Queensberry Rules the dangers of glove contests have been reduced to a minimum. Compare the boxing of the present day with the boxing of the past—of the Tom Sayers period, say. We have progressed won- derfully since that time in the conditions that govern prize-fighting. "There is one reform, however, that I should like to see introduced. I should like to see the referee put a stop to a contest when one of the contestants is obviously weakened. "All the pleasure of boxing consists in the display of science," said his lordship, and there is nothing scientific, but, rather, everything re- pulsive, in the spectacle of a man being punched round the ring when he is too weak to defend himself. Yes, I must say that I hope to see referees begin to exercise their power in fights where things have manifestly gone against one of the men. I do not believe in this outcry against box- ing," said Lord Lonsdale, in conclusion. "That prize-fighting has been brutal in the past I am prepared to admit, but we have left that bad old tradition far behind. If anything serious happens to. a man nowadays he is himself to blame for ignorance for taking needless risks in being out of condition. Boxing is an English- man's sport—a healthy, manly, and an invigorat- ing pastime. And because an accident occa- sionally happens that is no reason why an outcry should be made and an old womanish agitation started." —

"TOMMY DOn," PRODUCTION OF A NEW COMEDY AiT CARDIFF. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Local playgoers will have a rich treat in store for net week, when a new farcial comedy, entitled, 'Tommy Dod," will be produced at the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, by an exceptionally strong company, selected by Mr. J. L. Shine. The comedy has been written by Mr. Osmond Shillingford, and it will be produced at Cardiff for the iirst time upon any stage. The com- pany will include that warm favourite with Cardiffians, Mr. George Tborne, who is too well known to out readers to need any words of introduction. Suffice it to say that the part taken by Mr. Tliorne gives him full opportunity to display his remarkable versatility, and the popular actor is bound to receive a hearty welcome. The company also includes Miss \t <;e De Winton. a talented young lady, whose presence is a.lways welcome locally. vVii'st > no comedy will be produced under the personal direction of Mr. J. L. Shine. After :"s produc tion at Cardiff, "Tommy Dod" will 30 to Lonioi.

CARDIFF BOROUGH FREEDOM, SELECTION OF THE CASKET FOR ALDERMAN DAVID JONES. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The committee of the Cardiff County Council which have in hand the arrangements for the presentation of the freedom of tl-e borough to Alderman David Jones met on Wednesday, when Alderman Carey prasided. Several designs for a casket to enclose the scrip were considered, and the committee unanimously accepted that sent in by Mr. F. B. Crouch, jeweller. St. Mary- street. The price of the casket is £8:>, and the weight of gold llOoz.

LINSKKD COMPOUND for Coughs, Colds. Asthma, and Bronchitis. Of Chemists only. •6459-6

"The Greatest of These," A "SANTA CLAUS" STORY. [By Mrs. EBENEZER BEAVAN.] CHAPTBR I. (Continued.) Mrs. St. Maur breathed again. The couoin would surely pour oil on the troubled waters. "My cousin, who was present at the Santa Ulaus gathering at the Park-hall last year, said .hat the sight was so beautiful and touching tbiit t would dwell in his memory till his dying day as 1 joy and an inspiration. He hopes to be pre- sent thi", year, also." "He was present? Indeed?" cried Mrs. St. Maur, brightly. "I did not see any mention of its name in the paper!" "They do not mention the name of every stranger who is present," answered Miss Park- stone, innocei-tly. But Mrs. St. Maur had forgotten that Miss Parkstone's "other cousin" might be the one re- ferred to. Encouraged by the more apprecia- tive looks of her friends, Miss Parkstone re- sumed "I am sure I thoroughly believe in this most tioble and unselfish work, and when I think of the tremendous labour entailed upon its pro- moters, the weeks of anxious preparation for the generous hospitality given to the two thousand quests, I am put to the blush to think how insig- nificant are all my little attempts at helping and cheering others in comparison. Oh! It seems to me that to refuse to help such a work might make the very stones cry shame on me! Oh, that I were rich! Oh, that I had the wealth that others wa¡,;te! Think of the aim and olJject-it is a wcrk of Love! 'And now abideth Faith, Hope, fvnd Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity.' That means Love, you know, Mrs. Nobbs." she observed serenely, as though she were lecture 1 board school girl. Mrs. Nobbs's lips took a pursed-up expression. Miss Parkstone returned to the aUack. "I am sure you will forgive me, Mrs. St Maur. You know we have to be working in season and out of season, but I have been wondering whether you could spare me any articles of cast- off clothing for my 'Santa Claus' bag? Anything will do. but children's clothing would be most acceptable. I thought, as you had a dear little I boy, you might be a1Jle to supply this want." The mention of the dear little boy "fetched" Mrs. St. Maur, and she instantly replied, "Oh, certainly, Miss Parkstone, I will look up a few things aunost immediately." Mrs. Nobbs's stern, unsympathetic face failed to daunt the applicant. "May I ask your co- operation, also, Mrs. Nobbs? Anything will do; anything will come in usefully—old clothes, cheques, or coppers! 1 will send for them or call." "I will see what I can do," stiffly rejoined Mrs. Nobbs, "but I do not allow old clothing to accumulate in my house, and I already give beyond my means." Miss Parkstone was profuse in her thanks. Then, feeling that she had pursue i the subject as far as discretion would allow, she adroitly turned the conversation into a different channel. The impression she made was on the whole favourable, and when she had bidden adieu and iisappsared Mrs. Nobbs thawed considerably, whilst Mrs. St. Maur remarked that Miss Park- stone might after all prove a desirable acquain- tance for both, although her style of dress might be improved upon, and her bonnet lacked the 'regular milliner's touch," and had cartainiy not come from Howell's! CHAPTER II. "The sorrows that afflict the poor, in number many be." It was close upon Christmas. All the shops were aglow with brilliant Christmas decora- tions, sweetly suggestive of Peace nnd Good- will. In a quiet street in Saltmead, a pale, quiet young girl was sitting at a Densmore type- writer, with a tiny heap of finished copy on the table he side her. Her face was strangely weary, and her heart calmly despairing. Ever and anon she rose from her seat, and, walking noiselessly to an adjoining -o)m. she peeped in. Then. apparently satisfied with her survey, she returned to her post at the type- writer. Life's threads were in a strange tangle for poor Maudie Mills, and while she sat there try- ing to unravel the skein her heart grew heavier and her brow more beclouded every moment. It was growing dusk, and by ;md bye she slowly arose and lighted a cheap lamp, which she carried into the inner room. On the bed lay her invalid father, a broken- down clerk, whose finishing touch of misfortune had come to him in the falsity of a -eld:ive for whom he had gone bond for a small sum of money. There was no mother in the family. She had been dead for years. Maudie was the only girl. Her age was twenty. The other remaining members of the family were Jack, a boy in his teens, who had gone to sea anù whose vessel had been unaccountably delayed, and two boys of nine and eleven, named Wallie ynd Willie. Wallie was just leaving school, but Willie was still a board school youngster. Maudie had always been the housekeeper, and since her father's illness the whole of the home burden had fallen on her young shoulders. Poor Mr. Mills's spells of activity vere con- fined to the short constitutionals which he oc- casionally took with the aid of his stout stick, and the impress of Death struck every one who gazed upon his pallid face. Maudie's career as a typist had begun a short time before her father's final breakdown. Her work was of necessity done at home, and was chiefly gained by advertising. The judicious placing of the advertisements was a -vork of deep concern to the little bread-winner, and how careful was tile process of weeding out each superfluous word from the announcement: "Typewriting neatly and expeditiously exe- cuted. Terms only 9d. per 1000 words. Please do give me a trial.—Miss Mills, Saltmead." Many who read the quaint advertisement doubtJèss smiled and made some careless joke, but, alas! to Maudie Mills the catching on of that advertisement meant rejoicing or ruin, hread- or beggary! And even when authors, who had come to realise how much better chance a typed MS. had of acceptance than a written copy, flooded her little table with half unde- cipherable MSS., it was not all profit! There was the hire of the typewriter to re met, stamps, paper, and envelopes cost a big trifle; and then, woe of woes! the remuneration for work done was at times not only delayed, but kept back altogether. But the "Densmore" stood between the little family and starvation, and, although the exchequer was often empty, all looked with a feeling akin to reverence at the friend whose sharp, clicking voice was the music of hope in their ears. Maudie was slight and dark, a sweet, graceful girl, with very pathetic eyes, full of depth and yearning. To-night, while she sat before the typewriter, the eyes looked full of unshed tears; she was trying to solve the difficult problem— How to Live! There was a light bounding step on the stair. The girl started when a sharp, but undersized boy tripped in. "Oh, Willie," cried Maudie, "just run to the post with this packet. You shall have your tea as soon as you return. Poor father is asleep, and perhaps he will waken shortly, and then we will all have tea together." She handed a packet of typed MS. to the boy, who took it with a smile. Another step was heard; this time another bov, rather older than the former, came in. He also was small and undersized. Maudie looked at him inquiringly and eagerly. "Did you get the place, Wallie?" she in- quired. Wallie looked at his sister with a reassuring glance. Yes, I got it," he replied. I'm to have 5s. a week, and I'm to go there next Wednesday, and I'm to have part of Wednesday off. It's cleaning the shop, and washing bottles, and carrying out medicine I'm to do." Good." cried Maudie, standing up and sur- veying her brother with an approving glance. "And," continued Wallie, in a rather lower tone, there's just one thing more—I'm to have a better jacket than this for carrying out the medicine with, as people expect to see a chemist and druggist's boy well dressed." Maudie's cheeks flamed. The thread, which had just before appeared to straighten itself, had suddenly developed a big knot. For Wallie had no better jacket than that one, and Maudie could not have provided a single half-crown to purchase one had you given her the whole world. Did you tell the gentleman that that was your best jacket, Wallie ? Yes, but he said, Oh, I can't he bothered with your jacket! All I tell you is, get a better one before you come on Wednesday, or I must give the place to some other boy.' She sat dumbfounded. At last she spoke, very ouietly We will see about the jacket by and bye. We will have tea now. I think poor father is awake." Mr. Mills was awake, and as Maudie scanned his pale face she saw, by a sad and heavy ex- pression of his quivering lips, that he had over- heard what Wallie had said. But the brave little girl was the sunbeam of the house. "How long you have slept, father! True, I tried not to awaken you. I deadened the type- writer till I could scarcely catch the sound of the click, click; and when I came in and looked at you you were sleeping so beautifully! A few more such sleeps and you will be quite well." The poor man shook his head doubtfully. Maudie brought his cup of tea, then, having arranged the lamps and left the boys in charge, she put 011 her hat and jacket and went out. Her head ached, her heart ached, her fingers ached, for she had been typing almost inces- santly all the day. The cool breeze of the Taff fanned her brow and she lingered on Canton Bridge and looked wistfully seaward. Where is Jack's ship," she asked herself. "Why is it delayed? Is there any fear that it is lost? When Jack comes home again there'll be sure to be a few pounds for us. Jack is such a good boy, he will bring me every penny. I know he will. Oh, dear, I wish I knew what to do! If I had only 5s. in hand I would not care Wallie then could have the jacket, and his 5s. a week would be a lordly :ønme to us. But I caiuiot earn the money, and I cannot bee I' it, and I don't know where to borrow I it, and I am not able to buy the jacket, and Wallie will lose the place all for want of a best jacket! The silvery Taff looked so smooth and inviting that Maudie lingered still on the bridge. She sighed. "People wonder why so many folks end their earthly troubles at such spots as this. I only wonder why more don't! But, at last, on she passed, looking sadly and absently at the battlements of the grand old castle, on through Duke-sreet, and up the North-road. Still on, till she reached a lone, secluded spot by the Cinlal side. A large quan- tity of slates were piled, and on these she sat down and remained looking gloomily at the water. Suddenly she ]aid her face on the cold slates and burst into a passionate flood of tears. A heavy, slouching step drew near, and then the sound of a horse's measured tramp. She looked up. A deformed young man was walking at the horse's head, and as he passed she noticed his extremely shabby coat. The sleeves were frayed and out at elbows. But Maudie was astonished to notice the sweet, contented expression of his pinched face, and to her great surprise she heard him softly hum- ming a few bars of one of Sankey's hymns. He needs a coat as much as I need one for Wallie. How foolish of me to fret my life away for a child's coat! I must trust in God, and the coat will come!" Maudie jumped up and walked briskly town- wards. And, passing a group of newsboys, with their wares under their arms, she overheard one remark: "Well, I hopes you will git a coat with yer Santa Claus' ticket, specially as ye have a weak chist. Ye ain't like me, neither sugar nor salt, and as happy wi'out a coat as wi'out a shirt. Good luck to yer 'Santa Claus,' says I." Another of the conscious blushes with which Maudie had received the first mention of Wallie's coat spread over her face, and she made a half stop in the street and said to her- self softly: "Why should I not do it? It may come this way after all! (To be continued.)

MEETING TO-DAY. A meeting of the ladies' committee appointed in connection with the "Santa Claus" movement will be held at the "Western Mail" offices this (Wednesday) afternoon at three o'clock. GIFTS OF FOOD. Mr. Griffiths, Royal Stores, The Hayes, box of oranges. Messrs. Stuhbings and Son, merchants, Custom House-street, nuts. Mr. Davies, Dairy Supply Company, 10, Blaen- clydach-street, Grangetown, 61b. Devonshire bntter. Mr. Hopkin. Morgan, Pontypridd, 1,0001b. cake. Messrs. Phillips, tea merchants, Queen-street, 501b. tea. Mr. Robert England, merchant, 700 orange3. Mr. E. Hawkins, fruit merchant, 13, Albany road, 700 oranges.' Mr. l'hillips, pork DutcDer, 156, Cowbridge- road, 7? pork pies. Mr. Stacey, grocer. Cowbridge-road, lcwt. sugar. Mr. Pyle, confectioner, 80, Tudor-road, 12 fruit cakes. Messrs. Morgan and lgiermatin, fruit mer- chants. Custom House-street, box of oranges. Messrs. Phelps and Co., fruiterers, St. Mary- street, barrel of apples. Messrs. Capper, tea merchants, High-street, lewt. of sugar. Mr. Hunt, confectioner, Newport-road, 281b. of fruit cake. Mrs Cotty, fruiterer. Castle-road, apples. Mr. Sirrell, confectioner, 114, Castle-road. Mrs. Pugh, confectioner, Castle-road, fruit cake. Mr. Lamerton, rork butcher, 236, Castle-road, 200 pork pies and 200 polonies. Mr. Batten, butcher. Albany-road, 300 poloniea. Mr. Tyler, Rotunda-buildings, !cwt. sugar. Mr. Allwood, grocer, Talbot-street, Icvrt. 4 sugar. Mr. Morris, merchant, New-street, box oranges. Mr. Baragwanath, merchant, New-street, basket apples. Mr. Richard England, West Dock, 700 oranges. Mr. Robert England, Radcliffe House, Llan- daff, barrel tpples. Messrs. J. and S. Sankey, Hope-street, 51b. tea. Mr. Grainger, pork butcher. Wood-street, 50 polonies. Mr. Heed, merchant, Hope-street, box oranges. Mr. Fry, pork merchant, Bridge-street. Mr. Guy, pork butcher, Salisbury-road, 100 sausage rolls. Devon and Somerset Dairy, Castle-road, six gallons milk. Mr. C. D. England, fruiterer, basket apples. Mrs. Godfrey, confectioner, Trinity-street lewt. cake. Mr. Johnson, confectioner, Tudor-road, icv.t. sweets. Mr. Batten, butcher, Bute-street, 300 polonies. Mr. Thorn, Peterston Dairy, Richards-terrace, six gallons of milk. Mr. Cude, confectioner, 244, Castle-road, Jcwt. cake. Cardiff Sterilised Milk and Produce Company, Castle-road, 10 gallons of milk. David Jones, proprietor. Mr. Owen, manager of the Cardiff Sterilised Milk and Produce Company, twelve bottles of sterilised milk. Mrs, Witchell, butcher, Clifton-street, piece corned Mrs. Pedrington, fruiterer, Clifton-street, apples. Mr. Todd, pork butcher, Clifton-street, pork pies. Mr. Pleydell, pork butcher, 18, Splott-road, brawn. Mr. Franks, wholesale confectioner, lewt. sweets. Mr. Docker, pork butcher, 27, Clifton-street. Mr. Cooper, fruit merchant, Hope-street, 50 oranges. Mr. Anderson, merchant, New-street, basket of apples. Mr. Morgan, grocer, King's-road, sugar. Mr Naish, confectioner, Castle-road, haif-hun- dredweiglit of sweets. Mr. Ward, pork butcher, 31, Bridge-street, 100 polonies. Mr. J. W Hall's noted bread, Grangetown Steam Bakery, 50 4-lb. loaves. Mr. Holliman, confectioner, Corporation-roAd, 100 mince pies. BAGS RECEIVED (ADDITIONAL). "Two Little Friends, Nellie and Francis, crr, Clare-road. 44, Angus-street. Mrs. G. G. Stevens, 27, Lochaber-street. E. A. Greig, 14, Montgomery-street. 21. Lochaber-street. "Harold and Flossie," 80, Claude-road. Mrs. Hellings, 9, Tullock-street. 74, Claude-road. "One Who Sympathises.' 13, Montgomery-street. Mrs. Williams, 66. Alfred-street. Mrs. J. G. Lane, 146. Donald-street. Mrs. Roberts, 3, Kincraig-street. 98. Donald-street. Mrs. Kirby, 4; Penywain-street. No address. Mrs. Mundell, 42, Angus-street. Miss Kitty Kenway, 20. Miskin-street. Mr. J. S. Williams, Taff-street, Pontypridd. Mrs. Jones, 54. Claude-road. 23. Glynrhondda-street. E. Pring, 48. Crwys-road. 49, Crwys-road. Dr. Bees, 27, Cathedral-road. Mrs. Lester Jones, "Energlyn," Cathedral-road. 22. Glynrhondda-street. 18, Llandough-street. "Gordon. Dorothy, and Nancy, 22, Rathin- gartiens. i t "Anonymous," parcel of jackets, &c. 55, Claude-road. Mrs. Willows, 2. Dumfries-place. 32. Cakfield-street. No address. Mrs. Fox. Cathedral-road. <. Maud and Harry Wiltshire. 17, Oakfield-street. Mrs. Albert Churchill, 20, Plasnewydd-place. Mrs. Salmond, 7, Windsor-place. Mrs. Borrows, 66. Oakfiekl-street. tO. Park-place. "E. M L. G." 23. Richards-terrace. Mrs. Milner, 7. St. Andrew's-crescent. 3. Keppoch-street. 6. Park-place. 22. Edward-terrace. Mrs. Godfree. 8, Edward-terrace. Mrs. Walford. 12. Park-grove. Misses B. and S. Jones, at 4, St. Andrew's- place 11. Pembroke-terrace. 24, Park-place Mrs. Thompson 71. Richards-terrace. 5, Edward-terrace. 20, Pembroke-terrace. Mrs. Kelly, 73. Glenroy-street. 17. Wordsworth-avenue. Mrs. Mules. 73. Partridge-road. Mrs. J. TregarthlJn Short, 7, Wordsworth- aver- ue. 23. Dumfries-place. 20, Partridge-road. Mrs. Horder, 10. Windsor-place. No address. No address. VALUABLE PRIZES FOR COLLECTORS. know very well that that army of young ladies who have so willingly come to our assis- tance wish for no other reward than the know- ledge that they have helped to give two thousand waifs and strays a joyous Christmas. Still, it is only fair that their efforts should meet with some "slight recognition, and we are, therefore, pleased to announce that, thanks to the kind- ness of several friends, we are enabled to offer a number of valuable prizes. These will in- clude — A SEAT IN THE THEATRE ROYAL (dress circle) for six months from January 1 to June 30, 1898, given by Mr. Edward Fletcher. A HANDSOME ELECTRO-PLATE SALVER, given by Mr. Phil. Phillips, of "toothache cure" fame. A CHARMING BROOCH, set with rubies and diamonds, given by Mr. Blaiberg, of Blaiberg's Arcade. A H AT, valued one guinea, given by Madame Marguerite, of Queen-street. A JACKET, valued one guinea, ven by Mr. T G. Walters, of Queen-street. A DRAWING, given by Mr. J. R. Lloyd- Hughes, one of the "Western Mail' artists. HANDSOME SILVER WATCH, value 28s. 6d., given by Mr. John H. S. Elliott, of the Waterbury Watch Stores, Royal Arcade, Cardiff. SUBSCRIPTION LIST. £ s. d. Alreadv acknowledged 159 17 2 WEDNESDAY'S SUBSCRIPTIONS. £ s. d. Alreadv acknowledged 159 17 2 WEDNESDAY'S SUBSCRIPTIONS. 56, Catbedral-road 0 10 23. De Bursrh-street 0 10 Western Mail Bowl, December 7 0 0 61 Total £ 159 19 3*

An Obstinate Elephant. 0 REFUSED TO TAKE A RIVER VOYAGE. For He Thought His Weight Would be- Too Much for the Strength of the Gangway, SPEC/ALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A scene of considerab'e amusement, as well as excitement, occurred at the Liverpool landing stage on Monday afternoon. It had been arranged to take an elephant across the river in the Wood- side luggage-boat to join Poole's Exhibition on the Birkenhead side. The huge quadruped was in charge of its kindly keeper, and got down the floating bridge safely enough. It also crossed the landing-stage without objection, but when it got to the gangway it suddenly "funked. It felt the apparatus with its trunk, and did not seem to like it. It was urged and coaxed to move on, but it suddenly turned its tail to the boat and refused to budge. The keeper gave it something to eat, and tickled its ears in a nioe way, but all the blandishments were thrown away. A lady came forward with some biscuits, and the elephant consumed these very leisurely. When it finished them it quietly kept wagging its trunk around for some more contributions. The keeper tried to biing the elephantine liiind to its sense of duty, but the animal point- blank refused to have ar.ything to do with the gangway, and walked off in another diraction, followed by a large crowd. A stick was applied, but the elephant did not heed the application, and moved up towards the goods booking-office. The boat whistled and the offi- cials shouted, but the tlephant had made up its own mini about the situation, and remained vrfnere it was. The ferryboat had to steam off without it. When the next boat came along- side a determined effort was made to shift the mammoth beast, but lie refused to go on board as before. He was moved backwards so as not to see the gangway, but when he got to it he turned round to it with his head, and made off again, scattering the crowd like chaff. Ulti- mately a block Vd tackle and some chains were procured and the animal's foreleg secured, but he moved off, carrying with him block, tackle, and chaim as if they had been so much gossa- mer web. About sixteen men and boys were at this time engaged on the block and tackle and chains, but they fled affrighted when the ele- phant tried his strength against them. A chain was finally passed round one of the forelegs of the beast, and he was dragged up the gangway, bellowing loudly as if he were in great pain. He was forced by superior strength and the awk- wardness of his position to get to the gangway, but his objection even then was so great that with a loud roar he flung himself down bodily upon the stage, and stopped there. As he rose his forefoot was caught and placed on the gang- way. The moment he touched it his decision was taken, for, finding it ab'e to bear his weight, he walked up quite docilely, and after a little "sawing" of his head he settled quietly down en route for the "city of the future."

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY, INTERESTING PAPEB ON KOLA, A meeting of the Royal Botanic Society was held on Saturday last at the Society's Gardens, Regent's Park. A parer was read upon "Kola," respecting which the "Times" reported; People were enabled to endure prolonged labour and exertion without fatigue. It was estimated that kola paste is five times more sustaining than cocoa; it contained over 2 per I cent, of pure caifein, and, compared with tea, coffee, and cocoa, the kola preparations were far more nutritious, and did not create bilious- ness, as did cocoa and coifee, nor nervous ex- citability, as in the case of tea, so that the problem of 'What may we drink?' might pro- bably be solved." The "Daily Telegraph," in the "London Day by Day" column, said —"Mr. Thomas Clnisty, F.L.S., estimates kola paste as being five times more sustaining than cocoa, and states that it contains over 2 per cent. of pure cafTein. It neither creates biliousness nor sets up nervous excitability, qualities which seem to proclaim its utility as an aid to the breakfast table. Specimens of the fruit and seeds, from the Society's imistum, and a large growing plant were exhibited at the meeting. Dr. R. Boxall was in the chair, and a good muster of members included Lord Suffield, Lord John Cecil, and Colonel A. E. Ray." The encomiums passed upon Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa (prepared from cocoa, kola, malt, and hops) in so unanimous a manner are very gratifying to th3 proprietors, who have placed on the market a cheap and palatable article of diet at the command of millions of persons representing all classes from the highest to the lowest. They have hit the popular taste, and have succeeded in annihilating much of the discomfort and .suf- fering which the lack of a thoroughly efficient food beveragie has brought upon common humanity. The test of its value is the experience of those who use it constantly., and this evidently goes to show that it possesses in a concentrated form those nourishing and refreshing properties which bring solace, comfort, and strength to the tired, horny-handed toiler and the wearied brain- worker. It stimulates in the languor induced by summer hr: at. and vivifies the body and sets it all in a glow when starved with winter co'd. It restores bodily vigour in whatever way jaded- ness or fatigue is brought about, and at the same time raises drooping spirits, and thus pro- motes the happiness of the people generally. As the "Lancet" says, Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa is "In the front rank of really valuable foods." Qualities such as these place it in a position of great superiority over other food beverages, cocoas, and cocoa essences, and Dr. 'iihbles' Vi-Cocoa has undoubtedly the merit of having become pre-eminent as an article of diet. Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa, 6d., 9d., and Is. 6d. As a test of its merit, a dainty sample tin of Dr. •nooies Vi-Cocoa will be sent free on applica- tion to any address if when writing (a post-card will do) the render will name the "Evening Express." Address: Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa (Limited), 60, 61, and 62, Bunhill-row. London, E.C. E6224S.

TO DARKEN GREY HAIR.—Lockyer's Sul- phur Hair Restorer is the quickest, best. safest, costs less, effects more than any other. The colour produced is the most natural. Lockyer's Sulphur is the only English Hair Restorer. Universally Relied on. e-2 Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters is the Best Remedy of the Age for Weakness, Nervousness, Indigestion, Low Spir.ts, Sleeplessness, and Chest. Affections. Sold in bottles, 2s. 9d. and Is. 6d. each. Avoid imitations. ø4919-t

A CHOICE OF TWO EVILS. SPECIALLY 8ET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Here is the latest story of Mr. Gladstone. The right hon. gentleman being asked on the eve or his departure for France whether he did not think his continuous reading and literary study might have had some undesirable effect on his nerves, and given rise to his neuralgia. My dear sir," replied Mr. Gladstone, in a tone whole seriousness was not stimulated, can you imagine what would be the condition of my nerves it I were compelled to do nothing?"

Glamorganshire Assizes. CONCLUDING DAY OF A RECORD SITTING. SPECIALLY SET FOR Hit EVENING EXPflESS. (Before Mr. Justice Grantham.) The civil business of the Glamorganshire Assizer was resumed on Wednesday at the Town- hall, Carftiff. His lordship took his seat on tli3 bench at 10.30. SETTLEMENT. William Morgan v. Dan Stephen Thomas.— This was an action from Pentre, iii the Rhondda. Valley, in which plain iff, who a builder, claimed from defendant, -.f "The Bazaar," Pen- tre, commission for assessing damage done by fire, and also made a further claim for work done and material supplied. Mr. B. Francis Wil- ] lianis, Q.C., and Mr. Arthur Lewis (instructed i by Mr. D. W. Jones, Pentre) appeared for plain- tiff; and Mr. S. T. Evans, M.P., and Mr. S. Hill j Kelly (instructed by Mr. W. R. Davies, Ponty- pridd) for defendant.—Mr. B. Francis Williams 1 explained to his lordship that the parties were on ( friendly terms before the action was brought. j They had now put themselves in the hands of counsel, \vho had arranged the matter on terms which were mutually satisfactory. Twenty-five s pounds had been paid into court by defendant, and the other side consented to defendant taking the money out of court.-This was to have been a special j:.ry case, and the Judge, in dismissing the jurors, said he was sorry for them in one sense and glad in another. No doubt freedom from the trammels of the court would far more than compensate them for loss of remuneration. His Lordship, in dismissing the jury, thanked them for their services, and wished them "A happy Christmas," and, to judge from their alacrity in leaving, they were not at all sorry to be relieved. COLLIERY DISPUTE. Walter Francis Beil v. Thomas Picton Jones. -Plalutiff, an engineer, of Merthyr Vale, claimed £ 80 6s. Id., balance of account on the sale and purchase of the leasehold interest in the Cefn Glas Colliery fiom defendant, who has an office at Pembioke-chambers, Newport. Mr. C. M. Bailhache (inducted, by Messrs. Ingledew and Sons, Cardiff) appeared for plaintiff, as liquidator of the Cefn Merthyr Colliery Company (Limi- ted), and jWr. S. T. Evans, M.P. (instructed by Messrs. Hanam Clarke and Co., Gloucester) ap- peared for defendant, a Newport colliery pro- prietor. Counsel for plaintiff said this, so far as liis ( client was concerned, was a very simple action. It was for balance of account 1 due in respect of the purchase money on certain dead rents and various things of that sort in connection with a colliery held by plaintiff as liquidator of the Cefn Mer- thyr Colliery Company to the defendant Jones. 1 The action was somewhat complicated, from the < fact that defendant said the agreement upon which action was taken did not. correctly express the true agreement between the parties, and, therefore, should be rectified, so as to make it in accordance with what he (defendant) described as the true agreement. To substantiate this, he, of course, had to make out that the alleged mistake was a mutual mistake, otherwise he could not get rectification. Defendant set out that if the agreement was rectified, as he suggested, plaintiff was not entitled to the money until some future date, and was now suing prematurely. If defendant was wrong in his contention, there was really no dispute between them except as to a small sum of JS12 10s. Plaintiff sued under an agreement dated the 17th of October, 1893. The scheme of the agreement was the sale of the leasehold interest in the colliery for £4,500, tho terms being payment of a lump sum down and periodical payments, extending over a long period; £ 900 was handed over in cash, leaving £ 3,600 to be paid periodically. The leasehold included a quantity of colliery plant, rails, &c., and, in addition, a number of wagons.-After a good deal of argument, and investigation of accounts as between the parties, Mr. S. T. Evans said the case for defendant was that there was only one agreement, reduced into writing on the 9th of September, 1893, which was never altered subsequently, and that the terms of the second agreement should agree with those of the first. There were no witnesses, and in the end his Lordship gava judgment.. for plaintiff on the claim for £ 42 16s. Id., and also for plaintiff on the counter-claim for rectification of the agree- ment. Plaintiff was awarded costs on the higher scale. this terminated the business of the assizes, which has occupied twenty days altogether.

"SAINTS AND SINNERS." MISS ELAINE VERNER AT "YRIII FLETCHER." SPECIALLY SET FOX .rl,- tVENING EXPRESS. The lady he-ding the company now playing at the Grand Theatre, Cardiff, is one of the old Lyceum company. Under Sir Henry Irving sii2 played when a girl as "Rosalind" in "As You 'ice ft." T,ate:" she acted in Sbaks- pearean plays under Barry Sullivs^n, in whose companies she took the character of "Ophelia" and other leading parts, and eventually forsook the classics for melodrama. For same time she was under Sir Augustus Harris, and next went 011 tour. In "The Silver King" cmpany she played at Cardiff. After her marriage to Mr. Hardin? Thomas she took the drama £ 1,000 Reward" en tour, and after a run of several years made arrangements with Mr. Henry a>' hur uiide'- which she took the touring rights of "Saints and Sinners." The initial per- formances of the four took placp in July, and fch. Shakspeare Theatre, Liverpool, gave the tonr a jYor¡d send-off. Miss Verner intends taking a rather unusual course, as she has booked engagements right through the panto- mi se-3M»< and woM on into the spring. Miss VeT :r "holds views" upon the state of theatrical. matters as they are at present. She beiitves chat*, although light musical comedies and so-called, problem plays, have been fasbion- able for some time, true drama will hold its own. There are sitrns that the public are tiring of the classes of plays referred to, and that they will return to the old drama. True, the preference is, and may continue to be, for drama of the "blood and thunder class," but the h°avy business will maintain itself against the lighter works on the stage.

HON OIJR FOR A CARDIFF COACHBLTILDER, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Mr. John Norman, coaehbuilder, of Canton, has been elected a member of the Institute of British Carriage Manufacturers-the first and only member in the whole of Wales.

OUR FOOTBALL COMPETITION AWARD OF PRIZES IN LAST WEEK'S CONTEST. THOUGH THE S25 IS STILL UNWON, THE BEST COUPON WAS NOT FAR OFF PERFECTION. The Names of Those Who Have Previously Figured in the List of Winners Again Appear, Showing that Skill is a Greater Factor Towards Success than Luck. Our Football Competition grows more int^ est- ing jach week, and the skill with which some of the competitors forecast the results is remark- able. Several of those whose names appear below have won prizes either last week or the previous week, whilst one competitor tins won two prizes in this week's competition. Consider- ing the number of coupons received, v^ry few placed all the winning teams or the draws cor- rectly. Of course, the majority did not expect Llwynypia to be defeated by Neath, or lonty- pridd by Treherbert, and many thought Aber- avon would gain a victory over Bridgend and Morriston over Penarth. Very few coupons were out in the Barry v. Penygraig result. That it resolves itself into a question of skill is evident, or so many of our competitors would nrt i e able to figure so often in the prize-list. The best coupon sent in bore three absolutely correct scores, and was very close on the other two. No one, therefore, wins the JE25 prize, and we have awarded the Consolation Prize cf Oiie guinea to Mr. TREVOR BENSON, Glenview House, Cwmcarn. The supplementary prizes have been awarded as follows: 1.—Mrs. Glk;BY, 20. Glenroy-street, Cardiff, Evening Express Cartoon, by Mr. J. M. Staniforth, framed and mounted by Mr. Freke, Duke-street, Cardiff. 2.—Mr. W. LLOYD, 21, Prince Leopold-street, Cardiff, 3)bs. of tea, given by Phillips and Co., Queen-street, Cardiff. 3.—Mr. BERT HARRIS. Duffryn Village, St. Nicholas, mar Cardiff, a football, given by Mr. Septimus Chambers, Castle-street, Cardiff. 4.-Mr. 1. H. BAKER, 112, Llandaff-road, Canton, gentleman's hat, given by the South Wales Clothiers. Working-street, Cardiff. 5.—Mr. BERT HARRIS, Duffryn Village, St. Nicholas, near Cardiff, Shakspeare's Works, cloth bound, gold lettered. 6.—Mr. MATTHEW JONES, Maldwyr. House, Merthyr Vale, Shakspeare's Works, c'otb bound, gold lettered. 7.—Mr. A. A. SANDERS, M.m<t House, Aber- kenfig, Shakspeare's Works, cloth bcund, I gold lettered. 8.-Mi.ss B. PERRY. Aberiire Hall, Cardiff. Shakspeare's Works, ci-'ilh bound, geld earp lettered. 9.—Mr. HENRY EVANS, 4, Cilheai, Llaneiiv, Shakspeare's Works, cloth bound, geld lettered. 10.—Mr. H. BENNETT, 19, Prince Leopold- street, Cardiff, Shakspeare's Works, cloth- bound, gold-lettered. 11.—Mr. JAMES BROWN, 2, Blandy-terrace, Nantymoel, "Western Mail" Music Folio. 12 Mr. T. E. DREW, 20, The Hayes, Cardiff, "Western Mail" Music Folio. 13—Mr. M. HUNTLEY, Rockleigh, Corpora- tion-road, Newport, "Western Mail" Music Folio. 14. —Mr. DAVID BAYLISS, Brvnsethin, near Bridgend, "Western Mail" Music Folio. 15.—Mr. HENRY SMITH, 19, Llanelly-street, Cardiff, "Western Mail" Music Folio. 16.—Mr. W. J. REYNOLDS. 59, Dorset-street, Cardiff, "Western Mail" Music Folio. 17.—Mr. E. CHADDOCK, 26, Gloucester-street, Cardiff, two tickets for Theatre Royal, Car- diff, orchestra stalls. 18.—Mr. J. JOHN, 117, Inverness-place," Car- diff, two dress circle tickets for the Grand Theatre, Cardiff.

International Football, ARE THE BOARD SPOOFING WALESp W-eJJsh Rug-by Union Had the Act of Trumps and Refused to Play It, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. With the date of our first international gamd only a month distant South Wales sportsmen are beginning to wonder how negotiations between Wales and the international Board are pro- gressing. There have been sundry mysterious Letters from the board and equally mysterious inswers from the Welsh Rugby Union committee. The public, by the way, are being kept severely in the dark. To some extent they have a right :.0 know what is going on. It is their money that is being spent in football matters, and their interest is, no doubt, as keen and true as that of rhe Welsh committee. There is no reason, so fat is I can see, for all this hole and corner business that is going o:o unless the Welsh committee wish to spoof the Welsh public in the same way as England and the other countries are spoofing them. And, mark you, I do honestly believe the Inter- national Board are spoofing our committee, inas- much as they have absolutely no idea. of playing in- ternational matches this season. Of course, I may be wrong—I sincerely hope so—but I don't think I am. England have known the strength of our hand this long time past. We had them in a corner at the beginning of the year on the ques- tion of fixtures. We fairly had the ace of trumps in our hand. But the committee were what they termed cautious; what I should designate as funk. They must have known what a powerful lever they had at hand with the West of England and Midland clubs. Supposing all English fixtures had been can- jelled, what would have been the result? One af two things, I do assure you. Either this natter would have been settled months ago, or there would have been such a deuce of a row it a special general meeting of the English Rugby Union as would probably have caused the whole of the West of England clubs, and many of the Midland ones, to secede and leave the English Rugby Union—an important body in name only, and with practically only the univer- sities and the London clubs to govern. As it is, the opportunity has been missed. Thf Welsh Committee may cancel fixtures even now, but in so doing they are not likely to receive a large amount of sympathy from the public at large, whilst the Welsh pullic, remembering the undoubted manner in which their governing body have allowed themselves to be spoofed and the objection that committee seem to hold to give their constituents 3DY ac- count of what is going on, may not only with- hold their sympathy, but, further, in the future, refuse their confidence to the present governing body. On Wednesday I received a wire to say that Jenkins and Weeks had managed to break the world's tandem record on the Crystal Palace track, London, by two-fifths of a second. Parti- culars have not yet come to hand, so I must defer lengthy comment upon the event. I may say, however, that I am by no means surprised at the pair's success. I was present on the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, a week or two back, when the pair set up a world's record. I con- tended then that, if they were able to put up a. world's record on such a bad track as the Sophia Gardens, they were certainly able to shift one or two existing records when they got on such a fine track as that at the Crystal Palace. I must congratulate Jenkins and Weeks upon their per- formance. It is quite refreshing to see Choppy Warburtoi on the path once more. On Wednesday morninj he issued the following challenge:—"Choppj Warburton will match an Unknown to concede any man in the world 15 yards start in one mile, with or without pace-makers; or, with equal pacing, a match can be mad3 for from one u9, to six hours' duration. Nobody barred. War- burton also will match a lady cyclist to concede any ether lady cyclist 15 yards start in one mile, or a lap start will be given in a one hour's race; or a match can be made from two hours up to six hours, level. Nobody barred. Each race to be for £50. Races to be decided in France or America (give or take expenses). Bravo Choppy I The December number of "Bailey's Magazine," in addition to their usual rare fund of articles c a sports and pastimes, contains a fine engraving of Evan Williams, huntsman to the Llangibby Hounds, together with a brightly-written biography. It is pointed out that the popular veteran entered the service of Mr. John Law* rence, master of the Llangibby, when Williams was eighteen years of age—June, 1847—and is now close on 70 years of age. "Long practice and experience," says "Bailey's," "have made Evan Williams quite au fait at hunting the good, stout", foxes in the Llangibby country, and he has been uniformly successful in showing good sport to those who came out with Mr. Lawrence's hounds." Mr. J. G. Morgan, the energetic secretary of. the Treforest Cycling Club, was presented with a beautiful gold watch by the members on Thurs- day night last. When Mr. Morgan took over the secretarial duties five years ago the club only con- sisted .of eight members. It has now a member- ship of 63. A meeting of the junior clubs affiliated with the "Glamorgan Times" Football League was held this week, and it was decided to play a match on Boxing Day at the Belle Yue Grounds, Penygraig. It was decided to pick the teams to oppose one another from the Pontypridd and Merthyr Valleys and the Rhondda Valley. The following are the teams selected:—Pont- ypridd and Merthyr Valleys team: Back, Llew Morgan (Pontypridd); threet-quarter backs, John- son (Abercynon), D. Collins (Merthyr Vale), G. Jones (Pontypridd), and J. Williams (Merthyr Vale); half-backs, D. L. Davies (Pontypridd), and A. W. Jones (Merthyr Vale); forwards, Osman Whitehead and Caple (Pontypridd), Williams, Batram, and Jones (Abercynon), B. Davies and J. James (Merthyr Vale). Rhondda Valleys team: Back, M. L. James (Treorky); three- quarter backs, Evans (Mardy), W. D. Evans (Treorky), A. Lewis (Penygraig), and Ambury (Treherbert): half-backs, T. White (Treorky) and D. Williams (Penygraig); forwards, J. Davies and Williams (Penygraig), T. John and W. J. Williams (Treorky), A. Marfell and C. Smith (Mardy), and Paul and T. Harries (Tretier- bert). Kick-off at 11.45 a.m. sharp. Mr. Ack Llewellyn, W.F.U., holds the post of warrant officer under the Pontypridd Board of Guardians, and on Friday morning appeared as prosecutor against Joe Hoskius, the ex- Mountain Ash centre, aud who now plays wing three-quarter for Salford. Some time ago Mr. Llewellyn summoned Hoskins for the non-main- tenance of his mother. The magistrates at that time ordered the "professional footballer" to pay 2s. a week. and as he did not do so Mr. Llewelyn summoned him again for not complying with the order. When the case was called on Mr. Llewellyn informed the magistrates that he had received 16s.—the amount owed—from Hoskins j hat morning. A perusal of the list of cricket fixtures entered into at Lord's on Tuesday fails to disclose a. single county engagement down to the name of Glamorganshire. And yet Mr. J. H. Brain was present-was, in fact, chairman at the meeting of minor counties. From the short comment that appears in the "Sportsman," it appears that the scheme for the second-rate county competition has not even yet been decided upon. To-day I believe the matter is under discussion again, awl. probably, when some sort of settlement is arrived at, fixtures fer Glamorg3.nshire, etc., will he entered upon. It is certain, however, that Mr. Brain, as in years past, will do his best, s,nd it is to be hoped that the public in the district will give him greater assistance in the way of aubt scriptions than they have hitherto done. WELSH ATHLETE.