Evening Express

LUNATIC OR ANARCHIST. A Central News telegram from Madrid on Wednesday says -An Englishman, whose deten- tion it is said had been requested by the English 81..thorÍlie3, jumped from a railway train near Robledo Station, in the province of Madrid, a few d'-iys ago. and walked to Robledo. He was there detained on suspicion, and while in prison attempted to commit suicide, inflicting on himself several woL nds. He was taken to the infirmary, where he quickly recovered, but on being again placed in prison he again attempted suicide. He has to be most carefully guarded. A sum of £ 25 in gold was found in his possession, and he has askect that this may be sent to his wife and six children. It is supposed in some quarters that the man is an Anarchist, and in others that he is simply a lunatic. The man supposed to be an Englishman has been identified as an Italian, named Luigi Par- siagiami.

ITALIAN MINISTERIAL CRISIS; A Genual Xcv/s telegram from Rome on Wednesday says--The Marquis de Rudini has not yet completed the re-construction of his Cabinet. No serious doubt, however, is enter- tained that he will do so; inaeed, the general feeling is that the resignation of General Pel- loux was in reality tendered to enable the Premier to compass this aim, the adverse vote in the chair merely furnishing an opportunity which had for some weeks been sought to end the dissensions within the Cabinet by precipat- ing a crisis.

THE Dltlt YFI N AFFAIR. A Central News telegram from Paris on Wed- nesday says:—The newspapers this morning generally speak in severe terms of the part played by M. Scheurer Kestners in the Dreyfus affair. He is reproached with having brought forward no proof and no good argument to the situation, which now remains as before Mr. Schet,rer Kestner's speech.

THE UGANDA FORCES. Reuter's Agency learns that the 27th Bombay Infantry, now on its way from India to East Africa, is intended for service on the coast at Mombasa, to take the place of local troops tem- porarily detached for service in Uganda. The troops will at the same time be ready to proceed into the interior should circumstances require. The force of 150 Sikhs, under Captain Barrett end Lieutenant Scot, which left Mombasa on the receipt of the news of the Soudanese revolt, will go direct to Kampula, where it will remain pending the reorganisation of the Protectorate forces. A scheme for the re-organisation of Uganda garrisons is now under the consideration of the authorities, as also the question of an cffieicnl transport, on which, in case of a country like Uganda, nearly 700 miles from its base, so much depends. No further news from the Pro- tectorate has been received by the Government, and the absence of information leads to the belief that order has been restored. The eCoin- missioners only awaits the definite settlement of certain questions before leaving for his post.

ENGINBEBS' DISPUTE. LITTLE HOPE OF A SETTLEMENT THIS YE; Ait. A Central News telegram says that the feel- ing among the masters in the North is that the engineering dispute will certainly not be settled this year, and it is doubtful if the men will have returned to work before the end of January. In many !arge works the masters are gradually overcoming the difficulties in which they are placed by the strikers, as skilled labourers are being trained to do the work of engineers in attending machines. The employ- ment of non-Union men also has, it is stated, proved a great factor on the masters' side, and many works are producing full time without the slightest hitch in their working. At the great Eiswick works, at Newcastle, four out jf every five machines are kept running full iime, and the only inconvenience felt here has been the technical work of fitting engines oil beard ships.

SHOT THROUGH THE HEAD, The Central News says: —The body of a gentleman shot through the head was on Tues- day found in a ditch at Hayes, near Beckenham. He had a pistol in one hand and a copy of Fri- day's "Daily Mail" in the other. On Wednes- day .e was identified as Mr. Powis, the son of a missionary. He had been missing since last Friday.

A SOUTH-WESTERLY GALE. The Press Association Dover correspondent telegraphs: —A s0uth-westerly gale of great severit prevailed in the English Channel throughout Tuesday night, and the tide rose to an unusual height. A quantity of wreckage has been washed ashore between Dover and Saudgate, and the early Ostend steamer, which reached here three hours late, was washed from stem to stern by heavy seas. She reports having passed a ship's cap- sized lifeboat. DAMAGE AT CARDIFF. The south-westerly gale which blew with hurri- cane force from Tuesday afternoon until an early hour on Wednesday morning has done consider- able damage at Cardiff. A heavy plate-glass window in Tudor-road tas blown in by a sudden squall, and about the same time a bedroom win- dow in Wells-street, Canton, met with a similar fate. In the suburbs of Roalh and Canton the roofs of residential property received consider- able damage, slates, chimney stacks, and exposed projections having been blown down in Sfll directions. Trees and shrubs in private gardens have also been destroyed.

MISSING GLASGOW STEAMER ONE OF THE CREW FOUND DROWNED, An inquest was held on Tuesday night at Hunstanton on the body of a seaman picked up by a Grimsby smack. The deceased was iden- tified as William Willcox, cook, of the missing Glasgow steamer Bordeaux. When found there was a lifebelt strapped round the body, and a boat was floating bottom upwards close by. The Bordeaux was bound from London to Methil, and there can be no doubt she was lost in the gale. There were twelve men on board.

NAKED IN THE STREETS, EXTRAORDINARY CONDUCT OF A RELIGIOUS MANIAC. The Central News Richmond correspondent telegraplis that at midnight on Tuesday an extraordinary scene occurred in Kew-road, Rich- mond A young woman, naked, was seen run- ning along the pavement towards Kew in the pouring rain. The police chased her, and after a run for some distance she was conveyed to the police-station, where it was ascertained that she had been a local schoolmistress, and was suffer- ing from religious mania. Her clothes were found at various places along the road where she had flung them.

FROM EAR TO EA:t TRAGIC SUICIDE ON THE EVE OF M A. it'it I AGE The Central News says:—On Wednesday morning, about half-past five, a young man, named Frederick Jess, of 141, Riversdale-road, Highbury, attempted suicide by cutting his throat from ear to ear in the road in front of his father's house. He was taken to the Great Northern Hospital, and it is stated- there that there are no hopes of his recovery. The father states that his son's wedding was fixed far Chri&tmas.

ALLEGED ASSAULT IN A TRAIN. At Dover on Wednesday Henry George Hac- kett, of Folkestone, was charged with assault- ing Ellen Jordan whilst travelling on the South- Eastern Railway between Dover and Folkestone about a fortnight since.—Prosecutor said she had a desperate straggle with the prisoner, who is, apparently, a working man, of about 24 years of age, and that he threatened to kill her if she resisted his attempts to assault her. By a great effort, however, she wrenched one hand free, and pulled the communication. On the train slackening speed the man jumped out, and, not- withstanding the fact that the guard made a careful search for him, he succeeded in making good his escape.—Accused intimated his readi- ness to plead guilty to common assault, but denied the more serious charge.—The case was was adjourned until Monday for the attendance of the guard, and to enable the railway com- pany to prosecute.

DESTROYED BY EIRE. The Central News BEckhenham correspondent telegraphs: —At Chisiehurst on Wednesday morning, the mansion occupied by Major Ellers was destroyed by fire. The damage is estimated at upwards of £5,000. One of the servants, in jumping from an upper storey window, sus- tained serious injuries, and was taken to the hospital.

THE COTTON TRADE. The Press Association Manchester correspon- dent telegraphs that the collapse of the move- ment for a reduction of wages throughout the cotton trade has been received with a feeling of relief in Lancashire. If it had been proceeded with a prolonged stoppage of work was inevit- able, as e operatives had decided by an im- mense majority that they would not give their consent. The end of the dispute has been brought about by differences of opinion among the employers. Since the agitation first began in September changes in the market have been considerable. Some branches of the trade are now working at a fair profit, and it is the action of these branches who do not want a stoppage, which has caused the withdrawal of the notices. The negotiations all through have been conducted strictly in accordance with the terms of the Brooklands agreeement.

THE NILE TERRITORY. The "St. James's Gazette" says:—We are informed on unquestionable authority that the Government does not expect any troub'e with France as regards the upper regions of the Nile,. The territory in dispute is considered to be in itself worthless, but any power in possession of it could divert the course of the Nile and render Egypt waste. This France knows, and our information is that the Govern- ment of the Republic accepts the situation.

CARDIFF POLICE FORCE. WATCH COMMITTEE CONSIDER A PECULIAR CASE, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. At a meeting of the Cardiff Watch Committee, Held at the Town-hall on Wednesday morning, under the presidency of Alderman D. Jones, it was decided that the mayor should be the chairman of the committee during the ensuing year.—Mr. S. Mildon was unanimously elected depnty-chairman.—It was decided to hold a special meeting on Saturday to consider the application of the chief-constable for an increase of salary.-Mr. McKenzie reported that Inspector Damm and Police-constables Tomlinson and Stagg had been reported by the police-surgeon as unfit for duty. Inspector Damm had seryed faithfully for 24 years, and was entitled to a superannuation allowance of £1 13s. 4d. per week. Police-constable Tomliuson had served seventeen years, and was entitled to a pensjon of jE26 10s. 5d. per annum. Police-constable Stagg had only served 4J years, and was not entitled to an annual allowance. The com- mittee could, however, grant him a gratuity ol JE21 125.. which he (Mr. McKenzie) recommended should be done.—In the two first cases the re. commendations were agreed to, but in the case of Stagg it was decided that the police-surgeon should make a special examination of the man to see whether he was still unfit for duty.—The officer appeared before the committee, and stated that he had not been medically examined since his last illness in June. On that occasion he told Dr. Wallace that his services were not required. and he alleged that the doctor stated he had a good mind to throw a bucket of water over him. He asked for an advance in his wages on the 7th of November, and it waa re- fused because he had been reported for not finding a door open. He expressed a desire to see the committee, and it was now that he was certified a,s unfit for duty.—'l'he Head-constable stated that Dr. Wallace had spoken to him several times about the m,an. He suffered from severe colic, and on such occasions had had to be carried to the police-station or home. He was a young man, however, a.nd he (Mr. McKenzie) wished to give him a further trial. Dr. Wallace had told him the responsibility rested with him, and he had now reported the matter to the committee.—The other business waa of a routine character. INTERVIEW WITH DR. WALLACE. In conversation with a "Western Mail" re- I porter on Wednesday afternoon. Dr. Wallace emphatically denied that he had ever threatened to throw a bucket of water over the constable (as reported above), or, as the doctor put it, "over anyone else for that matter."

-< The Dead Forgiven. EXTRAORDINARY APPLICA- TION AT CARDIFF POLICE- COURT. A Woman Seeks Assistance in Ob. taining the Body of Her Faith. less Husband, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. An application was made to Mr. T. W. Lewis (stipendiary) in Cardiff First Police-court on Wed- nesday by Mrs. Morgan, 96, Great Frederick- street, who asked for permisison to remove body of her husband, an employe of the Cardiff Railway Company, from a house in Ninian-road, at which he had lived for a considerable time with a woman who had formerly been a servant in her husband's employ.—Applicant stated that, although her husband had lived away from her, he had paid the sum of 25s. per week for her maintenance. She now wished to be allowed to bury her husband. She had gone to the house where he had lived, but was refused admission.—The Stipendiary directd the police to render the applicant any assistance they could.

CARDIFF COUNTY-COURT. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. His Honour Judge Owen opened his court on Wednesday. COUNTER- CLAIMS. Henry Davies, builder, v. Meredith Lawrence, surveyor.—Claim £26 11s. Id., and there was a counter-claim of £16 4s. Mr. Sankey defended. -Davies, a builder, of Cardiff, claimed from defendant for work done, material supplied, and time of self and workmen. He alleged that defendant was building a house at Uadyr, and engaged him to do some of the work and also to overlook some of the workmen employed there.—The defendant alleged that he had done work for plaintiff, and they agreed to set one thing against the other. He now claimed £16 4s. for plans drawn for defendant.—In answer to Davies he admitted that the "plans" were only tracings.—In answer to the counter-claim Davies alleged that when the tracings were applied Lawrence was employed at the Taff Vale office, and he paid JEl each for them. He took no leceipt because the transaction was regarded as a perquisite, but entered each payment in his books (which he produced). Lawrence admitted that one of the tracings produced, of Merthyr yard, was the one for which he had charged £5 5s.—His Honour gave judgment for Davies for the amount claimed, and also for Davies on the counter-claim, with costs. HIRE PURCHASE. Fieldings (Limited), trading as the Atlas Fur- nishing Company, Cardiff, v. Haddinot.—Claim, £40. Mr. Sankey (instructed by Mr. Lewis Mor- gan) appeared for plaintiff; Mr. J. H. Jones defended.—A man named Isaac Green, of Barry, had obtained furniture from the plaintiff com- pany and fell into arrear with his payments. When the company sent down to take the goods they found that a Mr. Haddinot had entered a distraint for rent. The action now was for damages for the non-delivery of the furniture. The invoice price of the goods was said to be £ 23.—His Honour reserved judgment until Fri- day morning, the goods to be returned mean- while.

THE COSTER'S SATIRE, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. John James was sumn oned, at Southwark, for assaulting Joseph Sharp.—Mr. Crocker ap- peared for the complainant, and Mr. Sydney for the defendant. The parties were rival costermongers in the Old Kent-road. The complainant had recovered £1 from the defendant in the county-court for damaging a load of celery and cooked beetroots by tipping them over into the mud. He now asked for a protection order against personal violence, and alleged that the defendant threw a boy "at him, and also knocked him down and kicked him. For the defence it was stated that the com- plainant was the aggressor, and had caused to be p inted and distributed a libellous state- ment concerning the defendant in the form of a mock announcement of a "friendly lead" on his behalf. Mr. Sydney produced a copy of this sample of Bermondsey wit, which set forth that a benefit would be held at St. George's Workhouse for The Undoubtable Lightning," who had lost one of his arms through raising pots of four half and one of his eyes through looking for work. (Laughter.) The complainant denied having issued the cards, but admitted that he was aware of them. Mr. Fenwick ordered both men to be bound over to keep the peace. — —.

CHRISTMAS LOTTERIES. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Edwin Darrell, secretary of the United Radical Club, Kay-street, Bethnal Green, London, was summoned on Tuesday at Worship- street Police-court in connection with a lottery arranged to provide dinners for poor children.—Mr. Muskett, who prose- cuted, said that defendant had been fined for the same thing in 1890, but the lottery had con- tinued year by lEar.-After hearing the evi- dence, Mr. Cluer said that if the lottery was pro- ceeded with he should feel bound to inflict the highest possible penalty.—Mr. Gsoghegan, who defended, said there were other drawings which might better have engaged the attention of the police.—An adjournment was agreed to on an understanding that the drawing should be stopped.

LUCK-BRINGING STICK. SPECIALLY SET FOR THt EVENING EXPRESS. The lucky sixpence is well-known to every- body, but the lucky stick is not so familiar. Chief Justice Way, who represents Australia on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, is the inheritor of this talisman. It belonged originally to the Right Hon. W. B. Dalley, the first Australian Privy Councillor, who sent the Australian contingent to fight by the side of British soldiers in the Soudan, and to whom a monument has been erected in St. Paul's. Mr. Dalley presented this walking-stick to Sir Alfred Stephen, who became the second Aus- tralian Privy Councillor. Sir Alfred, in his turn, bequeathed it to Chief Justice Way, who is now the third and only Australian Privy Councillor. The Chief Justicc has been telling an inter- viewer in Adelaide that when he went to Windsor II Castle to be sworn in he carried this lucky stick with him, and also when he took his seat on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Whitehall. He also mentioned that the first in- timation of his appointment as Privy Councillor was in a telegram from a friend in these terms: —"Hearty congratulations. That wonderful stick. You must leave it to me in your will."

A FATAL HONEYMOON. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. An inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon, at Bournemouth, concerning the death of Arthur Slade, employed in the County Court Department of the Treasury, who was killed through injuries sustained by falling from a horse in Bianksomo Park, on Friday after- noon.—William Arthur Slade, father of the deceased, who lives at Durand-gardens, Clapliam-road, London, said his son was a captain in the 3rd Cheshire Militia, and had previously been for several years in the 1st Surrey Volunteers. He was an athlete, and had taken many valuable prizes in cycling, boating, walking, running, shooting, &c. He had recently won a fifty-mile race to ] Brighton, and had attended a military course of riding in London.— Evidence was given show- ing that the horse which deceased was riding was a very quiet one. He was seen to be holding on to the neck of the horse, which was. running away, and then fell underneath the animal, receiving terrible injuries to his. head, f oin which he died.—A verdict of accidental death was returned, and sympathy expressed with his relatives.—Deceased had only been married on the Wednesday preceding his death, and he was spending his honeymoon at Bourne- mouth. I

• SOLDIER'S SUPPER, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. One little item in the German Budget has almost been overlooked owing to the excitement aroused by the naval programme. It consists of an addition of 11,000,000 of marks to the Army Estimates for the purpose of providing the Ger- man Tommy Atkins with a hot supper. At present, he only has one hot meal a day, namely, his dinner, at noon. When the same question was raised some years ago General Bronsart von Scliellendorf, then Minister of War, said, in the Reichstag, "The soldiers' supper does not concern this House; the cook-maids of Germany have always taken it upon themselves."

Germany and China. THE CITY OF KIAO CHAU OCCUPIED. PROTEST BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, A Reuter's telegram from Shanghai on Tues- day says:—The "North China Daily News" pub- lishes the following telegram from Tsi-Nan-Fu: —"Two hundred German marines and sailors, with two machine guns, entered the city of Kiao Chau, eighteen miles from Kiao Chau Bay, r.nd took possession of the city walls and gates on the 3rd inst. without molestation. The Chinese troops retreated as the Germans advanced." CHINESE VIEW OF GERMANY'S ACTION. A Reuter's telegram trom Shanghai on Tues- day says —The occupation of Kiao Chau came upon the Chinese Government as a complete surprise. As soon as they became awaijp of the facts, the Pekin Government protested against the action, as being utterly unjustifiable and con- trary to international law. The Chinese Govern- ment will never consent to the Germans remain- ing. Their presence at Kiao Chau deprives the Chinese Government of a harbour which, since the war with Japan, has come to be regatded as most suited for a naval station. Without the acquiescence of the Pekin Government, China will regard as an unfriendly act the recognition by any of the treaty Powers of any annexation of Chinese territory by Germany.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER. THE ONE SUES THE OTHER IN THE COUNTY.COUtRT, SPECIALLY 8£1 FOR THE tVENING EXPRESS. At Gloucester County-court on Tuesday a special jury heard particulars of an action re- mitted from the High Court. Emily Booth, single woman, sued her father, Stephen Booth, retired farmer, living at Hucclecote, to recover the sum of JE71, of which jE35 was money received by him for the support of plaintiff's child and £36 for wages due. Defendant put in a set-off of £122. It appeared that the plaintiff, who is 26 years of age, had a child two years ago, and went home to reside with her father, he agreeing to give her wages as his servant, and she to pay him 2s. 6d. par week for the support, of the child. The father of the child allowed plain- tiff 5s. per week for the maintenance, and on his death, in 1895, left her £60. Of this, JE35 was placed in defendant's hands for safe custody, and as he ceased to pay her wages she ceased to pay 2s. 6d. per week for the child. Eventually he turned both tne plaintiff and her child out of doors.-—Defendant said he did not turn plaintiff out; she left of her own accord. He kept her and the child for three years, paid for the ex- penses of the birth of plaintiff's two illegitimate children and the burial of one. but in spite of •"his she obtained money from him on the pre- tence that it was required for other purposes, and kept the money for milk and butter and eggs which was paid to her. He did not, however, wish her to re-fund it; he was willing to settle the matter by the two accounts being set off against each other, and was willing to take to the child new living.—The jury returned a ver- dict for the defendant.

MEMORIAL STONES. LAID BY THE PONTYPRIDD SCHOOL BOARD. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The monthly meeting of the Pontypridd School Board was held on Tuesday at the board offices at Pontypridd. There was a full attendance of members, the chair being occupied by Mr. James Richards.—A letter was lead from the Educa- tion Department with leference to the applica- tion made by the Ystradyfodwg Board for their sanction to the conversion of a portion of the infants' department of the Havod School into a pupil teachers' chool, and a portion of the infants' department into a deaf and dumb school.—It was explained that the Ystrad Board had taken this course as they could rot come to terms with the Pontypridd Board as to the management of the Havod schools, which were attended by a large number of chil- dren from the Pontypridd board's district.—The Education Department suggested that the Pont- ypridd and Ystrad Boards make an application to the county council to titer the boundaries of the parish, so that the Havod should be situated in one parish and not on the division of two parishes as at present. With regard to the poht of over-represent atio/i of Pontypridd on the Ystrad, as managers of this school, under the circumstances, the Department would be disposed to direct the election of one member only, and not two, to represent the Pontypridd School Board on the Ystrad Board in the event of the Pontypridd Board being made to contri- bute towards the maintenance of these schools.— The board resolved to apply to the county council to extend the parish.—The board resolved to pay the rmm of £ 170 in settlement of the claim made by the Llantrisant School Board against the Pontypridd Board, who took over the Pwll- gwaun School owing to the alterations of the parishes.—Prior to the meeting of the board a number of the members met and proceeded to the Lan Wood, where the chairman, vice-chair- man, and clerk (Mr. Ll. Milton Jones) were pre- sented with a silver trowel each by the contrac- tor and architects, after which they laid two memorial-stones. Memorial-stones were also laid by the remaining members at the infant school.

BRISTOL SCHOOL BOARD AND SUNDAY CLOSING. "CHARMING INCONSISTENCY*" SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. When the Bristol School Board was asked to sign a petition in favour of Sunday closing in England (says the "Bristol Times and Mirror") the proposal was opposed by some members on the ground that such a closing would lead to the establishment of drinking clubs, With charming inconsistency, the Rev. U. R. Thomas argued that the petition should be signed, because the drinking clubs could be kept in order, and because, "with the exception of a town like Cardiff, which was corrupted by being three parts English," there were very few drinking clubs in Wales. Mr. Thomas was evidently so anxious to protect the fair fame of Wales that he did not reflect how his contention favoured the views against signing a petition to close public-houses where the people are more than three parts English. However, our chief purpose in penning this note is to inform Mr. Thomas that two colliers living near Llanarth- ney, by Carmarthen, have been fined heavily for selling intoxicants without a licence. Both were Welshmen—or, at any rate, bore Welsh names— and the policeman's evidence was that complaints had been frequently made to him of the illegal drinking going on in the district. It was not the Saturday drinking) which was mostly com- plained of, but Sunday drunkenness. The Sun- day drinking was done during the day, and he defied any policeman living to catch the offenders in daylight. On Mondays drayloads of casks could be seen coming from the district. This in a district where they are not three-parts English, Mr. Thomas.

SIR WILLIAM S REBUKEl SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS Speaking at a smoking concert at a ponserva- tive club at Southport on Tuesday night, Mr. Curzon said there was one reason which ren- dered him reluctant to address the meeting. During the' last session of Parliament lie made a speech at a club in London where smoking was allowed. He was i*t aware that that fact rendered it improper for any member of Parlia- ment to make a speech, but the next day he was held up to the indignation and disapproval of the House of Commons by Sir William Har- court for having dared to make a speech at a smoking concert, and ever since then he had been smarting under the rebuke. (Laughter.) He referred to a recent speech of Sir William Harcourt, in which the Leader of the Opposition descanted on the merits of the party to which he belonged, and stated that they had never abandoned any of their traditions. That was a. surprise to him (Mr. Curzon), for he had never identified Sir William Hapcourt with those who never changed their opinions. (Laughter.) .<

THE EIFFEL TOWER, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The startling announcement was made the other day that the Eiffel Tower had begun to bend. Colonel Bassot has made a thorough examination, and has told the Academy of Sciences that in consequence of the extension of the different pieces of the metallic mass the tower is in movement from morning till night. In spite of this slight perpetual movement, however, the opinion is held that the Eiffel Tower is as firm as ever. Commenting on the report to the Academy of Sciences, a French contemporary suggests that the tower is simply breat^ J

Welsh Wheelmen. BEAT THE WORLD'S TANDEM CYCLING RECORDS, C. Jenkins and M. Weeks, of Car. diff Do a Wonderful Performance on the Crystal Palace Track. At the laLter end of November C. E. Jenkins (Cardiff), and M. Weeks (Cardiff), made an effort to set up new records frr the flying and standing quarter, and flying half. The attempt took place on the Sophia Gardens track, Cardiff, before Mr. Griggs, official handicapper National Cyclists' Union (South Wales Centre), Mr. Hoblyn, official time-keeper of the National Cyclists' Union (South Wales Centre), "Welsh Athlete," and a few private friends. As was recorded in the "Evening Express" of that date, the riders in question, not only established Welsh records for the distances tried for, but in the case of the flying half established a world's record, and, further, succeeded in beating the world's amateur record for the flying quarter. Encouraged by this success, Jenkins and Weeks went to London a few days ago, and, in the presence of the National Cyclists' Union officials, succeeded in establishing a world's record. A brief wire sent immediately after the race on Wednesday morn- ing acquaints us of this fact, but full particulars are not yet to hand, although we hope to publish them in a later edition. The copy of tha brief telegram received by the "Daisy" people ii as follows — "Crystal Palace. "Aylifte, Paradise-place, Cardiff. "Beat world's standing record on Daisy machine by 2-5ths of a second. Gale, wind. Jenkins and Weeks." BIOGRAPHIES OF THE RIDERS. Mr. Charlie Jenkins (Cardiff), who steered the tandem, is 24 yearst of age, weighing, when fit, about list. 41b. Although comparatively young, he is quite a veteran cyclist, having been a rider for some years past. The mention of such names as Kean, Edmunds, Ion Keith-Falconer, Dunbar, and many of their contemporaries, with all of whom Jenkins has raced and more than held his own, justifies his claim to the title of veteran, and a handsome collection of prizes enables him to re-call many successes and many a hard-won race. His friends, who are many, know him also as a, billiardist in the front rank of amateurs, and as a hypnotist he has gained great renown. Minor Weeks is 23, weighing nearly two stone less than his partner on the tandem, and, un- like "Charlie," is quite a young cyclist, having been on the track but two seasons, but in that short time he has come meteor-like to the front. His acknowledge pluck, strength, and determination standing him in good stead in many a hard-fought struggle, 'twas only the worst of bad luck which robbed him of a cham- pionship or two last season, and htJ friends do not hesitate to speak of him as a coming cham- pion. He certainly will be a hard nut to crack in the next season if all goes well. His last feat of note was a successful attack upon the 100 miles' road record, when he managed to knock sixteen minutes olf the previous best (established only a few weeks before), and this in spite of many adverse circumstances—chief amongst which was totally inadequate pacing. The machine ridden was a "Daisy," built by Ayliffe and Sons, of Cardiff, and fitted with "Dunlop tyres.

WIFE POISONING CASE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The trial of Major van den Auwera at Bruges for the alleged poisoning of his wife, which has engrossed public attention tor several days, reaching a turning-point on Tuesday, by the examination of the principal witness. Mine Ver- scheure, the former mistress of rue accused, through whose instrumentality 'he authorities decided on the exhumation of the body. The court was besieged at an early hour by an eager crowd of spectators anxious to gain admittance. Mme. Verscheure, who gave her evidence 'with much self-control, deposed to her ,;ui'ty rela- tions with the accused, which began in 1891 and lasted about three years. On one occasion the accused took her to a seaside village, aud here he confessed to being weary .;¡f matrimony, and spoke first of divorce and afterwards of poi>o.-i, also showing her a phial said „o coir.i'a a com- pound of antimony. She protested that she would leave him if he carried out his puipose. Shortly thereafter the relations between them ceased, owing to his refusal to return lier letters. Her reason for waiting so long oefo denounc- ing her lover was that she always hoped to obtain possession of the letters refer-e.l to. Her husband, Dr. Verscheure. also testified to his wife's avowal of her fault, wild upset the theory that poisoning was due to pastilles taken by the deceased lady, as set up by the defence. An Ostend druggist deposed to having- sold antimony to Major van den Auwera. Formal denial of the foregoing depositions was given by the accused, who remained impassive during the sitting.

THE ARMS OF WALES. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. At a meeting of the Celtic Society of t he University College, Cardiff, held under the presi- dency of Mr. J. A. Jenkins, B.A., a resolution was passed expressing its hearty accord in the movement to secure the introduction of arms representative of Wales into the Royal Shield and coinage of the United Kingdom, and an emblem in the National Flag of Union.

THE LATE TARADOG." SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. To the Editor of the "Evening Express." Sir,—The sad news of "Caradog's" death will be received with deep regret by his many friends, and especially by the veteran singers of 1872 and 1873, to whom the sorrowful event will recall reminiscences of those great contests. Many of those who took part in those competi- tions have preceded their veteran conductor "to join the great majority," and many others are scattered far and wide. There are still a number of them who will attended the funeral on Thursday next, and I would respectfully suggest ,that the Aberdare friend!! should arrange for all of them present to walk together from the station to the cemetery. It would be advisable, perhaps, if the suggestion is to be acted upon, that all should wear the "Fothergill" medal.— I am, ftc., M. O. JONES. Treherbert.

A FORGIVING CLERGYMAN. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. At Shrewsbury on Tuesday, Edward Walton was charged with stealing sixpence from the offertory-box in St. Michael's Church on the previous Saturday—William Gilbert Corlett, parish clerk, deposed to placing four marked coins in the offertory-box on Saturday morning, in the presence of a police officer.-Police-con- stable Jones said that about ten o'clock on Satur- day morning he secreted himself in a small chamber which contained the gas meter in the church. About 12.45 the prisoner entered the church, and, after looking around, proceeded to the offertory-box and abstracted the contents, placing the coins in his purse. The box was not locked, as it had been burst open so many times that the vicar decided not to put another lock upon it.—The Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher said that although there had been many similar thefts from the church, and also wilful damage done, pieces having been knocked off the oulpit, he and the churchwardens would be glad if the bench would deal with the prisoner under the First Offenders' Act. Prisoner had been employed as organ-blower at the church, but was weak- minded, and was not altogether responsible for his actions.—Prisoner was altered to pay the costs, and bound over to come up for judgment if called upon.—The costs were paid by Mr. Fletcher.

POLITICAL WAR WHOOP, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. They certainly celebrate their victories in New- foundland in a finely-florid fashion. This is how the organ of the rival of our recent visitor, Sir William Whiteway, announced his over- throw at the general election:— Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! We told you so. Glory, glory. In song and in story. The tale will be told. Of the Boodlers bold. A swell-headed group. Now sunk in the soap. Boom! Siss! There's an end of Morriss. And of Whiteway and Tait; They met their just fate, And Woods with his glim, There is no use for him. 'Rah! Siss! Boom!

IN THE OOXJKTS NOTES AND NOTIONS FROM THE SEAMY SIDE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. CARDIFF. DOCTOR'S BICYCLE LIGHT. A medical man, Dr. Charles Groves, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a light on November 25.—The doctor, who admitted the offence, stated that he had been sent for to attend a child suffering from croup. As the child was in a critical state he rode on his bicycle. Some distance before he reached the patient's house a jerk of the bicycle caused his light to go out, and, as he wished to get to his patient's side as quickly as possible, he did not get down and re-light it. About twenty yards from the patient's house he was stopped by the constable.—The Stipendiary said that the law required that no bicycle should be ridden at night without a light, and that it rested with the rider to provide a lamp that would not become extinguished by a jerk. Under the circumstances, however, he would dismiss the case upon the defendant paying the costs. | WMt&F" CRUELTY TO HORSES. Charles Powell, fift-^en, was charged with working a horse in an unfit state in Hereford- street, Cardiff, on November 30, and Thomas James, his employer, was summoned for allow- ing the animal to be worked.—Police-inspector Ferris proved the charge, litid Powell was cau- tioned, whilst James was fined P,5 and costs, or one month's imprisonment. Frederick Bisgroce, fifteen, was summoned for kicking a horse in the stomach in Eldon-street on November 27.—He was fined 20s. and costs, ji1 fourteen days' imprisonment. NEWPORT, ASSAULTED THE WHOLE FAMILY. James Daley, a labourer, living at George's Buildings, Newport, was charged with assault- ing and wounding his wife, Julia, on Wednesday. It was stated that on Monday last the wife, fearing an assault, kept out of her husband's way as much as possible, going to a neighbour's house. Here she was followed by her hus- band, who asked the neighbours to take the eight-weeks old baby and go out. She did so, and then the husband struck the woman on the head. When shj emerged from the house she was bleeding- profusely from the back of the head, and had to be attended to at the New- port Infirmary.—Police-superintendent Sinclair said that prisoner had been convicted of assault- ing, without exception, every member of his family.—He was sent to prison for two months' with hard It hour. PRECLUDED FROM JUDGING. A peculiar incident in the granting of an extension of hours of licensed premises on the occasion of a dinner occurred at the Newport Borough Police-court on Wednesday.—Mr. J. Maxon, solicitor, applied on behalf of Mr. Blackburn, of the King's Head Hotel, New- port, for ane xtension of time on Thursday, when the master builders hold their annual dinner, and also an occasional licence for the supply of wines, &c., on Saturday, when a dinner would be held at the Drill-hall, SGOw Hill, in connection with the colliery proprietors of the district. These were conceded, but when Mr. Moxon asked for still another extension for Tuesday next, when a complimentary dinner in honour of the golden wedding of Colonel Lyne would be given by his fellow-mernbetrs of the Newport and County Club, it was discovered that the magistrates, Mr. A. J. Sevens and Mr. G. W. Martin, were precluded from granting the application as they were themselves members of the club.—Mr. Summers, he magistrates' reminded Mr. Moon that no permission was necessary in the case of a club, but it was pointed out that there were peculiar circum- stances in the case making his present course bench on Friday. GONE FOR CHRISTMAS. Since May last Ann Dunn. a married woman, has made ten appearances before the Newport borough bench, principally for drunken and disorderly conduct. She was drunk in Dock- street on Tuesday night, and when spoken to by a police-constable she became very abusive. -Remarking that fines were useless in her case, the Bench on Wednesday committed her to prison for 21 days. ABEROYNON. ALLEGED MURDEROUS ASSAULT. Thomas Morris was charged with wounding John Churchill and John Netherington, at Pen- rhfwceiber.-Churchill said his wife had left him, and was living with the prisoner. On Friday he, with Netherington, went to prisoner's house and saw his wife. He caught hold of her and said he had a good mind to give her a thrash- ing. She screamed, and the prisoner came downstairs and, picking up a pint and a half bottle, hit him with it twice on the head, the bottle being broken at the second blow. He afterwards struck him twice on the head again with a pair of tongs. Netherington intervened, and the prisoner also struck him on the head with the tons.—The prisoner was committed for trial at the quarter session^ on the charge of wounding Churchill; with respect to the other charge the case was treated as one of common assault, and he was fined £1 and costs, or three weeks. A YOUTHFUL THIEF. Francis Herbert Edmunds, aged eleven, pleaded guilty to stealing £2 10s. from the till of the shop of John Lewis, greengrocer, Cardiff-road, Treharris.—He wa.s dealt with under the First Offenders' Act, and bound over to come up for judgment whenever called upon.

LOCAL LAW CASE4 SWANSEA TIN-PLATE ACTION. Mr. Justice Bigham on Tuesday resumed the hearing of the case of W. GilbeHson and Co. (Limited) v. Wallis, Cox. and Co., an action by the plaintiffs, tin-plate makers, of Pontardawe, i.ear Swansea, against the defendants, for the price of 338 boxes of tin-plates, consigned by the plaintiffs, to their order, to Messrs. Macho- nochie, fish curers, &c., of Fraserburgh, near Aberdeen. The defence was that the plates were not" ccordillg to contract, viz., of the softest Siemtns-Martin steel, suitable for deep stamp- ing, and that they did not weigh the prescribed amount.—Mr. Justice Bigham said since Mon- day night he had read the whole of the corre- spondence. and it was really a little matter that the parties were fighting about. The costs would, indeed, far exceed the amount in dispute. He cculd not help thinking that u great deal of the difficulty had arisen from the curt tone of Mr. Gilbertson's letters.—Mr Walton: 1 ihink that is only at the end of the correspondence.-Mr. Justice Bigham: There is really a curtness about the way in which he corresponded with these gentlemen which makes me not at all astonished that they got their backs up.—Mr. Walton: The earlier letters appear most con- siderate.—Mr, Justice Bigham: There is mar- vellously little that you are fighting about. Mr. Justice B;gham said that his judgment must be for the plaintiffs.. The latter had satisfied him. prima facie, that the delivered goods were in accordance with contract. He thought the plaintiffs' goods got mixed up with other goods at Fraserburgh, and no successful attempt was made to distinguish between those goods and the others at the works. He gave judgment for the plaintiffs, but as he thought if they had conducted themselves with ordinary cour- tesy, and in the only way in which business could be pleasantly and profitably conducted, there would have been no litigation, he gave them judgment, bnt without costs. The amount for which judgment was entered was agreed at JB98 8s.

WELSHMEN IN THE TRANS- VAAL. South Walians will be pleased to hear that Mr. J. J. Joaes has been appointed by the State Mining Engineer of the Transvaal to be examiner of mine managers and mine overseers for the Transvaal. The board is comprised of three mine managers, one representing the Mining Institute. Mr. Jones, who is manager of the Great Eastern, Springs, the premier colliery of South Africa, is the son of the late Rev. Taliesin Jones, Baptist minister, Rhymney. He was for some years connected with the Rhymney Iron and Coal Company. The miners engaged at the collieries are principally Welshmen. The church at Springs, which was erected by his uncle, Mr. Edward Jones, managing director of the colliery, can boast of one of the best Welsh choirs in South Africa, under the leadership of Mr. J. H. Lewis, a well-eisteddfodwr'.

TRAGEDY NEAR CHEPSTOW. STRANGE DEATH OF A STABI-E- BOY. On Tuesday morning a youth, named Harris- field, employed as stable-boy by Mr. E. J. Lowe, Sliirenewton Hall, near Chepstow, was found dead in the stable by Mr. J. Pitman, coach- man, at the Hall. There was a doublerbarrelled gun lying near and an empty cartridge case in each, and it is assumed that the poor lad was doing something with the gun when it went c.ff, and the charge entered just opposite the heart. The strange part of the affair, however, is that 'o the gun was found lykig in a corner cuite two yards from where theldeceased was lying. The police are engaged in collecting evidence for the inquest.

SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS. A Reuter's telegram from Malta on Wednes- day says:—General Sir Lyon Fremantie, gover- nor and commander-in-chief, accompanied by his staff, to-day presented the Chitral medal, to the non-commissioned officers and men of the Seaforth Highlanders. A small detachment of each corps of the Malta Garrison was pre- sent at the ceremony, which was also attended) by Major-general Lord Congleton.

Cricket in 1898. i 1.1ST OF FIXTURES April 11.—Nottingham—Notts Colts match. May 2.—Oxford —The Seniors' match. May 4.-Lord's-M.C.C. meeting and dinner. May 4.—Lord's—M.C.C. v. Sussex. May 5.—Oxford—the Freshmen's match. May 9.-Lord's-M.C.C. and Ground v. Lanca- shire. May 9.—Oxford University Trial Match, Twelve v. Twelve May 9.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Leices- tershire. May 9.—Nottingham—Notts Colts v. Yorkshire Colts. May 9.—Cambridge—Cambridge University v. Mr. C. J. Thornton's Eleven. May 12.-Lord's-M:.C.C. and Ground v. York- shire. May 12.—Oxford—First Twelve v. Next Sixteen. May 12.—Southampton—Hampshire v. Lancar shire. May 16.—Nottingham—Notts v. Derbyshire. May 16.—Oxford—The University v. Mr. A. J. Webbe's Eleven. May 16.—Leyton—Essex v. Surrey. May 16.—Bath—Somerset v. Yorkshire. May 16.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Worces- tershire. May 19.—Lord's—M.C.C. and Ground v. Notts. May 19.—Kennington Oval—Surrey v. Derby- shire. May 19.—Bristol—Gloucester v. Yorkshire. May 19.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Leicester- shire. May 19.—Leyton—Essex v. Sussex. May 19.-Bath-Somerset v. Hampshire. May 23.—Lord's—M.C.C. and Ground v. Kent. May 23.—Brighton—Sussex v. Notts. May 23.—Oxford—The University v. Essex. May 23.—Derby—Derbyshire v. Lancashire. May 23.—Cambridge—The University v. York- shire. Ma.y 23.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Surrey. May 23.—Stoke—Staffordshire v. Leicestershire. May 26.—Lord's—M.C.C. and Ground v. Leicester- shire. May 26.—Oval—Surrey v. Gloucestershire. May 26.—Oxford—The University v. Somerset. May 26.—Liverpool—Lancashire v. Warwickshire. May 26.—Southampton—Hampshire v. York- shire. May 30 (Whit Monday).-Lord's'-Middlesex v. Somerset (G. G. Hearne's benefit). May 30.—Nottingham—Notts v. Surrey (W. Attewell's benefit). May 30 —Brighton—Sussex v. Gloucester. May 30.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Kent. May 30.—Oxford—The University v. M.C.C. and Ground. May 30.—Southampton—Hampshire v. Derby- shire. May 30.—Leeds—Yorkshire v. Warwickshire. May 30.—Leyton—Essex v. Leicestershire. May 30.—Northampton—Northamptonshire v. W orcestershire. May 30.—Durham—Durham v. Northumberland. June 2.—Lord's—Middlesex v. Gloucestershire. June 2.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Kent. June 2.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Hampshire. June 2.—Eastbourne—Sussex v. Somerset. June 2.-Leyt.m-Essex v. Yorkshire. June 2.—Leicester—Leicestershire Y. Surrey. June 2.—Stoke—Staffordshire v. Northampton- shire. June 6.-Lord's-Middlesex v. Notts. June 6.—Tonbridge—Kent v. Gloucestershire. June 6.—Cambridge—The University v. M.C.C. and Ground. June 6.—Bradford—Yorkshire v. Surrey. June 6.—Stoke—Staffordshire v. Lancashire Second Eleven. June 9.—Lords—M.C.C. and Ground Second Eleven v. Derbyshire. June 9.—Bristol—Gloucestershire v. Notts. June 9.-Catford-Kent v. Sussex. June 9.-Leyton-Essex v. Warwickshire. June 9.-Huddersfield-Yorkshire v. Hampshire. June 10.—Manchester—Lancashire Second Eleven v. Durham. June 13.-Sheffield-Yorkshire v. Kent. June 13.—Derby—Derbyshire v. Surrey. June 13.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Lanca- shire. June 13.—Kennington Oval-Surrey Second Eleven v. Northamptonshire. June 16.—Lord's—Middlesex v. Yorkshire. June 16,-Nottingham-Notts v. Sussex. June 16.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Derby- shire. June 16.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Surrey. June 16.—Southampton—Hampshire v. Leicester- shire. June 20.—Oval—Surrey v. Oxford University. June 20.—Leeds—^Yorkshire v. Notts. June 20.—Tonbridge -Kent v. Warwickshire. June 20.—Leyton—Essex v. Derbyshire. June 20.—Brighton—Sussex v. Cambridge Univer- sity. June 20.—Taunton—Somerset v. Lancashire. June 23.-Lord's-M.C.G. and Ground v. Cam- bridge University. June 23.-0vaJ-Surrey v. Middlesex. June 23.—Bristol—Gloucestershire v. Lancashire. June 23.—Tonbridge—Kent v. Somerset. June 23.—Brighton—Sussex v. Oxford Univer- sity. June 23.—Southampton—Hampshire v. Essex. June 23.—Leicester—Leicestershire v. Yorkshire. June 27.-Lord's-lIf.C.C. and Ground v. Oxford University awo days). June 27.—Oval—Surrey v. Somerset. June 27.—Nottingham—Notts v. Kent. June 27.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Middlesex. June 27.—Derby—Derbyshire v. Leicestershire. June 27.—Bradford—Yorkshire v. Essex. June 27.—Stoke—Staffordshire v. Warwickshire. June 30.—Lord's—Oxford v. Cambridge. June 30.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Notts. June 30.—Dewsbury.Yorkshire v. Leicestershire. June 30.—Northampton—Northamptonshire T. Warwickshire. July 4,-Oval-Gentlemen v. Players. July 4.—Nottingham—Notts v. Lancashire. July 4.—Leicester—Leicestershire v. Middlesex. July 4.—Derby—Derbyshire v. Essex. July 4.—Bradford—Yorkshire v. Sussex. July 4.—Liverpool—Liverpool and District v. Cambridge University. July 4.—Hertfordshire—Hertfordshire v. Staf- fordshire. July 6.—St. Albàns-Hertfordshire v. Cam- bridgeshire. July 7.—Leyton—Essex v. Gloucestershire. July 7.—Marichester-Lancashire v. Sussex. July 7.—Halifax—Yorkshire v. Worcestershire. July 8.—Lord's—Eton v. Harrow (two days). July 11.—Derby—Derbyshire v. Notts. July 11.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Glou- cestershire. July 11.—Catford—Kent v. Middlesex. July 11.—Sheffield—Yorkshire v. Lancashire (Wainwright's benefit). July 11.—Brighton—Sussex v. Surrey. July 11.—Bournemouth—Hampshire v. Somer- set. July 11.—Manchester—Lancashire Second Eleven v. Staffordshire. July 12.—Darlington—Durham v. Cambridge- shire. July 13.—Stoke—Staffordshire v. Hertfordshire. Julv 14.—Lord's—Middlesex v. Sussex. July 14.—Bristol—Gloucestershire v. Somerset. July 14.-Maidstone-Kent v. Yorkshire. July 14.—Manchester—Lancashire v. iilssex July 14.—Oval—Surrey v. Leicestershire. July 14.—Newcastle—Northumberland v. Cam- bridgeshire. July 15.—Worcester—Worcestershire v. Glamor- ganshire. July 15.—Northampton—Northamptonshire v. Surrey Second Eleven. July 18 —Lord's—Gentlemen v. Players. July 18._Worcester-Worc.ester8hire v. York- shire. July 18.—Northampton—Northamptonshire v. Notts. July 21.—Nottingham—Notts v. Gloucestershire. July 21.—Leyton—Essex v. Kent. July 21.—Leicester—Leicestershire v. Lancashire. July 21.—Scarborough—Yorkshire v. Somerset. July 22.—Worcester—Worcestershire v. Wilt- shire. July 25,-Sheffield-Yorkshire v. Gloucester- shire. July 25.—Brighton—Sussex v. Middlesex. July 25.—Blackheath—Kent v. Surrey. July 25.—Derby—Derbyshire v. Warwickshire. July 25.—Liverpool—Lancashire v. Somerset. July 25.-Leyton-Essex v. Hampshire. July 25.—Stoke—Staffordshire v- Notts. July 25.—Northampton—Northamptonshire T. W orcestershire July 25.—Cambridge—Cambridgeshire v. North- umberland. July 27.—Lord's—Rugby v. Marlborough. July 27.—Cambridge—Cambridgeshire v. Hert- fordshire. July 28.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Gloucester- shire. July 28.—Hastings—Sussex v. Kent. July 28.—Harrogate—Yorkshire v. Derbyshire. July 28.—Oval—Surrey v. Essex. July 28.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Hamp- shire. July 28.—Durham—Durham y, Notts. July 29.—Lord's—Cheltenham v. Haileybury. July 29.—St. Albans—M.C.C. and Ground v. Hertford. Aug. 1 (Bank Holiday).—Oval—Surrey v. Notts. Aug. 1.—■Canterbury—Kent v. Lancashire. Aug. 1.-11ristol-Gloncestershire v. Sussex. Aug. 1.—Taunton—Somerset v. Middlesex. Aug. 1.—Derby—Derbyshire v. Hampshire. Aug. 1.—Leicester—Leicestershire v. F"sex. Aug. 1.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. York- shire. Aug. 1.—Northampton—Northamptonshire T. Staffordshire. Aug. 1.—Durham—Durham v. Northumber- land. Aug. 1.—Cambridge—Cambridgeshire v. M.C.C. and Ground. Aug. 1.—Bicester or Oxford—Oxfordshire T. Berkshire. Aug. 3.—Northampton—Northamptonshire T. Berkshire. Aug. 3.—Durham—Durham v. Surrey Second Eleven. Aug. 3.—Lord's—M.C.C. and Ground v. Hert- fordshire. Aug. 3.-Swindon-Wiltshire v. Oxfordshire. Aug. 3.—Norwich—Norfolk v. Cambridgeshire. Aug 4.—Canterbury—Kent v. Notts. Aug. 4.—Bristol—Gloucestershire v. Middlesex. Aug. 4.-Leyton-Essex v. Lancashire. Aug. 4.—Taunton—Somerset v. Sussex. Aug. 4.—Leicester—Leicestershire v. Hamp- shire. Aug. 4.—Oval—Surrey v. Yorkshire. Aug. 5.—Lord's—M.C.C. and Ground v. Dur- ham, Aug. 5.—STortvich—M.C.C. and Ground v. Nor- folk. Aug. 5.—Thame—Oxfordshire v. Bucks. Aug. 8.—Lord's—Middlesex v. Surrey. Aug. 8.—Nottingham—Notts v. Yorkshire. Aug. 8.—Cheltenham—Gloucestershire v. Kent. Aug. 8.—Brighton—Sussex v. Hampshire. Aug. 8.—Birmingham—Warwickshire v. Essex." Aug. 8.—Oval—Surrey Second, Eleren v. Durham. Aug. 8—Worcester—Worcestershire v. Bucks. Aug. 8.—Cambridge—Cambridgeshire v. Nor- folk. Aug. 10.—Worcester—Worcestershire v. Surrey Second Eleven. Aug. 10.—Cambridge—Cambridgeshire v. Dur- ham. Aug. 10.—St. Albans—Herts "v.~ Northampton- shire. Aug. 11.-Lord's-Middlesex v. Leicestershire. Aug. 11.—Cheltenham—Gloucestershire v. War- wickshire. Aug. 11.—Taunton—Somerset v. Kent. Aug. 11.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Yorkshire (G. R. Baker's benefit). Aug. 11.—Oval—Surrey v. Sussex. Aug. 12.—Norfolk—Norfolk v. Durham. Aug. 12.—Swindon—Wiltshire v. Worcestershire. Aug. 15.—Clifton—Gloucestershire v. Essex. Aug. 15.—Leeds—Yorkshire v. Middlesex. Aug. 15.—Oval—Surrey v. Kent. Aug. 15.—Leicester—Leicestershire v. Derbyshire. Aug. 15 —Brighton—Sussex v. ^Lancashire. Aug. 15.—Durham—Durham v. Norfolk. Aug. 15.—Reading—Berkshire v. Oxfordshire. Aug. 15.—Worcester—Worcestershire v. Notts. Aug 17.-1;or<1's-1\£.C.0. and Ground v. Cam- bridgeshire. Aug. 17.—Reading—Berks v. Northamptonshire, Aug. 17.—In Oxfordshire-Oxfordshire v. Wilt- 1 shire. Aug. 18.—Oval—Surrey v. Lancashire. Aug. 18.—Nottingham—Notts v. Middlesex. Aug. 18.—Nottingham—Notts v. Middlesex. Aug. 18.—Taunton—Somerset v. Gloucestershire. Aug. 18.—Derby—Derbysnire v. Yorkshire (Walter Sugg's benefit). Aug. 18.-Portsmouth-Hampshire v. Sussex. Aug. 19.-Lord's-M.C.C. and Ground v. Worces- tershire. Aug. 19.—Northampton—Northamptonshire v. Herts. Aug. 19.—Aylesbury—Bucks v. Oxfordshire. Aug. v. Lancashire. Aug. 22,-Clifton-Gloucestershire v. Surrey. Aug. 22.-Gravesend-Kent v. Essex Aug. 22.—Brighton—Sussex v. Yorkshire. Aug. 22.—Leicestershire v. Warwickshire. Aug. 22.—Oval—Surrey Second Eleven v. Worces- tershire. Aug. 25.-Lord's-Middlesex v. Kent. Aug. 25.—Manchester—Lancashire v. Derbyshire. Aug. 25.—Taunton—Somerset v. Surrey. Aug. 25.-Hampshire Y. Warwickshire. Aug. 25.—Scarborough—Yorkshire v. M.C.C. and Ground. Aug. 26.—Durham—Durham v. Lancashire Second Eleven. Aug. 29.-0val-Surrev v. Warwickshire. Aug. 29.—Brighton—Sussex v. Essex. Aug. 29.—Scarborough—Gentlemen v. Players. Sept. 1.—Scarborough—North v. South. Sept. 1.—Hastings Festival—First match. Sept. 5.—Hastings Festival—Second match.

FINANCES OF THE UNITED STATES. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS. A Reuter's telegram from Washington on Tuesday says :—The Secretary of the Treasury has sent his annual report to Con- gress. He states that during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1897, the revenues of the country amounted to 430,387,167.89 dollars, and the expenditure to 448,439,622.30 dollars, showing a deficit of 18,052,454.41 dollars. On the operation of the Tariff of 1897 Mr. Gage says the Act has not been in operation long enough to determine fully its merits, but it is con- fidently believed that it will afford ample revenue for the ordinary needs of the Government, while adequately protecting the manufacturing and agricultural inte- rests. The Secretary dwells on the inade- quacy of the gold reserve and recommends the establishment of a new finance depart- ment to which the sum of 125.000.000 dollars in gold coin should be set over to be used for silver redemption purposes only. He further recommends that provision be made for the issue of refunding loan bonds payable at long periods and bearing low rates of interest. Other forms of paper money are also suggested to fill the vacuum.

FOOTBALL NOTES AND NEWS GLOUCESTER V. NEWPORT. The following team has been selected to do duty for the home team in this mateii at Gloucester on Saturday: —Back, B. Hipvvood three-quarter backs, W. H. Taylor Cipta.in) P. W. Stout, J. Cook, and G. F. Clutterbuck; half-backs, C. Cuinmings and A. II. Stephens; forwards, C. Williams, C. Hall, C. Rose, F. M. Stout, A. H. Click, T. Hatherall, A. Put, Mid B. Goulding. Reserves: R. Goddard (three- quarter) and Bert Lewis (forward). Owing to tiie fact that there are nine first team forwards, the selection committee have arranged for one of the players to stand down in turn jacn wesk, Lewis being this week placed ou the reserve list. OXFORD V. CAMBRIDGE. The following team will represent Oxford against Cambridge: -Back, T. Stone, Marl- borough and Trinity; three-quarter backs, A. R. Smith, Loretto and Trinity (captain), T. A. Nelson, Edinburgh Academy and University, H. F. Newton, Giggleswick and Queen's, and P. L. Nicholas, Monmouth and Keble; half-backs, J. W. Stratton, Cheltenham and Keble, and F. H. B. Champain, Cheltenham and Hertford for- wards, W. J. Carey, Bedford and Hertford, C. P. Evers, Rugby and Queen's, C. Harper, Blun- dell's and Exeter, C. E. Barry, St. Paul's and Trinity, J. F. Swanston, Loretto and Trinity, D. Legge, Haileybury and Trinity, L. B. Dunn, Wellington and Worcester, and H. Alexander, Uppingham and Corpus. NORTHERN POACHERS. "Oval," writing in the "Morning Leader," says:—I have never refrained from calling a spade a spade when dealing with the Rugby r Union, and shall treat the Northern Union no less frankly. The stories which have been told about the poaching of Welshmen have at least this corroboration, that Badger and other Taffies went North last week. We have now arrived at the result that Cardiff only of the big Welsh clubs has not so far suffered from desertion, and the view that these flit-tings are due to ordinary causes unconnected with football is too unlikely to demand consideration. Six shillings a game could not attract any man to an unlovely Lancashire factory centre, and the tales as to huckstering bargains are too cir- cumstantial to be altogether refused credence. If the Northern Union wish to avoid the very charge they bring against the older body they must be true and just in all their own dealings, and abolish the absurd and ridiculed six shilling limit.

ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE. 1.50 p.m. Money in moderate request at 2J for Call Loans, while Three Months' Bills are firm at 2 15-16. Bombay and Calcutta Exchanges 15 3-32d. The Stock Markets present a good tendency, though businegs is still on a small scale. Consols are 1-16 up for the Money and the Account, but Rupee Paper is J down. Home Rails are strong, especially Lancashire and Yorkshire, which is 1 up, Berwicks 4, and several other descriptions b to g. Mexican First Preferences are up J on the traffic return, which is more satisfactory than last week. Ottoman Rails are 1 better. Americans are supported at a general rise of e to I., while Louisville, are Is up, and Canadian Pacifics I up. Trunk issues are i to i better. Foreign Stocks idle, but firm, on the steadiness of Paris Bourse, Mining Shares inactive, but steady. MINING (AUSTRALIAN AND INDIAN). Aladdin Lamp. (Menzies Reef. Asso. Gold W. A. 3H- Mysore 5t.- Broken Hill Pro 2* Mysore Goldii'ds Burma Ruby 9s 9d North Boulder 1,|- Champion Reef.. 4* Nnndydroog 4% Gveat Boulder. 23/6 F'd'gt'n Consols Hampton Plains 1 Oeregum Ord. 2ft: Hauium's B.Hill 65|- Do. Pref. 3& Kalgnrli 6% Wentw'th Gold. J/a I/adv Loch 4s Od W'tli of Natious Lake View Cou. 11% White Feather.. MBWSOU'S Rewd. W. Aus. Gldfids 2 Menzies Mining Rio Tinto. 25 MINING (SOUTH AFRICAN). Afrikander iKnight 431A Augelo 4% Lfuiglaasrte 4% Barnato Consols 2,V Lisbou Berlvn. 3s Od Baiitjes 1& London & Paris BechiutIJaland. yj- Luip'rds Vlei Nw 1^ Huffelsdoovn M^shoiiald Agcy 2 British S. Africa May ] fe (Chartered) 3 Meyer & Charltn 4% City & Suburban 6% Modderfontein 2J,J Comet. 3% New Primrose. Consd Gldfids of Nigel 2,1 S. Africa Def 4& l>o. Deen Croesus Oceana Coilsd Crown Reef 32% Pioneer 9ft De Beers 29 Potchefst.room. 6 0 Durban Roodep't Randfouteiu 2 East Rand. 4& Baud Mines -32$. Ferreira 22% Reitfontein 2% Geldenhuis 4J Robinson 8% Do. Deep Salisbury 3 Glencairn 2ft Sbeb* 2& G* d&elds Deep 9% Simmer & Jack 3-15l Graskou 2s6d S Afric.Gold Tst lenders..uTi-svl 1% Spes Bona. Henry Nourse 91 Tati Concession. H. Heriot. 8 Transvaal Gold.. 4% Jagersfontein 8% Van Kyn l-jj Johan sbrsr.Invt 2 Village Mainreef 51i Do. Water life Vo^elstruis Jubilee 7% Wennner 9- £ Jumpers 5^s Wolhuter Kleiufontein 2y»- Zambesi Expitn. lit JClerksdorp 6/0

TO-DAY'S MARKETS. SUGAR. Glasgow. Wednesday.—The official report says: -Market firmer, and a good business was done at lid to 3d advance. The private report says:- A strong market; everything sold at lid to o(i advance. BUTTER. Cork, Wednesday.-Prime, 84s per cwt.; firsts, 97s: seconds, 81s: thirds, 65s; fourths, 54s. Kegs Fourths, 49s. Mild cured: Superfine, 108s; fine, 87s; mild, 70s; choicest boxes, 106s; choice boxes, 88s. In market: 46 firkins, 34 mild, and n boxes. PROVISIONS. London. Wednesday.—Butter: Trade- steady and prices unchanged; Friesland, 94s to 98s; Normandy, 84s to 102s; Danish. 100s to 118s; Australian and New Zealand, 80s to 102s. Cheese: In fair request; Cheddar, 60s to 72s; American, 38s to 40s; Canadian. 38s to 44s; Dutch Edam, 50s to 56s; Dutch Gouda, 47s to" 52s. Bacon: Market quiet; Irish. 48s to 59s; Danish, 46s to 59s. Bladdered lard, 42s to 60s. Glasgow, Wednesday.—Opening: Scotch firm; a moderate business was done at 45s OJd, 45s Id, and 45s Old cash and 45s 3d and 45s 2 £ d month; buyers, 45s Oid cash and 45s 2 £ d month: sellers, id more. Cleveland idle; buyers, 40s 4,d cash and 40s 7d month; sellers, lid more. Cumber- land firm; a small business was done at 47s 104d and 47s 10d cash and 48s Id month; buyers, 47s lOd cash and 48s Oid month; sellers, Id more. Middlesborough idle; buyers, 49s cash and 49s 2|d month; sellers, 6d more. FISH. Grimsby. Wednesday.—About 42 steamers and eighteen smacks landed moderate supplies, for which there was a very strong demand at the following high prices; -Soles, Is 6d; turbot, Is: brills, 8d; lobsters. Is 6d per lb; plaice, 5s 3d; lemon soles, 8s; whitches, 5s; live halibut, 8s: dead, 7s per stone; live ling, 4s 6d; dead, 3s 6d; live cod, 5s to 8s; dead, 4s to 6s each; hake, 50s per score; dead whitings, 2s 6d per atone; kit naddocks, 12s; gibbed, 16s; live, 18s 6d per box.

TO-DAY'S RACING SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRtSS, 1> GATWICK MEETING; Starter: Mr. A. Coventry. Judge: Mr. C.,U« Robinson. Clerk of the 3cal«s Mr. W. C-Man- ning. Handicapper: Mr. R. K. Mainwarinr. Secretaries, Clerks of the Course, and Stake- holders: Messrs. Pratt and Co. r r GATWICK, Wednesday. The heavy rain which commenced to fall be- fore racing eneded at Gatwick yesterday con. tinued throughout the night, and this morning the outlook was far from encouraging, but mat- ters cleared up about ten o'clock, and when visitors took their seats in specials transitory gleams of sunshine gave hopes of a favourable afternoon. The company, though, scarcely so large as was the case on Tuesday, was neverthe- less satisfactory under the Circumstances, and sport again proved fairly interesting. Details:- -| n —The CROYDON ^URDLE HANDI- JL • V' CAP of 100 govs; winners extra. Two miles. Mr Brown's Tours, 6yrs, list .A Nigh tin gall t Mr Harter's Settee, 4yrs, .10st 131b.Escot-t 2 Mr Thirlwell's Playwright, aged. list 121b Mr Thirlwell 3 Mr Yates's Head Lad, 5yrs, list 31b Dollery 0 Mr Knight's Loyalty, aged, list 31b J Jones 0 Mr Astley's Curds and Whey, 4yrs, lOst 121b Box 0 Mr Hibbert's Napoleon the Great. 4yrs, lOst 111b l.R ftightingall Col. Moore's The Weevil, 4yrs, Mst 111b Lilford 0 Mr Luke's William the Fourth, 3yrs, lOst 1lb Bland 0 Mr Rose's Glenbryan, 3yvs, K*.t 7lbLilywhite 0 Winner trained by B,eatty. Betting-5 to 4 agst Loyalty, 6 to 1 agst Tours, 7 to 1 each agst Playwright and Head Lad, 100 to 14 agst Settee, and 10 to 1 âgst any other. Loyalty made play from Tours, The Weevil, and Settee, with Playwright and Glenbryan next. and Curds and Whey and Napoleon the Great the last pair, for half the journey, when Totirs took up the running from Settee, and the pair were followed into the straight by The Weevil, Playwright, and Loyalty, but Tours coming on, won by three parts of a length; half a length divided the second. and, thirds Loyalty was fourth. Curds and Whey51 fifth, Glenbryan next, and The Weevil last. -• QA —The COURTLAND STEEPLECHASE l,OU (handicap) of lOOsovs; wrinner to ba sold for 50 sovs. Two miles, over the New Course. Mr Jones's Fittleworth, 5yrs, list 101b Williamson 1: Mr E Woodland's Crepu, aged, 12st l]b P Woodland 2 Mr Hubbard's Call Boy, 5yrs, list Fitton 0 Mr Lincoln's Canobie," aged, 12st 71b Dollery 0 Mr Tabor's Coenraad. aged, 12st 51b Owner 0 Miss F Morris's Miss Tennyson, aged, list 101b Hogan 0 Winner trained by Collins. Betting—2 to 1 agst Fittleworth, 7 to 2 each agst Crepu and Call Boy, 6 to 1 each agst Canobie and Miss Tennyson, and IP to 1 agst Coenraad. Call Boy settled down in front of Canobie and Coenraad, with Miss Tennyson last, until two fences from home, where Crepu assumed the lead, but was challenged after jumping the final obstacle by Fittleworth. who won by three parts of a length; a head divided the second and third. Coenraad was fourth, and Miss Tennyson n rv —The MERSTHAM MAIDEN HURDLE Jii» vJ RACF of r-0 sovs, for maidens at closing, for three year olds and upward#; weight for age; winders extra. Two miles. Mr Marske's Virginian Rose, 3yrs, lOst 101b Shee 1 Mr Keswick's Ruff, 3yrs, lOst 101b .Owner 2 Mr Thurgarton's Clondalkin, 3yrs, lOst 101b Mr Lord 3 Mr Crawford's Scale. Syrs, 12st 61b Sherlock 0 Mr E Woodland's iieonatus, 4yrs. 12st lib P Woodland 0 Lord W Beresford's Blueskin, 3yrs, lOst 101b Doanetly 'O Mr Brown's Picalili. 3yrs. lOst 101b Read 0 Mr Cohen's Tinder Box, 3yrs, lOst Wlb. Mr Hampton- 0 Mr Mills, jun's Orphee. 3yrs, lOst 10lb C James 0 Winner trained by Downes. -I Betting—6 to 4 agst Clondalkin, 5 to 1 agfet Blueskin, 6 to 1 each agst Scale and Tinder Box, and 10 to 1 agst Virginian Rose. a —The METROPOLITAN STEEPLE- ^.O' CHASE (handicap) of 200 sovs; win- ners extra. Three miles. Mr Keeping's Balmy, 4yrs, lOst 51b A Nightingall 1 Mr Adams's Drogheda, 5yrs, list 131b O'Brien 'Z Miss Norris's Wild Man from Bornexi, aged, 12st Ub Mr Widger '3 Mr Walpole's New Abbey, aged, list 51b Dollery -0 Mr Thirlwell's Gladness. aged, lOst BIb Acres 0 Mr Hibbert's Fool's Paradise, 6yrs. lOst 81b R Niehtingall 0 Winner trained by Wheeler. Betting—13 to 8 agst, Balmy, 4 to 1 agst Wild Man from Borneo, 9 to 2 agst New Abbey, 6 to 1 eftrfi agst Drogheda and Gladness, and 100 to 8 agst Fool's Pardise. 8/ —The HORSHAM HURDJuB RACK • V/ (handicap)) of 100 sovs; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. Mr Bell'-s Chilling wort!1, Syrs, lOst 91b. Taylor. 1 Mr Usher's Spring Grass, 4yrs, list 101b Fitton 2 Mr Yates's Dromeus, 4yrs, list Dollery 3 Mr S J Woodland's Aberdeen, Syrs, 12st 71b C J ames 9 Mr R Thirlwell's Higk Glee, 5yrs, 12st Mr Thirlwell 0 Mr C Hibb'ert's Golf Ball, 4yrs, tlst"12]b R Nightingall 0 Mr J Widger's Granuale. 4yrs, list, 61b Hogan 0 Mr J Jackson's Melancihon, 6yrs. list 41b Box 0 Mr E 0 meactdey's Cric Crac, 5yrs,,Kllst 41b Eames 0 Mr Glenister's Changeling, -6yrs, list 21b ■ ■ Matthews It Mr Burbidge's Bumble Bee, 5yrs, list 21b 7 J'ifford 0 Lord Shrewsbury's Apteryx, oyrs, lOgt 31b '-— Denby 0 Winner trained by Norton. Betting—3 to 1 agst Dromeus. lOi) to 30 agst Chillingworth, 5 to 1 each agst Spring -Grass and Granuale. 6 to 1 agst Golf "Ball, andlO' to 1 agst any other. 8 0/ | —The NOVICES' STEEPLECHASE • O vr (handicap) of 100 sova; winners extra. Two miles. • Mr Swan's Pope'«-Eye,• llgt "SPORTING LIFE" AUTHENTIC PRICES.

GATWICK MEETING. Horse. Jockey. Sporting Life. CROYDON HURDLE (10).- Tours (A Nightingall) 6 to 1 ago COURTLAND STEEPLECHASE (6). Fittleworth (Williamson) -2-to l-ajjf MERSTRAM MAIDEN (10). Virginian Rose (Shee) 10 to 1 ag METROPOLITAN STEEPL3iv_.itASE. Balmy (A Nightingall) 13 to 8 ag The above prices are identical with those published in the "Racing Calendar." During the preliminary canter for the Mers-

tham Hurdle, Regret, who was an odds on favourite, fell at the, hurdle,, and gat .rid of his rider. Dashing again he went round the course, jumping fences and rails, and got on the straight. where he was eventually caught. The horse did not go to the post, however, and waa, therefore, not a starter.

OLD SAMS FINALS. GATWICK MEETING. 1.0—LOYALTY or NAPOLEON THE GREAT. 1.30—CANOBIE. 2.0—REGRET (nap). 2.30—CATHAL (nan). 3.G-CHANGELING. 3.30—MILL GIRL. TREBLE EVENT- REGRET. CATHAL, and MILL-:GIRL. PADDOCK FINALS. MISS TENNYSON, BALLYALBANY, and CLONDALKIN.

Harper, who was beaten in his race with Cun- liffe on Saturday, is now endeavouring to pre- vent the stakes from being paid over, claiming the victory for himself. The once famous 'clia.ser Cloister, who was in ,training, has again been absent from exercise for several days, and it is feared that the last has been seen of him on a racecourse.

BISHOP OF ST, DAVID'S AT SWANSEA. SPEECH ON WELSH EDUCATION". The Lord Bishop of St. David's on Tuesday afternoon distributed the prizes and certificates to the successful students at the Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations (Swansea Centre).-After some remarks from the Mayor, Dr. Turpin, Miss Brock, and the Rev. John Pollock, the Bishop, in his address, said he knew of no betiei opportunity he could have of speaking on the education question than in that, the largest town in his diocese. Walee was to be congratulated on the interest which her people now took in this great national ques- tion—in all its three branches. Referring to the first branch, he remarked that it was not always desirable that the interest should be maintained at such a high tempera- ture as when he visited Swansea a fortnight ago—(laughter)—but yet there should be a sustained and real and dispassionate inte- rest in elementary education in a big town like Swansea, for public interest greatly assisted the administration of any department of public business. Speaking of the other extreme of education, his lordship said the foundation of the Welsh University had given a very oppor- tune stimulus to higher education, and he was sure its progress would be followed with hfci creased sympathy and interest. The inter- mediate schools of Wales had already; proved a great 'success, the attendance at fhe girl*' schools being especially striking. Those schools had not injured in any way the older schools, such as Christ College, Brecon, and his own old school at Llandovery. (Hear, hear.)—The bishop afterwards distributed the prizes, and was accorded a heartar vote of thanks.

FRENCH AND TH^ NILE, REPORTED MASSACRE OF AN EXPEDITION. A Reuter's telegram from Brussels on Tues- day says:-A telagram received by the Move- ment Geographique reports., thai the Frenoh expedition under Major Marehaud;-which Wiis on its way to the Nile, has been massacred in the Bahr el Ghazal. The remnants of the expedition are said to have retreated t* .Bnnafiu.