Evening Express

GREEK PRISONERS OF WAR. A Central News telegram from Constanti- nople on Tuesday says —The Greek prisoners of war, interned in the Selimie Barracks, which were occupied by the Light Brigade before the Crimean War, left to-day for Thessaly. The Sultan gave a present of jEl to each soldier, and £ 5 to each non-commissioned officer. The pri- soners have asked the Greek plenipotentiaries to express to his Majesty their appreciation of his generosity.

GERMAN SHIPS SAILW The Central News Portsmouth correspondent telegraphs that the Deutschland and Gefion left Portsmouth on Wednesday morning. The weather was very thick at the time. Admiral Superintendent Rice and a number of naval officers watched the departure of the warships, and as the Deutschland steamed out of harbour her band pUyed the National Anthem.

ENGINEERS? DISPUTE. A SPEEDY TERMINATION OF THE STRIKE PROBABLE. The Press Association correspondent tele- graphs:—The federated engineer employers in this district anticipate that the engineers' dis- pute will very quickly terminate. No further negotiations, they state, will be entered into with the representatives of the Trades Unions, and the truce which was agreed upon during the continuance of the conference will come to an end. The lock-out notices at present held in abeyance will then be at once put into operation, and the terms which the Trades Unions have rejected will be posted in all federated workshops as the conditions upon which the men may return to work. The trade societies, adds the telegram, having made their second and final protest against the masters' terms, the men may be tacitly allowed to seek employment under such conditions as they choose to accept, on the understanding that the employers' tern- have in no way the sanction of the Unions.

A TEMPERANCE ADVOCATE. Information reached Liverpool on Wednesday of the death in London of Mr. Shilton Collin, one of the leading tepiperance advocates in the king- dom. Deceased was a tea broker, and recently removed to London, where he assisted Mrs. Ormiston Chant in the crusade against the Empire licence. In 1893 he unsuccessfully con- tested the West Derby Division of Liverpool on temperance lines against Mr. Long, the present member. Deceased, who was 46 years af age, was aimember of the Grand Council of the United Kingdom Alliance.

ALLEGED PLOT TO MURDER THE CZAR. At Bow-strset on Wednesday Vladimar Boart- fceif wes charged on remand in the Etradition Court with plotting to murder the Czar of Russia. A second prisoner, Clement Weirzbeok, was also jharged on a warrant with a similar offence. Mr. C. Matthews prosecuted for the Treasury, and Bourtzef was defended by Mr. Corrie Grant. ^-Chief-inspector Melville said that, on going to an address in Grafton-street, after the previous hearing, they found over 1,000 copies of the pamphlet, "Norodovolitz." There were also a large number of letters, and a number of paper cuttings relating to Nihilism and to the present Czar and the death cf the Czar's father. L

ARAB RISINGS. TURKISH TROOPS SENT TO THE PERSIAN GULF. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The Vienna correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" says: —It is announced at Constanti- nople that the Porte is troubled with a seditious movement among the Arabs of the Persian Gulf. The War Minister, Riza Pasha, has been in- structed to reinforce all the garrisons there. Troops and munition are being forwarded. The oentres of sedition are the principal harbours. The Turks maintain that the movement has been instigated by the English in revenge for tne. en- couragement given by the Khalifat to the Indian Mohammedans. It is apprehended that England may by a coup de main occupy the seditious districts, particularly that of Bashad (?), which is the key to Bassa, in order to secure herself N in future against similar influence.

Bookmaker v. Backer. CARD-PLAYING AND HORSE- RACING DISPUTE, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Before Mr. Justice Darling, in the Queen's Bench Division on Tuesday, Woolf v. Hamilton was an action brought by Mr. Robert Woolf, described as a German gentleman of independent means, against Mr. A. H. de C. Hamilton, also described as a gentleman of independent means, residing at The Ash, Midliurst, to recover jB84 Sa. 9d., on a cheque. Defendant, in defence, set up the Gambling Act. Mr. Ritter and Mr. Sherwood appeared for the plaintiff, while Mr. Cock, Q.C., and Mr. Ernest E. Wild represented the defendant. Mr. Ritter, in opening the case for the plaintiff, said the defendant was a gentleman residing at Midhurst, and, apparently, made a good many bets. On October 15 the defendant owed money to a commission agent named Valleta, who car- ried on business as Messrs. J. Wilson and Co., at Fenchurcli-buildings. On October 25 the de- fendant drew a cheque on the London and County Bank, Midhurst Branch, for JB84 3s. 9d., the amount of his account with Mr. Valleta. It was handed to Mr. Valleta with a request that it should be held over for a few days. Mr. Valleta went to the plaintiff, to whom he owed some money, and asked him to cash the cheque, which he did. When the cheque was presented it was dishonoured. The plaintiff now claimed to re- cover the cheque, contending that he was a bona fide holder in due coursc. The plaintiff was called and bore out the open- ing statement of counsel. In cross-examination, plaintiff denied that he was in any way con- nected with Mr. Valleta in business. He was not related to Mr. Valleta except in this way, that Mr. Valleta's wife's father was his (plaintiff's) mother's cousin. (Laughter.) Mr. Justice Darling: I should think it is what you call a German cousin. (Renewed laughter.) In further cross-examination, plaintiff said he was not in the hdbit of sitting in Mr. Valleta's office and opening telegrams. He had never backed a horse for Mr. Valleta. This closed the case for the plaintiff. The defendant was then called, and stated that in September last he was introduced to Mr. Valleta, as a starting price bookmaker. He had several bets with Mr. Valleta, and on October 15 he owed him £ 84 3s. 9d. He used to give his instructions to Mr. Valleta by telegram, but he had never been to the office without seeing the plaintiff there. He wrote out the cheque in question at Mr. Valleta's office and the plaintiff was there at the time. On the following Satur- day Mr. Valleta came down to Midhurst and told him that he had been obliged to hand his cheque to the plaintiff for JB20, and that if he (plaintiff) would find jB20 on the Monday he would redeem it and hold it over until such time as he sent a telegram to say that the money was in the bank to pay it. That evening he and Mr. Valleta played cards, and he won JE42. It was entirely against his wish. (Laughter.) Mr. Cock: But you were the winner. Defendant: Never mind. I would sooner win anywhere than in my own house. (Renewed laughter.) Continuing, defendant said he returned to London on the Monday with Mr. Valleta. He obtained £100 from his solicitors, and he gave Mr. Valleta JE35 in notes on account of the cheque. Later in the day he gave Mr. Valleta a further sum of £ 20 to enable him to gamble. Mr. Valleta had had a. bad day and wanted to get some money back. As against the cheque he had given Mr. Valleta JB55 in hard cash, and there was the debt of R42 for cards. It was on that ground he had pleaded the Gaming Act. If he. had brought an action against Mr. Valleta he would have been met with a similar defence. In cross-examination, defendant said he lent Mr. Valleta £ 20 be- cause he wanted to go into a baccarat bank, and he went in and lost. Mr. Gregory stated that he introduced the defendant to Mr. Valleta. He had often seen the plaintiff at Mr. Valleta's office opening tele- grams. The plaintiff was present when the defendant handed Mr. Valleta the cheque in question. Mr. Ritter here asked permission to call Mr. Valleta to rebut the evidence given by the defendant. Mr. Justice Darling said he would grant the application. Mr. Valleta denied most emphatically that the plaintiff was a partner in the busine&s or that he was present in his office when the defendant gave him (witness) the cheque in question. He said the £ 35 which the defen- dant giave him was in respect of fresh bets and not on account of the cheque. Mr. Justice Darling said he was of opinion that the plaintiff took the cheque with complete knowledge of the circumstances under which it was given, and, therefore, be entered judgment for the defendant, with costs. Stav of execution granted with a view to an appeal.

STRANGE AFFAIR AT PAR TICK. LADY'S NUDE BODY DISCOVERED IN AN ASH-PIT. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A discovery of a horrible nature was made on Tuesday in Partick. A lady was horrified to find the body of a woman, almost naked, lying in an ash-pit. The police were at once communicated with, and the body was conveyed to the mortuary for identification. The affair has caused a painful sensation in the district owing to the extraordinary circumstances. The ash-pit is covered over, and as there is a wall 3ft. high immediately under the opening where the ashes were thrown in, the deceased must cither have climbed over or was thrown m. The circumstances point to foul play, and the matter is being reported to the Fiscal of Lanarkshire. The deceased, whose name is Mrs. M'Call, is of middle age, and the wife of a prominent merchant, and was visiting friends at Rothesay-gardens.

ROW IN A COUNCIL CHAMBER SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. During a meeting of the finance and general purposes committee of the Derry Corporation, which was held in private on Monday, an extra- ordinary incident took piace. The affair cul- minated in two Unionists, Alderman Fleming and Councillor Boal, having a stand-up fight in the council-chamber. It seems that one of the members of the corporation made a remark to Alderman Fleming, that if he did not conduct himself, it was not Councillor Boal he would have to deal with. Alderman Fleming retorted, and alter an exciting interchange, Councillor Boal jumped to his feet, and, approaching Alderman iFleming, challenged him to strike. the alderman, without the last hesitation, struck at Councillor Boal, and at once the two combatants came to close quarters, Alderman Fleming being knocked clean down. In his fall he dragged the mayor's chair with him, and each tumbled over, the alderman, it is under- stood, sustaining another fall, as he came heavily against the hot-water pipes that are attached to the waincoting for the purposes of heating the council chamber. He, however, on ,recovering his equilibrium, made another dash to reach Councillor Boal, but he was inter- cepted by Alderman Pollock, another Unionist member of the corporation, who acted as peace- maker ebtween the two gentlemen. It was one of the most exciting scenes thai-, has yet occurred in the Derry Corporation. The "Freeman's Journal" remarks that the Nationalist members were not altogether uninterested spectators of the scene on the other side of the table.—Coun- cillor Doherty, on order being partially restored, suggested that the meeting should be adjourned, as no business could be conducted amid such disorderly proceedings.—The outburst after- wards subsided, and the question of yearly tenders was taken up.

THE DIETARY OF CYCLISTS. ——— SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Dr. Lucas Championniere, of Paris, who has devoted much attention to the medical aspects of cycling, has expressed the opinion that 600 kilometres in twenty hours, the tinie/in the recent Paris-Bordeaux contest, was not Too much for a healthy and well-trained rider. H\ says of Rjvierre and Cordang's methods during chat race that they did not eat nitrogenous food, and they were right. Though they did not eat, they drank enormous quantities of liquid to re-place the liquid or weight lost by perspiration. They drank tea, beef tea, and milk. It is useless to eat during violent exercise, but it is important to drink, and if the body is in good working order the only result of the effort is a decrease in weight. The effect on animals is similar. M. Paillard, the well-known sportsman, who rode 1,200 kilometres in sixteen days last year on his two mares Pomponne and Merveilleuse, did not increase their ration of oats, but gave them large quantities of green fodder and water. It is the same with cyclists, says Dr. Championniere, who race on fruit and liquids. The "British Medical Journal," taking note of these observations, remarks that they are right as regards the quality of food required on a long-distance contest, but it is not yet known whether such a race be harm- ful or not. Mills, Shorland, Holbein, Bidlake among English, and Rivierre, Huret, Stephane, and Dubois among French riders, with many others who have frequently com- peted in such races, are still well and healthy, including D. Stanton, who rode in six-day races in 1874 and 1875. While, however, such racing does no harm to the one man of exceptional physique, it is most harmful to the many who are improperly trained.

To-Day's Football. CARDIFF V. OXFORD, Oxford, having lost to Devonport and New- port, tried their skill against Cardiff on Wed- nesday afternoon, in ideal football weather. The attendance, however, was not up to the mark, the announcement that the game would com- mence at 2.30 preventing a large number from attending, but as a matter of fact the kick-off did not take place until three o'clock. The teams were as follows: — Cardiff.-Back, W. J. Jones; three-quarter backs, J. Driscoll, W. Jones, E. G. Nicliolls, and H. V. P. Huzzey; half-backs, S. Bigys and J. E. Elliott; forwards, G. Dobson, T. Dobson, W. J. Elsey, E. Emery, F. Cornish, R. Jones, D. Evans, and G. Abbott. Oxford.— Back, T. Stone; three-quarterbacks, Smith, T. A. Nelson, Newton, and Nicholas; half-backs, J. W. Stratton and P. Baieinan; forwards, W. J. Carey, J. Harpur, J. F. A. Svvan- ston, C. M. Caren, C. E Barry, D. Legsre, H Alexander, C. F. Evers, and Champion. Referee, Mr. A. J. Gould, Newport. Oxford started towards the river end with the -wind in their favour, and a return was made to the ceiitre wlie lithe ball went into touch. Some loose scrimmaging followed, and Driscoll got in a useiul kick. The Cardiff forwards went away with a rush, and Stone, after dodging several men, lost the ball (which, by the way was a new one, and very frisky). From the next scrum Elliott got the oval away to the right wing, and Cardiff got well into the visitor?' 25. One of the Cardiff forwards secured, and, running across transferred play to the other side of the ground, no real advantage being gained. Immediately afterwards Jones, who seemed to make an attempt at drop goal, sent the leather over, and after a race it went out of bounds. The kick- cut. brought no relief to .the Dark Blues, and Driscoll, getting a pass from Gwyn Nicholls, slipped in at the corner, Huzzey making a good. but ineffectual, attempt at goal. The Oxford forwards were particularly smart, and in the open completely beat the Cardiff sennunagers. A good kick by Stone found touch close to Cardiff line. The plav, how- ever, was immediately removed to the centre by the Ohrdiff backs, Selwyn Biggs receiving behind the scrum gfined about 25 yards, and then passed to Driscoll, who was brought down well in the Oxford quarters. Cardiff kept peg- ging away right in front of the visitors' goal tor several seconds. Nelson, getting away, sent the leather to Hussey, who caught it just as it was going into touch, with the result that imord had again to touch down. Up to this point the visitors had very much the worst of play. After the kick out Carey, by a smart follow up, prevented the Cardiff full-back from putting in an effective return. Succeeding plav however, was in favour of the Welshmen, who' by some good passing, unfortunately mulled at the end, and put Oxford once more on the defence. A very hot attack was now made, Biggs Elliott, and Driscoll making determined attempts to get in, but the collaring was grand. Right down in the corner Cardiff forwards fairly held their owif. The ball being sent to Givyn Nicholls he essayed a drop for goal, the ball going slightly wide, and a minor was con- ceded. In a moment Oxford, who appeared to be warming up, re-started, and Carey and one or two other forwards were again we'll up, but the Cardiff full-back sent the plav back into close on mid-way. Here one of the'best scrums of the match took place. The Oxford for wauls secured, but sent the ball out somewhat wildly, with the result that both their halves missed it and Elliott, slipping round, got down to the quarter line before, he was stoppsd. Nelson leueved by a good screw kick, but the ball was returned, and Stone was caught in an awkward position. He was, however ,r,ite equal to the occasion,,and. caught the side line nnd'rT.t "Way'i Stonf.t,hen o'ot an opportunity, Cnrrlfff Vn k ,Uge over tlle Ilead of the Cardiff full-back, and before the latter could get possession the leather went into touch. The Oarchft forwards then came down with a rush and the momentary difficulty was removed, the next scrum being formed in the centre. For tne first time in the match Oxford showed a. hit of good passing, and A. R. Smith got through a bunch of the opposing team. Im- mediately afterwards Cardiff retaliated, the ball being sent to the left win?. Biggs, Ncholls and Driscoll handling, and Nicholls, trying a drop-goal. only got another minor for Cardiff. Kicking between Nicolas and Huzzev resulted somewhat in favour of the latter. "Receiving from one of his halves, A. R. Smith burst through and got in a very useful kick. The Cardiff team were penalised immediately after- wards. and further ground was g-ained to the dark blues in consequence. The latter got well into the Cardiff half. Their forwards were now playing a grand game, and for a time carried every—ng C before them. Directly, however. they gave the backs a chance the latter failed to take advantage of it. It was exactly on the Cardiff quarter Iiii-i that the next next scrum was formed, and the Oxford halves got the leather away to tne three-quarters. Nelson and Milton handling, the former making a gallant dash for the line, when ° the oval was handed back to him. In some scrambling work the ball was sent to the left wing, and Oxford had very hard lines in not scoring, Sntith being sent into touch on the verge of the line. Oxford now took up the attack in grand style, and gave the home lot all they wanted to defend their line. The play was of a ding-dong character, Oxonians evidently con- sidering that now or never was their time to score. The halves again made an opening, but Smith and Nicholas mulled, and same advantage wa-; gained by Cardiff. Nelson made a grand attempt to drop a goal. The; ball went only slightly wide of the posts, Cardiff touching down. After the kick-out to the 25 the dark blues im- mediately invaded their opponents' ground, but Ste-ne being collared before he could return or kick put a different complexion on the game. Cardiff then got a tree for off-side play, and Hussey found touch just outside his own 25 fiag. Biggs got away beautifully, dodging through a number of hi; opponents and evenoually transferring to Driscoll. The latter slipped away on the left side of the ground, and, when collared by Mills, handed back to Jones. The speed of the Oxonian, however, was too great to allow of this little manoeuvre,being success- ful, Jones being hauled down dose on the 25 line. Unit-time was now called: G. T. M. Cardiff 0 1 A Oxford 0 0 1

THE MODERN NOVEL. 8PECIALl Y SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. In the last century, when novels were few and were somewhat disparaged, educated men habi- tually read more in other directions than they do at present. But this, the Times remarks, is not the only drawback to the present ten- dency of literary production to run in the direction of fiction. Though stress is laid on style in a degree which our grandfathers would have had soma difficulty in understanding, the result is not, in many cases, satisfactory. We have clinical studies of sorrow and sin which the refinements of the most fin-de-siecle writing cannot make other than very depressing read- ing. 'We have imitators of popular French masters, who, as Tennyson complained, "Paint the mortal shame of Nature in the living hues of Art." Side by side with these we have those who work the old vein, and, though Mr. Bal- four apparently regards it as exhausted, with no small measure of success. -u_

AN AMERICAN HEIRESS GRANTED A DIVORCE. According to the* American correspondent of the "Liverpool Daily Post," the circumstances surrounding a divorce which has just been granted at Cleveland to a Mrs. Hampton are attracting a good deal of public interest. The successful petitioner, who was heiress to con- siderable wealth and a leader of local society at Cleveland, married in 1892 an Englishman who went by the name of William Hampton, and who claimed to have titled relatives in Wales. The lady and her friends seem to have been satisfied with the wooer, and the marriage took place without any unusual incident. The couple afterwards sailed for Europe, but, according to Mrs. Hampton's statement, her husband deserted her on their arrival at Liver- pcol. and she has neither seen nor heard any- thing of him since. She returned to her friends at Cleveland, and has now obtained release from her marriage vows. The legal proceed- ings were conducted with a good deal of secrecy, presumably because the family wished to keep an unpleasant affair from becoming public, but the effort has instead resulted in further exciting curiosity. Nothing can be learned of Hampton, and it is believed that he was passing under an assumed name when the marriage took place.

DEATH OF PRINCESS HOHENLOHE A Central News telegram from Berlin on Tuesday says:—The Princess Hohenlohe, wife of the Imperial Chancellor, died this morning from pneumonia. Her Highness had been ill only a few days.

AMERICAN ITNICYCI/E. The latest development of the trotting craze in America is the introduction of the unicycle sulky, which, as its name implies, consists only of a single pneumatic-tyred wheel, over the centre of which the unstable seat of the driver is secured. Equilibrium is maintained when the vehicle—if it may be so called-is stationary by the addition of two supports on each side of the shaft, which fold up automatically alongside the shaft, and are' thus kept out of the way. The saving both in weight, friction, and resistance will, it is believed, pliable a second or two to be knocked off the existing record, a fact which is quite sufficient in the eyes of the average American to justify the expenditure of any amount of money and any amount of enthusiasm.

IN THE COURTS — NOTES AND NOTIONS FROM THE SEAMY SIDE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. ABEECYNON. ALLEGED LIBEL. At Abercynon Police-court on Wednesday (before Mr. W. M. North, stipendiary; and Dr. Morgan), Mr. W. P. Nicholas (of the firm of Walter Morgan, Bruce, and Nicholas, Ponty- pridd), instructed by the National Union of Teachers, applied for a summons for criminal libel against Mrs. Jane Price Osborne, St. Winifred's Villa, Penrhiwceiber, the complai- nant being Miss Maud Glover. The facts of the case, he said, were there. In July last Miss Glover succeeded in obtaining an appointment under the Llanwonno School Board as assistant mistress at Penrhiwceiber School. She went to lodge for a day or two with Mrs. Osborne, but she did not care for her lodgings, and she left somewhat suddenly. From that time until now* Mrs. Osborne had been constantly slander- ing Miss Glover, and writing libels concerning the young lady's qualifications, and, in fact, she had in interviews suggested that she had obtained her appointment by means of false pretences. -Mr. North (the stipendiary) asked what was the specific libel complained of, and Mr. Nicholas said it was contained in a letter addressed by Mrs. Osborne to each member of the school board, in which she alleged that Miss Glover had not been trained at the Bristol Training College at Fishponds, as Miss Glover had represented herself to have been. A written information was laid by Miss Glover and sworn ot, and this summons was then granted, and made returnable for hearing at the Mountain Ash Court in a fortnight's time.

ts, CHILD HEROINE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A most interesting function was witnessed at the Bolton Town-liail on Tuesday evening, when Mr. George Harwood, M.P., presented the Royal Humane Society's testimonial and Bolton Humane Society's bronze medal and testimonial to Jessie W Ritson, the daughter of a Bolton solicitor, for having saved a little boy from drowning. The brave girl, who learnt swim- ming at a class at the central higher grade board school, saw a. child struggling in a reservoir, and, plunging into the water, effected its rescue, in a brave fashion. The girl is only ten years of age, and is the first of her sex in the locality to receive the Royal Humane Society's award

A CLERICAL RESPONDENT. SPECIALLY SET FOR Ith UVENING tXPt!tJ'S. In the Divorce Division on Tuesday the Presi- dent had before him the undefended petition of Mrs. Alice Garratt for a judicial separation by reason of the adultery of her husband, the Rev. Frederick Mills Garratt, a clergyman, formerly of ChaAgrave, Bedfordshire, and latterly of Busbridge, near Godalming, with a lady named Gwendolen Parry. Mr. Humo Williams, who appeared for the petitioner, said that the parties were married on the 29th of September, 1881, at Chalgrave, Bedfordshire, and there were three, children. At the beginning of this year they were living at Bushbridge, a village near Godalming, and the respondent said lie was going for a trip to Norway. He went away on the 5th of August, and on the 7th lie wrote to say he would not return. She heard nothing of him again until September, when a letter, which had been directed to Staithes to the respondent, not find- ing him, was forwarded to Godalming. From this due it was discovered that the respondent and Gwendoline Parry had been at Staithes, and had afterwards gone to Bridlington. The petitioner was called, and bore out coun- sel's statement. His Lordship Is your husband a clergyman? Petitioner: He is. His Lordship: That is a matter which ought not to be concealed, because it comes under the Clergy Discipline Act. Mr. Hume Williams: I did not intend to con- ceal it It would have come out on the ques- tion of identification. Mrs. Ann Yerrall, of High-street, Maitbes, gave evidence to the effect that from the 6th to the 15th of September she let rooms to a Mr. and Mrs. Garratt. Asked how the gentle- man was dressed, she said he wore "one of those suits with a belt, and a Tam o' Shanter hat," and a clergyman's collar. His Lordship granted a judicial separation with costs and custody of the children.

eLOISo-NNE; WORK OF THE FAR EIAST. MR. PRITCHARD MORGAN'S GIFT TO THE CARDIFF COLLEGE. Mr. Pritchard Morgan, M.P., has presented to the art department of the University College, Cardiff, a small box containing a series of specimens illustrating the manufacture of cloisonne work, for which the Far East is famous. Mr. Morgan, before sending the box to the college, permitted one of our reporters to show the contents to an authority on the subject, and Mr. R. W. Atkinson, the gentleman seen, writes to us as follows: "These specimens represent a miniature vase in five stages, from the plain copper to the highly-finished enamelled vessel, so dear to connoisseurs. In two other compartments are' ten specimens of the coloured glasses and enamels used in the work, and a glance at the series will explain to students the process of manufacture more clearly than pages of descrip- tion. "The art of cloisonne enamelling was intro- duced into Japan from China towards the end of the sixteenth century, and has been carried on in the latter country, where I saw it in use, since that time. Like most of the older art industries of that country, the work is not carried on in large establishments, but in small houses, and it is interesting to note the absence of rush and hurry which pervades the place, and tends to the production of delicate and finished work. "The process is very simple; owing, however, to the large number of operations required, it also is somewhat costly. The workman first of all prepares the vessel to be ornamented, be it copper, or brass, or porcelain (in the latter case the glaze is first removed), and next traces the design in a fine metallic ribbon by placing a sheet of glass over the drawing on paper, and bending the ribbon on edge this way and that until it assumes the desired form, flowers, insects, or what not. The ribbon is next fixed on edge on the surface of the vessel to be orna- mented by means of a gummy substance, pre- pared from a species of orchid, and the little compartments, or cloisons, formed by the bent wire, are filled up with enamel powder of the desired colours. The whole is then baked to vitrify the enamel, and a second, third, and fourth addition is made, firing after each addi- tion of enamel, until each little cloison is com- pletely filled with the enamel proper to the design, and has run over so far as to completely hide the metallic ribbon. The surface is then ground with a coarse sandstone, any little cavities seen filled up again with enamel, and the piece re-fired. In good work this has to be repeated until not a flaw is visible on grinding, and it sometimes requires as many as seventeen or eighteen firings. When judged perfect, the surface is again ground down with, first, coarse, and afterwards fine sandstone, and is finally polished with a special kind of charcoal. The result is very pleasing, the design of birds, flowers, or insects standing out, outlined by thin metallic Hnes, enclosing the coloured enamels. "For the most part brass is the material used as base, but silver and gold are also occasionally used, adding greatly to the beauty and value of the work."

TODAY'S MARKETS, CORX. London, Wednesday.—There was a. limited attendance at Mark-lane this afternoon, and there was ;!n entire absence of musiness in both English and foreign wheat, and values nominally unchanged. The same remarks apply to flour. Feeding stuffs- Maize, barley, and oats'steadily heUl and inactive. On Friday next the market, although nominally open, will be practically closed, and no report will be issued. PROVISIONS. London, Wednesday.—Butter: Trade fairly steady—Friesland, 94s to 102s; Normandy. 84s to 102s; Danish, 100s to 114s; New Zealand, 80s to 102s. Cheese: Trade slow—Cheddar, 60s to 72s; American, 3Bs to 40s; Canadian, 368 to 42s; Dutch Edam. 52s to 55?; Dutch Gouda, 49s to 53fi. Bacon: Market continues verv quiet— Irish. 48s to 58s; Danish, 42s to 58s. Bladdered lard, 42s to 58s. FISH. Grimsby, Wednesday.—Moderate supplies were landed by some 36 steamers and 24 smacks, for which there was a strong demand. Qiiotations: Soles. 9d; turbot, ad: lobsters, Is 6d per lb.; plaice. 5s; lemon soles. 7*5 3d; whitings, 2s 6d; whitches, 5s; live halibut, 8s; dead, 6s per stone; live ling, 5s; dead. 3s; live cod. 8s; dead, 7s: live skate, 6s; dead. 4s each: 'hake, 70s; rcker. 40s; live coalfish. 8?; dead. 5s per score; stursro">n, 108 per stone; kit haddocks, 7s to 10s per box. BUTTER. Cork, Wednesday.—Prime. 92s per cwt firsts, 95s; seconds. 91s; thirds. 80s. Mild cured: Super- fine. lOSs: fine, Çls; mild. 83s; choicest boteM, 106s; choice boxes. 90s. In market: 50 firkins, 1 leg, 21 mild, and 5 boxes. SUGAR. Glasgow, Wednesday.—The official report says:—Market steady, and a fair business was done. The private report says:—Market firm, I and a good business was done. The markei i and stores will be closed on Saturday and Mon- I dav next.

"EXPRESS" "SANTA CLAUS." Miss Lascelles Carr's Treat to the Little Ones. THE RED LETTER DAY ARRIVED. 1,000 POOR GIRLS FED AND CLOTHED. The Park Hall a Children's Paradise. THE SCENES DESCRIBED. I To-day and to-morrow are days which will long be remembered by the waifs and strays of Cardiff, for this afternoon. Jthe great and famous Santa Claus," locally personified in Miss Ettie Lascelles Carr, visited the Park-hall to dispense with a lavish hand the bountiful gifts she has collected from a sympathetic and charitable public. For, weeks past hundreds of little ones-for the most part denizens of the slums—have eagerly looked forward to this day—to them the greatest and happiest day of the whole year, and hundreds of parents have been gladdened by the knowledge that their little ones had received "Santa Claus" tickets, and that the Yuletide season would not be allowed to pass without some season- able joy being brought into the otherwise dismal homes. But two thousand is not a large number when we consider the size and importance of the town of Cardiff, and that it is not proportionate to the number of deserving cases has been pain- fully apparent during the last few days. The "Western Mail" Offices, and the homes of the clergymen, ministers, and other friends who kindly undertook the distribution of tickets have been literally besieged with half-starved and ill-clad children or parents upon whose faces poverty had left its mark, all begging, almost upon bended knees, for tickets, but, for the most part, their requests have had to be refused. The advisability of extending the scheme next year is dealt with in another column, and it is unnecessary to refer to it here at any further length. Suffice it to say ■, that there is certainly much room for exten- sion. That tho "Santa. Claus" scheme grows in popularity every year is apparent. It was started in a very simple way some five years ago, and in this short time it has more than doubled itself in scope. The origin is almost too well known to need recapitulation, but it may not be out of place to re-call a few of the principal facts. It was in the wane of 1893 that Miss Ettie Carr conceived the idea of arranging a great Christmas feast. Just about that time a sad little story, entitled "Bill's Christmas Eve," appeared in the "Evening Express," and a copy found its ay to the High School at Monmouth, where Miss Carr and a sister were being educated. Thj hearts of the young ladies were touched, and the outcome of it was that on October 21 r Miss Carr sent a pathetic letter to her fathar, appealing to him to assist her in doing something 01 behalf of the poor children of the town. Both Mr. Carr and his staff took the idea up with enthusiasm, and the result was that before Christmas came round the hearts of many clrldren had been made glad with toys, clothing, 000 food. In 1894 Miss Ettie Lascrtle^- Carr was away in Switzerland, and the feast during bar absence was, conducted by Miss Jennie (now Mrs. Ernsley Carr). who, by the bye, was present again to-dny. In the following year Miss Etlie was home again, and another treat was arranged by which 2,000 boys and girls were gladdened by receiving a Yuletide treat. This is the fifth year. and, as on the last occasion the girls were entertained to-day (Wednesday, and the boys to-morrow (Thursday). It will be readily observed that to feed 2,000 children and provide them with clothing, toys, confectionery, fruit, and a small handful of cop- pers each, is no light undertaking, and it would be a matter of impossibility to carry the scheme through with success were it not for the kind co-operation of a whole army of friends. For weeks past Miss Carr has been assisted by a committee of ladies,' and Mr. Carr has thrown himself into the work with all the enthusiasm shown in previous years. Out- subscription list has been responded to readily, and the total, exclusive of the collect- ing books and boxes, now stands at over JB210. The gifts in kind have been as numerous as in previous years, whilst about 500 bags of cloth- ing have been sent in. The whole of the collect- ing boxes are now in, and the results will appear to-morrow. The work, as we said above, is heavy, but one is more than re-paid wiih the knowledge that happiness has been conferred upon 2,000 little souls who would otherwise have been neglected during the happiest time of the whole year. BEFORE THE FEAST. Numerous helpers were on the scene early, and one and all was kept busily employed until the time arrived for the admission of the chil- dren The seats were arranged in rows of fifty, with room between each row for the helpers to pass along. The arrangements were superintended by Mr. E. H. Crafter, the general manager of the "Western Mail." A large Christ- mas tree, kindly given by Mr. Phelps, of the Western Mail-buildings, was heavily decorated with seasonable toys, the work being carried out by the members of the ladies' committee. TI.e platform was transformed from a dull wooden stage to an attractive scene of colour. In the lessor hall the members of the ladies' I comiuittee 'were busily arranging the seats and — .1 f tables for the assistants' luncheon and tea, and to these ladies much praise is rue. AT THE HALL. Such a crowd was that assembled outside the Park Hotel. Often have we seen gather- ings in the Park-road for meetings where the | elite were in atterdance, and where beauty | and glitter and rich dresses were the great I attraction. But now we lead the, antithesis, for along the wall was arranged hundreds of children. Poor little things—dear little crea- tures—huddled together in their jags, with anxious faces, and now and then moved up closer together by the kind police- men in charge. And their hats! They presented quite a study in headgear. Some wore hats of straw, trimmed with a little ribbon and some with broken crowns; here and there was a bonnet, and a girl with only a shawl thrown over her head. Before one o'clock within the hall there was plenty of bustle going, and a small regiment of helpers was there making arrangements. The result of their labours was seen in the neat rows of chairs, the piles of tin-mugs stamped with the honoured words, "Evening Express Santa Claus, 1897, and the heaps of paper bags containing the cake and pies, and oranges and sweets, and apples, all waiting for the children. The time of open- ing at length arrived, and the doors were. thrown back. There was a slight attempt at rush, but it was soon quelled, and eager as the girls evi- dently were to get in the entrance was effected very orderly. But once they got their feet inside the doors, and had delivered up the tic- kets, there was plenty to do for everyone. Seve- ral gentlemen were kept busy handing out the mugs in th passage, and the girls were trailed off in single fie in front of a barricade, where the bags were distributed. Off the girls went, and a host of ladies and gentlemen got them com- fortably and conveniently packed in their seats. Amongst those helping in this work were:—• No. 1 Row. Misses Brewer. Andrews, and Isacke. No. 2. Misses A. Andrews, Howard, and Thomas. No. 3. JJisses Howard. Crafter, and Margaret. No. 4. Mr. B. White, and Misses Gerhold (2) and Francis. No. 5. Misses Gerhold and Howard, Mr. Wil- liams, and Mrs. Austin. No. 6. Misses Woods, Box, and Morgan. No. 7. Misses Allan, Lewis, and Haywood. No. 8. Misses May Norton and Isaacs* and Mr. H. Uunn. No. 9. Mrs. N. Jones and Mr. Williams. No. 10. Mrs. 1,. Hughes, Miss Shearman, and Mr. Heywood. No. 11. Mis-es Gwen Lewis, Kaminetaky, and G nun No. 12. Misses Phillips and Julian and Mr. E. Phillips. No 13. Miss Phillips and Mrs. Phillips. No. 14. Mrs. Southey. Mrs. Balmer, and Mr. Courtis. No. 15. Misses Lock (2) and Mr. Forsdyke. No. 16. Mr. M. Allan and Mr. Lewis. No. 17. Miss Lewis, ikir. Farthing, and Mrs. Courtis. No. 18. Mrs. Deere and Mr. H. Lewis. No. 19. Mrs. White and Mrs. W. Davies. No. 20. Miss Patterson. Mr. W. E. Morgan, and Mrs. Morgan. Of course, the Chief was present. And he was ubiquitous-down on the floor, where "Santa Claus" herself was busy, up in the balcony look- ing after the comfort of the visitors, on the siage looking after the musicians—in fact, everywhere. The girls knew him, and when he came amongst them he received a greeting that must have gladdened his heart. For "Santa Claus" and her sister they kept their smiles and petitions- it was Miss Carr this and Miss Carr that and Miss Carr something or other all over the shop. The attendants, too, worked admirably, although it must be confessed that the ladies showed the young men the way around in managing the mass of little ones that had been invited to their care fo- the afternoon. In the balcony there was a large and interested gathering of spectators, who watched the pro- ceedings keenly. Amongst the children was a very pretty quar- ter for a listener. No sooner were the girls seated than their natural feminine curio- sity gained the upper hand; open came the bags, ou; came the contents, first for examining, then for sampling. "What havi you got?" said one. 'A'f a cake, a norange, a pork pie, and 9bme pops!" was the reply, followed up by the counter-question "W'at's in yourn?" And so ruled a conversation that filled the capacious hall with a busy that effectually drowned ail the adults' attempts to talk in the ordinary voice. Presently it quieted down, for even girls' mouths cannot well speak and eat at the same time. The quality of the provisions was pleasing to the girls, who eat as much as they dared, and then wrappedfcthe balance up in their bags to take home. ™ SUBSCRIPTION LIST. £ g. d. Already acknowledged 209 11 TO-DAY'S SUBSCRIPTIONS. Mr. S. G. Orimsliaw 110 Western Mail Bowl, December 21 0 2 1 Uncle and I," Lydbrook 0 2 0 Total L210 16 65 THE LADIES' COMMITTEE. Of all the workers none deserve more praise than the members of the ladies' committee. These ladies have met frequently at the "Wes- tern Mail" Offices, find have discussed the arrangements in all their details. The result was seen in the Lesser Park-hall on Wednesday afternoon, when luncheon and tea were provided for the assistants and all who contributed to the afternoon's enjoyment. The following com- posed the committee, of whom Mrs. Lascelles Carr was president and Mrs. Lloyd Harris secretary: —Mrs. P. W. Carey, Mrs. J. E. Gnnn, Mrs. C. J. Jackson, Mrs. Henry White, Mrs. Arthur Mee, Mrs. Lloyd Harris, Mrs. W. Davids, Mrs. J. A. Hopkins, Mrs. Rey- nolds, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. W. J. Davies, Mrs. G. Southey, Mrs. F. Lacy, Mrs. D. W. Thomas, Mrs. T. Andrews, Mrs. Emsley Carr, Miss Ettie Carr, Mrs. Rooney, Mrs. Robert Hughes, Mrs. F. Hill, Mrs. W. E. Morgan, Mrs. T. Balmer, Mrs. R. P. Culley, Miss Davies, Miss Crafter, Miss Agnes Carr (Newport-road), Miss Lizzie Allan, Miss Mattie Carr, Miss Gwen Lewis, Miss A. Morgan, Miss Gerhold, and Miss Francis.

CANON THOMPSON AND "SANTA CLAUS." AN ENORMOUS DEMAND FOR TICKETS. THE VICARAGE SWARMING WITH APPLICANTS. An indication of the dimensions to which tli3 "Santa Claus" movement has attained and the interest it excites in Cardiff is provided by the following letter which Miss Lascelles Carr last nig'it received from Canon Thomp- son:— "Dear Miss Carr—It is a far cry to next Christmas time, but if between now and then you and those who work with you in your beneficent work will take into consideration the case of sorns of us poor distracted house- holders I and,-1 feel sure, many other resi- dents hereabouts will be grateful to you. The case is this—for about a fortnight before your distribution my house is beset, day and night, by hordes of children and others clamouring for tickets. We ire practically defenceless, and the worry is well nigh intolerable. It is moro I than our servants' work to run to the door all the day long. It is, in fact, all we can do to keep them in the house. What I venture very respectfully to propose is a different method of distribution. If the tickets were distributed, say, from some one centre by your own staff, diffe- rent districts having different days for applica- tion, I cannot but think that the state of things I allude to might be avoided. The clergy and others might be asked to furnish lists, and with that I for one should be more than con- tent. Of course, in distant parts of the town, the annoyance would be but little, but situated (as the vicarage is) in the very heart of it and in close proximity to the poorest and most densely populated districts, you may imagine what our experience is likely to be. I hope you may be able to devise a plan which may be as satisfac- tory to yourself as to us, and wishing you the compliments of the season.-I am, faithfully yours, "C. J. THOMPSON." The Vicarags, Cardiff, Dec. 21. This is by no means an isolated case. It is, in fact, typical of that which goes on pretty well all over the town, and the complaint which Caron Thompson so genially makes is buried at us by others in less conciliatory language. Not qlâte belonging to this latter class, but very near it, Alderman Carey has a long and elo- quent story to tell of the trouble which "Santa Claus" has brought him. His house in New- port-road is oesieged for weeks, iid all day and far into the night bell and knocker are in a state of perpetual agitation. Evsry Irish family in tht, town turns naturally to the alder- man in time of stress and need, and the children and their parents swarm round his residence in the ardour of their quest for "Santa Claus" tickets. They used to block up the doorway, make the walk to the house impassable, and stand on the wall and railings shouting their appeais at any- bcdy they saw in the house. But, unlike Canon Thompson, Alderman Carey was not defenceless. Holding a public position in the tcwn, he appealed to the authorities, and now a policeman regularly patrols before the house during the open season for "Santa Claus" tickets. Still, there is a good deal in what Canon Thompson says, and we thank him for his sug- gestion. Miss Carr herself may not be in a position to carry it out, as she soon intends to expatriate herself for reasons into which we need not enter here, but there is another Miss Carr coming on who wil!7 doubtless, be delighted to follow in the footsteps of her sisters, and act as the chief worker and figure-head of the Santa Claus" Christmas treats of coming years. And, in looking at the future, we see no reason why the scheme, now fully and firmly established, should not be considerably widened, so that a far larger number than even 2,000 may be fed, clothed, and entertained, and made to feel the influence of that spirit of goodwill towards men which is claimed to be the mainspring of all Christmas festivites. Indeed, we have reason to believe that it is already in the mind of Miss Matty Carr, the "Santa Claus" of 1898, if all is well, to test the feeling of the public as to a far wider applica- tion of the scheme a year hence. With adequate help and good organisation, there is no reason at all why, instead of benefiting 2,0uo in two days, six thousand of the very poor people in the town may not be invited to the good things of next year's feast. With the co-operation of the public, and especially of our friends "up the street," whose kindness towards the "Santa Claus" movement, and their excellent reports of its two-day feasts we readily acknowledge, an increase of the scheme to the extent mentioned may not be accomplished with comparative ease. To feed, clothe, and entertain a different thousand of our poorest townsfolk and their children every night for a. week is, indeed, a task which presents no serious difficulty. With the unstinted support of those in a position to afford the time, Cardiff might every year have a "Santa Claus" Week on a scale which would warrant elaborate arrangements for the examination of applicants and the distribution of tickets, and which would be an example for other towns in the work of bringing a gleam of Christmas rejoicing into the homes now tenanted by misery and haunted by want.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING AT CARDIFF Alderman Carey presided at a meeting of the Cardiff Lighting Committee on Tuesday, when the electrical engineer (Mr. Appelby) reported that the new plant at the Eldon-road station would be ready for work in a week or ten days. This would enable the committee to satisfy all the applications for electric lighting in the town. ( Mr. Priestley's report on the proposed water supply from Ely for the electric lighting works was read, and it was resolved that the water- works committee be asked the price at which they would be prepared to supply the water.— The Chairman expressed an opinion to the effect that Mr. Appelby's scheme for cooling plant was the best.—Mr. Hallett moved that the elec- trical engineer prepare a report showing in what respect his proposal would be the most advan- tageous to the town.—This was seconded by Mr. Good and carried.

TO-DAY'S RACING SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. BIRMINGHAM MEETING. Handicap per: Mr. R. K. Mainwaring. Judge: Mr. W. J. Ford. Starter: Mr. A. Coventry. Clerk of the Scales: Mr. H. Ford. Secretary and Auctioneer: Mr. John Ford. Clerks of the Course and Stakeholders: Messrs. W and H. Ford. BIRMINGHAM, Wednesday. A fine bracing morning, with a sharp attack of frost during the night, and the conditions were most enjoyable for the time of year for the wind-up of the Birmingham meeting. The sun soon dispelled the effects of the frost, and when racing started the ground was in good order. The attendance was again rather small, and it is evident that Christmas week is not the bese for holding a meeting, but sport again turned out well. Details-- 1 f\ —The COVENTRY STEEPLECHASE X. V/ PLATE of 40 sovs, for four year olds and upwards: weight for age; winners extra. About three miles. Mr Sidney's Gangbridge, 4yrs, lOst 5!b Owner 1 Lord Coventry's Mediator, aged, 12st lib Major Coventry 2 Mrs Hussey's Greenmount, 4yrs, lOst lib Lane 3 Mr Munby's Boa, aged, list 71b Owner 0 Mr Jukes's Warlingham, 4yrs. lOst 1th Mr A W Wood 0 Mr Williams's Sofa, 4yrs, lOst lib.Mr Lord 0 Mr Walker's Prince Hamlet, 6yrs, list Wilson 0 Mr Singer's Rosemallow, 4yrs, lOst 51b Ciack 0 Mrs Page's Tip Top, 5yrs, list 3lb Mr W Thompson 0 Winner trained by owner. Betting—5 to 2 agst Gangbridge, 5 to I each agst Mediator and Rosemallow, 6 to 1 agst Prince Hamlet, 7 to I agst Sofa, 8 to 1 agst Greenmount, and 10 to 1 agst any other. At the second fence Warlingham fell, and Sofa made play from Tip Top, Mediator, and Gangbridge, with Rosemallow next, until two fences from home. where Mediator assumed the command from Rosemallow, but at the final obstacle Gangbridge drew out, and won in a canter by three lengths; four lengths divided the second and third. Doa was fourth, Rose- mallow fifth. Sofa sixth, and Tip Top last. -i *Jf\ —A SELLING NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE PLATE of 50 sovs, for four year olds and upwards; weight for age; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles, on the flat. Mr Adderley's Miss Dolly II., aged, 12st 71b Mr Sidney 1 Mr Jesson's Cric Crac, 5yrs, 12st Mr Bissell 2 Mr Davies's The Hun, 6yrs. 12st 71b Mr Wood 3 Mr Hortons' Endanger, 4yrs, list 91b Mr Munby 0 Mr Jackson's Greek Lad, aged, 12st 71b Owner 0 Mr Lava's Fireworks, 5yrs. 12st Owner 0 Mr M'Calmont's Lord John, aged, list 21b Mr Beatty 0 Mr Hunt's Boy Bishop. 6yrs, 12st 21b Mr Hunt 0 Winner trained by Lowe. Betting—5 to 4 agst The Hun, 5 to 2 agst Miss Dolly II., and 10 to 1 agst any other. Greek Lad cut out the work from Endanger. Lord John, and Cric Crac, with Fireworks and Boy Bishop next, and Miss Dolly II. in the rear, until entering the straight, where Endan- ger resumed the lead, but gave way a quarter of a mile from home to Miss Dolly II. and Cric Crac, of whom the former won by three parts of a length; the same distance divided the second and third. Endanger was fourth, Boy Bishop fifth, anrd John tailed off last. O r\ —The GRAVELEY MAIDEN HURDLE Jim V/ RACE PLATE of 40 sovs, for three year olds and upwards; weight for age; win- ners extra. Two miles, over hurdles. Lord Rossmore's Windlass II., 3yrs. lOst 71b H Sidney 1 Mr Buckworth's Ben Roe, 3yrs, lOst 71b Birch 2 Mr Coventry's Flying Hampton, 3yrs, lOst 101b Mr H Sidney's Care Iska, 3yrs, lOst 71b Mr Sydney 0 Mr Wood's Virginia Boy, 3yrs, 10st .Owner 0 Mr Pope's Tom Pinch. 3yrs, lOst A Nightingall 0 Mr Walker's Duckshot, 3yrs, lOst Clarkson 0 Mr Tracton's Moonlight Flit, 3yrs, lOst Mr Gordon 0 Mr Lawrence's Dentist, 6yrs, list 101b Mons. Maraud 0 Winner trained by Sydney. Betting—5 to 4 agst Dentist, 9 to 2 agst Flying Hampton. 5 to 1 each agst Windlass II. and Ben Roe, 6 to 1 agst Tom Pinch, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Flying Hampton led from Duckshot. Tom Pinch, Ben Roe, and Windlass II., until ap- proaching the last hurdle, when Flying Hampton was beaten, and Windlass II. draw- ing to the front, followed by Ben Roe, won by one length; a bad third. Virginia Boy was fourth, Dentist fifth, Tom .Pi11<o1 sixth, and Care Iska last. ») OA -The GREAT WARWICKSHIRE -.OU HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of 300 SOYS; winners extra. Two miles. Mr Firth's Donner. 5yrs, llst lib .Gourley 1 Lord Coventry's Enniskerry, 4yrs, lOst 71b Mr Lord 2 Sir W Ingram's Loppy, aged, list 21b Clack 3 Mr Cairnes's Elfrida, 6yrs, 12st 71b Hopper 0 Mr Walker's Lambton II., 6yrs, list 41b Williamson 0 Lord Rossmore's Ballyalbany, 6yrs, lOst lllb Mr Blyth's Elliman, 6yrs, lOst lOlb Mr Marsh 0 Mr Joiliffe's Lady of the Lake, 5yrs. lOst 81b Mr Reginald 0 Mr Ray's Ingebrigt, 6yrs, lOst 101b Bntler 0 Mr Singleton's Sheriff Hutton, 5yrs, list 21b Mr Bleteoe 0 Winner trained by Norton. Betting-9 to 4 agst Ballyalbany, 7 to 2 agst Donner. 4 to 1 agst Enniskerry, and 8 to 1 agst any other. Q A -The SMALL HEATH SELLING O. \J HANDICAP HCRDLE RACE of 60 sovs; winner to be sold for 50 govs. Two miles over hurdle; John Mullins, 1; Mistral, 2; Usquebagh, 3. 13 ran Also ran: Declarer, denhom Cross II., The Hun, Bonny One, Lethe. El Gaurho, Mondoro, Florella, Marvellous, and Hampton Vine. Betting—5 to 2 agst Usquebagh, 5 to 1 agst John Mullins, 11 to 2 agst Bonny One. 7 to 1 agsi: Mistral, 8 to 1 agst Hampton Vine, and 10 to 1 agst any other.

"SPORTING LIFE" AUTHENTIC PRICES. BIRMINGHAM MEETING. Hone. Jockey. Sporting Life. COVENTRY STEEPLECHASE (9). Gangbridge (Owner) 5 to 2 ag NATIONAL HUNT FLAT (8). Miss Dolly II. (Mr Sidney) 5 to 2 ag GRAVELEY MAIDEN (8). Windlass II. (H Sidney) 5 to 1 ag WARWICKSHIRE HANDICAP (10). Donner (Gourley) 7 to 2 ag The above prices are identical with those published in the "Racing Calendar."

Although The Hun evidently finished third, the number of Endanger was telegraphed. Sub- sequently. however, that of The Hun was sub- stituted when the error was called attention to.

OFFICIAL SCRATCHINGS. The Press Association has been officially in- formed by Messrs. Weatherby of the following scratchings: — All handicaps where the weights have ap- peared—Zethus. All engagements—Golden Dream by Mun- caster (mare), Miss Ethel by Wisdom (mare), and bay n'ly foal by Hampton-Juliana (all dead).

ACCEPTANCES. MANCHESTER MEETING-NEW YEAR'S HAN- DICAP HCRDLE. Hawkwoed, Bravo. Linhope, Sicily Queen, Athelwulf, Nassau. Killyleagh, Tours. Full of Fashion, Monos. Siilybody. Martha III.. I.O.U., durable, Chelford, Coffee Cooler, Blumenbach, Selby Maid, Master Munden, and Belle of Bree. The weights have been raised 31b.

OLI) SAill'S FINALS. BIRMINGHAM MEETING. LO-LADY GUNDREDE. 1.30—LITLE BOY BLUE. 2.0—WINDLASS II. 2.30—BALLYALBANY (nap). 3.0—USQUEBAGH (nap). 3.30-MELTON PRIOR or BLAIRFETTIE. PADDOCK FINALS. ROSEMALLOW. THE HUN. BEN ROE. DONNER. 6CENE AT THE PARK HALL. I

TO-DAY'S TURF TALK GOSSIP AND CHATTER OF THE COURSE AND FIELD. SPECIALLY 8ET FOR THE EVENING EX PRE 99. The amateur selection for to-day is Dentist. Sagittarius has been sent to W..Leader's plao* to be schooled over hurdles. Devil-May-Care has been tried, and he ir likely to win a. flat race ovar two miles. Aurum has won eleven races out of fifteei starts. He has only been unplaced once. Dentist, who comes from France via Epsom, has shown very well at his jumping practice in this country. Galtee More has again commenced to come out at exeicise, after being turned out for about four weeks, and he looks well. I There is a hitch in the Burge v. Akers match, fixed for January 28, but it is hoped that a settlement of terms between the parties will be come to. The filly Breemount's Pride, by Kendal- Mavourneen, which displayed such promising fcrm in Ireland :IS a three-year-old, has arrived at Cranbourne to be trained for future engage- ments by Sir Charles Nugent. The novices Swords and Javelin, with Mrs Chaloner's horse Mississippi,were given a stripped schooling over several flights of hurdles this week, when the two first-named acquitted themselves most satisfactorily. The sport at Castle Bromwich yesterday was both opened and closed by Yardley-bred winners—No and Antidote. The latter won easily, but was lucky to get home, for he pulled up very dicky on the off foreleg. Consequent on his success in the Norton teteeplechase yesterday No is penalised 91b. for the Staffordshire Handicap Steeplechase, run at Dunstau Park on Tuesday next, the weigat of Mr. Tract-on's horse being thus raised t.) list. 91b. George F. Slosson has' no sooner nn the emblem which is the distinguishing badge of the billiard champion of America ihai he M challenged right and left by Franck C. ives .and Schaefer. The latter has be<}n given tn4 opportunity, as he was the first in the field. It was fitting that No should score in the first race at Castle Bromwich yesterday, for the horse was bred just over the hill, at Yardley, by Mr. Young Graham. His dam is a. Hermit mare, and many of the produce of his sire, Barcaldine, seem to be natural jumpers. No won his race in fine style yesterday, and his breeder is of opinion that high chasing honours are awaiting him—a Grand National, possibly. Mr. Horatio Bottomley, when recently re- ferring to his purchase of bloodstock, pointed out that he hoped to find recreation in watch- ing the doings of his horses in the paddocks as well as on the racecourse. On Monday morn- ing he visited Alfriston, with Mr. J. Hare and other friends, and witnessed the work done by his horses under the charge of Batho. Amongst those at exercise were Count Schomberg and Northern Farmer. The nomination of Dieudonne for the Chaplin Stakes at Lincoln scarcely suggests that he was at the time of closing thought a good colt, and afresh is the rumour raised that the son of Amphion is touched in the wind. He did not run a stayer in the Dewhurst Plate, failing lamentably when Watts a furlong from home called upon him for an effort. Possibly in the Middle Park Plate he benefited by the cut-throat practices pursued with Orzil and Disraeli, that pair coming along helter-skelter from nag-f Bli- the one seeking to outpace the other. The "official" starting-price of Rinvanny for the Yardley Hurdle Race yesterday is returned at 10 to 1. The price was certainly on offer at flag- fall, but whilst the horses were galloping at the Castle .Bromwich end of the course the Irish mare was backed in a very few seconds at prices rang. ing between tens and sixes to win hundreds of pounds. There was a long-drawn "Oh!" from Tattersall's ring when the visitor from over the water was seen to have about a stone in hand of everything; and a comparison of yesterday's form with that at Nottingham last week leads irresistibly to the conclusion that either Rinvanny has improved or Morganne has depreciated to the extent of 211b, in seven days. Everyone present at the Olympic Club lasc night regretted that Burge had not a better op- portunity of showing his real powers. His oppo- nent was neither in condition nor temper to make a fight of it. For some reason or other he had quite neglected training, and he took the ring in bodily condition which pointed rather to Smith- field than to athletic honours. O'Brien is a fleshy man at any time, but he was 80Inething beyond that. He had no wind, and he very quickly began to bear the marks of punishment. He behaved in a very doubtful fashion several times in the break-away, and when he gave an unmistakable foul at last there was no surprise. The betting was merely nominal. An after of JE100 to j610 on Burge was carried round the room in vain.

ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE 1.30 p.m. Money is in strong requset, and the rate loi Call Loans is a matter of negotiation, but nominally 3 pei- cent.; Three Months' Bills aN als3 quoted at 3 per cent.; Bombay Exchange 15Jd.; Calcutta 15 9-16d. The Stpck Markets are very quiet, and th, tone in most departments is dull. Consols are weaker at a decline of 8 for Mo-net and the Account, wing to the stiffness of th, Money Market. In Home Rails Hull and Barnsley and Metro politan are A up, but otherwise the uhanges art in the adverse direction. Doras, Berthas, Mid. land Deferred, Berwicks, and the Scotch De ferred issues decling. Americans, though mostly showing a decline of I to a are slightly firmer in tendency, Nor- folk Preferences, Central PtKi&cz, and Northern Pacifies marking an advance. Trunks and Canadian Pacifics are dull. Foreign Stocks quiet, but Paris heavy. Mining Shares show a steady tone. MINING (A.US i KALIAN AND INDIAN AtaddmLMup. I- Mysore 5,\ Asso. Gold W.A. 4; MysoreGaldfi'ds 14/0 De. Southern § North Boulder ltt Broken Hill Pro 2 Nundydroog Burma Ruby 9s Gd P'd'gt'n Censols £ Central Boulder 1 J- Oorefum Ord. 2ft Champion Keef.. 6 Do. I'ref. 1 Glden Hrse Shoe 7 A Wentw'th ttald. & Great Boulder. 24/0 W'th o £ Natieus 4B Hampton Plains 1 W. Aus. Gldflds 2|L HlI.unan B. HlII 61h Do. Joint Stk 2% Invanhoe 66- Rio Tinto. 25 Kalgurli 6% Anaoondia 6ft Lake View Con. 11 j MINING (SOUTH AFRICAN). ji Afrikander Jjj Kleiufontein 2* ■ Angelo 5 Kierksdorp 6/3 I Apex 5-% Knight 4% ™ B&rnato Consols 2$. Langlaafte 4 Bantjes 1 Lisbon Berlyn. 3s 3d Bochuuualand. & London & Paris BUDato Consols 2. Langlaafte 4 Bantjes 1 Lisbon Berlyn. 3e 3d Bochuuualand. London & Paris Kuffelsdoorn Luip'rds Vlei Nw Ifc British S. Africa Msahonald Agcy (Chartered) 2» May 2A- City A. Suburban Meyer ft Charlta 4% Comet 3,V Modderfoutein 2% Consd Gldflds of Ne*r Primrose. 4* S. Africa Def 5 Nigel 2% Croesus Oceana Censd .$. Crown Beef 12'& Pioneer 9% De Beers 23% Potcl>efstroo«i. 6/0 Durban Roodep't 6* Kandfonteiu II Rast Band 4f,- Kaud Mines 33 Fen-eira 23fe Reitfontein n Geldenhuis 4* Robinson 4% Do. Deep 6% Salisbury 3fc Glencairn 2& Sheba 24 G»ldtields Deep 9$. Simmer Sl Jack 3% Grsskop 3s0d S. Afric.Gold Tst 5 Henderson Trsvl 1 £ Spes Bona Henry jHourse. 9-fj Tati Concession. 1* Henot 7% Transvaal Gold.. 4% Ja«rersfoutein 8% Van Ryn 1% Jobanesbre.Invt 2 Village Mainreef 6 Do. Water 1 £ Wemmer 9ft Jubilee 8 Wolhuter 6ft Jumpers Zambesi Expltn. Ijm

TOO LATE TOO CLASSIFY BLAIBBRG'S.-l2s. 6d. is quite enough for aj? JD Overcoat: winter will not last long. Pilol Cloth. Velvet Collar. BLA 1BKRGTS7—Red-band Shirt, 2s. 6d.; Welsl B Shirt. 4s. lid.; Welsh Drawers, 2a. 3d.; tin North Pole Blanket, 10s. 6d.Qur Address, Near Gasworks. BLAIBERG'S, Bute-street Crossing.—Ladie^ B Alberts, Gent.'s Pins, Ma.tch Bones. Watches, Rings, Clocks. Weddinir King. 3Jdwt. B 19s.; same gold as in guineas, warranted. BLAJEERG'S.-18ct. Keepers, 19s.; Gent.'a B Silver Alberts, 5s. 6d. Forfeited Silver Watch, 12s. 6d.; 12 months' warranty. BLAIBERG'S.-Welsh Shawls, 12». 6d. (long fringe); forfeited outfitting, very^che^.