Evening Express

GREAT FLOODS AT M OR PISTON. REPORTED LOSS OF LIFE. SPECIALLY 8ET FOIt THE EVENING EXPRESS. The incessant rains of the last few days have led to disastrous floods in the Morriston district, the Tawe having overflown its bank to an ex- tent never before witnessed. The lowlands near the Upper Forest; Works are one sheet of water, and the Upper Forest Farm and cot- tages adjacent are filled with water. Cattle and olher stock have had narrow escapes from drowning. The road leading to Llansamlet is flooded, and traffic is impeded, while the water has reached the Midland Railway, but so far traffic is not interfered with. A large qnantitv of wreckage floats down the river, and dead cattle and horses are discernible. Loss of life is repotted from up the Swansea Valley, but no tiling definite is known.

PLYMOUTH YACANCY. The campaign at Plymouth will commence to-morrow (Friday) with a meeting of both par- ties. The Liberali are already provided with a candidate in Mr. S. F. Mendl, who was unsuc- cessful at the last* general election, and intend to hasten the election. Notice rf the lacancy will, probably, be given to tha Speaker to-day or to-morrow, in which event an official an- nouncement will appear in to-morrow's "London Gazette," knd the election will take place on January, the 10th or lltli. Mr. Pridham Wip- p.:ll, one of the Unionist candidates for Devon- port, emphatically denies that there is any pos- sibility of his coming forward to contest the sister borough.

THE TIN-PLATE INDUSTRY, SPEC/ALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. An important meeting of tin-plate manu- facturers was held at Pittsburg on Wednesday to consider a proposal for the extension of credits from 30 to 60 days. Before separating a great conference was agreed to be held at Columbus (Ohio). Its chief object will be to arrange the formation of a great tin-plate trust. Thus the prime and constant testimonial to Protectionist tariff legislation is likely to lose its favour in the public eyes. It is a standing argument with the high tariff politicians that, whereas their opponents denounced protecting whereas their opponents denounced protecting tin-plate five years ago as propping up a bank- rupt and impossible home industry, they know see that the output has grown by leaps and bounds, until this year many expect the United States to rank as a tin-expor.ting country.

THREE THOUSAND PEOPLE HOMELESS. A Reuter's telegram from New York on Wednesday says: -A dispatch from Port- au-Prince states that a great fire occurred there yesterday evening, causing immense destruction of property. Eight hundred houses were burned, including a number of warehouses, an hotel, and a church. Three thousand persons have been ren- dered homeless. To add to the confusion and terror, an earthquake shock occurred at twenty minutes to seven this morning, and lasted several minutes. Slight cracks appeared in the earth, but there does not appear to have been any accident to life or limb.

TELEGR APH i STS A ND COM- PULSORY OVERTIME. In an addendum to the manifesto dealing with alleged inadequacy of pay, the London Execu- tive of the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association I' enumerate further grievances, which, according to them, require prompt treatment. Taking strong exception to the compulsory nature of the overtime worked by telegraphists, they point out that it is cheaper to compel the present clerks to perform overtime during the busy season than to increase the staff. Thev claim that all restrictions placed upon Civil servants in the exercise of the franchise should be abolished, an,. that the State should concede the right of com- bination to its workmen. Strong complaint is made that the Central Office in London is ex- tremely badly provided with exits, and the document urges that the Government should be compelled to adopt the same safeguards in pre- serving the health of its workers a.s it nas imposed upon individual capitalists.

SUCCESSFUL WOMAN LAWYER. Miss Clara BreLt Martin, who has been admitted to the Ontario Bar, has oeen made a junior partner in the legal firm of Shiilon, Wal- bridge, and Martin, Toronto. She intends to specialise on the laws relating to woman, her citizenship, her estates, her children, and her individual responsibilities. Curiously enough. her first case was concerned, not with her sex, but with commercial law. She argued it very capitally before Judge Maruon, and won it. She is described as an earnest and attractive young woman, her most striking characteristic being Mr indomitable perseverance.

Australian Turf Scand al RUNNING OF THE HORSE PARTHENOPAEUS. Leads to an Inquiry Which Reveals a Series of Malpractices by Two Well-Known Owners. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. With rejard to the Parthenopaeus case, the t sequel of which is that Messrs. S. Allen and T. Arnfield have been disqualified for life by the V.R.C. Committee, a Colonial excha nge says: Excepting the Mata rase of years ago, and the unsavoury Patricia case of more recent dp.te, no turf inquiry held in the colony has excited half the interest of that associated with the running of Parthenopseus, which reached a climax on November 17, when the V R.C. Committee dis- qualified for life two leading members of the betting-ring, Messrs. T Arnfield and S. Allen, as well as the horse whose nam-j has of late been in every racing man's mouth. ParthenopEcus was brought over to Victoria a month or two ago by the well-known Sydney owner, Mr. S. Fielder, with a view to winning the Caulfield Cup, but how, after being heavily backed, and knocked from pillar to post iu the race, he finished second to Amberite, is a matter of turf history. Mr. Fielder having had his chance, and failed, thought it advisable to let the horse go, and the good-looking son of Splendour was put up by auction at Newmarket by Messrs. William C. Yuille and Co., and knocked down to Mr. S. Allen for 700gs. It was announced later on that Parthenopæus had been bought on behalf of Mr. Allen and his fellow-ringman, Mr. T. Arnfield, for England, Mr. Arnfield, who had just returned from a trip to the old country, having been commissioned to procure a suitable horse for racing in England. Still providing food for conversation, it Tlext rumored that Parthcnopseus, who had been handed over to the Mordialloc trainer (A. Fergusson), was showing signs of lameness; and then the night before the Melbourne Cup, the horse, on the strength of a wonderfully good private trial, was backed for the big han- dicap to win £25,000. The chestnut failed to ruu up 10 expectations in the Cup, and in the Spring Handicap on Oaks Day he did not secure a place. His performance in that event was, however, not regarded as his true form and Mr. F. F. Dakin, the handicapper, for one! did not accept it as genuine, as he raised the horse 41b for the Final Handicap, run over the same distance—one mile and a quarter- on the concluding day of the meeting. When Parthenopaeus, backed down to a short price, came out and won this event in brilliant style and in splendid time, it was only natural that remarks should have been made. The V.E.C. Committee, slow, as a rule, to take action, at once instituted an inuiry into the inconsistent running of the ex-Sydneyite, and on the course came to the decision that Parthenopaeus had been "pulled" in the Spring Handicap, and disqualified "during their plea- sure" P. Guinane, the jockey who rode Par-' thenopams on each occasion, and A. Fergusson, the trainer. It was not considered likely .in racing circles that the matter would be allowed to rest here, and no surprise was felt when it was announced a day or two afterwards that the committee would go further into it. They called all the parties concerned before them, Messrs. Arnfield and Allen, as well as A. Fergusson, and several other witnesses, being examined. Guinane himself was not present, but he had taken care that the committee should hear from him. An affidavit, prepared by Mr. E. V. Vail, solicitor, was duly made by him, and forwarded to the committee. The contents of the affidavit did not transpire at the time, but subsequently it was generally known in racing circles that GUl- nane had made a confession. Mr. Vail applied that Guinane should be allowed to be repre- sented by counsel at the adjourned inquiry. This was refused by the committee, but it is under- stood that a lawyer's brief was put before the committee on behalf of Fergusson. In his affidavit Guinane admitted that he did not ride Parthenopaeus to win in the Spring Handicap. At the abattoirs, finding the horse going too well, he "pulled him back" (so he states on oath), "and ran him wide for the rest of the race." He directly implicated Fergusson, the trainer of the horse, in connectida with the horse's per- formance, and indirectly implicated Messrs. Arnfield and Allrn. "The reason I want to make a clean breast of it," stated Guinane in his affidavit, "is that I see all the others taking care of themselves and desiring to make me a scapegoat." The persons concerned were given an opportunity of cross-examining Guinane on the statements he had sworn to, but they failed to shake his evidence. The inquiry lasted three hours, and at its conclusion the committee came to the following decision: — It having been proved to the satisfaction of the committee that Samuel Allen and Thomas Arn- field have been guilty of fraudulent practice in regard to the running of the horse Partheno- pseus at the recent spring meeting of the V.R.C., the said Samuel Allen and Thomas Arnfield are hereby disqualified for life, and the said horse, Parthenopaeus, is also disqualified for life. The disqualification already imposed on Andrew Fer- gusson and Patrick Guinane during pleasure will remain." The sentence of the committee, of course, caused a great sensation in racing circles, the parties concerned being so well known. Mr. Arnfield is a Bendigo native, who, after his arrival in Melbourne, came rapidly to the front as a bookmaker. He for 8, while, in conjunc- tion with Mr. S. Allen, had a wonderful run of luck in backing horses, the V.R.C. Grand National double, Emmalea and Dainiio, and the V.A.T.C. Grand National double, Rosestem. and Dainiio, being supported by each to win a big stake. Mr. Allen belongs to a family of bookmakers who have been before the public for years. Both he and Mr. Arnfield are understood to be wealthy men. It has been stated that Messrs. Arnfield and Allen do not intend to let the matter drop, but will take it into the law courts.

CYCLIST HELD UP. STRANGE CHABGB OF BLACK- MAIL AT SLOUGH. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. At Slough Police-court on Wednesday George Maul, Arthur Hissey, Alfred Goddard, and Alfred Bennett, four young men of the labour- ing class, were charged with .demanding and obtaining money by menaces from Mr. Hubert William Culling Carr-Gomm, of The Chase, Farnham Royal. The plaintiff deposed that about twenty minutes to five on Christmas Eve he was riding a bicycle on a lonely road near Stoke Pogis Church, when he was surrounded by the prisoners, who were the worse for drink, and demanded money. Mr. Carr-Gomm was compelled to dismount, and, in hope of gaining time for the arrival of assistance, he began to question his assailants, and ultimately gave them half-a-crown, as it was getting dark, and one man threatened to knock him down. When the prisoners left Slough earlier in the afternoon they had with them four bottles of spirits, and, for the defence, it was urged that the affair was merely a drunken freak. Prisoners were com- mitted for trial. They were arrested on Boxing Day, on which one of them was to have been married.

A BANKRUPT ON TOUR. I SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. An adjourned meeting of the creditors of Mr. W. G. Turner, tyre maker, against whom the proprietors of "Cycling" had obtained a re- ceiving order, was held before Mr. Wildy,. offi- cial receiver, at the Court of Bankruptcy, Lon- don, on Wednesday.—The Chairman stated that the debtor had gone on an extensive tour in the country in connection with a patent pneumatic pulley, and was not in attendance.—A gentle- man present stated that he believed lie had obtained a receiving order against the debtor four months ago under the name of Waiter Dennison, and had attended with a view to identifying him.—Resolutions were passed for bankruptcy and appointing a. trustee.

Cardiff New Town-Hall. A committee of ratepayers has been formed to strenuously oppose the erection of the new Cardiff Municipal Buildings end Law Courts in Cathays Park, and a memorial is being signed for presentation either to the town council at their meeting on Tuesday or to the statutory meeting of ratepayers which has been called for the following day to consider the provisions of the Bill which the corporation are promoting in Parliament for the purchase of Cathays Park, the construction of electric tramways, and other purposes. A meeting of the committee was held at the offices of Messrs. Hern and Pertwee en Wednesday morning, when it was reported tin: 1,500 signatures of ratepayers had been obtained since Thursday, when the movement was started. The committee, we understand, do not intend to oppose the purchase of Cathays Park, but simply the removal of the Town-hall from what they claim to be the centre oI the town. We understand that some large ratepayers, win at first strongly resisted the removal of the municipal offices from their present site, are now iuclined to support the Temperancetown scheme in preference to the proposal of the cor- poration to establish the buildings in Cathays Park. The true centra of the town, the com- mittee claim, both from situation and tradition, is within the following houndaries: -From Car- diff Bridge along- Castle-street and Duke-strest, through Working-street and Mill-lane to Cus- tom House Bridge, thence along Penartli-road to the bridge; of the river, with the river itself, to Cardiff Bridge as the western limit. Any point within this area, they claim, would be easier of access to the people at the Docks, where the greatest commercial interests of Car- diff are centred; from the Board of Trade Offices, the warehouses which are adjacent to tha dock 3, the Dowlais Iron and Steel Works, the Copper Works, Spillers and Bakers' Mills, the large timber yards, the wholesale provision tiade, the markets, the Great Western Station, the General Post-office, the newspaper offices, the Free Library, and the banks and insurance offices. That the true business centre of Cardiff is adja- cent to the line of roate from the top of High- street to the corner of Stuart-street and Bute Docks is proved, they say, by the fact that, out of forty magistrates, twenty-two are engaged in business or reside in a position that is nearer to what they term the true centre of the town tha 1 Cathays Park is, and that, out of forty members of the town council, twenty-five are similarly placed. It is further pointed out that the present Town-liali is easier of access from Duke-street, Working-street, and alL the streets between these lines a the wester^Pbank of the River Taff; from Bridge-street and the streets lying between that thoroughfare and the Great Western Rail- way and from Adam-street end the populous district included in the East Moors and South Splotlands. With regard to the two latter districts it is urged that the lines of 'busses and trams bring the people to the bottom of St. Mary-street and the western end of Bute-terrace. The central area mapped out is also nearer to Butetown, Grangetown, Riverside, and also the proposed new Windsor Docks and industries lying north-east of the River Ely. It is con- templated by the corporation to include Penarth and Llandaff within the borough boundaries, and if this scheme succeeds a site in St. Mary- street or the immediate neighbourhood would be more convenient than Cathays Park. The true municipal centre would be, in fact, three- quarters of a mile nearer the more populous out- lying districts than the site selected for muni- cipal buildings. It is also contended that the growth of the town will be in a westerly direc- tion, namely, towards Penarth, Dinas Powis, and Cadoxton. Again, the selection of Cathays Park would inconvenience a great preponderance of the large ratepaving community, including the dockowners, the proprietors of warehouses and factories, and also the principal business people in the centre of the town. The chief cases at the assize, admiralty, and police courts come from the southern part of the town, and to those interested in such cases the present site or one within the central area would be more convenient. It is contended, further, that the fact that the Post Office authorities have expended JB100,000 on new buildings to concen- trate the whole of the postal, telegraph, and tele- phone staff in Weatgate-street is an indication that they consider that position to be within the true centre of the town. These are the principal reaspns put forth by the committee of ratepayers who oppose the Cathays Park site. The 1,500 ratepayers who have already signed the petition are opposed to the removal of the Town-hall to Cathays Park, some of them sup- porting the present position, while others declare in favour of Temperancetown. A statutory meeting of ratepayers has been called for Wed- nesday next at the Town-hall to consider the provisions of the Corporation Bill, and if the corporation are defeated on this or any other point it is extremely probable that they will demand a poll; and they will be quite justified in doing so. There are over 20,000 ratepayers in Cardiff, and the Crown Court, in which the meeting will be held, will hold no more than 800. The corporation are not likely to allow this small proportion to dominate the wishes of the whole community, whatever those may be. On the other hand, if the opponents of the Cathays Park scheme are defeated they will have an equal right to demand similar satisfaction. BERESFORD-ROAD BRIDGE. In response to a requisition from the Cardiff Ratepayers' Protection and Improvement Society, the mayor (Alderman Ramsdale) has convened a meeting to be held at the Town- hall this (Thursday1) evening to consider the proposal to erect a footbridge at Beresford-road level-crossing. Whatever the result of the meet- ing may be, it will have no legal effect, but it may influence the minds of the corporation.

A WELCOME GRANT. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS, j The promoters of the Tanad Valley Railway from Oswestry to Llangynog have received an intimation from the Lords of the Treasury that they are prepared to make a special free grant of £1B,OOO in aid of the line. The proposed railway will open up fertile agricultural country, and also tap a district rich in minerals. This is the first grant which has been made under the Act. _———

AN IDEAL BLUEJACKET. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A letter from Lord Charles Beresford is pub- lished, in fac-simile, in the January issue ot "Ashore and Afloat," giving his description of an Ideal Seaman. It reads as follows: —" 2, Lower Berkeley-street, Portland-square.—The Ideal Seaman.—The qualities which are to be found in the ideal British seaman, whether he treads the quarter deck or the forecastle, and whether he sails under the white or red ensign, are never to be mistaken. They are as charac- teristic in master or mate of the merchant ship as in the officers of a man-of-war, and arc the same in the fisher-lad of the North Sea. or the stoker in the Red Sea, as in the smartest petty offcer or A B. in the Royal Navy. Cheeri- ness under'any circumstances. self-reliance and courage in moments of danger, are qualities which a good seaman must ever possess, but there are other distinguished traits in the character of an ideal British seaman—manli- ness, truth, honesty of purpose, confidence in his shipmates in moments of danger or diffi- culty. thoroughness, cleanliness, and respect for and obedience to discipline, and determina- tion always to steer a straight course himself and to help his shipmates to do the same, and honest respect for religion and religious people. The ideal British seaman always looks ahead, and so is prepared for those numberless con- tingencies inseparable from a life art sea. and which are only to be fairly faced bv quickness of decision readiness of resource, fearlessness, and devotion to duty. Without these qualities the seaman could never face the stem, hard, practical facets which he must encounter in his daily life.—CHAltLKS BERESFORD."

PHOTOGRAPH COPYRIGHT. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. At Leek Petty-sessions on Wednesday a photol grapher, named Phillips,, prosecuted three mem- bers of the Conservative Working Men's Asso- ciation, also a local printer, for infringement of copyright of a photograph of Mr. Chrales Bill. M P. for Leek Division in 1894. Mr. Bill gave the photographer sittings, and received, without payment, one dozen. The defendants used a block made from the photograph in printing tickets for a soiree in connection with the association at which Mr. Bill waft tTi« chief speaker.—After a long hearing the defendants were each fined 20s. a.nd 25s. costs, in all £9. the block being given to the complainant.

DISTRESS IN IRELAND. (SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVEN/Ni: EXPRESS The "Freeman's Journal publishes a letter from Mr. William O'Brien, calling for action on the part of the Government in the relief of dis- tricts where the harvest has failed. Writing from Westport, he says:—"In thousands ot cases within a radius of twenty miles from where I write the people are not able to procure more than half the food necessary tor their healthy sustenance. From this time until they can get to England, in April or May at earliest, they will have no means of procuring- even these half-rations.

The Leeds City coroner conducted no less than 21 inquests en Tuesday. He was assisted by five juries, one of which took part in thirteen inquiries, which were held at the Town-hall. This hard-worked jury commenced its labours at eleven o'clock, and occupied two hours and I a half in "seeing the bodies" in different parts of the city.

The Terriss Murder. ACCUSED AGAIN if a FORE -THE MAGISTRATES. At Bow-street Police-court on Wednesday (before Sir John Bridge) Richard Archer Prince was again brought up in custody charged with the murder of Mr. William Terriss, the actor. Upon prisoner entering the dock he said in a somewhat excited way he should like to make a statement. The Magistrate told him to do it through his counsel. Prisoner declared that he had non?, as the gentleman whom he had instructed had with- àmwn. Mr. Sands said he was retained for the defence by prisoner's relatives. Prisoner said he would rather defend him- self than have anyone instructed by his rela- tives indeed, he wanted no defence. He would make his statement to the judge when the proper time came. He went on to allege that he had suffered great pains while at Hollowa.v, and alleged that he had beon drugged in prison. The Magistrate replied that he must make that complaint to the Home Secretary. Even- tually, and ■vgaiiist prisoner's own desire, the ciso vas adjourned for a brief interval to allow him to see Mr. Sands, after which it was understood that the accused had consented to that gentleman representing him. The evidence of Mr. Croydon, theatrical manager, showed that in October last -at New- castle prisoner spoke of Terriss as his ensmy. Prisoner several times interrupted this testi- mony with the exclamation, "Liar." Mr. Croydon added that he discharged pri- soner when on tou" for incompetency. On Mr. Tom Terriss being called, Mr. Sands said prisoner's relatives made no suggestion that the deceased had acted unjustly to prisoner. Other evidence showed that from time to time to the 9th of December accused had received help from the Actors' Benevolent Fund, but on the 16th of December, the day of the murder of Mr. Terriss, the committee, of which the latter was not a member, were unable to assist accused, and on calling in the afternoon he was informed of this. Succeeding testimony related to the sale of the knife and prisoner's habit of frequenting the stage-door of the Adelphi. The night before tha tragedy he asked the doorkaeper if Mr. Terriss came out that way. Mr. Terrks's dresser, who witnessed the tragedy from the dressing-room, said that after stabbing the actor on the breast prisoner appeared desirous of getting at him again, but the com- missionaire intervened. This was the case for the Crown.' Prisoner, on being cautioned, wished to make a statement. He was advised by the magistrates not to do so, and his counsel said the defence would be reserved, but prisoner persisted. He said he was only fighting for justice, not mercy. The man was dead. He went on to make a rambling reference to Oscar Wilde, when the magistrate interposed, and told prisoner he would be committed for trial. At the same time he was removed to the cell amid hissing and hooting, which demonstration the magistrate protested against.

A MILLIONAIRE'S WILL, PRIZES FOR PHILOSOPHERS AND LITERARY MEN. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Including £216,901 19s. 3d. in England, the personal estate in the United Kingdom has been valued at £4-34,093 of Mr. Alfred Nobel, ot Avenue Malakoff, No. 59, Paris, and Villa Nobel, San Remo, the inventor of dynamite, who died at San Remo, December 10, 1896. After payment of legacies, annuities, &c., the capital of the whole of the remaining realisable property is to form a fund, the interest from which is to be annually divided in five prizes, to those who during the preceding year have done most for the benefit of humanity. The interest is to be divided into five equal parts, of which one part is to devolve upon him who within the department of natural philo- sophy has ii>ade the most important discovery or invention. One other part to him who h¥ made tha most important discovery or improvement in chemistry; One other part to him who has made the most important discovery within the department of physiology or medicine; One other part to him who within literature has produced the most excellent work in an idealistic direction; and One part to him who has worked most or best for the fraternisation of the nations, and for the abolition or diminution of standing armies, as also for the promotion and propagation of peace. Th? prizes in physics and chemistry are to be awarded by the Swedish Academy of Sciences, for physiological or chemical work by the Carolinian Institution in Stockholm, for literature by the Academy in Stockholm, and for the propagation of peace by a committee of five persons to be elected by the Norwegian Parliament. And the will «pntinues "It is my express will that at the distribution of prizes no regard is to be paid to any kind of nationality, so that the most worthy competitor may receive the prize, whether he is a Scandinavian or not. "Finally, I ordain, this being my express wish and will, that after my death my arterieil are opened, and that after this has been done, and distinct signs of death have been attested by competent physicians, my corpse shall be burned in a so-called cremation furnace.

BKIXTON IJOVE TRAGEDY EVERY EARTHLY COMFORT" BUT A WIFE. SPECIALLY 8ET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A somewhat strange domestic tragedy wa| unfolded on Wednesday at the Lambeth Coro- ner's-court, when a jury inquired into the death of a young labourer named Herbert Rands, aged nineteen, who lived with his mother at 11, Wil- lington-road, Brixton. Mrs. Rands, who is a widow, and seemed deeply affected, said that her son was in no particular trouble, "except about his courtship." The Coroner: What was the difficulty about that?—Witness: He wanted to get married, but h3 did not earn money sufficient.—The Coroner: What did he earn?—Witness: He was only on odd work, and sometimes earned 10s. or 12s. a week.—The Coroner: Had he ever threatened suicide?—Witness: Not in my hearing. "He had every earthly comfort," but was worried about his girl. The Coroner: What about her?—Witness: Well, she's been staying over the Christmas with us. Last Thursday night I was out, and upon returning about nine o'clock found my poor boy sitting behind the parlour door crying. His young lady was seated in the room, and I re- marked to her, "I want to have a happy Christ- mas, and I hope you have not come to mar our pleasure." I took her by the shoulders and told her to get out of the house, and I would pay for her lodgings. Shortly after she left the room deceased retired to bed. A few minutes later he called her, and said, "Mother, I've taken poison." Seeing that he was very ill, a doctor was imme- diately sent for. Witness here became very hysterical, and had to be led from the court. As she was leaving she exclaimed, "Oh God, have mercy upon mo. I worshipped my boy," and, pointing to the jury, said, "These gentlemen don't understand; my happy Christmas is turned into sorrow." Mary Thorn, a domestic servant, stated that she was engaged to deceased, and had been stay- ing with the last witness. During Thursday evening he appeared on very affectionate terms, but later on they had a few words, when at last witness came in "and made matte"s worse." About half-past nine o'clock deceased asked witness to go to bed for his sake. Shortly after she had retired she heard him and his mother talking, and deceased called out loudly, "Do you Wfnt to drive me mad ?" Some twenty minutes later she was told by his mother that he had taken poison. She at once went to see him, and asked him why he had done it, but all he said was-, "Go away, and let me die in peace." The jury returned a verdict "f "Suicide while of unsound rnir.d."

WELSH MUSICIANS ON TOUR It is a noteworthy fact that out of the eight artistes who comprised Madame Melba's triumphantly successful concert party on the recent tour through England and Scotland three were Welsh—Miss Llewela Davies, Mr. Ben Davies, and Mr. Frederic Griffith. Every- where Mr. Ben Davies was highly popular, and added, if possible, to his already world-wide reputation. The other two Welsh artistes are as yet young in the musical world, and, there- fore, it is with pleasure we observe that they proved them salves worthy of the distinguished company with whom they were associated. As a mark of appreciation, Madame Melba pre- sented Miss Davies with a handsome double ring of diamonds and oearlc.

British Arms in Africa. THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE DElfYISHES. Osobri Is Captured, and the Enemy, Havng Lost Their Food and Cattle, Are for a. Time Harmless. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The Kassala correspondent of the "Times" says: —News has arrived that Osobri, the one important post between this place and Khar- toum, has at last fallen after a six days' siege and a most heroic defence. The garrison was larger than was at first supposed, so that tha investing force, even after it had been reinforced by 100 of Aroda's men sent from El Fasher, was insufficient to com- plete the cordon. Thus, when tKe Dervishes attempted to cut their way out of the fort on December 23, some of them escaped, carrying the news to other Dervish posts. The Baggara Emir, Abd el Raim, persisted in his refusal to surrender to the mfidels, though he was offered quarter. The garrison must have suffered great privations. The animals within the fort were heard ever raising cries of thirst, while the defenders, who during the first few days beat tomtoms and shouted defiance, became quite silent. Ambassabla sent to Kassala frequent mes- sages reporting the progress of the seige and ask- ing for more fiour and ammunition, which were sent, but he was to proud to ask for rein- forcements, which were always sent at Colonel Parson's initiative. Assabala has sent to Kas- sala his wounded. Most of the wounds IHoe not serious owing to the badness of the Dervish powder. He has also cent nearly 700 looted camels, oxen, sheep, donkeys, and goats. On Tuesday night the end came, after despe- rate fighting. After dark 50 Dervishes from the post of Safir, one day's journey west of Osobri on the Khartum road, where dhurra is culti- vated, attacked the investing force, making a bye attempt to relieve the garrison by carry- ing them food and water. One company of the besiegers engaged them, killing many, but, having exhausted their ammunition, retired: on tIn next company for more, when the Der- vishes rushed through the gap thus left in the cordon, entered the fort, and joined their com- rades—a most heroic performance. At this moment the besiegers were oppor- tunely reinforced by Aroda and 200 men who had been ordered by Colonel Parsons to march from El Fasher, leaving 100 men watching Ghedaref. This raised the force to nearly 500, making the cordon more complete. Thus, when later that night twenty Dervishes made a rush from the fort to procure water, all, including an Emir, were killed. A few hours later, when it was very dark, twelve mounted Dervishes, who, avoiding El lasher, had come from Ghedaref, arrived and attacked the men guarding the road from Safir, while at the same time the garrison, making a feint, opened a very haavy fire in the direction of the wells. On this the besiegers closed in to keep the Dervishes off the water, when the latter, escaping on the opposite side of the fort, fled in the direction of Safir, the horsemen covering their flight, leaving their food and powder and all their property behind them. Their losses were severe, and six Dervish pri- soners were taken. Assabala is pursuing with his camelmen, the Dervishes, who can find no water for a twelve hours' journey. The attack on the Dervish posts has thus been wholly successful, as, having lost all their food and cattle, they cannot re-establish them- selves, in the present circumstances, at these places so far from their base. Osobri and El Fasher are still held by our native levies. Thus the Atbara is in our possession from El Damer to Tomat.

ROW AT' ST. JAME&'St-HALLi, OPrtJliENT BARRISTER CHARGPD WITH TRYING TO STEAL. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Herbert Holman, 36, a barrister, living at Brocklands, Tooting Bee Common, surrenderee! at Marlborough-street to his bail, to answer the charge of attempting to steal 2s. from the book- ii^g-office of St. James's-iiall.—Frank Day said that on Tuesday afternoon he was selling tickets for the performance of t he Moore and Burgess Minstrels. The defendant purchased a 2s. ticket to see the performance. The defendant Ihen went away, but, after the lapse of a short inter- val, returned to the booking-offiee and said there was Ko room in the hall. He (the witness) made inquiries, and, finding that there were some vacant seats, told Mr. Holman that such was the case. The defendant said there was not, and that he must have his 2s. returned to him. He (the witness) told him he could not return him his money. The defendant repeated that he would have his money back, and, while the witness was counting some money Mr. Holman caught hold of his (the witness's) hand, and a coin was seen to fall from the defen- dant's hand on to the table.—Polics-conbtable Clark stated that Mr. Holman was given into his custody by Mr. Day, who said that he had attempted to steal 2s.—The defendant when given in charge, said, "Yes, and I would do the same thing again under the circumstances, as I intend to have my 2s. back." Mr. Holman, in defence, said he thought he had acted as anyone that called himself a man would have. After purchasing the ticket he went to the entrance to the hall, and, finding it a physical impossibility, owing to the crowd, to obtain a seat, he felt be was.entitled to have his 2s. returned. He wanted to get hold of the 2s., so that he might have an opportunity of arguing the point with the attenlant. He had not the slightest intention of stealing the money, and was quite astonished when he was givan into custody on the charge that had been pre- ferred agaiust him. He had an income of £4,000 a yeax, and was it likely he could be guilty of stealing the paltry sum of 2. He maintained that he was entitled to use sny teasonable means to get his money, which had been obtained from him by a trick, back.—Mr. de Rutzen said that the defendant had acted very foolishly. It was shown that there were vacant seats in the part of the hall for which he had purchased a ticket, but notwithstanding, owing to the crowd, he went and demanded liis money back. The cashier had no power to return the money, and, if the defendant wished tc get it back, he should have used other means to try rnd accomplish that end. (He (Mr. de Rutzen) did not for one moment think that the defendant had any intention to steal the money, and he would therefore, discharge him.

BETWEEN THREE RELIGIONS SPECIALLY SET FOR I HE EVENING EXPRESS. East End curates undergo1 many strange ordeals. The following, narrated by one of themselves, is, perhaps, as strange as arvh — "Kippers and coffee for Christmas dinner can- not be described as generous fare, but such, under curious circumstances, fell to the lot of an East Enl curace. He received a message before morning service that a woman who had recently come io tlv; parish wished to see him upon an important subject. Fearing the matter would occupy some time, and being a con- scientious man, he excused himself from join- ing a member of his flock at the festive board in order that he might go upon what he believed to be his duty. Matins over, he bent his steps towards the humble abode of the poor woman, whom lie found in great distress of mind. As she was about to partake of the above penitential fare, and urged his sharing it, he yielded, thinking that if ne did so it would establish confidence, and assist the iady to unburden her mind. The meal over, the urgent business was approached. 'You want my advice, I think,' he gently insinuated. 'I do,' responded the lady. I used to belong to your Church when my first husband was alive, and happy days they were,' and she aighed deeply. 'But,' she added, 'my second husband being a Roman Catholic, I felt I ought to belong to his Church, and I did. Now, he is dead, too, and I am going to be married to a man who is a strict Baptist, and I want to sur- prise him by becoming a Baptist, and I thought you could advise me how to go about it.' The clr-ate listened to the narrative with astonish- mwit, and, having given the lady a piece of his lPind, left to spend the remainder of the dAr hopeless melancholy."

Welsh 'Tin-Plate Trade. The following circular has been issued to the tin-workers of South Wales, Monmouthshire, and Gloucestershire: — Fellow Wcrkmen,—We have great y,ieasure in submitting to you a scheme draiisd ;'e» the purpose of reforming and "aeiterwg the working' of the Union. We have complete confidence in the same ourselves, but shall hft Wlt.t pleast-n to consider My amendments you may consider necessary. The committee are prepared to furnish you with any information in their power on appli- cation. Trusting you will give the matter your most serious consideration, and give us your opinion on the suni,, as early as possible. SUGGESTED ALTERATIONS: — 1. That tne office of "organising agent" be abolished. 2. That the services of the "executive com- mittee" as a permanent body be dispensed with. 3. That the "Industrial World" as a trade paper is unnecessary, and that in consequence we do away with same, together with the ser- vices of the editor. 4. That we retain the services of a general secretary and fully-paid clerk; the secretary to do the work of organising. 5. That in place of the "Industrial World" a printed "monthly report" be issued to eacn branch of the trade, showing the position or affairs at each works, together with an account of the expenses incurred by the secretary ana clerk for each month, including salaries, the same to be strictly private. 6. That the trade be divided into twelve dis- tricts, each district to appoint one cr more dele- gates to meet the secretary and clerk twicf annually in conference, the expenses of the same to be defrayed by the respective aistricis. 7. That each district bank its own money, and the expenses of the secretary and clerk, together with the salaries, be covered by levying each district proportionately. 8. That we do not retain the sendees of the present solicitor of the Union. Signed on behalf of the committee —Phile- mon ltees, John Thomas, Cardonnel; David Davies, Francis Lewis, Baglan Bay; Thomas Morgan, D. Treharne Thomas, Earlswood; John James, Thomas Thomas, Vernon; George Jones, Robert Nicholls, Victoria: Walter Davies, chair- man; John Richards, Neath-road, Briton Ferry, and Benj. L. Thomas, 3, Hunter-street, Briton Ferry, secretaries.

A SAILOR'S STRANGE FREAK, UP ALOFT ON THE UNDER- GRCytTND RAILWAY. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. seaman, named William James, aged 33, was charged (before the Lord Mayor) at the Mansion House with being on premises for an unlawful purpose. About three o'clock on Tuesday morning several platelayers were at work on the Metropolitan District line in the Mansion House Station when they were some- what startled by a voice from above them, shouting, "Hullo, there! Sling us the rope!" In the darkness they were unable to discover the speaker, but with the aid of the lights they were carrying to light them in their work, they were eventually able to make out the figure of a man lying across a girder near the bridge across Little Trinity-lane. The man was muttering something about the galley, and coinmg alongside," and "jumping in," and so on. A ladder was procured, and placed on the train standing in the station, and by this time the prisoner, for he was the man, was standing upright, with one foot on the girder and the other on a projection as if in the act of carrvino- out his suggestion about jumping into the galley! He was, however, persuaded to avail himself of the gangway," and down the laader he came. Had he jumped he would have fallen a distance of some 30ft. or 40ft. He seemed to b3 re- covering from the effects of a drinking bout, and his breath still smelt strongly of rt;m.-h reply to questions lie stated that he had not the re- motest idea as to how he got into his perilous position, nor could he say how long he had heen there, or what he was there for, excepting that he thought, he said, he was on board his ship, which was laymg in Tilbury Dock. The suppo- sition is that the prisoner must have clamebred over the Little Trinity-lane Bridge under the impression that he was getting ever the side of his ship.—In leplv to the Lord Mayor, the pri- soner still adhered to his statement as to his absolute ignorance of how or when he got on the girder, and lie added that, seeing the lights flickering below he thought it was the galley coming alongside to take him from his ship.—The Lord Mayor dealt with the case as a charge ot drunkenness, and fined the prisoner 5s. The money was paid, and the prisoner, a quiet, and inoffensive-looking man, went back to his ship.

A VANISHED ACTOR. MEMBER OF "LA POUPEE" COM- PANY DISAPPEARS. The London "Daily Mail" contains the follow- ing: -The Baling police have been busily engaged in investigating the strange caae of Mr. Dick Neville,^ a member of Mr. Lockwood's "La Poupee" Company, playing a week ago at the Lyric Theatre, Ealing, Mr. Neville mysteriously disappeared on the last night but one of the engagement, and his whereabouts remains a mystery. In conversation with Mr. T. J. fmilips, the lessee and manager of the Lyric, a representative of the "Daily Mail" learnt that the vanished actor, who played the part of "Father Maxime," the jolly monk, in Audran's pretty opera, left Ealing after the show on the Friday night, with intention, expressed and declared, of attending a supper party given by a medico friend in town. Saturday dawned, but the actor did not return. The time drew nigh for the evening performance, but no "Father Maxime." Mrs. Neville, who plays a small part in the production, half-distracted, wired an inquiry to the founder of the feast which her husband had left her to attend, and received a reply to the effect that Mr. Neville had left comparatively early the night before. The advertised hour for the rising of the curtain came, but not the exponent of "Father Maxime," so his understudy was hastily directed to dress and go on for the part. On Sunday there was no change in the status quo, and the company were obliged to go on to the next pitch without Mr. Neville. Here, so far as the Ealing authorities and Mr. Phillips have any knowledge, the matter rests. The missing man is said to be exceedingly well connected, and was a universal favourite with the "crowd." This particular company appears to be some- what fruitful of mysteries. Another member of it, a young lady who plays a subordinate part, has wondrous tales to tell of a rejected lover who dogs her footsteps, uttering threats of the most diabolical character, and armed with a small arsenal of knives and other deadly bric-a- brac. The company is this week playing "La Poupee" at the Lyceum, Newport, the new theatre lately acquired by Mr. Clarence Sounes. The members of the company there are at a loss to account for Mr. Neville's disappearance. He is said to be about 30 years of age, the son of a London clergyman, and was very popular with his comrades. Mr. Neville did not attend the last representation of "La Poupee" at Ealing on Saturday night, and his part (that of "Father Maxime") had to be taken by the understudy, Mr. A. Bardette, who is also taking it at New- port. The originally arranged tour closed at Ealinpr on Saturday night, but notices were posted that the company was re-engaged for the new tour, which opened at Newport on Boxing Night. Mr. Neville's wife formerly took a small part in "La Poupee," hut has now been transferred to "A Night Out" Company.

ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE. MINING (AUSTRALIAN AND INDIAN Alnddiu Lamp. IS- Mysore 5% Asso.Gold W. A. MrsoreGoldfi'ds 14/0 Do. Southern ft North Boulder X'/e Broken Hill Pro 2 Nundydroog 44 Burma Ruby 9s 6d P'd'gt'n Consols -ft Central Boulder 1,\ Ooreg-um Or.) 3 Champion Reef.. 5,1, Do. Pref.. 3% GldenHrse Sboe 81. Wentw'th (-old. ild Great Boulder. 24,0 W'th of Nations -& Hampton Plains 1& VV. Aus. Gldfids Haiman'g B. Hill 6'S Do. Joint Stk Invanhoe 6^r Rio Tiuto 24% Kalgurli 6]j Auacondia 5 Lake View Coii. li-ft MINING (SOUTH AFRT AN). Afrikander Kleinfontein 2% Augelo 5yf .•■ Klerke»dorp 6/0 Apex 5*4 Knipht 4% Baruato Consols 2iV Langlaaefe 4 Bantjes Lisbon Berlvn. 3s 6d Becliuniialand London & Paris Hutfelsdooru l,uip'rds Vlei N w Ijfe British S. Africa M:<shonald Agcy 2 (Charte ed) 2ft May 2 Cit,y & :subnrban 6,i Merer A Charltn 4% Comet 3% Modderfoutein 3jt Consd Gldfids of New Primrose. 4*„- S. Africa Def 5A ••• ^isrel 2% Croosus Oceana ( ousd {j Crown Eeef 12% Pioneer 9 De Beers iPotchefstroom. 5'3 Durban Koodep't 6ft 'Randfouteiu 2^ East Jfand 5, |Kand Mines 34%, Ferreira 24 jReitfontein 2U Geldenhuis 4% jRobinson 8% Do. Deep 6% Salisbury 3% Glencairn 2% jSbeba 2ft Galdfields Deep 10 iSiir.mer & Jack 3f! Grasko|> 3s0d is Afric.GoldTst 5¡\- Henderson Trsvl 1 jSp?s Bona £ Henry Nonrse. 9(i |T*ti Concession. 1A Heriot 8 Transvaal Gold.. 4% Jiigrersfoutein 8)4 jVan Kyn 1% Jobaiusbrtr.Invt 2 pillage Mainreef bft Do. Water 1 £ Weimner 9<k Jubilee 8 IWolhuter 6% Jumpers 5J ;Zambesi Eipltn. 1-& "'1

The Rev. A. F. M'Carthy, curate of Mountain Ash, has been appointed by the vicar (the Rev. T. Theophilus, R.D.) to a curacy at Tredegar. The rev. gentleman enters upon his duties at the beginning of the New Year.

Boarded by Pirates. WHilS BECALMED TTNDEli THE GUNS OF GIBRALTAR. SWALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. —: A binocular glass awarded by the ftalian Government was, in Glasgow, present-id to Cap- tain John A. Davies, of the steamer Oanfa, of London, in recoguhioll of his serVn:'i to the crew of the Italian schooner iidacia. Mr. Nathaniel Dunlop presided, and, in making the presentation, said this was one of the most singular eases that had ever come under his notice, as it occurred at a pbce 1 ha twas almost under tile .r.ms of Gibraltar. The Italian vessel, the Fiducia, had been attacked in a. calm by what were called river pirates—hose rascals that infested the neighbourhood of Morocco, and, after stripping the vessel of almost everything that was movable, including running gear, fittings, flags, stores, and everything, in point of fact, that would enable the vessel to make any signal or to proceed on her voyage, they left her. Why they did so did not appear; but, as Captain Diivies was passing along on his voyage, as commander of the Oanfa, bound for China through the Suez Canal, he observed the Italian barque making signals such as it could, flying the Italian ensign, and the men on board frantically waving and indicating that there was something seriously wrong. Captain Davies then bore down upoa the ship, and ascertained the state of things. A Spanish vessel seemed to have seen them, but, accordi'lg to the men, the Spaniard offered no assistance whatever to the crew in distress. A remarkable feature in the case was this, that the captain, some of the officers, and sailors were captured by the pirates, to h3 held possibly to ransom, and removed from the vessel. leaving a subordinate officer and some thirteen of the crew on board. It might naturally be asked, Why did the crew of the Fiducia not offer resistance to the pirates, but that was explained by the fact that the only weapon on board the Italian vessel was a revolver, and that they were boarded by two armed crews of pirates, who completely overawed them and forced them down under deck while they ran- sacked the ship, and so thoroughly cowed them that they had no alternative but to submit. Seeing that the Spaniard had offered them neither food nor assistance in any shape it was the privilege of Captain Davies, as well as his duty, to supply the crew of the vessel- with the necessaries to enable them to prosecute their voyage. They were bound from an American port to Marseilles, and by the aid Captain Davies gave them, the food and ships' stores ot various kinds, including the things that had been removed by the pirates, they were able to com- plete their voyage. It was a gratifying thing to have been able to lender such good service, and the result was equally gratifying that the Italian Government had appreciated the value of those services, and had through the Board of Trade forwarded ihis binocular for presen- tation to the captain, and enclosed in a handsome box containing a complimentary inscription. Ha was sure Captain Davies would prize the gift very highly, and at such season as this he had no doubt it would be singularly acceptable. It would also be an incentive—if such were needed—to render help when oppor- tunity offered. The presentation went to show that a splendid confraternity existed between Governments and between saiiors, when the Italian Government, in common with the Rus- sian, French, Norwegian, and occasionally the United States, appreciated and desired to ack- nowledge the occurrenccs of such sendees as Captain Davies had been permitted to render. The Chairman concluded by handing the bino- cular to Captain Davies. Captain Davies said he bad to thank the Italian Government for so handsomely rewarding his services, and for the remarks which the chair- man had made in presenting the binocular. He had simply done to others what he would like done to himself if placed in similar circumstances, and having the opportunity he gladly did what he could to help his fellow-men. (Applause.) The proceedings then terminated.

ACT BESSES' RIVALRY SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Viennese actresses are divided into two cate- gories those who have magnificent dresses and those who have not. Theatrical circles here have more than once lately found food for sensational gossip in the hopeless financial con. dition of leading and talented actresses. From a state of extravagant luxury in dress, the fair impersonators have suddenly found themselves in the possession of nothing more tangible than a pile of dressmakers' bills there was no pos- sible chance of paying. Their ruin has been the enormous expenditure lavished on stage- dresses. In one case refuge had to be sought on the unclassic and less costly boards of the music-, halls. Competition had worked the mischief. When the leading lady of the People's Theatre appears in a. sensational gown, her rival in the Carl Theatre is perforce compelled to go one Better, and appear in the latest triumphs of the sartorial art. Competition only ends when the diva of the Theater an der Wien after many sleepless nights, finally hits on the idea ot astonishing her admirers before the curtain with a selection of "confection" that promptly absorbs a whole half-year's salary. There are some curious facts about these actresses starve needs. An ordinary neglige costs £ 16 to £ 24, a street- dreas £ 12 to £ 16, a ball dress £32. and a reception dress (first-class) ±48 to £ 64, sometimes more. For "Madame Sans-Gene Frau Odillon paid more than £ 250 > for her costumes. For the Vienna. stage, where no actress is her own manager, this is an ex- ceptionally extravagant outlay, although as much as £350 was recently spent in dresses by an opera singer here. Her excuse was that she had to play tlie role of a queen, and she must dress like a queen. This was a slight exagge- ration of fact, however. The young Queen of Holland gives £8 to £10 for a dress in Paris; the Archduchesses Marie Valerie and Gisela pay on the average JE16 to £32 for a robe. The German Empress, who orders her dresses in Vienna, confines herself to the comparatively modest outlay of £64; while the Empress Elisabeth is contented if she can get the latest fashion, together with the best quality, in a robe that makes her imperceptibly poorer by £12.

HOCH, PER KAISER. [SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The following smart little poem appears in the "Montreal Sun" over the letters "A. M. R. G." — Der Kaiser av" der Vaterland Und Gott on imh all things gommand. Ve two! Ach! don'd you understand? Meinself-und Gott. While some men sing der power divine, Mein soldiers der Wacht am Rhein, Und trink der healt. in Rhenish wein, Auf me—und Gott. Dere's France dot svaggers all a.roundt, She ausgespielt—she's no aggroundt To much, ve dinks, she don't amount— Meinself-und Gott. She will not dare to fight again; But, if she should, I'll show her blaia Dot E!sass und (in French) Lorraine Are mein, by Gott. Dere's gran'ma dinks she's kein shmall beir Mit Boers und dings she interfere— She'll learn none owns dis hemisphere But me—und Gott. She dinks, good frau. some ships she's got, Und soldiers mit der scarlet coat— Ach? Ve could knock dem—pouf—like dot! Meinself—und Gott. In dimes auf peace brebared for wars, I bear the helm und spear of Mars, Und care nich* for ten dousand Czars— Meinself—und Gott. In short I humor every whim Mit aspect dark and visage grim; Gott pulls mit me, und I mit him— Meinself—und Gott.

WOOING WITH A PISTOL SPECIALLY SET t-OH lifE EVENING EXPRESS. Harry Lewis, 18, a young ruffian, wit)- closelv- cropped hair and the street boy's fringe, was charged on Wednesday with assaulting Rose Mapp and Ellen Mapp and George Hood. Rose Mapp said ,hat 0 i Christinas Eve pri- soner askect her to go out with him as his sweetheart, and whea the declined he took a revolver from tm pocket and loaded it. He said, "Rose. I intend to put it through you. Out of sheer fear she promised to go out with him. Soon after they parted, and when they next met he was holding the revolver iij his l and. Sha screamed, and he struck her three blows in the face < nd ravr away. The assaults on the other complainants were of a similar character, and Mr. D'Eyncourt said that the pri.Oller seemed to be a very brutal fellow. Girls must be protected, and prisoner would have to undergo ,two months' hard labour for each assault on the girls-four months in all.

TO-DAYS TURF TALK: GOSSIP AND CHATTER 0 sf THE COURSE AND FIELD. Ht"ECLALLY 3tY FOR THE CVFS.'XG EXPRESS. The amateur selection to; to-day is Devil-may* Care. At Newruavkat yesfcstdK-y Waiters's Fructidor beat Orchard, Fiambard, aad Agonais at four furlongs. At Wantage, Hornsby tried Gobrya.s to beat M'Alpiae and Brief over two miles, the trio compassing several flights of hurdles. Julian says Fitzsimnions will meet either Corbett or M'Coy, but Corbeit must first defeat Maher or Sharkey. Fitzsimmons will tight M'Coy for the roidile-weight champion- ship. The Earl of Durham visaed Burnmoor Colliery village, on his estate, on Monday night, and inaugurated a new bilhcud table in the village reading-room by playing game 100 up against his chief agent, Mr. Stobart. A large crowd of miners keenly watched the game. Lord Durham was favourite. Both piayers started well, but Mr. Stobart eventually won by 41 points. It will not surprise some if Jeddali turns out to be the best of the Egerton Lodge three-year- olds next season. Jeddah is well bred enough for anything, being by Janissary-Pilgrimage (dam of Canterbury Pilgirim). This colt was bred by the Dowager Duchess of Montrose, at whose sale, in July, 1894, Mr. Larnach pur- chased Pilgrimage (then in foal with Jeddah) for only 160gs. According to advices from Paris, the American jockey Tod Sloan leaves for the States to-day. The recent death of Mr. Charles Fleischmann does not, apparently, release Sloan from his American contract for 1898, the New York "Spirit of the Times" closing its reference to the deceased owner with the statement that Sloan will ride for Mr. Julius Fleischmann, the new head of the stable, during 1898. The Prince of Wales has been disappointed with his mare Perdita II., dam of Florizel II. and Persimmon, as she unluckily slipped a colt foal (own brother to these celebrities) at Sandringham the other day. A subscription to St. Simon had been secured for Perdita II. for next season, but it is probable that the Prince of Wales will (very wisely) give the mure a rest until 1899, by which she will, no doubt, be much benefited. In declining a challenge from Chrisp, of New- castle, Dick Burge writes:—"I was at Bir- mingham as fit as ever I was in my life for the match with O'Brien, and ready to try, as I always have done, to win. It was no fault of mine that O'Brien did not get into condition, and the public know very well that I was the sufferer by the transaction. I have been boxing for eighteen years, and have met with none too fair treat- ment in many of my matches. Big as he is, Chrisp has not a particularly attractive record; but, as I shall never again enter the ring as a principal, neither he nor anyone else need trouble about issuing challenges to me."

TO-DAY'S RACING I SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. HURST PARJf MEETING. 1 o < x The OLD YEAR HANDICAP 1 £ HURDLE RACE PLATE of 100 sovs; winners extra. Two miles. Mr Herbert's Athelwulf. 6yrs, list lib Esctot 1 ¡ Mr Agar's Littie Cicestrian, 4yrs, lOst 121b Woodland 2 Capt Mildmay's Lady Sophie, 4yrs, lOst 91b Lord Cowley's Bayreuth, 4vrs, 12st 71b Owner 0 Mr Chatham's Cornbury, 6yrs, llst 51b Driscoll 0 Mr Trevelyan's Turon, 4yrs, last 111b Davies 0 Mr Keswick's Ruff, 3yrs, lOst 81b Owner 0 Major Edwards's Woodcraft, 6yrs. lOst 61b A Nightingall 0 Mr Parr's Mount Dalton, 4yrs, lOst 31b Taylor 0 Mr Buckworth's Ben Roe. 3yrs, lOst 31b Birch 0 Winner trained by Escott. Betting-9 to 4 agst Athelwulf, 5 to 1 agst Ben Roe, 6 to 1 agst Turon, 100 to 15 agst Little Cicestrian. 7 to 1 agst Cornbury, and 10 to 1 agst any other. "I 1 r The BROCKLEY SELLING STEEPLE- l.lO CHASE PLATE of 100 sovs, for fomr year olds and upwards; weight for age; maidens allowed 51b; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. Mr Alton's Maypole, 4yrs, list 61b Guy 1 Mr Thirlwell's Coenraad, aged, 12st 31b Acres 2 Mr Long's Iberis, 4yrs, list 61b .Taylor 3 Mr Marchant's Marcellus. aged, 12st 31b Fitton 0 Mr Mann's Crepu, aged, 12st 31h Mr Lord 0 Mr Tabror's Knapdale, aged, 12st 31b Sains bury 0 Mr Robinson's Wideawake II., 4yrs, list 61b James 0 Winner trained by Swatton.

OLD SAM'S FINALS. HURST PARK MEETING. 12.45—BEN ROE. 1.15—WIDEAWAKE II. 1.45—BIRD ON THE WING (nap). 2.15—JUGGLER II. 2.45—CYLINDRIAL or KINGSCLXRE. 3.16-PINK ROBIN (nap). TREBLE EVENT- JUGFGLER II., PINK ROBIN, and WIDE- AWAKE II.

PADDOCK FINALS. (LATEST FROM THE COURSE). ATHELWULF. KNIGHT OF RHODES. II. FLORENDEAN. MARCELLUS.

HURST PARK MEETING* SPORTSMAN—"VtGILANT." 12.45-Coffee Cooler or Cornbury. 1.15—Crepu. 1.45—Bird on the Wing. 2.115—Pope's Eye or Bob Whiter 2.45—M'Alpine or Vic. 4.15—The Farne or Pink Robin. "MAN ON THE SPOT." 12.45-Cornbury or Ben Roe. 1.15-Crepu. 1.45—Bird on the Wing. 2.15—Pope's Eye. 2.45-Vic or Miss Kellog. 3.15—Pink Robin. SPORTING LIFE—"AUGUR." 12.45—Padishah or Exning Belle. 1.16-Crepu or Maypole. 1.45-Knight of Rhodes. 2.15—Pope's Eye or Florendean. 2.45-Rcslea or Bonny One. 3.15—Pink Robin. "MAN ON THE SPOT." 12.45-Little Cicestrian or Loyalty. 1. IS-Marcellus. 1.45—Knight of Rhodes. 2.15—Juggler II. 2.45-Kingsclere. 3.15—Pink Robin. SPORTING CHRONICLE—KETTLEDRUM." 12.45-Ben Roe or Cornbury. 1.15—Marcellus or Coenraad. 1.45—Bayreuth* 2.15—Florendean. 2.45—Cylindrical or M'Alpine. 3.15—Pink Robin. BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE—"TIP." 12.45—Cornbury or Sicily Queen. 1.15—Crepu. 1.45—Devil may Care or Bird on the Wing. 2.15—Juggler II* 2.45—Sturton II. 3.15—Pink Robin. j "STABLE BOY." 12.45—Wheeler's selected. 1.15—Wideawake II. 1.45—Devil may Care. 1 2.15—Florendean. 2.45—Sturton II. 3.15—Pink Robin. MORNING LEADER—"UNO." 12.45—Athelwulf. 1.15—Wideawake II. 1.45-Knight of Rhodes. 2.15—Juggler II. 2.45—M'Alpine. 3.15—Pink Robin* DAILY MAIL-"ROBIN GOODFELLOW." 12.45-Ben Roe* 1.IS-Marcellus. 1.45—Bard of Avon. 2.15—Juggler II. 2.45-M'Alpine. 3.15—Pink Robin.

HOSPITAL BALL AT NEW. PORT. The second annual ball in aid of the funds for the erection of the Newport and Monmouthshire Hospital was held on Wednesday evening at the Baths. Assembly-room, Stow-hiu, Newport. Despite the inclement weather which prevailed, there was a large attendance. Within the hall the decorations, which were gratuitously under- taken by Messrs. Evans and Allen, were of a brilliant and artistic nature. The effect of the tasteful draperies was considerably heightened by incandescent arc lamps, the installation of which was carried out free of charge by Messrs. Alger and Sons. A nicely-arranged programme of the latest dance music wa.s given by the strkiff and reed band, under the baton of Mr. J. Jacobs. Several gentlemen acted as stewards, and the whole work wis smoothly carried out under the superintendence of Mr. J. K. Stone, hon. secretary. The customary light refreshments were provided in the adjoin- ing hall. Amongst those present were the mem- bers of the honorary medical and nursing staffs of the infirmary. The children's fancy dress ball will take place this (Thursday) evening. t

Gouias Re-Appearariov i ENGLAND ARE DISPOSED T4 BE LENIENT TO HIM. | Critics Say He May Play in Club Game-3 But Not i International Matches. « SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. j Somehow T don't seem to be able to get away from tli; international dispute this last away from the international dispute this last day or two. On the othor hand, I am con- ¡ stantly dropping across new and delightful reasons tint exist in tha brdni of English pressmen as to why the squulb.j arose. 011 Wednesday I quoted one or _v<- J; now "Wan- derer," in the "Sportsman." chins in with his little lot. He says:—"After all. Arthur Gould has jcce more emerged from retirement, taking the field,,not on behalf of I'.ovrpori, but for :Ii!. English club, and sisn.a'isin^ the re-uppcarance by monopolising the scoring. Happily, therj was, after the carrying of Mr. Rowland Hill's resolution in September at the annual meeting of the Rugby Union, no fear of further com- phcations, dbut with regard to his ability to take part in international encounters this is another matter, and one with which the Inter- national Board has to deal. This body has been taunted over its snail-like pace, but tiiera really seems to be fault on the part of the Welsh authorities, who, having hastily and (I think it is now admitted) foolishly resigned, must make the advances for re-adtmssion, which must be associated with an understanding tIMt will render future breaches highly im probable. I am not one of those who would hedge sport with too much restriction, too much Wal formula, but there is a certain amount necessary to secure genera! respect for each particular branch, squabbles in which only tend to drag- down the same." Now, I think that is positively charming. Artuur Gould is a professional, so says the International Board; he may play club games wiui English or Welsh clubs, but he may not play in an international game, and yet wherein lies the difference? However, I don't think "Wanderer' has quite got hold of the right end of the stick. The trouble is not, nor never has been, about Gould's right to play in international games. It was a much oroader question that the board had to deal with. Does "Wanderer" forget the resolution the board passed to the effect that if the testi- monial was given to Gould, not only Gould, but every soul that subscribed to it, would be looked upon by the other countries as pro- fessionals. It is not a question of Gould play- in international matches, "Wanderer" bach; it is a question of England, Scotland, and Ire- land v. Wales. I admire "Wanderer's" child-like faith in the English Rugby Union, too. "Happily," he says, "there was, after the carrying of Mr. Rowland Hill's resolution in September at the annual meeting of the Rugby Union, no fear of further complications." There is something very sweet, very refreshing about that statement, look you. It occurs to me that the English Rugby Union, in whitewashing Gould and Wales, not only played it down very low on the International Board by arrogating to themselves a right that they had not, but also showed a weakness in their own hand by whitewashing Gould and the Welsh, with the object of allowing English clubs to keep their fixtures to save the English Com- mittee from gietting into a deuce of a hole through the calling of a ,special general meeting of the English Rugby Union. I have often wondered, too, how matters will be settled between England and Scotland and Ireland when the board does meet. Will the board accuse England of disloyalty, I wonder, in pass- ing a resolution to allow English clubs to play Welsh organisations that the board has banned as professionals^ And Scotland, too. What will they have to say for allowing the Wat- sonians and Edinburgh University to play our clubs ? Really, it seems to me that enly Ireland has abided loyally by the board and that famous resolution that it passed. Really, if the board wishes to retain even a slight amount of prestige it must inquire into these things for its own sake. Wales resigned hastily, ."Wanderer' thinks. Really, I dunno. It seems to me that they resigned just in time to save themelves being classed with half-a-dozen football legis- lators that have by no means covered themselves with glory, and who, indeed, have made them- selves suspiciously like laughing-stocks in framing and passing resolutions that they evidently never intended to carry out. They remind me somewhat just now of children that have been reprimanded for a mistake and are sulking in a corner. England have crept out at the small end of the horn. The board would, doubtless, like to do the same, but are somewhat ashamed to do so. By all accounts, Cardiff will have their work cut out to beat Blackheath on Saturday, for, (according to Frank Mitchell in the "Pall Mall Gazette") the 'Heathens are bringing down a red-hot team. "Royds," says the writer in ques- tion, "has got sound again, and will once more take his place. Fookes will join the three-quarter t line in place of Robinson, who will be absent holi- day-making in the North. In the forward rank we shall, probably, have the help of Carey and Tucker, who will be of immense help to us. Un- fortunately, P. G. Jacob will not be fit enough to play, and Unwin may have Cattell for a partner." The Blackheath man might have gotte further, and given us his idea of how the game would turn out. Still, I suppose that is hardly neccessary, for, in comments previous to those quoted above, he points out that Oxford had much the best of the game at Cardiff, and were unlucky in being beaten. This being so, we can quite imagine that the Blackheath man fancies the chances of the Rectory Field organisation on Saturday. One thing is quite sure-the Cardiff forwards will have to play a lot better than they did on Monday, or the cleverness of their backs alone won't be able to win the game against Blackheath. Speaking of forwards, a friend who saw the Newport-Llwynypia game on Tuesday, assures me that Llwynypia have still as grand a lot of forwards as one would find in a day's march. In the first half, he tells me, the Rhondda eight simply walked over the Newport scrimmagers. They set a hot pace, and kept it up for quite three-parts of the zame, and a better result would have bsen a draw, for, after being so badly beaten forward, Newport certainly did not deserve to win. The tries, I am told, were just a couple of odd chances that only a man like Pearson could seize upon. Anyhow, I am assured that it was deucedly hard lines for Llwynypia to loose after having so much of the best of the game. We ought to see Llwynypia on most of the principal Welsh fixture lists for next season. WELSH ATHLETE.

A liROKKIt s JOKE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A good story has reached me (remarks a writer in the "City Press") with respect to two brothers, who ars partners in a wellknown finan- cial house ein the City, and both of whom bear the reputation of indulginsr m private in rather extensive speculative operations. Both the brothers employed the same broker, and. to that gentleman's immense amusement, a prolonged duel took place between the two, one of whom was a "bul!" and the other a "bear" in the same stock. The broker, of course, kept his secret, but had the satisfaction of seeing the yourtger gain a decisive victory, and, quite unconsjiously, made a small fortune at his brother's expense. Should the secret ever break out the feelings ot th elder brother would be easier imagined than expressed.

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