Evening Express

— ———————————————————— ] TH2 SITUATION IX CHINA. J A Central News telegram from Shanghai on j Friday morning says: -It is reported this morn- ing by the Shanghai "Mercury" that a British j squadron has anchored at Chemulpo.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM. A Press Association telegram from Melbourne j on Friday says; —The following is the team which will represent Australia in the second test i match, which begins here to-morrow -H. Trott, H. Trumble, C. M'Lcod, F. Iredale, T. R. MKibbin, 8. Gregory, J. J. Kelly, J. Darling, E. Jones, C. Hill, and M. A. Noble, H. Donuon j will be the emergency man.

A CHRISTMAS TRAGEDY. A sensational tragedy is reported to have taken place at Alderney on Christmas morning. It appears that Corporal Crofts, of the 2nd Bat- talion Wiltshire Regiment, in charge of the barrack-room, refused some beer to Private Vincent. On that s.ime evening Vincent, it is alleged, took advantage of Corporal Crofts, whilst lyir.g ill bed bv jumping upon him, causing such injuries that he speedily died. An inquest was held on Tuesday, when it verdict of "Man- slaughter" was returned against Vincent.

SCENE-SHIFTER IN TROUBLE At Nortbwich on Friday James Lyden, a scenc-shifter, was charged >vim g threats towards James Holt, manager of Leopold's I Ccn:edy Company. During Wednesday night's performance prisoner had to be ejected for bad cci dnct. He then threatened a vendetta, an3 waited for complainant with a knife. Mr. Holt said he was a personal friend of the late Mr. Teriss. and acted with him 200 nights, and he c'is'-ked the thought of a keep. The prisoner was bound over. f-V

IT ENGINEERS' DISPUTE, In the course of an interview on Friday with Sir B. Dobson, of Bolt on, one of the employers' epresentatives, he deplored that there was no f prospect of a settlement of the engineers' dis- put.. The federation had nothing further to concede, «nd would stand fast. He could no: think that the men knew exactly what they voted for. Many thousands of men would never get back to their jobs. It was to the interest oi all that work. should be at once resumed. SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM FOREIGN EMPLOYERS. The Press Association Glasgow correspondent says that he is informed by the secretaries ot the Engineering Employers' Federation that statements have reached their committee from time to time from sources which they have no •eason to doubt that funds contributed towards ihe Trades' Unions in Great Britain, although astemsibly subscribed, by Continental Trades Union, are contributed in a large measure by lome of the Continental employers, many 01 whom are at present running their factories right and day to overtake the strain put upon them in consequence of the numerous orders which have left this country owing to the pre- sent unfortunate dispute. The secretaries of the Masters' Federation are strengthened in their belief that these statements are correct by information which has come into their pos- session as the result of private inquiry and in- vestigation. NO HALF SETTLEMENT. On inquiry at the Engineering Federation Offices in Glasgow on Friday a Central News re- porter was informed that there was no truth in the statement that any members of the Union at present on strike would be allowed to resume work by accepting individual masters' terms. The resolution of the federated employers for- bidding the opening of works to the Unionists until a settlement is arrived at is still in force.

THE YORK ELECTION. 'A A special correspondent for the Press Asso- ciation from York telegraphs that Lord Charles Beresford, accompanied by Lady Beresford, left York on Friday morning for London. The Unionist candidate has expressed himself de- hghted with the reception jf Thursday night. and extremely hopeful of the result. There is every prospect of a keen and mteresting con- test. The Liberals have already commenced canvassing, and the Unionists start their canvas on Saturday. Lord Charles Beresford returns bere on Monday, after which much activity is cxyeclsd.

KILLED BY AFRIDIS. Death of Sir H. Havelock Allan, M.P. t TAKEN PRISONER IN THE KHYRKR PASS HIS BODY FOUND UNMUTILATED. PATHETIC END TO A PACIFIC MISSION. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A Central News telegram from Calcutta. Friday says: —A sensation has been caused here by the disappearance of Sir Henry Have- look-Allan. He went up the Khyber with the escort on Wednesday. In the afternoon he left his men, and has not been seen since. The horse he was riding has been discovered shot dead near Ali Musjid. The saddle and briile had been taken away. THE HUMOUR CONFIRMED. GROUNDS FOR THE WORST FEARS. A Reuter's telegram from Calcutta on Fri- day says:—Colonel Sawyer, in command at Ali Musjid, telegraphs:—"On my being informed that Sir H. Havelock-Allan had left his escort yesterday and had not been seen since bearch was speedily made. Havelock-Allan was ridting a restive horse, and it was thought that he might have been thrown near the camp. Search, how- ever, resulted in the finding of the horse stripped and shot. NO OFFICIAL NEWS. The Press Association learus upon inquiry at the India. Office that the Military Depart- ment has no official knowledge of the presence )n the North-western frontier of Sir Henry Havelock-Allan, M.P., who is reported by Reuter's Agency to have been either captured or killed by Zakka Khcls. The officials at uie (ndh, Office were aware, from newspaper reports, that Sir Henry was in India, but his name has not appeared in any messages from the Viceroy. WORST FEARS REALISED, THE BODY FOUND UNMUTILATED. A private telegram from the Press Association says:—Sir Henry Havelock-Allan, M.P., while on the Indian frontier in a private capacity, has been killed by Zakka Khels. The body was found unmutilated. NEWS AT THE INDIA OFFICE. The Press Association says —The following cable has been received at the India Office from the Vicerov. A telegram from Ali Musjid reports that Sir Henry Havelock-Allan's body was found unmutilated. It is now being con- veyed to Peshawar. THE OFFICIAL MESSAGES. The Press Association in a later message states that the following is the full text of the two messages received from the Viceroy at the India Office on ± ncbay morning regarding the death of Major-General Sir Henry Havelock Allan, V.C. —"Calcutta, December 31. Regret to inform you that news has just been received from A li Musjid that Sir Henry Havelock- Allan had left his escort yesterday afternoon and had not been seen since. A search party sent out last night as soon as information was re- ceived, found his horse stripped and shot. Sir Henry must either have been killed, or be pri- soner with the Afridis. A further search is now being made." A second telegram reports that Sir Henry Havelock-Allan's body was found unmutilated, and it is now being conveyed to Peshawar. A full report s awaited, but it appears that, after visiting Lundi Kotal,' he was coming down from Ali Musjid with an adequate escort. TELEGRAM FROM LADY ALLAN. The Press Association telegraphs that much sympathy is felt for Lady Havelock Allan in her deep bereavement. Up to 12.50 o'clock on Fri- day afternoon she had not heard of her husband's said fate, for, replying to an inquiry as to whether she had received any particulars of Sir Henry's movements, her ladyship wired as fol- lows — "Believe Sir Henry at Simla, India.— LADY HAVELOCK-ALLAN." THE FRONTIER CAMPAIGN. The following telegrams from the Viceroy were leceived at the India Office on Friday:- December 31st. Sergeant Walker, prisoner with the Afridis, wrote on December 22nd from Sandapal Bara Valley. He appears well-treated, ar,d, except for a slight bullet wound in the left arm, is quite well. His release, it is hoped, will be shortly effected. No further information that there are any cjther prisoners. Those reported missing in our telegram of the 12th of December v. ere probably killed. December 30th, Tirah. The following are tin names and regimental numbers of the non- commissioned officers and men killed and wounded in Bazar Valley on December 261;:1 The 2nd Battalion York Regiment: killed. 4.699, Private Alfred Thomas Hind. severely wounded. 168. Sergeant Ward Roche, 1,210, Private. Patrick Feeney. FEELING IN THE LONDON CLUES. SIR H. HAVELOCK-ALLAN'S MISSION. Ihe Central News says:—The disaster >vhicn has befallen Sir .Henry Havelock-Allan has caused an immense sensation in the London clubs. The light hon. gentleman, it is under- stood, had no official mission whatsoever, Imt merely proceeded to the frontier to make uives- tigations, with a view to speaking upon the campaign in Parliament. It was only a lew weeks ago that he left Victoria Station amidst the cheering and handshakings of a wide circle of friends. Those who knew Sir Hemy ure well aware that he sometimes took .iciions that more prudent men would shrink from, and it must have baen with an entire indifference to the consequences that he wandered p.way from his escort in the Khyber Pass, and thus met his fats. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH THE DISTINGUISHED SON OF A RENOWNED FATHER. Sir Henry Havelock-Allan, Liberal Unionist M.P. for Durham (S.E.), the distinguished son of a renowned father, was born on August 6, 18.ù. He is the son of General Havelock, who acquired undying fame by his gallant and successful conduct in the campaign which re- sulted in the crushing of the Indian Mutiny, a most notable feature of which was the relief to the beleaguered garrison of Lucknow. Sir Henry is a North Country man, his fan.ily having been prominently associated with Sun- derland for 150 years, and he having nimself represented that borough in Parliament. He entered the Army at the age of 15, and very soon begun m make an enviable reputation for himself. He served in the Persian Expedition, and played a very gallant part in the stirring scenes which occurred in India immediately after the Sepoys had mutinied. He was at the relief of Cawnpore, being at the time adjutant- general to his father, and it was during that particular stage of the campaign that he "vor< for himself the Victoria Cross, of which he is naturally proud. The incident which gained him the much-coveted bronze cross inscribed "For Valour" was the capture of a 24-pound gun on the 16th of January, 1857. Cawnpore had been reached, but the already thin ranks of the English soldiers were being decimated by this gun, which the rebels had posted in a position commanding the road. ioung Havelock placed himself at the head of an attacking party, rode straight for the gun, and captured it with one brilliant dash, and this act of gallantry was conspicuous even in the campaign in which so many gallant and daring deeds were done by the British soldiers in a very successful end^a^our to fPVérurp their countrymen and to stamp out the mutiny in a part of our Empire which has since come to be regarded as one of its chiefest jewels. Sir Henry accompanied Lord Clive when Lueknow was relieved for the second time, and after further service in India went with his regiment to New Zealand. During the troubles with the Maories there he further distinguished himself, and was made Companion of the Bath for his services in that distant part of our possessions. Since then he has served as assistant quarter- master-general In Canada, where he succeeded Lord Wolseley, and he gained a considerable acquaintance with Ireland while discharging the duty of assistant-adjutant-general on the head- quarters staff in Dublin, under Lord Spencer. Sir Henry has not only been a soldier, but a journalist, having acted as unpaid special cor- respondent for the Times during the Russo- Turkish Campaign, in the course of which he was before Plevna with the Russian Emperor. He accompanied the Russian Army in Bulgaria, and was a looker-on throughout the Franco- German War, and in campaigning in other parts of the world in which he was not called upon to play an official part. Though he had no fficial connection with our forces in Egypt he .t-as there during the Egyptian Campaign, and was present when the historic charge was made at Tel-El-Kebir. Of late years he has occupied himself a great deal with the Volunteer move- ment, and it is to his energetic advocacy of the claims of the Volunteers that our citizen army owes the grant of £ 160,000 for equipment and a great deal of that recognition which is now being extended to them by the Government. In the North of England he has taken a very keen interest in the thorough organisation of the Volunteers, and has succeeded in imparting to them a considerable amount of knowledge in tactics during the periods when he has had them under his command in camps at Morpeth, Richmond, Ripon, and Whitley.

INSURANCE OF BATHERS. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A novel insurance project has been started in Atlantic City (N..1.). Its promoters propose to insure the lives of bathers who indulge in ocean dips during the summer months. The policies will be issued on the same plan as the 24 hour accident nolicies sold at the liailroad ticket- bffiecs. For a. "nickel" a bather can insure his life for C250 for one day. insurance applying to death by drowning only.

WELSH MLSIC IN LONDON PONTYPOOL CHOIR TO VISIT THE METROPOLIS. Arrangements have been made under which the oratorio "The Legend of St. David," composed by Mr. David Jenkins, Mus. Bac. (Cantab.), will be sung at the Queen's-hall, London, by the Pontypool and AfcersycJian Choir on April 4. The soloists will be Miss Maggie Davies. Miss Morfvdd Williams. Mr. William Da vies, and Mr. David Hughes. The conceit will, no doubt, be watched keenly, not only in "Wales, but throughout English musical circles, on account of the fierce controversy that raged after the awards made by Sir A. C. Mackenzie, Mr. W. Emlyn Evans, and Professor Macfamm at the Eistedclrod. The choir decided to jjo to London only a short time ago, and on Tuesday evening Mr. David Jenkins, who attended a rehearsal, expressed considevabie satisfac- tion at the progress already made, and the fact that he has sufficient confidence in thu choir to entrust the"l with the perfor- mance of his work before such a critical audience as vhev will have at the Queen's- hall will be leceived with interest r>n all hands.

THE PRESIDENCY OF THE TRANSVAAL. GENERAL JOIJBERT'S CANDI- DATURE. A special Press Association telegram from Pretoria on Wednesday says -Genertil Joubert, speaking at a lor ? and enthusiastic meeting here yesterda; ing, said that he thought a Grondwet was ..anted, founded on the prin- ciples of the Grondwet of 1858, and that no change should take place except by, the vote or the people. The speaker went on to remark that the country would be very backward if its inde- pendence depended on tha dynamite concession. He at the sa.me time expressed himself opposed to monopolies and concessions, and he also dis- approved of the proposed advisory board. A special Press Association telegram from Pretoria on Thursday says: —Mr. Schalk Burger, the Progressive candidate for the Presidency, met with a good reception at Volksrust, and is receiving invitations to visit other districts. President Kruger's chances are regarded as good by his party, who consider that as neither of the Progressives intend to stand down the opposi- tion vote will be split up. II.

81" JOH N'S PARISH, CARDIFF ANNUAL DINNER TO THE POOR, On Thursday afternoon the annual Christmas dinner to the poor people of St. John's parish, Cardiff, took place in the Queen-street School- rooms. Canon Thompson presided. Amongst those assisting were Mis. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Courtis, and Dr. and Mrs. Taylor. About 250 sat down to the fare provided, which consisted of roast beef and plroi pudding, and 100 dinners were taken to people unable to atteni.

TRINITY COLLEGE, LONDON CARDIFF CENTRE. The following is the list of successful «'andi- dates at the theoretical examination held at Cardiff on December 11: — SKNIOR DIVISION. Miss C. Brewer, nass; Miss M. A. Hor>kin«. pass; Miss Rosa Huddy, pass; Miss M. F. Russell, pass; Miss M. D. Scott. pass. TNTERMKDIATE DIVISION. Miss G..Tames, honours. Miss E. Matthews, honours: Mi-.s B. Morey, pass; Miss C. Sloper, pass; Miss E. L. Davies, pass; Miss M. E. George, pass. JUNIOR liIVISION. M is A. S. Giles, honours; Miss A. Loue-hcr, honours; Miss G. M. Morgan, honours; Miss A.. Smith, honours; Miss H. M. Williams, honours; Miss F. Yorwertli, honours; Miss C. G. James, honours and pass; Mr. Thomas Bryant, oats • Miss D. Calligas, pass; Miss M. Evans, pass; Miss M. E Lavis. pass: Miss H. C. Morgan, pass; Miss L. Morgan, pass: Miss F. Pearson, pass: Miss C. Price, pass; Miss L. Sloper, pass; Miss B. K. Smith, pass; Miss E. Stibbs, pass; Mr. W. Wright, pass.

"MAIJON" AND THE COM Pl,.NSA,rioN AC-l' Mr. W. Abraham, M.P. ("Mabon"), addressed a public meeting at the Town-hall, Mountain Ash, upon the subject of the Compensation Act on Thursday evening. Alderman W. Jones occu- pied the chair. "Mabon" expressed a hope that those who conceived some prejudice against the new measure because it contained many admitted weaknesses would do their best 4o make the working of it a success in the interest of the working men. Before deciding what steps should be taken with regard to the coiitracting- out clauses of the new measure lie urged the workmen to proceed cautiously and tentatively. Mr. Abraham further urged that the permanent fund should be maintained until they nad :i:<.d time to appreciate, what the benefits of jhe new Act would be.

DISTINGUISHED JAPANESE LADY AT BARRY. DELIGHTED WITH WALES AND WELSH EDUCATION. Miss Jasvi, a member of the Court of the Mikado, who has been sent to this country by the Japanese Government to study English education,' spent Christmas at Penrheol, Barry (the residence of Mr. J. Arthur Hughes, solicitor), in company with Miss E. Price Hughes, principal of Cambridge Training College. The distinguished lady, who is a famous teacher in a Japanese college, was sent to Miss Hughes at Cambridge, and Miss Hughes brought her to Wales to see something of Welsh intermediate schools. Miss Jasvi wm present at Barry Eis- teddfod on Boxing Day, and invested one of the successful competitors. Through the kind- ness of Miss Hughes, the Barry representative of the "Western Mail" has ascertained that Miss Jasvi is hifhly delighted with Wales and Welsh education.

Blaze at the Clydach Vale Collieries. ENGINE-HOUSE ON FIRE. THE BUILDING DESTROYED. 1,300 MINERS RENDERED IDLE, SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. On Thuisday night, about eleven p.m., a rumour gained currency at Mid-Rhondda that one of the pits at Clydach Vale Colliery had taken fire. On inquiry being made this was fcund to be true, though the stories circulated at first had been considerably exaggerated. Our reporter on hearing the news at once made his way to the pits, and on coming in sight oi them found that the large winding engine-house was one mass of flames. It appears that Mr. Goodwin, surface manager at the Cambrian Col- lieries, was going his rounds, about 10.30 P.M., when lie noticed smoke issuing from the No. 1 Downcast Engine-house. On going to ascertain the cause of the smoke he found the inside of the house already in flames, which, of course, were well fed by the large amount of oil about the engine. Mr. Goodwin gave the alarm, and Mr. Hammond, the agent, was soon on the scene. As it was the downcast pit it was feared that the smoke would descend the pit, and thus endanger the lives of about 500 colliers. Mr Hammond, however, at once descended through the upcast, and, having ascertained that there was no danger to be feared below, told the men not to worry themselves, but several, -iowever, were not satisfied, and ascended by means of the "upcast" pit. In- spector Hoyle and the police were soon on the spot, but owing to the utter absence of any water their attention was confined to keeping the large crowd which had congregated from the burning building. The officials did all they pos- sibly could to put out the fire, but it gained the mastery, and when th. reporter left at three a.m. the walls had begun to fall in, owing to the tremendous lieat. The engines and ropes for winding were utterly destroyed, and at six a.m. only part of thp walls and the frame of the engine-room were left standing. The damage cannot possibly be under about JE5,000, and it will be the means of keeping the pit, where 1,200 men work, idle for some time to come. It is not yet known whether the damage is covered by insiuancs or not.

QUEEN'S HOTEL CARDIFF. RESOLUTION TO VOLUNTARILY WIKTU-irp THE COMPANY PASSED. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRkSS. An extraordinary meeting of the shareholders in ths Queen's Hotel, Cardifr, was held at the hotel on Fridav afternoon. Alderman Carey pre- sided. and other directors present were Messrs. Jar s Allan, W. J. Jeenes, and John Weaver. There was a small attendance of other shareholders.—The Chairman stated that the directors felt that, with the liabilities of the company, it was useless to attempt to carry on the business. Every effort had been made to dispose of the hotel, or let it at reasonable figures, but these failed, and, as a writ had been issued, it was necessary that steps should be taken to voluntarily wind-up the company.—Mr. Lyddon moved an amendment, pointing out the capital position which the hotel occupied, and stated that, properly managed, it could not fail to return a good dividend to the shareholders. He moved that the meeting be adjourned for a fortnight.—Mr. T. H. Belcher explained to the meeting the difficulties which would arise if the amendment were carried, and eventually Mr. Lyddon withdrew it. During the discussion it transpired that a writ had been served for a small amount, and that the trade liabilities were something like £ 6,000.—The Chairman stated that the only course open to the directors, in fairness to all the creditors and the shareholders, was to wind the company up voluntarily.-The winding-up resolution was passed unanimously, and Mr. J. E. Gunn and Mr. ■ Lyddon were I appointed joint liquidators.

IMPORTED VOTEm AN AMUSING STORY FROM CAM- BRIDGE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A writer in the January "Blackwood's" fells an amusing stq:y of a little incident allegect to have taken pIa; e at Cambridge. He says: —It was when the .reck vote was negatived by a large majority i 1891; and we have really never been able to dtciie w' i "tory as told, was pure romance-an *■ of fancy on the writer's part-or whetne. "v residuum of truth in it. It is stated that a largo number of voters were imported from London and arrayed in the orthodox cap and M.A. gown—supers from Savoy-lane disguised as country parsons, odd hands from the Lyceum posing; as Eton masters, quick-change artistes from the music-halls, bricklayers on strike, real East-enders from Toynbee-hall, and "a scholar of BaHiol who volunteered [shade of Jowett!] to bring six dependable liars" to vote wi'.h what proved to be the majority. This motley assem- blage, who swamped the approaches to the Senate House, was headed by a bishop, "who walked it little unsteadily and seemed to be wear- ing what is technically known as a 'bald wig.' Some of his satellites "wanted a gargle," as they expressed it, and the bishop interviewed his employer—the wire-puller-in the committee- room above. "His Grace was whispering hoarsely from the street: 'Time we 'ad more drinks, guv'nor; the men's throats is gettin' rusty.' "My friend the wire-puller leant out cautiously, 'Hold on till three,' he said 'then you shall have beer, gallons of beer in big cans, all frothy cn the top. March your gang up." The bishop slouched away, and my friend sighed; 'I think he'll prove a good investment.' "'But,' I objected, 'lie walks as if he were screwed. I hope his Grace Bless you,' said the wire-puller, 'they'll think it's gout. All bishops have gout. And if anybody speaks about it, we've taught him to say: "The old complaint-tarda podagra." Only he will say: "Tartar potanger." Ah, the doors are open.' At this moment there came round the corner a compact body of nondescript men in black clothes, with the bishop at their head. They all wore white paper ties, and draggled gowns, and top-hats a size-too large. Many had bald wigs or white beards, and some wore spectacles. They walked with an uneven step, to the number of four or five and twenty, and I noticed that every fifth man walked lame. The wire-puller surveyed this little army with real pride. Supers from Drury Lane,' lie whispered, every man-jack of 'em. Nathan supplied the costumes, barring the gowns, which are lent by 'Varsity tailors. Bill,' he called, and the bishop halted; I pull that short man's left whisker straight. That's right. Forward!' The procession of country parsons wobbled up the steps, disappeared into the Senate-house, and the wire-puller wiped his brow."

SMOTHERED IN A SAND PIT, 8PECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. George Dobson, 16, grocer's apprentice, of Filey, near Scarborough, was killed on Thurs- day whilst working in a sand pit at Muston. As it was his afternoon holiday deceased volun- teered to help his father. After working with him for some time his father returned home to milk the cows. An hour later it was found that four iv I've tons of earth and sand had fallen upon iln deceased, who was working in a pit five fe2t deep, when a great portion of over- I hsinping bank fell upou hint.

Turkish Love Tragedy A GIRL CRUELLY DONE TO DEATH BY HER LOVER SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENIN6 EXPRESS. The special correspondent of the "New York Herald at Constantinople writes —" We have our love tragedies out here as well as elsewhere, and love-stricken maidens throw themselves into wells or take poison as they do in the West when their hearts desire is denied to them and despair takes the place of hope. Occasionally, also, unrequited love seeks vengeance, as was the case on Wednesday last, when the fair Aiche, a Mussulman lady renowned for her beauty in the quarter wherein she dwelt, was cruelly done to death by the suitor whose attentions she had scorned. "Hachim Aglia, an enterprising merchant of chinaware, who some years ago came from Tash- kend to seek his fortunes in Constantinople, fell a victim to the bright eyes of Aiche as they shot their glances from between the folds of the flattering yashmak, when she took her walks abroad. Being a neighbour he had many such opportunities of seeing her, and also of hearing, her beauty descanted upon, and his heart, poor fellow, as a Turkish friend explained the matter, became kabob'—burned up by the fires of love. He vainly sought her hand in mhrriage, threats in the end taking the place of entreaties. The fair Aiche, however, remained obdurate through all. She was only 25 and had been maried before, not quite to her own satisfaction, andsowasinnohurrytoassumetheyokea second time. Hachim Agha, love fever mounting to his brain, determined that if she were not for him no one else should win her. Lying in wait with his revolver, he emptied its contents upon her the next time she appeared in the street, a.nd then, his fury not assuaged even by her fall, desperately wounded, he plunged his knife into her body several times before he could be arrested." -U-

LUCKY ITALIAN CHElV. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A lucky ironclad is the Lepanto, of the Italian navy. Some time ago, while she was visiting the coast of Spain, a subscription was started on board for the purchase of a share in the so-called "Christmas Lottery," a Spanish Government institution. From the admiral down to the apprentice everybody contributed something. The Lepanto ticket has won a prize of one million pesetas, or about £35,000, which sum will be divided among the officers and men in proportion to their contributions.

A CONVERT TO BUDDHISM, SPECIALLY SET fM THE EVENING EXPRESS. Converts to and from the Roman and Angli- can Churches are common enough, but it is rare that we hear of anyone who, spiritually spanking, migrates, to such a distinctly Oriental religion as Buddhism. It seems that Viscount Pollington, Lord Mexborough's eldest son, openly professes that religion, and is said to find himself very happy under its mystio influence. Viscount Pollington, who was born in 1843," married Venetia, mird daughter of Sir Rowland Erring- ton, who is, of course, a Roman Catholic.

CARDIFF UNEMPLOYED. MEN WHO DON'T LIKE WORK. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A meeting of the unemployed committee of the Cardiff Corporation was held on Friday, when Mr. Crojsjnan presided —The Chairman said that those men who had been engaged for a fortnight would finish on Satm-day, and he had put up r: notice stating that 40 other men would be put on.—The Borough Engineer stated that he had not received a report from Canton break^ ing stations, but at Gaol-lane only four men turned up on Thursday and "ix on Fitday. out of a total of thirteen. These were six genuine cases, and it was resolved that these men be offered work again.—The Borougih Engineer said c-ne man worked a day :md never came back.— Alderman Beavan: PdHiapa he had some pro- perty left him.—Mr. Woosey (superintendent ot the health department) said he wa; instructed to put on 35 men at road sweeping. One man did not put in an appearance, and only eighteen worked full time, the others only working from one to six days out of the fortnight.—It was resolved that 40 men be put on stone breaking.

WHERE TEA IS UNKNOWN. SPECIALLY SET Fun THE EVENING EXPRESS. A clergyman who had been what is called a circuit rider through the mountains of North Carolina relates the following incident in a.n American journalOne meets with many strange people, and gathers wonderful expe- riences when brought as near to Nature as the journeyings in such wilds necessitate. I have sometimes thousrht, that no more primitive man is to be found than our own mountaineers, born and bred :tt places as remote from this age, in feeling1 and advancement, as though they were situated in the heart of the Dark Continent. Often conversation is difficult to carry on. so unaccustomed are these people to the sound of anything but their own vernacular. It is singular to note the manner of life and the kind of food which is popular in such regions. Naturally, the mode of preparation is also primitive. Long experience taught me at last to carry some provender with me on long trips, and I invariably took a package of tea, as that is a drink whollv unknown to this class. On and I invariably took a package of tea, as that is a drink whollv unknown to this class. On one occasion I remember arriving on a wretchedly cold, rainy night at the cabin of a mountain-hunter. Asking for shelter, it was most hospitably granted, and. though my host I could talk but little, he and his wife offered me food and tried to make me comfortable. I took out my package of eta and asked the woman to brew me a cap, feeling that the I Tenial warmth would counteract the effect of the wetting I had got. After being absent a long time the woman returned, and asked if I would have iny supper without waiting for the greens,' as they were not nearly cooked, a.nd I must be hungry. I agreed, not under- standing what the nature of the greens might be bnt having sat down to the pork and corn cob, I asked if the tea )vas ready. 'Tea?' said the woman. 'What is tea?' When I explained that the contents of the package I had given her were tea. which was designed to be made into a drink, she ex- claimed, 'La, sir. I duu thought that ar war greens, and put it to bile with the pork!"

TREAT1 TO CHILDREN AT CARDIFF. -¡r.. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. About 450 children of St. John's Parish, Car- diff. were entertained at dinner on Friday after- noon. in connection with the movement, at the head of which Canon Thompson works so ener- getically. Roast beef and potatoes, with the customary second course of Christmas pudding, was bountifully supplied. Canon and Mrs. Thompson were present superintending the arrangements, which were carried out by a number of assistants.

DISTRESS AT KLONDIKE. A MILITARY RELIEF EXPEDITION, A Reuter's telegram from Washington on Thursday says: —Mr Sef ton, the Dominion Minister of the Interior, has arranged with the War Department for a Klondike reiief expedi- tion, consisting jointly of detachments of United States troops and Canadian Mounted Police. Canada will impose no duty on the supplies thus introduced intp the country. Sir Julian Pauncs- fote, the British Ambassador, has informed Mr. Sherman that Great Britain has no objection to the United States troops accompanying such au expedition crossing British territory.

Science of the Heavens. REVIEW OF MR, ARTHUR MEE'S WORK ON ASTRONOMY. HOW PROCESS BLOCKS ARE MADE IN CARDIFF. [BY THE REV. W. E. WINKS, CARDIFF.] A pretty close acquaintance with the large mass of popular literature devoted to the fascinating science of astronomy had prepared the writer for pleasant surprises in the way of cheap books on this subject. But he hardly expected anyone, even in these days of science for the million," to supply as much material for the money as Mr. Mee has done in this second edition of his Observational Astronomy." When the first edition appeared the question went round among readers who knew something of the cost of production in connection with books of this kind, How can it be done at the price except on principles that are benevolent rather than business-like?" It was no solution of the difficulty to be told in the words of the old lady who informed her customers that the multiplication of individual losses beyond a certain point amounted to an aggregate gain, i.e., as she put it, We lose by every one, but it's the number that pays." Still the wonder grew," and grows yet more and more with this second edition. For here we have additional matter, and I know not how many fresh illus- trations, from the clever design which adorns the cover down to the charming little thumb- nail portrait sketches of astronomical worthies. I cannot say that the latter ate always flattering (what do the admirers of Dr. Ball think?), but they are as unmistakable as the drawings of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars in the portrait gallery of the planets. While the illustrations are under notice it may be well to pay our tribute of regard to them as a whole, and pass on to speak of the contents of this admirable and useful vade mecum for the astronomical observer. First of all, these illus- trations, take them as a whole, are a vast im- provement on those of Edition No. 1. Some of the latter never satisfied anybody, least of all the editor, who is known to be an excellent draughtsman and a severe critic upon his owfi work and its reproduction. Now that they are gone and the field is clear, we have scarcely any- thing in this marvellously cheap little book that is not very good of its kind. Some of the process blocks are delightful. I am told thera is no better half-to le work done in any office in the kingdom than that which is often turned out in the photo-engraving department <.f the "Western Mail." With such specimens as the five blocks which make up the handsome fron- tispiece before me, I can well believe this assertion. Look, for example, at Weinek's photographs and drawings of the lunar craters i Hansteen and Gassendi; at M. Antoniadi's and Mr. Pratt's photographs of Saturn, the one showing the Northern and the other the Southern Pole of the planet, and the upper and under side of his rings. In addition to these, let the reader examine the delicate fea- tures of the photographs reproduced on pp. 7, 9, 17, 45, 46, 55, 57, 62, 65, and 69, &c. Cer- tainly, the "Western Mail" deserves well of all those who take pleasure in downright good artistic work. It is, surely, matter for con- gratulation that we have no need to go to London for book illustrations when process printing can be executed in such a style Its this in our own town. The reader will be pleased to note, in addition to these capital illustrations, the clear type and good setting of the letterpress, and the pleasant appeuance of tne book generally. It is a comfort to handle a book of this kind, and the reading of it is made as easy as may be for eyes that have seen their best days. On turning tD examine the contents or the book 011e must keep its title in mind, and not look for that which the name "Observational Astronomy" does not profnise. If the reader wishes for a complete view and account of all that goes under the name of Astronomy he must look elsewhere; and in doing so he will find ample guidance in this book to other books which deal with the sun, moon, planets, comets, stars, and star systems ;n a more comprehensive and exact manner. But here one is supposed to be an observer asking, What is there for me to look at, and how am 1 to look ? Mr. Mee answers these simple questions of the beginner and the amateur admirably. Many a devoted student of the heavenly bodies who has fought and worked his way through the first difficulties of this great science will wish that such a book as this might have fallen into his hands years ago. And no one is forgotten in tne wide provision offered in these pages. The youth who has no instrument at all, and nothing but his own eyesight to work with, is started on his naked pa.th. The observer who comes into the arena armed with an opera or field glass is pleasantly told how to use it. and what wonders he may see. The aspirant after a telescope is taken in hand next in order, and nourished and brought up after a fashion it does one's heart good to see. The history of the telescope is given him for an appetiser, and no sooner despatched than the proper meal begins. As all encouragement to go on to the end we have a likeness of our kind host set before us, stand- ing bareheaded beneath his Calver, with one of his most contented guests looking on. What could be better ? We see the goal toward which we are being led if only we will take our leader's capital advice. In this we have all we need to know, and much more than we could have ex- pected, anent refractors and reflectors, object- glasses, and specula, and eye-pieces, and tele- scope stands, and al! the equipments needful for one who begins with a l^in., and works up by varying stages of 2in., 3in., 4in., or Sin. object- glasses; or soars away into higher realms where 6in., 8in., and lOin. or 12in. reflectors hold sway. It is a really admirable piecj of work— this direction given by Dur author ItS to the purchase and use of a telescope. As is most natural, Mr. Mee figures best under Reflectors," but no one who loves the refractor best has any right to complain of neglect. We have in this part of the book some r-xcellent pictures of tele- scopes, which ought to bring many a purchaser to certain houses that have been wise enougn and kind enough to lend their blocks for publi- CD lion. The special chapters on the moon and the planets are full of interest. Of these we like the moon, Jupiter, and Saturn the best. It is weIll known that Mr. Mee knows his way about the moon as weIl as mDst astronomers of the B.A. A., and is prepared at any ttnie to conduct a cir- cular-tour-party round the solar system as soon as ever the means of 10comotion are proviited and the preliminaries of peace are settled between us and our Martian neighbour. In spcurin? the. va. hie co-oneration of guished writers in different departments. Mr. Mee has been most fortunate. Captain Noble, Messrs. N. E. Green, W. F. Denning, J. E. Gore, E. M. Antoniadi, Edwin Holmes. &c., have all contributed to the contents of the book after a manner that adds immensely to its value. Their kindness in this matter cannot be too highly esteemed and appreciated. It is a pleasure also to notice the substantial aid which the author has received from gentle- men of local reputation in Cardiff. Among these special mention must be made of Mr. C. T. Wliitmell, Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Lattey, Mr. J. Duckworth, and Mr. Cars- lake Thompson. The chapter on the ever- memorable Prebendary Webb is invaluable. Its main fault is its brevity. On^ can never hear too much of so good a man, and so exact an observer and so excellent a writer as the dear old "Celestial Objects Webb." He is Quite as celestial as any of the objects, and, indeed, more so. If tiiere were space and a mind for criti- cism I would say that a good: deal of the matter under several heads, e.g., "Telescopes," "Obser- vation," &c., might with advantage be differently arranged and made more coherent and conse- cutive. Now and then articles of great interest on a common theme fire separated bv a wide interval (see pp. 30-1 and 38-9; and, again, p.96.) It would have h.en fin srl'^ntasre also if Mr. Denning's invaluable appendix could have followed p. 93 Now and then a line or two of explanation would have been very welcome. Take one example only. Lord Crawford's simple method for working an alt-azimuth instrument on equatorial lines—see p. 27—is not pinde clear to every reader even by means of this aduirable little drawing. In the next edition—which we trust may soon appear— Mr. Mee will, perhaps, tell his unlearned readers a little more particularly what a micrometer is—p. 31—and give up the mock suns at Llanstephan—p. 6—in favour of the Gegenshein "—p. 7. What the Gegensliein is our kind author does not think it needful to explain; he does not even tell us tbah. it is "made in Germany." But he does tell us a thousand thing, we are glad to learn or to be reminded of, and for his admirable way of telling them amateur students IInd observers owe him a thousand thanks and much more than half-a-crown in hard cash. To all those who are interested m Astronomy and tlurk of buying a. telescope, I would say, Buy the book at once. In its line it is by far the compietest and cheapest book in the market. [" Observational Astronomy—a Practical Book for Amateurs." By Arthur Mee, F.R.A.S., &c. 'Second and thoroughly revised ed'tion. "Western Mail," Cardiff and London, 2s. 6d.]

A WESTON MYSTERY. A Weston correspondent stats that on Thursday morning at 7.30 the body ff a gentleman was found on the railway near Hutton Bridge by the side of :he up line, the head, whioh was completely severed, lying about a yard away. The police were com- municated with, and they removed the body to Weston-super-Mare Mortuary. A card in the deceased's pocket bore the name, "H. A. Watson, 2, Clifton Park-rfoad, Clifton." By the side of the body were tWD cardboard boxes, onc con- taining a very heavy six-chambered revolver, two chambers having been fired, and the other a number of cartridges. The police received a telegram from Mr. lnskip, Bristol, the same morning, asking them to make inquiries about the deceased, who, it was feared, would commit suicide Lhrousrli mental depression. The body was found by engineer and employed on the railway,

IN THE COUKTS NOTES AND NOTIONS FROM THE SEAMY SIDE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXfHtSS. CARDIFF. A PLUCKY DETECTIVE. At Cardiff Police-court on Friday (before the stipendiary, M". T. W. Lewis), Eliza Leich- tieli, 44, a wretched-looking woman of the streets, was brought up in custody charged with attempting to commit suicide by jumping into the Glamorganshire Canal, near the Hayes Bridge, on the 30th of December.—Detective Dicks said that about nine o'clock on the pre- vious evening he saw a crowd of people gathered on the Hayes Bridge. Someone said. "There she goes; she is off in now." He then iaw prisoner in a stooping position m the act of diving into the water. Witness jumped in after her. She sank once before witness could get anywhere near to her, and when she rose to the surface he caught hold of her and brought her to 'and. The Stipendiary: Was she sober ? Detective Dicks. She was very hysterical when I got her into the cab. Inspector Durston: She had been drinking, no doubt. Prisoner had no questions to put. but said she wanted to be taken to the Salvation Army shelter. Inspector Durston She has been here thir- teen times for being a drunken prostitute ;>nd for other offences. I wish to state that Detec- tive Dicks nearly lost his life. The water &t that spot is very deep, and he had to get i.der the foundations of the Stuart-hall. The Stipendiary commended the officer for his promptitude and gallantry in rescuing the woman ht the risk of his own life, and added, "I hope your bravery will be recognised.' Dicks: Thank you, sir. Prisoner was remanded for a week. "THERE'S MANY A SLIP," &c. Agnes Gilchrist, 30. was charged with stealing a purse, containing about £7 in gold and silver, from the person of Charles Kelly, at the Charing Cross Hotel, Bute-street, on the evening of the 30th inst. Police-constable Brookes was stand- ing in the neighbourhood about ten o'clock, when prisoner came running across the road with something in her hand, which he fiaw was a purse. Prosecutor then rushed up, and said he had been robbed of £7, Prisoner tried to slip the purse into prosecutor's pocket, but it fell to the ground. Witness picked it up, and arrested the woman. On the way to the station she said, "Take a couple of pounds and let me go, and say nothing." On being cautioned and charged, she said, "All right, I have nothing to say."—Prose- cutor Kelly, a native of Glasgow, said- he came from Newport on Thursday. In the evening he went to the Charing Cross. At lialf-past nine prisoner came in, with two other women, and, at their invitation, he "stood" them drinks. Prisoner came and stood close to him, and lie then missed his purse from the inside of his coat pocket. Prisoner made a dash for the door. and he followed, and gave information to the con- stable who had given evidence.—Prisoner Why did you show us the purse and all you had in it. -Prosecutor: I never did.—The policeman (re- called) said the purse when he picked it up con- tained £5 in gold and 10s. in silver, so that 30s. was missing.—The Stipendiary committed the prisoner to the quarter sessions for trial. EARLY BIRDS. David Gwynn. 21, and David Rees. 24, were changed on remand with breaking and entering the lock-up shop, No. 48, St. Mary-street, in the occupation of E. J. and Alfred Coleman some time between eleven p.m. on the 24th and four a.m. on the 28th of December for the purpose of committing a felony. This was a remand case.—The door was forced open, but nothing was missed from the shop. Prisoutrs' were arrested by Sergeant Ben Davies, who was cnlled, and repeated his evidence. —Mr. Morgan Rees defended both prisoners.—In evi- dence it was stated that the door was in the passage leading to the Buffalo Club. Police- sergeant Davies said, in reply to Mi. Morgan Rees. that anyone falling against the door could not possibly have burst it open in the way in which it had been secured. Prisoners had money in their possession, but no house- breaking implements.—M^. Coleman (chemist and stationer) also said there were no signs about the door of the use of such implements. —Prisoners, it was alleged, were seen to walk out of the shop.—A representative of the "Buffs" declared that they were expelled twelve months ago from the club. They were put out on the night in question, and were not supplied with drink.—Police-constable Charles Knight deposed that at half-past two on Tuesday morn- ing hr saw prisoners standing in the doorway of the Buffalo Club.—The Stipendiary dis- cnarged the prisoners. GOUGH-STREET. Annie Thomas, 25, was charged on a warrant with assisting in the management of a brothel at 30, Gough-street, on Christmas Eve.—Mr. Joseph Henry Jones defended.—The house was raided by Constables Herniman and Chedzey. and Detective Dicks also appeared upon the scene.— Police-constable Herniman said they saw defen- dant standing at the door, and that, hearing steps in the rear, Chedzey followed by way of the next house, and returned with a girl into the kitchen.—The summons was dismissed upon the ground that the police may have made a mistake as to the particular door at which prisoncr was standing. PROSECUTION OR PERSECUTION? Mary Ann Butler, a well-dressed gir!, was summoned for selling beer without a licence at 113, Eldon-road,—Mr. Morgan Rees defended.— Police-constable Cassidy, one of the constables who watched the premises, said that on Sunday morning, the 19th, .between 12.10 and one a.m., he saw ten men and two women enter the house, and two men and one woman leave. At ten minutes past one he knocked at the door. Some- one, whom he took to be defendant, ran upstairs and looked through the window. At the top of the stairs they heard defendant shout out some- thing. Having knocked twice without receiving anv answer they burst the door open. Defendant was standing just inside. In the middle room were six men and one woman, and in the kitchen two men and one woman, while on the kitchen-table they found two glasses, which had, apparently, contained gin, and two empty bottles, and in the cup- board three small bottles full of "Bass" and one empty. Witness told defendant that she would be summoned for selling beer without a licence. She replied, "All right: I am selling it." By Mr. Rees: Defendant was not one of the women 1 saw go into the house. I saw some stone ginger-be^r bottles. I cannot swear that what I smelt was not the remains of stone- ginger. I Fuspected it to be gin. I drought a case against the same defendant on the 15th of this month, and that was dismissed. On the last occasion I had no conversation with defendant in the corridor of the police-court. I did not say to her, "I will have my own back." Police-constable Hares corroborated. Mr. Rees, for the defence, said the statement that defendant when charged replied, "All right, I'm selling it," was absolutely untrue. The police forced themselves into the house, but found nothing. The same defendant was seen only the other day, and the case against her was then dismissed. Immediately after- wards, the same policeman raided the house— which was downright persecution. The Stipendiary: I dismiss the summon on the ground that it would be highly dangerous to attach too much weight to a confession standing by itself. NEWPORT. POVjita'f A POWER. An extremely violent resistance of the administration of the law was narrated to the Newport Borough bench on Friday. Mathew Kingtiey, a labourer, of no fixed abode, was seen by Police-constable Thomas, who was in plain clothes, with a suspicious parcel under his arm. On speaking to him the constable felt dissatis- fied with the reply, and forthwith arrested him on suspicion. Scarcely had he told him his intention than Kingsley commenced kicking in desperation, and with so great a force and rapidity that the constable's legs were bruised and sore within a minute. He warned the man that the kicks, if persisted in, would be re- turned, and, as he insisted on plunging and kicking this was done, a couple of well-adminis- tered kicks by the constable tending to make matters equal. Then prisoner used his arms, and he actually attempted to gouge Police-constable Thomas's eye out, a>»d wrenched his thumb severely. His efforts were, however, overcome, and he was placed wiLhiu the security of a cell. In court ou Friday the prisoner stated that he was com- pelled hy poverty to steal the boots, as he had been thrown out of employment at Sir Charles l'aimei's engineering works at Newcastle by the strike now pending. A blank denial to the chiuge of assault on the policeman was given. Imprisomnen1 for six months with hard labour was meted ot o him. being two periods of three months for each offence, the theft and the assault. OUT FOR CHRISTMAS. Christmas at the workhouse was not desired by an aged widow of 62 winters, named Catherine Ryan, of Newport, and she consequently refused to remain there. The intoxication of her freedom was too much for her, and she was found on Thursday night in a doorway in Com- mercial-road loudly chanting a song of triumph J for the delectation of a crowd of admirers. It was said at the borough police-court on Friday that she had during her life been before the magistrates 33 times for different offences, and she was now fined 5s., or seven days.

TO-DAY'S RACING SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. MANCHESTER MEETING. Judge: Mr. W J. Ford. Clerk of the Scales: Mr. O. Frail Starter: Mr. Coventry- Handi- capper: Mr. 1 ord. Clerks of the Races and Stakeholders: Messrs. frail. Secretary: Mr. Sydney Price. „ MANCHESTER, Friday. It is not often that a New Year's meeting at Manchester opens under such pleasant auspices as was the case to-day, and it was exceedingly gratifying to find the weather clearing up in such good style. The conditions left nothing to be desired when proceedings commenced, the light being excellent. The company was fairly strong in all departments, while the going was satisfactory, and if fields did not rule large, sport proved fairly interesting. Details: — i —The CLUB MAIDEN STEEPLE- JL VJ CHASE PLATE of 40 sovs, for four year olds and upwards; weight for age; win- ners extra. Two miles and a quarter. Major J Orr-Ewings's Furze Hill, 4yrs. list 910 Mr Godson's Uncle John, 4yrs. list 51 o W (iale 2 Mr Wkittingham's Syndod, 4yrs, lOst 12! f) Mr Holborne 3 Captain Brown's Firstbid, 4yrs, lOst 121b if-T-.i-or 0 Winner trained by Aspmau. Betting-2 to 1 on Furze Hill, 5 to 2 r.gst Uncle John, 103 to 8 agst Freslibid, and 20 to 1; agst Synod. Uncle John made the running from the favourite to the last few strides, when Furze Hill got to the front, and won an exciting finish by a neck. 1 Q/ —The FRIDAY HANDICAP HURDLE RACE, a plate of 100 sovs; winners extra; winner to be sold for 100 sovs. Two I miles. Mr Hibbert's Napoleon the Great, 4yrs. list 101b R Nightingall 1 Mr Sanderson's Selby Maid, 4yrs, list 61b Harrison 2 Mr Tait, jun's Sepoy. 5yrs, list 21b Driscoll 3 Mr Brown's Armadale, 4yrs, lOst 121b Mr Bletsoe 0 Mr Goodail's Dungar, 4yrs. 12st 21b Hedfield 0 Winner trained by W JNigutinga-U. Betting—2 to 1 agst Napoleon the Great. 5 to 2 agst Sepoy, 5 to 1 agst Armadale, 11 to 2 agst Selby Maid. and 10 to 1 agst Dungar.. Armadale cut out the work from Napoleon the Great and Selby Maid, with Sepoy last, until six furlongs from home, when Napoleon the Great assumed the command, whilst two hurd'es from home Selby Maid took second place, but Napoleon the Great coming on, won by three lengths; the same distance divided the second iind third. Dungar was last. o l —The TRAFFOED PARK HANDI- 17 CAP STEEPLECHASE of 250 sovs winners extra. Three miles. Major J Orr-Ewing's Ford of Fyne. 6yrs, 12st 2lb Mr Within sr ton 1 Mr'Hibbert's Fool's Paradise, fcyrs, lOst- 31b A Nierhtingall 2 Winner trained by Aspinall. Betting—2 to 1 on Ford of Fyne. Ford of Fyne made all the running, and won easily by twelve lengths. 1L Nightingall weighed out for Fool's Para- dise, but owing to a distressing attack of bleed- ing at the nose, he was unable to ride, and. by permission of the his brother. Arthur Nightingall was substituted at the last moment. O OA-Th« PEEL PARK SET/LING w.OVj HURDLE RACE PLATE of 100 sovs. for three year olds and upwards; weight for age; winner to be sold for 100 sovs. Two miles. Mr Hannam's Secret Service, 4yrs, list- 51b Harrison 1 I Mr Hickman's Helen Margaret, 3yrs, lOst 31b Stanton 2 Mr Knowles's Alvaston, 3yrs, lOst 31b Williamson. 3 Mr Platt's Royal Douglas, aged, list tllb Brown 0 Mr Aston's Mandale, 3yrs, lOst 31b .Kibby 0 Mr Bell's Swing, 3yrs, lOst 31b Owner 0 Mr Ward's Martha IV.. 3yrs, lOst, 31b Lathom 0 Winner trained by Sanderson. Betting—7 to 4 agst Alvaston, 5 to 1 agst Secret Service. 6 to 1 agst Helen Margaret, 8 to 1 each agst Royal Douglas and Mandale, and 10 to 1 agst any other. O A -The OLDHAM HANDICAP HUDDLE RACE of 90 sovs; winners extra. Two miles. Linhope. 1; Exiling Belle, 2; Carriden, 3. 12 ran. Also ran: Primrose, Prophet, Steeple Bob, Lord Godolphin. Destruction, Kelham, Flood, Nightlinger. and Christleton.

"SPORTING LIFE" AUTHENTIC PRICES. MANCHESTER MEETING. Horse. Jockey. Sporting Life. CLUB MAIDEN (4). Furze Hill (Mr Withington) 2 to 1 on FRIDAY HANDICAP (5). Napleon th' Great (R Nightingall) 2 to 1 ag TRAFFORD PARK HANDICAP (2). Ford of Fyne (Mr Withington). 2 to 1 on PEEL PARK SELLING (7). Secret Service (Harrison) 5 to 1 ag The above prices are identical with, those published in the "Racing Calendar.

OLD SAM'S OVERNIGHT FINALS. MANCHESTER MEETING. DELIVERER (nap). BLUNT. ATHEL ROY. GLENMORGAN. I.O.U. DOUBLE EVENT— DELIVERER and ATHEL ROY.

OLD SAM'S FINALS. MANCHESTER MEETING. 1.0—FURZE HILL (nap). 1.30-ARMADALE. 2.0—FORD 0' FYNE (nap). 2.30—TA TA. 3.0—TOURS or CARRIDEN. 3.30-ELECTRIC RAY. TREBLE EVENT- FURZE HILL, FORD 0' FYNE, and ELEC- TRIC RAY.

PADDOCK FINALS. (LATEST FROM THE COURSE). SEPOY. NAPOLEON THE GREAT, ALVAS- TON, and ATHEL ROY. L.

AUSTRIA AND HUNGARY. A Central News telegram from Vienna on Thursday Mty& —The determined and prolonged opposition of the Parliaments of Buda-Pesth and Vienna having up to now prevented the pro- visional prolongation for one year of the conven- tions between Austria and Hungary, it has been decided by the Emperor of Austria to promul- gate an Imperial degree continuing the conven- tion for the year 1898, and fixing the propor- tions in which common expenses shall be borne by either party thereto. This action will for the present settle the question so far as Austria is concerned, but in Hungary a Royal Ordnance is not permitted by the Constitution to over- ride the wish of the Parliament, and conse- quently it is expected that the Hungarian Govern- ment, while making no open objection to the course adopted by Austria, will, by tacit agree- ment, maintain a status quo with regard to the dual convention. At the best, however, the question is only shelved for a year, and may be expected to continue to cause bitter feeling between the two nations.

CHRISTMAS POSTAL WOZtK AT BARRY. We are informed by the district postmaster, Mr. G. Fordo, that the pressure of work at the Post-office at Barry Dock during Christmas week this year was considerably greater than in any previous year, and three times more than in any ordinary week, close upon 150,000 letters, Ac., irrespective of newspapers and parcels, being dealt with (delivered and posted) by the staff. There were two mail arrival on Christmas Day, but. owing to there being no early train on the Barry line, the bags had to be sent on from Cardiff by road. Notwith- standing this serious drawback, the whole of the deliveries were completed in good time, reflecting much credit upon the clerk in chargg, Mr. J. E. Price, and his efficient staff. The enormous and steady growth of work at the Barry Post-office is occasioning considerable inconvenience, and the necessity for suitable central buildings is daily becoming more and more apparent.

ROYAL COMMISSION ON HORSE- BREEDING. The arrangements of the Roral Commission on Horse-breeding, approved by the Lords of the Treasury, have received the sanction of her Majesty, and. so far as the allotment of pre- miums to thoroughbred stallions is concerned. no change has been made since last year, 24 being given to the seven districts of England I and Wales and five to Scotland, the money for Ireland coming from a separate source. The prize list iyiclxxdm: -District Class F: Counties of Gloucester. Hereford, Monmoufh, Salop, Stafford. Warwick. Worcester, and South Wales —four premiums of £ 150 each. District Class G.: Cheshire, Lancashire, and South Wales—1 three premiums of JE160 each. .&\0.

Turf Talk. I GOSSIP AND CHATTl. I THE COURSE AND Fl. ■ SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPh. H The amateur selection for to-day is Can Winkfield's Pride races next year, and goes to the stud. Canvass Back bis left Newmarket for Wrougti ton, to be trained by W. Leader. There seems to be a chance or the Maher- Jackson match taking place at Hot Springs in February. Messrs. Cook learn by telegram from their correspondents that in consequence of the thaw all skating is over for the present in Holland. There is talk in sporting circles in Sheffield I of Bannister, winner of the Christmas Handicap, challenging A. K. Downer, the champion sprinter. St. George yesterday won the Final Steeple- chase at Hurst Park, and is penalised 51b in the Paddock Handicap Steeplechase at Manchester to-morrow, raising his weight to 12st 2ib. Taking into consideration the present boom in pedestrianism, several lovers of the sport in Manchester have decided to do their utmost to revive the interest in foot-racing. Headed by Mr. W. Heywood, a syndicate has been formed to resuscitate the old JE100 handicaps, which, if conducted on up-to-date and fair lines, should command a measure of success. Knight of Rhodes in his time has played many parts, and has seldom failed to distinguish him- self, whether running a mile and a quarter on the flat, gailoping four miles over a country, or carrying 12st. 71b. in a high-class hurdle handi- cap. He was ridden on Thursday by his owner, who has not many superiors among the amateurs, and, as usual, lie was in the front all the way. Detailed accounts of the M'Coy-Creedon contest state that the first round was indica- tive of the tactics and qualities of the men. Creedon was all eagerness, and rushed tilings from start to finish. His aim appeared to be to weaken the young fellow by rushes and strong clinches, and in the mixing up to get in a decisive blow. But M'Coy saw through it, and kept away as much as possible. In the third round Creedon was decidedly winded, and in the next round M'Coy forced him into his corner. Twice curing the fight did M'Coy floor the heavier man, because he caught Cree- don when he was breaking from the latter's hasty rushes. It was wonderful how the 'Kid" kept both his wind and his self-possession. At the end of each round he Fat down wivh his fac% almost as pale as when he entered the ring, and with no sign of exhaustion. Had Creedon been less aggressive he would have lasted for twenty or twenty-five rounds. in iti-i fifteenth round Creedon was knocked down by a clean left-hander, and fell heavily. He took the full limit to rise, and tfien the gong sounded. lie resumed his seat puffing hke a steam-engine, and in less than a minute his seconds threw up the sponge. Athelwulf, winner of the Old Year Hurdle Race at Hurst Park yesterday, is penalised 51b. in the New Year Handicap Hurdle Race, run aT. Manchester to-morrow. The weight of Mr. Herbert's gelding is thus raised to list. 61b., and, judging from the style in which he won yesterday, he should have no difficulty, if sent to Manchester, in opening the new year as aus- piciously as he has closed the old one. From Tennessee comes news of the death of Great Tom, which occurred at the beginning of the present month, at the Belle Meade Stud. By King Tom-Woodcraft, Great Tom, who was foaled in 1873, was an own brother to the Derby winner Kingcraft, and was bred by the late Lord Falmouth. As a three-year-old he won twice, running a dead-heat with Glacis for the St. James's Palace Stakes at Ascot in a field of two. The stakes were subsequently divided, Great Tom walking over. His other success was in the Doncaster Stakes, for which he beat Coltness and another, winning by two lengths. As a four- year-old he won a race at Newmarket, beating such as Sheldrake and Chevron, and in the fol- lowing year was exported to America. In his prime he was one of the best sires in the United States, getting Tyrant, General Harding, Telie Doe. Thackeray, Tullahoma (Tammany's, dam), and a number of others.

A RISING WELSHMAN. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. Next Session will probably witness the rising if not of a rival to the ascendency of Mr. Lloyd George, then undoubtedly (says "A.K. ir the London "Echo") of a useful coadjutor in Mr Ellis Jones Griffith, M.P. for Anglesea. Mr Griffith, in a sense, is all .upper crust Welst Radical, at least he has taken and holds a seat above the Gangway just behind Sir William Harcourt. He is one of the yopng men of pro- mise that Aberystwith College has a warning habit of occasionally turning upon the world, but Mr. Ellis Jones Griffith went on to Downing College, Cambridge, and, besides being LL.B. of that University, is B.A. and M.A. of London. Then attacking the Law, he was "called" at the Middle Temple, and has found comfort and salvation in the North Wales and Glamforgan Circuits. Mr. Ellis Griffith holds certain Uni- versity and other Fellowships and scholarships, and has with success tried his hand at the literature of the law. He is personally a tall, pale-faced, studious man, with a hollow voice, evidence of much study by the enervating light of the early morning lamp. Mr. Ellis Jones Griffith has made several admirable speeches in the House, and his early faith in Parliament, as a sphere of influence, was shown in his own coura- geous attack-unsuccessful, however—upon the Toxteth Division of Liverpool. Yes, Mr. Ellis Griffith is one of the Welsh Radicals to be heard from hereafter.

ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE. MINING (AUSI KALIAN AND INDIAN Alxddtu Lamp.. ]$* iMysol* 5% Asso. Gold W.A. 4ft 'MysoreGoldfi'ds 14/0 • Do. Southern I Nortji Bonlder IIJt — BrokenHillPro 2 ,'Nundydroeg 4& BurmA. Ruby 9H 5d j l"d'(ft'a Consols Y. Central Boulder 1* Ooregum Ord. 3& Champion Keef.. 5,1. IDo. fref.. 3vj Glden Ursc Shoe 8 Wentw'th '.old. f« Great Boulder. 23 b YV'tli of Nations Hampton Plains Ht 'W. Aus. Gldtids 2\.f Hainan's B. Hill 6% Do. Joint Stk Iuvauhoe Rio Tinto. 25 Kalgurli 6& jAnaoondia •. 5jf Lake View Cou. 11% MINING (SOUTH AFRICAN). Afrikander jKleiufontein. 2\ Angrelo 51r iKlerksdorp 6/0 Apex 6% jKnigrht 4{¡ Barnato Consols 2 £ Lnnp-laagte 4 Bantjes 1^ (Lisbou Berlrn. 3s 5d Bechuaualand.$. London & Paris Kuffelsdooru Luip'rds Vlei N* lfc British S. Africa M:<shonald Agcy 2 (Charteied) 3 .May 211. City & Suburban 6ft Meyer & Charltu Comet 3,V 'Modderfontein 3ft Consd Gldtids of New Primrose. 4 £ S. Africa ]>ef 5& N'igel Croesus Oceana Consd ft Crown Beef 12'^ Pioneer 9 De Beers 2Q.% Potchefstroom 5'3 Durban Roodep't b% Randfontein 2% East Hand Kand Mines 34% East Hand 5/ Kand Mines 34% Ferreira 23% Reitfontein 2 ft Geldenhuis 4^ Robinson »o. Deep Salisbury 3& Glen cairn 24* Sheba 2& Geldfields Deep 10-<% Simmer In Jack Gniskop 3s3d S Afric.GoldTst Henderson Trsvl 1,« SpesBena -*« Henry Nourse 9% Tati Concession. 14 Heriot 8 Transvaal G«ld.. 4j. Japersfontein 8-■ Van Kyn 1% Japersfontein 8- Van Kyn 1% Johantsbrer.Invt 2-!t Village Mainreef tM Do. Water I. iWemmer 9% Jubilee 8 Wolhuter 6% Jumpers 3% !Zambesi Expltn. 1 *k >m

PHOTOGRAPH COPYRIGITT. At Leek Petty-sessions on Wednesday a photo- grapher, named Phillips,, prosecuted three mem- bers of the Conservative Working Men's Asso- ciation, aleo a local printer, for infringement, of copyright of a photograph of Mr. Charles 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 was the chief speaker.-A fter a long hearing the defendants were each fined 20s. and 25s. coatt. in all E9, the block being given to the complainant.

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY. JUNIOR Clerk Wanted for Retail Business: shorthand and plain book-keeping.—Apply, stating salary to L 95, "Express" Office, Cardiff. el058oi3 BLAIBERG'S Red-band Shirt, 2s. 6d.; full B size, guaranteed wear twelve to eighteen mcntbs; warm and comfortable next to the skin. 'DIAIBFRG SUa-rmartheu Welsh Drawers, B Zs. 3d., guaranteed; North Pole Blankets, 10s. 6d. LAIDERG'S Pembroke Welsh Shirts, 4s. lid.; B all sizes; guaranteed. BLAIBERG'S Army and Railway Clothing, Trousers, Blankets, Overcoats, Reefers, Ac., &c. BXAIBERG'S~~22ct. Wedding Ring, 3idwt., 19s.: B thinner rings are sold at 25s.; similhr ringb are sold at 30s. BLAIBERG'S os. 6d. Solid Gold Wedding Ring; 4s. Ansonia Alarm Clock: 5s. 6d. Keeper or B 4s. Ansonia Alarm Clock: 5s. 6d. Keeper or Engagement Ring; 7s. 6d. Spectacles for 4s. 6d. eiOSeotii,