Evening Express

TO-MY'S TELEGRAMS FOREIGN. An Awful Accident A HUNDRED PEOPLE KILLED AT A MEETING. Reuter's telegram from Toronto on Monday says: -During a crowded meeting in the City- hall, London, to-night, the floor of the hall gave way. It is reported that a hundred people were killed. A later telegram from Toronto says:—An appalling accident, involving great loss of life, occurred last night at London, Ontario. The scene was the City-hall, where the successful candidates at the principal elections were addressing a crowd numbering some 2,000 persons. About ten o'clock the floor at the northern end suddenly caved in, precipitating over 200 persons into a funnel-shaped deathtrap. An immense safe and a heavy steam coil fell on top of the imprisoned victims. A cry of "Fire" was raised, and a terrible panic ensued. The height from the floor of the hall to that of the mayor's office below was about 20ft. The falling mass, with the unfortunate people carried with it, crashed through the floor of the mayor's office, and then through another floor into the cellar. A greater number of dead were taken from the cellar, the victims having been killed instantly in the fall. The city hospitals were crowded with the injured. It was after midnight before any authoritative list of casualties could be obtained. Then it was found that the dead numbered 28, and that more than one hundred persons were more or less seriously injured. CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. The victims included many of the best-known ttien in the city, and among the dead and injured were members of every class of society. The cause of the disaster was the giving way of a beam which ran from the north to the south end of the hall, and directly under-raised the stage used as a speakers' platform. The beam had rotted from its fastenings, and when it fell there was no support for a portion of the fLor- ing some 400ft. square in area.

RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN SPAIN. A Central News telgram from Madrid on Tues- day says: —A terrible railway accident is re- ported from Malagon, caused by a goods train running off the line. The details at present re- ceived are very meagre, but it is known that two engines and eighteen coaches were wrecked, and the two persons were killed and five seriously injured.

TO OBSERVE THE SOLAR ECLIPSE. A Reuter's telegram from Bombay on Tuesday Says: -Mr. E. W. Maunder, Mr. C. Thwaites, and the Rev. J. M. Bacon, with parties under their direction, sent by the British Astronomical Association, for observation of the total solar eclipse on the 23rd inst., have arrived here. Other observing parties have also arrived. The different observing stations will be as follows: — Mr. Mounder and Mr. Thwaites will be stationed at Talni, between Amraoti and Nagpur; the Rev. J. M. Bacon at Baxar; Mr. W. H. Christi, the Astronomer Royal, at Sahdol, between Katni and Bilaspur; the observing party from the Government Observatory at Madras, under the direction of Professor Michie Smith, at Indapur.

ENGLAND'S ASPIRATIONS. NOT QUITE LIKED BY THE OTHER POWERS. A Reuters telegram from St. Petersburg says:-In an article upon Great Britain's rela- tions with other Powers, the "Novosti" to-day > applies itself to showing that England's diffe- rences with Russia and other countries whicn would be glad to act in concert with her, are solely to be attributed to the conduct of. British diplomacy and Great Britain's aspirations to rule in all parts of the world.

CHINA AND THE POWERS. RUMOURED BRITISH LOAN. A Reuter's telegram from Cologne on Tuesday <tays: —The "Koelnisebe Zeitung" announces, on the authority of advices obtained from the best-informed quarters in Paris, that since Thursday last important negotiations have been proceeding in London for a Chinese loan. The attempt made between Paris and St. Petersburg to arrange a loan for China failed. The Chinese Government thereupon offered to contract the loan in London, at the same time asking for the good offices of the British Government as security for the loan, which is to be of 400,000,000f. It is in contemplation to offer the Chinese land tax. The head of the control, it is proposed, shall be an Englishman, and, fur- thermore, an Englishman shall succeed Sir Robert Hart. In addition, the British Govern- ment insists upon the concession of territory, as jo which, for the moment, secrecy is to be observed. The II Koelnische Zeitung adds, ivith regard to the recent telegram of the Tune* that it is understood to be correct that i a quite fresh offer has been made by the Rus- sians to the Chinese to conclude the loan in Germany on more favourable terms than are obtainable in Paris or London.

HOME. LONDON WAREHOUSE AFIRE A destructive fire broke out about half-past eleven on Monday night in the top storey of a six-floored warehouse at 18, Chiswell-street, St. Luke's, London, occupied by Mr. Walker, stationer. Owing to the great height of the build- ing the efforts of the firemen were not very suc- cessful, and in the end the whole was gutted. The blaze brightly illuminated the whole neigh- bourhood, and immense crowds gathered to the scene.

DEATH OF SIR EDWARD BOND K C B The "Times" says: —We record with much regret the death of Sir Edward Augustus Bond, K.C.B., late principal librarian of the British Museum, which took place about noon on Sun- day at his residence in Princess-square, Bays- water, the day after the announcement of his promotion to the grade of K.C.B. He was in his eighty-third year, and his tenure of office from 1878 to 1888 was ^narked by several im- portant improvements.

MR. GLADSTONES MRTH. DAY, The Central News has been requested to circu- late the following message —"Mr. Gladstone, trusting to the courtesy of the press, wishes to express his deep appreciation of all the kind messages and tokens of goodwill which have come to him from friends individually, as well as from many public bodies during the past week, and much regrets that he can only make this general acknowledgment."

SOLDIERS FOR EGYPT. The Press Association says: —Late on Mon- day night a telegram was received at Aldersaot containing instructions for detachments, includ- ing about twenty of the Army Ordnance Corps, to be held in readiness for service in Egypt. In consequence several furloughs have been stopped, and the men required are under orders to be prepared to start at any moment.

DEATH AT A SALE. Just as a sheriff's sale, at St. Ives, Hunts, was about to commence on Tuesday morning the bailiff in charge fell down dead.

SCOTCH EXPRESS DISASTER. THE NARROW ESCAPE OF MISS M'ALPINE. Miss Elizabeth M'Alpine, who had such a mar- vellous escape in the Scotch express accident, is now at Duns under the care of a relative. The narrowness of her escape may be judged ficni the fact that only a minute or so before the collision she changed seats with her sister, who was killed on the spot. Miss M'Alpine is suffering a great deal from bruises and shock, but appears to be progressing. THE LINE CLEARED. The Press Association's Dunbar correspon- dent states that the line was cleared for traffic at noon on Tuesday. There being no inquests in Scotland, the body of Miss Isabella M'Alpine was coffined on Monday night and conveyed by rail to Stirling, where she will be interred on Wednesday at the same time as her father, E. BBaillic M'Alpine. Colonel Yorke, in making his enquiry at Dunhar on Tuesday was accom- panied by Mr. Conacher, manager of the North British railway.

HEAVY BETTING FINES. At. Marl borough-street Police-court, London, on Tuesday Richard de Pledge was fined £100 and live guineas costs, and Charles White X50 and live guineas cost, for keeping and using premises in Princess-court, Leicester-square, for the purpose of betting. The police, who raided the premises on the 21st ult., stated that De Pledge had previously been fined £50 for a similar offence. Thirteen other defendants who were found in the house were bound over in their own recognisances.

IOUK VACANCY. Lord Charles Beresfonl held Ms first open-air meeting on Tuesday at the North Eastern Rail- way Works. He was listened to respectfully, and a vote of confidence was passed, though with some dissentients. Two Conservative meetings will be held on Tuesday night, and Ole Liberal meeting. The Irish Party are also assembling, but it appears that they are quite sal sfied with the Liberal candidates' position in regard to Home Rule, and will be more united than ever before.

ELECTION AT PLYMOUTH. Ths Press Association correspondent tele- graphs that the Plymouth election will probably take place on Wednesday, January 12. TEETOTALLERS' ACTION. A deputation from thr., Temperance Party in Plymouth on Tuesday interviewed the two can- didates, asking each whether he would support the Liquor Local Contr-i and Sunday Closing Bills. Mr. Guest, Conservative, expressed him- self adverse to bo Hi measres. Mr. Mendl, Liberal, promised -lis support to such Tempe- rance legislation. Afl.*r the interviews, the Temperancs representatives, which included several Conservatives and Liberal Unionists, held a private consultation, and unanimously adopted a resolution urging theie friends to sup- port, the candidature or Mr. Mendl.

THE GREAT LONDON FIRE. RESUMPTION OF THE INQUIRY. The C-ripplegate fire inquiry was resumed on Tuesday, l'ite accountant- read the report he had prepared upon the financial position of the firm of Brown, Waller, and Co. He found the thnis liabilities on November 19 showed a balance to the good of over £2,000. The accoun- tant said if he had seen the circular sent out by the firm on the afternoon of the fire he should have presumed the firm was financially embarrassed. [Proceeding.]

THE COEDCAE COLLIERIES. NOTICES TO ONE THOUSAND MEN. Notice to terminate existing contracts in a month have been given to the thousand work- man employed in the Bertie Colliery, Rhondda, belonging to the Lewis Merthyr Company.

MINERS? FEDERATION. OPENING OF THE ANNUAL CON- FERENCE AT BRISTOL. .SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The Miners' Federation of Great Britain began its annual conference in Bristol on Tuesday, Mr. Pickard, M.P., presiding. Over 50 delegates attended.—The President, in his opening ad- dress, justified the aggressive Trades' Unionism to secure fair hours, fair wages, and fair treat- ment for labour. He resented what he called the impertinences of novelist critics of trade organisations, and warned capitalist- that at- tempts to kill Trades Unionism would only re- sult in the resolve of the Unions that if they were to die they would all die in a heap, and, therefore, would lay the whole country idle. He thought the engineers' dispute showed the wisdom of the miners seeking to obtain an eight, hours' day by Act of Parliament. As to the wages question, though the coal trade was good, yet the time was not opportune for decided action. If an opportune time arose they would go in for bettering their condition.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING AT CARDIFF ^C!ALLY SET FOR THE EVEN/HQ EXPRESS. Alderman P. W. Carey presided over a meet- mg of the Cardiff Electric Lighting Committee, J Tuesday afternoon, at the Town-hall, "ii i accordance with a resolution passed at the last meeting, Mr. W. Applebee, as electri- cal engineer, presented a report upon the ques- tion of condensing water at the electrical works, and the saving thereby effected. The report set forth the different methods of condensing, one of which has been tried at the electrical works for the past nine months, and has worked satis- factorily. The Engineer recommended an exten- sion of the system now in use. which, is the cooling action derived by forcing the warm water at a slight pressure through a series of specially-shaped nozzles, which threw it into the air in jets of spray, which effectually cool it to the required degree. Mr. Applebee further urged that over £ 100 per annum would be saved by adopting this system.—It was resolved that the report, which was very exhaustive, be printed. Mid. circulated amonji the members.

TRAGIC SUICIDE AT RHYMNEY. Mr. W. Pritchard Found Shot. MANAGER OF THE RHYMNEY BREWERY. STORY OF THE TRAGEDY. A MYSTERIOUS TELEGRAM. A profound sensation was created in Rhymney and the neighbourhood on Monday night by the news, which spread like wildfire, that Mr. William Pritchard, the well-known and respected manager for Messrs. Buchan and Co., general merchants and brewers, had committed suicide. His body was found near the house, and a shot wound in the head told its own ghastly tale. The brewery and stores managed by Mr. Pritchard are the property of the R.hymney Iron Company, and the deceased enjoyed the com- plete confidence of the directors of that under- taking. Indeed, the brewery has always been considered one ot the best paying departments owned by the company. Details of the tragedy are difficult to obtain, and for the moment there is nothing to indicate the reason which led Mr. Pritchard to put an end to his life. NARRATIVE OF A RAILWAY EMPLOYE. Owing to the lateness of the hour at ,<h the sad affair took place, very few particulars of the occurrence could be gleaned at Cardiff, but an employe of the railway company who came down in one of the trains from Rnymney during the evening told one of our representa- tives that Mr. Pritchard was shot about ten o'clock in the evening. It is under- stood that two colliers, while re- turning from work at this time, hsard a shot on the side of the railway where some trucks were standing, about forty yards from Mr. Pritchard's house, and upon going to see the cause thereof, found Mr. Pritchard lying en the ground bleeding from a wound in the temple. They immediately gave information to the policeman on duty in the vicinity, and accompanied him back to the spot. Mr. Pritchard was immediately picked up, a doctor was sent for, and he was carried to his house, where there was a terrible scene. Death, however, it appears, had occurred before the medical man arrived. Mr. Pritchard had been general manager of the concern already mentioned for the last quarter of a century. Mr. Pritchard would be about 70 years of age, and the father of a large family, principally daughters, two of whom hav. already married, one to the manager of tho Rhymney Works. His residence, stand- ing between Rhymney Bridge and Rhymney, is one of the principal houses in the district, and is situated about a quarter of a mile from the extensive shop and stores of Messrs. Buchan and Co. He was a prominent Church- man, and during his long residence in Rhymney he was a staunch supporter of Canon Evans in all the Church movements of the district, THE LATE MR. W. PRITCHARD. I and for many years held the position of church- warden. A self-made man, having risen from a humble position in the company's shop to the important office he held at the time of his death, Mr. Pritchard readily gava sympathy and prac- tical help to others le;-s fortunately circum- stanced than himself, ami his beneficence poured fcrth to all who needed it within his extensive sphere of influence air. usefulness. Local charities and various ca ses will all bear evi- dence of his bounty. will thus be readily imagined that Mr. Pritchard was very generally esteemed for his integrity of character and amiability, and the news of his death in so tragic a manner naturally crec ed a profound sensa- tion throughout the wh(;:e neighbourhood. ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS. A later message says:—Mr. W. Pritchard, J.P., of Terrace House, Rhymney, was found dead about 50 yards from his house, on Monday evening. At 8.50 Police-sergeant Stephens received information from two men, named Woods and James, that a man was lying on the four-foot line of the Rhymney Iron Company's railway, about 50 yards from the cross- ing leading to the Rhymney Railway Station. The sergeant proceeded to the spot, and found a man lying on his hands on the right side. On examination the body was found to be that of Mr. Pritchard. Drs. Redwood and Pritchird were sent for, and found life extinct, though the body was warm. A revolver was found near the deceased. Mr. Pritchard, who was about 66 yeari of age, was a very prominent gentle- man in the neighbourhood. It is supposed that Mr. Pritchard had been dead about forty minutes when he was found, as a shot was heard at 8.10 in the direction where the deceased was dis- covered. Mrs. Pritchard and some members of the family were attending an annual tea party, and when informed of the calamity were, as might be expected, quite prostrated with grief. Mr. Pritchard had lived at Rhymney over 50 years. STORY OF THE TRAGEDY. NO APPARENT MOTIVE FOR SELF- DESTRUCTION. Our special reporter, wiring on Tuesday morning from Rhymney, says: —The tragic suicide of Mr. William Pritchard, of Rhymney, has created a great sensation throughout South Wales, in almost every part of which the de- ceased gentleman was well known. It appears that Mr. Pritchard was at the company's shop transacting business up to twenty minutes past seven o'clock, when he appeared to be in his usual state of health. However, he had not been well for some time past, he having been. suffering from insomnia, and of late he had worried himself a good deal about matters which need have given him no concern, the investigation of the affairs of the company by a committee appointed for that purpose having disturbed his mind considerably, with- out, it is believed, the slightest cause. Mr. Pritchard does not seem to have been seen alive after leaving the shop, where, upon his oeparture, he had been giving instructions, as to the morrow's work. A shot was heard fired by Mr. E. T. Morgan, who was in the furniture department, at five minutes past eight o'clock, but he took no particular notice of the incident, and it was not until about twenty minutes to nine o'clock that the fatal expla- nation was forthcoming. At that hour two colliers, named John James and John Wood, were walking along the company's private rail- way, when, by the light of the moon, they saw the body of a man lying between two un- attached wagons of a line of trucks about a yard apart. Thinking it was some drunken reveller, they made no effort to get him up, but communicated with Police-sergeant' Ste- phens, who at once proceeded to the spot. It was then seen that the body was that of Mr. Pritchard. He was lying on his left side with his head resting on his arm, his face covered with blood, and there was blood aii round. A six-chambered revolver, which had been in his possession for many years, was found beneath him. After he had been lifted up, and upon examination by D-. Redwood and Dr. Prit- chard, who were at once summoned, it was discovered that there was a bullet wound behind the ri::ht -ear. Death had evidently taken place instantaneously. Indications point to the fact that at the time lie committed the dreadful deed the deceased stood with his back against one of the wagons, and faced his residence, which was only about 70 yards away. The scene at the house after the body had been removed home was of a most agonising descrip- tion, and throughout the town there were general expressions of regret when the sad tidings became known. It is reported that upon the body being searched a telegram was found of an important nature. THE REVOLVER FOUND. The body was quite warm when found by the policeman, and a revolver was picked up close to where the deceased gentleman had fallen. BIOGRAPHICAL PARTICULARS. Mr. William Pritchard was a native of Brecon- shire, being born in that healthy and picturesque village known as Talybont—which is situated about seven miles from Brecon and a similar distance from Crickhowell—in the early part of the year 1832. He was, therefore, about 65 years of age. His parents at that time kept a farm and a country inn, called Cross Oak," within a mile of Talybont, on the Brecon road, which is to this day the property of his elder brother, Mr. Thomas Pritcnard, of Grove Villa, Rhymney. From childhood's days he was noted for his acuteness and sagacity. All his education was received at the county town of Brecon, for when the lad attained nis fourteenth birthday he left his native place and came to Rhymney, where his brother, Mr. Thomas Pritchard—who was fourteen years his senior—was employed by the noted firm of Messrs. Andrew Buchan and Co. Mr. William Pritchard was engaged at the Carno Branch shop, and the young recruit from Talybont soon became a great favourite with the head of the firm, Mr. Andrew Buchan, who was rightly considered one of the shrewdest business men of his time. In a very short period, the new member of the staff gave evidence of such promise that he was transferred to the principal establishment, popularly known as the Lawn Shop, where he had a wider scope to develop the abilities which he undoubtedly possessed. The smart and ready employe was not lost sight of by his chief. As the years rolled on he was achanced one'step after another; and the lad who started on the bottom rung of the ladder was gradually elevated to the top, his successive promotions being the result of strict and un- swerving attention to the duties with which he was entrusted. He won the trust of his em- ployer, Mr. Andrew Buchan, and became his confidential friend. Thus he continued until Mr. Buchan's death in February, 1870. Mr. Stewart Buchan having retired from active parti- cipation in the business, Mr. William Pritchard and the late Mr. Johnson were appointed joint managers of the shop, brewery, &c. In addi- tion to this responsible post Mr. William Pritchard had the control of the farm, and on Mr. Johnson leaving Rhvnmey at the end of the year 1874 he was given the management of the whole concern—a position which he held to the time of his death. Mr. William Pritchard had not only made a lif.me in the commercial world but also in the public life of the district, and his discretion and shrewdness have proved of great value in the administration of local affairs. He was one of the nine members that primarily constituted the now defunct local board of Rhymney, established in 1874, but now superseded by the district council. The late Mr. William Pritchard had been iuiimately associated with the direction of local affairs, being a member of the local board from the moment of its birth to its demise in Novem- ber, 1894. He then secured a seat on the newly- formed district council, and had for a period of 23 consecutive years proved a useful and practi- cal public servant. That he had earned the con- fidence of ths electorate is verified by the fact that at each contest he came out victorious, and —with rare exceptiom-at the head of the poll. He was also a guardian of the poor for some time; was one of the chief promoters of the Phymney Victoria-hail-a great boon to the in- habitants was a staunch supporter of agricul- ture in the district, being a, large subscriber to the annual Bedwellty Show; and a generous donor to most of the local institutions. Mr. Pritchard was an ardent Freemason, and was one of the founders of St. David's Lodge (Rhymney), No. 2.226. Mr. Pritchard married Miss Trew. the eldest daughter of Mr. John Trew, of Cwm Farm, near Victoria, and had issue four daughters, three of whom are mar- ried.

In the Courts. NOTES AND NOTIONS FROM THE SEAMY SIDE. CARDIFF. "PASSING A WATCH." Before Alderman R. Cory, Alderman Ebenezer Beavan, and Mr. R. Hooper, at Cardiff Police- court on Tuesday. Thomas Liston, a big, hulking fellow, of 25, was charged with stealing a metal watch and chain, value 8s. 6d., from the person of John Shieldhquse, in Herbert-street, on the 3011h of December.—Evidence was given by John Lovering, a retired master mariner, living in Clarence-road, who said that at halftpast ten at night he sa.w prosecutor standing in Herbert- street, when prisoner came up to him with several others and surrounded him. Prisoner snatched the watch and passed it to a comrade, who passed it to a woman.—The case, on the appli- cation of the police, was remanded for a week for further evidence, the Bench complimenting Mr. Lovering for befriending the prosecutor and coming to the court to give evidence. SACK STEALING CASE. Albert Stevens, an elderly man with a bald head, was charged with stealing 26 sacks from Tucker's Mills, on the east side of the West Dock at Cardiff, on the 30bh of December. The prisoner was intercepted in the night time by a Bute Docks constable coming from the direction of Councillor Tucker's Mills, and carrying upon his back a sack, containing 25 other sacks, similar to some that had been missed from a Rhymney Railway van, the property of Mr. Tucker, in whose employ prisoner had formerly been. The Stipendiary committed accused to the quarter sessions for tral.

ASSESSMENT APPEAL AT CARDIFF. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. At the Epiphany Quarter Sessions of the county of Glamorgan, held at tlie Town-hail, Cardiff, on Tuesday, the Union Dry Docks Com- pany (Limited), of Barry Dock, appealed against the rate at which they were assessed by the Cardiff Union Assessment Committee in respect of their property at Barry Dock. Mr. John Sankey (instructed by }lr.. John Moxon) appeared for the appellants, and Mr. Arthur Lewis (instructed by Mr. 11. W. Williams) for the respondents.—Judgement was taken by con- sent, the respondents agreeing to reduce the rate as follows: —Gross ratable value, from B450 to £375; net ratable value, from JE300 to £250. The rate-book was altered accord- ingly. The following figures showing past assessments may be interesting. The original rateable value assessment was ;105. This was incrased by the overseers to jE367 and reduced by the assessment committee on appeal to £300. It was this figure off which £50 was taken by consent.

THE LATE MR. EDWARD DAVIES, LLANDINAM. VOTE OF CONDOLENCE. SPECIALLY SET FOR (He tVENINg EXPRtSH. At the annual eisteddfod at Newtown on Mon- day, Mr. Humphreys-Owen, M.P., referred in feeling terms to the death of the late Mr. Edward Davies, Llandinam. He said he felt sure he expressed the sorrow which was generally ihared in alluding to the loss which the county of Montgomery had sustained by the death of Mr. Davies. He had been associated with Mr. Davies for many years in various efforts for the benefit of the couufcy, as well as in private life, and the loss sustained by his death was very widespread. There were hundreds of people throughout Wales who would feel that they had lost a good friend, and, what was still sadder, was that they felt he had sacrificed himself to the imperious demands of the great undertakings with which he was connected. He gave to the perfecting of the great ideas which had been first conceived by his father (Mr. David Davies), not only the best years of his life, but the unstinted efforts both of his mind and body, and they might well believe that if his sense of duty had not been so keen and so imperious they still might h:-ve had him with them. He (Mr. Humphreys Owen) knew that the hearts of all present went out in sympathy to the widow and family, who had been irreparably deprived of their protector and father. A meeting of the workmen's section of the sliding-scale committee was held at the Engi- neers' Institute, Cardiff, on Tuesday morning, Mr. W. Abraham, M.P., presiding, and the other members present were: —Alderman D. Horgan (Aberdare), Messrs. T. W. Isaac. Thos. Richards. W. Beynon, A. Onions, J. Davies. Edward Thomas, D. Morgan (Pontarduiais), John Thomas. David Thomas, and Lewis Miles (secre- tary).—The usual routine business was gone through. and. on the chairman's proposition, seconded hv Alderman D. Morgan (Aberdare), the following resolution was passed in silence —"Tliab we, the workmen's representatives on the sliding-scale joint com- mittee, express our profound sympathy and con- dolence with the wife and family of the late Mr. Edward Davies, Handmam, feeling that, in his deatli, Wales has sustained a national loss."

QLATE Trade.—Wanted. Slats Sander, expe- ct rienced with Plate; permanency to reliable man.—Apply The Towyn Company (Limited), Hieheatc suuat*. Birmingham. el0599t6

Glamorgan Quarter Sessions. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. The Epiphany Quarter Sessions of the county of Glamorgan were opened at the Town-liall, Cardiff, on Tuesday morning (before his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams, chairman). THE GKAx\ J_> jURY. The following gentlemen were sworn on the grand jury ;—Mr. Samuel Hall, St. Bride's fore- man) Mr. Stephen Buckland, Barry; Mr. Harold J. G. Bird, Cowbridge; Mr. John Alexander Davies, Barry; Mr. Thomas Jones, Llanfabon Mr. Daniel gibbering Jones, Bany, ivir. Lewis Lewis .ar,\veu Al1- vVil- liam Louglier, Llanvithen; Mr. John Morgan, Caerphilly; Mr. Richard Price, Llaniwit Major; Mr. Clement Robert, Bargoed; Mr. John Frede- rick Phillips, St. Andrew's, Mr. Edward Rees, liantwit Major; Mr. William Rees, Llan- blethian; Mr. D. W. Roberts, Llan- blethian; Mr. W. H. Stains, Barrv Mr. George Seaborne, Ilengoed; Mr. David Spencer, Llan- blethian; Mr. Alfred Sheppard, Cogan: Mr. Ldwsrd Thomas, Caerphilly; and Mr. Sidney WhUS, St. Nicholas. The Chairman, in his charge to the grand jury, said the cases were generally of the usual quarter sessions character. The number, al- though comparatively large, was not, he thought, greater than one would expect from the cir- cumstances of such a popular county. The cases were not of that degree of terpitude which sometimes were met with in a community such as that which lived on the borders of G lamorgan. There were some 37 prisoners to be tried, and they were charged with the commission of 44 crimes. Many of the cases were petty larceny, and they were cases which, with a slight altera- tion, one might think could have been dealt with by the justices at petty sessions, but under the present state of the law this was impossible, and the cases had to be sent to the sessions. There were eighteen cases of larceny. Then they had several cases of false pretences, two cases of breaking and entering, some cases of unlawful wounding, more or less serious, and one or two of those terrible charges—indecent assaults upon children. Happily, however, these were not numerous. There were other cases of indecent assaults upon women. The charges of receiving goods knowing them to be stolen would require careful attention, a.nd there was one charge of embezzlement of a peculiar character. It was one in which a coachbuilder at Pontypridd was alleged to have received money due to his company, and used them to his own purposes, and failed to account for them. That case would, probably, take a little time. Another serious case was one of a sort which was becoming somewhat common in the county. It was an allegation of a fraudulent act on the part of a bankrupt in the Rhondda Valley. There ware four charges against him, but. although ihe evidence would require consideration, he thought it would not be a difficult matter for the jury to return a true bill. CIVIL BUSINESS. NEW MAGISTRATE. Mr. Clifford Cory, J.P., took the necessary oaths, and generally qualified as a magistrate for the county of Glamorgan. VOTE OF SYMPATHY. Sir John T. D. Llewelyn moved an expression of sympathy with the relatives of Mr. Thomas Penrice, of Kilvrough, who, he said, was one of the most efficient and conscientious magis- trates Glamorganshire possessed. The Chairman seconded, and the motion was carried. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. The various committees were re-elected en bloc, with the following exceptions:—Licensing committee. Mr. Robert Llewellyn, Bridgend m the place of the Rev. Charles Rumsey Knight, and Sir Algernon Lyons, in the place of Mr. Thomas Penrice. Visiting committee of the Cardiff Prison, Dr. Taylor in the place of the Chair- man, resigned. Visiting committee of the Swansea Prison, Mr. Glassbrooke, in the place of Colonel Richardson, resigned, and Mr. W. H. Edwards, in the place of Mr. Thomas Pihllips! Standing joint-committee, Sir Robert Morris, in the place of Mr. J. H. Rowlands. PROPOSED EXTENSION OF FLOGGING. The Chairman moved the foliowinjy resolu- tion: lhat in the opinion of this Court of Quarter Sessions for the County of Glamor- gan, now assembled, the criminal jaw should be so amended as to allow the judges of assize and magistrates in quarter sessions, at their discretion, to inflict ♦he punishment of flogging, in addition to imprisonment, in all cases of rape, attempted rape, and indecent assaults on women and children, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Home Secretary, and to each member of Parliament for this county. The Chairman stated that cases of rape were increasing in the county, and, pro- bably, would increase with such a large and. varied population—a. population which was, to a large extent, migratory. He had no doubt but what crime of the sort would go on unless some strong steps were taken. The only crime for which flogging coula at present oe given b\ a judge of assize was for robbery with vio- lence. It would probably be remarked that the law was altered to include that offence at a time when garrotting was very much in vogue, and they would all agree with hill that it had had a very good effect. Rarely did they have a. violent case of the sort locally, and h:s opinion was that the only way to punish brutes who committed equally serious offences, viz., assaults upon children, was by the infliction of corporal punishment. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Oliver H. Jones seconded. He pointed cut that if a man. assaulted a y oluan and robbed her of her purse he would be liable to corporal punishment, but if he robbed the woman of her virtue he would escape with a term of imprison- ment. He (Mr. Jones) thought the one loss was infinitely more serious than the other. (Hear> hear.) In his opinion the magistrates at quarter sessions ought to have the same discretion, b2- cause the prisoners ■ho were tried at quarter sessions were tried for practically the same offences as those at assizes, but there was a technical distinction as to whether the crimes were completed or not. Mr. W. Abraham, M.P.. asked a question as to whether there was s.ny safeguard against the indiscriminate use of the lash by the magis- trates, 1 ut it was explained that it was only pro- posed to extend the discretion to judges at assize and to magistrates at quarter sessions. The resolution was carried, the only dissentient being "Mabon." EXTENSION OF THE BOROUGH OF CARDIFF. The Clerk of the Peace (Mr. T. Mansel Frank- len) said a con munication had been received with reference to the extension of the borough of Cardiff, the corporation stating that they were willing to confer with the justices of the peace of the county. No action was taken in the matter, the Clerk stating that the proposals did not materially affect the magistrates. NO TRUE BILLS. The grand jury found no true bill against Margaret Jane Protheroe, indicted for stealing £3 belonging to John Lewis Davies, at Merthyr Tydfii on September 21. The grand jury also found no true bill against Thomas Jones, 36, charged with larceny at Eglwysilan. TRIALS OF PRISONERS. FIRST COURT. CHARGE AGAINST A COLOURED MAN. Thomas Peters, 23, collie", a coloured man, pleaded not guilty to unlawfully assaulting Alice Edwards at Ystradfodwg on the 26th of November, 1897, and with attempting'to ravish her. Mr. Arthur Lewis prosecute^.—In de- fence the prisoner stated that the prosecutrix induced him to accompany her to a lonely spot, and then refused to allow him to accom- plish his object. When she did this he struck" her, but he denied having done anything more. —Tha jury could not agree upon their verdict, and they were accordingly locked i p.—Tlie jury were brought into court again at five o'clock, but it was stated that they could not agree. Eleven were unanimous, but one was obdurate. The question in dispute was, whether prisoner should be found guilty of a common or indecent assault.—The Chairman said if this was the case he thought that the one man in favour of an indecent assault should give way to the opinions of the eleven who were in favour of a common assault.—The Foreman said it was the other way about. Eleven were m favour of an indecent .assault, and one in favour of a common assault. —The jury considered their verdict, but, not arriving at a conclusion they were again locked up. THEFT OF BOOTS. Robert Evans, 24, collier, pleaded guilty to stealing a pair of boots, the property of Robert Morgan, at Ystradfodwg, on November 20. There were previous convictions, and prisoner was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. AN AGENT IN TROUBLE. John Miles, 38, agent, was indicted for three offences—with stealing a silver watch, belong- ing to James John, at Pentyrch, on October I 28; with obtaining 10s. by false pretences from Ann Jenkins, at Llaijtrisant, on October 8; attd with obtaining 6a. by false pretences from Ann Thomas, at Pentyrch, on September 20. Prisoner pleaded not guilty on all three counts. Mr. Rhys Williams prosecuted, and prisoner was found guilty on the first charge. Evidence was not given on the other charges, and upon them the prisoner was found not guilly.-The Chairman, in sentencing prisoner, said he was a habitual criminal, and had spent a great part of his time in prison. He feared there was no hope for him.—Prisoner: Give me another chance. I have a wife and family dependent upon me, and I have been in custody two months.—The Chairman; The sentence of tlie court is that you be imprisoned with ha.rd labour for fifteen calendar months. HUSBAND AND WIFE. A young labourer named Richard Jones was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling- house of William Evans, at. Lianishen, on December 1st, and stealing one suit of clothes, and other articles belonging to William Evans and his bother James Evans. Prisoner's wife, Susannah Jones. 25, was indicted for receiving the clothes knowing them to have been stolen. Mr. Pepyat Evans prosecuted.— In his defence, the inab prisoner read a lengthy statement, in which he said that he found the gcods in a ditch by the side of the roadway at Lianishen. The wife said 1 hat her husband told her that he had purchased the clothing.—The male prisoner was found "Guilty," and the female prisoner "Not gtlllty., -The Chairman coin- commented upon thfeonduct of the prisoner in allowing his wife to wea. the cloihes when he knew they were stolen property, and discribed the tears which prisoner shed when speaking of his wife and family as "crocodile tears." inasmuch as he had been summoned for neglecting his family. Prisoner was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour. "NOT GUILTY." Patrick O'Brian, 25, haulier, was indicted for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Redmond Coleman at Merthyr on December 11. Mr. John Sankey prosecuted, and Mr. W. H. Glascodine defended.—The prosecutor, who said lie was noc a fighter, but a boxer, allged that prisoner struck lum a violent blow on the head with a poicer, knocking him senseless. In reply to Mr. Glas- codine. he admitted that he had been to prison for assaulting his mother. and had been in trouble "seven or eight times."—Prisoner was found "Not guilty." STOLE A SHAWL. Thomas Lewis, 31, labourer, pleaded guilty to stealing a shawl at Merthyr On December 20, the property of James Bird, and was sent to gaol for six months. A aTAILOR IX TROUBLE. William Whitford. alais Hagley, 66, a tailor, was indicted for stealing a pair of trousers belonging to Donald M'Gregor at Merthyr on December 6. and also with stealing a coat. the property of William James at Briton Ferry on October 27. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment on each charge, the sentences to run concurrently.

SECOND COLRT. (Before Mr. Oliver H. Jones, Mr. R. W. Llewellyn, and Mr. R. L. Knight.) LLANWONNO WOUNDING CASE. A collier, named Thomas Morris. 31. pleaded guilty to having, on December 7, at Llanwonno. unlawfully and maliciously wounded one John Churchill, and was sentenced to three calendar months' imprisonment. FALSE PRETENCES. William Harris. 40, collier, was charged with having, on November 10, at Femdale, obtained a pair of trousers and other articles by false pretences from Messrs. Gibbon and Co. He denied the charge, and after evidence had been briefly given he was found not guittv, and dis- charged. Mr. John Sankey (instructed by Mr W. R. Davies, Pontypridd; appeared for the pro- secution. POST-OFFICE RIFLED. Arthur Roberts, 37, a dissipated looking in- dividual, who was described on the calendar as a vocalist, and Frederick Thomas O'Neil, 31, hawker, pleacicd not guilty to a joint charge of having, between the 16tli and 17th of Novem- ber. broken into the dwelling-house of Mr. John Davies. which is the local post-office at Resolven, and stolen therefrom postage stamps, of the value of £5135" Is. m money, and a penholder. Mr J Lloyd Morgan, M.P. (instructed bv Mr. L. J. Kempthorn.Neath), appeared for the prosecut:on, and prisoners were undefended.—The allegation was that the prisoners were seen loafing in the district before the theft was committed, and that on the 17th they sold a quantity of postage stamps. When arrested O'Neil" had over 100 stamps and a penholder in his possession, which Mr. Davies identified.—For the defence, the prisoners stated that they purchased the stamps. —The jury retired to consider their verdict. —The jury, after a consultorv lasting twenty minutes, -eturned to court with a verdict of "Guilty"—O Neil, speaking on behalf of both prisoners, sLid they .vere innocent of the charge, h) himself being sixteen miles away from Resoh en at ihe fsme it was committed.—Pri- signers were each sentenced to six months' lrrinri- soiiment with hard labour. ALLEGED EMBEZZLEMENT. William Peasley, 37, a coachbuilder, pleaded not guilty to an indictment of embezzling (on three separate occasions in September and October) moneys amounting to JE13 6s., belong- ing to his employers, Messrs. Peasley and Co. (Limited), of Pontypridd.—Mr. Williams, who prosecuted, said that prisoner was the secretary and manager of a coachbuilding firm, carrying on business at Pontypridd, and that the cases cited in the indictments formed but part of a series of misappropriations.—John Gibbon, of the Farmers' Arms. Pentrebacli, said he was a director of Peasley and Co., which was estab- hshed in March la-st to carry on a business which had been acquired from defendant, who was appointed secretary and manager. In November prisoner left the business, and on information supplied by the auditor he was arrested on a warrant.—Replying to the pri- soner, witness said the men had been paid their wages on the Saturday previous to his (pri- soner's) departure, but he could not say where the money had come from. Prisoner had tried to show that he had left on his desk a bundle of receipts, which included the recognition of the moneys he stood charged with embezzling, and handed up three receipts for payments made by him on behalf of the firm. Witness said the petty cash account would probably in- clude those amounts, and denied that the pri- soner had been short of money to pay the men's wages, an dt-hat he had several times not been able to get his own £ 2 a week.—William Powis, cab proprietor, Pontypridd. said he had paid £5 4s. on the 2nd of October to prisoner as manager of the Victoria Wheel Works. He produced the receipt, signed by the prisoner.— Thomas Rees and Thomas Allen, both general customers of the firm, also gave evidence.—Mr. Charles Richards, accountant, Pontypridd. said I he had examined the books of Messrs. PeasJev and Co. (Limited). There were no entries of the payment made to prisoner by the three pre- vious witnesses, but the books were not in the prisoner's possession on the dates of the pay- ments made by two of the witnesses. Had prisoner paid the total wajes for the week out of the moneys received from the three wit- nesses there would still be a balance If £3 17s. 8 £ d. This balance prisoner accounted for by saving tnat he had paid it away for the firm, and the receipts he had produced showed how much of it had been spent.—In reply to the Chairman, witness stated that there had been no proper system of book-keeping, and only an estimate couid be gained from the books.—In further cro.-s-examination. witness said he had seen receipts which showed that defendant had received other moneys t.han those forming the charge of embezzlement.—Sergeant Thorney proved the arrest of the prisoner in London. Prisoner made a statement, which coincided in the main with the line of his examination by Gibbon.—For the defence the prisoner called his manager, who stated that he had several tiwies to wait before he could get his wages. This,he understood, was due to prisoner's inability to get in money due to tne, firm. He had heard the prisoner complain bitterly of his directors and the pressure of creditors.—Mr. Gibbon, re- called, said the prisoner was given no sum for goodwill when the company acquired his busi- ness.—Prisoner addressed the jury at some length, claiming that a more thorough investi- gation of the books of the company would dis- close that he was its creditor rather than its debtor. The company, he claimed, had got intc a bad way entirely throusrh the neglect of the directors and the want of capital. The books might have been badlv kept. but they had been kept to the best of his ability. The case was really one of disputed accounts. He dealt at some length with the difficulties under which he had been working, and pointed out that he did not go to London in discnuse.—Prisoner was found not guilty, and was discharged. A COLLIER'S OFFENCES. Edwin Jones, 46, collier, pleaded guilty to obtaining 5s Id. by false pretences at Ysirady- fodwg. and with stealing a ram at Ystradvfodwg. belonging to John Williams, and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on each charge, the sentences to run concurrently. Prisoner had previously been in trouble at Swansea.

FOOTBALL NOTES AND NEWS. POACHERS AT EBBW VALE. "SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS- Waterfield, the popular Ebbw Vale custodian, has been approached by an agent representing the Huddersfield Club with a view of securing his services for that team. The poacher offered him a sum of money down, £2 10s. per week, work or no work, 12s. for winning matches, and 8s 6d. for drawn and :1:st matches respectively. Our representative saw Waterfield on Monday evening, and learned from him that he had de- clined the offer made, but that, in all probability, he would have an interview wij.h the Hudders- field Committee during the week.

Horses like Red Heart, who do not stay more than six furlongs on the flat, are often caoable of getting two miles over hurdles, but there must be no dwelling in the air at the obstacles. The leason sprinters it times gallop long courses over hurdles and fences is that they get an easy at the jump, aId are never really put at high pressure between the obstacles. It is the sa'ne with running long-distance fiat races on a circular course like Chester. So U1<WY I turns give a pull to a horse which has no pre- tensions to win over a like straightaway dis- tance un Newmarket Heath.

National Eisteddfod. PRELIMINARY ARRANGE- MENTS FOR THE CARDIFF GATHERING. .SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. A meeting of the executive committee of the National Eisteddtod of 1899 was held at the Town-liall, Cardiff. on Tuesday, Councillor E. Thomas (" Cochfarf "), presiding. The report of the sub-committee appointed to consider the duties of the various committees, viz., the literary, musical, finance, arts, pavilion. Gor- sedd, general purposes, and advertisement and traffic committees, was brought up and the duties ot each fixed.—The Chairman emphasised of making adequate railway traffic arrange- ments. The failure at Newport, he thought, was due, to a considerable extent, to the want of such arrangements. Newport, it was known, was in the hands practically of one railway com- pany, and they hoped at Cardiff to arrange for better traffic.—it was agreed that if a member absented himself from four consecutive meetings of a committee without reasonable excuse he cease to be a member of such committee. The finance committee will, it was arranged, revise the budget of each committee.—Mr. Ferrier s notice ot motion to limit the total amount to be expended upon the ,r.1"teddfod was postponed, by leave, Air. terrier stating tnai lie tuougiu it was a little inopportune.—Tiie Hon. Secre- tary (Mr. D. W. Evans) read a letter from Mr. SS. A. Brain, stating that tne condition of his health compelled him to withdraw from the com- mittee, but he woul dbeconie a guarantor.—Mr. Evan Owen stated that the mayot (who regretted tnat he could not attend) promised to do all that he could for the promoters during his year ot office, and would plaee the Town-hall at the free use of ali committees.—A vote of thanks, embodying gratification at his convalescence, was accorded to the mayor.

Captain in Custody. CHAUGEn WITH SliOOTIXG ONE OF THE CK.LW. SPECIALLY SET FOR 7M EVENINS EXPRESS. On Tuesday afternoon at Cardiff Police-court (before tne Stipendiary, Mr. T. W. Lewis) Arthur liennau Conrooert, 4i, a master mariner, short, with a oiiPk complexion and well-dressed ap- pearance, was ciiaiged, on remand and under a warrant, with shooting at a seaman, named Michael M'Carthy on tue 24th ult. jMr. ReiCher defended. Dr. Hughes, medical superintendent of the Hamadryad Hospital, said plaintiff was brought to him, and lie examined him on Friday the 24th 01 December. -tie was sufiering from a gunshot wouna in tHe palm of the right hand, and the bullet passed mrough the neshy part of the hand. The palm of the hand was covered with powder. The revolver must have been fired very close to the hand. The wound was heaiing, and no danger was apprehended. Michael M'Carthj, fireman, -said he lived at 10, Homfray-sureet, and was a fireman on the steamship Taff. On the 24tli ult., at seven 0 clock m the evening, he wenl, on board. He had been discharged, but signed on r.gsin, and found a man in nis bunk. The man told him something, upon which he went to the cuptain, who was with two other men. After some co;i- veiei'.tion the captain pushed him on the cabin stairs. Witness was lequested to go, out he refused to leave without a "pass." ine captain llieu ran into ins berth, and, returning, lushed at him with a revolver, and saId, l'ow go, or else I'll clear you of your articles, hith that he presented at his head the revolver, produced. Witness caugnt hold of the weapon, and tried to take it from him. In the struggle the revol- ver went off, and took effect as described. Pri- soner said, "There jou are, M'Carthy, c'nei threw the reveher into his cabin. The captain sent the mate for the ponce, who came and took the wtness and the captain in a cab to the Central Police Station. Upon this evidence, the Stipendiary, addres- sing Mr. Belcher, said the facts, as deposed, appeared 'to establish a prima lacie case of wful wourdmg without intent. Witness, in examination by Mr. Belcher, said he and the captain were not on the floor at the time. The mate did not take him off the captain. The male said it "served him (witness) right. Why he said that. witness did not know. Wit- ness continued: 1 did not lay a hand upon the captain. I caught hold of the nozzle of the pistol, which the captain was trying to take from me It was not a violent struggle. I should have joined tiie ship on Thursday morning. I went off for a holiday. I was not drunk, but had shad a drop. l did not abuse or threaten the substitute. That was not the commencement of the row. The captain's attention was not called to what had taken place. I did not go to the captain without permission, and say I would rip his —— out if he did not turn the substitute off and put me in nis place. The captain asked me to quit. I refused without a pass. I did not get angry nor did I tear the captain's shirt, or sav I would Js ill him. The revolver was not on the table. I did not try to take it from the cap- tain, or from the bcok-case. I did not take the captain by the throat, and say, 'Now I've got you: now I'll do for you." It is not a fact that I mad; a rum for the revolver at the same time as the captain, and that it then went off. I have never said so to a Bute Docks constable. Police-constable Alfred Keats, a Bute Docks constable, said he was called on board on the night in question, and found a revolver m the captain's cabin. Witness went for the weapon. The captain grabbed it at the same time, and it went off. Prosecutor was mad drunk, and it was impossible to do anything with him. The stipendiary. Did you report it to your superior officers? — Yes, to Police-sergeant Davies. The Stipendiary (to the prisoner): You are dis- charged. The captain then left with the friends who had accompanied him to court.

Cardiff Corporation Bill LORD RUTE'S UIGHT TO CATHAYS PARK QUESTIONED SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING tXfJRtStl.. A special meeting of the Cardiff County Council was hekl on Tuesday morning to con- firm or otherwise a resolution passed on the 6th ult.. by which it was decided to promote a Bill in Parliament for the purchase of Cathays Park, the erection of a Town-hall and law courts, the construction of electric tramways, and other inuposes. before the business was proceeded with. The Mayor (Alderman Ramsdale) wished the members a happy -New Year, and thanked them for the kindness and sympathy shown towards him during his indisposition. He hoped to make amends for his inattention to the business of the corporation since his election. (Hear, hear.. The Mayor then moved a resolution confirming that passed on the 6th ult. Alderman Carey seconded. Mr. Good said that the claim of Lord Bute to the Cathays Park should be tested before any further steps were taken. He would put the following questions to the town-clerk: -11) Did the land now called Cathays Park belong to a certain Colonel Capper up to or about the year 1815; (2) Did this Colonel Capper, in or about the said year 1815. will the said land to the then marquess in trust for his (Colonel Capper's) daughter or her descendants if claimed within 100 years; (5) and. if so, and inasmuch a@ the time of the trust, if it existed, has not expired by eighteen years or so, what arrange- ment. if any, was or has been made with the said daughter, or her descendants, to give to the Bute trustee the title of freehold to the said estate, and, therefore, power to sell to the corporation? The Town-clerk replied that he had no know- ledge whatever of the statement made by Mr. Good. The Mayor: Of coarse, the title will be tested before we purchase. The onus of proving it rests with Lord Bute and not with us. Mr. Good: Has the title been tested? The Mayor: If it had not been he would not have held the land all these years- Mr. Evans: If it has not been tested it will be now. Mr. rityd Thomas: 1<; Colonel Capper's daughter 100 year-, old vet? (Laughterl. Mr. Good: That question is worthy of Mr. Illtyd Thomas, and would not have been asked by any other member of the council. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. |

TODAY'S MARKETS, CORN. Liverpool. Tuesday.—Tlie market is rather irregular for wheat, and a moderate business has resulted in American red whpat-March delivery. 7s 4hl. 7s Ogd, 7s Oid. and 7" 02. Mav 7s 2M. 7s Oed. 7s Oid. and 7s Ofid, July 73 Obd and 7s Oid per cental. Maize for March, 3s 2id per cental. CATTLE. Salford, Tuesday.—There was a larger suuplv of cattle, and last week's full rates were? easily obtained. There was a considerable increase in sheen at market, with trade better. More calves, and a fair busineof was done. Prices: — Cattle. 4Jd to 6id; sheep, 6d to 8ad; calves, 5jd to nd per lb. BUTTER. Cork. Tuesday.—Firsts. 10:1s ner cwt.: seconds 88s; third-. 60?. Milù cured: Fin». 93s; choicest boxes. 109s. Xesrs: Mild. 86,. In market: 45 firkins. 13 mild, and 1 box. PitODVCE. London, Tuesday.—Sugar: Home refined un- changed. and a fair business: foreign cubes slow; German granulated nat. January done at 11s lid; beet easy, April done at 9s Sid and May 9s 9d; cane auctions com)1rised 1,300 tons crys- tallised, mostly sold at firm rates. Coffee: Auctions, fair supplies, proceeded quietly, ex- cepting fine Qualities. Uoeoa; Auctions active at advanced rate:. Tea: Ceylon sales firm for common grades, but good a'1f>ties slightly irre, gular. Jute and rice itun. Remp quiet and steady.

I TO-DAY'S RACING SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS, K EXP TON PARK MEETING. 'L (Postponed from December 27 and 28V 1/\ —The PARK MAIDEN (at entry)! • U STEEPLECHASE of 100 SOVB for five year olds and upwards; weight for age; win- ners extra. Two miles. Ca.pt Fraser s Mark Over, 6yrs. 12st 81b A Nightingall 1 Mr Yates's President, aged. 12st 3tb Dollery 2 Mr Lauderdale's Heart pf Egj-pt, 5yrs. 12st Mr Yates's President, aged. 12st 31b Dollery 2 Mr Lauderdale's Heart of Egj-pt, 5yrs. 12st O'Brien 3 Mr Alton's Maypole, 5yrs, 12st 31b Guy 0 Mr Woodland's White Legs, 5yrs, 12st Eociiey ) winner trained by Collins, Betting—6 to 4 agst Mark Over, 5 to 2 each agst President and Maypole, 5 to 1 agst Heart of Egypt, and 20 to 1 agst White Legs. Mark Over showed the way to White Leg- and President, with Heart of Egypt last, for half a 1 mile, where White Legs took it up, but at the water gave way ajuin to Mark Over. whilst Maypole i'«ll at the next fence. Mark Over made the remainder of the running, and won by four lengths; six lengths divided the second and! third. (Race started at 1.0). IOA —The CHISYU'JK SELLING • OlJ HURDLE RACE PLATE of 100 sovs for four year olds and upwards; weight for age; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles over eight hurdles. Mr Usher's Ncrvi, 4yrs. list 51b .Fitton 1 Mr Marsh's Waxy, 4yrs, list 5Ib Mumford 2 Mr Miidmay's .Nathaniel, 5yrs, list 101b P Woodland 3 Mr E Woodland's Buffalo. 4yrs, list 51b Rooney 0, Winner trained by Fitton. Betting—2 to 1 on Waxy. 3 to 1 agst Nervi, 7 to 1 agst Nathaniel, and 100 to 8 agst Buffalo. Waxy ma do strong play, followtd by Nervi and Nathaniel, to the last hurdle, where Nervi drew to the front, and, Waxy failing to respond, won easily b. eight lengths; six lengths be- tween the second and third. (Started at 1.28). i) —The CHRISTMAS HURDLE HAN- mm • v" DICAP of 250 sovs; winners extra. Two miles, over eight hurdles. Captain Whitaker's Knife Boy, 5yrs. list '!lb R Chalorie" 1 Lord Cowley's Bayreuth, 5yrs, list 121b Owner 2 Mr Ptrev's Cestus, aged, list 91b .W Taylor 5 Mr Sibary's Montauk, 5yrs, 12st 71b A "Nightingall 0 Mr Wickins's Sam. 5yrs. 12st A Birch 0 I Mr Jersey's Moss Hag, 5yrs, list 51b 'ha, h loner 0 Mr Walker's Specs, aged, list 51b Mr G S Davies 0 Lord Rosebery's Full Armour, 5vrs. list 21b R Niglitingall 0 Mr Herbert's Weeping Willow. 5yrs. lOst -jib Escott 0 Winner trained by J Cannon. Belting—3 to 1 each asst Knife Boy and Ces- tus. 11 to 2 agst Specs, 7 to 1 agst Sam. and 10 to 1 each agst Montauk and Bayreuth. Knife Bay made play from Moss Hag, Specs, and Weeping Willow, to the second hurd es. where Montauk efused. and past the stand Knife Boy and Moss Hag were followed by Weeping Willow. Specs. Sam. and Cestus, with Bayreuth last, except Montauk. who refused at the next hurdle. Entering the straight Bay- reivli became second, and headed Knife Boy after jumping the last hurdles, but Knife Boy came again, and won a fine race by a head; three lengths between the second and third. Specs was fourth. Sam fifth, and Weeping Wil- low last. ( Race started at 2.0). o QA-The WATERLOO SELLING — .OVJ STEEPLECHASE of 100 sovs, for five year olds and upwards; weight for age: winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two -niies. Mr Reeve's Rip van Winkle. aged, l?st tlb Mr Lord 1 Mr Yates's Hypocrite, 5yrs, list 12!b .Box 2 Mr Robinson's Wideawake II., 5yr», list 12ib a mes 3 Mr Woodland's Free Fight, aged. 12st Ub P Woodland 0 Major Edwards's Flashy Bit, 6yrs. 12bt lib J'^eogh 0 Mr Woodland's Rhyl, 5yrs, list 121b Mr Woodland 0 Betting-5 to 2 agst Rhyl. 3 to 1 agst Rio van Winkle. 1C9 to 30 asst. Wideawake II.. 4 to 1 agst Hvpocrite. and 100 to 12 agst any other. Flashy Bit made piay from Free Fight. Hypo- crite. and Rip van Winkle, with Rllyl whip- ping in. to the first fence on the far side when Free Fight ran out. leaving Flashy Bit in front. Two fences further on Fishy Bit fell, and Hypo- crite drew to the front. followed by Wideawake II and Rip van Winkle. The latter assumed th? command at the last fence, and won by three lengths; six lengths between the second and third. (Race started at 2.20). O ( —Ihe i Vuuvi,ii.;M MAIDEN (a* v/ entry) HURDLE fiA oi 100 sevs. for four year olds and upwards; WIo.V. hl for age; winners extra. Two railas, over' eight hurdles. Mr Ward's Regret. 5yrs, list 101b Owner 1 Mr de Montmorency's Bonnie Dundee. 5vrs. 11st 101b Taylor 2 Mr E Woodland's Northern King. byrs. list 101b Woodland 3 Sir H de Trafford's Lafayette, 4yrs, list Dollerv 0 Mr Calvert's Lantwit, 5yrs. list 101b Bland 0 Major Edwards's Walnut. 5yrs, list 101b Nolan 0 Mr Kirwan's Gobryas, 5yrs, list 101b r t. Wheatley 0 Lord Radnor s Cromlech, 5vrs, list 101b Bushell 0 Sir J B Maple's Slr Sydney. 4yrs, list :10 R Chaloner 0 Mr Marsh's Deep Level, 4yrs, list 51b Mumford 0 Winner trained by Russell. Cromlech led to the second hurdles, where Deep Level drew to the front, followed by Crom- lech, Bonnie Dundee, Sir Sydney, and Walnut, with lantwit last. So they ran for half the journey when Deep Ijevel held a slight lead of Bonnie Dundee, with Northern King, Walnut, and Regret next. Six furlongs from home Bonnie Dundee assumed the command, but gave way at the last hurdles to Regret, who won by a length; a bad third. Deep Level was fourth, Lafayette fifth, Sir Sydney next, and Lantwit last. Lantwit was knocked down in a scrimmage at the preliminary hurdle, and Blajid received a bad shaking, but he pluckily re-mounted and proceeded to the post. (Race started at 3.3) Q OA —The HAMPTON STEEPLECHASE v,/ HANDICAP of 100 sovs; winners extra. Three miles. extra. Three miles. Capt Dewhurst's Bird's Eye, aged, list 51b w Hopper 1 Mr Barnett s Mrs Grundy, 5yrs, lOst 51b Mr Quartermain 2 Mr Tnirlwell s Seaport II., aged, list 21b Acres 3 Mr Yates's Melton Constable, 6yrs, lOst 121b Dollery 0 w inner trained privately. Bird's Eye held the lead until between the last fences where Mrs Grundy took a slight lead i and Melton Constable was pulled up, but at the la"t fence Bird's Eye challenged, and won by three lengths: Seaport II. was a bad third. '.Race started at 3.28).

HAMILTON PARK IIEETING. 1 ( j —The OPEN HURDLE RACE PLATE A • \J of 40 sovs, for four year olds and I upwards; weight for age: winners extra. Two miles, over eight hurdles. Mr Alexander's Night Watchman, 4yrs. lOst 7'b Harrison 1 Mr Jardine's Canning, aged. llst 71b .Knox 2 Mr Munro's Cimabue, 4yrs, lOst 71b Cunningham 3 Mr Gibbs s Shiroya, 4yrs, lOst Law 0 Mr Burn's Rockery, 6yrs, list Walsh 0 Mr Bell's Onera Glass, aged, list Mr Bell 0 V> inner trained by Stark. Betting—5 to 2 agst Night Watchman, 3 to 1 each agst Canning and Opera Glass, 6 to 1 agst Cimabue, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Won by three lengths; a bad third. "1 OA -Tift HAMILTON PARK HANDI- ,1.0 U CAP STEEPLECHASE PLATE of 40 sovs; winner", extra. Three miles. Mr Coats's Bellinter. aged, llst 41b t. E Williams 1 Mr Dodds Woeful, oyrs, lOst 131b M Menzies 2 Mr Jefferson's Baleary. aged, list 91b Banner 3 Capt Thriepland's Frontier, aged. 12et 91b Owner 0 Mr Bell's Killaloe. aged, lOst 71b Walsh 0 W inner trained by Cowe. Betting—2 to 1 agst Baleary, 3 to 1 agst 'bel- linter, 4 to 1 agst Woeful, 61.0 1 agst Frontier and 10 to 1 agst Killaloe. I Won by two ^ngths; a bad third. •) ( i —A i ,I.G NATIONAL HUNT — FLA'i RACE of 40 govs, for five year olds and upwards; weight for age; win- ners extra. Two miles on the flat. Mr Smellie's Sir Duncan, 6yrs, llst 101b „ „ Mr Aikman 1 Mr Bourke s Whiteboy II., aged. 12st 61b Mr Scott 2 Winner trained privately. Betting—4 to 1 on Sir Duncan. VV on easily by a length and a half, ihe winner was bought in for 56es. V Mil —The MAUJ.OSLIE SELLING HAN. DICAP STEEPLECHASE PLATE of 40 sovs, for four year olds and upwards- weight for age; winner to be sold for 50 sovs Two miles. Mr Sitwell's Bettermost, 6yrs, list 121b „ A „ R W Colling 1 Mr Armstrong s Romany Lass. aged, list 61b „ „ A Hulme 2 Mr Ruthvens Sweet Melon, 6yrs, list lib Owner 3 Mr Shedden's Lord Clare, 6yrs, list 81b „ T> n-T H Hunt 0 Mr Brown s O Kuspodos, aged, list 81b Mr Clark's Tommy, aged, list 81b Hislop 0 „ Mr J xerguson 0 Mr Gibbs s Gibraltar, aged, list 7Ib.G Law C Mr v\ atson s Success, 5vrs. list T Yates 0 winner trained by Armstrong. Betting—7 to 4 agst Bettermost, 7 to 2 agst Lord Clare, 6 to 1 agst Tommy. 8 to 1 each agst Romanv Lass and Sweet Melon, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Won by two lengths; a bad third. There was no bid for the winnpr 8f ) —The ARRAN SELLING HURDLE HANDICAP PLATE of 40 sovs, for four year olds and upwards; weight for age; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles, over eight hurdles. Mr Cunningham's Springwood. 4yrs, lis*, 21b ,r Mr Ferguson 1 Mr M'Guigans Phantom Ship, 5yrs, lOst nib ir T rr. Walsh 2 Mr Jackson's Tryst. 5yrs, list 51b A Huhne 0 Mr Wilson's Lothair, 6yrs. 12st 71b Cooper 0 Mr Shedden's Nibbler, 5yrs, 12st 41b Mr Hunt 0 Mr Bell s Prague, aged, 12st 31b Owner 0 Mr Dodd's Campion, 5yrs, list nib Mr Menzies 0 Mr Courage's What's Left, 5yrs, list 101b Hirst 0 Mr Brown's Leirion, 5yrs, nbt 91b Harrison 0 Clark 0 Mr Brown's Kalydor. 4yrs, lOst 101b J Hill 0 Winner trained privately. Betting—5 to 2 agst Tryst, 4 to 1 agst Spring- wood, 6 to 1 each agst Nibbler and Leirion, and' 10 to 1 agst any other. Won by two lengths; three lengths divided the second and third. The winner was sold to Mr Hevsham for 180ars. 8'J| | —The GLASGOW MAIDEN .ttVJ STEEPLECHASE PLATE of 100 EiOVS. for four year olds and upwards; weight for age; winners extra. Two mile- Mr Craig's Talisman, 6yrs. 12st Mr Ferguson V Mr Heyiham's Sefton. 6yrs, list 71b Knox 2 Mr MtH'farlane's Kink, 4yrs. lOst 7I\rPbela.& 0- Mr Green's Royal Tyrant, 6yrs, list 71b ■ Halasead 0 Mr Wight's Crimes. 6vrs. list 71b Mr Torrance 0 Mr Tres's St Mary, 6yrs, list 71b Kennedy 0 Winner trained privateij Betting—5 to 4 ag,t Royal Tyrant. 2 to 1 agst Talisman. 6 to 1 each agst Sefton and Kink, and 10 to 1 agst. any other. Won by ten lengths.

"SPOETSMAX" AND "SPORTING LIFE" AUTHENTIC PRICES. (The "EVENING EXPRESS' is the only Cardiff paper which pubiishee the "Sportsman Official Starting Prices. KEMPTOX PARK MEETING. Horse. Jockey. Sportsnum. Life. -+- MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE (5). > Mark Over IA Nigrtngilj 6 to 4 ag 6 to 4 ag CH1SW1CK SELLING <4i. Nervi (Fitton i 3 to 1 ag 3 to 1 ag CHRISTMAS HURDLE HANDICAP. Knife Boy iR Chaloner) 3 to 1 ag o to 1 Z-9 WATERLOO SELLING (61. Rip vn Wnkl <.Mr Lord) 3 to lag 3 to lag TWICKENHAM MAIDEN (10). Regret 'Owner) 9 to 4 ag 9 to 4 ag HAMPTON STEEPLECHASE (41- Bird's Eye (Hopper) 5 to 1 ag 5 to 1 ag HAMILTON PARK MEETING. Horse. Jockey. Sportsman. Life. + OPEN HURDLE RACE (6). Xght Wtchman (Hrrian: to 2 ag 5 to 2ag HAMILTON PARK HANDICAP <5i. Bellinter il-iam-' 3 to 1 ag 3 to 1 ag NATIONAL HUNT FLAT (2i. Sir Dncan (Mr Aikmni 4 to 1 on 4 to 1 on MAULDSLIE SELLING (8;. Bettermost (CoJlmgl. 7 to 4 ag 7 to 4 ag AERAN SELLING 112. Springvd (Mr Ferguson; 4 to 1 ag 4 to ag GLASGOW MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE (6;, Talisman (Mr Fergson; 2 to 1 ago 2 to 1 ag The above prices are identical with those pub- lished in the "Racing Calendar."

OLD SAM'S OVESNIGHT FINALS. rGOLDFISH. COENRAAD, SAROS (nap), EBOR, and CRYSTAL PALACE. TREBLE EVENT— SAROS, EBOR, and GOLDFISH.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO GUY. In the fail of Maypcle at Kempton Park. GUT, "ho wa- r.ding. had the misfortune to sustain a comminuted fracture of the left collar-bone

OFFICIAL 8CRATCHINGS. Epsom Derby. 1898—Irish Knight. Epsoin Oaks, 1892—Follow the Flag by Tourna- ment-Rlue Grambelie. Jockey Club and Princess of Wales Stakes. Newmarket—Fugleman by Falsetto-Queension. All engagements-Colt bv Mintrovd—Chrvseis'. filly foal by Mintroyd—Adroit, filiy by Lauri- scope—Campaniste. Charwoman, and Miltiades. All races with minor forfeits to be declared January 4—Briiiiante. Cardinal, ana Rohan. All engagements—Colt by Salisbury—Per- suasive, 2yrs (dead). All engagements in Mr Maysey's and General Southwell's 11a 111 ?\»—Phv]omine. Lingfield engagements—Lord Audlev. AH engagements 'except Maiden Stakes, Lin- coln-Colt by Dazzle—(ilencosie. English engagement;-—Twig. Christmas Hurdle. Kempton Playwright ) uiettde Handicap, Lingfield-Leader. Chaplin Slakes. Lincoln—Wise Queen. Lingfieid Slakco- YÙse Queen. 1sc £ alpfc:j;m ,CouIntv. Produce Plate. Stockton, 13*5—Filly by Father Confessor—Beautv, and colt by Salisbury—i'ersuu-tive.

To m 0 rro w s P rog ram m e PROGRAMME FOR TO-MORROW (WEDNES- DAY). -The KEW SELLING HANDICAP HLRDLE RACE of too sovs, for Liiree year oias and upwards; weight for age- ei^burdt50141 f°r W B0VS" TW° milCS' OVer ellfl.1t hurdles. -I Sl'XBL"RY STEEPLECHASE A DICAP PLATE of 1^0 bovs* Winners extra. 'Iwo A'r APm°?r Gol':ul s. Kbor- aged, 12st 71b M liuuoi/n s Continental, aged, list 61b m' A frj'f8'5 Lil IL" *•»• list 51b Si s si, Melton Constable. 6vrt, list 7^lien-Jackson's fink Robin. 6yr-. list Mr K Horner. 6 yj>, lOst 11, u Sr r A t !UO!'r i?VSL>re' b-vl'S. lost 101 b t. H 1S 1 roubier, aged, 10,t 31b Mr FV", r 1±1uiley- ag:eci' l°st 71b Mr WHK.' H^ard, 5yr,. 10st 31b Bi.ft.ows Glowworm aged lOst 3IH* !H White LegS, 5yr", ss Yr" H B 8ingitton Setiatelv, bvrb lOlSt DICAP STf.EI'LECHAS- of 100 sovs; winner to be sold for SO sov>• Two mde", Ajr L V ooaiaud s Crepu, aged, 12st 71b £ E ]f Ahm Vrvn^g. aged, 12st 61b in i ? Ashmores Mysore. 6yrs, 12st 61b Ml- i^rks,OIl h.Wllto"- **ed. 12st 31b Mr L.nTmn C,oetlraad- 12st 2ib r Eincoln s ^,anobie. aged, J2st 21b M'r F°ieS Hirer's Senluc. aged. 12st Mr p y T e tdward- 6vrB. 1st 121b Vt r v ? 8 Ibens, 5yrs. list 121b Mr K U-n' aSed., Ust JOJb Mr A Poot\n? S Ust 101b Mr w a Shellingford. 6vrs. list 71b Mr Gardner » Strenu, 5yrs, list 51b Wr i v- ,,eplu,- Eyrie, aged, list 41b ooUarid Wa termouth, aged 1W -The KEMPTON STEEPLECHASE (extra. Three 10° u ? 5 Smith's Goldfish. 5vrs 12st 71h \VV a P°le'6 -Xe*' Abbe, aged ^t 5lb Mr W Barn»>-T M -?ea, list 121b U- 7; I, Lt.5 Lrundy, oyrs, list 101b Cant K>rk'eePRUS Fittlewor'"h. 6yrs. list 101b Vr 4 s Bowstring, 6yr5, list 8U> Mr F \V°°%" j51"?' 6-vri' Hst 61b Mr Woodlands Hazard 5vrs n=t cn, Mr E Woodland's WhUe Legs 5 list 1,h Mi Mason s Leonie. aged. 1ht iC llb MAIDEN (at entry) t vo. „ J RACE of 100 SOVB, for four i»iii u{)w^rds; dinners extra. Two mi es, ever eight hurdles. 19 Mr Thr.rsrarton's Cloudalkin. list Lord Ros>more s Windlass II.. list s Induua, lOst 71b i „on 4 Nantucket, lOst 71b Bere*>forrTs Serviu«, lOst 71b Buckworth s Ben Roe, lCst 71b M I' A F Calvert s Sagittarius. lOst 71b i r J v-aim<~>n s Somatose, ]0st 71b ,c°r-r C,owley's Kellawa.vs, lOst 71b T1' s Lone-chalks, lOst 71b Mr I■ Goftes Guildford. lOst 71b w TKlr"in's Colyttus, lOst 71b e r i Head, lOst 71b Sit..1 ?. Maple's Saros, lOst 71h a,7r f s Deep Level, lOst 71b Mr A Poole s Poll To> lOs't 71b Lord Radnor's Erhin. iOst 71b aMi- G A Ri,ili*s Ro, Al Relle. 10-1 lJh T m-H £ obert*ll-A'kl,ian's S'vanhonper. IOst 711 v, Xenophofl. IOst 71b V. Ishrubi* s Lady Gilderoy. IOst 71b Air W isibury s Lexington, 10>t 71b Mr E Strachan's Arcadv.' IOst 71 d Mr Reginald Ward s Sand v. IOst 71b *Jr • ^aughs Liddesdale. IOst 71b Mr G Ed warded. Bills Hack. IOst 71b Mr L W oonlamt s Oivining Rod, lOst 71h -The MORTLAKE STEEPLECHASE m inn of 1°° ■'0Vv- lor five year olds only; iOst 101b each, winners extra. Two miles Mr F Alexander's Bob White. last 101b Mr Alton's Cucumber, lOst 101b aMr Spender Clay's Padishah, IOst 101b aMr R C Davson's Irish Girl. IOst 101b Mr Duhei! Rusfby Cement, 10",t 101b Mr J Hare's Punch Ladle. IOst 101b Mr George LamMoii's Th? Fame. 108+ 101b Mr F D Leyland's Crystal Palare, lOst 101b Mr T A Motion's White Haven, 1Gilt 10lb aMr F C Robinson's Wideiwake II., IOst 101b M; E Woodland's Ha2ard. IOst 101b Mr E Woodland's White Legs. 30st 101b Mr E Woodland's Leonatns, last 101b

Australia v. England. THE SE€0>D*TEST MATCH. ENGLISH MEN MAKE A BAD START. "KANJI" TO THE RESCFE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS. [COPYRIGHT.] A Press Associat-ion telegram from Melbourne on Tuesday says:—The Englishmen continued their first innings this morning. After lunch Hayward was caught by Jones off Trott for 23. At four o clock the English total was 199 for four wickets. Ranjit Sinhji was not out 68, and Storer (not out) 38. Soon after- wards the former was bowled by Trumble for 71. Storer was caught by Kelly off Trumble for 51. and Hirst and Hearne were both bowled by Jones for nought and one respective!}'—ei^fat u wickets for 224. Druce and Briggs ttten came together. and the English prospects greatly improved. Both bats- men played a forcing game, and, when stumps were drawn for the day, were not out 43 and 46 respectively. The English total was 311 for eight .wickeLs. Full score A L" STRA LI AN S.—First innings. Macleod, b Storer 112 Darling, c Hirst, b Brings. 36 Hill, c Storer, b Hayward 58 Gregory, b Briggs 71 Iredaie. c Ranjit Sinhji, b Hirst 89 Trott, c Wainwright, b Briggs 79 Noble, b Richardson 17 Trumble. c Hirst, b Mason 14 Kelly, c Richardson, b Hearne 19 Jones, run out 7 M'Kibbin. not out 2 Extras 16 Total 520 ENGLAND.—First innings. Mason, b M'Kibbin I A. C. MacLaren, c Trumble, b MKibbin. 35 Wainwright, c Jone. b Noble 21 Ranjit Sinhji, b Trumble 71 Hat ward, c Jones., b Trott 23 Storer, c Kelly, b Trumble 51 Hirst, b Jones 0 N. F. Druce, not out 43 Hearne. b Jones 1 Brfggs. not out 46 Extras 18 Total (for eight wickets) 5U