Evening Express

H — ALES a 4 ,CASK an# none OOTTLE" SlEnON vVW MAIUT. ITOMIi RflAD. Xy CARDIFF.

Teaching of Infants. INTERESTING DISCUSSION An important conference of educationalists, to discuss the question of infant school work, was held at the Cory Memorial-hall, Cardiff, on Saturday. The conference was largely the creation of Mr. Legard, her Majesty's chief in- spector of schools for Wales, who was the prime mover in the matter, and who had in- vited experts to speak on various phases of infant teaching. A large number of invitations was issued to the clerks and members of school boards, managers of voluntary schools, and head and assistant teachers of infant schools in Glamorgan and Monmouthshire. The chair was at first taken by Mr. Lewfc Williams, chair- man of the Cardiff School Board, who gave the large attendance a cordial welcome to Cardiff, and to the conference. Subsequently the chair was taken by Mr. Herbert Thompson, a mem- ber of the Cardiff School Board. Amongst those also on the platform were Mr. Lowdon, chairman of the Barry School Board; Dr. Lloyd Edwards, Mr. Hawckridge, superinten- dent of the Barrow-in-Furness School Board schools; Mr. W. L. Daniel, Merthyr; Mr. Stephens, clerk to the Merthyr School Board; Mr. Legard, her Majesty's inspector; Mr. Edwards, her Majesty's inspector; Mr. Rooper, her Majesty's inspector; Mr. Halliday, her Majesty's inspector; Mr. Taylor, inspector of drawing for Wales; Mr. J. J. Jackson, clerk to the Cardiff School Board; Mr. Holden, clerk to the Swansea Board; Mr. J. Hutchins, clerk to the Newport Board; and the Rev. Father Bailey, Newport. Mr. Legard, at the outset, read a paper on the objects of the conference, which were the unification of the systems of teaching infants on the best plans. Miss A. S. Brett (Birmingham) read a paper on "Child Study." She thought the kinder- garten system had not produced the results 'which had been expected of it. The failure of that system, and of all other systems prepared 'by the educationalists was that it left out the study of the child itself. Educationalists studied everything but the principal thing-the child itself. A Catholic had said, with a great deal of truth, that if he could have control of a child from the age of one to seven he would not fear as to its remaining a Catholic all its life. If teachers would study the children them- 'selves their work in school would be much more useful, and would tend to harmonious teaching. Of course. it would mean more work, or, rather, a different kind of work. Take the case of a child's physical condition or develop- ment. If the head measured 19in. by llin. instead of 21in. by 12in., he had a small brain, and if the hand is twitching and un- steady. showing want of control, it indicated not only that there was a small brain, but that it was an undeveloped one. Such a child needed special care, but if he was not laughed at or condemned he would try and try again, and before long a definite advance would be made, and the teacher should rejoice more over the progress of that one backward child than over the ninety and nine in the fold. (Hear, hear.) Miss M. Bolam (Ladies' College, Cheltenham)* read a paper on "Story Telling to Little Children." The infant school, she remarked, was a piaee *ht<t tttey should try to make as bright and pleasant as possible, and the teacher must be an enthusiast. Instead of the common 'stories from the school story card, she advo- cated giving the children some of the best stories from the classics from English history, literature, and geography. The F children should be allowed to ask questions, to make soldiers and put them in battle array, to have paint and brushes to make pictures of the flowers, and materials to build castles. The stories should also be illustrated by refe- rence to maps and diagrams. The Chairman (Mr. Herbert Thompson) in- vited discussion from persons who would speak to the point concisely and unrhetorically. Father Hayde, in the course of some interest- ing remarks, said the chief qualification in a teacher of little children was love and sym- pathy. Mr. Ayrton, of .the Cardiff Higher Grade School, showed some demonstrations in teach- ing children brush work, and illustrated his subject on a class of boys, who, however, were beyond the age of infants. This concluded the morning session. THE AFTERNOON SITTING. The afternoon session was presided over by Mr. J. Lowdon, chairman of the Barry School Board, who remarked that he was convinced they would have to put the very pick of the pro- fession in the infant schools. (Hear, hear.) Mr. T. G. Rooper, her Majesty's inspector, delivered a lecture on "Are Children in the Kindergarten Trifling when they should be Working?" His object, he said. was to try to defend the Kindergarten system. Not, perhaps, against attacks, but against the cold water that was sometimes thrown upon it. Children without toys were slower than others in arriving at realities. Mr. A. Hawcridge. superintendent of board ichools, Barrow-in-Furness, read a paper on "Form and Colour." Miss T. Wakeley (Metal-street Board Schools, Cardiff) took up the discussion on "form and colour." and Miss Byett (Birmingham), speak- ing on the kindergarten system, said she was convinced the children were trifling during those lessons and were not doing the things that Mr. Rooper fondly imagined they were doing. The kindergarten principle was excel- lent, but the system, so far as it obtained in this country, was futile. They must have smaller classes of twelve to twenty children, so that the teacher could know the condition of everv child down to its smallest idiosyncracy. (Hear, hear.) Mr. A. Taylor. sub-inspector of schools, deli- vered an address on "Drawing," and shewed a number of defective copies of solid drawings which were in use in some of the schools of ^Colonel Wallis, choirman of the Newport School BoaTd, moved a vote of thanks to the speakers. Mr. Edwards, her Majesty 3 inspector, seconded, and it was agreed. Mr. Lewis Williams, chairman of the Cardiff School Board, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Legard for convening the conference. Mr. Legard, he said, had been so enthusiastic in all phases of Welsh education that it was difficult for them to understand how quickly he had become such a Welshman. Dr. Edwards (Barry)) seconded, and Mr. W. L. Daniel (Merthyr) supported, and the motion was carried. Cotes to the chairmen closed the proceedings.

THE DECLINE OF RABIES. As six months of the year have expired, owners of dogs will be interested in noting the effect of the muzzling order in 1898. In the first half of the year only twelve cases of rabies have been officially reported, and an examination of the returns shows that since I January the disease has almost died out of the Metropolitan district. In January there were two cases in Kent, and one each in the counties of Surrey, Middlesex, and Hertford, making five in all, and there was no case in any other county during that month. Since then, however, there have been seven other CMM-two in Lancashire, two in Yorkshire, two in Warwickshire, and one in Buckiugham- shire. This last 'occurred during the first week of May, and is the nearest approach to an out- break in the Metropolitan area since January. According to the latest returns there has been no outbreak anywhere since the week ending on Saturday, the 4th of June. How great the diminution has been may be gathered from the fact that in the first six months of last vaai there were 88 cases, as compared with 327 in same period of 18% and 413 in the first half of 1895. In various parts of the country the mnariing order has been already revoked, but it is still in force in fourteen counties or parts of ooantwk ( i j' SPECIAL SUNDAY WAR EDITION. "EVENING EXPRESS" OFFICE. 7.30 P.M.. BOMBARDMENT OF MORRO CASTLE l. J SPANIARDS DRIVEN BACK INTO. THE CITY. ), ,¡ I OVER 1,000 AMERICANS KILLED AND WOUNDED. Urgent Need For Medical Assistance. ————— OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE LOSSES. Morro Castle has been bombarded, but the batteries were not silenced. The American losses in Friday s fighting h been officially stated at 800. The Spanish losses are said to be twice that number. It is stated that in the engagement outside Santiago the Americans have lost over 1,000 killed and wounded. General Shatter has telegraphed for medical assistance, and 40 or 50 more surgeons and suitable appliances will be sent out 'imme- diately.. — t" -=►—-■<. The New York "Evening World" publisheS, a, telegram of Saturday's date from its correspon- dent at Playa Del Este. stating that he has been informed by Garcia that General pando has entered Santiago with 6,000 troops. Severe fighting between the Spanish and the insurgents has again taken place in the Philip- pines. At first the Spanish looked as if they would be rewarded with success, but eventually they had to retreat, after a splendid rally by the rebels. It is the intention of the Americans to make an attack on Morro •asMe, but the Sim ma id* are putting great difficulties in their way. It is stated that Admiral Camara's fleet has left the Suez Canal and gone to sea. A train has been blown up by the Cuban rebels, in which four soldiers were killed and four wounded. Renewed Fighting. MORRO CASTLE BOM" BARDED. SPANIARDS DRIVEN BACK INTO THE OITY. OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE LOSSES. A Central News telegram from New York on Saturday night says: -The American losses in Friday's fighting are officially stated at 800, the Spanish losses amounting to twice that number. -Fighting was resumed at daybreak to-day, and the Spaniards were driven back to the city; results not known yet. It is officially reported that six warships bombarded Morro Castle all day, but did not succeed in silencing the batteries. FIERCE WARFARE. HEAVY LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES. A telegram from Washington on Saturday says:—Mr. M'Kinley and General Algier, through private dispatch from the battlefield at Santiago, learns that the engagement was resumed this morning, and continued all day. The wounded are coming in rapidly. Indica- tions point to heavy losses. The dispatch does not indicate a decisive result in any direction. FIGHTING RESUMED. TELEGRAM FROM THE FIELD OF ACTION. A telegram from Washington on Saturday says:—A dispatch has been received by the President and Mr. Alger. which left the field of action at four o'clock in the afternoon. The exact wording has not been made known, but a official who read it said it conveyed to him an idea of extreme tension and a battle in which all the fiercest elements of warfare had prevailed; SUSPENSE AT WASHINGTON NO WORD FROM GENERAL SHAFTER A Reuter's telegram from Washington on Saturday says:—The deepest suspense pre- vailed in military and,ofilcial circles as the day progressed, and no word arrived from General Shafter. Mr. Alger was at White House for some hours, and did not return to the War Department until Itae in the after- noon. It-was stated at the Navy Department that nothing had been received from Admiral Sampson since the beginning of yesterday's attack. A Reuter's telegram from New York on Saturday says:—A dispatch from the front of yesterday's date states that General Wheeler is ill, but is with his command. ILL SUPPLIED WITH FOOD. INSURGENT FORCE ARRIVES TOO LATE. A Cuban from the insurgent force near Man- zaoillo has brought intelligence that the troops proceeding from Mansanillo to Santiago were re-called by Genera IPando, who, the Cuban says, was not with them, but in Havannah. The troops were ill supplied with food, which circumstance, together with the almost impas- sable condition of the roads, seemed to render it impossible for them to reach Santiago in time to be of any assistance to General Linares. OVER 1000 AMERICAN KILLED AND WOUNDED. A Renter's telegram from Washington on Saturday says:—General Shafter's dispatches so far have not given any exact figures, but he makes it clear that his first estimate—four hundred-is far below the actual loss. A Beater's telegram from Washington on Saturday (later) says:—Up to the present hour the War Department has received no informa- tion of the fight having been renewed to-day. It is believed that 1.000 killed and wounded is about the actual figure owing to the dense chaparrel in which the Americans fought. It was Well-nigh impossible at first to learn the extent of the loss. There was a conference of military officers and officials this morning. In all military centres to-ady there is a pre- vailing air of seriousness, corresponding to the gravity of the news from the front. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR GENERAL SHAFTER. WASHINGTON, 2.30 p.m. The Surgeon-geenral of the Army has had a conference with the Surgeon-general of the Navy, and preparations for sending General Shafter the medical assistance he has asked for are being hurriedly pushed forward. The naval ambulance ship Solace, which is now in the vicinity of Santiago, will be utilised. Besides this, the Army hospital ship Relief, which has been equipping at New York, sailed for Santiago this morning. She is admirably fitted for the treatment of sick and wounded, and has accommodation for 500 men. r- THE SPANISH CASU ALT I ES In the fighting off this port on Saturday we had two killed and one severely and two slightly wounded. The oommander of the gun- boat Delgado Porego was bruised. A few others, including three civilians, were wounded in the town. ANOTHER BOMBARDMENT. Three American ships have been bombarding the coast near Tunas and Tayabacona. with the probable purpose of landing arms. ATTACK BY THE AMERICAN SHIPS IMMINENT. The Government has also received the follow- ing telegram of Saturday's date:This even- ing three American ships appeared before Manzanillo. The garrison and gunboats are preparing to resist." TELEGRAM FROM GEN SHAFTER. The following telegram from General Shafter was received at the War Department at four o'clock on Saturday morn- ing:—"I fear I have under-estimated to-day's casualties. A large and thoroughly equipped hospital ship should be sent here at once to care for the wounded. The chief surgeon says that he has use for 40 more medical officers. The ship must bring a launch and boats for conveying the wounded." It is understood that 40 to 50 more surgeons and suitable appliances will be sent out immediately. German, French, Japanese, and British. vessels are anchored in the bay, and through them there is a frequent communication with Hong Kong for the despatch of telegrams. General Moret, after having fought several battles, has arrived with a thousand men at Macabere, where he has entrenched himself in the event of the enemy pressing right forward to the capital. I have ordered General Moret to force his way through and to come to my help, although I regard such an operation as dim. cult." AMERICANS MANOEUVRING WITH A BALLOON. OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM GENERAL BLANCO. A Reuter's telegram from Madrid on Satur- day says:—The following official telegram has been received from General Blanco at Havannah: According to reports sent me by General Linares, the Americans encamped at Redonda yesterday evening did a good deal of manoeuvring with a captive balloon for the purpose of reconnoitring our positions. General Linares, on his part, was closely watching the enemy advance in the direction of Pozo. Nothing is known of the Escftrio column. which was proceeding to reinforce the Santiago garrison. HAVANNAH SURROUNDED BY AMERICAN WARSHIPS. The telegram adds that at nightfall yester- ady 22 American ships were in sight of Havannah. In several recent encounters with Spanish troops the rebels had eight men killed. Another dispatch from General Linares apparently dispatched early on Saturday morning) says:—Yesterday the enomy advanced his forces within a league of the town. I am expecting an attack to-day, for at the present moment a cannonade is beginning against Coney, where I have General Vara, with several companies. At the same time the American Squadron is approaching, flying the battle flag, doubtless with the intention of covering the movements of the American troops on Aguadores. A balloon was sent up yesterday to reconnoitre our positions. The expected reinforcements have not arrived, and I have no news of the Escario column, which left Manzanillo nine days ago. ADMIRAL CAMARA'S FLEET The Spanish colliers Colon and Covadonga entered the Suez Canal on Friday. The Spanish warships moved outside Port Said to coal from their own colliers. One of them, the San Francisco, has entered the canal. It is lieved that Admiral Camara's squadron in- tends to break up into two divisions, one of which will proceed westwards and the other eastwards. It appears that Egyptian colliers intended to try to go to the Red Sea in order to tranship coal to the Spaniards there, but this cannot be allowed, as constituting a breach of neutrality. The Spaniards can only coal from their own colliers in the Red Sea. Lloyd's agents at Port Said telegraphed at 10.40 p.m as follows :-Pelayo, Carlos Quintos, Osado, Patriota, Buenos Aires, Isle de Panay, Rapido, San Francisco, Isla. de Luzon, San Ignacio de Loyola, gone to sea. The Minister of Feoreign- Affairs has caused it to be announced that the only difficulties met with in Egypt have been due to representa- tions of the American Consul against the dura- tion of the squadron's stay, and the purchase of coal. The passage of the canal itself could present no difficulty. ADVERSE CRITICISM BY THE SPANISH PAPERS. The Madrid journals -severely censure the return of the three torpedo-boat destroyers and two coal-taden Transatlantic steamers, which, it is stated, are to come back from Port Said. Much indignation is akso expressed at the loss of time incurred by Admiral Camara's squadron in Egyptian waters. PARIS, Saturday. The "Temps" publishes the following from Madrid, in the absence of any official dispatch as to the attack on the Santiago press, gives expression of general anxiety on the sub- ject, which is increased by the knowledge that no reinforcements have reached the city either from Manzanillo or Holquin. Most of the newspapers complain of the ex- treme brevity of Spanish advices. which thus leave all Europe at the the mercy of the exag- gerations of American accounts. Everyone feels that the decisive game is being played around Santiago, and the fall of that city cannot fail to affect the very existence of the Government, but up to the present perfect tranquility pre- vails. FORTIFICATION OF SPANISH HOME PORTS. MADRID, Saturday. According to the "Imparcial," the Minister of War is pushing forward the preparations for the defence of the Spanish coasts, espe- cially at the naval and other fortified ports. It is, however, impossible to ofrtify every com- mercial harbour. The chief works now being carried out are at Vigo Santander, Bilbao, and Barcelona. The three great arsenals of Ferrol, Cadiz, and Cartagena are already equipped with formidable defences. MORRO CASTLE TO BE ATACKED. A Renter's telegram from Madrid on Satur- day says: —It is thought here that it is the intention of the Americans to attack Morro Castle, at Santiago, by land. They began using small mine railway for transport of their heavy artillery, but the Spaniards have cut the line, and it is very difficult to make use of the embankments alone, because the ground is soaked with rain. 26,000 MEN TO BE CALLED OUT. The "Offioial Gazetted to-day publishes a Royal decree calling out twenty-six thousand more men to join the colours. VIOLENT ATTACK ON THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT. At the conclusion of a banquet given in his honour on Friday evening, Senor Romer y Robledo made a violent speech against the Government, accusing it of want of activity and initiative, and of leaving everything to the admirals and generals. He insisted on the. point that at the proper time peace negotia- tions should be opened directly with the enemy. Senor Robledo said that the estabiishecfinstitutions of the country were in danger, "bul," lie added, "we should do our duty as Spaniards and defend the Fatherland." A BRITISH STEAMSHIP SEIZED. A Reuter's telegram from New York on Saturday says:—The corespondent of the Herald sends the following despatch, dated off Santiago, July 1: The British steamship Adula, which carried the British refugees from Cienfuegos to Kingston, and which has been to many Cuban ports since the war began, dropped anchor in the lower bay of Guahta- namo last night. Captain M'Calla of the Marblehead deoided to ha.ve the status of ihe Adula. in Cuban waiters officially determined. He promptly seized the vessel and put on board a prize crew. Captain M'Calla will hold the Adula, which is loaded with provisions, until he receives orders from Washington." KEY WEST, Saturday. The Spanish steamer Benito Estenger (500 tons) and a small sloop, captured off Manzanillo by the Hornet on the 27th and 28th ult. respec- tively, were brought here to-day. The sloop was flying Haytian and British flags when captured. She was laden, and carried a crew of a dozen men. The Benito Estenzer was coming out of Manzanillo empty under the British flag. She had discharged her original crew of twenty-four Spaniards. A TRAIN BLOWN UP. A Dal»eTa telegram says:—The Cuban insurgents have blown up a military train on the Western Railway by means of a dynaiM* bomb. Four soldiers were killed and four wounded. The insurgents fired upon the disabled train. THE QUEEN REGENT'S MOTHER ILL. Duchess Elizabeth, mother of the Queen Regent, has appreciably improved. MORE FIGHTING IN THE 'PHILIPPINES. A severe engagement took place last Thurs- day night between the Spanish troops and the insurgents in the neighbourhood of Manila. The Spaniards upon that occasion made their first notable attempt to drive the rebels from their advanced positions, instead of tamely continuing to await Aguinaldo's onslaughts. The attempt for a time looked as though it would be rewarded by success. The Spaniards numbered 1,300, and they delivered a determined attack on the rebels at Malate. They were tnet by a well-directed fire, but the Spaniardswere quickly reinforced, and the rebels began to fall back. Thus encouraged, the Spaniards pressed for- ward, but, at the critical moment, the rebels made a spirited rally, and poured such a steady fire into the Spanish ranks that the latter were compelled to retreat, and they did not sum- mon up courage to renew the attempt. Aguinaldo, the chief rebel general, has quar- relled with another insurgent leader, and the latter has gone on board one of the American warships for safety. THE SPANISH GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL. The following dispatch has been received ini Berlin from Hong Kong:- "According to trustworthy intelligence from Manila, the Spanish Governor-General a few days ago, at his own wish, a meeting with Bear-Admiral von Dtedrichs, commander of the German cruiser division, in order to propose, on behalf of the Spanish Government, that Manila should be handed over to the provisional charge of a neutral commander. The proposal was rejected by Rear-Admiral Diedrichs in view of the American blockade." THE HORRORS OF CUBA Further graphic det|ils are being wired from Cuba. about the hardships of war in a tropical climate. The trail the coast to the front are compelled to toil Jftnder a red-hot sun for hours through cacti alad paison vines, while on every side the most nauseating odours of decay- ing vebeta;tion arise. Inaecto, like nothing in the Southern States, hum in myriads, stinging mercilessly at flesh unused to them, and almost bare from heat. The meat loa&isome ton dtanciuaMng sight of all is to watch the great land crabs writhing and winding along through cacti. They are of incredible size and vivid colour, mostly bright yellow and red. and their claws click horribly as they struggle along. Young soldiers fresh from cities (says the "Morning Post correspohdent')' feel the climatic changes keenly. Torrential rains follow close on intense heat, and result in such sudden changes of temperature that even the strongest take chills and have a sort of ague. The men take large doses of quinine. They bear every- thing cheerfully, and are only too anxious to4 fight. =N

NOTICE. If any important telegrams arrive aa we go to press they will be found in the stop press space on top of the first column in page 3. -I

DYNAMITE FIELD GUNS. Dynamite is probably destined to play an important part in the present American-Spanish war. The dynamite cruiser Vesuvius, with her 50ft. guns, throwing high explosives by air, compressed by means of a steam plant, is in Cuban waters using her guns with effect, and now the latest development—the Dudley dyna- mite field guns—are being hurried to the front. These guns are said to be light in weight, simple in action, and readily movable. A gun of 2Jin. calibre, throwing 41b. of explosive gelatine (equivalent to 8Qlb. of gunpowder), mounted on a carriage ready for action, weighs only 8001b. By late improvements its range has been increased to one and a half miles, with a service charge of nine ounces of smokeless powder. Three of these Dudley guns have been in use in Cuba by untrained artillery- men for nearly two years, and have thrown more than 1,000 projectiles. It is said the in- surgents have won every engagement in which the dynamite guns came into action. The New York Sun of October 17, 1897, quotes General Garcia as saying: "In my opinion a dozen of these guns, ably handled, would free Cuba in two months," but the in- surgents were too poor to make the purchase. The United States Government noted the success of the dynamite guns in the hands of the Cubans, and a test was ordered by General Nelson A. Miles, Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The result was so satisfactory that several large orders for guns and projectiles have recently been given to the Sims-Dudley Defence Company, of New York. Dispatches from America state that one of these guns is now in the hands of Roosevelt's roughriders, and several others are believed to Tie in posi- tion ready for action at Santiago. THE GERMANS AT MANILA The following dispatch has been received in Berlin from Hong Kong: Acoordrng to trust- worthy intelligence from Manila; the Spanish Governor-General a few days ago had. at his own wish, a meeting with Rear-Admiral von i Diedricl;ls.-oommander of the German cruiser division, in order to Propose On behalf of the Spanish Government that Manila should be handed over to the Provisional charge of a neutral commander. The proposal was rejected by Rear-Admiral Diedrichs in view of the American blockade." ATTITUDE OF THE GERMANS. The Americans count on celebrating July 4 in Manila. The German Admiral is reported to have ordered some of his ships to withdraw, representations having reached him that the attitude of the German iMr ^leged encouragement of the Spanish were regarded as unfriendly to the United States. A wholly improved feeling now exists. THE DUEL BETWEEN THE ST. PAUL AND THE TERROR. New York, July 2.—The auxiliary cruiser St. Paul arrived yesterday evening. According to a newspaper printed by the crew, the St. Paul fired 150 shots during her engagement with the Spanish torpedo-boat destroyer Terror off San Juan on June 22. Three proved effective, one passing through the hull of the Terror and one smashing one engine. The Terror was so in- jured that it was necessary to lash a small vessel to her sides to prevent her sinking while she was being towed into the harbour.-Reuter. New York, Saturday Morning.-The cruiser St. Paul arrived here last night. She reports that in the recent engagement off Puerto Rico she sank the Spanish torpedo boat destroyer Terror, a shell going right through her engine- room, killing the chief engineer and his assis- tant an dwounding several others. FORTHCOMING CELEBRA- TIONS. OTTAWA SOLDIERS TO TAKE PART. A telegram from Washington on Saturday says:—President M'Kinley has promptly granted application from the 43rd Battalion at Ottawa to visit Burlington, Vermont, with their arms to participate in the "July 4 celebrations there.

The Battle of Manila. AN EYE-WITNESS S ACCOUNT The following is a summarised account of the battle of Manila from the pen of an eye- witness, whose story appears in the Chicago Record." It is the most vivid description we have yet received. He says:- At 5.10, just as dawn is breaking, the battle begins. By this time the American fleet has arrived off Cavite and the brightness of the approaching day revals to both sides the posi- tion of the enemy. The Spanish immediately begin firing, but at a distance of nearly four miles. At the sound of the first shot the Olypia wheefs and starts straight for the enemy. From every mast and every peak of the American squadron floats a flag, and the sight of all these fluttering emblems arouses an enthusiasm that never was experienced before. At 5.33 the Olympia fires the first shot, and at 5.40 the firing becomes incessant. A battery at the mole, in Manila, and nearly five miles to the east, has now begun firing, and the Boston is occupied with shelling a fort on the mainland beyond the arsenal at Cavite. The Reina Christina, which is the Spanish flagship, shows up black and fierce in the front of the enemy's fleet." The Castflla fs nearly abreast of "her, and is protected by large barges, which makes it impossible for shells to penetrate below the water line. Other small vessels, evidently torpedo boats, can be seen occa- sionally coming into view, and then retreating behind the arsenal. The American fleet now forms in a line, and, steaming in a wide circle, pours shells from the port and bow guns as the vessels pass. Then the ships swing around, and, continuing in the long ellipse, turn loose the guns of the stern and the starboard side. In this way all the guns on both sides of the warships are kept in action part of this time, and the vessels are constantly moving. The fleet makes three com- plete circles, each time going in to shorter range, until a range of about 1,500 yards is reached. SPANISH DARING. There are numberless exhibitions of daring shown by the Spanish. At one time the Reina Christina alone steamed out at full speed in the very face of the combined American fleet with the intention of running the Olympia down. All the American vessels concentrate their guns on her and pour a rain of shell through and around her. Still she comes on. As she approaches nearer the storm of pro- jectiles becomes too severe, and, realising that the ship will be annihilated, the admiral swings her slowly round and starts for the protection of the navy yard. Just at this moment an eight-inch shell from the Olympia strikes the Reina Christina in the stern and goes right through her. In a few moments clouds of white smoke are seen coming from the ship. The vessel is being pounded to death by the shells. It seems for awhile that she must go down, or that the Spanish flag must be lowered, but when nearly a half-hour later we can see her through the smoke the pennant waves bravely from her main peak, and she is still belching forth flashes of flame and billows of r smoke. Now two little torpedo-boats start out in a desperate effort to torpedo the Olympia. They come on rapidly, exposed to the fire of the American ships, an dstop and wait for the advancing Olympia. Officers on the flagship afterwards say that at this time the excite- ment on board is the reategst during any part of the engagement. The Olympia keeps steam- ing on until within 800 yards of the torpedo- boats, and, as the latter show no signs of retrat- ing, the flagship stops and signals the fleet to concentrate their fire on those little terrors. The hail of shell is severe. Finally they turn and retreat. At this moment a large shell strikes one of them, and it is seen to dive headlong into the sea, entirely disappearing from view. The other succeeds in regaining cover, but is beached soon after. Now there are two vesels burning, the Reina Christina and the Castilla, although both have their flags flying. The firing from these ships seems to be decreasing, but whenever the hope arises that they are completely disabled they seem to renew it with greater vigour. It is imposible to determine what damage is being done to either side- There seems to be no great destruction among ,the American vesels, for each time they revolve on that deadly ellipse the vesels all show with flying colours and Undiminished fire., Three times they make the deadly round, pasing_,five times before the Spanish forces, each jtime. drawing in closer and .closer. •• Now the Olympia has ceased firing, and it is r said her after turret is damaged. She with- draws, and is followed by the rest of the squad- ron. The Spanish keep, on firing with almost as much vigour as ever. It is now 7.45 o'clock, and the fight has lasted two and a half hours. During all this time there has been incessant firing, and the whole sky is hazy with smoke. The tremendous resistance and striking courage of the Spanish is a revelation. A feeling of profound gloom comes over us as the American fleet withdraws for consultation. How much damage has been done is as yet unknown, and whether their decks are swimming in blood and their cabins choked with the wounded and dead, and their guns battered, are things that cannot be determined untit the oommanders return from the conference. Then there cornea a long wodt. At laet. after feverish anxiety, the marvellous news comes that not a single life has been lost, and not a single man is seriously hurt. Not a single boat is badly injured, and hardly a scrap of rigging is cut through. At 10.45, after a conference of the command- ing officers, it is decided to attack again. The object in withdrawing, it transpires, was to allow the smoke to clear away and to enable the admiral to determine what damage had been done to the fleet. But when the astound- ing report came that there were no lives lost, and no vessels damaged the enthusiasm on the dierent ships is wonderfu. There are cheers on cheers from the decks of all the ships. THE BATTLE BEGINS AGAIN. The Baltimore now heads for Cavite, rushing on at full speed, and does not stop until she is almost in the shadow of the forts. There she begins to fire with her big guns, moving away masts, and tearing holes in everything in sight. The Olympia follows and joins in the bombardment. The little Petrel comes close behind, then the Concord, and last the Raleigh and Boston. Their flring is incessant. The Spaniards are answering vigorously, and the dull, muffled thunder of the cannon comes with the regularity' of drum beats. It is easy to trace the effects of the shells, for wherever they strike columns of dirt and water ascent in tremendous upheavals. The naval station is now full of burning vessels. The Spanish flag still flies from the fort, but the Spanish firiftg at this hour (noon) has nearly ceased. The Reina Christina is now red with flames and heavy clouds of smoke roll up from her. A minute ago there was an explosion on her that must have been caused by the fire reaching one of the ammunition magazines. She is now almost a complete wreck. At 12.45 the Americans have ceased firing, and for fifteen minutes there has been only a desultory and scattering sound of guns. It is believed the battle is over, although a Spanish flag still flies above a small fortification. During the battle a Spanish merchantman lies over against the shore. She is the Isla de Mindanaoa. She has no guns mounted, and she lies helpless and apparently deserted near the beach. Finally fire is opened on her, and two shells are sent straight through her. Immediately dozens of men appear in different parts of the ship, flocking to small boats, and making all haste to reach the shore. The I Concord now steams over, and the ship is set on fire. At 12.47 it is signalled from the shore that the Spaniards have surrendered. In Manila there is the sound of cathedral bells. A CHICKEN PERCHED ON THE VESSEL'S BOW. The Reina Christina, the proudest ship of them all and the flagship of Rear-Admiral Patricio Moiitojoy Ps«aron as weU as the theatre of some of the most daring fighting lies a little away as completely demolished as the Castilla.Her funnels are perforated and her rigging is cut and big, gaping holes in the shat- tered steel framework show how accurate was the aim of the Americans. Some large 8-inch guns still stand fore and aft. A little fire is burning on her, and the body of a Spaniard is lying half-way .out of a gun barbete, his legs shot off and big, slashing wounds in his hip. He is absolutely nude except for a narrow belt, and has apparently been untoched b yfire. It was in this ship that so many died, and the hull must be choked with those who fell before the sweeping gale of steel poured into her. In a day or two the bodies will be coming to the surface. A live chicfcen is perched on a stan- chion at the bow. How in the world it lived through the fire is a wonder, for the vesel is absolutely gutted. After the action boatloads of officers and men boarded the yet floating vessels for relics, of which, however, there were few to be obtained. Everything was burned, charred, or broken. On one vessel we find the remains of a guitar—the fretted finger stock. Two hundred wounded lay in hospital, and the nurses flitted among them tending to their wounds. And then was revealed the horrors and dire suffering of battle. Men were there with limbs shot away, faces torn, and bodies writhing in agony. Blood was everywhere. The wounded exhibited no resentment when visited by the American officers.

PROPOSED UNIVERSITY FOR BIRMINGHAM. SPEECH BY MR. CHAMBERLAIN. A public meeting, which was largely attended by influential citizens and the public, was held at Birmingham on Friday for the purpose of considering the question of a university in Bir- mingham. The Lord Mayor presided, and a list of subscriptions was read showing that already £ 100,000 had been contributed towards the scheme. Mr. G. H. Kendrick proposed, and Professor Tilder seconded, a proposition expressing the opinion that it was essential in the interests of the city, arid the Midland district generally, that a university should be forthwith estab- lished. The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., who supported the motion, called upon his fellow citizens to join him in laying the founda- tions of the university. He thought that all who had taken part in the educational work cf Birmingham looked forward with hope to the time when they should crown the work by estab- lishing a university. A university of their own would create a demand for learning as had been the case in Scotland. The new university must be for Birmingham and the district, for the great population which was crowded into an area of 30 miles radius. He pointed out that trades and industries which formerly were conducted bv private firms, whose mem- bers were never wanting in recognis- ing ,their obligations to the community, had now been turned over in many cases to boards of directors and shareholders. It sometimes almost seemed to him that the first. thing those companies wanted was to limit their liability to the public, but he trusted that would not be the case in regard to their particular enterprise. If that were to be the case, he thought the time would come when it would be impossible to carry on any philanthropic or public work in our great towns. If that were the case, he ventured to utter his warning that it would destroy the sympathy between classes, that community of interests which had done so much in this country, and in place of it they would find indifferences on the one side, followed by suspicion and distrust on the other, and they would be encouraging, if they did not justify, those extreme Socialistic views which have done so much harm on the Continent, harm to the prosperity of the nation and to the welfare of the nation, and to the welfare of the working classes. Mr. Chamberlain prophesied success for the enterprise.

Theatre Royal, Cardiff. INTERVIEW WITH THE NEW LESSEE AND MANAGER. When the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, re-opette visitors will find that tSje interior of the hall has undergone a thorough renovation. We have already announced that Mr. R. Red ford has become lessee and manager of the theatre, and one day this week he was found by a "Western Mail" reporter hard at work supe- rintending the work going on in the part of the building known to the profession as "in front." "We want you to tell us something about your new venture, Mr. Redford," said the pressman. "What is the sum total of your alterations?" "Well, you can see that pretty well the whole show is under the workmen's hands. The chief point that I should like you to mention is this"-and Mr. Redford went skip- ping over heaps of carpenters' tools and piles of timber, with a few upturned seats in between. "We are altering the line of sight. Hitherto there have been two small bays at the corners, or ends, of the dress circle, and they have caused a great block in the way of people in several parts of the theatre. That will be cut away, so everyone will be able to get a clear view of the stage. All the seats will be altered. 'In the dress circle we shall have renewed chairs; the upper circle will be provided with tip-up chairs, instead of the hard benches that have been there up to now; and the stalls will be improved. The people in the pit will find their seats cushioned, and, therefore, more comfortable; and so will those in the gallery. Then, we shall cut away as many of the small obstructions as we can, and have the theatre re-lighted with elec- tricity. The orchestra is to have better accommodation, and the dressing-rooms are being re-fitted. A new act drop curtain is to go up, and the whole place will be re- decorated." "And when will you re-open?" "On the 1st of August—Bank Holiday. The first piece to go on will be Woma-n and Wine.' "Would you care to tell us anything about yourpencillingg?" "Certainly. And I should think you will be pleased to hear some of them. Mr. W. S. Penley will visit us in August, with a new play entitled 'A Little Ray of Sunshine.' Mr. George Alexander is amongst those that I expect to see. He will play in "The Ambas- sadors and The Tree of Knowledge.' Then Mr. Wilson Barrett is to come down, and later on. I hope, Sir Henry Irving and Miss Ellen Terry. Miss Forteacue is another name on my list; her company will play a. new piece. Amongst the general run of pieces booked are 'The Geisha,' by Messrs. Morell and Mouillot's No. 1 Compary; 'The Circus Girl' once more; J. M. Barrie's 'Little Minister,' which was such a success at the Haymarket; 'The White Heather,' one of the great pieces from Drury-lane, which will be presented by a Drury- lane company; 'The Runaway Girl,' which is causing so much enthusiasm at the Gaiety; 'The Belle of New York,' now running at the Shaftesbury, and, as some of the American players will come down here, the piece should prove a great attraction; 'One of the Best.' from the Adelphi; 'A Royal Divorce,' 'A Night Out,' 'Bilbury of Tilbury,' a piece by the author of 'The Lady Slavey'; 'Lord and Lady Algy,' another London success; and G. R. Sims's 'Dandy Fifth.' That will be enough to go on with—don't you think?" "Would it be asking too much if we inquired something aboit Mr. and Mrs. Redford them- selves?" was the next question put by the inter- viewer. "Oh, no," was Mr. Redford's reply. "My wife, who will assist me in the business, will be best known to Cardiff people as Miss Esme Lee, principal soprano in most of the grand operas presented under Mr. D'Oyly Carte's direction. She played here in 'Haddon Hall,' in 'Dorothy,' and in 'Erminie,' and other pieces. As to myself, I was with Mr. D'Oyly Carte as manager for fifteen years, and during that time I have toured and travelled with him and for him a great deal. I was with him when the Royal English Opera House was open, at Terry's, at the Globe, and, of course, also at the Savoy. My first visit to Cardiff was sixteen years ago, when I came with Miss Genevieve Ward with the 'Forget-Me-Not.' Miss Ward now plays the heavy parts for Sir Henry Irving." "Life with Mr. D'Oyly Carte must have been very pleasant?" "It was. Both Mr. and Mrs. D'Oyly Carte are such splendid people to get on with. Although looking forward with hope to my venture here at Cardiff, we cannot help feeling deep regret at leaving Mr. and Mrs. D'Oyly Carte." The interviewer, remembering that Mr. R. Redford is brother to the Mr. Redford who sits at the Lord Chancellor's office to read and pass judgment upon plays before they are licensed, wondered whether there was any family like- ness between the two men so far as their views upon art are concerned. So he asked a ques- tion touching Mr. R. Redford's confession of faith. "I believe," was the reply, "in giving people the best I can for their money. The people themselves have, up to the present, determined the fate of certain classes of plays. Sometimes it is wondered why a few plays have been allowed, but what has been the result?1 There has now and then been a run upon these plays, which has lasted for a short time. and then playgoers have dropped them or turned their backs upon them. To take a case that every- one recognises now, there was the play called "The Conquerors.' That was one of what some people call 'questionable,' and it was a failure. I think that playgoers like a good, wholesome play, and will give a fair and good measure of support to them, taking the general run." An interesting gathering took place at Leeds a few days ago, when members of Mr. D'Oyly Carte's company met to present Mr. and Mrs. Redford with a token of their esteem upon his resignation of the post of manager. Amongst those present were Mr. Geo. Thornc, Mr. Fred Billington, and Miss Katie Foster. The pre- sentation consisted a beautiful illuminated address and a handsome silver tea and coffee service. In making the presentation Mr. Geo. Thorne said that he envied Mr. and Mrs. Red- ford in one thing, and that was that they were about to adopt Cardiff as their place of residence'.

At Mount Tabor Primitive Methodist Chapel, Cardiff, to-morrow (Sunday) the anniversary services will be held. The Rev. J. Lockhart, Chesterfield, will preach in the morning and evening, and in the afternoon a floral service will be given. 'Hie chairman is Alderman Ramsdale (mayor'of Cardiff), and all the mem- bers of the corporation have been invited.

EXPLOSION OF GUNPOWDER ONE PERSON KILLED AND SEVERAL INJURED. The Press Association Kilmarnock correspond dent telegraphs:—An explosion of gunpowder occurred in the shop of Andrew Christie, local ironmonger, whereby Peter Young, a shop assistant, was killed, and seven or eight other persons were injured. Two passing cyclists were blown off their machines, and had to be removed to the infirmary. The shop premises were wrecked, and all buildings within 50 yards have suffered.

BRIGAND'S TRAGIC END. The famous brigand Bocognano, who has long been a tec-or to the villages in Corsica,. has met a tragic end. Bocognano was only 27 yearj of age. He took to brigandage five years > ago, after killing two friends in a quarrel over 1 cards. He poured petroleum over their bodies, and then set fire to them in order to remove all traces of his crime. Since then he has com- mitted so many infamous crimes that the authorities placed a reward of 15,000f. upon his head He was taken by surprise on Wednes- day by a sergeant of gendarmes, who promptly fired and hit Bocagnano in the shou.3«gr, bringing him to the ground. The gendarme immediately rushed up, when the desperado, raising himself on the elbow, fired at his as ailant, an dmortally wounded him in the lungs. The sergeant fired again, and blew Bocognano's brains out. Later in the day two more brigands were tracked dawn. They are brothers, named Brandini, and only lately took to the mountains, after killing two brothers, named Farioli, as the result of a vendetta.

GERMAN JEALOUSY. A Reuter"s telegram from Pekin on Jane 30 says :-Yung Fing, who holds the concession for a railway from Tientsin to Shanghai, has been ordered to produce the capital immediately, or renounce the concession. This step is due to German pressure.

MERTHYR UNION The abstract of paupers relieved and of the money received and expended by the guardians of the Merthyr Union for the half-year ended the 25th of March was placed in the hands of the members on Saturday. Exclusive of balances, the receipts amounted to £ 24,348 2s. 3d. and the expenditure to £ 17,435 18s. lOd. Out- standing liabilities existed at the end of the half-year to the extent of £14.509 13s. 7d. The total number of paupers relieved was 9,452. being an increase as compared with the corre- sponding period of last year of 3,131. The average weekly cost per head for food and necessaries and clothing for the inmates of the workhouse was 4s. 5d., and for the children in the Aberdare training school 3s. Oid.

BALA-BANGOR COLLEGE. APPOINTING THE ttW PRINCIPAL. CORDIAL RECEPTION OF THE REV. LEWIS PROBERT. The annual meeting of the subscribers to the Bala-Bangor Independent College was held at Bangor on Friday afternoon, Alderman Hugh Thomas, J.P., Beaumaris, presiding. There was a large attendance. The Rev. G. D. Da vies, Carmarthen, proposed the adoption of the report of the executive committee, of which a summary appeared on Friday, and which contained a reference to the co-operation in teaching of the tutors of the college with those of the Baptist College adjoining, and also a recommendation that the Rev. Lewis Probert, D.D., Pentre, Rhondda Valley, be appointed principal of the college, in succession to. the late Dr. Herber Evans. Mr. Davies said there could be no doubt that in Dr. Probert they had secured the best man available for the post. (Hear, hear.)—!the Rev. D. Jones, Birmingham, in seconding the adoption of the report referred with gratifica- tion to the fraternal feeling manifested between the < fficials of the two colleges.—The Rev. R. Rowlands. Treflis, expressed the opinion that the appointment of a principal should be made the subject of a separate motion.-After some discussion it was decided that this be done, and the Chairman formally moved the confirmation of the recommenda- tion of the committee that Dr. Probert be appointed principal of the college.-The motion was carried with enthusiasm, and Dr. Probert was then led into the room and formallj welcomed and informed of his appointment by the chairman, amid an outburst of enthusiastic applause.-Dr, Probert. in acknowledging the kind and enthusiastic welcome accorded to him. said that a few months ago he never dreamed that matters would have taken the course they had done, for it had been his inten- tion to spend the remainder of his life in the ministry. He had put the matter in the hands of a few friends, binding himself to abide t)y their decision, with the result they now knew. With regard to the students, he could say that no one who came to him from amongst them asking for bread would receive a stone. He hoped they would have no reason to regret having conferred upon him the honour of the principalship of their college. (Applause.)— The Rev. J. Charles (Denbigh), after dwelling on the vital importance to students for the ministry of a course of theological study, said the subscribers might congratulate themselves on having secured in Dr. Probert as principal the greatest theologian in the Principality, a fact which would enhance the prestige of the college and improve the education of the students. (Hear, hear.) The committee for the ensuing year were appointed. Professor Anwyl was appointed chairman, and the secretary, treasurer, and auditors were re-elected.—Dr. Probert moved a vote of thanks to the Congregational Fund Board for substantial help given in the past, and urged that Bangor College should be placed on the same footing as other colleges doing the same work. (Hear, bear.)—-In the afternoon there was a re-union of past and present students, which proved to be an interesting and largely-attended function.

COUNTY-COURT AT BARRY. At a meeting of the Barry District Council held on Friday night. Alderman Meggett in the chair, it was decided to ask Major Wyndr ham-Quin and other members of Parliament in the county to approach the Lord Chancellor again with a view of getting a county-court for Barry. This decision was come to in con- sequence of the paragraph in Friday's "Wes.rn Mail" to the effect that it was probable that an indefinite delay might yet take place.—Mr. William Thorn is, the mover of the resolution, pointed out that in the case of Mountain Ash, which was only four miles away from Aber- dare, a county-court had already been estab- lished, whilst Barry was eight miles from Car- diff and was more than double the population of Mountain Ash.

ALL FOR A PENNY. Under a recent Dover bankruptcy notice has just been given of a second and final divided of 15-16ths of Id in the C. A Dover tradesman, whose debt was 25s., has received official inti- mation that if he will call at the office at Canterbury, fifteen miles distant, the sum of Id. due to him will be paid on presenting the lengthy form enclosed, properly filled up, or the amount will be sent by "cheque or postal order if he complies with the necessary require- ments."