Evening Express

COMPLETED STORY. A Most Lucky Man *A lucky dog is Brand!" said young Norwood at the club. "That's the true way to make your fortune—marry it. Best returns for the smallest invest- ment." "This is a bad season," returned his friend. "La5t hundred thousand just engaged. Not much left-yes, Brand is deucedly lucky." Brand was a young artist and poet of refined tastes and agreeable manners, but no money-except what he earned by his brush and pen-and that was little enough. He had the good fortune to meet Miss Virginia Oldham at a social function, who straightway fell in love with him. Miss Oldham was heiress to half a million--hence he was the envy of his friends when he distanced all competitors and won her hand. The silver thread of intimacy that had connected our two third-floor-back rooms when Brand was led in golden bonds of in Thirty-fourtn-street lost its continuity wedlock up Fifth-avenue. So for several months I did not see him. I heard of him, however, as moving in a. distinguished circle, surrounded by every agreeable circumstance that a beautiful, accomplished, and devoted half million could command; in short, he was a favourite of fortune. Imagine my surprise one evening when, after a tap at my chamber door, a figure entered which I could have at once recognised as Brand's ghost had he not grasped my hand with such vigour that I was forced to believe it flesh and blood. "Johnson," said he. "I've come to you for sympathy." "Sympathy for such a lucky dog?" I cried in astonishment. "There it is again! You, too—every- body-everywhere I go dinning it in my ears! It's unendurable!" "Pardon my violence," he said, after a pause. "Y ou,-happy fellow, have never been lucky. You, doubtless, do not know that 'lucky man' is a synonym for 'miserable wretch.' I begged him to explain. "Can a man be happy by becoming a nobody ?" I thought it doubtful. "Can he enjoy life without friends?"' I admitted that he could not. "Can he be otherwise than wretched without love?" I thought of Arabella and said "No." "Then I will relate some of my experience. "The first thing I realised after my 'luck' was that I had lost my identity, and I have never had another in its stead. If any man can dispute my claim to champion featherweight in the social arena, I should like to see him, I have no mission. My muse has deserted me. No longer inspired by board bills, I cannot paint, I cannot write. I would gladly assist in managing my wife's business affairs, but I am no business man, and she is. She has even made large sums by speculating in stocks. Of what uso am I then ? I am an appendage! a household ornament! a pet! "Driven to desperation by these reflec- tions one day, I thought I would make, myself useful by keeping my wife's accounts. I got possession of her books in her absence. The first page was headed, 'Household expenses for October.' I read, Taxes,' so much, 'Servants,' so much, 'Horses,' so much, and so on down the list until near the bottom I came to husband, 200 dollars.' I dashed down the book and rushed out to purchase arsenic, but was deterred from doing so by reading in imagination the item, 'Burial of husband,' so much. "As a matter, of course, in losing my identity, I lost all my old friends. Smith cut me at once; others, by constantly Teminding me of my changed condition, compelled me to cut them. I might have endured all this had I been solaced by love, but what has a matrimonially fortunate man to do with love? I love Virginia, it is true. But somehow her half a million is an impassable barrier between us. She loves me, and manifests it by the kindest treatment. Une morning, shortly after our marriage, I was seated in her boudoir. She was regally beautiful in her simple morning 4ress, and I looked into her eyes ana (experienced an irrepressible gush of tenderness. 1 took her in my arms, telling her of my love, and calling her endearmg names. She seemed touched at this spon- taneous expression of affection, and gave me a heavenly smile and a kiss, and then -presented me with oOO dollars! (Here Brand groaned.) "Since then 1 have been haunted. I have in dreams at night seen Virginia before me, queenly brilliant, adorable, and when I have hastened to embrace her I have found in my grasp only a bundle of bank bub! Then a throng of people have surrounded me exclaiming in chorus 'Uh, most lucky man!; "By day I have been the victim of a Btrange optical illusion. Instead of my wife 1 have seen a fantastic hgure. wicn real diamonds instead of eyes, golden thread for hair, pearls for teeth, and an ample dress composed entirely of crisp bank bills, and displaying a well-nlleu purse. It is the figure of the Half ALilion-my wife's evil destiny and mine. "In society I have heard whispers all ground me, 'Husband of the Half Million -a lucky man.' "This is my last appeal for sympathy, Johnson. A man without sensibilities might thrive under such experiences; I cannot surivive them." Here ended Brand's recital, and I gave him what sympathy I had under such an ordeal and he took his leave. I did not meet him again. It was the season of the great panic. One day I saw the red flag of the auctioneer waving before his door, and heard that he and hi3 wife had left town. "Poor fellow!" everyone called him now. A few months since I received the following letter from him, bearing the California postmark: — "Oh, my dear Johnson, what a happy day when the crash came! You remember I mentioned her speculation in stocks. Well, stocks fell and fell until they brought down her half million. It was a strange, wild exultation I felt when the news came, and Virginia, in an agony of tears and despair, would have fallen to the floor had I not caught her in my arms—the first support I ever gave her. Fearing to shock her by my selfish joy, I laid her tenderly on a sofa and rushed out to enjoy it by myself. Hastening to Wall-street, I jostled my way among the frantic thousands who struggled at the bank entrances. I laughed aloud, waved my hat, and hurrahed. My acquaintances looked at me and said 'Poor fellow, his loss has made him mad!' And I hurrahed again, for they could no longer say I was a lucky man." From that day I was happy, and the .'figure of the Half Million disappeared, My sleep waa tranquil and the acquain- If tances who had thronged our parties became few and distant. My wife 'I became once more her adorable self. "Collecting the little that remained to us we decided to emigrate to California, and begin life anew. I purchased a small farm, and here we had for a time a struggle with poverty, but by Virginia's miraculous housewifery and by my hard labour in the culture of small fruits we managed to live comfortably. "One day as I was digging a ditch I unearthed a monster gold nugget, and further investigation proved me to be the owner of a valuable placer, and prospectively rich. But all the gold in the world would be valueless to me in comparison to the wealth I possess in Virginia. She also rejoices in the loss of the half million, and my hoirfe is a paradise. May I not hope some day to welcome you to it? "I now subscribe myself with exulta- tion, A MOST LUCKY MAN. On finishing this letter I decided to propose to Arabella.

CONEY ISLAND COMICALI- TIES. Coney Island is, and always has been, a huge joke. It is impossible for the average man to take anything seriously that occurs there. Life in that bedlam of seaside resorts runs no opera- bouffe lines. Even the commission of minor crimes and exhibitions of vice at Coney Island fail to attract that serious consideration from the public that they would if located at some other place. Everything "goes" at Coney Island. The men who run Coney Island, who conduct the one hundred and one varieties of places of refreshment and amusement there, know the great public with which they have to deal, and are adepts in schemes and ideas that will lure the holiday crowds and make them spend their dimes and quarters. It is not surprising, there- fore, that visitors to Coney Island just now find an anti-Spanish spirit of the most ferocious sort dominating the place from end to end. The many ways in which this spirit is mani- fested show the ingenuity of the Coney Island "business man." One of these is the substitu- tion of heads of Butcher Weyler for heads of negroes in that rare old catch-penny device known as the African Dodger. This game as originally played consisted of throwing base-1 balls at the head of a live negro, whose head was protected by a very thick wig. Later, to save the wages of the living targets, wooden heads, working on springs and bobbing up and down in quite a natural manner, were sub- stituted. But now the baseballs are all thrown at wooden effigies of Butcher Weyler, which make him look as fierce as an enraged tiger and as cunning as a fox. The public caught on, threw baseballs at Weyler at the rate of three or live cents until the game once more enjoyed its old-time popularity, and now there are more Weylers dodging baseballs on Coney Island than there are frankfurter stands. "There's the Spanish tyrant, gentlemen," shouts the barker. "There is the man who mur- dered thousands of helpless women and children and brought on our war with Spain! Look at him! Notice his ugly head and the cruel leer on his face! He's sneering at you Americans! He's the real thing, the real Weyler! Smash him! Knock his dirty head off! Here are the balls, three for five cents, and you get a cigar l if you soak him!" Men grab at the balls and hurl them with as much earnestness and speed as though they were Ditching in the last innings of a cham- pionship baseball game. The crowds cheer them on and show positive delight when Weyler gets "soaked." In their enthusiasm men forget how many balls they are throwing, but when they get tired and ask how much they owe they are brought back to earth when the attendant softly murmurs: "One more ball and you will owe forty-five cents." But it is an innocent amusement that serves to relieve the system of pent-up patriotism and leaves a man in better shape than if he had spent his money for high- collared beer or doctored whisky. In the concert halls this anti-Spanish spirit is shown to a degree that makes the performances even more stupid than they usually are. The cracked pianos and the wheezy orchestras play little except "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other national airs. The soubrettes nearly all wear dresses made up of American and Cuban flags, and they are singing "Remember the Maine" and "My Brave Sailor Laddie" ir^tead of "My Mother Was a Lady," and "Her Answer It Was Silence." Even in the streets of India they have taken off the royal Indian trappings of the elephants and camels and arrayed them in flags and buntings until they look like mastodonic Uncle Sams. The Nantch dancing girls have discarded their gauzes for flags, although by doing so they are able to reveal less of their charms. The Maharaja of Kwab and the Gobbi of Swatt, two distin- guished East Indian gentlemen who engage twenty times a day in a fierce combat with keen edged, circular bladed swords, are dressed up as a Spanish and a Cuban soldier. Of course, tha Cuban always must put the Spaniard to an untimely death, so in order to even up the honours the Maharaja and the Gobbi, take turns in wearing the uniform of tlie Cuban. The man who runs the steeplechase race-track, upon which wooden steeds of impossible colours perform impossible equine tricks to the delight of their riders, wondered why it was that thre-3 of the most brilliantly painted horses in his stable were in disfavour. They had the in- side track and the best chance of winning in the races that take place about every minute, but somehow the people would not ride on thorn. Hie noticed that his patrons did not show this disfavour until they had glanced at the collars on the horses, on which the names were painted. These names were "Hidalgo," "Santa Anna," and "Cristobel." He caught on in a minute. The same day he re-christened those horses "Dewey," "Hobson," and "Samp- son." Now people are avoiding such thorough- breds as "Maude," "Julia," and "John L. Sulli- van" for them, and the proprietor has made up his mind to re-christen the whole stable with the names of American warships. The proprietor of the Grotto of Glee, far down on the Bowery, stands disconsolate at the door as he watches the crowd pile on board a wondrous structure across the street that is claimed to be a reproduction of the midships section of the battleship Maine. "Come on board, good people, come on board," shouts the barker. "Step up the port gangway here, stay aboard for ten minutes, and you will learn just how the Maine looked before she was blown up by the treacherous Spanish. We'll show you just where and how all the men were sleeping. We'll show you the cabin of Captain Sigsbee, and where brave Bill Anthony was when he calmly told him that he had to report that the ship had been blown up. Come aboard, and get the most convincing proof that you could have that the Maine was blown up by Spanish hands." The people "go aboard," but when they get there even the slight suggestion of a warship which the structure gives from the outside is lost. However, that makes no difference, for expectation and realisation are strangers to one another on Coney Island. The various "scopes" which throw pictures on canvas or show them in strong lights through peek-holes in automatic machines are all exhi- biting war pictures "taken by our special agents at the front." In the rifle galleries effigies of Spanish soldiers and little wooden ships with Spanish names have taken the places of the old targets. Even the proprietors of the bathing pavilions have caught the fever and ordered a lot of bathing suits in red, white, and blue, with the lone star of Cuba on the frent. So it goes. The anti-Spanish craze on Coney Island has only just started. To what extent it will develop before the season is over it is hard to tell, for Coney Island is simply a huge joke and a mighty uncertain place to make predictions about.

EPPS'S COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND COM. FORTING.—" By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a. careful appli- cation of the fine properties of well-selected COCOA. Mr. Epps has provided for our break- fast and supper a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. AVe may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."—" Civil Service Gazette."—Made simply with boiling water or milk.—Sold only in packets and pound tins, by Grocers, labelled—" JAMES EPPS AND CO. (Ltd.). Homoeopathic Chemists. London. Also makers of Epps'3 Coeoaine, or Cocoa-Nib Extract: Tea-like: A thin beverage of full flavour, now with many beneficially taking the place of tea. Its active principle being a. gentle nerve stimulant, supplies the needed energy, without unduly exciting the system. e6396—m.w. A 0

COMICALITIES—ORIGINAL AND OTHERWISE. B.: "Jones is a nice fellow. He said I had a ] voice like a bird." C.: "Yes; he told me you sank like an owl." "We've got to economise," said Mr. Gargoyle to his wife. "Very well, dear," replied the good woman, cheerfully. "You shave yourself and I'll cut your hair." Frank: "D'you know that the blocks from which they print five-pound notes take nearly three months to engrave?" Ella: "Oh,really; I suppose that's why they-re so expensive." An admiral of the Turkish fleet, seasick in a storm, was disturbed by a grating noise. He inquired whence it proceeded, and, on being told it was the rudder of the ship, he desired it might be immediately taken off! Several writers are trying to explain why we have no great novelists. They overlook the main reason. The reason that we haven't them is that they haven't been born. Mrs. Higgins: "What wretched taste that Mrs. Wilkes has!" Mr. Higgins: "Yes; I met her downstairs this a.fternoon, and she was wear- ing that ugly old five-guinea hat you thought you wanted." Miss Passay: "I dread to think of my fortieth birthday." Miss Pert: "Why? Did something unpleasant happen then?" A father in consoling his daughter, who had lost her husband, said: "I don't" wonder you grieve for him, my .child. You will never find his equal." "I don't know as I can," replied the sobbing widow, "but nt do'my best?" A barber was, perhaps, a trifle more talkative than usual, and the customer was scarcely in a good humour. The portly' gentleman had come straight -from the dentist's. In blissful ignorance of this little fact. the knight of the r?zor opened lire..He discussed the weather, foreign politics, the rival barber opposite, and was just explaining his views on the education question when the customer suddenly growled, 'here's that assistant of yours? The one with the red hair." He's left me, sir. We parted last week—oil friendly terms, you know. and all that, but-" "Pity!" growled the portly gentlenan; "I liked that young fellow. There was something about his conversation I thoroughly enjoyed, e was on3 of the most sensible talkers I ever met, and-" You'll excuse me. sir, but thre must be some mistake," gasped the astonished barber; "if you re- member, poor Jim was deaf and dumb!" "Just so! Just so!" was the curt rejoinder; "that's why I liked him. And the barber went on shaving. Chimmie: "Me fader's a sojer, an' he wears a uniform all day!" Billy: "Fergit it! Me fader's a waiter, and he sleeps in a dress suit!" Willis: "Parker's salary was doubled a short time ago, so I hear." Wallace: "Yes, it was; but it got him into lots of trouble." Willis: "How's that?" Wallace: "His wife found it out." "Rook reviewers must have very heavy doctors' bills, I imagine." "Why? Authors are rarely pugilists." "Oh. I don't mean that. But pu. reviewers are always in a critical condition, you know." He: "Dearest, the tyre of my heart has been punctursd by the tacks of your charms. Be mine, and let us ride tandem through life." She: "How sweet and strange! You have scorched your way to my affections, and I can- not back-pedal your attractions. I surrender the handle-bar of my life to your hand3, and am sure you will steer our united lives wisely." Now," said the anxious mother, you do not want to marry that reporter. Think of having it husband who never gets home until two or three o'clock in the morning." "But," replied the shrinking maiden. "aren't all hus- bands like that? Papa is not a reporter, and yet-" But the anxious mother declined to listen. "Doctor, do you treat rich and poor alike?" "No; circumstances alter cases." Little Joe having been invited out to dinner with his mother was commanded not to speak at the table except when he was asked a ques- tion, and he promised to obey the command. At the table no attention was paid to Joe for a long time. He grew very restless, and his mother could see that he was having a hard time to restrain hismelf. By and bye he could stand it no longer. "'Mother!" he called out, "When are they going to begin asking me questions?" The Church Congress was being held in one of the great provincial centres, and amongst t'!} most notable events of the week was to b i included a special sermon by a certain very learned bishop. Previous to the service, how- ever, a reporter, being anxious to get his work well in hand, waited upon the preacher and secured the loan of the sermon. The next morn- ing the reporter was hurriedly passing the bishop, when the latter stopped him. "By the way. what did you think of the service?" asked thij divine. "Well, my lord, I was most unfor- tunately unable to be present," replied the note taker. "Not able to be present?" repeated his lordship, in evident trepidation. "Then how about my sermon? I left a lot of it out." With downcast eyes, clouded with self-reproach, the reporter responded, "Well, my lord, and I so did I!"

A FAITHFUL DOG. Many hundreds of years ago there lived at Athens a. dog whose faithfulness has caused him to be mentioned in history, and in the Grecian city his story is often repeated. This dog guarded one of the heathen temples at Athens. One night a thief stole into the build- ing and carried off some of the most valuable treasures. The dog vainly barked his loudest to frighten the thief and to rouse the keepers, so the man went off with the jewels. But the faithful dog did not mean to lose sioht of the rascal, and all through the night he followed him. By daybreak the poor animal had become very weary, but still he kept the robber in sight. The latter tried to feed him. but the dog refused all food from him, and as he made friends with the passers-by he took it from them instead. Whenever the thief stopped to rest, tha dog remained near him, and soon a report went through the country of the animal's strange behaviour. The keepers of the temple hearing the story went in search of the dog, and they found him. still at the heels of the thief, at a town called Cronyon. The robber was arrested, taken back to Athens, and there punished. The judges were so pleased with the dog's sagacity and faithfulness that they ordered him to be fed every day for the rest of his life at the public expense.

CURIOSITIES OF SHAVING. A volume might be written on the curiosities of shaving. Particularly interesting would be an historical inquiry into the origin of the custom of shaving the head. It was not until the fifth century that in Europe priests began to shave their crowns. The Roman clergy then adopted the circular method, and shaved that small round spot on the top of the head which is known as the tonsure. In Scotland, however, the monks shaved the whole of the fore part of the head from ear to ear. In the Andaman Islands every man shaves his head. or rather gets his wife to shave it for him. Many otacr Orientls also go bald-headed. We used to lo so in the last century, and. by a strange piece of contrariness, we wore artificial wig3 to cover our baldness. As for the Chinaman, his metb'vi of shaving is exactly opposed to that of the Roman monk. He shaves all but a round ,o itch, the hair of which grows long, forms his pig-tail. When the difficulty of shaving the head is borne in mind, the true strangeness of the custom becomes doubly apparent. It is hard to see the advantages of it; yet in one form or other. and at one time o rother, it has been practised in nearly every country.

OUR DAILY CARTOON. Eight Millions More on Our Navy. JOHN BULL: "Yes, Mr. Goschen, I quite approve of your proposals. We must stick to our pplicy of keeping the Navy equal to those of any two Powers, and at the same time let our friend there know that we can build ships as fast as he or anyone else."

< Worth of OQ0n tobe Giveu Bicycles JuO&lU Away. The Proprietors of the Evening Express have determined upon another Great Gift of Bicycles. They will give, as an AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY Present, to the young lady employed at a Hotel or Licensed House Bar in each of the following districts of Wales who obtains the largest number of votea. A STANDARD (1898) Pn- ce, Rudge-Whitworth) Bicycle J £ 20.' Winner to select her own Machine at Com- pany's Depot, 108, St. Mary-street, Cardiff, or have one Built to Order if preferred. CARDIFF. RABERAMAN 1 CENTRAL WARD MOUNTAIN ASH 2 SOUTH WABD PENRHlWCEltfER f CANTON 9 S AiJERCYNON 3 (_ RLVJSKSIDE VNVSYBWL (BOATH LciLFY^YDD 4.2 PARK: (.CATHAYS 10C PONTYPRIDD ( AuAMS DOWN i TKEFORFST 5-) SPLOTT (.GRANGE rTREHERBERT ———— I TBEORKY ,<PENABTH jysTKAD 6lCOGAN J LLWYNYPIA (MKBTHYB 11 PENYGR-Alti- 7-2 DOWLALS | jpoKTH CABEBDABE [ "1BEALAVT LLYNFI I^DINAS (GABW & OGMORE O3 VALLEYS (BARRY BRIDGEND 121 BABBY DOCK ^ABEBAVJN (.CADOXTON 13. ( Auy other Town or District iu Wales other 14. t than the above-nioutiolied. It will be observed that certain wards and towns have been bracketed together for the purpose of this competition. The places thus bracketed will be dealt with as constituting only one constituency, and the bicycle will be awarded to the lady obtaining the greatest number of coupons in that district. In addition to a Bicycle to the lady heading the list in each of the above constituencies. Two Bicycles Will be Given as Consolation Prizes. The disposition of these Consolation Bicycles will be at the absolute discretion of the com- petitor standing next to the highest in each constituency and of all competitors who have obtained over 2,000 coupons. They may be held in turn, priority being decided by ballot, or they may be sold and the proceeds divided, or the absolute ownership of them may be de- cided by lot. The decision will rest entirely with the competitors entitle to a voice in the matter/ who will be asked to reply to certain questions that will be submitted to them. Any coupon bearing a lady's name (not already on the published list up to the day of sending) must be accompanied by the lady's written consent to be entered in the competi- tion. Conditions and Mode of Voting. There wiil appear in the EVENING EXPRESS" each day a Coupon, which must be filled up, cut out. and sent to the Evening Express" Office, marked outside the envelope, Bicycle Competition." Every Coupon will bear the date of issue of the paper in which it appears, and no Coupon will be eligible for registration which is not delivered at this office within seven days of the date of issua. The valid Coupons will be registered, and a The valid Coupons will be registered, and a list of the ladies who stand highest on the poll in each of the places or groups of towns enumerated will be published daily. The last day on which Coupons will be printed will be WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, and Coupons will be received up to Five p.m. on Thursday, July 28. As many Coupons as the friends of the various Candidates choose to send in will be received daily up to the close of the Competition. The Coupon will be found on the left-hand corner ef our second paee. daily up to the close of the Competition. The Coupon will be found on the left-hand corner ef our second paee.

C R IC K E T COMPETITION. ENTRANCE FEE TWOPENCE. f J All the Money for the Best Coupon. To the reader of the "Evening Express" who predicts, or most. nearly predicts, the result of the following cricket matches, to be played during next week, we will award all the Entrance Fees of the Competition. With each Coupon must be enclosed twopence in stamps, and the amount thus obtained will be given to the competitor who sends in the best coupon. CONDITIONS. If the competitor predicts a draw, he must not erase either name. If the competitor predicts a win, he must strike out the name of the losing team. If for any cause a match be abandoned it will be considered a "draw.' Coupons must reach this office by first post on Monday morning, and the winner or winners will he announced in our issue on the following Monday. Competitors must write upon the envelopes ccntaining their coupons, "Cricket Competi- tion." Competitors may send as many coupons as they like, but each coupon must be accom- panied by twopence in stamps. Other conditions as in racing competition. CRICKET SKILL COUPON. (TO BE SENT IN BY MONDAY. AUGUST 1st). SURREY V. NOTTS. (Commencing August 1). KENT V. LANCASHIRE. (Commencing August 1). GLO'STERSHIRE V. SUSSEX. (Commencing August 1). KENT V. NOTTS. (Commencing August 4). GLO'STEBSHIBE V. MIDDLESEX. (Commencing.August 4). —————————————————————————— SURREY V. YORKSHIRE. (Commencing August 4). Name Address N.B.-In consequence of complaints as to the difficulty of predicting the exact scores of various cricket matches, we have decided to simplify the competition, and irt future com- petitors 'ill only be required to predict the name of the winning team or a draw.

A FAIR. BEAUTIFUL SKIN.-Sulpholine Soap gives the natural tint and peach-like bloom of a. perfect complexion, makes the skin smooth, supple. healthy; comfortable. Tablets everywhere. e-l A First Aid towards quickening commercial instincts for the Counting House, or the Market Place, is Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters, a Tonic that is sure to be wanted. In Bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. Avoid Imitations. e4919-1 Wonderful Medicine.—Kernick's Vegetable Pills; cure headache, indigestion, nervous debility. &c.; 7i<L,:ls. 1W-. and 2s. 9d. per box.— Sold everywhar*. m.w.s.

L 4E 50 PRIZEN J Racing Predictions. To the reader who predicts the Wining Horse in each of the Races named in the subjoined Coupon the Proprietors of the "Evening Ex- press" will Award a Prize of £50. If more than one competitor is correct, the money will be divided amongst those who have sent in correct coupons. If no competitor is correct, A CONSOLATION PRIZE OF £10 Will be awarded to the competitor whose pre- dictions are adjudged by the Editor to be nearest to the correct result, or, in the Vevent of a tie, the money will be divided. CONDITIONS. Opposite the name of each Race in tlw Coupon write the name of the horse you select. Place the Coupon in an envelope, bearing the words, "Racing Competition," and addressed to the "Evening Express" Office, Cardiff. Send as many Coupons as you like, but every Coupon must be accompanied by an Entrance Fee of TWOPENCE in Stamps. Sums of One Shilling and upwards may be in postal orders. Write your name and address clearly in the space provided for that purpose on each Cou- pon. Coupons must reach the "Evening Express" Office by the first post NEXT THURSDAY Morning, and the result will be announced the following Monday. The entries for the Races will be found beneath the Coupon. The decision of the Editor must be accepted as absolutely final. No member of the "Evening Express" or "Western Mail" staff will be allowed to com- pete. pete. RACING COUPON. I TO BE SENT IN BY THURSDAY JULY 2S. RACE. TWINNING HORSE. Goodwood Corinthian ~— Plate, on Thurs- day. The Chesterfield Cup, ———— on Friday. The Drayton Handi- cap. on Thursday. The Middlesex High- "——"—————— weight Handicap, on Saturday. The Alexandra Han- dicap, on Satur- day. Name Address The GOODWOOD CORINTHIAN PLATE. One Mile. a st ib a st lb General Peace.. 4 12 10 CaJveley JH 2 Eileen Aigas 5 12 6 Cherry Heart. 3 11 1 Form 6 12 1 Zanoni 3 in it Pinfold 3 12 0 Sacripant 3 10 12 Worsthorne 4 11 8 Palaver 4 10 9 The Tinman a 11 6 Tophet 3 10 7 Grodno 3 11 6 Lackford 3 10 6 8onatina 3 11 5 Little Dorrit. 3 10 6 Lexicon 4 11 3 Bucksfoot 4 10 3 Archduke II. 3 11 3 Buxom Lass 4 10 2 Golden Rule 5 11 3 St. Mallard 3 10 0 The CHESTERFIELD CUP of 300 sovs. a st lb a st lb Jaquemart 4 9 7 St. Lucia 777 K't of Thistle 5 9 4 Maluma 6 7 n Goletta 4 9 2 El Dorado TTT 3613 Dinna Forget. 6 8 13 Messenger 3 6 12 Labrador 5 8 4 Easter Gift IT t a m St. Cloud H. 4 8 2 Calveley 3 g n Clipstone 5 8 2 Orpah 3 g g Chiselhampton 5 7 13 Golden Rule 5 6 9 Teufel 5 7 13 J Needlecase 367 Minstrel 4 7 10 i Rapallo 4 6 4 Lady Ernie 5 7 6 Carhaix 3 g 3 Spook 676 Dancing Wave 4 6 2 P'nce Bc'ldine 5 7 5 Neish 3 6 1 Gazetteer a 7 4 Imbroglio 3 6 0 Phcebus Apollo 5 7 4 Yester-year 3 5 q Chaleureux 4 7 4 Palinurus 3 6 0 The DRAYTON HANDICAP PLATE of 500 sovs The last seven furlongs of the Old Mile. St « st 1h Goletta 4 9 7 Argosy £ s?l l° Dinna Forget 6 8 13 Needlecase 371 Melange 5 8 8 Dubuque 3 7 1 St.dondIL. 4 8 8 The Reeve 3 7 0 Minstrel 4 8 7 Cock Robin. 3 7 0 Fosco 5 8 7 K'g's Mes'nger 3 7 0 Voter 4 8 5 Ameer 3 6 13 Bridegroom 5 8 3 Ind 3 6 12 The Tartar 6 8 1 Yester-Year 3 6 12 Crestfallen 480 Allegro 3 6 12 Wildfowler 3 8 0 Neish 3 6 11 (Remaining Entries tinned in next column.) r North'n F'mer 4 7 13 Lupin 3 6 10 Chasseur 6 7 12 T'nd'r & True 5 6 Sligo 4 7 11 Le Fere 5 6 8 M't Prospect. 4 7 11 Duamia 4 6 7 Brayhead 4 7 8 Addendum 3 6 7 Norah Sandys 5 7 7 Bucksfoot 4 6 7 Rosemerryn 4 7 6 Paladoro 3 6 5 Devil-a-Saint. 3 7 6 Sugar Loaf 3 6 4 Gay Lothair. 3 7 6 Elf 3 6 3 Eldorado HI.. 3 7 6 Escurial 3 6 3 Cyrenian 4 7 5 Fregoli 3 6 2 Archduke H. 3 7 5 Canter 3 6 1 Splendour 6 7 Bobbie 3 6 0 Sati 6 7 4 Queen's Gate. 3 6 0 Bittern 3 7 4 Lady Carlton 3 6 0 Hermiston 3 7 < The MIDDLESEX HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP of 500 sovs. One mile and a furlong. o,. a st lb r a st lb Sligo 4 9 5 Sirenia 3 7 10 Gazetteer a. 9 3 Pungent 4 7 10 Tenfel 5 9 3 Orange Lily 5 7 9 P'ce B'caldiue 5 9 1 Beverini 3 7 8 Acirena a 9 0 Cardonald 6 7 7 Eileen Aigas. 5 8 10 Bonny W'field 3 7 6 Brayhead 4 8 9 M'getofB som 6 7 5 Lady Ernie. 5 8 7 Give it Up a 7 4 Maluma 6: 8 7 Isis Belle 3 7 4 St. Fort 4 8 6 Bouncing Lad 3 7 2 David II 4 8 5 Coylton 5 7 0 Form 683 Malachi 4 6 10 Roughside 5 8 2 Chubb 3 6 9 Grodno 381 c'borne Chase 3 6 7 L'st of the Q'ns 5 7 13 Cloon 5 6 7 Lexicon 4 7 11 The ALEXANDRA HANDICAP of 200 sovs. Five furlongs. at lb 1 st Ib Ugly 6 10 3 Woodbury 3 7 3 Canonbury 4 8 13 Morland 4 7 2 Bewitchment. 4 7 11 Isis Belle 3 7 2 Othery 5 8 10 Titare 4 7 2 Lady Atihel 4 7 11 Chapeltown 6 7 2 Lo Ben 5 7 10 Rosey O'More 3 7 1 Villager 5 7 10 King Tartar. 5 7 1 Compton Miss 6 7 10 Ld Molescroft 5 7 0 Dargas 6 7 9 Harrogate. 5 7 0 Rodbourne 5 7 9 Potboy 6 7 0 Dielytra 378 Air Gun 3 6 11 Terror 4 7 7 Lady-fisher 3 6 11 Mincio 4 7 6 Sketch 4 6 10 High Chanc'or 4 7 6 Auto-car 3 6 8 Bicorn:ger 3 7 6 Cock-a-hoop 3 6 8 Canadense 3 7 5 Cruiskeen 3 6 8 Holt Castle 4 7 5 Astern 4 6 7 Sardine 4 7 4 Sum Total 3 6 7 Monks Eleigh 573 1

OUR FREE GIFT OF BOOKS TO EVERY READER OF THE "EVENING EXPRESS." We are presenting gratis to every regular reader of the "Evening Express" one of the following high-class, cloth-bound, and gold- lettered standard works of English literature: Shakspeare's Complete Plays and Sonnets; "Vanity Fair," by Thackeray; "The Caxtons," by Lord Lytton; "Ernest Maltravers," by Lord Lytton; "Alice, or the Mysteries." by Lord Lytton; "Ivanhoe," by Sir Walter Scott; "The Scarlet Letter," by Hawthorne; "Mary Bar- ton," by Mrs. Gaskell; "Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers." by Aytoun; "Jane Eyre," by Char- lotte Bronte. The books will bo given away at the rate of 24 every day until every reader has received one. Upon the top of the Second Page of the "Evening Express" each day will be found a number, printed in violet ink, which number will be different in every paper that is printed. Keep this number till the following day, and see if it is given in the list printed below. If your number is given, %ake it to either of our offices at Swansea, Newport, Merthyr, or Cardiff, and you will receive either of the above books. If you cannot con- veniently call, tear off the purple number and send it to the "Evening Express" Office, Cardiff, with your name and address and twopence towards the cost of postage, and the book chosen by you will be forwarded to your address. No person is entitled to a second book, even though he be the holder of a selected number, until every reader has received a book. Purchasers of SATURDAY'S Evening Exrress" Bearing tne Following Numbers Printed in Violet Ink on the Top Left-hand Coiner of Page 2 are Entitled to a Book:— 985070 985138 990844 990909 994494 994832 995376 995950 996142 000023 000333 000900 001274 001583 002644 004733 005278 005550 006543 007152 010666 011110 011654 012538 013333 013764 014668 015726 016166 016666

The Little English Liver Tonic.—Kernick'a Vegetable Pills; dose, one small pill; 7id., Is. l§d' and 2s. 9d. per box.—Of all Stores.

FOR BOYS AND GIRLS ONLY. The Evening Express Boys' and Girls Club (established March 21. 1898) is formed for the purpose'of promoting principles of kindness amongst young people, and for > the mutual interest and instruction of its t members. Boys and Girls, wherever resident, are eligible for membership, provided their age does not exceed sixteen years. Intending Members must fill up the sub- l joined Coupon, and forward it to Uncle Joe, Evening Express." Cardiff. Their names and addresses will be published, and each new Member is entitled to a beautifully designed Certificate. Cardiff Members must call for their Certificates at the Express Offices. St. Mary-street. Other members must forward one penny stamp for postage. The Club has now 2,086 Members. Uncle Joe is always pleased to hear from his Club Members on any matter of interest, whether relating to school or recreation, and he invites questions and answers. Only Club Members are eligible to compete for the Prizes given in this column, with the exception of the Painting Competition. Children writing to Uncle Joe must always add to their names their official number aa Members of the Club. I desire to be enrolled a member of the "Evening Express" Boys' and Girls' Club, and I hereby promise That I will always be obedient to my parents, and kind to the aged and infirm. Thai. I will try and help less fortunate children. That I will be kind to animals. That I will try and do something every day to make things happy for those around me. F all Name .I. Age Address Proposed by [Write very plainly in ink.J

THIS WEEK'S COMPETITION. Half-a-crown to the member under nine years old who sends in by next Monday the longest list of new members. Mind, put in your envelope your name, Club number, and age. Half-a-crown to any member who sends Uncle Joe the nicest bunch of wild flowers; a book for the second best bunch. The names of the flowers should be given where known. Give your name, address, and Club number.

LETTEB-BOX. 8, Cumnock-place, Moors, Cardiff, July 12. Dear Uncle Joe,-I am delighted to see that you have made me a member of your Club, and I promise to faithfully keep all the rules. My sister was very pleased with the book, and is surprised that you can issue such a splendid book for the money. I will call for my certifi- cate in a few days. I have got a white rabbit at home and two kittens, and they are so tame and such good friends that they play about the yard together all day. I must now finish, with best wishes for future success.—Your faithfully, FRANK JONES. 12. Ivor-street, Cardiff, July 15. Dear Uncle Joe,—Just a few lines to let you know I am a member of your Boys' and Girls' Club. I am just going to send a little verse to you.-From yours faithfully. DANIEL THOMAS. The boy stood on the burning deck. The conductor rang the bell, The cargo went down to Grangetown, The boy went out to fight for America. July 16. Dear Uncle Joe,—I have a story, and a sad one. I saw this out in Mill-lane the other night. I saw a man beating a horse in a cab, so I told him not to use the whip, but he only turned round and laughed at me, but I hope I will not see that occur again by a cabman or any driver of any horse and cart.-Yours truly, GLADYS CHAMBERLAIN (Aged 10). (There are a great many cruel men in Car- diff. Gladys, and Uncle Joe would be glad to see the police far more severe on cruelty to animals—especially horses and donkeys—than they are. You were a good girl to speak to that cruel man, and I should like to see more of my Boys and Girls following your example.] Dear Uncle Joe,—I have much pleasure in writing to you. I hope you are quite well since I wrote to you last. I am so pleased with your certificate that I think no member would think for one moment that they are not good. If they did they would be no judge of certificates of any kind. I think it is cruel and wicked that when all of the water is out of the canal the bOYl; go catching fish and kill them. Is it. Dear Uncle. I have nothing more to say at present.—Yours truly, MAUD ETHEL CHAMBERLAIN (Aged 9). [No doubt those are boys who are not clever enough to catch the fish when the water is in.]

Fairy Gifts. Two babes within a cradle lay, A fairy hovered o'er, And in a fairy's usual way Gave them the gifts she bore. On one, a strong, imperious child, Rare Talent she bestowed. While on the other, sweet and mild, The seal of Genius glowed. The infants when to boyhood grown Together went to school; There Talent always held his own, While Genius was the fool. Genius sat and thought for hours, By wondrous fancies led— Talent brought the teacher flowers,, And apples large and red. And now behold in men's affairs, The two at middle age, Engrossed with carking business cares, We see them both engage. While Genius, in a hall-room rear. Writes odes he cannot sell, Wise Talent manufactures beer, And owns a grand hotel. Oh. fairy, if again you drift To earth, and charms you bear, I ask of you a precious gift- If I should have an heir. Not Genius, for to me, somehow, It doesn't seem the best; Print Talent on his baby Jrow, And he will do the rest!

NEW MEMBERS. Girls. 2.084.—Brooke, Alice, 18, Bridge-street, Cardiff. 2.085.—Coombes, Mary, 12, Davis-street, Cardiff. 2.086.-Cotter. Kate, 23, Buzzard-street, Cardiff. 2 087.—Cox, Eliza. Windsor-road, Cardiff. 2.088.-Coopey, Lily, Sandon-place, Cardiff. 2.089.—Gullege, Louisa, Buzzard-street, Cardiff. 2.090.—Harford, Alice, Buzzard-street. Cardiff. 2.091.-Hooley. Nellie, Davis-street, Cardiff. 2.092.—Harford, Eliza, Buzzard-street, Cardiff. 2.093.—Hawkins, Irene (9). f 2.094.-Isaac, Owen, Eisteddfod-street, Cardiff. 2 095.—Madder, Lizzie, Buzzard-street, Cardiff. 2.096.—Martin, Louisa, Buzzard-street. 2.097.—iviiller, Mary, Buzzard-street. 2,098.-Martin, Emily, Buzzard-street, Cardiff. 2.099.—O'Rourke, Teresa (11), David-stret, Cardiff. 2.100.—O'Rourke, Margaret (9), David-street, Cff. 2.101.—O'Brien,- Norah, Buzzard-street, Cardiff. 2.102.-Pearce; Maggie May (11), Frederick-street. 2.103.—Eegan, Maggie, Cathays-terrace, Cardiff. 2.104.-Sheehan. Mary Ellen (9), David-st., Cdff. 2.105.—Torrington, Ethel, Frederick-street. Cdff. 2.106.—Walsh, Norah (9), Little Frederick-st., Cff. 2.107.-Wilby, Elena, Buzzard-street, Cardiff. 2.108.—War ran, Nellie, Eisteddfod-street, Cardiff. 2,109.-Warren, Mary, Eisteddfod-street, Cardiff. 2.110.—Warren, Annie, Eisteddfod-street, Cardiff. Boys. 2.111.—Aherne, David (8), Garth-street, Cardiff. 2.112.—Baker, Ben (8), Loudoun-square, Cardiff. 2,113.-Bendcn. Harry (7), Stoughton-st., Cardiff. 2.114.-Brooke. Richard J. (6). Bridge-st., Cdff. 2.115.-Crees. Charlie M. (10), Elm-st., Ferndale. 2,116.-Coombè. A., Davis-street, Cardiff. 2,117.-Cbere, Richard, Millicent-street, Cardiff. 2,118.-Coopley, Fred, Sandon-place, Cardiff. 2,119.-Colbel't, M., Sandon-place, Cardiff. I 2,120.—Davies, A. (10), Crichton-place, Cardiff. 2,121.-Davies, H., George-street, Cardiff. 2,122.-Evans, T., George-street, Cardiff. 2,123.-Francis, H. V. (11), Tudor-road, Cardiff. 2,124.-Hurley, Tim (11), Sandon-plaoe, Cardiff. 2.125.-Hart, A., Ruperra-street, Cardiff. 2.126.—Harden, Arthur (10), Sandon-street, Cdff. 2.127.—Isaac, Tom, Eisteddfod-street, Cardiff. 2,128.-Hurley, Con (12), Sandon-place, Cardiff. 2.129.—Hillier, W., 37, Edward-street, Cardiff. 2.130.-Hendricksen, Charlie (12), Adam-st., Cdff. 2.131.-Irish, W., Stuart-street, Cardiff. 2,132.-Jones, Ellis E. (13), Bute-terrace, Cardiff. 2.133.-J ones, Edwin, Buzzard-street, Cardiff. 2.134.—John, Thomas, Bute-street, Cardiff. 2.135.—Keefe, Thomas (10), Sandon-place, Cardiff. 2,136.-Karagiani.3, Erackley (9), Bute-st., Cdff. 2.137.—Martin, Frederick, 9, Daisy-street, Cdff. 2.138.—Morgan, C.. (7), Crichton-street, Cardiff. 2,139.-Perkins, Peter (13), Tredegar-street, Cdff. 2.140.—Pearce, E., (9), Little Frederick-st., Cdff. 2.141.—Pethick, Abel, Eisteddfod-st., Cardiff. 2.142.—Pet,hick, John, Eisteddfod-street, Cardiff. 2,143.-Rees, S., Havelock-street, Cardiff. 2,144.-Sparkes, Harold (11), Bute-street, Cardiff. 2,145.-Sterling, Chas. (12), Craddock-st., Cardiff. 2.146.—Sterling, Thos., Craddock-street, Cardiff. 2,147.-Thomas. William (12), Sandon-pce., Cdff. 2.148.-Viney, Louis (10). Davis-street, Cardiff. 2.149.-Wilby, William (13), Tredegar-street, Cdff. 2,150.-Wheele, Alfred, Angelina-street, Cardiff.

"PETER'S PARADISE." "Peter's Paradise" is a beautiful coloured pic- ture-book, published at Is. 6d., but which the proprietors of the "Evening Express" are offer- ing to Uncle Joe's Boys and Girls at the ridi- culously small sum of 2d. per copy. "Peter's Paradise" is a description in picture and verse of the Crystal Palace, and Uncle Joe assures his Nephews and Nieces that they are never likely to pick up a prettier book at so small a price. If you are a Cardiff member, and want "Peter's Paradise." you must bring to the "Evening Express" Office twopence and your Club certificate. The certificate is to let the clerk at the counter know you are a bona-fide member of the Club. Don't be afraid. He will not keep the certificate. You will be able to take it home again, and with it this beauti- ful book, "Peter's Paradise." Distant members must send threepence extra for postage of the book. Non-members must pay threepence if they

EiMBAMIASSING POLITE NESS. The "Referee" of India gives the following specimen of the politeness of editors of Chinese newspapers. Most men who write to any great extent for the press, it remarks, have had some of their contributions returned as "unsuitable to our columns," or declined, with or without thanks, as the case may be. But it has fallen tJ the lot of very few would-be contributors to receive a letter from the editor, along with their rejected manuscript, couched in anytime like the following terms:—"Illustrious lirothen of the Sun and Moon.—Behold thy servant pros- trate before thy feet. I kowtow to thee, and beg that of thy graciousness thou mayest i,-rant that I may speak and live. Thy honoured I manuscript has deigned to cast the light of its august countenance upon us. With raptures we nave perused it. By the bones of my ancestors, never have I encountered such lofty thought! With fear and trembling I return the writing. Were I to publish the treasure you send me the Emperor would order that it should be made the standard, and that none be published except such as equalled it. Knowing literature as I do, and that it would be impossible in ten thousand years to equal what you have done, I send your writing back. Ten thousand times I crave your pardon. Behold my head ia at your feet. Do what you will.—Your servant's servant, The Editor."

THE QUEEN'S BREAKFAST SERVICE. Of course there are cups and flagons and shields and fountains and vases and many other pieces of great beauty m this royal collection of plate, but more interesting than these are the articles which her Majesty he s in actual use. There is, for instance, the "exquisitely plain and n'at little breakfast service which is in every-day use by her Majesty. It is of modern make and curious design, the tea and coffee pots, &c., being somewhat squat in shape, and perfectly plain, with the exception of a narrow band cf burnished gold repousse work surround- the upper part of each vessel. The egg-stand, which (for the information of the curious) holds some eight eggs, is rather more ornate in style, each egg-cup being surrounded by a band of gold c rnament." The plate, it appears, is con- veyed from one Royal residence to the other in specially built pair-horse metal-lined vans, which are placed on railway trucks, and thus travel about between Windsor and London, or Osborne, or Balmoral, or wherever the Queen happens to sojourn.

THE PARENTAGE OF WOMEN WRITERS. The death of Mrs. Lynn Linton calls atten- tion to the circumstance that many of the most famous women novelists come of a clerical stock. Jane Austen was the daughter of a Hampshire rector, the Brontes were the daughters of the Vicar of Haworth, Olive Schreiner is the daughter of a South African missionary, and Mrs. Humphry Ward is the grand-daughter of the Rev. Thomas Arnold, the famous headmaster of Rugby.

THE QUEEN'S PLATE CHEST. We all know—at least from hearsay—that the gold and silver plate at Buckingham Palace, which is occasionally sent to town from Windsor, makes a fine sight at the State entertainments. At the same time it is sur- prising to read, in the interesting article with which the August number of the "Pall Mall Magazine" opens, that "between four and five tons of plate are frequently sent to London for ordinary use at an entertainment at Bucking- ham Palace." But, seeing that the Queen's plate is valued at about one and a half millions sterling, it is not to be wondered at that the contents of the two plate pantries at Windsor are weighed by the ton.

SIX NEW AND CONCLUSIVE REASONS for using Horlick's Malted Milk as a diet for chil- dren and mvalids. Because it is not only the best food for children, but a wholesome bever- age for adults, especially of weak digestion. Because it is most valuable in debility, follow- ing influenza, marasmus, Ac. Because it is good for all chronic invalids. Because young and old like it. Because it is invaluable for invalids when travelling. Because it is good even its dry state, and is a handy substitute for fresh milk in tea. No cooking or added milk lequired. Cf all chemists. Price 1s. (d., 2s td., and 11s. Free sample on application to HGrlick and Co., 34, Farringdon-road, Lon- don. E.C. Send for "Freddy's Diary," poot freo. L15225 It is said there are no two things alike in the world, and certainly there is no such Strength- reviver as Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters. In Bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. Avoid Imitations. —3 Take Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters if you suffer from Weakness, Nervousness. Indi- gestion, Low Spirits, or Sleeplessness. In Bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. Avoid Imitations. -4 TO DARKEN GREY HAHt.-Lockyer's Sul- phur Hair; Restorer is the quickest, best. safest, costs less, effects more than any other. Thb colour produced is the most natural. Lockyer's Sulphur is the only English Hair Restorer. Universally Relied on. e—2 The Best Remedy of The Age. Gwilym Evans' I Quinine Bitters. In Bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. Beware of Imitations. See the name of "Gwilym Evans" on Label, Stamp, and Bottle. e4919—5 PEPPER'S QUININE AND IRON TONIC, embracing, vivifying, sustaining, dispels depression, cures indigestion, neuralgia, and I all aches or pains. Pepper's, the only real tonic. Shilling bottle e—6 í

Our Bank Holiday Bikes CLOSING DATE. Competitors will please not 3 that the last day on which Coupons will be printed will be WEDNESDAY, JULY 27. No Coupons received after FIVE p.m. on THURSDAY, JULY 28, will be taken into account. Competitor* sending in by post must make sure that delivery will be made at Cardiff before that hour.

THE LAST WEEK OF THE ( COMPETITION. The last day on which coupons will be issued is Wednesday next, and. as already announced, m coupons will be received after five p.m. on Thursday next. Our fair competitors and their friends must, therefore, take note that if they wish one of Rudge Whitworth's splendid steeds they must be up and doing. The young ladies who at present figure in our thousand list must make an effort to get amongst those who have sent in over 2,000 and upwards, so that they maY have a chance of taking part in the draw for the consolation prizes. A huge van load oi coupons was received by Monday ornig's post, so it behoves that competitors who are not at present at the top of the list, and also the runners-up, to urge their friends to help them to keep their positions. Central Ward, Cardiff. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss Ford, Glove and Shears Hotel.12,393 .12,393 Miss Child, Duke of Wellington Hotelll,166 .11,372 Miss M. Evans, Park Hotel 1,706 1,706 Miss fcelwood, Pembroke Castle Hotel 761 761 Miss A. Edwards, Grand Hotel 426 426 Miss Stephens, Golden Cross Hotel. 242 24^ Miss E. Ham, Old Arcade Hotel 206 206 South Ward, Cardiff. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss John, West Dock Hotel 5,488 5,603 Miss R. Chase, Exchange Restaurant. 1,758 1,753 Miss C. Harris, Hope and Anchor 1,095 1,136 Miss Maud Gilmore, Packet Hotel 373. 373 Canton and Riverside. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss B. Walters, Corporation Hotel. 3,658 3,879 Miss Og-deu, Albion Hotel. 2,393 2,603 Miss A. Gulliver, Crown I1111 1,932 1,933 Miss Day man,Corporation Hotel 1,269 1,269 Miss Thomas, Coldstream Hotel 909 909 Miss G.Da vies, Robin Hood H'l,Canton 391. 391 Miss M. Hedges, Wells Hotel :205. aJ5 Roath, Park, and Cathays. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss Clayton, Roatli Castle Hotel 7,072 7,18* Miss Paynter, Woodville Hotel 3,208 3,524 Miss Andrews, Alexandra Hotel 2,152 2,218 Adamsdown, Splott, and Grangreto\rn« (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat- Miss Donovan, Green Fields of Erin.22,983 .23,283 Miss B. G. Jon es, Rhymney Hotel .14,122 .14,122 Miss M. Benw ell,Forge I1111, Grange.3,201 3,201 Miss Bullock, Lord Wimbornc Hotel 2,178 2,178 Miss femith, E agle Hotel, Adamsdown 611 6'1 MiosHewings, Grange Hotel 101 101 Penarth and Cogan. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss A. Clarke,Windsor Hotel 8,505 gois Miss M. Morgan, Albion Hotel 4,620 4,693 Merthyr, Dowlais, and Aberdare. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss Thomas, Plym'thArms, Merthyr 4,924 4,92' Miss Williams, Bird-in-Haud, Mertliyr 4,028 4,171 Miss Mayberry,Cowb'ge Htl., Aberd're 2,015 2,015 Iilynfi, Garw, and Ogrmore. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss Morris, Blaengarw Hotel, Bl'garw 7,198 7,204 Miss Harding, Joiners'Arms, Bridgend 3,688 3,688 Miss Jones, Three Horse Shoes, M'teg 1,515 l,59l Miss Jones, Wyiidham Htl., Nantymoel 527. 527 Miss C. Richards.Britannia H'l,P'coed 270. 368 Pontypridd and Treforest. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. gat. Miss Thomas, Sportsman,Pontypridd. 5,319 5,755 MissStaumiry, Halt Moon,Pontypridd 4,932 4,932 Miss K. Jones, New Inn, Pontypridd.. 1,167 1,161 Aberavon, Mountain Ash, Etc. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss Games, Junction Htl., Abercynon 2,742 2,742 Miss Davies, Junction H'l, A'cynon 390 390 Treherbert, Treorky, etc. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss Davies, Imperial Hotel,Porth 11,107 .11,157 Miss S. Thomas, Royal H'l, Llwyn'pia 7,302 7,510 Miss Davies, Cross Keys, Llwynypia. 4.223 4,223 Miss Webb, Griffiu Htl. ,Pentre Ystrad 2,805 2,805 Miss Jenkins, Fengelly Hotel, Treorky 565 *565 MissA. Evans, Ynyscynon H'l, T'alaw 365 365 Darry and Cadoxton. (ONE BICYCLE.) Fri. Sat. Miss Paradice. Windsor Hotel 2,296 2,343 Any Other Town or District. (TWO BICYCLES). Fri. Sat. MissThomas, Commercial Htl, F'dide 4,766 4,891 Miss Knowles, Porthcawl Hotel 4.410 4,431 Miss E. A. Davies, Railway H'l, L'daff. 3,550 3,897 Miss Burke,Fox and Hounds, Penllyae 2,068 2,268 Miss Williams, Greyhound, lanelly 2,057 2,074 Miss Keudrick, Porthcawl Hotel 1,134 1,134 Miss Moorcraft, Penrhvs H'l, Ty'town 781 781 Miss Williams, Du k e of Weiin'tou.s'se& 369. 369 Miss Williams, Bear Inn. Llantrisant. 268 268 OUR CONSOLATION BIKES. The following is a list of the young ladies who, as the list stands at present, will be entitled to compete for the two consolation bicycles which we have promised to place at the disposal of the runners-up and the competitors with 2,000 or more coupons placed to their credit:- RUNNERS-UP. Miss Child 11,372 Miss Williams 4,171 Miss R. Chase 1,758 Miss Harding 3*688 Miss Ogden 2,603 Miss Staubury 4*932 Miss Paynter 3,524 Miss Davies '590 Is Miss B. G. Joues. 14,122 j Miss 8. Thomas 7,510 Miss M. Morgan. 4,693 MissE.A.Davies. 3,897 WINNERS OF THE TWO THOUSAND. Miss Andrews 2,218 I Miss Bullock 2,178 MissM. Benwell. 3^201 Miss Webb 2,805 Miss Davies 4,223 Miss Burke 2,268 Miss Mayberry 2,015 j Miss Williams 2,074 The runners-up may possibly become the actual recipients of the bicycles. providing they increas3 their coupons by a sufficient number, and -t is more than probabie that the holders of 2.00-3 or more coupons will also te largely added to. because many of the com- petitors have at preseut got within a very few o"' the required number. The following is the list of ladies who have secured 1,000 Coupons or more. some of whom are morally certain to increase their number so as to secure a place amongst the claimants for the Consolation Bikes:— Miss M. Evans, Park Hotel (1,706). Miss A. Gulliver, Crown Inu (1,932). Miss Joues, Three Horse Shoes, Maesteg (1,591). Miss 1\ Jones, New Inn, Pontypridd (1,167). Miss Dayman (1,269). Miss Kendrick (1,134). MissC. Harris (1,136).

A SPOTLESS COMPLEXION. — Sulpholine Lotion clears off all imperfections in a few days. Pimples. Roughness. Tan. Uncomfortabie Skin Disfigurements entirely fade away, leaving a beautiful skin. Shilling Bottles of Sulpholina everywhere. e-4 IMPORTANT TO MARRIED LADIES.—SEND Stamped Addressed Envelope for moat valuable Particulars and Testimonials (which are guaranteed genuine under a penalty of £ 1,000).— Beware of imitators.—A. D ASM AIL, Box 387, Langdale, Walthamstow, London. Established haJl a century. e6965 printed oy tne Proprietors, Western Maü Limited, and publirottd by them at their offices, St. Mary-street Cardiff; at their ofticas. Castle Bailey-street, Swansea; at the shop of Mrs. Wesley Williams. Bridgend-all in the County of Glamorgan; at the "Western Mail" Offices, Kiwport; at the shop of Mr. J. P. Caffrey. Monmouth, both in the County of Monmouth: and at the shoe of Mr. D. Davies, Uanelly. in the Counts of Carmarthea. MONDAY. JULY 25, 189a.

want the book. and sixpence if they want it by post. No member of the Club can have "Peter's Paradise" for twopence without pro ducing his or her certificate.