Evening Express

[CONTINUED FROM SECOND PAGE.] eyes, and snored faintly, after the manner of men who have sustained injury to the brain. His head was in a pool of blood. A cat, which had apparently slept under the bed, was dis- turbed by the commotion, and came out, walk- ing directly through the dark blood-pool, and over the body of the man, .and leaving the prints of its blood-stained feet across the floor to the door and down the staircase. One of the women fainted at the sight of the dying Victim and the murderer, and was conveyed from the room. Another woman was of quite n different turn of mind. She stood taking in Bvery detail of the horrible scene. At one part of the bed, against which the man's head 'had brnshed as he fell to the ground, a thick eplash of blood was slowly streaking the valance as it trickled down. The woman stooped, and with her hand stroked down the valance, scraping the thick blood down to the floor. Folk in Eisteddfod-street took the tragedy unconcernedly, and few expressed any sym- pathy with the murdered woman, regarding the event more as a nuisance to the street than as the pitiful ending of two human lives. In the man's case the bullet had apparently entered just above the upper lip and below the nose. It had made a small hole, which his moustache almost hid, and had emerged again at the left temple. Interview with the Keeper of the House. The house, No. 9, Eisteddfod-street, is kept by a Mrs. Pen-lltclc, n, widow with two childran. In conversation with one of our reporters, Mrs. Pethick, who was naturally greatly upset by the occurrence, said:—"I have kept this house for several years, and I lately have let a couple of rooms to Mrs. Townsend, who I have known for some time. I did not know the deceased, and, as far is I can remember, I had not seBr. her until yesterday evening, when she called at my house about eight o'clock with her hus- band. The woman asked for Mrs. Townsend, who was at the time upstairs, and I called her down. The three remained together some time, and the deceased and her husband then left, and I saw nothing more of them until eleven o'clock or so, when Mrs. Townsend told me that she had agreed to let them have her bedroom, and that she herself would sleep on the couch. Of course, I offered no objection, and shortly afterwards went to bed myself. This morning I got up at my usual time, and the deceased and her husband were etill in bed. Mrs. Townsend was downstairs. I had break- fast, and proceeded to do some sewing. About ten o'clock Mrs. Townsend went out, saying that she wae going to get something for her friends' breakfasts. She also said that Mr. and Mrs. Slade were still upstairs, but would be down by the time she returned. I continued doing my sewing, but shortly before twelve I was startled by hearing two shots. They were fired in quick succession. I was frightened-, and ran out to tell my rext-dc-or neighbour, Mrs. Gelguerra. Neither of us, however, had the courage to go upstairs, but whilst we were speculating as to what we should do I saw a constable pa/ss by the Great Western Railway Station, and a little girl, named Mary Warren ran down Tudor-road and up Sanders-road, until she met the officer. Shortly afterwards the police-constable arrived at the house, and went up to the bedroom. The doctor was then sent for." Did you hear any quarrelling during ttte night?" "Nothing at all. I was awake early myself, but I heard nothing." "How did they seem last night?" "They appeared to be friendly, and were cer- tainly not quarrelling." "Was either of them in drink at all?" "The man had had something to drink, but did not appear to be the worse for liquor. But I did not see enough of him or his wife to judge. I only just saw them." "Did Mrs. Townsend tell you anything about the couple?" "No. Directly the tragedy occurred I sent my little girl to search for her, and when she arrived she appeared to be greatly shocked." ''Has she said anything to you since?" "No. We have been too much upset to tj/y anything.f What Mrs, Townsend Says. Mrs. Townsend, although a widow, is quite a young woman. She has jet black hair and eyes, and on Saturday morning was attired in black. Interviewed by one of our men, she readily offered to give any information she could, but was in such an agitated condition that it was only with the greatest difficulty that the could be induced to teil a consecutive story. I have known the deceased," she explained, "for a number of years. When a girl she lived at Bristol. She worked in a shoe factory in that city, and I believe her maiden name was Patch. but of this I am not sure. She first of all married an ironmonger in Bristol, and lived there for some time. She afterwards came to Cardiff, and when I first knew her she was living in Ethel-street, at Canton. I then knew her as Mrs. Maud Williams, but whether this was her proper name or not I cannot say. She got to know Mr. Slade. and about eighteen months ago she married him. They were then living in Canton. Shortly after that I left the tc wn, and when I returned some months ago I learned that the deceased had sold up her heme—and she had a nice little home, too— and, with her husband, had gone up to London. I saw no more of her until last night, when she and her husband came to this house a.bout eight in tbeerening, His. Slade told me I that they were hard up, and had nowhere to sdeep, and I consented to let her have my bed for the night. She also said she was going to the Empire with her husband, and they left here about nine o'clock, apparently with the intention of doing so. This was the first 1 time I had met the husband. About eleven o'clock the couple returned to the house, and went to bed." "Did they say where they had been?" "No, but I understood that they had been to the Empire." '"They did not speak of the performance at aill?" "No." "Had they been drinking?" "No. At least the man had had a, drop of drink, but was not the worse." "Did he appear excited at all?" "No." "Well, what happened?" "They went to bed, and I went to sleep on the couch." "Did you hear them talking loudly, as if quarrelling?" "No, I heard no noise whatever." "Did you hear them this morning?" "No. About ten o'clock I went out to get something fo rtheir breakfasts. I was gone some little time, and when I was returning along St. Mary-street I was met by Mrs. Pethic's little girl, who said that shots had been fired in the house, and she thought some one had been murdered. I hurried to the house, but before I got there the policeman had arrived. Shortly after- wards I learned that the woman was dead." "Have you ever heard the deceased say that her husband had threatened to kill her?" "No, never. "Has she ever complained of him beating her?" "No." "Did she appear to be happy?" "She had told me that her husband was 'jealous of her.' "Was he of a jealous disposition?" "I cannot say. I did not know him until last night." "What was he when she married him?" "He was a carpenter, and employed in Cardiff." "Where?" "I don't know." "Has he any relatives in the town?" "He has a sister, but I don't know where she lives." "When did the deceased come to Cardiff," "About a week ago, I think. She has been staying with some friends in Roath." "Who are they?" "I don't know." "Didn't you see her all the week?" "No, not until last night." "Why did she leave her husband in London "I don't know. I suppose they had a couple of words, and she came back." "Did she say she would never see him again?" "She said he would be sure to follow her." "Did she appear to be afraid of him doing so?" "No." The Policeman's Story. The officer whom Mrs. Pethic saw walking along the Great Western approach was Police- constable Davies (8.) "It was twenty minutes to tweelve," he told our reporter. "When I was /told by the little girl, Mary Warren, what had occurred, I hurried to 9, Eisteddfod-street, Mrs. Pethic was outside talking to a neighbour. She told me she had heard shots fired upstairs. I immediately went up to the beroom. I saw on his right side. He was bleeding from the mouth and a wound on the forehead. The woman was lying on the bed on her left side. She had a wound in the temple, and her brains were protruding. I at once sent for a doctor. I sent for several in fact. Dr. Mullens was the first to arrive. He attended to the woman, but, as you know, she died a few minutes ago. Her body has been taken to the mortuary. The man is at the infirmary. Close by the man's feet we found a revolver. Upon examin- ing it we discovered that it was a six chambered weapon. There were five empty cartridges, and one loaded one. Two cartridges had been recently fired." Slade's Condition, Upon inquiring at the Cardiff Infirmary at twenty minutes to three this afternoon, we were told that an operation was just then being performed on the man Slade, with the object of extracting the bullet. His condition was described a3 most critical. Police Officers on the Spot, (Soon after the tragedy was committed Superintendent Hayward, Detectives Rankin and Stevens, and one or two police-constables arrived at the house, and, together with Dr. Mullens and Police-constable Davies (8), the latter of whom was the first to be called, superintended the removal of the bodies. MURDER THE MURDERER DEAD. Slade died at the infirmary at ten minutes to three on Saturday afternoon. Letters Found Upon Slade. The police found some letters in the posses- sion of the alleged murderer, but they are very reticent in regard to their contents. Some, they say, are testimonials of character, but there are others, and they refuse at present to say whether they throw any light upon the crime or supply a motive for it. Description of the Room. One of the first to enter the room after the shots were fired states that it was fairly clean and well furnished. There are two win- dows overlooking the street, and between them was the bed. There were two enamelled trunk boxes near the bed, one of which served as a table. Upon this was a bowl of celery, two letters, and an envelope. On a piece of paper some one had written over and over again the name of "Phillips." Just under Slade's head there was a large pool of blood, but the woman did not appear to have lost as much blood as might have been expected from such a terrible wound. Nature of the Woman's Wound. Dr. Mullens stated to a reporter that im- mediately he examined the woman, he found that the wound was fatal. The bullet entered about an inch and a half above the right eye- brow, and lodged somewhere in the head. The brains oozei out through the hole which was made in the skull, and it was evident that the muzzle of the revolver must have been very close to the head as the skin around the wound is blackened with powder smoke. Dr. Mullens did not see Slade, but remained with the woman until she died, about half an hour after the occurrence. During the whole of the time sh9 was perfectly unconscious, and could not have suffered any pain.

Feared Lossof a Steamer e Fe^ i o are entertained at West Hartlepool that the steamer Charles Steels, owned by Messrs. Willy and Co., has foundered. She left Leith for Hamburg on Friday, the 14th, and a gale broke next day. The passage is one of thirty- six hours, so tha., the missing steamer ii seven days overdue. A boat bearing the words Charles Steel has been washed ashore at Buck- haven, Fifeshirc, and it is supposed she be. longed to the Charles Steel, which had a crew of eighteen.

DEAN YAUGHAN S LETTERS. The following letter to the editor appeared in the "Times" on Saturday: — Sir,-In compliance with many urgent re- quests, Mrs. Vaughan has consented to pre- pare for publication a selection of letters of the late Dean V aughan. May I be allowed to make the purpose known through your columns, and to request that friends who possess letters of general interest will kindly entrust them to the care of Mrs. Va/ughan. Llaudaff-house, Weybridge? "Youra most faithfully, B. F. DUNELM." Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, Oct. 21."

SAD F A.TE, OF A, SEtAMAN Mr. Eo Bernard Reece, district coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr. E. Rees was foreman, held an inquiry on Saturday morning at the Police- court, Barry Docks, into the circumstances attending the fate of Henrich Frederic Augustc Othner, a German, whose body was found in the No. 3 Dock, Barry, on Friday morning.— Identity was proved by Samuel Kirkpatrick, fireman eft board the London steamer Brenttor, who stated that deceased's age was 36. He last saw deceased on Thursday morning, when he left his bunk in the forecastle, and put on a change of clothes—presumably, to go ashore. He was not again seen alive, and he considered that, inasmuch as the wagwere low at Rot- terdam, when Othner joined, he tried to get clear of the ship.-Dock-cons table Hole said he found the deceased's body floating in the No. 3 Dock, and Dr. Livingstone gave evidence as to examination of the body, and attributed tho cause of death to drowning.—The jury returned a verdict of "Found drowned," the Coroner- being of opinion that the deceased, in getting alongside the basin, in search of the ship, fell over into the water.

The convict Smith, who recently escaped from Pentonville Prison, and whoso capture was erroneously reported on Thursday, fell into the hands of the police in a singular manner at half-past one on Friday morning. A police- constable, seeing two young men loitering in North London, arrested them, on the suspicion that they intended to commit a felony, and they were brought up at North London Police- court on Friday morning and remanded. Three witnesses recognised one of them as Smith, and he did not deny that he was the man for whom the police were searching.

I DRIFTING INTO WAR. f GREAT BRITAIN PREPARING. i Startling Admiralty Order. EXTRAORDINARY SCENE IN LONDON. ENGLISH rRESS OPINIONS. An Admiralty order was received at Ports- mouth this morning directing that every -sea-¡ going fhip in the harbour shall have her com- plement of crew made up fron the naval depot, as veuJd be done in the cas3 of mobilisation. This I ractically means (he complete telling off prospectively of every ship's company in detail. This arrangement does not include the officers of non-commissioned rank, whose appoint- ments are made direct from the Admiralty. Four torpedo-boat destroyers, which were about to be fitted with water-tube boilers, have had their orders in this respect countermanded, and have bee.1 instructed to re-draw their returned stores. The Press Association Portsmouth correspon- dent learns on excellent authority that the naval officers now on leave or unemployed here have been warned by the Admiralty to hold thmselves in readiness should they be required to commission ships which are now in reserve. IN THEi EVENT OF WAR. A Reuter's telegram from Paris on Saturday says:—The "Figaro" correspondent at Brest telegraphs that Admiral de Kerambosquier, Maritime Prefect, has declared that the report of a British naval demonstration off Brest is absolutely false, and nothing whatever has occurred to give rise to it. Rear-Admiral Dupont, writing in the "Gaulois", says:—It becomes clear that in the event of a conflict with Great Britain our prin- cipal interest would be the Western Mediter- ranean, where the bases of support are Toulon in 'North Corsica in the East, and Bizerta in the South. We should sacrifice everything to maintain a preponderating position at these places. It is there and nowhere else that our offensive fighting forces should be centralised with their Reservss in the Atlantic. With the ports of Brest, L'Orient, and Rochefort behind them, our available cruisers should be kept in a position to prey on the English commerce. In the Channel we should confine ourselves solely to the defence of our coast. To act otherwise would be to face an enemy on all sides at once. We should be impotent everywhere by wishinl to be stronu everywhere. a .French Internal Troubles. A Reuter's telegram from Paris on Saturday says: -The Socialist Vigilance Committe re- cently created organised a meeting for yester- day evening on the Lake of St. Fargeau. The proprietor having refused to let his hall, some violent affrays occurred. The police had to charge the crowd repeatedly, and some of them drew their swords. After being dis- persed the ocialists held a meeting on the walls of Paris. Speeches were made, but the police broke up the meeting, and several arrests were made. Bussia with France, A Reuter's telegram from St. Petersburg on Saturday says:— Commenting to-day u;>on Sir Hicks-Beach's speech at North Shields, the "Novoe Vremya" charges the Chanlellor of the Exchequer with making a violent attack upon the French Government, and says that in doing so he failed to bear in mind that France has in Russia an ally firmly resolved to support her in the Fashoda question, in view of their full solidarity of interests. EXTRAORDINARY SCENE IN I LONDON. A Paddy and the "Punch'' Cartoon. The Press Association telegraphs:—An extra- ordinary scene occurred in Fleethstreet on Saturday, arising from the tension of feeling of an excited Irishman with regard to the Fashoda business. He was standing with other persons looking at the pictures in the window of "Punch" Office. As soon as he saw the car- toon of this week's number depicting John Bull threatening a French organ-grinder who hesitates to go away when ordered, the Irish- man shouted "Vive la France," and, raising his umbrella, smashed the plate-glass window. So great was the force of the blow that it broke off the handle of his umbrella, which fell inside the hole made in the thick glass. The man was immediately arrested and taken to Bridewell Police-station. While the police were awaiting the appearance of some authority from "Punch" Office to for- mally charge the stranger, he walked excitedly about the room. He de- manded to know how long he would be kept waiting, and expressed some surprise when told that bail was out of the question, and that he would be taken before the Lord Mayor. Answering an interrogation of the officer as to whether he was of French nationality, the man said, "No, I'm a Paddy. If I had been a Frenchman I would have blown the place down." This declaration was accom- panied by a coarse expletive. Up to the time of despatching this message no account of him- self had been given by the prisoner beyond what has been stated as to his nationality, and the police were without a name or address. The man is, apparently, about 45 years of age, with a dark beard and moustache, and wearing spectacles. He is tall and well-dressed, and altogether has the appearance of a prosperous commercial traveller. A man in custody at Bridewell for wilfully breaking the window of the "Punch" Office, Fleet-street on Saturday, was formally charged too late to be brought up at the Mansion House. He has given the name of Thomas Odwyer Russell, and describes hioself as a physician, but declines to give any address, merely stating that he was passing through London when the incident occurred. He will be brought before the Lord Mayor on Monday. ENGLISH PREiSS OPINIONS. The Morning Leader <<ays France is not anxious to fight, and it is incredible that the people of this country should go to war upon the question whether negotiations into which Lord Salisbury has signified our willingness to enter should begin before or after M. Mar- chand's departure from Fashoda. That, and no more than that, seems to be the point now at issue. The "Daily News" Observes .—Lord Salis- bury has left an open door from the first for friendly negotiations on other points. Let Major Marchand be called to Paris to advise his Government, as no one else could do. on the geographical questions which will be in- volves and the acute stage of the crisis will at once be ended. The curious fact that Major Marchand's report, as received in Paris yester- day, stops short of the critical period will interpose some further delay. This will not be disadvantageous if it gives time for heads to cool on each side of the channel. The "Telegraph" remarks The armed in- vasion of Egyptian territory-and to this M. Marohiwid's expedition will amount if it receive the sanction of the French Government—is Ml I unfriendly aot. Such acts must either be repudiated by the Governments responsible for them, or they must be treated as such by the Government at whose expense they are perpetrated. There is no other alternative, and if, as we continue to believe impossible, the French Government assumes the full re- sponsibility for the actions of M. Marchand, including the hoisting of the French flag at Fashoda, our own Ministry will be driven to the inevitable conclusion that France de. liberately seeks to pick a quarrel with Great Britain. The "Daily XaO" declares:-For years France has engaged if what can only be described as a veiled war upon British interests and trade in every quarter of the globe. We bore her acts for many years with good humour; then good humour changed to impatience; and finally impatience has deepened in%> irritation, or something stronger. We feel that in the present question it is not an unhealthy spot on the Nile which is at stake, or even a fertile province, but the whole question of British domination in Egypt, and the vaster and larger question of the right of the British Empire to exist. Could we feel that concession would once and for all end French exigencies we might willingly concede—even to-day; but we know that yielding now we should only have to face more preposterous demands to-morrow. The "Standard" thinks:—No good can come of fostering delusions as to the unflinching firmness of our purpose on the question of Fashcda and the Equatorial Provinces of Egvpt. No one will hold the sober and thoughtful journals of the French Capital responsible for the harm done by the propagation of inflamma.- tory rumours. The legend that a British Fleet hangs threateningly off Ushant, and that the attempt we made some time ago to express I our gratitude to the kindly Breton folk who succoured our shipwrecked countrymen and did touching honour to the dead was only an insidious bribe to corrupt their patriotism, is too monstrous, one would have hoped, to be thought even worth publication. Let us rather appeal to the memory of the incident, thus shamefully distorted into an occasion for raillery and reproach as an incentive to all who in either land are "men of goodwill" to assert their influence for the speedy dissipation of the passing- cloud of mistrust. The-"Chronicle'' says:—If these telegrams as to the incomplete report be true, the question will have become more unpleasant than before. It ic difficult to suppose that Major Marchand was in such a hurry to dispatch his messenger that he could not add the needful paragraphs. The inference of the blunt man will be, rightly or wrongly, that it is a trick—either to obtain another delay, or to evade a confession of the accomplished fact. Incidents of this kind are apt to irritate the British Philistine, and we do not want to see the situation pass into his hands. His temper is not made more peaceful by the news, now reverberating from every side, of headlong nayap. and military prepara- tions in France, when we have, very wisely, abstained from altering in any way the ordi- rary course of Admiralty work. We said only yesterday that the talk of French preparations need not be exaggerated. We say so still. But after making all discounts, there is too much of it to be pleasant. We desire peace with all our hearts. We think it would be both a crime and a folly to break it over this paltry matter. But nations that have attained a certain character in the world cannot back down for ever without jeopardising that character, and France is driving the nation towards the point at which, before many hours are over, the Government will be driven to mobilise the fleet. It is not wa who are trying to humiliate France (says the Times "), but France that seeks to put a great humiliation upon ..15. We hare beaten the Khalifa and effectively cccu- pie.l the provinces he usurped AVe are now asked to clear out at the orders of an expiring party of jiine Frenchmen who owe their escape from destruction to oiu- military success; or if wo are kindly permitted not to clear out, we are to pay compensation and meekly accept at their hands th3 title < ut arms 1 ave won to soil which previously belonged to Egypt of r:ght. If there is to be talk of dignity, the mere demand is a slight of the most flagrant kind. This country is always ready to do a great deal and put up with a great deal rather than dis- turb the peace of the world. But there are some things which are not to be put up with even for the sake of peace, and one of them is retreat from the soil we have just re- conquered by a great military effort on the demand of a handful of explorers. Our title to what we have wrested from the Khalifa is not a thing that we can consent to discuss upon any such high-handed summons. We are there is effective occupation, and there we intend to remain. About other things we are quite ready to regotiate as soon as the French withdraw a claim which is altogether inadmissible, and which, therefore, renders negotiation impossible while it is persisted in. WHY GREAT BRITAIN IS ANGRY. A FAMOUS JOURNALIST'S OPINION. A Reuter's telegram from Paris on Saturday says:—The "Matin" this morning publishes an article by M. de Blowitz on the Fashoda ques- tion. He begins by observing that he has never before witnessed such a state of fever as that now prevailing in Great Britain, and, what is more extraordinary, he has on no previous occasion remarked so great an exultation of public feeling among the English in a matter of foreign policy. M. De Blowitz explains the origin of this feeling by reciting the history of the Soudan question, and by pointing out that since Gordon's death the English have wished to avenge him. They never gave up the idea. Therefore, the exultation arose after the capture of Khartoum. The nation had been thirsting for that beverage since the time of Balaclava. The emotion was so violent that the English nation seemed to wish to collect itself before giving full vent to its joy, and suddenly, in the midst of this triumph, an ironical whisper spread over the world and reached Great Britain that a small band of Frenchmen had hoisted the French flag on the Nile and interrupted England's joy as though by a cut with a horsewhip. They also claimed their part of the glory, and wished to share in the spoils of triumph. There was a terrible reo action, and Great Britain received a kind of shock. No ill-feeling was harboured against Major Marchand. "One of my friends," M. de Blowitsi continues, "writes me that if the major were to come to England to-morrow he would be given a triumphal reception. Resent- ment is felt towards those who sent him, and who secretly succeeded in despoiling the British nation of part of the joy which it was beginning to taste, and when British diplo. macy demands the withdrawal of Major Marchand it has no thought of mortifying the splendid and valiant messenger who, without hesitation, without looking to one side or the other, went where his duty called him, but it aims at those who, from their desks, struck this oblique blow at the campaign openly con- ducted by Great Britain, and that is why Great Britain, the nation of workers, the nation of shopkeepers, and of producers, is excited to such a pitch that she is ready for anything. She believes that it is wished to rob her of her glory. I knew that France, promptly, rapidly, without looking forward or backward, in an instant is prepared to fight against whomsoever provokes her. I know that it would be sufficient for a Minister to lift his finger, or to beat a drum, for the whole of France to put itself in marching order, but I rest convinced that this finger will not be lifted, and that the drum will not be beaten. What is Fashoda to France compared with the value attached to it in Great Britain? What is the condescension asked of French diplomacy compared with the brilliant triumph that its skill has achieved by the very presence of Major Marchand at Fashoda? And, then, what wiL? be the first result which will be arrived at this difference is not amicably settled? Simply this—that when Major Marchand has left Fashoda, or, rather, when France has der/iared plainly and absolutely that he will not leave, France will be fighting in order that ho may remain there, when, in point of fact, he has already departed." Writing in the "Figaro," "Whist" says that in the whole of Europe there could not be found one statesman worthy of the name who believes in the possibility of a conflict between France and Great Britain with regard to Fashoda. "We do not insist," he adds, "upon Fashoda. When Great Britain has officially agreed to our proposal to find us an equivalent the Fashoda question will no longer exist." »

NAVAL PREPARATIONS. The Press Association Portsmouth correspon- dent telegraphing on Friday says:—This morning a general order was received, directing that no repairs should be undertaken on board ships unless they could be completed within 48 hours. The Press Association Portsmouth correspon- dent, telegraphing later, says: —While there is no abnormal pressure in dockyard work at Portsmouth, and naval matters appear on the surfaco to be in a normal condition, there can De no question that the Admiralty are taking all necessary precautions against any emergency that might arise. The order received here that no repairs are to be undertaken that will require more than 48 hours to complete will have no immediate effect, as all the ships in the Fleet Reserve, which comprises a num- ber of cruisers of various classes, are ready for sea at short notice, and this fact was, of course, pointed out to the Lords of the Admiralty when they paid their periodical visit to the port last week. It transpired on Friday even- ing, however, that a time order is also to apply to the cruiser Terrible, which only recently completed a series of progressive trials of an exhaustive character. The defects which the big cruiser developed in the course of those trials have been ordered to be completed by November 17, and it is now required that she shall be ready for sea by the date, leaving any minor defects that do not re- quire immediate attention. In other words, no additional work is to be undertaken that will detain her in dockyard hands. The destination of the Terrible is at present in doubt, and no hint has been allowed to drop as to the intentions of the Admiralty. The Diadem, which is an improvement on the Terrible, is, however, about to join the Channel Squadron, and her sister ship the Europa, is, practically, reedy to hoist the pennant. It may be that she and the Terrible will be held to form part of a powerful reserve. Eli TIF II fP/NNEL FI EET A Lloyd's telegram from VillagarlSa (Spain) etates that the British Channel Squadron arrived there on Friday. Another Lloyd's message reports that her Majesty's ship Empress of India arrived at Candia on Friday. The Paris "Patrie" of Thursday came out with flaming headlines: ^"Une menace—the British Squadron off the French coast," and published the following "latest news" from Brest: — "A sensational rumour is current here—it is said that since last night the British Channel ^lun^ron, commonly known as the White Squadron, is cruising off the Island of TTghant and i, connected with the British coast by a chain of torpedo-destroyers. Persons worthy of confidence state that this squadron recently shipped at Plymouth stores and am- munition for six months." It is hardly necessary to point out—apart from the authoritative message above from Lloyd's—that this so-called news is absolutely untruo. FRENCH MOVEMENTS A Renter's telegram from Paris on Friday nyB:—The "Temps" publishes a telegram from Nantes stating that the four battalions of the infantry reg-iments of the 21st Military District, whose headquarters are at Nantes have been placed on a war footing. The men have each re- ceived 120 rounds of ammunition and a full equipment for field service, while the adju- tants, sergeant-majors, and officers' mounted orderlies of all regiments of the division have been provided with a sunply of revolver cart- ridges. The regiments included in these pre- parations are the 67th. at Nantes, the 64th at Ancerin, the 93rd at Laroche-sur-Yon, and the 137th at Fontenay Ie Comte. The 4th Battalions are ready to move on receipt of orders. These measures are understood to be connected with defence of coasts. Similar defensive arrange- ments are being made in St. Nazuire district. FRENCH NAVAL MOVEMENTS. A Reuter's telegram from Toulon on Friday says:—M. Lockroy, Minister of Marine, arrived here this morning from Algeria on board the Pothuan. and was received with the usual honours. The Minister was present at the gunnery practice of the squadron. It was to make arrangements for this practice that Admiral Fournier hastened. his return to Toulon. OPINION IN OFFICIAL CIRCLES. The Press Association says that, as a result of further inquiries in home Government quarters, the conviction is deepened that there is little or no official apprehension that the Fashoda question will take the exceedingly grave turn which some organs of the press seem to contemplate. It is officially reiterated that there is no exceptional activity at the naval depots, and the published utterances of Mr. Macartney, M.P., Under-Secretary to the Admi- ralty, are pointed fo as strengthening the con- viction that no immediate call upon our naval resources is probable. Practically all the Ministers are out of town, and the greatest calm is manifest in all Government departments. It must not be for a moment supposed, however, that this state of aSairs implies the determination of the Government to yield in the event of the pressure becoming acute, but rather the deter- mination not to budge from a position con- sistent with justice and right is associated with the calm and deliberate conviction of the Power to uphold such determination. The Press Association claims good ground for going beyond this point, and asserting that the Government will not brook unreasonable delay in the matter, but will, in the event of the French Government declining to do its obvious duty, proceed to remove Major Mar- chand and his mission from the locality into which they have trespassed. This, taken in conjunction with the opinion that no serious crisis is impending, implies the belief that the French will see the propriety of what is demanded of them, and will be prepared to concede it eventually. On this point, the statement of a highly; phwed Government official is worth quoting: "No; I do not fear that England and France will get to fighting over Fashoda. The French writer who declared that a conflict with this country will mean a naval Sedan was well-informed, and it is desirable that the fact should be under- stood. To say that the conflict would be of this character is not a vainglorious boast, but the outcome of cool comparisons and calcu- lations of existing factors as accurate and complete as it is possible for human calcula- tion to be. This, though, is not why I antici- pate a pacific settlement of any question be- tween the two nations. My reason is, that I think the sole existing question which could possibly produce a conflict is one in which our rights are so clear that I decline to believe France could be so unreasonable or so un- principled as to provoke a conflict 'over them. Perhaps, there is no exceptionally strong man in the French Government just now, but I have too high an opinion of the collective good sense and good feeling of French politicians and the French people generally to believe that country capable of plunging two, and possibly more, civilised nations into a sanguinary struggle without a vestige of justification." MR. CHAPLIN ON THE SITUATION. Mr. Chaplin, speaking at a banquet at Slea- ford on Friday, said he had been asked to irake a strong fighting speech on the Fashoda question, but did not think that was the occa- sion for such a speech. Our position and duty seemed very clear. After all we had done and spent in the re-conquest of the Soudan it was impossible that we could surrender the fruits of victory to others, especially as the French garrison would have been annihilated but for the timely arrival of Sir H. Kitchener. What they claimed for Egypt and England was the control of the Nile waterway, and the pro- vinces taken from the Khalifa, a,nd from that position it was impossible to withdraw. But, short of that, it was our duty to make reasonable efforts to avoid offence and main- tain peace with France, with whom the issue really rested. And he hoped and believed she would recognise the irresistible force and jus- tice of our claims. FRENCH PRESS OPINIONS A Reuter's telegram from Paris on Friday says:—The "Echo de Paris" considers it im- possible for France to admit the right of the British in regard to Fashoda. If ever (it says) the dream of our rivals were to be realised, and the British flag were to float over the whole Nile Valley, France, careless and light-hearted. would learn—too soon, alas!—the irreparable injury done to her sons and her position in the world. The policy of effacement, more- over, reached its limit the day when a French Parliament, moved by the ardent words of M. Clemenceau, left Great Britain tete-a-tete with the Khedive. The "Figaro" says that the best proof of the differences between the words and deeds of the British is the fact that, while the Duke of Devonshire and Sir Michael Hicks-Beach were making aggressive speeches: the British Govern- ment had, in point of fact, entered upon a friendly discussion of the rights and claims on Fashoda, for which the way had been opened from the beginning by the French Minister for Foreign Affairs. We hear from a good source (the "Figarc" continues) that the British Government have asked the French Govern- ment to define their claims. Whether these are rejected or accepted by the British, tne, door will remain open for a com- prehensive discussion. Nothing more need be said to show that in this matter M. Delcasse has obtained a concession of vital importance, and that the chances of a conflict, even if they have not completely disappeared, have considerably lessened. The "Gaulois" observes that the French Government have the choice of two systems— either they can act in concert with Great Britain and Germany or they can. join Russia and Germany against Great Britain. But if (the journal concludes) they show vacillation, and obey the dictates of fancy without having a definite aim and object; if they embark on a certain policy without knowing whether they will pursue it or will themselves be followed, they will precipitate us into grave peril, and our country will be placed between a formidable venture on the one hand, and a withdrawal but little honourable to us on the other. The "Petit Journal," discussing the even- tuality of a conflict arising between France and Great Britain owing to the Fashoda ques- tion, says:—The issue of a war is not entirely determined by weight of shot and shell. War causes many surprises. The good construction and nature of certain engines may change the fortunes of tin day. Profoundly desirous of continuing its friendly relations with Great Britain, respectful of the rights of others, but careful of its own, the French nation remains calm and without fear. < SIRDAR AND DOVER. A Press Association telegram says:—Much disappointment was caused in Dover by the receipt of a cablegram on Friday from the Sirdar regretting his inability to attend the' proposed banquet which the Corporation of Dover were arranging, on his return from Egypt. SIR WILLIAM WHITE'S VISIT TO EGYPT. It has been sought in some quarters to attach special significance to an impending visit to Egypt by Sir William White, Chiel Constructor of the Navy. The Press Association has Sir William's personal assurance that no bignifi- cance whatever attaches to the trip, apart from holiday considerations. IRISH CHEERS FOR MARCHAND. Mr. W. Redmond, M.P., speaking at Dublin on Friday, said that in case of war with Francs Irish sympathy would be with that] country. Mr. Redmond called for cheers for Marchand, which were given. SIRDAR AND CAPTAIN BARA- TIER SAIL FOR HOME. A Reuter's telegram from Alexandria on Friday savs:—The Sirdar left to-day for England, via Marseilles, on board the Messageries Maritimes steamer Senegal. Captain Baratier, from Fashoda, was also among the passengers. CONVOY MASSACRED ",BY DERVISHES. A Renter's telegram from Cairo on Friday says:—News has reached here that a convoy, with a month's pay, which was proceeding to Gedaref, escorted by eight soldiers, has been cut off by the Dervishes, who killed the whole party. The friendlies in the Gizireh country and in the fork between the Blue Nile and the White Nile have captured 600 Dervishes and black soldiers, 500 Baggaras, and 2,000 women, and brought them prisoners to Khar- tøQL

DAVID AND GOLIATH OF THE COALFIELD. A BIBLICAL ALLUSION GONE ASTRAY. To the Editor of the "Western Mail." Sir,—Frequently as Sir William Thomas Lewis's name appears in the local papers, he can rarely have been more gratified than to observe in the account of the meeting of the Newport Dickers' Union on Saturday last how very often his name was mentioned by such illustrious leaders as Mr. Benjamin Tillett and Mr. Henry Orbell. Mr. Orbell describes Sir William as "the Goliath of South Wales." Sir William is admitted to be both strong and powerful, but Mr. Orbell was hardly happy in his simile as regards the late strike, for in- stead of Goliath being killed by David, as we have always been taught he was, Mr. Orbell's Goliath (Sir William) vanquished, among many other leaders, at least a "brace of Davids," who out of pure love for themselves and for each other, misled the Welsh colliers into a fight which ended in their utter defeat, and left Sir AViUiam the conqueror. Mr. Benjamin Tillett, just returned from the Antipodes, was less abusive than usual to Sir William, although his statement as to Sir William being "devoid of heart or soul" would hardly be supported by many thousands of colliers' families who have known and obtained substantial aid from him during many years. Then, again, Mr. Tillett's memory is either a convenient one jr it has not been improved by his travels for, instead of, as he suggests, Sir William being "licked" years ago on the dock strike, it happens to be the fact that both Tillett and Orbell, with the deluded coal-tippers they misled in February and March, 1891, were so completely whipped that they all went "whining" to Sir William to restore the strikers at the end of a six weeks' strike—in fact, the Bute Docks Company were as victorious in 1891 as the Coalowners' Asso- ciation have been in 1898, notwithstanding all the abuse lavished upon Sir William by the respective leaders. In the same paper in which appeared the interesting account of the Newport meeting is a complaint that Sir William is holding out for a good price for Lord Bute's coal, and thus preventing the collieries working. Surely this is what the "brace of David's" and other agita- tors have been advocating for years in order to force up wages; but when Sir William adopts their policy they immediately cry out against its consequences. Is it not strange that, with 40 years' experience of Welsh colliers, Sir Wil- liam is incapable of discovering how to please them? But, possibly, that may not be his desire.—I am, &c„ A RAILAVAYMAN. Cardiff, Oct. 21.

EFFECTS OF THE STRIKE MEETINGS OF CREDITORS AT CARDIFF. Four tradesmen attended at the Official Receiver's Office, Cardiff, on Friday, for which day the first meetings of their creditors was called. The names of the debtors were Ge >rge Aston, who carried on business as a grocer at 8, Coburn-street; John and Joshua Lfr9Vis. trc ding as Lewis Bros., tailors, Corporation- road and Cowbridge-road, Cardiff; and William Thomas Coombs, chemist and druggist, 4, Neville-street. Mr. Aston, who commenced business in July, 1397, with a capital of £10, had previously been a grocer's manager. He purchased the good- will and business effects on credit, and ag-eed to pay the amount by weekly instalments, but bad debts, the colliers' strike, and other un- fortunate circumstances contributed to his failure. The gross liabilities amounted to £312 14s. lid., of which £310 14s. lid. is expected to rank for dividend. The assets are estimated to produce £54 13s. Id., leasing a deficiency of JE256 Is. lOd. Messfs. Lewis Bros., commenced business in January of last year with a capital of £30. They appear to have done only a small trade, and this, in addition to lack of capital, sickness. and the strike, brought them under the notice of the Official Receiver. The liabilities which are expected to rank for dividend amount to jB128 13s..lid., and the assets are estimated at £41 3s. 8d., leaving a deficiency of JE87 10s. 3d. Mr. Coombs states that his failure was due to insufficient capital to meet initial expenses on commencing in December, 1896, and a small turnover. His gross liability is JS363 13s. 10d., expected to rank JE140 10s. Id., assets after deducting preferential creditors JE140 10s. Id., deficiency £190 3s. 9d. No resolution was passed in any of the cases. and the estates remain in the hands of the Official Receiver for realisation.

THE CHUUCH LADto' BRIGADE SHIELD. The spacious hall of the Pontypool Market was used for the first time for a public meet- ing on Thursday night, for the purpose of hold- ing the fifth annual competition for the shield offered for competition amongst the companies of the Llandaff Regiment of the Church Lads' Brigade. The event was held at Pontypool this year owing to the fact that only one company had entered the lists, though the time had been extended for the purpose of giving an oppor- tunity for other companies to enter. According to the rules of the competition, the shield, if won three times by any company, not neces- sarily consecutively, is to become the absolute property of such company. The Pontypool Company had won the shield in 1896 and 1897, so the competition had now additional inte- rest. as if they were successful the shield would become their own property. There was a very large attendance, including the leading resi- dents of the district and the officers of neigh- bouring brigades and members of the Ponty- pool Fire Brigade. Colonel A. Hair, J.P., occupied the chair. The various drills were then proceeded with. and the manner in which they were performed several times won from the assemblage hearty bursts of applause. An the drills were capitally performed, but in the physkal drills the company showed themselves exceptionally smart and accurate, and the whole performance reflected great credit upon Sergeant tkibbidge, the instructor. Captain Lindsay, in delivering his award, highly com- plimented the officers on the efficiency to which the company had been brought. He had viewed with astonishment the very excellent drill of the company and the efficiency of their work. The Chaplain (the Rev. Joshua Evans) then made the following statement:—The St. James's Company was enrolled on the 1st of October. 1894. with the following officers-Chaplain. Rev. Joshua, Evans (vicar); captain, Lewis E. Webb; lieutenants. A. H. Babbidge (hon instructor) and T. A. Jones, and the same officers have con- tinued with the company up to the present time. Every member of the company, consisting 01 lads between twelve and eighteen years of age, must be a, total abstainer, and be an attendant of the vicar's Bible class or Sunday School. Thanks to the excellent, instruction by Mr Babbidge, the company has always done well ill all the drill competitions. In 1894 the execu- tive committee of the Llandaff Diocese of the Church Lads' Brigade offered a, regimental shield to be competed for annually, and to be awarded to the best drilled and smartest com- pany on parade, the shield to become the abso- lute property of any duly enrolled company winning it three times, not necessarily conse- cutively. It was awarded in 1894 to St. Andrew's Company, Cardiff. At the 1895 com- petition the shield was awarded to the St. Hilda's Company, Griffithstown, St. James's being only one point behind. In 1896 the boys of the St. James's Company were the victors. In 1897 the company won the shield at the camp competition" at Sully. The syllabus for this vear's competition was a very severe test—the work including physical training, which is not done by Volunteers, but is wart, of the setting up of Army recruits. The St. James's Company only entered out of 30 in the diocese, although the time was extended in order to enable others to do so. The Vicar, in an excellent speech, proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded by Mr. J. Butler, J.P., and a similar courtesy having been extended to Captain Lind- say, a successful function terminated.

NATIVE RISING IN THE TRANSVAAL. Reuter's Agency is informed by a gen- tleman who has just arrived from Pretoria that the present military operations in Zoutpansberg, on the northern borders of the. South African Republic, in which a Transvaal force of an estimated strength of between 2,000 and 3,000 men, under the command of General Joubert, have crossed the Doom River against the rebel chief Mpefu, ha,ve been undertaken in con- sequence of the increasingly truculent attitude of that chief, who, among other things, lately sent an impi to collect taxes from a Colonial missionary named Hof- meyr. Mpefu is a Makalese chief, and a son of the notorious Magato, who for- merly gave so much trouble to the Boer Government. Mpefu is said to have a following of from 20.000 to 30,000 lighting men, armed with old guns and assegais. His stronghold is described as being almost impregnable, the country being mountainous bush veldt, very difficult for military operations, and it can only be destroyed by being blown up with dyna- mite. HEAAT FIGHTING REPORTED. A Reuter's telegram from Pretoria on Friday says:—As Magato's- people remain obdurate. General Joubert sent a final ultimatum yester- day, and commandeered another 3,000 burghers. News has just been received that the rebels have attacked the Boer laager, and that heavy fighting is now proceeding. It is reported that 20.000 natives fully armed are in the field, and the campaign promises to be serious and pro- longed..

To-day's Racing. BIKJEIXGHAM MEETIXG. 1q A -The BURTON SELLING PLATE of • O\J 100 sovs, for two year olds and up- wards; weight for age; mares and geldings allowed 31b; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Five furlongs. Mr Legge's Heliograph, 4yrs, 9st 121b Wingfield I Capt Orr-Ewing's Urania, Zyrs, 7st 131b Purkis 2 Mr Lynham's Guerilla, 2yrs, 8st 21b Madden 3 Mr Trimmer's Bentworth, aged, 9st 121b Halsey 0 Mr Husband's Catherine Wheel. 4yrs, 9st 91b Green 0 Mr Harper's Palatable, 3yrs, 9st 61b Allsopp 0 Mr W E Elsey's Early, 3yrs, 9st 61b .Weldon 0 Mr Pratt, sen's Myrtleberry, 2yrs, 8st 51b Pratt 0 Mr Dugdale's Simondshall. 2yrs, 8st 21b Luke 0 Lord Penrhyn's Queen of the Fairies colt, 2yrs, Bst 21b Morgan 0 Mr Robinson's Freeman, 2yrs, 8st 21b Toon 0 Mr Perkins's Country Dance, 2yrs, 7st 131b Robinson 0 Mr Cunliffe's Capricieuse, 2yrs, 7st 13lb Dickens 0 Mr Joicey's Devonia fill.y. 2yrs, 7st 131b F Leader 0 Mr Holman's Fly Trap, 2yrs,'7st 131b Dalton 0 AVinner trained by Peace. Betting-7 to 2 agst Heliograph, 5 to 1 agst Early, 7 to 1 agst Myrtleberry, 8 to 1 each agst Bentworth and Urania, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Won by a neck; a head separated the second and third. Bentworth, a neck off, was fourth. • ) A —The SHIFNAL MAIDEN PLATE cf • v/ 106 sovs, for two year olds and up- wards; weight for age; winners extra. Five furlongs. Mr Tyler's Christmas Gift colt, 2yrs, 7st 121b Madden 1 Major Fenwick's Clock Tower, 3yrs, 9st 21b Allsopp 2 Mr Gilbert's Merryhill Lass gelding, 3yrs, 8st 131b Grosvenor 3 Mr Wigan s King of the Plains, 2yrs, 7st 91b Dickens 0 Capt Ethelston's Marsh Hen, 2yrs, 7st 91b H Luke 0 Mr F Lambton's Cosimo, 2yrs. 7st 91b Toon 0 Winner trained by Peace. Betting—2 to 1 on Christmas Gift colt, 5 to 1 agst Clock Tower, 7 to 1 agst Merry Hill Lass gelding, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Won by four lengths; six lengths between the second and third. 9 OA-The AATSLLESBOURNE PLATE of 150 sovs, for two year olds and up- wards; weight for age; maidens allowed 51b; wiruter to be sold for 50 sovs. One mile and three furlongs. Mr Scott's Tiny White, 2yrs, 7st 31b Dickens 11 Mr T Leader's Slumber Sweet, 2yrs, 7st 31b C Leader 2 Mr J Miller's Countess Amy, 2yrs, 7st 81b Smart 3 Mr Holles's Kildangan, 4yrs, 9st 13lb Titterton 0 Mr Spruce's Lost Treasure, 3yrs, 9st 91b Weldon 0 Mr Aldw orth's Lang Syne gelding, 3yrs, 98t 41b Allsopp 0 Mr W Stevens's My Fancy colt, 2yrs, 7st 31b Purkis 0 Winner trained privately. Betting-3 to 1 a-gst Tiny White. 7 to 2 agst Lost, Treasure, 4 to 1 each agst Countess Amy and Slumber Sweet, 5 to 1 agst Lang Syne gelding, and 6 to 1 agst My Fancy colt. 8() —The AUTUMN HANDICAP of 250 • sovs; winners extra. One mile and a half. Mr Hardy's Eclipse. 6yrs. 7st 41b .Allsopp 1 Mr Hanbury's Lowland Beauty, 3yrs, 6st 71b C Leader 2 Sir W Ingram's Jack Spinner, 6yrs, 6st 101b Purkis 0 Also ran: Dancing Jew, Grey Hag, and Duran- Purkis 0 Also ran: Dancing Jew, Grey Hag, and Duran- nus. Betting—9 to 4 agst the winner.

SAX DOWN PARiK MEETING. 1 *^0 —A SELLING HANDICAP liTRDLE RACE of 100 sovs, to'" three year olds and upwards; winner to be soid for oJ sevs. Two miles, over eight hurdles. Mr Fitton's Prymira, 4yrs, list 71b .Fitton 1 Mr Wyld's Axiano, 3yrs, lOst 101b James 2 Mr Yates's Dromeus, 5yrs, list 21b .Dollery 3 Mr Dawson's Cloghran, aged. 12st 71b O'Brien 0 Mr AA oodland's Silver Gilt, 6yrs, 12st Mr Woodland's Silver Gilt, 6yrs, 12st Woodland 0 Mr Agar's Kirkdale, aged, 12st Hampton 0 Mr Singer's Thirsus, 5yrs, list 121b .Clack 0 Mr Hartley's Magnate, 4yrs, list 101b Trimmer 0 Lord W Beresford's Sprig o' Myrtle, aged, list Taylor 0 Mr Hibberi/s Golf Ball, 5yrs, list 21b R Nightingall 0 Capt Jackson's Changeling, aged, list Parvin 0 I Mr Buxton's Abbotsbury, aged, last 121b Palmer 0 Winner trained by owner. Betting-7 to 2 agst Prymira. 5 to 1 agst Sprig o' Myrtle, 11 to 2 agst Dromeus, 6 to 1 each agst Golf Ball and Thirsus, 7 to 1 agst Axiano, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Won by two lengths; three lengths divided the second and third. (Race started at 1.37). 9 K —A HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of *J 200 sovs; winners extra. Two miles. Mr Dawson's Mill Girl, 5yrs, lOst 51b Gourley 1 Mr Leyland's Crystal Palace, 5yrs, lOst 71b w *> r> ii Taylor 2 Mr Reeve s Ballymoney, aged, lOst 31b MRk6p6UC6 3 Mr W Lambton's Ebor, aged, 12st 71b Dollerv 0 Mr Long t. Misanthropist, 6yrs, lOst 21b Booth 0 Mr Laycock's Go Lightly, 5yrs, lOst 21b Pullen 0 Maicr Fenwick's French Furze, 4yrs, lOst Acres 0 Mr Hibbert's Fool's Paradise, aged, lOst ,ir. Donnelly 0 Winner trained by AAroods. Betting-5 to 2 agst Mill Girl, 3 to 1 each agst Ebor and Crystal Palace, 6 to 1 agst Misan- thropist. a,nd 10 to 1 agst any other. Won by two lengths; a bad third. The re- mainder were beaten off. (Race started at 2.16). 9 zin-A HANDICAP HURDLE RACE of v 200 sov3; Winners v'xva. Two miles, over eight hurdles.. Mr Barclay's Glenbower, 5yrs, lOst 21b Fitton 1 Mr Dawson's Turkish Bath, 5yrs, lOst 131b „ Gourley '2 Mr AVyld s Playwright, aged, list 41b James 3 Also ran: Fossicker, Anchovy, William the Fourth, Bonnie Dundee, Coffee Cooler, The Pos- sible, Pretty Correct, Sitric, and Blairfettie. Betting-7 to 4 agst Bonnie Dundee, 4 to 1 agst Glenbower, 6 to 1 agst Coffee Cooler, 7 to 1 agst Sitric, 100 to 12 agst Turkish Bath, 10 to 1 agst AVilliam the Fourth, and 100 to 8 agst any other.

"SPORTSMAN*" AUTHENTIC STARTING PRICES. BIRMINGHAM MEETING. Horse. Jockey Sportsman. BURTO"N SELLING (15). Heliograph (AVingfield) 7 to 2 ag SHIFNAL MAIDEN (6).r Christmas Gift colt (Madden) 2 to 1 on WELLESBOURNE PLATE (7). Tiny White (Dickens) 34,0 1 ag AUTUMN HANDICAP (6). Eclipse (Allsopp) 9 to 4 ag

SANDOWN PARK MEETING. Horse. Jockey. Sportsman. SELLING HANDICAP HURDLE (12). Prymira (Fitton) 7 to 2 ag HANDICA PSTEEPLECHASE (8). Mill Girl (Gourley) 5 to 2 ag HANDICAP HURDLE (12). Glenbower (Fitton) 4 to 1 ag

The above prices are identical with those pat> lished in the "Racing Calendar.

OFFICIAL SCEATCHINGS. The "Sportsman" has been officially informed by Messrs Weatherby of the folio wing scratch- ings All engagements—Queen Mary colt (dead). Stewards' Nursery. Hurst Park—Baldur. All engagements in England—Sonnet Soi Meime. Birmingham engagements—Roughside, Kine- toscope, and Northallerton. Wolverhampton engagements-Winsome Lad and Golden Fleece fiily. Wolverhampton llurdle-Castleconnell and Confidence. All handicaps at Wolverhampton—Dromon by, John Jackson, Beckhampton, Prime Minister and Fokien. All handicaps where the weights have ap- peared-Fairy Queen II. and Pimpa. All handicaps at Folkestone where the weights have appeared—Brown Princess.

F. Finlay will have the mount on St Cloud II. in the Cambridgeshire next week. It is decided to start Portmarnock for the Cambridgeshire, and he will probably be ridden by Pagan, at about a couple of pounds over weight.

NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS FROM THE COURSE. Our Racing Correspondent says:-To-day the fallowing should win: — 1.30—PALATABLE. 2.C—SIMONSBATH. 2.30—COUNTESS AMY. 1.30-PALATABLE. 3.0—ECLIPSE. 3.30—ST. PATRICIA n 4 5—FU LEA! MAGDALENA. 4.41- -LOIDA. BFST THING OF THE DAY—ECLIPSE.

OLD SAM'S FINALS. BIRMINGHAM MEETING. 130—CAPRICIE USE. • 20-SIMONSBATH (nap). 2.30—SLUMBER SAVEEt. 3 0—DANCING JEW (nap). 3.30-NID D'AMOUR. 4.5—BUSBY STOOP. 4.40-NID D'AMOUR or ROIDA. SAXDOWN PARK MEETING 1.50—PRYMIRA (nap). 2.!—EBOP. 2.40—C- FEi; COOLER. 3.15-CRAIC. 3.50—STREAM OF GOLD. 4.25— PRESIDENT.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE WINNER.-A big coup m- tended.—Stamped address quickly, Racing agency, Newmarket. e10138r22 HATiDA WAY and TOPPING (R. TOPPING and W. R. SPINDLER). FLUSHING. HOLLAND CAMBRIDGESHIRE, LIVERPOOL CUP DERBY CUP, MANCHESTER NOVEMBER HANDICAP. Double and Treble Events on above. S.P. all Races. The Continental Sportsman." pub- lished twice daily during the season, containing latest market movements on above and aU important races, free on receipt of address. The Oldest-established and Most Extensive Turf Commission Agency in the World. All letters to be addreseed-Flushing. Hollnd. Postage, aid. I

Diocesan Conference. IMPORTANT ADDRESS BY THE BISHOP OF ST. DAVIDS The St. David's Diocesan Conference for 1898 was opened on Friday at the Albert-hall, Swansea. The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of St. David's presided, and was supported on the platform during the day by nis Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, and his host, Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, M.P., the Lord Bishop of Ripon, the Bishop of Swansea, Archdeacons Bevan, Prothero, and Pryce, Prebendary Wil- liams, Chancellor Smith, Canon Williams (Lampeter Velirey), Mr. Wilfrid (ic AVin- ton, Mr. J. H. Barker (registrar), Mr. T. AV. Barker (secretary), Sir Charles Philipps, Sir Owen Scourfield, the Rev. Owen Evans (war- den of Llandovery), and others. The Bishop of the Diocese said they were in honour bound to see that the fair fame of the Church did not in any way suffer detri- ment at their hands in Wales, so that whenever the day came for another attack upon the Church in England and Wales together the Church in England should in no wise be weakened on account of its loyalty to the AVelsh dioceses. Their work lay in Wales, and in the first place for Wales. He yielded to no one in affec- tion for the Welsh language, but it mattered, after all, comparatively little whether they spoke Weish or English in that bilingual diocese, whether they were AVelshmen by adop- tion or by birth, so long as they were all, in the best sense of the term, Welshmen. They would all do their work for Wales better if their hearts and mmds were enlarged by the fact that the Church in Wales was no small detached communion, but an integral part of that great reformed branch of the Church of Christ which embraced within its sphere of work not only the British Empire and their American kinsfolk, but also the foreign mission fields of the world. The bishop then briefly summarised the work of Chancellor Smith at Swansea, and proceeded to say that he had postponed his primary visitation till 1900 in order that he might first have the oppor- tunity of visiting, if he could, all the parishes in His diocese. As far as his visits had proceeded, he met that con- ference with a decided sense of encouragement. Proceeding, the bishop remarked that good- will all round between clergy and laity was the key to the whole situation. The bishop expressed his great gratification at the progress of the diocesan fund intended to bring all livings up to £150 a year. He was already assured that much more than the £1.750 a year which he had the courage to ask for at first would be cheerfully forthcoming. For the purpose of cultivating strong centres of healthy spiritual life, he would recommend regular quarterly meetings of the clergy in ruridecanal chapter, and for spiritual defects and faults they must rely mainly on spiritual remedies. There were a few black spots yet left in the diocese, but they were very few indeed In conclusion, the bishop eaid: "You will expect me to make some reference to the anxiety which has existed for some time in the Church in regard to questions of ritual and doctrine. I do not propose, for two reasons, to do more than just refer to it. In the first place, it is unnecessary for a junior bishop to enlarge upon his own views after the full and masteriy charge in which the Primate handled the whole question last week. It is sufficient for me to say that I loyally and thankfully accept the leadership of my Metropolitan. My second reason is that this diocese is prac- tically free from these particular difficulties." The reports of committees were afterwards proposed and adopted. The Archdeacon of Cardigan read an inte- resting paper on "Public Worship: How to Pro- mote (a) Reverence and (b) Heartiness." Before the conclusion of the morning con- ference his Grace the Archbishop of Canter- bury, accompanied by his host and hostess. Sir John and Lady Llewelyn, and the Bishop of Ripon, entered the room, and was received most enthusiastically. Order having been restored. Sir John Llewelyn proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the archbishop for his visit to Swansea. The Aren. Archdeacon of Brecon seconded. His Grace on rising to reply was received with rounds of cheering. He expressed his gratitude for the kindness which had been shown him. The Archdeacon of Brecon had carried him back to his early days, when they were at Balliol together, and when they both knew something of the work which was going on at that, to him, most wonderful college the woi derful stimulant to every kind of intel- lectual work and to every kind of devotion to duty which prevailed there. Alluding to the necessity for earnestness, he said it was certainly a matter of gratification to him to look back and think that his lot was cast at a time when the Church was awakening generally to the necessity of devoted labour, and, unlike in the early days, they now had both clergy and bishops hard at work. He did not believe at the present moment it would be possible to find any body of parochial clergy who were doing their work more zealously than the parochial clergy of the i Diocese of St. David's. He had been watching very earnestly, indeed, the work that was going on all over the province. He had noticed what was stirring and animating the hearts of the Welshmen? and he said they had probably gained by the attack made upon them—(cheers) —though they had been already labouring hard, yet that attack had stirred them to the depths of their hearts, and they were winning their way as they had never done before. (Loud cheers.) The new church at Swansea was to bim a token of the labour that was going on throughout the diocese. It was, no doubt, a mark of the labour of one leading man—Chan- cellor Smith—who had bestowed himself upon the work of the Gospel as he ought to have bestowed himself. He had stirred up that work, and above him the bishop was backing him up with all his strength—(cheers)—and the clergy e\ cry wfeers were showing that they were stirred by the same spirit. I quite agree, said his Grace, in conclusion, with what the archdeacon said about the importance of keeping Wales within the pro- vince of Canterbury, not merely because it is good for AVales, but because it is good for Can- terbury. (Hear, hear.) We do not undervalue Welsh enthusiasm, and we desire that it should be communicated in all its heat and vigour to all those who are labouring all over England, that they, too, may catch that glorious infec- tion. that they, too, may be filled with that noble spirit. (Applause.) I would keep Wales within the province of Canterbury for the sake of Canterbury even more than for the sake of Wales. (Laughter and applause.) I never for- get that of all the various branches—various parts—of the Church of England, Wales holds the inheritance of being the oldest. (Ap- plause.) You of the ancient British Church, you had the Gospel before the Saxons that followed; you had the Gospel communicated to you in earlier days than it was communi- cated to us; and we talk of St. Augustine and always of the great Archbishop Theodore, and of the labour that was done in organising the Church of England; but we say that the work was begun, not only in spirit but. in power, by those Welsh anoestors of yours—(applause)— who at that time devoted themselves to the cause of Christ. (Hear, hear.) I thank you with a.11 my heart for the toils in which you are engaged; I rejoice in seeing the successful issue of those toils. I congratulate the bishop upon presiding over a diocese like this; I congratulate you upon having such a bishop. (Loud applause, the clergy present all stand- ing.) And I trust with all my) heart that the work that has been growing now for years in this diocese and in the whole of the Princi- pality will not be allowed to become slack because you have achieved so much—for, indeed, there is much more yet to do. Go on, and in God's name do if. (Loud and con- tinued applause, during which his Grace resumed hisseat.) Sir Chas. Philipps then proposed, and the Rev. Chancellor Smith seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the Bishop of Fipon for his visit. The Bishop of Ripon, in the course of his reply, referred to the subject of Welsh elo- quence. If the reflectiveness of Wales could be combined with the hearty vigour of the North it would be so much the better for the Church. (Applause.) The conference then adjourned for luncheon. Afterwards the detail work of appointments on committees was proceeded with, and repre- sentatives of the Central Council of Diocesan Conferences, delegates on the central committee Welsh Church press, and representatives on the board of Queen Victoria Clergy Sustentation Fund were appointed. Mr. Griffiths proposed, and Mr. Walteri seconded, that the conference for 1899 be held at Carmarthen, and this was carried. Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn read an interesting papsr on "The Attitude of the Church towards the Physical Recreations of the People." The Rev A A. Matthews supported in an able speech" and the principals of Lampeter ¡ and Llandovery colleges followed. During the discussion an element of discord was raised by Dr. Beddoes, of Aberystwith, insisting on referring to such extraneous matters as the part taken by the clergy ift the recent tithes agitation. Sir John proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the bishop for presiding, and this was seconded by Chancellor Smith. The Bishop replied, and proposed a vote of thanks to the reception committee and Mr. Cawker. This was carried, and the proceedings of the conference for 1898 concluded.

It is understood that E. Martin will have the mount on Merman in the Cambridgeshire, unless, of course, Labrador drops out, and so releases S. Loates, who will then ride Mr. Jersey's horse. According to present arrangements, Fred Finlay will ride St. Cloud II. in the Cambridge- shire. while H. Toon will have the mount on Survivor.

Cardiff Quarter Sessions TRIAL OF PRISONERS. The Michaelmas Quarter Sessions for thv county borough of Cardiff were resumed at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Saturday morning (before Mr. B. Francis-Williams, recorder). ONE MORE CHANCE. Mary Jane Taylor, 27, of no occupation, who was found guilty on Friday of stealing 10s. from the person of Benjamin Welch on the 3rd of ..n September, came up for sentence.-The Recorder advised the prisoner to give up the life she was leading. Owing to her condition of health, he had decided to give her one more chance, and he would sentence her to one month's imprison- ment only. ALLEGED UNLAWFUL WOUNDING. Michael Bradley, 25, fireman, was indicted for unlawfully wouading James O'Brien at Cardiff on the 18th inst.—Mr. Llewellyn Williams pro- cuted.—Prosecutor's version of the story was that he tried to sell the prisoner a razor, but the latter had no money, and had put the instrument in his pocket. Angry words ensued, which culminated in a fight, during which he was stabbed by the prisoner.—Dr. Wallace described the wounds, which were of a slight charactcr, and might have been either self- inflicted or otherwise.—Prisoner stated on oath that the prosecutor was the first to strike, and they had a fight. He did not cut the prose- cutor, and alleged that O'Brien must have done it himself for the purpose of blackmail- ing him.-The jury found prisoner guilty, and the Recorder sentenced him to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. A CARDIFF BURGLARY. Francis AVood, 27. traveller, and George Stephens, 23, commission agent, was indicted for breaking into the dwelling-house of William Meadows, 5, Cyril-crescent, and stealing there- from a gold albert locket and other articles on September 24. Mr. Vaughan Williams ap- peared for the prosecution, and Mr. Parsons (instructed by Mr. T. H. Belcher) defended AVood. Stephens was undefended.—From the opening statement of Mr. Vaughan Williams it appeared that the men arrived in Cardiff on September 23, and engaged a room at a coffee tavern in Custom House-street. Their move- ments being suspicious, they were watched by the poiice. They passed their time in the prin- cipal residential quarters of the town, but were shadowed throughout. On the 24th of Septem- ber they managed to leave their lodgings with- out being observed, and on their return were arrested on suspicion. On Stephens were found the gold locket, albert, and a 1-111 all jemmy. On AVood was discovered a screw-driver. In Mr. Meadows's house was found a walking stick, which was afterwards identified as having been in Woods's possession. On their luggage being searched nothing was found but a collection of burglars' implements, including a key which it was said would unlock half the doors in Cardiff. It was evident the prisoners were pro- fessional burglars, and came to ply their call- ing in Cardiff.— Detective-ifispector Scott stated that the marks (,11 the door of Mr. Meadows's house corresponded with the jemmy produced. (Proceeding).

MAJOR WYNDHAM-QUIN, M.P. BEREAVED. DEATH OF HIS MOTHER. We regret to announce the death of the mother of Major Wyndham-Quin, M.P., which took place on Saturday morning. In consequence of his sad bereavement, the hon. member for South Glamorgan has cancelled all his public engagements. The mother of the hon. member was Caroline, daughter of the late Sir George Tyler, K.H., of Cottrell, St. Nicholas, Cardiff. She married, first, the late Captain the Hon. AVindbam Henry Wyndliarn-Quin, second son of the second Earl of Dunraven, who died in 1865, her second Jiusband being Lieutenant-general Nathaniel Turner, C.B.R.A.. who died in 1884.

ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE. BANK RATE. The bank rate remains at 4 per cent. MINING (AliS'tivAi.IAN A.N i, I,, I)i AM. Aladdin Lamp. Lake View Con. 104 .„ Asso. Gold W.A. 5. Do South. Do Southern 6s 9d Win. & Gibe Fin. 17s Od Brolceu Hill Pro. jMimosa Bnrbunks Birthd'y 1% ;Mysore 5$r Burma Kuby 5s Od jMvsoreGoldfl'da 8s Od Central Boulder 5s Od .North Boulder ii Chaffers 5s Od {Nnndydroog 4 CliawpionReef. 4% OoregumUrd. 3ft Glden Hrse Shoe 12¥¡ .Do. Pref. 44 Great Boulder 19 Wentw'th 10s Od Hampton Plain* W. Aua. GMfid* -ifc Uamian's B. Hill 8,V Do. Joint Stk 8s 6d Ivajhoe *>7/# |Rio Tinto 29& Kalgnrli 6% lAuacouda 5% Do. North t« Mount Lyell Lady Shenton 2^ MININ3 (SOUTH AFRICAN). Augelo 6% 'KuigUt Apex 4 Langlaagte 3k Bamato Consols Irs Lisbon Berlvn. 2s Oa Bautjes 3 London & Paris Beehuiiualund. fJ 'Luip'rdsVlei Nw Jiutt'eisdooin 8s 6d Muslionald A gey 1 tt British S. Africa jMay 3^ (Chartered). 2% 'Meyer & Charitu 4% City A Suburban 5%- Modderfonteiu 6tJ.. Comet 3& New Primrose. 4% Consii Gldiids of Nigel 2% H. Africa Hef 4% iOceaua l ousil 44 Crown Reef 14^ Pioneer Ill/, De Beers 24^ Potchefstroom. 5/6 Durban Roodep't 54s' ••• jBaudfont«in 2% EnstBand ;Baud Mines 3]^ i'erreiru iReitfontein l £ "üeldcllhuis 7% Robinson 8% Do. Deep 9ft sidisbury 3% Glencairn lfi iSbeba 1$. Goldfields Deep — Simmer & Jack 4% HendersonTr^vl « |S.Alric.GoldT»i 4 Henrv Nourse.^ 9fo SpfsBoua. Heriot 7% iTati Coiuession. Jairersfontein 8% iTransvaalGold.. 2^ JoLianeabrs.Invt 1& jVanKyn 2^, Jubilee 10 Village Mainreef 6% Jumpers 5 Wemmer JOjfc Kleintoriteiu 2|" Wolhuter S| Klersdorp. Is9d Zambesi lOxpltn$.

A public meeting was held in the evening at the Albert-hall, at which the Lord Bishop of the Diocese presided. There was an overflow- ing audience. Dr. Boyd Carpenter, Lord Bishop of Ripon, was the principal speaker, delivering an eloquent address upon the beauties of Nature, and how they ought to attract man to God.—Tho Archdeacon of Car- digan afterwards proposed, and Mr. C. H. Glaa- codine seconded, a vote of thanks to the speaker, which was carried most heartily. Second Choice, the winner of the Scurry Nursery at Gosforth, is very appropriately named. His owner, Mr. Bruckshaw, had tht pick of two as a present from one of hit patrons, and. after selecting one, changed hif mind and took the son of Amalfi and Queen's Bench.

itoo late for Ciassifiratioit SATANELLA." HAArE you consulted Satanella, the Society Lady Palmist, at D'Arc s AVaxworks? SATA N ELL A." -^Seats may be Booked in !j Advance for Any Date; personally or by post. El0739r28 DRAPERy.-wanted, Two Ladies-One Milli- < 7 ner and Showroom, One Straws and Feathers; must be used to good, quick trade.- Full particulars of experience, Ac., Laslett, High-street, Newport. 4882r29 MUMBLES.—To Let, small Furnished House; JjJL 12s. weekly; six months or longer.-Address 3. Victoria-avenue, Mumbles, near iSwansea. r26 AKERS.—Wanted, Junior for Bakehouse and to Make Himself Generally Useful.— State full particulars S. T. Clift, Baker, Ross. r26 TO Let, the King's Head Hotel, Llandyssil.— Apply Buckleys, Llanelly. 4889r29 GROCERS. — First-class Provision Hand G Wanted; must be well up in each depart- ment, produce highest references.-F. W. Mander, Aberdare. 4888r29 TDE-EKGAGEMENT Wanted as Farm Bailiff; R 14 years' experience on farm management; aged 36; married; good references.—W. Beckton, Bailiff, Iscoed. Ferryside. 4887r26 WANTED, Office Boy in the Waterworks Engineer's wages, 8s. per week.— Applv. in own handwriting, with copies of not more than two testimonials, on or before the 26th inst., to Mr. C. H. Priestley, Waterworks engineer. Town-hall, Cardiff. 4886r26 REcENGAGEMENT as Housemaid in good R Hotel or Private House; Cardiff or dis- trict preferred.—Address L. Wilding, Norton Arms Hotel. Knighton. 4885r26 COAVBRIDGE.—To Let, with immediate pos- C session. the Royal Oak Inn.—Apply Wm. Williams, The Bndge, Cowbridge. 4884r29 A Gentleman Wishes to Recommend his Coachman, who will be in AVant of a Place, as Groom-Coachman or Coachman, in November; aged 30; weight, 9st. TIp.; good character.—Apply Colonel Lewes, Llanlear, Tal- sa-rn. 61265 AS Barman; young man, aged 20; heighf. 5ft. 8in.; used to quick trade.—State wages. Hobby, Oxford-terrace, Kington, JIereford- shire. 4883r29 TO Surveyors.—Wanted, temporarily, for a Month, a Surveyor, Capable of Making a Plan of Large W orks.-Apply, stating terms to T 55, Western Mail, Cardiff. 61267 WJANTED immediately, experienced CoaclT W man; married; no family; groom kept; personal application preferred.-Apply to Mrs. r Williams, Henstaff Court, Pontyclun, Glam. 61266 \\TANTED, Plain Cook; housemaid kept; T T boy for boots and knives; good reference- Apply Twyn-y-glison. Llantrissant-road, Llan- da.ff. 4894r29 TTf ANTED, Lad, to Make Himself Generally IT Useful and Assist in Bar; lire indoors.— Bertnun Hotel, Roath. Cardiff. 4892r26