Evening Express

WELSH LADIES. Off to Chicago and the World's Fair. FOR DEAR OLD WALES. Our Lady Correspondent Accompanies the Party to Southampton and Graphically Describes the Journey. It was by no means an easy matter to j elbow my way through the vast crowds which had assembled at the Great Western Railway Station, Cardiff, on Friday evening to bid adieu to the Chicago Welsh La-dies' Choir. And, having done so, it was even more difficult to persuade the weeping rela- tives who clung about the doors of the saloon carriage in which the dear girls were already assembled to effect a momentary break that I might slip through their ranks and secure a seat inside. Oh, the lieat and the hubbub, the bustle and the roar, the pushing and the pressing, the laughing and the crying—I verily believe the clatter within the carriage drowned the music which was so cheerfully ringing along the platform, where the Great Western Rail- way Men's (Widows and Orphans') Band musically expressed their kind wishes to the merry Welsh Choir. Even the engine seemed a little frightened, and made several futile attempts to start ere it could summon up sufficient determination for Off we go" indeed. Then the porters were compelled to literally lift the on-lookers away from the carrii-ge, and stand with extended arms keeping the crowd back, or I am afraid some sad accident would have occurred. First Stopping Place. The night was clear and warm. The harvest moon, almost at the full, shone brightly down upon us, forming pretty pictures of shinging rivers, dewy woods, and a broad expanse of meadowland for the happy girls to carry with them across the foaming ocean as reminders of dear old Wales." Newport was our first stopping place, and here, on a smaller scale, was a second edition of the departure from Cardiff. A SLIGHT MISHAP. More girls joined us, more mothers, sisters, and lovers went through the trying ordeal of "Good-bye," and all the girls began to kiss each other again, and the boys to kiss the girls, and so great was the confusion that two boys (by accident) were about to kiss each other when a wise and keen-eyed girl, observing the disaster which was threatening and seeing that one of the boys was her own special joy, quickly inserted her own little face and received the double pressure on both cheeks at once, but her lover seemed only to half appreciate the fun. Really off to Chicago. Then more flowers were brought in bouquets, posies, sprays, and single roses, making the air fragrant all the journey through. Chep- stow was our next halting place, but we passed through the sleepy little town with- out receiving an ovation, and by the time Gloucester was left behind us we had quite finished our restless wandering up and down the carriage, pushing by each other and treading on each other's toes, and had, after the fashion of women, broken up into little cliques, each consisting of those hitherto best acquainted with each other, when Mrs. Clara Novello Davies stood up, and, waving a bouquet of chrysanthemums and white roses, called upon the whole party to realise that they were actually on their way to Chicago. This short and unceremonious little speech was followed by a tumult of IN THE MULTITUDES THE lie] is WISDOM cheers and applause, and renewed applause broke out as the names of the many kind benefactors of the choir, one after the other, were mentioned by the grateful girls. Then EMBARKING. I Mrs. Clara Novello Davies told me how deeply she regretted that time had been so short as not to permit ner to carry out a little plan which, in great secrecy, she had confided to me some days before, viz., the presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Lascelles Carr of an illuminated address. I feel," said the little lady, with a suspicious tremble in her voice, that I cannot leave my native land without doing something, however small and poor, that will in some slight degree prove that the ladies of the Welsh Choir fully appreciate the generosity which has enabled them to compete at Chicago. It is entirely owing to Mr. Carr that we are here to-night. Will you say that?" Certainly," I replied, returning the warm clasp of her hand. And Mrs. Carr, too. She was so good. 'Don't you think you could?' she coaxed, throwing all her influence so beautifully on our- side, all the time we were pleading. Wasn't it lovely of her?" Very kind." Why do you speak so coolly and quietly?" oried Mrs. Davies. "Only to think that but for their generosity we should 'none of us be here." Perhaps I appear cool and quiet' because I feel so very deeply. Do you know that you are only presenting to me a new and additional phase of a very old story ? The name of those who owe hope and life, and oftentimes all that makes life worth living, to Mr. and Mr. Lascelles Carr is Legion. Constantly their good deeds are being whispered in my ear. Gnly yester- day I made the acquaintance of a happy little girl, whom I afterwards discovered was indebted for a good mother and father and a most comfortable home to the pub- licity which the 1 Western Mail' had given to the sad circumstances connected with her birth." We were passing swiftly through the far- famed Golden Valley, which lies between Stroud and Cirencester, and the girls had left us alone to crowd round the open windows and witness the effect of the bright moonlight on the tinted foliage. When she could control her voice the Welsh conductress proposed that I should write an address to Mr. and Mrs. Carr, and that all the choir should sign it. But this I positively declined to do. I am here," I sr id, as recorder only, and when you have written and signed the address I will most "GOOD-BYE." gladly bear it with me back to Cardiff." So they set their heads together, and, most kindly assisted by Dr. John Williams, of Dowlais, a most genial gentleman, who is to accompany them wherever they go, they borrowed my note-book and pencil and set so busily to work that when the train pulled up with a most sudden and unex- pected jerk, which threw us forward into each other's arms, at Reading Station my note-book was returned to me with the fol- lowing genuine and spontaneous words of gratitude and affection written therein, and every girl's name attached thereto in her own handwriting, clearly enough, though, perhaps, less neatly than usual, owing to the swaying motion of the train. And now do please oblige me by reading it aloud to me that I may hear the melodious words once more: — Aug. 26th, 1893. To MB. AND MRS. LASCELLES CARR, FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE CHICAGO WELSH LADIES' CHOIE. We, the undersigned, at the hour of our departure, feel that we cannot leave our homes without expressing to you our heartfelt grati- tude for the practical sympathy and interest which we have received from and through vou, without which we know that the journey we are about to commence in order to compete at the Columbian World's Fair could not have been accomplished. Our words are feeble, but they are from our hearts, and will you allow one simple diolch to say for us what we would say for ourselves. CLARA N. DAVIES. MARGARET DRISCOLL. WINIFRED EVANS. H. L. PRITCHARD. EMILY FRANCIS. ANNIE BOWEN. NELLIE GRIFFITHS. LILA EVANS. LEILA MAY LEWIS. BESSIE EVANS. F. C. PHELPS. ALCIE M. EVANS. THERESA S. REES. MABEL J. SYMONS. HILDA EVANS. B. JOHNSTONE. EDITH EDWARDS. NELLIE GREEN. ANNIE BRIND. GEORGIE THOMAS. MATTIE DAVIES. GERTIE DRINKWATER MAY JOHN. LIZZIE REES. KATHLEEN V. EVANS. EDITH DAVIES. ANNIE JENKINS. MARY J. WILLIAMS. LIZZIE DAVIES. IDA JOSTY. DOT PROSSER. ANNIE WILLIAMS. MAGGIE WALTERS. MARY J. PHILIPS. MAUDE FOWLER. MARY WILLIAMS. Please picture us all at 1.30 on Saturday morning, with our hair dishevelled, our frocks askew, hungry and sleepy, dropping slowly one by one, with weary, dreary yawns, on to the platform of Reading Rail- way Station, to find, to our delight and surprise, that the railway company had not forgotten us even here, but that their careful arrangements, which had secured for our con- veyance so comfortable a carriage, had also given instructions that the refreshment- rooms should be kept open, and that the female attendant should remain with us all night. Hardly had we seated our- selves at the tables ere we further dis- covered that some good fairy had antici- pated our arrival, and that hot tea, coffee, and light refreshments were to be hospi- tably passed round. And while we were still wondering and guessing and lessening the good things before us, Mr. David Davies entered, accompanied by a gentleman, whom he introduced to us as Mr. Walter Baker, representative of the American line of steamships from Southampton, "Who has travelled," added Mr. Davies, "specially from Andover to meet the choir at Reading, and most kindly ordered the pleasant sur- prise of breakfast in the small hours to await us." Kind Mr. Baker! They did not applaud him, but did what I should think any man would likp much better--all rose and shook hands with him. But, really, even with this pleasant little break and the opportunity (even if one is accustomed to snatching a snooze on the clothes-line) of coiling up on a waiting- room settee, with your shoes for a pillow and your feet wrapped in your bonnet and veil to keep them warm, a six-hours' wait in the dead of night at a railway station has a most cooling effect on both the courage and the spirits, and it tried my patience so very much that I was glad to go out with an adventurous party into the unknown regions of Reading streets and watch the day break over the ruined abbey and pretty surroundings of the Forbury. Thus, in the witching hour of night," many ladies of the Welsh Choir crept round me and confided to me pretty little secrets, which revealed so much of the affectionate nature and noble characteristics of the nar- rator. Miss Diiscoll, R.A.M., organist of St. Marie's, Newport, told me that the little children in a Catholic school she was in the habit of visiting had taken the trouble, with the aid of their teacher, to calculate the exact minute (allowing for the difference in time) at which the competition would take place in Chicago on the 6th of September, and that they intended falling on their knees and, with closed eyes and reverent mien, assisting the Welsh Choir to the utmost of their powers by praying very hard for its success at Chicago! Towards six o'clock we strolled back to the station, some wicked little elf suggest- ing that she should knock at every door in Reading, giving the inhabitants an oppor- tunity of testing the excellent moral effects of early rising, but a natural dread lest the consequences might prevent her from catch- ing the steamer caused her to desist, and, with a sigh of relief to be once more on our way, we quietly sought our places, and gladly left Reading behind us at 6.30 on Saturday morning. We arrived in Southampton shortly after eight a.m. The morning was bright and beautiful. The train ran right alongside the noble steamship Paris, in which the choir were to leave for New York, and she was viewed with awe and admiration by every member of the choir. How high she rides," said one. "A double row of portholes," said anther. Three black funnels and three masts! Will she sail or steam?" another girl in- quired. And then Mr. Baker (who had nobly shared our weary wait at Reading and accompanied us to Southampton) beckoned us up the bridge and into the second class dining saloon, where breakfast awaited the choir. "Would you like to go over the vessel?" he very kindly ask;d me. And how gladly I followed him through the drawing-room, library, and dining-hall of the saloon or first class. We went first. These are most beautifully furnished and decorated. the walls in the corridors being of glitter- ing white enamel and the pillars of carved costly woods. The dome of the dining- room is formed of hand-painted, frosted glass panels; rows of electric lights (with which the whole boat is fitted up) running between these and an upper glass roof you may imagine have a most dazz- ling effect when lighted up. The second saloon is much plainer, but sufficiently com- fortable, and the best portion (the poop end) of the upper or promenade deck falls to the lot of the intermediate passenger. The cabins in which the Welsh Choir will sleep each contain four berths, fortunately all arranged fore and aft"—a position worthy of attention to those who dread the mal-de-mer," as lying athwart- ships," gives one much more of that "up- and down motion that is known to the treacherous ocean" than is at all desirable, and the dear girls have a nice, clean, and commodious block all to themselves. What could be better? Good-Byes. But, alas! how quickly on Saturday morning the clock ran round to twelve.* Already there was a hiss and a roar, and the planks began to tremble. My turn to say good-bye" had come. I threw my aims round as many of them as could be enclosed in that small compass. Mind you say that we are not going to Australia, dear," sobbed the Welsh lady conductress on my breast, but that we shall return early in October to our own dear Cardiff like birds to their nest." I promised faithfully, and then we all began to Jmg each other again and again. And, indeed, now that the excitement is over and I have time to think of it, I am sore and stiff from the effects of the hugging and squeezing I went through, and might be in the midst of it still but that somebody wisely remembered how very necessary it was in this case for a small bit of me to be left to tell the story, and I can't remember exactly how, but, with their kisses on my lips, their tears on my neck, and the pres- sure of their arms still about me, I found myself running down the bridge and fast away round the water to the Pier-head on the opposite side, gaining a splendid point of view beside Mrs. Jacob Davies, who had kindly retained it for me, and. with my arm linked through hers, we looked back upon the noble vessel as the sailors loosened her moorings, and chatted gaily as we waited for her to glide by. "Mr. Baker tells me she is almost full this trip-350 in the saloon, 310 in the second class, and 330 in the steerage make up a goodly number, beside captain, crew, and servants." How buoyantly she moves r" for now the tender had come just to draw her prow into the water. A magnificent ship, In- deed; 16,000 horse-power and 10,500 tons register, carrying only a very light cargo, and, oh! so many souls anxious to make their fortunes in a new world: A Last Sight of the Party. But the last moment had come. Riding majestically upon the shining waters, the Paris passed us so close that we might easily have thrown a biscuit on board. Leaning within arm's length of us over the bulwarks were the ladies of the Welsh Choir, Mrs. Clara Novello. Davies in their midst. Mounted on a belaying pin and clinging to the ropes, waving their hand- kerchiefs, laughing gaily, and blithely sing- ing, they swept by us down Southampton Water, on to the open sea, their clear young voices still ringing out over the waves. This was the last we saw of them, and the latest words that reached our ears were "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau."

'mr Cardinal Vaughan at Cardiff. The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, who this (Tuesday) morning will open Father Butler's new church (dedicated to St. Paul) in Tyndall- street, Cardiff, came from London on Saturday afternoon, and passed Sunday with his brother, Mr. Reginald Vaughan, J.P., of Glantrothy, near Abergavenny. In the afternoon his Eminence, accompanied by his brothers, was driven in an open carriage to Llanarth, the well-known resi- dence of the Herberts, who are cousins of his Eminence. On Monday the Cardinal left Aber gavenny for Llanishen, the residence of the Bishop of Newport and Menevia, where he arrived shortly after four o'clock, and was re- ceived by the Rev. W. E. Driffield. The Cardinal during his stay in Cardiff will be the guest of Bishop Hedley.

Principal Edwards in Rome. Dr. T. C. Edwards, of Bala Theological College, fresh from Italy, has been interviewed by the British Weekly. The reverend principal said he enjoyed himself immensely in Rome, where he succeeded beyond anticipation with the custodians of the Vatican library. He made a special study of the renowned code which obtains there, and he brought away a potograph of it, the last of the hundred which have been taken. The doctor saw the Pope in connection with a. ceremony in which missionaries to China were canonised. During his stay in London Dr. Edwards spent most of his time in the British Museum searching for material for his forth- coming lectures on the Fatherhood of God, wherein we will differ very materially from the position taken up by Dr. Fairbairn in his last important volume.

According to advices from the New Hebrides, a fatal accident has occurred at Tahiti on board the French steamer Duguay Trayer. During the practice one of the guns burst through the premature explosion of a shell. Four persons were killed outright, while many others were injured. A report has reached Sydney, New South Wales, so the same telegram says, that France intends to annex the New Hebrides within the next few months.

WILSON BARRETT. The Great Actor now at Cardiff. 1 TALKS ABOUT THE 8TKIKE. He Relates What of an Attempt He Made to Dramatise the Labour Problem. I I If "thoughts are things," and what a man thinks he actually becomes, then (writes a representative of the Western Mail) Mr. Wilson Barrett's love for and constant playing of Claudian as a favourite part, must account for the be-young-forever motive that seems to be the mainspring of his life. I sought him last night after his tedious journey from Portsmouth. He seemed younger, cheerier, and more genial than ever, coming fresh from his American triumphs, apparently charged with renewed vigour for both his pre- sent English and his coming American tour. There were quills on the table, of course, and the familiar Royal purple ink, parts, copies of new plays. flowers, and. near him, a capacious Gladstone bag of many labels. Mr. Barrett, during the chat, cast about him for his Shakspeare, his handy copy, but this could not be found. One's Shakspeare has a habit of disappearing, even if it be the oft-con- sulted copy of an eminent actor, for, be it known, that books are like unto women and not so faithful as dogs. However, Mr. Barrett can always put at your service a thousand lines of the memorable bard without feeling his loss and greatly to your gain. Indeed, it is one of my pleasantest experiences to sit and hear him dart hither and thither among Shakspeare's plays for example or precept, for fancy or phrase, or for the clinching of argument. You are glad to get back to England ? England is home," said Mr. Barrett; and while my reception and success was all I could desire, one's 'first best country ever is at home.' Yet my feeling toward America is shown by the fact that I return in November. Have you heard that I intend alternating the countries—spending six months in each ? Hard work," said I. Hard work is best," came the reply. At any rate, Mr. Barrett is a living example of his theory. The outside public, the theatrical public, even, know little of the untiring, un- ceasing work of their leading actors. The play- goer leaves the play for supper and for bed— Mr. B. leaves the theatre for work—many a night. I am told he1 works till two o'clock in the morning, goes at it again at five, writes all day, and then plays a heavy role at night. Mr. Barrett spoke feelingly of the strike, and expressed deep regret that a district that had always been so kindly and friendly in its welcome should now be in such turmoil and distress. I trust," he said, that some of the reports of suffering accruing from the strike have been exaggerated. I do hope," he added, the matter will soon be settled amicably, for the sake of the whole country. I remember being in Sheffield a few years ago during the prevalence of the coalmin- ing strike there. It was customary on the part of the Sheffieldians to call on me for a speech every evening, and on the Thursday of the week, having already made three speeches, and finding myself gravelled for lack of matter, I declined to respond to their calls to speak again. However, the audience were determined to have their own way, and I had to capitulate. The play that evening had been Claudian,' and, dressed in that accursed one's white sammite, I again went in front of the curtain, and frankly told my audience that, having spoken to them so often, I was really at a. loss to know on what subject to address them. "What, ladies and gentlemen," said I, shall I talk to you about ? A grizzly-headed and bearded stalwart miner rose up grimly from his seat in the centre of the pit, and, in a voice that might be heard from one end of the mines' workings to the other, said/Well, Wilson, what about the coal-miners' striked" This appeal from the working miter of the year of grace 1890 to the Byzantian nobleman of about 400 A.D. seemed so utterly incongruous that my audience broke into a hearty laugh, on the subsidence of. which I expressed my feelings on the matter.. Personally, I have always taken a great interest in questions of labour and capital. So much so that my opening play at the new- Olympic Theatre, London, was based upon that all too terribly interesting subject. Rightly or wrongly, I endeavoured in the play of T%<e People's Idol to paint both master and man as I believed they existed. A strike was the prin- cipal incident in the play, and I took the trovcjile to discuss the points of difference between the two—the masters with the men, and the men's leaders with those led. Without entering into the rights and wrongs of it-for at times there are some of both on both sides—I feel sorry that it does not appear yet possible to devise a better means of settling the disputes of capital and labour than that of a look-out on one side and a strike on the other. It may be asked, perhaps, what has an actor to do with questions of this, kind ? My answer to this is — that being an actor robs me neither of my manhood nor of my citizenship, nor kills within me my sympathy with the struggles and sufferings of my fellow men nor my interest in the general welfare of my country. What wa.s the name of the play to 'which you have alluded ? The People's Idol,' by Victor Widncll and myself." Which side did you espouse in the play— that of Capital or Labour? Neither! I endeavoured more or less suc- cessfully to place upon the stage what I had learned and gathered from my interoourse with both sides, and let each party speak for itself. Personally, I can say that I should far rather pay a little extra for my coal than that miners should be underpaid." Have you ever been down a coal mine, Mr. Barrett ? Yes, and I shall never forget it. I have seen these toilers at their work, and know of no class of men more entitled to symr<a.thy nor can I imagine any class of work that could be much less attractive to a workman. The man who toils where God's glorious sunlight can reach him has something to cheer and encourage him in his work. But what a man can have to en- courage him who delves deep down in the bowels of the earth unless it be the hope to win bread for his wife and bairns I cannot imagine. Get up the caller calls, Get up And in the dead of night, To win the bairns their bite and sup, I rise, a weary wight. My flannel duddens doim'd, Thrice o'er my birds I kis/s, Then wi' a whistle shut thetdoor I may not ope' again. So sang my friend Skepsey, the miner poet of Northumberland. The rugged pathos of his song goes to my heart, as it must to the heart of every father and brother who hears it. What- ever be the rights of the piresent dispute, it is impossible to deny sympathy to the men who enact from day to day this oft-times tragic story." Mr. Barrett expressed his gladness at being back again with his old friend, Mr. Fletcher, whom everybody in the profession and out of it admires

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AMUSEMENTS. I Wilson Barrett at the II Theatre Royal. IN TISE ROLE OF CLAUDIAN. Mr. "Wilson Barrett opened his six nights' engagement at the Theatre Poyal, Cardiff, on Monday night by a production of "Claudian.' The selection of this play as the initial perfor- mance of the week was a judicious one. It is the play in which Mr. Wilson Barrett has probably won more favour with Cardiff the itre-goers than any other in which he has appeared before them, and this was amply demonstrated on Monday night, the theatre beang crowded from floor to ceiling. The highly dramatic story of "Claudian the Accursed" has been told in the Western Mail more than once how in the height of his pro- fligate career he heard the fateful curse, "Be young for ever!" How he lived on and on, expiating with agonising trials his offences against God and man, until at last came wel- come death and its release from sorrow. It is beautifully written, the tragic, sombre colour- ing being relieved by the frequent flashes of human love in its brighter moods. This was Mr. Wilson Barrett's first ap- pearance in Cardiff since his successful tour in America, and the reception accorded him by the large audience was of a most flattering and enthusiastic description. The role of Claudian affords Mr. Wilson Barrett ample scope for the display of those marvellous aud resourceful histrionic powers of which he is the possessor, and the classical costume in which he appears enables his fine physique to be seen to advantage. The part is one that demands much at the hands of its interpreter, but Mr. Wilson Barrett is perfect in word and action. He is alternately gentle and dignified, and the whole impersonation is one of the finest pieces of acting ever seen by provincial audiences. Wilson Barrett lives in his part; no detail is wanting to make the presentment true to Nature. Miss Maud Jeffries appeared, as upon the previous visit of the company to Cardiff, in the touchingly pathetic character of Almida. The part is in most able hands. In Miss Maud Jeffries's acting there is no straining after effect. All is womanly and unaffected, and the audience followed the history of her joys and sorrows with a sym- pathetic interest that was in itself a tribute to the excellence of her impersonation. Agizil, the unhappy lover of Almida, was admi- rably pourtrayed by Mr. H. Cooper Cliffe, and Mr. Austin Melford gave a fine interpretation of the part of the Holy Clement. The comic element was SUiJ- plied by Mr. Horace Hodges as Belos and Miss Daisy Belmore as Eddessa, two quarrelsome lovers whose bickerings are a source of constant amusement. All the other characters have beeu judiciously distributed, and the whole per- formance can only be described as superb." The scenery is elaborate and in keeping with the character of the piece—the representation of the demolition of Claudian's palace by an earth- quake shock being a particularly fine mechanic,) spectacle. The costumes are of a gorgeous description, and it ought also to be mentioned that an excellent programme of music is per- formed by the orchestra under the able director- ship of Mr. Ambrose H. Mabbett. VARIETY AT THE GRAND. The variety stage on Monday night super- seded the drama at the Grand, and Mr. Fletcher is to be congratulated upon the success of his new departure, which is announced to continue for this week. A first-class company was engaged-one it would be hard to beat anywhere — the artistes, without exception, being stars in the music- hall profession. The champion strong- men who appear constitute the leading attraction. There is no deception about them, and their feats bear the stamp of genuineness, as is attested by the invitation to the audience to test and criticise their bona fides. Each of the performers can also boast of a record. Cyclops and Atlas performed Hercu- lean feats. Cyclops lifted 1501b. in each hand and 2851b. in one hand, and wrestled with an iron chain until he snapped it asunder, resisting a force of 2,0001b. He also rapidly swung round a. bar 2001b. weight, on either end of which a man was suspended. Cyclops is the champion of the world, who defeated Louis Cyr at Montreal, and Atlas, the English champion, who appears with him has also a record. Atlas is much slighter than Cyclops, but is wonderfully muscular. Among other things, he lifts a 2001b. weight slowly from the floor, and his strength and smartness may be judged from the fact that he has beaten all competitors. Atlas and Cyclops have issued a challenge to compete with any two men in the world. Andrew Hull, the iron-headed man, who is willing to wrestle with anyone in Wales, performs feats of strength which are startling and sensational, and in their character unprecedented. He bent a thick bar of iron with his teeth, drove a spike through a 2in. plank, had a stone of prodigious size broken with a sledge-hammer on his head, and a rock of dynamite, weighing over 1001b., blasted also on his head. The juvenile comedians, RoseandAgnes, gave some extremely clever sketches, the variations of "Ta-ra-ra" being capitally done. Rhodes and O'Rouke were amusing Hibernian comedians. Carrie Lawrie, a taking burlesque artiste, carried the house with her. Hattie Doring, the Austrian soubrette, scored well. The negro comedian, Carlo, had a good reception, Miss Kitty Snowdon was a. pretty skipping-rope dancer, and Lionel Taylor was up to date as a ventriloquist. COLLETTE AT THE EMPIRE. The Empire was crowded to excess at each performance on Monday evening, and was but a fitting reward for the enterprise shown by Mr. Oswald Stoll in bringing down so many talented artistes for the benefit of his patrons. Charles Collette, the lion comique, was cordially received, and achieved an immense success, his songs Suggestive" and It will all come right" being particularly good. His "patter" was excellent and gained him rounds of applause. Miss Madge Merry sings several captivating songs with delightful piquancy, and on Monday evening she scored heavily with her song Brighton." The Mannons, in their sketch, Uncle Yank," areas funny as ever, their clever acrobatic feats and the Chicago hat trick bringing down the house. Fred. Lay on the bones is exceedingly clever, and gives a finished performance. J. H. Hurst is a comedian of no mean merit, and was encored for his clever imper- sonations. Alf Robins contributes an excellent turn, and Miss Jenny Primrose sings well and dances very neatly. The band, under the leadership of Mr. W. Burgess, plays a very fine selection in splendid style. Altogether there is not a dull moment from the rise to the fall of the curtain, and crowded houses are certain to be the order during the week. THE PANOPTICON. The Panopticon is becoming more popular than ever, and crowds are daily visiting the place to see the "Aztecs," the remnants of an almost forgotten race. The two survivors of the race will be at the hall a few days longer, and in all probability Cardiffians will never have a chance of again seeing two such extraordinary specimens of the human race. In addition an excellent stage performance is given. Ki-ki walks and jumps on knife and sword blades, and afterwards gives a weird Indian dance on pieces of broken glass bottles. The Glinka -Brothers give a refined musical entertainment. They are Circassians, their hair being pure white and their eyes pink. On Wednesday and Friday the usual athletic competitions take place.

At the weekly meeting of the Swan- sea Board of Guardians yesterday a vote of condolence with Sii John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., and his family on the death of his son and heir was agreed to, and then the board adjourned until Monday next. There were references to the sad death of Mr. W. Dillwyn Llewelyn in most of the Swansea places of worship on Sunday, as well as in those of all the surrounding neighbourhood.

Drifted Apart. "It is plain to me," said Blummer, after he had quarrelled with his wife for half an hour over the breakfast table—" it is very plain to me that we are quite incom- patible. "I fully agree with you," retorted Mrs. Blummer, wiping the tears of anger from her pretty brown eyes. "We are not at all congenial "I made a blooming idiot of myself," Blummer brutally declared. "But, then, you were a rather pretty and stylish girl when I met you at-" Oh, you are really growing complimen- tary So I was a rather pretty and stylish girl—when you met me That was just one year ago. I suppose I have grown old and homely and dowdy in a year If so, the life I have led with you during the last six months is the cause of it She was growing hysterical again. "I have done all I could to make you happy, but you are the most unreasonable Woman I ever saw. I thought you an angel, but I have found you possess a temper like-like-a cold chisel. Our married life has been a wretched failure." Then he very deliberately attempted to lake a drink of coffee from his egg- g!ass. There is a remedy for our wretched- AMS," exclaimed the little woman, decidedly, a look of resolution on her flushed face. "Yes," he nodded. "The remedy is separation. It would be a glorious thing to be a free man again." She leaped to her feet. That settles it, Mr. Blummer I'll not live another day with you after this I shall enjoy my freedom quite as mucli as you will. The only thing I dread is the horrible disgrace of being seen in a divorce court." You need not worry about that, Mrs. Blummer, unless you wish to marry again, for we can live apart by mutual consent, and there need be no divorce. As for me, I shall never marry again." "Nor I. Once is enough for me! We will separate quietly." She sat down, and they talked it over, finally arriving at an agreement. Mrs. Blummer went away to a remote Jlltle smott amid the mountain*, where she could spend a quiet summer. She stopped at a picturesque old hotel, where she was known as a widow, as it hap- pened she affected black. And a very gav little widow she made, for she was deter- mined to obtain utter forgetfulness in the pleasure to be exacted from the passing moment. And so it came about that she made the acquaintance of a "perfectly lovely" old doctor, who took a great interest in her. He was so very kind and attentive that he seemed like a father to her. Day after day Mrs. Blummer and the doctor were seen together, and it was not long before the guests began to gossip mildly about them. One day the doctor and Mrs. Blummer were alone in the cosy little nook beside the mountain stream, where they had come for the ostensible purpose of nshing. But their rods lay idly on the ground, and they were seated quite near together on the soft moss. Mrs. Blummer," said the doctor, securing one of her hands, "I love you, and I want you to marry me. I am a wealthy man, and I will do everything in my power to make you happy." Her tender brown eyes filled with tears, and she tried to release her hand. "Doctor, I cannot marry you." "Why not?" "I am married already." Then she told him everything in a frank way that made him feel that he loved her all the more desperately. When she had finished he said: You do not love this man to whom you are bound ?" No." Would you marry me if you were free?" "I—I think so." Then you must obtain a legal separa- tion from him." Three hundred miles g.way Blummer was enjoying himself at the searhore. He met a very charming and beautiful girl, and by way of diversion he sought her society as much as possible. One day he came to the conclusion that he was really and trulv in love with her. From that moment Blummer grew rapidly desperate, after the manner of any man who knows his affection is reciprocated, yet feels that the situation is hopeless. One ni^ht as they sat on a huge boulder and watched the glory of the moonlight on the rippling ocean he told her how. much ^——————l^—i——— he loved her, and heard her sweet voice confess a mutual attachment. Then came the task of revealing the truth, which he did in a manly manner. Of course, she was shocked and distressed, but she acknowledged she loved him still. Would I were a free man, he cried. I can be in a short time," he added, a sudden thought coming to him. "My wife will not oppose a separation. Will you wait for me and marry me then?" "Yes, my dear." Blummer felt himself the happiest man on earth. Mr. and Mrs. Blummer met by appoint- ment. Thev greeted each other coldly. "Henry,' spoke the little woman, after some moments of hesitation, "I have come to ask a favour of you." And I have come to ask one of you," he said. "I want you to allow you to obtain a legal separation from you." "Why, that is the very thing I was going to ask of you." Both seemed delighted, and still they eyed each other a trifle suspiciously, as if scenting the truth. Why do you wish a separation, Edna ?" he finally asked. I trust you are not contemplating another marriage as soon as this? I believe you said once was enough for you." She tossed her head defiantly. "I have no reason to conceal the truth," she replied. I am contemplating another marriage. I have found an ideal man, and he will make me his wife as soon as proper after the separation." Blummer felt a twinge of pained sur- prise, ;>nd he fancied his wife had never seemed quite so handsome before. I am also going to get married," he acknowledged, finding plea-sure in his ability to say so. -c¡ am engaged to a most charm- ing girl, who I am confident will make a model wife." He had arisen, and she sprang to her feet and confronted nim, her chin quiver- ing. For some moments they stood look- ing into each other's eyes, a strange feeling creeping over them. Henry Blummer," she finally sobbed, "you are a brute. I—I did th-'think you would have more regard for me than this. If you marry again I'd kill myself!" y I Dear little soul! How Blummer longed to-t-lz4 her in his arms and console her I "But you are going to get married?" he protested. No, I'm not!" she quickly asserted. "I did think of it, but I've changed my mind now. You don't love me a bit, and I'm ready to die He couldn't resist longer, so he caught her close to his breast, and she sobbed on his shoulder, making no attempt to get away. Edna," he murmured, his moustache close to her shapely little ear, "we have been deceiving ourselves. We care more for each other than for all the rest of the world. We ought to live happily together. Let's try it over again, little wife. I am willing, dear." She lifted her smiling, tear-stained face, and he kissed her dainty mouth.—WHIiam G. Patten, in "Chicago News."

THE CRY FROM THE DEPTHS. Translated forthe "Evening Express" from the French of Georges d'Esparbes. The English occupied the crest of the mountain of Alcoba, between the convent of Busaco and the gorge, and dominated wholly the encampment of the French. The posi- tion appeared impregnable still it was necessary to storm it. On the 27th of September they had the trumpets sounded and the drums beaten. The position com- manded the mountain and towered high, sur- rounded by chasms. At the end of an hour, when it was impossible to say what giant wings had borne 4,000 men to such an eleva- tion, the marshal and two regiments of grenadiers appeared within twenty paces of the English Instantly the cannon belched forth and grape and canister hurled amongst the French. Panting Ney and his troops fell upon the sentries, bore them down amid the flames, disappeared in the smoke, fell back and anon rushed forward, targets as they were to be decimated at the muzzles of the English guns. During the assault hundreds sank to rise no more, mowed down by showers of grape but behind them other soldiers rushed for- ward, only to stumble and again make room for others. Then the hoarse cannon were hushed, the enemy's line shivered, the ruddy gunners and tall English musketeers turned and Bed. Forward!" cried the Marshal. The Frenchmen rushed across the plateau, when suddenly the earth trembled and yawned, precipitating headlong down a frightful mass of soldiers—a thousand English and five hundred Frenchmen hurled into an unknown abyss The combatants who remained above heard a vast clamour, a sobbing sound of lamenta- tion, growing fainter and still more faint; then nothing remained upon the mountain but a mere echo of a dull and distant sound, and the terror, the silence, of the troops who had shudderingly recoiled. # # # # « Towards three o'clock in the afternoon an English aide-de-camp descended Alcoba, seeking the marshal's quarters, to inform Ney that Wellington desired to speak with him of the morning's catastrophe. Then only did Ney seem to rouse himself. Since the combat he had remained in a stupor, and his servant, posted before the tent, allowed no one to enter. At last he rose, and summoned the chief of the 2nd Corps. Reynier, you must come with me; com- mand a captain and a company." The general bowed, and a minute later the troop moved towards the mountain. There on the height waited Wellington, still pale, surrounded by his officers. Marshal," said he, speaking rapidly, "you must have as much at heart as I the lives of the brave men who were whelmed in the gulf of Alcoba this morning. We are enemies no longer, but fellow-mourners." Ney advanced, and the two chiefs clasped hands. We must send them aid immediately!" We would have done so already," said the Mrashel, but the shock has frozen the cur- rent of my thoughts. For the first time in my life I have felt what it is to be afraid." Speaking thus the commanders and their suites paused at the brink of the chasm. A rocky opening, on which the sun poured down, yawned upon the plateau, and, hollow- ing out the mountain, ran down into the gloomy bowels of the earth. Ney, Welling- ton, and their officers peered into it. From that fearful gulf, sileut and motionless, a cold whirlwind rushed up, lashing the faces of the watchers. Someone must go down," the marshal said simply. Wellington shuddered, and some amongst his staff turned pale. Ney, the man of action, turned. "Ropes," he cried. "Captain, have you a man amongst you ?" Yes, marshal." Let him come forward." The captain beckoned, and a Grenadier approached. "He will do his best: he is a Basque," said the officer, presenting him. The soldier hitched his uniform, tightened his belt, gave his captain a rapid look and salute, and unwound the rope. They saw him descend the chasm, a stout stick in his hand; then in a moment he vanished in the darkness. Is there a passage ? they cry. Yes, let out the rope." An Englishman volunteered to go down a mountaineer whom Wellington suggested. No," said the marshal, your Scotchmen and my Basque might quarrel and fight down there in the chasm, and instead of news we should haul up two corpses." Wellington did not answer. The descent was precipitous: the cord slackened. There are trees and rocks in the way," remarked an officer. Hallo they shouted in unison. The rope grew taut, and a voice came up from the depths of the abyss. I can see nothing. More rope A mysterious tremor shook the cord. Four officers ranged in file let it out length by length. It was slow work. The man belov- could see only with with his hands, and was worming his way along in total darkness. Ahoy Hallo!" cried all the grenadiers together. Deeper and deeper, hollow as a mumed bell a voice struggled up from the gulf. More rope I hear, men's voices but far far the same cry always let out more rope Grenadier, what is it you can hear ?" Faint, phantom like, a voice came up from the depths, "I hear the cry, "Vive rEmpereurl"

Could have Learned if he had Wanted to. The cabin stood at least a mile back from the Mississippi River at Plaquemines, below Baton Rouge, and we all went to bed early. It didn't seem more than an hour to me when the owner of the place put his head into the room, and called out:- Stranger, do yo' want to know whar yo' are at about now?" No, I am not particular," I replied, only half awake, ?«id wondering what sort of a joke he was txying on me. About midnight he called again. Stranger, I can tell yo' whar yo' are at if yo' liev any curiosity about it." I had none, artd told him so. I should have, asked for an explanation, but was too sleepy to rouse up. Somewhere between two and three o'clock, while I was dreaming of being at sea, he popped his head in for the third time and called out: — "I've got my oearin's agin, and kin tell yo' whar yo' are at if yo' want to know." I didn't wake. up enough to talk back, and he didn't disturb me again until after daylight. This time he shook me by the shoulder and shouted: — Stranger, do yo' know whar yo' are at?" I am at Plaquemines, of course!" I replied, as I roused up. This is the fourth time you've w-uke me up and offered to tell where I wasrdt." Yes, fourth time; and I reckon you'd better come out on to the roof with the rest of us." "Roof? Roof? Has anything happened?" Suthin' has happened. The house and everybody in it has !).• -;i sailin' down the ole Missip since ten o'clock last night, and I reckon yo' might want to know whar yo' was at." Of course I do!" I yelled, as I jumped into water two feet deep on the floor. Waal, we're jest passin' the lower land of Joe Totten's plantashun, and by the way we've come it's a matter of 48 miles back to whar yo' turned in last night. No reason to get excited, stranger. We're right in the channel and have got the right of way, and the ole woman and children hev got a good grip on the roof and are rather enjoy- ing the scenery. No danger 't all. I alius like to know whar I'm at, and didn't know but yo' felt the same way, and 'ud lay it gij) agip me ifjl didn't tell yo'—" New York

Wise and Otherwise. Doctor: My good woman, does your son always stutter? Mother: Not always, sir. Only when he attempts to talk. What nonsense it is to say a man is in- clined to be bald. When a man is becoming bald it is quite against his inclination. Wife (hotly): Don't you dictate to me, sir! Husband (who employs a type-writer). Thank goodness I don't have to. He: Is this the first time you have ever been in love, darling? She (thoughtlessly) Yes; but it's so nice that I hope it won't be the last! Ethel: Miss Primeage told me the other day your hair was not your own. Mabel: 'Tis false! Ethel: Yes; that's what she said. Father What! Georgie, have you broken your horse already? Son: Yes. papa; you know you said a horse wasn't worth much till it was broke. Thought in a High Wind.-We don't object to tiles as long as they remain tiles it is when they become projectiles that we feel inclined to have a say in the matter. Contralto: Only think of it! I was encored three times in my iast song. Soprano (spitefully): Yes, the audience. recognised that you needed practice. A never-failing device to keep actors from smiling on the stage is for them to catch sight of the manager stepping out the back way with all the box-office receipts. Marie: I'm willing to many you, Charles, even if you are poor, but do you think you can take care of me, any way? Charles Oh, darling, by this strong right arm raised to heaven, I swear that I will support yon always, even if I have to take in washing for you to do. (And they were married.) "I don't believe pounds," said»old Nippur, eurveying tJJ" meat just sent home from lite hutci.-vr. "I'll weigh it and make (.hopmu deduct | fur the shortage." "Well," uaid he, alv'j- j doing so, it's two pounds and a half, by Jingo!" You will have to pay Cliopson for another half-pound," said Mrs. Nipper. Not I—that's his mistake." The scene was a village green and a ma.tch was being played, Village versus Farmers. Don't 'ee go yet awhile, Jim," said one of the bystanders. Wait and see Farmer Windcat have his innings." "What for?" asked Jim, "he can't play a bit." Us knows it," said the first speaker, but Bill White's a-bowling, and he swears he'll pay out Farmer Windcat for pounding the two stray pigs of his." How can he pay 'un out ?" He saye lie don't care how many runs the farmers may make, but he means to bowl for Farmer Windcat's legs, and he'll cripple 'un if it takes 'un all day to do it." An amusing story is going the round of the clubs. Mr. Thomas liardy met one of the Royal Family not in the direct line to the throne the other night. Oh," said his Highness, I'm so glad to meet you, Mr. Hardy; I enjoy your books so much. I've just finished your Romance of Two Worlds. Yet Miss Marie Corelli is said, on the best authority, to enjoy the widest popularity of any of Mr. Bentley's authors, and one of her books is being translated into Hindustani. A story which will be appreciated ty every agriculturist and university man in just now going the rounds in Edinburgh. A number of examinations were being held at the university, and at one of them a student- bearing the name of Mtadow, who had answered the printed papers, w-:<? en lied up for his "oral." "Ah, Mr. ?-• ■.•■■dow," said the professor, a genial man in his way, tine old name yours." "Yes, professor," responded the student, it would be a great pity if it were ploughed."

BAKING POWDBK. PI:re amI wholesome BOEWICK'S BAKING POWDEB. Entirely free from nlnru. BORVVICK'S BAKI.IG POWDER. Best that money ca» "buy TTS260 &0. Printed and PcMislicd hy the Proprietors,_>lessrs Daniel Owen and Co. (Limited), at the VVKSTSSK MAIL Temporary Offices, Tudor-mad, Cartuii, in the County of Glamorgan. TUESDAY. AUUUST 21 1895,