The Cambrian

RUSSIAN OPINIONS. New Armada from the Baltic. Kuropatkin Hurries to the Front Japs Recall War Correspondents. (Press Association War Special.) Paris, Wednesday.—A telegram from St. Petersburg to the "Echo de Paris says the junction of Port Arthur and V adivostock squadrons is considered improbable. It is observed here that the Japanese are in a state of uncertainty as to the position of the Vladivostock squadron. This uncertainty paralyses the commerce of Japan, and of tiie fishermen of the Island of Sakhlin, from whom Japan usually obtains supplies. The Russians accordingly think that it would not be to their advantage to unite their two squadrons. What gave rise to the report that such a union was intended were the repeated sorties made by the Port Arthur squadron acting under orders of Admiral MakharofT. The Russian warships went out again on Monday. Admiral Makharoff wishes by this means to test the fighting strength and the manoeuvring qualities of the ships under his command, as well as the ability and intelli- gence of the officers. General Kuropatkin will arrive at Liao Yang on the 28th instant. In high quarters the military position is considered very favourable for Russia. The Japanese attempt nothing serious, and number of troops they have landed lias, been greatly exaggerated. The" "Eclair" publishes the following des- patch from St Petersburg, dated very eaiij this morning in a telegram which has iu~;L arrived: — General Zilinski. Admiral Alexcieffs duet of etaff, declares that the mast perfect tran- quility prevails at Port Arthur, while no in- cident is reported from the Korean frontier. The (crrespondent of the "Echo de "1S at St. Petersburg corrects the words attribut- ed by him to General Kuropatkin on Satur day — "I think T should have done with Japan by the end of July." What the General really said he now skates was Ù0 not know whether any impor- tant action will take place before the end of July, but I hope to have finished before tV end of the year and to leave the field free for the plenipotentiaries." A representative of the "Echo de Paris" lias had an interview with M. de Nelidoff, the Russian Ambassador, who again declared that the Russians had never believed that their would be war and that they had no reason to anticipate the opening of hostilities. He gave it as his opinion that the war would be an excellent thing for Russia, since the laree influx of soldiers and officials would make Eastern Siberia. more Russian than it liad ever been before. "There must now." added M. de Nelidoff," be from 200,000 to 250.000 men there, but I do not believe that operations will he begun until 200,000 more are concentrated in the country. "No decisive action will be taken for three, perhaps four, months. By that time Eastern Siberia will have become completely Russian. "There is, of course, China, who might annov us by means of the troops of General Ma and General Yuan Ski Kai, and the bri- gand bands. "We have sent strong protests to the Chin- ese Court, and the Empress has promised to observe the strictest neutrality. "The Pekin Government must not be allow- ed to be influenced by the Tunguses, by the almost independent troops, or by the Chinese RUSSIANS LOSE HEAVILY AT PORT ARTHUR. Ying Kow, Tuesday.—The Japanese agiin attacked Port Arthur on the 12th, as a chal- lenge to Admiral Makharoff to come out and fight. During the heavy bombardment the Japan- ese wore in a position where the forts could not train their guns on the enemy, who were in plain sight. The total Russian casualties were over 300 killed and wounded. This is authentic.—"Daily Telegraph." PRESS CORRESPONDENTS RECALLED TO SEOUL. (Press Association Special War Telegram ) Seo-ul, Tuesday.—The effect of the Japan- Korea protocol is already benng felt here I learn to-day that sweeping changes will he nwiae in the Korean administration. Cor- rupt officiate will be cashiered, cruel punish- ments aboJGshed, and th& postal system ex- tended A Japanese officer is to be appointed, adviser to the Korean War Office. The pre- fects who are charged with having kept money intended as payment to peasants for graiin supplied to the Japanese will be prose- cuted Great preparations are being made for the reception of the Marquis Ito. The Japanese authorities have ordered cor- respondents at Ping-Yang and Anju to re- turn, and have withdrawn the permits for- merly given them to accompany the troops to the front. Thecr action in thus detaining the corres- pondents at Seoul is regarded as significant. GRAND DUKE RECEIVED WITH CUSTOMARY SOLEMNITY. (Central News Special War Telegram.) St. Petersuburg, luesday Evening.— Special despatches from Port Arthur dated to-day states that Admiral Makaroff visited this morniimg the destroyers Vnimatelay, Bestra^chny, VinosMavy, and Reschitelnv which took such gallant párt in the torpedo fioht off the port last Thursdav, and warmly thanked the officers and men for their splen- did behaviour upon that memorable occasion. The Admdral also distributed Crosses of St. George to a number of men who particularly distinguished themselves, addressing a few words to each hero, and asking- for details of his share in the fight. Subseauently Admiral Makaroff vdnited the wounded sailors in hos- pital. The Grand Duke Cyr_l Vladimirovitch ar- rived at Port Arthur at three o'clock this af- ternoon, having travelled straight through from Moscow to the seat of war, and was re- ceived with tho customary solemnity bv the civil and military authorities. This evening his Imperial Highness is to be entertained at a banquet arranged in his honour on board he battleship Petropavfcvsk.

DESTROYER BLOWN UP. Russia's Second Mine Disaster. Incompetent Admirals in "Ill- Health.' Yingkow, Wednesday.—It is authentically reported that for the past week only a small changeable Russian garrison uas been main- tained in the military park at Haicheng, but I that a large force has occupied a valuable strategic position in the fortified town of Ashaii'dian, where the Japanese brought their advance in the Uiino-dapauwe wm to a To-day natives, who left Fenghwangcheng as late as the 12th inst., and whose state- ments are worthy of credence, bring (oii- firmat ion of the report that the main Russian body, which was concentrated on the Yalll, has now crossed the rhcr, leaving sinal bodies of troops at Antung, Kmliencheng, and other points, to guard the river.-Neuter. TORPEDO DESTROYER BLOWN UP FOUR ONLY SAVED. (Press Association War special). Chifu, Thursday. While entering I ^"Ar- thur yesterday, the Russian torpedo boa„ ties- troyer Skori "struck an unplaced mine, ana i was blown up. Only four of the crew were saved. I. (Note.—-The Russians have lately been sowing the vicinity of Port Arthur with mines, and this is not the first occasion by se.veraK that they have been literally hoist by their own petard, although it is quite pos- sible the mine was om; laid by the Japanese). SUGGESTIVE DESPATCH FROM PING- YANG. (Reutcv's War Service.) Ping Yang (via Seoul), Wednesday.—In spite of tlie imminent prospects of hostilities in the immediate neighbourhood of this place, the missionaries and the women and children are remaining. Large numbers of the rest cf the inhabitants are making their e6cape. The Governor and other officials are giving the Japanese every assistance. JAPS GETTING OVER-CONFIDENT. Tokio, Wednesday.—Since the receipt of news of general victories, small, but highly encouraging, a change has come over the at- titude of the Japanese (says a "Daily Ex- pie^e correspondent), who, while their 1;130- triotic fervour is quite unabated, are now somewhat over-confid-nt. There is a disposition to look upon the war as already ended, and to talk as if the dictation of terms to Russia were the only thing remaining to be done. This attitude becomes apparent whenever one enters into conversation with the Japanese, though it must be said that it forms no part of the frame of mind of tho officials, who still re- main calm, cool, and Ieit. ATTACHES "MUCH IMPORTANCE" TO ITS TONE. The London correspondent of the "Neue Wierner Tagblatt" has received the follow- ing letter from Lord Knollys, to whom he had forwarded a copy of a teleeram which had appeared i-i his paper stating that it was the King's earnest deisire that the Press of all countries should "unite at the present time in promoting goodwill aiiiaii-, the 11:1- tions: — Buckingham Palace, March 12.—Sir,—I have had the honour of submitting your let- ter and enclosure to the King. I am com- manded to inform you in reply that his Ma- jesty attaches maeh importance to the lone adopted by the Press of the various coun- tries at the present juncture, and he was therefore glad to read the telegram which you sent on Tuesday last to the "Neue Wier- ner Tagblatt."—I am, ptc., Knollys. JAPAN SPENDING A MILLION WEEKLY. Tokio, Wednesday. — The Japanese war expenditure from the outbreak of hostilities, j to the end of December next is estimated at 536,000,000 yen ( £ 53,600,000). It is proposed to meet the expenditure by the issue of bonds, a temporary loan, drafts on the special fund, and new taxes, includ- ing the creation of a salt monopoly. TWO THOUSAND KOREAN TROOPS GO NORTH. (Press Association Special Service.) j Seoul, Wednesday.—Tho Korean superin- tcndent. at Kyong-hung, on the Tumen River, has received a note from the Russian General at Vladivostok, informing him that since Koa-ea lias joined Japan, Russia regards her as a belligerent. Accordingly, 2.00C Korean troops, which are now at Seoul, will bo sent north next week. ONE OUT THERE: TWO EN ROUTE. Vienna, Wednesday Night.—The "Polit- iiscle Correspondenz" has'received the fol- lowing information from St. Petersburg — "One entire Army Corps has arrived alreadv at Kharbin from Europe. A second Army Corps, the Fifteenth, will shortly leave Mas cow and a third, then Tenth, will be sent from Charkoff to the seat of war.— "Standard."

THREE MILE ACT. Test Case from the Mumbles. Before the Swansea, county magistrates on Wednesday, Henry Hill, butcher, was sum- moned for having been in the West Cross Hotel, Mumbles, during illegal hours on Sun- 'day, March 6th. Mr. Slater prosecuted; Mr. Ly-on defended. Mr. Slater said if it were proved that tine m m had drink at the end of his journey, then he was not a bona, fide traveller. lie quoted a decision of five judges on the point, in the cas-c of Penn v. Alexander decided in 1893. It would be shown that 'liefenida.nt went down inside a pissen.ger car to West Cross, was seen to go direct from the train to public-house, was followed by the police, seen s rved with? beer, and seen, to return direct to the train. It was admitted that defendant lived in Swan- sea, nor was it contended that he "mad too much to drink. The West Cross Hotel was the first house outside the three-mile limit, v inch had a seven-day license. Under those eireumstainces, he lielkl the magistrates couliil come to no other conclusion than tihat de- lendant went solely to get beer at t'iie West Lross. The police regarded the case as im- portant. Scrgt. Hopkins saw defendant get out of the train and go to the "West Cross." They went in and found him drinking with others, and took his name and address. They kept observation of the hotel tiill the 12.19 tra^n for Swa.rsea. By Mr. Levsoa He knew that people tra- vdleli up anil down the Mumbles line to en- joy the .-ea. breezes. Mr. Leyson And there is a good deal of pleasure to be had on the journey? Sevgt. Hopk'ij.s: I can't see it myself. Mr. Leyson It isn't the mam. you're aiming at—it's the "West Cross." Sergt. Hopkins (excitedly): No, not at all. Mr. Slater: The man came down in an inside smoking carriage. Can they get sea. breezes from inside a smoker? W.it-ness: No. P.C. Burns corroborated. Mr. Leyson contended that the place to which tf'ae defendants in the case quoted kid gome was a. village witnout natural beauties or attraction. Defendant said he often went to the Mumbles on a fÎwèby. Sometimes lie walkdd part of the way: sometimes he rode in the i t ram.. ,,1_- Mr. leyson is umm« a»u\ umi sure to you in going to the Mumbles? *• Defendant: t- Great pleasure. Defendant J ».aid he vient down with the intention of going 1 •o Norton, but went to West- Cross. While here tine policeman came and took his name. He did mot go to Norton, but stayed with a Friend at the "West Cross" longer than he ntended. He was a bit upset by what he ivas asked by the police, and so returned to Swansea by the next train. Mr. Leyson: Did you go down to the "West Cross" for the purpose of gettimg beer? Witness: No. After a retirement Mr. Walters fnid:- "We tied that defendant was not a traveller, and did not take. this journey either for plea- sure or business, but for the purpose of getting drink.We couviet defendant-, and fine him 5s. andco-sits. i Mr. Leyson asikcd the magistrates to state a cas* William Creeves, butcher. Swamsea., sum- moned for a similar offence at toe f-ame time and place, failed to prove he had gone for pleasure, and was al-o fined 5s. and costs. William H. Smith, labourer, Swansea, was fined a similar amount.

A Go-Ahead English Eirm For smartness, push, and enterprise, even most go-ahead American house would find it difficult to beat the record which h.1." been set up bv an English firm, Messrs Graham, Morton. and Co., Ltd., Leeds, who had al- ready attained a new record by the short time occupied in building their own new and very extensive works. They had achieved a posi- tion which is second to none as the construc- tors of inclined retort, installations for the carbonization of coal in gasworks, and have had the honour of erecting, at Edinburgh, the largest installation of Bueh plant on th.e face of the globe. This contract, which amounted to over £ 113,000, was finished in the short tfpaoe of nine months. At Milan, the largest installation of similar plant on the continent of Europe, was completed, in the face of ex- ceptional difficulties, within seven months. The, contract, in this instance, was over £ 108,000. Thev are erecting a complete installation for the Paris gasworks at a co.st of £ 50,000, and at the New Wortley \Vorks of the Leeds Corporation they have on hand a large installation \£30000). this being the second contract they have had from that Corporation for this description of plant. At New Vork, also, it mav be mentioned, the Con&oHdated Gas Company of that city are erect ng a big installation of inclined retorts from the- designs of Air. Maurice Giaiiam, toe- managing director of the firm. Entering the workshop. we are at onco impressed by their extent, and by their ap- pearance of stability and strength. I he building is 586ft. of 5,985 square yards. The workshop* are splendidly lighted both from the roof and the. sides. "About two-thirds- of the ground space is occupied by the Plating s I and Erecting Shops. The works' are equipped with q large number of tho most mcdern ,tS of machines, which are grouped' and arranged ro as- to save expense and labour ih handling nttiterial.

BREACH OF PROMISE. £1.000 Claimed at the Assizes. Swansea Girl's Extraordinary Story. The Llaudilo breach of promise suit, Jones v. Morris, was resumed at the Glamorgan Assizes at Cardiff on Thursday, before Air. Justice Philliniore and a common jury. Mr. Abel Thomas, K.C., M.P., and Mr. Plews (instructed by Mr. R. T. Leyson, Swansea) for the plaintiff, and Mr. B. Francis Wil- liams, K.C., and Mr. Villiers Meager (in- structed by Mr. T. G. Williams, Llandilo) tor the defendant, were again the counsel in the case. Mary Evans, living at the Hafod, Swan- sea, was called, and she deposed that she was plaintiff's sister, and that she remem- bered on October 4th, 1902, plaintiff and defendant visiting her place at Swansea. Mr. Morris told her that plaintiff had been a thorough good girl to him, and that he was going to make a wife of her. Witness said she was very glad to hear it. A Mrs. Jones also came in, and he asked her, "What do you think of my wife?" Mrs. Jones re- plied defendant would have a thorough good girl if he had the plaintiff. r, Mr. Plews What was his conduct towards your sister when they were staying with you ? Witness: Well, he was only kissing her, and she was oil his lap on Sunday evening. He wouldn't leave her alone in the house. (Laughter). Further answering counsel, witness said that defendant was not in drink. By Mr. Francis W illiams Witness kept the Hafod Beer Stores, but defendant, when he came there (.n the Saturday evening, did not treat the company present with glasses round. He did, however, go with witness' husband to the Brewery on the Sunday morn- ing, but did not return in drink. Counsel pressed witness on this point and elicited the fact that witness complained to defendant of his behaviour towards her sis- ter. Mr. Francis Williams: While he was sitting on her lap, what were you doing?? Witness: Oh, working about. Further cross-examined, witness said that defendant several times said he was going to make plaintiff his wife, and that the wed° ding would come off shortly. Mr. Francis W illiams I suggest this con- versation never happened at all ? Witness: Yes, sir, it did. Was Morris drunk on the Sunday night? -No, sir. y Quite sober?—Quite sober. Mrs. Eleanor Jones, Vernon street, Hafod, corroborated the portion of the evidence re- lating to her. Defendant was sober. Cross-examined, witness stated that de- fendant was kissing plaintiff when she saw them. Mr. 1 rancis Williams: And that is why you thought she was a thorough good girl? (Laughter). Witness seemed a bit in doubt as to whe- ther this incident occurred last year or in October, 1902, but at length she said it was the year before last. Mr. Francis Williams: Has Mrs. Evans been talking to you about this?_No Rhys Evans, brother-in-law of the plain- tiff, and a drayman in the employ of the Swansea Brewery Co., gave evidence as to the visit of plaintiff and defendant to Swan- sea in October, ]902. When Mr. Morris came to the Hafod Stores lie treated witness to a glass of beer, and whilst in the smoke-room plaintiff came in with defendant's overcoat under her arm and said, "N,ow, you must go home, David John. Defendant replied "I'm going to stay with you to-night On the Sunday morning defendant said Eliza had been a good girl to him-as good as a mother-and that he was going to git married to her, and that they would have a jolly spree together on that day Witness replied, 1 hope it will come off. After returning from the brewery witness chaffed him about plaintiff being his lover, and defendant put her on his lap. Witness said, "I am very I pleased with my wife, and I hope you wilt have the same with yours." Cross-examined: Defendant was not in drink, but there was a little card-playing on the Saturday night. Defendant did not play. Mr. Francis Williams: What were you playing? "Don," said the witness. "I'm as wise as ever," said counsel to his lordship. The Judge (seriously) I know there is such a game. Mr. Francis Williams (,0 witness): Is it a dry game? (Laughter). ls th<( drinking. J Witness Oh, having a glass of beer Mrs. Hettie Jones plaintiff's sister-in-law, deposed to frequently calling to see plaintiff whilst she was in tne service of the defen- dant's father at Llandilo. She saw her in March last, when plaintiff had a miscarri Vyitncss nursed her, and defendant used to visit the plaintiff in the bedroom Mr. Abel Thomas: What did he do when he came 111? Witness He kissed her. More than onee?-A dozen or two every day, sir. (Laughter). This was plaintiff's case. For the defence Mr. Francis Williams he Mould call defendant, who would ,sav there never u'as any pren<i66 Gf made by him to the plaiuitf. i„ 'oint of fact, he was paying his addresser* to Miss Jones, the aauguu me proprietor of the I Farmers' Arms, to Mlioni he was nou- ,11<ir- ] r:ed, and that fact wab perfectly known to tho plaintiff and common talk at Llandilo. 1 He would also tell tlie court that it was 1 quite untrue that lie ever seduced the plain- I tiff. He (counsel) would also call before J them the young man named David John J Thomas, who had been mentioned in the cross-examination, and he would say that he was courting the plaintiff and that there < were immoral relations between them during ( the years 1901-2 Corroborative testimonv would also be called, and when the juay had ] heard that counsel thought they would come 1 to the conclusion that there Avafc no promise to many the plaintiff, and that the story ohe had told to bolster up the damages Mas absolutelv and entirely unfounded. David'John Morris, defendant, a some- what diminutive, clean-shaven young man, i was then sworn, and m answer to Mr. Vil- liers Meager, denied m detail any promise to many plaintiff. He never spoke to her 'i of marriage during the whole time i he in hiw father's service. Hie courted Miss Jones, of the Farmers Arms, fix>m Septem- ber, 1901, and was at the Farmers' Anns nightly. Coming to the visit to Swansea, defendant said that plaintiff expreeeed a wish to go to Swansea., but said she had net got any money. He went to the bank and got .ome, and took a. ticket for her and one tor himself, but they travelled in separate compartments. 1 The Judge What dio you intend to go to Swansea for? Defendant: It's the usual thincr on a Sat- urday night to go from Llandilo to Swansea. W go down for the benefit of the theatre. Mr Meager: It is the theatre train?- Yet". Further examined, defendant said that at the Hafod Stores he played "nap," and had drink, but could not remember very dis- tinctly what happened. Both he and plain-, tiff had intended to return to Llandilo the same night and he took return tickets. Mr. Meager: Why didn't you return? Defendant: I was not in a fit state. Proceeding, defendant admitted going to the brewery with Mr. Rhys Evans on the Sunday, and that he told hina that plaintiff was a good servant, but there was not a word said about marriage. He further de- nied any recollection of the conversation with plaintiff's sister and Mrs. Jones, and also denied the allegation of improper conduct with the plaintiff. The Judge asked defendant if it was cus- tomary for him to get intoxicated? Defendant I do, occasionally. Coining to plaintiff's illness, he was pre- sent when the child was born. It was dead. She again declined to see a doctor and said "For Gcd's sake bury it." Tlie next morn- ing. the body was buried in the garden. Later, Dr. Howell w*as called in and plain- tiff's sister came and nursed her. After the miscarriage plaintiff had notice to leave, and this so annoyed her that she accused him of being the father of the child, which 'ie denied- She also alleged that he owed hei £ 10. It then transpired that the accident re- | ferred to on Wednesday as having' taker place at his wedding referred to one of ti. e horses droppine. dead. Defendant underwent a lengthy cross-l- amination, and said he had. been employed in a lawyer's office, but was now doing nothing. He bore plaintiff no malice except for saying he was the child's father. He would have given her £10 because she was such a good servant Closely questioned as to his Swan- sea visit, he said he was not drunk, but in a comatose state, and several times totally denied the conversation at the Hafod Stores. He was warned by counsel. Defendant There is no necessity for that. Dr. Hughes, Ammanford, said he was con- sulted by plaintiff as to her condition, and Dr. Phillips saw her on February 26th after her miscarriage, the age of which he put at five months. Defendant also saw him. David John Thomas, stableman, Farmer's Arms, Brynannnan, said he courted plaintiff from 1901 to September, 1902. He took her to several places, including Manchester and Swansea, and on one occasion stopped up late with her. He had frequently had im- proper relations with her. He wrote plain- tiff, in Spetember, 1902, breaking off the courtship because he found himself suffering from a certain disease in consequence of these relations. Cross-examined It was not true defendant had offered him money to appear in his fav- our nor had he said to her brother he had nothing to say against Eliza. Mary Lewis, housemaid, King's Head, Llandilo, saw plaintiff and Thomas together. Plaintiff/was recalled and gave rebutting evidence as to Thomas' evidence in regard to the conversation with her brother.

DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE. Painful Illness Ends Fatally. Lifelong Career in the Army. The Press Association deeply regrets to state that h*6 Highne^ci tho venerable Duko of Cambridge died at Gloucester House, Park-lane, at 35 minutes past ten on Thursday morning. It had been hoped up to a feW days ago that the Duke would rally eufficieiitlv" to get about again, but his great age niihtated against- his recovery, and much to the regret of everyone he gradually sank and pas6*1" Peacefully away at the time stjtcd- TgE LAST FEW DAYS. The venerable Duke had been confined to his house c^"le *ekis, but until he was compelled t-o take to his bed he was about with his accustomed activity, being until the last a constant attendant at the many functions of a national and charitable char- acter, in which lie always displayed tlie keenest interest. To thosei who were brought into daily contact with the Royal Duke, however, it was obvious that his Royal Highness was becoming increasingly feeble with advancing years, and during the last year or two.h's was a. pathetic figure M, leaning heavily on the arm of one of hiB e-'ons, he would, with faltering step, walk forward to address a, gathering in aid of some patriotic movement. It was hoped that his Roy;d Highness would be well enough to attend the marriage of his nephew Prince Alexiiider of Teck, but the state of his health would not permit of this; and when fc'ubseauent'y it was announced that the Duke liau been compelled to postpone his intended visit to Paris it was recognised with deep that h\s great age practi- callv precluded the possibility of his ultimate reciva-v. During his illnees the Duke was constantly visited by the King and Queen, who were kept informed ol the condition of their a^ed relative FRIFXD AND GLIDE TO THE BRITISH SOLDIER, The Duke of Cambridge was the only &on of Adolphus Frederick, first Duke of "Cam- bridge, and grandson of King George III. He was born at Haaiover on March 26th, 1819, and was about two months older than his cousin Queen Victoria, and was for that period'nrej?u0iptive heir to the British throne. Educated at Hanover, the rank of colonel m the British Army was conferred upon him, and for a short period he was attached to the staff at Gibraltar. After serving in Ire- land with the 12th Royal Lancers, as second1 Jil'ut-enant-colonel, he was appointed, early in 1842 colonel of the 17th Light Dragoons. For two year. he acted as collonel on the staff in the Ionian Islamds (1843-1845), and was than promoted Major-General. In 1846 he took command of the limerick district, and .shortly afterwards command of the Dub- lin district. By the death of his father in 1850 he succeeded to the dukedom. From 1852-18o1 he held the post of inspector of cavalrv when upon the outbreak of the Crimean War ho wafi placed in command of the two briga'^x\ !ghlariders and Guards limited to fornl the first. division of the Brit- ish ArniV- the same year he was promoted lieutenant-general, and was present, at the battles of Alma, Balakliava, and Inkerman, at the s e^e of Sebastopol. On July 15th,. was appointed gen- eral coninianding-in-chief; on November, 1862. field marshal and by letter patent in 1887 commander-m-chief. Throughout his ionu term of office the Duke eviaiced a warm interest in the welfare of the soldiers, and irreat exper*ence; combined with a renten- tive memory- made hum master of military de- tails. The Duke resigned the eommander- ship-in-chief 011 ,0vfxlnl>erl lst> !895, being succeeded bv Lord 1ttolselev. H.R.H. was Colonel of the Scots Fusiliers from 1852 to 1861 .mid Colonel of the Grenadier Guards since' 1862. He.was made Ranger of rvyde ("(L- T.t.V\_C>c "DC\1- 1nrn Park and -"Trw n °0^' and Richmond in 18S7; Governor of Wool- wich \cademy in and its president in 1870, and personal aide-de-camp to Queen S,foA™ ™ aoaf. feriX, lf'fe:ac-p''1855!KP' SWANSEA GUARDIANS SYMPATHY. During the sitting of the Relief Committees of Swansea Board of Guardians on Thurs- dav thJ Chaimian. Dr. Gomer Lewis, moved a vote of sympathy with the King and Royal Fa mil v on the death of the Duke of Cam- bridge He recalled that he had, a few years no-o "the honour of introducing the Duke to the'National Eisteddfod at Festiniog, being conductor that year. Mr Philip Jenkins seconded. The vote w'as carried in silence, all stand- •nrt was resolved to send a telegram to the Kimr and that the flag outside the Union So: Ko nlace at half-mast. Offices b(p}^0K OF INTERMENT. The Pre.es Association understands that the in'f>riiiti)t of the Duke of Cambridge will take i,1 at, jjensal Gre.n, where his mother and tl. fminer Ihik' and Duchess of Cambridge i- Probably this part will not be cl^+iiiiielV settled till after the relatives have ithe Kind's pleasure. a> GOING INTO MOURNING. period of Court mourning will be at once nrp«pribed, »nd probablv be announced fnVo "London Gazette" on Thursday night. The Court announced on Inday and that for the following Tuesday are both adjourned. No other coairt functions announced will be affected The arrangements foi the journey f,i and Qimen to Denmark, and their vistt I Irelwd. »i!l hold good. ===-

D. Y'S SPORT AT PENLLERGAEK. Several of Swansea football players had a day's rabbiting by kind permission of Sir John Llewelyn at Penllergaer on Monday. They had: capital sport and bagged forty-

ALL \\WiTsPElGS OFSHAMROCK. Mr. L. V Harcourt, M.P.. took his seat for Rcssendale Division on Thursday after- l noon. He was introduced b-- his father, Sir j Wm. Harcourt, and Mr. Herbert Gladstone, j All three wore sprigs of shamrock as did also i S:r Henry Campbell-Baunerman, and f.d the Irish members.

SWANSEA JOTTINGS. SWANSEA ASSIZE CALENDAR. The criminal calendar at the Swansea, {Assizes contains a.bout a dozen cases from Swansea, Pontardawe, Neath and Aber- lavon. REV. THOMAS MORRIS. Rev. Thomas Morris, who has been ap- pointed vicar of Clydach, will preach his farewell sermon at St. Mary's, next. Sunday evening. CAPT. COLQUNOUN. Captain Colq'uhoun, chief-constable of Swansea, who has been to the South Coast for the benefit- of his health, is expected to re- sume duties this week end. SWANSEA STEAMER'S FATE. The s.e. Heptarchy, owned by Messrs. Baoon and Co., Swansea, which wa £ in col- lision in the Bristol Channel in January, is to be towed around to Garston on Wednes- day evening. It is intended to break her up. TEMPERANCE BRASS BAND. Swansea Temperance Brass Band made a lour of the centre of the town on Saturday night, halting at numerous pontes and dis- coursing selections of music in good style. Collections were made for the Poor 1 dren'.s Breakfast Fund, and a welcome aug- mentation should result. R. M. OWEN A DOUBTFUL STARTER. It is not at all certain that R. M. Owen, the Swansea inside half-back, will be able to play against Bristol on Saturday. He caught a severe cold in Ireland and has been forced to keep his bed for a couple of days this week. Should he be unable to turn out Rhys Rees of the Seconds will partner Dick Jones. "SLAVE MARKET AT CAIRO." Since the reduced price of admission, at nights only, the gallerit's at 31, Castle-street, Swansea., where the "Slave Market of Cairo" picture is on exhibition, have been throng- ed. The inauguration of a special day for ladies (.Mondays and Thursdays) has already Y. met vitli an* encouraging response. The pictiuo will only be on view a ishort time longer owing to arrangements previously .ptade. for its exhibition elsewhere. RUNAWAY HORSE AT ST. THOMAS. A hoTaa, attached to a carl, owned by Mr. J. Higgin^, Port Teiinant, Swansea, caused a) deal of commotion in St. Thomas In Tuesday afternoon.. The animal started to bolt at the far end of the East Dock, and continued its inaiJ career on to the New Cut Bridge, ist. Thomas. A funeral was on its way to the Danygvalg Cemetery at the time, and a disas- ter wad narrowlv averted by the runaway ani- mal being frightened on to the railway, where it was ultimately stopped. DEATH OF MR. WILLIAM E. EVERITT. The de ath is announced of Mr. Francis Wm. Everitt Everitt, K.C., of 8, Lower Sloane- etreet, London, who was for many years one of the best known practitioners in Lincolns Jan. He was a son of Mr. William Stifle, of Swansea, and of Stuttgart, and was born in 1830. He assumed the name of Evciritt in lieu of St-itfe by Royal license in 1860. From lincolns Inn lie won a studentship, and was called iti June, 1855. Within the last two or Jjiree years he had retired from practice. .ANOTHER DRAMA WITH A RUSSIAN FLAVOUR. "At War with Women," the drama, which .wa.s produced at the Star Theatre on Mon- day night by Mr. Frank Bateman's Co., lacks none of the chief ingredients of the up-to-date drama In dealing with Russian tyranny iamd Nihiliism, the authors have introduced enouga sensationalism to please the most ex- acting dra-matcc patron. The piece is strong in sentiment and effective in sttua- felon, the audience being transformed in a few moments from a London garret to tho rwilds of Siberia. The chief interest centres around the doings of Atariel Romanoff, after- wards Countess Plovitch a character who stoops at no crime in the (interests of Ni- hilism and revenge. Miss Lizzie Montague in this part of the eviil genius draws the character in the blackete of colours. As i JJaron Harsh, Mr. Clinton Baddeley proved an excellent foil to the machinations of the Villainous Romanoff, justifying his "war with women." The play is leavened with abun- < dant humour by Mr. Shatin GItenville as Jerry Blacke, the stray snapshottist. Others who do well are Messrs. G. Godfrey, Charles > Glenrose, Horace C. Herbert, Fred Vaughaai, A. Balmoral, Frank Ugar, and Misses Anena viWaltor., Louise Cavanah and Eva Luaies. No lover of good drama should miiss the Star this week. SWANSEA BAPTIST CHAPEL EISTEDDFOD. A competitive meeting in connection with Mount PI easan-t Baptist Chapel, Swansea, was 'held on Thursday evening. There was a large attendance. Mr. John Roberts presided in the absence of Mr. J. W. Jones, J.P., Rev. (James Owen (pastor) presiding Later. Adju- dicators:—Music, M;r. J. I. Jones, I.M.B, Dowlais; recitations, Rev W. Thomas, M.A. prize bags Miss EWie Cook; accompanist, Miss Kate Reynolds, C.R.A.M. The awards I ware: Solo boys under 12, Sidney G. John solo, girls under 12, 1 Bessie WeMber, 2 Mabel JJowen recitation, boyar girl under 12, 1 Lilian Owen, 2 Glyn Hooper pianoforte solo, boy or girl under 14, 1 Stanley Owen, 2 Fay Ktacey. special prize Gertie Thomas; solo, girls under 16, 1 Lilian Richards, 2 Annie George solo, boys under 16. Walter Rey- nolds; prize bag, Miss Gladys Roberts pianoforte solo (open), Miss Mabel Morris; recitation, boy or girl under 16, 1 Annie George, 2 Flossie Price; recitation (above 16), E. Bey.ion soprano solo, divided between o}flÍss L. Bowen and Miss Morris; contralto solo, Mrs. B. O. Davies; tenor solo, divided between Mr. Peter White and Mr. W. Tan- tier baritone solo, Mr. Griff Charles child- ren's choir, Tabernacle Baptist (conductor IMr. A. Conway); party. Mr. J. J. Morgan's; 4best exhibition of artificial resuscitation, open to Swansea Battalion Boys' Life Brigade (ad ^judicalor, Dr. J. S. 11. Roberts), Wesley LiK brigade.

JSwansea Marriage Tarr-Barlett. On Thursday morning, at Holy Trinity Church, Swansea, by the vicar, the Rev. ,S.-Idon M irgan, M.A., the wedding took place between Mr. James Tarr. s."n of Mr. John Taar, of Kilmachtliomas, Waterford, to G>ven Bartlett, daughter of the late Mr. George Bartlett, and sister to Mrs. iarr, Adam and Eve, Swansea. The bride, who wlais attired in blue voile, trimmed with white silk and p wemeiiterie, and blue hat to match, was given away by Councillor W. Tarr (brother-in-law). The bridesmaid was Miss Gladys Davies (Norton), and she was dressed in white silk. She, like the bride, carried a shower bouquet. The best man was Mr. H. A. Revell (Swansea). Later the happy couple left for Llandrindod, en route for Ireland, where the honeymoon will ba spent. The bridegroom was the recipient of a mnnber of very handsome, present*?, in- cluding a travelling trunk from customers and friends of the Adam and Eve. LISTS OF PRESENTS. The following is the list of presents in the marriage of Miss G. Bartlett to Mr. J. Tarr —Mr. John Davies, silver-mounted flower vases; Mrs. Nehemiah, salad bowl; Miss Nehemiah, set of old ohina jugs'; Miss Edith '\Ii. Nehemiah, ornaments; Miss Norah Noli»>- niiah, handkeichief a,nd' glove box;' Mrs. Thomas, glass vases; Mrs. M. O'Connel, handsome hot water jug and stand Mi-s. \v Dudlev Doult'jn cliee-e stand; Miss Jane 11uehes' willow pattern teapot; Mr. Huggle- ston, drinking set Mr. P. Byrne *alt Sox customers and fronds at toe Adam and Eve," travelling trunk; Mr Ham It on Iho- mas. hand-painted placque- Mr. J.H. Jonas bottle and perfume; i'c Mi* Bartlett «l J -K i i Vi \fo«+^r Gnnain aTid Mib>> Dresden clock; Masts.i v* inil„:i|nr .irKi Gladys Davies, writing «;??; ° J Mrs. Tarr, dining-room suite; Mrs. E. ai toilet set; Mrs. Barter (LLlndnndod), pre- t-erve dish; Miss Barter, old C'hira telJpot; Mrs. N. Bartlett (Neath), silk wrap; Mr. R^vcl (Swansea), silver tea and otte Mr. Arthur Millward. silver-mounted c arci jug; Mr. and. Mni. Fred Dowman, Bilyer- niounted b-iscuit barrel; Mr. Bert Fit. jam cruet; and Mr. Walter Williali" handsomo china breakfast set.

I — -'iM^a««L#€25 NEATH NOTES. Revelations at the Melyn. Gems of Englishlby Mr.' Law. 44 Who and Why I am Opposed." Rumoured Retirement of Aid Hr P. Charles. •More elections Nothing but. elieeti-yns First the County Council, and now we have the would-be parish councillors and district dittos at each other's throats. And what for? Will the newly-constituted boards be a whit better than the old? Those, who have not sat. before, thing they will, if they are returned. 1 hose, who have, believe they'Ll. be far less competent to discharge the public duties if they are rejected. And so it goes on, and the public have to pay the piper. No doubt. in many instances elections are healthy, and I believe in the principle that no public representative should become pos- sessed of the idea that he has a safe #eat. Certainly that would not, in the ordinaiT course of things, be conducive to the pubt.c welfare. But in connection with these dis- tinct councils and parish council election*, many contests have been forced, and not in every case with the object of making for ef- ficiency. Thus are the ratepayers being sad- died with unnecessary burdens. .+- Now, in Llantwit Lower the rates are, I am informed, between 9s. and 10s. in the B. \et in ionna there will be a. contest, there being eight candidates for ,«ix seats. Win- on earth anyone wants to tight for a -eat ihi any parit-h. council, I can't understand; but in the circumstances of such high rates it seems quite inexplicable. Jn the Melvn Ward they have settled matters. Messrs. n. Gihbs and J. D. Trick have had enough of it. and they have withdrawn, so that Messrs. Law and Meyrick and seven others are re- turned unopposed. ♦ » ♦ Among tue candidates at Tonna is Mr. Tom Brown, the head-master of the local schools, I am told that Mr. Brown had an invitation to Mr. Law's great feed also that Mr. Law did not send it. It appears that some wags got hold of a ticket, which \va< enclosed in an unaddressed envelope. This they addressed and posted to. Mr. Brown. On the face of it this looked very much like the olive branch, but Mr. Brown did not attend the dinner at Melyn. So the wags had not the satisfaction of witnessing the fuTtilment of their intention. There can be no doubt that Mr. Law lias done all he possibly could to get a backing on the Parish Council, and it is equally certain that he will have1 a strong following, but whether sttong enougli to secure II m the position of representative on the Education Authority remains to he seen. Mr. Law (what should we do without him ?) is a source of never-failing joy. He is never happier than when contesting elections. The other day he told me that he wa,* going to take a fortnight's holiday, with the intention of making matters warm* for the opposition in the Melvn Ward to his return to the District Council. Directly after the results of the withdrawals were known on Tue^dav, one saw placarded about the town a llar'ng red saw placarded about the town a llar'ng red poster, upon which wa.s set out his intention to hold a mase meeting at Melvn, at which he would make "Startling Revelations, as to who and why I am being opposed." Now that is a lovely sentence! "As to who. and why I am opposed." It's simply delieiou*. -+- Then he goes on to invite one and all to come to hear the TRUTH AND NO FICTION. ++-+-- Before these I ncs appear in print that mass meeting will be held, and a description thereof will be found in another column. I will venture to predict that it will be with reading. Mr. A. S. Gardner and Mr. Edmund Law are the old members for the Ward on the Rural District Council, and a contest i* caused by the candidature of Mr. Snook, described in the nomination papere as a merchant. Mr. Snook, I believe, is a paitr.er of Mr. 0. H. lhomns, colliery proprietor. He is a Non- conformist, and a Liberal in politics. I have his authority for saying that he not op- posing Mr. Gardner. Therefore, he must be up "agin" Mr. Law. While reading the poster referred to, which, by the way. is printed in black letters upon a red ground, I thought the following applicable to thei position: "Black on red, player green—Snook-ered." Those who have a knowledge of billiards will appreciate its application. .+-- But Mr. Law will "tar" one and win. The giver of good things is very strong at the Melyn, and he throws such "enthusiasm" into his campaign, that I shall be suiprised if be doss not get top of the poll, and if Mr. Snook Ls not snookered absolutely. In another column as given a list of the unopposed returns, and from it it will be seen. that there are no. contests at all in connection with the Guardians. Nearly all the old members have been returned unopposed. In Neath, Alderman H. P. Charles and the Hev. James Edwards have retired and Alderman \V. B. Irick and ex-Superintendent Evan Evains have filled the vacancies thus caused. Both are well-equipped' for their se,its, but 1 cannot htelp expressing regret that Alderman H. P. Charles should have decided to leave- a board on which he has been such a useful and valuable member. I have heard it hinted that he intends to resign all his public posi- tions. I sincerely hope (and in expressing this I feel sure 1 am voicing the opinion of the ratepayers generally) that such is not the case. ♦ The ot her two members representing Xeath are Mr. Hopkin Jones and Dr. J. W. 'ihojias. The former ha.s been the chairman, and a good chairman, too, for manv vears; wli?e if lue live a few months longer he will have com- pleted 26 years' service as a Guardian. Sure- ly this is a record to be proud üf. The Free Church Council! Where were they? I thought after their ebullition over the vaccination episode that. they meant busi- ness. But it appears that their bark is in- finitely worse than their bite. There are but four changes in the com- position of the Guaidians—the two referred to at Neath, and two at Margam—Mr. Jno. lliomas, a. contractor, and the Rev. T. H. lbomas, a, Nonconformist minister, hav.ng been returned unopposed. Colonel D. R. David is one of those who have retired. I am told that the reaisom is to be foand in lp's keen disappointment in being defeated by Mr. E. T. Evans at the iccent County Coun- cil election. Col. David will be missed from the fortnightly gatherlllg-s and from the com- mittees. In connection with the District Council elections there are contests in eight divisions, and m :t like number the members have been rturned unopposed. In the unopposed 1>2- turns there is only one new member—Mr. C. E. Price. The contest which is creating meet interest is that, at Blaenrhonddau, where for three seats the following four are candidates :— Messrs. Ed ward Davies, *A. T. Willi airs, *E. Evans B van, and Llewelyn D. Howell. Three vc/irs ago the List-named mistook the day of nomination, and Mr. A. T. Williams slimmed into his seat. There will be a Dattle royal this time, and, although t.he result is difficult to gr.ess, I think tliat Messrs. E. Evans Bevan. Llew. D. Howell, and Edward Davies will be returned. So much for the elections. There will b3 Davies will be returned. So much for the elections. There will b3 many happier men on the 29th of March I than there are now. The Neath prophets, who predicted a sub- stantial win for Wqles over Ireland, have had a very uncomfortable week. One gent'eman told ioo that Wales would roll home by 15 'st so tar as oiJ. Hi point*. Another we. a prophec latter «ar*j he will never r r r again, 'ittle fun( Since oar last is^ue a plea-sing. flia tion has taken place in connection WIl. v hann\" band of pilgi >i»s—the Ne&th Boroltc Police Force-and 1 t ii ink I cannot do better than describe it.. At the fortnightly parade of the above force for par and drill, on tlie. 11th inst., the Chief Constat!* (Mr. E-vnn Lew?*), on behalf of the whole r,t' the force, presented to In- spector Jones,- a. handsome guld-mounted Malacca walking: stick, suitably inscribed. 1 lie Chief Const-able, in making the presenta- tion, said he had much pleasure in dtwng ,o, and informed the Inspector that every mem- ber of ttie. force, fmm himself to the youngest iccruit, had willingly subscribed toward^- thft presentation. It was given him to commem- orate^ hi- completion, on the 5th inst.. of 32 year^ service in the Neath Borough Police Force. He wa,« pleased" to say, from the records he found that Inspector Jones had been on .several occasions the recipient of valuable pre-sent-s. as rewards for his ability as. a police ctfieer, and also of two silver medals for saving life at a fire. The in- trinsic value of this- present was small, but the Chief Constable felt certain that he wan voicing the opinion of every member of the force in saying that this was given simply to snow the respect and esteem wliich the In- held by them. In conclusion, lie would iike. to add that it wa.s a singular co- incidence than on the 5th inst.-the Inspector completed 32 yeais service, and that lie birei,self on the '-yime day completed 17 years. Inspector Jon:s briefly and' suitably replied. Messr. Hancock and Co. the owners of the Albert Inn, have decided to appeal aga'n:st thie decision of the No tfh Licensing justices, who some days ago decided to refuse the reo newal of tlie license of the house named, on the ground that the landlord was not the real resident.owner, and occupier of the premises within the meaning of the Becr HIJUt'(' Act of 1840. Briefly Hue evidence was that Mr. Morgan Jenkins, the lessee and licensee, had not slept on the premises for about two months, and that the house was closed for a shorter period. The last point apjiears to be immaterial, as the Albeit is an ante-1869 beer house, but the other is important, and the derision of Quarter Sessions will be awaited with interest. Actions at law often diag on wtarilv, and mcur very great expanse. Manr rears, ago Mr. Wm. Jones, of Western Moor, contrac- tor, wao engaged by the Neath Rural District Council to cany out what was known its the Skewen Drainage Scheme. When completed the parties could not agree as to remuneration and recourse wa.s had to law. A complete report of the recent proceedings in London does not seem t • have been given, and as the matter i.s one of great importance, I make no excuse for submitting an extended summary. This action was ;> unmenced in 1900 bv Mr. Wm. Jones, contractor. Western Moor, Neath, to recover £ 3.367, balance dui> unon the contract of the Skewen Diainagc Scheme. A further sum of E637 for pipes and other materials, was made, the total da.im .wing £ 4.004. Thp action was finally disposed of by Mr. Pollock, the official referee, at the Law Courts, London, after several days sit- ting. Ihe plaintiff was represented by Mr. d bv -\Ir. Horace Avory, K.C., and Mr. Ba'lhache (in- -stru,tpd bv Morgan and Djvid, Neath). The Neath District Council were represented by Mr. S. T. Evans. K.C., M.P., Mr. Ivor Bawen, and Mr. Redwood Davies (instructed by Messrs. Cuthbertson and Powell, solicitors. Neath). The contract wasjnade on March 14. 1895 and completed in 1897. about seven miles of sewers being milde. The original contract price was £ 12,252. but the Council had paid' for extras and contract £ 16.836. The plaintiff claimed the £ 4,004 in addition to what had alreadv been paid, Oil the grounds that the District Council's surveyor had authority to order alterations and extras, and that the original contract was abandoned by the parties, and that the new prices had been agreed to be paid by the Council's surveyor. The defend- ants were alleged to have refused to adhere to the agreed prices and alteration of the contract. The defence of the Council was that the contract had not keen altered, and that there was wa« no liability to pay more than what had been paid for. aJld that the surveyor could not alter the prices as claimed by the nlaintiff. The defendant paid into court denying liability the sum of £ 521 Is., and said that that sum was sufficient to satis- fy the plaintiff's claim. ThejB52lwaspard into court in 1900. When the case came on oetore the official referee, the plaintiff called his son. Mr. Gordon Jones, and Mr. Ward, loimerly chairman ot tho Londsin Countv Council Main Drainage Committee, as wit- nesses.—the latter, however, had never visited Skewen or the works. Mr. Midgley TaTlor, the eminent sanitary engineer, who had been called in by the Council to examine the works, was pro sent at the hearing, and Mr. John Hill Laurence, the clerk of the. works, were the civet witnesses for the Council. But at the end of the plaintiff s ease, and the: cross-er- mainat'on of his witnesses, the plaintiff's counsel Mr. Avory K.C.. announced that the plaintiff would .accept tlie JE521 paid into couit in satisfaction of his cla'.in. upon con- dition that each side pad their own costs. It was therefore determined not to proceed further, and Mr. S. T. Evans. K.C.. accepted the propose', and by consent the Official Re- ieree gave judgment in that form. Now (lie ratepivers aie waiting for the BILL. 'C' i Ihe Neath and f tistrict Licensed Victual- lers' Association have decided to have a ban- quet. From what f hear it is likely to be a ,oweJ/ affair. Mr. E. Evans Bevan "will pro- bably take the chair. The Government pro- posals will invest the affair with additional interest, and among the guests will be a gentleman who is well qualified to speak thereon, and on matters affecting licensed victuallers generally. This is a tale which a local gentleman told me against himself. "I have a dag. sir of very questionable breed. Indeed, I tell yoa that many canine experts have totally tailed to locate it. As a dog I valued it at bd.. and I was a week or fAt ago offered 8d. toi it. But I wouldn't part Next day the policeman cam?, and I discovered t.hat I iiacui t taken out a license. I was summoned, and had to pay 13s. 6d. So you see I am 14s. ^d. out of pocket. I'll try the law of Moses nr.-st, but if tliat dog won't learn to catch raonits and things, I'll have a coaple of boyes strapped to his back and send him a-boat tins oifctrict Collecting pennies for the Police Superannuation Fund." REV. J. M. GIBBON CHALLENGED. < lo the Editor of "The Cambrian.") Sir.—It will be within the recollection of many of your readers that 1 challenged the ^•ev. J. Morgan Gibbon at a Free Church Demonstration, held at the Gwvn HaH, Neath, on February 22nd la-t. to give the name of a. clerg^.an in London who he al- leged had said that a certain Baptism per- formed by him (Mr. Gibbon) was invalid. He refused to do so at the meeting, but alleged that it was perfectly true, and said that he would send me the name in a week's time. I am still waiting to be furnished with t.he name and address of this imag nary indiscreet tiersonage. Now tliit the din of battle h,as subs:ded, and Mr. Gibbon can enjoy a little rest, after his arduous and exciting Passive Rdistance campaign, his conscience must at tinier agi- tate him when bethinks of the thousand a^id one misrei-ref-entat.ens that were u ed to gull simple folk to adopt a policy of "ro rate" to all except. they were preptred to sound tho) Free Church snibboleth, and respond to the call to arais of the Radical Leaders. When Mr. Gibbon condescends or.es more to leave the grpat city life of Lonacn for his native land, which he has shunned foi sunn'er fields, we trust he will have greater rewaitt for accuracy, and fight with weapons that must surely prevail, if the struggle la*ts fo.r any period of time. "Y ewir a sail."—I a:n, GRIFFITH THOMAS, March 15, 1904 Carmarthen.

IN LIGHTER VEIN. .=+' } v "y "PW'nM reformer sid« i l l T'1"'1 Bea»u« tie 1 ;i* "iiit,V" "ne VMi«y <* Yev- ^n't worry; by the finwr that ma. yours with tlie Cardiff Dockei» comes off.. Convalescent Home will too- babiy be reao v' A "flat" is now being advertised.in Swan- Ma. advertisen,*?nt should have located it, in Cardiff, where th.te arc plenty of them; we are all "slurps" dowi^ Jifre. Japanese .s,ulois, in a recent iigio, a?e said to haTO used their "cutlakes' /r^lr; th« little Islanders are evidently "lady-killers." of the most pronounced description." A lectuie was delivered at Swansea- on Tuesday evening entitled "Iheor ies regardiEic Tidal Action." One or two people'* theories on the causes of tided action tie. Util Dloon- siiitje." There are two captured Russian guns in front of the Guifd Hull at Swansea. Tisn't, t.rue the Russuin Government has placed thcot there for safety, to prevent the Japanese getting hold of them, all the same. Sir George Newnes was hfty-three years 014 last, Sunday. Everybody wishes him many happy returns" all the same, they are extremely unlikely to be for Swansea. "Once bitten, twice shy." Councillor Merrells declares there tti 'sweating" going on in connection with the erection of tlie Bath Show buildings; this is rather hard to swallow. ) he temperature i«sn't tropical just yet. -+ In view of Mr. Chevalier's: vNit to Swaxiest next week, it is interesting to recollect th:1.b Admiral Togo. favourite song (addressed tn Admiral (*!) Alcxeieff) just at present is fsbtA to be "'E Can't Tike a Kois-e out of Oi." Sir Hiram Maxim has just invented a new roundabout, which gives its patumisers all the sensation* of "looping the loop." It re- mains to be seen—it* remains are not to ba- seen just vet—whether the new idea will kill more people than the Maxim automatic gun. TJle Welsh Union Committee voted their august selves gold p- ndants to celebrat** Wales gaining the "h mpionship :-ome years ago; after last Saturday's fiasco, quite a "num- ber of people will cheerily pay 6d. to see the? Union "pendant." A large number of the shells tired into Port, Arthur are said to have been of Russian manufacture, and to have been captured by the Japanese from a Russian- transport. Neverthele&s. we ui derstand the Russians do not in the least appreciate thi" part f-alac method ot "gettin-.T their own back"—to<> much of cue boomerang about it. A case of Heid.-eck champagne is to txr donate<I-to the survivorh of the great Cardiff v. Swansea, dockdtas matcli that is coming off piesently. Mo-t of the players, after is quarter of an hours running to and fro, will fee, sufficient real jxtin, however, to st-iflo anv hankering after t'ie sham variety. Swansea is to move for an extension of the Borough boundaries; and the "Mail" in consequence is bright biliout yellow with malici<^as-en^'y. Don't fret your hair grey, dear Mudvillans; we refuse-—^yea, positiveiv decline—-to have the Cardiff Araa« Park inside our domains, even were its mwt paved with rad arm and diamonds. The Streets Cmnmittee has decided to pava fewsuisea a main streoi. in wood. In conse- quence of the scandalous amount of mud upon the thoroughfares during the last year's de- luge, several candidates at the next election had, we understood, decided to make wo»xf- paving "the principal plank in their plat- form," Alexeieff invariably "humbly begs" or craves the pardon of the Czar,* in the latest despatch announcing his disasters. We don't know wh-ether in lluessia as in this country old so-ldiers are turned out on the streets or in- to the Workhomse when theii period of useful- yiess has expired but if Alexeieff is ever c Iøt. out to starve by an ungrateful fatherland, he has undoubtedly the makings of a fiiBt-elass mendicant. England ostensibly presetves an attitude or the (strictest neutrality in regard to the RuiMto- Japanese war neverheless that did' not pre- vent every lino- compositor in the kingdom from lifting the roof with a mighty cheery expre-s.sing approbat-ion of the destruction of the Rusjsitiu warships Bezposchtchadni and A nushitclni. The fact that he would never* —no, never—again have to set up into type those appalling cognomens was to each mai* as a peep into Paradise. Still we doii'fc- wonder they aie put out of action s > early LXfEST Ml SIN FORMATION ABOUT WAR. A telegram from Admiral Alexeieff, dated Harbin, All Fool's Day, declares that in the recent destroyer encounter, the muzzle of » Japanese destroyer's twelve-pounder waw ac- tually touching the cabin door of a Russiaii boat; howevei, no damage was done, the sho& eointf• thrullvlJ tlie. kevhole. 0- A Jajxinese sailor, with great hardihood, sprang oil board the Russian boat, and met, the commander at the cabin entrance. The Russian, however, politely invited him tu stei) inside, liave a cup of tea2 and' make him- self at lionie,. It is little acts of courtesy aind chivalry like this that redeem the horrors and bru- talities of war. The funds for the killed and wounded on both sides are temporarily, it is officially an- nounced. suspended, the Red Cross Societies having mutually agreed to wait until tbøro are some. The Japanese are said to be bombarding Port Arthur by means of wireless telegraphy but gicat outcry is being raised in Fleet- street against the employment of their corres ponde-nts of newsle>s telegraphy, a new IR- vention never ))eard of before until ffiis war. Numerous mines aie said to have been laid at the entrance, to keep the Japanea? Mit; and it is reported the Anthracite Trust IS aN ready prosecuting inquiries a.s to their num- bers and quality, being evidently under a mis apprehension. A telegram from Peking announces thot dense black clouds of ?mv)k*3 are rising from the direction of Port >rt 11ui~y and are visible for miles ai ound it is pre- sumed the Japanese shells have been getting at those stacks of best Cardiff smokelcs." There is little further direct new- up t<»> date; but it IS said tluit. whilst the BaM<i*j Canal authorities have permitted' the freo use of that waterway to Hoth Russia and the Japanese fleets, the Morriston Canal announ- ces luat it is absolatelv closed pro. tern. tCJ both combataaats. A strike, accompanied by bloodshed, iff also reported amongst the English linotypw compositors who set up into type the war news. They demand (a) that the sub-editor should cut a yaid off all Russian, and twn feet off all Japanese place-names before send- ing the copy down to them; or (b) that they be put to setting Welsh englynion in default.. The Japanese are said to have gained pos- session of the key of Port Arthur, and a lock- out has been declared.

"UNCLE TOM" AND LITTLE EVA Ar THE GRAND. Charles Harrington's "Uncte Tom's Cabin is agiin with us, but no amoumt of rcp traion caasei the story to pall, and under the direc- tion of Mr. Harrington the representation always worth freeing. Monday night s. au- dience at the Grand Theatre watched with. interest, the escape of Eliza oil the ii«e, Uw brutality of Legree, the eccentriciticj of Topsv, the faithfulness cf "Uncle Tom and the death of Little Eva, the latt<?r c.'asin^ many eyes_ to become bode mined. The plan, tation festival was a pleasing feature. Mr. J. Carr made an ideal "Uncle Tom," ar j Mr. W. H. Hargreave>s, as Geo. Harris, brought- out- the manly (.nancies of the part admir- ably. As the slave-owner, Mr. J. H. Hogerö acouitted himself well whilst the Eli/.a Har- lli50 of Miss Ethol Miidmav and the Top:oy of Mis-s Minnie Watson could not. have iioei* improved upon. Little Minnie pourtrayodE Little Eva excellently.