The South Wales Daily Post

IMPERIAL P ARLIAMEN T + HOUSE OF COMMONS.. WESTMINSTER, Tuesday. The House of Commons met soon after three o'clock to-day. Mr. J. MORLBY, replying to Mr. Carson, said it was his intention to introc uo8 as soon as possible a bill to amend the Irish Education Act of 1834. Mr. GLADSTONE, answering Mr. Hulse, stated that the report of "-dr. G. Portal on the mission to Uganda had been completed, and would be laid before the House before a. supplementary estimate in connection with the matter was sub- mitted. The right hon. gentleman added that he wished to say in regard to Sir G. Portal how deep was the regret with which the Government received the news of his death. He had performed great public services in his mission to Ugalida with great ability and tact, commanding the warmest admiration. The House proceeded to the consideration of the Lords' amendment to the Employers' Liability Bill. Mr. COBB moved an amendment to Lord Dudley's contracting-out clause for the retention for three years from the passing of the Act of the ex sting arrangements between the employer and the employed. Mr. AJSQUITH said the object of the Bill was not less the payment of compensation for injuries than the protection of the life of emp:oy<j* and it wonld supply employers with a substantial in- centive to take care of the life and health of those in their sorvice. The Government could not ac- cept either in the larger form of Lord Dudley's clause, or in the more limited form of Mr. McLaren's amendment, any proposal which would permanently take out of the scope of the provi- sions of the Bill any body of working men in the country. (Cheers.) But, while the Government would notconsent to any amendment inconsistent with the vital principles of the Bill, there seemed reason to believe that if a reasonable time were given for employers and employed to realise their position under the law, arrangements would be made by which the existing funds would be con- tinued on the present footing, so far as regarded the contributions of the employers. It was on this ground, and this alone, that the Government f-ere- willing to accept the amendment of the hon. member for the Rugby Division. (Hear, hear.) Mr. JOHN BUIDiS said the workmen of the Lon- don and North-Western Company, in saying that they were in favour of "contracting out," were mere industrial Judas Iscariots. klaugbter.) If the Government would insist upon the Bill in its original form, and it were in consequence rejected in another place, he believed that instead of a prospective majority of 20 or 30 at the next election they would have a majority of 100. (Laughter.) Let them fight the matter out with the workmen's trade unions and cruel organisa- tions on their side, and the House of Lords and the industrial Judas Iscariots on the other. (Laughter and cheers.) The House di, i ed. when there were- For Mr. Cobb's amendment 215 Against 213 Majcrlty. 2 Mr. ASQTJITH then moved that the House should disagree with sub-section 3 of the Lords' amend- ment sanctioning "contracting out" and regu lating agreements made after the passing of the Act. The House immediately divided, when there voted- For disagreeing with the Lords' amendment 219 Against. 197 Majority. 22 PARISH COUNCILS BILL. The Local Government (England and Wales") Bill was then brought down from the House of Lords, and Thursday was fixed for the considera- tion of the amendments made by their Lordships,

JACK THE RIPPER! A DETECTIVE KNOWS HIM. Both the Morning Le der and thetftm way Yes, and assert it so vehemently that many will, no doubt, believe their statements. The former paper says the redoubtable assassin is now in Broadmoor and the latter hints at the same fact, although it only publishes the first of apparently a long series of articles on the subject. To-day it gives part of the" Story of W-- K- a detective in the best style of the sensation-novelist.

SUPPOSED LOSS OF A SWANSEA TRADEE, MORE WRECKAGE OF THE AFON CEFNI. WASHED ASHORE AT PENZANCE. A telegram received from Lloyd's states that a mahogany boat's nameboard, with cut letters, marked Afon Cefni" bas been picked up off the Lizard Signal Station, and is now in the possession of the coastguard. At first sight this news points to the tact that the Afon Cefni has come to an untimely end, but it must be i: observed that in all probability the name-board is the one belonging to the Afon Cefni s life-boat, other parts of which were picked up near the same spot some days ago. From the latest reports to hand it appears that the wreckage washed on to the rocks between Langland and Caswell during Sunday nights gale was, in all probability, nothing to do witn the Afon Cefni. The coastguards state that the wreckage, which was marked Liverpool," had in all probability been in the water for upwards of 12 months, and this points conclusively to the fact that it was nothing to do with the Afon Cefni.

PITH AND POINT. Prince Esterhazy denies that four valuable plates belonging to Mary Queen of Scots have been stolen from his castle. At Selhurst, Thornton Heath, on Tuesday, Mr?. Brooks, living apart from her husband, took a fatal dose of poison. She left a note declaring that she was tired of her life. At the Gloucester Assizes on Tuesday, Thomas Cooley was sentenced to 3 years' penal servitude for the manslaughter of Charles May, labourer, of Stroud. The men had a dispute, and Cooley struck Mayo a blow on the head which knocked him down and caused his death in a few moments,

NOTABLE WELSHMEN 'it XIX. CT PRINCIPAL OWEN, OF LAM; EJL\ R. From the South W ales Weekly Post." A malicious person once remarked that deans live to a great age because they have a fixed ncome, nothing to do, and a. nice house to do it in. That, perhaps, was the reason why the extremely active and energetic subject of this sketch left the calm retreat of the Deanery at St. Asaph for the bustling and responsible position which he now holds. He was possibly the busiest man in Wales when he was Dean; but his activity was not always well-directed He had to let off some of the steam by attacking Thomas Gee and Evan Jones, Carnarvon, and there was little hope for his constructive statesmanship except when the Tory Government was introducing a Tithe Bill or Mr. Gladstone was ma g a speech on Disestab- lishment. John Owen, ItS Dean, was a good man spoilt; John Owen, as Principal of St. David's College, Lampetcr, is the right man in the right place. Born in the early fifties at a cottage called Ysguborwen a mile or two from Abersoch,a pretty little watering place on the south coast of Car- narvonshire, John Owen was brought up in the strictest Methodist school according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers. In 1S65 he was sent to the endowed Grammar School at Bottwnog, a little country village some six miles away from his home. Every Monday morning the little weaver's lad trudg d to Bottwnog with his satchel of books and food, and returned on the Saturday night The school was a typical Welsh one—something like Llandoverv used to be before Edwards re- modelled it after the style of the English public schools. Young Owen lodged during the week with a Methodist farmer named Thomas, whose house was called Tynllan from its nearness to the churchyard. Once a week young Owen and the four others who lodged at Tynllan, were taken to the seiet, and in the secluded calm of the meeting of the brethren, the poor devoted Calvinitts did their best to counteract the Church influences of the Grammar School. For the Grammar School at Bottwnog, as nearly every Grammar School in Wales, was under Church control, and though nominally open to all, the governors and- masters did not neglect to use that subtle and indefinable power which those in authority can exercise over the child-mind. As long, .indeed, as the young Methodist was within reach of the seiet, his faith in the religion of his fathers never swerved, but when in 1872 he gained a Mathematical Scholarship at Jesus College, Oxford, and entered that University, gradually the old simple convictions were lost. Before the end of his University ca.eer it is stated that he formally joined the Church of England. His cousin, Owen Owen, of Oswestry, was his contemporary at Oxford, and it is signifi- cant of the characters and the careers of the two men that one of the Jesus dons predicted that, sooner or later, John Owen would come over to the Church, Owen Owen never. John Owen's University career, though exceedingly creditable, was not brilliant. He took three seconds, two in mathematics, and one in Classics. He was a frequent and prominent speaker at the College Debating Society, of which he was for one term the president. But he never seems to have spoken at the Union. He was always t udious, entirely free from those dissi- pations which readers of Verdant Green are apt to think constitute the whole of 'Varsity life. His wildest diseipation consisted of a punt- ing expedition up the Cherwell, or a game of chess in the Union smoke room. One human frailty has still clung to him: he is an ardent lover of the fragrant weed, and he is as pleasant a com- panion over a pipe as a genial Radical can wish for. At one time his prevailing weakness was a shrink- ing reserve and timidity. Ecclesiastical honours and much contact with arough world have, however, rid him of this. When in 1879 he was promoted from an assistant mastership at Appleby to be the Professor of Welsh and Lecturer on Things in General at Lampeter, few people pre- dicted for him a career of exceptional success. During the six years he remained at St. David's College, he witnessed a marvellous change in the character of that institution. Bishop — then Mr. Jayne found the fortunes of the college at a low ebb. The late Principal, Dean Llewellin, though a fine scholar in his day, had outiived his usefulness, and the college had sunk low when the young Oxford don was appointed Principal. A good deal of the credit for the great work that was done at Lampeter between "79 and '85 is due to the Welsh fprofessor, who, according to Mr. Jayne, was one of the ablest men in Wales." Dr Jayne often testified to Mr. Owen's "power of initiative at a time when the young Welsh- man had had no opportunity to show to the outer world the greatness of his gifts and the strength of his character. Many, therefore, and gloomy were the predic- 1 tions that attended Mr. Owen's departure from Lampeter in 1335 to take up the work of Warden of Llandovery College. Once < more were these predictions to be falsi- fied. Never did the Welsh Institution ] flourish so wonderfully as under the regime of John Owen. Those who had the best opportu- nities to judge-state tha.t Mr. Owen isfar and away j the greatest Headmaster that Wales or j Llandovery has ever seen. Bishop Edwards was an excellent disciplinarian, a daring innovator, a judicious director of assist- ants, and a first-rate teacher. Bishop Lloyd was a man of inflexible method, a master spirit born to rule, and a keen observer of human nature, But John Owen combined theexcelleneies of both. He never allowed it to be seen that he was the ruler he never flaunted his authority in the face of boys or masters he ruled by reason, he com- pelled by love. He knew every boy in the school — knew, too, his strength and weakness, the bent of his mind, and the cir- cumstances of his homo life. He was a wise and almost an unerring guide, and all the old boys speak of him with respect and affection. Never, indeed, did a headmaster leave such a reputation behind him. When the Vicar of Carmarthen became Bishop of St. Asaph, the Warden of Llandovery became his Dean. We cannot but think that Dean Owen, in spite of his activity and energy, was glad to go back last year to Lampeter. He is, indeed, at last in the very plMi) where he-can do conspicuous service to his Church and to his country. He has been fighting against Disestablishment vaiiantly, but vainly. But though he c&nnot prevent Disestablishment, be can and will rob it of its sting to the Church. He is at present training young candidates for the Church ministry to throw themselves freely and heartily into the national life of Wales, and a Church that is National in spirit, in sym- pathy, and in aim need iear nothing from beins freed from State control. Principal Owen, how- ever eould still do one notable service to his Church. Archdeacon Sinclair, a distinguished Laudian High Churchman, a little while ago said to have the same reli- gious system in Wales and England is nothing but pedantry." The Archdeacon went on to say that "the first thing needful for the Church in Wales is a National Church Assembly or Convo- cation of its own, roand which Welsh National feeling may rally, and which may be a visible sign to the Welsh people that it is not an alien institution." Principal Owen has been most eager to bring about a recoaciliation between Young Wales and "Yr Hen Fam." We would draw bis attention to Archdeacon Sinclair's sugges- tion as the nrac step that should be taken, and we trust that when the Church is placed cm the same level wib other religious bodies in Wales, it will be the Principal's happy lot and privilege to bring the Church into touch with the glorious aspirations of Cymru Fydd."

W ELSHPRKSS. o [BY CARADOG.J PUBLIC CHARITIES. The appointment of Mr. Cadwaladr Davies as Commissioner to enquire into the history and state of public charities in Merionethshire meets with the approval of the Welsh Press. The 1 arioM "We not only complain that much of what had been intended for the poor and the fatherless is pilfered by the rich, but also of the unfair way of administering charities. The work is almost invariably done by the parson and the churchwarden. Though these charities were intended for the needy generally, and that the bequests ma e no reference to any one religious denomination more than another, yet it rests with the parson and curate to determine who shall and who shall not receive a dole. The object of all this is transparent. It is neither more nor less than pro-elvtising, cajoling Dissenters somehow into Church. Public charities everywhere should be managed by a representative committee." The Tyst derives all tie comfort it can from the capture of the notorious Jabez Balfour. It sings, though, ere it is out of the wood, for that eel-like swindler may yet elude the grasp of his pursuers. Speaking of the widespread havoc wrought by THI LIBERATOR SMASH and the sympathy it evoked in Christian England, the Tyst moralises on thrift and what we suppose it means, trust in rovidence u Whilst recognising the value of thrift and economy, and the duty to practice them in moderation, still are they not a temptation to wean people from trusting in Providence, to shake one's confidence in Him who careth for the spar- row ?" One does not doubt the piety of this senti- ment, but it is not the doctrine one wishes to hear preached in a country where £150,000,000 are spent annually in alcoholic drinks, not to mention a host of other luxuries. WELSH TUTORS. The University College of North Wales falls short of the GenedVs high ideal of a Weish National College. Quoting the Celt, the "Nationalist" organ says:—" £800 is paid the principal, who is not a Welshman, but an Irish-Dutchman. Besides the prineip^^foraEe are eight- {jvx>t'easorgt. How many of these are Welsh we should like to know ? Only two ? True, there is one besides, a Welshman born in England, without ever having learnt to apeakhis mother's tongue. Seven of the professors are paid JMOO a year each; these are Englishmen. The eighth only gets £300; he is a Welshman, of course. But this does not close our tale. There is on the staff a class of teachers called lecturers, whose business it is to assist the professoral staff. There are in all seven or eight of them, their salaries ranging from £100 to £1ZO or so. Among these rank the Welsh professor and three more Welshmen. And each of these Welshmen is better known in the Principality than the rest of the prolessors put together. These, in fact, are the men who link the college to the country and inspire young Welshmen with hope and confidence.' The Baner lifts its voice like a trumpet against the appointment of a monoglot Englishman (a Mr. Winter) as lecturer on Agriculture at the North Wales (Bangor) College, despite the fact that there was a candidate in the field whose qualifications were quite as good, and who, moreover, had the advantace of a practical knowledge of Welsh. In the same issue the Rev. John Evans (Eglwysbach) writes on The South Wales Mission," a movement into which he has thrown himself heart and soul. The Seren treats of the denomination's Benefit Society, the House of Lords, and the Parish Councils Bill, and—rather late—of the Horncastie Election. A BATCH OF WELSH BOOKS. Wales is more indebted to Messrs. Thomas Gee and Son, the Denbigh publishers, than to any other firm, past or present. Not to mention smaller works by the score, it was this enterprising house that gave us the National Welsh Cyclopaedia —Y Gwyddoniadur—the prince of Welsh books, the Myvyrian Archaiology, and Canon Silvan Evans's English and Welsh Dictionary. Now again, they have rendered their countrymen good service by publishing Hanes y Mertliyron (History of the Martyrs), Beibl y Teulu (the Family Bible,, Dr. John Hughes's Commentary on the Acts, and the Biography of the Late Rev. Edward Matthews. The history of the Martyrs is a reprint of the work oi the Rev. Thos. Jones, of Denbigh, one ol the earlier Welsh Calvinistic Methodist ministers, with an appendix by Mr. John Parry, of Llanarmon. It appears now in two well-bound volumes, offered to the public at the exceedingly low price of twelve shillings. The work is copiously illustrated, and strongly bound in cloth. The Commentary on the Acts is equal to any work of the kind published by the English Press, and forms part of the Family Bible series, the work of Welsh divines belonging to various denominations in Wales. The com- mentary is iu all respects worthy of the theological [earning of the late Dr. Hughes, of Carnarvon ane of the master minds of the Wels i pulpit. The Biography of Edward Matthews is a faithful portraiture of the great Welsh preacher flom the Vale of Glamorgan by the RJT. J. D. Jones, Tonna, Neath, with an in MemoiHam, a sort of character sketch, by Dr. Cynddylan Jones. It is a book that will take well, as everything written about "Ma.tthews Ewenni," is of interest not only to Welsh. Calvinistic Methodists, but to Welshmen &very where.

THEATRE ROYAL. On Monday there was a large assemblage to wel- come the return visit of the famous" Impulse and The Colonel" Company. The former piece was well played, and thoroughly deserved the plaudits with which it was greeted. Miss li eatrice Day displayed her excellent abilities to advantage in the part of Mrs. McDonald. and as Mrs. Berts- ford Miss Lucia Harwood was well suited. Mr. C. W. Garthome gave a clever impersonation of Capt. Grichton, and highly amused the audience with his queer expressions. Miss Marjorie Griffiths made the most of Mrs. Br kett, and Miss Warlhouse wss pleasing as Miss Kilmore. Mr. Stewart Dawson made a favourable impression as Cdtxynel Macdonald; Mr. Charles Cararcgha was exceedingly good as Victor Be Micl. The The other characters were well filled by Mr. G. Black as Sir He t y A uckLwrid ixud Arthur Caven- dish, Mr. H. Williams, and Mr. A. Gurnard as I Parker, Graham, and Waiter respectively. r

NEW HALL FOR MORRISTON. OPENING CONCERT. For many years the inhabitants of Morriston have yearned for a suitable place in which to hold public and other meetings. Alderman Naysmith, Mr. J. R. Gibbs, Mr. Richard Elias, Mr. David Jeremiah, and others have struggled to get a suit- able hall erected, Not until Mr. \V. Williams, M.P., and other large proprietors lent their assistance did the pro- posal promise success. It is little over nine months ago now since the contract to build a new hall, at a cost of £ 4,000, was g;ven to Messrs. Walters and Johns, and yesterday the hall was opened. IT IS SITUATE 3N Woodfield-street, and has three entrances from W oodfield-creet and one from Welcome-street. The main staircases are of dressed local stone, and the entrance hall has ticket places on each side. The main hall is 58ft. by 50ft., having a a stage 30ft. by tO t. There are two ante-rooms behind. The gallery will accommodate 900 adults, and the W,HD iiall 430 adults. The galiery has panelled seatings, while the hall on the ground floor has chairs, so that it can be used f r balls and other purposes. The woodwork in the hall and gallery is of varnished pitchpine. The gallery front and columns are of caat iron, ornamental, and finished in colours. There are swing wings pro- fiided on each side of the stage, so as to enlarge or confine the stage. In front there is an orchestra chamber for the band, having a back entrance. The ceiling is divided into panels, having moulded ends, and looks very picturesque and com ortable. The lower hall and galiery are well ventilated. The stage has stone staircases on each side, con- necting the stage with the basement, and leading to the exit to Welcome-street. The basement has a billiard room 42 feet by 21 feet, and a room 50 feet by 21 feet, in which meetings can be held. There are wo committee rooms, 21 feat by 20: feet; and also kirchen and offices for caretaker, kc. Two shops and dwelling-houses are erected in front of the hall. The main entrance is between the two shops, and the side entrances at each end of the shops. The building has been erected from the plans of Mr. 13. Williams, architect, of 111, Western-street, Swansea. The opening of the hall too place last (Tuesday) night with a grand evening concert. The com- mittee to whom the work had been entrusted leit nothing undone to ensure success, and it must have damped their energy to hear that the hon. member for the Swansea District had had to hurry off to Parliament, leaving them minus a chairman. However, Alderman Naysmith proved a very able substitute. The programme was as follows:— Grand selection. Maritan t "„ ..(Wallace) I 1st Gr.A.Y. iiand. Duett The Gipsy C ouitess (Glover) Mrs. Rowlands ami ilr. JJ. Jivans. Song.. The Village Blacksmith (Weiss) Mr. K. George. Pianoforte solo Grand Valsje Tito Mattei Misa L. Gibbs. Song. "The Sentry" (Ghershall) Mr. A. Gates Song. Wh; n the heart is young" —(Buck) Mrs. Jones (Eos Afanj Violin Solo Mr. Artemus Jones Song. Jfr. David Evans Grand Selection- Lucia di Lainmenvioor" (Donizetti) lstG.A.V. Hanf! Song. The Huguenot" tF. Morgan) Miss Mag John. Song Yeoman's Wedding Song/ (Poniatowski) Mr. Kvan Kvana. Duett In the dusk of the vwilight" (Offenbach) Mrs. Rowlands and Miss Mag John. Song.The Holy City"- (Adams Mrs. Rowlands. Violin solo. Caprice" „(Bohm) Miss Mary Thomas Song. "Gallants ot England" (Gatti) Mr. David Evans Song Mr. Tom Hopkins Quartette .Good evening" (Smith) Mrs. Rowlands, Miss John, 1\1 eS:irs. Jones anu Evans Finale Goo Save the Queen." All the artistes acquitted themselves creditably, notably Mrs. Rowlands, Mr. A. Gates, and the Brothers Evans. Miss Lizzie Gibbs' rendering of Tito Mattei's Grand ValHe" on the pianoforte was also well received. The accompanists were Mr. T. D, Jones and Mr. Hyma-n Ellis Jones. The concert will be repeated Oil Saturday next,

ABEBAVON SCHOOL BOARD. THE PROPOSED NEW SCHOOL. MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the A bera von School Board was held at Abcravon on Tuesday, under the presidency of Mr. Rees Thomas. The other members present were:—Messrs. Oliver Piper (vice-chairman). J. M. Smith, William Williams, H. J. Stokes (Mayor), Revs. II. J. Fouikes, and David Griffiths.-A letter was received from the Education Department respecting the proposed provision of a new board school at the Sandfieldg. The department were willing to recognise the existing school for the current school year, pro- vided that a. new m'xed school was provided without delay. — A letter was received from Nlr. A. P. Vivian stating that he was prepared to sell the site— half an acre for £ 600.—This land at 2s. 2}d. per square yard at 28 veara: purchase—the Margam estate price--would be £777. The Clerk had also received a reply from Mr. Gray, who was acting for Mr. Vivian in the matier, stating that the latter wou 'à p efer selling outright, but, if the Board preferred it, he would lease the land for 99 years at £27 per anmma.—Mr. H. J. Stokes suggested that Miss Talbot be written to with a view to ascertaining what a piece of land could bo purchased i'or.— Mr. J. M. Smith said he was not disposed to make Mr. Vivian any counter offer. The price quoted was a fabulous one. He asked what price would be required for Mr. David Francis's holding. He was positive that that site could be purchased for less money.—Eventually, on the motion of Mr..1. M. Smith, second by the Rev David Griffiths, it was decided to adjourn the further consideration of Mr. Vivian's letter until the next meeting, in the meantime Miss Talbot and Mr Marmaduke Tennant, the owner of Fran- cgs holding, to be written to to discover what lerins they could offer for sites.—Air. William Williams moved that the school at the Sandficlcis be a mixed one.—Mr. Oliver Piper seconded.—The Rev. J. Foulkes moved an amendment that if the Education Department consent, the Board build only an infants' school to meet the deficiency caused by the closing of the present infants' school.—Mr. J. M. Smith seconded.-The amend- ment was carried.—The Ik v. David Griffiths moved that Mrs. Mary Williams, who had applied for the position of head mistress to the Sandfields Infants' School, be appointed.—Mr. J. M. Smith seconded, and the motion was adopted.—This was all the business.

THE LAW DEFIED. STRANGE SCENE ON A LINER. An exciting scene was witnessed yesterday on board the Cunard steamer Povonia, while she wa'< embarking passengers at Queenstown, prepare ry to her start for Boston. A lady and gcntleivuu were in the second Cabin, and it appeared thai the latter was wanted by the police, lie had e barked at Liverpool, and had escaped the Mersey police officials; but the Irish officers took him into custody and prepared to take him ashore. The man refused to surrender, and on deck placed h s arms around a stout iron bar fixture of the vessel and refused to move, and all the efforts of two officers could not move him. Meanwhile the Pavoniawas steaming seawards with her tender alongside, and at hst the officers were forced to leave their prisoner and take to the tender amid the cheers and jeers of the passengers.

SUICIDE IN GAOL, A PRISONER JUMPS, AND IS KILLED. On the chief warder in charge (Mr. Groves) at Ipswich Gaol making his customary inspection yesterday morning, he came to the cell of a pri- soner named George Woods, who, immediately the door (wnich is situated on the second lauding) being opeiied, rushed out and aseende.L the secood flight-of steps leading to the third landing. Mr. j Groves rushed after the man, who, having reached I tha landing, threw himself over the low balus- trade, and fell on the ground floor beneath, a distance of 23ift. When picked up the man was dead, having evidently been killed instantaneously. The prisoner, who had described hi i self as a brick- I layer, was a weil-eondueted man in gaol, and gave not the slightest symptoms of suicidal tcndencv. He was undergoing three months for shop break- ing. This is tiie second suicide in Ipawich prison within a month. 1 -.— „„, ,„

The sma.ok Anne King, of Yarmouth, reports that three men were washed overboard during i Sunday's gale. Two were drowned, and one was I thrown back on the veBsel by a wave,

THE AMAZONS OF DAHOMEY, A DUSKY TCJLND OF FEMALE W iiliilOIii In Irs immortal parody entitled Timbuctoo,' one of the greatest of modern humourists h&s sung:— In Africa (a quarter of the world), Men's likins are black, their hair is rrÍsp anù curl'd; There stalks the tiger-there the lion roars, Who sometimes eats the luckless blackamoors His hanger thus the forest monarch gluts, And then lies down 'neath trees called cocoa-nuts 1 Just so. But our knowledge of the "luckless blackamoors doesn't extend much further than the vivid descriptious of the traveller and the humourist carry us. The majority of us have never seen the cassowary on the plains of Timbuctoo, that swallowed up the missionary, hat and coat, and hymnbook too The time of our delivery from the ignorance that has so long beset us is now at hand, aud it will be the fault o the inhabitants of Swansea if they remain longer in an unenlightened state respecting the strange inhabitants v.i:oso lot it is to dwell "where Afrie's sunny i\uitains roll down their golden si.nds." Thanks to the enterprise of Mr. Oswald Stoll (who. en passant, cannot be ex(.s)tolled too highly). Swauseaites can visit the Empire, and come away with mr-e .han a faint idea of the way in wliicn the Dahomey an amazons and warriors live when they ar" at home! They will then see that TLa-¡;;or.ly"s lines :— Quick icsue Gut with III Li8ket, torch, and brand, The õturdy blackamoors, a dusky band Tbe beast ic fouml-pop goes the musketoons, The lion failo covered with hurrid wounds. Are no more beside the mark than were the bullets from those historic weapons. There are Z6 Amazons, or female warriors, and 11 male Dahomsyans at the Empire this week, and a grand and impressive performance they give. But the Post man, thanks to the kindness of Mr. Mitchell, the genial manager of the Empire, had a peep behind the scenes, where he found I' Quaku, the chief of the warriors, and was not a little surprised to iind how intelligently he could converse in the English tongue. We have been over in England about nine months," said he in response to a question, and were brought Africa by Mr. J. Hoods, a wealthy Hindoo." In reply to a further question as to who he was when lie was a.t home, tJualm explained he was the son of the king of the district, and that his father was a very great man. Then," muttered the Pest man to himself, this man is a species of Dahomeyan Prince of Wales," and addressing him with the deference of a court parasite, our representative learnt that their home wa.s on the extreme western coast of Africa, where they lived in a number of small towns by the seashore. The women with them weie all warriors, and in battle they were, said the chief, turning a bit pale (black people always blush white!) braver than the men, and had on many occasions been known to turn the tide of battle in their favour after the male wa: riors had turned tail and lied. Then the Post man had an anxious moment. A jingliDg sound was heard, and a moment later he was surrounded by a crowd of these female warrior Happily, their dememour was peaceable. Nay, more—it was affable, and the Queen (tha lineal descindent maybe of the mythological liippolytu) graciously came forward, and bes- towed a dusky smile upon our representative, and t Iked tropically about the weather and the ero. s. e y picturesque did she and her dark-skinueu companions look. Their breasts and necks were adorned with rows and rows of skilfully-arranged cowrie shells, while from the summit of the queen's curly coiffure rose a magnificent plume of ostrich feathers, which waved gracefully as the African beauty waved her ebon head from side to side. The other Amazons behaved most grace- fully to "the whiteman," who. quite overcome with such a galaxy of negro grace ai d loveliness, departed blissfully, and from iiis lips escaped the lines:— What though thy maidens are a blackish brown, Does virtue ÙweJ1 ill whiter breasts alone ? Oh no, 011 no. 011 no, oh no, oh no It sh.dl Dot, must not, C"U;¡ot c'cr be so. Then came the performance as seen from the auditorium at the Empire. Expositions of sorcery, war exercises and dances, sacrinei&i dances, sham fights terrible in their realism, and fetishman invocations followed m quick succession. A weird and strange performanr e truly, but interesting in the extreme, and thoroughly in harmony with the unearthly cries of the warriorSj the solemn beating of the arums, and the lurid glare of the light that is thrown upon the scene.

NEATH HIGHWAY BOARD. SPECIAL MEETING. A special meeting of the above-named board was he'd this (Wednesday) morning at the Uwyn Hall, Neath, under the presidency of Mr. F. J. Gibbins. The otber members present were:— Messrs. W. Leyson, W. T. Powell, A. S. Gardner, David Williams, W. Jones, T. Jones, and H. Jenkins.—The Chairman called attention to a dangerous place on the main road in Baglan Parish. He said that there was a precipice of 60 feet.—The Surveyor (Mr. D. M. Daviesj said that he would attend to the matter.— The estimates for the year ending March, 1895, were submitted, and showed a slight increase on the previous year. —It was resolved to adopt the estimates, and to submit them to tne County Council,—This was all the business.

NEATH RURAL SAOTAIiY AUTHORITY. MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the above-named Board was held at the Gwyn Hall, Nea.th, this (Wednes- day) morning, under the presidency of Mr. A. S. Gardner. The other members present were Messrs. W. Leyson, T. Powell, W. Jones, David Williams, J. Davies, T. Jones, B. E.vans, S. n. Davics, T. P. Whitting; ton, E. Evans Bevan, T. Leyson, T. 8. Sutton, F.J. Gibbins, Lewie Jones, B.A. Griffiths, H. Moore, H. Jenkins, W. B. Trick, and W. Bees. After a discussion it was decided to increase the salaries of the two Inspectors of Nuisances from 35s. to £2 per week, and also to provide them with a uniform. It was resolved that tenders be invited for the provision of a. carriage shed and mortuary to be attached to the Fever Hospital, Kimla, the same being considered necessary in connection with the smaU-pox epidemic. The Medical Officer's report showed that there were cases of small-pox at Cwmavon, and of scarlet fever at Skewen.—On the motion of the Chairman, it was decided not to co-operate with the Aberavon Town Com:oil respecting the proposed provision of an Infectious Diseases Hospital for the district.—-This concluded the business. _.Ai

SWANSEA EXCHAKGR. FEBRUARY, 1-J.lh, 1894. bTEAM. Genoa, 7s. and 7s. 9d., "Fidele Primavasi," [' 2,000, Livingston & Co. Belfast, 3s. 9-V 8.s. Ethelred," 1,359, Vivian & Sons. Newry, 5s.. j e.i.iat, L'.Nichol.

MARKETS. CORN. LONDON, Wednesday.—At Mark-lane this morning there is no quotable change in the values of either wheat or flour, but the demand is very dull. Maize, steady new mixed American, ISs. 9d.; New Odessa, 19s. 3d. ex-ship. Barley, quiet; South Russian, 14s. ex-ship, selle s; Persian, 13s. 3d. to 13s. 6d. landed. Oats open steady at last day's closing prices. Arrivals: Wheat, 400 qrs.; oats, 37,000 qrs.; Bour,12.C03 sacks. BUTTER. CORK, Wednesday. — Ordinary Firsts, 0; seconds. 106s.; thirds, 97s. fourths, 72s. Kegs, 0. Mild cured firkins: Suporfine, 1i6s.; line, 0 mild, 97s. In market: 5J firkins; 7 mild. PRODUCF. LONDON, Wednesday.—Sugar Refined, quiet, steady; French, slow: beef, steady—February, t 13s. d. sellers; 13s. l £ d. buyers; March sold- it 13s. 3,t;d. Coffee, quiet; Rio—March, 75s. Sd. sellers 74s. 6d. buyers. Tea, unchanged. Rice, more doing. Jute and IfeVnp quiet. Oils: Lin- 3 < d, 20s. 4 £ d. to 20s. Gd.; rape, 22s.: rude 30it0ii, 18s. 3d,; refined, 20s. 3d. to 20- turpentine, 22: 3d. to 22s. 6d.; petroleum un- i altered. SUGAR. GLASGOW, Wednesday—Official report; Mar! et 1 Linchan > .■<• business done; prices quite steady riY r-'uort: small business done at ;teadv j

DErSADFUL RINGING NOISES IN THE HE AD I I suffered intensely from ringing noises in the head and from pains under my eyes. I would almost fail down from dizziness my throat became dry and sore; I had a dreadful cough which quite exhausted me my stomach was very much out of order causing a feeling of fulness and a. bolting of wind and gas everything I ate distressed me and seemed to lie on my stomach like lead I awoke in the mornings tired and discouraged, with my usual energy and ambition entirely gone. My husband kept bringing n;c home patent medicines which were advertised for maladies like mine, but they did me no goo:; whatever. I consulted several physicians, all clover men, but none of theia seemed to treat my case successfully. I don't think they really knew thai-1 was suffering from dyspepsia. Finally, after spending many pounds in medicine and doctors, a book was left at our house one day, and in that I read of VOGELER'S CURATIVE COMPOUND which seemed to fit my case exactly. I felt at last I had found a medicine that woukl euro me. I sent to cur chciniet for a bottle at once began tnk;ng it that night; the next morning I felt better, my head was clearer than it bad been any morning for a long time. My rapid improvement dated from the first dose of the Curative Com- pound. I kept on growing better until I can now truthfully say I am perfectly cured. All of mv bad sympton.s are gone, my terrible headaches are things of the past, my cough ic cured, no more dreadful ringing noises in the heads. My sleep, which is peaceful, res^s me, all of my natural energy and ambition have returned, mv skin is soft and clear, the colour has returned to my face and my husband says I. look the picture of health. It is all due to V ogelcr's Curative Comnound, of which I took, in all, six bottles, and I tike a little now every day. I h< ve recommended the Curative Compound to several of cur neighbour; it is a wonderful meùiclDe." Mrs. RO^EUT ELLIS, Frome Har, Radstock. V ogcler's Curativa Compound is, as Mrs. Ellis says, a wonderful medicine, eompose l as it is wholly of freshly-gathered roots and her,is which science has demonstrated are the most pctent for the cure of diseases of the stomach, blood, liver, and kidneys. It removes from the system, through the natural channels, all poisonous impurities. It strengthens and restores the digestive organ*, quiets the nerves, and restores strength and vital energy. Sold by Chemists in large bottles (small dose.,s) Z, at Is. ltd. and 2s. GJ., or sent post free on rece: pt of 14 or 30 penny postage stamps by the Pro- prietors, who are also the proprietors of St. Jacobs Oil—The Charles A. Vogeler Co., 45, Farringdon Road, London.

SHIPPING. SWANSEA BAY SIGNALLING STATION, MUMBLES LIGHTHOUSE. FEBRUARY 13TH 1894. Wind, N. W., moderate; Weather, clear an4 fine; Sea, moderate. Count d'Aspremont s, Swansea, pa8sed west Amiral Cecilie s, Rouen, passed west Mascotte s, Middleabro', passed west Georgette s, Dieppe, passed west Southwick s, Sunderland, passed west Olivia s, Penzance, passed west Alladin s, Bergen, passed west Sneyd s, Southampton, passed west Lynx s, Cardiff, passed west Tyne s, Newcastle, passed west Henry Htrvey, Hayle, passed west Sovereign,Du- lin, passed west Jessie Me, few, passed west M. A. Wilkinson, Plymouth, passed west Chyndower, Penzance, passed west Golden Light, Poi zance, passed west. It. G. B., St. Ives, passed west Emma. Louise, Barnstaple, passed west Ltdy oi the Isles, Guernsey, passed west Zipporah, Jersey, passed west Electric, Bridgwater, passed west Bonita, Jersey, passed west H. F. Bolt,- B'doford. passed west Marion, (ter passed west Charier West EmiFe, St. Ma.io, passed west Neath AJbey s, Bristol, passed east Embleton s, West Hait.cpool, passed ea.st Vigdant, s, Liverpool, passed eaot Rosabelles, Glasgow, passed east Ossian s, fcristoi, passed east Llandaiflity s, Bristol, passed east Atalants s, Bristol, passed east City of Vork s, Newport, passed east Marion s¡ Liverpool, passed east FOREIGN ARRIVALS AND MOVEMElNT\ OF LOCAL VESSELS. Craiglaids s passed Constantinople 12 Clydebmk left Pisagua for Caldera Nov 14 Charles Mitchell s left Havre for Swansea 13 Rosslyi s arrived Lisbon 13 City ofBenares left Falmouth for Havre 10 Cape o Good Hopu ;yft Falmouth for Havre 12 Gustag; left Bordeaux for Swansea 10 Caerlecn s left Ca.¡:is for Swansea 7 Imbross passed Sagrcs 11 City of iamburg s arrived Ma&ssluis from Swan- sea 1. Acacia arrived Treport frcm Swansea 10 t thelrel s arrived Dieppe from Swansea 10 JOHN WOOD AND CO.'s STEAMERS. Tpsden irrivcd Vnrna 11 Starligh passed Constantinople for Odessa. 10 Sunshin. left Bavonne for Cardiff 10 Dewdro; left Middlesbro' for IIuelva3 Daybreat arrived Rotterdam 9

RHONTDA AND SWANSEA BAY RAILWAY COMPANY. Compa-ative statement of passengers and goods receipts br week ending February lltli, 1894:- 1394. 1893. Passenger £ 171 £ 174 Goods an mineral 271 244 5>tal for week 442 418 eggreg. for 6 weeks £2,817 i.2;535 Miosopen 13 15 Increase this week, £ 24 Increase 6 w«<«i £ 263.

RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURN [BY TELEGRAPH.] Increase. 2 ? London, Tilburs and S thond 88 —— London and Norh-We»i 'U 1.07t)- London and SoLh-Westprn 7!* 12, Great Western North British 1,115 Manchester, Shield, Jncolxishi "3 2,b:8 Caledonian 1,96i Midland 884 North StaffordsQ." 191 Hull andBarnsly 461 Glasgow and £ ;i;i-West?rn 104 „,„ t

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