Weekly Mail

TlfEIIERBERT CHAMBER OF TRADE. THE GAS QUESTION. A special meci jug of this chamber was held at eight o'clock on Friday night, for the purpose of ph >osing the council and officers for the present, year. Mr. Richirds (Castle) was elected vice-pre- sident,. The .it her officers were re-elected. In reference to ihe gas question, which lit present, is exciting so much intere-.t iu Ihe valley, the .secre- tary read lh J following letter from the secretary of tl". G is Company: — bear .4i<I am in receipt of your favonr oc yesterday (?.0tlij. and will tnke c,u-• to let, you know of the ni-xi meeting of directors of tlti5 company, when hey will b-wind 1.0 receive the deputation from your chamber I expee; ir, will 1)1' February, second wedi: or !IO, Y ur. ver truly. F. JAM liB, The Secretary remarked that there was danger to the (ias Company in the present strike, for a gentleman (an hotel keeper) told him the previous <)av he had been paying 13s. a week for gas, b if, now used oil. which only cost him 8d. per week. The oil lighls were very satisfactory. A discussion Cien tnol; place on the importance of having magistrates who should reside in the valley. It was staled that there were only two members on the Assessment Committee to represent a population of 711,000. being two-thirds of the whole union. If emeroHiicy should arise requiring depositions to be taken from a dying person, there was no magis- trate in the valley to do it. After some discussion it was agreed that tv deputation from the chamber should see the Re.v. D. W. Williams, of Fairfield, on the subject.

BItlNMAWR CALEDONIAN ASSO- CIATION. The annual dinner of the Brynmawr Caledonian Associat ion was held at the Griftin Hotel on Fri- oa" last. The chair was occupied by Mr, George Oliver (Abersyclian), and the vice-chair by Mr. J. Craer, and amongst those present were: Pipe- Major M'Donald, of the Seaforth Highlanders, one of ihe pipers at Tel-el-Kebir Messrs. W.M.Taytor, 1). K. I lavies (Cardiff), Benj. Davies (Glasgow), Jas. Lau d, Jas. St radian, J. Forrester (Merthyr), — .Solomon (Bristlll), T. Bettney, F. M'lntosh, J. Rorrisoti, R. Rorrison. Thomas, P. M. Watkins, H. Murray, T. Holmes, W.J. long (Western Mail), I1'. T. Webb, J. Jenkins, T. J. Jones, W. M'Neil, &c. An excellent spread was provided, including the Inggis, which was piped in amid great en- tllllsi" -111, ) hf loyal toasts were given from the chair, and received with musical honours. The VICE-CHAIRMAN proposed "The Army, Navy, and Volunteerfo," and after eulogising the many brave acts of the army, he said he thought that the navy should keep abreast of the age in develop- ment and equipment. Pipe-Major M'DONALD and Quartermaster-Ser- geant F. T. WKBB responded. Mr. HOLMES ga.ve The Town and Trade of Bryn- mawr," and, though regretting that outwardly the town had not been much improved in appearance during the 20 years he had known it, said the spirit of its inhabitants was such that it would be sure to benefit by any change for the better in the trade of the surrounding neighbourhood. (Hear, hear.) Mr. P. M. W ATKINS, in responding, compared the changes in the trade of Brynmawr and its neigh- bourhood to the climate of the district, the tides of the ocean, and the general vicissitudes ol life, and as the people of Brynmawr were generally healthy, notwithstanding the varied climate, he thought that they would tide over the great de- pression in trade as they had done on previous occasions. (Applause.) "The Land o' Cakes" was proposed by Mr. BETTNEY, and responded to by Messrs. A. OLIVER and T. HOLMES. Mr. M'KINLEY proposed The Land we Live in." which was responded to by Mr. BETTNEY. Mr.J. LAIRD then proposed "The Memory of Burns," and, in a speech full of poetry and humour, described the many good qualities of the national poet and the lasting works he left behind. The toast was drunk in silence. "The Brynmawr Caledonian Association" was proposed by Mr. MURRAY, and responded to by the VICK-CHAIKMAN. Mr. W. M'DONALD then proposed u Kindred Asso- ciations," which was responded to by Mr. MITCHELL, of Hereford. •• The Commercial Travellers and Visitors," The Ladies," "The Chairman and Vice-Chairman," "The Press," and The Host, Hostess, and Manageress were then given, and Auld Lang Svne sung in true Scotch style. During the evening some capital songs were rendered by Messrs. Benjamin Davies, T. Bettney, E. F. Stillman, the Chairman, I and others.

L ATE S T NEW Sf FALL OF K II A ll TO U M. « I THE CITY IN THE HANDS j OF THE ENEMY. GENERAL GORDON A t PRISONER. h r The "Central news" learns that a of the utmost importance have been received x during the night from Lord Wolseley at Korti. a The Central News" is also informed that II Khartoum is reported to have fallen, and that Sir Charles Wilson reached that place only j to find it in the hands of the enemy. I He returned to Metamneh under a heavy |j fire from the banks of the river. ( [PRIVATE TELEGRAM TO THE "EVENING 1 MAIL."] i Native runners arriving at Korti report I 1 that Sir Charles Wilson found that the I enemy had captured Khartoum, and had re- t: turned to Metanifieh under a heavy fire. i: The report is officially unconfirmed. I; A later telegram states that the fall j of Khartoum is confirmed. The city 'I fell through an act of treachery. The Mahdi is in possession of the city, and Gordon ¡ is believed to be a prisoner. The excitement I in London is intense. | Lord Woiseley has telegraphed to the War r Office that Sir Charles Wilson penetrated to j Lord Woiseley has telegraphed to the War r Office that Sir Charles Wilson penetrated to j near Khartoum, whefa he ascertained that through an act of treachery the Mahdi had been able to capture the town. It is believed that General Gordon was not killed, but remains a prisoner in the Mahdi's hands. The third edition of the Daily Telegraph j contains the following :— "VVe deeply regret to announce that dispatches have been received at the War Offioe from Lord Wolseley stating that upon the arrival of Sir Charles Wilson ¡ near Khartoum he found that through an act of treachery the city had been cap- tured by the Mahdi. OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION. LONDON, THURSDAY (11 A.M.) The "Press Association" says that the publication of the announcement of the fall of Khartoum created the greatest excitement in London. It first became known about eight o'clock, and spread quickly through the city, and in the course of a couple of hours large crowds converged upon Fleet-street, where the issue of further details was anxiously awaited. At first the statement was discredited on all sides, as the latest accounts from General Gordon, dated December 29, had stated that he was prepared to hold out for years," but the doubt was dispelled at 10 o'clock by the publication of an edition of the Daily Teleqraph with the following announcement :—VVe deeply re- gret to announce that dispatches have been received at the War Office from Lord Wolseley stating that upon the arrival of Sir C. Wilson near Khartoum he found that through an act of treachery the city had been captured by the Mahdi. At the moment of gomg to press no details of this deplorable event had been communicated by the War Office. It is feared that General Gordon is a prisoner in the bands of the Mahdi." The issue of this statement caused au immediate crush of inquirers to the War Office in Pall Mall, where an anxious orowd soon assembled. The Press Association" also learns that Lord Wolseleis t dispatch reached the War ('ffice at a quarter before midnight. No details are yet to band of the fall of Khartoum, but the officials fear there is no doubt that Khartoum has fallen into the hands of the Mahdi, and that Gordon is a prisoner. It is supposed that Gordon despatched most of his troops down the river to Metamneh to meet the English force advancing across the desert under General Stewart, and that, con- sequently, General Gordon's foroe in the citadel had become much depleted, rendering him more liable to a successful attack from the forts of the Mahdi, who was encamped at < 'mdnrman, on the opposite side of the White iNile from Khartoum. It will be remembered that three of Gordon's steamers were sent down from Khartoum to Metamneh about January 1, and waited there the arrival of General Stewart near Metamnph on the 21st, and assisted in the reconnaissance.

THE FRANCO-CHINESE WAR. ["CKNTRAL NEWS" TELEGRAM] PARIS, THURSOAY AFTERNOON. An official telegram just received from Hanoi states that after a skirmish with the enemy, in which the French forces sustained no casualties, General Briere de Listed expeditionary column has arrived at a place within about one day's march of Langson. The march was an extremely pain- ful one. There is, it is added, no truth in the re- port that the Chinese have concentrated their forces in Tonquin.

THE FRANCO-GEHMAN WAR. RELRASE OF THE LAST FRENCH PRISONERS. The Paris correspondent of the Times says:—The last of the prisoners taken during the Franco- German War have just left Germany. Some Turcos, who, during their imprisonment, had kitted ft keeper by whom they had been badly used, and who, in consequence, had been condemned to im- prisonment in a fortress, reached Cologne on Monday from Wesel. They were dressed in new uniforms, which had been sent to them bytba. French Government.

MEETING OF THE CABINET. A meeting of the Ministers who are in town was held on Wednesday shortly before noon at the residence of the First Lord of the Admiralty. It is understood that the Ministers had under consideration in important communication in regard to the Portuguese action on the Congo.

THE ALLEGED MURDER OF A CAPTAIN AT SEA. PRISONERS BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. The four men charged with causing the death oi Captain Charles Armstrong, of the barque Welling- ton, were brought up at Plympton on Thursday iP company with Adolph Haase, the carpenter, who was shot in the neck by the captain and who was I arrested at the hospital on Thursday. The I against Pattison, the carpenter, and Jones, the f seaman, was withdrawn. II The chief mate, Charles Pattison, was then examined. The captain was struck down with belaying pins by the three prisoners, Summerdyke, and Jergensen. His skull was frac- tured, but he struggled violently to free himself, although he was handcuffed behind the back- i1 The captain asked witness to handcuff him in front instead of behind, but be refused, as he wøJI threatening everybody. The deceased was not ) struck after the irons were placed on him. [ The prisoners were then remanded until Tuesday next. |

FATALITY ON THE RAILWAY A1 NEWPORT. | lit On Wednesday night Harry Mogford, aged was at work on the railway at Pill Bank, was crushed between the buffers of some trUe øø He was taken home, and died at four o'clock Thursday morning. ——————— ————" A to

MR. LOKSDAXE'S VISIT.—We are requested t,1}' mention that Mr. Lonsdale, proprietor ol Magnetaire, will visit Swansea next week.

THE SERIOUS OHARGg AGAINST A PILOT AT SWANSEA. SHOCKING CONDUCT OF LITTLE GIRLS. At Swansea Police Court on Thursday the charge against David Bidder, pilot, aged 42, of indecently assaulting a street girl of thirteen years, named Margaret Walsh, in a lane near Swan- sea Docks, was proceeded with. The case produced intense interest amongst the shipping community, members of which crowded the court during the hearing. Mr. Woodward now Ilppellred for the defence. The case had been remanded on prisoner's extraordinary story as to the depraved conduct of the prosecutrix and her companion, a child of still tenoercr age than herself.—Prosecutrix, in cross- examination by Mr. Woodward, said her parents lived at Ystalyfera, and on Sunday last she and her brother walked to Swansea. They lodged in Charles-street, Greenhill. slept together, and got money by singing in the streets. She denied that in the afternoon of the assault she had accosted an old man with indecent ex- pressions, or said to him "Oh, I df) love you; come along." When prisoner C;1 me into the lane they did not tccoat him indecently, but he caught hold of her companion and they screamed, hecause they were afraid.—Margaret Ann Daviea, complainant's companion, admitted that prisoner took hold of her by the arm and pushed het. away.—Mr. Wood- ward, for the defence, declared that many persons in court would come forward and say that over- tures had been made to them by these little gids in the same way as prisoner stated. The girls had evidently been instructed as to how easily such a charge could be trumped up, and their laughter whenever an exceptionally indecent expres- sion was made use of in court showed their state of mind. Three witnesses were called, who stated that they had been accosted familiarly by the girls.—Margaret Ann Davies was re-calleci, and admitted that there were three of them together before they saw defendant. One of thegirls dropped some coppers, and a sailor picked them up and would not give them back. Margaret Walsh stole his hat, nnd t'an away with it.—An excellen t. character was given prisoner, who had been ten years a pilot, two years on the dredge, three in the employ of Mr. H. C. Bath, and fiveandahalf in that of Mr. J. C. Richardson.— The Bench retired, and on returning into court said they did not think a jury would convict, and so prisoner would be discharged, although it was II Case not without suspicion. (Loud applause in court, which was suppressed.)

J. SESSIONS AND SONS, CANAL WHARF EAST, CARBIFF. ANB BWCKS, GLOUCESTER, MANUFACTURERS ØF ENAAIELLEB SLATE AND MARBLE CHIMNEY PIECES, BATHS, URINALS, HALL TABLES MOULDINGS, fee. PRIZE MEBAL SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION 1179, AhfB FIRST OF MERIT MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1*81. DBALER8 IN ALL KlNDi eF BgU.JING MATERIALS. ILLUSTRATE# PRICES ON APPLICATION. 7742c JgETURN VISIT TO SWANSEA. EMINBNT PHYSICIANS HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE • A G NETAIRE" (Protected by Royal Letters Patent) FOR THE PREVENTION, RELIEF, AND CURE OF DISEASE, In consequence of the numerous inquiries from this Town and Neighbourhood, MK T ONSDALE, M. E., Inventor and Patentee of the MAGNETAIBE," Has decided to RE-VISIT SWANSEA FOR A SHORT TIME, Ind may be consulted at his Private Rooms in the AGRICULTURAL HALL, ST. HELENS-BOAD, UNTIL SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 14, 1885. Where he will give Advice as to the Application of Curative Electricity, and Explain the Principle# of his Patent "Magnetaire" Appliances, of which he has a Large Assortment, suitable for every part of the body. HOURS OF ATTENDANCE:— Ten to One, Two to Five, and Six to Eight. A 32-p.i^e Pamphlet containing Testimonials, Price List, and full particulars, Free on application. I'he following are selected from a mass of testimony in posseasi.>ii of the Patentee CARDIFF TESTIMONIALS ASTHMA. 67,CiockherbtJwn, Cd,rdi ff, Jan. 13, 1885. Dear Sir,—For a long time I suffered from periodi- cal at.tack3 of asthma, which occurred aftoer every slight cold. I purchased your "Magnetaire" ap- ¡¡liances, Mid am thankful LO say I am in reoeipt of very great benefit. cm, therefore, reco¡nm6lld your system of treatment. Yours sincerely, CHAS. GOOD, Fish and Fruit Salesman. Mr. R. Lonsdale. TDIGESTION*, BILIOUS AND LIVER COMPLAINT. Ca. diff Rope Works, Penart.li-road, Gnuijjetown, Cardiff. Jan. 8,18»5. Dear Sir,—For this last 2b >ears I have been a great sufferer from the above-mentioned ooinpiaints, and I wish to express my greatest satisfaction, and to testiiy to the benefit that I have derived from your" Magnetaire" appliance which I purchased from vou some weeks LJack, and I Illust say that since I have had the pleasure or wearing it I have flU" loeen troubled wltil my old an.1 inconvenient complaints. I Cau eat and digest my food with com- fort, ..nd,all regards my strength, it is about double. You are at, liberty to nvike thi9 statement public for the benefit of others similarly aft:!ieted Respectfu!ly yours, SAMUEL WAUGH. Mr. n. Lonsdale. IMPORTANT TESTIMONY. BRONCHITIS AND HKAIiT DISEASE. 28, Windsor-road. Cardiff, Dec. 17th, 1884. Dear Sir,—For many years I have been suffering from bronchitis and heart disease, and although I liave consulted witll several physicians and tded lriiiuv remedies I have received vfery little benefit from them, A few weeks ago I bought one of your Magne- taire" appli,mce8, and am glad to tell you that I bave derived much benefit fwm it. I am, yours respectfully, JOHN EVANS, Mr. B. Lonsdale. fESTIMONIAL FROM THE REV. R. H. DIG NUM. Neville Cottage, Pearl-street, Roath. Cardiff, Nov. 24, 1884. My dear Sir,—For the third time L have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the continued benefit I receive trom wearing your admirably "Magnetaire Belt. To me its effects are simple comfortin¡¡;and delightful. 1 can eat and digestmy food with comfort. That terrible nervous action with which I was troubled for years has been sub- dued. For months tocher I have been free from it. I also find the Magnetaire Soles a perfect luxury. The appliances are a blessing indeed to me for the last two years. I wish YOIl success in your efforts to benefit suffering humanity. I shall be glad to answer any questions which anyone may desire to ask me upon the matter with gratitude for the good I have myself received,-Witl1 very kind regards, 1 remain, Dear Mr. Lonsdale, Yours most faithfully, ROBERT HAYDON DIGNUM. To Mr. Lonsdale. WEAK LEGS, NUMB FEET, SWOLLEN ANKLE, AND WEAKNESS OF THE VOICE. 214, Pearl-street, Reath, Nov, 17th. 1884. Dear Sir,—Some years ago I had an attack of cholera, which left a thorough weakness in my legs, numbness in feet, and swollen ankle, causing pain and greatly inconveniencing me in getLing about. I am pleased to tell you that after wearing the Beit and Soles I purchased of you during your last visit a few hours I began to feel au improvement, and after a week's trial the change was wonderful; my legs were altogether stronger, the swelling of ankie bad gone down, feet free from nl1mbness, and the circulation restored through my body. I found a great. improvement also in my voice, which was very weak; can now speak stronger, although it is ten years since my voice broke down. 1 am highly 8&tistied with what jour have done, and shall always recommend them with confidence in any similar case.—Yours truly, JOHN TAYLOR, Builder. Mr. R. Lonsdale. CRAMP AND RHEUMATISM. 157, Bute-road, Cardiff, Nov. 1, 1884. Sir,—In answer to your inquiry about the "Magnetaire" that I purchased of you during your last visit to Cardiff, lam glad to say it has done me great good, ellpecially in removing Ithaumatislll and Cramp, and soothing the several complaints that come with age, I also have known several who have worn the" Magnetaire," aud in every case it has relieved or cured them. If a rich person or two were tQ club a few stray sovereigns together and purchase some of your appliances, and give them to the poor and needy, who cannot buy such earthly blessings, they could say hereafter. They were sick, and 1 visited them. If any person wishes to know more about the appliances they may call on me, and I can give them some practical experience. Respectfully yours. GEoRGE SADLER, Artist. Mr. R. Lonsdale. MR. LONSDALE HAS NO AGENTS. /HE APPLIANCES CAN ONLY BE OBTAINED AI THE ABOVE ADDRESS IN CARDIFF, AND ARE STAMPED MAGN KTAIRK." LONSDALE AND CU., SOLE MANUFACTURERS, 447, WEST STRAND, LONDON. 60627 gINGEWS SEWING jyjACHINES Are Admitted, by the Verdict of the Public, to be UNEQUALLED FOB SIMPLICITY, DURABILITY, AND SUPERIORITY OF STITCH. PRICE FROM JE4 4s.; 10 per Cent. Discount for Cash. ON HIRE, 2s. 6d. PER WEEK, WITH OPTION OF PUll CHASE. INSPECTION CORDIALLY INVITED. Instruction Free. Price Lists Gratis. GOLD MEDAL (HIGHEST AWARD) .UTERNATIONAL HEALTH EXHIBITION, 1884. MORE THAN 600,000 gINGER'S SEWING jyjACHINES SOLD ANNUALLY: CAUTION.—To prevent deception buy no Machine un- less it bears the Company's TRADE NAMB, SINGER." THE gINGER jyjANUFACTURING £ 10MPANY. MAWASXMmfT J'OR GRBAT BMTATK 9, FOSTER-LANE, CHEAPSIDE, LONDON, E.C. BRANCH Omen IN THIS DISTRICT :— 1, VICTORIA. STREET, MERTHYR. £ CARDIFF-ROAD, ABERAMAN, ABERDARE. 7933c MESSRS. YOUNG and PERRY, iyjL DENTAL 8URGEONS. 7, PARK-ST., BRISTOL, Professional AttendanceCARDIFF — Ijt and 3rd WEDNESDAY in every month, from 11.30 to 6.30 pm at BJBDWBLLTX ROUSE. bo, CROCKHERBTOWN. ilext Visits, WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18th and March 4th. BRIDGEND—lst THURSDAY in every month at 12, Caroline-street, from 9 to 2.30 p.m. Next Visit, March 5th. COWBRIDGB—3rd THURSDAY in every month at Mr. J. THOMAS'S. Chemist, from 9.30 t02.30p.m. Next visit, February 19th. CREPSTOW-lst and 3rd THURSDAY, 5 to 7 p.m.; End and 4th THURSDAY, 11 a,m, to 4.30p.m. in every month, at 1. BEAUFORT-SQUARE. A Vacancv for a Pupil. DANIEL OWEN & co:s A. B C RAILWAY TIME TABLES, the only oue pub- lished in Wales, price Id. & per annum tree by pest, fc.M,,n;:vct. Cardiff. O CBW E ITZEE'S C OCO ATINA Anti-Dyspeptic f'ac»a *r Chocolate Powder. GUARANTEED PURE SOLUBLE COCFPA, ut the finest qnality, with the excess of fat extracted. Ihe facultyproneunce;t "the most digestible beverage for Breakfast, Luncheon, or Supper, and invaluable for Invalids and Children." HrGHLY COMMIN'l'SD BY !'HK EMI81 MKPiC.iL FRESI13. Being without sugar, spice, *>r ot her acmixture, it suits all palates, keeps for years in all climates, and is four times the strength of CeceAS THICKENED yet WEAKKM» u-ith Arrowroot, Starch, &c., and iir REALITY CHEAPKX than such Mixtures. Made instantaneously with Laning water, a teaspsonful to a Breakfast. Cup, costing less than a halfpenny. OaeoATlNA A la AMLLK is the most delicate, diges- tible, cheapest Vanilla Chocolate, and may be taken when richer Chocolate is prohibited. In Tins at Is. 6d., 3s., Ss. fed., &c., bv Chemists and Grrtcers. 37224 jyNNEFORD'S MAGNESIA. D INNEFORDS FLUID MAGNESIA. r^rEFORD:S^7rRE~FLUID MAG- NE3IA. -"I-N.NEFC)r,D'S AFAG.NESIA, For acidity of the Stomach. Tor Heartburn and Headache. For Gout and Indigestion. D INNEFORD'S MAGNESIA. 8 J' Safest and most gentle aperient for delicate constitutions, ladie?. Children, and Infants. OF ALL CHEMISTS. 7960j IEA in consequence of Imitations of Lea k Perries' Sauce, which & are calculated to deceive the Public, PERRINS' LEA and PERRINS beg to draw attention to the fact that OAUCE. each bottle of the original and Genuine Worcestershire Sauce bears their Signature oil the label, LEA WORCESTERSHIRE i SAUCE. PERRINS' Wholesale by the Proprietors, Worcester; Crosse and Blaekwel!, „ London and Export Oilmen gene- CJALCE. rally. Retail by Dealers throughout the World. 7873e C 0 L M A N S jM U S T A H D.

TIDE TABLE. FOB THE WKISK ENDING; FEBRUARY 13, 1885. 5 j" o £ 3 .s j* 2. I? | = I DAYS Ot xns WKJLJC..2 a 2 •g g 3 £ X tT- q 3 ( Morning — 11 57 11 1"> — 12 42 SATURDY < Evening 12 13 — 11 42 12 9 4 ( Height 24 0 27 9 25 2 23 2 19 2 4 Morninc 12 45 12 23 — 12 35 1 30 SUNDAY .< Evening 1 14 12 60 12 12 1 6 2 2 ( Height 22 4 25 = 23 8 26 0 15 1 ("Morning 1 54~j !T33":T2^S"ri 42 2 40 MONDAY.^ Evening 2 35 2 14 1-5 2 19 3 21 I Height 21 1 24 2 23 2 24 8 j 14 4 ("Morning 3 IS 2 58 2 4 2 58 4 5 TUESDAY } Evening 3 5-: 3 39 2 40 3 34 4 46 I Height 2i 9 24 4 a4 0 24 9 14 6 ( Morning 4 36 4 19 3 17 4 li 5 26 WKDSDY.^ Evening 5 9 4 sS 3 43 4 4^ 6 0 ) Height 23 7 125 11 2o 6 26 3 16 11 t Mornin" i 5"36 5 22 4 17 5 11 6 29 THURSDY -J Evening 6 3 .5 48 4 43 5 37 60s I Height 2o 11 dS 1 27 3 ^8 6 19 7 1 Morning 6 20 6 11 5 7 6 1 7 18 FRIDAY, V Evening 6 46 6 33 0 3. o ..0 7 jO t Heit/ht 1 28 2 29 2 28 9 29 9 20 11 FRIDAY, V Evening 6 46 6 33 I 0 3. o ..0 7 jO I Heit/ht 1 28 2 29 2 28 9 29 9 1 20 11

NOTES OF THE WEEK. (:8Y OCR LONDON AND PROVINCIAL CORRESPONDENTS.) London has been in a state of scare all the week over the dynainuards and rumours or dynamitarda floating about. The Bank of England, St. Paul's Cathedral the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Charing Cross, Liverpool-street, and Euston Railway Stations were some of the places threatened with destruction—a tolerably ambitious programme even for dynamitards. Nothing has come off up to the time of my writing this, nor is it expected by the autho- rities that any or either of these places will be attacked, just now at any rate. They are much too carefully guarded. I have been at each of the threatened places in the course of to-day, and could see at a glance that those in charge had given some heed to the warning. At the National Gallery the attendants demanded of a respectable old lady the little black bag which she carried in her hand and desired to take upstairs with her. She expostulated and offered her card, but the grim guardian replied, ói I don't want yer card, m'am; but I must have yer bag." And be did. "In case the House of Commons is not thoroughly repaired before the meeting of Parliament, would it not be as well," wrote Mr. Arthur Iliingworth, for the members of the Lower House to have the use of the Lords' Chamber and allow their lordships a longer holiday ? Legislation, to my mind, would go on in quite as satisfactory a manner." Would it ? I doubt this very much, Mr. iliingworth, but with your mind, as you facetiously remark, you ought to know. It is strange how far a man with an aching desire to be funny will go. We may expect great things in the future from Mr. Iliingworth in the shape of sugges- tions-a man with a mind such as his should be encouraged. Perhaps the Pramier will give him a pension for his originality. This would, doubtless, be very much to bis mind," even more so than problematical queries as to the conduct of legislation. On the 1st inst. there appeared in the Publishers' Circular an interesting sketch of the life of the late Colonel Burnaby. It bore the title of a "Publisher's Reminis- cence, and was from the pen of Mr. Marston, a partner in the well-known pub- lishing firm of Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, and Hivington. Colonel Burnaby's death has given an impetus to the sale of his books, and Messrs. Sonnenschein and Co. have been induced to issue a cheap edition of Recon- noitring in Central Asia," wnich, among other things, describes Colonel Burnaby's Ride to Khiva. Mr. Henry W. Lucy, who manufactures London Letters for half a hundred provin- cial newspapers, including one, at least, with which the people of Cardiff must be acquainted, has turned out a book to which the Pall Mail Gazette gives a pretty warm slating. It is one thing, Mr. Lucy will find, to mani- fold" town rubbish for country prints, and quite another to write a really good book of travels; and this the reviewer tells him pretty plainly. After rubbing down the author for his misquotations of David Copperfield," the critic asiis What does Mr. Lucy mean by saying that certain things had' gone away in the eigenweitf What does eigenweit mean?" Shall I tell? Some time ago Mr. David Christie Murray wrote a capital story called "The Way of the World," of which one of the strongest drawn characters is Mr. William Amelia, some time reporter at a couple of pounds a week down in the West of England, a perky little body with an infinite conceit of himself determined to get on by hook or by crook. Eventually he does get on-writes bad novels, dictates daily a London Letter to a clerk, who copies it for twenty or thirty papers, and so forth. In mid- career Mr. Amelia, then a gallery reporter in the Commons, receives—metaphorically, of course-a merciless thrashing from an old classical first engaged in the same pro- fession, in whose hearing he had spoken of Greek as one of the foreign languages. Mr. Amelia, in revenge, caricatured the casti- gator in a book, and thought, no doubt, he had extinguished him. iNow, Mr. William Amelia, having designated Greek a foreign language, it is not at all improbable that Mr. Henry William Lucy has taken German to be a classical one, and so written eigenweit (" own-wide ") for ewigkeit ("eternity ''), and so talked nonsense, and so shown his igno- rance once more. By the way, what is the National Eistedd- fod Committee thinking of that it does not, try to secure Prince Albert Victor as President of one of its meetings at Aberdare next sum- mer ? I have discussed the subject with some three or four distinguished London Welsh- men, and they are agreed as to its feasibility if the application is made in time. It would be a pleasant, as well as profitable, thing to get the eldest son of our Prinoe to take part in oar great national meeting. Let the executive look to it without delay. I make them no charge for the hint. Once more the subject of a Welsh Club in London is being bruited about by influential sons of the Cymry, and I hear that on the 1st of March, our national saint's day, a I meeting is to be held to put the thing ship- shape." I am pleased to think the matter j won't end in talk. At present we have no popular Welsh institution in London, and it is a want that is severely felt, especially by the numbers of young men who come up to settle in the Metropolis. The Cymmrodorion and the Honourable Society of Ancient Britons are both too exclusive and too feeble to meet the demands of the case. What we want is an organised club or meeting-place in a central position, where Welshmen can feel at home the moment they set foot in this huge city, and through which a communication can be kept up with their compatriots whenever it is thought desirable. I hear that our delightful vocalist, Miss Mary Davies, has had tempting overtures made to her by her Yankee cousins, who are desperately anxious to get the fair canlatrice to pay them a prolonged visit. Her fame is so firmly established here that the Americans feel aggrieved at their deprivation, and I don't wonder as it either. She is a superb vocalist and an immense favourite in London, where her name on a concert-bill is asure "draw." I am very certain that the frequenters of our concerts will feel it a personal deprivation if Miss Davids decides to cross the pond," for there is really no one to take her place in a field that she has made peculiarly her own. Nevertheless, my fair countrywoman has a right to consider herseif as much as her patrons, and if she accepts the handsome offer that has been made her, I wish her every good fortune and a speedy return to those who will miss her charming voice; and, you may take my word tor it, they are not a few. I hear that the promoters of the Royal Col- lege of Music are sadiy disappointed at the way in which Wales has responded to the appeal made for funds to put the institution on a sound basis. In scores of Welsh towns the question has never been thought worth the appointment of a local committee even; whilst in other instances the amounts promised were meagre in the extreme. The worst of it, however, remains to he told. It appears (if report speaks correctly) that of the sums actually promised only an infinitesimal portion has been paid UD. Can this be true ? If so, let us hope that the reproach will be at once re- moved. When a Welshman fails to keep his word things are come to a sad pass indeed. I mention this unpleasant circumstance be- cause I have heard a good bit of it lately, and I don't like my countrymen being sneered at by the alien Saxon. Of all places, "the natural home of song" ought not to lie under the stigma. I daresay there is some valid reason for it, but it has an uncomfortable look about it, I am bound to confess. When Artemus Ward and his English! companion, Mr. E. P. Hingston, were on the rampage it used to be their favourite amuse- ment to indulge in recrimination as to the comparative evils of a Monarchical and a Re- publican form of government. Here in London, where the bitter cry has been worked to death, we have been in the habit ofthinkingthatnoothercityin. the world was so badly off for breathing room as this our modern Babylon. But, if a medical commissioner of the New York Tribune is to be believed, that city is as cramped and overcrowded and ill-veniilaied as we can possibly imagine its incomparably older aud larger competitor to be. Thus we are told that, although the first tenement was erected about lo38, by the year I8U0, when a sanitary census was taken, there were 15,300 tene- ments on Manhattan Island. In 1879 their number had increased to :Z1,W3, and in 1863 to 2o,(J03, including apartment houses and flats. The average number of inmates in each tenement in 1804 was 3o; but in H61 bouses inspected last summer by the Tene- ment-house Commission there were 8,811 families, and 5.114 persons, or an average of 40 tenants to each house. In 1:G4 it was esti- mated that half a million persona lived in tenements; now the number is not far short or a million. But there are also hundreds ef small bnildingrj which possess all the attri- butes of tenements, and which are lacking in sanitary needs. Then, with regard to Manhattan Island, there are 17,01 o wooden buildings occupied as dwellings or as lodging-houses, ald there are 2H,OOO dwellings used partly for business purposes and partly as residences. Striking a comparison between number of houses and population, it appears that the average number of inmates per house in the principal American cities is as follows — Phila- delphia,*]; Brooklyn, 9; St. Louis, 8; I ;hi- cago, St; Baltimore, Boston, 8}; and New York, HE, But other facts show ah unexampled crowding of population in New York. Of the total number of dwellings in that city, 10,314 contain one family, or six persons, including domestics; 10,982 houses or tlats contain one family on a floor, or 2o persons; while 18,936 tenements accommo- date 50 persons each on an average, or almost 1,000,000 persons. Moreover, large sections of the city are covered with bouses standing so close to each other as hardly to permit air or light to gain access to the lower rooms. There are no fewer than 2,500 rear tenements separated by yards rarely more than twelve or fifteen feet from the front houses, while, in many cases, the space is not half that amount. I say nothing of the rights or wrongs of the case either in London or in New Vork, but I cannot help pointing out to the philanthropists that, however much they may wish to bring about a better state of things, the remedy is clearly in other hands than their own. A greater than the whoVlot of them collectively has said that the poor ye have aj ways with you," and until these same poor have learned the secret of rising superior to their surroundings the artificial afforts of their benefactors Inust inevitably be sown on the wind. London tradesmen have the reputation of being, above all things, enterprising. Some of them are exceptionally so, and without much regard to other people's feelings. One of this stamp resides within a hundred miles of Cheapside. He is, inter alia, a dealer in perambulators, and within the last few days he has brought our, a new thing in that line. A specimen hangs outside his shop doór, labelled in loud and readable charlv"er8, "TheBattenberg Perambulator." Even for this go-ahead decade of the Nineteenth Century this is decidedly anticipatory, is it not? I hope this paragraph won't meet the eyes of either of the Royal parties included in this daah or commercial prophecy. The White Star steamer Britannic, which arrived off Queenstown on Sunday last had on board the remains of the late Earl of Avles- ford, who died January 13 in Texas. It seems, although it is somewhat over a year, a very short time since, walking along the street of San Antonio, in Southern Texas, I saw the late earl in a semi-Mexican costume, with broad felt hat or sombrero, riding along evidently bent on business. He had then just arrived from his ranch at Big Springs, in the northern part of the State. He looked strong and healthy, and it is hard to realise that the hearty, generous, and muscular Eng- lishman is dead. With the cowboys and stockmen from whom he purchased horses and cattle he was invariably popular—in fact he was a popular man all round—with only one enemy I ever heard of—himself. I have the authority of a well-known medical gentleman of the town of Cardiff for the remark that one of the most interesting and important problems awaiting the solu- tion of scientific sanitarians is the discovery of the laws which govern the variable fatality of outbreaks of epidemic disease. How far does the fatal incidence of snch disease de- pend upon what, for want of a better term, may be called the sanitary condition of the population attacked, and how far upon vary- ing types of the disease itself? From this point of view the present remarkably fatal epidemic of measles in Cardiff has more than a local interest. No death from this disease occurred in Cardiff during 1884 until the last week of September, when one fatal case was re- corded, and five more were registered in the fourth week of October, when the epidemio assumed fatal proportions. Ninety-six deaths from this oause occurred between the middle of October and the close of the year, and fifty- three more during the first three weeks of this year. Thus, no fewer than one hundred and fifty deaths have resulted from measles in Cardiff practically within three months. With a view to estimate the present sanitary condition of Cardiff the following figures may be noted:—The recorded death-rate in the borough during last year was equal to 24"2 per 1,000 of the estimated popula- tion, which, if corrected for difference of age and sex proportions in order to compare with the rate in England and Wales, becomes 2H*2. The death-rate from the principal zymotic diseases was equal to 4'7. This excess was partly due to the mortality from measles before referred to, partly to the fatal preva- lence of scarlet fever during the greater part of the year, and partly to the high rate of infant mortality from infantile summer diarrhoea. These facts point undeniably to unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, but scarcely account fully for the exceptional rate of mortality now prevailing in the town mainly due to the measles epidemic. Having occasion to spend last Sunday in the quiet county town of Cardigan, and having nothing in particular to do during the intervals between Divine service, I took a quiet stroll through the town, and crossed over to a hamlet on the Pembrokeshire aide of the river called Bridge End. A short distance from here is the site of the new rail- way terminus, and I spent a few minutes in inspecting the building operations which have just been commenced thereat. From this spot I obtained a commanding view of the famous River Tivy, winding its way downwards towards the sea, and also the remains of the historical Cardigan Castle, in which (I was informed by a "native ") three British kings slept on different occasions. Returning to Bridge End, 011 my way to the town, I was struck with the ease with which access was gained by several persons ap- parently belonging to that class of habitual drinkers who, despite all consequences, will have their glass of ale, even 0:1 the Sabbath, to certain public-houses in the locality. I noticed one person coming out of a house in a very drunken state indeed, followed imme- diately by three others, who were cursing and swearing shamefully. It was not long before they got up a fight. 1 learnt that som.. of the houses at Bridge End do a "roaring trade" every Sunday, and that most disgraceful scenes often result from the excessive drinking of those who frequent them. I asked where were the police, and my informant replied that there is only one such oflicer stationed at St. Dogmael's to watch over an exceptionally l.irge district, while at Bridge Knd itself (a neighbourhood very much frequent- d) a constable should be specially located. This state of things at Cardigan does not speak very highly in favour of the good opinion entertained by the Cardiff town councillor, Mr. Ebenezer Beawa, as to the working of that wonderful piece of legislative machinery, II The Welsh Sunday Closing Act." There is a new development proposed in the business of pawnbroking. The sugges- tion is that a non-commercial pawnbroking association shall be startbd to aid the poorer classes in London. Pawnbroking as a busi- ness is in no way a discreditable one. It is even a very necessary one, though the causes which lead to poverty and consequent need of usurers are so often discreditable. The ordinary pawnbroker, by helping people as little as possible, increases his income co-operative and philanthropic institutions that would be content to just pay their way would help and benefit a multitude. [ should very much like to see the ex- periment tried, say, in London or Manchester. That the poorer classes of the people would largely patronise such an association as the one suggested I do not uoubt. By a little wholesomacompetition pawnbroking as a busi- ness would soon come to be universally con- ducted on principles which would imply a fair interest on a fair loan. The idea is a bright and original one, and is sure, I think, to take. The removal of the artillery force, which has just been approved of by the Duke of Cambridge from Swansea to Devonporc will he regretted by many in the former town. Swansea can ill afford to part with any of its little excitements, and the annual 'raining of the militia has hitherto been quite an event in the even tenour of its life. Swansea will mourn for her absent heroes for thirty-four days. The hotel keepers wiil mourn even longer for the money that might have been spent had the 2nd Brigade remained on their old training grounds. Football Associationists are again agita- ting themselves as to how to deal with pro- fessional players. Last year, when the sub- jeot was brought up, the members of the English Football Association almost unani- mously voted against the introduction of professionals into the game, besides strongly condemning "veiled professionalism." It seems to me that it would be wise on the part of the association to legalise, so to speak, the position of professionals. Whether it does so or not, it is certain that players will continue to be paid by various clubs, and it would certainly be better that this should be done openly and not clandestinely as is the case now. Another great evil that the game is now suffering from is the importation of players. Why, then, not recognise professionalism and let rules be laid down? The committee of the association propose the following resolu- tion :— That professionals be eligible to play in all club or cup n1:\tches, if Owy are quiilifi< das uniler :—(1) By birth within twelve miles of the clnh's headquarters; (2) By rf>9ÎfI"nI)C within these limits for the two years bur P" Should these restrictions not prove enough, it will be easy to arrange more stringent ones, and curb the power of the potent professional.

OUK PARIS LETTER. PARIS, FKBHUARY 4. Only thinlr, there is a question in France uniting the support of Lénn Say and Rnclipfort, of P. L. Beaulicu and Hpnt,y Maret and Hd,tfnu-Com- munists and Conservatives, Anarchists and Monarchists. That question is the It-ague iigxin^t taxing imported wheat. Rut the French Ministry will lik-elv carry the project, as it wants the agri- cultural vote. It i" nnt tf) augment imports t.\¡,tt France stands in need of, but, to redut-e a very bloated taxation. In any case, the unemployed have taken lip the cry, Work, bread, and cheap bread." The agitation must be one grave embarrass- nwnt more for M. Ferry, who is so absorbed in the cares of State that he asserts that he has not time to give balls or dinner parties. And this is true. M. Ferry is rich through his wife, the daughter of a wnalthy manufacturer, and heiress to an opulent uncle. FJ e has. I hen, no object In save. There is not much amelioration in business pros- pects; however, matters are not growing worse. By the elevation of 28 Deputies to the Senate. all Ministerialists, and thus an approval of the Ferry programme, the Cabinet's position is risky The dep"rlur8 of these Janissaries means 1\ loss on a division of 56. Hence the ques tion of a premature dissolution of Par? hament has suddenly become an absorbing actuality. M. Grevy is opposed to such a ma.ke- shift, but he is himself 1\ moribund, doomed to con- stitutional death at the close of the current year. Evpn when the general elections do come off the results, according to many excellent judges, will not materially affect the position of parties. The most prominent local celebrities will always come to the front, but this does not. Imply that the best men will be secured as deputies. Indeed,since poli- tics have become a profession there is a. growing tendency for individuals of sterling merit to remain in the shade. Thus the blusterers and the forward may generally count upon a walk over. Cheerful hopes are built upon the capture of Langson. Not that it will, in itself, much influence the Chinese Court to sue for peace, or secure the tranquil occupation of Tonquin. But as it is a frontier town, the likelihood of the French bursting into Yunnan inay open the eyes of the Celestials. Up to the present the French have not gained much in their collision with John Chinaman, save to dispense millions and sacrifice many lives. If the new War Minister, General Lewal, fails in his management of the campaign, and cannot secure triumphs, he will not be left long in office. Some well-informed papers here complain of the un- satisfactory condition of affairs in Formosa—a little Balaclava block exists there. M. Caro is a tall, venerable-looking gentle- man, having large white whiskers. He is since over a score of years, Professor of Moral Philosophy at the Sorbonna. Ha is popularly known as the elegant professor, and his chief auditors are the fair sex of the Upper-ten world. He is not exactly a disciple of Cousin; he has his own system, that of reconciling the positive sciences with metaphysics, or, as his coming book will explain, God and Nature." The metaphysics which can enchain beautiful ladies every Monday during 80 minutes, just the time to pass from Calais to Dover, short sea route, cannot be the same science that Voltaire defined it: One man talking of a subject about which he knows nothing to another who does not understand him. M. Caro lives retired, in a modest apartment on a third flat. His society consists of three well- filled book-cases and a collection of photographs of his deceased daughter. As an Academician, it devolved upon him to pronounce the accustomed discourse over the remains of Edmond About. He dropped a tear on the deceased's well-known Materialistic views that which provoked a com- motion among the mourners, and the cry from a Cabinet Minister," No politics over the dead." The medical students resolved to a\enj;o A'lom"^ memory. So 80 of them squeezed themselves into the lecture-room, filled with the usual audience of 500 admirers of Caro's philosophy, and hissed and hooted the professor to the chorus, Hou! Hou! j About!" M, Caro remained as cool as a cucumber during the tumult, and kept his promise to face out the storm in the interest of free thought and liberty of opinion. The Egyptian question has passed out of its acute stage, since it is accepted that Franca and England have arrived at an understanding. As Sancho Panza lays down, when one is contented there is nothing more to be desired, and so there is an end of the matter. John Bull has been allowed to fix hi" own date for evacuating E!{ypt-for him a number one point. The internationalist ion of the Suez Ca.nal-his own idea-cannot but, suit his interests, and it is to be presumed he will take all due precautions that thi administration will never be able to order a strike of the employes, as did M. de Lesseps in the palmy days of An bi Pasha. The Mahdi is viewed as collapsed. What will be done with the Soudan? Farmed by England in the name of the Sultan, for the interests of the world, with Gordon for Resident. I beiieve the French take far more interest in the lighting up to Khartoum than the doings of their own troops throughout Tonquin. But then the hardships and stubborness to subdue the Mah ii's Hinck Watches are of a more terribie character than the am- phibious foes in Annam Deltas. The Chamber of Deputies has swept away a rule which reflected on its courage and that frank conduct which oueht to characterise the repre- sentatives of universal suffrage. When white- livered deputies desired to sneak from a disagree- able division, 50 of them signed a. round robbin, demanding that the votes he secretly recorded. We have changed all that; henceforth the voting must be open to day, as well as to electric light. France, indeed it may ba said the scientific world, has lost in M. Dupuy de Lome, life senator, its most, brilliant representative. His genius was devoted to naval architecture and marine engi- neering. He claims the honour of the invention of ironclad war ships and the applic:1ti0n of the screw to propel them-a feat the Napoleon suc- ce9"fully accomplished during the Crimean War. It was while a student of iron shipbuilding when in England thnt h. conceived tha idea of plating men-of-war to make them artillery-proof. The Board of Ad- miralty here rejected his plans, and it was only to the tenacious backing of the Prince do Joinville that Guizot consented to build an experimental armour-clad—the plates then were only four inches thick. However, Thiers sent to England to report on railways, recommended Louis Philippe to sanction one between the capital and St. Germain, "in order to amuse the Parisians." M. de Lome was an able marina engineer; he constructed many celebrated type-ships, for the mer- chant as well as the nival service. He also proposed a floating ship that might dispense with the Channel Tunnel. On the trains from Paris arriving at Calais they were to be bodily shipped on a barge apparatus, floated across the pool, as if over an American river, and, connecting with the railways at Dover, steam into the termini at London. This and his navigable balloon were not so happy as his iron- clads. The Exhibition of 1339 is in its financial stage just now. It is likely to be based on the pecuniary lines of the 1857 World's Fair, which resulted in a profit of three million francs, while the Show of 1878 balanced in a deficit of 32 million. The cash for the 1867 structure was raised by a guarantee fund placed on the market, the subscribers re- ceiving the profits. The State having been a heavy loser by the 1878 Exhibition, the capital for the coming one of 18C9 will be raised by private subscription, and limited in its total to avoid expense. The shares will be l,000f. each, and as exhibitors will have this time to pay for the space they occupy—France not being rich enough, momentarily, to pay for all her glories-they can settle the Exhibition rent in the form of sh ires. The administrative expenses of the 1873 Exhibi- tion wero exactly six times more than those of 1867; if taken in hand by private capitalists, a saving of three millions in the shape of 0ffiei,tl expenses will be effected for 1889. In the theatrical world no novelties are to be re- corded, unless a new work from a celebrated author, no impresario would think of mounting at preseut any original piece. Sardou helps along "Theodora" by giving the history of its prepara- tion; while Dumas is writing a preface for Denize," to reconcile one brother-in-law to marry the girl the other had seduced. At. the Circus, the Fencing Ladies from Vienna are the great attraction. The eight young ladies Wt*re clad in red and white muslin dresses, reaching to the knee, and proved t;hey were most cunning at fence. t'hey fought a round of Neapolitan duels—rapier in one hand, and dagger in the other. The Rev. Pere Loyson has inaugurated a new rector for his little church, Rue d'Arras. The numher of his followers has augmented to 1.200; the average of worshippers is 800 The choral part of the ceremony is most cedi table. M. Lovson is severe fnr Leon XIT., but very enthusiastic for the Republic In nr.y case, the hopes of reviving a Gallican Church are still next to a day dream. A civil servant had the nyly weilrnnss to pns« his paper-knife across the throats of his fellow clerks, to imitate the guillotine. Fie came late to office, and, though a good workman, WP.S ex- citable; he became more so wll"l1 his ch'ef one day ordered him to be tied with cords and cirted in a furniture van to the lunitic nsvhun. There the alienists certified he was suff.-ring from mental delusions, caused by drink an 1 visions of pro- motion, & The unfortunate has written to the Public Prosecutor, demanding to he set at liberty, as he never drank, and his only infirmity was an empty stomach. This led to his being a see. HI I timo examined, and pronounced dangerous to be set at liberty. M. Couturier owns an enormous barrnck-house, 129, Rue du Faubourg du Temple, let <>u: to 19J families, all working artisans. He wanted a new house porter, and. despairing to find ore accep- table to his tenants, he begged the latter to select one themselves by universal suffrage. A cobbler waR vlct,orioU9. Such tenants are to be envied were the practice to extend the reign of Ced). rus-ea would be over, and 99 per cent, of the miseries of 4 residence in Paris swept away. Two new journals have appeared, one, devoted to the glorious future of Tonquin, selling the bear's skin in advance somewhat. The second is called Anti-Ferry, a coIluc1Ïon of low billingsgate against the Premier, who can at least boast, like Nelson, to have a gazette to himself.

GLAMORGANSHIRE CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION. THE PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION OF THE COUNTY. An influential and numerously-attended meeting was held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on Saturday under the presidency of Mr. Hllw. Gwyn, the pre- sident of the association. It being the first annual general meeting of the association, the report which was of an exceedingly encouraging cha- racter, and a statement of accounts showing a con- siderable billaDce in favour of the association were submitted and adopted. The principal matter for the consideration of the meeting, however, was the selection of candidates to contest at the next election the five divisions into which the county will be divided by the Redistri- bution Act. The names of several popular local gentlemen were mentioned, but, although commu- nication had taken place between sutne of them in no case had a definite promise ter stand been given. After long, very harmonious, and encourag- ing discussion had taken place, it was ultimately unanimously decided to appoint a committee con- sisting of one representative of each of the five proposed Parliamentary divisions, and including the chairman (Mr. Howel Gwyn) and the lion, secretary of the association (Mr. O. H. Jones), to communicate with such gentlemen as they might consider suitable for the various new constituencies, and, having secured their assent, to submit their names for confirmation to a general association to be called at as early a date as possible. Most satisfactory reports were given of the feeling in all the districts that the county is to be divided, and it was unanimously decided that the interests and honour of the party demanded that if in any way possible every seat in the county should be contested.

CARDIFF CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIA- TION. Mr. Henry Harben was present on Saturday afternoon at a largely-attended meeting of the General Purposes Committee of the Cardiff, Cow- bridge, and Llantrisant Conservative Association. The meeting was held under the presidency of Dr. Paine at the Cardiff Conservative Club, and was of a purely private character. A unanimous vote of confidence in Mr. Harben was passed, and tbat .gentleman briefly addressed the meeting.

GREAT MEKTIWJ IN THIC BIR- MINGHAM TOWN-HALL. On Thursday evening Messrs. Bright and Cham- berlain addressed their constituents in the Town- hall, Birmingham, when there was a crowded attendance, every portion of the building being full to overflowing. Mr. Muntz, through indis- position, was unable to be present. The meeting was presided over by the Mayor (Alderman Mar- tineau), and upon Mr. Bright and Mr. Chatnher- lain entering the Town-hall loud cheers were given, the organ meanwhile playing Auld Lang Svne," Among others on the platform were Mr. Wigan, M.P., Mr. Jesse Cjllin^s, M.P., Mr. Schnad- horst, Mr. R. Chamberlain, Mr. George Dixon. Dr. Dale, Mr. Powell Williams, and other leading Liberals of the town. Mr. GEORGE DIXON moved and Mr. SCHNADHORST seconned the fnl1owing" resolution :— That this meeting affirms its continued confidence in the mellllwl's fur the borough. Mr. Bdght. Mr. Muntz, Mr. CtulI1heriain It eJCpreS.kS its great satisfaction at the passing of the Franchise Bill illto law, and con- fident! > hopes that the completion of the work ot Parlia entary reform during the coming session will mark the commencement of 1\11 era of legislation calcu- lated to promote the social anù ¡110m I elevation of the people. Both speakers expressed their sympathy with the Conservative party in the loss which they had sustained in the death of Colonel Burnaby, in .110m idl parties recognised a gallant soldier and patriot and a genial and kind-hearted man. The resolution was carried amid loud cheers.

THE MARCHIONESS OF QUEENS- lJERRY AND MR. PARNELL. The Marchioness of Quoensberry, in a remark- able letter to the Nationalists of Moy Carkey, Thurles, denounces Mr. Parnell. Irish indepen- dence, under existing circumstances, she says, would be a curse. Repeal of the Union with England will never now be taken up by any noble hand, and no greater curse than Repeal could fall upon Ireland. The Marchioness protests in Ireland's name that the Parnell League is neither Irish nor National.

PORTUGAL AND THE CONGO. REPORTED SEIZURE OF THE RIVER BANKS. The "Central News" Manchester correspondent •telegraphs; —The ManchesterChamber of Commerce on Tuesday received from an authentic source information that Portugal had seized both banks of the Congo River.

THE BARRY DOCK SHAREHOLDERS AND THE BUTE-TAFF AMALGAMATION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE WEKKLT MAIL." SIR,—A rumour has reached my ears to the effect that the Barry promoters are intriguing in their individual capacity against the proposed amalgamation between the Hute Docks and Taff Vale Railway. They cannot openly do so, or collec- tively, after the expression of opinion by which they committed themselves at the Barry banquet; but is it possible that singly, and by covert means, they are going to bring private influence to bear vvith myself and brother shareholders P For their own honour, and for the interest of the district, I hope not; but you, sir, may be able to enlighten me on this matter.—I am, &c., A TAFF VALE SHAREHOLDER.

THE MAN AGE MENU1 OF THE LANDORE SIEMENS' WORKS. We learn that Mr. F.J. R. Caruila is leaving the Landore Siemens'Steel Works, which he managed during the three most successful years of their history (1831-2 and 3) since their enlargement in 1873. After the death of Sir William Siemens, a little over twelve months ago, the new chairman took up his residence at the works, and the services of a general manager can now be dispensed wilh, We also understand that Mr. Caruila was offered the South American agency of the company, but for private reasons he has been obliged to decline the offer.

BESS KM KR STEEL. DEATH OF THE JOINT INVENTOR. Mr. Sidney Gilchrist Thomas, who died in Paris on Sunday morning, was known wherever iron and steel are produced as one of the inventors of the basic Bessemer process, which in nil frweign countries was, perhaps, best known by his ONn name. He was educated chipfly at Dulwich Col- lege, and was intended to follow the profession of medicine; but, his father dying when he was comparatively young, he entered the Civil Ser- vicp. instead. Mr. Thomas hl1ft a strong predilec tinn for chemistry, ann hi" hoJidl\Y!'Il1nrlmn"t of hi* leisure hours were employed in learning the various branches of that science. In 1878. as a result, of extensive previous experiments, he submitted to the Iron and Steel Institute a pap..r .e On the Elimination of Phosphorus," in which he an. n->unee I his discovery, conjointly wiilihi- friend nnd I'htivf>, Mr. Gilchrist, of a process whereby phosphorus could be eliminated from tllp, charye in the Bessemer converter, and the most impure nresof iron thereby adapted for the manufacture of s'eel. Wil h the exception of the Bessemer proc.-Hi itself, this was, perhaps, the most important metallurgical discovery of th" present generation. The development, of the ma tuif ict uri! of slept had op to that l;me been limited by the extent of thH supplies of pure and ores, arid ill ('nn>'I'I¡I1"I1,'e of sifh ores being very much less abundant inlhi" country than ores of a lower giaile it became necessary -I." import 1'1'11\ Spain. 11;tly, Algeria, and "Isewhere, something like line. half "t ali t II" iron ore nsi-d for Oil r "I eel manufacture, which was nisi,, although not to I he same extent, the case with B iginm, (iei oianv, and France. The proc.-a^ described by Mr. Thomas —consisting, briHiw of using a basic; instead of an arid lining for the converter, and making additions of lime to he charge — sva- I"o"t. bv M.' Mirt in "t tht" Hlaen- avon Works, :11101 "y Mr. Windsor Richards I\t the Cleveland S e a Works, willi results which were in Ihe main s-ilislactorv and. thanks to these and to other gentlemen win have laboured to over- come Ihe mechanical and other difficulties threatened nt thH 0111,,1'\ to hinder it" adoption, the process became successfully established botn ill England and abroad to such an extent, that fully three 4"nrIPr!i of II Iniliinl1 ton" of steel were iiro- ihlccil by iL il1 18,s. III recognition of his distinguished services 10 the Cietallurgv of iron and steel, Mr. Thomas was presented by the Iron and Sie-I Institute with the R'>ssem' i'goi l medal a second medal having at the same time been pre- sented to Mr. (ieoige J. 8n..III". 01' Workington, who had preceded Mr. Thomas and Mr. Gilchrist in the discovery of the effects of a basic lining on the elimination of phosphorus, although theirs was admittedly an entirely independent invention. I he arduous labours of Mr. Thomas in establish- ing the basic process in most Cont mental countries, as well as at home, told severel, upon a consti- tution never very strong, and in 1882 he undertook 1\ voyage tll Australia In the hope III regaining his lost, "t.rengt ii, Tire hope was partiallv realised, hut on his return to I'ngland he soon aw»in broke dnWII, and was consequently required l>v his medical advisers In spend the winters of 18823 in A geria, whence he travelled to Patina few months ago, 1.0 become much worse, ulltil his d'-ath on Soivlay morning last, at the early age of 36. Mr. Thomas, had made troops of friends, it may truly be said, in every civilised country, 10 whom his untimely ùecel1"e will lie 1\ cause of deev sorrow.

PRINCE AIjBKRT VICTOR AND THE SWAN-EA CORPORATION. A letter hag been forwarded on behalf of the Swansea Corporation to Prince Albert Victor, con- gratulating him on the attainment of his majority, and a reply received. The following are copies of the communications referred to:— To His Royal Highness Albert Victor Christian of Wales. May it ple-tse yonr Royal Highness. We, the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the loyal borough of Swan- sea, respectfully ask you to aceept our most sincere con- gratulations and warmest good wishes on the attain- ment. of your majority, and we do so especially rejoicing in the fact that your Royal Highness derives one of your titles from the Principality of whioh we form part. We tender our heartiest wishes that your life, so auspiciously eommenced, may long be spare.¡ to add new lustre to that Rnyalline you represent, and we pray God to grant that' he hopes which have been formed for you, ana the lofty aspiration which your Royal "High- ness has alreallY foreshadowed, may find a lastinipmd abundant fulfilment. WM. WtLUtMS. Mayor. JOHN THOMAS, Town-Clerk. The following is a copy of the reply received by the mayor:— Marlborough House, Pall Mall, S.W. To the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Swansea. Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—1 heartily thank you for your congratulations and good wishes. They are wel- come as Coming from one portion 01 that Principality with which my fatber's name will be always connected. Thai the Welah nation and people as a living member of the United British Empire may continlle to increase in wealth and prosperity will ever be my sincere prayer. (Signed), AI-BKKT VICTOB.

APPROACHING MARRIAGE OF A ROYAL WIDOW. The engagement is announced of the widowed Princess Henry of the Netherlands, eldest daughter of Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia, and sister of the Duchess of Connaught, to Prince Albert of Saxe-Altenburg, who is a General in the Russian service, commanding a brigade of cavalry at War- saw.

THE REPRESENTATION OF HAVER- FORDWEST BOROUGHS. A representative meeting for the united boroughs of Haverfordwest and Pembroke was held at the South Wales Hotel, New Milford, on Monday, when Mr. H. G. Allen, Q.C., the sitting member for the Pembroke Boroughs, was unanimously selected as the Liberal candidate for the united boroughs at the next election.

A SWANSEA PILqTS CRITICISM ON; PILOTAGE LITERATURE. AMUSING ACTION AT GLAMORGAN ASSIZES. HIS LORDSHIP ON CRITICISM AND LIBEL. RKKS 11. FOX—This was an acl ion heard at the Glamorganshire As-izes on Tuesday (before Mr. Justice Stephen), ill which Henry Kees, a Swansea pilot, claimed d images from Gtithih Fox, another pilot, for slandering liitn. Mr. Abel Thomas (in- structed by Messrs. Jenkin Jones and Monger; appeared for the plaintiff; and Mr Benson (in- structed by Messrs. Snfith and Lawrence) for the defendant. The defendant, in his pleadings denied that he spoke the words, or that they bore the meaning imputed to them, and added that, if they were spoken, they were spoken without malice. Mr. Rees has been a pilot, for 25 years, and for a good many years has brought out books upon pilotage and other subjects which would help pilots. It seems that there was a dispute bet ween the harbour trustees and the pilots some time ago, and that in consequence the pilots had several meetings. Atthese meetings the plaintiff took some part, and at a final meeting held on the 11th of July the defemlant. was present, together with 30 or 40 other pilots. An argument arose as to whether a man ought not to be paid for going to Bristol who was not a pilot, but who had done something for pilots in trying to prevent the trustees from lowering the fees for bringing vessels in. The defendant, according to the plaintiff, remarked, in the course of tho discussion:— I don't know what he (the plaintiff) has done for the pilots; he's done more harm than good, and knows more about pirating from other books than piloting. (Laughter.) Hu's pirated out of other books things he's printed in his own book." The plaintiff's only object, Mr. Abel Thomas said, in bringing the action was to obtain an apology. That had been refused, and the matter had now come for trial. His Lordship: I should not have thought that to call an author a pirate is slanderous. (Laughter.) But let us hear the evidence. The plaintiff then entered the box, and corrobo- rated the facts mentioned in Mr. Abel Thomas's opening statement,. He said that when the defen- dant made the remark quoted he replied, "You are a lying d-d tiling." (Laughter.) Other witnesses who were present at the time also gave evidence, and on the conclusion of the case for the plaintiff Mr. Benson submitted that there was no case to go to the jury. His Lordship: I must say that I have written books, and that people have said some very un- kind things about me; and if you (the plaintiff) write books you must expect people to say unkind things about you. (Laughter) I take it that if a man said a part of a book was rubbish, that would not be libellous. In the first place, it is a well- known rule that you may bona fide criticise a book. though the criticism may not be correct. Other- wise there would be no revie wing. I do not know where the standeris on this occasion. Mr. Abel Thomas: I must say, after hearing the evidence, that there is no slander on the plaintiff as a pilot but I venture to submit that there is on his other profession as an author of pilot books. (Laughter.) His Lordship Is a criticism on a work, then, to be taken as justified if it is correct or a. prima facie libel ? One of the well-known well- established points of what is not libellous is lite- rary criticism. If a mar. says a book is a parcel of rubbish, I do not think it is libellous. I should strongly advise both parties to go no further. It Ig a paltry action. Mr. Henson said his client was quite willing to say that he did not intend to cast any reflection on the plaintiff's capacity as a. pilot. His Lordship thereupon suggested that each side should withdraw a juror, and that Mr. Fox should apologise for telling Mr. Rees that tie was a pirate, and Mr. Rees for teiling Mr. Fox that he was a d--d liar. (Loud laughter.) Continuing, he said: I have written books, though not on pilotage, and people have Said many un- pleasant things about me and I am afraid I have written things about other books which could be scarcely pleasing to the people who wrote them. (Laughter.) But if people get writing books they must expect to get more or less meta- phorically kicked; and if they kick people back again I don't think there is any great harm done- as lung us it is kept within reasonable limits. So Mr. Rees, for calling Mr. Fox "a lying, d-- thing," which is not very pretty, wiil apologise, and say, like the story of St. Augustine, not ang/ei, but angers. (Loud laughter.) There is rather an air of the "Pirates of Pen- Zance" about the whole case. As for Mr. Fox, he will apologise to Mr. Rees for calling him a pirate, and then he can say that lie has fully cleared his character, or that he leaves the court without a single stain upon his character. (Renewed laughter.) How he could write any- thing new or original about such an andent subject a* the tides I don't know. I can only say tha.t it reflects great credit upon his ingenuity. His lordship's suggestion was adopted.

CARDIFF PARLIAMENTARY DEBA- TING SOCIETY. DOWNFALL OF TFT" RADICAL GOVERNMENT. The debate on the Radical resolution against anv increase of the navy was resinned on Tues- day at ta e Cardiff Parliamentary Debating.Society's meeting bv the member for Hackney (Mr. Chad- wick), who delivered a maiden speech from the Radical side in favour' of the resolution. He Was followed bv the member for East Somerset (Mr. F. Bullen), the member for the Orkney Isles (Mr. C. Hansen), and the member for Exeter (Mr. C. A. Moyen). The member for Birmingham (Mr. Miles) delivered an argumenta- tive speech in reference to the tlieotj of disar- mament, but failed to give any indication as to how it was to be ctrried into pracice. The mem- ber for Denbighshire (Mr. (f. Bird) gave facts about tile deficiency of the navy. Ihe member for Waterford (Mr. Manning), in an eloquent spe"ch, opposed the I'Oo;nln! j011, saying the very wording of it was tin admission of our weakness, lie :isk"d hew 1 he Liberals of Birmingham could find it in their consciences to SMi 1 rifles if they were so much in favour ol disarmament, and finished his speech w'th >m eloquent peroration, which was warmly applauded. The member for M'-rlhyr was the next |,it>et"d speaker, and appeared to malse the best ol an evidently bad case. The Premier then replied in a short but eloquent speech, which, however, failed to make any converts to the Ridical lle-ories. 011 the amendment, being put, the Deputy Speaker declared it carried." A division was challenged by the Government, when there voted :—• For the Conservative amendment 77 Against 46 Conservative mnjority 31 The 'Radical Government thereupon resigne d, and a Conservative Ministry vvill imme'iately be formed 'The next debate vvill be on an indepen- dent. motion of the member lor Waterford. in favour of Home Rule for Ireland.

THE HEALTH OF CAiUHFF. There were 81 births recorded in the borough of Cardiff in the week that ended 011 Saturday T,Jt, | theSlsf January, 7G 1 eing the average number last year. The bir lis were of 43 boys and 38 girls. I i-i 76 65, but, despite this improvement, t he present, to'al w U over the average of the past year, and equals :t rate of 34-9 per 1,000 inhabitants, 'he lushest, in the official returns from sixteen of 'he chief towns. Tho d",th.. un 10'1' 1 í..1I 11"111 15 to 13; but at, the advanced period of 60'and 1,4 upwards lltey rose from 9 to 16. Ten deaths took place in public institutions, 5 were inquired into before the coroner, and 3 were du" to violence. Measles fell from 16 to 12. which is 5 below the average or tllH fOllr previous weeks; sC'i'iet fever again caused 1, diphtheria and whooping- coiiudl 2 each, and diarrhoea 3. The principal death-rates for the past week lire 11111" arranged in order:- Sal ford 17*6 Leeds 25? Hull 19 0 Blackburn '<-6 4 Bradford ii2 S Manchester 26'J Newcastle Y2S Liverpool 27'1 Bradford ii2 S Manchester 26'J Hull 19 0 Blackburn '<-6 4 Bradford ii2 S Manchester 26'J Newcastle Y2S Liverpool 27'1 Halifax £ 2 9 Hudilerslield.. 27'5 Sheffield 2''7 Oldham 8 o Biruiinjihimi. 23'7 Preston 3_7 London 24*1 Cardiff ~4'9 Sheffield 2''7 Oldham 8 o Biruiinjihimi. 23'7 Preston 3:f London 24*1 1 Cardiff ~4'9 Per 1.000 inhabitants of each placfl.

THE MARRIAGE OF MISS MACKAV. The Colonna-Mackay wpdrting will be an exclu- sively family event, owing to the small size of the Nunciature Chapel, where it will be celebrated No dowry has been asked for with the bride. Two uncles of the bridegroom, who brought him up, and of whom he is heir, are making hiin a handsome settlement. He is 27 years old, and is in the Italian army. He is to be to the Duke of Aosta's household. Queen Isabella has written on the occasion an affectionate letter to Mrs. Mackay. Her Majesty had a few winters ago hoped for a marriage between the young lady and one of her nephews, but as there was no love on one side and an American feeling against forming Royal connections, nothing came of the good offices of the Queen-Mother. The Queen of Italy has also conveyed, through the Countess Telfner, aunt of the bride-desig- nate, her best wishes, and expressed her great satiftaction at the prospect of seeing her often in Rome, where the courtship began. Miss Eva Mackay is what the French term miynonne. Without any shyness, she is the reverse of self-assertive, has attractive manners, and a charming expression. The two Colonna uncles took a great fancy to her, and write that in marry- ing their nephew she will gain two fathers. Mrs. Mackay has been asked by various illustrated journals to give them likenesses of her daughter and son-in-law, but has declined, as she does not wish the eyes of the world to see into her domestic hearth.

ADMIRAL H.R.H. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND REFUGE HARBOURS. An address has been sent from the inhabitants of St. Ives, Cornwall, to Admiral his Royal High- ness the Duke of Edinburgh, thanking him for the interest he has displayed on the subject of refuge harbours, and suggesting he should assist the National Refuge Harbours Society, of which it is hoped he will become president. The address has been signed by about 3,000 persons. The popu- larity of his Royal Highness, and the reliance placed in his help, are best shown from the circum- stance that 2,225 people signed this address in the first two days.

THE NEW BISHOP OF EXETER. The "Central News understands that the Rev E. H. Bickcrsteth, the newly-appointed Dean of Gloucester, has been offered, and has accepted, the Bishooric of Exeter.

THE CHAPTER CLERKSHIP OF LLANDAFF DIOCESE. The Dean and Chapter of LlandafF have ap- pointed Mr. R. W. Griffith as chapter clerk in the j room of the late Mr. W. C. Luard.

THE GLAMORGANSHIRE COUNTY TREASURERSHIP. ADJOURNED QUARTER SESSIONS. An adjourned meeting of the Epiphany Quarter Sessions was held on Thursday after- noon at the Cardiff Town-hall for the purpose of considering the appointmentof a suc- cessor to the late county treasure!, Mr. W. C. Luard. Mr. R. 0. Jones presided, and among those present were Messrs. n. Jenkins, Hunter, (Briton Ferry), Rees H. Rhys, J. Cory, C. H. Williams, Dr. Paine, Griffith Phillips, F. G. Evans, C. Llewellyn, and L. V. Shirley, treasurer pro tem. The report of the Finance Committee on the subject stated that they had considered the sug- gestion as to employing a banker to perform the duties of treasurer, but, that they thought the present system of emptoying a gentleman of the legal profession was better. They, therefore, re- commended that the system should be followed. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Rhys, the court approved of the committee's recommen- dation, and gave instructions to the clerk of the pence to advertise for a county treasurer at a salary not to exceed £300, The court will proceed to the elect ion at the Easter Quarter Sessions, to be held at Swansea, the hour fixed for the considera- tion of the question being two o'clock. Mr. T. Wiliiams, Merthyr, was appointed on the Contagious Diseases (Anima1s) Committee.