Weekly Mail

SEKiOUS FIGHTING IN 1IL -L GALLANT CONDUCT OF THE WELSH FUSILIERS. MAN DAL.VV THREATENED. f" TIMKS TKLEOKAM.i MANDALAY, JANCAKT 2. Within a radius of twenty miles from Mandalay it is estimated there are 10,000 armed rebe!s or dacoits. Alomyra. Prince LLY.IN;zei-I Mindonmin's snn, has 3,Oí]0 men in the Paleik district, to the South- East. The people in THE district. acknowledge him asXiny. Considerable bodies OF armed men ara assem- bled ill-io ie the X"rth-East and East. A geneml attack upon Mandalay is threatened, and there is reason to fear the movement might be supported itile t >y an em-'uie. in the town. General White has anticipate an attack bç- a series ot' weli-devised movements. With.so manv troops in the tieM, the garrison OF Mandalay i< re- duced to the ¡"èsr, hunt, consistent with safety, and some uneasiness is felt, as the people of the town are much excited. Major Williamsou, OF the Welsh Fusiliers, an officer or great promptitude and decision, com- manding :.t Mentyhe'ooo, tingling a s'.rong force in the neighbourhood, inarched to attack them on the night of Dec. 28th. At daylight on the 29th he I reached the viilag" ->I /•••»„<V, where :I body of insurgents, armed WIUI muskets, were found in v stockade in the village, our ot which they were driven, Ttiey ther fell back ,n t walled enclosure, and WERE reinforced. They held their N-»W positir.n with great obstinacy, and. it was FOUND necessary *O carry .the enclosure with the b1.onet The stormees were IT d by Lieutenants Beresf'ird and Nougb, of the Welsh Fusiliers. *L'IJ.- Burmese resisted, AND snme sixty were tilled. Our loss WAS Corpora! Coleman killed, three langerouslv wounded (one ot them, a private ince dead«, AND FOUR seriously wounded. These • ere all thti: wounded Europeans. We have received from the War Office copies of Lh i'ollowtn." [FROM HIK V'IC.- UOY OF INDIA, dated TUESDAY.] The FOLL.IWIN^ casualties occurred in action in Bur-.mh:—Lieutenant C'ockerarn, 23rd Madras MATIVE Infantry, killed, and Lieutenant Lye, 2nd fiattniion Hampshire Regiment. wounded, at Ongdey; Lance-Corporal John George Col MAIN ind Private Frederick Davy. 1st Battalion Roval Fusiliers, killed at Betiav,2711, December. Bernard reports that three Europeans (Walker, Joiogreedy. and Maber) have been kiiied by dacoits at PA'si*, 24- miles from Mandalay; another (GI""1;-1 is III i1 ctacoits' hands. Thev were RENAMING to ti.eir timber works, contrary t,) advice.

';O.\LMENT.S OF THE FRENCH PRESS. PAKIS, SUNDAY. The Royalist -Frar.cnis, COMMENTING ON the ?tn- ocxation of Burmah, says •—"We wish we could dispute the not very charitable blasts of our neighbours, but. alas i none Df our objections to J,, '4 c the conquest of An.-ii,:ii ;Ipr,!F I,ie !"n"li,;Il annexation of Burmau. Trade preceded the BRITISH DAG, and follows it; the territory annexed joins the Indian Empire; and it a vast expanse .> £ sea separates it from the mother country there Is free space for the British tiag from Mandalay to the mouth of the Thaml's. The affair had been long so well prepared, and has been so well carried out, THAT it imposes no extra expense on the ordi- nary Budget. cf the Indian Empire, I astly. the expansion of tiie rule of England in the Far East, so tar from paralysing her influence in the Old World, constitutes the strength of her diplomacy in European councils. In Similar conditions, and in a similar situation, we should assuredly be upporters of the grand colonial pulicy for Fraoce.

EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN. OFFICIAL LIST OF CASUALTIES. The 1* Press Association has received the follow- AG from the War Office ilito-,i LIEUT.-GSXEKAL SIR F. STEPHENSON TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAJR. ABRI, MONDAY, 12.55 P.I. Cavalry ancl Lotus, under Lloyd, have advauced beyond Absarat; latter captured nine nuggars with banners, going south, laden with arms, ammunition, and provisions, and made prisoners A some dervishes. The following is a complete return of the asmities which occurred on the 30th ult. near Sosheh. KILLED. 1st Battalion Berkshire Regimen t.-L leu tenant 3oltan. WOUNDED. 20th Hussars: 1,666, Private F. Kirley (dangerously i. Mounted Infantry 1,001, Private W. Major, Royal Highlanders, (seriously). 1st Battalion Berkshire Regiment Lieut. Privates 7, J. Harpen 2,377, W. Smith 180, H. Bunter 699, Paddeck (since dead) 31, A. Bonny 2,259, S. Askill (slightly). 1st Battalion Royal Yest Kent Regiment 2.792, Private J. Burke ind Battalion Durham Light Infantry: Cor- porals 338, Baker 13. J. O'Donnel; Privates 138 S. Mason (since dead) 1,291, H. Crapson. 1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment 573, Private J. Jones. 1st Battalion Cameron Highlanders "560. J. Stevenson 930, J. Thompson; 1,296. J. .zmi,,h 1,622, W. Nathan 1,413, D. Foulkes 144, r. Redfern 1,456, Harris. EGYPTIAN ARMY. KILLED.—1st Battalion.—Lieutenant Mohamed Camdy and four men. BOUNDED.—1st Camel Corps.—Lieutenants Red- wan and Moutssan Hamonda. 9th Battalion. lieutenant Fat-man Effendi and eleven men. Sir F. Stephenson reports that there are two bad ses among the wounded, but that the remainder re doing well.

CAPTURE OF ARMS AND AMMUNI- TION. CAIRO, MONDAY. General Grenfell telegraphs that on Saturday the stern wheel steamer Lotus moved up the Nile lo Absarat, 30 miles south of Abri, the present British headquarters, and ascertained that Majid. with a few followers, was it Dulga. The mounted mlln have returned to Saved Effendi. The Lotus overtook and captured nine nuggars laden with arms, ammunition, and clothing, Many prisoners were also taken. The men in the nuggars fled at the approach of the Lotus, and the villagers also beat a hasty retreat. Dervishes were seen all along the Nile. The 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment will return to Korosko immediately. ARIU, SATURDAY. The headquarters and the 2nd Brigade have been established here, General Butler's brigade being at Koyek, nine miles to the south. The cavalry is now in pursuit of the enemy. The Lotus has gone up the river to capture the enemy's nuggars. The enemy lost 24 emirs and at least 600 men killed and wounded in Wednesday's engagement. Besides these, many of the Arabs died by the river side during the retreat. Among the enemy it was reported that 6,000 Turks aud English were marching across the desert to Absarat, and they have fled direct to Dongoia, without stopping anywhere. The vil- lagers have been stripped by the enemy of their property. The Arabs have no reserve north of Berber. All the prisoners report that dissension prevails among the Kordofan and Darfour tribes. A convoy of wounded will leave to-day for Wady Haifa, all doing well. The health of the UOODS is good. The enemy have made no secret of their rout, and many fled by way of the west desert, expect- ing to be cup off at Absarat by our cavalry. A great quantity of correspondence has been found, which wili throw valuable light on the Arab move- ment. The enemy own that they were taken completely by surprise. ABRI, SCJNDAY. A report has just been received from the -lounted Infantry. They proceeded as far as Absarat, finding that the enemy had left during the night. Most of the enemy went direct to I Pulgo. Lloyd reports that the Lotus proceeded three miles south of Absarat, and captured five nuggars, making a total of nine. They were Iiiled with grain, dates, arms, ammunition, aud i.wo banners. Many prisoners were taken. Majid is reported to be at Dulga, wounded, with a few followers. The enemy's water transport below the Kaibar cataract htis now fallen into our hinds. The enemy fled on the approach of the steamer. The villagers report that tho dervishes' retreat was most rapid. The Lotus was not fired upon. Another telegram from the same correspondent, dated to-day, -lays:-One hundred and fifty cavalry and mounted infantry of the Camel Corps, under Captain Smith Dorrien, pursued the enemy t,) Absarat. The enemy had escaped over the left Dank of the river. The Lotus and the mounted I party captured four of the enemy's nuggars filled with grain and arms. They expect to capture more. Private Paddock, of the Berkshire Regiment and Private Mason, of the Durham Regiment, died from their wounds last night. The remainder of the wounded are doing well. Among the docu- ments found at hjid's house was a complete "s muster-roll of 10,000 men, who formed his ad- vanced guard. Clothing and equipment lists wero also found. The enemy's organisation appears to have been complete. also found. The enemy's organisation appears to bave been complete.

CONTINUED RETREAT OF THE ENEMY. j ABRI, MONDAY (1130 P.M.). The Arabs are still retiring, and there are none thi-q side of Kaibar. Returns found in the Arab camp show that they were nearly 11,000 strong. CAIRO, MONDAY NIGHT. The cavalry have patrolled from Abu to Aoou I Sarah, 29 miles, over rocky ground and through a detile. ° The Arab3 were discerned by glasses hidiDg among the rocks. The cavalry and mounted in- fantry have retired to 5avd Fanti, three miles north of Abou Sarah, having ascertained that the sheikh commanding had withdrawn to Dtilgo, and that his followers were Hying in all directions.

FURTHER I," 1,N 1, 0 f,C EN -LS. Our Chatham correspondent states that a strong I draft of the Royal Engineers has been selected at Chatham to embark for Egypt. Lieutenant Roper will proceed with the troops.

TURKEY AND EtYPT. 'REPORTED RUSSIAN INTRIGUE AT CONSTANTINOPLE, CONSTANTINOPLE, WKDNKSDAY. Moukhtar PASHA has repotted to the Turkish Government thit the situation in Egypt is un- favourable. JT is generally believed in political circles that Russia IS rapidly gaining power iu Constantinople, and fars are expressed TINT should Russian officers be permitted to re-enter the Bulgarian Army the Principality will also come under Russian in- fluence.

EASTERN HOl" "lELiA. RECEPTION OF THE RETURNING TRO- T'S. PHILIPPOPOLLS MONDAY. Yesteid.iy afternoon the Shipka Regiment ENURED I'hiiippopoiis, and vns received with great enthusiasm by thu inJL,bit:li1", aftdr having previously met with ovations fr0!D the peasants, who WAILED HA- rile troop* for hours along the mads by which the regiment was expected to march. Triumphal arches wen, erected llere, both at the entrance to and in the centre of the town. AT. the first of these addresses were presented by the mayor and the CLERGY, and i-efreshinents; were CIVEN to the troops, while the officers were decorated with wreaths. The regiment then marched through the streets amid the cheers of the people and cries of Li)nz live Bulgaria!" In ',he evenin, tt-,e to-.vn -fis illuminated to give expression to the general joy. Gadban Effenrii passed ttroug¡¡ Phiiippopolis in the morning on his W IV to Constantinople.

APPOINTMENT OF THE SERVIAN PEACE NEGOTIATOK. VIENNA, MONDAY. M, Mij 1")Vji" :n.i.tl1 Minister in London, has oecn SERVIAN delegate for the negotia- tinn of cace vvitli Bulgaria.

KING -k -N, ATTITUDE. VIENNA, TUKSDAY. King Milan was well received at Belgrade yes- terday, and the lull text of the speech which lie made to the Town Council of l;dgr;1.de is pub- lished in the Vienna newspapers. The King's words are vague, but they are generally inter- preted lS SHOWING an obstinate purpose to intrigue against peace, if not actually to renew the war. When lie talked OF waving high the bnnner cof the Obrenoyics, both as a King and as a Servian," and ot calling upon HIS faithful MI-lgradians to iiitl%(? further sacrifices, with discernment-and endurance, to pre- serve :<3ervÜ." authority," he clearly saw wilat kind of audience he was addrpssinu. But the coJond", politicians, journalists, and contract- jobbers of Belgrade constitute only a fraction of the Servian nation and if the King will consult the peasants and working men, from whose ranks the pick of his army must be drawn, he will find t very general and increasing desire for pface. Moreover, he will discover that his best, policy is to lean on the mass of the nation rather than on the turbulent politicians and speculators who clamour for war without volunteering to tight, them- selves.

THE POSITION OF TURKEY. CON'^TAN riNOPLE YARXA), TUKSDAY. The return OF (iabdar Pasha will, it is believed, lead to an understanding htwepn the Porte and Prince Alexander. The Suitan and the Prince are alike desirous of establishing a workable settle- ment. and the difficulty is one of form only. Gab- dan Pasha has judiciously and frankly !aid the truth of the situation in Bulgaria before the Porte, and has convinced his Ciovernment. that no military action could now UNDO the union of the two Bulgarias. His report has shaken the Sultan's confidence in the vunii fide* of the three Imperial Governments.

THE AFGHAN BOUNDARY COMMISSION". PROGRESS OF THE WOIIK. MEKV, SATURDAY. The British and Russian Boundary Commis- sioners have come to an understanding with re- gard to the frontier line between Hauz-i-Khan and Meruchak, but have been compelled bv snow and frost to suspend the work of demarcation nnd erection of boundary posts. The topographers, however, continue TO survey the district between Meruciiak and Maimane. The Governor of Herat was to return to-day, the delimitation of the Herat district having be-N completed. The intercourse between the British Commissioners at Charsambe and their Russian colleagues, who are wintering at Meruchak, is very sociable. Un December 25 the British officers invited the Russians to rhe Cmisr. mas dinner. and on the following day were enter- tained at luncheon by the Russian officers.

A SPANISH SCANDAL. I GRAVE ALLEGATION AGA'NST THE LATE KING. I PARIS, WEDNESDAY. It is stated that Mademoiselle Borahi, distin- guished operatic singer, at present engaged at. the Milan Opera House, intends to sue the heirs of the late King of Spain on behalf of her illegitimate late King of Spain on behalf of her illegitimate child, of whom she alleges his Majesty was the father.

THE FUE3TCH MINISTERIAL CRISIS. PARIS, MONDAY AFTKRNOON. As the result of numerous conferences with his friends, M. de Freycinet has found no one willing to undertake the responsibility of forming a Ministry. He has, however, received many offers of loyal co-operation, and these have induced him to attempt himself the construction of a Cabinet. M. Grevy has been to-day advised of this decision on the part of M. de Freycinet.

PROGRAMME OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT. PARIS, MONDAY. According to the National, the principal features in the programme of the new Government will be or reforms of the Budget and Administration, and the organisation of the Protectorate of Aonam and Tonquin.

M. GREVY'S MESSAGE. PARIS, TUESDAY, M. Jules Grevy, who after his re-election as President of the Republic did not at once take kindly to the idea of delivering a Presidential Message to the Chambers, has since manifested a different disposition, considering that the present Ministerial crisis would lead 0e to believe that the political and Parliamentary situation is serious. He wishes to dissipate all anxiety in this direction. The President will confine him- splf to developing in his Message two general ideas, to which he has been led by consultations with a large number of deputies and senators. He will declare that the solidity of the Republican institutions has not been adversely affected by the elections of the 11th and 18th of October, for if in several departments the hopes of the Repub- licans have been reversed, this result must be attributed less to the true tendencies of the country than to the dissimulation of the Conserva- tive candidates. M. Grevy will add that the Governmental instability will merely present dangers from the point of view of developing in a regular manner the Republican Government. The new President of the Chamber will read the Address to the Representative Chamber and the Senate.

MR. GLADSTONE INVITED TO AMERICA. NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY MORNING. The Nete York Sun to-day publishes an interest- ing letter from Nir. Gladstone. Recently a num- bat- of influential newspapers forwarded, through the Cable News Company of New York, an invita- tion to the ri2"ht hon. gentleman to visit America, and assured him of the heartiest welcome. In the invitation an opinion was expressed that a per- sonal investigation of the Constitution of the United States would give information unattain- able through any amount of book reading, and would enable him to deal with greater confidence with the Irish Home Rule problem, with which the Americans believed he ouiy was able to success- fully grapple. Mr. Gladstone's letter isas follows:- Hawarden, Jan. 4th. L'ear Sir,-I could not regard such an invitation as you transmitted to me on the 23rd otherwise than as an incident requiring my best, considera- tion for the chance that reflection might open to me some way of compliance. I am sorry, how- ever, to report that I have not been able to arrive at this result. My physical strength is not such as would permit me to undertake a voyage to I America, and the imperative demands on my time and thoughts in connection with the present state ot public affairs aliow of no intermission of atten- tion. The invitation itself, however, constitutes a new tie of feeling with America, and I shall ever remember it with thankful acknowledgment; while the knowledge that so many friendly eyes are watching the course of events in this country with reference to Ireland will be a new incentive ¡ to the performance of patriotic and philanthropic dutv.-Your faithful servant, W. E. ÜLADSTONE.

FRANCE AND MADAGASCAR. TAMATAVE, DECEMBER 20. The conditions of peace betweeu France and Madagascar have been agreed to. The basis of the terms are reported to be a cession of territory to the French surrender of the ports on the North- West of Madagascar originally claimed by France, and French supremacy in respect of the foreign relations of the Queen of Madagascar.

THE CHOLERA IN SPAIN. MADRID, MONDAY. Despite the extremely cold weather, the cholera epidemic is slowly extending, and this is causing much anxiety. Five provinces are alreadyl in- vaded-Huelva, Cadiz, Malaga, Granada, and Sala- manca. At Algeciras, on the opposite side of the Bay of Gibraltar, Agomonte, Marbella, and Viti- gudino the plague is unusually severe. At Mar- bella, a small port in Malaga, with a population of about 7,000 souls, the epidemic has caused as many as fourteen deaths in one day.

ENGLAND, ITALY, AND ABYSSINIA. ROME, MONDAY. General Pozzo, who commands the Italian mission to King John, will start on the 12th inst. FOR Massowah, and will propose a treaty of friend- ship between Italy and Abyssinia. The Popolo Rotiiario denies that England and Italy have agreed to an Italian occupation of Suakim.

ENGLISH ARRESTS IN BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, MONDAY. The thrpe English ex-convicts who have been arrested here, with the assistance of an English de- tective, are ci1:u:pd with a variety of swindling operations under the guise of a newspaper agencv. The prisoners claimed to have offices in London, Paris, and Cincinnati, -and styled themselves the Association Generate dr. Publicities.

THE POPE AND PRINCE BISMARCK HOlE. MONDAY. The decoration of the Order o: Christ bestowed upon Priuce Bismarck by the Pope was accom- panied by an autograph letter from his Holiness to the Imperial Chancellor. The order is very richly set with brilliants.

GHEAT FIRE AT DETROIT. DETROIT "k,IICHI("AN, SATURDAY. The seed warehouses of Messrs. Ferryand Co., White's Theatre, and other buildings HERE have OEER: destroyed by fire. The loss is estimated at 1,000,000 dollars.

THE SUKZ CANAL. PARIS. WEDNESDAY. The traffic receipts of the Suez Canal yesterday amounted to 170.000f., against. 60,Q0Qf. on the cor- responding day of last year.

PRINCE ALEXANDER AND HIS PRO.IECTED M A RRIAGE. Some time ago, in discussing the circumstances that probably led up to the Roumelian revolution, we (says rite St. James's (iacette) told the following story:—Long before tiie marriage of Princess | Beatrice t,) Prince Henry OF Batten peri,- tlu-ro was I a project, of marriage be I ween Prince Alexander | and a daughter of the Crown Prince and Princess ot Germany. There was nothing political in the I, project it, .imply arose from feelings of strong mutual affection. THE parents of the L-ulv had no objection to the union. But such marriages are subject to Cabinet sanction and. Prince- Bismarck subject to Cabinet sanction and. Prince- Bismarck refused to allow of it, on 111" express ground that he could not, embroil himself with Russia. We now hear that this project ot marriage has been j revived; that whatever reason OF State were opposed to it have been REMOVED.

AN ENGLISH INVASION OF FRANCE. INDIGNATION OF THE FRA.XCAIS. The Paris eorre,4polld,:nr ot tiie Times writes: — The Francuis actually expresses a fear that England is maiting preparations for the invasion of Prance. Everybody knows, it appears, that the Engiish are constructing very important fortifications in the islands which they possess oil the coast of Nor- mandy. About a year :I." the Conservative press called attention to the fact, hut the Cabinet had other cares, and the warning was nor heeded. The erections referred to are for the purposes of attack, and, says the Frunritis, can have no other object than the disembarkation of an English army on the casts of France. A Government, which has some regard for its duties would have asked for an expla- nar inn of the purpose of such important works, and, at I he same rime, would have constructed bat- teries commanding, or at, least nullifying, them; but our tvepubheans, adds the Fraiirais in conclu- sion, have something better to do than to think of the defence of me country. --<

THE ARREST OF A SOUTH AFRICAN BISHOP. OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM ZANZIBAR. It is stated that the Government, has received a telegram from Sir John Kirk, the British represen- tative at the Court of the Sultan of Zanzibar, con- firming the information of the seizure of Bishop H.iunington by the King of Uganda. Sir John Kirk has outered without delay into negotiations for the Bishop's release, and everything that can possibly be done for him will at once be set on foot. The Central News sa)-s the published reports respecting the capture of Bishop ilannington are declared by the competent authorities of the Church Missionary Society to be sensational, and in some important particulars incorrecr. In one sense the new. already received is considered good, for it shows that the Bishop had passed safely through the Masai country. About that journey the society were redly anxious, and their anxieties on that, score are now relieved. There is reason to believe that Bishop Hannington's I arrest was due indirectly to the movements of certain energetic German explorers, the agents of the German African Society with whom the Sultan of Zanzibar has had disputes. The King probably feared that the bishop and his party had some connection with the Germans, whom he greatly distrusts. The next mail is due in about three weeks, but the news which it will bring has already to a great extent been anticipated by toe telegraph. It is not doubted, how- ever, that authentic news will be re- ceived via Zanzibar by telegraph in the course of a few WEEKS, as the missionaries have been in the country for years, anc. maintain a mail by means of runners via Moalala, Unyanyembe, and the coast. Mr. A. M. Mackay, missionary aud civil engineer, writing from Birganda on Septem- ber 29 last, says, I- It would be very hard to describe Mwanga'S (King \lte!a's successor) char- acter. He knows how to behave with dignity and reserve when he thinks the occasion requires that; but he soon throws off tha.t assumed air, and chats familiarly. Black men are ail very vain, nor is our King free from this defect. But none can fail to see that he is fickle and, I fear, revengeful. He is addicted to the smoking of chang. ruder the influence of the narcotic lie is capable of the wildest and most unpremeditated actions. Recently I have had reason to find him guilty of such, but generally the young fellow is amiable.' TELEGRAM FROM SIR JOHN KIRK. A telegram was received by the Foreign Office on Tuesday from Sir John Kirk, her Majesty's representative at Zanzibar, stating that he had sent runners" into the interior to gain the lates intelligence respecting Bishop Hannington. Sir John will communicate by cable whatever infor- mation he is able to obtain. Two months must elapse before return news can be received from the messenger.

CARDIFF MUSICAL ASSOCIATION'S CONCERT. The fifth annual concert of the above associa- tion, which was held on Wednesday evening at the Park-hall, Cardiff, was in every sense of the word a great success. The love of oratorio which is so widespread at the present day is in itself sufficient to ensure a large audience whenever the work of a master is to be produced with any probability of truthful exposition. This was the case on Wed- nesday, when Haydn's masterpiece, the Creation," and Mendelssohn's Athalie" were the pieces selected. Sublime though the former is, there are many who prefer the Athalie," with its grand dramatic passages, as, for example, the trio in "Heaven and the Earth Display." With works so well known, it is quite unnecessary to attempt a lengthened description. They themselves have long- since passed beyond the reach of criticism except by the few. All that the ordinary admirer of classical music now asks is that adequate ex- pression shall be given the compositions. That this was not wanting last evening the names of the principal artistes is a sufficient. warrant. These were Miss Anna Williams, Miss Emily Dones, Mr. Henry Piercy, and Mr. Watkin Mills. The chorus, of which Mr. Walter Scott was the conductor, was augmented by members of the Hereford and Llandaff Cathedral Choirs, the orchestra, composed of instrumentalists from Cardiff and other towns, being led by Mr. Alfred Burnett, of the Royal Italian Opera and Covent Garden Concerts. The rirst part of the evening was allotted to the "Creation," and the representation of chaos by the orchestra at the commencement showed how nicely the instruments had been balanced. The beautiful voice and pure style of vocalisation possessed by Miss Anna Williams were delightfully displayed in the difficult air, I- With Verdure Clad," where her expos.tion was most artistic. Mr. Henry Piercy, who possesses a light tenor voice especially suited to this work, rendered the air, In Native Worth," with perfect accentuation, the continued applause at its conclusion testifying the appreciation of the audience. The singing of the bass solos was of an excellent character, the difficult intervals in the air Rolling in Foaming Billows being it on in an admirable manner, whilst the expression was very pleasing. The choruses were attacked with spirit and went with a good swing. The choir, however, was, if any- thing, rather heavy in the duets and choruses, the principals having apparently to strain themselves somewhat in order to be heard. In the second part, Athalie," the orchestra was heard to advan- tage. The rendering of the maestoso passages of the overture and the War March of the Priest was ltaily excellent, the grand chorus, "Heaven and the Earth Display," being also performed with tinish and effect. Perhaps no chorus ever written demands so much from a conductor and puts to the test his conducting capabilities more than does this iast mentioned; but on Wednesday evening its rendering was marked by a precision and brilliancy which showed that the choir was under the baton of a man who had thoroughly studied the work and knew how rightly to interpret it,. Miss E. Dones sustained the contralto parts in a way which proved her to be an accomplished artiste. Valu- able assistance was rendered in the trios by Miss K. Smith. The concluding bars of the oratorio were not sung until after eleven o'clock.

John Robertson, captain of the steamer Alacrity, was on Tuesday fined S5 and costs at North Shields for overloading his vessel. On Wednesday morning the Wreck Commis- sioner inquired into the loss of the Sussex steamer •vhich struck on a reef off Scilly Islands when voyaging from Baltimore, with cattle, on the 17th of December, and became a total wreck. The Commissioner said the casualty was due to the neglect of the captain to use the lead- In con- sideration of the straightforward way in which he < gave his evidence, his certificate would only be < suspended for six months.

THE COMING SESSION. The Press Association is authorised to state hat it has been finally decided that the House of Commons shall meet for the Queen's Speech and despatch of -business on Thursday, the 21st inst. All the members of the Government have arranged to attend at their several depart- ments this week to facilitate the preliminary arrangements for the meeting 6f Parliament. Several of them are personally assisting in drafting Bills which are to be introduced by the Government. The'most, important of these is the County Government Bill, the main provisions of which, as already announced, have been settled, and which measure is to be applied to Ireland. Thu Press Association understands that Ministers are unanimous in refusing to place the Irish con- stabulary under the control of the local authorities. A meeting of Ministers was held at three o'clock on Tuesday afternoon at the Official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, in Downing-stroet, Amongst tlso3e present, were :—The Earl of Idctes- leigh, Sir Richard A. Cross, Lord John Manners. Colonel F. A. Stanley, the Right Hon. W. H. mith, the Hon. E. Stanhope, Lord George Hamilton, Lord Randolph Churchill, and the Hon. E. Stanhope. All the members of the Lower House who are Cabinet Ministers attended. The only peer present was the late Conservative leader in the Commons. The chief subject, under discussion was that of procedure in the Lower House, in regar-t t" which Lord Iddesleigh, from his iong experience of that- Assembly, was able to give valuable advice. The position of Mr. Bradlaugh will, it. is believed, cause serious difficulty almost, immediately after the opening of Parliament, and his claim to take the oath will probably bring about, the tirsr party struggle. The Ministers mentioned met at 3.1)9 and sat for nearly two hours.

PROGRAMME OF THE MINISTRY. The Central Mews is enabled lo that, although Lord Salisbury's Administration will meet Parliament and submit what they consider ;1 strong legislative }Jrnnuntnp, "thtY are quite pa-pared at once to surrender their offices to i heir Liberal oppouents. There is. the "Central News" understands, a growing inclination in Ministerial circles to throw the onus of forming a Government, on Mr. Gladstone, but Lord Salisbury is understood to be desirous nor to hasten this step, as it would not, in his opinion, be patriotic. Aiter members have been sworn in Sir Michael Flicks-Beach will make a statement in the House of Commons on behaif of the Government, clearly defining the position of himself and his colleagues, and indicating the lint's "I sessional policy and programme. If the members of the Opposition I choose to raise the question of No confidence it will be open to them to do so, and Ministe s will readily accept the issue. The Conservatives have reason to believe that Mr. Parncll will accept the Irish proposals of the Government,, but only as an instalment- of his full demands.

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM BILL. The Committee of the Cabinet appointed to draft a Local Government Reform Bill met again on Monday afternoon, at the offices of the Local Government, Board. 1'here were present, Sir Sir Cross the Hon E. Stanhope, uud Mr. A. Balfour. The meet- ing lasted a considerable time, and further con- sultations are expected to fake place during this week. The Committee ot the Cabinet, consist ing of Sir im. Sir Richard Cross, and the Hon. E. Stanhope, with Mr. A. Balfour, met on Wednes- day at the offices of the Local Government. Hoard to continue the work of drafting a Local Govern- ment lieloviii bill. The Comaiittee sat for two hours.

INTENTION OF THE LIBERAL LEADERS.. The present i)f the Liberal leaders is to move no amendment to the Address in reply to the Queen's Speech. This decision will not pre- clude an expressi ai of opinion on the Irish policy of the Government by ex-Ministers during the debate oil the Address, and Mr. Gladstone is ex- pected to take advantage of the opportunity thus offered to state, in general terms, his views on the subject, but it I., feit that the better course, if the verdict of the House is to be taken on Lord Salisbury's proposals, will be to postpone the discussion thereon until after the Address has been adopted. In the event of an open rupture between the Parneilite-. and the Government, this programme might be altered to some extent.

I MR. GLADSTONE AND HIS FOLLOWERS. It is pro()ahle. write tho London correspondent of the Leeds Mercury, that Mr. Gladstone will con- vent: a meeting of thu Liberal party immediately after the opening of Parliament. He will, no doubt, take the opportunity of explaining the policy which tile party ought to pursue. Mi-. Gladstone will treat his friends with the utmost frankness, and state clearly the principles on which he is prepared to dl-al witit tlio Irish question.

CIRCULARS TO HON. MEMBERS. Sir Miciiaei Hicks-Beach on Tuesday afternoon issued tho following circular to supporters of the Government, in the House of Commons:— "12. Downing-street, Jan. 4,1886. "Sir,—Permit me to remind you that, Parlia- ment will meet on Tuesday, the 12th of January, when the House of Commons will proceed to the election of its Speaker. Members will be sworn in on the; following day", and the Address in answer to the Speech from the Throne will be moved ou Thursday, January 21. "1 earnestly request your attendance at the opening of the session, as business of great, im- portance may be expected to occupy the attention of the House.—I have the honour to be, your faithful servant, M. E. HICKS-HF.ACR." Lord Salisbury has issued the following circular to his supporters in the House of Lords :— "Foreign Office, Jan. 5,1886. "My Lord,—I have the honour to inform you that Parliament w ill meet on the 12th inst. for, the sweating in of members, and that the Queen's Spec-ch will be delivered on the 21st. As business of importance will be tt, once submitted to both Houses, I truit that it will be convenient to you to he in your place on the last-named day-I have the honour to be, your obedient servant, SALISBURY." The following circulars have been issued by the Liberal leaders to their Parliamentary followers — 18, Carlton House-terrace, Jan. 5,1886. ] "My Lord,—The Address in answer to the Queen's Speech will be moved on Thursday, the 21st inst. I trust that it will be convenient to your lordship to be in your place on that day in ( the House of Lor(is.-I have the honour to be, my lord, your obedient servant, 11 1 Hawarden Castle, Jan. 5, 1886. ) "Sir,—The House of Commons will meet on the 1 12th to choose a Speaker and to begin the swear- ] ing in of members. On the 21st the Speech from J the Throne will be delivered. I trust it may coin- cide with your convenience to be in your place on 1 each of those occasions.—I have the honour to ( remain, sir, your most faithful servant, i W. E. GLADSTONK."

MR. BRADLAUGH'S CASE. The following correspondence has passed between I Mr. Bradlaugh and the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer:— i MR. BRADLAUGH TO SIR M. HICKS-BEACH. I "St. John's Wood, Dec. 31. I Sir,—In a paragraph in to-day's Standard it is t stated that you are, or have been, in conimunica- t tion with Mr. Peel with reference to myself. If 1 this be accurate, I rely on your sense of fairness to I oblige me with a copy of any such communica- tions.—I have, &c., C. BRADLAUOH." j SIK M. HICKS-BKACII'S REPLY. Downing-street, Jan. 2. "Sir,—The paragraph which you quote is, I sup- r pose, based on thefactthat, in accordance with what j I believe has been a frequent custom, I conununi- 1 cated with Mr. Peel some little time ago on certain „ points affecting the House of Commons. Such a communication is necessarily confidential, and I can, therefore, say nothing as to its nature or as to the points to which it i-elited.-I renitir),&c., E. HICKS- B,P.ACH." FURTHER I.fcTTKR FliOM MK. BliADLAUGH. s St. John's Wood, Jan. 5. ( Sir,—I regret to learn from your favour of Jan, 2 that, your communication to Mr. Peel with refe- rence to myself being confidential, should have been, even in part, communicated to the press by you, or through any indiscretion. I do not understand that it has ever been the practice of Parliament for any member of a new House of Commons—even the leader of the late House—to communicate with any other member, however eminent, in view of his election as Speaker, with reference to the course he might take, if elected Speaker, either hostile or friendly, towards any other private member. I cannot think that the purport of any such communication ought to have been withheld by you from the person most intc-rested.-I have, ice., "C. BRADLAUGH." Notwithstanding the correspondence which has taken place between Mr. Bradlaugh and Sir Michael Hicks-Heach. there is a growing feeling in political circles that if the junior member for Northampton should claim to affirm, even after a quorum has been made, no opposition will be offered by the Ministry.

MINISTERIAL DINNERS. Lord Salisbury will give the usual Ministerial dinner to his followers in the House of Lords on Wednesday, the 20th inst. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach will entertain a num- ber of members of the House of Commons on the same evening. same evening.

THE NEW WRITS. The 11 Press Association understands that writs for Croydon. the Southern Division of Edinburgh, and the Irish constituencies in which vacancies have occurred since the general election, may be moved for in the House of Commons immediately after the Speaker's election has received her Majesty's sanction, and a House has been con- stituted by the swearing in of a sufficient number of members.

MOVEMENTS OF MINISTERS. The Marquess of Salisbury arrived at the Foreign Office early on Wednesday afternoon, and had interviews with the Servian Minister, the hte Turkish Ambassador (Musurus Pasha), and the German Ambassador. In the evening the Premier I returned to Hatfield to attend a ball given there by the Marchioness of Salisbury.

ANOTHER CABINET COUNCIL SUMMONED. A later telegram says :—Summonses were issued on Monday evening for a Cabinet Council to meet an Saturday next at the First Lord of the Treasury's official residence, Downing-street.

THE BRIDGE QUESTION AT SWANSEA. ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CORPORATION. RESOLUTION TO PKOCEED WITH THE BILL. An adjourned meeting of the Swansea Corpora- tion was held on Tuesday at the Town-hall, Swansea, to further consider the proposed applica- tion to Parliament. Mr. W. J. Rees (mayor) pre- sided, and there were present. Aldermen Thomas, Glasbrook, Tulloch, and Yeo; Councillors Cady, Lewis, Freeman, Maliphant, Jas. Jones, Richards, Trew, Mason, Rocke, Rawlings, Thomas, Chapman, Martin, Meager, and Burnie. Air. BURNIF proceeded to formally move the resolution on the agenda, which was as follows:— That in the judgment ui the council ot the borough «i Swansea, being i-hr governing tioity of the said borough within the meaning of the Ace 35 and 36 Vie., c. 91, it is expedient, for the said council to promote in the next, session of Parliament," A Bill to empower the Mayor, aklennen, "lid burgesses of t he borough of Swansea to make and maintain a viaduct, over the Kiver Tawe aud vadey, and for freeing from tolls ce;ain bridges ill the borough, and for other purposes and that, the expense of promoting such Bill be charged upon the general dis- trict, rate. The MAYOR seconded the resolution. Aidermau TULLOCH opposed, declaring that this was. nor. the proper time to go in for the abolition of the tolls. Alderman GLASBROOK said it would be utter madness to become antagonistic to the trust at this moment, when the trade of the town was hardly sulHcieut to pay the bondholders their money, (t the town thought they could do better than the trust with the docks, why did they not take them over ? It was not, worth fighting about, as it was no great hardship. The PEOPLE of St. Thomas were better off than even they were owing to the dncks being extended on that side of the town. Alderman YE,) confessed to a certain amount of indignation when the proposal was made that the trust should sacrifice part of their income. He would simply now appeal to those present as busi- ness men whether they were going in for a large expenditure in law for tiie purpose lot compelling the Harbour Trust to do what, was impossible. If the trustees went heart and soul with the corporation in SEEKING powers to abolish the toil, be was convinced that their united efforts would never induce a Parliamentary Committee to grant t.heir prayt-t. Tht- Act stated the trust should abolish the toll when their finances admitted of such a course. HOW could any sarie man argue, when year by year for several years wast the income of the trust had barely balanced the expenditure, that, they were in a position to sacrifice some £4,000 a year Y He should like to have the ques- tion put before any eminent, counsel, together with the accounts ot the trust, in order that, they might test what, probability there was of getting the powers they sought. They would, in his opinion, be throwing away money upon a useless, profitless, and mischievous enterprise. What had the corporation done for the Harbour Trust? Nothing. He could point out, however, that the property of the corporation had quadrupled in value simply because of the large expenditure which had been made on Harbour Trust works. Some years ago the corporation, in a fit. of unpre- cedented liberality, and to help forward the con- struction of the Prince of Wales Dock, pledged themselves to an expenditure (if X4,000 per anuuru as security of certain wharves. They, however, sneaked out, of their position, and never paid a penny. If they had done so the trust would be in a far better position to-day than they were. It was a monstrous addition of insult, to injury, after placing the trust, in that position, to seek to deprive them of part of their income. A more un- gracious proceeding he had not heard of than for the corporation TO seek to deprive the trust, of part, of their income and to compel them to break faith with the bondholders. The very life and breath of the Harbour Trust, was its credit., and the corporation seemed to be doing its best, to take it. from them, to the serious and permanent, harm of the town and port. The discussion was continued by Mr. JAS. JON'MS, who said he had changed his opinion entirely on the quest ion, and was now in favour of Parliamentary proceedings. Alderman Yeo said the corporation had sneaked out of an engagement, but he declared that the Harbour Trllsr, had done this rather than the corporation, for they promised to free the bridges when they were paid for. Alderman THOMAS desired to effect a com- promise. Mr. CHAPMAN", in answer to Alderman Yeo, who had asked what the corporation had done for the trust. said the trust were not rated at one-fifth the value of their property, and they had the docks wntched under advantageous circum- stances. Mr. TUKW was very doubtful which way he ought to VOIC. Mr. BICHARDS spoke in favour of the proposi- tion. Messrs. Meager, Freeman, and Cady expressed the opinion that it would De radically wrong to go on with the Bill. Dr. RAWLINGS, while expressing a desire to do away with ttte toll, did not belifve that any Par- liamentary Committee would give them power to free the bridges without, adequate compensation to this trust. I\li,. then entered upon a defence of the proposal Bill, and said the language of Mr. Yeo was that, which was always used when a reform was contemplated, and it did much to prevent a compromise. The trust showed no disposition to meet them, and it was imperative that no more time should be wasted, as the tolls were getting more valuable every year. The question was then put to the vote, when fifteen members voted for the proposed Kill, and five iigainst. The names were as follow:—For rhe resolution: The Major, Alderman Thomas, Messrs. Martin, Burnie, Thomas, Chapman, Richards, Rocke, Jones, Maliphant, Lewis, Raw- lings, Meager, Trew, and Mason. Against- Alder- men Yeo, Tulloch, and Glasbrook, and Mr. Free- man. The "absolute majority of the council neces- sary was, therefore, obtained, and the resolution was carried.

CADOXTON-JUXTA-BARKY AND THE PROPOSED GAS AND WATER BiLL. PUBLIC MEETING. A numerously-attended meeting of the rate- payers of Cadoxton-juxta-Barry was held on Friday evening last at the Board Schools, over which Mr. David Jones, of Cardiff, presided. The Assistant. Overseer (Mr. Howell Thomas) having represented to the meeting that, in conse- quence of the rapid increase of buildiug in the district, his duties as assistant. overseer and collec- tor of rates had materially increased, it was unaiuinously resolved that his salary be increased from £10 to -025 per annum. The meeting then proceeded to discuss the powers sought by the Barry and Cadoxton Gas and Water Company, who are promoting a Bill in the next Parliament for the purpose, of supplying the parishes of Hadoxton, Barry, Sully, Mertllyr Dovan, St., Andrew's, and Wenvoe with gas and water. By this Bill, which is promoted by Messrs. Lewis Davies, J. B. Ferrier, Hancock, Milward, T. R. Thompson, Ware, T. A. Walker, Webb, and Lewis Williams, it is proposed to obtain water from the Goldclifl Brook and from three wells. The water thus obtained is to be pumped into reservoirs, the principal one of which is to be placed near tiie Butt,rills, and from these reservoirs he district will be supplied. The rates proposed to be charged for water supply vary according to rateable value-8 per cent, is the amount proposed to be charged on houses from jE7 to £ 20 per annum rateable value. Tower is reserved to charge an extra 5s. per annum [or every additional water-closet, and 10s. per annum for every bath. The opinion of the neeticg seemed to tend in the direction that Cadoxton should be excluded from the district sought by the company, seeing that a supply of water has already been provided by the Rural Sanitary Authority,which, with some modification. will be suiffcient to supply the district for many years to come and after some discussion a resolu- ion was passed expressing the opinion of the meeting that the rates proposed by the company ire excessively high, and that a committee con- sisting ot the Rev. E. Morris, Messrs. David Jones, lieorge Thomas, Oliver Jenkins, and William Brock, overseer, be empowered to consult with the Rural Sanitary Authority, and to report what steps will be necessary to protect the interests of the I ratepayers.

EISTEDDFOD AT MOUNTAIN ASH. On New Year's Day an Eisteddfod was held at the Rhos Chapel, under the presidency of the Rev. J. Howell, Mountain Ash, who was also the adjudi- catov of Llie recitzLLions. Mr. Thomas Price, A.C., Merthyr. was adjudicator of the singing. Miss Callaway was the accompanist. The programme was as follows: Kecitation, Yr Ant'onig" The prize was awarded to Annie Edwards. Mountain Ash. Solo bass, G-ogoniant i Gyinru toui, competed: Best, Gwylim Jenkins, Meuhyr. Juvenile choral singing, "Sea, subside"; prize, £1 10s; two choirs competed, viz,, Bethlehem, under the leadership ot Air. Edwin Williams, Mild Bethania, Caegarw, under the conductor- lilil- of Mr. Thomas Thomas The prize was awarded to Bethania Uhoil. Pari, »highig, >■ Aforfa Jthuddlan," prize 10s. Best, \V. Jones ("Gwilym Buallt"), Mountain Ash, "lid party. Solo singing, Bugeilio vr Wyddia," prize 5s. The prize was diviued between \V. Jones ("Gwityiri Bua.lt, "). Mountain Ash, and D. Davies (" Dewi Cyiilais "), Mountain Ash. Singing "The Cuckoo" (tor girls). The prize was awarded to Maggie Davies, Mountain Ash. Choral singing, Cenwch f iwl i Dduw," prize t3. One choir olilv put in an appearance, viz., Rhos United Choir, under the leadership of Thomas Kvans, which was deemed worthy of the prize. Kecita- tiou, The Cat and the Mouse The prize was divided between D. Davies, Treharri'.andW. L.Lloyd.New Trede- gar. Mr. D.Powell's (Mountain Ash) rendering of "Man i he Lifeboat," he being the only one who answered to his nitme, was deemed worthy of the prize. Part sing- ing, "Myfanwy," prize ti two parties competed: Best, D Morgan, Mountain Ash. Solo singing, "'Hen wlad y me,oig Gwynion," prize 5s. The piize was awarded to Miss Marv Jane Price, Mountain Ash, whose singing was very highly commended by the adjudicator. Trio singing. God made the World for All," prize tis., two parties competed. The prize was ttwarded to Mr. D. Powell's party. Mountain Ash. For the best rendering of the duet. bring, dring i Iyny," prize 7s., John Williams's party, Mountain Ash, came off victorious. Two choirs competed for the chief prize of iC6 6s. and a timepiece for the conductor, viz., Rhos United Choir, under the leadership of Mr. T. Evans, and the Bethlehem Choir, under the conductor- ship of Mr. Edwin Williams. The prize was awarded to the Rhos Choir.

THE SUNKEN CUTTER GERTRUDE. SUCCESSFUL RAISING OF THE VESSEL. The Cardiff cutter Gertrude, which was run into whilst? at anchor off Penarth by the Cardiff screw steamer Eliza Hunting on Tuesday, the 22ad ult, was successfully raised by Mr. W. H. Tucker, of Cardiff, and brought into port on Monday.

FOOTBALL. ENGLAND V. WALES. Once more have the Welshmen suffered defeat at the hands of the Englishmen, as on Saturday the letter team proved the victors in the annual encounter under Rugby Rules by a goal and two tries to one goal. The place of meeting was the Bluckheath Football Club ijround, Rectory-road, Blacklieatit, and, the day proving beautifully fine, a large number of spectators gathered round the ropes, quite 6,000, including many of the fair sex, being present. The Welshmen have not yet tasted the sweets of victory, though in the match under notice they certainly made a bold bid for it, and through nearly the first half fairly held their own, but a few minutes before the whistle sounded for change of ends England's score was increased by a goal and a try, previous to which Wade had got in. In the second half the visitors made strenuous efforts, and Stadden, by a very fine run, enabled his side to add a goal, but, this proving the only point made, the home team were returned winners, as above stated. Marriott won the toss, and at ten minutes to three Newman kicked off down hill, with the wind in his favour. The first noteworthy incident was a capital run by Robert- shaw, Gurdon obtaining the ball out, of the scrimmnge which followed, and dribbling into Welsh territory. After a throw in from the vicinity of the half-way flag the leviathan Hancock headed a determined dribble of the home side, which caused the visitors no little trouble. Inglis supported the movement with a short run, but the ball was returned by C. G. Taylor, and though Stoddart. dropped, while Roberthaw supported with a capital dashing ruii, the visitors managed to keep their lines intact. A little later Wade got. posses- sion, but, though he eventually crossed the Welsh goal line, it was manifest, that \,11e ball had been knocked forward, and it was accordingly ordered back. After a scrimmage nnd a combined effort ON the part of the home forwards, Stoddart evoked hearty ap- plause for a grand run down the right wing, in the course of which bis nether garments came to grief, enforcing his retirement, for a few minutes. Some grand play by Wade WAS counteracted by A. J. Gould and the visiting captain, but there was little to choose between the two fifteens, and after a further rtrort by the Newport man, a good pick-up and drop by C. G. Taylor took the ball into the .English 25. Hero some capital passing terminated in Wade getting possession, but, the leather was ordered back, C. G. Taylor quickly taking advantage OF the opportunity bv a well, designed onslaught,IO which he was ably assisted by Alexander and Thomas. Hancock next headed an attack on the Welsh citadel, but the effort died away, A. S. Taylor and A. J. Gould in- dulging iu some pretty but not over-effective drop-kicking. A run by Kobertshaw, who passed unselfishly to Wade, was neutralised by the old Oxonian failing to properly secure the ball, and the result was a series of scrimmages, oi-it, of one of which the Welsh forwards broke away, and with R. Gould and Hill at their head, made towards the English lines, but, the only result, was a touch in goal. A capital run by the Welsh back (Bowen) was arrested by his being forced into touch, and then Robertshaw and Honsor invaded the visitors' territory, and although A. J. Gould temporarily staved off the attack, Wade got possession, and after a grand run, got in some 25 mi mites from the stair close to the touch line. Stod. dart took the place-kick, which just failed. On the game being re-started, Robertshaw promptly returned, and, after a series of attacks, in which R<>t her)mm,Cl!bborn, and Gurdon wereconspicuous, Wilkinson grounded me ball across the Welsh goal line, a grand place by Sroddart, again failing by a few inches only. Play for awhile then became decidedly tight, till, from a poor kick by a Welsh back, Elliott made his mark about 50 yards up the ground, Stoddart kicking a grand, but, it must, be admitted, lucky, goal. A short, run and drop by A. J. Gould was replied to by A. S. Taylor, which took the ball back to the centre of the ground, when half-time was called. Yvith a record of a goal and two tries in their favour, England took the Charlton goal, Marriott re-starting the game. A. J. Gould was quickly to the fore, but. wound up by sending the ball into touch, after which Stoddart. replied with a similar result. C. Gurdon then instituted a series of smart passes, in which Bonsor, Robertshaw, and Wade took part, the last named, however, being tem- porarily placed liars de combat through a nasty cannon, Inglis taking his place, for the time being, at three-quarter back. A free kick by Stoddart. was turned aside by the wind, or it would have added a second goal to the home score, and then for a time the play deteriorated. Wales relieved by touching down in self-defence, ou: (itircion and Rotiierli-Lni repiied with vigour A smart pick-up by Douglas, however, at length proved the means of clearing the Welsl lines, and the ball was gradually worked by th< forwards into the home 25, where C. G. TayloJ essayed to drop at goal, but, kicking too low, onh a minor point resulted. Robertshaw and Stoddart next invaded the opposite half, where Clibborr put in a short but. effective run, followed by a similar effort on the part of Wade. The Oxoniar cleverly eluded Newman and Bowen, but was col LA red on the touch-line by C. G. Taylor, who appa- rently dragged him back into play, the bal going into touch. Scrimmages ensued in front 01 the visitors'goal, affording an excellent opportunity for a dropped goal, which, however, did not come off, the Welshmen dribbling out, of harm's way. R,.t!wrh;L111 made a good run, and passed to Wade, but, the latter, on transferring back, saw his corn- rade well collared, and the effort died away. A dashing dribble by Gurdon, Jeffery, Marriott, and Hancnck also met with but slight success, the visi- tors' packs playing up in capital style, and, after a run by \cwmau had brought the betll to the centre again, C. G. Taylor registered another minor point for the Principality. About seven minutes before the close, Stadden, from a throw out, had a splendid opening, being practically un- opposed in the "line out," and, as Taylor failed to collar him, ran in between the posts, C. G. Taylor having little difficulty in placing a goal. The knowledge that a similar success would rob ilif,iii of victory apparently stimulated the home forwards, as during the few remaining minutes they made several dashing attacks on the Welsh goai, forcing the visitors to touch down. Wade made a smart run and pass to Rotiierham, the movement being well continued by Stoddart and Inglis, and when No side" was called the ball was in tront. of the Welsh uprights with the score:— England, one goal, two tries Wales, one goal; team having three minor points against it. FILMLAND: JC"A" S. Taylor IElackheath), back; *Gr. C. Wade (Richmond), *A. E. Sroddart (Blackheath), and R. Kobertshaw (Bradford), three-quarter backs; *A. Rotiierham (Richmond) and F. Bonsor (Bradford), haif-backs *C. Gurdon (Richmond), W. G. Clibborn (Richmond), C. J. B. Marriott (Blackheath), G. L. Jeffery {Cambridge University and Blackheath), R. E. Inglis (Blackheath), P. F. Hancock (Somersetshire), E. Wilkinson (Bradford), *F. Moss (Broughton Rangers), and C. Elliott (Sun- derland), forwards. Wales: D. Bowen (L1;nelly), back; *c" G. Taylor (Blackheath and Ruabon), W. M. Douglas (Cardiff), and *A. J. Gould (Newport), three- quarter backs; *C. H. Newman (Newport and Durham) and W. Stadden (Cardiff), half-backs *A. F. Hill (Cardiff), £ >. Morgan (Swansea), *E. P. Alexander (Cambridge University), *J. W. R. Gould (Newport), W. H. Thomas (Llandovery), E. Roberts (Llaneliy), W. Bowen (Swansea). D. H. Lewis (Cardiff), and G. A. Young (Cardiff), for- wards. Signifies last year's International. Umpires: Messrs. W. Duncan and L. Stokes. Referee: Mr. T. F. More (Dublin Wanderers). Of the live matches played, England has won all, the rtsalt.s beinj: — R-,igiiiiitt won by eight goals and liveiriVsto nil. 1881-2-No match. Swansea, England won tlv two goals and four tries to 1111. 183.3-4-Le..ds, England won by one goal and two tries to one try. 1881-5—Svomsen, England won by one goal and four tries to one try. North of England only played. lSS5-6-Blackheat;h. England won by one goal and two tries to one goal. COMMENTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL MATCH The Pall Mall Ga-etfe says:—The football match between England and Wales, the first of this season's international contests, has once more resulted in the victory of the Englishmen, who have thus preserved an unbroken winning record as far as Wales is concerned. But, the Welshmen have no cause to be disheartened by this result. Ttivit, play has steadily imploved since the tirst, match in 1880, when they were beaten by eight ^oais and five tries to nothing, but, on Satur- day for the first, time they succeeded in scoring a goal. This goal, moreover, was a much more scientlfie one than that gained by their opponents, which w is distinctly a piece of luck and, in fact, won the game, since without, it the two !ies which England had to spare at. the finish would have been of no avail against the goal. Football enthusiasts in the South who missed Saturday's match lost not only a good game, but the.ronly chance of witnessing an international meet- ing, the other two matches being played this year in Scotland and Ireland. But. why cannot the Southern fixtures be arranged to take place in London't The Hec- torv Field, Biackucath, id almost as difficult, of access as either of the sister kingdoms.

CARDIFF V. GLOUCESTER. This match, the second played between these teams during the present season, came off on the ground of the latter, at. the Spa, Gloucester, on Saturday after- noon. Great interest was feit in the contest,, as on the last occasion Gloucester had played two or three good men short,, and it was felt great, efforts would be made to wipe out the defeat. This, added to a keen interest taken in football and a delightful afternoon, drew to- gether some UJollsand of spectators, who were re- warded by seeing a close and well-contested game. The home team had evidently prolitted by their previous experience of Cardiff tactics, and worked f(ir a for- ward game, and for a lit tie while they hade fair to meet wi, h success,but in the end the visitors proved themselves superior, winning by two tries and minor points to one try. The leather wa« started by Gloucester, tiie visitors immediately returning from the db into neutral grountt, where some tight scrimmaging ensued. From one of t he scrimmages Arthurs obtained possession, and carried the bail into the home 25, where it fell i-ito the hands of Taylor, who endeavoured to recover the lost ground. He was not, however, allowed to travel very far before being stopped, and Handcock, who was well followed up by Stuart, the ball back to Iwar the Gloucester goal line. but Oswell prevented scoring by punting back. From near mid-distance Cardiff neatly dribbled back, and looked like scoring, but this time Tavlor averted disaster by a line run, which took the game to halt-wa"v. A series of scrimmages here took place, in which Cardiff had the better of the play, the ball being worked to near the home 2:) flag. Some smart passing between Handcock, Jarman, and Stuart for a moment promised great things for the visitors, but the Gloucester men, pulling them- selves together rushed the sphere back to neutral territory. Here, from a scrimmage, Handcock broke through the Gloucester forwards and carried the game into the home 26, but only to have it, returned into his own ground. In this shuttlecock game some pretty play was shown on both sides. Eventually Taylor got through and drew "first blood" for Gloucester by obtaining a try. The place was rather a difficult one, and H. V. Jones failed to convert. From a line up which followed the re-start the game was once again taken into neutral territory, where the ball was ellt, into touch. From along throw out Gloucester worked towards home, but Hand- cock, by a huge punt, returned the ball. From the Cardiff 25 line the visitors' captain got through his opponents in splendid style, and, his team, who were working together almost like machines, following up the advantage, the quarry was driven into the home gionnd, where, from a pass from Handcock, Stuart took the ball close to the goal line. The Gloucester forwards closed up and a scrimmage took place almost, on the goat line. Mahoney obtained possession. but fell over the line. The ball slipped back- wards through bis legs, and was touched down by a Gloucester man. Cardiff claimed a try, but the decision was adverse. After the kick out, the Cardiff forwards successfully repeated their attempt to get into Glou- cester ground. From here Arthurs dashed off for the goal, but unselfishly passed to Handcock, who in turn transferred to Stuart, and the latter, out-distaucing his opponents, got over the line and scored. The try, though comparatively easy, was not. converted by Hughes. The ball fell into the hands of a Gloucester man. who made off, but was stopped before he had coveted much ground. From a hasty pass by H, V..Toues, Stuart again got hold,hut, was collared within five yards of the goal. On the breaking up of a scrimmage Norton made his mark,an.i Hughes made a good try to seore, but failed. The ball was, however, taken over the line, and Glnu- cester touched down. Immediately on the resumption Handcock sent the leather into touch in the Gloucester 25, from whence it was taken to half-way by one of the home backs. B is further progress was, however, stopped by Handcock, all,! whell half-time was ealled play lay in the Cardiff 25. Following close upon the re-commence- ment of the game the Gloucester forwards dribbled weil down the field, and by a good bit, of passing made a point for them look almost certain. Hughes was on the alert, and stopped further progress, while some splendid transferring, in which Handcock, Jarman, and Arthurs took <•- prominent part., sent the ball back to mid distance. Gloucester here got a free kick. From a line up which followed. Handcock got the leather, and, after a line, run, transferred to Stuart., who, however, failed to paS3 Tandy. Cardiff then rn-hed into the Gloucester 25, where Arthurs made a gallant, attempt to get, through, but, failing, transferred to Handcock, who shared a similar fate. transferred to Handcock, who shared a similar fate. Success for Cardiff, however, followed soon after, for Handcock passed to Jarman, who, after sprinting splen- didly. threw the leather to Stuart, who tan in amidst loud applause. Hughes again failed to add to the seor, though the attempt was a good OIH. Notbinp further was seond during the remainder of t.he gamp, in which Kedzlie, Bland, and Jarman dis- tinguished themselves for the visiting team, and Taylor, Coates, and J5¡(\Hn for the Glouces- ter. Cardiif were, therefore, the victors by two tries and two touches down to one try. The following composed the. teams — Cardiff': Hughes, back; Handcock (captain), Stuart, Arthurs, and Norton, three-quarter hacks; .Tarman and Price, half-backs; Bland, Simpson, Kedzlie, Duncan, sant, Evans, Mahoney, and Emery, forwards. GComexf.fr J.. 03\11, back H. E. Taylor, H. r. Jones, LT. Coates, and H. Payne, three-quarter backs; 'J'. Bagwell and H. E. Oadenne, half-backs T. G. Bmi-li «(."plain), H. H. U, Banlies, H. L. Broughton, C. L. Brown, W. XI. Fivam, H. A. Sanders, H, B. sloman, and E, D. Tandy, forwards. LLANEIXY 1'. NEATH.The first match played by the Llaneliy Team sinee their return from "TorksUire took place at, Stradey Pad. Llanellv, on (Satur- day, when they met Neath. III the absence of D. H. Bowen. who, with E. Roberts, was doing service for Wales at Blackheath, W. Griffiths captaincd the home team, and P. Phillips acted in a simihir capacity for the visitors. The game was not all exciting one by any means, as the mastery of the 9carlet was' manifested decidedly enollgh tllrolll\0lH" though at times play above mediocrity in merit, was shown. At the call of time Llaneliy had scored a couple of tries and half-a-dozen minor points to nil, which did not, however, by any means represent the one-sidedness of the game, the home team apparently being unable to avail themselves of the eltallcd offered them, a fact due, probably, to their being "off colour" consequent, upon 'their recent, tour. The bail was scarcely ever outside Neath territory. For the visitors P. Phillipn did excellent service with his dodgy runs and brilliant, play generally. Of his colleagues, Kandall, Williams, and Webb-appeared to be the pick. One of the tries was got for Llaneliy by S. Rhys Wil. liams after a pretty bit of passing between him, George Bowen, aud .Llewellyn Williams; the other by D. X. Williams, after a scrimmage near the line. The. umpires were Messrs. ErnestTrubshaw and R. W. Evald; the referee, :Ur. John Howell. A very kind reception was given the Neathites, who were repeatedly cheered for their good play, and it is to be hoped tha.1, this will pave the way to a resumption of the cordial relations which were wont, to exist, between the two organisations. CARDHF 61«(\1' FiKI'KKY v. -On Satur- day at, the Cardi f>" Arms Park, a match was played be- tween the above teams. Although the weather was beautifully tine, the attendance was not so large as usual. The ground, owing to the recent rains, was in a very slippery condition. The Pontypridd team kicked off at 3.30 from the Westgate-sfreet end and the ball was smartly returned by 6. J. Evans. One oft,hevisitorthell pieked up the ball and attempted to run, but lie. was at "1I('eeoIL.LI'ed by Price. O. J. Evans, getting hold of the leather, attempted a drop kick, but, failing in this, compelled the visii ors to touch down. C. James, getting possession of the oval, made a capital run and secured a try, which 0..1. Evans converted into a goal. From out of a scrimmage which followed Price picked up the ball and obtained another try, which 0, J. Evans again converted. Several scrimirmges followed with- 0111, any permanent, advantage being gained by either side until immediately before the call of half time, wh('1I the hOJlJe team scored a touch in goal ag,iÏnst their opponents. After the change of sides scrimmages became the order of the day, sometimes one side having the advantage and sometimes the other, but no point was scored IllltiJ a few minutes before the call of No side," when the bail was dribbled over the Pontypridd goal line and a try obtained by Williams. The place kick by O..f. Evans was again successful. At the con- elusion of the game the score stood thus Cardiff, three goals, one touch down, allrt one touch in goal to nil. The following were the teams:- Cardiff 2¡u( J. B. Coe, back C. James, F. Arthurs, A. H. Williams, and O..I.Evans, three-quarters; D. O. Jones aud J. Pric?, half backs; S. Cravasse, P. Morris, H, Jones. W. Morris, NAinsley, A. Thomas, J. Arman, and W. Evans. Pontypridd: T. Williams, back A. Lewis, T..fhrry, and J. Williams, three quarters; W. Alurcott and W. Davies, half bitcks; T. Llewellyn, J. i.ott, T. Davies, D. Davies, A. Lewis, Morgan, W. Williams. Gould, and L. James, forwards. Umpires F.,Arman and Watlci.s. BKVM'MOR V. SWANSEA. — This match was played ou the ground of the, latter oil Saturday last. The ground was in good condition. A great deal of interest was taken in this match, and no fewer than 1,000 people were present to witness the game. The Brynymorites were undoubtedly the favourites, as every point thev scored was loudly cheered. During the first half the game was very evenly contested, both sides playing a very hard and fast game. The heeling out and passing of the Brynyrnorites were far superior to those of Swansea, bin, in the "squash" Swansea had a slight advantage. When half-time was called the score stood as follows Brynymor one try and three minors to two minors. The ball again being set in motion the Brynyrnorites seemed more determined than ever in their efforts, and soon obtained another try, which was not converted. Shortly afterwards a third try was obtained by Chat- lenger, running the whole leuglh of the. ground. This was very cleverly converted from an awkward angle by Challenger. Just before the eall of time another try was obtained, this again not being converted. Thus, the game ended in an easy win for Brynymor by one goal, three tries, and four minors to two minors. For the Br/nyiuor, Wedge, Jones, Howells. Challenger, Thomas, and Payne played in capital style, while Doggett, D. Gwynne, W. Gwynne, W. Williams, and Bishop for Swansea playell a very hard game throughout. The following composed the teams.-—brynymor ■ Back, T. l'horoughgood; three- quarter backs, \V. Challenger, J. Thomas (captain), A. Mattey, and W. Trew: half-backs, W. Howells aud George James; forwards, G. Payne, Wedge. loan Howell?, W. Croriin, D. Davi.5, C. Kees, Gammon, and T: Orin. Swansea Back, Firth; three-quarter backs, E. Bishop, D. Gwynne, Carlyle, and E. Gwyu half- backs, W. H, Gwvnne (captain) and P. Gwynne; for- wards, J, Austin, W. Williams, Brown, Lewis, Dogjjett, A. 11. and two oth,irs. Umpires: Brynyinor, S. C. Williams; Swansea, J. W. Copus. Referee, K. H.Knili.

TYRANiNY OF FRIENDLY SOCIETY OFFICIALS. WHY A MEMBER WAS FINED. A member of the Victoria Lodge of the Improved Independent Order of Oddfellows (London Unity) applied to Mr. D'Eyncourt, at Westminster Police Court, on Tuesday, for a summons against the secretary, as representing the executive, for refusing to comply with the necessary formalities which would enable him to appeal against a fine of il, inflicted under what was known as the 60tii General Law, which provided- for "dis- paraging the Order." On October 5 last lie applied to this court, complaining that the weekly con- tributions of the younger members of the lodge were raised without legal powers. He was referred by his Worship to the Registrar of Friendly Societies, who at once stated that the increased demands were altogether illegal. This action was construed into "disparagement of the Order." In point of fact, he had been fined for coming to the court to seek advice.—Mr. D'Eyncourt: I hope you won't be fined another zSl for coming here the second time. (Laughter.)—Applicant said it was realiy a very serious matter to him. While the tine stood against him he was precluded from all benefits, and if he were to die to-morrow his wife would get nothing. Should he fall ill the allowance he had reckoned upon would be with- held. A more, arbitrary proceeding on the part of the lodge could not be imagined, because he had proved himself in the right in the dispute about the contributions, and notice had been sent to every member admitting that there was no power to enforce tbe increased scale of charges.—Mr. D'Eyn- court, who looked into the rules of the Order, as well as the Friendly Societies Act, said it appeared that any dispute must be decided by a committee. —Applicant said he wanted the matter referred to the district loùge-a, body consisting of members nominated from the minor lodges. Every obstacle was put in his way, and he was kepL out of com- pliance," which meant exclusion of benefits. It was an important question whether any Order had power to treat a member iu the way he had been treated. There were a number of members in court at, the present time.—Mr. D'Eyncourt did not think the secretary could be summoned, and advised the applicant to consult, other members and employ legal assistance, with a view of enforcing his con- tention.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT LLWYDCOED. PRAISEWORTHY PROMPTITUDE OF A POLICE-OFFICER. On Wednesday morning Ann Leach, the wife of a collier residing at 7, Shop-houses, Llwydcoed, made an attempt to commit suicide by cutting her throat with a razor. Police-Sergeant, Cooke was apprised of the rash act. immediately its perpetra- tion was discovered, and, upon going to the house, he found the poor woman lying on the bed with a deep gash in her throat 3iin. Ion, the windpipe 2 being severed. She had evidently lost, a good deal of blood. The officer immediately tipd a wet cloth round her neck and thus stopped the bleeding, and then sent for surgical aid. I)r. Jones' Lt- tended and stitched and dressed the cut, after which she was able to speak. When questioned by the sergeant, she stated that she did not know how she came to do such an awful deed.

ALLEGED FOHGER): AT CARDIFF BY A PUBLICAX. BAIL GRANTED IN LONDON. In the case of Richard Thomas Hamlett, who was recently committed for trial by the Cardiff magistrates, without bail, on a charge of forgery brought by the British Workman's Assurance Com- pany. an application WAS made in London on Tuesday to Mr. Justice Smith by Mr. A. S. Law- rence (instructed by Mr. T. H. Belcher. Cardiff) to admit the prisoner to baiJ. After hearing the arguments of counsel, his lordship admitted Hamlett to bail on his entering into recognisances to appear at the assizes in the sum of C200 and finding two sureties in the sum of E,50 each.

MRS. WELDON AND M. GOUNOD. PROBABLE PROCEEDINGS IN A FRENCH COURT. A "Central News" telegram, dated Paris Wednesday, saysIt is asserted to-day that Mrs. Weldon intends taking legal proceedings here against M. Gounod, the eminent composer, for alleged libel, and with a view to obtain the damages awarded her by an English jury in the action which she brought against him in London.

At his audit, held at St. Nicholas on Monday, Mr. Bruce-Pryce remitted to his tenants 10 per cent. on their half-year's rents.

CORRESPONDENCE. ttnder this head questions on legal subjects are answered, by an experienced professional gentleman. Correspondents wishing for information or advice are requested, to observe the following rules :— 1. The fact, must be stated fully and clearly; and. the questions, if more than one, should be num- bered. consecutively. 2. A full copy must be sent of any document on which advice is wished, for. 3. The real name and address of the writer must accompany the questions, but will not be pub- lished, if a pseudonym or initials be also sent for reference. All COTIIIIIUíÚCai ¡OilS must be addressed to The Editor, Leyul Department, Weekly Ifail Office L'ardiJ'

E. T. D. G." (Cardiff),—We know of no work on the subject. J. L. H." (Cardiff).—It will only be stirring a puddle. "VS e quite agree with you the paragraph was in exeernble tafie. You have heard. we daresay, of the Welsh proverb—" Expect nothing from a donkey but a kick." AAIALGA-AIATIC,iN,-We cannot, advise "H. 11. N." (Car- diff;. The matter is one in which he must exercise his own discretion. We never advise as to the stand- ing of societies or companies, nor as to the safety of any investments. CONSTRUCTION OF WILL.—The extract sent by P,. W. T." (Swansea) is not free from difficulty, as there is no time mentioned within which the death might take place; but, looking at the whole of the clause, we think that the testator intended the gilt, to take effect incase such death should occur in his own lifetime. Otherwise the passage would be inconsistent., for there is first an absolute gift to the daughters in fee simple, as tenants in common aud it cannot be supposed that this express gift was intended to be cut down by a mere proviso. Therefore, upon the true construction of the will, either of the daughters may dispose of her share oi t.he property ill her lifetime, or may devise it by her will. There is no tee tztiliiltlio matter a devise to A. B., her heirs and assigns for ever, gives A. B. the fee simple absolutely, and there is no higher estate known to the law in this country. DIVISIONS OF COUNTIES.—" D. E." iBrynammaii) might have voted in both divisions, each of which, for the purpose of a Barliamentary election, is to be treated in all resper-is as a separate county. III divided boroughs the opposite rule prevails; the members elected in the several divisions are members for the borough, and a voter cannot, vote twice in one borough at the same d"Clio! ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE.—If "Cymro" (Cardiff; cannot get some compensation, he might, bring an action in the County Court; but the result would be somewhat doubtful. Would it uot be about fair for the loss to be equally divided? This would be better than throwing money away in cost.s,which one of the parties would have to pay. UNCL; A.ND If. E." (Handly) cannot claim wlges, as none were agreed to be paid to her. The promise to give her something when she got married cannot be enforced it is too indefinite for suing upon it is not in writing and it was not clearly intended as a substitute for wages, but was merely a voluntary promise, which was intended to please her at the time. Besides all this, the fact of her having married a person who was not approved by her relatives would alone account for the refusal to fulfil the promise. BONA FIDK TRAVKLLKP.S.—" W, J." (Cwmaman) must, supply refreshments to boim li le travellers when they arrive, if he is satisfied t hat. thev are so. He is, doubt- less, aware of the three miles nile. IiKE-ieii OF CONTRACT.- J." (Carmarthen) has no reme.l v. As the agreement, was not to be completely pertormed within one year from the uate when it was entered into, it, ought 10 have been evidenced by some note or memorandum in writing signed by the person intended to be suerl thereon. A verbal contract that extends over the time mentioned is void in law. Wln's PERSONAL ESTATE.—" C. J." (Cardiff) may apply for letters of administration of the personal estate and effects of his deceased wife, and this will enable him to get in the same for his own benefit. Until this is done his title to the leasehold house is not complete. BUILDING SOCIKTV.—tf "Rufus" (Crynant) will inform us the precise facts we shall be happy to advise him ou his second inquiry the first appears to be merely speculative. Building Societies are not registered under the Companies Acts, but under the Buildngi Societies Act, which provides for the willdin up of any society on the petition of any member authorised by ihree-fourths of the members present at a general meeting of the society specially called for the pur- pose, or on the petition of any judgment creditor tor not less than 460. If the bankers of the society in question have got a lien upon the mortgage deeds deposited with them to secure the floating balance of the overdrawn account, such lien call only extend to the right of the society to such deeds, and as to any parcel thereof could be defeated by the member paying off the amennt of principal iiioiiev, interest, and costs due from him on security of his mortgage to the society TITHE UE\T CHARGE.—" D. B." (Treharris) cannot be called upon to pay a larger amount in consequence of the improvement in the value of his property occa- sioned by the conversion of part of the agricultural land into building land. It he should sell any part of the land, he might arrange for a part of the rent- charge to be paid by the purchaser thereof; but he would require the assistance of his solicitor to put this into a binding shaDe. ART UNION.—" Sholl" (Bargoed) is informed that in order to legalise an Art Union the association must be incorporated by Roval Charter or licensed by the Board of Trade. The subscriptions must be ex- clusively appropriated to the purchase of works of art, except, the necessary expenses of the business involved in carrying the scheme into effect. It is essential that such an enierprise should be carried oil in good faith for the encouragement of the tine arts, and all other lotteries are illegal. If our correspondent would give us an outline of the scheme which he contemplates we should be happy to advise him whether he would be likely to obiain the necessary authority. SUSPKCTEI> RORPEKV.—" An Inquirer" (Swansea) has no legal right to make the proposed search without tirst getting a search warrant. ELIICTION OF GUARDIANS.—" Cymro Bach" (Chepstow) would have to communicate with the Local Govern- ment Board, and a strong public opinion in favour of the proposed change would have to be shown. A DESERTED WIFE.—"A. B. C." is advised that any business which she carries on in her own name, with her own capital or capital provided by her friends, and altogether apart from her husband, would be protected from any interference by her husband or any of his creditors, as it would be her separate estate. This has been the state of the law since the year J.870. It would be a great mistake to use a fictitious name, whether it had been her maiden name or not; the business must be carried or. in her present name. PAYING OFF MORTGAGE.—"Philomel" (Bridgend) has acted very imprudently. The property must be re- conveyed to him before he can deal with it in any way; and even if lie has no immediate intention of seiiing or encumbering it, the fact of the legal estate being vested fit the mortgagee is not at all satisfactory. He could not expect to have the re-coiivevarice without paying for it, and the proposed charge was reasonable in amount, and tar less than lie will have to pay when lie, goes again for the purpose of having the title rectified so that the property may become vested in himself. In case of the death of the mortgagee in the meantime, his representatives would have to re-convey > and the costs would be increased on that account. In the meantime, the money which he has paid is wasted, being extra and unnecessary costs. It would make the matter still worse to destroy the deed. We shall be glad to hear from him again if necessary. "GRIMAI.BI" {Pcmbroke).-The magistrates at quarter sessions. St iisOiiiBER" (Cardiff).—1. As far as we know, the address has not been published in separate form. 2. The tixcter Gazette. KXOWU;DGH:" (Boath).—Write the editor Woman's Suffrage Journal, Manchester. "BLTCHIIE" (Cardiff).—Yours is a trade question, and we do not advertise firms or give advice oil such questions. jiou-A-Boo" (Swansea). You willlitvesecii by Mon- day's paper that the letter has been repudiated as a forgery. DKVISK IN FKx SIMPLE.—"S. G," (Swansea) is informed that a devise in fee simple absolute may be made in any of the following ways — By devising the property to A.S. absolutely or generally without any words of limitation to his representatives. By a devise to A.B. and his heirs, or his heirs and assigns, or his heirs and assigns for ever. There is no special virtue in the words" for ever." A gift to the heirs and assigns would be of precisely the same effect, whether the devise was expressed to be for ever or not. The rule for construing a will is to get at the intentions of the testator from the contents of the will, and to give effect to the whole of the will so far as it can be done without violence to the words used in ex- pressing the wishes of the testator. C. could not take anything under the will unless both his sisters were to die childless and without having disposed of the property devised to them. This they might do jointly by deed. or the survivor by her will; unless it should be held that the absolute devise to them is cut down by the subsequent condi- tiona) limitation in favour of their brother. Con's OF ACTIO B, K. L." (Neath) may safely leave his solicitor to attend to the recovery of the costs from the defendants. INCOMK-TAX.—" T. P." does not say whether the assess- ment, made upon him is in excess of his profits during the first year of his carrying on business. If it is, after lie has paid the amount of the tax, he may apply to the commissioners of taxes for the district for a cer- tificate to enable him to recover the excess, which will be re-paid to him by the revenue authorities. The amount demanded is based upon the assumption that he lias made a profit of £150, or rather that the profits on his year's trading when complete will amount to that. su n. If those profits and his other income from all sources should be under £150 for the whole year from April 6,1885, to April 5,1886, he would be entitled to have the whole amount of the tax returned to him. The mode of obtaining the return differs from that under Schedule A., because it is necessary to satisfy the local emnmissioners as to the amount, of his profits. CmEF RENT. —Before we advise "p," (Llandyfodwg) we llOnlct like to be informed the nature of the rent re- ferred to. Doubtless, he might succeed in an action in the county court; but if the amount claimed is in the nature of a rent it may be more, simply recovered by distress. The term which he has used is applied to so many different charges that, we could not safely advise without full information. COUNTV VOTRS.—"E, VV. W." (Cardiff) is advised that every penoll who inhabits a dwelling-house or part thereof, so as to be a householder, and pays the rates in respect thereof, is entitled to have his name placed upon the register of voters after continuous occupa- tion for a whole year from the 15th of July. It is im- material whether lie pays the rates ill his rent or separately to .the collector, but he ought to see that his name is in the rate-bookts occupier in order that, he may not have the trouble of making a claim. There is 110 limit as to value in the case of householders, but in the case of a lodger the value of the apartments, without allowing anything for furniture or attendance, must be £10 per annum or upwards. ANTI-HUMBUG (Neath).—'We do not know other than that. Mr. W. f. Rees, the mayor of Swansea, is a good Conservative. He is a member of the, Neath Constitutional Club, the declaration of which institu- tion he signed on the 30th of May last year. "IGNORAMUS" (Pentre).—The Thunderer, 9.330 tons, is cased with 13in. armour, and carries four 3r-tou guns. Solid" means plate upon plate, without, intervening teak or other substance. W. fl." (NeyJand).lt is a pity you did not pay closer attention to the paper. Your rejoinder becomes well- nigh valueless when the points refer to a reply printed a fortnight, ago. PROJECTING S -11 A Constant Header" must comply with the local by-laws. Of which we [have not a copy. The borough surveyor will tell him what; he can do, and what he will not be allowed to do. LANDLORD AND TENANT.—UILAPUPATIONS.—" T. G. C." (Aberdare) may bring an action against his tenant in respect of the broken windows, &c., although lie has taken possession of the property at, the end of the tenancy. There is no necessary connection between present possession and the liability to pay for any dilapidations which happened during the tenancy. In most, cases the extent of the claim for dilapidations cannot he ascertained until after the tenant has given up possession. COMPOUNDING FOR RATES.—" X, Y. Z." (Glyn Neath) is advised that the overseers have no power to enter into an agreement with an owner of house property to compound for rates in I'espet; of houses which are respectively of greater value than the amount specified in the resolution of vestry as to such com- posi tiOIJS, WORK AND MATERIAL.Why did not "G. W. R." (Rhondda) send the art.ic.es home to his customer when they were completed? If he had done so at the proper time he would now be In a position to have a county court, summons issued for the agreed price. Ho may still deliver the goods if the customer does not object to receive them on the ground that. the occa- sion having passed, they would now be of no use to him, which, however, is not very probable.

THE CHURCH AT TREHARRIS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE WESTERN MAIL." Sm.-The Church supporters in Treharris looked in vain to the late Rector of Merthyr to open Church services iu this part of his parish, and although he was repeatedly urged to do so, he was immovable. When his successor was appointed better things were expected, but the Rev. Mr. Lewis appears to be as oblivious of the spiritual wants of the Church friends ini Treharris as his predecessor was. Tre- I harris has a history of over seven years, and: yet the Church has never spent a farthing JIN thaj place either in buildings or worship, and it is a reproach to those who are responsible for such wilful neglect. It is frequently asked why such a warm supporter of the Church of England as Mr.: 'Harris, the highly-esteemed chairman of thel Harris' Navigation Colliery Company, does not move in the matter. Perhaps that gentleman or; the Rector of Merthyr will give the necessary I answer if you will, Mr. Editor, give this a. prominent place in the next issue of your valuable paDer.— I am, &c., A NEGLECTED CHURCHMAN. Treharris, Jan. 2.

THE PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO MR. F. IL DAVIS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE "WEEKLY MAIL." SIR,—Day after day an advertisement appears in your Scottish contemporary ot a testimonial which is being got up by a lot of "toadies and sycophants to Master Fred Davis, the young lad just out of school ("Scaramouch "he is playfully called here), who presumed, at his dad' bid. ding, to grasp at the representation of this dis- trict. "My son will be the youngest member of the House of Commons," quoth Davis pater, for- getful of the old adage of Many a slip between the cup and the lip." Scaramouch wiIJ, how- ever, have to wait a little longer before he gets into that charmed circle of which Mr. Alfred Thomas, the limeburner of Cardiff, promises to be so great ati ornament. Time will be an advantage to him. He has much to learn, much to acquire, both in the way of knowledge and of modesty. though he is never likely to be much distinguished for the latter if be treads too closely in his father's footsteps. It was quite sickening to hear the rubbish spouted by this "youn^ hopeful" and his "dad" during the late contest, the former affecting, to instruct when ha ought to have been desirous to learn, and the latter, with characteristic arrogance and self- sufficiency, presuming to condemn Lord Salisbury liiq ?oa,zt of a policy. But what, let me ask, is this testimonial for ? Why, to recognise the manly stand made by him (Scaramouch) in the interest, of political principles, organisation, and the interest of the Liberal electors in the late con-, test." Bosh, say I, to the whole of it-downright; unmitigated humbug. Were not his "political principles and Mabon's identical? Was not Mabon's "organisation" superior ? And was not the independence of the electors" more suc- cessfully vindicated by Mabon," in spite of ■' em- ployers' influenei-, and dictation, and the peri- patetic spourings of Mr. Lewis Williams and other chattering Methodists from Cardiff? The mining population have asserted their own "indepen- dence" and proved their appreciation of merit by returning Mabon" to Parliament, as advised by Mr. Talbot, and Sir Hussey Vivian, those tried champions of true Liberalism in Glamorganshire. And now the Scaramouch party, smarting under defeat and ridicule, are doing all in their power to suppress the fund which is being raised for the aid and sustentation of Mabon" in Parliament, and would reduce him to beggary and want if they could. No doubt a good many foolish men, and a good many more foolish women, will subscribe to this preposterous testimonial to "Master Fred"— already the laughing-stock of the county-but I venture to think they would show greater sense if they devoted a portion of their superfluous wealth in support of the manly fellow who i3 now our representative, and of whom, if they were not, indeed, toadies and sycophants," they would all be proLifl.-I alD, &-C., A SUPFORTER OF « MABON." Ystradyfodwg, Jan. 2. j

ELECTION EXPENSES. I CARDIFF. Th oflicial return of Mr. Henry Harben'' election expenses in connection with the recent. Parliamentary contest for the Borough of CardirS has just been issued. The election expenses pure and simple were 1663 14s. 6d.; personal expense". £ 917s. 3d.; returning officer's charges, £ 224 18s. 3 £ d.' The expenses incurred by Sir E. J. Reed during his recent candidature in Cardiff have just, been published. The personal expenses of the hon. member are stated as C95 10s. 6d., the election expenses JE626 18s. 6a., and the returning officer's fees zC224 18s. 4d. The maximum amount, allowed for election expenses under the Corrupt Practices Act were Y,680 MONMOUTH BOROUGHS. The expenses incurred by Mr. Thomas Cordes, the Conservative candidate for the Monmouth Boroughs, have been returned, in accordance with the Act of Parliament, to the returning officer as follows:—Returning officer's charges, &c., A:130 Is. Id.; Mr. Cordes's personal expenses, 112: payments through election agent, £ 500; total. X642 Is. Id. Mr. Carbutt's total expenses wera returned at X590 8s. 8d. SWANSEA. The total expenses in connection with Sir f Hussey Vivian's election to represent the Swansea district in Parliament were tl89 3s. 10d., of which £ 40 18s. are those of the returuing officer. Tha maximum expenditure allcwed was £ 560. PEMBROKE AND HAVERFORDWEST BOROUGHS. I The return of the election agent for Mr. H. G. Allen, Q.C., M.P., shows payment by him of f,198 5s. 8d. returning officer's fees, X115 lis. Od.; and candidate's personal expenses, £ 11 4s. 7d.; making a total of Y,325 Is. 3d. 2 SOUTH GLAMORGAN. The returns of expenses incurred bv the candi- dates in the recent Parliamentary election for South Gfamorgan have just been completed. The maximum amount allowed for the constituency IS £ 1,378. The returns are as follow Mr. J. T. D. Llewelyn: Personal expenses. £ 54 4s. 6d.; general expenses, £ 752 2s. 7d.; return- ing officer's expenses, S208 8s. 8d.; totalo Xl,014 15zi. 9d. Mr. A. J. Williams, M.P.: Personal expense?, £ 71 14s.; general expenses, jE740 10s. 6d.; return- ing officer's expenses. J6208 8s. 8d.; total, zCI,020 13s. 2d. EAST GLAMORGAN. The following is a return of the expenses in- curred by Mr. Alfred Thomas, the successful candi- date at the election for East Glamorgan, the total ( amounting to £ 972 7s. lOd. :-Returning officer's charges, £ 212 18s. lid. personal expenses of can- 2 didate, t53 16s. 8d.; election agent's expenses; £175; sub-agents, £90 8s. polling agents, 125 4s. counting agents, X5 5s.; clerks, £ 30 Is. 6d. print- ing, £ 103 8s.; advertising, £ 143 9s. lid.; stationtlry, dEll 2s. ld. postage and telegrams, 1;20 19s. 7§d.; paid for hire of rooms for public meetings, 115 4s. 4d.; committee rooms, £ 18 18s. 4d,; miscel- laneous, X56 14s. 3gd. The return of Mr. Godfrey 2 Clark's expenses has not yet been lodged with the returning officer. | SOUTH MONMOUTHSHIRE. J The election expenses of Sir H. M. Jackson were I as follow Candidate's personal expenses, X94 6s. Id.; returning officer's fees, X280 9s. 7d.; election expenses, £990 14s. 10 £ d.; total, £1,365 10s. 6àd. Colonel the Hon. F. C. Morgan's 2 expenses were:—Candidate's personal expenses. 136 16s.; returning officer's fees, J6280 9s. 7d.; election expenses, XI,135 7s. 7d.; total, 11,453 13s. 2d.; disputed and unpaid claim?, il2 10s. RHONDDA DIVISION. The return of "Mabon's" election expenses in the Rhondda Division have just been announced, and they are as follow:—Returning officer, £178; other expenses, f-58; Mabon's personal ex- penses, £ 2 10s.; total, £ 236. It will be seen by the above remarkably low return that a vast", amount of volunteer work was done in support of "Mabon's" candidature. It deepens the sigci- ficance of the return of the labour candidate in tha Khondda Division.

CAMBRIAN FINE ART EXHIBITION COMMITTEE. On Saturday a meeting of thia committee was held at the Town-hall, Cardiff, Mr. Robert Bird J.P., being in the chair. There were also present- Messrs. E. Seward, J. P. Thompson, J.L. Wheatley and Peter Price. It will be remembered that the exhibition of the society, held in Cardiff last year from the want of public patronage, proved a lamentable failure, and at the close e deficiency of about J6400 was reported. Sinel that time the local committee have been making strenuous efforts to liquidate the debt, bu notwithstanding that nearly all the guarantors hav< paid to the treasurer the amounts for which the$ had made themselves responsible, there ii still a large amount owing to tha creditors. On Saturday evening the hOD. treasurer, Mr. J. P. Thompson, reported THAT about half of the amounts owing to the creditors had been paid. He had since written to several AF them, and they had consented to make a reduc- tion in the sums now due to them.—The comi mittee expressed a hope that. the balance required would shortly be forthcoming, and that the whole ::>f the elaims- of the creditors would be met.—TLIFI subject, of issuing a report on the position of th< society, to include a list of guarantors who had paid and of those who had not, was then dis- -it was eventually decided that the formu- lation of the report should be deferred to a futui-O meeting.

STEW TIMBER FLOAT FOR CARDIFF COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS. On Monday operations were commenced in con- lection with a new timber float which is to be onstrUcted by the Trustees of the Marquess of Bute upon a piece of ground situated between Messrs. Alexander and Co.'s timber yard and Messrs, Crawshay's sheds at the west side of tiid ilamorganshire Canal and at a distance of about f 100 yards below the Custom House Bridge anC )arallel to the Dum balls-road. The contract haS leen entrusted to Mr. James Stracan, of Cardiff [he float will cover an area of about seven acret ind will be connected with the canal by means ul I lock. The work will be completed in about nin4 iioutbal time.

3 CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION. On Saturday afternoon a meeting of tbo Executive Committee of the Glamorganshire Col1" iervative Association was held at the Conservativo 8lub, Cardiff. It was resolved to convene too mnual general meeting of the members of tb' issociation, which will be held during The preseW iionth at the Conservative Olub, Cardiff.

THE DISTRESS IN SUNDERLAND. RELIEF MEASURES BY THE CORPORATION, At, a meeting of the Sunderland Town Couvc d 3n Wednesday afternoon it was resolved to £ 7,000 upon the construction of sea front IMPRO^ 1 rnents at Rocked, Sunderland, in order to smployment to the large number of MEN ATPRE$EJ|| SUT of work, and who are suffering iT privation.