Weekly Mail

CARDIFF GUARDIANS. At a meeting of the visiting committee of the Cardiff Guardians on Tuesday, Mr. F. J. Beavan in the chair, it was reported that the children under four years of age now in the workhouse had been removed from the isolated block to the new infants' quarters, and the question of supervision cropped up and was discussed at great length.—Dr. Sheen attended and reported on the question from a medical point of view, and eventually the following motion, proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Miss Jones, was carried: -"That this committee recommend the board to employ two assistant women, whose duty it shall be to assist in the new infants' block, including the probationary rooms, and in the red and white blocks, as the master, matron, and medi- cal officer might direct."—An amendment, moved by Mr. Cross, that only one additional attendant should be employed, was lost. The salary of the assistant was proposed at E12 and uniform. Day-attendants Radneigh and Price sent in their resignations, and it was decided to take the necessary steps to secure successors. A meeting of the workhouse bui'ding com- mittee was held on Tuesday afternoon. Coun- cillors. Mildon being in the chair.—The question of electric-lighting for the workhoase was on. more discussed. A letter was r*ad from an independent expert, who stated that it would be more economical for the guardians to obtain their electricity from the corporation than to erect a private plant. The question was deferred for six months.-A convalescent home for from twelve to twenty children was next considered, and a report was read from the valuers on some property facing Whitmore Bay at Barry. It was decided that a sub- committee of the building committee should visit the premises and report on them.

LLANGUICKE SCHOOL BOARD. The following is the result of the election of the above board:— ELECTED. 'Darnel Meredith, colliery manager.N. 2.825 John .Jenkins, Gwauncaegurwen .N. 1,815 Rev. J. Rees, Cwmllynfeli N. 1,733 James Williams, Ystalyfera N. 1,592 Thomas Howells, Pontardawe N. 1,580 T. Wade Evans, Ystalyfera c. 1,546 J. M. Price, Brynamman .N. 1.527 W. Morgan. Ystalyfera x. L467 John Williams, Ystalyfera N. 1,409 Lewis H. Lewis. Pontardawe .C. 1,379 Rev. E. Thomas (curate), Gwaun- caegurwen C. 1,273 NON-ELECTED. John Griffiths Ystalyfera .N. 1.224 J. R. Jones,'Brynamman C. 1,167 John Davies, Pontardawe .N. 1.004 C. B. Davics, Ystalyfera .C. 633 William Davies jr. 241

SUCCESS OF A BARRY STUDENT. At a meeting of the Barry Science and Art and Evening Continuation Classes Committea held on Tuesday evening, at Holton-road Schools. Barry Dock, Mr. D. W. Roberts pre- siding. it was-reported that Mr. A. Harrison, a pupil of Mr. A. Cryer in the machine construc- tion class, had succeeded in securing a Queen's prize in connection with the Science and Art Department, South Kensington.

MENAI BRIDGE ON SALE. The Board of Works have offered to sell the Menai Suspension Bridge, which connects Angle- sey and Carnarvonshire, for about £ 15,000. The gross rent of the structure is stated to be LI,700, there being an annual profit of something like JB400, after paying all expenses. The proposal was made to the Menai Bridge District Council, and was referred to the Anglesey and Carnar-

DELLXAH UP-TO-DATE. A fortnight ago (says a Berlin correspondent), when the War Minister informed the Budget Committee of the Reichstag that foreign women were in the habit of coming to Germany with the object of enticing officers in the Army to engage in high play, it was believed that these women were the agents of financial gentlemen, who took this roundabout method of increasing their illicit gains. Now, however, it is stated that the women were French, and that they had been visiting Hanover, Berlin, and other garrison towns with the deliberate intention of leading German Arrpy officers astray. In this way the moral ruin of the officer is completed, he becomes a ready instru- ment in the hands of the French Delilah, and is ready to tell her the secrets of the German War Office. The story reads very absurd, but it is widely believed in Berlin.

CARDIFF IMPORT TRADE. DISCUSSION BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- At the meeting of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday morning, the presi- dent (Mr. W. Lester Jones) in the chair, a lengthy and important discussion took place in reference to the import trade of Cardiff and the facilities granted by the Great Western Railway Company. The Chairman explained that for a long time past the matter had occupied the serious atten- tion of the import section of the chamber, and. after many discussions and interviews, a long reply had now been received from the general manager of the Great Western Railway Com- pany. They had been urging the company to give to Cardiff the same privileges and advan- tages as were given to Bristol, but the company had only granted a few concessions, and the import section had requested Mr. Jennings to move a resolution in reference to the matter. The letter from Mr. Wi-kinson, the general manager to the company, was then read by Mr. Willoughby Hawkins, the secretary. It was dated December 22, 1898, and was as follows:- December 22, 1898. Dear Sir,—With reference to the discussion that took place at the meeting on the 22nd of February last at the offices of the Cardifl Chamber of Commerce, between the repres<lnta. tives of the different trades of that port and Mr. Bot-cher, the district goods manager of the com- priiy. The various matters then brought under- notice have been carefully considered, and tha results arrived at are given below under tha several heads noted by Mr. Boucher at tho ir tcrview: — 1 Timber. Disputed Rates.—In regard to the questions referred to by Mr. Jennings aa being Tii der negotiation between the timber mer- chants and the railway companies, I am pleased to be able to say that an amicable arrangement has been arrived at and carried into effect. 2. Railway connection between Great Western (Riverside Branch) and the timber float.—As you are aware, this matter is not one entirely within the control of the Great Western Company, but we are favourably disposed towards the scheme, and are in communication respecting it with the Cardiff Railway Company, with whom the q -e^uon at present stands. 3. Timber and other traffic, Penarth and Barry Docks to certain Midland stations.—Under the usual arrangements between railway companies higher rates would be required from Penarth and Barry than from Cardiff for traffic which is conveyed over the Great Western Railway, cving to profits having to be provided for two or three companies instead of one only. With a view to help the port of Cardiff, however, tho rates have been assimilated to a very large number of stations, and this principle will be further extended whenever and wherever it is practicable to make arrangements with tha other railway companies without unduly sacri. ficing the interests of the Great Western. 4. Glass Trade.—It will ba remembered that the reference to glass was made by a representative of the timber trade, and was not supported by any specific cases. A general examination of the iatea tends to show that they are reason- able. 5. Petroleum Trade.—The rates specified on the list handed in at the meeting have been considered, and, although some of them are too kw to permit of any modification, a consider. able number of reduced figures have now been r dcpted. With regard to rates to Blaina, Briton Ferry, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale. and Nantyglo, communications are in progress with the other interested companies. Traffic between Cardiff and Ynysybwl is local to the Taff Vale Com- P?ny. 6. Potato Trade.—The very low special rates vhich were granted for old potatoes from the Shropshire. &c., districts to the Cardiff and Newport districts in the season of 1896 were adefted upon urgent representations that the circumstances of that year were exceptional. They would not have been put in force to meet the temporary emergency if it had been known that the special assistance given would be used as an argument for permanent reduction, and such low figures could not be kept in operation without a. prejudicial effect upon rates in oth?r districts. However, communications are pass- ing with the other railway companies concerned with the view of meeting the wishes of the potato trade as far as possible. 7. Fruit Trade.—Appendix B shows the rates for apples mentioned by Mr. Biermann, together with the figures which I am able' to announce as now in operation. With regard to the rates to Swansea. Brynmawr, Abergavenny, and Aber- dare, I am in communication with the other companies concerned. The rates for oranges ara already very low, and the following are the only reductions that can be given:—Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, 14s. per ton, including col- lection and delivery within limits. At the meet- ing comparison was made between the Cardiff and Bristol rates for oranges to Worcester and Biimingham, but this comparison does not favour the view expressed that Cardiff is treated unfavourably, because in the case of Worcester, Cardiff, J"th a distance of seventeen miles greater, has a slightly lower mileage rate, and in that of Birmingham, with a distance 24 miles meater. Cardiff has the same figure, and, there- fore, a considerably lower late per mile. 8. Provision Trade.—Nearly the whole of the sU tions named by Mr. Collett in connection with the cheese and butter rates are competitive with other railways, and the rates are under con- sideration between the companies concerned. As to the few stations with which the rates are controlled by the Great Western Company, the reduced figures shown in Appendix C have been adopted. You are, of course, aware that re- ductions have been recently made in the rates for certain provisions from Cardiff to Bristol, as referred to by Mr. Jennings, and reported in the Western Mail" of the 17th ultimo. 9. Frozen Meat.—As pointed out by Mr. Neale, the competition of Cardiff in regard to imported meat is with Liverpool and the East Ooast, and to the stations specified at the meeting the advantage in regard to railway charges is clearly with the first-named port. If. there- fore, those stations are drawing any portion of their supplies from Liverpool or any East Coast port in preference to Cardiff, it must be owing to some other cause than railway rates. At the two pln,-es referred to by Mr.'Neale. where the competition with Liverpool would be sen- sibly felt, viz., Birmingham and Shrewsbury, comparison shows that at Birmingham. Cardiff has the Same rate as Liverpool for three-ton lots, although the distance is about 25 per cent. greater, and that at Shrewsbury, whilst the dis- tance from Cardiff is close upon double that from Liverpool, the rate is considerably below a proportionate figure. In the list, submitted, allusion is mr.de to the rates for three-ton lots from Cardiff to Newport and Bristol, but these are so low for the services included that there is no margin for reduction. It is, cf course, natural that differential charges for imported frozen meat. as compared with English fresh meat, would be desired by the -mporters. but. after the most careful consideration of the arguments it is felt that t1.ø company oi ght not to disturb the present balance in opposition to the interests of the English farmers, and it is believed that such a step would not be considered justified father by the friends of agriculture or by the public generally. It is not possible to adont rectal rates for small consignments of meat. looking at the natnre of the traffic, nnd that such a course would give rise to complaints at other ports at which full ordirarv rates are charged, but Appendix D shows the rates that have been adopted for larger lots to Great Western non-competitive Nation*. As to Aberdare..Abergavenny, Briton Ferry. Ehbw Vale. Hereford. Neath, Shrewsbury. Swansea, and Birmingham. I am in communica- tion with the other railway companies con- cerned. General Remarks.—With rpyard to tbo general onestiou of rates from Cardiff I would venture to assure you that, while differences in the charges in proportion to mileage can always be voirtpd out. so loner as other circumstances than distances are talfn into account, the rail- way rates from Cardiff are, upon the whole, ort an excf*>dinelv favourable footing, and much lower than could b" adopted if a mileage ba,<s were acted upon.I am, dear sir. vonrs faith1 ful1v, J. L. WTT KINSON. W. R. Hawkins, Esq., Chamber of Commerce, Cardiff. After the reading of the letter, Mr. J. M. Jeuning?. the chairman of the import Bection, said that about, eighteen months ago the question of the railway rates for imported goods was taken up by the import section of the chamber, and upon investigation they found that for goods sent into Bristol they had very low railway rates to South Wales. They would think by that that Cardiff would have low rates to the other side of the Channel. But, whilst, goods could be sent from Bristol to the stations west and north of Cardiff for very little more than the rate from Cardiff, they found that if the goods were sent from South Wales to Wiltshire. Somersetshire, or Devonshire, the full rate from Cardiff to Bristol was charged, in addition to the rate on from Bristol to the destination. That was a very unfair handicap to Cardiff. They had been trying to encourage the import of goods from America, but to encourage that they had to show the consumers some benefit in having the goods from Cardiff instead of from Bristol. They had discussed the matter fully with the Great Western Railway people. With regard to the timber trade they were unable to discuss the general matter of railway rates, as they had been for some five years under discussion with the Great Western Railway Company, who acted on behalf of the other companies. The company now said that the question was amicably settled. It was settled in this way: They had notice five years before of an increase in timber rates to almost all Great Western stations, and the amicable settlement" con- sisted of the Great Western Railway Com- pany saying:—"We will not insist upon that rise where the Severn Water com- petition comes in to the Midlands, but to practically all other towns we in- sist that Cardiff shall pay the 5 per cent. rise." In the letter which they now received from the Great Western Railway Company practically no concessions were made; nomi- nally. it seemed to give a great deal, but actually nothing was given, and the fact remained that unless they had water compe- tition developed in the future Cardiff would not get any concessions. Bristol had splendid water communication right down the Channel, and the Great Western Railway had this to face. Turning again to the timber trade. Mr. Jenning3 said that a truck of timber could be sent from Bristol to Cardiff, or Bristol to Pen- arth, for under half the price that they could send that truck across the Channel to Weston or Clevedon. They had 4s. 4d. charged from Bristol to Penarth; they had 8s. 9d. charged if it went from Cardiff to Weston or Clevedon. But that 8s. 9d. was more than if they sent the truck first to Bristol and then re-consigned it on to Weston or Clevedon. By this means the rate would come to 8s. 4<1., or 5d. less. This was most unfair. (Hear. hear.) If they sent the timber from the water side at Avonmouth' the same rates ruled as from Bristol, but if they sent from the water side at Cardiff—the Bute Docks, for instance—they had to pay an extra charge of from 4d. to 6d. per ton. The railway rates to Ilfracombe, although by water nearcr to Cardiff than Bristol, were 14s. per ton, viz., 4s. from Cardiff to Bristol and 10s. from Bristol to Ilfracombe. The same thing applied to all

THE USEFULNESS AND THE CURATIVE VIRTUES OF Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People can be proved in one day by making a few enquiries in your own neighbourhood. There is probably no place in th" country which does not contain strong, healthy, active men and women who have been reset* from acute illness or chronic ill-health by Dr. Williams9 Pink Pills for Pale People. You tvill never hear of any good being effected by a Substitute: but the great cures known to have bee" effected by the genuine pills—Dr. Williamsf Pink Pills for Pale Ptopl*— I the talk of nearly every ts-ivn. I CASES IN WALES.

I MERTHYR GIRL'S SUFFERINGS. ¡ ANAEMIA AND INDIGESTION CURED. Recently a "Merthyr Express" reporter called on Miss Rees. We refer to Miss Jane Rees. the adopted daughter of Mrs. Phcebe Rees, proprietress of the Colliers' Arms Inn, Aberdare-road, Merthyr Tydfil. Mii-s Rees is about 22 years of age, and has been a great sufferer for a long time. She looked exceed- ingly well and healthy, but she told him how much she had suffered. "I may say," said Mrs. Phoebe Rees, "that Miss Rees has been a great sufferer, but she is better now than I have ever known her to be; but, there, she will tell you all about her illness." "Ye3," rejoiived Miss Rees, "I was very sickly for many years. I took bottle after bottle of medicine, but could not get perma- nent relief. At times I suffered terribly, and Mrs. Rees will bear me out in what I say. I suffered from want of blood, there was none in my body: palpitation of the heart, great weakness, indigestion. I couldn't cat anything, the smell of food was distasteful to me; in fact, I cannot tell you the extent of my pains and suffering. When I went upstairs I had to sit down on the top stair and wait for my breath to return before I could go on into the bed- room, and I began to be frightened. Medicine seemed no good to me. I even hated the sight of food. My legs would swell and caueo me a great deal of pain. But I feel all right now; I don't feel the same girl. I can eat anything now, and any amount. I could not bear the smell or look of any food, meat Included, but now I enjoy my meals thoroughly. Everyone is surprised to s'ee the change in me, and all my friends congratulate me." "But how were you cured?" asked the reporter, who readily admitted that this was a marvellous cure. "Of course! I omitted to say," replied Miss Rees, "I am entirely cured, thanks to Dr. Williams's Pink Pills for Pale People. How did I come to know about them? Well, I will tell you with pleasure, because I owe every- thing to Dr. Williams's Pink Pills. Some time ago a friend of mine came down from Scot- land, and told me all about Dr. Williams's

s$> AK0NG THOUSANDS. « The interesting cases here men- « tioned aro a few among thousands in which the usefulness of Dr. 4ø « Williams' Pink Pills has Leen made « known to iho public. They are <#> famous among the highest and the 4a a lowest in the land for the cure of m 0is Rheumatism, Sci&tica, Indiges- Jl., tion, Anaemia, Palpitation, and a General Muscular Weakness. O?,¡G They are a splendid nerve and *¥• de spinal tonic, and have cured many cases of Paralysis, Loco- motor Ataxy, Neuralgia, St. «¥• Jfo Vitus' Danes, and Nervous Head- JU ache. Sold by all chemists, or sent post free by Dr. Williams' JfB jqu Medicine Company, 46, Holbom- jL viaduct, London, at 2s. 9d. a box. or six for 13s. 9d.; but are genuine Jfe ere only with full name (seven words), cafe M £ >» WILLIAMS'al If ITIIiijls fel 1 M m ILeopi-E. W Pills sold loose or from glass Jars cannot be Dr. Williams', and won't «j!o JIL cure you; substitutes never cured anyone!

WELSH MINER'S LTT^-A-GO IN CONTINUAL SUFFERING- ■net** The strike among the Welsh coal recently assumed so serious a charac^^ an incalculable amount of suffering haS f ,0 borne by these workers, and the notice 0 whole nation has been drawn to the coJldJ of their work. But even at the best of times minetØ ■ <■ much to bear. As an instance, there is > miner named James Thomas, twenty-sil of age, living at 6, Baxter-terrace, GIYIIG South Wales. When questioned by a. "BtJUP Chronicle" reporter, he stated: at work underground, about ten year9 was seized with violent pains in the after that was subject to terrible spells Of J at intervals. I was incapacitated froo for a fortnight at a time, but about e *0 r months ago I became so bad that I had up work altogether. I consulted a doctor, attended Cardiff Infirmary, where I WO my complaint was the collier's bane— For many hours we have to labour up, with water dripping from the roof, "< all times on damp earth. At that could neither sit, stand, nor lie down £ suffering horrible pain, and when my *rJi accompanied me to the Infirmary she I would die in the train. One day wS across an advertisement of Dr. Pink Pills for Pale People, and we then to try them." "With what result?" queried the preSS f "After the first box of the Pills I td some relief, which encouraged me to U second one, when there was a marked nient; my limbs became easier, my returned, and soon, after taking six Or ¡¡f f boxes, I felt healthier than I had do ø many months. I feel convinced that hadn't taken Dr. Williams's Pink Pills never be where I am now. I am strong healthier than ever I was." Not only by miners, but amongst all Dr. Williams's Pink Pills are praised jji way in which they have cured pa.ralYSiSo < motor ataxy, rheumatism, and sciatica; all diseases arising from impoverished J scrofula, r 'Vts, chronic erysipelas, f tion of thv> i^«Wels and lungs, anaeffli^J and sallow complexion, loss of appetite- £ tations, pains in the back, early decay, j weakness, and hysteria. Genuine only full name, Dr. Williams's Pink Pills for j People, and sold by chemists and bl Williams's Medicine Company, 46, 3C'f I viaduct, London, E.C., at 2s. 9d. a bot, Of boxes for 13s. 9d. These Pills are not P tive, nor can they harm the most delic»" inland towns; no reduction was made by

AMATEUR BURGLARS. CONFESSION OF A MANAGER. Charles Morgan Maud and Frank Boon were charged at Bow-street, London, on Tuesday with conspiring to steal- boots and money of the value of about JB26 15s.. from Messrs. Crick and Gunn. of Chancery-lane. Maud had been employed by the prosecutors for over six years, and had been manager of the Chancery-lane shop for two years. Of late Mr. Crick had told him that he was giving too much credit, and had a list of the outstanding accounts made up. However, when the cus- tomers were written to. several letters were returned. On Saturday last Maud -reported at Bow street that the shop had been broken into. and. on Detective-sergeant Haines calling to investigate he was sbown two sacks of boots lying in the shop, as if the burglars had been disturbed, while downstairs in the basement boots were lying about on the floor, and the window was partially open, with a mark on one pane as if a diamond had been used on it. The prisoner told him that he thought fifteen pairs of boots were missing, besides a cardboard box contain- ing £21, the week's takings, and later in the day informed him that he found that the ledger, daybook, and stock-book were also missing. After further investigation, however, Maud made a full confession. He said that he and Boon, a customer to whom he owed money, had arranged the burglary between them. They had dinner in the shop, and Maud sent the errand boy to Boon's house to get rid of him. The sacks they filled with boots, and left in the shop, and before closing the premises they unfastened the basement window. Boon took two parcels of boots with him, which he gave to a Gower-street tradesman, saying they were a job lot he had purchased. Maud had secured the books. 921 in cash, and two cheques. Later in the evening they returned to Chancery-lane, and Boon, having made certain that the coast was clear, they tried to cut a pane out of the basement window with a diamond, but they only succeeded in scratching the glass, so Boon opened the window a little, and they left. The prisoners were remanded.

HOME-MADE POISON. A curious case of poisoning was investigated by the Croydon coroner on Tuesday evening. The deceased was William Henry Smith, 35, of 204, Oval-road. Up to a year ago he was a clerk in the Post Office, but left of his own accord, and had since been out of work. On Saturday night he went to bed at eleven o'clock, but did not gcrt up on Sunday morning, and when his room was entered at mid-day he was found unconscious. Smith died at mid- night. Dr. Hobson deposed that death was due to hemlock. It was suggested that the deceased gathered the plant and distilled the poison him- self. Smith left a letter for a Miss Bishop, in which he said he chose as his confidante to receive his dying speech and confession.-The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during tem- porary inear

MINISTERS AS COMPANY DIRECTORS, DISCUSSION IN PARLIAMENT. In the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr. FIELD (P., Dublin) resumed the debate upon Mr. M'Call's amendment representing that the position of a director of a public company was inconsistent with the dignity of a Minister of the Crown. He submitted that Ministers of the Crown should not be directors of railway companies. The railway companies at present controlled the House of Commons. Mr. JEFFREYS (U.. North Hants) supported the motion. He did not desire to make any personal suggestions, but officers on active duty were not allowed to accept a directorate, and they never heard of a judge upon the Bench becoming a director of a public com- pany. Sir J. LEESE (R., Accrington) supported the motion, although he was not in favour of a hard and fast line being drawn. Mr. GIBSON BOWLES (U., Lynn Regis), on the other hand, declared that a hard and fast rule was absolutely essential. It was improper for gentlemen in the Cabinet to be active directors of public companies. The double capacity was impossible. There was a very great and constant danger of th3 two duties clashing. Mr. BECKETT (U., Whitby) was certain that no ono would cast a doubt upon the integrity of Ministers. It was impossible to lay down a hard and fast rule, but it was better, unless under very exceptional circumstances, that the Ministers should not accept directorates. Sir JOHN BRUNNER (R.. Northwich) took exception to the Junior Ministers of the Crown being exempt from this wholesome rule. This was not a vote of censure, but only a vote of warning. The honour of the House should be the national pride. Colonel LOCKWOOD (U., Epping) opposed the motion entirely. He could see no incon- venience or danger in Ministers accepting directorates in large and almost national industries. Mr SYDNEY BUXTON (B., Tower Hamlets, Poplar) wa3 of opinion that every Minister should be. like Caesar's wife, above suspicion. Mr. GEDGE (U., Walsall) opposed the motion, while Captain NORTON (R., Newington, W.), supported. Mr. ARTHUR ELLIOT (U., Durham) said that the Opposition had clearly identified itself with the principle of not allowing Ministers of the Crown to act as company directors in future. Sir H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (R.. Stirling Burghs): We have done it in the past. ( Mr. ARTHUR ELLIOT said he believed there I were several cases in the last Liberal Adminis- tration. (Mr. A. J. Balfour: Hear, hear.") He was, however, concerned for the future rather than the past, and he appealed to the leader of the House to concede whether in the days to come he could not adopt the late policy, and he also hoped that some of the present Ministers might see their way to resign their directorship. Mr. LABOUCHERE (R., Northampton), said the last speaker evidently wanted the House to indulge in virtue, but not until his friends left office. (Laughter.) Hon. members oppo- site were in favour of the amendment, but were not going to vote for it. He would sug- gest, seeing that they did not want to make this a party question, that the Government should agree to lay down the principle that members of the Government should not act as directors of public companies. Mr. A. J. BALFOUR (First Lord of the Trea- sury) said he had been struck by the care of all the speakers to make no attack on the per- sonal honour of any single member of the Government, and there had been on all bides a most an-ous desire to maintain at its pre- sent high standard the purity of English public life. While he recognised that with pleasure, he did not think that in certain respects the speakers, or many of them. had got on to the wrong rein, and were not advocating the best method of securing the object which was the aim of all. The mover of the amendment had made an indiscriminate attack on directors, but. surely, they must all recognise that the vast enterprises of this country were being carried on by joint stock enterprises, and it would be the greatest possible mistake to brand the office of the director with discredit, as that would drive out the best and most fitted to undertake the direction of these undertakings. He could speak freely, because it so happened that he had never held such a position himself. (Hear, hear.) The House must discriminate between the man who sold his name-a shock- ing and scandalous operation—and the genuine director of an industrial concern. He did not believe that a single Minister of the Crown, of whatever party, had given his name to bolster up a company. He took the case of the Duke of Devonshire, which had been men- tioned, and asked-Was it right to lay down the rule that such a director, to the great detriment of his personal property, and the great detriment of the other shareholders, should deprive himself of his directorship? He could not consent to I a rule which would either drive the Duke of Devonshire from public life or would compel him to separate himself from such concerns which were necessary for the welfare of many parts of the kingdom. (Cheers.) It was folly to ask that directorships should be given up and shares retained. There was a time when it was held that no one was fitted to take part in the government who had not a stake in the country. That stake was overdone—{loud laughter)—but he would not like to see the government of this country monopolised by those who had no property and no business in the country. In the best interests of this House, it was not desirous that Ministers should depend upon the barest means tence, or else upon the precarious their official salaries. He hoped the 'jji would not commit itself to a hard an" rule. Each case must be judged merits. No Minister had the right to his public time in managing the affair company or his own affairs, but it had found not incompatible with public li^e statesmen should be concerned affairs of their own, or, if they took the precautions, to do a eertaia nmoUIlt of in connection with public f.nmpa thought that, by properly applying ptlbW maxims, they would do more for t]1e 1 good and the high standard of polite than by laying down an and fast rule. Mr. ASQUITH (R., Fife, E.) agreed sciously or unconsciously, directly or every member had an interest in all le^f which might conceivably be money. But he contended that to tain that that interest was aiJa/\|V with that of a director was to upon the intelligence of the House, man wlio entered the public service mflS f his whole time to the service of the St no Minister should place himself in any P° £ jjf where his public duty and private interest clash. J. Mr. WEIR (R„ Rosa and Cromarty), L J speech was made all through amid "Divide" and general interruption, ir that if Ministers were not satisfied wi^jjr salaries they received from the jf should form a union and go on strike, of seeking other methods of increasing incomes. (Laughter.) On a division the figures were:— ,it For the amendment Lf Against Government majority —

PITCAIRN ISLAN D. f WHAT FORTY YEARS OF if^ MARRIAGE HAS DONE. # Official correspondence issued relating to condition of the Pitcairn Islanders:— Ii. "In bodily appearance the t tj healthy and vigorous, but the same can&t# claimed for them mentally. In the respect they show a distinct deficicncy< was noted by everyone on board, and not be mistaken for the simplicity d&ur to want of communication with the 00 world. The moral sense of the to be weak, and some- of the things would tend to show that a very serioO* of affairs existed in that respect. There aPTjjif to be a distinct reason for their coD J when it is remembered that the present f tion of 141 is derived, with one exception; the 42 people—i e., 14 adults and 28 that returned from Norfolk Island Qf' 1859 and 1864, consisting of four ff and they already closely related. It opinion of all on board, and of the mo&$ ligent of the islanders themselves. tbafc J state of affairs should not be allowed tinue if means can be found to From all that I have gathered on the 8° I consider that if regular communicatio11 established it would be a boon to the and would go a long way towards co**f^ j the unsatisfactory state of affairs <ipubtedly exists at present." to0 The Constitution of the Pitcairn Isl!&Odfao very peculiar. One of the provisions IJJJ tP P" a fine for profanity, one half of the fine pr, given to the informant. Another cla scribes "that any person in a quarrel S otIJ 1 his opponent with his fist or any if 0 weapon must submit himself to t ever fine the authorities think impose, and should the blow turned (save in tha case of self-"6 qq* they are to be submitted to the "Save in the case of self-defence" is ni^.ott? Among other provisions of the Constito one to the effect that "No person or are to kill any cat unless doing him "anjs&j. If anyone be found so doing, shall be Pa^il<* by having his dog taken from him and and should the person have no dog he 60 punished by the magistrate."

POPE AND THE The Rome correspondent of the graph" has a good story of the Pope » } Queen- In 1846 Gioacchino Pecci, then simple to Leopold I., father of the present > ^5.1 the Belgians, had given him on his jVfy a very warm letter for Gregory XVI., Vt the king highly praised tne young Pre1*, P/ expressed the desire to see him Cardin^j he did not return at once to Rome, K it a good opportunity to satisfy one yjjj great desires—that is, to see and spe» £ Queen Victoria. He crossed the Cha succeeded in obtaining the longed-for Qtty He describes the conversation with the nine years younger than himself, wi'-Vjyo enthusiasm—her grace and amiability. f,4 sation and senti'SHMita. When he cacr* < Pontifical Throne as 3HI. there change of warm compliments and a »v\ of the conversation of 32 years befo*^ r. even now every New Year the aged Jl&fl Queen personally write each other a fc This visit to London delayed Monsigno^ fO*t return to Rome till Gregory XVL ha4 ^0t f so ill that King Leopold's letter could presented. Pope Gregory died, and wj-wVU had to given to Pius IX.. already J influence of Cardinal Antonelli, who *5, disliked the future Pope. Pecci had { till 1853 for his cardinal's hat, so that.P > to see the Queen delayed his prefer10 seven years.

booking through. Judging by that they would think that railway rates from Bristol to the Welsh towns would be plus the rate from Bristol to Cardiff and Cardiff down line. But they found that in very many cases the rates from Bristol were little more than the rates from Cardiff, and in some cases were the same. For instance, the rate for two-ton lots either from Cardiff or Bristol to Cardigan wa.s 13s. Id. per ton, a,nd from Cardiff to Carmarthen 9s. 7d. per ton, as against 103. 6d. from Bristol. In the glass trade the importers found their trade seriously handicapped by the unfair preference shown to Bristol. The Cardiff-Swansea rate was 15s. per ton, and the Bristol-Swansea rate 16s. 2d. per ton, the extra 40 miles from Bristol to Cardiff being charged only Is. 2d. per ton. or one-third of a penny per ton per mile, whilst from Cardiff to Swansea the rate was 4d. per ton per mile. The importers of fruit had tried to get their wares imported into Cardiff, but the rates from Bristol to Swansea, Milford. Haverfordwest, Cardigan, Pembroke, Llandyssil, and Llandilo were exactly similar to those from Cardiff. In the frozsn meat trade some con- cession had apparently been made. but the concession really consisted in goods being carried from station to station, instead of collection and delivery as heretofore, so that there was actually no reduction whatever. Mr. Jennings concluded by moving:—"That this chamber desires to express its great disappoint- ment and dissatisfaction at the fact that, not- withstanding the alleged concessions set forth to the Great Western Railway Company's letter, dated December 22. 1898, the disadvantages under which Cardiff has laboured, compared with Bristol, are left practically untouched." Mr. H. Aumonier Seconded, and said that the company's alleged concessions with regard to petroleum were absolutely useless. Mr. C. Collett supported. The question for them to consider was how they could remedy the grievance. The only way was to bring about a similar state of tilings to what they had at Bristol. They should cultivate an import trade, and when they had that they could bring about water communication with all the towns that Bristol was in communica- tion with. 1, Mr. J. B. Ferrier said the whole question had ,h L, been talked about ad nauseum, and they should now do something to put Cardiff in an inde- pendent position. Then they would get con- cessions from tha company. Further discussion ensued, after which the motion was put to the meeting and carried unanimously.

Pink Pills for Pale People; how she once suffered like myself, and how Dr. Williams's Pink Pills cured her. I there and then deter- mined to try them. I took two boxes in a fortnight, and the second box brought me grand relief. I don't remember ever being so well before. Everybody noticed the improve- ment, and I told all freinds I had to thank Dr. Williams's Pink Pills for my restoration to health. My blood improved, my strength returned, I can go about all right, and I am thankful to say, as I have already told you, that I have such a good appetite that I can eat any time of the day. My breath is better than ever it was, and you can tell how well I am when I say that yesterday I went to the Rhondda. Valley, and returned without feeling the least tired. Before I took Dr. Williams's Pink Pills I could scarcely go about, so you can quite understand how much I owe to Dr. Williams. In all I took five box- and the cure is complete. I consider I look better than ever I did, and I certainly feel better." "And you really believe that this wonderful return of good health is the result of taking Dr. Williams's Pink Pills for Pale People?" asked the reporter. "Yes, I am perfectly certain of it. and I make it no secret. Why. before I took Dr. Williams's Pink Pills I could not sleep for an hour together, but now I can sleep till fur- ther orders."