Weekly Mail

WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. Signor Marconi arrived at Table Head, NoVa Scotia, on Friday on board the Italian cruiser Carlo Alberto. He attempted to land his apparatus before the Ship entered the harbour, but the Customs offi- cials prevented his doing so until permission had been received from Ottawa. This was subsequently obtained. Signor Marconi then came ashore, but refused to make any state- ment as to the result of the teats made by him while crowing the Atlantic,

PERSONAL PARS. PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC EYE, There is only one lady in the world who has the distinction of being an admiral in the Russian Navy—Queen Olga of Greece. This bonour was conferred upon her by the late Emperor on account of her knowledge of nautical affairs and of her interest in Rus- sian seamen. In this respect she excels her husband. King George, for. although he served for some time in the British Navy, he never attained any high rank. The free defence of poor prisoners, in which I the Dorsetshire Quarter Sessions Mess are making an experiment, has long been a per- manent part of the legal system in Scotland, "Agents for the Poor" visit regularly the Scottish gaols in search of deserving cases, which they conduct without fee or reward. No prisoner in Scotland is allowed to go un- defended. A counsel is assigned by the court; if no barrister is present a sheriff is required to undertake the task. Mr. A. F. Warr, the retiring member for the East Toxteth Division of Liverpool, is a solicitor in that city, where he practises as a member of the firm of Bateson and Co. He is a Liverpool man by birth, having first seen the light there 55 years ago, his father, Canon Warr, being Vicar of Childwall, near by. His wife is a sister of Mr. Justice Gorell Barnes, who spends much of his time in adjusting matrimonial difficulties. There has lately died at Sydney, New South Wales, Captain William Colburn Mayne, who is believed to have been the father of the 5th Fusiliers. He joined the regiment in 1825, became a lieutenant in 1826, captain in 1833, and retired a few years later. General Milman, the Major of the Tower of London, has hitherto been looked upon as the oldest survivor of the Fighting Fifth, but he did not join the regiment till fourteen years after Captain Mayne. the Archbishop Temples antipathy to bores is as well* known as his gift for sarcastic epi- gram, and the following story testifies well to both:—One of his clergy troubled him a good deal with letters in regard to a picture which he desired to have in his church, and, the archbishop's patience being soon ex- hausted, he sent the incumbent the following message on a postcard"Dear Blank,—Hang the picture!" It is doubtful, however, if this settled the worthy gentleman's doubts. Herbert Spencer, the famous philosopher, was once told by his doctor that it was not good for him to live alone; his digestion was marred by thinking on deep subjects, and he advised him to stay at some boarding-house, where the dinner-table talk would be con- ducted by nice. cheery, brainless folk. He went, but did not stay long. It came to his ears that the pleasant lady whose seat was next to him at table told a friend that one of the boarders was a Mr. Spencer, who seemed to think he knew a deal about science and philosophy, but that she had to correct him every night! The appointment of Oliver Wendell Holmes, of Massachusetts, to the Bench of the United States Supreme Court seems to have given great satisfaction to tne many admirers of the writings of his father, the genial "auto- crat." The new justice's father and name- sake ascribed his mental inheritance chiefly to his mother's people, the Wendells, who were originally of the New York Dutch, but who had settled in Boston and married with the descendants of Governor Bradstreet and Governor Dudley. The famous author's son has for nearly twenty years been a member of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Mr. P. 0. Knox, the Attorney-General of the United States, has held his high office a little over a year. Mr. Knox is a member of the Cabinet, and receives the princely salary of S.OOOdol.. or something like £ 1,600! For this yearly income, which contrasts in a marked fashion with that drawn from the State by his English confrere (who has a salary of £7,000, besides being entitled to certain sub- stantial fees), he is required not merely to act as Public Prosecutor and standing counsel for the United States, but also to exercise a general supervision over the Federal judicial departments and executive officers. The Crown Prince of Denmark, who is going to Berlin, as it is supposed, as the bearer of an olive branch, is the brother of our own Queen. Since the affair of Schleswig- Holstein, some forty years ago, Denmark and Germany have not been on visiting terms, so the forthcoming meeting between Prince and Kaiser is of more than ordinary interest. Prince Christian is a fine-looking man of 59, who carries himself well, and bears a soldierly aspect. His tastes are chiefly literary, and it is said he could earn a good living as a jour- nalist. Prince Charles of Denmark, who mar- ried our King's daughter, Princess Maud, is his second son. Baron Shibusawa, Vice-Minister of Finance to Japan, has bad a. remarkable career. Very early he mapped out his life. At that time in Japan to enter the class of merchant and manufacturer was to lose "caste and to for- feit all social rank. But Shibusawa despised all such distinctions as empty, unjust, and dis- honouring to the nation. He made the sacri- fice, became a merchant, and sank to the level of a lower caste. Then he proudly uplifted that caste by his own deeds and by the deeds he inspired in others, until its members were called into the Emperor's Council Chamber, and Mutso-hito, one of the wisest of rulers, felt honoured in making them lords and peers of his realm. In referring to the latest creation of the North German Lloyd. Kaiser Wilhelm IL, which is destined to steam twenty-four knots an hour at an expenditure of forty thousand indicated horse-power, the "Shipping World" mentions a fact more startling than the state- ment that the vessel will burn seven hundred and fifty tons of coal per day, for we read that of the crew of six hundred which will be on board only forty-five are to be ordinary sailors, the large remainder being mechanics of various orders. The information is calcu- lated to make one wonder whether with the building of these mighty marine monsters the sailor is not being improved off the face of the earth. One of the most exclusive clubs in existence is the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes. It was originated by private enterprise, but was quickly taken up by the Sovereign as a reserve for the Navy, and has been under Royal patronage ever since. The King was Commodore for nineteen years, and retired on his accession to the Throne, when Lord Ormonde was elected in his place. The nucleus of the club is an old martello tower, which has been enlarged by modern additions. The whole is now very comfortable, and the situation is perfect. The number of mem- bers is about 250. As a rule, some twenty members are annually elected to fill places left vacant by death. It is a very unusual thing for a member to resign. Lord Col- ville is the doyen of the club. The following is a story of the King of Italy's simple and unassuming manners. A short time ago his Majesty was enjoying a country walk near Ruccarigo, and, feeling very thirsty, he personally asked a peasant woman who was milking a cow by her roadside cottage for a glass of milk. "I can't give you this," said the woman, not knowing who it was that addressed her, "but if you will mind the cow I will fetch you one from the house." The King joyously agreed, and minded the cow until she came back with the promised milk. When will fetch you one from the house." The King joyously agreed, and minded the cow until she came back with the promised milk. When she returned he asked her why no farm hands were about. "They've all gone to catch a glimpse of the King," she answered. "Well, little mother, you can see him now," replied the King, "and that, too, without leaving your work." At this she laughed, thinking this democratic, simple garbed stranger was trying to jest with her. The King laughed, too, as he saw how she deceived herself. Then. pressing a coin into her hand for the milk, he sauntered off. Mr. Frederick Stow, who has just given the sum of £10,000 towards the founding of a South African College in Cape Colony, was at one time a solicitor, and also a barrister, in that country, which combination of profes- sions was allowed at that time. After the annexation of Griqualand he practised for I some time at Kimberley, where he was also a life director of De Beers. After some years there, having been by his own wish bought I out of his directorship of the mines, he moved on to Cape Town, where he bought the property of Wynberg from Captain Spense, and subsequently selling it to Mr. Robinson, the millionaire, who lives in Park-lane. Mr. Stow, who married a Cape Town lady, a Miss Hewitt, now lives at Blackdown House, in Sussex. It is a beautiful old mansion of the Elizabethan period, which he has most carefully restored without spoiling it in any way. He has a large family; is a great golfer, and he is spoken of by those who know him intimately as an extremely reserved, quiet, and accomplished man. His library in Black- down House is one of the most valuable in the county. Madame Sarah Bernhardt gave recently at Geneva a very interesting conference or lecture upon "The Theatre and Its Influence." Madame Bernhardt confesses herself, without reserve, on the side of the vox populi vox Dei theory in art: "the crowd, impersonal, im- pulsive, instinctive—in a question" of art the crowd is never wrong." "I am passionately fond of all the arts," she says, "but of them all I prefer the theatre, because the theatre gives room for them all. Painting, sculpture, music, all have their place there." Of the inspiring quality of the theatre, its power to call forth that touch of nature which makes the whole world kin, she gives an interesting example in a war dance of the Iroquois Indians, which was once performed for her benefit in Canada. The savagery, the hatred of Europeans expressed in this, was so human that it seemed to the actress to form a terrible indictment of the conquering race who could have inspired such passionate detestation. Its sincerity justified not only its ferocity as a performance, but the sullen hatred in the national spirit which that performance con- veyed."

MORE WAR COSTS. EIGHT MILLIONS FOR THE NEW COLONIES. In the House of Commons on Tuesday, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Ritchie) asked the House to agree to the fol- lowing resolution:—" That this House will to- morrow resolve itself into a Committee to con- sider the Supply to be granted to his Majesty." He admitted that this proposal was of an exceptional character, but maintained that it was justified by very exceptional circum- stances. The exceptional circumstances were connected with the terms of surrender arrived at with the Boer leaders at the conclusion of the war. One of those terms was that there the war. One of those terms was that there should be £3.000.000 given to the Boers for the purpose of repatriation and certain other kin- dred purposes. The reason why the Govern- ment did not come earlier to the House for this money was that it was thought this grant was not to come out of the Imperial Exchequer, but would be a part of any Trans- vaal loan floated on behalf of South Africa, i But the Boer leaders had urged upon the Government that that would not be a com- pliance with the spirit of the terms agreed upon. It was urged, and he thought with some force, that for a free gift by his Majesty's Government, the money must be found by the Government, not out of a loan, but out of the revenues of the United Kingdom. (Opposition. cheers.) The Government, therefore, had re- considered the matter, and thought it was incumbent on them to avoid giving the Boers anything like a legitimate ground of grievance. They believed they were acting most in accord- ance with the general feeling of the people of this country in taking this step. They, therefore, asked Parliament to authorise the payment of this £3,000.000 out of the revenues of the United Kingdom. Then he was sure the House would not be satisfied with any arrangement that gave a considerable sum of money to the Boers for repatriation if a similar sum of money was not given to the loyalists for similar purposes. (Hear, hear.) After consideration, the Government had come to the conclusion that they ought to ask that £2.000,000 should be voted for the loyalists. (Cheers.) It followed that this £2,000.000 would also come out of the revenues of the United Kingdom. One of he terms of surrender was that a certain sum should be advanced to both Boers and loyalists at a low rate of interest for purposes of re- settling. That sum would legitimately come out of any Transvaal loan when that loan was put upon the market. The Government did not consider the present a favourable time to float a Trans- vaal and Orange River Colony loan, but they hoped that in the spring a much more favourable opportunity would arise. He hoped the House would agree that the excep- tional course he now asked them to take was justified by the exceptional circumstances. (Ministerial cheers.) Mr. GIBSON BOWLES (U., King's Lynn) amid Opposition cheers said the demand for supply of money to the Crown should come in the form of a King's Speech or a special Royal message signed by the King's own hand. Such formality was a testimony of respect that the Sovereign owed to the House of Commons. (Hear. hear.) It was not right that a demand for money should be made in this informal and slovenly way. (Opposition cheers.) He could not accept the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement that his speech as a Minister of the Crown was sufficient to oust the necessity for a proper message from the King. (Cheers.) This Supply was not asked for in May because the Government had misunderstood the terms of the peace they had made with the Boers. A recent Standing Order of the House enacted that the Committee of Supply should be set up at the beginning of each session, and the consideration of grievances had to precede the granting of Supplies, and at the end of the session the whole of Supply was appropriated in the Appropriation Act. Now, the Appropriation Act was passed in August, and they could not pass two Appropriation Acts in one session. Constitutional autho- rities' were all against such a course as that now suggested. It was not only contrary to all the practice and customs of the House of Commons, but' it was calcu- lated to destroy and abolish the power of the House of Commons in controlling the national finances. (Cheers.) Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT. whose rising was greeted with loud Opposition cheers, remarked that it was refreshing to hear Constitutional doctrines preached from the Benches of the Constitutional party. While he did not deny that we in this age had as much right to create precedents as our predecessors, yet he thought that in matters of finance, which lay at the root of all good government, we ought to have respect for the practices that had been invariably followed for centuries. At this time, when the expenditure of the country was unprecedentedly high, we ought to be exceedingly careful of any devia- tion from the practice which the House had established for regulating and controlling finance. The Government submitted that their motion was justified by exceptional circumstances. What were those "exceptional circumstances"? All the cir- cumstances which were known to the Govern- ment now were perfectly well known to them before the Appropriation Bill of this year was passed. (Hear, hear.) The terms of peace were known in the month of May, while the Appropriation Bill was not brought in until August. From May to August the Govern- ment were in possession of all the circum- stances upon which they now founded this remarkable motion. Why was this motion not made then? (Opposition cheers.) As he had always maintained, the whole cost of this war—every penny of it-would fall upon the British taxpayer. (Opposition cheers.) The Government were endeavouring now in the month of November to rectify the blunders they made in June and July. The Government got power to borrow millions on the representation that it would be refunded by the Transvaal out of a loan, but now, having borrowed the money, they were refusing to carry out their obligations to the House. He suspected very much that this change of attitude was not due so much to the difficulties raised by the Boers as to the refusal by the Transvaal mineowners to bear any charge. (Opposition cheers.) While he agreed that this country must keep faith with the Boers, he regretted that the Govern- ment had entirely misled the House and had placed the House in the ridiculous position in which it appeared that night. The taxpayers of this country, too, had been deluded by the statement that this was a charge that would not fall upon them. (Oppo- sition cheers.) The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, in reply, stated that the speech of Sir William Harcourt was not germane to the question of procedure, and would be more appropriate when they came to consider the merits of the demand for money in Committee of Supply. In vindicating the proceedings of the Govern- ment against the criticisms of Mr. Gibson Bowles. Mr. Ritchie contended that he had con- veyed the message to the House that the Crown needed more supply and had thereby fulfilled all the constitutional requirements. He contended that the terms of surrender would have been amply satisfied if they had taken this money out of a loan. After July, however, it came to the knowledge of the Government that the Boers had understood this term to mean that the money was to come out of the Imperial Exchequer and be a free gift. Therefore, in order to avoid any misunderstanding or sense of grievance, the Government thought it better not to ask the Boers, but to ask the British taxpayer, to pay it. (Hear, hear.) The Government hoped to establish among the Boers a feeling of friend- ship and co-operation. If Sir William Har- court and his friends were in office they would do exactly the same. (Cheers.) The resolution proposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer was then agreed to. THE NEW ESTIMATES. A Parliamentary White Paper issued on Tuesday gives particulars of the Additional Civil Service Estimate of £8.000,000 required as a grant in aid to the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies for expenses consequent upon the termination of the war. Three millions are required for grants to burghers, as promised in the terms of surrender, and £2,000,000 are required for grants to other persons in respect of war losses in the two Colonies. This sum is to be charged to Imperial funds. The remain- ing £3,000.000 are required for the loans pro- mised in the terms of surrender to aid settlers in the new Colonies. These loans are to be made by the Colonial Governments out of their own funds. The present provision is required merely as a temporary advance to enable the Colonial Governments to proceed with the loans until the necessary funds can be raised on their own behalf.

THE KING AND IRELAND. The London correspondent of the Irish Daily Independent" learns on reliable authority that the visit of the Lord-Lieutenant to Buckingham Palace is connected with the decision the King has arrived at to visit Ire- land next April. "Meantime, coercion is to be slowed down."

MR. CARNEGIE AND BELFAST. Belfast Corporation on Monday unani- mously accepted the offer of £15,000 from Mr. Andrew Carnegie towards the erection of three branch libraries on condition that the library rate was increased by one half-penny in the pound.

UNIVERSAL POSTAGE STAMP. The annual statement of the United States Assistant Postmaster-General recommends the adoption of a parcels post convention with the various European countries and the test with other countries of a universal IItuQ ¡aIu.

MAYOR OF CARDIFF COUNCILLOR EDWD. THOMAS ("COCHFARF") SELECTED, A meeting of the Cardiff Town Council, sit- ting as a. general purposes committee, was held on Monday. Nearly the whole of the I members were present, and the new members received the congratulations of their friends. The mayor (Mr. F. J. Beavan) was applauded as he took his seat. Alderman Jacobs said that, according to the agenda, the first business was to consider the mayoralty and to fix a salary for the office. He (Alderman Jacobs) thought it would be much fairer to fix the salary first. He moved a resolution to that effect. Alderman Beavan seconded the motion. which was carried. Alderman Trounce then moved that the salary for the ensuing yeaar be £ 1,000. Last year the amount was fixed at JBL500. because there were certain important events, such as the Coronation, the Bate festivities, and the return of the troops from the war. The Mayoi: The sum of .£500 was set apart for one event only. Alderman Trounce said that when he moved the resolution he intended the addition to cover the whole of the events he had named. Mr. J. W. Courtis seconded the resolution, because he considered that was a generous provision to make for the mayor of Cardiff. Mr. Good moved as an amendment that the salary be JB500. Mr. Robert Bird seconded, but reserved to himself the right to vote as he thought fit after the discussion. Years ago the salary was £300. out of which JE200 wag spent upon an insensate banquet. He admitted that he had not resisted the temptation tc give a. banquet, and he had regretted it ever since. Time was when the Town-hal] would accommodate all the principal ratepayers in "the town, but now the Pa.-k-hall, or several Park-hails, woujd not hold them. The result was that the mayor created a number of enemies on the first day of his office. Mr. S. O. Williams: As the only indepen- dent repre3entative in this room I rise (Laughter.) Well, there are Unionists and Liberals and Labour representatives here, but I think I am the only independent. (Laughter.) Mr. Williams spoke strongly in favour of the resolution, stating that no man could carry out the duties of the office honourably to the citizens on a less sum than £ 1,500. Mr. T. Andrews, as a representative of a working class ward, argued in favour of £ 1.500. He had had experience of the office, and did not think any man who had served the town honestly should be deprived of the honour because the salary was not sufficient. Mr. Veall opposed the amendment on the ground that Cardiff was now a much larger place than it was when Mr. R. Bird was mayor. At the same time he thought £1,000 was quite sufficient The amendment was lost, only three voting for it. Mr. T. Andrews moved another amendment- that the salary shoud be fixed at £ 1,500. It was quite possible that the Prince of Wales would come to Cardiff during the year, and that would entail considerable expense upon the mayor. Mr. F. A. Fox seconded He felt amused at the amendment that sought to place a golden bar against the admission of working men to the chair. The proposal that came from on of the members for Oat-hays would certainly debar such a man from becoming mayor. The duties of the mayoralty could not be carried out on Cl,000 unless the man who took it had an ample banking account to draw upon. He should be sorry to see that, after twelve years' service, Mr. E. Thomas was placed in such a •MR-3 I de- position that he could not take the office. He hoped that those who boasted that they wished to see a. working-man rise to the highest posi- tion that his abilities and services entitled him to would not vote against the proposal. The amendments to vote less than jEI.500 were simply efforts to preach economy at the expense of a poor man. How many supported the amendment for £500.- Mr. Good (heatedly): That is not the point! The Mayor appealed to members to restrain themselves. Mr. W. S. Crossman asked why the name of the senior member (Mr. S. Mildon) waa not mentioned. Alderman Ramsdale said that he was authorised to say that Mr. Mildon would not accept the mayoralty upon any condition. If £00,000 were voted he would not imperil his life. Mr. Veall opposed the amendment, and did so ae one of the poorer members of the corpo- ration. He thought £1.000 was an ample salary upon which to maintain the dignity of the office. The danger was that by fixing a high salary in ordinary years it would be used as an argument for raising it still higher when they had a busy year Mr. Sessions supported the proposal to vote zilooo. Alderman Carey supported Mr. Andrews's amendment. They did not want to place a man in such a position that he had to hang his head down because he could not do as men of wealth had done. It would require .£1,500 to meet the appeals for charity in the town. Mr. J. Jenkins was in favour of £ 1,500. He thought tne opposition to that proposal was an attempt to put a spoke in the wheel of Mr. E. Thomas. (Cries of "No. no.") Mr. Jenkins: What I have said I have said. (Loud laughter.) Alderman Carey: What is your name, sir. (Loud laughter.) Mr. Fox: Chamberlain. (Renewed laughter.) Mr. Morgan Thomas protested upon principle against the mayor's salary being given away in subscriptions for religious purposes. It ought to be devoted to charities and public functions, although he most say that in the past money had been wasted upon public func- tions. They had accepted the hospitality of previous mayors, but at the same time they should be careful as to how they spent the public money. He would not rest under the stigma uttered by Mr. Fox, but at the same time he should not support the proposal to give £1,500, as he thought £1,000 was a sum- cient amount. Mr. Chappell supported £ 1,500. Mr. Good protested against £1,500. He still thought that JB500 was a sufficient amount upon which to fulfil the duties of the office. To spend more was a gross waste and alto- gether unnecessary He thought that mayors should keep a debtor and creditor pf count, show what had been done with the i ,ney, and hand over the balance at the end of the year. At present they voted money, and did not know whether it was spent or not. He could not understand why Mr. Fox now resumed his abandoned posi- tion of Labour candidate. In answer to Mr. S. O. Williams, the Town- clerk said that there was nothing against making additions to the mayor's salary dur- ing the year, but it was always considered inadvisable. Mr. Robert Bird thought that £1,000 was an ample salary. No mayor should give money to sectarian purposes. If the mayor wanted to give anything to bazaars he should do it out of his own pocket. Mr. Blow pointed out that in the course of the year there were numerous events that were not anticipated. The proposal that the salary should be jEl.500 was put, but rejected, eight voting for it. The proposal to fix the salary at £1.000 was carried, three voting against it. The Mayor announced that the mayoralty for the coming year was the next business. Mr. Good: We ought to have a written statement from Mr. Mildon. (Cries of dissent.) Alderman Ramsdale: Why cannot you accept the truth? Alderman Jones was present when he told me. Mr. Jenkins: He has told me the same. The matter was then put to the ballot, and the voting was:- Mr. E. Thomas 31 Mr. W. Evans 4 Mr. S. Mildon 1 Mr. Good 1 The Mayor then said that be was delighted to intimate to Mr. i tiomas that he was, so far as that committee was ooncerned. chosen by a. large majority for the mayoralty for the coming year. Mr. E. Thomas, in reply, said that. as senior member of the council, except Mr. Mildon (whose illness he regretted), he accepted the office, and thanked the com- mittee for their action. He had determined that, if the choice fell upon him, he would do his best to fulfil the duties, feeling that every member of the council would do his iMst to Mkt hit z-r of ofAoe. fuoMiafol.

LAUGH & GROW FAT HUMOUROUS PARS FROM EVERYWHERE. HAD HIS WITS ABOUT HIM. The presence of mind of a certain well- known actor was always very remarkable, but was never put to so severe a test as on the following occasion. While acting the part of a. pirate chief he was being conveyed in a vessel across the stage, with his band of brigands on deck beside him. One of the supers, whose duty jt was to work the waves under large sheets of gauze, was so unfortunate as to put his head through the gauze, and to appear standing in the middle of the mimic sea before the full view of the audience. The actor on the vessel, without losing his presence of mind, called out. "A man over- board!" and the astonished super was hauled upon deck by the pirates amidst the applause of the spectators, who imagined it was a part of the play. A CANINE MARTYR. Professor Fitz at one time possessed a very large number of performing animals, but financial losses had compelled him to part with them all but his faithful dog Dupe, which he said he would not sell at any price, although he was starving. One day he was passing a meat pie shop, where a pie-making machine was being worked, and being almost famished he told the dog to go and get him a pie. The faithful animal, who was too honest to steal one, immediately rushed into the shop, jumped into the machine, and re turned to his master in a few seconds in the form of a large meat pie. HE KNEW THE REASON. A certain Irishman, whom we will call Pat, had just got married, and, as he had not a clock, he thought he would buy one that he had seen for sale. Of course, he was not used to winding clocks; never having seen one wound rp, he naturally thought it would go on keeping time for ever. But one day the clock stopped, being only an eight-day clock. This surprised Pat. so he opened the door to see what ailed it. on which he saw a dead mouse. "Arrah, Bridget," says he; "I know why the clock has stopped. It's because the engine-driver is dead." COMMON-SENSE. The difference between common sense and mathematics was illustrated in a remark which was made in a school the other day. It was the mental arithmetic class. The master asked Smith:- "Which would you rather have, half an apple or eight-sixteenths of an apple?" "Wouldn't make any difference," said Smith. "Why not?" Eight-sixteenths and one-half are the same." At this reply, Jones, who was sitting near, sniffed scornfully. The master heard him. "Well, Jones," said he, "don't you agree with Smith?" "No, sir," said Jones; "I'd much sooner have one-half an apple." "And why please?" "More juice. Cut up half an apple into eight-sixteenths, and you'd loose half the juice doing it!" NO GOOD. "Glad you like the house, sir. It Is cer- tainly a gem, and worth twice as much as I ask for it." "The place suits me exactly. How are the neighbours?" "Nicest people in the neighbourhood, sir; couldn't find a finer situation; most refined society, and as for health, sir, why, it is the healthiest spot in the whole world, sir. Whv. it's an actual fact that there has not been a case of sickness here for five years." "Gracious! It won't do then." "Won't do?" "No, that it certainly won't; I am a physician." A GOOD CHARACTER. The following is a verbatim copy of a. written character that recently came under our notice:—"The baroair, Mrs. Eliza Crump, is of grate respectability, and his a most ex- celent dummystick in a confidant capacity. She nose all sorts of cookary and gets up plane linen. She 'as lived ate years in her last place, and bare a himmingpeachable carroter. She is perfectly sober, and never drinks nothing but what does her good. She will be found a great accusation for a house- keeper to a singel gentleman, or would shute a widerwer. The ladey where she last lived gives her this carrotter, and never would have parted from her, but she goes on the con- tenant." MOST INFORMAL. John Barry was mayor of Cromwell, New Zealand, when, in the prosperous time of gold digging, it was the headquarters of the diggers. He was not a. reputable person, but he was muscular, and keim the turbulent population in order. On one occasion he applied to the council for a fortnight's leave of absence that he might visit Dunedin. It was granted. Barry overstayed his leave, and the council, being offended thereby, passed a vote of censure on him. On arriving home, Barry attended the next meeting of the council, over which he pre- sided. The minutes of the previous meeting were read. in which ooourred the entry, "a vote of censure was passed on the mayor for overstaying his leave." "Who proposed that vote?" demanded the mayor. "I did." said the councillor, standing up. John stepped from the president's chair, walked up to the member, and saying, "Then take that!" felled him to the ground. "Who seconded the resolution?" asked the mayor resuming his seat in the chair. No one answered. "Then," said the mayor, "as there was no seconder, I need hardly say that it's informal. Mr. Clerk, scratch it off the minutes."

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. Preliminary examinations for eleven free open scholarships at the Royal College of Music will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 1903, in various local centres throughout the United Kingdom. Those candidates only who may be selected at these preliminary examinations will be allowed to attend the final competition for the scholarships before the director and board of professors at the college in London about February 20. Official forms of application t08 enter for these scholarships may be obtained at the college. No such application form can be accepted if received after Monday, the 29th of December, 1902. The scholarships will be allotted as follows: -Composition, 1; pianoforte, 2; sing- ing (one male and two females), 3; organ, 1; violin, 3; violoncello, 1. The scholarships are open to all classes within certain ages and are obtainable by competitive examination only. They entitle the holder to a thorough and systematic free education at the college only in theoretical and practical music, and are, as a rule, tenable for a period of three years, Last year a Cardiff student gained one of these scholarships, which are of the value of JB40.

RATES OF POSTAGE. The Postmaster-General (Mr. Austen Cham- berlain, M.P.) has consented to receive a depu- tation, organised by the London Chamber of Commerce, to-morrow, with reference to certain suggestions for reform in regard to the present rates of postage charged upon periodical publications or newspapers which are not already registered at the General Post-office as newspapers. The deputation will include representatives from the Cham- bers of Commerce of London, Liverpool, Man- chester, Walsall, Plymouth, Newport (Mon.), BJaekburn, and Aberdeen, and a number of publishers, magazine proprietors, advertisers, and owners or editors of trade, literary, scien- tific, and other journals.

THE NEW BISHOP OF MELBOURNE. The Rev. H. Lowther Clarke, vicar of Huddersfield, was in St. Paul's Cathedral on Saturday consecrated Bishop of Melbourne. The Primate celebrated the Holy Communion, and the Archdeacon of Manchester delivered the sermon. The Bishops of Winchester, Bath and Wells, and Wakefield also took part. The new bishop had much desired to be con- secrated in York Minster, but legal authorities stated it could not be legally done.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. Mr. Morant, of the Education Department, has been selected to succeed Sir George Keke- wich as secretary of the department. Sir George Kekewich has retired under the age limit. Mr. Morant has had a great deal to do with the new Education Bill, and is an edu- cationist with considerable reputation for ability and earnestness in educational matters.

MR. STOLL'S LONDON HOUSES. The licensing committee of the London County Council on Monday recommended the granting of a music and dancing licence to Mr. Oswald Stoll, in respect of the Shepherd's Bush Empire Palace, subject to the theatre being erected in accordance with the plans which have been approved by the council. The committee also recommended the renewal of the licenoe of the Hackney Empire Palace.

EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY. The result of the Edinburgh University rec- torial election, which was made known at noon on Saturday, is as follows: — Sir R. Finlay 916 I Sir E. Grey. 621 Molarity iar Bix B, Fial*r. 295

LIST OF HONOURS. NUMBER OF NEW KNIGHT- HOODS CONFERRED. The King has been pleased to confer the dignity of Knight Bachelor upon the follow- ing gentlemen:— Colonel James Gildea, C.B.. C.V.O. Lieutenant-colonel F. Harrison, of the Engi- neer and Railway Volunteer Staff Corps. Lieutenant-colonel C. J. Owens, of the Engi- neer and Railway Volunteer Staff Corps. J. P. Fitzpatrick, Esq. Chailes Hampden Wigram, Esq, Henry Hall Scott, Esq. George Farran, Esq., D.S.O. Colonel Gildea, who commanded the 6th Royal Warwickshire Regiment from 1890 to 1898, is well known for his connection with benevolent work on behalf of the Army and Na/vy^ particularly with the Soldiers and Sailors' Families Association, which he founded, and of which he is chairman, trea- surer, and one of the trustees. Over half a million sterling was subscribed to and administered by the association during the first year of the war. Colonel Gildea ha.s also taken an active part in the St. John Ambu- lance Association, and in many other direc- tions has rendered honorary service in the cause of philanthropy and beneficence. Mr. F. Harrison is the general manager of the London and North Western Railway, and has been prominently associated with the recently-established Engineer and Railway Volunteer Staff Corps. Mr. Harrison com- menced his career as a railwayman on the old Monmouthshire Railway, which was sub- sequently taken over by the Great Western Railway Company. Subsequently he trans- ferred his services to the London and North Western Company, and ultimately rose to his present position, which he has now held for many years. Mr. Charles John Owens is an equally well- known figure in the railway world, having succeeded Sir Charles Scotter as general manager of the London and South Western Railway at the beginning of 1898. In that capacity Mr. Owens has been largely respon- sible for the highly satisfactory working of the railway facilities in connection with the despatch of troops to and from Southampton during the recent war and since the conclu- sion of peace. He holds the rank of lieu- tenant-colonel in the Engineer and Railway Volunteer Staff Corps, and is also a member of the Army Railway Council. Mr. George Farrar was formerly a captain in the Kaffrarian Rifles, and served during the African War. MILITARY APPOINTMENTS. The "London Gazette" on Friday night also contained a number of appointments to the Order of the Bath, promotions in the Army, and the grant of the medal for distinguished conduct in the field to officers and soldiers in recognition of their services during the operations in South Africa. The Knight Grand Crose of the Bath is con- ferred on Lieutenant-general Lord Methuen, and K.C.B. on Major-general Mildmay Willson Willson. To be lieutenant-generals for distinguished service in the field: Major-general Sir John French and Major-general Sir Ian Hamilton. To be major-generals: Colonel Sir Elliot Wood, Lieutenant-colonel Kekewich, and Lieu- tenant-colonel Plumer. The K.C.B. is conferred on Major-general Robert Macgregor Stewart and Major-general William Salmond for services in connection with South Africa elsewhere than in that country. The Order of K.C.M.G. is also conferred on Sir John French, and C.M.G. on Mr. Seton Karr, M.P., Mr. C. T. Trimble, and Mr. J. F. .r 011P" Lord Lovat, of Lovat's Scouts, is appointed a Companion of the Bath. Amongst the appointments to the Order of St. Michael and St. George are Colonel Viscount Coke, Lieutenant-colonel Royston (2nd Imperial Light Horse), the Rev. Father Hecht, Civil- surgeon Tyndale, Civil-surgeon Langley Hunt, 0. Cresswell Clarke, Esq., A. Shepstone, Esq., and W. F. Tucker, Esq. LOCAL HONOURS. The "Gazette" on Friday also contained the following, The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments, promotions, Ac., in recognition of services during the operations in South Africa, to bear date August 22 last, viz.:— THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY. To be Companion of the D.S.O.—Captain Hugh Beaumont Burnaby, 18th Battalion. To have the Distinguished Conduct Medal.— Corporal J. Townsend, 1st Battalion. ROYAL ENGINEERS (MILITIA). To have the Distinguished Conduct Medal.- Lance-corporal J. Stanton, RoyaJ Monmouth Royal Engineers. LINE BATTALIONS. THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. To be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.—Lieutenant Robert William Bradley. To be Brevet-lieutenant-colonel.—Major J. H. Du B. Travers. To have the Distinguished Conduct Medal.— Sergeant W. Potter. THE WELSH REGIMENT. To be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.—Captain William Edmond Logan Stewart. To be Brevet-major.ca.ptain F. H. Howe. To have the Distinguished Conduct Medal.— Sergeant G. Cuthbertson and Sergeant J. Gil- more. MILITIA INFANTRY. 3RD BATTALION THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. To be Brevet-major.—Captain G. H. Grant. To have the Distinguished Conduct MedaL— Colour-sergeant J. Griffiths. 3RD BATTALION THE WELSH REGIMENT. To be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.—Captain and Honorary-major Alfred Thrale Perkins. To have the Distinguished Conduct Medal.— Colour-sergeant J. Fidler.

SIR EDWARD REED'S ILLNESS DISQUIETING SYMPTOMS EX- PERIENCED. The following copy of a letter addressed on Tuesday by fii.i' reward Reed, member for Cardiff, to Mr. M'Arthur, the Liberal Whip, has been sent to us for publication: — Eastbourne (for Broadway-chambers, Westminster), Nov. 3rd, 1902. My dear M'Arthur,—I am truly grieved to be again obliged to request you to kindly endeavour to pair me for a week or two, and I think I ought to explain to you why. It is entirely a question of health, of course. I returned from the Continent on the 25th ult., with my general health much improved, and with some substantial improvement in respect of the dominant trouble that has afflicted me for many weeks past. This consists in a oertain weakening, as is pre- sumed, of the blood vessels of the head, which any severe straining, such as that of hard coughing, for example, tends to overpower. In two instances, when almost well in other respects, I have in this way, and quite sud- denly and unexpectedly, lost consciousness altogether, and come back to it but slowly; and it is a common occurrence for me to become, after strain or, rather, during strain, so dazed and powerless as to be sure that I have but barely escaped a worse condition. As a single case of excessive straining might at any moment carry me too far to return, I have but one course open to me, and that is to avoid for a time, and especially at this season of the year, all those things which I know by experience to bring on, or risk the bringing on, of severe strain of the blood vessels of the head, and I'm sorry to say that attendance at the House of Commons sittings and divisions, even by day, is among theee things, while from attendance at night I am, from the same cause, actually debarred. As I find that intervals of rest and care do bring about substantial improvement, I am hopeful of a better state of things arising ere very long, and it is for this reason that I feel that I need not take any greater step than that of asking you to kindly keep me paired, if you can. until I can make a better report. Regretting the trouble I give you.—I am, my dear M'Arthur, yours very truly (Signed), E. J. REED.

SHIPPING SUBSIDIES. The Select Committee of the House of Com- mons on Shipping Subsidies, which is pre- sided over by Mr. Evelyn Cecil, have entered upon the consideration of their report. Since the Committee closed its inquiry last summer, the situation with which they had to deal has been modified in an important degree by the agreement between the Govern- ment and the Cunard Steamship Company, giving the latter a loan for the building of two great steamers of surpassing speed and a subsidy of £150.000 per annum. This, of eourse, has to be taken into account in the drawing up of the report, which is in the hands of the member for Aston.

JUDGE'S ADVICE TO LITIGANTS. In the Divorce Court on Tuesday Mrs. Fanny I Jacobs, a South London milliner, was granted a deoree of judicial separation (and the custody of the children of the marriage) on the ground of the cruelty of her husband, Mr. Henry Lewis Jacobs, a tailor. Mr. Justice Barnes commented on the fact that the case had lasted a considerable time owing to the respondent conducting his case in person. His lordship said this always caused a great waste of time.

RAPHAEL'S Almanac 1903. Contains hints to Farmers and Gardeners, Birthday Informa- tion. When to buy, sell, speculate, court, marry, Ac. Price 6d., by post 7d. Foulsham, 4, Pil*rim-«treet, S.CL. and aU Stationer*. w62

MINOR MATTERS. POLICE-COURT AND OTHER PICKINGS. The Cowbridge Borough Fire Brigade ka* just been inspected by the mayor and m bers of the council. Dr. T. A. Davies. M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P-. waa Tuesday appointed assistant house-surge to the Newport and Monmouthshire Hospi • A woman named Elizabeth Stanley of her bedroom window in Ebenezer-stre Swansea, on Tuesday, and injured her head- The body of the late Mr. L. L. VanderP^J' solicitor, Swansea (of the firm of Ingled » Sons, and Vanderpump), is to be cremated Woking during the present week. Mr. Humphrey Owen Jones, B.A., Dexno118^^ tor of Natural Experimental Philosophy. been elected a Fellow of Clare College, CaJ» bridge. t Some trucks became derailed on the GreBo Western Railway at Cross Keys on Tuesday blocking the line for some time. working was arranged until the line had cleared. The new Tenby lifeboat William and Devey was launched on a trial trip on Tuesday during a strong south-east breeze. The launc was successfully performed, and the b° behaved splendidly. Through the kindness of Mr. Wilson Ba £ rett a few of the workers of the Institute for the Blind enjoyed the perform- ance of "The Silver King" at the Theatre Royal on Saturday afternoon. An inquest was held at Bridgend on Saturday on the body of Thomas Bryant, who was dead in a stable on Friday. According } medical evidence, death resulted from cardll- failure. Deceased was 56 years of age. A slight collision between an electric and a railway lorry took place in Cardiff, on Tuesday evening. The front of the car was broken and the front slight* damaged, necessitating its being put away a* the depot. The lorry was not damaged. At Hirwain on Monday evening a social held as a welcome home to Private Ha*" Hopkins on his return from South Africa- Private Hopkins, who was with the 1st Sberj wood Foresters (Derbyshire Regiment), seven years' foreign and active service to credit. At the close of the morning service "t Bethel Presbyterian Church, Court-road • Cadoxton-Barry, on Sunday the Rev. J. Lewi* Jenkins, the pastor, announced that h« received a donation of £ 200 from a Nort" Wales gentleman towards the building of the chapel. Luke Brown, a soldier in No. 4 Depot of tbO Royal Field Artillery, quartered at Newp^r" Barracks, who was recently tried by coarto martial for deserting and losing his clothing has now been sentenced to 56 days' imprisoO* ment with hard labour at the Devonpotl Military Prison. Major R. Williams Wynn, Master of the Flint and Denbigh Hounds, has instructed veterinary surgeon of St. Asaph to vaoeinaw hounds and puppies against distemper. This is the first pack in the country to be vaccj' nated against distemper, and the result W'H be watched with interest. An inquest was held at the Marine HoteL Southerndown, on Tuesday afternoon on the body of David Davies, farm labourer, 57 years of age, who fell down when ploughing a fie' at Tymaen Farm, Ogmore, on the previous day and died in a few hours. Dr. Thorn3,8' Bridgend, said death was due to natural causes. Verdict accordingly. A new Welsh society has been established in Merthyr under the title of Cymdeitha* Cymreigyddion, Merthyr." Mr. E. (Gwemyfed) was elected president; Mr. D. ?' Williams and the Rev. E. Isaac, vice-presi* dents; Mr. E. Price (Cynog) and Mr. B. Jonet (Merthyrfab), secretaries; and Mr. J. *• Bowen, treasurer. At the weekly meeting of the MerthT* Board of Guardians Mr. Pearcey, the workhouse master, reported the serious i" ness of Miss M-arths Davies, of Llandovery* one of the nurses, who on Thursday took some oxalic acid for Epsom salts. She was lyinl. he said, in a very precarious condition, but. Dr. Ward was hopeful of her recovery. At Bridgend Police-court on Saturday Man* Smith, a good-looking single young woman from Aberkenfig, prosecuted Joseph Thomas* moulder, of the same place, for attempting to commit a criminal assault upon her 011 October 22.—Defendant was fined £ 4, the charge being reduced to one of common assault. At a meeting held at the Town-hall, Pontf" pool, under the presidency of Mr. J. J. Harms* ton (in the absence of Dr. J. R Essex, it waa unanimously decided to present Cap* tain Percy Probyn, D.S.O., R.A.M.C., with a gold watch, publicly subscribed for, as a recog- nition of his excellent services in connectJpt1 with the South African ca.mpaigu. The preon. tation is fixed to take plaoe on the 18th iust. The Swansea Medical Practitioners' !Lsaoow tion held a meeting on Monday for the p^ pose of considering their position with regal4 to the Friendly Societies of the town. The doctors have demanded an advance of feeS. but their negotiations with the societies so far have failed, and a deadlock is expected. societies threaten to form a medical corps and dispensary of their own. At the monthly meeting of the Parish Council at Maesycwmmer, Mr. David Jones presiding, a letter from the General Post Office was read intimating that, in COn" sequence of recent alterations in telegraph circuits, its has been found possible to reduce the maximum liability of the council to £1 per annum. A resolution condemning reactionary character of the Education Bill was unanimously carried. St. Mary's Church, Whitchurch, was on snn" day for the first time lit with gas, the whole of the cost having been defrayed by Mr. Charles Morgan, Brynhyfryd (the viW Is warden). Mr. Morgan takes great interest in the Church, and always contributes liberally when called upon. With the improved light the beauty of the interior is rendered more striking, the fittings being in keeping with the delicacy of the ornamentation. During the holding of Carnarvon Assize* Mr. Justice Bucknill paid a surprise visit to Carnarvon Prison, and, as there were among the prisoners several good vocalists, Mr. E. T. Hall, the governor, arranged that at the chapel service they should sing some well" known hymn tunes. "Huddersfield" and "Ton y Botel" were chosen, and so excellently were they rendered that his lordship expressed hiØli seif greatly pleased with the performance of the prisoners. A meeting of the creditors of Ellen Nasb* widow, clothes dealer, 4, Lancaster-place. Merthyr, was held on Friday at the offices Of the Official Receiver at Merthyr. The debtor's statement of affairs showed-liabilities- E64 19s.; assets, nil. She attributed hef failure to judgment being given against bet in a slander action tried at the last Glamor- ganshire Assizes, when the plaintiff was awarded L5 damages and costs. A well-attended meeting of ratepayers was held at Abertillery on Monday evening, Mr- William Lewis, chairman of the district coun- cil, presiding, to confirm or otherwise the scheme for the promotion of the Western Valleys Sewerage Bill (Main Trunk) ,for *JIO formation of a joint board.—The resolution pledging Abertillery to support the scheme was passed by 111 votes to 41.-Stubborn opPO' sition was offered by Mr. S. N. Jones and others, whilst Mr. William Brace and Mr. p. W. Raffan were equally warm insupporting the scheme. Wm. Rhys Williams, farmer, Pantrhiw Gocb. Marshfield, was summoned at Newport County Police-court on Saturday for causing twenty sheep to be moved into the county without the necessary declaration. Arising out of the same case, Walter Treharne, stationmaster at Marshfield, was summoned for allowing the sheep to be moved. It was stated that the sheep were bought by the defendant William* at Highworth, Wiltshire, and removed to Marshfield by train on the 6th of October. As a matter of fact, Treharne was not on duty at the time of the removal.—The Bench Williams 20s., and Treharne 10s. The tenants of the Ewenny Estate and the pariahioners of Ewenny on Monday presented Lieutenant Ivor Pioton Warlow, 1st Gordon Highlanders, who has just returned from South Africa, with an illuminated address. silver cup, and a silver cigarette case suitably inscribed. The Rev. T. D. Bevan made tbe presentation. Afterwards Mr. Wilfred pioton Warlow, who has recently passed the Army examination, was made the recipient of silver cigarette case, ae also was Private Thomas Williams, who has also been at front. Colonel and Mrs. Turbervill afterward entertained the company to supper, and a te was given the school children. The Blaenavon justices intend putting stop to what has for several weeks proved great annoyance to a large number of inhap1" tants by reason of boys and girls nlis chievously ringing house-bells and knocking at doors. At the police-court on Tuesday Walter Huish (11) was summoned by Charie Mitchelmore, manager oi the Metropolitan Bank, Blaenavon, complainant stating an his bell had been rang unnecessarily between twenty and 30 times a night for about six seven weeks. The justices imposed a 5s. Evelyn Kerton (10) an dGeorge were fined 2s. 6d. after pleading guilty similar offences. The annual musical festival in connection with the Monmouthshire Eastern Valleys gregational Choral Union was held at Pleasant Church, Pontypool, on Monday ait noon and evening. On the former °°caf'°. Mr. W. P. James, J.P.. Abersychan, presldea over a good attendance, while in the evening the chapel was filled, Mr. John WilJ_ Griffithstown, presiding. The Union embrace twelve choirs, namely: -Abergavenny, sychan (2). Blaenavon, Pontnewydd, Freehold- land. Garndiffaith, Griffithstown Hanover. Pontypool. Sebastopol. and Usk, there being over 350 choristers present. T,hf, 1"^ was Mr. F. C. Maker. Bristol, and the organic ttr. Lecigh Daonoejr, Pontiffloolr