Weekly Mail

STRONG LANGUAGE BY JOHN BURNS Mr. John Burns, M.P., speaking in South Birmingham on Monday, said that Chinese slavery was desired, not because either white or black labour was scarce on the Rand, but because the bloated capitalists would not pay the remuneration which white and black labour demanded. On behalf of these capi- talists the Government had made Parliament a mere chapel-of-eaae to the Stock Exchange and the British Army the broker's man for a lot of German Jews.

WAR OFFICE EXTRAS, COST OF THE SOMALILAND CAM- PAIGN. In the House of Commons on Monday the Committee of Supply on the Army Supple- mentary Estimates considered a vote of £2,700,000 for additional expenditure in respect of Army services. Mr. Arnold-Foster explained that this was practically a sweeping up of all the outstanding accounts of the late war in South Africa, and though the total amount asked for was somewhat large he did not think there was any ground for censure against the financial department of the War Office. The vote included sums for expenses in con- nection with the Colonial contingents. Yeomanry, and the China expeditionary force. There was also an item of CIOO,000 for gratui- ties to the South African Constabulary. Another item was for the mainten- ance of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony railways during the war. In Somaliland, for a third time, we had had to resist the incursions of the enemy into our territory, and unprofitable, and in some respects unsatisfactory, as the campaign might be. he believed it was one which any Government would have been compelled to carry through. (Hear, hear.) The opera- tions were now in a more satisfactory con- dition than they had been for many mouths past, and we were within a reasonable distance of decisive developments. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman was quite unable to understand why these expenses were not within the cognisance of the War Office at the time of the original estimates. The Army expenditure for this year would amount to £ 36,945,000. In 1895 the Army cost eighteen millions, and this year, deducting three millions and a half for extraordinary services, the original estimates were 30 millions.. The Navy was to cost this year X35,727,000, as against £ 17.545.000 in 1895, an increase of over eighteen millions. The Army expenditure had gone up 50 per cent. and the Navy 100 per cent.; and 30 millions on both services had been added since the Con- servative Government came into power. The whole of our national expenditure had risen from 94 millions in 1895 to 139 millions this year, an increase of 45 millions, or, with the Supplementary Estimates, 49 millions. That I was an increase of over 50 per cent. in the national expenditure within ten years—(Oppo- sition cheers)-a.Tid there was no sign what- ever of diminution (Hear, hear.) An attempt was being made t' nake us a first-rate mili- tary Power as well as a first-rate naval Power without any clear idea why it should be done. Half of the taxes pr for the war had not been, and were 11 !y to be, removed. He demanded a full tu, (searching examina- tion. Mr. Lloyd-George (R., Carnarvon) said he really did not know which was the more extraordinary, the mistake in the War Office accounts or the explanation which had been given. A vote was asked for last year for jCfc.OOO in respect of the Colonial contin-; gents and a Supplementary Estimate of £ 400 000 was submitted last year. At the end of the year it was found that only E5,000 was, required, and now, after all this, they wound. up by asking for a supplementary vote of "00 1000. (Opposition cheers.) This was trifling with the House of Commons, and be really wondered how much longer the House would stand such a Government. It seemed to him that the terrors of a dissolu- tion were so great that the powers of criticism of his Majesty's Opposition were paralysed. Mr. Brodrick denied that these accounts could have been voted by the House last year, because there had then been large sums in dispute. The proposed reduction was negatived by 197 votes to 128—Government majority, 69.

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NAVAL ARMAMENT. I IRTERESTING SPEECH BY SIR EDWARD REED, In the House of Commons on Tuesday the debate on the Supplementary Vote of £1.270,000, to defray charges incurred in various Naval services, was continued. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said that he and the Secretary of the Treasury had done their best to limit the Supplemen- tary Estimates. The present vote was mainly due to three causes—(1) purchase of the Chilian battleships, (2) the fact that contractors for Government works had made far greater pro- gress than the Admiralty had anticipated, and (3) the fact that when the original esti- of repairs were framed many ships were on active service on foreign stations. and when these ships came into port a large amount of repairs was found necessary. With regard to paying for the Chilian battleships he took full responsibility. Last session the Government thought it undesirable to bijy these vessels at the price they asked. When the matter arose again this winter, under different circumstances and at a reduced price, the Government thought they would be greatly lacking in their duty to the country if they did not aoquire these ships. Two battleships added to the strength of another Power might seriously disturb the balance of naval power, and would increase the future Naval Estimates. We were obliged to make cash payment. The price of the two ships was £1,875,000. Mr. Prettyman, in replying upon various points, said that if these vessels had been bought by any other European Power we should not only have had to build two similar ships, but these two warships would have "counted four on a division." (Hear, bear.) The Chilian Government's contract was £2.203,000. In consequence of this pur- chase there would be a relief or reduction in the next Naval Estimates. Instead of laying down throe new battleships next April the Admiralty would only lay down two. and the commencement of these two would probably be postponed until the autumn. Sir Edward J. Reed (R., Cardiff) said thai. as he was responsible for these Chilian rhips from their initiation, he should like to say a few words about their purchase. When the Chilian Government made their treaty with Argentina they naturally proceeded at once to endeavour to sell the ships, and they applied, in the first place, to the British Admiralty. The ships had then been only recently commenced. He was told that it was the idlest possible thing to attempt to sell ships just commenced to the British Govern- ment, because were the Admiralty to fall in with such proposals the House of Commons would naturally say, "If you wanted the ships why did you not put them into your own pro- gramme? Why do you wish to buy from these people ships which have been only just com menced?" In making a refusal the Admiralty had to give a reason, and they stated that the ships were not suitable for the British Navy. That remark cauaed him (Sir Edward) no anxiety, because he knew there were reasons which were perfectly valid why the ships should not be suitable for the British Navy at the time. The conditions as to their un- suitability had since become inoperative. Com- menting upon the quality of the ships, the hon. member aaid they had an armament of such power that, if they estimated it in a correct manner, the ships would be found to have actually a greater gun-power than any other battleships which were made. Measuring the power of the broadside by the weight of the shot, multiplied into the velocity with which it left the ship, he found that the figure which expressed the fighting power of these ships on each broadside was 138,960. The cor- responding figure relating to the King Edward VII. was 138,700. The prioe which he obtained from the builder under the keenest competition was a very higt. price, and this for the very obvious reason that the Chilian Government when he left Chili strongly pressed upon him the desirability of the ships being built, if possible, in sixteen months. He undertook to have them built in eighteen months, and it was obvious that the ship- builder must introduce many extra charges to compensate him for the unparalleled speed with which the ships were to be pro- duced. It had been said that there was no reduction in price obtainable when the pro- poal to sell the ships was first made. That was so true that four months ago the Chilian Government had notified their representative of no permission to sell the ships for any- thing less than they were being constructed for, and the changed disposition on their part must have been brought about quite recently. Sir C. Dilke (R., Dean Forest) believed that the majority of the members of the House approved of the purchase of the Chilian vessels, and those who did not approve might oonsider the St. Albans election cheap at the price. (Laughter and Opposition oheera.) The Supplementary Navy Vote was then .ae4 to."

THE SALTMEAD TRAGEDY CORONER'S INQUIRY AGAIN ADJOURNED. The adjourned inquiry into the circum- stances attending the death of Harriet Stacey, aged 41, residing at 41, Saltmead-road. Grange- town, Cardiff, who was found strangled in bed at her residence on the 7th inst, was held on Tuesday (before Mr. Coroner Bernard Reece) at the Town-hall, Cardiff. Mr. George Thomas, Bed Lion Hotel, Queen-street, was again foreman of the jury. The Chief-constable (Mr. W. McKenxie) occu- pied a seat on the right of the coroner. Mr. Sydney Jenkins, solicitor, again appeared for Mr. William Henry Warren. I Mr. Stacey, of Hereford, the widower, was present. The Coroner, immediately after taking his leat. said the ohief-oonstable had asked for another adjournment, eo that the jury would not be kept that day. He, therefore, proposed to adjourn the inquiry until Tuesday, March 1, at 2.30 p.m., when he (the coroner) had no doubt they would be able to complete the investigation. Inquiry of the polioe has elicited the state- ment that there is no special reaeon for the further adjournment of the inquest beyond the fact that the authorities naturally desire to exhaust every possible source of informs tion before asking the coroner's jury to come to a decision. There ie. we are informed, nothing in the background of this application for adjourn- ment, and the police are not engaged in any particular line of inquiry. They have not only not found the murderer (if, indeed, Kate Stacey was murdered), but, unlike other case3 of this kind, they have not found a clue, all of which tends to the conclusion, which we have before stated as the most probable ex- planation, namely, that there is no clue to find, and no murderer to be traced. It seems reasonable to suppose that Kate Stacey died by her own hand.

I DEATH OF SIR LESLIE STEPHEN. Sir Leslie Stephen, the well-known historian and biographer, died at seven o'olock on Mon- day morning at his residence, near Hyde Park, aged 72. The deceased, who had been in indifferent health for the last two years, underwent an operation twelve months ago. For the past three months he had been con- fined to his bed, and death was primarily due to exhaustion. The deceased was aeon of the late Sir James Stephen and brother to the late Sir James FitzJames Stephen, judge of the High Court. He was editor of the Dictionary of National Biography from 1882 to 1891. His first wife, who died in 1875. was a daughter of Thackeray, and his second wife survives him. In recogni- tion of his eminent services to literature and national biography a Knight Oommandership of the Bath (Civil Di.1) was conferred upon him at the King's OoronatMMt,

LAUGH & GROW FAT HUMOUROUS PARS FROM EVERYWHERE. A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. The quiet and cheerful irony of the British workman in the most adverse circumstances is well known. A man who fell from the roof of a high building one day exclaimed, with wry face, just before he met the pavement, This ia my birthday." PAUCITY OF ATTAINMENTS. To a recent advertisement in a provincial daily offering £80 a year for a thoroughly competent clerk, of good appearance, and possessing at least twenty years' experience, a gentleman, who signed himself John Humbleminde, made the following reply: — I am 45 years of age, have had 27 years' experience in all branches of insurance, and am universally admired for my personal appearance. I can speak German, French, Irish, American, Hindu, and Balu, and have a general knowledge of other languages too numerous to mention. I am an expert at shorthand, roundhand, backhand, and I can, if required, write with both hands at once. In addition, I have a wite and six children, who, in view of the handsome salary offered, will be pleased to place their servioes at the disposal of the hoard. Should testimonials be required I shall be pleased to forward them per goods train." HIS BUSINESS. What, do you mean to say that I know you? said the police inspector. "Certainly, ever since I opened a goldsmith's shop." The inspector etared at the rough-looking cus- tomer from head to foot. With what capi- tal did you open it?" he asked. "Capital! Who said capital ? I opened it with a jemmy." OF COURSE, YOU SEE rr. In a small village in Berkshire there is, or was a year or so ago, a small inn called the White Hart. The landlord being of an artistic turn had a large conventional shaped heart painted in white over the name, much to his own satisfaction and not a little to the amusement of his more enlightened fellow- villagers. THE 'BUS CONDUCTOR AGAIN. A fussy old gentleman, about to alight from an omnibus, asked the conductor to tell the driver to pull up close to the kerb, as the road was very muddy. The conductor, not liking the manner in which he was addressed, shouted out to the driver: Say, Bill! pull up close to the kerb. There's a gent here who says 'e 'as to clean own boots." A GOOSE"HIMSELF. An Irishman, taking home a goose for his Sunday dinner, went into an inn for slight refreshment. Laying down the goose, he was proceeding to satisfy bis thirst when a seedy- looking individual, seizing the goose, made off. Pat at once started after him. and ere running far had his man by the neck. "What did yez take the bird for?" queried the irate Irishman. Sure," said the seedy-looking man, I took it for a lark" Did y P" returned Pa.t. "Begorra" ye'd make a bad judge at a. bird show," POOR MOTHER'S FEELINGS. Mother and son were in a taking father's dinner to him. when this conversa- tion took place: Mammy, daddy's in the workhouse, ain't he?" A general titter ran through the 'bus, which broke into a short laugh as he addad, Mammy, you and me are going to the workhouse, too, ain't we?" The oonfused face of the good lady spoke volumes as she tried to explain. Daddy is in the workshop, not in the workhouse." NOT HIT FAULT. Mr. Briggs (to wstomer): Good morning, Mrs. Brown, got a little sun this morning. Mra. Brown (Murprieed): Indeed! I hope Mrs. Briggs is doing well. NOT DISCOURAGED. How much do you charge for tailing chil- dren's photographs?" the lady asked. Fif- teen shillings a dowen," was tha reply. Oh," calmly replied the. prospective cus- tomer, "I shall have to wait a while; we only have eleven yet!" THE ABSENT-MINDED ONE. Pa.t was explaining to his master, and this 18 how he did it:—" 'Twae me abaent/minded- Qo8BS, an' a habit I of talkin' wid meself. I sed to mefllf, eoz I. Pat, come in an' 'ave a, dhrink.' No,' Bet: I've sworn off.' Then ril dhrink alone,' sea I to meself. An' I'll wait for ye outside,' set I. An' when meself cum out, faith, an' h,e was dhrunk." eiTBD AN IEJrOHOKBN CASE. A lady was addreaaing a man's meeting on temperance, and quoted the etory of Lazarus a.nd Dives. "You remember," she said, "that Dives called to Lazarus for water, not beer or spirits, but cold water—to quench his rasing thirst and moisten his parched lin.3. Now, what does that show?" Before she could answer her query a hardened soaker replied, "Why, it shows where these yere teetotalers goes to, missis!" HIS MISTAKE. It was a new batch of Brodricks, and they were engaged vigorously marking time on the barrack square. One of the recruits attracted the adjutant's attention by his extraordinary behaviour. He was working his arms up and down and making a. hissing noise with his mouth. "What are you doing sir?" asked the adjutant. The youthful recruit stopped his antics and looked crestfallen. "What the others are doing," he stammered. "And what do you think the others are doing?" demanded the adjutant. "Playing at trains, sir," said the simple youth.

WORKMEN'S NOTES. CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE CONCILIATION BOARD. By WILLIAM BRACE, [Vice-President of the South Wales Miners' Federation.] A reading the statements made in the official journals of the employers in this week's issues, as in several others of relative to the working of the Con- ciliation Board for the South Wales coal I feel constrained to ask them as veil as myself the question, What, is it fell intended for ?" There seems to be an organised desire on the part of writers both in the" Iron and Coal Trades Beriew" and Colliery Guardian to iis- parage the operations of the board and to proclaim the advantages of the sliding- scale as a system for regulating wages. There is no immediate fear of their causing a crisis in this coalfield, for the board has yet some time to run before reaching the date of its termination. Still, I cannot but think that all this adverse criticism has for its object the creating of such objection to the Conciliation Board in the minds of the employers as to make its renewal nearly an impossi- bility. But, whatever the intention, such ives promise of being the result if these journals' apparent policy is continued. I, therefore, now, while there is time to avoid such a calamity, venture to point out that, so far as the workmen of South Wales and Monmouthshire are concerned, there will be no going back to the system of the sliding-scale. Weakness of the Slidinx-scale. We have too vivid a recollection of the absolute weakness of the sliding-scale in the protection of workmen's wages to err in thinking that that system was more advantageous to the workmen than the Conciliation Board. Colliery owners were played off one against the other in i he making of contracts, so much so that they often engaged to sell their product below cost, and were tempted to the adoption of this policy because of the thought that they would in some measure be recouped by the reduction in wages consequent upon the automatic working of the sliding- scale, whose only factor was selling prices. One would have thought that they would have no special yearning for a system that had proved under many circumstances unprofitable even to them. To the foreign consumer of Welsh coal, doubtless, the sliding-scale was a beau- ideal system, for it enabled him to get a much cheaper fuel than he can possibly secure under the present system, com- paring like with like. But as South Wales collieries are supposed to be worked to make dividends for shareholders, while paying fair wages to the workmen, I have yet to be convinced that the sliding-scale was a greater success in this direction than the Conciliation Board will prove to be. Hen-Settlement of Disputes. There is an old proverb, Say nothing of the dead but what is good." Seem- ingly, opponents of Conciliation Boards are carrying it out for all it is worth. Were one without knowledge and read some of the effusions I am commenting upon it would be pardonable to conclude that under the sliding-scale system there was no such thing as a stoppage of work, whereas the history of its existence proves the very opposite. Disputes there were galore, and, if I mistake not, the per- centage of them would be greater under the scale than the Conciliation Board Was it not under the regime of the sliding- scale that this coalfield drifted into The cruel struggle of 1898 ? And were there not collieries brought to a standstill, and are idle up to this day, because there was no machinery attached to the sliding-scale agreement which would have permitted those disputes to have been settled by a less barbaric and stupid method than strikes or lock-outs? Was it not under the sliding-scale that the Rhymney House Coal Collieries came to a standstill, the dispute at which was settled after the Conciliation Board was brought into exist- ence? It would be simple discretion if writers, before making comparisons 'between the success of the scale and Conciliation Board, would acquaint them- selves with the facts of the case. For dealing with disputes that may arise at .„ collieries I do not claim that the board is much better equipped than the expired scale, but it is no worse, for, practically, the mode of procedure is the same, other than in the provisions of the board a time- limit is fixed for bringing negotiations to a termination after two members of the joint committee have been appointed to deal with it. An Amendment Needed. In this particular the board is better than the scale, and had the workmen's proposition for the appointment of gentlemen to act as final arbitrator 01 independent chairman in colliery disputes, as in the settlement of the general wage question, been accepted by the employers, we should not have to regret to-day the stoppage of work at some of the collieries When the time comes to renew the agree- ment this will be a question worthy of the serious consideration of both parties. Or, if the employers are prepared to amend this weakness in the present agreement, there is no good reason why it should not be attempted, for if both parties agree it would be an easy matter to make a new rule, to be attached to the present ones, and this without waiting for the agreement to end. "Oh," it is said. u but look at the number of collieries that have been compelled to shut down because they are unable to pay the wages arranged for the workmen by the board." Again, upon this subject there is serious misunderstanding. Ehiring the boom a number of concerns were started that could not possibly be worked under normal conditions, and it is not unusual for these undertakings to stop imme- diately the high prices oease. Why should that stoppage when the boom is over be used as an argument to demonstrate the unreasonableness of the workmen and the impracticability of the Conciliation Boarr as a system for regulating wages? It is not fair, and, what is worse, it is highly dangerous to the welfare of the whol, of the vast South Wales community. To complain that the workmen's representa- tives will not give the employers reduc- tions in wages immediately they ask and without a contest is to me childish in the extreme. We have been taught by the employers that there can be no such thing as sentiment in business, and that all questions relative to wages, &c., must be dealt with upon business lines. Surely. it is not business to expect workmen to agree to have their wages reduced with- out any attempt being made to convince them that there is no rJternative. < Campaign Agahtst tfea Board. I am sure we have no desire to trouble the independent chairman, and if the em- ployers prove to the hilt that they are entitled to the reduction they ask for, then I have yet to learn that they will not get it by mutual agreement by the board. That they do ask for what they cannot prove they are entitled to is patent from the fact that they had to make three attempts before the independent chair- man would give them one reduction. Why are we to be blamed because of the delay in securing an independent chairman? It is not the workmen's fault that Lord Goschen could not accept, and, failing acceptance by him, it was mutually agreed to act in accordance with the pro- visions of tne agreement and request the Lord Chief Justice to name a gentleman who would accept. This step was taken because both parties considered it the most expeditious way to proceed, yet for which, forsooth, the workmen are rebuked. I hope I am wrong; but the game the Coal and Iron Trades Review and "Colliery Guardian" seem to be playing is to damage the Conciliation Board m every conceivable way, with a view of preventing its renewal and thus preparing the way for the re-establishment of the sliding-scale. If that be so, I would venture to offer a serious word of warning as to the danger in pursuing such a course, for to the best of my knowledge and belief, and "I ought to know," there is not a leader, and very few of the workmen, if any, in the whole of South Wales and Monmouthshire who will be a party to giving up the Conciliation Board, unless it be at the end of a disastrous conflict, the result of which had starred frKnm into oe.

PERSONAL PARS. PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC EYE. Adelina Patti was born in Madrid on Feb- ruary 19 over 60 years ago. Her beautiful singing has enchanted two generations, and time has not lessened her charm and inde- finable attraction. Viscount Tadasu Hayashi, in whom especi. ally great interest is felt in the light of current events, has represented his Emperor in this country tor the last four years. Born in 1850, he was educated in England, started life in the Japanese Navy, and has held the most important diplomatic positions. Vis- count Hayashi is exceptionally tall for a Japanese. He speaks English well, and has travelled much/ The blind Grand Duke of Mecklenburg- Strelitz is one of the most interesting per- sonalities in Europe. He is a courteous, affable prince, with a most dignified manner and bearing. He became blind at the age of thirty, as the result of an accident. His only eon was playing at ball in the courtyard of the palace; the Grand Duke happened to pass, and the ball hit him in the face and fatally injured one of his eyes. The other eye became affected, and totaJ blindness ensued. Lord Petre, who, through the ruffianly conduct of a motorist, has been in danger of losing his life at Nice, shares with the Howards. Cliffords, Feildings, Stonors, Welds, Towneleys, and De Traffords the aristocratic representation of Roman Catholicism in this country. Several of his sisters are nuns. There are eight of them, all named Mary. Lord Petre's elder brother held the barony and estates before him. He was a Roman Catholic priest, and the wealthiest one in England, and devoted his substance almost exclusively to the propagation of his faith. Ladv readers will be interested to know that Ingutefftone Hall, one of Lord Petre's I seats, which used to be let off in suites of apartments, is the soene of Lady Audley's Secret." Miss Braddon occupied one of these suites. There remains, or did, until recently, the crazy old clock with one wobbly hand, and the identical well into which the unfor- tunate George Tolboys was dropped. Some of the characters were drawn from other I occupants of the hall, which is accurately pictured under the title of Audley Court. Sir Thomas Dewar tells the story of his life I in M. A. P." If he had more than the pro- verbial half-a-crown in his pocket when he ¡ came to London, he had a hard struggle for a footing. Surely even the etatmciheet tee- totaler amon? M. A. P." readers will appre- ciate the qualities of grit, foresight, and tena.- city which enabled the young Scotsman to achieve his object, and to become, into the bargain, county councillor, sheriff, and mem- ber of Parliament for the husre city in which. as he says, he at first felt himself an Ishmaelite. Sir Thomas is a tall, fine-looking man, dark of hair, eye, and moustache, and possessed of no little personal charm of manner and address. Hends a little anecdote from his book, "A Ramble Round the Globe." I was going through a prohibition state, and tried to get some whisky from the conductor of the train, but without eucoess. Can't do it, boas; we're in a prohibition state, and I can't do it However, he eventually advised me to try at a store at the next stopping-place, and this I did. "Do you sell whisky?" "Are you sick. misteT. or got a medical certificate?" "No." "Then I do it. See, this is a. prohibition state, eo I sell it; but I reckon our cholera, about fix you. Try a bottle of that." I did, but to my great asrtcnisihement received a. very familiar bottle, which, although it was labelled on one eide "Cholera Mixture; a wineglassful to be taken every two hours, or oftener as required," had upon the other eide the well-lmown label of a nrm of Scotch whisky distillers. It was a. surprise to nobody to hear, the day after the death of Mr. Powell Williams, that the shock to Mr. Chamberlain had been so severe as to make his re-appearance in the House of Commons until after his vaca- tion quite impossible. Mr. Chamberlain (says T. P." in M.A.P.") has been working as hard as his lieutenant, whom over-work, as I anticipated, killed. People tell me that for months Mr. Chamberlain has gone to his study early every morning, and has never left it for hours, going through the gigantic correspondence with such a movement as his is bound to bring with it, and attending to even small details after the fashion in which he has always attended to his political business. Such work, following on the strain of years of office, and of such corroding anxieties as most have accompanied office during the late war, are well calculated to break a stronger constitution even than that of Mr. Chamber- lain; and nobody need wonder at his desire for rest, and nobody need grudge it to him. Mr. Rufus Daniel Isaacs, K.C., is the son of a merchant in the City of London, who gave him a good education at University College School, and he became a man of the world by acquiring larger knowledge in Brussels and in Hanover. He ie only 44, but he is full of brains, a.nd he has seen a good deal of life. It is said that he first went to sea, but pre- sently he returned to business, and he has never been "at sea" since. His abilities, how- ever, were too great for ordinary business, so he tried the Stock Exchange, and found that its walls limited his ambitions. Finally I (says" Jehu Junior in Vanity Fair") he learned his true vocation as an advocate, for he is now at the top of his profession, having gained the dizzy eminence at a very early age by sheer hard work and real merit. For he has the unusual complication of great brain I power with invincible endurance; for in his younger days he was an adept at boxing, while he still keeps himself "tit" by riding, cycling, and golfing. Thus he is still well able to take a great deal of physical as well as legal beating, being one of those who never give in while he has a leg left to stand upon. He is, natu- rally, at his best in a commercial or Stock Exchange oaee, as he has lately shown, for of such he knows all the ropes. Nevertheless, his fame brings him big briefs in sensational and fashionable cases of all kinds, in which he makes no mistakes. He does not try to be too brilliant; he has a quiet and very con- vincing way with him, and altogether, with the single exception of Sir Edward Clarke, he is recognised as the leader of the Common Law Bar. Socially, he is quite popular, for not only is he exceedingly clever, rather good- looking, and very good-tempered, but he is absolutely devoid of conceit. Sir Frederick Johnstone is robbed, by the death of Lord Alington, of a life-long friend, and of a partner in association with whom he scored many triumphs on the Turf. Sir Frederick was born a ba-ronet, his father having died three months before the birth of himself and twin brother. The latter is heir oresumptive to the baronetcy. The present holder of 'he title remained a bachelor until he was eight-and-fifty, and has no family. He figured, a generation ago. in the most sensa- tional trial of the last fifty years. He, with the th. Prince of Wales and the then Lord Cole was cited in the Mordaunt case. Sir Frederiok and his Royal Highness volun- tarily went into the witness-box and gave evi- dence rebutting all siuggeetion of an incrimi- natory character. The unhappy Lady Mor- daunt was declared by the jury to be insane, and a divorce was granted her husband. Lady Mordaunt never regained control of her men- tal faculties. It was during the partnership of Lord Alington and Sir Frederiok Johnstone that the King was enabled to see his first private race-trial run It was just before the Derby, and Porter had in his care St. Blaise. Tncendiary, Shotover, Geheimniss, and Energy. His Majesty went down very quietly to Kingsclere from Waterloo early in the morn- ing. Nobody recognised him. At the station Lord Alington a.id Sir Frederick awaited him, and all three drove straight to the trial ground. ,The horses named were all started, and sent the Dorby distance at Derby pace I and weights. Their form was disolosed accu- rately. for St. Blaise won by two lengths from Incendiary, with Shotover four lengths further behind. Only those at the trial had any idea of the King's presence, and a snug little luncheon at Park followed, and termi- nated a memorable morning. The appointment of Major-general Herbert Charles Onslow Plumer, C.B., as Third Mili- tary Member of the new Army Council, charged with supply, clothing, remounts, and transport, has given great satisfaction both in and out of Service circles. For he is well known to the public as a thoroughly capable leader, who has emerged with credit from two campaigns in that "grave of reputa- tions," South Africa. General Plumer was marked out for early promotion in the Mata- beleland Rebellion of 1896. when he raised and commanded the Matabeleland Relief Force. And he made his mark: as much by has powers of organisation and tmfailing tact as by the cool bravery which made him the idol of his men, and, indeed, of Rhodesia. During the Matabele campaign the general had some narrow squeaks. In the attack on Seooombi's Kraal his orderly was shot through the head so close to him that the unfortunate man's blood bespattered the commander's face. But through it all—long night marohes, hard fighting: against a generally invisible foe, months of naught but bully beef "oookieø"- the general was ever cheerful, imperturbable, and the pink of courtesy, his orders always being backed with a "flaaga."

LORD G. HAMILTON IMPORTANT SPEECH ON FREE TRADE. I Under the auspices of the Cardiff and District Branch of the Free Trade League a public meeting was held at the Park-hall on Friday night, at which addresses were delivered by the Right Hon. Lord George Hamilton and the Hon. Ivor Guest, M.P. Mr. T. M. Heywood, president of the branch, was in the chair, and was supported by the follow- ing gentlemenSir John Jones Jenkins, Pro- fessor C. J. Hamilton, lecturer on political economy, Cardiff University College; Mr. Joseph Shaw, chairman of the Powell Duffryn Steam Goal Company; Mr. G. H. Ward-Humphreys, Mr. H. Wood- Davey, president of the chamber of commerce; Mr. Cornelius Lundie, general manager of the Rhymney Railway; Mr. Sidney Robinson, president of the Cardiff Liberal Association; Mr. Philip Turnbull, Mr. G. Carslake Thompson, Mr. F. H. Lambert, Mr. W. Johnston, Labourers' Union; Mr. S. Fisber, Coal-trimmers' Union; Mr. Jenkin Jones, Engineers' Union; Councillor W. S. Crossman, Maeons' Union; Councillor John Chappell, Mr. E. Lewie, Railway Servants' Society, Mr. W. Williams, Carpenters and Joiners' Association; Mr. Charles Thompson, Mr. A. Sessions, and Mr. W. Arthur Meyrick I and Mr. Walter T. Williams, hon. secretaries of the league. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, emphasised that it was an entirely non- political meeting. After declaring his Free Trade convictions, Mr Heywood called upon Lord George Hamilton to speak. The ex-Secretary of State for India was given a very cordial reception upon stepping to the front of the platform. After expressing the pang it caused him at having been compelled to dissociate himself from his old comrades. Lord George Hamilton referred to the great debate in the House of Commons last week. So far as he could recollect, not one single member supported the policy of the Govern- ment on its merits. It was true that a large majority supported the Government. but that majority were Protectionists, who supported the Government merely as a stepping-stone to the establishment of Protection in the future. What was the position of the Govern- ment? It was a position which was unten- able,. and which no body of Ministers ought to occupy. They said they were Free Traders, but would oppose no Protectionist in the constituencies. They proposed to put great limitations upon their fiscal policy, which was not to be presented to Parliament until afteT the next election, but in the meantime they would support men who, if returned to Parlia- ment, would make it impossible to fulfil the pledges made during the present Parliament. The Cabinet was split into two sections—one Protectionist and the other Free Trade—and those sections were under a Prime Minister who was neither the one nor the other. (Laughter.) The Government declined to lead, and, therefore, he and all who thought with him were forced to organise in every consti- tuency an association which, whenever the next election took place, would declare that they would make the exemption of food from taxation the primary consideration which would govern their votes. Free Traders admitted there were evils under the present system, but denied that Protection was a remedy for any one of those evils. (Hear, hear.) After stating that the percentage of unemployed was much lower in this country than in Protectionist Franco and in the Pro- tectionist State of New York, Lord George Hamilton went on to refer to a petition presented to the Government 60 years ago by the Corporation of London, and which aptly illustrated the condition of the country under Protection. The petition stated:—"The continued and increasing depression of the manufacturing, commercial, and agricultural interests of this country and the wide- spreading distress in the working classes are most alarming. Manufacturers without a market, shipping without freights, capital without investments, trade without profits, and farmers struggling under a system of high rents and corn laws to restrain the im- portation of food, are inducing the starving people to regard the laws of their country under a. deep sense of injustice." Such was the condition of things to which Protection had reduced the country 60 years ago. Were they now to be such fools as to think to bene- fit themselves by returning to that condition? Lord George argued that the greater pur- chasing power of money in Great Britain placed the people of this country in a better position t.ha.n those of Continental countries, for whereas 100 schillings in this country had a purchasing power of 140s. contrasted with 25 years ago in Germany, 100 marks-reach equal to about a shilling—only had now a pur- chasing power of 112 marks as compared with 25 years ago. There was one question to the future of which he looked forward with con- siderable perturbation. Unfortunately, owing to the flocking of large numbers of people to the towns and the unhealthy conditions in. which many people lived in the towns, there was, undoubtedly, a certain deteriora- tion in the physique of our race. He felt it should be the object of every statesman to do everything he possibly could to arrest such deterioration, and were they likely to do it by taxing bread and meat, reducing the prices of tea, and encouraging boys to smoke cigarettes? The speaker next alluded to the proposed limitations in the taxes on foreign imports, and asked if it was likely that once a tax was placed on corn for the purpose of keeping the Empire together it would never exceed 5s. per cent. If we once began to indulge in a tariff war with foreign countries we oould not draw back. If any- one had agreed to the South African war on condition that only a certain amount was expended, would he have drawn back when that money was gone and the war .was not concluded? Lord George argued that the proposed taxes would not be paid by the foreigners, but by the consumers in our own country, and went on to say that he, like Mr. Chamberlain, was an Imperialist, but Imperial policies must be controlled by one consideration—their oost. It was calcu- llated that the preferential duty on food im- ported from the Colonies would require pay- ment of about £2,500.000 to the Colonies. It was calculated at the same time that this scheme of 5 per cent, taxation on food and 10 per cent. taxation on all manufactured imports from abroad would impose an annual burden upon the consumer of this country of about 40 millions sterling. Of that two millions and a half would go to the Colonies for the realisation of this great Imperial idea, and about eight millions might go into the Exchequer for the relief of taxes. Where would the remaining 30 millions go? It would go into the pockets of the individuals who would be protected by this scheme, or, in other words, they were asked, under the cloak of a great Imperial policy, to assent to a system of taxation 15s. in the £ of which would be diverted to pur- poses which had nothing whatever to do with Imperialism. In conclusion the speaker fore- told a terrible dislocation of trade and the imposition of untold sufferings upon millions of our country people if our present fiscal policy were altered. (Cheers.) The Hon. Ivor Guest, who also was accorded a flattering reoeption, after alluding to Mr. Chamberlain's proposals, explained the posi- tion taken up by the Government. The Government said. "It's all very well to talk about Protection. We've got nothing to do with Protection. Retaliation is our policy." But retaliation was not a policy. It was only a formula. It was a formula designed to alienate as few suppor- ters of the Government as possible. It was a. sort of umbrella—(laughter)—under which it was hoped the Free Trader and the Pro- tectionist might find a welcome shelter. He admitted that since the recent debate the umbrella had become somewhat shattered. The sole merit of retaliation, in the minds of most people, was that it was a sort of modification of Mr Chamberlain's policy. What they had got to decide now. what the country had got to decide at the next election, was. whether the weapon of retaliation was going to be wiefded by a Free Trade or a Protectionist Administration. If wielded by a Free Trade Administration, then he thought little harm could come of it, and. possibly, in some cases, some good, but if wielded by a Protectionist Administration, then. in spite of good inten- tions and an abundance of promises, a tax put on for the purpose of retaliation. like the corn-tax, would have a protective effect, and would become the first instalment in a policy of Protection. (Hear, hear.) Mr. G Carslake Thompson proposed, and Mr. John Chappell seconded, a vote of thanks to the speakers, which was passed with accla- mation.

BRONCHITIS AND ASTHMA. SUFFERED SIX YEARS. CURED BY VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. Mrs. MARTIN HILL, The Hem, Shifpal, Salop, writes:—"I have had what the doctor called bronchial asthma, and he said I would never be cured, but, thanks be to God and Veno's Lightning Cough Cure, I am now better than I have been for six years. I can lie down and have a good night's rest. which seema a God-send to me. I had tried every- thing that people told me of, but nothing did me a bit of good. During the winter I had to sit in a chair for months at a time because of the shortness of breath. All that has gone now, and I am looking very well." VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE is the purest, safest, and most efficient remedy pro- curable for coughs, colds, chronic bronchitis, asthma, catarrh, weak lungs, and children's ooughe. Price d.. ls. ld., and 2s. 9d.. at chemists and drug stores. w345

LONDON WATERWORKS AWARDS. The arbitrators on the value of the London Water Companies' undertakings have awarded the Lambeth Waterworks Company £4,301,000, subject to the decision of the House of Lords on the sinking fund question. The following further awards were also made under the same conditions:—Southwa-rk and. Vauxhall Water Company, £3.603,000; Chelsea- Waterworks Company, £ 3,30W>00; Kent Waterworks Company, £2,712.000,

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. At the evening sitting of the House of Commons on Monday. Dr. MACNAMARA moved the adjourn- ment of the House for the purpose of discussing the promulgation of the Ordinance providing for the introduction of indentured Chinese labour into the Trans- vaal before the Ordinance and its regula- tions had been discussed by the House of Commons in their complete and operative form. Mr. LYTTELTON said the regulations, when in form, would be laid on the table, and if they did not conform with the pledge he had given to the House hon. members would I have their usual remedy. Dr. MACNAMARA: Will the Ordinance be in operation in the meantime? Mr. LYTTELTON: The Ordinance will come into operation when the regulations are fixed and promulgated, and when they have been forwarded here and satisfy me that they fulfil the pledges I have given to the House. Dr. MACNAMARA said that it was a cynioal comment upon the methods of Western civilisation that we had to go to the Chinese Minister to mitigate the barbarity of the proposals set down by the British Govern- ment. Mr. BELL (R., Derby) supported the motion. The people of this country, he said, had borne the cost of the war, and they were entitled to find employment for their surplus labour in the Colony. Mr. ELLIS GRIFFTH (R., Anglesey) claimed that the House of Commons ought to have an opportunity of discussing the details of the regulations. PLAIN SPEAKING AND A SCENE. Mr. LYTTELTON remarked that a great many speeches had been made charging the Government, Lord Milner. and himself, with infamy" and supporting "slavery." Such accusations could be treated with absolute contempt. (Ministerial cheers.) In America a man who owned a slave could coerce him to do anything, and keep the slave his whole life doing work against his will without paying him. He could sell either the slave or his family, or part them. Sir Henry Fowler felt bound by his conscience the other day to charge this Government with instituting slavery. Misrepresentation was always detestable, but misrepresenta- tions prefaced by conscience became posi- tively nauseous. (Ministerial cheers and Oppo- sition murmurs.) In America the slave was treated like a beast. Would any fair-minded man in that House say in his conscience that this contract the Government proposed was one which treated the Chinese as a beast? ("No. no.") Major SEELY: Yes, yee. (Loud Opposition cheers.) Mr. LYTTELTON: I hope my hon. and gallant friend may be excused for his ignor- ance. (Loud Opposition cries of "Oh" and "Withdraw, withdraw."). The SPEAKER: Order, order. Mr. LYTTELTON repeated that his hon. friend would not have said that Chinamen would be treated as a, beast unless he was ignorant—(Opposition cries of "Insulting" and "Withdraw")—of some of the con- ditions of the proposed contract. The Chinaman would receive seven or eight times as much wages as he could earn in his own country. Experts would explain the con- tract to the Chinese in their own country, and a proteotor would be appointed at the port of departure. This contract the Ohina- man could break at any time he thought fit if the conditions were disagreeable to him. Several Opposition Members That is not in the ordinance. Mr. LYTTELTON: I know; but I promise it shall be. I know it is the habit of certain hon. gentlemen opposite to disbelieve the word of an Englishman. C Oh, oh.") Mr. SWIFT MACNEILL (N., Donegal, S.): I rise to order, Mr. Speaker. That is a serious imputation against members on this side, and should not be borne. (Opposition cheers.) The SPEAKER: That does not appear to raise a point of order. (Ministerial cheers.) Mr. LYTTELTON: When a definite pledge is given by a Minister that a certain thing shall be inserted in an ordinance, do you believe it or not? (Ministerial cheers.) I don't care in the least whether you believe me or not; I know there are certain members on this side of the House, a.t any rate, who will believe it. (Loud Ministerial cheers.) It was untrue that the Chinese Minister had had to be invoked to mitigate the barbarity of the Ordinance. The suggestions the Minister had made had all been anticipated by himself (the speaker). Anybody had a perfect right to enter into pre- liminary arrangements in order to obtain coolies, subject to the law which would be made to regulate the matter. Mr. ASQUTPH complained that no limita- tion of 'the hours of labour was provided, nor any arrangement as to payment erf wages. The sale of labourers was most repugnant. The House divided, there voting:— The House divided, there voting:— For the motion .—— 156 Against 212 Government majority 66

AMMANFORD WATER SUPPLY INQUIRY BY THE LOCAL GOVERN- MENT BOARD. A Local Government Board inspector attended at the Ammanford Council Schools on Tuesday to make an inquiry into an apniicatinn from the Llandilo-fawr "Rural Dis- trict Council and the Ammanford Urban j District Council for the loan of £8,000 and £1.CY:XJ respectively to construct a water, supply for the area covered by the two councils. Mr. D. Rees Edmunds, solicitor, Llanelly, attended on behalf of the rate- payers of the village of Llandebie, to oppose the scheme.—Mr. R. Rhipley Lewie gave evidence as clerk to the Llandilo-fawr Rural District Council. He stated that the origin of the inquiry was an application from the Llandilo-fawr and Llandebie School Boards to the Local Government Board, requesting them to inquire ir+o the necessity of a water supr^y. Dr. Wheaton attended on I their behalf, rnd in his report urged that a proper water system was urgently needed. The Llandilo-fawr Rural District Council, as a result, passed a resolution to ask for a loan of £15.000.-Mr. R. R. John, clerk to the I Ammanford Urban Disrtrict Council, said that sinre the scheme had been started Amman- ford had been formed into a separate urban district rouncil. ÂS a result th" T/lRm'i'o fawr Council desired to borrow £8,000 and the Ammanford District Council £ 7.000.—Dr. Rees, medical officer of health to the LlandPo-fawr Rural District Council, gave evidence of cases of diphtheria and typhoid, which he attri- buted to the inefficient water supply.—Mr. D. Rees Edmunds stated that when the original scheme of €15000 was laid before the Tian- dilo fawr Rural District Council it was only passed by a majority of one. If the scheme had not been divided between the two councils no serious, if any, opposition would be offered by the Llandebie ratepayers.—Further evidence was called, and the inquiry closed.

THE TRAMP QUESTION. PROMISED INQUIRY BY THE GOVERNMENT. Mr. Walter Long, President of the Local Government Board, received on Tuesday a joint deputation from the central Poor-law Conference and Council of Poor-law Unions • Association, who aeked that legislation might be introduced to deal with the subject of vagrancy, especially in relation to children. Mr. Long, in reply to the deputation, said it was impossible for him, in the face of facts produced, to refuse inquiry. (Hear, hear.) One practical suggestion had been made— that labour colonies should be more generally established. But was the evidence available on the subject from various parts of the world suoh ail to lead them to believe such colonies would have any appreciable effect in diminishing vagrancy? There were labour colonies in Germany, France, Belgium, and Holland, and in those countries the condition was not better than it was here. There were a great many vagrants in this country, about 30,000 in all. but not more than one-third of them were pauper vagrants, and, therefore, in dealing with the subject they must be careful not to embark upon too wide a field, nor mix up two very different evils if they were to tra-ve an inquiry. He would a.t onoe consult with the Home Secretary, and would be in a position to tell him that the deputa- tion had strengthened the public demand for an inquiry into the subject, and that it was desirable that the inquiry should take the form of a joint inquiry between the Home Office and his own department. Mr. Long afterwards attended the Central Poor-law Conference, which was held in the council chamber of the Guildhall. Nearly 300 delegates attended. The Lord Mayor (Sir J. T. Ritchie) welcomed them, and the chair was taken by Sir J. T. Dillwyn Llewelyn.

A ZOFFANY PICTURE DISCOVERED. A curious history attaches to a picture by Zoffany which is shortly to be sold at Christie's. It was recently discovered packed away in the vestry of the old Parish Church of Chiswick, London, and an application made by the vicar to dispose of it for the benefit of the church has just been granted by the Con- sistory Court of London. The picture was presented to the church to serve as an altar- piece by Zoffany himself, who was during the later years of his life a resident in the neigh- bourhood. The picture contains but a single figure, and represents King David in a dramatic atti- tilde, pointing with his finger to the Seventh Commandment. When the church was re-built in 1882 Zoffany's picture was put away in the vestry, where it. hilS remained ever since. As the vicar, the Rev. W. Isaacs, remarked, In answer to an inquiry: "The subject of the picture renders it wholly unsuitable for hang- ing in the church. It is merely in the way where it is; and it seems better that it should be disposed of, perhaps to some collector who values Zoffany's pictures."

THE LEADING FOOD BEVERAGH Don't over-rate your powers of endurance. Take due precautions and face the world with the comforting assurance that you will be able to stand the strain. What you really need to do this effectually is a beverage at onoe refreshing, pleasant to the palate, and strengthening to both mind and body. Such a food beverage is Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa. It has made happy many a home which other- wise to-day would have been wretched, and the ultimate effects of which it is impossible to foresee. For breakfast, dinner, supper— indeed, at any hour of the twenty-four—Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Coooa will be found light and refreshing; it leads the way among all beve- xy cthing can equal it. LlfiS

MINOR MATTERS. POLICE-COURT AND OTHBB PICKINGS. Jennie Evans and Jane Bown, DrynOSO neighbours who were said to have fought tigers over a tap at the rear of fbeit premises on Saturday, the 13th inst., bound over in the sum of £ 5 at Brynm* on Monday. Elias Jones, of Glyncorrwg, collier, WO charged at Aberavon on Monday with a ing the police on the 20th inst. at Gl1P: corrwg. He was sentenced to one month. god was fined 7s. 6d. for being drunk and d* orderly on the same day. At Caerphilly Police-court on Tuesday ILVO. Bowen, labourer, of Mill-road, Caerphilly, charged with threatening to murder his and also with breaking me windows of tis. house. Bowen waa fined 6d. and 00614 amounting to £ 1 Os. 3u John Owens and Mesach Jones, young liers of Penrhiwceiber, and natives of Lis* berris, were each fined £3 at the Abor(bO Police-court on Tuesday for stealing shoulder or veal from the shop of Mrs. Zisl* Duke-street. A meeting of creditors under the bankrupt of James Hughes, commission agent, Unl*J sity Stores, Pwllgwaun, Pontypridd, was on Tuesday at Merthyr. The liabilities returned at £ 88 19s. 9d. and the assets at there being thus a deficiency of £ 78 198. The debtor attributed his failure to tW strike at the Great Western Colliery, poatT pridd, and to bad debts. At Ystrad on Monday Thomas Hudd, 00 ex-eoldier, from Risca, was charged WitA neglecting to contribute toward3 tho »ai* tenance of the illegitimate child of A.900 Mary Thomas, Old Mill, Ystrad Rhondda. T" arrears amounted to X78. The defendso offered L6, and promised a further WL.VMOO of £ 14 in two months, and on these condition he waa released. Frederick James Sa-very, a la.bourer, 50, of 18, Canon-street, Newport, was agoo charged on remand at Newport on Mond with wilfully and maliciously wounding Ilio wife by cutting her with a knife three weeJØ a.go. As the wife was still lying in the bOM* tal unable to attend, the case was again joined for a week, and Savery was alio** baft. A fire which occurred at Swansea had somewhat mysterious origin. It occurred an unoccupied outhouse or store at the baf* of a shop in High-street. There was whatever in the premises, and it is that some loafers got admission to it on SoO* day afternoon to play cards, or for some silos, lar purpose. The premises were owned WI Mr. Popkin Morgan, solicitor. At Tredegar Police-court on Tuesday SydO^J Powell (31), a tramping shoemaker, was fin<* 206., or fourteen days, for stealing a ohoir maker's plane, the property of David Davfcfj Rhymney, on the 28lh. Prisoner took tJIØ plane from the counter, and sold it for j* There were previous convictions against tlF prisoner at Newport for stealing a bioYol6 and at Cardiff for stealing 5s. At Merthyr Police-court on Monday DIJ, Jones Thomas waa charged rn remand WI" outraging a little girl, named Eliazbeth 3(410 donald, aged three years and eleven month* at Troedyrhiwfuwch, on the night of Satofj day, the 13th inst. The evidence of Dr. Roberts showed that the child had been ba^ injured, and would require to undergo an ration. The prisoner was committed for at the assizes. An ex-Army man, named Thomas Hudd, of Risca, was brought before the magistrates Ystrad Polioe-court on Monday for to contribute towards the maintenance of illegitimate child of Agnes Mary Ystrad Rhondda. It was stated that tjjj arrears amounted to £ ^8, but plaintiff i*1? prepared to accept £20 in full Defendant now tendered i6, and on his PrIl, mising to pay the remaining f.14 in tvw months he was released on bail. At the Aberavon Petty-sessions on Mandld James Cohen, furniture dealer, of Jd:, was charged by George Jarrett, pennant*? way inspector, with trespassing on the SoOjr Wales Mineral Railway on February 16.' DO Hunter appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. DaV^T of Maesteg, defended.—The defence set up that a right-of-way existed, and defends^ had used the road for the past eighWJJJ years.—The Beoch fined defendant Is. costs. The Barry magistrates on Monday floed womam. named Sara.h Williams, of Bd ward-street, Cadoxton, lOa., or days' imprisonment, for stealiug fowl, value So.. the property of Williams, Penooedtre, Cadoxton, on the 1 inst. The woman, who declined to pay too fine, was sent to prison. She waa throw over a hedfje the head, feet, <ko., fowl wrapped in a copy of the "E Express." They, were afterwards identified III those of .a, fowl belonging to the prosecutor- « At' Mmrtbyr PoU«4-<te«ur* Jon As. Z, Cro«»-»treet, Aberfan, appllM for a vaccination exemption certifle«j| in respect of his daughter, Annie doline, who was born on the 22nd November last. The applicant stated upos oa.th that he conscientiously believed v tion would be prejudicial to the health of child.—The Stipendiary: Have you iDSUJ^ her life?—Applicant: No, sir, not y*t- £ Stipendiary: Don't forged that.—The tion was granted. A meeting of the creditors of David Tb Red Lion Inn, Cardiff-street, Aberdare, held on Monday at the offloes of the Receiver at Merthyr. The statement of aff*2 "howed:—Gross liabilities, £ 406 5s. 5d.; lities to rank for dividend, £ 356 15s. 5d-; assets available for distribution, £ 39 10b. "5* ciency, £ 356 15s. 5d. The debtor attributed failure to ill-health of himself for the fifteen months, which had prevented him doing any work or giving attention to the ness, heavy rent, and bad trade. At Pontypool on Saturday Isaao an intelligent-looking fcollier, residing at Wainfelin-road, Pontypool, sought a tion from his wife, Emily Carter, on *2 ground that she was a habitual dninW*^ and not a fit and proper person to look his home and children.—Carter made tions against his wife's morality, and thf"j| were corroborated by the polioe.—The$0 made a separation order, the husband have the custody of the children, and to *2; his wife 5s. per week.—Mr. W. J. Everett for the applicant. Peter M'Ewan appeared before Mr.^ .y Lowdon and Mr. T. Andrews at Barry Pol*> court on Monday charged with vagran^^ Police-constable Michael Clynch said who had bc-en dismissed from the Navy, a continual loafer at Penarth Dock, never did any work.—Inspector D. Morrie PO'; WBwan had served three terme of impri ment of three months each for vagrancy, Of terms of two months, and four term" ti fourteen days.—The Justices sent hilu prison for two months with hard labour- A collier, named William Jones, was fi and costs at Ystrad Police-court on for having a, box of matches in his ø whilst in the mine at Park Pit, Cwmpark;^ was stated by Mr. D. W. James, Tonypandy, who appeared for the Ocean liery Company, that the summons was isS ø. in order to make the men more careful- -00 was by pure accident that the discovery made by the night overman, the defend*^ having admitted that he had matches pocket, and that he was going to take to the surface. At the Public-hall, Llandilo, on SaUWl under the presidency of Mr. Evan JOud& Manoravon, Messrs. Aijtrustus Brigstocke- Plaenpant, Bon cat h, and Delme Daviee of Pantglas, Golden Grove, addressed a representative gathering of the farmers neighbourhood upon the question of asn* £ jf ttrral oo-operation —It was decided to apP~j £ | a provisional committee and secretary, a view to starting an agricultural tive society for the district. The secret" pro tem. is Mr D. Burnett, Golden Gro"- ø. At Cardiff Police-court Peter Francis-street, Cardiff, was summoned assaulting his wife, Jane, who also for a separation order. For the proseC^' a medial certificate was handed in testilT » to bruises which complainant euetained result of the assault. Mr. G. F. Fors«^| appeared for the defence, and denied j allegations made. The woman drunken condition at the time, and the bruises through falling.-Defendant. fined £3 and costs, or one month's i ment in de'ault. j, At Bridgend on Saturday John HopkiO8'# Cap'au-rcad, Caerau, Maesteg, tailor, charged with that between November, U and April, 1903, being an undischarged rupt, he obtained credit to the extent °laoP» 2s. 4d. from Messrs. Richard James if* Lvdgate-hill, Birmingham, without mforj^jpr them that he was an undischarged rupt." Alderman T. J. Hughes, x, prosecuted, and Mr. E. T. David, defended.—It was decided to adjourn the until Thursday next, and prisoner admitted to bail, himself in E25 and other in £50.

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