The Cardiff Times

M.A. & B.Sc. ENGINE-DRIVER. C.t is sometime" stated that Oxford M.A 's and ^tnbridgo Wranglers are io be found among the *0 and omnibus drivers of London, but it is v*tely that anything happens to bring an indi- .^Ual instance into prominence and publicity. L/J Melbourne au engine-driver has been on trial r^fore a departmental tribune on the curious 6 *rge of refraining from conversing with his j^Rine-roate," and it came out in evidence that S? was a M.A. and Bachelor of Science of the j University. The incident was a r?^hel to the recent great strike on the Victorian ^Vernment Railways. Some of the strikers still ^"nse to hold any intercourse with the men who ■"lined to come oat."

CEFN CARTER'S FATAL SLIP. Found Dead Under the Wheel. 1 ^Hixies Williams, a middle-aged labouiwr, who been employed by Mr Jenkins, Ffrwyd Isba ?t**tn, Cefn, on Monday, in hauling stones from r;etthyr to Cefu Cemetery, met with a fatal T^^ident whilst returning to the farm. Mrs Maiv Lewis saw the horse and cart standing nn, *lt*nded. and found Williams lying dead with "ft of the wheels pressing upon bis neck. It ia that deceased fell from the cart u^ier the wheel. He came from Chepstow, and been employed for some years by Mr Brown, 0*itractor, Merthyr.

VIOLENT WOMAN AT MERTHYR VALE. i, A.t Merthyr Police Court on Monday w**ah Kichards, for being drunk at Merthyr y>we, was fined 10a and costs, and for assaulting 'C. Edmonds she was fine:! 20s and costs. De- j^daat, it was alleged, was beating one of her J^KerB, an old man, when the constable arrived Poq the scene. She struck the officer several 'lies.

WON HIS BRIDE AFTER 40 YEARS. I romantic marriage has just taken place in >J? between a rich Canadian farmer and an old fly. The bridegroom, a man of seventy, was l°ver of tho bride, wbo i3 sixty-five, and a. ti £ f with her went to Canada. In the jv^itime shemarriec, and when after forty years of bcr hnstend, the matter came to the ears he Clanadiari lover. After a decent interval 1 <s.m9 to England, renewed bis suit, and at bi^ efTorit; vfere crowned with success.

ia onthoritatively stated that there is no the import that Sir Edmund Monson is jF^ht to be replaced at the British Embassy in It Sir F. Lascollea. Ambassador in Berlin, x6 psfclaml that Sir Edmund will certainly j in l^aris nntil the ond of next year. I

GLUED DOWN. The boy is said to be father to the man, and in the case of young Joseph Chamberlain we have an illustration of the truth of the proverb in an amusing incident that has been recorded of his youthful days, He once challenged one of his sisters to a game of battles, each being provided with a regiment of toy soldiers and a pop-gun. Joseph won easily, but his sister subsequently discovered that he had taken the pre- caution to glue his men to the tloor I"-From an article on the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, by W. J. Wintle, in the Loudon Magazine," October, 1903. Cartoon by F. C. Gould. Published by arrangement with the Westminster Gazette."

THE KING AS A BENCHER. Dinner at the Middle Temple. On the occasion ot the grand night dinner at the Middle Temple on Monday King Edward joined the Benchers of the Inn in entertaining at dinner a very large and distinguished com- pany, When Prince of Wales his Majesty was elected a Bencher of the Middle Temple, and is now Master of the Bench. Last evening the King entered the Temple through the Embank- ment gateway, and passing between the ranks of a guard of honour furnished by the Inns of Court Volunteers, he was formally welcomed to the Inn by the Attorney-3-eneral for the year, wbo conducted him beneath a gaily-decorated canopy to the Parliament Chamber, where were assem- bled the King's fellow-Benchers and a number of distinguished guests. The latter included the Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Devonshire, the Marquis of Lansdowce. the Earl of Jtosebery, Lord Suffield, (tbe Lord in-Waiting), the Lord Chief Justice. Lord Burn- ham, the Speaker of the House of Commors, t'ao Master of the Temple (Canon Ainger), Colosel the Hon. H. Legge lEquerry in-Waiting), Sir Francis Burnard, Sir Albert Rollit, M.P., and the treasurers of the other Inns of Court, while among the Benchers.besides his Majesty and the Attorney-General, were the Master of the Rolls, Justice Bigham, Justice Phillimore, Lords Robertson, Young, Lindley, and James o Here- ford, Sir John Day, Judge Philbrick, Judge Tindal-Atkinson, the Recorder of London (Sir Forrest Fnlton*, the Solicitor-General, Sir John Edge, Mr Hetcher Moulton, K.C., M.P.. Mr U. D. Greene, K.C., M.P., Chancellor Milvain, E.G., M.P., Mr A. K. Loyd, K.C., M.P., and I Lord Coleridge, K.C. Almost at once a move was made into the stately hall of the Inn. Passing under the famous oak screen. Benchers and guests, pre- ceded by the Mace, marched in double file through a long line of barristers and students, who were awaiting them in the body of the hall. Headed oy the Mace, which immediately pre- ceded his Majesty and the Attorney General. the procession moved on towards the dais at the farther end, and when everyone was seated grace was said by tbe Master of the Temple. About 300 sat do.vn to dinner, which was About 300 sat do.vn to dinner, which was accompanied by all that observance of ceremony with which a Temple dinner is invariably con- nected. During its progress a selection of music was rendered by tbe band of the Royal Artillery. The health of the King was given by Sir Robert Finlay, and shortly after The Queen ana tbe Royal Family was proposed, Then other toasts were dnly honoured. After the loving cup had made the circuit of I the hall silence was again called for and the concluding grace pronounced. Then smoking was indulged in, and about half-past 10 King Edward took his leave,

_m". I MARINE GUNNER'S DESPAIR. I A packet of oxalic acid and a letter to all I whom it may concern were found in the pos- session of Henry Cousins, a gunner in the Royal Marine Artillery. He was charged at Worship- street Police Court on Saturday as an absentee from his ship, the Thunderer. He is a tail, well- set-up man,wearing amedai.and it appeared that he went into the police station and gave himself np as an absentee. He appeared strange, and after being charged was searched, The letter referred to was written in a firm hand and in connected phrases. It said that the writer had made up his mind to quit this world of trouble," aitd continued, As usual, a woman is at the bottom of it all." The letter then mentioned the name of a girl he had kept company with. He believed she was above srspicion, but lately bad had reason to think differently, and as he was away be conld not bear the thought of it. He (the writer) had, he said, the consolation of Knowing that he had been of some use to his country in the Cretan and South African Wars, and there- fore that his life had not been wholly wasted. He bade good-bye to all, spoke in high praise of his colonel, and thanked him for the many kind- nesses he had bestowed upon the men. A ques- tion was raised whether the War Office or the Admiraltv should be communicated with on the matter, but eventually it was decided to remand the prisoner to be seen by the medical officer.

DEALINGS IN JEWELLERY. A Dorset Assizes at Dorchester on Saturday (before Mr Justice Wills) William James Byrue, pawnbroker, 68, Hyde-road, Hoxton, was in- dicted for stealing and receiving jewellery, of the total value of over £1,000, stolen from the pre- mises of Mr Courtenay, jeweller, Weymouth, on the night of February 27th, The burglary was carried out with skill and daring, the thieves (who left behind a set of housebreaking imple- ments) getting clear off with over £1,200 worth of valuables. On September 1st the police found at the prisoner's shop not onlf a number of jiagsstoleu at Weymouth, but 27 brooches and two brooches which formed part of a large bur- glary on the premises of Messrs H. Samuel at Leeds on May 4th. Prisoner said he had bought them of dealers in the ordinary 'vay of trade. He did not butcher them in any way. He nut his own marK on them, and exposed them in his window for sale. Seigeant Pride, Metropoli can Police, admitted in cross-examination that jewellery was sold freely in the streets in some parts of London, and a good deal of bartering went on.-CDunsel The dealers stand in Hatton- garden. and take diamonds out of their waistcoat pockets like peas.Prisoner, who gave evidence in his own behalf, was found not guilty and dis- charged, but the jury advised him to exercise more care in his business.

THE MISSING BANK MANAGER. Mr Morgan, the Sontbend bank manager, who was believed to have been drowned, and for whose recovery a reward had been offered, was found by his friends at Dover 011 Saturday, and left for London. Mr Morgan went out from Southend on his yacht alone some days ago for a cruise, and had not since been heard of, his yacht having been picked up by a tug and taken back to Southend. No explanation is offered as to how he came to Dover and the mystery of the abandoned yacht, but he was found by the police walking on the promenades, and his friends were communicated with. Mr Morgan appears to have been staying at Dover several days.

CHINESE LANTERNS AS SUBSTITUTES. At LlandaCf Police Court on Monday Enoch Griffin, Upper Boat, was charged with driving & vehicle that had not efficient lamps. Asked if be was guilty, defendant replied; I don't know waat you mean by efficient." Evidence was given that defendant bad two Chinese lanterns instead of lamps. A boy was in the vehicle hold- ing the lanterns in his band. The Magistrates' Clerk told defendant that was what was meant by not having efficient lights. Defendant said be was unexpectediv detained in Cardiff, and bought the Chinese lanterns as a substitute for his lamps, which he had left at home. Fined 5s, including costs.

ACCIDENT ON A FRENCH CRUISER. Toulon, Sunday.—On Friday in a violent storm the cruiser Lena, which was lying off Majorca, sustained damage to her steam steering gear, which was rendered useless, Hand, steering had to be resorted to, bat a heavy wave striking the rudder three men were hurled to the deck. One was killed aDd another seriously injured—Renter.

■■ ■ 1 Mr D. W. Roberts presided at a meeting of Barry Library Committee on Monday evening, when it was reported that the Director-General of Ordnance had presented the library with eight ordnance maps of the district. Mr Robins, Barry Island, was appointed clerk pf works for tho new buildings.

DUPING A BARMAID. A Boastful Prisoner. At Southwark on Saturday Edward Brooks (40), agent, of no home Percy Fryer (25;, grocer's assistant and Kitty Parkinson (28), married, of St. Mary-street, Lambeth, were charged with being concerned together in stealing on October 29th from Borough-road Station a trunk con- taining a watch and chain, a bank-book, and a quantity of clothing, value JE12. belonging to Emma Buckingham, barmaid, of 49, Lingham- street, Clapham-road. The prosecutrix said that in consequence of an advertisement she inserted for a situation as barmaid the prisoner Brooks called upon her. He said that his name was Wood, that he had a I public-house at Shadwell, and was about to take another, the Alexandria, at Wood Green. He said be required a barmaid for the latter place, and she gave him her references. The next morning she received a letter-card from him, slating that the references were satisfac- ¡ tory, and that his wife would drive her to the station the next day. On the 29th Brooks and Kitty Parkinson, whom he represented as his wife, arrived at her address in a, cab. Brooks said they might as well take her box with them to save expense. She thanked them for their kindness. He borrowed 6d from her to p*y the man for might as well take her box with them to save expense. She thanked them for their kindness. He borrowed 6d from her to pty the man for carrying the box downstairs, explaining that he had no loose change. They drove away, good- ness knows where," and after a time there was a slight noise on the roof of the cab. Brooks re- marked. Oh, dear me, the box is coming through the roof." He suggested that the box should be left at Borough-road Station, and forwarded to Wood Green by rail. She assented, and he had the box placed in the cloak room, be retaining the ticket. They pro. ceeded on thair way, and in the course of conver- sation Brooks asked Parkinson if she had X5 on her. At first she replied in the negative and then in the affirmative. Brooks remarked to the witness, As you see us now you will always see us," to which she replied, It's nice to be happy." Kitty Parkinson said to Brooks, Especially when you are a good boy." (Laugh- ter.1 He next proposed that he and his wife I shoald have some tea, and she should go in the cab to Wood Green by herself. Having arranged with the cabman as to the charge, ho asked her to tell the barman at the Alexandria who she was, and request the necessary money to pay the cabman. He pointed out his unfortunate condition in not hav- ing any ready cash with him, and asked her if she had Y,7 or ig8 on her. She replied, Not on me," and at his request lent him nil the loose cash she had, amounting to about 6s. He then asked her to get George the barman to send bis cheque-book and green wallet by the cabman to him at a portmanteau shop he mentioned in the Strand. The cabman drove her to the Alexandria at Wood Green, but she was not wanted there, and the Miss Henderson she was told to ask foi nas not known. The cabman drove her back to town, but they were unable to find Brooks again, and thby discovered that the box had been taken from Borough-road Station. Detective-Sorgeant Neil said that his inquiries showed that Fryer took the box from the station, and got a man to take it to 19, Ontario-street. Brooks when arrested said, I have had a good run. How many have you got a"aiost me V" Pointing to a removal van which was passing, he added, "YOll would not beabletoget them all in there The witness remarked that Brooks and Fryer looked like brothers, and they then ad- mitted that they were. Kitty Parkinson said she also was supposed to take up a situation as barmaid. Brooks asked her to pass as his wife to the prosecutrix, and she said she did not mind. He promised to buy her a black dress on the condition that she did not let bis wife know. (Laughter.) Sergeant Neil said there was a. large number of cases against Brooks. Prisoners were remanded.

CAPTAIN BETRAYS COLONEL In the Divorce Court on Monday Lieutenant- Colonel Ronald William Edward Huntly Nicholson, a retired officer of the Royal Army RIfcdical Corps, sued for a dissolution of his mar- riage with Eleanor Agnes Nicholson, on the ground of her adultery with Captain Kenneth Cameron, of the Argyll and Sutherland Hieh landers, The suit wa* undefended. It was stated by petitioner that when he and respondent were in India he bad reason to complain of the co-respondent's too frequent visits. He spoke to his wife about it, and she was indignant. They afterwards came to England. He was later ordered to Chester, and then to Lichfield, and his wife declined to go with him. She informed him of her preference for Captain Cameron. Wit- ness identified the following letter (produced) as being in the co-respondent's handwriting My Darling Nelly,—To-night I am so un- happy about you, and thinking about you more if possible than I have done sinca I saw you at Agra. I suppose you are going on bo-ird to-night and are really leaving India. You say you have left part of yourself with me. Well, you have taken a big part of me away, RnsJiwhat you have left of yon is valued above ivfl things in the world. I want you so much, dear. If I could only see you for half an hour I should feel content." Evidence was given that co-respondent had visited respondent at her fiat. A decree nisi was I granted.„

THE MONKS OF CHARNWOOD FOREST. The Euglisb Reformed Cistercians, or Cis- tercians of the Strict Observance," whose monas- tery stands in the lonpliest part of the bleak and stormy Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire, have just loat their prior, Father Ambrose Tassns, who has died at the age of 64. The monks, who number about twelve, lead life of great severity and almost total silence, dividing their time between penitential exercises, contemplation, j and manual labour on the monastic farm. The buildings, which were designed by Pugin, stand under the shadow of a great rock, the summit of which is crowned by a lofty wooden crucifix, and command a view over an immense stretch of country, much of which is still a wilderness.

VATICAN ARCHIVES. There is one point in the policy of Pose Pius X. which historical students throughout the world will learn with interest. It may be expressed in the one word, freedom of research. Leo XIII. conferred upon science a great benefit in reveising the policy of Pius IX. and throwing open the incomparable treasures of the Vatican archives to all of competent status, regardless of nationality or religion. Some anxiety has been felt in Europe as to whether this enlightened policy would be continned, and the Pope, the other d1.Y, in receiving Dr. Pastor, who presented a copy of his great History of the Popes," affirmed his purpose of continuing to grant free access to all documents in the &chivea.

DEATH OF A NOVELIST. The Chronicle announces the death, at the age of only fifty-four, after long and pain- ful suffering, of Mr James McLaren Cobban, author and journalist. His more serious and persistent efforts were I devoted to the production of fiction, of which he has left behind him a very considerable output, including The Red Sultan kof Morocco), whose hero was half an Irishman The King of Andaman," and The Angel of the Covenant." He is also the author of a popular Life and Deeda of Lord Roberts in four volumes, and it was the strain of producing this work during the Boer war which broke down his health.

Leslie Prewett, a young man of 16, residing at Park-terrace, Cwmcarn, was injured on Saturday in the 5-feet seam at Abercarn Colliery by a iall of roof. He died on Saturday night. His part- ner bad a Burrow escape and sustained slight injuries.

ALTERED MONEY ORDERS. Value Increased 100 Times. Extensive post office frauds by the chemical treatment of money orders are said to have, been committed in various parts of the country. A man named Alfred Ernest Davies, alias Wil- liam Leonard Turner, of Maida Vale, was charged at Spalding on Saturday with forging three money orders-two at Spalding and one at IpHwich, He was also charged with attempting to commit suicide by shooting himself at Spald- ing Police Station on the day of his arrest. Miss Edith C. Bowden, of Regent-street Post Office Miss Margaret C. Dunham, of Berners-street Post Office, and other Post Office servants, gave evidence that money orders for 2s had been issued and that the same orders had been altered to £10, All the writing had been obliterated, the orders had been filled afresh, and the paying office and signature of the post office clerk had been altered in each case. The postal authorities suggettod that the money orders had been put through some chemical process to remove the writing without affecting the printed portion of the order. Davies presented JE10 orders in mak- ing purchases of Mr J. C. Harris, jeweller, Spalding MrH. N. Enderby. saddler, Spalding and Mr J. A. Haskell, silversmith, Ipswich, and received about £7 change in each case. The orders were crossed, and Davies said that he had no banking account through which he could cash them. Davies was arrested as he was leaving Spalding for Lincoln by train. At the police station he fired two revolver shsts, and the re- volver was wrested from him by two constables. He has f-ince been in hospital for three weeks. A spirit lamp, methylated spirit, a flat iron, photo- graphic developing dish, and a rubber stamp (" and Co. ") were found on Davies when he was arrested, also four £ 10 orders and blotting paper with the reverse impression of the word ten written distinctly. Davies was sent for trial at Lincoln Assizes.

ACTION FOR LIBEL. Liberal Candidate Sues Newspaper. In the King's Bench on Monday I £ r J. M. Robertson, Liberal candidate for the Tyneside divisiou of Northumberland, sued Messrs B&ines and Co.. Limited, pro- prietors of tte Leeds and Yorkshire Mercury," for alleged false and malicious libel published in defendant's paper on February 4th last. The alleged libel was contained in the London letter of the paper, and said the only explanation of the selection of the plaintiff as candidate must be that those responsible were ignorant of plaintiff's past achievements in the political and literary world. Plaintiff was called a rabid Little Englander, and it was said plain- tiff was the editor of a magazine published by the Freethoaght Publishing Society, the latter of which dealt with matters unmentionable in polite society, and which disappeared in 1898 after a police raid and prosecution. Defendants pleaded that the words were true in substance and fact, and that what was published was fair corn nont on matters of public interest. The plaintiff, giving evidence, said he had never written articles about things which were unmentionable in polite society. He had lec- tured on Malthusianism, but never in an im- proper manner. He sold the Free Review in 1895. and he knew that in 1898 a man was prose- cuted for having indecent literature on his pre- mises, but witness knew nothing of the man. The jury stopped the case and returned a ver- dict for defendants.

POST OFFICE C.O.D. PARCELS. The Post mas ter-Geaeral has stated that the plan for the C.O.D. parcel post, if demanded by the public, can be described as follows Parcels and registered postal packets would be handed over to the Post Office on the understand- ing that the sender should receive through the Post Office the money due to him on them, or else get his parcel back. The parcels and packets would be accepted at every post office and delivered in any part of the United Kingdom by postmen who would collect on delivery trade charges of moderate amount. The sender of a trade charge packet -would be required to write on the cover his name and address, and the amoant to be collected on delivery, and also to tender with the packet a form of request. The receiving post office would give the sender a certificate of posting. The postman taking out the packet from the office of delivery would collect the charge before handing the packet to the addresse. No receipt would be taken or given on delivery. On the return of a postman to the office with the money it would be remitted to the sender by means of a money order or a postal order forwarded through he post in the ordinary way in aclosed envelope. 1 1 11 1 ■

CZAR IN A MOTOR ACCIDENT. A Dalziel's message from Paris savs that the Frankfort correspondent of the New York Herald" (Paris edition) states that several of the august visitors at present staying with the Grand Duke of Hesse at Woifsgarten are motor- car enthusiasts. On Friday Princa Henry, the Emperor Nicholas, and the Grand Duke went on an automobile excursion to view the Roman remains at Salzburg. The Empress and her sister,Princess Henry,were in a second car.While going through Frankfort the car containing the Grand Duke and his guests skidded and just missed colliding with an electric car. A quarter of an hour later, in trying to avoid a cart in the little village of Praunheim, the same car skidded again and the rear wheels stuck fast in the gut- ter. When the automobile containing the ladies came along it did the same. The Empress and her sister, instead of being frightened at their adventure, sat back in their seats and laughed heal tilv. The Czar looked anxious, but the Grand Duke of Hesse and Prince Henry joined in the laughter, and assured the Emperor that there was no danger.

A WOMAN BURGLAR. At Greenwich Police Court on Monday Annie Perry, aged 20, living at Peckham, was charged with breaking into a. dwelling-house at New Cross and stealing JEM worth of jewellery. The occupier of the house was a former employer. When charged prisoner said it was quite true. Prisoner, who was wanted in connection with other charges of burglary in various parts of London, was remanded.

NOTORIOUS MURDERER RECALLED. When Chief Warder Ingram left Warwick Gaol on Saturday he had thrown off a burden of responsibility borne with so much distinction that the Prison Commissioners have had no hesita- tion in awardingjbim the Imperial medal for long and faithful service. For 34 years he has been working inside various prisons of the country. At Leeds be had the distinction of walking arm-in-arm with Charles Peace for half an hour a day.jPeace had leaped from a train in which be was being conveyed from London to Wakefield, and had injured himself. Ingram assisted him to get a little exercise along the corridors while the other prisoners were locked up. Peace was k foxy little fellow." says Mr Ingram "he never talked about his crimes, but I heard him say one day that his face never betrayed him. He could meet a policeman outside the house he had just robbed without turning a hair." _0.

The Mayor of Cardiff (Alderman Edward Thomas, J.P.) has remitted to the hon. treasurer of the Cardiff and District Branch of Queen Victoria's Jubilee Institute for Nurses a cheque for £ 183 12a, being part of the Cardiff collection made by the Mayoress's Committee for the Women's Memorial to the late Queen. We I understand that a like amoant has also been sent i; to the headquarters of The Institute in bQwlQu.

NATIONAL DEFENCES. Important Committee Appointed. We are able to make an announcement I of great national and Imperial importance (says the Daily Mirror," a new ladies' penny paper). The Dublic will shortly be officially informed that a committee of three, with powers of the most liberal character, has been appointed for the re- organisation of the national defences. The com- mittee will consist of one of our ablest admirals, one of our best generals, and a third member who will be a civilian. It will superintend there- organisation of the War Office, consider the orga- nisation of the Navy, and bring two great ser- vices into harmony. The civilian member will be Lord Esher. The naval officer selected will be Admiral Sir J. Fisher, Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth, and the officer mainly responsible for the new naval education plan. The soldier will be selected from the following names :—The Duke of Con- naught, Sir H. Brackenbury, Lord Kitchener, Sir Ian Hamilton, Sir W. G. Nicholson, The revolutionary measure has been vigorously urged forward by his Majesty, and is meant as a real movement towards complete reform. The work of the committee is expected to occupy at least six months. This intimation of the ap. pointment of the committee may be officially described as premature and unautborised," but the Daily Mirror is prepared to risk its future reputation as a news organ on the sub- stantial accuracy of the statement.

A GREAT YORKSHIREMAN. The death of Mr Samson Fox, of Harrogate, closet a remarkable career. He began Jife as a weaver at a salary of half a crown a week. At the age of 16 he rigged up his liist lathe in his mother's kitchen, and turned out various articles for domestic use. Obtaining employment in a foundry he found wider scope for his talents, soon rising to the post of chief engineer, and eventually being given a, master's place. His most famous invention was a boiler with a cor- rugated fiue; which has now been adopted in nearly all the navies of the world. It revo- I The Late Mr Samson Fox. I I Jutioniged the boiler trade, and within the first I fifteen years of its existence about 60,000 corru- gated flues had been sold. Unlike many in- ventors, Mr Fox's genius brought him a vast fortune. Out of this he gave a cheque for JE45,000 towards the building of the Royal Col- lege of Music, which he banded over at Marl- borough House in 1889. In addition to his in- ventive genius, Mr Fox had considerable musical talent, played several instruments, and was a fair singer. He was rather a quaint character, with the bluffness of speech and generosity that so often bespeak a Yorkshireman. Mr Fox was three times Mayor of Harrogate, where he built a house costing £ 26,000. During his lifetime he took Otit no fewer than 150 patents.

THRILLING STORY OF THE SEA. The shipwrecked crew of the barque Salvador Talavera have been landed at New York by the s.s. Verona, which rescued them on the 8th October in latitude 33 N., longitude 58 W. from their sinking vessel. The Salvador Talavera was bound from Fernandina to Corunna with a cargo of pitch pine, and on September 28th she met with a hurricane in which she was finally dismasted and waterlogged. For ten days the crew were in IL starling condition and clinging to the wreckage, and when the Verona hove in sight the vessel was only floating on her cargo.

OUR NEW AMBASSADOR TO U.S His Excellency trfe Right Hon. Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, G.C.M.G., K.C S.I., K.C.I.E., our new) mbassador at Washington, is a son of the late Major-General Sir Henry Marion Durand, and v.as born in 1850. He was educated at Eton House, Tonbridge, and was admitted a barrister at Lincoln's Inn in 1872. He entered the Bengal Civil Service in 1873, and wa" political secretary to Lord Roberts aT7rir^ the I The Right Hon. Sir Henry M. Durand. Kabul campaign, 1879, being present at Cbarasia and the fighting round Kabul. He was Foreign Secrolary to the Government of India, and Secre- tary to the Orders of the Star of India and the Indian Empire from 1884 to 1894. In 1893 he was sent on a special mission to Kabul, end in 1894 he became British Minister at Teheran, going thence in 1900 to Madrid. Selection for the post of British Ambassador to the United States has come to rank as one of the highest honours that can be conferred upon a British subject. It is a proof not only of the high esteem in which his past services are held, hat of the perfect confidence that is placed in his fatnre. He has to represent not only the Crown and the Government, but, in a peculiar degree, the British people. It is not stated why Sir Morti- mer Durand has been chosen for this difficult post. We have a peculiar method of selecting our representatives, though it must be admitted that as a role our Ambassadors and Ministers are first-rate men. Sir Mortimer may. there- fore, judging from his past records, prove a sns cess at Washington.

FELL DOWN THE HOLD. Old Cardiff Footbalfer Injured. On Monday morning Wm. F. Davies, a boiler- maker, of 44, Richard-street, Barrv Dock, an old Cardiff footballer, and brother of the late Dick I Davies, who was drowned while skating off Dnmballs-road a few years back, accidentally fell down the hold of the s.s. Minmore, at Barrv Dock. The vessel was lying in the middle of the dock, and Davies was engaged with others in effecting repairs to the vessel. He was picked up in an unconscious state and removed to the Kingsland-crescent Accident Hospital, where it was found that be was suffering from concus- sion, shock, and a fractured nose. On Monday m walllllowl1 regftioipg craaciogsueBs. -1

LIBERAL AND LABOUR VICTORY Municipal elections in England and Wales took place on Monday. Returns have been re- ceived from 127 boroughs. In 22 of these no contests occurred. In many others the electors were influenced solely bv municipal questions. The following shows the gains of parties as tabulated from the results to hand Liberal gains 54 Conservati ve 40 Labour 16 Socialist 2 Independent party 5 Tbe Protestant paity 4 Nationalists 2 1 Co-operators 1 In Devonport the Liberals gained seven seats, and in Bootle air in Stockport the Con- servatives gained four seats. The Independent party gains were in Southampton, Sunderland, and Salford those of the Protestant party in Liverpool and Birkenhead and those of the Nationalists in Liverpool, whilst the Co- operators scoied'their saccess at Chatham.

CARDIFF CONTESTS. Interest was very keen in the elections, but a steady downpour of rain kept hundreds of voters from the poll and gave very great advantage to the Conservative side, which is always much better supplied with carriages than is the Liberal. There were contests in seven wards, and the net result is that, despite changes in the representation, the relative party position re- mains almost unaltered. The old members go back for Canton. Park, and Roath a Conserva- tive succeeds a Conservative in Riverside the I Liberal seat in Grangetown is lost but in Adamsdown a Liberal has defeated Mr Fox, a Catholic Liberal who was against his party on j the education question. { The total of the electorate in the seven wards is 18,136. and of these 12,780 went to the poll, a proportion of a little over 70 per cent. ADAMSDO WN-1,643 Electors. I At Adamsdown 1,232 electors recorded their votes. James Munn (Liberal) 640 I Frank A, Fox (Ind. Liberal & R.C.) 581 Majority. 59 j At the bye-election on March 21st last Mr I Manders (C) polled 680 votes, and Mr Jones (Liberal), 565 Conservative majority, 115. CANTON-3,180 Electors. Illtyd Thomas (Con.) 1,167 I G. A. Seccombe (Lib.) 960 Majority. 207 Spoilt votes, 7. At the bye-election on March 13th last Mr I. Thomas (C.) polled 1,045, Mr Seccombe (L.) 824 Conservative majority, 221. GRANGETOWN-2,604 Electors. J. J. Dixon C 934 A. Sessions L 768 Conservative majority 166 There were six spoilt votes. At the last election (March 25th) Dr. Smith (C) polled 996. Mr Stenner (Lab) 544 Conserva- tive majority, 452. P ARK- 3.678 Electors. J. W. Courtis (C) 1521 Samuel Fisher (L) 1319 Con. majority 202 Thore were eleven spoilt votes. At the last election Mr Morgan Thomas (L) polled 1,568 Mr Caple, 1,269 Liberal majority, 299. RIVERSIDE 2,530 El actors. Joseph Stanfield (C) 836 W. Crawford Treasure (L) 780 Majority 56 There were five spoilt votes. At the last election Mr Lewis Morgan (C) polled 1,017 Dr. W. C. Treasure (L), 736; Con- servative majority, 281. SPLOTT WARD.—2,306 Electors. Chappell (Lab) 1074 Smith (C) 593 Majority 481 Spoilt votes-9. At the bye-election in December,1902,Mr F. J. Beavan (L) polled 844, Mr Capel (C) 741, Mr Hart (Ind Lab) 54, a Liberal majority over Con- servatives of 103. ROATE.—2,225 Electors. MrC. H. Bird.. (L.) 840 Mr Henry White (C.) 821 Majoritv 19 At the last election Mr R. Bird (L.) polled 895, Mr Hallett (C). 694, Lib. majority, 201. I

NEWPORT, I No Change in the Balance of Parties. I Contests took place in eight of the ten wards; at Newport. Rain fell heavily, and the work of bringing up voters was carried throngh with difficulty. The poll was smaller than usual. Results :— St. Julian's Ward.- *W. A. Baker (L) unop- posed. Tredegar.—R. J. Searles (L) nnopposed. Crindan.—"Graham White (L), 465 J. WH- liams (C), 424 majority, 41. Caerau.—*G. H. Llewellyn (L), 472 J. W, Hunt (C), 463 majority, 9. St. Woolos.—'Dr. Sutton (L), 423; T. H. Hazell (C), 420 majority, 3. I Central —*T. Parry (C), 473 J. Brownscombe I (L), 271; majority, 202. I Alexandra.—*F. E. Burpitt (C), 416; J. Parry (L), 323 majority, 93. Maindee.—*J. Moxon (C), 488 James Francis (L). 420 majority. 68. Victoria.—*C P. Simmonds (L), 415; W. Jesseman (C), 344 majority, 71. Liswerry,H. C. Parfitt (C), 245; S. R. Whiting (L), 237 majority, 8. Conservative gain.

SWANSEA. Morriston Ward.—Howel Lewis (Lab.), 980: H. D. Williams (Ind.), 687 majority, 293. Brynmelin Ward.—Morgan Hopkin (Ind.), 743 J, Wignall (official Lab.), 430; majority, 313. St. John's.—W. S. Morris (Lab's. 925 W. Grey Walters (Ind.), 766 majority. 159. Victoria.—J. W. Cadwalladr (Co-optionist), 494 W. H. Mill (Anti-Co-optionist), 388 majo- ¡ rity, 106. Brecon. The result of the poll at Brecon was declared at 10.15 p.m. by the Mayor, Mr Lewis W. H. Jones, as follows ;—J. W. Hedger (C). 613: J. A. Jebb (C), 546 5 E. M. Meredith (L), 534 Guy Dobell (C), 452 D. Williams (C), 448. The first four were declared electea. Messrs Jebb, Hedger, Williams, and Dobell were retiring members of the Council. Mr Meredith was the new candidate. Carmarthen. Despite the rain, which fell throughout the day, there was steady polling at Carmarthen. It was a political fight, the question at issue bein the Education Act. Results — Eastern "lard.-Elect d-*Morris Jones (L), 517; H. W. Thomas (L), 511 H. E. Richards (L), 499. Non-elected-C. Haydon Williams (Cj, 444. Western Ward.—Elected—John Lewis (L), 423 David Samuel (L), 408 Herbert Davies (C), 400. Non-elected—P. R. Lewis (C), 391 D. 423; David Samuel tL), 408; Herbert Davies (C), 400. Non-elected—P. R. Lewis (C), 391 D. D. Jones (L), 366. Neath. There was little excitement at Neath. Results: North Ward.-Re- elected- James Glass (L), 503; W. E. Rees (L). 441. Non-elected—W. T. Jones (L), 382. South Ward.—Re elected. E. Law (L). 460 J. Arnold (Lab.), 413. Non-elected, J. B. Taylor (L), 306; B. Griffiths (L). 301. ¡ Aberavon.—Results — Elected James 646, Owen 590, W. J. Williams 460, W. Williams. 373. Non-elected Jones 373, Mills 122, Edwards 84. Tenby.—Elected Jeffry Allen 415, Egerton Allen 343, H. Leach 309, E. Laws 284. Non- Tenby.—Elected Jeffry Allen 415, Egerton Allen 343, H. Leach 309, E. Laws 284. Non- elected J. Trascott 277, H. Morly 268, F. Mooney 256, Preeoe James 214, G. Pront 203, J. Gifford 125. I J. Gifford 125. Kidwelly.—Elected W. Wilkin (Brownite) I 325, W. JTounit (Brownite) 301, D. Rowlands (Brownite) 270, Ben Griffiths (Stephsnite) 268. Non-slected W. Harris (Brownite) 264, Jot'n I Jones (Stephenite) 262, John Phillips (Stephenite) 242, John James (Stephenite) 237. The Brown- ites gain one seat. John Jones was the only retiring candidate seeking re-election. Monmouth.—There was a good deal of interest taken in the election this year, and the poll was above the average. Party politics, however, did not take a prominent place in the contest. Re- led sults :—Elected—Jonee (L.), 466 Baillie (C.), 421; Ballinger (C.), 400; Barling (C.), 381 not elected-Tippins (C.), 283 Lawrence (L.), 110. Pembroke. -Pembroke Dock Ward—Charles Young (L) 884, James Hutchings (C) 859, John Grieve (L) 799, Thomas Brown (C). 589, 0, Smith (L) 508, W. Williams (C), retired, 47. The first tnree named, of whom Messrs Young and, Hutchings were retiring members, were elected. Pembroke Ward—A. F. Beddoe (L U) 426, W. *N. Griffiths (L) 384, J. Lewi* (C> 304, Richard Ormond (C) 262, T. H. Rogers (C) 97. The three first-named, who were retiring members, were elected. Mayor-Elect of Cardigan. At a private meeting of the Town Council on Monday, after the completion of the return of thelfour unopposed candidates-Messrs E. Mathias (the fifth election], Evan Bowen (third i election), A. Harper (eecond election), and Cap- tain Wm. Bowen (first election), who returned thanks—Councillor Edward Mathias was selected as Mayor for the ensuing year. There were two claimants, but Mr Mathias obtained the largest number of votes, and the other nominee accepted the position gracefully. The election on the 9th inst., consequently, will be unanimous. Kensitite Victories. A new feature in Liverpool municipal contests was the return of two ultra-Protestant candidates at the expense of candidates nominated by the Conservative party. One of the former is George Wise, the notorious anti-Ritualist agitator, vtho j was returned by St. Domingo Ward, and who J threatens to oppose at the General Election the present Tory member, Mr David Maclver. Another Conservative candidate who suffered defeat at the hands of the Protestant party is the Lord Mayor-elect, Mr Hanipson. In Birken- head a Keaait caudidate defeated ex-&ayor UwJebum.

I LLANELLY DISTRICT COUNCIL. I Electric Contract.—Further Powers. At the meeting of the Llanelly Urban District Council 011 Monday afternoon the Chairman (Mr W. Wilkins) referred to tbe death of the deputy- clerk, Mr David Davies, who had been in the service of the Council a great number of years, and a resolution ot sympathy with Mrs Davies and the children was passed. The Chairman moved the adoption of the minutes of the Estates Committee of the 26th October, when tbe committee heard the solicitor with regard to the electric light and traction scheme, and by a majority decided to ask the Council to go to Parliament if necessary to secure powers for specific performance of agree- ment or to confirm the agreement. He said he had reasons which had arisen since the meet- ing of the committee for saying that they cer- tainly ought to take this step, which was tbe only chance they had of compelling fulfilment of tbe contract of tbe British Insulated Wire Co. Whilst in London last week be consulted counsel, whose opinion was full; in favour of the step recommended by the committee and the suggestion of the solicitor. Mr John Thomas seconded, and after a long discussion in private on a report by the solicitor. Mr David Randell, the resolution was carried. The offer of the Standing Joint Committee of the Carmarthenshire County Council to give JE125 as rent for the Town Hall for magisterial par- poses, on a lease of 60 years, was considered, and it was unanimously decided to adhere to the proposed terms of £150.

BRUTAL AND COWARDLY. At the Merthyr Police Court on Monday William Griffiths was summoned for assaulting David George Morgan at Troedyrhiwvwch, on the 26th October. Mr F. P. Charles, for the prosecution, said defendant was a fighting man, and assaulted complainant without provocation. There appeared to have been some ill-feeling by defendant towards complainant, since the latter refused to back him at Brynmawr. Com- plainant stated that on the 26th October he called at the Rising Sun. Troedyrhiwvwch. About 20 persons were in the bar, among them the defen- dant, whom he had refused to back for an encoun- ter at Brynmawr. Defendant, after quarrelling with another man, rushed at him (complainant) like a madman, and struck him about twelve times. Complainant, who tried to defend him- self, was rendered unconscious. He was unable to work for three days afterwards. William Goding and Ebenezer Morgan gave evidence for complamant. One witness for the defence said defendant gave complainant a few slaps, and another said he struck one blow only. Defen- dant was fined £5. or in default one month's imprisonment, the Stipendiary Magistrate re- marking it was very brutal and cowardly for a powerful person like defendant to attack a little man like complainant.

ALLEGED PERJURY. SUMMONS ISSUED AT SWANSEA. Mr C. R. Trueman, of Neath, on Monday attended the Swansea Police Court and applied for a summons for alleged perjury against Mr D. R. Knoyle, accountant, based on answers given by Mr Knoyle during his recent public examina- tion in bankruptcy. One of tbe grounds was that n answer to a question tbe debtor said he had paid out no moneys of the Landore Building Society except those sworn to. Another, that he said he resigned the position of secretary to the Landore Society because he had no wish to continue, whereas he (Mr Trueman) alleged that he was dismissed; and the third, that he swore a balance due to the society was JE246 2s IOd. whereas an investigation of the books disclosed that the amount was JE806 13s 6d. The summons was granted, and made returnable next Monday, when the hearing of a similar charge preferred by Mr Trueman is fixed.

LICENSING OFFENCE. Sunday Morning Episode at Brynmawr. At Brynmawr Police Court on Monday (before Alderman W. Roberts, Messrs L. Pritchard, A. Gage, and E. Swailes) Elizabeth Jones, Shoulder of Mutton Inn, Brynmawr, was charged with keeping open her licensed premises during pro- hibited hours on October 25th, and Daniel Wil- liams, collier, was summoned for being on the premises. Mr T. Hughes (Messrs Powell and Hnghes, Brynmawr and Ebbw Vale) prosecuted for the police, and Mr J. B. Walford, Aber- gavenny, defended. P.C. Williams said that about 3 o'clock on the Sunday morning in ques- tion he saw defendant Williams, who lives in a house adjoining the inn, climb over two walla, knock at the door, and enter. Witness and Constable Michael followed, and found Wil- liams sitting on a couch. A man who lodged at the inn said defendant was a relation to the landlord and was lodging there all night. The landlady was coming downstairs at the time. Half an hour later Constable Williams and Davies saw Williams coming from the direction of the inn with a tin jack containing half a gallon of beer. They tock him to the premises; and the landlady denied any knowledge of the transaction. P.C. Michael said that about 3 o'clock he saw Williams going over a wall at the rear of the inn with a tin jack, and he knocked and entered the house with it. He and P.C. Williams scaled the intervening walls and fol- lowed, but neither saw the jack m the house. Several witnesses were called for the defence who stated that Daniel Williams about 10.45 the previous night purchased eight quarts of beer at the inn, paid 4s for it, and took it away in a water jack to his own house. It was stated that Williams, owing to a quarrel with his brother. bad arranged to stay at the inn, but left about 1 o'clock. About 2 or 3 o'clock he went round the back way. knocked at his own door, shouted Dan's here," and his sister gave him beer from the water jack in the one now produced. He went away "to have a walk with it," and was intercepted by the constables. Williams said he got over a tumble-down wall to go to the inn about lodgings, but had no tin with hinr whatever then. The landJady said sbe did not see Williams from the time he called about lodgings until he was fetched bv the conatablef with the jack and the beer. After a hearing ot over two hours the Bench considered the cast proved, and fined the landlady 40s and costs and Williams 10s and costs.

PECULIAR LICENSING PROSECUTION No Case at Swansea. At Swansea Police Court on Monday (before Mr ELowel Watkins. Mr Joseph Rosser, and Mr Goldberg) E. Smith Beavan, of Castle-street. licensed victualler, was summoned for allowing internal communication between licensed pre- mises and a private house to be in use. Mr L. Richards prosecuted, and Mr Leyson defended. Captain Colquhoun said he saw a man named Williams enter by a staircase leading up to & small landing, on the right of which was a door leading to Mr Taylor's photographic studio. He turned down a passage, and so entered tb( licensed premises, where he was afterwards found in defendant's bar being served with drink Defendant, when told he would be summoned said his brother had made tbe opening, which had been in existence for many years. In cross. examination Captain Coiqnhoun said he war aware the Corporation now owned the premises. Asked on whose information it was that he acted, Captain Colquhoun said he w.1uld rather not say. Warrant Officer Davies said it wat impossible to get from Taylor's direct to the licensed premises. There was a landing. For the defence Mr Leyson urged that defendant could not be held liable for the aHegedoCence, and the prosecution was, in fact, a few years too late. Moreover, the door, if it constituted an offence, had been closed since last Friday. The Bench decided there was no case, and dismissed the charge.

ALLEGED GAMINGAT A BRYNMAWR tNM Maria Field, landlady of the Pelican Innt Brynmawr, was summoned before tbe Brynmawr Bench on Monday for allowing gaming, and Henry Davies, John Tucker, and Albeit Edmunds were summoned for gaming on the pK raises. Mr T. Hughes, Ebbw Vale, prosecuted I Mr J. B. Walford, Abergavenny, appeared fe» the landlady and Mr R. H. Spencer, Tredegar watched the proceedings on behalf of a client P.C. Baillie deposed that he entered the house a. 10 p.m., and in the kitchen found the landlad] sitting down, and the three defendants were play- ing with cards. Each had a lot of cards anC money. When he entered there was a scramble, and be annexed several cards and 2d. The latter he took from one of the men's hands as h4 attempted to pocket the money. The defence win that there was no gambling going on whatever* but that almost immediately before tbe constable entered Davies produced a pack of cards which he said he had found on the tips, and proceeded U show them round. As to the2d, be had that in hit, hand to pay for tbe drink he had just called fot, and which the landlady said she was on the poin £ of serving. The Bench said they were of opinios that the case was a proper one to bring befow the Conrt. There was a deal of suspicion'about it, bat the Bench found they bad no alternative but to dismiss it. Mr Hughes then withdrew the snmmonses against the men.

SWANSEA POLICEMAN IN ERROR. At Swansea Police Conrt on Monday Margaret Coffin and Sarah Ann Rosser, described as 01 ill-fame, were charged with riotous behaviour in Fabian-street. P.C. Barry said he saw the women going over the footbridge towards the. dock in tbe company of a sailor. He stopped them, whereupon Coffin began a low. Bosses assisted, and he locked them np. The Chair* man Is the footbridge a public one ?—Yea The Chairman Then yon have no right to stoff them, whether they are prostitutes or not. Tbt case is dismissed.

The new post office for Pentre, situated neat the T.V.R. Station, was opened on Monday- The postal authorities have a lease on the build ing for 21 years, and it has been fitted with tb* most modern appliances, and rooms are set aparf for various branches of the work. In the upper part of the premises the Postmaster IMr Wil* liams), who has held the position for 30 years, has his residence. During his career the Pentrt office has been removed three times to- larget I; premises, owing to the increase of work. On tbe. Pentre telephone service there are 70 subscribers, and in addition all the telephone business of Treherbert, Treorky, Ferndale, Tyloratown, and Mardy exchanges has to pass through Pentre, and within the area. the sutJserlborl number 21Q.