The Cardiff Times

MINING DISASTERS IN AMERICA. What almost proved another Mammoth Min« disaster occurred on Monday at the Grand River Coal and Ccke Mine?, Newcastle, Colorado. Just as the day shift, composed of 75 miners, were about to leave the mina a terrific explosion took place. Voluines of black smoke issued from tha side of the mountain. Men, women, and children rushed to the entrance cf the mine, and above the roar of escaping gases the cries of imprisoned miners were heard. Many willing hands, know- ing the great danger, put the hoisting machine in motion, and speedily brought all the men to the surface, some more dead than alive, a.nd none too soon, as the flames, reaching tho shaft, came up with such violence that everyone was driven back. All through the night explosions occurred every few hours. On several occasions previously the mine has been on fire in consequence of miners' lamps igniting the gas. Some unexpected testimony regarding the con- dition of the Mammoth Mine has been elicited at the committeee of enquiry appointed by the legislature. A number of witnesses gave evidence that the mine was not properly in spected, and that the fcrce of inspectors had been reduced to save money. It was further deposed that the fire boss" was of drunken habits and often neglected his work- The committee has resolved to recommend the passage of a law making superintendents and bosses equally liable wich the owners for in- juries sustained by workmen. The feeling anicncj the miners is running high, and the disaster will undoubtedly lead to the total abolition of naked lamps in the mines region. A violent assault was made on Monday upon Mr Keighley, superintendent of the mines of the Fiick Coke Company, near Mount Pleasant, where the recent terrible disas ter occurred, by the wives of the victims of tho explosion. One woman sprang at his throat like a tigress, and was with difficulty shaken off. "S A number of the Hungarians after- wards stoned him. The sufferers by the explo- sion are being well cared for. Over 15,000 dollars have been distributed to them, and much more is available.

MILITARY REVOLT IN PORTUGAL OPORTO, Jan. 31. A portion of the garrison of this town, con- sisting of three regiments, revolted this mornin!7. The insurgents, who numbered about 400 in all, and comprised the 9th Regiment of Chasseurs, the 10th Infantry Regiment, one company of the 18th Regiment, and a portion of the Fiscal Guards on foot, assembled a.t four in the morning and paraded the streets. They first turned their attention to the Prefecture of Police and the Central Telegraph Office, bcth of which they attempted to seize. In this endeavour they were, however, frustrated by the Municipal Guard, which repeatedly charged the rebels. Meanwhile the Civil Governor had handed over his authority to the general commanding the Oporto military division, who immediately called out the loyal troops, which included the Muni- cipal Guard, the Artillery, a part of the 18th Regiment, a detachment of the 6th Cavalry Regiment, and the Mounted Fiscal Guards. On the advance of the troops the small numbers of civilians who had joined the movement dis- persed, while the insurgents themselves withdrew to the Hotel de Ville, which they placed in as srood a. state of defence as time would permit. The Artillery immediately proceeded to bom- basd the building, and after a. feeble show of re- sistance the rebels were forced to surrender owing to tho want of ammunition. Some of the mutineers, however, succeeded in escaping, but these presented themselves later to the authorities and delivered up their arms. The number of killed and wounded on both sides, including civilians, is variously estimated at from 20 to 50. The Municipal Guard after- wards occupied the Hotel de Ville, and hauled down the flaj of the Republican Federal Club, which the insurgents had hoisted over the building. Only six or seven officers of inferior rank par- ticipated in the revolt, which was, however, of a distinctly Republican character. The civil head of the revolt is stated to be a lawyer. By three o'clock in the afternoon the revolt was completely suppressed, but as a measure of precaution the Civil Governor has declared a state of siege in the Department of Oporto.

A SHOCKING DISCOVERY AT NEWPORT. The dead body of a newly-bom infant was J found on Caerleon-road, near "St Julian's, New- i!ort, on Tuesday morning. A workman walking in from Caerleon to Newport saw the body, and } apprised the first policeman he met. It is supposed that the mother of the child is a tramp, and gave birth to the child by the roadside, which js lonely at this spot, and was either car- ried away or got away, leaving the child to die from exposure. A coroner's inquiry will be held.

A CRUEL STEPMOTHER IN THE RHONDDA. Catherine Young, a married woman, residing at T real aw, Rhondda Valley, has been sentenced by the Cvmrner magistrates to four months' im- prisonment with hard labour for cruelly ill- treating her step-daughter, a child six years cf a-ge. The neighbours testified that the prisoner l ha.d assaulted the child repeatedly until her shoulders, arms, and back were marked black-and blue aU over.

r Welsh Members' Record. THE BARMOUTH BURIAL SCANDAL. Mr OSBORNE MORGAN has not succeeded in drawing the HOME SECRETARY, as he hoped to do, on the question of the burial scandal at Barmouth. Mr MATTHEWS gavo tho vicar's version of the story, and denies there is "gmve dissatisfaction in the neigh- bourhood." He is further of opinion j that any friction which lmv have arisen was n:t due to any defect in Jit, iaw, and that the rector took the course ho did in the exercise of his discretion as freeholder of the churchyard. The rectrr in his ex- planation to the HOME SECRETARY states that "it w-w not convenient" that the body of Mrs PARRY should be buried in the same grave as her husband, but ignores the fact that in his letter in the press he had made it clear that it was the question of fee, which he himself raised as the obstacle. The rector has probably acted within his legal rights, and has won a cheap victory over Nonconformists in selecting their place of burial. Evidently in his opinion, and pre- sumably in that of the HOME SECRETARY, it was a distinguished honour to be buried by the side of the son of a Bishop with a capital B. We arc not, however, informed whether this "son of a Bishop" is to enjoy any special privileges on the morning of the Resurrection, nor, assuming he will do so, whether Mrs PARRY, who enjoys the distinguished henour of being his next door neighbour for the time being, will participate in such privileges, if any. But we believe Mrs PARRY'S trustees would have readily discounted thess shadowy privileges for the sake of having her placed to her long last rest where most wives would naturally wish to be—in the same grave as the husband, however far it might be from "the son of a Bishop." The inci- dent only serves to emphasise the need for Disestablishment, and for relieving the 1 clergy of the Church of England of the prerogatives they are so fond of exercising, ¡I but which they so seldom prove themselves worthy of having entrusted to them. I THE TITHES DEBATE. The more closely the history of the debate I on the Tithes Bill is studied, the better are we able to appreciate the energy and fidelity of the Welsh members. It is evident enough that had it not been for them the passing of II the bill would have been child's play to the Government. The Welsh members were I ridiculed by the Conservative press for having claimed a share of tho credit of having compelled the Government to with- draw its previous Tilhe Bills. But the excel- lent fight they are now making, and the golden opinions they are winning from friends and foes alike, prove that their claim was very well founded. The un- easiness felt in Welsh Conservative circles at this development of fighting power is proved by the change in the tone of the references to the Welsh party in the House. They are no longer ridiculed for being so many dummies, but condemned for adopting the tactics which first won recognition f->r the Irish party as a fighting power in the ¡ House. But this condemnation affords the best possible justification of the new departure. To the extent the Welsh party asserts itself and makes its influence felt, to that extent, and to that extent only, will it be respected in the House—and out of it. I Mr GLADSTONE showed his practical sympathy by voting, on the Thursday for 11 the amendment moved by Mr S. T. EVANS. On no fewer than four occasions were amendments to the Tithe Bill pressed to a division on Thursday, and on every occasion the Welsh members voted solid for the amendments. It is a noteworthy fact that, although the propcrtion cf Welsh members., to the whole House of Commons is only one in twenty, their votes on the Tithe Bill stand in the proportion of one to six cr seven. We have already given details of Monday's divisions, and the following particu- lars of Thursday's records will be instructive. The following members voted in each of the four divisions :—Messrs Wr. ABRAHAM < (Rhondda), S. T. EVANS (Mid-Glamorgan), T. P. LEWIS (Anglesey), LLOYD GEORGE (Carnarvon Boroughs), FULLER MAITLAND (Brecon), LLOYD MORGAN (West Carmar- then), PRITCHARD MORGAN (Merthyr), T. P. PRICE (North Monmouthshire), DAVID RANDELL (Gower), STUART RENDEL (Mont- gomeryshire), BRYN ROBERTS (Eivion), JOHN ROBERTS (Flint Boroughs), BOWEN Row- LANDS (Cardiganshire), D. A. THOMAS (Mer- thyr), Sir HUSSEY VIVIAN (Swansea), ARTHUR J. WILLIAMS" (South Glamorgan). ThJ following members voted three times :— L. LL. DILLWYN (Swansea), G. OSBORNE MORGAN (East Denbighshire), Sir EDWARD REED (Cardiff), ABEL THOMAS (East Car- marthenshire), C. M. WARMINGTON (West Monmouthshire). Onv member, the Hon. HANBURY TRACY (Montgomery Boroughs) voted once. It should be noted, too, that it was entirely owing to the strong protest made by the Welsh members that the debate was not continued on Friday, but postponed till Monday. The tithe debate on Monday night pro- duced more than one startling development. Mr RAIKES, for instance, acknowledged that the bill woo really framed as a Welsh Coercion Act, an admission of which the Welsh members, and foremost among them Sir HUSSEY VIVIAN, were not slow to avail themselves. The sheep's skin has been thrown off, and the wolf of Tory coercion stands displayed. This fact fully justifies the strenuous opposition which the Welsh members have offered the bill at every stage, and affords a further and convincing proof of the necessity for Home Rule all round. Here is a bill, avowedly introduced in the in- terests of Wales, which is bitterly opposed by nine-tenths of the Welsh members, and this hostility but faintly shadows the irre- concilable antipathy of the country to it. And yet in the face of this it is forced down the throats of the community, in order, forsooth, to emphasize the teaching, "Do "unto others as you would that they should "do unto you Seldom has there been a grosser caricature of Government by the "people." The people, who theoretically govern themselves, see their expressed wishes over-ridden, and themselves com- pelled to subject themselves to a law to which they are bitterly hostile. It goes without saying that a bill so passed can do the clergy no good. They asked Lord SALISBURY for bread what he has given them will te worse than a stone. MR W. ABRAHAM, M.P. (MABON), came into direct collision with the Chairman of the Committee during the Tithe debate, and notwithstanding Mr COURTNEY'S ruling, in- sisted on having his say. If anything were required in the form of illustration to emphasize the arguments advanced by the Welsh members against the bill, the naked truths which MABON insisted upon placing before the House of Commons afforded it. The more determined spirit of the Welsh members is making itself increasingly evident. Last session Mr S. T. EVANS challenged the censure of the SPEAKER, and ventured to the verge of suspension. Now the popular and sturdy member for the Rhondda ignores the ruling of the Chairman, and insists upon speaking very unpalatable truths. Later on Mr PRITCHANI~ MORGAN, backed up by the cheers of his colleagues, and in the face of a protest from Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT, insists upon moving the adjournment of the debate. All this indicates the greatness of the change which has ccme over the representation of Wales in Parliament. Of course we shall have the Tory press crying out against the Irish "tactics" of the Welsh members, and be- wailing the degeneracy of Welsh represen- tation. The fact, however, remains that this policy is popular in the constituencies, and will succeed where silent suffering and dignified and straight-laced protest would be unavailing. THE amendment, or rather the new clause which Mr DAVID RANDELL succeeded fri introducing into the Tithe Bill, is a most important one. We know enough in Wales of the character of county-court justice to make the right of appeal from the decision of the county-court judge absolutely essen- tial as a safeguard. The equally reasonable demand that a jury should bo summoned at the option of either party to try a tithe case in the county-court, was rejected. The single fact mentioned by MABON, that out of the five county-court judges in Wales only one is able to converse in Welsh, was in itself asumcientarryument fordemanding that tithe cases be tried by a jury. The majority of the persons who will be summoned under the new act will be Welshmen, Nonconfor- mists, and Liberals. With a single excep- tion the judges before whom they will be tried, and who will combine in themselves the functions of judge and jury, will be Englishmen, Churchmen and Tories. As Sir ABEL TmmAS said, in cases of this kind where religion and politics were concerned, the decision should not be left to a judge— especially as will prove to be the case—when the connections and sympathies of the judge are all opposed to the cause for which the de- fendants suffer. We fear that the natural out- oome will be in many instances a gross miscarriage of justice.

INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION. The Cardiff Committee. A meeting of the Cardiff Committee appointed under the Welsh Intermediate Education Act was held on Tuesday afternoon, in the Council Chamber of the Town-hall, there being present Mr Arthur Lewis (in the chair), Dr Taylor, Mr R. Bird, the Hon. W. N. Bruce (Assistant Charity Commissioner), Mr Ivor James (Univer- sity College), Mr J. L. Wheatley (town clerk). At a previous meeting of the committee it was decided to wait by deputation upon the Gla- morganshire Intermediate Education Committee for the purpose of securing the co-operation of the county committee in a representation to the Charity Commissioners in reference to what was regarded as an excessive apportionment of Howell's Charity to the Denbigh School as com- pared with the school at Llandaff. The result of the interview was a de- cis'rjii to take counsel's opinion as to whether there had been mismanagement of the chanty in allowing the money to be used for buildings instead of mere maintenance of the schools. The Hon. W. N. Bruce now stated that while unable to be present at the interview, he had since discussed the whole matter with the members of the county committee, and having pointed out to them that the statute gave the Charity Commissioners a discretionary power in interpreting the term "moneys applied," the county committee decided not to proceed further in the matter of presenting counsel's opinion to the commissioners, as, possessing a power to exercise discretion, the matter could only be settled by appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. A record was placed on the minutes that having beard Mr Bruce's statement, and the decision of the Glamorgan committee, no furthor action should be taken by the Cardiff committee. A letter was read from Mr Berkeley, secretary to the Cardiff Proprietary Scheol Company, stat- ing that at a meeting of the shareholders it was decided, in reply to a letter from the committee, to offer to sell the school in Dumfries-place to the committee for £6,500. The secretary pointed out that the site, premises, and fittings had been valued at £7,400, but the company, taking into consideration the object for which the premises were sought, offered them at the reduced amount, and hoped that the committee would entertain the offur. In the course of a discussion which ensued, general objection was taken to the high price asked.—Dr Taylor remarked that the committee would have to decide in some way, as the com- pany had other schemes in view. Mr James was of opinion that the company asked full value for the premises, and that it did not seem to him that they offered such advantages as were expected.— Mr Bird, as a member of the council of the school company, said he felt disappointed with the matter but at a meeting of shareholders, he and Dr Taylor, when they urged the claims of the committee to consideration, were sat upon completely.—Dr Taylor added that his impression was that the shareholders would be prepared to take a certain sum to cover liabilities, which amounted to something like J35,200, and that anything over and abeve what was required for that purpose would be returned to the committee by way of a donation towards the promotion of intermediate education.—Mr Bird said that he appealed to the shareholders on the ground of public education, and thought that something would be done; but they would not give way.— In reply to questions as to how the Charity Com- missioners would view the proposal to spend so much money on a building, the Hon. Mr Bruca remarked that in the event of the committee deciding to make such a proposal, he would ask how it was intended to pro- vide the money. It occurred to him that the only way out of such a difficulty would be for a com- pany or a syndicate to make the purchase, after which the Cardiff County Council might be in- duced to buy the property, and convey it to the committee for the purpose of intermediate educa- tion.—Dr Taylor explained that the ground-rent was J325 per annum, and that there was an un- expired term of 83 years of the lease to run. Prin- cipal Jones was at the meeting when the price of the premises was discussed, and ho was of opinion that the property was worth what was asked.—It was decided to write asking if the company was prepared to reconsider its offer in the direction of fixing a lower price. The committee then proceeded to consider in private the basis of a draft intermediate educa- tion scheme, so far as regarded the financial aspect. Deputation to the County Committee. A meeting of the Glamorganshire Intermediate Education Committee was held at the County- offices, Cardiff, on Tuesday. Mr A. J. Williams, M.P., presided over an attendance comprising Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, the Ven. Archdeacon Bruce, the Rev Aaron Davies, the Hon. Air Bruce (Assistant Charity Commissioner), and Mr Franklen (clerk). Dr David Thomas, C.C., Messrs R. S. Hodson, C.C., Levi Rees, Rov John Rees, Evan Thomas, T. W. Evans, John Beynon, D. Bevan Turber- ville, and Mr Mostyn waited upon the committee with regard to the establishment of an inter- mediate school in the upper portion of the Swansea valley. Dr THOMAS said they were there as a deputation from the inhabitants of the upper part of the Swansea Valley, appointed at a representative meeting held on Friday last, to urge upon the County Committee to establish an intermediate school in the neighbourhood of Ystalyfera, and to take into Glamorganshire, for the purposes of the Act, the Union of Pontardawe, in the County of Brecon. As far as could be learned, the nearest suggested site was at Builth but owing to the range (If hills intervening, it was quite impracticable to go there. To go rmind to Swansea would also be most inconve- nient, and there was a strong objection to their being compelled to go to that town. A suitable site would be given by Mr Gough, near Ystaly- fera Station. Mr HODSON, representing Ystraigynlais, in the county of Brecon, supported the application. The Hon. Mr BRUCE said there was a move- ment at Builth to get a school there, but the ,Joint Committee of Breconshire had not given any indication as to their intentions with regard to it. They need have no fear of ths Breconshire committee doing anything that would bo contrary to the educational interests of the southern parts of the county. The great difficulty was how to provide for the education of such an extremely scattered population. If it could be shown to the Breconshire committee that there were schools in neighbouring counties —and the question would arise also with regard to Monmouthshire—which would serve the Breconshire people better than schools in Brecon- shire, the committee of that county might be relied upon to give any such proposal theirfavour- able consideration. The CHAIRMAN thought a sufficient case had been made out—assuming that a proper amount of local support was forthcoming—to justify them in thinking that the proposed site was a suitable centre for an intermediate school. They could not, however, commit themselves until they knew what local support would come both from Glamorgan- shire and Breconshire, and also how far the Breconshire County Committee was prepared to co-operate with them. Replying to Dr Thomas, Mr BRUCE said a school to be properly fitted out for the purposes of secondary education could not be built for less than J315 per head. The proposed school would be a mixed school, how- ever, and the minimum cost would be higher than JE15 per head. The deputation withdrew, and was succeeded by one from Barry district, consisting of County Councillor Meggit, Mr W. Lewis, and Mr Pardt. It was pointed out that there was great scope for technical instruction all Barry, with its docks, etc., whilst it was safe to anticipate a preat increase in popula- tion. The deputation asked for Barry to be "included in the list" of the committee, and put on the sama footing as other parts of the county. In that event, a sufficient amount would be raised by private subscription.—The Chairman inti- mated that the committee would consider the claims of Barry along with those of other places in the county, whereupon the deputation with- drew.

LLANGUICKE SCHOOL BOARD AND THE WELSH LANGUAGE. TO THE EDITOR. SIE,—The abovo board decided in October last to introduce the Welsh language into two of their schools this year so as to test the advantages derivable therefrom. The respective headmasters of the two selected schools were duly notified of tho decision of the board, and instructed to make arrangements for carrying the resolution into effect, and at the meeting of the board last week the two masters referred to had been asked to attend, so as to explain to the board how the new arrangement worked. One of the masters reported that he had commenced on the new subject and hoped to show good results, whereas the other said that he had not entered the subject on the time table for the year. On being asked for an explanation of his conduct, he said that her Majesty's inspector was against it, and it was no use his fighting him on any one point. Now I was under the impression that her Majesty's inspector's duties were to examine the children in what they had been taught. I admit that he has to sign the time table for the ensuing year, but whether he can nullify a board's instructions for the teaching of a subject for which a grant is given remains to be seen. Why should the Government offer a grant for a subject that is optional with the inspector whether it bo taught or not ?—I am, &c., WELSHMAN: Jan. 30th.

————■a^ata— MR PRITCHARD MORGAN'S GOLD PRIZE BATON. Sir Horatio Lloyd delivered judgment at Carnar- von county-court, on Wednesday, in the curious litigation respecting the gold challenge baton offered by Mr Pritchard Morgan, M.P., at the National Eisteddvod. It was won by the Car- narvon Choir, and the dispute was whether it belonged to the choir or the conductor. The conductor relied on the eisteddvodic custom, and the choir upon the express conditions of the com- petition. The Judge decided that thebaton.must be sold, and the.proceeds^dividecL

The Tithes Bill. The House on Monday went into committee on the Tithe Rent-charge Recovery Bill, and continued the consideration of the third clause, which pro- vides for the remission of tithe rent-charge when exceeding two-thirds of the annual value of the land. Mr HLEBBKT GARDNER, for Mr Bryn Roberts, proposed that the annual value should be as ascer- tained and entered in the assessment for the purpose of schedules A of; the Income-tax Act instead of schedule B. Sir M. HXCKS-BEACP? atowed that the sub- stitution would operate «2i|SS05sr to tithe owners in some cases and to the tittsd^yars in others. Mr OSBORN MORGAN consicle^ad that schedule A as a basis of computation WgalS be more favourable to the tithe payer. The amendment was negatived. Mr GRAY moved an amendment providing that the assessment should not include any value that might be attached to buildings on a farm beyond the proportion of 10 per cent. of the value of the land. His object was, he explained, to afford relief to small fanners. Sir M. HICKS-BEACH submitted that the amendment wa.s inconsistent with the view on which the clause was based. The amendment was negatived. The CHAIRtIIAN then called upon Mr Labou- chere, in whose name the next amendment stood, and the effect of v/hich was that the rent of the tenant, if the land was let, should be reduced by a like amount. Mr LABOUCHEKE rose, but The CHAIRMAN immediately interposed, and calling Order, order," said, "The hon. member's amendment is outside the scope of the bill." (Laughter.) Mr LLOYD-GEORGE proposed the addition of a sub-section to the effect that if in any case the owner of the tithe rent charge, or the owner or occupier of the land, was dissatisfied with the amount, as ascertained in the manner provided by the clause, either of them might appeal to the county court judge of the district, who might, on the application, determine the annual valus or appoint a valuer. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL opposed on the ground that there was an existing machinery for dealing with such questions, and it was more satisfactory than that which waa proposed to be put in its place. Mr BOWEN ROWLANDS said he quite agreed with the proposal of the hon. member to leave tho appeal in all cases of disputed assessment of tithe to the county-court judge and not to the Commissioners of Taxes. The machinery of that body was altogether insufficient for the purpose of deciding appeals of the kind. Besides the existing machinery would be likely to be open to grave suspicion in the minds of the aggrieved parties. The county-court judge would in most cases be the best authority on questions of valua- tion, at least ho could bear evidence on the, matter, and it would be for the interest of all parties that the revision of assessments should be invested in the county-courts. Holding this view, he should vote in favour of the amendment of his hon. friend. (Hear, hear.) The amendment was rejected by 152 to 122. Mr S. EVANS proposed to exclude from the benefit of the clause land held by a corporation or public body, or to any lands other than those used for purely agricultural purposes Sir M. HICKS-BEACE could see no reason why land held for public purposes should nst equally profit by the remission, but would prefer to limit the operation of the clause to land held solely for agricultural or pastoral purposes, or for the growth of timber or underwood, Mr S. EVANS would omit the first part of his proposal, but objected to including land used for the growth of timber or underwood. Sir J. GOLDSMLD insisted that it would be un- just to exclude from the operation of the clause land used for the growth of timber or underwood. After some further conversation Mr Evans withdrew his amendment, in order that the pro- posed amendment by Sir M. Hicks-Beach might be moved. This having been done Mr EVANS then proposed to omit therefrom the words for the growth of timber or under- wood." The committee then divided, when there wer*>: —For retaining the words 179; against 112; majirity 67. Mr S. T. EVANS then moved an amendment providing that the remission of tithe should not i extend to any lands except those occupied by the owners thereof. His object was to make the clause simply a yeoman's clause. There was no case for remitting tithe when land was let on rent. Sir M. HICKS BEACH contended that where land was occupied by the owner or let for rent there should be a. sufficient margin left after pay- ment of tithe to koep the land in cultivation. For that purpose a large expenditure was required on the part of the landlord, who was therefore entitled to the advantage of remission. The amendment was negatived without a division. On the question of agreeing to the clause as amended, Mr S. EVANS moved the omission of the clause. The circumstances attending agriculture in this country had not, it seemed to him, changed since 1887, and the arguments then used by the Prime Minister went directly to the exclusion of the clause. In that year, on the first reading of the bill, the Prime 2Iini.-3ter declared there was no ground for the misconception that landlords made a bad bargain in 1336. That bargain, he said, was a good one for landowners,and remained a good one still. Of course, the Prime Minister would not m any case make a hazardous state- ment, nor could it be supposed he did so in this instance, because he repeated his statement at a later stage of the bill when he went into the matter more fully. Replying then to the Duke of Marlbrough tho Prune Minister used the following words :—" He had a distinct opinion that the landowners had no case whatever. His impression was that if anyone had to complain it was the tithe owner." He went on to say, "the whole fall had been in the price of grain, and he very much doubted if there had been any fall at all in the price of green crops or of stocks. That made it all the worse for those who came into the arrangement of 1836. If there was any case at all it was cn beha-lf of the clergy, and not against them." Then again, in committee, the noble lord again spoke strongly on the matter. Alluding to Lord Brabcurne, he said the noble lord did n'jt make out the shadow of case for re- .pening the question of valuation, and tear- ing up the bargain Parliament made in 1836. On another occasion during thuse discussions he (Mr Evans) pointed out that the bill, while it swe-pt away any contracts which were supposed to be prejudicial to the landowners, kept strictly to those which were beneficial to the landowners. Take th-i ease of the lay tithe-owners. Of course, the great object for the introduction of tho bill was to put down tha tithe agitation in Wale.?, an object, he might add in parenthesis, the bill would not accomplish. The discussions had in great measure proceeded on the assumption that clergy were the tithe owners, but of course there were the lay impropriators, and a lay impropriator may have bought the tithe only last year, yet the bill would take 3^5 per cent. from one private individual and hand it over to another. On this and the larger ground that no case had been made out for the reduction of the tithe, he moved the omission of the clause. The committee then divided, when there were for the clause, 182 against, 103 majority, 79. The clause way, therefore, agreed to. Clause 4 (definitions) was agreed to after ashort conversation, as was clause 5, providing that the act shall extend to the tithe-rent charge which first becomes payable on or after the half-yearly day of payment next after the passing of the act. On Clause 6, dealing with the extent of the act and short titles, Mr OSBORNE MORGAN proposed an amendment excluding the Principality of Wales from the operation of the bill. The only effect of the measure would, he said, be—as far as Wales was concerned—not to put the Church of England on its legs, but to bring discredit upon the ad- ministration of justice by associating with it the maintenance of an unpopular and anti-nation! Church. Mr LLOYD GEORGE supported, the amendment, adhering as he did to the opinion he expressed on the second reading that, as regarded Wales, the bill would fail in its object, and that the Church ot England clergy in the Principality would themselves be opposed to it when they came to understand its provisions. Mr RAIKES must say that he thought the amendment rather a. bad joke, and that anyone who had any real sense of humour would have hesitated before placing it on the paper. (Hear, hear.) It was well known that it was the dis- turbances in Wales that first called attention to the question, and induced the Government to take it up. (Hear, hear.) Sir HUSSEY VIVIAN said he did not regret that the Postmaster-General had made his speech because he had shown that the bill was brought in to deal with a state of things which arose in Wales, and after that declaration he (Sir H. Vivian) thought all the Welsh members would oppose the bill during its future stages. The division to be taken presently would show how the Welsh members felt in regard to the bill. They would not thank the Government for legis- lating for them in this matter, but perhaps the time would come when the people of Wales would be able to take advantage of the present measure of the Government. Mr ABEL THOMAS said the Welsh members ought to preserve as a curiosity in a glass case the Welsh member who would vote against the amendment of Mr Osborne Morgan. Even the Welsh parson did not want the new bill. It would not benefit him in the slightest. The Welsh tenant fanner would still b& able to protest against the payment of tithes tinder the bill, and every Welshman was undoubtedly opposed to its principle. Mr GEDGE said they had it from the hon. member opposite that tenant farmers in Wales would still be able to protest and agitate against the bill. Mr WM. ABRAHAM said the hon member who had just spoken from the Conservative benches stated that tbe tenant farmers of WaK« could still protest against the payment of tithes. Of course they could, because they had a strong moral objection to paying money for benefits which they had not received. They had learnt from the Postmaster-General ijjiat the bill had been brought in to meet the case of Wales. That was something to have admitted at this stage of the measure. (Laughter.) He was afraid that some hon. members did not know the difficulty there was in thinking in Welsh and talking in English. (Laughter.) He should like to ask the Government in all seriousness whether they thought they conld perpetuate a legal right against the will of the Welsh, who felt that tithe paying was a moral wrong. That was the difference between J the following of the Welsh and the English people I in regard to the payment of tithes. The Western MaiL had admitted that in the rural distcictsof Wales where the Welsh language prevailed, the condition of the State Church was not satis- factory. In Pembrokeshire there were livings of the value of £104, with a population of 140 persons, with only two churchmen in the parish. In another parish the value of the living was £103, while the parishioners numbered only 14-3. In another parish he knew the state of things was equally unsatisfactory. The CHAIRMAN I don't see how this bears on the question before the committee. Mr ABRAHAM With all due deference, Mr Courtney, I say that where the disturbances have occurred in connection with the collection of tithes, the persons who paid it derived no benefit or service whatever from it. The CHAIRMAN Order, order. That is not relevant to the amendment before the House. Mr ABRAHAM said he was arguing that wares ought not to be included in the bill, and that it was a moral wrung to force it upon a people who regarded tithe-paying for no benefit received as a moral wrong. (Hear, hear.) Mr S. EVANS said all the evils of the existing law were retained in the bill, which still gave powers of distraint. The Welsh members had tried to improve the bill, and it would be a fairly good one for the rest of the country if Wales were excluded from its operation. The Postmaster- General had been down to Wales, but he had not succeeded in bringing any supporters of his bill into that House as representatives of the Welsh people. (Hear, hear.) Mr J. LLOYD MORGAN said that on the second reading he ventured to say that in applying the bill to Wales tho Government would fail in the object they had in view, and that the Welsh clergy, when they came to understand the matter, would themselves be opposed to its operation to the Principality. Since then he had become better acquainted with tho views of the Welsh clergy with regard to the bill. He noticed that a large number of the clergy and Conservatives of Pembrokt'shire had met to discuss the measure, and he believed he was right in saying that the view they took was hostile to the bill. They ap- peared to have coine to the conclusion that county-court proceedings were unsatisfactory, and one reverend gentleman, a rural dean, expressed a strong opinion as to the recovery of property through the medium of the county-courts. This gentleman gave instances showing that going to the county-court was a more unsatisfactory mode of recovering money than the method hitherto pursued. These Pembrokeshire clergy, if not many in numbers at this meeting, were repre- sentative in character, and in the faco of this expression of strong disapproval of the bill coming from those whom the Government desired to benefit, he suggested that it would be well for the Government to consider whether they would not accept the amendment of his right hon. friend. On a division, the amendment was rejected by 140 to 93. Mr RANDELL moved the following new clause If any party in any action or matter under tliis act "hall be dissatisfied wIth the determination or the direction of the judge of the county-court in point of law or equity, or upon the admission or rejection of any evidence, the party aggrieved by the judgment, direction, decision, or order of the judge may appeal from the same to the High Court in such manner and subject to such conditions as may for the time being be provided by the rules of the Supreme Court regulating the procedure on appeals from inferior courts to the High Court. This bill conferred a special jurisdiction on the county court, but it contained no special powers for appeal, and he took it for granted, therefore, that tho appelate powers would apply under the general provisions of the County Courts Act of 1888, section 120. That section limited appeals from the county court to actions where the subject matter exceeds the sum of J620 except by leave of the county court judge. He mainlained that unless under the bill special power of appeal was given litigants would altogether be denied the right of appeal, because in the majority of actions that would rise under the bill, the amount sought to be recovered would be under 20s. He was not speaking of cases of tithes grouped or consolidated in the hands of large landowners he was alluding to small freeholders, of whom there were 6,000 throughout the Princi- pality of Wales. The majority of cases ameng the class of small freeholders would be under JB5. In the largest agricultural county in the Principality (Carmarthen) he took three parishes, and found the little average jM per annum, £2 15s per annum, £3 lis per annum. When the limit of J320 was fixed for appeals from county-court decrees it was never contemplated that a large body of titheijayers might be brought into the county-court. The right of appeal belonged to all classes of litigants, and ho hoped tithepayers would not be left outside. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL had no doubt that there would be under the County-courts Act a right of appeal in each case, and that whenever there was fair ground for appeal the county-court would give the necessary leave. Mr BOWEN ROWLANDS did not think it could be said that in no proper and fit case would any judge refuse the liberty to appeal when a novel jurssdiction involving nice points of law was con- ferred for tho first time, it would be better to secure public confidence by giving a right of appeal in every case. After some further discussion, Tho ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he would not resist the amendment, though he did not thin!: it necessary. The clause was :1ccordingly added to the bilL Mr RENDEL then moved a new clause that in anv action or matter under the act it should be lawful for the plaintiff or defendant to require a jury to be summoned. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL thought the present rales of the county-court as to trial by jury should prevail. Sir W. HARCOURT entertained a strong feeling in favour of the clause, being of opinion that the refusal of jury trials would create prejudice against the bill. Mr S. EVANS, as an argument in favour of the clause, urged that it was of the utmost impor- tance that there should be no want of sympathy between litigants and judges. Mr ABEL THOMAS considered it more satisfac- tory, where politics were concerned, that the decision should not be left to a judge. Mr F. W. POWELL said that the bill, as it stood, would give the people of Wales the same tribunal as it was proposed to give in this country in the case of trade disputes—namely, county- court judges, and ho did not see why Wales should have a special tribunal. Mr BOWEN ROWLANDS pointed out that the judges as well as juries had their prejudices, and if the people preferred to be tried by their fellow- countrymen in preference to judges they should have their choice gratified. Mr W. ABRAHAM said that out of the five county court judges in Wales, only one could con- verse in the Welsh language, and in order to obtain fair play the people of the Principality should have juries understanding them and sympathising with them to hear their cases. Mr PRITCHARD MORGAN, in moving the insertion of a clause providing that no person shall be punished except for obstruction orassault, declared that, unless some such clause was inserted, there would be, to all intents and purposes, a Coercion Act in Wales as well as in Ireland. Sir W. HARCOURT appealed to the President of the Board of Trade to yield to the desire of the Principality as expressed by its representatives in this matter. (Hear, hear.) Mr BRYN ROBERTS and Mr LLOYD GEORGE having spoken in favour of the clause, The committee divided, and the clause was rejected by 168 to 127. Mr T. H. BOLTON, who had given notice of a clause enabling several claims to be included in one application to the county-court, withdrew it in favour of a clause with a similar object proposed by the Attorney-General. SirW. HARCOURT reserved his opinion with regard to the new clause till the report stage, when he would have had an opportunity of seeing it. (Hear, hear.) Sir M HICKS-BEACH agreed that it was only fair that members should see the clause before expressing an opinion upon it. He proposed, therefore to withdraw it for the present, and to bring it in upon the report. (Hear, hear.) Mr LLOYD GEORGE suggested that it would simplify the matter if the Government would state at once what they were prepared to do in regard to trial by jury. Sir M. HICKS-BEACH would consider, before the report, whether any change in the law was desir- able as regarded the £5 limit. The clause was withdrawn. Mr PRITCHARD MORGAN, having regard to the discussion likely to arise on his proposed new clause, moved, at a quarter past 11 o'clobk, that progress should be reported. Sir M. HICKS-BEACH was utterly astounded at the motion. (Cheers.) The proceedings in com- mittee had been conducted without obstruction, and there was ample time to discuss and decide upon the new clause. (Cheers.) Sir W. HARCOURT hoped his hon. friend would not press that motion. (Hear, hear.) Mr PRITCHARD MORGAN expressed his willing- ness to withdraw his motion, and not to move his new clause if the Attorney-General would give an assurance that the punishment of imprisonment should only attach to obstruction carried to the extent of personal violence against an officer. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL could give no further pledge than that all protection must be afforded to an officer of the law on carrying out the decision of tho court. The committee divided, and the motion for reporting progress was defeated by 163 to 112. Mr PRITCHARD MORGAN moved a clause pro- viding that no person should bo liable to any penalty or punishment unless practically ob- structing or assaulting the bailiff or receiver of the county, or other officer of the court, b1 the execution of their duty, or unless a rescue of pro- perty previously legally seized should be actually made. T The ATTORNEY-GENERAL thought the bailiffs should be protected in these cases as in others, and that persons should be punished for inciting or inducing others to obstruct, assault, or rescue. Mr PRITCHARD MORGAN was willing to accept a clause to that effect, if the Attorney-General would frame it. Sir M. HICKS-BEACH thought it would be difficult to frame such a clause, but if j1011- gentleman or hi3 friends would put it mto rorm the Government would consider it.. Mr Pritchard Morgan's clause having been withdrawn, Mr GEDGE, rising a, few minutes before 12 to move a new clause relating to the. payment of tithes, was met by loud cries of Divide from the Treasury bench and ironical cheers from the Opposition. He said he intended to propose his clause no matter what cries might be directed towards him—(laughter)—-and re- newed # cries of Divide" from the ministerial benches.) This was his amendment or rather new claus—("Divide, divide') "No tax nor rate which shall be levied upon or be pay- able in respect of anv tithe-rent charge shall become due until tha petson entitled to the same tithe-rent charge has received at least one-fourth part thereof." (Loud cries of "Divide.") The hon. member (looking up at the clock, which was on the stroke of midnight) said his clause was a most important one, and he must press it to a division. At this point, the debate, according to the standing rules, was suspended, and Mr Courtney left the chair amidst ironical cheers from the Welsh seats below the gangway. Sir M. HIOKS-BEACH expressed his acknow- ledgments to the Opposition for having acquiesced in the suggestion of the Government that the committee stage should be completed that night —(Opposition cheers)—and regretted that his hon. friend (Mr Gedge) had not seconded those efforts. (Ironical cheers and laughter.) He would set down the bill for to-morrow. (No, no.) In the hope that that stage would be com- pleted, he had put down the amendment for the report stage.

THE MILFORD HAVEN MYSTERY. No Tidings of the Missing Man. Our Haverfordwest correspondent, telegraphing on Monday night, says:—The mystery *hich surrounds the disappearance from his home on Friday night of a farmer named Benjamin Thomas, residing at South Hook Farm, near Milford Haven, is as far from solution as ever. 1)18 greatest excitement prevails in the neigh- bourhood of the missing man's farm, and also throughout the town of Milford Haven, where it is generally believed he has been the victim wf a dastardly crime. I visited South Hook to-day, and from the information I have been able to glean I must say the hypothesis that a crime has been perpetrated seems to be reasonably founded. South Hook Farm, where Mr Thomas resided, is situated about half-a-mile from South Hook Fwrt, and here Mr Thomas was last seen. It appears he had been into Milford Haven on business during the day, and returned home, accompanied by his two little daughters, between four and five o'clock en Friday afternoon. He was then in his usual health and spirits. After partaking of a cup of tea, and subsequently some broth, he told his wife he was going" down to the Fort for the purpose of transacting some business with tho contractor. I should, periiaps, mention that of late years Mr Thomas has been carrying out contracts for hauling for the authorities, and was consequently eften at the Fort. Nothing- was seen of him afterwards by any member of his family, and, as he frequently returned home at irregular hours, no suspicions were aroused until the following morning. As can be imagined, Mrs Thomas is prostrated with grief, and has not partaken of any nourishment since Saturday morning. One of her relatives informed me to-day that recently Mr Thomas had frequently stated that he had iad busi- ness transaction at the Fort for many years, and always found the soldiers very good fellows until the present lot arrived, and of these he stood in much fear, and whenever likely to be at the Fort late he generally asked his wife to send one of the men to meet him. He had also been in the habit of going somewhat out of his regular course when going home in order that he might avoid meeting the soldiers. I suggested the possibility of suicide, but my informant rejected such a theory, and said that Mr Thomas was not a likely man to entertain any idea of that kind, I next made enquiries with respect to the pecuniary circumstances of the missing man, and elicited the information that he had never been better off, and could at any time, if necessary, have put his hand on a thousand pounds. It appears that after leaving the farm Mr Thomas went straight to the Fort, where he remained drinking at the canteen until half-past nine, when he left accompanied by two soldiers. It is generally acknowledged that he was then in rather an advanced state of intoxi- cation, while some accounts go so far as to say that he was helplessly drunk. The soldiers say they left the man at the mouth of a lane leading from the field in which the Fort is situated to South Hook Farm. It is necessary to state that the roadway leading from the Fcrt to the farm is protected on the cliff side by an embankment thrown up to the height of u. couple of feet, but in many places this has been trodden down on a level with the field. It was here about 20 yards on the side of the road farthest from the cliffs, that the hat, in a battered condition, was picked up. A fact worthy of note is that the sum of Is 4%d in money was discovered almost directly opposite where the hat was found, and on the side of the read next to the cliff. Assuming that foul play has taken place, the general belief is that the body was dragged to the cliff and pitched over into the sea. South Hook is one of the lonliest places it is possible to conceive, and anyone bent upon carrying out a cruel deed would have very little to fear from molestation. The officials at the Fort state that the two soldiers who sent Thomas home were not away more than ten minutes, while other accounts give the time as an hour and ten minutes. Of course, these are points that are capable of being cleared up. Up to the present no arrests have been made. The missing man's brother arrived from England yesterday, and at once placed himself in commu- nication with the police. The rumour that thu missing man had a sum of £30 in his possession is not corroborated, but it is within his wife's knowledge that he had about him when leaving the house three half-sovereigns and some Icosa silver, together with cheques of the value of £27. Another correspondent telelegraphs on Mon- day :—Not the slightest ciue has been obtained during to-day as to the whereabout of Mr Thomas. The police, under the personal supervision of Mr Bowen, Chief Constable, assisted by a large number of friends, have been engaged in further searching the neighbouring pools, and a part of Sandy Haven Creek has been unsuccessfully dragged. The belief entertained by the police that after the soldiers left him, and during the heavy storm of wind and rain prevailing, Thomas lost his hat, and in endeavouring to regain it mistook the way, and clambering over the fence fell over the cliff into the sea. The strong current generally prevailing at that spot may have carried the oody to sea. The greatest sympathy is felt for Mrs Thomas and her two daughters.

BARRY AND CADOXTON LOCAL BOARD.; Proposed Free Library. The members of the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board met on Tuesday afternoon, Mr George Thomas presiding.— On the motion of General Lee, the health committee were authorised to expend a sum not exceeding j6150, instead of £20 as suggested by the committee, to adopt certain premises secured from the Barry Dock and Railways Company as a temporary in- fectious diseases hospital.—A long discussion en- sued in reference to tho present system of scavenging the district by contract.—The health committee recommended that the board should carry out the work themselves.—Eventually it was decided to refer the question back to the committee for them to draw up a scheme to be laid before a special meeting of the board.— Attention was drawn to the large amount ex- pended in re pairing the roads of the district.— Dr O'Donnell drew attention to the fact that there were constant complaints that stone was beingstolen by certain of the men employed in breaking them. The public works committee recommended that the board should quarry their own stones.— The further consideration of the question was adjourned.—A deputation, consisting of Messrs D. T. Alexander (Dinas Powis). Dr G. Neale (Barry), — Loughor (Llancarfan), W. Hopkins (Molton), and 0, Williams, waited gupon the board in reference to the disgraceful condition of Waycoch parish road, which is the main artery between Barry and Cadoxton and the Vale of Glamorgan.—The board expressed themselves as being in full sympathy with the views of the deputation, and Major-General Lee and Mr W Thomas, who are members of the Dinas Powis Highway Board as well, were deputed to confer with representatives of that authority to ensure joint action in the matter. — Councillor Meggitt, in accordance with notice of motion, moved "That in the opinion of this board it is desirable to adopt the Public Libraries Act in the district of Barry and Cadoxton. He presented a requisition signed by a dozen leading ratepayers 1ll favour of the establishment of a free library.—Dr. O'Donnell seconded.—The resolution, after some discussion, was unanimously agreed to, and the chairman of the board was asktd b call a public meeting of ratepayers to consider the question.—Councillor Meggitt reported that as a result of the repre- sentations made to the Glamorganshire education committee by the joint local deputations, he had received intimation that the committee had arranged that Barry should be included in the list of towns in which an intermediate school should be placed. (Applause.) He moved that the chairman should call a meeting of tho leading inhabitants to consider the best means of pro- viding the necessary funds. Dr. O'Donnell seconded, and it was agreed to.—A rate ef lOd in the £ was decided upon.—Attention was drawn to the unsatisfactory manner in which the drainage contractor was* filling up the sewer trenches throughout the district, and it was decided to call the attention of the board's, drainage engineer to the matter.

SHOCKING OCCURRENCE IN MINNESOTA. A horrible occurrence is reported from Winnebago City, Minnesota. Miss Lent, a school teacher, had occasion to punish a pupil named Cruzen, whose sister thereupon ran home and told her parents of what had occurred. The parents hastened to tho school, and the father, striking the teacher with a book, knocked her down, whilst the mother, seizing her by the hair, dragged her round the room until her scalp was partially torn off. The parents then lifted up the prostrate form of the teacher and threw her out of the window. Her head struck violently against the stone pavement, and in a short time the unfortunate woman expired. The panic- stricken children, who had witnessed the tragedy, hurried to their homes and told the story. Cruzen and his wife were forthwith arrested and now are in prison awaiting judicial investigation.

THE DISCOVERY of a vegetable preparation called Rheuo, recently made by Wee E. Cooper and Co., London, for the cure of Rheumatism, is undoubtedly one of the most marvellous yet recorded in the medical world. Rheuo will not cure every disease under the sun, but Rheumatism only, of all kinds, in old or young. Sufferers should call upon the local agents, Evans and Co., 7, High-street, Cardiff, Penarth, Taff's Well, &c. T. Cordey, High-street, Newport; or too Cash Supply Company, Pontypridd, and get a pamphlet, entitled "Modem Miracles," free. Rheuo is not a temporary outward application: it entirely eradicates this disease. Price Is ly2<i, 2s 9a, and 4s 6d. In other towns by all medicine vendors. Sent post free from 199, Commercial-road. I<eudoa, IS. 14268

CAMPAiGN IN NORTH PEMBROKESHIRE. M, CARDIGAN, Friday Night. I he interview which Mr Peterson had with Mr William Davies, M.P., on Thursday, resulted in a determination on the part of the farmers to again try the moral suasion plan. Hence a start was made between nine and ten o'clock this morning to Whitechurch parish. The visit was not anticipated by the majority of the inhabitants, and the crowd which met the distrainers at Pontfaen, the entrance into the parish, was not so numerous as on previous occasions. The greetings were of the usual character, yells, bellowing of horns, fee. As we proceeded further into the parish large accessions were made to the escort, until it reached con- proceeded further into the parish large accessions were made to the escort, until it reached con- siderable proportions. The onlookers were good humoured, and their behaviour was creditabie in the extreme. The Rev J. Evans, Penygroes, and Mr Stephen Picton, Coedcefnlas, succeeded in keeping tho excitement within bounds and nothirvg approaching a breach of the peace occurred during the day, but there was abundance of chaff and banter. The tirst place, b receive the attention of Mr Peterson was Velindre Mill, otherwiso Felin- uchaf. In order to reach this farm it was necessary to traverse a portion of the ground which hnd been covexed on Wednesday. The road was in a wretcjicd condition, being covered with mud and water t) the depth of several inches. Mr Sttpheus-"ii Rees, the tenant, had paid 13s lOd poor-rate on tithes due to the rector. The claim here was £:(.18,> lOd, the accuracy of which was contested, as no credit had been given by the rector for the amount of poor rates paid, and no 10 days' notice had been served. Hence the agent was challenged to fulfil his avowed mission. Mr Peterson was informed that if he would pro- duce the 10 days' notice, he should be allowed to distrain, but he said ho could not do so, and added that the notice had been sent in a registered letter. On the way to this place, some pieces of earth were thrawnlbylpersons hailing from another parish. This was put a stop to immediately, and the offenders were cautioned not to repeat the act. This remonstrance proved effective. Mr Peterson and Supt. 1-hillips thereupon enjoined the spectators to behave like men, and not do anything calculated to lead to a breach of th- peace. They assured tho crowd that they would abstain from doing anything that could irritate them. The Rov J. Evans, Penygroes, also reminded the crowd of their promises, and asked them whether they were going to break them that day. Instantly came the reply that they were not. The farmyard having been reached the entrance to the haggard was found barricaded with thcrns, and permission to climb the wall or gate was stoutly refused. The tithe agent was, however, invited to enter legally by removing the obstacle. This was found to be too much of a. task, and the tithe agent satisfied himself with distraining, from where he stood, on a partly cut rick of hay, and fixed the notice on the thorns. This brought forth a chorus of, "New law again After passing along an exceedingly bad road, Penlanfach was roached, tenanted by Mr D. Sambrook. This homestead nestles right under Moeltrigarn, a high peak of the Pressilly range. Here the tithe horns poured forth their ear-splitting discord, with an accompaniment of harmony on a number of tm pans of all descriptions. The claim was for £418 ll%d, but £133 2%d had been paid by way of poor rate on behalf of the rector. The 3s levy having been added, and the rates allowed, the claim was reduced to £3 Is 9d. This seemed to satisfy the bystanders, and an invitation was given to Mr Peterson to enter the haggard pro- vided he removed the obstacle placed in his way. This he did with dexterity, and an entrance was effected amid loud cries of Well done, • Peterson During Mr Peterson's absence in the haggard his son, who accompanies him, found himself in very pleasant company. A number of lasses crowded around him in a friendly way, chaffing and patting him on the face, aad one succeeded in putting her arms around his neck, amidst cheers and laughter. The bashful young gentleman, though somewhat disconcerted, appeared rather to enjoy the pleasantries of tho) damsels. When Mr Peterson re- tured from the haggard, having performed his duty legally in the opinion of that crowd, he was received with cheers. A number of women patted him encouragingly on the back, causing him to laugh heartily and exhibit every symptom that he was perfectly satisfied with himself in having accomplished a most difficult task to the evident satisfaction of the crowd. At this junc- ture a stentorian voice was heard declaring that this was the only legal distraint effected in the parish during the three days. The commodity distrained on was a partly-cut stack of hay. A movo was then made to the residence of Mr Stephen Picton, a descendant of General Picton. Mr Picton is one of the leaders of the anti-tithe movement, and possibly from his relationship with the Waterloo hero is himself dignified with the appellation of General." The farm, which is freehold, is known as Coedcefalas. Here again the place was barri- caded with thorns, which Mr Peterson began I to remove, but finding it a difficult task he asked to bo allowed to go over the gate. Permission to do this was refused by the crowd. Consequently, he distrained on a rick of hay from the road. Before leaving this place the pressmen were invited to partake of refreshments, which were thankfully accepted. The claim here was £13 16s 9d, levy 3s. The next place visited was Penlan Farm, claim j311 Us 5d. The £2 16s 3d paid as rates were allowed. As a son of John Thomas, the tenant, was on his deathbed, the greatest decorum was observed. Two stacks of hay, partly cut, were distrained upon. Mr Peterson having failed to levy at Lleine on Wednesday, now traced his steps there. He found the place securelyHbarricaded and failed to effect an entrance. In endeavouring to clamber ovor a gats he was pulled back by some of the onlookers several times. Mr Peterson at this lost his temper, and, turning round to relievo himself from the pressure of the crowd, pushed against a young man. This exasperated the crowd, and their attitude became menacing. Observing the angry mood, Mr Peterson discreetly beat a retreat and made his way for Cardigan. The claim in this case was £3 10s, with a set-off of 23s in respect of rates paid. Finding the places so securely barricaded, Mr Peterson has decided not to proceed again with distraints in this parish until Tuesday next, when he hopes to get a number of men to assist him in removing obstructions. On the whole this was the pleasantest day of the campaign, good order having be*n kept throughout the day until the last incident occurred. In emerging from the midst of the surging crowd at Lleine Mr Peter- son's overcoat suffered, a great part of it having been ripped open.

APPLICATION FOR POLICE PROTECTION. The Joint Committee Docide to Furnish a Large Escort. A meeting of the members of the joint standing committee for the county of Pembroke was held at the Shire-hall, Haverfordwest, at two o'clock, when there were present Mr H. G. Allen (chair- man), Captain Higgon, Captain Phillips, Penty- park; Sir Owen Scourneld Messrs R. Carrow, N. A. Roch, Tenby J. Worthington F. Guard, Lemuel Jones, Clydey W. Gibbs, Hodgeston J. H. Coram, New Milford R. Thomas, Tre- boner J. Beynon, Trewern D. Hughes Brown, Pembroke Dock; W. H. Walters, Broadhaven William Williams, Haverfordwest. The CHAIRMAN said they had mot in accord- ance with a requisition made by the Chief Con- stable for a force of police to attend certain proceedings to be conducted in the north of Pembrokeshire in connection with tithe sales. He (the chairman) understood that some attempts already made for the suppression of local excite- ment had rather failed in their effect, and the 'Chief Constable had come to the conclusion that it was necessary in the future that tha distraining party should be accompanied by a force of police of greater strength. The CHIEF CONSTABLE (Mr Ince Webb Bowen) said he regretted to say that the pacific measures already adopted with regard to the tithe sales had proved abortive. Mr Peterson, the collecting agent, had in consequence demanded from him (the Chief Constable) a force of police to protect him, and had wired on Friday as follows Attempted to sell to-day. Utter failure must have force of police to keep the peace. My coat torn off intr- ribbons. Shall look to you for new one. (Laughter.) You had better apply for military. The Chief Constable, continuing, said he wired a reply stating that before he could supply a larger force of police he would have to apply to the joint standing committee, and that that body could not meet until to-day (Tuesday). Mr Peterson said he would hold him (the chief constable) responsible for any injury he might sustain through the inability of the police to protect him. Mr Peterson had now returned to London, having declined to go on with the dis- traints in consequence of the obstruction and alleged assaults committed upon him, proef of which he (the chief constable) was prepared to produce. It was now for the committee to state whether it was their pleasure that be should attend the forthcoming sales with a larger force of police than had already been used, and which had proved quite useless. He would suggest that a force of thirty men be tried first. He should also tell them that in conse- quence of the scattered nature of the farms to be distrained and levied upon it would take—even assuming that no obstruction was encountered— all three months. He would suggest that a force of 30 men from this county be allowed. The CHAIRMAN asked the chief constable whether the proceedings of the first day, if orderly, would not influence the attendance of the police on the second day. The CHIEF CONSTABLE said that it would take at least two months, under ordinary circum- stances. Mr J. WORTHINGTON Why not settle it in one day ? The CHIEF CONSTABLE I received pledges that nothing beyond a demonstration of a harmless nature should take place. Mr WoRTHlNGTON As long as this is the law why not get a regiment of soldiers and settle it at once ? (Captain Higgon Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAN said it was all very well to talk of a regiment of soldiers, but if this was an organised obstruction and the farms to be visited were situated some distance apart,he did not see that the work could be finished in a day. Mr Bowcn (the Chief Constable) was allowed a similar force some time ago, and he believed that was quite effective. The CHIEF CONSTABLE: No, sir. Quite the contrary. Mr WORTHINGTON If these 30 men are to be employed for three months, it appears to me to be absurd. Mr LEMUEL JeNEa Did Mr Peterson irritate the people unnecessarily ? The CHIEF CONSTABLE: Not on the day I was with him. Mr JONES: Is it not a fact that he tried to get over hedges and in other ways trespassed ? The CHIEF CONSTABLE I am not lawyer enough to state what constitutes trespass, and believe thft he was invited to go over gateways which, however, were closed up. The CHAIRMAN And I suppose he did not choose to go over the thorns with which the gate- way was blockaded ? Captain HIGGON It can hardly be contended that he did not meet with obstruction. The CHAIRMAN said he had been supplied with some private information which seemed to point to the possibility of ail amicable settlement of this question being arrived at. He asked the chief constable when Mr Peterson proposed to resume his duties. The CHIEF CONSTABLE: Not before next week. Mr LEMUEL JONES said the people in the neighbourhood of these sales would not object to these distraints provided Mr Peterson kept within the law. When the agent took th^ law into his own hands then the public objected. Captain RIGGON said he believed the Chief Constable, the last time he applied for an order of this nature, was allowed a much larger force than lie now asked for, and he (Captain Higgon) be- lieved the force he now applied for would be f'.und inadequate. The CHIEF C NSTABLE said it was his intention to ask for 30 men, but if this number proved inefficient he desired authority to get an additional 30 men from the counties of Cardigan and Carmarthen. Mr W. WILLIAMS, Haverfordwest, was of opinion that nothing that had already occurred at the tithe distraints justified Mr Petersonin asking for protection for his own person. The CHAIRMAN A ccording to his own account his coat was torn off him. Mr WILLIAMS How came his coat to be torn off? The CHIEF CONSTABLE Superintendent Phillips is present and will state the circum- stances. Mr W. H. WALTERS: Are you going to absolutely dispute that any violence was resorted 9 to ? The question before the meeting is whether we are prepared to vote a sum of money to the chief constable. Mr LEMUEL JONES said he did not agree that a police force was necessary to carry out this matter. Mr W. GIBBS asked the Chief Constable whether he had received pledges that no distur- bance should take place from any recognised leader of the people in the districts referred to. The CHIEF CONSTABLE was understood to say the pledge consisted in a sort of promise received from gentlemen in that locality. Supt. PHILLIPS described the alleged assault on Mr Peterson, whose coat, he said, was torn completely from his back when he tried to get over a gateway leading into a haggard. Some- body shouted that Mr Petersen had struck some- one, and immediately there were a dozen sticks flourished over his head. The CHAIRMAN Were the sticks close enough to strike Mr Peterson ? Supt. PHiLurs Oh, yes. Replying to othsr questions, the CHIEF CON- STABLE said the cost likely to be incurred with the force of 60 men would be £860 per month. The CHAIRMAN moved that Mr Bowen, the chief constable, be allowed a sum of JB450 for the purpose of preserving the peace in the North of Pembrokeshire during the occasion of certain tithe sales. Mr W. H. WALTERS had great pleasure in seconding. Captain HIGGON supported, and hoped the committee would agree to this vote unanimously. It would be # a disgrace to Pembrokeshire if the committee did not maintain the law. They must not allow the parishes wherein these sales would take place to be reduced to lawlessness. Mr WILLIAM WILLIAES, while quite willing to protect any individual person in the discharge of his duties so long as he kept within the law, ob- jected to this large sum of money being expended in defending a matter that to them was a ques- tion they objected to on principle. It was subsequently decided to grant a sum of JE860 to the chief constable for the purposes named. On being submitted to the meeting, several members, including Mr Gibbs, Mr Wil- liam Williams, Mr James Williams, and Mr Coram voted against the resolution. The proceedings then terminated.

THE SUDDEN DEATH AT A SALVATION ARMY MEETING. On Tuesday Dr. G. Danford Thomas held an inquest at St. Pancras Coroner's Court on the body of Robert Fleming, aged 70, a gentleman of independent means, formerly an hotel proprietor, who resided at 15, Park-square East, Regent's Park, and expired suddenly on Friday last, at the public opening of the Home for Discharged Prisoners, 30, Argyle-square, Kings-cross, which forms part of the social scheme set forth by General Booth in his book In Darkest England." The deceased contributed £1,000 towards the scheme, and his wife—who was rejxirted to be dangerously ill—another £1,000. —Air William Fleming, 303, Trinity-road, Wandsworth, brother of the deceased, said when he last saw the latter alive on the 3rd ultimo he was in fairly good health. He was an active, energetic man for his age. — Mr James Barker, "colonel" in the Salvation Army, and the officer ia charge of its Prison- gate Brigade, stated that he stood close to Mr Fleming whilst he was speaking at the opening of the home in Argyle-square. The deceased, who was referring to his long efforts in behalf of poor and destitute children, the waifs and strays of London, in whom he was interested, turned suddenly round to General Booth and said, "I feel I am getting excited." At the same time he put his hand to his head and sank upon the floor.—Other evidence showed that he was at once removed into an anteroom and attended by Dr Heywood Smith, 13, Harley-street, who happened to be present, and who tried to induce respiration. The deceased expired, however, within five minutes, remaining unconscious the while. Death was due to compression of the brain from the sudden rup- ture of au artery in the brain, and to natural causes.—The jury returned a verdict accordingly.

WATERING THE COFFEE. A Conscientious Coffee Tavern Manager. At the Newport police-court on Wednesday— before Messrs A. J. Stephens, T. J. Beynon, and H. A. Huzzey, magistrates —Thomas Freeman, manager of the Alexan- dra Coffee Tavern, Commercial-road, waa summoned for selling adulterated milk.— Inspector Jones was supplied with a pint of milk by the defendant's daughter, on the 6th ultimo. A portion of the milk was afterwards handed to the analyst, who certified that it contained 20 per cent, of added water. Defendant now stated that he did not keep milk to retail over the coun- ter, but only to put in the tea and coffee. Mr A. A. Newman, town clerk, pointed out that defendant had no right to put water into the milk he put into the tea or coffee. The Bench He may water the coffee but not the milk.—The Town Clerk Yes — Defendant added that the milk sold the officer was the same as he received from the milkman.—The Bench said that he should obtain a warrant that the milk he purchased was not adulterated, and thus he would not be responsible. In this ease a technical offence had been commit- ted, and they imposed a fine of Is and costs. Shortly afterwards the Court was asked to fix an alternative, as the defendant declined to pay the fine. This, it transpired, was correct, for defen- dant stepped forward and declared that as he had not adulterated the milk he should not pay the fine.—The Chairman told him he was very foolish as the penalty imposed was only a nominal one; the alternative would be seven days. —After an hour's consideration defendant still adhered to his determination not to pay the fine, and voluntarily walked below to the cells prior tq, being taken to Usk.

DRAMATIC SCENE IN A SWANSEA CHURCH. A very dramatic scene occurred on Sunday morning in a Swansea Catholic Church. Tha preacher at the St. David's Church was a monk named Father Wolseley. There was a large con- gregation and the reverend father preached a very impressive and eloquent sermon. At the termina- tion of the service, while the priests were march. ing out, Father Wolseley stood up and interposed with the startling announcement that a member of the church, who had that day been to mass at the nine o'clock service, was no more. He had gone straight home and had no sooner reached there than it was found he had broken a blood vessel, from the result of which he at once expired. At the command of Father Wolseley the whole congregation returned to their seats and, led by the priest, prayed for the soul of the departed. The congregation was much impressed with the sad scene.

BANGOR COLLEGE. A special meeting of subscribers has been cen. vened for the 10th inst., at Bangor, to consider the recommendations of the sub-committee as tø the future management of the college. Briefly recapitulated, they are as follows;—That the Rev. Daniel Rowlands, M.A., be relieved of his tutorial work, and appointed secretary and registrar, at a lower rate of salary; that a prin. cipal resident in the college, ;«n,nd responsible for the discipline of the institution, be appointedf- and that the students attend the science classes aft the University College of North Wales. There is a very marked feeling in favour of the appoint- ment to the principalship of Mr John Price, who has for many years virtually acted in that capacity, and petitions in his favour are being extensively signed by subscribers, and also by past students of the college.

THE DUKE OF BEDFORD. The present Duke of Bedford has been very in ever since his father's death. He was then suf. fering from a bad cold, and the shock had a serious effect upon him. He is still in London, and will remain here till he is quite recovered. The Duchess Dowager has gone to Woburn with Lord and Lady Herbrand and Lady Ella Russell. —The World.

MAZAWATTEE TEAS are a Household Word in ..Wales: they recall the delicious leas of 30 years ago.