The Cardiff Times

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, & DEATHS m BIRTHS. Mtttox —On the 5th inst., at 140, Newport-toad, the wife of Austin E. Beynon, of a son. 461 I CCLUa.—On May 4tb, at 5, Church-avenue, Penarih, the wife of Thomas D. Cultis, of a son. 562 MARRIAGES. WAKm—Wn.UAMS.—On the 5th inst., at the Welsh Baptist Chapel, Charles-street, Newport, by the Rev. Daniel Davies, James Baker, of Orchard Farm, Peterstone, to Mary Ann, only daughter of William Roger Williams, of Glanyrhasog Farm, Peterstone. ■PARRY—ROBERTS. —On May 9th, at Salem Port- madoc, by Rev. W. J. Nicholson, assisted by Revs. O. L. Roberts and D. 8. Jones, Rev. J. Hywel Parry, Ufcnsamlet, to Catherine, eldest daughter of Mr Ebenezer Roberts, Bank-place, Portmadoc. No cards. 991 DEATHS. SBDOOB.—On the 9th inst., at Springfleld-terrace, SBDOOB.—On the 9th inst., at Springfleld-terrace, Morris ton, William Beddoe, aged 31. 33 ¡ JTAVIBS.—On the 5th May, at her residence, 3, Lower Cathedral-road, Cardiff, Mrs Ann Davies, relict of tb<* late Mr Thomas Davies, chief engineer Cardiff Fire Brigade HARRIS.—On the 9th May, at Monkton, Pembroke, William Harris, Market Gardener, Seedsman, and Nurseryman, aged 71 years. 8341 JAMES.—William James, late of the Factory, Mill- street, Pontypridd, died at Church Village, Llantwit Vardre, aged 47. fuBTi.—May 7th, at 13, Fitzalan-place, R. G. Levi, aged 45. LEWIS.—On May 5th, at victoria House, Bed was, Lewis Lewis, aced 47 years. OWENs.-On the 6th May, at 1, Bridgefleld-terrace, Merthyr Tydfil, Margaret, the beloved wife of Evan Owens, furnace manage,, Cyfarthfa. PMCE.—Joseph Price, late of Prince of Wales, Bean' fort, on Tuesday. Funeral on Friday afternoon. WILLIAMS.—On the 6th inst., at Pantycelyn, near Llandovery, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of John Williams. IN MEMORIAM. StODKIKSOW.—In memory of my dearly-loved husband Thomas Warren Hodkiwon, who died May 8th, 1891* A devoted husband, Deeply regretted

Itosimsg Jlftftrigggg* LIEBIG COMPANY'S EXTRACT of BEEF SEE BLUE SIGNATURE ACROSS the LABEL LIEBIG COMPANY'S EXTRACT of BEEF. UEE BLUE SIGNATURE ACROSS the >-} LABEL. T IEBIG COMPANY'S" Makes the Purest, Cheapest, and best Beef Tea, and I1YTTJ Afvp /^f Is the Finest Meat Flavouring AI HAU1 OI Stock for Soups, Sauces, Gravies and Made Dishes, 13EEF. L LEBIG CO.?VIPANY'S*' EXTRACT of JLJ BEEF. QEE BLUE SIGNATURE ACROSS the ks LABEL. LIEBIG COMPANY'S EXTRACT of BEEF. I QEE BLUE SIGN A, URE ACROSS the O LABEL. "J^IEBIG CCOMPANY'S Is the Finest Meat Fla- j vonring Stock for Soups, lpXTEACT ot IX". cheaper and better than T>EEF. any other stock. LIEBIG i{ COMPAN Y'S' EXTRACT of BEEF SEE BLUE SIGNATURE ACROSS the LABEL. LIEBIG COMPANY'S EXTRACT of BREF. OEE BLUE SIGNATURE ACROSS the IO LABEIJ. L IEBIG /COMPANY'S COOKERY BOOKS (Indispensable to Ladies) E"V-M N A /TTI Sent free on application to 51RACT Of Liebig's Extract of Meat B Company (Ltd.), EEF. 9, Fenchnrch-avenne, B.C. LIEBIG COMPANY'S EXTRACT of BEEF. UEE BLUE SIGNATURE ACROSS the O LABEL. LIEBIG COMPANY'S EXTRACT of BEEF. SEE BLUE SIGNATURE ACROSS the LABEL. 15070 176e "pLATYPUS" EUCALYPTUS OIL (Tasmanian Eucalyptus Globulns Oil). "PLATYPUS BRAND," PREVENTS AND CURES INFLUENZA, COUGHS, COLDS BRONCHITIS, FEVERS, ASTHMA, HEADACHE, NEURALGIA, RHEUMATISM. In Bottles only, bearing Trade Mark, at Is, 2s 6d. TASMANIAN EUCALYPTUS OIL COMPANY, 138, LEADENHALL-STREET, E.C. TO BE OBTAINED FROM Alired Coleman, St. Mary-street; Hicks & Co., Ltd. Queen-street; II. Spencer Fargher, 300, Buts-sireet John Munday; Jesse Williams and Co., Park Hall Buildings 15042 |TD I ES1 Q08TUMBS FOR SPRING EAR. J. JACOBUS, THE ART T AILOR, 96, ST. MARY STREET, CARDIFF, Has great pleasure in announcing that he has now completed the arrangement for a Special Depart- ment of LADIES' TAILOR-MADE COSTUMES Mr BERLINER, the Renowned Ladies' Tailor and Cutter, for many years in London and Liver- pool, has now taken an interest in this Firm, and will make this Department a Specialite. The Latest Designs of Fancy Woollens for Costumes of every description. Fancy Silk Mixtures for Jackets and Cloaks of the best English and Con- tinental Manufacturers always in Stock and at Most Economical Prices. 15031 gILK JgANNERS. Send for Free Illustrated Catalogue. SILK X>ANNE US. JL> 14991 GEORGE TUTILL, 83, CITV-ROAD, LONDON. DINNEFORD'S MAGNESIA. D This pure Solution is the best remedy for Acidity of the Stomach, Heartburn, Head ache Gout, and Indigestion. INNEFORD'S MAGNESIA. D The safest and most gentle aperient for delicate constitu- tions, Ladies, Children, and Infants. Sold throaghcut the World. 14983 = troo Uat* for ClassiitratioiL 1 ———-— ————————————— i TEA Traveller wanted, with connection among small and medium buyers in Pembrokeshire and ] Carmarthenshire; part already opened; must have ( experience; security and first-class references neces- sary.—"China," 71, Ea^t-cheap, London. 44 1 BARGAIN.—Handsome Suite in Saddlebags, Solid c Walnut Overmantel (bevelled plates), Centre Table, Brass Fender, Brasses, &c., B12 10s.—Harris, I Market, Newport. 95 ARGE Solid Wafnut Bedroom Suite, complete, L B10 10s Dining Suite ia Leather, S5 15g mas- sive Bedstead, full size, £ 2.—Harris, Market, New- r port. 96 ROGERS' AK ALES AND PORTERS, t In 411. Gallon Casks and Upwards. 1 t PALE AND MILD ALES from lOd per Gallon J PORTER AND STOUTS from Is per Gallon 1 BREWERY, BRISTOL. 1 i CARDIFF STORES WORKING-STREET. NEWPORT STORES COMMERCIAL-BUILDINGS ] CIIEPSIOW STORES. BEAUFORT-SQUARE. I Applications for purchasing agencies to be made to £ the Brewery. ( 13966 2475 <

lSATURDAY. MAY IS, 189S. THE GERMAN BLOOD TAX. THERE can be little, if any, doubt about the fact that the German nation is getting tired of the heavy drain upon it for increasing armaments and a larger army. Although Germany were the victors in the Franco- Prussian War, they have never been happy with their victory. The glory brought them a peace nearly as expensive as war itself, and it is under the load of militarism and the rule of a martial EMPEROR that the people of Germany are groaning. The people's cup is full, and there are ominous signs that if this constant drain on the life of the nation-this hated blood tax—is to continue, the theatrical EMPEROR of All the Germans will have to cope with a revolution within his own territory. There is a limit to the endurance of even the stolid Teuton, and that limit has been reached. The rejection by the Reichstag of the Army Bill voices the discontent of the people. The Chamber negatived the first paragraph of the Government Bill dealing with the effective force of the Army, and as soon as the figures were announced Count VON CAPRXVI rose and read an Imperial message dissolving the Reichstag. The threat of the IVAISER to dissolve Parliament unless the Army Bill were sanctioned has been carried out, and the German people have again before them the constitutional question, which they have been fighting for two generations, as to whether they shall be governed by an Imperial and autocratic KAISER, or by the more modem and Liberal principles of elective Governments. The rejection of the Bill by the Reichstag has given a check to the EMPEROR'S much-vaunted idea of Germany going 11 full steam ahead." The EMPEROR is like a schoolboy who is not cnntent until he has the biggest toy. France, who was conquered by Germany, can put into the field the bigger army, and consequently appears as a spectre to this Imperial young man. The idea of his Republican neighbour having a numerically greater army than himself is gall and wormwood. Accordingly, in order to satisfy his desire he is willing to increase the drain of the blood-tax and multiply the military burdens of a country already groaning under its heavy military load. The present war strength of Germany is 2,900,000, and that of France 3,240,000. And the tendency is for France to go on increasing the number of its army over that of Germany. The German Army Bill proposed, by a system of two years with the colours, to enlist 60,000 additional recruits each year. The scheme would also add six guns each to forty-two batteries, and in other ways increase the vast military force of the country. By a strange coincidence the elections for the new Reichstag will take place on the 15th June, the anniversary of the Emperor FREDERICK'S death. German constitu- tionalism has come in contact once more with Imperial militarism, and the shock is great. It is stated by a well-informed correspondent that never before has the domestio situation in Ger- many been so unsettled, and that it was to nobody's interest to increase the prevailing excitsment by an electoral struggle which in vehemence will exceed all that have been fought out hitherto." For this the KAISER and his military advisers are responsible, and by endeavouring to force upon the country, against the will of its representa- tives, a military system they have brought to the surface once more a great constitu- tional principle which they will find it difficult to override. If in the end of the struggle the KAISER succeeds, his success will not tend to settle the social fervent in Germany, but rather to increase it and give it the intensity of a social revolu- tion. If this Imperial monarch had his way the German nation would be one huge military camp, and a magnificent army which might perhaps satisfy his love of spectacular display. But there is, as we have already said, a limit even to the endur- ance of the Germans, and the full steam ahead KAISER may one day discover that he has raised a military monster from a discontented people which he cannot sup- press. The nation with which he is running his military race can furnish him with several examples which no Imperial ruler wan afford to ignore.

A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY. THE remarkable scenes witnessed on Wed- nesday night in Cardiff on the occasion of the recovery of the child that was stolen are well worthy the attention of the psycho- logical student. Why should this particular case of kidnapping have aroused public sentiment to the pitch it did ? Crowds greeted clie return of the father, accompanied him in a sort of triumphal procession through the streets, and made a demonstra- tion of sympathy outside and even inside his house. Another crowd, or the same crowd, awaited the arrival of the pri- soner, and it would have torn her in pieces had not the strong arm of the law protected her. What caused this outburst of feeling and indignation 1 Chil- dren have been stolen before and recovered, but the populace has failed to work itself up to this delirium of excitement. One can well understand that the loss of a child would appeal powerfully to every parent, and to every woman. The former would instantly think of such a catastrophe happening to himself, and the latter, whether mother or single woman, would realise what it was to be bereft of one of her little ones. But even this would hardly account for the demonstration that was observable in Cardiff. As we have remarked, children have been stolen before, and their recovery has called for no popular demonstration. In this instance the father was a humble individual, and was comparatively unknown outside a small circle of acquaintances, so that this excitement could not be attributed to his position. But, as MACAULAY says, the British public has periodical fits. It will for a period pass unnoticed events which once in six or seven years impel it to fury. There was nothing in the elements of this child robbery beyond the abstraction which would account for this strange manifesta- tion. The child suffered no injury, nor does it appear to have been treated with anything but kindness. It was found by the police in the same condition as when it was missed from home, and they restored the boy to the father as bright and as healthy as on the day that it was lost. The clothes had not been sold, or pawned, and the lad had evidently not wanted for food. In many instances in which children have been kid- napped they have been abused, ill-treated, and their attire parted with yet the re- covery of these infants did not call forth the wonderful ebullition which was witnessed on Wednesday night. Pos- sibly the evening papers and the growth of education have something to do with this manufacture of feeling. In Cardiff specula- tion as to the whereabouts of this child has been very rife. Why more than any other missing child is difficult to determine. But it struck a chord in the hearts of the people, and the papers have been eagerly scanned for news of the occurrence. But if we are surprised at this sudden outburst on the part of the public we must equally marvel at the motive which prompted this theft. If a child were required there is not the slightest necessity to steal one. They can be obtained by the hundreds and thousands, and even money will be given to adopt them. There is nothing remark- able in the fact that a woman should take a fancy to another person's child. The females of the brute creation frequently exhibit this desire when they have no offspring of their own. Perhaps this is the reason which induced the abduction of this child. A woman saw it at play, the instinct or hereditary trait of the sex came upon her, and she was powerless to resist. But we can- not expect the multitude to regard these affairs from a psychological point of view. Nevertheless, they afford an interesting problem to the inquirer, the solution of which may in time result in mankind acquiring more humane ideas. Wednesday night afforded a curious contrast. There were crowds deeply affected and touched, all tenderness and gentleness at one moment; at the next they were transformed into tigers, ready to rend their own flesh and blood limb from limb Is this madness or method ? Is it civilisation ?

COLLIERY ENTERPRISE AT MOUNTAIN ASH. In consequence of the house coal seam having become difficult to work from the Forest level, the Messrs Nixon, some four years aJro, decided to Bink to the seam on land opposite Penrhiwceiber, and there are now from 300 to 400 men employed in the colliery. The company have now decided to sink to the lower measures, and it is their intention, as soon as the lower measures are reached, to work all the coal lying in the direction of Aberdare Junction, some two miles away, through this pit.

MR MICHAEL DAVITT, M.P. Adjudicated Bankrupt. In the Dublin Bankruptcy Court on Saturday, Mr Christopher Friery, solicitor for Mr PieroeMa- honey, petitioner m the North Meath election petition, attended before Judge Miller and applied that Mr Michael Davitt, M.P., the respondent, should be adjudicated bankrupt in respect of the non-payment of costs. The order applied for was made.

An interesting, and at the sametime important, antiquarian discovery has been made at Delphi. In the oonrae of the excavations now proceeding under the direction of the French Archaeological School, the workers came upon a building having the form of » small Doric temple, which is be- lieved to be the Thesaurus of the Athenians mentioned by Pausanias. Five metopes have &lso been found, on which the figures of Athene, Hercules, and the Centaurs, and many warriors Imd animals can be dutinguished, as well ..80m. L50 inscription*

Threatening to Murder Mr Gladstone. TOWNSEND AT THE POLICE- COURT. EXTRACTS FROM A DIARY. LONDON, Thursday.—At|Bow-sireefc Police-court to-day — before Sir John Bridge—William Henry Townsend. 38, gunmaker's assis- tant, Sheffield, was charged on remand with having fired a revolver to the common danger in the vicinity of the residence of the Prime Minister iu Downingsstreet. A further charge of sending threatening letters to Mr Glad- stone was to-day preferred against the accused. Mr C. F. Gill, instructed by Mr Williamson, solicitor to the Treasury, prosecuted, and Mr Blanchard defended. Sir Algernon West and Mr Spencer Lyttelton (private secretaries to Mr Gladstone), the Public Prosecutor (Sir A. K. I Stephenson),al1(1 Mr Howard" incent, M.P., were amongst those who occupied seats on the bench. On entering the dock the prisoner took a. seat, and fixed his eyes on the ground. I Case for the Prosecution. Mr Gill, in opening the case, said that since the remand the matter had been fully investi- gated with the result that a fresh charge was now made against the prisoner—that of threaten- ing to murder Mr Gladstone. Prisoner was em- ployed by a. Mr Liveraedge, who had a small gunsmith's shop in the Haymarket, Sheffield. He was in this employment up to Saturday night, the 22nd April, as late as nine o'clock. He afterwards left for town, which he reached on Sunday morning, and went down to Brighton by an early hour. He slept there on Sunday, and returned to London on Monday morning. He was in London on Monday and Tuesday night, and was arrested on Wednesday night, the 26th April, at 11.50 o'clock. The letter upon which he was charged was written on the previous Tuesday, received by Mr Gladstone's secre- tary on Wednesday morning, and by him for- warded to Scotland Yard. The letter was as follows :— Tuesday morning, April 25,18d3. Mr Gladstone,—Do drop that cursed Bill. Say something about it in the House to-night. I am going away into the country. Yon gave me such a shock yesterday looking so peaceful and happy. Such a look—oh! my own father! A quiet day with Nature will qnisten my nerves. I had never seen you before. Your appearance compelled me to raise my hat in respect. I had been waiting for you since morning. After reading the news on Saturday I left my home, wife, and little ones. If you are removed the Bill is as dead as Queen Anne. Was in Brighton on Saturday expecting to find you there. If it had not been for my sudden revulsion of feeling, nothing could have saved either of us yesterday. I could have fired six shots before any- one coukl have laid a hand on me. This is to give you another chance. I have such a high opinion of YOllr cleverness that I firmly believe that if you so will it that Bill will become law in spite of Salisbury, Balfour, Chamberlain, and the Lords. But it shan't if by taking one life or two (yours and mine) I can save the life of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of loyal Ulster men. Surely that is a sufficient justification. I shall look anxiously in o-morrow's paper for the answer. W. H. TOWNSEND. Gn the back of the letter, went on Mr Gill, he wrote. If the secretary open<? this letter, and decides not to show it to the Old Man, he will iujure his master. Then there was a further memorandum— If the secretary opens this letter, and decides not to show it to the Old Man, he will be inflicting a great injury upon him. In the letter was enclosed a printed card, giving an address at 13, Terminus-road, Brighton." On the back of this card was written Why I do not give my present address, of course is quite clfar but as proof of sincerity, I had my meals at this address, and slept at No. 13. W. H. T. The account which prisoner had given in the letter of his movements was perfectly correct. In addition to the direct evidence of the persons who saw him, there was other evidence in the writing of the prisoner's in a small memorandum book found in his possession at the time of his arrest. There was no question that this writing was the prisoner's, nor thab the writing in the letters was his, for he had admitted both. In this memorandum book there were matters which he (counsel) did not propose to read, as they were not matters to his case. He proposed to read two extracts, however, showing what the man's movements were and what his intentions were. Under date 24th April, 6 p.m., 13, Terminus-road, Brighton, there was the following :— I left home by the mail on Saturday night, and came here by the fir8t train yesterday. The papers say he comes down here every week and stays at the Hotel Metropole. They lie as usual. I watched the en- trance from the seat opposite nearly the whole day. I continue t asking questions until the evening, and then the policeman at the station said he had not come down this week, so I shall return to London by the 9.25 this morning, and make straight for Downing- street and watch auietly. I watched the whole of yesterday, and am afraid I aroused suspicions by making inquiries. Must not do so again. A few inquiries might save a lot of time, but I must keep cool. The revolver sticks a little, and I must manage with five cartridges surely that will be sufficient for us both. One of the chambers will not allow the cart- ridge to go quite home. A further entry he made apparently in London, and judging from the entry it was written in a cab. It was I am now at 10, Downing-street, waiting. There is no necessity to keep cab. 12.30-110 signs yet. I have waited more than an hour. Under date Tuesday, April 25th, was this entry :— I hung around Downins-sfcreet nearly all day yester- day. I saw an old gentleman come out of No. 10 in uniform. I took little notice of him, but afterwards learnt it was really him. At 4.30 a private carriage drove- up, and an old gentleman drove away. It was him. I was so surprised at his appearance. It gave me quite a shock. Instead of doing as I had intended I felt compelled to raise my hat in respect. 10.30—Just posted note. Shall wait now to see if there is any answer in the papers to- morrow. Shall spend the day in park it will steady me. Wednesday.—There is no sign of any answer to my note. I expect they would not allow him to see it. Another entry further on was :— I do not think he has been out to-day. although I have been waiting in the neighbourhood all the tune. I hear that he is now at one of the theatres. Counsel added that it was perfectly obvious that the accused had fully accounted for his time, and added that Mr Gladstone had gone into Downiug-street a few minutes before prisoner was arrested under the circumstances already made public. In reply to Sir J. Bridge, Mr Gill said he now withdrew the charge of firing the revolver. Evidence was then Called. Mr Shand, a secretary to Mr Gladstone, spoke to receiving the letter read on the 26tb April. He threw down the envelope, and they had since been unable to find it. In the letter was a card, already read. Witness handed both to Mr Lyttelton, another private secretary. Mr Spencer Lyttelton, private secretary to Mr Gladstone, proved the receipt of the letters from the last witness, and forwarding them to Scotland-yard. Zadock Outram, valet to Mr Gladstone, stated that on the Wednesday in question he let Mr Gladstone in at 20 minutes past 11, at the front door. He usually came in by the garden entrance by way of St. James's Park. William George Li versedge, of 13, Broad-street, bheffield, stated that the prisoner had been in charge of his branch business at the Haymarket, Sheffield,for three years,up to Saturday night, the 22nd April. Witness didn't hear that he bad gone away till Monday morning, the 24th. The news then came from bis (prisoner's) wife. There were similar revolvers to that produced in stock at the shop of which prisoner was manager, and also similar cartridges to those produced. Sir J. Bridge: What was his character ? Witness I always found him an honourable, upright man, but sometimes he was very reticent. I have said to him over and over again, If you feel unwell, get away into the country." He seemed as though he had got wound up. He led ma to believe by his manner that he had been kept too close in the shop. Sir J. Bridge Was there anything remarkable about him ? Witness Only in the way I have mentioned. Ho was reticent, and sometimes snappish. I said to him over and over again, If you feel you are tired of being cooped up like thIs," it was a very close time, "get away, and I will pay your expenses." Henry Savage, the lavatory attendant at Brighton Station, stated that on Sunday morning, the 23rd April, prisoner asked him to recommend him to lodgings. Witness sent him to his own place, 13, Terminus-road. Mary Ann Savage, wife of the last witness, stated that the prisoner came to the house on the Sunday and took a bed for one night. He had a small black bag with him. He went out and returned at 7.30 in the evening, and saying he was tired as he had been travelling many hours, went to bed. He went away about nine o'clock on Monday morning. John Miller, night boots at Samuel MorleVs Hotel, Lambeth-road, spoke to the prisoner hav. ing slept at that house on Monday and Tuesday night. He went out on Wednesday morning and witness saw no more of him till he was in custody. Firing the Revolver. P C- skated that on the night of j April the 26th lie was on a special beat at the back of Mr Gladstone's house. At 10 minutes to 12 he saw the prisoner coming ( across the Hprse Guards parade from the direction of Carlton House-terrace. He passed by witness at a distance of eignt or nine yards. Prisoner did Ie not notice him. Accused went towards Downing- street steps, when witness called out, "You can- not go that w*y the gates are locked." He was saying this when the accused wheeled round, and witness heard the report of a revolver and saw a flash. Witness next saw the prisoner again fip- poaching him, and noticed that he put his right hand beneath his coat. He went up to the man and took hold of his right arm, and at the same I time took the revolver out of his pocket. Prisoner remarked, It was an accident; I did not want 1 to shoot you, policeman. I was just putting it straight when it went off." He also said that he was just taking a look at it as he was coming across the park. He kept saying that it was an accident, and that he was in the habit of carrying a revolver, particularly when coming across a place like that. He also said, It I hope t you won't say I wanted to shoot you." In reply 1 to the charge of wantonly firing off the revolver c which was preferred at tbe station, he said, t Not wantonly; accidentally." Witness c searched him, and took out of his pocket the T memorandum book. Prisoner took this out v of his hand, and handed it to Inspector a Cuddy, saying, You may as well keep this." i One of the six chambers of the revolver was I empty. Another contained a spent cartridge, and A the others, were loaded. s Mr Blanchard Wontner. who had not croa- t ..¡: examined any of the previous witnesses, now put a few questions to the constable. In reply, the officer said that there were not many people about at the time the revolver was fired. It was not very dark. Prisoner was 18 to 20 yards away from witness when he heard the report of the revolver. Inspector Cuddy, who received the charge at King-street Police-station, produced the memo. book found on the prisoner, and confirmed the other officer's evidence as to the prisoner's state- ment when charged at the police-station. Witness added that in consequence of what prisoner told him he went to Morley's Hotel, Lambeth-road, and- in a cupboard indicated by the prisoner found a box containing 45 cartridges. The Letter to Mr Gladstone. Inspector Melville, of the Criminal Investiga. tion Department, deposed that this morning he charged the prisoner with having sent a letter threatening to kill and murder the Right Hon. W. K. Gladstone. Witness showed him the letter, Prisoner replied, "Yes, that is my writing right enough." Prisoner then added in a lower voice, "But I know nothing about it." Witness also showed him the memorandum book which had his (prisoner's) name and address—17, Hyde-road, Sheffield, upon it. Prisoner replied, Yee, that is also my handwriting." Mr Gill announced that this concluded the evidence. Mr Blanchard Wontner said it was quite evident that this matter must form the subject of inquiry elsewhere, and therefore he did not pro- pose to address the court. The prisoner would reserve his defence. Sir J. Bridge then asked the prisoner if he wished to say anything, cautioning him, as is customary, that whatever he stated might be used in evidence against him. Prisoner rose at the dictation of his solicitor and said in a low voice. I reserve my defence," Sir J. Bridge: Do you wish to offer any evidence Prisoner (again in a low voice, and upon the advice of his solicitor): No. Sir John Bridge You are committed for trial. The accused, who appeared quite unmoved, was then conducted from the dock to the cells.

THE DROUGHT. The spell of showery weather experienced over all but the most southern parts of the United Kingdom rather more than a week ago has been followed by a renewal of the drought in all its former severity, and for the past four days no measurable quantity of rain has fallen in any part of our islands. In London the drought has now continued in a partial degree for as many as 70 days, the total amount of rainfall for the last ten weeks being only 0'52 inch, or considerably less than one-seventh of an average. Since the 6th of March the aggregate amount in the metropolis has been less than two-tenths of an inch, while m many other parts of our southern counties it has been even smaller than this. At the North Foreland, on Monday was the 48th consecutive day without rain, while at Hurst Castle the period of absolute drought extended over as many as 51 days. A reference to the daily bulletins issued during the past few weeks by the Bureau Central Meteorologique" of Paris, shows that our neighbours on the other side of the channel have suffered quite as much from an absence of ram as wo ourselves. Exclud- ing the records kept at five high level observa- tories, it appears that weather reports are received daily in I'aris from 37 stations scattered over various parts of the country. Taking the period of 67 days, commencing with the 1st of March, and ending with Saturday last, we find that on 30 days there was no measurable quantity of rain at any one of the 37 stations, while on 20 other days rain was reported from not more than three places out of the entire number. On 12 of these latter occasions showers were experienced at only one of the 37 stations, and in many cases in very small quan- tity. On five other days there were only two stations affected, while in only three cases out of the 20 did the rainfall visit as many as three sta- tions. The telegraphic weather reports received daily from our own islands are only 30 in number, and as they include observations made in Ireland and Scotland, where showery weather has been somewhat frequent, the record given of the drought as a widespread phenomenon is very different from that supplied by the French bulletins. Since the beginning of March there have been only 10 days with an absence of rain over the entire kingdom, but there have been twenty other days on which only three, or less than three, stations have been affected. On six days out of the twenty the rain has fallen at only one station out of the thirty from which daily reports are received. Brilliantly fine weather was again experienced yesterday over nearly the whole of the United Kingdom, and although a cool north-easterly breeze prevailed in most of the English districts, the sun's rays were sufficiently powerful to counteract its more un- pleasant effects. The parching winds of the past few days have materially added to the severity of the drought, and in the south of England the agricultural outlook is now becoming very serious. The state of things prevailing at these two stations appears to have been general over a considerable portion of our southern counties, and unless copious rains are soon experienced the hay crop will be scarcely worth. gathering.

THE MANAGER AND HIS SECURITY. At Newport County-court on Thursday, before his Honour Judge Owen, Frederick Hawkins, but- cher, lately manager to the Risca and Ciosskeys Co-operative Society, brought an action against his former employers, the committeeof the society, for the delivery of 60 shares of £1, which he had taken in the society and transferred to the com- mittee as a security for the due performance of his duties. Plaintiff was engaged to buy cattle, kill, and sell the meat for the company.and thesecurity was taken because a good deal of money would be passing through his hands in the discharge of his duties. The plaintiff entered into an agreement under seal dated 13th January, 1893, to transfer the 60 shares to the committee, but having since left the company's employ or been dismissed by the committe, he wished to obtain the shares again. There was a counter claim of £144- 3s 8d for stock and money received by the plaintiff, and this was admitted to be a very substantial lieu.—Mr Bailhache, barrister, for the plaintiff, said his client claimed that there was nothing due on the counter-claim, and that the delivery of the shares had been claimed. He denied that the deed created either a mortgage charge or lieu which the defendant) company could enforce against him.—Mr Corner, barrister. contended that the agreement was in the nature of a bond, and'that the company could retain possession pending a settlement of all money in dispute.—Mr Bailhache submitted that there was no consideration given for the agreement, and that the shares must be returned irrespective of any other claim.—On » suggestion from his Honour, it was decided to amend the claim from cancellation of the deed to one of redemption of the shares, subject to the payment of whatever was due by the plaintiff; but Mr Corner said this was so entirely a change of front that he was not prepared to go on with the amended claim.— His Hononr decided to amend, and the case was adjourned, his Honour remarking that if the parties would take his advice they would come to terms.—Mr Corner It they will withdraw their counter-claim we will withdraw our claim, and we'll cry quits. (Hear, hear, in court.)-—Mr Bailhache was afraid be could not consent to that course, aud the case was adjourned, the question of costs being especially reserved.

A HALLELUJAH-SALVATIONIST ELOPEMENT. The Lanarkshire village of Stonefield is full of gossip about an elopement that has taken place in their midst. A miner well known in the drisfcriefc, and who some time ago joined the local Hallelujah Band, left his wife and three children and went off with a girl of eighteen, who took a leading part in Salvation Army affairs in the district. It seems that for some months back the attentions paid by the miner to the "lassie" were the cause of much comment amongst those connected with the army, and a few days ago the officers" in charge thought fit to call her up and cross-examined her regarding thealleged intimacy between her and the married miner. She declared entire innocence, and said that her life being in Hod's keeping, she was always safe." The fouow- ing morning the miner dressed himself in bis best, and told his wife he was "gomg from home," which he did, and has not returned. Simul- taneously with his departure the lassie," who kept house with her brother, also disappeared, and has not since been heard of. Inquiries since made at Glasgow shippinK offices have proved futile, but hints recently thrown out by the miner indicate that he had a notion of going to Australia or America. It is believed, however, that the couple have not yet gone further than the North of England.

THE RIGHT TO S fEAl. A curious strike has occurred at one of the largest cycle works in Paris. It was noticed lately that large thefts of material were being committed at the works, and the police discovered that the culprits were workmen employed at the factory. Several arrests were made, and in one case more than 2,000f. worth of property was discovered in tbw <>nief's house. Five men, whose offence was a Rifling one, were dismissed from custody and re-employed, but action was taken against the remainder. This did not satisfy the rest of the workmen in the factory, who de. manded that the whole of the charges should be withdrawn, and that all the culprits should be I taken back. On the proprietors refusing to accede to this roquest the whole workshop, numbering 300 men, went out on strike. The employers state that capitulation on their part would be equivalent to an admission of the right of the workmen to steal with impunity.

SMALL-POX NEAR NEATH. After an immunity of six weeks, small-pox has broken out afresh at Seven Sisters, in the Neath Union. The sufferer is a widow, who lives in one of the huts at Seven Sisters, and who on Wednes- day morning was found to be suffering from the disease. The scourge being supposed to have passed, the Seven Sisters Colliery reading-room, which was temporarily adapted to the purposes of a hospital, had been disinfected and restored to its fonnor use, and the trained nurse who had been engaged had returned to Bristol. Dr. Wbittington, the medical officer, however, made J suitable arrangements for the isolation of the oatiesk

FRESH OVERTURES FOR A • SETTLEMENT. Huu* Wednesday. Mr Tdm Mftnn arrived this morning from London. On reaching the port, he said he believed a settlement was as far off as ever. Early in the afternoon he had an interview with Mr Grotrian and other members of the Federation, and, in a subsequent speech to the dockers, Mr Mann intimated his belief that suc- cessful negotiations were possible within the next 24 hours. This briefly sums un the position at the time of writing. Mr Grotrian's paper, the Hull Mail, prints another apparently inspired paragraph, in which it savs there is no indisposi- tion on the part of the Shipping Federation to meet the men. In fact, as currently reported, a letter was sent some time ago to the Mayor of Hull, in which it was distinctly stated that the employers were disposed and willing to meet a deputation of workers representing the different interests on..strike. as it is felt that a friendly conference would. in all probability, remove the entire misunderstanding that seems to exist as to tbe spirit and intention of the York proposals. At to-day s meeting of the board of guardians, a resolution was adopted declaring it imperative that peacM should be restored, and with this was incorporated a suggestion that the difficulty be referred to the local board of conciliation. The business of the committee of the Federation to-day was mainly formal, but in the course of the proceedings it was stated that the Federation had received offers from several stevedores to come to Hull with their own men and take the work on at the local tariff rates, and that the offers were under consideration. This afternoon's meeting of strikers was a very large one. Mr Tom Mann, in the course ot his speech, said he remembered very carefully going over what were termed the House of Commons' proposals, and he found really that the men accepted nine-tenths of what was agreed upon. They were quite prepared to discuss the re. mainder. He also knew that prior to the House of Commons' proposals being made known the men had expressed not only a willingness to submit the whole matter to discussion, but had stated their desire to have the matter discussed. Now the public knew that the real obstacle to discussion had been the employers, and not the workmen—that the employers at York issued a statement which they were not prepared to modify, and, unfortunately, they now found that, the employers, at a meeting in London, had again stated their unwillingness to submit the matter to discussion. The question of working with non. Unionists had been diseussed by both parties separately, and a practical agreement arrived at there, The question of the foremen and shipping clerks being required to leave the organisation they 0 had been connected with hitherto, provided they had the right to form another organisation of their own had been thrashed out and an agreement arrived at. Then they came to the question of the establishment of the British Labour Exchange Office, through which employment should be offered to men. That was interpreted by him, and the Trade Unionists he had come in contact with as meaning that the Shipping Federation had determined that they would use the British Labour Exchange as an agency to demoralise their trades' organisations. That he believed was their determined intention at the outset. Whether it was their intention now he was not prepared to say, because he was of opinion that a section at any rate of the employers would prefer that this matter should- be forthwith submitted to discussion, and that the men and employers should thrash it out and settle it immediately. He knew that the towns- people had expressed their opinions concerning this difficulty, and he thought they had a right so to do in view of the fact that the town was being subjected to a very heavy expenditure, and he felt they ought not to encourage for a single hour a policy creating unnecessary expenditure. He desired to ask if they were willing that negotiations should be again attempted with a view to an honourable understanding being arrived at. (Cries of "Yes.") He believed it was within the bounds of possibility for some action to be taken within the next 24 hours that might lead, he would not say to a complete settlement, but something that would go a long way towards it. Once again he asked those who had suffered, those whose families had suffered, and who knew what to ex- pect, were they desirous that another attempt should be made on behalf of those who repre- sented them to negotiate with the employers ? He wished for a show of bands. (The question on being put to the meeting was answered in the affirmative, there being no hand held up in opposition.) Mr Mann, con- tinuing, said he understood that those who represented their interests for the time being were authorised to make an additional attempt to settle this job. (Cries of "Yes.") Supposing these attempts ended in failure, he desired to know if they were prepared to stick to the position they had taken up. (Cries of Yes," and renewed cries of "Yes.") Sup- posing they never got more while the dispute continued than six shillings per week as they had been receiving, would they still be prepared to stand firm ? (Again a show of hands was taken, and the audience signified their determination to maintain their position). Were there any who were desirous of going in and surrendering? (There was no response.) After that expression of resolution he did not thuuc he need prolong his speech. He would only add that he was quite sure this five weeks'dispute had done already an enormous amount of good, and showu that Trades Union smashing was not an easy game. The effect of the strike upon the Hull coal trade was referred to at a meeting of the coal committee of the corporation. One of the officials stated that he estimated the total loss to the town from various sources, as the result of the great decrease, would not be covered by a less sum than £50,000. Arrangements are m progress for a conference between three representatives of the Federation and three representatives of the Dockers. MIDNIGHT. Certain proposals made to Mr Tom Mann by Mr Grotrian and Mr Gregson are at this hour under consideration by the strike committee of the Hull Trades Council, and the deliberations will probably be prolonged, but it is believed there is a prospect of an acceptance of the con- ditions. The proposed terms provide for the abandonment of the preference clause of the Federation agreement, and that an undertaking will be given to this effect by the Hull shipowners.

ANOTHETGREAT FIRE. A Hull correspondent, telegraphing 4t half. past two o'clock on Thursday morning, says Another big fire is raging at the docks. The scene of the conflagration is between St. Andrew's Fish Dock and the Sir William Wright, and near the Anglo-American Oil Company's stores, upon which an attempt was made a few days ago. It was low water and no supply could be obtained from the Humber, but four lengths of hose were run out to the dock. Within a quarter of an hour of the telephone message to the fire station large volumes of water were being poured upon the burning pile. By three o'clock nothing remained but masses of charred timber. The company's shops were well stocked with pitch pine masts, and blocks, and other goods, such as are usually found in a business of that character. Captain Allison and 50 Blue Jackets of H.M.S. Hearty put off from the gunboat without loss of time, but as Brigade Superintendent Elliott and his firemen were able to cope with the fire the naval force was withdrawn shortly after arrival of Dock Company's engine. The premises are insured.

ATTEMPTS TO SETTLE THE DISPUTE. Hopeful Prospects. The strike committee sat at the dockers' offices till after one a.m., having under consideration proposals received through Mr Grotrian, the main principle of which appears to be that the Federation terms shall be guaranteed by the shipowners to carry no preference for non-Unron over Union men. Mr Tillett and Mr Mann were present. The latter, in his speech of yesterday, said he was not prepared at thia time to assert that the employers were anxious to use the Bureau for the purpose of smashing up Unionism, and it is felt that an undertaking in this regard is a condition pre- cedent to a settlement of the strike. The point, it is understood, has practically been conceded by the employers, and the decision arrived at by the dockers committee in the early hours of Thursday morning bids fair to end the fight. Following the meeting of the executive com- mittee of federated trades on Wednesday, two conferences have taken place this afternoon between Messrs Tillett and Mann and members of the local branch of the Shipping Federation. The Press Association's speoial correspondent has good reason to believe that the employers have, as a result of these deliberations, given a satisfactory assurance to the dockers' representa- tives that clause 3 of the York conditions referring to the labour bureau shall be honestly interpreted, and that the shipowners will make no attempt to weaken the men's Union. It is now thought that there will be no serious difficulty in Mr Mann obtaining the guarantee as to the nonin- terference for non-Unionists to which healluded on Wednesday. Though at the time of telegraphing it would be premature to describe the strike as virtually settled, yet at no previous time have the prospects been so hopeful.

RAILWAY FATALITY AT CARDIFF An accident, which ended fatally, occurred at Cardiff, on the Great Western Railway main up- hne, on Tuesday evening. A little boy named William Henry Jones, seven years of age, of 125, Railway-street, was playing en the line, whence he had apparently got by forcing himself through the railings, when it is supposed he was knocked cownbythe 6.10 p.m. train from Cardiff to Swansea. At any rate, ho was found in an un- conscious condition, very seriously injured about the body, lying on the rails. His father was at once communicated with, and the little fellow was with all despatch conveyed to the Cardiff Infirmary. Before arriving at the institution, however, life had become extinct.

THE RHONDDA RAILWAY BILL.—Mr Burnie is to have forwarded to him, for presentation to Parliament, a petition" signed by 10,000 in- habitants of Swansea, in favour of the above Bill. The Bill will probably come before Parlia- ment on the 16th inst. Henry Duffreys, aged 30, was drawn between the kneading rollers at a steam bakery at I Leicester on Wednesday and wag crushed to I death, every bone in his body being broka. w

The Theft of a Child at Cardiff. ARREST OF THE CULPRIT. Public Excitement. From Thursday afternoon, April 27th, until last Wednesday morning, the parents lof a little boy named John Stanley Roberts, agea two years and two months, have been in a state of extreme suspense owing to the fact that their child was missing. About four o'clock on the day mentioned the little one was playing in the front garden of his father's house, at No. 3, Kmcraig- street. The gate was latched, but it was com- paratively easy to unfasten, and only the day before the little fellow had for the first time managed to opj?n it. When therefore his mother found, on looking for him, that he was not in the garden she presumed he had strayed into the street, and a search was at once instituted for him. But from that hour until five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, when his father caught him to his arms in the Budewell Police- station at Bristol, neither of his sorrowing and distracted parents had seen him. C-From a photograph taken by our artist.) After inquiry in the locality proved fruitless, on April 27th information was given to the police, and the next day handbills were printed and distributed all over the town and district, giving a full description of the boy, aadoSoring j32 reward for his recovery. Still there was no response, and as Mr Mackenzie, the chief constable of Cardiff, was certain that the child had been taken away purposely by some person or other, he put every resource of the police organisation, far-reaching as it is, into operation. With detective skill of high order he ascertained, after some time had elapsed, that a woman had left Cardiff for Bristol at 9.30 p.m. on the night of April 27th, carrying with her a child, whieh might be the missing one. Pursuing this slight clue with the utmost pertinacity, he at length discovered, by means which may ultimately transpire in evidence at the police-court, that a young woman, whom he first des- cribed as Mrs L. Matthews," was the person who quitted Cardiff on the evening in question, and he promptly—this was on May 7th—sent a special communication to the Bristol police concerning her. In this letter she was accurately depicted. She was stated to be a native of Tredegar, whose parents are now living in that town. She had resided in Cardiff at No. 8, Wellington-terrace, with a Mrs Franks, and was said to be "five feet high, of medium build, pale, thin face, dark hair, good teeth, and 24 years of age." Her costume was of an ordinary middle-class type. Mr McKenzie further in- formed the Bristol police that the woman he was in search of had lived at Clovelly- villas, Islington-road, Southville, Bristol, and had previously been for some time at Tewkes- bury. She had informed her Cardiff associates that her husband travelled for a Glasgow firm of outfitters. This. as it subsequently transpired, was not true. Her name is Lydia Matthews, she is unmarried, and is stated by the Bristol police to be of doubtful character. With matters thus made straight for them, the Bristol officials had not much trouble in placing their hands upon her. On Wednesday morning, Detective Davies, of the Bristol Constabulary, went to a house in Wellington-terrace, Bristol, and there found Lydia Matthews. He asked her if she had a child in the house, and she replied No." As he had a warrant for her apprehen- sion he entered the house, and she then admitted that there was a child—her own—in another room. The little boy was produced, and Lydia Matthews altered her statement to the effect that it was her sister's son, given to her to take care of because she was able to afford his maintenance. The end of this conversation was that she was formally charged with stealing John Stanley Roberts, son of Mr Walter Roberts, of 3, Km- craig-street, Cardiff, and brought, together with the little one, to the chief pohce-station at Bristol. A communication was then sent to Mr McKenzie, and he despatched Detective Gretton to Bristol to take over the woman into his custody. Meanwhile Mr and Mrs Roberts were apprised of the discovery, and at first Mrs Roberts threatened to give way seriously at the sudden relaxation of the mental strain of the past fort- night. There were friends in plenty, however, to look after her and calm her with the assurance that she would find her son little the worse for his excursion, whilst Mr Roberts at once left for Bristol by the 3.30 p.m. train. On reaching the police station there he saw his child, who flew to the father the moment he saw him. This scene must have been affecting enough even withm the forbidding walls of the Bridewell, but when the father and son reached Cardiff at 7.35 pan' there was an almost unparalleled sight at the Great Western Railway Station. An enormous crowd bad assembled to greet them, and it was with the utmost difficulty that they were safely stowed by the police into a cab, and driven off through the enthusiastic multitude. Hundreds of women, and not a few men, wept at the sight of the little boy smiling in his father's embrace, and apparently not a whit the worse for his involuntary exile from home. At Roath the excitement was intense. Thousands of people crowded into Castle-road and Kiucraig-street to welcome the arrival of father and child. Repeated cheers announced their advent, and when at last Mr Roberts placed their son in his wife's arms the pent-up feelings of the mother quite gave way, and it was some time before she could fully reahse that it was really her own little one come back to her. Sympathetic neighbours, relatives, and excited strangers, inspired with the friendliest of sentiments, so crowded upon the house and its occupants that the police were compelled to interfere and rescue mother and cnild from the risk of suffocation by too demonstrative well wishers. As it was the house was comfortably filled with new arrivals until a late hour, and Mrs Roberts, tearful but smiling, sat with her boy clasped to her breast to receive their congratulations. His little sister, Mattie, aged three years, stared wonderingly at all the people, but the small mortal himself seemed to be mightily pleased at having been restored to mamma." He can talk a good deal in the ordinary prattle of childhood, but his Bristol experiences are summed up in the expres- sive phrase, "Naughty woman; naugbtywoman." His clothing is the same as that which he wore at the date of his mysterious disappearance, but Mrs Roberts is not quite sure whether or not it is the same pinafore. He is a fine little chap, with bright blue eyes and golden hair, and he has been carefully looked after by the strange being who took him thus cruelly from his parents. Mrs Roberts is the daughter of Mis Elizabeth Lewis, ot the Borough Arms, and the latter good lady was quite overwhelmed with callers during the evening, each of whom expressed his or her pleasure at the newsof the child's return, which,by the way, spread with marvellous rapidity. The later editions of the Echo were sold out when it became known that they contained the announce- ment of the arrest of the woman and the recovery- of little John Stanley Roberts. Whilst jubilation and great gladness reigned supreme in Roath, a crowd of people was fast collecting at the Great Western Station. It became known that Detective Gretton and his prisoner would reach Cardiff by the 9.35 p.m. tram from Bristol, and it was the fixed determination of the mob to give Lydia Matthews such a reception as she little dreamed of. "Ob, the wretch, I could tear her eyes out," said one woman, her own eyes blazing with a fury which showed that it was no idle threat, whilst her hearers gave utterance to a chorus of approving remarks. Even the men expressed themselves in favour of using personal violence towards the" child-stealer," and as their numbers prew their attitude became more demonstrative. Therailway officials exercised some discretion in the bestowal of admission tickets, so the '• up" platform was not unduly crowded, though the majority of the people present had evidently entered the station for the sole purpose of seeing Lydia Matthews. Mr Mackenzie was present with Inspector Heywood and a strong staff of police. In concert with the railway officials, the Chief Constable arranged a smart and, aa it proved, an effective method of getting the prisoner safely away. When the train arrived, it being several minutes late. Detective Gretton and his diminutive prisoner were found to he seated in the compartment next the engine. At that end of the platform a couple of railway hand-trolleys, supplemented by several porters, guards, and policemen, offered an effectual barrier to the passage of the crowd, and Lydia Matthews, surrounded by a posse of police, was taken across the metals to the down platform, outside the river end of which, in the parcels office enclosure, a cab was in waiting. The prisoner was placed inside, the driver whipped up his horse, and when the yelling, hooting, shrieking crowd outside became aware that the object of their hostile cries was passing through their midst they had to get out of the way of the now rapidly travelling vehicle. The mob closed in behind and ran all the way to tho police-station, where another huge crowd had gathered in the hope of catching a glimpse of the I woman. As speedily as possible the cab drove up through the passage cleared by the police, and in a few seconds the door of the police-station closed upon the prisoner, though the shrieks I of the women outside must have told her 'what would have been her fate if the strong arm of the law had not proteoted her. As it happened, the whole incident passed off without the slightest hitch, but it was a long time before the excite- ment of the crowd cooled down. When charged at the station, Lydia Matthews made no reply, and seemed to make light of her offence. On the way from Bristol she informed Detective Gretton that the ohilA bad been given to her by her sister. 'it-; 'L:.

A CAERLEON MYSTERY. Serious Charge Against a Grocer's Assistant. At the Caerleon Police-court on Tuesday— before Messrs J Lawrence and D. W. Jenkins, magistrates-Henry Ralph Sims, a young man of respectable appearance, was remanded on two charges of robbery. It appears that Sims, a grocers assistant, is the son of a farmer residing at Dudley Port, Staffordshire, and was for three years in the employ of Mr G. F. Thome. grocer, of Newport, Caerleon, and Cwmbran, at the Caerleon establishment, which was managed by Mr William Tuckfield, who still retains the position. About 18 months ago Sims left Caerleon to take up a similar position in one of Lipton's establishments at Birmingham. Last August, however, he returned to his home, where he re. mained until Sunday last, when he arrived in Newport, ostensibly to see the young lady with whom he has been corresponding. Sims also visited his old manager at Caerleon, and received a hearty welcome and stayed with him overnight, both men sleeping in the same room. After retiring for the night, Sims went downstairs and returned with a bottle containing whisky, of which he persuaded Tuck- field to partake. After partaking of the whisky Tuckfield feU into a heavy sleep, and did not awaken until the next morning, when he was aroused by the shop boy. Tuckfield on getting out of bed discovered that"' his bOK, which on t he previous night was locked, was open and the keys were lying on the top of the clothes. The till, whioh contained three packets of money, was also °P"J1 and one of packets, which contained £43 13s, was missing. On searching his trousers, Tuckfield found that the keys of the shop, together with 4sl^d,his own money, was miss.ng; the keys of the box were also in his pocket when he went to bed The house was then searched, and the back door aud tbe kitchen were found wide open, and the keys of the shop were found downstairs. Both doors had evidently been opened from the inside, as there were no traces of their having been forced from without. The police were then communicated with, and P.S. Lewis and P.C. Hatherall were speedily on thescene, Sims being taken tothepolice-station. Supt. James, Pontypool, shortly afterwards arrived, and as the result of further inquiries, the superintendent charged Sims with stealing j345 13s, the moneys of Mr G. F. Thorne, and further with stealing 4s l%d belonging toWin. Tuckfield. On being searched only 5s 8d was found upon Sims, and he denied having stolen the other money. He informed the police that he had a bag con- taining a suit of clothes and 8s at Newport and desired to be released in order that he might, return home. The police agreed to allow Sims to go to Newport to fetch the bag, and in company with Officer Hatherall, the prisoner proceeded to Newport by train. At the railway station Sims admitted that his story was untrue, and pressed his guardian to release him. Hatherall, however, took his man back to Caerleon, and lodged him in the cells. Sims will be brought before the magistrates at the ordinary sitting of the court on Thursday next None of the money has yet been discovered. At Caerleon Police-court on Thursday—before J. Lawrence—and other magistrates, Henry Ralph Sims, a young man of respectable appear- ance, described as a grocer's assistant, son of a farmer residing at Dudley Port, Staffordshire, was charged on remand with stealing £4313, the monyes of Mr G. F. Thorne, from the box of William Tuckfield, and further with stealing 4s l%d the property of William Tuckfield. Mr Herbert, solicitor (Gardner and Her- bert) Newport, apppeared for the defence. William Tuckfield, manager of grocer's shop at Caerleon for Mr G. F. Thoorne, stated that prisoner was formerly assistant in the same shop, but he left in March, 1892. On Sunday last he went to witness's lodgings. Prisoner accompanied witness up to his bedroom and saw him put a bag of money, about £43 13s, in the till of his clothes- box. There were four other packets of money in the box. On going to bed about 12 o'clock on Sunday night, the lid of the box was closed, and the keys were then in witness's pocket. Another younlL, man named Burridge slept in the same bed with Tackfield aand Sims. Burridge first went to bed followed by witness. About twenty minutes afterwards Sims went upstairs, and afterwards went down again, and returned with some whisky, and Tuckfield took some of the spirits. He did not remember anything after taking the whisky until next morning, when he was called by the shop boy. The first thing that he then noticed was that the box was wide open. The keys were on top of the clothes, and the bag of money was missing from the till. Sims and Burridge were then asleep. The door of the stairs and the back door of the house were both open. Witness also missed two two-shilling pieces and a penny and a half-penny.—Supt. James stated that he should apply for a. remand. —The prisoner was remanded for a week.

CHARGE AGAINST AN INSURANCE AGENT. 4 PROSECUTION AT SWANSEA. A Warrant Granted. Samuel J. Evans, of Phillip's-paradc, an in- surance agent, was again cllluged on remand by the London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow Assur- ance Society with embezzling 2s 2d. Mr Smith was for. the prosecution, and Mr Llewellyn Howell, who attended for the defence, asked for a remand, as Mr Glasbrook Richards, who was defendant's soli- citor, was unexpectedly called from home.—Mr Smith protested, as he had his witnesses present, and the case had already been adjourned three times for Mr Richards' convenience. It transpired that defendant was not pre- sent, whereupon Mr Smith applied for a warrant, but he subsequently withdrew, the application, and consented to the adjourn- ment. Later in tbe day, however, Mr Smith attended and said he had heard the defendant bad the previous evening boasted to the landlord of an inn that if an adjournment was granted that day he would leave the country. The Stipendiary 1 asked that the innkeeper should be called, and about an hour later Mr Smith attended and re- newed his application for a warrant, which was granted.

POISONOUS PIES IN CARDIFF. A Warning. The gating of meat pies made in a town of world-wide reputation for such delicacies has led to a number of residents in Cardiff being seized with violentpains, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Among the sufferers from this consumption of tainted meat are Mr and Mrs R. Y. Evans, solicitor, Park-place; Mr C. T. Whitmell, H.M.LS. Mr and Mrs T. H. Ensor, the family of Mr Canmon, consulting marine engineer, Park-place, and Mr Park Hagarty, the artist. Happily none of the cases are of a serious nature, and the patients, after having received medical treatment, are in a fair way to complete recovery. The pies in each case were by the same makers, and were purchased in Cardiff towards the end of lasb week. Dr. Taylor, who attended Mr Canmon's family, gives it as his opinion that the cases, are like those at Burry Port, the illnesses being caused by an irritant poison, and that tbe meat in the pies was measly pork, or pork which had entered upon the putrescent stage. Mr R. Y. Evans sent one of the pies to Mr Hughes, the borough analyst; but as the food thus submitted did not form a portion of a pie partaken of by the sufferers, but was bought, we understand, several days aftetwards, the examination for identification and evidence purposes would have been virtually worthless, so that beyond handling the pie superficially, and ascertaining that it was apparentlysound enough, Mr Hughes did not proceed further with his investigation. It is highly important, in the prevailing hot weather, that all made-uii' articles of food should be carefully examined before being eaten.

FIRE AT CARDIFF. Shortly after eleven o'clock on Wednesday night, P.C. (59) Thomas, of the Cardiff Police, on duty in the Penarth-road, found that a lean-to" shed, attached to tho Western Counties Steam Bakery, Was on fire. He at once alarmed the inmates of the bakery, who had retired to rest, and obtained a reel from the Central Police-station. Shortly afterwards a fire-engine, in charge of Engineer GPen, arrived at the place, and a copious supply of water was quickly play- ing upon the woodeu building which was now thoroughly alight. Mr Mackenzie, chief constable, directed the work of the fire brigade, and in half an bour the outbreak was completely mastered. The adjoining building was never in serious danger, but naturally the affair created some excitement in the neighbour- hood. Some doubtexiated as to the actual proprietor of the shed, but our representatrvo was informed that it was a carpenters shop, tenanted by Mr J. G. Marsh, provision merchant. A quantity of tools were destroyed.

LIVING CHESS. Tournament at Pe.narth. In aid of the building fund of All Saints' Church, Penarth. a living chess tournament, under tbe able management of Mr Frank Mason, took place in Andrews' New Hall, Penarth, on Wednesdaynight. The tournament waswitnessed by a crowded and interested house. The pro- ceedings were enlivened by Messrs Johnson and Roberts' band, under the baton of Mr Shepherd. The various pieces" were represented as follows :— WHITE BLACK :— K.—Mr Hankey. K.—Mr F. E. Stodda.rt. Q.—Miss Young. Q.—Miss W. Pengelly. K.B.—Miss B. Young. K.B.—Miss A. Lawrence. K.K.—Mr Aicka. Jv.K.—Mr J F. Edwards. K.R.—Miss Parry. K K.—Mr W. Pynian. Q.B.—MMS Stra.wt,on. K.B.—Miss Wilson. Q.N.—Mr VValkey. Q.B.—Miss D, Beasley. Q.R,—Miss M. Kscott. Q.K.—Mr Percy Oliver. K.P.—Miss Ethel Jotham. Q.R.—Miss Gladys Brain. K.B.P.—Miss F. E. Martin. K.B.P.—Miss Q. Fletcher. K.K.P.— Miss <}. Martin. K.K.P.—Miss W. Dalziel. K.R.P.—Miss B. lioborts. K.K.P.—Miss D. Francis. Q.P.— Miss C. Pytnan. Q.P.—-Miss Mabel Jones. Q.B.P.— Miss I) Parry. Q.B.P.—Miss F. Escotx. Q.K.P.—MissN. Vellacott. C^.K-P.— Miss K. Nell. Q.R.P.—Miss G. Down. Q.R.P.— MissR-Luscombe. Q.R.P.—Miss K. Francis. I P.—Master D. Bees. P.—Master N. Thomas. P.—MMter Martyr. P.-Master Luscoinbe. mL A ne aresses were designed by Mr J. Coates- Carter,aud the arrangements wore delegated to Mrs Ashley Bird. Tbe Whites were conducted by Mr Coates-Carter, and the Blacks by Mr 1 rank Mason, the latter winnina. $.

WELSH LAND COMMISSION. Meetings of Farmers at Cowbridge. On Tuesday afternoon two meetings of agricul» tnrist3 were held at Cowbridge in connection with the forthcoming sittings of tho Welsh Land Commission in the district. The first of these took place in the town-hall, the gathering having been convened by Mr W. John, the local agent of the South Wales Liberal Federation. Mr Edmund Lewis, St. Mary Hill Court, presided over an assemblage of some 40 farmers. The proceedings were private, but we understand that the syllabus of the I and Commission was care- fully gone through, item by item, and the opinion of those present sought as to the collective evidence which should be given on the various points raised. Mr John acted as secretary of the meeting, and will prepare a digest of the views expressed by his fellow- agriculturists for submission to the commission.— The second meeting, of a precisely similar nature, was convened by Mr W. V. Hunt'ey at the Bear Hotel, and consisted of members of the Cow- bridge Farmers' Club. In this instance it was resolved that a public meeting should be called for Tuesday afternoon next at c.¡wbri2ge, when the principal heads of inquiry by the com- missioners win be made the subject of general discussion. AU persons in the Vale of Glamorgan interested in the matter are invited to attend. Meeting in the Aberayron District. At the last meeting of the Cardiganshire County CounCil a resolution was passed recom- mending that committees consisting of the mem- bers of the council resident within each Union be constituted to obtain information and to advise as to the uature and scope of the commission, and of the evidence which should be tendered. In accordance with this resolution a meeting was held at the Dihewid Board Schoolroom on Wed- nesday morning. A majority of the councillors of the Union of Aberayron were present. It was resolved to call upon each councillor and alder- man in his own Histrict to organise meetings, and to bring the importance of the commission, in its practical bearing home to the minds of the farmers and others.—A public meeting was held at the same place at 2 o'clock. Councillor John M. Howell presided. Addresses were delivered by Mr Morgan Evans, J.P., Mr Alderman Jenkins, Mr Alderman W. Davies, Councillors Jenkin Davies and W. Howell. J¡;.was resolved to hold local meetings, the respective councillors to be conveners. Reynoldstone, Gower. A preliminary meeting in connection with the Welsh Land Commission was held at King Arthur Hotel, Reynoldstone, on Tuesday even- ing. A large number of farmers and farm labourers attended.—Mr David Randell, M.P.- the representative of the division, was representee* at the meeting by Mr Sanders, his election agents who explained to the meeting the scope of the inquiry and the nature of the evidence which the commissioners would require. Mr Randell it determined that his constituents shall have every facility to bring their grievances before the com. missioners. In case other hon. members emulate bis assiduity, the forthcoming inquiry will prove an immense boon to the Principality.

GIFT OF NEW BELLS TO ST. CSM0HN'8, CARDIFF. Two fine new bells have just been received from the foundry of Messrs Taylor and Company, Loughborough, and were on Tuesday safely hoisted and hung in the tower belfry. Thesek together with the smaller semi-tone bells hung last year, are the gift of Mr John Evan Davies, ot Clifton, who has always taken a warm interesr in Cardiff, and especially in its venerable parish church. The two large bells now placed in posi- tion weigh respectively 26% cwts. and 12% cwts.. and together with those already in the towen form a diatonic .-ealo in the key of D. The old second bell of the former pt-al has been removed, as no longer required, so that the church now possesses a set of eleven bells, of which ten are hung and framed for ringing, and one is fixed tor chiming only. Some idea of the campanological value of this addition to the peal may be gathered from the fact that the old tenor bell weighs but 18 cwt. as against 26% cwt., the weight of metal in the new one. The framework and hanging apparatus are all of the newest and most approved type, and, as is fitting, the bells and belfry of St. John's will now challenge comparison with those of any church on the north-west shore of the Severn sea. The cost of the four bells, apart from incidental expenses, is £380. This sum Mr Davies defrays but the cost of carriage to and fro, of alterations in the belfry floor, &c., is not included in the above sum. and will amount probably to about £30. For this extra sum the vicar and churchwardens wish to appeal, feeling Sure that there must be many parishioners who would like to take this practical way of showing at once their appreciation of Mr Davies' noble gift and their love for the old church. Mr Davier meantime may feel assured that so long as the ancient tower is vocal with the most home-like of all melodies, so long will bis memory be cherished in the town which he has loved so well. Tb inscription upon the largest bell runs re- presented with bell No. 7 by John Eran Davies, Solicitor, Clifton, Bristol, A Freeman of Cardiff As and for A New Year's gift, 1893, in addition to bells Nos. 1 and 3, Given as an Easter offering in 1892 The new peal will be rung for the first time oa the Queen's birthday.

THE TRADE OF NEWPORT. Although the Newport harbour dues for thf, past month show a considerable falling-off, fchiZ/ indicating that the volume of trade had seriously diminished, our local readers will be gla& to learn that within the last few daj £ the trade of the port has considerably" improved, and that the docks and river wharveC are fairly busy. Between 30 and 40 steamers arf, fixed for Newport during the next five or siy. week. The Powell Duffryn shipments, which have jnst reverted to the port, will have a sensibly effect on the coal exports of the present month, as already one vessel (the Anakondst is in port being laden with 2,100 tons of tbe com* pany s coal, and the s.s. Crimea and s.s. RaynGt- are fixed to take 4,000 tons of the same coi within a few days. The general trade of tbe town also shows signs of healthy revival. Perhaps never at ant prior time was the building trade and the tradef allied with it in such a prosperous condition. Old business premises are being rebuilt on a scalc commensurate with modern ideas, and the ex< tension of the suburbs is going forward at p. rapid rate. The difficulty with builders ic to obtain bricks. It is by no meanr. unusual for brickmakers to have several applicatants for every kiln of bricks ready fof, removal. The supply from Bristol andjBridgwatef is also limited, because Cardiff and Barry, which also evidences rapid growth, consume vas £ quantities, and can afford to give a betted price for the best article. The St. JulianV. Brickmaking Company, which is capable c £ turning out a large quantity of bricks, is usinj/ every available kiln for the purpose of erecting its own new buildings. The other brickmaker; of tho district are working at high pressure 11( endeavour to meet the demand.

DEATH OF MR R. 6. LEVI, CARDIFF. We much regret to announce the death of M. R. G. Levi, headmaster of Cardiff Grammar, School, which occurred at an earl: hour on Sunday morning after a som«v what protracted illness at his residence iV Fitzalan-place. The deceased, who was about &V years of age, was well-known in South Walesa Prior to his residence in Cardiff, whither he came about 17 years ago, Mr Levy was associated with ministerial work in con. nection with the Congregational body. He hat. a very distinguished career at Carmarthen College, was a gentleman, of some considerable scholastic attainments, Av^/k had been very 8UO" cessful in the conduct of the grammar school which he founded at Cardiff shortly after hit arrival in this town. He leaves a widow and fly. children to mourn their loss. During Mr Levi's illness the school was con< ducted by Mr J. Brooke, M.A., and it is intended in the future to conduct the school on the same principles that rendered it so successful under M" Levi's management.

SENTENCED TO DEATH. Sad Stary af a Domestic Servant: Christiana Waddmgton, 29, domestic servant, was sentenced to death at Leeds Assizes for the wilful murder of her illegitimate child nt Whitkirk, near Leeds, on the 23rd February. Prisoner was deserted by her husband, nod. cohabited with a neighbour, who also deserted her on the verge of confinement. She afterwards drowned the baby in the water-butt, and con- fessed the crime when taken into custody.—The jury added a recommendation to mercy.

UNWHOLESOME MEAT. A Butcher Fined J620. A Derby butcher named Richard Clay was a Thursday fined J620 and costs for having in bis possession meat unfit for food. It was proved that the animal's lungs were badly a ected with tuberculosis, which rendered partakers of the flesh liable to consumption. An inspector saw the lungs and they were thrown into the river, aud whilst he went to recover them defen- dant and one of his men made off with the car- case, which has not been traced.

The late Earl of Derby, among other bequests already published, leaves to his successor all the cash standing at the time of his death to his credit on current account at his bankers. This alone amounts to the comfortable sum of £700,000. Sir Thomas Saunderson, formerly Lord Derby's private secretary at the Foreign OfEce.comes ip for a legacy of £10,000. The late earl's contributions to charity were always systematic and generous in his lifetime. His sole bequests to charities consist, however, of £2,000 and a glass case full of geological specimens left to the Walker Art Gallery at Liverpool.