The Cardiff Times

LOCAL AMUSEMENTS. Tha Grand Theatre (Cardiff). At the Grand Theatre on Monday evening Mr Fred G. Latham's oompany, by arrangement with Mr George Alexander, of the St. James's Theatre, London, presented to the pubhc Mr Henry Arthur Jones's latest success, the comedy The Triumph of the Philistines." The title suggests the character of the play, whioh, in brief, has apparently been written with the view of showing the cant and hypocrisy which too often mar the beaotifulness" of the ultra- purist's doctrines. The main idea is excellently worked out through the means of the artist's model, a Oleopatrio picture, a few goody-goodj studies, and other cnaracbers endowed with mere human tendencies and, withal, more divine attributes. The characters, of whatever hue of morality, are strongly and inoffensively drawn, the dialogue is simple and direct, and the literary construction of the whole piece gives it a prominent plaee in literature as well as in mere stagecraft. As has been aptly remarked of this comedy before it will give to the unco guid matter for reflection, and to the more liberal- re minded an eveninglo, enjoyment of delightful satire." Aud while that is so, there are it vein of sound morality and the plot of a pretty love story, running through it all. Amongst the more prominent parts taken in this piece are those of Sally Lebrune. the wicked artist's model, by Miss Andree Corday Alma Suleny, by Miss Agnes Verity Miss Angelina Soar, by Miss Cicely Hamilton Lady Benboys, by Miss Ellen Maybrick; Sir Valentine Fellowes, by Mr Vernon Sansbnry Mr Jorgan, who "pre- served the morals of Market Pewbury," by Mr H. Gomer May Willie Hesselwood, by Mr Gilbert Bucktou. The oomedy was splendidly mounted, and represented m excellent manner by tbe whole company, whose efforts were cordially recognised by a large audience. It will be represented each evening this week, and will be preceded by a one-act comedy, Too Happy by Half." The combined performances constitute an evening's entertainment-, rarely to be enjoyed in Cardiff.

SHIP-ON FIRE. A fire broke out on Monday on the Liverpool and Dundalk steamer Iveagb, lying in the dock at Liverpool, resulting,n the death of one of the crew ana injury to others. The poor fellow, who succumbed to injuries at the hospital, was named Oosgrove, and, having done duty as watchman on Sunday night, was sleeping in a bunk when the fire broke out. He rushed through the flames with his clothing on fire. His hair, whiskers, and moustache were burnt off. From the first the case was hopeless. Owing to a mis- take the steamer's hose was attached to the steam pipe instead of the cold water hydrant, and some of the crew were much scalded.

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GRAND OPERA AT CARDIFF, Production of Dr. Parry's Sylvia." Dr. Joseph Parry has distinctly added to his reputation by the latest opera from his pen. In dramatic expression, and in picturesque and vivid treatment of his theme, the Welsh composer has done no work-although this is his fourth opera that approaches Sylvia," produced on Monday night at the Cardiff Theatre Royal. The subjecb is one that may be said to peculiarly suit Dr. Parry's musical bent. Sweet pathetic airs and sonorous choruses descriptive of woe and lamentation, are the doctor's special forte. In these he can give scope to that subtle, and oft-times quaint and weird, orchestration, in which he so obviously delights to revel; and in "Sylvia," these characteristics are indulged with almost barbaric richness of tone-colour. The audience which greeted the first production of the new opera was of gratifying proportions. It included mstny of Cardiff's well-known musicians, and had attracted quite a large number of others from a distanoe and when the doctor took up his position as conductor of his own work be received au ovation that was unmistakably genuine. The overture is a stirring composition, spirited and melodious and effective in its light and shade; but in our opinion it is somewhat marred by the interpo. lated snatches of song from behind the curtain. This suggests a histrionic trickiness which is nobin keeping with the high-class character of the production. Be this as it may, however, the closing strains of orchestra and concealed vocalists are effective, and on Monday night evoked an encouraging outburst of applause. This was renewed when the curtain rose upon a picture of Stonehenge, the last temple of Druidis worship. The action of the opera, it may here be ( stated, takes place towards the close of the Roman rule in Britain. An opening chorus for shepherds possesses a sonorous volume which is admirably suited to Welsh iaingers and in this, as in everything they undertook, the chorus selected by Mr Tom Stephens, of Chicago repute, acquitted themselves marvellously well. Arthur (Mr Maldwyn Humphreys), the hero of the opera, persuades his brother, Osmund (Madame Hannah Jones), to sing the legendary song connected with the spot. It appears that at midnight a fairy band dances beneath the shadow of the stones; if a mortal by chance looks upon them he brings a curse upon the district should any of the fairies meet his gaze she immediately becomes a mortal; should she touch him she is bound to him for evermore, but if she is kissed by him she returns to fairy state. When the shepherds have dispersed Arthur sleeps. Thurston, the last of the Druids (Mr Franklen Clive), enters, and makes a passionate appeal to the ancient gods. As he departs midnight is tolled, and the fairies come forth to dance. Arthur awakes and sees Sylvia (Miss Van Dalle), one of the band. She returns his gaze, and becomes a mortal, and the fairies with lamentations disappear. Meanwhile the village has been roused by the sound of the fairy revels, and hurry to the spot to wreak vengeance upon the man who has brought a curse upon it. Thurston interferes, and Sylvia, who has flung herself upon Arthur, and has thereby became bound to him, is driven forbh with her lover and with Osmund, who attaches himself to them, and the curtain falls upon the fury of the terror-stricken villagers. The legend is a sweetly melodious air, capitally given by Madame Hannah Jones, and has that fantastic orchestral accompaniment for which Dr. Parry has so pronounced a predilection, and in which he excels. Left alone, Arthur is given a pretty song descriptive of the husti of tranquil eve, and Mr Maldwyn Humphreys renders it with nice expression aud purity of tone. The advent of Thurston, the last of the Druids, furnishes an opportunity for intense dramatic colouring, of which the composer makes splendid use. Mr Frankhn Clive, in this role, shows much power both as a vooalist and an actor, and he sings with superb declamation the liaps- Hail, holy circle, hail once more, ye giant altars now so lone," changing into effective modulation when be bemoans, as the last of Druid race," the fate of the solitary scene of his ancient rites. The approach of the fairies is indicated in admirable fashion by the orchestra, with staccato effects on the strings and piccolo, and quaint runs on the reeds. This pixie music is one of the gems of the opera. The act ends with a stirring chorus, illustrative of the wrath of the villagers, and the curtain descends amid a storm of applause, which the doctor acknowledges from the stage. In Act II. the soldiers of Severus, a Roman general (Mr Meurig James), are carousing, when Thurston is dragged in, He appeals for mercy to Severus, who refuses to liberate him. A band of minstrels is announced. This consists of Sylvia, Arthur, and Osmund, in disguise. They are made welcome, and sing before the general and his soldiers. Sylvia chaoses as her reward the liberation of the old Druid. The men go forth to their banquet, and Sylvia is left alone, a prey to anxious forebodings. As she is yearning for Arthur's return, Severus enters and seeks to embrace her. She struggles with hip), and is compelled in self-defence to stab him. He cries out, and the soldiers rush m. Osmund, to save Sylvia, declares that it I was he who. did the deed. Severus, however, comiug to ills senses, names his assailant, and condemns Sylvia to death. The bacchanalian song at the opening of the act is tuneful, but laoks that rollicking swing which should characterise it. A pastoral lay, entrusted to Arthur, is sweetly melodious, and is sung with nice expression by Mr Humphreys. That allotted to Sylvia is also a pretty air. Of a different type is the song of Osmund, brisk and vivacious, to which Madame Hannah Jones does every justice. The Mr Meurig James gives us a taste of quality in Fair one, your company we must forego." Mr James has a grand voioe, but he has much to learn of the histrionic art. A scena given to Sylvia, later on, is one of the tit-bits of the opera. Of itself, it establishes Dr. Parry's claim to vivid descriptive music. The varying moods of the heroine are depicted with graphic effect, swiftly changing from dreamy contempla- tion to dramatic fervour as she recalls the danger of her position from the licentious Severus. Miss Van Dalle acquitted herself like a true artist, and made a most favourable impression, The close of the second act was applauded even more vociferously than the first, aud was au unmistakable indication of the growing favour with which the production was being received as it gradually unfolded itself. This time the prin- cipal artistes came before the curtain, being followed, in response to a call that was not to be denied, by Dr. Parry, Mr Fletcher and Mr Tom Stephens, hand-in.hand. In Act III. Osmund is discovered at the feet of Sylvia, who is asleep chained to the wall, and sings a piteous lamentation to the coming day which is to witness her execution. Sylvia awakes, and to them both Thurston enters and announces that the tyrant has doomed Sylvia to be burnt alive. The General approrches, and granting her request that she should see Arthur again, orders everyone away. He uses the opportunity to plead with Sylvia to become his own. She rejects his advances, and he furiously leaves her to her fate. Arthur comes in, makes a passsonate farewell, but as the soldiers are heard approaching to fulfil the dread command, he remembers the third fairy charge. He kisses Sylvia In a wild farewell, and fairy voices are once more heard welcoming back the lost sister. As the executioners advance Sylvia falls to earth and disappears, whilst in the distance she is seen to be received again by the fairy band. The astonished multitude see the fulfilment of the old legend of Stonehenge. Madame Hannah Jones sings the opening song of the aot, "The cruel dawn doth wake the sleeping earth with admirable feeling and expression. For touching pathos the simple lyric is one to be long remembered, an.d it suits Madame Jones's voice and style to a nicety. She was demonstra- tively encored, and repeated the charming song with even greater sweetness than before. The remainder of the act is notable for the lugubrious note that runs through io, behtting, of course, the subject treated. The impending fate of Sylvia is bewailed in somewhat dreary music of the sombre recitative order, but pretty effects are produced by the spirited finale and the apotheo- sis of Sylvia as she rejoins the fairy band. There was more applause—general all over the house—and, besides the principal vocalists, there came before the curtain, in acknowledgment of the demonstration, Mr Mendelssohn Parry, the clever librettist, the doctor (his father), and Mr Edward Fletcher. Then there was a little speech-making. The lessee, Mr Fletcher, led off. He described the production of Sylvia as a national event, and thauked the audience for the hearty appreciation with whioh they had received the opera. Dr. Parry followed with a short speech In Welsh and English. He was evidently highly pleased with the way matters had gone off, and, with beaming face, returned thanks to everyone who had con- tributed to so striking a success, and to the audience for their manifest appreciation of bis work. He expressed a hope that in the future he would have more time at his disposal to devote to work of this class. In that event he predicted a grand national opera from his pen, treating of King Arthur and the Knights ot the Round Table, another dealing with Prince Llewelyn, and a third upon Owen Glendwr. He acknowledged his great indebtedness to Mr Fletcher, who had rendered to him and to the cause of Welsh national opera such valuable assistance, and asked for good audiences at the Theatre Royal this week from his compatriots and all lovers of music in Cardiff and South Wales. We need only add that Dr. Parry has exeroised an excellent discretion in the selection of principal artistes to interpret his latest opera, and in secur- ing so efficient an orchestra and chorus. For a first production, Monday night's performance was remarkably free from blemishes, and it is safe to say that when all engaged in the opera become better acquainted with the score and the spirit of the composer, and are possessed of more oonfi- dence, Sylvia will be worth going many miles to bear. It is a work of striking and acceptable originality in many important respects, and should find an enduring place on the British operatio stage.

A WOMAN OF THE COMMUNE: A Tale of Two Sieges of Paris. By G. A. HENTY, > Author of In the Days of the Mutiny," The Curse of Carne's Hold," "Dorothy's Double," &c. [ALL RIGHTS KESERVED.} CHAPTER XVII. The belief that in a few hours the siege would^ come to an end was so general the next morning, that Cuthbert determined to loose no time in "einlt Uumming. As soon as the way was open e man might take the opportunity to move off "o some other hiding-place; and, therefore, instead of bringing out his canvases, as he had ^tended, Cuthbert decided te call on him at once. Having chartered one of the few remaining nacres, at an exorbitant rate, he drove to the noose where he had seen Cumming enter, and went into the concierge. I want some information, my friend," he said, **y"ig a five franc piece on the table. You have *?re'guer lodging here." he man nodded. „ Monsieur Jackson is a good tenant," he said. well for any little services." How long has he been here „Se came just after war was declared." Has he taken his apartments for a long Period He has taken them for a year, monsieur. I think he will take them permanently. I hope so, 'or he gives no trouble, and has never been out «? ono° since he came here." .1 want to see him," Cuthbert said, I Believe he is an old acquaintance of mine." -j If you ring his bell he will open it himself, keeps an old woman as servant, but she has lost gone out to do his shopping. He always takes his meals at home. He is on the second floor—the aoor to the left." Cfuthbert went up and rang the bell. Cumming nimself opened it. He looked at his visitor in- quiringly. -You do not remember mo, Mr Camming ?" cuthbert said, cheerfully. I am nob surprised. for I have but just recovered from a very serious j*?und. I will come to and sit down if you don't I want to have a chat with you. My Bfcnae is Cuthbert Hartington ?" The man had given a violent start when his tialne was mentioned, and his face turned to an •*hy pallor. He hesitated for a moment, and {hen, as Cuthbert entered, he closed the door him, and silently led the way into the sitting-room. I happened to see you in the street," Cuth- JJert went on, pleasantly, as he seated himself, j Of course, your beard has altered you a bit and could not at first recall your face, but it oame back to me. It was a happy Jdea of yours shutting yourself up here »hen there was no chanc9 of an extradition "arrant being applied for. However, to-morrow 5r day that little difficulty will be at an end. ^thought I would come and have a conversation rjjh you, and naturally the course that I shall ■• will depend a good deal on the results. I mention," he went on, taking a revolver from g" P°°ket and laying it on the table before him, v "'at 1 thought it as well to bring this with me, J* Just at present I don't feel quite up to a '^jjonal tussle." what do you want to talk about ?" the roan ed, doggedly. I may tell you at once that I **oed what little money I got where it will never found, and beyond sending me up for some /Mrs, there will be nothing to be gained by me." There might be some satisfaction though in a man who has ruined you punished I all least there would be to some men. doulb know that there would be to ?*• It would depend 'upon circumstances, •■lam ready to believe that in those of yours that brought the bank to Jlliu- you honestly believed that the companies tou assisted would turn out well, and that things EPOWD come out right in the end. I do not ftppoee you were such a fool as to run the risk of lIlan and penal servitude when you had a snug unless you had thought so and, indeed, as directors were as responsible as yourself for IDaking those advances—although they were, of .2jtt8e« ignorant of the fact that you held a con- interest in those companies—there was 2?»hing actually criminal in those transactions. it is only for that matter of your laaking off with the contents of the safe, and that Cuthbert ploced a revolver on the table. be actually prosecuted. At any rate I no present intention of interfering in the *owr, and you can remain here as Mr Jackson 3?ii 'he end of your life for what I care, if you K'*e me the information that I desire." *»># look on the man's face relaxed. t will give you any information you desire I nothing to conceal. Of course, they can » conviction against me for taking the but I should save them trouble by guilty at once. Therefore, I don t see jJr oould harm myself m any way by answer- y questions they may choose to ask me." _i *»nt to get to the bottom of what has all fa*K* n mystery to me» a"d that is how my oame to take those shares, just at the when the bank was so shaky." |l is more than I can tell you, Mr ,«5i°gton. It has been a puzzle to myself." t— they were your shares that were trans- him." ^Tirn i 18 801 aQd the money came in useful Z?r~8h, for I knew that the smash must take soon, and that possibly I might able to lay my bands on much cash. However, I will tell you how it came about. Brander, the oame to me, and said his client *ltrin i*ingt°n wanted fifty shares. I own I was tljj 'Mad, for Brander knew perfectly well that spjj.*8 were in a very bad way. By the way he I saw there was something curious about hinu!* r* kwt as he put the screw on, as much as if 1 did not follow his instructions he Ho blow the whole thing into the air, I made li, Jections, especially as he proposed that I *ransfer some of my own shares. The u Was drawn up in regular form. He *•P to me duly signed by your father. notioed that his own clerks witnessed the jjr**tare, so I suppose it was done in the office. »*»de a point that I should get the transfer ttftK some others without the attention Hot ^otors being called to the matter. I the transfer signed and sealed by Join directors while there was a talk *ith* °° ""bo"1 other things, and they signed ^ti.nri^ '°°king at names. So far as I am con- ^,afc wa8 the beginning aad ending of the Wj. Oh, there was another point, the transfer h', &Ittedated three weeks. Of course, it might tt J? °e#n lying in Brandon's office all the time. »>T| ft* dated on the day after the previous Board so that in the ordinary course it would ht e passed until the next meeting, and it Wid Vefy we" have remajned in Brander's until he kuew that the directors were going aSain. I have often wondered what n r's f»ame was» an(^ course I thought all &siri°re 1)1 when I saw that he had bought 1 h»v He was a crafty old fox, Brander, but Pe never been able to understand why he L your febhev to ruin himself." "tyhbert remained silent for some time. he explanation only thicken the mystery," I can no more understand his pf than you can. Brander's explanation i>i«t^ affair to me was that my father against his advice in buying | "m«. **» 118 'ie did not believe iu the i'fOh',re to the discredit of the bank. He was a ihou« c°uoty man, as you may know, and Hei.1 that when people heard that he had llj "hares, it would tend to reslore confidence °°noern. Now, as on tiie contrary, Brander tratjf. ',av» taken special pains to prevent the U 0j*°tion beiug known even by the directors, it HUjje6ur that Sua explanation was a lie, that for ^easo»s of his own he wished to defeat my {Hittf8 intentions. I think I must get you to "tateir.ent you have made to me on paper, • k*st x ^0l: sworn before a public notary—at .,I illilik that is the way out here." fcI j( no objection to do that, but as it is r «0v» *J;eQtion to continue to live here where I am in_owu. as a resident and feel myself prebty Of from some chance meeting like that ,ta» would rather that it should be done "K ? else." *'l 's reasonable enough," Cuthbert agreed, J Y°k the gates will be open in a day or two, Jo th„ go to England at once and try to get grjwj bottom of this matter. 1 should think the h 8 wil1 let Englishmen pass out at once. • oa.y°U m'nd going with mo as far as Calais ? *Ji<J v the document sworn to in legal form I w °^n oome back here." ••V,T?u'd rather go to Brussels," the man said, 'it (J.-J uhfc that would be best, "Cuthbert agreed. *tanv be as well that it should not be done c<i.'n France. Well, Mr Cumming, Jfriji, j^refc is safe with uie. I will call on you ll«els "°°U aS n t'!at we can ^ot a0r0S8 t0 i*?Kt()11'la'L^6 ready whenever you are, Mr Har- •ill do* course, I don't quite see what you W|th this document, but I am perfectly to r,,Rn it. doa,c ee eit t ee either. I shall want to think the f0| i» er. At present I feel in a complete or tl'bo understand that. I may tell you that me a good deal the last two or 1?° 0r tht IL 0 the bank stopped. He speut hours going into the affairs with me. generally how matters stood, but he had never gone thoroughly into them before. When he had done he said, 'I knew you were in a very bad way before, but I did not think it was as bad as this. I want to see whether the smash could not be postponed. Things have been bad lately, but I think they are improving, and some of these affairs that you have been bolstering up might pull round if you had time given you. I did not see much chance of that. How- ever, I did not say so-in fact, I wanted to hear what he was driving at. He went on, after looking through the list of mortgages, we held. Of course, Cumming, it is to you# interest to hold on here as long as possible, and I may have mine for wishing the bank to keep its doors open for some little time yet. It would never do for you to be going into the market to try and transfer any of these mortgages, but I have clients in London who wou!d, I think, take some of them over. Of course I have taken good care that in no cases did the bank lend more than fifty per cent. of the full value of the lands, and the mortgages are all as safe as if they were on consols. bo if you will give me a fortnight's notice when there is anything pressing coming forward, I think I can manage to get twenty thousand pounds worth of these mortgages taken off our bands altogether. I might repeat the operation three or four times, and could get it done quietly and with no fuss, in that way the bank could be kept going for a good many months, which would give time for things to take a turn. In case of anything like a run taking place. which I think is unlikely, I could let you have fifteen thousand of my own in a few hours. I have it standing at call, and could run up to town and bring it down by the next train.' Why he should make such an offer as this puzzled me, but his reason for wanting to prop the bank up was no business of mine, and there was no doubt if he could get fifty or sixty thousand pounds worth oE mort- gages taken off our hands, it wou'd enable us to hold on for some time. He did, in fact, get one batch of twenty thousand pounds worth transferred, but about a month before we stopped he came in one morning and said, I am sorry to tell you. Cumming, thatlhaveheardfrom ihe people in town'I had relied on to help us about those mortgages, and they tell me they have undertaken the financing of a contractor for a South American railway, and that, therefore, they are nob inclined at present to sink money farther in mortgages, so I am afraid, as far as I am concerned, things here must take their course. and, as you know, they did take their course. Naturally, I did not believe Brander s story, but it was evident he had. when he made the offer, some reason for wanting the bank to keeP >ts doors open for a time, and that that reason, what- ever it was, had censed to operate when he withdrew the offer." I don't see that that part of the business has any bearing upon my affair," Cuthbert said, "beyond helping to show Brandor was playinjr some deep game of his own." I don't know, Mr Hartington. However, I will think the matter over. and we shall have opportunities tor discussing it again on our way to Brussels." ,A ••I almost wish I had let the matter alone altogether," Cuthbert said to himself as he drove back to his lodgings. I wanted to clear up what seemed a mystery, and I find myself plunged much deeper into a fog than ever. Before I only dimly suspected Brander of having for some reason or other permitted my father to take these shares when a word from him would have dissuaded him from doing so. I now find that the whole transac- tion was carried out in something like secrecy, and that so far from my father's name being used to prop up the bank, it was almost smuggled into the list of shareholders, and that even the directors were kept in ignorance of the transfer of Cummiog's shares to him. The whole business has a very ugly look, though what the motive of this secrecy was, or why Brander should be willing to allow, if not to assist in my father's ruin, is more than I can conceive. The worst of the matter is, he is Mary's father. Yes, I wish to goodness that I had left the whole business alone." Cuthberb had given his address to Cumming, and to his surprise the man called on him that evening. You did not expect to see me again to-day, Mr Hartington," he said, when he entered, II but thinking the matter over a fresh light has struck me, and I felt obliged to come round to tell you. I hope I am not disturbing you." "No, I have been so worried over the con- founded business, that I have given up going to some friends as I had promised, as I didn t feel that I could talk about indifferent matters." 1. Well, Mr Hartington, my idea will surprise you", it will seem incredible to you, and it almost seems so to myself, and yet it all works in so that I can't help thinking it is near the mark. I believe that your father never signed that trans. fer at all-thab his signature was, in fact, a "The deuce you do." Cuthbert exclaimed, What on earth put such such an idea into your head ? Why, man. the idea is absurd. If it was a forgery it must have been done by Brander, and whab possible motive could he have bad for such an" That I don't pretend to say. If J f ouid that, I should say it was a certainty, but I own the absence of motive is the weak point of my idea. In all other respects the thingworks1 out. In the first place, although your father was ™t^ man of business, it was singular that he shou of his way to take shares in the bank,. must have known that in the caseof thi £ 8^ wrong his whole property would be mv°lve^- No loubt, that idea must have occurred to y°" Certainly it astonished me beyond that he should have done such a thing. I wrote to Brander at once hoping tor somesorbofex- the time S,.t he *a«. me, t». It "» » yrsk„"» because the matter, on reflection, has since seemed so extraordinary that I came t°J.oa,,to and get some further information about it. "fou saw your father after this supposed transaction, Mr Hartington ?" u* » Yes, I was down there for a fortnight. And heldid not mention it to you 1 "Was^t his habit to talk on business matters W1" lie never had any business matters «xoept about the estate, and he generally told roe if he had any difficulty about his rents, and discussed anv improvements he thought of D,a^,0?*_ f beyond that there was never any question of money. Sometimes he would say my the bank is rather larger than usual, Cuthbert, and if you like an extra hundred you oan only uegftti'e evidence that be made no allusion to his having purchased those shares, still as he was in the habit of speak- ?^to vou about things, he might very naturally have said, 'I have been investing some spare cash ;« the shares of the bank here. Yes, I should have thought be would have done so^. he would have abstained from telling you, because he might have though vou would have considered it a rash speculation. Y Certainly not," Cuthbert said, warmly, I should no more have thought of criticising any- thi?ng he chose ,to do with his money, than I 8h"Well,flayt"ny rate you may take is no proof whatever that Mr Hartington aware of this transaction at the time of your visit nor that he was aware of it up to the tim ol his death." Cuthbert nodded -Nof letu* snoDOse that this transfer was a forgery, and wa Emitted by Brander, what course would he naturally pursue ? Exactly that which he followed, namely, to get it placed on the register without it Eg noticed by the directors. These men were all n' onal friends of your father s. Knowing to som extent, though I admit without realisingthepe that the bank was seriously involved, they mign r.Ve refused to register the transfer until they had privately remonstrated with him, eapecwly Si wis the vendor. Even had they nobfdone th.s one or other ot them would almost certainly hav alluded to tbe subject the first hiir Brander might have intended later on w re transfer the shares to some bogus purchaser, but at any rate if he knew your father was m bad health he would have wanted to keep the bank from putting up its shutters until after h's deatn- You will remark that he did assist in that way while your father was alive, and that, almost immediately after his death, lie declined to sm^rt the bank farther. What his motive can have been in all this I own than I cannot imagine hut «riven a motive, my supposition appears to oe was, must have been a very strong one I admit, for in the first place he was running the mk ot beintr detected of forgery, and in the secona musf have been three hundred pounds out o! pocket, for that was the amount of the cheque he handed t^om^g QWQ c}jeqUe, then, and not my fathers^. he bad rents in hand and there- fore paid it out of them, which seemed na'ara' enough. But how about the signatures of the two clerks ?" They may be forgeries, too, or possibly, knowing your father's signature, they may have signed as a matter of course without actually seeing him »ffix it. You will admit that all this is possible." It seems possible enough," Cuthbert said, but what motive could there have been on Brander's part. He could never have run such a risk merely to gratify any special fancy he may have had for Fairclose." "Certainly not, Mr Hartington. Jeremiah Brander has nob a particle of sentiment in his composition. Of course, as he was the solicitor of the company I made it my business to study the man pretty closely, wad I oame to the con- clusion that he was a rank humbug, but that he was a humbug because it paid him to be one. That is quite my own idea of him, but that does not help us in the slightest towards an explanation as to why he should risk everything when he had nothing whatever to gain by it. No, I feel that difficulty myself," Cumming said, stroking his chin thoughtfully, I admit that beats me altogether. By the way," he said, suddenly. "I saw in the official report that he had a mortgage of fifteen thousand on the estate. I D. you mind telling me how that came about it may possibly help us?" I have not the least idea. I never heard ol the existence of the mortgage until Brander wrote to me himself about it at the time he bought the estate, but he gave me an explanation that perfectly satisfied me at the time.' Mr Cumming looked at him inquiringly. "It was an explanation," Cuthbert said, after a pause, "that closed my lips altogether on the sub. ject. But in the present strange state of affairs I do not know that I need abstain from mentioning it to you. Brander explained that my father said that he required it to close up a matter that bad long been troubling him. I gathered from the way he put it that it was some" folly with a worn an m his early years, and I need not say that respeot for my father's memory prevented me from pursuing the matter further. Brander said that he had himself advanced the money on the mortgage in order that the business should be done privately and without any third person being cognisant of it." Cumming sab thoughtfully for a mmate with. out speaking, and then he leapt suddenly to his feet and put his hand on Cuthbert's shoulder. "You take my werd for it, Mr Hartington, that mortgage was just as much a bogus affair as the transfer. The one supplies the motive we have been looking for for the other. The failure of the bank brought Fairclose into the market, and not only did Brander purchase it for ten or ftfteen thousand below its value at any other time, butbe gained another fifteen thousand by this bogus mortgage. There is your'motive for the forgery of your father's name on the transfer." I cannot believe ib," Cuthbert said, slowly. Brander could never be such a scoundrel as that. Besides, of course, the men who wound up the affairs of the bank would look closely into the mortgage. Whether it was real or whether it was a forgery, Brander would equally have obtained the money at my father's death, so your supposition of a motive fails." I do not know. Had the claim been made direct to you, you would naturally have got some sharp lawyer to investigate it, and it would have been inquired into a good deal more closely than the official liquidator pro- bably took the trouble to do. A mortgage, of which no one knows anything until after the mortgagor's death would always be looked upon with suspicion, and some collaterai ptoofs would be required. Of course, I may be wrong altogether, but it would be well for you to ascertain whether the official liquidator did take any steps to obtain such evidence." That I will certainly do," Cuthbert said. U I did write to him at the time, and I am bound to say his answer seemed entirely satisfactory and straightforward. He said that Mr Brander had given proof that he did draw a cheque for the amount of the mortgage on the day on which it was executed, and although he did not show that interest had been specifically paid by cheques from my father, there were receipts found among my father's papers for the half-yearly payments of interest. These were, it seemed, settled when Brander, who colleoted his rents, made up his accounts with him." That all seems straightforward enough, Mr Hartington, and as long as there was no ground for suspicion would doubtless pass muster, but it is certainly worth while inquiring into." Cuthbert sat silent for some time. After all the whole of this is but the barest suspicion," he said. "The only thread of fact «being that the transfer was kept secret from the directors, of which no doubt Brander will be able to give some plausible explanation, and his character stands so high at Abchester that the question, if raised, would be scouted an atrocious libel upon him. But supposing that we had ^bsolute proof, I don't see how I should stand. It my father was not a shareholder in the bank its creditors had, of course, no claim whatever on his property, but as the property has in fact been sold and the proceeds divided long ago who should I have to go against?" That is a matter for the lawyers, Mr Harting- ion, but I imagine you would not have to go back on the creditors to the bank. You would simply prove that the bank was not in a position to give a title and that therefore the sale was null and void. It would be argued, of course, that you gave the title, as I suppose you signed the deeds, and your^plea would be that the signature was obtained from you by fraud." I did not sign the deeds," Cuthbert said. "Brander pointed out that as I had not received any rents or profits it would be better that I should stand out of it altogether and that the will should not be proved, as otherwise the death dues would be charged upon it, and therefore it re- mained in the hands of the executors of whom he was one, and it was they who gave the titles." "(Whoever gave the titles I should say that as the bank had no claim whatever on the property, if the transfer was a forgery, the Bale would be declared void, and the loss would faU on the pur- chaser. This would in the case of anyone but Brander have been very hard, but would, in his, be in strict accordance with justice. However, this is a matter for which, of course, you will require the best legal opinion, but all that is for after consideration. The great diffi- oulty-and I grant that I don't see how it is to be got over—is to prove that your father's signature to the transfer was a forgery. The first step is to ascertain whether the attesting witnesses were actually present as they should have been when your father's signature was affixed." I will clear up that point anyhow," Cuthbert said. I will go straight from Brussels to Eng. land, see the clerks, and hear what they have to say on the matter. If they were present, and saw my father sign the transfer, there is an end to the whole affair." The other nodded. I would not mind wagering a hundred pounds to one that you find that they were not present." Well, that will soon be settled, for I have heard this afternoon that the conditions of surrender were signed this morning and that to-morrow the forts are to be given over, and an armistice will commence. In that case I suppose that foreigners will meet with no difficulty in obtaining passes to leave at once. Well, I am very much obhged to you for the suggestion you have made, Mr Cumming, though I have, I confess, very little faith indeed that anything will have made, Mr Cumming, though I have, I confess, very little faith indeed that anything will come of it, and just at present it seems to me that I would much rather the matter bad remained as it was." (To be continued.)

QUEEN VIQTORIA NURSES' INSTITUTE. Penarth Branoh. Mrs Fanny Dalziel. hon. secretary and trea. surer of the Penarth and Cogan branch of the Queen Victoria Nurses' Institute, has just issued the third annual report, showing that the excellent work performed in previous years baa been well maintained. The income for the proceeding year was £101 5s 2d, the expenditure P,94 14s 7d whilst the number of cases dealt with was 191, and the visits paid by the nurse 3.898. In August last year, Nurse Coles resigned, but an excellent successor was found in Nurse Platt, who has received a special training of the highest order. and whose careful attendance upon the patients, since her appointment, has won for her a high appreciation. The committee report a continuance of contributions from sources other than regular subscriptions, notably the follow- ing Proceeds from a charity dance held at Andrews' Hall, for which these ladies acted as committee, Mrs Moynau, Mrs Ashley Bird, Miss Herbert, and the hon. sec. Contributions have also been received from Stanwell-road Baptist Chapel and Tabernacle Baptist Young People's Society of Christian Endeavour. Perhaps the most notable feature in the accounts was an item of seven guineas, obtained in contributions from Working Men's Clubs and Friendly Societies, indicating a practical sympathy with the work of the Institute. Messrs J. Gibbon, W. Farr, and J. Hallett, who are personally interested in several of these societies, have been appointed and have consented to act upon the Committee of Management; and, apart from any financial considerations, the result should certainly be to extend the spirit of co-operation between the committee and the working classes of the district. There is ample evidence of a grateful appreciation by the siok poor of the district of the charitable duty which the committee is endeavouring to discharge. The committee desires to express its obligation to Mr W. J. Brodie, of the London and Provincial Bank, for having during the past three years kindly conducted the bank account of the Institute free of charge and at considerablo labour. The resignation of Mrs Dalziel is a source of regret to the committee upon whom the task now devolves of finding a successor. It is hoped, however, that amongst the many ladies in Penarth engaged in work of charity an able one will be found to take the duties.

RIO TINTO COPPER COMPANY. To commemorate the victory of the above company in the action at law (recently reported in these columns) over farmers on the adjacent lands, Cwmavon has this week been en tate. Immediately the news was received that the Rio Tinto Company had won the case with all costs preparations were made for giving vent to the pent-up feelings of the workmen and inhabi. tants. A huge bonfire was built at the summit of the Foel Mountain, and, amongst every display of rejoicing, was lit on Thursday evening. Tons of material and many barrels of oil tar, etc., were used in its construction. On Saturday afternoon a procession of workmen and friends was formed at the works, and, headed by the Cwmavon Drum and Fife Band, walked to Poatrbydyfen, where they were joined by another contingent and their band. From that place, after perambulating the prin- oipal thoroughfares, the procession, headed by banners, arrived at the square, where speeches were delivered and several selections performed by both bands. In the evening there was a display of fireworks. Complete satisfaction is felt by all at the happy termination to this vexed question, as the verdict leaves the com- pany practically empowered to carry on the works its hitherto, thus enabling it to provide for the 800 persons depending on it for their daily work. The vallej has been gaily decorated with and bunting, and presented a very gay appearance.

Steedman's Soothing Powders for children cutting their teeth have now been in use over SO years. They relieve feverish heat, prevent fite, convtusioiia, etc., and preserve a healthy state of the constitution during the period of teething. Manufactured only at Walworth, Surrey. Sold ovSrywlmre Plewre observe tbe £ £ in Stwdmaa..

KILLED IN A FACTION EIGHT- At Longford on Saturday, John Nertney was committed for trial on a charge of murdering Patrick Quin. The deoeaaed was killed during a fight and the prisoner subsequently disappeared. He was arrested at Uddington, in Lanarkshire, by Sub-Inspector Middleton. He first denied his identity, but afterwards admitted it. He says he was present when the fight was going on, but denied having given the fatal blow.

WATCHES, Clocks, and Jewellery repaired ta the lowest possible prices for flrst-claws work. None but experienced workmen employed by Henry Tainsb, 2, St. Mary-street, Cardiff.. <- 4274 TOBACCONISTS Coxmwc=o.Saa Xlld. Guide fe59pi»J3d. Tobacconists' Co., cWI

CARDIFF GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of the Cardiff Board of Guardians was held ou Saturday afternoon, under the presidency of the Rev. J. R. Buckley.—The Ely Schools Committee recommended that a j superannuation allowance of B75 a year should be given to Mr John Harris, the late master of the Ely Schools, upon his resignation. Two previous motions had been considered, the one proposing that £ 52 be granted, and the other J390, the committee being equally divided on the question. In the end the committee decided that 275 be the superannuation allowance.—The adoption of the report was maved by Mr Pryce Jones, and seconded by the Rev. G. A. Jones. Aidermait R. Cory supported, making eulogistic references to the services rendered by Mr Harris and his late wife.—Mr Alexander moved, as an amendment, thab the annuity be -C52.-This was seconded by the Rev. W. Spurgeon. After considerable discussion the amendment was put, but lost, 19 voting for and 27 against.—Mr Padfield then proposed that 290 be granted, and Mr Sutherland seconded.— Ultimately Mr Padfield withdrew his proposition, and the proposal that j675 be granted was unani- mously carried. --General Lee gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that in future no pensions or superannuations be granted.—The report of the Building Committee stated that the architect's scheme for additional workhouse accommodation would cost 22,ooo or 1;3,000. Owing to the heavy expense and other matters connected with the proposed buildings, the ques- tion was referred back to the committee. AN AMUSING LETTER. At the meeting of the Cardiff Board of Guardians, it was stated that Mr Pritchard, the relieving officer, had received a letter from a man residing at Pontnewydd. Council- lor F. J. Beavan said that the communica- tion was an extraordinary one, and the Clerk (Mr Harris) then read it with some difficulty. It was lor F. J. Beavan said that the communica- tion was an extraordinary one, and the Clerk (Mr Harris) then read it with some difficulty. It was couched as follows Augs. 8. S. C. BARRETT. Deer sir, I have sent to ask you if you have Deer sir, I have sent to ask you if yon have a feemeal Widdo—(iaughter)—as wod like a Comfodle home if you please sent Balck and lo* me now if not I dont mind if it is a youns poper—(laughter)—that wod like to a husband and let me now by the return of post and Will Come Down what Day you iikfl and will make » rang withhir and if you no object of it and wi" marry her ther from your truly S. C. Barrett. No ob jeot one or two children. (Laughter.) The Rev. J. R. BuctLKr said that that place WAS not a matrimonial agency, but he thought they should put this gentleman up for competition I in the house. (Laughter.) Someone suggested that the man should appear before the board. The Clerk believed that that course bad been adopted elsewhere. The matter then dropped for the present.

THE PILOTAGE QUESTION AT LLANELLY. I A meeting of the Llanelly Harbour Commis- I held at the Llanelly Town Hall on Monda/y afternoon, Dr. Jones presiding, when an important statement was made by the Clerk in respect of the application made by the Commis- sioners for the abolition of compulsory pilotage in the port. The Clerk explained that an applica- tion had been made to the Judge in Chambers for the sanction of the new bye-laws, which provided for the abolition of compulsory pilotage in Llanelly harbour. The application came before Mr Justice Kennedy some six weeks ago, and after hearing the arguments on both sides, he said, he would need time to consider his decision. On Friday last Mr David Randell, M.P., the solicitor to the commission, received notice that the judge had fixed upon Saturday for stilt further hearing the application, and it was considered necessary that he (the clerk) and the harbour engineer should be present to answer any farther questions or tender any further informa- tion that might be necessary. They attended in accordance with that instruction. Mr Justice Kennedy said he had fully considered the appli- cation, and he had come to the conclusion that be had fnll power to deal with it, and, if he thought fit, to approve of the bye-laws. The Judge was. however, of opinion, having regard to the a fact that it was proposed to abolish compulsory pilotage and that the pilots were interested in the matter, and in view of what had been done in other places, that be would not be justified in approving of the bye-laws then, and he adjourned the matter for two months. The judge would be back in two months, and it was understood that he would take the application at the next sitting, so that the commissioners might in the meantime consider whether they could by bye-law meet the objections with reference to the absence of provision for compensation. If it was the intention of the commissioners to press this matter, said the Clerk, it would be better to do it by bye-law than a provisional order. It would be far less expensive.—The matter was referred to committee.

DEATH OF DR. LLEWELYN, CAEIIPHILLY. We regret to announce the death of Dr. Llewelyn, J.P., Caerphilly, which took place at his residence on Friday at the age of 87 years. Deceased bad enjoyed robust health during his long and eventful life until about six months ago, when he lost the oomplets use of his limbs, which was followed by riypid senile decay. He passed as M.R.C.S. and L.S.A. in the year 1829, and established himself in his profession at Caer- philly, where he practised with great fidelity and ability until his death. Dur- ing his long practice he was medical officer to the Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Newport Unions, as well as public vaccinator for the district. He was also medical officer under the Factories Act, as well as to the collieries of the district, and friendly societies of Caerphilly, Machen, Bed- was, and other outlying places in the neighbour. hood. He was one of the first members initialed into the Saint Cenydd Lodge of Oddfellows, M.U., at Caerphilly, becoming subsequently the medical officer of the lodge. About fifteen years ago he was made justice of the peace for the county, and sat with exemplary regularity on the bench at Caerphilly. After the death of Mr H. T. Williams, J.P., Duffryn Ffrwd, he was made chairman of the Petty Sessious for the Caerphilly Division. For many years he was one of the directors of the Rudry Merthyr Colliery Com- pany, also chairman of the Caerphilly Gas and Coke Company. The father of the place," as he was affectionately looked upon, was a patriotic Welshman and a warm supporter of the eistedd. fod, of which he was one of the vice- presidents. The church aDd chapels of the distriot will sustain a loss, as he was always ready with his generous heart and purse to support any good cause for the elevation of the people. He was married to Henrietta, daughter ot the late Mr P. W. Wood- ruff, the Boovil, Machen, whom ho leaves with three daughters and one son to mourn their loss. His son is being coached for the medical profes- sion at Ilfracombe. During the last 12 years he had taken Dr. Thomas into partnership. Agricul- ture was a favourite pursuit of the venerable doctor, who carried off many prizes at Lord Tre- degar's show at Newport, Mon" in former years.

DIOCESE OF ST. DAVID'S. Election of Proctors. On Friday the Bishop of St. David's presided over a consistory court that was held in St. Peter's Church, Carmarthen, for the purpose of electing two proctors to represent the clergy of the above diocese in convocation on the suminon. ing of the now Parliament.—Between 39 and 40 incumbents were in attend ,tuce. -Tlte Rev. Wm. Powell, vicar of Newcastle Emlyn. proposed, and the Rev. W. Hughes Siuuett, rector of Llan- gunider, seconded the nomination of the Rev. Joseph Hughes, rector of Cwmdare.— The Rev. David Jones, vicar of Kidwelly, and the Rev. Thomas David, vicar of Llanddewi Velfroy, named the Rev. Daniel Jones, vicar of Linipeter.-The Rev. Shadrach Pryce, vtoar of Lixitfiliangel-Aberbythich, and the Rev. Thomas Lewis, vicar of Llau- stephan, favoured the Rov. T. R. Walters, vicar of St. David's, Carmarthen. The Rev. Wm. Cynog Davies, vicar of Cardigan, and the Rev. James Jones, vicar of Clydey, nominated the, Rev. John Williams, vicar of Llangeler. A show of hands for the candidates in alphabetical order resulted in a declaration by the Bishop of majorities of votes for the Rev. Mr Hughes and the Rev. Mr Walters but on a demand being made by the proposers of other candidates, a poll was taken. Six voting papers were rejected because they were marked with crosses, although duly signed, and consequently the election termi- nated in favour of the Revs. T. R. Walters and D. Jones, the voting being as follows Hughes, 150 Jones, 185 Walters, 193 Williams, 64.

AT SEA IN A SMALL BOAT. I A Swansea Man's Perilous Voyage, There has just returned to Swansea a captain who has been 7,000 miles in a little steamer of 11 tons. Last February Capt. Peacock undertook to deliver ab the Straits of Magellan the s.s. Venture, of 11 tons register, 58 feet long, 16 feet beam. and 7 feet depth, with a. dead weight of only 50 tons. The boat was designed in connec- tion with the meat trade carried on by Messrs Waldon and Wood at their sheep farm on the Straits of Magellan, and Capt. Peacock, with a crew of seven, took the boat out, steaming at the rate of 150 miles a day. After a rough passage across the Bay of Biscay, fair weather was experienced till Monte Video was reached, and then the vessel coasted along and finally delivered his boat in excellent condition.

DEAF AND DUMB WEDDING AT TREDEGAR. A very interesting wedding took place at St. James's Churoh, Tredegar, on Monday, the contracting parties—Mr James Leonard and Miss Rachel Morgan, Wli i tworth -terra ce-botti being deaf and dumb. The sncred edifice was crowded with spectators. The Rv. T. Walter Daviei, B.A., senior curate of Tredegar, performed the ceremony and utilised the matmul signs. The I bride, who was charmingly attired was given away by her stepfather, Mr William Howells.

FITS on EPILEPSV.—Giddines, Sensations, Faints.—I will demonstrate to the whole world how that most dreadful of all complaints, ,'pilepsy," which has been hitherto considered incurablt. can be permanently crured (without the chanoe of failure)- Write to the Secretary, Biirmfod House, Bu.'wood- pbet, Hyde Park, London, he will send you, Gratis,' for cm». 15555 <, A I

I MARRIAGE OF "MABON'S" DAUGHTER. Very great interest was felt on Thursday week in the vicinity of Ton and Pentre, Ystrad, in the wedding of Miss Margaret (Maggie) Abraham, the daughter of Mabon, M.P., with Mr Percy George Smith, the eldest son of Mr George Henry Smith, agent for the Crawshay Bailey estates. Each of the contracting parties is well known, and loved and respected throughout the whole district of the Rhondda This was fully evinced by the following list of presents sent to Bryny- bedw, the new residence of Mabon :— Bridegroom to the bride, diamond ring father and mother of bride, cheque father and mother of bride- groom, cheque sister of bride, painting, opals, <S'C. Mr W. Abraham, brother of bride, vase Mr Tom Abraham, brother of bride, silver biscuit box Mr H. J. Abraham, brother of bride, silver salt cellars uncle of bridegroom (Mr H. Hobsou Finch, London), case of cutlery and .plate'; Archdeacon and Mrs Griffiths, silver salver brother of bridegroom, silver breakfast cruet; Mr W. Smith, brother of bridegroom, preserve jar Miss Edie Smith, sister of bridegroom, 5 o'clock tea service Miss Florrie Smith, sister of bridegroom, antimacassars Mr R. P. Morgan and Mr W. ll. David, Neath, lamp and stand Mr W.S.George, silver tea service and butter cooler Mr S. Cym Jones, Nea.th, silver urn Mr R. C. Dyke, Pentre, cheque Mrs George, chemist, Pentre, silver cake basket and jugs Mr C. G. Davies, Ebbw Vale, silver dinner cruet; Mr E. H. Davies, Pentre, brass kettle Dr. and Mrs James, Pentre, spirit stand Mrs Morgan, hay stores, I Pentre, silver and crystal claret jug Mr W. W. Matthews, Navigation, silver game knives and forks with buckhorn handles Mr Alban Richards, Pentre, dinuer service Mr G. Maclor Evans, solicitor, Pentre, barometer Mr H. A. George, silver fish carvers Mr E. P. Ralls, Pontypridd, silver sardine box Miss Cassie Rees, Aberaman, brass clock Mrs Rees, Pentre, biscuit bowl and better cooler Miss R. Hees, cake knife Mr W. G. G. Thomas, cheque Miss E. A. Morgan, Pentre, oak ana silver salad bowl and j servers Miss Weavet, Cardiff, biscnit bowl Mr and Mrs Weaver, rug Mr and Mrs D. S. Thomas, down quilt Mrs Jenkins, Barry, urn and brush Miss K. Bryan, Brentwood, oak tray Mr and Mrs Holmes, Ton, silver fruit dish Mrs Williams, Pentre, lace ( curtains Miss S. M. Lewis, R.A.M., Ebbw Vale, I hand-made cushion Mr E. Nettle, Mumbles, cheque I Staff of Bailey Estate Office, spirit stand Mr George, i set of jugs Mr Williams, rug Mr Tom Stephens, j Rhondda Glee Society, silver cruet Mr Owen Jones, j Caerphilly, silver water jug Mr and Mrs Evan } Llewellyn, set of carvers iu buckhorn and silver; Mr Arthur Thomas, Neath, cheque > Mr David Glasbrook, Swansea, cheque Mayor of Swansea, cheque; Misses Kuner, Ponty- pridd, hand-made cushion; Mr W. Weaver, plush I jewel case Mr and Mrs F. G. Gould, Bridgend Hotel, Pentre, siiver egg cups and stand Mr and Mrs Jones, Bailey's Hotel, Pentre, silver tea caddy; Miss Mary Roberts, hot water jug Mrs Creswell and children, Roberts, hot water jug Mrs Creswell and children, Ton. cheese stand and vase Mrs Bonnell, teapot; Mr Morgan Davies, butter cooler Mr and Mrs D. Thomas, Pentre Hotel, silver egg spoons; Mrs Geo. Williams, Pentre, case of birds Miss Ethel Dorrington, Pentre, painting Mrs Williams, Pentre, skin rug; Miss Rees, Treherbert, painting Mr Nutt, Pentre, cheque. The Ven. John Griffiths, Archdeacon of Llan- (iaff, chairman of the trustees of the Crawshay Bailey estates, performed the marriage oeremony in the old parish church at Ystrad. which has been very recently rebuilt through the efforts of the Rev. W. Lewis, vicar of Ystradyfodwg, who assisted in the ceremony. The church was filled by the friends of the bride and bridegroom, aud a large crowd assembled outside the precincts. Thero were present, in addition to the bride and bridegroom, the Ven. Arch- deacon Griffiths and Mrs Griffiths, the vicar of Ystradyfodwg, Mr Win. Abraham, M.P., and Mrs Abraham, Mr and Mrs G. H. Smith Ystradyfodwg, Mr Win. Abraham, M.P., and Mrs Abraham, Mr and Mrs G. H. Smith Mr David Glasbrook, Mr E. Nettle, and Mr Arthur Thomas, of Swansea Mr C. Davies and Miss S. M. Lewis, R.A.M., of Ebbw Vale; Messrs Wm. Evans, Thomas Evans. and T. Pugh Miss Rachel Abraham, Miss Maud Morgan, Miss Edith M. Smith, and Miss Florrie Smith, who acted as bridesmaids, and a number of other friends of the two families. The wedding breakfast was held at Brynybedw, and after a number of appropriate toasts, especially those proposed by the Ven. Archdeacon Griffiths, the happy pair left for Torquay, where they pro- pose to spend their honeymoon. The service was performed by the Ven. Arch- deacon Griffiths in a most impressive manner, hnd in such a way as is rarely heard in these valleys. The archdeacon, instead of following the form laid down by the Rubric, took the opportunity of delivering a most happy and ap. plicable address to the bride and bridegroom.

SWANSEA HARBOUR TRUST. The monthly meeting of the Swansea Harbour Trust was held on Monday. Sir John Jones Jenkins, M.P., presided, and there were also pre- senb'the Hon. Aubrey Vivian, Messrs J. Jones, C. L. Bath, G. Thomas, J. Clarke Richardson, T. Elford, D. Harris, T. Freeman, J. M. Mayne, W. Lewis, Glyn Price, A. Mason, W. Pike, and J. Crow Richardson. Alderman MASON, in moving the adoption of the minutes of the Finance Committee, said there had been a decrease in almost every item of import except that of grain, and he was pleased to say that in this there was a very satisfactory increase. The exports were also down, but there was an increase in tinplates of 2,500 tons. The revenue for the past month was £ 12,000, which was the largest on record. Mr GRIFFITH THOMAS, in seconding, alluded to the decrease in patent fuel shipments, which he regarded as only temporary. The report was adopted. The executive report dealt with the lighting or the entrance channel by means of gas buoys, the proposed extension of the East Dock, and the acquisition of necessary land. Iu moving the adoption Sir John Jenkins, M.P., took advan- tage of the opportunity by referring to a statement recently made by Mr T. P. Richards to the Chamber of Commerce that in the matter of shipowning Swansea was a decaying port. It was quite true that shipowning was on the decrease in Swansea, but the statement bad received undue prominence because it had been read in another light, some concluding that the tradeot the pore itself was decaying. Now nothing could be more wrong than that. The shipowning of the port, perhaps, was down. Now that had decreased because such firms as the Messrs Richardson and Bath had sold a large number of their ships because they were not now carrying on so direct a trade with the West Coast and Chile. But, looking at the port as a whole, the last seven months compared tavourably with that of any in the kingdom, for taking the imports and exports the decren.se was only 2 per cent. in quantity, while the financial position of the Trust was probably in a sounder and better position than ever before. With respect to the shipping it was true that a large number of the ships and steamers that came there were owned by outsiders—companies that traded with Swansea and Russia regularly, liners which went regularly between Swansea and New York, Swansea and Baltimore, Swansea, and Phila- delphia, Swansea and Montreal; aud then there were steamers regularly engaged in sailing to the Continental ports, while they were now ppening up a trade which he hoped ill time would prove a very important trade—between Swansea and China and Japan. It might be a question of regret that more of the ships that sailed from Swansea did not be!ong to the inhabitants of Swansea but he did not know that was altogether a drawback. Therefore it was right to explain that the falling off in shipowning only affected a small portion of the shipping in the town, and not the trade of the port. Looking at the port's trade, the receipts of the Trust last month were about the highest on record, and another satisfactory feature was the large quantity of grain that was now being imported—a trade rapidly iucreasing, and one which would continue to increase as the facilities, which would be complete next month, were provided. Therefore, he thought they bad every reason to congratulate themselves on the high and satisfactory position of the port, and were it not for this be did nob think the trustees would for a moment spend a large amount on enlarging the E"b Dock, and in the contemplated improvements in the North and South Docks to meet the increasing requirements of the trade. Alderman TUTTON, in seconding, said they need not be unnecessarily alarmed at Mr Ricliards's statement. They all r<:membered that some years ago a considerable number of North American soft-wood ships were brought over to Swansea, in which Swansea people invested. Now the demand was for iron vessels, and if a company were formed to build iron vessels in the port they might expect to see an increase in Swansea ships. The motion was carried.

PEDLARS IN TROUBLE AT CARMARTHEN, At the County Potty Sessions, Carmarthen, on Saturday—before the Rev. R. G. Lawrence (in the chair), Mr Jennings, Mr Lloyd Thomas (Gilfach), Mr D. L. Jones, and Mr J. Phillips (Caerlleon)-all extraordinary case of thoft was preferred by Mr Joshua Jenkins, landlord of the Smiths' Arms, Laugbarne, against two pedlaia named John and Catherine Mitchell. It is believed that at least one half-sovereign was I swallowed by the female prisoner during a scuffle, and that steps were taken for the recovery of the money. The prosecutor stated that on the 16th inst., at the Rose and Crown Inn, St. Clear's, he was sitting on a bench in that public-house when Mrs Mitchell, also occupying a seat close to him, induced him to purchase a pennyworth of laces. He took some money out of the left hand side of his trousers. The woman seeing this, shifted her position, sat on his left, and shortly afterwards went to the back of the premises. Comp!amant presently followed her. In doing so be met her in the kitchen, where he suddenly discovered that his purse, containing four half sovereigns, had been stolen from him. The woman quietly got into the road and was about to hurry off when complainant, catching her up, charged her with depriving him of the above. She denied all knowledge of it, but on being threatened with arrest, admitted that she had helped herself to 30s, and at once tendered him three of the half sovereigns, at the same time per- sistently stating that she had no more. When be got her back to the inn and was making an abtempt to search her, her husband came upon the scene, and a soaffle ensued. A female witness cried out, "She is putting the half- sovereign in her mouth." In order that it might not be got from her, her husband covered her mouth up with his hand, but whether he managed to slip the money out and possess it himself was not certain, but it w&s thought that the woman must have swallowed it. Although both prisoners were searched after being apprehended, neither the half-sovereign not the purse was found.—Mrs Mitchell was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour, and her husband was discharged.—The case excited a good deal of interest, the Courthouse being crowded through- out the trial.

LADIES FROM HOME.—Ladies from Home oron Tour can obtain Southalls' Sanitary Towels, the new patented articles of Underdothing-indispensablo to ladies travelling-retail of Miss Griffiths, Charles-street Chambers, Cardiff. Sold in Packets of one dozen as follows ,Size 1, IS Size 2, Is 6d Siae 3 and 4 (dffv. ing in Shape). 2s by all Ladies' Outfitters, Chemists, &c. t-brou-,I-out the world. 15681

The Welsh Press. I [BY MYDYDDWB. 3 THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. When looking back upon the annual eisteddfod recently held at Llanelly the Welsh people have additional reason for a feeling of pride in and affection for their national gathering. Whatever higher education may do in the course of time fa( the people of this country, however mu it may refine their taste and direct their ambition mto now channels, so long ab society remains as it is constituted in the present day, with the rich on the one hand and the poor on the other, so long will there W_ room for the eisteddfod as an educational forces There will always be untutored geniuses wbonS higher education will not be able to reach therl will always be poets and literati whose surround< ings compel them to follow the plough or Iom( other humble calling and there will always be with us great bodies of people whom no college or university will ever bring together and trailp into magnificent choral societies such as noiC exist in Wales. It is from among those classef that the eisteddfod has always drawn the great bulk of its competitors, and it will continue to draw from thens in the future. If the more educated will turn their attention to some other direction, the children of nature who have no other opportunity will be brought out of their obscurity by the aid of the eisteddfod. It is satisfactory to observe that the eisteddfod produces better work in at leastsomedepartments year after year. The lavish praise bestowed upon the choralandsoiosingingat this year's meeting at Llanelly and the wordt which Sir Joseph Barnby has given expression to is sufficient justification for the existenoe of the eisteddfod, and is also a good reason for all patriotic Welshmeu to bo proud of their own peculiar national institution. The Boner, referring to the eisteddfod meet< ing at Llanelly, remarks^ that there are only two- things in Wales that can bring together immense- concourses of people and they are the National Eisteddfod and the sassiwn. At Llauelly, ii states, there were at times 20,000 people in the, eisteddfod building, and at the Bassiwn at Llanilar in Cardiganshire there were gathered together in the open field 10,000 more listening to some of the great Methodist preachers of the present day. "The principal direction of the pleasure of the Welsh nation," it says, "is the Evangelical gathering (cymanfa) and the literature-loving eisteddfod." Referring to the remarks of Sir Joseph Barnby that the Welsh choirs ought not to confine themselves within the borders of Wales, it, asks, Is there in the South or in the North (of Wales) a choir with sufficient heart in it to give practical effect to the suggestion of one of the chief masters of tbe musical world ?" The Uuner hopes that no spirit of denominationalism will be allowed to govern the officials of the Gorsedd, and it does n) o think that such is the case now. It expresses the hope also that the presidents of future Nationat Eisteddfodau will take a lesson from the past and not deliver such long addresses, which are quite inaudible to any but those oocupymg the front seats, and thus keep the great bulk ol the people from the real object of their visit to the meeting. The Tarian believes that so far as it may be judged at present, the National Eisteddfod of this year has been a decided success. But, it says, it is too soon yet to say if one of the principal objects of the institution has been attained, and that is to disclose genius, to bring hidden talent to the light, and produce compositions containing in some degree the elements which are essential to immortality." It doubts whether a chaired bard should be allowed to compete a second time in the eisteddfod, and it hopes that Pedrog, the chaired bard for this year, will do the same as it understands that Dyfed has done, and retire from the-,coinpetitive lists, and give place to anew generation of competitors. The Tarian also has a word to say in reference to Sir Joseph Barnby's encomiums on the excellent singing which he heard, and it asks—" Is there no one among our musical leaders who will thrust himself forward and will show our youth how to bring the talent they possess to the market ?" It reminds the Welsh people that after all there is something besides singing and besides bardic knowledge, and it would like to see drawing, and painting, sculpture, mechanics, and other branches of knowledge receive a more prominent place in the eisteddfod. The Celt declares that for some things this year's eisteddfod is amongst the beat that have ever been held. The standard, it says, becomoJ'\«- continually higher, and i commends the pracbic hUI of securing adjudicators from outside the circle dce. competitors, men who are amongst the ablest ider the land in their special spheres, and who arens quite independent of everyone, and who can^d therefore be relied upon to act with justice. Thel* only department where the adjudicators hRvelta been competitors before, and may be again, Ùl'n, that of Welsh poetry, but in this connection thet Celt remarks with sati,-tftction- But there is 8 special praise due to them for acting so con-i- scientiously under such difficult circumstances." It16 hopes that the eisteddfod will live long to e encourage industry and culture and to be a means of uplifting the nation in music and literature. The Tyst thinks that the eisteddfod cannot be any longer ignored or despised. It takes its place as. one of the principal factors in the formation of the character of the W 8h nation." It believes, however, that it can be improved. and states that as to the Uorsedd in particular there are in it ceremonies which are a source of ridicule. Commentmg on the hiph standard of the singing, it asks-" Will the singers listen to his (Sir J. Barnby's) word ? Is it not our failing to be content with the comparatively entail circle like the eisteddfod and fancy that that is the whole worldj?" It imagines that the greatest surprise of the eisteddfod was the crowning of Llew Llwyfo, who, it says, is a true son of genius. The Herald Cymraty instances several new things in connection with the National Eistedd- fodjthis year. The first was the holding 0; a recep. tion to Welcomelthe most influential visitors to the eisteddfod, a movement initiated by Mr Gwilym Evans. The second was the placing of the musical adjudicators iu a separate cell. The third was the absence of a concert on the last night of the eisteddfod. The most important, however, was the arrangement made with regard to the eisteddfod building. Considerable discussion has taken place of late years with reference to the wisdom and practicability of having a movable pavilion for the eisteddfod, to be taken to each town in which the eisteddfod may be held from time to time. The Herald thinks that the plap, adopted at Llauelly is a batter one than to have a movable building, and it thinks that some 2S towns in Wales could do the same M Llanelly has done, ana thus in every town in which the eisteddfod is ever likely to be held a permanent building would be in existence in which it might be carried on. It is of opinion also that the eisteddfod should be made sort of musical festival, in which the works of native composers might be produced. as was done at Carnarvon, retaining, of course. every prominence to the ether departments as a(, present. After the criticism 6f Mr Herkomer or. the art section, it doubts the wisdom of at present continuing this branch of the eisteddfod until our educational system becomes more perfect, and that the art section should be itiads merely into an exhibition of the pictures of tbe greatest artists of Great Britain and the COlI" tinent. The beren Cyntru associates the excellence ol: the choral singing in Wales with its religious character. It asserts that it is out of the religious congregational choirs that the eisteddfod choirs obtain their material. It believes that a national musical festival such as Sir Joseph Barnby suggested is quite practicable, and would, bayond doubt, be successful. THE LESSONS OF THE ELECTION. The Baner reverts to the result of the General Election, so far as Wales is concerned, and draws one or two lessons from it which it would, be well to note. Comparing the figures of the various electoral districts, it finds that the total Libera! vote has only increased 638 ;-inoa 1892, whereas the Tory vote has increAs^d by 19,610. In these tigrtres," says the Baner. we get a shade of comfort and a serious warn- ing also. The comfort is that the Liberal vow has not decreased the warning is that the Tory vote has increased." The conclusion io draws is that while the Liberals have been resting on their oars the Tories have been very busy, and have perfected their organisation in every district in Wales. It urges the Liberal voters I in every town and village in Wales to look to the registration work which is now in progress. It fears that as the General Election has just passed there may b3 a feeling abroad that it does not matter this year about the registration of new voters, but the Baner points out that there is < possibility of an election before 12 months are over. and that therefore everything onght to be done that can be done to be prepared for it when it does come. The Seren thinks that one of the greatest obstacels to Liberal success is the practice of can- vassing. It thinks that the presence of the, representatives of the landowners and employers of labour amongst the canvassers is a great triiw to Liberals. The only way, it believes, of doing away with the evil results of canvassing is bv doing away with canvassing itself. The Seren may rely upon it, however, that the Tory Govern- ment is not the one to bring about that reform.

ACCIDENT TO A MINEHEAD COACH. The summer coach, Wild Wast, from Dalvertoe to Minehead, met with an accident on Friday afternoon. The coach started on the arrival ov the launton train at 2.20, taking up a few Londot, and Bristol passenget s, and a few more from the Dulverton hotels. It proceeded up the Exe Valley as far as the foot of Long Hill to Exmoor, about seven miles from Dulverton, when the axle. tree broke. The report states that the ooaoh overturned, and that several passengers WOl" injured by the fall but a Dulverton correspond dent telegraphs that no injuries of a serious nature were sustained. After some delay a brake, fetched from Minehead, took the passengers and luggage forward. The coach was not full of ppA, sengers owing to the threatening weather.

FALL FROM A SCAFFOLD. The Central News correspondent at Middles* brougli telegraphs that Pettit, Hudson, and Hall, the bricklayers who fell from a chimney scaffold 80 feet high at Ormesby Ironworks. Liverpool, have expired. The fourth man, Macklia, is reported to ba progressing favourably. Koglish, a fifth man, clutched at a rope as the scaffold was giving way, and climbed overhand to the top of the chimney.

Braithwaite's Retrospect of Medioine says t Wbury,% Cocoa is an invaluable addition te MM dietetic resources in the treatment of all digwiil* diw orders." ).- -J. -<OoHLiÍ