The Cardiff Times

SINGULAR TEXT. f J ADa Cakebread'a 278th conviction w&s the subject of a religious service in one of the City churches on Sunday. In one point of view she may possibly he classed with Bentbam and with Roiflilly as a reformer of our penal system. It is difficult to believe that the scandal of her approaching third century" of trivial punish- ments for what is evidently an incurable disease can fail to shame Parliament into some amendment of the law. She ought to be kept out of mischief to herself and to others for the rest of her life, by being placed in painless custody. Her case by no means stands nlone; she is only at the head of a class. At Clerkenwell on Saturday Mr Bras-confessed to a conflict of opinion between the authorities as to an old offender who had been often before him. When I send you to the Workhouse," he said to this woman, they say yon are sane, and when I send you to prison the authorities, say you are insane." The poor creature's answers snowed that the prison authori- ties were quite right, yet justice had once more 110 go through the farce of sending an incurable lunatic to gaol.—Daily Chronicle.

CRICKHOWELL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Hth annual show of this society was held at Crickhowell, in the Glanyrafon fields, on Monday. There was an unusually large attend- ance, no less than 2,327 persons having passed the turnstiles at 4 o clock, iu addition to which must be considered tbe people who passed in by ticket. carriage people, etc., which would bring the number up to over 3,000. There was a buttet competition, but no butter-making on the ground. The sheep-dog trials proved, as usual, a great attraction, and the work done by the dogs was nxceptionally good. Mr F. J. Da.vies, of the Britannia Inn, and Mr Rees Price, butcher catered for tho luncheon tent, which was largely patronised, the elite of the neighbourhood sitting down to table, and Major Parkinson, presideobol the society, being in the chair. The weather WM all that could be desired, and a great number at ladies apparently took a deep interest in bhe driving classes.

LORD ROSEBERY & CROMWELL. At the last meeting of the Social Science Session of Grindewald Oonterence on Satur- day, which was devoted to the discus- sion of the relation between the Press and gambling, Mr Fletcher, late editor of the Daily Chronicle, said the relation between the Press and gambling was intimate, demoralising, and indefensible. Lord Rosebery had defended his connection with the turt by an appeal to Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell gambled in his youth, but when he came to .take a serious view of life ho returned all money wou. The speaker suggested Lord Rosebery should do similarly.

WEDDING, KEBPER, AND JB/NOAGEMKNT RING80- Gr*at Variety at '1'aintb's, 2, St. Mary-street, Cardiff.

THE DOCTOR'S STORY. I BY DARLEY DALE, Author of "The Village Blacksmith," &o. [ALL RIGHTS KE8IBVKD.] For two years that secret was undiscovered, and then it eventually was found out through me. Even then it was kept, for I only confided it to one person of the stronger sex. The secret concerned the inhabitants of a certain house called the Corner House, which stood in one of the principal streets in Uastleton. which is a pseudonym for a certain cathedral city. A certain prestige had always attached to this house; it was supposed to rank with the Close in point of precedence, and until the two mysterious persons whom my tale concerns took possession of It its residents had always been people of good position, who kept themselves aloof from the townspeople, for Castleton, like most cathedral cities, bad several cliques. The Corner House stood empty for a year, and then the day the news came that it was let to two very rich foreigners. It was redecorated and furnished in a most sumptuous style before they took posses- sion of lb, and there was a greab deal of gossip in the city as to who the new.comers were, and why they bad come to Castleton. They turned out to be two Americans; both were yoiing, both were evidently gentlemen. One, the younger, was remarkably handsome; the other was about thirty, a well-built man of middle stature, rather dark in complexion, with a keen, clever face, and a pleasant expression. They kept a pair of driving horses and a landau, and they drove out regularly web or fine, every afternoon. They had three'indoor servants, all men, and all of different nationalities—the cook was Portuguese and he spoke a little broken English, just enough to give orders to the trades- people the footman was Italian and could not speak a word of English beyond the formula, not at home," which he lisped in a parrot-like fashion in reply to every visitor. The other servant was a French boy of about eighteen, who did most of the housework and was rarely seen. The coachman was a local man, but be knew no more about his masters than anyone else, for the Italian footman, who sat by bis side on the box for two hours every day, was unable to talk to him. All this oozed out bv degrees. It was some months before even as much as this was known about the new arrivals; we were not even c" rtain about bbeir names. the house was taksn by a Mr Theodore Brocklehurst, but which of the two men was Mr Brocklehurst no one knew. Equal ignorance prevailed as to their rela- tions to each other, and what could have iuduced them to settle in Castleton was a problem which constantly exercised the minds of the local gossips. The man. is mad. Various reports gob afloat about them; some said they were Russians of high degree who had escaped from Siberia; some said they were detectives in pursuit of a criminal some said they were adventurers some said they were Anarcbistsf; bub that they were American was the generally received opinion. When they had been about three months in Castleton, and ib was found they paid the tradespeople regularly, the professional class in the city began to call upon them. but everyone received the same answer, Not at home," and no one was admitted. I called and left cards, bub like everyone else I was denied admission, and about a week after their landau stopped at my house one day and the Italian footman left the cards of Mr Brockle- hurst and Mr Donaldson, and that was all I saw of them until nearly two years later, when I was sent for in my professional capacity. By this time almost all the best" people in the neighbourhood had called on the mys- terious occupants of the Corner House, but every one alike, the cathedral clergy, the country squires, even a few of the nobility, who hearing of the exclusiveness of the rich Americans who were living there left their cards upon them-all were told Not at home," and all received return-cards about a week after their visits. No one SAW, or. beard, or knew any more of them than this ;,and who they really were, why they enshrouded themselves in so much mystery, why they had come to CaaMeton, was as great a secret at the end of two years as it was the first day they came. The happiesb gossips of the place waxed malignant in their remarks J bub there was not any ground for the scandal that was talked about them the worst that could be said of them was, that they were very unsociable; and as they probably knew nobbing of whab was said of them, it did them no barm. I confess when they at lasb sent for me in my professional capacity, I was very curious and nob a little pleased to find I was the favoured person who was at last privileged to cross the threshold of the Corner House. My summons came in the form of a note, written in the third person by Mr Brocklehurst, who, presented his compli- ments, and would be glad if I could come imme- diately to see his friend, Mr Donaldson, who was suffering from a sudden attack of influenza. I lost no time in calling, and was silently admitted by the Italian footman, and shown into the dining-room, which was very handsomely furnished, and contained some valuable oil- paintings. One picture which hung over the chimney- Piece caught my eye on entering, for itwas a very tine portrait of one of the loveliest girls I ever saw. I was received by the younger of the two men, and a remarkably handsome fellow he was, with a somewhat nervous but very courteous manner. He bowed in a foreign fashion on my entrance, and thanked me for answering his note so promptly. "My friend Donaldson was attacked by in- fluenza last evening, he had a very bad night, and he feels so ill to-day that be wished me to send for you. I hope it is nob serions, bub ib is such an insidious disease, I should nob like to run any risks." As he spoke he glanced involuntarily at the portrait and sighed, while I suggested that I should go and see the patient. By all means, but before you go I have a very painful disclosure to make." p- Here he paused and hesitated, and ib was evidently with a great effort that he at length proceeded. The truth is, my poor friend suffers at times from delusions he is quite harmless he would not hurt a fly, and he is perfectly sane on every other subject. I would defy you or any other doctor to detect there was anything wrong with him in fact, unless I warned you, you would probably not discover his hallucination, and would imagine he was speaking the truth." "Indeed It is very strange, bub not uncom- mon what form does his delusion take ?" I asked. A most uupleasanb one he imagines every one else to be mad; he will probably tell you that I am, so I thought it better to war.,ou. Of course, this is quite between ourselves, not even the servants are aware of it I never let them go near him when he is suffering from an attack." Thanks for telling me. With your permission I will go upstairs," said I, thinking as I followed Brocklehurt upstairs that the mystery was solved, and at last I knew the reason of the seclusion they had observed. I found Donaldson in bed. and undoubtedly suffering from influenza, and from rather a sharp attack. I took his tempera- ture, and wrote a prescription, and gave him some directions, and was about to leave when he stopped me. "One moment, please. I should nob have sent for you on my own account, but I may be laid up for a day or two, and I shall certainly be weak after the fever leaves me, so I thought it safer to call you in, The truth is I am here in professional attendance on my friend Mr Brocklehurst, who is subject to attacks of mental aberration." Yes, yea, so I have heard, but he is all right now. Don't you worry about him," said I, in what was meant to be a soobhing manner, for Brocklehursb's warning had prepared n\e for this. By Jove you don t mean to say he has said anything to you ? I was afraid he bad an attack coming on—that was why I sent for you. Ho has told you I suffer from delusions, hasn't he 2" said the sick man. Well, well, well, you know. Of course, one I must make allowances for cases of this kind," said I, feeling rather uncomfortable, nob knowing what form tho man's mania might take if I annoyed him. "By heaven, Dr. Hawbrey, I see you believe him. My good air; I assure you I am amedica) man, Brocklehurst is my pabient, I have more influence over him than anyone eIse in the world, and we live here in the hope thab as time goes on he may recover. His attacks are less frequent and of less duration now than they were. I feared one was impending, and I may as well tell you that if I am helpless when he breaks out, my life and .v that of the servants won t be worth much," said Donaldson, eagerly raising himself on one elbow as he spoke. I was in a dilemma. I knew absolutely nothing of cither man, and in the brief interviews I had just had one struok me as quite as sane as the other. It was clear, however, that one of the two was mad, and it was my duty to find out which. I was more disposed to believe Brocklehurst to be the sane one. To donbb him was to acknowledge that I had been duped by him, a confession no doctor would care to make. I thought of the servants, and wondered if they could help me in my difrcqlty, but Brocklehurst Imd told me, they were ignorant of his friend's malady. Do you speak Portuguese ?" said Donaldson, suddenly, as if guessing my thoughts. "No, nor Italian." That's a pity, because the cook is Portuguese and the foolrnan Italian. They could either of them confirm my statement. I assure yon I am neW delirious, bat unless you believe me, and send some man to look after me for a few days, there is no telling what the consequences may be. Beppo and the cook can manage poor Brockle- hurst between them, but I must have a nurse, and I prefer a man. I see you still hesitate," he added. Not abali, nob at all," said I, lamely, for I wanted some proof of his statements before I believed him, which I was still far from doing. He threw himself back on bis pillow with a short, bub not very mirthful laugh. This would really be amusing if ib were nob so uncommonly serious. However, after what I have told you, you are tesponsible for my safety, and I assure you if Brocklehurst breaks out, as he may at any moment, and will before morning, my life is nob worth much. The servants can manage him if he is violenb; but they can't cope with his cunning. I wanb a trustworthy person with me until I am strong enough to protect myself." I'll stay with you myself, to-nighb," I said suddenly, thinking this would give me ample time to judge which was the sane man, for plausible as Donaldson's story sounded, I still hesitated. Thank you. Be careful not to let bim suspect why, or he may attack you," he said, with a look of intense relief. I must send a note to my wife to say I am detained here till the morning," I remarked, and after writing one the French servant was senb with it; Donaldson informing the footman in Italian that I should dine with his master, and remain for the night.1 Fjrancois had not left the honse five minutes before we heard a terrible struggle and noise downstairs, and Donaldson, who was dosing, roused himself and told me to go and see for my- self what it was. I went, and whafJI saw left me no doubt as to who was the madman. I rushed back to Donald- son, and asked if I oould do anything, and even- tually succeeded in administering a draught to poor Brocklehurst, which oalmed him and sent him to sleep. He will be all right in the morning, but be may have another attack before I am well. He is much bebber bhan when we came here, and I have great hopes, of his ultimate recovery, but you see my fears were not ill-founded," said Donaldson. They were not, indeed; and I never was more thankful 10 my life than to think that I had remained with him. I sent my assisbanb in the next day, and one of us remained in the bouse until Donaldson had recovered. I learnt from him that the beautiful girl whose portrait I had admired so much was Brockle- hurst's sister; that she had died from pneumonia following on influenza; tbab Brocklehurst, who worshipped her, had been mad with grief at the time, and subject to these attacks of mental disease ever since. Absolute quiet and entirely new surroundings had been prescribed as the best chance of recovery, hence their residence in the Corner House, Castleton having been recommended as a very healthy spot. They remained there nearly a year after I made their acquaintance, they then returned to America, Brocklehurst having by this time quite recovered. This was the mystery of the Corner House, one never solved by Castletqn gossips, for I and my assistant kept the secret faithfully. [THB END.]

LOCAL AMUSEMENTS. Theatre Royal (Cardiff). On Monday evening the popular burlesque "Don Juan." round which so much controversy was:waged on its initial visib to Cardiff, again occupied the boards of the Royal Theatre, Cardiff, and will be continued nightly throughout the week. Judging from the large audience which patronised the theatre last evening, there can be little doubt that, despite the opposition of the purist party, the piece bits the popular taste, for from beginning to end this refreshing burlesque, sparkling with wit and humour, elaborate scenery, and prettily designed and elegant dresses, kept its hearers inaoonbinual state of merriment and delight. There are a few changes in the company since its last visit, but in no instance has the representation suffered by the new artistes. There are a number of new songs and dances, while the quips and cranks hit off at the expense of local celebrities and institutions, enhance the success of the play. Pedrillo is still in the hands of Mr Fred Eastman, and his versatility and comicalities are more than ever ludioious, his performance throughout fully sustaining his reputation as a mimical characber. Miss Belle Harcourt and Miss Florence Forster as Isabella and Don Juan respectively proved a greater sucoess than for- merly. The pas seul in the third act by Miss Katie Fredericks as Donna Julia was surpas- singly graceful, being marked with a brilliant execution and finish that deservedly won :the generous plaudits of the large audience. Mr Russell Wallett as Lambro, with Mr Kennedy Allenfas his lieutenant, Miss Maud Jackson as Haidee, and Miss Marion Martell as Donna Inez, gave artistic performances, and won the ecomiums of the house. The chorus is one of the most attractive ever staged, and sang with sweet. ness the many pasts alloted to ii). The Grand Theatre (Cardiff). The popularity of Miss Minnie Palmer is so genuine and so widespread that ill was only to be expected there would be a crowded house on the occasion of her present visit to Cardiff. But more than ordinary interest abtacbes to her latesb re- appearance in our midst, fur she introduces on this occasion a new and cleverly constructed comedy opera, entitled The School Girl." We are so accustomed to associate the name of Miss Minnie Palmer with "My Sweetheart," that it comes almost as a surprise bo see her in an entirely new role. But it can be remarked only with satisfaction that all the sprightliness of manner, all the crispness of youthful pleasantry, all the exuberanoe of spirit and flexibility of style which she so unfailingly imparted into her performances in other parts are present in her latesb impersona- tion, that of Louisa Allason, or, as she is more familiarly known, little Miss Loom "The School Girl." The opera, as can readily be gathered from its title, has as its chief incident the too pronounced tendency towards mischief and romping of the light-hearted Louisa., who, as a natural consequence, becomes the ringleader in every piece of girlish mischief and the disturbing influence in the boarding school wherein she is a pupil. The work is written by Mr George Manchester, while the music is composed by Mr Albert Maurice; and beth have performed their tasks admirably. There is not a dull passage in the book, and the author has shown a wise sense of fitness by nob striving to have the merriment too violent or uproarious. It goes with a fine easy swing that is thoroughly entertaining with- out being too flagrantly in defiance of all the laws of probability, and without degenerating into burlesque or extravaganza. The musio is light, sweet, and full of variety, while not a few of the lyrics are likely to become fast favourites with the public. As produced on Monday evening by Mr George Capel, of the Empire Theatre, London, the opera was a complete success, and went with perfect smoothness from begining to end. While the company is a strong and well organised one, it need not be said that Miss Minnie Palmer, in her incomparable naivete, and excellent representa- tion of girlish audacity and innocent mischief, gave a performance equal in all essential features with anything in her previous record. Her singing was sweet, light, and in admirable keeping with the characber which she has oreabed, while her sallies of wit fandf dashes of coqueting had that sparkle which she so well knows how to impart to them. As Mrs Allason, Miss Agnes Hewitt acted with perfect success receiving the most cordial applause, while Miss Ada Walgreave as Madge Gainsbury, played the part with an ability that was quickly reoog- nised. Mr George Slater as Jack Godsden pourtrayed the French wibh thab exaggeration of style that made it irresistibly comic, and Mr C. A. Russell as the professor deserves the warmest praise. The chorus was powerful and well trained, and tbe orchestra, conducted by Chevalier Legrand, rendered the instrumental music with taste and precision. There were frequent calls before the curtain at the olose of each act, and the joint authors were the recipients of a most flattering demon: ration at the olose.

OXFORDACAMMtDGE SCHOOLS EXAMINATIONS. Local Successes. The results of the recent examination under the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examination Board were issued on Monday at Oxford by the joint secretaries, Messrs E. J. Gross and P. E. Matheson. HIGHER CERTIFICATES—BOYS.; CHRIST COLLEGE, Brecon.—J. S. Bookless, A. J. Harding, R. C. Meuneer, and M. H. LI. Williams. LLANDOVERY COLLEGE.—H. R. V. Ball, A. P. Carter, A. W. Davies. G. Eva.ns, O. L. Evans, E. J. Griffiths, A. E. Jones. G. T. R. Jones, T. H. Jones, D. J. Lewis, O. G. Long, 6. G. McMurtrie, H. B. Owen. A. J. Richards, D. J. Richards, E. A. T. Roberts, D. E. Rowlands, J. D. Thomas, N. H. Thomas. D. A. Williams, and S. B. Williams. GIRLS. HOWELL'S COUNTY SCHOOL, Glamorganshire.—M. A. Baker, M. G. W. Evans, M. E. Hogan, M. F. G. Hogan, M. E. James, C. E. M. Jenner, G. M. Luscombe. and R. M. Pritchard. REDLANDS HIGH SCHOOL, Bristol.—M. H. Cowlin, M. D. Freeman, M. A. F. Hamwill, E. A. Keen, J. E. Keen. E. D. Ovenden, E. M. C. Prideaus, L. B. V. Snook, and L. M. Tucker. LOWER CERTIFICATES—BOYS. CHRIST'S COLLEGE, Brecon.—e. M. Drower, S. B. Goldsmith, D. J. Jones. P. Meuneer, J. L. Phillips, J. D, Sladden, C. P. Turner, D. H. Williams, I). L. William^, and H, H. Yule. LLANDOVERY COLLKQE.—W. O. CarterLJ. O. Crocker, ,2vDaI?e?V H. K. Davies. J. A. Davies, J. O. Griffiths, E. Hicks, L. R. Lewis, B. F. McMurtrie. A. R. Morgan, H. H. Nash. R. H. Parry. J. L. Phillips, A. Roberts, H. W. Seymour, W. R. s. Watkins, and R. A. Williams. GIRLS. HOWELL'S COUNTY SCHOOL, Glamorganshire—A. B. Baker, D. E. L. Bajrtis, C. E. Browne, M. A. Charley, «• A-David, h. M Dudley; G. E. Harre, K. M. Hyam, Symns, and B. V. Thomas.

SACRILEGE AT CARDIFF. 011 Saturday evening Hannah-sbreeb Ooneregt*- tional Chapel, Cardiff, was broken into, and a small sum of money was stolen from it. The depredators seem to have climbed over a board- ing, 12 feet high, at the side of the build- ine, and entered by an open class-room- window. Several doors were forced open, and the collection-boxes, which contained about £2, were rifled. Evidently the thieves had been scared while at work, for the contents of a box in the lobby were left, although the box had been broken open. The Communion plate was also left untouched. This points to therobbers being amateurs. Mr John Mabthews. Mr R. Rhedynog Price, Mr Dan Davies. Mr Evan Owen, J.P. Rev. Prinoipal Edwards, B,A. MrR. E. James. The great festival of congregational music, which was held on Monday at the Rosebery Hall, Cardiff, by the Welsh Baptists of East Glamorgan and Monmouth, was in every sense a unique and inspiring gathering, and furnished one more example of the passionate love of the people of Wales for music and all that pertains to the art. The eisteddfod has long held the premier position in popular estimation; but the wonderful revival witnessed in Wales of recent years in connection with the music of the sanctuary has led to the establishment of annual festivals of congregational music in almost every district of the Principality, and this festival, known and revered as Y Gymanfa Ganu, bids fair in course of time to rival in popularity the eisteddfod itself. Time was when congrega- tional singing in Wales was in a deplorable condition, but with the advent of Ieuan Gwyllb, Tanymarian, Jones of Rutbin, and others whose memories will long survive, a radical revolution was brought about, and to-day in Wales the music of the sanctuary has attained a perfection which could not have been dreamt of fifty or sixty years ago. Iu North Wales the Congrega- tionalIsts have for some years aimed at greab things in the matter of public rehearsals, and the monstre festival of the whole churches of the county, initiated some years ago at the Carnarvon Pavilion, by Tanymarian, has oftentimes been repeated with signal success. In South Wales the honour of initiating a like movement rests with the Welsh Baptists; and well it should do, for are not these industrial dis- tricts the very stronghold of that denomination ? So numerous are the Welsh Baptists in Glamor- ganshire and Monmouthshire that the holding of these monstre festivals in any part ot these counties is to them a comparatively easy task to achieve. There was, however, no little risk attached to the realisation of the admirable idea conceived in 1893 to bold in the eisteddfod pavilion of Pontypridd a musical festival in which the choristers should be drawn from every Welsh church in East Glamorgan. With a strong and energetic committee at the helm, and Mr E. Owen, J.P of Caidift, in command as secretary, all dangers were, however, successfully averted, and the Pontypridd Festival, held in a building providing accommodation for 20,000 people, attained a marvellous measure of success, to eclipse which, it was felt, would be next to im. possible. Be that as it may, when the suggestion was thrown out some months ago that advantage should be taken of the existence of the Rosebery Hall at Cardiff to repeat tbe experi- ment, the churches took the matter up with enthusiasm and delight. It was resolved, how- ever, to extend the scope of the festival by the inclusion of Monmouthshire. A strong and representative committee was appointed, of which Mr Morgan Llowellyn, Treherbert, was chair. man Mr Thomas Evans, Temple of Fashion, Pontypridd, and Mr John Llewellyn, Bargoed, were treasurers; and Mr John Matthews, 12, Moira-place, Cardiff, and Mr R. Edwards-James, Working-street, Cardiff, were secretaries; and with the valuable assistance of Mr Evan Owen, J.P., of Cardiff, in the capacity of hon. secretary, this committee set to work with indomitable perseverance, and no better testimony to the efficiency and completeness of their arrangements could possibly be produced than the fact that the festival on Monday was in every sense of the term a magnificent success. The responsibility resting upon the committee was immense, involving as it did the gathering of 12,000 and more people from almost every part of two of the most populous counties of Wales, and yet not a single hitoh occurred to mar the sucoess of the day. The statistical returns show that in East Glamorgan alone the Welsh Baptists have no fewer than 106 chuches, com- prising a membership of close upon 19.201. This, of course, does not include the number of ad. herents who are not members. The figures for Momnouthshire are not at hand. The Rev. J. P. Davies, of Caerphilly, in an admirable paper read by him before the Baptist Union at Morriston last year, estimates the total number of members throughout Wales to be 100,999. Monday happily turned out in "point of weather one, of the finest witnessed for many weeks. The day was also the colliers' monthly Holiday, and consequently the festival was held under circumstances of the most auspicious description. To cope with the extraordinary large traffic, a large number of specials," in addition to the usual ordinary service of trains, were run both by the Taff and the Rhymney Companies, and the streets of Cardiff, even at an early hour, were literally thronged with visitors. Rosebery Hall provides sitting accom- modation for 10,000 people, and yet on Monday it proved utterly inadequate to meet the exigencies of the occasion, and thousands of persons were compelled, perforce, to enjoy the pro- ceedings from the market area without. Ab 10.30, when the first meeting was held, every seat, so far as could be seen from the platform, was occupied, and the view which presented itself to the favoured occupants of platform seats was truly inspiring. The singers for the most part were the hardy toilers of the mines, men and women to whom a day's holiday is a rarity; and as Mr Clifford Cory subsequently pointed out, such a gathering of people-ten thousand in number-devobing a whole holiday to the worship of music, and that the music of the sanctuary would of a surety be impossible in any part of the kingdom outside the land of Wales. A glance at the audience sufficed to reveal its representa- tive characber. The Legislature was represented by Colonel E. S. Hill, M P., and Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P.; capital, by Mr John Cory, Mr C!ifford Cory, Mr Jacob Ray, Mr Gibbon, Mr Henry Abraham, Mr D. Ellis, and other equally well-known captains of industry; labour, by such loaders as Mr Lewis Miles and Mr Thomas Davies; while tradesmen and miners were* present in their thousands. The platform was reserved for ministers of the Gospel, the offioials, and prominent members of the denomination and their friends. The space generally allotted to Pressmen was utilised as the orohestra; sopranos and basses were accommo- dated to the right and left of the conductor in the "well"and the gallery beyond; while the altos filled the gallery on the left, and the tenors occupied a corresponding position on the right. Beyond the "basses" considerable space had been railed off for the accommodation of the public. The conductor's box consisted of a raised dais a few yards in front of the platform. According to figures supplied by Mr Secretary Matthews, the sopranos numbered 2,800; altos, 1,200 tenors, 2,000 and bass, 2,000. The arduous and responsible task of conducting this vast choir fell upon Mr Dan Davies, the celebrated choral leader of Merbhyr, and right worthily did he acquit himself. As showing the estimation in which Me Davies is held in his denomination, it is interesting to note that bis selection was the resulb of a ballot taken in each of the churches of the district, and we have reason to believe that his election was secured by an overwhelming majority. Mr Davies, though only 35 years of age, has accomplished marvellous things in the world of music. His numeraus successes with the Dowlais Choir are sufficiently familiar. It seems but yesterday since be formed the Merthyr Choral Society, and yet under his baton that organisation has carried off a prize of B100 in each of the competitions it entered, while at Llanelly National Eisteddfod last month it divided chief honours with the Rhymney Choir. Mr D. Bowen, J.P., of Abercarn, a versatile musician, who has done eminent service for his country, was the morning president. Among those supporting him on the platform were the Revs. Principal Edwards, D.D., Cardiff; Dr. Williams, Swansea W. Jones, Treharris W. Griffiths, Black Mill; T. P. Johns, Barry Dock T. Davies, Abercarn O. Waldo James, Blaen- clydach C. Rees, Tongwynlais R. A. James, Tongwynlais; B. Davies. Dowlais; W. A. Williams, Ferry aide M. Isaac, Cadoxton T. Bowen, Abergavenny R. Lloyd, Castletown i W. Harris, Aberdare; T. Evans, Cardiff; W. Saunders, Rhymney T. W. Medhurst, Cardiff R. Evans. Hengoed T. T. Hughes, Mountain Ash; H. Jenkins, Merthyr; D. Jones, India; O. Davies, Llantwib Major; J. M. Jones, Newbridge T. Humphreys, Ferndale; E. George, Bargoed E. O. Parry, Wattstown W. S. Owen, Troedyrhiw W. Morris, F.R.G.S., Treorky; Professor John Davies, Cardiff; T. Humphreys, Cwmaman J. p. Davies. Caer. philly John Pugh (C.M.), Cardiff; J. F. Williams, Aberdare Junction J. Griffiths, Aberdare T. Lewis, Newport; R. E. Williams! Aberdare W. Morton. Cwmfelin T. Richards, Nelson; C. Davies, Cardiff; John Cardiff; T. T..Tones, Cardiff; R. S. Robert?, Cardiff; C. H. Watkins, Cardiff; C. Griffiths, Cardiff; D. Collier, Hirwain D. Davies, Lisvane J. W. Williams, Maesteg; D. Thomas, Abergwynfi W. Harries, Maesteg J. Williams, Ynysybwl; E. Hopkins, Ashton-under-Lyne T. A. Thomas, Abercarn E, E. Proberb, Ponty. pridd J. R. Jones, Pontypridd and others. A novel and pleasing feature of the festival was the provimoB of an orchestra of 60 performers, under the leadership of Mr Alfred C. Tooue, of Cardiff. It has long been a matter of complaint by eisteddfodic adjudicators that Welshmen neglected instrumental music, and therefore it is all the more gratifying to note that, with one or two exceptions, the orchestra on this occasion consisted entirely of amateurs. The nucleus was famished by the Cardiff Y.M.C.A. orchestra, and they were admirably reinforced by per- formers of both sexes, drawn from among the members of the churches themselves. Having regard to this, and also to the fact that the massed band had had no opportunity for a pre- liminary rehearsal, their performance was in alf respects distinctly creditable, and Mr Toone was deservedly congratulated. The aocompanists on the pianofortes and organs were Mr Dan S. Evans, Ion, Penbre Mr Arthur James, Cardiff; and Mr Isaac Bowen, Nebo, Ystrad. During the day the proceedings were interspersed with solos, and the services in this capacity of Miss Ceinwen Jones. R.A.M., London; Miss Eleanor Jones, Cardiff Mr John Thomas, Newbridge, Mon. and Mr Evan Thomas. Treorky, met with hearty and generous recognition at the hands of the audience. Mr D. BOWKN, in the course of his presidential address at the morning meeting, passed under review the present state of congregational singing in Wales, declaring that as regards conductors they were in a better position to-day than they bad ever been, and as Baptists they could in this respect lay claim to be second to none, in proof of which he referred to the success at the Llanelly eisteddfod of Mr Dan Davies and Mr Wm. Thomas, of Treorky. (Cheers). Owing to the great progress of the tonic sol-fa system, the majority of the members of their choirs were now able to read congregational tunes fairly well. As to hymns, so long as the productions of Williams, Pantycelyn, and Ann Griffiths were availahle, Wales would compare favourably with their English friends. Every denomination in Wales was now plentifully supplied with tune- books. He strongly urged Congregational choirs to combine to study and to improve the music of the sanctuary, and he appealed to ministers and others to assist and encourage the choristers in their efforts. (Cheers.) The Mayor of CARDIFF (Alderman Carey), who was enthusiastically greeted, spoke words of welcome to the choirs upon their visib to Cardiff, and declared himself to be in full sympathy with the national aspirations of the people of Wales. Cardiff was doubtless a cosmopolitan town, but the civic body had never been1 behindhand in encouraging all movements which have the well-being of Wales as their object—(cheers)—and he hoped that that great gathering would prove an inducement to the town of Cardiff to provide a permanent building of the size of the one they were then assembled in, so that festivals of that description could be often repeated. He was deeply indebted to the committee for the invitation which had enabled him to listen to the glorious and beautiful music they had rendered that morning, and which proved to him beyond doubt that Wales was, indeed, bhe land of song. (Cheers.) The festival programme consisbed of an excel- lenb selection of hymn tuues, chants, and anthems. These were all sung to Welsh words, bub with admirable forethought for the con- venience of English-speaking visitors, the Rev. Dr. Edwards, principal of the Cardiff Baptist College. ha.d clothed the Welsh hymns in English dress. The translations without exception were rendered with a master hand, and the rev. gentleman was repeatedly congratulated during the day upon the successful accomplishment of 501 difficult a task. The morning programme in- cluded such favourite hymn tunes as Y Delyn Aur," "Creation," "Hyfrydol," "Crugybar,"and Lausanne," which were sung with that fervour and elecbric thrill so characteristic of Welsh singing. In many cases the refrains were re- peated many times over with marvellous effect, and, during the afternoon especially, the hwyl" was catching. Fe Aned y Messiah Mawr," composed by the late Mr R. Lewis (Eos Ebrill), Cardiff, and Mr W. T. Samuel's Carbref Can yw'r Nefoed" were also excellently rendered. The anthem was Mr R. Rbedynog Price's "There speeds from distant lands," the English words of which are from the pen of Principal Edwards. The anthem was specially selected by the committee out of a larpe number submitted for their consideration, and their selection was fully endorsed by the vociferous applause which followed its rendering. Mr Rhedynog Price, the gifted composer, is a Cardiff resident and a native of Penllyne, nearCowbridge, who, from his childhood, basbeon associated with Congregational singing. He has acted as conductor for over 20 years, and to-day he is one of the most popular anthem composers within the Baptist denomination, some of his productions having attained a circulation reaching their fifteenth thousand. Principal EDWARDS, who presided over the afternoon gathering, referred to the progress of the music of the sanctuary, and urged that greater prominence be given in their services to chants, so as to enable the congregations to utilise the Psalms more largely. Another 1 suggestion thrown out by the president was that I a Welsh Baptist Choral Union be formed for i Wales, and the holding of trenuial festivals. I During the afternoon, Mr Clifford Cory also delivered a short address. Mr Rhedyuog's Price's anthem was „ repeated, aa also was the Hallelujah Chorus (Handel), the rendering of which by 10,000 voices was one of the most thrilling events of the day. Bendigedig fyddo Arglwydd Dduw Izrael," an anthem by Mr John Thomas, of Llanwrtyd, was also finely rendered. i At the special requesb of Mr Alfred « Thomas, M.P., the vast choir again sang the beautiful hymn-tune Lausanne," and the tender pathos of the hymn, which is inseparably associated in the Welsh mind with the passage from life to death of loving friends, brought tears j to the eyes of many thousands in that huge ball. ( Sandon," "Prydian," and "Aberystwyth" were included in the afternoon programme, other I special selections including Cyfod, ymddisg- i leiria" (Mr B. Parry, Swansea), Can y Milwr (MoGronahan), Ty fy Nhad (a Welsh adapta- ( tion of Woodbury's My Father's house on < high"), and" Mawl-gan" (Mr J. H. Roberts, Mus. Bac.). The festival proved as enjoyable as it was successful, the only drawback, perhaps, being the fact that the* acoustic properties of Rosebery Hall were not altogether suitable for such a purpose, the roof being honeycombed with rafters, which are not at a very greab height above the audience. In this respect the Pontypridd Pavilion was far superior. We were assured by Mr Dan Davies, however, that the intonation of the choirs was perfect, and the genial conductor was delighted with the day's performances.

ANCIENT BAPTIST CHURCH. A Recerd of 2,799 Sermons. The old Baptist Church at Caerleon-upon-Usk has been renovated and modernised lately, and on Sunday there were reopening services, at which the popular pastor, the Rev. D. Bevan Jones, in the course of his sermons, stated that he had been with them, trying to minister in all that con- cerned their spiritual needs, for 29% years, during which he had preached to them no fewer than 2,799 times. The church is one of the oldest in Monmouthshire, the first building being erected in 1764, and the first pastor was the Rev. Thomas Phillips, who after six years' work went to Swansea. On the occasion of the present pastor's silver wedding, in 1891, Mr and Mrs Jones were the recipients of a presentation, which took the agreeable form of all annuity of j360. Mr Jones has been active in outside work, and has been secretary for 21 1. years to the English Baptist Association, a member of the Baptist Council, and secretary for 16 years to the Pontypool Baptist College. HIS latest office is that of Poor Law Guardian for the 1 Caerleon district. I The interior of the building has been completely transformed at an outlay of £300, and is quite up » to the modem standard. Four new windows 8 have been added on the roadside, which gives more light and effect to thejchapel. The front 1 and north end galleries have been removed, and I the organ gallery extended, making tbeti lilding I uniform. The rosbrum has been placed on the I north end. Thepews are new, and the worship. f pers will find them far more comfortable than the old ones. The front of the gallery is very pretty, the ironwork being bronzed thus relieving the match-boarding dado work. The walls are stuccoed, aud the whole of the work which has been carried out so successfully was entrusted to Mr G. Beacham, of Caerleon

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BEDWELLTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. On Monday the annual show of horses, cftttl** sheep. dairy produce, &c., under the auspices of the Bedwelitoy Agricultural Society, was held all Blackwood on two spacious fields of Berllanlwyd Farm (kindly granted for the occasion by Mt John Lewis). The society, which has been ID existence for many years, is one of the most important in the South Wales and wesberc district, and covers a very wide area, namely. Bedwellty, Mynyddislwyn, Bed was, Llanhilletb, Aberystruth. Trevethm, Panteg, Risoa, Machen, Henllys, Rogerstone. Gelligaer, Llanfabon, Eglwysilian, Merthyr, Vaynor, and the portions of the parishes of Llangynider and Llangattock situated within the watershed district of Rhymney, Nantybwch, Beaufort, and Bryn. mawr. Blackwood is the most im- portant agricultural centre of the disbriot, and, as might be expected, the display this year far exceeds that at Risca in 1894, the enbry being 860 as against 720. Prize money to the amount) of jBSSO was awarded. The general quality in every department was high, especially in the horse and cattle sections, in which also tbe increase in the number of entries was to be found, and, indeed, this has been a record year in the annals of the society. Among the principal exhibits ab this show were Messrs Buohan and Co., Rhymney the Rhymney Iron Company Mr Johu Lewis, Penrhiw Mrs Lewis, Llwyn- gollen, Gelligaer Mr Thomas Edmunds, Groes. van, Bargoed Mr R. Jeremiah, Blackwood; the Ebbw Vale Company, the Tredegar Iron Company; Mr R. J. Matthias, Garthfawr, Pontypridd Messrs Edward Nicholas and Son, Aberbeeg Mr Pond, Blackwood Messrs Lan. caster and Co., Blaina and Mr J. Harris, Argoed, The stock and other exhibits were conveniently arranged on the fields mentioned, and all the arrangements carried out by the committee and secretaries were ample and effective. The president of the society is Mr Graeme Ogilvie, who was present all day; and the officers of bhe committee are Dr. J. W. James, J.P., trustee; Mr E. R. Lewis, treasurer Mr Edward Row. lands, hon. sec Mr E. Edmunds, Blackwoodf ohatrman; Mr John Lswis, Penrhiw, vice- chairman and Mr Thomas Hopkins and Mr R. Jeremiah, joint secretaries. To these gentleman and the Executive Committee the success of the show is in a great measure due, not only for their efforts on Monday, but in the preliminary work of organisation The Executive Committee consists oj Dr. H. T. Evans, Blackwood Messrs Wm, Griffiths, New- port Richard Morris, merchant, Blackwood; D. F. Pritchard, Glanyrafon, Rhymney W. R. Lewis, Glanyrafon House, Pengam Wm. Pritchard, Rhymney C. Pond, Blackwood B. Nicholas, Arel Farm, Aberbeeg; Jehoiada Jones, Manmoel W. Walters, Woodfield Farm, Black- wood Daniel Harry, Bedwellty, Blackwood I Lewis Jones, draper, Blackwood; Morgan Thomas, Bedwellty; John Green, Pentwyn, Blackwood; A. J. Harries, Argoed Farm, Argoed; Thomas Jones, Plas Farm, Blackwood; and W. L. Griffiths, High-street. Newport. The judges were: For horses—Messrs Thomas Jenkins, Pantyagal- log, Dowiais; J. H. Hillier, Stud Farm, Coed. kemew J. Rogers, Alltyrynys, Abergavenny W. Emerson, Sweldon Farm, Cardiff; J. Temple, Aberaman. Cattle, sheep, and pigs—Measrv Thomas George, The Deri, Whitchurch, Cardiff s W. Williams, The Splott, Cardiff; Thomafc Williams, Pengam Farm, Cardiff. Dogs—Mesert E. Parry Thomas, Pontypridd Thomas Roberta^ Great Oak House, Tydu. Poultry—Mr Edmund Gibbs, Saintwell, near Cardiff. Daily product —Miss Madge Kellett, Newport. Vegetables. &c. — Mr W. J. Grant, Bassalleg, Mon, Implements—Mr A. E. Frost, Newport, Mon, Shoeing—Messrs D. M. Storrar, F.R.C.V.S., Abergavenny Thomas Evans, Shmgrig, Tre. harris, R.S.O. Timbering—Messrs Moses Frame, Abernant Colliery; Wm. Grier, Llanbradaoh Colliery, hlanbradach. Splicing — Mr Wm. James, Newbridge, Mon. During the day the show ground was visited by a large numbec of people from the surrounding country* side, amongst those being the president Captain H. A. Birrell, J.P., Maesyowmmer; Mr W. H. Routledge, Tredegar; Dr. R. T. Z. Davies, New Tredegar; vice-presidents, membert; ot. the executive and the officers, and the principal agriculturists in the neighbourhood. The Black* wood Reed and Brass Band, under the leadership, of Mr J. Jeffreys, discoursed selections of mow! All intervals during tbe day.

■—————' FRIENDLY SOCIETY'S JUBILEE AT NEWPORT. The Newport district of Oddfellows, Man- chester Unity, celebrated their jubilee on Monday at Newport. The proceedings included a procession of members in fall regalia and a dinner, the latter being held in the Drill Hall, Stow Hill. The procession war marshalled in the Cattle Market shortly after 1 o clock, and perambulated the town. The band of the Monmouthshire Artillery V olunteerf; headed the procession, and the bands of the 4th South Wales Borderers, the Post Office, and the Caerleon Schools kept up the strains of murtiti music throughout its entire length. One feature was the presence in a foremost carriage of the veteran form of Dr. W. W. Morgan, J.P., the founder of the district, and the first Noble Grand of the Treftith Castle Lodge, the pioneer lodge t> £ Newport Oddfellowship. A notion of the pro- gress and flourishing condition of the district may be gathered from the fact that there are now IS lodges with a membership of between 3,000 and 4,000. The other notable feature of the procession was the juvenile lodge, founded three or four years ago by Bro. Charles Pearce, of Newport. The visibors included the Grand Master of the Unity (Bro. William Orford White, of IpswicbL the Provincial Grand Master (Bro. Payne), and Bro. Thomas Adams, the C.S. of the Bristol district. Past Grand Master Graham, of Burton- on-Trenb, wrote his apologies for having mistaken Newport, Salop, for tho "only Newport" and for his non-abtendance. In the evening a public meeting was held in the Drill Hall, presided over by the Mayor (Alder- man Sanders), who was supported by the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, Mr Spicer, M.P., Alderman Jones, Councillors Wheeler and W. H. Brown, Rev. Ehvyn Thomas, Mr W" Watkins, etc. There was a good attendance^ His Worship introduced the business, and referred to the last 50 years as a time of increased corn" merce, of advance in social life, and of achieve tnenbs in the various branches of industry aDei. scientific research. Mr SPIOEB, M.P., spoke on old age pensions and thrift. He said he looked with hope and confidence bo the time when the great Friendly Societies* through their increased work and the oppor* tunities given to all classes of thrift, would tw a.ble to deal effectually with the necessities ot the aged poor of our country. (Applause.) The GRAND MASTER (Mr Orford White) afea addressed the meeting. Bro. W. H. Witts, P.P.G.M., one of tbe veterans of the Newport district, then presented tn illuminated address to the Grand Master on the occasion of his visit, and in connection witb the celebration of the jubilee.—The Grand Master thanked Mr Witts and the members generally for the address, which was placed earlier in the proceedings in front of the platform, ind formed a handsome object.

HHONDDA GLEE SOCIETY AT LANGLAND. In response to an invitation of Mr W. H, Davies, of Brynfedwen, Treherbert, Mr Tom Stephens and about 15 members of his celebrated 3hoir, the Rhondda Glee Society, on Friday visited Langland Bay, where they were most iiospitablv entertained by their generous host. Mr W. H. Davies, it appears, is spending t lioliday in the neighbourhood, and during the week the guests discussed the respective merits of Welsh and Enghsh in the matter of choral rendering. It was to give his tellow guests a taste of what Welsh choral singing was like that the Squire of Brynfedwyn at onoe jommunicated with Mr Torn Stephens and got she choir down at his own expense. A long pro. gramme of glees and other musical compositions was submitted.

STRONG CONDEMNATION OF SWANSEA SANITATION. I" ■?n interview wibh a representative oi iJ u coatem,P°rary> Dr T. D. Griffiths, ,he well-known physician and surgeon, has madt t strong condemnation of Swansea's sanitation, tie says he will undertake to say that th« *?ine 'louses out of every ten not yxj' n. 'asb eighb or nine years is defeo- 1S> unless the drainage has been re* iewea since the construction of the house* lot 10 per cent. of such houses would stand the imoke tesb. It is nothing short of a scandal ihab the authorities "do not exercise real supervision over the drainage of t,b( louses built. They have got the necessary powers, Mt do not exercise tliem. Good drainage is the Most important of all requirements, but here it seems to be treated as if of no important whatever.

GALLANT RESCUE, On Saturday afternoon a boy named Reyrruf Frisk. (ll). of Stuarfc-strcet, Docks, Cardiff, f61 from the Penarth Ferry iandmg stage into th* water, and was on the point of sinking when Mt Joseph Paisley, of 23. Maughan-stroet, Penarth, gallantly plunged to the rescue, and brought bllt ashore. There were 12 feet of water at tho hi mot and had ib not been for the prompt ant courageous action of Mr Paisley tlie lad wouW bare been drowned.