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atsoever a an. owet By WI^ CHAPTER XXVII. The House of Doom. On arrival at Clipsoten-street oar first in. 4oiry was to ascertain whether the place was ■Qbabited. While we waited around the corner in Great Portland-street, one of Pickering's men ap- proached and rang the bell, bat thoogh he teDeated the summons several times, tbere was ao response. Then, with easy agility, he climbed over the railings and disappeared into the area. Leaving the second man to give us warning if Via were noticed, Pickering and myself saun- tered along to the bonse. it was nearly eleven o'clock, and there were few passers-by,- yet we did not wish to be dis- covered, for our investigations were to be made "trictly in secret, prior to the police taking action. Was I acting judiciously, I wondered? Would the revelation I had made reflect upon Sybil herself ? Would these men who used that house burl against her a terrible and relentless ven- aetta ? Whether wisely or an wisely, however, I had jottitated the inqairy, and could not now draw back. The inspector himself took the small bag con- fining a serviceable looking housebreaker's jemmy and other tools, and as we came to the Area handed it down to the man below. Then both of us scrambled over the locked gate. and descended the steps to the abasement door by which it had been dacided to enter. The idinin-clothes man was something of a mechanic, I could see, for be was soon at work "Don the Jock, yet although he tried for a fall Quarter of an boar to open the door, it resisted All his efforts. It's bolted," he declared at last, wiping the OersDiration from bis brow. We must try the front door. That's, no donbt. only on the IlLteb. If we force this they'll know we've been here, while if we force the latch we can put Jbat right again before we leave." Very well, Edwards," was the inspector's tepb. Go up alone and do it. It won't do for oa both to be up with you. Force the latch, and let us trust to lack to be able to put it light again. We'll have to lay a trap here—of that I feel sure." The man ascended to the door above as, bat Iftileely bad be done so when via beard the toatfte cry of Star '—extra ape-shall," from the further end of the iitreet- the pre-arranged IIJlloal warning us of someone approaching, Edwards therefore slipped down the steps and walked in the opposite direction until the two teen who had entered the street had passed. Then Edwards sprang up the steps again, "nd after trying the lock with a number of keys We suddenly heard a low crack, and then tbere Was silence. All right," he whispered to us over the rail- lriga, and a minute later we were standing inside the dark hall of the house wherein I bad so nearly lost my life. Edwards closed the door behind us noiselessly, and we were compelled to grope forward in the pitch darkness, for the inspector deemed it wise to draw down the blinds before lighting our lanterns, for (ear our taovements should attract notice from withont. Edwards entered the front room on the right, stumbling over some farnitnre, and palled down the dark bolland blind, while a moment later a tipping on the front door announced the arrival of the man who hLd been watching to cover on? Movements. The policemen's lanterns, when lit, revealed lkti old-fashioned room furnished solidly in leather-a dining-room, though there were no evidences of it having been recently used. Behind it, entered bv folding-doors, was another titting-room with heavy well-worn furniture covered with old-fashioned horsehair. In the toomwaatt modern roll-top writing-table, the drawers of which Pickering reserved for future investigation. Be careful of the stairs," I said, as Edoards Started to ascend tbem. "The dangerous ones tui0 nearly at the top of the second story. There's 80 danger on the first floor." All right, air," replied the.man. I'll bs wary, you bet I" and we clitnbod to the first floor, )he rooms of which, to one surprise, wore all empty, devoid of any furniture save two or three broken chairs. In one room wis a cupboard, which, however, was locked. Again we turned to the stairs, Edwards and his tompanion ascending each atairelowly and Irving the one higher with their bands. They were covered with new carpet of art green, different to the first flight, which were covered in red. When a little more than half wRy up to the top landing, Edwards eoddoniy eMiaimed Here it is, air I and instantly we ascended to bis side. Kneeling on the staiis, he pressed bis bands on the step above, whereupon that portion of the Ylta6irway up to the landing swung forward upon a hinge, disclosing a black abyss beneatii. I looked into is and shnddered. Even Picker- ing himself could not restrain an expression of surprise and horror when he realisect how can. ningly planned was that death trap. The first six stairs from the top seemed to bang upon binges from the landing. Therefore, with the Weight of a peison upon them they would fall forward and pitch the nnfcrtnnate victim back- Wards before be could grasp thebandrail, causing him to fall into the pit below. Well," remarked Pickering, amazed, as be Dashed open the stairs and peered into the dark blackness below. Of all the devilish con. trivances I've ever seen in any twenty-one years' experience in London, this is one of the most simple, and yec the most ingenious and moat fata! No doubt there's a secret way to render the Stair,i secure," I remarked. No doubt. Hnt as we don't know it, Edwards, one of yon had better go down and get something to lay over the staira,-a piece of board, a table—anything that's long enough. Wa don't want to be pitched down there ouiselves." No, lIir," remarked Edwards' companion, Whose name was Marvin. "I wouldn't like to be, for one. But I daresay lots of 'em have Bone down there at times." Most probably," snapped the inspector, dis- missing the man at once to get the board, Bring np the jemmy as well," he added, over 4be bannisters. We may want it." A few minutes later the two men brought up a long oak settle from the ball, and bridging the fatal gulf, held it in position, while we passed over, not, however, without difficulty, as the in- cline was so great. Then when we were over we held it while they also scrambled up. To the left was a closed door-the room from which had come the sound of Eric's voice on that fatal night. I recognised it in a moment, foe it "all pale green, picked out in a darker shade. I opened it. and Pickering snone his la nan "ithin. The blinds were up, but Edwards rnahed 4,2d pulled them down. Then, on glancing round, saw it was a pretty woll-furnished rocm, another sittiog-room, quite different fiom those balow, as it was decorated in modern taate with furniture covered with pliole yellow silk and com- fortable easy chairs, as though its owners were fond of luxury. The odonr of state cigars still j hung in the curtains. Perhaps it was the varn- Pire's den, a place where he could at all events be safe from intrusion with those fatal stairs' between him and the street. I explained my theory to the inspector, and he Was inclined to agree with me. Upon the floor lay a copy of an evening paper Imsarly a month old, while the London dust over Overything told us that at least it had not been occupied recently. In that room poor Eric bad defied his captors. looked eagerly around for any traces of him. pfea. My eye fell noon one object—a silver cigar- t tte case that I had given him two years ago. I The tell-tale object was lying upon the mantle- ,W»elf unheeded, tossed tbere, perhsps, on the Mght of the crime. I handed it to Pickering and told him the >rnth. I A very valuable piece of evidence, sir," was •he inspector's leply, placing it in bis pocket. We shall get at the bottom of the affair now, epend upon it. The only thing is, we mustn't ct too eagerly. We rpast have them all-or one; that's my opinion." I Tllea, with his tfoo men, he methodically probed the rcospi they carefally replacing eFerytbmg as they found it m a manner which Jttowed them to be expert investigators of crime, ^tjdeed, while Pickering was an inspector of the two men were sergeants of tha branch °f the Criminal Investigation Department at- tli bed to the station. They examined quite a 3enterogenous collection of thiogs—the usual things one finds in a man's rooms. From a "rfcwor in a kind of sideboard I took out a' cl'«antity of letters, beneath which Z I found a ^wnjn'a necklice, a magnificent antique thing jn diamonds and emeralds, which had apparently hurriedly concealed there, and perhaps for- SottSn. ,Pi aring took it in his band, and examined it Jose 0 his lamp. Ri^al, without a doubt, and a coatly one, too. Been A iken off some rich woman, perhaps. See, the sni,P has been brcken. Perhaps they are kltl%id ($6,git rid of it at once, so are keeping it. illor ttiie present, let's put it back." As replaced it I saw in the corner of the a ring—a gold one with an engraved ai*- '>at. This I at oonce lecogn/sed as poor *■ «* '} signet ring. odllcale1 among papers, pamphlets, string, "dicine bottles and other odds and ends, were J$?r art'c^ea of jewellery, mostly costly." a 8everftl beautiful ropee of pearls. t. i* they, wo wondered, the spoils of the nd t What bad been the fate of Eric Dpmville ? Had hd been entrapped there, despoiled, as others bad been, and then allowed to descend those fatal stars to his doom. That was Pickering's opinion, just as it was mine. I longed to be allowed time to inspect the few letters beneath which the emerald necklace had been concealed, bnt Pickering urged me on, say- ing that we had yet much to do before morning. So we entered the other room* leading from the landing, but all were disappoiating-all save one. The door was opposite that wherein Eric had faced his enemies, and when we opened it we saw that it was a dirty faded place which had once been a bedroom, but there was now neither bedstead or beading. Upon the floor was an old drab threadbare carpet, in the centre of which wan a large dark stain. Look I" I cried, pointing to it, and bending to examine it more closely. Yes, I see," remarked the inspector, direct- ing his lamp lull upon it. That's blood, sir -blood without the least doobt Blood," I gasped. Then Domville was probably invited in here, and struck down by those fienclo--tbts brotes." Edwards went on bis knees, and by the aid of bis lamp examined the stain mora carefully, touching it with his fingers. It's hardly quite dry, even now," he re- marked. It's soaked right in-through the boards probably." 1 stood apalled at tbe sight of that gruesome evidence of a crime. 1 was not familiar with lineh revolting sights, as were my companions. How, I wondered, bad Etic been struck down ? What motive bad Sybil's friend in reporting that he was alive and in Paiis, when be was not t Pickering, in the meanwhile, made a tonr of the room. From a chair that had recently been broken he concluded that the peraon attacked had defended himself with it desperately, while there was a great rent in one of the dirty lace curtains that hung st the window, and it was Bligbtly bloodstained, as though it had got caught in the struggle. The lalilt room we examined, which lay at the rear of the house, presented another peculiar feature, inasmuch as it was entirely bare save a. table, a chair, and a meagre bed, a ad it showed signs of rather recent occupation. Beside the grate was a cooking-pot, while Oil the table a dirty plate, a jog and a knife showed that Its occupant bad cooked his own food. Pickering made a tour of the place, throwing the light of his lantern into every corner, examin- ing the plate, and taking up some articles of man's clothing that lay in confusion noon the bed. Then snddeniv he stopped, exclaiming Why, somebody's been kept a prisoner here. Look at the bars before the window, and see, the door is covered with sheet icon, and strengthened. The bolts, too, show that whoever was put in nere couldn't escape. This place is a prison, that's evident," and taking up a piece of hard stale bread from the table, he added, anj this JS the remains of the prisoner's last meal. Where is be now, I wonder ?" Down below," suggested the detective, Edwards. I fear so," the inspectorsaid, and taking me to the window, showed me how it only looked out upon the roof of tbe next bouse, and. in such a position that the shouts of anyone confined tbere woald never be beard. "They probably keep their victims here to extort money, and then when they bad drained them dry they gave them their liberty. They went downstairs," he added grimly, but they uever gained the street." CHAPTER XXVIII. Brings Us Face to Face. Pickering was essentially a man of action. We must go down that hols and explore," ho said, determinedly. We must know the whole of the secrets of this place before we go farther, Edwards, just slip round to the station and get that rope-ladder we used in the Char) otte-o greet affair. Bring more rope, as it may be too short. And bring P.O. liortou with you. Toll him to take his revolver. Look sharp." Very well, sir," replied the man, who clam- bered over the settle and down the stairs, leaving 08 there to await his return. Time passed slowly^ in that lark, gruesome bouse, and at each noise we halted breathlessly in expectation of the return of Parham or one of his friends. Returning to the room wherein Eric Domville had so gallantly defied bid enemies, we resumed our search, and from beneath the coach the con- stable drew forth tbe square brown-paper parcel which Winsloe had obtained from the house called Koymer, and handed over to Parham. Pickering, in a trice, cut the string with 12is pocket-knife, and within found a small square wooden box nailed down. The jimmy soon forced it open. w'u&i: (here was revealed a large packet of papers neaity.tied with pink tape which on beiog opened showed that they were a quantity of negotiable foreign securities, mostly French. The proceeds of aomo robbery, most eer tainly," declared Pickering, examining one after the other, and inquiring of me their true character, he being ignorant of French. I expect the intention is to negotiate them in the City," I remarked, after I had besn through them and rougbly calculated that their value was about twenty thousand pounds. Yes. We'll pat them back and see who returns to fetch them. There's evidently a wide- spread conspiracy hero, and it's fortunate, Mr Hughes, that you've been able at last to fix the house. By Jove," the inspector added with a smile, we ourselves couldn't have done better- indeed, we couldn't have done as viall as yoa did." I only hope that we shall discover what has become of my friend Domville," 1 eaid. I intend that his death aball not go unavenged. Be was in this room, I'll swear to that. I'd know his voice among teu thousand. "We Bhall mee," remarked the officer, confl- dently. 11 First let ua explore and discover bow they got rid of tbair victims. I only hope nobody will return while we are beicw. If they do, Horton and Marvin will arreaf them. We'!) take Edwards down with na." While the constable Marvin repacked the precious box to replace it, Pickering and myself went to the drawer and looked over'tbe tetters.. Many of them wsre unimportant and incompre- lionsible, until one I opened written noon blue- gre.v notepaper bearing the heading Harewolde Abbey, Elarefordabire." It was in the well- known handwriting of Sybil Burnot. Amazed, I read eagerly as follows Yes. Fred Kioghorue is here. He is an American, and beyond the Maratons, has, I believe, no friends in England. He is an ex- cellent bridge plttyer, and has won heavily this week. He has told me that he is engaged to a girl named Appletonj daughter of a Wall- street broker, and that shu and her mother are to meet him in Naples on the twentieth, for a tour in It tly. He leave? bete next Saturday, and will stay at the Cecil for ten days prior to leaving for Italy. He is evidently very well- off, and one of the reasons he is in England is to buy some jewellery as a wediling present for hia bride. The Marstons tell me that he is the s^n of old Jacob Kingborne, the great GaJifornian financier. I hope this information will satisfy you.-B." Harewolde, as all the world knows, was one of the centrbB of the smart set. The Marstons entertained the royalties frequently, and there were rumours of bridge-parties and high stakes. Why bad Sybil ghen this curious information ? Had the youne man Kinghorne been marked down as one of the vietime, and enticed to that fatal houxe ? There was no envelope, and the commencement of the letter was abrupt, as though it had been enclosed with some unsuspicious communi- cation. Having read it, I laid it down without comment, for it was my last desire to iucrimi- Iia.*e.'he poor unhappy woman, who, sborn of her brilliancy, was now leading such a strange and lowly life in that dull South London street. Yet could it be possible that she had acted for those blackguards as their secret agent in society ? The suggestion held me stupefied. At last Edwards aeconded the stairs with Horton, and another constable in plain clothes, and scrambled across the settle to where we stood. Ha carried in his hSDd a strong ladder of silken rope-wbich Pickering incident- ally remarked had once been the property of Crisp, the notable Llampstead burglar- together with another lantern, a ball of string, and a length of stout rope. Marvin and Edwards recrossed the improvised bridge, while Pickering, Horton and myaelf re- mained upon the lauding. Then, when we drew the settle away the two men pressed upon tbe etaiis, causing the whole to move forward upon the hinges at the edge of the landing and diBcloaing the black abyss. As soon as the pres- sure was released, however, the stairs swung back into their place again, there being either a spring or a counter-balancing weight beneath. This was the first difficulty that faced as, bat it was soon overcome by inserting the settle when the stairs were pushed apart, thus keeping them open. To the stout oak pillar which formed the head of the banister Pickering fixed the iops ladder ifrmly, autt with Marvin Hied its strength. I'll go down first, air," volunteered Edvwva r,le. Yon've got Llia lantern, Will you light it and let it down by the tllllg alter me ?" So with all of us breathlessly exesited the eilketi ladder waa thrown across to Edwards, whose round face beamed at the project of sibter- ranean exploration. Then, when the hup was lit and tied upon the string, be put his foot into tbe ladder, swung himself over the edge of the stairs and descended into the da.rknes8,.Pickerinl( lowering the lamp after him. We stood peering down at his descending figure, bot could discern but little eave the glimmering of the light, and the slow twinging bo ladder,: like a. pendulum. Great Mosea I" we beard "jHculate in amazement. Yet down, down, down he went, until it became apparent that he must have reached the end of the ladder, and now be sliding down the extra length of rope which Pickering had attached. All right, air," came np bU voice, sounding caverOOCA from the pitch darkness. "It's a jolly fanny palce down here, an' no mistake. Will yoa come down ? 1'01 releasing the lantern, Send down another, please. We'll want it." Pickering hauled In the string, attached Mar- vin's bull's-eye to it, and let it down again at once. The pit was of great depth, as shown by the length of cord. Then with an agility which vould have done credit to a much younger man, ÍJe swans: himself over on to the ladder. If you'd like to come down, Mr Hughes, yon mn follow mo," he exclaimed, as be disappeared into tbe darkness. Horton, hold your light over me. You two stay here. If anybody enters the place, arrest them quickly," Very well, sir," answered tbe man Horton, and the inspector went deeper down until only the trembling of the ladder betokenad bI" pre- sence there. All right, Mr Hughos. Come down, but be careful," he cried op presently, his voico sound- ing far away. have to slide down the roce for the last twelve feet or 10. Cling tight, and ba all right." I grasped the ladder, placed my foot into the first loop, and then with the lipht held over mo, went down, down, first into a place which seemed large and cavernous, and presently down a kind of circular well with black slimy walls which seemed to descend into tbe very bowel" of the earth. Below I could ber& tbe sound of rushing waters, but above tbem waa the inspector's encouraging voice, crying, All right. Now then, take the rope in your legs and slip straight down." I did ao, and a moment later found myself up to my knees in an icy cold stream, which sweet and gurgled about me. Pickering and bis Aasiatant stood at mv side, their iamps shining upon the dark subterranean flood. Is this the place yon remember ?" asked the inspector, shining his bull's-eye^ aronnd, and revealing that we were at the bottom of a kind of circular well which had on either aide two low arches or culverts. From the right the water rushed in with a swirling current, and by the opposite culvert it rushed oat, gargling and fillline the arch almost to its keystone. I saw that all the black slimy maaonry wa. of long flat IItoneø-a relic of ancient London it seemed to be. This isn't the place where I found myself," I said, much surprised. No, I suppose not," remarked tbe inspector. This is fresh water, from a spring somewhere, and through that ancient culvart there's prob. ably a communication with the main aower. When you fell, you were swept down there and otit into tbe main aawer at once-like a good many othera who have come down bere. It's anr awful death trap. Look up there," aad he shone bia lamp above my head, Don't yon aee that a bar of iron has been driven into the wall-and driven tbere recently, too, orit would have ruated a.way long ago in this damp." Well ?"I said, not quite following him. That's been put there so that the vcitims, in falling from the great height should strike against it, and be rendered unconscious before reaching the water. Look There's a bit of white stoff on it now-like silk from a lady's evening dress." And ante enough I saw at the end of that iron bara pieceof whitaatuff fluttering in the draught, the grim'relic of some nnfortunate woman who bad gone unconsciously to ber death. The dank, graesome place horrified me. Its terrible secrets held all three of ua appalled. Even Pickering himself shuddered. To explore further is quite impossible," he said. That culvert leads into tho main sewer, ao we mnst leave its exploration to the sewer- men. Lots of springs, of course, fall into tha sewers, but tbe exact apota of tbeir origin are un. known. They were found and connected when the sewers were oonstructed, and that's all. My own opinion," he added, is that thi" place waa originally the well of an ancient hoasa, and that tbe blackguards discovered it in the cellar, ex- plored it, ascertained that anything placed in it would be sucked down into that culvert, and then they opened np a way right throngh to the stairs." Tbe inspector's theory appeared to me to be a sound one. I expressed fear of tbe rising of the water with the automatic flushing of the sewers, bnt be pointed out that where we stood must be on a slightly higher level, judging from the way the water rushed away down the culvert, while on the aide of the well there was no recent mark of higher water, thus bearing out bis ideaXof a spring. Edwards Bwarmed up tbe rope and managed to detach the piece of ailk from the iron bar. WThen ba handed it to us we saw that though faded and dirty, it bad Deen a piece of rich brocade, pale bine upon a cream ground, while attached waa a tiny edging of pale bloe cbiffoo-from a woman's corsage, Pickerintr declared h to be-perhaps a scrap of the dress of the owner of that emerald necklet up above. After » minute inspection of the grim ancient walJswhlcb rose from a. channel of rook worn smooth by the action of tbe waters of ages, Pickering swarmed up the dangling rope, gained the ladder, and climbed back again, an example which I quickly followed, although my lega were so chilltd to the bone by the icr water that at first I fouud considerable difficulty in ascend- ing. Having gained the landing and been followed by Edwards, we drew up the ladder, lemoved tbe settle, allowed the fatal stairs to close again and then bridged it over aa before, While we had been below Horton, who was a, practised carpenter, bad mended tbe Jatch of ths front door, so that there should be no sat- picion of our entry. We all clambered across the settle, descended the stairs to tbe kaiement, and were soon engaged in aearching the down- stairs rooms and cellar. We bad found that tbe communication between tbe head of the well and tbe top of the boose was a rougbly constructed shaft of boards wben, of a sudden, while stand- ing at the foot of the kitchen ataira we were startled by hearing tbe sharp click of a key in the lock ot the front door aboe. In an instant we were silent, and stood to- gether breathless and listening. The dark slide alipped across the balFe-eve. It was truly aa exciting moment. Pickering, followed by Edwards and Marvin, crept noiseleBsly up the siairs, and while the person entering apparently bad some difficulty with the lock. they waited in the darkness. I stood behind the inspector, my heart beating quickly, listening intently. It was H n exciting moment standing ready in the pitch blackness of that silent house of doom. The latch caught, probably on account of its recent disarrangement, bat at last tbe hey lifted it, the door opened, somebody entered the ball, and quietly re-cloaed the door. Next instant Pickering sprang from bis hid- ing-place, crying I arrest yon on saapioion of being impli- cated in certain caseaof wilful murder committed in this bouse." Horton at that same moment flnshed bis lamp fall upon the fa.ce ol the person who had en- tered there so stealthily, and who, startled by the dread accusation, stood glaring like some wild animal brought to bay, bat motionless as though turned to atone. The lamp-flash revealed a white, haggard counteuanae. I saw it. I recognised it. A Jond crv of borror and amazement esceped me. Was I dreaming ? No. It was no dream, but a stern living reality—a truth that bewil- dered and staggered me utterly—a rim, awful truth which deprived me of the Dower of speech. (To be continued.)
-'--_r-------------LARGEST…
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-r- LARGEST CRUISER LAUNCHED. Duchess of Devonshire Indisposed. Another addition was made to tbe British Navy on Saturday by the launch of the armoured first-class cruiser Natal at Messrs Vickers, Sons and Maxim's naval construction works at Barrow. The Duchess of Devonshire, in tbe presence of the Duke of Devonshire, MrV. Cavendish, M.P., Sir W. Arbuckle, Agent-General for Natal, Mr B. Holland, representing the Colonial Office, and a distinguished company, christened the ship; which is the largest crciaer in the world. After the launch the Duchess of Devonshire was presented with a handsome hlna and old miniitnre casket, with a sapphire Beal, sur- monnted by a coronet of diamonds and pre- cious stones. Her Grace then teft. being JDdis, nosed. The Duke of Devonshire, speaking at a aubse- qnent luncheon, said they regretted that so large an amount of capital and ability had to be de- voted to the construction and maintenance of engines of destruction. Yet it waa only under such conditions that we were able to pnrsne in security and confidence the arts of peace. He believed the Natal would be the last oruiaer launched. In future their place woald be taken by fast battleships.
___--------._----_---COL.…
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COL. WYNDHAM-QUIN, M.P., ON CURRENT" POLITICS. Col. Wyndham-Qaiin, C.B., M.P., for Sooth Glamorgan, was the chief gueat at a supper and smoking concert held at the Danraveii Hall, Cadoxton-Barry, on Saturday evening in con- nection with the Junior Conservative Club and Institute. Mr W. Thomas, J.P., The Haye3, occupied tbe chair, and there was a, large attend- ance. Advantage was taken of the occasion to introduce Mr J. Littlejohns, tbe new agent, in the place of Mr J. A. Lovat Eraser, the latter having boen elected president of the local association. Col. Wynriham-Quin, M.P., re- ferred to the Anglo-Japanese Alliance as being of the greatest importance in the maintenanceof peace in the Far Eist. As to the introduction of Chinese labour in South Africa, it had, he j contended, been justified by the circumstances in which the country was placed after the war, and in the Education Act be saw tbe possibility of a permanent solution of many difficulties, if the Act was justly and fairly administered. (Applause.) Mr J. Littleiohns and Mr J. Lovat biusar also BD3ke. I
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L i~ í William There's one thing about Miss Charm in's hoase I don't Jike.- Arthur What's that —William Her father.
I BRIOGEWATER CASE.
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I BRIOGEWATER CASE. Love and Forgery. COURTSHIP AN AID TO CRIME. CONVICT'S AMAZING STORY At Wetminstet" on Saturday Talbot Bridge- water (49), medical specialist, who at one time practised in Cardiff Lionel Peyton Holmes (53), bis assistant, both of Oxford-street William Edward Sbackell (49), described as a surveyor, of Bnektnsham-street. Portland-place; and Elizabeth Coster (63), who was arrested at Ingle- side, Seaferd, Sussex, were charged on remand with forgery and conspiracy in connection with the theft of blank cheqnes from a cheque book owned by Mr Marshall t'ox, an American entle- man, and the ntt«ring of a forged cheque for over £ 800 in his name. Mr Muir, wboappaarsd on behalf of the Pablic Prosecutor, said Bridgewater had for years carried on a business which he called that of a medical specialise Whatever badness was done of a medical line, tbere would be abundant evi- dence to show that Bridgewater at Oxford-street was engaged in conspiring, organising and carry- ing out extensive forgeries. Bridgewater, added counsel, bad ucqcaintaQCe with criminals of the bank thief and lorger class, whose namas woald transpire in thia inquiry. The female prisoner was a frequent visitor at Oxford-street, and evi- dence would be given that she had passed bank notes, the proceeds of a forgery on the Con- tinent. The Amsrican convict-witness Fisher, alias Dean, waa the associate of all tbsprisoners, and would detail how he was put np by Bridge- water for a job which the accused persons had had under observation for nearly a year. Mr Muir, continuing, said Bridgewater for the pnrpose of the business made love to a lady secretary in the employment of Mr Fox, and Fisher went to her flat and obtained lodgings. Impressions were obtained of her keys, also a specimen of Mr Fox'a handwriting, and Fisher after a successful entry into the American gentleman s office, Rot blank cheques from the safe. Sbackelf" scratched the cheque m question, and Bridgewater and Holmes, who went out together, afterwards told Bisher they had "touched." The female prisoner would be well identified as having travelled to London and the Continent. She was compelled to write a name on the back of one of the notes, and sbe wrote E'. Smith." Subse- quently the bj>dy secretary saw Bridgewater, and told him of the robbery. He pretended to sym- pathise with her, bat bis object was doubtless to get information aa to bow mncb the police knew. Holmea was arrested and sent for trial. An alibi defence waa supported by Bridgewater. The jury twice disagreed, and a nolle pro- cequi was entered into with the view of trying to get further evidence. Fisher's statement, conceded Mr ofmr, had enabled the CrowD to complete a case against the prisoners. Mr Marshall Fox was called, and was farther examined by Mr Bodkiu. His offices, be said, were in Vlctoria-street; in a building where a great many other persons had offices. There were two or three doora to tbe offioe, anj dif. ferent keys would be required for the diflerent doors. The safe was kept in his room. How many keys to the door of the safe were there ?—So far as 1 knew only two-I bad ODe and Miss Toovey the other. Miss Toovey waa my clerk, and bad been with me for eight or nine years. Charles Robert Fisher, a convict, was called by the Treasury. Mr Mnir Yon are at present undergoing a sentence of six months' hard laboar at Worm- wood Scrubbs ?—Witness Yes. You were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court in July last for uttering counterfeit coin ?—Yes. At tbe same time yoa were senteuced to 10 years penal servitude to ran concurrently ?— Yes. that was for office breaking in the City. Mr Muir banded to tha witness a. thin, oblong box of red wax, which he recognised as having been in his possession ac the time of arrest. The witness said it waa used for taking the impres- sions of beys. He was an American, and had known Bridgewater about four years. The prisoner Bridgewater May I say that I have never seen this man before in my life ? Mr Muir; Let a. note be taken, Dleaae, of that important interruption. Continuing, witness said he knew Holmes I also, and used to meet him at Bridgewater'e sargerv. SbackelJ had also been at the olbee. Mr Muir What was Sbackell doing there ? Witness He was in the consulting room fold. ing circulars, receiving patients and the like. Did yon know the woman ?—I was given to understand that she Wall the doctor's wife. Continuing, the witness said that oncoming out of prison after serving his last sentence in Jnne of last year bo called on the doctor, for he wanted some money and something to do. The doctor told bim about "For," and said his office was in Victoria-streot. Fox," he said, was an American, and a pretty strong man financially, and probably bad £20,000 or £30,000 worth of 8t:mes-dia.moDds-in the aafe. He said also that hi" account Nas probably good for fSO.fXX) or 000, and that we might get £7,000 I was to h^ve a third nf the money, lie said 1 most get sonce returned cancelled olseqnes and some blank cheque forms. He told me I bad bettei try to get lodgings at the houiIJ8 of a. Miss Toovey, at Streatham. He said that Miss Toovey had been a patient of his, and that he bad go* a lot of information from her. Two or three weeks after coming cuf of prison, continued the witness, be took lodgings at Miss Toovey's bouse. His object in going thare was to get holcKrf the keys of Mr office and take a wax impression. On tbe second or third day after bo bad been in the hoase Miss Toovey loft ber handbag on the dining-room table. She went into the garden to water the grass, and during her absence he took an im- pression of tbe keys. This impression ho handed to the doctor, who undertook to have the keys made. The keys were completed in two or three days, and the witness tried them on the office door. The impressions were not perfect, how- ever, and one of the keys broke in the lock, and ths piece remained in the Jock. The witness added I told the doctor about this, and aaid it might be found out in the morning. I was afraid to go back to my lodgingB, bat it wau decided that it wonld be the best for me to do so, for ihsn I should beRr if the attempt bad been detected." What else did the doctor toll you to do ?« Ha said I bad better get frash impressions. How did you manage to do that ?—One morn ing I palled ap a plant in the arden, and when Miss Toovey came home I told her aotneone bad been at the plants. She went down to fix it up, leaving her bag npstaits, and in tier apsence I Rot; another impression. From thl. the doctor had another set of keys made. Three copies of each key were made, each one a little different from tha other. Taking each key. I paid another visit to tho office,'and, after trying several doors. found one at the end of the passage which I could open. L just opened the door and suat it again and left tbe bailding. On tbe next occa- sion when I went 10 the office I ran across to the safe and tried tbe key. and found that it would work, and then ran ont again. There was no time to do anything else. Abont what time was this 1-That wonld be about 10 o'clock iu tbe morning. The next visit I paid I was accompanied by Dr. Bridgewater. it wa.s one morning about 10 o'clock, before Miss Toovey had got to the office. I went to the office while tho doctor watched for the coming of Miss Toovoy, ;n order to give me warning of her p. proach anrl let me have an opportunity of getting out of the office. On that occasion, 1 opened the BRfeo, took ont a, cheque book, and tore out two or thiee cheques from it. I also got several cancelled cheques to serve as copies of the signature. The doctor did not like to follow this eignatuie, for it was foar or five years old, and hia handwriting might possibly have changed. The doctor suggested, tberelore, that I should get a copy of Mr Fox's signature from Miis Toovey. How did yon manage that 7—One Sunday after- noon I was talkin with her, and led the con- versation to references. She said Mr Fox bad given her one, and showed me the letter, which was in a scrap book. The next day (Monday) I took that letter out of tbe book, and banded it Sbackell. On the Wednesday, when be returned it, I replaced it. Witness added that while he waa in the office be looked into Mr Fox's pass book, to see how tho bank balance stood, and reported to Bridge- water that he thought it would stand about £ 3, COO. Mr Muir What did Bridgewater say ? Witneaa H6 said he had better get a bit of ready first and make a 11 piece for £ 600. ready first and make a piece for £600 Shackall met us at the office one Monday, and did a "piece" it was not very good. Holmes waft there at the time, acd we all examined the cheque, aud came to tbe conclusion that the signature was not sufficiently good. It was too shaky. The doctor told him he had better get home, and take a rest, an appoint- ment was made for the next day. It was stilj too shaky, however, and the doctor told him to take a tonic and straighten up- (Laughter). On the Wednesday Shackel! waa better, and was left bv himself in a room to make a piece for £800, and I believe he also made one for £600. At this stage the prisoners were hutuer remanded for" wgek.
-------------.---CONGREGATION…
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CONGREGATION IN PERIl. Wesleyan Mission Hall on Fire. A monster meeting had boen arranged for Saturday night in connection with the new Wes- leyan mission hall at Li nacre, a. suburb of Liver- pool. Thore were close on 2,000 people in the building when jastprior to the commencement of the proceedings the roof was found to be on fire, A minister requested the congregation to keep calm, and the Benediction wis pronounced, and the psople left the bnifding quickly, a came being averted. Several women however fainted. Bootle Fire Brigade extinguished the flames in three bonre. The scene outside the buildin was extraordinary. One fireman was badly injured. Rev. C. H. Kelly, president of tbe Wesleyan Conference, was on tbe platform.
--__-------_._ 'IPRESIDENT…
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'I PRESIDENT IN AN ACCIDENT. Mr Roosevelt's Carriage Collapses Oyster Bay, Satordav.—While President i }{oosine!t and his family were driving to the Htation here to-day to entrain for Washington, Onp of the rear axles splintered, and the darriaue I collapsed. The coachman stopped the horses immediately, thas perhaps avoiding "eenOtls accident,—Beater.
¡Pastor's Double Life.
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¡ Pastor's Double Life. FORMER TREDEGAR MINISTER DEPOSED. POSING AS SINGLE AND COURTING A SCHOOL TEACHER j The" Minneapolis Times publishes the following report with reference to the Rev. Z. Henry Lewis, a Baptist minister, who left Tre- degar about three years ago, Mr Lewis went to Tredegar Siloh Baptist Church from Cardiff. He j stayed a couple of years, and then a dispute Tredegar Siloh Baptist Church from Cardiff. He j stayed a couple of years, and then a dispute | arose which cnlminated in the pastor bringing J an action for libel against a member of the con- gregation and securing a verdict and "matt damages at Swansea Assizej. This was in 1902, but in conseqnence of the dispute Mr Lewis sub- sequently resigned the pastorate, and with a following organised new cbarch which is still in existence. Later he went out to Canada to do literary work for a brother who is connected with a newspaper, and obtained fresh ministerial work. He is deaeribed as being an excellent preacher and good organiser. The organ of the Baptist denDmin&eion of America has previously published a report of the case. The Minne- apolis Times of September 13th says ;— I Rev. Henry Lewis, pastor of the firHt Bap- tist Church of Pella, Iowa, recently arrested and convicted of stealing several tings fiom a local department store, and now confronted with » more serious charge by a young woman of Man- kato, with whom be is alleged to have been on more serious charge by a young woman of Man- ■ kato, with whom be is alleged to have been on more than friendly terms, waa yesterday deposed from the Baptist ministry by a special Council called for that purpose. The call for a Bpecial Conncil was made by the First Bantist Chnrch of Pella, of which the shorn minister was pastor. Here the tilings of his misconduct caused a gieat sensation, as Mr Lewis waa considered one of the best pastors tha church had ever had. Lewis had a wife and five children residing in the little Iowa town, and this was one of the principal factors in the calling of the Council, as it is claimed that ao action is now pending there, charging him with Don-90pport. Rev. Mr Lewis's downfall is said to have come about largely through a woman at Mankato.with whom he became infatuated several years ago. A large part of the pastor's vacation was spent with her this summer, it is alleged, and when be came to this city it is said that he purloined rings from local stores to give to the Mankato woman. This woman, it is claimed, did not know that the Pella pastor was married, and she is now pre- paring new charges against him. At its special meeting this morning the Council passed the following resolutions expelling the pastor and excommunicating him from the church :— Whereas the First Baptist Church of Pella. Iowa, issued in due form a call for a Council to meet at the St .James's Hotel, Minneapolis, Minn., September 12th, 1905, to advise them concerning charges against Rev. Z. Henry Lewis, their recent pastor, of conduct unbe- coming a minister of the Gospel; and whereas, in pursuance to said call, the following Churches sent as delegates to said Council :— First Baptist Church, Pella. Iowa, Rev. ft. R. Sadler;First BaptistChurch.Minneapolis, Minn. Rev. A. J. Frest. D.D., Rev. L. L. Lansings, Rev. L. M. Waterman Cahary Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minn., Rev. Arthur Fowler, D.D., Judge John D4y Smith. J. W. Allen; Trinity Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minn., Rev. L. A- Crandall, D.D., Rev. O. A. Williams, D.D., U. R or a back First Baptist Church, Richfield, Minn.. Rev. C. D. Blaker, E. F. Erwin, ;1. H. Palmer, and also bv invi- tation of the Pella Church, Rev. E. R. Pope, RODerintendent of Minnesota Baptist State Missions, and by invitation of tho Council, C. M. Stocking, superintendent of the Union Gospel Mission, Minneapolis, Minn., and Whereas, this Council having duly examined into tbe charges against said Rev. Z. Henry Lewis, recent pastor of the First Baptist, Pella, Iowa, of petty larceny of which he haa been convicted and sentsnced by the Municipal Court of Minneapolis, Minn., and of pro- longed and deliberate deception towards a lady of high character, not his wife, who was led to suppose she was engaged to become his wife, and Whereas, at the invitation of this Council, Mr Lewis appeared before it and gave bis own explanation of his alleged misconduct, there- foie Resolved, that in view of conviction in couit cencerning the first charge, and the unanimous opinion that the second charge wail folly sustained before this Council, that this Conncil recommend to the First Baptist Church of Pella, Iowa, that the said Rev. Z. Hemy Lewis be deposed from the Christian ministry and excluded from said church. It was voted by this Council that the above unanimous finding of the Council be published in tbe" Baptist Record of Pella, Iowa, tbe "Standard of Chicago, Illinois, the North- western Baptist of Winnipeg, Man., and daily paper; of Minneapolis, Minu. E. R. Pope, chairman L. M. Waterman, clerk.
MR JOHN O'CONNOR, M.P., IN…
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MR JOHN O'CONNOR, M.P., IN SOUTH WALES. Meeting at Cardiff. In anticipation of the next Genertl Election the Irish Parliamentary party are organising an active campaign throughout tbe country, in order to ensure that Irish affairs shall be thoroughly understcod by the electors. On Sunday afternoan at St. David's Hnll, Bare- terrace, a large gathering of Cardiff Irishmen was addressed by Mr John O'Connor, M.P. for North Kildare. Alderman P. W. Carey, J.P who presided, introduced Mr O'Connor, stating it was 20 years —curing tbe csnvention—since tbey bad bad tbe hon. gentleman in Cardifl before. 10 Cardiff, be laid. tbey were peculiarly situated. With so many divided counsels as to what should be doue he thought it was very necessary they should rely implicitly on the advice they shoald receive from the executive in London. Mr Harry Duggan movod a. resolalion pledging the meeting to its adhesion to the prin- cipleB of the United Irish League, and Ha con- fidence in the united Parliamentary party under the leadership of Mr John Redmond. Mr P. O'Bryau seconded. Mr O'Connor, who rose to support the motion, I wis heartily cheered. He assured the meeting that their confidence was not misplaced in the leadership of Mr John Redmond. (Loud cheers.) lIe had very lately, through a remarkable stroke of statesmanship, displayed ability which bad won for him the admiration of evsn the worst foea of Ireland. He it was who declared, when Mr Balfour attempted to cut down th Irish representation, that ancb an act, by the bitter enemies of their native land, would not be carried out without an historical struggle. (Cheers.) Proceeding to deal with internal affairs which threatened the unity of his party, the bon. member said he was confident that the highly respected man, Mr William O'Brien, who endangered that unity at the present moment, would be taught by tba determined unity of the Irish people at home and abroad, that the only way to perform the reforms he desired wke by joining the party's ranks llied the Use of per- suasion. Another thing, he said, almost as bad as disunion was the stale of indllIorence they were iD, Ireland wanted not only a united nation, but a, united psople throughout the land. As a, democratic party tbeysupported democratic measurea in the House, and sat side by side Trade Union members. He believed that in the future there woald be a strong Irish party and a strong Labour party, well united together, who would make an impression upon the House, aad win from the reluctant classes of legisla- tors that bad for so many years monopo- lized government, the rights and liber- ties that Labour and the Irish people were always entitled to. (Loud cheers.) Mr Balfour remained in office till the end of next year for the purpose of lowering their representation, and tbis being so, be urged local Irishmen to join together. (Applause.) The Icsolation was unanimously carried. Dr. J. MuHin. J. P., proposed a vote of thanks to the hon. gentleman, and Mr W. O'Neill seconded. The latter said it was their duty as Irishmen and Catbolica to band themselves against the common enemy, who tfrould crash their country and their schools as well. The Rev. Father Hayde made a few remarks, and the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman. Tredegar and Rhymney Visited. Mr John O'Connor, M.P. for North Rildare. addressed a meeting under the auspices of The Daniel O'Connell Lodge of the United Irish League at the Crusade Hall, Tredegar, on Fri- day night, The Rev. P. Mackeay presided. Mr O'Connor aaid the fight for Irish freedom bad continued down the ages, and was proceeding in their own days, As a humble member of tho Irish Pariiatn|ntaty party he claimed that they deserved tho confidence of the Irish people. (Applause.) iruere never was a party sent to the House of Commons that had been so severely ttied, al that had come out of the ordeal with greater dignity and credit. (Applause.) ,H6 a.p. pealed foe the support of his hearers. A vote of confidence in the Irish Parliamentary pirty waa noanriKOusly adODted. Mr O'Connor addressed a meeting at the Vic- toria Hall, Khymney, on Saturday night. Dr. Mullin, Cardiff, presided, and was supported by Messrs G. McGregor, organiser of the Booth Wales District; Jerry Gaivin, W. McNamara, Newport, and Humpbray Cochlin, Merfchyr. Mr O'Connor said the Irish I people were not going to support the Liberal party unless the cause of Ireland was included in their programme. (Ilear, ben.)
ELECTRIC CAR COLLISION.I
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ELECTRIC CAR COLLISION. Alarming Aflair at Swansea. An exciting collision between two electric cars occurred at Swansea on Sunday evening. Car j No. 9 (drher W. Bowen) was proceeding from j Cwmbwrla to Swansea, but it was found impos- ftible, owing to tbe greasy state of th» metals, to reach the Waun Wen siding, There is a. steep incline at this point, and the car ran on to tbe single line, on which No. 8 car (driver E. Hedges) was ascending. Hodges had the presence of mind to reverse bis car ou seeing that control had been lost of car 9, aad thus the colli- sion whch occurred was rendeied less severe. Nevertheless tbe caia came into somewhat violent contact, and both sKidded along together for about iOO yards before they could be brought to a standstill. leanwbile the grcatest alarm prevailed amongst the pa*seueers of both cars, but fortunately only one passenger, named I Griffiths, was injured, and that slightly. The > damage to the cars was not great.
Glamorgan Chamber of ! Agriculture,
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Glamorgan Chamber of Agriculture, I FARMERS AND POLITICS. Question of Railway Rates, VEGETABLE MATTER IN WOOL The quarterly meeting of the Glamorgan j Chamber of Agriculture as held at the Hotel 1 Metropole, Swansea, on Saturday, wben there were present Messrs R. Forrest ,'in the chair), D. I T. Alexander (bon. secretary), W. J. Rees, G. Lipscomb, Robert Dancan, D. Tbotna3, E. Bramley, R. H, Wallace, Illtyd Thomas, John Thomas, E. Hoskins, H. Pritchard, E. Akers, the Rev. John Jenkins, jind Hubert Alexander (acting secretary). The Chairman saia he desired to express his sense )f the loss the Chamber had sustained by tbe death of their old friend, Mr Ignatius Wil- liams. a gentleman who had taken a very active part in the work of ths Chamber. The Chairman reported that it bad not so far beeu possible to fix a date for the visit of the Minister of Agriculture, but it was hoped to kat bim down in November. Farmers and Politics. Mr Robert Dancan introduced tbe subject of "Farmers and Politics," explaining that the question had nothing to do with either political party, but tha influence farmers could exercise in Parliament. his subject was to be disensaed at the Farmers' Convention to be held at Dar- lington, the idea being tbat farmers were not sufficiently alive to tbeir own interests, which had been too long subordinate, and tbe proposal had been too long subordinate, and tbe proposal was to bring farmers together on a common platform in order to concentrate their interest on subjects of general importance, to select a Central Council and Standing Committee, and make the organisation effective for prompt and united action. This proposal had been discussed by farmers' organisations all over the kingdom, and in no case bad he noticed anything adverse to the proposition. Considering tbat the agrienltaral industry had a capital of three times that of any other industry in the kingdom, and that of the 32 million quarters of wheat aud Soar required in twelve months tbevonly prodaced one-fourth, it seemed to him that something like what was proposed was absolutely necessary for the proper safe- guarding ot tbe intsreste of thl". agriculturists engaged. He suggested, therefore, that the Chamber might with advantage send a delegate to tbe Darlington conference, and he proposed that Mr Meyler Thomas be invited to accept tbe positiou and empowered to act according to his discretion. Mr Edward Akers seconded, and said Mr Lopg bad recently agreed tbat very little attention was given in tbe House of Commons to' arlcQJture. Questions were brought before the House witboat tbe slightest result, a.nd this would continue to be the case till agriculture was properly organised. The nay. John Jenkins supported, saying at present anything bearing on agriculture in the House was dropped because tbere was no back- ing. The Chairman said there was no doabt what- ever tbe proposal indicated a proper coarse to adopt. The: difficuI ty was to get farmers to work together. The resolution was carried unanimously. Vegetable Matter in Wool. A letter was read from the Bradford Chamber drawing attention to complaints made by spinners and manufacturers, witb referonce to tbe percentage of vegetable matter in English wool, and drawing attention to the subject with the object of some remedial action being taken. Those matters only get into the wool through inadvertence through grass, straw, &c.. getting wound about th fleeces, and binder twine being used. Thill might appear trivial to wool growers, but it was a very serious matter to manafac- tniers, becanae vegetable fibre refused to take the dye like wool will. The Chairman said it was obvious they should send a copy of this letter to tbe members as well an the Boardjof Agriculture leaflet dealing with the subject. Mr Rees said be bad already distributed the leaflat atnoiigat tbe tenants on Sir John Llewslyn's estate. The Chairman said lack of attention to a detail such as that callod attention to might account for the lower prices of those who did not take sufficient care with their fleeces, and Mr \V. J. Reea added that what was complained of occurred after sheafing had taken place by the throwing of the fleeces into barns and allowing tbem to mix up with straw, &c. He had seen them in a most filthy condition, and as a precau- tion bad sent tbe leaflet referred to out in botb Welsh and English. Mr D. T. Alexander Wished wool growers to understand how essential it was that their wool should be placed on one side carefully, and not mixed up with other matter which bad a dele- terious effect on it. The chairman's suggestion was adopted. Railway Rates. Mr Wallaco (agricultural lecturer for Glamor- ganshire) called attention to a circular from the Board of Agriculture with reference to the hold- ing of conferences between agricnlturists and railway companies. Tbe letter drew attention to the fact that the Board had in the eastern part of the kingdom arranged one or two vtry successful conferences between representatives of Cftambers of Agriculture and farmers' claba and representatives of railway companies, and tbe suggestion was that in each locality informa- tion should be got as to grievances with respect to rates, and when these were tabulated and sent to the Board tbe latter would send down aqaaiified officer who woald ask the companies to meat and discuBs the grievanceo in conference. Mr R. Duncan said they woald find that all rates for hay and straw, if they asked for details, were made up of a charge for loading into truck, tieing, and unloading, though as a rule iu bis district the loading was done by the sender and unloading bv the consignee. He should like farmers to understand that unless tbere was something bpecial in the rates, all those charges were included, bat if tbey loaded and the con- signees noloaded they ware entitled to a. rebate. He suggested that the secretary should issue an intimation to all members inviting them to send particulars of any cases where they thought the rates excessive. Mr Hoakin gave instances where tbe rate to Abeidare was greater from Bath than from Ireland for the same produce. Mr Pritchard suggested that the railway com- panies' rates should be tabulated. The Chairman The companies are boand to keen rate boolrs at all the stations. Mr Yes, but to an ordinary. Dereou a rate book is like Greek. Mr W. J. Rets said farmers were too loath to part from; old customs. If farmers would only show a greater inclination to send their produce away, and so encourage railway companies, he believed they wonld find the companies reapy to meet them. Mr Lipscomb moved tbat the question be referred to the local Councils for discussion dur- ing the winter. Mr W. J. Rees seconded, and this was agreed to, Lord Roberts's Circular. A circular emphasising the necessity of all people being drilled and taught to shcot was lead, and, on the suggestion of tbe Chairman, it was agreed to givp it their blessing." Board of Agriculture Leafiati. On the motion of Mr Illtyd Thomas it was agreeù "taat the attention of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries be called to the ad- I visability of utilising the Post Offices for the I sale and distribution of its leaflets, and for the dissemination of information, such as weather forecasts, etc.,useful to farmers, and that au index of the leaflets and all other information obtainable be exhibited at such vest offices; that a copy of the resolution be sent to tbe Beard of Agriculture and the Central Chamber, and that each membar of the Chamber be sent the whole eight sections of leaflets now issued by the Board of Agriculture." Agricultural Education. Mr Akers called attention to the fact that wbile tbe grant for agricultural education and research in Glamorgan amounted to £8,65S, only £349 was spent on agricultural education, and it was decidsd, on the motion of Mr D. T. Alexander, that a deputation representing the Chamber should wait on tbe Agricultural Com- mittee of the County Conneil with UI8 object of getting tbe amount expended increased. A letter was read from tbe Glamorgan County Council on tbe course adopted in enforcing the provisions of tbo Fertiiisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, and it was decided to circulate it amongst the members.
UNDESIRABLE VISITORS.
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UNDESIRABLE VISITORS. At a special sitting of tbe Newport Borough Police Court on Saturday two mud-bespattered ex-Artillerymen named Joseph Henry Burge, described as of Llandaff-rtreet, and John Fitz- gerald, ol Adam-street, Cardiff, weie charged with being drunk and disorderly at Newport an Friday night. When next yon get drnnk," said Mr Cordey in fining Fitzgerald 5'5, "please stop at CardiCf." Burge, who was stated to bail from the Emerald Isle, was in a highly pugna- cious mood, for according to P.C. Daviea he chal- lenged a number of military men in the crowd to fight.—ljieutenanc-Colonel Phillips It is a great pity that these fighting men don t remain in the ranks. Both men. I see, have excellent I' records.— Burge was fined 10s. William Webb. a familiar figure at the Cardiff Riverside Station-approach, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Dock street. It was stated that Webb was shouting r, number of unprintable obaorvatiou9i at the top of his voice. The constable proceeded to give a few samples, when he was puiled up by tbe magis- samples, when he was puiled up by tbe magis- trates, who said tbey had Webb's phraft-ology in writing before them. Webb was fined 21s, or I one month.
-------------------_.-ACCIDENT…
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ACCIDENT ON THE RHYMNEY. Fireman Loses a Limb. Eva-n Darby (22), a fireman, of Seugybenydd, I in the employ of the Rbyainey Railway, was engaged in coupling an engine the Seng henydd passenger train al the end o. Caerphilly Station platform on Saturday, when he slipped I under tbe engine, wbich passed o-ç-er bls lega completely severing it. He was cenveyed to ths Cardiff Infirmary.
[No title]
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At Abergavenny on Sunday morning Mr E. V Tonkin, cycle dealer, was handling a gan when it exploded and caused serious injayies to ni* band. He waa taken to the Cotlaga Hospital and detained..
.-õ ESCAPED LION
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-õ ESCAPED LION e A Keeper Scalped. I LADY PERFORMER*~BADLY MAULED, A Selby correspondent telegraphs Tb« ancient abbey town of Selby was thrown iate j excitement on Saturday night by a thrilling incident which occurred at a show given by ia travelling circus and menagerie. Chipperfield'f! French menagerie, travelling from Leeds en route for Hall, arrived at Selby on Saturday morning, and the tent was eracted at Micklegats in order that performances might be given in the evening. The last performance commenced at 10 o'clock, w ben there were abont 200 townsfolk in the circas tent. One of the items of tbe performance was an act in which Miss Amyil Mercella entered the cage I of tbe lioness. Norma Lowdtarno, the animal's trainer. was opening the cage door, in order thai he and Miss Mercella might enter, when the lioneBs suddenly boanded at the balf-open door. One of her paws struck the trainer's arm, caus- ing a somewhat serioas injury. Miss Mercella, who found herself right in the path of the infuriated arimal, fared worae. The lioness came down heavily npon her, and the five outstretched claws of one foot made five terrible woands on the right arm. The audience, panic-stricken at the sight of the lioness in the arena. flew oatside, and in a few seconds thebaildins was cleared. The trainer and keepers then tried to re-capture tbe animal. The men, about a dozen in number, made a circle roand her, and tried to lassoo ber with ropes. The bead keeper, Henry Wesley, of Coventry, getting close to the lioness in attempting to secure her, was fiercely attacked. She bounded at his bead,mauling him terribly. The scalp was shockingly torn, and one of his arms was badly wonnded. A laisoo was eventually thrown over the ani. mal's bead, bnt she still continaed tbe straggle, roaring savagely the wbile. After 20 minutes' work, when the animal waa half strangled, the men were able to drag her back into ber cage. Wesley was taken to the Cottage Hospital, where his scalp was sewn' up. He is pro- gressing favourably Miss Mercella ilS. also in hospital, and her arm may have to be amputated, Oar correspondent was informed by one of the managers that they had always bad trouble with her, and her trainer had several times been attacked. This was the first occaaion,.howevex^on which the beast had escaped.
———————* The National Budget
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——————— The National Budget A PROSPEROUS SIX MONTHS. The Tceaaury on Saturday night issaed an account of the revenue of the United Kingdom for the first half of the current financial year. In his Budget statement last April the Chancellor of the Exchequer estimated the national revenue for the 12 months would be £142,454,000, which, after allowing for a drop of one and a half millions by reason of his redac- tion in the tea duty, represents a decrease of £936,000 as compared with bh estimate for the last financial year. The total paid into tbe Exchequer from all sources during the six months ended Saturday waa £57,590,249, showing a net increase ot £25.857 over the sum received during the corres- ponding half of last year. In the first quarter of the current year tbere was a falling off in re- ceipts of (though this was to be expected in conseqnence of the delay in clearing tea until Juiy 1st. when the reduced duty came into operation), but the second quarter has shown an improvement in practically every department except excise, a.ud a net increase on the last three months of £964,767 wipes oat tbe deficit on the first Qoarter and leaves, as already ex- plained, a slight margin of £25.000. On the whole the returns for thefiratsiz months are of a satisfactory character, and given the same favourable tendencies during the re- minder of tbe year there would appear to be ground for anticipating that the Badgat esti- mate will be realised.
LORD CURZON AND INDIA.
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LORD CURZON AND INDIA. Eloquent Speech at Simta. Simla, Friday.—Lord Carzon. replying to the toast of his health at a dinner given in his honour by the United Service Clab this eveuing, observed that the relations between the local and Imperial Governments ha.d never been so free from friction as at present. This result wae nartly due to recent surpluses, but it also re- flected a positive desire on the part of the Imperial Government to avoid pettty overruling. Referring to tbe creation of the Frontier pro- vince, tbe Viceroy said that it had given peace on the border, and substituted the prompt despatch of cases for English delay. He would indulge in no boast, bat whilst frontier warfare from 1894 to 1899 cost foar and half millions sterling, the operations of the last seven years bad only cost a quarter of a million. ConcloH icg, he flaW: India is in some respects a hard taskmaster. She takes toll of health, epirlts. and endurance. A man's love for the country is apt to be soured by calumny, his passion for work to be checked by obstacles encountered, his conception of duty chilled by delay. Such have been sometimes my own feelings, but this is only an epbemeral oppression. When it comes cast it off, It is not the real sentiment of the Indian race, for we feet we never shall ha.ve sacb a life again, as crowded with oppor- tunity, instinct with duty, and touched with romance. We forget rebuff, and a.re indifferent to slander and pain. We remember only the noble caase for which we have worked together." Lord Curzon was greatly touched by the pro- longed applause which followed bis-speech. Lady Curzon listened to tbeapsech from the verandah. —Renter. Simla, Satnrdav. — Lord CarzoDwül leave Simla on October 23rd, when be will proceed to Debra Dan to inspect tbe Imperial Cadet Corps. His Excellency will then go to Jamma in order to invest the Maharajah of Kashmir with higher powers, and after visiting Lahore and ludore, will arrive at Bombay in time to wel- come the Prince a.nd Princess of Wales. He ■ ill sail from Bombay on November 13th after meeting Lord Minto, the naw Viceroy. This change of programme is believed to be due in a. great measure to the wishes of the King. The arrangement by which Lord Cozzon will meet the Prince and Princess of Walea gives general pleasure.—Renter.
RELIGION OF SOCIALISM.
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RELIGION OF SOCIALISM. Evidence of the increasing popularity of the Independent Laboar party movement at Cardiff is afforded by the crowded meetings held at the Premier Hall, St. Jobn's-square, on Snndsy eveniugs. On Sunday evening the lecturer was Mrs Stiowden, wife of Mr P. Snow den. chairman of the National Independent Labour party. Speaking on the" Religion of Socialism," Mrs Snotvden said sbe conld personally testify to the good influence derived from a sound teaching in a Christian Church, and it was such teaching that had converted her to Socialism. Unfortu- nately, most Christians seemed against the principles tbeparty held, chiefly through a vague association of ideas that they wre atheists, mate*ialisis, and" bat not. They were a party, free and independent, welcomed everybody to their ranks who believed io helping tbe poor and stirring to better the present scandalous system of industrialism. (Applause.) Questions were sometimes asked at their meetings whether tbey believed in the Divinity of Christ. She would like to unow whether such qaestions were asked at a Tory or Liberal publiomeeting. (Cries of No.") Then it was irrelevant the.t such ques- tions sboald be asked at I.L.P. meetings. The religion of the Socialist was a religion of the streets, not of tho stars; tbey considered powerful prayers and the upheaval of the arms towardr tbe heavens, accompanied with long faces, was all cant, wben the persons who did it belied in their daily lives tho profession they made. The person Wb3 did not pray—the atheist, if they JiJrej-but carrisd out the principles of Obria", religion was infinitely more acceptable than tbe hypocrite, the latter being the trae type of atheist. Cant, she said, was a hundred times worse than atheism. Socialists believed in the life of Christ, and tried to follow it; tbey did not lay so mach importance on Christ's death. They eODld not think of the celestial palaces of Heaven when tbey bad to contend with tbe vile hovels on this earth, and if their faith in the glorious things in heaven were lessened it was pardonable. They absolutely refused to believe it was God's will that drunkards sbould disgrace their towns, the unfortanate women shoald their .streets, and that the family of c man out of vcrk shoald starve. Their religion was to better these conditions, and the speaker appealed for assistance in tbis direction. Mra J. Dawson presided at the meeting, and she was supported by Mrs J. Taylor. The vocalist was Mrs T. B. Daviea.
8ü... ----------------ADMIRALTY…
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8ü. ADMIRALTY REPAIRS. A Cardiff Firm on the List. Some time ago the Cardiff Channel Dry Docks and Pontoon Company, Limited, made applica- tion to the Admiralty to be placed on the list for repairs to his Majesty's ships. The company on Saturday wert officially informed by the Admi. ralty that their requea: bad been acceded to. Tbe intimation is one of importance to the port. inasmuch at this is the first Bristol Channel company to be thas recognised by tbe Govern- ment. The letter of the Admiralty is as fol- lows :— ""26tb September, 1505. GentTemen,- With reference to the recent inspection of your works by an Admiralty officer, in connection with your application to be placed on the Admiralty lot of contractors for repairs, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to inform you that your name has been added to the list cf firms eligible to carry cat repairs and refits to tbe hails and machinery of his Majasty's ehiDs up to and including second ca6S cruisers.—I am, gentlemen, "four obedient servant, Evan MeGreggor."
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At tbe recent examination of the Central Weleh Board Newport Intermediate School boys obtained foar honours, six senior, and ten junior certificates. Girls' school, seven senior certifi- cites .inct 27 junior certificates. T4ie Board of Education has written tbat the work at tbegirls' school continues to bo of thesair,^ good standard, and tbat the work at the school is goodt and the school well organised.