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The War Secretary's Bicycle.…
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The War Secretary's Bicycle. By WARD MUIR AND ARTHUR IRELAND. I. Frank Bassett, the editor of the Daily Post," flung the letter which had brought a worried expression to his face, on his desk, and groaned audibly. 'Pon my soul," he muttered, that fellow *11 come a mucker before he's done—not that that's of much account—but lie 11 drag the 'Post' with him. Good old Curt," be con- tinued, softening. I can't help being fond of the rascal: and yes, by George, I'll trust him. never failed me yet." Bassett rang through to the composing room, and put the receiver to his ear. Is that you, Mr Johnson 1 Keep Mr Curt's columns open. Yes, I know, Never mind that. He switched 0: I'll risk it," he said, taking up a pile of proofs; "though that chap and he'll kill the paper or make it. 1 wonder what his game is now. I'll have to speak to him seriously when he comes." He tossed aside the proofs carelessly. But those who knew him were aware that Bassett's apparent carelessness was nothing more than a cloak his mind was ever alert. Then be re- read the letter, crumpled it into a ball, and flung it into the fire. Some sympathetic ass should write a song about tbe lot of an editor, a la Gilbert and Sul- livan," he grumbled. With a man like Curt What's that you're saying about me ?" Bassett swung his chair round. The slight, tadolent figure of Jacob Curt, special corre- ipondent, was in the doorway. Curt he exclaimed. The very man I've been sending to perdition." Quite aware of that," laughed Curt, pla- cidly. He strolled across the room and helped himself to a handful of Bassett's cigarettes. I like your brand," he explained, pocketing his spoils. I wish they weren't so expen- sive." So I do," groaned Bassett, as he saw half tho contents of the box vanishing into the ex- tremely capacious pocket of Curt's all-envelop- fag dust-coat. But look here. Curt, I want to speak to you seriously. "Never hear you say anyhing frivolous in Illy life," said Curt. Fire away." He seated himself on the edge of Bassett'si table and waited, patiently and blissfully in- iifferent, for his lecture. Seriously," said Bassett, contracting his brows, the game's up. The Cable's on our track, and Dupont is an awkward cus- mer." Did you get my letter?" asked Curt, ir- relevantly. ?" Yes. what does it mean ?" Curt moved slowly (he always seemed to move slowly, yet reached his destination with Extraordinary rapidity) from the table to a chair, and Bassett swung round to keep his eyes on him. Simply this: I'm quite aware that the Cable's on our track, and l want to take a little rise out of Dupont. He's no fool, Frank. and he's a bit of an old fox—in fact," he added more gravely than usual, John Dupont's the man who can burst our bubble—and he will, unless we burn his fingers. Mixed metaphors Never mind, they'll pass. Now I've got a little plan Quite childlike in its simplicity. Will you trust me this once? If I fail you there's no harm done. If I succeed, Dupond will keep his nose in his own porridge in future." For heaven's sake. Curt, speak plainly. You can't manage metaphors. Out with your Idea." cried Bassett. I told you I had a plan. You'll understand It better when vou read this article." Curt began a wild search. Now where the dickens is that copy ?" lIe growled. Pocket after pocket was turned out, and a strange mixture lay on Bassett s table when the search was ended—amongst other things a wig, a beard, and a neat little box of grease paints. What on earth are these for ?" asked Bassett, examining the articles with amuse- ment. 'Poa my soul, CUlt, you're cracked." Shouldfl.t wonder," agreed Curt. "You've driven me iad, you and your unhealthy crav- in for se sational news. Now, where the mis. chief is tnat article ? Afraid I've left it at home. Ah! Here it is!" Bassett took the manuscript and glanced through it. Your letter," he said at length, "men- tioned an impersonation. But this Why man," he glanced up and started from his chair with an exclamation of surprise. Lord St John While Bassett had been reading the article, Curt had left his chair unobserved. He had taken his wig, beard and paints with him and whan Bassett turned to face him, Jacob Curt had gone. But in his place sat Lord St John, the Secretary of State for War—the man of the moment; upon whom all eyes were cen- tered, the man about whom he had been read- ing in Curt's article. His face was in the shadow: but there was no mistaking him. My Lord, began Bassett, and rose. A peal of laughter broke from the bearded mouth. Bassett saw the plot and had the man by the throat. Curt, you scoundrel." he groaned. •' Not so bad ?—Eh ? laughed Curt. Quick change was one of my fortes when I vpas on the hoards." And this ?" asked Bassett. Is this your ■game 1" He turned the neatly-written pages again. While he removed his make-up, Curt briefly ex- plained his plan of campaign. It's a terrible risk." Bassett demurred. "Purely personal," replied Curt. "If I get smashed up badly it's my affair." Bassett turned another page. He bad risen apidly in his profession, and at the age of thirty he was an acknowledged master of the irt of news purveying. He had made the u Daily Post." In three years he had brought it into such prominence that it stood out the only formidable competitor with the Morning Cable in the great struggle for the largest circulation. People spoke of him as a lucky man he accounted for his success by saying that he never neglected the most trivial de- laifl. Are you sure St. John cycles home ?" he ISked. Perfectly." replied Curt I've watched him every night for the past week." You specify the make of his machine?" All details—costume—even to the hang of ais coat are correct." It's a bold game Bassett still hesitated. Dupont's on the trail. You know, Curt, it's rather remarkable that we alone had full re- ports of some of the most sensational occur- ences of the last three years. There was the case of Miss Vandersee's disappearance the Imperial Club wager the Carden jewel affair. It's too thick, I'm afraid." Curt ostentatiously packed up his wig, beard, and paints. Frank Bassett," he said, you're boss here- Say what I'm to do—rather what I'm not to do. Before you chuck this scoop—which you see is given to the Cable,' that's where It's strength lies-think. of the effect of those exclusive items on the circulation, Bassett was beaten. I know," he said, "it's hoggish of me to gpeak like this. You've made the paper. But apon my soul you scare me." Take a dose of soothing syrup," suggested Curt. Bassett was compelled to fall in with Curt's humour. StDl he did not sanction this scheme onder consideration without one last inquiry. But supposing Dupont isn't caught 7" he asked. If he's not caught." laughed Curt, I'll be back here in no time. You must tell off some- body to watch the Cable's office. Let him report to you when DupontJeave. Give me half-an-hour from that. If you don't hear from me, go ahead. Will you trust me, Bassett ? It's a grand game." Bassett held out his hand. Yes." he said, 111 trust you, Jacob, though I swear you're madman," Very likely." As Curt left the room he heard Bassett's voice at the telephone Send through for Mr Curt's article." Then he smiled, and with a lazily jaunty step left the office, which was already beginning to vibrate with the pent-up energy needed for the night's run the run of machinery, the run of brains. II. John Dupont. the influential editor-in-chief of the "Mining Cable." left Fleet-street shortly after midnight, and steered his motor car to the Embankment. He was in a good humour. Things were developing along the lines he desired—the lines he considered cal- culated to strengthen the nation's position and even dearer to his journalistic heart was the triumph of having predicted the course of events. As he passed the Daily Post's office his eyes glittered and his face set. I'd give a good deal to have the man who does those articles," he thought. I'd buy him if I could since I can't, I'll lay him by the heels. I believe I'm he only man in London who can—and I will. Put up jobs every one of them—but devilish clever and well thought out." ° Dupont was right. He was the only man who could npset the Post's game; but in oraer to do so, he had to get level with Curt. • lnt.he duel Cui't had started with anadvan- ta.ge which he was not likely to forego he knew his foe (whom lie instinctively suspected) and *ras unknown. Dupont realised this, and moved tautiously. I He turned on to the Embankment and in- leased his speed. Rushing through the keen light air (with just a suspicion of mist rising' *qbj the Tiivrjj) this mau of manor affairs had soon pushed aside the thought of the Post's anonymous informant, He fell to speculating on the next move in the great drama that was developing, and in a few minutes he was com- pletely absorbed in his attempt to answer the question which was agitating the world Did England intend to declare war ? Tbe answer depended, it was rumourerl in the best informed circles, upon one man. That man was Lord St. John. the Secretary of State lor War. The eyes of England—the eyes of the world—were on him. He was the strong man of the day. The very fact that he dared to please himself by riding to and fro from the House on his bicycle (as Curt had discovered with delight) showed his strength; it was a. proof that public opinion did not weigh him down. In private life he pleased himself, his conduct of public affairs was regulated by the highest principles. Though another's lips would pronounce the fateful words, it was Lord St. John's brain that would direct the course. If he decided to fight, the country would go to war. Blindly and confidently it would accept his dictates. This state of affairs was particularly pleas- ing to Dupont, because he considered that he had discovered and nursed the young statesman, and that his iniluenee had made his position stronger than otherwise it could have been. St. John had climbed high, but he had not lost his head; and, therefore, when the crisis came— when the man's mettle was to be proved—the editor of the Morning Cable watched nnxiously but with unshaktn conndence, for the next move. "I wish I could Ineet him." muttered Dupont. There'll be news to- morrow—there must be, He might let fall a b int-he might even give me a hint." Big Ben clamed the half-hour, and at the same instant Dupont turned off the Embank- ment and ran down the slope towards Parlia- ment Square. His eves rested longingly on tbe House (he was a journalist), and he re- peated his wish. Yes," he said, I wish I could meet him. There'll be important work done there before sunrise." He was running at a fair speed, and in his absorption forgot to slow down for the crossing at the end of Parliament-street. Suddenly there was an excited shout from a policeman who a moment before had raised his hand in salute. "Stop there !-Look out wberc you're goiDg —Mind, my lord Dnpont was only vaguely conscious of what was happening. As he was about to cross the end of Parliament-street, a man in adust coao cycled rapidly out from the Commons' Yard and half turned to reach Storey's Gate. He had, apparently, only just mounted, for his machine was not uuder control. As Dupont approached, be saw that a. collision was inevit- able, and at the same moment e recognised the rider. The loosely-hung dust coat, the slight figure, the beautifully nickeled machine, tbe cud of cigare1te smoke-there was no mis. taking the man—it was Lord St. John Dupont realised all this, and a cold horror seized him. What if he should kill the nation's one strong man ? Jump, my lord throw yourself off," ho shouted. i can't stop in time There was no reply. He put on the brake savagely and made a desperate spring to catch the cyclist and avert the accident, Ue touched the machine. At the same instant bt. John slipped, and there came a sickening crunch as the car passed over the doomed man. Shouts were raised on every side. A crowd had. collected as only London crowd, do- apparently from the earth—and execrations were heaped on Dupont's head. It's Lord SL John," said one, in a husky whisper. He's killed." prophesied another. You thick-headed fool, do you know what you've done 7" Now then, s!and aside," said a constable. The crowd fell back and he turned to Dupont I must take your name and address. It's a pretty mess you've made of it. Do you know who you've run down ?" Yes," said Dupont. and handed the con- stable his card. I'll wait in case I can be of any help." The confusion increased everymoment. The cries of the onlookers (people in crowds always speak in shrieks} fell upon Dupont's ear? with- out conveying anything- Tie stood dazed, and looked upon his handi work powerless to move or think. For the time nobody/seemed to think of the man who lay on the road. mixed up with the crumpled machine. That he was dead was assumed and that being so, no attention was paid to him. And when, at length (after one of those moments which seem an eternity), the excitement had somewhat subsided, everybody was startled to see the dust-coated figure slowly rising from the muddy road. it was a skock to the strongest to see the strange appari- tion scramble from amid the wreckage the weaker screamed and one fainted. Mv Lord, cried Dupont. hastening to the minister's side, "how can I express my sorrow Are you seriously injured 7" Dupont was himself again, and he read the intense suffering his victim was enduring be- fore he received a reply. Bight arm broken." The terse mode of expression was characteristic of the man. Pray don't blame yourself—it was as much my fault as yours. Will you allow me to take you home 1" asked Dupont. "Not for worlùs:" replied St. John deci- sively. Uj very serious at the present juncture—more serious than I care to say and 1 he less fuss made about it the better. Ah here's a hansom." The loose hanging sleeve told its own tale. The Secretary of State for War had broken his right arm. Allow me," said Dupont. He helped the injured man into the hansom and murmured some further apologies. The man's endurance was sunerb. Even while he grieved, Dupont (being before all else a great journalist), could appreciate every side cf the question, and he waaoverjoyed to see his belief in the man justified. Please oblige me by exonerating yourself, Mr Dupont. Can you do anything ? I don't think so. Oh yes. Will you take the old machine home with you? It shall be called for." The hansom rolled away, and Dupont stood gazing after it lost in thought. Lord St. John's words, more serious than I care to say," were ringing in his ears. What did he mean ?" he asked himself. I think-yes-the only thing possible—it's war. I must go to the omcp-o This acc'dent must be chronicled to-morrow. And I think I'll venture a prophesy—though it's not much in my line except about certainties." Lord St. John's recognition had silenced the hostile criticism—besides, Dupont's identity was being whispered by one to the other. The people stood whispering (reaction had set in) and watching and the constable lent a willing hand with the broken bicycle, and saluted as the motor car swung round. Dupont hardly noticed the change in manner. He turned and Lore (regardless of speed regulations) citywards along the Embankment, and as he sped Big Ben chimed three-quarters. All this had taken place in one short quarter of an hour. At the same instant the driver of a hansom in Whitehall raised the trap. Where to, sir ?" he asked. Home as fast as yen can. Did you see the performance, Jim asked tbe oc<up3.nt, Did I !— just think so. It was beautiful— never seed the like," replied Jim. He shut the trap and whipped up his horse. He's a plucked 'un, is Mr Curt," he soli- loquised. III. Frank Bassett kept back Curt's article until it was absolutely necessary to send the paper to press. He fully expected to bear that the scheme had failed. Then the newsagency account arrived, and Bassett smiled. But still no word came from Jacob Curt, and he passed the article which stated briefly and succinctly that a serious accident had occurred In Parlia- ment-square at a late hour-in fact, as the paper was going to press. The details were circumstantially correct as they would appear in every London paper but a startling state- ment was contained in the words which ex- plained that the chance resemblance had led those present to believe that the injured man was Lord St John, the Secietary of State for War. Should this belief be published as an estab- I lished fact," wrote Curt, incalculable harm may be done. The situation at the present moment is so critical (and Lord St John's health of such importance) that no pains should be spared to verify rumours that affect it. To cry aloud idle gossip is (under the cir- cumstances) nothing short of criminal. The fact that Mr John Dupont, the well- known and highly respected editor of the 'Morning misled, will excuse the mistake made bv less well-informed witnesses of the scene. And this, in conjunction with the lateness of the hour, justified the accept- ance of the report without inquiry. Our representative who was present when the accident occurred, was doubtful about the injured man's identity, and we are glad to state that his injuries justify an unqualified contradiction of the rumour. There is no ground for supposing that Lord St John met with an accident. He is in perfect health. The injured man was like him—but not so like as to deceive anybody who knows his lordship." Bassett read and re-read this passage before he could make up his mind to pass it. If Curt's scheme succeeded, it was a direct slap in the face for John Dupont. If it failed Why. he had promised to trust Curt, and he passed the proof unhesitatingly. And having sent the paper to press, Bassett went home to bed. He lay tossing uneasily, worried by dreams of picturing terrible acci- j dents and disasters. Hour after hour he lay awake, and daylight was streaming into his room before he fell into a heavy sieep. Curt entered the room noiselessly, and stood beside the bed for a moment smiling affection- ately a.t the sleeping man. Wake up, vou sleepy-headed owl." It svas lout of hours, and Cart's manner was intimate. I expected to see you up and gloating over the Cable « scoop." Bassett started up and snatched the bundle I (If papers Curt had brought i [1. He threw them all aside until he came to the "Moruin Cable." He turned to the middle opening, without a woid o! greeting or apology to his visitor, anù feverishly scanned the headlines. Then he heaved a sigh of great contentment as his eyes fell on the words— ACCIDENT TO LORD ST. JOHK. POLITICAL OUTLOOK. He read on through half a column of descrip. tion in which Dupont stated the details of the accident, expressed his deep regret and hinted darkly at the confidences which the injured man had whispered in his ear. His eyes were glued to the page the extraordinary thing was that Curt had compelled Dupont so to play into his hands that his own article was a very lucid and well-phrased report of the event. Thank Heaven," he cried, and sank on his pillow. "Curt, you're a marvel. But you'll kill me." Curt laughed. Never mind, Frank," he said, cheerily, "Thisis)ifc. By Jove 1 it's grand. They've all got the same story." Then a twinkle came into his eye, But you haven't read the Post's contradiction. Wonderful man, that editor Haven't read it he sighed. Haven't I ? I read the confounded thing twenty times— nearer a hundred, I think—beiore I let it go." Well, it's a great scoop." laughed Cmt. Gad. Frank, you're a brick. Look here, I'm starving. Do get up." Over the breakfast table Curt related his experiences. "But that's expert trick-riding," aid Bas- sett. How the dickens did you learn the dodges ?" Well, it wasn't a very pleasant experience," replied Curt. I was stranded and had to pick up a living, so I took to trick-riding. it's pain- ful in tbe beginning." Bassett watched him curiously. How old are you, Jacob ?" he asked. "Thirty-three." You'll kill yourself some day." I shall probably die sooner or later," ab- sented Curt. But I don't want to be much nearer than I was last night, just at present. The car was almost on me—you should see the poor old bike. Fact is, I went too far, and slipped. The wheel passed clean over me so, only for the good old biks you'd have wanted sackcloth and ashes for a bit." Great Heavens 1" gasped Bassett. Do you mean that Dupont's huge thing went over you." Not over me; over the ma{;hine," Curt explained that he had nhot under the car further than he intended, and that he had only just managed to get himself under the framework of his bicycle in time. He told the story lightly (as he: always spoke of his own performances) but Bassett could see that even Curt's iron nerve bad been shaken. For a time they were both subdued. "What happeued to the bike after the play asked Bassett. He had recovered suffici- ently to essay a joke. Curt by back and laughed. That," he said, is the best joke of the whole affair. I begged Dupont to take it home with him tenderly. So if you'll send along to his house, it'll be safely delivered k the mes- senger. Gad, I'd have enjoyed breakfast more if I could see Dupont's face this morn- ing." «
'Frisco Earthquake. "
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'Frisco Earthquake. AN EXPLANATION. A Foreign Office report of unusual interest is that relating to California for the year. On the subject of the actual loss of Droperty by the earthquake and 8u]Y3equent fire, it is stated that while the gross losses to the city through fire and eartLlcluake were at the lowest estimate £ 75,000,000—and many people put them at over £ 100,000,000—I and that without taking into account loss ol income from rents and fallen values of local securities), the amount ultimately recovered from the in- surance companies was only about £40,000,000, so that personal property, buildings, and mer- chandise stocks to the value of from £35,000,000 to £ 60.000.000 were lost to the inhabi- tants. The report of the Committee of Five," which was made in New York under date of December 31st. to the 35 insur- ance companies interested in the San Francisco tire, states that the probable loss, including con- sequential damages of &1! kinds, approximated to £200,000,000. Such a loss distributed among a population of about 475,000 shows to some extent the fuiness, from a financial point of view, of the disaster which befell the city, vet with it all the cheerfulness of the people is" so great that one is almost tempted To believe that the earthquake and ifs effects have been entirely forgotten. It is generally held that the San Franciso earthquake was caused by a slipping of the rocks" along the line of a fault. The line has now been clearly traced, and it is interesting to know that thiJ particular fault was the subject of a valuable paper read fifteen years ago by Professor Bran- ner, vice-president of the Stanford University, and Professor of Geology to that institution. It also formed the subject of an interesting lecture bv Professor Branner rec2ntlv at San Jose. which was reported in the issue of the British Californian of October. 1906. There are several fault vallevs in California, all of which show traces of earthquakes similar to that of April, but the particular one which did the damage on that occasion is the fault run- ning along the line of the Santa Cruz moun- tains. This fault has been traced from Alder Croek, near Point Arena, to the vicinity of San Juan, in San Benito county, a distance of over 1S5 miles, the general direction being parallel to the coast line, and cutting obliquely across the entire breadth of the coast ranges. To quote the preliminary report of the Earthquake Investigation Commission :—" Wo have a remarkable physiographic line extend- ing from Point Arena to Mount Pinos. which affords every indication of having been, in times past, a rift, or line of dislocation, of the earth's crust, and of recurrent differential movement along the plane of rupture. The movements which have taken place along this line extend as far back as the Quatenary period, as indicated by the major, well de- graded fault scarp.s.and tbeirassociated valleys; but they have also occurred in quite recent times, as is indicated by the minor and still undegraded scarps. Probably every movement on this line produced an earthquake, the severity off which was proportionate to the amount of movement." From this it will be seen that the earthquake of 1906 was simply an earth movement occurr- ing in the ordinary course of geological events, and one which has occurred before, and will no doubt. occur again, not only in this particular fault, but on any of the three other great fault valleys of California.—1" Daily Graphic."
Woman on Fire. ..
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Woman on Fire. SHOCKING CHARGE AGAINST A SON. George William Cook (32), a carpenter, of 60, Acacia-road, Leytonstone, was charged at Stratford Police Court on Saturday with maliciously throwing a lighted paraffin Jamp at his mother, Rosetta Cook, aged 76. Sub. divisiondl Inspector Parker, :;aid that the injured woman was in a very precarious con- dition, and he proposed to call only suificient evidence to justify a remand. Inspector Clark said that at 1 o'clock that morning he was called to 58, Acacia-road, Levtonstone, and there he found the injured woman lying on a bed suffering from extensive burns all over the body. She was in a terrible condition, and witness asked, in the presence 01 the prisoner, how she came by the injuries. She pointed to the prisoner, and said. My son George William threw a. paraffin lamp at me, which caught me in flames." After the woman's injurieshad been attended to she was conveyed to the Whipps Cross Infirmary. Prisner said, I kuow nothing about it. She must have set herself on fire." At the police station he remarked, She must have upset the lamp herself." Mrs Cook and her son lived at 60, Acacia- road, and when screams were heard and the old lady was found in flames her next-door neighbours removed her into their place. The inspector visited No. 60. and in the passage near the back room door he found a lamp with a glass reservoir. The floor cloth in the passage and in the room was charred. Mr M. Chapman (the chairman): On that evidence you will be remanded.
DETECTIVE CHARGED.
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DETECTIVE CHARGED. Story of Missing Sold Watches and Rings At Chester on Saturday a railway detective named Walter John Brookes, recently sta- tioned at Chester, was charged on remand with stealing two gold watches, valued at £ 50,about September, 1905. At the time the watches were missed the prisoner was employed by a railway company at Stockport. When arrested last week on another charge, on which he was committed for trial, prisoner had the two watches, which were missed two years ago. in his possession. He also bad a number of skeleton keys and a jemmy in his possession. Prisoner was further charged with stealing a, lady's dress rings from a trunk while in transit from Manchester to Llandudno in September, 1906. When the lady heard that Brookes was in custody on another charge she gave informa- tion to the police, with the result that it was found that prisoner had been dealing with one of the rings. Prisoner was committed for trial.
I------_:":"_-":' ICRUMBLING…
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CRUMBLING CATHEDRAL Further serious defects have been discovered in Winchester Cathedral, particularly in the south transept, and the tower is now being examined. The enormous cost of restoration already incurred must be considerably in- creased. It is announced that the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury find their cathedral in need of further extensive reparation. Fourteen thousand pounds have just been expended upon the central tower and some other parts of the structure, but the repairs of the. north-west and south-west towers and the renewal of the south transept gable and pinnacles of the nave: will coat-nearly £18.AOOO more.
Maesteg Fatal Fire. .
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Maesteg Fatal Fire. HOW THE CLUB MANAGER LOST HIS LIFE. f WIDOW'S STORY AT THE INQUEST. Mr Howell Cuthhertson held an inquest at Maesteg Police Station on Saturday on the body of Wm. Exall (32), the victim of the fire which gutted the Maesteg Conservative Club on Fridav morning. Mrs Alice Exall, wife of the deceased, who gave her evidence in a choked voice, said that her husband was the manager of the club. She and her husband retired to bed on Thursday night about 12 o'clock, and Bridget O'Connor, the servant, retired at the same time. Every- thing seemed safe. The five children had gone to be considerably earlier. About 2.30 in the morning they were awakened by the police, and they all came down in their nightclothes. When her husband got outside he said to her, I must have clothes I must have clothes." He then turned to re-enter the building. She caught hold of him to hold him back, but he broke away and went into the burning house, and she saw him no nlorc. He went back to fetch clothes," added witness, not money, as he did not know the money was in the bedroom." Sergeant Reps Davies, who. with P.C.s John Thomas and Hodgson, discovered the fire, said they burst open the door, went upstairs and got Exall, his wife, five children, and the servant safely out into the street. Witness then went to rouse the neigh- bours, and when he returned, ahout a ouarter of an hour later, he was informed that Exall had gone back into the premises. Witness went in and searched the ground floor thoroughly, and then tried to mount the burning staircase, but there were volumes of smoke and flames on all sides, and the stair- case had been burned to such an extent that whcn wibless put his foot upon it a portion of it gave way, and he had to desist. When the fire was put out he reached the top storey by means of ladders, and found the body of Exall lying on the floor in the back bedroom at the top of the house, his feet being in the doorway, and his body inside the room. Exall had put on his trousers and waistcoat, and had his wife's skirt and some children's clothes under his left arm. Later in the day from information received witness, accompanied by John Exall, brother of the deceased, went to the building aud found £1758 6d in the bedclothes iu the front bedroom. Dr. William Gabe said that the body was terribly burnt, and death was caused by asphyxia, but the burns were sufficient in themselves to cause death. A verdict of Accidental death was re- turned. Funeral of the Victim. The funeral of Mr Wm. Exall, victim of the Maesteg Conservative Club fire, took place on Sunday, the interment being at Maesteg Cemetery. The arrangements were in the hands of the Maesteg district R.A.O.B. The service was conducted by the Hev. Stephen Jackson, chaplain of the Order for the local district. There was a large attendance, and the streets tbrotlh whica Uw cortege pro. ceeded were thronged.
TEA-GARDEN AT ROATH PARK.
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TEA-GARDEN AT ROATH PARK. Attractive Alterations. During the past winter the Cardiff Parks Committee have effected a large number of improvements at Roath Park. particularly at the bowiing green. and when ou Satu;dav the old green was formally opened by Councillor J. Chappeil (chairman of the Parks Committee) the rinks were in perfect condition. The island," which for some time has been used for the storing of gardeners'tools, etc., has been transformed into a charming tea-garden, abounding in coy nooks, and promies to be a most popular feature, as it is situate between the old and new bowling greens and tennis courts. Considerable alterations have been made in the provisions for players, a picturesque pavilion having been erected in which bowls, goloshes. &c.. are kept. This is in charge of an attendant who is appointed specially to minister to the wants of the players. The new green and tennis court laid down during the spring is of full size and has been most carefully made under the supervision of Mr W. Pettigrew (parks superintendent), and it is expected to be ready for use about the middle of June. As yet, it is hardly set. At the opening ceremony there was a large number of spectators, including the members of the Park Bowling Club. In declaring the green open for the second year, Councillor Chappell expressed the hope that the Park Club would have a most successful season. The game had, lie said, proved so popular that the committee had decided to extend the ground, but they appealed to the public to assist in seeing that the best use was made of the faci- lities afforded. The island, he added, had never been used before, but now that such excellent arrangements bad been made he hoped that many of the players would avail themselves of the opportunity provided and instead of going home and leaving the park would take tea. on the island, Mr Common (president of the Park Bowling Club) proposed a vote of thanks to Councillor Chappeil and the Corporation, aud expressed the gratification of lovers of the woods at the action taken by that authority in placing another green in the Roath Park. The need of an extension was, he said, much felt at times during last season. Mr F. Jackson (chairman of the club) seconded, and assured the Parks Committee that the provision of games in the parks would not prove to be a white elephant but would be very remunerative. The motion was carried amid cheers for Councillor Chappeil, and immediately after- wards the links were crowded, not one being unoccupied.
TO SCARE HIS WIFE.
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TO SCARE HIS WIFE. Surprised When Writing His "Last Letter." Police-sergeant Sanderson was in Great Col- lege-sireet, Camden-town, about 1 o'clock on Saturday morning, when Mrs Cowlson, living at No. 238,made a communication-in consequence of which he accompanied her home. When he arrived he found her husband sitting at a table, writing the following letter :— Gentlemen,—On the vjrge of my taking my life by my own hand,I ask you not to hold me guilty. Presumably this was intended for the Coroner, for an envelope addressed to that gentleman was lying close to him on the. table. Oh, Steve what made you say such wicked things ?" said his wife. He replied, That's right; I am going to cut my throat." Just then, while the sergeant was reading the letter, the prisoner walked over to the mantelshelf and tried to obtain possession of a razor that was lying there open, but was stopped before he could get it. He then said he was only frightening his wife, and did not mean it. Charged at Marylebone Police-court on Satur- day with threatening to commit suicide, the hnsband, Stephen Cowlson, said that he had been drinking a little, but he had no intention of taking his life. His intention was to leave the letter open on the table and go to bed, just for the purpose of frightening his wife. A remand was ordered.
DISAPPOINTED LOVER'S DESPAIR.
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DISAPPOINTED LOVER'S DESPAIR. I was worried about my girl. She turned me up a fortnight ago, and I felt that I could not exist any longer." Such was the excuse of a young Limehouse hammerman, named Alexander Buchan, at Stratford Police Court on Friday when charged with attempting to commit suicide by throwing himself into some water on Leyton Marshes. You should not let your feelings work on you like that," said the magistrate, soothingly. Buchan I have been out with her for over two years, and I became greatly attached to her. and I think she loved me. But she is not to blame—I was very quiet. The Magistrate (Mr Chapman): It was a very foolish thing to give way to your feelings. The girl may still iove you. After courting for a couple of years a girl does not easily give up her lover. It may have been only in a fit of temper. I daresay you will come together again. On promising not to repeat the offence Boehan was discharged.
FATHER ACCUSEDBTHIS SONS.
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FATHER ACCUSEDBTHIS SONS. In defence of Jame3 Hart. aged 47, furniture warehouseman, who at Newington Sessions on Friday was indicted for inciting his two sons, Walter, aged 14. and Ernest, aged 11, to steal £8 5s 2d, the money of the Alliance Dairy Co., Ltd., at their shop in Tulse Hill, Mr Mar- tin O'Connor said he was a most respectable man, but he had tbe misfortune to have two sors who, to shield themselves from the results of their own crime,had made afalse accusation against him. The elder boy was incredibly wicked and had displayed remarkable cunnincr. 1 In this particular case lie had discovered where the money-box was kept, and having sent his brother in to commit the robbery and seen that the plunder had been obtained, he followed in and asked for three pennies to be changed into halfpennies so as to give his brother a little chance to get away. Although only 14 years of age he had acted as a bookmaker. The jury found the accused not guilty, and expressed the opinion that it would be best for the future welfare of the boys if they were s nd to a reformatory. The accused was thenetsi- charged.
RUN AWAY TRACT I ONE NGIN…
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RUN AWAY TRACT I ONE NGIN E, A traction engine with a heavy truck laden with barrels of beer, belonging to Messrs Holt, brewers, of Burnham, ran away on fiaturday on a steep hill on the Bristol road, near Weston-super-Mare- The driver lost control, and the heavy engine dashed down the hill at a terrific speed. The weight of the truck behind caupd th" enine to swing round and charge a tree by the roadside. The tree was completely demolished, and the engine and truck were damaged, but the driver and his assistant escaj^ed injury.
Passive Resisters. .
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Passive Resisters. CARDIFF OVERSEERS' BELATED ACTION. As recently announced in our columns, the overseers ot Cardiff have, after unpardonable delay, at last been forced to take some definite action in regard to arrears in the poor rate due from passive resisters. The following corres- pondence which has passed between Mr All- cock, the city treasurer and controller and superintendent assistant overseer, and Mr H. G. C. Allgood, the Liberal agent, speaks for itself: — City Treasurer's Office, 17th May, 1907. Dear Sir,—The overseers of the parish of Cardiff have had their attention directed to the fact that certain balances of rates and costs, in respect ot which warrants have been obtained, are sili owing, and [ am instructed to inform you that unless the arrears due from you are paid within the next seven days the overseers have ordered that the warrants be executed without further notice.—Yours faithfnlly, Rate £1168 4id. John Allcock, Costs £017:; Od. City Treasurer and Controller. The following is Mr Allgood's reply :— 8. Colum-place, May loth, 1907 J. Allcock, Esq. Dear Sir,—Yours of yesterday to hand. It is gratifying to me to know that tbe combined pressure of the Local Government Board and the stoppage of the whole of the poor rate when a penny in the £ would have been suffi- cient, bas at last compelled the overseers of Cardiff—Messrs R. Hughes, T. W. Jacobs, F. J. Veall, and J. W. Courtis—to drop their illegal policy of inaction upon the warrants issued in the police court against those who object to the injustice of the sectarian rate levied under the Education Act of 1902. Your demand forrates, I notice, includes two sums of Is 5d, for the non-payment of which I have already heen once punished by havÍng my voting qualification taken from me. The four gentlemen named, who you in a corporate office served, are pillars of the Conservative and Constitutional party in Cardiff, and are carrying out the Tory policy in our borough. This. it is well to note, includes the un-British method of punishing twice for one technical offence. V; e here se" in action what one political party m'ans when it rants of the British love of fairplay For the sum alleged to be owing, you say 17s is due for costs-for what. you do not particu- larise. I can only say I am surprised at the modesty of the rates office, it would on Iv have taken a stroke of the pen to have made it £7 17s, and in this case the result would have been the same. I have no oods or chattels, and I\1r R. Davies, of Prince's Chambers, Working- street, is my wife's solicitor, who will satisfy you that all the papers regarding bar property are of considerable age and in regular order. I am not attempting to !ve you any trouble, bsvond the fact that I will never pay so I hope you will carry out your duty with equal regard to my convenience.—Yours faithfully, Henry G. C. Allgood." It should be stated that other passive resisters iu default have received a similar de- mand to Mr Allgood in respect of their arrears.
SERIOUS BLAENA VON CHARGE.…
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SERIOUS BLAENA VON CHARGE. Man Fatally Bitten in a Fight. At Pontypool on Saturday Mark Ashman, a loco. hitcher, of Cotcha,Biaenavori.wasbrought up, on remand, charged with unlawfully killing and slaying Henry Phillpot, a collier, of RUI- street, Aberavon, by biting hjm on May 4th last. The court, house was packed, and con- siderable interest was manifested in the case. Prisoner was undefended. Thomas Phillpot, son of deceased, said that shortly after 11 o'clock on Saturday evening he ivas standing on the corner of Cross-street talking to a young man named Eiias Jones. A grocery cart came round the comer very sharply, and witness had a narrow escape of being run over, whilst a woman named Mrs Smith was actually forced against the wall by the side of the cart. Witness had a few words with the driver, and Mrs Smith thereupon fetched witness's mother. The latter endeavoured to get witness into the house, and at this junc- ture prisoner arrived on the scene, and in- quired what was the matter. Prisoner asked witness to go home, and both went to the COr- ner of the street, and passed his (witness's) father. Immediately after witness turned and saw his father and prisoner on the ground. He saw prisoner biting deceased on the cheek, and he heard the latter cry out, Oh, Tom, he is biting me." Witness bit prisoner off his father, and then exchanged a, few blows with him. So far as witness knew, his father had had no previous quarrel with prisoner. At the time prisoner was drunk, but deceased was perfectly sober. Elias Jones, a labourer, of 21, Duke-street, corroborated the previous witness's evidence. He declared that prisoner went up to deceased and said, You are no man." The latter made no reply, and prisoner then struck him. They iell to the ground, and witness afterwards heard deceased shout out that prisuner was biting him. Ruth Smith, wife of a labourer, said she in- formed Mrs Phillpot that her son was having some words with another man in the street. The latter at once came out, followed by her husband. When witness returaed to the corner of the street she saw two men on the ground, and heard the crowd which had gathered round shouting that prisoner was biting de- ceased. Jane Phillpot, the widow, said that she and her husband were at supper when Mrs Smith called at the house. fitness went to t-he cor, ner of the street, and was followed by her hus- band. Prisoner came across and caught hold of her son by the arm. After asking what M as the matter, prisoner went over to deceased and said. "Who the are you" The deceased replied. No one." Prisoner then said," Nobody nor nothing," and then straight- away hit deceased to the ground with his fist. Witness heard her husband say while on the ground, Ob. Tom, be is biting me," She took deceased into the house, but prisoner remained about the street for some time kicking up a row. She saw he:' husband had been bitten and was bleeding dreadfully. Prisoner and his wife came to her house on tbe following Tuesday and asked her to forgive him as he was drunk at the time. He also promised to send her 25s. Mrs Alice Bevan also spoke to hearing the deceased crying out that he had been bitten by prisoner. She further declared that she actually saw prisoner biting deceased. Dr. Â. fl, James s3;d he examined deceased on May 8th. He was suffering from a lacerated wound on the left cheek. The wound had been caused by a blunt instrument or by a bite. Erysipelas had supervened and subsequent events proved that it wasspreading to the head, which eventually caused his death. In his opinion the wound had been caused by the top teeth of the biter. He could not find a wound by the lower teeth. which eventually caused his death. In his opinion the wound had been caused by the top teeth of the biter. He could not find a wound by the lower teeth. Sergeant Smith said that on Tuesday, the 14th inst., he arrested prisoner at the Blaen- avon Works under a warrant on a charge of assaulting deceased. In reply to the charge he said, "What I done I done in self-defence. There were four of them into me. I was help- less drunk, and do not know anything about it" Alter the man's death he charged him with causing the death of Henry Phillpot by biting him on the cheek. He then replied, I did not bite him." Prisoner. now stated that he was not helplessly drunk at the time. He asked deceased's son Tom what was the matter, He replied, Nothing the matter, and nothing broke." They then fought, and deceased came on the scene. He (prisoner) afterwards fought deceased. While they were on the ground the latter was on top of him. and his face came into his (prisoner's) teeth. Mrs Phillpot then com- menced "leathering" her husband, thinking it was prisoner. Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Assizes.
¡KILLED BY RUNAWAY TRAM.
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KILLED BY RUNAWAY TRAM. At Abertillery on Saturday Mr J. B. Walford conducted an inquiry touching the death of S. Henry Fear (43), fitter, of Griffin-street, Six Bells, who was killed at the Arael Duffryn Colliery on Sunday last. The proceedings were watched by Mr C. L, Robinson, mines in- spector; Mr W. J. Everett, for the proprietors and Mr Michael Roa.d1, misers' agent, for the family and workmen. The evidence was to the effect that the de- ceased and another fitter were repairing No. 5 boiler, on the surface, when three trams ran wild down the incline, one of them striking deceased on the head, with the result that his skuli was fractured. Death was instantaneous. The reason why the trams ran wild was that a labourer named Palmer, thinking the trams were attached to the rope, pushed them over the incline. The jury brought in a verdict of Death from misadventure," and desired the Coroner to censure Palmer.
BEAT A HORSE WITH A PITCHFORK.
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BEAT A HORSE WITH A PITCHFORK. Cwmbran Haulier Fined. At Pontypool Police Court on Saturday Henry Berry, a haulier, was summoned for cruelly ill-treating a horse at the Cwmbran Colliery by beating it with a pitchfork on May 8th. Mr R. F. Lyne, Newport, prosecuted, and Mr E. W. Evans appeared for the de- fendant, who pleaded not guilty. George Davies, a youth, said he saw defendant take up a pike and hit the horse several times. George Williams, haulier, said that when he went to groom the horse the following morn- ing he found several weals on the horse's back. Defendant gave a complete denial to the sum- mons, and declared that he entered the stable simply to see the ostler. He was in drink at the time, and fell over the pitchfork, breaking the handle. The Bench imposed a fine of 15s. Defendant was also summoned for doing damage to the pitchfork, and was ordered to pay 7s 6d.
----------PEMBROKESHIRE BARD'S…
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PEMBROKESHIRE BARD'S SUCCESS. Mr D. Emlyn Evans presided at the Yale of Dovey Eisteddfod at Cemmes, Montgomery- I shire, on Saturday, wben,out of 10 competitors, the Rev. William Arianglawdd," Pem- brokeshire, was awarded the bardic chair for ode on The JB-avufal. J.04.5.
IActress and Agent. #
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Actress and Agent. # SENSATIONAL SCENE IN COURT Solicitor Rebuked. There was a painful scene at Lambeth Police Court on Saturday, when Arthur Ham- pel, a music hall agent, was charged on re- mand with assaulting Miss Violet Beauchamp on May 7th laat. When the case was called on Miss Beauchamp was in a fainting fit, and so it was decidcd to take the evidence of the doctor who examined Miss Beauchamp two days after the alleged offence. Mr Armstrong then resumed his cross-exami- nation of Miss Beauchamp. which was inter- rupted at the rising of the Court on the pre- vious Saturday. Miss Beauchamp denied that she had ever brought a similar charge against a violinist at the Prince of Wales's Theatre, Birmingham. It was not true, she said, that she left that theatre on account of this charge. Here she burst into tears again. Her salary at Birmingham was to be 35s per week, but she did not receive it. through illness. Then Mr Armstrong put another question Do you know Mr Grice, of Edgbaston, Bir- mingham ?" At this question the complainant dropped her head on her hands, and began to sob. Shall I x-emind you ? asked Mr Armstrong. Still there was no answer, and the defending solicitor exclaimed sharply, Don't go to sleep." Did vou," he asked, live for six months at this house with a man named Cook. and did you not live here with Cook as man and wife 7.' At this point Miss Beauchamp fainted, and was carried out of court by two police officers. Miss Annie Adams, who assisted her aunt in keeping a boarding-house at 198, Kennington- road, knew Miss Beauchamp. On May 6th last she and Miss Beauchamp went up to Charing Cross-road, as she had a postal order to change. Miss Beauchamp wanted to go to Coventry-street to see a danc- ing master, and as they were going across Leicester-square witness saw'Mr Hampel, whom she knew as having lodged at her aunt's, and explained to him the difficulty. MJ Hampel told Miss Beauchamp that he was a musical agent, and that he might be able to do something for her if her dancing was good cnopb. So an appointment was made for Miss Beauchamp to go to Hampers on the next day. Miss Adams told how on that day Miss Beauchamp went out and came back in the afternoon. Witness repeated what Miss Beauchamp said to her with' reference to what passed at Hampei's place. Witness, who said Miss Beauchamp was greatly distressed, added that she told her aunt, who went up to Miss Beauchamp. Prosecutrix had said that she must get some work somewhere, or she wouid have to go home. Her uncle, Miss Beauchamp had said, allowed her 12 10s a week. The cross-examination of Miss Beauchamp was then resumed. She knew Mr Grice, and she had lodged at his house about six months' "Did you pass there as Mrs Cook ?" Yes, for my own protection." Did you wear a wedding ring ?" Yes." Mr Cook was her uncle, and she took his name for her own protection. Miss Beauchamp said that when she met Mr Hampel lielkei her what she could do. She did not ask him to give her an engagement. At this point Mr Francis interrupted Mr Armstrong, and told him that he was offensive in his manner to the actress. Re-examined by Mr Purcell, Miss Beauchamp said she passed as a married woman at Bir- mingham because that would protect her from the too persistent attentions of other men, who might annoy her. In answer to the magistrate. Miss Beau- champ s,- id that no impropriety had ever taken place between her and Mr Cook. He had been an old friend of the family for many year Mi's Brett, the landlady, in Kennington-road, where Miss Beauchamp lodged. corroborated the evidence of her niece. Miss Adams. This completed the case for the prosecution. and Mr Armstrong submitted to the magis- trate that there was no evidence to go before a jury. Mr Francis said he should send the case for trial. On the question of bail, Inspector Keys objected. He said there were complaints against the prisoner from other quarters, which were being investigated. Hampel was then remanded until Saturday.
-I FISHGUARD'S LATEST J.P.
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FISHGUARD'S LATEST J.P. Since the recent list of new justices for Pem- brokeshire was published Mr T. G. Bennett, head of the firm of Messrs George Bennett and Co., merchants, Fishguard, has received the honour, the latest addition to the magisterial bench of the county being a most welcome one, owing to the genuine esteem in which the recipient is held and the lack of justices in this rapidly extending seaport town. Mr Bennett Mr T. G. BENNETT. is a son of the late Captain Thomas Bennett, of Saundersfoot, where he was born some 50 years ago. He commenced business life as a draper, and came to Fishguard in 1873, and married the only daughter of the late Mr George Bennett, founder of the old-established firm of Messrs George Bennett and Co. With all classes of the community Mr Bennett has gained esteem for his active interest, practical sympathy, and upright character. For the past IS years he has filled the office of church- warden at St. Mary's, Fishguard, is a National School manager, a director of the Market Hall Company, and irusteetosevera-I public chari- ties. He is an ex-parish councillor. With him in the firm is Mr George Bennett, the only son, and he has three grown-up daughters, two of whom are married.
PIPES & MATCHES IN THE MINE.
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PIPES & MATCHES IN THE MINE. At Swansea County Police Court on Satur- day Philip Williams, jun., of Penclawdd, was charged with having in his possession on April 4th, while at work as a trammer in the Clyne Valley Colliery, some matches. Mr Fieming, the manager, said only safety lamp.; were used in the pit, naked lights being dangerous. It, however, appears that taking the matches down was evidently an inadvertence, as de- fendant had, before descending, taken out of his pockets some cigarettes, and given up a "fag" he had been smoking. Defend,, nt admitted that the matches were found in his pocket, and he was fined 20s and 13s costs. Thomas Williams, of Tydgwl Farm, St. Thomas, was summoned for a similar offence in the same colliery. In this case not only were matches found in his possession, but three pipes. Here. again, it was said there bad been pure inadvertence, and that the pipes were clean ones, defendant's smoking pipe and matches having been left on the surface. He was fined i2 and costs. The Chairman (Mr A. H. Thomas) commented on the necessity for colliers making an absolute and more thorough search of their pockets before going underground. He spoke, he said, as an old collier, on their own behalf and on behalf of their brothers and wives, and those others whose lives might be endangered. They might depend on it, if thers was another case the Bench would show no mercy, but send the men to prison. Mr Leeder, who defended in the last case, suggested as a remedy clothes without pockets.
LATE REV. JOSEPH MORRIS.
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LATE REV. JOSEPH MORRIS. Funeral at llfracombe. The Rev. Joseph Morris, one of the oldest and most respected ministers of the Congrega- tional body, passed away peacefully last week at Bristol. He was ordained at Narb?rth in 1849, and was pastor of Brunswick Chapel, Bristol, from 1864 to 1879, and of llfracombe from 1879 to 1899. At the jubilee of his ministry L he retired, and spent the closing years of his life at Bristol. Though he spent the greater part of his ministry in England his love for Wales never grew cold. He married in 1S52 Miss Catherine Evans, daughter of the Rev. John Evans, Hebron, and sister of the Rev. Simon Evans. Hebron, and of the Rev. J. Morgan Evans, Ebenezer, Cardiff. On Friday evening a memorial service was held a.t Orley Chapel, Bristol. On Saturday the body was taken to llfracombe, and after a service at the Congregational Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Stevens, the pastor, and the Rev. H. T. Maddeford, of Bristol, he was laid to rest in the Ilfracombe Cemetery among many tokens of gratitude, affection, and esteem. The mem- bers of the family present at the funeral were Mrs Morris, his widow, Mr and Sirs Edward Morris, Miss Morris, and the Rev. D. Tyssil Evans, of Cardiff.
[No title]
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On Saturday the seven year old son of Mr Taliesin Morris was playing on the road near Penybont Inn, Ystradgynlais, when a cyclist knocked him down, and a greengrocer's trap, the property of David Evans. Cwmgredd. comine along before he could get up, one of the wheels \ypnt over the boy, fracturing his lei; at the tiudx.
£50,000,000 Claim. 6
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£50,000,000 Claim. 6 LOANS TO ENGLISH KINGS. Italian Nobleman's Mission t( London. The Rome correspondent of the Observer says the hese Yincenzo Peruzzi, the pre sent representative of the Peruzzi family. 01 Florence. is now on his way to London on double mission of celebratine his marriage with an English lady, Miss Betty Cox, and of col- lecting data in supportof the claim of his family to a sum of some fifty million pounds from the British Governnent. The claim is in respect of a sum of £ 2,400,00C plus interest for loans granted by some of tbt ancestors of the Peruzzi family to Edward I., II., and III. The Peruzz's owned the historical bank of that name. Its head office was in Florence. where the Peruzzi Palace is still shown to visitors. It is recorded that at the time of the three; first Edwards and subse- quently the Florentine, Genoese, and Lorn. bard financiers played a very important pari in the monetary transactions of the world, and the Peruzzis were considered one of the wealthiest and most influential, and held the position of the Rothschilds of our times. During the thirteenth and lourteenth cen- turies the Popes found it necessary to appoint agents in England for the collection of the Papal dues, and the Peruzzis were nominated for that purpose. That fact brought the members ">f the bank into contact with the King and the British Court. After the war with France King Edward III. found himself in financial straits, and it \as probably at this period that he made serious encroach- ments on the well supplied coffers of the Floren- tine Bank ill London. The Italian historian. Giovanni Yillani, men- tions the Peruzzi transaction, and he also re- cords the panic with which the financial world of that time was seized when King Edward III., on the 6th of May, 1339, issued a Royal Procla- mation ordering the suspension of the repay- ment of ioaJis granted to the Slave, not exclud- ing" those contra cted with his Florentine friends, the Peruzzis. The head of the bank was in Florence atthe time, and as soon as he heard of the drastic Royal measure h; left for London, where all his efforts to settle matters proved of no avail, and he soon after died broken-hearted in the English metropolis. The Peruzzi bank was obliged to declare itself in- solvent, and a11 its property was sold, The present representative of the family is fully conscious of the difficulties of substantiat- ing a claim of this kir.d, not least among them the Statutes of Limitation, which might possibly bar his rights, although he maintains that during successive generations his family have been more or less punctual in reminding the Bl"itisn Gover!1IDcnt of what was due to them- When Krnjr Edward VII. came to Rome in May, 1903, M arch esc Peruzzi wrote to his Majesty about the family claim. Supposing that the claim were admitted, my Lords of the Treasury would have to draw out in favour of the legitimate representative of the Peruzzi family an order for the alarming figure of capital and simple interest at 4 per cent., reckoned on the basis of 569 years.
Exhumed Baby, .
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Exhumed Baby, CHEF CHARGED WITH MURDER. Henry _1lgustus Berney. a Swiss cook. was again brought up at Westminster Police Court on Saturday charged with the wilful murder of a child about January 14th. In 1303 prisoner, while employed at a Mar- gate botel, maJe the acquaintance of Margaret Blackford, in the same service, and they lived together. When their third child was born pri- soner placed it in the charge of a Mrs Robin- son, of Finck street, Westminster Bridge-road, agreeing to pay 7s per week. A week later he took the child away, saying he was going to take it to some friends in Devonshire. About the middle of February the baby's body was found in the Thames, nd medical examination showed that it had been suffocated before being thrown in the water. The mother frequently asked about the child, and at last prisoner told her he had drowned it. Inquiries were made, the body was exhumed, and the present charge was preferred Margaret Blackford said that in 1903 she was employed as book-keeper at the Imperial Hotel, Margaie. Prisoner was also there as chef. The children born in 1904 and 1905 were put out to nurse, the girl at Eastbourne and the boy at Crowhurst. Prisoner paid for their mainten- ance until September last. In that month they went to live at 10, Liverpool-street King's Cross, as :3Ir and 1Irs Berney. Bv Xovember they had exhausted ail their resoucres, and she adopted questiona ble methods to support them both. This was done with Drisoner' knowledge. When the third cMild was born it was taken away to be put out to nurse, as witness under- stood. The prisoner told her that the baby had gone to be nursed at Waterloo, where his sister- in-law's baby had been nursed previously. Subsequently she went into the French hos- pital. and while there prisoner wrote :—" I have taken the kid to the country." On February 1st witness herself registered the birth of the child, and at that time believed it was still alive. From time to time she auestioned prisoner about the child, and at length he said. Oh, I have put him in the Thames." She said. You don't mean that ?" and he answered. He's all right. It's aJJ lies." On another occasion he repeated that he had put the baby in the river, and adhered to the statement, adding, r did it." She was afraid tD tJJ anything to anyone, or ask further, because prisoner threatened her life if she gave him away." v Mrs Woodward, of 10, Liverpool-street, King's Cross, said prisoner told her he waa taking the child to be nursed at Battorsea. Accused was committed for trial at the Cen- tral Criminal Court.
, The Edalji Case. .
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The Edalji Case. GRATUITOUS INSULT. Mr Edalji Disappointed with the Decision. A Daily Chronicle representative was the bearer of the good tidings announcing his free pardon to Mr Edalji on Friday. As the letter was read out to him. Mr EdaJji's first look of joy was succeeded by an expression of disap- pointment. Speaking in tones of deep bitter- ness, he said :— "I think, to put it as bluntly as possible, that it is a most insulting and disgiaceful- letter. and that the committee could not have considered fully and properly the auestion of the letters. I deny as being absolutely false the gratuitous assumption that I wrote the letters or had anything to do either with them or with the outrages. There is not the slightest reason for such an insinuation as that which the letter contains. "It amounts to this — that either the committee have not considered the evidence which I know has been laid before them, or else they made up their minds to gratuitously and studiously insult me. I have been deliberately sacrificed in order that Captain Auson and the Stafford- shire constabulary might be shielded from blame. The free pardon is satisfactory in so far as the conviction is quashed, but at the same time I consider I am entitled to a pardon free from even the suggestion of suspicion,a.nd more- over to substantl3j compensation. The whole constabulary have been in dis- grace over the outrages which have been per- petrated under their very noses, so to speak. They never discovered the offenders, and I was made the scapegoat. There was no doubt a gang concerned in them, but the mere fact that 1 have been pardoned shows that I have had nothing to do with the outrages."
BARD IN THE DOCK.
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BARD IN THE DOCK. Convict Writes and Sings His Own Poems 1 write and sing my own songs, which I also sing in the streets, said a man named Owen Jones, who was charged on Saturday at Clerkenwell with loitering with infceat to com- mit a felony. Among my poems," he added, is one on the loss of Lord itoberts's son at Colenso. Just before I was arrested I was going to Fairing- don-street to buy a banjo string." In spite of his attachment to the muses the fact remains that Jones is a convict with a. record of penal servitude. He sought to imprest the magistrate favourably bv handing up a letter from Lord Roberts.which was apparently an acknowledgment of his verses. Mr D'Eyncourt passed sentence of 12 month*' imprisonment.
TROUBLE AT ROGERSTONE.
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TROUBLE AT ROGERSTONE. Annie Davieand Rose Hannah Onions sum- moned each other at Newport County Police Court on Saturday for assault. In the case of Davies she alleged that Onions called her bad names and she kept a brothel, and she threw a jam pot at her. In the other case Onions alleged that Davies took her by 1he throat and nearly strangled her, saying she would take the lumps out of my throat." She got her on her back and said I will half murder vou." She caused blood to now- Witnesses were called on both sides to prove the respective cases. The Bench ordered both to be bound over and pay the costs.
" RUINED, WIFE, HOME, & ME."
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RUINED, WIFE, HOME, & ME." At Newport Countv Police Court on Saturday on the case of Arthur Rogers, a collier, of Rise a. being called to answer a charge of using threats to John Williams, defendant cried out with great emotion, You have ruined my wife. you have ruined my home, and you have ruined me." Defendant said he was 0 Y served with the summons the previous nignU and had had no time to get witnesses. Be* in Herefordshire at the time of the allegro threats. The case <vas adjourned for i w to give the defendant an opportunity S threats. The case ws adjourned for a" et to give the defendant an opportunity to g his witnesses.