The Cardiff Times

A CRIMINALS' BILL. HOME SECRETARY'S MEASURE. Plan for Dealing with Hardened Wrongdoers. In the Hocsa of Commons on Wednesday, Mr GLADSTONE, Home Secretary, in asking leave to introduce a Bill to make better provision for the prevention of crime and for that purpose to provide for the reformation of young offenders and the prolonged detention of habitual criminals, said he wished to lay strong emphasis on the fact that civilised countries were paying special attention to pre- vention ratber than the punishment of crime. The first part of the Bill established State re- formatories and the second proposed a more effective method for dealing with criminals who wilfully persisted in crime. The first part of the Bill was really the completion of a definite scheme for dealing with young offenders up to the age of 21, or even of a higher age. It was proposed that State re- formatories, known as Borstal institutions, should be substituted for the present treat- ment of young offenders. The Bill provided that young persons iconvicted on indictmpnt must be sentenced to not less than a year and npt more than three years in a Borstal in- stitution. The second part of the Bill un. doubtedly raised a new question on which there might be genuine and perhaps strong differences of opinion, but it was the result of careful study. Following the finding of a jury the Court would have power to sentence habitual criminals to a term of preventive detention, this detention to continue until the man gave bona-fide and sufficient assurances that he would take to an honest life, or until by age or physical infirmity he became physi- cally incapable of resuming a life of crime. In Ho case, therefore, was life imprisonment in contemplation. Under that system it would be open to any man to secure his own dis- charge on reasonable conditions. The Present Prison System. Was a sufficient deterrent to 50 or 60 per cent. of the prisoners, but there were two classes for whom it was not a deterrent. The first and by far the larger class was that which was a difficulty and a nuisance rather than a danger to the State. He referred to those who were criminals chiefly because of mental or physical deficiency rather than o f any settled intention to pursue a life of crime. The second class of prisoners were far more formidable offenders. They were physically fit and took to crime by preference. They declined work when it was offered them. They refused the helping hand and laughed at the present system of imprison- ment. Generally, when these men were in prison they were most excellently behaved. They were orthodox worshippers in chapel, and in many cases they were regular attendants at Communion. (Laughter.) Every night 8,000 police in the Metropolis marched from the stations to their beats ? Why that great number > It was because there were at large 1,200 or 1,500 potential housebreakers, whose avowed object was crime. The Bill proposed that where a person was convicted on indict- ment for a crime, and the jury found that in fact he was an habitual criminal, the court might pass a further sentence which would be served in a new institution. The jury must be Satisfied that the prisoner had been pre- viously convicted of three serious crimes. The prisoner would have an unqualified right of appeal. In cases where an additional sentence bad been passed the prisoners, after serving their terms of penal servitude, would be re- Tnoved to a plaice of detention, which would be specially built and adapted for the purpose in the Isle of Wight, about half a mile from I Parkhurst Prison. Th, prisoners would be Strider the Prison Acts, but the rules would be Subject to modification. It was proposed that the discipline should be less rigorous than now prevailed as regarded hours, talking, recreative occupation, and food. By good conduct a man would be able to rise to a more privileged grade. He would have regular work within the precincts of the prison, and he would be able to earn wages. He would not be treated as a hopeless offender, but from the first every effort would be made To Reclaim Him. (Cheers.) There would first of all be a gen- eral supervision of directors, who would report regularly to the Secretary of State as regarded the conduct and industry of each man, and there Would be a general supervision by the Secretary of State hiself. Secondly, they established a Board of Visitors, and, thirdly, they established a special committee to consider individual cases. There would be two statutory meet- ings per annum of this special committee, Who would report to the Recretary of State. Therefore, before conviction, they had these safeguards—the Public Prosecutor, the jury, the view of the judge, the Court of Criminal Appeal, and the Secretary of State advising as to the prerogative of mercy after con- viction. There would be constant supervision by the Secretary of State of reports of the authorities, inspection by the Board of Visitors, and reports of the special com ? ™ twice a year. Hope and not fear was best antidote to criminal tendencies and men would not be allowed to lose hope when in this place of detention. The system pro- posed differed absolutely from the present penal system in that it enabled a man to effect his own release. No doubt at the outset discharges to sonys extent must be experi- mental, but any serious breach of licence would mean re-arrest and return to the place of detention. He attached much importance to the deterrent effect which the power given by this Bill would produce. Men in whose benefit the Bill was designed were usually skilled and competent men, who, if they thought fit, would have no difficulty in earning an honest living. His object was to prove to such men that a life of crime could not pay, and must only involve detention and hard work. This Bill was the necessary consequence M the wiser and more humane treatment now obeing adopted for the benefit of prisoners generally. The present prison treatment did hot deter those who were attracted by and deliberately took to a life of crime. He made no apology for the introduction of a new principle in our penal, system. On the con- trary, he believd that in this principle and in the extension of it will be found the solution of many of the more difficult problems in the, treatment of crime. The Bill applied to Scot- land. Leave having been given, Mr Gladstone brought in the Bill, and it was formally read a first time amid Ministerial cheers. £ —————

BATH AND WEST SHOW. South Wales Winners. Brilliant weather favoured the opening on Wednesday for the annual show of the Bath and West and Southern Counties Society, which is this year being held at Dorchester. The stock and farm produce entries total 1,975, as against 1.752 at Newport last year, and as compared with 1,516 in 1887, when the society last visited Dorchester. The chief advance is in cattle and sheep, the meeting attracting many well-known exhibitors in competition for valuable prizes, which amount to £3.600. The exhibition was inaugurated with an official welcome by the Mayor of Dorchester (Mr Ralph Pope), who attended in civic state, accompanied- by aldermen and councillors, being received by Lord Digby, president of the society, and members of its Council. Amongst the judges are Mr W. J. Grant, of the County Council Offices, Pentonville, New- port, for cream cheese, butter, and cream, and Professor Carroll, of Dublin, with Mr Grant for butter making. Popular interest centred in the classes for Southdown sheep by reason of the fact that the King was an exhibitor, but in no instance did his Majesty get first prize. The best he did was second prize for a pair of this year's ram lambs, the executors of the late Colonel McCalmont being first. The King was third for a pen of shearling ewes, Sir J. Wernher, of Luton, being first, and the King was highly commended for a shearling ram, Mr Jen- nings, of Cockfield Hall .being first. Prize winners for South Wales counties in- cluded the following :— Shire stallion foaled in 1906—Third, the Keynsham Stud Company, Amberley Court, Mon. Hackney mare or gelding foaled in 1904 or 1905—Second, W. R. Lysaght, Castleford, Chepstow. Hackney filly or gelding foaled in 1906—Re- served. W. R. Lysaght. Hackney filly, colt or gelding foaled in 1907 -Reserved, W. R. Lysaght. Shorthorn cow in milk, calved before 1905-— Highly commended, Sir A. C. Stepney, Bart.. The Dell, Llanelly. Shorthorn heifer.calved in 1907—Reserved, R. Stratton, The Duffryn, Newport. Shorthorn bull, calved in 1907—Reserved and highly commended, R. Stratton. Hereford cattle, calved in 1906—Highly commended, D. A. Thomas, M.P., Llanwern, Newport. Hereford bull, calved in 1906—Reserved, W. Thomas, The Hayes, Sully, Cardiff. Mr J. S. Wroth, of Coombe, Aveton Gifford, South Devon, was awarded championship honours in the South Devon class, Mr E. Hughes, of Wintercott, Leominster, champion prize for cow or heifer in the Hereford class, and Mr G. D. Faber, of Wallingford, for bull in the same class. Mr J. J. Cridland, Maise- more Park, Gloucester, won the gold medal for Aberdeen Angus.

PASsiOfTToR STAMPS. The case of a solicitor with whom the hobby of stamp collecting became such an absorbing passion that it drove him to theft was disclosed yesterday at Bow-street. Sir Thomas Richard Frost, of Home Park- road. Wimbledon, a solricitor who acts as a coach," was one day last week discovered tearing stamps from an album in an auction toom. He was arrested, and eighty-four atamps of very small value were found in his pockets. His friends gave him the highest character yesterday when he was accused of theft, and it was stated that overwork had tome effect on his mind. :n view of this fact he was merely bound the prosecuting counsel expressing the hope that he would soon be restored to his taorm.a.1 state of health.

Mjr ¡.n Tillett reaches England to-day from Australia, after 14 months' absence, his health buins erectly improved.

LAND FOR THE MANY. The Size of the Holding. (By SMALLHOLDER.") A circular letter has just been issued by the Board of Agriculture expressing an opinion as to the correct interpretation of the words "will themselves cultivate the holdings," which is to be found both in the Small Holdings Acts of 1892 and of 1907. The Board points out that the Acts require County and Borough Councils to make rules for guarding against any small holding being let or sold to a person who is unable to cultivate it properly," and the circular states that the object of the provisions in the two Acts appear to be to secure that the small holder shall not only possess the skill and ability to cultivate the particular holding, but shall also personally apply such skill and ability to the cultivation of the holding. This, how- ever, does not exclude the use of hired labour to assist in the cultivation of the holding, or the employment of the members of his own family, and it also permits of a different standard of skill and ability being adopted in accordance with the nature of the cultivation that is required for the particular holding or kind of holding applied for." We gather from this circular that it is not absolutely necessary under the Small Holdings Act for a man to work a holding with his own hands provided he can show he has the skill and ability to Cultivate Properly and the capital to provide the necessary labour. This certainly opens up the benefits of the Small Holdings Acts to the class of gentleman farmers so called in contradis- tinction to the class of working farmers." We fear that many underrate the so-called gentleman farmer and overrate the working farmer. The best farmers of to-day, it will be found, belong to the gentleman farmer type. Their fathers were also of the same class, and as a rule they are well educated and can com- mand some capital. They have been brought up to farm, but not as a workman. Their traiaing has rather been on lines similar to that which the proprietor of any large indus- trial works puts his son and successor through. He is not trained to be personally a skilled workman, but he is trained to know how things should be done and what can be and ought to be done by the labour employed, and bis energies are especially exercised in super- vising, controlling, and directing. We have stated that the class of working farmers is often overrated, and we believe this is due to a misconception as to the value of their work. It does not follow that because a man is a good ploughman he will be a good farmer. One has only to look around in any county to find men who arc indifferent, poor, and not very successful farmers who have been and are champion ploughmen, hedgers and ditchers, stackers and thatchers and shearers. A good farmer is a man who can not only grow crops successfully and econo- mically, but can harvest his crops securely and can market them advantageously the last qualification being the most important of all. To go back to the Board of Agriculture's circular, it is well that the phrase, will them- selves cultivate the holdings," is not to be Ic construed in a narrow spirit, yet all public bodies concerned will have to be careful in respect to the Amount of Land they give to each applicant. It is an axiom in agriculture that the productiveness of a farm and the efficiency of a farmer is limited by the minimum amount of the one factor which is deficient. It may be too much labour and capital at command for the area of land held, or it may be too little capital for the amount of land and labour, or too little labour for the extent of land held and capital in- vested. With applicants for small holdings the difficulty will be that they will apply for more land than the capital and labour they can command will warrant. All applicants can be graded into three classes: fu'st, those who are employed in regular work and wish through the cultivation of land to supplement their income or the subsistence of their family secondly, those who have saved a little money and will depend chiefly on the return from the land for a living, but also supplement their income by job work and piece work and thirdly, those who will put their capital and labour into the land and depend on the direct return from it entirely for a living. According to the publications of the Co-operative Small Holdings Society, for a man in Regular Employment the size of the holding should not exceed two acres-more than this would be a distinct dis- advantage to him. The man who has saved a little money and supplements his income by job work will find five to 10 acres sufficient, and then the amount of arable land in this area must be limited if he is not to be handi- capped. To obtain an entire living from the land about 10 to 20 or 25 acres is. the outside -ig limit a man can manage without employing labour. If a man's family is too young to work then it is unwise for him to hold more than 10 acres. The most suitable size for one of these larger holdings must be determined by the size and age of the man's family. If he holds 25 acres, about two-thirds must be pasture or it will be unmanageable without hired labour, and here again the amount of stock the wife and children can manage will be the deciding factor. In market gardening ten acres seems to be the maximum size which a man can work himself for an entire living, and anyone in regular employment is handicapped if he holds more than one acre. On the other band, with an ordinary pasture farm 20 acres is the minimum necessary when an entire living is lie ooLaiiieu irom anu on jjuulcj. land the minimum might be doubled. It will be found that our shrewdest and most success- ful small holders of to-day have always ob- served two rules, viz., never to hold more land than they have the capital for without borrow- ing, and secondly not to hold more land than they can work personally, so that it will not be requisite to /hire labour. The reference above to pasture land leads us to ask a ques- tion. The promoters and supporters of small holdings have always held that the object of the Small Holdings Acts was to induce men, metaphorically, to make two blades of grass grow where one was previously raised, and in this way to increase Our National Wealth. It is with a feeling of satisfaction that one learns that the demand for small holdings equals a mile-wide band from the Channel to the Tweed, but this satisfaction is damped when on analysis it is found tha,t,roughly, about 75 per cent. of this demand is for pasture land. We fail to see, and therefore ask, what good will such small holders be to the country ? We want more land under cultivation, yet this is what our prospective small holders do not- seem at all anxious to under- take.. Let us hope our County and Borough Councils will give the preference to applicants for arable land. We have the greatest market in the world at our doors. We have as good land as there is in the world, and we are told we have abundance of as good labour as exists. Yet the majority of tho men who seek to be placed on the land to-day show that they know enough of the present tribulations of farming from the fact that they wish to be free from the hard graft," to use a Colonial expression, which the arable culture of land with spade or plough entails. Instead of this they desire the comparative ease of working pasture land.

TUG MASTER'S WIFE. Painful Qardiff Case. John Smith, master of the tug boat Storm- cock," Amherst-street, Grangetown, told the Cardiff Stipendiary on Thursday that his wife, Mary Ann Smith, was addicted to drink, had pawned household goods and food, and neglected the children. Because of her drunken habits he sought a separation order. His average earnings were 30s a week, and if granted a separation he was prepared to allow his wife 4s a week. The Stipendiary What! How o you expect your wife to live on that ? Complainant: Well, 5s a week, then. The Stipendiary That will do. You can go down the Channel if you like. Defendant complained that her husband had ill-used her. and that she was not altogether responsible for the fact that she had given way to drink. Defendant's mother gave evidence. That man," she said, pointing to her son-in-law, 11 has been tried enough," and, pointing to her daughter, She is nearly always drunk, and the children, the poor little lambs, are allowed bv her to go about in an awful dirty state. Why, Polly, I've begged, I've entreated you, to give\ip the cursed drink, but it's no use." Defendant's brother gave similar evidence. My sister is drunk more or less every day," he said with some emotion. "My brother-in- la.w has treated my sister, so far as I know, like a gentleman. I've begged her to give up her ways, but she has only abused me." Mr Morgan Rees, who appeared for the master of the Stormcock. said Mrs Smith's sister would give similar evidence. Defendant, however, asked that the case should be adjourned for a fortnight so that she might call rebutting evidence. The applica- tion was granted.

SANCTUARY PLUNDERED. Pope's Crown Stolen. Rome, Wednesday.—The celebrated sanctu- ary of Grazio, near Mantua, has been pillaged, and the robbery has caused much indignation. The sanctuary contained a representation of the Virgin stated to date from the 14th century. In consequence of numerous miracles which were announced to have taken place ascribed to the Virgin, the Pope last year sent a massive crown of gold and diamonds, and this was solemnly placed in situ by Cardinals Ferrari and Svampa. Both picture and crown have been carried off and the sanctuary is empty. The total loss is stimated at £ 10,000. -Central News.

Four waggons of a train of coal on the branch line at Penrhos Junction, near Caer- philly, on Wednesday afternoon got off the track through jumping thb rails at a sharp curve. The down line was blocked, and the 3 p.m. ex Newport passenger train of the Alexandra Dock and Railways Company, due at Caerphilly at 3.40, was unable to pro- ceed further than Caerphilly Station, but the passengers were taken on by the motor car.

w-r= Fifty Years Ago. "CARDIFF TIMES" EXTRACTS. (From the Issue of Saturday, May 29th, 1858.) Caerphilly Cheese. There was a good demand for Caerphilly cheese on Thursday. There was a great quan- tity of both new and old kinds for sale in fact, more than expected, as LlandafI Fair had been so recently held. Prices were as follow :—Now cheese, from 54s to 64s per cwt. old ditto, from 66s to 70s per cwt. All sold." Rhondda VaHey Trains. We are glad to hear that the Taff Vale Railway Company are proceeding with the works for doubling their line in the Rhondda 'r Valley. That is the work required to give effect to what we urged a fortnight ago— passenger trains on that line. Let us hope the boon will not be long withheld." Cardiff Veterans. During the week the Cardiff division of the Royal Veteran Battalion, under the command of Captain Wiley, have been out on their annual instruction drill. The corps possess much of the soldier bearing of youth, and in drill present that steadiness of action and unity of movement for which the British soldier has ever been distinguished in peace or war. The general inspection will take place at Longcross Barracks to-day." Musio-Levers of Pontypridd. An Eisteddfod was held at the Indepen- dent Chapel at Pontypridd on Monday last. The attendance was large, and the meetings throughout in the highest degree enthusiastic. From the time of GwilymMorgajnwg until now the lovers of the muse in this place have formed no insignificant portion of the popula- tion, and Eisteddfodau have accordingly been matters of common occurrence. But this Eisteddfod has surpassed all its predecessors." Intimidation at Tirphil. Great disaffection prevails in the neigh- bourhood of Tirphil, near Rhymney, with the colliers of -Craig Rhymney Colliery, who in con- sequence of a reduction of wages about to take place gave a month's notice to quit work, The notice having lately expired they left work and a few fresh hands were taken on,'which caused a number of the old workmen to con- gregate together. In consequence of the un- pleasant feeling manifested towards the new hands, four men were arrested and charged with assaulting the new hands and endeavour- ing by threats and intimidation to induce them to leave their work. They were severally com. mitted to prison for one calendar month. It is to be hoped that matters will soon be amicably settled and a better feeling established between the employer and the employed in this colliery which is still in its infancy."

Bombs in India. INFERNAL MACHINES IN A TRAIN. Calcutta, Sunday.-At Howrah railway station early this morning two infernal machines were found in a compartment of a passenger train which had arrived from Pooree. The discovery was made when the cleaners were going through the carriages, which had been vacated by passengers. There is no clue to show whether the infernal machines were left by persons who dismounted at the roadside station or at the terminus. They consisted of sections of large bamboos, 18 inches long, and charged with picric explo- sives. Five tin cases, evidently meant to con- tain similar bombs,were also found.-Reuter.

NEW LIBERAL WHIP. It seems certain that Mr J. A. Pease will succeed Mr George Whiteley as Chief Liberal Whip. The selection is a popular one, Mr. Pease being a favourite with everyone in the House. From the point of view of efficiency too, no better selection could have been made. Mr Pease has been Mr Whiteley's chief ieuten- j Mr J. A. Pease, M.P. ant during the two and a half years the Liberal party has been in power, he has told with him in every division, and he is thoroughly familiar with all the details of an arduous and most responsible office. He, therefore, possesses every qualification for the position.

OBITUARY. Rhondermwyn Octogenarian. The death occurred on Monday of Mr Thomas Harries, Gwynfas Farm, Rhondermwyn, at the advanced age of 86. He was a native of the district and had lived there all his life. Mr Daniel Phillips, Morriston. The death occurred on Tuesday morning at Neath-road, Morriston, from acute anaenra, of Mr Daniel Phillips, who was at one time part owner of the Beaufort Tinplate Works, and a nephew of the late Mr David Da vies, a former owner. Mr Cas. J. Price, Penydarren. A well-known resident, whose death will be generally mourned throughout the Merthyr and Dowlais district, passed away early yes- terday in the person of Mr Cas. J. Price, grocer, High-street, Penydarren, at the age of 43 years. Mr Price had taken an active part in iocal affairs, and was at the time of his death treasurer of the Dowlais Chamber of Trade, a post which he had filled for a decade. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and three children. Lord James of Hereferd's Brother. Mr John Gwynne James, principal of the firm of James and Son, solicitors, Hereford, died on Saturday morning at the age of 87 years. Born ip August, 1820, he was the elder of his brother, Lord James, by eight years. They were the sons of the late Mr Philip Turner James, surgeon, of Hereford, by Frances Gertrude, third daughter of Mr John Bodenham, of The Grove, Presteign. The James's and the Bodenhams were in partner- ship in the firm of solicitors for generations. Mr James was admitted a solicitor in 1845, and three years later was appointed clerk to the Hereford (county) magistrates, a position he occupied for nearly half a century, and received a present of silver plate when he retired. In 1863 he commenced a long munici- pal career, served as alderman many years, and twice occupied the mayoralty. He was the leader of the Liberal party in Hereford until the great split on Home Rule. His eldest son, Mr Arthur Gwynne James, is Recorder of Hereford and County Court Judge of the Bath circuit. His second son, Mr Fras. Reginald James, has succeeded to his father's practice, and has been Mayor of Hereford. There are three daughters—the wife of Pro- fessor J. B. Baillie, the wife of Sir Walter Lauxente. C.I.E.. and the widow of Rear Admiral Alvin C. Corry. Mr James was a staunch Churchman.

BOYS' BRtQADE. Address by Col. Vaughan at Cardiff. Evidence of the excellent work accomplished by the Boys' Brigade was given attheConway- road Wesfeyan Schoolroom last evening, when the 5th Cardiff Company (Captain W. Peck) were inspected by Colonel E. M. Bruce- Vaughan, V.D. Mr G. T. Heald presided. After seeing their movements, which were executed under Adjutant Martin in a credit- able manner, Colonel Vaughan said he was glad to see such a smart company. The drill was excellent; and he congratulated their captain on their smart appearance, and espe- cially his old friend, Lieutenant Martin, one of the smartest non-commissioned officers they had ever had in the Volunteers. He urged the boys to remember that they were the future men of the country, and had to make their way themselves, depending upon nobody else. The Divine will must combine with this (he said), and besides having a high ideal, they had a duty to their fellow-man in the carrying out of which lay the source of true happiness. A very exciting drill competition was won by Corporal William Lougher. The handbell selections by the junior and senior squads were very clever and demonstrated careful training. Physical drills and ambulance dis- plays, followed by songs, instrumental and vocal solos, made up a splendid programme. Prizes for highest attendance at the Bible class were presented by Mrs H. Woodley.

Mrs Sha,ddick, of Gwydr-gardens, Swansea, on Thursday sustained a fractured collar- bone and superficial injuries to the left side while trying to rescue her baby from a dangerous position. The baby had stepped from the window that faces the skylight, and had got on the roof of the verandah. Mr s Shaddick attempted to bring it back to safety, but overbalanced and fell with the baby through the skylight to the floor a distance of 15 feet. The baby was uninjured.

Welcome to England, SCENES !N LONDON. Greeting by the King and the Prince of Wales. The visitsfif the President of tip French Republic opened auspiciously on Monday, M. Falliercs being accorded the utmost honour at all hands. At Dover, after a display by British warships, the French President was received by Prince Arthur of Connauglit (representing H.M. the King), Admiral Lord Charles Beres- ford, and other eminent personages, and upon his arrival at Victoria. (S.E. and C.R.) Station by King Edward, the Prince of Wales, and representatives of the Government. Boulogne's Send Off. Since the King cemented the entente cor- diale with our sprightly French neighbours in 1905 there has been nothing like the excite- ment occasioned by the present visit of the French President to London. M. Fallieres travelled irom Paris to Boulogne by special train on Monday, and had a great welcome and enthusiastic Ci-od speed from the Boulonnais. The President and suite passed under an imposing triumphal arch typi- cal of the fishing industry composed of fish bar- rels one on another, and festooned with nets. On leaving the old town a very pleasant sight met the President's gaze. Assembled on the peristyle of the Palais de Justice was a crowd of Boulogne fishwives, who had donned their attractive caps and gala costume. As the Pre- sident passed they raised cries of Vive Fal- lieres." During the progress of the cortege the can- non were booming and all church bells were ringing. The entire line of route was profusely decorated with flags, among which the British colours were much in evidence. Replying to several addresses which were delivered expressing satisfaction at his visit to England, President Fallieres said he rejoiced deeply at the happy changes which had occurred in regard to France and England. Formerly on both sides of the straits people thought as a rule of landing only to fight. To- day they sought occasions to meet for the purpose of a cordial hand-shake. M. Fallieres added that he was proud to be the bearer of encouragement from the Mother Country to those compatriots who in this friendly economic contest now opened in London were representing with honour the industrial and commercial interests of France. —Reuter. Arrival at Dover. The Leon G ambetta arrived amid thunderous salutes from the British war ships anchored in the roadstead. There was a scene of great enthusiasm when the French President landed at the Prince of Wales' pier. Prince Arthur of Connaught met him half-way down the gangway and shook him warmly by the hand. The Corporation of Dover presented an ad- dress, in which they said—" We sincerely trust that the happy friendship between our nations may ever increase to the benefit of each and the peace of the world." The President handed back a reply, in which he said :—" I am deeply touched by the words with which you have been kind enough to re- ceive the President of the French Republic at the moment when he sets foot on British soil. I congratulate myself particularly on being able to salute in you the worthy representa- tives of the noble city of Dover, the capital of the Cinque Ports, and I offer you warm wishes for prosperity." The President then moved off in the direc- tion of the carriage awaiting him, amid a re- newal of enthusiasm. The gaily-decorated streets of Dover were crowded by cheering spectators, many of whom were French. In due course his Excellency arrived at Priory Station. Here another enthusiastic reception awaited him, and the cheers of the populace were still ringing in his ears when the Royal train left for town. The British fleet at Dover consisted of 52 vessels, with 17,544 men. Rellter's special correspondent with the French President is authorised to state that M. Fallieres was profoundly touched with the warmth of the welcome accorded to him on landing on British., shores, and that he was greatly impressed, ,not only by the magnifi- cence of his reception by the British fleet and afterwards on landing, but also by the beauty of the Dover decorations.

ROYAL BANQUET. Cordial Speeches by King and President. The Court Circular on Monday night con- tained the following:— The President visited the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace in the afternoon, when the members of his suite had the honour of being presented to theic Majesties. The Presi- dent afterwards visiteethe Prince and Princess of Wales at Marlborougil, House. Their Majesties gave a dinner party in the evening in honour of the President of the French Republic, at which their Royal High- nesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Victoria, Princess Louise (Duchess of Argyle),-and the Duke of Argyle, Prince Arthur cJ Connaught, and the Duke of Fife were present, and the following also had the honour of being in vited:—The Lord Chancellor (Lord Loreburn). the Right Hon. H. H. Asquith (Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury) and Mrs Asquith, the Duke of Beccleuch and the Duchess of Buccleuch (Mistress of the Robes), Mons. S. Pichon (Minister of French Foreign Affairs), Mons. Paul Cambon (French Ambassador), Mons. Jean Lanes (Secretary-General), Mons. Armaud Mollard (Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Protocol), Admiral Jaureguiberry (French Navy), Mons. Leon Geoffrey (Minister Plenipotentiary at the French Embassy) and Madame Geoffrey, Capitaine de Vaisseau Keraudren (French Navy), and Lieutenant- Colonel Lasson (aides de camp, President), Mons. Dutasta, First Secretary in the French Diplomatic Service (private secretary), Mons. Marc Varenne (chief private secretary), Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, Earl and Countess of Derby, Earl of Ro-seberv, Earl and Countess of Dudley, Earl of Crewe (Colonial Secretary),ViscountMorley of Black- burn (Secretary for India), the Speaker of the House of Commons and Mrs Lowther, Sir Francis Bertie (British Ambassador Extra- ordinary and Plenipotentiary at Paris) and Lady Feodorovna Bertie, Mr Gladstone, M.P. (Home Secretary), Sir Edward Grey, M.P. (Foreign Secretary), Mr Haldane, M.P. (War Secretary), Mr -Balfour, M.P., Mr Arnold Forster, M.P., and Mrs Arnold Forster, Sir Charles Hardinge (Permanent Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs) and Lady Hardinge. Mr McKenna, M.P. (First Lord of the Admiralty), Admiral of the Fleet (Sir John Fisher) and Lady Fisher, General Sir W. G. Nicholson (chief of the General Staff) and Lady Nicholson, Earl Beauchamp and Countess Beaucharap, Viscount Althorp (Lord Chamberlain), Earl of Granard (Master of the Horse), Earl Howe (Lord Chamberlain to the Queen), Countess of Gosford and the Hon. Charlotte Knollys (ladies-in-waiting), Hon. Violet Vivian (maid of honour-in-waiting). Mr and Mrs Lloyd George were unable to obey their Majesties' command. During dinner his Majesty the King gave the toast of The President of the French Republic," and the President replied. The band of the Royal Horse Guards played a selection of music during the dinner. The banquet was held in the State dining hall long room on the first floor and overlooking the beautiful grounds in the front. The guests were seated at one long narrow table placed down the centre of the hall, decorated with pink roses and Dorothy Perkins," the orna- mental stands containing which were con- nected up with entwinements of asparagus fern and set off by the priceless gold plate and ornaments. The table was, indeed, a beautiful sight, The Speeches. The King proposed the health of the French President. Speaking in French, his Majesty said M. Ie President, welcome. The Queen and I are enchanted to have the pleasure of receiving you here, and as it is for the first time that you come to this countrywesincerely hope your stay, though short, will leaye agree- able memories. To-morrow I hope that we shall visit together the Franco-British Exhibition. The existence of this exhibi- tion shows more than ever the entente cor- diale which exists between our two countries. With all my heart I hope that this entente will aJso be a permanent entente, because it is necessary Cor the welfare and prosperity of our two nations and for the maintenance of the peace which makes for the happiness of the whole world. I lift my glass to the health of the President of the Republic and to the prosperity and the welfare of France-a. countrywhich 1 know and have long admired." Replying to the toast the President said :— Sire,—The reception which your Majesty has accorded me and the part which London has taken in it have touched one the more that this manifestation is addressed through myself to the nation which I represent and which, be well assured, will highly appreciate its splen- dour and its friendliness. France takes pleasure in seeing in the visit which I am to-day paying your Majesty, as also in the frequent sojourns which the King of England makes on French ter- ritory. a confirmation of the relations of cordial understanding which have so happily been established between our two countries, and which the future, I am well convinced, will continue to render closer for their common gpod and for the maintenance of the peace of the world. In inviting me to visit the Franco-British Exhibition, your Majesty knew how agreeable it would be to me to admire, in oompany with yourself, the inestimable results of the co-operation of two peoples who, in this imposing work, give evidence of their genius in every manifestation of the human mind. I faithfully interpret the thought of the Government of the Republic and of the whole of France in raising my glass to the happiness of your Majesty and her Majesty the Queen, of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, and of the Royal Family, to the greatness of the United Kingdom, and to the development of the auspicious friendship which unites the British people to the French people." Mayor of Dover Honoured. A Dover correspondent states that on his III.: I- ■ IUW -^u—JCTT- cs—E

Britain's Distinguished Guest, SlIM 2. M. FALLIERES, President of the French Republic, who arrived in England on Monday on a State visit. —(World's Graphic Press.) -=-- arrival at Dover on Monday afternoon, Presi- dent Fallieres created Mr VV. Em den, Mayor of Dover, a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. The President has conferred the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honour upon Lord Charles Beresford. French Honours. Reuter's Agency learns that the King has conferred the Grand Chain of the Roval Vic- torian Order on M. Fallieres and M. Pichon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. Lanes, M. Mol- lard, and decorations on the Presidential suite. The President conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour upon Lord Charles Be- resford and Prince Arthur of Connaught, and the Legion of Honour on Commander Heaton ELljs. British Naval Attache to the British Eteibassy at Paris.

CITY'S WELCOME. The President of the French Republic was the guest of the City of London on Wednes- day, and was entertained with all the renowned festivitv in the ancient Guildhall. Earlier in the day M. Faliieres held at St. James's Palace a reception of members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Ambassa- dors and Ministers in London attended in full levee dress. Subsequently, in tHe throne room, the Presi- dent received, in a body, deputations from the City of Westminster, the Associated Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom, the Franco-Scottish Society, London County. Council, London Chamber of Commerce, Eng- lish members of the Legion of Honour, and representatives of the Institute of France. All seven deputations presented addresses. to each of which M. Fallieres made a brief reply in French, simply thanking each deputa- tion for its address and expressing his plea- sure at receiving them. Thirty officers and 200 men of the French war- ship Jena arrived in London during the morning, and were taken for a drive through the parks and around London generally. They were entertained at luncheon and attended gala performances at the Palace Theatre before returning to their ship. I The party of French sailors were passing St. James's Palace when they saw the French Pre- sident, and saluted him with great enthusiasm. THE CITY VISIT. The President left Ambassadors' Court at St. James's Palace just after half-past 12, the King's Guard mounting as lie entered the II State postilion landau. In the carriage with him were M. Pichon and the Earl of Granard. As the President's carriage with its escort of Life Guards turned out into Pall Mall, cheers greeted M. Fallieres, and the sound was in his ears until the Guildhall was reached. The day was ideal for sightseeing, the rays of the. warm May sun being tempered by a cool, north- easterly breeze. Immense crowds lined the route taken by the State procession, and gave M. Fallieres a typical British welcome. In many cases the onlookers were workpeople who had snatched a few minutes from their dinner hour, and whose boisterousness showed their keen appreciation of the entente cordiale movement. Flags and bunting flying from tall Venetian masts were so profuse lhat look- ing along any of the thoroughfares one could scarcely see anything else above the heads of the people. More colour was- provided by the uniforms of the troops lining the streets. From St. James's Palace to the beginning of High Holborn the road was kept by the Infantry Brigade from Aldershot under Brigadier-General the Hon. A. H. Henniker- Major, They consisted of the 3rd Grenadier Guards, 2nd Scots Guards, 2nd Prince of Wales' Own Yorkshires, and 2nd South Wales Borderers. At Oxford Circus, where the welcomes of the Marylebone and Holborn Borough Councils were extended to the French President, large pillars had been erected. From these hung festoons of flowers, and the, flags of the two V, 11 countries were displayed with great promin- ence. As soon as the President arrived the representatives of the Borough Councils stepped forward and presented the addresses. The ceremony was of short duration. The President was evidently highly pleased at the reception he received from all sides, but beyond thanking the two gentlemen who handed the addresses, and raising his hatto theircolleagues and friends, made no response to their congra- tulations. Amid cheers the President drove on beneath lines of many flags, through High Holborn and Holborn Bars to the boundary of the City. There a flying floral arch spanned the road, and the motto, The City greets you," appeared above. The Lord Mayor, in his State robes, and ac- companied by the Lady Mayoress and the Sheriffs,since noon had been receiving the guests, who included members of the Cabinet, the CorpaDipIomatique, representatives of science, literature, and art, the naval and military services, the churches, and of London business circles. The Prince of Wales wore the uniform of a British Admiral, with the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honour, while the Princess was attired in a pink gown and wore a hat with ostrich plumes. A fanfare of trumpets announced to the guests in the library the arrival of M. Fallieres. As soon as greetings had been ex- changed, a procession was formed and made its way, amid loud cheers, to the dais in'the Council Chamber. Arriving at the dais, M. Fallieres, who wore over his evening dress the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honour, and around his neck the chain and cross of the Victorian Order, took a seat by the side of the Lord Mayor. A Court of Common Council was then formed, and an address to the President was read by the Recorder. The President read his reply, in the course of which he said :— In inviting me to come amongst you, gentlemen, you have given me true pleasure, and I thank you. I am very much touched by the sentiments which are expressed for France and for her President, and I am desirous of assuring you of the good wishes which I on my side entertain with all my heart for the great and. beautiful City of London. .SCENE AT THE BANQUET. While the general company proceeded to the banquetting hall, the Royal visitors and M. Fallieres retired to a withdrawing room. A few minutes later the procession was reformed, and entered the banquetting hall. Within this historic hall there was a scene surpassing in brilliance even that in the library. The sombre character ofthc walls and roof gave just the needed background to set off the brilliant uniforms and the bright dresses which surrounded the tables, which with huge I .ttowls of La France roses upon them presented a beautiful scene. But for the electric lamps there would have been only a dim light in the hall until dejeuner was nearly over, when two narrow shafts of sunlight shot through I the high, narrow windows, giving a curious but beautiful effect. Luncheon over, the Lord Mayor proposed the toast of the King and Queen, and then proposed the toast of the President of the I French Republic. The toast was honoured with the utmost enthusiasm, the band playing the Marseil- laise." PRESIDENT'S REPLY. President Fallieres- had another rousing reception on rising to reply, and it was some minutes before the cheering subsided. Again speaking French he said It affords me special pleasure to be the guest of the representatives of the noble city I of which you, my Lord Mayor, are the first elected magistrate. My all-pervading thought is that I am in the very heart of the intelligent and practical activity of your mighty capital, at the hearth from which ¡ radiate liberal and generous ideas, the inde- fectible principles of all progress and all civilisation. It was very pleasing to me to hear you recall that it was in this illustrious j hall that you listened five years ago to my eminent and respected predecessor, my friend, M. Loubet, when in accord with you he gave consecration by his authoritative word to the first acts in understanding which hag been so fruitful for the moral and material interests of our two friendly nations, the ties between which have not since relaxed. (Cheers.) If I have been able, by the welcome which I endeavoured to make as cordial as possible, to prove to the mem- bers of your municipality, when they were good enough to pay me a, visit in the course of one of their stavs in Paris, that I attached i the greatest value" to the maintenance of the relations which are developing every day to the advantage of our two countries, I did but respond in this respect to the sentiments of trust and lively sympathy which animate France in regard to Great Britain. (Cheers.) The community of interests which united France and the British Empire finds expres- sion in the importance of the daily trans- actions between our two countries. These happy relations of friendship and business the Government of the Republic strives with all its might to strengthen, and in its name I salute with joy that imposing mani- festation of the work, the commerce, the industry, the agriculture and the arts of England and France, which has obtained its consecration in the brilliance of an exhibi- tion which does so much honour to the genius of our two countries and the assured success of which will invite us to pursue the same ideal of labour, concord and peace. (Cheers.) I shall preserve, gentlemen, a precious recollection of your splendid and hearty reception. Concluding his speech M. Fallieres proposed the last toast with the words I lift my glass to the honour of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City of London." The Lord Mayor in reply said the events of the day would be long remembered as among the most interesting which the Corporation bad witnessed in their long history. Remarkable incident. There was a remarkable incident during President Fallieres' ride through London. It occurred in Waterloo-place where the famous Crimean statue to the Guards who fell in the campaign is situated. The square was kept bv solid ranks of the Irish Guards, and in front of them the 2nd Dragoons sat on their bay horses. Immediately in front of the Crimean statue two tall colour-sergeants stood rigidly at attention, bearing the colours of the regiment. As the Sovereign's escort of the 2nd Life Guards clattered by, the band of the Irish Guards struck up the Marseillaise." President Fallieres had his eyes fixed on the Crimean statue. As his carriage came abreast of the statue he swept his silk hat from his head and held it on high at the full length of his arm, slightly raising himself from his seat as he did so. He did not take his eyes from the monument. This act of recognition of a campaign in which the armies of Great Britain and France fought side by side quickly appealed to the crowd of military men from the neighbouring clubs, who were gathered on the pavement. Their hats went up with that of the President, and cheer after cheer rose in the air. At the same instant the two colour-sergeants dropped their regimental colours until their folds lay in the roadway, where they remained until the President's carriage had passed.

DEPARTURE OF FRENCH PRESIDENT- M. Fallieres left Victoria at 9.48 a.m. yester- day by special train en route to Paris. At the President's own request the arrangements were quite private, no troops lined the streets, and no guard of honour was posted, but there was a great crowd to see him off. The King, the Prince of Wales, Prince Christian, Prince Arthur of Connaught, Sir Edward Grey, and a number of other notables assembled on the platform at Victoria to bid M. Fallieres bon voyage. At9.40M. Fallieres arrived from York House. He was heartily cheered as he entered the station and was conducted to the royal waiting room. King Edward walked with the President until he reached a group on the platform and his Excellency leaving the King proceeded to shake hands with all present and to say a few words of farewell to the principal members of the party. Then the President rejoined the King and together they walked to the royal saloon. His Majesty chatted pleasantly for a minute or so with his departing guest, and removing his hat seized the President cordially by the right hand and shook hands with him in the heartiest possible fashion. The Prince of Wales, Prince Arthur, and Prince Christian followed the King's example, and then M. Fallieres stepped into the saloon. King Edward and the othpr members of the party on the platform raised their hats in final salutation, and the train steamed away for Dover. President Returns on Paddle Boat. M. Falliercs, accompanied by his suite, arrived at the Prince of Wales Pier, Dover, at-- 11.35. The Brtissh Fleet and other vessels were dressed and the customary salutes were fired from the ships, which were manned in honour of the occasion. The weather was very rough in the Channel to-day, and as it would have been necessary for the President to land in a tender in the event of his going to Calais in the battleship, the French passenger vessel Le Nord was pressed into the service. The President decided to make the Channel passage in her rather than go to Boulogne in the Leon Gambetta. Thereupon his flag was hoisted upon the Le Nord, and the luggage was trans- ferred to the craft and she quickly got away, headed by the Leon Gambetta. Notwithstand- ing that a stiff N.E. breeze was blowing, the President, wearing an overcoat and tall silk hat, stood upon the paddle-box,surrounded by some of his suite, and frequently bowed in reply to the cheers of the people. As the Le Nord headed away for Calais, the British destroyers drew near to escort her part of the way across the Channel, thunderous salutes being fired. Before leaving His Excellency received the gayor of Dover and handed him JE60 for the benefit of the poor of that town. Just on the eve of departure M. Fallieres sent ashore a telegram of thanks addressed to the King. When last seen from Dover the torpedo boats composing the escort were roll- ing heavily in the rough sea. The President's Gifts. M. Fallieres has made the following gifts on his departure from London :— Francs. For the poor of London 5,000 French Hospital l. 2,000 Societe de Bienfaisance Francaise 2,000 Convalescent Home at Brighton 1,000 Governesses' Home 1,000 Society of French Teachers. 500 Oeuvre des Enfants de France.. 500 Boys' and Girls' Schools, Leices- ter-place, each 503 Making in all the sum of 13,G00fcs. (£520). M. Cambcn, in forwarding to the Lord Mayor the cheque for the £ 200 for the poor of Lon- e don, expressed the thanks of the President for the grandiose reception given to him by the City of London, of which he will retain an in- effaceable memory." A Foundling Godchild. Many stories are told of the fondness of M. Fallieres for children and his kindly considera- tion for them. Some time ago he paid a sur- prise visit to a foundling hospital in Paris, and was shown one poor little child who had only just arrived, and who was in a pitiful state of emaciation. I wish to stand as godfather to this child,"said the President, so please see hat he's called Armand." Before leaving, M. Fallieres left a goodly sum of money to be placed in Armand's name in the savings bank. Master of Ceremonies. Accompanying M Fallieres in a distinctly official capacity was M. Armand Mollard, one of the most picturesque figures in the suite. He is the Chief of the Protocol and Introducer of Ambassadors. As Chief of the Protocol M. Mollard is Lord High Arbiter of all that con- cerns Court etiquette, and it cannot always have been easy to reconcile time-honoured usages with the modern spirit of the democra- tic Presidential surroundings. However that may be, M. Mollard has succeeded admirably, and his expert knowledge of the how, when, and where of State ceremonial has made him a sort of court of reference. Gratified Sailors. Reuter's special correspondent with Presi- dent Fallieres was at Dover this morning re- ceived by Admiral .Toureguiberry aboard the Leon Gambetta, aud the Admiral gave him this farewell message The French Navy feels highly honoured by the cordial and hearty reception given to it by the British Fleet, and can never forget the kindness shown to us both in London and Dover. It is another proof of the mutual esteem existing between the navies of and S^)uEjand»" i <

m affi-TTrnif.jin, u .itr — firi llllliw,^ Opera Gala Night. SCENE AT COVENT GARDEN, Command Performance for th< King and His Guest. A DREAM OF BEAUTY. Covent Garden Opera House presented a I brilliant spectacle last night, when by Royal command a gala performance was given in honour of President Fallieres.. Seen from theroyal box the theatre was a veritable bower of roses. The curtain was framed in a mass of pa,le pink roses, with fes- toons, most artistically arranged, depending from the top. Round the three 4-ows of boxes were displayed row after row of pink roses, with festoons hanging between the Royal tier and the one above it. The roses were set on a green background of trellis work. On the face of the boxes in the fourth row were disposed wreaths of darker-coloured roses, and beneath the Royal box—a vast apartment made by turning six ordinary boxes into one— the roses were of a deep crimson. Above the centre of theproscenium arch was a large crown, and beneath it the tetter E in white flowers, encircled by a wreath of roses, and outside the frame of the curtain were rows of deep crimson roses. The Royal box was in white and gold, draped over the front with purple velvet edged with goid lace, and the whole lined with orchids. The box, which was occupied by the Maharajah of Nepa,l and his suite, con- sisted of two boxes on the Royal tier converted into one. and it bore no special decoration. But beneath the large box to the left of the _L Royal box, which was for the Ministers, and consisted of four boxes converted into one, appeared the flags of Great Brtain and France intertwined, and joined together by a shield in red, white, and blue, with the letters R. F. in yellow. The flags were most artistically de- signed in flowers of the colour of the actual emblems. In the Royal box white and gold chairs were placed for the distinguished visitors, pictures hung upon the walls, and Louis Quatorze mirrors disposed tastefully in the corners. Madame Melba. The King and Queen, with the Prince and Princess of Wales, met M. FaUieres at the Opera House at 9.30. The performance con- sisted of the first act of Bizet's I Pescatori di Perle and Act II. (the garden scene) of Gounod's Faust." The following is the caste :— < I PESCATORI DI PERLE. Bv Bizet. Act I. Leila Mme. Tetrazzini. Nadir Mr John McCormack. Zurga Signor Sammarco Nuraba-d Signor Marcoux. FAUST. Gdunod. Act II. (Garden Scene). Marguerite. Mme. Melba. Siebel Miss Hatchard. Martha Mme. Edna Thornton. Faust Signor Zenatello. Metistofele. M. Marcoux. Conductor.sigDor Campanmi. The members of the Royal family and the French President supped at the Opera House during the interval, and remained till the fail of the curtain at 11.15. They were loudly cheered as they drove away just before half- past eleven to the strains of the Marseillaise. followed by the British National Anthem. The whole performan is a brilliant success,

Shipyard Settlement. WORK TO START ON MONDAY. At Carlisle on Thursday meetings of the National Shipbuilding Employers' Federation and of representatives of the societies in- volved in the shipyard dispute were held simultaneously. Mr Arthur Henderson, M.P., travelled from London to act as intermediary in case of difficulties arising in the way of arriving at a solution. Mr Jones, of West Hartlepool (president of the National Federa- tion), and Mr James (chairman of the East Coast Ship Repairers' Association) were pre- sent, along with representative employers from all the federated yards between the Clyde and Birkenhead. Shortly before five o'clock it was announced that a settlement had been effected, and that work would be resumed on Monday. The proceedings at the conference were of a protracted nature. Several retirements took place, and eventually the joint conference was resumed. Those present on behalf of the em- ployers included Mr George Jones, president of the National Federation Mr F. N. Hender- son, Mr J. H. Bowldes, Mr G. B. Hunter, Sir W. T. Doxford, Mr Saxton White, Mr Henry Withy, Mr C. B. Connell, and Mr James Robinson (secretary). The men's representa. tives were Mr S. Hunter, Amalgamated Car- penters and Joiners Mr Thomas Park Wood, Cutting Machinists Mr A. Stark, Associated Carpenters and Joiners; Mr W. Matkin, General Union of Carpenters and Joiners Mr James O'Gradv, M.P., Furnishing Trades Association; Mr P. T. Maclaren, Scottish Sawmill Operatives Mr A. Wilkie, M.P., Associated Shipwrights Mr J. Butterworth, Drillers' section Mr T. Macdonie.Sunderland shipwrights Mr Thvrrlby, Sunderland and Mr Frank Smith, Cabinetmakers' Union. At the close of the conference it was officially announced that a complete settle- ment had been arrived at, and that arrange- ments had been made that lock-out notices De withdrawn, and that all shipyards, graving docks, and repairing establishments through- out the federated area will be open for the men at the usual starting time on Monday morning next.

CO-OPERATIVE CONGRESS. Forthcoming Visit to Newport. Extensive preparations are being made at Newport for the reception of the 1,700 dele- gates who will visit the town during Whit- week for the fortieth annual congress of th& co-operative societies of Great Britain and Ireland. The last occasion when the congress assembled in South Wales was in 1900 at Cardiff. Since then the co-operative move- ment has grown phenomenally. Some 1,500 delegates visited Cardiff, and this number will be increased at Newport by 150 or 20Q. Besides the British delegates, representatives will be present from France, Germany, Hol- land, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. The proceedings will be opened with a meet- ing of the Central Board on Saturday, June 6th, and the opening of the Co-operative Pro- ductions Exhibition by Councillor Tbos. Parry, J.P., Mayor cf Newport, at the special exhi- bition building which has been erected at Rodney Parade. The first sitting of the congress will be on Whit-Monday, when the Mayor of Newport will formally welcome the delegates at the-, Central Hall, after which Councillor T. W. Allen, Blaina, who is the president, will de- liver his inaugural address. An international session of the congress will be held on the fol- lowing Monday evening. On Tuesday there will be a meeting of the Central Board and an educational session at the Congress Hall. One of th$papers to be read is on The Small Holdings Act and its Relation to Co-operative Societies" Further papers will be given On Wednesday, and a meeting of the Amal- gamated Union of Co-operative Employees will also be held. A series of concerts by the Gloucester and other co-operative choirs have been arranged, and on Thursday the promoters are arranging a trip from Barry to Ilfracombe by boat.

FRENCH RAILWAY ACCIDENT. Three Killed Several Injured. Paris, Wednesday.-A despatch from Cler- mont, Ferrand, gives particulars of a fatal rail- road accident which occurred yesterday be- tween Laqueuille and Eygurande, on the Orleans Company's line. Several trucks laden with rai!s and contain. ing 16 workmen were derailed at a sharp curve in the line, the rails being thrown to the ground pell-mell with the men, who were badly crushed. Three labourers named Mioche, Boutin, and Vital, were killed on the spot, and almost all the others were injured, five so seriously that they were taken in a deplorable condition to Cler- mont Hospital.—Central News.