The Cardiff Times

S.-U S H A.G" T B-A C C 0 s TRY IT.

WORKMEN'S TOPICS. (By MABON, M.P.) THE NEW TRADES UNION. A BROAD-MINDED DISCREET DECISION. Mr Justice Neville, on the 21st instant, deli- vered a very interesting and important Judgment in establishing the legality of a new Movement in the Trade Union world. Some Qttle time ago the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants made a rule binding Parlia- mentary candidates adopted by the Union to Accept and sign the conditions of the Labour Party. The Society also took part in the formation of the affiliation scheme, and spent some of its funds for that purpose. This being go, a member of the Society brought an action against the Society and its trustees, asking the Court to hold that the rule was invalid on a technical point, and declaring *&at the policy of contributing to the Labour Party was ultra vires." Mr Justice Neville, In most careful and masterful judgment, has decided in favour of the Society on both Points. The first of the two questions raises but a technical point, and we need not dwell On it; but the second, as can easily be seen, Raised a question of very great moment in our Trade Union politics, for it actually deel res that the affiliation and application of the funds as decided upon are not to be ultra vires. One Can imagine some of our Judges giving a series of arguments justifying a decision of a very different character. Mr Justice Neville's Judgment actually means that a Trade Union is at liberty to combine with any political party it chooses, be it Tory, Liberal. or Socialist, and financially support the same, Sea, without fear of interference of any kind 'om the Courts it can even subscribe to the party fund of either. In my humble opinion the judgment brings out these points Jery clearly. The primary object of all Trade Unions is, and must be, to improve the Condition and to protect the Labour interest of their members. All rules and all expendi- ture must be governed by this object. There- fore the question which arose was, how could that be consistent with the spending of money for the purpose of influencing legislation? And generally speaking up to a very recent time that was the view held by Trade Unionists. Counsel for the plaintiff contended that any Expenditure for the purpose of influencing legis- lation ever must be limited to specifically Trade Union purposes. The Labour party," he said, "is not Trade Unionism or anything like it." The Trade Union Societies might, if they thought proper, Support and subsidise movements, or taembers, in the immediate and particular tnterests of themsplves. And counsel argued that the immediate society concerned-the Railway Servants (or any other society) were jtot entitled to use the funds subscribed by ■bern for their own trade purposes, for the Purpose of promoting general political objects of a very much wider scope. Mr Justice Neville, however, rejected these contentions, and took a much broader and tnore general view of the matter. His Principle, if I understand it properly, was, at that the greater includes the less-that if a nion considers that the policy of the Labour Jlarty or any other party would benefit 5, trade interests of its members, then the +v,m°? k entitled to support that party. And sub kbat in so doing it would indirectly ■ni? other and wider causes does not Nev"ll f subsidy ultra vires. Mr Justice >. f furthermore rejected the contention such a remodelling of a society as the jLjii ^our party advocates is inconsistent with Trade Unionism. He did not see that under YT C IC regime the functions of Trade Unions would be exhausted they would only change their character and become exclu- sively political. The learned Judge, of course, expressed no opinion on the merits or the demerits of the new policy in the Trade Union World, which he was asked to put a stop to his duty simply being to decide whether the course taken was legal or illegal. Trade Unions, having been given the right to spend their hioney on Parliamentary representations, the Judge is of the opinion that the Courts could not interfere to stop them doing so if they to do it. Thus It is evident, unless Justice Neville's decision is reversed, that the future of Trade Unionism in this matter is absolutely in their own hands., They are now Unlettered by any restriction placed upon them by the Law in consequence of any funda- mental constitution. In fact they have a Perfectly free hand to be as political as they ike. From the attention this decision has received throughout the country, it is generally thought that the situation created by it is Actually new. But to us in South Wales it is aotso. The question at issue is exactly the and the decision similar in effect to that Which was delivered some time ago in the case of Steel and the South Wales Miners' Federa- tion and I should not wonder a bit if the Conservatives will not make strenuous effort to get the decision reversed. Industrial Arbitration. In the legislative assembly of New Zealand, Mr Findlay, the Attorney General, in the address in reply to the speech from the Throne, remarked that the question whether the industrial arbitration system should be abolished, was being pressed upon them by the employers, and proceeded to plead for its retention in view of the benefits it had con- ferred upon the workers. The worker! said they wanted the Act, and he believed they did. If so, they themselves would have to recognise that it would have to be main- tained in fairness, and applied justly to both sides. It is believed, he said, pretty generally that the sentiment of New Zealand was dead against the repeal of the Act. He pointed out that four-fifths of the adults in New Zealand had over £35 in the Savings Bank. These Ujgures were the result of the peace and prospe- rity of the country, resulting from relationship between the employers and employed, brought about chiefly by the Industrial Arbitration Act, and were unequalled anywhere else in the \?hole world. He maintained that men who Were serving the State by rearing a family should receive special attention from the State, and he held that the Premier had gone, in his financial statement, a long way in that direc- tion by forecasting special provisions in aid of married, men receiving low rates of wages as part of their national contribution annuities Scheme. Reviewing the industrial legislation of other countries, Mr Findlay said that the £ ew South Wales Act aimed at what they in few Zealand must come to—namely, repres- sion of strikes as a social influence, irrespec- tive of the existence or non-existence of an award. Dealing with the proposed Concili- ation Council, Mr Findlay said that the great thing was to get the parties together. The Council could sit within a fortnight of a trouble arising, and the men who could not ^"ait a fortnight for a settlement did not wish *°r a settlement. Referring to the exertion J^age proposed, he said that the figures showed that the production of certain workers in one industry had decreased 15 or 20 per cent. 8.S the result of unifbrm wages. Under an Arbitration system, all the good features of an eXertion wage could be secured, and all evil ones" eliminated, and he saw no reason why the worker and the employer should not be allowed to agree as to extra pay for extra Work. He believed the system would be exten- slvelv tried in New Zealand, and would be ^-cognised by the workers as one of their greatest blessings.

< FOUND DEAD ON A MOUNTAIN. Sad Story at Tredegar. w, A sad story was told at an inquest held at Tredegar on Wednesday on Dorcas Buck (42), j^m, who was found dead on the mountain ^etween Tredegar and Ebbw Vs^le on Sunday "horning: Deceased, it was stated, had given ?ay to drink. On Saturday deceased was at gbbw Vale, where she remained until closing She then started to walk over the fountain back to Tredegar in company with Juan. This man was called as a witness, and **e said a number of men followed, and he °Ught police protection,but in vain. Replying °Ught police protecticn, hut in vain. Replying the Coroner, witness said that it never truck him to get assistance at the police ^^tion. It was half-past 1 when he left the Oman. He did not know the men.—The oroner Have they be^n found ?—Supt. launders No this is the first we have heard vi.)t. He never mentioned it before. Sergt. st said there were no indications of a f ruggle at, ^0 Sp0t where the body was *uid an(j j)r jj q. p1T)wri gaid that the j^eased suffered from valvular disease of the jj^art, there were indications of alco- usm. The jury returned a verdict of Heart accelerated by drmk and over exer-

roll-top writing .desk was presented on pOnday to Mr Edwin Jones, conductor of <he ^n"am and District Male Vcfice Party, for his ices .extending over 10 years. The presen- was preceded by a luncheon. Mr C. E. ^restier-Walker, J.P., presided.

Loss of Hundredsof Lives TWO WARSHIPS AGROUNB. Great Damage to Shipping. Hong Kong, Tuesday.—The typhoon last night lasted two hours. The steamers Schoylkill, Persia, Powhatan, Lai Sang, Ann Charles, Hardovir are ashore. An unknown steamer and several lighters foundered. H;M. cruiser Astraea. launched a cutter at the height of the storm and saved six Chinese junk men. The cutter was wrecked. Later.—H.M. destroyer Whiting is ashore off Lyeemun. The crew were saved. A tug has been despatched to the vessel's assistance.. Fifteen Chinese houses at Kowloon collapsed and many were damaged. Casualties ashore and afloat are small. The Observatory gave timely warning of the coming of the typhoon at noon yesterday.—Reuter. 300 PassinClrs Missing. A later Reuter's Hong Kong telegram states that the ss. Yang King foundered on Monday. Three hundred passengers are missing. Later.—The Schuylkill has been refloated. She is making but little water. The Powhatan sustained damage to her bottom plates. The Skramstad, the Arama, and the Barra col- lided successively, and were considerably damaged above the waterline. The Vandalia collided with the Cranley,and her upper works were damaged. The Fausang collided with the Reidar, and both were injured. The Hoiching and the newly-built cruiser Shuinam, for the Canton Salt, Commissioner, are ashore. The P. and O. Company's tug Jeanette is partly submerged. Numerous launches have foundered or gone ashore. The public gardens are wrecked, and debris is blocking the streets.—Reuter. The Whiting is a three-funnelled 30-knot destroyer of 360 tons, 210 by 21ft., with a maximum draught of lift. She was built by Palmer's, and has been stationed on the China station for a number of years. The- Whiting took part in the attack on the Taku forts at the time of the Boxer rising in 1900. A cable to Lloyd's from Hong Kong; of Tuesday's date, states that the German steamer VandaJia, while under weigh, collided with British steamer CranJey, which was anchored off Kowloon. The Cranley was struck on her starboard side amidships and also in the forecastle. The damage above the water- line is serious, and the vessel will have to be drydocked. The cable states that the British steamer Courtfield is undamaged.

THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS. Entire Fleet of Boats Swamped. New York, Wednesday.—Advices received from Hong Kong state that the loss-of life during the typhoon is estimated at several thousands. The magnitude of the disaster was at first greatly under-estimated, and from far and near come stories showing the terrible loss of life. Numerous small villages were entirely de- stroyed, and scores of junks and many small steamers were driven ashore or foundered with all hands.—Central News. Hong Kong, Wednesday, 3 p.m.—The posi- tion of the British destroyer Whiting, which was; driven ashore off Lyeemun in the typhoon on Monday night, is bad. Salvagers are lightening the vessel and removing stores and arms. An attempt will be made to tow her off at high tide to-morrow. The amount of damage done is not yet known. Reports have been received from Canton that a devastating' typhoon raged there yes- terday morning. Thousands of native craft and an entire fleet of flower boats, launches, cargo boats, and lighters were swamppd, and there was considerable loss of life. The British river service steamer Robin and the French river gunboats Argus and Vigilante went adrift, and were considerably damaged. In West River the steamer Tung Kong foun-, dered. The officers of the steamer Choy Sang gallantly rescued the captain, crew, and 78 sur- vivors. I. Numerous houses have collapsed, entomb- ing occupants, and public gardens have been wrecked.—Reuter.

A Train Held Up, PASSENGERS ROBBED & GUARD HURT. Cairo, Wednesday.—Brigands, who are pre- sumed to be Bedouins, held up a train on the Fayoum Railway on Monday night, causing the derailment of the train, robbing the pas- sengers, and wounding the guard. The prevalence of brigandage and the in- security of the interior are well known, and form the subject of constant complaint, but the present case is unprecedented, and calls for energetic action on the part of the authori- ties.—Reuter.

NEWFOUNDLAND STORM. Anxiety far Governor's Safety. > Sto John's, Newfoundland, Wednesday.—A terrific storm has visited the Labrador coast, and 23 vessels have been wrecked in Tinker Harbour. Three lives have been lost, and 120 men were stranded on the shore without food or shelter. Great anxiety is felt about Sir William McGregor, the Governor, who is on the cruiser Fiona, paying his annual visit to that coast. The Fiona has not been heard of for three days. The extent of the damage is not yet known, as there is no cable connection north of Ihdian Harbour.—Reuter.

MR TAFTS STEAMER FIRED ON From the Banks of the Ohio. Cincinnati,Wednesday.—Mr Taft, theRepub- lican candidate for the Presidency, was to- day formally made an honorary member of the Steam Shovellers' Union. A sensation was caused here by the report that the steamer conveying Mr Taft to Cincinnati had been fired on yesterday. This was confirmed to-day by news that an unknown man had fired a shot gun from the banks of the Ohio river as the steamer was passing, two men on board being slightly wounded. Mr Taft did not know of the occurrence. The opinion was expressed aboard that the shots were fired unintenitonally.— Reuter.

STANDARD OIL CASE. Government's Further Action. Lenox, Mass., Wednesday.—Mr Charles J. Bonaparte, the Attorney-General, to-day made a statement to the effect that every effort of the United States Government would be put forth to secure the revision of the recent decision of the United States Court of Appeals in the case of the Standard Oil Co., of Indiana. An application for the rearrangement of the case and a motion for the modification of the opinion of the Court would, he said, be made simultaneously. The prosecutions pending against the Standard Oil Co. and all other simultaneously. The prosecutions pending against the Standard Oil Co. and all other prosecutions for giving or receiving rebates would be meanwhile pressed for trial.—Renter.

BAD NEWS FOR WESLEYAN8. The Wesleyan Conference resumed its pastoral sessions in York on Tuesday, Rev. J. Scott Lidgett in the chair. The Rev. J. Milton Brown, missionary secretary, reported that the Mission House had received bad news from Hayti. Intelli- gence had come from Port au Prince that all the property, chapels, schools, training colleges and parsonages had been destroyed by fire. He suggested that a message of sympathy be sent to the leaders of the churches so affected. The following station was fixed :— Bridgend, Joseph Newton vice J. H. Willington.

PONTARDULAis TRA6EDY. Murder Charge Preferred. At Swansea Police Court on Wednesday Dakid and Evan Jones, brothers, who have already been committed for trial on the coroner's war- rant for alleged manslaughter, atPontardulais, were charged on the' more serious joount of wilful murder. The facts of the case, as already reported, are that there had been an altercation outside the Farmers' Arms, Pon- tardulais, and on William Hughes, the de- ceased man, a tinplater, aged 37, leaving the inn, the brothers Jones are alleged to have waylaid him and so seriously assaulted him that he succumbed to his injuries. Mr Law- rence Richards appeared for the Public Prose- cutor and Mr Lcyson for defendants. « Both prisoners were committed for trial at the Assizes on the charge of wilful murder.

DISTRAUGHT BY POVERTY. St. Petersburg, Monday.—Distracted by poverty and the fact that his wife had had to steal to obtain food, a peasant at Alexan- drovka, a village in the province of Kherson, l' murdered his five children with an axe, hav- ing first compelled them to drink spirits until they fell fast asleep.—Central News.

A SOLEMN WARNING. »«—■■————-I RQRN-IIJL.IL -■ T S --J f LOBD WEMYSS Beware An old-age'pension will demoralise you and destroy your independence. AGED LABOURER I bain'fc afeared to run the risk, my lord They do tell me as how there's lots of grand genel'men who get pensions a 'undred times as much as five shillin' a week out of the same funds and it don't seem to 'urt 'em > ("If from sentimental motives Parliament passed this Bill, a system of demoralisation would be established among the working class, thrift would be done away with, families would cease to regard it as an obligation to maintain those of their members whose working days were passed, and self-reliance would be diminished."—Earl of Wemvss, July 20th, 1908.) Cartoon by Sir F. C. Gould. (Published by arrangement with the Westminster Gazette.") Ill IIIMMM IIW III ■■ II II MMW 1———Mm

An Empire Saved. SULTAN'S WISE DECISION. I Constantinople, Saturday.—As foreshadowed I in the recent despatches, the re-establishme of a Constitution has at last been promul- gated-the only course open to the Sultan and his advisers. The current in favour of consti- tutional government has become irresistible, so that his Majesty was compelled to bend to the public will. The movement in Macedonia had attained such force that there was no mis- taking its significance. In all more important Macedonian towns Young Turks had pro- claimed the constitution and unity and frater- 'nity of Moslems and Christians amid perfect order and tranquillity. Everywhere the authorities had observed a passive attitude, in fact entirely eclipsing themselves. At Monastir, for instance, the proclamation was hailed with a salute of 101 guns, while at Serres a Provi- sional Government was installed. The official communication in this morn- ing's Turkish newspapers giving the result of prolonged delibrations of Council of Ministers yesterday at the Palace and the determination arrived at, speaks eloquently of the statesman- like qualities of Said Pasha, Kiamil Pasha, and the good sense of the Sultan, who with onestrokeof the pen, though under compulsion, has probably saved the Empire from disruption. The official communication is highly note- worthy, especially significant being the re- ference to the constitution being the work of the Sultan. A new era now opens, and one that is bound to have far more reaching consequences as regards the treatment of the Macedonian prob- lem by the Powers, rendering foreign inter- vention still more difficult, and destroying for a time, at any rate, the aims of some of the Powers and the ambitions of the Balkan States to acquire portions of Macedonia. Some scepticism, however, prevails regard- ing the duration of the new regime. While a feeling of regret is perceptible in local Bul- garian circles that the Bulgarian populations in Macedonia should have abstained from par- ticipating in the movement, thus failing to share honours with the Young Turks in wrench- ing this important concession, the aspect of the city is perfectly normal and tranquil. Although the promulgation of the constitu- tion has undoubtedly relieved the tension in the situation, there is no manifestation of any kind marking the satisfaction of the popula- tions. This is partly explained by the apa- thetic character of the people and the absence of a free Press, and partly also by centuries of personal rule, the populations still being under the weight of that system of government.- Reuter. Political Amnesty. Vienna, Saturday.A telegram'received here states that an Imperial irtwie was published to-day granting an amnesty to political pri- soners and abolishing the censorship and secret police system,Reuter. s The New Regime in Turkey. Constantinople, Monday.—There are evi- dences on all sides of a remarkable outburst of pro-British feeling among all classes of the population, especially by the Moslems. The reason for this is not far to seek. The Turkish people have never forgotten the im- portant ser rices rendered by Great Britain to Turkey and the protection invariably extended to Ottoman subjects when in distress owing to the persecution of Palace officials, as in the cases of the two eminent statesmen, Said and Kiamil Pashas, who now hold posts in the Cabinet. The enlightened classes, moreover, feel that the change of regime in Turkey is largely the outcoijae of British institutions, of Great Britain's strong position in Turkey, and, above all, of British policy in Turkey, which is identified by the people with the true welfare of the people, as opposed to Palace rule. This, it is pointed out, has been the striking difference between British and German policy. While the former has ranged itself on the side of the people the latter has identified itself with the old regime. With the advent of the new order of things Germany's preponderating influence in Turkey comes to an end. Last, and by no means least, the treatment of Macedonian reforms, initiated by the Powers, will undergo a complete transforma- tion. In face of the establishment of con- stitutional government it is extremely doubt- ful whether the Powers will be able to persist in their present attitude.. Reforms have now become general throughout the Empire, and the people will have to be left to work out their own salvation.-Reuter.. Berlin, 'Tuesday.—According to a Constanti- nople telegram to the Berliner Zeitung," the Sultan in the course of conversation made use of the following words I have given myself liberty in liberating my people. I have been a prisoner for 30 years. This remark, says the correspondent, evidently points to the Sultan's intention to sliow himself in the streets of his capital, which he has not done for the past three decades. His Majesty has decreed that henceforth every Prince of the Imperial family must practise monogamy, and is understood to entertain hopes of strengthening his dynasty by marrying Turkish Princes to Princesses of European reigning families.-Central News. Cheers for the Sultan. ► Constantinople, Monday.-A demonstration of 50,000 persons proceeded to Yildiz yesterday afternoon, cheering for the Sultan en route. Arriving at the Palace they were received by Marshal Shakir Pasha, who saluted the crowd in the name of his Majesty amid great, en- thusiasm. The demonstrators expressed a desire to see and thank the Sultan in person. Fresh crowds poured in till 7.30 p.m., when the Grand Vizier and Tahsin Pasha appeared. The former harangued the crowd, and conveyed to them the Sultan's satisfaction at their loyalty and enthusiasm, adding that the Constitution would be respected in its entirety. His words were received with an immense shout of Padishahimiz chok yasha." A great demon- stration in the Bayazid-square at the same time, 100,000 being present, sent a telegram to the Palace, and received a reply through the Sultan's secretary that his Majesty's one desire was the welfare of the Empire and its inhabit- ants. A Magic Change. Constantinqplc, Tuesday.—Last night's street processions were continued here to-day. A re- markable feature of the situation are the stump speeches, which are being delivered night and day, aDd which are marked by a strong patrio- tic vein. Great animation continues, and the aspect of the city is completely changed. According to the newspapers Habib Melhome, brother of Selim and Nedjib Pashas," who escaped yesterday to Europe, has been arrested, while another brother, Iskander, is reported to have escaped from Salonika. Hamdi Bey, who was recently appointed Minister ot Police, has been dismissed, while Mehmed Ali Bey has been appointed Governor of Per&. The dis- missal of Hamdi Bey is due to the demands of the Reformers. Ministers are now assembled in Council in the Pc^te, and it is believed that they are deliberatzngpn more changes.—Reuter.

Paris Hooliganism, I GHASTLY BUDGET OF CRIMES. Paris, Tuesday.—Ocipie^ of violence con- tinue to be of nightly vsuiwwence in Paris. To-day's list forms quite a hudget. In point of ruthless ferocity the worst case is that of a young man who was found dead in a street in the combat qilarter at 2 o'clock in the morning, with nine knife wounds in his breast, all with- in a space which could be covered by a hand. The absence of traces of blood on the pave- ment showed that the murder was committed elsewhere, and that the body was afterwards conveyed to the spot where it was discovered. Pools of blood and evidences of a struggle in a neighbouring street revealed where the crime had been perpetrated. An hour later in the same district a yoking man was stabbed in the stomach, and now lies in the hospital in a critical condition. Meanwhile a band of Apaches were settling accounts among themselves at the Champ de Mars. The cyclist police, attracted by pistol shots, found a dangerous ex-convict and his mistress lying wounded, the former with three bullets in his body and the latter with two. It appears that the man was suspected of giving information to the police, and that his assailants took the opportunity of shooting the woman to get rid of an awkward witness. Again a labourer last night, firing off a revolver in the course of a quarrel. lodged two bullets in the body of a woman who was sitting on a doorstep. When he was arrested it was found that he himself had a bullet wound in the stomach. There finally remains the case of a woman who had been dead for a year or more. The corpse was discovered in a field in a populous I suburb of St. Denis. The circumstances point to the crime being probably the work of gangs infesting the district. These nightly horrors give point to the re- flection frequently heard that Paris is insuffi- ciently policed. The cyclist corps, armed with revolvers, are admirably alert and efficient, but their numbers are inadequate to cope with the trouble.-Reuter.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S LOAN. Adelaide, Tuesday. — The Treasurer an. nounced in Parliament to-day that Mr Jenkins, Agent-General of South Australia in London, had tendered his resignation because he had not been consulted in the matter of the loan. Mr Jenkins also considered he could have made better terms than those obtained by the Government. The Government was very vexed to learn that the arrangement with Lloyds Bank had fallen through because it was not signed by the appointed date, viz., July 25, and that the terms had been made public, although the Government had urged MrJenkins not to jeopardise the arrangements' by delaying its signature.—Reuter. Adelaide (Later).—The Treasurer said it was necessary to make the closest investigation into the causes which had operated to bring about the failure of the loan, seeing that it had been practically concluded, and was an excellent bargain for South Australia. The Government desired to know why the docu- ments had not been prepared for signature. < A Labour member asked whether Mr Jenkins would be suspended pending an inquiry. The Treasurer replied that the Governor had not decided what action to take. MrKirkpatrick (Chief Secretary and Minister of Industry) informed the Legislative Council that the Government so far had refused to allow Mr Jenkins to resign.—Reuter.

MR CARNEGIE IN PERIL Alarming Metwr-Car Crash. Mr Carnegie had a narrow escape from being seriously hurt in a motor accident at Inver- ness on Tuesday. He was travelling with Mrs Carnegie and their daughter, Miss Margaret Carnegie, when their car collided with another automobile at the junction of Tonnahurich- street and Kenneth-street. Mr Carnegie's car escaped without much I damage. a smashed lamp and broken mud- guard being the chief injuries. The front of the second car, however, was thrust into Mr Carbegie's motor, and the family ha I a very narrow escape from being badly hurt. The second car was more severely damaged. One of its front wheels was entirely smashed. r Although suffering greatly from the shock, 1 Mr Carnegie and his wife and daughter were able to continue their journey to Skibo Castle, whither they were bound at the time.

LEVEL-CROSSING CRASH. Terrific Express-Motor Impact. New York, Tuesday.—A terrible motor accident, resulting in the loss of three lives, occurred yesterday, hear Oyster Bay. A large automobile, conveying five persons, was traversing a level-crossing, when an express train, which had been' approaching all un- noticed, dashed into the car with terrible re- sults. Miss Lvdia Townsend, Mr Frank Smith and the chaffeur were killed on the spot. Miss Beatrice Eddy, the young daughter of General Lloyd Robinson, who is the son of a wealthy trust magnate, was badly hurt, while another occupant of the motor-car escaped with slight injuries. The blame for the tragedy appears to rest upon the chaffeur, though how the car was allowed to get on to the line is at present a mystery.-Central News.

There is every likelihood that Abergavenny will apply for the National Eisteddfod of 1911.

President and Czar. MEETING AT REVAL Reval, Monday Evening. — The French squadron arrived this morning off Cape Dagerort, at the entrance to the Gulf of Fin- land. Here it was met by a flotilla of torpedo boats, under the command of Rear-Admiral Von Essen, which escorted the squadron to Reval roads, where it arrived about 3 o'clock this afternoon. A salute of.21 guns was fired by the Russian battleships and cruisers in the bay, to which the French warships replied. As soon as the gunboat Cassini, with Presi- dent Fallieries on board, had cast anchor, a steam cutter left the Imperial yacht Standart conveying Vice-Admiral Dikoff, Minister of Marine, who greeted the President in the Czar's name. M. Fallieres and his suite, accompanied by Admiral Distoff, then proceeded in a launch to the Standart, which hoisted the French flag at the mainmast. As the President stepped on deck the Almaz fired a salute of 21 guns, to which one of the French ships replied. The President inspected the guard of honour and band and officers and men of the yacht, drawn up on deck, after which the Ministers and members of the Czar's suite, the Govornor- General of the Baltic provinces, the Governor of Estland, the Marshal of Nobility, and other officials were presented to him. On the departure of M. Fallieres from the Standart the Almaz fired another s alute of 21 guns. Shortly afterwards the Emperor, with the Ministers and the Imperial suite, went on board the Cassini to return the President's visit. The Imperial standard was hoisted at the mainmast, and one of the French air- ships fired a Royal salute, to which the Almaz replied. After his Majesty had inspected the guard of honour and the crew, the President's suite and the commanders of the French war- ships were presented to him. On the Czar leaving to return to his yacht another Royal salute was fired.-Reuter. Significant Speeches. Reva), Monday Night.-A gala dinner in honour of President Fallieres was given on board the Standart at 8 o'clock this evening. It is reported that in exchanging toasts the Czar and his guest made extremely significant speeches, seeming to foreshadow a series of agreements with a view to securing inter- national peace. The French and Russian squadrons were magnificently illuminated after dinner.—Central News. Exchange of Greetings. The visit of President Fallieres to the Czar has passed off without bombs. Reuter sends from Reval the text of the speeches at the dinner on the Imperial yacht Standart. Speaking in French, the Czar said :— It gives me deep and genuine pleasure, M. le President, to welcome you to Russian waters, and I thank you cordially for a visit which the whole of Russia greets as a new proof of the bonds of sincere and unalterable friendship which unite Russia and France. Your stay with us, I am persuaded, will result in still further strengthening those bonds, and in once more making clear the firm desire of the two friendly and allied countries to co-operate in maintaining and consolidating the peace of the world. I drink to your health, M. le President, and to the glory and prosperity of France. The band then played the Marseillaise." President Fallieres, speaking in a clear, loud voice, replied as follows Your Majesty cannot doubt the great pleasure which the President of the French Republic has in bringing to you in Russian waters France's cordial greeting. I associate in this sentiment her Majesty the Empress, whose presence adds grace to the brilliance of this festal occasion. I thank your Majesty for the words you have just uttered, and I am happy to affirm with ypu the senti- ments of constant and loyal friendship which unite our two nations. This happy union, concluded to safeguard common interests, is receiving the priceless consecration of time. In Europe it is a guarantee of stability. It will'be perpetuated to the greatest ad- vantage of France and Russia, and, like your- self, sire, I am persuaded that our present meeting will once more confirm the resolute desire of the two friendly and allied coun- tries to co-operate in maintaining and con- solidating the peace of the world. I raise my glass to your Majesties, to her Majesty the Dowager Empress, and to all the Royal Family. I drink to the greatness and happi- ness of Russia, the friend and ally of France. The band then played the Russian National Anthem. Complete Identity of Views." Reval, Tuesday.—The following semi-official statement is obtained from a French source here The visit which the President of the French Republic has paid to his Majesty the Emperor of Russia at Reval was marked by a character of courtesy and friendship which enabled the two Heads of States to enter offi- cially into personal relatintis, an opportunity being presented of recording once more the bonds of "intimacy uniting the two allied coun- tries. In conversations which have taken place between the Emperor and the President of the Republic, as well as in the interviews be- tween the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the twef Governmente, a compete identity of views was manifested on all current questions of international policy. The affirmation of the maintenance and of the consolidation of peace, as it took place in toasts proposed on board the Standart, will remain very characteristic of their meeting, as will also the exchange of views of which it was the occasion."—Reuter. Czar's Farewell. Reval, Tuesday.-At five minutes to eight this eveniffg the Czar and Czarina proceeded in the Royal barge from the Standart to the Verite, and immediately entered the dining room, the Empress going in on the arm of the President. All the Russian warships were illuminated. On leaving, the Empress thankea M. Fallieres for the gifts which he had brought for the Royal children, the Czar shook hands repeatedly with the President, and MM Pichon and Isvalsky also exchanged a most cordial farewell. The Empress accepted a bouquet of French flowers offered by the President. The Verite weighed anchor shortly after U o'clock.—Reuter.

ROYAL MESSAGES To Milford Haven, THE NEW SAILORS. REST. VISIT OF MRS LLOYD GEORGE. Mrs Lloyd George read the following mes- sage from the King at Milford Haven on Wednesday :— His Majesty sends his sincere good wishes for the welfare of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society, whose valuable Union is so greatly appreciated by all those who benefit by its labours. The Prince of Wales sent a similar telegram from the Indomitable, off Quebec :— Sincere thanks. Wish all prosperity to Sailors' Rest, Milford Haven. George P. These messages were read on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the new Sailors' Rest and Bethel, for which Mr John Cory, J.P., D.L., of Cardiff, presented the site. with a gift of £500 towards the build- ing work. Milford was en fete for the day. The prin- cipal streets were gay with bunting, and the site of the building was a blaze of colour. A very large crowd assembled to witness the ceremony, the first part of which was per- formrd by Mrs Lloyd George, who was accom- panied by Miss Ada Thomas. Mrs Lloyd George was met at the station by Mr J. Wheeler, chairman of the local committee Mr G. S. Kelway, the vice-chairman and Mr Gwynoro Davies, hon. secretary of the society for Wales. On entering the platform Mrs Lloyd George was presented with a bouquet by Miss Nesta Kelway, while Miss Irene Cobb presented a button-hole to Mr Thomas Mason, the chairman. Lady St. David's. The sailors' hymn, Eternal Father, strong to save." was sung, and prayer was offered. Sir Clifford Cory, Bart., M.P., was unable to be present, and the part allotted to him was taken by Lady St. David's, who expressed regret that the representative of the family to whose munificence they owed that building was unable to be present. The history of Mil- ford Haven, her Ladyship said, was linked and intertwined with th at of many a gallant man, and she thought it was our duty and privilege to do what we could to make our sailors comfortable and cheerful on their return. They all rejoiced that Mrs Lloyd George had come amongst them. The name of Lloyd George was identified with many a stirring and splendid enterprise, and it had ever been associated with high aims and great achievements too. They all welcomed Mrs Lloyd George because she, ljke her husband, had given herself to many philanthropic and public-spirited enterprises throughout the length and breadth of the Principality. The Rev. E. W. Matthews road telegrams of sympathy with the work from the Right Hon. Walter Runciman. with a donation of JE25 Earl Cawdor, with £5; from the Bishop of St. David's and Lady St. David's, £5 and others, including £100 from the chairman, Mr Thomas Mason, for the upkeep of the building. Dr. Griffith presented a mallet to Mrs Lloyd George, who, having received it, unveiled the tablet on which her name was inscribed. The mallet bore the following inscription :—" This mallet !s made from the oak and copper taken from H.M.S. Victory, given to the British and Foreign Sailors' Society by the Lords of the Admiralty, and presented to Mrs Lioyd George as a .souvenir of the occaiion." The bronze tablet bears the inscription :—" British and Foreign Sailors' Society. Patron, Admiral H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, K.G. This tablet was placed on behalf of the society by Thomas Mason, Esq., chairman, for the glory of God and the good of His Seafarers." Mrs Lloyø George. Mrs Lloyd George said she came from a small seaside town in North Wales, where it was the aim and ambition of every" lad to become a sailor. No doubt there were many delights in a sailor's life, but there was also another side. A sailor was confronted with many temptations, and it behoved them to do an they could to enable him to enjoy his spell ashore innocently Mrs George said she had a message from the Chancellor of the Exchequer conveying his deep sympathy with all that made for the welfare of sailors. This sympathy, she remarked, he had shown in a practical form in the passing of the Merchant Shipping Act. Lady St. David's expressed the thanks of the people of Milford for the gracious message from his Majesty, whose kingdom was broad based upon the people's will." Mr G. S. Kelway presented a mallet to Mr Thomas Mason, who unveiled the second tablet. Mr J. W. Whicher, J.P., proposed, and the Rev. E. J. HoweIIs, vicar of Milford, seconded, that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded Mrs Uoyd George for her great kindness in coming from London to render this important service. The Rev. Gwynoro Davies supported, and on the motion of the Rev. John Harris, seconded by Mr A. J. Tilbrook, a similar vote was passed to Lady St. David's. The New Building. The new Sailors' Rest has been necessitated by the rapid development of Milford Haven, owing to the expansion of the fishing industry. The site for the present building was presented by Mr John Cory, with an additional gift of £500. The total cost, site, building, and fur- nishing will be £6,000, and towards this sum of £2,445 has already been given or promised. In the list of subscribers appears a sum of JE100 from Mrs Angus, Australia, whose uncle was the first ordained missionary of the Sailors' Society to preach at Milford in the early part of last century. The building will consist of restaurant, read- ing and recreation rooms, navigation school, living quarters for the resident missionary, baths, cubicles, giving sleeping accommodation for 25 men, and a mission hall. The joint architects are Mr Walter Wood, of London, and Mr J. B. Gaskell, of Milford Haven, and the contractors are Messrs Hayward and Worster, Bath.

Welsh Miners' Wages. WILL OWNERS ASK FOR REDUCTION ? Saturday next is a quarter day on which, under the present Conciliation Board Agree- ment, notice must be given by either the coal- owners or the workmen, in the South Wales coalfield, if they desire any revision, of the wage rate. As the wage rate is now at the maximum of 60 per cent. on the standard-—and hag been so for nine months past—the workmen can pro- pose no change. On the other hand, recent changes of wage rates in other coalfields have created some curiosity as to the probable action of the South Wales coalowners. It should however be borne in mind that thecon- ditions governing other coalfields in the king- dom only very rfemotely influence trade in the South Wales markets, and, further, that in view of the fact that the past three months show no appreciable change from the position of prices in the March quarter, the opinion is generally held, especially by the miners, that no application for a decrease of the wage rate will be made on this occasion by the coal- owners.

FEW RASH WORDS." A daughter of Erin disturbed the decorum of the Pontypridd Court on Wednesday, des- pite the peremptory commands of the Bench and the police. The defendant was Mrs Annie Rowlands, East-street, Pontypridd, and it was her language that brought her before the magistrates. A slip of paper contaminar the alleged obscene lansruage was handed te her, but before she glanced at the written matter she loudly protested with a rich Irish brogue, Yer'Oner its not thrue. I never used it, indeed that's a fact. I was in a passion and may have used a few rash words." Be quiet, be quiet," was the stern command of Inspector Salter, There was no stay in the oratory. I am the mother of ten children," she proceeded in a broken voice, but there was an absence of tears which led Mr Roberts to remark, You may as well give" up the fountain is very dry." (Laughter.) I am going back to Oireland yer 'Oner to-morrow." All right," said Mr Roberts, Your tongue has been of some use we will adjourn— I am thankful to ye," broke in the defendant, Indeed I am. Thank you, I am very thank- ful—" Stop now, woman," demanded the magistrate, We will adjourn the case." Thank you, thank you, yer 'Oner. I am thankful to ye', I am," proceeded Mrs Row- lands, and as an officer escorted her out of the court the grateful words "Thank y< thank yer 'Onor, 'were repeated in renewed vigour.

SWANSEA A CITY. Pronouncement by the Mayor. At the opening banquet of the Hote Cameron, Swansea, on Wednesday evening, the Mayor of Swansea, in responding to a toast proposed.by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, said he believed a promise had been made to make Swansea a city before the end of the Cardiff Lord Mayor's term of office, and not only might they see Swansea a city, but they might also see it a cathedral town.

WELSH GLEANINGS. News and Views in Lighter Vein. American Welshmen are contemplating the establishment of a National Home for the Aged Welsh in the neighbourhood of Scran. ton, Pennsylvania. The committee of the London National Eisteddfod is endeavouring to secure an original work to be performed at one of the Eisteddfod concerts. Cynonfardd (the Rev. T. C. Edwards, D.D.) the well-known Welsh-American poet preacher, arrived in this country on Saturday. He is to be one of the conductors of the National Eisteddfod at Llangollen. Camping out is not a new thing in the Garw Valley. The local place-name Lluest" (locally corrupted to Llest ") which is Welsh for tent," is evidence that dwellers in tents were known in that district from the earliest times. What's in name ? At a Welsh Noncon formist chapel recently the announcement was made that three new members had been added to the church, one named Barrie, another named Rafferty, and a third named Jehu Now that the poet-preacher and critic, Gwili, has attained the degree of B.A. in the University of Oxford, how will he be desig- nated ? We usually read of another bard as The Rev. D. Adams, B.A. (Hawen)." Will it be Jenkins, B.A. (Gwili), or Gwili, B.A. ? Mr Evan Roberts, the Welsh Revivalist, who has long been silent, is not forgotten at the Keswick Convention. His photographs are conspicuously displayed for sale at the numerous stalls, and he is given a place of honour among other celebrities of the religious world. The chapel of St. Baruch on Barry Island was, according to antiquaries, much resorted to by pilgrims in the middle ages. A small band of recluses lived there at that time with a priest called Peiro, and the island was called the Island of Peiro. Many citizens in Cardiff who are not Trade Unionists rejoice over the decision of the Tram- ways Committee to charge a double fare after midnight. Rest is impossible now until the trams hAve gone to the depots, so dreadful is the whirring noises of the cars. Double charges will compel procrastinators to get home earlier. Mr Edward W. Oldbury, Church House, Gladestry, Radnorshire, has just had a chicken hatched with four perfect legs and feet., and 16 toes. The chick, which is living and doing well, Is a cross between a Black Minorca and a. Plymouth Rock. Mr O. M. Edwards, M.A., the chief inspector of the Welsh Education Department, was a preacher in his younger days. Y Brython states that he always took his texts from the Old Testament prophets, and hi3 illustrations from Y Mabinogion and the comments of his hearers usually were—" And was it not beautiful ?" It is remarkable how little is known of Car- diff even by many life.long residents. Spring Garden-court is a perpetual joke, as many citizens know from their own experience, and Barry-lane stands a good second. A 30 years* resident spent a whole morning last week searching for Plymouth-street. He had given up the search, and in going home was driven by a passing motor-car to seek shelter into— Plymouth-street! It was about 500 yardsv from the seeker's place of business. In his latest volume on Pilgrimages to Old Homes Mr Fletcher Moss has many un- pleasant things to say about the surroundings of Harlech Castle, and he adds :—" We see few good houses in Wales. The ages of strife in which their forefathers were reared hava probably developed the pucrnacity of the Welsh, and caused so many of them to become root-" ballers, parsons, or lawyers, careless as to their houses or gardens, or their ugly chapels." LijM much else in this book, that is only partially true. Professor Joseph Jones, of Brecon Memorial College, writes:—It is not true that Dr. Morris. of Brecon, baptised Mr Asquith while the former laboured in Lancashire. Mr Asquith was born at Morley, Yorkshire, when Dr. Morris ministered there. That was his last charge before assuming the principalship at Brecon. The house in which Mr Asquith was born is still to be seen at Mbrley, and several old people in the congregation remember Dr. Morris as pastor. A Welsh witness at the Assizes last week said :—" He said that he 'spected the 'spector to 'spect the boiler." This peculiarity of dropping a prefix in words is common among a certain class of Welshmen when speaking English. For instance, a Cymric policeman declared in a police court that he saw 'fendant cursing swearing, and as he 'fused I took him to the police station, and he was 'tained." Houses are very scarce (writes a correspon- dent) in the Western Valleys of Monmouth- shire. They are generally bespoken before they are passed by the District Council Tenants move in before the plasterers move out. One morning last week I gathered together some old papers and cardboard boxes to make a bonfire thereof. I shouldered my burden and took it over to where some dozen men are clearing for the foundation of some proposed new houses. One of the men caught sight of me with my burden. Holloa, old chap," said he, moving in already ? Is this," digging his pick into the yellow soil, your house T" Great as was the zest shown by the Welsh Sunday'schools in Cardiff to form classes un- der the Technical Instruction Act for the teaching of Welsh last winter, there is evi. dence that it-will be exceeded during the com- ing winter. Already the Tabernacle and other Sunday schools in the city havje prac- tically completed their arrangements, and new pupils apply eagerly for permission to join the classes. What is of equal interest* is that former pupils pride themselves upon their newly-acquired knowledge of Welsh; Ten members of the South Wales Miners* Federation are in residence at Ruskin College, Oxford—Messrs W. J. Edwards and William Davies (Aberdare), J. Evans (Rhondda), A. J. Jenkins (Eastern Valleys ),T: B^ns (Rhondda) W. J. Saddler and E. Gill (Mon. Western Valleys). J. LI. Jones (Anthracite), N. Abletfc (Rhondda), and S. Morgan (Taff and Cynon). The college is becoming increasingly popular with miners in South Wales, and the exhibits of Ruskin College, in Building No. 15, is one of the most attractive of the educational displays in the Franco-British Exhibition. The girls of the period are being severelt criticised. The Mayor of Bangor on Saturday declared Motherhood is the most exacting profession in the world, and yet girls are per- mitted to enter it without the slightest in- formation as to its responsibilities. Attention is paid to dressmaking and bonnet making, but absolutely nothing is done for the lJotherhood. of the country." The occasion was the annual meeting of North Wales Sanitary Inspectors. Another speaker, Mr Little, of Handudno, said that 25 years ago one could get a decent girl who knew how to take charge of a house. it is all skirts and frills girls can neither buy, sell, nor keep house Glyndwr's Great Galaxy Master Leader of Famous Welsh Male Chorus, and His Peer- less Soloists Who Will Soon Tow This Coun- try." Under these and equally startling head- ings the" Druid," of Scranton, Pa., in the number now to hand, boom the forthcoming visit of Mr T. Glyndwr Richards and The World-famed Choir—the Mountain Ash Male Voice Party to the United States. Half a page is devoted to portraits of prominent solo- ists and officials who will accompany the party. The agents on the other side appear to be Cynonfardd and the Rev. O. Uoyd Morris, of Kingston, Pa. A second edition has just been published of <• Profiad ar y Mor," a little volume of letters! and verse around which cluster many pathetic associations. The writer, the late Mr John Griffiths, of Penygraig, broken down in health in early manhood, went to Australia for a short period, and returned home to die. Then among his papers were discovered a manu- script giving his meditations on the voyage, and during his exile, and these furnished the bulk of the matter contained in this volume published in his memory by his brother, Mr D. E. Griffiths. The writer of the Profiad was a man of varied gifts and bright promise, and these, his meditations, beautifully and tenderly written, show that he had drank deep of life's experiences, and had learnt te. i face death without flinching.

St. Petersburg, Monday.—Eight furthel deaths from cholera are reported from Tsaritsin and seven from Astrakhan. Two cases of cholera, one proving fatal, occurred aboard Volga steamers. Five medical station* are bting opened on the Volga between Astrakhan and Tsaritsin, and many more arc in course of organisation. The Red Crosf Society baa offered its aid.—Beater.