Evening Express

Telephone: National. 5«2. PMt-effi.ee, 95; Telesrama: "Expre". Cardiff."

THE SOUTHERN CAULDRON. The South American international kettle I-; bubbling to the boiling-over point. Colombia and Venezuela have each a revolution in progress, and-'—unlike the dt;eas parade- revolts described bv Max Adder, iu winch the most formidable ■weapon employed was a. fireman's hoae^— in the fightkiga of to-day real soldiers with real weapons. aud real ammunition 1 appear to be in use, while men are reailv killed and wounded. Besides a revolu- tion apiece. Venezuela and Colombia are at war with each other and on top of all this it is now reported that Germany is taking a hand in the game. with the result that a "serious situation" has been brought about. There can be no doubt that any real interference by Germany in that part of the wÐrkl would arouse the serious attention of the United State-. A New York correspondent of the "Times" goes so far as to say that "persons of con- siderable importance" in official circles at Washington profess to believe a war with Oermanv to be ''inevitable." It's the Monroe doctrine which is playing the bear in this matter. The fighting cocks of the South American Republics neglect to pay their debts and defy their European rreditors. because they expect Uncle Sam would fight- to protect them under the provisions of the Monroe doctrine. We t-an hardly think' our Yankee cousins can be such international as to-permit such proceedings1 to continue unjder ~tfcpii\ saactron, 1

SWANSEA AND ITS HOPES. Merchants and Brokers at Dinner. The first annual dinner of Swansea mer- chants and shipbrokers took place at the Hotel Metropoie, Swansea, on Monday evening. The mayor 'Mr. Griffith Ihomas) presided over a representative attendance, including Miss Dillwyp, Sir Robert Morris, Messrs. Aeron Thomas. M.P.. J. Newall Moore (Neath;, J. Livingstone, J. R. Leaver, W. T. Farr, J. Law, W. H. Towers, and R. L. Sails. Messrs. J. Oerman and G. W. Rutherford were the joint hon. secretaries. After the loyal toasts. Mr. J. Newall Moore proposed "The Town and Shipping Trade of Swansea." which two subjects, he said, were inseparable. The position of the town of Swansea tended to promote shipping, from. its converging valleys teeming with industries.; There had been great changes in the shipping trade of Swansea, and he re-called the time when the town was represented by a fine fleet of sailing vessels. owned by Meaarg. Bath and! Messrs. Richardson, which firms had rendered yeoman service. He re-cailed, too, the time when the North Dock was looked upon as a very wonderful- thing. Many schemes were pro- posed for increasing the shipping accommoda- tion of the port, and when the Prince of Wales Dock was constructed the people wondered how far it would be possible to obtain trade justifying such a dock. Now that dock was insufficient, and. be congratulated the town u&jii being fortunate in having its Act passed without opposition for the proposed new dock. and also the mayor and corporation for their attitude in regard to the promotion of that Bill. its well -as the harbonr trust and, officials for their energy and foresight. All must do- their boat to make the naw dock a success. In the words of the Lite Lord Swan- sea, ho tnolight Swansea was destined to become tho-ocean* port of the Bristol Channel. The Mayor, in reply, said -that there was a great deal of good in the Town Council of Swansea, aithough mem- bers might often take roundabout ways. liegavding the proposal to widen Castle-street, he promised to give the matter evury support, and hoped that a great scheme would be promoted w hereby the buildings erected would pay for the improvement. He trusted that Swansea would be put on the main line. aItd that the Great Western Railway Company would recognise that their interests were allied with those of Swanaea. Many people would not come to a place if they could not there quickly. He was disappointed with the falling off in Swansea's trade this year, but that occurred through circum- stances beyond the control of the harbour trust. The proposed new dock would accom- modate any- class-of vessels now bring built. Behind Swansea was the largest undeveloped coalfield in Great, Britain. He would not be a party to spending a million and a half unless they got t-he beet dock in too BTistol Channel. Mr. Aeron Thomas, M.P., proposed "The President," and the Mayor briefly replied.

FOOTBALL. CARDIFF v, HARTLEPOOL (OLD BOYS). SATURDAY'S TEAM, The following team was picked on Monday to represent Cardiff in the match against Hartlepool (Old Boys) next SaturdayFull "back. W. J. Winfield; three-quarter backs, W. Jones, C. Bigga, Wax Williams, and W. A. Jones; half-backs. Carde and Wyndham Jones; forwards. D. L. Powen, A. F. Harding, D. Thomas. W. C. Rees, J. Brown, C. Strauaghan. Spackman, and Hart. The most notable changes in the team is caused by the disappearance of Gwyn Nichols, who on Saturday starts playing for Newport. "Pussy" Jones comes ba."k into the team once more, and W. A. Jones really re-places Nichols. Percy Bush is likely to remain on the injured list for some weeks yt. At full back the captain's brother comes in in consequence of H. B. Winfield's engage:nent in the English trial match. Amongst the forwards North- more and Bob Gray, vho are both slightly injured, stand down.

CARDIFF ARMS PARK, WEDNESDAY. 1st January. 1902.—PF.NARTH 'OLD BOYS v. CAR- DIFF RESERVES —Kick-off 2.45 p.m al2551

CARDIFF CENTRAL R!FLE CLUB. Carditf Central Rille Club was opened on Monday night at the headquarters, the Rail- way Hotel, West Wharf. The range was opened by Council,ur Walter Blow.

STEVENS' &J&LAD. Nowisbiiis. Gives an appa- ll *6544 s

I Trade of Canada j AND OF BRITAIN. Bubble txpioded, SIR W IFRID LAURIER'S OPTIMISM Whether it be the prosaic subject of trade or the inspiring theme of Empire, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the silver tongued Premier of Canada. is always able to rivet the attention of his audience with the music of his eloquence. It was a mass meeting .of Toronto people before which Sir Wilfrid discoursed on Canada's trade prospects. In the course of his speech he said:—Last year, as has already been said. there was a very important event in one of the portions of the British Empire, when the Colonies of Australia, -ent into national life, determined to follow in the track of Canada 30 years before, to make one nation. Another conference will take place next summer in England, when the representatives of Canada. and Australia, will meet. and by giving and taking we shall open to Canadian products another market in Australia. (Cheers.) This policy is only in keeping with the policy which the Government of Canada has been trying to pursue siace they have been in office. You hear every day that the nations of Europe a.re rebelling against the commercial tyranny of the United States. There is a great deal of truth in that, but let me say that the policy we are following will eventually place lie in a position of advantage against the United States in our dealings with the nations I of Europe. Our policy is a policy of reveuue tariff. Their policy is to sell and not to buy. Our policy is to sell and to buy. Already you can see the results in the outside trade of the two countries. If you look at the trade of England to-da.y it shows that the trade per head is $97 in that great commercial nation, the mother of all commercial nations. You hear sometimes the enemies of England telling how she is going ùown; she is not keep- ing up witii the other competing nations, lilt. Germany and the United States. England can afford to discount all these prophets of evil. England is to-day the great commercial nation as she was 50 or 60 years ago. Her trade is 897 per head of her population. The trade of the United States is—how much? Only $30 per head of her population. (Cheers.) And I may ask you the question, What is the trade of Canada to-day per head? Of course, if you compare the bulk of the trade of the United States with the bulk of the trade of Canada the comparison will not stand. But the trade of a population of 5,000.000 cannot compare with the trade of a population of 75,000,000. However, if we take it Altil for man per head of the population the trade of the United States is )jiJ!) per bead and the trade of Canada. is--S70 x>er head. (ApplauaeJ Of course, in this I do not speak of the internal trade. I speak only, of the external trade; that is,, the importation and exportation. Relations; with thev United States Some time ago. speaking in the city of-Mont- real, I said, referring to the efforts we have made to obtain reciprocity from the Ameri- cans, that we would no longer send trade delegations to Washington. (Cheers and ap- plause.) When I said that it was not because I had modified my views in any way. My views as ro what should be the relations between Canada and the United States are weil known. I love Canada; I love it in pre- ference to any other land. (Applause.) But I do not pretend, I do not suppose, that to love due's own country means that we should hate another. I lovo Canada the best, but C have no hesitation in saying that I have great affection for our neighbours to the Bouth. They are a great people; I have always admirerl them, and I wish them every blessing. We have, alirl1-and why' should we not?—every blessing on earth. We have endeavoured to have the closest possible relations with them, but they would not receive our advances, and I do not care to make any more. (Loud and long-continued applause.) Our preference with Great Britain ie. perhaps, the wisest policy ever adopted in this country. If you want to know how wise it is consult the conduct of the Conservative party in regard to it. They bark, they show their teeth, but they dare not bite. (Laughter and applause.) We are a nation within the British Empire; Australia is another nation within the Britisk Emyrje, and within the circle of that great En.jn:e we think <we can, find .all the prosperity we can desire for this generation, and for 7 the generation to come.

Famous Pugilists at Card iff OPENING NIGHT OF A WEEK'S TOURNAMENT There was a full house at the Philharmonic- hall, Cardiff, on Monday evening to welcome on their first appearance the celebrated Kid M'Coy, the veteran English champion, Charlie MitchelL and Jack Roberts, the 9st. champion of England. Only two local men came OR the stage, and that in a preliminary exhibition bout, but the programme will be improved, and there is every prospect of seeing some genuinely good contests. A programme of songs and dances was gone through as a pre- lude to the real business of the evening. The boxing opened with an exhibition bout between Tommy Price, of Cardiff, and Tom Sullivan, Barry Dock. Sullivan was con- siderably the heavier of the two. but Price made amends for his deficiency in weight by greater cleverness, and more than held his own on points. As a- sec(tn-i turn," Mr. Benton in- troduced Jack Roberts, the 9-stone cham- pion of England, who recently defeated Will Curley. of Newcastle, and has been matched to fight him again for £ 500 a-side and a purse of JMCO- If successful in this fight he will go to America. to contest the world's championship. No local man being fo>-theoming, Ted Mortimer, the old National Sporting Club favourite, stepped on the stage and gave a capital three-round exhibition. As a concluding item Kid M'Coy and Charlie Mitchell boxed three exhibition rounds. M'Coy appeared to be in the pink of condition, and is a. perfect picture of an athlete. Mitchell, hew-ever, was not so fit. It is not improbable that before the week is out the challenge which has been made on his behalf, that he will knock out anyone who msets him or that he will forfeit £50, will be taken up by a local heavyweight. An attempt will also be made to match Dave Wallace against Jack Roberts for a limited number of rounds.

BEE-KEEPING IN AMERICA. The general public is rroue to think of bee- keeping- merely as an adjunct of agricultural operations, says Mr. Waldon Fawcett in-the "Scientific American." but in reality it has attained during the last few years to the posi- tion of a very important American industry Extensive apiaries have been established, and thousands of persons in various parts of the country are devoting their entire time to the- se ientific fostering of honey production. Some- thing of the scope of the operations now being carried on may be imagined from the fact that there are now in the United States con- siderably over 100 apiarian societies, eight periodicals published solely in the interests of the industry, and fifteen steam factories for the manufacture of beehives and apuarian implements. It is estimated that there are fully 300.000 persona engaged in the culture of bees in this country at the present time. In the absence of any method of securing official statistics from year to year, many estimate* have been made of the quantity of honey produced annually on this side of the Atlantic, and, though the figures presented have invariably seemed extravagant to the uninitiated, the statements, there is ever reason to believe, have been without excep- tion highly conservative. Prominent bee- keepers who undertook, a year cr two ago, to form some idea of how much honey is pro- duced in the countrv. cme to the conclusion that at least 50,0001b. is stored in sections every year, while they assumed that 1C0,0001b. of extracted honey is produced—an aggregate of 150,0001b. The beekeepers, however, were probably too modest in their claims, for their calculations showed the annual honey crop of the country to be worth 10,000,000 dollars. whereas the officials of the United States Department of Agriculture, who have made an especial study of the subject, place the valua- tion at fully double tha> figure. This record of the great wealth represented in a com- paratively obscure fooi product is all the more remarkable when i is remembered that the apiarian industry l the United States is practically a development of the last 40 years, although isolated individuals were engaged in the work long prior to that time. In the score of years 'rom 1869 to 1389 the American production o." honey was quad- rupled. increasing from less than 15.000.0001b. annually to n-rly 64,060,0001b. annually, and the closing decade of the century witnessed a growth proportionately greater, since the estimated output of the closing year of the cycle, as given above, is very much more than double that recorded ten years ago. The beekeeping industry, however, far from having reached the acme of possible development, would appear to be only just entering upon an era of even more remarkable growth, and it is estimated by the authorities of the apiarian world that the present existing flora of the United States could undoubtedly sup- port, with the same average profit, ten times the number of colonies of beea now to be found i £ the land.

Our Coal Supplies. THE ROYAL COMMISSION. SOUTH WALES UNDER-REPRESENTED Considerable Dissatisfaction. The composition of the Royal Commission on British coal .supplies has not given complete satisfaction. Could it be expected that it would? A mining expert, interviewed by one of our representatives, said he considered the Com- mission altogether unwieldy. Still. good would result, as much useful information would be collected. "It seems strange." said the expert, that the chairman of a railway company (the Right Hon. W. L. Jackson, M.P.) should be appointed chairman of the Commission. Sir W. T. Lewis will be a useful member, as will also be Jfr, Le Neve Foster, professor of mining at the Royal College of Science, South Kensington. On the other hand, I fail to æc- what use ship- owners and managers of coltieries can be on the commission. Then, again, you have Mr. Young, secretary of the Northumberland Mineres' Provident Society, and Mr. Bruce, whose name. I suppose, was added to picase the Miners' Federation. An these could. give their opinion aa witnesses." Tile gentk-zuen interviewed went on to say if any changes could be brought about in res- pect to mineral leases they would be 'bene- ticial to both owners and workmen. Asked whether, in his opinion, this country was maintaining its competitive power vfctli other nations, he replied, "It certainly is not; and it never will be until we have a more intelligent truining of the managers and superior officials p-bout the collieries. In other coal-producing (iountries the mines are worked more scientifically than ours are. Here the men work with ve ry anti- quated appliances and, in many cases, by antiquated methods. There is roc an for immense improvements, and these improve- ments will mean a. reduction ill the cost of production." Feeling In South Wales. At Cardiff Docks the opinion prevail that South Wales and "Monmouthshire has not received the number of representativee which the importance of the coalfield justified. The miners' leaders, too, are dissatisaed, and think that South Wales is sadly under-repre- sented. When the Coal Gives Out. If the Royal Commission flwls, as it well may do (save the Globe *'), tbn-t to part with on? smokeless fuel at the jwreent rate is. endangering the national safotLy, we, have, a right-to expect both-thai the Government will restrict the. export by law and ihat miners and coalowners alike will aequii'ece in the supreme necessity. Of course, an inquiry of the kind to which the Commission is invited deals not only with the immediate, but with the far-distant future, and in a matter of this kind the further the investigation is pushed the better. We have got to face the fact- that sooner or later our coal supply, the pre- sent source of our wealth, will give cut, and we want to know as nearly as possible wlien that event may be expected. That it is inert- table is a reason for caution, but not in tke least for pessimism. Coal is not the only source of energy, and a country like England is peculiarly well-fitted for the development of those others, which we are beginning dimly to see will provide the wealth of the future. Relatively to our area we have probably a longer coast-line thin-aiiy countrv in the! world except Italy, and we are abundantly supplied with tidal streams. The rise and fall of the tide in these streams and round our coast will supply the place of our vanished coal, and we need not fear the rivalry even of the Italian coast-line. For Italy has no tides. Previous Inquiries. The question: Which will last longest, our coal supply or ourselves? has attracted con- tinual interest in this country (says the Mail ") ever since that brilliant speculative thinker, the late Professor Jevons, in 1865 esti- mated tbq contents of the, nritish. coalfields at 83.000 million tons, and conjectured that at the then rate of production our mines,wpujd' fcfc-practically exhausted^ by about ,1970. The pypfeci}* -eDeculatiPM instigated-tie appoint- meat of a Royet which, after I investigating the Question for five years, delivered the opinion in 1871 that the supply down to 4,000ft. was 90,206 million tons. Add- ing to thia the supplies at unworkable depths, the total was raised to 146,454 million tons. It is estimated that during the thirty-one years, 3870-19CO, the output of the United King- dom was 5,025 million tons, or one-eighteenth of the alleged visible supply existing in 1870. The rate of exhaustion here disclosed is far in excess of that assumed by the Royal Com- mission. In thirty years our output has more than doubled, and if this rate of increase be maintained those visible 85.000 million tons will be gone before the century is out. »■

LOCAL PARLIAMENTARY BILLS Abertiilery Urban District Council. The Bill to confer further powers upon the urban district council of Abertillery with respect to their water undertaking and as io the supply of electricity has been duly depo- sited for next session in the Private Bill Office of the House of Commons. The Bill, which comprised 50 clauses, is divided into four parts. Tart 1 of the Bill deals only with preliminary matters relating to the incorporation of general acts and interptetation clauses. By Part 2 of the Bill the council seek power to construct a reservoir across the bed of the Tillery Brook at the northern end of the Cwmtillery Reservoir, and in connection with these works it is proposed to impound the waters of the brook and all springs, streams, and waters which flow directly or indirectly into or upon the site of the reservoir." The reservoir is to form part of the exist- ing water undertaking of the council, and provision is made for entering into agreements with adjoining owners as to the drainage of lands within the drainage area of the reservoir. Clauses are also inserted in this part of the Bill relating to the supply of water by meter, and the supply to houses partly used for trade or manufacturing purposes. Under Part 3 of the Bill the council seek power to supply electri- cal fittings, to make allowances to consumers "by way of discount" for prompt payment, and to supply electrical energy outaide their district in bulk to any local authority or com- pany. By Part 4 the council ask for further borrowing powers to an extent not exceeding £55.500, which it is proposed to expend in the manner following-:— £ 35,000 for the new reservoir; £10,500 for the works authorised in 1894; £5,000 for the, general purposes of the council's water undertaking; £2,231 for re-pay- iug- money spent on the construction of the 1894 works, but authorised for other purposes; and £500 for re-paying to the district fund money expended on capital account. Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours. The Bill to he promoted next session by the Fishguard and Rossiare Railways and Har- bours Company has been deposited by the, Parliamentary agents to the Great Western Railway Company. The powers proposed to be conferred under this Bill are wholly con- nected with the authorised Cork and Fermoy Railway, which, owing to difficulties with the Irish authorities, it is now proposed to abandon, and, in lieu thereof, power is sought to construct a railway across the River Lee which will give the Fishguard Company the flame advantage which would have been obtained by the Cork and Fermoy Railway, that is. a connecting link between their system and the system of the Great Southern and Western Railway, with those of the Cork, Bandon, and South Coast and the Cork and Macroom Railway Companies. The Bill does not provide for the raising of any additional capital..

Suicide from Clifton Suspension I Bridge. 6 Prior to Saturday's occurrence there have been 32 suicides from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which was opened in December. 1864. The railing-j on either side arc protected, so as to render it difficult to climb them, and within the last four or five vears there has been a cessation of tragic deaths from the bridge. That leaves out of account.an occurrence of a month or to ago, when a man was found drowned in the river, and one conjecture was that it was a bridge suicide, although there was no evidence to support such a conclusion.

CLYDACH HUNTSMAN'S DEATH. An inquest was held by Mr. Howel Cuthbert- Pon (coroner) at the Gwyn Arms, A lit wen, on Saturday on the body of Richard Hopkin, the Clydach huntsman who was found dead in a small brook near Glyndre Farm, Ynisy- mond.—William Hopkin, farmer, gave evidence as to finding the body early on Friday morning.—Dr. Griffiths said that death was due to drowning, and the jury returned a. verdict, to that effect

Rosebery Rumours. EX-PREMIER'S INTENTIONS, What Are They ? PROSPECTIVE NEW PARTY. Speculation is rife as to the intentions of Lord Rosebery; also as to the future course and destiny of the Liberal party. The London journals are all eagerly discussing these kindred topics. It is probable (says the "Standard") that the Liberal Imperialiets, while giving a general support to Sir H. Campbell-iiannerman, will take measures to organise themselves specially as a division of the Liberal party. With regard to Lord Rosebery's future course, it is believed that he aspires to form a Liberal party Oil a national ba3is. It is 110 secret that he will never take office again if he ia to be dependent either on the Irish side or in circumsuincea which would leave him in sub- jection to the "Radical wing of the Liberal party. He aims at the creation of a. Liberal party which would be national and progres- sive, and he, probably! believes that in carry- ing out this policy the. service of Sir H. Camp- bell-Bannerman would be valueless. In the event of Lord Hosebery ever acceding to office, his lieutenant in the House of Commons would be either Mr. Asquith or Sir E. Grey—more probably the latter. According to the ''Daily Mail," the true story of the recent transaction may be taken as follows:—Sir H. Campbell-Banraerman com- mitted the initial mistake of not understand- ing Lord Rosebery's position aaid of over- rating his own. The communications opened with Lord Rosebery. therefore, conceived in an error, proved futile in effect. These com- munications were, moreover, captiously indi- rect, subtle, and cryptic. Lord Rosebery was treated as tne penitent prodigal son who, having sown his wild oats, had returned to the homestead and desired only to fall into line -with the family. Lord Rosebery promptly made it clear that he "wa* not to be regarded as a penitent or a recalcitrant. At Chesterfield he had spoken as an Englishman only, as an independent observer, and in a non-party spirit. The "DaityChronide" Version. In its news columns th-e Daily Chronicle," on "good authority," describes the assertions of the Dundee Adver- tiser's London correspondent on Saturday all entirely misleading — "The natural interpretation of such a state- ment could only be that Lord Rosebery has resumed his former quiescent attitude, and that the Chesterfield speech consequently counts for nothing. This, no doubt, is what certain interested politicians who have, in a mole-liko way, been very active since the Chesterfield speech would like the Liberal party to believe. It is, however, so far from being correct that it misinterprets Lord Rose- bery's intentions altogether." "At Chester- field," continues the "flaily Chronicle," "he put in very precise terms the policy which alone, in his judgment, can. re-vitalise the Opposition, and if Sir Henry Campbell-Banner- man is able to accept those terms, as we have been assured .;n an evidently inspired pro- nouncement he is prepared to do, co-opera- tion will be restored. From that declaration Lord Rosebery will not recede. If the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons should reject this view of the situation, Lord Rosebery will, we have reason to believe, not hesitate to enforce it at every opportunity, and in the most unmistakable terms, in the confident belief that all Liberals who adhere to it will give him their energetic support." Liverpool Welcomes Rosebery. 1 A meeting of the Liverpool Liberal Council .oresiflpt! over by Mr. Edward Evans, also chairman of the National Liberal Federation, on Monday night unanimously passed a reso- lution thanking Lord Rosebery for his Chesterfield speech, endorsing the lines of the South Africa policy indicated therein, and welcoming his active co-operation with the Liberal party. The Chairman said that having heard Lord Rosebery's Chesterfield speech, he considered there were no grounds to doubt his readiness to co-ope«a-fce with the Liberals.

PUGNACIOUS PAUPERS. A Macclesfield pauper thus described at the police-court a littde difference of opinion. betwe#B. lDemlf and,another woman.on Christ- mas Day:—"On Wednesday neet I wa3 nice nnd comfortable inibedt when. Liza hera Oa.qlù to me and said, "vV^lt have a pinch of snuff?' (Laughter.) I had a pinch of snuff, and she then called me names. She then challenged me out to fight. 1* said we should get locked up if we fought. It was Christmas neet. and we got excited, and went for one another. (Laughter.) That's the truth. We are but poor-looking wenches, and I hope you will be merciful to us, sjesitlemen. We are good friends now, and won't do it again."—The magistrates responded to the appeal, and dis- charged the belligerents.

AN INSPECTOR OF EGGS. The Montreal IBoard of Trade is urging upon the Minister of Trade and Commerce the appointment of an inspector of eggs for expert. There J*as been loss to the trade from imperfect packing and consequent breakage, as well as from the shipment of stale eggs, to the British market, and any plan Hkely to bring about conditions in the egg trade similar- to those prevailing, for example, in Denmark, should meet with approval.

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST AN EX-CLERGYMAN. At North London Police-court on Monday Hilda. Wood summoned Llewellyn Howard Davies. of Bournville, Warwick, for the sup- port of two illegitimate children. Complainant said she made defendant's acquaintance when he was a Church of England clergyman. He was then married to an old lady, but promised to marry plaintiff when his wife died. He however, had not carried out his promised The Magistrate made orders for 5s. a week for each child.

NAVIGATION IN THE BLACK SEA. A petition recently sent to St. Petersburg by the Nicolaief Bourse Committee with regard to the icebreakers has met with a. very favour- able reception, the result being that steamers will now be brought to the harbour at Nicolaief from the open sea free. A very considerable grant has been made by the Ministry of Marine towards the maintenance of an icebreaker, and the heavy expense which British and foreign shipowners had formerly to incur oil that account is done away with.

CANADIAN COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE The Canadian Packers' Association has determined to adopt active measures to develop'trade in canned fruits and vegetables of Canadian growth and manufacture in Great Britain. Stores for their sale will be opened in the leading centres in England. Scotland, and Ireland, and energetic efforts will be made to bring Canadian goods to the atten- tion of British buyers.

A MOMENTOUS WEEK. Never was there a more brilliant exemplifi- cation of the "Marry in haste and repent at leisure" proverb than in a case which has just come before one of the American courts. The bride eloped on Sunday, was pursued by her stern parents on Monday, was married on Tuesday, obtained forgiveness from her irate parents on Wednesday, only to leave her husband on Thursday. Then she went back home on Friday, and filed a petition for divorce on Saturday. As she is only seventeen, she has brilliant possibilities of a sensational marry- ing and unmarrying career before her.

PANTOMIME SUBJECTS. According to the "Stage," the story of "Cin- derella," which for the last five years has headed the list in point of popularity as a pantomime theme, has this season had to yield to "Babes in the Wood," which out of a list of 119 pantomimes has been chosen fifteen times. Then oomes "Cinderella," which ties for second place with "Aladdin," each of these evergreens occupying the boards of fourteen theatres throughout the country. That roman- tic hero of the good old days. "Dick Whitting- ton." and "Robinson Crusoe," with his man Friday, follow close behind with eleven each to their credit. Blue Beard is also popu- lar, but the story of the "Forty Thieves" has not been requisitioned.

r PENDING IRISH ELECTION. The Farmers and Labourers' Union met at Belfast on Monday, and arranged to hold a Convention in Downpatrick at an early date to select a candidate for the representation in Parliament of East Down, the Lord Chan- cellor having decided that the acceptance by Dr. Rentoul of the judgeship of the Citv of London Court haa necessitated an election. Dr. Rentoul is not disqualified for re-election. It is expected that the convention will choose Mr. James Wood, solicitor, Belfast.

The NEW DOB-OTHY SPICED, PRESSED BEEF, J 2P- fier »OUJlra. sSSilA

Merthyr Stipendiary Rate. FURTHER DISALLOWANCES. Local Charges and the County Rate At last evening's meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians the Clerk (Mr. F. T. James) said he had received from Mr. C. Hunton, the auditor. a copy of the entry he had inserted in the ledger of the Glamorgan County Council relating to the objections which he (Mr. James) had ta-ken on behalf of the board to certain payments debited against the Merthyr Stipendiary Acts account. The items objected to were: — Clerk of the peaoe, allowance sixteen guineas, and rents of police-courts jB98 5s. Having read in extenso the nature of his objections, the Clerk proceeded to read the auditor's decision, in which, after going exhaustively through the fa-cts, Mr. Hunton said:—"Having considered the facts, I hereby certify that in the accounts of the county council of Glamorganshire I have disallowed as charges illegally debited to the amount of the Merthyr Tydfil Stipendiary Justice Acts the following items, Yiz, :-J. D. Gunu, £13 13s.; treasurer. Mountain Ash Dis- trict Council, £30; Thomas Bentley, £52 128.; and I have allowed the same as charges in the general county purposes account. My reasons for making such disallowances and allowances respectively are: — "1. The above-mentioned sums of £13 13s., £30, and JEM 12s,. making altogether £98 58., represent payments charged by the county council in their accounts for the year Elnded on the 31st of March, 1901, for rents paid for the hire of places for the purpose of holding petty-sessional courts in the petty-stvseion&l divisions of Caerphilly Higher and Miskin Higher are legally chargeable as such under the provisions of 11 and 12 Victoria, c. 18, to the county rate of the county of Glamorgan. and are not a legal charge against the M-e-rt-hyr Stipendiary Justice Act account under the Acts 1843 to 1894. "2. The incidence of the charges for provid- ing petty-sessional courts in counties having be€n altered by 12 and 13 Victoria, c- 18. it appears reasonable to hold that in jiassing that Act the legislature intended to do away with all local customs in regard to the pro- vision and maintenance of petty-sessional courts then in force, whether sanctioned by Act of Parliament or otherwise, so thut one uniform method of providing a.ud maintain- ing such courts should prevail in future, and hence that Section 13 of the Stipendiary Act of 1843, so far as it was in force in the year 1849, was impliedly repealed by 12 and 13 Vic- toria, c 18, as being inconsistent with the general law then for the first time brought into operation. 3. It is, not to be presumed that the legis- lature intended by 12 and 13 Victoria, c 18, to place an additional burthen upon the rate- payers residing witliin the stipendiary justice area without their- having used clear and precise words to tha,t effect, which would be the cage if it were held that they are under their local rate to provide and maintain their own petty-sessional courts, while at the same time they are rendered liable by the Public Act to contribute to all other courts in the county. 4. It is not clear that the le¡:i8lature when using the expression. a suitable office or offices for transacting the magisterial busi- ness of the district within the limits of this Act.' meant to include therein a petty-ses- sional court, and. althongh the justices in quarter sessions charged in this instance the rates of the stipendiary district of Merthyr Tydfil with the cost, this is not conclusive in itself that they adopted the view that such was the intention of the legislature, as at tbat time it was the custom to provide petty-ses- sional courts at the expense of the reticular petty-scssiona I d [visiou in which they were required. 5. There is no provision in the Merthyr Tydfil Stipendiary Justice Acts, 1843 to 1394, authorising any such payments to be made either out of the fees payable under those Acts or out of the rates leviable under those Acts upon the parishes and places within the limits of those Acts. "6. The provisions of Sections 13 and 14 of 6 and 7 Victoria, c. 44, if they included the provision of a. petty-sessional court, were satisfied and exhausted by the appropriation for the purpose of those sections of a suitable office or offices at Merthyr for transacting the magisterial business of the Merthyr stipen- diary district, the construction, of which aaid I' ofjice- or offioes was, as before stated, paid for out of the ra.t.e lovtohle under that Act fwid. the provisions of tale sa-ld Section 13 as to. hiring an ofnoe or offices were merely alterna- tive to the provisions for appropriation of land and erection of such office or offices. 7. There is no legal authority, statutory or otherwise, for the making of any suoh pay. ments out of the Merthyr Tydfil Stipendiary Justices Acts Fund. "8. The said rents are not legally charge- able to the Merthyr Stipendiary Justice Acts accounts. 9. The said sum of £13 13s. has been paid for rent of Abercynon Police-court, and JE30 has been paid for rent of Mountain Ash Police- court, wltich courts are situate outside tbe original limits of the Statute 6 and 7 Victoria, c. 44, and the provisions of Sections 13 and 14 of that statute were not applied by the Statute 31 and 32 Victoria, c. 36. and by the Merthyr Tydfil Stipendiary Justice Act. 1894, to the parishes and places to which the limits of the original Merthyr stipendiary district were ex- tended by the later Acts. 10. T'he provision of Section 4 of 57 Vic- toria, c. 27. does not contain any express or implied authority enabling the standing joint committee or the county council of the county of Glamorgan to provido petty-eessional courts at the cost of the ratepayers within the Stipendiary Justice Act area. "11. The sum of £54 12s. paid for rent of a temporary police-court at Merthyr Tydfil, substituted for the court provided under 6 and 7 Victoria, c. 44, ought either under 11 and 12 Victoria, c. 13. or under Section 30, sub-section 3, of the Local Government Act, 1888, to be paid out of the general county rate, or set off under that enactment against a like sum payable out of the county fund to the credit of the Merthyr stipendiary jus- tice account, in respect of the appropriation for county purposes of the court and offices provided at Merthyr under 6 and 7 Victoria, 44, at the expense of the Merthyr stipendiary district." With regard to the item of sixteen guineas in respect of allowance to clerk of the peace, that sum was duly allowed by Mr. Hunton. The Clerk, commenting upon the decision, said that since March, 1896, the guardians had paid four precepts under the Stipendiary Acts, as follow: :— £ 446, £493, £499, and £499. There was a further precept payable this month, which had not yet been met. It appeared to him that the board should be advised now as to what their position was with regard to these precepts and the moneys which had thus been illegally allocated by the county council. He understood that they had nearly completed a new police-station at Mountain Ash, and were about to put another up at Abercynon. Of course, the auditor was not. infallible^ and the council might carry the matter to the court of King's Bench, but, if the auditor were correct, then the police- court at Merthyr had been illegally taken away from the magistrates in this district, and the county council ought to re-fund to the stipendiary district the value and cost of that police-court. At the same time, they ought to build a new court under the general Act which governe the whole county. It was decided that the objections made by the clerk and the auditor's decision should be printed in pamphlet form for circulation. The feelings of the guardians at the victory achieved were cf a most jubilant nature.

WILL OF THE LATE MASTER OF THE ROLLS Probate of the will, which bears date Sep- tember 15, 1892, with a codicil of the 16th of July, 1901, of the Right Hon. Sir Archibald Levin Smith, of 66, Cadogan-square, Master of the Rolls, who died at Wester Elchies, N.B., on the 20th of October last, aged 65 years, lion of the late Mr. F. Smith, of Salt Hill, J.P., has been granted to the testator's son. Mr. Archi- bald Francis Smith, barrister, and his brother- in-law, Mr. Charles John Fletcher, of Dale Park, Arundel, and Mr. William Bennett Barton Freeland, of Chichester, solicitor. The late Sir Archibald Smith's estate has been valued at £107.146 9s. 6d. gross, including per- sonality of the net value of £94.052 8s. lOd. He bequeathed to Mr. Fletcher £100, and to his sister, Mary Ann Lucia Smith £250, and by his will he bequeathed to his wife, Dame Isobel Smith, daughter of Mr. John Charles Fletcher, of Dale Park, £ 1,000, his household effects, and the income during her life of his residuary estate, but by the codicil the Master of the Rolls provided that the income of his estate should be applied for the benefit of Lady Smith, who was then in ill-health, and who died on the 26th of August last. He bequeathed to his sons such sum as, with their interest under the will of their maternal grandfather, Mr. Fletcher, will make up £15,00;) each, and he bequeathed to his daughters such sum as, with their interest under the will of their maternal grandfather, will make up £13,500 each. Sir Archibald Smith devised his real estate in trust for such one of his sons as shall first have attained the age of 21 years, and he bequeathed the residue of his personal estate in trust for the person entitled to his I real estate. He desired that, unless there should be some strong reason to the contrary, his investments should be retained, and that hi- fajxa should be carried oa.

South American Troubles. CRITICAL SITUATION IN ARGENTINA. Germany and Venezuela Unable to Agree. Official telegrams received in London from Buenoe Ayres describe the situation there as being very critical. Hopes are, however, expressed that the Government will overcome the opposition which has been raised to the signature of the Protocol with Chili. The Central News is informed by the Chilian Legation in London that there is no truth in the reports that a word had been changed in the Protocol signed by the Argentina Minister at Santiago and the Chilian Minister for Foreign Affairs, thus creating a further difficulty between the two Republics. The origin of the new trouble is that after the signing of the Protocol on Christmas Day the Argentine Minister at Santiago intimated on the following day to the Chilian Foreign I Minister that his Government could not accept the stijjalationa in the new Protocol regarding the temporary policing of the territory in dispute, and, further, that Argentina would not agree to accept the arbitration of the British Government on this question. The Chilian Government considers that as the Protocol ha-s been formally signed the dispute is at au end, and, besides, Chili is of the opinion that she has already made sufficient advances to Argentina, and that if Argentina requires further satisfaction the next move must come from that side. On inquiry at the Argentine Legation the Central News reporter was informed that notlmng was known there of the reported refusal of Argentina to accept Great Britain's mediation. The Chilian Legation at Paris states that up to Sunday the verbal objection of the Argentine Minister in Santiago to the Protocol signed on December 25 had not been formu- lated in writing. Germany and Venezuela. The danger of a formal rupture between Germany and Venezuela is still not seriously considered at Berlin. The view continues to obtain that the questions at issue will be settled without a resort to arms. The state- ment that tile United States regards Germany's action with guov;ing displeasure may be dis- missed as hyperbole. The German Ambassador at Washington has satisfied the United States Government that Germany has not the slightest intension to effect any territorial annexation. At the same time the German Government is acting with great caution, the possibility of friction with the United States in connection with the Monroe doctrine being fully recognised. In the event of hostilities it is felt that difficulties might arise with the United States should the Venezuela Govern- ment fall and Germany assume a temporary right of possession of the harbours and the temporary management of affairs. The Berlin press adopts a reserved and tranquil tone in discussing the situation. The small cruiser Gazelle has received orders to leave Kiel for Venezuela. Diplomatic Relations Still "On." The Centra! News is officially assured that the German Charge d'Affaires to Venezuela. M. de Pilgrim Baltazzi, has not yet left Caracas, and that diplomatic relations with Venezuela ha.& not yet been broken off. Pourparlers are still proceeding between the two Governments. The German Government has been in commu- nication with the Government of the United Statics, and an agreement has been reached betwapn the two Governments as to the Gar- Trail course of action in Venezuela. It is believed in Berlin that an ultimatum will be issiwd within the next three days, and that an attack upon Venezuela will follow directly after. In addition to the cruisers Vineta and Falke, two training ships and the cruiser Geyer have been ordered to La Guayra. It is semi-officially announced in Berlin that negotiations are still proceeding between Germany and Venezuela, and that there is no truth in the report emanating from New York that the German Minister at Caracas had left that place after heated conversation with President Castro. Navaf Demonstration Deferred, A t^lftgram from Willemstad, Caracas, on Mo-nday, says Unt, according to information decived from an official source, a German naval demonstration was to have been made in Venezuelan waters next week, but it hae now been deferred until the present revolution is ended. The delay is due to the advice of Mr. Bowen, the American Minister at Caracas.

Peirarth Urban District Council At the monthly meeting of the Penartli Urban District Council held at Penarth on Monday evening the medical officer reported that daring the month of November there had been registered 68 births (giving a birth-rate of 33.2) and fourteen deaths (a rate of 12.2).— The chairman (Mr. S. Thomas), together with the medical officer and surveyor, were appointed to represent the council at the inquiry which is to be held at Cardiff on January 2 next upon the application of the Cardiff Corporation to the Local Government Board to borrow £91.000 for the purnoee of erecting new reservoirs, Ac., at Leckwitli.

NO LIST OF HONOURS ON NEW YEAR'S DAY. There will be no list of honours published on New Year's Day for the first time in a great many years. No explanation is available from omcial sources, but it is understood that the reason is to be found in the mere accident of dates. The late Queen's birthday being on the 24th of May. it was convenient that. the conferment of honours in bulk should be made on that anniversary and on the first day of the New Year, and the lists were thus divided by. roughly, half a year. King Edward's birth- day being November 9. iu would be obviously inconvenient to issue a list again so early as the 1st of January. It will probably be found ultimately that a good many of the events hitherto celebrated on May 24 will be trans- ferred to Coronation Day, June 16.

DEANERY OF CHICESTER.* A Chichester correspondent states that the Deanery of Chichester. vacant by the resigna- tion of Dr. Randall. has been offered to Arch- deacon Mount, who has passed the whole of hie clerical career in the diocese, and for upwards of 30 years has been examining chaplain to successive bishops. The arch- deacon has deferred his decision until be has consulted his physician. •

SUPPLYING DRINK TO CMLDBEN. The chairman of the Worcestershire Quarter Sessions on Monday held that the use of a gummed slip round the cork of bottles would not comply with the law aa to prohibiting children being served with intoxicants save in sealed vessels. A committee of the bench was appointed to confer with a committee of the trade thereon.

MILITARY FUNERAL AT NEWPORT. With military honours Sergeant Arthur James Cooke, a member of the 4th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers, who died from acute bronchitis, was buried at Newport on Monday afternoon. The battalion band (under Bandmaster Gabb) and a detachment of the battalion, under Captain Fawckner and Lieutenant Wilcox, attended. The coffin was conveyed to the cemetery on a gun-carriage of the Mountain Battery Royal Artillery from Newport Barracks. On nearing the burial- ground one of the six horses attached to the gun-carriage became restive and reared, but a firm hand and the commendable coolness of Sergeant Clinton (who had charge of the team) prevented an awkward scene.

EDUCATION AND COMMERCE. Speaking at Dumfries on Monday at the Educational Institute of Scotland, Mr. R. B. Haldane, M.P., said he was depressed when he thought how their captains of indus- try were dependent upon our present founda- tion of education for their educational equip- ment. If education was to be thoroughly effective they must regard elementary, secondary, and university education as one indissoluble whole. Universities should not be as at present—an isolated superstructure. The man who would save the nation at this serious crisis and so maintain England as the foremost commercial Power would deserve well of his country.

IRISH MAIL TRAIN DELAYED. The down Irish mail train was considerably after time in arriving at Holyhead on Monday afternoon. Before reaching Bangor Station one of the engines broke down, ang the train came to a Btojji at Gaerwen. 11

Starved to Death. A CARDIFF BABY'S FATE. Shocking Inquest Story. A shocking story was unfolded at an inquest held (before Mr. E. B. Reece, coroner) at the Town-hall. Cardiff. last eveniug. In the course of evidence it was related by a medical man how a baby, six weeks old, had literally died of starvation. Hannah Turvey was the name of the infant. whose body was found dead in its cradle at 69. Ellen-street, on the morning of the 28th, Mrs. Lewie, mother of Mrs. Turvey, having had charge of it. Deceased's mother is the wife of Emmanuel William Tuney. and she herself has been living at 6. Hodges'-row. The child was born in the workhouse, and its mother said she left it in custody of the grandmother three weeks ago, and arrangNl to pay 4s. 6(1. a week for maintenance, which sht: Imd paid regularly. Witness was a housekeeper. The child when handed over to the custody of witness's mother 1\'(',6 well in health, hut small. The Monday before Christmas the child looked better. On Saturday morning she saw the dead body. Witness's father was away. Her mother only had what witness gave to her. Witness had two other children, of which her mother took charge, acred about five and three, and they were all insured in the Prudential. • Miss Burns, a nurse from the workhouse, certified that the infant was perfectly healthy, and witness was there when the mother left with it. Deceasedwas well nourished. Dr. J. D. Williams, Roath, saw deceased on the previous day at 69, Elien-street. It had then been dead several hours. Mrs. Lewis eaid it died at 10.30. When he saw the body it had bse-n washed and laid out. It was very much emaciated, with the eyea sunken, and it had eC7.ema sore3 on the lower parts of the body. There were no marks of violence. That day he made a post-mortem. The weight of the child was 4jlb., il1stea(i üf seven or eight for a. small baby of that age. All the organs were perfectly healthy. There was no trace of any kind of food. all the appearances pointing to starvation, in the absence of disease. Food had been withheld fur some days, and death was due to starvation, trom the poeition of the sores he did not think the child had been kept clean. There was an accumulation of dirt in the ears and eyes. Tho thick dirt had been got rid of before he saw it. Hannah Lewis, 69. Ellen-street, aged 66, eaid her husband was Thoma.s Lewis, a thatcher out of work. She had had the baby three weeks, and fed it on boiled bread, condensed milk, and sugar. By the Coroner: She had fed her own chil- dren on the same s^rt of stuff, and it did not kili them. Continuing, witness said she last fed the baby on Friday night, and it was bad all night. She then put it in a cradle by the grate, but did not give it any more food, as there was no lire. Some time after she found the child was dead. Agnes Lewis, living at home with her mother —the last witness—said the chitd was last fed on Friday night. There were in the same bed witness and her mother and two other babies. Dr. W'jlliams. re-examined, said he found no trace of the food alleged to have been given. Mrs. Lewis was a decrepit woman, and the Coroner said it was a gross case, and they must not allow the woman's infirmity to stand iu the way if they thought she had been negligent. The jury returned a verdict of Man- slaughter" against Mrs. Lewis, who. on the coroner's warrant, was committed for trial.

PROGRESS OF THE CARDIFF TOWN-HALL £55,000 Worth of the Work Already Done. "What went ye out into the wilderness for to see?" inwardly queried one of our reporters as he stood at the gate leading to Cardiff's new Town-hall and Law-courts on Cathays Park and tried to apprehend the full signi- ficance of the bustle of workmen, the chaotic I piles of etone. and brick, the clatter and ciang of machinery, with the ceaseless movement of gantry, crane, and derrick swinging into mid-air huge stones and massive mouldings. It looked like a scene from an unfinished giant-pantomime, bereft of colour and reduced to the pervading grey of Bath stone, with blotches of red brick as a relief. Withal there was the masculine type of the "good lairy of the pantomime in the figure of M,r, J. E. Turner—one of the firm of contractore, Messrs. E. Turner and Sons-whose kindly explanation was aa magic in transforming the prospect and dispelling the confusion that apparently reigned. He gave the pressman a more than adequate idea of the scheme that underlies the contractors' work and of the vast amount of detail its successful issue demands. Mr. Turner explained that the whole of the drainage and foundation work, which was in progress when last the state of the work on these public offices of the town was recorded in these columns, is now com- plete. The basements and foundations are themselves a big job." The excavation work was astonishing, thousands of tons of rubble having to be removed, and tons upon tons of concrete, made by a large crusher in the park. had to be re-placed. Now, the north side of the Town-hall buildings is rapidly mounting upwards. Some 30ft. in an elevation even- tually to be 44io. above the ground has already been reached. This is the first course, to use a technicality, anti is equivalent to the top of the first floor. The law courts are 12ft. above ground. In the rusticated base can already be ..eo;n some of the architectural beauty of the design, and. moreover", the height to which the walls have been carried impresses the beholder with their massive strength, and gives faintly an inkling of what the completed edifice will be when denuded of the maze of scaffolding that now interrupts the view. Then on the top of the building. floored and flattened in its present state, with the second storey just emerging in the bareness of brick outline, there is a veritable little towrf, popu- lous and thriving. Masonville would appro- priately describe it, and the long stretch of corridor might we'l be called "Plasterton- avenue." for these artieans rule with indis- putable supremacy. Eight electrically-driven derricks, each capable of lifting five tons on its 80ft. jib):, arm. raise to this elevated plane the immense quantities of material required to keep this corps of tradesmen going. Besides. there are five hand derricks, with a 50ft. jib each. and able to bear a strain of three tons, and for facilitating the transhipment of the unhewn stone to the sheds for cutting, sawing, moulding. &c., there is a ten-ton gantry. At the entrance one observes, among the first of things familiar, a railroad, on which runs a 5-ton loco. travelling crane. This particular machine serves the north side of the Town- V all-to-be. There is also another somewhat smaller on the works with a raising capacity of three tone. Extending along the park side of the great enclosure are the stone dressing shops, hives of human industry. Handwork is done on the one side of the gantry, which runs the whole lengtu, and the multifold machinery occupies the interspace between that and the crane railway. Of these machines first in interest and pecuniary value is a cir- cular diamond saw. valued at £750. It appears that the diamond saw, as a cutting medium for stone, is of somewhat old invention. There was, however, the insuperable difficulty of securely fixing the diamonds in the periphery, and thus the type of machine fell into desuetude. With the advent and advantage of electrical know- ledge that imperfection has been overcome. The diamond teeth are now fitted into a steel "grip" (some j-incn by g-inch in size), and this. by a powerful electric current, is fused. causing the steel, as it were. to itself solder the diamond into position. When renewal is necessary.tbe whole of the grip is changed. The stone to be sawn rests on a platform, which is automatically drawn forward into contact with the diamond saw, the fast revo- lution of which soon cause a penetration. To meet the varying hardness of stone, three speeds are adjustable—four. six. and eight inches per minute The whole is the patent of a North British firm. Other "swing" saws there are. and moulding machines galore,. but these work on no new principle. Messrs. Turner and Sons have their own generating station for the electric supply. A boiler, fixed only on Saturday last, is some- what of an experiment. It is an 80 indicated horse-power concern; and is fitted with a forced draught system by which it is claimed a saving of fuel will be effected. Another engine, of the same type but minus the forced draught. is laid in the same shed. These drive a dynamo whose specifications are.—Volts. 250; amperes, 220; and revolutions per minute, 550. Tho contracting firm have. by the way. an agreement with Messrs. J. Booth Brothers. Radley, for the guarantee and repair of the machinery. Near by the shed is a by no means small smithy for dealing with the iron work of the job and repairs, and at the back thereof is a stone-rubbing table. Electricity is utilised both for power and lighting, the latter installation enabling the men to work when natural light ie unfavourable in the morning and evening. There are 36 arc lamps of 2.000 fcandle power on the contract, besides untold numbers of incandescents. Another feature that strikes the casual lay beholder is the number of pits which dot the whole enclosure. These are for collecting the refuse water of the saws and rubbers, and when the sediment properly settles for its removal. The present value of the work done is about £55,000. Nearly all the stone, whether dressed on the spot or at the contrnctora' sheds in Eldon-road. except the Portland stone, comes from their own quarries in the Forest of Dean and near Bath. It is of interest to note that the enterprise of the firm has induced them within the past few weeks to open a. virgin ^uaj-ry in tho vicinity, ot. Xiatem, Moo.

-=: Yesterday's War News. THE TWEEF0NTEIN REVERSE. Col. Damant's Recent Fight. The War Office on Monday afternoon issued the list of the wounded in the Yeomanry mishap at Tweefontein. There are 50 in the list. Six officers and 52 men have already been reported killed, and nine officei.8 wounded. About 240 prisoners have been released. These facts go to show that the affair was more serious than was at first supposed. Most of the officers and men of the Middlesex and Kent Imperial Yeomanry (says the "Pali Mall Gazette") were recruits who joined the colours early last year. The 34th Company (Middlesex), which was at Senekal in May last year. have suffered more severely than any of the others in the 11th Battalion. The official mention of the 11th Battalion separately from the companies needs the explanation that, while the whole force constituted the battalion, the "llth Battalion referred to in the despatch means the machinsTgun section of the battalion, the staff, and orderlies. Lieutenant AVatney was the commander of the gun section, and was a young and promising officer. Private F. H. Hellyer, of the gun secti m. who was also killed, served with the original force of the Middlesex men. who went out in the spring of 1900. Cap- tain G. Grice, rep0c.tccl dangerously wounded, formerly belonged to the Scottish Rifles, and is adjutant of the 11th Battalion. Quarter- master F. Langley, one of the released prisoners, late of the 17th Lancers, and for- nerly on the permanent staff of the Middlesex Yeomanry, went out as the regimental quarter- master-sergeant of the 11th Battalion, and during the latter part of last year he received a. commission as quartermaster. Lieutenant II. M. Agnew. 34th Company, killed in action, was wounded in the Senekal affair. He went cut as a trooper, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on March 1 last. Captain S. E. Hall (34th Company) and Lieutenant Hudson (36th Company), West Kent, had only served with the colours sinoe June and January respectively. The Attack on Damant's Column. HEILBRON. Saturday. LatJr reports indicate that the Boer losses in the attack on Colonel Damant's column at Tafel Kop were much heavier than at first believed. According to apparently reliable information, the enemy had fourteen killed and over 30 wounded. They were seen to carry away two bullock-wagon loads of wounded. Two men of the 6th Dragoon Guards were recently killed by lightning near Tafel Kop. Colonel Wilson's column captured three Boers in this district on December 24.—Press Asso- ciation War Special. Boer Laager Surprised. PRETORIA, Thursday. Colonsl Dl1 Moulin surprised a Boer laager near Jagersfontein, Orange River Colony, at dawn on the 25th inst., capturing 28 of the enemy, including Field-cornets Jacobus D'.itoit and Saul Sarines. Fifty-eight rifles, 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and 105 horses were also taken. The prisoners belonged to different commandos.—Press Association War Special. Fighting at Fauresmith and Calvinia. The casualty lists issued on Monday even- ing show that at Nonskraal, in the Faure- smith district, on Christmas Day. Lieutenant A. Phillips, of the 49th Imperial Yeomanry, and three men of the 3rd Warwick Mounted Infantry were killed and three men of the latter regiment wounded. One man of the 3rd Lancashire Fusiliers was also wounded. and Lieutenant R. J. Watson, 24th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry, and one man of the 2nd North Lancashire Mounted Infantry are miss- ing, and believed to be prisoners. In an engagement :t,t. Oudemair. near Calvinia, on t-he 21th inst. four of the Wes- tern Province Mounted Rifles were wounded, while between Clanwilliam and Calvinia on the 20th inst. two men of the 11th Lancers were killpd. Two days later, between Clan- williajn and Calvinia, Lieutenant J. S. Twigg, Army Medical Corps, and one man of the 16th Lancers were killed and eight men wounded. On the following day—the 23rd— Second-lieutenant E. Younger, of the 16th Lancers, was killed, and three men wounded. Botha's Tribute to the Block- houses. In an intercepted letter addressed to a com- mandant-so a correspondent from the front informs the "Spectator"—Botha rates him soundly for not checking the extension of a line of blockhouses, which, he goes on to say, "are doing us the greatest mischief." Local Casualties. The War Office on Monday evening issued the following: — 2nd South Wales Borderers.—5,204 Private A. Wilkinson died from enteric at Elandsfontein on December 22. 29th Company Imperial Yeomanry.—26,685 Private G. Williams died of wounds at Lang- duit December 27. 3rd Welsh B.egiment.-5.007 Private Edward Coouibes died at Kroonstad from enteric December 27. 30th Company Imperial Yeomanry.-4.164 Quartermaster-sergeant J. Tripling dan- gerously ill, enteric, Heilbron, December 25. Australian Federal Reinforce- ments. Mr. Barton, after a conference with the State commandants, has announced that the new Australian Federal contingent for South Africa will be divided into nine units, each consisting of 121 officers and men. New ifouth Wales and Victoria will each contribute three units. Queensland one, AVestern Australian one. South Australia a half. and Tasmania a half. The contingent will, if possible, embark at the end of January. Reinforcements. The following details" from Woolwich will embark on the transport Morayshire, which leaves the Royal Albert Docks to-day (Tues- day). for South Africa:—One officer, Royal Field Artillery; three rank and file. Royal Artillery; one officer. Reserve of Officers; one civil veterinary surgeon, and 330 remounts, BURIED BOER DOCUMENTS. Letter from a Newport Corporal. Corporal C. James, of the 3rd Imperial Yeo- manry (and late of the 1st Monmouthshire Volunteer Artillery), whose death from enteric at Brindisi on December 19 has just been announced, wrote home to his friends at New- port from Brindisi, November 24, a letter in which he speaks of the unearthing of boxes containing documents belonging to Steyn and De Wet. The letter says:—"One cf De Wet's scouts was captured some time ago, and for some crime he was sentenced to penal servi- tude for life. So he turned traftor. and told our people that he had buried two iron boxes of documents belonging to Steyn and De Wet, and that they were concealed near Steyn's farm, Steynburg. So he was sent through Basutoland, under an escort, to us. AVe took him oat to the column who were coming to meet us; and they took him to the spot where he said the boxes were buried. The mark that he had was two hay mows. which. however, had been burned by our columns. A good many started digging for the boxes. while the remainder of the troops held posi- tions surrounding them. in order that the soldiers could work without being in danger. The soldiers had duf in so many places that they thought the man was telling lies. He admitted that himself and two other men who buried the boxes were drunk. All doubts. however, were dispelled as a corporal in the Glamorgans came upon what proved to be the two boxes, and he had £5 for finding them. The boxes were sealed, so it remains to be seen what was in them. The Boers say that it will open the eyes of the English, as a good many big men will be implicated. The boxes have been sent. to Pretoria, and you may read something about their contents shortly. The Boer belonged to Ladybrand, which is not far from here. He says he hopes the autho- rities will not keep him in this country, as they would only murder him, even after peace is declared. He expects they will send him to England, where he will go under an assumed name."

Death from Violence at Swansea The death of Mrs. Baker, of .15. Scybor- fach-street, Swansea, has given rise to a sensa- tional rumour at Cwmbwrla. Swansea. On Christmas evening, long after midnight, the husband, Henry Baker, returned to his home and found his wife lying on the floor, appa- rently under the influence of drink. In the morning it was discovered that the woman was suffering from some injuries to the head and face. An inquest is, therefore, ordered to be held, it being believed that the woman fell from a window and thua met with her death.

"Cochfarfs" Comments. [ Concerning New Year's resolutions, I have decided not to make any to-morrow. Seeing there are so many that I made in years gone by that are unfulfilled, I will endeavour to bring up my arrears of good intentions and dispose of as many as I can of them during the coming year. The writer of the paragraph in "Wales IXiy by Day" of the "Western Mail" of yesterday concerning the old lady who had been ,accustomed to believe that the extra. Christmas relief given by the guardians was sent. by the late Queen, and who was agreeably surprised to find that the King • was following the example of his mother, is mistaken when he makes the old lady say she had .heard that the King was "drawing" after his mother. The Welsh word used by her, no doubt, was "tynu,v which means dm whig, but in the Welsh patois of Mid-Glamorgan "tynu" in such a. connection means "to t»ike after," and the Ogmore Valley pauper meant "I have heard5 before that he (the King) is taking after his mother very much"—a neatly worded double compliment to King Edward VII. and his august mother, the late Queen Victoria. ;Twas said of a great scholar that if he were scratched the abrasion wcrtfld emit Greeta, and when reading Mr. T. H. Riches, J.P.'s illustrated interview in the "Railway Magazine" I could not help- thinking t*at, were he similarly treated, we would, surely, learn something about engines. I was once favoured with a com- plete inspection of the Taff Vale Railway Engineering Works under his guidance, a treat not to be forgotten. To him, seemingly, every piece of machinery in the place breathed and moved as if they werew so many human beings. I was told the age of one, and the sup- posed life of another, and the consuming capacity of the next; how one travelled as if there were no rails in existence, and' another groaned every yard it went; another would require "surgicaF' attention upon its return from each journey almost, and another worked so successfully that it ignored the engineering "doctor" entirely. 1<; must not be thought of Mr. Riches, though, that engines and rolling stock are the only subjects he is well-informed upon,, for he is as liberal in imparting the infor- mation he possesses to others as lie is versatile, and more than that I need not say to those who know the chairman of the Cardiff Technical Instruction Com- mittee in order to estimate his many- sidedness. The patriarchal relationship of Mr. John Burns, M.P., to his constituents is one of the most interesting features of English public life that can be quoted. With his political work I have nothing to do in this column, and this is, indeed, the least important service he renders his con- stituency, party man though he is. He lives in the heart of Battersea, and moves about on his bicycle whenever he is free from attending Parliament. Frequently he can be seen holding a levee of men, wom^n, and children at a street corner, he resting the while upon the handle of his machine. This I once witnessed with my own eyes on a Saturday afternoon. Oner "free and independent" commented un- fairly upon a certain public action of Mr. Burns, and then there was a vigorous use of homely English in return by the artisan M.P., but his language was entirely free of vulgarity. This was the mood he was in when he delivered: his refreshing speech. to a Battersea slate club recently upon thrift and sobriety. Indeed, the "slaters"" were well "slated," and the pith of his speech was that it was "impossible for a. thriftless man to be independent." The Edinburgh tramway workers are coming into line with older Trades Unionists by demanding double time, which means double wages, for Sunday work beyond anything that is necessary for establishment upkeep. It is only right also to claim for Trades Unionists that this rule is not prompted by cupidity for higher wages, but from a jealousy of their birthright of Sunday rest. We are familiar with the device of giving the equivalent in "time off" on another day but, oddly enough, this plan is trotted cul most frequently by people who are very careful that nothing shall interfere with their ease upon the first day of the week. Depend upon it that the tramwaymen can appreciate a day at home with their families as thoroughly as anyone in the land, and no subterfuge of "another day off" should be offered them in its stead. Every improvement in street locomo- tion suggests the query, "What will become of cabby? For my own part, I would not do anything willingly to drive him to the wall. It is true, a good many people regard him as a fit subject for prac- tical joking, or a little better if he can provide smart answers to flippant "fares." The most contemptible man that a cabman meets is the well-dressed swell who takes him on a fool's errand, wastes a couple of hours of his. time, and then keeps him an hour before he pays him his legitimate charge, if, indeed, he pays him at all. His lot is not a happy one in all sincerity, even when a benevolent corporation pro- vides him with a cosy shelter, which is not always accessible, for he must not leave his horse unattended, or neglect oo hop 1 like lightning when an irate intended pas- sfinger hails him, without offending the law of the land. I have never mentioned sixpenny fares to any of the local "Sam Wellers'"—and Cardiff can boast of as philosophic wieldera of the reins as Charles Dickens's happy creation—but, until I have had a confe- rence with them, and have heard their reasons against accepting the democratic "tanner" for short distances, I must plead with them to give the proposition their most serious consideration. If a dozen sixpenny journeys can be made in a day, instead of waiting for the midnight double fare to enable them to get something to take home, as they often have to do now, would it not be a more satisfactory day's work ? How many small tradesmen and pro-, fessional men are there who would rather pay sixpence to go home in the evening than be bothered with a crowded tram-car, though they have to walk the whole dis- tance ? I know I will have to avoid cab- stands for some days after the publication of this note, until 1 see a flag of truce in the distance, but what I have said I have said, and I invite discussion upon the pro- posal. I remember the time when a "Cymanfa. Ganu" (Congregational Singing Festival) was regarded as an exclusively Welsh gathering, but every year now brings an English example also, and Cardiff has had several such festivals. The English Cal- vinistic Methodists, or, to give them their recently-adopted description, the Presby- terian Church of Wales Churches of tho Cardiff district, have constituted their "Cymanfa" an annual event, and those who gathered at the Park-hall last year have a very pleasant recollection of their experience. To-morrow being New Year's Day; we are promised a walcome repetition of such a choral meeting, and lovers of Congregational singing will know where to go on that day. Cardiff's branch libraries are well advertised in one way and another, and this week a column poem, "In Praise of Suburban Libraries" is published in "The Baptist Times and Freeman," and signed by (Dr.) "James Crossby Roberts, Cardiff." It is severely classical in its references; but what will the Cardiff Ratepayers* Association say in reply to the following verse ? "0, Senate Fathers, make the drachma two. Double the penny, and add more beside, Apollo's self was mov'd, for well he knew, A city's knowledge is a senate's pride!"