Evening Express

WEATHER FORECAST. issuru FROIf sietekological office—8."0. i-. m. Tho forecast of the wearaer throughout the West of Kniflixnd and South Wales fo>' to-da.7 Friday) is as foilotja :-}. teinds, 1:1.odf;,au 0.' Jrcsh J¿1t; gswotlly. V3,'TSItriAT'S F«K>CAST. | 1 ESTKttDAT*S WMTHKR N. er N.E wiuds, li^ht S.E. breezes, light; iair fair generally. j j

YESTERDAY S TEMPER ATU RK. Temnerature r'.s resfietered at Cwrt-y-Vil, Ponarth. for the twelve hour3 ending nine I I ,r1o(.k last niaht: — I Ma*. Kin. JWem. Thursday 52 48 50'0

I WEEK'S TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL. The fi.Ilowin? table gives the temperature and rainfall at Cwrt-y-Vil. Penarth, for 24 lioura. as read at 9.0 a.m., and entered to the preceding day: n' l^Ari KMubl'n l^Ari KMubl'n Date. Eiutfali.. j?<lax. Mm. '5T< an Thursday 12 o-'l 46 50*3 '02 Fridav ,.•■! 13 56 44 60*0 *05 Saturday 14 51 4o 49-0 CO Sunday 55 51 44 4V o "03 Mondar .1 16 49 45 47*0 'Ui TnesdaV 17 €0 4? 51 "0 *2 Wednesday 33 62 15 55*0 "00

I HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. I (Weather pcrmilting1). OTTER HOUNDS. Monday, April 23. J'ontysahon 10.30 a.m.

By the Way. Tjiveepenny postage stamps have been issued in Msfekuig containing Cclouel Badoa-Potvell's head in the centre. The Ladies' Literary Club of Anderson, Ind., is in quarantine, the small-pox having "broken out" among them. It is suggested th.afc the disease mttde its ap- pearance during a di-cussion of a book known as --Sapho." "I had some difficulty," says a '-Tele- graph" dispatch rider, "in satisfying the blood-thirsty, wide-awake sentry or my bona fides, and getting him to keep the bayonet a little further from my vifals, for a stumblo on my part or his would have probably resulted iu my being tran.s- fixed. I An old lady bade her son. who was starting for the front, to be sure to sew three lumps of camphor into Irs dres- sing gown. Just as the cab rolled away from the door the thoughtful creature ran down the stops, and, puffing and blowing at the side of the vehicle, called out, "Be sure and put wadding wool in ycur ears when the sh2118 are bursting." Primrose Day (the "Sun'' believes) is I so called because Lord Beacansfield did not care for primroses—except, perhaps, I in the way that he cared for cauliflowers and such like things. Indeed, he is credited with the profound observation j that the proper place for primroses is in a salad. A primrose salad in these days is rare; and it is understood that only! those on Dizzy heights of eminence enjoy it. Confirming Sir Alfred Milner's polite invitation to the greet ladies at the Cape to go home. our London correspondent has just heard privately once more that the ladies are the greatest in the hos- pitals in South Africa, and nearly drive the officers wild with their clatter. The Mount Nelson Hotel at Cane Town is for- ever like a "great party" in London, and the people there hear and think far less of the war than we do here. One of the nicest stories ever offered to a jaded world has just made its ap- pearance. It is supposed to be told by someone who lives in the neighbourhood where Sir William Gatacre hunts. The narrator, runs the story, is often startled as he drives along a country road by the appearance of the"huntsmen in the follow- ing order:—First the general, clearing like greased lightning one hedge, only to i disappear in a rtash cr/er the other: then -deer an interval— he members of his staff; and then—the fix. A very uncomfortable feeling is abroad that Lord Methuen's dispatch in regard I to the Magersfontein fight was accom- panied by some important criticisms from Lord Roberts, which have been withheld from publication. If this is not the case the sooner a plain denial is officially made the better. K othing can be more mis- chicvous that for the ieet to get about that anv preference is being shown to a particular officer, more especially when others have been dealt with in so uncere- monious a fashion. The annual report of the Inspector- general of recruiting hows that 1899 beat the record. What saved 1899, of course, was the last fjuarter and the rush for active service, which is gratifying in its way, a?» one more proof that the prospect of fighting is the. greatest attraction pos- sible. n,lt. as the report points out, what is wanted is adequate recruiting in normal times and it is not pleasant to think that, when prosperity is high. young men prefer anything to the Army. Lord Russell, wh" was born in ISoo, is the grandson of the famous Lord John Russell. His father. Viscount Amber ley, i, -NI.P., died before succeeeding to the earldom. His mother was the Hon. Kathcrine Louisa, daughter of the second Baron Stanley of Aldorley. Lord Russell is a practising electrical engineer and an alderman of the London County Council. Lady Russell is the daughter of the late Sir Claud Edward Scott, fourth baronet. The part which her mother. Lady Scott, took in her matrimonial troubles will be well remembered. The antiquity of the name Smith has set newspaper correspondents to work with a vengeance. The latest claim for this homely patronymic is founded on a remark of Bulwer Lytton's, which takes it back to Smintheus, the Phrygian Apollo. Such a discovery adds greatly to the dignity of life. It should make (remarks the "Globe") one tender the copner for one's newspaper with a proud hand to the Phrygian Apollo, with pen in his ear. standing calmly behind the rail- way bookstall. "Viduus pharetra risit Apollo." The Benefices Bill was to do a great deal i- to prevent scandal in the Church, but it has not stopped the trade in Advowsons. There are two advertised in yesterday's "Times" A DVOWSON for EXCHANGE, pretty agricul- tural village, about £ 250. with early possession, for more valuable one deferred, or nominee whose friends will incraase endow- ment. DVOWSON for SALE, in Southern County. Health vacancy mu-t soon occur. Small pc*p. Good neighbourhood. Income nearly £ 400 net, and good rectory and grounds. No £ 400 net, and good rectory and grounds. No agent". Apply, Ac. "Health vacancy" is curious, but "small pop." is reassuring. The Bus-ell affair is a curious mix-up. Earl Russell is reported to have con- i tracted a marriage in the United States. I The report, if true, means that Lord Russell made it impossib^" fcr himseli to return to this country without running the ri of a prosecution for bigamy. This morning comes the news that he has secured an American divorce. By doing: this he might, becoming f, naturalised American citizen, become eligible for a I second marriage which would be legal in America, but so far as England is con- cerned ho will be held to be the husband of the Countess Russell till the English courts dissolve their union. I The report of a day's proceedings in tho police-court at B!oemfontein, which appears in 'The Friend," the paper now edited by a corps of war correspondents in the Orange Free State capital, reminds the London "Echo" of the not distant time when Bloemfontein had the enviable distinction of being without that adjunct of civilisation—a gaol. At that time one of the rare eases that came before the magistrate was that of a servant girl, who was convicted of a petty theft. There was no prison in which to confine hef, and she was allowed to stay in her situation, performing her ordinary duties, and duly locked up in her own room when they were over. In connection with Dr. Rutherford Skinner's election to the Mayoralty of Winchilsea, a paragraph has appeared in several papers saying that this is the only imreformed corporation in the li-inf"elolll. This is surely neglectful of the claims of Hungerford, in Berkshire, where shire- reeve, port-reeve, water bailitf, and other dign itarias are elected annually in August amid quaint ceremonial, which includes kissing the ladies of the town. The Lon- don "Echo," in mentioning Hungerford, I might have gone on to sneak of Newport, Pem., and Iúmghrlle, and other places, but a London journalist's know- ledge of his own country is always bounded by the Jimib of the Home Counties. It seems that too much importance has been attached to the argument that the publication of Lord Roberts's criticisms will weaken the confidence of the army in Natal in its commanding officers. The army, however, knew well that something was wrong. It was camp talk that "an infernal muddle" had been made of Spion Kop. General Bul'er'a ill-concealed amazement at the abandon- ment would of itself have revealed the trouble. Yet. knowing how seriously the generals had blundered the army abated not one iota of its confidence, but fol- lowed those same generals through many bloody battles ere they fought their way to Ladysmith. And what about Vaal Krantz? Are we to have a similar story of blunder and indecision? Cardiff keeps its place as the most under-represented borough. According to the electoral return issued yesterday it has 22,361 electors and one member. New- castle-on-Tyne and the City of London are almost as bad, for, though they have two members each. Newcastle has 34,690 elec- tors and the City of London 33,364. The worst anomalies are in the counties. Essex has Walthamstow with 24,187 and Romford with 29,316 electors, each with ono member. The total electorate is 6,732,613, an increase of 132,330. Ireland shows the highest proportional increase, namelv. 43,178. The county voters num- ber 4,00-5,897, borough 2,685,153, and university 41.583. England has 5.287,285 of the electorate, Ireland 764.196, and Scotland 681,132. The highly moral story about the par- ret aud the burglar which we gave yes- terday ought to find its way into the school-books without delay. This vir- tuous bird first eyed the intruder sus- piciously. then shrieked at him with cres- cendo noise as he proceeded from clenched fist to verbal threats, and finally burst into peals of derisive and trium- phant laughter. No wonder that Smith's nerves were completely shattered by this ghastly admonition; it was enough (the "Pall Mall" 1 hiuks) to dismay a squadron of South African Horse. But, as a bur- glar, he must be an uncommonly poor specimen, if, as an imaginative reporter suggests, he fainted away. It would be a mistake, in any case, to import parrots into every English home as au insurance against burglary. They might exaspe- -) In rate tho thief by profanity, or even encourage him by whistling "I ain't a- goin' to tell." We are no believers in parrots as absolutely regenerate speci- mens of the bird kingdom. Here is another story for Sunday School books, this time from America. Waltzing has made Miss Jennie Horwitz, of No. 209, Hamilton-street, Bridgeport, violently insane. She is twenty years old, and was employed in the Union Metallic Cartridge Factory. She never knew how to waltz until last winter, when she joined a dancing class with two of her chums. She became fascinated with the amuse- ment, and it had first place in her thoughts. She resolved to become the best waltzar in Bridgeport. She prac- tised during the luncheon hcur, and devoted all her evenings and often most of the night to waltzing. She did not go to work on April 9 because she said she wanted to dance. She began whirling through the rooms of her house, dancing with the rushing energv of madness. She swung imaginary partners about, changing them often, going through every room in the house. When her parents tried to check her she became a violent mad- woman. Next day the voung woman was taken to the almshouse in New Haven, where it was said her mania was a form of hysteria.

Councillor Allen, of Cardiff, whose illness has caused some uneasiness to his friends duting the past month or ao, is now, happily, on a fyir way to recovery from the effccts of blood- poisoning under which he has suffered. The Pontypridd District Council have elected Councillor Hugh Brarawell chairman for the ensuing twelve months, ind Councillor Hopkin Morgan vlcechaj rPlan. At Cavendish-street Chapel, Manchester, bv the Rev. Charies Lsach. D.D.. on Tuesday, the marriage took place of the Rev. Charles H. Shane, the pastor of Windsor-road English Congregational Ohwrch. Barry, to Xf4,4 Elisa- beth Leach, daughter of the ftsv. Dr. Leach, of Manchester,

If -+- CONSERVATIVE BANQUET AT CARDIFF. REV. FATHER JONES ON CHURCH POLITICS. A commemoration banquet was held in the evening at the Cardiff Conservative Club, Wes- tern Mail buildings, ft. Mary-street. Mr. Henry Frazer, junior (chairman of the club), presided. There was a large muster. and the proceedings were in every respect successful. A feature was the unusual excellence of the musical programme. Mr. Arthur Angle's band was in attendance, and items were contributed by Mr. Angle himself, Madame Nellie Asher, R.A.M., Miss Morfyjld Williams, Po C.M., Messrs. A. H. Perkins, W. E. Carston, T. Norman, Jack Williams, Port.er, and others. Mrs. A. Angle accompanied. The Chairman, after dinner, read letters of apology from Sir John Gunn, Mesers. W. T. Symonds, Lewis Morgan, and J. M. Gerhold. Dr. T. Wallace, and Dr. Taylor. The chairman specially commented upon the letters of Sir John Gunn and Dr. Wallace as a proof that at the next genera! election they would again be able to rely upon the support of their Liberal Unionist friends. (Applause.) After the loyal toasts. Mr. George Padfield proposed "The Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of ail Denominations."—The Rev. Father Jones, in reply, expressed the opinion that the arch-! bishaps and bishops hardly deserved their thanks. Their action during the past year must tell upon the Conservative cause, and as a fact it had shaken the confidence between the clergy and the bishops and between the clergy and Church people. he spoke he liked to speak his mind and to tell th2 truth. (Hear, Lear.) They had been wounded to the quick, both clergy and laity, and he was sorry for it, but hs thanked them all the same. He hoped things would not turn out as badly as he anticipated, but he was afraid. Mr. Henry White proposed The Army, avy, and Auxiliary Forces" in a patriotic speech. It, had been Eaid that the days of chivalry were past, and that hero-worship was doomed, but so long as they had such men as the inaintainers of Kimberley, Lady- sttiit,h, and Mafeking, so Ion;? would they be prepared to lay tributes at their feet and to pia-ce laurels upon their brows. (Applause.) Major Fowler and Mr. Quinlan suitably replied. Mr. E. Waddington, in a retrospective address upon the life and work of Lord Beaconsftsld, proposed the immortal memory of that illustrious statesman. At the outset, he said he was delighted to find the leading Conservative Club in Cardiff commemorating Primrose Day. and he Was pleased to say that almost all the clubs were doing the same. He felt proud to be asked to call upon them to drink to the memory of one whose na.me was imperishable, and would live as long as the Imperial spirit exiated in the country. Lord Bsaconsfield was really the creator of the grand Imperial spirit they saw abroad to-day—the most unique and picturesque character in modern history—and he did not think any statesman Had done so much to popularise Conservatism amongst the working classes. (Applause.) After passing a eulogy upon Lord Beacon afield as an author, and rtovting some striking passages from his works, he said Conservative working men oould point with prido to a Premier who bltÙ risen from the position of an apprentice boy —(cheerv)—and that without any adventitious aid. He had no university training, and he rose in spito of almost insurmountable obstacles. (Cheers.) If he (Mr. Waddingten) were asked to point out the proudest epoch of cur modern history, he would point to those famous four years of so-called Jingoism—(applause)—during which the Radical party flung at Lord Dcacomfldd the—to them—approbrious epithet of "Impe- rialist." Our beloved Queen 'vas made Empress of India-(cheers)-tlle British fleet was sent to the Dardanelles—(cheers)—Lord Roberts e&ized Candahar to ensure the safety of the North- western frontier, Indian troopa were brought to Europe, and the Suez Canal shares were purchased. (Cheers.) Those splendid strokes of Imperial statesmanship taught a grand and I a muchneerJed 1s0n to England and to the world. (Cheers.) The Imperial spirit of to-day wa* mainly the creation of Lord Beaconsfield —(cheers)—and the Liberal party was now com- pelled to swallow its own denunciation?. Imi, tation was the sincerest form of flattery. The Liberals were now holding meetings fcr the purpose cf telling the people that they were Imperialists, and they were actually forming a sort of Imperialist club. (Laughter.) He would very humbly suggest two mottoes for the r use—"Itnpariuin ei libertas," and "Peace with honour." (Hear, hear.) Lord Salisbury had helped Lord Bsncougfield ti bring peace with honour from Berlin, and he would restore Lord Beacon ^field's policy of empire and liberty in South Africa. (Applause.) The memory of Lord Eeaconsfield having been duly honoured, Mr. Bhepton proposed "Our Legislators!— Imperial and Local." Councillor Yorath responded. Mr. Eenwick proposer] "The Club and Its Chairman," and spoke of the rapid strides the club was making and the efforts put forth by the directors to consult the interests and com- fort of the members. Tho Chairman, speaking in acknowledgment, dwelt upon the excellent position in which the club stood at present, and pointed to the various ways in which it had served the cause well. (Applause) Other toasts followed. The quartette by Madame Asher, Mi 5,3 Morfydd Williams, Mr, Carston, and Mr. A. H. Perkina was one of the musical gems of the evening. Miss Uorfydd Williams was re- peatedly encored, as also was Mr. Angle for his violin salos. Park Conservative Club. The members of the Park Ward Conserva- tive Club had a very pleasant evening:, in which a modicum of speaking1 was blended with soma excellent vocalism. The chair was occupied by Mr. D. W. Williams.—The Chair- man moved a resolution in favour of abolish- ing th-e independence of the two Dutch Republics in South Africa, and hoping that complete British citizenship would be estab- lished.—Mr. S. Wilson, who seconded the reso- lution, said he was one of those who at firet doubted the righteousness of the war, but, knowing now what preparations the Boers had made to establish a great Republic for the whole of Scnth Africa and drive the Briei-h into the sea, he failed to unde--Btand how there could be any pro-Boars in this country without being traitors to the Empire. (Applause.)—Tlia resolution was carrie,d with enthusiasm.—Mr. Wadddngton afterwards deli- vered. a starring aiddres-, upon Imperialism.— The Cambrian Glee Singera supplied excellent music. Canton Conservative Club. The members of the Canton Conservative Club, in order to comincmorate the memory of the 'ate Lord Beaconsfield and at the same time the twentieth anniversary of the club's formation, held a supper in the assembly-room of the club on Thursday even- ing. Mr. W. B. Francis (chairman) presded, and -f.'a3 supported by Councillors J. M. Ger- hold, Robert Hughes, and Illtyd Thomas, and a goodly muster of members.—After supper the toast of "Her Majesty the Qneen" was honoured. Then. harmony prevailed, to which Messrs. Forrest, Fen-ton, R. W. Jarrett, Manseil, Lewis, Stom. O. U. Da vies, G. H. Cot- ton. Wozencroft, and others contributed items. —The toast of the evening. "Success to tho Canton Conservative Club." was moved by Mr. William Raymond, who, in a neat speech, gave a resume of the club's history and progress from the date of its formation, viz., April 19, 1880. This was seconded by Mr. George Lewis, ,tF3 and supported by Ccuiicillori Gerhold and Hughes, and Mr. W. W. Brown.—"The memory of Lord Beaconsfield." was moved by Mr. E. Waddington.— Mr. G. T. King presented a framed picture of Councillor C. A. J. Ward, who is now en his way to South Africa.—A vote of thanks to tihe chairman, the soloists, and Mr. W. A. J. Kelly, who accompanied on the piano, was unanimously carried, and the sing- ing of the National An'them terminated a very enjoyable evening. SWANSEA. Primrose Day was very generally celebrated at Swansea on Thursday. There was a special display of the flower at the Salisbury Club, at which institution in the evening the annnal Primrose dinner, presided over by Sir John Llewelyn, M P., was held. UEBTHIYR.. In celebration of Primrose Day a, grand smoking concert was held on Thursday night aT, the Drill-hall, under the auspices of the Merthyr Constitutional Club.

THE PARIS EXHIBITION. Paris. Friday.—The "Figaro" states that President Loubet will begin opening tlie various sections of the Exhibition next week. According to the "Gaulois." the President will accept, aU the invitations received by him to open the foreign sections.—Reuter.

The annual meeting of the guardians of the Cardigan Union took place at the workhouse on Thursday, about twenty members being present Mr. B. Pees was re-elected chairman of the board and Mr. Jonah Evans vice-chair- man, anrl the various commit.tees for the year wero appointed.—The Clerk read, his | balance-sheet- for the haIfYcar end;}'h Michaelmas next, which showed an increase of calls over the corresponding period of last year of £665.

THE MISSIONARY INDEMNITY. Talk of an Ultimatum. NEW YORK, Friday. Yesterday there was a diplomatic reception day at the State Department, when all the representatives were expected to call. Count Cassina, Russian Ambassador at Washington, was absent for the first time fer months. His absence was generally ascribed to Russia's dis- pleasure at the action of the United States with regard to the collection of the indemnity due from Turkey for American missionary property. The "Tribune" publishes a dispatch from Washington stating that A!i Ferronh Bey, Turkish Minister in Washington, after visiting the State Department, intimated that Turkey would not much longer resist the payment of the indemnity. According to the "World's" Washington cor- respondent, it is stated by diplomatists fami- liar with the position of the Sultan of Turkey that, if the United States issued an ultimatum. hs would but have to ultimatum. ha would but have to lift a. finger for three and a half million Mohammedans in the Tuli Islands to join the Tagalos. Moreover, a rupture in diplomatic relations would give the Sultan the long- desired chance of renouncing certain treaties. -Reuter.

A AMERICAN IN LONDON. HIS LUGGAGE AND HOTEL. BULLS. An American giving the name of Charles Solomon, 33, salesman, was charged upon an indictment at Clerkenwell Sessions on Thursday with stealing a pair of opera glasses, a pearl necklace, an ermine muff, and a gold chain, value L24, the property of Mrs. and Miss Stewart Dawson, staying at the Hotel Metropole. Mr. Medcalfe prosecuted, and Mr. Symonds defended. During the latter part of March and the com- mencement of April Mrs. and Miss Dawson were occupying a room at the Hotel ISIetro- pole. The prisoner was also staying there, and an acquaintance sprang up between Mis3 Dawson and himself, and in a few days they WNe on sueil intimate terms that they dined together. Miss Dawson handed him a go: cahin to get it repaired, and he pawned it, be- cause, as he said. he got "stranded." Other articles were mlJ8ing from the apartment of the mother and daughter, and it was alleged that Solomon had dealt, with them. The jnry found him guilty. Detective-sergeant Tappendon said that since his arrival in England a few weeks back he had lived in grand style. At the Hotel Cecil he ran up a bill of £ 12 by inviting ladies to partake of luxuries at the expense of the hotel proprietors, and nil they got was his luggage, not worth half a sovereign. The Hotel Metro- pole. too, turned him out for non-payment of his debts, and he had also bilked cabmen. He was ordered six months' imprisonment.

t L.AS&0ED IN FUN. A FATAL PFACTICAL JOKE. At Hammersmith on Thursday Dr. Oswald held an inquest 011 the body of George Sefton, aged 50, an engine fitter, engaged by a firm of contractors at the Central London Electric Railway Works at Shepherd's-bush, who met with his death under strange ei minis lances. It appsared from the evidence that on Saturday morning last the deceased was work- ing in the engine shed when another work- man named Fleming took up a long piece of rope, and. making a poi! with it, lassoed deceased, in full. In trying to get the rope off the deceased fell, and, becoming unconcsious, was taken to a hospital, where he died on the following day. The medical evidence showed that death was duo to the rupture of a blood vessel—a natural cause, probably, however, accelerated by the excitement of the fail. The man Fleming gave evidence, and said what he did was quite in fun. The inry returned a verdict of "Accidental death," the Coroner admonishing Fleming to be careful in the future in regard to playing practical jokes.

A HUNTINGDON STREET SCENE. MR. E T. HOCLEY SUMMONED. The Central News St. Neot's correspondent telegraphs:— Summonses have been issued by the Huntingdon justices against Mr. E. T. Hooley, his son, and his steward, for an assault on Mr. A. R. Harvey, of Blundeilsanda, Liver- pool, Conservative candidate for South Huntingdonshire. The alleged assault ie said to be of a very serious nature, and .r. Harvey's ear is said to be badly injured. The affair took place in the streets of Huntingdon.

THE DUKE OF ARGYLL. Friday's bulletin says the Dnk-ô of Argyll remains in a very critical condition. Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, M.D., and Dr. N. Blackie are in close attendance on his grace.

BOERS AND DAMARALAND. It is stated, in Berlin that. should there be any ri1 who intend to trek to German fclcuth-West Africa, after the end of the war, only small parties will be admitted, and that on condition that they h?.ve sufficient means, and that they promise to become geed German subjects. It is believed that the second gene- ration would be completely absorbed by the Geri-nans thrrc.

TUB KEY'S FUTURE. Paris. Friday.—The Geneva correspondent of the "Echo cle Paris" states that Mahmud Pashi ia working more energetically than ever 011 his scheme for jrrom>iiig together all the forces of the Young Turkish Liberal party in order to change the form of Government in Turkey. He will shortly be in London with Mahomet, I and a sensational interview will then take place, nsmely. between Mahmud Paeha and the Khedive, who will proceed to London after his visit to the Paris Exhibition.—P.eater.

A NOVEL BURGLARY. Mrs. miJy Frater, of 8. Avenue-road, Nor- wood, obtained judgment in the Bow County- court, on Thursday for £6 16s. against George Watson, of Leytonstone. Defendant had sent his carman to briug goods from 12, Avenue-road, but. being drunk, he climbed the wall of Xo. 8, got through the window, and removed the goods. He did not intend, so he told the court, going all the way to Norwood for nothing. Judge French said it was the most novel burglary he had ever heard of. Defendant was liable for his servant's actions, even though his servant was drunk.

-+- WHEN 007if PAUL GETS THERE. II On the authority of a Danish paner Cronje, who is alleged to have a considerable amount of personal vanity in his composition, was pleased when he was informed he would be sent to St. Helena, as then he would be boss of the show, in the sense of being the most distinguished prisoner on the island. But a bitter thought welled up in his mind, and he exclaimed to a friend: "I suppose I'll have to play second fiddle when Krnger gets there!"

THE NICARAGUA CANAL. New York, Friday.—The Washington corre- spondent of the "Sun" says that it is reported I I in Government circles that the United States I I is negotiating with Nicaragua and Costa Rica to obtain a five-mile strip of land on each side I of the inter-oceanic canal. The territory would be policed by the United States.—Central News.

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REMARKABLE INCIDENT AT COLWYN BAY. STEANG75 CONDUCT OF A GOVERNESS. Mr. Va.ughan, the newly-appointed station, master at Colwyn Bay, is at present em1)a- rassed by the conduct of a young Swiss lady, who has taken up a position at the top of the flight of steps which lead up to the signal-box there whence neither entreaties nor commands avail to dislodge her. The young lady, who is a pleasant-looking, well-dressed person, states that she has been for some time a governess at the residence of a well-known Bangor gentleman. She came to Colwyn Bay on Thursday night, but had apparently lost all her luggage, and speaks of having been ill- treated somewhere. She has several times been asked by the station ofticials to leave the sisrnal-box nlatform and stay in the waiting- room with the woman in charge there, but she I' stedfastly refuses to leave her aerial perch, saying to her friendly advisers that they are strangers to her, and that she cannot, after what has happened, trust herself in the com- pany of strangers. The poor girl has been standing on the signal-box platform since before seven o'clock this morning with- out having ahd anything to eat. but she is deaf to all solicitations to move, and is apparently interested in watching the passing trains. The police have been communicated with, as the impression is gaining ground that the young lady is men- tally affected. Her alleged former employers have also been sent for. and are expected shortly. Police-sergeant Tippett, at Colwyn Bay, has just discovered that. the young lady has friends at Hastings, and has telegraphed to them. The name of the young lady is Marthe Gentizorn.

LATER DETAILS. A later message saysPolice-sergeant Tip- I pett, of Colwyn Bay, has at last, persuaded the young Swiss lady to quit her refuge on the Colwyn Bay signal-box steps, and accomv;,n\ him to the ladies' waiting-room. She, hew- ever, still declines to ta1,e any food. She is only seventeen years of age. Police-sergeant Tippett on Thursday night took the young lady to a French gentleman resident in the town, who conversed with her for a short time, and after- wards informed the police-sergeant that the young lady would not make her complaint or an explanation of her position except to a lady. It is stated that the Bangor gentleman with whom the young lady says she was engaged as a governess declines to m-ove in the matter at all. Police-sergeant Tippett is not inclined to agree with the supposition that the young lady is mentally affected in any degree, and is, therefore, in a difficulty as to wha,t he shall do with her if her friends do not come for her. The police-sergeant thinks she is of good position, for she has in her posses- sion a good sum of money and some jewellery.

A SAD STORY. At Bow-street, London, en Thursday, Anna A. E. Rrathring, nineteen, of very respectable appearance, described as a waitress, was charged, on an extradi- tion warrant, with larceny in Germany. The girl's history is a very unhappy one. She lost both her parents in an epidemic of elioittr- seven years ago, and was placed in an orphanage, whence she was sent as servant to the pastor of Verden, in Hanover. She declares that her master starved her, and, after un- availing appeals to her friends for assis- tance. she took a. couple of silver spoons and a bracelet and went off. She pawned these in Bremen, and sent the tickets to her master, with a letter, saying that she would refund the money as soon as possible. Then she came to London, and I has since been employed at a coffee house in the Euston-road, working hard and trying to save up sufficient to indemnify her late master. She bad gone, she sidJ to the German Consulate some time ago, and told her story there. The prisoner was committed for ex- tradition. the usual fortnight being allowed for appeal.

THE SAMPLE BOTTLE. At Greenwich Police-court on Thurs- day, George Crutcher, of Queen's-road, Peckham, was summoned by the Lewisham District Board of Works for selling milk adulterated with eight per cent. of water. Mr. Wright, clerk to the board, sup- ported the summons, and Mr. Ricketts defended. Mr. Wright said that since he had been t in court, within the last two or ,hree minutes, the bottle containing the sample of milk had burst. Mr. Ricketts: And the case has blown itself out, too. I submit. Mr. Paul Taylor: I don't know that. Mr. Ricketts: Yes; he must produce the sample. Mr. Paul Taylor: Do you withdraw the summons, Mr. Wright ? Mr. Wright: I will do so. The case thus collapsed.

THE CZARS MAP. The description of the Czar's map of France readi; like the Apostle's viswi of the New Jerusalem. Thus the founda- tion of the first city of Franco is dia- mond; the second, sapphire; the third, emeraid; the fourth, beryl; and so on. Doubtless the chalcedony, the chryso- prasus. and the sardonyx are on the map also. The names of the cities are writ- ten in pure gold, and in platinum are made the rivers thereof. Without arc dogs; that is to say, England, Germany. Spain, and Italy are marked on the map by .slabs of darkness. Three years were taken in the making of the map, and gold was accounted for nothing in the making thereof. It is foursquare; two cubits are the length thereof, and the breadth thereof two cubits, even as the Czar commanded his artificers.

"KIPLING'S MIXTURE." In th coarse of a letter to Major Llewellin, Newport, ,Mon.. Captain 1.:1. J. Phillips, who is in command of the Volunteer active service company of the South Wale3 Borderers in South Africa, said that he had been informed fJY a staff officer that Lord Roberts intended to include all the Volunteers in his grand move on Pretoria. H!2 ontintied:- "By the way. on my journey to Beaufort West. I happened to get into the same carriage as Mr. Rudyard Kipling. Be was not at all the sort of fellow you would imagine from the description of him in abortive attempts to get "e wq interviews, and seemed greatly interested in the Volunteers in South Africa. When we got to Frastrburg Road, where the company of the AVelih are, he got out of the carriage, and was immediately surrounded by about fifty Tommies, and seemed in his glory conversing with them. I never saw such hero-worship as at Beaufort West. It had got out that he was travelling by that train, and the whole of the town, old and young, white, black, and yellow, crowded in the station to get a glimpse of him. Thi3 morning I received a packet from hiiii containing two bottles of laudanum, enough to go round the company a dozen times. My opinion of him was always of the best, but it has gone up considerably in consequence of his thought fulness. I administered the first dose of it this morning. When I told the man whom the medicine had come from his eyes gleamed with appreciation. For a moment I thought he had serious notions of preserving it, but he resisted the temptation, tossed off the dose, saluted, about turned in correct style, aud stepped off, seemingly proud of the colic'which necessitated that do-e. Shortly after we heard a cheer from the lines, a.nd I shall be surprised if by the time we return home lanflanum is known among us by any other name than 'R. K.'s Colic Mixture.'

LORDS OF THE ADMIRALTY AT CARDIFF. The Lords of the Admiralty, who visited narr; on Thursday afternoon, arrived at Car- diff Docks on Friday morning. They were received by Sir W. T. Lewis, Sir John Gunn, and Mr..Tamea Hurman (Docks superinten- dent), and were conducted around the dock3 in a saloon carriage provided by the Cardiff Railway Company. In the course of their visit, the Dowlaig Works and other places of interest were inspected, and the visitors expressed their appreciation of what they had seen.

Cardiff Championship Compel iti-ons.— Mallett Cup and Shield Finale, Cardiff Arms Park. Saturday Next, April 21st, Koath Reserves v. Canton Harlequins. Kick-off 2.45. Roaih Y. St. Peter's. Kick-off 4.15. Admission, 6d.; SL?„nd, 6d. extra. 372s20

SOME NOTES ON YESTER- DAY'S SPORT. From many points of ,-iew—pictnre?quenesf\ hospitality of the people, and general bonhomie —"Harfordwest." as the natives call it, is a very charming place to visit. From a racing point of view, one is less delighted with the Pem- brokeshire town. True, the fun is fast and furious, and, doubtless, agrees with the young blades, who have no further thought than seeing something the colour of a horse thread its way through the crowd. To the more sedate—like myself, for example—the bustle, noise, crowding, and utter and irretrievable confusion prove a trifle disconcerting. The bustle on the hill at Epsom is positively a fool I to it. Still, it is thtfone day in the year down I there, I suppose, and the good folk of Pem- brokesliire make the most of it. And small blame to them, I suppose. Looking at the natural advantage of the course, it struck me as being rather a pity that the sporting community in Haverford- west cannot make up their minds to have a rea! good gathering there. The course is from every point of view one of the best and most sporting that can be found in Wales. Against this, unfortunately, are to be placed the fact that there is no accommodation for the offi- cials or the paying and would-be paying public. A email, stuffy tent, with a few hurdles in front of it. is the only attempt that is mode at accommodation, and, although everyone was good tempered, and helped each other to the best of his ability, the ollicirils and other- concerned had the greatest difficulty in discharging their duties. The worst of all was, however, the fearful crowding on to the course. A couple of hunts- men rode up and (hwn in their red jackets, lazily cracking their whips, but they generally got out of the W,1y of the crowd, instead of making the crowd get out of their way. The result, was that the races were finished right in amongst the people, and the only wonder to me is tlnat a number of spectators were not killed. It was un- fair to the horses, too. They would jtilli-) same hurdles just after the bend, and. perhaps, one or two of them would be wide on the left. Instead of comiug straight on. however, the jockeys would have to null their horses across to the right to avoid the crowd. Event when doing this there was often enough a number of spectators crowding in front of the judge, and how Mr. Williams, who was smiling, imperturbable, and courteous through it ail, managed to discharge his duties, goodness only knows. Some suggest'on 3 were let fall by practical men of wide experience, and most of these were to the effect that power should be sought to make decent accommodation for the offi- cials, a proper enclosure, and a small stand of some sort for those that would wish to pay. There are many of the general public. I am sure, who would be only too delighted to pay a shilling or half-a-crown to avoid the crushing and bustle of the crowd. The course, too, ought to be railed off, and the crowd kept back. A dozen policemen with a rope could do it easily enough. Everyone would have a chance of seeing then. On Thursday there is no doubt but that owners had very reasonable gronncls for objec- tion in that the finishes were inter- fered with by the crowd. Fortunately, they were good sportsmen, and would not do any- thing of the sort. Still, they might have done so, and it would make matters awdtward for the Iccal executive-as awkward, in fact, as it would be if any of the crowd were seriously injured by the hor?e3. for the blame would, naturally, be laid on the executive's shoulders. As J say above, they a.re a good lot of sports- men down there, but dcn't take the meeting quite as seriously as they should. If I might offer a suggestion, I would recommend the executive to put the meeting in the hands of say. Messrs. Pratt and Co. If that were done for even one occasion experience would he gained, and so would additional e iitries, no doubt. WELSH ATHLETE.

THE nOVEin EXPLOSION. OFFICIAL BE PORT. The report to the Home Office 1 c^pfcting the explosion of gunpowder on the vork3 of the new Admiralty harbour near Dover in January was issued on Friday. Six men were severely injured, one fatally. Captain Lloyd. inspector or explosives, states the explosion occurred on one of the benches on the face of the cliff. Boerers were clearing up, preparatory to leav- ing work, and the chnr-reman had brought down a bag containing 29 pounds of gun- powder. One man struck a match, and the powder bag exploded. CapKin Lloyd is of opinion that the prime cause cf the accident was through a man named Merton lighting his pipe, and that the blame first falls upon him, as notices are posted prohibiting smoking during working hours. In censuring Merton's conduct severely. Captnin Lloyd says he can- not exonerate the contractors, Messrs. S. Pear- eon and Son (Limited) from all blame in the matter, and cannot report that they had taken every precaut/on for the prevention of acci- dents by explosion.

CARDIFF RECORDS. At a meeting of the records committee of the Cardiff Corporation on Friday morning. the borough archivist (Mr. Hob?on Matthews! submitted the contents of Volume III I of the Cardiff Records. which were as follows:—Charter Rolls from the thirteenth century. Close Rolls from the fif- teenth century, Chancery Proceeding? 1f,68- 1570, Exchequer Plea Rolls from fifteenth cen- tury, Suppression Papers pixteenth century. ,,rml'J for fifteenth conttvy, French Rolls fif- teenth century. Giar-jrun Quarter Sessions Files seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Grand Jury Presentments .seventeentli and eighteenth centuries, Records of the Court of Prepowder eighteenth century. — The pro- posal that Mr. Mathews should g4 to London for the purpose of examining documents of historical value to Cardiff at Somerset- House and the Britiih Museum was approved of by the committee.

TRUTH ABOUT SIPIDO. At last we know the truth about Sipido. It is furnished us by r. Drumont. of the "Libre Parole." Sipido. Ú. Drumont tells us, was an agent of the JeWi. and. naturally, was an ardent Drcyfnsard. So when the venVct on Dreyfus was given, he "gloated for a quarter of an hour over the floods of muddy ink" which the English journalists launched at France and Germany, and thought it would be rather a good plan to shoot General .f ?r- cier. However, General Merrier dicl not come by, so he shot at the Prince of Wales instead. The reasoning of a.ll this is not (the St. "James's Gazette" remarks) very sound, but it may bo accounted for by supposing that when M. Drumont sat down to write his article he burst into a flood of bitter, passionate tears, which prevented him seeing what he was writing. And that, of course, would be all Dreyfus's fault, too.

CARDIFF WATERWORKS. A meeting of the waterworks committee of the Cardiff Corporation was held Pt the Town- hall on Friday, Alderman W. Sanders pre- sfd'ng. when., it was reported that the eati- mates for the liqlf-yoai-, ended March. 1900, was £ 9.086 lis. 4d.. and the actnal expenditure £ 8,921 Q. 3d.. exclusive of loan charges. The l^an charges for the same period amounted to £ 28,178 3s. lid.—Mr. Prieet'ey. water engineer, reported that notice had been received from Mr. A. J. Harris, clerk to the Board of Guar- dians. on behalf of the assessment committee, that the Penylan works were assessed at £740. <end stated that, in I¡i opinion, about £419 was a suffie ent Bam.—It was resolved to appeal against the asses-nient as fixed by the assess- ment corniv.:ttee.-Tlic, Engineer also pointed ont that the borrowing powers for the Rubina Waterworks had been almost exhausted, and he wished to know if he should proceed fur- ther with thode works.—It was agreed to defer coming to a final decision untii the next meet- ing. c-iigiii-er being 'nstructed to prepare in the meantime figures bearing on the ques- tion.

INTERNATIONAL FOOT RACING. New York, Friday.—At Boston yesterday in the long-distance international team race Canada beat, the United States. The first three home were Canadiaua.-C-cuiral New*

1 -1 Lord Roberts on the larch. GETTING CLOSE TO WEPENER. A telegram from the special correspon- dent of the "Evening News" at Bloem- fontein says that Lord Roberts's troops have seized Dewetsdorp. This telegram, dated Monday, is marked "delayed by the censor." Dewetsdorp is an impor- tant position some twenty-five miles north-east of Wepenar, and shows that nearly a. week p.go the lines of the net of British soldiery were even then being thrown out with a view to catching the Boers who were investing Wepener. BLOEMFONTEIN. Thursday (10. V5 a.m.). General Sir Archibald Hunter has arrived here on a visit. Last night's concert in aid of the W idows and Orphans' Funds organised by the war correspondents was a record success. Military men and civilians crowded the Town-hall. to which hundreds or people were unable to gain admittance. The proceeds were nearly £ 400, half of which will be remitted to London. The authorities express much gratifica- tion at the result. Mr. Melton Prior and Mr. Wool, war artists, drew lightning cartoons, amongst others of Lord Roberts and Kruger, which were sold by auction from the stage. There was a keen competition between distinguished noblemen and civilians for the cartoon of Lord Roberts, which was finally bought by Lord Stanley, and fetched double the amount that one of Kruger realised. The other sketches also sold well. The military governor had relaxerl tho pass regulations for the occasion, so that the citizens were free to move about the town until midnight, the weather being better. Mr. Rudyard Kipling's special verses were SllJ; to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne" by Miss Fraser, a well-known soprano, and caught on capitally. The first two lines were:- Be welcome to our hearts to-night, 0 kins- men from afar, 13rotliersi in an Empire's light, and comrades of our war; For Au d Lang Syne, my lads, and the fights of Auld Lang Syne. We drink our cup of fellowship To the

THE CHAMPION. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] CAPE TOWN, Friday Morning. Picturesque details have been received to-day of the visit of Sir Eliis Ashmead-Bartlett to the kraal of the Queen of Swaziland. The dusky monarch summoned an indaba. at which all the principal chiefs were present. Sir Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett received a great native wel- come, being greeted as Silomo, the Cham- pion." Sir Ellis addressed the indaba. He urged the chiefs to stand for their rights, and never to yield up their caves and mountain fastnesses to the Boers. The queen thanked Sir Ellis for his words of wisdom, but complained that England had neglected her. On the other hand, the Transvaal Government took parti- cular care that their version of pasing events was clearly laid before her. Sir Ellis said he was sure that representation had only to be made for this to be quickly rectified.

GRUESOME DISCOVERY AT MERTHYR. The dead body of a man, at present unknown, was found on Thursday on the south side of the Cyfarthfa Cinder Tip, between the Aber- dare-road and Llwyncelin. The body was very much decomposed, and it is thought that it must have lain there for a period of several weeks. The deceased was a man apparently of about 35 years of age, 5ft. 9in. in height, with dark brown hair and brown moustache. He was dressed in a black coat-he had no vest-daa-k corduroy trousers (nearly new), heavy nailed boot5?, red-striped flannellette shirt, grey flannel drawers, and grey woollen stockings. The corpse was removed to the workhouse mortuary to a.wait an inqueSk

nAnny AND THE NEW CODE, Mr. John Lowdon, J.P., presided over a meeting of the school management committca of the Barry School Board held on Thursday evening, when the following resolution wa3 ordered to be sent to the Education Depart- ment.:—"That this board heartily endorses tho provisions of the Education Code, 1900, which introduces the principles of the block grant and freedom of arranging the curricula, to suit the needs of the locality. At the same time this board regrets that the grants to infants' schools, which, with the modern requirements, entail expensive equipments and small classes to become really efficient, is not increased to the same amount as that of the schools for the older scholars. 2. That the grunt to pupil teachers is utterly dispropor- tionate to the increasing cost of giving a, broad and general education to our future teachers. This board, whilst it gladly wel- comes the minute of the Board of Education establishing higher grade schools, earnestly hopes that the higher scale of grants will !-a extended to the upper standards of tho elementary schools."

PRIMROSE DAY AT PONTT PRIDD. Primrose Day was duly celebrated at Ponty- pridd. the primrose being freely button-holed and flags living from the Conservative Club and other' important buildings in the town. The annual dinner of the Conservative Club was held in the evening, at which there was a large attendance, presided over by Councillor W. Jones-Powell.

LLANDAFF CHURCH EXTEN- SION. The Lord Bishop of Llandaff presided at a meeting of t-he Diocesan Church Extension Society, at the Cardiff Town-hall, on Friday — The treasurer's report showed that the total income for the year was 93,224 16s. 5Jd. (in- cluding £ 575 178. brought forward from last year). The payments included £ 2.999 7s. 6d. in curates' grants, and F,89 15s. remained in hand. —Votes of thanks to Mr. O. H. Jones zpn (I General Lee for acting as hon. secretary and treasurer, and to the Lord Bishop for presid- ing, were passed.

GRAND CHIEF TEMPLAR. At Thursday's sitting of the Good Tpm. plars Grand Lodge at Southampton, Mr. Joseph Malins, of Birmingham, was for the thirty-first year in succession unani- mously elected Grand Chief Templar.

The Rev. IT J. Horn, for some years psstor of Bethel English Baptist Church, Barry, has tendered his resignation, having accepted u. call to the Baptist Church at Teddington, London. The installation of Bro. Dr. Charles Downing as Worshipful Muster of the Prince Llewelyn Lodge of Freemasons took place oil Thursday The Installing Master was W. Bro. Rod way Hunt, who was Dresented with a P.M. ew..