Evening Express

EVENING EXPRESS" NEW SERIES. "CO'f "'f".f:. '1; Snobson's Experiences. (IN TWO CHAPTERS). L I am thankful to say that I have not hitherto seen many of the downs of life; but, if Fortune has been kind to me- in this res- pect, I am bound to admit that she has not gone to any violent extreme in treating: ma to a sight of the tips. I have newr yet got the length of a carriaven in .the shape of a miniature hrongdtam; and I don't mind con- fessing that I never had belonging to me at any one period of my life a. clear sum of a. hundred pounds. I once had Bixty, free of the world. and it nearly turned my brain. The possession of those sixty pounds, all in jKjvererigns, made me restless and excited for a whole day and a whole night. I could not work, I could not Bleep, for fonr-and-twenty hours. They even took way my appetite. But, being a bit of a. philosopher, and not avaricious. I said to myself: "Snobeon, if the possession of sixty pounds has this effect upon you, what would be yoar conduct if you were suddenly to become the possessor of sixty thousand? Multiplying that load tone and that stiffness of back with which the smaller sum afflicts you, in the same ratio. what would be the result in per- sonal assertion, extravagance, and snobbish- ness?" I did not work out the problem, because I was rather afraid of the solution. I preferred taking warning from several miserable caies in point. Fortune has terribly thinned in a few yean my old circle of friends aiM acquaintances Some she ha.1 placed beyond my reach bj lifting them up—for few of us can bear, witt an equal mind an excess of sovereigns- others she has estranged from me by lettins them down. A round dozen of good fellowi whom I can conjure up in my mind's eye sit ting at a table on terms of the closest friend. ship and the warmest fellow stop, have parted company, and all for the matter of a few sovereigns more or less. There is poor Shuffieton. When I first knew Lim te kept his carriage—two or three car- riages for that matter-and I don't know how many horses. He had a fine house in Bel- graviac. He dressed most expensively, and new wore a coat for more than a month. I never knew him to drink beer. He smoked the choicest cigars, and never condescended to use cop- peltS. He always put his coppers in the pocket of his carriage, and the tiger swept them out every night as he swept out the mad .'I.riá the dust. ATI, what a fine gentleman dhuffleton was! I admired Mm much, for he was in all respect-s a gentleman. He did not cast off his coata at the end of the month and despise coppers from ostentation, but because he was rea,lly a rltfh toad. But Shttffleton ca a to sad grief. He embarked his fortune in an enterprise whi.-ttmmed out a complete failure. He did not lose inite all, but it was a. mere wreck that was left to him; and, when this was gone, Shuffieton sank lower and lower, until he reached the very bottom of the pit of poverty. I have seen him in a shabby coo-t and worn-down boots, creeping from one httfo obscure shop kMWetiwr, biiyinghis provisions by the not despise cop- pers now! I have seen him in hie rret- room melting gutta-percha in a gallipot, and; 801euur an old worn pair of boots that a. beg- gar would not have stooped to pick out of the fftriete-bon onep wore the- neatest patent leMhef'a,imr-'goa.ve them away to tiger when there w^s ao^niuciiasa crack in the varnigh t have aeen hMn. too. with needle and thread mpndmg his poor coat, and reviving his threadbare trousers with ink. Onee I saw him steal into a public-house and purchase a halfpenny-worth of tobaicco, which he paid for with two farthing"huffieton, who used to smoke cigars at two guineas a pound! Shaffleton, who once took no account of coppers! Shometon's extreme and hopeless poverty places me in a, most difficult position in reda- tion to him. In the days of his prosperity, I frequently partook of his splendid hospitality. I was indebted to him for many favours. If I wanted a five, ten, or twenty-pound note at any time, Shaffleton would have let me have it. In a word, Siiuffieton was my very close -ind,intimate friend. But, now, s&e to what a severe trial he>put»> a*y friendships He ha6 beoome so shabby that I am ashamed to wiilk I a,bout with him. It would never do for me to hook on to his arm now. Loek at his hat, his coat, his boots! What would people say? I should !ose by it in my profession. If my ermpanionship did Shuffleton any good, I might bo willing to make the sacrifice; but it does not. Shuffieton's arm robs me of that whimh enriches him not, but makes me, Snob- 8om look poor indeed. And, in this world of ours, you may as well be poor as look poor. All that I can do for Shuffieton is to lend him shillings. Have I not cause to be angry with Sliuffleton for putting himself so far out of- the readh of my friendship and sympathy? but Shuffieton is actually angry with me. He rie- proaches me because I do not visit him more frequently, and throws it in my teeth that I was glad enough to go and a" him when be had a good dinner and plenty of wine to give me. This is true, and sounds cutting; but there is no roal reproach in it. When Shuffle- ton, in the days of htis prosperity, asked me to stop a week with him, he made no sacrifice whatever. He did not feel the Joss of the money I oosfc him. But he expects me to make a martyr of myself; to ascend two or three times a weak to that lofty lodging of his. to sit whole evenings with him, and make believe that I am enjoying myself, while he is engaged with gutta-percha,. And when I cannot .-end him ha-lf-a-soveireign, he taunts me with ingratitude, and reminds me that formerly he lent me pounds whenever I wanted titem. It is hopeless to try and make Shuffle ton see t-hat in lending him half-a^-sove- reign (when I have one), wmch I can ill spare, J and which he will never repay, I am making a'(' a groxter sacrifice, and showing more real generosity, than he ever made or showed, when 1 he entertained me for a week, and sent me 1 away with th3 loan of a ten-pound note. ( Knowing that Shuffieton is impenetrable to this reasoning, I feel as much hurt as thmiga I were the monster of ingratitude which he believer me to be. Shuffieton is not the only man who has leagued himself with misfortune to thin the circle of my friends and embitter the joys of my life. There is- Idletcn. Idleton used to be a smart, preventable, companionable fel- low, when he was content to be chief r-lerk to a commercial firm in the city. But IdJeton became possessed by the insane notion that he was cut out to slwn-e in literature; but the only thing which shines in him in that con- nexion are the kne-ss of his trousers. I may say. also. that I have no great antipathy to poems in blank verse, and tragedies in five acts. when I meet with ttrcm in the printed volume, which I can lay aside when I am weary of it; but. when they are persistently- read to me by the author from the original manuscript whenever I fall in his way, I am bound to own that I have no toleration for them whatever. Since Idleton began to shine in literature, I have taken considerable pain-, to avoid him. I am changed, he says. I have grown proud. I have forsaken him. What nonsenset It is r Idleton who has changed; it is Idletcn who has forsaken me. Forswear the Muses (and sack). Idleton, indue thyself in a pair of new sixteen eihilling trousers, return to the commercial firm in the city, a.nd there's my hearty and there's my hand, once more. The way in which my once valued friend Muddleton plunged headlong into misfortune, merits the ntrnost rigour of the law. I really think that he loves misfortune. H, fairly wal- lows in it. There is nothing" that he seems to like better than, to have a sevsre cold. and be bankrupt and wet through all at once. At the timo that I grappled Muddfeton to my soul with books of steel, -he was managing man to- Ete nkton and Co. He never had a cold. nor waa bankrupt, nor wet- through then. On tbe contrary, be was the moat comfortable, dry, and solvent. man of my acquaintance. Bat Muddl-eton aspired to rule, and not to sero. He wet tip for himself in a damp ofilce in Little Britain, juwi trjeitmatism aBd iKsoivency became chronic with him froai that moment. Now. if there be a disastrous speoula-tion to be ensued in anywhere, Muddjetion will find it out and engage in it. If there be a shower of tain anywhere, Muddleton is sure to be in itlwithout an umbrella. I never aoe Mudd-le- ton but he is wet through, or;_has the marka (particularly on hw bat) of having been wet through? at scrfnie. net remote* period in, the 1, past. 1 fear-ithjjt^ke thinks me ungen-erotii apd. unf^lin^VKtaMSpri do not grappfe him to 'my soul "as Swei otttre^ How unreaaouablel ['TiS he who has, unlocked the not 17 Letc Muddleton get- dry and- ecUvent (a "not impossible paradox), and -my1 arms will b$ 'open to receive hi'm iw of yore. Nay. I yffit kill the fatted calf and ejcioe. (To be concluded to-morrow.)

There's Secy rity in j Jp CARTER'S ABSOLUTELY CURE 9 | g™" ■] Dyspepsi*, Indigestion, 3 9 B IA' DisltMU, Flashes of HBB | Heat, Nausea, Drowsi- — ness, Add Erudtations, w fPI Bad Taste i n the Month, p £ ■• K Coated Tongue, Black •pBCkt gating before the Eyes, Flatulency," 9 B BRnB about the Heart, Pains between the ra|| ■ B Bt BbouWw Bftdes. Bilious, Sick and Nervous fa§8 & fl SawB— Ilsflsnlnji, DMm* from to* Hearty Eating, 0—iHpallun. Yellow 8Mn, Heartburn, Pasty Cwylwion. Btwggisfc Liver, Clreat Mental Oe- peewion, and a general feeiing of being below Small. Pin, Small Dose, la^ats tubes. ia»fe Olall chemists^ Mote steel-engrave^ labrfs Small Price. fctee wtcrs qB wbite groaad, anT natp» of proprietors. Carter — inaenrGo. Dose, one at a%bt; bat the first ntght take three. Ttfy *»RDBW>" th% LIVER, II? "y. CARTER'S..

AN "X." St. Peter: There is an "X" marked opposite to your name; can you explain that? O'Toole i Most likely that's thim ten dollars Oi borrowed from Misthtr O'Grady.

CHICKENS ON SUNDAYS. "Did you ever hear anything against bis honesty?" "No. suh," answered Mr. Erastus Pinkly. "But he eats chicken mighty reg'lar on Sun- day, an' he's alius got an umberell when it rains."

NOT POPULAR. "I know well enough, fellow citizens," ex- claimed tbe fierce-browed, shaggy-haired ora- tor, "that the views I advocate are not popu- lar. Not ten days aigo, while advocating them from a. public platform* I was struck in the htad by a brick and knocked senseless." "Why didn't you wait till you got your sens back for-. you went to talking again?" inquired a man in the outskirts of the crowd in a loud, raucous voice.

WEAK HEART. Visitor: What's become of old Sam Bungs? Longshoreman Billy: Dead, sir—died of 'art disease. A visitor give him a shillin' very sud. den. My 'art's werry strong, sir. 1 <

THE ITACHER. Father (meaningly): Who is the laziest boy in your class, Tommy? Tommy: I don't know, pa. Father I should think you should know. ,en a" the others are industriously study- ing or writing their lessons, who is it sits idly in his seat and watches the leet, icatead of working himself? Tommy: The teacher. ————

REGULAR DAY. Smart Young Man: Should like to hear jou accpunt for the fact that fish bite better oa Sunday—if you can. Easi,y enough. They have -been f»? ? 80 much on countless- past ^ndayB day regard that as their regular feeding'

NEEDS SWEEPING. .9,nr ticket," said the politician confidently will sweep the city." 11 vote for it, then." replied the citizen-, "the city certainly needs- sweeping." "I4f;A-

LIKE A WATCH. Bass: For mercy's sake, what has Baunder been saying to yon all this time? Wonder what he will do to-morrow! He is to be with you nearly all day, and he won't have any- thing to talk about. ?°nKt y?U fret' mxen Bounder has 3aid all he has to say he simply begins over again and says it once more. Bounder is just like a watch. When he has gone his round of talk he finds himself in readiness for a fresh start over the same course.

SO TICKLED. "Mrs. Bingley is a wonderful woman." "In what way? Jf16? 8he takes 1116 second prize at a card ^yf.sh,e c,fn ^PPear so tickled with what she gets that she always makes the winner of the first prize jealous and dissatisfied,.

GENEROUS TO HIS UNCLE. Helene: Do you know that I have a higher regard for Jack Dasher now than ever since overhearing a remark he made to a friend; it proves him so nobly self-sacrificing and gene- rous. Gladys: What did he say? Helene: Why, he said there was hardly a his i/(;"1" old uncle.

TOOK IT ALL THE SAME. Contractor: Did you offer the alderman the money I gave you? Clerk: Yes, sir. Contractor: How did he act? Clerk: He i&sufted. Contractor: WKat &id he say? Clerk: He saad I ought to be in gaol Contractor What did he do? Clerk: He took the money.

A MYSTERIOUS SPELL. "There seems," remarked the romantic roung man. as he looked moonward to be a Kystorivas speiI in the atmosphere." I3'" uM18were<i young woman, 18a teacher m the public school. "I lay6" n OOTrtm3 €Iaminat-ion papers all

THE MINISTER'S STRATEGY. One Sunday the minister of a small Northern ooontiy pansh church had the misfortune to torget.hM sermon, and did not discover his loss till he reached the church. Suddenly an idea atrus-k him. He sent for John, the beadle, and instructed him to give out the One Hundred and Nineteenth Psalm (contain- ing 176 verses), while he hrtrried home for his sermon. On his journey back to olfircb he a»-w the fa.ithful beadle standing at the church door, waving his arms and urgintr Jim to hnrrry. On reaching the door be ex- c aimed. Are they all. singing yet, John?" Ay, sir, replied John, "they're at it yet, but they re cheepm' like sparries."

HER DANGERS. Mrs. Hoon (musingly): After all, the lot of t-he average servant girl is not a Particularly b ar>py one. Mr. Ifoon: -No; shoo is constantly surrounded by perils, seen, unseen and kerosene."

A GOOD INVESTMENT. ftis marriage a failure?" "I should cay not!" remarked an Oregon farmer. "Why tber < Lucindy, gits up in the morning, milks six cows, gits breakfi gt, starts four children to skswl. looks arter the ot-her three, feeds the bene, likewise the hog*, likewise some motherless sheep, skira*-twenty pans of milk washes the clothes, gets dinner, et eetery, et J hire anybody to do it for wha* she i its? Not mnrJx! Marriage, sir is a success! a gret suooe"

DOING THE MINISTER. A young Swede. called on a minister- in a Western state with a blonde sweetheart in tow and asked to be married. The minister performed the ceremony. "How much yoa charge for him?" the Swede asked. Dollar?" i <5harge for it," the rninister ex- plained, but the law allows me a dollar and a half.. °}e. Ja half-dollar from his pocket, handed it to the minister, and re- marked; 'Ay-tank she Qiek you two-,dlo]Jiw." .0' A. io: 1

COULD DO lag SHARE. "Yo' have, insulted me. suh!" exclaimed .Colonel, Kaintack. "Perhaps yo' can' recall the remahk yo' made about me last evenin' "I merely remarked that you put away a great deal; of liquor." "Yas, suh! Exactly. Now, suh, I want yo' to undahstand that I s nevah known to put away any liquor that was set befo' me. I cap drink my share with any gentleman, suh!"

MEANT "YES." He: I know your family doed not like me, but-will you be my wife? She: Well, I shonld say not! He: Whew! That's ratiher a She: I repeat, I should say not; but, as a girl in love doesn't generally do as she should', I'll Bar 11 yes- 1,

OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Ma.ny ladies and gentlemen have by them old or disused false teeth, which might as well be turned into money. Messrs. R. D. and J. B.. Fraeer, of Princes-street, Ipswich 4establighed since 1833), buy old false teeth. If you send your testh to them they will remit you by return post the utmost value; or. if preferred. they will make you the best offer, and hold 'I' the teeth over for your reply. If reference necessary, apply to Messrs. Bacon and Co., Bankers, Ipswich. e8485 I

The death has' occurred of Mr. Daniel Lougher, of Sheepcourt Farm, Bonviletone. Deceased was a member of the Cardiff Board of Guardiawis, and also of the Llandaff and Dinas Powis District Council. Beware of Imitations. See that you get Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters with the name Gwilym Evans" on label, stamp, and bottle. e4919-5 A FAIR. BEAUTIFUL SKIN.-Sulpholine Soap gives the natural tint and peach-lilce- bloom of a perfect complexion, makes the skin smooth, supple, healthy, comfortable. Tablets omuwboro-

Masterly Manifesto. Electron Issues. THE WORK OF THE UNIONIST GOVERNMENT. Mr. Balfour on Thursday issued the following address to his constitirents: 10, Downing-street, Whitehall, "Sept. 20. Gentlemen,—When, in 1895, I last had the honour of soliciting your suffrages I was addressing an audience who had fresh in their recollections the legislative schemes of the Home Rule Government who had just been defeated in the House of Commons. The judgment which you then passed upon those schemes was decisive. You were asd whether you desired Home Rule for Ireland, Disestab- lishment for Wales, and the destruction of the House of Lords. You declared by an overwhelming majority that you would have none of them. These questions, among others, are now again to be put to you, and I doubt not that you will return to them the same uncompromising reply. In place of these revolutionary projects, you were promised if a Unionist Government were returned to oftice a sefcer course of sQcial reform, a firm Government, and an Imperial policy. The record of the last five vea-rs is there to show that these undertakings have been amply fulfilled. "I do not pelieve that, in the history of this country any Parliament. has more successfully carried out the policy or more adequately fulfilled the hopes of those who returned the majority in it to power. The long lisjt of useful measures which have been added' to the statute book, the "firm vindication of Anglo- Egyptian rights in the Valley of the Isile, the strengthening. of the bonds uuitiiig different pcrtions of the Empire, the in- crease in its military and naval defences are among the evidences which may be adduced to show the success with which both the domestic and foreign interests of the country have been pursued by the present Administration, and if in one case those interests could not be pro- tected at a less cost than that of war, at least we may reflect with satisfaction that the war was not of our seeking, and that, having been forced upon us, it has served to show the world how great are the moral as well as the material resources which this Empire wields in time of national emergency. This survey of the past clontaiiis the best of all guarantees as to the character of the policy which the Unionist Government, if it retains the confidence of the Sovereign and of the country! may be trusted to pursue in, the future.J Here, therefore, in ordinary times I might bring I this address to a close. But the times are not ordinary, nor is the problem now awaiting solution in the recently-annexed South African terri- tories to be ranked Imong the ordinary difficulties from which an Empire like ours can never long be free, and with which statesmen on either side of politics may be equally qualified to deal. For these dMculties, serious under any circumstances, will prove insuperable if that portion of the South Afri- can population hostile to this country is persuaded that it has opposed to it only divided councils and an ambiguous policy. The possible advent to power of the Home Rule party was one of its chief supports during the war; on the possible advent of a Home Rule Govern- ment to power it bases the hope that the war, now, happily, drawing to its close, should be fruitless to the victors. The lesson which has been indelibly impressed on the South African mind by that portion ot our dealings with the Transvaal which so ingloriously ended at Majuba is that from a Radical Administration neither firmness of purpose nor consistency of policy need be anticipated in the face of Boer persistence. Nor is there anything in the recent history of the Opposition likely to modify this view. Individual members of it have indeed, expressed opinions on the war with which all Unionists would agree, but among its leaders there is no symptom of that unity which can alone give strength in council. and among its followers every.shade-of doctrine seems represented, from an ardent and resolute patriotism to something not very easy to distinguish from treasonable sympathv with the enemv. "It is not to a narty so led and so com- posed that we can look for any consistent effort to grapple with one of the most diffi- cult questions which British statesmanship has ever had to face, and every citizen, therefore, who desires that the blood which men of our race from every quarter of the world have so freejy shed in defence of the Empire shall not have been shed in vain is bound to dismiss all smaller issues, and resolve that so far as in him lies there shall be no break in the continuity of our national policy, no diminution in the strength of the Parliamentary forces bv which that policy can alone be successfully maintained. "This, then, gentlemen, seems to me the essential question on which you have got to decide. Other subjects, no doubt, there are of hrst-rate importance which at the present moment engage the public atten- tion, such. for example, as the envelop- ment of events in the Far East and Army organisation; but it is not, on matters like these, however interesting, that the ver- dict of the country-can depend, for the general principles which should guide our policy in China afford little matter for dis- pute. and no satisfactory attempt to utilise the lessons of the war can be made until the return to this country of Lord Roberts and the gallant troops under his command. Tbeir capacity and couraize have anded lustre to our mili- tary history; their victories have removed a standing menace to the peace and. security of the Empire. They have shown us Eow excellent is the military material which we have at our command, and, perhaps, not the least of their ser- vices will consist in showing us -by their. "experience how- best that material may be turned to account. "In the confident hope that the eIectors- of East Manchester will continue to grant me that confidence which they have never vet withheld, I beg to remain, your obe- dient servant, "ARTHUR JAMES BALFOUR."

For. Sailofs' Friends. Afonwen left Philadelphia for London 19th. Aislaby left Wilmington for Bremen 18th. Blodwen arrived Hamburg 19th. Barlby left Haparanda 13th. Chiverstone left .Hull,for Barry 19th. h~ut.erpe left Alciers for Huelva 19th. Enidwen left Odessa, for Rotterdam 16th. Flowergate passed St. Catherine's for Ips- Wich 18th. Free Lance left Madeira for Hnelva 20th. Gardepee left St. Nazaire for Bilbao 20th. Glenby arrived Bochefort 18th. Lackenby arrived AirbuttF3 18th. Margaret Jones left Odessa for Rotterdam 13 th. Newark leaves Plymouth 21st. Treherbert arrived Dunkirk 20th. Thordisa left Algiers for Newcastle 19th. Westgate left Rotterdam for Cardiff 19th. Woodruff left Newport News for Valencia 19th.,

FRESH AS A ROSE! jf SficdlP Condy's Fluid X To your Bath or Footbath. K. j BracestheNeryes.VThe gfc £ 8 oz. bottle 1/. 20 OZ.2/-BT I-Iwwlm

School Football. BY THE REV. F. MARSHALL (Ex-President of the Yorkshire Rugby Union, and a Vigorous Apostle of Amateurism). I (Copyright.) Of course, I am referring to the Rugby game as played by our great public schools. No reference to the Association game and no comparison of the respective merits of the two games, though, en passant, let me remark that there can be no hesitation in my mind in giving a decided opinion as to which is the better game for schoolboys to play. Rugby, without a doubt. And I make this statement with deliberation and with every opportunity of having the data. before me on which to form my judgment. My name, if I may be somewhat egoistic, has been so closely asso- ciated with the Rugby game in the mind of the public that but few people know that I have had also a close and intimate acquaint- ance with the sister game. I believe that I was actually the-first referee under the Asso- ciation code, and the office of referee was recognised by the Aesociationiats some time before the Rugby Union appointed such ofii- cials. The match in which I officiated was played on the ground of the Calthorpe Club. near the Gun Barrel Inn, on the Bristol-road, Birmingham, and the cont4ending sides were the Birmingham Association and Shropshire. Tfiat was my first performance as referee, some time in the seventies, but I do not remember the exact date. My last appearance on a football field as a Socker referee was on the Aston Villa ground late in the eighties, and the match was -Aston Villa v. Preston North End. with Major Sudell and William M'Gregor as linesmen, or. to be more correct, as umpires. "$0C€EK TO, WATCH-RIUGBY TO PLAY." These are personal reminiscences, and ara mentioned simply for the purpose of showing that when I give the preference to Bagger over Socker as a schoolboy game I claim to knCw something of each code. Socker to watch but Rugger to play is my 'firm opinion. For boys there can only be one selection, viz., Rugger. For why do our schools play games? Games may amuse and interest, but there are deeper reasons why football in winter and cricket during the sum- mer months are the chi games at most of our schools. There are other reasons than the amusement, Inrt Plea-sure derived from the game. Exercise for the player and the deve. lopment of the physique of the boy are power- ful factors in deciding upon the selection of a game. And on these points I cordially agree with my friend. Dr. Almond, the head- master of Loretto, that famous Scotch school, that there is no game so adapted to benefit a boy a the forward game in Rugby football. The Rugby game has, unfortunately, but, in my opinion, most unjustly, obtained the repu- tation of being a rough game. This charge against the game has little real foundation. Against the game, I say, for if the game is played strictly to rule and in the proper spirit accidents are very rare. I may b*; considered most heterodox when I pro- pound the theory that as a game Rugger is less dangerous than Socker. My experience supports that view. But the Rugby game affords more scope and opportunity for the rough, unscrupulous brute to indulge in foul and rough play; and so these foul players have brought undeserved discredit on the Rugby game. But I must not dwell upon this theme too long. Suffice it that in my opinion there is nothing like the forward game in Rugger for boys, and I would that for the sake of the lads themselves more English schools played Rugby football. THE PROFESSIONAL REVOLT For these schools have an important duty to fulfil. And now for a moment I am leaving the school to treat on the future of the player after he has left school. The Rugby Union has from 1890 been through a troubled experience. There has been the great profes- sional agitation, and Rugby players are now divided into two great sections—the good old tmon of whom we are all so proud, and whose stand against the payment of players is unique in the sporting world, and the seces- stonists, known 0* the Northern Union. The split has results hi a division of England's forces. The match against Scotland in 1890, perhaps one of England's greatest victories saw five Yorkshi'remen among the forwards playing for England. Now four Northern counties, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumberland are practically lost to England, having gone over to the Northern Union. In Cumberland three clubs only remain loyal to the old flak, and in Che other counties the num- ber of the clubs still adhering to the parent body is lessening every year. Northumbsr- land and Durham will follow in due course • their secession is ibnly a matter of time. Goo- graphical reasonf are the only cause way there i» not a more extended revolt in other parts of the country. But why. mention Ais? Because in the Rugby Union we are fast revert- ing to the old order of things. English pub- lic schools in the 'seventies and early 'eighties of this century furnished the English team. Engltmd did not fare very badly in competi- tion with the other countries in those days. The English public schoolboy wae a fairly equal match for tie Scotch article at that period. But now? Well, the 'nineties have not seen much glory for England in inter- national matches, especially against the Scots, men. What will lie the future for England, in these enoo nnter?? The schoolboy product fought for the honour of his flag in the early da,ys of the game, and the schools will have to furnish the English teams in the future. Hence the importance of the Rugby game as played im our English schools. AN INDICTOEINX OF LONDON CLUBS. X do not think tho-se who have con- trol of tibe game quite realise tNs. If they did. I [i m sure the miserable apology for the Rugby game that is played in. many schools and in the majority of our London clubs would be quickly abandoned for a more robust style. Leaving out Blaek. heath, the London Scottish, and the Richmond clubs, it may be asserted with little fear of contradiction that th-e game as played in and around London is not wortlv watching. It is a miserable exhibition of feebleness and in competency. It is the product of a miscon- ception of th, four three-quarter game—a wretched bastard of the true game. No con- troversy now on the different merits of four and three t-bre"tiarte". London clubs play four three-quarters on the field, but they do npl-ay the four thrse-quarter game for there jo & distinction between playing a game and playing "the" game. The miserable jumble which parses for ugfootban amongst the majority of London clubs is a by-word. And nothing seems to be done by Londoners and those in authority to remedy this lamentable state of things. London clubs arc fed mainly by. schoolboy players after their school days are aver. And. fca London is thra bead and oentre of the Rugby game, it will be seen* how important it is that some reformation shouM take place- I would reform the fountain head and go to the schools. There the main principles of tbe game, should be instilled into the boys till they are absolutely saturated with them. FORWARD PLAY. 30' I would begin first with the forwards, for they are the backbone of the team: Our lads do not know the ,simple elementary principles of forward play. I Am supported in thi3 opinion by a prominent Scotch International forward, who began his football career in a Scotch preparatory school, then at an English public school, a great centre of the gafhe. and finally back in Sootla-nd, where be states he had to learn the game over again, as his Eng- lish training had completely eradicated the sound lessons of days. This is a grave charge against football as played at our English schools, but I fear it is a charge that is only too well founded. For there are only four point's in a forward that are absolutely essential, viz., honest work in the scrimmage. to be always on the ball, footwork, and keen sound tackling. Give me a forward from school living these points thoroughly devs- loped..for he can soon pick up the embellish- m-ents of wheeling the Borum'. heeling-out (hateful name), and other trickeries. But nowadays we have adopted the e-raze that for- wards must feed the backs, and that thi* is their chief duty. Why, even the Welshmen have learnt the contrary. The disasters of ma.ny an international match in which, the forwards being routed, the backs have never been able to outwit their opponents in pass- ing have taught the Taffies the value of sound forward play. Who that saw the game can forget the England v. Wales match at Cardiff in 1893? The first half of the game wa<3 in favour of England, but then the forward-R were » done, played out on the heavy ground, and the better tradned Welshmen held them for- ward, when Arthur Gould and Bancroft Won tbe game for Wales. THE! KEY OF THE GAME. The bey of the. game is with the forwards— that maxim ia now received as being ab&o- lutely sound—andE the duty Qf those who con- trol our sohool is to see that tie for- wards are taughfc thifl. and are instructed to

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To-morrow Is Fixtures. The following matches will be reported in the "Evening Express" to-morrow (Saturday):- LOCAL MATCHES. SwaDsea-Swansea. v. Treherbert. Llanelly—Llanelly v. Pontypridd. Penarth—Penairth v. Gloucester. Cardiff-Cardiff v. Cardiff District. Devonport—Devonport Albion v. Mountain Ash N-eath-N-eath v. Bridgend. Newport—Practice. Llandaff—Llandaff v. Penylan. Treorky-Treorky v. St. Andrew's. Pontymist-er-Pontymist,er v. Llwynypia. Triedyrhiw—Troedyrhiw v. Belle Vue. NVI..itcfiurril-Whftchu,rch v. Old Monktonians. Per: ygraig-Peny.-raig v. Taff's Well. GENERAL MATCHES. Leioester-Leioester v. Plymouth. New Brighton-New Brighton v. Liverpool Old Boys. Leicester—Leicester v. Plymouth. Northampton—Northampton v. Nuneaton.. Bristol-Bristol v. R.N.E.C. NORTHERN UNION. LANCASHIRE SECTION. Oldham-Old,hs.m v. Barrow. Wigan-Wigan v. Broughton Rangers. I.eigh-Leigh v. Millom. Sa.1ford-Salford v. Rochdale Hornets. St. Helens-St. Helens v. Runcorn. Stockport—Stockport v. Warrington. Swinton—Swinton v. Widnes. YORKSHIRE SECTION. Huddersfield—Hud<lcrsfield v. Batley. Brighcuee—Brighouse Rangers v. Oastleford. Wal,-efield-NVakf field Trinity v. Bradford. Bra.mley-Bramley v. Huuslet. Hull—Hull v. Halifax. H-olbeek-Ifolb.ecli v. Hull Kingston Rovers. Leeds—Leeds v. Leeds Parish Churoh. Manningham—Manningham v. Liveresedge. LEAGUE-DIVISION I. Sunderland v. Aston Villa. West Bromwich Albion v. Newcastle United. Stoke v. Sheffield United. Derby County v. Wolverhampton Wanderers. Nottingham Forest v. Bury. Blackburn Rovers v. Manchester City. Bolton Wanderers v. Preston North End. Sheffield, Wednesday v. Notts County. Everton v. Liverpool. LEAGUE-DIVISION II. Small Reath v. Gainsborough. Blackpool v. Burton Swifts. Stockport Oounty v. Walsall. Grimsby Town v. New Brighton. Chesterfield v. Middlesborough. Lincoln Oity v. Leicester Fosse. Woolwich Arsenal v. Barnsley. Glossop v. Barnley. CARDIFF V. CARDIFF DISTRICT. At Cardiff. Cardiff: Back, H. B. Winfield; th&Be-quarter backs, E. G. Nicholls, H. V. Huzaey, P. F. Bush, and Ivor Jones; half-backs, C. Sweet-Escott and C. Thomas; forwards, J. Blake, G. Dobson, J. Wheeier, F. Hines, F. Box, Neill, Auckland, and M'lntyre. Kick-off at 3.30. NEWPORT TRIAL MATCH. The team's aelect-cd to give Newport its second anri final trial before the opening of regular hostilities are as follow:—Newport: Bad., Boots; three-quarter backs, W. Isaacs, 0. Pritchard, J. Williams, and H. G. Alexander; half-back". G. Ll. Lloyd and L. A. Phillips; forwards, G. Boots, J. Hodges, W. H. Williams, E. Thomas, J. Jenkins, W. Parfitt, ;\i, Price, and H. S. Williams. Next XV.: Back, A. R. Pearce; three-quarter backs, W. Taylor, C. E. Lewis, H. Chapman, and A. M. Leonard; half-hacks, F. W. Huggett and G. R. Wade; forwards, C. W. Griffiths, A. G. Brown, G. Pritchard, Spillane, C. Jenkines, 0. E. Wood, J. Gear, C. J. Parfitt, and Barnfield. TREHERBERT V. SWANSEA. At Swansea. Treherbert: Back, W. Griffiths; three-quarter backs, James Hambury, Alfred Ilitchings, P. C. Cummings, and P. Evans; half-backs, Emlyn Lewis (captain) and John Lewis; forwards, J. Jenkins, G. Kirkhouse, S. Mathews. Hhn-ry Jones, W. Woolf, W. Morgan, J. Evas, and J. Thomas. PENARTH V. GLOUCESTER. At Penarth. Teame: —Penarth: Back, F. 0. Tillett; three-quarter backef. H. F. Shattock, H. Mulchings, S. Sutton, and A. Gay; half-backs, R-. A. Gibbs a.nd G. W. Shepherd; forwards, C. Stiranaghan (captain); F. Kirby, E. Hamilton. W. Matthews, J. Beer, W. M. Kemp, C. War- burton, and S. Shier. Gloucester: Back, G. Romans (ca.pta.in); three-quarter backs, G. F. Clutterbuck, J. Cook, J. Stephens, and S. S Harris; half-backs, R. Godda.rd and L. F. Mor. gan; forwards, 0. Hall. F. M. Stout, C. Miller, f. Oswell. H. Manley, A. Hawker, B! L. Watkins, and A. H. Click. PONTYPRIDD V. LLANELLY. At Llmelly. Pontypridd: Back, U. Morgan; three-quarter backs, W. G. Usher, W. Foster, B. Warlcw, and Wayne Moa-gan; half-backs, G. Chick and J. Barry; forwards (to be selected from), Rowley Thomas (captain), E. Thomas, D. Lewis, M. Scal. G. John, John Was-low. T. Bryant, J. Gronow, O. Wilde, an-d J. Wilde. NEATH 7. BRIDGEND. At Neath. Bridgend: Back, R. Reynolds; three-quarter backs, W. Jones, W. Pennell, G. M'Ci-aith, and T. Matthews; half-backs, J. Hopkins and D. M'Lennan: forwarcip. T. Ben. nett. J. Luke, H. Jones, T. Hayman, IL Davies, T. Mort, S. Edwards. and S. Shire. TREORKY V. OOWBRIDGE. At Cowbridge. Cowbridge: Goal, A. D. Stock- wood; backs, A. Spencer and F. Lee; half-backs, T. Morgan, T. Thonjas, and C. Sloper; tor- wards, W. Russell (captain), C. IL Greenhouse, E. Warren, W. David, and J. David. Kick-off at 3.30 p.m. ST. ANDREW'S V. TREORKY. At Treorky. St."Andrew's: Back, W. Griffiths; three-quarter backs, E. A. Arnott, F. H. L. Stockden, W. H. Jones (captain), and B. John; half-backs, J. Lee and R. David; forwards. J. Watts, F. Hookaway, J. Davies, W. Marks, N. Rumbelow, D. Edwards, T. Jones, and A. N. Other. V- I ? TONDU V. ABERAVON. At Aberavon. Aberaftn: Back, T. Edwards; three-quarter backs, W. lb o mas, Willie r Thomas, Lewis Thomas, and Fowler; half- backs,-Dan Jones and J. Jones; forwards, A. Bryce (captain), T. Upton, W. Kenefirk, H. Jones. Vicary. T. Madden, J. Luke, and D. H. Davies. TAFF'S WELL V. PENYGRAIG. At Penygra-ig. Taff's Well: Back, W. Baxen- dale; three-quarter backs, D. Jones, E. Thomas, E. Evans, and D. Ohisslett; half-backs. Sidney amd J. Lewis; forwards, Bunn, Amos, Chappel, Lloyd, A. Jones, Bolton.. T. Osborne, and T. Rees; reserves, Llewellyn and Miles. CARDIFF MACKINTOSH V. EBBW VALE. At Ebbw: Vale. Mackintosh: Back, W. A. Jones (captain); three-quarter backs, W. Hallo- ran, E. Dntton. C. Jones, and J. Elliott; half- aoks. 1. Williams and A. N. Other; forwards, F. Priest, W. Rogers, W. Jenkins,'A. Lewis, E. Snoll, C. Priest, ti. Burgess, and W. Kean. Train leaves at 2.15. CANTON V. BLAENAVON. At Blaena-von. Canton: Back, Rosser Reea; three-quarter backs, J. Huntley, J. Williams, N. Griffiths, and E. J. Whale; half-backe. J. B. Parker and F. J. Priest; forwards, D. Davioe (captain), H. Norris, A. Short, A. Williams, J. Morgan, H. Neils, W. Royle, and G, Lea-ry. MAESTEG V. ST. PETER'S (CARDIFF). At Maesteg. Maesteg: Back, T. Hinkin; three-quarter backs, W. Hough, D. Hughes. J. Phillips, and S. Hopkins; half-bac.ke, Cash Lie wellyn and S. J. Howells; forwards, D. J. Thomas (captain), P. L. Jones, J. Duggan, J. Luke, E. Barnett. J. Redmond, J. Davies, G. Thomas, and W. Page. BRISTOL RESERVES V. TREDEGAR. At Tredegar. Tredegar: Back, J. Davies (cap- tain) three-quarter backs, W. Thomas, E. Bow- ring, Eddie Tnomae, and F. Thomas; half- backs. D. J. Williams and W. Evans; forwards, D. Morris (vice-captain), W. George, A. Aubert, C. Thomas, D. Davies, A. J. Davis, Enoch Hughes, and L. Beynon. WHITCHURCH V. OLD MONKTONIANS. At Whitchurch. Whitchurch: Back, J. Wil. liams; three-quarter backs. D. J. Tuckett, T. Llewellyn, T. John, and C. J. Jones; half-backs, P. Chard and J. Chard; forwards; J. Stephens (captaih), W. SaJmou, J. B. Glendenning, B. Wiles, W. Evans, F. Seaman, T. Holtham, and E. A. Marsh. ROATH V. WESTON. At Weston. Roath: Back, W. Thomas; three- quarter backs. A. Williams, C. Burrows, J. Buhr. and E. Llewellyn; half-backs, A. Brown and C. Halliday; forwards, H. Wiltshire (cap- tain). G. Northmore, J. Batstone, J. Brown, D. Thoma3, B. Gale, R. Davies, and J. W. R Brown. PENYLAN V. LLANDAFF. At Llandaff. Pepylan: Baelt, C. Hackey; three-quarter backs, F. Davies, T. Williams, W. A. C. Fitzjames, and F. Johnston; half-backs, D. Stevens and D. Williams; forwards, D. L. Evans (captain), H. o. Coppcck, F. W. Good, Alan Lewis, E. Harding, A. White, A. John, and Len Williams. Canton Rovers v. Canton Crusaders.-At the Jubilee Park. Crusaders: Back, H. J. Cheek; three-quanter backs (selected from) T. Beddoes, W. Stoyles, C. Ma.rtin, G. Nibblett, and N. Ooomtes; half-backs, T. Creedon and T. H. Spicer; forwards, H. Edwards (captain), O. Hellmgs, W. E. Gibbs, G. Woollacdtt, W. Stone, E. Woollacott, J. Bisgrove, and A. Lewis; referee. Mr. Davies. Kick-off at 3.30. Cardiff Nomads v. Caerphilly.-At Caerphilly. Nomads: Back. Theo. Jones; three-quarter backs. W. H. King, D. Evans, A. Burke, and H. Chappie; half-basks, A. Holman and S. Evans; forwards, W. C. Rees (captain), W. K. Evans, H. Nelsen, A. W. Knowles. P. Gould, G. Hazell, J. Macdonald, and J. Richards. St. AJban's v. Penarth Thistles.—At Penarth. 8t. Albans: Back, J. Barrett; three-quarter backs, M. Shea. D. Godfrey, J. Barry, and W. Huntley; half-backs, J. Fletcher and A. 1!<QDa,. gan; forwards, G. Donaldson. A. Jones, J. Delay, R. Bingham,, A. Holmes. B. Sullivan. E. Wade, and X Donnellv. Referee, Mr. J. Donovan. Kick-off at 3.15 p.m. Grange United v. Grange Rovers.—At Grange. United: Back, R. Mitchell; three-quarter backs. D. Lloyd, D. Davies, W. Smith; and-D. Coombs; half-backs, 'W, Morrish and C. Roberts; forwards, F. Dunscombe. A. Gear, G. Oliver, E. Imperato. W. Denning. P. Phillips." O. Grev, and T. Howe. Old Higher Grade v. Roath-road Wesleyans.- At Roath. Higaer Grade: Goal. E. P. H. Foley • backs. W. Garner (captain) and R. H. Morgan; half-backs, F. Davies, H. Pelley, and A. Sl.uclre- • forwards, O. Davie*, S. White, L. Nash, H. Griffiths, and B. Travers. Grangetown v. Canton Parish.—At the Jubilee Park. Canton Parish Church: Goal, E. Hyiand: backs. W. Jones (cactain) and F

J)U£'tlttSS. 8irBrrs5C5. IIWI ..¿¡If "An Attack of Measles i usually leaves something behind, and in this case the weak point was the throat." FRANK SMITH. I, (From a pliotograpli.) In this case, it was an attack of measles, which left weakness behind it. Sometimes it is measles, and again it is an ordinary cough or cold, but whatever the ailment is, weak. ness i& almost sure to follow. It is this point which we repeatedly emphasise, viz.. that the weak condition of the system is often to be much more feared'than anything else. In fact, this point is emphasised in the following letter; "53, King John-street. "Heaton, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Xa.rch 6, 1899. Gentlemen.-In view of the benefit my son Gentlemen,—In view of the benefit my son has derived from the use of Scott's Emulsion, I deaire to give yiu an account of his trouble, in the hope that the perusal of the same may draw the attention of others similarly situated to the beneficial effects acruing from its use. An attaqk of measles usually leaves something behind, and in this case the weak point was the throat. The slightest cold-to "which he was very susceptible—produced sore throat and swelling just below the ear. Generally, it passed away shortly, but a more severe cold than usual resulted in a swelling which cOuld not be beaten back, and finally had to be lanced." The matter continued running for some time. He lost his appetite, continually complained of being tireq. and had a white, pasty look. The doctor attri- buted his trouble to weakness and recom- mended cod-liver oil. Plain oil was an impossibility with him, and some emulsions I tried were nearly as bad. A pamphlet coming into my hands prompted me to write or a sample of your Scott's Emulsion, and the avidity with which it was taken decided me to continue it. The result was a revela- tion. Most quickly noticeable was its effect on the appetite. By the time the first > it-tie was consumed, it had improved conspicuously, and he took his food with evident relish. I Continuing the treatment, his weary, lintlies air vanished, and he ceased to complain of I being tired. The pasty look disappeared, and I a ruddy appearance took its place. He now enjoys exoellent health. A resulting feature is his remarkable immunity from colds. Pre- viously he was scarcely ever free, but since taking Scott's Emulsion trouble from this source is practically nil. When nourishing diet has to be given to a child, it counts for something that it should be palatable, and I found the difficulty was, not to get him to take it, but to be content with the regula- tion dose. You are at liberty to use this letter as you think fit and anyone who by its perusal is induced to give Scott's Emulsion a trial will, I am sure, be glad it came under their observation-I am, Gentlemen, yours faithfully, (Signed) R. SMITH." So you see that the doctor attributed the trouble to weakness, and recommended cod- liver oil. If everybody knew the adtantages's of Scott's Emulsion over plain cod-liver oil, there would hardly be enough Scott's Emul. sion to go round. It is a scientific and well. established fact, that more actual benefit is derived from Scott's Emulsion than any other form in which cod-liver oil can be taken. This preparation comprises also the hypophos- f>hites of lime and soda, and glycerine. It really takes a phyisician to understand the advantages of this combination, although anybody can quickly see practical results by taking Scott's Emulsion. The very popu- larity and success of this standard remedy is convincing. You can obtain a sample of Scott's EmuI. sion by sending wireepence to cover postage to Scott and Bowne (Limited), Manufaeturing Chemists, 95, Great Saffron-hill, London, E.C., and mentioning this paper. All chemists sell Scott's Emulsion. L16644.

A TROTTING TRACK FOR CARDIFF. The Ely Sheep-dog Trials were brought to a most successfnl conclusion on Thursday, and everyone connected with the meeting must, I should sity, feel eminently satisfied witih the result-, both from a-financial and sportiug standpoint. The attendance on both days was certainly better than was ever before tho case, both from a numerical and represen- tative point of view. The sport was good, too, and the weather simply glorious. The Ely Racecourse on a fine day is a very charm- ing place. The small range of wooded hills opposite form a, charming backgronnd to the picture. The stands are well appointed since the alteration, too—that is, the two new ones. The old stand is a bit queer looking by the side of them, and needs- re-building. I say this advisedly and in view of -what might have been a eetious accident on Thursday. Lord Bruco was on the front of the stalld watching the trials, when one of the floor boards, which appeared quite rotten, completely ga-k way, and fell in front of the refreshment-bar below. Lord Brace's leg, naturally, went through the hole thus made, and his liyrdslilp received a rather bad bruise. The accident might have been worse-a broken leg or Bomething of the kind, for example. The stand is evidently in need of re-build- ing; at any rate, it clearly needs strengthen- ing in some of tho weak parts. Returning to the trials, praise must be given to the various officials. The judging was exoel- lent, and gave general satisfaction. The hon. secretary (Mr. R. Williams) was ubiquitous, and got through an immense amount of work in his usual genial and courteous- man- ner. The t towards were not very much in evidence, I am sorry to say. and the work was mainly in the hands of Mr. Jones (Ponty- pridd), Mr. Nicholson, and Mr. Bassett, and those three gentlemen got through it with satisfaction to all concerned. At the close of the meeting Lady Hill very kindly presented the prizes, and Sir Edward Hill, who has taken a keen interest in the sport from' the start, promised a cup for next year. A suggestion was made to me, by the way, that at future shows a prize might be given to the besWookiDg dog entered. Good-looking and being clever workers do not necessarily fol- low, however, and, as the work is the most important part of the programme, the com- mittee M3 hardly likely to give the prize sag. gested. Two dead pals and a third, who. from a fishing point of view, was supposed to be the "jay" of tho party, weni, away a few days ago for a week's fishing. The struggle was naturally for the premiership in the matter of weight and size of the fish caught. The "jay" was considered as Jiaving no chance In the competition—he was a plater opposed to two Derny horses, so to &peak. But pre- conceived notions sometimes go wrong, and they went wrong on this occasion, for the ''jay" has caught the biggest salmon so far, and has sent it to Cardiff in proof of same, whilst the veterans 'Albert" and "Jack" are wondering who is the "jay" of the party, and if after all they had not better return to the peace and quietness of the Rising Sun. There's a warm time awaiting them when they do come back. I had a. talk on Thursday with a number of sportsmen present at the Ely Sheep-dog Trials as to the necessity of a trotting track in Cardiff. The opinion was practically unanimous upon tihe point, and a number of good sportsmen who own trotters expressed their delight at the idea and their willing- ness to stand in with any movement in thds direction. It was pointed out that on the occasion of a recent matrih on the road quite a couple of thousand people wcy-c present, and that was at the early hour of 5.30. Had that, match, which was only for a tenner a- aide, been on a tnvok at a little later hour, the attendance would have been much better. Now, surely, a crowd of that sort who will trouble to be up at five o'clock in the mom- ing and go to all the expense of going out to Whitchurch would pay sixpence to go on a tr jtting: track easy of access and with the matches run at easy hours. Really and truly, I think the idea of a track is well worth con- sidering, and tihera must be some money ia it. The English Rugby Union, at their meeting on Thursday night, evinced a disposi- tion to look after us in Wales, and so they passed the following resolution :-In case an English player wishes to join a Welsh club, or a W-elsh player an English club, he may do so; if requested by cither union, he shall produce a letter from his old club, stating tihey have no objection; on receipt of this letter the union requesting such shall, if satisfied, give the necessary permission; if not satisfied, they shall ask the other union to hold a joint inquiry, such inquiry to be held by a joint committee of two represen- tatives of each union. The chair shall be taken alternately, but no cha.irman shall have a second or casting vote. In case of disagree- ment, a member of the Scottish Union shall be asked to arbitrate, or, failing such, a mem- ber of the Irish Union. Any such joint com- mittee or arbitrator shall have power to order the payment of expenses as t'hey think fit, and ail findings shall be final." Mr. Cait on the above occasion "raised » passing laugh by mention of the Gould case." One fails to.-see what the English committee can find to laugh at in thWGorild case. Gould had the testimonial after all, and that was all that was required. Perhaps, however, the English Union laughed at the little weak- nesses we exhibited over the affair. It may be the Welsh Union Committ-ee will show more determination if it comes to a matter of the sort again. Last time they had the trump card in their hands and never played it. Perhaps that is why Mr. Cail and the English Union are laughing. WELSH ATHLETE.

South Wales Tide Table j ) S -r I s = 3 5 1 2 5 H « I t s £ £ 0 I g Fri- (Morni'g 4 34 4 22 4 30 5 28 5 3~1 c. da/'on } ?rv^i? 456 446 4 51 5 57 6 0 Sept. 21' Height 31 9 28 1 51 0 30 0 2» 11 Satur- Monu'jj 5*16 5~8 {Til mT 6 14 o e 5 35 5 58 5 6 35 I 6 37 Sept. 22 (Height 32 8 29 5 32 3 32 0 | 31 11 Sun- {Morni'g 5~52 5~46 5 4t 6 48 H6 day, J Ereni'g 6 8 6 3 6 2 1 7 t 7 10 Sent. 23 j Height 30 2 3» 4 33 0 1 33 4 33 3 Mo*- (Mor'iBff 6 23 6 19 6 18 h 7 20 7 21 c ] Eve*in' 6 38 6 34 6 34 7 33 7 39 Sept. 24 (Herykt 334 31 1 335(343 44 2 East .k SUL tAlematLdra Dock tBeath Basin Printed by the Proprietors, Western Mall Limited, and published by them at their °S £ f8' ^,Mtry-stTeet' Cardiff, at their offices. Castle Bailey-street, Swansea; at the ?h°P of Mr. Wesley Williams, Bridgend—ail in the County of Glamorgan; at the Wes- tena Mail Office, Newport; at the shop of Mr. J. P. Caffrey, Monmouth, both in the £ .ounty ,Pf Monmouth: and at the she* ot M BK&SU'™ 11 TB* 0O™T* HUDAY, SBMSMBIB 21:190ft.

play "the" game, not the wretched apology for forwa.rd play which consists mainly of heeling-out. Do this ever cross the minds of the managers? Apparently not, seeing tha utter rubbish they turn out. Fortunately, the 'vaTsities are learning wisdom, witness the forward team for Cambridge last season. But what a good leaven of Scotchmen were in that team. The result at Queen's Club was oigni- ficant. The Ca.ntabs completely out-played the Oxford men, and 9imply through the supe- riority of their forwards. Watch two Scotch schools playing, a privilege which it has been my lot to enjoy mbre than once. The robust, clever, tbo,rough forward play is most con- spicuous. Big and little, heavy weight and light weight, are all working, like Trojans; working in the scrum, using their feet, always on the ball, and tackling with grim earnest- nssa and great effectiveness. But they have been taught "bow" to play, and have not been left to gather their knowledge at- haphazard. In junior gam's the great principles have-been rammed into them; and this is why a set of Scotch forwards always fall into unison at once. They know 'tli-e gaine, and so get together from the commencement of the game. Englishmen, with diverse ideas and different styles, find great difficulty in adapting them. selves to each other's play, and very often are quite ragged in the early periods of an inter- national match. Another instance in proof of the theory I am laying down, viz., that our public schools play "at" the game, but do not play "the" game. HALE-BACKS AND PASSING. It is impossible in the brief space of an article to refer to every point that should be noticed1; but I cannot pass over the half- backs and the three-quarters. At school the -half-back should be taught to play rather more- for his own hand. He should not be allowed to be a player of a single idea. At present he regards the sole end of his exis- tence as being the means of communication between the forwards and the three-quarters— a conduit pipe, as the late Arthur Budd termed him. Of couirse, there are times when the pass is absolutely the only and the best thing bo be done, but the half-back can often make ground, and draw a player on to himself ere parting with the ball. This is the true way of making an opening for the players behind him. And these gentlemen—well, the rage for passing has completely spoiled their indi- viduality. And so, aa regards three-quarters, I would impress upon school authorities the advisability of insisting upon only three three- quarters .in the school game. Of course, against foreign teams they must play four three-quarters to combat successfully with their opponents. But in house and school matches they should be allowed to play three three-quarters only. I want schools to train players. The qnaJities essential to a three quarter are running, dodging, ability to get through the opposing defenoe, with ability to receive and give a pass, combined with the power to tackle and to kick. Tackling and kicking are mainly defensive qualities, and ama required equally if three or four men be played. But runaring, dodging. 4c., are the means of attack. I am quite sure that run- ning and dodging are now sacrificed to pass-1 ing. Suppose you have four brilliant in-di-1 vidual players, each doing aJl he-can before-he parts with the ball. The clever passers. opposed to them will be, beaten off the field. That grand quartet, termed by the Yorkshire president "imperial," consisting of Stoddart, Macgregor, Gould, and Campbell, showed what such men could do when they gained that famous try, well termed "immortal," for Middlesex against Yorkshire. THE PRINCE OF THREE- QUARTERS. If a boy shows dodging powers, these ought to be cultivated. He ought not to be checked and told to pass the ball; he ought to be taught how to pass, but at the same time to be encouraged to get through on his own account. Who knows what he may become in the future—possibly, a wond-er in that particu- la.r line? Arthur Gotild was the prince of three-quarters, but I very much doubt if he would have shone as he did had he been trained on the four three-quarter game, for it may be noted that he learnt his play before that system came into vogue. Above all, I would impress1 upon school authorities tbttt, as with them will lie the future Rugby game in England, they should endeavour to turn out good individual players, and look more to a victory of England in the future tha,n to present glory in winning school matches. This may sound quixotic, and may be requir- ing too great a sacrifice, but it is the only way to restore to Engla-nd a supremacy which she to be in great danger of losing.

Sharp; half-backs, G. Nathan, F. Scott, and H. S. Wilkins; forwards, H. Lovering, E. Sanders, H. Penman, D. Nathan. and J. Wilkie; reserves, T. Lovering and C. Roberts. Rawdens v. St. Vincent &ondg.-At Llandaff Fields. Rawdens: Goal, Musgrave; backs, Griffiths and Hansford; half-backs, Jenkins, Needbam, and Jenkins; forwards, Hybart, Hansford, Ak-ers, Davidson, and Jenkins. St. Monica's Institute v. Railway Crescents.— On the Barracks Field. St. Monica's: Goal, P. Williams; backs, B. L. Church (captain) and W. Roberts; half-backs, W. Baynham. J. Roberts, and D. John; forwards. W. J. Francis, D. Thc-mns, G. Pudge, F. Mees, and B. Napper; reserve. H. James. Roath Park Wesleyans v. Bairry Corinthians. —At Barry. Wesleyans:, Goal, W. Burton; backs. A. ad and E. Coverdale; half-backs, W. Phillips, F. Rogers, and F. Brown; forwards, M. Brnrldon (captain), W. Sommerfield, L. Thomas. W. Sheppa.rd, an'd G. Taylor. Barry Corinthians: Goal, B. Griffiths; backs. A. Chinn and P. James; half-backs, E. Tutlow, C. Sutton, and H. Ward; forwards, W. Winch, D. Radcliffe, F. Williams (captain), I. Dalton, and O. Williams. ASSOCIATION. ROGER-STONE V. EBBW VALE. At. Rogerstone. Rogeratone: Goal, H. T. Wil- liams; backs, A. James nnd Stevenson; half. backs, M. Picken, J. Littl-ehales, and J. Hav. ward; forwards, R. LitMejohna. J. Jones, G. Williams, G. Jones, and W. Evans. SOUTH WALES LEAGUE (FIRST DIVISION). ABERMlfAN V. BARRY UNIONISTS. At Barry. Barry Unionists: Goal, J. Sutton; backs, T. Perry and A. Green; half-backs, P. .Jenes, W. Biirel, andjM Stephens; A. Thompson. A. Mitcapl, I. Green (captain), I. Hill, and B. Bavin. vi Hill, and B. Bavin. St. Francis v. Moorlands.-At the Tide Field. St. Francis: Goal, A. W. Plain; backs, Joe Hnrford (captain) and H. Stevens; half-backs, L. Smith. F. Huet, and J. Griffiths; forwarde, L. Crniiri<fhin, A. Perry. W: Lark, B. Rogers, and R. G. Shutc. Moorlands: Goal. A. Dunn; backs. A. Smith and J. Evans; half-backs, D. John. E. Edwards, and A. Blackmore; forwards, T. Parsons, R; Evans. P. Jones, T. Thomas (cap- tain). and W. Stucky.. Docks Harlequins v. Clo-remonte.-At Grange- town. Docks: Goal. C. Price; backs, J. DVeT and W. Jones; half-hacks, T. Ha-les. A. Maguire, and W. Forfar; forwards. J. Weeks. A. Taylor, W. Docton (captain). J. Heard, and W. Morgan. Kick-off at three o'clock.