Evening Express

Telephone; National. 502. Post-office. 95, Telegrams: "Express, Cardiff."

Ceiiiinefiis and Criticisms. BY "CUCHFARF." The ovidence in favour of my interpre- tation of the meaning of the Cardiff street name, "The Golate," viz., "The Gullet," is increasing, and I can safely say that the believers in the "go-late" theory are put completely out of court, for it is admitted by them that that name could only apply to the period when it was usual for late passengers to intercept the packet boats after missing them at their Moorings. On page 246 of the third volume of "Cardiff Records," there is an account of a present- ment made to "The General Quarter Ses- sions of the Peace of our Sovereign Lord the King held in and for the said Town on Monday, the Second day of October, in the 20th Year of the Reign of Our Sove- reign Lord George the Third," against the "Corporation for not repairing the Pitch- ing of the Pig Market from Gutter to Gutter from the MiddH Row opposite the Gaol to Gullate." The gaol at that time was about where the entrance to the present market is, and if the whole road- way from there to the Golate was a public 'c pig market then it required a goodly gullet indeed to drain it. At that time, at any rate, it was usual to spell place- names phonetically, and no difference can be made between the sound of the words "Gullate" and "Gullet." The dreaded headline "Colliery Warn- ing" has made its appearance on the pages of the newspapers, and we remember that this is the season when some of our col- liery catastrophes have occurred. I pen this note, not for the purpose of creating unnecessary fear among the friends of the colliery workers, but for the purpose of doing what lays in my power to impose caution upon everyone who is in a position to avert risks of setting fire to firedamp. It may be the means of getting some workers to be careful to rid themselves of the suspicious match-ends that are now and again left to lurk-forgotten r-in the corner of a pocket, or to make a second search for that stump of a pipe that, how- ever innocently it may find its way into the mine, will tempt its owner to have just one whiff in a fiery atmosphere when its presence is discovered. The feared crisis in the South Wales coal trade is showing very ugly symptoms of unfavourable development. There was no reason to think that the coalowners had changed their minds concerning the continuation of the sliding-scale, and the South Wales colliers have joined the Miners' Federation of Great Britain with the avowed object of demolishing the sliding-scale. These conditions are com- monly known to everybody who has paid close attention to South Wales colliery questions since the last strike. The atti- tude I have mentioned as that which the masters have taken up is confirmed by an article in the "Iron and Coal Trade Review," and a few moments' conversation with any group of colliers will serve to confirm the purpose of the colliers not to have anything more to do with the sliding- scale when the present agreement ceases by effluxion of time. There is only one glimmer of light to be seen bevond the cloud that is gathering. We are informed by the organ I have just named that it is likely the men will be offered a sliding-scale with a minimum, or, as the colliers expressively put it, a sliding- scale with a bottom to it. By a minimum wage the colliers mean a living wage, and the "bottom" price for a day's work, there- fore, should be a price by which the wage- earner can have good butter on his bread during slow times, and something better than "sheep's head broth," even when there is plenty of leeks in it, when he returns from work. He should also have a Sunday suit of clothes in addition to his "evening clothes" ("dillad dywetydd") and 1 "working clothes" ("dillad gwaith"), and a ] day off now and again to go to an eistedd- i fod, a club feast, or, in the summer, a few weeks at the seaside. There will be < much difference of opinion between the two sides, nevertheless, as to what is a living wage. We are thankful for this slight evidence of a. possible agreement. Whether it is of the nature of "catching at straws" remains to be seen. A contemporary laments the decadence of street humour, and asks what has become of the persons that used to inspire Leech, Keene, and Du Maurier, but I have always held the opinion that a par- donable deception has been played upon us by these knights of the pencil, and that the cabmen and butcher boys have been credited with much wit that was not their own, just as it has been the fashion to father many things that were neither witty nor humorous upon natives-of the Emerald Isle. In our younger days we took it for granted that our humour artists took everything "from life," but since we have read the biographies of these, interesting people we know that as often as not their inspiration has come from within as well as from without. The driver of the motor-car is certainly a more business-like individual than the 'bus-driver, although the personality of the latter is more picturesque and fasci- nating than the former, and the butcher I boy has not deteriorated so much, but has been displaced by the smart young man. | who drives a smart cob and trap. and! thinks more of making love to the hand- some housemaids he sees on his rounds than he does of the traditional reputation for wit of his sharp and saucy predecessor, the pony-riding butcher boy. All 'bus- men and cab-drivers are not Sam Wellers, just as all novelists are not Charles Dickenses, but the days of good stories are not past, and, thank goodness, the appreciation of wit and humuilr has not lessened. Perhaps, as we get older, we have heard a good proportion of the some- what limited stock of good stories so often that we cease to laugh at them, and then we think the age of fun has gone by. This is not so, however, and, as long as we possess the faculty of laughing, life will produce something to laugh about. Councillor Chappell is still in trouble over his praiseworthy attempt to foster pisciculture in Cardiff. The paragraph in yesterday's "Evening Express" con- veyed an impression that he advocated a perversion of nature when he said that the only place where the culture of fish- spawn could be successfully pursued was in Cardiff's "Wild Gardefis." Now, how many Cardiff ratepayers know the wild gardens which are their property I cannot say, but without a knowledge of the spot those who have a strong sense of the ludicrous would smile at the idea of grow- ing fish in any sort of garden. For- tunately, however. I am in a position to say that in this particular garden there is a watercourse separated from the other brooks of the neighbourhood and coming from a different source, and it is here Mr. Chappell is going to place the delicate ova. This much about fish culture, with apologies to ex-Councillor C. E. Waring, whose learned disquisition upon the sub- ject in the Cardiff Council Chamber is still remembered, for it had a real [zaak Wal- ton flavour. Has he ceased to be inte- rested in what was, I think, a child of his brain? If he has. then his old colleagues regret his fickle love for an art that is born of patience. When the celebrated fishing pic-nic to Miskin Manor was organised, I had an impression that the Cardiff Parks Committee was going to be the universal guide in the distribution of fish species, but the zeal of our amateur fishermen has been modified, and Councillor Chappell is the only one who has consistently befriended the earlier scheme. May he be rewarded some day with the sport he has so well laboured for.

PEMBROKE GIRL SHOT DEAD. The following appeared in our Fifth and later editions !ast night: — A boy named Evans, aged sixteen, shot a little girl named Owen, aged eight, dead at Catshole, near Pembroke, on Sunday evening. The boy, who was employed on an adjacent ferry, was taking tea in a hut on the river bank, while the deceased and one or two other children were playing outside. This seems to have caused annoyance to Evana, who took a. ioaded gun from the roof of the hut. With a view to frightening them off, he pointed the gun at the girl, thinking it was not loaded. The weapon, however, went off, and the charge entered the child's head, canning instant death.

LONDON'S NEW CHIEF MAGISTRATE. The Home Secretary has appointed Mr. Albert De Rutzen to be chief magistrate of the Metropolitan Police-courts, in the place of the late Sir Franklin Lushington. Mr. De Rutzen, who is 70 this year, has been a Metropolitan police magistrate since 1876. He is the third son of the late Baron De Rutzen, who married the eldest daughter of Mr. N. Phillips, of Slebech Park, Pembrokeshire. He once acted as stipendiary magistrate for Merthyr, and formerly held the fishing on the Usk at Llan- frynach, near Brecon. Mrs. De Rutzen is a daughter of Mr. Alan James Gulston, Derwydd, Carmarthenshire.

SHOCKING GUN ACCIDENT. The following appeared in our Pink edition, last night:- A serious accident occurred at the village of Gornal Wood. Staffordshire, through the reckless carrying of a loaded gun. A man named David Beardsmore had been out shoot- ing, and in returning home he carried his loaded gun on his shoulder at full cock. The trigger was accidentally caught, and the gun exploded, the charge striking three persons named Southall, Hodgetts, and Pritchard. They all sustained terrible injuries, ilecessita- ting their removal to the hospital.

LADY SHOT DEAD AT CINDERFORD On Monday afternoon a young lady. named Alice Berrows, was shot dead near the back d)or of the premises where she reeided at Cinderford. The accident was the result of the discharge of a gun carried by Mr. Epniain Davis. The fatality ia stated to be the result of a pure accident. One side of the unfor- tunate young lady's head was blown com- pleteiy off. Miss Berrows is the sister of Mr. George Berrows, landlord of the Royal Oak Inn (an old Cinderford Rugby football for- ward), and Mr. Davis is a brother of the land- lady. Mrs. Berrows, and an old Newport resi- ient. The affair has caused a most painful sensation in the neighbourhood, all the par- ties being so well known and respected, and much sympathy is expressed for the relatives and friends of all parties concerned.

Presentation to a Newport Footballer When a couple of months ago, Mr. A. W. Boucher, who had for several years been general hon. secretary to the Newport Athletic 3iub, a playing member of the football sec- tion, and captain of the team for two seasons, joined the ranks of the Benedicts, a fund was started to present him with a testimonial of :he appreciation of his athletic friends. The presentation took place on Monday night at a largely-attended smoking concert at the West- fate Hotel, Newport. It consisted of a dia- mond ring for Mra. Boucher, a silver can- ielabrum. a silver tankard, a framed list )f subscribers, and a cheque for upwards >f £ 70. Mr. Horace Lyne. who presided, made the presentation, and extolled Mr. Boucher's abilities as an all-round athlete. The club had intended to head the subscription list with their donation, but found they could not do it in face of the professional laws. The difficulty, however, was got over by the donation being jiven by the tennis tournament which Mr. Boucher so successfully organised for several years. Mr. Boucher's health wae heartily pledged, and the recipient, in reply, dwelt upon the incidents of his fifteen years' mem- bership of the Newport Club.

Protection of Children. The good work performed by the Cardiff branch of the National Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Children is again demonstrated in the annual report. Figures ;ive but a faint impression of the real work accomplished, since a case d warning, followed by a careful supervision or a prosecution, nearly always raises the whole tone of a street or district. In seventeen only of the 291 cases did the branch find it necessary to prosecute. Inspector New, the report states, continues to prove himself a most zealous, capable, and sympathetic officer. In the opinion of the local committee, drink is responsible for a great proportion of the local cases of cruelty to and neglect of children. The shelter which has been established is still a most useful adjunct of the work of the committee. During the past year 21 children were admitted for a total period of 392 days. and 1.176 meals pro- vided for them. The subscription lists show a gratifying increase. This result is due to the unselfish efforts of the lady collectors and the hon. secretaries. Mrs. Edwin Seward, Mrs. Maine Tucker, Penarth, and Mrs. Sibbering Jones, assisted by Mrs. Livingstone, Barry. A word of praise is also due to Mr. Donald Maclean for the manner in which he has carried out the dnhes of honorary general secretary of the branch. I

Mr. Chevalier's Butler. OBTAINS HIS SITUATION BY FRAUD. Gives an Address in Wales. At Marylebone Police-court, London, yester- day John Griffiths, aged 25, a, valet, of Shep- herd's-market, Mayfair, was charged with obtaining a situation as butler with Mr. Chevalier, the comedian, at Lynstead Lodge, St. Edmund's-terraee. St. John's-wood, by falsely representing that he had been in the service of a certain gentleman. A short time ago Mr. and Mrs. Chevalier were in want of a butler, and advertised for one. Among several persons who applied for the situation was the prisoner. The usual questions were put to him. On his being asked for a reference, he gave the name of Mr. J. M. Jones, of 59, Cadogan-square, the Jtuiior Carlton Club, and an address in Wales. He expressed uncertainty, however, as to when Mr. Jones could be seen, but promised to find out. In the meantime he was allowed to enter upon his duties. That was last Wednes- day. On Thursday he informed Mrs. Chevalier that Mr. Jones was now at 59, Cadogan-square, and npon a letter being sent to that address a reply was received, signed "J. M. Jonei," to the effect that "John Griffiths had been in the writer's service two years, during which period he had found him to be a thorough servant in all respects, thoroughly honest and sober, and got on well with his fellow- servants." It was obvious from the un- grammatical wording of the letter that it was not written by a gentleman, and Mr. Cheva- lier, having thus had his suspicions aroused, went to 59, Cadogan-square, only to find the name of J. M. Jones was unknown at that address. An inquiry at the Junior Carlton Club elicited that he was not known there either. When these facts were brought to the notice of the prisoner, he said something about there possibly having been differences between Mr. and Mrs. Jones, which had caused the former to leave London. Mr. Chevalier then wrote to the address in Wales, and received a reply to the effect that a man of the name of John Griffiths was there sixteen years ago, but that man clearly was not the prisoner. On Sunday morning Mr. Chevalier sent the prisoner out for a news- paper, and he returned to the house helplessly drunk. This convinced Mr. Chevalier that lie had been deceived, so he gave the prisoner into custody. Subsequently several bottles of wine and other things, which had been removed from the cellar, were found secreted in the pantry, and in the prisoner's room were discovered a number of letters and papers showing clearly that J. M. Jones and John Griffiths were one and the same person, and that the reference was entirely false. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and expressed regret for what he had done. Mr. Francis said it was evident that the prisoner obtained the situation by lies and fraud. For some reason the Legislature had not given magistrates the power to send straight to prison for this offence, but pro- vided that the punishment should take the form of a fine. There being no extenuating circumstances in this case, he imposed the maximum penalty of £20, or two months' imprisonment.

GRANGETOWN BURNING FATALITY. At the Town-hall on Monday evening Mr. E. B. Reece, coroner, held an inquest on the body of the girl, Selina Bull, aged 13, who died as the result of burns received at the house of her aunt, 8, Amherst-street, Grangetown, on Saturday night. The evidence showed that on Saturday night deceased's aunt left the house to make some purchase3 just when the little girl was going upstairs with a candle. Before she had proceeded far she heard scrcams, and on turning round found the child in the street. with her clothes on fire. The child, who was not "altogether sharp," was in the habit of going to bed with a candle. Police-constable Ben Davies, also attracted by the screams, at 10.20 went to the spot, and found deceased in the street with her clothes alight. He put out the flames, applied lin- seed oil, and took the girl in a cab to the in- firmary.—The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

REMARKABLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT. Serious Results. The following appeared in our Pink Edition last night — A serious railway smash occurred on Sunday morning on the London and North Western line near Llanarindod. A* heavy goods train to the North, drawn by two engines, was pass- ing through at great speed, when the driver of the second engine found something wrong, but, owing to the darkness, could not ascertain what. The train was stopped, and it was found that the couplings had broken, and that the trucks were dhided in two portions. Almost immediately after the latter portion came rnshing down an incline at a great pace and dashed into the first section. Twelve trucks were derailed and smashed, and six cattle and 21 pigs were killed and many injured, while several heavy loads of coal were upset amongst the struggling animals. The destruction to rolling etock is very great, The guard of the train was slightly injured.

ARISTOCRATIC DIVORCE SUIT. The following appeared in our Pink Edition last night: — In the Divorce Division on Monday Mr. Christian Frederick Gordon, a stockbroker, of London, sued for divorce from hie wife, Mar- garet Gordon, nee Close, on the ground of her misconduct with the petitioner's consin, Lord Granville Gordon. The suit was undefended. It was stated that the marriage took place in 1894, respondent being a lady of con- siderable means. For a long time petitioner had had to compl9.ill of his life's attachment t > Lord Granville Gordon, and last Christmaa it was found that she and the co-respondent had stayed together at the Hotel Metropo'.e, Brighton. Notwithstanding what her husband had said to her, she had refused to give the respondent up. In February this year the peti- tioner got a letter from his wife, in which she said that she would notlive with him again, and told him that there was plenty of evidenu if he wanted to get a divorce. A decree nisi, with costs, was granted.

CARDIGAN FAIR MYSTERY. An inquest was held at Cardigan on Monday afternoon on the body of David James, a farm labourer, of Tremain, near Cardigan, which was found embedded in the mud opposite one of the town quays on Sunday. The deceased left his home with a son to attend the Cardi- gan hiring fair on the 11th inst., where he was seen at various times during the day, the last being at eight p.m.. close to the market, where he appeared in a very confused state. He was not seen afterwards alive, but his hat was picked up the following day in a tributary of the River Tivy, about 100 yards from the spot where the body was found. A watch and a knife were found on the body, but no money, After an inquiry of over three hours, the jury returned a verdict of "Found drowned," there being no evidence to show how the deceased got into the water. Mr. J. H. Evans. Newcastle-Emlyn, the coroner, described the place where the body was found as a veritable death-trap, and said he held six times more inquests on the bodies of people sacrificed there than in any other part of his district. He considered it was a disgrace that such a state of things should be allowed to continue, and expressed a belief that if proper counsel were consulted it would be found that both the corporation of the town and the owners of the property were liable for damages arising through the death of the victims. In giving their verdict the jury once more added a rider calling the attention of the corporation and the Steam- ship Sea Flower Company, the owners of the quay, to its dangerous state, the coroner expressing a hope that something would now be done to protect it.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR H. VIVIAN The funeral of the late Mr. Henry Wyndham Vivian, son of Mr. Pendarves Vivian, brother to the late Lord Sw nsea, took place at Sketty on Monday afternoon. The body arrived at Swansea from Brussels on Saturday night, and remained in th^ little chapel attached to Sketty Church until the interment in the family vault. Eight workmen carried the coffin, which was covered with beautiful wreaths, to the graveside. The Rev. Cyril Kindersley (b:other to Lady Herschel), assisted by the Rzv. E. W. Bolney, officiated. Those who were present at the funeral were Mr. Pen- darves Vivian (father). Mr. Gerald Vivian (brother). Lady Maud Vivian (widow). Lady Jane Vivian, Miss Dulcie Vivian, Miss Mabel and Miss Claris Vivian (sisters), Lady Swansea (aunt), Mr. Graham Vivian (uncle), the Hon. Odo Vivian (cousin), the Hon. Misses Alberta. Averil, and Alexandra Vivian (cousins). Lady Emily Quin, Sir Admiral Algernon Lyons, Mr. L. D. Nichol, Mr. Gerald Eden, and Mr. Charles Eden, and also the heads of the departments at the various works. t

Dangers of the Deep. RESCUE BY A CARDIFF CREW. Exciting Experiences in North Atlantic. We recently published the news that Cap- tain Ferry, of the Cardiff steamer Lesreaulx, owned by Messrs. Morel Brothers, had tele- graphed that his crew had rescued the crew of the wooden ship Camelia, of Bremen, in the North Atlantic, on November 7, whilst on the voyage from Galveston to Hamburg. Captain Ferry haa now written giving full particulars of the gallant conduct of his officers and crew, and it will be seen from the details that several heroic deeds were per- formed. Captain Ferry states that for nine- teen days the Lesreaulx had experienced terrible weather, and on one occasion a wave carried a man overboard, but, happily, the next carried him back again. He was, how- ever, badly injured, and was unable to perform his duties for eight days. The captain then gives extracts from his log with regard to the rescue of the crew of the Camelia. He says November 7, 1901, eleven a.m.—Strong easterly gale; steering cast. Sighted full- rigged ship bearing north-east, with heavy list to starboard. Nearly all her sails blown away; apparently in distress. We altered our course, and steered straight for the dis- tressed vessel. Noon.—Observed flames from the stern of the vessel; signals flying, I am sinking. Can you send a boat?' We replied immediately: 'I am coming to your assistance.' Hove steamer to to westward of the distressed ship, our starboard side to sea, and launched port lifeboat on the leeside, ^sing oil freely to break sea. AVhen the lifeboat was near the water a heavy sea struck her and carried away the after-fall, throwing four men into the sea. We succeeded in eaving the four men with life-lines, and baled out the boat. The lifeboat then left the steamer in a damaged condition, in charge of the first mate and the same four men that were washed out of the boat. The steamer then ran to leeward of the wreck, ready to take up the lifeboat. 1.30 p.m.—The lifeboat returned with eight men from the wreck, and stated that the remainder of the crew were coming in the only ship's boat they had left, all the others being damaged. We then took our lifeboat on board, it being too badly damaged for further use, using oil continuously, with good effect. "2.0 p.m.—Received the ship's boat along- side, with the remainder of the crew. The ship proved to be the wooden full-rigged ship Camelia, of Bremen, Captain Behrens, 38 days out from Mobile for Hamburg, and with a cargo of resin and turps. The captain reported that he had 10ft. of water in his hold, and that he had set fire to his ship to destroy her the more quickly. Her starboard weatherboard was level with the sea, and the ship laboured heavily at the time she was abandoned. Shortly afterwards the mizzen- mast fell over the side, and the mainmast leaned forward, the ship at the time bursting into flames and burning freely. Various explosions followed, the flames reaching to a great heiarht. The crew were very exhausted. and staled that they had been at the pumps continuously for five days and nights. 3.0 p.m.—Proceeded on our course; weather getting worse. The two sick men were put to bed and attended to. The rest of the crew were given quarters and warm food. The crew of eighteen hands all told were aaved. The Camelia was abandoned in lat. 41.15 north and long. 59.18 west. The steamer's lifeboat was manned by Messrs. Norman Martin, first mate; Nicholas Ferons. A.B.; John Johansen, A.3.; A. Johnson, A.B.; and A. Anderson, A.B." The Lesreaulx is now on the voyage to Ham- burg, where the distressed crew will be landed.

EISTEDDFOD AT DOWLAIS. The success of previous y-sars was repeated at the ninth annual Dowlais Eisteddfod, held on Monday at the Oddfellows'-hall, Dowlais. The presidents for the day were.— Korning, Mr. D. W. Jones, C.C.. solicitor, Merthyr; afternoon, Colonel D. Rees Lewis, Merthyr; and evening, Mr. William Griffiths, Merthyr (high-constable). The adjudicators were: — Music, Professor Dan Price, A.R.C.M., London, and (preliminary) Mr. William Hughes, A.C., Dowlais; penillion singing, Mr. D. Morgan, Merthyr; recitations, the Rev. J. D. Hughes, Moriah, Dowlais, who also acted as the eis- teddfod conductor, and Mr. R. H. Rees, head- master Dowlais Boys' School; and drawing, Mr. Dave Jones, art teacher. Dowlais. The competitions were taken in the following order:- Recitation for girls under eighteen: Baraill Jane Lingard, Ebbw Vale Pianoforte solo: Master Gwilym Thomas, I Penywern, Dowlais. Contralto solo: Miss M. A. Thomas, Nanty- glo; and the president (Mr. D. W. Jones, C.C., Merthyr) gave a special prize of 10s. 6d. to a youthful competitor, Miss Tydfil Brown, Dowlais. Boy soprano solo: Master Fred. Phillips, Merthyr. a second prize being awarded to Master W. J. Morgan, Dowlais. Male recitation: Mr. Owen Davies, Pont- lottyn. Basa solo: Mr. Harry Clist, Cwm, Ebbw Vale. Male Voice Competition.—The test piece was Becker's "The Little Church," and a prize of £20, together with a silver-mounted baton, was offered. The choirs sang in the order appended, and were awarded marks as follows:— Ebbw Vale (conductor Mr. Daniel Thomas), 60 marks; Cwmpark (conductor, Mr. J. T. Jones), 70; Abercwmboy (conductor, Mr. J. H. Davies), 50; Mardy (conductor, Mr. J. Michael), 60; Blaina (conductor. Mr. J. D. Owen), 75; Cwmbach (conductor, Mr. Samuel Davies. A.C.), 60; Dow- lais Music Lovers (conductor, Mr. John Thomas, A.C.), 90. Female recitation: Miss Bessie Harris King, Cardiff. Soprano solo: Miss E. Kate Thomas, Dowlais. Juvenile Choirs.—The test piece was Mr. Tom Price's "Consecration," in two parts, soprano and alto, and six choirs competed. The first prize and a silver medal was awarded to Moriah, Dowlais (conductor, Mr. Benjamin T. Davies), with 90 marks; and the second prize to Carno, Rhymney (Mr. William Evans), with 85 marks. Violin solo: Prize divided between Master David James, Penywern. Dowlais, and Master David Theophilus, Penydarren, Merthyr. Pennillion singing .ith the harp, for squads of four boys.—Tl'iS innovation was much enjoyed, and of the four 3quads, all of whom sang according to the South Wales custom, the Pantywaun Squad, Dow'.ais, was declared the best. Mr. Fred. D. Jones, R.A.M., Merthyr, was the harpist. There was again a crowded attendance at the evening meeting. The competitions resulted as follow: — Tenor solo.— Mr. Harry Evans, Tredegar. Boy's recitation.—Prize divided between Thomas John Harries, Rhymney, and John Evans. Dowlais. Tenor and bags duet.—Messrs. Evan Rees Evans and David Price, Dowlais. Congregational choir competition.—A prize of £10 and a silver jewel were offered for the best rendering of "Mi a Folianaf yr Arglwydd" (Lodwick). Four choirs sang, and the Welsh Church Choir, Dowlais, conducted by Mr. Walter Collins, was declared the best. Welsh dialogue.—Messrs. Owen and Robert Davies, Pontlottyn. Euphonium solo.—Mr. Thomas Seth Powell, Penybank, Vochriw.

DEATH Ot MRS EDWARDS, PENCOED Mrs. Edwards, wife of Mr. Griffith Edwards. Llwyniwrch, near Pencoed, vice-chairman of ths Penybont Rural District Council, died on Sunday after a protracted illness. Mrs. Edwards. who was 54 years of age, was a mem her of one of the best-known and mOSl respected families in the district, and she and her progenitors had occupied and owned Llwyniwrch Farm for generations.

DEATH OF MR MORGAN RICHARDS, BANGOR Mr. Morgan Richards, high-bailiff of Ban- gor County-court, died on Saturday at the age of 77, and with him died out almost tht- last office of high^bailiff in the Chester and North Wales Circuit. He was author of a valuable work on practical quarrying.

Missionaries' Losses in China. The London Missionary Society's claims for the destruction of property by the Boxers in connection with their North China stations have b-n met. The Special Commissioner has granted 90,258 taels out of the 98,379 taels claimed for the losses in the Peking district, whilst the whole claim of 26,087 taels for the Tientsin and country districts has been granted The jeraonal lossss of the mis- sionaries are included in the Peking claim, but not in the other districts. These amounts are to carry interest at the rate of 4 per cent. from July 1 last year.

Dinas Powis Parish Council, A special meeting of the parish council of St. Andrew's Major was held on Monday evening at the National School, Dinas Powis, Mr. J. Isaac (vice-chairman) presiding.—A pre- cept was ordered to be served upon the over- seers for the sum of £120. making £200 for the year, for street lighting purposes in the pariah.

The Goal Tax. QUESTION DEBATED AT CARDIFF. The Cardiff Impartial Society last evening debated the question of the coal tax. Mr. F. W. Everett was in the chair, and a co. ipre- hensive paper was read by Mr. W. H. Renwick, who said that personally he opposed' the tax because it was unsound in principle, and con- trary to the recognised fiscal policy of this country. A discnasion followed. Mr. Lester Jones agreed with. Mr. Renwick on most of the points raised in the paper. The Chancellor of the Exchequer and his advisels were not. apparently, aware of the effect and the incidence of the tax; he waa now obtaining knowledge, and in some respects was, probably, rather sorry for the course he had taken. The greatest objection was that the coal-tax was a tax on the raw product of the country on which the whole prosperity of the country was based. They taxed that which helped largely to keep the factories going. Mr. Carslake Thompson said the fact that in using coal we spent our capital and not our income was one very valid reason why all coal-not only export coal-should be taxed. Considering that the country was burdened by a national debt which could be borne with ease in prosperous times, but not in failing times. he thought it might be wise to sacrifice that pitch of prosperity with a view to post- poning and mitigating the disasters that would follow from a sudden and probably not very distant catastrophe. Mr. E. Bregeon thought it undesirable to take thought for the morrow. By diminishing consumption large numbers of men would be thrown out of employment. Mr. Renwick, in reply, pointed out that during the last few years there had been so many serious stoppages in this district, and there were likely to be more in future, that in the interests of national security at critical moments the Government should have collieries of their own. He attributed the difference between the prices of Cardiff and Newcastle coals to the fact that owing to slack- ness of trade in Germany the Westphalians were able to place more coal on the market, and the shilling per ton was making a tremendous difference in favour of the German colliery owner. At the Docks it was known perfectly well that many contracts had gone away. The Austrian-Lloyd contract, which always came to Cardiff, had gone for next year to America. The coal-tax had given foreigners an excuse for purchasing coal from American and other markets, and had allowed foreign competitors to get in the thin end of the wedge, and it would be a hard job to get them out. To his mind, it would be more consistent with equity if the tax were put on all coal raised, and not on one special branch of the coal trade. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Renwick for the paper.

WARNING FROM AMERICA. Powers and the War. The forthcoming number of the "Nineteenth Century" contains an article entitled "A Mes- sage from America," written by Sir Wemyss E-eid, who has just returned from a visit to the United States, where he says the question continually addressed him was, "When is the South African war going to end? Among the educated classes in the States there is almost as keen an anxiety with regard to the prospect before us in Africa as there is in this country. One of the most distinguished mem- bers of the Cabinet said that almost daily appeals were being made to the United States Government by the representatives of Euro- pean Powers to take some step for ending the war. Of course," he added, we can do nothing. It is your own country alone that can solve the problem. Does England realise all the gravity of the situation and the extent of the danger in which this state of foreign feeling involves her? Does she not see how others are gaining by her absorption in South Africa? Would Russia have ever dared to act as she has done in China during the last two years if she had not known how full your hands were elsewhere? And now you have the Near Eastern question being opened whilst you are practically powerless to take any part in its solution."

CARDIFF MUSICAL FESTIVAL. Dr. Cowen Appointed Conductor. A meeting of the executive committee of the Cardiff Triennial Musical Festival was held on Monday evening at the Cardiff Town-hall, Mr. E. W. M. Corbett presiding. The Hon. Sec- retary (Mr. W. A. Morgan) reported that the number of guarantors was now 40. Since the last meeting Lord Aberdare had become a i guarantor. The music committee presented a report. Their first recommendation was as to date, and the executive fixed upon October 5 and fol- lowing days (unless anything prevented). The other recommendations were that Dr F. Cowen should be engaged as conductor, that Messrs. J. E. Deacon and T. E. Aylward should be the chorusmasters, and Madame Clara Novello Davies and Mr. W. A. Richards accompanists. It was also recommended that the festival chorus should be limited to 250 voices (admis- sion by test).—These recommendations were agreed to. The Hon. Secretary reported that he had had an interview with Dr. Ccwell, who would be willing to accept the post of conductor to the festival upon certain conditions.—The meet- ing considered that the conditions were satis- factory, and the appointment of Dr. Cowen was confirmed. The committee agreed also that, subject to the dates being convenient, the festival should last over Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday following the date named.—The me«ting decided to advertise for members of the chorus as early as possible, and passed a code of co. ditions of the usual character. Mr. Lionel Strina was appointed as librarian of the festival. Details as to selection of works to be performed, Ac., were referred to the music committee for consideration.

FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE. D,owlais Staff Handsomely Rewarded. Lord Wimborne has just paid a tribute to the faithfdlness of the members of the official staff in the worke and the clerical department who were in the rervice of the Dowlais Iron Company before the establishment was acquired by Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Co by presenting each member with twelve months' salary. The remittances were received on Monday, accompanied by a signed letter from his lordship.

CARDIFF SCHOOL BOARD. The Coming Election. The forthcoming Cardiff School Board elec- tion is now absorbing the attention of those who take a special interest in elementary education and the ratepayers of the town gene- rally. T\ e leaders of the various religious sections of the community are already busily engaged in pushing forward the claims of the prospective candidates. Apart from any con- sideration of party or sect, there is. however, a prevalent opinion that it would be desirable to elect those candidates who will look after the great and growing interests of the board. When it is remembered that the board have now under its management no less than eighteen elementary schools, a higher grade school, an oral school for the deaf and dumb, and a truant school, it must be apparent to all that the work is of an important character and requires the utmost diligence on the part of every individual member. The attendances of the present members are not at present available for the triennial period, but it may be useful to give the percentage of attendances for the first two years of that period:- 1899. 1900. Dr. T. G. Hol der 91 per cent. 83 per cent. Rev. F. J. Beck 84 81 Dr. Prichard. 81 75 Mr. T. Taylor 80 „ 4a Mr. H. M. Thompson 77 82 Rev. W. Gibbons 70 80 Rev. J. M. Jones 64 „ 64 Dr. J. LI. Treharne 60 „ 65 „ Mr. E. Dobbin 58 „ 52 Dr. T. Wallace 53 53 Mr. J. V. Jones 45 resigned. Mr. Lewis Williams 36 39 per cent. Rev. J. Hayde 29 „ 22 Alderman D. Jones 25 „ 'oo 24 Dr. W. T. Edwards 18 „ 16 Mrs. Lester Jones. — 54 „

BRITISH COAST DEFENCES. The re-arming of forts guarding harbours and dockyards along the south coast and at the mouth of the Thames and the Bristol Channel js now practically complete. It is stated that during the last fortnight over 200 muzzle-loading guns have been removed from defensive positions, and re-placed by power- ful breech-loading English-made guns. The slight delay which has occurred since orders for new weapons were placed with various firms has, it is explained, been due to the heavy strain put upon the few factories to which orders were given. While southern defences have thus been practically completed, work in the North is rapidly being carried out. On the Clyde alone a considerable amount of money is being speoit upon new emplacements and modern guns, and in a very short time the extensive waterway will be rendered invulnerable to attack from sea.

STEVENS' BREAD. Nourishing. Gives an appetite. e8554

Welsh University and Theology. FEDERATION OF WELSH COLLEGES. Privileges Proposed by the Court It will be remembered that the theological board of the University of Wales appointed in 1898 a committee to inquire into the pro- vision for the teaching of theology made by the leading theological colleges in the United Kingdom, including the theological faculties of the English, Irish, and Scotch Universities, and to form some standard of equipment and efficiency which might be applied to the col- leges for Wales, and to ascertain what was the actual state or prospective arrangements in those colleges which desired recognition at the hands of the university. The committee in due time presented its report, and it has been approved by the theo- logical board. It is a document of great public interest, and from it we borrow the following information. The report, it may be added, was approved by the university court at Aberystwith on Friday last. The members composing the committee were Professor Fairbarn, Professor Gwatkin, Prin- cipal Reichel, and Professor Edwin Williams. The latter, however, as belonging to the staff of a visited college, was only present at the first meeting of the committee, and did not sign the report. It should be understood that theology is not studied at any of the three constituent colleges —Aberystwith, Bangor, and Cardiff—but this does not prevent preparatory studies being pursued in these colleges during the under- graduate course, only such studies are regarded as strictly arts subjects qualifying for the B.A. degree. The theological board proposes to bring within its scheme colleges both in Wales and outside of it, and to apply the same standard to both. The position, then, is this: The university wishes to bring the Welsh colleges into more organic relation with itself, and is prepared to make certain stipulations "as to the aca- demic recognition of colleges aspiring to teach for the B.D. degree." Each college muat have a curriculum which covers the whole field of study prescribed for the B.D. degree. Students must spend a specified number of terms at college. College? must have an adequate staff of properly- trained professors or tutors. It is proposed that the recognised college shall have some constituent place, and. of course, shall be represented on the board of theology, and have a place in the university calendar. In England, Scotland, and Ireland the num- ber of theological students has risen with the increase in efficiency of the theological insti- tutions. The Churches that have most rigo- rously enforced a strictly post-graduate study of divinity have found the least difficulty in securing students. The colleges visited were Brecon Memorial College, Bala-Bangor, North Wales Baptist College, Calvinistic Methodist College at Bala, Presbyterian College, Carmarthen; Trevecca, and the Baptist College at Cardiff. St. David's College. Lampeter, waa left out. The committee, however, hope to be able to report concerning that institution before long. The report falls into two partE-an account of the colleges visited, and suggestions towards their federation with the university and with themselves. Bala Theological College has a staff of five professors, all university men. The curricu- lum is definitely and distinctly theological, so arranged as to cover all the subjects needed for the B.D. The normal length of the course is three years. It is open to all candidates who are Protestants. The number of students is 33; of these thirteen are graduates, and eleven are reading for the B.D.—seven for the first and four for the second. Trevecca has a staff of four university men. It prepares for the B.D. degree. Normal length of course is two years ill arts and three in theology, but if degrees are to be taken three years are allowed at a university col- lege and another three are required at Trevecca. It contains 47 students, eight being graduates and seven reading for the B.D. Brecon Independent College has a staff of three professors. The students are required to take all their arts course at a university college. The length of the course for men who do not matriculate is four years, the first being passed at a university coliege and the other three years at Brecon. At present there are 38 men on the books, twenty of these being at Cardiff and one at Aberystwith, while seven- teen are studying theology at Brecon. Two have taken their first B.D. The visitors regretted to observe signs of carelessness ot even neglect in the maintenance of the build. ing and its furniture as if repairs were infre- quent, while the students were subjected to domestic regulations which seemed hardly consistent with the dignity proper to their present status and their prospective careers. Of the college, however, it is said that the spirit which animates its teaching is fall of promise. Bala-Bangor has three professors. The normal length of the course is four years, but the terms on which the students are received differ considerably. There is an arts course, and if any student ehould prove himself able to enter for it and for the B.D. his course can be extended to six years. The college has eo far united with the neighbouring Baptist College as to form what may yet be an impor- tant theological staff, consisting of six pro- fessors, three of them graduates of London and one a graduate of Glasgow. The visitors complain of the want of proper preparatory training shown by many of the students at the two theological colleges in Bangor, Bala- Bangor has three first B.D. students. Baptist College, Cardiff, has a resident staff of two, though Professor Tyssil Evans, of the university college, so lectures in connection with the college as to count as a third pro- fessor. The number of students is 24. Of these seventeen are reading for a degree, and two are graduates, both studying for the B.D. Whilst its staff is small, it is yet able to show distinctions at both the theological and uni- versity examinations. A student is admitted for four years, though this may be shortened or lengthened according to circumstances. Baptist College, Bangor, has a staff of three; the curriculum is altogether theological, the men going for their arts course to the univer- sity college. A student is admitted for three years, though a fourth or a fifth may be added to tliis. Of the sixteen at pre8ent in residence six are reading for a degree. Presbyterian College, Carmarthen, has three professors, two graduates of Oxford and one of Glasgow. The course is almost exclusively theological. The students are all preparing for the ministry, the number being 32, of whom 24 are Congregationalists, seven Baptists, and one Unitarian. They have no graduates, nor do they see any likelihood of graduates so attending as to make candidates for the B.D. other than a negligible quantity. The visitors express the fear that if the college remains at Carmarthen it may be forced to be contented with students who, however other- wise excellent, are unable to show any record of university achievement. The second part of the report deals with the conditions of approval and recognition, defini- tion and distinction of colleges as regards these conditions, and the privileges which approval and recognition ought to confer. The committee feel that it would be some- what inconvenient to draw up at this stage a list of those colleges that ought to bo excluded and those that may be included. In stating these conditions they are guided by what seem to them principles both of justice and of academic policy. Academic policy makes it necessary to consider the future as well as the present, the changes which the new educa- tion— elementary, intermediate, and higher— is introducing into the mind and outlook of Wales; and, theretoi-e, the kind of men and the quality of the learning on which the university is to be asked to set its seal. The charter and the statutes have combined to fix one point; the committee must concern itself with colleges rather than with teachers. But it is obvious that their estimate of the colleges will depend upon their estimate of the teachers, and thus it will be necessary to con- sider the teachers that constitute the college, as well as the studies and the students for which the college exists- In order to give adequate instruction there must be an adequate staff, and adequate must here be understood to apply both to the number and the capability of the teachers. In the former report the number suggested was four. The committee see no reason to change this number, especially as colleges already exist which have complied with the condition, and so set a standard the university must be the first scrupulously to regard. It is also only fair that the university regard the academic status of the teachers, if not as a sign of com- petence, at least as the witness to a given capacity. To insist upon four teachers as a minimum involves no departure from the prin- ciple expressed in the statutes, that the teach- ing staff may exist either singly, i.e., as the staff of a single college, or "in combination with one or more similar and similarly approved institutions." The instruction must be given to qualified candidates, that is, graduates either of the University of Wales or of some other known and recognised university. The college that fails to fulfill all or any of these conditions should forfeit its claim to recognition This means that the list must be open for revision from time to time, that it must be as possible to remove as to inscribe the name of a collage, and that both must be doue as occasion may demand.

The NEW DOROTHY SPICED PRESSED BEEF, 2s. per pound. e8544

Major Fisher's Fight. LORD KITCHENER'S REPORT. British Overwhelmed in Detail, The following official telegram was to-day received from Lord Kitchener:- PRETORIA, Saturday. A further report of Major Fisher's engagement near Villiersdorp on the 20th of November shows that during the night of the 19th of November patrols sent from his post at Rietfonteiu, slightly in advance of the South African Constabu- lary, on Kalkspruit, to seize the ridge overlooking Zandsdrift, found the enemy in possession. At dawn Major Fisher moved forward towards the ridge, and was attacked both from the north and south, but gradually took up a position giving good cover to his small force. At nine a.m. his horses near the south end stampeded, and in the confusion the enemy effected a lodgment. Major Fisher and Captain Lingmore were both dangerously wounded, and the small parties of men taken in detail by the enemy, about 350 strong, were all forced to surrender by ten a.m. Colonel Rimington's column came up about eleven a.m., but the enemy, except a small rearguard, had gone off, releas- ing the prisoners. Rimington's men captured Commandant Buys, who was wounded. Colonel Rimington's Chase. PRETORIA. Monday. Colonel Rimington, after capturing Com- mandant Bnys, pursued the remainder of the latter's commando and drove them south of the Vaal, capturing eight more prisoners. Colonel Plumer's column continues success- fully clearing the South-east Transvaal, and reports the capture of another large herd of cattle and some prisoners.—Press Association War Special. Narrow Escape of De Wet. DURBAN, Monday. A telegram from Reitz gives details of important operations which took place last week in the north-eastern district of the Colony, in the course of which the village of Reitz was again surprised and some impor- tant captures made. Commandant De Villiers drove up in a Cape cart, and practically walked right into the arms of the British. De Villiers admitted that he had been com- j pletely surprised. He said he had breakfasted with De Wet that morning, and he thought that the British must have missed De Wet, who had not a large following with him-at the time, very narrowly.—Central News. Further Troops Under Orders. In addition to the troops already announced as being under orders to sail for South Africa, it has now been decided to send three com- panies of Mounted Infantry from Malta. Major G. Dowell, 2nd Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, is to be in command, and he has been warned to immediately prepare the troops for departure. Yet another cavalry regiment is to be despatched to South Africa, namely, the 11th Hussars, at present serving in Egypt. The invitation to Militia battalions to volun- teer for the front is being readily responded to. The objectionable custom of asking men while on parade if they are willing to volun- teer has been abolished, and the men desiring active service now send in their names. The affirmative replies of 600 men of the 6th King's Liverpool Regiment furnish substantial evi- dence that Militiamen as a rule are eager to share the honours of the fighting line with their comrades the Regulars. British Officer Killed. The casualty lists on Monday night report that Captain Robert Acton Blandy, of the Molteno Section Colonial Defence Force, was killed, and Lieutenant P. King, of the same corps, severely wounded in the left hand, near Molteno, on Friday last. The Murder of Lieut. Miers, It will be re-called that on September 27 Lord Kitchener reported that Lieutenant Miers, of the South African Constabulary, went out from his post at Riversdraai, near Heidelberg, to meet three Boers approaching under a white flag. "After a short conversation they were seen to shoot Lieutenant Miera dead and imme- diately gallop away." The "Standard" correspondent, writing from Pretoria on November 2, whilst confirming the statement that it was a deliberate murder, shows it to have been the act of one individual, which was indignantly repudiated by his two comrades, and brought by them to the notice of the commandant. The correspondent says: —"It appears that the Boer, Schimpers, fired at Miers without the two other Boers who accompanied him being in the least aware of his intention. The trio came up to within a short distance of the blockhouse under a white flag, and Lieutenant Miers rode forward to them at their request to ascertain their errand. It was at that moment that Schimpers fired at and killed the unfortunate officer. The deed was no sooner done than the two other Boers expressed their detestation of the act. and reported the matter at once to Field-cornet Oog Meyers, who sent Schimpers under arrest to Commandant Buys. The latter held a pre- liminary examination, and, being satisfied that a murder had been committed, despatched the scoundrel to General Louis Botha. It is hoped, and believed, that Schimpers will be shot. The two Boers offered. I hear, to see Schimpers into the British lines provided they received a safe conduct, but Buys took the more formal course of handing the man over to his Commander-in-Chief." Lieutenant Miers waa a Pembrokeshire officer. Important Change of Authorily. CAPE TOWN, Monday. The "Gazette" to-day announces an agree- ment between Lord Kitchener and Sir G. Gordon Sprigg, Premier of Cape Colony. whereby the Colony resumed control of the Colonial forces in oertain districts. Two divisions are created in the Colony, the first including eighteen districts in the extreme east and the second eleven districts of the south-west. Each division is placed under the command of a Colonial officer, who will have entire control of all Colonial military details and of matters generally connected with their pay, organisation, Ac., subject to the approval of the Colonial Government.—Renter. Local Casualties. The War Office on Monday night issued the following — Volunteer Company South Wales Borderers. -7,682 Private C. F. Wills died from enteric at Klerksdorp, November 22. The undermentioned reported dangerously ill, Buffering from enteric: — At Mafeking, November 23.-3rd South Wales Borderers—6,208 Private J. Templeman and 4,209 Private J. Weale. At Elandsfontein, November 23.—Volunteer Company South Wales Borderers-7,665 Private J. Hawkins. Progress Report,—2nd South Wales Borderers -Second-lieutenant E. H. A. Hodgson was reported better. November 23.

TWO NEWPORT VETERANS. George Cullimore, an Army veteran, wno has seen 21 years' service, stayed at the Globe Lodging-house, Newport, on Saturday night. On Monday he waa the prosecutor in a case of alleged robbery against Michael Regan, aged 78, who fought in the British Navy during the Crimean War. The latter told the court that he did not know whether he had taken the money or not, and their worships, viewing the matter mercifully, bound him over to come up for judgment when called upon. The 29s. 9d. which was the balance of the old soldier's pension, was handed back to him, and a trifle in addition for his attendance at the court.

"ADVICE TO MOTHERS."—Are you broken in your rest by a sick thild suffering with the pain by cutting teeth? Go at once to a chemist and get a. bottle of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer imme- diately. It is pleasant to taste; it produoes natural, qniet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a. button. Of all chemists. ls. 11a. bottle. eto STEVENS' BREAD. Nourishing. Gives an appetite. e8554 i

1 r By the Way. Lord and Lady Penrhyn have arrived ia Ireland. The Rev. Thomas Geler Jones, curate of Dafen, has accepted the curacy of Landore. It is j^aid that at least half a thousand "inquiries" have been made of the auctioneers with regard to Battle Abbey. It comes to th* hammer to-morrow. Mr. Charles Gardiner, Lord Mayor of Bris- tol, accompanied by Mrs. Gardiner, is at present on a visit to the Rev. John Morton, Mumbles, near Swansea. The ladies have done well in recent London University exams. One lady appears on the LL.B. honours list, one on the LL.D., and ten on the M.B. pass list. Dedication services in connection with St.. Dingat's Parish Church, New Tredegar, were held on Sunday and Monday, and are being continued over next Sunday. Frau Eva Schwartz, who has just died at Orahovica, Croatia, at the age of 120, is said to leave two sons, one of whom is 100 years old, and the other ninety-eight. Le Quex, the novelist, is lying seriously ill at his home near Peterborough as the result of an injury to the knee. Dr. Golding Bird, of Guy's Hospital, is in consultation. Emily Rose Stockwell, aged 63 years, at widow, was found dead at her residence, 15, Graham-street, Newport, on Monday. She had been unwell for some considerable time. Annie Palgrave. aged 68, a single woman. lately residing at 38, Eclipse-street, Cardiff, died very suddenly in the schoolroom of Mount Tabor Chapel, Morra-terrace, on Monday morning. The Newport branch of the Operative Bakers and Confectioners are seeking a revi- sion of their terms of employment with an increased minimum wage, a 60 hours' week. special terms for night work, the abolition of Sunday work, Ac. Cardinal Vaughan has been ordered by hia medical advisers to abstain from all functions of a public nature, and to take a complete rest for two months. He has, in consequence, can- celled all his engagements for Christmas and the new year. Mr. Walter Locke Smith, eldest son of Super- intendent Thomas Smith, Carmarthen, has been successful in passing the final examina- tion of the Incorporated Law Society. Mr. Smith was articled to Mr. Rowland Browne,, solicitor, Carmarthen. Mr. F. W. Webb, chief mechanical engineer of the London and North-Western Railway Company, has completed his fifty years of service in connection with the Crewe works, which have developed so enormously under his superintendence that 10,000 men are now employed. At Brynmawr Police-court James Roberta (64), described as a tramping painter, of Woolwich, was on Monday sentenced to four- teen days' hard labour for stealing a flannel shirt from the Crown Inn, Black Rock, oti Saturday, after the landlUdy had treated ..im with a pint of beer. Few people know that Mrs. Arthur Stan- nard, who, under the nom de plume of "John Strange Winter," has showir us so much of the loves and tragedies, the follies and infa- tuations of society, is one of the most enthu- siastic occultists in the country. She is a vice-' president of the newly.formed London Psychic Society, and possesses a firm faith in the cure of bodily ailments through the mind. Mr. Justin M'Carthy was the recipient on Saturday of numerous congratulations on the completion of his seventy-first year. As journalist, editor, politician, leader of a Par- liamentary party, novelist, and historian, Mr. M'Carthy has been a prominent figure in the second half of the nineteenth century; and, though he has had many opponents, it is safe. to say he never made a personal enemy. Precedents (says a writer in the Christmaa number of The Woman at Home") have been scattered to the winds in favour of Queen Alexandra. She has received the Order of the Garter, driven in the State coach with the King to the opening of his first Parliament, and will receive all the honours that can be bestowed upon her at the coming Coronation. To say that this is her Majesty's due is to understate the case. At Carmarthen Police-conrt on Monday Francis Thomas, Walter-road, Swansea, fowl merchant, was fined £1 and costs for cruelty to fowls on the 2nd inst. Inspector Bowyer. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said he saw 34 fowls huddled together in a crate measuring only 40in. by 24in. by 8iin., at Carmarthen Station. They were packed in three layers, and when he caused ten of them to be taken out they could nob stand owing to partial suffocation. Mr. Henry Howard, of Greystoke Cutlet Cumberland, and cousin of Sir Redvers Buller, has severed his connection with the Liberal Unionist Association of North Cumberland, and has intimated that he intends to take an active part in future against the Government. Mr. Howard sat in the Parliament of 1885 as a. Radical for Mid-Cumberland. He left the party in 1886 on the Home Rule question, but did not seek re-election. At the two succeed- ing general elections he fought North Cumber- land as a Liberal Unionist, but was defeated on both occasions. k The Burnley Corporation have completed the purchase from Lady O'Hagan, of Towneley Hall and Park, for £17,500. The estate will become the property of the ratepayers from March 25 next, when Lady O'Hagan's tenancy terminates. Towneley Hall and Park form one of the oldest estates in East Lancashire. and have been in possession of the Towneleya for the past seven or eight centuries. The park wi!l be preserved as an open space for the people, but to what use the hall will be put has not yet been decided by the Corpora* ti6n. The Welsh National Liberal Council will hold its annual meetings this year at Wrexham on December 12. In connection with these meetings there will be a large public gathering in the evening, when important resolutions will be submitted. Mr. John R. Jacob, pre- sident of the National Council, will preside; and the principal speaker wilL be Lord Tweed- mouth. The last important Liberal demon- stration was held in Wrexham as far back as October. 1885, when Lord Rosebery was the principal speaker. Mr. George Berfert, late trumpet-major or the 10th Royal Hussars, has been appointed bandmaster and drill-instructor at Castle Howard Reformatory. Hie home is at Pont- neath-Vaughan, Glyn-Neath, where his mother now lives. Mr. Berfert joined the Hussars as band-boy. and went to India with the regi- ment at the age of fifteen. He took part in the 1884 Soudan Campaign, and was present at the battles of El Teb and Tamai. He was also through the South African Campaign, and haa acted as trumpeter to the King when he was Prince of Wales. He is also an expert musician. According to "M. A. P. the Duke of Fife holds an interesting record. He is the only man who has ever been known to change hi, rank while he ate his breakfast. After the marriage ceremony had been celebrated in the private chapel of Buckingham Palace, on the morning of July 27, 1889, he led his Royal brido into the dining-room, where the wedding breakfast was laid, as an earl. When the meal was half over the late Queen, in raising her glass to the toast of the young couple, conferred a dukedom upon him, and thus. as he ate, he passed through two ranks of the peerage—surely, the quickest promotion ever recorded. Considerable attention is attracted by a pamphlet just published by Baron von Edelsheim, an officer in the chief general staff of the German Army. in which he declares that Germany could throw 100,000 men on the English coast within a very short time. The baron put forward his statement as a matter of absolute cer- tainty, and it is consedered somewhat curious that he is permitted by his Government to publish it. His paper proceeds: "England'i weakness is our strength. The land forces of the English Army correspond neither ir strength nor in quality with her position as a Great Power. England is convinced that ever> hostile invasion can be prevented by her fleet but this conviction ÙI not by any means wet feandedt"