South Wales Daily News

HOUSE OF LORDS.—THURSDAY. Their Lordships met at 5 o'clock. IRISH RAILWAYS. The Marquis of CLANRICARDE gave notice that on Monday week lie will move for a select committee to in- quire into the financial condition of the Irish railways. THE AMERICAN CASE. Earl STANHOPE asked whether there was any longer an ■objection, the American Case under the Washington Treaty having been communicated to the British Govern- ment, to produce that document. If not, he should move for its production. Earl GRANVILLE said there would be no objection to produce it, if the noble Earl moved for it. Earl STANHOPE then moved for the production of the .document, and the motion was put and agreed to. THE ROYAL PROCESSION ON TUESDAY. Lord SIDNEY having reported her Majesty's assent to 'the suggestion of the committee that the Lord Chancellor should precede her Majesty in the Royal procession, on Tuesday, On the motion of the Marquis of RIPON, a resolution Was agreed to, authorising the Lord Chancellor to attend her Majesty accordingly, on Tuesday next. VACCINATION LAWS. Lord BOCKHURST moved for a select committee to in- quire into the operation and efficiency of the Vacci nation Laws. He pointed out that according to the report of the Registrar-General, the increase which had taken place in the number of small-pox cases was mainly owing to the defective administrative arrangements for ensuring vaccination, and urged that a matter of so much importance demanded the gravest and fullest considera- tion. The Earl of MOHLEY sympathised with the object of the noble lord in bringing this question before their lord- ships, but expressed a hope that considering the short period during which the Vaccination Act of last y«ar had been in operation, and the change that had been made in the constitution of the Local Boards, by whom it would in future be administered, the motion for a new inquiry upon the subject would not be pressed. The Duke of RICHMOND joined the noble earl in depre- cating the appointment of any committee under the cir- cumstances, and the motion was withdrawn. Earl GRANVILLE having stated that their 'Lordships would not be asked to sit on Tuesday next, the House adjourned at half-past five o'clock.

HOUSE OF CONIMONS. -'rHURSDAY. The Speaker took the chair at 4 Vclock. THE MANCHESTER TRAMWAYS' BIL Pn the order for reading the Manchester Tramways' Bill a second time Mr. BIRLEY moved its rejection, and after a short dis- cussion the motion was carried without a division. THE INTERNATIONAL. Mr. COCHRANE gave notice, that on Monday he would j*sk the First Lord of the Treasury, if any communications nad p issed between the Government and Foreign Govern- ments, respecting the International Society. REDISTRIBUTION OF SEATS. Mr. COLLINS gave notice that on going into Supply to- morrow, he would move that in any allocation of the seats vacant by the disfranchisment of Beverley and ^ridgwater, the claims of Middlesex, the North Riding of ork, Sheffield, and Bristol ought to be considered. PUPIL TEACHER APPRENTICES. In reply toMr. SAMUELSON Mr. FORSTER stated that the number of pupil teachers who were serving their appren- ticeship in 1871 was 21,854, which was a large increase Upoil the number serving in 1868. THE LICENSING BILL. In reply to Sir R. ANSTRUTHER, Mr. BRUCE said the Proposed licensing scheme of the Government would not apply to Scotland. THE TELEGRAPH AND THE WASHINGTON TREATY. In reply to Mr. RYLANDS, Lord ENFIELD said the total amount paid for telegrams in connection with the nego- tiation of the Washington treaty was £ 7.277. THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. In reply to Mr. PARKES, Mr. BRUCE stated that no conclusions had yet been ar- l'l\'ed at by the Royal Commission on Friendly Societies, ^)u\ it would be inexpedient to promise legislation until 'heir inquiry was completed. Sir S. NORTHCOTE, as chairman of the Commission, k:1<1 a report would shortly be presented which would deal WIth the question of Building Societies. THE AMERICAN CASE. In reply to Mr. GOLDSMID, Mr. G LADSTONE promised that the American case in re- 'ererice to the Alabama claims should be produced if tnoved for. Mr. GOLDSMID gave notice that he would move for its production. ILL-TREATMENT OF FRENCH POLITICAL PRISONERS, In reply to Mr. OTWAY, Ajord ENFIELD stated that a complaint had been made *°tthe Foreign Office relating to certain French political Prisoners who had been put hand-cuffed on board -"Uglish steamers by the French police, and landed in this country in a state of destitution. The complaint was now being considered by the Foreign Office. TICKETS FOR sr. PAUL'S. »« moved the adjournment of the House, to •Hard him an opportunity of making a statement ln refer- j?nce to the distribution of tickets for the Thanksgiving at Paul's He complained that while married members were allowed tickets for their wives, unmarried members not allowed tickets for their sisters or their ladies, cii }R" AYRTON remarked that 875 seats had been •wwtted to the Honse of Commons, and it was found that coiQjjjodation for ladies could only be provided for the warrled members. 1he motion was withdrawn. THE ARMY ESTIMATES. I he House then went into Committee of Supply- Mr. CARDWELL said he should assume that the House Was of the same opinion that it was last year, that as long ff an Army was essential to the defence of the country* 16 whole of the army corps should be amalgamated into harmonious whole, and that the powers of the lords- respect to the militia and volunteers, iastl transferred to the Secretary of State; and. vni, i at the service should not be compulsory, but still intary. He then referred to the steps he had taken, in previous years, to secure these objects, the chief of which, he said, was the establishment of short service, without which there could be no real or available reserve and the abolition of the purchase system. The total amount voted last year was tl5,851,700, but this year it would be reduced to £ 14,824,500; although owing to the general prosperity of the country the War Office had to pay a h gher price for almost all the provi- sions and materials which it had to purchase. There was very little reduction In the force of the regiments The total number of all ranks, including the depots and mili- tary establishments, was 133,469, against 135,047. The strength of the army reserve, for which provison for 9,000 men was made last year, was now about 7,000, and it was proposed to raise it to 10,000 this year, but it must be unders'ood that this was altogether exclu- sive of the Short Service system which had, of course, not yet come into operation. Provision, last year, was made for 133,000 militia, but of those only about 113,000 had been actually raised. He was, however, extremely happy to say that the recruiting was going on most satisfactorily, that the standard and character of the recruits had of late materially improved, and it was hoped that, with the changes which would be soon effected, it would shortly be raised to the first force of 133,000, for which provision would be taken in these estimates. He then explained in full detail the steps taken to allow the interchange of officers between the Line and the Militia. Officers of the Militia would be required to qualify themselves for their commissions, and un- less recommended by general officers at the head of military districts for special services, all regimental officers would be superannuated at the age of 60 years. The yeomanry in which two small troops had been abolished, would this year amount to 15 119, against 15,432 last year. The first class Army Reserve he had already referred to. The Militia Reserve was taken at 25,000, making a total of the two Reserves of 35,000. The total, therefore, of the Reserve forces of the country at home would be, includ ing the Volunteers, 467,000, in addition to the regular forces at home and in the Colonies, but exclusive of India, which amounted to 146,500, and he was glad to be able to state with confidence that he saw no reason to doubt that this strength could be easily maintained by voluntary services. He then proceeded to explain the changes which been effected in the regimental system, and the course of promotion which had been already promul- gated in the Royal warrant. He also stated that he had taken especial care to diminish the expenses of the officers, especially of the subalterns. With respect to the Guards, who were not included in the Royal warrant, that force was to be regarded both as adding to the splendour and dignity of the Crown, as well as a most efficient and valuable branch of the Army. In the Guards, for the future, all the peculiar rank and privileges of the officers would be abolished, so that the officers of the guards, and the line would be interchanged on equal terms, but the officers commanding the battalions would each have the rank of colonel as being in constant attendance upon the sovereign. With respect to the artillery and the engineers it was necessary to pro- vide for a better system of promotion, especially in the artillery, and he trusted that the changes which he stated that he intended to introduce would be found to work'satisfactory. With respect to what had been done last year, the, Government had already brought more regiments from abroad, they had abolished purchases, esta- blished short services, and begun to create a reserve. The question they had now to consider was, how the different branches were to be amalgamated into one harmonious whole Having examined the merits of what was termed the localization of the forces, he pointed out that there were great difficulties in the way of literally carrying it out, especially as the population was|the most numerous in the North, whereas it was obviously essential that the great portion of the troops should be stationed 'I in the Southern countries, where they would be most readily available for offensive and still more for defensive pur-peses. His object was as far as feasible to localize the regular regiments in con- junction with the Militia and the Reserves in order that the two might be amalgamated. It is the desire of the Duke of Cambridge to localise brigades consisting of the two batallions of the line and two of the militia acting with, the voluuteers of the district. Far these territorial districts the recruiting would be similarly conducted, and the recruits for both would be trained at the central nepot. The right hon. gentleman then entered into minute detail with4respect to the formation of the districts, the strength of the battalions, companies & squadron the general instead of the particular enlistment of the men and the manner in which the officers would beinterchange- ab]e, having done this, they would have laid the foundation for an amalgamation of the Liue, the Militia, and the Volunteers, for which purpose both England and Ireland would be divided into distriots. Each having a common Depot or Centre, the general officers commands, wouid still remain over the districts to which he had referred with their permanent staff, and to each general officer's division there would be attached a Col. of Artillery in charge of the artillery force to be allotted to that division, the general officer being supreme over all the forces under his charge, it would not be possible to continue in this way the cavalry and the yeomanry, for the privates of the latter were a class not likely to enter into the line, but the officers of the latter would be allowed to retire on condision of joinining the yeomanry. The result would be that every regiment of the the Army, and every volunteer reserve battalion would be identified with some particular centre or local division, and it was hoped by this means the Militia, would be enabled to enter the Line, whilst further provision would be made for the better traintng of the reserve forces, all of which wouid be brought together under the command of able, and responsible officers. Facilities would by this means be afiorded for and calling out oj volunteers, and as the regulation for the qualification of the officers would be rigidly enfored, in a short time every officerof of the militia and the volunteers would be thoroughly effiqiezit, and as both their forces would in their separte local distrits partake of all the advan- tages of training with the regular army ,it would be plain that they were making an enormous "stride towards the efficiency of the whole force, and still greater addition to the defensive power of the country for the first time, the absurdities of the recruiting system would be abolished and under these circumstances the country would be relieved of the establishment and local charges for the Militia, &c. If the country establishments were suitable, the Government would purchase them; and if it was intended to provide suitable barracks, store- houses ,.and depots at centres of the new districts, which would be 66 in number, all of which would be avaiiable for the line and for the Militia Reserves and Volunteers, this would be a change for a permanent im- provement. He did not think it would be fair to defray it out of the annual estimates of the war to be paid by annual taxation of the country. It would therefore, be proposed to raise this sum by terminable annuities. In conclusion, he pointed out the enormous cost of the present system, its great waste of strength and efficiency; and contrasted it with the power and efficiency which might be expected from the combined forces, of which he had just given an outline. The whole of the active, the local, and the reserve, force would now, for the first time, be really Icalised under local command for the purposes of training. They would in each district have their local support, and, if any emergency arose, would becapable at any lime of beingccncentrated wilh ease and rapidity ample equipped and provided for anyduty which they may be called upon to perform. It was further intended to establish reserves of stores in each division, and to establish a training which would afford a practical school for the forces connected with that part of the kingdom. Having described in congratulatory terms the satisfactory results of the experimental campaign of last autumn. He bore testimony to the support he hadrceived in introducing these changes from the Duke of Cambridge. Lord Northbrook and the authorities of the Horse Guards, and he apologised for any deficiency and omissions which he had made in deseriblng the great change which would be effected in the military organization of the country, he did not say that it was perfect, but he did maintain thatit would give them some value for their money, and that it would conduce a smailer, but harmonious force, well disciplined and efficiently officered, and with its reserves capable of being readily expanded whenever a necessity arose. In conclusion, having a vote of 133,649 officers and men, exclusive of the forces in India, the right hon. gentleman sat down amidst cheers from both sides of the House. Sir J. PAKINGTON and Lord ELCHO congratulated the right hon. gentleman on the ability and clearness of his statement, which involved' such a variety of details* sug- gestion that time should be allowed for its consideration. Mr A. HERBERT denounced an excessive standing army, which he believed thecountry, especially the large towns would not tolerate. I After a brief general discussion chiefly consisting of requests for explanation on various points progress was reported..

SWANSEA. ROLLED IRON.—At the office of the Landore works may be seen at the present moment the thinnest iron paper ever yet rolled. Its superficial measurement is 8j inches by 6 inches, and weighs only 18 grains It was rolled by Mr. V. Francis, the foreman of the mills, out of the charcoal iron in general use at these works. This certainly speaks highly for the skill and the ability of Mr. Francis as a mechanic and roller. SWANSEA HOSPITAL.—An abstract of the resident Medical Officer's report to the weekly Board from Feb. 15th to the 22nd, 1872. In-door patients Remained by last report, 43 admitted since, 7; discharged—cured and relieved, 5; died, 0; remaining, 45. Out-door patients Remained by last report, 240; admitted since, 57 dis- charged—cured and relieved, 51; died, 0 remaining 246. Visited at home, 13, new 47. Medical officers for the year—President: Dr. Padley; Surgeon, Mr. J. G. Hall. Mr. Lloyd F.R.C.P.. London, resident Medical Officer. Committee who attended: Mr. S. S. H. Hor- man Fisher in the chair. Messrs. J. W. Clark, Samuel *1, al1 J J- J- (-'■ Scott, W. Stone, D. Williams, John Williams, James Goodall, and W. Jones. Sunday- religious services performed by the Rev. Thornley Smith and Mr. Carnell. Wednesday—Religious service per- formed by the Rev. W. Evans, St. Thomas BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The weekly meeting was held yesterday, Mr. Thomas Phillips in the chair. The main business was the discussion, and subsequent adop- tion, of a resolution to petition at once against a section of the Bill now pending in the Commons, transferring the Canal from the present company to the Great Western Railway Company. By a clause inserted in the Bill on its first introduction, the rating was reduced, from an actual valuation of the property, on a par with the agri- cultural rates of the district. As this was necessarily a great financial loss to the parish, an emendation was now sought for, and the guardians applied for a valuation according to the customary rule. A committee was also appointed to confer with the Great Western Railway Company upon the matter at large. The board held a protracted meeting, and closed by reviewing the relief lists. WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTE.—The eighth annual re- port and balance sheet of this institution has just been issued It appears from the report that the institute con- tinues to occupy its old quarters at the Ragged School, Back-street, and that its operations during the year have been generally successful. The committee, however, re- gret to announce that there has been a slight diminution in the amount of its annual income, which they hope will be compensated, by an increased number of Annual Sub- scribers during the forthcoming year. The thanks of the committee are recorded to the proprietors of several local journals for the gratuitous supply of their respective newspapers. Likewise to Mr. L. L. Dillwyn, M.P., Mr. Jas. C. Richardson, Mr. John Biddulph, and others for donations of books, &c., to the Library. The statement of accounts shows that the total receipts weret49 10s. 6d. After paying expenses there was a balance of cash in hand amounting to JE43 los lid.

LLANELLY. SHOP-LIFTING.—Mary Williams, the wife of James Williams, moulder, Felinfoel, was charged yesterday, before Mr. W. H. Fe-ill, with lifting quantities of drapery goods from the Anchor House and other dra- pers' shops in the town. She was remanded till Wednes- day next. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the usual fortnightly meet- ing of the Board of Guardians held on Thursday, a letter was read from the Local Board of Health, containing a copy of a resolution expressing the satisfaction of that Board with the steps being taken by the Board of Guardians with regard to vaccination and revaccination, especially of the inmates of houses wherein there may be small-pox patients and those of the surrounding houses. COUNTY COURT.-In the case of Mr Williams, Dany- bank, farmer, against Sir John Stepney, Bart., Llanelly, for the sum of iF60 damages, for the cutting down, by de- fendant, of a quantity of ornamental timber on a planta- tion near Danybank House, Judge Terrell gave judgment on Wednesday, and awarded £ 30 damages to the plaintiff. Notice of appeal has been filed.

NIFWCASTLE-EMLYN. FEMALE ORATORY.On Tuesday evening' the20tp inst., Miss Jones, "'Y Gymraes o Ganaan," delivered her in- teresting and descriptive lecture on "Palestine," at Ebenezer Independent chapel, with a simple, unaffected eloquence, which highly pleased her meagre though ap- preciating audience. Miss J ones has already forwarded £ 700, the proceeds of her frequent lectures, to the Canaan Mission Fund and is desirous to obtain another £ 300. This young lady deserves the sincerest thanks of her fellow-countrymen and all Christians for her disinterested labour in such an excellent cause. Dr. Thomas ably presided.

CARDIGAN. LECTURE.—On Wednesday evening, at the Guildhall, the Rev. T. Phillips, Penpark, delivered a lecture (in Welsh), in connection with the Mechanics' Institue, on Self Improvement." It is not mere conventional cour- tesy when we say, that the high enconiums passed on the lecture in an admirable address by the chairman, Mr. Hughes, were well earned by the ability of the lecturer. This lecture was the last of a series for this whiter.

ABERDAR.rl,. TRADE MOVEMENTS. Yesterday we mentioned the fact that repairs are going on at the Aberamaix work" as a sign of the state of trade. We now hear tha,t the Patent Fuel Works at Cwmbach, are being prepared for the resumption of work. PRESENTATION.—The friends of the Rev. J. P. Walters, have resolved to present him with a token of their esteem. An excellent painted photograph likeness of himself has been selected for the purpose, and is now to been at the shop of Mr. R. E. Jones. THE COLLIERS. Yesterday was the time appointed for the payment of the men on the advanced terms. In some of the works some misunderstanding seems to have arisen, for the men refused to work.

TREDEGAR. SANITARY MATTERS,—A correspondent calls attention to the lateness of the time at which the scavengers' carts collect the refuse placed outside the houses in various dis- tricts. Probably if the attention of the authorities was directed to the subject a change for the better would take place. SMALL-pox.-This disease has somewhat abated, but many deaths have already taken place. Among them we much regret to have to announce that of Mrs Harrhy, wife of Mr. Harrhy, of the Bank, which sad event took place on Monday last, and has thrown quite a gloom over the whole town. The universal respect in which this estimable la.'y was held by all classes finds suitable expression, at the present moment, in every dwelling in the town. The suddenness of her decease also adds additional sadness to the event. The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday), and was attended by the im- mediate relatives and friends of the family. Her remains was interred in the family vault at Bedwellty.

LLANCARFAN. THE SCHOOLS. The public will learn, with satisfaction, that the schools are now again in workiwg order, and that there is a prospect of more adequate provision being made for the accommodation of scholars.

BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY REPORT. The report of the directors to be submitted to the half-yearly meeting of the proprietors, shows the total receipts during the preceding half-year to have been £ 37,788 5s. lid., and in the half-year ending 31st December, 1870, £ 23,(328, an increase of £4,160 5s. lid. It further states that in common with other companies, the directors have conceded a considerable increase of wages to the Company's employes. Notwithstanding this, and a further charge of £521 9s. 7d. in respect of the Parliamentary proceedings in 1871, the expenditure on revenue account kas not exceeded t22,720 13s. 6d., against £ 20,663 10s. Id., being equal to 60 per cent. of the gn ss receipts, against 61 per cent. in the corre- sponding period of the previous year. The net result of the half-year's working is an available income of £ 15,067 12s. 5d. Interest and dividends have peen paid for the half-year at the rate of five per cent. on the Rent Charges and Rumney preference shares and debenture stock. The surplus remaining, after payment of the in- terest and dividends, is sufficient to provide for the payment of the Deferred warrants issued for the past half-year in respect of the Stocks B 1, B 2, B 3, B 4, B 5, B 6, and two-sevenths of B 7. A further length of 24 miles of line has been relaid, and the Locomotive and Wagon Stock have undergone heavy repairs, The amount now standing at the credit of Reserve' Fund, and available for further renewals, is X5,602 7s. 10d. The directors have contracted for a further supply of 500 tons of rails, which will permit of the renewal of a length of about 4t miles of line in the current year. The works required to accommodate the London and North-Western Company in Dowlais station are now in hand, but the cost of these will have to be defrayed by that company. Arrangements have now been completed with the Neath and Brecon Company under which their trains will immediately run into this company's pas. senger station at Brecon. Although the directors feel that the obstructions in the way of this company ob- taining free access to the important port of Cardiff can- not be long endured without renewed efforts to effect their removal, still, looking to the large expenditure which a Parliamentary contest involves, they have de- termined to postpone any application to Parliament, in the hope that amicable arrangements may be pcssible. The directors are pleased to be able to report that an arrangement has been come to with the Inspectors of the estate of the contractor under which shares to the amount of £ 103,900 will be returned to the company, and the company's claim on the estate will be ad- mitted for £ 40,000. The necessity for a larger supply of rolling stock, and the other requirements arising out of the increasing traffic render it indispensable that ar- rangements should forthwith be made to provide a further limited amount of capital. Already under the head of rolling stock alone monies to the extent of 910,000, provided for other purposes, have been diverted to supply these imperative demands. As the company, although in much improved credit, is unable to raise the capital required on any security other than a de- benture stock ranking before the B debenture stocks, the directors ask power to create from time to time, as may be necessary, with the sanction of the debenture stock holders, further A debenture stock of a second issue, to an amount not exceeding in the whole £ 50,000. ————

RHYMNEY RAILWAY MEETING. The half-yearly general meeting of this company was held on Tuesday at Wood's Hotel, Furnival's-inn, Holborn Mr. J. Boyle in the chair. The report stated that the traffic for the half-year ending the 31st of December last amounted to £ 38,518, and for the corresponding Half of 1878 to £ 33,969, an increase of £ 4,549. The balance of net revenue account, after appropriating £ 3,013 for interest at 6 per cent. on moneys paid in anticipation of calls, was E6,393, which would enable the dividend to be paid on the guaranteed, the 6 per cent., and the 5 per cent. preferential stocks, and the 5 per cent. pre- ferense shares, amounting together to 95,5971, leaving a balance of £796, which to the extent of £ 793, would be divided among the proprietors of the 6 per cent. pre- ference shares under the company's Acts of 1864 by way of dividends on calls paid. The joint line of the Lon- don and North Western -and Rbymney Railway Com- panies was opened for traffic on the 2nd of October last, and now formed an important line of communica- tion to a great part of England and Scotland. The works on the Taff Bargoed (Dowlais) lines, to be made jointly by the Great Western and this compnay, were in course of construction. The capital account to the 31st of December last showed that tl,002,202 had been ex- pended, leaving a balance against the account of £ 87,455. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said that the late meeting for raising zelOO,000 to pay off the liabilities of the company would not have been held if the exact state of the accounts had been known to the directors. Mr. AUSTEN seconded the resolution for the adoption of the report. Mr. E. WRIGHT said he considered that the late issue of the preference shares was most unfair to those who had subscribed for them, and hoped they would, at least, be placed on the same footing as other subscribers when the public was invited to subscribe for the shares of the new issue. Resolutions were passed adopting the report; authori- sing the directors to consolidate all the fully paid-up shares into stock of like denomination; re-electing Mr. J. Boyle and Mr. Gilliatt, the retiring directors, and also Mr. W. P. Stephensoii, the retiring auditor. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the pro- ceediugs.

THE AMERICAN PRESS ON THE ALABAMA CLAIMS. The American papers of the 8th, 9th, and 10th have been received, and contain many references to the Alabama question. The Washington correspondents of the New York papers, who are usually well informed on political topics, are full of the subject. Writing on the 7th, the correspondent of the New 1 ork Times says the position taken by gentlemen closely connected with the administra tion of the Government is that the British High Commis- sioners perfectly understood the views of the American HiglT Commissioners in the negotiation of the Treaty oi Washington, both from its terms and the assertions in th( protocol, and that therefore our Government is altogethei justified in presenting the claim as it has, claiming conse Huential damages. It is known that though the British Commissioners had full powers, they frequently corikulted their home Government, and acted in a°(r0.r,,1»nce with its wishes in all they did. It is o cially asserted that if the claim for consequeni damages "ad not been presented and was not to b< n0t thcTc might be a complaint by the people ° Ai6 States tllat provision was made for a partial settlement oi^y 0f fences between the twe countries Suciiclaim was, therefore, presented for a full settlement in the •^terest of pe&ce> an(1 to precIude future disputes. Theie is iu probability whatever that our Govern mentmll mthdivwar part °f its statement of the ca.se but will leave the B^ish Government to pursue its own course, or the T^unal of Arbitratio £ s to ac) in the premises accord to treat sti lations Two days later the same correspondent states that it is not tine thai anofhcm of Earl Granville, £ note has been received by c« le Generai Schenck'! telegram of Tuesday covers the noto uearly in full but as it was an unolficia. cip^. de atch sell< for the information or this «jrOveinuP11t +}.„ j of the official copy through Mr. Thornton be await(f(i before an answer is given. It is therefore u„truc tjlat reply has been prepared. A reply I. rea(}y spirit, because the feeling that there can u, no con. cession is so unanimous in the Cabinet that tjoeL not admit of the customaiy discussion of such s,kiects' There is one feature of the case known to some peopk which renders the situation remarkable. The contents, Earl Granville's note are known to be just as foreign totht- threatenings of Mr. Gladstone's speech and the British press, as the correspondence of this Government has fre- quently been to the wild ravings of the Fenian leaders ia Congress. There is not the slightest intimation that a disruption of the Conference must follow, nor even, all intimation that it would enhance the chance of a settle- ment, or relieve the situation of embarrassment, i1 this Government would withdraw the claims foi consequential damages. The subject of the note is the dif- ference of opinion which has arisen as to whether the sub mission of the indirect claims is fully covered by the treaty What may follow if this Government says, as it undoubtedly will, that it regards these claims fully submitted, is purely conjectural. The position assumed in these despatches ol Sunday night that the withdrawal of Great Britain would still leave the Conference a competent tribunal to try the case and render a verdict, is affirmed here by gentlemen ol high official position. Another despatch from Washington in the same papei says :-A gentleman of New York has addressed a pjivatg letter to a Senator, stating he has received intelligence frqm England to the effect that although the Tribunal of A-i-bi tration had not yet considered the respective statements, of Great Britain and the United States, the British Govern ment has reason to belike the arbitrators will not awarl a gross sum of damages to the United States therefcre Great Britain desires the American statement shall lbf amended or modified to meet the alternative of assessment of damages. The Tribune correspondent is less favourable to tht American view. He says: Senifor Sumner himself, tht foremost advocate of the claims, has no expectation that they will be admitted,—had no such expectation ei) before the present excitement arose. It is clear,' said a prominent official to-day, that the question of jurisdictioL over these claims must be decided by the arbitrators them- selves, and if Great Britain refuses to abide by their deci sion she commits a gross breach of faith. But for myself I have no hesitation in saying that ] never supposed the United States would see < penny of England's money for claims of thi^ sort.' When a man goes into court with an action for damages,' said a leading Republican Senator, he asks for all he wants, not merely all that he thinks he can get. He recounts all his wrongs, dilates upon all the direct and indirect conse. quences of the unlawful actions of the defendant, declaret that 100,000 dols., would not pay for all his losses and then is well satisfied if he get a verdict for 10,000 dols, So I think these consequential damages ought to go upon the record, to strengthen our general case and shew what we have really suffered. But nobody expects them to be paid.' Whether it was worth while to go through so much for the sake of getting so little (as the boy said when he came to the end of the alphabet) is a question which I shall not assume to answer. But the consequeneel to the Administration party are likely to be extremely un- fortunate. The case has been swollen to huge dimensions partly no doubt for the sake of political glory, for the Pre- sidential campaign is coming on, and a good big bill foi damages against John Bull would be a fine thing to shent to the country. But what if the President's advisers have overshot the mark ? I have learned that what they really expect to receive, after paying the claims 01 British subjects against the United States, is only 7,000,000 dols.-that is to say, just about the sum charged for naval expenditures in chasing the Confederate cruisers —the Alabama claims proper being counterbalanced, and the consequential damages disallowed. Suppose this award to be made in the midst of the campaign ? Fifteen hun- dred millions claimed; seven millions granted. There will be a chorus of denunciation throughout the disappointed country, to which the President may listen with conster- nation. It is not always wise to ask two hundred times as much as you expect to get." The New York Times thus comments on the question:— "So far as can be judged from the reports received of the debates in the House of Commons, the hopes entertained of a fair settlement of the Alabama claims must be laid aside for the present. It is certain that car Government neither can nor will abandon its interpretation of the treaty as to the presentation of claims and if the Br itisb Government refuses to concede this plain right—which has nothing to do with the justice, of the claims themselves- then the Geneva Arbitration must break down, and the most hopeful effort ever niade in the interest of peace and fair dealing between nations will prove a disastrous failure." The Tribune --ays: It is highly probable that all efforts to induce our Government to modify its case will fail. Even if the State Department felt that it had made a blun- der in the style and the arrangement of its statement, it is not probable that it will confess it. In any trouble which could result from the present misunderstanding, the Pre- sident and the Secretary know that they can rely on the patriotism and the prejudices of the country. The Boston Advertiser takes a different tone. If, at this late day, with all the light poured upon these questions, the United States has taken a miserable advantage of somj supposed ambiguity in the treaty, or has presented claims "preposterous" or insulting to a proud people, not Great Britain but ourselves will be the sufferers. If the censures which Parliament and people are indignantly launching against our Government were deserved, Chief Justice Cockburn and his associates might return to Geneva witt a confident and assured mind, for no tribunal deserving th< good opinion of the world would listen for a moment to the representations of a Government which h81 proved so treacherous and so unworthy. But it is not so The comprehensive language of the preamble cannot bi forgotten. It is not open to two constructions. By tha agreement it is the purpose of our Government and peopl< to abide; and they may with confidence appeal tram tb' passion which rules the hour to the sober juagmen and reason of a nation whose interest in an equitabl and peaceful adjustment is certainly as great as our own t,

PUBLIC COMMITTEES.—On Thursday-three of TH public committees of the House of Commons commence their sittings, namely, those appointed to inquire into tb present state of the Patent Laws, the Diplomatic so Consular Services, and East India Finance. The fin meetings were of a private character, the only busina being the appointment of chairmen and the -rangemm of the course of proceedings.

CARDIFF. SHORT TIME MOVEMENT.—The saddlers and harness- makers of Cardiff have agreed to adopt the nine hours' system on and after the 1st of March. COLONEL STUART paired with Mr. H. C. Wise in favour of Sir Roundell Palmer's .amendment on Monday night. We regret to hear that the hon. and gallant member was suffering from slight indisposition, and though present in the house that evening, was not able to remain until the division took place. FUNERAL^OF.A POLICEMAN.—Pryce Turner, a constable of the borough police force, who died on Monday morning last of consumption, was buried yesterday at the Old Cemetery. His body was followed to the grave by a large body of his old comrades of the borough police force, a body of the Bute Dock police, and a detachment of the county police force. The deceased was an active and intel- ligent officer, and was much respected by his brethren in the force, and by the public. NATURALISTS SOCIETY.—The monthly meeting of the members was held in the Grand Jury room of the Town Hall, Cardiff, on Thursday night. The weather unpro- pitious, as it has been to the society for sometime past, was the means of reducing the attendance to a few of the most devoted members, who was presided over by Mr. F. G. Evans Some useful papers were read, and an interesting series of microsopical specimens, illustrati ve of the striking lessons of vegetable physiology, were exhibi- ted by Mr. Franklen Evans. The business concluded by the election of several new members. DR. CORRY'S DIORAMA OF IRELAND.—Crowded houses every night have hitherto characterised the excellent entertainment presented to the Cardiff public at the Stuart Hall; but last night, we are sorry to say, when the proceeds were to be devoted to the Infirmary, the audience, owing, no doubt, to the unpleasantness of the weather, was not equal to that deserved by the character of the performance and the benevolent object in view. The Mayor of Cardiff was present, and so were a good many who braved the driving rain but the sum the In- firmary gains is not so large as Dr. Corry and his manager (Mr. Hodges) desired and expected. The magnificent paintings of this grand diorama gave great delight, and the accomplished pianist and the talented vocalists, in no way daunted by the thin house, excited frequent and admiring applause. SUSPECTED SUICIDE IN THE CANAL. -Yesterday morning at seven o'clock, the body of a woman was seen floating in the Glamorganshire canal, near the timber yard of Messrs. Watson. With some difficulty two men named Charles Wood and Thomas Rees brought the body to the bank, and as it was evident that life had been for some time extinct, it was removed to the dead-house. Later in the day the corpse was identified as Julia Rees, 37 years of age, who had lived in Nelson- street. The wwman was an unfortunate, and, like most of her wretched class, was addicted to drink. She, it is stated, several times, while under the influence of drink, had threatened to destroy herself, and it is suspected that in a fit of depression during the night of Wednesday, she determined to end her life of misery, and threw herself into the canal An inquest will be held to-day. SHIP DESERTION. At the Police court on Thursday, before Mr. J. Bird, Charles Prews and Ferdinard Mar- shall were chm-ged with deserting the ship Louis Rumber. The captain, R. Schroider, was called, and said that the prisoners signed articles for two years from last November. On Wednesday night last the two prisoners went ashore, and took their clothes with them, and they refused to go aboard avain. The excuse they made was, that the cook was not cooking the food properly. The magistrate thought that was no defence, and ordered the men to go aboard inimediately.-Aitotherinan, named George Pons- foreLwas also charged with leaving his ship after signing articles. The prisoner was remanded until to day (Friday) for further evidence,