Glamorgan Free Press

THE CARDIFF RAILWAYS BILL. RESOLUTION BY THE PONTYPRIDD DISTRICT COUNCIL. Mr James Roberts, referred at Tuesday's meet- ing of the Pontypridd School Board-Mr P. Gowan in the chair-to the Cardiff Railways' Bill and its failure to pass the committee of the Upper House. He was sure every one present regretted the rejection of the Bill, especially in view of the great improvements which the scheme, if carried out, would effect, and the ad- vantages which would accure to the Council and the public alike. Immense unprovements would I ,have been effected in dealing with the Council's I roads, and especially those roads which crossed the canal; whilst the opening up of a new in- dustry and new neighbourhood on the east side of the Taff Valley would prove an incalculable boon. He certainly thought the Council should pass a resolution asking the promoters to per- severe with their scheme and bring it on again in the next session of Parliament, and pledging the Council to give every support they possibly could. This was a matter of great importance to the people of this neighbourhood. The Chairman quite agreed with Mr Roberts, but did not know whether the Council could pledge themselves to support a Bill next year, as it was possible they might desire some clauses inserted and would find they had prejudiced their case by passing a resolution now. Mr Roberts explained that his suggestion was to pass a resolution subject to the Council being granted clauses something similar to those al- ready gained in the late Bill. Mr R. L. PhilTips thought the matter should be left alone until the Bill came before Parlia- ment next year, for fear the Council might re- quire some clauses inserted. The Chairman: I think it is the duty of the Council and town to support- Mr Roberts: Unless the local authorities move in the matter and strengthen their hands, the probability is that we shall not have a railway at all. The Chairman: If there is no danger at all I am quite agreeable. In the course of a further discussion Mr Spic- kett remarked that the Council would not pre- judice their case in any way by passing a resolu- tion. Mr Roberts thereupon moved a resolution to the effect that the Council urged the promoters of the Cardiff Railway scheme to persevere in furthering their Bill next year; that the Coun- cil regretted as a body that the Bill did not carry through both Houses this year- and that the Council considered it a matter of so much importance to their district that they were pre- pared to encourage the promoters in their fur- ther efforts towards gaining sanction for their line. Mr T. B. Evans seconded, and the motion was carried nem. con.

Should wives work?" is the "Telegraph's" annual summer excitement. Of course they should, and ninety-nine out of a hundred do. If husbands worked instead of loafing about, the world would be all the better. It is only when lovely woman stoops to folly that she ceases work. Then it is the husband's time to work and pay for the folly.

Conservatism in the Rhondda THE "SPLIT" AT FERNDALE. INTERVIEW WITH MR LITLEJOHNS. AN ECHO OF THB 1895 ELECTION. "A BALANCE-SHEET BOfiEY." Whilst on a visit to Ferndale one day ilii* week, writes a "Free Press" reporter, I hap- pened upon Mr John Littlejohns, that prominent figure in Rbondda Toryism; and in the course of our conversation a reference was made to the artic'o, which appeared in last week's istue of the free Press," disclosing tee a;po,lAnt 'split" in the ranks of Ferndale Conservatives. "In answer to the question directed to me with regard to my past silence," said the novel- ist, "permit me to say that I never make a practice either of washing linen in public or of noticing every Yahoo that may chance to cross my path." "But the public are anxious to know the truth of the matter, Mr Littlejohns." "Then you may tell them that ever since I ran foul of a powerful attempt that was made to prevent a contest in the Rhondda in 1895, an organised effort has been put forth to rain my political work in Ferndale." "By whom?" "By probably all those that were behind the plot of 1895, together with the willing toolr whom they have engaged." "What is the ostensible object of their inter- ference in the political affairs of Ferndale?" "Various excuses have been given. When- ever a whisper of discontent amongst a section of the members of the Ferndale Conservative Club was heard, the vultures have invariably acme here to spring upon their prey." "Have the members of the clubs been allowed access to the books and accounts of the club?" "Most certainly they have. The books were examined at the end of the first year of the club's existence by two auditors, who were ap- pointed by the members, then by Captain Hotch- kiss, chief Conservative agent for South Wales, then by the elected members of the committee, then by the members themselves at a general meeting, and lastly by a member and a public accountant from Pontypridd." "The balance-sheet cry is, therefore, only a bogey "It certainly is. If it were not, do you think that the club would have survived the organised effort that was made to braek it down ?Further, do you think that the men who have investiga- ted the books of the parent club would be allowed to examine the accounts of its rival? I ask the malcontents for a reply?" "What have you to say about the opposition meted out to Blaenllechau from a non-resident in the Eastern Division?" "The spite is so puerile that it is only worthy of the jackanapes who have planned it." "Have they been misled?" "Yes, by a mountebank whose ambition is only excelled by his want of mental perception." "What leading men have seceded from the u party in the Khondda. "The majority of those who attended associa- tion meetings prior to the election of 1895." "Have you severed your official connection with the party, Mr Littlejohns?" "I have so far as the Rhondda is concerned. It is impossible for any voluntary work of value to bo done when you are surrounëled by a swarm of bees ready to sting you." "But you are not surtendemig your advocacy of Conservative principles?" "Not on this side of the grave. Conservative principles are the unerring precursors of destiny, and are the only maxims that will establish the British Empire as the hub of the universe and the ideal of time." The conversation now drifted from the un- pleasant details of the "rift within the lute" to the more congenial subject of literature, and this led to my asking Mr LittlejohnB for infor- mation as to the book he is about to publish on tin subject of Disestablishment. Naturally, the author was enthusiastic on the matter, and in telling me that a copy of the book would be sent the "Free Press" for review, he confidently challenged the reviewer to "use the rapier and the whiplash unsparingly.

PONTYPRIDD COUNTY SCHOOL. RESULTS OF ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATION, JULY 1898. The following are candidates at this Centre who obtained the highest number of marks. Scholarships will be awarded according to the vacancies at the re-opening of the schools: — BOYS. No. of Marks. William Ford Scale, Hawthorn Board 378 Owen G. Jones, Trerobart Board 371 William D. Morgan, Hawthorn Board 350 Stanley Selway, Mill Street Board 349 Johnnie Jones, Llantwit Vardre Board 329 David T. Tanner, Cilfynydd Board 323 Moses Thomas2 Pontshonorton Board 317 Edward John Lewis, Caerphilly Board 306 David Wilkins, Hawthorn Board 305 John Jenkins, TafFs Well Board 301 Wilfred B. Williams, Llantwitfardre Bd. 296 Stephen Stephens, Pontsbonorton Board 295 Robert B. Rankin, Coedpenmaen 285 Ivor Bowen, Graig Board 285 Arthur Cool, Pontshonorton Board 283 Oswald M. Ellis, Coedponmaen Board 273 George H. Anthony, Taff's Well 271 Thomas Morgan, Treforest Board 269 Percy E. Bowden, Coedpenmaen Board 268 Samuel Jones, Hawthorn Board 266 Henry John, Hawthorn Board 266 GIRLS. No. of Marks. Cissy Phillips, Aber Mill Board 365 Clara Mabel Jones, Mill street Board 335 Harriett Jones, Pontshonorton Board 312 Ada M. Pimble, Pontshonorton Board 292 Dora M. Williams, Caerphilly Board 285 Annie Evans, Cilfynydd Board 284 Gertrude Severn, Treforest Board 279 Mary Jane Edwards, Llanfabon National 214 Mabel Morgan, Graig Board 268 Mary Jane Jones, Trerobart Board 264- Annie Wardjon, Caerphilly Board 263 Elizabeth Davies, Llantwitfardre Board 263 Olwen Jenkins, Graig Board 260 Maggie Pattison, Caerphilly Board 256 Sybil M. Hopkin, Mill Street 256 Mary M. Vowles, Nortonbridge 256 Olive L. M. Dorward, Graig Board 251 Sarah A. Jones, Llantwitfardre Board 251 Beatrice Coles, Hafod Board 249 Ann Jones, Pontshonorton Board 246 Margaret Jenkins, Glyntaff National 241 Lily M. Thomas, Mill street Board 239 Mary Curnow, Cilfynydd Board 237 Janet Bayley, Caerphilly Board 230 Esther A. Haddis, Hafod Board 230 j

Q PECIALITIRS, India Rubber Appliances, j I?n.-rn, k, li-%t and cheaT)esfl-Trlmnell; I 8, Mo'ra terrace, Car 'iff. 4252

STRANGE CAB ACCIDENT IN LEICESTER-SQUARE. A HORSE SUSPENDED IN AN AREA. On Friday afternoon, shortly after four o'clock, a very peculiar accident happened in Leicester- square. A hansom-cab had been left unattended by the driver, Henry Turner, when from some unexplained eause the horse took fright and bolted. It ran down the square at a great rate, and dashed into the railings of the Dental Hospital. The force was so great that the rail- ings, which are very strong and heavy, were smashed, and the animal fell over into the area below. The harness prevented it dropping quite to the ground, and for about an hour it hung suspended. In its struggles it thrust its head through one of the windows, inflicting severe cuts, while in its fall it sustained several wounds. Eventually a number of bystanders, with the aid of ropes, succeeded in hauling the horse out of the area, but it was found to be so badly injured that it had to be destroyed. When it bolted a young man was knocked down and taken to Charing Cross Hospital, but his injuries were not serious, and after being attended to he was allowed to leave.

THE ILL-DRESSED BARONET. Here is a perfectly true story which gives a new interpretation to George Herbert's saying, "All equal are within the Church's gate." A well-known Yorkshire baronet was at church last Sunday at the seaside, and went into the vestry after church and gave the vicar a sovereign, saying that the sidesman had not offered him the bag. On being spoken to by the vicar that official who was a labouring man, s, J pass a frowsy old man in an old cloak and frayed trousers, as I thought it would be no use to offer him the bag."

THE KAISER'S TELEGRAMS. Some intexesting details of the manner in 6 ni\merous telegrams which the German £ ^f f„ etid8 fly** ab°ut we prepared have « hy a Berlin corespondent. The mriwJ doeS not w^e his wises upon ordinary telegraph forms. Special papers of different sizes are prepared for him, some of them in small quarto, others in small folio. They all bear the superscription, Telegram of his Majesty the German Emperor." Some of the Imperial telegrams are written according to his Majesty's instructions, and signed by a gentle- man of his household, generally Herr von Lucanus. Other telegrams are subscribed by the Kaiser himself, and yet another category, and by no means a small one, are written in full and signed in the Monarch's own hand. When the Emperor is stopping in Berlin his wires are conveyed by a special aide-de-camp to the telegraph office which has been fitted up in the Imperial Palace, whence they are flashed to the Central Telegraph Office at Berlin. At the latter department separate books are kept in which not only the date and hour, but the address of every Imperial despatch is entered. At the end of every month the Palace authorities hand over to the chief office the originals of all the Emperor's telegrams. These are first checked, and after- wards deposited, together with the copies, in the archives of the post-office. According to the law of the Empire, the Emperor has the use of the German wires as his right. No charge what- ever can be made. The ex-Empress, as the widow of a reigning federal prince, enjoys the same privilege, and the like immunity is ex- tended to every federal prince of the Empire. The children and relations of the Emperor, as such, must. however, pay for their telegrams. When the Emperor sends a telegram abroad the German share of the fees is deducted from the charge made to his Majesty.

BICYCLE THIEVES. • At the Guildhall Police-court, on Saturday, Albert Prince, sixteen, and William Carey, six- were followed down the Viaduct stem into Famngdon-street, where they were apprehended. -Mr. James Prentice, manager to Mr. Starley, said it was a new bicycle, Talue £ l6, and neither of the lads had any right whatever to take it away.-Police-constable 176 ft said Carey had been convicted at the South London Sessions, and there were other convictions against him.— Detective-sergeant Rackley said nothing had been discovered against Prince. Mr. Alderman AUiston described it as an impudent robbery and sentenced Prince to two months' and Carey to. six months' hard labour.

A J.P.'s CARRIAGE ROBBED. At Bow-street Police-court, on Saturday, George Thompson, fifty-four, a man well-known to the police was charged before Mr. Lushngtoo with theft.— Hezekiah Ford, a coachman to Mr. Watson Surr, J.P., of Watersville House, Upper Hornsey-rise, said that on Friday afternoon he was on the box of his master's landau in Cbandos-street, waiting for his mistress, when he saw prisoner come up, put his hand in the landau, and run of with a parasol and a ring value 50B. Witnew shouted out: "Stop that man, he has got my things." A man stopped the prisoner, and handed* nim over to a policeman. Tlie prisoner said nothing.—The prisoner now pleaded guilty to the theft, and was sentenced to three months' hard labour.

BALLOONISTS' EXCITING ADVENTURE. An exciting incident occurred about seven the other night at East Putney. A captive balloon had broken loose, and with a long steel cable attached was drifting helplessly along, with the car occupied by four passengers. The car scraped the railway bridge crossing t.ie Chames, and then rising a little knocked against tlie roofs of the houses in Merivale- road, where futile attempts were made to secure the cable. The balloon suddenly rose to a great height, but near Wimbledon a descent was made in safety.

BLACK GAME SHOOTING. A Langholm correspondent telegraphs: Black game shooting opened on Saturday. The morn- ing was rather wet in the border district, and the damp heather made shooting heavy work. Unfortunately, for some years black game have been a diminishing quantity in the border counties, partly owing to the depredations of rooks, which are very prevalent in some localities and destroying game eggs. This year black game are a trifle better, and the birds are stong and healthy. Grouse continue well.

CHIPS OF NEWS. The business of the Public Health Congress was concluded at Dublin. The strike in the ironplate traie in Darlaston district has terminated. At Stroud, Eliza Gardner, fifty -one, died sud- denly in bed. The offertory boxes in Wycliff's famous church at Lutterworth were rifled." A youth, named Hawkins, was ilrowned in the River Medway at Gillingham on Saturday whilst bathing. Found drowned was the verdict at Bury in the case of Mary Ann Davis, who was found in Broad Oak Reservoir. Eight men were each fined £ 1 at Chesterfield I for absenting themselves from the Shirebrook Colliery. Lord and Lady Leigh, of Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwick, celebrated their golden wedding. At Pontefract, John Barratt, miner, was fined 45s. for a brutal assault on Ellen Breay. The moulders' dispute at Sheffield is settled, Is. advance a week being agreed to. William Martin, twenty-nine, was fined 20s. at Bristol for drunkenness and assaulting the police. Radcliffe August holidays commenced; factories and workshops closed till Wednesday. At Rochester, Dean Hole, whose dog escaped without his muzzle, was fined 12s. Martin Boyle was fined Is. and costs, at Roch- dale, for assaulting a police-constable, and 5s. and costs for drunkenness. Albert Lane was remanded at Hereford, charged with causing the death of Henry Ben- gough. Nathan Moss, bookmaker, was fined L20 and costs, or two months, at Buxton, for street betting. The crew of the Norwegian barque Titania, picked up off Newfoundland, was landed at Swansea. Patrick Curley was fined 41, at Northwich, for throwing a bottle and a brickbat at a police-constable. Catherine Micarron, an inmate of Monaghan Lunatic Asylum, hanged herself. John Parker, forty-four, a cab driver, living at Lambeth, fell and fractured several ribs on Saturday. He is now an inmate of St. Thomas's Hospital. Thomas Moore, forty-two, a carman, of Little Albany-street, Regent's Park, was unloading his van on Saturday when a case fell on him, and in falling he broke his leg. He was admitted to Westminster Hospital. Henry James Brown, thirty, of Garrin-road, Plough-road, Battersea, was removed to St. Thomas's Hospital, on Saturday, with injuries to his left knee-cap, the result of a fall from a tramcar near Vauxhall. Charles Sewell, nine, of Vineyard walk, Clerkenwell, was playing on top of a copper, on Saturday, when he slipped and fell into some boiling water. He was afterwards treated at the Royal Free Hospital for scalds to both legs and face. Albert Parrott, aged three years, was admitted to St. Thomas's Hospital on Saturday. While some children were swinging in Myatts-fields, Camberwell, Parrott fell and nearly severed his tongue. John Lock, forty, of Princes-street, Walworth, was cleaning windows at Beresford-street, New- ington, on Saturday, when he fell a distance of 12ft. and fractured his skull. His body now lies in Lambeth mortuary awaiting an inquest. Joseph Clark, eighteen, living at Great Dover- street, Borough, was thrown from his dickey on Saturday whilst crossing Southwark-street, and sustained concussion of the brain. He now lies in Guy's Hospital. Thomas Collins, sixty, of Marryen-street, Nile- street, Hoxton, sustained a fractured base of the skull, on Saturday. He is now in St. Bartholo- mew's Hospital. Tim Daley, sixteen, of Woodgate-street, Nine Elms-lane, was run over by a tramcar on Saturday night and had one foot crushed. He is now an in-patient at St. Thomas's Hospital. James Brock, fifty-four, of Cromrie-road, Brixton, was admitted, on Saturday, to St. Thomas's Hospital suffering from serious internal injuries caused by a fall of bricks. John Dockery, forty-three, a Customs officer, living at Elmhurst-road, Forest-gate, was run over in the City, on Saturday, and had his left ankle and wrist broken. He is an inmate of Guy's Hospital. Thomas Ridout, forty-nine, of Heath-road, Wandsworth-road, sustained a compound fracture of the right leg, on Saturday, whilst attempting to enter a guard's van in motion in the sorting siding at Herae-hill. He was admitted to St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Charles Harding, nineteen, van boy, of 27, Wakon-street, Chelsea, fell off the back of a van, on Saturday, in Piccadilly. He was treated at St. George's Hospital for injuries to his hand and head. Frederick George, twenty-nine, a potman, employed at an hotel at Walham-green, sustained injuries to his scalp, left arm, and leg, through a fall from a pair of steps, on Saturday. He received surgical treatment at the Queen's Jubilee Hospital. Alfred Smith, forty-two, a carman living at Wyndham-road, Camberwell, in the employ of a firm of mineral water manufacturers, was at King's Cross, on Saturday, removing a barrel of ginger beer from his van when it slipped and caught his right hand, crushing it on the wheel. At the Royal Free Hospital it was found that three fingers were so badly crushed that they had to be amputated. Late on Saturday night Robert Smith, fifty, of Skidmore-street,Whitechapel-road, was wheeling a barrow in the roadway when he was knocked down by a cart. He was taken to the London Hospital suffering from injuries to the head. Frederick William Carter, eleven, son of a lamp-lighter, of Kentish Town road, was drowned while fishing in Regent's Park Canal, off Great College-street, Camden Town. On Saturday two brothers, named John and Harold Richards, aged twelve and nine respec- tively, sons of a watchmaker and jeweller, were drowned whilst bathing in the River Ouse. Neither boy was able to swim. Princess Henry of Battenberg crossed from Osborne to Gosport in the Royal yacht Alberta on Saturday, and attended a meeting of the Sick Poor Nursing Society, of which H.R.H. is president. On Saturday night, while some bovs were making a large bonfire at Wandsworth, Arthur Evans, three, of Lavender-hill, Wandsworth, was pushed into the flames and fearfully burnt over face, leg, and back. He was rescued after great difficulty, and removed to St. Thomas's Hospital. An inquest was held at Tonbridge on Saturday on an unknown man taken from the Medway after the body had been in the water only a few hours. Deceased was well dressed, and in his pockets a silver-handled knife and a season ticket of a London steamship company, drawn in the name of A. Millis, were discovered. Verdict, found drowned. Three boys were crossing the Midland line at Stonebridge Park on Friday evening, when they were knocked down by an engine. George Cohen, seven, was killed on the spot, and John Chittington, eleven, was so terribly injured that he died in Willesden Cottage Hospital. The third lad, Charles Hillier, is not expected to recover. The special conference of the Miners' Federa- tion was resumed at Birmingham, on Saturday, Mr. B. Pickard, M.P., presiding. The conference resumed the discussion of the reports of the various counties and districts, and the proposal of the employers for dealing with the wages question. At the conclusion of the debate it was decided that the wages question be deferred until a further meeting with the coal owners bad been held. A vote of thanks to Mr. Pickard for presiding terminated the proceedings. Mary Ann Boyes hanged herself at Lythe, near Whitby. Verdict, suicide whilst temporarily insane. Mr. H. H. Asquith, M.P., was the principal speaker at a bazaar at St. Andrews, on behalf of a hall for the parish church. The body of Mr. Clark, who was drowned at Mundesley, Norfolk, on the 10th inst., was found at Bacton, about four miles down the coast. Traffic was delayed several hours at Birkenhead by an engine and three carriages on the L. and G. W. Joint Railway leaving the metals. During the steam trials of the French torpedo- boat No. 208, at Rochefort, a tube burst, killing three men. The Normandic on Saturday carried the first mail from the United States to Spain since the outbreak of the war. The first railway train n Alaska has now been started. It is over the White Pass and Yukon Railroad, a distance of twelve miles. According to intelligence fom Hot Springs, Arkansas, two small liotels h,»ve been burnt down. Six persons perished. Eight thieves have been arrested at Ceccano, Italy. They dressed themselves as carabineers, and under the pretext of having to search several houses plundered them of every article pf value on which they could lay their J.'ands.

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NOTES FROM PORTHCAWL. (BY "LONGSHOREMAN.") Once again has summer brought opportunities to visit the briny at Porthcawl. Unfortunately, owing to the strike, a good number of workmen who used to visit this bracing little watering place have lost the opportunity this year. So far there has been no casualty, and we shall not easily forget the gloom cast on the place last year when a visitor from Cilfynydd lost his life in the presence of his wife and children. There are many people from Rhondda and Pontypridd, and they have made for them- selves a name for their praiseworthy activity in making people happy. Mr J. W. John, Ponty- pridd, hath made himself a name for the enter- tainments he has provided on the College Green, over which he ably presided. Having such a "pretty wit," he made things hum; his racy sayings and hits causing "laughter to hold his aides." Not only that, but- he took advantage of the good humour of the visitors to get them to contribute towards the breakfast table of the Pontypridd destitute children, thus combining sympathy with humour. In this he was strongly supported by Councillor D. R. Evans, Ponty- pridd, and a goodly sum was collected. An- other gentleman who contributed largely to the entertainments was Mr Evans, Splott Villa, Graig, his recitation "The Ford" and "Sequah" being very highly appreciated. The weather has been deightful.anad when the high tide, aided by a strong southerly gale, took to playfully leaping over the lighthouse and pier, it brought hundreds of spectators. The huge rollers in front of the Esplanade were grand in their mighty power: upheaving in a mighty mass, and rushing forward with curling white crested waves, and dashing furiously against the walls, and on the strand, scatter- the spray in huge clouds, and bringing home to one the conviction how puny and impotent,after all, the physical strength of man is when con- tending against the giant forces of nature. Possibly man's great Godlike intefiigence some day or other may be able to tame the furious energy of the ocean, even as it has done the lightning to become the willing servant and 1 benefactor of man even in its fiercest moods. One thing strikes one: how little improvement has been made in the place for the comfort and accommodation of visitors. Unhappily, the in- ternal dissensions have prevented much being done, and we believe that if the district council apportioned a small sum—"a small sum," be it noted—annually in proportion to the ratable value of each district for a few improvements in such, each year, in a few years they would, on the principle of "many a mickle makes a muckle," be considerable, and add to the attrac- tions and comforts of Porthcawl. Among the suggestions for improvement we might mention the completion of the road to the sandy beach; more seats and a few shelters in the well-frequented spots; sign-boards with notices to secure more privacy for the ladies in their allotted bathing place; the planting of a ew trees in the main streets, and form some sort of boulevard. The greatest need of all, however, is a register of lodgings posted at the station. Surely, an annual payment of two shillings or half-a-crown from each of those with lodgings or apartments would make it worth while for some one to take it in hand. This would prevent great disappointment and needless and endless wanderings. Such a re- gister might give address and number of beds, bedrooms, and apartments to let. This ) would be a great boon. There are many other things that can be suggested, but which must be left for a future letter. In conclusion, let me say that the flower show was a complete success, and as the place at present is full of visitors the result was pleasant to promoters and visitors alike.

Sentence on Alderman David Morgaq. THE HOME SECRETARY'S REPLY. Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., has received a letter from the Home Secretary, in reply to a peti- tion for the remission of the sentence of two montt& hard labour passed on Alderman David Morgan, and that of one month passed on Charles B. Jones for intimidation, in connec- tion with the Welsh coal strike. The Home (Secretary regrets that he is unable to advise any remission of the sentences, but states should imprisonment prove hurtful to the health of the prisoners, the question will be reconsidered. The fbllowing is a copy of the letter received by Mr D. A. Thomas: "Whitehall, 18th August, 1898. "Sir,—With reference to the petition forwar- ded by you on behalf of David Morgan and Charles Jones, who were sentenced at the Glamorganshire Assizes on the '8th instant to two months' and one months' imprisonment re- spectively, for intimidation, I am directed by the secretary of State to say that, having given full and careful consideration to all the cir- cumstances of the case, he regrets that he finds no sufficient ground to justify him in advising Her Majesty to remit any part of the sentence. If imprisonment is found to be affecting injur- iously the liealth of either of the prisoners, the cam will, of course, be given further considera- tion. Morgan has not been put to hard labour,, but is being given such work as is suitable to his condition of body. I am, sir, your obedi- ient servant, "CHARLES S. MURDOCH. "D. A. Thomas, Esq., M.P."

Epps's COCOAINE.-Cocoa-Nib Extract. (Tea- like).-The choicest roasted nibs (broken up beans) of the natural Cocoa, on being subjected to powerful hydraulic pressure, give forth their excess of oil, leaving for use a finely flavoured powder—" Cocoaine," a product which, when prepared with boiling water, bap the consisted > of tea, of which it is now, with many, bene- ficially taking the place. It« active principle being a gentle nerve stimulant, suprJit. r. needed energy without unduly exciting the system. Sold only in labelled tins. If enable to obtain it of your tradesman, a tin wiH h' dent post free for nine stamps. "James Epps And Co., Ltd., CJjemitlbi, London." 3721

PONTYPRIDD DISTRICT COUNCIL. SELFISH MOUNTAIN ASH. The fortnightly meeting of the Pontypridd District Council was held on Tuesday, Mr P. Gcwan, J.P., in the chair. The attendance in- cluded Messrs James Roberts, H. M. Rowlands, W. Jones-Powell, W. H. Gronow, T. B. Evans, F. G. Edwards, Edward Williams, R. T. Rich- ards, R. L. Phillips, Hopkin Morgan, and Hugh Bramwell; with the clerk, Mr M. H. Grover. Mr Lewis, Hopkinstown, wrote m reference to some land required by the Council for public improvements. Mr Lewis did not agree to the Council's offer, and it was decided to serve him with notice to treat. Mr Tom Taylor, contractor, again wrote with reference to his claim of £ 7 7s lid for damage alleged to have been sustained by his property owing to the Council's negligence. He simply wanted fair compensation.—The letter was re- ferred to a committee. Mr Watkin Watkins, Tyfica Crescent, wrote asking for "reasonable compensation for actual lo,ss" sustained owing to water entering his house and destroying his carpets on the occasion of the severe storm on Thursday. The matter was referred to the Public Works Committee. Dr Shaw Lyttle, Cilfynydd, wrote a vigorous letter complaining of the deficient supply of water at Cilfynydd. Mr T. B. Evans, Mr Gronow, and Mr Roberts bore out the writer's complaint, and other members joined in con- demning both the supply and the quality of the water supplied throughout the district. It was afterwards decided to forward a copy of the let- ter to the Water Works Company, and to take samples of the water. Mr W. Davies, Springfield, Merthyr road, wrote objecting to claims made by the Council upon him for private street improvements. The first was for 23 18s 2d, representing work done at the rear of 19 and 20, Cilfynydd road, snd the second was for L6 10s 9d for improvements effected at the back of the Richard's Hotel. The matter was left to the Surveyor. A lengthy petition was received pointing out the injustice caused by the Council in granting licences to those people who ply for hire only on Thursdays and Saturdays, thus depriving the regular drivers from earning a decent living. The document was referred to the Carriages Committee. A letter was received from the Mountain Ash District Council stating they were not prepared to make a contributions towards the cost of the proposed bridge from Clydach to Cilfynydd. Several members strongly resented the atti- tude of the Mountain Ash Council, in face of the fact that the bridge would be of more bene- fit to their people than to the inhabitants of Cil- fynydd. It was decided to leave the matter in abeyance. The Surveyor approved of the plans of a schoolroom proposed to be erected by the Cal- vinistic Methodist denomination at Norton Bridge. The Clerk reported that he had advertised for loans for the High street and Berw road improvements, and had received several offers at 3 1-8 per cent. The Council could borrow from the Public Works Loan Comimssioners at 21 per cent., and it was decided to negotiate with that body. Very strong complaints were again made as to the unpleasant smeTls arising from the. sewer manholes, especially those in Gelliwastad, High- street, and Graigwen. The sanitary inspectors were directed to submit a report on the nui- sances. Inspector Rowland stated that not a single case of infectious disease had occurred in his district since the last meeting.—The only case reported by Inspector John was one of scarla- tina at Cilfynydd.

THE CYCLE AS A FOOL-KILLER. Amongst the.many examples of giving away a little insurance along with something else, we notice a pocket card-case with transparent panel for railway ticket, which carries with it for a whole year the following benefits guaranteed by the "General," of Perth: 4500 in case of li—fH by nccidoot to may public conveyance by fand Or water; £ 1 a week for ten weeks in case of disable- ment from such a cause; JB1 a week for five weeks in the case of a cycling accident. As the whole thing costs only a shilling and several profits have to be taken off, we do not suppose that the accident company can get more than fourpence out of a premium in respect of every holder, and the smal] weight thus put upon a constant risk is strong proof of the general safety of locomotion. The cycling accidents of which we read in every newspaper are so frequently due to gross neglect and stupidity that the bicycle is beginning to hold an important place in our social system as a "fool- killer," but this has not to be taken into account by the insurance company, for the average idiot who rushes down unknown hills without a brake and with his feet up has not sense enough tc buy and carry the protecting pocket-book.

FOUR ATTEMPTS AT SUICIDE. At Croydon Police-court, on Saturday, Walter Oliver, a tailor, aged twenty, of Patriarch-square, Mile End-road, was remanded on a rluuva nf attempting suicide by taking hydrochloric acid at Fair Green, Mitcham. The mother, a hospital nurse, said that the attempt was the fourth made by the accused, who, during the past four years, had been, from drink and debt, a source of great trouble to her.

SAVED THE EXPRESS. Mike had been sitting on the pile of ties near the water tank ever since the fast mail shot by in the early morning. Twice he had tried to slip under a car of one of the many passenger trains which pulled up at the tank. He was an adept at riding on the trucks, and in his two years as a tramp had travelled thousands of miles. The afternoon was well on toward evening, when the west bound limited express came around the curve, and the engine stopped under the huge goose-necked pipe which served to pass the water from the reservoir to the tank of the tender. Luck was with him this time. As soon as the hissing cylinders sent the first jets of white steam over the ditches Mike sprang from the ties, and in a second was flattened out on the platform between the mail car and the engine. For an hour the train sped over the smooth rails. Mike sat at ease on the steps, caring nothing for the hot cinders which rained down when the fireman fed his hungry charge with coal. Just as the train passed through a deep cut the engine-whistle gave two sharp blasts, and the grinding of the brake shoes on the wheels told Mike that the engineer had applied the air-brakes. I I Something's wrong," said Mike to himself, when he felt the car shiver and jump under the pressure of the powerful brakes. Ele's giving her all the air she'll stand." The train slowed up with jerks, and just as it came to a standstill Mike jumped from the steps and dived into a thick clump of bushes. He glanced towards the engine and saw on the track not fifty feet from the pilot a pile of ties on the rails. At the same instant he heard a pistol shot, and then from the bushes on either side of the track a score of men rushed towards the train. Two of them with revolvers in their hands sprang into the engine cab. The engineer seized a long-handled monkey wrench, and the fireman grasped an iron bar. but before they could use them they were shot down and thrown from the cab. Hoarse shouts and pistol shots mingled with the screams of women and the yells of men. Half a dozen of the train robbers attacked the heavy side doors of the express car, and others entered the passenger cars and sleepers with revolvers in their hands. The men who were trying to break down the door of the express car with a sledge hammer called to the messenger inside to open the door, but they received a shot from a rifle which sent a bullet through the heavy oak. It struck one of the robbers and he fell to the ground. Bring that dynamite!" shouted one of the men. Mike's heart seemed to rise in his throat, but he did not dare to leave the bushes. In a few minutes there was a loud report, and Mike saw that the door was- shattered. The messenger was struck down, and in a short time the train robbers bad rolled the express safe out of the car and carried it into the woods. All of this time the two men who shot the engineer and fireman remained on the engine cab. The engineer had fallen near Mike's hiding place. He was groaning with pain, and Mike crept up to him. Are you killed?" asked Mike. "I ain't no robber. I am a tramp, and was riding en the platform." "No," said the engineer. "I am not killed. I am shot through the arm, and I guess my leg is broken." Just then one of the robbers, who seemed to be the leader, cried out, 11 rhere, some of you fellows, throw those ties off the track." Get a good look at that fellow," whispered the engineer to Mike. Look at him good and hard, so you will know him again. Look at all of them. They flagged me in the cut and I had to stop." Mike singled out the leader, and mentally photographed every feature of his face, his clothing, and hat. By this time the ties were thrown into the ditch, and the leader, giving a shrill whistle, yelled to the two men ic the cab Give her steam ana jump." Do you know anything about an engine ? asked the engineer of Mike. Mike nodded. I know how to fire, and I know how to use the air," said he. Get on that train. Shut off steam and gi re her every bit of air." Mike darted from the bushes, and catching hold of the railing, swung himself to the lower step of the front platform. As he did this the two men in the engine sprang to the ground. One of them saw Mike. Come out of that," he cried, and with a .quick motion he levelled his revolver and fired. Mike felt something hot across his cheek and then his face, as though someone had drawn a red-hot iron across his skin. He put his hand to the place, and when he drew away it was covered with blood. The engine puffs were coming faster and faster, and the train was gathering speed rapidly. Mike swung himself out from the steps, and looked back and saw the two men disappearing in the woods. Then he clambered over the tender, and in a few minutes was in the cab. minutes was in the cab. The train was rushing along at full speed,' and the locomotive rocked and swayed like a boat in a storm. He looked at the steam gauge as soon as he reached the cab. It shewed 125 pounds of steam. Next he locked at the water glass and saw that there was plenty of water in the boiler. He seated himself on the green cushion which spread over the engineer's bench. The throttle- valve was wide open, and he pushed in the lever until the locomotive sensibly lost speed. Then he pulled the reversing lever back a few notches, and the huge engine was under control. He made up his nrind to run to the next town, and after a twenty-minute ride be could just see the smoke of a factory in the place. A shout behind him caused him to look back. He involuntarily lowered his head, for on the roof of the mail-car were two mail clerks, a brake- man, and the conductor of the train, each pointing a revolver towards his head. "Don't shoot," he ciied, "I am no train robber, I am only doing what the engineer told me to do." And he reached for the whistle corj and sounded the station whistle. In a few minutes all the men were in the cab, and Mike began setting the air brakes. He did it so well that the long train came to a full stop at the platform, and the passengers flocked out of the cars. The ergineer and fireiran were brought back I 'o the own, wlicre the debtor said neither was badly injured, and the next day Mike was taken to the office of the general of the road by the conductor of the train. Most of the train robbers were arrested, and when they were brought into court Mike was able to identify the leader and the t,o me who bad captured the engine. Soon after be was sent to school, and the railway company paid all the bills. [THE END.]

Sunday Drinking ill Rhondda Fach. Before the Stipendiary at the Porth Police Court on Thursday, James Howe, beer-dealer, Pontygwaith, was summoned for "that he on the 24th of July, on the Lord's Day, befcg a dealer, and above the age of fourteen years, did unlawfully do and exercise certain worldly labour, business, and work in his ordinary call- ing of beer dealer." He was also charged with committing a like offence on the following Sun- day—Mr James Phillips, solicitor, Pontypridd, defended. At the outset Mr Phillips asked the superintendent of police to produce his authority for prosecuting. Supt. Coles replied he had been authorised in writing by two magistrates. Mr James Phillips then contended that pro- ceedings must be taken within ten days of the alleged offence. The Stipendiary This was on the 24th of July. Mr Phillips: Yes. The summons war taken out on the 3rd of August. The prosecuticr. must take place within ten days. Mr Stockwood (deputy magistrates' clerk) stated that the first day was exclusive, and the last day inclusive. The proceedings were, there- fore, within ten days. The case was then proceeded with. P.C. Allridge stated that about 10.25 a.m. on Sunday, the 24th of last month, he saw two men go to James Howe's back premises, and in a few minutes they returned carrying a cask upon their shoulders into a wood near by. The men were followed by about a dozen others. The Stipendiary: What was in the cask?— I don't know. What was its size?—A four and a half gallon. Cross-examined by Mr Phillips, the witness said that he was about 500 yards away from the men. The defendant kept a greengrocery shop. and also followed his trade as a mason. He was in possession of a wholesale beer dealaw licence. Mr Phillips: You can't say what was in the cask, can you?—No. The Stipendiary: Greengrocers don't supply vegetables or cabbages in casks. (Laughter). Mr Phillips: No, sir, but it might contain vinegar. There were no further witnesses. Mr Phillips submitted that his client was not liable. His ordinary calling was a "mason," and not a beer-dealer. Under the Licensing Act of 1872, section 72, the law of closing did not apply to wholesale beer-dealers, their li- cence entitling them to sell all the year round. The Stipendiary: The police can't deal with him under that. Mr Phillips: It has been held that the Licens- ing Laws does not in any way prohibit whole- sale dealers to sell beer on Sunday. The Stipendiary remarked that proceedings were taken under the Lord's Day Act. He was ouite clear upon the matter, and perhaps it would be better for the defence to take the opinion of another court if they desired. Mr Phillips pleaded guilty to the second offence. The Stipendiary imposed & See of 6a in each case, and in reply to Mr Phillips said he was prepared to state a case.

A Bellringer's Extraordinary Change." ——— A few years back change-ringing was a popular art, and there are many societies of bellringprs in the country, one of the oldest being "The Ancient Society of College Youths A Peterborough Standard reporter recently int,rv,iew-d a member of this fraternity in the person of Mr. George Skeef, who resides at Hi H'f.y ard. Broad Bridge street. Peter- borough. Mr. Skeef has. been a ringer for sixteen years, and on Wyld- bore's Day, when the bells of S t. John rarig a ii,ecry peal, Mr Sited took his plncl" in the belfry and manipu- lated the 11 fourth" iri a change tha, occupied aD hour an.' t hi r tv. two minutes without a stop, in spite of the fa t that he had not touched a bell for ten months the wonder is that his funeral knell had not been tolled instead. To use Mr. Skeefs own words, "I bad got into such a state of healtn that I had to give it up. Owing to exhausti g night-work, I fell into a low, weak conditi and used to get up in the morning feeling m tired than when I went to bed. I gradually became worse, and was told it was co sumption." "Yes," interposed Mrs Skeel," he could I.. fit eat his meals, and used to spit up blood I thought I was going to lose him." V spent a great deal on diffemut medicine ■ continued Mr. Skeef, but got no relief. G. day my wife said that 1 had better trv i Williams' Pink Pills for Fale People :t, insisted on sending for some. After takv #• about a box and a half I felt much bett Now I have taken six boxes altogether Mid feel quite a changed man. Once the sw.t used to hail off me, but that ban goae off ai«; have put on half a stone in weight in r months. As for eating, I can sic down ai d tackle any food, and relish it too. It will be seen that Mr. Skeef was in j. critical state of health, and had he not resor, to the right remedy in time, the consequt t < r might have been fatal. Dr. Williams, I Pills saved his life, as they have sav thousands of others, for they act directly ci, t blood, and thus it is that they are so fam for the cure of indigestion, anaemia r sumption, rheumatism, scrofula, general'w. ness, and to restore pale and sallow eomnl»*i to the glow of health. They nerve and tonic, and thus have .mr many cases of paralysis, locomotor at^< ne,ur ?n; vvviT i ^nce' nervous b acl.e. Dr. Widiams link Pills are obtain* of ad cnemisis, and of Dr. Williams' Mcdii • o^d^a'hr n°.lborn-^i»«i«c% London, a or six boxes for 13. 9d hut ri.nkinp;rniy with -f" 1 narue' Dr illiaii, • i k I >sis for Pai0 pe0pie, priritvd miVl; tnt fii; wrapper.

There are plenty of folk about who are repu- ted to have a "bee in their bonnet." But the other day a number of them "swarmed" in lady's bonnet while she was in church. Th mistake was quite excusable, in view of th florioultural arrangements so fashionable jnsu now. The lady was not at all disturbed, bn4 calmly took the bonnet off, and turned b. attention once once more to the honeyed wor' of the preacher. At least, so the paper which relates the occurrence states. How fortunate a. mouse.