South Wales Daily News

LONDON LETTER. 4 (nOM 011B LONDON COBHESPONDENT. I ::«;PiL. SPECIALLT WIBED. pl. LONDON, Friday ^ight. INFLUENZA IN THE METROPOLIS The influenza, whose visit to London has In an unaccountable way been hitherto warded off, has now undoubtedly got a grip on the Metro- polis. Oddly enough, the first important demon- stration was at the Post Office, the place whereit began in Paris. Whether the disease is dis- seminated through the medium of the letter-pjst is a Question of acute interest to the community. The plague has also broken out in the police force, an increasing number of men, more particularly "t the East-end stations, being reported off duty. The resemblance to the case of Paris is further illustrated by an outbreak of the disease in one of the largest mercery establishments in London. I refrain from mentioning the name, though, at the present rate of depletion of the assistants, the Mcret cannot long remain hidden. A PEER AND HIS PAINTINGS. Not much has been heard ot the young .JEarl 01 Dudley since he was brought up at tpqÐlice- court, caught in the net with whicl^the detectives one Sunday night surrounded a West End Jlrambling hell. He now comes again to tiie front in two ways. He has put up the price of o*»l at ia collieries, and has begun to sell the galtery of pictures which his father collected, assisted by the gifts of natural taste and a lop", purse. One of the late peer's chiefest prizea. was Turner's Grand Canal, Venice." Mauy of the 'best judges agreed with the late Lord Dudley in Mteeming this very nearly the best Turner in existence. When Mr Cornelius Vanderbilt, the American millionaire, was in England last year be saw this picture, and greatly desired it. After long process of bargaining be has now acquired it, having, I hear, given 20,000 guineas for it. THE NEWER JOURNALISM. The Daily News opens the New Year with a feature likeiy to grow iu popularity. In a couple of columns under a bold heading, on the fifth page, it setm forth in paragraphs Morn- ing's News." is exactly what people want when they open their paper, and here it is pro- vided in convenient and accessible form. There are great possibilities with a couple of colamns like this, MR STEAD IN A DILEMMA. Among the items of news iu this novel depart- ment, which couies as near the London letter as the gravity of London morning newspapers is yet prepared for, it is mentioned that Messrs Long- mans and Mr Murray have both intimated to Mr Stead that they object to his proposal to akin the rream from their publications, and sell it for his own benefit in a magazine to be called Tna Review of Reviews." This is quite true, but it is not nearly half the truth; the fact is that- not only these two bouses, but all the principal pub- lishers of the magazines that Mr S(,eau proposed to deal with have taken the same course, and in a chillingly formal manner. When some weeks ago the project was ready to be started, Mr Stead set forth to call upon the various publishers, desiring to make them cognisant of his design, and showing a disposition to congratulate thsin upon the good fortune in store tor them., Ap- parently to bis surprise, the publishers one and all took quite a different view of the matter, and were not only not grateful to Mr Stead Tor bis pro- mised patronage, but bluntly informed him that if be appropriated their Roods he would be pro- ceeded against to the utmost rigour ot the law. What is to become of "The Review of Reviews under the circumstances? "OLD MASTERS" AT THE ROYAL ACADEMT. On Monday next will open what to some people is the choicest picture show of the year. It is the exhibition of the work of old masters at the Royal Academy, to the private view of which invitations are issued for to-morrow. The Ihow, I think, comes fully up to the average, which is so high that a point or two of falling oil would not be noticed. One wonders where, year after year, these treasures, bequeathed by painters dead and gone, can come from. Rembrandt does not bear such predomi- nance over his peers as he did last year, when a whole wall of the largest gallery was covered with his masterpieces but some of his very bast work is here. Notably the portrait of a lady, which has been lent by Lord Ashburtoo, Rembrandt, Fecit, 1641," is painted on the canvas but the kindly face of the lady, her beautiful hands, and her quaint dress look as full of life as they did nearly 250 years ago. Lord Ashburtou is a large contributor. The Queen, who has probably the best collection of Teniers in tbe world, sends some choice pictures. Teniers, it should be understood, is not her Majesty's iavourite painter, her personal taste running in favour of modern German painters and Mr Firth, whose mammoth masterpiece, "The Railway Station," is a cherished possession. It was the Georges—who, though not good for much else, knew a good picture when they saw it—who collected tbe Teniers gallery at Windsor Castle. Velasquez has the i iace in tbe large room last year glorified by Rembrandt, and is perhaps the only painter worthy to fill it. Romney is well represented, and so is Sir Joshua Reyuolds, who, in bis picture, "urslDg Love," painted in 1769, shows bow near be could at bis best come to older masters. ZOLA AT WORK. Zola has completed tbe manuscript of bis latest story, which, under the title "La Humaine," is now running in La Yie Populaire, He is preparing for his next contribution to the remarkable series of novels projected by him some years ago. His general schemes and the titlee of his successive novels were all laid out from the commencement. His next book is to be entitled «'L'Argent," and will deal in bis realistic manner with the mysteries of the bourse. Afterwards there is to be a romance called La Guerre," which will treat of the great- war ending in the capitulation of Sedan. This will complete the series of novels by which Zola pre- sents his views of every-day life. He intends thereafter to devote himself to the stage, bis busy brain having already adumbrated several dramas. "La Bite Humaine" promises, from the instal- ments already published, to equal any of his former works, in its sometimes repul- sive realism. The scene is laid in the last years of the Second Empire, and cheerfully opens with a murder in a railway carriage. In order to make himself master-of the actualities of life he describes, Zola madamany journeys by day and night travelling on aloco. motive and talking to the men. Not content, with this, he had in his study whilst writing acostly working model of a locomotive, specially ordered for the purpose of his work. A STRANGE MALADI. Mr Lawrence Barrett, tbe American tragedian, 13 shortly expected in London, en route for Ger- many, whither he is going in search of better health. A few months ago he left London for Nelf York, apparently in excellent health I and full of hope for a prosperous sea- son. Thia latter was abundantly realised, but in the very midst of his success he was stricken down by a curious disease. He has from time to time been troubled with a swelling of the glands of the throat, but there was little pain, and nOSh lerbance sufficient to interrupt his work. or Y after his arrival in America the swelling reappeared, growing to enormous pro- portions and dishgurmg him. In one of his parts he was able to wear a beard and helmet, which served to bide the dlstigurelnent. Buttbi, could not last long, and Lawrence Barrett; com- pelled to face the alternatives offeredbi by a specialist of medical or surgical treatmepfc, The former, he was told, would require tw^-yaws to run the latter would leave him free to issume his work within twelve months. The ttqfajtunate actor chose the latter; an operation wa*rsuccess- fully performed, and it is hoped that -quietly Bojourning at the German baths tbrctngfa the winter and summer, Mr Barrett will babble to reappear upon the stage in the late autumn.

MR STANLEY. I hear, says a London correspondent, that the preparations in connection with the reception to be offered to Stanley by the Royal Geographical Society are being pushed forward. It is jfxpected that some six thousand people will bfe accom- modated in the Albert-hall for the public meeting at which the distinguished traveller has promised to appear, and a great feature of ttfd "evening will be the enormous map, one hundred feet by eighty, which the draftsman of the society is now busily engaged in preparing to' illustrate Mr Stanley's route. The small committee to whom has been entrusted the Arrangements for the reception do not intend that t,lj""1>nquet shall be of a great public character. "They think that it would be mora agreeable to ASYwley to meet a small and select body of representative men, as he will no doubt be surfeited by large dinners of a more or less public character. The medals to be presented to Stanley and Emin are of gold, and very large silver replicas will ba pre- sented to the white officers who have crossed tbe continent with Stanley or have shared bis splendid exile with him, and the principal natives will have coppor replicas given to them to com- memorate their great journey. I

KAY'S COMPOUND, a demulcent anodyne expec- I torant for Coughs and Colds, 9|d, 13 £ d. Of all Chemists

ACCIDENT TO THE KING OF ITALY. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] rME, Friday Afternoon. -Early this morning King Humbert went to the Castle of Porziant, near this city, for a few hours' hunting. As he was riding home this forenoon his horse shied and threw his Majesty. Fortunately, the King was only slightly bruised, and was able to re- mount the animal, upon which he rode to the Quirinal Palace. On inquiry this afternoon his Majesty was reported to be in excellent health, and none the worse for his mishap.

DEATH OF AN EMINENT SCHOLAR. | REUTERS TELEGRAM.] BERLIN, Friday.—The death is announced from Jena of Professor Hase, the eminent theological and ecclesiastical historian. Deceased had en- tered his 90th year, having been born on August 25Lb, 1800.

MR BRADLAUGH. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] BOMBAY, Friday.—Mr Bradlaugh sailed for England to-day on the completion of his visit to India. His departure was witnessed by a large number of persons, and the hon. gentleman received an enthusiastic farewell from the natives who assembled on the Bunder.

INDISPOSITION OF M. DE LESSEPS. [CENTRAL NKWS TELEGRAM.] PARIS, Friday.—A rumour has been prevalent here that M. de Lesseps is dangerously ill. Enquiries, however, elicit the fact that, though the eminent engineer is indisposed, his illness is only light, and occasions no anxiety.

A NEWCASTLE TRAGEDY. Yesterday afternoon William Rowe, a shoe- maker, aged 40, gave himself into custody at Newcastle-on-Tyne, stating that he had killed a young woman with whom he had been living in Pine-street. The police, on entering the house, found the woman with her throat cut, and quite dead. Prisoner said he had lived happily with the woman until Christmas, when they had quar- relled, and they quarrelled again that day. They came from Manchester three months ago.

TRAGIC AFFAIR AT SHREWSBURY. MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF A CARDIFF LADY. HER NAME UNKNOWN. On Thursday night, about ten o'clock, a lady arrived at the Raven Hotel, Shrewsbury, and, complaining of illness, was at once shown to a bedroom, A doctor was sent for at once. The woman was apparently about forty years of age and dressed in deep mourning. The medical gentleman prescribed for her, and suggested that nurse be called in, but the lady objected to this, a saying that she preferred being alone. On Fri- day morning she appeared better, but about noon suddenly expired. It is stated ihat she refused to give her name and address, but in her pocket was found a railway ticket showing that she had come from Cardiff. The body now lies at the hotel awaiting identification. The deceased left behind her at the railway station some luggage, which will be examined by the police.

NEW YORK PRICES. [REUTER'S TICLIGRAM.1 NEW YORK, Friday.—Money tight. Stocks irregular duriug the mornin, but afterwards a firm tone set in, and the market became strong, remaining so till the close, when ihe best figures of the day were recorded. Cotton dull. Petro- leum firm, but quiet. Wheat dull, but steady. Flour firm and active. Corn firm and active. Sugar dull, but steady. Coffee quiet, but steady. Tiu firmer, but not much business. Iron firm. GOVERNMENT BOMOS AND JUAILWAY SHARKS quotations. Jan 3 Jan ? Call Money' U.S. u0». liouds a „ n r Ditto, other Securities ™ P'c Exchange ou Loudon /on" Ditto. Cable irauslers Exchange ou Paris, t>0 "ays'sigul Kxchaugt. on Berlin Ditto.. Four per Cent. U.S. Funded io<. SZ. a Western Union Xelecrapb Share.- RS. H? Canada Southern Shares rr* ?;? Canadian Pacific — Central ot New Jersey VJ, Central Pacific Shares. u,' Chicago ifc North-Western, Ord„ jj?, Chicago <fc.N. Western Preferred. 42 iai Uhicago, Milwaukie, and St. Paui 7QI ,Q; ilelaware, Lackawanu, <Sc Westeri) Denver dt Kio Grande Shares. lfci l7 Illinois Central Shares 117 117 Lake Shore <fc Michigan Southern 104| 1(Jli, Louisville «fc Nashville Shares 864 Vu Michigan Central Shares 94J 911! Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Hi iu New York Central & Hudson Kiver IU6 £ 5o7i New York, Lake Erie, & Western 26 26 Ditto. Second Mortgage Bonds Hil 100 New York, Ontario « Western,Ord 19j 194 Northern Pucitic, Common..31$39$ Northern Pacific, Preferred 7i 744 Norfolk Western Pref. Shares.. t02 b9j Ohio and Mississippi, Ord. Shares 22 <12 Oregon A Transcon. Common Sh. 341 331 p,unsylvanis and Philadelphia b311 b3 Philadelphia and lLeadingSbarelt 394 ,j8 St iouili Lt San Francisco First Pref 101 107 Ditto San Francisco Preference 38i 59 Ditto San Francisco Common.. l(,| 16 Union Paciifc Shares 68 67¡ Wabash, St. Louis, & Pacific. 161 Ibi Wabash, St. Louis, Ac., prel. Srs. sij 31 COTTON AND PRODUCE MARKET Cotton, day's receipts at U.S.ports b2,000 31,000 Cotton, day'sexport toGt. Brit'11. 13,000 13,000 Cotton day's expt. to Continents 15,000 11,000 Cotton futures, Feb. delivery 10.12 10.11 Cotton futures, Apr. delivery 10-28 10.0 Cotton,midalingupland New York lrl6 loyis Cotton middling New Orleans9il Petroleum, crude at New York 7.75 7.75 Petroleum, sta'dard white,N.York 7.50 7.60 Petroleum,st d white,Philadelphia 7.50 7.50 Petroleum,Pipe Line Certificates.. 103i 1('3J of Turpentine Wi Mi V Wllco*'« Spot fc-b M5 Lard futuroa.DecT delivery 10.46 10.46 Lard, Fairbanks. 7.96 7.95 Copper, Jan u 50 Tallow, Prime City 415-32 4*/16 Sugar, fair retining blusc,)vados 5 4, Corn, New mixed Western Spot.. 41 40J Corn futures Feb. F 39 jg Corn Futures Apl 392 391 Spring Wheat, JNo. 2, spot. 90 9u Wheat, red winter, on the spot.. 87 87i Wheat, delivery teb. 87(j Wheat, delivery Apr. 89 yg Coffee, fair Bio 193 19j Coffee, cood Bi° 19$19 £ Coffee, Bio, No. 7. Low Ord. Jan. j5-b5 15.50 Caffee, Ditto. Mar. delivery lb.80 13.65 Flour, ex. State Shipping brands 2 65-2.8o 2.65—2.85 Iron No. I Coltness 21.10 21.10 Tin, Australian 21.15 Freight Grain Liverpool steamer^ bd Kn<rht Grain steamer to London.. bd bd Freight CofoM (.) i,i»erpooi 7.30 7.30

THE AMERICAN WHEAT MARKET. Messrs Jones, Kennett, and Hopkins, of Leaden. hall Buildings, London, received the following cable. gram from New York on Friday niht; Wheat influence(t by United Kingdom advices, opened a shade dearer. There was no demand tor export, and receipts were on a moderate scale. Trade was dull generally, and operators lacked confidence. Prices fluctuated within about § of a cent, closing almost unchanged from yesterday. Purchases for export:— Wheat, — qi'S. corn, 15,000 qrs. Clearances (as pefsted to-day) from four Atlantic portsWbMt, 6,000 qrs; cw»» 18,000 «>s; flour, 21,WO barrels.

ALARMING SPREAD OF THE EPIDEMIC. WIDELY PREVALENT IN LONDON. TELEGRAPH.] LONDON, Friday Night. Thera is no longer room for doubt that the influenza epidemic has reached England. Not only the medical practitioners who attend the rich, but the hospital surgeons describe the symptoms as those of a new disease in this country, and corresponding to what has bdfen reported from abroad. There are, however, as yet no indications that the complaint is wide- spread or serious. At the Royal Free Hospital in Gray's Inn-road there have been during the last ten days a few cases treated daily. The person affected are out-patients, and their number has gradually increased until they now average a dozen or fifteen each morning. Bartholomew's Hospital has also had a few cases under treatment daily. At the Central Telegraph Office many employes are absent through attacks of influenza, but none of the cases, so far as can be ascertained, are of the severe kind reported from the Continent. On the 1st of January the number of males absent from the head office was 100, and from- outlying offices 20, and theree also 54 female absentees, making a total of 174-. On the follow ing day the total had increased to 196. The usual number of absentee'! on the sick list is 40 males and 25 females. The increase in the num- ber of cases is attributed by the medical officer to the prevalence of an epidemie of influenza; but although the cases require prompt treatment and nussiug, they are not of a serions character, and have been unattended by complications. Within the last few days there has been an extraordinary increase in the number of cases of sickness among employéi of the Postal Department, both at the bead office and at various branches throughout London. Taking the whole of London and suburbs, there are now 400 more absences through sickness than is usual, the average normal number being 250 or 300. At the bead office alone there are 200 extra cases ot sickness. This large increase is said to be mainly due to influenza, colds, and sore throats. Iufluenza, however, is of a mild type, and need excite no alarm. These are all the cases known out of an established staff of 12,000 people. It must be borne in mind that postal employes are subject to complaints of this nature at this season, when they have a great deal of extra work to perform, and are exposed to sudden changes of temperature. The employes who were ill at Faddington a week ago have nearly all recovered. The work of the postal department will be carried on without inter- ruption. With reference to a report that a number of Lascars employed on P. and O. steamers in the Royal Albert Docks were suffering from in- fluenza, and that part of the boats bad to be con- verted into hospitals, it has been ascertained from the managers of the company that owing to tbe cold weather nearly every person in the docks was suffering from a cold. It was pointed ouf that at this time of the year the company bad to pay careful attention to tbe lascars who. ordinarily living in a temperature of 70 degrees, are soon seized with cold weather. Every winter while in the Royal Albert Docks the lasears bave to be well wrapped up and looked after, and the company attribute ths present illness of the men to the effects of a cold, and not to what is known as the epidemic of influenza. This afternoon a Press Association reporter interviewed Dr Steele, the superintendent of Guy's Hospital, and was informed that several members of the staff are suffering from an acute form of influenza. The patieuts comprise six nurses and four of the students, and from the outside there are now in the wards of the hospital live of the new hands of the South Metropolitan Gas Company. These men were accepted as in-patients at the urgent request of their employers. During the past few days maoy persons from all parts of the borough have applied for admission, but have been treated as out-patients. Iu the majority of the latter cases the symptoms presented were not of a very serious nature, With regard to the members of the hospital staff now uudor treat- ment, the symptoms of illness in students and nurses alike are in the main analogous. There ia fever, loss of appetite, facial and frontal head- ache, general depression, and languor; and Dr Steel notices also what appears to be a marked feature in this epidemic, namely, pains in the back and loins. Such a development as pneumonia is possible, but is not anticipated. In the cases at Guy's the staff are of opinion that the influenza which they are treating is that form of the disease which has occasioned such a high rate of mortality at Paris and Vienna. At St. Thomas's Hospital, Westminster, thirty cases, presenting distinct symptoms of iufluenza, have come under the notice of Mr Hamkin, the resident physician, within the last day or two; and, in addition to these out-patients, the nursing and medical staff are affected, Dr Hamkin himself being one of the sufferers. At St George's Hospital the cases received have numbered about half a dozen, and one member of the medical staff is under treatment. The secretary states that some of tbe cases are of a very alarming type, but the physicians have within the past week jhad to give attention to large numberssutferingfrom catarrhal affections. An Oxford correspondent states that influenza has appeared there, and the local doctors have several cases of a more or less serious character under their care. Influenza has broken out in Colchester Camp and barracks, and a great number of soldiers have been admitted to tbe hospital. Out of 345 inmates of one of Dr Barnardo's homes for waifs and strays in the Eist End of London, 145 are reported to be down with influenza. Some of the medical assistants have also been affected, and also the clerical staff. A number of guards and porters on the under- ground railway are down with the disease, and scores of constables in the metropolitan force are on the stock lists. A large percentage of these cases are, curiously enough, stalwart young fellows from tbe country, who have only just joined the force under the new augmentation scheme. In the A division several constables ot tine physique have died of pleurisy or rheumatic fever following upon severe infiuenza. There is a serious development of the influenza epidemic in Birmint,*jam, Many hundreds of commercial men, clerks, and shop assistants are temporarily incapacited, causing the greatest jn convenience. The barristers and solicitors who are attending the Birmingham Quarter Sessions are all more or less suffering from the affliction, and quite a scene was presented yesterday by the frequent attacks of sneezing and coughing in court. Influenza has broken out in several large estab- lishments in Dublin. At the General Post-office some of the telegraph clerks, 57 letter sorters, 14 postmen, and 21 telegraph messengers are ill. The Russian influenza has broken out amongst the soldiers in Colchester Camp. Between 50 and 60 cases were admitted into the military hospital yesterday, and all the medical staff corps on leave have been telegraphed for. The hospital is so full that special beds are being made up in the cavalry barracks. A correspondent at Hatfield telegraphs on Friday morning Lord Salisbury's condition was much improved. His lordship rose early, but be is still confined to his bedroom. He is able to transact preslling business. Throughout to-day his lordship continued to make favourable pro- gress. Numerous letters and telegrams continue to be received requesting information as to the health of his lordship. It is rumoured that Lord Salisbury is not the only member of the Cabinet who is suffering from influenza. Mrs Bancroft and Mrs Bernard Beers are prostrated by the influenza. Mr Charles Coborn is also one of the victims, and is unable for the moment to fulfil his engagements in the panto- mime at Her Majesty's Theatre and at the London Pavilion. From Paris it is reported that Lord Lytton, his son. Lord Knebwortb, and his daughter. Lady Betty Balfour, are now laid up with influenza, and the Russian Ambassador, Baron Mobren- heim, is suffering from a severe attack. The Queen of Saxony was prevented from attending the congratulation ceremony in Dresden by an attack of influenza. The Countess de Launay, the wife of the Italian Ambassador at Berlin, is suffering rather severely from the same complaint. The majority of the medical men of Wimble- don have several patients suffering from the Continental influenza. In one case it is stated that the infection was brought in a parcel which came through the post from Paris. IRKUTSK'S TELEGRAM. J TORONTO, Friday.—A long spell of mild weather, accompanied by continued heavy rain, such as has never been known before in Canada, bas been experienced this season, and many per- sods are in consequence suffering from cold. In- fluenza also is generally prevalent throughout the country, but doctors in Ontario doubt whether it is of the same character as the epidemic now passing over the European con- tinent. Forty cases ara reported from Quebec, and a larger number from Montreal. 111 these two places the epidemic is spreading rapidly, and is declared to be the true Russian influenza, but it manifests itself in a very mild: form, and no sesious cases are reported. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM. 1 PARIS, Friday.—Tbe Municipal Council, ot Faria bave received considerable sums of money for the relief of the poor sufferers by the influenza epidemic, in addition to Baron Rothschild's munificent gift of one hundred thousand francs.

A ffiiDICAL JOURNAL'S ) g OPINION. It appe^ri(tbat the dreaded epidemic has begun to make itsftlifelt on our shores, tbe recent rapid thaws an<ft £ avy fogs having been eminently favourabfShfQ the development of the disease. Although the disease is really more a source of annoyance Wan productive of actual danger, it should not'toe treated lightly but a due regard to the orcU6ry precautions of rest and remedy would be repaid by lessening the risk of complicates and hastening a speedy restoration to health, —riiawcei.

fo;, D' THEidJAD CALAMITY IN W LONDON. SYMPATHETIC LETTER FROM THE KING OF THE BELGIANS. The King-of the Belgians has sent the following telegram to? the Lord Mayor in response to a message of, sympathy on the destruction of the Castle of Laeken :— "I am deeply thankful to your lordship for your telegram of yesterday, expressing your sympathy, ard that of the citizens of London, for the destruction by fire of the Castle of Laeken, where I mose than once bad the great pleasure of receiving several of your predecessors in your high office, Snd distinguished officials of the city of London. The Queen of the Belgians and I have been grieved beyond expression by the news of the terrible fire at Forest Gate, and the loss of 26 lives. We greatly lament the death of so many poor boys, and warmly feel for all those cast into mourning by the terrible catastrophe.— LEOPOLD."

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE. At a meeticg. of the Cardiff Waterworks Committee, Mr F. J. Beavan said he wished to call the attention of the committee to a subject which he considered of considerable importance, espe- cially in view of the recent fire at Forest-gate. The Workhouse Visiting Committee bad had Mr Geen to inspect the means of putting out a tire, and be had reported that the supply was controlled by a stop-cock which could not be turned without application to the water- works office. The waterworks engineer (Mr Williams) said be knew of no stop-cock there. In view of the possible impor- tance of the matter in the event of a conflagration, lie was requested to go there and inspect the fire extinguishing appliances, and means to make a similar examination at Ely Schools.

DARING ESCAPE OF PRISONERS. ESCAPING FROM A PRISON VAN, At the rising of the sheriff's court in Glasgow County Buildings yesterday afternoon, the officials proceeded to place the prisoners in the prison van outside. The constable in charge of the van, having placed four men inside, entered himself for the purpose of sorting ".them. The four prisoners at once seized him, shoved bim in a corner, and endeavoured to escape. The struggle, however, was witnessed by a sheriff's officer and a second constable, who shut the van door upon the prisoners and the con- stable, and drove off to the Central Police- station. The officer was then released, and his assailants secured. The man returned to the county, buildings, about a quarter of a mile away, and there received 20 other prisoners. The van was then driven to the Glasgow prison, but on arriving there it was found that the flooring of one of the four compartments had been ripped up, and that four of the prisoners had escaped by dropping on to the roadway. The fugitives are well-known housebreakers, and the police are now scouring the city in search of them. A later telegram says :-One of the four pri- soners who escaped through the floor of the Glasgow prisoners' van has been recaptured. His name is Alexander McDonald, aged 19. He is accused of theft. There are three convictions against him. The three others are not captured. They are John Stevenson, aged 21, four times convicted; George Cbilds, aged 19, three times convicted and James McKenzle, aged 20. These were the four men whose first attempt to escape was frustrated. The constable in charge of the van does not know when they afterwards escaped.

THE STRIKE OF GAS WORKERS. REMARKABLE SHOOTING AFFRAY. On Friday afternoon, Charles Higgins, a coloured man, who was discharged from the Bankside Station of the South Metro- politan Gasworks, after working three shifts, bad an altercation with some men employed at Mr Samuel Isaac's iron wharf. Higgins, getting excited, drew a revolver, and flourished it in a threatening manner. A lighter- man called upon him to put the weapon down, but Higgins refused, and eventually discharged the pistol. The bullet passed througii the lower part of the lighterman's waistcoat, and caused a somewhat severe wound. Higgins ran away, but was stopped by two policemen after crossing the Southwark Bridge. Later in the day he was brought before the magistrate at Soutbwark police-court, and remanded. Higgins asserted that he drew the revolver in self-defence.

SAD DEATH OF A CLERGYMAN. Yesterday the Rev Francis Holland Adams, a retired clergyman, about 65 years old, lost his life under very distressing circumstances. Between nine and ten o'clock in the morning the servant of the house where the deceased resided, with bis wife and four children, heard the report of a gun close by, and on entering the conservatory adjoining the house she saw the deceased on the flour with his brains blown out. A double- barrelled gun, one barrel of which bad been discharged, was lying by his side, and Mr Adams was quite dead. Whether the occurrence was the result of an accident or design has yet to be ascertained.

ADJUDICATIONS, &c. [FROM lDAY NIGHT'S LONDON GAZETTE."] PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED. John WaHfe °Davies and Francis William Stubbs, trading Wallis Davies and Stubbs, at Colwyn Bay and Abergele, Denbighshire, solicitors, end partnership) ^Bankruptcy Act, 1883, RECEIVING ORDERS. Harry Gruzelier Trevellick, Agincourt-roid, Hamp. stead, Middlesex, lately residing at Cardiff, gentle- man, out of business. Philip Owen, Old-road, Skewen, near Neatb, boot and shoe dealer and engine-driver. William JanM, Water-street, Pembroke Dock, builder,.contractor, and wheelwright. Thomas Daw?. Liverpool House, Ferndale, Glamor- ganshireTelwcer. Alban Park-street, Treforest, Glamorgan- shire, gwb#dfl. FIRS'" kftTING AND DATE OF PUBLIC n IS. F-KAMINATION. William Bfey#? Thomas-street, Merthyr Tydfil, draper. 0 First Jan. 10th, at noon, at the Official Receivej&s iMertbyr Tydfil. Public examination, Jan. lStfa-^tfiS p.m., at the Court House, Merthyr. ADJUDICATIONS. Philip Owen, Old-road. Skewen, near Neath, boot and shoe dealet and engine-driver. Alban PMtlin;; Park-street, Treforest, Glamorgan- shire, gTCTCCTT 1 =-

COAL TRADE CRISIS. SLIDING- SCALE REVISION. THE HITCH IN NEGOTIATIONS THE POSITION OF THE MASTERS. ATTITUDE OF OCEAN MINERS PROPOSED CO-OPERATION WITH ENGLISH MINERS. IMPORTANT STATEMENTS. A representative of this journal, who has been favoured with the opinions of gentlemen compe- tent to speak upon the masters' side in tbe wages controversy, has gathered statements which go to sustain an assertion that the employers have gone as far as they possibly can go in endeavours to meet the demands of the men. It is urged that the men look only to the selling price of coal, and base all their argument upon that one item, and that they fail to take into account the very heavy increase in general expenditure which a period of trade prosperity induces. All the working expenses other than wages become greater-pit, wood, horse-keep, stores of all kind, and every other item; whilst at the same time, because of a diminution of produce per man, the proportionate cost of getting every ton of coal is considerably raised. There can be no question that, on the omployerb' side a determination to resist what are deemed excessive demands is in full power, and that it derives its strength not from any mere unwillingness to give what is asked, but from a conviction that any further concession would be fatal. The facts ascertained—and which are un, avoidably held over till our next issue—are sub- ject matter for very serious consideration. 1£ the employers have really to elect between conditions which will go a long way to render their property worthless or a stoppage, it reduces tbe margin of choice between two evils to such narrow limits as to render a trial of strength all the more probable. On Friday a Soulh Wales Daily News represen- tative called upon a number ot the Ocean Com- pany's miners in order to elicit, if possible, the rea- son why they as a body—numbering considerably more than 7,000 men—deemed it prudent to en- tertain the idea of separating from their fellow- miners in South Wales and Monmouthshire on the question of the revised scale. That this is so is evident by the fact that a mass meeting of the Ocean men is called for Monday next at Pentre, Rhondda Valley, to consider what course should be adopted. The following report of an inter- view with one of the most intelligent of colliers will therefore prove of iuterest. Our representa- tive asked :— In view of the fact that there will be held a conference ot delegates of the South Wales and Monmouthshire miners at Aberdare on Monday next, will the Ocean workmen persist in holding their mass meeting on that day ?—Yes, I think so. But why is it necessary that the Ocean men should take independent action in this matter ? Have you any grievances peculiarly your own?— Yes, several, though I have no time just at this moment to enumerate them. I may tell you that we as a body of "workmen thoroughly disagreed with the decision come to at the last conference at Aberdare. What decision do you refer to?—Wei), more particularly the resolution in favour of making another attempt to get the employers to agree to our revised scale, and giving our representa- tives on tbe revision committee full powers to act.. Not because we are on prin- ciple opposed to the granting of such powers, but because we were of opinion that every offer that we could have honourably made had been already rejected, and that it would be useless to further prolong the negotiations. That we were right has now been demonstrated. Can you give me an idea of what resolution your mass meeting is likely to pass ?—Well, I bad rather not; but the principal question we shall discuss will be the desirableness of joining the Northumberland miners—in other words, a co-operation with the National Federation of Miners. And, in the event of your deciding upon such a course, you will go in for the 10 per cent. advance in wages, as agreed upon at the Newport confer- ence ?—Yes that, I believe, is the general feeliog of the Ocean men. Then that necessarily involves your abandoning the bare idea of formulating a scale?—Yes, that is so. But why should you adopt what appears on the face of it to be rather an extreme course ot action 7-Why, because we have failed in our endeavours to get a scale that will satisfy us. But you had resolved to call a mass meeting even before you bad known what would be the issue of last week's conference between your representatives and the employers ?—Yes. Well, doesn't that indicate a rather hasty action on your part ? I take it that bad the em- ployers agreed to the draft scale, you would have been satisfied, and no mass meeting would have been necessary V—Well, I am not responsible for any conclusions ycu may arrive at, but the fact is that the Ocean men are not satisfied with the draft ecale even as drawn out by tbe workmen themselves. We are not satisfied with its basis, for we have found"- out that even bad it been adopted, we, as miners of South Wales and Monmouthshire, would have bene- fitted only to the extent ot 3 per cent., whereas what we want is a scale that will better us to the extent of 10 per cent. At first we were under the impressiou that the draft scale would benefit as to the extent of 10 or even 15 per cent., but we have recently found out that that is not ao. In saying this do you take into calculation the benefits that would accrue to you by the adoption of the clauses giving payment fur small coal and providing for weekly payment of wages, and the reduction of the hours of labour ? If my memory serves me, Mr Abraham, M.P., pointed out at tbe Aberdare conference that those amendments, if agreed to, would be equivalent to an advance of from 15 to 20 per cent, in the men's earnings.— No doubt that would be so, but I do not take that into calculation, for there is not the slightest probability that the employers will agree to those amendments. You must also bear in mind that at a mass meeting of the Ocean men some time ago a resolution was passed emphatically declaring that no scale should be accepted which did not provide for payment for small coal. What we want is a scale which will give us 10 per cent, better wages on the standard alone. The employers have already suggested that the standard should be fixed at 7s 81 to 7s lOd, instead of at 7s 101 to 8% and have even gone so far as to say that on certain conditions they would accept clause 10 of the revised scale, which provides that the wages shall be advanced or reduced by additions or reductions of H per cent. upon the standard wage rates for every change of 1 per ton in the average selling price of coal? What do you say to that?—Well, the employers have not specifically declared that they are ready to grant us that, except on condi- tion that we abandon other clauses, which of course we cannot think of. But, supposing that the standard should be fixed at 18 ad to 7s 10J, and that we were allowed 1C per cent. on every advance of Is in the selling price of coal, with a corresponding reduction, what I say is this—that, in the event of a reaction in the market, we would feel the downward movement with such a force as to create general dissatisfaction among the men. In fact, I ,believe we would ieel tbe results of a downward tendency of the market before we should have reaped any beoefit from "the present upward tendency. Tbe employers will benefit from the downward tendency before we can reap any benefit. The very fact of our placing this in their hand would be detrimental to our cause. Well, granting that you are right in your surmise, what would you suggest ?—Well, my suggestion is that the standard price of 1877 should be paid us when coal reaches 7s 8d—the basis of the 1679 scale. We would permanently benefit were that done. The difference between the basis of 1877 and that of 1879 is 15 per cent, in other words, coal must sell at 9 per ton, under the 1879 scale, before we are paid the sum which, ou the 1877 basis, we received when ccal sold at 7s 8d. Supposing,, then, that my suggestion be put into force, we. would be paid cn 7s 8d what we are now paid on 9a. If the employers con- sented to adopt tbe standard of 1877, we would then be better off even in a dropping market than we are under the present scale. And the masters' offer does not nearly approach this ?—Of course not, nor in fact does the revised scale as drafted by the workmen. Replying to questions as to how he explained away tbe vote of the Aberdare conference in favour of a scale, my informant said:— It is a well-known fact that in the last con- ference the Aberdare Valley men voted to a man for giving full powers to our representatives, and there is no doubt tbat the Aberdare colliers will ''•tick to the ecale, no matter what its Bhape may be. The reason for this is obvious. The eeA2. worked in the Aberdare Valley, Tredegar, and part of Monmouthshire and the surrounding neighbourhoods is for the most part of a very inferior quality—such, for instance, as the yard vein, the 7ft. vein, fcc. This coal will fetch no more than 8s to 9s 6d per ton, whereas the oal produced at the Ocean pits, the Great Western. Cilfynydd, and other collieries sells at about 13s 6d to lis. Now, under a sliding scale, an average is struck of these prices, with the result that our 13s 6 j or lis is reduced, say, to 113 or 10s 54, and their &s 3d is brought up to those figure. You see, therefore, that it is to their benefit to vote in favour of the scale. There is but a very small quantity of the higher-priced coal produced in the Aberdare Valley and the other districts which I named. Supposing you joined the National Federation, your employers, the Ocean Company, would still co-operate with the Associated Collieries and remain under the scale ?—Well, that is a point that must be arranged between masters and workmen. One of the questicmøwe shall consider at our Monday's meeting will be whether we will continue to be governed by the Associated Collieries' scale and, of course, if we decline to be governed by that scale, our employers must of necessity withdraw from the scale committee. We, as workmen, have never formally agreed to be governed by that scale. Our own scale was abandoned about 12 months ago, and we do not intend at present to formulate a new one. What do you say to the refusal of the employers to submit the whole dispute to arbitration ?—I think the masters are under the impression that the workmen under the scale will give six months' notice to discontinue it, and will work out the six months' notice, and, so long as they remain under that impression, wesbaiI never see a settlement. Of course, there is a difference of opinion between the men themselves as to whether a six months'or merely a one month's notice should be given. With all respect to our leaders, I arc firmly of opinion that they have hitherto been much too lenient—they have been too much afraid of a strike, and have, perhaps, gone further than they should in order to avoid one. Another thing, there if no com- parison between the present state of trade and the trade in 1873-5, when the last great strike took place. The price of coal at that time fluc- tuated between 16i and 32s, but there is now a steady market at 133 6d to 14<, while we are only paid on lis or 12s. I am firmly convinced that if the men presented a more firm and determined attitude, the employers would come to an amic* able settlement, for they would never allow a strike when there is such a buoyant market as there is now. Do you believe that on all these matters yon have fairly represented the opinions of yoar fellow-workmen ?—Yes, I am certain of it. At a dinner of colliery officials held at Ponty- pridd last evening, responding to the toast of the "Coal Trade," Mr Wight, of the Gelljr Colliery, said that never was that toast proposed under brighter circumstances than on that occa- sion. (Cheers.) One reason for the present prosperity of the coal trade in bis opinion, was the large emigration of people from that district two or three years ago.—Mr James L. Thomas, Nantmelyn, also responded, and referring to the present crisis in the coal trade expressed a hooe. on behalf of his fellow officials no less than himself, that the day was far distant when wages would be regulated by any other system than the grand "ystem of slidmg-scale which had for so many years kept place between employers and employed in tllat d iatrict. At the same time he felt that colliery officials and the public generaliy ought to be told more about the conferencell between tbe masters and the men than they were at present, so tbat they might judge whether the men were askmg what was unreasonable, or whether the masters were refusing to grant reasonable demands. (Hear, hear.)

THE SLIDING-SCALE AGREE- MENT. To THE MINERS OF MONMOUTHSHIRE AVD SOVTB WALKS ESPECIALLY, AND TO THE PCBtlC GENKBALLY. GENTLEMEN,— Sseing to-days reports on this subject in the public press, allow us to assure you—although it is evident that there is a traitor in the camp somewhere—that the situation is neither as serious as is indicated nor even as gloomy as it is painted. "Let patience have its perfect work, "and there is every reason to believe that all will come right in the end.—We are, yours truly, W. ABRAHAM (MABON). P. JONES, Abertillery. Miners' Office, Pentre, January 3rd.

PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR. VISIT TO CALCUTTA. I REUTER'S TIELGRAM.) CALCUTTA, Friday.—Prince Albert Victor arrived here this afternoon on his return to India from Burmab, and met with a most enthusiastic reception. The Marquis of Lansdowne, the Viceroy, welcomed his Royal Highness at the riverside, and drove with him to the Government House. The streets on the way were crowded with natives, who numbered at least a hundred thousand. The municipality of Calcutta presented an address to the Prince on his entry into the city, and his Royal Highness made an effective reply. The day was observed as a general holiday, and the ships in harbour were decorated and illuminated.

SKATING CHAMPIONSHIP. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM. I AMSTERDAM, Friday Afternoon.—The half-mile international skating competition took place outside this city to-day, and was won by the Dutch champion, Pander, in 1 min. 24 2 5 sees. Norseng, the Norwegian, was second, being only one-fitth of a second behind the winner. Panschin, the Russian champion, was third (time, 1 min. 26 sees.), and Goodager fourth (time, 1 min. 21 sees).

THE MAYBRICK CASE. Certain sympathisers of Mrs Maybrick have, says the Citizen, been for many weeks busily engaged collecting and inquiring into some very material facts which, it is alleged, were sup- prebsed at the trial. The new evidence is of a most important character, and throws entirely new complexion upon the case. Should it pear the test of the careful examination which it will necessarily receive from the law officers of the Crown, Mr Matthews will have no coutse open to him save to recommand her Majesty to grant Mrs Maybrick a free pardon. "i"

THEPOLEGATE TRAGEDY. -I Mary Ann ^Taylor was brought up on remand at. Hailshtmi on Friday, charged with he murdSt se two of her daughters at Polegate, no charge being preferred in respect ol the oldest daughter, who died on Thursday. The prisoner was defended by Mr Burt. The evidence was in every respect similar to that given at the inquest, and the prisoner was committed for trial. During the hearing she frequently broke out sobbing, but appeared to take no interest in the proceedings.

WEATHER FORECAST. The following forecasts were prepared last night at the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock DISTRICTS— Wind veering to north-west. 0. Scotland, N. ( ward or northward 1. Scotland, E. ? weather becoming colder, but fair as a whole. 2. England,N.E.) Southerly winds, and cold 3. England, E. I rains at first, probably 4. Mid. Counties c backing towards east, with 5. Engl„S.(Lon. I sleet or snow; very un- aud Ctkinnel). J settled. 6. Scotland, W. 7. Engl.„N.W., & North Wales | Northerly or north-westerly 8. Eng.,S.W., & }■ winds at first colder and South Wales, t finer; uncertain later.. 9. Ireland, N. 10. Irelana. S.

CoLmAiqls SINAPISM.—The Improved Patent Mustard Plaster.-Wholly of pure flour of Mustard Cleanly in use safe for young children and delicate women. Does not scorch or blister.-Sold by all Chemists and Grocers, or Post seven penny stamps for three, to COLMAN'S, 108, Cannon-street, London 1157 SAPO-LI.Ni, containing Linseed Jelly, is a per fumed Emulsive Toilet Soap. Of Chemists, etc. KAy'S TIC PILLS, specific in Neuralgia, Face- ache. 9ad and lJad; postaae, Id, Of all Chemists.

CAPITAL AND LABOUR. -i PROFIT-SHARING BY EMPLOYES. The directors of Bailey, Nokes, and Co., Limited, have posted at the works in Birmingham a notice that, in view of being extensively em. ployed upon Government orders, and being desirous of enlisting the best efforts of the staff ic carrying uut the work, they are glad to announce the following resolution :—fi Every manager (other than a director), foreman, clerk, workman, or workwoman employed in the company's factories will in future share in the profits of the business to the extent of 25 per cent. of the surplus net profit, after paying IS per cent. to the share- holders. This bonus to the workmen will com- mence from the 1st of January, 1890, and the division will be made annually, pro rata, in addition to the wages received duriu the year, and, when possible, facilities will he afforded for the recipients becoming shareholders, if they so desire. In the event of any employe leaving before the end of any financial year, such share may be divided at the close of the year among the then employes of the company."

GREAT STRIKE OF RAILWAY MEN. Yesterday, a general strike of goods, signal- men, ticket collectors, porters, and shunters took place on the Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford Railway, the men demanding an advance of Is bet a week in the weekly wages all round to be paid a day's pay for a day's work on Sunday, a day's work to be 10 hours; 31 per bour to be paid for overtime; each man who came out to be reinstated In the position which he held before the strike, and no punish- ment to be InflIcted for coming out on strike, the men who did not strike not to be interfered with by the men who had struck. The men were willing to submit the dispute to arbitration, but the directors, up to the present, have refused. Very few officials remain at their posts, Hnd the traffic was interrupted between Bray and Kingstown. Great inconvenience and delay bas been occasioned by the strike in restricting tbe number of train clerks, and others bavp been engaged to check tickets. Extra police are em. ployed along the line. There bas, however, been no disturbance. The guards receive as to 23s per weeks, the signalmen 15s to 20i per week, the ticket-collectors Ib), and the porters 13, to lb*.

DEATH OF BANDMASTER JOHNSON, CARDIFF. Mr James Johnsnn, bandmaster of the lbth Glamorganshire Rifles, died on Thursday at bis residence in Splotlands. So late as Wednesday evening he was engaged at his usual functions of musician at the residence of Colonel Hill, Rook- wood, Llandaff, but he was then complaining of being ill. As if he had premonitory symptoms of his approaching end, be remarked, when offered a glass of wine, "This is probably tbe last I shall ever take." He was dead at about nine o'clock the next night. The deceased had been many years in Cardiff, and was very papular. For over 21 years he had served as bandmaster to the Glamorganshire Militia (now the 3rd Welsh Regiment), and was up to the time of bis death in receipt of a pension in respect that office. For a period extending to about ten years he had also acted in tbe capacity of bandmaster to the 2nd Cardiff detachment of the RiflEl Volunteers. Mr Johnson was held in tbe warmest esteem by a wide circle of friends and acquaintancss. His funeral takes place on Tuesday, and as his numerous friends are desirous of giving his remains all the musical honours appropriate to the profession which be has relinquished only with hIs life, they intend to have a massed band accom- pany him to the graveside. Those musicians who are desirous of taking part in this last tribute of respect are invited to attend for practice to- day (Saturday) at 4 p.m., at the Drill-hall, Cardiff. i^—

SINGULAR DROWNING FATALITY, '( Yesterday morning tbe Preston district coroner received information of tfce drowning of two boys in the canal at Appleby Bridge, Upbol- land, near Wigan. On Thursday about two o'clock a donkey, belonging ta William Lamb, boatman, was seen swimming in Appleby Lock, and as Lamb's son, aged ten, and another boy, named Mawdesley. were missiog, the canal was dragged, and the bodies found. 14 is supposed they were riding the donkey, which has the habit of backing, and bad backed into .the canal with them.

The Archbishop of Canterbury^ intention is to have nothing to do with intoxicants in connectiou with the new Church House. BATTLE OF LIFE. To come out of the Struggle with clean bands, use daily Sunlight S0(JLKABANCK SALE of Bedsteads and Bedding. Fenders and Fireirons. See our fls lid bed, bolster and two DIUOWS 601b3 of fiock.—Perkins Bros. and Co b3. St. Mary-street, Cardiff. 1173 •« A SIMPLE FACT ABOUT" KEATING'S COUGH I OZEKGES —Ask tbroughou t the world in any country that can be named, you will tind them largely sold, There is absolutely 110 remedy that is so speedy in giving relief, so certain to cure, and yet the most deli- Sate can take them. One lozenge gives ease. Sold in 13^ ina. ,> r 1076