South Wales Daily News

DISLOCATION OF TRAFFIC, SERIOUS STATE OF AFFAIRS. Ou Wednesday evening the news that no settlement had been effected caused considerable commotion among the miners and the tradesmen throughout the various localities 10 the Rhondda, for it was generally feared that a serious strike would occur, and that conse- quently all the collieries would be at a standstill. However, on Thursday the colliers went to their work as usual, though they anticipated they should have to leave early in the day. Lite on Weduesday the news that two blacklegshad arrived at Treherbert spread like wildfire among the inhabitants, and naturally aroused a feeling of indignation. Subsequently it was rumoufed that the two fresh hands had returned to Cardiff at the request of the railway employes on strike. It appears that the aggrieved workmen bad despatched to eveiy place along the line on the Rhondda branch one or more persons from among themselves to communicate the real state of affairs and the grievance of the men to all blacklegs" that might be sent by the company to the different vacant posts in the district. Consequently the two blacklegs who arrived at Treberbert were immediately stopped, and the strikers prevailed on them to return by the last train to Cardiff, and paid their railway fares and also gave them a few shillings each. They hailed from Derby, and it was agreed at Treber- bert that they should have a night's lodgings in the strikers' home at Cardiff, and that the official representative of the Uuien should pay their expenses. The delivery of letters was delayed by about two hours on Thursday morning in the upper part of the valley, and the daily papers did not arrive in the district before half- past eight. In consequence of the suspension of the mail train all the railway-stations were closed, and therefore crowds of persons who had intended to go by train were obliged to retrace their steps, and some who had important business to transact to find some other means of convey- ance. The 'buses were out unusually early on Thursday, and were crowded. The state of affairs is unprecedented in the valley, and the commotion is increasing. The non-arrival of letters and newspapers, on Thursday morning at the usual hour proved a great inconvenience. The departuas ot the first Taff passenger train at five minutes to eight o'clock was witnessed by a large number of persons, among whom a group of colliers, railwaymen, and townspeople gener- ally Was noticeable. There was no I hostile demonstration when the engine whistled and steamed out, and beyond a few groans, scarcely audible, the spectatorb seemed mostly to bold a watching brief. So far it does not appear that the colliery traffic will be stopped altogether in the locality of Merthyr, Siding communications with lines unaffected by the strike will enable several of the largest collieries to send their trains to Newport and elsewhere by the Great Western and other lines. Nothing has been actually decided with regard to the disposition of the Cyfarthfa Colliery traffic. So far, it is believed that none of the colliers at the local pits are effected, but if the trains are not available in sufficient numbers, it is anti- cipated a block will soon occur. A great mauy people were standing about the streets awaiting developments. The police, under the direction of Captain Lindsay, were on the alert, but everything is quiet and orderly. Considerable excitement, was evident at Aber- dare on Thursday morning. Upon the first passenger train to Cardiff becoming duo to start, the driver was at his post, but no firemau could be procured. The mails arrived by a two-horse brake in fairly good time, and the local postal authorities were able to dispatch all mails via the Great Western Railway to Neath, causing but comparatively little delay.

THE COMPANIES' JOINT COMMITTEE. CONFERENCE WITH THE MAYOR OF CARDIFF. NEGOTIATIONS FOR A SETTLEMENT At 1030 on Thursday morning a meeting was held at the Taff Vala Railway Company's Offices, under the presidency of Mr Inskip (Chairman of the Company). Repre- senting the Barry Dock and Railway CompAziy, ,.vere-N.Tr John Cory,Llr T. R. Thompsou, and Mr Archibald Hood; the Rhymnoy Company was represented by Mr J (tho Boyle (chairman) and Mr Cornelius Lundie; the other Taff Vale tepreseutacives were Messrs James Brogden^and Mr C. H. Williams. The conference lasted until one o'clock, when an adjournment till three took place, Mr Cory and two uther 1 gentlemen driving to the Town-hall, wbere they had an interview with the Mayor (Alderman W. Sanders), r the gentlemen who had assembled to w.\lk in precession to the stone-layiug of the f.^iew market being kept in waiting meanwhile. The interview lasted about twenty minutes, but its purport was not allowed to tr»Dr<pire indeed, the response made bygone of the directors to inquiry for information was "No, you papers only inflame the men't minds, I don't see why we should tell you any^ng Later -io the day a private suggestion was conveyed to the men's delegates, in per- manent 8esion at the Qaeen-street hall, and it stated that it they would be willing IOT, -accept a proposal that 240 hours should b-ef taken as making up a lunar month— as a substfittte for the 60 hours per week they are ?I Yi asking—$^9 of the directors would undertake to submit proposal to the joint directorate. The propyl, as will be seen from the report of the men;1#]meeting, was rejected and this result was couicated to the joint companies' com- mitteeg:pp# 'it seemed as though all means of negotiation would disappear. About six o'clock, howeve^^dr Harford announced that; a message has bpsj^,received by him, stating that Mr Iujskip rlfHld be williug to receive a deputa- tion consisting of himself (Mr Harford) and representatives of each grade of the workmen. He (Mr Harford) advised the meeting to be care- ful as to the men they selected and susgested that the selection should be made at once, and that they should immediately attend upon Mr Inskip.

EMPEROR WILLIAM AND PEACE. I BRUTER'S TELEGfLA?,f.'l BBCSSELB, Thursday.—The fillowing paragraph is published by the Ministerial newspaper to-day "During his all too short stay in Belgium the German Emperor charmed all who approached him by his gracious and cordial bearing. It is pence that the German Emperor desires, peace that be seeks, and he holds that it can and should be secured by respect for the rights of all. Such, in his Majesty opinion, should be the task of all sovereigns. It is added that the above paragraph was communicated to the journals in pursuance of a desire expressed in the highest quarters.

MINISTERIAL CRISIS IN QUEENSLAND. 1KKUTERS THLKQKAM.J BRISBANE, Thufsday.-ID comlt quence oi the small support accorded to the scheme of taxation recently proposed by Mr Donaldson, the Colonial Treasurer, to meet the deficit of £148,000 on the Budget,the Cabinet of Mr Morehead has resigned. Sir Samuel Griffith, the leader ot the Opposition, has been nominated by the Governor.

EXECUTION OF KEINANIL-Ell.. [BKCTBR'S TELKGRAM.] NEW YORK, Thursday. Further particulars regarding the execution of Kemmler ty electricity show that signs of dis- aatisfactiou were made by the spectators when, on the application of the third current, smoke was again seen to be curling from Kemmler's back. The warder, therefore, gave a signal to open the switch, when the culprit's body in the chair was surcharged with four distinct shock?. After this alii further movement was observed. Dr. Sbrady, editor of the Medical Record, has written 0 letter, in which he says that nothing bas been gained over the ordinary method of execution. Science has triumphed, but the question of the humanity of the act is ttill an open one. The method requires elaborate preparations, involves the manufacture of new machinery, and, moreover, may endanger the lives of the executioners and even the spectators. All the morning papers publish articles upon the execution, and the opinion is generally ex- pressed that the law authorising execution by slectricity will be repealed by the New York Legislature at an early date. It is also held that the various criminals now awaiting execution in New York gaols should be granted a stay of their lentenses until the law has been repealed.

CREMATION. IREUTER'*B TCLEGRAM.) BCRLIN, Thursday. The members of the International Cremation Conference yesterday morning paid a visit to the Medical Exhibition. In the evening a banquet took place, at which leveral foreign delegates were present. The pre- jident of the Berlin Cremation Association pro- posed the health of the Emperor, which was enthusiastically received, cheers being: given for bis Majesty. The editor of the organ of the Berlin Cremation Association cordially welcomed The foreign delegates. Signor Wassmutb, Mr Newman, New York, and others replied.

CHOLERA IN MADRID- [BEUTEB'S TULIZGIIAM. I MADRID, Thursday.—A young peasant who arrived here from Arges, in the province of Iroledp, was taken ill yesterday with choleraic )ymptoms. He was conveyed to the hospital, where be died last night. The clothes of the deceased have been burnt, and the bouse where be stayed has been disinfected.

KILLED BY A BICYCLE. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.1 BERLIN, Thursday.—A daughter of the late Herr Von Miller, who was once Bavarian Minister of Finance, has been run over and killed by a bicycle. The rider as well as the machine fell upon her, and death was almost instantaneous. The lady was 73 years of age.

SWANSEA BRIDGE TOLLS. PRESENTATION TO MRR. D. BURNIE. Mr R. D. Burnie was ou Thursday night the recipient of practical recognition of the valuable services he rendered during several years as leader tf the movement for the abolition of the Swansea bridge tolls, which were crowned with success some months Ago. The presentations consisted of a faithful portrait in oil by Mr Harrisou Goldie (represent- ing the recipient in mayoral robes and chain), a tt- id watch, aud (for Mrs Burnie) a haudsomo diamond bracelet. Dr Evaus presided, and the presentations were made by the Rev J. Mat- thews and Mr Mancrow. Mr Burnie, who was feceived with enthueiam, returned hearty thanks !or such handsome recognition, saying it was especially valuable in his sight becausc the gifts were the spontaneous offerings of the working classes, who were most directiy benefited by the result of his labours. .But the greatest reward he could receive was to see the poor no longer harassed by vexatious restrictions as to locomotion. He reviewed the history of the movement, and mentioned the Hames of those who bad been in the van- guard. Alluding to the Press, he jspecially singled out the South Wales Daily &Vews as the orKan which had consistently tor many years aidod and supported the move- inent, and frequently by the writings of its local representative supplied ideas and suggestions which had vastly aided him in his crusade against » barrier all bad found to be so obnoxious.

THE AMERICAN WHEAT MARKET. Messrs Jones, Kennett, and Hopkins, of Leadeti. hall Buildings, London, received the following cable- .ram from New York on Thursday night Influenced by advices from the Wet, the wheat market opened at an advance of 2.8 to of a cent. Thfe crop reports continue to be of an unfavourable •huracter; there was also a fair and bona-tide demand t tor export, and receipts were on a moderate .scale:; however, the market subsequently quickly sold dowri. there is a bedef that the shoit intoiest is lit)t very Urjce, and "bulls" are operating cautiously; prices declined 14 of a cent, fur the December o»tion Uelow yesterday s final rates, but recovering a fraction, and the close was steady. Purchases for export Wheat, H.OOO qrs corn, 16,000 qrs. Clearances (KS posted to-aay) from f"ur Atlantic ports:— heat, 21,003 corn, 34,000 qrs flour, 42,000 barrels.

„ The best little English Liver Pill—Kernick's | Vegetable Pills, tii, 13id. and 2s 9d boxes 1138

THE RAILWAY STRIKE, r -4- CESSATION OF ALL TRAFFIC. J' i GREAT DISLOCATION OF TRADE. THE MAILS CONVEYED BY ROAD. NEGOTIATIONS RE-OPENED. i i MEETING OF THE JOINT COMMITTED. INCIDENTS OF THE DAY. Yesterday's strike was, to Cardiff and the surrounding district, an object lesson in the interdependence of all sections of the com- niunity. Because the railwaymen of the three minor local lines were not at work, an enormous amount of inconvenience and loss was sustained by thousandi of persons colliers had to suspend their labour, dockers had no coal to tip, the mails and newspapers were seriously delayed, and there was—so far as regards Cardiff and the valleys-a prevalent feeling as if an immense additional distance had suddenly arisen between them. A very fair idea could be formed of the tre- mendous consequences that would ensue upon stoppage of communication along the great arteries of the country, such main lines as the Great Western Railway. "Her Majesty's service" demanded, peremptorily, precedence of all private interests and vehicles bespoken for other business pur* poses were diverted to the use of the postal authorities. Concerning the post-office pro- vision for meeting the difficulty, we have been informed that the surveyor of the dis- I trict is in charge (Mr Fardoe, the energetic postmaster of Cardiff, being temporarily in- valided), that no expense is being spared, and that were the disruption of railway service to be continued, a complete system of mail-cart service would be in operation. Wherever practicable, the mails are being sent by alternative railway routes, which, although not giving such speedy facilities as the ordinary direct routes, still permit of the letters being delivered earlier than they could be if con- veyed by road. For the distribution of newspapers full vehicular service had also been arranged. The great feature of yesterday's proceed- ings, after the actual commencement of the strike, was the joint meeting of the directors, which began at 10.30 a.m., and did not dis- perse till nearly 6 o'clock, adjourning then till 4.30 to-day (Friday). There has been scrupulously careful concealment of the nature of the discussions throughout the day, but it is not difficult to divine its purport. In the present condition of affairs, when disposition to conciliatory approach is being manifested on both sides, it would be mischievous to publish one word that would have the effect of interfering with that arrangement of difference which is so earnestly to be desired. It must suffice, therefore, to repeat here what has previously been stated, namely, that the joint directors made a mistake in refusing to receive Mr Harford, the men's secretary. If, during yesterday's discussion, that mistake was recognised, and a way out of the difficulty sought, none would more cordially welcome the discovery of that way than would those who most strongly condemned the previous action of the directorate. On the part of the men an eminently conciliatory tone has been exhibited throughout, d.nd this, com- bined with pronounced moderation and the preservation of good order to the fullest extent, has won for them general sympathy and approval. Mr Harford is, in appear- ance and manner, as far removed as it is possible for a man to be from the popular conception of a trade-union agitator and in him the men have evidently a clear- headed,cool, and conscientious leader, whose sole aim is to bring the dispute to an end, aud who will not stand upon any personal or other point which might bar the way to a settlement. The work of picketing has been well done, both at the Great Western Railway Station and the Pier- head so well that practically all new-comers who had been brought to Cardiff to fill the places of the strikers have been discovered, and sent back home. The extempore "barracks at Cathays, which had been prepared for their accommodation, remained untenanted and the expectation that at least one of the three lines might be kept open proved illusive. An arrangement made on Wed- nesday night between Mr Inskip and Mr Harford-that the Taff Vale mail train in the morning should run-fell through owing to fear that the men upon it might be mis- taken up the valleys for blacklegs," and be ill-treated accordingly. This is an indi- cation of the feeling of the colliers and other workmen in the Rhondda, all of whom are fully in sympathy with the railway men and the dockers have given practical expres- sion to their views by inquiring the wishes of the railway men as to coal traffic which may be brought round by the Great Western Railway from any district affected by the strike, declaring that the men have only to give the word, and not an ounce of any such consignment shall be handled by them in the dock. At one o clock yesterday the meeting ot joint directors suspended its sitting till three o'clock. In the meanwhile Mr John Cory and two other gentlemen waited upon the Mayor (Alderman Sanders, J.P.), pre- sumably in regard to police precautions, for shortly after the re-assembly of the joint directorate, Head-constable Mackenzie had a long conference with them, and a second conference later in the day. During the evening, contingents of police arrived in Cardiff from—it was believecl-Swanset Newport, and Bristol, causing much specula- tion as to the reason of their presence, and provoking suggestion that it had been intended to endeavour to work traffic under police protection. With his customary tact, Mr Mackenzie avoided any offensive display of force during the day, and withdrew part of the men who, early in the morning, made a strong demonstration in the neighbour- hood of the Taff Vale Station. There was no occasion for police protection, the utmost orderliness prevailing everywhere, the im- pression made upon the spectators being just the reverse of what might have been anticipated—4' Sabbath calm" instead of noise and riot. During the directors adjournment, an informal communication was made to Mr Harford by Mr Vaughan Nash, a Bristol gentleman, who holds friendly relations with Mr Inskip, and who has been active in endeavouring to promote a settlement, to the effect that if the men were likely to accept the following proposition, Mr Inskip would propose it at the directors meeting. The proposition was that 240 hours shouid form four weeks' work, the demand for a 60-ho week to be abandoned. The men fully debated this proposal, but found themselves unable to accept it, there being the probability that it would involve very irregular working, and they holding firm to tho requirement that eaeh week should stand by itself, and that they should be guaranteed a week's pay. In intimating rejection of this suggestion, they, however, added dii expression of willingness to re-open negotiations with a view to settlement, and Mr Harford con- veyed this expression to Mr Inskip. Dur- I nig the whole afternoon tho men (whose headquarters are at the Queen-street Hall) were waiting in expectation of communica- tion from the directors. But none came. At six o'clock, however, Mr Nash brought, word that Mr Inskip would be pleased to meet a deputation, consisting of Mr Harford and representatives from each grade of the workmen. The meeting at once made choice of representatives, who immediately proceeded to the Park Hotel, where a con- ference, extending over some hours, took place. Ultimately, after negotiation lasting nearly till midnight, terms were arranged Whereby the men get a practical equiva- lent of their original demands, although piodified in a direction more conso- nant with the views of the directors —a guaranteed month being substituted a guaranteed week, overtime rate to be paid after 15 hours' duty hours to be 60 2 per week, and pilotmen reduced-but to what extent is not yet finally arranged. A meeting of the men to confirm this will take place this morning, and subsequently the terms will come before the joint directors for ratification. I We report elsewhere the situation oj affairs throughout the district, showing very clearly what a serious state of affairs has been produced by the suspension of railway traffic. Work at the docks continued as usual throughout the day so far as loaded wagons enabled the men to pursue their ordinary occupation, but as no fresh supplies came forward, different gangs were com- pelled to stop work from time to time. One or two disputes arose during the day in reference to details, and in regard to these it is noteworthy that Mr Ben Tillett—mis- named a firebrand and "Socialist"- acted promptly in the interests of peace and order. The dockers, having so lately become unionists, do not, it is stated, understand how rightly to proceed in any matter of dispute. Mr Tillett blamed those concerned in yesterday's stoppage, directed their return to work, and has emphasized the rule that no strike should take place until after the points in dispute had been considered by the executive committee, and cessation of work ordered. This procedure supplies safeguard against such incidents as those which have of late been subject of so much adverse comment.

THIS NUMB ft R OF MEN IDLE. Including porters, &c., who are ueeessarily idle because of the strike, over 2,000 men on tiio-rall- ways are at a standstill. The numbers who have directly given notice are Taff Vale Line 1.082 Rhymuej' 184 Barry 217 1,483 As stated eUewhere, he dockers are being ren- dered idle as thay clear off the coal which had accumulated in the dock sidings. Unless a speedy settlement be effected, the collieries throughout the Rhondda VaHey will be at a standstill. Preparations were, being made on Thursday at Dinas Colliery, to erect improvised stables on the surface for the purpose of accommodating the large number of underground horses which will be raised on Saturday if the strike continues. Seven or eight hundred workmen will, therefore, be thrown out of employment. The Coedcae and Hafod Collieries, wher* nearly 2,000 colliers are employed, were idle on Thursday, and in a day or two the large number of coal ovens on the premises will be extinguished. Hundreds of miners have descended the shafts and entered their various working-places,in order to make them as safe as possible, and erect suffi. cient props and timber therein. Two or three collieries in the upper part of the Rhoadda are also practically at a standstill in consequence of the want of coal trucks. The. Glamorgan Col- lieries, in which are employed about 250, were working on Thursday and although the pit may beat work for some dayst the 400 coke ovens will not be put out owing to the manage- ment having provided a large stoclC of small coal sufficient to keep them in opora. tion for two months. This is good news for the locality. It is probable that from to-day 20,000 colliers and other workmen will be idle, and at least 80,000 persons in the Rheudda will be seriously affected.

AT THE STATIONS. But for the groups of men and the unusual muster of policemen in the immediate vicinity of the Taff Vale Railway-station on Thursday morning, the place presented its ordinary If day of rest appearance. There was one man at the luggage office to attend to callers; and the booking-clerks were on duty;" bat there was nothing to do, and they passed their time looking through the windows at the knots of strikers who here and there discussed the situa- tion. Up to 10.30 there was considerable specu- lation as to what turn events would take. With the despatch of the Merthyr train—the last for the day however, the position of affairs was realised, and, practically speaking, shutters were put up, and all doors and ordinary accesses to the station secured. With the aid of a "spare" driver named Tom John, and an Abardare fireman named Tom Price, the traffic superintendent (Mr Edward Clay) was able to bring a train from Merthyr to the Taff Station, starting shortly after eight o'clock. There was a large complement of passengers, and at various points along the line not a little of excitement was manifest but the climax was reached when the train steamed mto the Taff Vale Station at Cardiff, and the large number of strikers who had assembled tried to make their way to the platforms. Only one door was open, however, and the police beiug present in considerable force, the way was blocked, and the men had to be content with watching the somewhat agitated passengers emerging from the station. Not more than a dozen parsons had booked for the return journey, and the line being clear no time was lost in getting the train away. It is rather significant that although tha whole of the signals between Cardiff and Merthyr were up," the train ran through both ways without the danger" being altered to clear and as this is contrary to all railway regulations, it is not unlikely that the authorities will be called upon to give an explanation to the Board of Trade on the point. At the Rhymuey Station matters presented the normal Sabbath appearance, the various gates giving access to the place having been locked immediately on the departure of the North train at six a.m. A porter was kept on duty at each approach- gate—in the event, it may be assumed, to prevent any interference with the locks —but as traffic ceased at an early hour, and the knowledge that further attempts to run trains would not be made became common knowledge, there was no gathering of the strikers in the vicinit.y of the station, all atten- tion during the forenoon being apparently con- centrated on the Taff headquarters, where the directors were in session. About one o'clock on Thursday afternoon, a cypher telegram was received by the men's officials in Cardiff stating thatevery thing was at a standstill at Barry but this idleness did not begin until after a train had been despatched from Barry for Cogan at 8 a.m. The signals were maaipula^d by men standing along the line, but the precau- tions adopted by the officials were of au numbing character—policemen occupying many of the car- riage*, while several of the chief officials were on the engine, apparently for the purpose of seeiBg that the company's men did not obii-k their work or suddenly vacate their post; a proceeding which will doubtless recall to many tho story of the raising of a mounLer1 company of London citizeus in the time (0 good Qaeeu Bess, the establishment strength of which wus three men to each horse- one man to ride the animal, and two men to hold him on I The driver of the 9.48 train due at Barry was forcibly driven fi-.>ui the engine and seriously maltreateJ. All the tipa have stopped working, and business has altogether been suKpeuded at the dock, and cabs and breaks became the means of conveyance to Cardiff.

EXTRAORDINARY RUMOURS ABOUT MlLlT^ltV. There is nothing in connection with the present crisis which the people at the Docks have not long ago anticipated. This 110, of course, quite in keeping with the overpowering intel- ligence possessed by chartering clerks and youths who have just left schoo), and obtained berths as boy's with facilities for cigarette-smoking. However, during Thursday forenoon there was evidence of consider- able perturbation in the vicinity of the Docks, and a few of the gossips, more eager than their brethren, unburdened themselves of the very confidential information that one thousand military' bad been smuggled in" this startling itotn being supplemented by the almost chilling communica- 1_ tion that M twenty thousand more were ready to be sent down." As a matter of fact, in the eveut of any offensive demonstration, the local authorities would not be reduced to the uecessity of smuggling in any military, inasmuch as there are already two companies of the Welsh Regiment stationed at the Cardiff Barracks, while at Newport there are a detachment of infantry and a battery of artillery; and other places in South Wales wtiere "military" are stationed are at any rats handy." The withdrawal of the imposing force of police from the vicinity of the Taff Vale Station before noon furnished an all-sutficieut answer to the gossips at the Docks.

WAITING FOR BLACKLEGS. The strike having begun in earner., the men's committee lost no time in telling off pickets for duty at the several stations. They have remaned at their posts since then. The moment an artizan emerges from the station he is watched, shadowed, and if he appears by his demeanour to be a stranger he is at once questioned as to his business and the object of bis visit. The leader of the picket states that blacklegs are easily detected, and that there was not much chance of their escaping the vigilant eyes of those who were on duty to watch them. When a blacklep wit,3 secured he was forthwith conducted to the Queen-street Hall, the headquarters of the committee, and the situation being ex- plained to him his fare back to the place whence be had come was given him. The arrangements for detection are exceedingly good, and he will be a lucky man who escapes the lynx eyes of the picket. Only three blacklegs were caught during the day, one at the Pierbead and two Hear Rbymney Station. They were spoken to by the representatives of tha men, and informed of the situation. They were afterwards taken to ihe Queen-street ball and diggj^aed matters with the committee sitting therf, ,the result being that they agreed to return hone—one to Bristol and two to Lanca- sbire. IOI i«. In: aceQqip.nci! with their notices, the Taff Vale Railwfty men in and around Pontypridd ceased woefe on Thursday morning, many of them at c o'clock and the remainder two hours latent In the Ferndale terminus a large nutter of trainmen turned out at midnight, and spent the night in watching all along the lffie for blacklegs. It bad been an- nounced tblit the down train (Treherbert to Ponty- pridd) woujdbedriven by the local superintendent, but for s. reason or other this arrange- ment was not carried out. No train arrrived at PontypRijdd for any point in the Rhondda Valley*, and the traffic is entirely suspended. A large numr of people congregated in the neigh- bourhoodpfrontypridd Station at 8 o'clock to watch the-development of the dispute. The down train fronjvMerthyr toCardiff arrived a little after time, whettfit was observed that the engine was in charge of an old good,; driver named Thomas John, of AWrtiiyr. John, it appears had handed in his notice with the rest of the men, but went down to Cardiff on Wednesday aud withdrew it, and this action ou his part is attributed by his fellow workmen h) tho fact that he is the possessor of a number ot T" tf shares. John's appearance on the engiua created a great deal of excitement, and be was very heartily hooted by a crowd of the general public who had ougregated in High street.

RETURNING CLOTHING TO STORE. PUNISHED A LITTLE. Shortly after noon on Thursday the men on strike, who had previously assembled on the open ilpace surrounding the drinking fountain adjoining Adamsdown Board S-bools, arrived in processional order at the Taff offices, and returned their clothing. Each and all seemed to be in the best of spirits, and contrary to expectation not the slightest dis- turbance occurred. Indeed, it must be said, to the credit of the strikers, that their conduct, has been simply irreproachable. About one o'clook a procession, numbering about 600, paraded around tho Barry dock, and arrived at the geueral manager's offices abeui 1 30 to deliver up their clotbeb and receive their w;iges. A meeting of the men was held at the Barry Hotel, where the situation was fully considered, and a future course of action was decided upon. The driver of the 9 48 train was allowed to proceed to his home uninjured, but the fireman, being loth to leave bis post, was forcibly removed, and punished a little.

THE MEN'S HEAD-QUARTERS. -MEETING AT THE QUEEN-STREET HALL. A MONTHLY PAY-DAY REJECTED. During tbe day there were big gatherings of railway men at tbe Queen-street Hali, and in the afternoon an informal meeting was held under the presidency of Mr Hilborne. Mr Harford was present, having just returned from the Taff Vale offices; and after some preliminary conversation the general secretary put it to the meeting whether they were prepared to sanction negotiations on the basis of a monthly pay-day. His opinion was that the difficulty in the way of a settlement would be lessened if a monthly pay-day were agreed upon, inas- much a? whilo the men would not lose anything by such an arrangement, the companies would be conceding all that the employees asked. For instance, in the first week the men might make only 35 hours, for which they would be paid six days' wages. In the second week the record might be 60 hours, which would represent the week demanded by the workmen. The third week might produce 70 hours, for which they would be paid 10 hours' overtime, and the last weak only 45 hours, which would be equivalent to another full week, thus giving a total on the four weeks of 200 liours, whereas the men now demanded that the month of four weeks should aggregate at least 240 hours Mr Harford pointed out that if I this proposal were adopted on both sides all difficulty would be overcome. Various opeakerssliowever, refused to accent the proposal in the form put, and argued that it was simply a manipulation of figures, &,nd in result informal resolutions were adopted declaring the adherence of the men to the demand that each week should stand by itself, but that the men were prepared to consider any proposal from the joint companies based on the lines indicated in their already formulated demands.

TERMS OF SETTLEMENT THE CONFERENCE WITH MR INSIUP. In compliance with tbe resolution passed at the meeting of the men, Mr Harford and a deputation of seven waited ou Mr Inskip at the Park Hotel, later in the day, and held a pro- longed conference with him. Subsequently, the deputation conferred among themselves and drew up a list of proposals, which were submitted to a large meeting of the men held in the evening. The meeting was presided over by Mr James Hillbourne (Taff Vale Rail- way), who was supported on tbe platform by Mr Harford and the seven delegates. The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said they were required that evening to take into consideration the proposals drawn up by their geueral secretary and the committee of delegates. The latter, lie was bound to state, was unani- mously in favour of the proposals, which be would call upon Mr Harford to explain, Mr HARFORD (general secretary], who was received with applause, then addressed the meet- ing. He himself and the seven delegates, he said, had been considering very closely certain proposals which commended themselves to the approval of the committee, and which they now wished to submit to the meeting. He thought they would tind that tbe points of difference be- tween themselves and the companies would be so very email that they would be guilty of a great act of folly if they prolonged the struggle any further. (Applause.) He did not lose sight or the fact that, apart from being servants of the company, they, iu a certain sense, were servanta of the public, and when the latter knew, as they certainly would have the opportunity of knowing, that the matters in dispute were so very small, they would not be able to sympathise with the railway men any longer. Now as to the proposals. With respect to pilot men, it was proposed to place them back in their old position of 66 heurs per week, with half a day off weekly, which would praOticatiy reduce their hours to 60 a week. (Applause.) If that met with acceptauce, he did not think any difficulty would he encountered in securing it. With respect to the main line men, instead of insisting upon the guarauteed week of 60 hours, they took a guarantee of 240 hours per mouth (four weeks), which, to his mind, was eveutually the same thing. Their loss under any circumatauces would be a very small one indeed, and he thuugut. as rea- sonable meu, they ought to aecopt the proposal. Wore they prepared to accept them ? (Cries of No,") Were they prepared to upset tke whole traffic of South Wales for a quarter of-a day's pay per week I He could tell them that it would not appear well in print that they were goiug tv stand out for a paltry 9 £ l. Thep kuew the gotouudwork upon which this agitation was based was a desire to do away with long spells of duty. Now what they proposed to do was thie. If, notwithstanding thi" 240 hours per month arrangement, a man put in mere than 15 hours ia one day, all the rest over 15 should not be merged in the 240, but should be paid for as over. time at the end of the month. Let him endea- vour to impress this upon them. Under these proposals not a single man would go home with- out a full week's wages. (Loud applause.) That was what they had been coutendiug for. So far as Sunday duty was concerned, that bad been practically settled. There only remained the question of signalmen. With regard to the latter, the delegates would insist that if there were any signalmen on any adjoining lines and coming into contact with them receiving better terms, the same.terms should be insisted upon in the cases of Taff and Barry Companies. (Applause.) So far as the Rhymney Company's signalmen were concerned, he believed they had at the present time nothing to comptaia of. The comnoittee were anxious that the meeting should say whether they would or would not empower him and the seven gentlemen whom he had con- suited just now t» seek another interview with the officials of the compauy and say: "These are ouc propoqali." He had had something to do witii settling matters of this description on both 8ideg of the channel, and he was bound to say that this was a fair and reason- able offer, and one with which they could close, if it was acceptable to the other side, without loss of dignity. If they terminated the dispute on those terms, he undertook to remain in Cardiff until he saw every man placed back in the position which he had vacated m order to acquire those terms. The discourtesy shown him on the previous day by the companies had now been brushed aside, and be had been received in conference with thfi chairman of the joint board, who had shown him the greatest courtesy, and he felt confident that the officials would yield to any request he might mllke to see every man put into his old position. Notwithstanding this temporary rupture, be did feel bound to say that their officials were proud of them. (Loud applause.) He thought now they should endeavour to arrange things with the other side, and say, "These terms, if you will accept them, will be acceptable to us." (Applause.) There was one proposal he had omitted to mention..They required that if any man was kep; waiting at the beck and call of the company, he must receive a day's pay whether he nctuaJiy was called out or not. (Loud applause.) An animated discussion ensued, several work- men objecting to the pilot men being required to work half an hour per wepk more than main line men. Mr THOMAS (T.V.R.) moved, and Mr EDWARD LEWIS (Rhymney Railway) seconded a proposi- tion to the effect that the proposals put before the meeting by the general secretary be accepted. A further discussion took place, in the course of which the CHAIRMAN s«i i that weekly pays would be insisted upou' all the linet, the Rhymney included. A Workman here again interposed with the question, why shouid) any distinction be made between the pilot men and the train men. The CHAIRMAN thereupon asked whether the pilot meu were prepared to strike for the sake of half an hour a week-(cries of "Yes and No ) -five minutes a day V Another Workmen moved an amendment,which found no seconder, to the efidct tkat overtime be L.a paid after 14 hours work instead of 15. A number of questions were then asked and answered, and the resolution, on being put to the meeting was carried, albeit the majority in its favour was aot overwhelming. The men afterwards dispersed, but were tiret instructed to be present again at 11 p.m., it being understood that, in the meantime, Mr Harford would submit the accepted proposals to Mr Inskip. Mr Harford and the dplegates of the employee*, after the meeting in the Q'leen'ri Hall, returned to the Park Hotel and had a further interview with Mr Inskip, extending over abont an hour aud a half. Mr Harford, on returuing to the committee-room, announced that the amended terms had been practically accepted, and that the dispute was now within a measurable distance of final settlement. The new conditions amounted to this Instead of the companies' guaranteeing the men a week's work,tbey guarantee them a month's work. The overtime ritt of calculation to apply to all time worked in excels of 15 hours per day, and overtime to be paid for at the end of the month. Thus the men become entitled to overtime rates of pay upon the completion of all time beyon i 15 hours per day, even though at the end of the month they may not have made the 240 hours. These terms are to apply to pilot men and maia line men alike.

NO RESUMPTION OF TRAFFIC. There will be uo resumption of railway truffle to. day (Friday), as a weeting of the men is to be held this morning at the Queen-street Hall to consider the new terms and the result of the deliberations between Mr Inskip and Mr Harford and the delegates will be laid before a meeting of the directors of the three companies this afternoon. Mr Harford is fully prepared, upon a complete olud definite settlement of the strike being arrived at, to have all the men back at their post", and the traffic going on as before in two hours from the time of settlement.

EFFECTS OF THE STRIKE. FEELING IN THE DISTRICT. GREAT INTERRUPTION OF TRADE LIVELY SCKNES AT BARRY. PROBABLE STOPPAGE OF COL LIERIES. The far-reaching ffect, of the strike are hown by the reports appended. From these it will be seen that the trade and commetce of the mineral districts of South Wales is already all but para- lysed.

BARRY. The Barry Railway Coanpany ran several trains successfully on Thursday morning, but the service was unfortunately stopped after the arrival of the train due at Barry at 9.48. On the arrival of this train the attitude of the strikers became more threatening than it bad been pre- viously. The man who had been acting as fireman got down from his engine to uncouple it. He was set upou by the strikers, who rather roughly handled him, his jacket and waistcoat being torn down the back. He was escorted by Mr Robin- son, the resident engineer, Capt. Davies, dock- master, and several policemen to the house of Mr Robinson, but the crowd threatening to go in and haul him out, he was taken from there to his bouse in High street, followed by a large crowd loudly hissing aDd hooting. The driver, who went to the engine shed to get out another engine, was followed. by a crowd of strikers who induced him to abandon his design and promise not to assist in the running of any more passenger trains. He was escorted to his house by the crowd, who freely indulged in cheers for Mr Evans and Mr Robin- son. Mr Evans noon after proceeded to Cardiff, prenumably to take part in the con- ference of directors. He returned to Barry in a cab about 8 o'clock on Thursday night. The whole of'the tips at Barry Dock are compleiely at a standstill,no work whatever being done with the exception of docking and undockmg. The only two steamers that left the dock on Thursday were the Vernon and the Tuskar, the latter proceeding to Malta only partially loaded. The steamshil., Barraetough arrived in the Roads on Wednesday uight for Barry, but was ordered not to dock. No orders bad arrived up to eight o'clock on Thursday evening, when instructions arrived to dock at Barry, but for what reason is not known, as she cannot be sup- plied with bunker coal owing to the strike, and on Thursday morning only eight tons remamed on board. Messrs Andrews and Son ran several busses between Barry and Cardiff on Thursday, cabs and other vehicles were in great demand while the various roads were literally alive with pedestrians. It is stated that Messrs Edwards. Robertson, and Co. intend running four or five boats either way each day at low prices.

MERTHYR. MERTHTR, Thursday Evening. This has been a very odd day at Merthyr, and the disturbance in railway arrangements has certainly bad the effect of showing people how necessary the railway servants and the railway trains are. A service of mail carts was crganised for the benefit of her Majesty's subjects in Mountain Ash, Aberdare, and other localities. The Cardiff morning papers did not reach Merthyr until nine o'clock. The Merthyr railway station, which was only a few days ago regarded as too small for the traffic, to-day presented quite another picture. As the time drew nigh for the departure this morning of the first passenger train on the Taff, the sta tioc was approached by groups of colliers and railway meu. The eugiue driver brought up his engine and remained at his post apparently uncon- cerned. Everybody knew he was Thomas John, of Merthyr, and it was stated that he was a goods driver who bad seen many years service. Mr Pricejocomotive inspector of the district presently assumed the idle of firemtn, and as the engiu,) I whistled and steamed out at five minutes to eight o'clock. Mr Cl/iy, local traffic manager, also stepped 011 the locomotive, and the train pro- ceeaed on its journey. The next item of interest was the departure at nine o'clock of the Rhymney train for Cardiff. It had been stated on the night previous that no firemen could be induced to travel with the engine. The driver was a non- unionist, but his sou, the usual fireman, stayed away. Mr Pegg, traffic inspector for the joint Great Western and Rhymney linss, filled his place, and the train departed wit!! a tew passen- gers. At eleven -j'ciock a special Great Western traiu ran in from Quaker's Yard, bringing pas- sengers who ¡Ii. travelled from the north, or, it might be, from Cardiff via Newport and Pontypool. This train returned to Quaker's Yard 40 minutes later. At 12.10 the Tutf passenger train returned from Cardiff, and there was a pronounced demonstra- tion of hostile feeling on the part of the railway men in the crowd which occupied the platform, The train was sbuuted aside after the passengers had alighted, and it was understood that the- Taff and the Khymney service during the re- mainder of the day would be a Uank. Seeing Mr Richards, the divisional superin- tendent of the Great Western Railway, I askstf him if the Cyfarthfa, the Nnom Navigation and the Plymouth Colliery traffic wit likelv tc find an outlet to Newport or eie»wh»re per Great Western, and he replied in 1 he nffirmui ve. I aig,, heard that some coal had been taken to Swansea from other collieries. The state of affairs wa» naturally trying for the stationmuter, Mr Llewellyn, and other officials, but oie and all who were on duty endeavomed to carry-)ut their responsibilites as cheerfully as possibe. The pohce were present, but the cen- fined his attention chit fiy to the pieveotitn of unnecessary loitering m the station after the departure or the shunting of trains. The Ghba Hotel was tbe meeting p.ace of the railway tlan during the day. In the atterunou the men tallied over the aspect of affairi, anri pak.v(i a resoiutienok sympathy with Mr Ciay and Mr Price, who ire-a considered to he carrying out whit they esteeinsd: to be their duty, btt the action of Mr John in taking the engagement out was strongly condemned. A telegram war leceivsd fr>lm Mr Harford, Cardiff, to the ffee, that all traffic on i ff^cted lines wan stepped there, that 810 mure passenger trains wouht run, and that victory was c*rtiuu. The London and gdl)vrai niglit mails loosed at 5 o'clock at Merthyr, and the mails for CaHifi werc depatched in a four-horse brake, a police- man accompanying.

PONTYPRIDD. PONTYPRIDD, Tnursday, 10 m. Thousands ot poisons crowded arounn tlx spesial Echo eab upon its arrival here, slxrtlj before e.ga> o'clock this eveuing, and nea-iy carried tbe vehicle bodily away )n then eagerness to obtain copies of the journal. Business has been absolutely paralised hare. Mo attempt was made to run passenger traint during the afternoon, and the railway station presented a most deserted appearance. To-mor-ow morning work will be susp«iuied in all the collia-iah in the Pontypridd and Rhondda district, and close upon 60,000 workmen will be forced tc remain idle. Operations were suspended eirlj to-day at the Cwtch Colliery, Wattstown, and the Cytnmer Colliery, Porth, owing to the absence of wagons in which to tig the coal. An attempt was made shirtly before jaoon tj run a passeDger rain from Cowbridge to ljlanharran, the Cow, bridge station-master, Mr Hurford, actirg at stoker. The strikers, however, got wind ot the affair, and succeeded by force of numbsrs in stopping the traiu at Llanharran, carrying tin driver off, and putting the tires out.

RHONDDA VALLEY. In consequence of the snKp^tision of the psmnen- ger traffic oil the Trtf Vale Railway on Thursday, considerable iucouvenience was experienced throughout the yarious populous loealitiei in the Rhontida Vailey*. The postal work was greatiy intHrrupi.etj, for there were but two arrivals and two despatches of letters during the day. Lettars posted after five o'clock in the different postal snoos bad to be detained until the morrow. The J^ondou merniug papers, which generally arrive in the d Istr e; about half-pasttwa in the afternoon, were cousptcuous by their ab. sence. and not a«iBgl«f evening paper had reached tbe district at seven o'clock. Not; It mle loco- motive put in aa appsaiance oil the line during the day. The RholHlda and Swansea Bay Railway trains were uuab& to run as usual into the Tre- herbert Railway Station, and consequently passengers from the Afan Valley had to alight at Blaenrtiondda, and either engage vehicles or walk to their destination. The Blaeurhnod da Colliery, grhere about 700 miners are employed, was prao' tically idle in consequence of the strike of tti4 raiJway emp!uyé., A large number of the col- Jiewes, where altogether thousands of men are employed, will be at a standstill to-day in the tveot of no settlement being arrived at.

ABERDARE. A meeting of railway men was held on Thurs. ,Any afternoon at the Cardiff Castie Coffee Tavern, Aberdare, Mr Thomas Parry in the chair. The meeting addressed by Mr D. Morgan, miners' tfrent who advocated tirmneas. A strong opisiov