South Wales Daily News

NEWS FROM JAPAN. LBEUTEE'S TELEGRAM, i SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday. Japanese advices announce that the Mikado is lbout to proclaim annexation to his dominions of three volcanic islands in the Pacific, situated four degrees south of the Loochoo Archipelago. They are said to be well adapted for Japanese colonising Purposes. disa^ ^°°^s at Toyama, in Japan, have had most •Un \r3 conse<luencies' and it is calculated that e housand houses were damaged thereby, .letter was received at the Chinese ^onsulate at Kobe, in Japan, in ii0 'I16. wr'ter announced his inten- Ch* k^ing Admiral Ting, commanding the <me°eSe t'len *n Japanese waters. In conse. Qce the authorities ordered that during his a the Admiral should be attended by "N,ij.sPec'a'l guard of Japanese police. A storm occurred on July 21, at Nagasaki Bausing much damage and entailing the loss of aleven lives. At Asluya a number of foreign Vessels were lost, and their crews are missing.

AFFAIRS IN BULGARIA. [REUTER'S TELRGITAM. 1 SOFIA, Tuesday. The Bulgarian Government, having recently Received information of a concentration of Servian roops on the frontier of the Principality, Remanded explanations from the Belgrade government. The explanations given are con- sidered completely satisfactory by the Govern- ment of Prince Ferdinand, and there is no foundation for the report that the matter is ikely to give rise to difficulties between Servia \nd Bulgaria.

ATTEMPT TO WRECK A TRAIN (REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] PARIS, Tuesday. .A mischievous attempt was made the night before last to throw a train off the line on the *^yons and Geneva Railway near Merchel station, block of stone was placed across the rails which brought the train to a standstill. The ^gihe was damaged in the collision, but no Urther harm was done-

THE HEALTH OF PRINCE BISMARCK. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] A BERLIN, Tuesday. ACCording to information received here from a of j> ,e which should be well-informed, the health *atis7DCe has lately become very un- •ftenf af^or^r' -^or two months past, it is said, his iHp. arrfaCU'tlea have noticeably deteriorat- K- that his accustomed vigour is declining is «nher shown by the fact that he frequently falls ^Idenly asleep even during conversation, stimu- ts being necessary to keep him awake. It is !*4 to note, too, that the old statesman's memory failing. His family are in great anxiety.

TO-DAY'S FORECAST FOR ENGLAND, S.W., AND SOUTH WALES. Strong south-westerly gales and *am at first, then znore moderate, but with squalls and passing showers. 6 GENERAL.—The gale seems likely to increase and spread to all coasts. WARNINGS.—The south has been noisted in the north and east, and IS up on all coasts. GENERAL FORECASTS. the \f °wing forecasts wereprepared last night Dlsj^Ofological Office at eight o'clock gical Office at eight o'clock *• Scotland' ^—1 Southerly winds, strong to a I* EnHanrl'tv iV f eale rainy very un* 3. settled. Mid o • Strong south-westerly gales 5. «°^5tles I and rain wind varying, and r^" f an<* moderating later, with "^Jgl., N.W. ) Strong south-westerly gales, 9 T rthWalee' V anc* ra'n at first, then more |Q* Ireland, N.| moderate, but with squalls j* do. S.W.J anc* Passing showers. l^tinues unsett-wq jy Night. — The weather istill falii ° 'ettled and gloomy, and the mercury *25. Thl" barometer stands at present at v^tn. rmometer, maximum, 60 "2; mini- ^gh. Rainfa, S.S.W force, 4. Sea ^ABERTSTWYTW past rs' '19 mch- fit'*46. fallinc- ^esday Evening.—Barometer, 1*111(1, S, -nermometer, 59 in shade. Jordan's recorder of sunshine registered » a-m., nil, Dull* i the 24 hours preceding Vind. U dfty- Sky overcast; rainy*

^e^ti>SGont^heu^Uo°^ G°5T' RHEUMATISM, V Sglv Lumba«o, Sciatic?, s Bheumaticuro Tf to try Remedy for the ahovo 13 the Great South Af £ lc«re8. i/ ig renow^ JTplaints'andina11 after 'f^ere niany thousands lpecific in South suffering A denAf?.QCUred' lome hi for its sale in England PTl- now been fo,

THE CANADIAN SCANDALS. CHARGES AGAINST POLITICIANS. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] OTTAWA, Tuesday. The great cctase celebre which has been followed with so much interest-not only by Canadians, but by all English-speaking people—is at length drawing to a close, the parliamentary committee appointed to investigate the charges having held no fewer than 80 sittings, which have extended over the whole of the hot summer weather. The Privileges and Elections Committee, as it is called, met yesterday to hear the arguments of counsel. Sir Hector Langevin himself has not been re- presented, but for his department there have appeared Mr Osier, Toronto, and Mr Henry, of Halifax, both Queen's Counsel, and leading members of the Canadian bar. They sub- mitted their arguments in writing, reviewing at length the charges and evidence. Their state- ments are important, inasmuch as they practically represent the attitude of the Govern- ment in relation to the whole case. They admit that in many respects the charges brought by Mr Tark against Mr McGreevy have been proven. It should be borne in mind that Mr R. H. McGreevy, brother of the impli- cated member, and Mr Murphy are both partners of the contracting firm of Larkin, Connolly and Company. With reference to the charge that, in the case of the tenders for the Crosswall contract in Quebec in 1883, Mr Thomas McGreevy obtained from the Depart- ment and from officials of the Department infor- mation as to figures and amounts, in consequeuce of which, and by improper manipulations in con- nection with tenders, the contract was awarded to Messrs Larkin, Connolly and Co. counsel state that the charge is based exclusively upon certain statements in Mr Thomas McGreevv's letters to his brother Robert. Dealing next with portions of the testimony of Mr Thomas McGreevy, Mr Murphy, and Mr Robert Mc- Greevy as to conversation in which the first- mentioned was alleged' to have taken part, counsel pointed out that while none-of this can be treated as legal evidence against individual officers of the Department of Public Works, it must be conceded that an examination of the letters iw-qnestion clearly shows that, in addition to the knowledge which he previously had, Mr Thomas -McGreevy- became posseseed of informa- tion as to these tenders while they were being dealt with in the Department. Quoting from the evidence of various witnesses, counsel go on to show that Mr Thomas McGreevy obtained his information from Boyd, the resident engineer at the Quebec harbour works, and there- fore in their opinion the departmental officers are exonerated.) With respect to the other branch of the- charge, that tenders had been manipulated in the Depart- ment, counsel urge that the report of the engineer- ing experts clearly, shows that no such conclusion can safely be arrived at, but they admit that the officials of the Department are censurable for not having the original plans of these works in their possession. Charge No. 2 is tha?, after tenders had been asked for by, the Government for the, completion of the Esquimalt Dock in 1884, and before Messrs Larkin, Connolly, and Co. had tendered for the work, Mr Thomas McGreevy obtained from the Department of Public Works information as to the figures, a calculation of which he communi- cated to Messrs Larkin, Connolly, and Co. and further, that during the execution of the contract, Mr McGreevy obtained from the De- partment important alterations of the plans and works, thus enabling the con- tractors to realise to the detriment of the public interest very large sums of money. Counsel claim there is no evidence to show, that the information given to Mr Thomas McGreevy by the Department was of an improper character. As to the second head, that of the improper agency of Mr Thomas McGreevy in procuring alterations in plans, &c., counsel admit that such agency cn the part of Mr Thomas McGreevy is made out if the evidence of Mr Robert McGreevy be accepted, as he states positively that Mr Thomas McGreevy was to have a share of his profits and not only so, but that he had accounted to him for half the profits received both in contracts relating to Quebec harbour works and in that now under review. But, even assuming that the partnership or agency of Mr Thomas McGreevy, there is nothing to show that the Department was aware of it, or that any undue influence was used by him in procuring the alterations in question. In regard to the charge that in the case of the south wall contract in 1887, Mr McGreevy had l possession of the tenders for several hours, and showed them to members of the firm of Larkin, Connolly and Co., in order to give them an undue advantage over their competitors, counsel say it is evident the tenders were obtained by Mr Thomas McGreevy, in his capacity of harbour commissioner, at the meeting at which they were opened, but that there was nothing to indicate the impropriety, of their being exhibited to Mr Robert McGreevy and Mr Murphy, directly or otherwise, was attributable to any official of the Department of Public Works.

THE FATAL EXPLOSION IN NEW YORK. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] NEW YORK, Tuesday. Thirty-four bodies have now been recovered from the debris of the wrecked buildings in Park- place. LATER. From the portion of the wrecked building where the restaurant stood, an overpowering stench arose soon after midnight, compelling the workers for a time to cease their search for the bodies of the victims. It is believed that a fearful sight will be revealed when the cellar under the restaurant is reached. The body of a man was found on the site of the restaurant at half-past one.

NEW YORK PRICES. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] GOVERNMENT BONDS AND ltAILWÁY SHARES. Quotations Aug. 25 Aug. 24 -CallMoney U.S. Gov. Bonds 11:a p.c 2 p.c Ditto, other Securities. ^¥2 p.c 2 p.c Exchange on London, 60 days sight 4.83 U 4.83% Ditto. Cable Transfers Exchange Paris, 60 days' sight A 5.23^ Exchange on Berlin Days. 9J/4, 94ji Pour per Cent. U.S. Funded Loan /s 117% Western Union Telegraph Shares 52 4 82 Atchison, Topeka, & S. l»'e |8% 27% Do. Do. 4 p.c. Mor 81 r» ,/P0, D°- 5p.c. Income.. 58% 66% Baltimore & Ohio 90 83 Canada Southern. Shares £ >3"/g 62% Canadian Paciac 84 83% Central of New Jersey." i" ?! 114 V2 113y2 Central Pacific Shares! 31% 30V-, -hesapeake & Ohio Common." 19% 18 Chicago, Burlington & Quincey'$0% 89% Chicago & North-Western, Ord llu% 109% Chicago & N. Western Preferred. 136% l36>/2 fs IF elaware, Lackawana 1x9 1171/ Denver & Bio Grande Shares l<u/ ic Denver Preferred '■ iS3/ Illinois Central Shares 97 Lake Shore & Michigan Sonthern 115V. Louisville & Nashville Shares 73% ntlf Michigan Central Shares 955,; A?/* Missouri, Kansas, and Texas 154? MissouriPaciflc 7U2 ifrJ* New York, Lake Erie, <fe Western 23 ?? Ditto, Second MortgapBonds i00% New York Central# Hudson River 103% New York, Ontario & W estern, Ord 17% Northern Pacific, Common 254 §6 8* SSAUSSS«S^$T SG Philadelphia and Reading Shares 32 Philadel^Wa&Reading^-C-lstlnc 54/. Union Pacific Shares • 37 Wabash, St Louis, & \L, \\V, Wabash, St Louis, &c.»PrGi» Srs. &/s 25 COTTON AND-PROdcce KARKET" Cotton. day's receipts at U.Sts.por ^03 2,000 Cotton, day's rec'pts at Gulf Ports i'995 5,000 Cotton, day's export to GtBrit'n.. c,uuo — Cotton,day's expt to Continent.. — r" Cotton futures, Sep delivery — '•; £ Cotton futures, Nov delivery Cotton,middling uplandNew Yor# ° o Cotton, middling New Orleans.. •. JIS Petroleum, crude at New York 5.80 0.80 Petroleum, sta'dard white, N.York 6.56 6.56 Petroleum, st'd white, Philadelphia 6.45 6.45 Petroleum, Pipe Line Certs. Sep.. 64% M 1/ Spirits of Turpentine 36 36% Turpentine, Savannah. 34% 34% Lai d, Wilcox's Spot 6.77Vi 6.82% t Tallow, Prime City 4a 4 Sugar, fair refining Muscovados 3 3 Do 96 p.c, Centrifugal. 3^ 2fk Corn, New mixed, Western spot.. 78 77% Corn futures, Sep 72 70% Corn futures, Dec 67% 66 Spring Wheat, No. 1, spot 118V2 119 Wheat, red winter, on the spot 112% 112% Wheat, delivery Sep 112 111% Wheat, delivery Nov 114 113% Coffee, fair Bio 19 19 Coffee, good Bio 19% jgi/ Coffee, Bio, No. 7,Low Ord., Sep 16.90 15.95 Coffee ditto, Nov delivery 14.25 14.30 Flour, ex. StataShipping brands.. 4,50-4. 70 1.50 -4.70 ii-OD, 24.50 24.00 Tin, .Australian 20.00 19.95 Silver Bullion 98% 98U Copper, Sop ia25 12.20 Steel Bail 30 Freight Grain Liverpool steamers 3%d 3d Freight Grain.steamers London 3%d 4d ■' Freight Cotton to Liverpool 5% 5% Wheat,Chicago, Sep delivery. 103% 102V» ?Corn, J^hicago,, Sep delivery 64% 62% (a),price asked, (b)nom. (e).ex div.

THE INFLUENZA.—As a preventive take -Ker cTeili^0 7%<J' aDd 23

THE ANTI-EUROPEAN RISING IX CHINA. SAN FRANCISCO, Tuesday. Mail advices from China and Japan bring some few additional details in regard to the position of Europeans in the Celestial empire. The Japanese Herald, commenting on the report of the American Consul at Foochow of expected trouble there, states that information up to the 2nd inst. does not tend to confirm the rumour. The American warship Alliance was at Shanghai on the 1st inst., and her Majesty's torpedo cruiser Archer has since arrived at Nagasaki from Shanghai. It is stated that Mr C. Gardner, British consul at Hankow, was dissatisfied with the perfunctory manner in which the trial of the Musneh rioters was conducted, and that he remonstrated so effectually that the Viceroy, Chang Chi Tung, ordered the case to be re-opened. The Chinese Customs' officials of Chin Kiang have been arrested. Six are charged with being members of the Kolaohui Secret Society, which is said to have fomented the present troubles, and they have been committed for trial. A constable of a native Court, who had been arrested by the Viceroy's order, has been promised pardon for giving evidence against the others. Tienstin advices, dated July 15th, report that all was quiet at that place and its vicinity. It was reported at Shanghai on July 27th that some rebels had invaded the Aupheh district and were marching on Hankow. The rumour, however, was found to have originated in a raid by moun- tain bandits, who burned several roadside inns on the Aupeh frontier, and who, after plundering them, retreated to the hills.

AFFRAY WITH A PUGILIST. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] MOUNT CLEWENS, MICHIGAN, Tuesday. Jim Hall, the Australian pugilist, quarrelled yesterday in the bar-room of an hotel with his manager, Parson" Davies. He struck at Davies with a bottle, but a bystander caught his arm. Hall attempted to repeat the blow, but Davies snatched up a knife from the bar, and stabbed Hall in the throat, making a terrible gash from chin to ear, and narrowly missing the jugular vein. The wound is not dangerous, however and Hall is expected to recover.

THE FRENCH FLEET AT PORTSMOUTH. Festivities in connection with the visit of the French fleet to the Solent were continued on Tuesday. The officers of Admiral Gervais's squadron attended the annual inspection of the Portsmouth garrison by the Commander-in-Chief the Duke of Cambridge, on Southsea common: Some 4-,000 troops were put through their manoeuvres, and there was a grand march past, his Royal Highness subsequently expressing his appreciation of the appearance of the men under the Duke of Connaught, who, together with the chief officers of his staff, was present. Subsequently the Royal Dukes, together with other superior military and naval officers of the garrison and dockyard, went on board the Marengo flagship to a dtjeuner with Admiral Gervais and his senior captains. During the afternoon very rough weather prevailed, and the vessels rolled considerably. Difficulty was experienced, too, in getting out to them, and when some 60 of the junior naval otRcersof the British Squadron went out to a banquet on the Marengo last night a heavy gale was blowing. The visiting squadron leaves the Channel to-day Wednesday).

MR JUSTICE HAWKINS. Sir Henry Hawkins, on Tuesday evening, was stated to have maintained the slight improvement recorded in the morning. The Prince of Wales was among the inquirers by post on Tuesday.

THE INCORPORATED LAW SOCIETY. At Plymouth on Tuesday the Incorporated Law Society of the United Kingdom commenced its 18th annual provincial meeting. The inaugural address was given by Mr Melmoth Walter, present of the parent society, who re- viewed the past year's legislation affecting the legal profession. Mr Gray Hill, Liverpool, moved That the Council consider the desira- bility of obtaining at an early date statutory powers requiring all solicitors to become members of the Incorporated Law Society." Strong objec- tions to compulsory powers were expressed, and an amended resolution, instructing the Council to ascertain the best method of inducing members of the profession to join the society, was carried. Mr C. F. Turner, London, read a paper :on the Clitheroe abduction case, saying he altogether approved of the decision of thr Court of Appeal. Mr H. Gribble, London, contended that the working of the Bankruptcy Act, 1883, was a failure. Mr Munton moved that Queen's Bench cases arising out of mercantile and commercial transactions should be set down for trial in a separate list and accorded priority of hearing when the available number of courts is limited also that circuits be revised to hold them at great centres only with adequate judicial powers, metropolitan nisi prius being in the meantime suspended. The vote on this proposition will be taken to-day (Wednesday).

IMPORTANT IRON TRADE ECONOMIES. A great saving in the galvanized iron trade is expected to result from the employment of the new automatic galvanizing process lately intro- duced in the Midland iron trade. By the use of machinery instead of hand labour, double the amount of work can be turned out, and on some classes of sheets increased profits of JB1 per ton over the present margin can be made. The innovation has occasioned much discussion in the trade, and is likely to be adopted at all the chief works. Foreign trade is already benefiting.

THE TRAGIC OCCURRENCE AT BOLTON. An inquest was held at Bolton on Tuesday afternoon on the body of Alice Harper, the wife of a moulder, but who, at one time, was well- known in connection with the stage. She was found in her house with her throat cut. Harper was arrested, but the evidence now adduced. showed that the deceased had become very low- spirited, and that she frequently threatened self- destruction. In the result, a verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned.

THE EXPLOSION ON THE t BEAVER. The Press Association's Exmouth correspondent) telegraphs:—In addition to the two stokers who Were k}lled by an explosion of a steam-pipe on Doara the steamship Beaver on Monday, the two other men (first and second engineers) have since ccumbed to their injuries, The names of the- mmi, ^tunate men are Escott,(32), of Withy- P™e 5 M°ss (46), of Liverpool: Gillett (15), of T»ylor (33), of Manchester. The atter expired at the Maud Hospital on Tuesday.

THE LATE POSTMASTER- GENERAL. j The funeral of the late Postmaster-General will !7rl ™-ll Wf ^ay ^ernoon at half-past 12 and will be of a public character. The public will assemble near the County Hall, where they will IffT Swhich will start from th<* residence of Mr Raikes and walk to St Mary's Churchyard, Mold where the deceased will be interred in the family vault.

POLLING TO-DAY. The polling takes place to-day (Wednesday) for the election of a member of Parliament for Lewisham in succession to Viscount Lewisham, who has succeeded to the earldom of Dartmouth. The candidates are Mr G. S. Warmington, brother of Mr C. M. Warmington, M. P., in the Liberal interest, and Mr John Penn in that of the Tories The work of the election was brought to a close! last night. Both parties, express themselves as satisfied with the result of the canvas. To-day promises to be somewhat lively. The Balfour maiden battering-ram will be paraded around the constituency by the Liberals. Amongst those who have returned to exercise the franchise is Canon Legge, Bishop-elect of Lichfield. PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. 1885. 1886. Via. Lewisbam (C). 4,244 Lewisham (C) 3,839 1885. 1886. Via. Lewisham (C). 4,244 Lewisham (C) 3,839 Whit worth (L) 3,019 Offer (L) 1,688 Con. Majority 1,225 Majorty 2,151

EIGHT HOURS' QUESTION. INSTINCTIVE CRIMINALITY. MRS BISHOP ON THE BAKHTIARI COUNTRY. RECORD OF PRE-HISTORIC MONU- MENTS IN GLAMORGAN. LADY BUTE'S GARDEN PARTY. "This rain will spoil the harvest," was the remark of a disgusted pedestrian who had been discoursing on the fortnight's rainfall lie had experienced. "It'll spoil Lady Bute's garden party, and ruin the temper of a hundred or two other ladies who. have been looking forward to the party for a long while past." The inscription on the invitation cards was Weather permitting," but although the weather did not permit, the garden party assembled in defiance of it, and Lord and Lady Bute faced the downfall for over an hour, while receiving their guests. Our visitors would be leaving within a few hours, so postponement was out of the question and, had the skies been propitious, the Cardiff meeting of the British Association would have been signalised by an entertainment rarely equalled in its history, for only fine weather was needed to crown the whole with success, every possible preparation having been made to ensure the pleasure of the guests at the Castle. The day was one of hard work in the sec- tions, a vast amount of useful labour being got through. The official figures have ad- vanced to a total of only 1,470, rks repre-* Genting the attendance of members and asso- ciates, an aggregation considerably less than that of former years but some of the papers submitted have been of high value. There seems to prevail an idea in the minds of some of our learned guests that Cardiff has not come up to the mark in making contribution to the litera- ture of the session. For instance, Professor Winwood, in the geology section, commented on the fact that Mr Storrie's paper was the only local one that had been presented, and he is doubtless right in so far as geology is concerned but Cardiff's reptitation is in no danger of the "utter i ruin" he referred to, for in several other sections local contributors have been conspicuous, and a fair show has been ^inade to the meeting as a whole, whatever the single experience of' Professor Winwood may have been. .Nevertheless, we may echo the hope ex- pressed by Dr Hicks, that with the bene- ficial influence of the University, and through the facilities for higher education which are being afforded, Cardiff, and South Wales generally, may at a future meeting in this neighbourhood contribute far more heavily to the programme of the annual ses- sions of the Association. Then there was the complaint in the Geo- graphical Section. This county is not to have a Topographical Society. The reason presumed is that there is not sufficient local interest in the work which such a society would do but that is presumption simply. It may dawn upon the inner con- sciousness of some one that the formation of a new organisation is desirable, and it may be that there are plenty of folk ready and willing to be organised. But unless the proposition is laid before them in a business-like way, they will not become aware of what the idea is, and their help cannot be rendered, willing as they would be to afford it. By implication, yesterday, Glamorgan and Monmouth were held to be remiss in not supporting the project of a local topographical society but Dr Vachell put matters right by showing that the Cardiff Naturalists and other local societies have not been made cognisant of what is intended.; otherwise they would have helped readily. In discussing what period should form a -day" in the work of wage-earners, the assembled economist; ir-l Section F do net. I appear o have given any attention to the middle course proposed by some of the lead- ing representatives of the newer Unions. Recognising the strong antagonism felt against State interference, these leaders would not invoke State action until after exercise of a trade option. Their proposal ,-is that whilst an eight-hours' day should be fixed by law, the law shall not become operative until the workers of each par- ticular trade or form of labour shall have voted in favour of its application. This is the principle of "trade option" now being advocated, upon the ground that whilst it does away with the danger of cast- iron State regulation,it enables the majority of a trade to carry out its purpose as against a dissenting minority, whose dissent would bar the action of the majority unless the latter could invoke the law. Upon the question of a shorter day, one of the speakers gave an instance where, in France, the hours of a particular set of workmen at a co-operative establishment were reduced from 10 to 8, with the result that the pro- duce of stoves was increased instead of decreased, as desired. Then the hours were lessened to seven without the necessary effect. When, after the Franco-Ger- man war, work was resumed in the ordinary way, the workmen elected to return to nine hours rather than seven hours. Perhaps they preferred to work what might be called comfortably rather than work intensely for seven hours. Professor Howes, in the Biological Section, had what it may be hoped was a unique experience, having an audience of only three persons for his paper on Methods of Describing the Gills of Verte- brates." Despite this discouraging muster, the learned professor elucidated his subject with an enthusiasm that required no stimu- lation save that of his own deep interest. To the three who remained listeners to his well supported arguments one of the mottoes on the walls of the school-room appeared particularly appropriate. The mottoe read "All men should hope and quietly wait," an injunction 'which was carried out with remarkable propriety. Dr Hambleton had good news for persons liable to consumption, for he declared it to be both preventible and curable. Physical exercise and development of the chest are Ms panacea moral—gymnastic appliances and drill for school children. Mr Axon is a tough antagonist for anyone who challenges the value of vegetarian diet. He has distinguished himself by proving, in company with Manchester friends, not only that the bulk of the people take kindly to vegetarian diet when it is presented to them in proper style, but that vegetarianism can be made commercially profitable. The efforts of Mr Axon and his co-workers in spreading knowledge of the principles he advocates have led to the establishment of several high-class vegetarian restaurants, all ,of which are largely frequented, and which pay well. He had plenty of hard facts for .opponents in the Economics Section. The discussion upon Instinctive Crimi- nality, which took place in the Anthropo- logical Section, would have been more fruit- ful of beneficial result had the author of the paper not pushed his argument too far or appeared to do so. That there is hereditary, disposition to crime cannot be doubted but it is very questionable whether other than a small proportion of criminals have this hereditary disposition, or instinctive crimi- nality, as the author of the paper termed it. Instead of a discussion upon how to deal with criminals admittedly irresponsible to all .equal extent with their more fortunate fellows, there was a debate upon the mode of treatment of the mass of criminals, con- cerning most of whom no such irresponsi- bility can be alleged. Owing to Lord Dunraven's enforced ab- sence abroad, his lordship has not been able to be present at the meetings of the Associ- ation, notwithstanding the great interest lie; is known to take in many of tlra subjects under discussion.

SECTION A. MATHEMATICAL & PHYSICAL SCIENCE. At the re-assembly at the Unitarian Free Christian Church, West Grove, of Section A on Tuesdaymorning, under the presidency of Professor -Oliver Lodge, a report of the Committee on- 1Electrical Standards was first given, and Mr J. Swinburne followed with a paper on The Causes of Variation of Clark Standard Cells." Then a. joint discussion with Section G took place on "Units and their Nomenclature," the debate being led by the Presi-cleir. The following papers had been received in connection with the dis- cussion :—Professor W. Stroud on Some Revolutionary Suggestions on the Nomenclature of Electrical and Mechanical Units," and Dr. G. Johnstone Stoney on The Relations between Electrical Units." Mr W. Moon's paper on "The Absolute Units of Measurement" was taken as read. Subsequently the section adjourned until this morning at 10-o'clock.

SECTION B. CHEMICAL SCIENCE. The transactions of-Section B were resumed on Tuesday morning, at the University College of South Wales, Professor W. Chandler Roberts Austen again presiding.—Dr. Morley presented a report on "Isomeric N apt halene Derivatives," Dr. Liveing reported on Wave Length Tables of the Spectra of the Elements," and Dr. Morley reported on "The Absorption Spectra of Pure Compounds. SPECIFIC HEAT OF BASALT. Prof. A. W. Riicker, F.R.S., reported on "The Specific Heat of Blt. "The President also spoke to the subject, which was referred to also by Sir Frederick Abel.—Thanks were accorded to Prof. Riicker for his services. Prof. F. CLOWES, Nottingham, described an apparatus for testing the sensitiveness of safety- lamps as indicators of firedamp and inflammable vapours. The apparatus consisted of a wooden box of about 100 litres capacity, made gas-tight by melting paraffin wax over its surface. It was provided with a window in front for watching the flame of the lamp and with an opening below for introducing the lamp. This opening could be closed by a little tray of water. The gas was introduced in measured quantity at the top of the chamber, and displaced an equal volume of air through an outlet below. The air and gas in the interior of the chamber were rapidly mixed by moving a large flap backwards and forwards within the chamber. The surface of the interior of the chamber and the flap were coloured dead-black. The lamp having been introduced into the mixture of gas and ai;: the appearance and height of the "flame cap" were observed through the window.' The advant- ages gained by using the test chamber were great economy of gas and rapidity in making the tests. Of the lamps at present experimented upon, Ash- worth's modified Hepplewhite-Gray lamp, burn- ing bonzoline in a sponge reservoir, was the most i sensitive. It gave a Same eap 7 millimetres in! height when only \<2 I,er cent, of fire-dainp was present, and clearly indicated par cent. OTHER PAPERS. After discussion, Professor C. M. THOMPSON gave a paper upon Diaymium from different sources, Professor Liveing taking p*rt in the discussion thereupon. —Professor W. Ramsay, F.R.S., gave a descrip- tion of the Nature of Solution Mr C. H. Bothamley adverted to the Interpretation of Certain Chemical Reactions, after which Mr J. J. Sudborough treated upon the Action of Nitrosyl Chloride on Uns&tura.ted Carbon Com- pounds, observing that up to the present he could find no laws regulating the action of nitrosyl chloride on various carbon compounds, • but he hoped to continue his researches and Mr W. E. Aueney dilated upon the Formation of Peaty Colouring Matters in Sewage by the. Action of M*c o-or onisn. Subsequently papers were given by Mr A. H. Allen upon the. Reaction of Glycerides with Alcoholic Potash, and by Mr H. C. Jenkins, upon El ectrolysis of Alloys. A NEW METHOD FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE. Mr C. G. Moos, E.A., read a paper upon a New Methodfor the Disposal of S e wage, wi t h so m e reference to schemes now in use. He observed that in concluding a paper on methods of sewage treatment read at Burlington House at the recent Hygiene and Demography Congress, Dr Thresh asked this question, Do any of the processes mentioned, or any combination of such processes, enable us to get rid of our sewage m such a way as to give rise to no nuisance, cause no danger to health, and this at a cost sufficiently reasonable, considering the importance of attain- ing such results ? In the opinion of most ex- perts at the present day, the only answer that can be given to this enquiry is an emphatic negative. We can see this from a brief consideration of those methods that are now in use. They may be divided into three classes:—1, lime processes 2, processes in which lime is not used 3, irrigation. He animadverted upon these different processes, and went on to say The treatment I have to lay before you has been practically tested by me at experimental sewage works at Leyton. I have no very novel suggestions as to the precipitation of sewage, the originality of my method depend- ing on the manner in which the sludge cake, produced by any precipitaiion pro- cess, may be converted into market- able products. He said, in continuation :— As regards a method of precipitation to go with the method of utilising sludge cake which I have just detailed It is obvious where a separate system is used for storm water the ash will be worth.more,as it will not be so contaminated with silica and other mineral substances from the roads. Of course what is wanted is a means of producing a sludge cake as rich as 1 ossible in ammonia and phosphate, at the same time wit'.iout adding pre- cipitant: in any ianre qran'itv which would lower the percentage of phosphate in the a-b. At the same time the pressing ought fc? be done without lime this is possible, as it is done at Kingston. I have not been 4ble to make experiments on this subject, but it seems certain that the use of lime ought to be avoided at all costs, and I should be inclined to try carbonised sludge in powder mixed with salts of alumina and iron, after pre- cipitation running the liquid through a bed of lumps of carbonised sludge, when this bed is too foul to use any longer it can be burnt in the fur- nace. I was not successful in preparing carbonised sludge in the same furnace that I have spoken cf. though I think it could be done in a larger one. The attempt was made to rake out a portion of the sludge, after bsing carbonised but before it was burnt to ash. At any rate, if this cannot be done, the cost of carbonising slud3 in closed retorts heated by inflammable gases would not be prohibitive. It seems probable that by using a utficient quantity of this carbonaceous material (which can so readily be renewed) a considerable degree of purity could be arrived at in the effluent. Any seeds present in the sludge, which are some- times very r umerous, are, of course, destroyed in the furnace, and any vegetable matter reduced to ash, so that potash contained in the solids sus- pended in the sewage is rendered available. As to what proportion the resulting manure, if the whole of my scheme were in operation, would be by weight to the cake dealt with it is not pos- sible to speak with accuracy it might probably be one-tenth. At the present day it is fast be- coming widely felt that it is the duty of towns to treat their sewage in some way, so that no in- jury may be caused to health, yet we surely ought not to real content with processes which yield nothing but refuse. It is now many years since Liebig insisted on the need of maintaining a proper circulation of phosphates and ammonia if we wish our l-.l1d to remain fertile, and this need, instead of diminishing, shows itself more clearly every day. A discussion followed, and the author was thanked for his paper. Subsequently the section rose, the whole of the programme having been exhausted.

SECTION C, GEOLOGY. The attendance in this section was very limited, doubtless in consequence of the weather. Pre Winwood occupied the chair. THE WENXOCK BEDS AT TT-MAWB QUARRY, EUIIN'EY. Mr J. STOBHIE read a paper on the Occurrence of Pachyiheca sphccrica, Hook, and Ntrriat&phycus n. sp. in the Wenlock Beds at Ty-Mawr Quarry, Rumney." Mf Storrie pointed out that he had found fossils known as Pachytheca in nearly every individual bed from the very top of the Ludlow to the bottom of the Wenlock series, and although Nematopychus had not occurred in so many l3eds, or had escaped his notice, he had found it at the top of the Ludlow and at the base of the Wenlock in a considerable number of intermediate bed?. It was only in two beds in Ty-Mawr Quarry that he had found the two soecies in a state which allowed of transparent sections being made. Proceeding, the author dealt with the following branches of his subject: —(1) Range in the district; (2) state of preserva- tion in mudstone, limestone, concretionary Nodules, and in the Discina Bed (3) the class of fossils with which it is associated (4) matters which have escaped Mr Barber's notice when describing the author's slides for the annn.1s of botany (5) that there are two dif- ferent objects known as pachythea—one the structureless form, which is an egg of a crustacean, and the vegetable one, or pachytheca proper. The Rumney species of Neniatophvcus, and the Raristie fungus which occurs in it also. It should be mentioned that in one of the class- rooms Mr Storrie exhibited a number of speci- mens, and microscopic slides illustrating his paper. A short discussion followed, in which Mr Murray (of the British Museum), Professor Sal las, and Dr Hicks took part, and at the con- clusion Professor Winwood remarked that Mr Storrie's paper was the only local paper which had been presented in this section during their sitting. One did expect that the west would have come forward and presented them with some of their researches, and they were therefore all the more obliged to Mr Storrie for saving the credit of Cardiff from utter ruin. (Laughter and ap- plause.) Mr BEEBY THOMPSON, submitted the re- port of the Committee ou the Lias of Northamptonshire," appointed in order to, obtain a more clear idea as to its fauna, and to fix the position of certain spacies of fossil fish and more fully investigate the horizon in which they occur. The report was taken as read according to rule. A paper by Professor J. HOYES PANTON, on The Mastodon and Mammoth, in Ontario, Canada," was next submitted, but as the author was not present no discussion followed. Mr E. T. NEWTON then read a paper on the Occurrence of Ammonites Jnrensis in the Iron- stone of the Northampton Sand Series near Northampton." The paper recorded the dis- covery made by Mr Thomas Jerson, near Brix- worth. A considerable number of fossils were collected, most of which were referable to Am Jurensis and Am Opalinus. Two strictly technical papers followed—one by Mr S. S. BUCK MAN, on "The Ammonite Zones of Dorset and Somerset and the other by Mr G. R. VISE, on "The Polyzaa (Bryozoa) of the Zones of the Upper Chalk." A MODEL PRESIDENT. This closed the business of the section, and Dr HICKS, in proposing a vote of thanks to Professor Rupert Jones, their president, said the time had come when they had all to depart after a very pleasant visit to Cardiff, and after having had an extremely pleasant section. lie thought section C had been from the commencement an extremely pleasant one—(applause)—and had been very well managed. If the meetings of the sitting had been short, they had generally been sharp and interesting. He regretted very much that Prof. Rupert Jones had had to leave the section that morning on account of having got se very wet. He was sure no pre- sident had devoted himself more thoroughly tothe duties of the chair, and none could have carried on with the the business of the section in a better or more business-like manner. The members of section C were to be congratulated. It was very satisfactory to him that Prof. Jones being a Welshman, snould have been elected president of the section, to preside at Cardiff • and as regarded the lack of papers submitted by his fellow-countrymen, he had hoped that in Cardiff, the centre of a most important industry and in the heart of a most mterestinggeology,they would have had a number of important local con- tributions brought forward. (Hear, hear.) He could hardly say that his own paper was purely local but he had blocked up the channel with ice and had joined Wales to Devonshire therefore he had reason for say- ing his paper was local if obstructive. He was sorry his countrymen had not done more for geology in this district, but in the future, with the University at Cardiff and other advantages he had no doubt they would be to the fore. (Ap-' plause.) In conclusion he proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to their president, and also to their vice-president, Professor Winwood, who had taken his place that morning. (Applause ) —Professor Sollas seconded the vote, which was carried unanimously. A similar vote of thanks was accorded the secretaries and recorder, Messrs Galloway, Marr Reed, and Watts, and the proceedings closed.

SECTION D. BIOLOGY. The attendance ao this section was fairly numerous, the chief attraction being the papers to be read by Mr Francis Darwin and Professor Miall, 'though the majority of the papers were considered of exceptional importance, to the technical mind. ARTIFICIAL PRODUCTION OF KHTTHM IS PLANTS. A pamper on this subject by Mr Francis Darwin and Miss Dorothea F. M. Pertz was read by Mr Darwin, and it showed that the apparatus em- ployed is a new form of klinostat designed by the Cambridge Scientific Company. The plant to be experimented on is fixed to a spmdle, which, by means of a clockwork escapement, makes a sudden ssmi-revolution every half hour. Thus the plant is subjected to t, series of alternate and opposite influences from light or gravita- tion as the case may be. To take the case of gravitation, the plant will tend to curve upwards during the first half hour, and during the second interval (when the horizontal spindle has made 'half a turn) it will tend to curve geotropi- cally in the opposite direction. Under these conditions it is found that a rhythmic state is induced which closely resembles the periodicity in rate of growth wnich is set up in plants by the alternation of day and night. A remarkable result is obtained by stopping the clockwork--that is to say, by substituting a con- tinuous for a changing stimulus. The plant con- tinues to curve with an acquired rhythm just as if the clockwork were still in action it has, in learned and remembered the half-honrly period. This is precisely similar to certain natural rhythms—for instance, to the sleep" of flowers, which for a short time continue to open and shut although kept constantly in the dark. A discussion followed,in which Professor Ward, Mr E. B. Peulton, Professor Green, Professor Hartog, and Professor Phillips took part. FLOATING LEAVES. Professor Miall gave an able and interesting paper on "Floating Leaves." His observations theroon were referred to by subsequent speakers as disclosing a great deal of what was new and important in regard to the mechanism of the water plants. The President pointed out that Professor Miall had not explained why it was that aquatic leaves did not, as a rule. have what was known as bloom. Professor Miall said the absence was almost universal in the species he had examined. INTEBNAL PHLOEM. Professor Scott, M. A.. who was received with applause, next read some notes on Internal Phloem in the Dicotyledons." The questions discussed in the notes were: 1. The relation of internal (or intraxylary) phioem to the vascular bundles and to the pith. 2. Systematic import- ance of internal phloem. 3. Structure of the root in plants which have internal phloem in the stem changes in the position of the phloem in the transitional region. 4. Physiological signi- ficance of internal phloem with reference to recent views as to the function of the phloem in general. DIASTASE IN POLLEN. Previous to the adjournment for lunch, Pro. J. R. GREEN read a paper on the "Occurrence of Diastase in Pollen," giving a short account of researches recently carried out by him on the germination of the pollen oftbe lilvand the sunflower. Ileferring to the contents of the pollen grain when ripe, he pointed out that they consisted generally of starch, nitrogenous matter, traces of -sugi-r, fat, etc- On germination these contents serve as reserve materials for the nutri- tion of the pollen tube, as it passes into the tissue of the stigina and style. The condition in which they travel was the special point of the research. So far as the starch is concerned, the action of a diastatic ferment was proved to be involved, and Professor Green narrated his ex- periments, establishing first its existence in the ripe pollen grain, and next the possibility of ex- tracting it therefrom, just as it can be extracted from germinating seeds. He pointed out the great probability of the other processes of the germination of the pollen grain, and the growth of the pollen tube, proceeding on the same lines and being due to the same agencies as the better known gernaiiiation of seeds. DIASTATTC FER3TENT IN FOLIAGE LEAVES. On the resumption of the sitting the PRESIDENT (Mr Darwin) read Professor llle s paper on "Diastatic Ferment in Foliage show- ing that he had been led to investigate this point in consequence of the statement recently made by Wortmann that green leaves either do not con- tain any diastatic ferment or contain it in so minute a quantity that its physiological impor- tance was practically nil. The author s observa- tions led him to adopt a contrary opinion, viz.. that diastatic ferment was present, probably at all times, in green leaves, and that its physio- logical activity, was so well marked that it appears superfluous to invoke, as Wortmanu does, that direct action of the protoplasm in the conversion of starch into sugar in the living leaf. THE KUCLEJ OF THE HTMKNOMVCETE3. Mr WAGER gave an account of a series of observations upon the nuclei of some of the Hymenoiaycetes, in which he pointed out that certain very interest- ing changes took place in the nucleus during the formation of the spores, Two nuclei are found in the young basidia. These fuse together, the resulting nucleus then divides into two and then four. These nuclei again coalesce, finally separating to form into the spares. Discussion—Dr Scott (chairman), Professor Hartog, and Professor Phillips. A NEW FORM OF APPEKDTCULAMA. Mr G. SWAINSON reported a capture ho had made near an estuary of the Ribble of a new form of Appendicularian Hano." He had been studying the fauna of the Ribble estuary, and in June last year he was surprised to find a curious organism at the bottom of the small bottle attached to his surface net. He discovered there was the body of the appendicularia with its mouth and curious gill slits. Attached to the body was a curious gelatmous envelope or sac, shaped when first seen like a bishop's mitre. The specimen he captured was different from thot-e previously discovered and described. On the 3rd of the present month he was success- ful in capturing a second specimen, and from investigation he was convinced that the sac was used to protect the young appendicularia, for in the envelopes of both specimens were to be seen ova. A VERT SMALL PARROT. Canon TRISTRAM narrated at length the dis- covery he had made in the Solomon Islands, where he came across a parrot of a specie quit* distinct from any previously known to exist. It was the smallest of parrots known, or as he called it the" dwarf of dwarfs," only measuring two inches in height. Prof. HOWES then dealt with the Customary Methods of describing the Gills of the Verte- brates," and at the conclusion moved a very hearty vote of thanks to their president, vioe- presidents, and secretaries for the way in which the meetings of the section had been conducted. He said the arrangements could not have been more satisfactory, and if there had been a lack of appreciation on the part of the public of Cardiff in the Biological Section, the fault was not due tothe efficiency of the arrangements, or to anything left undone by the president, vice-presi- dents, or secretary. (Applause). Mr HAROLD WAGER seconded the vote. re. marking that he was sure everything had been done by their president and vice-presidents to make their sittings interesting. The audienoe unanimously approved, and the proceedings closed,

ALLEGED MURDER BY A STEPBROTHER. An inquest was held on Tuesday on1 the body of Guy Craig (whose name has also been given as AiTowsmith), who was shot by his stepbrother, William Whitehouse, aged 19, at Hatherton, near Cannock. The enquiry lasted nearly severe, hours. From the evidence it was ascertained that the two lade were at home alone when the shot of a gun was heard by the neighbours. The body of the deceased was afterwards found across an oven. Three statements made by Whitehouse were read. In one of them he said he knew nothing of Guy's whereabouts, and in another stated that the shooting was an accident, and that they were larking together. The coroner remarked upon the discrepancies in the statements, and the jury, after a lengthy con- sideration, found a verdict of Wiiful murder against Whitehouse, who was committed for trial on the coroner's warrant.

THE ACCIDENT AT CYFARTHFA. INQUEST AND VERDICT. An inquest on the body of Thomas Griffiths, who was burnt to death on Monday at the Cy- farthfa Bessemer Works, was held at the Merthyr Workhouse on Tuesday afternoon, before Mr R. H. Rhys (c r).Vclin Jones, brother-in-law of the deceased, gave evidence of identification, after which Moses J ones, slagger, said he had been working in the same shift as the deceased on the day in question (Monday). Deceased was turning the ladle, and soon after he saw a fellow-workman run by, and saw the vessel going down. He afterwards saw Griffiths on the plate. He was very badly burnt in consequence of the metal from the vessel going over him. Evan Evans was also burnt, but not so badly as deceased. Mr Edmund Hambly, engineer at Cyfarthfa,!produced a plan of the Bessemer. From further evidence that was given it appears that two boys named Mason and Collins, among others, were on the "pulpit," Mason being in charge of some of the levers of the vessel. The men underneath, including deceased, called out for a certain vessel to he turned over, and Mason, whose duty it was to attend to those orders, was lying down on a plank. A second call was made, and Collins, who had no business on the pulpit, thinking, as one of the witnesses put it, to do a kind act for the pit men, touched the lever of the wrong vessel, and the metal upset over deceased. Other evidence was given, after which the jury deliberated for some minutes, at the end of which a ver- dict was returned that the deceased died from the effects of an accident caused by negli- gence on the part of Mason and Collins.—The Coroner addressed these two individuals, and said that one had caused the death of Griffiths because he had done what he ought not to have done, and the other (Mason) had caused the accident because he did not do that which he should have done. It was a very serious matter, and they might have been sent for trial for man- slaughter.

During a match between an eleven representing,. -Cowell's Athletic Association and the eleven composed of the officers and privates at "Languard (Fort, played at Ipswich on Saturday, a novel in*- pswic lCldontoccurred. Cowell's.iu the first innings oulyi [made 19, but after running up-75 (for one wicket) gn the second declared their innings closed,-leav- 1 ing their opponents 58 to win. When (the score of f the officers had reacted 30,;a ball was,hit into a tree near the pitch. Cowell's captain refused to> pall "lost ball," and sent a man up the tree. On • the man getting the ball and holding it he claimed the wicket, and the umpire giving the-man out, a ensued, and great excitement prevailed. The Languard men refusing .to bat, Cowl.' Eleven claimed the match.

YSTRADYFODWG AND PONTYPRIDD SEWER.. VISIT OF INSPECTION. On Tuesday, the members of the Pontypridd and Ystradyfodwg Joint Sewerage Board made a joint inspection of their sewer. The party, to the number of 30, started in three brakes from Pontypridd soon after 11 o'clock, and proceeded along the route via Treforest and Rhydfelen to Walnut Tree Bridge, where a capital luncheon had been provided at the Anchor Hotel. After luncheon, another start was made, and the party proceeded through Radyr, Whit- church, and Rumney to the oiitfall, about three and a half miles from Cardiff. In a field near Rumney village the party were photographed by Mr Alfred Freke, Duke-street, Cardiff. Mr George Chatterton, M.lnst.C.E., had charge of the party, and led them through several of the sewerage tunnels, and explained the way in which the work had been carried out. At Cardiff the party was supplemented by several members of the Yatradyfodwg Board, and dinner was par- taken of at the Park Hotel. The chair was occupied by Mr D. Leyshon (chairman of the Pontypridd Board), who was supported by Messrs Chatterton (engineer), W. R. Parker (contractor), and the officials of the two boards. A long list of toasts was gone through, amongst which were The Engineer, Contractor, Solicitors, and Officials of the Joint Board," The Contractor," "The Joint Board," "The Press," and "The Chairman." Songs wore also rendered by Messrs E. W. Lewis, H. LI. Grover, C. Sprague, and EL W. Spowart.

THE COLLIERY EXPLOSION AT MERTHYR. INQUEST. On Tuesday morning an inquest was held at the Lamb and Flag Inn, Brecon-road, Merthyr, touching the deaths of John and Joseph Morgan, who were killed in a colliery explosion in Aber- canaid Pit, Merthyr, on Sunday afternoon.— James Morgan, brother of the deceased men, said that Joseph Morgan Li-ed' at 9, Williamstown, Merthyr, and was 21 years- of age last birthday. John lived at 68, Gramen- read, Merthyr, and was 30 years of age. He. was a married man, and had hne children, and his wife was expecting confinement. She was in a very bad state. The Coroner then adjourned the inquest till Tuesday next at 9.30 in the morning, when an inquiry will be held at the Merthyr 2X>lice-court.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT CYFARTHFA. On Tuesday afternoon, at the Merthyr Work- house, Mr R. H. Rhys held an inquest on the. body of George Taylor, who met with an accident at Cyfarthfa Works on Friday last. From the evidence given,, it appears that deceased and an- other man were unloading a truck on No. 4- road at Cyfarthfa. Works, when an engine and eight trucks, loaded with cinder, collided with the trucks and knocked ifc down over an embank-. litent, a distance of 25 yards. Taylor sustained fracture of the skull, fracture of the ribs, and other injuries, and Hanbury, the other man in the truck, was also badly hit. It seems that the' driver of the engine told, the fireman to alter the points and let the trucks go on to No. 2 roa^. The fireman understood the driver to say No. 4. rood, and altered the points accordingly. The :jury returned a verdict of Accidental death through misunderstanding."

KEATING S POWDER destroys fleas, moths, bugs, iqeetle3, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to 1- I all domestic animals. In exterminating beetles the success of this powder-is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean in application. See the article you purchase is r«'; "KEATINGS," as imitations are, noxious and ineffectual. Sold only; in Is, and 2s 6d each" bv all Chemtsts. 10?5

SECTION E. i GEOGRAPHY. The business of this Section was resumed or Tuesday morning, at the Castle-road W, esl eyor Chapel, before a rnoclerate attendaiim THE SIAM BORDEP". Lord LAMINGTON read a very interesting MC instinctive paper on Siam. In graphic language he described his journey from Chiengmai to Ton qUID. COLORADO. Dr BELL, who ffr many years has resided if i Colorado, prepared a paper giving the results o/ his years' stay in that mountainous region. At his state of health would not allow him to read 11; that duty devolved upon the sectional secretary. Situate in the heart of the Rocky MountaillSt Colorado is peculiarly interesting to Soutli Wales, as coal mining is carried on extensively. The daily yield of the Trinidad coalfield is be- tween 3,000 and 4,000 tn. On the whole, the coal is of inferior quality, abounding in aah, 80 that it cannot rank with the best coal of the States. The paper also dealt with the mining gold and silver. The different modes of extract- ing the precious metals was described, ana tn« description was followed with interest. Railroacis are now fairly spread over the state, so that the transit of g*oods and merchandise is a matter o.. comparative facility. A vote, heartily welcoming Dr Bell oack to his native land, and thanking him for his able pWw. was uassed with acclamation.

RUSSIA AND THE PORTE. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] BELGRADE, Tuesday. It is rumoured here that the Porte, being unable to pay the remaining two and half million pounds of the war indemnity to Russia, the Government of the latter country has, through M. De Netidoff, demanded the cession by Turkey of a piece of territory lying south of Novi Bazar. The inten- tion of Kussia is said to be to divide that territory between Servia and Montenegro, in order to bring the borders of the two Slav countries into juxta-position.

ITEMS BY CABLE. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] CAPE Tow;, Tuesday. General Booth's social scheme has met with a favourable reception at Grahamstown and Algoa Bay. Advantageous offers of land for the purpose of the scheme have been received. GIBRALTAR, Tuesday. The steam tug Stormcock, with the Utopia in I' tow, sailed this afternoon for Glasgow.

ABERDARE BREWSTER SESSION. The police objected to 15 houses and two beerhouse licences at tbeabove ses- sion at Aberdare on Tuesday. In most of the cases^ conviction had been obtained against the houses- ■ during the year. In the other cases no reasons V l were assigned. The whole of the objections and the new applications were adjourned for a month. <

The London Gazette last night announces tha ] Lieutenant Prince George, of Wales has been pro- moted to the rank of Commander in-her Majesty's fleet. CADBUBY'S COOOA. — A Cocoa possessing valuable flesh-forming qualities and imparfing strength and staying ,power.Helùth. 126

INTERVIEW WITH THE LIBERAL CANDIDATE, A representative of the Pall Matt Gazette had an interview with Mr Warmington on Tuesday, What" asked the interviewer, is the strongest point in your favour ? Mr War- mington replied The labour question, I think. HomeRule, which you see I have put first in my address, is an essential part of the Liberal programme, and goes without saying. But I have taken the greatest interest in social and labour questions. I have been for years a guardian of the POOl', and am convinced of the injustice of the present state of affairs. I go in strong for the reform of the poor laws, the restriction of hours of labour where demanded, and other social democratic measures. I go further than the London Liberal programme, for not only am I in favour of one man one vote, but I would give a vote to every man, excepting lunatics, criminals The exceptions go without saying, Mr Warm- ington. Since I have been in the constituency I have been told that the statement that the elec- tion will turn on the temperance question is a gross exaggeration." Cert!iinly it is utterlyabsurb. For example. in the High-3treet here two publicans support me, and one has had the courage to display my bills while close by is a coffee-palace, where, as some of the directors are Tories, Mr Penn's bills were some time shown. That points out that political feeling over-rides the temperance ques- tion." "You have not, I think, been nursing the constituency, like your opponent ?" Oh, dear, no. I only determined to run two or three months ago. I was asked to become the Liberal candi- date in 1886, but I refused and I only consented lately because such irresistible pressure was brought to bear upon me. Yes, it is my first essay in electioneering but my brother, you know, is a member." "Then will you please tell me what chance you ;hve of getting in ?" I do not believe any one will know until the poll is declared. One tells me I shall be beaten by s that majority, another that I shall win by that. The fresh element in the constituency is so considerable. But. at any rate, we hope to very largely reduce the adverse "majoi.ity. We have have had a good fight. There have been no personalities. I said at the first I would only enter Parliament if I could do so on the strenghth,of. my principles."

THE FASTING MAN. At four o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, Jacques, the fasting man at Westminster Aquarium, com- pleted the first half of his fifty days' fast. During this period he has lost in weight 171bs. 12 ounces. With the exception of a slight attack of gout, his condition is satisfactory.

ANOTHER BALLOON I ACCIDENT. On Tuesday evening an alarming balloon accident occurred at Horsley Heath, Stafford- shire. Mr Whelan, a well-known aeronaut, prepared for an ascent with his large balloon, and was accompanied into the car by a journalist and an hotel proprietor. Owing to the density of the atmosphere the balloon did not rise as freely as expected, and thereupon the journalist jumped out. Thus relieved of weight, the balloon shot up, but shortly afterwards was seen to plunge downwards among the house chimneys, several of which were displaced, and Whelan and his companions were seriously injured.

THE BISHOP MORGAN MEMORIAL CHURCH. On Tuesday afternoon the dowager Lady Williams Wynn laid the foundation stone of the Memorial Church in .the township of Brithdir, in the parish of Llanrhaiada-yn-Mochnant, to be erected by public inscriptions in memory of Bishop Msrgan, who while vicar of the parish, .300 years ago, finished his great undertaking of translating the Bible into the Welsh language." The site, which is half-way between Llanhaiadr And Llanfvllin, has been presented by Colonel Bonnor. A number of Nonconformists as well as Churchmen have sabscribed to the new church, which has been designed by Mr W. H. Spoull, of Oswestry, diocesan architect. William Morgan, the translator °l Welsh Bible, was the son of John Morgan, of Gwibernant, in the parish of Pennachno, Car- narvonshire, and was descended from Ednyfed Hardd, the founder of the sixth noble tribe of P«iorth Wales. There is some doubt as to the date of his birth. According to an old manuscript at the ancient house of his family, about 1530, but the general impression is that he was born in 1539. He was educated at St. John's, Cambridge. In 1575 he was instituted to the vicarage of Welshpool, in Montgomeryshire, and three years later to that of Llanrhaiadr. In 1587 he had .completed his great work, and in that year was engaged, as the guest of Dean Goodman, at Westminster, in superintending it as it passed through the press. In 1588 it was published in a handsome folio volume, a fine copy of which is preserved in the Glan Aber Library. He after- wards become "possessor of divers Welsh livings which he held until 1595, when, by the express' command Qf Queen Elizabeth, he was raised to the bishopric of Llandaff. In 1601 he was tratislated 'to the see-of St. Asaph, and he died in 1603. The spots where his remains were interred in the biirial ground attached to St. Asaphl Cathedral is unknown. At the close of the ceremony, of laying the foundation-stone a collec- tion was made for the Memorial Church Building Fund.

THE WEATHER. HEAVY FALL OF RAIN. Inhabitants of Cardiff and the district generally may derive some grim satisfaction from the re- flection that the abominable weather with which their tempers have been tried during the past 48 hours has been experienced over a wide area and that rain fell quite as copiously and per- sistently in other districts. So strong was the gale at Carmarthen on Tues- day that the whole of the ivy, a quarter of a century's growth, was torn off the old keep of her Majesty's Prison, thus considerably defacing the appearance of all that was left of the once imposing castle which had been bombarded at the instance of the famous Cromwell and his valiant train. Heavy rain has fallen continuously for fourteen I hours in Lancashire and North Wales, and ac- counts are reaching Liverpool of serious damage to crops. The stage coaches from Colwyn to Conway have to be driven through floods which cover the roads, and the highways are impassable for pedes- trians. The Conway river has overflowed, and the main street of Trefriw is flooded to the depth of four or live feet. The meadows between Llanrwsfc and the sea are submerged, and cut hay is afloat. The loss to farmers is great. The continued heavy rain threatens destruction of the harvest in Longford and neighbouring counties. The potato crop is also seriously menaced. "Prayers for tine weather will be I offered in the churches on Sunday next. Rain has fallen very heavily during the past two days throughout the South-west of Ireland. Harvesting operations in East Cork were in full swing, but had to be hastily suspended, and splendid fields of grain fully ripe are now laiu by the rain and wind. Should the disastrous weather continue the harvest must, it is feared, be lost, and it is believed even now that a large part of the crop is ruined.

NEATH AND BRECON RAILWAY. HALF-YEARLY MEETING. The ordinary general half-yearly meeting of the above company was held at Charing Cross Hotel, London, on Tuesday, Sir Edward W. Watkin, Bart., M.P., chairman of the company, presiding. In moving the adoption of the report and accounts for the half-year ended 30tib June last, The CHAIRMAN remarked that the working of the railway, as shown by the report, indicated a fairly good increase. They would observe, look- *no at the frross receipts for the corresponding half-year of 1890, that they were £ 14-,602, whilo m the half-year now under notice they were 2/16,780. There had been a little increase in the working expenses, which was explained by the excess in the expenditure of main- tenance and way. The Midland, having carried a larger amount of traffic than in the corresponding period, had, there- fore, a.larger allowance for working expenses off the total receipts for traffic. Shareholders would remember that the Midland had a practical arrangement with the Neath and Brecon, which, he thought, was not one which an experienced railwayman would ever have sanctioned. When that arrangement came to an end the shareholders would remember that the Midland stopped their (the Neath and Brecon) .line and took everything away, including the signalling staff and even the porters and they were now running and. getting what-traffic they could. He thought they did rather more business, than they did before, but he (the chairman) thought that it had given the Neath and Brecon Company an amount of information ,how to develop other resources of the company which otherwise they should not have had. The net receipts of the -working of the railway showed an increase of £ 1,100. The great business that they had to deal with that day was the question of the altera- tion in the position of the Debenture, Preference, and other stocks, the object of which had been to, if possible, get this undertaking out of Chancery. An arrangement had been very carefully con- sidered, mainly by Colonel Laurie and Mr S. B. Bristowe (directors). He thought also that Mr Woolley and other stockholders had been con- sulted about it, and he, therefore, trusted that it might be unanimously adopted. It bad already received the approval of many leading Debenture and stock holders, whom the directors bad had an opportunity of consulting. The chairman then went on to explain generally that the result of the scheme would be to get a reduction in the quantity of stock which was cumulative, but not in the idea of causing the extimation of that princi- ple. For himself, he would like to see an end put to the principle of accumulative arrears, though be considered that the rights of debenture holders- ought always to be respected. With regard to the scheme of arrangement Col. Laurie and Mr Bristowe would be asked to draft a circular which would go out to every individual shareholder for their assent. He (the chairman) was glad to tell them that Mr Griffiths (the manager) had in- formed him that the great item of traffic on their railway, and the most important, as it seemed to him, the coal traffic,was improving, and ttiero-was every prospect of a further development of that traffic. And he (the chairman) thought it ought to be developed, because the anthracite coal of tfeeir valley was a very important factor in the future success of this Neath and Brecon Railway. With regard to the railway itself they knew that most of those Welsh railways had been made by financiers and contractors, and, therefore, the amount of capital contributed to the interests of the company had been very often in- flated. He had great hopes in the future of Welsh railways, working on the principle of con- tinuity, and endeavouring by cordial co-operation to prevent any disconnecting links, being able to develop the undoubtedly large resources of all parts of Wales. There was no doubt that Wales, both norsh and south, did possess a vast amount of wealth which at present was undeveloped, and he thought that they would with him take a rather hopeful view upon what had been looked upon as an unfortunate concern, if they would, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "keep pegging away" until they had extracted the largest pos- sible profit that the undertaking was capable of producing. Colonel R. P. LAURIE, C.B., MP., seconded the motion for the adoption of the report, which was carried. An extraordinary general meeting was then held, when the following resolution was adopted:— That this meeting of the ordinary sharehaldevs of the company hereby approve of the scheme of arrangement between the company and its creditors filed in the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justtce, pur- suant to the Companies Act, 1867, on the 12th day of August, 1891, and authorises the directors to adopt all measures and take all proceedings which may be neces- sary to obtain its confirmation by the High Court. A vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr Surgey and seconded by Colonel Mitchell, was carried.—The meeting then ended.