South Wales Daily News

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS BIRTH GRIFFITHS.—February 28th, at Ewert House, Llan- deby-terrace, the wife of Mr John Griffiths, Mer- chant, Neath, of a son. 8250 DEATHS. JOHN.-On February 27th. at 19, Bailey-street, Ton Ystrad, Ann, widow of the late John John, who was interred on February 17th last at Cymmer Old Chapel. Funeral on Wednesday next for the same place, per midday train from Ystrad. Friends kindly accept thi3 intimation. LEWIS.—At Rockside, Dynas Powis, on February 24th, after a few days' illness from influenza, Eliza- beth Elstub, dear wife of Thomas Lewis, aged 55. No cards. 8182 WESTON.—On Sunday last, at Tunbridge Wells, Peter Weston,for 19 years in the service of Mr T. Webb.8243

TUESDAY, MARCS 1, 1892. .——*■ ST. DAVID'S DAY. PATRIOTIC Welshmen everywhere will foregather to-day to celebrate the festival of their patron saint. Observance of ST. DAVID'S Day will not be confined to the Princi- pality, nor even to the United Kingdom. In the United States of America, where there is a large Welsh population, aflame with love fer the old country and the old language, the national festival will be celebrated with Cymric fervour. The Welsh colony in South America, a settle- ment presenting so many curious phases to the ethnic student, will take the opportunity of renewing its vows to Men Gymru, gwlad y gan; and in South Africa the Celtic colonists will vary some the monotony of colonial existence and others the ex- citement of a quest for gold, by assembling together at the festive board to talk'over the old days and discuss the prospects of the old country. Apart from their uses in stimulating a lofty patriotism —a patriotism which ignores differences in politics, and transcends the limits of creed- these recurring celebrations of ST. DAVID'S Day subserve an important purpose in that they help to mark stages or periods in national growth and national development. ST. DAVID'S Day is an occasion when Welshmen may, with advantageous results, cast retrospective glances at the past and peer into the horoscope of the future. Look- ing backwards there is much to gratify them; looking forward, much to inspire them with hope. Few epochs in national progress have been more remarkable than the silent but potent revolution which the last decade or so has witnessed in Wales. Passive inert- ness gave way to energetic activity, despond- ency was dethroned by hope. After generations of apathy, "the old and haughty nation, proud in arms," once more shook its invincible locks, and to-day stands self-reliant and confident in all the pride of a rejuvenated strength. Never has the fire of Welsh patriotic fervour burned with a brighter or a purer glow. The people have awakened to the consciousness of powers that had long lain dormant,; they are animated by inspiriting memories of their historic past they are filled with imaginative enthusiasm over the latent pos- sibilities with which the future is stored. The new ideas have permeated everywhere they animate the cultured young Welshman at Oxford: they possess the mind of the toil-worn miner they have seized upon the slow imagination of the tiller of the soil. That this quickening of national life, this revival of national sentiment, may be productive of the highest results, it is important that it be directed into the proper channels. In the field of education it has already operated powerfully, and with entirely good results. One of the characteristics of the Welsh people is their love for learning and this aggravated the evil arising from the wretched poverty of the country's educa- tional resources. Recent legislation has, happily, mitigated the evil, and to some extent removed the reproach and the Welsh people have been quick to avail themselves of the new facilities placed within their reach. But much remains to be done, and that not merely in the sphere of education. The revival in national feel- ing ought to be a powerful influence for good on the future destinies of Wales. But let us guard against false con- ceptions, narrowed aims, and low ideals. Celebrations of ST. DAVID'S Day at which men of every political hue may meet round a common board are of the highest value in demonstrating that all Welshmen have a oneness of purpose and many ties in common and that where the highest interests of Wales are at stake the terms Tory and Liberal, Churchman and Noncon- formist, become of non-effect, and arc merged in the,grander name of patriot.

OMINOUS SIGNS. THINGS are getting into a muddle in the House of Commons, both as regards measures and men. Whatever happens the public service must be maintained, and the Government are therefore under imperative necessity to push on with Supply, even though most important Bills are delayed; and just now there is serious delay. Two bills of the first class have been read a first time, but it has not been found practicable to fix a date for their second reading and in regard to three other Government measures leave to introduce has been sought but has not yet been granted. Concerning the Ireland Local Government Bill, even their own supporters are against the mea- sure, for Irish Protestant members are urging the Government to drop certain of its provisions, having come to the conclusion that these Ministerial proposals would be rather the worse for them. Also, there comes a yail that Mr GOSCHEJT cannot possibly frame on election Budget. He forestalled his income last year free educa- tion has killed any prospect of a good surplus. As to the members, we are assured that almost every day brings fresh evidence of demoralization in the Minis- terial ranks, and that the majority on the Welsh Disestablishment resolution was secured only by dint of the most careful whipping, and of personal appeals which are unusual except in the gravest crises. A week has passed since this supreme effort-which gave the Government less than half their normal majority and we now learn that the lack of enthusiasm on the part of their adherents is most marked. The popular party scored a victory on Friday, upon the question of utilizing elementary schools for public meetings indeed, it is asserted that the House was in such a condition more than once during the evening that had a division been forced, Ministers would inevitably have been in a minority. It has become quite clear that the end is not far off. Members are concerned with what goes on in the constituencies more than with what takes place in the House. Even Con- servative members care more for outside considerations, and are imitating their leaders in preparing for the general election. iiMi ril'ni ■< ■ inin

BAEON PROFUMO, who had promised to assist the miners in their subscription to relieve the necessities of the tin-plat* workers in South Monmouth, has been obliged to withdraw his offer, it being a contravention of the Corrupt Practices Act. His letter, which we publish to-day, fully describes the difficulty in which he has been placed and every reader will agree that it is better to. abandon his intended contribu- tion than tb risk the chances of a petition which would result in depriving him of the seat. The Baron has adopted the only method of preventing future trouble, and it is needful that he should be scrupulously careful, because the changes which have, taken place in the constituency justify the belief that, with hearty unanimity in all sections of the party, the Radicals of South Monmouth will wrest the seat from the Conservatives, notwithstanding the popu- larity of Col. MORGAN, and that that division of the county — with its large industrial population-will secure a repre- sentative whose sympathy and voice will be with the wage-earners.

THE Socialist rising in Berlin supplies a significant commentary on the remarkable speech delivered a few days ago by the EMPEROR to his faithful Brandenburgers." His MAJESTY complained that it had become the custom to grumble at the Government, by which grumbling men's pleasure in life and the life and prosperity of the great Fatherland was embittered. He expressed the hope that the grumblers would shake the dust of Germany off their feet, and emigrate with all possible speed. This pious wish is not likely to be gratified, a fact which the riots on the part of the unemployed in Berlin is calculated to bring home to the young monarch with irresistible force. This ebullition of discon- tent under the shadow of his own palace, apart from the serious possibilities with which it is fraught, must have been galling to the amour-propre of his Majesty. Fresh outbreaks of disorder are anticipated, and it will be interesting to observe what methods the self-sufficient young ruler will employ to cope with this dangerous form of popular unrest and dissatisfaction.

Mr D. A. THOMAS, M.P., is not content to leave the Disestablishment cause at the indecisive point where it was stranded by last week's debate, and he has set out, ap- parently, upon a mission to educate Eng- lish public opinion upon the question at issue. After all the laudation that has been lavished upon the SOLICITOR-GENERAL for his speech upon the Disestablishment motion, it will be well for English readers to have the antidote which Mr THOMAS administers through the columns of yester- day's Times. The hon. member for Mer- thyr has contented himself with proving, from the utterances of Churchmen in Wales, that the English institution is alien to the people cf the Principality; that it is a failure as a religious organization and that it has no spiritua force. More, he calls Lord SALISBURY as a witness to the separate and distint nation- ality of the Welsh, and urges the claim for Disestablishment and Disendowment on the ground that the Church has long ceased to be the National Church, not only by reason of the small number of its adherents, but also by reason of the character of that small minority. The line of reasoning taken by Mr THOMAS is conclusive. Out of their own mouths he has judged the officials of the Church. We regret that circumstances pre- vent full quotation of his letter. Mr OWEN OWEN, in the same issue of our contemporary, has a letter replying to the strictures of the SOLICITOR-GENERAL upon his census letter issued in December, and he has no difficulty in showing that the SOLICITOR-GENERAL has been wholly misinformed by those who pre- pared his brief for the debate.

M. LOUBET, the new French PREMIER, is a comparatively unknown man. He is a good type of the respectable mediocrity who excites little repulsion and inspires no en- thusiasm. He has a long political record to show, undefaced by any serious blemish, and his integrity is as much above reproach as that of M. CARNOT himself. His accession to the Premiership he owes to a fortuitous combination of circumstances rather than to any shining talents, and it is understood that he is practically a cypher to which the pre- cedent factors of M. DE FREYCINET and M. RIBOT alone give potency. While classed as an Anti-Clerical, the new PREMIER is a moderate man and the representative of a moderate policy.

TBERE is a rush of radical reform at the Post Office, and red tape will snap unless the pace is moderated. The prevalent energy and push of business life, if once it gets within the placid region at St. Martin's- le-Grand, is likely to disturb the repose of secretaries and heads of departments and, in all friendliness and goodwill, it is needful to warn the Post Office people against the awful results of rash change. We noted last week that they imposed a fine on politeness that a missive carried for a half- penny stamp was surcharged a penny if please formed part of the commuication. Now we learn with amazement that a receipt carried through the post for a halfpenny may bear the courteous acknowledgment With thanks and also that—so far has degeneration progressed-an account may be sent out With BROWS, JONES, & Co.'s compliments." Unless greater care is exercised, we shall have the Post Office con- ducted on business principles. To-day the telegraphic money order is extended, and there is danger of reaction after such a bound forward.

THE Government having promised to con- sider the question whether Belfast should be distinguished by having its chief magistrate elevated to the dignity of Lord Mayor, it is high time to ask what is Cardiff doing. Scotland has two or three Lord Provosts England has a couple of Lord Mayors and Ireland already has a Lord Mayor in Dublin. If, therefore, any change is to be made, then Cardiff has fair claim that the elect of the Councillors shall be entitled "Lord Mayor "—not that it matters much, but Cardiff must not be left behind.

SOUTH WALES NOTES. lRY COSMOS.] BUCHANAN AND BALLADS. IN your "News in Brief column you men. tioned the other day that Mr Robert Buchanan was taking upon himself the role of Dr Percy, and was about to publish a volume of ballads. In all ages the ballad has been what Horace Smith described it- a vocal portrait of the national mind. But yet this phrase scarcely does it justice. It would not have been an exaggeration to compare it with the light which impresses the picture upon the lens. Johnson might sneer at the quaint simplicity, and assert that he could rhyme in the ordinary course of con- versation with equal facility. Yet the whole of his ability, thrown into his ponderous and pedantic sentences could not accomplish what the rudest of such verses have occasioned. They have pulled down the mighty from their seats, have roused people to wrath, have stirred the heart's blood to its depth, have ex- terminated races, and have changed the destiny of nations. Alexander Fletcher, of Saltoun, speaks of a wise person whom he knew who believed that if man were per- mitted to make all the ballads he need not care who should make the laws." How true this has proved Yet, if we were to judge from the way history has been com- piled by those who have written it, the ballads have not played much part in its composition. One of the principal causes which compelled James II. to flee from his kingdom was the ridicule cast upon him by the song with the refrain Lilli Burlero bullen a la." It was written by Lord Wharton, and, as Burnet says, It made an impression on the (King's) Army that cannot be imagined. The whole Army, and at last the people, both in city and country, were singing it perpetually. Never had so slight a thing so great an effect." THE ORIGIN OF BALLADS. LOOKING back on the past one can hardly chime in with the last assertion of this authority. Not only had ballads in Burnet's day exercised such an influence, but even so far back as the period where truth and fiction cannot be separated they were potent factors in determining the course of events. It is still a debateable point among scholars whetherjhe "Iliad" is an epic poem or a collection of ballads. Probably it derived its inspiration from such a source, and was strung together by a master hand. The inference is that Homer had the material supplied him which his genius shaped into the magnificent memorial which still survives. For the origin of the ballad we must turn to primeval epochs, when the savage in a sing-song tone first recited his victories in the chase and in war to his squaw and his tribe. In all countries rude poetry has been the earliest records of public transactions. The likeness ballads bear to one another, the similarity of their style and the manner in which they relate objects of popular interest-their simple imagery, the same brusque character of recital, and textual repetition, are common to all languages. That their dominion was of the greatest may readily be gauged by the massacre of all the bards, an act which Edward thought necessary before proceeding to conquer Wales. The Cymry have invariably put their souls into music it has never failed to excite them to frenzy, no less than to soothe and allay their passions. In the reign of good Queen Bess an author, depicting the customs of North Wales, mentions that Upon the Sundays and holidays all sorts of men, women, and children of every parish do use to meet in sundry places, either on some hill or on the side of some mountain, where their harpers and crowthers sing their songs of the doings of their ancestors." This love still abides with us, and finds a congenial outlet in eisteddfodau. MODERN BALLADS. AMONG the ballads of modern days the "Mar- seillaise may be numbered,and everyone is acquainted with the sway which this song has exercised upon men's minds. Thirty- three years ago the hero of Harper's Ferry went to his death. Everything," remarks Renan, favours those who have a special destiny," and it required but the blood of John Brown to cement the cause for which he gave all that he could give. His death was the final blow that severed those manacles which a white race placed upon the limbs of their black brethren. There are many of us who remember the psean con- nected with the name of this essentially great man, and recollect it being sung in England, but, of course, here it had none of the vitality or vividness with which it was invested in the home of its birth. However, just those few plain and redundant verses which related that John Brown's body lay mouldering in the grave, while his soul went marching on," had all the old potentcy of its predecessors. The saga flew through the land until its breath fanned the smouldering embers into a flame-a flame which consumed the iniqui- ties of the slaveholders, and licked up their blood with evident satisfaction. That wonderful march of Sherman's From Atlanta to the sea was cheered and en- couraged by that hymn of rejoicing, Hur- rah hurrah we'll sound the Jubilee." Not many years later the camp fires ot the German army were surrounded by soldiers chanting the "Watch on the Rhine." But arriving at a comparatively recent date, who can have forgotten that nearly half the inhabi- tants of this country lost their senses owing to the idiotic song "We don't want to fight, but by jingo if we do More- over, it has provided with a pseudonym the Vipllicrprpnt, nnrtv in the Stahp -I:> r- -n_. EPHEMERAL DITTIES. THE ephemeral ballads which do not write history, but yet for a brief period are upon everybody's lips, are too numerous to chronicle. Annie Rooney" is succeeded by Maggie Murphy," and White Wings" by "Ta ra, ra boom de ay." To- morrow they will be forgotten. The trouba- dour is almost defunct. From his high station of being received with honour every- where he has descended to the lowest scale of the ladder before finally disappearing. Dilapidated old derelietthttt he is,he may still be met with at village fairs and agricultural shows, and, despite a cracked voice and worse doggrel, he can yet secure an audience. But the poor love those who amuse them better than those who teach them, and in this secret lies the command which ballads acquire. They spring from the hea of the people, and flit from century to century, from lip to lip of all the class that continues nearest to the state of natural man. Most of the ditties of the day come from the music-hall, where intellectual gratifica- tion is satisfied with the rude simplicity of this kind of composition yet the I popularity of i such efforts as White Wings," The Maid of the Mill," "Annie Rooney," shows that the eld taste has by no means been vitiated. The populace like their literature in homespun, and the old story of leve can never be too plainly dressed. If it be decorated with "sweet inelan,holy it is all the more acceptable. Ballads make melody with the plash of the fisherman's oar you hear them in the hum of the spinning-wheel, and they keep time with the ploughman as he treads his weary way. The whole s-.ul of the peasantry breathes in their burdens, as the great sea resounds on the shore. They are the murmur of many voices. PITY THE POOR PEER. A UNE or me most remarkable signs ot the times is contained in a question addressed to Lord Carringtcn by an interviewer. The noble peer is seeking a seat upon the London County Council, and he was asked, Has the fact of your being a lord proved a disadvantage ?" Lord Carrington is of opinion that his coronet has not interfered with his canvass. We have a law to the effect that peers are not allowed to interfere in Parliamentary elections. This was passed in order to lessen the undoubted pilwer they possessed of influencing voters. But the timeshavechanged. Instead of a title being an attraction it is a positive disadvantage. Peers will soon be petitioning the House of Commons to relieve them of this unjust burden. How the mighty fall Bulwer Lytton in the Lady of Lyons speaks of those twin galors of the daring heart- Low Birth and Iron Fortune." Nous avons change tout cela. In future we shall pity the man who has a handle attached to his name. Possibly Lord Carrington wishes he was plain Smith once more, and earning his bread "under the spreading chestnut tree." His prospects of return to the London County Council would be immensely increased. THE AGE OF RACEHORSES. THERE is to be an attempt made this year to alter the age of race-horses. They now date from January 1st. It is proposed to change this to March 1st. General Owen Williams has given notice of moving a reso- lution to this effect at the Jockey Club meeting held during the First Spring y:,eek at Newmarket. The object is to throw back the foaling of mares until later in the year. Whether this will make any difference to the soundness of the animals is doubtful. It is natural for thoroughbred mares to foal during January and February, and as long as they are well fed the produce should come to no harm. The experience with all stock is that the newly-born offspring is not tried to any extent by the weather whilst it can obtain plenty of its natural sustenance. It is far more likely to be injured at two years old when it is brought out of a warm stable to face the cold March winds at Lincoln. Moreover, there is no more trying month in England than March. The east wind, in conjunction with a hot sun, is more treacher- ous than snow or frost. A BIRTHDAY ONCE IN FOUlt YEARS. PERSONS who were born on Monday will have the pleasure of celebrating their birth- day once in four years. Leap year has its advantages. Possibly, it is annoying only to receive birthday presents every fourth year, but there comes a time of life when one receives no birthday gifts, and at that period you are only too glad to count your years as one in every four. Rossini was born on February 29th, and when he became advanced in life he used to reckon his age by the number of his natal days. However, after all a man is as old as he feels, a woman as old as she looks. In the latter case there is no use in being seventeen if she appears to be thirty.

EDINBURGH WELSH STUDENTS' SOCIETY. [FROM A CORRESPODENT.] The annual dinner of the Edinburgh Welsh Students' Society was held at the Windsor Hotel, Edinburgh, on Saturday. Principal Williams, of the New Veterinary College, presided. There was a large attendance of the members of the Society, and there were also present Professor Henry Jones, of St. AndTew's ;!pro:cssçr Masson, of Edinburgh University Sheriff Nicolson, the well-known highland poet; Principal Simon, of the Edinburgh Congregational-hall; Dr Caird, lecturer on Surgery at the Royal Infirmary Dr Wood, of the City Fever Hospital Mr B. W. Broad, Sergeant-major La Mont, Mr McKelvie, Mr T. Wedros Jones represented the Glasgow Welsh Students' Society and Dr J. D. Williams, of Dowlais (gold medallist of Edinburgh University), was also present. The Chairman proposed "The Health of the Queen and Royal Family and "The memory of ;it David in a few well-chosen words. The toast of Edinburgh and its institutions" was proposed by Mr D. Williams, Blaina, and responded to by Principal Simon, D.D., who is a native of Carmarthenshire. The toast of "Cymru, y Cymry a'r Iaith Gym- reig" was proposed by Mr H. E. Griffiths, and seconded by R. 0. Morris, M.A., both of whom spoke in Welsh in a most eloquent and forcible manner. The toast of the Welsh Colleges and University," proposed by Mr L, C. Edward, Bala, was responded to by Professor Henry Jones, who, in a most interesting speech, emphasized the popular basis upon which the Welsh University Colleges stand, and the need of a Welsh University to complete the system and free the teaching in the colleges from the shackles of alien examination programmes.— In reply to the toast of The Guests," which was proposed by Mr D. R. Price, Mr T. Wedios Jones, of Glasgow, acknowledged the warmth of his reception as representative of the Glasgow students.—Professor Masson gave an interesting account of his early appreciation of the Welsh element in English literature, of the way in which he had come to be more identified in feeling with the Welsh people, and of his own induction into the Gorseddic circle at the Bangor Eisteddvod, and mentioned among the names of eminent I Welshmen those of Archbishop Williams and of we Oliver Cromwell, who in early life" sicned his name Oliver Williams. Sheriff Nicolson also spoke in a happy and genial strain in response to the same toast, em- phasizing the point that he as a Celt felt quite at home amid a Welsh asseinbly.-Thf-, toast, Yr Eisteddvod a Chymdeithas y Cymmrodorion," was responded to by Dr Alfred W. Hughes, F.R.C.S. (England and Edin.), lecturer on anatomy in the School of Medicine, Edinburgh, in a most happy speech delivered bilingually.- That of the Edinburgh Welsh Students' Society and Inter-University Union" was responded to by Dr Daniell, M.A., D.Sc., L.L.B., advocate, who, spealsinc; in Welsh, urged upon the students present the duty of striving to promote the aims of the Inter-University Union in raising the in- tellectual activity of their respective districts. The toast of the President was received with acclamation, emphasizing the issue of a most interesting controversy, in which Principal Williams has for some years past been engaged with reference to pleuro-pneumonia, and in which his opinions have quite recently been trium- phantly confirmed. The interest of the proceedings was heightened by an extensive selection of music, in which the following gentlemen took part :—Messrs D. R, Price, D. T. Jones, Lane, KyfSn, T. and H. Williams (sons of Principal Williams, Samut, Curtis, and Caird. The whole proceedings were conducted with immense vigour and enthusiasm, under the able guidance of the chairman, and the presence of so many distinguished Welshmen, in- cluding the newly-appointed professor of logic and metaphysics in the University of St. Andrew's, together with that of so distinguished an array of guests, rendered the occasion a memorable one.

ATTEMPT TO WRECK A TRAIN AT ABERAVON. On Sunday evening the driver of a goods' train noticed an obstruction on the down line of the Great Western Railway, near the sand siding at Aberavon. He gave information to the station- master at Port Talbot, who repaired to the spot, and found that three large bolts had been placed across the rails with the evident intention of wrecking the down passenger train, due about seven p.m.

SAD DEATH AT HAFOD. On Sunday- morning the body of an old man named Thomas Evans was found near the Tre- hafod Hotel. Deceased, it is supposed, when under the influence of drink, had fallen over a wall, dislocating his neck.

COAL SHIPMENTS AT BARRY DOCK. The following is the quantity of coal and coke shipped at Barry Dock for the week ending Saturday. February 27th. 1892:— Coal. Coke. Ton ewt. Ton cwt. Monday, Feb. 22 16,629 3 531 9 Tuesday, „ 23 15,753 3 Wednesday, 24 16,104 15 52 10 Thursday," „ 25 17,221 5 465 10 Friday, 2,5 16,363 6 165 11 Saturday, 27 0,272 8 278 10 Coal 88,367 0 1,494 10 Coke 1,494 10 Total 89,861 10

"Pies of Light and Leading are the result ofl using RIZINE BAKING POWDER. CONSUMPTION, BRONCHITIS, AND ASTHMA.-If you want to be permanently and speedily cured of these distressing complaints, discard prejudice and write to Mr Williams, 11, Burwood-place, Norfolk Crescent, Lomlon. He will send you Gratis" full instructions for cure, and advice on diet. 8934

I I THROUGH FAMINE- STRICKEN RUSSIA. THE STORY OF THE GERMAN COLONISTS. THE PROCESS OF RUSSIANISATION. 19TH CENTURY RIP VAN WINKLES. LFROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] SARATOFF, Feb. 22. The German colonists on the Volga number about 300,000. They may be roughly classified as Protestants, Catholics, and Mennonites. With the exception of the last mentioned, they all came over during the latter part of the 18th century, in response to a manifesto issued by the Empress Catherine. In that proclamation Catherine promised them certain privileges, the most notable of which were immunity from military service, self- government, and religious freedom. These privi- leges were granted na vek," which means for ever," but the phrase has recently been construed to signify a century only. There is just enough ambiguity about the expression to admit of this interpretation, but it is a quibble. When universal military service on the German system was introduced into Russia the German colonists were told they must either serve or go. Many of them, especially the Msnnonites, who are a kind of Quakers, chose the latter alternative and departed. The next thing to go was the self-government. The colonists used to be governed by a sort of elective council, which met at Saratoff, and was called the "Office." This body controlled the vagaries of the village commune. The "Office" has been'1 abolished, and the Zemski Natchalnik now reigns in its stead. The German colonists have thus been gradually brought under the controlling in- fluence of Russian institutions. Even their religion is threatened now. Fresh encroachments upon their civil and religious liberty are of almost daily occurrence, and their independence may already be described us a thing of the past. The steady decline in the fertility of the soil, which has culminated in chronic famine, and the in- hospitable attitude of the Government, have brought home to the colonists the conviction that they have in Russia no abiding city. Thoy are, therefore, emigrating in large numbers to the United States. The advent of the Russian Zemski Natchal- nik among these sturdy, honest Germans Was quite uncalled for. The Zemski Natchalnik is a sort of substitute for feudalism. The Russian people are sadly in want of guidance and guardianship. As serfs they lad their masters, who looked after them, but stice they have been emancipated the village commune has led them a sorry dance. It is no brt if the Czar's policy to make the peasant A educated and independent member of society henco it was found necessary, after 25 yes of bad management and thriftlessness, to rotect the peasant against himself and put hi: under the tutelage of a Zemski Natchalnik. Whenever possible, the people selected for th office were gentry resident in the neighborhood, and already known and respected. In the case of the German colons, there was, in the first place, no necessity teippoint such officers, and, in the second placethere was no gentry to select them from, conseontly Govern- ment officials were appointed. The authorities might have ccpromised the matter by selecting prominent ccnists. There are not wanting among the Germ colonists men of energy and ability, who havey dint of per- severance and industry, risen tovealth and in- fluence. Thus the village of Cesser, together with the whole of the surroundi* neighbourhood, is practically dependent upo Herr Schmidt, originally a weaver by trade, v has become a miller and a timber merchanas well, and is gradually menopolismg all theade of the dis- trict. But it did not suit t) Government to appoint such men. Th colonies were to be Russianised, hence lussian officials had to be appointed. The result was ludicrous in the extreme. These officials, with salaries ranging fr L200 to jB250 a year, arrived armed witfull powers, and commenced to give themses airs. The in- fluential colonists, howeve passed the word among themselves, and thoemski Natchalnik were boycotted. They coulet neither lodgings, nor food, nor any of the necities of life, so they had to capitulate and pa 'iomage to the local magnate, who then, in v cases out of ten, gave them free quarters, ailhus was enabled to keep them in a proper te of humility and dependence. The German colonists c only be descrihed as so many nineteenth cenf Rip van Winkles, Imagine a body of men tai out of the eighteenth century, carefully preser1 and kept apart from the influences of modermgress, latter-day cus- toms and ideas, and you b the German colonists of the Volga. They albk like figures out of old German woodcuts, v their solemn, sallow, obstinate, clean-shaveu es, their hair dressed like a periwig, their mt forms, and their curious, old-fashioned gients. They all wear stocks, and they are ally dignified and stately. They have still, the ss furniture which they brought with them mi than a hundred years ago, aud sleep in fuial four-po3t bedsteads. Their women, when tig, have the pure aHd beautiful faces of the (chen type. To come among tt people in the midst of the semi-oriental Kuss is a great surprise to the traveller, and fillsi with wonder. Their cottages are substanti built, and contain large and lofty rooms yeie family generally sleep in one room, the hea-curtaincd four-posters— of which I have seennany as four in one room —securing almost atuch privacy as so many separate apartments. The condition of! colonists is. really worse than that of the ssian peasants in other districts, inasmuc as the former have no natural protes or guardians. The estate owners to ¡m the Russian peasants formerly belonged take a sort of patriarchal interest in them, log upon them as their own people, and helpinfem in their distress. But the German colonhave no one to whom they can look except aw wealthy employers of labour. For hund of miles you can travel in tho steppes whioound the Volga without coming upon a eery gentleman's seat. The colonists have -.ing that they are being 1,-ft alone to die. J hand is stretched out to save them. Evet Government aid, scarcely enough in all ccence, has been meted out more grnd^inglyid in smaller quantities to them than to ri: The Red Cross Society has passed then' altogether. This is how it comes about th»'hile the inhabitants of the Russian villacesSaratoff are fed, the Germans are starving. Tnoral the Russians point is different. Theiintain that the existing state of things is an ment in favour of the Rus- sianisation of t^lomsts. As you enteitierman colonial village you become aware 4 extraordinary odour, heavy and unpleasanfhich seems to pervade the whole neighbood. This is the odour of burnt manure, whicHie only fuel the German colon- ist is able to fi He is consequently unable to manure his fie) It was touching, on entering the cottages, see the industry of the in- habitants. Nero busy, working for their very lives. IS ot the colonists on what is called the tfainous side of the Valga are weavers, anddint of very great labour they are able to eaibout 6s a month. This is not paid to themash, but in kind. They are all hopelessly int to their employers or sweaters, and these, ofrse, take full advantage of the circumstancThe only educated people amongst tl are the clergy and the schoolmasteand these have not received any salary •'ears. It is sad to see young children, w>ale faces and glistening eyes, working atooms like galley slaves. In one cottage thrfitered the owner, an old man of 65, was lyi a semi-unconscious condition in his bed. id not tasted food for several days, and his mias wandering. In somiiages, I saw men, women, and children s; almost naked, unable to go out to seek workuse they had no clothes, and ex- cluded free receipt of Government aid be- cause thet a handicraft. This is, indeed, the worst fean the administration of relief. The Ganent helps the absolutely destitute, whom it carcely worth while to save, and leaves tbho are industrious and able-bodied to starve the Russian villages this arbitrary arraugerts tempered by the dishonesty of the Mir, bu Germ an colonists retain the sterling qualitiech they brought with them from the Fatherl They are sober, virtuous, honest, and incbus. Much of their present helpless- ness is >o the fact that they were originally handicnen and tradesmen, and knew nothing about ilture. They consequently adopted the mis common in Russia, and hence, instead improving the Russians, they are graduaiemselves sinkmg down to the same level.

MAHESTEII SHIP CANAL. Th<th general meeting of the Man- chestup Canal Company was held on Monet Manchester, Lord Egerton presid- ing. he opening speech the chairman re- name reasons why the canal had not beenupleted on January 1st, 1892, as origi intended. The obstacles were not mersical, they included diftiillties with land- ownisputed ownership of foreshore, special diffis in dealing with landowners at Eas the requirements of the Mer- sey ervators, and the conditions with thevay companies. If they had had time theght have remodelled the whole under- tabut they had not time. Under favourable cons the waterway might be opened in the cot next year.—The report was unanimously ad, and the chairman and the retiring dit were re-elected.

)ENT TO A COLLIElt.-On Monday morn- inhe Diamond Llantwit Colliery, Bedwas, J (or gan, while working in the stall, was s<y hurt by a heavy fall of clod. The col- lectors promptly attended to his injuries. -il Iliers m this particular heading accom- I him to his home at Bedwas.

NEWS IN BRIEF. The average income of tte medical in Glasgow is JB907, in Abardeen it is in the English colleges it is 2800. It was a New York milionaire's heiress declared that she would marry a title or notbtif' As it happened, she married both. I Signor Foli has booked iiis passage for Am tralia by that newest oj floating palaces, tOi Ophir, which leaves Tilbtuy an March 11. I Lord Edmond Fitzmamiee has told the ]Oft. caldy electors that he cannot support a universal eight-hours' day. It would, he says, lead tit universal evasion. The centenary of the brth cf Rossini, who, his later years, still declared himself a vaO& because he was born in leap year, was cot «'! tensively celebrated in Ifigland yesterday. That enfant terrible rho fills Churchmen horror, Mr D. Lloyd Corge, M.P., has promi,4, to address a meeting at Cadoxton, Barry, at early date. The Congregational hurches of Bradford bs" agreed to invite the Congregational Union d¡ England and Wales to hold its next ann-II assembly in that town The last occasion of itØ visiting Bradford was n 1876. The displacement olthe new battleship Repaid probably fully equalethe aggregate displacement of all those ships of be Royal Navy which wet? engaged against theSpanish Armada in 158" few years, that is, Jefore the first Due PspulO came into existence. A well-known Cfdiff footballer, Mr 11. Joseph, celebrated his 6th birthday yesterday- This is not a jok. because he was born on th* 29th of February. H. P. was captain of the Rovers' Football CI b shortly after the attainment [ of his 5th birthday. | Mr Chamberlaii's motion for a return of justices of the pead exercising a jurisdiction ill I shipping ports, the» being pecuniarily interests^ [ in the shipping trale, does not indicate any intefl' I tion on his part toarry the matter further. The | motion was drAftee: by Mr Flimsoll. and morfd at bis instance, j A statistical member of the National Liber4, i Club reports that luring last year 10,000 bottle of whisky were (Onsumed "on the premises" of t the palatial institution overlooking the ^T»>iank- ment. It is a curious fact that 10 bottles of I Scotch were emptied to one of Irish. In tb* same period 1.,000 cigars were smoked, mostly sixpennies andander. it is undersea that Mr W. H. Bingham Cot, one of the C-oriervati ve candidates for St. AlbaDlt has parted wth his two newspaper properties) the Licensed Victuallers' Gazette and Licentei Victuallers' Airror, to a company of gentlemeff j who are interred in the prosperity of the trad* j thejouraalai. question more or less represent- A strong pro.incial interest is said to be emboditll I on the directorate. Irishmen, "Respective of party, will (says tb« Pall MaU Gazette) doubtless appreciate the com- pliment pain to his and their country by Fight- ing Bobs i. assuming the title of Lord Robertt of Kandabar and Waterford. The new peer jø ¡ evidently proud of his descent from a Waterford citizen, wfecwj son, a distinguished architea married tfa* daughter of a French refugee Mr D. Handell, M.P., has been unanimoorfy selected as honorary member of the Paris Parlia" selected as honorary member of the Paris Parlia" -1. iueniary Association. He is, we believe, the first English mamber of the Association, and bis many friends will learn with pleasure of this coD1" pliment paid to him. The membership h" various privileges connected with it, amongo which is seat in the press department of thI Chamber. Welshmen residing in Newport intend to keep their pairon saint's day with becoming honours. There will be a banquet at the Westgate Hot8 and a conversazione at the Philips' Memorial Hall. At both, song and sentiment will pre- vail. Eos Dar is to be present at the latter, and a glee company is promised at the former. Mr Lucv. in his Qn itt ——~ \jo.eutj and Co.), says Sir Lyon Playfair has one of the most retentive memories of any man in tb« most retentive memories of any man in the House. At one time he always wrote his lectures" before he delivered them to the House, sending the manuscript to the Times, and so accurate was his'recitation that the editor had only to sprinkle the lecture with Hear, hears and cheers to make the thing complete.! "Better late than never" is an aphorism not entirely applicable to the circumstances of all aspirant to County Council honours in Car- marthenshire yesterday. The nomination of Mf Phillpot, White Lion, Felinfoel, as a candidate for the WeiiVa and Glyn hamlet, Llanellv, was received halt-an-hour after the appointed time- Therefore Mr Phillpot had to bid farewell to ambition and farewell to hope, and his antagonist romped into the vacant seat. A lovely Book of Hours of the latter part of the thirteenth century, known V the Murthly Manuscript, now the pro- porty of the Marquis of Bute, has bound up with it twenty-three full-page miniatures of Scripture subjects of an earlier date. Experts who have examined the little volume consider that these miniatures were not later than 1220. One of these represents the soldiers watching our Lord's tomb. They are four in number, clad in knightly armour, apparently banded, and three of their shields bear the following charges Gules, j two chevronels or; Azure, a fess between three I besants and Gules, a chevron betwpf-n thrae i besants. The announcement of the approaching mar- riage of Miss Balfour, the sister of the First Lord, and Mr Alfred Littelton, the nepheW of Mr Gladstone, has (says the Star) come upon the general public with surprise, as Miss Balfour was supposed to be so devotedly attached to her brother, for whom she kept house for many years, as to preclude all idea of any other or tenderer relationship intervening to weaken that tie. Miss Balfour is extremely in- tellectual looking. She is not handsome, but sha is a charming conversationalist, and a mOS. accomplished draughtswoman, While at the Chief Secretary's lodge she employed her time in landscape painting from nature m the Phoenix- park. Like her brother, she is shortsighted, and wears a pincr nez. Newport is to have a big Disestablishment day early in April, at which there will be a morning conference, afternoon conference, and evening meeting. Sir Wm. Harcourt and Mr g. H. Fowler are to be the principal evening speakers, and Mr D. A. Thomas, MP., Air Albert Spicer. and Baron Profumo will be chair' men respectively at the three functions. Mf Lloyd-George, M.P., and others will be present. The secretaries are Revs Morns Thomas, Oaer leon, and Ceitho Davies, Abercarn. These were appointed at a representative meeting in Newport yesterday afternoon, over which Rev Professor Edwards, of Pontypool, presided. The authorities of the borough of Llanidloes, I Montgomeryshire, are investigating an extra- ordinary affray which has occurred on the outskirts of that town. While two respectable farmers were proceeding home from the fair they were assaulted by two police constables. The fracas attracted eventu- ally a considerable crowd, and at length two urball constables arrived on the scene, and conveyed their-drunken colleagues to tho police station. An excited crowd followed, and in the course of the disturbance some persons, up to the present unidentified, smashed the windows of several houses, and, visiting a plantation belonging to Mr C. J. Morris, of Dol-llys, destroyed or damaged no less than 16,000 young plants growing there. The town clerk of Llanidloes has forwarded to Mr Morris a memorial, on behalf of the inhabi- tants of the borough, condemning the outrage, and promising to take all possible steps to dis- cover the perpetrators. The death took place on Saturday of Miss Anne Jemima Clough, Principal of Newnha#> College, Cambridge. Miss Clough, the sister oi the celebrated poet, came of an old Welsh family. In 1842 she began the great work of her life by keeping a school. For many years at different places and in various ways she continued bet efforts. But the chief and crowning opportunity of her career came in 1871, when at the invitation of Professor Sidgwick she came to reside at Cambridge, and to take charge of five girl students. From this humble origin sprang Newnbam College, whose astonishing success has surpassed the expectations of its warmest and most sanguine friends. Mis' Clough was, of late, assisted by Mios Gladstone, Mr Gladstone's only unmarried daughter, and still more recently also by Mist Stephen, eldest daughter of the retired judge. But the management has been hers, and hert alone. She was a most remarkable person. Simple and unpretending in manner, though per- fectly dignified, absolutely careless about het personal appearance, she would have seemed quite an ordinary common-place woman if it had not been for the wonderful keenness and bright. ness of her eyes. Anne Clcugh was with Arthuf at his death. These whc knew Miss Clough wil1 always vividly remember, not only her strong io- dividuality of character, but her striking ap" pearance the keen dark eyes vividly contrasting with the hair, which turned white quite early in life; the determined, characteristic mouth, witll its capacity both of sweetness and of humour.

Munday's Liver Pills act direct upontheLivefl they contain no mercury, are suitable for all ages an' climates, and without doubt are the best pill fdr bilousness, liver complaints, and indigestion Sold fa boxes Is, 2s 6d, and 4s 6d, post free, by the proprietor J Munday, Chemist, 1, High-street. Cardiff 5031