South Wales Daily News

DISCUSSING THE HOME RULE BILL. The Central News says: -rthe Cabinet Com- mittee on Home Rule sat for over four hour., to-day, and Ministers were assisted in their deliberations by Sir Henry Jenkyns, Parlia- mentaary Counsel to the Treasury. The sitting ended at a quarter-past seven in the evening, and Earl Spencer was the first to leave. Mr John Morley remained behind for some time in consultation with the Premier. It was noticed that while the committee was sitting there was much coming and going of messengers. The Whips' Office was kept open unusually late, Mr Mar joii bank? and the officials being very busy.

MR GLADSTONE'S DEPAR- TURE FOR LONDON. MEETING WITH MR MORLEY AT CHESTER. Shortly after nine o'clock yesterday morning. Mr Gladstone, aneompanicd by Miss Helen Glad- stone, ieft Hawarden Castle for Chester, en route to Londcru They drove to Sandycroft Station, where they joined the 9.48 train for Chester. The train reached Chester General Railway Station at 9.52. For lottle minutes previous to this time Mr John Morley, M.P., who journeyed from Ireland last night and stayed at the Queen Hotel, arrived on the platform, and immediately proceeded to meet the Premier. They exchanged hearty greetings, and walked to a specially reserved compartment of. the London train. Mr Gladstone, Mr Morley, and Miss Gladstone took their seats in the com- partment and journeyed to London, the train leaving the station punctually. Mr Gladstone appeared to be in excellent health. There weie comparatively few persons on the platform, and beyond salutations there was no demonstration. The arrangements for the arrival and departure of the party were under the superintendence of Mr J. Reddish, station superintendent. Mrs Gladstone will leave Hawarden Castle on Monday next tor London, and Mr Gladstone and herself will journey to Biarritz the following day. Mr Gladstone arrived at Eustonfrom Hawarden at 2.30, the train being 10 minutes late. The Premier was cheered by an enthusiastic crowd. He drove at once to Downing-sfcreet.

MR JUSTICE MATHEW. Sir James Mathew, President of the Evicted Tenants' Commission, left London last evening for Dublin to resume the inquiry.

WIGAN COLLIERY DISASTER. ANOTHER BODY RECOVERED. A \Vigan correspondent telegraphs yesterday nioriiilig:-Ftirtlierexploratioii of the workings at Bamfurlong Colliery, near Wigan, has resulted in ths- discovery of another dead body,-which was brought to the surface this morning and identi- fied as that of James Dowse, aged 26, a single man, of Platt Bridge. This increases the total number of fatalities to 16. Mr Brighouse, county coroner, formally opened the inquest on the bodies of the victims of the disaster at noon yesterday, and after taking evidence of identifica- tion adjourned the inquiry till the 27th inst.

i M. WADDINGTON. PARIS, Friday.—Some months ago M. Wad- dington intimated to the Minister of Foreign Affairs his intention to resign the post of Ambassador in London, for personal reasons, in the course of the year 1893. No precise date was, towever, imentioned.-Beuter.

PttBLiC EXECUTION IN PAHIS. PARtS, Friday Morning.—The mutderer M. Ominiton,wbo, after committing a burglary at the wine shop of M. Desvois, fired repeatedly upon those who attempted to arrest him, was guillotined this morning, he having been found guilty of killing two of his pursuers. The crowd outside the Roquelle Prison was smaller than usual this morning, and only a small body of journalists were. present within the military cordon, in addition to the officials engaged in the execution. The weather was dull and oppressive. The scaffold was erected in the early hours, the guillotine being placed in position at halt-past five, and the horrible paraphenalia was all in readiness for the execution by a quarter-past six. M de Paris, the executioner, the Commissary of Police, M. Leygonie, and the Investigating Magistrate, M. de Cosnac Greffier, of the Court of Appeal, entered the gaol at seven o'clock, being received on the threshold by M.Beauquesne, the Director of Prison. They were at once conducted to cell number one, where the culprit had been placed pending the carrying out of the sentence. They found that Crampon bad already risen, and was half- dressed. The object of the visit was, of course, known to him instantly, but he bore himself with the greatest fortitude. The director, M. Beauquesne, said to him that this was the moment for him to prove his courage, to which, however, the convict made no reply. The executioner's assistants at once commenced pinioning him and making other prepara- tions for the execution, during which Crampon was asked if he had anything to say, to which he replfed, Justice is too inhuman what I have to say will go to the tomb with me." In repJy to a further question be said, I don't ask you either to provide me with drink or a smoke." He made his last confession in a few brief sentences to the Abbe Yalidier and then at ten minutes past seven the doors of the prison were opened, and Crampon was led upon the scaffold. To all outward appearances he was perfectly calm and collected, but careful observers regarded him as being in a totally dazed condition. From the moment be appeared en the scaffold until he was thrown upon the block by the executioner'j assistants he did not remove his eyes from the gleaming knife. The work was expeditiously carried out, and at twelve minutes past seven the convict's head fell into the basket. The executioner, M. Deibler, stated that although Crampon seemed dazed when he walked on the scaffold he had exhibited the utmost firmness throughout and died courageously. By half-past seven all the imple- ments used had been cleared away and the crowd bad entirely dispersed.-Centml News.

DOUBLE MURDER AND SUICIDE. It was discovered yesterday that a farmer named George Sowan had murdered his two children, aged four and six years respectively, and had then committed suicide. Sowen recently took a farm at Arram, near Beverley, and on Wednesday night drove to Hull Bridge. He was not seen alive again, and yesterday his body was found in the river with a cow chain round his neck. A letter was also found intimating that he intended to make away with his children who would also be found in the river. Their bodies have not yet been recovered.

TO-DAY'S WEATHER 4.30 A.M. TCSDAY'S FORECAST roB JiNQhJLND, S.W.. AND SOUTH WALits. South-westerly gales or strong winds, squally, rainy, mild. GENERAL.—The depression in the nortb is moving away to north- eastward, but a new system is appoaching Ireland from the Atlantic. WARNINGs.-The south cone is tip in districts 0,1, and 6 to 10.

GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts wereprepared last night at the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock at the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock I DISTRICTS— 1 A ,i -NT 1 South-westerly and southerly ?' tp" r sales and strong winds 1. Scotland, E. J SqUajiy rajny mild. 2. England. N.E 3. England, E. 1 South-westerly winds, strong, 4k Mia. Counties j- squally; (mild; rain at 5. Eng. S. (Lon. ) times. and Channel)./ 6. Scotland, W, 7. Engl., N. W., I South westerly galea or &NorthWales. > strong winds squally 9c Ireland, N. { rainy; z»il(L InWri. -JÁ

| PROCEEDINGS AGAINST DIRECTORS ARREST OF M. CHARLES DE LESSEPS SEIZURE OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. OTHER ARRESTS EXPECTED. PARIS, Friday.—Last evening M. Bourgeois, Minister of Justice, gavo orders to the Procurator of the Republic to institute proceed- ings against the directors of the Panama Canal Company for corrupting public functionaries. The law was at once set in motion, and M. Fran- queville, examining magistrate, after some preliminaries, issued warrants, in virtue of which M. Charles de Lesseps, M. Fontane, and M. Sansleroy were arrested at their own houses about eleven o'clock this morning. M. Cottu, another of the Panama directors against whom a warrant was issued, has fied. It is said he has gone to Vienna. The police searched the houses of accused, and found most voluminous corre- spondence. M. Sansleroy is not a member of the Panama Board. He is the deputy whose sudden change of front and vote in the Committee of the Chamber turned the scale at the last moment in favour of the Panama Lottery Loan.—Renter. LATER. The news of the arrest of the Panama directors and of domiciliary visits made at their residences produced a groat sensation in the lobbies of the Chamber this afternoon. It is reported that some members of the Panama Committee of Inquiry intend demanding the suspension of the Parliamentary investigation, while others pro- pose the resignation of the Committee, on the ground that the case has now been taken up by the judicial authorities. MM. Charles de Lesseps, Fcntanss, and fians Leroy will be subjected to a summary inter- rogation by the examining magistrate this afternoon. Among the premises searched by the police this morning were the offices of the Panama Com- pany, the Thierree and Propper Banks, and the Paris residence of Dr Cornelius Herz, where a large number of documents were seized. Up to the present no warrants have been issued against Count Ferdinand deLesseps.. The decision to put the law into motion was come to at the meeting convened by M. Ribot at the Foreign Office at 7.30 last eveuing. The per- sons present included the Premier, M. Bourgeois, the Minister of Justice, the Procureur- General, the Procureur of the Republic, and the head of the Criminal Department of the Ministry of Justice. It was at this meeting that the character and scope of fresh judicial proceedings for corruption were finally decided. This prose- cution, it is to be noted, is entirely distinct from the case instituted before the Correctional Tri- bunal, which will come on for hearing in the ordinary course. M. Charles Lesseps was arrested at his private residence by M. Clement, a special police officer, who also seized many documents connected with the Panama affair. The arrest of M, Fontanes was effected this morning by M. Vernon, com- missary of police. He occupied rooms at a house in which are situated the offices of the Universal Company of the Suez Canal, of which M. Fontanes is secretary- general. M. Sans Leroy was arrested at his rooms, and a few papers were seized by the police. At eight this morning the Police Commissary pre- sented himself at the residence of M. Cotta, but found only that gentleman's wife, who said her husband had left Paris for a few days. At the head offices of the Panama Company the police merely affixed fresh seals to papers seized some five or six months ago, but did not remove any- thing. The documents are so voluminous that their transport would necessitate the employment of no less than 14 vans. The three gentlemen arrested were conveyed to the Central Police Station, where cells had been prepared for their reception. Before being taken to the cells they were searched as ordinary prisoners. They are allowed to order their meals from outside. The Prefect of Police and Pro. cureur-General are to confer this evening with M. Ribot and M. Bourgeois. Some of this evening's journals announce that four other arrests are imminent, and, according to one paper, the Government wilt ask the Cham- ber to authorise the prosecution of a certain number of Deputies. The president of the four Republican groups in the Senate went to con- gratulate M. Ribot to-day on the decision dis played by the Government in regard to this morning's arrests. The feeling in the Lobbies of the Chamber is generally favourable to the Ministry on its prompt action. The Committee met to-day, but after two hours' conference, the sitting was suspended without coming to any resolution. Ib is said some members urged that the Committee should resign, as the Government had placed the matter in the hands of the judicial authorities. Others pointed out that the Committee could act simultaneously with justice, since they were acting merely as a jury of honour, investigating the moral aspects of the question. The Com- mittee subsequently resumed deliberations, and sat till a late hour, when it was decided there was no ground for resigning. -Peuter. PARIS, Friday (later).—The arrested directors were brought up to-day before M. Franqueville, examining magistrate, who merely took evidence of the identity of the prisoners, all of whom declared their innocence of the charges brought against them. M. Franqueville committed the prisoners to gaol, and they were conveyed to Mazas Prison this evening. It is persistently rumoured in the lobbies this evening that a fresh arrest is to be made as soon as the Government has demanded authorisation to prosecute. The person to be taken into custody is alleged to be a Deputy of one of the Central Departments, who is said to have acted as agent in corrupting mem- bers of Parliament. The decision of the Parlia- mentary Inquiry Committee not to resign was voted by 22 members against seven, with four abstensions. The grounds on which the resolution was based was that the committee should continue to act in order to spur on the Government and prevent it from faltering in its course, should it betray any intention of doing so. The committee will meet to-morrow at four o'clock to hear the report of the delegation which hM examined the famous documents connected with the Panama prosecutions. After hearing the report the committee will decide upon its future course of action. -Reuter.

THE VICTORY OF THE GOVERNMENT PARIS, Friday.—The Journal des Debats says that the obstinately-contested victory of the Government is sufficient to save the country from the most inextricable of crises. The Estafette and the Paix declare that the Chamber has now re- covered its self-possession, and that the Govern- men t again feels itself on its feet; while the Evenement and the Petit fournalpraie the Cabinet's energetic attitude. The Con- servative papers—the Figaro, Gaulois, and Atttorité-declarè that after. yesterday's vote, the country finds itself with a Government without a real majority, and an Inquiry Committee in a practical minority, both mortally wounded. The Radical organs assert that it is impossible for the Ministry to gather any strength from yesterday's sitting. The Justice says that the Chamber reversed its previous judgment, and that the Ministry yesterday governed only by it? own votes-a reference to the fact that sev^n members of the Cabinet are Deputies, and that the Government's majority was only six. The Radical similarly expresses the belief that the Cabinet cannot govern while it is from day to day uncertain what to-morrow may bring forth.-ReWer.

ANOTHER REPORTED GOVERNMENT SCANDAL. The Gaulois mentions a rumour, which has so far, however received no confirmation, that a formal complaint will shortly be lodged against a former Minister and also against the president of a financial company. According to this report the ex-Minister, acting on the pretext of State reasons, interfered in a law suit in which the company was plaintiff, and caused judgment to be given in its favour contrary to the justice of the case.-Reuter.

7- THE CHOLERA. REAPPEARANCE OF THE PLAGUE IN HAMBURG. HAMBURG, Friday Nigbt.-Great anxiety is being manifested owing to the re-appearance of cholera. The utmost vigilance is now being dis- played by the authorities but fresh cases are of daily occurrence. Yesterday there were two fresh cases in the suburb of Ha-nmerbrock, and to-day three fresh cases have been reported in the city itself, and one death.-Central News.

A STEAMER AGROUND ON THE NEATH BAR. A Lloyd's telegram from Swansea states that the British steamer Cornucopia, from Port Nol- loth for Swansea, went ashore during a thick fog and rain about half a mile. south of the Iveath Bar, early on Friday morning and remains fast. An unsuccessful attempt was made on Friday afternoon to float her, and arrangements are being another twl thu afterae^

EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR. I A COLWYN BAY RATE COLLECTOR BLOWS HIMSELF UP. A mysterious occurrence happened on the London and North-Western Railway near Liverpool, between Lime-street and Edge-hill, on Thursday afternoon. The 3.20 train from Widnes and Manchester had not proceeded far up the tunnel when the engine-driver heard the noise of a violent explosion. On reaching Edge-hill, a third-class compartment was found to be seriously damaged. The windows were smashed, and one of the doors was burst open, part of the woodwork being torn away. Inside a man was discovered lying on the floor in an un- conscious condition A strong smell of gun- powder was noticeable, and a box of matches was found in the compartment. The railway officials lost no time in removing the injured man to the Royal Infirmary, but he died on the way, for when he reached that institution Dr Davidson pronounced life to be extinct. Later in the afternoon he was identified by his brother-in- law as Elias Hughes, of Branderw, Colwyn Bay. He was apparently about 50 years of age. In his pockets over j36 in money was found. His clothes and hair were slightly singed, but the body was not bruised or disfigured, and death appears to have been the result of violent shock. Deceased was observed to enter the train at Lime- street, carrying a black bag. When the train reached Widnes a piece of spent fuse' several inches in length and the stem of a clay pipe were found in the compartment. The carriage was returned to Liverpool last night, and placed in the charge of the railway detective staff, who examined it carefully. The sidt. of the compart- ment upon which the explosion took effect was smeared over with a thm coating of a glutinous substance. There was no blackening of the woodwork or of the cushions, and this points to the conclusion that it was not gunpowder, but probably nitro-glycerine. that was the explosive employed. Upon closer search of the travelling bag being made it was found to contain some grains or blasting powder and several copies of newspapers bearing insurance coupons to the sum total of 22. 350 against railway accidents. Among these papers are two Answers," two Tit-Bits," one "Sala's Journal," and one "Penny Illustrated Paper."

THE DECEASED A SUSPENDED RATE- COLLECTOR. A profound sensation was caused in Colwyn Bay on Friday on reading of the tragic death of Mr Elias Hughes, of that place, in a railway carriage in Edge-hill Tunnel. Mr Hughes has for many vears past been the rate-collector for the Local Board, and in addition has conducted a flourishing: house-furnishing business. For some time past there bad been rumours of inaccuracies in his accounts, and quite recently the Local Board ordered an inquiry into those accounts, with the result that deficiencies amounting to V09 were discovered, and Mr Hughes was suspended from his office. At Tuesday's meeting of the Local Board a statement to the above effect was made to the Board, and a resolution recommended by the 1 inance Committee adopted calling upon the Local Government Board to make a special inquiry into the accounts. In the course of that inquiry into the accounts. In the course of that meeting the clerk to the Board read a note just received by him from Mr Elias Hughes, stating that the £ 109 had been paid into the bank to the credit of the Board. At the same meeting the clerk of the Board was appointed temporary receiver of the rates, and Elias Hughes was sus- pended pending the result of the inquiry asked for I by the Board. The matter preyed heavily on Mr Hughes's mind, and on Monday last he asked the Local Board several questions bearing on the subject, among them being "Will they arrest me ?" Mr Win. Jones, the surveyor, tried to soothe him, but Mr Hughes burst into tears, and gave way to violent emotion. No one in Colwyn Bay can imagine where the explosive referred to II above could have been obtained by the deceased, as it is not sold in Colwyn Bay. A complete I revulsion of feeling has taken place in Colwyn Bay with regard to the alleged delinquencies of the deceased. The utmost sympathy is expressed for his wife and child, and his brother. Most of the members of the Local Board yesterday hastened to the Board-room on hearing of the sad news, and all expressed their sorrow at the ter rible ending to Mr Hughes's life.

OPENING OF THE INQUEST. An inquest was opened yesterday at Liverpool on the body of Elias Hughes, collector of the Colwyn Local Board, who was killed by an explo- sion in a railway tunnel at Edgehill on Thursday. It transpired that deceased on Saturday pur- chased as many papers offering insurance on account of railway accidents as he could get at Colwyn Bay bookstall. He left Colwyn Bay for Liverpool on Thursday morning, having been served on Wednesday night with a writ for £ 50at the instance of a creditor.—The Coroner stated that there were a number of papers and documents found in a bag carried by the deceased, and which would have to be thoroughly investigated. The jury would also be offered an opportunity of inspecting the carriage in which the explosion took 'place. —Mr John Fetitig, from the solicitors' office f the railway company, produced a very fragile substance, supposed to be a burnt fnse, Which was found in the carriage, and which would have to be analysed. There was also found a pocket knife with a white handle and two blades, wich had been used for mixing gunpowder. This knife was found under the seat of the carriage.—The inquest was adjourned after evidence of identification.

.f" A MADMAN AT WINDSOR CASTLE. STRANGE DELUSIONS. Cipe At tbe Windsor petty-sessions on Thursday, William Green, an electro-plater, of Birmingham, was brought before Aldermen Cantrell and Well- man under singular circumstances. The prisoner, who wore spectacles, was respectably dressed. He arrived at Windsor Castle on Monday morning, while the case of Mr William Watson, the poet, was being investigated by the borough magis- trates. Reaching Henry VIII. Gate shortly after eleven o clock, he was questioned as to his busi- ness by Sergeant Kelsey, of the Roval Household police. To him he said he wanted to see the principal military officer in charge, in order that he might be received with proper respect, as the Queen should not be Queen his mother ought to be in her place. Inspector Savage, who is stationed at Windsor Castle, subsequently saw Green. ^Ihe latter stated that he was the son of Captain Nolan, who was killed at Balaclava, and his mother a daughter of King William IV., and that she should be Queen, aud that he had come to olaim the Throne. The prisoner was subse- quently placed in the custody of Superintendent Armour, of the Windsor police, who asked him for an explanation of the statement which he had made at the Castle. Green said that he beard it by inspiration twelve months ago last June, and had seen his mother on Sunday in St. George's Chapel and his father in St. James's Church Birmingham.—Dr Casey, who had examined the prisoner, certified as to his insanity.—Upon being asked by Mr Lovegrove (the magistrates'clerk) whether he would like to say anything with reference to his conduct, Green very calmly and deliberately replied that lie had only to (repeat his statement that Captain JNolan was his father, that the Queen was not the proper heir to the throne, and that he went to Windsor to assert his rights and those of his mother.—The Bench ordered his removal to Stone Lunatic Asylum, near Ayles- bury, to which he was taken by Inspector Savage and Superintendent Armoury t the-close of the proceedings. Green has only recently returned from Chicago.

MEETING OF THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION. THE CASE OF THE BROTHERS JAMES. ADJUDGED TO BE PROFESSIONALS. Last evening a meeting of the Committee of the Rugby Football Union was in held at the Craven Hotel, London. The chief business centred in the information laid against the brothers James, who last season assisted the Swansea Club, and were generally held to be the most brilliant pair of half backs in the Principality. These players left Swansea for Manchester this autumn, and appeared several times for the Broughton Rangers. Upon the re- questof the Welsh Union the English Union afew weeks ago held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the transfer by these players of their services from the Welsh Club to the English Club. No decision was arrived at at the time, but last evening the following was officially supplied by the Rugby UnionThe Brothers James-This Committee have found the Brothers James to be professionals in England." As a consequence the Brothers James are disqualified from assisting any club affiliated to the English Union until such time as they may be reinstated as amateurs.

DYNAMITE BOMBS IN THE SEWERS. CADIZ, Friday.-The discovery of dynamite bombs in the sewers of this city has caused great apprehension amongst the public. The police, it appears, received secret information that 40 bombs had been hidden in sewers in different streets, and accordingly instituted a search, with the result that eight of these machines were found. The searoh is still being rigorously prosecuted. It is supposed that bombs were con- cealed by Anarchist* in October, when they were being most closely watched by the police owing to the Queen Regent's visit. Local Anarchists leaders declare that the whole affair is a con- spiracy fabricated by the police for the purpose cf exciting public opinion against the Anarchists and enabling the authorities to act with severity when an opportunity offers. -Reitter.

H.M.S. HOWET AN ADMIRAL TO BE COURT MARTIALLED. It is reported at Portsmouth, that Vice- Admiral Fairfax, commanding the Channel Squadron, will be tried by court-martial at Ply- I mouth, with regard to the grounding of the Howe. Reason for this decision not having been arrived at earlier is that Sir Freak Richards. Second Sea Lord, has been on leave, and Lhr m -■ tei-aettldonjy bts discuravl at a full bosu-i."?

THE QUESTION OF HOME RULE. IMPORTANT LETTER FROM A CARDIFF LIBERAL. THE PRESS AND SIR EDWARD'S MANIFESTO. SPEECH BY AIR D. A. THOMAS, M.P. MANIFESTO FROM THE JUNIOR LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. The following manifesto, drafted by the Com- mittee of the Cardiff Junior Liberal Association, was issued yesterday afternoon :— TO THE ELECTORS OF CARDIFF. We think that in the name of an association which has consistently advocated tho most thorough and advanced Radical principles, we are entitled to express an opinion on the present political situation. We have no desire to warn a Government which we have laboured so success- fully to place in power, or to imitate the peculi- arities of a recent manifesto, but to address a few plain words to our fellow-electors. "The Liberal party in Cardiff is threatened with dissension which will prove most disastrous for years to corns. The next few days must decide whether as a party we shall stand united as of yore, or if Cardiff is to become the arena for an increasing antagonism between the uncompro- mising Radical and that sickly type of Liberal who sees nothing extraordinary and reactionary in Sir Edward Reed's letter. As an association we were unanimous in re- solving that the letter of Sir Edward Reed was an insult to Cardiff Radicalism, and we now feel his later conduct saddening to anyone who admires political consistency. At once steps were taken to hold a large public meeting, under the auspices of the Junior A,-so- ciation, on Tuesday next, so that the intense indignation which so widely prevails in the town against the hon. member should find adequate expression. At a meeting of the executive of the Senior Association on Thursday night—with that art which cne admires, but is too scrupulous to imitate—the Liberal Thousand was called to meet on this very Tuesday night, notwithstanding that attention was called to the meeting previously arranged by the Junior Association. 0; What is the feeling throughout Wales ? That the democracy of Cardiff has not pronounced itself sufficiently. Because if itfiad, such a false estimate of its strength would never have been made by its own member. If we yield now, what wonder if our Radicalism be denied, and Cardiff be regarded as one of those watery constituencies which are the scorn of every robust electorate ? Sir Edward Reed has explained. That we expected, and having exhausted every artifiooin prose, he resorts to poetry, which, however excel- lent in itself, under the circumstances is utterly trifling. "We feel convinced that if Sir Edward Reed is not determined at all hazards to represent views far more in advance than his own, and if our local leaders are resolved to support him, then the aggressive Radicalism in CardiC which is egregiously under-estimated, will never cease in its efforts until the one is sent elsewhere and the others are consigned to private life. The Liberal Thousand is the voice of the local democracy, and upon it we rely to say that a supposed Radical representative who delights in conduct which makes the enemy rejoice and fills his own party with dismay, is not a fit and proper repre- sentative for Cardiff, which, from the number and intelligence of its inhabitants, merits at least a member for whom thsre is no necessity to apologise. COMMITTEE. "Dec. 16th, 1892."

I,; MR D. A. THOMAS AT CWMBRAN. Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., opened a Liberal Reading-room at Cwmbran last night, and ex- pressed a hope that the room would be so utilised as to help on the cause of progress. A meeting was afterwards held at the Cwmbran Assembly- room. Councillor Roger Evans presided. Mr D. A. Thomas said the Liberals bf South Mon- mouthshire had no representative in Parliament. As long, however, as Colonel Morgan represented the division, he (Me TbotxiuA) would be pleased to IbbK aftet their interests at Westminster. He hoped that at the next election they would return a Liberal for the division. (Hear, hear.) It had been stated that therd were divisions in the Liberal party, but as long as Mr Gladstone stood by the Newcastle programme, the Liberal majority would support him, and as long as Mr Gladstone supported justice to Wales the Welsh party would stand by him. (Applause). During the last few days Sir Edward Reed had written a letter. It was not so much their business to criticise Sir Edward Reed as that of the Liberal electors of Cardiff. The letter was, however, evidently written not only for Cardiff, but for the country at large, and they had, therefore, a rtght to express an opinion upon it. He con- sidered that the Liberal Association of Cardiff had taken the right course in calling upon Sir Edward Reed for an explanation. He was still in the dark as to why the letter had been written. His (the speaker's) opinions had not changed during the past six years, but he did not feel called upon to write a letter extending to two or three columns to tell his constituents that he had not done so. (Applause.) They did not expeot Colonel Morgan to write a letter to say that he bad not changed his opinion on Free Education. (Laughter.) The retention of the Irish members at Westminster was a very im- portant point, but Sir Edward's letter had not carried them much further than they were before. He (Mr Thomas) was pledged to snpport the re- tention of the Irish members at Westminster. He did not say they should be retained in their present numbers. He thought that Irish mem- bers should be retained on principle and ex- pediency. The Welsh people had supported Home Rule, and they hoped in return to have the support of the Irish members to disestablish the Church in Wales. (Hear, hear.) Sir Edward Reed complained that he had been very much misunderstood. If that were so. he had been misunderstood by a great many people—Liberals and Conservatives. Touching upon the question of Disestablishment, he said that the Welsh party intended to insist upon Disestablishment in Mon- mouthshire also. He (Mr Thomas) would rather wait for Disestablishment than that Monmouthshire should be left out. (Cheers.) Referring to Mr Goschen's statement that Tory Ciceros would be unmuzzled during the Session, he said if Col. Morgan proved to have been a muzzled Cicero for the past 18 years, and was now going to make up for lost opportuni- ties, it held out appalling prospects to the House of Commons. (Laughter.) Responding to a vote of thanks, Mr Thomas expressed surprise that so able a man as Sir Edward Reed had committed what appeared a serious mistake. He considered the most wise course would have been to have written a warning, if necessary, to Mr Gladstone personally.

IMPORTANT LETTER FROM A LOCAL LIBERAL. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-It will, I think, be taken for granted among Cardiff Radicals that Sir E. J. Reed's letter to the chairman of the Liberal Association requires some digesting. During the late general election I, together with many hundreds of Sir Edward's supporters (knowing perfectly well we should return him again as our representative in the House of Commons), felt a certain amount of pride in the feeling (which in the breasts of some of us amounted to almost a certainty) that Mr Gladstone would invite the member for Cardiff to fill some important post in the present Govern- ment. That Mr Gladstone did not do so we have felt very keenly, and we have deeply sympa- thised with Sir Edward (whether he has felt it or not is beside the mark) in being shut out of office after rendering for so many years such signally able service to the country and to the Liberal party. Not that we believed Sir Edward's presence in the present Government was indispensable to the smooth working of the laws of political evolution; or that Ireland will be put back 1,000 years in the race of progress should he go over to the Tories; but we felt he had been slighted. And we were prepared to stick to him all the tighter because of (as we thought) the whole self-sacrificing way he was sinking his own individuality for the helping forward of the just work the Liberal party has before it. Why has Sir Edward's letter .altered our opinions? Because only one thing has happened since the general election about which Sir Edward can write with absolute knowledge. He does know beyond all cavil or doubt that he is not a member of the present Government beyond that he knows no more of the Home Rule Bill to-day than he did when addressing the great town's meeting in the Park-hall he used these words: "I am for a policy towards Ireland of complete trust," and a few days later in St. David's-hall, in my hearing, addressing the Irish emptors:— UV W,4.& wjie daures instilt vov sa Mr » "to Gunn haoa done'by telling you you are aiming at separation proves himself ignorant of the most elementary know- ledge of the Irish question. 1 for one will never lend myself to so insulting and withal fallacious an argu- ment. Why this letter ? Since using these words what has happened ? There are to-day only about 10 men in the British Empire who knows more of the Home Rule question than was known then And as Sir Edward is not one of these, why this a priori epistle ? 1- have read Sir Edward's letter again and again, and from first to last he fails to name a single feature of the Irish question that was not present to the minds of all thinking men during the General Election. Sir Edward professes to be greatly alarmed at the retention of Irish members at Westminster, and wonders how English, Welsh, and Scotch electors will like Irishmen voting on their own local matters when they cannot vote on Irish local matters, and yet he knows that as far back as March last a scheme was brought under Mr Gladstone's notice, and received his earnest consideration, whereby it was proposed to create 361to 42 Irish.County Im- perial members to sit in Westminster, the constitu- tion creating them likewise defining their position in Westminster, whereby they will only have power to vote upon Imperial questions, thus leaving the English, Welsh, and Scotch as free to vote upon their local matters as we propose leaving the Irish in their Home Parliament. The hon. Aember says, "The bill abounded, doubtless, with difficult details, but these patience and good faith in the House of Commons might have been trusted to overcome." What has happened to cause Sir Edward to lose patience, and why has he not good faith in the present House of Commons to overcome the difficult details that are inseparable in the passing of such a measure as Home Rule for Ireland ? In July last he bad the greatest confidence in Mr Gladstone and the Liberal party, and proclaimed again and again that they were the only party to be entrusted with this knotty question. Nothing has hap- pened since, according to Sir Edward's letter, but a speech in the House by Mr Redmond, who de- manded the re-installation of evicted tenants and the immediate release of those who murderously shea innocent blood." The present Government has answered one part of that demand in the ap- pointment of the Evicted Tenants' Commission. Does Sir Edward agree with this Commission ? Echo answers Or does he fear that the sense cf I doing fearlessly what is right will forsake the British heart when we come to deal with the other half? "Oh, Mr Redmond, great is thy guilt! Thou hast brought the gladiator of the Metropolitan town of Wales upon his knees quaking tor the greatness of the Liberal party." To those of us who have for years worked for Ireland, who were ardent Home Rulers year and years before Mr Gladstone made it a plank in the Liberal platform, who have watched its progress for 20 years, till to-day it occupies the first and all-absorbing attention of the greatest nation in the world—those of us who, through evil and good report, have steadily kept the one object in view, smile, I fear, some- what cynically as we read between the lines of Sir Edward's letter. But we will not lose heart. We still decline to believe that the man who has done such valiant service for the Liberal party, who has proved himself a people's man," is in this hour of Ireland's greatest need, as it is her greatest triumph, right on the threshold of the most momentous Session any Parliament has held this century, is going to turn his back and bis life upon the declaration of many a hard-fought battle. The letter is in many respect an enigma. While we wait for the obscurity to pass away we cling to the hope that the 1,000 who look to Sir Edward to do as he promised them last July, that is, help Mr Gladstone pass his Home Rule Bill for Ireland, will not be disappointed.—I am &c., Dec. 12th. 1892. J. WYNN. Dumfries Commercial Hotel, St. Mary-streefc, Cardiff. [Owing to the continuous pressure on our space for several days, the publication of Mr Wynn's able and suggestive letter has been unavoidably delayed.—ED. ■ £ W. D. N. ] Mr R. N. Hall, secretary of the Cardiff Liberal Association, having communicated the result of the meeting of the executive to Sir E. J. Reed, received from the hon. gentleman yesterday the following telegram :—" Shall have much pleasure in coming down Tuesday next.—REED." Sir E. J. Reed, in a telegram to the South Wales Daily Nevis from Bath yesterday after- noon, says:—"I cannot join in any further controversy, or write, or give interviews until I have had the pleasure of meeting the Liberal Thousand next Tuesday." This declara- tion was evidently elicited by certain pointed questions put to the hon. member in our editorial columns yesterday. Sir Edward Reed leaves Bath for London this (Saturday) morning. The hon. gentleman only arrived on Friday at Bath, where he joined Lady Reed, who had been staying there for some days.

MORE PRESS COMMENTS. tF Genedl Gymreig ("The Welsh Nation," Nationalist) strongly reprobates the action of the member for Cafrditf. It declares that he has committed political suitJide, am} that he can never be returned to Parliament again as member for Cardiff. The Genedl is disposed to agree with Dr Mullin that Sir Edward has been seeking for some excuse to turn against Mr Gladstone, and it is entirely at one with Cochfarf" in his in- dignant repudiation of the insinuations in the manifesto that the Liberal party had connived at reparation. It puts the case as against Sir Edward Reed in a, nutshell by asking five per- tinent questions :— 1. If it is wrong that a Home Rule measure should provide for decreasing the majority which passes it, how could it be right for the Act of which was passed by the Irish Parliament l? J to Pr°vide for the absolnte extinction of the body which passed it ? 2. How much greater is the danger of the Government, which is supported by the votes of Irish members at St. Stephen's, yielding to the extremists than there is of Sir Edward Reed, who oweshisseat to the votes of Irish electors at Cardi doing the same ? 3. Inasmuch as Sir Edward knew quite as much about the new Home Rule Bill in July last as he does now, why did he not make his attitude clear before instead of after having been slighted in the division of the honours of office ? 4. Inasmuch as Sir Edward never hinted in his address to the electors, nor in his public speeches during the election, at any possible divergence of opinion between himself and Mr Gladstone on the Home Rule question, has he now any right to vote m the House of Commons against his leader on this measure without forthwith vacating his seat in consequence? 5. Inasmuch as he was returned under distinct Pledgee to do all that lay in his power to secure ^tabl.shment and Disendowment of the Church of England in Wales in the present Parliament, has he any right, by the action he now threatens to take, to render it impossible for the Government which is prepared to grant us Disestablishment to fulfil its pledges in this respect i The North TT ales Observer and Express (Liberal) says Sir Edward Reed—for it is the member for the largest single-member constituency in the kingdom, who has gained a cheap notoriety by indicating the possibility of his revolting against his leader and going back upon, not only the associations, but the pledges of a lifetime—has sent a letter to the chairman of his association at Cardiff, in which the coming revolt from Mr Gladstone's authority is foreshadowed. It is true that Sir Edward does not say in so many words that he has yet become an Unionist, nor does he say that be has decided to sever his con- nection with his old political friends. Sir Edward is a past master of that branch of the art of letter- writing which enables the author to use words to .bide instead of to elucidate his meaning. In this respect Sir Edward Reed's latest epistolary effort is a masterpiece. Under ordinary circumstances he might, after having written the letter, declare either that the letter clearly indi- cated his intention to oppose Mr Gladstone, or that it was never bis intention to forsake his old leader. The letter means either or both, according to the standpoint from which it is regarded. But the fates have not favoured Sir Edward Reed this time. Friends and foes alike have conspired to force him headlong down the path to the political destruction he unwisely faced when penning his letter. It will be almost impossible for him again to retrieve his political fortune. The Unionists have already .welcomed him with open arms, and the Liberals and Nationalists have already discarded him. Altogether we cannot but regard the writing of this letter by so clever a man as Sir Edward Reed has been wont to be considered, as the greatest mistake he has ever committed. His ill-fortune is not likely to tempt many to flatter him by imitating his folly. The Evening News and Pest (Conservative) says:—The Liberal Thousand of Cardiff is to meet in solemn conclave to pass judgment on Sir Edward Reed, M.P. The honourable member is understood to be in any but a penitent state of mind, and, indeed, the many insults which have been showered upon him during the last few days by the Irish voters and by a few of the Radicals and anti-Reedites of the Welsh Metro- polis have only served to harden his heart and brace his nerves. If Sir Edward ever thought of resigning in a pet, he is by no means inclined to take such a course at the present time, ot at least was not yesterday evening. He is determined, on the contrary, to abide by every letter and every line of his manifesto of last week, and to show a bold front to the enemy. It is highly improbable that he will resign his seat unless there is something like an overwhelming feeling against him shown at the meeting, and even then he will, we believe, take things quietly, and possibly wait for further developments. Meanwhile the Conservatives and Liberal Unionists of Cardiff and its district are lying low. It is scarcely likely, however, that Sir Edward, if he sticks to his guns, will have anything to fear in the Unionist quarter at the next election. Party spirit runs high at Cardiff, it is true, at election time, but the Conservatives and Liberal Unionists would rather have Sir Edward as their representative than some bitter Welsh Nonconformist. The London Echo says Sir E. J. Roed, who was never dencient of the power of self-appreciation, for which he elicited sarcasm from Cobden more than a quarter of "a century since, says his letter, recently published. 'L mj|^ be of scut <y*siirt&nc& to the Government in making their Home Rule measure satisfactory." As Bir E. J, Reed did not say anything about the difficulties of Home Rule which has not been said in different ways by hundreds of others, we question whether his statement will have any effect on the Government measure, or whether even it will receive any con- sideration at all. Sir Edward Reed (says the Star) didn't mean to back out of Home Rule. Not a bit of it! He has read his letter carefully over, and fails to understand how any such construction could have been put upon it by the Cardiff Liberals. They should be grateful to him instead of being angry, for his letter is just the sort of thing to assist the Government in keeping the Home Rule measure satisfactory to their English supporters. If this was Sir Edward Reed's meaning, there must have been some hitherto unrecognised defects in his early training, especially in regard to his appreciation of the meaning of plain English words. Byron called on Coleridge, who had been explaining metaphysics^ to the nation to explain bis "explanation." Sir Edward Reed will have a similar opportunity at Cardiff on Tuesday, when his appearance on a Liberal platform will not excite the usual demonstration of pleasure. Sir Edward Reed (declares the Pall Mall Gazette) has written a letter to explain the letter he wrote. Whatever is divergent in his political convictions, he has certainly caught the unclear accent of his lost leader, and learned his great language well. The whole world it seeins has been at fault in its interpretation. Sir Edward's original letter was meant to be. and, he adds, ,must be, of "great 1 assistance to the Government, and not in any way hostile or embarrassing." This bethought that any and every reader" must perceive at once, nor could any good and sensible man take a different view. How he has mastered that delicious style! But there are notes of weakness which would never have been posted from Hawarden. To admit that the whole affair is a sad muddle," and to cry, "Oh, dear me (sic), it does seem odd that I should have to defend my- self," is unworthy of an Adullamite even in recan- tation. Mr Gladstone (says the Globe) has often found himself in tight places through either the in- discretion or the insubordination of his followers. But never did he get into a more awkward fix than that in which he is placed by the united efforts of Sir Edward Reed and Mr Justin rCarthy. With a delightful pretence of sur- prise lest his rebellious manifesto should have given offence, the astute member for the Cardiff Boroughs slyly declares that it was only meant as a protest against the novel and extreme claims of the Redmonditas." Never for a moment did he imagine that it would be taken to include those good and sensible men"—to wit, the M'Carthyites—with whom he has been associated in advocating internal or "domestic "Home Rule. Then, too. his purpose was so benevolent towards the Government. Perceiving the likelihood that Mr Gladstone will be sorely pressed to give way too far, and so lose support in Great Britain, as in 1886, Sir Edward Reed conceived that it would bo a really kind thing to play the role of King Canute before the wave of Fenian Home Rule." But what say the M'Carthyites to this friendly effort to represent them as good and sensible men," and to disconnect them from the Redinond- ite platform ? Are they thankful for the good office? Very much the contrary, it appears Mr Justin M'Carthy declares that "he sees nothing in Mr Redmond's demands that is extravagant or unreasonable."

THE DOCKERS' UNION. PUBLIC MEETING AT DOWLAIS. SPEECHES BY BEN TILLETT AND TED HUMBY. A public meeting, called for the purpose of hearing addresses by Mr Ben Tiilett, Mr E. J. Humby, and others, in connection with the Dockers' Union, was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Dowlais, on Friday night, under the chair- manship of Mr Win. Lewis, C.C. There was a large attendance, and at the outset one of the labour songs, contained in a leaflet which had been distributed at the doors, was sung to the tune of The March of the Men of Harlech." The CHAIRMAN said he took the chair that night as a working man. He believed in Trade Union principles, and he believed, furthet. in the federation of Unions so as to make one strong Union for the protection of their interests at all times. The gentlemen pre- sent had not come there for the purpose of sowing any dissension between masters and men. Dowlais was in an exceptional position but it was said that the Dowlais Iron Company could boast that they enjoyed a greater income every year than the Prince of Wales. Mr TILLETT, who was cordially received, rose to move the following prosposition :— That this mass meeting of workmen is of opinion that the time has arrived when the whole industrial community should organise itself on Trades Union lines, inasmuch as the experience of the past has con- clusively shown the inefficiency of all other plans to protect and safeguard the wages and social interests of the toilers. This meeting, therefore, determines, and hereby pledges itself to forthwith adopt and give practical effect to the foregoing declaration by enrolling as members of such Trade Unions as exist for the betterment of the condition and wages of those engaged in the various sections of industry represented atthis meeting. He explained that the Dockers' Union, although so-called, had a large membership of pure labourers not engaged at the dock side. He sketched the rise and progress of the Union, and what had been done in London and provincial towns in the way of improving the position of wage-earners. He contended that as a result of the Dockers' move- ment, many other Unions had sprung up; that one million and three-quarters of men hafl gained a distinct advantage in wage to the extent of £8,000,000 annually. Mr Tiilett alluded to the conditions under which the Dowlais men had to live, and work, and die. The masses of this country were, he said, turning out millionaires by the dozens, and they were the means of making wealth in such a rapid manner that the wealthy men could hardly spend it. And yet men in Dow- lais were working 16 hours a day to get nothing like a London shoeblack's wages. In Dowlais they were in a disorganised state without effective control. The employers were something like the barons of old days, and the workmen were some- thing like the feudal vassals—they had no power. (Applause.) In Dowlais they were receiving 60 or 70 per cent. below the wages paid in other parts of the country for the same particular industry they were engaged in. At the same time he did not say it would be possible for their wages to be raised all at once to the same standard. Labour, he argued, should be the arbitrator of price. They would thus be able to do away with improper rivalry between employers, and this would be good for the employers themselves. (Cheers.) At the close of his exhaustive address he was loudly cheered. Mr TED HUMBY seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Upon the proposition oj Mr BKNT TILLETT, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the chairman, and the proceedings then closed.

PRINCESS TROUSSEAU. A MAGNIFICENT ARRAY. Much satisfaction is naturally felt in England that the Duchess of Edinburgh has ordered the greatest part of Prin- cess Marie's trousseau in London. The wedding gown and other articles described have been made by the dressmaker who has worked for her Imperial Highness ever since she came herself as a bride among us. This trousseau is far more elaborate and of ncher material than any that have been made for other Royal Princesses. Pink is Princess Marie's favourite colour. and the Empire style appears in the majority of the costumes. When it is said that there are 24 silk petticoats alone, the extent of this lovely trousseau may be imagined. A new material, called" Zazana," which is silk on the one side and wool on the other, and shows a crinkled pattern, has been used for several petti- coats. Delicate shades, trimmed with baby ribbons, and flounces of lace, broches, Pompadours, silks, and satins also go to make up the stock of these under-garments, and one of the palest blue Marie trimmed at the bottom with chiffon and black lace is exceedingly smart and un- common. The stockings, too, are of great variety and of exquisite fineness. Those embroidered in tiny trails of flowers in many coloured silks are, perhaps, the daintiest of the many dainty kinds prepared for her Royal Highness. The chief interest naturally centres on the wedding gown of the young bride. This is of the richest white poult d sow embroidered in pearls, crystals, and silver. The design is open and trailing, forming festoons round the hem. On the front of the skirt this embroidery is carried up in two strands, graduated to a point at the waist. Three tiny bouquets of orange blossoms are mixed with the embroidery near the foot, and' two larger oouquets placed where the train and the underskirt meet form the point from which starts a narrow cordon of the same blossoms, continued all round the bottom of the train. On the low Empire bodice a deep band of embroidery crosses the waist at the back, and divides into three separate pieces below the bust: The going-away gown of lavender grey cloth is embroidered round the hem in white and grey silks. This is continued up the side in bolder design, tapering to a point as it reaches the waist. A very important costume is that in which the bride will make her public entrance to Bucharest, the capital of her future kingdom. The gown is made of a lovely tone of sapgren vel vet shaded to gold, with perfectly plain skirt. The bodice is draped into a deep Empire band of richest pas- sementerie, wrought in gold and shaded sll. It is liued throughout with white fox fur. The collar is Tudor, and the mantle can be worn equally well open oc shut. The toque is com- prised of velvet to match the cloak, with crown of gold and jewelled embroidery and upr gut of the velvet, with a higher central one of the embroidery matching the crown. A muff of white fox fur will be carried by the bride. Very many of the shoes and stockings for Princess Marie's trousseau have been ordered from Paris to match the various evening gowns with which they are to be worn, but the plainer and more serviceable chaussures have been supplied by a London house. The majority of the bonnets and hats for the trousseau come, as might be expected, from a cele- brated Parisian milliner, but a few have been made in London. None of these chapeaux show that eccentricity of form and extravagance of size so many fashionable women have adopted. The Duchess of Edinburgh will wear at her daughter's wedding a magnificent pale heliotrope brocade, with design wroueht in taint tones of green, and trimmed with Venetian poijat Jaoe and nnss-tH?r;n vc'1"* s

THE ALLEGED FRAUDS. PROCEEDINGS AT BOW-STREET. REMARKABLE DISCLOSURES. At the Bow-street police-court, yesterday —before Mr Vaughan — James William Hobbs, of the firm of J. W. Hobbs and Co., Limited, Cecil-street, Strand, and residing at Norbury Hall, Streatham, and Henry Granville Wright, solicitor, residing at Croydon, were chaiged on remand with fcrginga bill of exchange for £ 138 8s 7d. Hobbs was further charged with stealing £ 29 9s Od, the money of the Liberator Building Society. Mr Horace Avory prosecuted on behalf of the Treasury; Mr Kemp, Q.C., instructed by Messrs Saxelby and Frankleu, defended Hobbs, and Mr Cock, Q.C., appeared for Wright. Considerable interest was manifested in the case, the entrance to the court being obstructed by a numerous throng. A large number of people were unable to obtain admission to the court, which was densely crowded. The Hen. Ii. Cuffe, of the Treasury, occupied a seat on the Bench. The trial took place in the Extradition Court. The prisoners, on being conducted into the dock, placed their hats on the seat, and leaning forward on the rail paid keen attention to the opening statement of counsol. Mr Avory said he appeared on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, in support of the charges against the two defendants, first of all of forging and uttering a bill of ex- change to a total of £2,250, and also, as against Bobbs, of stealing money belonging to Hobbs and Co., Limited, about £1,COa, by means of falsification of the wages sheet. The charges arose In connection with what had come to lighc during the investi- gation of the affairs of the Liberator Building Society, and many other companies as- sociated with it, which were now in course of liquidation. Among these companies was that of Hobbs and Co., Limited, or which the defendant Hobbs was the managing director. It appeared that for a long time before the business of Hobbs! was formed into a limited company that business had beenfinanced by the Liberator Build- ing Society, of which the defendant Wright was the solicitor, and practically financial manager. Between the 2nd November, 1885, and 28th March, 1884, there was a total sum of £38,102 advanced to Hobbs by the Liberator Building society for the purpose of financing his business, and altogether there was now due from Hobbs and Co. to the Liberator Society I for advances a total sum of £2:099,000. The investigation, so far as it had gone, of the securities held by the Liberator Building Society for that enormous sum of money showed that those securities were mainly, if not entirely, third charges only upon property belonging to Hobbs and Company. It was quite impossible at present to form any estimate of what they might realise. Wright was the financial manager of the Liberator Building Society and it appeared that on his own account he had prior to 1883 been assisting Hobbs in his business. About that year Wright began to press Hobbs for repay- ment of the money, and it was alleged on the part of the prosecution that these bills of ex- change were forged for the purpose of enabling Hobbs to obtain advances from the Liberator to repay Wright. It was arranged between those two persons that the bills of exchange should be drawn in the name of the trade creditors of Hobbs. and accepted by him. These bills were put forward to the directors of the Society to represent the money required by Hobbs to pay trade debts, but in point of fact the money was wanted to payoff Wright. There wore six bills of this description in the informa- tion, each one purporting to have been drawn by different persons who were trade creditors of Hobbs. Although the signatures on the different bills did not profess to be imitations of the real signature of the drawer, they in fact did differ from each other, showing that there was an attempt to make them ,pass for genuine signatures. The body of the bill was in the handwriting of Kentish, Hobbs' confidential clerk. There was no entry of these bills in the books of Hobbs or of the Liberator Society. Wright, when arrested, said, amongst other things, Although I .am a solicitor I know nothing of criminal law. Can you tell me if it would be an offence if, say, you owed me money and for some reason did not wish your clerk to know the particulars, you were to accept certain bills to which had been put the name of Dick, Tom, and Harry would that be an offence if the persons whose names had been used knew nothing of the matter t" (Laughter.) Later Wright said, "Who is complaining? Not tatt directors of the Liberator, or Hobbs and Co., I em sure, and I cannot see who else could do SQ. If anyone had been defrauded it mutt have been them." The defendant Wright was mistaken if he sup- posed that it was necessary for the prosecution to show in a charge of uttering or uttering a forged bill of exchange the drawer had been-defrauded, or that there was any intention to defraud the drawer. With regard to the fecond charge, evidence would be called to show that by arrange- ment between the defendant Hobbs and the witness Kentish, who was at that time employed as cashier by Hobbs and Co., Limited, the wages sheets of that company were systematically falsified by the addition to the total of a large sum. By that means additional moneys were drawn by the directors, which never were due and never were paid. The overplus obtained by this falsification was divided between Hobbs and the witness Kentish, who stated that b. got about 5 per cent. of the money. That system was said to have originated in a deliberate suggestion made to him by Hobbs that he might make a little money by increasing the amount in the wages sheets. This was afterwards discovered and brought to the notice of the defendant Hobbs by the witness Bailey, but Hobbs made no report to the directors on the subject, and instead ot Kentish being kicked out as a dishonest servant, he was almost immediately afterwards promoted by Hobbs from the post of cashier to that of secretary at an increased salary. Formal evidence was then called of the arrest of the defendant Wright. Inspector Moore deposed in reply to Mr Kemp, that on searching Hobbs' house he found, among many other papers, a letter written by Kentish to Hobbs, and dated 26th January, 1888. Mr Avory said he thought it well to mention at once that some of the books of the Liberator Building Society were missing. Among the books so missing was an important one, called the cash analysis book, which would contain the particulars of the advances made from time to time to the defendant Hobbs, and the sheet or statements sent in from time to time by Hobbs to show the moneys he required, were also missing. George Charles Kentish, now living at Ilford, was next called. He stated that he came to give evidence voluntarily, and was cautioned by the ma- gistrate that he need not incriminate himself. He stated that he was brother-in-law of Hobbs. Witness was now employed by the Official Receiver in the liquidation of J. W. Hobbs and Co., Ltd., which was formed in 1885, the defendant Hobbs becoming managing direc- tor, whilst Wright was solicitor. Prior to this, Hobbs had carried on business for several years as a contractor, witness being chief clerk. He was aware of the advance of the Liberator Building Society to Hobbs, and these would be shown in the ledger. The last time he saw the ledger was just be- fore the formation of Hobbs and Company. At this time a gentleman named Roberts took over the management of affairs from witness and Roberts would then have charge of the ledger. At the end of the year 1883, and at the beginning of 1884, advances were being made by the Liberator to Hobbs. Cheques were usually sent by the Society to Wright, and witness fetched them from Wright's office. The amounts were filled in and the cheques signed by the directors, and they were then countersigned by Wright. The advances were obtained in this way—a rough slip was made up by Hobbs and himself, or by witness alone giving the amount of wages to be paid on Saturday, the trade accounts that would have to be paid by cheque, and the total amount of the acceptances that would fall due in the next few days. This slip was sent to the Society, in company with a letter asking for the money, and enclosing Hobbs' acceptances. These acceptances were not entered in the bill book because they were of a special character, being given as akindofcollateral securityfortheadvance from time to time. Hobbs gave the Liberator Society a charge on his estates up to the time they were first charges. Witness was aware of financial transactions between Wright and Hobbs. He knew directly he entered Hobbs' service in 1877 that Hobbs was in debt to Wright Towards the end of 1883 the indebtedness amounted to between £3000 aud £4000. Witness identi- fied the signature of a letter shown hina as that of Wright. Counsel read a letter which was dated 31st December (no year given), and was as follows:— Dear Mr Hobbs,—Can you arrange to let me have part of that £2,OOJ during next week ? I can join with you in an acceptance if your bank will take it. At your convenience send me cheque for year's interest £50 thereon. Wishing you a happy new year, etc. (Laughter.) Witness continued, in reply to Mr Avory, that towards the end of 1883 two or three cheques were returned to Hobbs, but they had nothing to do with Wright's pressure for payment. In consequence of this pressure, frequent meet- ings took place between Wright and Hobbs. and Wright suggested that Hobbs should give bills for the amount. Bills were obtained, Witness drew them, and got Hobbss' signaalr8 as acceptor. When Wright suggested drawn,g bills, he also suggested that the names of other people and not his own should be used as the drawers. Witness remarked that he thought it was a wrong sort of thing to do, to which Wright replied, Oh, no; they are not going to be negotiated." Witness said, Well, of course, there is no responsibility on my part." Either at this time, or when he got Hobbs' signa- ture to the bills, witness objected. Hobbs replied, "Whatamlto do? He will have his money, and he will have to find it." Witness drew eight or ten bills at this time. This inter- view took place early in November, 1883. He wrote all the bills excepting the signatures of the drawer and acceptor, and now identified them, Xhft tirafc «u dat^d 1st Sect.. 1883. for tix months, and amounting to £ 165, the drawer's name being J. E. Shirley. Another one was dated Oct. 16th, 1883, for five months, the amount being B197 2s 5d, and the drawers namd by Wright and Company. The bills were drawn in different names, and were for similar amounts which were obtained from a small slip of paper that he and Wright made up. Mr A vory Where did the amounts come from? Fl orn any book ? Witness from imagination. Continuing, he said that after Hobbs accepted the bills he (witness) took them to Wright. There was then no drawer's name on them. Wright asked him in what names the bills were to bo signed. Witness supplied him with the rm suggested names, and Wright, in his presence, affixed these names to the bills, or to some of them. Witness could speak definitely as to four of them. Wright had told him that when these bills were due he was to have cheques from Hobbs. Upon the bills falling due he (witness) generally received a memoran- dum from Wright asking for a cheque. The whole of the bills, amounting to £ 2,495, were paid either by cheque or by other people's acceptances. During the whole of the time the bills were being met advances were being obtained, weHc by week, by Hobbs from the Liberator Building Society. He believed that in every caíoe lie the bill back from Wright to send it to the criice of the Liberator Society. Mr Vaughan Did the Liberator Society owo any money to Hobbs ? Witness: No, of course not. They may have owed him money on other accounts. Mr Avory On which side was the balance? Witness I cannot say. AV, Itiiess w.nt on to state that the sum ad. vanced by the Liberator Society to Hobbs between November, 1883, and March, 1884, probably amounted to £ 38.000. The bills given to W. igbt were entered only in the diary, although there was a bills payable and a bills receivable book in the office, and ordinary bills would have oeen entered in one or the other. Witness used ilis own discretion in not entering tbeTL,. AJ the name* of the persons purporting to be drawers put on the bill were the names of people with whom Hobbs was in the habit of doing (justness, adii either at the time was owing them money or had been shortly before. He had no doubt that genuine bills from the same firms had been sent m from time to time to the Liberator Building Society. Witness next proeeaded to riva evi- dence in support of the ciiacge of falsification of balance sheet5. The further hearing of he case wa* adjourned till Tuesday.

THE LIBERATOR BUILDING SOCIETY. TO THE FDITOli. -SIP,-In view of the circular issued by MrB. H. Evans endeavouring to poison the minds cf investors against the continuance of the Official Receiver as liquidator, I am very pleased with the timely reply of Mr Llewellyn. It will be seen from the statement made by the Official Receiver in your issue of the 15-,h inst. that he is prepared to give full particulars of the sales at the meeting on Tuesday -Nir Llewel- lyn's reference to Mr Evans is too mild by far, in my opinion. My impression is that Mr Evans is a directors' man. Investors of Wales, I appeal to you not to lose your heads in this matter of voting If you vote against the Official Receiver as liquidator you are reducing your chances to next;' to nothing. He is the only person who will act inde- pendently and with justice. If be is turned out, those who have wronged us so will get off scoc free, and we shall be rewarded with that satisfaction alone. As one of the com- n.ittee chosen at Cardiff, I trust the instructions of the committee have been carried out, namely, that the proxies have been filled in in the name of Councillor Llewellyn. Those who have given their proxies to the Official Receiver are all right. But it anyone has been filled in the name of Mr B. H. Evans the vote can be cancelled bv the investor or creditor attending the meeting is person on Tuesday iiext.-I am 0:NE OF THE COMMITTEE. Dec. lfcih.

THE ABERGAVENNY f MURDER. IS THE CONDEMNED MAN TO BE HANGED? AN EXTRAORDINARY REPORT. Extraordinary reticence is manifested by the authorities at her Majesty's prison at LTsic in re- gardftojtlie condition of the man Thomas-Ed wards, lying under sentence of death for the murder of the unfortunate, Mary Connolly, at Abergavenny, in September last. From a correspondent who has exceptional sources of information, we are assured that since his conviction Edwards has been examined by a specialist in lunacy, presum- ably on the intervention of the Home Secretary but the nature of the report, if indeed it has yet been presented, remains a profound secret. Edwards, who occupies the cell set apart for persons convicted of the capital offence, is never for a moment left unguarded, but is watched day and night by two warders. The authorities pro- fess to be in utter ignorance as to whether the dread sentence Is to be carried out or not. In the ordinary Course of events the e^fcution would- take place next week. Edwards, we understand, is thoroughly ooulormaWa te the rules of the gaol, and gives his attendants no trouble. He manifests no indisposition to converse with thoss about him, and eats and sleeps well.

RAILWAYS IN THE HOLY LAND. GAIFFA ( £ >YBIA), Tuesday.—(Delayed in trans. mission).-The first steps towards thenpeninglip of a new and important trade route in this part of the world were taken yesterday, when the first sod of the Gaiffa Damascus Railway was cut with great ceremony in the presence of delegates representing his Majesty the Sultan, the foreign consuls, all the local magnates, depu- tations from nearly every part of Palestine, and fifteen thousand of the inhabitants of the district. The English directors of the c ompanv, namely, Mr Pilling, the Concessionaire, and managing director of the line, and Messrs Bolton, Whitworth, and Parker were also present. The first sod was cut by Mrs Pilling, and the Governor of Acre laid the first stone. The line will be of standard English gauge and 130 miles in length. Leaving the Bay of Acre it will skirt the Carmel Range to the Esaraielon Valley, touching at Nazareth and Hallward.-Centrat News.

ADJUDICATIONS, &c. ¡ [FROM RRIDAY NIGHT'S "LONDON GA^E^ra.) RECEIVING ORDERS. David Wil iam Thomas, Yere-street, Cat'oxton-juxtft* Barry, Glamorganshire, joiner and undertaker." John Jones, Vstrad House, College-street, Lampeter, Cardiganshire, draper and outfitter. Albert Bishop, High Cross-lane. Bassaleg, Monmouth- shire, coal merchant and haulier. Samuel West, Carniartlien-road and High-street, Swansea, grocer and baker. FIRST MEETINGS AND DATES OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS. Simon Simo. of Granville-terrace. Mountain Ash, stoker. First meeting December 23rd, at the Official Receiver's, Merthyr; public examination January 9th, at the Temperance-hall, Aberdare. Henry B. Dean, of Abergavenny and Blaina, Mon- mouthshire, ironmonger. First meeting December 23rd, at the Official Receiver's, Merthyr public examination January 13th, at the County Court Office, Tredegar. David H. Bray, of Pontypridd, confectioner. Fii'st meeting December 23rd, at the Official Receiver's, Merthyr. Public Examination, January 23rd, at the Court-house, Pontypridd. Thomas Rogers, of Pembroke-street, Pembroke Dock, licenced victualler and baker. First meeting, Janu- ary 4th, at the Temperance Hall, Pembroke Dock. Public Examination, January 4th, at the Temperance Hal!, Pembroke. John Gwyther, of Lamphey, Pembrokeshire, ship- wright. First mee*,ing, Jti;iiary 4th. at the- einper. ance Hall, Pembroke Dock. Pablfc examination, January 4th, at the Temperance Hall, Pembroke Dock. Wm. Mapp, cf Monmouth, late innkeeper and coal merchant, now out of business. First meeting, December 23rd, at the Official Receiver's, Newport. Public examination, January 24th, at the Town Hall, Newport- Berberi Bosley, of Penarth, grocer. First meeting, December 30th, at the Official Receiver's, Cardiff. Public examination, January 6th, at the Town-hall. Cardiff. Sidney Row, of Neville-street. Cardiff, grocer. &e. First meeting, December 30th, at the Official Be. ceiver's, Cardiff. Public examination, January 6th, at the Town-hall, Cardiff. NOTICES OF DIVIDENDS. William Brown, of Newport, Monmouthshire, printer and stationer. First and final dividend, Is 5d in the E payable December 23rd, at the Official Receiver's, Newport, Monmouthshire. Henrv T. James, of Newport, Mon., butcher. First and final dividend, 938d in the £ payable December 21st, at the Official Receiver's,Newport, Mon. Susan James, of Chepstow, Mon., ironmonger. First and final dividend, 2s 10%d in the S, pavable December 21, at the Official Receiver's, Newport Mon. Thomas L. Salter, of Newport. Mon., latelv Berkley- road, Westbur). Park,Bristol,late bank cashier, now of no < :ipati<<n. First and final dividend 2s 5d in the l;, payable December 21, at theOfiicial Receiver's, Newport, Moil. John Tomlins, of Newport, Monmouthshire, saddler. First and final dividend, 3s 5"d in the B, payable December 22, at the Official Receiver's. Newport, Monmouthshire. Hugh Miller, of Newtown, Montgomeryshire, commer- cial traveller First and final dividend, 7s in the C, payable December 17, at the Official Receivers, Llanidloes. Rees Williams, of Taff-street, Pontypridd, painter and decorator. First and finalllhidend of 2d in the:C, payable December 22nd, at Official Receiver's, Merthyr Tydvil. Robert Williams, lately trading as R. Williams and Son, at Gorse-lane, Swansea, dealer in fancy goods and travelling auctioneer. First and final dividend of Is 71,4d in the B, payable December 23rd, at Official Receiver's, Swansea. Mary H. Powell, of King-street. Brynmawr, Breck- nockshire, grocer and draper first dividend 4s 8d in the E, payable December 22nd, Official Receiver's. Merthyr Tydfil. ADJUDICATIONS. David W. Thomas, of Vere-street, Cadoxton-iuxta- Barry, Glamorganshire, joiner and undertaker." Edward Lloyd, of Bridge End, Whitton, Radnorshire, wheelwright and carpenter. Albert Bishop, High Cross-street, Bassaleg. Mon- mouthshire, coal merchant and haulier. H. A. Morris, 78, Carmarthen-road, Swansea, grocer. S. West. of Carmarthen-road and 141, High-street Swansea, grocer and baker.

The true explanation of many a dead man's colossal wealth," says Hospital, alluding to the millionaire Gould, is insanity. The man was insane-insane by congenital defect; insane by voluntary and self-directed development. Most assuredly insane. Every man is insane who ia absolutely destitute of moral semples. lie 18 below tbe level of normal human intellect."