South Wales Daily News

THE QUE, EN'S VISIT TO FLORENCE. I I The Royal yacht Victoria and Albert, with the Queen on board, left Portsmouth in splendid weather at half-past nine on Tuesday morning for Cherbourg. The Royal yacht carried simply masthead flags, but all the ships in the harbour were dressed in rainbow fashion, while the decks were lined with blue- jackets. As soon as the Queen's yacht reached the mouth of the harbour, the Trinity yacht Irene and the Seagull took up positions on the port and starboard quarters, .Che Indefatigable then got under weigh and fol- lowed at a distance of abuut four cables astern. The Roya! procession after passing Spit Fort put ¡ on a speed of from 12 to 14 knots an hour. The 'I Queen did not appear on deck, and no salutes were fired. Cherbourg was reached about four o'clock, and from there the overland journey was commenced.

WALES IN PARLIAMENT [FROM OUR LONDON WELSH CORKKSPJXDENT.] LONDON, Tuesday Night. The discussion as to the constitution and scope of the Welsh Land Commission continues, and is gaining strength. Both points are freely dis- cussed, and there is considerable diversity of opinion concerning them. The defects mentioned by the member for the Carmarthen Boroughs in the interview reported ycsterchy are to be made subjects of inquiry in the House. Mr Ward Randell last night gave notice that on Thursday he will ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the interests of the agricultural labourers of Walep, he will be. pleased to make provision for the direct representation of the farm labourers on the Royal Commission on tenure of land in Wales. The member for Gower, who has a large number of farm labourers in his constituency, considers that the actual tillers of the soil should be directly represented on all commissions dealing with land questions, and thmks that the present is a favourable oppor- tunity of forming a precedent for their inclusion on future occasions. Up to new, whilst direct representatives of the agricultural labourer, such as Mr Joseph Arch, for example, have been asked to offer evidence before a commission, they have never been invited to act on one. It is probable that Mr Arch will supplement the question of the member for Gower on Thursday with another designed to emphasise the position here alluded to. Major Jones, following up his views with respect to the weakness of the commission from the sheep farmers' standpoint, has placed a question on the paper to asl: Mr Gladstone whether, having regard to the. preponderating importance of sheep farming in four or more Welsh counties, he will consider the advisability of giving representation to this branch of agri- culture on the Welsh Land Commission. Me Rees Davies, the member for Pembroke- shire, on the other hand, takes a sanguine view of the situation. He cordially approves of the commission, both as regards its composition and as to the scope of its inquiry. He thinks that it should command the respect and con- fidence of both landlords and tenants as being impartial, and the Government were of course oblisred to consider fully the non-partisan aspect. The tenant farmers of his county, he felt, had an excellent representative upon it in Mr Griffiths, of Penally Court. Notice was given last night to pnstpone the committee stage of the Welsh Lccal Veto Bill (Majcr Jones's) to Thursday, the 6th of April. If brought forward it will, of course, be met by a stubborn resistance from the Tories and pub- licans, and it is doubtful whether the prohibitive clause wiil be accepted. Mr Herbert Lewis, the member for the Flint Boroughs, represents Wales on the Select Com- mittee on Building Societies. Mr Lloyd George is pushing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and has called for a copy of the correspondence relating to the creation of a new benefice in the parish of Llandrillo-yn-Rhos, and of the minutes of proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners relating thereto.

POLITICAL N: The Parish and District Councils Bill intro- duced last night by Mr Fowhr, President of the Local Government Board, won marked approval from all parts of the House. A Conservative member for one of the eastern counties says it is a good Bit!, the main lines of which the Opposition would be ready to support if they had any reason to believe that it was meant to pass. Mr Joseph Arch says the agricultural labourers will hold out their amis to welcome the Bill. It realises what he has been preaching amongst them for years, whereas the county council scheme escited little interest among them. He believes that in his own parish five intelligent labourers and small trad s will be elected on the parochial council, and he antici- pates with pie asure the election of several ladies on the district council. lie hopes that an improved administration of poor law will be the result. A leading Radical member thinks the Bill, apart from Home Rule, is the best the Government have brought in. The Central News says the Liberal members interested in the women's suffrage movement are greatly pleased with the District Councils Bill. Mr C. B. Maclaren said last evening that his party did not expect that the measure would so substantially recognise the rights of women. The Press Association understands that the Conservatives and Liberal Unionists will not oppose the second reading of the Bill introduced by Mr Fowler for the establishment of district and parochial councils but will seek to amend it in the committee stage. A deputation of members of the House of Commons will wait upon the Lord Chancellor at four o'clock to-day (Wednesday) in connection with the appointment of magistrates. It will be introduced by Mr A. C, Morton. Mr Stansfeld will state the views of the deputation. The Earl of Rosebery is expected to proceed to Florence at the end of this week, and he will act as Minister in attendance on the Queen during the Easter recess. Lord Rosebery will stay at an hotel in the city, as there is no accommoda- tion for him at the Villa Palmieri. Major Jones, MP., addressed a large aad enthusiastic meeting on behalf of Disestablish- ment at Sudbury on Monday night. During the recess the hon. and gall ant member for the Carmarthen Boroughs will accompany Mr D. Lloyd-George, M.P., on a tour in that gentleman's constituency in North Wales. Meetings have been arranged at Criceieth, Nevin, Pwllheli, and Bangor. Major Jones proposes afterwards to visit his constituents at Llanelly and Carmarthen, and in all probability will be accompanied by Mr Lloyd George. In the division in the House of Commons on Monday night on Mr Labouchere:s motion to reduce the Foreign Office vote by 5,OOO, the cost of Sir Gerald Portal's mission to Uganda, the Government had a majority cf 322, there being (including- tellers) 370 opposed to the reduction and 43 in favour. The majority of 370, which rejected the amend- ment was composed of 154- Liberals, 133 Conser- vatives, 48 Anti-Parnellites, 28 Liberal Unionists, and 7 Parneliites. Two of the brothers Healy voted with the minority, and the other, Mr Maurice Healy, with the majority similarly Mr T. D. Sullivan supported the Government aud Mr Donald Sullivan voted against it. The minority in favour of the evacuation of Uganda was made up of 36 Liberals, 10 National- ists, 1 Liberal Unionist (Mr Courtney), and one Conservative (Mr Gibson Bowles). The following Welsh members were included in the minority :—Mr Robert Burnie (Swansea), Mr David RandeJl (Gower), Mr Rathbone (Arvon), and Mr John Bryn Roberts (Eifion). Sir Chas. Dilke and Mr John Burns voted with the minority,. The Press Association learns that, although many of the Welsh members are highly pleased with the peruana-1 cf the Royal CommIssIOn eu the land question in the Principality, other representatives cf constituencies in Wales think the commission is unsatisfactory and incomplete in its representation of popular in'erests. It is maintained by them that as four counties in Wales are used chiefly for sheep grazing- that industry ought to have been directly represented, and it is also thought that a well chosen representative of the labourers should have been appointed. Major Jones, M.T., and Mr David Randell, M.P., prupu3e to nut :1 questioll 111 the House of Commons on these points, but there is no pro- bability thac they will result in any chansre or extension of the membership on the commission,

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HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUESDAY. The Lord Chancellor took his seat on the wcckack at a quarter past 4 o'clock. The House went into committee on the Church Patronage Bill, which ultimataly passed through committee. The House adjourned at ten minutes past 7 o dock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY. The Speaker took the chair at five minutes past two.

POSITION OF THE MEN. On reading the foregoing resolution of the joint employers to supjxirt each other against the men's society,a South Wales Daily News reporter waited upon Mr F. A. Fox, the district representative of the Trade Union involved,for thepurposc of elicit- ing his views on the altered situation. It puzzles me," said Mr Fox, to see how the shipowners and others could have arrived at their conclusion to oppose the men, even should it be necessary to lock them out, and yet call their.- selves impartial, fair-minded gentlemen, when they have not had the courtesy to call us to give, officially, our side of the case. We have resorted, unwillingly, to extreme measures, but they, while they blame us themselves, threaten ex- treme measures. I am surprised, too, to tind that the Press was not admitted to this meeting. I am anxious that the public should be correctly informed on this matter, and that it should be known that this is no vindictive pro- ceeding on our part, but the carrying into effect of a pullcy-of which we gave a month's notice-. which we were compelled to pursue so as to force the managers of the Dowlais and other companies to extend to us a hearill 011 behalf of men so underpaid that were the wages prevailing in any other ironworks in the country offered to them, they would at once::h: accepted. The Press not being represented, I cannot tell whether a letter sent by me to Mr Rutherford, the secretary of the Cardiff Engineers and Ship repairers Employers' Association, was read. As I think the public should know that we have offered and are sttll prepared to submit the matter in dispute to arbitration, I should like it to be published. Here it is :— "Dear Sir,—I notice it is reported in the public Press that the Shipping Fderation are arranging a meeting.to which the dry dockowners and ship repairers of the port are invited. I gather from the reports that have appeared in the papers that the object of the meeting is to consider the action of the boilermakers m boycotting vessels in the iron ore trade, and the best means of dealing with the question generally. This, in my opinion, is a very proper thing to do, and while believing that, many shipowners and others will disapprove—nay, condemn our methods, yet, I court the fullc-st investigation and inquiry into the part we have played in this prolonged and un- happy dispute." "I presume that the main concern of the ship- owner J8 to maintnin his perfect liberty of free- dom and action m chartering vessels wherever and to whomever he may think fit without the interfenmcp or meddling of any irresponsible party whoever he may be; neither does he want to be inconvenienced or harassed in his business by having his ship sub- jected to a rigid boycott by a class of workmen whose services are indispensable to her seaworthiness because she hapjiens to come into port carrying a certain kind of cargo for a certam company. In the same way the ship-repairer who finds his business circumscribed by restraints that have a tendency to diminish the volume a.nd expansion of trade can hardly be blamed for inquiring into the cause that results sn measures that are so arbitrary and extreme. Keeping these points in view, it is most natural that the members of your association would avail themselves of the invitation extended to them to meet the shipowners of the pert and discuss with them the present situation but considering that neither the Shipping Federation nor your association have been suffi- ciently interested in the dispute that has now eventuated in the boycotting of certain steamers. I would certainly regard it as unfortunate were your members to commit themselves to any hostile scheme without first giving us an oppor- tunity of stating our case and defending our "Whilst we might claim as a matter of common fairness to be heard by the members of the Shipping Federation ere judgment was passed upon our action?, we claim it a right from your association by virtue of a well-regulated and Jong-established custom of discussing in friendly conference any points of difference between us. Besides, we give you one month's notice of our intentions—.sufficient time you will admit to elicit from us a clear exposition of our views, if that was required. Lest, however, that minds labouring under a sense of injustice and wrong—judging our action from the standpoint of an employer or shipowner—may deny me a hearing and seek a remedy by means calculated to frustrate and retard rather than facilitate and expedite a settlement, I address this letter to you, and submit the following pro- posal for the consideration of tho conference that is arranged :— Pioposed terms of settlement'That providing the Dov. hus and other iron eomeanies, who are parties to this dispute, itgree tu refer the whole question at ijsue to an independent arbitrator, or a bond of three arbitrators, and bind themselves to loyally abide by his or their decision for a period of 12 months, we doing the same, we shall agree to withdraw the circular and stop the boycott ing on both ships and material forthwith. Now, sir, ii this proposal is rejected, I leave every fair-milldr,d man to say ou whom the reo sponsibility rests of interrupting the free current of trade. I will conclude by saving that we court no conflict, wo seek no strike. Our motto is Defence, not defiance.' It was with the greatest reluctance and regret we founù ourselves impelled to the course we have taken, nor did we do so until every other means of settlement was tried and failed. We i have no ill-will against either shipowner or employer — sorry are we to see them suffer owing to the stubbornness and obduracy of those who wage a war of nught against right. Let those who declaim against our methods and measures remember that for 15 months at Ebbw Vale, and seven months at all the other works, we have qllIetlyand patiently borne our hard fate until experience has taught that inaction on our part any longer would be little short of a crime towards those who are asked to sell their labour (mechanical) for considerably less than corporation scavengers are paid In Cardiff. We owe a duty to ourselves and our fellow craftsmen. VVe mean to discharge that duty peacefully if possible, but if peace fails other means must be tried. You are free to make any use you like of this letter.—I remain, sir, yours faithfully, F. A. Fox." If the employers agreed to lock out their men the trade of the port would seriously suffer." Do you think such a proceeding is likely ?" "Honestly, I don't. I regard this resolution more as a squib. If they pusli us we must re- taliate. We are strong—95 per cent, of the iron- construction workmen throughout the country belong to us, and we are practically at one with the other branches of iron and steel workers. The shipowners threaten—What if we were to re- fu.-e to work in repairing any sl.pon winch Trade Union wages were not paid to the crew? That could be done. Trade generally would suffer other artisans would be thrown out of w.:»rk. It is not likely, how- ever, that the employ ers will do any tiling so silly. W hy, they would be simply throwing trade in the way of employers in other ports. jSo, I have little fear of such threats." -po--

LO N DO I JLKTTEK. ;8 lPROM Oi l. LONDON COKRESJPONDENT. j [SPECIALLY WIRED. J LONDON, Tuesday Night. PARISH COUNCILS. Mr Fowler occupied quite an hour and a half in introducing his District and Parish but chiefly Parish—Councils Bill. The time, considering the far-reaching details of the measure, was none too long. Indeed, even Mr Fowler's clear and business-like .state- ment left some gaps to be tilled up hereaiter. The President of the Local Government Board had held the attention of a well- tilled House unflaggingly through an ex- planation that could not but be dry. DIVERSIONS. It was observable that the learned Liberal member who had found temporary anchor- age beside a valiant admiral at the top of the front seat before the Opposition, beguiled the tedium by exercising his skill as a caricaturist at the expense of his political associates, and t/irobably some oil-lookers would have been t glad to share the admiral's privilege of sharing in the jone. It is an obvious truth that the business utility of the House of Commons is in inverse proportion to its liveliness. It iiay be taken as an axiom that when it is excited it is wasting time in fireworks; when it is prosaic it is plodding through the necessary work it has been sent to do. "Happy is the country that has no history may be parodied into the phrase Haopy is the House of Commons that has no sceneS. The Press Gallery is the only institution that benefits by these. THE OBJECTS OF THE BILL. Mr Fowler described his Bill as writing the second volume of the work whose first volume was issued by Mr Ritchie in 1888, and whose third volume, dealing with the unification (or municipalisation) of London, will have to be produced before the work is complete. Starting with the civil parish as the unit of area, the Bill proposed that in every parish with a population of 300 or upwards, the smaller parishes being grouped, a parish council shall be constituted to which, ln co-ordination with the parish meeting, shall be delegated large powers, now dis- charged by the vestry or the overseers or fhechurch wardens together with otherpowGrs —some new, and not at present entrusted to ny one others existing, but not efficiently exercised. Included in the new changes are "-he compulsory purchase or hiring of land, the utilisation of water supplies, the holding (but not the sale) of property, and so forth. DISTRICT COCNCILS. The rural district councils are to be some- thing like a transformed board of guardians, or a committee composed of the rural guardians, so far as regards its functions as the rural sanitary authority, and not changing its poor-law administration farther ° than may naturaliy follow from the purification incident to the substitution of a civilised and simplified electoral majority, and by changes Ending to make these boards truly elective itid popular bodies. To these district Councils will be transferred certain powers low discharged by the justices, the entiie Auctions of highway authorities and they viil exercise a measure of check upon the parish councils' powers of expenditure. With regard to areas and boundaries the Biil throws upon the county councils the duty of readjusting and harmonising con- victing" or overlapping areas, always avoid- ing interference with the county boundaries ivhich are not affected. These bodies are to twelve months in which to do this work restricting the district and parish council within counties, readjusting all that '^erlap the county boundaries, and thus nakÏlw our local government area uniform ,ach county made up of districts, all within its own area each district made up of parishes, likewise contained within it, thus l&teely getting rid of the chaos on which MrGoschen was, in his enlightened days, accustomed to descant. A GOOD IMPRESSION. Tho Bill has made a very favourable im- pression upon the House, and the best proof of its excellence is found less in the warm Approval of competent experts like Sir Chas. Dilke than in the fact that Mr Walter Long, Compelled to pay tribute to its breadth of scope and soundness of aim, was driven into feeble carping at little points—as to several of which he had misunderstood Mr bowler—and a judicious reservation to himself of the right to further criticism or Modification hereafter. Still more note- worthy was the almost hearty welcome whICh Mr Goschen extended to the Bill, seeking rather to commend its strong points nd general scope than to quibble over minov structural particulars. Mr Jesse Collino-s having relieved his mind, Mr fowler^ without replying to criticisms, briefly acknowledged the kindly reception accorded to his Bill, and it was then brought in and read the first time amid cheers. THE EXCITED POLITICIAN. After that there was a brief period of rapid see-saws between the House and committee, including another conversation on Uuandrl but with the material result that the Appropriation Bill was passed its first reading, and its second reading is the first order of thedayfor to-morrow afternoon. At question time Ministers gave two very excellent examples how much greater there is to at absurdities stance'" Mr faropMl-Bannerman's treat- ment of Colonel Sattiulersun in his capacity of an excited politician -not as a colonel «f Irish Mito-and 1,15 Tf0?,? f, tt v.'fll acquainted with the e House is exaggerated language to gallant oenfcJ?l2,j i.eed° to his incitements Pay any particu effective and cutting rebuke cculd have been. S' aside a Sirmlaily M ftray's exhortations to certain Mr iL • Messrs Whitbread j publicans to boy ark that the firm was and Co. with t e itself, and that Mr quite able to tak ureach of the law if he Gray committed n fhem. But what declined to d'a by Mr Balfour and would have been ,f SUeh incident his resident magi during the reign of had occurred m -i keen an jncite- coereion? It 'expiated only by ment to boycottn.UaboU1, imprisonment with: I nE0ATIVE. THE di* the knock-down form A good example wiUiam Harcourt. of reply was given ) tQ the propricty of Asked by Mr Ege t-nJ? Professor Noel inquiry before app ;ifc gomerset Hartley to succee u tjle pOSt vacant House, and before jlis assistant, Mr by the resignHtio simply replied, Bannister, o'r r ]yir Bannister has 44 Neither Dr. B offered to resigned. The post has uo Professor Hartley. A3fE STRING. HAHPIKO ON the h ;a Mr The Speaker se> He is still Howard Vmceut s llether the" fair harping on the qu February, 1891, Wages" resolution o House of Com- is binding on the Pie The Speaker monsand the Ooyemment. inclined to the opii cagg no pcnaity pointed out tha fnif;iment. Should I attached to its non- gession ?,> asked Mr wove it agamember thinks that Vincent. « .} resolution,' replied would add force to t( j5C may do so. Mr Speaker ^'pviously catechised Mr Vincent had irioUs effects on Sir E. Grey on the J' c;„rocity treaties b'nglish trade of the gtates under the eofired into by the Ln.ted S»» 8aW McKinley tariff. Tt- w gg tjie whole the Under Secretary, to a > bufc he question in reply to a V ful inf0r- referred Mr Vincent to 80 foreign Office mation on the subject in odded, "The report, No. 277. Then t^at t})e policy Government do not consider ease the of preferential duties win industrial volume of trade or the amount employment in this country. LORD SALISBURY'S ILLNE^ioUSly ill, Lord Salisbury is certainly s ble state and what adds to his present ex him is the pressure brought to De» i ulster to get well in time to 8 visifc to alight on April 4th by « Cause. Belfast in the Anti-Home .on_street To-day, everyone calling at ^rll"?icll mighfe received for answer two words, the mean much, but could not worso" ex-Premier was better. x t0 all was the response given imroe^ callers. I have made 1110re t the diate inquiries, and find this fog which enveloped London e_Jujt on 'tiorning had a almost, oppressive a]]d | the patient, who is still confined f Drjvate j now even without the comfort o r hecrelary, foi- Air (jimfwn is laid up at I Hatfield from a like bad attack. Ii THE ORANGE BOYS. About this Belfast meeting I am assured there will be bloodshed to follow, and that it would be wise of such a statesman as Lord Salisbury to keep out of that melee. We shall have a taste of the Orange boys over here on April 22nd, after they have been fully electrified at home, and no doubt it will be very edifying to see the Albert-h-ill full. But I may be allowed to forecast that an Irishman is like the cock, and crows loudest on his own dunghill. I doubt if there will be such crowing in the Albert- hall as outside or inside the walls of Derry. THE COB DEN (M! Lord Playfair will take the chair at the Cobden Club dinner at Greenwich on an early Saturday in July, MK SPKNCEII BALFOUR. I am informed on the best authority that tiiereport currency ti)-(Iay to tile effect that a Scotland-yard official had left for America in search of Mr Spencer Balfour is without foundation. So far as the authorities at Scotland-yard are concerned they have not the slightest notion of Mr Balfour's whereabouts, and the fullest inquiries have failed to provide any clue. It is worthy of note that those whose posi- tion ought to enable them to know of his whereabouts persist in ihe statement that he intends to return to England within the next week or so. A MOKXING LIGHT FLICKERING. I understand that after the L-ijdtof the present week one of the most readable of our morning papers will cease to appear. Its continuance is only possible by the supprs of an amount of new capital which, so far as I can learn, is not iu the least bit likely to be forthcoming. Great pressure is I believe, being brought to bear on the Carlton Club to come to the rescue, but so far without any prospect of success.

As is always the case on the day immediately preceding the race, the practice of the crews at Putney yesterday was of a very light character. The weather was delightful in the morning, but in the afternoon, when a great crowd gathered on the river banks, the atmosphere was very miaty. Cambridge, more energetic than their rivals, went out twice—at eleven o'clock and just before five. It was dead low water during their early work, and they were content with a couple of starts from a moored skiff. In the first of these the form shown was decidedly goud, but in the second some faults were observable. When they got anoat in the afternoon they started at Putney Bridge from a moored boat, and rowed hard for exactly a minute, Lewis 3scting a stroke of 39. At the same rate they had another minute's work from the Creek, aud then a brief burst was indulged in before they paddled home. Oxford launched their boat at about 20 minutes past four, and had a couple of spins with a Thames scratch eight, of which Bushe Fox was stroke. A dtart was made from Skiff", opposite the Londun Boathouse, the scratch crew, who were the quicker away, striking 42 to Oxford's 40, and having probably rather the best of it at the end of a minute's rowing. In the second burst Oxford were seen to better advantage. Ihe race will be started this afternoon (Wednesday) at about a quarter-past four. The Oxford and Cambridge steamers are to leave Old Swan Pier, London Bridge at 2.30, and the Press boat is timed to leave Temple Pier at 2.4-5 sharp. Mr Frank Willan, the once-famous Oxford oarsman, will officiate as umpire.

ADJUDICATIONS, &c. I TUESBAY NIGHT'S LONDON,GAZETTE."] RECEIVING ORDERS. James Marr Cobb, Regent-street, Barry Dock, lately High-street, Barry, Glamorganshire, butcher. John Thomas, Liaiict-,tff-rozid. Cardiff, weaver. I Daniel Dowdeswell, Union-street, Baneswell, lately the Market, both Newport, Moil., late fruiterer and game dealer now jut of business. John McLeod, late of Bridge-street, Pontypridd, now Caerau-roari, Newport, travelling draper. I Evan Monlecai, of Cdangll.Mi Mwyiuly, Llantrisant, Glamorganshire, quarry manager, formerly lime and stone merchant. FIIIST MEETINGS AND DATES OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS. Walter Perrott, High-stre -t, Merthyr Tydfil, grocer, lorst meeting, Ma.rch 28th, at 11 a.m., -it the Ofticial Keceivers, iVlertyr public examination, April 19th, at 5 p.m., at the Coim-house, Merthyr. Howell Jones, of Miskin-road, Trealaw, Glamorgan- snire, overman, formerly colliery proprietor. First meeting^ March 2dth, at noon, at the Official Keceivers, iVIerthyr public examination, April 25th, a & p.m., at the Court-house, Pontypridd. 'van T. Evans and John Henry, trading as T. Evans ana Company, Commercial-row and Ormond-street, Pembroke Dock, chemist, druggist, and wine, beer, and spirit merchant. First meeting, March 28tli, 11 a.m., at the Official Receiver's, Carmarthen public examination, Apr.l 5th, 11.30 a.m., at the Temper- ance-hall, Pembroke -Dock. Will. Isaac, cf Pentregechin-roatl, Cwmbwrla, latelv trg,tlizag at Pentregethin, Swansea, mason, late R m,eetl>1S- March 29th, noon, at the i "Stu :rj,ublic examination, March 30th, 11.30 a.m. at the Town-liall, Swansea. David Jones, of Carmarthen-road, Forest Fach, near Swansea late grocer and butcher, now out. of busi- "ISf 7 P me,etU]S' March 23th, lt t noon, at the Puhliorexamination, March oOth, at ll.30 a.m., at the Town-hall Swan-ea. George Kenvyn, Clive-street, Lower Grange Cardiff" lately residing and trading at Oakley-street Lower Grange, Cardiff, and Clive-street, Cardie erjcer First meeting March 23th, at 11 a.m" at the Official Receiver's, Cardiff public examination Anrilllth ac 10 a.m., at the Town-hall, Cardiff. NOTICE OF DIVIDEND. Chas E. Mules, now residing at Llandaff formerly residing at Pem-rth, and carrying on business at Barry Dock, all Glamorganshire, ship i)1.oker and commission agent. First and tinal dividend lOd in the £ payable March 24th, at the Official Receiver's Cardiff. ADJUDICATIONS. Howell Jones, of Miskin-road, Trealaw, .Gla.morgan. shiie, overman, formerly colliery proprietor. Evan Mordecai, of Glanyllyn, Mwyndy, Llantrisant, Glamorganshire, quarry manager, formerly lime and stone merchant. Daniel Powdeswell, of Union-street, Biineswell. lately trading at the M arket, Newport, Monmouthshire, late fruiterer and game dealer, now of no employ- ment. Evan T. Evans and John Henry, trading as E. T. Evans and Co., at Commercial-row and Dimond- street, Pembroke Dock, chemists and druggists and wine, beer, fmd spirit merchants. )

t PANAMA SCANDALS. CLOSE OF THE TRIAL. VERDICT AND SENTENCES. PAIUS, Tuesday.—The Assize Court wascrowdfid to-day on the resumption of the Panama trial. At half-past twelve, as soon as the presid- ing jut'ge had tnken his seat, Maitre Demansfo commenced to address the court ou behalf of M. Antony Proust, one of the defendants. Counsel endeavoured to show that the charge against his client had no foundation in fact, and that the money which he had received was legitimate profit due to him as a member of the underwriting syndicate. He con- cluded by censuring the Government for having delivered up eleven of its own supporters into the hands of those who had leagued themselves to- gether against the Republic. Amid considerable sensation in court Maitre Demange eailed upon the jury to acquit not only his own clients, but also MM. Sanslerov, Beral, Dugue de la Fauconnerie. M. Charles de Lesseps then said a few wOi'd, in which he affirmed his innocence, and referred to the achievements of his father. He declared that he had always done his duty and spoken the whoie truth. He begged the jury to remember that they must take into account the representations which had been made to him, and that the interests of the thousands of subscribers had to be thought of. M. de Lesseps added, "f feel at this supreme moment that you wish to know the whole truth. I have examined my conscience. I have tried to discover if I made any mistakes and whether I have anything more to reveal. Well, for the last time, I declare that I have told the whole truth." These words, which were spoken by M. de Le",sep3 in tones of much emotion, produced a marked sensation in court. M. Sansleroy, the only other defendant who availed himself of the opportunity of addressing the jury, averred his innocence. This marked the conclusion of the case, and at a quarter-past, two the jury retired to consider their verdict. After an absence of two hours and a half they returned into court, and announced that they found MM. De Lesseps, Baihout, and Blondin guilty, but MM. Fcntane, Beral, Dugue de la Fauconnerie, Gobron, Antonin, Proust, and Sansleroy not guilty. They also found extenuating circumstances in the case of MM. Charles de Lesseps and Blondin, but not in the case of Baihout. The three defendants found guilty listened to the reading of the verdict without betraying any emotion, but M. Fontane on hearing his acquittal nearly fainted, and was led out of court trembling in every limb. After the jury had given their verdict, the counsel for M. Marchicourt, the official liquidator of the Panama Company, demanded that the judge in passing sentence should order M. Baihout to repay the 275,000 francs which be had received from the company, and also asked that the defendants who had been acquitted should be compelled to repay the sums which they had received in order that the money might be paid into the Panama liqui- dation. The judges then withdrew to consider the sentences. After a long interval the judges returned into court and delivered judgment. Sentence of one year's imprisonment was pro- nounced upon M. de Lesseps, of two years' im- prisonment upon M. Blondin, and of five years' years' imprisonment, with fine of 750,000 francs and loss of civil rights, upon M. Baihout. The sentence upon M. de Lesseps will run concurrently with that of five years' imprisonment passed upon him by the Court of Appeal for breach of trust. With regard to costs and damages, the court con- 1 demned M. de Lesseps, Blondin, and Baihout to pay all that was demanded by the civil parties to the suit,. -Reuter.

GERMANY AND JEWISH FINANCIERS. SCENE IN THE REICHSTAG. BERLIN, Tuesday Evening.—A great sensation was caused in the Reichstag to-day by Herr Ahlwardt, the notorious anti-Jewish agitator, who has recently come out c.f prison after serving a term of several months for criminal libel. He declared that he had in his possession eleven documents which, he said, proved that under Prince Bismarck's Government fraudulent trans- actions were entered into with certain Jewish financiers by which the German nation was defrauded of hundreds of millions of marks. The documents, he added, were signed by certain men, soveral of whom were then sitting in that House, aud the most# im. portant papers (,f all have the signature of no less a person than Dr. von Miguel, the present Minister of Finance. Great uproar naturally accompanied and followed these extraordinary statements, and an excited debate was concluded with the voting cf a resolution calling upon Herr Ahlwardt to attend in his place to-morrow and submit the documents in question to the Reich- stag. The general opinion in political circles this evening is that Ahlwardt has discovered another mare's nest

THE FRENCH IN AFRICA. HAULING DOWN THE BRIT i SH FLAG. BATHURST, Tuesday.—The British flag has been hauled down by a French officer in British territory on the Gambia. No particulars of the incident are, however, yet to hand. Her Majesty's special service vessel Alecto has gone up the Gambia.Rcltfer.

THE PRINCESS OF WALES IN ROME. REPORTED NARROW ESCAPE. ROME, Tuesday Evening.—A rumour is current to-nig-ht that the Princess of Wales was in the Cafe Aragno only a few minutes before the explo- sion of adynamite bomb outside the houseyesterdav. Another report, however, declares that her Royal Highness was not at the cafe at the time, but passed the place about a quarter of an hour previously. It IS satisfactory to notice, how- ever that in neither report is it over sug- gested that the miscreants who fired the bomb had anv designs upon the Princess. The Princess of Wales paid a private visit to the Vatican, and devoted a considerable time to inspecting the various art and literary treasures in the museum there. Subsequently she took luncheon at the British Embassy^ Tne Princess will leave here to-morrow for N C1é'S.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN AMERICA. NEW YORK, Tuesday. A fire, which was e:1,ugd by a spark from a passing locomotive, has practically reduced to ruins what were accounted the largest Hour mills in the world, situated at 1 itnhfield, Illinois, and owned by Kehlor and Company. Explosions of mill dust facilitated the work of destruction, and wrecked 40 adjoining dwelling The loss is estimated at a* million dollars, and comprises twenty thousand barrels of flour and a quarter of a million bushels of wheat .-Central News.

TO-HAY'S FORECAST FOR JMVLAND, S.W.. AND SOUTH WATjKS. Southerly and south-easterly breezes, light flue cold. GENKIIAL.—Dry mu-THEA^erly to easterly breezes appeal y to become general over oiu houth erly counties, witn cold brigh weather. GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts were prepared last nig >it the Meteorological Office at eighto OIOCK DISTRICTS— DISTRICTS— 5. Scotland, N.~l South westerly breezes, 1. Scotland, E. J- light fine colder again, 2. Ifiiigiand,N.E. J especially in morning. i | Easterly breezes, light to 3. England, E. j n)0fi,.1.ate fine cold dry. 4. Mirt. Counties }VJf| £ £ y! COld 6. Scotland, W. }-Srtnie as Ncs. 0, 1, and 2. T.Engl., N. W., Southerly or south-easterly •frNort-hWales. breezes, light; fine; cold. 9. Ireland, N. \South-easterly breezes, freah- 10. Ireland, ,J enintf; fiue.

THE: CHARGES AGAINST MR DE COBAIN. TRIAL AT BELFAST. DEFENDANT FOUND GUILTY. THE SENTENCE. At Antrim Assizesat Belfast on Tuesday—before Mr Justice Johnston—Mr De Cobain, ex-M.P. for East Belfast, was charged on ten counts with the commission of acts of gross indecency with five persons in Belfast in the year 1887 and three succeeding years. The accused was also charged with attempting to commit the said acts. The prisoner, who had been in prison for two weeks, appeared in the dock care- fully dressed and carrying a knea mg. When asked to plead, he replied" Not guilty with the utmost sang froid, and regarded with apparent indifference the preliminary proceed- ing of the swearing in of the jury. There were six challenges on other side. The Solicitor- General, Serjeant Seinphill, in stating the case for the Crown, said the duty cast upon him and everyone engaged in the case was painful. It was especially so to the jury, having regard to the fact that at one time the prisoner had the distinction to represent one division of Belfast in Parliament, than which no higher honour could be cast upon any citizen. That fact alone would tax to the utmost their love of iustice and sense of what was due to law and society in estimating the evidence he would submit. Having dealt with the abominable nature of the offences charged, the learned counsel pro- ceeded to detail the evidence. The first witness, who was formerly a post-office messenger, stated that five years ago he went to the prisoner's residence to secure a nomination for his appointment. Whilst in the house prisoner began lewd conversation and attempted to indecently assault him. When leaving the prisoner asked him not to mention the matter. The second witness said he was introduced to the prisoner at the Salvation Army Hall in 1835. Three years later, being out of work, he went to the prisoner's house, and asked him to recommend him to a situation. While at the house gross acts of indecency took place. A third witness said a similar thing occurred when he went to the prisoner's house for a nomination to a berth at a poor-office. Other witnesses stated that the prisoner came to the offices where they worked, used filthy conversation, and attempted to take liberties with them. The case for the Crown having closed, Mr O'Shaughnessy, Q.C., addressed tho jury in defence. He said the abominable charge against his client was the outcome of a conspiracy initiated by a man named Haggie, who had failed in an attempt frequently made to blackmail Mr De Cobain, and who afterwards pleaded guilty to a charge of forgery and embezzlement. Mr De Cobain had made himself objectionable to the local caucus when he fought and defeated its nominee in the Parliamentary contest in one of the divisions of the city, and he had incurred the enmity of the police force by charges he had boldly made against that body for their action in connection with the Belfast riots. Counsel com- mented warmly upon what he termed the poisoned atmosphere which had been deliberately created around his client by the babbling of the police and his enemies in the city. His client had left the country to recruit his health, which had at this time broken down, but as soon as he had recovered he returned to meet his accusers. He confidently relied on an acquittal. Witnesses for the defence were called, and the accused was also examined. He denied absolutely that there was any truth in the allegations made against him, and three of the witnesses he not even identify. To none of them had he even spoken improperly. Before entering Parliament in 1890 he received letters asking for money, and of a threatening character, from a man named Ileggie. He gave no money, nor did he show the letters to the police, but eventually he handed them over to his solicitor. He had taken deep interest in local matters, and had I given evidence at the riots commission which gave umbrage to the police, and afterwards pre- sided at a meeting held to denounce the conduct of theconstabulary. Then be went to Boulogne from London in consequence of a telegram received from Belfast, advising him to take a trip. He thought it was for ihe benefit of his health. While at Boulogne he was an invalid, and was unable to return to the House of Commons in response to the Speaker's order, which was served on him while in bpd. Subsequently he went to America., being rccimmended an ocean trip for the benefit of his health. He arrived again at Queenstown on January 3rd, and reached Belfast on the 8th of that month, and was five weeks in the city before he was arrested. In cross-examination he said he regarded the case as a conspiracy against him. No money had been spent by his order in connection with the case. He understood that £1,000 had been spent by a solicitor in connection with the case by his brother's orders. He had snapped a pocket handkerchief from Hfeggie once or twice, be. cause he admired the perfvmo on it. He did net steal the handkerchiefs. It was true he had settled an action Heggie brought against him in connection with the handkerchiefs, but he did so in order that his time might not be monopolised and his duties neglected. Sir James H. Haslett, formerly M.P. for West Belfast, and the Rev. W. G. Wesley, Methodist minister, gave evidence as to character. The Judge, in summing up, said these charges were easily made and often difficult to repel. The Jury, after 40 minutes' deliberation, re- turned a verdict of guilty, and defendant was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment with hard labour.

SANITARY MATTERS AT COW BRIDGE. LETTER FROM TH10 MAYOR, TO 1'RK EDiron. Sin,—In the summary of Dr. Williams's report to the county council on the sanitary condition of Cowbridge, which appeared in your issue of Saturday last, and in your heading to the same, an injustice has been done to the town, for, though we cannot claim to be perfect in sanitary matters, the town is not in the sad condition represented. At least in two important matters dealt with in the report Dr. Williams is incorrect, i.1!" (1) as to the death- rate for 1892, and (2) the quantity and quality of our water supply. Dr. Williams states that for [ 1892 the death-rate was 23 6 per LOOO, I have to- day obtained authentic information "11 this sub- ject, from which I find that in 1892 there were 25 deaths, and th" population of the borough J being 1,377, an easy calculation will show that the death-rato for that period was therefore 13*1, not 23'6 as stated by Dr. Williams. Taking tha last six months (16th September, 1892, to 16th March, 1893), I find there have been enly 11 deaths in the borolgh. Of these eight were of persons over 60 years of age, and there was only cue case of zymotic disease amongst the deaths registered for that period. I leave these facts to speak for themselves. Dr. Williams further states, Doubtless the water of all the wells except the Town-hall rump Well is most dangerous, besides being very delicient in the summer months." Side by side with these doubts I would ask that the following facts be placed. In June of last year, our medical oflicer of health having condemned the water supply on the "ame grounds as those taken by Dr. Williams, the council submitted samples of water from ah the sources of supply 111 the borough to the county analyst. Dr. \V. Morgan, of Swansea. The following is a summary of his report :— WEST VILLAGE WULL"—1 Rill of opinion that this water is of a ftood quality, and that it may be safely use<l for drinking ami dome- tic purposes. BUTTS VVELLS.—AS regards organic impurities, this water is of a very fair quality, but the total solids, chlorides, nitrates) and hardness are excessive, aud render it untit for drinking or domestic uses. OLD BREWERY WELL.—1 consider this water is of a very fair quality, and that it may be safely used for drinking and domestic purposes. TOW.N-HALL WELL.—AS regards organic impurities the <1uality is very good, and it is well adapted for drinking and dietetic purposes. THE RIVER—Totally unfit for drinking purposes. EAST VILLAGE WELL.—This water is of a very good quality for drinking and domestic purposes. Since then notice has been given to the in- habitants not to use the water of the Butts pump or the river. The supply of water from all the sources is always abundant. I am sure Dr. Williams would not willingly be unfair in his report; but I fear that during the short visit he made to the town he derived his information from an unfavourable source—only the worst features of the case being presented to him. I have no doubt that the town council will be pre- pared to do what lies in their power to remedy sanitary matters requiring it, but we have a right to ask to be dealt with fairly in the matter.—I am, &c,. JOHN LLEWELLYN, 21st Match, 1895. Mayor of Cowbridge.

ASSASSINATION OF A MAYOR ST. PETERSBURG, Tuesday Afternoon. — M. Alexejeff, the Mayor of Moscow, was attacked this afternoon by a man named Adrianoff, with whom, it is stated, he had a private quarrel. Adrianoff got close up to his victim and, suddenly whom, it is stated, he had a private quarrel. Adrianoff got close up to his victim and, suddenly drawing a revolver, fired several shots blank at him. M. Alexejeff received a wound in the abdomen, and fell to the ground inortahy wound-d. Medical assistance was soon obtained, but the unfortunate man died this ternoon. Adriauoff is in custody.—Central Newt, 1

LORD SALISBURY'S ILLNESS, The Press Association says :—Early on Tues- day morning inquirers at Arlington-street were informed that Lmd Salisbury was "no worse"— a pronouncement which gave rise to various false impressions as to the progress of the patient. Later in the morning, however, at 11 o'clock, and after Dr. Douglas Powell had examined his charge, the Marchioness of Salisbury was able to give a more encouraging report. "The doctor," she said. "was satisfied at Lord Salisbury's condition, In tact, his lordship was going on very well." This satisfac- tory statement soon allaved the somewhat dismal rumours to which the earlier bulletin had given rise. Another satisfactory sign was that Dr. Douglas Powell did not consider the circum- stances of the case sufficiently serious to warrant him in writing an official bulletin. Lord Salis- bury remains in bed. however, and some days must elapse before lie can venture out of doors. When possible, he wdl go away for a short rest, and do his utmost to fulfil his engagement in Belfast. Offers have been made to him to adjourn the Belfast demonstration, but this arrangement Lord Salisbury has steadfastly refused to countenance. Inquiries made on Tuesday at various intervals prove that his lord- ship continues to make "lelldy progress, and in the afternoon he was nble to sit, up for a coupse of hours. j

THE WELSH LAND COMMIS- SION. Mr KENYON asked the Prime Minister whether, under the proceedings of the Commission on Land lenure in Wales, tho employment of counsel, with power of cross-examination, will be authorised. Mr GLADSTONE, in answer, said it was not a matter in which the hon. member had any title or power to interfere. It was a matter the judgment of the commission itself. To hear coucisel before a commission was a common pro- ceeding, but as indicating the authority of com- missions he instanced that in 1889 the chairman I of the commission on Welsh Sunday-closing refused, no doubt by direction cf the commission, to allow counsel to examine witnesses either JU what was then called the "liquor" side '1' the temperance side. LOCAL PETITION. Mr J. HERBERT ROEKUTS presented a petition in favour of A Bill to Amend the Sunday-Closing Welsh) Act, 1831. THE OPIUM TRADE. I Mr JOHN :Er.LIs gave notice that this day four weeks he should call attention to the growth of the opium traffic and move a resolution thereon. THE RUPEE. Mr G. W. RUSSKI.L, the Under Secretary for India, informed Mr Wootton Isaacson that; the whole subject of the depreciation of therup°eand its effect upon the value of the salaries of civil servants and soldiers in India was under the con- sideration of a committee presided over by the Lord Chancellor. It was hoped tha.t they would rcpcrt at an early date. IRISH CONSTABULARY FORCE FUND. The CHIKF SECRETARY for IRELAND, in reply to Mr Patrick Hugh, stated that applications from subscribers to the Constabulary Force Fund to have the fund wound up and distributed had been received, but on the feneral question he could not add anything to what he had already said. BOYCOTTING IN ENGLAND. Mr FLYNJIo; asked th? Home Secretary whether his attention had been called to a letter which appeared in an evening paper signed H. A. Gray," calling upon the iatter's fellow traders to boycott Mr Whitbread and his son, because of their action on the Local Veto Bill, and what steps the Home Office intended to take in the matter. Mr ASQUITH said he was not aware that such a statement constituted any breach of law in case the gentlemen referred to were well abl" to take care OF themselves. (Hear, hear.) THE GLOUCESTER EXECUTION. Mr Pownr.L WILLIAMS asked the Home Secre- tary whether it was a fact that the convict Manning was executed at Gloucester county gaol on the 16th mst. in full view of a newly dug grave. Mr ASQUITH replied that he had received a report from the governor of the gaol and a letter from the foreman of the jury stating it was im- possible for the condemned man to see the grave. COLONEL SAUNDERSON AND THE RISING IN ULSTER. Mr LABOUCHEKE asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a speech delivered by the member for North Armagh on the 15th March at an Orange and Unionist demonstration held in Hope-hall, Liverpool, in which he announced his intention of resisting Home Rule, if necessary, by force and whether, in view of the fact that Col. Saunderson was colonel of the Fourth Battalion of Irish Fusiliers, it was intended to take any action m respect of those observations. Mr MCCARTAN asked the right hon. gentleman whethnr he was awarf: that there was not a person in Ulster who believed in the sincerity of the hou. member's intentions. (Nationalist cheers.) Mr CAMPLSKL-BANNKIIMAX said he should be sorry to answer for the whole of Ulster on any question. (Laughter.) He had not read the speech referred to until his attention was called to it. As was intimated by the hon. member for North- ampton, the hon. member for North Armagh had two existences. (Laughter.) He was the colonel of a regiment of Irish militia, and ho was also an Irish member and an active, if not an excited, politician. (Loud laughter.) It was solely in the second capacity that the hon. and gallant member made his speech— (Renewed laughter.) His hon. friend would agree with him that they had long ago learned in that House to gauge the value of the exaggerated language sometimes employed by the hon. and gallant member, and he hardly thought that special notice need be taken of this particular ebullition.—Hearty laughter from all quarters of the House, in which Colonel Saunderson joined, greeted the conclusion of the answer of the Seore- tary of State for War. LIGHTSHIPS AND LIGHTHOUSES. Mr MUNDELLA informed Mr James Lowther that a committee had under consideration the whole matter of electrical communication with lighthouses and lightships. They would report shortly after Easter. REGISTRATION IN IRELAND. Mr GLADSTONE, in reply to Mr Horace Plunkett, said it was intended to make proposals with regard to registration in Ireland, but nothing would be done before the committee stage of the Home Rule Bill was reached. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE; SHORT PARLIAMENTS. Mr GLADSTONE, in answer to Mr Hanbury, stated that on Wednesday it would be necessary to take a stage in the Ways and Means Ri II. 011 Thursday the Employers' Liability Bill would be discussed, and after that, if tune allowed, would come the introduction of a Bill for the purpose of shortening the duration of Parliament from seven years to five. (Cheers.) On Friday the Registration Bill of England would b; taken, followed by the Registration Bill for Scotland. Incase those Bills were not disposed of on Friday, it would be neccs^ary to prosecute them on Monday. NEW BILLS. The following new Bills wcri brought in and read a first time :—Mr Phillips, a Bill to amend the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1827 Mr Macfarlane, a Bill to amend the Small Holdings (Scotland) Act and the Allotments (Scotland) Act Sir John Lubbock, tc ;1E"nd tho law relat- ing to building societies.

THE PARISH COUNCILS BILL. MrlowLEE, who was cheered on rising, then proceeded to introduce the Parish Councils Biil, which is styled "A Bill to make further provision for local government in England and Wales.' He said the first question they had to consider in reforming the present system was what, were they to take as the primary area—what was to be the unit of local government. The Government pro- I posed to leave the municipalities as they were. Tho question then remained, how were they to deal with the rural districts. The Government proposed to take both the parishes and the unions. They would take the parish as the primary unit of local administra- tion in the rural districts, and they would propose to reconstitute the parish The Bill would deal exclusively with the civil parishes, each of which had its vestry presided over by the clergyman of the parish, and also had its own overseers, churchwardens, and assis tant overseers. These pushes did not possess the confidence of the rural population. They did not meet at an hour when the labourers could attend, and they were, ho was afraid, in the main useless and obstructive. They did not propose to make any parish with a smaller popu- lation than 300 aasuch a umt, bllt they pro- posed that in every parish of 300 popula- tion and upwards there should be con- stituted a parish council. (Hear, hear.) The ejectors would be tlw registered electors, both men and women, for the county council, and also the registered Parliamentary electors. The number of the parish council would n"t be less than five or more than fifteen. These elections would be by ballot, and there wouid bo no plural voting. The chairman of the council would be elected by the council, but the chairman of the parish meeting would be elected by the meeting. The parish meeting must be held in the evening, not earlier than five or later than six. The election of the parish council would, if no poll was demanded, take place at a parish meet- ing to be held annually. AH matters relating to rating appeals, parish br>oks, fire engine and escape, and other various matters which Act of Parliament has conferred upon vestries would be transferred to the parish councils. They would hnve powers to provide and acquire buildings for public offices also to acquire land for such buildings, recreation grounds and public walks, and the powers previousiy in possession of the vestries in regard to t HP Allotment Acts, The parish coun- cils would have pov. V to utilize any supply of water in the parish. They would be elected anmnliv within a month of the 15th of April. They would have the power of appoint- ing- overseers and the appointinontof persons to be overseers in lieu of churchwardens. Where they could not obtain land by agreement they could do sa eompulsorily by petitioning the Local Government Board, and in determining the amount to be paid. The arbitrator was not to make any additional a11o\Yance in respect to purchase ing- niad-"1. Compulsory power" WORE also given for hiring the land. The councils were not to havi boundless powers of expendi- ture. They were restricted fnrn incurring any loan or any expense involving au annual rate for that particular PURPOSE exceeding one penny in the pound, unless th y had first the consent of their constituents, the I parish meeting and secondly, the consent of the district council. The parish councils were restricted from selling any parish property. Parishes with populations of under 300 would be grouped, but each parish, no matter how small, would have its PARISH meeting and its parish chairman. The district councillors would super- cede the guardians. No qualification would be required, and they would bo elected by ballot v' «h°ut any piural voting. There would be no ex-ofhcio or nominated members, and women as well as men could beelected to the office. Therural district council would replace the present rural well as men could beelected to the office. Therural district council would replace the present rural sanitary authorities and all highway boards | would also be abolished, and their powers trans- ferrod to the district councils. The chairman of the district council would rank as a mayor of a borough. All matters relating to areas and boundaries would be settled by the county council. Mr JJONG said that this was a wide and far- reaching measure, which would demand consider- able time for its discussion. While many of the provisions of the Bill met vith his entire approval and sympathy, he enteitained great doubt as to authorising the Local Government Board to give the parish council power to take land compul- sorily, and that, too, without giving any compen- sation for the land being taken ccmpuisorily and this he must say, that, whatever might be the merits of the Bill, it would not tend to keep the rural population in the country, nor would it have any effect in relieving agricultural distress or diminishing the difficulties against which the cultivators of the soil were now contending. (Hear, hear.) Sir CHARLES DILKF. remarked that though it had been said during the debate that this Parish Councils Bill was merely brought forward to be looked at, he believed that whatever happened to °fher Bills this would pass through both Houses this Session. He complimented Mr Fowler on the ability with which lie had introduced the Bill, and reminded the House that the Bill was intended rather to develop andeniargeour- system of local government- than to complete Jt, He congratulated the Government on having omitted the licensing question from the Bill, although no Bill which aid not deal with the licensing quest-ion was complete as a local j government measure. The licensing question might in future be dealt with en the lines of this Bill. The Government could not do more. He regretted that the urban parish was not cealt with in the Bill. The election of overseers nd other powers were the same in urban as in rural parishes, and as regarded those he thought the urban parishes m^ht have been incluàed in the Bill. The Bin was superior to its predecessors in that it moved with the time, and put the parish first before the district councils. With regard to the vestries, the sepant6 election of [li-ople's-wardens should be got rid of. He was very glad that women wou!d be able to serve on district and on parish councils, and that the parish councils would have power to divide parishes. The portion of the Bill which estab- lished district councils was less revolutionary than that as to parish councils, and lie thought the line Mr Fowler had followed was the rieht one. Mr GOSCHEN* said he desired to associate him- self warmly with that part of the Bill which tended to stimulate and develop rural life. He approved the selection of the parish as a unit of local government, and reminded the House that some 20 years he had, on behalf of the Government of the day, brought in a Bill which would have established parish councils. He had been accused of wanting sympathy with the agricultural labourers because he had opposed his having the Parliamentary before he had the local vote. But neither then nor now he had any distrust of the agricultural labour- ers. He rejoiced that the local vote was now to be given to him. He believed that this would improve his grasp of public questions; just as in the towns the grasp of the urban popu- lation had been improved by their participation in local anairs. He agreed with the provisions of the Bill for the simplification of the franchise qualifications, and he might say, speaking of the Bill generally, that he and his friends would be disposed to deal with the Bill in an impartial spirit. There would, no doubt, be some tilings in the Bill to critioi.se, and even to oppose, but he hoped that on its main lines a Bill might be passed which v.ould confer substantial benefits upon our rural population. (Hear, hear.) Air COLLI:\GS Expressed general approval of the Bill, while criticising some of its provisions. He hoped that it would be carried through Parlia- ment successfully and that its progress might not be arrested by any other measure. Mr FOWLER then appealed to the House to allow the Bill to be brought iu and read a first tune m order to enable the report of Supply to be taken before the close of the sitting. Sir R. PAGET rose, when The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved the closure. The SPEAKER said that he should allow the motion to bs put, as this would be for the public convenience. The closure was then agreed to, and the Bill was then brought in and read a first time. I THE QUESTION OF UGANDA. On the report of Suppiy aud on the vote for Sir G. Portal's mission to Uganda, Sir J. FEKGUSSON complained of the tone taken by the Government. Sir E. GnEY could assure the hon. baronet that the Government fully recognised the obligations under which they lay in reference to Uganda, and they were fully determined to discharge them. They would not act either hastily or weakly. There conld have been no doubt that up to two years ago Uganda was a centre of the slave trade. The trade had been broken in upon by the operations of the British Africa Company, and the Government could not take the responsibility o: withdrawing from the position we now occupied without having information ad to what might bo the. effect of such action on our part. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER appealed to the House to agree to the report of Supply, and thus close the necessary financial business at that sitting. Mr LABOCCHERE protested against the speech of the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, who had not only attacked the Radicals but the Prime Minister. (Laughter.) He was there to defend the Prime Minister. (Renewed laughter.) Mr MORTON said that he should call attention to the subject on the Appropriation Bill. The vote was then agreed to, as were the other votes. THE APPROPRIATION BILL. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER then brought in the Appropriation Bill, which was read a first time, and the seccnd reading appointed for this day (Wednesday). The sitting was suspended at five minutes to seven o'clock. EVENING SITTING. The Speaker again took the chair at 9 o'clock, when Sir JOHN LUBBOCK called attention to the ex- cessive and unnecessarily long hours of labour in shops, and moved "That. in the opinion of this House, the excessive aud unnecessarily long hours of labour in shops are injurious to the comfort, health, and well-being of all concerned, and that it 13 desirable to give to local authorities such powers as may be necessary to enable them to carry out the general wishes of the shop-keeping community with reference to th, hours of closing." Mr BARTLEY seconded the resolution. Mr ASQUITH said the Government desired that on this question all members should vote in accordance with their cwn convictions- (Iaughter)-and he, therefore, only rose to ex- press his own strong personal sympathy with the motion. Dr. Farquharson, Mr J. Burns, and Mr Cumerou Corbetc supported the resolution, was agreed to. Ihe House adjourned at five minutes past 12 o c:)::k.

A LOCAL APPEAL CASE. ACTION AGAINST NORTH'S COL- LIERY COMPANY. The farther hearing of the appeal of G. T. Jenkins, Geby House, Cymmei, Bridgend, and I nomas Jenkins Thomas, lii^hiield, Llantwit Major, Cowbridge, Glamorganshire, in the action against Bush by and Thomas and North's Naviga- tion Colberies Company, was resumed in the House of Lords on Tuesday, before the Lord Chancellor, Lord Selborne, Lord Watson, Lord 1 leld, Lord Macnaghten, and Lord Morris. Tile appellants allege trespass against; the respondents on the land of 'Bh.enliynvi aim Llest Vach and extracting coal which did not belong to them. In the court of tfirs instance judgment was for the appellants, but on appnal it was reversed. What the appellants asked for was a restoration of the original judgment in their favour or a new trial.—The Solicitor-General, in continuation of his argument for the appellants, said there was no evidence on which the jury could have found, or did which the Court oi Appeal should have heed either that the lands iu question were ever part of the waste ot the manor or subject to any rights of common, or that any such system as the respondents alleged known as Ysfa ever existed. The wnole case for the respondents depended on proving those two allegations, which hu maintained they had failed to do. It was common ground, that there was in the manora tract of w;i:-te 'and, over which the free tenants of the manor had rights of common. That tract, aceouiing to ins contention, lay. to the eastward of Jjlaendynv: and was contiguous thereto along its boundary by Llyndwr-fach, julyndwr-fawr, and Darren Bicca, or for some distance between those points, but it did not include any part of the land claimed by the appellants. Not only was it not proved that the lands in question or any part of them were ever waste of the manor, but the evidence was all the other way. The boundary found by the jury was clearly based on the following considerations:—They rejected the appellants' claim to L'est Vach in consequence of the judge's observations on the lost deed and the copy of it, and they might have thought the other evidence insufficient without there being also a documentary title. Then as regarded Bhen- llynvi they nad to define lands described as lying- between Nant Twle and Nant Llest, To obtain tho am bit of those lands they con- sidered the boundary between the points where those sireams ran into the Llynvi to be naturally the stream of the Llynvi itself. Then having freed the source of the Llynvi, which by between the two streams at the old roadwav. they drew a straight line from dH: source of the Nant Twil to the source of the Llynvi, and another from the source of the Llynvi to the source of the Llest. The contention that the lands in question ever formed part of the waste depended solely on the statute of boundaries in the survey of 1700, which was not admissible in evidence against the appellants, and the boundaries so stated had been admitted to be wrong in material particulars, and were not inconsistent with the areas of the waste presented in 1570 and 1700.—The iurther hearing was adjourned, °

EXPLOSION IN AMERICA. SEVERALLTVES LOST. NEW YOUK, iiiesuay. An explosion occurred to;u;;y, with disastrous effect, at the largest flour mill in the world, at Litchfield. Illinois. Several i oi tha workmen were killed, and many of the neighbouring houses were wrecked. The explo- sion is attributed to a defect iu the ventilatiucr apparatus.-Cknlral New*. ventilating

THE ACTION OF THE BOILER- MAKERS. A BOYCOTT OF STEAMERS I OPERATION. MEETING OF SHIPOWNERS AND DRY DOCK PROPRIETORS. A specially convened meeting of the shipowners, dry dock proprietors, aud shiprepairers of Cardiff was held on Tuesday in the reading-room of the Exchange, Mount Stuart-square, upon the initia- tive of the district committee of the Bristol Chan- nel centre of the Shipping Federation. The meeting was called for the purpose of considering the action of the boilerni^kers society in resolving to boycott in the matter of repairs all vessels bringing in iron ore for the Djw'ais, Blaenavon, Tredegar, and Ebbw Vale Iron and Stee; until such times as the dispute between the men and the works proprietors is settled. There was a large attendance, between twenty and thirty firms and companies being represented at the meeting. After a prolonged discussion of the action of the boiiermaker-, it was unanimously resolved that all the firms unite for purpuseo of mutual support in any action that may b" taken. PYeO to the extent of a general Jock.o¡¡-¡;, if neces- sary. The chair was occupied by Mr John H. Ccry (Messis .Tohn Cory and Sons), the chaiiman of the Shipowners' Association. It was pointed (jut that ihe shipowners were now confronted with disoute in which thev were in no way concerned, but which was causing them considerable meonvemer.ee ánd was inter- fering with commerce generally. As will be gathered fr01I1 the turegoing resolution, the meeting was practically unanimously of opinion that a uetermined stand should be made against the practice of causing other and totally distinct trades to suffer 111 consequence of disputes of minor importance in ceriaiu branches of industry. The representatives of the dry dock companies wereunable there End then to pledge themselves to snpport the shipowners without consulting their directors, but the opinion was expressed that it was desirable that concerted action should be taken in the matter. A meeting or the Association of Dry Dock Pro- prietors of the port was held on Tuesday evening at the Park Hotel, when the question of consult ing the various directorates was under considera- tion, but the result of the discussion was not made public. The inconvenience which is resulting from the action of the boiiennakers is being more severely felt as fresh boats are being blocked, and the plates turned out by the Dowiais C->mi>any are boycotted at the various yards to which they are sent. Firms are therefore obliged to obtain their plates in some instances from the North of England, while vessels that were to have been re- paired in Cardiff have been sent elsewhere.

SHOCKING STREET ACCI- DENT. ardent, by which a woman ancj i in.au* child were instantly killed. oceuri.pj Birmingham on Tuesdav afternoon. at horse attached to a float bolted down rU"aw*y street, and Mrs Twe.tie, who was ,al,ey' peramoniator containing tver infant in n to 9-et. out of the way of the anunM "vU;eiril>'ing against a shop, and one of the shaft** ?AS, dr,v«n literally pinned her to the wall TV t"Ci floats" lacor was upset, and the child hnrWi'^ Per:tUl't>u- j the pavement and instant. killed C on died immediately on being extricate} 9 mother

DO.VT MISS THIS Cardiff Times and South VV-.i A«SUr. of tha is the popular weekly joul-nal u, pe" kl>' It oi bright stories, special artiovV /lnc'-Pa»ty Foil for One Penny The toremost m^lY^ th/ week"* 5 iov its C9lumn 'u n *j e«sts of tfce writ*