South Wales Daily News

WALES IN LONDON. — [BY OUR LONDON WELSH CORRESPONDENT.] LONDON, Wednesday Night. Mr William Williams, M.P., and Mr David Randell, M.P., waited to-day upon the Home Secretafy, and obtained his consent to receive a deputation representing masters and men in the tinplate industry on the subject of the night-work clause in the Factories and Workshops Bill, which is likely to seriously affect the position of a large number of the younger workmen in the South Wales district. Mr Asquith will receive the deputation in his room at the House of Commons on Friday afternoon. Mr Thomas E. Ellis, M.P., Patronage Secretary to the Treasury, whose official duties afford him but rare opportunities of appealing on public platforms in England, spoke this evening on the question of, religious equality and in support of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill at a meeting held at Sydenham under the auspices of the London Cymra Fydd Society. Mr E. R. Cloaton and Mr John G. Rowlands, two of the leading members of the society, also spoke. On Saturday Mr Ellis presides at the annual meeting of the Welsh Mutual Improvement Society Union at Exeter Hall. The unanimous appointment of his Honour Judge Owen, of Cardiff, to the chair- manship of the sessions of his native county of Pembrokeshire has given great gratification to his numerous friends, legal or otherwise, in London. It was, by the way, erroneously stated that a division was taken on the appointment. The division was simply on the question whether the appointment should be made now or later. It having been decided to make the appointment there and then, Judge Owen, by the unanimous vote of all parties, was elected to succeed Mr Henry Allen. The judge's younger brother, Mr Henry Owen, F.S.A., is one of the authorities on the history and antiquities of Pembrokeshire. Mr Owen spent his Easter vacation with his guest, Dr. Rhys, the Principal of Jesus College, in personally examining the Pembroke. shire Ogams and other antiquarian remains from Tenby to St. David's. All classes of Welshmen will be grieved to hear that the Rev. Richard Roberts, Prin- cipal of Regent's Park Baptist College, is suffering from the eflects of a severe paraly- tic seizure. His brother, Dr. Frederick Roberts, of Harley-street, and other medical gentlemen are in constant attendance. The latest reports are somewhat more en- couraging.

THE DISESTABLISHMENT BILL. AMENDMENTS IN COMMITTEE. The notices of amendments in committee given in connection with the Established Church (Wales) Bill number over a hundred, of which no fewer than 61 stand in the name of Mr Tomlinson. Viscount Wolnier has given notice of 11, Mr Kenyon of 1, Sir Richard Webster of upwards of 30. Mr Tomlinson's amendments provide for, among other things, the commis- sioners maintaining in proper repair the cathedral churches of the Principality, and that the bishops and other ecclesiastical persons shall have at, all times priority to conduct services in the cathedrals and adjacent church properties, and that the cathedrals shall be open at all times for the private devotions of the members of the Church. Another amendment provides that per. sons aggrieved at the judicial decisions of the commissioners under powers conferred by the Act, may apply by summons to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court shall have all the powers in reference to any matter complained of as if the commissioners formed a court of inferior jurisdiction. Several amendments standing in Mr Tomlinson's name provide for the Church being called in the Act the Church of England," and not "the Church in Wales." In several places where the Church is styled in the latter form he seeks to substitute the words "four Welsh dioceses." Provision is made in Clause 15 of the Act for the appointment of diocesan synods for purposes of government, but it is now sought by amendment to add representation for ecclesiastical government in the House of Convocation of Canterbury or in any council or synod of the churches in communion with the Church of England, or any general council of the whole Church. It is sought to add that nothing con- tained in the Act shall prevent the application as heretofore by the governors of Queen Anne's Bounty of such portion as they deem expedient of the funds at their disposal for the improvement of poor livings or for relieving the necessities of parishes impoverished by the Act. A clause is added in favour of the formation of parish com- mittees. This clause is a peculiar one, as it requires the commissioners, after the passing of the Act, to cause a list to be made in each parish of the persons of full age, and an inquiry is to be made whether these persons elect to be members of the Church of England or not after Disestablishment. The entries of the answers are to be made in tho list. This list is to be suspended at the church door for a month for corrections to be made by parishioners. A copy of this roll is then to be supplied to the inoumbent and the churchwardens, and to the bishop, the archdeacons, tbe rural deaus, and other ecclesias- tical officers. Mr Jasper More's single notice provides for the non-inclusion in tbe scope of the Act of that part of Montgomeryshire winch is in tbe diocese of Hereford. Viseouut Wolmer's notices are for the most part of a technical or verbal character. Mr Kenyon proposes that the Act shall not operate in that detached portion of the county of Flint commonly called the Hundred of Maelor. Sir Richard Webster's notices are very numerona. He seeks to have the clause defining private benefactions made more explicit by the insertion of a clause providing that moneys raised by private subscription or granted by Pyncombe's or Marshall's trustees, and moneys voluntarily given out of non-ecclesiastical funds, and all grants from QueenAnne's Bounty, shall be deemed to ba the property given by a private person out of his own resources. Another clause m the same name enables the Commissioners, in the case of churches erected at private expense, to vest the same, under certain conditions, in the applicant, if the person who Greeted the church, or in his representative's, if the donor be dead. A clause is also inserted in Sir Richard's name arranging for the conveyance, of additional land or ecclesiastical purposes to the Church body.

TO-DA Y'SWEA.THER. 4.30 A.M. TO.DA Y'S FORECAST. FOR lNG-IJAN D. S-ty., AYD SOUTH WALKS. Southerly and south-westerly breezes;liglit or moderate: weather changeable showery; warm, bright inlervilg. G ENE R A. L,-Bl.jght intervals are still probable, but as a whole rainy weather seems to be creeping over us. GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts^ were prepared last night a the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock :— DISTRICTS— A -rcr 1 "Varying light winds with f. ^cotland,N. I rainy, changeable weather 1. bootland, K.. J andJfaiiiug temperature. ?. England,N.E.\ Southerly and south-westerly 3. England,E. I breezes, light or moder- 4. Mid. Counties. V ate weather changeable o Eng. S. (Lon. I showers warm, bright in- :uid Channel).; tervals. 6. Scot'and, W. Sime as 0 and 1. 7 If 1 N W 1 South-westerly and southerly iT-S \T *ir i r breezes, moderate or light; USorihWale* showery. a Tmlanr? *"N Westerly and south-westerly • W S "S* •" J- breezes showery bright, 10. Iroland, S.J warni intppvftls.

CHINA AND JAPAN. THE TERMS OF PEACE. EUROPEAN POWERS WATCH- FUL, COLOGNE, Wednesday.-T-A St. Petersburg cor- respondent of the Frankfort Gazette states that during the last few days the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs has manifested an attitude of considerable reserve in reference to the pro- positions of France concerning energetic re- presentations by both Powers in Eastern Asia. Everything indicates that Russia will be content with playing a passive part, and the ground for this prevalent belief is stated to be the recent declaration by England that that Power had found nothing to object to in the treaty of peace between China and Japan. The Powers of the Triple Alliance have also, it is alleged, shown equal reserve in this matter. The same correspondent; declares that a committee, comfftsed of several Ministers of State, has been constituted at St. Petersburg and charged with the task of formulating a scheme by which the present necessity for Russian warships in the Far East, when in difficulties, to make use of Japanese ports may be averted in the future. Public opinion in the Russian capital is very much excited over this subject.—Central News. BEKLIN, Wednesday Evening.—It has been decided in view of the urgeucy of the matter to interpellate the Imperial Government in the Reichstag at an ear!y date respecting German policy towards Japan in connection with the conditions of peace imposed upon China. Negotiations are there- fore proceeding among the various party leaders with a view to drafting an interpellation in a manner which will be generally acceptable. Meanwhile it is emphatically denied in semi. official quarters that Germany has taken any overt action in the interests of China or against Japan. It is argued that it will be time enough to take such action when the Imperial Govern- ment has been placed in possession of the full text of the treaty of peace, and has deoided that its provisions are seriously inimical to German interests. Germany's allies—Austria and Italy — have no interest whatever in giving offence to Japan over a. matter in which they are very remotely concernsd, and Germany will certainly not take action without the co- operation of those two Powers and of Great Britain. It is well understood here that England will take no aotiou, diplomatic or otherwise, until the text of the treaty has been received in Londou.—Central News. RUSSIA'S OBJECTIONS NOTIFIED. ST. PETKRSBCRG, Wednesday.—-The Russian Government has sent a note to the Japanese Government stating the various conditions of the treaty of Simonoseki which Russia cannot allow to be put into execution.—Renter.

BRITISH IN WEST AFRICA. THE FIGHTING AT BRASS. KING KOKO CAVES IN. The mail steamer Accra has arrived at Liver- pool with news from Brass to March 23rd. Lieut. Chatteris, of the Royal Artillery, died there on the 11th of the month, and thtee days later the death occurred of Lieut. Leishman, belonging to the 34th Regiment. Both werb attached to Sir Claude Macdonald's staff. Very great regret was caused at Brass by the death of the two young officers, who succumbed to African fever. Lieut. Chatteris took part very gallantly in the attack upon Nimbi. Lieut. Leishman was a son of General Leishman. The funerals took place at Brass with full military honours. The expedition of the Royal Niger Company's forces which went up the rrver to punish the natives for their attack on Captain Maloney and fur aiding the Brass men in their operations had returned to Akassa, having burnt several villages. King Koko had assured Sir Claude Macdonald that the desigu attributed to him of preparing a further attack on Akassa and the British trading stations elsewhere was unfounded. He declared that exaggerated accounts had been given of his share in the recent hostilities. As an assurance of his bona tides, he gave up 20 of his war canoes which were towed to Brass by the Niger Coast Protectorate steamer Evangeline and a launch from H.M.S. Thrush. King Koko further asserted that the statements as to his having recklessly killed prisoners were unfounded, and in proof sent down 25 Kroomen who had been captured. These men duly reached Brass in good health. The King likewise returned several caunon and a machine guu captured at Akassa, He denied that the looting which took place was participated in to any serious extent by his men, and suggested that the guilty parties were mainly the Sgo people.—Renter. v-

LOSS OF A SPANISH WARSHIP. SUPPOSED DISCOVERY OF THE WRECK. GIBRALTAR, Wednesday.—The Spanish frigate Isla. de Luzon, which arrived at Algeeiras to-day, reports that whilst conducting trawling itera- tions off Bolonia in search for the Reina. Regente the trawl came into contact with an object at a depth of 200 fathoms, which it is believed may prove to be the ill-fated cruiser. The Isla de Luzon at the time was six miles E. by N. of Cape Camarinal, midway between Cape Tarifa and Trafalgar. Afto)-taking on board the apparatus necessary to ascertain the nature of the object against which the trawl struck, the frigate will resume her search.—Renter.

CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN RUSSIA* HEAVY DEATH ROLL. ST. PETKKSBUKG, Monday.—Twenty-two cases of cholera, 13 of which proved fatal, occurred in the province of Podolia between March 24th and. 13th inst., while in the province of Volhynia here were 112 cholera cases and 36 deaths between March 17th and 6th inst.—Renter.

PARTITION OF SWAZILAND. CArE TOWN, Wednesday.—Arrangements have been made for the division of Swaziland into four districts, each controlled by a justice of the peace and supported by police justices respon- sible to the Administrator. The Transvaa Government have presented the paramount chief with a sword of honour.—Renter.

THE BOOM IN PETROLEUM. PRICES ON THE CONTINENT. ANTWERP, Wednesday.—The market for petro- leum is stagnant, and the sellers quotation reo mains at 28 francs per 100 kilos, BKKMKN, Wednesday.—The petroleum market is flat sellers areofferingnt a decline of 50 pfennig at 9 25 per 50 kilos. HAMBURG, Wednesday.—Petroleum trade in- acti vc. Bcutsr.

STEP-FATHER'S BRUTALITY. SHOCKING ILL-USAGE OF A BOY. At Liverpool County Sessions on Wednesday, a Tyldesley collier named WagstatIe was tried for gross cruelty to his step-son, aged 10 years. A curious phase in the trial was that at the last Liverpool Assises, Wagstaffe was tried for murdering this boy and acquitte J, a body being found at the bottom of a disused coal pic into which it was alleged Wagstaffe had thrown his step-son. Charges now made had reference to gross brutality antecedent to the supposed murder, the boy being kicked and cruelly ill- treated by Wagstaffe, who almost strangled him and also beat him with the shaft of a pick. The jury found prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to six months' hard labour.

GnOSS PERJURY PUNISHED. ONE OF THE WORST CASES. Charles B. Cohen was sentenced to five years penal servitude on Wednesday at theOid Bailey for perjuring himself in a case in which a young man named Woodward was chargod with causing the death of a loose woman in the Waterloo-road, and wholived under Cohen's protection. Justice Charles said it was one of the worst perjury cases that had come under his notice.

A German warship passed through the Baltic Canal for the first time on Monday, with Prince Henry and Revertl ii-tval officers on board. KKATING'S POWDEn destroys fleas, moths, bugs, beetles, w tit] All other iusoettf, whilst quite I'armless to all domestic animals. In exterminating beet es t'l»e success of this Powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean iu application. See the article you purchase is I KEATING S, as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold only in tins, 3d, 6d, Is, and 2s 6d each by all feminists. 5891

GRAVE POSITION OF AFFAIRS. ■» — BRITISH GOVERNMENT DETERMINED. ULTIMATUM TO BE COM- PLIED WITH. WARSHIPS READY FOR ACTION. THREATENED LANDING OF BLUE JACKETS. STRONG MEASURES ORDERED "IF NECESSARY." ATTITUDE OF THE UNITED STATES. The Press Association learned at the Foreign Office on Wednesday evening that Reuter's tele- gram announcing that British warships have arrived at Corinbo for the purpose of compelling the Nicaraguan Government t", comply with the British ultimatum had been confinned. If the indemnity be not promptly paid, and satisfaction of other demands afforded, the Admiral will probably land a force of men, occupy the place, proceed to collect the customs, or even resort, if necessary, to strong-er measures. EXCITEMENT AT MANAQUA. NEW YORK, Wednesday Afternoon. — Cable despatches as to the couise of events between the Nicarnguan and British Governments are being received here at short intervals. So far, every- thing points to an open rupture over England's insistance upon compliance with the terms of the ultimatum, and we may expect at any moment to learn of M'anaqua, the capital of Nicaragua, being in the possession of the British blue- jackets and marines. It was allowed to transpire this morning that Rear- Admiral Henry F. Stephenson, commander In.chief on the Pacific Station, had presented to the Nicaraguan Foreign minister, yesterday, the reply of Lord Kimberley to the request for further time, so as to allow of the proposed com- promise being considered. The British Govern- ment merely instructed Rear-Admiral Stephen- son to proceed to enforce the ultimatum if not complied with within three days. This determined attitude is stated to have caused great excitement in the capital, more especially as in communicating his orders the admiral intimated that in the event of any opposition being offered to bis collecting the amount of the indemnity he should use all necessary force. The latest report from Managua is to the effect that the Nicaraguan Government has not only refused to comply with the conditions laid down, but as a, means of checkmating England will officially declare the abandonment of Corinbo as the Nicaraguan chief port of entry. Meanwhile speculation is rife here in New York as to what the upshot of the whole business will be.—Central News. ATTITUDE OF THE UNITED STATES. WASHINGTON, Wednesday Evening.—The crisis which has arisen between England and Nicaragua is absorbing a good deal of official attention from the United States Government, and the Press is indulging in much comment on the situation likely to develop. During the forenoon Mr Gresham had a. somewhat protracted interview with Sir Julian Pauncafote, the British Ambas. sodor, and subsequently the United States Minister received Senor Guzman, the accredited Nicaraguan Minister, and remained closeted with him for a. long time. This afternoon a special meeting of the Cabinet was held, but so far nothing has been allowed to transpire as to the nature of the deliberations or conclusions reached,—Central Netos. SALVADOR'S MINISTER INTER- VIEWED. PARIS, Wednesday.—In an interview this morning with a Central News representative, Senor Medina, the Minister in London for Salvador, who is at present sojourning in Paris, said it was not quite correct to assert that he had I! been entrusted with a mission to the British Government on behalf of Nicaragua, nor had he been requested to propose to Lord Kimberley a compromise of settlement of the points in dispute between England and Nicaragua. Some time ago, however, he was instructed by his Government to endeavour to obtain for Nicaragua some modification of the terms of the Bntish ultimatum. In that he had unfortunately been quite un. successful, and since then he had received no fresh instructions on the subject.—Central News. OBSTINACY OF NICARAGUA. WASHINGTON, Wednesday.—Official informa- tion has been received here that in the event of Nicaragua refusing to comply with the terms of the British ultimatum, British troops will be landed at Corinto and the Custom House occupied by British troops, who will exercise the functions of collectors of customs. At the same time the local commerce will be crippled by the establishment of blockade. The time allowed Nicaragua. to accept the British demands expires to-morrow, and the Government does not yield, the blockade will be immediately enforced, troops landed, and the Custom House seized. There is good reason to believe Nicaragua will not yield in the matter, but will allow Corinto to be occupied in order that conspicuous attention may be drawn to what she considers as an infringement of the Monroe doctrine. *Reuter. RELYING ON THE UNITED STATES. NICW YORK, Wednesday (Later).—Nicaragua's hopes are now almost entirely centred in the action which may be taken by the United States. It is believed, however, her Ministers at Wash- ington had not np to this evening succeeded in obtaining an interview with any member of the Cabinet on the question.—Reuter. WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT WILL NOT INTERFERE. WASHINGTON, Wednesday Afternoon. — It is authoritatively stated here that a complete under- standing exists between the United States and Great Britain in regard to Nicaragua. The British Government has declared that England only re- quires compliance with her ultimatum, and the American Government has advised Nicaragua that the British demands are just and reasonable in view of the circumstances which gave rise to them.—Central News. There is good reason to believe Great Britain's demands on Nicaragua will not be altered, reduced, or compromised in the slightest degree.

STRIFE BETWEEN THE LAFFERTYS. ALLEGED FRATRICIDE. Near Glentogher, in the mountainous country between Carndonagh and Londonderry, county Donegal, on Wednesday, Patrick Lafferty was found shot in the groin with a double-barrelled gun. It appears that there was a dispute about some land, and Lafferty's brother Bernard is alleged to have inflicted the injuries. Dr. O'Callaghan had the injured man removed to Carndonagh Union Hospital, and decided to amputate the leg. The police arrested Bernard Lafferty, who stands remanded for eight days. The depositions of the injured man were taken, and he died in the evening.

ANOTHER ALLEGED SOCIETY SCANDAL. REPORTED ARREST OF LORD SHOLTO DOUGLAS. NEW YORK, Wednesday.—Special telegrams to the New York Sun and Recorder, from Bakers- field, California, state that Lord Sholto Douglas was arrested at that place yesterday, at the instance of friends, on the charge of insanity. It is said that the arrest is a device to prevent his marriage with a waitress.

Since the commencement of this month the Bank of England has received a net influx of P,1,079,000 from abroad. Mrs Annie Besant looked wearied and worn on her arrival in London on Tuesday from abroad. CARDIFF PURK IOK AND COLI) STORAGE COM- PANY (LIMITED).—COLD STORAGE for all sorts of ¡ Provisions, Game, Fruit, &c., at LOWE, t. RATES THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN GREAT BRITAIN ICE uppliell ill auy quantity, from 561b and upwards, at Low Prices.—SPECIALLY IMPORTANT to BUTCHERS and MEAT SALESMEN Order all your Frozen Meat out of Shipments which have come direct to Cardiff by Refrigerating Steamers. You will thus be sure of meat in FAR BlCTTlSR CONDITION and MUCH QUICKER DELIVERY than from Lon- don or Liverpool.—Write for Prico Lists of Moat to Mr M WOODLICY, Agent for Plate ami other Companies, COLD STORES, CARDIFF also io MESSRS SAW- SINENA and CO., Cold Stores, CARDIFF.—Write I for Prices of Ice and Rates for Cold Storage to Neale and West, Managers. Telegrams-lee Com pany, Cardiff. 1115

RELIEF OF CHITRAL. '9 REPORTED CAPTURE OF UMJIA KHAN. NO NEWS FROM ROBERTSON OR KELLY. QUARREL AMONG TIIEKHANS DING A EI, Wednesday.—A reliable report has been brought in announcing that Umra Khan has been made a prisoner by the Ameer's military commander at Dungarm. He is held uuder close surveillance pending the decision of the Ameer as to his disposal. Sir Robert Low will bo clear of the Janbatai Pass to-day, and will reach Dir to-morrow. Sup- plies are coming up very slowly, despite super- human exertions. -Central. News ALL QUIET IN FRONT. SWM, Wednesday.—An official despatch has been received here, brought back to General Gatacre's force by the Khan ot Du's messengers, stating that all is quiet in Chitral. The garrison is sate and in no need. There is little prospect of fighting at any point along the route. General Gatacre signal* that he has seen small parties of tribesmen at a distance. They have not interfered with him, and fled on the approach of his force. All is well with the Flying Column. -Central News. QUARREL AMONG THE KHANS. SIMLA, Wednesday.-Col. Kelly reports that Mahomed Isa Khan, Mahomed Wali Khan, and Mahomed Rafi Khan, with 40 Jindol soldiers, were present during the action at Nisagal on the 13th inst. After the enemy's retreat dissensions broke out among the Khans. Mahomed Rafi then fled towards Ciiitral, and the people began returning to their homes.—Reuter. KTILLY AND ROBERTSON'S POSITIONS. SIMLA, Wednesday Afternoon.—When Cjlonel Kelly reached Fort Drashan he found plenty of indications that the place had been occupied by a strong force of Chitralis some days previously. Every man of them, however, had cleared out at ]east two days before Kelly's column reached the fort. It is thought here that they may have gathered others to oppose Kelly on the direct route to Ciiitral, which he had abandoned for reasons already explained. Kelly's last despatch was sent off on the morning of the 16th. He was then about 12 miles from Fort Drashan, on the less frequented road to Chitral. It is con- sidered somewhat strange that no word has been received either from Dr. Robertson or Col. Kelly, especially from the former. -Centf"al News.

PARIS OMNIBUS STRIKE. ARREST OF THE LEADERS. PARIS. Wednesday, Midnight.—The disorders associated with the strike of the omnibus em- ployees assumed a rather grave character at a late hour to-night, and two of the principal leaders. named Proust and Deville, are now in custody, and will be charged to-morrow with inciting to violence and causing bodily harm. While a protected 'bus was being driven along La Place de la Concorde, a great mob made a general attack upon it with stones and other missiles, and one lady passenger was rather dangerously wounded. Other arrests have also been effected. -Certi-al News.

ELECTION INTELLIGENCE. RESULT OF THE MID-NORFOLK. POLL. The result of the poll in Mid-Norfolk was da elared on Wednesday morning as follows :— Gurdon (L.U.) 4,112 Wilson (L.) 3 904 Majority 208 Mr Gurdon, in returning thanks for his elec- tion, said it was a pleasure to him to know that the people of Mid-Norfolk had proved themselves true to their country, their Queen, and their religion. PREVIOUS CONTESTS. 1885. 1886. Mr R. Gurdon(L U) 5,275 Mr R. Gordon (L U) 3,032 Fellowes (C) 2,872 Toller (L) 2,625 Majority 2,4051 Majority. 407 1892. Mr C. Higgins, Q.C (L) 4,C69 Mr R. T. Gurdon (L U) 3,599 Majority 470 EAST WICKLOW. The campaign was on Wednesday again carried on in very inclement weather. The three candi- dates continued to prosecute the canvass with the utmost Vigour, and the opinioudaily gains ground that the result will be extremely olose. Speaking at Wicklow. and referring to the candidature of Colonel Tottenham, Mr Wm. O'Brien said that there was an enemy within the Nationalist gates, and it was heart-breaking to think there was even a possibility of a Unionist carrying Wicklow. He declared that his section of the party were not responsible for the continuance of the present miserable dissension. WARWICK AND LEAMINGTON. At a large and representative meeting of the Conservative Association, held at Leamington on Wednesday evening, a resolution was unanimously adopted expressing regret at the existing frietkm between the Conservatives and Liberal Unionists in the united boroughs, and reaffirming the resolution passed at the previous meeting, declining to support Mr George Peel, in wfaoee selection they bad no voice. The meeting farther pledged itself to use its utmost eudeavonrs to seoure the return of any Unionist, other than Mr Peal, who might be selected and approved by the joint associations. EAST LEEDS. The Independent Labour Party have not yet finally decided whether they will bring forward a candidate. Organisation of Irish is being rapidly pushed forward. Met-tings have been held by the three branches of the Irish National League in the division, at which resolutions were passed approving of Mr Lenty's candidature.

64 STRANGERS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. During the debate on the Charity Commission motion on Tuesday night two mice took advan- tage of the emptiness of the front Opposi- tion Bench to play upon the floor between the bench and the table. The only ex- Minister present was Sir William Hart-Dyke, and he was so interested in the arguments of Mr J esse Collings that he was unaware of the two strangers. Mr Samuel Hoare, who perceived the "visitors," moved round with the intention of capturing one or both under his bat, but perceiving the eye of the Speaker upon him, the honourable member for Norwich shyly retired to his own place. The mice continued to play until, taking alarm at the movement of Mr Mil man, one of the clerks at the table, they disappeared.

MAGISTRATES' CLERK FINED FOR DRUNKENNESS. DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT AT LLANFYLLIN. At the Llanfyllin Police Court on Tuesday, W. A. Pl1he. magistrates' clerk, was charged by Police-sergeant Meredith with being drunk and disorderly in the principal streets of Llanfyllin on Sunday, March 24th. The defendant was in his shirt sleeves and hatless, standing in the midst of a crowd of people, and holding a rifle in his hand. The sergeant tried to get him to go home, and lie proceeded up a by-street for a short dis- tance, when he turned round and threatened to fire upon the officer. The latter took the gun away from and found thnt it was loaded with ball cartridge.—The Mayor said that it was his pain- fnl duty to'fine the defendant JBI and costs.

THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. ARRIVAL AT GIBRALTAR. GIBIIALTAR, Wednesday.—The hired transport Jumna arrived here late this afternoon from Malta and Egypt with three companies of the South Wales Borderers, who will oe landed for service here. The remainder of battalion is expected next Sunday on board the Malabar.- Renter.

The Etuperor of Germany, ic is said, has de- cided to honour Bismarck by having his head stamped on a future issue of German coins.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SITTING. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDNESDAY. The Speaker took the chair at 10 minutes past. 12, but a House was not made until 10 minutes later, and then ou!y by a count being moved. LOCAL VETO BILL. The second reading of the Liquor Traffic Local Veto (England) Bill was, Gn the motion of Sir W. Lawson, postponed until Tuesday, May 28. The second reading of the Liquor Traffic Local Veto (Scotland) Bill, which was the next order, was fixed for the same day. RULE OF THE ROAD AT SEA. MR HAVELOCK WILSON INTERVENES. On the motion of Mr THOMAS ELLIS. that the following gentlemen were constituted the Select committee on the Rule of the Road at Sea :-The Attorney-Geiwral, Sir George Baden-Powell, Mr Blake, the Marquis of Carmarthen, Mr Cayzer, Sir Francis Evans, Admiral Field, Mr Penrose Fi!zgerald, Sir James Kitson, Mr Moorsom, Mr Joseph Richardson, Mr Roby, Mr Parker Smih, Sir Richard Webster, and Mr Stephen Williamson, Mr HAVKLOCK WILSON said he noticed that there were no representatives of the seamen among the list of names, and be wished to know if the Government would remedy this omission. Mr THOMAS ELLIS said he would be disposed to consider the matter. Mr BURNIE thought that there should be some representative of the seamen from South Wales on the committee. Mr BARTLEY said he hoped that the constitu- tion of the committee would not be altered. In the absence of his hon. friend, Mr Gibson Bowie?, Mr THOMAS ELLIS said that if the names pro- posed were agreed to now, that would not prevent one or two other names being added. Mr HAVULOCK WILSON said be should like to have an undertaking The SPBAKUK Order order. The hon. mem- ber has spoken before. The question is that the Attorney-General be a member of this Committee. Mr HAVKLOCK WILSON I object- The SPEAKER Then the appointment of the Committee stands adjourned. GLAMORGAN INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION. Mr DAVID THOMAS giive notice that to-morrow (Thursday) be will ask the Vice-president of the Committee of Council on Education if he can state the position of the Glamorganshire Inter- mediate Education scheme. LOCAL PETITIONS. Mr R. D. BURNIR presented a petition from the Swansea School Board against the application of rates in support of voluntary schools one from Holy Trinity, Swansea, against the Welsh Church Bill, and une from the Swansea Union against the Rating of Machinery Bill. TRAMWAYS (LOCAL AUTHORITIES) BILL. Mr SCHWANN moved the second reading of this Bill, which proposed to give to local authorities power to work tramways acquired by them in such cases where, in the opinion of the Board of Trade, the tramways oannot be leased at an adequate rental. Mr BOLTON was of opinion that the Bill would require careful consideration in Committee. Mr BRYOE hoped that the House would assent to the second reading. The Bill was read a second time. SALE OF INTOXICATING LIQUORS (IRELAND) BILL. Mr T. W. RUSSELL moved the second reading of this Bill. He remarked that there was a perfectly unique consensus of opinion in favour not only of making permanent the present measure dealing with Sunday Closing in Ireland but also of extending its operations to the five large towns. Four Chief Secretaries, represent- ing both sides of the House, and two Select Committees had expressed themselves in favour of such an extension of the existing provisions, and in theHoase Irish members of all shades of opinion held the same view on this particular subject The Bill not only proposed to extend Sundav Closing to the exempted towns but to increase the distance constituting a bona fide traveller from three miles to six, and to require the closing of all public-houses at nine o'clock on Saturday. Mr DIAMOND seconded the motion. Mr W. REDMOND accused the member for South Tyrone of making an extravagant attack upon publicans as a class. Mr T- W. RUSSELL denied having made any" attack ujion the Irish puhlieans. (Hear, hear.) Mr W. Rsdmond was resuming his remarks when Mr Tomlinson drew attention to the fact that there were not 40 members present. Before the Speaker proceeded to couut, however, a quorum was formed. Mr REDMOND (continuing) moved the rejection of the Bill on the ground that it Was not sup- ported by a majority of the people of Ireland and that it would inevitably lead to an increase of shebeening. Mr J. MOBLEY said the Government would do their best to facilitate the passing of the Bill this session, believing that it would contribute to the cause of order and social advancement in Ireland. He was doubtfnl as to the extension of the provisions to exempted towns, but if this proposal received some modification in Grand Committee the Government would not consider this a reason for the withdrawal of their active support. Mr D. PLUNKKT said that the Unionist mem- bers from Ireland were unanimous in supporting the present Bit!. He would not then enter into the question of the exemption of the five towns, as to which he knew that some difference of opinion prevailed in Ireland, and which must be thrashed out in committee, But as to the principlo of the measure there was in Ireland a greater unauimity than had during his time prevailed M to auy other Irish legislation. The clergy of all denominations were united in its favour, and lie hoped that it would receive the assent of the Legislature. Mr MACABTNET desired to know whether the supporters of the Bill would give a pledge to maintain the exemption of the five great towns, except so far as related to a limitation of hours. If they would do this he would not oppose the second reading. Mr WEBB supported the second reading of the Bill, as to which he said that pubhc opinion in Ireland was entirely favourable. Mr W. JOHNSTON said that in Belfast there was an almost unanimous feeling in favour of extending the operation of the measure to that city. Mr CRILLY opposed the second reading of the Bill, which -ould, be believed, tend to demoralise rather than to elevate the people by driving them to shebeening and illicit drinking. He denied that the people of the five excepted towns desired I to come within the provisions of "this measure. He quoted at soM" length the opinions of clergy- nien and police officers and others to show that Sunday closing bad proved a failure both 111 Scotland and Wales, till, at 20 minutes to 5, Mr T. W. RUSSELL mterposed, and moved that the question be now put. (Hear, hear.) The SPEAKER said the hou. member was not entitled to go on reading extracts at great length. It would, however, iu hi.opinion beunueeessary to put tbe question, as there was only 50 minutes left, which couid not be very profitably employed en any other measure. (Hear, hear.) Mr CRILLY would not read further extracts, but would ooutent himself with saying that after the experience of Sunday-closing in Scotland and Wales it would be a. mistake to apply it to Irelaud. Mr J. H. WILSON, in the interests of the working classes, was inclined to support the Bill, but thought that public-houses ought to be open for an hour or two oa Sundays. Sir C. CAMEEON had never heard anything like a public denuiiid for the opening of pubhc-hon«es oil Sundays in Scotland. The peop:e there, including the publicans, were quite content with the present state of the law. Mr DCNBAK HARTON supported the second reading, but was in favour of the opening of put,lic-iicni,c-s tor t short tlm" on Sundays. Mr AUSTIN opposed the Bill, believing that it would have an evd effect upon working men and their families. The House then divided. For the second reaainfif 168 Against 69 Majority 99 The Bill was accordingly read a second tmw. I Mr T. W. RUSSELL moved that it should be committed to the St4indng Committee on Trade. Mr (JBILLY opposed, and was speaking against the motion when, just before half-past live o'clock, Lord F. HAMILTON moved bhat the question be now ptit. (Hear, bear.) The House divided, and thera were ;—For the closure, 149 againwt, 69 majority, 80. A division was also challenged on the motion for referring the Bill to the Standing Committee with the following result:—For the motion, 15 against, 68 majority, 83. THE SPEAKER'S PENSION. The report of the Committee with reference to the Speaker's retirement was agreed to, and leave was given to bring in a Bill founded upon the resolution providing for an annuity of £ 4,000 a year. The Bill was brought in and read a first time. The House adjourned at 6 o'clock.

SIX MONTHS FOR £ 1,700. James Matthew Keene, cashier, was sentenced to six months' hard labour at Liverpool on Wed- nesday for embezzling £1,700, the property of Eider, Dempster, and Co.

A WOMAN OF THS COHMVKK A powerful new serial story l»y Mr Gr. A lleut i-.M.i'-ieuces publication in the Gmrdij! Times and South Wales Weakly News of Saturday next. Order {t copy. It is a magazine and Saturday next. Order p, copy. It. is a. magazine and a newspaper combined. Sever.ty-two long columns.

STRANGE MARRIAGE STORY. CONJUGAL RIGHTS RESTORED. In the Divorce Division on Wednesday Mrs Creighton sued for restitution of conjugal rights against her husband, Ernest Fitz- maurice Fitzwilliam Creighton. Mr Deane, who appeared for the petitioner, said the parties were natives of Weymouth and had known each other from childhood. In 1886 the petitioner consented to marry tbe respondent, and to keep tne matter secret because the respondent said if his father knew of it he would disinherit him. He took her to a place represented as a registrar's office, and they went through the marriage ceremony, afterwards cohabiting. In 1889 she became enciente, and told him he must find her a home. He then told her the marriage was cot a real one. He brother msfsted upon another marriage, aud respondent ultimately agreed, on condition that the peti- tioner signed an agreement describing herself as a spinster, and binding herself, on consideration of marriage, to give up all claims upon the respon- dent on her own or on account of any child she might have by him and also agreeing not to molest or annoy him. They were married and the lady kept the terms of the agreement. Her child died and she followed the occupation of a nurse, but lost her situation through respondent annoying her. After hearing the petitioner in support of counsel's statement, the suit being undefended, the President gr&ated an order for restitution of conjugal rights.

GONE TO A HIGHER COURT. SUPPOSED SUICIDE OF A DEFEND. ANT. A law student named David B.ym Cole (25), a manof colour, whose friends resideinSouth Africa, has died at his lodgings, Charlotte-street, Fitzroy- square, London, under peculiar circumstances. The deceased was awaiting trial at the Old Bailey on a charge under the Criminal Law Amendment Act. and was at that court last Thursday. When he returned to lodgings in the evening he was discovered insensible and apparently suffering from laudanum poisoning. He gradually grew worse and died on Tuesday.

SINGULAR CONDUCT OF A BARRISTER. HIS APPEAL DISMISSED. • The Court of Appeal on Wednesday declined to graut a new trial to Mr G. G. Farrant, a barrister, who, on being refosed admittance to Horlington Arcade, brought an unsuccessful action for damages against Lord Cbesham and the com- missionaire in his service for assault. The defence was that the applicant had been refused admittance because lie had followed a lady m the Arcade. The Master of the Rolls said he con- sidered the Ceurt below had come to a right conclusion regarding the applicant's conduct.

WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT. CHURCH DEFENCE MEETING AT LIVERPOOL. LORD CROSS AS A PROPHET. A largely-attended Church Defence meeting was held on Wednesday night in the Philhar- monic Hall, Liverpool. The Lord Biehop of Liverpool presided, and Lord Cross was principal speaker. In moving a resolution declaring that the Welsh Disestablishment Bill is opposed to every principle of justice aad equity, and would deal a severe blow to the religious life of the nation, Lord Cross laid down the proposition that the Church in Wales and the Chnreh in England were one and the same, and although the present Bill proposed to deal with the Welsh Church it was direct attack against the Chnreh of England. He did not believe the Bill would 1\ ever pass. The only argument was that all the Welsh members were pressing for it except one or two. Let them wait till another General I Election. His belief was that the disastrous effects of the measure had only to be properly I' explained to the Welsh people and he was con- fident Wales would send a much larger number of members against Disestablishment than ever it did before. It remained for electors of England to do the rest.—The meeting was also addressed by Mr A. G. Boscawm, M.P., Alder- man Phillips (London), and others.

TELEGRAPHIC ITEMS. NW ceremonies will be observed on the arrival ac Queenstowu Pier, on Saturday, of the Queen and Queen Kegent of the Netherlands, who will cross the North Sea in the Dutch royal yacht Valk. The Prince of Wales has sent Mr W. S. Caine, M.P., a donation of £10 for the bmlding fund of tbe Lambeth Miions of the London Congrega- tional Union, in recognition of che work that is being done by the missions among the poor on the Duchy of Cornwall estate in Lambeth. Mr Broadhursfc, M.P., mteads, under the form of art amendment m the Factories Bill, to attempt to get an eight hours' working day legalised for bakehouses. In Committee on the Home Secretary's Bill with regard to BIIMJ, an effort will probably be made, by means of an amendment, to raise the question of an eight bouts' working day for miners. The Speaker has accepted the invitation of members of the Northern Circuit to a comph- mentary dinner at the Whitehall Room*, Hotel Metropole, Loudon, on June 22nd.

COLLAPSE OR A ROOF. A CHILD BURIED ALIVE. A fatal accident occurred at Longton, Stafford- shire, on Wednesday night, by which a child I named Emily Bullock, aged six years, lost her life. She was playing in a covered bowling-alley adjoining tire Tiger Iun, when the roof oollapsed and buried her under the deoris. Site was dead when discovered. I

SITOKT WFOKIES BV ILTE Masters of Fiction asn»e <r woeliiy «'n tho Carrtiff thae-o unci South Wales Weekly News." Complete stories are appearing from tha pen of Iola, G." It. Sims, Diok Donovan, h- T. L Meatfe, John Strange Winter, Dora Russell, Helen Mathers, ant' others. Serials, short stories, special Mathers, an(I others. Serials, short stories, special articles, unfl the news of the vreek. Order a copy

SENSATIONAL ATTEMPT At SUICIDE. SAD CASE OF A CARDIFF MAN. • AVOIDING THE POLICE COURT. HE SOUGHT DEATH. There was a case down for hearing at "bbe Cardiff Police Court on Wednesday in which a Great Western Railway inspector named Haines was summoned by a woman, Esther Gray, for aa order in bastardy. Mr Belcher appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Geo. David defended. On the case being reached a remand for a week was asked for, and it was stated that the defendant had attempted to commit suicide. It seems that about 11 o'clock Haines's daughter rushed into tbe police station on the Moors and said her father had attempted to kill himself. A policeman was at once sent to the house-49, Marion-street- when he found that the man had severely cutiùI tiiroat and was in such a dangerous condition that his life is despaired of. The injured man, whose full name-is Jamet Stacey Haines, was nt one time employed M a warder at Cardiff Gaol, and of late yean baa been employed on the Great Western Railway, where he held the position of an inspector. For some time the fact that he had to answer a summons at the Cardiff Petty Sessional Cbnrt seems to have preyed on his mind, and the wife became alarmed at her husband's manner to such an extent that she asked the minister wbon church she attended to come and talk with her husband. The information was conveyed to the Moors Police Station by Haines's daughter, a bright little girl of 12 years of age, who asked for Sergt. Tooge, saying ber father had cut himself. The sergeant imme* diate!y went to 49, Marion-street, and saw Haines lying on the floor in the back kitchen. There was what the sergeant termed a tremendous gash right across the throat, and beside the ID8II was a large pool of blood with a rrisor a foot or two off. There was a large hole in Haines's throat and the windpipe was completely severed. Do. Brooks and Corrigan arrived almost as soon M the sergeant. The medical gentleman immedi- ately sewed up the wound and put the patient in bed. The man was discovered by his wife, who was going to the Police Court with him. Getting no answer to her repeated calls she looked through the back kitchen window and could just see one of her husband's feet. She ran round and tried the door, and after pushing it hard got in, and seeing her husband's condition sent for the police and a doctor. Haines seen'.s to have been pretty deter- mined, for the sergeant found that he had pat butoher's knife in the door latch to prevent Ha being opened.and this accounted for Mrs HainesV difficulty in getting in. Upon inquiry late last night it was ascertained that Haines showed a slight improvement.

BETTING RAID AT BARRY DOCK. CARDIFF BOOKMAKERS ARRESTED On Wednesday P.C.'s Gill and Harris, of tbe Barry Dock Folice Force, in plain clothes. arrested a bookmaker named Daniel Hur- ley, of South Luton place, Oardifi, for betting in the streets of Barry. Hurley was, it is aUeged, seen to be doing a brisk business over the City and Suburban, and was standing taking names in the middle of a crowd near the railway station approach, Basry Dock. He was taken to the police station, and when searched a considerable sum of money was found npon him. He will be charged at the Barry Dock Police Court to-morrow.

MELEE AT ABERDARE. THE ATTEMPTED RESCUE OF PRISONERS. Wm Williams, who was arrested on Tuesday at Aberdare for assaulting the police and attempt- ing to rescue some prisoners who were being taken to Swansea Gaol, was brought np on Wednesday before Mr North (thestipendiary) and the local Bench &t Mountain Ash, and was com- mitted to prison for a month without the option of a fine, Mr North remarking that thsse eMOt were becoming too prevalent in the Aberdare district, and the magistrates were determined to put a stop to them.

ALLEGED CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD, IMPORTANT BANK PROSECUTION. At Bow-street on Wednesday A. PieydeU, P. A. Beaumont, John Carr, Robert W. Humphreys, and Robert Felton were charged with eon- spiring to defraud and witb forcing and utterly circular notes on Messrs Coutts and Co., bankers, between October, 1893, and July, 1884, with intent to defraud. The prosecution, which is instituted by the London Bankers' AasoemHea, M regarded as most important, not onlyonaccoatttof he amount involved, which was upwards of £3,000, but for tbe magnitude of the scheme carried oa by the prisoners, and which had resulted in throwing the greatest discredit on circular notes in general. The forged notes bad been put off in Spun, France, Germany, a.nd other Contiaenta) centres. It was stated that at a later stage some of the prisoners would be further charged with forging and uttering bills of wTrJimajp. Evidence as to arrest having been givoa, the prisoners were remanded in custody.

SCOTTISH MINERS AND THfi FEDERATION. A largely attended conference of Scotch miaert was held at Glasgow on Wednesday to discuss communication from the British Federation, whinh discouraged resistance to the recent reduction. The delegates charged the Federation with deserting them, and one leader advocated Home Rule for Scottish miners, but another said resolutions passed at the meetings of the ant justified tbe Federation's attitude. After considerable discussion the conference agreed to re-affirm Scotch miners adhesion to Ac policy of the British Federation, viz., a tion board with a minimum wage, and declared that the recent reduction was unwarrantable. Miners will, therefore, be recommended to demand the restoration of the old rate, pwl report at the conference on May 16th. MI Ahton writes from Brussels than an exeontm meeting of the Federation would be called it tile Scotch miners decided to strike. If the eoa- ference were called, delegates would, lie adcII¡. advise striking.

SHOE TRADE STRIKE. FACTORIES RE-OPESING. Gn Wednesday evening the Shoe turers' Federation at Leicester decided to with., draw lock-out notices at once, a.U factories to he opened not later than the 29th inst. A resolution was passed strongly urging the employers to tain back their old hands. Prior to the meeting Mr Ward, the president, addressed the Leicester employers, describing the Board of Trade agree* ment as a charter of industry which should he acceded to by both sides. The employers bad carried all their principles. The ballet of tfef Union men proceeded briskly on Wednesday.

RETURN OF THE FUGITIVE. ARRANGEMENTS FOR JABEZ'S RECEPTION. The agents of the Prince line of steamers stall that the Tartar Prince, from Buenos Ayres witi Inspector Froest and his prisoner, Jabez Balfour, on board, is due at St Vincent to-day (Thundaft The vessel, after coaling, will, in the usual course, proceed thence to Deptford, slowing down M Gravesend to pick up her Thames pilot. Tht Tartar Prince is due at Deptford ten days aftei leaving St. Vincent, or about the 5th May. The Government have, it is understood, not yet eng. gtg any alteration of the vessefs course fctNE St. Vincent to London, but should they in meantime desire to land Balfour somewhere C8 the soeth eoasc the instructions of her CODl"- Wtll probably be altered. Up to the pi nw>^ however, the Tartar Prince is expected So OQMH direct to the Thames.

RUNNING AMUCK. TRAGEDY IN NOTTINGHAM. WIFE KILLED AND TWO WOIIU ATTACKED. A terrible tragedy took place in Nottingham « Wednesday afternoon. Hubert Weston, iaos maker, aged 51, killed his wife at Vernoa-avMM^ and afterwards attacked two Deig Entering the house of one of the 1& lac stabbed a woman who was confined as recently ac Monday last, and who was lying in bed with tåf infant by her side. He also attacked. Woman, who escaped to her cottage. Fnamr it in custody.

SHORT STOBIRS by the Masters of WioHtSf a ppear weekly in the Cardiff Times and South Weft Weekly New# Complete stories tie appearing ftoq the pen of Iola, G. R. Sims, Dick Donovan, L. £ Meade, John Strange Winter, Dora ItasseU, CdM Mathers, and others. Serials, short stories, spaski articles, and the news of the week. Order a copy.

SHANTIS IN LIVEHPOOJGT" ABLE TO KEEP THEIR COUNSEL. The Ashantee representatives, who reached Liverpool early on Wednesday morning by the African ss. Accra, are six in number, and have several attendants. One of tho three Princes included in the party, who speaks Auent English, informed the reporters that they could not at present give any information regarding the visit. They wished to mature thl--ir plans first in view of the attitude of the Colonial Office.

OSCAR WILDE SCANDAL. POSTPONEMENT OF TRIAL REFUSED. At the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday— baforeMr Justice Charles—Mr Charles Matthew applied on behalf of Oscar Wilde for a postponement of the trial until next Sessions. He produced an affidavit, sworn by Mr Humphreys, the prisoner's solicitor, to the effect that there had not bsen sufficient time to prepare the defence. The prisoner was committed for trial on the 19th inst., and Mr Humphreys did not obtain a copy of the depositions until after 1 dclock on Saturday last. He further submitted that in the present state of public feeling a fair and impartial trial would be difficult to obtain. Mr J. P. Grain, who appeared for Taylor, said his client's desire was to be tried at; the earliest possible moment. Mr Gill, on behalf of the Treasury, opposed the application, and expressed surprise after what took place at Bow-street that it should have been made. It was then stated that the prisoners desired the case to be brought for trial as quickly as possible. With regard to the question of time counsel pointed out that practically the charges were precisely the same as Wilde had to answer when the plea of justification was filed in the recent libel action. In repiy to the Judge, Mr Gill said no case was charged outside those men- tioned in the plaa of justification-in fact only a small portion of those cases were taken. The Judge refused the application. The hearing of the case against Oscar Wilde and Alfred Taylor is fixed for Friday. WILDE'S FURNITURE SOLD. The furniture and effects of Mr Oscar Wilde were, on Wednesday, sold by auction at 16, Tite- street, Chelsea, the late residence of Wilde. Messrs Bullock, of Holborn, were the auctioneers, and & considerable number of buyers were present, it being understood that some valuable Moorish pottery and china would be included among the things offered for sale. The majority ot the pur- chasers appeared to be dealers, but several oil and water-colour paintings were bought by private individuals. At one time during the afternoon considerable excitement prevailed owing to a dispute between a dealer and some persons who, he declared, were the friends of Wilde. The police were called in, and ultimately the disputaute left the building. Several of the books and oil paintings fetched good prices, more especially those offered at. the commencement of the sale, but later on the prices ruled low. A small water-colour painting, with manuscript poem by Keats, realised 38, and a small pen and iuk sketch by Whistler 22s. The chief curio offered for sale was the writing desk of Thomas Carlyle, and this was sold for 14 guineas.