South Wales Daily News

ASHANTI EXPEDITION. SPECIAL SERVICE CORPS MOBILISING. DEPARTURE OF TROOPS FROM ALDERSHOT. NATIVE ENVOYS SAIL. The Portsmouth contingent of 24 officers and men of the Northumberland tfusiliers who have volunteered for service in Agh.inti left for Aldersbob on Wednesday, They were accompanied to the railway station by a large number of their comrades and the regimental band, which played Auld Lang Syne" and The Girl I left Behind Me" as the train steamed away. All the men, who were entertained on Tuesday at a regimental smoking concert, were in the best of spirits. INSPECTION BY THE QUEEN. On Wednesday the special detachment chosen from the 1st Scots Guards for the Ashanti expedi- tion left Victoria Barracks, Windsor, under the command of Captain L. G. Drummond, and headed by their pipers marobed to Windsor Castle, where the Queen inspected them and shortly addressed them. They afterwards returned to the barracks, and started in the afternoon for Aldershot. It is arranged that Prince Henry of Battenberg will not leave Windsor for Ashanti until December 5th or 6th. At the inspection her Majesty addressed a brief, but touching, speech to the men. She wished them success, and said she should watch their progress wjth interest in the forthcoming opera- tions. Her prayers would go with them, and she wished them all God-speed. After being reviewed by the Queen the men partook of her Majesty's hospitality, and came away from the Castle very pleased with their visit. After being photographed the detachment proceeded to Aldershot, receiving an enthusiastic send-off from the garrison and residents in the town. DEPARTURE OF THE ENVOYS. Four of the Ashanti Envoys left Liverpool on Wednesday by the Africansteamer Roquette, which will ea!l at Cape Coast Castle to set them down. Their names are Chief Kwnmiu Boatm, Chief Kwnku Fokoo, Captain Kwaku Jukruhiah, and Captain Cobinah Bondah. Their departure was watched with interest and amusement by a large crowd. A reporter who had to interview. them was handed a pipe, which he lie, and returned to the Chief, who showed evident appreciation of the kindness. CONFIDENT THER-P, WILL BE NO FIGHTING. The Chiefs told a Press Association reporter through an interoreter that they felt confi- dent there would be no fighting in Ashanti They admitted frankly, however, that it would be bad for Ashanti if there were fighting. They also said that they were much grieved that Mr Chamberlain had not granted them an interview.

WARM DEBATK; IN THE FRENCH CHAMBER. MISMANAGEMENT OF MADAGASCAR EXPEDITION. PARIS, Wednesday.-In the French Chamber to-day a heated debate took place on the manage- ment of the Madagascar expedition. Speakers commenting on the dpficiencies of the arrange- ments for the health of the troops, alleged there was no quinine, and that invalids were sent home under disastrous and almost criminal conditions. M. Bourgeois announced that the Government declined to accept any order of the day aiming at the institution of an inquiry. The Govern- ment reserved to themselves the power as an administration to apportion all responsibility. M. Jourde handed in a resolution for the appoint- ment of a Committee of Inquiry of 33 members. A vote was taken on the question of granting priority for M. Jourde's resolution, but the House rejected the proposal by 409 votes against 112. M. Bourgeois finally accepted an order of the day submitted by M. Codefc as follow The Chamber, approving the declarations of the Government, and addressing its congratulations to the troops, passes to order of the day." This resolution having been carried by 426 votes to 59, M. Grousset, Socialist, moved, That the late Ministers who were responsible should be impeached and attacked." This was rejected by 417 votes to 48, and the Chamber agreed to postpone the consideration of interpellations on the treaty of Antananarivo until after the debate on the Estimates.—Renter.

CUBAN INSURRECTION, INSURGENTS CAPTURE A SPANISH FORT. MADRID, Wednesday. A telegram from Havana to the Corretpoizdencia Espana states that the insurgents have captured Fort Guinez De Miranda, which was defended by forty Spanish troops.-Beuter.

BALEARIC BLOW-UP. ALLEGED DIABOLICAL ACT. MADRID, Wednesday.—A telegram from Palma announces the arrest of a workman who is alleged to have declared his intention to blow up the powder magazine, which was the scene of the disastrous explosion there on Monday. The prisoner energetically denies having made any such declaration but the injured man who had denounced him adheres to his aoousation. The killed have now been ascertained to number 80, while of 14 persons injured the doctors only hope to save two.-Beuter.

PANAMA SCANDALS. FURTHER DISCOVERIES. PARIS, Wednesday.—M. Mary, editor of the Libre Parole, was summed before M. Athalin, Procurator of the Republic, yesterday in connect tion with the alleged revelations regarding the Panama scandals. The police continue their domiciliary visits. It is stated they have made mportant discoveries. -Retit&r.

DEMON JEALOUSY. SWEETHEART SHOT. At Rothei ham on Wednesday evening a young miner named James Littlewood shot his sweet- heart, Edith Mitchell. The girl is seriously injured. She was fired at whilst leaving a grocer's shop. The motive for the attack is stated to be jealousy. The marriage of the couple had been arranged and the banns asked twice in church, but a quarrel on Tuesday night is understood to have caused the ill-feeling. Littlewood is in custody.

TO-DAY'S WEATHER 4.30A.M. TO-DAY'S FORECAST. FOR ENGLAND, S.W., AND SOUTH WALES. kouth-easturly breezes, mode- rate or light: cloudy unsettled rain at times. ER" —Damp mild un- «I,«!ii,veatller is still probable S y' • wuh moderate south- easteny Wlnds rain at time3- GENERAL FORECASTS. The following foreoa.sts were prt)pitred, sit niglit at the Meteorological Office at eisrht o'clock DISTRICTS— ff. Scotland,N. 1. Scotland, E. V. England, N.E. 3. England, E. 4. Mid.Counties. 5 Eng. S. (Lon. koufch-easterlybreezes,moder- £ n m TwH ?m°J llgbti cloudy, un- 6. Scot and, W settled ram at, times! 7. Engl. iN.VY., North Wales, 8. England,S.W. & South Wales 0. Ireland. N. 10. Ireland, S.J

THE moat marvellous penny worth of news any fiction published is to be found in the Cardijl Times and South ivales Weekly LVeii-R. All the best and fore- most novelists < f the day have contributed to its columns Order a copy at once. BLODWEN RKES, a story of the Cursing Well, by Oomer Williams. The opening chapters of this n»w story will appear in the CirdiQ Times and South YfU* WeeUv of Satante-

f ARMENIAN DIFFICULTY THE STRUGGLE WITH THE PORTE. SULTAN LESS OBDURATK HINTS OF CONCESSIONS. ATTACK ON AN AMERICAN MISSION. REPARATION~PROMPTLY DEMANDED. CONSTANTINOPLE, Tuesday.—As the British Embassy has already two despatch vessels in the Bosphorus, namely, Cockatrice and Imogene, the latter will probably leave Constantinople in order to be replaced by the gunboat Dryad, for whose passage through the Dardanelles a firman has been applied for. POWERS AND ANATOLIA VICTIMS. The Powers are stated to be occupied at pre. sent with the consideration of a scheme for distribution of relief among the inhabitants of Anatolia, rendered destitute by the late disturb- ances. These people are in a deplorable con- dition, and immediate help is required to prevent them dying of hunger or cold. According to an unconfirmed report fresh disturbance? have occurred at Marash, during which a portion of the town was burnt. SULTAN GIVING WAY. In consequence of the firm attitude of the Powers, coupled with the fear of European intervention, a, better disposition is now mani- fested at the Palace to pacify Anatolia and carry out projected reforms. It would appear the Sultan now begins to realise that his former policy has become impossible, and that to persist in it must lead to catastrophe. In order, there- fore, to afford fresh proof of his Majesty's intentions, it is stated be contemplates modifying the composition of the Commission sitting at the Porte to superintend the carrying out of the reforms. On the other hand, constant efforts are being made by the Palace to convince the Powers that the situation is not so alarming as is generally represented, and that with the exoeption of Armenians all the Christians in Turkey are contented. With this view endeavours have been made to induce the Greek patriarchate to obtain signatures for an address to the Sultan declaring the Orthodox communities to be satisfied with the Sultan's paternal rule and declaring the introduction of reforms te be unnecessary. Mgr. Anythmos, patriarch, greatly surprised, sum- moned the members of the holy synod and held prolonged conversation with them upon the matter. The decision arrived at is not known, but it is believed to be unfavourable. THE ATTACK ON MISSIONARIES. Notwithstnnding the ample assurances given both by the Government and the local authorities at Kharpub for the protection of American missionaries there, the promises were not fulfilled until after the massacre and burning at that place. The American mission buildings destroyed by fire stood apart from the other houses, and consisted ot a girls' sohoo!, a theological seminary, a chapel, and five residences. The buildings nob burnt, were the boys' college, preparatory school, and two residences. These four buildings, however, did not escape pillage. The first-mentioned buildings were set on fire separately in the presence of soldiers. All the personal effects of the missionaries, including the books and scientific instruments, were stolen. The failure of the authorities to afford protection is considered all the more remarkable after the repeated assurances of the Government in reply to the representations of Mr Terrell, United States Minister. The only missionaries coming to Constantinople from Kharput are Mr and Mrs Wheeler, Mr Ellis, and Mrs Boyadjeau, who is the widow of the late British Consular agent at Diaheker. Other missionaries remain at Kharput. On leceiving news of the burning of the mission buildings, Mr Terrell informed the Porte that immediately full particulars were kuown he would demand prompt payment of an indemnity. He also urged his correspondence with the missionaries should suffer no delay.—Renter. DISTURBANCES AT (LESAREA. CONSTANTINOPLE, Wednesday. — A telegram from Caesarea states that large bodies of marauders are approaching the city, and serious danger to life and property is apprehended.— Central News.

DEATH OF M. DUMAS. MAELY-LE-ROI, Wednesday.—M. Alexandre Dumas died this evening.—Reuter. Alexandre Dumas the younger, son of the late Alexandre Davy Dumas, novelist and dramatic writer, was born in Paris, July 28th, 1824, and received his education in the College Bourbon, where he distinguished himself. He was early introduced into the society of j literary men, actors, and actresses, and was conspicuous for his wit and pre- cocity. At the pge of 17 he com- posed a, collection of poems, Les Pcches de Jeunesse," a work of small literary merit. He travelled with his father in Spain and in Africa, and on his return wrote Les Adventures de Qnatre-Femmes et d'un Perroquet," published in 1846 7. He had early the sense to perceive that he could not excel as a poet, and has succeeded best as a dramatic writer, by his objective instincts, and a microscopical power of delineating and magnify- ing the worst side of society in his dramas. He may be said to belong to the sensuous school of Frenoh literature. His principal work of fiction, La Dame aux Camehas," became one of the best-known productions of the day. A dramatic version was played in 1852, alter having been interdicted by M. Leon Faucher, and reproduced in Verdi's opera La Traviata," created a still greater sensation. M. Dumas, who has written many dramatic pieces, is considered by the public the greatest living dramatist of the Demimonde. A new comedy from hia pen, entitled Lea Idees de Madame Au- bray," was produced at Paris early in 1867. His Visite de Noces" was brought out at the Gymnase Dra- matique. Oct. 10sh, 1871. and La Princesse G^-orges" at the same theatre on Dec. 2nd, 1871. In 1872 he published a pamph- let entitled, L'Homme-Femme," which caused a considerable sensation. It was elicited by the Affaire Clemenceau," and a dramatic version of it was produced at the Gymnase, January 16th, 1873, under the title of La Femme do Claude." M. Dumas was installed as a member of the French Academy, February 11th, 1875. His drama Joseph Balsamo," based on his father's romance of Caglioetro," was represented for the first time at the Odéon Theatre, Maroh 18, 1878. He published in 1880, "Les Femmes que tuent et les Eemmes qui volent." His comedy, La Pnn- cresse de Bagdad," was produced at the Thétre France, Jan. 31, 1881. A. 4. II

SHOCKING DOMESTIC TRAGEDY. WIFE FOUND SHOT. ARREST OF THE HUSBAND. On Wednesday evening a shocking aomestio tragedy was enacted in Hatfield-atreet, Gray's Inn-road. London. A gentleman named Oldham, who lived with his wife in one of the houses, was seen to rush into the street with his face and hands covered with blood. He was stopped, and taken back, and on the floor of the front room Mrs Oldham was found with a terrible wound in the right side of the head, caused by a revolver shot. Mrs Oldham was taken to the hospital, where she lies in a dangerous conditicn, the bullet having entered the eye and forced its way out of the other side of the head. The woman has lost her sight. Oldham. who is said to be a journalist, is also said to live at Kentish Town and Pentonvill.e. When he rushed into the street he was stopped by Dr. Ooweran, a local medical man, who summoned the police. The man exclaimed, shot!" He was intoxicated. When the doctor examined the woman he found her in a semi-conscious condition, and she repeatedly cried out, I did it I did ib The neighbours state that the couple were given to intemperance, and frequently quarrelled. Oldham has been charged with attempted murder.

MURDER NEAR MANCHESTER. SENSATIONAL STREET SCENE. At Levenshulme. near Manchester, on Wednes- day, a man named John Taylor rushed out of his house with his throat cub and fell dead in tbe street, and there is some reason to believe that I he was murdered. In the rear of the shop was n, bootmaker's knife, and it is supposed that Taylor was murdered with this. A man, aged 50 a tramping shoemaker, who was working with Taylor, immediately disappeared across the fields in the direction of Stockport. The man, whose name is Stewart, was arrested II in the evening at Poynton. He had called on a shoemaker, whom he to give him a job, I and while in conversation Stewart confessed to be murder. He gave himself up to the police.

I ANOHKB TEA ANCHKB TEA ANCHKB TEA JLXfcebest valaeuoney cwjwjr., "S t

BALFOUR'S TRIAL. THE LAST STAGE. ADDRESS FOR THE DEFENCE. MR O'CONNOR AND THE PRESS. AGAIN FOUND GUILTY. WILL BE SENTENCED TO-DAY. LONDON, Wednesday.—The last stage in the trial of Jabez Balfour for larceny in connection with the House and Land Investment Company was reached to-day, when Mr O'Connor concluded his address to the jury for the defence. He reminded the jury that ho had endeavoured to convince them that tbe money alleged to have been misapplied was the money of Hobbs and Company, and not of the Trust Company, and therefore they could not find Balfour guilty on the present indictment. Coming to the statements made by Balfour in his ex- amination in 1887 on the winding-up of the Whitehall Court Company, ho said he bad carefully examined them and found thab almost every answer confirmed Balfour's statement yesterday, with very slight dis- crepancies, and it must be borne in mind that when Balfour gave his evidence eight, years ago he had no idea that the Attorney-General was going to bring it up against him as had been done yesterday. Referring to the statement made by Balfour in 1887 that not a halfpenny of commission had been paid to anybody in con- nection with the Whitehall Court purchase, he contended that the denial referred simply and solely to the House and Land Trust Company. The Judge observed that was not what Balfour said eight years ago. Yesterday ba said he was to receive commission. Mr O'Connor said the only commission to be paid was by Hobbs and Co. The Judge Balfour was asked in 1887 whether any commission was paid to anybody, and he said II No that is in direct contradiction of his statement yesterday. He says in this very examination that the House and Land Company werefinding all the money. I think I ought tocall your attention to the difference, so that you may deal with it, because it seems to me one of the serious things you have to deal with m this case. You must take the two statements together, and with the further statement that Hobbs and Co. had not found any money. Mr O'Connor said Balfour also stated that as he was nob a director of Hobbs and Co. he could not say what they might have done, and he still maintained that Balfour had the Trust Company in his mind when he denied the payment of any oommission. What was in the mmd of the gentle- man who put the question ? It was thab he was anxious to ascertain if commission had been paid by the House and Land Company to Goldring and Carr, and the jury must remember that in reply Balfour said he knew nothing had been paid by that company to anyone, but he did not know what Hobbs had done. Dealing with the Whitehall Court building itself he incidentally remarked that it was such a magnificent erection that even future Attorney-Generals would not disdain to conduct their business there (Laughter.) e* The Attorney-General remarked that they would have to be better paid than at present (Laughter.) Continuing his address, Mr O'Connor laid down the law that a director,, if detected in making creb profits, could only be civilly compelled to disgorge in the Court of Chancery. The Judge said he should tell tbe jury the langllae of the Act of Parliament was that if a director fraudulently used or misapplied the money of the company to uses other than the Uses of the company he was criminally liable. Mr O'Connor further submitted that this was an open and unconcealed contract for commission to which Balfour was perfectly entitled, and that the prosecution had not proved that he had acted mala fide. His client's offence before the world was that he did not succeed, that he had not sufficient time to bring to a final issne the great transactions in which ha was engaged. It was for that offence the public clamour had pursued him, and the Press had psrseouted him to such an extent that it drove him out of the country. [At this statement there was a suppressed murmur of dissent in court.] The Attorney-General observed that was rather a strong statement. The Judge said he did nob want to interpose because he knew counsel had an onerous duty, but he was sure the jury would not be influenced by anything they read in the newspapers. Mr O'Connor, however, continued his remarks on the Press, and observed they had nob even stopped at attacking Balfour, but they had gone to the extent of attaokmg the character of honourable women whose only offence was that they were related to a dead friend to whom Balfour had aoted as guardian, and they had preferred to share the exile of the friend and benefactor who had fallen inLo trouble. That Balfour was no worse than his colleagues had been proved in another case, and he supposed it was for fchab reason the present prosecution had been instituted to try and show that he was really worse than they were. He asked the jury to remove from their minds all prejudice if they could, and to judga his client upon the evidence alone, remembering that a. few hours spent in that court were as nothing compared with the years Balfour would have to sppnd in prison if their verdict was against him. If, however, they brought their reason to bear on the case and dis. missed all prejudice he had no fear of the resulb EMOTION. The last few sentences of the learned counsel's speech were delivered with great fire and dramatic force, and at the reference to defendant's female friends Balfour's face worked with emotion, while tears fell from his eyes, and he was obliged to ask the warder who sat beside him for water. ATTORNEY GENERAL'S REPLY. The Attorney-General, in reply, said the counsel who defended Balfour had done all that could be done for him, but the necessities of his position had made him rather endeavour to direct attention to that which was immaterial. His (the Attorney- General's) duty was now to draw attention back to the material facts. The question was—Did Balfour, as a director of the House and Land Company, use the money of the company for his own purposes or for purposes other than those of the company ? The story was singularly simple, and he contended that as he bad told it in the first place it was now corroborated by the extraordinary statement made by the defendant himself. It was only the day before they had heard Balfour say that Hobbs agreed to pay the £20,000 commission, which he asserted that it. was now abundantly clear that Wright and Balfour had agreed to put on the £57,500, which was to be paid for the property and put in their pockets. It was also dear that Balfour knew that money would have to be paid by the House and Land Company for the £32,500 which was to be paid for the value of the buildings already erected was, according to all the documents which were before them, turned into £52,000 in order to find the oommission money. Document after document rose up in judgment against him even his own reports whioh he had specially requested should be read in his favour. It was true that Balfour was absent for seven weeks while the arrangements were made, but the material point was that when he came back he began to share in the plunder which no doubt was being made. One part of the case about which nothing had been said he was j bound to remark. On the 14th December, 1892, Balfour fled the country. Ib had been said he had been hounded out of the country by the Press. Of that statement there was not the slightest evidence, and he had only to remark that innocent men who could exphun their actions were not usually guilty of such conduct. In conclusion he was bound to submit that a case of fraud had been made out against the defendant. At the conclusion of the learned counsel's speech the Court adjourned for luncheon. JUDGE'S SUMMING-UP. After the interval the Judge summed np, remarking that he would no be long, as the trial, though one of an important oharacter, depended on a very small point. If the jury found the defendant guilty they must find that what he had done was done with fraudulent intent. The question was, Did lie appropriate money of the Trust Company to purposes other than those of the company ? Nearly the whole question depended upon how the sum of £32,500 to be paid for the Whitehall building came to be turned into a sum of £52,500. because there was no doubt that only £57,500 (which inoluded Carr's £25,000) was to be paid for the property. He was somewhat startled by Balfour s avowal in the case of his statement yesterday after the case had gone a considerable length and after evidence had been given tracing various sums of money to Balfour's hands that he was to receive commission. Thab was a very startling circumstance when they remembered that in 1887, long before the prosecution was instituted, Bailout stated on oath that no one was to receive one halfpenny of commission. The question was, would the House and Land Company have provided the if they had known the real purpose to which it was to be applied ? Balfour's own reports said than he had paid the £20.000 to the vendors, which was not true. If it were necessary he would read over the evidence, but the question lay m a nutshell, and tbe jury would easily understand it VERDICT OF GUILTY. The jury retired at 3 o'clock, after the Judge had handed them a copy of the indictment. The jury returned into oourt at 3.34, having been absent a little over half an hour, and the foreman announced they were all agreed on a verdiot of Guilty." BALFOUR'S DEMEANOUR. When the verdiot announced Balfour sat apareati^quite jwmoved, bafc ^a dwKlljjWkllor overspread his face. He however rapidly recovered, and conversed with bis counsel and solicitor. SENTENCE TO-DAY. The Judge I propose to consider my sentence and to give sejitencf3 to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock. I should wish all the defendants in the other case except Dibley to attend. The Attorney-General I propose to state to your Lordship to-morrow morning before judg- ment is given what course I shall adopt in the remaining cases. In reply to an application from the jury, the Judge said they would not be summoned ogaiu for three years. The proceedings then terminated.

MRS MAYBRICK. RENEWED AGITATION FOR HER RELEASE. Most people who in this age of rush take the easygoing superficial view of things and vow there is no time to inquire too profoundly into any- thing,are surprised to find that,although six years have elapsed, there are rtill tens of thousands MRS MAYBRICK. who are never tired of insist- ing that Mrs May brick is an innocent woman, and should at any rate have the beutifit of a new rrial, on the ground that since her conviction so very many points of new evidence have been dis- covered which might have saved her. Then again, another strong argument is that the expert evid- ence of a great toxicologist was that Mr Maybrick died from a complication of natural disorders and not from arsenic, which poison remains in the body long after it is administered, and of which not sufficient was found to cause death if multiplied by ten. The arsenic found was fully accounted for by the medicines the deceased had been taking. Next, we all know that the Judge who tried the case was even then showing those signs of intel- lectual decay which gave him a distorted mental vision, and which eventuated in his being compelled to resign his position. Throughout the trial he acted more like an advocate for the prosecution than the presiding judge, and his horror of the woman who admitted having broken the seventh commandment was obvious through- out the trial. Next, the jury who tried the case are accused of the grossest illiteracy, and certainly the constitution of the jury, considering the gravity of the issue and the complex evidence, reflected little credit on the authorities, who must have known that the trial was so important that it interested two countries, and that men of the highest intelligence and education should have been selected. Several efforts have been made to obtain a new trial of the case, especially in view of the 'marvellous evidence which is stated to have cropped up, hUb each Home Secretary has been obdurate. Yet now it is whispered that Sir Matthew White Ridley is favourable to a rehear- ing. An association has been formed to attain this end, and we are likely to hear a great deal of Mrs Maybrick within the next few days.

SAD RAILWAY ACCIDENT. AN ENGINE TOPPLES OVER. TWO MEN KILLED. A Leamington correspondent telegraphing on Tuesday says: Two men were killed and a third seriously injured by an accident which happened about midnight near Maroon on the London and North-Western Railway. An engine, on which was John Allen, a night shunter, of Leamington, in addition to the driver and fireman (both Rugbymen, whose names are at present unknown), went in search of some wagons which had become detached from a goods train. They ran along the line to Marton where there are catch points, and the engine running against these in the reverse way toppled over and fell down an embankment 40 feet deep. Allen and the driver were killed instantly, whilst the fireman received shocking injuries. The locomotive is completly smashed. ANOTHER ACCOUNT. The Press Association's Rugby correspondent telegraphs :-A serious accident occurred about midnight on Tuesday on the Rugby and Leaming- ton branch of the London,, and North-Weatern Railway. A coal train in charge of. Driver Thomas Leigh, of Abbey-street, ltugby,and Fireman George Manning,of the same town, was travelling from Rugby to Leamington, and when proceeding up the steep incline near Marton Station four trucks broke uway. The driver proceeded on the engine to Leamington and reported the matter. He also took up the foreman, E. Allen, and came back along the same line to fetch the trucks, but just as they were approaching them at Hunningham Hill the engine went off the metals and rolled down the embankment about 40 feet, into a field below. Leigh and Allen were killed instantly, their bodies being fearfully crushed. When the fireman recovered from the shock he found himself lying about a dozen yards from tho engine, which was overturned and enveloped in steam. Though badly injured, Manning managed by walking and crawling to go some distance towards Marton, thus meeting a brakesman, who when informed that the couplings of the train had parted had proceeded along the line with a red lamp to warn approaching trains that the line was blocked. Manning was as soon as possible removed to Itugby Hospital, and a breakdown gang speedily cleared the rails for traffic. It is stated the engine left the metals at a catcil point used to turn wagons. Driver Leigh leaves a widow and 10 children. The railway authorities state the aooident was caused by the engine returning on the same line. The rules allow an engine to return on certain conditions, but it is alleged that those conditions were not complied with. Fireman Manning's injuries are not considered I serious.

ENGINEERS' STRIKE APPEAL TO THE CHURCHES. PREVALENCE OF DISTRESS. The Belfast Strike Committee have issued a circular to all the clergymen in the city, asking them to take up in the churches a special collection on behalf of the labourers thrown out of work by the shipbuilding crisis. Deputations have been appointed to wait on the Corporation. Harbour, and Water Trusts with a view to strong relief works. Much poverty prevails. A circular soliciting help on behalf of the labourers thrown out of' employment in Belfast by the strike, and whose condition is very pitiable, has been issued to clergymen of varions denominations in the city by the Trades Council. It has also been decided to send a deputation to the Corporation to solioit the opening of relief works. Notice has been issued calling a meeting of apprentices who have joined the engmeers on strike for to-day? when it is stated the majority of the apprentices will be admitted to the benefits of t.he adult society. The suggestion that Mr A. J. Balfour should be asked to intervene in the Clyde engineering dispute has bean received with muoh favour, and as a result a rise has takqn place in prices of Scotch railway stock. The London Engineers' Executive has as yet taken no official notice of the resolution passed by the Clyde men demand- ing compensation for three weeks' idleness. Mr Anderson, the engineers' secretary, stated on Wednesday that no offer ot mediation had reached him, but his council were prepared to meet the employers in cooferenoo should there be any likelihood of arriving ab a setkletreri t.

MEDICO FOUND GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER. All Liverpool Assizes on Wednesday Patrick Bailey O'Callaghan (44), described as a medical man, was charged with the wilful murder of Wm. Ireland, aged 12. Deceased was the son of Dr. Ireland, in practice in Liverpool, and prisoner was Dr. Ireland's ossistant. It was aUeged thab hfter a drinking bout prisoner had swung the boy around in such a fashion that he was fatally wounded. It was after Mrs Ireland had refused him drink that the act took place..Prisoner was found guilty of manslaughter and sontepcud to 12 years' penal servitude.

BAPTISM OF THE GRAND DUCHESS OLGA. ST. PETERSBURG, Tuesday.-The baptism of the Grand Duchess Olga took place at the Palace of Isarskoe Sela. The Empraas Dowager, tba Grand Duke Vladimar, and other members of the Imperial family were amongst the sponsors. In accordance with the prescribed ceremony, the Empress took part in the procession to the ohapel. A salute was fired after the baptismal ceremony. The Czar and the Imperial family then proceeded with the newly-baptised Grand Duchess to the Alexander Palace. The town as well as the paiaoe was decorated with flags, and there were illuminations in the evening.

THE D'ost marvelloui3 pennyworth of news and fiction published is to be found in the Cardil Timet and :■ outh Wales Weekly News. All the best and forg, most novelists of the day hara contributed t* its .columns. Qrd^r a copy at ono*

CARDIGANSHIRE POLICE CONTROL. QUESTION OF TWO SUPER- INTENDENTS. DEPUTATION TO THE HOME SECRETARY. Sir Matthew White Ridley received 011 Wednesday afternoon, at the Home Office, a deputation on tbe subject of the reduction of the police force in Cardiganshire by one super- intendent. The deputation, which was introduced by Mr M. Vaughan Davies. M.P., included Col. Davies Evans (Lord-Lieutenant of the county), Mr J. W. Willis Bund (chairman of the Quarter Sessions), Mr D. C. R)br ts (chairman of the Standing Joint Committee), Mr J. M. Howell (chairman of the County Council), and Mr H. C. Fryer (clerk of the peace). After hearing the arguments of several gentlemen against the proposed appointment of a second superintendent, Sir Matthew Ridley expressed his sense of the important and repre- sentative character of the deputation, and his desire to meet their wishes so far as was con. sistent with the requirements of the Home Office. He said that if any middle course could be suggested by which these reasonable requirements could be met, he would be very glad to sanction its adoption. The deputation said that the matter would bo reconsidered by the Standing Joint Committee at their next meeting in January, when they hoped to be ab:e to submit proposals which would be acceptable.

LOSS OF A SWANSEA-LADEN VESSEL. A FOOTBALLER'S EXPERIENCE. James Regan, who was till recently a member of one of the Swansea junior football teams, has just returned to Swansea, and relates an exciting experience he has had on board the schooner Annie Davies, which left Swansea for Charles. town some months ago, and on her return voyage was bound foe Antwerp. During the prevalence of a gale when off the coast of Holland, the s.s. Boscoe, of Sweden, ran into the schooner, aud sc damaged her that the men had to take to the boats. They had barely time to do so before tllf, vessel foundered. The following morning th< men sighted land, and after great exertion the3 reached it, finaliy being taken to Flushing. 1

MADAME PATTI'S LONDON CONCERT. On Tuesday night Madame Pattl gave t concert in the Albert Hal!, London, and it must, in the first place, be said (declares the St. janwBN Gazette) that never did Afadame Patti meet witb a more enthusiastic reception than was accorded her-or, rather, spontaneously offered-on thi occasion of her first appearance on the platform. Other singers took part in the concert. But the singing of Madame Patti-the finest vocalist and with the longest career that in modern tirnli has been known—could not but be the main attrac. tion at the Albert Hall and an attraction of the most dazzling kind it certainly proved. A good portion of ladame Patti s concert repertory is formed for her by an admiring public, which clamours and cantinues to clamour until, after some brilliant operatic air, she chauges her style to that of a simple ballad-by preference one of those characteristic national airs which she hat sung again and again.

JEWEL ROBBERY AT MERTHYR VALE. AN ARREST MADE. A youth named Samuel Gottleib, 16 years of age, has been arrested on a charge cf robbing his employer of a quantity of watches, and other jewellery, to the value of £ 60. It is alleged tbas tbe prisoner, while in the servico of Mr Israel Arian, jeweller. of Merthyr Vale and Troharris, and in temporary charge of one of tbe shops, he, on Tuesday morning, decamped witn all of the most valuable stock and a small sum of money. When this was discovered Sergeant David, of bhf. Glamorgan County Constabulary, was apprised ot it, and he on making inquiries found that Gott leib had taken train to Pontypool Road and afterwards to London. He at once advised tht police of the larger towns on the way, as well « London, the result being that the youth was arrested by a Scotland Yard detective at Padding, ton Station the same evening. The ml8íDi artlcJes were found m Goctieib's possession. Having been informed of the arrest, Srrgt. Davie proceeded to London, and returned to South Wale: with his prisoner and the iewellerv on W«Ws. day. As they arrived at Cardiff too late to "I proceed further. Guttleih was lodged in the Cardiff Central Police Station for the night, and this morning he will be taken to Merthyr, where he will be brought before the magistrates on t charge of having committed tke robbery. Tht action of Sergeant David in this affair was smart and businesslike, and he deserves much credit fgt his promptitude and 'cuteness.

CABINET COUNCIL BUSY. During Wednesday afternoon the Premier saw the French, Austrian, Spanish, German, and Italian Ambassadors, and the Portuguese Charge d'Affaires, The Press Association says, though Cabinet Councils have been temporarilj suspended, many important matters are undei Ministerial discussion, and meetings of com- mittees of ths Cabinet are frequent.

CARDIGANSHIRE SCANDAL. CHARGE AGAINST A MINISTER WOMEN IN COURT. REMARKABLE SCENE, At Aberayron on Wednesday the case of Jane Davies. New Bethlehem. Cilcennin, versus the Rev. Jenkin Rees, minister, of the same place, was heard. The magistrates on the Bench were Colonel Lloyd, Llysaeron, Mr H. Tobit Evans, and the Rev. Morgan Evans. The case caused intense excitement. Mr W. P. Owen, Aberystwyth, who appeared for the complainant, said he would address tbe Bench a the close of hi3 case. Mr Hugh Hughes's request to have the wi. nesses out of court was complied with. COMPLAINANT IN THE WITNKSS-BOX. Jane Davies was then called, and after she had been sworn, said she livfid at Cilcennen, and was a single woman. She was delivered of a child on the 16th of October. last. It was a boy; the father of ib was the defendant, whom she had known nine years. She was a tenant of his. He is a minister of the Gospel and lived three fields from her house. She commenced courting two years ago. The first familiarity took place in June. (Great laughter and cries ol Order.") A REBUKE FROM THE BENCH. Mr Morgan Lewis, one of the magistrates on the bench, who spoke excitedly in the vernacular,sajd Order must prevail in this court. Laughter on the part of any of you shows a want of taste. Ib is a serious case remember, and it reflects greatly on your morals to laugh and seem to glory in such a distressing and filthy case." Mr Owen I endorse all you say, your Worship. and certainly think that all respectable women should be out of court. Mr Hugh Hughes If they have any respeob for themselves I think they will show it by leav- ing this court. The Clerk (Mr Arthur Hughes, solioibor, Aberystwyth), addressing the packed assembly All those ladies who have respect for themselves are to leave the court. Mr Tobit Evans (another magistrate): Those who have no respect for themselves will not go out; of court. There was then a great flutter in the body of the hall, but comparatively few women left the building. A HINT TO THE PRESS. Mr Owen then proceeded with his case, but before he had made much progress Mr Morgan Evans again interposed. He said I see gentlemen of the Press present. Of course we have nob the least objection for the facts of the case to be reported fully, but I think ib is not for the benefit of the morals of the country that anything bordering on scandal should be reported in the Press. I just give the hint. Of course we have no authority it is only a sugges- tion. Mr Tobib Evans, who is the editor of a Welsh periodical That is a matter for the papers them. selves. COMPLAINANT THEN PROCEEDED. She said defendant first had improper relations with her in June, 1894, in her bedroom. On that particular night he returned from preaching. He got home via Aberystwyth. He was with her at 8 p.m., and remained with her until near dusk. On leaving her he asked if be might go back if he knocked ab the window later on. She was then sleeping in the kitchen. Her mother had been staying at Aberystwyth for a week. Complainant and the defendant went to a bed in the parlour, and there he stayed with her until after 12 o'clock.— After the first occasion did he have improper relationship with you again that week every night up to Saturday night. (Suppressed laughter.) My mother was away the whole week. Do you remember on one occasion the defendant being in the house with you and somebody coming there ?—Yes Mr Hamer saw him there once, and others have seen him there. She remembered Mary Jenkins, now of GORer- ddan had resided next door) going to her house. When Mary Jenkins went in defendant and complainant were sitting together on the bpd. Defendant went to her house early one morning when her mother was in bed in the kitchen, and defendant had relationship on that occasion with complainant, who was in another room. She had told him to let her aloue. —How often was he in the habit cf seeing you after the firsb occasion?— He used to come to our house eveiy day except when he was going away preaching; every day in fact when he began to be bad with me. In January last, New Year's Fair day, she was at Aberayron changing money for a neighbour. She got home at 9 o'clock. Defendant was there, and she went with him to his house. Why did you goto bis bouse?—Because the daughter of bis sister had asked me to take a message for her. Was there impropriety with you that night?— Yes, outside; alongside the hedge. When did you first feel that you were pregnant?—I had sus- pected It., and told defendant of it, (Jontinuinff, complainant said she told him this one night when they had met in a field, and he said to her, Oh, no, no; you are mistaken." About three months afterwards she told him she was positive of her condition, and he then asked her to sign a paper that he was tree and to put it on somebody else. She blankly refused to do this, and ho then said. Oh, don't say it is by me, or it will be all over with me." Oh, well," said the witness, is that how you are now ? It was not that way you spoke to me at the beginning." Well," he said. "come and meet ma hereto- night, and we will settle the matter somehow or other." She met him that evening, according to the appointment, and he then said that if she left the two children she had he would marry her. Mr Owen He knew you had these children, I believe?—Yes,and it was ho who baptised my second child. (Load laughter.) UNSEEMLINESS IN COURT. The Rev. Morgan Evans Who made that laugh, policeman ? You must see, and turn him out. Witness (continuing): I told him that I would not think of leaving my children behind, as I had to keep them. The Rev. Morgan Evans: Excuse me, policeman, have you found out who disturbed the court ? We are not going to allow it. Deputy-Chief Constable Williams: You had better see to it next time, policeman. I am afraid it is impossible now, sir. COMPLAINANT'S STATEMENT CONTINUED. The complainant continued to depose that she told the defendant that he had not committed too great a sin, but that he c )u)d marry her in another locality. He replied that he would never marry her in the neighbourhood of Cilcennin, and that he would give nothing towards the child unless she denied to people that he was the father. He also added that he did not intend to stay in this country any longer, and that he would have gone long before were it not for his mother, He also said he would marry her at the end of 12 months if she signed a paper to place before the deacons releasing him. She refused to do so.—Mr Owen Was any mention made of a field to you ? Yes, he offered to keep a cow for me, and told me to buy a cow on the first opportunity. He estimated the keep of the cow in the field would be worth £5 a. year, and he would give her £2 a year more in money. If she did not agree to that he would give her whatever she asked for. He told her to keep the rent due for the cottage because she would be unable to work much for some time. She had used one of the fields ever since. He had promised her the use of two fields, but he had done her out of one of them. At the end of July he said to her, Qh, for my sake, refrain from saying who is the father. I know I am the father." She told him she was going to take oub a summons. and he replied, "Well, there is nothing to be done, I will go away from here." No one had had improper relations with bar in 1894-95 besides the defendant. During the corn harvest of 1884 defendant bad been un- properly familiar with her in the open-air, and fI. few minutes afterwards he asked her it he should come into the house to her that night again She gave him permission to come, but when going to her he was intercepted oy John Harner. In answer to further questions, complainant said John Jones, Groererddan, had once fouud defendant in an improper position with her. Defendant went with her to bed whenever he had a ehance. (Loud laughter.) COMPLAINANT CROSS-EXAMINED. In cross-examination by Mr Hugh Hughes, she said she had lived in hor cottage uine or ten years, and bad always been on pretty friendly terms with the defendant throughout that time, but not as he had been during the past year, during which period he was practically the husband of the house. How many times have you appeared in this court in similar proceedings ?-^I*have sworn two children here. Was not defendant in the habit of visiting tho people who live in the other ootlages ?—Bub not in the same way all he has visited me. She declared that her own daughter, aged 11, was a witness of the first familiarity. Is she here to-day ?—No I thought she was too young, otherwise I would have brought her. During thot particular week in 1894 defendant viaited her every nighb from 12 to 2 o'clock midnight. Complainant had witnesses to prove seeing defendant sitting with her on the bed. Was it aaybhiug unusual for any visitor to rit OP JBBFT-BED which WM IO the tubehea!—Ib WAO «Q unusual blng for a man like him to sit on the bed as he did. Nobody else sat there if there was room elsewhere in the room. Whether the place bed (Laughter)8 ^efecdac(i aJways sat on the You say the defendant would not allow you to teU your mother or sister of your condition ?-No; but I did so. I told them when they made inquiries some time in the month of July, before the hay harvest. She sa.d that John Jones was often at her house, but not so often as defendant. John Jones and she were good friends, but not to the length of dealings. (Laughter.) I have not suggested that there have been any dealings why do you mention that ?—Because Mr Rees has intimated that Joues is the father of the child. That has been hinted by the defend- ant he is trying to spread the rumour. When John Joues was heard coming to visit you whilst defendant was with you, whatJ did defendant do 2—Defendant told me to go away from the bed, and so I would go wwards the tire. Nevertheless, Jenkin Itees still lay on the bed. Although he knew John Joues was outside defendant: did not rise from the bed ?--N,). Defendant did not come to my house after my mother had discovered my condition. Four years ago defendant baptised my second child. He bad not commenced courting me then. My first child was baptised by the Rev. Mr Jones, Llan- badarn Trefeglwys Vicarage. Defendant gave me the use of the fields near our cottage, but after I had been using them for some time he threatened to take action if I did not piy some- thing, so I had to pay for the fields from the date I gob them. I had to tell a girl to tell him to come to my house to see me becausehewas stayingawav. Evan Jenkins, Caegarn, came to her and asked her if she was izoing to the" seiat" to speak against Jenkin Rees, and she said she would go if asked to go and would tell the truth. BE-EXAMIN ATION. Re-examined Is defendant married ?-No, he is a bachelor. Is John Jones a married man ?—Yes, his wife is here behind me. No one has been bad with me sinca the birth of my second child besides the defendant, and I am not afraid of facing him now about it. Was there room for Jenkins to sit other than besides the bed ?—Yes, plenty. Th complainant was then allowed to leave the box, having been under examination for an hour and three-quarters. A OIRL'S STATEMENT. Mary Jones, Gagerddan, 13 years of age, was the next witness. She said she remembered going to complainant's house one afternoon, and saw Jenkin Rees there sitting on the bed with complainant alongside of him. Defendant i j eQ sP5?kiiig to her on Tuesday last, and he told ber '"The half of you people will be put sound." Cross-examined When I went to the house Jane Davies was knitting, and her child was bet-ween her and the defendant. CORROBORATIVE TESTIMONY. Elizabeth Rees, Gorslwyd, Cilcennen, said she once wentl to Bethlehem (laugh- ter)—and found the defendant and com- plainant there. She said, Here you both are enjoying yourselves havmg tea is it?" and defendaut said, Yes, now." "Witness then said, You had better marry, as there is plenty of talk about you," and defendant said, •• Well, I am go'ng to marry Jane." She had seen them together scores of times. Complainant once left her and went into a field, where she shortly afterwards also saw defendant, who was in complainant's company. Cross-examined I am a married woman, but don t live with my husband. I summoned my husband for not contributing towards my support, but I did not have an order against him. Du you know a young man named Lloyd, of Nebo Mill, who came from Chicago ?-No. Mr Hughe& (sotto race to defendant); Is it NeboMill? Defendant Yes. Witness Oh, oh, bow do you know ? (Loud laughter.) Mr Rugher, Do you know this young man ? After denying several times, witness admitted that she knew him, but had never walked with him. She was not going to marry him and going away with him to America. She had not been blaming defendant because he bad prevented them being married, unless she did so in fun. She told Lloyd that sb& was single, and lived on de- fendant's land, but it was in fun. She knew that defendant had told L'oyd that that was untrue. ut The Rev. Morgan Evans When you saw them drinking tea together, did you anderstand that Jenkin Rees admitted that he was courting Jaue Davies, that he meant what he said ?—Yes. John Hime.r, farmer, (Jaerfyrddynfach, having been called, Johu Jones, who lived next door to the complainant last winter, deposed to seeing defendant lying on the bed from whioh com- plainant came with hor hair dishevelled. He had never committed any acts of impropriety with complainant, PROSECUTING COUNSEL S SUMMING UP. Mr Owen submitted that he had now proved beyond doubt the paternity of the child. There was one point on which he would lay particular stress, and that was that all his friend had attempted in the cross-examination of Eliza- beth Rees was to endeavour to blacken her character. He did nob ask her a single question with reference to the incident in the lield, namely when the two people were seen together at 10 o'clock at night, and when she swore defendant was familiar with her. In his opinion that clearly put an end to the case. His friend did not advisedly ask a single question as to what kind of a night it was, where they went, &c., but left the cross-examiner to ask whether she was residing apart from her husband or whether she knew a man named Lloyd, from Nebo. The Bench had before them two people, one a bachelor and the other a woman who had, unfortunately, fallen twice before. There, was no doubt defendant knew the girl's character, and he asked why in the name of a] I conscience should aman in his position go continually to her house know- ing the character of the wotran he was visifiing ? Could ib be suggested that there was a reason why all those witnesses should come forward and perjure themselves if that woman had been conducting herself wrongly with others? that any young man in the neighbourhood had had anything whatever to do with her except the man John Jones. Defendant was seen at eleven o'clock at night outside the door of a woman who had had two illegitimate children before. The natural conclusion they would come to was that if he were innocent, and if he had had nothing whatever to do with her, why should he be at that door at that hour of the night, and why, too. should he be sitting Oil the bed with the woman ? Unless the Bench were prepared to find that all those witnesses had come there to commit deliberate perjury the magistrates had no course open except to find that the complainant had made out her case. TIm DEFENCE. Mr Hugh Hughes said thifc as the Bench were well aware it was always a difficult task to defend a man on a charge of that sort, because they knew that in their common experience it was an easy matter for two or three persons to conspire together and swear that they bad seen a man and woman nnder suspicious circumstances, and that on those occasions they had indulged in familiarities, and that they had seen him in a house in a certain position, and that there was interchange of endearing remarks between the man and woman, and they asked their Worships in all cases to infer from those facts tha.t tint defendant was the father of the child. The defendant, as had been noticed, was not such a man as those who, as a rule, appeared at that court on such charges. To the defendant the question of position was one of paramount importance, seeing that if an order I was granted it not only meant social degradation, but the blasting for ever of that good name and reputation which he had maintained for 40 years or more. Under the circumstances lie (the learned advocate) felt tliat a great responsibility rested upon his shoulders in replying to observa- tions made by his learned friend as to the visits from defendanb to com- plainant's house. Ho had not; attempted to deny thab defendant made frequent calls, and it had been owned by complainant that he also went to see the occupants of the other cottages. A minister of the Gospel, of all men, ough* to live on terms of friendship with people around him, and what would ba unusual ill the case of another man would be quite usual in regard to him. Add to that fact that he was the landlord of the cottages and had to look after oertain repairs that were needed, and thoy had at once good roasons for his visits. As soon, however, as he found oub that it was alleged by complainanb that he was the father cf her child those visits naturally ceased. After reviewing the evidence with tho object of clearing the character of his client, be asked the Banch to consider before they retired whether the evidence required an answer. If so, io would be nocessary to put the defendant in the box. The Rev. Morgan E, vatis It is for you to decide whether you wish ib. After a Blight pause, during which the magis- trates and advocates appeared to bo undecided, the Bench retired for 10 minutes, and on their return stated that an answer to the allegations was necessary, DEFENDANT'S EVIDENCE. The defendant was thereupon called to the box, and in passing from the advocates' table through the Court-house there was a slight uproar, which was interpreted "by Mr Hugh Hughes as antagonistic to his client. He thought it might be highly improper under tha ciretimstauces to call tho defendant, but the Clerk having stated that what had been heard m the body of the hall might have been sympathy, the Rsv. Jenkin Rees was allowed to be sworn. He said he was once returning from Tyrbscli and passed in front of the cottages, \vhe*> he heard a noise In John Jones's houso. He stopped by the window for about five minutes, and he heard John Jones and his wife quarrellmg in bed 1-10 did not stop at the window of Jaue Davies, I.lS stated. He had been io the habit or calling at all the cottages since they came into hia posses- sion, as Up did all tilf, rei)alrs for them. Elizabeth Rees was biassed against him, as she thought he -ic had prevente4 her marrying a man named L!oyd. He denied that he told her he was going to many the plaintiff. There was no truth that Elizabeth Rees had seen them together in the field. He generally sat on the bed when he went to plaintiff** house, and he had seen many doing the same thing. He had never had improper relations with the plaintiff. ¡ Cross-examined by Mr Owen Have you written any letters to the justices about this case' -Notliitig about this matter. Mr Owen (xharply) Have you written a letter to any one of the justices who attend Aberayron Bench about this case ?—Defendant Well, I will ten the truth, I have. (" Oh ") Mr Owen Then if yoy are an ionocent man, why write to certain magistrates?—Well, only for them to be here to-day. Mr Hughes There is nothing wrong in tbab, is there ? Mr Owen I take ib thab there is » great wrong in ib. (To defendant) Do you think that every th ing the woman rad her witnesses hne said is pure imagination that it is a tissue of lies from beginning to end ?-Yes. There is an old saying you know, Thai there is no smoke without fire," Was it imagination on the part of the deacons, whom plaintiff says had been talking to her about you ?—I don't know. Does the plaintiff go to the same chapel as you ? —No. So that the relations between you were not those of a minister of the Gospel and a member of his cbapel -No. (Laughter.) You mean to say that this woman and five other people have committed wilful perjury ?— (A pause.) Well I am telling the truth. The Rav. Morgan Evans Are you a minister in charge of the chapel to which the deacons mentioned belonged ?—No. Are you in ministerial charge at all ?-No. How many years have you been without sppcial ministerial charge ?—Ten years. Whore were you minister last -In America. And you have only been occasionally preaching here and there since that ?—Yes, sir. Mr H. Tobit Evans Don'b you think it would •»ave been more discreet on your part, to say nothing mere, to take somebody with you to the honso knowing the character of the woman ? Defendant: To go with me ? Mr 1 obit Evans Yes. Don't you think you were commictinp,, a great indiscretion?—I never thought it was any harm. The Chairman But knowing the character of this woman, don't you think it was imprudent to sit with her on the bed ?—I did not know so much about it then, sir. DECISION, r The Bench then consulted together for a few minutes without retiring, and the Chairman said: We make an order for Is 6d a week. We only make it small because the woman has had two children before. On the application of Mr Oiven the advocate's fee and usual costs were granted. As the crowd was dispersing, oneof its number standing on a bench, asked in an excited manner' "How much, 'Mister Magistrates,' has Mr Jenkin Rees to pay ?'•'—'The Clerk Order, order in court. Sergeant Evans, turn him out, turn him out.—This was accordingly done amidst soms confusion.

GUNNER'S HEROISM. An inquest was held on Wednesday night at Hoo, near Chatham, concerning the death ot Corporal Clarke and Gunner Haycock, 3f the Royal Artillery, who were drowned whilst boat- in*. The evidence disclosed great gallantry on the part of Gunner Clarke, who was sucocessful in swimmIng ashore, despite the darkness. Finding that the other three occupants of the boat had not been able to follow him, he jumped into the creek again and swam to the opposite shore. Here he found Master Gunner Owen insensible and carried him to a house, thus saving his life. Verdict, Accidental drowning."

I ILLNESS OF M. HENRY ¡ ROCHEFORT. I Pakis, Wednesday.—M. Henry Rocheforb has been confined to bis bed sinoe Monday with c severe eolil, and it was thought that erysipelat was threatening. He will be unable to leave hi bed for ten day&-Rettter.

ALARMING GAS EXPLOSION. I SIX WORKMEN INJURED. A serious explosion occurred at 7 o'clock OK Wednesday at Poplar Gas Works, wh»o a full st'iff cf men were on the premise?. A number were more or less seriously injured aud taken to Poplar Hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. Inquiries at the Hospital show that only six I men were injured and none of them fatally. The explosion occurred in the purifying house M a number of employees wore removing a lid from one of the tanks. Simultaneously with the explosion a sheet of flame shot up from the tank, burning the men about the face and I)and% hot not very severely. It i. believed that tbe explosion was caused by a gust of air causing contact between the PI aDd an Rdtoceot Jifhfcv