South Wales Daily News

THE LIBEL ON A NAVIGATION SCHOOLMASTER. ASSESSING THE DAMAGES. A Sheriff Court was held at the Town Hall, Cardiff, on Thursday—before Mr Lawrence Wil- liams, under-sheriff—for the purpose of assess- ing damages in the libel action brought by David Evans, headmaster of the Naviga- tion Board School, Aberdare Junction, against Richard Wesley Evans, butcher, and Gwla^ys Evans, his wife, of Navigation and Ynysybwl. Mr T. A. Organ, barrister (instructed by Mr P. A. Nairne, London) appeared for the plaintiff, acting on behalf of the National Union of Teschers. The defendant did not appear, nor was be represented by any legal advisor. Mr Organ, in his opening statement, paid the court was called '0 assess damages for libel in respect of a letter which was published on the 4th April in the South Wales Echo with reference to alleged excessive pnnishment at the school, of which the plaintiff was the head master. The lettpr complained that one of the writer's children was given eight cuts with a cane, that there were blue marks on the boy's hand from the same cause, that his face ww smacked, and thac his hpfI,rl was banged agalllst the dk, so that when the child came home the father hardly recognised him. Internal evidence showed that the letter COllld have referred t.o no one but the plaintiff. The learned counsel wished to say that information as to the authorship of the letter oln not comp (rom the editor of the newspaper. I1- was con«id»red a matter of professional etiquette and honour among newspaper editors not to reveal the namps of their correspondents. The proprietors or conductors of the journal had not rMvealed anything as to the writer of the letter. The information was obtained in quite a different way through statements made locally and traced to defendants- The action of the pro- prietors of the paper was to be commended in every way. After their attention was called to the case, seeing the injury that was likely '0 be done to the plaintiff, as soon as possible after (on June 18th) there appeared an expression of regret at the wrong impression caused by the letter, and a statement to the effect that there was no reason for supposing that the punishment inflicted at the Navigation School was other than moderate and judicious. Nothing could be fairer than that, There was no question of obtaining damages if the paper retracted and apologised. The editors acted in good faith, and everything had been done which they could do to repair the damage which was caused by the publication of the letter. Messrs Baker and Nairne, solicitors, wrote to the defendant, on the 17th June Bfcating that they were. instructed to commence proceed- ings against him, but adding that they were authorised to stay proceedings if defendant would offer an apology and retract the statements com- plained 0f, at the same, time paying the costs. No reply was received to that letter, proceedings followed, and an interlocutory judgment was obtained against the defendant. On the 5th November defendant wrote a remarkable letter to the plaintiff's solicitors, in which he laid" I understand that you mean making or taking action against me for what I entered." He therein admitted that he was the author of the lelter, although there was then no positive evi- dence against him. He proceeded, I will lose all thAblood my vessels contain before I shall withdraw my claim. I shall prove the facts, and that will prove the destruction of the plaintiff Evans." He thns intensified the offence by stating this, and the last sentence showed direct malice. He reiterated the charges, although he declined to come into court and he examined upon them. If these charges had been true the plaintiff's professional career would have been practically ruined. The plaintiff was called and sworn. He stated that he was a certificated teacher, and had been in the service of the Ijlanwonno School Board for 11 years. OnleavingYnysybwl he waa presented with a old watch and an address, a silver tea and coffee service for his wife, and a chain from the children. He had never given a child eight cuts with the cane. and had never given suoh punishment as would cause blue marks. He had never smacked any of the defendant's children in the face, nor strnck their heads on the dAk. He denied all the allegations in the letter. One of the defendant's children on one occasion kicked a female pnpil teacher, and he gave him four strokes on the hands with the cane. He learned that the defendant had been talking in hlf1 fhop ahont having written the letter to the South Echo Tho B L'oyd, vics-chairman of the Llan. wonno School Board, said he had never heard any complaints against rhe defendant's conduct, nor had he ever been called before the Board for ex"°ss've punishment. Dr. Griffiths, another member of the School Board, said he was attending one of the children of the defendant about the time that this matter arose, and the father made no complaint of any kind to him He had often visited the school without warning, and found the plaintiff con- ducting it properly. He believed him to be very kind in his treatment of the children. The Jury, after some amount of disagreement, assessed the damages at j340.

THE most marvellous pennyworth of news and fiction published is to he found in the Cardiff Times and outh Wales Weekly News. All the best and fore- most novelists of the day ha.78 contributed to its celnmns, Order a copy at once.

CORDEROY SYNDICATE. FIVE MEMBERS FILE PETITIONS. OTHER FAILURES PROBABLE. LOSS OF £100,000 ON ONE TRANSACTION. The Look-out Man in this week's issue of Fairplay states that so tar as matters have gone at present the worst anticipations formed of the difficulty of obtaining money from the various members of the Corderoy Syndicate are in a fair way of being realised. The following members of the syndicate have filed their petition :—Mr John M. Corderoy, Mr Barry Wake, Mr H. P. Wheatley, and Mr Oswald Loftbouse Mr W. B. Pattenson has made an assignment for the benefit of his creditors, and Mr A. L. Tweedie's position has already been explained. There is only too much reason to believe that of the 30 shares held by the 20 members of the syndicate only the holders of one-third of the number of the sbares are likely to be able to meet the syndicate calls. The transactions of the syndicate point to a remarkable laxity an the part of those who were accepting the syndicate names as security on policies. It is a mat. ter of common knowledge that some mem- bers of the syndicate were not strong men financially, and yet brokers, underwriters, and shipowners were accepting their names on policies. Snch a state of affairs would be ren- dered impossible at Lloyd's by the vigilance exercised by the committee of that institution in requiring that every underwriter shall be a man of good standing, and likely to be able to meet his engagements. All insurers at Lloyd's are aware of this. In the case of the syndicate, who vouched for the solvency of the poorer members or for the probability of their being able to meet their engagements ? How many ship- owners and others who insured with the syndicate were ignorant of the financial weakness of some of its members ? Referring to a previous statement that in June this year the 1895 syndicate received from the 1894 syndicate £15,000 or taking over the liabilities of the latter we hear that the 1895 names have already lost about £100,000 over that transaction, and that they stand to lose a great deal more. As showing the confusion resulting from the collapse of the syndicate we may mention that in the case of the s.s. Newmg- ton, ashore near Gravelines, on which vessel the syndicate had a lien of £3,700, salvage operations are said to be paralyssd by the natural indisposition of the remaining underwriters on the steamer to be responsible for more than their proportion of the expenses, and the equally natural indisposition of salvers to undertake the job on the chance of being able to collect from the syndicate its pro- portion of the salvage claims. Ship repairers, too, r-t the va.ious ports are showing a tendency to bold fast to vessels in hand until they have cash down or proofs that the vessels are not insured with the syndicate. As regards the graduated clubs respecting which muoh curiosity exists, perhaps the simple way to state the matter is to say that there are no graduated clubs. It is much to be feared that the graduated clubs, so called, were nothing more than a oolourable device for making it appear that the syndicate had reinsured risks which it was bound to reinsure, and which perhaps were found difficult to reinsure outside on satisfactory terms. Among the numerous points connected with the syndicate matter there is none which is exciting more immediate attention than the question cf the payment of outstanding premiums due to the syndicate and the i-ieht to set off losses against them. It would seem that many brokers, at the date of the suspension, owed the syndicate names the cost of insurances effected with them, and we hear it reported that some brokers were allowed, before the suspension took place, to collect total losses from them without paying thd premiums due to the syndicate. Up to a few days ago insurance brokers owing money to the syndicate had been generally advised that they would have to pay such premiums indepen- dently of whether or not the syndicate owed them money for claims or returns of premiums on cincalment of policies, the advice in effect being that such losses, &c., could not be set off against the Unpaid premiums. FURTHER ACTIONS AGAINST THE SYNDIOATE. In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, late on Thursday afterDoon- before Mr Justice Mathew, sitting to try com- mercial causes—the case of the Novocastria Steamship Company, Limited, v. Miller and others, came on for hearing. Mr Cohen, Q.C., and Mr Scrutton were counsel for the plaintiff*, a company of Wewcastle-on-Tyne; and Mr Manisty, Mr Bremner, and Mr Butler Aspinall appeared for various defendants. Mr Cohen said in this cse the defendants were underwriters, who were members of what wes called the (Re-assured). The case was almost identical with that of Tyser against the Shipowners' Syndicate (Re-assured), decided the other day by his Lordship, when he held that the defendants were severally and not jointly liable. His clients in this case desired to take the opinion of the Court of Appeal on the matter, and it was necessary for him to have certain facts admitted or proved. Mr Manisty said this matter was before his Lordship in chambers, and he understood that it was then agreed that all that was to happen in court was to be merely formal—that on the facts being admitted to be the same as Tyser's, judg- ment would be given in the same form as in that case so as to enable the present plaintiffs to appeal. Mr Justice Mathew said he did nob understand Mr Cohen to be going in the least beyond that, but he merely proposed to show what he would urge in the Court of Appeal. The various facts proved or admitted in the Tyser case were then gone through and entered on the learned Judge's notes. The policy on the Növooaøtria wag for £5,000, and it was admitted that £1,974 5* 6d was due under the policy. The reinsurance policies were also put in. Mr Justice Mathew All this was done with the view of showing that the defendants were held out to be partners. Mr Cohen Held out to be jointly liable. Mr Justice Mathew Well if you prefer that expression—partners jointly liable in respect of each transaction. But to whom were they held out ? You are going to ask me to draw an inference of fact from all this, or do you prefer not ? (Laughter.) You must point out who were misled by all this—which of the insurance brokers who had dealings with Mr Corderoy was completely in the dark about what this insurance meant. Mr Cohen: I am going to call the broker who effected the policy. Mr Justice Mathew Let us see him by all means that will help UP. Mr Cohen said he intended to raise three points. (1) That independently of the terms of the syndicate agreement by reason of the terms of the policy the members of the syndicate were jointly liable for any loss on the policy at the same time that each underwriter was also severally liable for the propositions fixed in the policy. (2) If this proposition be not true, independent of the terms of the syndioate agree- ment, it was true when they took into account the terms of the'syndicate agreement. (3) That there was a holding out of a partnership. Mr Justice Mathew To whom ? Mr Cohen To the brokers and to the manager of the plaintiff company, Mr Black. There was this difference in this case from the Tyser case, that this was a claim in respect of a particular average loss and a general average lose, and not a total loss, as in the Tyser case. There was a clause in the policy relating to reinsurance which, he said. held out that the risks were reinsured. Mr Justice Mathew ? They had the option to reinsure average risks, but did not generally do it. You have, Mr Coben, a right to appeal, as far as I am concerned, against anything I did not say that may be open to you. (Laughter.) Mr James Black, manager of the plaintiff company, said Messrs Young, Ellis and (Company and Nr Arthur Bray acted as his brokers in effecting insurances on the ship. He made inquiries as to who the syndicate consisted of. He inquired of the brokers, and he saw the names of the members of the syndicate on the policy. Mr Cohen On what did you rely when you received this policy as to who the members were who formed this syndicate and their liability, The question was objected to on behalf of the defendants, but the judge admitted it. Witness Well, I took it to be a number of underwriters trading under the style of the Shipowner's Syndicate, and I took it that this was a contract with them as a syndicate or as a company. And as to their liability being joint or several ? -That is what I mean by a company—that it was a joint contract. I Mr Arthur Bray said he effected the policy on the Novocastria for £1,500. There was another policy for JB5 000. He wont to the office of the Shipowners' Syndicate and got a quotation and sent it to the plaintiffs. He saw Mr Corduroy. Other evidence having been called, the further hearing was adjourned until to-morrow (Friday) afternoon.

THE GREAT CURE FOB CORKS.— Munday s Viridine-Still further testimony. A Chemist writes Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine ? It is for my own use. I get plenty of corn cure. of the same colour, but none of them appear to equal yours. Ne one outht to say his corns are incurable until he has nse.l Viridine." Thousands have be#n cured, of whom had suffered for over 50 years Bews.,3 o nutations Sold in bottles Is, by post Is 2d, by the proprietor, J. Munday, Cbeukint.1 High-street Cardiff and all Chemin 1079

WELSH GOSSIP. Mr Anthony Howells, the American Consul, left Now York for Cardiff on Wednesday. It is rumoured in Bridgend that Lady Davies, of Spring Gardens, Haverfordwest, and widow of the late Sir William Davies, will shortly take np her residence in that town. Mr O. M. Edwards states in this month's issue of the Cymru that he has been given to understand that the report of the Welsh Land Commission will be ready before Good Friday. Llandudno is getting on quite intimate terms with the Royal Family. On Wednesday the District Council decided to send a congratulatory message to the Duke and Duchess of York on the birth of their second son. Barry choristers have been invited to form themselves into line in order to join Mr D. Jenkins's cor mawr," which will throw London into ecstacies next year in performing his work, The Psalm of Life." The local organiser and trainer IS \lr W. Howe, Cadoxton. On Tuesday evening the Rev. Vyrnwy Morgan, the new pastor of Carmarthen-road Baptist Chapel, conducted his first baptism there, when there were 17 candidates present. During the service the Rev. Dr. W. Williams and the Rev. Frank Joshua delivered addresses. The Rev. R. R. Hughes, B.A., has been unanimously elected pastor of the Calvinistic Methodist Church, Brynsiencyn, as successor to the Rev. John Williams, Prince's-road, Liver. pool. Mr Hughes is a young man of 23 years, now just completing his theological training at Bala. The heir of the Mardy would be surprised to find that on Wednesday in this column his name was inadvertently altered from Herbert Clarke Lewis to Herbert Charles Lewis, and more still that he was described as a father. It is Lady Lewis and two of her daughters—not two of his— that accompanied him to Australia. The Astronomical Society of Wales, says a correspondent, is only just a year old, but it is not wanting in energy, and its latest move is the publication of an annual, specially intended for amateur observers, which will fill a place not at present taken by any similar publication in the language. Elementary telescopists have no almanack designed for their use, and the Society's almanack is from cover to cover their guide, philosopher, and friend." Rodrig Fawr, Prince of all Wales in the 9th century, would have no "Joseph" in his family. He, according to the custom of gavel- kind, divided his Principality as equally as he pjssibly could among his sons. To Anarawd he gave North Waies to Cadell, South Wales and to Merfyn, Powysland. Each wore a falaith or diadem of gold beset with precious stones, whence they were styled Y Tri Tywysog Taleithiog," or the three crowned princes. Another Welsh minister who is winning fame over the borders is the Rev. W. Joseph, of West Bournemouth. Mr Joseph, who is a B.D. of Yale University, where be studied after leaving Carmarthen Presbyterian College, is a native of Llandyssul, Cardiganshire, and is a brother of the Rev. E. Joseph, of Sketty, near Swansea. His two other brothers are at present students at the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen. This is another case of a whole family devoted to the ministry. There is a Monmouthshire anecdote that when turnpik9 roads were about to be introduced into that country, the innovation, as usual, met with a strenuous opposition. Mr Valentine Morris, the celebrated and, unfortunately, imprudent im- prover of Persfield, was:among the most active supporters of the measure, and he was examined as to its general uti!lty at the bar of the House of Commons. Questioned What roads have you in Monmouthshire?" he answered, "None." How do you travel, then ?"—" In ditches The Tory Press ave'jubilant over the defeat of the resolution proposed by one of the members of the Ystradyfodwg School Board against any increased grants to sectarian schools." According to a Liverpool contemporary, it came as a great surprise. The area which this school board covers is practically conterminous with the Rhondda constituency which Mabon' represents in Parliament; and for a district with such Liberationisb tendencies to reject the above motion, even though it is by the casting vote of the chairman, is significant." Mr Owen Williams, the surveyor of the Aberdare Urban District Council, has just entered on a crusade against bad and defective systems of sanitation, having started a series of popular lectures, illustrated with limelight views. &c., on Sanitation and Health." The first was given the other evening at the Cwmaman Public Hall, and was much appreciated by an audience of typical working-men. The town Mr Williams has in charge is already known as "Sweet 'Berdar," and it should justify that appellation when he has got rid of all the defecsive drains, sewers, and other death-traps that may be lurking under its streets and buildings. It is stated (says the Liverpool Courier) that the Vicar of Penbryn, Cardiganshire, has been promoted by the Bishop of St. David's to an important living near Aberystwyth. Penbryn was, until recently, notorious for its organised opposition to the payment of tithes, an opposition which seems to have died away. Whatever be the cause or causes of this, one fact the chronicler must take into consideration—the patience and perseverance which have charac- terised the vicar in his work. His difficulties not only did not dishearten him, but were used as a means to appeal for outside assistance in equip- ping the parish with an additional church free of debt. Hie successor will have his way consider. ably smoothed for him. The Ancient Britons, before their conquest by the R'inans, had a very simple process of smelting lead. They placed the ore in a hole in the ground and mixed it with wood, which, being fired, proved sufficient to melt the lead out of the soft ores of this country a small gutter communicated with a second hole, into which the metal ran from the first. These artless alag-hearths are very frequent in some places, and are discovered by the quantity of scoria" mixed with charcoal. Modern smelters have endeavoured to extract the remaining part of the metal from these slags, but in vain the ancient smelters having succeeded so effectually as not to have left behind sufficient to pay the expenses of a second operation. The following is a specimen of a Druidic triad. It will be observed that the first two lines refer to something that is familiar to everyone, and in the third a moral precept, or proverb is incul- cated. The notion is that by annexing the precept to an admitted fact the bard sought to associate his moral thought with an air of solemn certainty See the forest white with snows Hark the storm of winter blows; Nature beyond learning goes. Fair the moon's resplendent bow, Shining on the mountain snow Peace the wicked never know. 'Mid the snow green woodlands rise All are bound by nature's ties Anger dwells not with the wise. Mr D. L. Edwards, of Aberdare, who passed the recent examination for the degree of Bachelor of Arts at St. David's College, Lampeter, with first-class honours in modern history, has a record to bep proud of. Mr Edwards was for some years assistant secretary to the South Wales Miners' Provident Society, and was prepared for college by the Rev. J. H. Lloyd, M.A., vicar of Talley. Upon entering college he passed re- sponsions in two terms, and adopted the special course in modern history, obtaining second-class honours in r"" muuerucions examination. in October, 1894, he secured an open scholarship, value £30, in history, and as already stated he has now passed his B.A. examination, graduating in the minimum number of years possible. Mr Edwards is the editor of the Magazine and socretary of the College Dramatic Society. Among the many epitaphs in the old church. yard at Wrexham is the following on Elihu Yale, of Plas Gronw, near Erddig Born in America, in Europe bred, In Africa travellld, and in Asia wed. Where long hu liv'd and thriv'd, at London dead. Much good, some ill, he did, so hope all's even And that hia soul through mercy's gone to Heaven. You that survive, and read, take care For this most certain exit to prepare; For only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust. The'deceased had been Governor of Madras, and most probably a very arbitrary one; for he banged his groom for riding out with his horse for two or three days to take the air, without his leave, for which Yale suffered severely in England.

The health of the King of Denmark is again giving cause for anxiety.

NEWS IN BRIEF. London consumes 42,000,000 gallons of annually. A military paper advocates the abounOB gold lace. Annexation of Asbantee is declared to be lutely necessary. Professor Masson says he believes Shakespeart used tobacco secretly. Baron Montefiore, son of the late Sir Montefiore, is appointed Italian ConsuI*G«Ber^ in London. Mr Phillbrick, appointment as a coQII court judge means a vacancy in the Recorders of Colchester.. Annual debates are now held between the ing American colleges as a means of intellectual rivalry. It is not improbable that the Dake and Duoh of York will make a little tour in Ireland t early in February. Death is announced at the age of 51 of B a Henrik Jaeger, the well-known author biographer of Ibsen. Stopford Brooke's Chapel, in Bloomsbury. is to come down, or rather to be converted t electric lighting station.. The deed of sale of the historical ch&teaU_ Vizille in Dauphmy is ready for signatute. price agreed on is £20,000. Rumour has it that Sir Julian Goldsmid will made a peer as soon as the New Year's litf honours has been decided upon.. J The Government are considering whethet, would be possible to facilitate the distribution of agricultural and other produce. It was remarked in a London police court week that a table and six chairs are enough to promote a company with." The Prince of Wales concluded his visit Lord Carnarvon at Higholere, Newbury, yestt* I day morning, and returned to London. Costaki Pasha, the new Turkish Amba! to London, arrived at Paris from ConstantinOf- yesterday morning by the Orient express. At Vienna yesterday the Emperor gave dinner in honour of the Diplomatic body. Sir Morson, the British Ambassador, was present. Rarely in the history of the champagne tr*^ has it been known for shippers to have such plethora of stock on their bands as at the preøeøt time. Stansburg, the champion sculler of the world.. has deposited at Sydney £100 to bind Harding challenge, and desires to row on the Tbam" ill Auust. While in Naw York Dean Hole visited 8.r of the theatres, and the Herald of that city out with a paragrah headed, A Dean the Scenes." Mr Labouchere thinks that the choirs dwell on hIgh" will eventually be found to ooø. tain as many choristers from the theatres as frcØ the churches. Corporal Barnes, of the West Dorset RegjmeØ now stationed at Londonderry, blew out brams with his rifle last night. Tbe d was a Londoner. s Two strangers of American nationality It"- been arrested ab Honolulu charged with beW cuncerned in a political conspiracy. No detailt have yet transpired. Belfasb Workhouse authorities have di that three persons bitten by mad dogs ia neighbourhood be sent to the Pasteur InstiW" for treatment. They left last evening. The first vacancy in the present Parlian>fl° through death occurred on Tuesday, when Daniel Ambrose, the Nationalist member fot South Louth, expired from heart disease. A fire which resulted in about £ 2,000 dam*#* occurred yesterday in extensive stores situated ,fl Lower Leadmore Quays, Kilrush. The prelB»•e, were used principally for hay-pressing business. The great ball of the Church-house at minster will be opened on February 11th by 11128 Duke of York, and it is hoped that the Duc will be able to accompany her husband on occasion.. At Epiphany the Pope will send to the Spain a present consisting of a beautiful plotnr6 repreeentine: St. Luis Conzaga, which his Boliø. has commissioned from a well-known I tali** painter at Rome. The Queen of Italy, during her autumn soJoarø at Monzat has been assiduously practising cyclist under the guidance of a Milanese pr0- fessor, and she is now able to cover long distance* with ease and safety. Department of Science and Art has received, through the Foreign Office, a despatch from tbfl German Ambassador at this Court calhng abten. tion to an international art exhibition proposed to be held at Dresden in May, 1897. Body of an unknown man, with two revolver wounds, was found yesterday hanging from tree near White Lodge, Richmond. In his ha* was pinned a "will" bequeathing the revolver the "first Prince of York, provided he did not shoot himself with it." Two Chinamen, employed as firemen on bOttC the steamer Dardanus, at West Ham Polio* Court yesterday were fined JB51 each, or >° default two months' imprisonment, for conceahng on the vessel 34 pounds of cigars, of the value and duty of £25 10^. Two commercial travellers have been arrested at Belfast charged with shooting at a farIPet named Haugbton while the latter was driving along the country roads. It is alleged that foo* shots were tired, three of which struck vehicle in which Houghton was seated. It is nob known whether the bank at Paris will accept the increase of the Spanish loan b1 25,000,000 pesetas, for which negotiations have been for some time in progress, but are suspended for the present. The Alcalde is endeavouring to arrange for an increase of the current account. The new first-class battleship Magnificent Wft* subjected to the final test of a commissioned trial yesterday in the North Sea. The trial waS attended with satisfactory results, and the gr_t battleship sailed immediately for Devonpott to await the assembly of the Channel Squadron for her first cruise. Speaking at an Orange demonstration ili Downpatrick, Dr. Kane, Grand Master, alluded to the strike in the shipbuilding trade, and expressed the hope that loyal working men of Belfast would not adopt the advice of Trafalgar-square Socialists. Major Marindin holds that the rules for railway fog signalling might be made clearer. He reported on Thursday that the collision near New Cross ott the South-Eastern Railway, in which fout passengers were injured, was principally doe to the fog, but if the fog signalman had put th< signals down promptly it would not bave occurred. At the Midland Hotel, St. Pancras, Lady Harcourt and Mr Lewis Harcourt wera on Wednesday the recipients of some exquisite Derby china, subscribed for and presented by the Liberals of Derby as a token of their goodwill and esteem. Mr Lewis Harcourt, in expressing thanks, attributed their defeat in Derby to the depression at the Midland Railway Works. Lord Francis Hope, brother to the Duke ol Newcastle, was by the London Bankruptcy Court yesterday granted discharge subject to 10s in the £ br.in" paid to creditors. The debtor, who haq a life interest in estates situated inSurrey, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, and Castle Blarney, Ireland, failed in September, 1893, with total liabilities £ó57,942, and assets £173.920. Italian Chamber yesterday adopted the propo' sition of the Government providing for jutJicittl and military reorganisation. The chaDgS recommended have been much criticised, and on a close vote a possible Ministerial crisis was at firs- regarded as likely, but ultimately there were many abstentions from voting, and 218 supported the propositions, while only 182 opposed them. A good printer will set about 12,000 letters day. The distance travelled over by his hand W" average one foot per letter, going to the boxes iø which they are contained, and of course returning making two feet every letter he sets. This would make a distance each day of 24.000 feet, or than four miles, and in the course of a year, leaving out Sundays, that member travels about 1,400 miles. The dramatic reoital given by Mrs Scali" Siddons at Berlin on Wednesday evening, befor* the Emperor and Empiess, included the sleep* walking scene from Macbeth," a sketch frollS "Western Life in America," and other pieced Both the Emp*ror and Empress convers cordially with the English octree, lier Majesty expresaing hope that this might nob be Mrs Sco Siddons last visit to Berlin. In the French Chamber yesterday M. DontJler (Minister of Finance) introduced the GoV«r^ ment request for supplementary credits 17 million francs on behalf of Madagascar The credits, the Minister stated, were to d« r* the cost of bringing the troops home and to co. « the expenditure of provisioning and insta the forces necessary for the occupation ot t island until the 30! h of June, 1896. CasseWs Family Magazine for January found an exceedingly interesting number. is a capital illustrated sketch of Hawa the Castle; highly eulogistic references to d in artistic talent of Mr E. T. Reed, as ehlblte ted his Punch sketches; a profusely iH°s Q^et article ou yachting, besides » host of 0 0° delightfully attractive contributions. Br, 111 means the least interesting feature is a beaut of executed full-page portrait of Princess Mf Wales.

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V CARPETS FURNITURE FUR^NIIOKHI CARPETS FURNITURE OA CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS, CARPETS FURNITURE „.RL ™ CARPETS FITRNITURE DO NOT 1* AIL TO CARPETS FURNTTURE VISIT CARPETS FURNITURE A VTF RTOTV Jtr PO CARPETS FURNITURE F OU. CARPETS FURNITURE XJ CARPETS FURNITURE R, ,,R, CARPETS FURNITURE CABUNET MAKTLTO, CARPETS FUHNITURE UPHOLSTERERS, CARPETS FURNITURE U FTLUIJOILUXI.R.XVO, CARPETS FURNITURE HOUSE FURNISHERS, CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE MARY-LE-PORT STREET CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE BRIDGE STREET, CARPETS FURNITURE BRISTOL CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE CARPETS FURNITURE THEIR SHOWROOMS, CARPETS FURNITURER)VER ONE ACRE IN CARPETS FURNITURE AP< CARPETS FURNITURE EXTENT, CARPETS FURNITURE CONTAIN CARPETS FURNITURE „ CONTAIN CARPETS FURNITURE THE LARGEST. BEST. CARPETS FURNITURE AD CARPETS FURNITURE CHEAPEST STOCK CARPETS FURNITURE TN THE CARPETS FURNITURE WEST OF ENGLAND. CARPETS 11 THE I AGNIFICENT PICTURE, PAINTED BY SIR NOEL PATON, R.S.A., LL.D., JGEATI J UNDO CORDE." Text: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."—Matthew v., 8. This exquisite Work, pronounced to be the finest from Sir Noel Paton's brush, IS NOW ON VIEW AT FREKE'S NEW ART GALLERY, DUKK-STREET, CARDIFF. OPKN 10 TO 6 DAILY. WEDNESDAYS, 10 TO 5. 7409 3. ADMISSION SIXPENCE. CAVENDISH HOUSE CHELTENHAM. GRAND CHRISTMAS BAZAAR, NOW ON, Comprising n Immense Variety of YU1.ETIDE GIFTS, PRESENTS OF A L KINDS, TOY, DOLI.S, GAMES, ETC. Splendid of Floor Lamp*, Art Metal Work, and other Novelties in the Furnishing Department. Illustrated Lists on Application. 5758 MASTERS & Co.! MASTKRS A Co. MASTKRS <fc Co. MEN'S MASTKRS k Co. MASTERS & <<o.J MASTKRS & Co. MASTKRS & Co.' OVERCOATS MASTERS & Co. MASTKRS & Co.' MASTERS & Co. MA8TEUS & CO from 15.. lid to MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & CO. r 45S. MASTKKS & Co. MASTKRS & Co. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS CO YOUTHS' MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co 1 MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co OVERCOATS MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co in MASTERS & Co. MASTERS fe Co °"L TO MASTERS & Co. MASTKRS & Co 29. 6d, MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. BOYS MASTERS & Co MASTERS <fe Co MASTERS k Co. MASTERS & Co OVERCOATS MASTERS A Co. MASTKRS & Co C MASTERS & Co. MASTEKS A Co ro^, TO MASTERS <fe Co MASTERS & (Jo • MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co Dr.VC,, IT, MASTERS & Co. MASTKRS & Co JNAF MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & CO REEFERS MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co 2* lid. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS ? Co. MASTERS ? Co MASTERS SL Co. MASTERS & Co MASTERS & CO. METERS & Co M A <?TFRNC! MASTERS & Co. MASTKRS & Co [Y| MASTERS & Co. MASTKRS & Go VD MASTERS <fc Co. MASTERS & Co 1 MASTERS & Co. M ARTE us & Co. /NriAJP V tw MASTERS fe Co, MASTERS & Co I IN I, MASTERS tc Co. MASTERS & Co ^OA *■ 7N MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS fe Co. OM IR. I?V MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co L AK MASTERS & Co. MLASTERS & Co. OQO NTTTTT QN* MASTERS 8c Co. MASTERS & Co. M MASTERS & Co MASTERS k Co. NTTINRNR QT MASTERS k Co MASTERS & Co MASTERS & Co MASTEKS Co (Corner of St. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. John's-square), MASTERS & Co. MASTEKS & Co. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & (Jo. /CARDIFF. MASTERS Co. MASTERS ft Co. J MASTERS h Co. MASTERS & CO. Also at MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co MASIEI:S & Co. MASTERS & Co. SWANSEA, MASTERS k Co. MASTERS & Co. NEWPORT, MASTERS & Co. MASTERS Co. MERTHTB, MASTERS & CO. MASTERS & Co. PONTYPRID8, MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & CQ. HEREFORD, MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. ABKRDARE. MASTERS II; Co. MASTERS & Co. PONTYPOOL, MASTERS & Co. MASTERS k Co. ABEHGAVENNT, MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & Co. AND MASTERS & Co. MASTERS k Co. LLANKLLY. MASTERS & Co. MASTERS & CO.I 1346-4ge MASTERS & Co. STONE BROS., Sons of the late Aid. Gains Augustus Stone), COMPT ETE FUNERAL FURNISHERS AND FUNERAL DIRECT RS. Eyery requisite for Funerals of all classes. Proprietors of J'uJleral Cars, tlearses. ShiUi- biers, and Coaches. Superb Flemish Horses, &c. Price List on Application. Please Note the Address: — 5, WORKING.STREET Telegraphic Address :— "STONE ttROS.. CARDIFF-' 6942 JQULCIA QAKES ALWAYS GOOD, Rich, Economical and DULCIA PAKES Appetizing. D"LCIA (J AKES ? LB, 40 VARIETIES. Leading Grocers. WHOLESALE FROM THE JQULCIA CAKE QO., PENARTH-ROAD, CARDIFF. 7061 ^usituas ADaflIiAI". I NOVEL APPLIQATION et "gJLECTRICITY. see5 SINGEWS WINDOW, 4 STl J0HNS SQUARE, roa l-IANDSOME XMAS pRESENTS AND <# NEW Ykar'8 G IFTS, AND gINGER'S JEWING "^JACniNES J-JRIVEN BY E LECTRICITY. 7482—396^ NEAV, E OOD.-First Established .1. F 1825. Best and Cheapest. IVTEAVE'S TJ^OOD.—For Infants and Jl.1 _1_ Invalids. For Growing Child ren and the Aged. "\TEAVE'S TT^OOD.—For Infants and il X1 Invalids. A Pure Cereal Preparation Higlily nutritious^"— Lancet. Sir Charles A. Catneron, M.D. says "Admirably adapted to the wants of Infants." Sold Everywhere. 1569 TEETH.—Completo Set, One Guinea. Kive years'warranty. GOODMAN AND CO., 1q, Duke-street and 5n. Queen-streat, Cardiff. 130 1-1114 TOj1 UC HERS. c It 0 S S L E Y OTTO" GAS E NGliNES, GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. NEW OR SECOND-HAND ENGINES SUPPLIED, WITH SAUSAGE MACHINES, FOR CASH OR ON HIRE PURCHASE. QUOTATIONS ON APPLICATION SOUTH WALKS OFFICIC 22, MOUNTSTUARTSQUABE, CARDIFF. TELEGRAMS—" O ITO." CARDIFF. 1098 G. A. STONE&CO., UNDERTAKERS. ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YFAttq, AT THE (lLO AND ONty AOORKSS- 10, 11, & 12, WORKING -ST REIST, CA RDIFF. UNDER THE MANAFIBMGNX OF MTSS STONE, M'iated by u) Efficient. Staff. IJgraphic Address:— "Stone, 11, Working-street, Cartlitf.1 HOB NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Contributions sent to the South Wales Daily News. should be plainly written in ink, and invariably on one side of the paper. We desire to urge upon our numerous correspondents ihe value of concise- ness and the desirability of curtailing the length ot their communications. It cannot be too cieailj understood that brief and pointed letters receive the fir;1t attention. All communications intended foi insertion must be authenticated by the name and address of the write-, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. No notice wii, be taken ot anonymous letters. Rejected communi- cations will not. be returned.

BIRTHS,MARRIAGES. DEATH Notices of Births, Mamayes, and Deaths, Is each, if not rxcrrdxnq TO u<nrds, and 6ft for each extra 10 wordi. BIRTH. DAVIF-g.-On the 18th inst., at The Ash Grove, Ponty- pudd, the wife of Dr Howard navies, of a daughter MARRTAGE. ,NTORRIS- OWE: -Tue.dLy, December 17th, at St. Jude's Church, Southsea, by the Vicar, Rev. F. Blake, assisted by the Itev. Horsburgh, Frederick Temple' youngest son of John Morris, Esq., Park-place, Cardiff, to Florence Louisa, daughter of Colonel Lanyon Owen. J.P., late R. VI L.I. 736 DEATHS PARRY.—Wednesday, 19th December, at 6, Argyle- terrace, Llwynypia, Gladys May Parry, aged 18. the dauglit r of John Parry, storekeeper. Llwynypia. Funeral, 2 p.m Monday next, Trealaw Cemetery. SNELL.—On Tuesday, 17th illst., Ann. he beloved wife of W. nell, Permanent Way Inspector, Caerphillv, age 61. Funeral at 3 p.m. Friday next, at S't. Martin's, Caerphilly. No wreaths. 589 WAILES.—1 Tankerville-terrace, Newcastle-on-'Iyne Edmund Frederick Wailes, of the Firm of Wailesj Dove, and Co., passed peacefully away at 4.18 p m' on Tuesday. December 17th. bIoS

The LONDON OFFICES of the South Wales Daily Np-Irs a" at 46, Fleet-street (opposite Fetter-lane), where Advertisements are received up to 4.30 p.m. for insertion in the following day's i-sue. The South Wales Daily News may be obtained imme<iia.iely after the arrival of the 10.45 tnin at the Offices. 46, P'leet--treet at Messrs W. H Smith and Sons' Bookstall. Paddington Station at Messrs Everett and Son's, 17, Royal Exchange • and at M ssrs Everett and Son's, Bells Buildings' Salisbury-square. Fleet-street.

FBI I > AY. DECEMBER 20. 1895. --¥ PRIESTISM IN THE SCHOOLS. THE difficulty of gripping, adequately and accurately, the underlying principles of any important national question, such as the Elementary Education question, for instance, and of clearly apprehending its deep and vital bearings upon national life and character, is great, admittedly great, to those who have not carefully and closely studied the subject in its principles as well as in its incidents. And the difficulty is magnified many fold when per- sons, who have professional or party interests to serve, assiduously propa- gate misconceptions and misrepresenta- tions of the serious and vital question at issue to subserve professional or party ends. We have not the remotest intention to impute, even in thought, wilful miscon- ception or intentional misrepresentation, to any person or persons whatsoever but mis- conception and misrepresentation are equally mischievous and evil, when circulated by ignorance or prejudice without any wilful intent to deceive. We leave imputa- tion of motives to those who cowardly chalk "heretic," "irreligious," and "godless" upon the backs of their opponents, and then run away. For we deal only with argu- ments and principles and their issues, as they affect the people and the future well- being of the children of the people. And the issues involved in the present struggle for national education are immeasurably great, momentously great and far-reaching. We are sincerely and honestly anxious that the public of South Wales and Monmouth- shire should apprehend the question in its true magnitude and in its wide and vital issues. It is no mere question now of the superiority of Board School teaching over Sectarian School teaching, as a factor in the life progress and success of the children. It is more gravely momentous in its issues than even that inconceivably grave and weighty though that is. Looked at dispassionately and soberly viewed in the light of past history, and of current events, the educational battle of to-day involves the liberty of human thought in this country, and the free. dom of the human soul from the warping and enfeebling shackles of priestism for, possibly, long centuries to come. The priests of the Churches of England and of Rome have made it clear to the obtusest observer, by their speeches, and manifestoes, and memorials, and their deputations in force to the Government, what their real object now is. They are DO longer content with having the practically unchecked expenditure of millions of the taxpayers' money to support their own Sectarian Schools in which their special creeds, catechisms, and ologies are taught, but they demand "—that is the word—not only more gold out of the national coffers for the same sectarian end, but to put a drag and a check upon the educational success of the people's Board Schools. This is a combined and resolute attempt by the priests of the two Churches of England and Rome to secure the supremacy of priestism in the education of the children of the nation and what that means in the debasement of the social and moral life of the people, those who have know- ledge of the condition of Society in countries where priestism has had, or still has, that supreme educational control, can only adequately tell. The late Dr, DALE, of Birmingham, no mean or un- known name in the religious world whose memory is revered by pious Churchmen no less than by Nonconformists of every name, likened the educational contest in this country twenty-five years ago to the struggle for religious freedom in Germany then waged by Prince BISMARCK against the Ultramontanes and the Jesuits. But the renewed struggle between the Clerical party aDd the people to-day resembles infinitely more that conflict for national liberty in Germany than did our educational struggle of twenty-five years ago. Of course Dr. DALE did not mean, and we most certainly do not mean to insinuate even, that the Church of England and Catholic clergy are Jesuits, but we do distinctly maintain that the question of entrust- ing the English State clergy and the Catholic priesthood with the control of national education involves the very same set of general principles and of national considerations with re- ference to progress, enlightenment, and the common good as those which deter- mined the expediency of allowing the Jesuits, and others, to corrupt public spirit, and weaken national life in Germany. We have no quarrel with the clergy, either Pro- testant or Catholic, as such and the educa- tional quarrel which they are now forcing upon the Unsectarian party is not of our seeking. It is not we but they who are striving to destroy the educational com- pact of 1870 nevertheless with a cul- pable misuse of terms, which is no uncommon thing in clerical warfare, they christen their attack a defence;" and falsely libel the Unsectarians as attacking them. We earnestly urge the people—and the people of Cardiff especially, whose School Board election is almost upon them —carefully to look into this question for themselves, and not to be misled by Clerical sophisms and Unclerical misrepresentations. It is the people's question let them view it seriously therefore, and with a grave regard to its weighty issues for it concerns them most seriously concerns them, and their children. The Archbishop's memorial to the PRIIF MINISTER, backed by nearly all the Bishops, and by some eight.tenths of the clergy, demanded the abolition of the Educational compromise of 1870 to place, practically, the whole cost of their Sectarian Schools upon the taxes: to check the harmful competition" of Board Schools with the Sectarian Schools to have the right of establishing new grant schools" (that is new Sectarian Schools paid out of the taxes) in School Board areas and wherever else they pleased and to control the ratepayers and to cut down their expenditure on their own public Board Schools by some 11 superior public authority." These are the Clerical demands. What do the people think of them ? If the demands were conceded, national education would become national only in name. It would be clerical educa- tion once more as it was before the Act of 1870, when 80 per cent. of the children left School without receiving any Education worthy of the name, as the Education Department itself testified in its Annual Report for 1870. Let the people awake to a solemn conviction of the gravity of the situation. Lord SALISBURY, at the last meeting of the National Society (the Church of England Society), urged the clergy to capture the School Boards for the Church to capture them at first under the existing law, and then to seek by every effort to change the law so as to make the Board Schools, too, the "nur- series of Church principles." It will be an evil day for Great Britain should ecclesiasti- cism ever gain this ascendency in the education of the nation's children. But it will gain this ascendency unless the people arouse themselves to keep their own School Boards free from the taint of the ecclesiasti- cal leaven, and from qhe supremacy of Priestism in Elementary Educa- tion. The object of ecclesiasticism is not to give sound, useful instruction to the children, but to make them sound Church people." This is the honest confes- sion of the Monthly Paper, the organ of the National Society, which further said that the teachers should feel that there is no more effective way of benefiting their fellow creatures than by giving them a sound education in the theology of the Church of England." What do parents, what do the taxpayers as a whole, think of this Church view of the matter ?

FAST DRIVING IN STREETS. A MOST important case was decided in the Birmingham County Court on Wednesday. A gentleman crossing one of the streets of Birmingham was struck down by a passing trap driven fast, but not furiously. He brought an action against the driver of the trap, and was awarded damages. The defence of the driver and owner of the trap was that he saw two gentle- men crossing his path that he shouted to them when he was five or six yards off that one of the gentlemen jumped out of the way, but the other did not and was struck down and injured. The defen- dant thought that he had done all that was necessary in shouting to the plaintiff to get out of his way, and not to cross his path but the Judge speedily taught him a very different lesson. It is the duty of drivers of traps to get out of the way of foot passengers. The foot pas- sengers have as much right to cross the street as the driver of a trap has to go along it. "The law," said the Judge, was quite clear on the matter it was the duty of a trap to get out of the way of a defenceless foot passengerand as the defendant did not get out of the way, or stop his trap in time, he was cast in damages. This is a lesson which is grievously needed in Cardiff, where fast and frequently furious driving is of daily occurrence. In a recent case tried before Mr Justice HAWKINS at Lewes, in which a bicyclist was indicted for knockin down a man with his bicycle, the Judge, in passing sentence, said that cyclists and others seemed to think that so long as they rang their bell, or gave a warning, people were bound to get out of their way. That was not the law, and they must learn that they had no greater rights than other persons using the highway. If people I did not get out of the way, they (riders or drivers) must turn aside or stop." If the Cardiff Town Council would order the police to check fast and furious driving in the Cardiff streets it would greatly add to the safety and comfort of numbers of the inhabitants.

NEW COAL CHARTER, CIRCULAR LETTER ISSUED FROM CARDIFF. We understand that a circular letter on the question of the new form of coal charter has been issued from Cardiff. It reads aa follows :— We beg to mform you that the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom has prepared a new form of steamer coal charter, in which, among; others, the following disadvantages to the charterer appear Ambiguous loading and strike clauses colliery stoppage of six days' cancels charter no despatch money wharfage of 2d per ton at present collected from ship by dock company is to be paid by charterers no foreign coaling; bunkers not supplied by charterers; trimming to be charged at) the rate paid to workmen no reference to custom of port of discharge; consignment to charterer's broker eliminated ship not bound to employ merchant's stevedore; ship not responsible for short delivery, and receiver to pay entire coai of weighing. You will, of course, bear in mind that in cases where coal has been ] sold under the existing colliery forms of contract, the purchasers would be unable to carry out those contracts without loss to themselves if the proposed charter of the Chamber of Shipping were adopted. In the meantime, as a means of enforcing compliance on the part of all steamship owners, the various Protecting and Indemnity Clubs have parsed a bye-law to the effect that within 30 days from the adoption by the Chamber of Shipping of their particular form of charter party, the shipowner accepting the freight under any other form shall have no claim whatever upon such clubs for any insurance while still paymg for such insurance. Every shipowner who subscribes to those clubs will be deprived of any power whatever of exercising his own judgment as to the mode or form in which he desires to do his own business. We shall be glad to have your views on the matter."

THE DISPUTE IN THE MARDY COLLIERY. ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS IN CARDIFF. Mr Arthur Lewis, barrister, on Thursday, sitting as umpire at the Engineers' Institute, Cardiff, concluded the hearing of the arbitration proceedings between the Mardy Colliery workmen and the Mardy Colliery owners, having reference to the identification of the Mardy seam and the prices to be paid for cutting The proceedings have lasted for five days. Professor Galloway was the arbitrator for the n:en, and Mr Kirkhouse acted for the company.

CARDIFF DIVORCE SUIT. UNHAPPY DIFFERENCES, PAINFUL DISCLOSURES. CARDIFF CONNECTIONS RELIN. QUISHED. LONDON, Thursday.—In the Divorce Division to-day-before Mr Justice Barnes—the Dolben suits came on for further hearing. Mrs Gertrude Daker Dolben, stated to be the daughter of an officer in the Army, sued for a judicial separation from her husband, Mr Arthur Dolben. who had been a partner in a firm of wine merchants having a branch at Cardiff, and had resided at Penarth and Elmtield, Dinas Powis, near Cardiff. Mrs Dolben alleged cruelty, which Mr Dolben denied, and in a cross-suit he petitioned for a divorce on the ground of his wife's alleged adultery with Mr Arthur Rawlins, now living in Hampshire. The adultery was denied. THE WIFE'S PETITION. Mr Arthur Rawlins was called in support of the wife's petition. He said that in 1883 he went to reside at Mr Dolben's house when they lived at Hereford, and continued to live with them until 1891, paying three guineas a week for bis board. Mr Dolben had a bad temper. He once saw Mr Dolben kick in his wife's bedroom door. In August, 1890, Mrs Dolben returned home from a visit to Weston-super-Mare. She was tired and had some whisky. After midnight, when he had gone to bed, he heard a shriek, %nd on going to Mr and Mrs Doloen's bedroom he found Mrs Dolben with a wound on her bead. She said Mr Dolben had thrown her down. On another occasion he saw Mr Dolben prevent his wife leaving the house and take her into another room. He heard a cry, and when she came out her arm was injured, one of the bones of the wrist sticking out. She had also lost an artificial tooth. Cross-examined by Mr Priestley (for Mr Dolben): Witness said Mrs Dolben drank three. quarters of a tumblerful of whisky. That would not improve hercondition,would it ? —It would not do her any harm. (Laughter.) Did you ever hear her use bad language ?—Yes, pretty strong beginning with a D. Did she once run into your room and look for a revolver ?-Yes I locked her out for fun. Did she go outside and put her fist through the window ?—Yes. Was that for fun ?-I suppose so. (Laughter.) She got through the window and went to the drawer where the revolver was kept, took it out, and pointed it at me, but it was in sport. A SISTKR'S EVIDENCE. Mrs Ellen Elmore, who said her husband was a minor canon of Canterbury, stated that Mrs Dolben was her sister. She had visited her and never saw her drunk. She once saw Mr Dolben throw a butcher's book at his wife. Miss Gertrude Goldsmith, living at Southamp- ton, said that in 1890 she went to live with Mr and Mrs Dolben at Elmfield. Witness spoke to the incident after the return from Weston, and said that after the scuffle between Mr and Mrs Dolben she had seen Mrs Dolbon's injured wrist. Mrs Dolben said her husband had thrown her down, and he said be was very sorry. A witness was called to corroborate the state. ment as to the assault in London. THE DEFENCE. For the defence Mr Priestley said his client's case as to the cruelty was that on certain occa- sions the wife was hysterical and behaved like a madwoman, and he used no more violence than was necessary to restrain her, and once, unfortu- nately, she struck her head against the wall. His Lordship said that up to the time of the separation if there had been cruelty it appeared to have been condoned, and there was only one act alleged afterwards. Mr Priestley said that on that occasion there was a struggle for possession of the children, and Mrs Dolben fell down. Since these unhappy differences Mr Dolben had been obliged to give up his connection with the Cardiff firm, and was now bankrupt. He submitted that the wife's suit was not bona tids for protection, as she had admitted that all she wanted was money for the children. The case as to the adultery was that Mrs Dolben had been living with Mr Rawlins under the pretence that she was acting as his housekeeper. MR DOLBEN UNDER EXAMINATION. Mr Arthur Dolben was then called. He said he lived happily with his wife until 1888. He denied that he had been guilty of the acts of cruelty attributed GO him. Throughout their married life the wife had been hysterical. He denied he had used abusive language. On her return from Weston she was fearfully drunk. She took off her rings and threw them about, tore her chatelaine to pieces, and fell on the floor. She went up to see the children and he tried to prevent her. In the room she seized him by the nose and he pushed her on the bed. She accidentally hurt her head. For a week or 10 days she continued in a state of semi-lunacy. On one occasion sheflungan iron server at his head. He had owing to financial difficulties to make his wife the allowance she required. He now had a situation at £ 150 a year. Bankruptcy proceed- ings had been commenced against him by his wife. With reference to the alleged assault after the separation in London, Mr Dolben said his wife tried to prevent his leaving the room, and he simply took hold of her and moved her on one side to enable him to get by. She fell on the floor. When his wife summoned him the magistrate said that something in the nature ot a scuffle had taken place, and that he thought it desirable these two pt-ople should be separated, and that therefore he had better be bound over to keep the peace. In cro-s-examiiiation by Sir Joseph Leese, Q C., M.P., Mr Dolben said that he and Mr RawJms had been on very friendly terms, and during the whole of the time that he lived at the house he had no suspicion of any improper intimacy whatever. The first intimation he bad of anvthing impropsr was from one of the witnesses. Mr Rawlinti had lent him J6200. He had written a letter to his wife from St. Mal y. street, Cardiff, referring to Mr Rawlins, stat,itig- I do not suppose anything would have happened but for that man. I made a mistake; he Is not a man, & false, treacherous hound, WHO, while pretend- ing to be my friend, was trying his best to do me the deadliet injury. He is a skunk. Mr Dolben admitted that he had written to Mr Rawlins in friendly terms. Re examined He had paid back the money to him. A CARDIFF DOCTOR CALLED. Dr. Charles H. Vachell, of Cardiff, said he attended Mrs Dolben from 1888 to 1891 for hysteria. She completely lost self-control. He had suspected her of taking too much alcohol, and after the return from Weston he found her drunk, or what was called "dead drunk." She at that time required careful restraint owing to her excit- ability. Other medical tesbimony to a similar effect having been called the case was, again adjourned.

FIRE AT BARRY DOCK. About midnight on Wednesday a fire was discovered at the business premises of Mr John Howells, corn merchant, at Thompson-street, Barry Dock, which was only prevented from completely destroying the building by the prompt action of the police. P.C.'s Gill and Evans raised the alarm. and the hose was conveyed in a borrowed wheelbarrow, there being no means provided 'by the local authorities, and in charge of Police. Sergeants Williams and Evans a strong posse of police were soon upon the SDOt, and Police-Sergeants Hole (Cadoxton) and Abrahams (Barry) were also summoned by telephone from the Central Station and promptly arrived. The fire was confined to some straw in an upstairs room, and this inflammable material was quickly ablaze. After a short delay, owing to the fireplug in the street being tilled with stones, a good supply of water was procurable. The police worked hard to prevent the spread of the conflagration, and in about half an hour the fire was completely under control. The damage, which is wholly insured, is • >timated at about 250, and was confined chiefly to the stock, some of the wood work in the fluor and stairs being also burnt down,

CARDIFF MILLING COMPANY. MEETING OF PREFERENCE SHAREHOLDERS. An informal meeting of preference shareholders in the Cardiff Milling Company took place on Thursday at the registered office. With one exception the whole of the directors were present, and consulted regarding the proposed reduction of the capital. A resolution was passed to the effect that a statutory meeting should be called to consider the matter, but the date of such meet- ing did not transpire.

BRUTAL TREATMENT OF A MERTHYR WOMAN. On Thursday, at Merthyr Pohce Court, Red- mond Coleman and H -norah Nash were charged with doing grievous bodily harm to Emily West, in Dynevor street, Merthyr, on Wednesday night. Tho charge was taken as one of assault. Prosecutrix said she paid for beer at the Oanal House Inn, and Coleman asked her to pay for another gallon and -she demurred. She declined to open her hand to show whether she had any moneys and he struck her. When subsequently they were outside Coleman knocked her down and took 2s 6d from her. Nash kicked her, and the two of them dragged her from near the Three Horse Shoes Inn to the Aberdare-road, beating her all the way, and when a cry of "Police" was raised Coleman ran up the Aberdare-road and Nash continued beating her. Jacob Marks and Mary Ann Wheeler gave evidence as to the circumstances, the latter saying the man he saw present was not Coleman. P.C. Thomas Jones said he saw Coleman running away up the Aberdare-road. The injured woman was quite helpless, apparently from loss of blood, and she was conveyed to the Hospital. Mr North said the charge bad been reduced, but it was an assault of a very Serious character, and prisoners would each be sent to gaol for one month with hard labour.