South Wales Daily News

SOCIALIST CONGRESS. EDUCATION AND WAR. The International Socialist and Trades Union Congress was resumed JI1 London yesterday. Oil the proposal of the British delegates it was declared to bo the duty of the State to provide free education for children from the kindergarten to the University, as well as free maintenance. The report on education made suggestions for raising the iige of children exempted from full attendance* at school, and also proposed to impose upon employers additional responsibilities. This was adopted, as also was the report of the com- mittea on organisation, proposing an International Committee, and suggesting means for dis- tributing information. It was decided that the International Committee should sit in London. An animated discussion, in which many nationalities took part, arose on the report of the War Committee, and several amendments were submitted and adopted. The report recommended the abolition of standing armies, and the estab- lishment of a national citizen force, as well as the creation of a tribunal of arbitration, whose decision should be final, to regulate peaceably disputes between nations. It was also provided that the final decision on the question of peace or war should be vested directly in the people in cases where the Government rotlised to accept the decision of the tribunal of arbitration. After some formal business the congress adjourned till to-day.

RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN THE I RHONDDA FACH. PASSENGER TRAIN OFF THE RAILS. I' On Friday afternoon, the passenger train due at Portb form Mardy about 1.30 was delayed for about half an hour, in consequence of one of the coaches containing passengers leaving the metals at the junction, a short distance from the railway station. No one was injured, but all the other trains on the branch weie delayed.

ILFRACOMBE FIRE. _.w- EXTRAORDINARY NEGLI- GENCE. INQUIRY TO BE INSTITUTED Our Iifracombe correspondent telegraphs There can be no doubt bot that a great and seriouj biunder has been committed in connection witb the awful fire at Iifracombe. Captain Jewell, 01 the fire brigade, says all responsibility is off his I shoulders, as he warned the Council and officials that the fire alarms were out of order, and with respect to the water being turned off a.t the reservoirs the surveyor (Mr O. M. Prouse) never acquainted him of the fact. I have seen many councillors, who are most indignant at the grave results. A special meeting of that body will be called to go thoroughly intc the whole matter. It is admitted that Captair Jewell's complaint as to the fire alarms was knowr six weeks ago. The surveyor was then ordered to attend to the matter. A month afterwards Captain Jewell wrote to the Council saying h( could not be held responsible if anything hap pened. Tbat letter was considered by the Council, who asked the surveyor to obtain contracts from local tradespeople to put the alarms in order and to keep them so. The matter was therefore under consideration.and would no doubt have been dealtwithat thenextmonthlymeetingof theCouucii —the first Tuesday in the month-in the ordinary way but before August 4th arrived a great fire has occurred, andthe alarms proved useless. As tc the water bemg turned off, the Water Committee of the Council ordered the surveyor to turn it ofl last Monday night for the first time as an experiment, the great drought diminishing the supply. The committee thought at the time the surveyor would have turned it off just outside his house, but instead, it is alleged, he ordered the man to turn it off at the raaervoir, a good distance out of the town. The telephone was placed at the surveyor's bouse in order that whenever the water was turned off he could easily turn it on with the key he keeps. It now tran- spires that not only were all the firealarms useless and had not been attended to, but that the valves outside the surveyor's house were out of order, and that was the reason he had the water turned off at the reservoirs. The Council and committee were in ignorance of this. It &eems to ba a case of We know things are not right, but there iaplenty of time to put them inorder."TheOouncilruembeH;, in oider to ciear themselves, demand a special meeting for full and true facts to be given, they being anxious that the blame should be put ou th6 right shoulders. These admissions and Captain Jewell's statement prove that someone has blundered, and some startling remarks are expected at the next meeting of the Council. Crowds of visitors are arri ving in the town, the fire really bringing more people rather thau driving them away. Now that the thoroughfares are open, Portland and Fore-streets are thronged, the police being in force to superintend the traffic. On Thursday night, when it was announced that the blockade had been removed, peopie, notably visitors, rushed to the scene in their hundreds, and for the first time beheld what an enormous fire had taken place. Amateur photographers are here by the score. taking views from all points, whilst the news- paper boya are doing a roaring trade. As fast as papers arrive they are eagerly purchased, and tho special editions are sold out in a very short time. Hundreds of papers are being posted, the pest office never having had such a busy time in its whole history. Closa on 1,500 private wires were despatched from visitors to friends on Wednesday, the office being open from 3 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Thirty thousand words in Press messages were despatched. On Thursday telegrams were again being sent off and received in their hundreds, and even yesterday the telegraph clerks were kept very busy. High-street wass full of excitement. Notwithstanding all the efforts of the fire bri- gade the fire broke out rtgaui amongst the smoulder- ing debris. Captain Jewell summoned the fire brigade with engines, and their progress through the streets was remarkable, visitors being seized as it were with fire fever, rushing after the brigade, and being most anxious to help in any way. People are still arriving fast, and Iifracombe resembles more the middle of August than July. Such an increase of visitors so suddenly is uuparalleled. Bristol and Cardiff people are here in hundreds, and newspapers are eagerly seizsd. Mr Cole's iron safe has been dug out of the ruins. Thirty pounds in gold and silver were found melted, whilst all papers and notes were charred. The burnt-out people are roughly fitting up temporary premises, and it ia noticeable that visi- tors are making good purchases from them, as one way of showihg their practical sympathy. The weather is simply glorious, and it seems ae if everybody is in the streets, the one sole topic of conversation being the fire. The fire brigade are receiving congratulations on all hands, and subscriptions are being made to present each with a badge in commemoration oftheir arduous duties. A relief fund for those poor people who were nob insured and Harding's assistants, who lost all is being liberally responded to.

FAIR WATER TRAGEDY. GLOUCESTER AND WOLVER- HAMPTON ARRESTS. MEN DETAINED ON SUSPICION. On Tuesday night Mr Sattin, the master of the Wolverhampton Workhouse, received a police notice, issued by the chief constable at Canton, Cardiff, drawing attention to the murder of David Thomas, which was committed at Fairwater, near Cardiff, on the 10th inst., and asking that careful inquiries should be made at Workhouses and other places in reo gard to a man suspected of being concerned in the murder, and whose description was given. A statement of the man's clothing was also given, and it was further stated that tho person wanted walked with quick, light steps, kept his left hand by his side, and had a habit of looking down. wards. The person was believed to be a tramp looking for work, and might give bis oocupation as a tailor, shoemaker, or compositor. Later on a man arrived at the Workhouse iCnd asked foi shelter for the night. Hig appearance at once struck the receiving otlier as beiag similar to that of the man suspected of having taken part ia the murder. On Thursday he was questioned, and he gave hit name as Walter Pickering, whose relations arf fanners at Lyth Hill, near Shrewsbury, and in the neighbourhood of Bridgnorth. In alir.osf every respect he answered the description of the man wanted. His clothing was no however, of the kind described, but he admitted that he bad bteiy sold a hat and other articles of attire. J His friends were corumujiioated with. and on arriving at Wolverbampbou they admitted tbat he had beon tramping about, bot denied tbat he could have been in tlm neighbourhood of Cardiff on the 10th inst. When arrested accused gave evasive answers. The pohca were communicated with, and it was decided to remove him to th< police station and detain him, in order that Glamorganshire polica might be oommunioated with. A somewhat singular circumstance it j connection with thl) arrest is that the police in their notice i-tate the peraoa wanted might have in his possession similai revolver bullets to those used in tho affray. Tht bullets aro described as '41 calibre, short nm-fire, marked CJ." 0:1 the prisoner being searched a gun cartridge was found upon him. There is a great difference between a gun cartridge and Il revolver cartridge but it is remarkable that sucfc au article should be found on a tramp. INVESTIGATION AT CARDIFF. Though the man brought to Cardiff froit Gloucester on Thursday on suspicion of connec- tion with the Fairwater tragedy was at the County Police Station, Canton, yesterday, there is not the slightest evidence against him ( and, indeed, be has given so straightforward a statement as to how he speut his time in Cardiff on the evening of the murder that investigation wiis almost unnecessary. The police however detain the suspect until they liavfi had opportunity of formally testing his story. It is improbable tnat the man, arrested at Wolver- hampton will come to Cardiif, it being evident on inquiry that he have had nothing what- ever to do with the crime. It is a strange circumstance that the Gloucester and WoJV8t" hamptou suspects were found in possession of single cartridges. So keen is the activity displayed by tho polioe throughout the country that numerous arrests of this character may be anticipated. Possibly in this way the police will be able to discover the identity of the man with the peaked cap" seen hanging around before and going away immediately after the crime. If they do succeed, tho cirole of inquiry will be narrowed down considerably. 111 is, however, fairly reasonable to suppose that if the murderer wore a psakeu cap he will not nOW be wearing a similar hf-ad-covering. The opinion, is stIlI growing outside police circles that the murder was not committed by a tramp for snoptw robbery, and that the murderer waa no stranger to bis victim.

AN OLD MAN'S DISAPPEAR. ANCE EXPLAINED. a FOUND DEADIN HIS CHAIR. The death has been reported to Air Carter, one of lh0 Gloucester coroners, of Thomas Taylor, DO years of age, a retired labourer, living alone in a cottage at Milkwall, near Coleford, D^an Forest. It appeared that the deceased was in his usual health at 5.30 on the evening of tho 29th and was not again seen alive. Next eveuing the neigh- bours were alarmed and the house was eoterec, with the result that deceased was found sitting in his chair in the kitchen dead. 'I 3

LONDON LETTER. (CROftf OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.] SPECIALLY WIRED. LONDON, Friday Night. WIGS ON THE GREEN. Members of the House of Commons found this afternoon some compensation for the loss of an hour and a half over a Hibernian squabble in the entertainment afforded by the spectacle of the Healyites and the Parnellites going for one another with quite 6 Donnybrook fair vigour. The whole busi- ness from beginning to end was thoroughly Irish. The ramifications of the pretty story a.re, indeed, so intricate as to provoke a fear lesfc attempts at explanation would only spoil it. But briefly it is this. Dublin Corporation being engaged in t e innocent work of getting a Water 1 through Parliament, Mr Healy get the scope of the inquiry so enlarged the Bill emerged from Committee with clauses affecting the composition of the Corporation itself and enlarging the Conser- vative minority on that body. How Mr Healy perpetuat this practical "bull" on a Water Bill, and how he s(Irkles to be championing the Con- servative cause are mysteries un fathomable, but be h" ."CU'red the «»a Of the Parnellites, and to-day Mr Clancy andMr Harringtonaccused him oEallsorUo log-rolling and corrupt jobbery worthy of Tammany Ball. There was a long struggle over proposals to recommit either the whole Bill or parts of it, and at one time there was such disposition to pile amendments on amendments, such a plethora of appeals to the Speaker on j points of order, that there seemed some chance of the whole business getting into ■ an inextricable tangle. The Speaker, how- ever, kept a clear head amid the whirlwind, and ultimately he unravelled the threads, j There was only one division in this. Mr j Healy and Mr Knox were tellers again-s.. their compatriots, Messrs Harrington and Carew. Ordinary members seemed utterly it a loss how to vote. Mr Lecky w&e especially perturbed, wandering plaintive, melancholy, and pleading libout the floor of the House, seek- ing guidance now from Mr Balfour, now from Mr Smith Barry, and vacillating painfully into which Lobby to go. The out- come of all this was a reverse for Mr Healy. The Bill was ordered to be recommitted, which means that the Dublin Corporation has wasted P,8,000, for there is no chance of rying it now. An item in the discussion was a pathetic appeal from Col. Gunter Against condemning the old committee, which has already had eight weeks' turmoil, so the penal servitude of threshing out the whole matter again. RAIDERS RECEIVE JIERCY. The "quality of mercy has dropped as the gentle rain upon Dr. Jameson and his Munrades. After a short taste of un- vneliorated life in an English prison they are to be allowed such comforts of civilisa- tion as are within the reach of first-class misdemeanants. This was announced to-day by the Home Secretary amid the cheers of the House. Sir Matthew Ridley has done that which yesterday he had no power to do, by advising the exercise of the Royal clemency. Mr Brodrick declines to say anything as to the action the War Office proposes to take with regard to those Army officers who were concerned in the Jameson raid. APPEALS FOR PARDON. The Home Secretary shows no disposition to encourage Dr. ChtÜi. and Mr Lough in their desire to re-open Mrs Maybrick's case, fcor is Mr Balfour any more sympathetic than he showed himself a few days ago to ihe notion thac the release of the Jrish breason-felony prisoners will be an appro- priate way of celebrating the sixtieth anni- versary of her Majesty's accession. ANOTHER INNOCENT MASSACRED. Mr Balfour announced to-day the massacre of another innocent. He has long despair- jugly clung to the forlorn hope of being yet ab)e to save the Military Manoeuvres Bill, bat at last he has given up the struggle, and has thrown the child of Mr Brodrick s affections to the wolves. Mr Robertson put it to him whether he would not also give the Scotch fUting B.U its "happy GAlflet S desirable because the Orovernme i has put down additional amendments-but Mr Balfour, remarking that intended as lubricants, not as skids, adheres to bis determination to push mewure on Monday. He detailed a formid- .ble tot of business for Saturdays sitting, but, although this must be got through, h. declined to believe that it need occupy any long time. QUEER VISITORS TO THE HOUSE. There was a curious group assembled in the outer Lobby this afternoon. As it was piloted by Mr Ke.r Bardie, u. h» Lcostomedcap and kmckerbockers, and by Mr Prank Smith, on. « wrong in assuming that the motley and not too well washed crowd, consisted of some of those who have made so lively the proceed.- lng.9 of the International Workers Confer- ence Inspector Horsley was observed to be keeping a very close watch on the gentlemen not altogether unassociated with Anarchist notions, and there seemed to be some little difficulty in obtaining members willing Personally to conduct the visitors through the precincts of the House. Mr John Burns was there, not looking very P surroundings, and willing enough tog place to Mr Thomas Lough and to Sir Charles DiJke, whose services were requisi- tioned because of his polyglot accomplish Meats. LORDS ON THE LAND BILL. of Goodwood. The attendance Was, in foot, Md h I not been for the brightness infused by a Gallery well AM <"«> ^^Privy by tile animation given y a Throne Consetllors on the steps o there would have been little to 'n important Bill was under consideration. Among the Commoners present in one part „°f the House or another >re Mr Gerald Balfour, Mr Carson, Mr Barry, Mr Maurice Healy, Mr Lord Cranborne and Lord Hugh Cecil, while others, as Mr Arthur Balfour, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, and Mr Asquith, occasionally looked in, but there was little to detain them. Lord Lansdowne's opening ttatement was clear and concise. Lord Londonderry's attack upon the Bill and upon its author was tediously long. Throughout It there breathed intense dislike to the Bill and great resentment against the Conserva- tive Government responsible for it, and ilthough it was early manifest that no fight irould be made on the second reading, Lord Londonderry quite frankly invited Peers to come down next Thursday to help him and his friends to send the Bill back to the Commons in very different shape. ijiq Lordship did not in words say that in this process the Bill woald be turned inside out or upside down, but it Was olear what lie meant, although he phrased it more delicately, ad- umbrating changes which will make It instead of satisfactory to no one latistaetory to every right thinking man in Irelaftd and a real contribution to the solution of the hitherto insoluble problem of the Irish land- Fro- which it will be observable that the Marquis of Londonderry pitches his M £ „as unlimited Irish landowners can exerci* ° Lord Salisbury's Government in the House of Lords.

THE LLANDAEF FIELDS. SOMETHING DEFINITE. PRICE ASKED BY THE CHARITY COMMISSIONERS. Our London correspondent wiring last night says a deputation of the Parks Committee of the Cardiff Corporation waited upon Messrs Ctutton, the agent3 of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, this morning in reference to the proposed pur- chase by the town of the Llanduff Fields, and thus save that rural spot from the speculator builder. The deputation were very favourably recaived, and after some discussion Messrs Cluttou-on bshalf of the Commissioners—stated I their offer. This was based upon the value of £69,000, and they made the Corporation an offer of 10 per cent, less this account. The offer of the agents of the Charity Commis- sioners is certainly a generous one, and one which we hope the Cardiff Corporation will find them. selves m a position to close with. To a town like Cardiff, with its rapidly increasing population, ib is a matter of the first importance that such a beautiful spot as the Llanduff Fields, or, at any rate, the greater portion of them, should be converted to the use of the public or utilised in a manner that would maintain the fields in their present state, instead of bping covered with bricks nnd mortar j669,000 less 10 per cent, makes E62,100, which cannot but ba regarded as a most favourable offer. This offer, too, will bring the matter to a pomt, and it is to be hoped that the land will now be saved from the builders. The deputation appointed to wait on Commissioners consisted of Councillor E. Beavan (chairman of the Parks Committee). Alderman David Jones (deputy mayor), Councillor Tucker (deputy chairman of the Parks Committee), Councillor H. White, and Mr W. Harpur (borough engineer). Mr Honry White was unable through previous engagements to join the other members of the deputa- tion. Of conrse the deputation were not in a position to close with the offer of Messrs Clutton, however favourable they might have considered it, and any acceptance of the offer by the Council will be subject to the sanction of the Local Government Bonrd to the purchase. There is another item which may have a bearing upon the acceptance, and that is whether the Local Government Board will also give the Corporation permission to let the ontlying portions of the land for building purposes, and thus retain the centre for the use of the publio.

TO-DAY'S WEATHER. 4.30 A.M. TO-DAY'S FORECAST. FOR .UNGIjAX l>, AND SOUTH WALKS. Northerly or north-westerly winds, light; fair generally. GENERAL.-There are at present no signs of any important change in the weather. GENERAL FORECASTS. Tho following forecasts were prepared <a*6 night at the Meteorological Office at eight o dock 9 Scotland, N. "I North-easterlywinds, light ). Scotland.E. }• fair general.y, but slight 2. England.N.K.J rain locally. 3. England, 4. Mid.Counties. I 5. Eng. S. (Lon. North-easterly and northerly and Channel). }- wjEds tair generally. 6. Scotland, W. | 7. Engl. N.\Y>, | i-Nort \S^les. Norbh0rly and north-westerly 8.England,S.W. wmds light; fair gener- & South WaiesJ allv_ 9 Ireland. N.Saine as 0 and I. in' Trol-md S.—Same as 8. A IVRYSTWYTH, Friday Evening-Barometer, steady thermometer, 70 6 in shade I "NT Amount of sunshiue registered by wmd. p. A™o rg preceding Jordan's rainutGB. Delightful weather"; 'bright, continuous sunshine dear blue skv bm-aes seacalm. WCATTTFR ON THIS CONTINENT.- WEATHER UI REPORT. snorts as follows as to the Dateiel s Agency P icant Continental weather at the muio r TAS^CS: no wind; smooth sea; the, SS-Fine, but dull jsthe™^ter?'77. NICK.—Fine some doudi, b7\ «0od; French iaail, bmptess, »» English mail, Dover.

1,LYNVI FATAL ACCIDENT t)N TJJE AND RAILWAY. 011 Friday a fatal occurred on the Llynvi and Omore section of the Greab W, stefll R'litway. Thomas Bovan,Hged^7years, an of Maesteg was^uged j^ Siw Sto doSr aS he was lastly killed.

RISING IN RHODESIA. BRITISH PREPARING TO ADVANCE. SHARP FIGHTING EXPECTED. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM FROM OUR OORBESPONDENT.) CABEINGTON'S BASE CAMP. July 30th.-The camp will start to-morrow for Purser's Farm. Waggons, which have left for Bulnwayo to bring up supplies, are expected to rejoin the column 22 miles out. Pack horses meanwhile are carrying the rations. The column will be in Matoppos in about three days, when sharp fighting may be expected. A friendly" has been caught in the act of attempting to steal ammunition. The friendly Chief Fakoo has been ordered to send his men to the camp under petty chiefs to-day, in order that they may accompa.ny the column. TRANSPORT AND FOOD DIFFICULTY. In the House of Commons yesterday, General Sir HENRY HAVELOCK-ALLAN inquired what steps are being taken to obtain and organise a transport train which is necessary to enable food to ba collected at Mafsking and thus to allow tbe reinforcement by Imperial troops and others of the small forces now at the disposal of Sir F. Carrington for the operations against the rebels in the Matoppo Hills, which operations appear likely to be seriously prolonged if the available transport cannot bo shortly assembled to feed the troops engaged. Mr CHAMBERLAIN I answered a question on this subject yesterday, and I can only repeat what I then said—that the British South Africa Company and the Imperial military authorities are straining every nerve to increase the food stuffs in the country. Even the rinderpest regulations in the Protectorate will be relaxed if this can be done with eafety, in order to facilitate the sending forward of food supplies. I men- tioned also that I have under consideration the feasibility of employing camels for transport. MESSAGE FROM EARL GREY. The following telegram from tho acting High G -.liimissioner was received at the Colonial Office yesterday Jaiternoon :—" July 31st. The follow- ing telegram received from Ear! Grey (begins) July 30th.—Owing to telegraphic communication being interrupted, I have no new. from Hartley laager. Captain White, with 250 men, one ssven- pounder, and two Maxims, left Salisbury for Hartley 19i,h July. Latest news I had from native source was that the whites had taken up position on top of a kopje, wuich they are defending. They were asked to come into Salisbury, but asked only for food and ammuni- tion, which was supplied. Immediately we get news will wire. 1" have already told officer commanding at Glvelo to send runners to Salisbury."

WHOLESALE MURDERS IN CROATIA. THIRTY-SIX VILLAGERS TRIED. FIFTEEN SENTENCED TO DEATH. AGHAM, Friday.—The Court here to-day brought to a conclusion the trial of 36 inhabitants of the village of Stengfvec, Croatia, who were harged with the murder of no fewer than over 70 persons, having been assassinated or made with in their neighbourhood during the ]asb few years. Fifteen of the prisoners were sentenced to death, and others were sentenced to periods of imprison- ment ranging from 10 to 20 years. Three women were among those thus sentenced to imprison- ment. A few only were acquitted or escaped with miuor penalties.— Central News.

LOSS OF A GERMAN GUNBOAT, HEROISM OF THE ILLFATED CREW. WENT DOWN CHEERING FOR THE KAISER. BERLIN, Friday.—The German man-of-war Cormoran returned to Chi Fu on the 13th inst. with the news that the warship Arcona was able to confirm çhe details already known of the wreck of the gunboat litis. The cause of the disaster is still uncertain. The commander and crew of the litis wont down to their death with three hurrahs for the Emperor ringing on their lip3.—Renter. EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY FROM FRANCE. KIEL, Friday.-The Emperor William received this morning on board the Imperial yacht Hohenzollern the French Naval Attache, who was commissioned by President Fauro to express the latter's sympathy with his Majesty on the occasion of the loss of the German gunboat litis. -Reuter.

CUBAN REVOLF. MURDEROUS PLOT FRUSTRATED. MADRID, Friday.—Later accounts of the out. break in the Isle of Pines show that the Governor was passing by a house when he heard the voice of a woman inside calling for help. The Governor entered the building and fell into an ambush which had been prepared for the purpose of assassinating- him. His Excellency was rescued by a patrol of troops, and the oonspirator3 fled. Reinforcements have been sent to the Isle of Pines, where there are 600 Cuban convicts,— Reuter. SPANIARDS WIN A FIGHT. MADRID, Friday,—A Havana despatch states that the Spanish troops have engaged the rebels near Gabriel. The latter lost 45 men killed, including the rebel leader Bruno Zayas.—Reuter.

JEALOUSIES IN THE FAREAST RUSSIAN SUSPICIONS AROUSED. ALLEGED UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN BRITAIN AND JAPAN. PARIS, Friday,—St. Petersburg correspondent of the Figaro says the manner m which the British Naval forces in the Far East are being increased has not escaped the attention of Russia, and it is believed in St, Petersburg that England and Japan must have come to a secret under- standing respecting common action in Core&n waters in view of certain eventualities. Russia is determined that Japan shall not gain the upper hand in Corea, whose independence Russia is desirous of maintaining. An the same time Russia wishes to withdraw the protection afforded to the King at Seoul as soon as circum- stances will pertuit; but negotiations at present proceeding between Sb. Petersburg and Tokio to this end and also with the object of obtaining an equitable settlement of the whole Corean question are hardly likely to be rendered easier by the threatened intervention of England.— Dateiel.

AFFAIRS IN CHINA. ALLEGED ENCROACHMENT UPON BRITISH RIGHTS. Shanghai, encouraged by the success of their action in regard to the foreshore at Chefoo, and what they consider as the plieability of British diplomacy, the Chinese are now essaying a farther infringement in the shape of an outrage upon British rights on a much larger scale at Shanghai. The Taotai here is instructing a. broker to' offer the waterfront of all bond lots for sale. These lots form a promenade which has been sacred to the public op till now, and the rights of the public have never been questioned in Chinese official circles. It is stated that the whole of the Regent's sword has been formally ceded to Russia, and that an edict to that effect will be promulgated shortly.—- Dalzieh

VENEZUELAN DISPUTE. BRITISH FORCE HOLDING A ROAD. Nøw YORK, Friday.—A Herald Caracas tele- gram states: It is reported that the Venezuelan Government has been advised that a strong English force has occupied the unfinished road at Acarabisci."—Beuter.

FATAL FALL FROM A HORSE. Mr Arthur Lamb, of Hillside, Worting, near Basiugstoko, hon. secretary of the Vyne Hunt and member of the well-known firm of solicitors, Lamb, Brooks, and Sherwood, of Basingstoke and Odiham, died yesterday from 1 the effects of injuries received by falling from his horso when riding home from a puppy show held at the Vyne kennels, Overton, on the 24th.

THE SOUDAN EXPEDI- TION. CHOLERA EPIDEMIC OVER. NEWS OF OSMAN DIGNA. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM OUR CORRESPONDENT, j KOSHEH, Friday.—The cholera now seems to be practically over, but its last victim was a man who could ill ba spared by the force. Mr Joseph Shakour, who died yesterday at Firker, was engaged upon the railway in the cspacity of engineer, He was brought up and educated in Ireland, to which country his mother belonged. During the progress of the epidemic here it has been in- teresting to notice the way in which different native soldiers regarded the disease. The Egyptians as a rule were quite apathetic on the subject, looking upon the visitation as the will of God. The blacks, on the other hand, were at first somewhat upset. The men of the 9h Battalion approached the officers and requested permission to sacrifice sheep, and throughout the camp the natives, both officers and men, frequently offered up prayers for the cessation of the scourge. There have been no cases of cholera at Suardeb, and it is extremely improbable that the disease will reach Dongola, unless infection is carried there by the force, as a large tract of desert has between the outposts and those of the Dervishes, and there are now no communications between the hostile camps. The heat during the last few days culminated last night in a thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy wind and a sandstorm. A great many tents and straw hute were blown away like so many pieces of pa.per. My own hut was suddenly caught by a gust of wind, and blown down before it was possible for me to escape. The huts were all of a very light construction, and no injury was caused to life or limb, though considerable discomfort was experienced. NEWS OF OSMAN DIGNA. [SPECIAL TELEGKAM FROH OUR CORRESPONDENT ] SUAKIM, Friday.—Osman Digua is still at Adarama with his men, who are engaged in cultivation. He has, however, sent out parties to occupy 'lY-ndereh and Odeib, probably as outposts. At Berber no more preparations are being made, and the Emirs, already summoned to Omdurman, have not returned to their posts.

RAILWAY DISASTER. ACCIDENT TO AN EXCURSION TRAIN. FIFTY LIVES LOST. NEW YORK, Friday.—An excursion train on tho Pennsylvania Railway was run into yes- terday four miles out of Atlantic City by a Philadelphia and Reading Railway express. Fifty persons wera killed and many injured. Most of the victims were residents in the locality. At the point where tho accident occurred the rails cross, and ths express literally out the excursion train in two. A relief train with surgeons was quickly on the scene, and the fire department was called out to render assistance. The passenger carriages were demolished. They were crowded with people. all being maimed or killed. Many were buried under the debris, and many limbs were found.—Reuter. NKW YOKK, Friday Morning.—Later despatches from Atlantic City stato that in the disastrous railway collision this morning 42 persons were killed and 80 injured. Twelve of the latter are so seriously hurt that no hope is entertained of their recovery. The excursion train which was run into belonged to the West Jersey Railroad Company. It consisted of seven coaches. It was struck by the Reading Railroad express at a grade crossing. Two of the coaches were demolished and two telescoped. The remainder of the carriages were thrown off the metals into a ditch. The engine was wrecked, and the boiler exploded after the collision, scalding several of the victims and causing the death of the engine- driver of the express. The wife of the engine-driver fell dead on hearing the news of the accident. The responsibility for the accident has not been clearly fixed, but the telegraph operator at be Block Tower has meantime boen placsd under arrest. The engineer of the excursion train claims that the signals indicated that the track was clear. An emergency corps of physicians from Philadelphia hurried to the scene directly after the accident and attended to the wounded.—Central News. c:P-

FIGHTING ON THE CONGO. 3,000 NATIVES KILLED. BRUSSELS, Thursday Night. — The Congo authorities have received a report from Captain Clialtin of his victories over the Arab chiefs in the district of the Uppsr Welle. In a decisive action is March last the Chief was routed, and his authority crushed. During the same month the territory of M'Bima was iu. vaded, and a battle fought in the neighbourhood of the village of Bongoyo. Rebels to the number of 3,000 were out to pieces, and M'Bima put to flight. The severest fighting took place on April 55b, when Captain Chaltin, with 500 men, attacked the notorious chief N'Doruma, and, spite of heavy losses, repulsed the rebels, N'Doruma beinc? compelled to take to flight in ths. mountains, cn French territory.

1 1 W AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. MR BRYAN'S POSITION STRENGTHENED. SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, Friday.—-It ia reported that Mr Watson, the Populist candidate for the Vice-Presidency, has agreed to withdraw from the tioket, :so that tho entire Populist vote may be cast for Mr Sewalt, holds the same position on the Democratic ticket. In exchange for this act of courtesy the Democrats promise to do their best to secure the election of Mr Watson to the United States Senate from Georgia. This action of Mr Watson will greatly Strengthen Mr Bryan and the whole Silverite ticket, and ensure the carrying of Georgia by Mr Bryan, which, before Mr Watson's retirement from the ticket, was extremely doubtful. Mr Crisp, ex-Speaker of the Houso of Representatives, who bad been promised the Georgia Senatorahip, has been induced to withdraw in exchange for a Cabinet position promised him in case of Mr Bryan's election. This is the most important step taken by Dmocrats since tho beginning of the Presi- dential campaign.—DalsicL MR CARLISLE DEFINES THE POSITION. WASHINGTON, Friday.—Mr Carlisle, Secretary of the Treasury, replying to an inquiry from an Arkansas correspondent, writes as my opinion, in the event of free coinage, the whole volume of the currency will sink at once to a silver basis, and cheques and drafts would be paid in silver dollars as the equivalent. I presume that no ono supposes for a moment that it would be the duty of the Government to attempt to keep the standard eilver dollar ooined free for private individuals or corporations of equal value with the gold dollar."—Renter.

FRENCH MILITARY TRAGEDY, A COLONEL MURDERED. ALGIERS, Friday.—A common soldier walked into the officers' mes?-room here last night, and before anyone was aware of his inten- tion deliberately blew out his oolonel's brains. It appears that Col. Brabant had had occasion to punish the soldier for some trifling breach of duty, and this so enraged him that be took this means of revenge. Col. Brabant was much esteemed, and the feeling over his brutal murder runs very high.—Dalziel,

LORD WOLSELEY'S SLUR ON THE INDIAN ARMY. SIMLA, Friday.—The observations made by the commander-in-chief, Lord Wolseley, in giving evidence last Wednesday before the Royal Commission upon Indian, civil, and military expenditure, have aroused general indignation. High authorities consider the opinions expressed by the commander-in-chief on that occasion as ill-judged and as calculated to create discontent in the native army.—Reuter.

THE AMEER FLATTERS HIM- SELF. BOMBAY, Friday.—The Ameer of Afghanistan has !iOT«u»«d the title of the "Light of the Worlct," and a new gold coin bearing his Hi&h- ness'a likeness and the now title has been struck at Cabul.—Ddhsiel.

SHADOWED FOR LIFE," a soldier's Dr Gordon .stables, R.N., is now appwring in the Card*? Times and South Walts Watty A««i A Marine and newspaper combined for a pennv. DON'T lunch or dino without asking for the new French Bread. Delicious eating and easily digestecl. Send postcard for van to call to T. Steve^S rench Co foctioner. 122, Queen-street. wsy—ow

DR. JIM AND HIS COMRADES. THEIR TREATMENT IN PRISON. QUEEN'S CLEMENCY GRANTED. MADE FIRST-CLASS MIS- DEMEANANTS. REMOVED BACK TO HOLLO WAY. STATEMENT BY THE HOME SECRETARY, The Press Association was enabled to announce yesterday afternoon that, as was subsequently confirmed by Sir Matthew White Ridley in the House of Commons, the Queen, acting on the advice of the'Home Secretary, had decided that Dr. Jameson and his fellow prisoners should be treated as first-class misdemeanants. This order had taken effect even before the amendment in tho House that six prisoners in accord- ance with this instruction having been conveyed yesterday afternoon from Worm- wood Scrubs Prison back to Holloway Gaol. Much satisfaction was expressed in the Pwlia- mentary Lobbies of both Rouses of Parliament that the Home Secretary had now formally and finally confirmed the provisional order which, as reported by the Press Association, was sent from the Home Office to Holloway Gaol on Tuesday night. Had the original sentence not been promptly modified in this respect, many members of Parliament had resolved to put further questions on the subject, and to press the subject on the attention of the Queen. PRISONERS ASKED NO MERCY. The Central News says the decision to invoke her Majesty's prerogative of mercy on behalf of Dr. Jameson and his officers was taken at the Ciibmet Council yesterday, and the Home Secretary left the Council Chamber half.an-hour before his colleagues in order to communicate with the Queen on the subject. Her Majesty's pleasure was sought and ascertained by telegraph, thus rendering it possible for Sir Matthew White Ridley to make a statement on the subject in the HOUSH of Commons later in tha afternoon. The prompt action of the Government has caused universal satisfaction, and it is believed that approval not less hearty and general will be given to it in South Africa, including the Transvaal, The Royal clemency did not, of course, come into operation in time to prevent Dr. Jameson aud his friends from tasting the bitterness of the severest prison regulations and discipline. When the good news reached them they were in tfceir cells wearing convict garb, and since Thursday morning they had subsisted on the ordinary prison fare, with the sole exception that yesterday morning, although not sentenced to hard labour, they were allowed the extra dieb which accompanies the additional work. Precedent for this proceeding was found in the record of the case of Jabcz Balfour some months ago, when that individual found himself an unwilling inmate of Wormwood Scrub?. The privilege, however, was not of much apparent consequence, and in this case it simply meant that the distinguished prisoners wore supplied with cocoa instead of skilly. It is understood that Dr. Jameson and the other officers would have commenced the regula- tion task of picking a pound ot oakum daily next week. From this irksome and often painful work they are now of course exempt. They were taken back to Holloway Gaol yesterday after- noon, and there or at Pentonville they will serve their sentences. The efforts which were being made on their behalf were made known to the prisoners, but Dr. Jameson had informed his solicitors that he and his comrades were quite prepared to perform I their sentences to the letter. Consequently Mr Hawksley has taken no paro in the movement for a commutation of the sentences. SYMPATHY FROM BOER WITNESSES. It is reported that Lieutenant Elofi and the other witnesses who came from the Transvaal to I give evidence in the trial of Dr. Jameson and his officers met in private conference yesterday, and subsequently cabled to President Ktuger, reopeot- I fully requesting him to we his good offices on bshalf of tho prisoners, QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. STATEMENT BY THE HOME SECRETARY. In the House of Commons yesterday, The HOME SECRETARY, in reply to Mr Ernest Flower, said After considering all the circum- stances of the case I have felt it my duty to advise the clemency of the Crown iu tho case of Dr. Jameson and the other officers, and that the sentences inflicted on these men should be com- muted to sentences involving imprisonment as first- class misdemeanants. (Loud and general cheers.) POSITION OF THE OFFICERS IMPLICATED. Mr BKODKICK, replying to Mr Thomas Bayley, said the question what action the War Office should take with regard to the officers of H.M. Army (other than those who had been tried with Dr. J ameson) who were concerned in the late raid in the Transvaal was still under consideration. He would give the hou. member notice as soon as he was iu a position to answer the question. THEIR ONE DAY AT "THE SCRUBS." CONSIDERATION OF OFFICIALS. In spite of the rule to the elfeob that Dr. Jameson andhisfivecompanions were to be treated as ordinary convicted criminals, the offioials 1101; Wormwood Scrubs Prison, says the Press Association, were much exercised as to the manner in which the rules should be carried out, and it appears there was an impression that something would occur during the day to bring about a further development of tins extraordinary case. As an evidence of the existence of this feeling the Press Association learns that every indignity thae was possible WIIS spared the prisoners. They were kept isolated from the ordinary occupants of the gaol, and were not put on any task or work whatever. As stated before, the prisoners were placed in ordinary cells on Thursday night, but instead of having to lie on the hard plank bed each man was supplied with a mattress and a pillow. At 6 o'clock yesterday morning the prisoners were amused, and were oc- cupied until 7.45 in malting their beds and tidying their calls. Breakfast consisted of six ounces of dry brown bread and a pint of cocoa, which was substituted for the ordinary skilly by the doctor's orders. After breakfast came chapel, when Dr. Jameson and his comrades were screened off from the rest of the congregation. They were afterwards exercised at an earlier hour than usual in order to spare them mixing with the other prisoners. After exercise it is usual tor all prisoners to sfetu'b on their allotted task in their cells until dinner time, but id the case of the Jameson party no work having been given them to do, they occupied their time in reading, books being specially furnished to them from the library in accordanoe with the regulations. The Governor (Captain Price) visited each at tha prisoners in his cell, and the chaplam also had separate interviews at noon. Dinner waa served in the usual prison tins. It consisted of eight ounces of potatoes in their jackets, six ounces of bread, and three and three-quarter ounces of cold Australian meat. At 2 p.m. much excitement was caused among the prison officials by the arrival of a telegram, addressed to the Governor from the Prison Commissioners, directing that Captain Price should all onoe have Dr. Jameson and his companions removed to Holloway Gaol. They were to wear then their own private clothes, and, further, that as soon as these orders had been carried out and the prisoners had left the gaol a telegram was to be sent to the Commiasiunerft communicating tho fact. As soon as Captain Price bad read what was apparently, to him, a most welcome order, be at once proceeded personally to each cell and communicated the pleasing intelligence. Later, in company with the prison doctor, he visited the prison infirmary and imparted to Major Coventry the news, adding, the Press Association understands, that the order implied they would be treated in future as first- class misdemeanants. Orders were then given that the six prisoners were to be taken to the reoeption-room, wheie they were first received on arrival, and here their own private clothes, together with their valuables, money, &o., were restored to them. The prison reoeption otfioer took a receipt from each one in a book kept for the purpose. The exchange from prison garb to ordinary apparel was quickly effected, and tho six prisoners appeared to appreciate the change greatly. Meanwhile the officials w £ *re much exercised by what means they were to get the prisoners to Holloway. There were no conveyances available at the Scrubs, and was decided to send a warder on his bicycle to Shepherd's Bush, to a jobmaster there, and hire two private tbroughams for the purpose. These vehicle arrived at the prison shortly before 4 o'clock, The governor took formal leave of Dr. Jameson and his companions in the courtyard. They walked across the prison yard in a body, Dr. Jameson having his hands in his pockets and bis hat tilted on the back of bis head. In the first vehicle were Dr Jameson, Sir John Willoughby, and Mnjor Coventry, attended by a warder the two Whites, Colonel Grey, and the principal warder occupied the second brougham. They then left for Holloway, and a telegram was at once despatched to the Commissioners of Prisons to that effect. During the day a gentleman friend of Dr. Jameson from Kitnberley applied for leave to see the doctor, but not having the Home Office permit his request was refused. Order- had, however, been received to admit the Bishop of Mashonalaad and Lord Annallv to see the prisoners, but neither of these gentlemen had arrived up to the time of the departure of the party. Dr. Jameson and his colleagues arrived at Holloway Gaol about 5 p.m., and are to have cells specially furnished. Furniture was expected last night, and they will be catered for by the same firm as when arrangements were m&de on their arrival.

THE CRETAN OUT- BREAK. ATTITUDE OF GREECE. THE PORTENT CIRCULAR RESENTED. ATHENS, Friday.—Publio opinion here is very exasperated at the unjustifiable attitude of the Porte, which, instead of granting the claims of the Cretans, holds Greece responsible for what is taking place in the island, and requests that the despatch of arms and ammu. nition shall be effectively prevented. The reply which the Government is addressing to the Powers will fully justify Greece, which it is con- tended ha?, since the commencement of the troubles, firmly acted in the interests of peace. There are reports that a blockade of the island is impending, but they are considered simply as a threat which could not be earned into effect,— Central News. RUSSIAN WARSHIPS SENT TO THE SCENE. FRANKFORT, Friday.—According to a despatch received by tho Frankfurter Zeitung from St. Petersburg, the Russiau ironclads Navarin and Alexander II. have been ordered to proceed to Crete.—Reuter.

THE NAVAL MANOEUVRES. A CARDIFF ENGINEER JUMPS OVERBOARD. ATTEMPTED RESCUE BY A LIEUTENANT. BOTH OFFICERS DROWNED. The warship Hormionc, engaged in the naval manoeuvres, put into Bangor, County Down, on Thursday, and repotted that while the vessel was steaming at 16 knots an hour, off the Wigtonshire coast, on Tuesday morning last, an engineer named Good, belonging to Cardiff, jumped overboard. With gallantry Lieutenant Warren jumped after him. The vessel wes put about and search made, but both officers had dis- appeared. The weather was veiy hazy a.t the time of the sad occurrenca. MOVEMENTS OF THE CHANNEL SQUADRON. A telegram from Kingstown yesterday states —This morning, about 8 o'clock, most of the vessels composing the combined squadrons of the A and B divisions of the Channel Fieet, under the command of Admiral Lord Walter Kerr and Admiral Powlett, arrived here from the North. The squadrons included the flagships Magnificent and Majestic, six battleships of the first class, six of the second class, and eight third class cruisers, 10 torpedo boats, and 14 torpedo aestroyers. The flagship Magnificent, with Admiral Powlett, left in the afternoon going the South, and the other vessels, it is expected, will leave to-morrow evening.

BATTERSEA SHOOTING AFFRAY. JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE. Mr Braxtou Hicks resumed and concluded his inquiry yesterday into the Battersea shooting affray. After deliberating for thirty-five minutes the jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased, Arthur Edward Worthy, was shot by Symondson under great provocation and in pure self-dofance of life and property, and thus the verdict was justifiable homicide.. Deoeased was one of a. gang of men who, having a grievance against Symondson for alleged non-delivery of rowing medals, forced an entry into his premises with the apparent pur- pose of maltreating him.

BOMB EXPLOSION IN MARSEILLES. MARSEILLES, Friday.—A bomb, which is sup- posed to have been charged with dynamite, exploded last night before ihe door of a house occupied by a local Assize Judge. The door was shattered, the entrance hall badly damaged, aud all the windows broken, but no one was injured. —Dalziel.

FLOODS IN INDIA. BOMBAY ISOLATED. BOMBAY, Friday.—Floods continue to devas- tate this Presidency. The railways are still submerged. Bridges are sapped and rendered unsafe by the action of tho water, and to add to the danger and distress a water main supplying this city has burst. Bombay is isolated.—Central News.

GERMANS IN EAST AFRICA. AN INHUMAN OFFICIAL IMPRISONED. BEHLIN, Friday.—Fiiedrich Schroeder, the official of the Plantation Society in Buschir- cbof, Eust Africa, has been sentenced by the Imperial Court at Tanga, to 15 years' bard labour for having committed gross atrocities on black labourers and women. — Central News.

DISCHARGE OF BRITISH SEA- MKN ON THE CONTINENT. OFFICIAL INQUIRY ORDERED. The President of the Board of Trade has decided to appoint a small Departmental Com- mittee to inquire into and report upon the conditions under which British seameu are engaged and discharged at the consular offices in those ports on the Continent which are within the home trade limits. Lord Dudley will be ohairman, and the Foreign Office will be represented on the committee.

MADAME PATTI AT CRAIG-Y- NOS CASTLE. j At Cratg-y-nos Castle this week Madame Patti, who has been entertaining a large party of j guests, has given a series of entertainments in her j private theatre, Among the select party staying at Craig-y-nos Castle is the Duchess of Leeds and severa! other titled personages.

LAST NIGHT'S « GAZETTE," RECEIVING ORDERS. Horace J. Davies, Khigswoocl, near Bristol, builder and ironmonger. Richard Davies, late Caatle-road, now Turner-road, Canton, Cardiff, late licensed victualler, now out of business. John Jones, Gadlys-road, Aberdare, grocer. Henry ,lone3, Neath-road, Landore, Swansea, licensed victualler. Alfred Jones, Banlf-sireet, Wrexham, paperhanster, painter, and rcfresliment-house-keeper. Davkl 0, Kv:ins, Holtou-road, Barry Dock, formerly Strand; Fenitlale, Glamorganshire, egg and butter meTChant.. ThQma., Lloyd, Ilannah-street. Perth, grocer. Evlgar Thomas nnd William Thomas, tracing as Thomas Bros., Portli, wheelwrights. William O. Davies, LlaiifairpwllRsvyngyll, Anglesey, licensed victualler, corn, hay antl flour merchant. PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED. Henry Maries, Charles Ma.rlesr, A. J. Maries, ami Kmest Maries, trading as John Maries and Sons, at Swansea, builders and contractors, T. B. Williams and W. H. Parry, trading as Parry and Williams, at 43, High-street, Wrexham, d rap era. T. R. Willhtms and W. H. Parry, trading as Parry and Williams, at 43, High-street, Wrexham, drapertl.

I MINING ACCIDENTS RELIEF. IMPORTANT MEETING IN LONDON. REFERENCE TO THE TYLORS- TOWN ACCIDENT. RESPONSIBILITY OF PER- MANENT SOCIETIES. I APPALLING NUMBER OF DISABLEMENTS. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN GREAT AND SMALL ACCIDENTS. MR TYLOR'S RESOLUTION. The seventeenth annual conference of the Central Association for dealing with distress caused by mining accidents was held yesterday afternoon at the Mansion House, when the chair was taken by Mr Alfred Hewlett, president of the Lancashire and Cheshire Society, and among others present was Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, M.P. There were also delegates from North and South Wales, Monmouthshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, &c. The SKCEKTARY (Mr J. L. Campbell) announced that letters of apology for non-attendanoe had been received from Mr A. J. Balfour, Lord Derby, Lord Wharncliffe, Lord Fitzwilliaro, and others. Mr Campbell next read the report of the Council, which showed that the total membership of the Miners' Permanent Societies was 317,004, the accumulated funds amounted to £ 656,464-, and the revenue to £ 294,333. The number of widows in receipt of annuities was 3,108, the number of childreu 4,332, and the number of disablement cases dealt wich during the year 49,008. There had been increases of 3,566 in the number of members, and of £ 51,188 in the accumulated funds and of 2.680 in the number of cases of disablement. The total number of deaths amongst tho members in 1895 was 632, as compared with 783 m the previous year. Reference was made to the Tylorstown accident, and it was stated that the I distress was promptly grappled with, and the board of management of the Monmouthshiiv and South Wales Society having regard to the uiuims upon the society for individual accident?, con- sidered the disaster itself did not justify them in taking part in an appeal for outside help. The Friendly Societies Act of 1895. which came into operation in January last, embodied all the suggestions the Council had made with regard to special alterations of the law required by the permanent societies con- cerning old-age allowances. The Council pointed out that the question was at present in a transition state, that it was desirable to obtain I more reliable data than now existed as to the con- tinuity of labour amongst miners of advanced life, and that the appointment of the Government Committee of experts and the early approach of several important valuations of the societies made it desirable that the various boards of manage- ment should for the present continue their investigations with an assurance that when thoy were able to arrive at such a solution of the surrounding difficulties as would enable them to ¡" present a scheme sound financially and reasonably easy of application they would lose no time in bringing it forward. The Council drew special ¡' atteution to THIS QUESTION OF DISABLEMENT, the figures showing that while last yenr £ 63,000 had been expended on widows and children, £ 107,500 had been paid to injured members. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the I report, said the figures which had been read afforded food for much reflection. They were very encouraging, and showed that the various I branches had been making growth. A point which deserved the serious consideration of each association was, how far all these societies were keeping up their funds to the measure of their responsibility. They would see by the report that the death-rate per 1,000 was rather less than the year before, but it was still much higher than they would like to see it. Every colliery owner and manager set before his mind when he commenced operations tbat he would try to conduct his works without fatalities or disable- ments. They should all keep that object steadfastly before them, and there was no reason why they should not try to attain it, although at present they had not got anywhere near the desired end. (Hoar, bear.) In referring to the number of disablements, which appeared to be appalling, amounting to 49,000 odd, he felt that the question could only ba dealt with by the local agencies and committees. Each society laid I down regulations, and they had to see to the administration of the funds. He wanted every member of these societies to think that every penny which was paid more than ought to be paid under this head was taken away improperly from the widows and children, and everybody who received a penny more than he ought was taking away from that provision also. This was THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION in connection with the societies, and he advised those who administered the funds to be neither niggardly nor generous, but only just. (Hear, hear.) One point to which he wished to refer was the distinction made between great and small accidents; There was a sort of hard and fast line drawn that anything above five deaths should be considered a large accident, while below that was a small one. Now, when a large accident happened a great number of miners were unfortunately killed, public sympathy was I aroused, 'donations were asked for and given, and very often it happened that the widows of persons who wera killed in great accidents received more than the widows of persons who were killed in small accidents. He newr could ¡ think that that was a desirable state of things. (Cheers.) On the contrary, where there was a relief society in force he thought that the same scale should prevail right through the district in which its operations were carried on. (Cheers.) It was not equitable that because a poor widow had lost her husband in It single accident she should get less money than a widow who might be living next door whose husband had been killed with a number of others. (Ifear, hear.) If such a distinction were allowed it would be more likely than anything else to break up these societies. It shoald also ba remembered that there were nearly four times as many small I accidents as those coming under the category of large accidents. He thought the Council had come to a very wise decision in postponing any recommendation as to old age pensions. It was a subject which bristled with difficulties. The I Government had called a commission of exports to inquire inio it, and certainly he thought the Council were wise in waiting for a. whIle to see what eventuated from it. Mr CHARLES LIDLOW JACKSON (Lancashire and Cheshire) seconded the motion, Mr BKABROOK (Chief Kegistrar of Friandly Societies), in congratulating t be association on the good work it was doing, said it was a very different thing to provide for a pension to a widow and orphans of a man who lived out the whole of his days, and was not subject to accidents and casualties such as miners were subject to, and to provide for pensions to widows and orphans of miners who died by accident. The recipients of these pensions wore persons in the prime of life, and therefore these societies accepted very heavy responsibilities in granting pensions to the relatives of miners. Sir JOHN LLKWKMTN, M.P., in supporting the motion. said the absence of his Parliamentary colleagues was due to a stringent Whip which had been issued for their attendance in the House of Commons that day, and not to any flIing off in deep sympathy with the objects ot the association. Speaking for himself, he could only say that that sympathy grew from year to year. (Cheers.) The statistics which were contained in the report were ot supreme importance. They proved the extreme neoessity for maintaining the great society they had comu there that day to assist. Mr STREY, (Northumberland and Durham) was of opinion thac the different permanent societies should go in for a NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PENSIONS, on the principle that a man should be supported with the necessities of physical life. (Hea.r, hear.) The report was then unanimously adopted, and the Secretary read a paper on Public subscrip- tions and permanent funds," which was ordered to be printed aud circulated among the members. Mr L TYLOB next moved "That in the opinion of this couferouce It is exceedingly desirable that in cases where a majority of the sufferers by a great disaster are members of a permanent society any public subscription raised should in the first instance be used to make secure the ordinary allowance to widows and children under tho rules of the society, and that whatever the local committees may decide as to the manner in which the funds raised by public subscription shall be appropriated, any surplus alter this appropriation shall be paid over to the permanent society in question." He said lie did not wiab m the slightest degree to interfere with the discre- tion of the local committees, but only toguirontee that any surplus which was over should be devoted to the permanent society. Mr J. DARIANQTON (North Wales) seconded the resolution, which was uMaaimotisly adopted. Mr L'TKKL moved and Mr PALFREYMAN (Derbyshire) seconded, "That it be an instruction to the Council to take action for the purpose of ascertaining what the surpluses are in the various explosiou funds in diftwent parts of the country, and, if possible, to have them appropriated to tho )le purposes of the permanent organisation," This wa.,3 ctrriedullillilliolisly. The president (the Earl of Crawford), the vice. presidents, councit, and o&cers having been re-elected, the proceedings closed with & vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor for the use of the Mansion House.