LONDON LETTER. (FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.) SPECIALLY WIRED. LONDON, Monday Night. AGRICULTURISTS ASKING FOP. ATTENTION. Some very decided language is likely to De used at the meeting of the National Agricultural Union on Thursday in refer- ence to the Government unless Mr Walter Long, at the dinner to-morrow night, under the auspices of the Chamber of Agricul- tlre, is able to make an announcement that the agricultural interest will not be absolutely neglected in the coming Session. It is not expected that he will be in a position to intimate the readiness of the Government to propose a bounty on wheat— Mr Thomas Read's pet panacea—but both landowners and farmers (in common with many other sections of the community) insist upon the urgent necessity of dealing with food adulteration. Any dubity on the part of Mr Long in reference to this subject will tend to fan the simmering discontent of agriculturists into an open flame. THE MONEY-LENDING INQUIRY. If, after the revelations of last Session, the money-lending inquiry is not any further proceeded with, there will be much speculation as to the reasons which have prompted the Government in stifling the inquiry. It is no secret that certain powerful members of the Administration Were not at any time favourable to the appointment of the Commission, and only assented to it because the demand came largely from supporters of Ministers, and could not very safely be resisted. But why, since it has been clearly shown that the investigation was necessary, it should be considered advisable to drop it like 4 hot coal, is hard to understand. Perhaps Mr Farrow's promises to con- tribute further facts will partly solve the mystery. At present many people simply decline to believe that the Committee will mot sit again. PEERAGE OR BARONETCY ? It may be regarded as almost certain lhat the name of Mr William McEwan, M.P., will appear in the list of New Year's honours. Whether he is to receive a peer- age or a baronetcy is a topic of discussion in various circles. It is unusual for a Conservative Premier to advise the Queen to convert a Liberal member of the House of Commons into a member of the House of Lords, but after the elevation to the Bench of Sir Walter Phillimore by the Lord Chancellor all things are considered possible. The splendid gift of Mr "McEwan to the Edinburgh University would justify some signal mark of honour, and there is a general wish that it should be bestowed upon him at an early date. THE RAILWAY CRISIS. Railway magnates make no secret of their delight at the discouragements poured by Mr Ritchie on the appeal made by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants for Board of Trade intervention in respect of their grievances. Although the opinions from such a source must be taken for what they are worth, there is a, strong belief at railway headquarters that all danger of a general strike is averted, and it is significant that the employees of the Great Western Company have emphatically dissociated themselves from any sympathy with a movement in that direction. THE ISLINGTON SHOW. This has been a typical agricultural show day. Islington has looked its worst, the weather being well calculated to plunge agriculture into more than normal depression. But large numbers of people have braved the. discouragement of mud and rain, and Royalty in the persons of the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cam- bridge, and the Duke of Coburg have been among the visitors. MUSICIANS AND PRESSMEN AT GOLF. Seven representatives of the Press tried conclusions with seven well-known musi- cians on the golf links of the Tooting Bee Club at Furzedown. to-day. The musicians, who were captained by Mr Dalziel Hamil- ton, were much stronger on handicap form than the Pressmen, but the latter managed to win the match by a narrow margin, both of games and of holes. The musicians had the consolation of winning a friendly foursome in the afternoon. PRESBYTERIAN PULPITS EMPTY. If the Rev. Geo. Harson, of Rathgar, Dublin, declines to accept the call to Marylebone Presbyterian Church, the Selection Committee will begin to despair about getting a suitable pastor. So far all their advances have been courteously but firmly repelled. Mr Harson, they believe, is anxious to come to London, where he is at present quite unknown. He is de- scribed by those who have heard him preach at Marylebone as both eloquent and original. Neither of the other two important Presbyterian Churches here which are without a minister has yet b een able to agree upon a call to anyone. SIR SQUIRE BANCROFT'S CHARITABLE READINGS. Her Highness Princess Edward of Saxe- Weimar has notified her intention of being present at the reading of Dickens's Christmas Carol which Sir Squire Bancroft has promised to give on Monday next on behalf of the United Kingdom Beneficent Aseociation at Grosvenor House. SCENES FROM WOLMER. There is a delightful sense of open-air freshness and variety about the scenes from Wolmer Forest exhibited by Mr Fignoles Fisher at Messrs Dowdeswell's Galleries. In the dainty water-colour sketches and the few larger oil paintings the artist has caught the beauty of heath and woodland flecked by the changing lights and shadows of an English sky to a delicate touch. Mr Fisher unites strength of treatment, and the drawings are admirable not only for workmanship, but for the truth to Nature which all lovers of the country must recognise. The rendering of sunlit woods is as skilful as the effects of hazy mists or wind-swept distances. TRIPLE ALLIANCE ON THE STAGE. The Triple Alliance is the title of a new farcical comedy by Mr W. S. Beadle, which was produced at the Strand Theatre this afternoon under interest- ing circumstances. The play was recently tried at Chatham Theatre under another title. It might now with some appropriateness be called The Quintuple Alliance," for Mr Tom Thorne, who enacted the chief part, was supported by no fewer than four members of the Thorne family—his brothers George and Frederick, his sister Emily, and her son, Mr F. K. Gilmore. Two young limbs of the law, both secretly engaged to be married, occupy the same chambers, and their impecuniosity results in their having writs served upon them. All these cir- cumstances it is their desire to conceal from a-n inquisitive uncle and also from the rather of the two sisters to whom they severally are engaged. Other characters fcre persuaded that the uncle from India is slightly deranged, and as they therefore fear to contradict him he is led to imagine strange things. Things get more than Usually mixed up, even for farcical comedy, aut as the audience are not mystified they re free to enjoy the perplexities that arise. 't turns out at last that the young men ">DÙ maidens have wasted their ingenuity, and needlessly caused their own troubles, because the father of their sweethearts is willing for them to marry on finding that the uncle is forgiving and rich. Other performers who help the play are Miss Kate Phillips and Mr Algernon Newark. The audience was friendly, and the piece will doubtless win popular favour at suburban and provincial theatres.
MR ASQUITH AT GLASGOW. INDIAN FRONTIER POLICY. INDIGNANT REJOINDER TO LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGH. Mr Asquith, addressing the Glasgow Liberals on Monday night, said their opponents were full of contemptuous commiseration for the sad plight of the Liberals,and had stated they were a fortuitous concourse with nominal leaders and nominal followers, but Mr Asquith held the Liberals had acquitted themselves well on the electoral battlefield, and against the strongest Ministry of modern times. He admitted Government had had many difficulties, but many were due to bad policy and feeble handling. If they looked abroad to their foreign relations they could see little but the evolution of a futile diplomacy which made valuable con- cessions without apparent consideration, and which atoned for the strength of its language by the weakness of its action. In India they had witnessed the adoption of one of the worst things they had witnessed in their time. They had witnessed the adoption of provocation and adventure, in which they saw in every morning newspaper the ingathering of a harvest. These were the things which sapped confidence and disintegrated majorities. It was stated by responsible Ministers that in the ma,tier of the Chitral proclamation to the tribes they never communicated with their own Viceroy (Lord Elgin) with reference to the effect of the proclamation upon policy, and on that assumption was based the suggestion that, whatever the Liberals might now say, that aspect of the ease- had little or nothing to do with their decision. What did that change imply? Lord Balfour of Burleigh was good enough to describe Lord Rosebery as a man of honour. Yet if these suggestions were made that that argument was an afterthought, or was invented for party purposes, then he did not hesitate to say that neither Lord Rosebery nor any one who sat in his Cabinet was fit to hold even the meanest place in the service of the Crown. The facts of Chitral were all before the country, and the late Government were perfectly prepared to submit to the country the question whether they or those who came after them and reversed their decision, rightly interpreted the letter or the spirit of the pro- clamation that was issued to the tribes. He advocated continuity of policy in India. The Indian forward policy was now on trial. He asked why was it, and for what purpose was it, that this Tremendous toll was being exacted upon the lives and courage of British soldiers, and upon the resources of the British Empire. He held they should now avail themselves of the opportu- nity offered by the voice of the nation to interpose a veto upon any further development of the frontier policy, which aimed at subduing tribes whose friendship would be of value to them in the event of invasion from Russia. (Cheers).
THE TINPLATE TRADE. ACTION BY SWANSEA TINPLATE MAKERS. THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND FISHERIES. In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, London, on Monday, before Mr Justice Bigham, sitting to try commercial causes, the case of W. Gilbertson and Co., Limited, of Pcntardawe, near Swansea, v. Wallis, Cox, and Co. came on for hearing. This was an action brought to recover the price of 338 boxes of tin- plates, the amount being S,216 4s. The de- fendants denied that the plates were according to contract, and they counter-claimed for damages. Mr Joseph Walton, Q.C., and Mr Spencer Bower appeared for the plaintiffs Mr Robson, Q.C., M,P., and Mr G. Edwardes Jones were counsel for the defendants. Mr Joseph Walton said on the 23rd of January, 1897, a contract was entered into between the parties for 600 boxes of softest Siemens-Martin's steel tinplates for deep stamp- ing. The plates were to be of full strength on the common basis, which meant that 112 sheets, 20 by 14, were to weigh 108 pounds. That was to be the standard, though the sheets were of different sizes. Each box contained 225 sheets. The arrangement was that the boxes should be free on board at Swansea, being consigned to Messrs F. H. Tucker and Co., of that port, for shipment to the defendants' customers, Messrs Macnonochie, of Fraserburgh, near Aberdeen. The first consignment was of 134 boxes, which were all right. Next 200 boxes were sent, and these were paid for, though the defend- ants now said they were not all right, and counter-claimed in respect of them. Finally 338 boxes were forwarded, and complaints were made, though in some cases the sheets complained of were not of plaintiffs' manufacture, but of some other brand, and not the plaintiffs', whose brand is known as the Comet Charcoal Tin- plates." The complaint of the defendants was that some of the plates were too light, and some of them too hard, Alfred Edwards, foreman in the employ of the plaintiffs, said the plates weighed the proper amount. Mr Wm, Mackie, manager of Messrs Machonochie's works, and Mr H. Griffiths, retired tinplate manufacturer, gave evidence for the defence, and the case was adjourned. A REDUCTION AT MORRISTON WORKS On Saturday the men engaged at the works of the Morriston Tinplate Company received an intimation that they would in future have to accept a reduction of 15 per cent. off the 1874 list, the same as the other men in the district.
DISTRESS AT LANDORE. RELIEF FUND STARTED. On Monday a meeting of the unemployed at Landore was held at Plasmarl with the object of seeing what could be done towards raising a fund to meet the distress which prevails through the closing of the Landore Tinplate Works because of trade depression. Councillor Rees Jones Pre- sided, and there was a good attendance. The Chairman alluded to the distress, and made an urgent appeal to the public for aid. A large and representative committee was appointed, after which the Chairman said Mr Tomlinson, pro- fessor of music, St. Helen's-road, had promised the assistance of his orchestra of 60 at a concert in aid of the relief fund. Other assistance had also been offered. Mr Jeremiah Hughes and Mr Morris Roberts were elected joint secretaries of the fund to be raised, and it was decided to hold a further meeting on Wednesday.
MURDEROUS OUTRAGE IN WHITECITAPEL. A SWAN SEA MAN STABBED. It has transpired that one night last week two police-constables found a man lying unconscious in a lane off Whitechapel-road, London, with the blade of a clasp knife driven deep into the bone behind his ear. During Friday the man re- covered his speech, and made a statement which included the assertion that his name is Williams, that he is a sailor, and that his home is at Swan- sea. There is, however, no street in the town bearing the name given by Williams, and the investigations of the police at Swansea yielded no result. The police will probably learn more about the case in a day or two.
UNHAPPY ARMENIA. MORE OUTRAGES FEARED. Advices received on Monday from Constan- tinople report that the widespread disorders and increasing boldness of the Kurds and the districts of Van and Bitlis and in the Moush Plain arc causing grave apprehensions in diplomatic circles. It is stated that the Kurdish chiefs who were recently received by the Sultan have been handsomely rewarded for their services to the empire," and have received marks of Imperial favour, which are regarded as an ominous sign for renewed outbreaks and massacres in the Armenian provinces.
TO-DAY'S WEATHER,4.30 A.M TO-DAY'S FORECAST I FOR ENGLAND, S.W., ANA) SOUTH WALES. North-westerly winds, falling; light; colder; hazy or foggy in many places, but dry. GENERAL. Fogs and frosts are probable. GENERAL. — Fogs and frosts are probable. WARNINGS.—South cone hoisted in Districts 0,1, 6. GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts were prepared last night at the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock :— DISTRICTS— 8. Scotland, N.) North-westerly winds, strong 1. Scotland, E. j- to light; much colder; 2. England, N.E. J some snow, then fair. 4' ) Wind veering to west or 4. Mid. Counties. north.west f much colder; ShlnS0?:) «"■'«»>. fogey 6. Scotland, W. i North-westerly winds, strong 7.England,N.W., J- to moderate; some cola & North Wales. J showers; finer later. 8. England, S.W. North-westerly winds, falling & South Wales. [ light; colder, hazy, or 9. Ireland, N f foggy in many places, but 10. Ireland, S j dry
KAISER WANTS MORE SHIPS POLITICAL OUTLOOK BROOKS NO DELAY. A BILL IN THE REICHSTAG. BERLIN, Monday.—It is stated that at yester- day's reception of the Presidential Bureau by the Emperor his Majesty referred to what he des- cribed as the momentous labours to be accom- plished by the Reichstag in the coming Session, and pointed out that on that very day his only brother had taken leave of the Grand Dnke of Baden and the Empress Frederick in order to devote his energies to the service of his Father- land in Asiatic waters. His Majesty emphasised his strong determination to extend the most powerful protection to German missions abroad, and expatiated at considerable length upon Chinese affairs, at the same time expressing appreciation of the action of Bishop Auzer. The Emperor next referred to recent events in Rayti, and subsequently touched upon various political and economic questions. Alluding afterwards to the importance of the Naval Bill, his Majesty said he trusted that the deliberations of the Reichstag woald lead to a satisfactory result, and that Parliament would become convinced of the necessity for the increase demanded for the Navy. Replying to a remark made by a member of the Presidential Bureau to the effect ihat appehensions were entertained in Parliamentary circles that the votes taken in the last Session of the Reichstag regard- ing naval construction were to be spread over a considerable period, and might prejudge the action of the new Parliament, the Emperor said that tbe coming Reichstag would on no account disavow the present one if the latter had gained conviction. That proposed naval increase must be completed within seven years. Finally the Emperor referred to the general position of affairs in the world, which, he said, admitted of no delay. At the conclusion of the audience, which lasted over half an hour, the President aud Vice- Presidents were received by the Empress.— Renter.
DISCUSSION IN THE REICHSTAG. BERLIN, Monday. — The Reichstag to-day commenced the debate upon the first reading of the Naval Bill. Prince Hohenlohe, the Imperial Chancellor, made a statement, in which he said We absolutely require an efficient Navy to maintain the position created for us by the Army. This conviction has gained ground among a very large section of the population. I declare in the name of the Federated Governments that they consider it as an imperative necessity that the Navy should be strengthened and its strength fixed by legislative enactment. The Bill, it is true, demands certain sacrifice from the Reichstag, but by its adoption the hands of the Government will also be tied. The idea of a policy of adventure is far from the thoughts of the Government, as is also any intention of entering into rivalry with great maritime Powers. If we desire to secure our position in the Concert of Powers we must have a fleet which, though of modest dimensions, wiil be adequate. I ask you to adopt the Bill for the welfare of the Father- land." (Cheers on the Right.)—Admiral Tirpitz, Secretary of State for the Navy, subsequently addressed the House, explaining at considerable length the necessity of the measure. Dr. SCHOENLAND (Democrat) opposed the Bill. It WMI a curious circumstance, he said, that the ihtw in the system of naval defence should have only now been discovered. Attempts were being made to frighten people with phantoms and to excite a craving for glory. How," the speaker asked. could this be reconciled with the pacific declarations of the Emperor ?" German commerce and industry had attained greatness without a large Navy. Referring to the occupation of Kiaochari, the speaker said that if Germany established herself on the Chinese coast she would become involved in complications with Great Britain and Japan. Germany was no naval Power, and would never be one. The Bill, he maintained, was the outcome of personal rule. Count LEMBURG STIRUM (Conservative) spoke in support of the measure, He refuted Dr. Schoen- land's suggestion that it was the result of personal rule, and maintained that every recognition was due to the Government in the clear and frank nature of their proposals.— Renter.
UTMAN KHELS SUBMIT. ENFORCING OBEDIENCE FROM THE TRIBES. [REUTER'S SPECIAL SERVICE.J CAMP IN KHANKI VALLEY, Sunday, via KARAPPA, Monday.—The Mamuzais not having completed the surrender of rifles which they were required to surrender, one of their towers was destroyed to-day as an instance of what they may expect should they remain obdurate. Two Lee-Metford rifles were returned yesterday, and supplies were sent from Karappa. Sir Wm. Lockhart returns en route for Bagh to-day, viâ the Singakh Pass. It is possible that I he may encounter some opposition.
UTMAN KHELS CAVE IN. The Press Association says that the subjoined telegram from the Viceroy to the Secretary of State for India reached the India Office on Monday afternoon :—" December 6th, Malakand. Utman Kliel column broke up yesterday." The despatch, says the Press Association, is not unimportant despite its brevity, for it indi. cates that the Utman Khels have finally submitted, and paid the penalty for their revolt which was imposed by the punitive force. There was some doubt at first whether these particular tribesmen would comply with the demand for the delivery up of arms and payment of a substantial fine. The force sent after them was a detachment of the Malakand force, under Colonel Reid, and continued obstinacy on the part of the rebels would have necessitated the keeping of this detached force in the Utman Khel country. An offi- cial telegram published on Monday indicated that the tribesmen had decided to pay, and the present message shews that the cr paign in this particular direction is ended. ü must not be supposed, however, that this will have other than an indirect effect on the Tirah campaign, which is an entirely separate and distinct matter.
PRESIDENT McKINLEY'S MESSAGE. THE CUBAN DIFFICULTY. W ASHINGTON, Monday.—The largest part of the President's message on the opening of Congress to-day was devoted, as had been expected, to the question of Cuba cad the United States' relations with Spain. The message gave a long history of the question, detailed the efforts of the present American Executive to bring about a better state of things in Cuba, and referred with satisfaction to the scheme of reforms and the promise of a more humane method of warfare by the new Spanish Govern- ment. The arguments for American recognition of Cuban belligerency are dealt with at length, and rejected as untenable. The message quoted from General Grant's message in 1875, in which the arguments against recognition were set forth in detail. Mr McKinley adopts those arguments, and declares they are as applicable to the present situation as to that which existed in 1875. Mr McKinley added Spain would not be embarrassed by the United States in carrying out her new policy. The Message recommends an increased Navy, additional docks, the establish- ment of a military force in the Alaska Gold Region, and expresses hopefulness of the result of the reciprocity negotiations and of the con- ferences relative to sealing.—Central News.
-u_ A DISABLED FRENCH LINER 500 PASSENGERS TOWED TO SAFETY ALEXANDRIA, Monday. — The Anchor Line steamer Asia arrived to-day with the Messageriea Maritimes hner Australian, with 500 passengers on board, m tow, having picked her up in a dis- abled condition.—Rcuter.
CARDIFF STEAMER ASHORE IN BRISTOL RIVER. The British steamer Barry, from Smyrna, with a. general cargo, went ashore off Round Point, river Avon. She afterwards floated, but grounded agam near the Suspension Bridge, and remains.
THE CABINET. Cabinet summonses have been issued by the Prime Minister, and it is possible that it may be found necessary to hold two Councils this week, one on Wednesday and the other on Saturday. The Duke of Devonshire, Mr Balfour, and other Ministers are remaining in town all the week.
MR GLADSTONE AT CANNES. HIS HEALTH IMPROVING. Mr Henry Gladstone and Dr. Habershon returned from Cannes to London on Monday. Dr. Habershon, who accompanied Mr Gladstone on his journey out, has spent the last week at the Chateau Florence. Mr Gladstone's health has already improved under the beneficial influ- ence of the climate, and his neuralgia has very considerably abated. Mrs Gladstone continues well, and enjoys daily drives in the beautiful neighbourhood of Cannes. Lord Rendel, who is now convalescent, hopes to join his distinguished visitors at the Chateau Florence in the course of this week.
STRANGE CONDUCT OF THE DOCK COMPANY. A BUTE ENCROACHMENT. ITS SUMMARY DEMOLITION BY ORDER OF THE CORPORATION. EXCITING MIDNIGHT SCENE. THE OBSTRUCTION LEVELLED IN TEN MINUTES. PUBLIC RIGHTS VINDICATED. FEEBLE RESISTANCE BY BUTE DOCK POLICE. PIER HEAD.—AS IT WAS. 1 Between Saturday night and Monday moruing the entrance to the Pierhead, Cardiff, was blocked by the erection of high iron railings. The actiial work was performed by a gang of men from the Cardiff Railway Company, under the protection of the Bute Docks Police. The erection extended from the Pilotage Offices to near the Merchants' Exchange. At a meeting of the Cardiff County Council on Monday prompt action was deter- mined on, and in the early hours of this morning the railings were demolished by the autho- rity of the Corporation. A large crowd, in- cluding the Deputy Mayor and sever al members of the Corporation, assembled and witnessed the demolition of the obnoxious railings. As will be seen from the report of the Council meeting the greatest indignation was felt at the action of the Bute authorities. Some time ago a similar step was taken by them, and on that I' occasion they themselves, at the request of the Corporation, removed the obnoxious railings. On that occasion a wooden fence had been erected, but the railings that were erected within the past few days were of cast iron and of a very substantial character. They were, moreover, erected during the night, and this fact seemed, to judge by the temper of the members of the Corporation at their special meeting, to have lent an additional objectionableness to the action of the dock authorities. In view of the events that occurred in the early hours of this (Tuesday) morning there can be little doubt that the feeling in the Corporation accurately reflected the general feeling in the town. The sub- committee of the Corporation that was appointed at the meeting referred to held a private con- clave forthwith, and subsequently proceeded to the Docks to inspect the cause of so much excite- ment. Early in the evening they decided to take prompt and decisive action, and instructions were sent to the Chief Constable to have a force of police in readiness near the Pierhead at mid- night. Meantime the Borough Engineer was instructed to have a trolley ready with sledge- hammers and long posts to be used as levers. Against the contingency of these preparations not being sufficient, half-a-dozen strong horses with chains were were also got to be ready. All the steps taken, therefore, pointed to the most determined action on the part of the Corporation. The committee meeting referred to was held in the strictest privacy and the members were bound to secrecy, but notwithstanding this fact it soon leaked out that some action was to be taken during the night. What the effect of this action was will be found later in this report. THE DEMOLITION DESCRIBED. It was a glorious moonlight night," writes a member of our staff, when I strolled down Bute- street towards the Pierhead. It had been rumoured that the Cardiff Corporation were to make a determined effort to knock down the objectionable railings about midnight. It wanted ER HEAD. -WITH THE RAILINGS. I ten minutes to the hour when I reached my I destination and pulled up under the shadow of the objectionable iron barrier that stretched for a distance of the 80 yards between the bottom of Bute-street and the Pilotage Offices. All was quiet as the grave. Inside the railings a solitary Bute Police constable was trying to look happy and beating his arms to his chest, for the air was chill and wintry. It didn't look much like business on the part of the Corporation, but there were yet a few minutes and much might happen in that time. Anything doing ? I asked the aforesaid policeman. No, all quiet,' he replied. Heard anything about these railings coming down ? I urged. Not them,' said he, with a grin our people wouldn't 'av put 'em there if they wasn't meant to stop they knows what they're up to.' Then the man of law and order I at the Docks passed on. I heard footsteps-three stalwart footsteps-and heard voices greeting me from across the road. Under the lamp they came, and I saw Councillors Good, Allen, and Lloyd Meyrick. Why, what in the name of fortune brings you here ? they said. I told them that I'd been to catch the boat to Penarth and had lost it I Then we all laughed, and they took me into their confidence. These stalwart Radicals were determined to come to the scratch if the Corporation didn't. Listen,' said Coun- cillor Lloyd Meyrick to me in an undertone, You'll see some fun to-night, for if the I Corporation don't break down these railings we will. We've got 50 stout lads away there a street or two off, and we're going to see those railings down before we go home.' Yes, that's so,' said Councillor Good, with a look of terrible determination. They shall come down to-night,' he added, performing a parabola with his right hand. Then we all strolled along by the railings, Councillor Good I contributing a verse or so of Marmion just to keep our spirits up. The hour of midnight sounded, and another footstep was heard. It was Detective Scott, of the Cardiff Police Force. He was eagerly questioned as to whether any official action was to be taken, but he evaded the questions, and said what a pleasant evening it was. Then a short figure in a light felt bat, smoking a cigar, strolls up to join the little band who had gathered round the lamp opposite the obnoxious railings. It is the Deputy Mayor (Alderman David Jones), with a do-or-die look upon his face. Haven't they come yet ?' he said eagerly.' Who ? What ?' was the reply, and then we heard of what was to be done. In the meantime the one dock constable within the gates had been joined by two other policemen, and the three looked uneasily across at the little knot beneath the lamp-post. Suddenly, a regular tramp is heard coming down Bute-street, and a, moment later some 50 stalwart young fellows from Radical Cathays, headed by Mr Harding, MARCHED DOGGEDLY DOWN the roadway. They separated a short distance from the gates, and stood chatting in groups of half dozens. I mingled with one group, and found they were the reserves referred to by the three councillors who were ready to remove the barrier if the Corporation failed to vindicate the rights of the people. It was now 20 minutes past midnight, and the three j constables within the gates viewed with evident ¡ dismay the gathering army, some of the rank and file of whom went up to the railings and began chaffing the Bute Docks Police, putting pointed I queries as to whether they were insured and so forth. A few minutes later a trap rattles up a side street and out leaps Mr Harpur, the borough I engineer. Close behind his vehicle is a heavy trolley, and this rolls up in great form and polls up vlith a jerk at the bottom of Bute-street. It is piled up with eioufc wooden poles to be used as levers, and also contains a plentiful supply of heavy sledge-hammers. There was a rush for the van, and before Mr Woosey, who was acting as the borough engineer's aide de camp, had dis- mounted, the stalwarts of Cathays had seized each of them a sledge-hammer, and had advanced to the attack. Just at this moment up came the Head Constable, and from a side street out darted Superin- tendent Hayward, a couple of inspectors, and a round dozen of borough constables. Councillor Good's eye gleamed with triumphant delight, and he shoved his hands into his coat pockets and dashed along the line like a field marshal. It was just half-past 12 when the first stroke fell upon those railings, and then chtng! clang clang fell the strokes, and the crowd, which had by this time assumed ample proportions, began to cheer. Then it was for the first time that the Bute constables really seemed to tumble to the idea that an assault upon their barricade was really being made. Oppose the attack they could not for thev had fastened the big iron gate which was by this time resounding with the vigorous blows of the attacking party. For a moment those policemen stood considering what to do, and then in the twinkling of an eye we saw A RARE SIGHT. Those three policemen set off and ran at top speed up to the end of the railings to a small gate that gave access to a path leading into Bute- street. By this time a wonderful scene was being witnessed all along the line. Willing hands and brawny arms there were many, and all bent ruth- lessly upon the iron pillars, which at intervals of some 12 feet supported the railings. I was next to the fighting line, which was represented by the sturdy swingers of the sledge hammers. Suddenly I was aware of a burly form pushing by me and seizing the man in front of me. It was one of the Bute Docks police. He was still panting after his unexampled sprint. Catching hold of the sledge hammer with one hand he yelled to the wielder, What's your name ?' The man was about to reply when up dashed Coun- cillor Good. Don't you give it to him,' he cried hotly. I haven't,' retorted the man with the sledge hammer. Quite right, too,' exclaimed the member for Cathays. Then it was the turn of the Docks constable to measure swords with Mr Good. What do you mean.' cried the con- stable, by telling him not to give his name ? What's your authority-are you under the Bate Company ?' This latter query was almost too much for Mr Good. I fancy he saw the humour of the, situation, for, acting upon the principle that a soft answer turneth away wrath,' he turned gently to the constable and told him that this man was actiug for the Corporation, and that if action was taken against anybody it must be against the county borough of Cardiff. Then the constable turned away half sadly. The I Demosthenes of Cathays had proved too much for him While this little scene had been going on the railings were being smitten unceasingly. They were made of stout cast iron, but the well- directed blows at the feet of the pillars soon broke the supports, and then by dint of levers beneath the bottom rail they were sent flying HEADLONG TO THE GROUND As each length of railing fell. the workers cheered heartily. The attacking crowd was very good-natured, but they were victors, ana could afford to feel pleasant. In the mean time the Bute Docks Police had found that it was no good trying to get individual names a1¥l addresses, and they retreated again within the barrier, where they stood disconsolate and sad amid the fallen railings like Hannibal amidst the I ruins of Carthage. At length the long line of railings was levelled to the ground, and only the big central gates remained. These were supported by two very heavy iron pillars that offered a stubborn resistance. Over the centre of the gate an oil lamp with a green face reared its proud head. It was a splendid butt to aim at, and forthwith some of the crowd started tilting at it with poles, while others rushed at it and dealt it blows on the top. The muscles of the poor thing's neck were stiff and stubborn, but it had to yield at last, and it fell behind the iron battlements and I rolled minutely to the feet of those three police- men. All this time the borough con- stables were engaged in keeping the on- lookers back, and the Deputy-Mayor still smoked serenely his fragrant cigar, looking the very embodiment of satisfaction and pleasure. It was twenty minutes to one o'clock to the tick when, with a mighty crash, that gate fell, and a loud arn dinging cheer rose into the sky from the workers who had worked so well. Councillor Good was in at the death, and mightily pleased did he too appear. Councillor Allen, too, smiled the smile of satisfaction, for a grand night's work had been accomplished. The railings were levelled, but this was not enough. The attacking force had their blood up, and meant to dig the obnoxious barrier out by the roots Spades and shovels were called into requisition, and, working with a will, the broken ends of the pillars were soon exhumed and added to the battered relics of ironwork that strewed the ground. I heard snbsequently that there had been thoughts of using the Corporation steam- roller to accomplish the demolition of the rail- ings, but this proposal after much deliberation had been abandoned because the position was so near the edge of the quay, and it was feared that some of the ironwork might fly back and injure tho driver. Done as it was by hand, the work took but little longer to accomplish, and it was certainly more picturesque in its operation, for from a scenic point of view the affair was hard to beat. After the railings were down I approached those Bute Docks policemen with feelings of infinite pity. They told me they had the name of one man named Williams, living in Harriet-street, Cathays, but that that was all. I further inquired why they had so suddenly desisted from getting names, and was informed that Mr Woosey, of the Corporation, had taken responsib ility telling them that the men were acting for the Corporation. So without bloodshed, but with no small humour, the obnoxious railings fell before the blows of the free and independent rate- payers of Cardiff in the presence of the Deputy Mayor and officials of the Corporation, and there was not left one rail upon another.
DISCUSSION BY CARDIFF COUNCIL. CORPORATION DETERMINE ON PROMPT MEASURES. I At a special meeting of the Cardiff County Council held on Monday the Deputy Mayor being in the chair, the Town Clerk read the following letter from the borough engineer Bute Railway Fencing at Pier Head. Dear Sir,—At 12.45 a.m., on Sunday (yesterday) the police reported to me, at my house, that about 30 men of the Cardiff Railway Company, under the protection of Bute Docks policemen, had commenced at 11.55 on Saturday night to excavate holes across the southern end of Bute-street, and to erect a fence on the northern side of the railway crossing from the Bute Docks property to the Mount Stuart Dry Dock. In consequence of this I visited the spot at 10.30 yesterday morning, and found that the fencing in question had been completely erected, whereby access of the public to the Pier Head and Packet Slipway is entirely fenced off.-I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, W. HARPUR, Borough Engineer. Alderman TROUNCE said that for the first time in the history of Cardiff free access to the road- way from the piers had been stopped that day. Undoubtedly the railings had been placed there without rightful authority. It was for the Corporation to take steps to have them removed and to allow free access as they had always had in the past. (Hear, hear.) Alderman CAREY declared it was their duty to assert the position of the town. (Cheers.) The DEPUTY MAYOR thought that they need not look at the matter very long. Some time since it had been done, and he thought that then the Corporation men were sent down. (Cheers.) The Bute people had no right to enforce, and it was the duty of the Corporation to act at once. (Cheers.) He moved that a committee be appointed to act with the town clerk and borough engineer to take all such measures as may be deemed expedient. Councillor DAVID Why not leave it to the Parliamentary Committee ? Councillor ALLEN suggested it be referred to the Unemployed Committee that they be asked to put a gang of men on at once. (Laughter.) The DEPUTY MAYOR That would be rather awkward. Councillor GOOD I urge that the committee be requested to take steps at once. The DEPUTY MAYOR Oh, they will do that. Councillor VEALL We must take prompt measures in a matter like this. Could you not vary your resolution and insert a sentence instructing the borough engineer to remove the obstruction ? Alderman SANDERS If Councillor Veall will propose I will second. Councillor VEALL Very well, sir,I will do then. The DEPUTY MAYOR: I am quite willing to withdraw if you think smarter measures neces- sary. Councillor ALLEN said that other measures might crop up, so that they would want an executive to deal with it. Directly the com- mittee was appointed some steps would be taken. In supporting the motion the speaker proposed that Alderman Carey and Councillor T. Andrews be on the committee. The Town Clerk recommended that a com- mittee be appointed. Alderman SANDERS I have no objection to a committee, but let it be clearly understood that it is the instruction of this Corporation to the com- mittee to proceed at once. We have temporised too long. Councillor COURTIS asked if any notice had been served by the Cardiff Railway Company of their intention to do this. The DEPUTY MAYOR Oh, no. This was done in the night time. Councillor COURTIS Then I support the reso- lution for the appointment of a committee to deal with it. Councillor ALLEN I understand that no intimation was given our officials of an intention to do this. The Town Clerk None. Councillor VEALL said the surreptitious way in which this obstruction had been done, namely, in the dead of night, showed what the object was. Eventually a resolution was unanimously adopted appointing the Mayor, the deputy- Mayor (Alderman David Jones), Alderman P. W. Carey, and Councillors Andrews and David, with the town clerk and borough engineer,a special sub-committee to take measure for the immediate removal of the obstruction, and to adopt any further course they might deem expedient.
THE GREAT LONDON FIRE. CORONER S INQUIRY. The Coroner for the City of London (Mr Langbam) on Monday opened an inquiry into the circumstances attending the recent great fire in Cripplegate, whieh, he said, was one of the largest since the fire of London. The first witness was Mr Alfred Brown, of Wells, street, on whose premises, it is alleged the conflagration commences. He sa.id it was impossible to tell how the fire commenced. He was smoking on his premises during the morning, but none of his workpeople were allowed to smoke.—Miss Annie Cooper, the forewoman employed on the building, said she could not account in any way for the fire.-The inquiry was adjourned.
FOURTEEN YEARS FOR MANSLAUGHTER. I Justice Ridley, at Liverpool, on Monday, tried John Smith for murdering Joseph Willis, at Bootle, last August. It was alleged Willis had taken liberties with Smith's wife, she, with her husband and prisoner, being the worse for drink at the time. Mrs Willis, it was alleged, had resented these liberties by hitting Smith on the head with a brick, which, the defence asserted. caused Willis's death. The prosecution, sup- ported by evidence, contended that death was caused by Smith dealing Willis a running kick in the abdomen and other injuries sustained by Willis at the hands of Smith.—The Jury returned a verdict of 11 Manslaughter," and Smith was sentenced to 14 years.
DARING BURGLARY AT ABERCYNON. RAILWAY REFRESHMENT-ROOMS ENTERED. SAFE CARRIED AWAY. A daring burglary was committed during Sunday night at the refreshment-rooms of the Taff Vale Railway Station at Abercynon, but the thieves did not profit much by their labours. An entrance into the bar was effected by cutting out a pane of glass in the window at the back of the bar. All the money which had been left in the till (about C2) was extracted, and an iron safe which was in the bar was missing. The latter was discovered on the railway about 400 yards distant. It had been forced open. The refreshment bar is kept by Mrs Gunn, of Cardiff.
-_n_ THE SMITHFIELD SHOW. LOCAL PRIZE WINNERS. The 99th annual show of the Smithfield Club opened on Monday at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. The total entries, comprising all the classes of cattle, sheep, and pigs, are 703. These figures are slightly lower than last year owing to the more stringent conditions. The numbers in the cattle classes are, however, considerably increased. The quality of the exhibits continues to mark that advance which the club was insti- tuted to promote. The judges having got actively at work, breed cups were awarded to the following :—Best Hereford beast, C. Learner, of Ingworth, Norwich best Welsh. Colonel Platt, Llanfairfechan, Carnarvonshire; best small cattle classes, J. Coleman, Barrow House, Norwich best pen of Leicester sheep, E. Jordan, of Eastburn, Driffield best pen of pigs (small white), A. Hiscook, Motcomoe, Shaftesbury large white, R. Graham, Sutton, Suffolk black breeds George P. Pettit, Saxmundham. The champion plate of a hundred guineas for the best beast in the show was awarded to the same cross- bred steer as was held to be champion at Bath,the Norwich and Birmingham Shows. Mr Wortley's General, a handsome blue-grey, just under three years, bred by Mr Parkin Moore, Mealsgate, Carlisle, his sire being a galloway and dam, a shorthorn. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cam- bridge arrived at the show at 1 o'clock. They were received by the Marquis of Huntly (presi- dent for the year) and by the trustees and stewards, and lunched with them prior to inspect- ing the exhibits. The Duke of Saxe-Cohurg- Gotha also visited the show, but he was only able to stop a very short time and make but a hurried inspection. Amongst the prize-winners were :— Class 5.-Horeford breed steers under two years—commended, Rees Keer. of Lanvihangel Court, Chepstow, Mon. Class 9.-Shorthorn steers under two years— 2nd prize, zE15, Lord Tredegar. Class 32.-COWd that must have had live calf— highly commended, Henry Oakley, of Dewstow, Chepstow, Mon. Class 12.—Shorthorn heifers under three years —commended, R. Stratton, The Duffryn, New- port, Mon. Class 90,—Single pig of the Tamworth breed, under 12 monthg-lst prize, L5, Col. Ivor Herbert, Raglan, Mon. Class 83.—Pen of two Tamworth pigs under nine months—reserve, Col. Ivor J. C. Herbert, C.B., Llanarth Court, Raglan, Mon. Class 84.—Pen of two Tamworth pigs between nine and 12 months—1st prize, £ 10, Col. Herbert. Reserve for the silver cup for the best pen of Tamworth breed—Col. Ivor Herbert, Raglan, Mon. Reserve for JE5 champion plate to the exhibitor of the best single pig m certain classes— Col. Ivor Herbert, Raglan.
"WHEN DOCTORS DIFFER." An adjourned inquest touching the death of Edith Wiles (13), of Godalming, whose body was found in the Wey, was resumed on Monday. At the last hearing Dr. Curtis expressed the opinion that the child had been strangled, but Dr. Wellington, Lake-row, stated that he had failed to find evidence of strangulation, and I thought decomposition was too far advanced to form any definite opinion on the cause of the marks. The Coroner having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of Found drowned.
MEETING OF THE MEN'S EXECUTIVE. BOARD OF TRADE'S LETTER. THE REPLY DEFERRED. MR MADDISON, M.P., REBUKED. LONDON, Monday. The Press Association says :—Considerable activity to-day prevailed at the headquarters of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants in Clerkenwell-road. Notice forms to terminate employment, which had been circulated broad- cast amongst railwaymen throughout the country, were being received in huge batches and piled up ready for sorting out. The leading men of the association, who had been addressing meetings in the provinces on Sunday, hurried up to the offices, and later on the members of the executive, who come up from all parts of the country, commenced to put in an appearance.
THE BOARD OF TRADE REPLY to the application of the men for the intervention of the Government was the one topic of conversa- tion, for those most nearly concerned had seen the document in the morning papers, although the letter was not opened till this morning. It was delivered by special Board of Trade messenger about eight o'clock on Sunday night, and taken in by the caretaker. Mr Bell, the secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, who bad been speaking in the North on Sunday, first saw the reply of the Board of Trade in the newspaper as he was travelling back to town to-day. The tone of and purport of Sir Courtenay Boyle's letter caused very great disappointment, and many un- favourable comments were made upon it in an unofficial way. Mr Bell himself said he had never expected much from the proposed intervention of the Government, and th refore he was not so surprised as others might be at the manner in which the men's appeal to the Board of Trade had been met.
THE STRIKE NOTICES. It appears that the notices to terminate work which arrived to-day ready for use in the event of a strike being determined upon came from all parts of the country, but tne North of Eng- land was most strongly represented. There was also another railway company communication, it being from the Great Northern, and dated the 4th inst., the secretary of that company merely replying as follows:—"I am instructed by my directors to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ult., which was brought before them yesterday, that being the first meeting of my board since your letter was received here."
MEN'S EXECUTIVE MEET. BOARD OF TRADE LETTER DISCUSSED. The Executive Committee of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants met this after- noon at half-past 2 o'clock at the offices in Clerkenwell-road. This was one of the quarterly meetings, which usually occupy about a week, a mass of routine business having to be done, whilst the present crisis was included as a special subject. Mr Hudson, president of the Amalgamated Society, occupied the chair, and amongst those present were Messrs J. Slevin, Dublin J. Knight, Ratcliffe ,lohn Ash ton, Burton-on-Trent John Millet, Glasgow Tom London, Old Kent-road, London E. J. Perry, Stratford; J. R. Steels, Doncaster Joseph Thornhill, Swansea J. Williamson, Middles- borough Robert Lake, Newcastle-on-Tyne James Turton, Southport. and J. Jones, Cardiff. The executive first spent a number of hours upon ordinary business, and it was not until about six o'clock that the question of the relationship of the men to their employers came up for con- sideration. It is understood that the letter of Sir Courtenay Boyle was read amid manifestations of disappointment and disapproval. Its full con- sideration was postponed till to-morrow, when the executive intend to draw up a detailed reply, but they did not pass from the subject with- out expressing their condemnation of a para- graph circulated to-day in some newspapers professing to give the feeling of railwaymen on the contents of the communique from the Govern- ment. Next Mr Bell (the general secretary pro tem.) called attention to an article which appeared in the Railway Review (the men's official organ) of last week, and which has been commented upon as very unfavourable to the commented upon as very unfavourable to the position and claims of the railway servants. I Indeed some of them hold the view that this article is largely responsible for the severity of tone adopted by Sir Courtenav Boyle. Mr Bell complained thai the course taken by the official journal had prejudiced him throughout the country, and he ap- peared to have the sympathy of the him throughout the country, and he ap- peared to have the sympathy of the executive. As to what action the latter will take on the main question that, of course; must be determined by the response of the men. as shown by their notices. These will continue to come in so long as the Committee sits this week, after I which they will have to be carefully examined and sifted in order that the feeling of the men may be arrived at.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE PRO- CEEDINGS. About seven o'clock, the committee having sat since half-past two, Mr Bell made the following official communication As far as Sir Courtenay Boyle's letter is concerned it will come under discussion to-morrow morning, and therefore there will be no comments upon it further than this—the Executive Committee and myself most emphatically repudiate the statements which appeared in the Press this morning to the effect tHat Sir Courtenay Boyle's letter met with the approval of the leading officials of the society. The letter was not received bv us until 9 o'clock this morning, and its contents are not of such a nature as will commend the letter to the railway men." Mr Bell added: The committee have passed the following resolution after seriously consider- ing Mr Maddison's article in the Railway Review of last week :—" This committee regrets that Mr Maddison, M.P.. should have written such an article as appeared in the last issue of the Raihoay Review, as he is not a member of the society, and did not consult any responsible officer, and could not without such consultation know the true state of affairs."
PONTYPOOL ROAD. A crowded meeting of railwaymen of the Pontypool Road and district staff," held at the Board School, Griffithstown, on Sunday, unani- mously resolved to support the decisions of the Birmingham Conference.
MAE S YC WMMER. A meeting of the Bryn Lodge of the Amal- gan-iated Society of Railway Servants was held at Maesycwmmer on Sunday night, when it was found that most of the members had signed notices for a strike.
DOWLAIS. A largely-attended meeting of railwaymen was held at the Royal Exchange Hotel, Dowlais, on Sunday evening, when a vote of confidence in the Birmingham Conference was passed. Strike notices are being signed extensively. A mass meeting of Brecon and Merthyr Rail- way platelayers took place at Pantscallog, which lies on the outskirts of Dowlais. There was a very good attendance, especially from the lower portion of the railway, viz the Ba--sa,leg Ma.chen, and Maesvcwmuier Branches. The general position of railwaymen and the low wages in the district were the subjects of dis- cussion. The notice papers on the general move. ment were signed by the men.
ABERDARE. On Sunday the railwaymen resolved by a large majority to adjourn the meeting until Wednes- day. All present who spoke expressed them- selves prepared to sign the notices provided that a definite understanding could be obtained that they would not be used unless 75 per cent. of the Great Western employees had signed. It was therefore resolved to communicate with Mr Bell, the general secretary, on this point.
LLANELLY. A meeting of railway men at Llanelly on Sunday evening was addressed by Mr Thornhill, from the Executive. and determined that the Executive be asked to make every effort to come to an amicable settlement, and that failing which strike notices be signed.
TREDEGAR. At a well-attended meeting of the Tredegar Junction Branch of the A.S.R.S. on Sunday evening, a vote of censure was carried by a large majority on Mr Maddison for his inopportune remarks in the iast issue of the Railway iteview. The London and North Western Railway employees are far from unanimous as to joining the fJtriJre movement. At Tredegar Town Branch of the A.S.R.S., the amendment express- ing dissatisfaction with the strike movement was carried by a majority of four, It is rumoured that the majority will vote against striking at present on the Rhymney, Bute, Taff, and Barry Railways.
AN OLD LEADER'S VIEWS. OUTSPOKEN CRITICISM. Interviewed at Cardiff on Monday, Mr Fred W. Evans, a former general secretary of the Amal- gamated Society of Railway Servants, said :— I had intended to address myself to old friends on Wednesday last. I then felt that the policy suddenly adopted byithe Birmingham Conference, zealously carried out by Mr Bell, was one of bluff and exclusiveness. In every railwaymen's differ- ence with companies it is essentially in the in- terest of the workers that they should tak6 the public into their confidence. The idea of inflict- ing upon the public a grave inconvenience as a means to compelling the companies to fairly con- sider the claims the men make upon them should only be adopted when the practical sanction of the public has been given after full consideration of the patience and moderation of the men. The policy of bluff may suit certain classes of work- men, but it does not add to the strength of the oase of the railwaymen. The national programme in itself is most justifiable its reception by the companies is the antithesis of fairness. The men should have impressed upon public opinion the reasonableness of this programme and the in- justice of the attitude adopted by the companies until public sentiment was so strong upon their side tnat it was willing to suffer inconvenience, if necessary, in order that the balance of right might be reached. The haste displayed has been bad tactics, and I may remind my railway friends that swopping horses crossing a stream I is seldom, if ever, wise policy. Old leaders may have faults, but the experience and undaunted courage they have acquired is of first importance to men combined as railwaymen are. The recruits of the present year, though numerous and therefore potential in this matter, are still recruits and un- trained, and the burden of negotiation, of using reason to attain the ends which violence in itself never attained, would still rest upon the trained Unionists in the Amalgamated Society. Until the society has determined first who is to be the Earamount leader of its forces, it was unwise, I elieve, to think of a trial of strength as between the society and the companies. The secretaryship question should most certainly have been settled first, for its solution would have removed from some of the candidates the incentive to display too much of progressiveness and from others too much reticence. But," concluded Mr Evans, "I am as certain that the national movement will be ultimately a success as that the sun will rise to-morrow. It is not the programme that I disa- gree with, it is only the tact icsfollowed by some of the over-sauguine present leaders who have exer- cised too great a haste in bringing matters to a crisis at an inopportune time."
NO SIGN OF PEACE. TRADE UNIONISTS ON THE CON. FERENCE. PROCEDURE CRITICISED. CENTRAL COMMITTEE'S RESO- LUTION. SUBSCRIPTIONS FLOWING IN. Some pains have been taken to ascertain Trade Unionist opinions upon the position, and several representative men were seen on Monday with that view. These were Air Hancock, secretary to the Operative Stonemasons, Mr C. W. Bowerman, secretary to the London Society of Compositors Mr John Batchelor, secretary to the Operative Society of Bricklayers Mr Joseph Maddison, secretary to the Friendly Society of Ironfounders Mr W. C. Steadman, who combines the offices of secretary to the London Bargebnilders, and treasurer to the London Trade Council. They severally expressed their conviction that if the engineers are beaten the real fight will have only begun, that the acceptance of the proposals of the Employers' Federation implies practically the extinction of Unionism, and they avowed their willingness to take an active part in a combined move- ment of resistance should need arise. Letters continue to reach the headquarters of the Amalgamated Society, and on Monday evening several strongly-worded communications were to hand from North Country centres, so that, as one of the officials remarked, there did not ap- pear to be the least necessity for giving the men a lead." During Monday the London Central Committee, which is formed of delegates from the whole of the districts within the Metropolitan area, was assembled. These deiegates are in very close touch with the general bbdy- of workmen within the areas represented. and the unanimity of feeling may be estimated by the fact that without any dissentient voice they adopted a resolution against acceptance of the employers' conditions.
PROCEDURE OF THE CONFERENCE CRITICISED. It is a curious fact that in some quarters the procedure of. the conference is now being freely discussed, the line taken being somewhat as follows :—That the employers violated their own undertaking with Mr Ritchie in substituting the phrase Proper functions for the words Legitimate action of Trade Unions," which latter formed part of the text of the amended draft for con- sideration that when legitimate action was spoken of it was clearly intended that there should be no attempt to impose any conditions whid. ran counter to the principle legalised in the Act of 1871 that several of the detailed terms submitted to the men were so counter, and to that extent represented a serious departure from the draft as it left the Board of Trade. To mention this rather belated criticism is not necessarily to endorse it, but in endeavouring to find out to what ex- tent it was intended to press it, our representative was informed that there was a prevalent opinion amongst the 14 representatives of the affiliated societies that they had been "verbally overreached," and that had the full significailce of the change in the phraseology been at firtt realised the conference might not have reached even so far as 0 8,1 13ce a conditional acceptance of the employers' proposals on freedom of management. A fight upon a point of definition must have prevented details intended to illustrate the general principle from being reached even so soon as they were if they were reached at all. Events have shewn that between What the men hold to be legitimate and what, the employers can prove as proper there is a wide, if not impassable, gulf. One of the men's counter proposals was, The Trades Unions are primarily concerned with the terms, and the conditions of the workmen's remuneration. They maintain that their members have a right to bargain collec- tively, instead of individually, as to the condi- tions upon which they will accept work. They hold that there should he a standard rate of wages in each district, below which no member whom the employer thinks competent enough to employ at all shall be engaged." This, says Mr Barn-St.. was submitted as a distinct definition of Trade Union functions, but was not discussed at all.
THE EMPLOYERS' ALLEGATIONS. It is not unlikely that a statement alleging further instances of Trade Union interference in workshop management will lie issued by the federated employers within the next day or two. The A.S.E. do not attempt to ignore the impression which documents of this kind may produce in the public mind, and the appointment of an arbitrator to determine all the cases in respect of which charges are for. mally made has at length been mooted.
PROPOSED CONFERENCE OF TRADE UNIONISTS. The suggestion for a national conference oi Trade Unionists does not appear as yet to have assumed very definite shape. Mr Macdonald, of the London Trades Council, who is responsible for the circular sent out to the various Labour organisations, asks for a reply to the proposal by the 23rd inst., but many regard thie date as involving too great delay.
CONTRIBUTIONS FLOWING IN. The action of the Newcastle Executive in bringing to an end the London boilermakers' strike, will be within public recollection, and it is interesting to note that the engineers to-day received from Mr Knight, through the Parliamentary Committee of the Trade Union Congress, a first subscription from the boilermakers of E450. There is also a first contribution of £300 from the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, a like amount cornea from Hamburg, £ 170 from Stuttgart, £ 50 frons the glass bottle makers of Yorkshire, k.120 ftom the Miners's Federation of Great Britain, and 100 from Western Australia. With other minor sums, the day's receipts are brought up to £ 2,000.
THE BALLOT OF MEMBERS. In the ballot paper sent out branch secretaries are asked to convene sn2cial meetings if neces- sary, so that votes should be in by the 13th inst. Non-society men in the affected area may ballot. and the votes will be returned to the generaJ ofdce of each society. It is not expected that an official declaration of the numbers will be made until Tuesday, to which day the conference stands adjourned.
LEEDS MEN DETERMINED. The Leeds correspondent of the Press Associsi, tion states that the iocked-out engineers art destined to have a protracted struggle, aud thai they are determined to resist the conference pro- posals as practically subversive of their right of combination.
WHAT THE EMPLOYERS SAY. A Newcastle corresphndent telegraphs :—It is authoritatively stated that the employers in the proposals submitted to tho conference disavow any intention to interfere with what they regard as the proper functions of Trade Unionists, that they will continue to receive deputations from work- men including Trade Union officials, that a refusal to fix a minimum wage ia not an innovation, though in some districts there is at present practically no restriction to overtime, and that the employers are only anxious to remove harassing conditions which have been imposed in some districts. On the machinery and hours question they simply maiutain their former attitude. j
SITUATION AT GLASGOW. A Glasgow correspondent states that the dead- lock in the engineering trade shows no sign oi being removed. In some of the shops however work is kept going by apprentices. Many of the shops have also a larsre number of non-Unionists at work, and at Sir William Orrol's Baltic-street Works,Glasgow, the complement of men is nearly complete. The masters are best off in the lowei reaches of the Clyde, and the Messrs Scott have, with the exception of fitters, all the men they require. Inquiries made on the Clyde show that the end of the engineers' dispute is thought tc be as far off as ever. The men's officials state the men will vote solidly against the employers' proposals, and openly declare they would seek y other employment rather than submit. The masters state that now they have shown their position the public must see the men have blnn- -j dered.
A SUGGESTION FROM MR MADDISON, M.P. There were no defections from the non-Unioniaf engineers in Sheffield on Monday as had been anticipated. Mr Maddison, M.P., addressing the locked-out men at Sheffield, suggested that all !S the trade societies in the country should ascer- tain the amount of financial support their members are prepared to give the engineers. It would immensely strengthen the men if, say, on the reopening of the conference they knew they W could rely upon a fixed weekly sum for si* I months or even more. ;i
COUNTING THE VOTES. j The Central News says :—Arrangements are being made at the headquarters of the Amal- gamated Society of Engineers for countiug tbe votes of tbe men. As each batch of voting papers votes of the men. As each batch of voting papers il. delivered by the post they will be taken in detail, and the results for or against will be pusted at periodical intervals. It is expected that within lialf-an-hour of the delivery of the last post on Monday night the entire poll will be ready for communication to the Press. Great, efforts are being made in America to raise funcu for the engineers. i
