South Wales Daily News

THE RECENT GALE. ANOTHER VESSEL MISSING. It is feared that the sailing vessel Amy belong- ing to Messrs Stuart Brothers and Spencer, pro- prietors of the Strood Oil Seed Mill, which left Newcastle with coal three weeks ago, foundered with all hands during the recent gale, as nothing has since been heard of her. A CRACK SWIMMER DROWNED. The fears which were expressed for the safety of Mr Frank Smith, exhibition swimmer, and the lad who accompanied him during the storm last week for the purpose of securing a boat in Lang- stone Harbour, Portsmouth, were justified on Tuesday when the two bodies were washed ashore. HAS A SWANSEA-LADEN SHIP GONE ? A seaman's chest, which was found at Deer- ness, Orkney, was taken to Kirkwall on Tuesday, and opened by the Receivers of Wrecks. It con- tained some clothing and a number of letters, the most recent one addressed from Tonsberg, Nor- way, 1-8-97, to Kasper Johausen, barque Captain Dan, care of Capt. Halvorsen, Swansea. Wales." It was from the wife of the owner of the chest. This vessel left Swansea for Christiania on September 27th, but whether she arrived there is not known at Kirkwall, but that some vessel has perished during the late gales near the Orkneys cannot now be doubted. ..Lh. n-

TRADE UNION SCORES, AN IMPORTANT DECISION. An important judgment affecting Trades Unions was given on Tuesday at the Liverpool County Court. A master plasterer sued the local secretary of the Operative Plasterers' Union for the return of X5, which he was fined for employ- ing lathers instead of plasterers to do lathing work. The Judge held that plaintiff was legally fined according to the rules of the Union, and he paid the fine voluntarily to get the services of Union men. Judgment was therefore given for defendant.

INDIAN TREACHERY. TELEGRAPH OFFICIAL MURDERED. BOMBAY, Tuesday.—News has reached here that Mr Greene, assistant superintendent of the Persian Gulf Telegraphs, whilst inspect ing the line between Jask and Chaubar, at a distance of 90 miles from the former place, was attacked in camp by tribesmen, who entered his tent at dusk, and, pinning him to his bed, disembowelled and decapitated him. The native staff escaped. The camp was looted and destroyed.—Renter.

MR ALFRED THOMAS, M.P., AT YNYSYBWL. On Tuesday evening a public meeting was held at the Baptist Chapel, Ynysybwl, under the presidency of the Rev. T. Jones. to hear an address by Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P. Mr Charles Morgan, Pontypridd, and Mr J. T. Williams, checkweigher, Ynysybwl, having opened the meeting, Mr Thomas spoke for nearly an hour on the Compensation Bill and other questions. The meeting at the conclusion appointed two delegates to represent the district at the forth- coming Cardiff Convention. — ■■

T0-DAY'SWEATHER,4.30A.M TO-DAY'S FORECAST FOR ENGLAND, S.W., AND SOUTH WALES. South-westerly to westerly strong winds and gales, and rain- ing at first; some improvement later, becoming colder. GENERAL. Strong winds and gales, with rainy, squally wea.ther. may be expected over islands during the ensuing 24 hours. WARNINGS.—South cone flying on all coasts.

GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts were prepared last night at the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock:— DISTBICTS- I e. Scotland, N. North-westerly winds, strong 1. Scotland, E. J- to a gale; squally, un- 2. England, N.E.J settled; some snow or sleet. -ci i a if South-westerly to westerly ..) kjsst" S. Scotland, W. -.) 7. England, N.W., f Same aa No. 1. & North Wales.) 8. England, S.W,\ ». LsCa, • Sm» a"* "• ->* =• 10. Ireland,

John Tracey, Edward Tracey, and Edward Hansbury were charged on remand with causing the death of George Timperley, ex-gamekeeper, who was found shot dead in a cottage at Calcheth. The Chairman of the Magistrates, said there was DO case against the accused, who were lib«$H|o&.

FEELING IN THE COUNTRY. SYMPATHY FOR THE MEN. INTERVIEW WITH MR BARNES. CHALLENGE TO MASTERS. LONDON TRADES COUNCIL AND COLONEL DYER. A large number of additional letters from Unionists in various parts of the country were received at the headquarters of the Amalgamated Society in Stamford-street, Blackfriars, on Tues- day. All the writers without exception advise resistance to the end, and a few of the more vigorously worded epistles stigmatise the employers' proposals as insults to the members of the allied trades. The council of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers had to consider during the day numerous applications from different districts that Mr Barnes, Mr Sellicks, or other officials should go down and speak publicly. The council, however, thought it inexpedient that the invitations should be acceded to, the society desiring to leave perfect freedom to the workers, and to avoid even a semblance of dictation.

INTERVIEW WITH MR BARNES. Mr Barnes was questioned on Tuesday night upon the authoritative statement as to the employers' position telegraphed on Monday from New- castle. It was claimed, he remarked, that the employers' terms did not alter the status quo, inasmuch as wages had not been a Federation question. Nobody said that wages had hitherto been a Federation question, but the employers had, in the con- ference proceedings, made it so in dealing with piecework and rating according to ability. The effect of the resolutious, backed by the whole force and strength of the Federa- tion, would have the effect of leading individual employers and local associations of employers to decide wages in the future not as hitherto upon a minimum standard generally recognised in practice, but upon the authority to rate according to ability. The Newcastle state- ment was mere prevarication. All the men desired was the element of mutuality. The overtime regulations at Greenock, Belfast, Bar- row, Hull, and other centres would be wiped out if the employers' conditions as to overtime were accepted. The statement is made," queried the reporter, that in submitting their terms last week the employers desired to do nothing in the way of disturbing the existing practice, and the point is is that so ?" Mr Barnes It is simply nonsense." May I take it then that if definite proposals were submitted by the employers to preserve the existing practice as agreed to between the local associations and your Unions you would accept those proposals ?" Mr Barnes My individual opinion is that we should accept them."

THE PROPOSED NATIONAL CONFERENCE. The movement for a national conference of Trades Unions has, the Press Association learns, advanced another stage, and correspondence is now in active progress with a view to calling such an assembly together. Amongst the more imme- diately pressing matters to which the executive of the A.S.E. will give attention is the question of electing an allied trades national committee, whose function it shall be to undertake all duties connected with finance.

MEN'S CONFIDENCE IN THEIR LEADERS. The resolution adopted by the delegates form- ing the London Central Committee, the member- ship consisting entirely of men who have been on strike since July 13th last, is one expressing the utmost confidence in the allied trades' repre- sentatives to the conference, and approving their action in deciding to submit the issues to a ballot of Unionists and of non-Unionists alike.

LONDON TRADES COUNCIL AND COL. DYER. Amongst the subjects down for discussion at the monthly meeting of the London Trades' Council, which is to be held on Thursday night at Clerkenwell, is that of the action of Col. Dyer. Mr Templeton (Compositors') will move, and Mr McLeod (West End Tailors') will second, the following resolution That in the opinion of the IJondon Trades Council Colonel Dyer, (If or late of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, has, by fomenting strife between employers and employed in the engineer- ing and allied trades, caused intense suffering to large bodies of peaceably disposed workmen and their families to the extent of a national calamity, has delayed and jeopardised the com- plete arming of our warships at a most critical juncture in our relations with foreign countries, whereby he has been guilty of conduct unbecoming the character of an officer and it gentleman, and prejudicial to the maintenance of good order and military discipline, and therefore he should be deprived of his military commission, rank, and privileges, honorary or otherwise, and with this in view the London Trades Council shall forthwith take steps to report his conduct to the responsible military authority, and if necessary. bring it under the notice of her Majesty the Queen."

SHIPBUILDING TRADE CRIPPLED. Owing to the prospect of a continuance of the engineers' struggle, Messrs Furness, Withy and Co., shipbuilders, Hartlepool, had on Tuesday another interview with their men, who were asked to go on short time to prevent the total closing of the yard. The employees will take a week to consider their reply. Sir W. Gray and Co., shipbuilders, West Hartlepool, are making a similar arrangement with their men. About 5,000 hands are affected.

STRENGTH OF THE MEN'S FUNDS. Referring to a statement published on Tuesday morning that apart from £60,000 belonging to the sick and benefit fund the Amalgamated Society of Engineers has only £40,000 available for carrying on the struggle, Mr Barnes, general secretary of the society, informed a represelta- tive of the Central News that roughly speaking he should estimate the assets of the society at nearer £200,000 than £100,000. Anyhow there was sufficient in hand to enable the engineers, with the assistance coming in from other Trade Unions, to continue the fight for a considerable time to come. Contributions amounting to £400 were received towards the lock-out fund on Tues- day.

PRACTICAL SYMPATHY WITH THE STRIKERS. The South Wales Colliery Winding Engine- men's Association have voted towards the Engineers' Strike Fund.

GERMAN COUP IN CHINA. THE OCCUPATION OF KIAO CHAN. CHINESE VIEW OF THE QUESTION. SHANGHAI, Tuesday.—The following are under- stood to be the views held by the Chinese Government concerning the occupation of Kiao Chan. The occupation came upon the Chinese Government as a complete surprise. It occurred at a time of peace and without any warning. It is true that some German missionaries had been murdered, but up to the time ,of the German occupation no claim had been'jj formulated bv the German Government. The Chinese Govern- ment had always been prepared to give satisfac- tion, as they have done in similar cases to other countries, and they are quite ready to make every possible" reparation in this instance. As soon as they became aware of the facts the Peking Government protested against the action of Germany as being utterly unjustifiable and contrary to international law. No difference existed between the two Governments. This being so, the missionary question is regarded us a pretext on the part of Germany for obtaining a naval station in China, which it is well known she has long coveted. The Chinese Government will never consent to the Germans remaining. Their presence at Kiao Chan deprives the Chinese Government of a harbour, which, since the war with Japan, has come to be regarded as most suited for a naval station. Without the acquiescence of the Peking Government China will regard as an un- friendly act the recognition by any of the treaty Powers of any annexation of Chinese territory hy Germany.—Renter. BERLIN, Tuesday.—The Norddentzchc Allge- meinc Zcitung states that there is no foundation for the statement which has appeared in some journals that Admiral Diederichs had received orders not to allow any foreign warships to enter Kiao Chan Bay.—Renter.

THE LONDON FIRE. ï OFFICIAL INQUIRY. The inquiry into the great Aldersgate fire was resumed on Tuesday. J. Vaughan, warehouse- man, described the manner in which he helped about 20 girls to escape from Messrs Wood's warehouse. After rescuing these he heard screams from a warehouse opposite, and found six or eight girls there afraid to descend. He carried one girl down, and then returned and made the others descend. Molten lead was 1>°uring into the rooms like water. Witness was highly com- men by the jury. SSSatequiry was adjourned.

COMMITTEE'S COMMENT ON THE LETTER. The Executive Committee having been made a-cquainted with the full text of Mr Maddison's communication to them, Mr Miller (Glasgow) moved, and Mr London (London) seconded, the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the executive, numbering 12 members, that this committee, in accepting the resignation of Mr Maddison as editor of the Raihoay Review, regrets the terms in which it is couched, as it conveys an unjust and unwarranted impres- sion that the officials and governing body of this society have been aetuated by dishonourable motives in the policy originated by the Birming- ham Conference.

REPLY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE. In the interval between their interview with Mr Maddison, the executive, as already indicated, dealt with the important matter of the com- munication from Sir Courtenay Boyle, of the Board of Trade, and passed a resolution, of which a copy is to be forwarded to that department, and which is intended to constitute a reply to the letter of the Government. The resolution, which was unanimously adopted, is as follows That this committee having carefully con- sidered the reply from the Board of Trade to the general secretary's letter of the 3rd instant, desire to state that the manner in which the document containing the proposals and the matter it contained, as forwarded to the railway companies by the general secretary, was entirely in accordance with the decision of the conference held at Birmingham on October 11th and 12th and November 23rd last, such decisions having been arrived at after mature consideration of the subjects by the men directly employed in the service of the various companies after failing to secure satisfactory results from their sectional efforts, and in many instances even an interview with the officials or directors of their respective companies to discuss their grievances. We appreciate the Railway Regulation Act, 1893, so far as it goes, but it is far from giving satisfaction when we know that the companies work their men from 12 to 15 hours per day even after the intervention of the Board of Trade. We, however, observing the certainty with which the Board of Trade believe that the companies will meet their own men to discuss their grievances, hereby instruct the general secretaxy to recommend the grade secretaries to forward their applications direct to their respective companies for an inter- view to discuss their claims, also enclosing there- view to discuss their claims, also enclosing there- with the names of the: men elected to meet them, and acquaint him (the general secretary) with the dates applications are made, interviews if granted, and the results; and we hope that no difficulties will be experienced in securing such interviews."

STATEMENT BY MR BELL. It will thus be seen, adds the Press Associa- [ tion, that overtures are to be nt&de with a view to each company meeting its own men to discuss alleged grievances. This obviously will involve the suspension of anything like hostile action on the part of the Amalgamated Society. As Mr Bell explained in an interview with the correspondent of the Press Association to-night, the suggestion of the Board of Trade will first have to be put to the test. Thus, although strike notices continue to arrive in large bundles at the men's head- quarters, they will not be acted upon at any rate for some time to come, the situation having been changed by the action of the executive in recom- mending the members of the society to make an effort to deal direct with their own employers.

MANAGER OF THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT RAILWAY'S VIEWS. A deputation from the staff of the Metropolitan District Railway waited upon Mr Alfred Powell, the manager, at the office of the com- pany, Parliament Mansions, Victoria-street, Westminster, on Monday, and presented him with an artistically illuminated address, for con- cessions granted during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year and extended leave of absence. In returning thanks, Mr Powell said he was sure nothing could be more gratifying to the executive officers of a railway than to raceive evidence of good feeling and confidence. The testimonial would hang up in his room, and he should aiways look upon it with pride, side by side with the last presentation they were good enough to make to him in connection with the privileged tickets. There was a somewhat delicate but important subject close to every- body's lips just now, and he thought they should speak about it, because they understood and had confidence in each other. He had often been asked whether the District Railway was going to close before Christmas, and his reply was he did not think the men were so foolish. Did they mean to tell him that the District railwaymen who had been 20, 25, and 30 years in the service were likely to be led away ? That might do for a few new hands who did not know much about the service, but not for the type of men that he knew the District Railwaymen were in reality. The presentation of the testimonial was, he thought, the very best comment on the invitation to send in their strike notices that day. It was therefore with the greatest satisfaction that he received the grace- ful and kind evidence that they at least, whatever anybody else might do, did not mean to go on strike under any circumstances. (Hear, hear.) The incident of that day would speak volumes of reassuranct to the millions who used the railway as to the loyalty of the District staff. In conclusion Mr Powell said all railway companies were of one mind. They were all locked hand in hand, and if such a thing as a strike, came on it would be found that the grip would grow very tight indeed, and no strike would ever unloose it. If there were individual cases of hardship entitled to con- sideration, men should make their grievances known to their managers, as the District men did to the speaker. The chairman and directors of the District Company had always the interests of their employees at heart, and when they had a grievance, and there was anything reasonable in it, they knew it would receivo every considera- tion.—A vote of thanks to Mr Powell for his kind words and the manner in which he had received the testimonial concluded the proceed- ings.

FEELING IN YORKSHIRE. A Bradford correspondent telegraphs :—The remaining portion of the strike notices of the railwaymen in the Bradford district were received this morning, and it is stated the percentage is close upon 75 per cent. Information from other centres in the West Riding shows that the men are prepared to strike if necessary, but in view of the Board of Trade letter and adverse opinion of certain leaders a strike is not regarded as probable.

IRISH RAILWAY NOTICES WITH- DRAWN. A Dublin correspondent telegraphs :—It is officially intimated on Tuesday that the strike notices served on the Great Northern and the Midland and Great Western Railways (Ireland) have been withdrawn. The reason assigned by the men for this step is the incon- venience that would be caused by a strike at the present season. The threatened strike may therefore be regarded as practically ended so far as those companies are concerned.

CANDIDATES FOR THE SECRETARYSHIP. Mr Edward Garrity, assistant general and finance secretary of the A.S.R.S., has been appointed pro. tem. in Mr Maddison's stead. There are four candidates in the field for the post of general secretary, viz., Messrs Garrity (the ve above-named), ,Mr Hudson, Mr Bell (tlie present acting general secretary), and Mi Mear (the organising secretary for the Manchester district).

FRENCH EXPEDITION TO THE NILE. THE PARTY MASSACRED. BRUSSELS, Tuesday.—A telegram received by the Mouvirucnt Gcographique reports that the French Expedition under Major Marchand, which was on its way to the Nile, has been massacred in the Bahr El Ghazal. The remnants of the expedition are said to have retreated to Bomou. The journal which records the above information is the recognised organ of the Congo Free State Administration. The place given as Bomou is more generally spelt as Mbomu.-Reulei-.

THE COTTON CRISIS.. EMPLOYERS' DEMANDS WITH- DRAWN. On Tuesday evening the wages question in the cotton trade underwent. a. marvellous change, the movement on the part of the employers for a five per cent. reduction of the wages of the operatives having entirely collapsed. There was a meeting of the Joint Committee of the representatives of the various Employers' Associations concerned held in Man- chester on Tuesday, Mr C. W. Maeara presiding. The returns for the districts with regard to the question as to whether the employers were individually prepared to give notice to their workpeople were presented by the secre- tary, Mr W. Tattersall. After some discussion, the following resolution was passed :—"The Joint Committee, representing the various employers' associations in the cotton trade having referred the final decision as to a 5 per cent. reduction to the whole trade, find that the replies do not justify them in proceeding further with the matter." The movement is therefore at an end. _n_

THE PONTABDAWE TIN- PLATE. CASE. JUDGE ON COURTESY IN BUSINESS. Mr Justice Bigham on Tuesday resumed the hearing of the case of W. Gilbertson and Co., Limited, v. Wallis, Cox, and Co., an action by the plaintiffs, tinplate makers, of Pont- ardawe, near Swansea, against the de- fendants for the price of 338 boxes of tinplates consigned by the plaintiff to their order to Messrs Maclionochie, fieh curers, &c., of Fraserburgh, near Aberdeen. The defence was that the plates were not according to contract, viz., of the softest Seimens-Martin stoel suitable for deep stamping, and that they didn't weigh the prescribed amount. Mr Justice Bigham, in giving judgment, said the value of the goods supplied was about £400, and he believed, if the plaintiffs had exercised a little patience and shown a little more courtesy, the disputes as to the second and third lots would have so narrowed themselves as to be easily ad- justed. His judgment must be for the plaintiff; There was no reason that he could find why there should be any difference at all between the first lot, which was found to be quite satisfac- tory, and the other two lots, which it was alleged were not according to contract. He thought the plaintiffs' goods got mixed up with other, goods at Fraserburgh, and no success- ful attempt was made to distinguish between those good" and the others at the works. He gave judgment for the plaintiffs, but without costs. The amount for which judgment was entered was agreed at JE98 8s.

BACKING THE FAVOURITE does not always bring pleasure or profit to those concerned in it. Fre- quently the horse no one thinks much about wins, and those who gain anything are few and for between. This cannot be said with reference to Holloway's Pills and Ointment, for they never disap- point those who place faith in their merits. With reference to the Ointment, medical men are so con- vinced of its merits that they recommend it to patients as the best remedy within their experience. The Pills, also, have marvellous effect upon the svstem; and it can be truly said that, whatever the cause of the trouble may be, the combined medicines will restore the patient to health.

CORPORATION V. BUTE. THE BATTLE OF THE RAILINGS. POPULAR APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL'S ACTION. The action of Cardiff Council in removing the railings which the Cardiff Railway Company had erected at the Pier Head was the subject of general conversation on Tuesday, and of equally general approval. Chiefly, it was the promptitude and decisive character of the act which won encomium. Had there been any delay-had the Council, for example, passed a resolution and threatened to remove the railings—they would perhaps have had an interim injunction obtained against them; but by their speedy work they have prevented the offending company from invoking that measure of legal aid. It is questioned whether the work has been completely accomplished. Only the railings at the end of Stuart-street have been broken down. The new rails facing Windsor Hotel, behind the Pilotage Office, still stand. But probably the Council's representatives consider that they have done enough to assert public right-though, it cannot be denied, the railings facing the hotel will bar access to the pontoons by the rear of the Pilotage Office, and this is the route which almost all the steamer passengers take from the end of Bute-street. EXTENSION OF THE DISPUTE. It was mentioned in these columns on Tuesday that the area of dispute might be widened. The allusion was to other fencing which has recently been put up in other places- notably that from Clarence road Bridge to the Railway Station. But there are other placeil as well. The Bute authorities have raised the whole question of access to the foreshore, and it may be that the Council will deem it advisable to take up the whole question and not to confine their attention solely to the Pier Head. Upon this, however, no discussion has taken place, and consequently no decision has been reached. We merely indicate a possibility, in relation to which QUOTATION FROM THE DEED OF CONVEYANCE CONVEYANCE under which the Marquis of Bute holds the fore- shores at Cardiff is of special interest. On March 9th, 1888, the Board of Trade sold to the Marquis of Bute for £ 6,055 the rights of the Crown in 1,211 acres of foreshore and part of the bed of the river Taff. The sale was made with ample reservation of public rights of access, as the following extract from the deed of conveyance shows :— Except nevertheless and always reserving to the Queen's Majesty, her heirs and successors, out of this present grant, full and free right for her and them, and for all persons by her or their permission (which permission shall, so far as the Dermises shall at the time be below the line of high water, be assumed to have been granted un- less the contrary be shown) to ride, drive, walk, or otherwise pass to and fro, over, and to fish and bathe upon, and to gather seaweed and ware from the premises hereby granted, and to land thereon goods and passengers from vessels and boats, and to embark therefrom goods and passengers in vessels and boats; but so that erections or works constructed or placed on the said premises above the line for the time being of high water, or with the consent and approval of the Board of Trade as hereby provided, or in the exercise of statutory powers obtained or granted for that purpose below that line, shall not be used, prejudiced, or inter- fered with under or by reason of the aforesaid ex- ception and reservation. And also except and always reserving as afore- said all rights of way and access to and ,over the premises now existing by means of any public road, footpath, bridge, or other means, or by means of any road, footpath, or bridge shown on the said plan hereto annexed, as made or intended to be made. And also except and reserving "to the Queen's Majesty, her heirs, and successors, and to the Board of Trade, and any other body or person duly authorised in right of the Queen's Majesty, her heirs and successors. full right to enter on the premises hereby granted below the line of high water for the time being and remove there- from all buildings, works, or erections, which may have become dilapidated or abandoned, or which may have been constructed without statutory powers or the consent or approval hereby required thereto, and to restore the site to the former or proper condition thereof, and to erect or construct any buildings or works which may, in the opinion of the Board of Trade, be required for the purpose of navigation or the public interest. The first r^i-agraph is explicit enough as regards ponton tax. The second paragraph reserves all right of access ("or other means," in addition to footpath, bridge, or public road) to il the premises"—i.e., the foreshore sold. So that not merely access to the sea at the Pier Head but also to the foreshore at other points has been safeguarded; and the Council have only to stand out firmly for the public rights in order to secure their due conservation. ATTEMPT TO FRIGHTEN THE CORPORATION. Thus early, attempt is being made to frighten the Council and to alarm ratepayers on the allegation that Bute rights are indisputable and that the demolishers of the railings are entering upon a course of action which will entail thousands of pounds of expense. It is the old story. But it is not the old Corporation. Such attempts have succeeded in the past. Whether they will succeed in the future depends upon the councillors, and in regard to this point it is worth note that the sub-committee which decided on wreclcing the railings is a non-partisan one, that, apart from the Mayor (whose ill-health renders him inactive), it contains the long-tried and fully-trusted Alderman David Jones, an old Cardiffiau who thoroughly knows the past history of the town and docks; that it has a capable lawyer in Councillor George David; and that the other members, Councillors Carey and Andrews, are good busi- ness men, who are not likely to do foolish things. Talk about thousands of pounds expense is an endeavour to discredit the Corporation in its assertion of public rights, and to serve the ends of private monopolists, who encroach upon the highways and bar access to the sea-the greatest highway of all. The issue is one for lawyers, and we have pre- sented certain considerations that have weight in determining a decision. It is beside the question to talk of expense," for if expense is so be the sole or the main consideration, any public right might be taken away unchecked. Moreover, it is the loser who has to pay, and there is no reason assigned for belief that the Corporation will lose-nor any reason to assign. FEELING AT THE DOCKS. The scene of Monday night's exciting incident at Cardiff Docks was visited by a large number of people on Tuesday morning. The sudden fall of the rails came as a surprise to the great majority, though many believed that sooner or later they would have to come down. Little knots gathered around discussing the pros. and cons. of the action of the Corporation. The Dock Company, on their part, having lost the railings shunted some trucks on -the line to make a sort of claim in this way. The reason put forth by the Bute authorities for their action is that they considered the line of rails dangerous in such a position, and that in addition to making it safe in this direction they also claim that the space belongs to them, and that conse- quently they have a right to enclose it or do what else they like with it. Sir W. T. Lewis and Mr G. S. Corbett were away in London yesterday, and that made it rather difficult to ascertain what future action would be taken. Obviously, however, the "natter cannot rest on its present footing litigation is almost bound to follow, and a large number of people predict a rich harvest for the legal fraternity. Of course the chief claim of the Corporation is that the enclosure of this space would cut off all possible chances of the burgesses of the town maintaining free access to the waterway, and there- fore to the sea—a condition of things which would enable the dock authorities to levy tolls and do other obnoxious things. We understand that a large number of telegrams were exchanged between London and Cardiff on the subject on Tuesday, and future developments are awaited with interest. OPINION ON 'CHANGE. Almost as a matter of course the conflict be. tween the Corporation and the Bute aufchorites was a fruitful topic of conversation ou Cardiff Exchange on Tuesday,byit as might be expected opinions were widely divirgent. Champions of both the Bute interests and the Corporation were not r, wanting, but there was a concensus of agreement that the Corporation have justified their exist- ence by the prompt and effective manner in which they have acted in this instance, whatever the ultimate result may be. In many quarters credit had not been given for so much courage.

TO THE EDITOR. STr.It required 80 yards. of massive iron railings, two neavy central gates supported by strong pillars, and an oil lamp with a green face to convince the city fathers that the designs of the Bute at the Pier Head and in the immediate, vicinity of the pontoons are inimical to the public rights. The Trades Council, under your able leadership, saw this last Session in an obscure clause deftly hidden in a voluminous Parlia- mentary Bill. AH good citizens rejoice that the Corporation is now wide awake, and in its zeal ;)r for the public welfare sat up all last night and came home triumphant with the milk in the morning. Every gentle-hearted 'man must shed a sympathetic tear at the spectacle presented to- day by your contemporary painfully wriggling on a spiked railing and surrounded by the shattered remains of the oil lamp with a anceu face."—I am, &c^ LUX TENEBRIS.

NATIONAL BANK OF WALES. THE DIRECTORS AT BOW-STREET. MORE REVELATIONS. HOW THE 930,000 WAS HANDLED. HOWELL'S PAYMENT OF £ 10.000 FOR £ 62,000. "VALUE" OF NORTH WALES BANK. ITS DEFICIENCY; £ 119,000. On Tuesday (before Sir John Bridge) Colonel Frederick Robert Howell, Thomas Cory, and Henry Ellis Collins were charged on remand with unlawfully and fraudulently taking and applying to their own use and benefit the sum of SM.000, the property of the National Bank of Wales. Mr Horace Avory prosecuted on behalf of the Public Prosecutor Mr Bodkin appeared for Howell, Mr Hugh Fraser represented Collins, and Mr Arthur G. Abrahams, solicitor, appeared for Cory in the absence of Mr C. F. Gill. The defendants entered the dock at a quarter past 11, and the evidence in support of the charge was continued. SIR ROBERT MORRIS IN THE WITNESS-BOX. Sir Robert Armine Morris, of Sketty Park, Swansea, was called and examined by Mr Avory. He said: In the year 1890 I knew Thomas Cory, the defendant, to be interested in a company called the Wednesneld Galvanising Co. On the 31st December, 1890, I saw him at his office at Swansea, and he then asked me to give him a cheque in ex- change for some Bank of England notes. He produced eight Bank of England notes for iEI,000 each. I paid these notes into my bank, the Glamorganshire Banking Company, of Swansea. I afterwards paid him a cheque for ZS,000, which I produce. It was pay- able to the Wednesfield Galvanising Iron Works or bearer, and appears to have gone through the Newport branch of the National Bank of Wales. Witness then handed in the numbers of the notes which Mr Thomas Cory gave him. The numbers, he said, he had obtained from his bankers. Mr Abrahams (in cross-examination) What relation is the defendant (Mr Cory) to you Father-in-law. Did he give you any explanation as to why he wanted the cheque ?-He wished it to appear that I had lent the money to him for his son, who was the manager of the galvanising works, to make him more careful. When did you obtain the numbers of the notes ?-I obtained the numbers of the notes, at Mr Cory's request, in January, 1894. Did yon know from Mr Cory the purpose for which hewanted the numbers of the notes ?-It was to give information to the liquidator of the National Bank of Wales. Re-examined Was the defendant's son manager of the Wednesfield Iron Works ?—Yes. What was the defendant's position in the company ?—He was financing it, I suppose. Do you happen to know that the Wednesfield Iron Works was in considerable debt at that time to the National Bank of Wales?-It may be so. A LLOYDS BANK CASHIER. Mr Robert Gadd, cashier, Lloyds Bank, Lom- bard-street, said the bank had in 1890 a branch at Aberdare, formerly known as Wilkins's Bank. The defendant (Colonel Howell) had, I know, an account there. About the 30th December, 1890, our bank received at Lombard street ten Bank of England notes of £ 1,000 each, with instructions to place them to the credit of F. R. Howell at our Aber dare branch This was accordingly directed to be done, and we had an acknowledgment of the order. CHEQUE EXCHANGED FOR NOTES. Mr P. B. Akerman, member of the firm of P B. Akerman and Company, solicitors, Temple Chambers, Temple-avenue, E.C., said :—On the 30Lh December, 1890, the defendant Collins asked me to give him my cheque for £ 3,000 in exchange for Bank of England notes for a like amount. I gave him the cheque produced, and I placed the notes to the credit of my account in the Wands- worth branch of the London and County Bank. Did he give you any reason for wanting that dOlle ?-I believe he said he was going into the country, and that he preferred to carry a cheque with him rather than notes. Do you produce here a cheque for L30,000 signed by Thomas Cory and Frederick Robert Howell ?-No, I do not. I produce a paper by way of voucher dated 31st December, 1890, drawn on the National Bank of Wales (name of branch not filled in), payable to H. Ellis Collins, for £ 30,000 and signed by T. Cory and F. R. Crawshay. I also producGa docllment purpol-ting to be a draft or copy of the minutes entered in the private minute book which has been spoken of during this case. I also produce a written paper which I received with the cheque on, I believe, the 18th November last with a letter from Mr Linton, of Cardiff. I do not produce that letter. ADDITIONAL STATEMENT. Witness then asked to be allowed to add to his evidence the following At the time I gave the cheque for £3,000 I knew nothing about Pugh, Jones, and Co., and the minutes 1 produce are not in the handwriting of the defendant Collins. The Clerk then read over the witness's evidence, in which had been written the words, I produce a cheque." Witness objected to the word cheque." Mr Avory Will this please you I produce a document purporting to be a cheque." Witness No. The Magistrate You cannot object to the word cheque." Witness: "I produce a payer by way of voucher "-those were my words. Ultimately the evidence was made to read: I produce a document purpoiting to be a cheque." ANOTHER CASHIER'S EVIDENCE. Mr Charles A. Nichols, cashier of the London and County Bank (Wandsworth Branch), said Mr Akerman (the last witness) had an account at mv branch in December, 30, 1890. The branch re- ceived on or about December, 1890, three (in £ 1,000) Bank of England notes to be placed to Mr Akerman's credit. Witness gave the numbers of the notes, and there was no cross-examination. THE PRIVATE TdlM-LTii BOOK. Mr George Allan Riddell, member of the firm of Messrs Riddell, Vaizey, and Smith, solicitors, of 9, John street, Bedford row, said My firm were acting as Loadon agents to Vachell and Co.. the solicitors to the liquidator of the National Bank of WaJes. At the end of October, 1893, I made inquiries of Martin's Bank relative to a sum of £ 30,000 which had been drawn out in December, 1890. Mr Avory After certain information had been obtained did you on the 5th December, 1893, issue a summons against the defendant Collins under Section 115 of the Com- panies Act ?-I did, and on the 8th of December an order was made for his examina- tion. On the 15th January, 1894, a summons was issued against Collins to attend on the 24th of January and produce documents. Did Mr Linton, solicitor, of Cardiff, call on you on the 23rd of January. 1894 V—He did. He was then acting as solicitor for Collins. Did Mr Linton then produce to you the private minute book ?-Yes, he did. Did he also produce the document which has just been put in ?—Yes. Have you compared that document with the entry in the private minute book ?—Yes. The contents appear to be the same, but the order of the paragraphs appears to be a little different. It is obvious however that this document is a draft of the entry in the private minute book, Did ho also produce to you a document pur- porting to be a cheque for £ 30,000 ?-lie did. Did you afterwards communicate the result of the interview to Mr Vachell ?-I did up to that time. Did you as solicitor for the liquidator ever hear of this private minute book ?-I had heard that there was some such book, but I had not seen it. That is, I had heard there was some minute in reference to this sum of S30.000, but I had not seen it, and knew nothing about it. On the following day, the 24th January, Mr Linton called on me, and on behalf of Mr Collins he made some suggestions for settling. At that time there were a number of claims pending against Collins. On tbat same day 1 attended the examination of Collins. He then produced the private minute book already referred to, and I took possession of it. On the 26th of Jauuary I issued a writ against Collins claiming the sum of £ 10,000 interest, being his share of the £ 30,000. This was done by arrangement with Mr Linton, jand formed part or a scheme agreed upon for the setole^ftent of the whole litigation. I subsequently signed j-udgmont by consent for that claim, and the other claims pending against Collins OH behalf of the liqui- dator. They amounted in all to about £ 25,000. On the 6th February, 1894,1 issued a summons aga.inst the defendant Howell under the same section of the Companies' Act, and an order WAS made for his examination. On the 20th February he was examined. On the 1st March I issued a summons against him under section 10 of the Comnanies Act claiming payment of £ 10,000, his share of the £ 30,000. On the 25th April, the day that summons was down for hear- ing, the defendant Howell consented to an order for payment in the terms of the summons. On the 21st July I served upon him notice of motion for attochment-thot was for non-complimaeo with the order —noa-Daymen s of the £ 10,000, in f. Subsequently negotiation* took place with the view of the compromise of all the claims of the liquidator against Howell and his wife, amounting roughly to about £ 62,000. Ultimately, on the 19th September, 1895. the claims were compromised by the acceptancee of the sum of S,10,000 from her. An assignment in respect of the whole claims was then signed. That sum of £ 10,000 was paid on the 20th September, 1895. It should have been paid in April, 1895, according to the agreement. THE DEFICIENCY IN THE ASSETS. Mr Avory said the evidence he was about to call was not "opened by him, and he would therefore state its effect. It would show that long before the 18th December, 1890, the defendants Collins and Thomas Cory certainly were both of them made acquainted with the condition of the business of Pugh. Jones, and Co. The accountants who were employed to report on that business had reported that up to the 30th June, 1890, the affairs of the bank showed a deficiency in the assets of £ 119,000, and that on the 20th December, 1890, before the agreement was signed to take over the business, the three defendants were present at a meeting when the business was thoroughly discussed. Therefore the evidence would show that all three defendants were perfectly well aware at the time the agree- ment was signed of this enormous deficiency in the assets. POGH, JONES AND CO. Mr Francis Joseph Saffery, member of the firm of Saffery, Sons, and Co., 14, Old Jewry, chartered accountants, said Under an order of the High Court of Justice my firm, on the 8th July. 1890, examined the books of Pugh, Jones, and Co., bankers, of Wales. I prepared an approximate balance-sheet, and a report of the state of affairs of Pugh, Jones, and Co. Mr Bodkin said he would take his Worship's opinion as to whether it was evidence against any one of the three defendants that there should be put in the depositions the result of Mr Saffery's examination into the books of some other firm, with the conduct of which in July. 1890, the defendants had nothing to do. The witness, who was not connected with Pugh, Jones, and Co.'s business, had certain books put before him, from which he probably produced certain figures. The result of that examination was not evidence against the defendants unless his learned friend told him. and he had not heard him say so in this new phase of the case, that that result had been communicated to any of the defendants. The Magistrate said the allegation was that the defendantsknew the result of the examination Mr Avory said he would satisfy his learned friend. Mr Bodkin said if his learned friend was going to show that the result was communicated to the defendants he would not object to the evidence. Mr Avory said he had already said he proposed to do that. He was afraid his learned friend did not pay him the compliment of listening to what he said. Mr Bodkin then withdrew his objection. Witness, resuming, said My balance-sheet showed that on the 30th June, 1890, there was a deficiency of Ell9,765 in the assets of Pugh, Jones, and Co. Prior to December 20th the defendant Collins had been to my office in con- nection with the matter of Pugh, Jones, and Co. I should say more than once he discussed with me personally the state of Pugh, Jones, and Company's business. He really came to traverse our report of the conditions of that business. He followed us through the report to see if it truly stated the condi- tion of affairs. He certainly showed by what he said that he knew previously of our report. The report was dated 10th November, 1890. When he was with me the report was before us for discussion. The balance-sheet of which I have spoken was produced before Collins at the discussion. Mr Avory I propose to put in the report and the balance-sheet,which was an appendix to it. The Witness: The balance-sheet is an approximate balance-sheet, and shows the deficiency of which I have spoken. A paragraph in that report states unless fresh capital could be introduced out of the private estates of the members of the firm for the purpose of making up the large deficiency the consequences might be very serious. If such a calamity as suspension of payment ensued it was impossible to say what further deficiency might be incurred in conse- quence oi' the forced realisation of the estates. j On the 20th December, 18S0, I was present at the -1 office of Mr Ingle, solicitor, 20, Threadneedle- street. The three defendants were also at the meeting. There was a discussion about the taking over of the business of Pugh, Jones, and Co. by the National Bank of Wales that was indeed the object of the meeting. Our report and balance-sheet were referred to and discussed at that meeting in the presence of the three defendants. The agreement was not signed in my presence. Mr Fraser asked that this witness might attend on a future day for cross-examination. Until a quarter of an hour ago he had had no notice of what the witness was going to say. Sir John Bridge: If you want him he shall attend. LONDON AGENTS FOP. CARDIFF SOLICITORS. Cha.rles Henry Vanderpump, managing clerli to Messrs Ince, Colt, and Ince, solicitors, Fenchurch-street, London, said In 1890 my firm were acting as agents for Messrs Ingledew, Ince. and Vachell, of Cardiff, who were solicitors for the National Bank of Wale3. in connection with the taking over of the business of Pugh, Jones,and Co. On the 20th December, 1890, in consequence of a letter from Mr Ingle, solicitor, of 20. Thveadneedle-street, I went to Mr Ingle's office on that day. I there met the three defendants, Mr Ingle, the solicitor representing Pugh, Jones. and Co. Mr Edwards, local solicitor for Pugh, Jones, and Co. Mr W. Thomas, and several others. Mr Avory explained to the Court that Thomas was a gentleman from Wales whom he might have to call. Witness, continuing, said there was a discussion between the parties about taking over the business of Put Jones, and Co. by the National Bpjik of Wales. Do you remember any reference being made to the report and balance-sheet and the accounts ? —No, I do not recollect that. How long did the discussion last ?—Practically the whole day. We were preparing the agree- ment. Do you remember anything occurring which led to the negotiations being broken off temporarily ? —Yes, during the discussion. When I went the terms were given to me generally. Mr Ingle, I think, mentioned the figures. He said the liabilities of Pugh, Jones, and Co. were iZI400,000 and the assets £ 300,000. Mr Avory That was stated in the room when you went in,- Yes. Later in the day it was stated that the deficiency was greater by from £ 7,000 to £10,000 more than had already been stated to the National Bank of Wales. Was that stated in the presence of the three defendants ?-It was. Was one result of that that the negotiations were for the moment broken off ?—Yes. Were they afterwards resumed, and did they result in the signing of the agreement that has been produced here ?—Yes. Did the three defendants sign that agreement 1 on behalf of the National Bank of Wales ?— They did. Mr Bodkin asked that this witness should also attend on a future day for cross-examination, and the magistrate consented. Examination continued Was it necessary to get an order of the Court sanctioning this agree- ment ?-Yes, in consequence of the fact that the i estate of the deceased Mr Pugh was being » administered by the Court. The personal estate of the partners was being actually applied to 1 meeting the agreement. We got the approval of the chief clerk of the Court on the 23rd December, 1890, and the order of the Court was dated the 7th January, 1891. As far as I know no formal deed was ever drawn up embodying this agree- ment. f I ^HANDWRITING IDENTIFIED. Arthur Goldsworthy, Woodstock-road, Moseley, near Birmingham, said: In December, 1890, I I was a clerk at the National Bank of Wales at the head office at Cardiff. I have assisted in the v investigation of the accounts of the bank since. I know the handwriting of the three defendants. [Shown the draft of the private minute book be- fore referred to.1 The handwriting of the first sheet now shown me in ink is that of Mr Cory the second, also in ink, is the handwriting of Mr 1 Howell; and the third sheet, which is all in pencil, is in the first part in the handwriting of f Mr Howell, while the rest is in the handwriting :• of Mr Cory. Take the day book of the National Bank under date 29th December, 1890. Do you find there the entry on the debtor side on the top of the page, -¡. Martin and Co., private reserve, SZO,000 Yes. It is in Mr Luger's handwriting. Is he avail- able ?-He is a clerk in the Metropolitan Bank. From what source would a clerk make such an < entry ?—From the sheets sent by Martin and Co. There would be nothing in the sheets to show it had anything to do with the private reserve ?— No, it would be so entered for private informa- tion. The sheets which came from Martin and Co. were merely the debits aud credits. The direction to so enter it must have come from the chief accountant. Look at the credit side on the next folio of the 4 day book, There is an entry of Private reserve, t £30,OOO.It is in the same handwriting—that of Mr Luger. 4 Look at the ledger, folio 903, date 29th Decern- i ber, 1890. Do you find the LWIOW entered in the ? account of the private reserve ?-Yes, with words < in pencil, or per Martin and Co. in my hand- writing. I did this probably afterwards for the information of the auditor-proba-bly in conse- quence of some inquiry by the auditor. I took the words from the day book. Docs the private reserve account show that that £ 30,000 has been applied for any purpose & £ all ?-There is no further entry anywhere to show what has been done with that £ 30,000. Is there an account in the books of the bad debts which are written oli from time to time ?— Yes. Is there any entry to show that it has ever been applied to writing off bad debts ?—I find no entry whatever showing it was applied for any purpose, Do you remember the annual meeting of 1891 ? ?„ —Yes. Was the usual report of the proceedings of that meeting circulated amongst the shareholders ?— No, I cannot find that it was. Was it done in all other years ?—Yea, both before and since. When did you first hear what had really been done with this £ 30,000?—Not till May or June, 1893. Is there an account in the ledger called the commission account ?"—Yes. Does that purport; to be a record of the com- missions paid by the bank ?—Yes. Is there any trace there of any commission having been paid to any of the defendants in December. 1890 ?—ISo. Shown letter to Martin and Co., dated 29th December, 1890, mfesrisg to the £ 30,000. Is

LONDON LETTER. (FRmI OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.) SPECIALLY WIRED. LONDON, Tuesday Night. WHAT WILL U SILOMO SAY NOW ? In those now remote days when the foreign policy of Liberal Governments was the favourite theme of heated denuncia- tion by Sir Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett and other claimants to a monopoly of patriotism, we were accustomed to be told now the Union Jack had ceased to be the segis under which the lives and liberty of Englishmen abroad found unfailing pro- Lection. We hear nothing about the diminution of British prestige now that to the torturing of an Englishman in Thibet there is added the murder of Mr Greene, the assistant-superintendent of the Persian Gulf Telegraphs, and the arrest of the well-known novelist Mr Robert Barr and his travelling companions by Turkish officials at Selencia. The latter is a case which very aptly illustrates how the civis Awjiicanus sum doctrine prospers under that mighty Conservative Government whose potential glories were prematurely heralded by Mr Curzon, for Mr Barr distinctly attributes his suffer- ings to the consequence of the blundering diplomacy of Lord Salisbury at Constan- tinople. Turkish arrogance has been ex- plained by the victory over Greece, which m outlying parts of the Sultan's dominions m looked upon as so fully equivalent to the defeat of England that it is taken to mean the speedy break-up of this country, and an invitation to treat our countrymen with rudeness and contempt. We should have had a line outcry from our Jingoes if these things had happened when Mr Gladstone, instead of the all potent and all wise Lord Salisbury, was at the head of affairs. GOVERNMENT AND THE SHIPPING TRADE. Although Mr Chamberlain suggests that representations to the Government affect- ing British interests and British merchants and shipowners should be made to the Board of Trade, it is quite well understood that such an appeal would be futile so far ItS the proposal that the Government should move for a Select Committee of the House of Commons to inquire into the operations of shipping rings in relation to British trade is concerned. It does not, of course, follow that if a member of Parliament made out a case for inquiry Ministers would decline to accede to it, but it may be re- garded as a certainty that Mr Ritchie will Dot agree to concede what his more influen- tial colleague has practically intimated cannot be entertained. FEVER-STRICKEN MAIDSTONE. Although the daily record of additional nases of typhoid at Maidstone has fallen to small proportions, it still continues, and I the town remains in the depths of suffer- ing and despondency. It will be a fortu- nate illustration how good may come out of evil if other places profiting by the sad but largely self-incurred misfortunes of Maid- stone are stimulated to increased efforts in the way of sanitation, for as the facts come out the surprise is cot that the Kentish town has fallen a victim to this one epidemic, but that it has escaped it so long. For years past its medical officer of health has been ex- pounding to unheeding ears the perils run not only by an unsatisfactory and in- sufficient water supply, but owing to the altogether horrible state of private drains and Ö public sewers, and although his warnings have been enforced by the out- breaks of measles, diphtheria, scarlet fever, and other zymotic complaints, the local authorities have jogged along complacently, indifferent to all the teachings of modern sanitary science. Maidstone has pre- sented, in fact, an illustration of every con- ceivable invitation to preventible disease and a startling object-lesson of all things to be avoided. A CATHEDRAL NOT WANTED. The new Bishop of Stepney is anxious it should be known that the idea of a move- ment for the erection of a magnificent cathedral in East London was put forward without his cognisance or approval. Among the clergy in that part of the Metropolis there is, generally speaking, the strongest feeling against it, no matter how the money might be raised, though one or two are not unfavourable. Just now, however, the question of the hour as to East London is not how to find the wherewithal for a new cathedral, but how to make up the serious deficiency in the fund at the disposal of Dr. Winnington Ingram and his committee for the assistance of the poor clergy. LIBERATION SOCIETY'S GOOD WORK. The Liberation Society is abundantly justified in viewing with satisfaction the record it is able to give of its increased activities during the past year. The Spectator, which is no friendly critic, has admitted that other societies might well be envious of the results, quantitative and qualitative, secured by this society. To the statement that the present vitality of the Church is indicative of strength in the Establishment" it is replied that the greater spirituality which is manifest is but a fulfilment of Mr Miali's prophecy that "the Church would kill the Establish- ment." The organisation covers the whole kingdom, and how active is the society both in Parliament and the constituencies is shown in detail in the December number of the Liberator. NEW PLAY AT THE DUKE OF YORK'S. The course of events at the Duke of York's Theatre excites a good deal of interest in dramatic circles. The house has been taken on a lease by the American entrepreneur, Mr Charles Frohman, who intends next year to introduce American plays represented entirely by American companies. Meanwhile he has let the theatre to Mr Ernest Oswald, a man of means and enterprise, who is re- puted to have lost thousands over The Bric-a-Brac Will at the Lyric, and who is now credited with the design of producing a series of original English comedies by Mr Louis N. Parker. This gentleman has proved himself possessed of sterling ability, poetic fancy, and an original vein of dramatic literature. These are all apparent in The Happy Life," which had a very favourable reception last night. The dialogue is equally piquant and devoid of offence, the characters are brightly contrasted and all well within the dramatic picture, and the incidents and their sequence betoken a distinct originality of design. The thread of sentiment is strained almost to breaking point, but it proves how successful the author has been in provoking the interest of the audience when the chief complaint is that he deals out hard measure to our sympathies, and is hardly justified in prolonging the final reconciliation of a young wedded pair, who are brought together under strange circum- stances. Each persists in believing that the' other has not reciprocal affection, while all the time they have come to love each other ardently. A STRONG CAST. Despite this needless flavour of unreality the atmosphere of the play is delightfully fresh and entertaining, and the author, who has done well, can scarcely fail to* justify the belief of his many admirers chat he will yet do much better. The Comedy is handsomely staged, and the of unusual strength. Mr Frederick Kerr and Miss Dorothea Baird are the principal couple, and their scenes should go better when the chivalrous young American husband warms up to his part. There are capital character sketches for Mr Hermann Vezin, Mr Sydney Brough, and Mr Aubrey Fitzgerald. Among others Miss Carlotta Nillson as a bright American girl is excellent, and so is Miss Ivor as a lady in reduced circumstances, who conde- scends to entertain paying guests but repudiates the idea of taking boarders.

GERMANY AND HAYTI. KAISER'S DEMANDS COMPLIED WITH. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Tuesday.—The difficulty with Germany appears to have been settled. Hayti has saluted the German flag, and the foreigners who had taken refuge aboard the ships in har- bour here returned to their homes.—Renter.

THE LATE SUPT. O'GORMAN. The funeral of the late Supt. O'Gorman, head of the Bute Docks Police Force, took place at the New Cemetery, on Tuesday, when all due respect was paid to the memory of the deceased. About 30 members of the Bute Police Force, headed by Acting-Supt. Bell, were present, and also a number of dock officials, including Capt. Rosser, dockmaster. Several members of the Borough and County Police Forces were likewise present, including Supts. Hayward and Fowler and Inspector James.

THE THREATENED STRIKE. ( MEN'S EXECUTIVE MEET. REPLY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE. AN IMPORTANT DECISION. STRIKE NOTICES TO BE KEPT BACK. MR MADDISON TAKEN TO TASK. LIVELY PROCEEDINGS. THE HON. MEMBER RESIGNS. LONDON, Tuesday. The Press Association says :—The proceedings of the Executive Committee of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants were resumed to-day at the men's headquarters in London, and were marked by much animation and at times by a considerable display of high feeling. Mr Hudson, the president of the society, again occupied the chair, and the attendance was the same as yesterday, when it should have been stated that the Cardiff and Dublin delegates were unable to be present. It was expected yesterday that the committee, on assembling this morning, would at once devote themselves to drawing up a reply to the letter of the Board of Trade, but it so happened that other business took priority of this item in the programme.

MR MADDISON TAKEN TO TASK. Mr Maddison, M.P., the editor of the Railvxty Review, whose editorial comments on the situa- tion have been much called in question, returned to London last night, and this morning was early at his office, which adjoins the room in which the Executive are meeting. The committee lost no time in calling him before them, and a discussion of a very animated description there- upon ensued. Mr Maddison maintained the position which he took up in his article of last week, expressing the belief that it was wise to be on the safe side, and adding that therefore he had done his best to prevent what he believed would have been a very ruinous strike. The up- shot was the adoption of a resolution declar- ing Mr Maddison's explanation to be unsatisfac- tory, and adding that instructions be given to the editor of the official journal to consult with the general secretary under similar circumstances in the future. In reply to this Mr Maddison said he should take time to consider his position, and retired to his editorial room. In the meantime the committee proceeded to the important busi- ness of dealing with the Board of Trade letter.

RESIGNATION OF MR MADDISON. About 5 o'clock, after he had taken some hours to think the matter over in private, Mr Maddison handed in his resignation of the office of editor of the official journal. The resignation was as follows :— Gentlemen,—After careful thought, with much regret, I feel it to be my duty to resign my position as editor of the Railway Review, and to ask you to release me from my engagement with the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants in a month's time. When I found that the Executive Committee had so far set aside the most elementary principle of fairness as to pass a resolution affecting my conduct as editor without waiting a few hours until I could offer an explanation, and to couch it in terms studiously insulting to myself, I was forced to the conclusion that the committee was not an impartial body, but swayed by prejudice, if not passion. This view was strengthened when I appeared before you and stated candidly what were the reasons which influenced me. It was then manifest that some of the members regarded me as an obstacle in the way of a mischievous policy, which in the interest of the society as a. whole I had set myself to resist. If it were possible to appeal direct to the members of at feast a year's standing I am certain that by an overwhelming majority my action would be endorsed. It is not practicable, and I therefore take the present course. "After carefully reviewing my leading article of last week, and after making due allowance for the impression which arose through the loosely worded resolution of the Birmingham Conference as to the percentage of notices, I firmly adhere to what I then wrote. There was no dictation, but simply a balancing of the chances for and against a successful strike. I determined that every member before signing a notice should know the exact state of affairs. If the society's organ is not to do this, especially when in place of a general secretary there are a number of candi- dates anxious to secure votes, then, it appears to me, that it fails to fulfil its mission. At any rate I hope that I possess too much independence to allow myself to be made a mere machine, regis- tering, a more or less conflicting policy. I have always paid due regard to the decision of the governing bodies of the society, and in this case I have not run counter to any of them. Either a general strike was intended or a game of bluff was being played. If the former: 1 know from accurate knowledge that the strength of the mem's organisation is not sufficient to justify such a risky venture, whilst the position of the engi- neers makes it to my mind imperative that all strikes shall be abandoned until the gigantic attempt to crush free combination has been defeated. If the latter, then i say distinctly that the leaders of the great railway society cannot afford to first estrange public opinion by threats of stoppage of traffic and afterwards turn it into ridicule when the loud boasts are proved to be empty. It was because I held these views that I felt bound to place all the main determining facts before the readers of the Railway Review. As I told you. I set myself to avert a general strike, and according to your own admission I have succeeded. With opportunity of judging the situation equal to any official of the society, I should have been unworthy of the trnnt reposed in me if I had not used it fearlessly and according to my best judg- ment on behalf, not of a few leaders who had formed a more or less ill-matured plan of cam- paign, but of the rank and file who had so much to lose, and to whom I was responsible. If I had believed that the power was ours I should not have hesitated to advocate a strike which the companies have pro- voked by their wanton disregard of the peaceful overtures of the employees. The power is not ours; hence my advices to postpone hostilities until they should either be made impossible or their successful issue secured. In laying down my eight years' work for the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants I.have a host of friends behind whose cause will still be mine. Either in the House of Commons or else- where it will always be a privilege to me to assist organised railwaymen to whose service I have devoted much labour outside my official duties. With leaders who are content with Trade re- Unionism, who know their business, and have the courage to face facts as they are, the Amalga- mated Society of Railway Servants has a magnifi- cent future before it. Amongst all its supporters it will have none more all-hearted than myself, though the intolerance and short-sightedness of some of its leaders have made my official con- nection with it no longer possible.—Yours faith- fully, F. MADDISON."

THE INDIAN WAR. OFFICIAL TELEGRAMS. The following telegrams from the Viceroy were received at the India Office on Tuesday after- noon :— 11 Tirah.-Ce.,snftltie, 1st December, Arhanga Pa.ss-1atBattalion Northamptonshire Regiment: Wounded severely, No. 3,917 Lance-Corporal J. T. Griffiths. Foraging duty, Bagh, 5th Decembc-r --ist Battalion Gordon Highlanders Wounded severely, No. 4,069 Private J. Rennie." Tirah.—Our military telegram of 5th Dec. General Lockhart reports having reached Khamki Bazar 4th December unopposed. Returned to Bagh 6th December via. Chingakh Pass."

THE DREYFUS CASE. STATEMENT IN THE SENATE. PARIS, Tuesday Afternoon.—In the Senate to- day M. Scheurer Kestner, one of the vice-presi- dents, made his promised statement on the Dreyfus affair, but added little to the facts which have already been made public. The Minister for War and the Premier followed with state- ments identical with those made by them in the Chamber of Deputies on Saturday afternoon, when an order of the day expressing confidence in the Government was passed unanimously by 231 votes. Senator Fabre suggested the parsing of a vote of confidence in the French Army, but the Premier declared that, the Government having rendered sufficient homage to the Army, other demonstrations were superfluous, and the matter then dropped.-Ccntral News. --=- iihwiw u—mniWWi